《Enforcers》


 Chapter 1-The First Page Turns (Prologue)

    "In this dark, and frozen world we live in, we may fight against the monsters and our own kind alike, but we will stand and defend the hearts, and lives of our people, from all sides. That is the sworn duty that we the Enforcers uphold."


    Age ????


    An unknown date at an unknown time...


    The Battle At The First Ship...


    The battle that settled the fate of planet Earth...


    "Rin!" A fist slammed into a young man''s face throwing him back across the metal floor. The man let out a gasp as he tried to push himself back up to his feet. "Rin..." The man on the ground looked up to see the person who punched him. "Get up..."


    Rin let out a pained gasp as he tried to get to a standing position. His eyes slowly focused on the man who was marching towards him. "Orion... Why are you doing this. Why now." Rin questioned clutching his side.


    "Because..." Orion said slowly. "Because all you do is screw up. Look around." The man yelled waving his hand around showing off all the ice, and snow went on for miles, and miles in all directions. It was on all sides of the metal ship for as far as the eye could see. Up above the two men the pitch-black void that they called the sky rested. "Look at this horrible world. A world filled with ice, monsters, and worse of all... The race of man. Our world is dead. And you think we can just settle with this one..."


    "Though it may have died it can be reborn," Rin stated staring at the man who was once his comrade, his best friend, and most importantly his brother. He finally managed to get back up as he let out a deep breath he had been holding. ''What you see as the death of our world I see the burning hope. The Spark that we have."


    "I''ll kill you," Orion said it in a quiet tone as he maintained eye contact with his ex-best-friend.


    "The Enforcers..."


    "Shut up-"


    "That was the name you called our group."


    "I''m going to rip your throat out-"


    "I am going to use that name." Rin stated. "I''ll start the Enforcers. I''ll carry on our will. Our spark. Our Attributes. And most importantly... Our will to live. I''m going to use this power to recreate the world!" He announced.


    "This is the end of our story..."


    "And it''s the beginning of a new story." Rin shot back.


    Orion let out a quiet sigh. His iris flashed into an animalistic yellow color as his hair took on a golden color. He brought his hands together in a praying gesture as a white aura appeared around him. A golden flash exploded out of him as a the image of a massive dragon appeared around him. It stood on two legs and with its wings out behind it. Its own hands were up in a praying gesture as well. "Long Ryujin..." Orion hissed out. "Avaloketishvara-Thousand-Arms-Of-Compassion!" The dragon made of light, let out a loud cry as one thousand arms formed out of its body.


    "So be it..." Rin said quietly. He brought his own hands up in a prayer gesture as a wave of electricity crackled around him. A white aura also suddenly formed around his own body as his electricity took shape gaining a form. It took on the form of a giant crow made of electricity. "Storm''s Herald..." Rin announced in a powerful tone as a wave of power washed off of him matching his friend''s own power. "Deaths-Omen!" He said quietly as the electricity around him grew so bright it became white turning the crow made of electricity into a white glow.


    The snow around the two men began to steam and melt as it was literally evaporated just by them standing near each other.


    "This is where, this world ends..." Orion hissed out.


    "You''re wrong. This is where the world is Reborn..." Rin said quietly.


    There was a bright flash as the two men fired forward incinerating the ground beneath them as the two beasts clashed. The Golden Dragon versus The White Crow...


    Age 1991


    A young sixteen-year-old boy opened his silver eyes as he let out a quiet yawn. The snow from up above rained down as the boy zipped up his plain green tracksuit. He gave a small smirk as he stared at himself in the reflection.


    "Alright! Hero Otoko! The Second Strongest human in the world ready for a hard day of work!" He called out to himself.


    ''And though my story may come to an end, I can rest easy knowing that a new story will begin.''

 Chapter 2 - Those Seeking Adventure

    Age 1990


    The City of Dandelion...


    "A world full of super-powered beings... That''s what this world is... Every man, woman, and child are all born with their own unique superpower we call Attributes. Of course, that isn''t the only power the race of man possesses..."


    Snow fell hitting the path slowly as a man walked down the road. He hummed a simple tune as he marched forward confidently. A cane twirled in his hand as he strolled towards his apparent destination. He walked like he owned the city. To be fair he practically did... Or at least he knew the owner of the city.


    Behind the man, several other men followed all of them wearing very large coats that covered their bodies from head to toe. They all seemed to be wearing masks as well as hats, and gloves. This caused their bodies to be completely unseen but made them stand out instantly. A mere glance was all that was required to simply tell that these guys were up to no good...


    The man who seemed to be leading the group stopped as he slid a hand back through his hair. "So..." The man said as he came to a stop in front of a simple antique store. "Who thinks they actually have what we''re looking for?" He questioned his group as he turned to look at his followers.


    The covered-up men simply stared at their boss as none of them moved or said a word at all. They simply stared at their boss as they tilted their heads to the side.


    "Right... Forgot I didn''t give you the ability to talk..." The man simply shrugged as his smile grew wider. "Oh well... More for me then. ~la da de, la da di~" The man sang out as he twirled his cane. His voice reached out for the doorknob as he prepared to enter.


    "Hey, buddy!" A voice called out from behind the group. The man turned around surprised to see a sixteen-year-old boy eyeing him up and down. The teen had a slight smirk on his face. "You guys are bad guys aren''t you?" The boy said as he nodded his head slightly. He had a curious look about him. One purple eye, and one gold eye. His hair was a improper black with white highlights.


    "Ha... Of course, we aren''t bad guys kid." The man said laughing off the comment. "Me and my buddies just want to go into that store and collect a certain ring." He stated simply. "For my boss."


    "You guys look like trouble..."


    The man let out a sigh as his eye twitched. "Judging a book by its cover..." The man reached into his pocket grabbing something. "Here kid-" He said as he tossed a candy bar over. "Now run along. It''s pretty late. I''m sure your mommy is worried for you."


    "Are you trying to bribe me with chocolate?"


    "Is it working?"


    "...Yes..."


    The man smirked slightly as he turned his back to the kid. "Why don''t you run along buddy... We wouldn''t want you getting into any trouble." He marched in confidently as his smile somehow grew even larger.


    "But I like trouble..." The kid managed to say before the man pushed the door open entering the store. His goons followed after them none of them paying the kid any mind. The kid stood there for a moment as he looked left, then right. "I really wanna beat those guys up..."


    The store clerk looked up from what he was doing when the door opened. He began to say his usual speech when he finally noticed the large crowd of people who now stood in his shop. "Umm... Goodnight sir... What can- What can I help you with..." The man behind the desk gulped slightly as he stepped back. He eyed up all the people who stood in his store in a slightly worried manner. This was clearly a robbery... All thirteen of the people stared at him as the leader walked up twirling a fancy cane.


    "Ahh hello, my good store clerk!" The man said as he twirled his cane... "The names Ben Eleazar..." The man said holding his hand out. He grabbed the other man''s hand shaking it viciously nearly pulling the store owner''s arm out of his socket. "My..." He glanced over to his followers as he tried to figure out what he should call them. "Associates? Friends? Minions. My minions and I are looking for a piece of jewelry. We heard you came across?" He said in an innocent manner that sent a chill down the store owner''s spine.


    "W-What kind..." The store owner questioned attempting to stay calm in this tense situation. "I-If you don''t mind me asking?"


    "I''m looking for a certain... Ring."


    "Y-You''ll need to be a little bit more specific sir." The store owner said. "I have a lot of rings here..."


    "Right. It''s a little ruby ring made from actual solid rubies. It should be extremely warm. Like it should be burning you but somehow isn''t. Oh. And it also should have the phrase ''The First Key'' written on it? Is this ringing any bells for you? Or do I need to be even more specific?" Ben questioned as he leaned over the counter for a second his eyes shining as he peered over at the man.


    "No... No... I know the ring you''re talking about... But the thing is sir... It''s already been ordered. Cain Ion ordered it, sir... And... Well, he''s a Noble... I can''t just give it away..."


    "Cain ordered the ring? Oh, that is definitely interesting? I''ll need to tell Jester about this piece of trivia." Ben said humming slightly. "Oh also-" He snapped his fingers as his friends seemed to spring to life. They marched forward as they began to smash at the counter breaking the metal counter easily. "I suggest giving me the ring..." He said calmly. One of the men bent down grabbing the counter and ripping it out of the ground as they turned throwing it out the window. The window exploded in a shower of grass.


    "Okay! Fine! You can deal with the pissed off Noble then..." The store clerk yelled out as he brought his arms up in a panic. "Just tell your guys to stop... Its gonna cost a hell of a lot of Bells to fix all of this damage..." Ben snapped his finger once more which caused the men to stop. The store clerk walked towards the back where a metallic shelf stood. Pulling out a key he unlocked it and began to rummage through it. "Here!" The clerk announced as he pulled a red ring out of the draw. "This is the ring... Just take it and- Hero?"


    "I''ll be taking that! Stretching powers go!" A loud inhaling sound echoed in the room as an arm flew past Ben''s shoulder shocking the man. The arm stretched out impossibly long as the hand grabbed the ring. The arm seemed to be bloated and pumped up, almost like it was a balloon. Then in a flash, the arm pulled back yanking the ring away. The arm was pulled back as it shrunk quickly going back over Ben''s shoulder who still stood there in shock.


    Ben stared wide-eyed not expecting any of that. "What the hell?" He turned around in shock finding the boy from earlier now holding the ruby ring. "You!" He said in rage and confusion. ''I gave you a candy bar! Why are you still here?"


    "Hero!" The store clerk yelled out in surprise and relief. "Quick run!"


    Hero ignored the man as he pocketed the ring. "Ha! I knew you guys were evil!" Hero stated smugly. His multi colored eyes shined slightly as he ran a hand through his black and white hair.


    "Your arm? Did it stretch, and... Get bigger? How odd..." Ben smirked slightly as he looked down on the sixteen-year-old boy. "You''re kind of interesting."


    "I sure- Wait what do you mean by ''kind of''?" Hero questioned just a little bit annoyed by that. "I''ll have you know that I am one of a kind!"


    "I''ll cut to the chase boy. Give me the ring. I gave you an opportunity to go home, and I''ll give you another one. No one has to get hurt tonight." Ben announced. He turned to the shop owner as he gave a slight smirk. "You might wanna leave the area quickly. I have a feeling this will get messy..."


    "And I told you I like trouble!" Hero announced. "My name is Hero Otoko. I''m the student to Okami Otoko, the strongest man alive. I myself am the second strongest human alive!" Hero announced right as the shopkeep bolted out the door. "Mr. Shopkeep I''m getting payed for this right?"


    "No!" The man yelled leaving.


    "Second strongest..." Ben said raising an eyebrow. "Oh dear... It seems I may need to take you seriously then. Break every bone in his body." Ben snapped his fingers causing the goons to react. In an instant, they all jumped at the young boy intending to follow the order given to them.


    Hero let out a yelp as he jumped back barely avoiding several hands thrown his way. He slid on the wooden floor as he spun his body flying out the window. "You''ll have to catch me first asshole!"


    Ben''s eye twitched as he watched his men all stand around. "Well? Go get him!" He yelled out.


    Hero smirked slightly as he watched the men march towards him... Then all at once, they grabbed the large coats they wore and tore it off of them. "Whoa! Metal Men?" Hero said in shock when he saw the people. "I wish I was made out of metal..."


    They looked humanoid in shape but lacked a nose, eyes, mouth, hair, or ears. They had shiny metallic skin rather than flesh and all of them had a red dot in the center of their chest.


    "Impressive right!" Ben announced as he walked out of the store. "My Attribute allows me to create Golems. Their strength, speed, and durability is all determined by whatever I made them out of. These particular ones are made out of solid Iron and as such have the durability of iron. Oh! They can also do this-" Ben snapped his finger causing one of the Golems to turn and punch the building.


    There was a massive crack that echoed out in the night as the entire building began to fall apart crumbling beneath the pressure created from that single punch. "That looks like it will be painful!" Hero said gulping slightly as he stepped back.


    "Aren''t you observant... Give me the ring!"


    Hero simply smiled as he brought his arms up going into a heavily flawed fighting stance. "Not a chance!" He announced. "If you think having the power of metal men is cool you clearly haven''t seen any of mine!" Hero began to inhale the air as he brought his right arm up. The arm began to rapidly inflate as it got bigger, and bigger. "Take this!" Hero announced out. He threw a punch out as his massive arm slammed into the golem causing two things to happen.


    The first is that the golem was sent flying back crashing into another golem. The second was Hero''s arm actually bounced back heading towards the left. As it bounced his arm began to get smaller. Now it seemed to actually flex out as the muscles in it bulged slightly. His fist came out slamming straight into another golem. A loud bang echoed out as the golem remained standing seemingly unfazed.


    "Oww!" Hero yelled pulling his hand back. "That guy''s really hard!" He complained as he held his bruised hand. "Normal punches do nothing... Guess I''ll just keep using my bounce attacks to throw them?"


    "Bounce what?"


    Hero inhaled again as his leg grew. "Take this!" He announced once more. He brought the massive leg down on the head of a golem causing it to crash down. The force slammed it straight into the ground as Hero''s leg hit it then bounced up straight into the air. He tried to bring his leg down but before he could react he was tackled straight into the ground.


    "F##k him up," Ben called out as his golems charged forward towards the downed boy. They all jumped up as they crashed down on the boy in a dog pile. The boy grunted as he tried to pull himself out. He began to suck in air as his gut rapidly grew lifting several of the golems off of him. "You''re starting to look like a balloon..." Ben said chuckling slightly. "You have a really crappy Attribute? Oh well, golem do the thing..."


    One of the golems brought their leg up bringing it down on the boy''s stomach. He coughed out in pain as his stomach began to shrink seemingly deflating. Hero was kicked around the battlefield by several of the golems as they threw him around. He was kicked, punched, and tossed several times as he slammed into the concrete. One of the golems picked Hero up by the leg as they yanked him up and slammed him down.


    "Give me my ring!"


    "No!" Hero gasped out. A golem picked up bring him up above its body. "On second thought! I magically seemed to have changed my mind..." Hero reached into his pocket pulling the ring out.


    "Good..." Ben announced as the golem set Hero down gently. "Was that so hard. Believe it or not, I don''t like beating up on kids." He held his hand out as he smirked. "Now toss it over here."


    Hero looked down at the ring for a moment. He frowned as he stared at it. "Screw it. Doing good!" Then shocking everyone he swallowed the ring. There was an audible gulp as the ring slipped down his throat disappearing into his stomach. "God that burns! Oww! Oh God! What''s it gonna be like coming out? Oh God, I take it back!"


    No one said a word as the golems set there, Ben set there, and Hero set there frowning as he rubbed his stomach. "You son of a!" Ben seemed to rocket forward as he grabbed Hero by the throat throttling the teen. "Why would you do that! What kind of idiot are you! Seriously who eats a solid ruby ring you dumass!" He shook the teen over and over again as he tried to squeeze the life out of him. "My boss is going to make me search through your crap for that ring you bastard! Why the hell did you eat it! God this night has been the worst! Now I have to take you back to our base and explain what happens! Knowing Jester he''ll just gut you to get to the ring you dumass! Damn it why the hell did you do that? You didn''t have to die you, idiot!"


    "And where is your base?" A voice questioned.


    "It''s in the-" Ben stopped as he did a quick double-take. Hero, fell to the floor with stars in his eyes as he gasped for breath. "Who said that?" Ben questioned as he looked around.


    "That would be me..." Everyone turned finding a woman watching them. Her arms held her head up as she set down on the roof of the destroyed building watching them. She flashed a smile as she waved to the gang. "That was pretty rad when you swallowed that ring..."


    "Who the hell are you?" Ben yelled out in annoyance. "I''m kind of busy here."


    The twenty-year-old woman simply gave a shrug as she reached into her pocket. "I''m just someone who heard a commotion, and came to stop it?" She stated as she pulled out a silver badge. The badge was gold with one star on it near the bottom. Two words could be seen on it. ''Enforcer'' and ''Hannah Doors'' were both written on it.


    "An Enforcer!" Ben said panicking as he stared at the golden badge in horror. "You bastard you just got me killed!" Ben yelled out kicking the teen while he was down.


    "Yay I''m saved!" Hero coughed out.


    Ben frowned as he stared at the woman. "Well even if you are an Enforcer you''re still outmatched. I have twelve golems here all made out of solid iron. What could you possibly have?"


    "I have an Earl..." Hannah said smiling slightly. Black wings burst from her back as something seemed to pull itself out of her body. It didn''t rip it''s way out though? It was like it just pulled itself out. Like she wasn''t there and something was just being created. The head of a crow appeared out of her back as the thing finally pulled itself out. A loud kaw echoed out as the monsters beak opened up.


    A Bestia Macht... Also often referred to as vicious monsters. The thing had long black feathers, as well as black scales on its, body, with what appeared to be a reptilian tail coming out of its back. Its head was crow-like except for a few scales that were placed around it. Oh. The thing was also almost the size of a small teenager, and it happened to have a very powerful, and long wingspan.


    The things beak opened as a powerful tornado fired out of its mouth ripping through the air tearing the sky up.


    "Okay, that''s just unfair..." Ben said sniffling slightly as realized just how screwed he was.


    The girl simply smiled an innocent smile as the bird peered down at the men.


    Exactly One Minute, and forty-six seconds later...


    The girl hummed a tune as she placed her hill on Ben''s head. Across the battlefield laid the bodies of all the destroyed golems. The girl hummed her tune as the crow circled the area kawing out.


    "That... Was... Cool..." Hero said as he watched the woman. "Will you be my new teacher?"


    "What? No. I''m to busy being an Enforcer to train some random brat."


    "What''s an Enforcer?"


    "Have you been living under a rock?"


    "No. I''ve been living in a giant mansion with my grandpa, but he never told me anything so now that I''ve run away I have no idea how the real world works? I mean I ran away a year ago and was just planning on finding some way to survive... You''re pretty cool."


    "What?"


    "You think you''re so great..." Ben gasped out as he glared at the woman. "You Enforcers aren''t anything special... None of you are strong. If not for you I would have easily handled that boy."


    "So you don''t like this child?" The girl questioned tilting her head to the side.


    "No. I despise him. That bastard stopped me from robbing the store..."


    "Oh. So you hate the Enforcers and this kid?" The girl said nodding slightly. "I have the best idea ever." She reached into her pocket pulling out a blue envelope. "Hey, kid. Wanna be a badass Enforcer like me?"

 Chapter 3 - Those Seeking an Escape

    Age 1990


    An Unknown Town...


    Ken entered the town quietly as she walked. Her dull red eyes stared at everything as she put one foot in front of the other. She passed by a woman with blond hair and blue eyes as she walked towards the guard station. Today and until next week she would be guarding this town from them... Them of course being the Bestia Machts. It would be her job to make sure they don''t get in. This is what she would do every week. The same old job time and time again...


    Until the end of her life.


    Ken let out a quieter sigh that was barely audible as she entered the town. The young girl looked beyond the dulled wooden gate as her shoulder-length black hair blew back in the wind. Snow fell down on her.


    She walked forward in the run down, town taking step after step each one causing her to sigh out even more. As she walked her hand briefly dropped down to her side where an old and rusted sword hung from her belt.


    It was time for her job.


    One week later...


    Ken entered the next town slowly as she stepped out of the metallic train she had taken to arrive at her current destination. The young girls dull red eyes tried to take everything in but gave up causing her to merely stare ahead blankly as she began to enter the town. She crossed her arms slightly as she glared at anyone that happened to get to close to her.


    Once again she would be staying here for a week. Once again she would guard this city from the Bestia Machts. And once again nothing would happen.


    Ken let out a depressed sigh as she passed by a woman with blond hair and blues eyes. Ken looked up at the guard tower and with a roll of her eyes, she entered the stone building.


    "I joined this job in an attempt to do something interesting... But this is just dull and boring." She said as her dull eyes rolled slightly. "No challenge... Nothing to do to improve... Perhaps I was mistaken when I turned that obnoxious boy down all those years ago..." She let out a loud sigh as she prepared for the same old boring day. "At least I know ''he'' will never find me..."


    One week later...


    Ken stepped off of the train as she walked towards the next town. A part of her hoped that this time the week would pass by quickly. This town was run down and covered in filth. A simple place to throw away the garbage. She entered the town as her dull red eyes glanced at everything in an attempt to find even the smallest reason to stay... Like usual she found nothing. Despite that though she still looked.


    She saw the guard tower, a woman with blond hair and blue eyes, and a fight that was breaking out. Ken glanced over to the fight with the tiniest bit of curiosity but it soon disappeared.


    It was one teen versus many and the one teen was clearly winning. He would swing around a metallic cane bonking anyone who got close to him over the head. It was clear that he out skilled all the teens who tried to fight him. He bashed everyone on the skull as he swung his cane around like a mad man.


    Ken soon left heading towards the guard station after she realized the man needed no help. A part of her wanted to jump in the fight. Not to help him but challenge him. She managed to squash down that urge as she finally left for real. She could always try and fight him later. Right now she was late for her job.


    ''All of this...'' Ken thought as she looked towards the tower she would be staying in for the next week. ''All of this is just so boring...''


    One week later...


    Ken gave off a heavy sigh as she began walking towards the gates of this new town. "Let''s get this over with..." She said in an annoyed manner. She entered the town passing by a woman with blond hair and blue eyes as she walked towards the guard station. "I wonder what''s going to happen today... Or rather I wonder won''t happen today..."


    "Hey, Doll!" A voice called out right as Ken was about to reach the door to the tower. Ken turned slowly finding a rough-looking seventeen-year-old boy looking her up and down. "You look bored? Wanna have some fun?" The man questioned as he held his hand out. "I can see it in your eyes. You''re bored right? So how about we do something fun?"


    Ken raised an eyebrow for a brief second. A small smirk appeared on her face as her eyes lit up for a slight second. Her eyes soon returned back to their normal dull color. "What did you have in mind..." She asked.


    The man smirked as he crossed his arms. "How about I show you?"


    Three hours later...


    The group let out a laugh as they walked through the snow. "I told you we wouldn''t have gotten caught." The leader of the group said letting out another chuckle. He dropped down a spray can as he glanced at a wall that was covered in red paint. It said a few vulgar things that shouldn''t be repeated. "Hey, new girl? How are you feeling?" He questioned slightly as he turned to the back. His eyes turned over to the young girl who hanged near the back.


    Ken looked up staring at the four people in front of her. She had remained silent the entire time the group had been vandalizing the wall of the town. "I''m fine," Ken said simply. "Why are we outside of the town? I doubt any of you would be able to run fast enough to make it to the border if a Bestia Macht were to attack us?" She disliked the group so far. All four of them had tried flirting with her and, worse yet she quickly realized that none of them were that impressive...


    The teens all looked at the girl for a moment before they all burst out into laughter. "Ha! Bestia Macht? Trust me, we don''t have to worry about them. You see we''re still so close to the town that they won''t bother coming out this far. Plus even if one does come out here there''s five of us. Most of those monsters don''t bother hanging around these towns due to all the people running around."


    "That''s right." The boss said smirking. "Listen, Doll. Stick with us and you''ll never be bored again." He said smirking. Ken seemed to consider it for a brief moment. For a single second the boss could see the glint in Ken''s eyes. "I can tell. You''re like me, right? All that power but never able to use it for anything. It''s like a punch in the gut right? Never being able to do what you want because of the rules. Never being able to cut loose and have any fun. You go through the motions day in and day out. We are-"


    "Nothing alike." Ken cut in giving off of a shrug. "My problem is far more devastating than simply not being able to have any fun. If I wanted to have fun I would simply attack a few people and get the Enforcers on me. Those guys would offer a good challenge... No, I can certainly have fun whenever I want. My problem is just this setup..."


    The boss frowned for a moment before he forced a smile onto his face. He turned away from Ken as he began the walk back to the town. The group stayed silent none of them saying a word. There was now an air of hostility between the group as they marched back towards their town. It was apparent none of them had expected her to backtalk them.


    Everyone stopped suddenly when they heard the sound of the snow being crushed under someone''s foot. They all looked ahead finding an old man walking towards the town that set in the distance. "An old man walking around this late at night?" Ken questioned tilting her head to the side. "That isn''t normal?"


    "Looks like this is our lucky day! Let''s have a little fun..." The boss said smirking slightly as he began to march out towards the old man. "Hey, old dude." The old man turned back slowly surprised to see so many people behind him.


    "Yes..." He said slowly his voice coming out raspy. "How can I help-"


    One of the teens roughly shoved the old man to the ground causing him to fall into the snow below him. They all let out loud laughs as Ken watched frowning at the way they acted. She crossed her arms though waiting before she acted. She had robbed plenty of people in her day after all. She couldn''t get onto them for that. It is only normal for people to rob others, especially in a town like this. The only difference here was that when she did it the people could fight back...


    The boss of the group smirked as he held his hands up. A tiny red light trickled out of his palm forming a small ball of energy that floated in the center of his hand. "Hey old man. My group and I wanted to get us a snack to eat. If you know what''s good for you, you''ll give us your wallet." He said cutting to the chase.


    "Okay! Just please don''t hurt me." The old man croaked out as he pulled out a small brown wallet.


    "Alright!" The boss said smirking as he yanked it out of the man''s hand. "Wow! This thing is packed full of Bells? We could-"


    "I thought you said we''re going to do something fun?" Everyone went completely silent as they turned to face Ken who had a large frown on her face as her foot tapped at the snow in boredom.


    "What?"


    Ken shook her head slightly. "I don''t think picking on the helpless is any fun. If you want to have a laugh then you should find someone able to fight back. It''s all the more satisfying when you beat them. All you''re doing is nothing more than behaving like simple delinquents... If you aren''t going to do anything exciting then please let me know. I would rather not waste my time with this group..."


    "What the hell are you going on about?" The boss growled out. "You''re bored of life right? Then this should kill off that boredom. Terrorizing the weak. Showing off your power. It should give your life meaning. It should be what every person strives for after all."


    "What every person strives for..." Ken went silent as she looked up at the blackened and polluted sky. Snow fell down slowly as Ken''s dull eyes took it all in. "You know... I used to have something I strived for once. A goal I used to work towards. Back then life was far more exciting. Training daily. Getting beat down every day but getting up stronger than before. The Order was a strange group but they gave me my goal... Even if I hated it every day. It was still better than this life of nothingness."


    "Wow... You''re so edgy..."


    The girl frowned as she folded her arms. "Don''t get me wrong. I am not depressed. I have my own dreams and desires. Even if my dream is silly..."


    "Oh, and what''s that. What kind of dream could a depressed person possibly have?"


    "When I was a child I always dreamed of becoming a world-famous superhero... A hero that everyone would remember years later. In a way. I guess you could say I wanted to be a good person? Who knows? Not me. All I do know is that I really don''t like you guys-" Ken''s fist shot out as she slammed her knuckle into the nose of one of the teen''s faces breaking their nose and several of their teeth. The teen fell back his eyes rolling into the back of his head as he hit the snow unconscious. Ken slid back grabbing the sword that hung from her belt. She didn''t unsheath it though. Instead, she held it up awkwardly, as she kept the sheath on.


    "The hell! You think you can just attack my friends and get away with it? Get her!"


    Ken jumped back landing on the ball of her feet showing how nimble she was, as she avoided two strikes from two of the other teens. As she slid back she brought the sword up slamming it into the neck of a second goon throwing him back. The man slipped on the ice falling down as his head hit a rock.


    As soon as she landed she fired forward at a breakneck speed slamming the hilt of her weapon down over one of the teen''s heads. She swung the weapon very awkwardly not actually having any clue how it should be used but she at least realized how to make it hurt. Each swing of the sheathed blade was full of flaws but she looked like she was having fun just madly swinging it around like a madwoman...


    Ken twisted her body slamming the end of her weapon into the face of the third goon. A loud ''snap'' echoed out as the teen''s nose was completely shattered. As Ken twisted her body she brought her weapon up and uppercut the goon into the air where he eventually crashed into a tree.


    With that, she finally stopped facing the last teen. The boss scowled at Ken as the young girl''s red eyes remained dull despite the fact she had a slight smile on her face. "You''re not even having fun beating up my friends... Fine then." He raised his hands up as a red light fired out. "Let''s see how you deal with this!" He yelled out as a ball of red energy fired out towards Ken as he used his Attribute.


    Ken remained calm as she brought her weapon up. A red glow covered the weapon as she brought it down slamming it into the ball of energy. The ball of energy slammed into the snow exploding into a bright red light.


    "How! How could you block my strongest-"


    Ken rocketed forward punching the boss up and then proceeded to brutalize him as she hit the teen over, and over again with her weapon bring it down, then up. She pulled her fist back as it too glowed a bright red then brought her hand up punching the boy into the air.


    As the goon flew up he dropped the wallet which Ken picked up quickly. The goon slammed into a tree painfully as he broke through it and crashed down into the snow completely unconscious.


    Ken finally let out a sigh as she pocketed the wallet. She turned as she began to walk away from the scene back towards the town.


    "What about me?" The old man asked as Ken began to walk away. "You''re gonna just leave me here? Also, can I have my wallet?"


    "I''m pretty sure you can walk... Also no. I''m keeping your wallet. I earned it. You should probably leave." Ken said not looking back as she walked away. "If I were you I would hurry back to the town. Wouldn''t want to be here when they all wake up."


    The old man seemed to gulp as he glanced at the body of the four teens. "I don''t think they''ll be getting up anytime soon..."


    Ken walked forward as she let out a sigh. Her dull red eyes stared at the gate of the town. "I am glad I got to help someone but, I''m still just so bor-" Ken''s hand shot out catching a blue envelop that was falling in front of her.


    The teen looked up hearing the sound of wings? Ken raised an eyebrow in confusion as a strand of blond hair fell from the sky dropping down into the snow below her.


    With slight curiosity, she glanced down at the letter in her hands. It was a simple blue envelope that only had the words "Enforcer" written on it. The teen''s fingers reached up opening it slowly.


    Ken read the letter not saying a word. Slowly her dull eyes began to light up and for a brief second, a smirk found its way onto her face.


    "The Enforcers huh..."

 Chapter 4 - Those Seeking Answers

    Age 1990


    The Town Of Lillian...


    Kitsune Nine let out a sigh as he entered the city. He looked around nervously as he walked through it. It wasn''t often that a Noble enters a city that they either don''t own or isn''t Rose. The young sixteen-year-old stopped in front of a large metallic building. It was a massive bunker-like building with loud music blaring from it. Flashing lights shined throughout the building as the sounds of a party going on could be heard.


    "Commoner bars seem to be a little more over the top than the ones in the city of Rose..." Kitsune cleared his throat as he got himself ready to enter the bar.


    A sign hung down from the metallic building with the words ''The Broken Law'' written on it. Kitsune reached out pushing the heavy metal door open as he finally entered the building. A bar, a crack house, and a rave hang out. Gambling, booze, and parties would go on for 24/7.


    The Broken Lw had another purpose though. To most people, it was a place to get information. If there was a fact out there in the world then the Broken Law had that information.


    The lights and music got louder and brighter as he stepped in. The smell of alcohol hit the teen''s nose as he did a double-take causing him to reach up and block his nose. His eyes twitched slightly as he heard the blaring music. "This is what people do for fun?" He said out loud as he shook his head. "I could be making Enforcer fanfiction right now... God damn it Jin..."


    Kitsune walked down the halls as he headed towards the bar. "Stop!" A voice said holding their hand up. A large man stood in front of a large metal door as he eyed the boy in front of him up and down. "Sorry kid." The man said crossing his arms. "This is a bar. Nineteen years or older. You''re a little too young to get into here."


    "What? You''re not gonna even ask to see my ID?"


    "I don''t need to." The man said reaching up and tapping his head. "My Attribute allows me to see the age, blood type, and iron level of any person I look at."


    "So I spent 4,000 Bells on a fake ID for nothing then..." Kitsune said as his eye twitched slightly. "I guess I''ll be using plan B..." He sighed out.


    "What''s plan B?"


    Meanwhile inside of the building people danced around as music loudly played, and lights went insane. A man sat at the bar as he held his head in his hands. He let out a sigh as he rolled his eyes. "I''m doomed, Harry..." He finally said as he looked up to the nineteen-year-old who set behind the bar cleaning the glass cups. "I am in so much debt... That damn Organization you assholes work for are robbing me blind..."


    "Well maybe if you had a normal bar and not a giant rave hideout you wouldn''t be in debt..." Harry stated as he rolled his eyes. "Seriously you must be spending a few 10,000,000 Bells... And then there are the two dancers/hunters you bought as well as the DJ being an ex freelancer? Wait! Is everyone you hire some kind of pro fighter? Why the hell did you do that? But besides all of that, the Organization is giving us to you, offering protection, and all you do in return is give them Bells, and information." He trailed off. "Oh, by the way, I know this is a bad time but can I have a raise? I''m easily the strongest person in this building..."


    "That''s not funny..."


    "I''m not joking..."


    "Look, Harry. You''re a sleazy, slimeball prick, with a busted Attribute..." The man stated as he let out a sigh. "If only something exciting could happen... Even with a hundred people in this bar, I barely make my Bells back... I wish something could just go-"


    ''Bang!''


    An explosion of flame broke through the metallic door as everyone stopped what they were doing and turned in shock to see what happened. The metal door fell down as the bouncer came down crashing into the dance floor as he slid back unconscious. Kitsune walked into the room as everyone looked at him.


    "Don''t mind me..." Kitsune said as he walked in. He shrugged as everyone looked at him. Bringing his hand up he waved them off as everyone went back to what they were doing. "Wow... That worked..." He said supprised. Kitsune smirked slightly as he walked through the building sitting down next to the bar owner. "So... I hear you have a lot of information..."


    "That depends... Who''s asking?" The bar owner asked as he turned to look at Kitsune.


    "Kitsune Nine."


    "Nine! As in one of the Noble families... Kid, you''re in the wrong place..." The man said letting out a laugh.


    "I''m not leaving until I get some answers. You saw what I did to your bouncer."


    "Oh, Hari? The man''s a loser. I could care less about him. The Organization didn''t even give me him?"


    Kitsune sighed as he reached into his pocket. He pulled out a picture as well as several sets of coins. "Maybe this will change your mind." He pushed the picture over as the man reached out and grabbed it.


    "Where the hell did you get this?" The man questioned. "This man... You''re related to him."


    Harry peered over the bar looking at the picture. "Isn''t that-" He was stopped from saying anymore when the boss elbowed him slightly.


    The man set the picture back down as he looked at Kitsune with worry. On the picture, a simple-looking man stood with a badge that had the words ''Enforcer'' on it. The bar owner smirked as he gave a shrug.


    "I''m looking for that man," Kitsune said coolly as he turned to the bartender. "Glass of milk..." He said handing over some Bells. "Any information you have will be appreciated... I''ve been looking for him, for almost three years now. It would be best to not try anything to piss me off..." He warned.


    Harry rolled his eyes as he got to work on the simple drink. The bar owner turned to look at Kitsune... "Jin Nine, he was an Enforcer Captain who went missing after the battle of Dandelion-"


    "I know that already!" Kitsune said through gritted teeth. "I want to know where he is." The teen gritted out.


    The man simply smiled as he shrugged. "You know the official report states that he died-" Kitsune grabbed the man by the collar yanking him towards him. "Whoa! Easy there, buddy-"


    "I don''t care about the official report. I know Jin isn''t dead. Where is he?" He hissed out.


    Harry reached out hitting a button as he calmly made the glass of milk. A loud buzz rang out as all the people stopped dancing. Over with the DJ, the man stopped what he was doing as he eyed Kitsune up.


    The store owner smirked slightly as he reached out grabbing Kitsune''s hand. "Listen, pal... You should probably watch what you do... I have some powerful friends..." Kitsune froze as several guns were pointed at him. The boy turned finding several armed bodyguards pointing very heavy guns at him. "See." He said in a slight smug manner. "One wrong step and you''re gonna be feeling a hurtin..." He waved his hand slightly as Kitsune let out an annoyed sigh. "So why don-" He gasped out when Kitsune reached up breaking his hands. "Are you an idiot? My men will blow your brains out if-"


    "So you aren''t going to tell me what I want to know?" Kitsune questioned as he eyed the goons up. "I''m starting to get annoyed..." The teen simply smirked as he turned his hand pointing it at the bodyguards. "Just tell me what I want and no one needs to get hurt?"


    "Hurt? Buddy, I''m the one with the guards-"


    There was an explosion of flames as all the men with guns were thrown backsliding across the floor. "Whoa..." Harry said slightly surprised. "That was kind of cool." People finally seemed to panic as they all ran out of the building screaming. "Yo, boss you''re losing customers..." The music stopped as all the lights were turned off and the DJ began to step down walking towards the commotion. Each step let out a loud echo as he stomped his way over.


    "What guards?" Kitsune asked giving a slight smirk. The store owner frowned as he stared at Kitsune... By now everyone who wasn''t a superpowered being was running to the door in a massive panic.


    "What did you just do?" The store owner growled out nursing his broken hand.


    "I took out your guards," Kitsune said simply. "Jin had the potential to become a Captain. You should know that I am even better than him..." He bragged. He brought his hands up as flames flickered on his fingertips. "Now about those questions that I need answers?" The DJ continued to march over menacingly as he stomped forward.


    "Harry! Do the thing!"


    Harry hissed as he shrugged slightly. "Sorry... It''s actually my break so..." Harry stepped over the counter as he walked off. "Maybe if I got that raise..." Harry raised his arm twirling it as several of the people ran off all of them finally leaving the building. Harry pulled out a cigarette as he passed the DJ. "Go easy on him Tommy. He''s just a boy..."


    "Harry! Harry! Harry you bastard!" The bartender didn''t answer as he left the room walking away. "September, October!" The man yelled out. In a panic. "Save me!"


    "Those are stupid na-" Kitsune didn''t get to finish as he felt a force slam into his side throwing him back and straight into the back of the bar. Kitsune groaned out as he slid down the wall hitting the floor painfully. A shelf then snapped falling onto him. Kitsune let out an annoyed sigh as he looked up finding two girls staring back at him. One of the girls wore a shiny silver dress and held several white blades in her hands. The other one wore a simple black dress. In her hands, she held a long black whip with weird black particles coming off of it.


    "We''re getting paid overtime for this right?" One of them asked. The one in the silver dress. She boredly glanced at Kitsune unimpressed with the teen before her. "Because I''m not doing this unless its worth it..."


    "Ha! Now you''ve done it!" The bar owner announced as he pointed at Kitsune triumphantly. "September and October are my... Third... Fourth? The fourth strongest line of defense. There is no possible way you can-" The DJ finally reached the man and reached out simply grabbing him. He grabbed the man holding him easily with one arm. "Hey! Tommy, what are you doing?" The DJ didn''t answer as he simply turned and began to walk away. He tilted his head towards Kitsune nodding at the two girls.


    "You think I''m just going to let you get away?" Kitsune hissed out. An orange aura covered his body as flames began to roll off of his body in waves of powerful heat. The flames grew brighter and brighter as they began to get stronger, The flames began to shape as Kitsune stood up. Nine tails made out of fire appeared behind his body, as a pair of flamming fox ears appeared on his head. An explosion of fire came out of him as the fire took the shape of a giant fox. "I won''t stop until I found Jin! No matter what!" He announced out inraged by them all.


    The DJ still didn''t bother turning around as he walked away with the store owner. Kitsune growled out as he ran towards the man only to be slammed back into the bar by one of the girls. "We can take it from here Tommy?" One of the girls said as she cracked her whip splitting the dance floor in half. "Just get the boss out of here. I don''t want him to not pay us because of him getting slightly injured..." This wouldn''t be the first time that he didn''t pay up because of a little pain.


    Kitsune grunted out as he set up. "Get out of my way!" Kitsune said as he got up. Flames poured off of him as the two girls dodged the attack as Kitsune went flying past them and straight towards the DJ. The woman in the silver dress threw her blades through the air causing Kitsune to have to dodge to the side avoiding them. "Damn it will you just leave me alone, and let me torture your boss?" He yelled out as he raised his arms up. Flames fired out coating the room in heat so intense the metal began to melt. "Just leave me alone!"


    "Yeah... No..." The girl in black said. She pulled her arm back throwing her whip forward causing Kitsune to have to dodge again. The whip slashed into the roof causing it to break away around them.


    The DJ finally made it out of the building as Kitsune cursed out. "Damn it stop getting in my way!" He yelled out as he blasted one of the girls away only to instantly be attacked by the other one. This went on for at least a minute as he would hit one then be attacked by the other one. The two were perfectly in sync as they tossed him around.


    The game of cat and mouse quickly began as both girls launched several attacks at the sixteen-year-old teen. Kitsune twirled around doing his best to dodge but still got knicked every now and then. More flames fired from him as he launched fire in the shape of a fox. Both girls easily dodged the attacks only for an explosion to hit them from behind. The entire room began to heat up as smoke flew up higher, and higher.


    "Funny thing..." Kitsune said smirking slightly. "We''re in a large room full of alcohol, wood, and very important machinery...." He stated holding his arms out. Also, we''re in a metal room. I''m heat resistant? How about you two?" He brought his arm up as more flames fired out. "I don''t need to hit you if the entire room is on fire!" The flames fired straight up into the roof tearing through it and breaking the lights sending sparks down. Several blades were thrown at him but he simply incinerated them melting them instantly. The fire grew bigger and bigger as he finally brought his arms down sending out a massive fox of fire.


    The entire building began to shake as the roof caved in. The entire building came down around them collapsing on the three people. An explosion rocked the entire remaining building as everyone was thrown back. The dust fell down on the now-destroyed building as several citizens stared in a mix of horror and shock. All their eyes trailed down to a patch of rubble that began to shake.


    Kitsune let out a pained sigh as he pulled himself out of the rumble. He was covered in dust, bruises, blood, and silver blades all across his body that poked out of him. "That was not the best idea..." He sighed out. "Explosions hurt..." He gasped out. "Hey, you!" Kitsune marched out grabbing a random citizen. "Where did the owner of this bar go to?" He asked plucking the blades out of his body.


    "I dunno?" He said shrugging boredly. "So are you guys part of the demolition crew?"


    "Are you an idiot?" Kitsune sighed out as he dropped the man. "Someone call an ambulance..." He said shaking his head. "Those two are gonna need medical help. Explosions hurt..."


    "Wait why are they still even alive? You just blew up, then dropped a building on them-"


    Kitsune was about to say something else but was interrupted by a loud flapping sound. He looked up only to see a blue envelope? Kitsune grabbed the letter out of surprise as he looked down on it. His eyes widened in surprise when he read the word on the letter. ''Enforcer...'' Kitsune smirked slightly as he pocketed the letter. "Make sure you call for three ambulances..."


    "But there''s only two of them? Why do you need thr-"


    ''Smack''


    Kitsune fell face-first into the ground completely unconscious as his body finally gave out.

 Chapter 5 - Those Seeking Justice

    Age 1990


    The village of Calendulas


    Humanity struggled to survive the freezing cold ever since age 10. However, it wasn''t until age 91 that humanity was forced to face their real adversaries... The Bestia Macht. Natures killers. They were monsters. Every single one of them was forced to evolve in order to kill humanity. These monsters were grouped into royal categories ranging from Baron all the way to the mighty Prince.


    Thanks to the Bestia Macht every day can be a persons last.


    Irene let out a quiet sigh as she stared down at the wooden table. Once again there was barely enough food to feed even a single one of them, much less the eight people who crowded around the table all of whom eyed the food hungrily.


    Irene glanced at her seven siblings for a moment. A frown on her lips as they stared at her. "Okay..." She said in a calm and orderly voice. "Who got the most kills yesterday?" She questioned in a demanding tone as she folded her arms. "And don''t lie... I can tell."


    "Damn it... I hate it when we do kill rules..." Snow, Irene''s youngest sister said. She rolled her eyes for a moment. "We all know North got the most... Again..."


    "Damn right I did!" North boasted. "You slackers put up those defenses while I was out there turning them monsters into frozen limbs." He announced proudly.


    "Yeah, but what was your exact number?" Lucia asked curiously. She raised an eyebrow at her older sibling who always seemed to be the best at whatever he would do.


    "I don''t know... I was so busy being a massive badass, that I didn''t bother to count. I''d say maybe... Fifty?" North said embarrassed.


    "It was seventy-five..." Irene said finally letting out a sigh. "Honestly North do you even pay attention to anything... And don''t say fighting! That doesn''t count."


    "Sorry, Sissy..." The boy said frowning slightly as he turned his head down.


    Irene rolled her eyes as she looked out at her siblings. A smile crossed its way onto her face. No matter how much they bugged her she knew she would always love her seven siblings. Even if they were a total pain in the ass... "Well, I guess it''s decided. North since you got the most kills you get-"


    A loud bell rang out as everyone froze up. It dinged once, then twice, then a third time. The group stayed completely silent as the bell finally stopped. Nobody moved as the room seemed to go dead silent.


    "Aww come on... We were just about to eat!" North whined out.


    "Three rings..." Snow said gulping slightly. "That means-"


    Irene stood up quickly and grabbed her fur coat. "Alright people. We''ve been preparing for this for about a year... We need to get serious now!" She stated. She flipped her long blond hair back as her icy blue eyes stared out at her siblings with slight worry. ''Are we really ready for this... Last time we fought a three bell ring horde we almost died...'' She thought as she bit her lip. "This is no time for any of us to worry. We need to go out and protect this village..."


    Her siblings nodded as they all stood up. They all knew what this meant. Three rings meant that they were dealing with a massive horde. The Bestia Macht were here. Yesterday''s battle might have been a hard one but, this would be far worse.


    The door to their cabin burst open as they ran out into the snow. The pitch blackness was only destroyed by the brief flickers of the many torches that surrounded the village... As they stepped out into the freezing cold many civilians stepped back inside. None of them would he be fighting. Only the eight Glacious family members. The eight of them were the sole protectors of this village.


    They had no Enforcers out here. No artificial lights. No machinery at all. Just them. It was up to them to protect the entire village. No guards, no wall, no help. Nothing but the human will to survive.


    Irene faced the shabby wooden gate that she had put up yesterday with the help of North... It was clear that it likely wouldn''t hold out for very long. She tried to think of a plan as she crossed her arms. "Flake! How many of them are outside?" She questioned. Her little brother Flake, as he placed his hands on the ground. The boy took a deep breath as a white glow appeared under him. Then slowly a pillar of ice lifted him up. The snow moved up, bringing the boy up higher and higher as he used his Attribute.


    He stood on his tiptoes as he looked out over the top of the wooden gate. "Ohh... There''s a lot of them..." He trailed off. He shook his head as he shrugged. "Like... More than a hundred of them... This is gonna suck..." He remained for a few more seconds before letting out a brief sigh of relief. "None of them look insanely strong. I don''t think any of them are above Baron level."


    "Alright!" Irene nodding her head. She folded her arms as she closed her eyes and began to come up with countless strategies... "North! Snow! Eira! You guys are with me." She announced taking her twin brother and her two younger sisters. "We''re gonna go off and fight them. Flake, Lucia, Holly, and Juniper! You guys guard the village. Place up ice walls. Don''t let any of them inside."


    "Right!" Everyone announced agreeing to the plan. They all ran to their spots as Irene threw her arm out. Suddenly in a flash of ice, a stairway of ice was created allowing them to scale over the gate.


    Irene and the siblings that would be going with her prepared themselves mentally as they all took deep breaths. Finally, they all scaled the ice stairwell reaching the top and finally seeing the horde for the first time...


    "Holy crap!" Irene said in surprise when she saw so many of the Bestia Macht. "Flake wasn''t kidding..." As far as the eye could see they stood. A literal army of monsters.


    The Bestia Macht. Natures monsters. These particular ones fell into the Baron category. The Baron''s were the weakest of the Bestia Machts but, even a single Baron was strong enough to rip apart a human in mere seconds.


    Each of the Bestia Machts was of a different species. Some of them were, wolves sporting large legs covered in spikes and three heads. Others were of the bear species meaning they were covered in poisoned quills with razor-sharp claws and beaks designed to rip apart a man.


    Legend had it that at one time these creatures weren''t a threat to humanity. Legend has it that humanity was a threat to them and that was why the evolved to kill. Of course, legend also states that there is a world above the black mist.


    Irene dropped down into the horde crashing down and kicking up snow and ice as she entered the battle followed closely by her three siblings. She held her hand out as a large wave of freezing cold fired out coating any of the Bestia Macht in her way in a thick layer of ice. Her and her siblings all had ice-based Attributes meaning a battlefield of ice was their advantage... Together they were the frozen protectors of their home. Together the eight of them would make sure this village wasn''t destroyed.


    North held his hand up as a weapon made out of ice began to form in his hands. The ice shaped into a large greatsword that North eagerly began to swing around. North smirked as he fired forward slicing anything that got in his way. He brought his sword up slicing off the head of a bear Bestia Macht, then in a flash, he trustee his body slicing a wolf Beatia Macht straight in half.


    Irene watched her twin work with a sting of jealousy. North had always been insanely skilled and a master of strategy. Even if he could only count up to what he believed to be forty. North really was amazing. He might even have the potential to become an Enforcer one day. He was also the only sibling who had access to ice weapons. He was the only one who had complete control over his Attribute. He truly was an amazing brother, and warrior. His only flaw was that he didn''t realize his own potential...


    Irene dodged a quick strike from a bear as she rolled away. Standing up, she quickly held her hand out as a wave of ice fired out freezing the monster in place. "Breakaway..." Irene spoke as she placed her hand on one of the frozen beasts. Cracks began to cover the frozen beast''s body as it began to vibrate and break apart. A loud crack could be heard as it broke away.


    Over with Snow, the young girl landed on the floor rolling slightly as she avoided several Bestia Machts that tried to bite at her. She jumped to her feet as fast as she could as many of the monsters charged her. She raised her hand up as several snowflakes began to fire out. The snowflakes sparkled in the wind as they danced around getting higher and higher. Then they all began to fall slowly... One of the monsters stopped as they stared at the snowflake as it dropped down slicing the beast in half. The snowflakes tore through the Bestia Macht easily killing many of them and coating the snow and, the girl named Snow in a layer of blood. The snowflakes danced around the battlefield ripping apart anything they touched as they spinned rapidly, and simply tore their way through whatever poor soul was in front of them.


    More blood was thrown around as the snow, and Snow became crimson...


    "Eww!" The girl said shaking her body and throwing the blood off of her. "Gross... Why did I think that was a good idea... Gross! Gross! Gross!"


    Meanwhile over with Eira, the thirteen-year-old girl floated off of the ground as she was lifted up by a pair of ice wings. She raised both her arms up as ice formed on the ground taking the shape of animals. The animals all let out several clanking sounds as they jumped forward ripping into the horde now turning to battle into beast versus beast.


    Eira didn''t say anything as she watched the battle. Her face remaining blank as she simply floated there ominously...


    Behind the group the wooden wall of the village began to be coated in a large layer of ice as the other siblings did their job of protecting the village.


    Irene fired out several attacks as she destroyed the horde in front of her. All of them fought doing their best to not let a single one past them. North sliced through the horde as he created more weapons firing out blades of ice and hammers of ice. He created a large ice hammer as he began to crush the heads of the monsters. Snow rained down ice flakes that sliced into the Bestia Macht and Eira created a mini-army of her own that tore the throats out of the monsters.


    However. Even with the amount of effort they put forth it still wasn''t enough. Slowly they began to fail. Slowly they began to be pushed back by the horde. Irene let out a hiss of pain as a clawed hand-sliced into her side painfully cutting her.


    They may be strong but the Bestia Macht are simply far stronger. The Bestia Macht stood tall. Many had clawed hands. Some had tails whilst others had large horns. Some even had powerful wings that they flapped sending out waves of wind that forced everyone but North back. More and more of the creatures began to show up each one based off of a different creature from the ancient times. Times before the grey sky...


    North clashed with the biggest Bestia Macht he could see attempting to take them down. Irene felt several claws slice into her as she cried out. Snow ran over to her sister''s side but she too was soon overtaken by the horde. Claws dug into the poor girl as her side was ripped apart. Snow hit the ground hard gasping in pain.


    Irene raised her arms up creating a small wall of ice as her sibling began to slide back crashing into her. She held Snow up trying to ease the girl into a sitting position as the girl cried out in pain. Eira landed next to them putting up a solid defense as North came crashing next to them having been thrown their way.


    "Sissy! Are you guys alright!" North asked worried when he saw Snow''s wound.


    "Snow is going into shock," Eira said quietly speaking in a simple and calm voice that she always talked in. "She is bleeding badly. I suggest we stop it quickly."


    "What do we do sissy?" North questioned. Irene stayed silent as she stared at Snow''s wound. Snow was breathing heavily and clutching her side which was badly bleeding. "Sissy?"


    "I! I''m thinking!" Irene said shaking her head. "We- I- You- I don''t know... I can''t-"


    "Irene you should calm down," Eira stated. "You can not think of a good plan if you to are having a panic attack."


    "I! I''m calm!" Irene said in a very uncalm manner as she threw her arms up. "Just give me a few minutes to think of a plan!''


    "We, don''t have a few minutes..." Eria stated.


    "I''ll make the plan." Everyone went silent as they turned to North. "Irene. You need to stay and protect Snow. Apply pressure on her wound so that she doesn''t bleed out. Place up a solid ice wall around the area in order to guard yourselves. Eira you''ll back me up with your ice-based animals. Have them spread out and box the Bestia Macht in while you also attack from above. I''ll be in the center doing damage in an attempt to windle them down. We should use our ice to also slow them down changing the battlefield to something only we can use. Irene. You should try to freeze Snow''s wound right now so we can stop the bleeding."


    Everyone remained silent as they all stared at North in shock.


    "That is actually a good plan..." Eira stated calmly.


    "Than let''s do this as fast as possible," North stated. "Irene... While me and Eira have the Bestia Macht distracted move back towards the wall smelly using your walls as cover. Get Snow inside and make sure she is okay. Afterwards get Flake and Jupiter to blast the flying Beastia Macht out of the air so only we have the advantage. Then we rain down hail on them as we wideout our attacks."


    "Right..." Irene said still shocked about the fact that North was an amazing strategist. She knew he was good at fighting but this was the first time he actually came up with his own plan. "I''ll do that..." She trailed off.


    With that North jumped out of cover and the plan fully began.


    One hour later...


    A beat-up North dragged himself over to the gates of the village. Bodies of Bestia Macht set in the snow for miles. The once white and pure snow was stained a dark crimson as North let out a heavy sigh as he raised his arm up. "Crisis avoided!" He announced loudly. "Not a single life was lost today!"


    Cheering broke out as the boy collapsed to his knees laughing loudly.


    Irene stared out at her twin brother with slight envy before finally smiling. "North really is amazing... Strong, Slightly Smart, and Good Looking. Is there anything he can''t do..."


    Irene froze up slightly as she heard the sound of flapping wings. She looked up just in time to see a light blue envelope fall from the sky. The letter fell in front of North as the boy reached out catching it.


    Irene''s eyes widened when she saw the envelope or more specifically when she saw the word written on the envelope.


    ''Enforcers...''

 Chapter 6 - Those Seeking Family

    Age 1990


    The town of Lillies


    During Age 124 great cities were built as a way to fight against the harsh cold of the planet and in order to keep the monsters known as Bestia Macht''s out. These cities were built with powerful iron walls and artificial light that warmed up the entire city. However, due to resources management, not everyone was able to be placed inside of the cites. It quickly became clear that trying to fit the entire Nation of the English-Garden was impossible.


    During Age 152 the English Government came up with a solution. And so the first-ever town was built. Unfortunately, towns were far smaller than a city, lacked the iron walls, and had next to no technology. In the coming years, towns began to become more and more crowded as they tried to fight for survival against the Bestia Macht''s.


    Now a town is seen as nothing more than a dumping ground where the poor go. Living in a town is truly awful. Despite that though a town was far superior to the villages that only a handful of citizens built in an attempt to survive.


    Cloud walked down the street slowly placing one foot in front of the other. With every step he took he placed his cane out in front of him allowing it to see for him. His sunglasses reflected everything as he walked forward humming slightly.


    With every step he took, he avoided trash that he couldn''t see. With every swing of the cane, he felt what laid before him. His ears would twitch and his nose would wrinkle as he used them to paint a picture of his surroundings. Mist hung heavily in the air as it seemed to twist and bend around him.


    For some people being blind would be a sin. For him, it was his stress reliever. His gift to the world.


    Cloud let out a few more hums as he danced through the streets of the town. He passed by several people as he began to walk into the ''bad'' part of town. Then again in this world, every part of a town could be called the ''bad'' part of town. This particular town was covered with trash and nearly frozen over. The wooden gate was splintered and cracked from many nights of Bestia Macht''s wanting in.


    "I really do feel for these people..." Cloud said to himself as he walked. "They are all kept in their own cage. Well not just them. I too am in a cage after all. Everyday forced to stay in the town... Unable to explore the world for fear of those blasted Bestia Macht''s. The Enforcers really do have it nice don''t they... Being able to do what they want in those fancy cities... The ability to explore the world all they want. Meanwhile, we are still here in our cage while it slowly gets smaller... Constantly shrinking..." Cloud hummed slightly as he stopped walking standing in the street now as he waited for something. Many people looked at the blind teen oddly.


    "For God''s sake... Here comes that Blind teen again..." Someone muttered...


    "Why the hell does he always speak to himself? And why does he always try to sound thoughtful and deep? Who the hell is he trying to impress?" Another man asked.


    If Cloud could hear them he ignored them as he continued to ramble to himself as he walked over to a near, by alleyway. "Yes, I understand why the people are this way. Anyone would go mad if they were forced to stay in an area for the rest of their lives. That''s why I am never mad at them when they pick a fight with me. Fighting is a great way to relieve stress. And as humans, it is only natural to attack someone who is weaker than you. That''s why I am never mad when I get attacked. After all. Fighting is a great way to release stress-"


    "You said that already! If you''re gonna sound deep then at least don''t sit out the same damn phrases..."


    "That being said..." Cloud turned to the alleyway as seven thugs walked out. They glanced at him eyeing the blind teen up.


    "Hey, buddy..." A rude voice called out as several men began to surround the blind teen in front of them. "Someone get a little lost?" They asked as they began to crack their knuckles. "Need some help?"


    Several of the teens all let out a few laughs as they realized how easy it would be to capture this prey.


    Clouds ears twitched as he listened. He could hear eight people in total. A slight smile crossed its way onto his face. "...That being said..." He repeated still talking to himself. "Just because I am not mad at them for doing it I still won''t sit by and allow myself to lose to them. After all, I too am very stressed out. And. Fighting is a great way to relieve stress-"


    ''That''s the third time you said that!"


    "Who the hell are you talking to?" The goons questioned.


    "Hmm... Eight of you..."


    "Umm... There''s seven of us?"


    "One of you are female..."


    "Nope... All seven of us are guys?"


    "And none of you have any weapons."


    "Well, actually I have a knife-"


    Cloud brought his cane up slamming it into one of the men''s skulls as he heard them mention the weapon. He twisted his body bring his cane up dragging it across their face, then in a flash he brought it down slamming it across the top of their head. The sound of metal on bone echoed as the man fell back almost instantly. He hit the floor with a loud ''thud'' as the other thugs all stared in shock.


    "You bastard!" Cloud stepped to the side dodging a punch that was thrown at him as he spun around the fist. He brought his cane up around the man''s arm as he pulled it towards him then brought the arm down over his leg. a ''crack'' could be heard as the man began to scream. Cloud didn''t stop as he snapped the entire arm around his cane.


    "I''ve spent years living with my condition. I''ve been attacked constantly because of the fact that I am an easy target. After ten years of being attacked, in the same manner, you begin to figure out counters to the simple strikes... Even a blind fool such as myself can figure that out." Cloud slammed his cane to the left smashing one of the men''s heads into a brick wall. This motion also threw the one who''s arm he broke causing that guy to slam straight into the side of a window breaking past it and collapsing. "That''s three down by the way..." He stated. He wrapped his hand around the hair of the teen he slammed into the brick wall as he brought his head up then slammed it down into the brick wall again, and again, and again.


    One of the men punched at the teen, but Cloud dropped the body as he spun dodging the punch. He slid back as he smirked. The mist danced in the air around the teens as Cloud lifted his arm up. The mist twisted around his arm as he smirked slightly. With a nod of his head, he jumped forward heading back into the fray.


    Cloud danced around the men with a grace that even a long time ballerina would be jealous of. Every movement he made was perfect as he was completely in tune with his body. He dodged the blows as he swung his cane out. Anyone who got to close to him would find it slamming into their skull at a speed that would kill a normal human.


    Some bystanders watched none of them jumping in to help the blind kid. One bystander looked like she was about to but soon turned and left heading for the guard station.


    Cloud knocked another man out as he moved backwards holding his cane similar to how a man would hold his rapier. "Unguard!" Cloud joked as he swung his cane out so hard that it actually ripped a metallic pole in half. The pole fell down crashing down into the ice bellow as the thugs all stood horrified. "Well? Come on? I don''t bite... Actually, that''s an idea... Never used my teeth before? Hey, guys change of plans I bite now."


    Clouds cane came out slamming it into a forth man''s face. He continued to smirk as he used the man to slam him into a fifth guy taking five out. He reached out grabbing the ankle of one of the down men as he dragged him up and actually lifted the guy''s body up one-handed. He twisted his body chucking the man into the air. The guy crashed down head first


    "This really is the best way to relieve stress," Cloud said nodding slightly. "My body gets to stay in shape, I memorize new techniques, and I get to show off. I honestly can not come up with a better way than beating up low life thugs of society..."


    "Damn it! Take this fight seriously!" One of the few remaining men stated as they charged at the blind teen in rage.


    Cloud shrugged. "If you insist." He shot forward so fast he broke the ground he had been standing on. His cane shot up slamming it into the stomach of the guy who complained. He hit the man so hard he easily broke a rib or two and sent the poor bastard flying back. "That''s six!" Cloud announced out as he pointed his cane at the last man who stood in front of him.


    "I give!" The seventh said holding his hand up. "Just let me go! I don''t want to fight anymore. I promise I won''t hurt anyone ever again."


    "I, know you won''t," Cloud announced slamming his cane down onto the man''s skull. "Seen this trick before. Last time I fell for it I received a bullet in the gut. Hurt like hell." His foot came up kicking the man''s head back and sending him tumbling across the battlefield and straight into a brick house. "And if you did actually mean what you said... Well, then you''re just a coward who let his friends get beat up and tried to run away so I still don''t have any sympathy for you..." He finally turned trying to find the eighth person. He tried to listen but didn''t really hear anything. "And that''s seven... I know I heard eight originally?"


    Clouds ears and nose twitched as he stayed silent. For a brief second, he heard the flapping of wings? He felt a hand suddenly cup around his hand confusing him. He couldn''t sense any hostility coming from it though.


    The hand pried his open and placed what felt like an envelope inside of it. Cloud was even more confused but before he could say anything the person pulled away and once again he heard the sound of wings.


    "Your senses really are amazing..." A feminine voice said. "You were able to figure out I was watching you." The sound of flapping wings echoed out and Cloud felt the wind hit him.


    ''She must have been the eighth person I heard...'' The blind teen thought as he crossed his arms.


    "I look forward to seeing your potential grow Cloud..." The woman said. Cloud felt wind hit his body at a fast rate as the flapping got louder. Then slowly the wind got slower as the flapping began to grow silent. The next moment he knew he was once again alone standing in the now-empty street. The bodies of seven thugs around him.


    Cloud stayed silent for a few moments before he suddenly realized he was now alone with what was most certainly a few corpses near him... "That was... Strange?" He said as he held the letter up. "Why did she give me this-" He placed a hand over it letting out a surprised breath of air. "Oh wow. It''s in brail."


    Cloud smiled slightly as he opened the letter and began to read.

 Chapter 7 - The Explanation

    Age 1990


    Dandelion City...


    Enforcers Interrogation room...


    In the dark city set a small stone building. The building had the words ''Enforcer'' written on it in big bold letters. Inside this room, several people ran about in a panic. Down the hall was a simple darkroom that held two people inside of it simply.


    ''Smack!''


    The sound of the smack echoed out loudly in the room. "Oww!" Hero yelled out rubbing his head as he hissed. "What was that for?" Hero pouted slightly as he rubbed his head. He was seated in a dark room with nothing more than a table and a man interrogating him. The man frowned as he glared at Hero slightly.


    "Listen to me brat..." The man said letting out a slight growl. "I want you to start making sense to me. I was forced to wake up at 3 A.M in the morning when Hannah suddenly called me and yelled that she found a new recruit and that I needed to come interrogate him, and make him throw up? My body is at red alert levels right now and I had to search through your vomit for a ring! Now tell me what you know? Why were you there?"


    "I already told you everything..." Hero said letting out a huff as he folded his arms. "What more do you want you, big meanie..." He sighed.


    The man let out a deep sigh as his eye continued to twitch. "Kid... You''re really starting to make me mad." The man reached into his pocket pulling out a small Ruby ring. "What do you know about this ring?" He questioned.


    "Nothing?"


    "Bullshit. You swallowed this thing whole to keep it away from that criminal. Clearly, you know how important this thing is then. No one would be dumb enough to just swallow something this valuable..."


    "Well, I was! Wait a minute... No, I mean I felt like it was the best tactic to keep it away from the man." Hero said nodding his head. "That criminal guy sucked... If not for those powerful metal guys I would have kicked his butt for sure. It''s a good thing that other girl jumped in when she did otherwise I would have had to get serious..."


    The man let out a sigh as he reached up pinching his nose. "Okay... So you just swallowed the ring to keep it away from the criminal despite not knowing what the thing was or what it did?"


    "Exactly." Hero said proudly.


    "You''re an idiot..."


    "Well, what does the ring do?" Hero asked curiously.


    "What?"


    "Well if you know so much about it what does it do?" The sixteen-year-old teen questioned.


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    "You don''t know do you..." Hero said slowly.


    "Shut up!" The man said bitterly as he folded his arms. "It''s not my job to know." The man said letting out a heavy sigh as he folded his arms. "I could care, less what this ring does. But my Captain told me to keep it safe so that''s what I''m gonna do." He stated.


    "Your Captain?" Hero questioned as he tilted his head to the side in curiosity...


    "My leader." The man said shrugging. "The rank of Captain is given to some of the strongest Enforcer members. She''s my boss. If she says jump, I ask how high."


    "That girl who saved me... Is she your Captain?" The purple-and-gold-eyed teen asked curiously. He ran a hand through his black-white hair as he raised an eyebrow. His left eye, a bright purple seemed to glow. His right eye, a dark and dull gold seemed to hiss out at the light.


    "Ha... Her? No. My Captain is far greater than that girl. Though she is on my squad... Why do you ask? Do you plan on thanking her for saving you?" He questioned.


    Hero frowned slightly as he reached into his pocket pulling out a blue letter. "She gave me this letter. She told me I could become an Enforcer like her? Though I think she only did it to make the man we fought really mad..."


    "That letter is what we use to accept new recruits." The man said staring down at it. He frowned as he looked at Hero. "Certain Enforcers are allowed to carry them. Then if they see someone interesting they drop it down for them. Of course usually, only Angel hands them out. If you were given one that must mean there is more to you then meets the eye. Congratulations. Although if you ask me I would say you aren''t deserving of a letter..."


    "What''s that supposed to mean?" Hero questioned as he eyed the man up. His purple-and-gold eyes narrowed slightly as he folded his arms.


    The man simply frowned as he folded his arm. "Being an Enforcer isn''t something you can take lightly... It is a serious job. I don''t want to see worthless runts like you..." The man said. "If you truly wish to join then I can not stop you. Who knows? Maybe you''ll prove me wrong and show me you have what it takes. If you open the letter up you will find a date, time, and place. Head there and you will take the Enforcer entrance exam. There is no guarantee that you will be able to pass though. In fact only about 25% of everyone who signs up usually passes... But if you do somehow get in you will have a chance to get stronger. A lot stronger. That girl must have seen something quite interesting in you to give you a letter..."


    "I kind of already knew that last part. But the stuff about the Enforcers is cool. What are they exactly?"


    "What are the Enforcers?" The man repeated.


    "Yeah."


    "You''re seriously asking me what the Enforcers are?"


    "...Yeah?"


    The man blinked a few times as he let out a sigh. "Have you been living under a rock your whole life?"


    "No. I''ve just been living with my grandpa for the last fifteen years..." Hero said shrugging. "He was kind of an inside freak though. Never wanted me to go outside. I have only just recently been running around in the outside world." Hero said shrugging. "Don''t get me wrong. I''m not completely oblivious. He at least taught me a few things. It''s just that most were fighting things."


    "Ahh, so your grandpa trained you?" The man questioned.


    "Yep. But his training sucked. His Attribute was completely different from mine and worked 100% differently. His style of fighting was also vastly different and I couldn''t learn it since he used his Attribute to achieve it." The sixteen-year-old boy''s multi colored eyes seemed to shine slightly as he reached into his pocket. "We ended up coming to an agreement!" Hero announced as he pulled out a basic silver coin. "He gave me this coin. He said I had four years to figure out how to get stronger on my own. If I could prove to him that I didn''t need him then he wouldn''t try to force me to train his way. However, if four years pass and I''m not strong enough to beat him, then I have to agree to anything he suggests..."


    "That''s some story..." The man said rolling his eyes. "I almost feel sorry for you. But I do see now why you were given a letter..."


    "You do?"


    "You have the spark?"


    "But none of my Attributes let me use electricity?"


    "Not a real spark you fool." The man said folding his arms. His eyes narrowed as he looked down at Hero. "The heroic spark. Some people have it. Others don''t. It is the fighting spirit that allows us, humans, to get up, again, and again. Even as we lay defeated from the Bestia Macht''s as long as even a single human can still fight then we haven''t truly lost. That is what an Enforcer is boy. Someone who can get up. Over, and over, and over. Someone who will protect the people and become strong. Someone who will know true strength and, know what true strength should be used for. Someone who can solve the equation of life... We the Enforcers will stand back up, no matter how many times we are shoved down. We have taken up the responsibility to protect this world and its people. Be it man, monster, or alien we will fight it off, and at the end of the day we will claim it''s head as our prize for we are the Enforcers!" The man yelled out. He let out a deep sigh as he brought his arms up. Then he slammed them down onto the metal table breaking the metal table in half. "And the Enforcers are badasses!" He yelled out. He took several deep breathes as he gasped out. "Got a bit carried away. Anyways. Do you finally get it now? Do you see what we Enforcers are all about?"


    The man looked up at Hero who held a smirk on his face.


    Hero''s silver eye seemed to spark slightly, as his purple eye almost seemed to glow with excitement. The teen brought his arms up folding them as a smirk plastered its way onto his face.


    "Not a clue."

 Chapter 8 - The Train Station

    Age 1990


    The City Of Dandelion, Train Station...


    Hero Otoko walked down the streets to the train station at a slow pace. A smile was plastered on his face that seemed to grow with every step. He slowly marched his way down there as he struggled with every step weighed down by his backpack. His multi-colored eyes shined slightly as he brought his glove hand through his black and white hair.


    Many of the civilians all looked at him weirdly as he walked. Mostly because he wore a massive backpack packed to the brim with everything a person would need. It also had everything a person wouldn''t need. The thing must have weighed at least 100 pounds, and dragged behind him as he walked forward. His legs seemed to shake as he forced himself to step forward.


    "Alright!" Hero announced up towards the black sky that rained down snow. "Today''s the day! That weird lady gave me a blue letter to become awesome and I''m gonna do it!" He announced out. "Then I''m totally gonna beat the crap out of my grandpa!" Unfortunately for Hero Dandelion was a city full of people who all heard him shout to the sky.


    "Who the hell is he talking to?" A worried citizen asked as they watched the strange teenage boy yell up to the sky for no apparent reason as he spun around in the snow for some bizarre reason. The teen continued to yell at the sky as he waved both his gloved hands around.


    "I don''t want my kids near that creepy man..." A woman said slowly pulling her child away. "He looks so weird too... What''s up with that white hair, and multi-colored eyes..."


    "Mommy I''m scared of that weird guy... Is he a monster?"


    Hero''s eye twitched slightly as he heard everyone go on about how he is apparently weird. "You guys just don''t understand my style..." He complained as he crossed his arms.


    "You don''t have a style that''s what makes you weird!" Someone yelled out at him. ''White and black hair? Black gloves? Weird fur jacket? You call that style, you loser."


    Hero continued to have an eye twitch as he turned away. "Screw this city! I''m off to Oleander. Next time you see me I''ll be a badass Enforcer!" He announced out. ''Now I just need to try and find out what exactly an Enforcer is...'' He thought as he crossed his arm.


    That strange woman from before didn''t tell him too much about what he was getting into... And that weird guy wanted him to not join? ''The Enforcers could use strong people. Also cannon fodder... Why don''t you join us?'' Hero had jumped at the opportunity to join a group of superpowered individuals. Plus who knows? Maybe they would even be able to make him stronger than his grandpa!


    Hero took a step forward struggling due to the insane weight of his massive backpack. Gritting his teeth the young sixteen-year-old teen began to inch forward at an incredibly slow rate as his backpack was dragged behind him. "I made sure to pack everything I would need for the journey!" He announced to himself. "Food, Water, Clothing, 5,000 Bells! I have everything an Adventure will need in the wild! As well as what I don''t need!"


    "Why do people feel the need to talk to themselves? This is like the fifth person who has done it... Oh well, at least this one isn''t blind..."


    Hero rolled his eyes as he ignored the crowd marching forward. Today was the start of his journey. Next time he was back here he''d defeat his grandpa and take his position as the world''s strongest! Or he would be forced to be rebuilt back up from the ground up. Whatever came first.


    Meanwhile on the other side of the City Ken walked as she let out a yawn. "It is way too early for this..." She whined out. The train to Oleander would arrive at 2:00 A.M and would arrive in the city at 4:00 A.M... Dandelion, unlike most cities, was always awake and always full of people. "Why did I come to this town to board the train... I could have gone to another one and got an extra hour of sleep!" The girl yawned again as she dragged her feet through the snow. "Oh well at least everyone else is being quiet-"


    "Enforcers here I come!" A loud obnoxious voice yelled out.


    Ken let out a sigh as she face, palmed slightly. "Why..." She questioned the heavens as she rolled her eyes once more.


    "I''m gonna become an Enforcer and thank that weird lady-"


    "Will you shut up!" Ken yelled out throwing her shoe off at the weird man who yelled. The teen let out a yelp when a shoe hit him in the head causing him to fall over. Ken let out a sigh as she shook her head. She was about to step over the teen, only for his hand to reach out causing her to trip. She let out a loud yelp as she tumbled down. "What the hell?" She looked down at the stretched out hand that was wrapped around her ankle.


    "How do you like it!" Hero announced as he yanked the girl to the ground. "This backpack is heavy! You think I''ll be able to get back up now that I''m on the ground!" He yelled out in annoyance. "Well I can''t"


    Ken''s eye twitched slightly as she smacked the teen in the head with her shoe. "Idiot! Don''t go tripping random people!"


    "Don''t go throwing shoes at random people!" Hero yelled out at the weird girl. She was surprisingly light.


    "I didn''t. I threw the shoe at an asshole who was being loud!"


    "You''re screaming louder then me!" Hero yelled out pointing at her accusingly.


    Ken growled slightly as she stood up. "Whatever... I don''t have time to deal with this..." She said letting out a sigh. "I have a train to catch..."


    The girl turned about to walk off but was stopped when Hero grabbed her ankle again. "Wait a minute!" The boy said holding onto her leg. "I can''t get up!"


    "Not my problem..."


    "You''re the one who knocked me down!"


    "I still fail to see how that''s my problem..." The girl said giving him a deadpan stare. "Now let go. I have a train to catch..."


    "Not until you help me up!" Hero said.


    "Have you ever thought about... I dunno taking the backpack off so you can get up?"


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    Hero jumped to his feet free of the backpack. "I feel as light as a feather!" He announced bringing his arms up and down. "Why didn''t I think of that sooner!" He questioned.


    "You didn''t think of it! I did!"


    Hero stretched his body out as he flexed. "Well, at least I can stand again... The ground was really uncomfortable."


    "Well, now you have something else to worry about..." Ken said picking her shoe back up and putting it on again.


    "And what''s that?"


    "How are you going to pick your backpack back up?"


    Hero opened his mouth about to say something but closed it. His eyes slowly widened as he turned to look at his backpack. "D-Damn it..." He fell to his knees placing his hands on the ground as he stared horrified.


    Ken shook her head as she reached out patting the boy on the shoulder. "Well look on the bright side. I''m sure you''ll be able to replace everything with supplies from Oleander..."


    "How do you know I''m going to Oleander!" Hero said jumping back and eying the girl up. His eyes narrowed as he stared at the short girl with suspicion. "Do you have some kind of mind-reading based Attribute?" Hero questioned curiously as he placed his hands on his head. "Cause my thoughts are my own!"


    "No... You literally shouted out about becoming an Enforcer... Which means unfortunately for me we''re heading to the same destination..." Ken said folding her arms and shaking her head. "Yippy..." She said sarcastically.


    "What? You''re becoming an Enforcer as well?" Hero said surprised by the news. "They even allow little kids to join-" Ken brought her sheathed sword up bringing it down on Hero''s head as hard as she could. "Oww! What was that for?" The girl didn''t say anything as she crossed her arms turning away from the boy. Hero huffed slightly rubbing his bump. "Why did you-" He stopped slightly as he seemed to realize it. "Oh, I get it!" He said giving a smug look as placed a hand in the girl''s head. "You''re self-conscious about your height-"


    ''Blam!''


    Ken brought her sword back down smacking Hero for the second time that day.


    "Oww..."


    Ken let out a sigh as she turned away from the boy. "You are really annoying." She stated simply. "How did you even get a letter?"


    Hero shrugged slightly. "I was at the right place at the right time." He said simply. "Also known as... I swallowed a Ruby ring and got beat by a bunch of metal men, before being saved by a girl, and a giant crow."


    Ken stared at the man in disbelief. "I? I just had a letter dropped down to me from the sky..."


    "That sounds way easier, and less of a hassle then what I had to do..."


    Ken shook her head slightly. "How did you even get an invitation. You have to be at least somewhat skilled?"


    "I think the girl invited me simply because of the fact that it would make the bad guy mad?" Hero suggested as he gave a half-hearted shrug. "I don''t think she even really expects me to show up... But I feel like I owe her my thanks for saving me. I have no idea what would have happened if she didn''t show up and save me..."


    Ken reached out patting the boy on the shoulder slightly. "Well, your reason for going is better than mine... I''m just going because I''m bored." The young girl stated. "The Enforcers are a group of people who protect the world from the Bestia Macht, as well as other groups like gangs... They defend the nation and train each new generation to take up that mantle. Funded by the Government, if you get into them you basically have an easy social life..."


    "Are they really that important?" Hero asked.


    "Do you know nothing about the Enforcers?" Ken questioned.


    "Not really?" Hero said shrugging slightly. "The truth is I didn''t even know they existed until I was saved by that girl... My grandpa never told me about them at all..."


    "You have a strange life... Then again I''m not one to talk..." Ken said giving a shrug. "Well here''s hoping we both get in..."


    Hero was about to say something but was interrupted by a loud metallic whistling as the metal train began to pull up to the station.


    "Looks like our train is here." Hero said nodding his head.


    "Next stop... Oleander city..." Ken announced.

 Chapter 9 - The Real Beginning

    Age 1990


    Oleander City. Day of the Enforcer tryouts...


    Hero stepped off of the train excitedly as he stared down the city. A smirk crossed its way onto his face as he crossed his arms. That one weird girl had ditched him the moment they got onto the train. A fact that slightly bugged Hero as he was starting to like that strange girl. "Today''s the big day." He announced. "I''m going to use this as my training. Next time we meet I''ll beat you..." He said to himself. He ran a hand through his black-white hair as a smirk appeared on his face.


    "Will you move out of the way! You''re blocking the path!" An annoyed voice yelled at him. Hero felt a hand shove him to the ground as a man stepped on him. "I don''t have time to listen to you amp yourself up-"


    "Who do you think you are!" Hero yelled out in annoyance as he stood up causing the other teen to fall to the ground since he was still standing on Hero.


    "Oww! What''s your deal asshole!"


    "You literally shoved me to the ground! No sympathy for you!" Hero crossed his arms as he glared down at the teen. "What kind of a prick are you?"


    The teen frowned as he stood up dusting himself off. "Maybe we got off on the wrong stairway... My name is Max... And you are?"


    "Hero Otoko! The second- The Third Strongest man in the world! Right behind Master ''Okami Otoko,'' and my new master who still hasn''t accepted me yet ''Master I don''t actually know her name!''" He announced out.


    "I- What was any of that?" Max frowned as he stared at the teen. "I''m already regretting all of this..." The teen smirked slightly as he pulled out a blue letter. "You know you have to have a letter to get in right. And sadly for you, these were only handed out to the-"


    Hero cut off the teen when he pulled out his own blue envelope. "You have hereby been officially invited to take the entrance exam test to try and become an Enforcer. The test begins at 5:00 A.M on the twenty-fifth of September. Please show up thirty minutes early to the exam. Please note that the doors seal at 5:01 and it is impossible to get in." He read as he shrugged slightly. "I have a letter..."


    Max stared at the letter for a few seconds in silence. "Why? How? I thought being an Enforcer was impressive but apparently, even you can do it!" The teen continued grumbling a few choice words as he rolled his eyes.


    "I guess I just impressed an Enforcer." Hero said shrugging. "I still don''t know what they are though..."


    Max continued grumbling as he walked towards the gates of the city. Since Hero didn''t have anything else to do he simply followed after the teen. The two walked slowly but were stopped by a city guard who held his hand up.


    "First time in the big city?" The guard asked curiously.


    "Yep!" Hero said nodding. "I mean I sometimes go to Dandelion city but that''s only so I can run around saving people and looking cool... I also sometimes work for an annoying store clerk who refuses to pay me even though I save him..."


    "You''ll love it here. Oleander is the safest place in the world. The artificial light will keep you warm so you won''t even need a jacket. I''m Ace by the way." The Guard said nodding his head.


    "Don''t care scrub," Max stated rudely as he rolled his eyes. "My dad told me about people like you. You guys have crappy Attributes and failed the Enforcer entrance exam so they placed you on guard duty... If there was ever actually a Bestia Macht you''d be skinned alive far before your gun could harm it."


    "That... That is technically true... But we keep out human-"


    Max raised his hand as it glowed a bright white as heat and smoke began to crackle from his finger. "Blam you''re dead..." He said casually as he placed his hand back down. "You guys are pretty useless aren''t you..."


    "...Yeah... We are..." The guard said quietly.


    "That was mean but true..." Hero said giving a sympathetic pat on the man''s shoulder. "Max you should try and be nicer."


    "Screw you."


    The guard cleared his throat nervously as the two teens stood there glaring at each other. Finally, he grabbed onto a rope as he pulled down on it causing a wooden door to the village to swing open, finally letting the two c.o.c.ky as hell, teens into the big city.


    "Huh... Okay, I''ll admit... It''s actually pretty warm in here." Max stated as he unzipped his jacket taking it off. "Much better than that blasted frozen wasteland outside of the city." He hummed lightly as he walked forward. "Now which building is the massive building full of assholes?" He quickly spotted a building that stood out from the others.


    For one it wasn''t actually a single building but was actually thirteen buildings. The thirteen buildings all towered over every other building in the city. Each building was connected with long bridges that trailed off from them. The buildings had no windows and appeared to be made out of some kind of rough-looking black metal? A massive Golden Gate surrounded all thirteen buildings stopping anyone from getting within thirty feet of the buildings. It wouldn''t take a neurologist to figure out that it was likely the building in question...


    Also a giant golden sign with the words ''Enforcer'' was placed outside... That was also a bit of a dead give away...


    "You think its that one?" Hero asked. Max gave the teen a deadpan stare as Hero waited for him to reply.


    Max shrugged off the nervous feeling he was getting as he marched over to the gates. His eyes instantly turned to a giant of a man who stood outside the golden gates. The man had his arms crossed and his eyes scanned the streets vigilantly. The man''s eyes didn''t even bother to turn to look down at the two teens,


    Hero reached up waving his hand in front of the man''s eyes only for Max to slap his hand away. "Is he a statue?" Hero questioned raising his hand again. Max once again slapped his hand away. "Do you think he''s a robot?" The man''s eye twitched slightly as the two teens continued to stare at him.


    "I don''t know..." Max sighed out shaking his head. "A hundred people were invited to join the Enforcers and I get stuck with the idiot... This is a Gate Guardian... Unlike those weaklings, we met at the city gate this guy is actually strong. He''s also an official Enforcer unlike the one at that wooden gate... I don''t know why the hell this guy is just standing there though?"


    "Maybe he froze to death?"


    "Maybe he is sleeping?''


    "Maybe he is deep in thought?"


    "Maybe he is just an asshole who thinks standing out in the cold with that weird look on his face is cool?"


    "Will you two just hurry up and ask to be let in!" The man yelled out in annoyance as the two teens jumped from surprise.


    "He''s alive!" The two teens said in shock.


    "Of course I''m alive!" The man yelled out smacking Hero, and Max over the head. He let out a sigh as he shook his head. "I tried to look cool and you two just ask stupid questions..."


    Hero gave a confused look at the man as Max stared at the man in disappointment. "This...Is an Enforcer?" Max asked in a mix of horror and disappointment. "Oh... Oh God... Oh God! I wasted my life..." The teen fell to his knees as Hero reached out patting the boy on the shoulder.


    "I know... The one I met last week was so much cooler... Also, she was pretty powerful too... And she had that awsome badass crow Bestia Macht. That thing was pretty cool!"


    The man''s eye twitched slightly as he let out a growl. "Letters please..." He hissed out. Hero, and Max handed their letters over as the man yanked them away from the two of them. "Max No Last Name, and Hero-" The man stopped as he read the name again. "Hero Otoko?" He looked up at Hero in surprise. "Otoko? As in Okami Otoko?"


    "That''s my old man!" Hero said smugly nodding his head. "Do you know him? Wait you aren''t a scientist, are you? Because I don''t trust people who are scientists..." Hero eyed the man up suspiciously.


    "He used to be an Enforcer..." The man said nodding his head. "A Captain in fact." The man stated. "Though... You don''t really look anything like him..." He said raising an eyebrow. The teen before him just looked odd with his multi-colored eyes and black hair with white highlights.


    "Oh come on!" Max said in annoyance. "You''re telling me that this idiot is the son of an ex Enforcer?" Max huffed out as he threw his arms into the air. "Why is it that this random idiot is so important."


    Hero shrugged slightly as he tried to calm the team down. "Well to be fair... He''s not technically my actual dad? He just took me in and raised me when he found me! Also, don''t worry! He didn''t really train me? We butted heads so much and his teaching was so awful I had no choice but to try and improve myself."


    "How is Otoko?" The gatekeeper asked. "I haven''t seen him in sixteen years now?" The man said looking Hero up and down. "I assume you''re being treated well by him?"


    "Yes, sir! I mean as well as I could be I guess..." Hero said nodding his head. "Grandpa is doing well..." He stated. "Though I haven''t seen him in a few months now? He gave me a new training method-"


    Max held his hand up cutting the teen off. "Look! These random stories are great and all but, I''d like to actually get in the building today!" He stated folding his arms.


    The GateKeeper simply gave a smirk as he shrugged. "Sorry... Just thinking about the good old days..." He reached into his pocket pulling out a marker as he made a black line on both Envelopes. "Let''s get you two into the building..." He said as he handed the two teens their letters back.


    "Wait how do we get in?" Max questioned peering over the man''s side. "I don''t see an opening in the gate? Where do we get in?"


    "Huh... Okay, Max, I''ll boost you over then you pull me up!" Hero suggested.


    The man simply smirked as he slid his sleeves up. "We have a few ways to stop certain people from getting in..." He said simply as he turned to the large golden gates. He bent down placing his hands on them. Then slowly he gritted his teeth as he brought up both his arms lifting the heavy gate up above his head. He let out a few grunts of pain as the two teens stared at him in shock. "O-Okay! Stop staring and get the hell in! This thing is heavy!" He grunted out.


    Max and Hero both nodded as they both ducked under the golden and, finally stepped into the property of the Enforcers... Hero turned back to the man as he gave a wave. "Thanks, Mr. Gate K-"


    ''Bang!''


    The man dropped the gate to the ground as the force of it actually caused Max and Hero to bounce up above the ground by a few feet. Hero let out a yelp as he fell forward slamming straight into the golden gates breaking his nose.


    "Ouch..." Max said unsympathetically. "Did that hurt?"


    "Are you okay?" The GateKeeper asked as Hero held his nose.


    "Yeah, I''m okay..." Hero said as his voice came out muffled from his hands covering his mouth as blood dripped down his face. He pulled his hand away as he wiped the blood away. "My nose already healed!" He announced as he showed off that it somehow wasn''t broken. It seemed to have completely healed.


    "That''s some impressive healing..." The man said raising an eyebrow. "Do you have some kind of healing based Attribute?" He questioned. "Attributes that physically change the body are rare but not so rare that I haven''t seen them."


    "I guess you can say that?" Hero said a bit mysteriously.


    "What''s that supposed to mean?" Max asked.


    Hero simply smiled as he gave a shrug. "It''s a bit of a long story... Why don''t we head inside the building?" He questioned brushing the teen''s question off.


    "I''ll be rooting for the two of you, though I wouldn''t be too worried?" The GateKeeper said. "It should be easy for the two of you to get in if both of you really have that spark! The desire to be a real Enforcer..."


    "Here we go again about that confusing spark..."


    "I don''t know about the idiot but I surely do have that spark..." Max said smirking slightly. "I will become an Enforcer. In fact, I''ll become the best Enforcer imaginable. I''m going for the position of the first Captain..." He announced.


    "And I! I just think it''ll be cool to be an Enforcer?" Hero said shrugging. "Sounds like it could be fun."


    Max sighed shaking his head. "Let''s go..." He reached out grabbing Hero as he walked away dragging the teen behind him. The two teens finally left the GateKeeper as they marched towards the building... "This is it..." Max said letting out a heavy sigh. "From this point on I''ll be fighting tooth and nail with every other Enforcer."


    "Is it really that bad?" Hero asked.


    "Why don''t you find out for yourself?" Max replied. The two stopped in front of the doors as Max reached out about to open the door. "Just so you know... Once we are inside I''ll be separating myself from you..."


    "Oh what! You don''t wanna be friends?"


    "No. I don''t..." Max said simply as he looked Hero straight in the eye. "Its a dog eat dog world. I don''t have time to babysit teens who has no idea how the world works..."


    Hero let out a huff as he crossed his arms. "Well fine!" He said sticking his tongue out. "I didn''t want to be friends anyways!"


    "Well, I''m glad we came to the same conclusion..." Max pushed open the door as the two finally stepped in. "Try not to get yourself killed."


    "I knew you cared!"


    "No..." True to his word Max walked off instantly. He left Hero behind as he separated himself as much as possible as he walked away.


    Hero let out a sigh as he rolled his eyes and crossed his arms. "That guy was kind of annoying..." He said letting out a huff. He turned glancing at the crowd of people who stood in the building. It seemed as if many people were invited to join the Enforcers as at least a hundred people stood in the halls of the Enforcer building, all of them just standing around waiting for something to happen. There were many different kids, all of them ranging from various ages from 14 all the way to 18. None of them looked too interesting. Well, all except for one man that seemed to stand out amongst the crowd.


    The man stood above everyone else standing proud as he glanced around the room. He wore a fancy set of clothing that was made out of very fine silk. He looked to be in his early twenties making him oldest, person in the room. His eyes shined with experience, and power, as well as a bit of arrogance.


    The man''s electric blue eyes roamed the room taking in the sight of all the different kids. It wasn''t long before Hero and the man''s eyes met. The man gave a slight smirk as he looked at the much younger, much less experienced kid in front of him.


    "So..." The man said as his smirk seemed to grow. "What''s your story?"

 Chapter 10 - The Strange Girls

    Age 1990


    Inside the Enforcer''s headquarters.


    "So..." The man said as his smirk seemed to grow and his electric blue eyes glowed with a power. "What''s your story?" He said cooly.


    Hero stepped backwards taken aback by the man''s forwardness. "What?" He questioned in confusion as the man eyed him up and down. "My story?"


    "Your story?" The man repeated. "Every person I met today has had some kind of story for why they wanted to join the Enforcers. So what''s yours? Money? Fame? Power? ... Love?" The man folded his arms as he raised an eyebrow. His electric blue eyes continued to stare into Hero''s multi-colored eyes as the teen stepped back yet again. "Are your eyes different colors?''


    "And you care because?"


    "That''s cool!''


    "They''re contacts." Hero said reaching up and swiping them out. He blinked slightly reviling a pair of shining silver eyes. Then the next moment he simply placed them back in. "Anyways why do you care about my story?"


    The man''s smirk only seemed to grow. He gave a half-hearted shrug. "I''ve just asked everyone who looks interesting to me. And you? Well, you''re holding your body up with confidence, you''re oozing power, but dripping with inexperience, and of course, your body doesn''t show any evidence of injuries, but you still got some muscle on you showing you fight? Perhaps some way to heal quickly thus explaining the no wounds? Either way, you intrigue me?" The man said practically drooling as he grabbed Hero''s shoulders. "I want you to join my squad. I''ll definitely recommend you to my Captain." He asked.


    Hero crossed his arms as he nervously shifted away from the man. He really didn''t like the way the man looked at him. "Are you some kind of pervert?" He said accusingly...


    "What! Of course not!"


    "I don''t buy it... You''re looking at me with way too much interest. Well, I don''t like it! I bet you''re nothing more than a dirty pervert..."


    "I''m not a pervert! I have a girlfriend!"


    "Prove it!"


    "What? Why? Also, that is seriously something weird to ask someone you just met..."


    Hero crossed his arms as he eyed the man suspiciously. "Yeah right... I bet you don''t have a girlfriend at all. You''re a massive flirt! Well, I don''t like it."


    "I''m not preventing over your body-"


    "Oh, so I''m not good enough for you? Bastard!"


    "Oh my God..."


    Hero opened his mouth to say more but felt a powerful arm wrap around his elbow. The next thing he knew he was being dragged away by someone. "Hey, what gives! Why do people keep dragging me away?" Hero yelled out as he was forcefully carried away from the pervert. "Pervert help me!"


    "Come on now! Stop bothering the nice man. Besides. I''d like to get to know you a little better!" An excited feminine voice announced as she dragged Hero away. Hero glanced down to see a girl holding his arm as she carried him away. Her white hair fell down her back as her emerald green eyes shined with what Hero hoped was just excitement.


    "Okay bye, I guess..." The man said frowning slightly as he watched the two get dragged away. "Huh... That was weird..." He trailed off. "I''m gonna get that boy on my squad...."


    Over with the two kids, Hero stared down at the girl with bewilderment. "Why is everyone in this building a pervert!" Hero questioned as he was dragged off by her. "I thought the Enforcers were... Well, I guess I didn''t really know what they were but they definitely aren''t full of people who keep hitting on me! I mean I''m flattered but..."


    "Oh come now you''re only a four at best." The girl said giving a slightly mischievous smile. She stopped once she dragged the boy far enough away from the man. "I don''t care about your body. I only care about your power... You see I''m a bit of a fighterholic. You look strong so I want to enjoy a good beating-"


    "I am deeply disturbed on more levels than I have ever been!" Hero said pulling away from the girl.


    The girl stopped after dragging her prey all the way to a corner. "Oh come now is it really that strange-"


    "Absolutely!" Hero announced in a serious tone. "I think the weirdest part is that you want to get beat... Who fights to get beat! You have to win! Everyone knows that!" He yelled out.


    "I never claimed I would be beaten." The girl said. She brought her finger up and placed it gently on Hero''s nose. "I would of course win. However, after several fights, you do grow accustomed to the pain. It can be a giddy feeling getting hit! The rush as my nerves accelerates upwards!"


    "Please stop talking you, crazy masochist!"


    The girl frowned as she crossed his arms. "Oh relax..." The girl said rolling her eyes. "I''m just joking... Mostly..." She smirked slightly. "I already told you. I just pulled you away because you looked strong. I have a good judge of character. It''s easy for me to tell when someone is stronger than normal!" She announced proudly.


    "I still fail to see what that has to do with me..." Hero questioned. "I mean I already know I''m strong. I''m the third strongest person in the world..." Hero said simply. "Of course you would see me as the strongest?"


    "That''s fairly c.o.c.ky of you... I like it..." The girl smirked slightly as she looked him up and down. "I''m Emma!" She announced holding her hand out.


    "Hero..." Hero said not really sure of this arrangement. Despite that though he held his hand out shaking the strange girl''s hand.


    "So why did you want to join the Enforcers?" The girl questioned with curiosity.


    "You first..."


    "That''s not how questions work... I asked you first, so you answer first..." Emma said shaking her head as she crossed her arms.


    "I just joined because I thought it would be cool, and fun! I don''t really have any other reason?" Hero said giving his simple answer as he shrugged. "I guess another reason was because the person who saved me was pretty strong, and I never got to thank her?"


    "Oh, so you''re joining for a woman? And you called me the pervert..." Emma frowned as she stared at the teen.


    "Hey!"


    Emma let out a laugh as she flipped her white hair behind her back. "I also joined because I thought it would be fun," Emma said nodding her head slightly. "I lived a pretty boring life in a simple town. I would always get into fights with people to try and have some fun but I always won. When I got my letter to come, join the Enforcers I was excited. I never got the chance to fight someone as strong or stronger than me before..."


    "The letters. That reminds me how do they work exactly?" Hero questioned curiously. "I was given mine by that weird girl..."


    "I don''t know everything about them but from what I hear the letters are a secret test," Emma said whispering to Hero for some bizarre reason as she pulled him close. "Apparently to some people they see the letter as a blank white pieces of paper. Those are the ones who aren''t strong enough to become an Enforcer. But for others like us, we see the letter as blue and can read the writing on it. The massive rumor is that the Enforcers have an Angel who delivers the letter through the air dropping one down to anyone she finds worthy..." She stated calmly.


    Hero stepped back slightly surprised. "That''s a pretty weird rumor? Mine wasn''t delivered by air. An actual Enforcer pulled it out of her pocket and gave it to me?" He said giving a slight shrug.


    "Come to think of it... A local Enforcer also gave me the letter by hand..." Emma said frowning slightly. She scratched her chin as she closed her eyes going deep in thought. "I guess the letters aren''t given to people through the air... Which means-"


    "The rumors a lie!" Both teens announced pointing at each other in shock.


    "That''s slightly disappointing." Hero said crossing his arms. "I would have liked to see an Angel..." The teen frowned as he gave off a shrug. "Oh well-"


    "If it''s an Angel you want then allow your commoner eyes to behold my presence!" A smug feminine voice announced out. The two teens turned in surprise to see a young fourteen-year-old girl was apparently listening in to their conversation.


    "How long have you been standing there?" Emma said jumping back in shock.


    "Long enough to know you are all in need of my presence." The girl announced out as she flipped her long blond hair back. Her sapphire eyes twinkled as she placed her hands on her h.i.p.s.


    "How are you an Angel?" Hero asked in confusion.


    The girl nearly fell back but managed to catch herself at the last second. She stared at Hero with a deadpan expression as the boy stared back at her confused. "I am considered to be of divinity bloodline!" The girl announced slowly.


    "Oh no..." Emma said letting out a heavy sigh. "She''s a-"


    "I am a Noble!" The girl announced out. "Not only am I a Nobel I am one of the twenty sacred branches. A divine position given to us by God." She announced out proudly. "I am Sera Azure!" She stated loudly. "Heir to the great and Noble Azure family!"


    "I still don''t see how that makes you an Angel?" Hero questioned confused.


    "Are you dense?" The small Noble yelled as she smacked Hero over the head with her hand. "Oww! Why the hell is your skull so hard? You really are dense?"


    "Well, I am hard-headed?" The boy said knocking on his head slightly. "My Attribute lets me be more sturdy than a rock."


    "You''ll have to excuse him," Emma said letting out a slight sigh. "He isn''t the brightest person... In fact, I think he is a bit of a dumass."


    "I''m not an idiot!" Hero said with a frown as he folded his arms. He gave a slight shrug. "I''m just street smart..." He stated. "I''ve just never been on the street before..."


    "You at least know what a Noble is right?" Sera questioned raising an eyebrow as she stared at the teen.


    "Of course I do..." Hero said nodding his head yes. "My Grandpa at least taught me about those. Although lately, it''s beginning to look like he didn''t tell me much of anything..." He said slowly. "Nobles are really rich people right?" He questioned.


    "Well... There is a little bit more to it than that but yeah..." Sera said nodding slightly. "You see-"


    "Uh-Oh..." Both Hero and Emma said as Sera quickly began to rant off about the Nobles.


    Hero let out a brief sigh as he looked around the room. He looked for something he could use as an escape route to get out of the conversation. Just when he was about to give up he noticed a girl with dull red eyes looking around the room with curiosity.


    "Escape chance!" Hero announced proudly.

 Chapter 11 - Oleander City

    Age 1990


    Oleander City Day of the Enforcer tryouts


    The Enforcers... An elite group of people often regarded as heroes. It is an Enforcers job to protect the weak. They deal with the Bestia Macht as well as rouge organizations. They do dangerous missions and save their part of the world on a daily basis.


    They truly are the pinnacle of what it means to be a Hero... And for some people, they just take on the name Hero and instantly assume that means they will be awesome...


    Oleander: Train station...


    Ken stepped off of the train quickly. She was in a bit of a rush to get out of the large train. She had chosen to sit near the back in order to not be seated next to Hero. She had also allowed him to step off the train first. Unfortunately, the teen had taken up so much time monologuing that there was less than an hour left before the test would begin.


    The only good thing about this situation was that Hero was already ahead of her and in the city, so her chances of running into him were pretty slim.


    She slid her shoulder-length black hair back as her dull red eyes stared up at the massive city. "Wow! One of the Great Cities! I wonder how different it will be from a town..." She hurried over towards the gate of the massive city as her dull eyes lit up for a moment. "It''s so warm!" She said in shock as she saw the snow melt off of her. "So cool!" She said in shock.


    "It''s super neat right!" Ken looked up finding a tall man wearing a full-body suit and a metallic mask. A plastic badge was placed over his chest with the words ''Enforcer'' written on it. "These cities aren''t like the towns or villages that exist out in the world. The cities have artificial lights, and heaters. once you step inside you''ll find that you won''t need your jacket anymore."


    "That''s cool..."


    "Yep. Unlike most cities Oleander has a super artificial light that will instantly melt the snow and warm a person up." The guard announced out.


    Ken raised an eyebrow in surprise at that as she stared at her warm jacket. "That''s kind of neat... Are you an Enforcer?" Ken asked curiously.


    "Yeah! Well... Sort of... Umm... No..." The man shrugged slightly. "My name is Ace! I guard the city. I''m technically not an official Enforcer since I don''t have a battle Attribute... I''m also not a superhuman like the people who gets letters..." He trailed off shrugging. "I don''t go on missions and I am barely able to take on a Baron level Bestia Macht... In fact, anyone of you new recruits could probably beat me easily. I guess you could say that my type is at the very bottom of the barrel..."


    "I see..." Ken said nodding her head slightly. She gave a quick bow for a moment. "Thank you. Now that I have seen how awful your life is it''ll drive me to do better so I don''t end up like you... Loser."


    Ace flinched slightly as he let out a nervous laugh before he stopped realizing Ken was being dead serious. "You''re a nasty girl..." He said kind of hurt by her remark.


    "I prefer devilish!" Ken said putting on a cute smile.


    ''That smile doesn''t suit her at all!'' Ace thought as they stared at the young girl. Ace let out a sigh as he shook his head. "Right well... I''ll go ahead and open up the gate for you miss. Try to do your best on the exam..." He said rolling his eyes. "Geez... Will anyone show us some respect?"


    "Right... And I''ll try to not forget you instantly." Ken announced walking past the man whose name she already forgot. She walked into the city as a tiny bit of excitement filled her dull red eyes. Despite the smile that was on her face though her eyes continued to look at everything with pure boredom.


    Ken quickly walked through the massive city as her eyes scanned everything. She reaches into her pocket pulling out the blue envelope. ''Head to the tallest building.'' That would be where she would be able to begin what would be the start of her Enforcer training. A massive Golden Gate surrounded the building stopping anyone from getting in.


    A large muscle man stood next to the gate. He wore a suit that was being stretched out. The guy was nearly ten feet tall.


    "This will let me actually have some fun," Ken spoke as she marched forward. "I''ll finally be able to become a well-respected Hero!" She announced. She places her hands on her h.i.p.s as she found the tallest building in the city. "This will be the start of my story!"


    "Will you shut up!" Ken jumped slightly as she realized the giant man was glaring at her. "Geez... I have to see brats like you on a daily basis. I doubt you''ll even get in-"


    "Oh, you wanna go!" Ken questioned placing her hands on her h.i.p.s. "I will royally screw you up!" She announced aggressively.


    The man''s eye twitched slightly as he glared down at the young girl. "I would rather not be charged with murder after I slaughter you..."


    "Yeah right!" Ken announced. She reached for her sword unsheathing it. A loud terrible sound echoed out as the rusty blade slid out slowly making a terrible scraping noise as the blade was pulled out. The blade was cracked and covered in rust. It looked like it would fall apart at any moment. The blade had duck tape coming off of it and its edge was far gone by now.


    "What the hell! What kind of sicko would let such an amazing weapon go to waste!"


    "Hey! I''ll have you know it was like this when I stole- When I borrowed it okay!" Ken said sheathing the ''blade.'' "I usually just keep the sheath on it and smack people with it really hard..."


    The man raised an eyebrow before letting out a heavy chuckle. "You know shorty-"


    "What the hell did you just call me?"


    "- I think I like you. You''ll fit right in with the batch of misfits. Please give me your letter..."


    Ken grumbled still salty about being called short. The 4-foot nine-inch girl pulled her envelope out handing it to the man. "Here..." She hissed out.


    The man hummed as he looked it over. "Name?"


    "Ken..."


    "What''s your last name."


    "I don''t have one."


    The man raised an eyebrow slightly. "You an orphan?"


    "Maybe."


    He shrugged deciding it wasn''t his business. "Well little girl-"


    "Seriously I will shove my boot right up your ass."


    "-Welcome to hell." The man turned as he grabbed the golden gates. Then with an insane amount of effort, he picked the entire gate up opening it.


    "That''s pretty impressive! How much does that gate weigh?"


    "two hundred and fifty tons!" The man said breathing heavily. "That''s the eighty-seventh time I have had to lift it."


    Ken crossed her arms completely impressed. "Wow! It''ll be fun when I beat you now that I know your limit."


    "Who the hell said two-fifty was my limit?"


    Ken smirked slightly as her dull red eyes stared at the man. She walked past him finally heading to the massive building. The gate dropped behind her causing a massive thud. The force of it dropping actually lifted her off of the ground for a moment but she caught her balance quickly.


    Finally, she was about to complete her destiny...


    The Enforcers training school. A massive skyscr.a.p.er that stood far above any other building in the city. It had nearly three hundred floors and was where young heroes go to be molded. People who passed the entrance exam would be given a dorm room with a designated team. Here they would be put through hell as they are forced to study, as well as train physically... To become an Enforcer would require an insane amount of effort. The Enforcers were both a place of learning and a place of hate. Oleander city was where the Enforcers called their home. And this building was where it would all begin.


    Ken was about to enter the building but stopped when she noticed several large signs placed around the entrance. They were all noticeable and had several different things they all went over. She quickly realized that it was a list of rules? Not too surprising since the Enforcers were part school part governmental organization, but some of the rules were... Kind of weird?


    ''Warning: No using your Attributes in the halls. Warning: Do not fight inside the halls. Warning: You are not allowed out past curfew Warning: You may challenge the Captains but we highly recommend that you do not. If you choose to do so than we the league of the Enforcers may not be held responsible for any kind of life-threatening injuries you may gain. Warning: If you are female and come across the Vice-Captain known as Jackson Storm you are not allowed to be flirtatious with him. You as well as he will both be sent to the hospital. You have been warned. Warning: if you come across a man wearing a black cloak who is sleeping please do not wake him. He will kill you. Warning: If you are sleeping and feel like someone is watching you please ignore it. He will go away after a while. Warning: You are under no circ.u.mstance allowed to keep a Bestia Macht as a pet. Especially if it is cool looking. Warning: You are not allowed to take down any of these signs and simply ignore the rules. Warning: You are not allowed to ignore the rules because they don''t suit you. Warning: No cameras. Warning: Saying ''F.u.c.k it'' does not mean you are allowed to do what you want. Warning: Please stop asking Vice-Captain Mary to show off her Attribute.''


    Ken blinked as she stared at the long line of rules. "What the hell am I getting myself into..." She wondered aloud as her dull red eyes seemed to glow slightly. She brushed her shoulder-length black hair back as she let out a sigh. "Well... Let''s do this..."


    The door opened slowly as the young girl entered the massive building. Inside was a massive open room full of people. Many of them appeared to be her age or close to it. None of them stood out. Well none of them except for a single guy.


    The man stood up above the rest of the kids. He looked to be in his early twenties and his electric blue eyes stared at everything in amus.e.m.e.nt as he looked around. His eyes darted over to Kens and for a moment red met blue.


    Ken turned away from the man as she began to walk. Her eyes darted at various people as the stared dully at everything.


    "Why so bored? I get that nothing has happened but still..." Ken nearly jumped as she turned to find the man next to her suddenly.


    "What?" She asked confused and startled.


    "You just look so dull?" The man said struggling to put it to words.


    Ken reached up placing a hand under her eyes for a second. "You mean my eyes right. They may look dull but I assure you I am far from bored." She stated simply.


    The man tilted his head slightly as his electric blue eyes stared into her dull red ones. "They look really dull and bored? I don''t see how you can see everything in such a dull manner and yet still find it fun?" The man said letting out a quiet click of the tongue. "Than again those eyes of yours are just like my friends... You''ve clearly seen some things haven''t you."


    "Nope!" Ken said shaking her head. "I haven''t. Before today I worked as a temporary town guard. I would go from town to town taking over the job for a week and allowing the previous guards to rest. I was paid with shelter and food. It was extremely boring and so after nearly ten years of the job, my eyes just permanently became dull."


    "So then what made you want to become an Enforcer."


    "Simple," Ken said as she placed her hands on her h.i.p.s. "I''m going to become a famous hero and fight strong people because I was bored...."


    "Well, it seems like you have your life figured out..." The man said backing away slowly. "And thankfully you are doing far better then most..."


    "What do you mean?"


    "Well, there was this really annoying teen who-"


    "Escape chance!" A voice called out. Ken felt a hand on her shoulder as she turned around only to see Hero Otoko... "I decided to hang out with you since I recognize you!" Hero announced dully.


    "Oh God Damn it..." Both Ken and the man said letting out a sigh.


    Meanwhile at the gate of the Enforcer''s headquarters Kitsune stood awkwardly as the man stared down at his envelope. "A noble huh..." The man said slowly as he glanced back up at the teen. "That makes two this year... Weird."


    "Umm yes, sir..." Kitsune said nodding his head. "I''m from the family of-"


    "I already know what blasted family you come from..." The man said letting out a brief sigh. "I knew your brother... I was standing here when I heard the news... I''m sorry for what happened..."


    "Thank you..." Kitsune said quietly as he nodded his head.


    "I assume that is why you are here right?" He questioned.


    "Yes, sir," Kitsune said nodding his head. "As a kid, I was always told several stories about the Enforcers. I used to think they were cool and amazing. I still love listening and reading about them. I''m here to become a hero. Not for fame or glory but because it is what my brother would have done." Kitsune announced standing tall. ''Although the fame and glory wouldn''t hurt...'' He thought sheepishly.


    The man smirked slightly as he flexed. "I like you kid. You''re the second person today to get me to say that. I''ll be rooting for you. Oh and if you see some girl with dull red eyes call her short for me. She hates that... Oh and if you see a kid with multi-colored eyes call him a dumass. He''ll know why..."


    "Umm. Alright? I''ll do that?"


    The man turned and quickly lifted up the massive golden gates. Kitsune entered and quickly made his way over to the building. He briefly stared at the signs in slight confusion as he walked past them.


    Kitsune reached the door slowly aw he placed his hand on the handle. "Well... This is it. After this, I will take the test and officially become an Enforcer. This will be the start of my story. This is-"


    "Just open the door you wuss!" The gatekeeper yelled out watching Kitsune rant slightly.


    Kitsunes''s eye twitched as his ''cool'' speech was ruined. He took a deep breath. Then slowly he opened the door.

 Chapter 12 - Where The Pieces Meet

    Age 1990


    Kitsune pushed the doors open finally entering the massive building as he let out a deep breath. He stepped inside and was instantly amazed by how full the room was. At least eighty people stood inside the room. All of them just hanging out. Some talked amongst themselves. Others stood by themselves. There were many kids all around his age. He didn''t see any Nobles in the room, which wasn''t a surprise. Most Noble didn''t join the Enforcers and instead sat behind the comfortably of their walls.


    Kitsune walked through the room looking around curiously. His ears twitched slightly when he noticed three people arguing with each other. Despite this only one seemed to actually be mad, while the other two both smiled slightly.


    The first person was a young and short girl with shoulder-length black hair and dull red eyes. She had her hands on her h.i.p.s as she glared at a sixteen-year-old teen. The teen kept shrugging as his multi-colored eyes flashed with amus.e.m.e.nt. He brought a hand through his black and white raven hair as the girl continued to yell at him, and lightly punch him. And finally, there was the last guy who was also yelling at the teen. Unlike the other two, he was far older. At least in his early twenties meaning he couldn''t be a recruit. His electric blue eyes flashed with amus.e.m.e.nt as well and his face looked as if it would break out into a smile at any second.


    Kitsune''s eyes widened in surprise when he saw the man as he recognized him.


    "Take that back old man!" Ken announced glaring at the man. "I''m not that short!"


    "I mean he''s only twenty... That''s not exactly old..." Hero said raising an eyebrow. "Or does he just look old to you, since you''re so short-"


    ''Smack!''


    "Oww!" Hero yelled out as he fell to his knees and rubbed his head.


    "I didn''t mean to insult you?" The man said sheepishly. "I just commented on how I should get you a stool so you can see over the crowd later-"


    "That''s an insult!" Ken yelled out.


    "Yeah... That is pretty insulting." Hero said standing back up after being smacked to the ground by Ken. "You should also get her some books to stand on-"


    ''Smack!''


    "Why!" Hero shouted out as he cried slightly. "You''re so mean..." He whined out.


    "I promise I wasn''t trying to insult you, little girl-" The man stopped suddenly when he noticed Kitsune. "Ahh, it seems we have an eavesdropper..." The man smiled slightly as he held his hand out. "I''m-"


    Kitsune grabbed the man''s hand shaking it vigorously. "You''reJacksonStormoneofthetwelveVice-CaptainsaswellastheheirtotheNoblefamilyofStormYou''realsothegrandsonofMasterStormtheleaderoftheEnforcersandyou''rethecreatoroftheflyingswordtechniqueandyouhavethetitleofthebluecrowandyourankednumberfiveinthemosthandsomeEnforcers!" Kitsune said letting out a heavy breath as he said that all in a single go. He began to breath heavily as he gasped out. "Also you''re supposed to be powerful!" He gasped out for a second. "I''m your biggest fan! Oh boy... I am exhausted...."


    The three of them all stared at the Noble teen as they all blinked trying to figuer out what he said.


    Ken blinked not even able to remotely process what he just said. "What did any of that mean?"


    "Was any of that even translatable?" Hero questioned also not knowing what was said. "I wanna talk like that?"


    "Ahh, a fan huh!" The apparently named Jackson said as he shook the teen''s hand. "It''s always nice to meet one of you!" He lied as he put on a fake smile. ''Damn it! I got to get another restraining order now...'' He thought as he pretended to be happy to see the teen.


    "Wait?" Kitsune said suddenly. He looked confused for a moment as he stared at the man. "Why are you here? You''re already an Enforcer? This room is for recruits only?"


    "Oh!" Jackson shrugged slightly. "Honestly I just came to see the new recruits." He said simply. "I wanted to see what kind of people would eventually be joining my squad if any at all would be joining. So far not impressed. The only one I for sure want on my squad is the dumass over there..."


    "Ken''s not a dumass?" Hero said slightly confused.


    "I was talking about you..." Jackson said with a deadpan stare.


    "Oh..."


    "Hey!" Ken said angrily. "I''ll kick your ass and impress you then!"


    "You''re just like Katrina..." Jackson said shaking his head slightly.


    "I promise you... When this test begins you''ll quickly change your tune..." Ken said smirking slightly.


    "Oh, are you strong?" Hero questioned curious now.


    "I suppose you could say that..."


    "Cool so am I!"


    "I-" Ken opened her mouth then closed it again. "Good for you Hero..." She said patting the boy on the shoulder.


    "Mr. Storm! I have a question!" Kitsune asked suddenly as he turned back to his hero.


    Jackson''s eye twitched as he put on a fake smile facing the kid. "Ye-" Jackson''s eyes widened suddenly as he stared past Kitsune. "B R B." He said suddenly. And just like that, he was gone.


    He didn''t seem to walk away or move at all. He just disappeared leaving behind a stunned Ken and Kitsune.


    "That was cool..." Hero said seemingly not affected by the speed. "He''s fast."


    "Wait you could see him move?" Kitsune asked.


    "No." Hero said shrugging. "I can just tell. My Grandpa is faster after all. After years of watching the vanishing trick you can just pick up on it."


    "I could probably move faster..." Ken lied.


    Meanwhile, over at the doors to the Enforcer buildings, Cloud was about to open the doors when they were suddenly pulled opened for him. "Thank you..." He said slightly confused as he stumbled his way inside confused as to who would open the doors for him. Most people weren''t so kind to a blind person after all...


    "No problem," Jackson said shrugging slightly as he helped the blind kid in. "So you''re blind huh? That instantly makes you more interesting than everyone else in here." He said smirking slightly.


    "Oh really? Thanks..." Cloud said shrugging. "I''ll be honest. I was surprised when I got a letter." He said honestly. "Although I will say. I am glad to be here. I lived my life mostly in the street fighting thugs. It''ll be nice to try and become a real hero who can do some good. My life back home was starting to get boring anyways..."


    "You remind me of a girl I met earlier today. She also wanted to become a hero... Of course, your reasons are a bit more nobler..." Jackson said shrugging slightly. "Also. You haven''t screamed at me yet so you''re more calm then she was."


    "Mr. Storm!" The two of then turned finding Kitsune marching over and dragging Ken with him. Hero followed along not really knowing what else to do. The short girl looked very unhappy as she crossed her arms.


    "How the hell is he able to just drag me over..." She muttered out.


    "Cause you''re small-" Hero leaned back avoiding the strike. "Ha! I dodged it sucker-"


    ''Smack!''


    "Mr. Storm!" Kitsune yelled out again waving to his new favorite person.


    "Oh God damn it..." Jackson muttered out.


    "Friends of yours?" Cloud questioned. His ears twitched as he listened in on them. "Three? A tall guy and a short girl-"


    "I will kick your ass blind man!" Ken announced glaring at the blind kid now. Cloud looked past her as he simply shrugged. "Oh what! Don''t believe me?"


    "Mr. Storm! You didn''t answer my question. You ran away to fast!" Kitsune said breathing heavily as he still tried to fight with the girl he dragged. Ken had her feet slammed into the ground making them skid across the floor as she was dragged. Despite that though Kitsune kept walking.


    "Do you any help with carrying her?" Hero asked.


    "Yeah... What''s your question..." Jackson asked letting out a sigh and accepting defeat.


    Meanwhile, outside of the city of Oleander at the train station, Irene slowly stepped off. She let out a brief sigh as she stepped down into the soft snow below.


    "I can''t believe I''m actually doing this..." She said letting out a quiet gulp. She looked different from how she had looked a few weeks ago. Her once long and flowing blond hair had been cut away leaving her with a shorter hairstyle. Her hair barely fell past her ears now. Her hair was also far messier now making it curl slightly. She wore a simple hat over her hair in an attempt to cover up some of her face as well as her hair style. She wore a fur coat that hid her feminine body as well. She know or at least as close as she could get resembled her twin brother North.


    ''I don''t want to leave our home, Irene... If you really think the Enforcers need our help so badly then why don''t you go on my behalf?''


    Those had been the words that had set Irene on the path she was on now. As far back as she could remember she had dreamt of becoming a Hero. Perhaps this was the chance she needed. This could be the start of allowing her to save the people she cared about. Fighting the Bestia Macht from the safety of the village was getting her nowhere. If she wanted to really end the problems of the Bestia Macht she would need to attack it from the source.


    Irene stepped forward at a fairly slow pace as she headed to the front gates of Oleander city. She pulled her cap down as the talkative gate guardian rambled on.


    "-I''ve seen plenty of scary threats!" Ace was saying as he slowly pulled on the rope that would lift the gate up. "But I''m telling ya, man! This girl was terrifying. And then there was this other guy with this one boy? I thought he was gonna kill me... They were scary but that girl..." He shivered slightly as he shook his head. "Her eyes were so dull and boring. She also insisted she was a devil. Taking one look at her was all I needed to see that, that girl has seen some scary things and has used them to mold herself. Then there was that one sort of kind boy but he was with that scary guy I told you about!"


    "Y-You don''t say..." Irene said trying to deepen her voice slightly while not making it to obvious.


    "Yeah!" Ace said nodding. "The strange part was that he seemed really nice. Well nice in his own way. And that one girl? She seemed nice in a twisted way... Oh! Here we go, sir." Ace announced as the gate was fully pulled up. "Enjoy your stay in Oleander. If you need any help with anything feel free to ask me. I love helping people!" He stated.


    "Yeah... I''ll do that... Umm... Chase?" Irene quickly walked off before the man could realize she had already forgotten his name. She let out a sigh as she finally entered the city. "Geez... One conversation and my whole body is shaking... Thankfully he didn''t seem to notice... I guess my disguise worked?" She smiled for a brief second as she marched in forward heading towards the tallest building.


    The walk was done completely in silence. Eventually, she found her way over to the tallest building finding a giant of a man standing in front of the golden gates to her destiny.


    Hesitantly she handed the letter over to the man. He hummed as he took it from her. "You North?" He questioned as he read the letter. He held a small sheet of paper that had the names of practically everyone on them.


    "Umm! Yes, sir?" Irene said nodding. "That''s me! North! Twin brother to equally talented sister Irene!"


    "Yeah, I don''t care..." The man said shaking his head.


    "Umm, sir? If you don''t mind me asking? How do you know who everyone is just from their letters? My bro- My name isn''t on the letter?"


    The man gave a simple shrug. "Numbers..." He said shrugging off the question. "Each letter had a number code on it. For instance, your letter is number code 4081. The girl who delivers these letters tells me the names and numbers of who they were delivered to as well as the location. My paper here has all the names of the people who have gained letters with the number code of their letters next to the name. Says here you come from the village of Calendulas. We normally don''t see you village folk out here. You must be real special? What kind of training do you do?"


    "Umm... Well, pretty basic training. I train with all my siblings every day. We work out our body and practice using our Attribute every day. We actually are the guardians of the village... Every day we would be forced to fight a Bestia Macht. We fought loads of them. Thankfully they were all Baron level... But there was this one time when we had to fight a Viscount... Luckily North was able to take it down..."


    "I thought you were North?"


    "I meant my father North..." Irene said looking down at the ground for a second. "He was amazing... He met my mother Irene in the village... I try to follow his beliefs every day..."


    "Your father? How... How did it happen?"


    "Same way it always happens. He made a mistake and a Bestia Macht took it as their chance... I was eight when it happened."


    "I''m sorry for your loss. Your father sounds like a brave man."


    "He was." Irene nodded as she looked up a smile now on her face. "That''s why I''m here now. I''m going to become an Enforcer and attack the Bestia Macht''s from the source!"


    The man smirked as he turned to face the gate. "You know boy. I think I like you. It''s been a while since I''ve seen so many powerful recruits in one day..." He stated. His hand reached out as he grabbed the Golden Gate and with a small amount of effort he easily lifted them up.


    "Thank you, sir..." Irene said nodding slightly.


    He watched Irene quickly walk past him heading towards the Enforcer building. When she finally entered the building he set the Golden Gate down and looked up towards the black and polluted sky. "Well, Tom... It looks like this will be a very interesting year..."


    Meanwhile inside of the Oleander School Irene entered the building slowly. She nervously looked around finding several people all standing around. From a basic headcount, she guessed that at least eighty people had to be in the room.


    The seventeen-year-olds eyes wandered over to a strange sight. She found four people talking. an older man, three teenage boys, and an extremely pissed off and very short girl. The girl''s arms were crossed and her cheeks were puffed out making her look more cute than intimidating. Her dull red eyes seemed to glare at the much older man while one of the teens had their arm wrapped around her slightly.


    "Look I''m sorry!" Jackson said letting out a quiet laugh. "I promise I won''t bring up your height again!"


    "Ya better not!" Ken announced loudly.


    "How come when I bring it up I get smacked on the head but when he does it you just leave him be?" Hero questioned a bit annoyed.


    "Because she knows she could never hit me..." Jackson said smirking slightly.


    ''Smack!''


    "Oww!" Hero yelled clutching his head. "What did I do that time?"


    "I just needed to hit something!" Ken yelled out annoyed.


    "You''re so mean..." Hero whined.


    "Please forgive me..." Jackson said bring his hands up in a prayer gesture. "I would hate to see your big side get out!"


    "Are you mocking me?"


    "I would never..." Jackson said laughing openly now. His electric blue eyes turned away from the girl as they wandered over to Irene''s icy blue eyes. The two people stared at each other before Irene quickly turned away.


    The girl placed her hat down more trying to cover up her face as she sucked in her gut in an attempt to mask her chest. She quickly walked away now trying to remain unseen. As she walked she glanced back still finding the man staring at her.


    ''Why is he looking at me like that? Can he tell...'' Irene thought in a panic. ''He looks so curious...'' Irene shook her head as she turned away.


    "Anything I can help you with?" Irene nearly jumped up as her eyes went completely wide. She stared at the man who just moments ago had been behind her. Yet now he stood directly in front of her. It was as if he had teleported?


    "Wh-What? No... I''m good." Irene said shaking her head quickly. "Honest! I''m just glancing around..."


    "How the hell does he keep doing that!" The voice of Kitsune could be heard in the background. "Damn it! Hero quick sniff him out!"


    "Why can''t that boy just take a hint..." Jackson questioned as his eye twitched slightly. "And how the hell is that Hero, kid so good at finding me? Some kind of tracking Attribute."


    Kitsune marched over still dragging Ken with him. Ken had her back turned to the Noble as she talked with Cloud who walked after the dragged girl. Cloud, in turn, was being dragged by Hero who followed Kitsune. They were all a really strange sight...


    "You look familiar..." Ken said staring at Cloud with curiosity.


    "Ahh! Well, you don''t..." Cloud announced reaching up and pointing at his eyes. "I''m afraid I have no way of telling if I''ve seen you before as I haven''t really seen anyone..."


    "How have you not seen anyone?" Hero asked curiously.


    Ken sighed slightly. "Hero. I''ll explain it to you later okay?" She turned back as she stared at Cloud again. "No, I don''t think we''ve met... But I do remember watching a guy with a cane beat the crap out of several people in a really crappy town?" Ken trailed off. "I suppose you''re pretty strong right?"


    "I would hope so-"


    "Will you three shut up!" Kitsune asked still marching forward. "What the hell makes that guy so special that Mr. Storm wants to talk to him instead of me? I mean I''m a Noble!" He said glaring over at the boy Jackson was talking to.


    "Jealous much?" Hero said mockingly.


    "Ha," Ken said smirking slightly. "You''re just mad that Jackson doesn''t like you."


    "Coming from a girl so light I can literally drag her one-handed..." Kitsune responded. "Geez, you must weigh less than ninety pounds..."


    "So! Since when is weighing less a bad thing!" Ken said quickly as she folded her arms.


    Kitsune stopped in front of Jackson as he shot the new guy a slight glare. Irene stepped back nervous at the intense look. "What makes him so special?"


    "H-" Jackson stopped as he looked back at Irene for a moment. "The same reason I took an interest in Ken." He said shrugging.


    "Why''d ya take an interest in me?" Ken questioned confused.


    "Yeah. I mean I''m so much cooler then-" Hero began to say only to be stopped by Ken.


    ''Smack!''


    "Oww!" Hero yelled again.


    Jackson opened his mouth to say something but was interrupted by a loud booming voice. "Jackson!" Everyone turned to find a new man walking up. He looked to be the same age as Jackson but far, far more interesting. He was tall and seemed to have a lean yet very muscular build. Powerful predatory yellow eyes peered out as he looked at everyone.


    "Yo Dawson!" Jackson said waving slightly. "What''s up buddy? You came at the best time. Things were starting to get weird..."


    The apparently named Dawson crossed his arms as he stared down at Jackson. "Katrina wants you to hurry up. She told me to come to get you, actually. Says you''ve played with the new recruits long enough. The test will be starting soon."


    "Ahh..." Jackson said nodding slightly. "He let out a disappointed huff as he shrugged. "Oh well... Can''t leave her waiting." He turned to look back at the kids. "Well, kids- Okay well everyone except for Kitsune. I''ll be rooting for you all!" He announced as he turned and followed Dawson out of the building.


    "Hey, rich asshole?" Ken asked curiously.


    "Yeah," Kitsune said not even questioning the name.


    "You''re a massive Enforcers fan right?" She questioned.


    "Yeah. Everyone should be. They are really-"


    "Who was that man... The guy that came to get Jackson? His name was Dawson?" Ken said cutting the teen off before he could go into a long rant about the Enforcers.


    "I don''t know," Kitsune said giving off a half-hearted shrug. "The Enforcers only doc.u.ments the high ranking officials. He must not be important. Why do you ask?"


    "She could feel his immense pressure," Cloud spoke getting the attention on him. "That man? Whoever he is, he is no joke. I could feel him a mile away... Every hair on my body seemed to stand up."


    "I have a question then." Hero said suddenly serious as he turned to Jackson. "There''s this girl... I don''t know her name but she''s in the Enforcers. She had a gold badge-"


    "Gold badge," Kitsune said surprised. "That''s pretty rare... She must be high ranking."


    "She also had this Bestia Macht with her." Hero said shrugging.


    "A Bestia Macht!" Irene said frowning. She crossed her arms as she shook her head. "No way. The Enforcers would never team up with the sc.u.m that is Bestia Macht''s..."


    "Well, she had one with her." Hero stated. "It was a Crow species. Pretty powerful since it took out an entire army of metal golems..."


    "You guys are really weird..." Irene said trying to back away. Ken''s hand shot out grabbing her wrist.


    "Oh no, pal! If I''m stuck with them you''re stuck with them too!"


    "You evil girl..."


    Ken seemed to smile slightly as she shrugged. "Actually I prefer devilish..."

 Chapter 13 - The Count Down To The Test

    Age 1990


    "I''m Ken." The young fourteen-year-old girl said casually as she glanced up at the tall boy who seemed to tower over her. She frowned slightly as her eyes wandered over North''s body. Something about the boy seemed off? But she couldn''t quite put her finger on it at the moment.


    "I... I''m North." Irene sighed out. She quickly began to realize that she really messed up. These people seemed way too interested in her all thanks to that stupid teleporting guy... That guy was a total prick...


    "I''m Cloud no last name." Cloud pipped up giving out his name.


    "And I''m Hero!" Hero announced pointing at himself. "Easily one of the strongest people in this room as I am the third strongest person in the world! Right outside of my Grandpa, and the Enforcer lady who saved me!" He took a deep breath as he continued. "I am going to join and-"


    ''Smack!''


    "Oww..."


    "What makes you so special!" Kitsune demanded not bothering to give out his name as he pointed at Irene aggressively.


    "What?"


    "You heard me, buddy! Why the hell is Mr. Storm more interested in you then he is me!" He questioned crossing his arms in mild anger.


    "How the hell should I know!" Irene questioned letting out a huff as she crossed her arms. "Honestly I don''t even know who that man was." She admitted.


    "He''s Jackson Storm!" Kitsune yelled out in anger. "Heir to the Noble family of Storm, the second youngest Vice Captain! He''s often referred to as the Blue Crow on the battlefield. He made the flying sword technique! This is all basic history stuff don''t you read."


    "I don''t even own any history books..." Irene sighed out still keeping her arms crossed as she glared at the boy with major annoyance. She knew the basics but she never had anyone to teach her to full-on history. Much less these little facts about random Enforcer members.


    "To be fair!" Ken shot in. "I also knew pretty much none of that." She said.


    "Me neither..." Cloud responded.


    "I didn''t even know what an Enforcer was until I got here..." Hero said proudly.


    "I hate you all..." Kitsune said letting out a sigh as he folded his arms. "How do none of you know anything about the Enforcers..."


    "I only ever heard about the basics," Ken said crossing her arms. "They were founded in Age 17, and they fight the Bestia Macht. That''s pretty much all a person needs to know right?"


    "Anything else is nothing more than basic trivia." Irene cut in as she nodded.


    "See this guy gets it," Ken said smugly.


    "No!" Kitsune yelled bringing his foot down. "They mean so much more and do so much more. The Enforcers don''t just fight the Bestia Macht. They also fight terrorist organizations as well as deal with the other nations'' military forces. The Enforcers are like a mix of Police, Miltary, and Monster Hunters... Over the years there have been several different ranks of Enforcers and they all do various things. However, at the top lays the Twelve Captains. They''re the most powerful Enforcer members and we will be assigned to their squad. Because of that, I suggest you actually know who each Captain is that way you can try and end up on a squad that you want to be on." Kitsune took several deep breathing finished with his long rant.


    "I don''t understand any of that?" Ken said shaking her head.


    "Allow me to simplify..." Cloud stated. "To put it bluntly there are twelve squads in the Enforcers. We new recruits will be assigned to one of these squads after the test is over with. Each of these squads is led by a Captain. Each Captain also happens to have a Vice-Captain..."


    "At least someone gets it!" Kitsune yelled out bringing his arms up. "Thank you, Cloud!" The blind teen merely crossed his arms as he nodded his head.


    "Well does it really matter which team we are placed on?" Hero questioned.


    "Of course it matters!" Kitsune shouted out grabbing the teen by the shoulder as he shook him. "The squads are the most important thing about the Enforcers. It will determine your future team, as well as who will be training and teaching you! It will also determine what missions you will be allowed to go on, and who your Captain is! Does that sound like something that doesn''t matter?" Kitsune yelled out as he finally stopped shaking Hero.


    Hero pulled back away from the man as he brought his arms back behind his head as he gave a sheepish smile. "I mean. As long as the Captain is strong I don''t really care where I end up with! Just as long as they can teach me some cool things, and make me stronger!"


    "Oh. Do you care about power?" Ken questioned eying the boy up with curiosity.


    Hero opened his mouth about to say something only to be cut off by a loud buzzing sound. A red light filled the room as everyone went silent. Then finally an intercom blared to life.


    "It is now 6:01 A.M..." The intercom announced out loud. "The test will now begin. The room you are in will begin to change. Please do not be alarmed. This is perfectly natural. Please wait for further instructions." The voice finished as several loud metallic clicks echoed throughout the entire building.


    "Hold that thought, Ken." Hero said shrugging. "This looks like it''s gonna be fun!"


    Meanwhile up above the recruit room set a large round room. In this room set twelve thrones. Each of the thrones all had a number scratched into the back ranging from one all the way to twelve.


    The doors to the room burst open as Jackson and Dawson both entered. A single figure stood next to the seventh throne.


    "Oh! We''re early?" Jackson said a little bit surprised. "Seems like only a single Captain is here!"


    Dawson simply let out a grunt as he folded his arms.


    "Yo! How''s it going Stark?" Jackson asked giving a slight wave?


    The figure who stood next to the seventh throne turned slightly. "Jackson?" Stark said speaking softly. The man let out a brief sigh. "Of course you would be the one to enter early..."


    "Oh? Did I wake you up?" Jackson questioned.


    "No. I didn''t have a chance to take my nap." Stark said letting out a yawn. "I was just getting ready to fall asleep. What brings you here?"


    "Dawson wanted me to stop playing around with the recruits..." Jackson said shrugging slightly.


    "Yo..." Dawson said giving a thumbs up.


    "Oh. You were down with the recruits?" Stark asked. "Tell me? Did you see anyone worth having?" He questioned.


    Jackson smirked slightly as he threw an arm over the Captain''s shoulder. "Oh, I get it... Good old Miracle Worker Stark, wanting to know about the competition huh?" Jackson said smirking. "Well you know Katrina would want me to keep those things a secret right... It''s going to cost you for that information..."


    The Captains would be able to give a claim on a student they wanted. If that was the case that student would go to that Squad. However if there wasn''t any Captain that claimed that person they still had a shot at getting in through other means...


    Stark let out a sigh as he removed Jackson''s arm. "In that case never mind-"


    "Wait, wait, wait!" Jackson said holding his arms up. "Okay, you got me. I''ll tell you." He said sheepishly. Stark stopped walking away as he turned to look at Jackson. "I saw a few who were interesting. There''s this girl who''s pretty cool I guess. There is this one kid who is probably up your alley. His name is Hero. A young kid who I don''t see any talent in, but he looks kind of neat and has a way about him that intrigues me. Of course, I didn''t see any talent in Nick and now he''s your Vice-Captain."


    "Hero huh..." Stark hummed as he nodded. "I''ll keep that name in mind..." He stated calmly. "Anyone else?"


    "Kitsune Nine!" Jackson said quickly. "You should definitely ask him to join!"


    "Nine... As in the family of Nine?" Stark questioned curiously. "A Noble is joining. That is certainly odd..."


    "Hey. I''m a Noble too!" Jackson pointed out. "Besides. He''s not the only Noble... There is this girl. Sera Azure. She''s also a Noble." Jackson said nodding his head. "Although I doubt anyone will vote for her. She doesn''t show a lot of potential. I doubt she has even done a single hard labor in her life." He stated giving a slight shrug.


    "It seems like this year has some very interesting people..." Stark admitted nodding his head.


    "You forgot about the blind kid," Dawson said speaking up as he folded his arms.


    "Blind kid?"


    "Yeah," Jackson said giving a half-hearted shrug. "There''s this kid named Cloud I think? He is apparently blind but somehow still got in. One look at him and I could tell he had some serious skill..." Jackson said nodding his head.


    "This year should definitely be interesting, to say the least..." Stark said speaking softly. The three of them weren''t able to say anything else as the door to the room suddenly burst open. "It seems the other Captain are here now..." Stark said quietly.


    Jackson smirked as he crossed his arm. "I guess that means the test are starting..."

 Chapter 14 - The Start Of The First Test

    Age 1990


    The Enforcer Test room


    The metallic ring rung out loudly in the large circular room. Then the entire room began to shake. Hero nearly fell over but managed to keep his balance. Unfortunately, he did this by grabbing onto Kitsune and shoving the boy into the ground.


    "Hey!" Kitsune yelled out as Hero pushed him as the entire room shook. "Why did you do that!" He shouted out.


    "Well, I didn''t want to fall..." Hero said shrugging his shoulders. "Shouldn''t have been standing there! Nerd..."


    "Why you little-"


    "Why is the room shaking?" Ken questioned in a panic as her arms flew wildly. "North don''t let me fall!" She yelled out in a panic grabbing onto the person in question as she used them to hold themselves up.


    "Please let go..." Irene said pulling the girl''s arms off of her causing Ken to wobble around once again.


    "The room seems to be shaking." Cloud pipped up seemingly not bothered by the entire room literally spinning. Funny since you would think he would be the most affected...


    "Oh thank you Mr. Obvious!" Ken yelled out. "Next you''ll tell us that the sky is grey, and it''s always snowing!" Her arms shook as she fell back. Thankfully she managed to grab onto Hero choking the life out of the poor teen as she held on for dear life. Hero made several gasps for air as Ken held on for dear life.


    They weren''t the only people having this issue either. Several other people seemed to be struggling to stand as the room shook and spun seemingly at random. Practically everyone seemed to be tripping or getting motion sickness.


    Over with Emma, the girl had her arms on the wall holding onto dear life as Sera panicked holding onto the girl. "This isn''t a place for a Noble such as myself!" Sera announced her face a little green from the constant shaking.


    "I really hate you..." Emma sighed out. "I''m totally punching that asshole guy for ditching me and leaving me with you..."


    "Hey!" Sera said a bit offended. "I''m not that bad!"


    "Yes, you are!"


    Everyone seemed to be affected. Very few actually managed to keep their cool. In fact, only two people didn''t seem to have any kind of problem with the shaking. Those two people were Cloud, and Max who stood with crossed arms as he boredly stared at the people with disappointment shown clearly on his face.


    "How can you losers actually be affected by this?" Max said smirking. "I''m almost ashamed that only the blind team doesn''t seem to be affected-"


    "Dodge!" Hero yelled throwing a book at Max. The boy simply tilted his head dodging the book easily as he crossed his arms and stared at Hero with disapproval. Hero frowned as he peeled Ken off of him. "Dodge!" He yelled again as he picked the girl up intending to throw her, only for Irene to snatch Ken away from him. "Fine. I''ll just throw another one of Kitsunes books at him..."


    "What- That was my book!" Kitsune yelled out as he grabbed Hero''s leg since he was still on the floor. "How the hell did you even get it out of my bag?" He yelled


    "Not important..." Hero said holding up another book as he got ready to chuck it.


    "I disagree! Also! Stop!" Kitsune hissed out pulling the book out of Hero''s hands.


    "The intercom didn''t mention anything about shaking!" Hero called out. "Quick! Nerd! What''s happening?" He asked dodging Kitsune''s own question?


    "I have no idea..." Kitsune said unable to get up as the entire room continued shaking and the loud bangs from metal on metal got louder. "None of the books I read mentioned anything about a shaking room before the test! Mostly because the Enforcers prefer to keep the test secret so people can''t cheat for it! All I really know is that we will take three different kinds of tests?"


    "You''re useless!" Hero announced out pointing at the boy. "You should feel bad!"


    "Screw you, you asshole!"


    The room seemed to almost tilt to the side as the walls began to change. There was a loud audible click as the room raised up slightly. Then the left wall opened up. It raised up getting higher and higher. Finally, it fully raised up reviling a second room?


    "Damn... I was hoping it would be something cool..." Hero said letting a sighing out. "Like a giant Bestia Macht... Or... Two giant Bestia Machts? Or three giant Bestia Machts... Yeah..."


    "Me too," Ken said folding her arms in disappointment. "I wanted to fight something really cool."


    "You can let go of me now Ken..." Irene said pilling the girl off of her. "Now let''s look at this new room..."


    This new room was also a large open room. It had eight rows of desks with ten seats in each row. Eight people stood in the back of the room all of them holding several pieces of paper and a pencil. They all looked very fancy and really boring...


    "Good evening!" One of the men said addressing the crowd of confused and annoyed teens. "You are no doubt wondering what is going on-"


    "No shit!" Some unnamed figure yelled from the back.


    "I like that guy." Hero said nodding slightly.


    "-Please come in and have a seat." The man said gesturing to the many desks. All eighty of the recruits walked in slowly as they all took a seat. Once everyone was seated the man began once more. "Today you will begin the written exam. This test has thirty-one questions all of which will require you to write out the answer you believe to be true. please give as much detail as possible to each question."


    "Psst!" Kitsune turned letting out a sigh as he raised an eyebrow at Hero. "Can I cheat off of you?"


    Kitsune''s eye twitched slightly as he shot a glare at Hero in frustration. "No. Absolutely not-" He was beginning only for Ken to jump into the conversation.


    "Can I cheat off of you?" Ken asked flashing the boy a smile.


    "Yes. Absolutely 100%." Kitsune said nodding his head falling for it almost instantly.


    "What!" Hero said offended. "What makes her so special?"


    "I''m a girl..." Ken said shaking her head as she gave a shrug. "A cute girl."


    "But gender equality?"


    "During the test please keep your eyes on your own paper. You will have a total of one hour to finish the exam. Any questions unanswered by the end of that time will be counted as incorrect. The test will go over several different problems ranging from math, history, and problem-solving."


    Hero let out a sigh as he tapped at the table. "When they said we would take a test I didn''t think they were literal..." He complained. "I''m not that bright..."


    "I know what you mean..." Ken said letting out a heavy sigh. "I thought for sure we would fight a powerful Bestia Macht or a Captain or something... But no... Instead, we''re taking a simple paper test?"


    "Will you two shut up!" Irene hissed out. "This is a serious matter. You should take this seriously."


    "Thank you!" Kitsune hissed out slightly. "At least he gets it..."


    "I hope they have my test in brail..." Cloud said giving a slight shrug. "Otherwise this isn''t going to turn out well..."


    "Well at least I know I won''t be doing the poorest..." Hero said smirking slightly.


    "What''s that suppose to mean?" Cloud questioned.


    "I think you know what I meant..." Hero stated confidently.


    The man at the front of the room cleared his throat. His eye twitched slightly as he glared at the group in the back who wouldn''t stop talking. "There will be no cheating allowed. Anyone caught cheating will fail instantly... Also. During the test, there will be no talking allowed..." Hero turned his gaze away from the man avoiding eye contact. "You may begin when you receive your test paper..."


    ''Uh-Oh... I didn''t study...'' Hero thought as he bit his lip. ''Well, hopefully, it won''t be too hard...''


    ''Yes! No way that dumass is getting in now!'' Kitsune thought as he shot a glare at Hero. ''In fact, I bet none of these assholes are getting in. Especially Cloud... Poor guy. I actually liked him.''


    ''Why the hell did it have to be a written test?'' Ken thought as she stared at the table in boredom.


    ''Why the hell did it have to be a written test!'' Cloud thought internally cursing all of existence with a passion.


    ''Yes! It''s a written test! This will be easy!'' Irene thought smugly as she looked at the worried faces of everyone else in the room.


    "And begin!" The man announced once everyone finally had their own test paper.


    Hero flipped the paper over as he stared at it. He blinked a few times then flipped it over again. ''I''m so screwed...'' He took a deep breath and finally turned it back over as he grabbed his pencil. "Time to ramble on about everything and make it look like I kind of know what I''m talking about..." He stated quietly to himself. "How many days did the battle of Oleander last. Why did it last that long?" He hummed as he shut his eyes? "I''ll come back to that one..." He decided as he skipped straight to question two.


    Kitsunes'' eyes darted around the paper as he nodded reading each question internally. "This goes over practically everything," Kitsune whispered out with wide eyes. "The battle of Rose, The battle of Oleander? The fall of Lillian''s walls, Puzzle-solving word problems, all of these are Enforcer related incidents, many of which are classified stuff... Not even an Enforcer fan would know half of these questions... You would have to be a Noble like me with access to classified information. Everything an Enforcer would need, my butt, this test is rigged... No way half these students know any of this? He also stated there would be math problems on this test but so far its all been classified history questions? There''s got to be some kind of trick to it?"


    "Which city was Rose again?" Hero questioned himself as he closed his eyes. "Was that the one with the Nobles? No. Yes. No. Yes. I''ll come back to that question." He opened his eyes as he skipped another question. "Okay, so I should now be on... Question thirty-one..." He nodded slightly as he glanced down at his paper which was still blank. "...God... ...Damn... ...It..."


    Over with Ken, the girl was doing slightly better than our hero. She had at least answered a total of two questions. They were both incorrect but it was the thought that counts. "There is no way a normal person would know half of this stuff..." Ken sighed out. "Most of this is things the Enforcers did... Only a massive die-hard Enforcer fan like North, or Kitsune would be able to get any of these questions right..." She hummed slightly as her eyes scrolled down to the final question. "Question number 31-"


    "Question number 31..." Hero read quietly. "Why do you want to become an Enforcer?"

 Chapter 15 - The Boy And The Girl?

    ''It is an Enforcers job to protect humanity. However... Sometimes humanity doesn''t deserve to be protected.''


    ''Attributes were the weapons mankind gave after M-Day... Every person was born with one Attribute... But what if we could have more than one?''


    Age 1982


    An eight-year-old Hero Otoko eyed the strange man up and down as he hid behind his Grandpa''s leg. "Who''s he?" Hero questioned quietly as his emerald eyes shinned slightly.


    "Now don''t be shy Hero." Hero''s grandpa said letting out a deep laugh as he patted his ward''s shoulder. "You know what I always tell you?"


    "Don''t be afraid because Hero''s can''t feel fear..." Hero mumbled out still hiding behind his grandpa''s leg as he eyed the strange man up with curiosity. "You said no one was allowed in or out of here..." Hero mumbled out.


    "This man is here to help you, Hero..." The Grandfather said slowly. "You''ll have to excuse the boy''s attitude." The Grandpa announced as he held his hand out. "Tell me, Mr. Hyde." The older man asked as the other man shook his hand. "Were you able to capture the arm successfully?" He asked. "I hope my data was good enough.


    "Oh, it was beyond spectacular!" The apparently named Mr. Hyde announced as he threw his arms back. He had a large smile on his face. He looked like the kind of guy who couldn''t get mad easily. Despite that though there was this look in his eyes. The one that said you shouldn''t attempt to make him mad just in case... He was dressed in a large white lab-coated that was stained almost completely red. Just looking at it sent a shiver down the young Hero''s spine. "You''re data allowed me to storm the entire lab and snatch that arm by force! I also found another thing, which I found even more interesting... Would you like to meet her?"


    "Her?" Okami Otoko questioned with a raised eyebrow. He gently pushed Hero farther back behind him as he crossed his arms.


    Mr. Hyde didn''t bother waiting for a response as he simply snapped his fingers. That was when Hero noticed that the man had been holding onto a chain. Mr. Hyde yanked the chain as something behind him moved around.


    Hero waited with baited breathe for whatever monstrosity would be revealed. His face became a shocked expression when a young eight-year-old girl walked into view.


    The girl shivered slightly standing only in a tattered hospital gown. A metallic collar was wrapped around her throat as a chain came off of it. Mr. Hyde held the end of the chain as he smirked slightly. The girl''s silver eyes darted around the room left, then right as she looked around. For a brief moment, her silver eyes met Hero''s emerald green eyes. The two kids only held eye contact for a brief second before the girl looked away again.


    "What the hell is this..." Okami said quietly. There was an edge to his voice now. Something that sent a shiver down Hero''s spine. His Grandfather looked extremely pissed. "This wasn''t our deal... I gave you a map of the lab so you could steal the arm... Not so you could take whatever damn well pleased you... If you don''t release that girl right-"


    "Allow me to introduce Experiment M." Mr. Hyde said. "I found her in the Enforcers lab. I think you''ll find her interesting Okami..."


    The Grandfather frowned as he stared down at the little girl. "I doubt it... I see no way this brat could be of any help to improving the boy? I just need the hand. Now release her and-"


    Mr. Hyde held his hand up as he turned to look down at the girl. "Monsterfication." He spoke softly. "That is her Attribute..."


    A deep silence passed over everyone in the room as that was said. The grandfather stayed silent now as he stared down at the girl. His interest seemed to have cone back. He looked at the girl differently now. He no longer seemed to care where she had come from or she was now... "I thought that particular Attribute was wiped out?"


    "They were." Mr. Hyde said as he bent down. He grabbed the girl''s hand as he pulled it to him. "As it turns out we have a lucky case of magic... This girl. Her Mantra isn''t normal. Not like the Mantra we have. Her Equation Of Life is Broken... She seems to be a descendant of the Monster Clan. Seems she has a case of Mantra fever which managed to unlock the power of her old bloodline. Through lucky gene splicing and biological chance instead of being born with the Gates ability like all her other family she inherited monsterfication..."


    "So what? Why does it matter that you have a girl with an old ancient power? I asked you to grab the arm so we could help my weapon with his Mantra sickness..."


    Mr. Hyde reached into his pocket pulling out a glass cup and a sharp knife. The girl inhaled when she saw the knife as her silver eyes closed shut. Mr. Hyde reached out slicing her hand open slightly as a few drops of blood dropped down into the cup. Then he sliced at his own hand as his blood also filled the cup.


    "A cellular increas.e.m.e.nt multiplier." Mr. Hyde spoke. "That''s just one aspect of how her power works. The Monsterfication seems to have the ability to do many things with the body however the most notable one is the ability to increase one''s own mass at the cost of intelligence. Back in the day during age 1000, they were a feared clan. Most people mistakened their powers for them being actual monsters. Some even go as far as to state they are descendants from Bestia Machts."


    "Get... To... The... Point..."


    Mr. Hyde smirk grew. "Sorry. I was merely giving the boy a history lesson. He seems fixed on my every word."


    Okami looked down at his son to see Hero staring at the scientist with amazement. "What''s a Mantra? What''re the Enforcers?" The kid questioned? His emerald green eyes seemed to shine with curiosity. "Attributes... I know that one right? That''s what we call our superpowers? Everyone only has one except for-"


    "Nothing you''ll ever have to worry about," Okami said smiling slightly. "All you need to worry about is how much stronger you''ll be once the good doctor here fixes you."


    "Ahh, it''s finally done." Mr. Hyde announced. He grabbed the young girl''s hand turning it back to Okami. Her hand bubbled slightly as it pulsed. Then slowly the wound on it closed. "A mild healing factor." Mr. Hyde stated. "The Monsterfication has the ability to heal the host to a slight extent. Due to its ability to replicate its cells and grow its mass out, it can heal the user by simply creating over the damaged tissue. However, the Monsterfications healing process is capable of a lot it is not perfect. It can take up quite a bit of energy to recreate the cells. And even more, energy to increase one''s own mass. Because of that they often get tired really easily. However. If we were to pair it up to another healing Attribute... Like, say... Your late daughters... Her Living Nano Attribute..."


    "Pair it up?" Okami''s eyes narrowed slightly as he stared at the man. "What do you mean pair it up?"


    "I mean..." Mr. Hyde held the glass cup up that held his and the girl''s blood. However inside there no longer was any blood. Rather now a small round ball of flesh stood. "Pair it up... The Monsterfication has a seemingly unique ability. One I think can make me a very rich man. Tell me Okami. You want me to fix your broken weapon right? What if I told you I could do more then fix his disease?"


    Hero gulped slightly as his emerald eyes shined with a small amount of fear.


    Okami seemed to smile for a brief second. "I''m listening..."


    Present-day...


    Age 1990


    Hero stepped out of the room and back into the large waiting room they had been in an hour ago. "Man! Sitting in those chairs for an hour really hurt my back..." He said shaking his head. "Boy does it sting!" He said rubbing his body. "Good thing my body heals quickly though!"


    "Hero," Kitsune said grabbing the teen by the shoulder. "I have a serious question to ask you?" He said curiously.


    "Yeah?"


    "What? What have you been doing you''re entire life?" The teen questioned? "I mean you claimed to not have any idea what the Enforcers were? You know a bit about the Nobles and the Bestia Machts but not a lot apparently? You look as if you have zero battle experience but claim to have trained with the strongest man alive and, somehow you got a letter? You''re a complete amateur who knows next to nothing but somehow still got a letter. And strangest of all your last name is Otoko which belonged to an old Enforcer Captain who has retired. There is clearly something more to you then meets the eye?"


    Hero folded his arms slightly as he shrugged. "It''s a bit complicated?" Hero said shrugging his shoulders. "Mostly because I''m not too sure about it myself... The gist of it, though is I lived with my Grandpa most of my life. And that''s pretty much it... He never really did anything with me. Never let me go outside into the real world. We ended up having a falling out, and I ran away from home. Pretty basic. I guess he just never felt the need to tell me how the outside world worked. But that''s okay. I''ve pretty much figured most of it out." Hero said shrugging.


    "You''re lying," Cloud commented surprisingly the two teens when they realized he had been standing there. "I don''t know what you''re lying about, but you''re lying. That entire story seemed off."


    Hero gave a shrug as he brought a finger to his lip. "Sorry. But for now, I guess you can say that secret is locked away." He said grinning slightly. His multi-colored eyes sparkled with amus.e.m.e.nt from behind the contacts as Kitsune frowned. "Besides. I myself hardly know. I can''t really remember anything before the age of ten. The first nine years of my life are nothing more than a blur? Although I occasionally dream of being in a hospital. Or at least I think it''s a hospital? I used to dream of this crying girl with silver eyes? I haven''t seen her in ages though?"


    "I''m starting to see why Jackson was interested in you. You''re just strange and abnormal..." Kitsune said backing away.


    Cloud simply reached out patting the teen on the shoulder.


    "What was that for?" Hero asked confused.


    "I dunno. I just felt like you should know I''m here for you?" Cloud said shrugging slightly.


    Hero simply shrugged as he turned away from the two. "Whatever ya weirdo. When do you think the next test is starting?" He questioned curiously as he turned to the other two boys.


    "There you guys are!" The group turned seeing Ken and ''North'' walking towards them. "I was looking for you guys," Ken said nodding her head. "North is really boring to hang out with..."


    "I''m not that boring!"


    "Yes, you are." All four of the group agreed as they all crossed their arms.


    Irene had a slight eye twitch as she turned away from the group. ''Why am I even still hanging around them?'' She thought to herself. ''Because you crave attention...''


    "What did you guys think of that test?" Ken questioned.


    "It confirmed the idea I had..." Kitsune said nodding. "The Enforcers aren''t looking for the strongest or the smartest. They''re looking for the most interesting. I only knew a handful of those questions so I doubt anyone else would have done any better..." Kitsune said nodding slightly. "My guess is that the Captains will be given the data from all the tests we''ll take today and they will decide based on what they think of us..."


    "That''s a bit farfetched..." Ken said raising an eyebrow.


    "Well, it had something to do with what Mr. Storm said." Kitsune shrugged slightly as he thought back. "He said he was here scouting out potential recruits that would be on his squad. And then another team member came and got him. I think he was down here giving Intel to his Captain?"


    "Who cares?" Hero asked throwing his hands behind his head once again. "Just as long as it''s fun right?"


    No one had a chance to answer the boy as the entire room began to shake once more.


    "Uh-Oh..." Ken sighed out. "Here we go again..."

 Chapter 16 - The Start Of The Second Test

    Age 1990


    Ken sighed out as she tried to remain standing. "Why..." She sighed out as she tripped slightly. Hero reached out catching her. "Thanks-"


    "Shove!" Kitsune said simply as he pushed Hero over and onto the young girl.


    "Oww..." Ken whined out when Hero fell on top of her.


    "Sorry..." Hero gasped outstanding up quickly.


    "That was for earlier you asshole," Kitsune said folding his arms. "No one shoves me and gets away with it!"


    "Prick..." Irene muttered out folding her arms.


    "Oh, you wanna go, buddy?" Kitsune announced holding his arms out. "Let''s go!"


    "Guys! The room appears is shaking once-"


    "Shut up Cloud!" All four of the recruits yelled out.


    Hero held his and out helping Ken back up. "I wonder what our next test will be?" He asked out loud as he folded his arms up.


    "Well, the last one was a mental test," Kitsune said as he began to slowly mutter to himself. "Then if I was a betting man I would have to guess that the next test is going to be a physical test."


    "Does this mean we can finally fight?" Ken questioned.


    "You know. Fighting is a great way to relieve stress!" Hero said nodding. He stopped when he felt a hand on his shoulder. Turning he saw Cloud blindly staring in his direction.


    "Thank you."


    "What?"


    "Will you be my big brother?"


    "What!?"


    The room spun once more as it almost seemed to raise up off of the ground. A loud bang could be heard as one of the walls began to rise up off of the ground. When it finished it revealed a new room, exactly what happened last time. Although this one had a pleasant aroma? It smelled like a hospital?


    Everyone slowly entered this room coming to a stop once they were all inside of it. The room was fairly large and had six doorways inside of it, each one lined up at the back of the room. Six men also stood next to the six doors, each of the men held a clipboard and they wore lab coats. Hero narrowed his eyes as he stared at them.


    "What''s wrong?" Kitsune asked.


    "I don''t like doctors, scientist, or hospitals..." Hero said simply as he backed up slowly.


    "Hello!" One of the men said smiling slightly. "I''m Doctor Falcon. These are some of my friends." The man said nodding to the five other doctors. "Today you will all be taking a physical test to test the limits of your body. However, before that, each of you will be required to take a physical exam first to make sure you will be able to perform in the physical test. Each of us has a list with all of your names on it. When one of us calls your name, please enter the said room. When not being tested please remain quiet." The man spoke softly.


    "Oh great... Now we get to sit around, and take a test, before the test..." Ken hissed out slightly as she crossed her arms. Her dull red eyes shined with annoyance. "Yay..."


    "Ahh come on! It''s not that bad..." Hero said shrugging slightly. "Who knows. Maybe it will be quick?"


    Three hours later.


    "Oh my God none of us have even been called back yet..." Hero said letting out a heavy sigh. It had been three hours of sitting around as the Doctors called out names. However unfortunately for our heroes, and Hero, none of them have even been called back yet. With nothing to do they all simply sat around waiting. "Why..."


    "This sucks..." Ken sighed. She crossed her arms as she pouted slightly. "How much longer will it be?" She asked.


    "Relax," Kitsune said letting out a yawn as he sat a book he had been reading down. "The Doctors are just trying to be sure. I''m sure any minute you''ll be called back for-"


    "Kitsune Nine!" A Doctor announced.


    "I''ll kill you!" Both Hero and Ken yelled out as they jumped up. Both attempted to jump the Noble, but he simply sidestepped them as he walked towards one of the rooms entering it quickly.


    "Great..." Ken said through gritted teeth. "Now we have the asshole and the blind kid."


    "Hey!" Irene said crossing her arms. "That was rude!"


    "I was actually talking about Hero," Ken stated.


    "Oh. Okay, it''s fine then." Irene said shrugging.


    "Hey!" Hero said offended slightly. "You guys are mean..." He said sniffling. Cloud patted the boy on the back as he turned to the group.


    "One of us will be called next," Cloud commented. The three went silent as they all stared at the blind kid. "I don''t know which. But I do know that at least one of us will-"


    "Cloud!"


    "Damn it!" Hero and Ken yelled out.


    Cloud stood up twirling his cane as he walked away. He gave a slight wave to the two teens who shot him death glares as he stepped into the office.


    "And now I''m stuck with you two guys..." Ken sighed out, crossing her arms. "Yay..." She rolled her arms as she stood up and began to stretch. "Okay North. What''s your story?"


    "What!" Irene asked slightly confused and in a panic.


    "You know. What''s your story? Why do you want to join the Enforcers?" Ken questioned as she shrugged? "You got to have a reason for joining this dumpster fire right group right? I, for example, am joining in order to become the most popular hero in the world so famous that people will remember me till the end of time."


    Irene shrugged slightly. She went silent as she stared at the ground for a few seconds as she seemed to try and find the right words she was looking for. "I... I just... Wanted to help out the world... My village is attacked by Bestia Macht every few months... I want to help the world and get rid of the problem of the Bestia Macht''s... They are pure sc.u.m and need to be dealt with..." She stated seriously.


    "Are the Bestia Macht''s really that bad?" Hero questioned curiously. "They don''t seem to bad to me? Hell, that one cool girl who saved me even had one as a pet or something."


    "They are monsters..." Ken said nodding her head. "Creatures evolved to kill humans. However. It is possible to tame them. Or so I heard. I''ve seen it a few times but it''s not often. To get a Bestia Macht to trust you and follow you requires to prove to it that you are the Alpha... Most people can go their whole lives without seeing one if they live in a city. However, if you''re in a town then it''s a different matter altogether. Every day you will be left wondering when one will get in. Of course usually battling those ones aren''t very fun. They are basic low-level creatures. I actually wanted to become an Enforcer to fight some stronger ones. I heard that being an Enforcer gives you a small chance to go fight even the mighty Prince class..."


    "Fighting Bestia Machts huh?" Hero asked as he laid back. He stared up at the roof in thought. "I suppose that could be sort of fun?" He said shrugging. "Good way to get stronger and help others..."


    "Hero Otoko!" A voice announced. "Ken!" Another voice announced. "North Glacious." A third voice announced.


    "Of course all three of us would be called at the same time..." Ken sighed out.


    The three teens all stood up each of them entering a separate room. Meanwhile, inside of Kitsune''s room, the doctor nodded slightly as he read off his notes.


    "Well?" Kitsune asked raising an eyebrow. "What do you think?"


    The man stared down at his sheet of papers for a few more seconds before finally speaking. "You''re good to go." The man said nodding. "Perfect height, perfect muscle mass, perfect bone structure. Like most Nobles, it would seem your body is 100% perfect."


    Kitsune smirked slightly as he stood up. "Well, you know the legends. God gifted us Nobles with perfection for helping him during the great raid."


    "Those are just myths..." The man said letting out a slight laugh. "I''m sure you''re just healthy because you take care of yourself."


    "Well you got that right," Kitsune said nodding his head slightly. "I make sure to stretch and exercise every day." He stated.


    "Well run along. I got a ton of other recruits that need to be checked." The doctor said calmly. Kitsune nodded as he walked out the door.


    In the other room, Cloud set down as his doctor looked over everything. "Hmm... Well... You passed everything but the vision test? You failed every single one of those ones? Did you just forget your glasses at home- Oh... You''re blind..." The man said a bit awkwardly when he saw Cloud simply staring at him. "Explains the sunglasses indoors. I just thought you were an asshole..."


    "Well? Can I take the physical test or not?" Cloud questioned.


    "I''m afraid not." The man said shaking his head. "I wouldn''t feel right allowing a blind kid to join the Enforcers. You would die instantly."


    Cloud simply let out a laugh. "To some me being blind may seem like a handicap. However, for me, it is my greatest weapon." Cloud announced. "I assure you me being blind is not a downside." The kid brought his hands up as a mist seemed to rise out from the ground clouding the room.


    "What the?"


    "I''ve spent fifteen years living with my condition," Cloud said calmly. "After a while, you begin to pick up on a few tricks to survive. My Attribute allows me to create and control mist as well as other types of fogs, smoke, or gases as I please. I have figured out how to use them to see to an extent. The fog is my eyes now..."


    "That is quite fascinating..." The doctor said frowning slightly. "However even still... For you to join..."


    "I can see far better than a normal person," Cloud said calmly. "For example, there are exactly 10 Bells in your left pocket, and three pens in your right pocket."


    The man checked letting out a surprised whistle. "Well, I''ll be... That''s some skill..." He hummed slightly... "But if you have skills this good how did you fail the test in the first place."


    "I may be able to see with the fog, but it still isn''t to an insane extent. I can see pretty much everything, however, not what it really is. It''s like seeing an outline. I can see the outline of you, the coins, and the pens, but I know not what they look like. I could see the outline of the test but not the test itself. To put it bluntly, I can see everything around me, except for the details of those things..."


    "I see... Well if your power is as good as you are saying then I see no reason as to why you can''t pass..." The man let out a slight sigh. "Just... Be careful... Try not to get yourself killed alright?"


    "Relax Doctor," Cloud smirked as he stood up. "I don''t plan on dying anytime soon..."


    Meanwhile in the other room Hero was just entering. "Alright! Finally my turn." The multi-eyed teen said entering the room. "Let''s do this. I wanna leave this room as soon as possible." He reached up taking out his contacts and showing off his silver eyes.


    "Good day Mr. Otoko-"


    "Just call Mr. Hero."


    "Okay? Good day Hero." The Doctor said holding his hand out. The two shook hands as the man continued. "Today I''m gonna run a few quick tests on you. They are really basic and it shouldn''t take to long. This is just determining if you would be safe when taking the exam."


    "Alright." Hero said shrugging. "Seems simple enough." He unzipped his green jacket taking it off.


    "Let''s start by measuring your weight, and height. Just step on the scale." Hero stepped onto the metallic object as he folded his arms. "161 pounds, and 6 feet exactly..." The Doctor said nodding slightly. "You are sixteen?"


    "Yep!" Hero said as he looked around the room nervously.


    "Alright. Please lay down on the bed." The Doctor said pulling out a stethoscope. "This will be a little co-" The Doctor stopped as he pulled Hero''s black shirt up. The man blinked a few times as he stared at ''it.'' The white circle around Hero''s heart. "Wh-What? What is that?"


    "Oh don''t mind that!" Hero said quickly placing a hand over his heart. "This is a birth defect I had when I was a baby. Genetics and science gone wrong. Best to just ignore it. It really doesn''t do much. Its a side effect from my Attribute." It wasn''t uncommon for a person''s body to be permanently different from a normal humans body if they had an altering Attribuiute. In this world, giant monsters existed so a person with a white ring around the heart might be weird but not that strange in the long scheme of things...


    The man stared at it nervously as he looked up at Hero. "What is it exactly?" He questioned. "This means you have a Mutation Attribute Type right. An Attribute that permanently alters the body."


    "In a way yes. My Attribute is a mutation type to an extent... As for what exactly? I dunno. My grandpa never told me. All I know was that I got it in a lab. It''s really nothing."


    The doctor reached out slowly placing the tool against Hero''s chest. He moved his hand down slightly. "Breathing seems to be normal. No abnormal heartbeats. Everything seems to be fine... You''re healthy. And if this white circle is just a byproduct of your Attribute it''s fine then. By any chance do you have a body-based Attribute?"


    "Umm... Yeah? All of them are body-based Attributes?"


    "What do you mean by-" A loud ring echoed out through the room as the Doctor stared down at his watch. "Oh dear. Seems we''re running a bit late. Okay, I''ll finish this up quickly then. You''re in perfect shape and I don''t see anything wrong with you. As long as you want to compete then I see no reason why you shouldn''t."


    "Awesome..." Hero said smirking slightly. "Alright, then I''ll see you later Doc!" He announced as he stood up. "I don''t wanna be here for longer than I need to..." He slipped his jacket on and quickly made his way over to the door.


    Meanwhile, in yet another room Irene stood frozen as she stared at the doctor. "What?" She asked nervously.


    "Your shirt. Come on lad take it off." The Doctor said frowning. "I need to exam your body. Come on nothing to be ashamed of boy? Everyone has to do it after all. No reason you should be special."


    "I- I would rather not..." Irene said letting out a nervous laugh. "I assure you I am in shape and have nothing wrong with me. No need to exam me..." She said laughing nervously as she placed her back to the wall.


    "I''m afraid I have to..." The Doctor said frowning. "Now come over here. It''ll only be a little cold. Then again you come from a village. You should be used to the cold." The man let out a laugh at his own joke as he began to walk towards Irene.


    "Really sir there isn''t-"


    "Doctor Whom!" A voice said as the door to the room burst open. A second Doctor entered as he stared at the apparently named Whom.


    "Ahh, Doctor Falcon..." Whom said in a bit surprise. "What seems to be the matter boy? Can''t you see I am in the middle of examining a patient?"


    "I''m afraid I need your input on something sir..." Doctor Falcon said as he crossed his arms. "It is quite important..."


    "Well... What is it?"


    "Come with me sir." Doctor Falcon turned leaving the room as Doctor Whom followed after him with a sigh. "It''s in regards to the recruit I am currently examining... You see the thing is sir I don''t think her body will be able to handle taking the test... But she refuses to accept that." He opened a door as the two Doctors entered.


    Doctor Whom had a bride intake of breath. The only sign that what he saw before him shocked him. Like any true professional he got over it quick.


    In front of the two, Ken sat. A large frown was on her face as she crossed her arms. Her shirt and jacket were both off showing off her upper body. Or rather lack of it. She was really, really skinny. Her body was so small and frail. The girl shivered slightly as her dull red eyes glared at the men. Her arms were frail and small. She looked so weak without the safty of her jacket.


    "What was her weight and height..." Doctor Whom asked quietly.


    "Weight was... Weight was 66 pounds... Height was 4''9''... She''s fourteen in case you were wondering..."


    "Definitely suffering from Malnourishment..." Doctor Whom said nodding his head. "But if she got a letter she had power... I''m guessing her Attribute drains a lot of her energy and she simply wasn''t able to maintain nutrition fast enough before her Attribute absorbed it... I''ve seen several cases of peoples, Attributes destroying their bodies."


    "So what?" Ken questioned folding her arms. "Not like it''s gonna affect my skills..."


    "Actually, it will." Doctor Whom spoke. "A malnourished body is slower, and more tired. They take longer to heal, and get sick easier. Constantly cold, and never hungry but still starving... And your Attribute gets affected too. It won''t be as effective as it would have in a tip-top shape. You can''t put to much strain on the body so your mind will mentally hold back reducing the amount of power you use. In your condition, you would make for an awful Enforcer... And at such a young age with the amount of damage done to you at this point it could be permanent... You must be really weak now. Your body will be held back to-"


    ''Bang!''


    The entire room shook as several cracks appeared in the metallic wall. Ken''s fist glowed red as she brought her arm down. "Does that look like holding back?" She questioned. Those dull red eyes seemed to spin slightly as the metallic wall began to crumble away. "It doesn''t matter what state my body is in. With my Attribute, I can destroy nearly everything... Trust me. I won''t be a bad Enforcer... Even if I am breaking it as long as my body can still move I can still fight."


    Doctor Whom gulped slightly as Falcon stepped back nervously as the entire wall came down. "Even so..." Whom said quietly. "I can''t allow you to join. Your body is just too weak-"


    "How about we make a deal Doctor!" Ken said letting out a sigh as she rolled her eyes. "You see out in the world there is nothing for me. I get less than scraps and have to be constantly on the move burning away my energy. I have basically no food or any chance to recover. However in the Enforcers..."


    "You''re saying you would be feed..." Falcon said sighing. "You would get food if you were in the Enforcers and have a place to stay right?"


    "Yep. After all once becoming a recruit you get a dorm, and all the food a person could ask for. Far better than living in those frozen towns."


    "Are you blackmailing us with yourself?" Whom questioned. "Either we don''t let you compete and you slowly starve to death as your body is torn apart from your ability, or we do let you compete and you are saying you would be better off... Because you would have a chance to maybe recover?"


    "I mean what would a Doctor do..." Ken said innocently. She grabbed her black T-Shirt slipping it on. It was comically large on her frail frame. Next was her jacket which she used to cover up her body with. "You should know that if I don''t get in the Enforcers I will simply go back to what I was doing surviving on scraps. It''s your call. Though I assure you I am beyond capable of protecting myself and others. In fact, my job was going from Villiage to Villiage protecting citizens though it was boring..."


    Falcon shrugged as Whom glanced at him. "She''s been hard to work with..." Falcon said shrugging.


    "Just let her compete."


    "What?"


    Whom grabbed Falcon pulling the young doctor close. "Listen... If she gets into a squad then it will only be a matter of time before a Captain finds out about her condition. The Captains have got some strange abilities and tech. I heard one can even heal practically anything. Once it''s out in the open how this girl is, they will likely force her to get better before she can continue. And thankfully while it might be time-consuming Malnourishment is pretty easy to fix as long as it is treated properly. The hard part is just getting the body to eat the food... And get that Attribute to stop draining her."


    "You guys know I can hear you right..." Ken said standing up. "Will you just let me pass already?"


    "Fine whatever..." Falcon said rolling his eyes. "You can compete." The Doctor said finally letting the girl leave. "Did we do the right thing..." He questioned the older Doctor.


    Whom simply let out a hum. "Kid... In my experience, there is no ''right thing...'' The Enforcers... All of them are quite foolish. Each one of them will fight to the bitter end even when they have a way out..." The old man laughed slightly. "I suppose they were just born with that spark in them... I''ve had to watch so many kids throw their lives away in this foolish attempt for fame... All of them are just fools..."


    "I don''t understand sir?"


    "Neither do I..." Whom turned leaving the room. He quickly headed back to his own room finding Irene waiting patiently for him. "Alright, Mr. Glacious..." Whom sighed out. "I''m afraid we are out of time now. Your height and weight are fine and just from a glance you don''t seem to be physically ill... I''ll let you pass today..."


    "Thank you, sir." Irene smiled slightly as she gave a bow. "Thank you so much..." She turned about to leave but felt a hand on her wrist. "Mister?"


    "You should know... Those who wear masks often live disappointing lives."


    Irene left in confusion as the others waved her over. "Looks like we all got in..." Hero said nodding. "Now we just need to finish the physical test..."


    A few Hours Later...


    The gang had sat around for at least another hour or two before the test finally began. And... Unfortunately, it was kind of uneventful... The room had changed once again this time becoming a much larger round room. A massive monitor stood attached to the wall as it began to turn on.


    It seemed that everyone had received the go-ahead to do the test as everyone in the room stepped up.


    Their goal? Do whatever the monitor told them to do.


    ''Run one hundred laps. You are not allowed to walk, or jog. You are not allowed to stop at all until you are done. When you finish your one hundred laps please sit down and await further instructions...'' The monitor readout.


    "It wants us to run laps?" Hero questioned.


    "More importantly it wants us to run a hundred..." Kitsune said frowning slightly. The teen crossed his arms as his eyes circled the room. This room is pretty big... I''d say every ten laps is a mile give or take... So it basically wants us to run ten miles..." He said trailing off. "Crap..."


    "This is gonna suck..." Hero said letting out a heavy sigh as he began to stretch.


    The recruits all got to work as they all began to run their one hundred laps. Everyone started off at a basic speed. Something just above a jog but still a run.


    At around lap forty was when people really began to slow down. Ken let out several heavy gasps of breaths as she waddled forward.


    Cloud simply smiled not even sweating yet.


    Kitsune conserved his breathing making sure not to waste it.


    Irene tried to gasp out slightly as she ran next to Ken. She was also almost out of breath.


    And Hero was barely staying above a jog as he nearly tripped over his own feet several times. "Oh God! Why did I start off at full speed!" He gasped out. Unlike everyone else he was on lap eighty. He was also at deaths doors from dehydration.


    When lap one hundred came it was seen as a miracle. "O-h... Thank- God..." Hero gasped out. "We''re finally don-"


    ''Jump one hundred jumping jacks, followed by one hundred push-ups, followed by one hundred squats. You are not allowed to stop until you are done. When you are done please sit down and await further instructions...''


    Everyone in the room was completely silent. No one said a word as they all sat there exhausted beyond belief. Then finally Kitsune stood up and began to jump.


    "I''m suddenly hating this..." Ken said as she slowly stood up. She wobbled slightly as she got to work.


    "Look on the bright side..." Hero said just barely standing up.


    "What?"


    "I dunno... There''s probably some bright side to this though..."

 Chapter 17 - The Start Of The Third Test

    Age 1990


    "Finally back to one hundred percent!" Hero announced out as he jumped to his feet. He stretched his body as he smirked slightly. His arms seemed to flail around like noodles as he smirked. "Oh yeah! I''m back to my full power!"


    "It''s nice that after we did all of that God damn exercise they gave two hours to rest up," Ken said nodding slightly as she stretched out on the ground. "That would have sucked having to do all of that and still have to do more test instantly afterward... I don''t think I could have done it..." She said letting out a yawn.


    "You two shouldn''t be so relieved..." Kitsune stated calmly. "All that exercise is nothing compared to what an Enforcer has to do every day... The first step to being an Enforcer is to train your body up to a superhuman level..." The Noble teen stated.


    "I can already do superhuman things even without my Attribute!" Hero said rolling his multi-colored eyes. He slid a hand back through his black hair. "After all I''m-"


    "You''re the third strongest person alive..." The other four all said rolling their eyes. "Please stop saying that..."


    "Actually I was gonna say I have the best Attribute!" Hero said smiling smugly. He crossed his arms as he stuck his tongue out at the group when they all frowned at him. "My Attribute is really powerful after all! It lets me do a lot of cool things!"


    "What is your Attribute anyways?" Kitsune asked.


    "You first." Hero stated as he stared at Kitsune with suspicion.


    Kitsune gave a shrug as he lifted a finger up slowly. "Well, I''ll leave out most of the main details but to put it simply..." Flames suddenly appeared above his hands as they took shape. "I can create and control fire to an extent..." The teen''s orange eyes seemed to glow with power as a small orange outline appeared around his body. "Pretty neat right?" He said as he smirked. The flames on his fingers took the shape of an orange fox as it danced around. "Although I am a Noble, and we Noble are born with Super-Attributes..." He said simply.


    "That is pretty cool..." Hero admitted nodding his head. "Although I like mine more."


    "Well, what is it?" Kitsune asked. "You can''t just go on about how cool yours is and not tell us." The Noble pointed out.


    Hero smirked slightly as his gold and purple eyes seemed to shine. "It''s a bit complicated to explain... Basically, I can-"


    A loud ring echoed out in the room as it once again began to shake. The entire room glowed a bright red as a red alarm shined through. Then a loud booming voice could be heard from the intercom.


    "Good evening recruits!" A loud voice announced out in a booming voice. "Today you will all be taking your last, and most important test." The walls of the room were pushed back as the entire building now shook and began to expand. What was once a fairly large room was massive? The entire room was nearly a mile and a half big now. "If you look around you, you will see several recruits. Your goal is to defeat all of them..." That got some people to begin muttering. Everyone began to glance at each other.


    Suddenly the entire room seemed to become colder and more closed off as everyone began to glare at each other. Even though the shaking suddenly stopped that voice still managed to put everyone into a panic. Everyone now seemed to be against each other as they all slowly backed away from each other.


    "Looks like our friendly encounter has ended..." Cloud said quietly as he backed away from the group.


    Hero frowned slightly. "Aww... And I was starting to like all of you... Oh well" The teen smirked slightly as his eyes glanced around the room. "Since we''ll all be doing battles I know just the person I want to fight..." His multi-colored eyes finally stopped on the lone teen who stood by himself...


    The voice continued. "When you see the signal you may begin. You will have a total of ten minutes to beat as many people as you can. Please note that the Captain''s are all watching you now... You will be given points for every person you managed to take down..." There was a loud crack as the intercom went silent.


    Then slowly a green light flashed through the room. No one said a word. No one moved a muscle. It was so silent until... "Melt away!" Max screamed out bringing his hands down as hard as he could. There was a massive pillar of heat as molten lava began to explode out of it, causing screams of pain to ring out. "I''m going to melt you all!" He announced.


    Then all hell broke loose...


    Hero jumped away from the group of people he had come to know as ''friends'' as everyone simply broke out into fights. His jump carried him inhumanly far as he jumped nearly a half a mile away from his friends. "That was close... I felt like if I stayed there a moment longer they all would have targeted me for sure..." Hero said letting out a nervous laugh. "I don''t think they really liked me?"


    "Fancy meeting you here..." A feminine voice called out as a shiver went down Hero''s spine.


    Hero''s eyes widened slowly as he recognized it. "Uh oh..." He tried to turn around only to feel a powerful punch to the back of his head as white-hot pain soared through him. The punch slammed him straight into the ground as he hit it hard enough to kick up the ground as dust raised up ten feet high. "Oww..." Her o said hissing out as he gritted his teeth.


    "You asshole! You just left me with that annoying Nobel girl!" Emma yelled out as she grabbed Hero by the ankle. Her hand seemed to hum slightly as Hero''s entire body began to vibrate. She brought her arm up punching Hero into the ground as he sunk down into the metal as it seemed to mold around him.


    "W-Wha-What! A-re-Y-ou doing?" Hero tried to tell out as his entire body vibrated at an intense speed as he shook. "Wh- y- am - I- sha- king?" He tried to speak but accidentally bit his tongue.


    "My Attribute allows me to control vibrations..." Emma said smirking slightly as she kept her hand on Hero''s back. "Right now your insides are being shaken around. Don''t worry. I won''t kill you but you''re gonna need to go to the hospital after-"


    Hero''s fist slammed into the girl''s gut as she gasped out. She fell to her knees as she broke out into a coughing fit dropping to her knees. "Sorry, but messing with my organs doesn''t work!" Hero said smugly. "Also... Sorry about this..." Hero brought his foot up as he slammed it down into the girl''s head slamming her down onto the floor below, so hard her head actually broke through the floor, as her eyes rolled into the back of her head. "But I want to win..." The teen said as he crossed his arms. A smile crossed its way onto his face. "Sorry, but I won''t hold any punches on anyone."


    Emma didn''t say a word as her eyes rolled back into her head. She was completely unconscious. The young teen placed her on the ground gently as he sat her down.


    Hero turned away as he looked out across the room. It was in pure chaos as several people all just fought... Flames danced around in the air as glowing lights went crazy. Several Attributes went across the air as pure anarchy danced through the sky. It was kind of like looking into a disco ball. A disco ball of death. Amongst the crowd Hero spotted the man he was looking for.


    With a slight smirk, Hero stepped forward. His smile grew as he headed over to where the pillar of lava was. He headed over to where Max was.


    Meanwhile, Ken managed to step back avoiding the cane that was slammed down in front of her. She frowned as her eyes narrowed slightly. "What the hell..." She questioned as Cloud twirled his cane in front of her.


    "Sorry... I tried to take my shot?" Cloud said shrugging slightly. "I saw you were open so I went in for the attack..."


    Ken frowned as she raised her sheathed sword up getting into a stance. "I was really wanting to smack that asshole Hero on the head but I guess you will have to do..." She said as her dull red eyes flickered slightly. A red glow surrounded her weapon as she stepped forward. "Get ready you blind badass. I''m gonna kick your ass!" Ken announced out.


    Cloud smirked as he held his cane out. "Then let us duel..."


    Off to the side Kitsune smirked slightly as he stepped to the side dodging a large icicle that was thrown his way. "My, oh my!" He said as his orange eyes danced with excitement. "What a surprise. You attack me first North?" He stated sliding out of the way of a second chunk of ice that threatened to crush him. "You might have even managed to take me out with that attack too but luckily for me, you hesitated... But I am surprised, that you took the first attack."


    Irene frowned as she brought her hands up. They glowed a light blue as ice formed out. "Only because I know that if I didn''t you would have attacked me first."


    "Well... You aren''t wrong..." Kitsune said shrugging. "But tell me... Do you really believe that your ice can best my flames?"


    "Do you really believe your simple flames can get past my ice?" Irene shot back at him.


    Kitsune''s smirk only grew wider as an orange glow covered his body. "Ahh, but my dear North... Whoever said these were ordinary flames?" In a bright flash orange flames covered his body, then slowly they began to form? Nine flaming fox tails appeared behind him as a pair of flaming fox ears materialized on his head. "I am Kitsune Nine! Heir to the Noble family of Nine, one of the twenty sacred branches passed down to us by God! I have the flaming fox spirit within me!" He announced as the outline of a massive fox appeared behind him. "This is my Attribute. The Nine-Tailed Fox!"


    "Th-That power is quite unreal..." Irene said gulping slightly as she stopped her hands from shaking. ''I can''t keep hesitating...'' She thought as she shook her head. "I guess it''s true what they say about Nobles... They really are gifted... But! Even so! I will not lose to you! I can''t lose here!" Ice appeared around the boy-dressed girl, as she brought her arms out forming several ice sickles around her. "Whatever you can do I can match it with my own power!" She announced boastfully.


    "I''ll quickly prove that claim wrong!" Kitsune stated as he boldly lifted his hands up bringing a wave of flames with him. Flames exploded out of him as the two elemental teens clashed. Fire and ice met as steam filled the room, and the two of them began their dance...


    Kitsune waved his hand as flames fired out hissing at the air as they soared towards Irene. Irene raised her hands up creating a wall of ice that blocked the flames.


    Several spikes made out of ice fired out towards the Noble fox teen all of them nearly managing to impale the young teen. Kitsunes finger danced through the air as a fox made of fire blasted out towards his foe melting the ice. A flaming fox launched forward towards Irene forcing her to counter.


    Irene threw her arms out creating a dome of ice right as the fox slammed into her. The dome shook as steamrolled off of it. With a yell, Irene brought her arms down causing it to explode out sending chucks of sharp ice everywhere.


    Kitsune hissed in pain as he was pelted from all sides by the ice. He waved his hand as a wave of fire shot out hitting Irene''s arm and eating away at her as she yelled in pain. The girl hissed out as she brought her arms up and ice melted over the flames putting them out and saving her arm. She glared at the Noble as he met her glare.


    And from there, their dance only continued as fire and ice repeatedly met again, and again. The two held nothing back as they threw out attack after attack each one more devastating than the last.


    Over with Ken, the young girl matched Cloud blow for blow as the two clashed sword on cane. Ken smirked slightly as she brought her weapon down only for Cloud to parry it away. "Your skilless..." Cloud said slapping her away. "You clearly have no idea how to use that weapon..."


    "Screw you," Ken said bringing her hand down and punching Cloud across the face. The Blind teen stepped back clutching his bloody nose as he glared at her with his unseeing eyes.


    Cloud raised his hand as a dark green mist came out of his palm. The floor beneath him began to get eaten away as it bubbled and dissolved as the sickly green mist rolled over it breaking it apart.


    "What the hell? Acid mist? That is so unfair!" Ken complained as she jumped back avoiding the mist.


    "Well, my Attribute is pretty powerful," Cloud stated. "Not only can I create and control mist, but I can also mess with its properties. In this case, I have given the mist the property of acid."


    Ken frowned as she brought her sheathed sword up. "Well, then I''ll simply have to get rid of that mist of yours..." She stated. A red outline coated her weapon as she suddenly slammed it down as hard as she could. The force was so strong that it actually seemed to tear straight through the air sending out a massive shock wave that parted the mist.


    Cloud gritted his teeth as he stabbed his metal cane into the ground using it to stop himself from being blown back from the attack. "That''s some strength that you are packing in that tiny body..."


    "F.u.c.k you! You can''t even see how short I am you asshole!"


    Cloud simply smirked as he brought his cane up. "Your power. It is a physical enhancement correct?"


    "I guess you could say that," Ken said shrugging. "Its called Amplifier." She stated. "To put it simply I can amplify an object or part of my body to a set amount. For example. If I was to hold a bat I could amplify its durability making it harder. Or I could amplify its bluntness. If I had a blade I can amplify how sharp it is. With it, I can make even a dulled blade sharper than anything found on this planet. Using that power on my body I can increase my speed, my strength, and even the rate at which I heal. Although it does have a cost. The ability requires quite a lot of energy to maintain. And if I don''t have the energy it will begin to drain it from my body..."


    "I guess that explains why you''re so short..."


    "I''m gonna kill you-"


    "You overused your power as a kid, and the result was you never got the proper nutrients before it was too late. And here I was thinking you had a strong ability-"


    "Screw you!" Ken yelled out running forward. The girl almost seems to teleport as she appeared in front of Cloud swinging her weapon up.


    Cloud was ready for it though and brought his cane down clashing with her. The two fighters slashed at each other with their weapons as they clashed again, and again. Neither one of them being able to break through the other one''s defense.


    Cloud gritted his teeth as he was actually forced to slide back with every swing Ken threw at him. His arms began to shake from the intense force from every strike. The blind teen smirked for a second as he brought his head back.


    "What are you-" Ken began only to be stopped when Cloud threw his body forward viciously head butting the girl. Ken gasped out in shock as she slipped back. Cloud quickly saw this as his chance as he struck bringing his cane down onto the girl''s head.


    Ken hissed in pain as she brought her fist up slamming it straight into Clouds gut stabbing her hand into his gut hard enough to actually break some skin.


    The two fighters slid back from each other as Cloud held his stomach. "N-Not bad. I''ll have to get serious..." Cloud coughed out.


    "Screw you. I don''t even need to try yet." Ken gasped out clutching her head slightly.


    Cloud simply smirked. "I''m sure you will..."


    The two once more charged at each other both prepared to keep this fight going for as long as possible. Both teens smirked as they brought their respective weapons up and once again continued their clash...


    Over with Kitsune and Irene, the two both gasped out as they stared at each other. Flames and ice coming off the two of them as they both waited for the other to make a move.


    "This is getting nowhere..." Kitsune sighed out shaking his head. "We''ve fought for nearly five minutes and neither of us will win this rate. You keep hesitating and like a fool, I don''t take my chance..."


    "So what?" Irene said shrugging. "One of us has to win right?"


    "Not if time runs out first..." Kitsune stated. "We only have five minutes left..."


    "What are you suggesting then?"


    "How about we call it a tie?"


    "What! No."


    "Hear me out," Kitsune said clutching his side. The boy was clearly beaten up pretty badly. "Listen North... How about we just turn away from each other and go fight the other recruits. As it is we both have 0 points right now. If we leave though we still have a shot at some points."


    "I dunno..." Irene bit her lip slightly as she stared at the teen. "If I beat you I could guarantee that you won''t get into the Enforcers... But then again if I fight you I could waste all my time and guarantee that I don''t get into the Enforcers..."


    "Exactly. Both of us want to get in. So let''s get in together."


    Irene finally let out a sigh. "Whatever." She stated as she turned away. "I''ll just have to do better than you so I get placed on a better squad."


    Kitsune smirked slightly as he turned away. "We''ll see about that!"


    Meanwhile on the other side of the room Hero slowly walked towards Max. A smirk was on the teen''s face as his multi-colored eyes shined slightly. He brought his hand up slapping away whoever got hear him, or in his way as he continued his march.


    "I thought I would end up fighting you..." Max said letting out a sigh as he turned to face Hero.


    "The moment I found out we would get to be fighting I instantly knew I needed to come find you!" Hero announced as he smirked slightly.


    "I must confess," Max said raising his hand up slowly. "A part of me is excited... So far I have knocked out thirty recruits..."


    "I knocked out about... Twenty on my way over here?" Hero stated shrugging.


    "Indeed it would seem there aren''t any worthy people to join the Enforcers this year. Us alone have managed to take out nearly half the room. I am glad I get to fight someone entertaining at least..." Max''s hand began to glow a hot white as molten liquid began to drop from the palm of his hand. "You aren''t normal... You look odd, and you have a strange back story. I have no idea what you are but clearly, you aren''t like the rest of these runts..."


    "I guess you could say that." Hero admitted as he punched his hands together. His multi-colored eyes seemed to shine slightly. For a brief moment, his eyes actually seemed to expand a little. "How about we skip the warm-up?" He suggested.


    "Agreed!" Max screamed out as he brought his hand up. A wave of lave splashed out as Hero jumped to the side avoiding it. The heat hissed and cracked in the air as steam rose up. Molten magma began to spray out as Max let out a laugh. Lava began to bubble and hiss out as Hero covered his face frowning.


    "That heat is really annoying!" He yelled out as sweat dripped down his face. It wasn''t long before his clothing began to stick to his body as the teen hissed out. ''I need to think of a plan fast... That lava is really busted...'' Hero raised his arm up as a smirk crossed its way onto his face. "Balloon style!" He announced as he began to suck in the air. His arm began to expand like a balloon as it grew in size getting bigger, and bigger.


    "W-What the hell am I looking at..." Max asked blinking slightly from shock. "Let me get this straight ''Mr. Third strongest in the world...'' Your superpower is the ability to inflate part of your body like a Balloon..."


    "Yep!"


    "Y-You are so disappointing on so many levels..." Max sighed out as his eye twitched slightly. "And here I thought you would have some kind of cool power... Although? If your Attribute is inflation then how did you heal your broken-"


    Hero threw out a massive punch as his entire arm began to rapidly spin like a drill causing a cone of air to form around it. The punch barely missed its target as Max managed to jump back in a panic. The spinning fist slammed into the ground beneath the boy as it drilled a hole straight through it.


    Hero''s arm suddenly deflated as the teen ran forward letting out a yell. "Sturdy body!" He announced as he came crashing down towards Max. He slammed straight down cracking the floor as the fight became nothing more than a battle of fists.


    The two teens punched and kicked at each other neither of them landing any critical hits. Max slammed his elbow into the boy''s gut as Hero bit down biting into Max''s shoulder.


    "Balloon style!" Hero announced again as both his arms grew massive. He brought them both up slamming them into Max''s sides and sandwiching him in. Max began to glow a white-hot as steam rose off of him. Hero gasped slightly as red hot pained soared through his hands. His arms quickly shrunk as he changed up his style yet again. "Sturdy Style!" He announced this time.


    Max growled out as his knuckle slammed into Hero''s face snapping the boys head back. Hero gritted his teeth bringing his head forward as he headbutted Max''s fist. A loud crack echoed out as the wrist snapped back.


    ''Damn!'' Max thought as he hissed out in pain. ''I think he broke my wrist... His body became harder... Not even my magma is doing anything... But he stopped stretching... Can he only do one at a time? And the bruises in him aren''t healing?'' Max yelled out as he wrapped his arms around Hero as he attempted to slam him into the ground.


    The two teens grappled with each other as both kicked, punched, and bite each other. It was clear neither of them was willing to give up just yet. Hero seemed to ignore the pain however as his body was almost rock hard simply tanking whatever was thrown at him. Max, on the other hand, was beginning to get bruised up.


    Hero slid back as he lifted his foot. Then in a loud crack, his foot shot out, stretching forward. Max threw his hand out firing a wave of magma that hit Hero''s arm as the boy let out a loud yell of agonized pain. Hero''s leg suddenly pulled back as he seemed to give up on the attack.


    Both teens jumped back both catching their breaths and glaring at each other.


    "Heal Style..." Hero said rubbing his arm slightly as the skin seemed to heal from the horrible burn wound. His bruises also began to heal slowly as he rubbed his face.


    "So you can even heal from a pretty severe burn..." Max stated narrowing his eyes. "Your body can stretch and inflate like a Balloon... And you can make your skin become rock hard... What the hell is your Attribute?"


    "Well ''my'' Attribute is pretty simple." Hero said as he smirked. "I can inflate my body or compress my body. When I inflate it, the body part I choose gets bigger and becomes like a giant balloon. It loses its defense but gains a sort of bouncy feel to it allowing me to slam it around. When I compass my body it actually gets a little slimmer. I get more sturdy and can deal out more damage but over a less wide range. My Attribute is inflation and compress!"


    "That still doesn''t explain the stretching of your limbs, or the healing, or that super strength... If you can inflate I can see how it would grow and get wider but earlier your arm actually stretched out on its own. Not to mention whenever you inflate you suck in air... But when your limbs stretch out and your body heals you don''t do anything... Those are something else right..."


    "Both the healing, and the stretching are two separate things..." Hero stated as he shrugged slightly. "The stretching is me using a part of a... Shall we say a curse? And the healing is me using a gift."


    "A curse... A gift... I don''t understand." Max said frowning. "I don''t like having you know something that I don''t."


    "Get used to it."


    Max scowled slightly as he began to walk forward. "Well... We have about a minute left... We should get ready to end this..." The teen brought his arms up as he slammed then together as he marched forward. "As you might have guessed my Attribute is the ability to control magma. Not only that I can create it and I heat resistant to it, as well as resistant to the toxin from it."


    "And?"


    "Well, I was planning on saving this for a particular... Hard encounter. However, you have proven yourself... Allow me to show you the power I possess!" Max brought his hands apart as his entire body exploded in a white light. A white aura of power seemed to come off of him as he walked forward. Steam began to just roll off of him as the entire ground melted. "Amaterasu-¨­mikami..." Max spoke softly. "Mighty Armor Stage One..." In an explosion of pure heat, lava seemed to suddenly form around him as it took shape.


    Then in a flash of light, Max stood now cloaked in an armor of pure lava... The molten metal had taking on the shape of what looked like a knights armor except for one change. Max''s helmet was that of wolf''s head. The armor glowed a white-hot, as white aura crackled around him.


    All the fighting in the room stopped as everyone stared at Max in absolute shock.


    The teen stepped forward and with every step, the ground beneath him seemed to actually melt... "It''s still difficult for more to turn my Mantra on when I please..." Max said his voice coming out in a loud booming howl form the helmet. "However it would seem I managed to activate it..." White aura coated his body as he brought his hand up forming a blade made out of lava.


    "W-What the hell is this..." Hero said with wide eyes. "This isn''t a normal Attribute?"


    "Of course not. What you see before you is absolute power. This is the Equation Of Life!"


    Hero frowned as he got into a stance. "Well don''t think I intend to lose that easily..." The teen growled slightly. His fingers stabbed into the floor as he got into an all-fours stance. "Monster Style..." His body seemed to get slightly buffer as he grew slightly. He cracked the ground beneath him as he seemed to gain weight. His body began to grow in size as he gained more power. His eyes seemed to glow a silver color even with his contacts. "I had a secret weapon of my own after all..."


    "Well then let us determine which of us is better."


    The two exploded forward as a loud boom echoed out and the sound barrier scattered. Then-


    A loud ring echoed out in the room. "Time is up!" The speaker announced. "Please stop fighting."


    Hero and Max both stopped mere inches away from each other.


    "What a shame..." Max said quietly. The lava around suddenly vanished as the white light dispersed. "Let''s finish this another time."


    "Whatever..." Hero hissed out. His body quickly changed back to normal as he turned away.


    "My... Someone seems to have gotten annoyed..." Max stated as he too turned away. "I look forward to seeing what you can do Hero... It seems I was wrong about you on so many levels..."


    Hero scowled as he walked away from the boy. He quickly marched over to where Kitsune was. "Can you believe that asshole!" Hero hissed out.


    "Hero?"


    "What?"


    Kitsune grabbed Hero by the shoulders as he rapidly shook the boy. "How the hell are you that strong! And why were you acting like an idiot?"


    "I wasn''t acting..." Hero said shaking Kitsune''s arm off of him. "It''s just as that guy fought me more and more I was forced to sharpen up... That guy was really annoying." He sighed out.


    "I have a serious question," Kitsune said slowly as he reached out grabbing Hero''s shoulder. "That last clash you two made. Who would have won?"


    Hero turned away folding his arms. "I hate to admit it but that man would have... I don''t know what he did but that aura wasn''t an Attribute... Mantra... Where have I heard that word before... Mantra... Mantra..."


    "Mantra?" Kitsune hummed as he shrugged. "I know I''ve heard it too..."


    "Oh well. I''m sure it''s nothing." Hero said shrugging.


    "Well... This is it... After this, we''ll finally know if we did good enough right..." Kitsune said gulping slightly.


    "Don''t worry..." Hero said patting the boy on the shoulder. "I know we did good. After all... We have that spark."

 Chapter 18 - The Eleven Squ- Err- Twelve Squads. AKA Welcome to the Enforcers

    Age 1990


    Ken let out a slight sigh as she walked over to where Hero and Kitsune stood. She simply folded her arms as she closed her eyes. She stood there silently as the two boys glanced at her.


    "So..." Hero said awkwardly. "How''d you do in the test..." He asked.


    Ken let out a huff as she turned away from the two boys.


    "She got zero... Same as me." The three turned finding Cloud walking towards them as he also folded his arms. The blind teen let out a heavy sigh as he slid a hand through his brown hair. "We were both so busy fighting each other we totally forgot to attack anyone else. By the end of it, we wasted the whole ten minutes trying to kill each other rather than anyone else..."


    "Well if you hadn''t been so stubborn and just let me beat you, then we wouldn''t be in this mess now would we!" Ken yelled out in annoyance as she tried to punch the blind teen only for him to simply side step it easily.


    "It seems like Kitsune and I dodged a bullet then..." The four turned finding Irene was now standing next to them.


    "Ahh? Geez, North... We need to put a bell on you or something..." Kitsune said jumping slightly.


    "Well, it''s all out of our hands now." Hero said giving a half-hearted shrug. "From this point on it will be decided by fate..."


    "Well... I don''t like fate..." Ken said stubbornly, as she kicked at the ground. "How many people did you beat anyways Hero?"


    "Ahh... Only like twenty?"


    "What!"


    There was a loud clang sound that echoed out in the room. Everyone looked up to find that the ceiling itself was rising up suddenly. The ceiling began to fold back and slide back as a massive balcony suddenly slid out.


    Everyone began to whisper slightly when they saw the balcony. Or more correctly they began to whisper when they saw who was on the balcony.


    There was twelve thrones all labeled with numbers ranging from 12 all the way down to 1. Up on the balcony, twenty-three people could be seen either standing or sitting.


    It seemed like it was finally time to meet the Captains...


    "Good evening!" A loud cheerful voice announced out as a girl suddenly appeared up above everyone. She had massive white wings that flapped in the air causing her to float above everyone else. Long blond hair flowed behind her as she placed her hands on her h.i.p.s.


    "Wait a minute..." Cloud, Kitsune, and Ken all said in shock.


    "I''ve seen her before!" Ken, and Kitsune said in shock.


    "I''ve heard that voice!" Cloud said also in shock.


    "That was that weird blond girl that was always in every town I went to!" Ken said stepping back slightly. "I just thought she was some kind of stalker..."


    "She was the girl who gave me my letter!" Cloud said nodding his head. "I recognize her voice."


    "And I know her from the Enforcers ''Five Hottest Enforcers'' magazine!" Kitsune said in shock. Everyone stopped suddenly as they turned to look at the Noble teen. "I- I mean... She was on the roof of my school..."


    "Can I borrow those magazines?" Hero questioned.


    "Hello everyone!" The girl yelled out loudly. "How is everyone doing?" She asked.


    "That asshole lava guy gave me terrible burns!" A voice yelled out in the crowd.


    "And some unstylish loser punched me in the stomach!" Another voice yelled out.


    "And I want your autograph!" Kitsune yelled out.


    "Sounds like everyone had a wonderful time!" The girl announced. "Well, you can all finally rest easy now as it is finally time for the Captains to pick their new recruits. If you look above me you will find the twelve Captains and their vice-captains!" The girl announced. She floated up as she pointed at each of them.


    In the number twelve seat, a young woman sat. She had long pink hair and blue eyes. A smile seemed to be permanently on her face. Next to her, a giant of a man stood with crossed arms and narrow eyes. ''Squad Twelve. The Clean Up Squad lead by the beautiful Captain Athena aka the Heavenly Mind, and her Vice-Captain Gregor aka the walking mountain!''


    The next seat was labeled with eleven. A slightly strong slightly lean man sat in the chair. A young girl stood next to him. She had a frown on her face and looked extremely bored. ''Squad Eleven. The Perimeter Guard Squad lead by the trapper Captain Solomon aka the Trapper, and his Vice-Captain Kodama aka the Huntress.''


    To the left of that set the tenth chair. In it a buff man sat. The man held a smirk on his face as he crossed his arms. His eyes seemed to shine with excitement. A calm looking man stood next to him as he leaned back slightly rolling his eyes. ''The tenth Squad also known as the Construction Squad lead by the talented Leoh Ming aka The Terraformer, and his Vice-Captain Zaha aka The Rumble.''


    Next was the ninth seat where a man in a large lab coat sat. A girl showing no emotion stood next to him. ''The ninth squad and their Captain. Also called the Research Squad lead by Professor Newt aka The Vortex, and his assistant Automata aka The Plome.''


    The next one was Squad Eight. A man sat with a large smirk on his face as he flipped a hat into the air. Next to him a man stood messing with jars of weird liquids. ''Squad Eight, the Exploration Squad lead by Alexander aka The Traveler, and his Vice-Captain Nicholas aka The Alchemist.''


    Across from them the seventh throne sat. A young man laid across the throne with his eyes closed as he seemingly slept. A man stood next to him fanning the sleeping man off and brushing his hair. ''Squad Seven the Support Squad lead by Stark aka The Dark, and his Vice-Captain Nick aka The Living Steel.''


    Next to them sat the sixth throne where a young woman with blue hair sat. Next to her stood two people. The first was Jackson, and the second was Dawson. The two of them stood on either side of the throne next to their Captain. ''Squad Sixth the Special Task Force Squad lead by the powerful Katrina aka The Hurricane, and her Vice-Captain Jackson aka The Blue Crow. No one knows why Dawson was there...''


    To the right of them was the fifth, throne and Captain. A man sat smirking as his brother stood next to him. ''Squad five the Elementalist Squad lead by Kaen aka The Whisp and his brother and Vice-Captain Feng aka The Howling Fang.''


    Next was Squad four. A woman wearing a suit of armor sat in the chair, next to her a large man holding a massive gun stood. ''Squad Four the Artillery Squad lead by Neil aka The Master Of Arms, and her Vice-Captain Miyamoto Mushai aka The Rain Of Hot Metal.''


    The next one was squad three. A man so clean he sparkled sat in the throne. He wore a pair of loose-fitting white robes and hiS feet was in a bucket of soapy water. Next to him, a man stood with a large smoke pipe, however instead of smoke, bubbles came out of his. ''Squad Three, the Raid Squad lead by Kong aka The Leader of a Billion soldiers, and his Vice-Captain Lave aka The Cleansing Wave.''


    Next to them was the second throne squad two. A gruff looking man sat in it, and a shy looking girl stood next to him. ''Squad two The Slayer Squad who excel at dealing with the Bestia Macht''s. They are lead by Roi aka The Human Beast and his Vice-Captain Mary aka The Nightmare.''


    And finally there was one last throne. In it nobody sat leaving it empty. A single piece of paper could be seen with the words ''Don''t wanna be here, so I''m not.'' written on it. Next to the throne a girl wearing a wooden mask stood. ''The Number One Squad also known as The Nukes, The Last Line of defense, the heavy hitters, the Strongest Squad. lead by the unknown Captain aka The Enigma, (Some say he doesn''t exist) and his Vice-Captain Tomoe aka The Laijutsu Master. Some say she''s the one that runs squad one since the Captain is never around.''


    Hero folded his arms as he raised an eyebrow. "Yo Fox teen. You''re smart. What Captain is which?"


    Kitsune rolled his eyes slightly as he looked up at the Captains. "Everyone of the Captains are strong... Each of them has their own jobs and purposes... However, the strongest one would definitely be the number one Captain..."


    "You mean the one who didn''t show up?" Hero asked as he stared at the empty number one seat.


    "Yeah... The Number One Captain this time is a bit of a mystery... Even still though that position is only held by the absolute strongest individual in the Enforcers. Someone even stronger than the Master''s Four Sacred Beasts..."


    "This all sounds kind of complicated..." Hero said sheepishly.


    "Its really not," Kitsune said shrugging. "Basically you have twelve squads in total and each squad does something different. Squads 12 to 7 are the support role squads. They aren''t sent out on massive missions often and usually do little side missions or go with another squad to back them up. 6 to 1 is focused on the battle squads. Those square are the ones sent on solo missions. Each squad focuses on something else that they do that makes them stand out. Then you have 3 to 1. Those three squads are the absolute strongest squads. They are the ones you want to shoot for..."


    "I don''t really care where I end up." Hero said letting out a bit of a laugh. "Just as long as it''s fun and I can get stronger!"


    Kitsune let out a huff as he turned away. "Well, you should care. You should care a lot. This is an important-"


    "Shh!" Irene hissed. "It''s starting..."


    The flying woman lifted her arms up as she pulled out a massive scroll. "Alright, everyone. It''s time for you all to be sorted into your squad she announced out. We have a very special way of doing this! If you look behind you, you will see the exit door. If you look to your right, and left you will see six doors on each side!" The girl said cheerfully. Twelve doors could be seen now on the left and right hand side. Six on each side. Each door had a number on it. Left had one through six. The right had seven through twelve.


    The flying girl reached up placing two fingers in her mouth as she let out a loud whistle. A loud click could be heard as the roof to the building unfolded opening up.


    Everyone looked up now seeing the grey and blackened sky of their world. Many let out a loud gasp when they saw something flying down from the sky.


    "A Bestia Macht!" A random recruit yelled out in fright.


    A massive Bestia Macht came crashing down as it landed in front of the recruits. Everyone one of the recruits froze up as they stared at it. Its body was large but lean. It was around the size of a car. It walked on all fours and its two front legs had two powerful wings coming out of them that were molded into its body. White fur covered its body as sapphire blue eyes stared back at the recruits. Its mouth was like a beak as it folded open slightly. A large spiked tail flicked back moving left and right. White electricity sparked off of the thing flying around the room causing several people to panic.


    "Th-The Enfrocers really do use Bestia Macht''s!" Irene said in horror as she stepped back.


    "Told you..." Hero said. "Should have listened to me man..."


    "This is Raiju! He will be performing a few exams on you..." The woman announced as she floated down and now stood on the beasts back. She reached out patting him. "He is Master Storm''s friend, and partner." She stated. "Every new Age when we have these test we use him to judge where a new recruit should go... Each of the Captain''s have had a chance to talk to Raiju already and tell them who they want. They also have buttons they can push at any time to tell Raiju that they want you. If someone has claimed you Raiju will send you to them. If someone hasn''t claimed you he will figure out if there is any squad you should go to. When I call your name please step up!" She said. "Raiju will look into your mind and soul and figure out the best squad for you... Of course if he feels like you aren''t worthy to join the Enforcers he''ll show you... If that happens then please leave the building through the exit door which is now unsealed! Please step up when I call your name!" The girl said proudly.


    Ken and Cloud gulped slightly as they shifted nervously. "I... I don''t like this..." Ken hissed out slightly. "Being judged by a Bestia Macht... This isn''t fair..."


    "Relax." Hero said patting the small girl on the head. "I''m sure it''s fine. She said if we are claimed than we are already in. That Jackson guy seemed to like you so he probably asked his Captain to claim you. I''m sure you''ll get in just fine."


    "But what about me?" Cloud asked.


    "Oh.. Umm. Ahh it''s starting!" Hero said turning away from the two as the girl began to call names out.


    "Chase Sturm!" The flying girl called out. A young boy nervously walked up. All twelve Captains peered down at him as the boy flinched nervously.


    Slowly the boy reached out and placed his hand on the monster''s head. A few seconds passed as the monster stared at him. Then its eyes flashed red.


    "Sorry, Chase! You are disqualified. Please turn around and walk to the exit where you will be kicked out of our building never to be seen here again!" The girl announced cheerfully.


    "What just like that!" Ken said horrified. "We can just lose like that..."


    The girl continued to call on names none of which were picked until finally... "Lucy Case!" A tall blond girl walked up. There was a brief silence as the monster stared at her. Then its eyes turned green.


    "I-I saw the number seven..." The girl said quietly. "Do-Does that mean I''m on squad seven?" She questioned.


    "I suppose you could have some talent..." Stark the seventh squad Captain said quietly. Despite that though his voice echoed down. "Welcome to Squad Seven..."


    "T-Thank you!" The girl said bowing slightly.


    "Congratulations!" The flying girl announced. "You are one of the first to get in. If you turn to your right you will find a door. Please walk through it and head to hall seven!"


    The girl nodded before quickly running off.


    From there a few more names were called out. Hero basically blanked most out as they were just random nobodies. One got picked by squad eight, one got picked by squad nine, and one by eleven. Hero honestly didn''t care though. Not until a particular name was called out.


    "Emma Vibes!"


    Hero''s eyes widened slightly as he turned finding Emma. ''I feel kind of bad for knocking her out... She probably won''t get in because of me...''


    Emma placed her hand on the monster. Its eyes flashed green almost instantly. "Umm.. Seven..." The girl said sheepishly.


    Stark let out another loud yawn. "Looks like I got two this year..." The sleepy man stated.


    "Oh yeah! In your face Hero." Emma announced as the quickly ran off.


    "Good for her..." Hero said nodding.


    "Sera Azure!" The winged lady announced.


    Hero sighed when he saw the smug Noble girl walk up. "An Azure..." Kitsune said slightly confused. "Man... And I thought I was gonna be the only Noble this year..."


    "Don''t worry." Hero said shrugging. "I saw that girl in action... She probably won''t get in-"


    The monster''s eye''s flashed green. "Squad seven?" Sera said blinking slightly.


    Up with Jackson and his Captain they gave a shrug. "What''s up with squad seven this year?" Jackson asked.


    "Well, you know Stark..." Dawson said. "He''s a miracle worker... He turns normal everyday people into amazing Enforcers..."


    "Cloud, No last name!" The flying girl announced.


    Cloud let out a nervous nod as he stepped up. Everyone waited for a few moments.


    Up in the balcony, Jackson tapped at the balcony. "What do you think?" His Captain questioned. She stared down at the young teen. "He got a zero on the written test as his handwriting was just scribbled... And he didn''t get a single knock out..."


    "Take him..." Dawson said quietly. "He has skill."


    The Captain simply smirked as she shrugged. "It''s not about what I think... Its all up to that beast..."


    The monster''s eye''s flashed a bright green for a moment. "Squad... Six?" Cloud said shaking his head. "That''s really weird..."


    "Congratulations!" Everyone looked up to see Katrina the sixth squad Captain. The woman crossed her arms as she smirked. "Welcome to hell kid! You better not let me down..."


    "Thank you, Ma''am..." Cloud said a bit shocked at having been picked. "I won''t let you down."


    "Way to go Cloud." Hero said patting the boy on the shoulder.


    "Kitsune Nine!" The woman announced.


    Kitsune walked up instantly getting the creature to flash green. "Six!" He said instantly.


    "No!" Jackson whined out falling to his knees. "Now I''m stuck with him..."


    "What?" His Captain asked.


    "Ahh, it''s nothing. It''s just I don''t like that kid. He''s way too clingy."


    "Oh? You don''t like him?"


    "Yeah- Wait a minute... Katrina, you better not!"


    The woman stood up as she pointed down at Kitsune. "From this day on while you are a part of the Enforcers Jackson will personally be training you!"


    "Really! That''s terrific!" Kitsune said happily with stars in his eyes.


    "Why Katrina!" Jackson yelled out throwing his arms into the air


    "This is for flirting with those girl!" She announced smacking him on the head.


    "I wasn''t flirting with anyone! One just said hi to me!"


    Kitsune quickly left before a scene could break out. Once again the room went silent. Nothing of to much interest really happened. By now at least each squad had taking on one new recruit. All except for the first squad which continued to not raise any hands. Mostly because the Captain wasn''t there.


    Everyone all began to get bored until a name that caught Hero''s eye was called up.


    "Shiki Gold..."


    The teen in question walked up. The teen in question was a young c.o.c.ky looking boy. He had an aura of power about him as he crossed his arms. The monster looked at him for a moment then its eyes turned golden. Its tail came up as it placed it at Shiki''s neck. Everyone went quiet as they stared in surprise. Then. The monster pulled its tail back. Shiki smiled slightly as he reached out patting the monster.


    "Squad one..." Shiki stated shocking everyone in the room.


    Hero frowned slightly. "Why didn''t I notice that guy in the fighting arena..."


    "Better question..." Ken stated. "Why the hell did that thing almost attack him?"


    "Alice Wonder!"


    A girl nervously walked up as she shivered slightly. "H-Hello..." The monster c.o.c.ked its head at her as its eyes flashed green. "E-Eight?" The girl stated.


    "So far things seem to be going well..." Irene said a bit nervous... "Who knows for how much longer though..."


    "Relax... It''ll be fine." Hero said.


    A few more people were called none of which got in. It quickly became apparent that the chances were quite low unless this thing saw something in you.


    "North Glacious."


    Irene took a deep breath as she stepped up. Everyone stared down at her for. a few seconds.


    ''Wait a minute...'' The flying lady thought as she stared down at the weird boy beneath her who had stepped up. ''I personally delivered the letter to North... Who the hell is that boy? He''s not-" She stopped suddenly when she noticed a gesturing. She turned finding Jackson moving his arms in front of him as if saying ''don''t question it.'' over and over again. The girl blinked a few times before shrugging. ''Whatever... It''s his job if this gets out.''


    Irene was nervous as she reached out placing her hand on the monsters hide. Her eyes widened when she began to see various memories from her past life. She gasped out slightly as the creature stared at her with curiosity.


    Should I pick him?" Katrina questioned as she placed her hand over a button.


    "Yes!" Jackson said nodding. "Very powerful. Hit the button. Do it. Trust me."


    "Why are you so adamant about this..." Katrina asked suspiciously as she eyed him up.


    "No reason..." Jackson announced letting out a nervous laugh. "Just click the damn button..."


    The Captain let out a sigh as she raised her hand. "Fine..." Katrina let out a sigh as she clicked the button.


    Instantly the Raiju''s eyes turned green as Irene stepped back. "Squad six..." The girl still staring at the monster. ''It didn''t rat me out? Thank God...''


    "Welcome to our squad." Katrina said letting out a sigh. "Don''t fail us kid..."


    "I-I won''t disappoint you!" Irene announced giving a quick nod. She turned away quickly leaving.


    "Wow. Just us two left..." Hero said shrugging. "Wonder if we''ll all end up on the same squad?"


    "I kind of hope we do at this point..." Ken said letting out a sigh. "Then again... I just want to get into a squad... Or at least in the same squad as you..."


    "What?"


    "Oh hey look someone else that''s interesting!" Ken said quickly as she pointed forward.


    "Tsun Mai!"


    A young girl walked up as she crossed her arms. The creature stared at her for a moment. Its eyes flashed golden as its tail came out placing it at her neck. The girl simply smiled slightly. She reached out patting it. "Squad four." She said.


    "There it goes doing that thing..." Ken said frowning.


    "Max No last name..."


    Hero took a quick intake of breath as he watched what he was now falling his rival walk up to the stand. Just like with Shiki, and that girl the thing almost attacked him. And just like with those two Max simply smirked as he reached out patting it.


    "Squad one," Max said shrugging. "None of the others matter. They''re all weak..."


    The second Captain let out an audible growl. "Watch your tone boy..."


    "No," Max said simply as he turned walking away.


    "That arrogance is gonna be his death..." Ken whispered out.


    "You got that right... But... Still. I hate just how strong he is..." Hero hissed out.


    More names were called and it didn''t take long before the room began to get thinner and thinner as people were either accepted or left. Only around 20% of all recruits would even be allowed in after all... Each time a person was accepted Hero, and Ken both got more and more nervous as they realized their chances were becoming smaller, and smaller.


    By the very end of it, only 5 recruits were left to be sorted.


    "Okay... This is getting really bland now..." Hero sighed out. "Its been almost an hour now."


    "Ken!"


    Ken gulped slightly as she nervously stepped forward. Hero reached out squeezing the girl''s hand in an attempt to reassure her. She thanked him as she quietly walked up to the creature. There was a moment of quiet that ticked by. Then another moment. Then another moment.


    At least a full ten minutes passed of absolute silence. Then. The monster''s eyes flashed green. "Six..." Ken said smiling slightly.


    "Congrats!" Hero announced patting her on the shoulder.


    "Hero Otoko!"


    "Otoko..." Katrina said quietly as she raised an eyebrow. "As in Okami Otoko? Guess I know where this kid will end up."


    "You need to hit the button." Jackson stated.


    "What? Why?" Katrina looked at her childhood best friend with surprise. "I''m sure every Captain will hit their button simply for his name? If that happens Raiju will have to decide himself which squad he goes to. Do you really think he would pick our squad?"


    "Just try it." Jackson stated.


    "You should listen to him..." The Captain and Vice-Captain both turned to look at their third member when Dawson began to speak. "That boy... I''m not sure what but, there is something about him."


    "Hang on a minute..." Katrina said suddenly. She reached into her pocket pulling out a piece of paper. "This is his test results from the written test. It says here he got a zero on them. He didn''t answer any questions. Not even the final question which was worth 100% of the grade."


    "Hero Otoko." Dawson spoke quietly as he stepped up. "I can feel that there is more to him. Even if we do not receive him you should still vote to simply show our support..."


    Hero walked up as he placed his hand on the creature. "So what happens now-" Hero froze as his eyes grew wide and he began to flash through several memories.


    He saw himself as a baby being held by some weird woman who he thought was maybe his mom?


    Next, he was slightly older being held by his grandpa.


    Next, he was even older... They just get coming. Then... Right when he reached eight years old something changed. A loud roar seemed to echo out and Hero hissed in pain as his head felt as if it would explode.


    Then. In a flash, Hero wasn''t in the recruitment hall anymore.


    "What the?" The teen muttered out as he looked around. His eyes widened when he saw where he was. Hero stepped back nearly falling to his knees as his eyes darted around the room. The room was like a massive hospital room with surgery beds lines up on the wall. In the bed, he saw his own body laid down as white liquid seemed to coat it. The liquid seeped out falling everywhere.


    A low rumbled seemed to echo out as Hero realized he wasn''t alone, and whatever was in here wasn''t happy to see him. The liquid seemed to bubble out as it began to take shape.


    Hero felt his heart begin to beat, faster and faster. The white liquid began to make a clanging noise as the hospital walls seemed to grow out getting wider and wider. The shape began to reform becoming the rough outline of a person as it began to hiss out.


    Then in a flash of light, he was gone. In front of him, the Bestia Macht stood once more. They still weren''t back at the recruitment hall though. No. Instead, now they stood in an empty black void.


    "What the hell was that room? What was that white thing? Why was there a second me?" Hero asked as he stared at the monster? He let out a sigh as he rolled his eyes. "I don''t know why I excepted you to actually talk... I mean you''re a monster after-"


    ''I know not the answer...''


    Hero''s eyes widened as he jumped back staring at the beast. "What the hell! You can talk?"


    ''No. I can think.''


    "Oh..." Hero said confused by that answer. "Okay... Sure... Why not? Where are we?"


    ''In my mind.''


    "What? Why? I thought you were going through my head? Why are we in yours now?"


    ''Your mind was dangerous. A moment longer and ''it'' would have swallowed both of us up...''


    "What would have?"


    ''I do not know.''


    "Why is everyone but me useless..."


    ''I do not know-''


    "Stop talking!" Hero shouted. He took a deep breath as he looked around. "So what now? What squad do I go to? If any at all?"


    ''I am still deciding.''


    "On which squad I should go to?"


    ''On rather I should kill you.''


    "Whoa!" Hero said stepping back. "Kill me! For what! Besides Jackson seemed to like me. He would have claimed me right?"


    ''You have indeed been claimed by all twelve squads so far but, you are dangerous. Like the last three, I have sorted... Your mind is not normal. Your soul is not normal. Your Life''s Equation has been altered. Should you be left to grow you could gain power. Should you be left to determine your desires you could go bad. Should you go bad you could cause harm... You are in a cycle. A cursed cycle that if left unchecked will do grave harm to yourself and others. As long as you wear that mask you will never be happy...''


    In the real world, the body of Hero stood perfectly still. His hand was still on the monsters hide while the monster''s eyes were now golden. The monster''s tail was placed up against Hero''s throat as the two stayed perfectly still.


    "You can''t just kill me!" Hero said startled as he stared at the monster in the black void.


    ''Of course, I can. My tail is at your throat now. I simply need to push down.''


    "Please don''t!"


    ''I am thinking...''


    Hero let out a sigh as he crossed his legs, sitting down. "So you want to kill me because I am different? My Equation is wrong or something, and that could mean I''m evil?"


    ''Yes.''


    "But I''m not. Didn''t you look through my memories." Hero stated. "I don''t even know what this equation thingy is but if you were in my head you saw my life right?"


    ''No. The thing stopped me...''


    "Well, that''s not fair!" Hero said sighing slightly. "Trust me. I''m not evil. I''m not a Saint but I help out when I can? I ate a ring to keep it away from people..."


    ''Why did you join the Enforcers.''


    "To beat up my grandpa- Okay that might sound a little evil... Basically, I wanted to get stronger so I can prove to my Grandpa that his training sucked... He spent fifteen years training me in a style that I didn''t like and thought was boring. He also kept trying to change me. It''s because of him I know nothing about the world. Instead of allowing me to live in closed me off..." Hero reached into his pocket pulling out the coin his grandpa had given him...


    ''I mean why did you really join.''


    "Well... I wanted to get stronger... I thought it would be fun... I thought it sounded cool... I wanted to thank that girl who saved me... I wanted to do some good? Look I can go on all day... What do you want me to-"


    ''The actual reason...''


    "What do you mean the actual reason?"


    ''The thing that pushed you in life. The thing that gave you the strength to get up... The thing you seem to have forgotten?''


    Hero went silent for a moment as he brought his knees up to his chest. He placed his chin on his knees as he wrapped his arms around his legs. Then he just sat there thinking.


    The two stayed silent as Hero went through his memories thinking.


    "It was to help someone..."


    ''Who?''


    "I don''t remember her name." Hero reached up taking his contacts out showing off his silver eyes. "Her eyes were like mine. That''s where I got them from after all..."


    ''In the memories your eyes were green...'' The creature spoke. As if on cue a eight-year-old Hero suddenly appeared. The boy had emerald green eyes and pitch-black hair. ''Your hair is different to... Why do you want to save this... Girl?''


    "I don''t know..." Hero said letting out another heavy sigh. "I just remembered she looked so... So sad... She looked like she wanted help... But that man... That scientist locked her away and used her. He used me..."


    ''But you never helped her?''


    "No." Hero said shaking his head as he stared down at the ground. "I never did... I don''t know where she is..."


    ''If you did would you try and save her?''


    "I wouldn''t try. I would save her."


    ''What if it wasn''t her? What if you saw someone else in danger. Would you save them as well.''


    "I would." Hero said nodding. "It might seem childish... But if I saw someone in front of who was in danger I would stop at nothing to save them... My name is ''Hero'' for a reason... I''ll earn my right to go by that name..."


    ''There is only one place I can think of to put you. A place where you can truly prove that you want to be a ''Hero''...''


    Hero stepped back now in the real world once again as the tail pulled back from his neck. He shook his head slightly as the world spun around him.


    "Squad... Squad Six?" Hero stated.


    "Ha!" Jackson announced pointing at the other eleven squads. "Suck it!"


    "Yes!" Ken announced grabbing onto the boy''s arm.


    "Ken? You''re still here? But you already went?"


    "I stopped when I saw that creature point its tail at you. You two were frozen for so long the Captains were beginning to get worried..."


    "Well looks like that worked out for you two!" Jackson called out as he waved at the two of them. "I look forward to training you shorty!"


    "I''ll kill you!" Ken yelled out grabbing her sword.


    Hero let out a laugh but quickly screamed out in pain when Ken smacked him up side the head. "Oww..." He whined slightly. His looked up as his eyes met the eyes of Bestia Macht. Hero smiled slightly as he was about to say something only for Ken to wrap her arm around his.


    "Come on..." Ken sighed out as she reached out grabbing the boy by the arm. She quickly dragged him to the door as the two of them got ready to leave.


    Where they would end up they didn''t know. What would their future hold? They also didn''t know.


    The only thing they knew for sure?


    This was the start of a new story.

 Chapter 19 - The Enforcers

    Age 1990


    Hero and Ken walked down the halls at a slow rate. They had no idea what awaited them on the other side of the hallway. A monster? A army? An entire room full of nude cultists? They had no idea what they were getting into...


    "So..." Ken said quietly. "This is it right?" She asked letting out a sigh.


    "Yeah... I guess this is it." Hero said shrugging slightly. "We''re Enforcers now I guess... Huh... Weird?" He said giving a second shrug.


    "I kind of thought something big would happen? But apparently, we just walk down this hall and head to the room?" Ken questioned. ''Kind of a big let down honestly?"


    In front of the two teens sat a large metallic door with the number six carved into it. Beyond that door would be the sixth squad common room... The room where they would be staying at... The two stood in front of it as they slowly reached out pushing it open. "Here we go..." Hero stated as he finally pushed the door open. "Please don''t be nude cultists!"


    "What?"


    "Oh sweet you guys got in too," Kitsune announced when the door was pushed open and he saw who walked in. Hero and Ken looked around the room they just entered. "Welcome to the sixth squad!" The Noble announced.


    They found themselves in a large open room with a few couches and a large T.V... It seemed like this was the lounge. Towards the back, they spotted several doors all of which would lead to different rooms. On the left side of the room, several rows of staircases went up. On the right side of the room was a single lone staircase.


    Inside the room itself, Kitsune, Cloud, and Irene all sat around on the couch as they looked at Hero, and Ken.


    "Do you think we will be getting anyone else?" Kitsune questioned snapping Hero and Ken out of their daze.


    "Nah." Hero said as he shook his head. "There was just us two left when we left... Things got boring in there pretty fast being stuck in that room and forced to wait on them to call us... Speaking of rooms? What is this room exactly?" Hero questioned.


    "This is the room you might be living at for the next two years... Or rather the building you might be living at for the next two years..." A feminine voice announced out surprising everyone. Everyone in the room jumped slightly as they turned to the door finding it wide open, with three people standing in the doorway. In the doorway, Jackson and Dawson both stood. Dawson had a blank face as he crossed his arms. Jackson gave a little bit of a wave and a slight nod to Hero. In between the two boys stood Katrina. The Sixth Squad Captain, and from this day on their new boss... "Of course I haven''t decided if you will be allowed in or not? So you might not be living in here?" Katrina stated as she gave off a shrug.


    "W-What do you mean might be living here..." Kitsune asked nervously as the woman turned to him. The woman in front of them had a way about her. It was like watching a train wreck, or a hurricane? None of them could turn their heads away from her. All of the kid''s eyes we locked onto her. "We passed the test and got in right..." Kitsune questioned slowly. "We''re Enforcers now..."


    "Not quite." Katrina barked out causing the teens to all jump. "That Bestia Macht might have selected all five of you out of the pile of Enforcers it could have chosen from, but that doesn''t mean I have accepted you into my squad yet. At any moment if I feel like any of you are a waste of time I will kick you out. I don''t care about your title or your ability. All I care about is that you can show me that spark..."


    Everyone seemed to freeze up at that as the three full-fledged Enforcers all stared at them with a serious expression. Dawson gave a nod as Jackson simply shrugged.


    "She''s not lying," Jackson commented causing everyone to turn to him finally breaking the eyes off of the woman. "Squad Six is currently the smallest squad... Not counting our Captain there is only ten of us... Although with you guys that brings the number up to fifteen."


    "Wait so there is only sixteen members of this squad!" Irene said in shock.


    "That''s right," Katrina announced. "And the five of you only got in because of recommendations and luck... As it is now all five of you will likely be kicked out before the end of today..."


    "Before the end of the day!" The five new recruits all said horrified.


    "We have a certain initiation test you are required to take to prove to us that you really are dedicated members and are deserving to be on our team..." Jackson said with a slight grin.


    "A-And what''s that..." Ken asked narrowing her eyes.


    "You''ll have to wait and see!" The white-haired Vice-Captain announced out as he gave a slight smirk. "Right now we need to head to the main hall. It''s time for the big speech..." He announced out as he suddenly spun on his hills turning around. "Follow me!" He yelled out as he turned around and began to skip out of the room.


    Katrina let out a sigh as she turned following after he Vice-Captain. "I suggest you follow him..." The recruits all jumped in surprise when Dawson spoke. His voice was quiet but calm. "The big speech is about to happen." He stated. The man turned as he began to walk out of the room. The others quickly followed him.


    Hero jogged slightly as he ran up to Dawson. "Yo... Mr... Umm?"


    "Blight."


    "Mr. Blight." Hero said nodding. "I have a question."


    "What is it," Dawson asked calmly as they walked down the halls and back to the room, they took all the exam tests in.


    "Where are all the other squad members of squad six?" Hero asked. "You guy said there was ten not counting Katrina right? That means eight aren''t here?"


    Dawson let out a low hum. "Away on missions... Squad six is almost always full of work. We barely get any days to rest. Hannah is away on a mission right now... I know that for sure... Fulminous is with her as well as she stole him when Jackson wasn''t looking... Bao is stationed over at Dandelion still but he should be returning back any day now... And Silky... That asshole has probably slithered off somewhere again... As for the others, I honestly don''t know. I don''t keep track of them..." The man said shrugging.


    "Well just between you and me..." Hero said as he whispered to the man. "How strong are you?"


    Dawson simply hummed. "Strong enough to protect what I hold dear..."


    "Is that a lot?"


    "Maybe..."


    "Cool..."


    The two weren''t able to continue their conversation as Katrina literally kicked the door to the room open. They all marched into the room that just early today they had all tried to kill themselves in. There was still an air of hostility that was still in the room...


    "Line up with the other recruits..." Katrina said calmly as she walked off.


    In the room, there were around twenty people all in a circle. The people who all passed the exam. In front of the lined-up Recruits, the Captains all stood. Katrina, Dawson, and Jackson both walked up taking their place next to them.


    "Darn... Still no first Captain..." Hero muttered when he only saw the Vice-Captain to the first squad standing off by herself. Seems like the Strongest Captain really didn''t show up... "I really want to see him..."


    "Or her..." Irene said.


    "Nah there a guy." Hero said. He walked off getting into line with the other recruits.


    Everyone went silent as the room once more began to shake. Although this time the shaking was small... Barely even noticeable... Thankfully someone pointed it out... "Guys!" Cloud stated. "The room is shaking!"


    "Never change Cloud... Never change..."


    Off in front of the Captains, the ground split open as a large stage began to rise up confusing all the recruits. On this stage, a single elderly man stood. The man wore what looked like extremely baggy robes. His long white beard dropped down touching the floor. His electric blue eyes seemed to shine with a power. The old man cleared his throat as he seemed to get ready to speak.


    Kitsune took a quick intake of breath as his orange eyes widened. "That man... That''s Master Storm. Leader of the Enforcers, and the oldest living Storm family relative... Some say he is actually apparently two thousand years old!"


    "Storm?" Hero said raising an eyebrow. "That''s the family that Jackson is a part of, isn''t it? Jackson Storm right... Guess that means the two are related?" He said shrugging. "Suddenly he''s a lot less cool now that I know he probably got his position from being related to the boss... Bummer?"


    "Psst!"


    Hero stopped as he turned finding Emma. The girl frowned as she stared at him. "Emma?" Hero said backing up slightly. "Thats right you got in..."


    "So you got on squad six huh... I''m sorry." The girl said shrugging slightly as she whispered to the teen.


    "For what?"


    "Didn''t you hear." Emma said chuckling slightly. "Squad six is considered to be the worst squad you can end up on..."


    "I''ve already heard that they kick out most Enforcer members-"


    "It''s not just that, that makes them bad..." Emma said as she reached out slightly patting Hero on the shoulder. "There is a lot more to it than that." She stated calmly.


    "What do you mean?" Hero questioned out in confusion.


    "I just heard about it earlier today but... Turns out squad six is cursed... Or at least that''s what the other Captains believe?" Emma said quietly.


    "Cursed?" Hero gulped slightly as he let out a sheepish smile. "Aww come on. No such thing as a curse exist, magic isn''t rea;... But just out of curiosity? What kind of curse are we talking about? Like the death kind..."


    "Well it all started way back with the original Sixth Squad Captain. The first-ever one." Emma said. "Apparently he and his squadmates fought a talking Bestia Macht. Before the Bestia Macht died he announced a curse was placed on the squad."


    "That sounds totally fake?"


    "Yeah but wait until you hear this next part..." Emma hissed out quietly as she pulled the teen close. Several people glanced at Hero in confusion as they saw Emma whisper into his ear quietly. The two of them looked like a strange sight. "From that point on Squad Six has been filled with death, and disaster. They suffer from betrayal, death, and failure more than any other Squad. And as it turns out the last Captain, Captain Roshi was killed, along with the Vice-Captain, who was his wife, and their newborn baby... The entire town they were in was destroyed by a rampaging Bestia Macht... Squad Six is a dangerous squad to be on... They are constantly held back and have to do missions more than any other squad... No squad six member has ever survived more than four years..."


    "Th-Thats awful..." Hero said shocked. "But it could all just be a conidece. I don''t think it''s cursed." He said in an attempt to reassure himself.


    "Well. Curse or not. Be careful. Captain Katrina is considered to be one of the worst Captains, and has on numerous occasions hurt her allies..." The girl stated. "She hasn''t taken on a squad mate in four years and has failed every mission she has gone on... If you aren''t careful..."


    "Oh..." Hero gave a sly smile. "You''re worried for me..."


    "I-I am not! I just thought you should know so you could tell your team mates..."


    Hero snickered slightly. "Sure..."


    "Shh... He''s starting..." Irene hissed out punching Hero on the shoulder and pulling him away from Emma.


    "Asshole..." Emma muttered outcrossing her arms.


    Everyone stared up at the old man as he stared back at them.


    The old man cleared his throat as he looked out among the crowd... "Good evening..." He said softly, yet his voice echoed out like thunder. All eyes were on him. "I''ll make this brief as I know many of you are probably tired from working all day... I''m sure many of you are excited to finally be an Enforcer... But what truly makes an Enforcer? It isn''t their power... Nor is it their weapons. It isn''t even their will to do good. No. None of that makes an Enforcer. What makes an Enforcer is the will to live. The will to keep on fighting. The will to get back up. The will to improve your powers, your weapons, and the will that allows you to save others..." He announced out his voice almost seeming to explode like a massive crackle of thunder! A wave of power seemed to be coming off of him. All of the recruits seemed to buckle under it and only the Captains were able to remain standing. "In this dark, and frozen world we live in, we may fight against the monsters and our own kind alike, but we will stand and defend the hearts, and lives of our people, from all sides. That is the sworn duty that we the Enforcers uphold." He took out a deep sigh as he smiled slightly. "Have a good day!" Then he turned around and simply disappeared. One second he was there the next he wasn''t.


    "That... Was... Awesome..." Hero said calmly with seemingly no emotion to his voice. "I have got to ask that man to train me!" He announced as his emotion came back in full force. "I bet he would be way better at it than my Grandpa. This guy won''t want to take me apart and put me back together!"


    "What?" Kitsune said startled by that.


    "That power was incredibly over the top..." Irene sighed out as she let out a brief gulp. "And that was just him giving a speech... I felt like I was gonna pass out..."


    "I felt small..." Ken said quietly. "Absolutely insignificant in his presence..."


    "So that''s what a powerful Noble can do..." Kitsune said letting out a nervous laugh as he fell to his knees slightly.


    "I have a long ways to go before I reach even a fraction of that..." Cloud said letting out a sigh.


    "Yeah, my grandpa is pretty cool right!" Jackson said nodding. "Anyways. Come on. Everyone''s leaving. Katrina had to go off on a mission and left me in charge of you guys..."


    "She left me in charge of them..." Dawson said crossing his arms.


    "Details..." Jackson said rolling his eyes. "Anyways come on..."


    "Where are we going?" Irene questioned.


    "To the training room..." Jackson stated. "Its time to prove your worth..."

 Chapter 20 - The Red Demon

    Age 1990


    Enforcers Squad Six training room...


    "What?" Kitsune said blinking slightly as he stared at the two a.d.u.l.ts. "I''m sorry can you repeat yourself."


    "Certainly!" Jackson said nodding his head. "I said ''you need to fight, and defeat Dawson.'' Exactly like that word for word." The young man stated as he shrugged slightly.


    The seven of them now stood in a massive state of the art training room. Jackson had taken the gang there after claiming it was their time to prove themselves. Once inside of the room he had finally told the five new recruits what their mission was.


    They apparently had to fight, and best a seasoned Enforcer... An Enforcer who is stupidly strong.


    The state of the art training room was a massive open space with nothing inside of it. All it was, was a white floor, white walls, and a white roof. There was millions of tiny lines that could be seen on the surface of the walls, roof, and floors. If a person looked close enough they would realize that the room was actually made up of many tiny squares all connected together. They appeared to be made out of metal.


    "You want all five of us to fight Dawson? Like all at the same time? Five on one?" Ken asked curiously. "I get that he is a full-fledged Enforcer member but... I still feel like that is pushing it to the extreme. Can he really handle all five of us?"


    Jackson let out a chuckle as he gave a shrug. "If you really think it will be easy then you can take it up with Dawson." He said. "But you should know. Dawson is stronger than I am."


    "If you don''t think I can, then be my guest to try and prove me wrong..." Dawson announced as he walked to the center of the room. He grabbed his Enforcer jacket taking it off and throwing it over to Jackson who caught it. "As it stands we can''t bother with those who have no real desire to be here. Being in the Enforcers requires you to put in work and commitment. We are the last line of defense for Humanity. As such if I don''t think you''re fit, for this job you''ll be sacked. If none of you can beat me then every one of you will be kicked out on your first day." He stated. "Being an Enforcer doesn''t mean you can''t have fun, but you do still need to take the training seriously. It isn''t just your life you put on the line, but the lives of the civilians. Even when you think you''ve reached your limit you should get back up, even if you are only able to fight for even a single second longer, that single second bought a fleeing civilian one second more than they had. If none of you can manage to hurt me then all of you will be expelled immediately!" He announced out as he threw his arm out.


    Everyone in the room gulped slightly as they all took a step back. The once quiet man now stared at them like a hungry predator as he eyed each of them up. It seemed he found the idea of hunting them down to be enjoyable...


    "For this training, I won''t be getting involved!" Jackson announced as he crossed his arms. "I won''t give advice to either you, or Dawson. I''ll simply be watching all of you. I''ll also be turning the level up every few minutes..."


    "The level up?" Irene questioned raising an eyebrow.


    "This is a state of the art battle ground simulator designed with the purpose of pushing a person to their very limits. It starts off at level one and ends at level one hundred." Jackson explained. "During your fight with Dawson, I will slowly begin to up each level making the battlefield and condition of the battlefield change, causing them to get harder and harder. You''ll have to adapt to survive. If you can''t do that then you have no place being here."


    "That doesn''t seem very fair..." Kitsune said.


    "An Enforcer doesn''t get to pick their battleground. That''s decided by the enemies." Jackson stated seriously. His seemingly jokester like persona was gone. He seemed to now be taking the situation completely serious as he crossed his arms.


    "How long do we have to win?" Hero questioned.


    "You have as long as it takes..." Dawson stated. "When I feel like you can no longer go on and I might accidentally kill you I''ll call it than..."


    There was a moment of silence that passed as no one said a word. It was completely silent. Then breaking the silence a quiet rumbling could be heard. The floor vibrated slowly, but not enough to trip, or break anything. It was small and barely noticeable.


    ''Level One Activated...'' A robotic voice announced from the roof.


    A few more seconds ticked by as everyone stood there unmoving.


    "Aren''t you going to attack us?" Kitsune questioned as he eyed up the man.


    "No..." Dawson stated calmly. "If I go on the attack it will be over in a matter of seconds... Right now I''ll simply stay on the defensive and let you guys work. Oh! And while you do technically have as much time as you want to try and beat me I would suggest hurrying. No normal person will be able to last five seconds in the level ten room..."


    A few more seconds passed in total silence as everyone thought about what they should do. Finally, Hero stepped forward.


    "Here goes nothing..." Hero stated as he marched forward.


    "Your plan is just a frontal assault?" Dawson asked curiously.


    Hero ignored the man as he pulled his arm back. He began to suck in the air as his arm grew in size.


    "What the hell kind of crappy Attribute is that!" Ken questioned as she watched Hero''s arm inflate like a balloon.


    "It''s a powerful ability..." Kitsune stated bluntly. "I watched him fight that lava kid... I don''t really know how it works or what it is but its still pretty strong..."


    Hero''s arm inflated growing nearly twice the size of his body. The limb flopped on the ground bouncing slightly like a Balloon. Then without warning, he struck! Hero twisted his body launching the limb at the man as it tore through the air like a whip.


    Dawson simply grunted as he reached out catching the giant limb, his fingers dug into it as he grabbed a hold of it. With a twist of his hand, he threw the arm away from him which dragged Hero away. Dawson didn''t have a moment to rest though as instantly he had to block a sword swing from Ken. The sheathed blade bounced off his hand harmless as he backhanded the girl away sending her flying back as well.


    Kitsune suddenly appeared to his left waving his hands out as nine flaming foxtails, and fox ears made out of fire appeared on his body. He brought his arms together pointing his hand out as a wave of flames rocketed out towards the man. Irene was right behind the fox teen but she froze trying to come up with a plan.


    Dawson merely smirked as he brought his arm up and punched the air so hard he sent out a massive shock wave that split the fire in half. As he did that he stepped forward and head-butted a massive block of ice that was launched at him by Irene who finally moved. Both shock waves from the two attacks carried back slamming into Irene, and Kitsune and knocking them back as well.


    "What the hell!" Cloud said when he realized everyone else was thrown back. "All four of you failed? Did you even get him to move from his spot?" Cloud questioned.


    "Well, I don''t see you doing anything asshole!" Hero yelled out as he picked himself up. He dusted himself off as he stared at Dawson.


    "Its called tactics..." Cloud stated. "I''ll attack when I know I can hit him. Until then I''ll save my strength and wait for an opening..."


    ''Level Two...'' The speaker announced as Jackson upped the level. The low vibrations of the room seemed to get worse as it began to shake.


    "Better hurry." Dawson stated bluntly. "So far no one has laid a finger on me. I guess Raijn was wrong about the five of you..." He said simply.


    Hero charged forward bringing his arms out as he launched out several fast thrown punches all of which Dawson blocked. Hero swung, and swung his fist never hitting the target. His arms bounced around like a balloon as he tried to just lay a finger in the man.


    Dawson never moved a step as he simply knocked away all of Hero''s punches. Again and again, the boy threw his arms out getting faster and faster as his arms became a blur. It looked like he suddenly had multiple arms as they all crashed through the air.


    ''Level Three!'' The loudspeaker announced as the shaking got even worse.


    "Sturdy Style!" Hero announced as his body became slightly more lean and muscular. He threw out a powerful punch only for Dawson to simply catch the strike and pull his arm up flipping Hero over him. Hero inhaled as his body went back to normal then began to rapidly expand once more. His stomach grew as be got fatter, and fatter forcing the man to drop him.


    "Enough with this playing around!" Dawson announced punching Hero in the gut and sending him flying back. Hero''s body bounced slightly as he slammed into several things. "You showed off way more in your fight with that other kid. Take this serious. I''ve already figured out how your powers work."


    "As if." Hero said as his body deflated.


    "Your Attribute is the Balloon. Or at least that''s what you call it. With it, you can inflate or compress your body to a certain extent. When Compressed your body is leaner from your muscles being compressed down. You have a higher output of strength. When you''re in Balloon mode however you expand those muscles inflating them. This causes your limbs to grow to absurd levels. Like a Balloon, it doesn''t have a lot of power behind it but, it does have that annoying bouncing nature to it which throws you around and protects you. One is powerful, the other is annoying."


    There was a brief silence that passed over everyone.


    "Lucky guess..." Hero mumbled out.


    "Although that still leaves me with more questions," Dawson admitted. "Like how you- " The man brought his arms up in a flash blocking a powerful strike from Ken that was actually strong enough to slide him back slightly. "Jesus!" Dawson gritted out as his yellow eyes widened in surprise. "You''re fast!"


    Ken brought her arm back as she swung her weapon again, and again, and again. Over and over again. Dawson kept his arms up blocking each powerful swing. Dawson''s feet began to slide back again as he gritted his teeth. With one last mighty swing she hit the man''s arms so hard she actually caused his arms to fall down just a small bit leaving his belly exposed.


    Ken brought her arm back as it began to glow red. Then stepping forward she unleashed a powerful punch straight into the man''s gut.


    Dawson spat up as the fist hit him hard slamming straight into him like a mini train. There was a loud crack as the sound barrier broke in a sonic boom. Dawson''s entire body was thrown back as he slammed into the ground and was carried away making several rolls before finally stopping.


    Ken let out a loud hiss as she gritted her teeth and held her arm. Smoke rolled off of it from how hard she had hit with it. The arm was bruised and battered now as she clutched it to her chest. Her sleeve was melted and badly torn.


    "Thank... God... She... Didn''t... Do... That... To... Me..." Hero stated slowly as his eyes slowly widened in horror. "Also... That was so God Damn cool! The wind, and the big boom! Why didn''t you do that earlier?"


    "Have seen my arm!" Ken shouted out in annoyance. "My body can''t handle that power unleashed that much. I only used it to finish him off."


    "I''m actually impressed..." Everyone froze as they turned finding Dawson pick himself back up. The man smiled slightly as he dusted himself off. "That punch you threw forced me to use my Attribute to protect myself..." He admitted as he reached up placing a hand on his stomach. His shirt now had a massive fist-size hole in it as flames came off of it slightly. His skin, however, was perfectly intact. He didn''t even look that injured. "That is some powerful Attribute... You store up power into things, right?"


    "That''s right," Ken said nodding slightly. "I can basically power up anything I''m touching. I can make anything stronger or hit harder, with a sword I can make the blade stronger, and up its wind resistance allowing it to move through the air easier, with a bat I can buff its blunt damage, or increase how sturdy it is... I can also use it on myself to boost my own power, and body. Usually, I only do that in short burst and at a smaller rate since... Well, look." She glanced down as her almost broken arm. "If I''m not careful I can break whatever I''m putting the power into. This includes objects that I power up as well, and of course my body."


    "I see. Your Attribute isn''t just a physical enhancement... It''s just an enhancement. Although you clearly have one massive weakness. That ability is draining your body right? The fights barely been going on for ten minutes and already you are breathing heavily... Not to mention you put more power then you could handle in that last attack." Dawson stated as he nodded. "I''ll admit that kind of Attribute would be useful to have if trained, but I still won''t pass you until you have proven you are serious about being an Enforcer..."


    ''Level Four...''


    Suddenly the room shifted slightly as it seemed to tilt slight causing it to be a slope now. It was now becoming more noticeable.


    "Ken..." Cloud said walking up. "You should take a quick break. I''ve listened to this fight long enough... I think I''ve figured him out?" The blind teen announced as he walked up. He held his cane out at his side as he marched towards Dawson.


    Cloud quickly sprung forward swinging his cane out as he attacked Dawson with everything he had. Smoke exploded off of him surrounding them in a maze of fog as he took away his opponent''s sight.


    Inside the mist, the fight echoed out as the two figures could be seen dancing around each other as they clashed. Again, and again. Neither one getting the upper hand.


    "I''m impressed!" Cloud announced as he swung his cane only to have Dawson duck under the strike. "Most people aren''t able to fight me so easily once I take away their sight!"


    "I''m not like most people... I''ve spent my whole life training my instincts up to superhuman levels." Dawson admitted throwing out a punch only for Cloud to lean back dodging it.


    The two continued their combat as they slowly got closer and closer to hitting one another. Then.


    ''Smack!''


    ''Level Five''


    The room began to tilt left and right as the vibrations got worse.


    Dawson''s fist slammed straight into Clouds cane! Cloud held his metal rod up having used it as his shield. "Got you..." Dawson stated boldly as his fingers suddenly wrapped around the cane. He pulled his arm back dragging Cloud to him and slamming his free hand straight into the teen''s face as he punched him so hard he threw him out of the mist. Dawson marched out of the mist as he tossed the cane on the ground. "Not good en-" Flames slammed into the man as he was pushed back.


    Kitsune walked up deciding it was his turn to show off what he could do. The Nine-Tailed Fox smirked slightly as he punched his palm getting fired up. Flames danced off of him as he got ready to fight. "So far you found a weakness and the last three people who tried to fight you. Let''s see you find a weakness in mine... Although I should warn you. My family has no weakness!" He lifted his hands as his flames took shape into two spinning disks made of fire.


    The two disks fired out cutting through the air as they spun rapidly, causing flakes of heat to crackle off of them.


    Dawson frowned as jumped to the side avoiding both disks only for them to explode on either side of him.


    "Fox Fang!" Kitsune announced throwing one arm out as several giant spikes made of fire launched out. The spikes took the shape of what looked like large fangs as they bite down around Dawson.


    Dawson grunted as he flexed his body ripping the attack off of him. With a growl, he jumped forward apparently entering in on the attack.


    Kitsune smirked as he dodged out of the way as Dawson came crashing down. The Noble raised both his arms as a fist made of fire appeared above Dawson dropping down.


    Dawson raised his hand up catching the fist. "When you create an object out of fire it becomes a solid thus allowing it to be held. That is it''s weak-"


    ''Snap!''


    Kitsune simply snapped his fingers as the giant hand exploded out. "Actually I can choose rather I want it to be solid or remain like fire. I usually choose solid so I can trick people later by making it exp-"


    Kitsune gasped out in pain as Dawson''s hand tore through the smoke and wrapped around the boy''s throat lifting him up off of the floor as he glared at the teen.


    ''Level Six!''


    Dawson''s yellow eyes shined like a predator as he stepped out of the smoke holding Kitsune by the neck. "I''ll admit it. Your Attribute is extremely powerful. I don''t really see any massive weakness. However. Your attitude... That''s your weakness. You''re just like Jackson-"


    "Take that back!" Jackson shouted out.


    Dawson chucked the body of Kitsune in the air as his hand wrapped around the boy''s legs and he slammed him straight down into the ground as hard as he could. As soon as the boy hit the floor Dawson turned his body dragging him across the floor and chucking him straight into the wall of room as hard as he could.


    Kitsune slammed into the wall and fell down painfully crashing into the floor as he seemed unconscious.


    "I think he really pissed off Dawson..." Hero muttered out stepping away.


    "Is he going to be okay?" Ken questioned also stepping away.


    "Nope," Dawson stated with a smirk. "And then there was one." He turned to Irene who was biting her lip as she tried to come up with a plan. She couldn''t think of any...


    Irene lifted her arms out firing out a powerful wave of ice only for Dawson to jump to the side avoiding it. Dawson slammed into the wall as he turned his body stabbing his feet into the wall causing him to actually stand on the side of the wall. Then he fired forward running on the wall as he jumped towards Irene.


    Irene brought her arms down-firing out a massive like glacial ball but Dawson simply punched straight through it. Irene slid back barely dodging the strike as she raised both her arms up.


    Then she stopped suddenly as she hesitated. She frowned as ideas soared through her head all of which she shot down. In a panic, she tried to think of any kind of plan but wasn''t fast enough. With a mighty punch, Dawson slammed his fist into her face and threw her across the battlefield just like he had done with the others.


    "Man we suck!" Hero announced. "None of us could do anything."


    "Hero!" Dawson barked out. "You are goofing off too much. You have power but lack the nature necessary to use it. You also act before you think attacking me with no real skill. Ken. you have power but you acted without thinking and used to much of it hurting yourself. Cloud... You were actually okay. Kitsune. You are way to flashy and flamboyant. You got into your style so much you lost focus and forgot that I can tank your attacks easily. And North! You hesitated too much and wasted your chance. You think before you act too much and worry... At the rate each of you are going none of you will defeat me! I''m still not even trying!" He yelled out. "Now get back up and try again!"


    ''Level Seven!''


    The entire room now began to spin as the shaking got even worse and the tilting got even faster.


    Cloud blindly reached around finding his cane as he stood back up.


    Hero also stood back up as he stretched slightly. "Let''s try a different approach..." The boy announced as he brought his arm back. Then suddenly it rocketed forward as he punched out. His fist stretched out suddenly as it seemed to grow crossing the entire battlefield in mere seconds.


    ''It''s fast!'' Dawson thought as the fist slammed into him at an insane speed. The man grunted out as he was pushed back. ''But it doesn''t have as much power as his other strikes...'' He realized as he smirked slightly. His own arm shot out like a viper as it sn.a.k.e.d around Hero''s. Then he began to spin.


    "Uh-oh..." Hero said slowly as he realized what was about to happen. "This was a bad idea! I take it back! I take it back..."


    Dawson began to spin as he got faster and faster. Eventually, the momentum caused Hero to be dragged as the teen tried to pull his arm back with no success. He couldn''t use any of his powers though while his arm was stretched out. This meant he didn''t have his sturdy or inflated armor. Any attack now would hurt... And this wasn''t just a normal attack.


    Dawson only got faster as he spun now going quicker, and quicker. It got so fast Hero was actually lifted off of the ground as Dawson gritted his teeth and got even faster reaching insane levels. The wind hissed out as Dawson spun so fast he looked almost like a blur.


    Then he simply let go.


    Hero let out a yell as he flew straight back. His body slammed straight into Kitsune who was just now managing to get back up. The two bodies slammed together as they crashed back into the metal wall.


    "Oww..." They both stated as the two groaned out in pain.


    Hero coughed out as he rolled off of the teen. "Hey, guys... I just had a thought... We keep attacking him one on one and it doesn''t work? Why don''t we all just gang up on him? It''ll be harder for him to hit us that way right?"


    "That''s... Actually not a bad idea..." Cloud muttered. "In fact. I have an idea." He blew out into the air as smoke formed out. The smoke took the shape of small tiny writing.


    Dawson squinted his eyes but was unable to read what they said. The writing made of smoke floated over to each teen as they all read the message.


    ''Level Eight!'' The room read out however everyone was too focused to notice.


    "This could be trouble..." Dawson stated slowly. "I''ll have to be careful that they don''t do anything to-" He backflipped narrowly avoiding the massive fireball that was thrown at him. As soon as he landed on his feet his eyes widened as he watched the entire room fill up slowly with mist. "Damn it-" Dawson sidestepped a sheathed sword, that tore its way down through the fog. "Ken?" A second later a cane fired out from the same spot barely missing him. From the mist, Cloud stepped forward holding his cane in one hand and Ken''s sword in the other as he slashed both of them! Dawson raised his arms up blocking the strike only for Cloud to loop his arms around the man''s pulling them out as he slid back dragging the man slightly.


    "Now!" Cloud announced right as Hero and Ken came crashing through the mist.


    Hero brought his leg back as he dived kicked down towards Dawson and hit the man straight in the gut as hard as he could putting all his power into that one kick while Ken did the same but with her arm. The tiny girl slammed her fist straight into Dawson''s surprised expression of a face as she gritted her teeth. A massive shock wave exploded out from both Hero and Ken as the two hit the man as hard as they could, both of them giving it there all!


    The force from the shock wave they created was enough to blow Cloud back throwing him backwards! As he flew he raised his hand up touching the fog. "Now! Convert into Chlorine gas!" He called out as the mist began to bubble and change. The mist shrunk down around Ken, Hero, and Dawson as both the teens hit Dawson hard enough to actually slam the man into the ground creating massive crater on the metal floor.


    Hero reached out grabbing an injured, and massively exhausted Ken as he quickly used his still kicking leg to launch himself away from Dawson who was still in the mist as it closed around him.


    Finally, it was Kitsune''s turn as the Noble teen lifted his hand up. "Fun fact. Chlorine is an extremely flammable substance when paired with the right compounds!" He announced as he threw his hand out launching out his biggest fireball yet stright into the gas.


    ''Boom!"


    The entire room shook as the fire explode out far beyond anything any of the teens had seen yet shaking the room as the metal melted from how hot the fire was.


    And it still wasn''t done.


    Last but certainly not least Irene stepped forward bringing her arms down as hard as she could as a 30 meter 200-ton block of ice dropped down on the smoldering crater.


    A massive boom went off as the giant chunk of ice smashed down onto the flaming hunk of metal.


    Jackson stood there with a wide expression for a second. "Geez... You guys really went all out huh?"


    "Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God!" Irene shouted out in horror. "Did we kill him! Are we in trouble! I didn''t mean to! He made me do it!" She shouted pointing at Cloud.


    "Oh thank God it''s over..." Ken said as Hero sat the girl down. She instantly fell back as she began breathing heavily. "Doing that attack is really exhausting." She whined out.


    "Did we kill him?" Kitsune asked in a panic.


    "Relax..." Jackson said sighing out as he crossed his arms. "Dawson isn''t dead. He''s too strong to go down like that."


    "Are you sure Mr. Storm?" Kitsune questioned as he stared at the massive ice cube that was slowly melting. "Cause we hit him... Really hard. Like super hard..."


    "Of course Dawson is alive. He''s the only Enforcer who isn''t a Captain or Vice-Captain who has a title..."


    "He has a title?" Hero questioned slightly confused. "What is it?" He questioned.


    Jackson simply smirked as he reached out switching a button. ''Level Nine!'' Jackson turned flashing the kids a smile. "They call him the Red Demon-"


    The giant block of ice was lifted off the ground as it exploded from a powerful force. The smoke cleared instantly as all the flames went out. And from the wreckage, Dawson walked out. And he was pissed... Really pissed...


    All the kids stared in shock at the monster in front of them. The Red Demon! The only Enforcer who wasn''t a Captain, or Vice-Captain who has a title.


    Dawson finally felt the need to use his Attribute. It was time he got serious... All along his body from his feet, all the way up to his head red tendrils covered his body. It looked as if his skin had been covered up with muscle fibers? None of his body was visible anymore save for a spot on the head where two very pissed off yellow eyes peered out. His mouth had become a large jaw filled with rows of fleshy teeth made out of the substance his armor was made out of. Two large devil horns poked out of the top of his head. They too were made out of the muscle like substance. The man now stood at eight feet tall coated head to toe in this substance as it seemed to squirm and pulsate on his body like a heartbeat... He looked utterly terrifying.


    Finally after what seemed like an eternity of silence Hero spoke up.


    "We are so screwed!"


    A massive boom went off as Dawson rocketed forward easily breaking the sound barrier as he suddenly appeared next to Kitsune and Irene. His arm shot out backhanding Kitsune straight into a wall as he slammed into the metal hard enough to bend it. Dawson''s other hand fired out grabbing Irene by the head as he spun on his hills and threw her as hard as he could straight into Cloud causing the two to mash together as they slammed back into the wall.


    Finally, the boom from the sound barrier finished as this had all happened in one single moment. Hero and Ken stared at where Dawson was still processing the fact that the man had even moved behind him.


    Right as the two of them turned Dawson struck launching himself forward and unleashing a devastating punch Ken''s way.


    Ken closed her eyes right as the punch was thrown at her. She waited for it to reach her but it never did. Instead, Hero screamed out in pain as he stood in front of Ken in an attempt to block the strike holding the punch back.


    Hero''s foot slammed into the ground as he gritted his teeth and held the arm back refusing to let himself slide back as he held the arm back. "Hey, Dawson! It looks like I was able to lay a finger on you..." Hero said triumphantly as his feet dug into the metal floor breaking it as he slid back. Hero let out a shout as he gave his all. He inhaled his body as he blew up rapidly expanding. Right as his feet gave out he turned his body scoping Ken up as he protected her.


    Dawson''s fist slammed into Hero but by now his body was so inflated that when he was launched back he bounced along the floor. In his arms, he held Ken shielding her from most of the damage as the two were thrown back.


    Hero finally stopped bouncing as he slammed into the back wall. He rolled over onto his back as he opened his arms dropping Ken down. Then he deflated. "Oww... If I wasn''t in Balloon mode I think he might have killed me." Hero said coughing out as he tried not to pass out from the pain.


    Dawson stared at all the kids as they laid on the ground all of them groaning in pain. "It''s over... You all fa-"


    "Not yet!" Hero gasped out. The teen used everything in him to try and sit back up. He placed his hands on the ground as he tried to push himself back to a standing position. "You said we would go until we couldn''t fight anymore..." Hero clinched his fist as he struggled to step forward. "Well, news flash! I''m still standing here!" He announced out standing up as tall as he could as he marched forward.


    Hero stumbled forward throwing out a weak attack that Dawson didn''t even bother to dodge. The man simply backhanded Hero away slamming the teen into the wall once more.


    "If Hero can still stand than so can I..." Cloud said getting back up as he pushed Irene off of him. "I have a goal I need to reach. And I won''t stop until I reach it!" Cloud exclaimed out.


    ''Slam!''


    The sound of Dawson''s fist echoed out as he punched Cloud hard enough to nearly snap the boy''s neck.


    "He''s right..." Kitsune coughed out as he sat up now. "I have a goal I need to complete... I can''t do that unless I''m an Enforcer so I won''t lose here!" He exclaimed as he managed to get to his feet.


    "Screw it..." Irene said standing up as well. "I came this far might as well..."


    The two tripped forward as they tried to punch the man.


    Dawson brought both his arms up then he slammed them down on both their heads. As soon as they hit the floor his foot shot out kicking them across the room.


    "If you assholes can do it then so can I..." Ken said sighing out. She struggled to push herself up since one of her arms was broken and the other one was nearly broken. After a few seconds, she managed to stand back up as she clenched her fist.


    Dawson fired forward uppercutting the girl straight into the ceiling as she slammed up then plummeted down smacking the floor with a bone-chilling thud.


    "Now it''s over..." Dawson announced. "None of you can-"


    Hero spat up as he managed to force himself back up one more time. He wasn''t the only one. Cloud stabbed his cane into the ground as he sat up using it as a crutch. Kitsune got to his knees as Irene helped him up. Even Ken managed to stand back up as she swayed back and forth.


    "All of you want to keep going even though you''re at your limits?"


    "Hell yeah..." Hero stated as all five recruits limped forward. "None of us are ready to give up!"


    Five fist were thrown as every one of the recruits threw out a punch. Every fist hit Dawson weakly but despite that, they still put their all into it. They all gave it 101%.


    Dawson stood there as his red armor pulled back being absorbed into his body as he reverted back to normal.


    "You pass."

 Chapter 21 - Welcome to your new home

    Age 1990


    "Ouch!" Hero yelled hissing in pain slightly as he tried to drag his body away from the girl.


    "Oh relax..." Ken said rolling her eyes as she rubbed the ointment on his cheek. "It''ll only sting for a little bit... You want the bruising to go down right?" She questioned. "Besides... You''re way better off than me..." She said as she glanced down at her left arm which was in a cast. The burns on it had thankfully gone away but the arm was still broken. "My arm will take at least a day or two to heal. And even then our organs will take at least a week to be back to tip-top shape... Damn you, Dawson..."


    Hero simply grumbled as he crossed his arms. "It still hurts..." He whined out.


    The five now official Enforcer Recruits sat around in the Squad Six Common Room. With them was Dawson who sat in a corner quietly. Each of them was currently recovering from their insane over the top battle. Thankfully they had plenty of M-Gel which could heal bruising''s, and even broken bones within only a few days.


    "Speaking of you being bruised Hero..." Kitsune pipped up as he turned to look at Hero. "During your fight with Max, your body healed on its own... Why isn''t it doing that now?"


    "It is." Hero said hissing again as Ken rubbed the blue gel ointment on his face. He reached up lifting his shirt up slightly and showing off his honed body. His stomach seemed to bubble and morph slightly as everyone stared at it in shock as a white liquid seemed to morph from it. "My healing has a limit though... Right now it is busy fixing all the damage on my insides. It isn''t able to do multiple things at once..."


    "Okay..." Kitsune said staring at Hero''s stomach. "I''ll ask what we''re all thinking... How the hell is that a part of your Balloon Attribute?" He shouted out. "What does compression and inflation have to do with self-repairing?"


    "It''s not!" Hero said smiling slightly as he gave a shrug.


    "What?" Irene asked confused as she turned to look at the boy. "Then what is it? It''s not an Attribute right?"


    "No, it is North." Hero stated shrugging.


    "I''m confused..." Ken said blinking slightly.


    "Hero, what exactly is your Attribute?" Cloud questioned. "I mean mine is the ability to create and control gases and covert gases into other types of gasses... Ken''s is the ability to enhance her body as well as any object she is holding to insane levels... Kitsune''s is the ability to access the powers of a nine-tailed fox and use foxfire... And North''s is the ability to create ice as well as shape it to an extent... So what''s yours?"


    "I''m more interested in Dawson''s Attribute." Hero said shrugging slightly as he turned to look at Dawson. "That Red Demon mode was really cool and powerful!"


    Dawson smirked slightly as he raised an arm up. "It''s a little hard to explain, but basically inside of my body, there is this substance made out of carbon that resembles muscles... These tiny carbon fragments are just like muscle fibers...My Attribute allows me to control and pull them out of my body." As he spoke his arm was suddenly wrapped up by what looked like muscles as it became a muscle red color. "I can coat my entire body in it or just a small fractions. These carbon fibers are extremely dense, as well as freakishly strong. And as you might have noticed I happen to look like a Demon while my entire body is covered... That was Jackson''s idea... After about three years of fighting like that the Red Demon became a legend."


    "That''s a really cool power..." Hero said nodding his head as he folded his arms.


    "Well now that I''ve told you mine, how about you tell me yours?" Dawson questioned as he raised an eyebrow.


    Hero smirked as he brought his hand up. "So basically the thing about it is that I have-"


    The door to the room suddenly burst open as Jackson came running in. "Alright, everyone! Get up! It''s time I show you guys around."


    "But Hero was just about to tell us about his Attribute!" Ken objected.


    "Nobody cares about Hero''s lame-ass superpower! Come on!" Jackson said.


    "Well, actually Jackson I kind of care," Dawson said frowning.


    "Dawson some of our squadmates are back! I wanna show them that we got some new recruits!" Jackson stated. "We hadn''t had any new recruits in like four years!"


    "What!?" Dawson said in shock as he stood up. "They''re back? Then yeah let''s go. Forget about Hero''s lame-ass superpowers! Let''s show these guys around our building!" He announced out.


    "Oh well?" Hero said shrugging. "Guess I''ll tell you guys next time?"


    Everyone grumbled slightly as they stood up. Jackson smirked as he raised his hand up. "Alright let me start by explaining a few things first..." Jackson stated. "Now as you might have noticed when you entered Oleander city, the Enforcers buildings were all massive? There are thirteen buildings surrounded by a massive Golden Gate. Anything past that Gate is Enforcer territory. Now each of the thirteen buildings are important. Twelve of the buildings belong to one squad for each individual Captain. For example, we are in building six. Building zero is the hub building... That building is where we will go to pick up missions. Its also where Master Storm, as well as the government officials, work. Now in our building, there are several different floors. Currently, we are in the commoner room. However, if you turn and follow me-"


    Jackson turned vanishing as Dawson let out a sigh. "Dumass forgot to slow down... Okay, kids follow me... I''ll lead you to where we should actually go-"


    The group quickly left as they walked to a flight of stairs. "-This is the stairway. This building has around fifty floors but only a few of them stand out-"


    Up the flight of stairs was floor two. This was a long hallway lined with several doors. A few of the doors were simply white doors with nothing on them. A few of the other doors had what looked like bronze badges. Farther into the hallways there were silver badges on the doors. Finally, there were gold badges on the final doors. And finally, at the end of the hallway, there were two doors. One labeled Captain''s room, the other one labeled Vice-Captains room.


    "-This is our rooms. Since you are all new you will all be sharing room one. One of the rooms without a badge on it..."


    "We have to share a room!" Irene said in a panic.


    "Of course you do," Dawson stated. "After all you are all squadmates now. The Enforcers want you all to live together and get to know each other. Of course, Ken will get certain unique benefits to give her some privacy from all four of you boys..." He stated.


    Irene grumbled a few choice words under her breath but didn''t say anything out loud.


    "In your rooms, you''ll find most of what you need. Beds... Bathroom... That''s it actually."


    "What no T.V?" Kitsune stated in horror.


    "Nope. No heater either. If you want to add anything you''ll have to add anything else to the room yourself..." Dawson stated. The teen turns as the group walked up the flight of stairs.


    They arrived to the third floor which was a massive open room filled with several long wooden tables. Jackson stood in the room talking to two people as he waved his arms around. Hero''s eyes instantly lit up as he recognized one of them.


    "Awesome Lady!" Hero announced running up, past his group. His eyes lit up like a star as he stared at the girl who saved him way back all those weeks ago.


    "Oh! You''re that kid who I saved from that crappy bad guy..." Hannah said slowly as she stared at the kid. She turned slightly looking at Jackson. "So two things... One. He actually got in? Two. He actually got in?"


    "Yep," Jackson said patting Hero on the back. "This guy is pretty tough. He has a lot of potential for sure. I bugged the hell out of Katrina to vote for him."


    "Really... He has a lot of potential? Didn''t he lose to a fodder character?" The man who was standing next to Hannah asked. Hero recognized him as well. He was the man that had asked him about the ruby ring.


    "Hey! I only lost to Ben because I let my guard down, and because I was goofing off too much! If I fought him again I would win for sure! I mean I''m like... Three... Maybe four times stronger since I fought him?"


    "He''s telling the truth, Hero has been getting stronger after every fight he is in..." Jackson said nodding slightly. "Hero has some crazy abilities. He suffers from being a massive dumass but his heart is in the right place..." He said.


    "Thank you- Hey! Wait a minute!"


    Jackson laughed as he avoided the swat from Hero easily.


    "Okay? I can get that he''s strong?" Hannah said shrugging. "But for him to have passed the test? No one has passed Katrina''s test since she set it up four years ago? She''s been Captain for four years and not a single new recruit was added ever since she started that damn test of hers..."


    "Hero passed alright. And he wasn''t the only one." Jackson said as he pointed a thumb out. Hannah and the man both turned finding Dawson walking up followed by four more recruits.


    "Five!" Hannah exclaimed out in shock. "You guys got five new recruits! Yes! We might not be considered such a massive jerk anymore!"


    "Yep!" Jackson exclaimed nodding his head. "It was pretty cool watching them fight Dawson."


    "So they passed the test?" Hannah said as she let out a laugh. "Well, I''ll be damned."


    "That reminds me?" Hero exclaimed. "How did we pass the test? We weren''t able to touch Dawson once he activated his power, much less beat him?"


    "The test was nerve really about beating me," Dawson announced as he folded his arms. "As it stands the way all five of you are now you stand less than 0% at stopping me even at using a quarter of my strength-"


    "You were only using a quarter of your power!" Ken said in shock. "That''s so dumb..."


    "About half a quarter yeah... Anything else would have killed you all in one attack. But that''s not important." Dawson said brushing the question off. "The point is you stood no way of stopping me. The test was actually about not giving up. As an Enforcer the odds will almost never be in your favor. You will usually only have a 1% chance of winning a fight, maybe even less. But even despite those odds, you are required to stand back up. Being an Enforcer means getting back up no matter what happens to you. Even if you used up all your power. Even if your legs won''t allow you to stand up. You haven''t truly lost until you have given your final breath!"


    "Don''t worry about what any of that means..." Hannah said pushing past Dawson and shoving the man over. She held her hand out to Ken as she smiled. "I''m Hannah." She stated as she shook Ken''s hand. "I''m one of your Squadmates. I am a Gold Badge so you can consider me your teacher! Feel free to ask me anything. But don''t expect me to answer you guys as I don''t like helping people unless I get something out of it. But feel free to still ask."


    "I have something to ask you," Jackson said. "Give me back my pet!" He demanded.


    Hannah let out a sigh as she rolled her eyes. "Are we still arguing about that?"


    "You stole him without asking me at all!" Jackson yelled out. "Just give him back! I''ll lend you him if you ask nicely! Just stop stealing him!"


    Hannah rolled her eyes again. "Whatever. I''ll give him back." The girl closed her eyes and all the recruits stared in shock when a pair of black wings appeared out of her back. Then slowly a Bestia Macht pulled its way out of her body.


    "A Bestia Macht is your pet!" Irene exclaimed jumping back.


    The flying Bestia Macht flapped its wings as it let out a loud kaw! Then it flew over landing on Hero''s shoulder.


    "Hey! This is the Bestia Macht that saved me!" Hero said as he reached out petting the monster''s scales and feathers. It kawed loudly apparently liking that.


    "It seems like Fulminous likes you," Jackson said as he held his hand out. The Bestia Macht let out another kaw as it flew over landing on Jackson''s arm.


    "You''re keeping that thing as a pet..." Irene said scowling as she frowned heavily. "I can''t believe you."


    "Why? What''s wrong with it?" Jackson asked curiously?


    "It''s a Bestia Macht! It kills and eats people!" Irene shouted out like it was obvious.


    "Oh... Well if you don''t like Bestia Macht''s you should probably know that there is one on your shoulder." Jackson said shrugging slightly.


    Irene glanced down and instantly let out a loud yell in panic as she jumped back. A long slithery Bestia Macht fell to the floor. The thing looked like a tentacle but with a body? Like its body was just one long tentacle. It had no arms, no legs, no hands, no feet. It didn''t have a tail either but it did have an end at the tentacle that resembled a tail. The creature had one triangular like head with a small tongue that would poke out slightly. It had massive eyes that glanced around the room as it slithered towards Dawson and wrapped itself around him.


    "Hey Silky..." Dawson said slowly as he patted the monster on the head. "Have you been a good girl?"


    The Bestia Macht hissed slightly as it opened and closed its jaw.


    "Well fine then! No treats for you!" Dawson said turning away from the creature. "Go to your corner and think about what you did..." The Bestia Macht hissed slightly as it slithered off of the man and slowly made its way over to a corner.


    "What the f.u.c.k did I get myself into!" Irene said horrified.


    "The Enforcers!" Hannah stated reaching out air patting the girl on the shoulder. "Welcome to your new home... Or as I call it! Hell."

 Chapter 22 - The First Mission

    Age 1990


    The Master''s office...


    Katrina folded her arms as she stared at the old man. "Why did you call me up here?" She questioned raising an eyebrow curiously as the old man eyed her up and down. She folded her arms slightly as she inched back away from the old man''s perverted gaze as her eyes narrowed.


    "Why did you pass those kids?" Master Storm questioned curiously as he raised an eyebrow as he forced himself to look up and not down at the gorgeous woman''s bountiful... Spirit. Let''s go with spirit. In front of him. "Don''t get me wrong. I am glad that Squad six has finally felt the need for some new Recruits but you have never taken anyone on? Even those who have passed your test? And these students... I''d hardly say any of them are qualified to be Enforcers?"


    "That''s precisely why I took them on," Katrina stated seriously. "In my four years as a Captain, I have seen many powerful and intelligent recruits all of whom would make great Enforcers... And I denied all of them, because I knew they would only end up worse off if they joined my squad... But those kids... Those five kids... They are arrogant, petty, selfish, idiotic, some cases downright useless... The only thing they have going for them is they are strong, and brave. Four of them lack, a fighting style, I''m convinced one of them is a crossdresser, and the only one who had any sort of potential was that Otoko but he seemingly has no talent right now. He''s someone who has somehow not progressed at all in the sixteen years he was alive, and seems like a massive idiot..."


    "So you took them in because you felt like none of them deserved to be Enforcers..." Master Storm said slowly as he blinked slightly. "This feels like a bet Ward would make..." He questioned curiously.


    "I took them in all for that reason but also I do see potential in all of them, even if it is only a tiny fraction of it... Otoko seemingly has the most but wasted it in every way, that girl Ken has a really powerful Attribute but has no idea how to use that sword she carries around, Glacious throws out massive attacks but hesitates so often they can barely do anything, that blind boy at least knows how to fight, but he''s blind, and Nine is a typical asshole Noble." Katrina stated. "If I can mold each of them into an Enforcer than I would have taken the least qualified people and made them qualified. Stark can eat his heart out..."


    Master Storm let out a bit of a sigh as he nodded his head. "I... I see..." He said. "Is that the only reason?"


    "Of course not."


    "Oh good, there''s more." The old man said sarcastically.


    "Their eyes," Katrina said simply. "I''ve seen that look in all of their eyes..." Katrina said nodding her head. "Every single one of those kids, baring Cloud, has seen some things in their lives... Even that asshole Noble boy!" The girl''s smile faded though as she crossed her arms. "Anyways. It really doesn''t matter too much. I got squad members. I put Jackson in charge of them too. Now. Why exactly did you ask me up here? I doubt it was to simply talk about my recruitment choices, as stange as they may seem?" She questioned.


    Master Storm let out a heavy sigh as his electric blue eyes shined slightly. "Right well... I have a mission for you..." The man said reaching into a drawer. "Two missions in fact. That boy... Hero Otoko was seemingly attacked by a group... A group we have heard of a few years ago?" He slowly pulled out a very fancy ruby ring as he slid it across the table and over to Katrina. "You have two missions. The first mission is to protect this ring. The second is, I will be stationing you down in Dandelion, for a solo mission... I want you to gather information while you are there. Also you need to keep that ring out of the hands of the group..."


    "I see..." Katrina said picking the ruby ring up slowly. She let out a gasp when she felt how warm it was. "But beg my pardon, sir? Wouldn''t it be a better idea to keep this ring locked tight somewhere? You know instead of on my finger?" She questioned.


    "Yes, that would be the smart thing to do." Master Storm stated nodding his head.


    "...But that''s not what you''re going to do is it..." Katrina said with a deadpan expression.


    "Nope! From now on it''s your responsibility. Oh, by the way, don''t let the enemies get their hands on that ring it could quite literally result in the end of the world."


    "What!?"


    "Anyways I gotta go now-"


    "Now hold on! You can''t just-"


    ''Crash!''


    Katrina stared slacked jawed when Master Storm quite literally threw himself out the window. "Remember! Protect the ring!" He yelled out as he fell down the tower...


    Katrina stood there for a few moments in shock before she let out a heavy sigh and slipped the ring on her finger. "What the hell is wrong with every Enforcer..."


    Meanwhile...


    In the squad six tower, there was a simple room with five beds. In this room Hero, Ken, Kitsune, Cloud, and Irene all slept soundly. None of them said a word as they all laid down breathing deeply...


    Then...


    "Alright, guys!" Jackson announced kicking the door down as he exploded into the room. "Wake up you assholes! It''s time to begin your Enforcer duties!" He yelled out with a large air horn blaring out. "Wakey, wakey!"


    All five recruits freaked out as they all jumped up startled. Hero let out a yell as his back hit the window and it shattered. "Why!" The boy screamed out as he tumbled out the window falling out of the tower.


    ''Smash!''


    The sound of a body hitting the floor echoed out up to the second story floor.


    Everyone stood there in silence as they all stared at the window...


    "Uh... Whoops..." Jackson said letting out a laugh... "My bad..."


    One hour later...


    All the recruits sat in the mess hall, all of them fully dressed, and showered now. Jackson''s eye twitched slightly as he stared at all five of the recruits. "It took you guys an hour to get ready?" He questioned as he stared at them with a deadpan stare.


    "It''s not our fault..." Ken said letting out a huff as she crossed her arms. "We had to go get Hero, then Hero, Kitsune, and Cloud spent forever showering, and for some reason, North refused to join them, so then I had to wait on him to finish before I finally got the chance to shower, and by then all the hot water was used up... God, I hate it here, already..."


    "Why didn''t you guys all just shower together-"


    Hero spat out his drink as he broke into a coughing fit. "Umm... Mr. Storm you know Ken''s a girl, right?" Hero said still gasping for air. "I mean it was awkward enough to shower with Cloud, and Kitsune. Luckily Clouds blind and Kitsune and me made a bro code pact before we got in so it was all good there..."


    "Yeah..." Ken said sliding away from the man. "I''m not showering with them..." Ken stated.


    "Well, why not?" Jackson asked in confusion. "Me and Katrina shower together all the time-"


    Hero once again spat out his drink.


    "Jackson..." A loud voice announced in a panic. The group turned finding Dawson was suddenly here as he quickly ran over to the man grabbing him by the shoulder. "Look Katrina really wouldn''t like you telling these kids what you guys do in your alone time..." The man hissed slightly. "You and Katrina have the most abnormal friendship... Believe it or not, it isn''t normal for guys, and girls to shower together..."


    "Oh... I think I get it." Jackson said nodding. "They''re shy..."


    Dawson let out a sigh as he rolled his yellow eyes. "Yes, Jackson. They''re shy..." The man said. "Oh. By the way. I won''t be here for a few weeks... Katrina, and I are both being sent on separate missions by orders of Master Storm... You''ll be the only Squad Six member at the base so it''s up to you to show these recruits the ropes. You. Just you... It is up to you alone to train these recruits..." Dawson said turning slightly. "Oh. And Katrina specifically said not to let them do D-Class missions or above!" He stated as he turned and began to walk off.


    "Don''t worry!" Jackson said giving a salute. "They won''t do anything over the top on my watch..." He announced. "And if they do, do something crazy and over the top, you can bet I will be there doing even crazier things..."


    "Right..." Dawson said skeptically. He reached into his pocket pulling out a small metallic square. "Hey, kid." He said suddenly throwing it towards Hero. "Catch." He stated.


    Hero reached out catching the metal box as he looked down on it in confusion. "What''s this?"


    "Just an insurance," Dawson stated shrugging. "If you are ever in danger and for whatever reason, you don''t think Jackson will be able to come save you guys pull out that box and hit the button," Dawson stated as he began to slowly leave. "Oh... And be careful not to accidentally use it. I don''t know how pissed she will be if you wake her up on accident." He stated as he walked off before Hero could ask him what he meant.


    "Alright!" Jackson announced happily as he clapped his hands together. "I hope you guys are ready! Because its time you guys get to do your first mission!" Jackson announced out.


    "Alright!" Ken said happily as she stood up with stars in her eyes. "What''s it gonna be?" The young girl asked excitedly. "Hunting a Bestia Macht? Fighting an Angel? Defeating an evil organization? Stopping a city from being destroyed? Aliens? Come on what''s it gonna be?"


    One hour later...


    "Community service..." Ken said as her eye twitched slightly. "Our first big mission is to do community service." She said again...


    "Yep!" Jackson announced as he stood on a massive pile of trash, with crossed arms. Currently, they were outside by the frozen ocean where piles, upon piles of trash could be seen. "Being an Enforcer isn''t just about fighting monsters. It''s also about going and doing good in little ways... Also we beat up monsters..." He stated.


    Kitsune also had a bit of an eye twitch. "You want us to pick up trash..." He said slowly.


    "Uh-huh!"


    "God damn it..." Irene said slowly as she let out a sigh. "Okay. Well, we can probably do this quickly if we just destroy the trash..." She said as she raised her hand up.


    "No!" Jackson announced causing the girl to jump back slightly. "No Attributes! All of you have to do this by hand!"


    "But why?" Hero asked.


    "Cause I said so!" Jackson announced. "Now get to work!" He stated snapping his fingers.


    Cloud let out a sigh as he walked up. "Well, guys. Let''s get this over with." He stated. "If we all five get to work now we should be done in a few hours..."


    A few hours later.


    "Oh God, we''re not even halfway done!" Hero yelled out.


    "Well if you guys actually worked maybe you would be done by now!" Jackson yelled out. The man still stood on a massive pile of trash as the teens picked it up throwing the trash into large buckets. "Just work for a few more hours and maybe you guys can take a break," Jackson said shrugging slightly.


    Ken let out a sigh as she grabbed a chunk of trash throwing it in the bucket. "This sucks..." She sighed out. "When I joined the Enforcers I thought they would be a lot more-"


    "More over the top?" Jackson questioned smirking slightly.


    "Yeah..." The short girl said sighing again.


    "Relax." Hero stated. "You have to start small before you start big."


    "I know but-"


    ''Splat!'' A bottle of soda flew through the air landing on Ken''s head soaking the poor girl. Ken stood there with wide eyes as sticky soda dripped off of her.


    Everyone turned to see a random citizen walking away nonchalantly. "Hey!" Ken yelled out in anger as she raised her fist up in pure anger. "You asshole! Look at what you did?" She shouted out.


    The man turned slightly as he raised an eyebrow. "So?" He questioned.


    "So! You threw a bottle of soda at me you prick!"


    "I was aiming for the pile of trash." He said shrugging.


    "Why didn''t you just throw it away then!" Ken yelled out.


    "Because you guys are cleaning? I figured you could handle it?"


    "You''re a very rude man..." Hero stated slowly.


    "You shouldn''t throw trash at people." Kitsune hissed slightly.


    "Apologize," Cloud announced raising his staff.


    "You guys are Enforcers, right? Well, that makes you the public''s servents, so you got to do what we want." The random citizen stated shrugging.


    "That... That isn''t how that works..." Jackson said shaking his head. "I know your type... You''re the type of people who have never been out of the cities and have no idea what it''s like out there... You think that we Enforcers are pointless right..."


    "Of course I do." The man said shrugging. "I mean do Bestia Macht even exist? I''ve never seen one? You guys are just assholes who we pay to keep around for no reason."


    "Well guess what asshole!" Ken stated pulling her sheathed sword out as she pointed it at the man. "I''m gonna kick-"


    "Ken!" Jackson said letting out a sigh. "Don''t. Some battles just aren''t worth fighting. This man is an asshole, not a villain." He said simply.


    "But-"


    "I know," Jackson said nodding. "He deserves it but as Enforcers, we are sworn to protect the lives of other humans to the best of our abilities." He said as he crossed his arms. "Even pricks..."


    "Hear that girl?" The man said smirking slightly. "You can''t touch me." He said smirking.


    Ken grumbled slightly as Hero reached out patting the girl on the shoulder. "It''s okay Ken. Jackson is right. It just isn''t worth it. This guy is just a big old jerk."


    "You''re right..." Ken hissed slightly as she turned away in anger.


    The man let out a laugh as he turned walking off. "Well since you guys are picking up trash anyways..." He stated chucking a second bottle of soda over his shoulder.


    Ken watched as the soda soared through the air then. ''Splat!''


    Hero''s eyes twitched slightly as he stepped in front of the girl allowing the bottle of soda to hit him. "Okay... Now it''s worth it!" Ken said going to step past Hero.


    Hero reached out grabbing the girl''s shoulder. He simply shook his head. "It''s fine. It''s just soda." Hero stated calmly. "No need to get so worked up? A simple shower will fix it for both of us..."


    "Speaking of showers!" Jackson announced. "Why don''t we head back?"


    "Head back?" Cloud questioned. "But we aren''t done?"


    "We''re heading back anyways!" Jackson said simply.


    "Why?"


    "Cause I said so." The man said simply. "Nos come on kids. Let''s head back before the soda on Hero, and Ken begins to freeze..." He stated.


    A few hours later...


    Hero let out a sigh as he stared up at the roof to their shared room. Cloud, and Kitsune were off in the corner playing Bisoa, while Irene was off to the side reading a book. The bathroom door suddenly opened as Ken stepped out wearing a large and fluffy bathrobe that covered her body completely.


    "Thanks for not using all of the hot water," Ken stated. Hero gave a simple nod but still didn''t say anything. "Hero?"


    "Yeah?"


    "Why didn''t you just punch that jerk?" Ken questioned.


    Hero shrugged. "I felt like he wouldn''t be able to handle a punch?" Hero said simply. "He looked like a weak guy who couldn''t take one of mine, or yours punches. So I decided not to hit him. Even if he was a jerk. Plus what Jackson said made some sense."


    "Some battles just aren''t worth fight..." Ken said nodding.


    Hero smiled slightly as he shrugged. "A battle that isn''t worth fighting. I don''t really know what it means but it sounded cool!" Hero said as he reached his hand out suddenly. He reached out placing a hand over his silver eyes since he didn''t have his contacts in. "And besides. We''re really Enforcers now..." For a brief second a girl with white hair, and silver eyes flashed through his mind. "Real Enforcers..."

 Chapter 23 - A Boring Mission... Again... And start of a bad feeling

    Age 1990


    Hero let out a sigh as he punched the man in the face launching the guy away. "Somehow I thought fighting bandits would be a little bit more fun than this?" He trailed off as he sidestepped a swing from another random bandit punching him in the gut and sending him flying away as well.


    "I know right..." Ken said letting out a sigh as she smacked one of the men upside the head with her sheathed weapon. "These scrubs aren''t even superhuman... They''re just ordinary people running around with guns... I don''t even need my Attribute to take them out..." She sighed out.


    After joining the Enforcers the group had been... Shall we say a little bit displeased with the results...


    As it turns out since they were new recruits they weren''t allowed to do anything fun... Instead of getting to run around battling massive monsters and having an amazing time they instead did a boring old fetch quest, and had to clean up trash.


    A few low levels bandits seemed to get out of hand and stole something they shouldn''t have. As new Enforcers, it was their job to go and get that thing back now apparently.


    Currently, they were underground in the abandon subway station fighting off the twenty or so bandits in there. The bandits weren''t doing too well...


    "You guys go..." Jackson said letting out a yawn as he struggled to not fall sleep. "You can do it... I believe in you..." His eyes finally shut after his bordem win out. "Wake up when you''re done..."


    Jackson wasn''t the best teacher they could have gotten... Most new Recruits would love the idea of a Vice-Captain taking it upon themselves to train them, but with Jackson, the man only ever goofed off or fell asleep from how boring and simple the missions were. It was clear he didn''t even want to be there anymore. And unfortunately all the other squad six members were currently out on other missions so Jackson was quite literally all they had to go with.


    "This is so dumb!" Kitsune announced out in anger as flames exploded off of him slamming several bandits back. "How are we gonna get to improve at all if we are just fighting these weaklings?" He asked, as he let out a sigh.


    "I''m sure there is a reason for us doing this..." Irene said calmly as she brought her hand up as ice fired out freezing several bandits in place.


    "Of course there''s a reason..." Cloud stated as his mist soared out. It became a greenish color as the roof above several bandits melted causing it to fall on them pinning them down. "Its to get us ready for the harder missions..."


    "Yeah but..." Hero stated as he threw his arm back. It bounced back like a rubber band slamming his fist straight into the nose of some poor guy. "...This is still just so slow... Anyone of us could do this with our eyes closed. Sorry Cloud..."


    "No offense taken."


    "I agree with Hero- Oh my God I can''t believe I said that- These missions aren''t challenging at all," Ken complained. Her sheathed weapon glowed red for a second as she slammed it down. A wave of wind fired out knocking several bandits into the air. "These guys are literally just fodder? No challenge what so ever?"


    "I don''t get why these guys are so much weaker?" Hero said as he punched another one square in the jaw. "I mean they are older than us? And they also have Attributes to right?"


    "You really know next to nothing?" Kitsune said letting out a sigh as he blasted more of the bandits away with fire. "As you know every human in this world is born with some kind of superpower that we call Attributes. This is something every human being has. It is completely impossible to not have an Attribute just like how it is impossible to have more than one Attribute. The difference between us and these bandits is that they are considered humans while we are considered superhuman''s. What makes a superhuman different from a normal human is the level of their Attribute as well as their bodies. A superhuman is born with an Attribute that is far, far stronger than a normal humans Attribute. Not only that but a superhuman since birth is born anywhere from 5-10X stronger, and faster than a normal human. One of the requirements to get into the Enforcers is to have a superhuman body. Otherwise, you wouldn''t be able to fight even the weakest Bestia Macht... Unfortunately for us though, only around 35% of the population is actually superhuman..."


    "I see..." Hero said nodding. " That is kind of neat, and interesting, I guess... Although that thing about a person having only one Att-"


    "Will you two shut up!" Ken yelled out in annoyance. "I just wanna hurry up and finish this boring quest... This is like the fifth one we''ve done this week..."


    "Yeah..." Cloud said. "I''ll admit I am also starting to get tired of this. I understand why they are making us do this but..."


    The doors up above them suddenly burst out as a bigger, tougher, bandit came marching out. "So!" He shouted out. "It seems you have taken good care of my men! Well, now you have to deal with me. Digo the leader of the bandits-"


    The sound of five fists slamming into a man''s skull echoed out as the bandit leader hit the ground unconscious.


    "Huh..." Hero said blinking slightly. "I thought for sure he would be a superhuman..."


    "Nah," Kitsune said kicking the downed man. "If he was he wouldn''t have surrounded themselves with so many weaklings. Humans, and Superhumans don''t go together very well..."


    "Wake up!" Ken yelled out bringing her sword down on Jackson''s head.


    "Oww!" The Vice-Captain screamed out as he sat up rubbing his bruised head. "What the hell was that for?"


    "We finished the mission..." Ken said pointing a thumb at the downed bandits.


    "Good... The leader should have the relic on him..." Jackson said letting out a yawn.


    Hero searched through the down bandit leader''s pocket as he pulled out a simple golden statue. "This is it right?" He questioned tossing it to Jackson.


    "Yep..." The object in question was a simple one-foot long golden statue of a girl. "This is the reason the Oleander Musume hired us for..." Jackson said with another yawn. "Alright. Let''s go." He stated.


    Thirty minutes later...


    The group all collapsed down onto the couches as they all let out annoyed sighs. "I thought this was gonna be fun!" Ken whined slightly.


    "Trust me..." Jackson said staring up at the ceiling fan. "It gets better. Right now you guys are just doing E-Class Missions..."


    "E class?" Hero questioned as he c.o.c.ked his head up.


    "Yeah," Jackson said nodding. "The missions are ranked in a list of difficulty... The E-class missions are extremely basic. Even a normal human with a gun could finish it if they tried hard enough. Next, you have D-Class which is still basic missions. After that is C-Class. This is the mission that involves at the very least a Bestia Macht. Above that is B-Class which only Bronze badge member or higher can do, or a no badge member who is teamed up with at least a silver badge member or higher. After that is A-Class which requires a team of at least Two Silver badge members or one Gold badge member. Then you have A+Class missions which require the Teo Gold badge members. S-Class which requires a Captain at the very least, S+ Class which requires the first Captain, and SS which is a maximum threat that requires all Enforcers. There is also a Z-Class but that is a threat so massive that it would require the five nations to team up to even have a slim chance to best it. Thankfully for as long as we have lived, we have never had anything above an S+ Class mission, for 1990 ages. Since you guys are new you are required to only do E-Class missions for one month until we can move you up... Although usually the threat level of a mission is mostly ignored as that is what it is determined as from a glance. Usually, it can be higher, or lower than previously thought."


    "Who gives out these missions?" Hero questioned.


    "The missions are handed out by Master Storm," Jackson explained. "Basically you have these villages or just random folks who will have a problem so they go to the Enforcers to fix that problem. They tell them what the problem is and what they want to be done about it. The Enforcers judge how high the threat level should be treated based off of the information they are given. This is one of the reasons the threat level can be highly inaccurate. The higher the threat level the more they will charge for us to complete the mission then the Enforcers that completed the mission get 20% of the profits. The Enforcers are also a governmental organization so usually, they will also give out missions they want us to handle personally!"


    "I don''t care how these missions work," Ken whined out as she crossed her arms. "Just as long as we can do something fun..."


    "I actually agree with Ken, Mr. Storm," Kitsune stated. "You''ve seen us all fight. You''ve seen us at the very limit of our power. Surely if there is anyone who knows how strong we are it would be you and Mr. Blight. So why don''t we go on a mission suited to our level instead of this baby stuff?"


    "These are all tests..." Jackson stated. "These simple missions are to test you and make sure you have a base understanding of how the Enforcers work."


    "But why do we need to take these test!" Kitsune questioned."Why not let us experience it for real?"


    "The difference between a test, and the real world, is that you can fail the test, but you can''t fail in the real world. Failing in the real world means you lost. Best case scenario... It means you died. Worst case scenario, it means you lived and the people you were trying to save died. Even worst-case scenario it means you died and the people you were trying to save died too, and you left your allies feeling like failure because they weren''t able to save you, or the civilians." Jackson took a deep breath. "I need to know that you guys can handle a real mission before I push anything. Out there on the field, I might not be able to jump on there and save you. I could be separated from you, or I could have been killed. This is just to show me that you guys know how to fight."


    "But you''ve seen us fight!" Ken cut in.


    "No! I''ve seen you all fail." Jackson stated. His joking nature was gone as he frowned. "Hero, failed at touching Dawson and almost got himself killed trying to tank a punch for Ken, Ken broke one of her arms, and massively injured the other one showing off she is reckless from using so much power when she wasn''t ready, Cloud showed off that he tries to think of a plan way too much, and can''t go with the flow, Kitsune showed off how arrogant he was and assumed and allowed himself to get caught, and North showed off that he hesitates too much. Each of you has a massive problem that I feel could get in the way..." He took a deep breath as he let out a heavy sigh. Everyone else was silent as they all sat down. "Look. We all barely know each other. Its been a week since you were in the Enforcers... Sometimes it''s better to take things slow."


    "But we won''t be able to grow unless we actually do a harder mission..." Hero said. "I mean all you''ve done is listed our flaws while leaving out the good things we''ve shown like how Ken, is freakishly strong, Kitsune has some insane control over his fire, Cloud is a genius, and North can create some massive, and heavy ice. Besides, we proved we wouldn''t give up and we were even able to push Dawson to using his Attribute on us! Even if he did hold back on us that still has to count to something..."


    "It''s true that Dawson is probably Squad Six''s greatest member..." Jackson said trailing off slightly. "I''ve seen skill inside of each of you... All of you have potential... Some more than others of course..."


    "Then let us go on a harder mission!" Ken stated standing up as she pointed at the man. "With that healing gel, we have all been healed back up to 100%! At this point fighting low-level bandits is only making us rustier. We''re all border and so are you! So how about we go out and do anything above E-Class? Like maybe a C-Class?"


    Jackson let out a sigh as he reached into his pocket. He pulled out a small metallic brick with a blue screen. on it. The screen lit up slightly as he tossed it to Ken. "This has every available mission that hasn''t been claimed yet... You can choose anything from C-Class and below... Also... Listen. Whatever you do don''t tell Katrina... She would have my head for even considering letting you guys do something so stupid..."


    "Alright!" Hero cheered. Ken stared down at the screen as she scrolled through it.


    "Most of these are boring..." Ken said still scrolling. "Oh! How about this one." She handed the device back as Jackson looked down.


    "An endangered Villiage..." Jackson read. "The Village of Lillies is Endangered by Bestia Macht... Twelve to be in fact. The Village leader has requested some Enforcers to come help him out. A basic low-level mission..." Jackson smiled slightly as he nodded. "Alright... This is the perfect mission to give you guys a real combat test. Probably just a few Bestia Macht that are in the area..."


    "At my Village, we had people who guarded it against the Bestia Macht? How come this one doesn''t." Irene questioned.


    "Who cares?" Ken said throwing her arms behind her head. "The point is we get to do a real mission!" She announced.


    "Alright, everyone!" Jackson stated. "Pack your things. Tomorrow we set out!"


    Everyone began to quickly leave the room in a hurry but Hero stopped when he noticed Cloud frowning.


    "What is it?" Hero questioned curiously when he saw the worried look on Cloud''s face.


    "Oh! Umm, its nothing..." Cloud stated. "I just have a bad feeling..."

 Chapter 24 - The Carriage Ride, And Bad Teachings.

    Age 1990


    "Will you watch it!" Ken shouted out in annoyance as she slammed her elbow into Hero''s side as hard as she could.


    "Oww! Why''d you hit me!" Hero shouted bringing his arm up and slapping it into Kitsune''s face, also as hard as he could.


    "Damn it! Watch it you asshole!" Kitsune yelled shoving Hero causing him to slam into Ken again.


    Jackson, Cloud, and Irene all watched the kids with a simple deadpan stare as they watched the three teens all yell at each other, and hit each other again, and again. Currently, the six of them were all in a small horse-drawn carriage that was taking them to their destination. Unfortunately, the carriage only had four seats. Jackson, Cloud, and Irene managed to claim their own but Hero, Kitsune, and Ken were all cramped in one seat repeatedly smacking into each other as the very, very bumpy carriage rode along.


    They were heading to Lillies. The village that was under attack by a few Bestia Machts. As for why they were riding in a carriage instead if a nice cozy, and warm, car? Well, apparently the village didn''t like techknowledge and requested that they come pick up the Enforcers personally in their carriages. Their very, very cold carriage...


    "Having fun back there?" A man asked. He was at the front of the carriage and was the one who was driving it. He was one of the Villagers apparently. "Just a few more minutes until we arrive!" The man announced. "Just bare through it a little longer." He laughed out.


    "Damn it, I hate this!" Kitsune shouted out punching Hero in the face again.


    "Oww!"


    "Tell me about it..." Irene muttered out. "I''ve been trying to read, for this entire carriage ride and you three won''t shut up." She stated as her eye twitched slightly.


    "It''s their fault!" All three teens shouted at the same time. "Is not! You take that back! How dare you blame me!"


    "You three were made for each other..." Cloud stated letting out a sigh.


    "Shut up Cloud!"


    "Exactly my point..."


    Hero let out a sigh as he tried to cross his arms. "Why did I think it was a good idea to be in the middle? On one side I have the nerd hitting me-"


    ''Smack!''


    "-On the other side I have the pissed off midget-"


    ''Smack!''


    Hero''s eye twitched as he ducked his now bruised head down. "This sucks..."


    "You were the ones who complained about not getting to go on a mission!" Jackson announced letting out an evil laugh. He seemed to have gotten back his easy-going smile once the suffering of others started. "Although I am starting to agree with you kids. This could be a great way for you to all improve." He stated smirking. "A person gets stronger after every battle. The more you are pushed, and the closer to death you get the more your body will be forced to grow in power in order to deal with the threats."


    "What exactly do we need to improve with?" Cloud question. "I have no doubt that we do need to improve but in what categories?" He questioned. "I mean I''ve spent a few years learning how to fight after all."


    "That''s a good question, and one that is kind of hard to answer..." Jackson said shrugging. "I guess the basic thing would be that all of you need to work on... Well just about everything? I dunno..."


    "Everything?" Hero questioned in confusion. "That is kind of... A broad subject..."


    "Well yeah..." Jackson said shrugging slightly. "It''s a bit hard to explain... You guys are still so young so you just need to improve on a lot of your stuff? Like training up your body, and learning an actual fighting style. Cloud you seem to know some basic martial arts, and you''re really good with that cane but with the rest of you, none of you had any real style. Hero, and Ken especially just kept trying to punch Dawson. You guys might have a lot of power but it honestly doesn''t matter how much you have if you don''t know how to use it... After all the strike that deals the least damage is the one that doesn''t hit."


    "I know how to throw a punch..." Ken muttered out crossing her arms.


    "And I''m a long-range fighter?" Kitsune said shrugging. "I''ll just blast someone with my flames. Easy peasy."


    "You should still learn how to fight without your Attribute," Jackson stated. "Don''t get me wrong. Attributes are very powerful and you should learn how to master yours. But at the end of the day, an Attribute is just a single weapon we as human can have, and like every weapon it has a weakness... That''s why you should expand more, into other categories. And in some cases, you can mix styles together. For example. My sword!" Jackson reached behind him pulling out a metallic box. He hit a button causing it to fold open and expand.


    "Oh my God!" Kitsune stated as his eyes lit up when he saw it. "That''s the Striking Thunder Mark II!" He announced out.


    The box fully expanded now taking the shape of a giant sword. The blade hit the floor of the carriage taking up even more space.


    "As if it wasn''t already cramped enough in here!" Ken shouted out as her foot came up slamming into Hero''s face.


    "Oh my God, it''s so cool!" Kitsune shouted staring at the giant sword. "Is it true that you built it yourself? Is it true that the blade can slice through anything! What''s it made out of? What happened to the Mark I?" Kitsune fired off questions as he went into full fanboy mode. As if he wasn''t annoying enough already.


    "This!" Jackson announced gesturing to the massive blade lodged on the floor of the carriage. "This is my trusty sword. I used this in my fighting style the-"


    "The Flying Sword Technique, or as you like to call it with the full title! The-Striking-Thunder-Of-A-Flying-Blade-Kaws-Of-A-Thousand-Crows!" Kitsune shouted.


    "That''s a dumb name..." Ken said muttering slightly.


    "Is not!" Jackson, Hero, and Kitsune announced pointing at the girl.


    "Oh what you suddenly are a massive fanboy?" Ken asked hitting Hero over the head.


    "Of course not..." Hero said shaking his head. "But just look at it? It''s a giant badass sword! Who the hell wouldn''t call this thing majestic!"


    "You have good taste Hero," Jackson said smiling slightly as he hit a button. The blade suddenly folded back up into a small box as he placed it back into his pocket. "What you just saw was my signature weapon. My Attribute can work long-range, much like Kitsunes, and Norths. However, I trained my body, and powers to use that weapon with them creating my signature fighting style. A fighting style is important to have. You may know how to throw a punch but that won''t get you far in life. Also. Lets face it. Fighting styles are just really cool..."


    "I think I get it..." Hero said nodding his head slightly. "You''re saying we should all get badass weapons too!"


    "No!" Jackson said holding his hand up. "Not even close. Using a weapon is dangerous if you aren''t trained for it. I''m saying you should develop a style. That style can involve around using a weapon but, in some cases, your Attribute would just not work well with one. If that''s the case you can still learn martial arts. The point I''m getting at is just... I don''t just improve in a simple way, unless you have an idea of where you want to go..."


    "You''re a bad teacher..." Ken said simply.


    "Get off my back I''ve never had to teach recruits before!" Jackson yelled out throwing his arms up in the air. "Look just... Ken, you should learn how to use that sword you have. I''m sure Cloud would be willing to give you some pointers. Kitsune you should find a few more ways to use your Attribute. North you need to stop hesitating so much and getting afraid of what you''ll do next. Cloud you need to go with the flow more, and Hero... I dunno figure something out yourself, your body is just weird? Maybe learn how to actually throw out a punch? You''re like a block of ice waiting to be sculpted into something. A lot of potential and power you just need to find a way to harness it." He said shrugging. "Look I''m just as new as you guys are okay? Just try to do something. Make some type of new attack or something, I don''t care. Just learn something new by the end of this mission."


    The carriage ride went silent as everyone tried to take the bad teachings of Jackson into account. He clearly had no idea what he was talking about...


    Everyone got back to doing whatever as Kitsune pulled out two books. One was a simple journal, but the other one was an actual book titled ''Enforcers! Book of Heroes!'' Kitsune flipped through the book as he opened his journal and pulled a large pen out.


    "What are you doing?" Hero questioned curiously as he looked down at the book. It was full of pictures and random words going on about each person in the picture.


    "Well now that I am in the Enforcers I guess it''s time I name my attacks," Kitsune said shrugging.


    "Name your attacks?" Hero said blinking slightly. "Like how you shout it out before you use it? I thought that kind of stuff only happened in crappy shows, and books?"


    "Well if you want people to know your names in the Enforcers then you have to come up with attack names," Kitsune stated.


    "He''s right," Jackson said nodding. "The Enforcers are a governmental organization used to get into the hearts of the people, and the public. While we do keep some of the more governmental jobs a secret we are mostly open to the public and are used to gain public favor through charity events, and some other stuff. The Enforcers are like being a superhero minus the costumes, and secret identity. That book Kitsune has is actually one of our most popular books, that we sell. It has several famous Enforcers in it, some of which are still Enforcers. As you gain recognition you will begin to get to appear on television, and interviews, and crazy things like that. You can also gain a fan base online. A good way to get popular especially with the kids is to make flashy, and cool looking attacks."


    "I see..." Hero said slowly nodding.


    "So in order to become a famous hero, who the people will sing songs about for ages, I must get into that book..." Ken stated nodding her head. "Than I shall come up with the most flashy, and cool looking attack known to mankind!" Ken announced.


    "Do you really care about becoming a famous hero that bad?" Hero questioned.


    "Of course!" Ken announced. For the first time, the young girl was just that. A young girl. She looked so difficult as she acted so childishly. Her dull red eyes seemed to lit up for a moment as she smiled. It was like all the pain she would of had to go through was gone? "I joined the Enforcers so I could go down in history as a hero! Don''t you want to become a world-famous hero, Hero?"


    "Well... Maybe not world-famous, but to be ''a hero'' would be nice, I guess." Hero admitted looking down at his hands for a moment. His multi-colored eyes seemed to shine for a moment as he stared at his hands.


    "You shouldn''t come up with just some random flashy attack though..." Jackson said. "It''s okay if it is flashy but make sure it can get the job done. You know like a signature attack. Something that when people see or hear of it they will think you!"


    Kitsune scribbled in his notebook writing down everything the man said with a vigor.


    Ken leaned back as she crossed her arms, as she now began to think.


    Cloud simply sat there not moving.


    Irene let out a sigh of relief as she was finally able to read her book.


    And Hero. The young teen sat back as he stated at his hand. "A signature attack huh?" He muttered out as he frowned. "I suppose that wouldn''t be too hard with my Attribute... I mean I already have my styles right? I can just use those and work off of them?"


    "That reminds me," Kitsune said looking up from his book. "What is your Attribute?"


    "Oh?" Hero said shrugging. "Well, I call it-"


    There was a loud skidding sound as the carriage came to a stop...


    They had arrived at their destination.

 Chapter 25 - The Village Of Lillies...

    Age 1990


    The carriage came to a stop allowing the six passengers out. "Finally..." Ken said letting out a sigh as she stretched slightly. "I''ll be honest that carriage was beginning to get on my nerves..." The small girl stated.


    "I''m just glad I''m not cramped between you two bastards..." Hero stated as he glared at Ken, and Kitsune who both gave him a simple innocent smile. "You guys are mean..." He said rolling his eyes. "Anyways where is the Villiage we have to protect? All I see is a shitty wooden- Oh... Oh no..." Hero said slowly as he put it together.


    "This... This is the Villiage we have to protect..." Kitsune said slightly mortified as his eyes widened. "This place is a dump!" He shouted out in horror as he almost fell back.


    Indeed it was... The Village in front of the group was a broken, and decaying wooden wall. Ice coated over it causing it to be beyond frail. The wall was only seven feet tall and was so frail a piece broke off when Ken lightly ran her hand over it... Up above the wall, a few houses could be seen. None of them were taller than ten feet... The entire village was around the size of a fairly large football stadium so it wasn''t even that big...


    Around the village was absolutely nothing... It was just ice that stretched on for miles, and miles... Nothing but this Villiage for as far as the eye could see... It instantly raised a few red flags...


    "This is our home..." The carriage drive announced. He patted the mechanical engine that dragged the carriage here. The mechanical engine was an old piece of technology with wires and sparks coming off of it. It looked like it would quit working at any second. Four robotic legs came out of it which was what allowed it to love and carry the carriage here in the first place. "It''s nothing special but it''s our home..." The man admitted as he gave a shrug.


    He reached out pulling on a long wooden rope. There was a snapping sound as the rope broke off. The man stood there for a moment before letting out an embarrassed laugh as he walked up to the gate pushing it open by hand. The door broke off falling down towards the ice.


    "I hate you so much, Ken..." Kitsune stated.


    "What did I do!"


    "You picked this mission! What are we even supposed to be doing?" The Noble muttered out?


    "Weren''t you listening... The village is under attack by some Bestia Macht. They apparently can''t protect themselves and need our help." Ken said shrugging. "I mean it is just twelve which are pretty weak so we should be able to finish this mission in like... Five minutes?"


    "Right this way brave Enforcers." The man who had driven the carriage stated as he waved them inside. Right before one of them could enter though he held his hand up. "One more thing. Our Villiage has sworn off technology..." The man stated. "You must leave any of it outside next to our engine. Technology is not allowed inside."


    "What!" Kitsune said. "You want us to just get rid of our technology? We''re only gonna be here for like a day?" He stated.


    "I''m sorry but it''s the rules." The man said nodding his head towards the carriage. "Otherwise I would take my engine in with me."


    "Just listen to him," Jackson said letting out a sigh. "The reports said it was just about ten or so Baron level Bestia Macht. Every single one of you should be able to handle them. North also comes from a Villiage so he probably already has experience fighting them."


    "That''s right but..." Irene went silent as she gave a shrug. "Well our Villiage didn''t have technology either but it wasn''t because we didn''t allow it. We just didn''t have any. I don''t know any village that would just put a ban on it?"


    "It is a rule, Father Darvin created..." The man said giving a slight bow. "Now please put away all your things..."


    Everyone took what little they had on them placing it in the carriage. Kitsune gave a sigh as he placed his phone on the carriage. "I hope my phone doesn''t break being left out in this frozen wasteland."


    "Jokes on you guys!" Hero said letting out a laugh. "I have nothing!" He announced. "Just the clothes on my back, like my green sweat pants, and green tracksuit jacket!" He stated proudly.


    "That was oddly specific."


    "Just wanted everyone to know!"


    "Can we just get into the village already?" Ken questioned as she shivered. "It''s freezing out here..."


    "If you have given up everything then please come right this way..." The man stated. He turned finally leading them into the village.


    The inside was just what they expected... Old buildings that looked as if they were falling apart. It was pitch black since no torches were up. Most of the houses were covered in a thick layer of ice. There was only about 50 to maybe a 100 buildings. All of them were still in poor shape though...


    In fact, only one building stood out. A building at the very back of the village. Unlike all the other ones this building looked almost completely intake. This one was made out of stone rather than wood. It took the gang a few seconds to realize that this building was a church?


    "Here we are..." The man stated holding his arms out. "My home. Now please come... Father Darvin will want to speak to you personally... He is the man who summoned you all here after all..."


    "Where are your hunters?" Irene questioned as she looked around. "And your gate guards?"


    "Oh? We don''t have any. Not any more at least..."


    Irene''s head instantly shot to the man as she stared at him. "What? You don''t have any? Then who protected you from the Bestia Macht until now? And how have you guys been eating? From the looks of this place I doubt you could just buy food from anywhere else. Plus there isn''t anywhere close? It was a three-day journey just for us to get here."


    "I see where your concerns are coming from but please..." The man said holding his hand up. "I''m sure Father Darvin can explain. As for not having Guards or hunters. We never had a need for them really. The ones we did have are... Gone. We are followers of the Bright. We do not believe in using our Attribute or technology. So we never had a need to fight..."


    "The Bright?" Hero said slightly confused.


    "My Grandpa told me about these kinds of people," Jackson whispered as he placed a hand on Hero''s shoulder. "He said back in his day these people used to go by a name called the Amish? Apparently, they used to be very different then they are now. Before they mostly kept to themselves but according to gramps they ended up changing into Followers of the Bright, and with that their ideals and goals changed... I had no idea that these were the people who gave out the mission..."


    "Is it bad?" Hero questioned as he whispered to his Vice-Captain.


    "Not necessarily..." Jackson whispered back. "Just because they have a different lifestyle than us doesn''t mean they instantly bad but..."


    "But..."


    "Well it''s just the Bright doesn''t have. Father who leads everything... Stay close but don''t arouse suspicion... Don''t tell the other either though? It could cause them to panic which could be bad for us. No matter what we need to keep a calm-"


    "What are you guys whispering about?" Kitsune said now whispering with them.


    "Ahh!" Hero, and Jackson both screamed as they jumped up losing their calm.


    They both turned to find the entire group was looking at them. "What?" Jackson asked.


    "You guys literally stood there for like five minutes whispering to each other..." Irene said with a deadpan stare.


    "Nah." Hero said shrugging. "You guys are crazy."


    "Damn it, Hero, I said play it cool..." Jackson hissed out.


    "I''m always cool..."


    The group all let out a sigh as they turned back to the man who continued leading them to the Father. "Wait," Irene said getting back to her conversation. "If you never had Guards, how did you survive from the Bestia Macht attacks? And if you never had hunters how did you guys get food?"


    "Well, we had other ways of getting food other than hunting and eating the Bestia Macht. We grow vegetables!" The man said.


    "In the freezing cold?" Kitsune said raising an eyebrow. "It''s hard to grow vegetables in the nice warm cites but you expect us to believe you grew them out here in a frozen wasteland."


    "It is the truth." The man stated nodding his head.


    "Okay..." Irene said in a skeptical tone. "Than how did you guys survive the Bestia Macht attacks?"


    "Simple." The man said shrugging. "They were never a problem for us. We were never attacked by one before. At first my village beloved they were just myths. We didn''t see our first one until twelve years ago." The man stated. "It wasn''t until about a month ago that they started to frequently attack us. Thankfully we managed to find out until-"


    A loud rang echoed throughout the village.


    "Oh dear... It seems the Bestia Macht are back."


    "Sweet," Jackson said smiling slightly. "That means we can kill them and get this over with." He stated. "If it''s just a few Baron level this should be a piece of cake. What direction do they usually attack from."


    "The North sir... But the thing is-"


    "Come on guys!" Jackson said walking towards the north of the city. "North create us an ice ramp so we can get over this fence." Irene waved her hand out as a wave of ice fired out. The six Enforcers began to March up it. "Now lets end this quick so we can get back before Katrina realizes me took us on a-"


    Jackson stopped as his smile faded. All of the kid''s eyes widened in shock as they all did a double-take.


    Hero let out a nervous laugh for a second as his dace grew slightly pale. "So... only a couple..." He trailed off.


    They all stared at the army of Bestia Machts that marched towards the building. There wasn''t simply twelve Baron level Bestia Macht.


    There were twelve hundred Bestia Machts...

 Chapter 26 - The First Real Battle

    During the age of 91, the first-ever Bestia Macht appeared. A monster filled with hate and power... After that day more, and more began to appear across this world. It was as if they had let humanity live on this planet just long enough to get used to it, and once humanity thought they were safe, once they thought that they could live on, that was when the monster struck.


    The Bestia Macht come in many shapes, and sizes, and like humans, they all have their own unique Attribute... Only. Unlike humanity, they can have more than one... Humanity is gifted with only a single power. But monsters... They are gifted with more.


    On age 103 the first-ever threat system was made. This chart was made to measure the threat level of Bestia Machts, rather they are naturally made, or man-made, the threat level is how an Enforcer determines how dangerous they...


    This list was made to measure the threat level of a creature to determine its level of power.


    This list begins with the weakest class, the Baron, and ends with the strongest class, the Prince. The threat level system goes as following.


    Threat Level Baron. A Baron is the most basic kind of threat. A Baron level threat is strong enough to rip an untrained human in half in mere seconds. It would take an entire squadron of guns to take even one down. To a superhuman or any one of the sorts, however, a Baron level is a walk in the park. The problem, however, is that they come in large numbers. Usually, a normal horde consists of around 100 Baron levels.


    Next is a Viscount. Viscount is the second-highest threat level. Unlike Barons, they don''t travel in massive packs with other Viscounts. Instead, they usually travel with other Barons leading them into battle. A Viscount can be trouble for even an experienced fighter, and actually takes a skilled individual to take down. A Viscount is completely impossible to be killed by a mere human.


    The third threat level class is the Earl. Earl''s are monsters with unbelievable power. Their strengths can vary but, at the very least an Earl is a threat to an entire city. They must be taken down instantly by an experienced fighter. Earl''s are strong enough to push even the strongest Enforcer to their limit. It can usually, take several highly skilled Enforcers to take down even a single one.


    After that is a Marquess. A Marquess is a monster with the power to rampage through multiple cities if left unchecked. Usually, only a Captain or someone around that level can even hope to take one on and live. Should one be spotted near the city then that city should be immediately evacuated. A Marquess should only be dealt with when a Captain is nearby.


    Duke is the next category. It is thought that it is impossible for a single human to take on a Duke. It would require several trained Captains of the Enforcers all teaming up on one to even have a hope at eliminate one. A Duke is a threat to the entire country and must be taken with 100% caution as they could destroy several cities in mere seconds just by roaring.


    The final category is the Prince... A Prince is a massive monstrosity with power that goes farther than anything a human should be capable of. A single Prince is strong enough to wipe out a country in mere minutes, and are a threat to several of the nearby countries. Thankfully only a total of 7 Princes have ever been seen in history all of which were eliminated by Master Storm, the leader of the Enforcers.


    The Enforcers were created to try and deal with these threats to the world. They fight against Barons, and Viscount daily. And every day they almost always lose someone... Being an Enforcer means giving up your life in its entirety.


    Accepting that things will never be normal for you...


    It''s a road that can be lonely. But that''s what makes the people who travel that road with you all the more special to you...


    Age 1990


    Hero stared out at the twelve hundred Baron level Bestia Macht as he let out a slight gulp, followed by a laugh. "The three previous Bestia Macht''s I''ve seen were far friendlier than this... I mean only one of them tried to kill me..." He stated placed a hand on his throat. The same place where Raiju had, placed his tail.


    "Those bastards lied to us!" Kitsune said turning around and shooting the man who lead them there a dirty glare. "That is way more than twelve! Like a lot more than twelve!"


    "Just calm down," Jackson said as he smirked slightly and gave off a casual shrug. "I''ve had to fight a horde of Viscounts this big once... From the looks of it, these are all Baron level Bestia Machts... This will be great training to see you all take on a horde."


    "What! You still want us to fight that!" Hero said in shock as he stepped back looking at the man as if he was completely insane. To be fair, Jackson totally was insane.


    "Relax," Cloud said calmly. "The first step to losing a battle is thinking you don''t have a chance to win in the first place. Clear your mind young one-"


    "I''m older than you..." Hero said.


    Cloud ignored him as he continued. "This horde maybe big but they are still simply Baron levels. All of us have already grown so much before we''ve joined the Enforcers. Clear your mind and believe you can take on the horde..."


    "The biggest horde I ever fought consisted of around five-hundred..." Irene said slowly. "And even then my brother was able to obliterate most of them for me, while I was injured..."


    "Sounds like your brother should have gotten a letter," Cloud stated.


    "What are we gonna do!" Ken questioned in a slight panic. "I mean I''ve had to fight Bestia Macht before, but never this many. The most I''ve ever taken on was around thirty..."


    "I think the answer is pretty simple," Jackson stated. "We''re gonna fight... Or... More really you''re gonna fight."


    "You''re joking, right?"


    Jackson folded his arms as he stared at the horde as it grew closer. "The Villagers might have lied to us about the mission but I feel like we can still handle this. Even one thousand Baron level, Bestia Machts is considered only a low B-Class mission at most..." The man stated simply. "Besides..."


    "Besides what?" Hero questioned.


    Jackson simply smirked. He lifted his arm up slowly as a crackling sound could be heard. Steam began to come off of it as it hissed and electricity crackled off of it. "Arking Shot..." He said in a soft tone.


    A massive beam of blue electricity exploded out of the Enforcers hand rocketing forward! The beam broke apart becoming several hundred smaller beams as they all fired incinerating several Bestia Macht on the spot and shocking all of the teens as half the horde was wiped out in a mere instant from all the tiny lightning lasers! Several Bestia Macht screamed out in pain as they were melted from the insane amount of heat that flowed off of the attack. The snow in the area melted as steam rose up slowly and, the melted bodies hit the floor...


    Suddenly it wasn''t that cold anymore...


    "These guys are nothing compared to me," Jackson stated as he let out a slight smile. "Now go on. I reduced the numbers by half, so there''s only six hundred of them left. Six Hundred Baron Bestia Macht''s are only medium C-Class level. I''ll stay here and root for you guys while you fight them!" He announced. "If you get into trouble I''ll jump in! Now go! Prove to me that you really do have what it takes to be an Enforcer. Show me that spark!" He announced out as he threw his arm out. Then his foot shot out kicking Hero down the ramp.


    And like a switch being hit all four teens jumped into battle now filled with renewed determination, right as Hero came crashing down. All of them had passed the test to become Enforcers! They would prove that they indeed had the spark. And Hero just wanted everyone to stop picking on him...


    But that spark!


    The spark that all Enforcers needed! The spark to fight, and stand up!


    ''Maybe I''m better at this teaching thing than I thought...'' Jackson thought to himself as he smugly crossed his arms. ''This is good though. With six hundred Baron''s that will give them all an opportunity to fight and do something. I just hope they take this in stride. After all this will be their first real battle as Enforcers...''


    Hero landed on the ground followed closely by the others. All of them gave a nod as they each ran off into different spots. It was six hundred to five, but they were all reassured by the fact that if need be Jackson could quite literally solo this army.


    "That lightning attack was awesome!" Hero announced as he jumped into battle against the Bestia Machts. He brought his fist up slamming it down on the head of one of the creatures as his limb expanded out crushing the things head. "I see what they meant about getting a cool signature move now!" He shouted out as he kicked out at another of the monsters. His leg also grew becoming massive as he dropped it down on the creature crushing its body from the weight of the limb. Odd since every time he inflated his limbs they actually lost weight?


    Many of the Bestia Macht all took on various shapes, and sizes. Some had claws, some had wings, some had acidic spit. The point was that they were all deadly.


    A Bestia Macht opened its mouth firing a ball of magma that Hero just barely dodged...


    Very deadly indeed...


    Hero let out a battle cry as he brought his arm up as it buffed up getting heavier and bigger. Then he brought it down onto the nearest beast turning it into a red mist. His arm didn''t look inflated though? It was just a really big buff arm while the rest of his body was still its usual slim self.


    ''That''s odd...'' Jackson thought as he watched Hero crush the monsters with his now really buffed limb. ''Every time he expanded his body he had to inhale? Also, his arms and legs became bouncy like a Balloon and actually got lighter? These limbs aren''t being inflated though? They''re actually growing in size, like he took steroids and only trained one limb? I may need to keep an eye on Hero...'' He thought as he let out a shrug. ''On the Enforcer written test he got a stright 0... He didn''t fill out his sheet at all? Not even the final question... He''s an oddball. Has a strange and unnatural power, and we have no idea what he wants in life.''


    Hero smirked slightly as he punched his way through the horde. "This is great! I''ve never had a chance to ever battle a Bestia Macht before!" This was far different from fighting a human. These things were just beast and fought like how a wounded beast would. Hero tore his way through more of them as he began to move closer and closer to the center of the battlefield. He let out another excited yell as he punched through another Bestia Macht.


    Meanwhile at another part of the Battlefield Ken brought her sheathed sword down caving the skull of whatever poor creature got in her way. "Huh... Don''t know why I was so worried..." She said shrugging as she brought her weapon up ripping the head of another beast off with ease.


    Ken sidestepped dancing past several of the monsters as a sly smile appeared on her face and she ripped apart what ever got in her way. Several of monsters all turned to her but in a flash, their bodies came crashing down as several indents appeared on their bodies, and Ken suddenly appeared behind them in a flash.


    "I always wanted to do that thing, that they do in shows. Where the person with the sword runs by the people really quickly and they just fall apart." Ken stated as several more Bestia Macht''s suddenly reacted as their bodies were suddenly caved in. "I might not be able to slash you with this sword, but I can sure as hell cave your skulls in stupidly fast. And with just a little bit, ''of faster than sound speed,'' I can kill you before you even know you''re dead!" The small and adorable girl stated innocently as she caved even more of the monster''s skulls in. Several of the Bestia Macht decided to back off of the girl...


    ''Geez...'' Jackson thought as he let a shiver go down his spine. ''That girl is really, really... Really devilish...'' He thought as he stepped back slowly. ''But she''s definitely powerful... I''d say she''s probably the third strongest member of these recruits, maybe... On the Enforcer written exam she only wrote a few words... To become a well known hero... That''s all she seemed to care about.'' He thought as he nodded his head slightly. ''Maybe get her a usable sword, and teach her how to actually use it, and she could become quite powerful... And with her fast speed and power, I could even teach her the flying sword technique...'' Jackson hummed as he thought to himself. ''I''ll keep an eye on her growth... Now, how about the others?'' His eyes wandered over to his least favorite recruit...


    Over with Kitsune the boys, nine fox tails waved back and forth as he walked forward with a massive smug smirk on his face. The kid lifted his arm up blasting several of the beasts away with a ball of pure orange fire. He smirked slightly as the flames took form taking the shape of several foxes as he threw his arms out launching them all forward towards the many monsters.


    The Noble simply walked in a straight line blasting whatever got to close to him as he slowly began to become bored. "Yawn... My first evil Bestia Macht and I simply had to blast it away..." The teen said smiling slightly as his flames became a massive ball of fire that shot forward instantly killing whatever got in its way.


    It left everything as nothing more than a pair of melted bile of bones, and dust...


    Kitsune smirked as more flames whipped off of him slicing through the horde like a hot knife through wet butter.


    ''Kitsune Nine..." Jackson thought as he let out a sigh in the real world. "He has a very powerful Attribute and clearly knows how to use it but... He is super c.o.c.ky, and a massive fanboy.'' Jackson thought as he felt a shiver go down his spine as he shook his head. ''On the written exam, he wrote that he joined the Enforcers to find someone... And, to learn about his favorite idols...'' The Vice-Captain let out a bit of a sigh as he rubbed the brink of his nose. "Why..." He hissed out.


    Over with Cloud the blind boy stepped to the side barely avoiding a strike from a Bestia Macht. His cane came out as he whacked it on the head as hard as he could.


    The particular beast was coated in a tough shell-like thing so the strikes didn''t really do much to it.


    Cloud brought his cane up and slammed it down as a wave of green mist fired out coating the monster. It began to scream as it''s armor bubbled up and it hissed out in pain.


    "Your scales might be hard, but most creatures who hide beneath armor do so because they''re fragile without it!" The blind teen announced out as he stabbed his cane through the hole in the monsters side, that he had created by melting the monster. A sickening crunch echoed out as he ripped his cane out of the monster''s corpse. With a flick of the wrist, the green mist became a simple fog as it surrounded him, and blinded any of the monsters near him.


    ''Cloud...'' Jackson thought as he watched the mist bend and twist around in the air. Several bodies could be seen moving around in it as they all began to slowly fall to the ground. ''He''s blind but found a way to turn his weakness into a weapon... He seems to be the only one who actually knows how to properly fight... Not only that but he''s a strategic genius from I''ve seen of him? However. He doesn''t really seem to concern others unless it benefits him, even using his ''team'' as a way to analyze Dawson''s movement. On the written exam, he got a 0 as his handwriting was just scribbles and lines, since he had no idea what he was supposed to do... I''ll have to remind Master Storm to great brail copies of the test for next year...'' Jackson watched more Bestia Macht''s fall to the ground as he finally turned away. ''That just leaves one more...''


    Slowly the Vice-Captain eyes wandered over to the last recruit.


    Irene sidestepped a Bestia Macht as she raises her hands up. ''I need to freeze it- No! It''s to close! I should just shot it with an ice sickle- But what if that doesn''t kill-'' The monster punched out with a meaty fist decking the young girl in the face and throwing her back through the cold.


    Irene gasped out as she tried to quickly stand. Several monsters all jumped at her but in a flash of blue light, they all suddenly became frozen.


    "Breakaway..." Irene stated quietly. A loud crack echoed out as all the ice statues of the monsters exploded. The girl quickly got back to her feet as more monsters ran at her. ''I need to... I can... What if...'' She froze up and barely jumped out of the way avoiding their claws at the last second.


    ''North...'' Jackson thought as he crossed his arms staring down at the figure. ''A person who is clearly female and for whatever reason is pretending to be a boy? Rather that means the real North was always a girl who cross dresses, or it means that this person is pretending to be North I don''t know, and I don''t care. They have an insanely powerful Ice Attribute as well as a lot of power and energy to back it up... Currently, their biggest problem is that they lack confidence. They won''t stop hesitating when they fight... It''s like they seemed to keep thinking that what they''re doing is wrong? On the written exam when asked why she became an Enforcer she simply wrote that she wanted to bring justice to the world...'' Jackson let out a sigh as he watched the person in question almost get impaled by a massive claw. ''I fear that they are likely going to be my hardest student...''


    Irene stepped back once more just barely avoiding a strike. She raised her arms as a ball of ice fired out. The monster sidestepped the attack slamming its fist up and punching her across the battlefield.


    Irene hit the ground like a sack of potatoes as she let out a yell of pain. ''You idiot... Why did you think that attack would work?'' Her mind screamed at her as she quickly jumped to her feet. "I can still fight. I just need to be quicker about-" Her eyes widened as she turned her body finding the rows of razor-sharp teeth that flee in her direction.


    Everything seemed to slow down as the Bestia Macht flew forward slowly. Its mouth was wide opened showing off just rows of teeth. The thing must have had around at least a thousand teeth inside its mouth. It almost looked comical as it''s jaws we''re quickly unfit to carry that many teeth...


    Despite that, though the thing soared through the air slowly as its mouth opened wide intending to rip the human in front of it in half...


    Irene stood frozen as her entire life flashes before her eyes...


    Then in a single moment, everything began to speed up as Hero brought his arm up knocking Irene out of the way.


    Irene didn''t even have time to process the fact that Hero was suddenly here, as soon as Hero had knocked her aside the beast latched onto the teen slamming him into the ground as it''s mouth wrapped around Hero bitting down as hard as it could.


    Hero let out a loud yell of pain as several cracking sounds echoed out as the monster bit down as hard as it could.


    Irene hit the ground as she stared up in horror at the body of the boy who saved her. Hero slumped down in the thing''s mouth as it began to aggressively chew on him. Irene stared in shock as she felt tears well up...


    "Hero!"

 Chapter 27 - Father Darvin

    Age 1990


    "Hero!" Irene screamed out in horror and in pure panic. As she watched Hero get ripped apart she suddenly found herself back to the incident where Snow was almost killed. She had failed that day, and now here she was failing again.


    The monster bit down as hard as it could causing Hero to scream out in pain as the teeth grinded his side to pieces ripping into him. "Ahh!" Hero screamed out as he gasped out. The monster responded by simply slamming its head down slamming Hero straight into the ground as it placed a paw on his back and began to pull back with its head ripping his side out.


    Then suddenly in a flash of blue light, the monster''s head was suddenly ripped from the top of its shoulders as the entire monster exploded in a hail of blue light. Jackson reached out catching the boy as he sat him on the ground gently.


    Sparks of electricity were quite literally exploding off of the man as he glared out at the horde of monsters with pure malice, and regret.


    "Training over..." He stated simply. Then in a massive crack, he dispersed. A blue blur crossed the battlefield in seconds as every Bestia Macht was instantly ripped apart spraying a hail of blood and gore down on the battlefield.


    "Whoa..." Kitsune said as all the creatures hit the floor, now all very, very dead. "That was fast." He muttered out.


    "What just happened!" Ken questioned in shock as she blinked.


    "That speed was incredible..." Cloud said. "It was like lightning... I could fill the wind pressure exploding off of him..."


    "Hero!" Irene yelled out in a panic as she fell down to the boy''s side rolling him over. "Please be okay!" She cried out as she begged him to not bleed anymore.


    "I have a part of my side missing! Do I look okay?" Hero said speaking slowly as he coughed up blood. "I hurt!" He gasped out. His right side was gone having been chewed off. He was huddled in a ball clutching his side as blood-soaked through the snow beneath him. He didn''t look like he was in very good condition...


    "I''m so sorry Hero!" Irene gasped out.


    "You should be!" Hero cried out gasping for air. "I think I''m dying!"


    Irene placed her hands on the wound applying pressure to it as hard as she could. "Please... Please don''t die!"


    "You cry like a girl..." Hero gasped out mocking them with what might have been his final breath.


    "Hero!" Ken yelled running over to the boy''s side when she noticed him. "Oh my God, what happened? North what happened?" She questioned.


    "Damn that looks bad..." Kitsune said hissing slightly when he saw the wound. "North? You saw what happened right? Tell us?"


    "I- I don''t... I didn''t! I mean it was my.... But the thing about it..." Irene''s eyes widened slightly as she stepped away from the group. "It was an accident- And-" She stuttered out in a panic. She got more flashbacks to that day as she almost slipped back.


    "You did this!" Ken said in shock as she stared at her fellow recruit.


    "No. A Bestia Macht did." Jackson said letting out a sigh as he walked towards the group. He bent down inspecting Hero''s wounds. "Everyone stay calm." He stated. "Hero I need to get you inside and away from the cold. Just grit your teeth this is only going to hurt for a few seconds..." He stated as he placed one arm under Hero''s back, and another under the kid''s leg. "1.2.3..."


    "Ahh!" Hero hissed out as Jackson stood up, lifting the boy. "...F.u.c.k...Me..." He gasped out as white-hot pain soared through him.


    "Let''s go. We need to get you inside now." Jackson said turning to the village. ''Damn it... That attack left him in a bad shape. He definitely has some internal organ damage...'' He thought quietly in slight horror and massive regret. ''But he has a healing factor right? The question is how good of a healing factor...'' Jackson let out a quiet curse. "I knew I shouldn''t have let you kids do this..." He sighed out. "Damn it..."


    The group marched back to the village at a quick pace. They didn''t even bother going to the gates as Ken just punched a hole straight in the wall forcing their way in.


    "Hero..." Irene said in a panic as she followed closely to Jackson. "Please don''t die!" She said again. The girl actually looked worse off than Hero.


    "Man up North," Kitsune said rolling his eyes. "Hero will be fine... I hope..."


    "He''s right." Hero said coughing slightly. "My body is already repairing itself as we speak..." He said before suddenly breaking into a coughing fit. "I- I just need to rest for a little while... I''ll be all better than..." He said as his eyes fluttered closed. "Well unless I fall asleep then I''m-" Hero began to quietly snore as Irene panicked.


    "Relax," Ken said sighing. "He was just kidding. He heals while asleep."


    "How do you know?" Cloud asked.


    "Because he told me..." Ken said shrugging. "He talks to me more than you guys."


    "Aww..." Kitsune said quietly. "I thought Hero and I had a special friendship..."


    "Shut up!"Jackson barked out. The man quickened his pace as he entered the small village as fast as he could. "We need to get him inside now!" Jackson said urgently as he marched through the village looking for anywhere to place the boy in.


    "I''ll be damned..." Kitsune said raising an eyebrow.


    "What?" Ken questioned curiously.


    The fox frowned slightly as he pointed across the village and over to a small patch of dirt that had several vegetables growing from it... Despite the freezing cold weather they all looked perfectly healthy... "They really do have a way to control Vegetables... I would say they are using their Attributes but the Bright are against that... How the hell is-"


    "Ahh, brave Enforcers!" The man who had driven them here, announced when he saw them enter the village. "Perfect! Father Darvin wishes to speak to you. It is-"


    "I don''t care!" Jackson spat out. "I need to get my student inside now."


    "I''m afraid that will have to wait-"


    "What the hell did you just say to me!" Jackson snapped. He stared the man down as electricity began to crackle off of him. "My student is hurt. I don''t care what your leader has to say. I need to get him inside now!"


    "No one is allowed to refuse Father Darvin..." The man said. His cheerful nature now seemed to be gone as his eyes narrowed in on Jackson. "Much like how no one is allowed to use their Attributes in this village. If your student dies than that was his fate-"


    "Move out of our way!" Ken yelled out bringing her weapon up intending to slap this asshole away from them.


    "That is enough Hoshi!" A stern voice announced. Everyone froze in place as the frozen air seemed to turn colder... A man slowly walked up... He kept his hands behind his back and he was dressed in what looked like a priest outfit. "Please led these Enforcers to our nearest inn and get them medical aid immediately..." The man said slowly.


    "But Father Darvin! We barely have any supplies-"


    "Do as you are told..."


    "Yes, sir..." The man bowed before turning to the group. "Please right, this way! I will lead you to our spare house..." The man said simply as he turned and began to march away.


    Jackson stood still for a moment, as his brain processed everything that happened. He shook his head quickly as he began to follow after the man. His recruits followed quickly after him. Behind them, the priest-dressed man slowly followed.


    "This was Mr. Chi''s house but he, unfortunately, passed away..." The man said opening the doors to an old rickety shake. It is one room but it has a fireplace..." He stated slowly.


    Jackson ignored the man as he entered the building kicking the door down. He marched in as he sat Hero down softly as he took off his jacket covering the boy up with it and using it as a makeshift blanket. "Kitsune start a fire." He said simply. "Hero''s wounds are pretty bad... I doubt there is anything we can do without proper equipment... Especially with a wound this big... The best we can do is just hope he was right about his healing being able to save him from this..."


    "I''ll go get some supplies..." The other man said turning and leaving the room.


    A few seconds later the door opened up as the priest walked in. Ken glared at the man with narrow eyes. She didn''t trust him... She had seen plenty of people like him in her days. The kind that think they are right at all times...


    Now that he was up close everyone was able to get a better look at him. He was an old man. Maybe in his eighties or even nineties. Despite that though there was this... Almost aura about him? The kind that said you should respect him, and above all else fear him. He looked as if he had a holier than thou attitude. The kind where he would always know best and if you questioned him you were in the wrong.


    "Can I help you?" Jackson questioned the man.


    "Are you the leader?" The man questioned.


    "Yes..."


    "Good. Can I speak with you privately about some matters? It''s in regards to the mission." The man stated as he turned walking outside.


    Jackson let out a sigh as he stood up. "Alright stay here. Come get me if you think Hero gets any worse..." Jackson said slowly. And with that, he was out the door.


    The priest seemed to wait for him as he gestured for Jackson to follow. "Perhaps some introductions are in order... I''m Father Darvin. I run this village. Have been for the past forty years..." The man said.


    "Yeah... I already figured who you were..." Jackson said crossing his arms. "Listen Father. We completed your mission. We just need to stay for a day or two to let Hero recover."


    "You are welcome to stay as long as you want." The man said smiling. "But the thing is... You haven''t completed your mission yet."


    "What are you talking about..." Jackson said narrowing his eyes. "We beat the Bestia Macht that were terrorizing your village, which by the way you lied about. In the mission briefing, you made listed that there were only twelve Bestia Macht in the area! That was a lot more than twelve."


    "Please Brave Enforcer. Calm down."


    "Calm down! Calm down! Because of you one of my students almost got killed!"


    "Oh? Is that my fault? Am I the one who told them to go fight the Bestia Macht horde? Am I the one who watched them fight instead of helping? It looked like you had the power to destroy that horde in mere moments but instead waited until after one of your teammates were injured? Tell me how is any of that my fault?"


    "Well... Umm..." Jackson went silent as he realized the man was right. "We... We have to train them... If I jumped in right away they would never get anything done... But that''s not the point! You lied to us!"


    The old man let out a light sigh as he stopped in front of an old bench. He tried to sit down but his knees shook the entire time. Finally, after a pain stacking minute, he managed to sit down. At that moment he looked just so? So weak and pathetic? Like a frail old man... "I am sorry that we lied... However, we didn''t lie at the time..." The old man stated.


    "What do you mean?" Jackson asked crossing his arms.


    "At the time when we sent the request we had only seen twelve Bestia Macht in the area... It wasn''t until later that we found out just how many there were... Do you wonder why we don''t have any guards around? Well, what little we did have unfortunately died in an attempt to force the monsters back... Mr. Chi was our finest warrior... He fought bravely until the end..."


    "That mission had been out for a while though?" Jackson pointed out. "Surely you could have changed it then?"


    "You are correct... However, look around. What little my village has is being used to lay for this C-Class mission... If we told the truth then we wouldn''t have been able to hire you... We would have been wiped out for sure." The old man let out a sigh as he stared down at the snow. "I am sorry for lying..."


    Jackson sighed as he reached out placing a hand in the old man''s shoulder. "Don''t be. You did what you thought was right at the time. I won''t tell anyone about the actual ranking of the mission. You won''t have to pay any extra..."


    "You are too kind..." The old man said smiling slightly as he nodded his head. "Thank you." The man said smiling.


    "Besides. We dealt with that horde. Mission over!" Jackson said shrugging.


    "Not quite..."


    "What do you mean?"


    "As I said earlier... The mission isn''t over."


    "As I said earlier... What do you mean?"


    The old man looked down on the ground for a few moments. "We... We have reason to believe that there is a Nest nearby..."

 Chapter 28 - The Nightmare And Jealousy

    Age????


    "Hero!"


    The white liquid began to take shape as it followed after Hero, who ran for his life as fast as he could.


    "Hero!"


    The voice yelled out once again as a massive wave of white liquid splashed down around Hero just barely missing the teen.


    "Stop!"


    "I"


    "Am"


    "Helping"


    "You..."


    Hero slipped falling to the floor as he struggled to get back to his feet. He gasped out as his side began to ache around the spot from where he had been bitten. He hissed slightly as he turned watching the liquid wash closer to him. "Leave me alone!" Hero shouted out.


    "Hero!"


    The white liquid began to take shape into what looked like a massive hand as it crashed down almost grabbing the boy!


    Hero''s eyes widened as he forced himself to get back up to his feet. He began to run through the hospital at a quicker pace now. He almost slipped again but caught himself on the wall as he slid past a corner. "I need to get out of here! Where the hell am I even! And why does this feel so... So familiar?"


    "Hero!"


    "You aren''t real!" Hero screamed out as he slid taking a corner. "Just leave me alone!" He shouted out again.


    "Hero!"


    The voice called his name again. A loud booming feminine voice as the hand managed to wrapped around Hero''s ankle. Hero gasped out in pain as his side stung more. His eyes widened as the hospital walls began to turn into a white sludge, and the liquid on his hand began to creep up covering his side as he screamed out in pain... Hero forced his body forward breaking the sludge as he crashed down. He pulled his arms out as he crawled forward at a fast speed.


    "Raiju!" Hero yelled out as he ran even faster. "Raiju! You were able to pull me out of here before right! Raiju! Please! Raiju!" He called and called but nothing happened. He wasn''t connected to Raiju anymore... He was all alone


    "Hero..."


    Well... Not completely alone...


    "...Hero..."


    The voice was said so quiet and yet it seemed to echo out all across the building. Hero froze as he felt a hand placed gently on his cheek. He inhale as the hand rubbed his cheek slowly.


    "Hero..."


    "Why haven''t you saved me yet?"


    Hero let out a loud yell as he ran, jumping forward and breaking away from the hand that rubbed his cheek. All around him the hospital began to come down as it became a white liquid melting down from the sky. It began to drip down from the roof almost landing on the teen bellow! He could feel a shape behind him as something moved after him through the building. He didn''t bother turning around. Instead he just ran forward as fast as he could, in a constant panic.


    Turning a corner quickly the young teen was met with a lucky sight, or at least what looked like a lucky sight to him. The front door to the hospital! On the other side he only saw an endless void but he didn''t care. Anywhere was better than here.


    "Please don''t be locked!" Hero yelled out running towards it, and almost tripping again. He reached for the handle turning it. There was a quiet click as the door flew open. Hero let out a yell as he tumbled outside. "Ha! Suck it you stupid monster! I''m free-" A white hand-fired out slamming the boy to the floor. This had the effect of coating his body in a dark red liquid...


    Outside of the hospital was different, to say the least... It was nothing but a black void for as far as the eye could see with only a white roof up in the air being miles away... Despite the fact that the room was an actual void though, it wasn''t dark. It also wasn''t bright though? It was just enough to see around, but not enough to see out too far? A red liquid coated the ground going up to the teen''s knees.


    He sludged forward turning around to see the entire hospital... The entire building was bubbling as it began to melt, downwards into a white liquid.


    "Hero!"


    The voice said in a very soft tone as the hospital began to change. It took the shape of a massive figure made out of the white liquid. The figure was completely blank and had no features at all. No nose, mouth, or eyes. Instead of arms, it had two massive white tentacles. They were nothing but a pale white color.


    "Hero..."


    The voice said once more this time even softer.


    "Leave me alone!" Hero screamed out in a panic as he backed up through the red liquid. He began to inhale but nothing happened. "I can''t use my Attribute?" He closed his eyes as he brought his arm up but nothing happened. "None... None of my powers are working!"


    "You can''t use mine either... Not why he holds us back..."


    The voice said out loud.


    "Wh-Why not! And who''s he?"


    The monster c.o.c.ked its head down at him as it brought it''s arm up slowly.


    ''Does not matter..."


    "What! Why not? Why did you bring me here?" Hero questioned.


    "You are in danger..."


    It said it quietly, almost silently as if it was still considering rather it should tell him or not? It brought both its arms up as its two tentacles came together. It seemed to wait for something as everything went silent then suddenly a massive explosion of white aura covered the thing''s body. It was like it was being coated in white hot flames.


    Hero gasped out as a storm seemed to be kicked up. He felt himself begin to get blown back as the monster looked down on him. "Those... That Aura? It looks familiar?"


    Its tentacle came out and it placed it gently on Hero''s head.


    Hero froze as his body began to heat up. He tried to breathe as he felt as if a weight was placed on his shoulders. His knees buckled as he fell to his knees in the red liquid. His eyes burned as white flames exploded from his eyes melting his contacts and showing off his silver eyes, or rather... ''Her'' silver eyes. The flames took shape around his body coating it in an aura of white light. Two rings seemed to surround his eyes making them appeared as if flames were coming out of them. As he stared down in shock.


    "Say the words..."


    Hero nodded his head as he looked up. "Fero?" He yelled out in confusion having no idea what those words meant or what they would do.


    The monster''s body began to shrink as it got smaller and smaller. It folded up becoming a hospital once more. A massive tentacle remained on top, however. The arm went back and forth as it pointed out towards a direction.


    Hero turned following the tentacle as his eyes narrowed in confusion.


    In front of him was a fog? Inside of the fog, he could see something approaching. A figure stepped out as Hero''s eyes widened in confusion. "Who the hell is that guy? He looks kind of cool... Like really cool..."


    The man stepped out of the fog with a large smirk on his face, as he walked forward each footstep echoing out. Silver hair fell down the man''s back as his yellow eyes glowed a bright animalistic color as they stared out in hunger. A pair of white wings stuck out from his back along with a pair of white devil horns that came out of the top of his head. A third eye was placed in the man''s forehead as it glanced around. The eye darted around looking at everything it could see before finally setteling on Hero. And strangest of all... The man''s right arm was a sword. Like a literal sword. His hand was fused around the handle of the blade. His left hand looked perfectly normal save for the fact that yellow liquid dripped from it. But his right arm was just a badass longsword that had yellow flames coming off of it.


    "I- I don''t understand?" Hero said in confusion. "What the hell am I even looking at... This guy looks like a badass..."


    The tentacle on the hospital came down as it stabbed into the body of the weird man. He didn''t seem to react though as he simply stared at them unmovingly.


    "Do not."


    "What?" Hero said in confusion not getting it. ''I... I''m not that bright." He said laughing slightly as he scratched his head sheepishly.


    The tentacle reached up stabbing the man again. The man once again didn''t seem to react at all.


    "Do not."


    Hero stared at the man for a few more seconds before he finally got it. "You''re telling me not to fight him? But why/ He looks so cool..."


    "Do not."


    "I think I get it, Hospital?" Hero said nodding slightly. "You don''t want me to fight this man? But why?"


    "Death."


    "Death! As in the me kind right?" Hero said startled as he suddenly jumped away from the man and over to the Hospitals side. "Because that''s the worst kind of death..." He said nodding his head.


    "Death."


    Hero nodded his head as he dropped down into a cross-legged position as he sat down in the red liquid allowing it to wash over his body. It felt... Warm? Like it was a good thing... He didn''t know why he was drawn to it? "I get it. I can''t fight this guy because he will kill me? Right?" He said finally as he nodded again.


    "Death."


    "Why are you helping me?" Hero asked suspiciously as he eyed the Hospital up. "I don''t remember much from my childhood but I''m pretty sure you used to want to-"


    "Death."


    "Yes. You wanted to Death me." Hero stated nodding his head. "I think... I dunno though? I don''t really remember much of my life though. But why are you helping me this time?"


    "Help."


    "I''m starting to think this is a one-sided conversation..." Hero said sighing slightly. "Can you say anything else?"


    "Dumass..."


    Hero let out a sigh as his eye twitched. He stared down at his hand which was still coated in that white aura stuff. "What the hell is this? It looks just like that thing Max did? And what the hell is this place? It''s just like when Raiju took me here only way more... Red liquidly?" Hero stood up as he turned around staring at the hospital once more. "You''re not gonna do anything to me right?" He questioned curiously.


    "Save."


    "Save?"


    "Save."


    "Save who? Save me? You''re doing it to save me right?" Hero questioned.


    "Save me."


    Hero stepped forward confused as he pushed the doors open. "I don''t understand Hospital... But. I think I can trust you... For now at least." He said as he shrugged.


    "Trust."


    Hero smiled slightly as he nodded his head. "Trust." He stated as he reached out placing his hand on the white liquid walls.


    The entire Hospital began to shake as Hero nearly tripped from the suddenness of it. His eyes widened as he turned to see something out the window. Something was wandering towards the hospital...


    "What''s happening!" Hero shouted out. He hissed in pain as he grabbed his head.


    White liquid exploded from the walls as it wrapped around him. Hero let out a yell as he was pulled back into the wall.


    "What? What''s happening!" Hero shouted again as his head began to pound?


    "Doctor..."


    Meanwhile in the real world...


    Age 1990


    "S-ave. Me-" Hero spoke quietly as he broke out into a coughing fit. "Death?" He gasped out.


    Ken looked down at the boy as she placed a hand on his forehead. "Oh, crap... He''s burning up!" Ken said in shock. "He feels like he''s on fire... Oww!" She hissed out as she pulled her hand away from him. Hero''s skin became a nasty red... Like he had become sunburnt... Steam actually began to come off of his flesh. "That... That can''t be good! We need to cool him off!"


    "I''ll go get Jackson," Cloud said softly as he stood up quickly. "I''ll be right back." He stated.


    "Maybe... Maybe I can help..." Irene said slowly as she inched over to the boy. Ken was instantlly between her and the boy as Ken stared at the girl. "Ken?"


    "No way buddy. You got him in this situation. Like hell, I''m gonna let you-"


    "Ken," Irene said sternly. "Look. You can blame me, and scream at me later all you want! But right now you need to let me help Hero... My power can help him to cool off..." Ken stared at Irene for a few more seconds before she let out a low growl and turned away sliding away from the two.


    "Do whatever... Just cool him off... But don''t think I have forgiven you." Ken stated crossing her arms.


    "Thank you..." Irene said scooting over to Hero. She reached out placing her hands on his head as she used her ability to cool him off, a light blue light covered her hands as she placed them on either side of Hero''s head. "Kitsune you should keep the rest of his body warm... I''ll focus on his head and try to keep his fever down."


    "Uh... Okay?" Kitsune said in surprise. "This is surprisingly well thought out for you.."


    "I''m gonna go with Cloud to get Jackson," Ken said softly. Her and Cloud both left the building as they walked out into the cold. "Can you believe that boy..." Ken said hissing slightly. "First they get him nearly killed, then they cry about it, and now they act like everything is fine!"


    "Ken calm down," Cloud said placing a hand on the smaller girl''s head. "North didn''t mean to. They didn''t do anything. Hero chose to push them out of the way. Just don''t do anything rash."


    Ken let out a huff as she kicked out kicking a can across the snow. "I just don''t like it," Ken stated letting out a huff as she puffed her cheeks out.


    "Relax..." Cloud said rolling his blind eyes.


    The two stopped when they noticed Jackson up ahead. He was staring at the old man with a slight smile as he spoke. The old man, however, didn''t look nearly as happy.


    The old man looked down on the ground for a few moments. "We... We have reason to believe that there is a Nest nearby..."


    "A Nest?" Ken said in confusion. "What''s a Nest?"


    Jackson c.o.c.ked his head up when he saw the two. "Ken! Cloud? Why are you two here?"


    "It''s Hero," Cloud said simply. "He''s running a fever and muttering somethings."


    The old man stood up slowly as he turned away. "I must be going, Brave Enforcers... When you get the chance please come to the church. I''ll inform you more on the Nest." He said. "For now you should go check up on that boy of yours."


    "What''s a Nest?" Ken said confused.


    "I''ll tell you later..." Jackson said slowly as he stared at the old man. He had a look on his face. Anger? Disappointment. Really pissed off? It was hard to tell. "Let''s go. I need to see Hero..."

 Chapter 29 - The Fight And The Girl

    Age ????


    Hero watched as the walls pulled him in as the white liquid wrapped around him causing him to let out a slight yell in panic. "Hospital! What are you doing!"


    "Save."


    The feminine voice called out.


    "From what!"


    "Doctor."


    Hero let out a yell as he grabbed his head. The pounding only got worse as the entire world seemed to start spinning. "My- My head feels like it''s going to explode!"


    "Calm."


    The voice said.


    "Screw you! I am calm!" Hero let out a gasp as he was fully pulled into the wall as it began to mold over him. He tried to let out a scream but the liquid hosted his entire body. Slowly it began to cover him up as he fully disappeared into the wall... "No wait Hospital I can''t bre-"


    Age 1990


    "Hey!" Ken yelled out as her face flushed a slight shade of red. She pointed forward as her hand shook slightly. "What do you think you''re doing!"


    "I''m trying to help Hero..." Irene said slowly. She looked away as a light blush appeared on her face. "I don''t like it anymore than you do but it''s easier to cool him off this way..."


    "Believe me. Hero properly doesn''t like it either." Kitsune said rolling his eyes. Ken glared at Irene as she watched the boy-dressed girl. Currently, Hero was laid back with his head in Irene''s lap. "I''m sure Hero would rather have his head in the lap of a cute girl rather than a brute like North?" Kitsune said rolling his eyes.


    "Ha!" Ken said.


    "He said a cute girl!" Irene shot back. "Besides! Why do you care?"


    "I-I don''t!" Ken yelled out. She turned her back in the group as she crossed her arms and stared out at the window. "I could care less who''s lap his head was laid down in..."


    "Well good then..." Irene said shrugging. "It solved itself didn''t it..."


    There was an awkward silence as Cloud and Kitsune glanced at each other. "How the hell is Hero so popular?"


    "He''s not. Only one girl is into him. The others ones a guy."


    "Oh yeah..."


    "Let me take a look at him," Jackson said walking towards the unconscious boy. He crouched down as he placed a hand on the boys head. "Damn..." He cursed out. "He''s burning up."


    "I''ve been trying to cool off his head..." Irene stated. "But it''s not working... I don''t know if this is a side effect from his healing or what... I just know it''s bad... Really bad. Like he feels like he might burst into flames..."


    Jackson frowned as he removed his hand. "This is bad... Or... Good? I don''t know? For all, we know this could be a part of how his healing ability works. Or it could mean he''s dying. I have no idea." He let out a sigh as he shook his head. "All we can do right now is just wait and hope he ends up recovering." Jackson crossed his arms as he shook his head. "If he dies Katrina is gonna kill me..."


    Irene frowned as she ran a hand through Hero''s hair. "He keeps muttering random nonsense..."


    As if on cue Hero whispered out in a hoarse voice.


    "Doctor..." The teen gasped out.


    "Just try to hang on Hero..." Irene said softly.


    The group went silent as no one said a word. Finally, after a few minutes, Cloud decided to speak. "Earlier... When me and Ken went to get you, that old man said something about there being a Nest nearby?" The blind teen said turning to look at Jackson. "What is that all about?" He questioned curiously.


    "A Nest... It''s a place where most Bestia Macht are created." Jackson stated simply. "You see a Nest is something that is created when several powerful Bestia Macht''s die in an area. Their bodies are converted into leftover materials. The bodies become Nest''s which are used to plant the seeds for later Bestia Machts all of them ranging in different threat levels. A Nest is treated as an A-Class level mission... If that old man was telling the truth than this mission has just been bumped up to a serious threat..." He stated as he gritted his teeth slightly. "And after I promised that bastard we would only take a C-Class mission value... Damn we got ripped off..."


    "Well then what do we do!" Kitsune asked. "Do we call for back up? Do we leave? What?"


    "Well, all of this has put us in a bad position..." Jackson said letting out a sigh as he stared at the ground. "Ordinarily I would go grab my tech and call in back up but... Last we left none of our squadmates were even at the base... Plus there''s always the chance Katrina could find out..." Jackson said shivering slightly. "She''d kill me for sure... I could try to contact another squad but I don''t know if any of them would come out and help since as of right now we don''t know if there really is a Nest, plus they all have squads they are taking care of. On top of that, we can''t just retreat as Hero is in a pretty bad position... Plus on the slim chance that a Nest is actually near by it''s our duty to take it out. My God being an Enforcer sucks!!!"


    "Okay but this is an A-Class mission!" Kitsune said shaking his head. "And you only have five recruits one of which might be dying! We can''t even get Hero any help as this place doesn''t even have a lot of medical care at all! The only thing they gave us was a few bandages which I doubt will help when a solid chunk of him is missing!"


    "Speaking of which how is that..." Jackson asked as he pulled Hero''s shirt up. "Well, I''ll be damned..."


    "I-Is it supposed to be doing that?" Irene asked as her eyes slowly widened in a mix of shock and horror.


    "I do not know..." Jackson said simply.


    White liquid surrounded Hero''s side as it almost seemed to bubble up and grow around his wound. Steam raised off of the wound slowly as it seemed to bubble up? It thankfully had stopped bleeding by now. The white liquid slowly seemed to be molding into his skin and flesh. It was like it was replacing the damaged parts? They watched as part of the white liquid became a weird skinny color as it fused itself with his flesh.


    "That Attribute..." Jackson''s eyebrows furrowed in confusion as he stared at the white liquid. "I''ve seen it before... No! I''ve heard of it before. But where... Something about... No... Maybe..." He muttered out several things as he just shrugged.


    "We''re all in agreement that, that is definitely not a Balloon based Attribute right?" Kitsune asked as he stared at the bubbling liquid. "Seriously what the hell is Hero!"


    "What the hell is up with Hero..." Ken said letting out a sigh.


    "Why do you care?" Irene questioned.


    "I-I care because something is clearly not normal with him okay!" Ken said huffing slightly. "Just get off my back."


    "You''re jealous..." Irene said letting out a laugh. "You''re jealous because Hero has spent more time with everyone else and barely notices you! You like Hero!"


    "I do not!"


    "Guys!" Jackson yelled out as he stood up. "Will everyone just sit down and shut up! No one say anything unless it''s important okay! Look. I''m going to go to the church in the center of town and ask about that Nest with Father Darvin... You all stay here and keep an eye on Hero. And for God''s sake stop with this drama bs... You guys are professional Enforcers. Grow up." He said sighing. "If anything happens come get me... Cloud you''re in charge." Jackson said as he headed towards the exit. "Don''t let it go to your head." And with that, he left.


    There was a brief moment of since until Cloud broke.


    "Huh. I''m in charge... Weird?" The Blind teen said shrugging. "Dance for your king peasants!" He yelled out pointing his cane at Kitsune.


    "Knock it off Cloud," Irene said running a hand through Hero''s hair again.


    "Will you stop that," Ken stated.


    "Stop what?"


    "You know what you''re doing..." Ken said glaring at Irene.


    "Ken... Are you jealous of North?" Kitsune asked letting out a laugh. "That''s hilarious! North is a guy, and I don''t know if you''ve noticed but you''re the only chick on this team... I don''t think North will steal Hero away from you."


    "I don''t care about Hero!" Ken yelled out as she turned around. She crossed her arms as she let out a huff again. Ken took a deep breath as she stared out the window once more.


    "Look. We''re all just stressed out. Let''s all just calm down and." Cloud said softly. "This probably isn''t helping Hero... We should just-" Suddenly Ken bolted to her feet as she ran over to the door ripping it open as she ran outside suddenly! "Damn it I was talking!"


    Everyone turned in confusion as she marched outside into the cold. "Leave me alone!" A voice shouted out from outside. They could hear the sound of shuffling and a few seconds later Ken came marching back in holding the body of a small shivering girl?


    Ken dropped the girl down as the girl rolled up into a ball as she shivered. Kitsune stared in slight horror when he saw that the girl was dressed in what looked like rags. She had no jacket, no long sleeves shirts or pants. And worst of all she didn''t have any shoes on. "Dear God! She''s downright suicidal!"


    Ken let out a sigh as she unzipped her jacket tossing it down on the girl. Everyone''s eyes were instantly drawn to Ken''s body as they all saw how big the shirt was on her frail body.


    "Ken... Are you?"


    "Kitsune start a second fire for this girl," Ken ordered before the fox teen could say anything else. "And a third one for me..." Ken crouched down as she stared at the shivering girl. "What''s your name?" She questioned.


    "Maudite..."

 Chapter 30 - The Witch Of Lillies

    Age 1990


    "So... You want to talk right? Well then talk..." Father Darvin said as he stared at the man on the other side of his desk.


    "Earlier you talked about a Nest. You can''t just say there is something that deadly nearby and then walk off!" Jackson stated. He was having really mixed feelings about this old guy... On one hand, he seemed to actually want to do good. On the other hand, he was being beyond suspicious... "So. Tell me about this Nest. And enough with the old man act. This is a serious claim, and you labeled this mission as just a C-Class. I was fine with it before when you slightly lied, and even that was a major lie... But now for you to have stated that only a few Bestia Machts were nearby when in actuality an entire God Damn Nest was nearby!"


    "Brave Enforcer, please calm down..." The man said letting out a sigh. "As I said earlier we had no idea there was a Nest nearby until this week and even then that is only a theory we have..."


    "What made you come up with this theory then?" Jackson questioned.


    "Well... We saw some Earl level Bestia Macht nearby..."


    "God... God Damn you..."


    "I apologize for all the lies up until now." Father Darvin stated as he let out another heavy sigh. "My Village is the only thing I care about. I''ve lived here my whole life... All I want to do is protect it... But it''s hard... We are living off of just vegetables... None of us are strong enough to hunt a Baron much less an Earl... As it stands we could be wiped out any day now unless that Nest is dealt with..."


    "Okay well... Let''s say there was a Nest nearby. It''s unlikely since if they are attacking you daily you guys should have been wiped out but for the sake of this argument let''s say there is a Nest nearby. What did you guys do to disturb it?"


    "I''m sorry? What do you mean?" Father Darvin asked in a confused tone?


    "Don''t try to be sympathetic with me!" Jackson yelled out. "You stated this village hasn''t been attacked by a Bestia Macht until recently. If that''s the case that meant this so-called Nest never saw a reason to attack you guys. You guys did something and pissed it off didn''t you!"


    "I promise you we didn''t!" Father Darvin said quickly. "None of us leave the village unless we have to... The only Bestia Machts we saw were from twelve years ago and they didn''t bother us. It is only just recently that they''ve started to attack us, and I promise you I have no idea why!" He said. "But... I do have a theory..."


    "What''s the theory..." Jackson asked sighing out.


    "It''s a Witch..."


    "A witch? Your theory is that a witch is causing your village to be attacked..."


    "Yes." Father Darvin said in a serious tone.


    "I... I really hate it here..." Jackson sighed out. "Look, buddy. Trust me. Magic doesn''t exist. The closest thing is Mantra and I highly doubt anyone this far out has access to that." He stated rolling his eyes.


    "I am telling you the truth. In this town is a Witch."


    "Okay..." Jackson said jokingly. "And just what is this ''witch''s'' name?"


    "Maudite..."


    Meanwhile back with the main gang, they were staring at the new girl with confusion as she continued to shiver. Her blue eyes glanced around the room with curiosity as her short black hair fell down her back barely reaching past her shoulders. Her black hair had light blue highlight in it?


    "Okay Maudite... Weird name? Why were you outside, in the freezing cold?" Kitsune questioned? "I mean it''s pretty late now. I know you guys don''t have artificial lights so it''s always blackout but no one else was outside. Also, you''re running around with no shoes, or jacket. What were you thinking?" He questioned? His hands were out in front of him as flames danced off of it keeping Ken and this new girl warm as they both shivered.


    The girl seemed to gulp slightly as she looked around the room. Her eyes landed on Ken for a second before she glanced away. "I... I was looking for a place to go to sleep..." She admitted.


    "What about your home?" Irene questioned.


    Maudite didn''t say anything as she glanced down. "I don''t have a home..." The girl said quietly.


    "You''re an orphan..." Cloud said as he nodded his head.


    "Yeah..." Maudite admitted nodding her head slightly.


    "But shouldn''t one of the villagers have taken you in!" Irene said in confusion. "Surely they wouldn''t have just left you out there in the cold right?"


    "No... I''m not allowed to sleep in the village..."


    "What!" Ken said in shock. "That''s the dumbest thing I''ve heard. There are Bestia Machts roaming around outside. Also, it''s bellow freezing... They wouldn''t just throw you outside like that right!"


    "Well... If I work really hard around the village I''m allowed to be given a blanket and some food..." Maudite stated shrugging slightly.


    Ken grabbed the girl as she shook her slightly. "Why are you saying that so cheerfully! That''s horrible."


    "It''s really not that bad..." Maudite said shyly as she tried to shrink back slightly. "Its only been this way for... Twelve years of my life..."


    "Well how old are you?"


    "Twelve... It''s really not that bad!"


    "Not that bad?" Kitsune said raising an eyebrow. "How could the villagers treat one of there own kind like this."


    "I''m not a villager..." Maudite said quietly as she pulled her legs up to her chest.


    "What do you-"


    "Zero!" Everyone froze as looked down at Hero. The boy was still unconscious but suddenly without warning, he had brought his hand up as if he was punching someone. "I- No- I won''t-" He muttered out before his arm fell back down to his side.


    "Damn it..." Irene muttered out. "His fevers gone up?"


    "Is your friend hurt..." Maudite questioned nervously.


    "Yeah... His name is Hero." Kitsune stated reaching out and placing a hand on Hero''s head. "He got hurt protecting this village... I''m Kitsune by the way... Listen. This might be a bad time but do you want to get a bite to eat-"


    Cloud''s cane came down slamming into Kitsune''s skull as the boy fell forward comedically falling unconscious. "I''m Cloud." The Blind teen said giving his name out. "Over there is North, and the girl who dragged you in here is Ken. We''re all Enforcers who were on a mission to protect this Villiage."


    "So you guys are here to save us?" Maudite questioned. "You can stop the Bestia Macht?"


    "We''re trying..." Cloud said nodding. "During an attack, our friend Hero was injured. Currently, his body seems to be healing but he''s running a massive fever..."


    "Maybe... Maybe I can help..." Maudite said quietly. She inched forward slowly as she placed a hand on the boy''s forehead. "If... If you are really here to help us than I want to help you guys anyway I can... So I''ll do my best okay..." Maudite stated nodding her head.


    "What a rare you going to do?" Ken questioned.


    Maudite didn''t answer her as she simply closed her eyes. Her body glowed a light blue for a brief second as the blue glow covered Hero''s body. All four of the recruits waited... And waited... And waited.


    But nothing seemed to happen.


    "Maudite?"


    The girl didn''t say anything as her eyes remained shut?


    Age ????


    Hero let out a gasp as he stared at his hands in shock. The white aura around his body began to go out. Slowly it began to get replaced by a blue light. His entire body felt like it was being cooled off by something?


    "No!"


    The entire hospital shook as it seemed to move around. The next thing Hero knew he was suddenly spat out landing down in the red liquid outside of the Hospital. The entire building seemed to shake as it went crazy.


    "What''s happening?" Hero shouted out.


    "Bad!"


    "What?"


    "Bad!"


    The Hospital glowed a bright white as it morphed into a massive mound of white liquid. Then it shot up towards the sky vanishing into the black void.


    The Hospital traveled up flying through the sky as it came crashing up. Everything seemed to suddenly reverse as the ceiling now became the roof. Its body morphed as it stared down at a young thirteen-year-old girl who now stood in its realm...


    "Umm... Hello..." The girl said shrinking down slightly. A bright blue aura coated her body. At first, Hospital thought it was Mantra but quickly realized that this was something different? "I''m... I''m looking for Hero Otoko-" The girl''s eyes widened as a massive white tentacle came crashing down threatening to crush her. "Whoa! Wait I''m not here to battle!"


    ''This is pointless...'' A Voice said in Maudite''s ear. ''Your power is nothing compared to that things... You''ll need to use me...''


    "No! I won''t. I''m going to talk peacefully with this thing and get Hero back! Because his friends want him back!" Maudite yelled out pointing at the creature.


    "Die!" Hospital announced as its body morphed and changed. Several white tentacles all came spilling out as they slammed around the battlefield.


    Maudite let out a whimper as she jumped up and actually began to fly, making her Attribute seem really weird? "Please! I don''t want to fight!" The young girl yelled out. "I just want to find and save Hero! His friends want him back-"


    "I" A tentacle came up nearly crushing Maudite but she managed to roll out of the way in time. "Want" Another one fired out as it wrapped around the young girl''s leg. "Him!" Suddenly the tentacle pulled down slamming the girl down.


    Maudite gasped out as she hit the floor.


    "Die!" Hospital announced as several hundred tentacles all fired out slamming into the young girl again and again as they pushed her into the ground.


    ''See... This is pointless... You just met those people and already you''re willing to throw your life away...'' A voice spoke once more. Maudite froze slightly when she felt a hand on her cheek. ''You always act so selfishly... Throwing your own life away because the world refused to give you what you want...''


    "Shut up!" Maudite yelled out. A flash of blue light crackled out of her throwing the monster back. "I''m not throwing my life away! Hero got hurt protecting the village. They all had to protect the village because I couldn''t do my job! I''m not saving him out of the kindness of my heart! I''m doing it because his friends want him to get well, and because I owe him that much!"


    ''You''re such a liar...''


    Maudite ignored the voice as the white sludge monster in front of her put itself back together. "I- I don''t want to hurt you but, if you continue to be bad you''ll leave me with no other choice!"


    "Hurt?" Hospital announced as it took the shape of what looked like a person. "Kill!" Several white tentacles fired out at a high speed as several cracks exploded out.


    "F-Fine... I''m not afraid of you, whatever you are?" Maudite stated. She slashed the air as a blue light fired out exploding in a massive ball of blue fire. The explosion ripped the arms off of the monster as it was blown back. Maudtie brought her arms up as several balls of light suddenly appeared overhead all of them dropping down. Each one exploded in a hail of blue flames.


    "Pero!" Hospital stated as a silver aura suddenly covered there body. A massive mound of white flesh in the shape of an arm suddenly formed as it brought it''s arm up. Its body went from being extremely frail and thin to a massive hulking figure that was nearly twelve feet tall and must have weighed at least 800 pounds! White wings exploded out of it''s back as it took flight keeping up with the girl who apparently could fly.


    A loud crack echoed out as Hospital exploded forward leaving a ring of rippling air around its body as it slammed straight into Maudite punching her down and sending her straight into the ceiling/floor. The rules of physics didn''t quite make sense in this area.


    Maudite let out a yell of pain as she slammed into the floor ceiling. Seconds later a Hospital crashed down bringing their foot massive bulky foot down on the young girl crushing her ribs. Maudite let out another loud scream as she was crushed down.


    ''See... I told you, you couldn''t beat them...''


    "Shut up..."


    ''Why are you doing this? You don''t know these people, and you certainly don''t care about this boy... You have power but never use it... It isn''t like you to fight anything unless you don''t have a choice...''


    "I said shut up..." Maudite said again this time a little more forceful. She tried to stand up but the massive monster''s foot was still on her chest as it pressed down.


    "Die!" It screamed out putting more pressure on Maudite.


    ''Let me fight it...''


    "No!"


    ''Yes... I can beat it. I''ll kill it. You''ll only get us killed... Let me defeat it.''


    "I won''t let you..."


    ''What would those others say if you came back and their friend was in a comma still? Or better yet. What should they say if you came back and their friend woke up?''


    Maudite tried to open her eyes but found she couldn''t. She could feel her head spinning as the creature continued to slam her into the ground.


    ''Let your true side have a chance...''


    "Only... Only for a few minutes..." Maudite said finally giving in.


    ''That''s all I need...''


    Red light exploded out as Hospital was thrown back. They looked down in shock as they felt a tremendous amount of power. Maudite stood up slowly as a red light coated her body. Her blue highlights became red as her blue eyes also changed to a dark and deep red color. A flashing black light appeared around her body as black armor seemed to suddenly appear around her attaching itself to her. The girl raised her hand as a massive red scythe suddenly appeared slamming down into the ground.


    The girl smiled now as her innocent look was gone, replaced by an animalistic hunger. "Hello... I don''t think we''ve met?"


    Meanwhile...


    "What!" Hero looked around the room in shock. He stared at his hands as they became a sickly red color now as the blue light faded away.


    "Hero Otoko!" A loud voice echoed out from the darkness as Hero felt his hairs raise up. The young boy turned seeing something moving through the darkness towards him. His eyes widened in confusion and fear when he saw what it was. A giant flying lab-coat floated through the air towards him. Red liquid dripped off of it coating the floor. "You dare try to access more of this power! I''ll rip you and that bitch to shreds!" It announced. "I haven''t given you permission to try and access more, and that bitch isn''t allowed to lend you more!"


    "What the hell is going on! Also! Language!" Hero shouted out in utter bafflement. "Where am I? Who are you! Why is this place so God damn confusion? What the hell is anyone talking about? What happened to the Hospital? Why am I no longer glowing? Who was that monster man and-"


    "Silence!" The lab coat shouted out. "It seems you are having memory problems... I am a fragment left behind to monitor your mind and make sure you don''t access more power then you should! I rule this domain!"


    "Sure... A talking lab coat that lives inside my head and rains blood rules this domain. Why the hell not!" Hero stomped his foot down as he let out a sigh. "So are you like... I dunno evil? I mean you sound evil and are quite literally raining blood as we speak but... I don''t want to assume? After all, a giant ass Hospital that can mold into shapes is apparently helping me? I dunno this is all just one massive fever high..."


    "I am neither good nor evil. I am simply the block that stops you from continuing." The lab coat explained. "Doctor Hyde placed me in your mind eight-years-ago to monitor the link between you and Experiment M..." The coat explained.


    "Doctor Hyde!" Hero said alarmed as he sat down in the pool of red liquid that may or may not be blood. "I know I''ve heard that name before. But where..."


    "Doctor Hyde is the man who made you..." The lab coat explained. "This realm was your mind. The Hospital is Experiment M, or at least what''s left of her desperately clinging to you for protection. The liquid is your mother, doing her best to survive the corruption I dropdown into her... Or I could be lying and this could all be a dream. I have no concept of the real world other than your messed up mind and what Mr. Hyde has ordered me to do... I am the mental block in place set by Doctor Hyde to make sure you don''t push your body too far at this stage. You were not supposed to come here until you were ready but that girl dragged you here in order to warn you..." He stated. "It seems very recently your mind was broke into by something powerful..."


    "Raiju..." Hero said with realization.


    "Yes. That Bestia Macht. It seems he easily broke past the barriers in place that had six years to sat... I have no idea how many times you will be dragged back here now, in turn, I have no idea how long that girl will be able to drag you back here herself... Something she should not have done or do... I will have to have a talk with her once you are awake. Thankfully it seems we have an intruder who she has gone to deal with... As long as I am here I will stop you from progressing past your powers evolution. I will begin correcting the errors in your mind and sat everything back to the way it should be..."


    "I am totally lost..." Hero stated shrugging slightly.


    "It will all make sense soon enough." The coat said simply. "Or maybe not? For now, though I must prevent this from seeping out any more than it has. If you are to progress the Monsterfacation any more, it would currently destroy your body... I mustn''t let that happen until Mr. Hyde is ready..." Without warning, it''s sleeve came firing out wrapping around a very startled Hero.


    "Whoa, bad touch Mr. Jacket! Why does everything here want to kill me?" Hero yelled out in confusion?


    "Like I have done the last forty-eight thousand, six hundred and seventy-five times you have been here I must do away with your memory..." The Coat stated as it tightened its grip. "For you to know of the past in its entirety could be bad... I''ll simply clip around your mind... This will all seem like a dream when you wake up..."


    "Wait what!" Hero shouted out. "I don''t approve of these methods! Don''t just mess with my mind you asshole! What is so important that I can''t know about? How are you doing this? Who the hell is Mr. Hyde and what the actual f.u.c.k is going on!"


    "Now! Block!" The sleeves wrapped around Hero as the boy let out a loud yell.

 Chapter 31 - Finding The Plot

    Age 1990


    Maudite suddenly hit the floor as she fell away from Hero. She wrapped her arms around her side as a red light exploded out of her, then it quickly began to shrink getting smaller and smaller as her red eyes and highlights faded back into a simple blue.


    "What the hell was that!" Irene yelled out in shock.


    "A super Attribute!" Kitsune stated also in shock as he stared at the girl.


    "What happened!" Ken asked running over to the girl''s side and trying to help her up. "Maudite?" The girl broke out int a coughing fit as the blue light around her crackled and spluttered slightly before fading away.


    "I-I''m sorry!" Maudite said quickly as she shivered slightly. "I wasn''t able to find him... His mind was just so... So weird? And broken? I don''t even know what I was looking at in there?"


    "His mind? What?" Ken looked over to Hero who was still unconscious.


    "His fevers gone?" Irene said in confusion. "Whatever you did seemed to at least help him? Even if it was a little." Irene said nodding her head.


    "Okay... Now I''ll ask what we are all thinking!" Kitsune said looking at Maudite. "What the hell was that!" He shouted out grabbing the girl and shaking her.


    "Umm..." Maudite inched away as she shook slightly. "It''s kind of hard to explain... I don''t really know what to call it..."


    "Well start talking!" Jackson announced. Everyone stopped suddenly as they all turned to see the front door was now open and Jackson now stood in the doorway. The Vice-Captain walked forward as he glanced down at Hero. "I was just told that there is a chance there is a Nest nearby, then I found out this is supposedly all being caused by a Witch and next thing I know I feel a tremendous amount of Mantra, and as I come running over here I see a damn blue, and red light show going off!" He stated as he threw his arms out. "I''m freaking out and Katrina is definitely gonna kill me when we get back!" He yelled out.


    "I umm..." Maudite shook slightly as she nervously stepped back.


    "So start talking!" Jackson said pointing at the girl.


    "Well..."


    "Leave her alone!" Ken stated stepping out in front of the shaking girl. "She''s shaking, and freaking out, and I don''t know if you''ve noticed, but she''s a twelve-year-old girl. Stop pushing her and I''m sure she''ll explain..." Ken turned to the twelve-year-old girl as she gave her a slight smile. "Right?" She questioned.


    "Yes..." Maudite said quietly as she glanced down.


    Everyone took a deep breath as the room slowly settled down. A nice calm silence filled the room as everything slowed down. Then in an instant, the silence was blasted away when the door was kicked in and a large man carrying several bags of vegetable came in.


    "Father Darvin told me to come bring you all-" The man stopped as his eyes locked onto Maudite. "Witch!" He screamed out pointing at the girl. He backed away slightly as he glared at her. "You aren''t supposed to be here! Go rot away like the rest of your kind!" He announced.


    Everyone froze slightly as the man shouted out still glaring at her. Then before anyone else could react Maudite was up and out the door in seconds.


    "Maudite!" Ken yelled out following after the girl. "You still have my jacket!" She screamed out as she chased after the twelve-year-old.


    The man watched the two exit as he took a deep breath. He turned around about to leave as well only to feel a hand grip his shoulder tightly. He turned finding Jackson Storm cracking a slight smile as his electric blue eyes cracked and sparked with electricity.


    "Alright, pal..." Jackson said pulling the man closer. "How about you start explaining somethings?"


    Meanwhile outside Maudite ran as fast as she could towards the village exit. "Just leave me alone!" She yelled out as she ran faster.


    ''That''s it... Run... That''s all you know how to do after all! You''re nothing without me. Nothing but a coward!''


    Maudite closed her eyes as she blindly ran. She tried to ignore the voice in her head as Ken chased after her.


    "Seriously! It''s freezing out here! Let''s just go inside!" Ken yelled out as she made a grab for the girl. Maudite jumped forward avoiding the grab as the two continued to run.


    "Just go away!"


    "No! I''m an Enforcer, which means being stubborn and not giving up!" Ken shouted out.


    The two managed to run outside of the village as Maudite passed by the gates. "Stop chasing me!"


    "It''s dangerous out here! There could be a Bestia Macht that was left out of the horde and survived! You shouldn''t be outside of the gates-" Ken jumped forward managing to wrap her arms around the girl as the two tumbled forward rolling to a stop in the ice. "Ha! Caught you! Good luck getting me off of you-"


    There was a bright blue flash as Ken was suddenly thrown into the air.


    "What!" Ken yelled out as she came crashing down hitting the ice. "Oww!"


    "I am so sorry!" Maudite said in horror as she realized what she did. "I promise I didn''t mean to!" She yelled out running to the girl''s side.


    "It''s fine," Ken said reaching out and grabbing the girl''s arm. "But seriously! It''s freezing out here. You need to get inside... Please?"


    "I was trying to tell you guys earlier... The village doesn''t want me to be inside..." Maudite said slowly trying to pull away.


    "Well, I don''t care what the village thinks..." Ken stated not letting go of the girl''s arm. "I''m an Enforcer. It''s my job to protect people like you. No matter what I won''t just sit around and let you get hurt!"


    "You... You won''t..."


    "I won''t."


    "That''s the nicest thing anyone has ever-"


    Ken grabbed the girl suddenly spinning her around and throwing her straight into the wooden wall of the village. Maudite hit the wall with a heavy thud as she fell down into the ice.


    Meanwhile back in the Villiage Jackson shoved the man up against the wall. "Okay look. It''s been a long day- Wow... It''s only been a day... Damn? And I am more confused then I thought I was." Jackson said narrowing his eyes. "So look. It''s time some things are explained okay..." He stated.


    The man nodded his head vigorously as lighting danced off of Jackson shocking him slightly.


    "First question. Is there really a Nest?" Jackson asked.


    "Yes!" The man said nodding his head. "I as well as a few others were sent out a while ago to find it! I saw it with my own eyes! I can show you the location."


    "Good. Now what the hell is up with that Witch nonsense?" Jackson questioned.


    The man gave a shrug but quickly began speaking when Jackson shoved him into the wall again. "Okay! Okay! Look. I honestly don''t know a lot... None of us really know except Father Darvin... What we do know though is that, that girl is an outsider. Father Darvin took her in when she was younger... But that girl..." He shivered slightly. "She''s pure evil... She has an On Type Attribute... That means her Attribute can''t be turned off, and is always on at all times. In here we normally wouldn''t mind even though we are against Attributes, but her particular ability is bad..."


    "Bad?"


    "Bad."


    "Explain..."


    "Father Darvin used to let her stay with him but eight years ago he kicked her out. We all saw it in her. That girl is a demon... Something is wrong with her... We never saw a Bestia Macht since this village was built but the day we took her in they started showing up... It was small at first. Usually, they wouldn''t do anything but last month something happened... That girl failed at doing the job we gave her... We let her stay as long as she does her work. But this day she failed. She ended up threatening us and out if defense one of us threw a rock at her... When we did something happened..."


    "Okay..." Jackson said raising an eye in confusion. "What happened..."


    "She caught it... And her eyes... They became the eyes of a demon... She fought back. Nearly killed the poor bastard who threw the rock at her... Father Darvin came out and said a prayer and in a flash of blue light, she went back to normal... After that day we started getting attack by more and more monsters... Some people also say they started seeing her talk to herself... Now, do you see why we don''t like her!"


    "Relax." Jackson hissed out letting go of the man. "That girl isn''t a witch... Magic isn''t real after all. I''m sure all that happened was that she unlocked her Attribute to its full power. Though I still don''t know why you guys suddenly got attack by Bestia Machts..." Jackson dropped the man to the ground as he turned around. "I''m gonna go get Ken... You stay here and keep an eye on Hero."


    "So just do what we''ve been doing..." Cloud said.


    "Yep!"


    Meanwhile back outside blood dripped down Ken''s arm as she gritted her teeth. Maudite stared in a mix of horror and shock as she stared up.


    In front of her, Ken stood. The small girl''s arm was raised up as a Bestia Machts teeth were lodged around her arm as it bit down pushing her back in the snow. Ken gritted her teeth as she glowed red.


    "That was too close! If I didn''t throw you back this thing would''ve bitten your head off!" Ken hissed out slightly as she glanced over to Maudite. "Are you okay?"


    "Don''t ask that question when a Bestia Macht is chewing into your arm!" Maudite yelled out in horror.


    "Don''t worry... This beast is nothing... He''s just a Baron level, Bestia Macht." Ken gasped out. Even though she was trying to be strong this was beyond a tremendous amount of pain, as the monster bit down harder. It let out a growl but Ken simply growled back. The smaller girl suddenly fell back dragging the monster with her. She raised her arm up as she actually lifted the entire creature up while her own back was now in the snow. Then she brought her up back slamming the monster down. She pulled down as hard as she could as she ripped off the things lower jaw.


    "Whoa..." Maudite said in shock as she watched the monster die. "She''s so strong..."


    ''You''re stronger...''


    Mausite shook her head as she ran over to Ken''s arm. "Your hurt..." She stated staring down at the bite mark in the girl''s arm.


    "It''s fine..." Ken said as she tried to pull away from the twelve-year-old.


    "No, it''s not... Here... let me..." A blue aura covered Maudite as Ken''s body lit up. "I tried to heal your friend back there and wake him up but... Well, his mind attacked me. Just close your eyes and try to be calm and I can heal you..."


    Ken nodded her head as she let out a hiss. Her eyes squeezed tight from pain as her entire arm began to burn. Slowly the flesh on her arm began to heal and mend itself back together... "That''s so cool... What is your Attribute?"


    "It''s kind of hard to explain..." Maudite said shyly as she looked down. "Basically I can-"


    "Hey, guys!" Jackson called out appearing suddenly.


    "God damn it, Jackson, you always show up at the worst possible time..." Ken said letting out a huff.


    Maudite gave a small smile. "I can tell you later... That is... If we can talk again..."


    "Of course we can," Ken said nodding her head. "After all you''re coming inside with us."


    "Oh what now you want me to babysit another kid that isn''t even mine!" Jackson said throwing his arms up. Ken shot him a glare as he stepped back. "I mean... Sure girl whose name I forgot... Why don''t you hang out with us until we finish this God damn mission... I swear to God next thing I know there is gonna be a Prince... Oh crap. I shouldn''t joke around... I could die today..."


    "Come on," Ken said standing up as she held her hand out. "Let''s head inside."


    Maudite smiled slightly as she nodded her head. "Okay..."

 Chapter 32 - The Long Over Do Explanation

    Age 1990


    "Alright!" Jackson said nodding his head at everyone in the room. "Here''s the plan..." He stated. The group was currently all seated in the cabin they were given. Maudite also sat in the room now apparently a sort of but not really member of the team for some unexplained reason? "I''m gonna go talk to that guy I beat up. He said he knew the location of the Nest. I''m gonna ask him and we''ll move on from there..."


    "Are we really going to have to battle a Nest?" Kitsune questioned nervously.


    "Are they really that bad?" Maudite questioned curiously.


    "Yeah... According to the official Enforcers handbook it takes at least two gold badge Enforcers to handle a Nest. Jackson is the only member here who actually has a badge at all..." Kitsune stated letting out a light gulp. "As it stands we are really lacking in numbers..." He muttered out.


    "And we won''t be getting any backup," Jackson said shaking his head. "If there really is a Nest it needs to be dealt with right away... We just destroyed a massive horde of Bestia Macht about an hour ago... Chances are that really pissed the Nest off... Until it''s gone they will continue to attack... We need to get down there and destroy it immediately before it can create a strong enough Bestia Macht to defeat us..."


    "It can do that?" Ken said shocked.


    "Yeah... The Nest is a collection of dead creatures as I said earlier. If need be it will use those parts to create a new creature. It''ll keep making stronger and stronger ones until either it runs out or we are defeated... And quite personally I don''t like those chances..." Jackson stated shaking his head. He stood up as he turned to the door. "I''m gonna go find out where that Nest is... I''ll decide what to do after that..."


    And with that, the Vice-Captain left the room...


    "Damn this sucks!" Kitsune said finally as he threw something at the wall. "Our first mission and it turns out this horrible! And worse yet it''s only an hour in! I swear time is so inconsistent all of a sudden..."


    "Quit your whining." Irene sighed out as she ran a hand through Hero''s hair. "It could be worse."


    "How could it possibly be worse?"


    "You could be in a comma..." Cloud pointed out.


    "Oh yeah..." Kitsune said. "Right... Guess I got it lucky compared to Hero... Damn it!"


    "What now?"


    "That asshole doesn''t even know what''s been happening since he''s been knocked out! As far as he knows the mission is over!" Kitsune cursed as he hit the wall again. "Damn him..."


    "Stop complaining..." Irene said rolling her eyes.


    "Never!"


    "How''s his fever?" Cloud questioned.


    "I think it''s gone now..." Irene stated letting out a sigh. "He seems like he''s breathing a lot better to... I think that he''ll make a full recovery at this rate..."


    "That''s good..." Cloud stated nodding his head. "Honestly Hero''s the only person on this team I can talk too... Everyone else is just a massive asshole-" The blind teen ducked down avoiding a bottle thrown by Kitsune.


    "So Maudite?" Ken questioned moving closer towards the twelve-year-old girl. "Earlier you were talking about your Attribute? You know. Before Jackson interrupted you." She stated curiously as she c.o.c.ked her head at the younger girl.


    "Oh... That." Maudite suddenly grew nervous as she gave a slight shrug. "It''s kind of hard to explain?"


    "I''m Listening," Ken stated.


    "I got nothing better to do?" Kitsune said nodding throwing something at the wall for no reason.


    "I like learning new things," Cloud said shrugging.


    "I want to know how you had the lights and that power..." Irene stated nodding her head.


    "In short I think they want you to tell them." Hero said simply nodding his head.


    "Right," Ken said nodding. "I agree with Hero- Wait a minute?"


    Everyone in the room stopped as they all did a double-take. Slowly everyone glanced down at Hero. "Sup." The boy said raising up slightly. "By the way next time I would prefer to have my head in Ken''s lap-"


    "Hero!"


    The young boy had time to widen his eyes as four people suddenly tackled him to the ground. Maudite watched the recruits all dogpile on the poor boy as he groaned in pain. "Still recovering..." Hero gasped out in pain.


    Everyone quickly got off of him after that. "I am so sorry..." Irene said as she placed a hand on the boy''s shoulder. "Because of me, you got badly injured... And... Are your eyes silver now?" Irene said stopping when she noticed the boys bright silver eyes.


    Hero reached up placing a hand over his eye. "My contacts are gone?" He said in slight confusion. "Weird..."


    "Hero... Are you okay?" Irene questioned. "You were badly injured, were running an insane fever less than half an hour ago, were mumbling random nonsense, and now your eyes are a different color? I was really worried... When I saw you get hurt..."


    "Ahh, it''s fine." Hero said shrugging. "I was never worried. I knew my Attribute would save me." He said nodding slightly as he folded his arms. "I had this really weird dream though." The boy scrunched his eyes up as if trying to remember. "There was this hospital? And I think a flying lab coat? I dunno..." The boy said throwing his hands behind his head. "It was kind of weird? but in the good way... I think?" He let out a sheepish laugh as he shrugged.


    "Hello..." Maudite said quietly as Hero eyed her up. "I''m-"


    "You''re Maudite right?" Hero said shrugging. "The girl whose hair, and eye color can change right?"


    "How did you-"


    "You were in my dream..."


    "Oh... That..." The girl stepped away as all eyes were on her now. "I-I''m sorry I wasn''t able to pull you out of the dream myself. Your mind attacked me, I think, and there was this white sludge, and you might wanna see a therapist..."


    "Ahh, it''s fine?" Hero said brushing the girl off. "My own mind attacks me too! It was only natural it would go crazy when a stranger got in!" He said casually. "But enough about me. You were just about to talk about your Attribute?" He pointed out.


    Instantly all eyes were back on the girl as she backed up slightly. "Umm... Well..."


    "You don''t have to tell us if you don''t want to," Ken said.


    "No, it''s fine..." Maudite said smiling slightly. "It''s just... Well, I don''t really know what it does really... Growing up we are told not to use our Attributes inside the village... It''s only recently that I even used it... Last month. I was attacked by a Bestia Macht. My Attribute activated on its own and I defended myself... It was like I was dreaming... I could feel myself move but I wasn''t actually there... The next day a villager threw something at me and once again my body reacted on its own... There''s this red chaotic energy that swirls around me when I use it... It took me a whole month of trial and error but I eventually found out how to use it without that other side of me getting out though it''s far weaker, and it a shade of blue... Now... I here this dark sinister voice... It''s always telling me to let it out, but I''m afraid each time what it will do if I listen to it... It takes everything in my power to reel it back in and each time it gets harder and harder..." The girl balled up slightly as she stared down at the ground. "That''s why this village hates me... I''m a witch."


    Ken reached out patting the young girl on the shoulder. "I''m sure you just lack control over your Attribute..." Ken stated. "Mine was the same way. When I was younger it was hard for me to control and vary my power." She said simply. "If I''m not careful it''ll destroy my body... I''m sure that with proper training you''ll have control over it."


    "You really think so?" The girl said in an unsure way.


    "I know so."


    "That''s all well and good," Kitsune stated as he turned over to look at Hero. "But there''s still someone who hasn''t explained their Attribute yet..."


    Hero stepped back letting out a slightly nervous laugh as he realized all eyes were on him now. "Right... I guess its finally time I do that right huh? Well... Basically, the general gist of it is that-"


    The door to the room suddenly burst open as Jackson came crashing in. "Alright, guys! It''s time to-"


    ''Crack!''


    The sound of the frying pan slamming into Jacksons face echoed out, as the man hit the floor unconscious. Everyone stared in shock as Ken brought her arm down. "You can continue Hero. Jackson won''t be interrupting you this time." She said simply.


    "Geez..." Hero said stepping back. "I guess you guys really, really wanna know what it is huh?" He stated letting out a bit of a nervous laugh again.


    "Hell yeah, we do," Kitsune stated. "Every time you start to explain something interrupts you. It''s as if some cosmic force is stopping you from talking until a specific moment to build said moment up or something?"


    Hero took a deep breath as he smiled. "How about I start by telling you the name of my Attribute. I call it Molecular Fusion..."


    "You call it that?" Cloud said raising an eyebrow. "So then its a new or unseen ability?"


    Usually when an Attribute pops up the government will name it. However, every now and again a newer and rare ability will pop up. If that is the case the user can name it.


    "In a way, I guess you can say that?" Hero said. Slowly he reached up placing a hand over his heart. "Inside of my body is the combination of three Attributes!" He announced.


    The entire room went silent as they all stared at him. "I thought you were gonna tell us?"


    "I am! Three Attributes exist inside of my body letting me do all my cool stuff!" Hero said nodding his head slightly. Everyone stared at him with a deadpan stare. "I''m telling the truth!"


    "Hero. A person can only have one Attribute..." Kitsune said letting out a sigh as he shook his head. "Only monsters can have more than one Attribute..."


    "Well, technically it is one Attribute... It''s just one that is broken up into three pieces that are combined together..." Hero said shrugging slightly.


    "There are many different kinds of Attributes," Kitsune stated as he got ready for a really, really long rant. "When a baby is born four things can happen. The first is that they can be born with their father''s Attribute. This is a 40% chance. The second is that they can be born with their mother''s Attribute. This is also a 40% chance. The third is that they will be born with a completely different Attribute of their own that is not from their parents. This is a 15% chance. And finally and the rarest. They can be born with what the Government has dubbed as a Super Attribute. This is a 5% chance. A Super Attribute is different from any other Attribute. It is a fusion of the parent''s Attributes. A Super Attribute takes both the two Attributes combining them together and creating something with millions of times more potential than the two that came before it. Now in some cases, it is true that this can seem like a person has multiple Attributes since the ability can do a whole lot but, in actuality, it is all one power that is just really op... I myself possess a Super Attribute. Super Attributes, are just powers that can do several different things, for example, my Nine-Tailed Attribute gives me the power to control foxes flames, heal faster, and super strength but it still all comes from one power that is all about the foxes..." Kitsune stated. "However even if that is what you were going with it is impossible to have a three-way fusion with Attributes. A person with a Super Attribute will have dominate genes when having a kid and as such their child will have a 100% chance of being born with their Attribute. The only exception to this rule is if two people with Super Attributes have a kid in which case it is a 50% split in both parents as to which one the child will take after. So if you did have a Super Attribute it would only be two combinations and not three as you are claiming." He said as he crossed his arms.


    "Look I don''t know what to tell you..." Hero said shrugging slightly. "I don''t know a whole lot of it myself, other than the fact that there are three Attributes inside my body. My Grandpa only gave me bits and pieces of the information, as he didn''t like to talk about it a lot, for reasons that I have still yet to figure out... But I know it involves an Attribute called the Monsterfication?"


    "The Monsterfication!" Everyone turned finding Jackson was standing up again now seemingly awake. He walked forward grabbing Hero as he stared into the boy''s silver eyes. "Oh, God... Those Silver eyes... How did I not see it before? Hero! You''re a Seraphim!" Jackson stated in shock.


    "A what?" Kitsune asked.


    "Yeah? A what?" Hero questioned also not knowing what the man meant.


    "A Seraphim..." Jackson said letting out a heavy sigh as he slumped down. "During age 972 there existed a clan... This was massive family who possessed the Super Attribute known as Monsterfication, that they passed down for years... By age 1000 they were something to truly be feared... With their Attribute, they could regenerate lost limbs, grow their bodies into actual monsters, And power themselves up to almost Captain levels of power, even if they never bothered to train themselves... However, it wasn''t until age 1106 that the world finally decided to wipe them out, deeming them to be to strong... A mad scientist by the name of Ilya Ivanov found out a disturbing fact. You see the Monsterfication grows by actually creating new cells and expanding out... These cells are temporarily blank and will bond themselves with any nearby living object molding themselves after that and changing themselves into that thing. While the healing did have its limits at the time this was the best healing Attribute. It was so good in fact that it became the catalyst for a new super solider project... Project Seraphim. Because of the fact that the cells are blank and they mold themselves after a host, Ilya found a way to create the first-ever man with multiple Attributes... A human monster. This would later go on to create the Corruption. Ilya would cut up a person with the Monsterfication taking out organs, bones, and blood, then he would take a normal man and cut him open replacing that mans parts with the parts of the Monsterfication... 99% of the time this resulted in death... However, that rare 1% moment was the golden opportunity... While the Monsterfication was thrashing around inside of a person you could take a third person cut them open and place their parts inside of the man who had the Monsterfication placed in him. The Monsterfication would slowly adapt to this new body modeling itself for its host and taking on their DNA. At this point though the host would be far to damaged to survive so taking drastic measures it would break down the foreign parts from the third guy molding them to its new host. The results if the person could survive would be a man with three Attributes... His own, the Monsterfication, and whatever the third Attribute was... It was a homemade Super Attribute made with the combination of three... This will result in the third persons death... The second person will live now stronger then ever and the first person who actually has the Monsterfication? Well in all sense they are alive but I doubt they care much about anything. Being repeatedly cut opened and forced to heal will do that too you..."


    "That... That''s horrible." Ken said with wide eyes as she fell to her knees. Maudite reached out patting the girl''s shoulder.


    "I see... So that''s how it''s done..." Hero said. His face was pale as he placed a hand over his stomach slowly. ''You shouldn''t rush to your death... You have no idea the sacrifices that were made to get you to where you are...'' Those had been the words that his grandfather had said. I guess he know knew what he had meant. "So... So then that girl..." He let out a slightly nervous laugh as his knees buckled. Cloud reached out grabbing the boy on the shoulder.


    "Hero whatever horrible event happened in your life you are not to blame. You didn''t ask for it... I hope." The blind teen said slowly. "Also this would be a really bad time to start freaking out... We need you at your A game, for the Nest... I hate to tell you this but suck it up for now, and don''t think about it. If you get distracted..."


    "Yeah... you''re right." Hero said nodding slightly as he stepped back. "It doesn''t matter too much anyways. I barely remember any of the events from when I was a kid, and right now it doesn''t change anything..."


    "Hero," Jackson said reaching out and grabbing the teen as well now. "Listen. You are serious about this right?" Jackson asked slowly.


    "Yeah..." Hero said nodding. "I.. I don''t remember much from my childhood... I do remember there being a young girl though... She was the one with the Monsterfication, I think? I dunno though... I guess we were both experimented on?" Hero stated quietly as he stared at the ground. "I guess I always had a feeling that my Grandpa experimented on me that way, but..." He trailed off slowly.


    "Okami Otoko knew!" Jackson said in shock as he stared down at the boy. "I''ll need to tell the others when we get back..." He muttured out.


    "Yeah. He''s the one that wanted it to happen." Hero stated nodding. "He wanted me to undergo advance cybernetics but I refused. We had a fight and he kicked me out? Or really I kicked myself out." Hero said a bit bummed out. "We ended up starting a bet to see if I could improve without him? I got four years to show him I can get stronger with how I am now."


    "Hero. Explain each of your three Attributes to me..." Jackson said.


    "Why?"


    "Because I said so." The man said with a deadpan stare. "I heard the Monsterfication can alter how an Attribute normally works considering the fact that it just mashes two more into it? I want to know how you work now."


    Hero let out a slight sigh as he gave a shrug. "Well first off is my Attribute, as in the one I was born with. The power I was born with, is kind of weird in a way... It''s called Balloon. With it, I can inflate my body like a Balloon making it lighter, bulky, and bouncy, or I can compress my body down, making it stronger, and sturdier. I can use both of those power on just one body part or my whole body. Although its easier to compress my whole body and its easier to inflate one limb." Hero stated nodding his head. "I can only use one of my Attributes at a time though. I use the Balloon Attribute the most since I am really good at the inflation and compression ability. I can still use my other two, I''m just not as good with those as I am with my own Attribute."


    "Wait..." Maudite said suddenly getting everyone to turn to her. "You can only use one at a time?"


    "Yeah. I haven''t been able to master any of them since they are all so different from each other."


    "Okay but your Inflation and Compression aren''t different abilities since they come from the same Attribute right? So doesn''t that mean you could inflate and then compress the same limb since they are both the same power?"


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    Ken let out a heavy sigh. "You... You never bothered to try have you..."


    "So! My second power..." Hero stated changing the topic. "My second power is the Monsterfication... With it, I can increase my own mass and power myself up to some pretty big extent. Although I am bad at using it, and I can lose control if I keep using it... Currently, I can buff up one of my arms to a massive proportion." As if to prove his point his right arm suddenly buffed up to the extreme. The limb became extremely swollen and buffed up becoming just a massive muscle of a limb. The entire limb shook from the power it had in it... "This isn''t like me inflating my limb..." Hero said with gritted teeth. "Where as with the Balloon Attribute I pump air into my muscle to inflate it, what I am doing here is adding on mass, by creating new muscle into the limb..." He said as the arm shook. The entire arm just looked unnatural. It looked like that arm had worked out its entire life, then was pumped full of steroids. The arm was almost as big as his body. Then as quick as it was there it was gone, as his arm simply went back to normal. "Ouch! It hurts so much, to do that..."


    "I see..." Jackson said nodding his head slightly. "Then earlier when you were fighting those Barons that''s what you were doing... You were using that limb... But what of your third and final Attribute?"


    "And my last Attribute..." Hero went silent for a moment as he folded his arms and stared at the ground. "My last Attribute is my mother''s Attribute..." He said clearing his throat slightly as Jackson let out a sympathetic hiss... "It''s called living nano... With it, my body is filled up with these tiny living creatures all around the size of a cell, or in some cases even smaller. They fix my body and put it back together when it is damaged. I have control over my own Ability the most... Currently, as I stated earlier, I can only use one power at a time... This is why I can''t heal when I am expanded, or compressed... Or why I can''t fight while I''m healing." Hero gave a slight shrug as he forced a small smile on his face. "So there you go. Those are each of my Attributes. Well, technically only one Attribute that is a combination of the three that I call Molecular Fusion, because I think the name sounds cool!"


    "I see..." Jackson said nodding. "At least I know what I''m working with." He let out a slight sigh. "I''ll inform my grandpa about the situation when we get back... For now just don''t think about it, Hero... I don''t want this affecting your skills..."


    "Believe me... I really don''t want to think about it..." Hero said simply.


    "What now?" Kitsune asked quietly as the mood was pretty much killed by the massive revelation.


    "Now we finish the mission..." Jackson stated. "We can worry about Hero, and his story later. There isn''t anything that can be done about it now though... For now, let''s focus on finishing this mission."


    "He''s right." Hero said nodding. "It''s time we end this... This mission has gone on for long enough..."

 Chapter 33 - The Nest

    Age 1990


    Jackson walked through the snow at a quicker pace. Behind him, Irene, and Cloud both followed after the man. "If that guy wasn''t lying then the Nest should be just up ahead!" Jackson yelled back to the two recruits as he walked faster.


    Currently, the three of them were hiking up a massive snowy mountain. If they were given the right information then they should find a Nest full of deadly monsters on the other side. Most people would probably avoid that... Than again Enforcers weren''t most people...


    "This is insane..." Irene sighed out. "We''re miles away from the village at this rate..." She muttured out.


    "Ken, Hero, and Kitsune have it easy..." Cloud said letting out a sigh. "They got to stay behind in the nice cozy village guarding it against deadly monsters..." He sighed out.


    "Quit complaining you two..." Jackson yelled out over his shoulder as he marched through the deep snow. "If that village gets attacked it''s up to just them to hold the fort down. Meanwhile, with you two, you got me helping you out. I could easily solo an Earl level! I''d say you guys got it way easier than them..." He said letting out a slight laugh.


    "Yeah but... We''ve been walking for at least an hour now..." Irene complained. "And my feet are starting to hurt, and blister, and it is really cold out here..."


    "Suck it up!" Jackson stated.


    Irene glanced at the man in slight fright. "What?"


    "Just stop complaining and march forward. As an Enforcer, you must have the stamina that goes beyond the limitations of a normal human!" Jackson announced out proudly. "I mean just look at Cloud. He''s not even complaining."


    Cloud simply let out a grunt as he gave a thumbs up.


    "We should be nearing the top of the mountain now..." Jackson stated as they continued up the side of the mountain. "I see it up ahead." The three Enforcers walked forward at a quicker pace as they finally broke over the edge of the mountain. "Alright, you two... Move slower now. We''re at the top now, so we''re just gonna peer down the other side and scope it out. We won''t engage yet unless we have no choice..." He stated. "I normally would go in guns a blazing but I really, don''t want to get you two killed..."


    The two teens both nodded as Jackson slowly crouched down and peered down the side of the mountain. He let out a quiet whistle of surprise as his eyes widened.


    "What is it?" Irene questioned curriously.


    "I think it is a Nest..." Jackson stated nodding his head. "Hand me the binoculars..." Irene pulled them out of the bag she carried as she handed them over. Jackson let out a low hum as he put them up to his eyes and peered down. "Grab a second pair North... This will be good for you to see what a Nest is like." He muttered out.


    Irene nodded her head as she laid down next to the man. She pulled out a second pair of binoculars as she looked down the mountain. "Whoa..." She said with slightly wide eyes.


    At the bottom of the mountain, she could see a massive ravine down in the depth of the ground. It seemed to stretch on for miles going straight down, like a massive crack in the earth. On the other end, she saw a second mountain. But what made it strange was how the ravine was sat up.


    White bone looking spikes came down from it coming out of the hole and reaching up to the black sky. Several Bestia Macht could be seen swinging on these things using them to pull themselves up over the ravine and on to the surface... There was no snow around the area of the ravine. Rather there was this warm orange looking liquid that melted the snow around it. Down in the bottom of the ravine, Several glowing orange orbs could be seen as well as the skeletal remains of several massive dead monsters. Each skeleton was almost the size of a small mountain. They were a blackened color from dust...


    However. Most terrifying of all was the Bestia Macht''s themselves... There were at least a few thousand Baron levels, at least a few hundred Viscounts, and at least a few dozen Earls... And those were only the ones Irene was able to see for sure... Who knew what else was down there? Down in that dark hole...


    "There... There''s so many of them..." Irene gasped out. "There must be at least ten thousand..."


    "Try a hundred..." Jackson said speaking softly as he let out a hiss.


    "A hundred thousand?" Cloud stated shocked.


    "A normal Nest is made up of at least three full-grown dead corpses of Earl level Bestia Machts... A normal Nest usually contains somewhere around 50 thousand to a 100 thousand Bestia Machts... I can spot nine dead skeletal corpses down there meaning this Nest is at least three times bigger... The cycle of Bestia Machts are a weird one... They can start anywhere from a Baron to an Earl when they are born. From there they can evolve as they grow up. If a Bestia Macht is born as a Baron then over one hundred gears they will slowly evolve into a Viscount, then into an Earl. A Bestia Macht can not be born a Viscount but they can be born an Earl... It''s usually rare though... If a Bestia Macht is born an Earl they can evolve past that stage over the span of a hundred years becoming a Marquess, then a Duke... A Duke is the last stage of a normal Bestia Machts lifestyle... However, if a Duke is strong enough... And they are hungry enough they will begin to attack their own kind. When this happens they actually begin to evolve to a stage beyond their limitations. They become a Prince. An abomination in the Bestia Macht world, and the human world. A Prince requires several Captains to even have a chance at hurting it... So to put it simply, you have Barons which will eventually become Earls then stop. Or you have a monster born as an Earl and will eventually become a Duke than stop. And in rare cases, you have a Duke that will become a Prince...It''s possible to find and raise a Bestia Macht as a pet but this must be done while it is a Baron... Anything above that will be far too strong to train. Luckily for us, an Earl is likely all we''ll find. Marquess and above will usually refuse to be near other creatures... A Nest this big won''t have any Marquess nearby. due to how many creatures there are. It''s a safe bet that an Earl is the hardest thing we will see... Still bad since I doubt even I will be able to fight more than two Earl''s at a time..."


    "So we won''t encounter anything above an Earl... Of course, even that will be too much for us..." Cloud muttered out. "I doubt even if all five of us recruits teamed up we would be able to take one down."


    "I know what you mean..." Jackson said nodding. "Right now even a Viscount would be deadly for you... This is frustrating though since we are all this village has..." Jackson punched the ground slightly out of anger as he gritted his teeth. "Katrina is so gonna kill me!" He hissed out.


    "Umm guys..." Irene said suddenly as she stared at something in confusion.


    "What?" Jackson asked turning to the sixteen-year-old girl as she stared at something with the binoculars. Only? She wasn''t looking down at the Nest anymore. Instead, she stared over to the second mountain that overlooked the ravine. "What do you see?" He questioned curiously as Irene brought the binoculars down.


    Irene looked at Jackson for a second then looked back at the second mountain. "There... There''s someone out here? A group? They''re doing something..."


    "Please be a little more specific," Cloud stated. "Not all of us can use the binoculars."


    Jackson placed his binoculars up to his eyes as he stared out. " What the hell..." He muttered quietly. His eyes furrowed in confusion as he slowly pulled his binoculars away. "What?"


    "What!" Cloud questioned.


    On the other side of the mountain, clear as day was a second group. They had a large metallic warm looking building set up on the mountain. Currently, three people could be seen moving around outside. They were too far away to tell any features of the men but they all seemed to be trying to place something on what looked like a large metal sled. The thing was a small round metallic looking ball that was flashing a dark pink.


    "What are they doing?" Irene questioned.


    "What are who doing?" Cloud questioned.


    "Wait a minute..." Jackson said quietly as he stared at the metallic ball.


    "What is it?" Irene questioned.


    "What is what!" Cloud asked getting more frustrated as the two ignored him.


    "I think I recognize that thing... I''ve seen it before..." Jackson said as he tried to remember it. "But where..." Currently, the men were dragging the metal sled over to the cliffside of the mountain.


    "What is it?" Cloud questioned.


    Jackson let out a quiet hum. "That almost looks like a Shimmer-" The men suddenly pushed the seld down towards the ravine as they all turned around and made a break towards there metal building. "Get down!" Jackson screamed out turning around and jumping over Irene and Cloud.


    "What!" Irene yelled out in surprise as Jackson tackled the two recruits to the ground.


    Then suddenly-


    ''Boom!''


    The entire mountainside shook as there was a bright pink flash as a massive pink pillar of light rose up reaching the backend sky and sending a massive pillar of heat. A massive wind pressure was unleashed as everyone tried to hold onto something. Several loud howls were unleashed as a wave of heat rushed by incinerating all the Bestia Macht that were on the surface. The nest was filled with fire as several thousand Bestia Macht were burnt alive almost instantly... Then suddenly it all stopped.


    Jackson jumped up to his feet as he peered down the mountainside. His eyes were wide as he stepped back. "Holy shit!" He said cursing out. "I think I know why the Bestia Machts are pissed off!" Down the ravine smoke rose up as the howls of several Bestia Macht raised up to the sky. Then suddenly several Bestia Macht came flooding out of the ravine as they all ran North... Where the village was...


    "They''re heading towards the village!" Irene said horrified. "But... That is a pretty small horde." Only around five hundred could even be seen running now? "That blast must have killed many of them off. Speaking of which? What the hell was that blast!"


    "A Shimer Star..." Jackson said letting out a hiss. "Those bombs are used sometimes during wars... But what kind of asshole would be dumb enough to throw one down a mountainside into a cave filled with scary killer monsters! Seriously! It''s like they are trying to blow a hole through the Nest or something?"


    "What now?" Cloud questioned as he tried to find his cane which had fallen in the snow.


    "We need to head back to the village. If we leave now we might be able to get there just as the battle is starting..." Jackson said slowly.


    "So we''re leaving?" Cloud questioned.


    "Yeah. We need to get back now-"


    "Umm guys?" Irene said suddenly. "Do any of you guys hear that?"


    Suddenly the air was ripped upwards as a massive beast suddenly flew up. Its head turned down as it stared at the three Enforcers.


    "Oh..." Irene stated as the things white eyes peered at her.


    "Shit..." Cloud finished for her...


    In front of the group now glaring at them was a flying Earl...

 Chapter 34 - Defending The Village

    Age 1990


    Hero let out a sigh as he stared up towards the black sky as snow rained down slowly. ''Why do I feel like something is wrong...'' He thought as he reached out looking down at his hand. ''I had that weird dream with a Hosptial and a Lab Coat? I think? It''s all kind of one big blur... I have no idea what I saw or what happened... And my contacts are gone... I don''t like people seeing my silver eyes...'' Hero let out a heavy sigh. He reached out patting his now healed side. ''And how did my body heal that fast... My mother''s Attribute was never able to recreate internal organs... I should by all accounts be dead right... No way I should have been able to simply stand back up after only a mere hour of sleeping... And... And why do I have an image of a man in my mind...'' The image of a weird man suddenly popped up in his head... The man with silver hair and yellow eyes, and a sword for a hand... "Zero..."


    "What?" Kitsune asked turning his head to look at the boy in confusion.


    "Zero? I dunno... It''s just a name that popped up in my head for some reason. I had a really weird dream and feel like I forgot something important..." Hero stated.


    "So..." Kitsune said slowly as he tried to start the conversation. In actuality, the two teens were beyond bored.


    "What?" Hero stated.


    "So should you really be running around outside like this?" Kitsune said shrugging. The two boys were currently on one side of the village staring out past the gates watching for any Bestia Machts. Ken, and Maudite were inside where it was nice and warm. "I mean you were conked out like... An hour ago right."


    "It''s fine." Hero said shrugging. "My body has fully healed by now. Although I''m not sure how? Usually, my self-healing Attribute takes longer to heal that much damage? Weird."


    "So I get how your Balloon Attribute thingy works with the Expansion and Compression, upping your defense, and attack respectively but what about the Monsterfication, and that other one, what was that third one called again?"


    "The Living Nano." Hero stated. "Well, basically you saw me stretch my body out right?" Hero said as he held his arm up. His entire arm fired out into the air stretching ten feet upwards. "That was the Monsterfication. With it, I can alter my body with insane proportions. I can make my body bigger, and stronger although right now I can only really use it on one limb at a time, the stretched limb is not actually stretching out but rather me adding onto it and growing it out... Because of that it gains more power but nowhere near the amount of if I was to just compress it down... Plus I can always just use my Monsterfication to get what I call a ''monster arm'' which is just a really, really big buffed up arm with a lot of power but that is really hard to control hurts, but man does it do a lot of damage... And my usual healing is through my mother''s Attribute, the ability belonged to her and was passed down through me, through the expirments giving me access to using it. The Living Nano, is what I call it. It repairs my body and can mess with my insides to an extent? Although I can use only one of my abilities at a time so while I am healing I can''t fight and while I''m fighting I can''t heal. All three of these Attributes are actually far weaker then if I just had one... At least for now."


    "What do you mean?"


    "Well imagine your Attribute is like a weapon. It is better to master one weapon at a time rather than try to master three." Hero stated. "Because of that I am basically a novice with all three... While I do still have control over my Balloon power the most it is still nowhere to the level I want it to be... None of them are near their full power. It is possible that one day I could master all three, and be able to use all three at once, but right now there is something holding me back? Something is halting me in my tracks... The problem is I don''t know what it is!" Hero sighed out as he fell back into the snow and ice beneath him.


    "That''s a pretty big flaw..." Kitsune said raising an eyebrow. "Then again you''re using a man-made Super Attribute. I don''t expect it to be like the real deal... Unlike you mine has no sort of weakness like that. I''ve controlled it and evolved it, and I still have plenty of room to evolve!"


    "Well if you really think you can beat me I''d be happy to prove you wrong." Hero said with a smirk on his face as he jumped back up to his feet. "I can take you on whenever you want!"


    "Ha. I could beat you any day any time- Hey do you hear that?" Kitsune said frowning slightly.


    The two boys went silent as they heard a loud stomping sound heading towards them. "That kind of sounds like a horde of Bestia Machts..." Hero said in confusion.


    "You don''t think..."


    "You''re right I don''t think..."


    "Uh oh..."


    "What?"


    "Hero... What does a horde of rampaging Bestia Macht sound like?"


    "I dunno? Why are you- Oh... Oh no..."


    Meanwhile inside Ken let out an annoyed sigh as she looked down at the book. Her eyes twitched slightly as she stared down at it. "This... This is so silly..." Ken sighed out again.


    "What is it?" Maudite questioned peering over the girl''s shoulder and down at the book. "Oh... Those guys look weird?" In the book, several men could all be seen all of them dressed very flamboyantly.


    "Those are Enforcers..." Ken said letting out another sigh. "I ''borrowed'' this book from that damn fox boy, to look through it and get some ideas for how I could stand out, or some ideas for an attack?"


    "An attack?"


    "Yeah... Every Enforcer apparently names their attacks so they can stand out more. Plus some of them thinks it makes them sound cooler... Although none of these ones have interested me yet..." Ken said shaking her head. "Oh well... For now, I''ll just punch things and slam my sword into them..." Ken said quietly. "Unless... Well maybe? Hmm." She went silent as she set the book down and reached into her own bag pulling out a random comic book.


    "Why do you need a fancy attack name?" Maudite questioned curiously.


    "So I can become popular of course!" The fourteen-year-old girl stated as she began to flip through the comic book. "I''m going to prove a point to my asshole father by showing him I can become an insanely powerful Hero!" She announced out gracefully pointing towards the sky.


    "You want to become a Hero?" Maudite repeated blinking slightly.


    "But of course!" Ken said nodding her head as she got a slight smile. "A hero is someone that people can rely on. They have their name spread out through the world and go down in history!" The young girl drooled slightly as she imagined her dream. A world where everyone knew her name. "I''m in it for the money, and fame!" She stated.


    "Isn''t that kind of... I dunno? Bad?" Maudite questioned.


    "Some times it''s good to be a little bad..." Ken said giving a mischievous smile. "Anyways it doesn''t really matter. I''ll be doing good too so no matter what it''s basically a win, win. For me. Not so much the bad guys I gotta beat up? Probably sucks for them." Ken said shrugging.


    "I''m beginning to suspect you don''t have a lot of friends..."


    "What! No! I have a ton of friends!"


    Maudite let out a slight giggle as she reached out grabbing Ken''s hand. "It''s okay though! I don''t have any friends either... If you want I can be your friend?"


    "Y-You want to be friends with me?" Ken questioned hesitantly. "I don''t know what to say...I''ve never had a friend before-"


    The door to the cabin was kicked open suddenly as Hero and Kitsune both came crashing into the room falling over each other. They both looked up pointing at the girls.


    "Monsters!" Kitsune yelled out.


    "Fighting!" Hero yelled out.


    "Fighting Monsters!" They both shouted. Ken, and Maudite gave the two boys a deadpan stare as they both stood up. "Bestia Machts." They both stated pointing outside.


    "Looks like we''re gonna have to fight off another horde..." Hero stated.


    Ken let out a sigh as she stood up. "Stay here Maudite... We can handle this." She stated cooly.


    "I... I can help..." Maudite stated slowly.


    "Maybe you can but you should still leave this up to us!" Kitsune stated proudly. "We get paid to do this. You don''t. Just sit tight and let us handle this. If things really get bad you can jump in." He said simply nodding his head.


    "That''s right." Ken said giving the young girl a slight smile as she folded her arms. "So just leave it to us Maudite. We won''t let a single Beastia Macht hurt you!"


    "You promise?"


    "Of course I do."


    "I trust you..."


    "How many were there?" Ken questioned curiously as she got her stuff ready.


    "A lot." Hero said unhelpfully as he shrugged. "Like, a lot, a lot. Like... A lot?"


    The young girl hummed slightly as she nodded. "Umm... Maudite I hate to do this since I know you are probably cold and all but can I have my jacket back?" Ken asked.


    "Yeah." Maudite took the warm jacket Ken had given her off and gave it back to its owner. "Here you go."


    "Thanks," Ken muttered out slipping it back on. "Alright... Let''s go..." She said as the three Enforcers turned and marched into the cold weather leaving the safety of the home. Instantly all three of them could hear the sounds of stomping feet. "Sounds like a lot..." Ken stated nodding her head.


    "Ahh, we can take it." Hero said triumphantly as he placed his hands on his h.i.p.s. "I dunno why but I feel so energized and full of power! I bet I could take on five hordes!"


    "I highly doubt it..." Kitsune muttered out.


    "Oh, yeah? What''s that supposed to mean!" Hero said crossing his arms?


    "It means..." Ken cut in as she also crossed her arms. "That last time we fought a horde Jackson killed it in less than a second, and you almost died from a Baron biting you..."


    "Hey! I only got injured because I stepped in and saved North!"


    "Well don''t get hurt this time." Ken hissed out slightly. "I didn''t like the way that boy was looking at you... There''s something more to them than they are telling us?"


    "Sounds like you''re just jealous?" Kitsune muttured out.


    "Am not!" Ken said quickly.


    "Why would she be jealous?" Hero questioned in confusion.


    "Because your head was-"


    ''Slam!''


    "Oww!" Kitsune yelled out clutching his hand. "What was that for?" He hissed slightly.


    "So that''s what it''s like when someone else gets hit?" Hero said nodding slightly.


    "Everyone just shut up and focus on the mission!" Ken said with a slight red face as she hit Kitsune over the head repeatedly.


    "Then stop hitting me!"


    "I''ll have you know I was taking the mission very serious." Hero announced as he crossed his arms. "I''m at my 100% max power! I can do this!"


    "Bet I can kill more Bestia Macht then you..." Ken said in a sly manner.


    "Can not."


    "Can too..."


    "Guys!" Kitsune yelled out raising his arm up. "Look. We can have this discussion another time. The Bestia Macht are almost here! It''s showtime..."


    "Let''s do this." Hero said punching his hands together. "Let''s show Jackson and the others that we are strong on our own. Even without them."


    "For once it seems I agree with you..." Ken said walking forward. "Let''s best them and shoe then who''s boss!"


    "And," Kitsune said. "Most importantly. Let''s not get injured!"

 Chapter 35 - The Earl

    Age 1990


    ''An Earl is often considered too powerful for a normal Enforcer to handle on their own... It usually takes several dozen Enforcers all teaming up, or one superpowerful lone Enforcer...''


    Jackson let out a loud yell as he reached behind him pulling out a small metallic box. He clicked the button as the entire thing unfolded into a massive greatsword that he brought down just as the Earl in front of him swooped down. His sword became a makeshift shield as the monster slammed its body into him throwing the Vice-Captain back as his feet ripped up the snow behind him.


    "An Earl!" Irene said startled.


    "That''s not all!" Cloud announced in a panic. From down the mountain, several Baron''s all suddenly jumped up joining in the battle. All of them looked alike, as they all had grey fur, two buffed up powerful legs, with razor-sharp claws, and a long tail that swished back and forth through the air. Their heads were turned upside down as their mouths hung open reviling rows of razor-sharp teeth.


    All of the Baron''s let out a hungry growl as they stepped forward slowly their eyes never leaving the two teens.


    "You guys try and fight off the Baron''s!" Jackson yelled out as he dodged a swipe from the Earl. "I got the Earl..." He stated as he turned back to the monster in front of him.


    It was actually quite pretty, for a massive deadly beast... It stood at nearly fourteen feet tall on four very powerful legs. Its body was very lean and two strong and majestic wings sprouted from behind its body. Its head came down as its silver eyes stared at the humans in front of it with anger. Its head looked almost like a beak. Shining white scales ran along its body as its jaws opened and a loud yell was let out. Ice exploded off of it as a white mist began to form. The things wings spanned out as a wave of cool air was kicked up.


    "It''s calling for more Barons!" Jackson hissed out in a slight panic as he brought his sword up with one hand pointing it towards the monster in front of him. "Kids! Whatever you do, don''t die! I really don''t want to have to explain this to Katrina when we get back..." He sighed out. The young Vice-Captain took a deep breath as he tried to give himself some confidence. His electric blue eyes opened slowly as the focused on the Earl in front of him. Then he charged letting out a mighty yell as he dragged his greatsword on the ground. Lighting exploded off of him coming down in arks.


    The man and monster clashed as sword met claws! Jackson almost seemed to fly through the air as lightning crackled off of him. The Earl let out a loud roar as its jaws opened firing out a beam of ice that froze whatever it touched.


    Jackson disappeared flashing away as he suddenly appeared above the creature dropping down from the sky slamming the blunt side of his blade upside the monster''s head as hard as he could. "Die, die, die, die, die!" He shouted out as he slammed his sword into the beast again, and again.


    The Earl let out a loud roar as its tail came down slamming into Jackson throwing the boy into the ground as hard as it could. As soon as the human dropped down the monster tried to tackle it. Jackson''s sword was in front of him blocking the attack as he held his ground.


    The Earl reared up on its back legs as its claws shined. Jackson''s eyes narrowed as an explosion of blue lighting cracked around him. Then simultaneously the two sliced at each so hard and so fast they both became an afterimage of strikes as the two slammed into each other!


    "Ha!"


    "Raw!"


    The sounds of yelling and roars echoed out into the black sky as ice met lightning, and lightning met scales. Blade met claws, and flesh met pain! Blood splattered across the floor as Jackson slashed the monster''s chest!


    Jackson twirled around bringing his sword down as the tail of the monster fired out blocking the strike of the man. The Earl threw its clawed hand out badly cutting the man in front of it as Jackson let out an animalistic yell of pain.


    Blood splattered onto the snow and ice as Jackson slid back clutching his bleeding shoulder. Bright blue lightning crackled around it as steam rose from his wound and seconds later the slash was burned closed as Jackson let out a roar of pain.


    The monsters jaw opened as it fired out a beam of ice into the air as it began to slam it down intending to use its finishing move! It was time to end this!


    Jackson brought his sword up above his head and into the air as lightning crackled off of it. "Flying Thunder! First Wave!" He announced slamming it down as hard as he could right as the beam of light hit!


    A massive boom could be heard as the sound barrier exploded and an arking wave of blue light slammed into the wave easily forcing its way past and straight towards the beast pushing it back and badly burning it as it sliced into the monster. Then suddenly the wave of lightning exploded out, sending a blue flash through the area as the entire mountain seemed to shake from this colossal battle between the two.


    Meanwhile over with Irene and Cloud, the two teens jumped back dodging a clawed hand from some very pissed off Bestia Macht. They all did their best to hold on as a walking nuke, and giant monster did battle only meters away from them.


    Lightning wouldn''t stop raining from the sky as all the Bestia Machts let out howls of anger and pain.


    Irene raised both her hands as a massive pillar of ice was suddenly created above her head. "I don''t have time to deal with all of you!" She shouted out. Then she slammed her hands down as the massive pillar dropped down crushing the many Bestia Machts that got in her way. "Die!" She announced using the same finisher she had used on Dawson.


    The pillar dropped down flatting most things underneath it as it crushed almost all of the monsters.


    "Let me have a go at it..." Cloud stated holding his cane up to his mouth. "New move! Smoke Blade!" He blew on the end of the cane as he brought it towards the left. A massive wave of thin smoke-fired out slicing a Bestia Macht in half as if it was a blade. Blood splattered out as the monster was split in half.


    Any creature that touched the smoke fell apart as others were crushed to death. The two Enforcers both threw their arms out as an explosion of ice and mist fired out killing all that was left. When it finally cleared only one Bestia Macht remained.


    The Bestia Macht growled out in pain as blood leaked from its wounds. It took a step forward causing its frozen limb to shatter. Despite that though the Baron''s eyes glared at the group as its grey fur was stained red.


    "Just one Baron left..." Cloud said raising his cane up.


    "Wait!" Irene said suddenly as she stared at the thing in confusion. "What is it doing?" She questioned. The Baron''s jaw opened up as it began to spit up an orange liquid? Cracks began to form all across its body as it glowed a bright orange. Irene''s eyes widened as she realized what was happening. "Quick! Kill it before it can e-"


    The Bestia Macht let out a massive roar as all of the damage on its body instantly healed. It regrew its limbs then it began to get bigger. The Baron let out a massive yelp of power as it exploded in an orange energy. Then the energy began to take shape!


    Threat Level... Viscount.


    "Whoa!" Cloud said in shock. "Since when can they just do that?"


    The new Viscount stepped forward as its eyes glared at the two shocked kids. The Viscount looked similar to what it had been before but now with some key changes. For one it had two heads. Both its heads were also right side up. Two powerful tails slammed into the ground repeatedly as green saliva dripped down the mouth of the two heads... Its body had become even bigger now standings at nearly ten feet tall. It now had four powerful legs instead of just two and those legs had massive black iron claws coming off of them. It still had grey fur but most of that far was covered up by a black iron like armor that coated its entire body.


    "What the hell! It can just go ''poof'' and become a bigger monster!" Irene said in shock. "The thing almost doubled in size and got a second head and a suit of armor! What the hell half of that sentence doesn''t even make sense?" The girl who was dressed as a boy said in utter confusion.


    "I can feel a wave of power coming off of it..." Cloud said with concern. "This is gonna be trouble... Is Jackson done with his fight?" He questioned.


    "No..." Irene said shaking her head. "I think it''s up to us... We''re so screwed..."


    "We can do this..."


    "No, we can''t! Ken, Hero, Kitsune! Those are the guys that should be fighting a Viscount! Not me or you! We''re weak! We don''t have their spark! What if it kills us! What if we get injured. What if we can''t beat it! What if-"


    "Stop worrying!" Cloud barked out. "We don''t have time to go over what-ifs! That thing is coming! So stop being hesitant and just fight it!"


    The Viscount let out a massive roar as it charged forward its four powerful legs digging into the snow as it tore its way forward intending to rip the two humans in front of it into shreds. Its body bent back as it jumped forward! Both its head snapped open as Cloud, and Irene just barely managed to avoid being devoured.


    "Worry about what you can do later!" Cloud yelled out. "For now just attack it!" He shouted out as he brought his cane up. Green mist fired out towards the beast.


    The Viscount brought its arm up punching the ground as hard as it could sending a shock wave out that scattered the mist. Both its jaws opened as a green liquid fired out melting the snow next to Cloud.


    "Crap! It has acid too!" Cloud hissed out as he jumped away from the melting puddle.


    Irene raised her hands as they glowed a light blue. Then suddenly the glowing stopped.


    "Why the hell did you stop!" Cloud shouted.


    "I don''t think that attack would work... I need to... I should..." Irene froze up as her mind tried coming up with a plan.


    "Just hit it!" Cloud screamed.


    The girl raised her hands as a spike of ice fired out. The Viscount swung out smacking the attack away as one of its tails sn.a.k.e.d around Irene''s leg pulling her back as it turned its body throwing her straight into Cloud.


    The two teens slipped falling down the mountain slightly as they both hit a rock.


    "Oww..." Irene gasped out in pain as she clutched her side. Her ribs were definitely broken.


    "Listen!" Cloud hissed out grabbing the girl. "North! I don''t care what happened in your life. I don''t care why you are hesitating so much. What I do care about is that if you don''t stop you will get both of us killed. So whatever is causing you to panic do me a favor and just ignore it!" He shouted out in anger.


    "But I need to do my best!" Irene yelled out. "If I don''t then people will get hurt... And it means... It means he is superior to me... We were twins but he mastered his Attribute, he can work under pressure, he got a letter-"


    "What part of I don''t care do you not understand!" Cloud screamed out as he got his cane standing back up. "Now get back up. And listen to me. It''s okay to come up with a plan during a battle. It''s okay to want to do your best and think under pressure. But it is not okay to freeze up then choose to do nothing! So suck it up and help me!"


    Irene flinched slightly as she stared at the ground. "I''ll do my best-"


    "I don''t want your best. That isn''t good enough. I want perfection." Cloud stated as he stared up the mountain. "Get ready. Here that thing comes..."


    The Viscount tore its way down the mountain as both its heads spat out globs of acid. Its two tails fired out, as a black spike was launched out towards the two teens.


    Cloud and Irene both jumped farther down the mountain taking a plunge. Cloud brought his cane up as a wave of mist fired out slicing into the side of the beast as it fell. "North! Attack it!" He announced out as the two still fell, the ground quickly getting closer.


    Irene took a deep breath as she raised both her hands up. A ball of ice fired out exploding into a hail of snow that surrounded the eyes of the monster causing it to let out a yell of anger from its lack of sight.


    "Great! Now I can- Hold on!" Cloud yelled suddenly as he reached out grabbing Irene. He pulled the girl over to him as the two slammed down into the ground from there fall. Cloud yelled in pain as he took the brunt of the damage. The two tumbled down the mountain now like a ball as they both fell even further.


    The two teens finally stopped as they reached the bottom of the mountain. Irene let out a gasp of pain as she rolled off of Cloud. The boy was badly beaten and bruised as he tried to get up. His cane was dented and twist sideways and looked as if it would break in half.


    "Cloud!" Irene said horrified as she stared at his beaten-up body. "Are you okay?"


    "Forget about me..." Cloud coughed out. "That thing will be back. We need to beat it here and now..."


    "Right-" Irene spun on her hills throwing her arms out as a massive wall of ice appeared right as the monster slammed its body into it. The wall shook as it began to crack. Cloud rolled over onto his side as he tried to stand up. "Cloud... You can''t keep fighting like this. You are way to hurt-"


    "Have you learned nothing about joining the Enforcers?" Cloud hissed out as he forced himself to stand back up. He dropped his bent cane down as he turned his body to look past the ice wall. "Never give up! No matter what. If you can''t get that through your head then you have no reason wanting to be an Enforcer!"


    "You''re right..." Irene said quietly as the wall shook. "I don''t have a right to join the Enforcers... But... I''m here now! I''m not going anywhere. I will become an Enforcer. A great Enforcer. I''ll become my Enforcer."


    "Then stop hesitating and just attack!"


    The wall began to crack more and more as it shook. "Cloud... You can make any type of gas, or mist right?" Irene questioned.


    "So far I can."


    "I have a plan..."


    The Viscount slammed its body into the wall finally breaking past it. Both its jaws let out a massive roar as it charged forward. It jumped forward flying towards both teens.


    "Now!" Irene shouted out.


    Both teens raised their hands out as a white mist fired out of Cloud''s hands, and a blue glow shined from Irene''s. The Viscount let out a yell as it flew through the air. Then slowly ice began to cover its body as it became a frozen statute flying through the air.


    Irene stepped up lifting her hand up. "Breakaway..." She stated. The statue suddenly stopped as it defied gravity. Then several cracks covered its body as it exploded sending chunks of them everywhere...


    Both teens let out heavy sighs as they collapsed back unconscious. "That sucked..." Cloud said breathing heavily. "That thing was stupidly strong..."


    "Yeah... We''re just lucky you were able to make a liquid nitrogen like gas to help me freeze that thing down to the bone..." Irene said letting out a gasp. "I wonder how Jackson is going..."


    Meanwhile, up on the mountain, Jackson sidestepped the monster as he slid back. He raised his sword bringing it down on the monster''s head and slicing it clean off.


    The Earl let out a loud yelp of pain as it slid back. It''s once pretty looking white scales had become an ugly black and red. It had several gashes all along its body and smoke was rising off of it.


    Jackson too was pretty beat up. His outfit was in tatters, and his skin was blistered and cut. Blood leaked out of his wounds dripping down onto the snow. Jackson hissed out as he stabbed his sword into the ground. "It''s about time I get serious..." He stated. He brought both his arms up as he clasped his hands together. Then slowly a bright white light covered his body as he was enveloped in what looked like white flames.


    The Earl let out a loud yell as it fired a blue beam into the air slamming it down.


    Jackson''s hand-fired out ripped his sword out of the ground. "Sero..." Then suddenly he rocketed forward flying through the beam seemingly not affected as he suddenly appeared behind the beast. Jackson brought his sword down as his eyes closed. Then slowly he sheathed his blade. There was a small thin flash of blue light as the eyes of the monster widened. Then suddenly its head fell forward while its body fell backwards... The monster decapitated head rolled forward falling off of the mountain.


    Jackson let out a heavy sigh as he sheathed his sword. "Damn..." He muttered out falling to his knees. "I forgot how strong an Earl is when you aren''t using Mantra... Oh well. I learned my lesson." He sighed out as he stood up. "Damn... And this mission still isn''t done... Damn..."

 Chapter 36 - The Earl... Again...

    Age 1990


    Many of the Lillian civilians all ran inside the safety of there homes as they could hear the approaching horde incoming.... They only hope that the three remaining Enforcers would be enough to handle it...


    Hero stared out at the horde with a slight smile. "Last time I was kind of scared about fighting a horde, but this time I feel like I could take on the whole world! My body is just pumping with this energy!" He announced as he punched the air. "I''m all fired up!" He announced out.


    "Hero calm down..." Kitsune stated. "Because if anyone has the right to be fired up it''s me!" He announced out as flames coated his body and nine tails, and a pair of fox ears made, of flames appeared on his body. "Let''s do this guys!"


    Ken let out a sigh as she shook her head. "You guys are such losers..." She said holding her weapon up. "Make sure not to get hurt, or get yourself kill..." Ken stated seriously as she stepped forward. "Also. We need to make sure none of them get past the wall-"


    The wooden wall instantly dropped down as several Baron''s came charging in getting past the wall. They all took on many different shapes and sizes. Some had massive bulky bodies, and others were slim and lean. They all looked super deadly...


    "Oh no, we failed!" Hero yelled out in panic. "That wall didn''t even help..."


    "Alright, team move out!" Kitsune shouted as the three Enforcer recruits all charged forward. "Also nobody die!"


    Meanwhile, inside of one of the many houses, Maudite watched the three charge forward. "Good luck..." She said quietly as she let out a sigh.


    Hero jumped into the battle slamming his fist into a Baron and ripping it straight in half as his arm stretched out zigzagging across the battlefield. Then suddenly faster then you could blink it pulled back insanely fast as it instantly went back to normal. Hero slid forward as he brought his left leg up. The limb bulked out getting bigger, and bigger as he slammed it down hard enough to shake the ground.


    A massive Baron threw out a mighty fist but Hero countered inhaling as his entire body inflated. The punch launched him back causing him to bounce around. He hit a building and instantly bounced back slamming into the monster and sending it flying back now.


    "Ha!" Hero announced as he deflated. "Full body compression!" His entire body became slimmer as he raised his fist into the air then he slammed it down into the ground sending a shock wave out in all directions that threw everything back.


    The boy tore his way through the battlefield destroying whatever got in his way with ease.


    "Alright!" Hero stated as he pulled his right arm back as if he was preparing for a punch. "Let''s hope this works... My first super move!" He announced out. His fist began to vibrate at an insane speed as his entire arm shook. It began to inflate getting bigger and bigger as Hero sucked in air. He squeezed his eyes shut as his now bus-sized arm crashed into the ground from the weight, even though it was inflated. Sweat dripped down the boy''s face before he exhaled.


    ''Doesn''t that mean you can inflate then compress that same limb?'' What Maudite had said actually made him stop and think. Why couldn''t he do both at the same time? Unlike his other abilities, the compression, and inflation came from the same place...


    Hero gritted his teeth as he did his best to try and compress the now-massive limb. He squeezed his palm as the limb seemed to shake. His gut tightened as he tried to suck in his best. Then!


    "Ha!" Hero announced out as his arm became massive. "Using my inflation to increase my right arms size, which usually lowers its attack but with my compression, I can flatten and sturdy my muscles stopping my fist from losing out on attack power!" He announced. His right arm had become massive and very sturdy looking. Unlike when he used the Monsterfication his arm wasn''t big and muscular, now it was just big. It was like his arm was that of a giant. The thing now weighed nearly one hundred pounds!


    Before when he inflated his limb it would grow in size but, its weight wouldn''t change. This is because it was simply air increasing his muscle size inflating the limb like a balloon. Because of this, it would simply hit as hard as a normal fist, but it had the added benefit of being massive, and having an extremely bouncy effect to it...


    Meanwhile, with his compression, he would actually shrink his muscles down in a limb or on his body flattening it, and causing it to spread out inside of his arm. This allowed it to increase in power, but made it harder to move that limb. With it, he could increase its power and defense greatly.


    Earlier he had used the monsterfication to turn his right arm into a bulky arm. This caused his arm to almost be as big as him. This was done by adding on mass to his right arm and giving it more muscle.


    Currently what he was doing wasn''t that... Hero''s right arm was currently the arm of a giant. It wasn''t like his arm had gained more muscle rather it was like his arm had been supersized. This was done with his new idea. Using his inflation to pump air into the limb inflating it and then using the compression to compress that size down to the best of his abilities creating a massive limb! This had the added benefit of having the giant size of the inflated limb while keeping the massive power boost from the compressed limb.


    Hero smirked as his massive arm raised into the air. "I''ll call this new attack! Big-Arm-Strike!" He announced out yelling as he threw out a massive punch. He smashed his arm straight into the ground as hard as be could kicking up a massive tornado from the sheer force of the punch. Every Beast near him was thrown away as he collapsed to his knees. "Phew..." Hero gasped out as his arm shrunk back down to normal size. "Man... Inflating and Compressing at the same time is really hard..." He said letting a laugh out as he clutched his limb.


    Over with Ken, the young girl sidestepped several Bestia Macht''s as she flashed stepped around them. All of them reacted as if they had been struck as their bodies exploded from the impact. Ken smirked slightly as she spun slamming her weapon into one beast and literally ripping the poor thing in half.


    Ken began to spin getting faster and faster as she became an actual tornado of crackling red energy. "Looks like it''s time for my new super move!" Ken announced as she stopped spinning. She raised her sword above her head as she gripped it with both hands. "I got this idea from a fancy book I was reading!"


    Mega-Ultra-Super-Man. A very famous comic book following the adventures of MUS-Man! In that comic book, he had a super-secret technique he uses to smite evildoers.


    The Mega-Ultra-Super-Slash!


    A powerful attack that split the air itself attacking you with sheer force of power. It also looked cool...


    "I call this-" Ken said pumping all of her energy into the blade but making sure it wouldn''t be enough to shatter the weapon. "Red-Flash!" She announced out slamming her sword down.


    The very wind was split as a massive wave of red energy exploded out slicing into the horde and ripping them all apart as many of them were thrown into the air by the sheer power of the attack. The snow was melted as the attack slammed into a house splitting it in half. It was like a red energy slash just fired out of her blade.


    Ken let out a slight hiss as she stepped back slightly. "Uh oh... That probably wasn''t very good..." The small girl said with wide eyes.


    Meanwhile over with Kitsune, the young teen sidestepped several Bestia Macht Baron levels as he raised his arm firing out a barrage of flames. The boy smirked slightly as he continued to dodge all the monsters.


    He reached out placing his hand on the head of one of the beast causing it to let out a loud roar as its entire body was burnt to a crisp nearly instantly.


    "When I saw Jackson fire out a massive badass laser beam I just knew I needed to find a way to do the same thing..." Kitsune said slowly as he raised both his hands up. He placed one palm in front of the other. "Behold! My new Super Attack!" He announced out.


    Behind Kitsune a giant fox head made of fire suddenly appeared. The fox began to get smaller as its body seemed to be sucked into Kitsune. In his hands, a mini sun began to form in his hands.


    Arking Bolt... An attack invented by Alistair Storm, from the Noble family of Storm. The technique worked by building up a ton of electrical energy into the palm of your hand and firing it out separating each particle of energy into its own separate beam.


    However, if the energy is not properly built up then it will be impossible to separate it. The result is a single, very draining, very powerful, very destructive unstable beam of power of super death, and awesomeness...


    A ball of orange energy suddenly appeared in Kitsune''s hand as he cupped them around the attack. "Foxes-Glare!" Kitsune announced out firing his hands forward. A massive beam of orange light exploded out setting fire to the snow bellow it as it launched forward at a speed almost as fast as Jackson, a man who can move like lightning, the orange beam washed over several Bestia Macht burning them all down to the bone! The beam kept going as it cut through several houses and eventually the village gate! "Separate!" Kitsune yelled out but nothing happened. The energy was too much and the teen didn''t have enough power to split the beam! The beam traveled faster and faster as it began to rise up and eventually broke through the black clouds dispersing finally... Kitsune fell to his knees gasping for breath as he broke out into a coughing fit from the amount of energy he used up. "That was cool, but so hard to control..." He gasped out. "How did Jackson do that..."


    Hero jumped forward suddenly as he landed next to Kitsune. "That was awesome!" He said breathing heavily as he clutched his right arm. It was swollen slightly and wouldn''t stop expanding and compressing.


    "Indeed..." Ken said smiling slightly as she walked up to the two boys. "That was pretty cool..."


    "Don''t get c.o.c.ky..." Kitsune gasped out as he stood up. "We still have a lot more to kill..."


    Indeed it would seem he was right. Even as the boy spoke several Baron''s began to surround the group of three Enforcers. All three of them were a bit exhausted from their attacks... A fact the Baron''s knew they could exploit... The creatures, which now only consisted of only about a hundred began to circle the three of them...


    "Can you two still fight?" Hero asked still rubbing his arm. It looked like it was in a pretty bad shape...


    "Of course..." Ken, and Kitsune both stated as they nodded.


    "Than what are we standing around for!" Hero asked as he brought his left arm up. "Let''s finish them!" He yelled out.


    Meanwhile inside one of the few houses that weren''t destroyed Maudite watched from the window. Her eyes glanced worriedly at the village. The wooden wall was at this point completely and utterly destroyed... Many of the buildings were badly burnt and destroyed as well... Several civilians ran towards the stone building that the center of town wanting to take shelter there...


    Unfortunately, not all of them made it to the building...


    Some poor civilians were simply knocked to the ground as the Bestia Macht tore into them almost instantly, thankfully the three Enforcers would knock the beast off of the civilians stopping anyone from being killed. Despite that, though many of the civilians were put in a critical state, many of them even blacking out or being pushed to near death. The moment they stepped out a Baron would be upon them... Maudite felt a tear drop from her face as she watched several of them get beaten down.


    ''You''re actually crying over their Pain?'' The voice of Maudite''s other self-stated as it let out a hiss. ''After everything they have done to us? Why are you crying when they are getting what is coming to them?''


    "I''m not crying for their sake..." Maudite said sadly. "I''m crying because I feel nothing..." The young girl said in a choked-up voice. "I''m watching all of these people get hurt and I''m not feeling sad in the least... I''m feeling happy that they are getting what they deserve... And that''s killing me..." She said as she dropped to her knees. "I''m a monster-"


    ''At least you admit it... You''re just pathetic... Sitting here while you let those three do the fighting... While you let them protect you... What a coward you are... You really would be nothing without me... Why don''t you let me out so I can-''


    "No!" Maudite announced shaking her head. "I won''t..."


    ''Why not! You want to help them right?''


    "I don''t need to..." Maudite said smiling slightly. "Because I know they will protect me... Because Ken, and Mr. Kitsune, and Mr. Hero said so... And Ken''s my friend now! And the two boys have been nice to me... I know I can trust them. So I don''t need your help right now! Because I''ll put my trust in Ken." She announced out.


    ''Pathetic...''


    Meanwhile back outside the three Enforcers smacked several Bestia Macht away as the horse began to die down. Slowly there were less and less of them... Until finally, the only remaining ones were retreating...


    "We did it!" Hero announced proudly.


    "Not yet..." Kitsune said shaking his head. "Do you hear that?"


    A loud roar echoed out as a fairly large Bestia Macht tore its way through a house as came sliding to a stop. Unlike the other Bestia Machts, this one was far bigger and way more deadly.


    "Shit!" Kitsune cursed out... "That''s a Viscount... Damn it... Okay, it''ll be hard but if we all team up on it then maybe-"


    A massive foot suddenly stepped down from behind a large building as a Bestia Macht suddenly appeared seemingly having teleported above the Viscount! The monster dropped down crushing the Viscount instantly. When it hit the floor its jaws opened up unleashing a powerful red laser, with so much force and heat it caused a massive smoke cloud to raise up forty feet into the air as every building even the stone building burst into flames!


    "Okay f.u.c.k us!" Kitsune yelled out. "Guess we''re fighting an Earl!"

 Chapter 37 - Meanwhile...

    Age 1990


    The City Of Daffodil...


    Daffodil was a small city built in Age 1000... It is a simple city filled with simple people. Usually, crime doesn''t happen in Daffodil. Or at least that used to be the way... Recently in Age 1989 a new mysterious group has seemingly appeared... It is still unknown who this group is, and what their goals really are.


    Down in the streets of Daffodil, two figures stalked the streets. The first was a girl dressed in all black, and yellow. She had long flowing crazy blond hair, with specks of black in it. She had a large smirk on her face, and a crazy look in her eyes as she turned to her partner flashing the man a crazy smile as her fingers twitched.


    "-So anyways Turron," The girl said as she placed her hands behind her head. She had a casual look on her face, but a dangerous glare in her eyes as she stared at her ''partner'' "I ended up cracking her skull open and ripping her apart, with my bare hands! Somehow she didn''t die right away though so I ripped her legs off and fed her to the Bestia Macht that we keep around... You should have heard the things she was saying. She acted so cute and innocent, but the moment that monster bit down on her, she broke out into screams, and cursed up a storm!" She said gleefully. "So you know Turron. I would be more careful if I was you... If you go and make me mad you''ll end up like my last partner..." The girl said smiling again.


    The man apparently named Turron let out a simple grunt. He wore a long black, and light blue trenchcoat. He had a long flowing scarf around his body as he twisted it around his head covering his face up. He wasn''t much for talking...


    "Freaking edge lord..." The girl muttered out as she hissed slightly. "Honestly Turron can''t you do anything other than stay silent." She let out a sigh as she crossed her arms. "I don''t know why Jester teamed me up with you..." She rolled her eyes as a large smirk crossed its way onto her face once more. "So... What exactly is our mission?" She asked.


    "Viper..." The man said slowly as his watery blue eyes twitched slightly. He seemed to let out a heavy sigh as he spoke in a deep, and calm voice. He reached slowly into his pocket pulling out a small picture that he tossed over.


    The girl who was apparently named Viper reached out catching it. "Hmm..." She said humming slightly as she stared down at the picture.


    It showed a twenty-two-year-old woman with long dark blue hair, and yellow-colored eyes, she had tanned skin, and in the picture, her arms were crossed as she stared at the camera in annoyance. She wore a white combat suit that looked like an ordinary dress mixed with armor.


    "That woman... I know I''ve seen her before..." Viper said hissing slightly.


    "Her name is Katrina Aristotle..." Turron said quietly as he took the picture back. "She is the Sixth Squad Captain... Apparently, she has recently been sent out on what we are guessing is a solo mission..."


    "And?"


    "And... She apparently has the Ruby ring..." He said quietly.


    "What? Why the hell would they just give such a thing to a Captain to run around with!" Viper asked. "They are just asking for us to come steal it..."


    "For several reasons... The first is it could be a taunt at us to try and get us to come out." Turron stated. "The second. It could be a way to prove that they are better than us. By having a Captain run around in the open with such an artifact and yet none of us are able to even get it... And the third..."


    "The third?"


    "Their leader could be batshit insane..." Turron muttered out as he shook his head. "Wouldn''t be the first time..."


    "So our plan is to kill this girl..."


    "If we can... Our actual plan should be to get the ring no matter what. Killing her is a side objective..." Turron stated quietly. "She is a Captain after all... We may not even be able to get the ring..." He hissed out.


    Viper pouted slightly as she crossed her arms. "That is pretty lame... How are we going to do this anyways? Do we even know where she is?"


    "No... But we can draw her out pretty quickly..." Turron said letting out a sigh as he brought both his hands together. A white aura suddenly coated his body as his watery blue eyes glanced at many of the civilians that were around. "Wero..." He said speaking softly.


    The white aura suddenly exploded as it expanded out blowing up! A heavy force suddenly filled the area as every person, besides Viper, who was in a two-mile radius suddenly collapsed to the ground. The white aura got brighter, and brighter as screams suddenly rang out from everyone who was forced to the ground. Many people passed out instantly while others began to foam from the mouth, and gain terrible nose bleeds...


    "Ahh, I get it..." Viper said smirking smugly. Her foot came out slamming into a downed man. "An Enforcer has a duty to protect people... I doubt they would be fine with us killing an entire city block..."


    "That''s the plan... Now we wait..."


    ''Boom!''


    A massive dust pile kicked up suddenly as something up above the two slammed into the ground shaking the entire street.


    "Speak of the devil..." Viper said smirking once more. The two villains turned to see a twenty-two-year-old girl step out of the dust cloud, she had kicked up when she landed.


    ''She was on the other side of the city last I checked... How did she get here so fast?'' Turron thought as he separated his arms. The white aura around him vanished as the pressure suddenly stopped, and people stopped screaming.


    Katrina stared at the two people in anger as she bent down turning a civilian over. She inspected the body but let out a sigh of relief when they breathed in. "Good... They aren''t dead... More importantly." She stood up as she glanced at the two bad guys... "Who the hell are you guys... Why did you turn your Mantra on? Were you trying to call me out."


    "Well, apparently we are here for that ring on your finger?" Viper said cheerfully as she c.o.c.ked her head to the side. "I also want your finger. Actually... I''d take your whole hand."


    "Are you an idiot or something?" Katrina said scoffing at the two villains. "You called me out here to try and kill me? You realize I''m a Captain right? I''m one of the twelve strongest people in the world... And you thought this was a good idea why..."


    "Don''t get c.o.c.ky..." Viper said inching forward as her eyes stared back at Katrina''s. "It is two on one after all... Captain or not, you are all alone out here!" She announced. Suddenly she rocketed forward towards the Captain as she held her arm out. "That''ll be your mistake."


    Katrina smirked slightly as the figure flew towards her. "You really think they would let me walk around by myself?"


    "Viper wait!" Turron said just slightly raising his voice as Viper reached for the girl in front of her.


    There was a flash of red as a sonic boom seemed to go off. A dust cloud was kicked up as something caught Viper''s hand. Katrina stood with her arms crossed smirking. Viper gritted her teeth as her hand was still held out.


    And in-between the two girls, a massive Red Demon now stood! The demon''s body was made of a thick layer of red muscle with two long red horns, and a mouth full of grinning white teeth also made out of the material. In the hands of the demon, the fist of Viper could be seen, as the thing clutched it holding her entire hand easily. The Red Demon let out a quiet hiss as it began to slowly squeeze down on Viper''s hand...


    "Bad guys..." Katrina said smirking slightly as she held her hand out towards her body guard. "Meet Dawson Blight..."


    "Let go of my hand!" Viper screeched out in anger.


    Dawson let out a grunt as he suddenly pulled the arm back and punched straight into it with his other hand! There was a loud crack as the arm was bent and half and Viper let out a horrible yell of pain. Dawson swung out slamming the girl around with her broken arm, as he just started slamming her around with her own broken limb! He turned around tossing her towards the other one.


    Turron grunted as he reached out catching the girl. "That bastard!" Viper screamed out.


    "You were careless..." Turron hissed out dropping the girl. "Fool..."


    "F.u.c.k you!" Viper grunted out as she pulled herself out of her partner''s arms, and off the floor after he dropped her. She gritted her teeth as she glared at the red demon in front of her. "You asshole! That hurt! That was the worst pain I ever felt!" She yelled out rubbing her broken, and twisted arm as she gritted her teeth. "I''m gonna rip you apart!" She hissed out holding her not broken arm up.


    "You can''t fight me with one arm..." Dawson stated as he crossed his arms. "Just give up... We don''t have to fight..."


    "Oh... I assure you. This won''t be a problem." Viper said smirking slightly. Cracks began to cover her body as her skin began to fall off of her... She reached up pulling her body off.


    "What... What the hell..." Dawson said blinking slightly.


    A young girl suddenly pulled its way out of the flesh suit. "Ahh... Much better..." The girl said wiping off orange slime. The girl had powerful animalist red eyes, and long flowing white hair that dripped down to her waist. She had pale skin that was almost as white as the snow. A short white dress, that looked to be made out of powerful scales. Two small white horns poked out of the top of her head, and several scales covered her body in an arrangement of beautiful patterns. "It is always so uncomfortable being in that shell..." Viper muttered out.


    "Hmm... This must be serious if you are ditching your shell already..." Turron said eyeing the Captain and the Demon up.


    "That Attribute..." Dawson said slowly, his voice coming out as a guttural growl due to his demon form. "It''s a Mutation type right?" He said slowly as he hissed. "The same as mine."


    "Well when I get down to it, and I am ripping out your organs, does it really matter what type my ability is?" Viper questioned innocently. "Turron... Don''t get in my way... I want to rip this asshole to shreds myself... I want to break him!"


    Turron simply let out a grunt as the red demon raised his hands. "I won''t allow you to hurt my Captain..." He stated through clenched teeth.


    Viper simply smirked as she fired forward. Her body twisted forward as she fired a powerful kick out. Dawson blocked the kick easily but the force from the strike was strong enough to push him back.


    Dawson punched out in an attempt to hit the girl but she fired down ducking underneath the attack. As soon as she hit the ground she fired back up slamming a fist straight into Dawson''s gut.


    The Red Demon let out a grunt of pain as he was pushed back by the mighty blow. Viper''s hands stabbed into his stomach and pulled back ripping off some of the red tendrils.


    Dawson let out a hiss of pain as he placed a hand over the hole in his stomach. From the hole, his flesh and skin could be seen. "I''m impressed..." Dawson said speaking in a calm tone as the hole began to seal itself. "It isn''t easy to break past my armor... It is harder than steel... Not to mention but a few centimeters further you would of hit my stomach... Clearly, you two are no random riffraff off the street... Who are you? Tell me now, and I''ll be sure not to break every bone in your body."


    "Sorry," Turron said as he gave a slightly bored shrug. "I am afraid that I can not tell you that..." The man said as he tightened the scarf around his face covering up more of it.


    "That''s a shame..." Dawson said letting out a sigh. "Guess I''ll need to get you two to talk..."


    ''He''s getting more aggressive?'' Turron thought as he crossed his arms.


    Viper''s arms fired out becoming a blur. Her arms bent a twisted in various ways as each strike echoed out in a loud boom as the punches bounced off of Dawson''s arms. Her arms didn''t move naturally. They were like a whip bending and twisting but not breaking.


    Dawson let out another growl as he raised his fist up to the air. "You''re finished!" He announced punching down.


    Viper smirked as her body seemed to bend and twist around Dawson''s fist as she coiled around the punch. Her entire body folded as she suddenly appeared behind Dawson wrapping her arms around his throat! Her arms bent around his throat like a rope as the arms tightened.


    "Looks like you let your guard down!" Viper said smugly as she squeezed down on the throat of the Demon. "My Attribute allows me to bend, and twist, and twirl almost every part of my body. "Now I''m gonna strangle the sh-"


    Dawson. reached up ripping the girl off of him! Viper''s body twisted and hit, and kicked at the man. Dawson remained standing as Viper''s body twisted all around him snaking her way across him as her claws dug into Dawson.


    The man''s hands wrapped around her waist but it simply got smaller and squeezed out of his hands sliding out. Her fist slammed out hitting the man over the head. Dawson wrapped both his arms around the girl as she tried to squirm away.


    Dawson let out a loud grunt as he brought his entire body down clutching the girl in his arms as he slammed her straight into the ground dropping himself on her. Viper let out a hiss of pain as Dawson began to violently punch her into the ground.


    He brought his right arm up as it became a giant meaty muscular fist. He let out a yell as he slammed it down into her gut causing Viper to scream out in pain.


    Dawson didn''t give her a chance to recover as he slammed his fist down again, and again attempting to pound her into the ground. Viper gasped out as she was jammed into the ground getting deeper and deeper.


    "Dawson look out!" Katrina yelled suddenly.


    Dawson looked up seeing a massive blue whip coming towards him. He raised his arms up as the blue object slammed into him hard enough to throw him back and crash straight through a building. The tendrils covering his arms instantly explode as a large gash appeared across his arms as blood began to pour out from the two gashes.


    "Th-That''s tough..." Dawson said hissing slightly as he stared at both his arms which began to bleed pretty badly from the two gashes. "If I hadn''t blocked that would have torn my head off..."


    "Viper you fool..." Turron said letting out a sigh as he shook his head. He now stood next to the body of the beat-up girl. In his hands, he held a blue saber-like thingy? Whatever it was it continued to flow slightly. It made a loud hissing sound as the air around it was actually bent around it.


    "Is that water!" Katrina said shocked as she stared at the weird blue blade.


    "Indeed it is..." Turron said letting out a sigh. "I can manipulate water to an extent. What you see here is a sword made of water. I have trained this blade to work like a hydro pump. Water flowing at such a speed with so much force it can cut through even steel... This blade functions like that but condensed down into a smaller, faster, strong, form..." He stated simply. "With it..." He sliced the blade to the left suddenly. There was a brief moment of silence as a line slowly appeared across the building next to him. Then suddenly the entire building was split in half. "...I can do that..."


    "I''ll admit I am impressed..." Katrina said nodding her head slightly. "But your friend is in no condition to fight..." As she spoke Dawson pulled himself out of the building he had crashed through. More tendrils came out of his body covering his arms as he cracked his knuckles. "And I still have a Demon to help me out..."


    "It would seem the odds aren''t in our favor..." Turron said letting out a sigh. He opened his hand as the sword dropped down causing a splash. The man bent down wrapping an arm around Viper''s waist. "We shall retreat for now..."


    "Like hell, you will!" Dawson yelled out firing forward. Turro. switched his head as the water on the floor suddenly fired out hitting the Demon square in the chest and throwing him back.


    Turron turned holding the body of Viper as he jumped into the air. Then... He stopped. His body suddenly froze up as he remained standing in the air unmoving.


    "Wh-What the hell..." Turron grunted out. "I can''t move?"


    "No, you can''t..." Katrina said with a smirk on her face as she slowly walked forward. "It''s over fo you know..."


    Turron let out a grunt as he closed his eyes... Then suddenly a white Aura exploded around him. And with that, his body became free again as he shot through the air.


    "What!" Katrina said shocked. "You activated your Mantra! But how! You couldn''t clasp your hands together?"


    Turron stopped once he stood on a building as he turned looking down on the girl. "Oh... There is still so much to learn about Mantra..." He said simply as he turned away and ran off into the darkness.


    "Damn it!"


    "Do you want me to chase after him?" Dawson asked as his entire armor was pulled back into his body leaving him back in his normal fleshy human form.


    "No..." Katrina sighed out as she shook her head. "It''s too dangerous..."


    "What now?" Dawson asked.


    "Now. Now we head back to the city. We need to talk to Master Storm immediately... If things turn sour, we''ll need Jackson to help us to. I hate to do this, but we''ll probably have to hold off on training the new recruits. We may have to take them into battle if things get bad enough..."


    Dawson let out a sigh as he crossed his arms. "I''m sure they won''t mind too much. They probably hate all the boring missions Jackson has been having them do..."


    "Right... Well, for now, we should head back... I''m worried that Jackson might do to those kids if we leave them alone with him for more than a day..."

 Chapter 38 - Buying Time

    Age 1990


    Jackson let out a heavy sigh as he slid down the mountain and towards his really beat up recruits. "Hey, guys..." He called out waving. "How''d your fight go?"


    "We killed a Viscount..." Irene said simply letting out pained breaths.


    "A Viscount?" Jackson said in shock. "That is pretty incredible! When I was your age me and Dawson teaming up couldn''t take down a Viscount after being in the Enforcers for a year. You guys really are strong!" He stated smirking slightly.


    "I don''t feel strong..." Cloud sighed out. "Plus..." He reached down pulling his broken cane up. "My eyes are broken now..." He stated tossing his metal cane a few feet away from him. He gave a salty look as he crossed his arms.


    "Don''t worry... We can get you a new one." Jackson stated. "Now come on. I''m ready to head back. My body is freezing..." He stated shivering since he no longer had a jacket or shirt, after his big battle... "Besides. We saw that horde heading back to the Village. I''m sure it''ll be nothing but we should head back to look at it just in case. Plus I bet the three of them are bored out of their minds and just begging for us to return!"


    Meanwhile...


    "Oh, God! Please hurry up and get back Jackson!" Ken screamed out.


    "Man! It''s really amazing how not bored we are!" Hero shouted out.


    "We''re gonna die!" Kitsune cried out.


    ''Earl''s are said to be one of the most deadliest creatures for new recruits... Unlike Viscount and below Earl''s and every class above, all posses unique powers similar to the Attributes humans have. This is because like Humans they gain their abilities from the same source... The Equation of all living Life...''


    "Damn it..." Ken cursed out as she punched a hole through a house out of frustration. "We have to fight this thing! For real? Why? Why is that a thing!"


    "It appears that way..." Hero said nodding his head. "Well, it was nice knowing you guys! I hope you all wrote your wills... Emma is gonna be very happy when she sees what I left her."


    "We''re f.u.c.k.i.e.d..." Kitsune stated slowly. "Enforcers for less than a month and we die? God damn... We suck?"


    The Earl let out a massive roar scaring the three humans in front of it. The entire thing stood at nearly eighteen feet tall, was thirty feet long, and was nearly twelve feet wide. Its entire body sparkled as light came off of it. It was covered in several billions of these tiny, tiny, sparkly scales that caused the light to bend around it. It stood on four very powerful legs, with massive claws coming out of its paws... From its back, two several large spikes could be seen. The entire creature was massive yet slim... A yellow pair of eyes glowed from the creature as red electricity sparked from the monster''s mouth. A wave of power soared from the creature as it stomped forward.


    "So..." Hero stated calmly. "This is where it ends..."


    "Well I would say it was nice knowing you guys, but I am not a liar so..." Kitsune said equally as calm, now that he has accepted his fate.


    "Will you two idiots shut up!" Ken yelled out waving her arms around. "Jackson would have seen the horde heading towards us. He''s probably heading back right now as we speak! We just need to buy him some time so he can get here and help out. Besides. It''s just a single Bestia Macht? How strong could it really be?"


    "Well an Earl is supposed to be able to nuke a city in a matter of seconds and we are only in a village so... I don''t like our options..." Kitsune stated.


    "It doesn''t matter," Ken said pointing her sheathed blade at the massive monster. "Enforcers don''t get to choose their battles."


    "She''s right..." Hero said nodding. "We''re gonna have to hold this thing off... Let''s hope it isn''t too bad. Knock on wood..." He said knocking on one of the few buildings that were still standing.


    "Well, we''re about to find out because here it comes!" Kitsune shouted as the beast suddenly fired forward at a speed rivaled only by lightning.


    The three Enforcers only managed to dodge by the hairs of their teeth, just barely avoiding a large swipe from the beast! The paw of the monster easily split a large house stright in half, as all three of the recruits slid back as they got ready to battle the massive beast.


    Hero threw out a punch as he sucked in the air inflating his fist and causing it to bounce off of a wall and into the side of the monster. The beast simply ignored the strike as its paw shot out viscously backhanding Hero away, and across the village causing the teen to slam straight through several buildings as he rolled in a way that defied gravity as he flew back.


    Ken brought her sheathed blade down on top of the creature''s paw! The Earl didn''t seem to care about the weak attack as red energy crackled off of the girl. Ken let out a yell of pain as the energy took shape around her now beginning to look like red strings as it twisted around and threw her flying into the air.


    Kitsune threw out a powerful flamming punch but the creature twisted its body-slamming it''s tail into the boy''s side and hitting him so hard he was lifted off of the ground and chucked straight into the stone building, causing the entire building to shake. Kitsune fell off of the wall of the building as he hit the ground slumping down.


    "Is anyone else getting memories of Dawson..." Hero questioned as he weakly stood up and letting out a pained cough.


    "We''ve only just started fighting this thing and I already regret all my life choices..." Ken hissed out in pain.


    "Why did you guys get to crash into soft snow..." Kitsune coughed out as he was slumped up against the stone wall he had slammed into. "God... I think I broke every bone..." He said spitting up some blood. "I think I''m dying..."


    "Damn it..." Hero sighed out as he finally got back to his feet. "Maybe if we were all at full strength we might be able to at least fight it, but I can barely move my right arm..."


    "I know what you mean..." Ken said staring down at her hands. Both of them were shaking violently. "After using my Red-Flash, the force caused my hands to shake and they haven''t stopped..."


    "And I am just exhausted after using mine..." Kitsune said sighing out.


    All three of the Enforcers finally got back to their feet. The Earl let out a massive roar that shook the ground as its paw came out slamming straight into another building and knocking it over. By now most of the village was destroyed, with only a hand few of buildings even still standing... All the remaining civilians had either been knocked out in the first attack, or was currently in the chapel. Thankfully none were dead...


    The Earl let out another loud roar as it raised its fist up. Then for some unexplained bizarre reason, the monster suddenly started attacking the garden?


    The beast slammed both its paws down on the dirt ripped into it and pulling the vegetables out? It attacked all of the plants as if they were a threat to it?


    "Anyone know why it feels the need to slay the unnatural vegetables?" Kitsune questioned.


    "No clue..." Ken said.


    "I''ve stopped thinking about how weird everything is a while ago..." Hero said casually.


    "We need to end this thing now..." Ken yelled out. "Before anyone else gets hurt..."


    The three charged at the beast as they got ready to continue their attack. Hero jumped up slamming his foot down on the monster''s head, while Ken slammed her sword down the nose of the monster, Kitsune threw out another flamming punch, all three of their attacks bounced off of the monster harmlessly.


    It let out a massive roar that shook the village as it spun around at a rapid speed. Suddenly it balled up and began to rapidly spin. The small amount of light from the torches danced around its body as the light bent around the creature turning it invisible. The only thing viable was a bright flash of yellow and red.


    "That can''t be good!" Kitsune yelled out in shock.


    "Give us a break!" Ken yelled out. "A monster that can go invisible is not fair!"


    The ground was suddenly ripped apart as the creature seemed to roll across the village now as a massive spinning ball of invisible death. The thing rapidly spun around ripping through another building as the wind ripped around it. The only thing that could be seen was a red energy that crackled around it, and the ground that would be torn up.


    A powerful force suddenly slammed into Hero, and Ken as the two were thrown in a large circle hitting the floor and rolling back. The two let out loud yells of pain as they were slammed straight into the ground.


    The invisible spinning ball left a large trail as it suddenly circled around slamming straight into Kitsune now. The boy was swept up by a wind current which launched him nearly forty feet in the air as the boy spun mid-air falling towards the ground at a crazy speed. He hit the ground hard enough to actually sink through the snow...


    "We need to stop it from spinning!" Hero called out.


    "Really! Oh boy, we couldn''t think of that!" Ken said sarcastically as she stood up wobbling slightly from her injuries. "Now how about an actual plan..." She hissed out.


    "Well... I do have an idea." Hero said. "I can try to stop it with my Big-Arm-Strike since that attack is bigger, and has more power than my Monster-Arm attack. When it stops you and Kitsune need to hit it as hard as you can taking it out in one shot." He stated. "The only problem is..."


    "Is?" Ken questioned as she watched the ground be torn apart from an invisible ball of spinning death.


    "Well, I haven''t really adjusted very well to expanding and compressing at the same time. When I did it on my right arm I completely ripped apart every muscle in my arm..." Hero stated. "You guys will only have one shot, okay?"


    "Here that Fox boy?" Ken questioned as she brought her sword up. "Don''t miss..."


    "I was just about to tell you the same thing..." Kitsune said smirking slightly.


    "Well get ready because here it comes!" Hero yelled out as the spinning ball got closer, and closer to them. Hero brought his left arm back as he charged forward as fast as he could. ''I need to watch the snow!'' Hero thought as he ran. ''It leaves a large mark in the ground as it charges...'' Hero''s silver eyes lit up as he spotted the wave of torn-up ground that came at him. ''Now!'' Hero jumped into the air pulling his left arm back. He sucked in the air as his arm grew. It bloated up as he suddenly condensed it down. Then! "Big-Arm-Strike!" Hero announced throwing out his now bus-sized fist as hard as he could towards the monster.


    ''Boom!''


    A massive sonic boom exploded out as Hero''s fist slammed into the Earl clashing with it as a sound wave around them popped. The shimmering light exploded around the Earl as the two clashed. A wave of air surrounded both of them as the sound barrier popped. The Earl let out a loud yell as Hero''s massive hand closed around the Earl as he simply grabbed the monster wrapping his hand around them. He used all of his power slamming the monster straight into the ground as his arm shrunk back and the force was strong enough to throw Hero into the air sending him flying back.


    "Now!" Hero screamed out as he was blown away.


    "Red-Flash!" Ken yelled out slamming her blade down as a massive red slash of energy fired out towards the beast ripping the air.


    Kitsune brought both his hands up as an orange ball of light fired out. "Foxes-Flare!" He shouted out as a massive beam of fire exploded out of his hands!


    The two attacks met creating a massive shock wave that caused every building that wasn''t made of stone to fly into the air. So basically all but one...


    A dust cloud of snow exploded up into the air reaching up to a hundred feet in height as a massive tornado of wind was created.


    The Earl let out a massive howl of pain as the two attacks washed over it! The red energy cut into it and the beam of fire burned it.


    Hero hit the ground, breaking out into a roll as he slammed into the stone building so hard he left a massive crack in the building. "Ouch..." He hissed slightly as he jumped back up to his feet. Both his left, and right arm dangled at his side uselessly. "I am in so much pain..." He sighed out.


    "Yeah... I can''t do that again." Kitsune sighed out as he fell to his knees. "That was the last of my energy..." He stated as the flames around him suddenly vanished. "My whole body feels like jelly."


    "I know what you mean." Ken gasped out stabbing her sword into the ground. Her hands were shaking badly now. Vibrations rang through them both as she hissed out. "I feel like if I let go I''ll fall over... The entire world is spinning... Let''s not do that again..." She said as her eyes became a swirl and she wobbled.


    "It seems like our attack worked at least..." Kitsune stated. "Good thing too since I don''t think any of us could have-"


    ''Smack!''


    The Earl''s tail flew through the air smashing into Kitsune and throwing the boy back. The Earl let out a massive roar as blood-soaked down its body. It was blistered and burnt and looked pissed. Extremely pissed...


    The Earl charged forward jumping through the air and towards Hero. The teen raised his eyes as the beast flew through the air and towards him...


    Hero felt a force tackle him to the ground as Maudite suddenly appeared knocking him to the ground as she pushed her self down causing the monster to fly over the two of then.


    "Maudite! What are you doing here?" Hero questioned?


    "Saving you!" The girl screamed out in a panic as fear shinned in her eyes.


    The Earl crashed into the stone building shaking it as it turned its body. It let out a massive roar as it stared at the two. Then faster than either of them could react it slammed its fist down on top of the two humans.


    Hero screamed out in pain as Maudite stared in shock. Hero stood in front of the twelve-year-old girl holding both his useless and broken arms out as the monster slammed into him. His knees buckled as he almost fell over but caught himself. The monster hit him again causing him to buckled back and knock Maudite to the ground. Hero fell over the girl onto his knees and tried to hold himself up with his arms as he continued to shield her with his body.


    "Hero! Maudite!" Ken screamed out as she watched the monster pound her two friends into the ground over and over again. Every hit caused Hero to scream out but he refused to move still shielding Maudite.


    "Damn it..." Kitsune coughed out as he tried to get to his feet. "We need to stop it..." He raised his hands up trying to start his Attribute, but nothing happened. He collapsed down to his knees as he grabbed his side. "I... I can''t anymore. I''m all out of energy." He gasped out as his tails, and ears vanished. "I can barely stay conscious..."


    Ken raised her weapon but slipped forward falling down. "I... I can''t stand up..." She gasped out as she tried her best to get to her feet. Her entire body was shaking and the world looked like it was in a constant motion.


    The Earl let out a loud yell as it raised its fist up and dropped it back down onto the two teens who screamed out in pain once again as Hero was slammed down into Maudite hurting the girl. The Earl lifted its fist for the third time as it let out a loud ear-splitting growl.


    Hero pulled his body over the girl again as he raised himself up above her shielding her from each strike. Hero let out a yell of pain as the fist slammed straight into his back. His knees bucked slightly but he managed to jump back to his feet. "Ma-Maudite! You- You need to run while he''s focused on-" Hero let out another yell as he feet sunk into the snow. Sweat dripped down bis face as his jacket was completely torn in half from nehind him.


    "Hero..." Kitsune gasped out as he managed to force himself up into a standing position once more. He slipped slightly as he picked up a wooden board. "Hold on..." He gasped out. The tail of the monster shot out backtailing Kitsune away as it didn''t even bother turning to look at the boy.


    Hero let out a gasp as he was hit hard enough to break his legs as his entire ankle snapped in half and he was actually pushed into the ground. "Maudite..." He hissed out as he almost slipped. "You need to run-"


    "No!" Maudite shouted. "I won''t let you kill yourself because of me!" She cried out. "Hero... You have friends who care about you! So I won''t let you just throw your life away for my sake!"


    "It''s better than us both dying!" Hero gasped out. The monster slammed a hand down on him again as he let out a loud pained yell. ''I need to do something-'' Hero''s eyes widened as he remembered something...


    ''If you are ever in danger and for whatever reason, you don''t think Jackson will be able to come save you guys pull out that box and hit the button...'' That was what Dawson had said...


    ''Damn it!'' Hero thought as the hand slammed into his back once again. ''My arms... They are way to messed up to reach for the box!''


    The Earl seemed to let out what sounded like a loud laugh as it raised its fist up once again. It pointed a clawed finger out preparing to end Hero once and for all. The Earl let out a loud yell as it laughed.


    Then suddenly before anyone could react a massive ball of blue energy suddenly slammed straight into the Earl hitting it so hard it was lifted off of the ground and thrown back.


    Jackson crashed into the ground as he stabbed his sword into the ground. "Don''t worry..." Jackson stated turning to Hero and Maudite who both stared up at him as if he was something amazing. "I''m here."

 Chapter 39 - A Break

    Age 1990


    Hero stared in shock as Jackson ripped his greatsword out of the ground. The Vice-Captain was covered in blood, and snow, and most of his clothing was turned into ribbons but at that moment Hero knew he was completely safe.


    "Sorry, I''m late..." Jackson stated smiling slightly as he turned to look at the Earl that was just now getting back up. "I had to carry both of them..." He stated pointing a thumb over his shoulder.


    "Cloud! North!" Hero said smiling slightly when he saw the two. The two teens weakly waved at him. They both looked pretty beat up, but compared to what Ken, Hero, and Kitsune, had to go through they actually looked like they could still fight.


    "Hero..." Maudite said sitting up. "We need to leave..." She said slowly as she let out a sniffle.


    "Believe me. I''d love to move... But I kind of can''t!" Hero said letting out a sheepish laugh.


    "What do you?" Maudite stopped as she looked Hero up and down. The boy''s shirt, and jacket had been nearly completely destroyed from the back end. From the front, it looked perfectly fine but in the back, there was a massive hole from where he had been punched. His back was visible from the hole showing off how bruised and battered it was. His entire back was a sickly shade of purple. Both his arms hung from his side uselessly. They were both unbelievable skinny and looked so frail... Clearly a side effect from him pushing his body to far. Finally was his legs... They couldn''t be seen. Or at least most of them couldn''t. It seemed as if the monster had quite literally beat him into the ground as his legs weren''t visible. His torso just stuck out of the ground. "Oh, Hero... You''re like this because of me..." Maudite said sniffling slightly. "I''m so sorry..." She cried out grabbig onto him as she sobbed.


    "Yeah... I''m kind of stuck here..." Hero said laughing again as he gave a sheepish smile. "I can''t even move my pinky, or my toes anymore..."


    "Looks like that Earl got you pretty good..." Jackson said smiling slightly as he pointed his blade at the beast. "Well just sit back young Hero... I''ll end this thing quick then get all of you inside!" He announced. "I''m going all out on this thing... I''ll teach it a lesson for picking on all of you. Just as soon as I thank it for beating the shit out of Kitsune!"


    "Mr. Storm..." Kitsune cried out mustering a smile when he saw the man. "You came back to save us..."


    "Oh thank God..." Ken said breaking out into a coughing fit as she collapsed to her knees. "I think I''m done fighting... At least for now." She said completely falling unconscious as her eyes rolled back.


    "This thing looks kind of dangerous..." Jackson said nodding slightly. "Unlike the Earl, I fought earlier this thing is clearly an a.d.u.l.t, that is all grown up... No matter... At the end of the day, an Earl is still an Earl!" Jackson threw his greatsword into the air as he slammed both his hands together. Then suddenly a white aura exploded around him like white flames.


    Hero''s eyes widened as he recognized that. ''That''s... That''s what Max did!'' Hero thought with wide shocked eyes. ''What is that!''


    The Earl let out a loud roar as Jackson reached out catching his greatsword. His electric blue eyes stared at the beast as his entire sword glowed a bright white. "Pero..." Jackson said quietly. Then suddenly his entire sword lit up as a bright white aura covered it and his body. It seemed to bend the air around it, as whatever Jackson did, it was strong enough to physically mess with the fabric of friction, and reality, bending space itself, even if it was only by a small amount.


    Then suddenly Jackson was gone? In a massive crackle of lightning Jackson suddenly appeared behind the monster. Jackson gave a slight smile as he threw his blade into the air. The glowing around him stopped as his blade went back to normal losing the silver color around it.


    Then finally Jackson spoke saying only two very simple words...


    "I win." He stated in an extremely serious, extremely calm voice... "Fall A Part..."


    There was a brief flicker of silver light as the Earl''s eyes slowly widened. Several hundreds of tiny white lines appeared all across its body... Then suddenly it fell apart...


    It just fell apart! Like one second it was standing perfectly calm and still. The next, chunks of it just started coming off of it!?


    "That was badass..." Hero said with wide eyes staring at the many, many parts of the monsters. "I wanna do that..." He muttured out as Muadite still held onto him crying.


    "Hmm... That''s just like a Vice-Captain, and a Noble!" Kitsune stated nodding his head slightly. "Of course he would be capable of obliterating an Earl the moment he got serious! On another note why is the ground getting closer-"


    ''Smack!''


    Kitsune collapsed on the ground completely unconscious.


    "Huh..." Hero said in surprise. "Guess I''m the last one to fall unconscious... You know it is funny... I don''t even feel any pain- Oh... Wait... Now I''m feeling it. Oww..."


    Jackson gave a smirk as he caught his sword placing it back on his back. "Well, that takes care of that..." He announced cheerfully.


    "Enforcer!" A loud voice angry, gruff, voice announced out.


    Everyone turned to see father Darvin marching towards them, with a fire in his eyes as he openly glared at Jackson. Maudite instantly froze up as she hid behind Hero using the boy as a barrier between her and the old man.


    "Yo father-"


    "You utter bastard!" The man yelled out swinging his cane up and smacking Jackson over the head with it. "Look at what your group has done!" He shouted out. He waved his arms around and for the first time the Enforcers really took in the state of the damage... Everything but the stone building was destroyed... Just rubble everywhere... "My Villiage is gone! half the citizens are injured! We''ve lost all our vegetables! And worse yet you are hanging out with that girl!" He shouted pointing at Maudite.


    "Hey! Leave her alone!" Hero barked out. "Maudite hasn''t done anything wrong!"


    "She''s a witch! She cursed us! I just know it! She''s the one letting the monsters come here!"


    "You keep saying she is a witch?" Jackson pointed out. "But you never gave us a valid reason."


    "Her parents were psychotic!" Darvin screamed out. "I never should have offered to take care of their daughter! I should have just let her die with her parents..." He growled out through gritted teeth. "All of this is because of her bloodline..."


    Maudite broke down as she fell to her knees crying once again. Cloud reached out placing a hand on the girl''s shoulder as he walked her away from the crazy old man.


    "Dude she''s like twelve..." Hero said giving the father a deadpan stare.


    "Look!" Jackson said holding his hands up. "We can talk about this all later. Right now we need to get inside and rest!"


    "Rest! Rest! You haven''t even done the one thing I asked you to do yet!" The screamed. "The nest is still there!"


    "How do you know that?"


    "I... Umm... Well... Uhh... You see. Hey your recruit looks like he is in a lot of pain!"


    "Huh..." Hero said slowly. "You know. Now that I am just sitting here... I think the pain is getting worse? Yep... It is definitely getting worse. Huh?" Hero suddenly fell forward breaking out into a coughing fit as his entire skull felt as if it would burst. He screamed out as his head hit the snow as he slammed it down in pain.


    "Hero!" Irene shouted running over to his side again. "Damn it... He''s running a fever again! Oww!" She shouted pulling her hand back as smoke began to come off of her hand.


    Hero screamed in pain as his eyes almost seemed to glow for a brief second. He tried to breathe but found himself unable to do so when a white liquid began to bubble out of his throat causing him to gasp. ''I told you not to try and go past me...'' A voice screamed out in Hero''s head. For a brief moment, the boy thought he saw a Lab coat? ''It would seem you grew in power way to fast... If I allow your body to heal you could become more accustomed to using Jane''s Attrubuite and I can not allow that... As per Doctor Hydes orders, I will end you before you can begin to pose a threat to the-''


    Maudite reached out placing a hand on Hero''s head. Her entire body glowed a bright blue as she closed her eyes. Then suddenly a red aura exploded out of her. The red aura took shape around her body becoming what looked like a suit of armor around her, but they were still made out of the aura. It was a strange sight? Maudite''s blue eyes, and blue high lights changed both becoming red as a slightly sinister smirk seemed to appear on her face.


    "This might hurt... A lot..." She announced smirking slightly as she stared down at Hero.


    "What?"


    A red aura surrounded Hero''s body as his eyes flashed red. ''What!'' The voice of the Lab Coat screamed out. ''No! Wait!''


    "Yes!" Maudite said confusing everyone but Hero as they were unable to hear the coats voice. "Lockdown level ten." She announced out.


    Then suddenly the red light was gone. Maudite fell forward as her hair and eyes both turned back to a blue. The aura around her vanished as she reached out catching herself.


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    "...Okay, so I''m not the only one who has no idea what the hell just happened right?" Irene questioned out in complete and utter confusion. ''What the hell was any of that?" She yelled out throwing her arms up.


    "I have no God Damn clue what that was..." Jackson said with wide eyes.


    Hero fell forward as he suddenly began to throw up. He coughed out as a white liquid dripped from his mouth. But it seemed he was able to breathe again as he took several gasps of breath. Steam seemed to start coming off of his body as he let out a satisfied sigh. "Wow... I feel so much better..."


    "I sealed whoever the hell that was in your mind away..." Maudite said quietly. "I wasn''t able to beat him though, so whatever that thing is doing to your mind it won''t be able to keep doing it but, everything else it has already done will remain the same until you beat it yourself."


    "How the hell do I do that?" Hero questioned.


    "I have no idea..." The twelve-year-old girl said shrugging. "You should defiantly see a therapist..."


    "Okay! What was that!" Jackson questioned turning to Maudite? "You. Explain?"


    "There is something inside of Hero''s head that is messing with him and doing various things," Maudite stated. "I saw it when I was in his head while he was in a comma... Or rather the other me saw it and explained it to me. I don''t know what it is exactly, but it is apparently something that is holding him back... Maybe? I don''t really know?"


    ''My memories... And the reason I can use only one Attribute at a time...'' Hero realized with wide eyes. ''I bet that''s also the reason why I am so bad at using my powers... That''s also why Grandpa didn''t train me properly... He had no idea I was being held back like this?''


    "What was that red light?" Jackson questioned.


    "That was me letting my other side out..." Maudite stated slightly ashamed. "I usually don''t want to as she is very powerful and dangerous but I didn''t have much of a choice there... Thankfully if I only let her out for a few seconds it''s pretty easy to pull her back in but if I leave her out for any longer than it gets harder and harder..."


    "Okay..." Cloud said nodding slightly. "What''s the thing inside Hero''s mind?" He questioned.


    "You''ll have to ask him..."


    Everyone turned to Hero...


    "I''ll let you know when I figure it out..." Hero said quietly as he slumped down. "I need a nap..."


    "I think we could all use a break..." Jackson said. "Look. Father Darvin. I get that you are mad at us but just let us use the stone building thingy over there as a place to sleep and rest up at for the night. You have my word that tomorrow we will finish dealing with the nest, and when I get back home I will personally pay for any of the damages done to your village and will also higher drones to protect your village."


    Father Darvin let out a large sigh as he banged the ground with his staff. "Very well but..." He slowly pointed over to where Maudite was. "...She will not be allowed in the same room as any of the villagers. She must stay in the bas.e.m.e.nt."


    "Fine..." Jackson said crossing his arms. "We''ll be joining her down there..."


    "Of course you will..." The Father said sighing out.


    One hour later...


    "Ouch..." Ken said hissing slightly.


    "I''m sorry!" Maudite yelled out bowing down.


    "What! No! Don''t be! It just took me by surprise was all..." Ken said letting out a slight laugh.


    Currently, the group were all sitting down in the bas.e.m.e.nt of the stone building. All of them were covered in M-gel... They had all gotten to rest up for a slight bit and during that time Ken had woken up. Currently, Maudite was off in the corner attempting to heal the girl of most of her injuries.


    "I''m sorry..." Maudite said again bowing once more. "It''s just that I''m not really good with using my Attribute and I am pretty bad at healing with it in general, and well your entire body is messed up from a lack of nourishment so it keeps trying to fix that..."


    Ken blushed slightly as she crossed her arms over her chest. "You know I''m malnourished..." Ken said embarrassed.


    "My Attribute told me... You lost a lot of protein and nutrition from your last battle..." Maudite stated nodding her head. "Due to how severely messed up your body is it keeps trying to heal that first."


    "My body isn''t that messed up..." Ken muttered out.


    "I''m sorry! I didn''t mean to offend you!" Maudite said again bowing for the third time. She seemed to like bowing?


    "I guess it''s fine..." Ken said cutely folding her arms and turning her head.


    "How''s your arms Hero?" Jackson questioned.


    "I can move them again." Hero said opening and closing his hands. "And my leg has healed. I''m basically back to 100%!"


    "Must be nice..." Kitsune grumbled as Maudite placed her hand on the boy''s shoulder. There was a loud crackle of blue energy, before suddenly a mini-explosion went off throwing Kitsune straight into the wall! "...We have to rely on Ms. Boom, to heal us..." He muttered out as he slid down the wall.


    "I''m sorry!"


    "So what''s our game plan?" Cloud asked suddenly as he turned to Jackson. "The Nest, I mean..."


    "Oh, that''s right," Ken said folding her arms as she nodded her head. "How did the Nest go?"


    Jackson let out a slight sigh. "There''s definitely a Nest out there," Jackson stated. "And we have some other problems..."


    "What?"


    "Apparently there are some guys out there bombing the Nest or something," Cloud said shrugging. "I dunno though? I didn''t see anything though?"


    "So we need to stop these guys right?" Kitsune said simply.


    "That''s right," Jackson stated. "Tomorrow we are gone a finish this mission. We''re going to find out what''s going on, then we''re leaving and never coming back!"

 Chapter 40 - Sad Memories

    Age 1990


    "Hey. What''s up?" Hero asked casually as he plopped down in the seat next to Maudite.


    Currently, everyone else was either outside, for some random reason, or they were asleep down in the bas.e.m.e.nt since that was the best father Darvin had given them.


    "Not a lot..." Maudite admitted as she let out a sigh. "I was just thinking..."


    "About what?" Hero asked curiously as he folded his arms behind his head in a very casual and chill manner


    "Well..." Maudite said as she blushed slightly from embarrassment. "Just about life, and stuff I guess... I''ve lived in this village for as long as I can remember... Everyday I tried to do my very best... At first I did it because I thought it was right. That me doing good, was in return good. But over the years, everyone calling me a witch eventually got to me... Pretty soon I found that I didn''t care about them... I only helped out to get stuff in return... It was so wrong, and just bad?"


    "I don''t think it is wrong? It certainly isn''t bad?" Hero said shrugging.


    "What? Why not?"


    "Well..." The sixteen-year-old boy said as he gave a bit of a shrug. "How do I explain it... You''re a pretty young girl since you are only twelve years old... And well, honestly I still don''t know a lot about the world myself, but what I do know is that sometimes, people will do good things for themselves... And that isn''t wrong, at least I don''t think it is? It can be hard to try and be a hero for others, but it''s easier if you are doing it for yourself. Does that make any sense?" Hero asked curiously.


    "Not really..."


    "Ahh well... You''re a twelve-year-old girl, and that was freaking deep..." Hero said as he reached out and messed with the girl''s hair causing her to let out a giggle at his antics. "The point I was getting at, is that you shouldn''t feel bad that you are doing good things for yourself. After all even if you''re doing it for yourself, it still helps others out right? Sometimes people just need a bad reason to do good..."


    "If you say so?" Maudite said shrugging herself. "You''re very smart Mr. Hero..."


    "You think so?" Hero said slightly surprised. He let out a sheepish laugh as he scratched his head. "I don''t really think so? I mean I barely know anything? I don''t even know how to really fight, and that is my job? I mean I can throw a punch but I am a total amateur..."


    "I think you are very strong!" Maudite stated. "You... You protected me from that Bestia Macht after all... Thanks for that by the way..."


    "That''s what an Enforcer does." Hero said nodding his head. "The truth is. Before I became an Enforcer I actually used to think that I was the absolute strongest person. Or more really the second strongest person. I trained with my grandpa every day, but he was a really bad teacher, and we had some conflicting interest..." Hero said reaching into his pocket and pulling out a coin. He began to absentmindedly play with it as he shrugged once more. "Now that I think about it... He was a pretty terrible guardian."


    "Do you hate your grandfather?"


    Hero took an intake of breath as he stopped playing with the coin. His silver eyes filled with several conflicting emotions as he thought of a response. "Hates a strong word... Loves a stronger word... I guess you could say I trust him?" He said vaguely.


    "It must be nice..." Maudite said slowly. "Father Darvin wasn''t an ideal parental figure... Still, though, he tried his best at first... I think it was the whole town turning on me that got to him..."


    "Why does the town call you a witch?" Hero asked.


    "It is because of my Attribute," Maudite said in a slightly ashamed manner as she stared down at the ground. "You see my body projects an energy. This energy isn''t actually made out of anything and doesn''t actually exist. Rather it is a metaphysical source that can bend, and reshape reality to a small extent allowing me to perform feats... The problem is that it often causes chaotic feats, and since I can''t control it or turn it off I bring bad luck..." She said slowly as she stared at the ground bummed out. "That is why the village hates me... The only person who ever cared about me was father Darvin... But... But I hurt him..." She let out a sniffle as she tried not to cry.


    Hero reached out placing a hand on the girl''s shoulder. "It''s okay. I''m sure you could get the hang of it, if you trained... Hey. You should join the Enforcers!"


    "What! Why would I do that!"


    "For a lot of reasons!" Hero said happily. "You could train, get stronger, learn cool stuff, meet new people, get out of this village, fight awesome monsters, and you could get to be a hero!"


    "A hero..." Maudite said slowly as her eyes became glassy slightly. "There was a time..." She said slowly. "You see..."


    Age 1986


    An eight year old Maudite marched forward as she dragged the large metal object behind her. The object stabbed into the ground behind her and dragged the show forward with her as she walked. The metallic object had a long piece of rope attached to it that she currently held using it to drag the object.


    The young girl let out a gasp as she slipped forward falling into the snow. "Oww..." She groaned out.


    "Maudite!" A worried elderly voice called out. The young girl turned to see Father Darvin marching towards her. The old man looked down at her before turning to look at the field. "What in the Lights gaze, are you doing?" The old man asked in a panic.


    "I was plowing the snow so you could plant more vegetables..." Maudite said shyly as she shrunk away from him. "I wanted to earn my keep..."


    "Earn your keep..." Father Darvin let out a sigh. "Maudite... How many times must I tell you. If you want to work, you should start off small."


    "I know but I don''t like that boring stuff... You told me my father was a good man... I want to be like him."


    "Your father was a great man. If not for him I wouldn''t allow you to sleep in the bas.e.m.e.nt of my chapel." Father Darvin said nodding his head. "However, he convinced me. Even a rusty tool, can be useful sometimes. With that in mind Maudite. I want you to start working some of the easier shifts. They are easier and so I get a better reason for getting mad at you when you fail them..."


    "But I want to help out with the important stuff-"


    "Enough." Father Darvin said in a stern voice causing the girl to flinch. The old man let out a heavy sigh as he crouched down. "Maudite... You are an outsider... By all accounts, you do not deserve to live in this village. If not for your parent''s last wish, and them helping my village I would have left you out in the snow to freeze to death when you were a baby-"


    "HOLD UP!"


    Age 1990


    Hero held his hands up stopping the young girl from continuing. "I''m sorry... But you said, Father Darvin treated you better than the others?"


    "He does."


    "Oh my God, that''s depressing..." Hero said shaking his head. "What an asshole..."


    "Is that not how you are supposed to be treated..." Maudite asked.


    "No! Well... Actually... Come to think of it, I don''t know? Does he try to perform experiments, on your body, adding onto you, in hopes of turning you into the perfect life form, even if they can result in your death?"


    "Umm... No?"


    "Okay. Then yeah it''s not normal."


    "What?"


    Hero let out a slight sigh as he shook his head. "Well... I guess its decided."


    "What is?"


    "I don''t have the saddest childhood anymore." Hero stated as he patted the young girl on the head. "You are very brave Maudite... To have to go through what you did for twelve years of your life, and still be able to smile... I am very proud of you... I know I''m not the same..." He said. "I think that you should start training to become an Enforcer..." Hero said trailing off. "You have an extremely powerful ability, and with some practice, you could become very powerful. Stronger than me even..."


    "You really think I could be an Enforcer?"


    "I know it..." Hero said nodding his head. "You could become a great hero!"


    "A hero..." Maudite said again going starry-eyed. "Why did you join the Enforcers Mr. Hero?"


    Hero gave a slight shrug. "A lot of really cool, and complicated stuff."


    "Can you give me an actual reason..."


    Hero opened his mouth to say something but quickly closed it. He went silent as he went deep into thought. "Well-" He said slowly as a memory passed through him...


    A six-year-old Hero jumped up into the air as he posed slightly. He wore two hospital gowns. One was used as his actual clothing. The second one was tied around his neck and being used as a makeshift cape.


    "I''ll save you!" The child Hero announced out to a woman who sat in the chair across from him. His green eyes shined brightly.


    She was an older woman in her twenties. She had long silky black hair, and tired green eyes. She also wore a hospital gown. The woman gave a tired smile. "Sorry, sweety... Not today. Mommy is too tired..."


    Hero shook his head as the memory ended. "-There was someone in my life..." He said slowly as he looked down at the ground. "I failed to save them... Later on, I meet someone else..." The image of a young eight-year-old girl with silver hair, and silver eyes appear in his mind. Hero''s silver eyes seem to gleam when he thought of her. "I didn''t save them either. So I guess in a way you could say I joined the Enforcers to try and save someone?" Hero said giving a sheepish smile.


    Maudite gave a sad frown as she reached out hugging Hero slightly. "You saved me... So you haven''t failed."


    "I guess your right." Hero said smirking slightly. "Guess that means you are the first person I ever saved!" He announced triumphantly.


    Maudite let out a slight giggle. "Thank you for saving me..."


    "Thank you for letting me..."

 Chapter 41 - The Foxes Past

    Age 1990


    "Okay, father. Let''s talk." Jackson said crossing his arms. He stood in front of Father Darvin, the two of them in the man''s room now. Down below in the bas.e.m.e.nt his recruits would have been sleeping by now. Or at least they should be? He had a sneaking suspicion that they probably weren''t...


    "What is it now..." Father Darvin asked letting out a sigh. "I need to figure out how to fix all this damage your group caused."


    "Look. I already told you I would pay for the repairs after the mission." Jackson stated. "But. I do need to ask you. Why the hell is there a group on the mountainside bombing the nest? Also! Why didn''t you tell me about that!"


    "What are you talking about?"


    "The group. You know. The one dropping Shimmer Stars!"


    "What''s the hell is a Shimmer Star?"


    Jackson let out a bit of a sigh. "I''m guessing that group isn''t a part of the village than..."


    "What group!"


    "I found a group, when I headed to the Nest. Apparently, they are bombing the Nest which is very likely what is pissing off the Bestia Macht''s. My guess is that the monster don''t know what''s happening but have it in their heads that this village is responsible so they are attacking you guys."


    "So it''s their fault!"


    "Yes. Meaning you can stop blaming Maudite now." Jackson said narrowing his eyes. "But I do have a few thoughts... Namely why the hell they are even bombing the nest?"


    "Well, I don''t... Unless... Oh... Oh No... Don''t tell me..." Father Darvin stood up suddenly as he began to rummage through his desk. "I need to go!" He announced running out the door.


    "Hey wait a minute! What got you so worked up?" Jackson waited but the man never responded instead leaving the stone building a seemingly running into the night. "What the hell is wrong with this crazy place..." He sighed as he shook his head.


    Meanwhile outside...


    "Yo Nerd. Why the hell are you sitting out here?" Hero questioned as he plopped down in the snow next to Kitsune Nine...


    Kitsune let out a slight sigh as he gave a small shrug. His flaming orange eyes simply stared out at the landscape in front of him... The two boys were currently outside of the stone building, the rest of the group was still inside asleep.


    "You know... This is the part where you are supposed to answer?"


    "Alright!" Kitsune said rolling his eyes. "I came outside to be alone!"


    "Oh... Okay. I''ll go back inside than-"


    "No! I mean... Stay. Please. I could use the company."


    Hero gave a half-hearted shrug as he sat back down. "So... What''s on your mind rich boy?"


    Kitsune let out another sigh. "Does it really matter?"


    "I dunno?"


    "I''m just... Thinking about life I guess..." Kitsune said laying down now and staring up at the black sky above them. "It''s all just so... You know... Weird? I mean a month ago I was living in a massive mansion having whatever I wanted happen instantly and now here I am out in the middle of a nowhere village that we accidentally screwed up in our fight... Things escalate really quickly don''t they..."


    "I know what you mean..." Hero said laying back as well as he placed his arms under his head. "Two months ago I lived with my grandpa. Then I left and decided to try and find myself out in the world..." He said simply as he raised a hand to the sky. His silver eyes stared into the black void above. "It''s been fun though... Getting to meet so many new people... Getting to meet you guys..."


    Kitsune gave a slight smile as he shrugged his shoulders. "Why... Why did you join the Enforcers exactly?"


    "Well... I didn''t really have one reason? I wanted to get stronger, I thought it would be cool, I wanted to meet and thank the Enforcer who saved me, and... And I wanted to save someone... I don''t know who she is, where she is, or even if she is still alive, but there''s a girl I want to save... Until then I decided I''ll just save everyone else until I find her..."


    "So a typical heroes backstory huh?" Kitsune said letting out a slight laugh. "A lot of the Enforcers in my book all have similar backstories. Heroes are just super popular I guess..."


    "It''d be cool to end up in that book!"


    "Yeah... It would."


    "So why''d you join?"


    "Huh?"


    Hero jumped up to his feet as he looked down at Kitsune. "Why''d you join the Enforcers?" He questioned curiously. "I mean you''re a massive fanboy of them right? What made you such a fan?"


    Kitsune went quiet as his eyes darted away from Hero''s and up towards the sky... "My brother..." He finally said.


    Age 1984


    "Big Brother Jin!" A ten-year-old Kitsune yelled out as he ran through the halls of his mansion. "Big Brother!" In front of the hyper ten years old, he could see his brother.


    Jin turned around to see his brother running towards him. Kitsune instantly stopped the moment he saw his brother. Kitsune''s eyes widened in confusion as he stared up at his older brother.


    "Jin?" Kitsune questioned in confusion.


    "Ahh... Kitsune..." Jin said giving a slight smile. To his brother. Only something was wrong... Jin was a twenty-year-old man but the smile he gave wasn''t the smile of a man. It was fake. His orange eyes stared numbly out at the world. His skin had become a sickly pale, and he looked utterly exhausted. "How is my little brother..." Jin questioned as he reached out patting his brother on the head.


    Kitsune flinched slightly as he stared up at Jin in confusion. "Jin... What''s wrong?" He asked.


    "Oh... It is nothing..." Jin said letting out an obviously fake laugh. "I''m just tired is all... Tell you what... I actually have something for you..."


    "For me?"


    "That''s right..." Jin said giving another fake smile. He crouched down to look at his little brother as he reached into his bag. He pulled out a book. "My Captain gave this to me..." Jin said simply as he handed it over to Kitsune. "It''s a book about the many Enforcers... I want you to have it..." Jin said as he flipped through a page. "See that man..." He said pointing down at a picture of a twenty-five-year-old man with blue hair and blue eyes. "That''s Kujiro Kirozaki. He''s my Captain. The Captain of Squad Seven. And..." Jin turned the page over. "Look who else is in this book..." Jin said, for the first time his voice took an emotion. It took on some pride as he showed his little brother a page in the book.


    "It''s you!" Kitsune said excitedly.


    "That''s right..." Jin said nodding slightly. "I''m the current Vice-Captain of squad Seven..." Jin said giving a weak smile. "Inside this book is the data of every current Vice-Captain, and Captain of every squad that currently exist, as well as any squad Captain, and Vice-Captain that came before... It also has a few other notable Enforcers such as Jackson Storm... A rookie who has a lot of talent..."


    "Who''s this?" Kitsune questioned turning the page over to a man with messy black hair and fiery red eyes.


    Jin''s eyes took on a lighter tone as he stared down at the picture. "That''s Ji¨¤n Zh¨© F¨´..." Jin stated quietly. "The previous Squad Six Captain from eight years ago... He, unfortunately, passed away, along with his wife, and his daughter in the city of Dandelion... Supposedly a group of Bestia Macht stormed the city killing nearly everyone..." He said bummed out majorly now.


    "Oh..." Kitsune said awkwardly.


    "I never knew Ji¨¤n, but I hope to someday be a brave and powerful Enforcer like him..." Jin stated nodding his head. "Anyways... I should go... Grandpa wants me-"


    "Jin!" A loud elderly voice called out. Both the boys flinched as they turned around finding an old man marching towards them. His fiery orange eyes seemed to light up with fury as his grey and withered hair fell down his face. "I asked to speak with you an hour ago- You..." His eyes narrowed as he locked onto Kitsune. "Distracting Jin from his training are you! How dare you! Jin is the greatest Nine that has ever lived you have no right to!" The old man yelled out raising his fist up.


    Kitsune squeezed his eyes as the fist flew towards him. He waited for it to hit him but it never came. When he opened his eyes he saw his grandfather madder than he had ever seen him before. Jin''s hand was up holding the old man''s wrist as orange eyes met orange eyes.


    "Sorry, Grandpa..." Jin said quietly his voice coming out almost like a hiss. "It is my fault I am late... Shall we leave..."


    The old man gritted his teeth as he ripped his arm out of Jin''s grasp. He turned on his hills as he marched away grinding his teeth in anger.


    "I''m afraid we will have to continue this conversation another time little brother..." Jin said sadly as he turned away. "I hope we meet again soon..." He stated quietly.


    "Me... Me too..." Kitsune said equally as quietly...


    Present Day


    Age 1990


    "My brother used to always tell me stories about the Enforcers..." Kitsune stated as he gave a slight smile. "He was so brave... He constantly got stronger for my sake... He was a really cool guy..."


    "What... What happened to him..." Hero questioned curiously.


    "He went missing..." Kitsune stated. "Three years ago... Him and his squad were held up in Dandelion city... It was attacked by a massive wave of Bestia Macht... Too big for a single squad to handle... Jin... Jin who at the time was the Captain stayed behind and bought his Squad as well as the Civilian''s time to escape. The last known report of him was him throwing his communication device to the wind as he charged into battle against the horde..." Kitsune gave a slight smile as he shrugged. "He was a hero... That''s why... That''s why when I see him again I''ll tell him how proud I am of him!" He announced out.


    "I see..." Hero said nodding. "Kitsune. Let''s get stronger." He stated suddenly.


    "What! Where did that come from?"


    "Your brother... He sounds like a really cool Enforcer. But I don''t want to die defending some city, don''t get me wrong, if my death would save someone I would be happy, but I''d prefer to be strong enough to save them without me dying! So let''s both get strong enough to where we won''t have to stay behind an buy time ever again! Let''s get strong enough to protect our friends, and our families, and each other." Hero announced out. He gave a sheepish smile as he turned holding his hand out to Kitsune. "What do you say!" He asked. "Let''s both get strong enough to be featured in that Enforcer book you have! Let''s do it together!"


    Kitsune stared up at the strange boy in front of him before finally, he grabbed ahold of the hand pulling himself up with it. "Yeah... Together..."

 Chapter 42 - The Hole?

    Age 1990


    Ken let out a slight sigh as she walked up the stairs of the bas.e.m.e.nt. She pushed the door opened but quickly stopped when she saw who was on the other side.


    "Ken?" Jackson said slightly surprised to see her up and moving. "Shouldn''t you be asleep..."


    "You do realize that Hero, Kitsune, and Maudite aren''t even down here right..." Ken said slowly as her dull red eyes stared into the Vice-Captains electric blue eyes.


    "They aren''t... Man... I freaking suck at watching you kids." Jackson said slowly as he let out a sigh.


    "What are you doing standing out in the hallways like this?" Ken questioned curiously as she stepped out and stood next to the man.


    "I was talking to Father Darvin, but he ran off for some reason..." Jackson admitted as he gave a half-hearted shrug. "After that, I went upstairs where the other villagers are staying and decided to ask them more about the nest, this village, and Maudite..."


    "What did you find out?" Ken asked raising an eyebrow.


    Jackson simply shrugged. "Just the usual crap...Maudite is an outsider... The village is run by Father Darvin... They apparently somehow grew vegetables out here in the snow... They also apparently aren''t worried that the garden was destroyed by the Bestia Macht''s... Almost seems like they believe they can remake it? I don''t know how though... They also don''t seem to know. Just mentioned that Father Darvin would allow the plants to grow again..."


    "Maybe he has some kind of Attribute that allows plant life to grow?" Ken suggested as she gave a shrug.


    "I doubt it," Jackson said shrugging as well. "There is only one Attribute that I know of that allows plants to grow in harsh environments and unfortunately the family of that Attribute were all wiped out by an asshole Noble... Damn you Kronos''s... Also, Father Darvin has this particular energy coming off of him sometimes... Kind of feels like Maudite''s sometimes?" He said shrugging. "Then again, Maudite has the level of power of Nobles... But she is just so sweet..."


    Ken gave the man a slightly curiously look. "Are Nobles really that bad? Kitsune, and you both seem pretty cool?"


    "Well... I''m not a normal Noble..." Jackson said shrugging. "And Kitsune. He had an older brother so I doubt he would of had to really deal with a lot of the responsibilities since his brother would be the head of the family..."


    "Kitsune had a brother!"


    "Yeah. Jin Nine. Never personally met him but he was a hero... During a massive horde attack, he stayed behind in order to allow the city, and his squad time to evacuate..." Jackson said somberly. "We never found a body... But we did find a city filled with ash. It would seem Jin took several with him."


    "I see..." Ken said slowly as she processed what her Vice-Captain said. "So Kitsune is joining for his brother..."


    "That would be my guess though who really knows."


    Ken let out a sigh as she crossed her arms. "This has all been so hectic." She complained. "Part of me curses myself for picking this mission, but the other part of me is glad that I did since it means this village would have been destroyed if we didn''t come..."


    "You''re right," Jackson said nodding as he crossed his arms. "I shudder to think what would have happened if we just left it alone... Maudite... That girl... She is quite powerful for a kid. She''s a one in a trillion... But her power is way to out of control. I can just fill waves of it coming off of her when I pass by... If I had to guess I would say she is a part of the reason why the Bestia Macht are attacking here now..."


    "Now wait a minute!" Ken said in annoyance as she crossed her arms.


    Jackson held his hands up silencing the girl. "I''m not saying she is doing it on purpose!" Jackson said. "From shat I understand this village has only ever been attacked by the oddball Bestia Macht, and the village guards were able to handle it... Now, however, they were swarmed and all the guards were killed before we arrived. I think Maudite''s aura is subconsciously attracting the monsters here... The reason why they never attacked until this month though was because they were all in their Nest and were too far away to sense her unless they got closer, since the oddball attacks. However, now that a bunch of assholes are bombing the Nest this is causing them to swarm out in drones, and they then sense Maudite and decide to go attack there..."


    Ken folded her arms as her dull red eyes stared at Jackson. "I want to take Maudite back with us..." She said suddenly.


    "What?"


    "This village sucks, and is barely getting by. Now, most of it was destroyed, and it lost all its guards... Even if it does get rebuilt, it will still be at a disadvantage. Plus the villagers don''t want her, and they all bully her, and she needs to learn how to control her powers."


    "Ken... Enforcers don''t really have a way to take care of orphans... We are a combat specialized group..."


    "Who said anything about the Enforcers?" Ken questioned. "Besides. Maudite is too young. She has to be fourteen to at least join."


    Jackson''s out a sigh but crossed his arms. "Okay look... I''ll ask Maudite if she wants to come with us after this is all said and done... I''ll talk with my grandpa when we get back home and we will come up with a place to put her... Knowing him he''ll say yes simply so she can join the Enforcers when she comes of age, so he can try and recruit her... He really loves powerful people..."


    "So Maudite will be joining us?" Ken asked raising an eyebrow.


    "Only if she wants to..." Jackson said shrugging.


    "Yay!"


    Meanwhile out in the cold dark of night, Father Darvin ran nearly tripping over his feet as he crawled his way forward. He was about a mile away from the village now and seemed to be heading towards something at a breakneck speed.


    Father Darvin stopped suddenly letting out a heavy sigh. In front of him, a large tree stood marked with a large X, carved into it.


    Strange since it was the only tree that could be seen for miles? It also shouldn''t have been possible for such a thing to have grown out here like this but here it was?


    Father Darvin stumbled forward as he pulled away at the snow beneath him. He let out a heavy sigh when it pulled away reviling the ground underneath.


    The father''s breath seemed to hitch slightly as he stepped down into the snow. He fell down a few feet landing painfully on the ground as he groaned.


    Slowly the old man stumbled back to his feet as he wobbled slightly. He marched forward with a determined look in his eyes. He was in what looked like a crevasse in the ground?


    With every step, the old father took his heartbeat accelerated. Finally, after about ten minutes of walking the man came to a stop...


    He slowly reached out placing a hand on a large stone wall. He let out a satisfied sigh as he pulled his hand back.


    "...Still here..."

 Chapter 43 - The Camp

    Age 1990


    "I... It''s so... So cold!" Ken said through gasping teeth as they clattered. "This sucks!"


    "Ahh, it''s not so bad..." Kitsune stated as he rolled his eyes.


    "You asshole! You''re heating yourself up!" Ken yelled when she saw the orange flames flicker off of Kitsune''s arms.


    "Will you two shut up!" Irene hissed out. "This is a stealth mission!"


    "Well, I''m sorry it''s so cold out here!" Ken complained as she folded her arms up.


    The six Enforcers were currently climbing the mountain heading to where they last saw the nest. Now that they all had a good night to sleep Jackson had given them all-new winter clothing, since most of theirs were ripped up. Nobody knew where he had gotten the clothing from or how he had exact measurements and they didn''t feel like asking. They left Maudite back at the Village since they didn''t want the twelve-year-old girl to get hurt way out here. Jackson managed to threaten some people into letting her stay inside and watching after her while they were all gone...


    "How much further?" Hero questioned.


    "Just a little while longer," Jackson stated. "It should be just up ahead... Thankfully we haven''t come across any more Bestia Macht... Probably because most of them are dead now..."


    Hero let out a satisfied hum as he stared down at his hands. He reached up taking his gloves off as he started playing with his pointer finger?


    "What are you doing?" Kitsune questioned as he raised an eyebrow.


    "I''m trying to think of a new attack?" Hero said shrugging. "My Big-Arm-Strike punch is cool but right now my body isn''t able to handle it, and it destroys my limb... The problem is that my Balloon power, is the Attribute I''m best with, and I doubt I could come up with something with the Monsterfication since I honestly don''t understand how it fully works, and my Living-Nano, Attribute is neat, but I also don''t know how to use that in combat..."


    "I still think it''s crazy how you have three Attributes... Humans are only supposed to have one. Then again, I guess that''s why they call it the Monsterfication..." Kitsune said as he gave a shrug. "But I do get what you mean about coming up with a better attack... My Foxes-Flare wasn''t what I thought it would be either..."


    "Jokes on you two," Ken said smirking slightly. "My Red-Flash, is exactly what I wanted it to be!"


    "Yeah but it''s not very flashy..." Hero pointed out causing the girl to slip and fall on her face. "Also doesn''t it send shock waves through your hands shaking them?"


    "Take that back!" Ken demanded standing back up.


    Hero stuck his tongue out at the girl as he turned looking back down at his finger. "Maybe if I can take the Big-Arm-Strike down to a smaller extent... Or... Maybe I can make it even bigger, and stronger, so it doesn''t matter that I lose the limb since I''ll kill anything in one shot... Or... Maybe I shouldn''t focus on power at all? Maybe I should focus on Defense... Or speed?" Hero let out a hum as he shrugged slightly. "I''ll think of something-"


    "Shh..." Jackson hissed out as he held his hand out. "We''re here..." He stated. "Everyone duck down and creep up the mountain. Thanks to our white clothing we should blend in a lot better..."


    Everyone nodded as they followed after the Vice-Captain. They crept up the mountain slowly finally reaching the top. They could now see a large Nest down towards the bottom of the mountain. The nest was a destroyed pile of waste, that had smoke rising up from it... Clearly, most of it had been destroyed... Across from them, they could see a second Mountain so close it would only take a few minutes to walk towards... It was actually more like a massive hill... On top of it sat a large metal building.


    "Is that the place?" Hero questioned curiously as he eyed it up.


    "Yeah..." Jackson said nodding his head. "It''s pretty close... Luckily for us, yesterday when North, Cloud, and I were all here the men had to be inside since they dropped a bomb. They probably assumed all the loud noises they heard after that were the Bestia Macht..."


    "Okay... But why are they out here?" Irene questioned. "And why bomb a nest? Don''t they know they are just pissing the Bestia Machts off?"


    "Well..." Jackson said shrugging. "I gave some thought to it. I think that maybe they could be trying to capture Bestia Macht''s?" He said in an unsure way as he gave a shrug.


    "Why would anyone capture Bestia Macht?" Irene questioned. "Also, who tries to capture things with a massive bomb?" She asked.


    "Look! It was just a thought?" Jackson said shrugging. "That''s the only thing I can think of... Unless... Maybe they are trying to get rid of the Nest but I don''t know why they would want to do that?" He questioned as he shrugged his shoulders.


    "Okay... Well, what now?" Hero asked curiously.


    "Well, now we are going in!" Jackson announced out.


    "What do you mean?" Ken asked startled.


    "I do not think, charging in is the best plan..." Cloud muttered out.


    "We need to go in," Jackson stated again punching his hand. "Enough with this stealth nonsense. Squad Six is the ultimate badass squad!"


    "So wait we are just gonna charge in there guns a blazing!" Kitsune questioned with wide eyes.


    "I like this plan..." Hero said nodding as he smiled slightly.


    "Hmm..." Jackson said humming slightly. "Yeah... It probably wouldn''t be the best idea if all of us were to just run up there, now that I think about it..." He said nodding his head. "I have an even better idea!" He announced. "Hero! Take your gloves, shoes, and jacket off!"


    "What! Why!"


    "Because I said so!"


    Hero''s face dropped as he no longer liked the plan. He muttered some things out as he unzipped his jacket and took his shoes, and gloves off. His teeth began to clatter as his entire body shook from the intense cold. "I... I have second thoughts now!" He stated hissing out.


    "To bad! Alright, guys. Hero and I are gonna go pay those guys a visit. You all stay here." He announced as he reached out grabbing Hero by the back of the shirt. "Come on Hero..."


    "I hate you..."


    The two slipping down the mountainside as they marched up the large hill towards the metallic building. They reached it walking towards it slowly. Loud cheering, and music could be heard blaring from inside. The entire building also smelt of thick booze...


    "So what''s the plan?" Hero questioned still shivering from the pure cold.


    "Don''t worry," Jackson said nodding his head. "It is a well thought out plan." The man reached out, and then knocked on the front door.


    Instantly the cheering from inside stopped...


    Hero turned as he gave the Vice-Captain a ''You just got us killed, you dumass'' look.


    "What the hell was that?" A loud gruff voice said from inside.


    Jackson reached out knocking again.


    "Is that a Bestia Macht?"


    "Umm... Bestia Macht''s don''t knock..."


    "Just answer the door Anga..."


    "Screw you, James..."


    Jackson reached out knocking again. Suddenly the door was pulled open as the two boys looked up finding an eight-foot-tall behemoth of a man staring down at them in utter confusion.


    "People... What the hell are people doing out here?"


    "Hello, good sir!" Jackson said twirling his nonexistent cane. "My name is Jackey Blight. This here is my little brother Storey Storm. Different names. Our father was a pig who cheated with multiple women. Moving on! I was just wondering if me and my little brother could come inside. You see we are joggers, and it just so happens my little brother Storey Strom, is a bit of a simpltin and he forgot his jacket, gloves, and boots! Also, he is in a lot of pain!" Jackson said reaching up and smacking Hero over the head.


    "Oww! I hate this plan!" Hero said crying slightly.


    The man raised an eyebrow as he stared down at Jackson with bafflement. Than. Slowly. His eyes wandered over to Hero. The man''s eyes instantly widened when he took in Hero''s state. "Good Lord the boy must be freezing!" The man said in utter shock. "Come in, come in!"


    "Thank you, sir?!" Jackson announced as he dragged Hero inside of the nice warm building.


    "Oh thank God!" Hero said letting out a breath of relief as warmth flooded through him.


    "Here boy!" The man said throwing a jacket over Hero. "You need to stay warm. Especially out in the cold."


    "Yes well as I said he is a bit of an idiot!" Jackson announced patting Hero on the shoulders. "Storey tell the nice scary big man thank you!"


    "Thank you, sir..." Hero said as his eye twitched slightly.


    "Don''t mention it, kid." The man said folding his arms out. "Why the hell are you two out here anyways?"


    Hero ignored the man as he began to look around the room. Jackson meanwhile spun some tale in order to convince the guy why they were outside at this time...


    The inside of the building was pretty big. Five beds could be seen lined up at the back of the wall. Besides the man who Jackson was talking to there was four other men all standing in the back. Out of them only one really stood out... A man wearing what looked like a long pair of robes, and a round hat that covered his face... The man appeared to be sleeping?


    "That''s quite a story." The man said holding his arms up and snapping Hero back to reality. "I''m Anga, by the way. Over there is Yang, the one doing his make up, is Seth, that stupid looking one is James-"


    "Hey!" James yelled out.


    "-And the one sleeping is Zero..."


    "Zero!" Hero said startled. ''Why does that name sound familiar...'' He wondered to himself.


    "I actually have a question of my own?" Jackson said shrugging. "Why are you guys out here? I mean you guys are bombing that Nest right..." The room instantly went silent as all eyes turned to Jackson. "Did you guys know... That just a few miles from here there is a Village? Or should I say, there was a Village considering the fact that the Bestia Macht destroyed it..."


    "Oh... Oh no..." Anga said sloping down. "There... There was a village nearby? We had no idea... Shit... That means when all those Bestia Macht ran off... And here I was thinking it was our lucky day... But if what you''re saying is true then... Oh no..."


    "You guys really had no idea there was a Village out here?" Jackson said in surprise. ''Huh... Kind of thought these guys were gonna be evil, but so far they just seem to be idiots...''


    "No..." Anga stated. "We didn''t."


    "We are telling the truth." The one named Yang stated. He walked up placing a hand on Anga''s shoulder. "Please believe us. We had no idea that there was any kind of village nearby. If we had known we would have made sure to protect it... Damn it... I feel like such a fool now..."


    "Okay..." Jackson said shrugging slightly. "I believe you guys. I usually have a knack for telling if someone is lying. Besides. I already told the village elder that I would help with the repairs. But I still have to ask. Just why the hell are you bombing a Nest, in the first place?"


    Anga, and Yang looked at each other for a second. "We want what''s under the Nest..." Yang stated.


    "What?"


    "There is a cave system under the Nest," Anga said simply. "A deep cave system. It is a bit of a long story, but the main thing is that the nest is built over the top of an entrance to that cave, and we want to get into the cave. You see twelve years ago there was a pair of scientists out here... They were studying a formula that was supposedly going to be the holy grail of all science allowing to easily regrow even limbs... However, they, unfortunately, died out here and were buried in that cave... We want to get in so we can get that research. With it, we could solve millions of problems!"


    "That sounds a little too good to be true..." Jackson said folding his arms slightly as he frowned. "I''ve never heard of a be, all end, all thing that didn''t have some type of risk..."


    "Well, we ourselves don''t really know much about it, but if there is even a one percent chance shouldn''t we take it just in case?" James announced out holding his arms out.


    Jackson let out a sigh. "Well... I''ll admit I am curious as to know what is down there... Clearly, it has to be something since the Bestia Macht built their Nest here, and they seem to want to keep people out... I suppose I could help..."


    The men all looked at each other in slight confusion. "Umm... Look we appreciate the help, but do you really think you could fight a Bestia Macht?"


    "Of course I can," Jackson said as he reached into his pocket. "After all... I''m an Enforcer." He stated pulling out a golden badge.


    The entire room instantly froze up as they stared down at the badge.


    It was as if time itself seemed to freeze. Than...


    "An Enforcer..." The words came out quietly as everyone turned to stare back at Zero. The man was now wide awake. He tilted his hat up as he reached to his side holding the handle of a blade. Jackson instantly inhaled when he recognized that weapon, that armor, and that look in the man''s eye...


    This man was...


    "Samurai..." Jackson said slowly.

 Chapter 44 - The Bad Blood

    Age 0000


    In the beginning, at age zero, the world was turned into a mad world. Mankind found themselves in this new and strange world, not knowing the events that lead up to them arriving...


    War broke out amongst them as they all fought for what they believed was the correct path. Then one day God had seemingly appeared and gave an answer to the mortal crisis that had affected them, with their evolved state of being.


    By God''s demand, the world was split into six separate pieces...


    The first was the Garden of Eden, or as it is often referred to as, the Tower of God, the second was the Red Garden, or as it is often referred to as, the Country of Red, the third was the Blue Garden, or as it is often referred to as, the Country of Blue, the fourth was the Green Garden, or as it is often referred to as the Country of Green, and the final was the White Garden, or as it is often referred to as the Country of White... The four countries were all separated from each other, and placed at a different corner of the world by God, who placed his mighty tower directly in the center. And the sixth piece was Nightshade the prison country...


    And so the first age was born making Age 1... The Age God created the world.


    Things were calm until age 91 when the first-ever Bestia Macht appeared... During age 101 each country made its own group. Of those different groups, two stood out. The first was the Country of Red''s line of defense. A group known as the Enforcers! The second was the Country of White''s line of defense. A group known as the Samurai!


    At age 201 the Country of Red, and the Country of White, went into war. A war that lasted 500 years. The Enforcers, and Samurai fought viscously against each other... Neither side let up, until...


    At age 501 Master Storm, leader of the Enforcers, destroyed the bridge between the two countries separating them from each other. The bridge has yet to be repaired. Over 1000 Samurai were left in the Country of Red...


    The Samurai were forced into hiding and began plotting their revenge over the ages slowly trying to rebuild their order. This all ended at age 1985... In a single large battle that lasted an entire week. A battle so big Master Storm was once again forced to get involved. When the battle ended less than 100 Samurai remained... These Samurai were set free into the Country of Red, stripped of their army, and pride...


    The bad blood between an Enforcer, and a Samurai has yet to dissolve...


    Age 1990


    Jackson''s electric blue eyes stared at the man in front of him... No... Not the man. The Samurai. Jackson reached slowly for the greatsword on his back.


    "Uh oh..." Anga said quietly as he stepped back. "I don''t want those two to fight... They''ll bring down the whole mountain..."


    The Samurai simply let out a laugh. "Relax, foolish Enforcer... I have no intention to fight you here..." The man said simply as he let go of the handle of his own blade. He gave a simple shrug as he sat back down.


    "Why the hell is there a Samurai with you!" Jackson said hissing.


    "Why the hell is there an Enforcer here?" The Samurai shot back.


    "We''re on a mission because of you guys!" Jackson yelled out pointing at the man. "Now your turn! Why are you here!"


    "We hired him!" Anga stated as he gave off a shrug. "In today''s age, it is actually pretty cheap to hire a Freelancer Samurai, since they are doing whatever they can to make money..." The man said simply. "We hired him to help out against the Nest..."


    Jackson let out a mutter as he crossed his arms.


    "I don''t get why you are so against that guy?" Hero said. "Also? What''s a Samurai?"


    "Are you an idiot boy?" The Samurai asked casually as he raised an eyebrow.


    "He is," Jackson stated stepping in front of Hero. "But only I can call him out on it!"


    "I''m lost..." Hero muttered out.


    Jackson let out a sigh as his eyes never left the man in front of him. "A Samurai... Warriors from the County of White. Or at least they used to be... Now they are nothing more than hired dogs. A Samurai is someone skilled with multiple different fighting styles... You know Ken''s sword right... Imagine a person using that but actually skilled with it..."


    "Oh... That sounds cool..." Hero said nodding his head slightly.


    "I hope us having a Samurai here doesn''t offend you..." Yang said waving his hands. "We have only told you the truth. He is just here to help us get into that Nest." He said nodding his head slightly.


    Jackson let out a heavy sigh. "I guess... I guess it doesn''t matter." Jackson. said shrugging. "But. What is under the Nest?"


    "It is as we said. We hope to find the research of a previous pair of scientists..." Anga stated.


    "What do you think?" Hero questioned the man.


    "Well... We did come to destroy the nest..." Jackson admitted. "I suppose it doesn''t matter as long as that guy doesn''t do anything to seriously piss me off!"


    "As if I would do anything." The man said shrugging.


    "You said your name was Zero right..." Hero said crossing his legs as he sat down. "Where have I heard it before."


    "Probably from around..." The man said simply. "There are many tales about us Samurai... As such it is only natural that some of our lore would slip through. Such as how we Samurai get our names..."


    "Where do you get your names from then?" Hero questioned curiously.


    "We are named after the number of times we lose." The Samurai stated.


    "And your name is Zero..." Hero said slowly. "Oh... That''s not good..." He said blinking slightly.


    "Relax," Jackson said patting his recruit on the back. "I''m sure this guy is simply called Zero cause he''s a weak-ass-coward, who never got into, any fights-" Jackson ducked suddenly as the blade sliced through the air.


    "Wanna test that claim Enforcer!" Zero announced pointing his sword at the man.


    Jackson smirked as he reached up grabbing his greatsword.


    "No!" Anga yelled out raising his arm up. "You guys are not fighting in here!" He stated.


    The Samurai and the Enforcer both stopped as they stared at the man. Jackson gave a muttered sigh as he sheathed his large blade, Zero simply shrugged as he placed his blade back at his hilt.


    "Oh good..." Hero said sighing out. "They aren''t going to battle..." He said letting out a breath of relief.


    "Look," Anga said holding his hands up. "Now isn''t the time for either of you to hold this grudge. We need to get into that Nest. Now you can either help us, or leave... You have our word that we won''t let a single Bestia Macht leave now that we know about the village."


    "No, no..." Jackson said letting out a sigh. "I won''t leave until I make sure that Nest is destroyed... Plus... If there really is something under there... I''d like to find it too..."


    Zero let out a sigh. "So then. I guess, for now, this means we will regrettably be allies."


    "Like hell we are!" Jackson announced as he aggressive crossed his arms.


    "So... So what now?" Hero questioned curiously.


    "Well," Jackson said slowly. "I guess it''s time we destroy that Nest."

 Chapter 45 - Into The Nest Part 1

    Age 1990


    Irene, Kitsune, Ken, and Cloud all stared at the five new people added to their group. "So..." Ken said slowly as she stared at the many different people. "Who the hell are these guys." She said shooting Hero a look. Hero''s simple shrug didn''t reassure her...


    "That is a good question," Jackson said nodding his head as he folded his arms.


    "Ahh, that sword," Zero said pushing past the Vice-Captain. "Tell me, girl. Where did you find such a weapon? That is the blade of my people... There aren''t too many of them left..."


    "What?" Ken said confused.


    "I''m with Ken," Kitsune said nodding his head. "What?"


    "It is a bit of a long story..." Hero said letting out a sigh as he crossed his arms. He tapped his foot slightly as he let out another annoyed sigh.


    "These five, guys are here to help us," Jackson said shrugging. "...Well... Help is a strong word..."


    "Yo. I''m Anga. This is my brother Yang, my friend James, and Seth. And the one eyeing up the underaged girl, even though he knows he probably shouldn''t, is Zero. He''s a hired thug. A Samurai in fact."


    "What the hell is a Samurai?" Ken asked in confusion.


    "They are a part of the Country of Whites country?" Kitsune said shrugging. "Not sure why one is here though..."


    "I am so lost..." Irene said letting out a sigh as she crossed her arms.


    "We were bombing the Nest," Anga said. "We want to get rid of it, as we found out there is a cave system underneath, that has some very valuable research that we desire. We had no idea there was a village nearby and we feel awful for the harm we caused by our bombing." The man said giving another simple shrug. "We wish to get into that cave now for said research which we could use to help the rest of the village, healing their injured limbs, and fixing their buildings, saving most of the world and even helping plants grow." He stated.


    "So... So you guys are good guys?" Ken asked curiously.


    "Well four of them are," Jackson said nodding. "One of them however is an idiot who still thinks they are a part of the country of white even though every samurai from that country who was stuck here died a long time ago, and now they are citizens born in the country of red who refuse to accept that fact!" He shouted.


    "Screw you, Enforcer!"


    "Mr. Storm," Kitsune said waving his arms. "Please don''t make him mad..."


    "Storm..." Zero said slowly. "Storm as in the Enforcer who leads the army..."


    "That''s right," Jackson said as his eyes narrowed. "My Grandpa is the leader of the Enforcers. So you better not try anything. You know how powerful the Storms are right?"


    Zero let out a brief chuckle as he turned on his hills. "A Storm huh..." He said quietly as he walked away. "It looks like it''s my lucky day then..." He said quietly again. "I won''t do anything evil Enforcer. You have my word..." Zero stated as he waved his hand in the air leaving a small streak of white.


    "So... So they aren''t gonna kill each other?" Hero asked stepping back. "That''s good... Does anyone think they could stop them if they broke out into a fight..."


    "I have no idea..." Anga said shaking his head. "Damn Enforcers, and Samurais. Why couldn''t I just find two really powerful groups that aren''t insane?"


    "Well..." Hero said giving a half-hearted shrug. "In my experience, power and insanity go hand in hand..." He announced simply.


    "What''s that supposed to mean?" Anga questioned as Hero turned and began to walk away. "Boy? Hey! Hey boy! What did you mean?"


    Five minutes later...


    "So this is what a Nest looks like up close..." Kitsune said slowly as he peered down into the darkness below them.


    "Yeah..." Yang said simply as he gave a shrug.


    "Looks even grosser up close," Ken said slowly. "Smells bad too..." Up close the large group could now peer into the darkness below them.


    Several large honey structures stabbed out connecting to the walls. Large slabs of meat coated the walls and floors. The snow around the area was melted either from the Nest, or from the bombs that were dropped down into the Nest. There was large stone that was melted and burnt that coated the outside of the Nest. Several bones were all connected together forming a makeshift nest... Down in the bottom of the Nest a pool of orange liquid could be seen bubbling up. Several Bestia Macht could be seen below swimming around. They all ranged from Baron to Viscount... The Nest had a massive foul odor that floated up grossing the five kids out.


    "It burns my nose..." Hero whined placing a hand over his nose. "It hurts a lot..."


    Kitsune reached out patting the boy on the shoulder. "You have increased senses, right? This must be awful for you..."


    "It is..." Hero whined nodding his head as he pouted.


    "And you guys were just dropping bombs down there!" Ken said accusingly as she turned to look at the five other men.


    "Look! At the time it seemed like a good idea..." Anga said slowly as he shrugged. "We thought it was a smart idea, and a lot safer than jumping down in there..."


    ''How many more Enforcers do you think there are?" Irene questioned.


    "Not too many left..." Yang stated shrugging simply.


    "Well, at least that''s a plus..." Cloud said letting out a sigh. "You guys bombing it might have been a good idea..."


    "Well, Enforcers," Zero said simply as he folded his arms up. "This looks like the perfect chance for you to all try to prove just how your little group is better."


    "Try?" Jackson asked letting out a laugh. "We don''t need to try." He stated smirking slightly.


    "Well then ''Storm'', how about a friendly competition," Zero asked. "Me versus you... Whoever gets the most kills wins."


    "You''re on..." Jackson said smirking as he folded his arms up. "I can beat you at anything..." He announced.


    "Well then if you two are done..." James announced.


    "Shut up James," Seth said shrugging his arms. "Alright. If you two are done-"


    "Hey! You just wanted to say what I was gonna say!" James said in annoyance.


    Seth ignored him as he pointed his arm down towards the Nest. "Let''s enter the Nest..." He stated simply.


    "So this is it..." Hero asked. "We just step down in there? Because I don''t really see a way down? I also don''t really like the dark so could we just-"


    "Push..." Ken said simply as she reached out shoving Hero into the pit.


    "Ken why!" Hero yelled out falling down.


    "Alright Samurai..." Jackson said as he stepped over the edge. "Let''s go..."

 Chapter 46 - Into The Nest Part 2

    Age 1990


    Several Baron''s clawed their way across the floor as they all let out loud growls. A Viscount swatted at one of the beasts in annoyance. All of the beasts let out guttural growls, and howls, as the stalked around from the safety if their Nest.


    Over ninety percent of the Nest had been mostly destroyed after the humans had bombed it... What little remained was completely in shambles...


    A Nest is a very dangerous place... It is full of many different types of Bestia Machts and should be a place that must be avoided at all costs.


    However. If you have absolutely no choice, but to enter a Nest, you should remain calm, and level headed.


    Hero let out a panicked yell as he fell into the darkness below. "Ahh!" He yelled out as he smacked into the ground below.


    The entire Nest went completely silent, and still as they all turned to stare at the human who had landed down in their cave.


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    "Hi-"


    Every monster let out a massive roar as they all charged forward.


    "Uh-oh..."


    A massive Viscount let out a loud roar as flames began to roll off of its body! It jumped forward towards Hero as the boy in question let out a panicked yelp and jumped back.


    "Final Strike..." A calm voice announced. A silver line appeared at the top of the monster''s head. The silver line seemed to go all the way down to the beast''s feet. Zero stood between Hero and the Viscount seemingly appearing out of nowhere as he sheathed his blade. "Come undone. One-Hundred-Dances-Of-Death." The silver line suddenly expanded out across the body of the monster as it was ripped into over a hundred pieces.


    "That''s hardcore!" Hero said with wide eyes as blood flowed out of the now very, very dead beast.


    "Crow''s Talon!" A loud voice announced as Jackson came crashing down slicing his greatsword out. Electricity fired off of him taking the shape of a large bird-like a talon as the electricity ripped a Bestia Macht straight in half.


    "That''s also cool!" Hero stated throwing his arms into the air. "I really need to come up with a cool attack like that!"


    "Yes they''re both cool, but which was the cooler finisher?" Zero asked as he sheathed his blade and turned to the sixteen-year-old boy.


    "What?"


    "Who was cooler Hero!" Jackson announced pointing at his student. "Me, with my badass electric claws, or this guy and his lame wire thingy?"


    "I liked them both-"


    "Useless!" The two a.d.u.l.ts yelled out as they glared at Hero.


    "What?" Hero questioned stepping back nervously as the two a.d.u.l.ts glared at each other.


    "Will you two please stop..." The annoyed voice of Anga said as he dropped down from above landing next to Hero. The others soon followed as they all dropped down, causing eleven people to now be in the Nest surrounded by several pissed off Bestia Macht''s.


    "He started it..." Jackson grumbled out in annoyance as he crossed his arms.


    "Shut it Storm..." Zero hissed out in annoyance as he to crossed his arms.


    "Alright, everyone," Anga called out as he eyed up the monsters. "Everyone try to stay close to someone else. If you see someone is in trouble don''t hesitate to help them. As for you five kids... If you find s threat you can''t handle, back away and let one of us handle it... Chances are there are still a few Earl''s kicking around here somewhere..." He stated as several growls, and howls echoed out in the Nest. "I suggest getting everything ready, at a quick speed... More of them will be here any minute now..."


    Hero moved over to Ken as he eyed several of the beasts up. Right now they were simply watching the humans... Waiting... Waiting for the best time to strike and go in for the kill...


    "Hey, Ken." Hero said waving at the small girl.


    "Yes, Hero?" Ken asked as her dull red eyes glanced over to his silver ones.


    "I have a question to ask you?" He said shrugging slightly.


    "What is it?"


    "Will you protect North," Hero asked casually.


    "What! Why?" Ken questioned eyeing Hero up.


    "Well... I get the sense that they aren''t trying as best as they could be?" Hero said shrugging. "I know because I haven''t ever had s chance to try my best until recently... Living with my Grandpa away from the world really messed me up." He said letting out a sheepish laugh. "A few month ago I actually thought I was the second strongest person in the world, because I had no idea just how strong someone is..."


    "Hero..."


    "But it''s okay!" Hero said putting on a smile. "Now that I have seen people like Jackson, and Dawson, and how strong they are, I don''t really care about being the strongest anymore... Besides. I doubt I''ll ever reach that kind of power..."


    "Why bother being an Enforcer than!" Ken complained hitting the boy over the head. "The whole point of being an Enforcer, is to get famous, and get popular! You already mentioned you don''t want to get popular! Now you''re saying you don''t want to get stronger!"


    "Hey!" Hero said waving his hands. "I never said I didn''t want to get stronger... I just don''t really think I want to try and be the best anymore..."


    "But what''s the point in wanting to get stronger, if you don''t want to be the best."


    "That''s pretty silly?" Hero said letting out a sheepish laugh. "I want to get stronger so I can protect my friends..."


    Jackson moved over to Cloud placing a hand on the blind teen''s shoulder and began to whisper to him. "Cloud... If at all possible try to stay near Hero, Ken, and North... Hero is an idiot who will probably get himself into a bad situation, Ken is way too hot-headed, and will throw herself at a monster, and North... Well, you already know how North is..."


    "What about Kitsune?" Cloud asked.


    "What about Kitsune?" Jackson repeated as he stepped back.


    "Wow... You really don''t like that man, do you..." Cloud said letting out a sigh. "Don''t worry... I''ll stick near them, and pull them out of trouble."


    Jackson quickly moved over to North grabbing them by the shoulder now. "Listen North. I know you have your random panic moments, but please try to actually fight back..."


    "I... I''ll try..." Irene said hanging her head down slightly. "I don''t want to be a burden to anyone... I know I''m not good enough to be an Enforcer, but I''m here now, so I''ll do everything that is in my power to help out!"


    "Good... Keep an eye on Hero, and Ken for me..." Jackson said eyeing the two teens up. "I asked Cloud to do the same..."


    "Right... I''ll watch them... Knowing Hero, he''ll probably do something stupid..." Irene said. "He''s strong but, so very, very dumb... Probably a side effect from living away from the world for sixteen years... He already saved me once though, so I''ll do my best to keep him safe."


    "Good..." Jackson said moving away from them and heading over to Kitsune.


    "Mr. Storm?"


    "Kitsune," Jackson said grabbing the boy by the shoulders. "Listen. If you see a big monster opening its mouth don''t be afraid to hop in. Really get yourself in there... Also if it closes its mouth around you, just stay calm and let it happen..."


    "How will that help me kill it?"


    "Who said anything about killing it?"


    "Alright, everyone!" Anga yelled out holding his hand up. "Here they come... Everyone get ready..."


    The eleven members all turned to find several thousand Bestia Macht were clearing their way to them, out of the darkness of the Nest. Jackson turned slightly shooting a smirk to Zero. "Hope you can keep count. I plan on getting way more kills than you!"


    Zero let out a slight snort as he raised his curved blade up pointing it at the approaching horde. "We shall see, Enforcer, we shall see..."

 Chapter 47 - Into The Nest Part 3

    Age 1990


    Down in the Nest, the sounds of combat could be heard echoing out to the black sky that was up above.


    Inside of the Nest, eleven people fought back the Bestia Macht, each of them giving it their all, as the ferocious creatures did the same! It was a back and forth battle that didn''t seem to be letting up anytime soon...


    "Ha!" Hero yelled out elbowing a Baron and slamming its head straight into the ground. Seconds later the boy''s foot shot out launching the creature away from him as he slid back. He raised his arm up about to do something but stopped. "Probably shouldn''t use my Big-Arm-Strike... Wouldn''t want to break my arm again... Especially this early on..." The boy let out a simple and sheepish laugh as he shrugged. "Guess I''ll just stick with regular Balloon attacks, and just punch them really, really hard..."


    Several Baron''s all jumped into the air intending to crush Hero, however, the boy was to fast for that basic attack. He inhaled as his entire body inflated up like a balloon getting bigger and bigger as he blew up. Then he used his belly to bounce forward avoiding the strike from above.


    As soon as he landed, Hero deflated as he compressed his body down. His feet stabbed into the ground as he jumped back, over to where the monsters were, now that they have landed! He flew through the air, as he threw himself at them and headbutted straight into one of the beast sending it flying straight into the rest of the horde.


    A Baron with massive clawed hands jumped forward swinging at Hero and slashing into the boy''s right arm, which he had used to block that attack, Hero let out a gasp of startled pain as he kicked his leg out slamming it into the monster''s side so hard it threw the beast through the air smacking it straight into the wall.


    Hero slid back holding his arm. It thankfully wasn''t too injured, but damn did it hurt. "Oww..." Hero said hissing out in slight pain. He took a deep breath as he deactivated all of his Attributes... Steam rose up from the wound as it bubbled, and then magically closed leaving nothing behind, not even a scar. "Whoa... Was it always this tiering to heal my body?" Hero asked as he fell to his knees. He breathed heavily as he looked up finding more Barons were running towards him. "Well... No time to rest?" He sighed out. "I''ll worry about this turn of events later?"


    Meanwhile at another point in the Nest Ken easily stepped back avoiding a swipe from a Bestia Macht as she slashed at it with her sheathed weapon slamming the end of it straight into the monster''s head. Its skull was caved in as she jumped away avoiding several strikes from the other monsters.


    Ken smirked slightly as she easily avoided another strike. Red energy seemed to cover her body briefly as she used her Attribute to enhance it, to a small extent. Not enough to be over the top, but still enough to allow her to speed up.


    She dodged many of the strikes easily. With every attack she dodged she took her own chance at a free strike, slamming her sheathed sword into several of the monsters as hard as she could.


    The force from the strike threw several of the Bestia Macht''s into the air, causing them to come crashing down on top of one another. Ken held her sword up as it began to glow a crimson red.


    "Red-Flash!" Ken yelled out slashing the sword down.


    There was an explosion of wind as a red energy wave fired out as soon as she slashed the sword down. The energy wave washed over the downed beast''s incinerating them instantly. She let out a quiet hiss as her hands began to shake from the force sending a shiver of pain up the small girls back. She didn''t have a chance to relax though as several more Baron''s jumped out at her...


    The girl easily cut up several of the monsters that came near her. She slid back slightly landing near a wall as she placed her sword down. "Ha... Way too easy-"


    A Bestia Macht surprised the girl jumping up from the pile of corpses and reviling that it wasn''t dead yet! The young girl let out a panicked gasp as the monsters claw almost reached her neck.


    There was a silver flash as a blade cut straight through the monster''s arm! Seconds later Zero brought his sword up easily slicing the monster in half in a single motion.


    Ken stood there stupidly for a few seconds as she let out a sigh of relief. "That... That was close..."


    "Do you not know how to use that blade..." Zero questioned slowly as he gave a look to the girl.


    "Well... I know that if I can hit people with it, it''ll hurt..." Ken said trailing off as she glanced away from the man.


    Zero let out a sigh. "That sword isn''t even in any viable shape..." Zero hissed out rolling his eyes.


    "Hey get off my back! It was like this when I stole- Found it! It was like this when I found it!" Ken yelled out.


    "Will you two shut up!" James shouted.


    "Shut up James!" Everyone in the cave yelled out.


    Meanwhile over with Kitsune the young Noble was easily dodging any strike that came near him. He threw his arms out firing out several blades of fire that burnt through the flesh, and fur, of any creature that got near him as they howled in pain.


    ''Let''s both get strong enough to be featured in that Enforcer book you have! Let''s do it together!''


    Kitsune''s eye twitched as he sliced a Bestia Macht with his flames.


    ''I''m trying to think of a new attack?''


    Kitsune let out a slight huff as he split another Bestia Macht in half from frustration. "Damn it..." The Noble cursed out as he slammed a ball of fire into another beast. "Hero... Barely anytime and you are already thinking of a new way to use your attack! You are trying to find out how to master an unstable ability..." He hissed out to himself as he spun in a circle firing out a disk of flames that exploded sending chunks of Bestia Macht everywhere. "Together my ass! If you''re going to try and improve so quick, I''ll just double- No triple- No quadrupole my efforts! I''ll do whatever I can to not only keep up with you, but surpass you!" He announced. "No... Not surpass you. I''ll use this chance to remain ahead of you... I won''t let you get past me! I''ll stay at the top! So I can show them-"


    A Baron slammed a fist into Kitsune''s face throwing the boy back...


    Inside of Kitsune''s mind, he could see the outline of his older brother... Kitsune gritted his teeth as he threw a flaming punch out at the monster who punched him.


    "I''ll get so strong-" He gasped out shooting out a flaming kick. "-So strong... That when I see you again-" Kitsune dodged a massive swipe from a Baron. "-that I''ll be able to take the family over! Then-" His fist came up uppercutting the monster, slamming his fist straight into the monster''s skull. "-Then... You''ll finally be able to rest!"


    Kitsune brought both his arms down right onto the head of a beast hard enough to slam it straight into the ground. He let out a tired huff as he finally killed all the monsters around him.


    "And make sure to keep up Hero..."


    Meanwhile near the entrance of the Nest Irene stood. She nervously stared at the Bestia Macht as they all charged at her. The girl''s arm shook violently as she stared at the monsters... She tried to steady her breathing. "Why is my body shaking so bad... I never had this problem when I was in the village-"


    ''Snow!''


    ''Hero!''


    For brief second images of the two passed through the young girl''s mind. She saw them again in her mind. The image of both of them beat up and bloodied appeared in her mind.


    ''I''ll make the plan!'' The voice of North hissed out in the young girl''s mind. Only now it was twisted and disoriented. It sounded like it was mocking her now.


    The girl gritted her teeth as she remembered the blue letter dropping down to her twin brother... The successful twin...


    ''I don''t care what happened in your life. I don''t care why you are hesitating so much. What I do care about is that if you don''t stop you will get both of us killed. So whatever is causing you to panic do me a favor and just ignore it!''


    Cloud''s voice echoed out in the girl''s mind as she raised both her hands up. They glowed a bright blue as a large shard of ice fired out impacting right into the skull of one of the monsters. Their head instantly froze as they stopped moving. Then slowly the frozen head fell forward simply leaving the shoulders of the monster, as the rest of its body fell back.


    All the beast''s let out loud howls of pain as the all charged forward towards the girl. Irene gave them all a serious look as she fired out several more ice attacks. Her hands shook violently but she managed to suppress the nature of the voices that all yelled at her to just give up.


    "I can do this..." She announced in a shaking voice as she fired off several more attacks. "I''m... I''m North! And North is the best!" She announced to herself. She clapped her hands together as a blue glow illuminated from them. She concentrated as hard as she could and pulled back creating, and crude block of ice. The seventeen-year-old girl let out a sigh of pain. "I still can''t control it..." She said with a whimper.


    Meanwhile over at yet another part of the Nest Cloud easily avoided any strikes that came his way. His hand shot up deflecting several clawed hands of the Bestia Macht''s but their claws still dug into his arm ripping out some of his flesh, and causing him to curse out.


    "Damn it!" He cursed dodging more of the creatures. "I''m justed to fighting with my cane..." He muttered out waving his hand and firing out a wave of steam that burned several of the monsters nearby.


    One of the Bestia Macht jumped into the air nearly landing on the blind teen, but Cloud thankfully avoided it at the very last second.


    "This is way more difficult than I remember it being..." He muttered out as he tried to deflect another blow with his hand but was instead sent flying back, causing him to slam into the wall.


    Cloud let out an audible groan as he tried to stand back up. A small growl escaped his lips as he slammed his hands down, launching out a massive wave of acidic mist, that melted everything around him.


    "Screw you guys!" The Blind teen announced standing back up. "If I can''t fight you all one on one, I''ll just use cheap tactics and force you to melt away!" Several of the monsters all howled in pain as they melted into a disgusting goop. Cloud simply let out a sigh as he shook his head. "I gotta get a new weapon..."


    Meanwhile, near the middle part of the cave, two a.d.u.l.ts fought back to back. "Just like our glory days right Yang?" Anga questioned. He brought his arm up slamming it straight into the skull of one of the Bestia Macht''s using his Attribute ''Super Strength'' to easily punch the head of the monster clean off.


    "I know what ya mean..." Yang said flashing a smile to his brother. He slammed his foot down-firing as the ground raised up and crushed to Bestia Macht''s. He did this with his Attribute ''Geomancer'' which allowed him to bend the stones and rocks to the point of making them seem alive.


    "It has been a while since we last fought together right?" Anga questioned grabbing a Bestia Macht and quite literally ripping it in half.


    "It has..." Yang said nodding. "We haven''t fought together since..."


    "Yeah... Since mom got sick..." Anga said quietly. He reached out ripping the tongue out of one of the Bestia Macht''s. "But that is why we need to do this... If we can get into that cave we can save mom... And we can use it to help the armies out. We could make a solider far stronger, and save the world..." He stated proudly as he slammed his fist up again punching straight through a Bestia Macht''s gut.


    "You''re right..." Yang said nodding as he raised both his arms up and launching up spikes made out of rocks. "So let''s get into that cave!" He announced proudly!


    Meanwhile over with James... The man sidestepped several of the Bestia Macht''s as he brought his arm up. His flesh became green as it became a plant-like vine. The vine was covered in pricks as he whipped it back and forth slashing across several of the monsters.


    "Ha, ha!" James laughed wrapping his whip arm around a monster''s throat. He pulled back ripping part of the head off. "I can''t wait till we get into that cave. I''ll take that formula and sell it for billions of Bells! I''ll be so rich!" He said letting out a slightly evil laugh.


    He may or may not be a bad guy.


    James kicked his leg out as it too turned into a vine that ripped into another monster. Be brought it up slamming it up into the roof of one of the monsters.


    He brought his right arm up as it changed becoming a massive buff plant arm. He slammed it down over the head of one of the monsters ripping it apart instantly.


    "Geez..." Hero said watching the man slay a bunch of monsters with plant limbs. "And I thought my powers were weird..."


    Meanwhile at another point in the cave. Seth easily sidestepped a bunch of the monsters as he reached into his pockets pulling out a mirror. Then he began to do his make up? Like he just went all in, in the middle of this high-end battle.


    Several of the Baron''s all growled at him seemingly offended by his nature, and lack of respect for them.


    Seth ignored them as he placed more makeup around his large scar as he frowned slightly. "I need to get into that cave..." He said slowly as he still dodged any swipe easily. "Then... I can use it to become beautiful again..." He muttered out slowly. "Until then..." His eyes caught the reflection of a very ugly monster in his mirror. "I''ll continue to wipe out these vile lookers..." He stated easily. His mirror glowed as he sliced at the monster in the mirror with a knife that he apparently had hidden in his sleeve.


    In the real world, the monster let out a loud yell of pain as its neck suddenly gained a large gash.


    Seth gave the monster a cold look as he continued to stab the knife into the reflection of the monster. Finally, after a few seconds, its body collapsed to the floor as the man gave a wide smile. "Beautiful..." He said simply.


    Finally at the final part of the Nest two men stood. Jackson brought his sword down-firing out a wave of lightning that slashed into the monster ripping it apart.


    Zero rolled his eyes as he sliced at several of the monsters with his sword. White lines appeared around them as they fell apart.


    "One hundred and eight!" Jackson announced.


    "One hundred and Nine!" Zero replied easily killing another monster.


    Jackson frowned as he threw his sword into the air. He clapped his hands together pointing them forward. "Arking Shot!" He announced as several beams of lightning fired out washing over several of the monsters and easily killing all of them. "I think I''m winning!"


    Zero let out a hiss as he raised his sword. "Prolonged Execution!" He announced proudly as he slammed it down. Millions of white strings seemed to explode out of his blade washing out and shredding all of the monsters that got near him.


    Several hundred monsters fell apart instantly as they all howled in pure agony.


    A loud roar echoed our further in the cave as a massive Earl suddenly exploded out of the darkness. It let out a massive roar as it eyed the two most dangerous humans up...


    The Earl stood at nearly twenty feet tall, and had a thick hide around its body. It had a massive head with a very powerful jaw. Eight very strong looking legs stabbed out from its side holding itself up. It had eight beddy eyes that looked at the humans. The creature let out another loud roar as its powerful jaws clicked together.


    "Looks like its the last Earl of this cave..." Jackson said simply. "Also... From the looks of it, this is likely the strongest Earl this cave had... This won''t be easy..."


    "Well since we don''t know who is winning any more how about we settle it, with whoever can day it," Zero questioned.


    "You''re on!" Jackson announced holding his fist out.


    Zero looked at it for a fee moment but smirked slightly as he reached up fist-bumping the man.


    "Let''s do this!" They both announced.


    Jackson charged forward towards the beast swinging his sword out. The Early kicked at him with its many legs but Jackson turned his sword blocking the attack easily even as it pushed him down.


    Suddenly Zero came flying down from the ceiling slashing at the monster with his long sword, but the blade simply reflected off of the beast''s hide.


    The Early jumped back landing on the wall of the cave as it stuck to the surface. It crawled around as it turned its body firing out a strong string that wrapped around Jackson''s ankle.


    "Uh-Oh..." The man muttered out as the Early turned its body slamming him straight into the wall of the cave.


    Zero suddenly flash stepped next to the monster as he sliced his sword down. White strings fired out of it tearing into the monster but only causing a small amount of harm.


    "Hmm. It would seem he is pretty tanky..." Zero managed to mutter out before the monster backhanded him away with one of its legs.


    "Arking Shot!" Jackson announced out from the dust that surrounded him. Several blue bolts of electricity fired out slamming into the monster, and causing it to hiss out.


    "Prolonged Execution!" Zero shouted using his attack as well. Millions of white strings fired out slashing into the monsters hide.


    ''Boom!''


    The entire Nest shook when the two attacks met as the Earl jumped back, smoke coming off of his body.


    Jackson and Zero both glanced at each other before they nodded. Suddenly both men threw their swords into the air as they slammed their hands together. There was a moment of silence as a white aura suddenly appeared around them. They both reached out catching their swords.


    "Sero!" Jackson announced as the white aura surrounded his legs making them appear as if they were on fire.


    "Pero!" Zero stated as the white aura covered his arms. They to looked as if they were on fire as the white light crackled around the two men.


    Then suddenly both men charged forward. Jackson exploded forward-moving at speeds nearing the light itself, as Zero slashed at the air with his sword so hard that space seemed to bend around it, and a ripple effect was unleashed. The two attacks slammed into the upper parts of the Bestia Macht ripped it in half from side to side!


    There was a massive sonic boom as both men came to a stop. Then slowly the light around them faded.


    "That was totally my kill..." Zero said calmly.


    "What! No way!" Jackson shouted angrily crossing his arms. "That was mine!"


    "Nope."


    "Yes!"


    ''Crash!''


    The smoldering upper half of the monster crashed down smacking into the floor. The Earl let out a whimper of pain as it groaned.


    "Holy shit it''s still alive-"


    Jackson began but was stopped when Hero suddenly appeared above the monster slamming a massive rock down onto its head crushing it instantly.


    "Yay! I win!" The boy stated.


    The two men stared at the boy with slacked jaws. "You kill thief!" They both shouted out in anger.


    "What?"


    Before a fight could break out, and by fight, the narrator means, before the two men slaughtered Hero, Anga raised his hand up silencing the group.


    "Guys listen..." He said calmly.


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    Everyone stayed silent as they listened.


    "I don''t hear anything..." Ken finally said.


    "Exactly," Anga announced smirking. "We won! All the Bestia Macht are dead now!" He announced proudly. "Or they are heading to the village?"


    "What!?" Ken said with wide eyes.


    "Well some might have gotten through, but relax. It is only one or two of them. They were also Barons. I''m sure it''ll be fine. It''ll take then hours to get back to the village anyways. We can get in grab what we are looking for, then head back to my base. I got a snowmobile in there... We''ll fine."


    "You''re sure it won''t take long to explore the cave?" Jackson asked.


    "Nah..." The man said. "Besides. The reports say it has been closed off for twelve years now. Whatever was down there has long since died."


    "I see... So where is this cave?"


    "That is a good question..." Anga said looking around the Nest... "I have no idea where the entrance is?"


    "Let me guess... We have to look for it?"


    "That is correct..."

 Chapter 48 - Finding The Cave

    Age 1990


    Hero shook his body cleaning himself of the blood and gore that coated his body in thick layers. "Wow! I am just covered in filth..." He muttered out in annoyance as he shook his body of the vile blood and gore.


    "Did... Did you really have to do that next to me?" Kitsune asked slowly as his eye twitched slightly as he was now covered most of the gore that was on Hero.


    "Whoops... My bad..."


    Kitsune let out a sigh as he shook his head. "How can anyone this dumb get into the Enforcers..."


    "Wow!" Ken said looking around the battlefield, of the Nest. "We really did a number on them all didn''t we." She said looking around impressed at their work. For as far as the eyes could see the bodies of Bestia Macht filled the Nest. Their bodies were just laid out across the floor, the entire cave looked like a scne out of a horror movie... "Is that the last of them?" Ken said curriously as she folded her arms.


    It was a pretty hardcore fight that they went through but in the end, they were able to defeat the massive Nest.


    Of course, it helped that Jackson, and Zero were stupidly op...


    "So like... What now?" Hero questioned in curiosity. "Are we gonna fight anything else or what..." Hero asked curiously echoing Ken''s question.


    "Probably not," Jackson said as he placed his hand on the wall. Him, Anga, and Yang were all frantically walking around, in a panic as they place their hands on the cave wall. They would push down on the wall as if they were looking for something. "We pretty much killed everything in this cave. The only Bestia Macht''s left will be the ones who were outside of the Nest before we came, and just wrecked the hell out of it. They probably won''t be coming back here any time soon..."


    "Yeah, but we aren''t we looking for a cave?" Hero questioned. "Wouldn''t something be down there?"


    "Well the cave was closed off for nearly twelve years now," Anga stated. "Anything in there would have likely starved to death. Also, as far as I know, there are no more entrances to the cave. The scientist made sure of that..."


    "What''s that mean?" Kitsune asked cautiously as he turned to the man. "Also... Just who are these scientists you keep talking about?" He questioned. He eyed the man up nervously as Anga gave a simple shrug.


    The man stayed silent as he tried to figure out what to say. "Well, you see... Twelve years ago a pair of scientists came out here to study something. This was going to be like the holy grail of medicine. It could solve most problems we have in the world... They even say it is a link to the Attributes?"


    "Yeah right..." Kitsune said rolling his eyes. "Listen, pal... We humans got our Attributes from God. There isn''t a link."


    Anga simply shrugged. "The point is... These scientist did something wrong... Something went wrong, and the two of them, as well as their newborn baby were unfortunately killed."


    "I''m sorry did you say, baby?" Cloud asked stepping forward.


    "Uh-oh..." Hero said suddenly. "I think I know where this is going..."


    "Yeah. They apparently had a baby out here... Poor thing probably died... I just prey it was quick-"


    "Wait..." Cloud said slowly. "So like... Out of curiosity this baby? What gender was it?"


    "A girl?"


    "And it would be how old now?"


    "Twelve?"


    "And Maudite is supposedly an outsider..."


    "Who the hell is Maudite?"


    Ken shot Hero a look. "Maudite didn''t mention anything about that..." Ken said slowly. "So either she didn''t think it was important... Or... Father Darvin decided to not tell her..." Ken said slowly as she gave a heavy sigh. "Knowing Father Darvin... I think it''s pretty obvious that this man was keeping it secret from her. But why would he do that?"


    "Who the hell is Father Darvin..." Yang questioned.


    "Not important..." Jackson muttered out as he continued to poke at the wall.


    "This explains a lot..." Ken said letting out a sigh. "I mean... Not really but we know more about the girl now..."


    "How did the parents die?" Cloud questioned suddenly. He c.o.c.ked an eyebrow at the men as he blindly stared past them.


    "Who knows..." James said.


    "Shut up James," Anga commented. The man cleared his throat. "Who knows. It could be because they didn''t bring proper protection, and died to the Bestia Macht''s... They could have frozen to death... Honestly, there are several reasons why?" He said giving a shrug. "We may never know though."


    "And they were buried in this cave?" Cloud questioned with slight worry as he raised an eyebrow.


    "I guess?" Anga said. "They collapsed the cave on themselves supposedly... Then less than a week later Bestia Macht''s built a Nest over it..." Anga shrugged. "Or at least that''s what I was told."


    "Who told you?" Irene questioned.


    "A Doctor who claimed to have been apart of the experiments. He told us about the scientist and how they died, and were buried here. Strangely he didn''t tell us how they died?" Yang commented as he gave another shrug. "Weird right?"


    "And this isn''t a red flag..." Cloud asked as he stepped back slowly. "I can''t be the only one who can just here the horror bell ringing right?"


    "Relax Cloud," Kitsune said slowly. "It isn''t that bad. I mean look at how big, and strong our group is. We are beyond prepared." The Fox Noble stated. "I mean Jackson alone is worth a hundred of us! What''s the worse that could happen?"


    "Somebody knock on wood..." Hero said seriously.


    "Ah-ha!" Jackson announced proudly. His hand touched a part of the cave as he knocked on it. "This part of the cave wall feels slightly hollow!" He said happily as he smirked.


    Anga walked over to it placing his hand on it as well. "You''re right... Definitely a section past here... This is probably where the entrance was located before the collapse..." He said nodding his head.


    Ken walked up placing her hand on it as well, as she let out a quiet hum. Hero did the same due to his curiosity. "So how do we get in there?" Hero questioned in curiosity. "Are we just gonna-"


    Anga brought his arm back as he slammed it straight into the stone wall so hard it actually exploded.


    "Okay, that works too!" Hero said jumping back.


    "I was not expecting that..." Ken said hiding behind Hero as she peeked out from over his shoulder.


    Everyone stared into the large opening in wonderment. It was just a massive hole in the wall that led to darkness. They couldn''t see anything past the hole. It was just pure darkness. Completely pitch black with no light in it at all. Just a simple black void...


    "Okay..." Jackson said slowly. "Kitsune... Go into the cave."


    "What why!"


    "Because I said so!"


    There was a moment of silence as everyone stood waiting for something to happen. No one bothered to move towards the hole now that they were finally at its doorsteps.


    "Cloud..." Hero said slowly. "You''re used to darkness. Why don''t you-"


    "Absolutely not..."


    "That''s fair..."


    Irene let out a sigh. "Okay fine... I''ll go in and-" A massive rumble fired through the cave shaking the entire Nest as a high pitch growl seemed to echo out and a wave of dust sprayed out of the hole... Irene turned slightly to look back at the group. "Umm..."


    "Ya, you go in!" Ken said with wide red eyes. She was in Hero''s arms now, with Hero in Anga''s arm. Anga gave an eye twitch as he held the two kids up easily.


    "Yeah, I agree. Let''s send North in." Kitsune said nodding.


    "Well... Jackson did ask you to go..." Irene said stepping away from the hole as she stared with wide eyes. "He said so..."


    "That is true I did say so..." Jackson said nodding his head.


    "Okay fine!" Kitsune said holding his hands up. He walked forward about to step in but stopped right at the edge. He stood still staring into the void. "Okay... I''ll go if North comes to..."


    "What no!"


    "Please?" Kitsune asked turning around and facing the group. "Come on?"


    "Fine..." Irene said walking forward slowly. "I''ll go as long as you don''t chicken out..."


    "Deal!"


    "You two are both brave. We''ll tell the world your story..." Hero said.


    "Ahh shut it, Hero..." Kitsune said letting out a sigh. "It probably isn''t actually anything."


    "Yeah," Irene said nodding. "I''m sure its nothing."


    "This is 100% safe-''


    A hand fired out of the darkness wrapping around Kitsune''s head and pulled the fox teen kicking and screaming into the darkness!

 Chapter 49 - The Cave

    Age 1990


    Father Darvin stood in his office as he slowly pulled a picture out of a cabinet. He let a deep and painful sigh escape his lips as he slowly fell to his chair.


    "Why didn''t you listen..." The old man muttered out as he sat a picture down. The picture seemed to he some kind of drawing? In it, an orange crystal could be seen as well as several letters and numbers.


    On closer inspection, it would appear that it was a blueprint for something?


    Father Darvin let out another sigh as he clinched his teeth. "Why Yuesi..." He questioned to himself as he punched his desk due to frustration. "Why! Why! Why! What the hell do I do Yusei!" He shouted out once again. "When they find out... When they see what I kept hidden..." He clenched his teeth as he stood up punching the wall. "My village... I worked hard to protect this land... I won''t let your mistake ruin it..." He said almost in a growl.


    Father Darvin stood up wobbling slightly as he walked over to his door forcefully yanking it open. He nearly tripped out the door as he wandered into the hallway.


    "Father Darvin..."


    The Father stopped as he slowly turned to see who spoke. "Maudite..." He said slowly as his eyes locked onto the twelve-year-old girl.


    "Yes..." Maudite said slowly as she took a step back. The man in front of her had a slight rose coloring to his checks... His eyes were glassy and he had a sway in his step. It wasn''t that hard to deduce that the Father was plastered. And judging by the look in his eyes he didn''t plan on stopping yet. Maudite gave a nervous gulp as she stepped back once more.


    "Maudite..." Father Darvin said speaking the name again as he stared at the girl.


    "Yes..." Maudite said again taking a third step back. She couldn''t tell if the man was actually seeing her, or if he was just mindlessly replying to reply. Despite that though the Father''s tired eyes stared into her innocent blue eyes.


    Then slowly the man took a step forward. Then another. And another. "Maudite..." He said again though this time it almost came out as a growl. Then he marched towards her at full speed as he raised his hand up.


    Maudite instantly squeezed her eyes shut as she grabbed onto the nice warm jacket Ken had given her to keep. The girl let out a whipped expecting a slap over the head but surprisingly it never came? Rather... She felt a gentle touch on the head as Father Darvin patted the girl on the head.


    "Twelve years..." Father Darvin said slowly. "Twelve years, and yet I don''t think I''ve ever once shown you a hint of affection..."


    "Father Darvin-" Maudite let out a squeak when the drunken man pulled her into a hug. Then he began to cry? He just broke down into tears as he clutched onto the girl.


    "It''s so hard!" He said choking up. "Walking up everyday, knowing we could be wiped out by the Bestia Macht? Telling others to work on the village even though it''s pointless... Trying to keep things in check! Seeing you walking around, knowing what kind of cursed bloodline you come from!"


    "What?"


    "And knowing where we get our food from! How we grow it! It just hurts!" The old man said sobbing.


    ''He thinks he can cry after everything he did to use


    Maudite reached out patting the old man on the head shutting her other self up instantly. "What do you mean?" She questioned. "It will feel better once you tell someone and let it all out?"


    Father Darvin stopped crying suddenly as he sat there. "Maudite..." He said speaking in a serious tone. "I just realized. Twelve years and not once have I ever told you anything about your family..." He said slowly as he stood up. He let out a deep sigh. "Come with me..."


    "What! My family?" Maudite said only to realize that Father Darvin was already marching off. She let out a slight yelp and started following after the bumbling drunken Father.


    Father Darvin, marched straight out the doors, and into the snow. Maudite hesitated but followed soon after. The two walked quickly past the rubble of what was once a village. Finally, after a few minutes, they arrived at a massive hole in the ground.


    The Father grabbed the hand of the twelve-year-old girl and didn''t hesitate to jump down causing them both to crash painfully to the ground.


    The older man let out. groan but quickly stood back up as he dragged the girl over to a large stone wall. Then slowly he reached up and placed his hand on it.


    "This... This was created by me..." The Father said muttering slightly. "Behind it... Behind it is where your father and mother died..."


    Meanwhile...


    "Holy shit!"


    "What the hell!"


    "Kitsune!"


    "Thank God that wasn''t me!"


    "Ken her off of me you''re heavy!"


    Everyone stared in shock as a hand reached from the darkness of the cave and wrapped around the young fox Noble, and just straight up yanked him kicking, and screaming into the dark abyss!


    "God Damn it!" Jackson cursed out. "Alright! Let''s go get him!"


    "We''re going in there!"


    "Yes!"


    "Like all of us at once? Wouldn''t it he smarter to split the party?"


    "No!"


    "Why?"


    "Because I said so!" Jackson announced marching forward. "Now come on! We are not letting Kitsune die to whatever the hell took him!"


    "Wow..." Irene said slightly surprised. "I thought he hated Kitsune?"


    ''Shit, shit, shit! If Kitsune dies, then Katrina will skin me alive!" Jackson thought in pure panic mode.


    "What happened to everything being dead!" Ken shouted in a panic.


    "Hey!" Anga said throwing his arms up. "It was trapped for twelve years! How the hell was I supposed to know it would be alive?"


    "Well, what the hell is it anyways?" Cloud questioned.


    "How should I know!"


    "Everyone shut up!" Zero shouted causing everyone to stop. "Look! We are all going in there at the same time, and getting that boy back! It doesn''t matter what is in the cave. If we all team up on it, then it really won''t matter!" He shouted out.


    "I guess..." Hero said shrugging.


    "Can I sit you down now?" Anga asked staring at Hero, and Ken who were still both in his arms.


    "Sure..." Hero said jumping out of Anga''s arms. "I do agree with Zero''s plans though." He said as he dropped Ken to the floor. "Also. We are probably just wasting time! Let''s go now before anything happens."


    Everyone took a deep breath and quickly walked forward into the darkness. They didn''t have time to consider what they were getting themselves into. Kitsune was in trouble right now. He probably wouldn''t appreciate it if the group let him die simply because they were scared.


    Then again if he did die then he wouldn''t really be caring about the group now would he?


    The party moved forward all of them practically jogging as they all went down a sloping straight hill. It went down, at an almost awkward angle. There was nothing but pitch darkness... Finally, though a small light could be seen up ahead.


    It looked almost like fire?


    "Kitsune!" Ken said with realization The group hurried forward finally finishing the slope as they came into a large open room...


    The room was extremely large. Nearly half a mile big... The roof was visible but was still extremely high. The room looked to be made out of polished stone? The room was also filled with several large stone pillars. It was all really confusing, but one thing was for sure.


    Whatever this room was, it was man-made...


    Light-filled the room from several orbs of fire. Up above the ground, they heard a panicked yell as the body of Kitsune came crashing down. He was back in his Nine-Tailed form, so he was apparently the culprit behind the light, as the fire made from his tails, and ears, lit up the area in an orange glow...


    "Kitsune?" Irene said when she saw a quick look of fear in Kitsune''s eyes as he looked at them. No... Not them. But rather the thing behind them. "Uh oh..." Irene said slowly as she could feel a pair of eyes on her from behind.


    The whole group could in fact...


    They all slowly turned around and they finally saw it... The monster.


    It stood at 6" 4" feet tall, and had long frail-looking arms and legs. Its joints looked kind of weird and were snapped differently allowing them to bend in ways human arms simply couldn''t. The creature had an almost human-looking head, but it was missing a nose... The entire thing also had extremely flesh that was almost as white as the snow, and a pair of horns on its head that looked to be covered in what looked like a dark blue metal? It had two glowing orange eyes that seemed to light up in the dark. It had a stupid amount of teeth causing its face to he stuck in a permanent smile. A blue aura covered its body as it slowly c.o.c.ked its head at the group who all stared at it with shock, and fear.


    But it wasn''t the creatures appearance that was scaring them. Yes, the thing did look absolutely creepy, but that wasn''t what bothered any of them.


    No.


    What bothered them was what it was wearing.


    Yes. This thing was wearing clothing, showing off the terrifying fact that it wasn''t a Bestia Macht. This thing was a human...


    And the clothing it was wearing.


    A ripped up, and heavily stained, lab coat...

 Chapter 50 - The Corruption

    Age 1990


    Father Darvin let out a sigh as his hand was placed on the wall.


    "My parents?" Maudite questioned in slight shock. "Behind this wall?"


    The old man simply let out another sigh as he rubbed the wall slowly. "Indeed... Or at least your father is... Your mother most certainly dead..." The girl let out a whimper at that as she stepped back. "Killed by your father in fact?"


    "What!"Maudite fell to her knees grabbing her head as she stared straight at the ground with a look of horror as Father Darvin continued telling her the horrors, of her family.


    "Your father devoured her. He ripped out her throat and simply tore her into pieces as he ate her-" Father Darvin stepped away from the girl as her stomach couldn''t take it and she puked. "I''m sorry. Do you not want to know about that?"


    "No!"


    ''This man... Even when he is broken he still doesn''t hesitate to break us down to build himself up?''


    "Stop it!" Maudite wailed sniffling slightly. She hugged the jacket closer to her. "Hero..." She muttered out sniffling. "Please save me..."


    Father Darvin merely let out a grunt. "They probably won''t be coming to save you..." The Father said letting out another sigh. "This village is unfortunately doomed. If they found that cave entrance then they would have released that, creature?"


    "Wh-What creature?"


    "Your father..."


    "B-But I thought my parents were dead?"


    "Believe me Maudite... Your father is well past being dead." The man said somberly. "Like most foolish scientists, he was killed by the hands of his creation... Well... Technically he didn''t invent it. He and his wife were just studying it, in an attempt to find a way to use it."


    "What creation?" Maudite asked.


    "It''s called the Corruption."


    Meanwhile...


    "What the hell is that thing!" Hero asked turning to Irene.


    "That''s a good question..." The girl said. "What the hell is that thing!" She asked turning to Jackson.


    "That''s a good question..." The Vice-Captain said. "What the hell is that thing?" He asked turning to Anga.


    Only... Anga didn''t seem to be listening. He had a starry-eyed look in his eyes as he stared up at the creature that watched them with what looked to be curiosity. "Amazing..." He muttered out. "Twelve years in the dark, and it was able to stay alive, without food or water of any kind? Is the formula so great, as to fight back even a sure death..."


    "Wait!" Cloud said turning to the man. "You knew about this!"


    "Well... Yes and No? I mean I knew it was down here but I was 100% certain it was dead? The damn thing hasn''t seen another living creature in like? Twelve years... You honestly can''t pin this on me for being surprised that it is still somehow alive?"


    "I feel like I should know what this thing is..." Jackson said taking a nervous step back. Everyone followed him as the creature continued to c.o.c.k its head at them. It had a glowing blue aura around its body that seemed to only get bigger.


    "Oh, that''s because you definitely know what this thing is," James said suddenly. "It''s the Corruption!"


    "F.u.c.k.i.n.g what now!" Jackson said alarmed. "And you assholes knew! I swear to God, now I got take you all in!"


    "Seriously James?" Yang said glaring at the man. "Just go right out and tell him?"


    "Damn it, James..." Seth said sighing.


    "Hey f.u.c.k you guys!"


    "Just like every other Sturmcrow, it would seem you are incompetent..." Zero said shaking his head.


    "...So..." Hero said a bit awkwardly as glowing around the creature got even brighter. "What is the Corruption-"


    "A dangerous sociopathic monster virus!" Jackson yelled out.


    "Wrong!" Anga said crossing his arms. "I mean just look at the creature. It''s just curiously staring at all of us?"


    The creature slowly straightened its head up as its orange eyes wouldn''t leave them.


    "No!" Kitsune said shaking his head violently. "Screw that! This thing is stupidly dangerous! Kill it! Kill it, kill it, kill it, kill it!"


    "Yep!" Jackson said ripping his sword forward as he pointed it at the thing. "We are definitely killing it-"


    "No!" Anga yelled out stepping in front of the sword. "Absolutely not-"


    "Anga..." Zero said slowly as he unsheathed his longsword. "You said we wouldn''t need any living creature at all... Just the formula..."


    "That was before I found out it was alive?!" Anga shouted.


    "Umm guys..." Hero said as he watched the glowing get even brighter.


    "Anga!" Zero said with some force. "Move out of the way. This thing is clearly a failed experiment who lost their mind... Besides. Whatever part of it that was human likely doesn''t exist anymore after twelve years of isolation."


    "Oh my God everyone shut up and look at the monster!" Hero yelled out slamming his hands together.


    The monsters glowed so brightly now that it was actually hard to look at! Then slowly its massive mouth actually pulled open... And all that could be seen was a small blue glowing ball...


    "What the hell is-"


    "Gst down!" Jackson screamed.


    Everyone jumped to the floor as a giant beam of pure death and destruction fired straight out of the monster''s mouth! The heat coming off of it was so intense that it was like being next to a flame! The beam hit the back wall and exploded into a hail of melted stone as such pressure was kicked up that several of the pillars exploded from the sheer force and the entire cave, as in the entire cave, not just the room they were in, but the entire cave, quite literally shook! The stone around the walls became red hot and actually began to melt as the entire room itself was lit up by a blue glow effect from the beam. The beam was too bright to look at to the point that even after everyone closed their eyes and placed their hands over their eyes they could still see it. Finally, after what felt like an eternity but was actually 0.01 seconds, the beam suddenly faded away.


    "Okay kill it!" Anga shouted!


    The monster opened its mouth as it let out a tremendous roar so loud the room shook once more!


    And with that, all hell broke loose as the fighting began...

 Chapter 51 - The Story Of The Foolish Scientist Part 1

    Age 1990


    "What are you saying!" Maudite questioned with wide eyes. "The Corruption? What is that? You aren''t making any sense?"


    Father Darvin let out a growl as he suddenly whipped around and backhanded the girl sending her falling to the floor! "It doesn''t make any sense!" He shouted! "That''s what made this bloodline cursed! Every one of us is doomed to make a foolish mistake that will result in the death of themselves and those around us! Your father was an idiot, your grandfather was an idiot, and your great grandfather was an idiot!"


    Maudite whimpered as she inched away from the man as he yelled. "How? How do you know this!"


    "Because I''ve seen it! And I experienced it! I saw what Yusei did..."


    "Who''s Yusei?" She asked with a quiver in her voice.


    Father Darvin took a deep breath as he suddenly fell to his knees. "Your father..."


    "My dad''s name was Yusei..." Maudite said in shock.


    Father Darvin rubbed the hand he had used to slap the girl as he nodded his head. "Yes... Yusei..." Father Darvin said slowly. "My son..."


    "What!" Father Darvin''s eyes stared, at his granddaughter. "But... But you said I was an outcast?" She said with a whimper.


    "You are..." Father Darvin said electing another growl. "I don''t consider Yusei my son anymore... Not after everything he did..."


    "I don''t understand..."


    "I told you... Your bloodline, or should I say the Darvin bloodline is cursed..." The elderly man looked up to the roof of the cave as he let out a sigh. "We all make one mistake... One massive mistake that results in pain, and misery. My Father''s mistake was leaving the village to me... My mistake was marrying a woman, and creating Yusei... And your father..." Father Darvin let out a chuckle. "Hell. He was nothing but mistakes..."


    "So... Even after knowing who I am... You continued to let the village treat me horribly... You couldn''t to treat me like I was sc.u.m... Even... Even after knowing I was your granddaughter-"


    "You aren''t my granddaughter..." Father Darvin hissed getting a dangerous look in his eyes. "You''re an abomination... Created through unspeakable means..."


    "What..."


    "During the Age of 1106, there was a new experiment that was going around... Project Seraphim... A new experiment that could result in a person being gifted multiple Attributes, through another Attribute known as the Monsterfication. The project was dropped fairly quick as it was too risky, and resulted in several deaths... Plus, even when it did succeed those who had the powers, were deemed too dangerous, and carried a few... Let''s say side effects..." Father Darvin said simply. "However... Like most Scientists, the man who created the project wasn''t satisfied and so he looked for something... Something more. He found this in the form of a plant... It is unknown what exactly was done to create the virus, however, it involved, a plant, the Monsterfication, and God''s blood... When those three things were mixed together it created something new. A chemical that any person could take, and they had a 100% possibility of surviving. This chemical when exposed to the body would instantly work on improving it, somehow? It was to fast for anything normal, within mere moments the host would evolve. This chemical didn''t gift the host with any jew Attributes, rather it gifted them in other ways. It would power up the host''s Attribute to the maximum possible level, this would in turn usually result in the host dying due to their body not being able to handle it, but the chemical fixed that problem by changing the host''s body, to something no longer human. The host would be improved by almost ten times what they were originally... They say that the Monsterfication, can turn a person into a human monster... Well then by that logic this chemical can turn a person into a Demon... While it does result in a massive powerup the host will find themselves slowly going insane... Soon they would be nothing more than a mindless beast that will only kill..."


    Maudite stated at the man with a look of shock. "I had no idea such a thing existed..."


    "Neither did I until your father brought it here..." Father Darvin said letting out a heavy sigh as he stared at the ground. "He was thirty when he died... He was twenty when he left..."


    "When he left?"


    "Yes..." Father Darvin growled. "Age... 1968... Our village was attacked by some Bestia Macht, just like it is being today... However, unlike today the Enforcers actually did their job and wiped it out... The only problem was we could barely afford it... You see things were a lot worse back then. We didn''t have anyway of growing the vegetables, and we barely had any huts... Honestly if not for my father leading the village we would have certainly died." He muttered out as he slumped to the ground slowly. "However. Even after the Enforcers saved us from the Bestia Macht, a problem soon occurred... Yusei became transfixed on one of the Enforcers... A young woman his age... They ended up leaving together in the middle of the night... I didn''t see him for ten years... Until... One day..."


    Age 1978


    Mr. Darvin let out a pained groan as he brought the pickaxe down onto the rock. It cracked, and began to break apart. The fifty-year-old man bent down and detached through the rocks slowly, but let out a groan when he found nothing.


    "Nothing in that one either?" One of the villagers asked.


    "Nope..." Mr. Darvin said shaking his head. "Damn, the dark..." He muttered out.


    Currently, the two men were mining away at a bunch of rocks down in a cave. Next to them, they had a small bag filled with tiny blue gems in it.


    "Geez, we have bad luck..." The villager muttered. "We''ve barely even got a few pounds of Mana..."


    "I don''t think it''s luck." Darvin sighed out. "I think this cave just ran out of mana finally. We finally dug up all that there was to find."


    "I hope you''re wrong." The villager muttered out as he slammed his pickaxe down onto a rock. "Selling Mana is the only way we stay alive! We don''t got any of them fancy superhuman to help kill the Bestia Macht. And it is so cold out here we can''t even grow vegetables, or fruit!" He stated slamming his ace down again. "We use the Mana we find to sell for food, and water to the cities that need it, so without it we are totally screwed..."


    Mr. Darvin let out a heavy sigh. "I hear you. As it stands now, I shouldn''t even be here, at my age. Unfortunately, we are running out of time, and need a way to start getting food fast. Practically everyone is sick, or dead now..."


    The two men continued to swing away at the rocks for almost another hour.


    "It is getting pretty late." The villager said letting out a heavy sigh as he whipped his face. "You wanna start heading back now?" He asked.


    "Not yet..." Mr. Darvin muttered out as he shook his head. "I wanna check deeper into the cave-"


    "You know we aren''t supposed to!" The villager said reaching out and grabbing the man''s shoulder. "Not unless we have a proper team..."


    "We don''t have a choice..." Darvin hissed. "Unless we can get some more Mana we are all going to starve to death..."


    "Serotobi, come on..." The villager said slowly. "It''s dangerous."


    "I don''t care."


    The villager let out a sigh. "Alright well, just how far are you planning on going down?"


    "As far as I can..."


    "Serotobi... Please knock it off."


    "No."


    The villager let out another heavy sigh as he rolled his eyes. "fight but I''m coming with you..." He said shrugging.


    "No. It''s too dangerous-"


    "You think?"


    Darvin let out a chuckle as he smiled. "Okay fine... You can come with me. But listen, of I get into trouble, and you think it''ll put you in danger if you save me, don''t hesitate to abandon me..."


    "Whatever you say, Father..."


    "Hey knock that off. I won''t inherit the title of Father for at least a few more years."


    "That reminds me? How is Father Darvin?"


    "He''s doing well I think," Darvin said. "He was sick but he''s recovering."


    "That''s good..."


    The two men quietly walked through the cave as they marched down a sloping hill. They soon entered a fairly large room filled with pillars.


    "This is as far as the village has explored right?" Darvin questioned.


    "Yeah... Back in the day, they banned anyone from coming this far. The original Father, your many great-grandpa, claimed that it was cursed and should never be explored. So you know... Let''s not."


    "That''s good..."


    "It being cursed is good?"


    "Yeah... It means that if there is Mana left over it wouldn''t have been disturbed for a long time." The man said walking up to a wall. "But... I do feel like something is off. Come mere..."


    "What?"


    "Feel this wall?"


    The villager slowly lifted his hand up to the wall and raised an eyebrow. "It feels... Hollow?"


    "Stand back... I''m going to use my Attribute to blast this thing down." Darvin stated.


    "Whoa! Wait a minute. It''s forbidden to use our Attributes!"


    "No one will know," Darvin said shaking his head. "Besides. My Attribute is an On type. It can''t be turned off. So technically I''m breaking that rule all the time." He said shrugging, as a blue aura covered his body. He slammed hid hand forward-firing out a shock wave that instantly caused the wall to come crashing down.


    "Another tunnel?" The villager said shocked when he saw a long winding tunnel.


    "The stone is smooth there as well..." Darvin muttered. "Someone has been here. This tunnel is man-made."


    "What do you think we''ll find?"


    "I dunno... But I have the feeling this is going to change everything..."

 Chapter 52 - The Story Of The Foolish Scientist Part 2

    Age 1978


    The two men walked forward. Both of them couldn''t help but jump at every shadow they saw as the moved through the massive tunnel that they had just discovered. Who knew where it could lead.


    "This is crazy..." The villager hissed out. "We should go back and tell the others about what we discovered-"


    "What I discovered," Darvin said simply.


    The villager just sighed as he continued following after the man who didn''t appear to have any intention of stopping anytime soon.


    The two of them took every turn the tunnel made. Thankfully it had no arching paths. The village was certain that Darvin would demand they split up if there was one, and he really didn''t feel like being alone in an unknown place in the dark.


    The only thing they had that allowed them to even see was the torchlight... The light that of course Darvin was holding.


    Finally, after what felt like an hour, but was likely only five minutes, they came to an end in the tunnel.


    The tunnel opened up into a new open room, that was absolutely massive in size... It was extremely large nearly three miles big. A pair of stone steps led down, and there were rows of what looked like seats? It was like a large bleachers stand?


    "What the hell..." The villager muttered out backing away slowly as he eyed the room up. "This looks super sketchy..."


    "What the hell is that thing..." Darvin muttered out as well. His eyes were transfixed on a large glowing orange crystal at the bottom of the room. Slowly he walked towards it out of curiosity.


    "Don''t go towards that!"


    "What? Why not?"


    "Look at it! This is some cultist shit man..."


    Darvin gave the man a ''are you for real'' look before turning away and walking towards the crystal once more. He reached the crystal as the villager followed slowly after him.


    "I... I really don''t like this..." The villager muttered.


    "I don''t remember asking for your opinion?" Darvin reached out placing a hand on the massive glowing crystal. "It... It''s warm..."


    "Really?" The villager reached out placing his hand on it as well. "Oww! Son of-"


    "What?"


    "I didn''t see a shard, and the damn thing pricked me!", He hissed out as he looked down at his palm which now had a small tiny cut in it. " I... What?"


    "What?"


    The villager looked around suddenly with a confused look. "Hello?"


    "Umm. Are you okay man?" Darvin asked.


    "Who said that!" The villager said backing up.


    "It was me-"


    "Not you!" The villager said with wide eyes. "The other voice!"


    "What other voice-" Darvin''s eyes widened as he stared at the man. "What''s wrong with your eyes!" The villager''s eyes had changed, transforming into something that didn''t look human... The white in his eyes was gone replaced by a black void, and his iris had changed into an orange color, that seemed to glow just like the crystal.


    The villager stepped back as he stared at his wound. It now had a glowing orange crystal on his hand... "Something... Somethings wrong-" He fell to his knees and began to vomit up blood! It didn''t stop as he threw up again and again! He cried and sobbed as Darvin simply stood there horrified, as the man became paler, and paler! It didn''t take long for him to throw up all the blood he had in his body leaving his skin as a pale white... Then his veins changed becoming a bright orange. "I..." The man let out a laugh reviling his fanged teeth. "I feel great! This must he what superhumans feel like all the time!" He laughed. He looked up at Darvin but frowned when he saw the look of fear on the man''s face. "What?"


    Darvin fell back as he began to crawl away from the man, with his mouth wide open. "What! What the hell happened to your face?"


    "What?" The man said in confusion. He brought his pickaxe up using it as a way to reflect himself. He stared down at his image in shock. His skin had become a bright red, and he now had four extra eyes, on his forehead. What looked like scales were also growing on his body. He now had a pair of horns, and a tail, and his mouth had become filled with razor sharp teeth... He looked like a Bestia Macht that had learned to wear clothes and walk on two legs...


    "You''re a monster!" Darvin yelled out falling to the ground as he backed up.


    The man shook his head. "That isn''t very nice." He said in a dangerous tone. He shook his head. "Wait what am I saying? Why do... Why do I feel so mad!" He groaned as he fell to his knees. "I... I''m-" He touched his stomach as it let out an audible growl... I''m hungry..."


    "Hungry-" Darvin let out a yell when the villager shot forward slamming himself into the man.


    "I''m just hungry! And mad! And I just hate you all of a sudden!" The ''thing'' shouted out. "I don''t know what''s happening but I feel so powerful! Like I can do anything-" He growled out as two arms suddenly exploded out of his back giving him four very powerful arms now.


    Darvin let out a yell as a blue aura covered his body and he raised his arms up blasting the man off of him. "What are you doing!"


    The villager didn''t answer him as he let out another growl and charged forward as fast as he could. It slammed itself into Darvin again as it let out more growls losing more common sense with every second!


    Darvin threw out a punch throwing what was now most certainly a monster back. He grabbed his pickaxe and ran forward slamming it straight into the things head. The axe stabbed into the top of its skull, and Darvin gritted his teeth as he pulled back ripping the top of the things head of, and spraying orange liquid everywhere!


    He made sure to keep his mouth shut, as he didn''t want to know what would happen if any of that stuff managed to get into his system.


    The body of what was once the villager fell forward hitting the ground, as Darvin fell back staring with shocked eyes. "What! What did I do!"


    ''You defended yourself...'' A calm and dangerous voice said as the aura around him flickered red slightly.


    Darvin shook his head as he stood up and turned around. "No! Not even close. I just killed him!" He sighed out as he shook his head. "Oh, Light... What am I gonna tell the others?"


    ''The truth. His body did change after all... It won''t be hard to prove that he turned into a monster!''


    "But they''ll blame me for getting him into this situation!"


    ''Just alter the story a bit... You wanted to head back but he insisted on going further into the cave... They''ll believe you... After all, you''re the son of the Farther...''


    Darvin let out a heavy sigh. "You''re right. I need to lie to save myself. I''ll-" He turned around but stopped suddenly. He looked down at the ground as his breathing became hitched. The body was no longer there.


    ''Oh, fu-''


    Darvin felt himself get tackled to the ground from up above him as he was slammed into the stone floor hard enough to crack the ground! He let out a scream of pain as something grabbed his head and slammed it straight into the floor!


    The blue aura around Darvin grew brighter as he turned his body around seeing the creature was now on top of him, as it punched him with its four arms. Its head had completely healed, and it seemed to smirk as its mouth opened and it bit straight into his shoulder causing the man to scream out in utter pain!


    Darvin let out a whail of pain as he swung his pickaxe up again, and towards the monsters head. However, in a flash, it blocked the straight with its hand. The axe broke through the hand though coming out the back of the creature''s hand, but was unable to move any further...


    However, the creature stopped as it blinked slightly. Then slowly it turned to look at its hand. Darvin did the same seeing the axe was stabbed straight through the crystal that was on the hand of the creature. The monster looked at it for a moment... Then it exploded!


    Orange liquid went everywhere as its entire body just popped!


    Darvin stood there utterly drenched in the stuff as he stood slacked jawed. "What the actual f.u.c.k!"

 Chapter 53 - The Story Of The Foolish Scientist Part 3

    Age 1990


    "So... So you killed the man!" Maudite said slowly.


    "He was no longer a man..." Father Darvin muttered out as he shook his head. "The Corruption changed him... Turned him into a monster... Killing him would have been a blessing for him."


    Maudite slowly inched away from the man.


    Father Darvin continued his story. "After I killed my friend, putting him out of his misery I managed to wobble back home. Thankfully that orange liquid didn''t seem to have the properties of the crystal as it never transformed me. It also didn''t take me very long to get back... You see in the room with the crystal there was a side path. That side path led to the room where we are now. This is the second, and last entrance to the cave... When I got back to the village I collapsed nearly instantly. When I woke up I explained everything to my father, and the other villagers..."


    "Did they believe you?"


    "Not at first," Darvin said shaking his head. "But I took them to the cave, and showed them the crystal. I instructed them to not touch it, no matter, what, under any circ.u.mstances." He said slowly. "My father, who is your great grandfather, decided to contact the Enforcers on our findings. He was hoping that the crystal would be worth a lot of Bells... Enough to save the village. I was still recovering though, so I was made unaware that more Enforcers were coming down... And it just so happens..."


    Age 1978


    Darvin sat in bed as he stared up at the roof. His ears twitched when he heard a loud metallic clicking sound followed by yelling from outside the building.


    The older man let out a groan as he stood up grabbing a crutch as he wobbled outside. "What the hell is everyone screaming about... I''m trying to rest-"


    He stopped when he saw a large metal bus like thing.


    "What the hell... Why is that here."


    "Ahh, my son..." A voice said. Darvin turned finding an older man in a priest robe walking towards him. It was his father, and the village leader. The current Father Darvin...


    "What is this Father?"


    "Ahh... This is... The Enforcers..."


    "Okay, but why are they parking their moveable base here?" Darvin hissed slightly. "We do not allow technology in our village."


    "Relax my son... It is only temporary..." The Father said as he gave a weak smile. "They will relocate to the entrance of the cave soon."


    "How many of them are there?"


    "Not many... I think only four."


    "Should you be out of bed father?" Darvin questioned.


    The Father simply shrugged. "I do not know, and I do not care... Why don''t you go pay the Enforcers a visit?"


    Darvin let out a slight grunt as he turned his body and began to walk to the large metal machine that was parking right next to their frail wooden gate. He let out a heavy sigh as his eye twitched. Finally, he stopped walking as he stood outside the door to the base.


    After what seemed like forever, the door finally swung open. And out stepped a young woman in a lab coat.


    "You..." Father Darvin said in a hiss, as he stared at the woman. "You''re the girl that stole my son... Turned him into an outcast!" He roared as he rocketed forward only to be stopped when a hand grabbed his arm.


    "Hello... Father..." Yusei said slowly as he stared into the eyes of his shocked dad. "It has been a while, hasn''t it. Ten years?"


    "Yusei..."


    "I go by doctor Darvin now."


    "What is this..." Darvin asked stepping back.


    "Well... After I left I joined up with the Enforcers. Maudite has been a real help, teaching me all the stuff about the outside world."


    "Maudite?"


    "That''s me!" The girl said waving her arm slightly as she smirked. "Your son is really smart Mr. Darvin. He has also taught me a lot. In no time at all, he easily reached the rank of Vice-Captain for squad nine. He has been a great help!" She said smiling slightly.


    "You traitor..." Darvin said slowly as he stared at his son. "You left, to become an Enforcer?"


    "Dad they needed me," Yusei said stepping away. "I''ve been doing great things, and solving so many problems-"


    "You left! Abandoned us! Abandoned me!"


    "What seems to be the problem?" Everyone stopped as they turned to see the Father walking up.


    "Ahh, grandpa!" Yusei said when he was the old man.


    "Yusei!" The father said smiling lightly. "It has been a while." He held his hand out shaking his grandson''s hand.


    "Indeed it has," Yusei said nodding. "By the way. This is my girlfriend Maudite. We''re actually engaged now. We plan on having the wedding once we get back!"


    "That''s great!" The Father said as Darvin held his tongue. He still couldn''t stop the sour look that came on his face as he stared at his son and his ''fiance...''


    "Anyways... Let''s get down to business shall we?" Maudite asked clapping her hands. "Where is this crystal located?" She questioned.


    "Near a cave..." The Father said. "My son will take you guys there!"


    "What!" Darvin said horrified as he stepped back. "You want me to go with them!"


    "Yes..."


    "No! Absolutely not-"


    "Serotobi!" The Father said in a powerful voice. It didn''t last long though as seconds later he broke out into a coughing fit.


    "Father!"


    "Grandpa!"


    "I am all right..." The Father said holding his hand up as he violently coughed. "Or at least I will be once I know my village is all right... Please Serotobi. Go with them. You''re the only person I can trust this job to?"


    Darvin let out a heavy sigh. "Very well Father. I will do as you ask."


    "That''s great! I''ll show you all my cool stuff dad!"


    "No!" Darvin growled out to Yusei causing the excited man''s smile to quickly fade away, as he frowned. "Absolutely not."


    "Alright..." Yusei sighed out. "Well, we should get going then. Come on..."


    Darvin let out another growl as he turned to the metal base. However, a look from his Father shut him up as he walked into the moving base.


    One Hour Later...


    "Wow..." Yusei said letting out a quiet whistle. "That is a lot of Bestia Macht..."


    The base had currently just made it to the entrance of the cave. They stopped however when they noticed just how man there were.


    "Yes..." Darvin said slowly. "They recently have been coming out here to the cave for some reason?"


    "It might have something to do with the crystal you told me about?" Maudite said slowly. "It sounds a whole lot like the Corruption..."


    "What do you guys think?" One random Enforcer that was with the group asked. "Should I call it in?"


    "Yeah," Maudite said nodding.


    The Enforcer walked over to a device and waited a few seconds. He let out a quiet curse as he pulled away from the device. "No signal."


    "What does that mean?" Darvin asked.


    "It means we won''t have any way to contact the other Enforcers..." Yusei said. "Slight problem... We told them that this would just be a simple, but long mission at the time... They likely won''t even think to check on us for maybe a year at best? It also means we''ll have to keep all our findings down by note..." He said slowly. "Not too much of a problem though. I doubt we will find anything to dangerous out here. Besides. Maudite can handle it. She''s really good at fighting."


    "That I am!" The girl said nodding her head.


    "Speaking of fighting. Maudite can you get rid of the monsters?" Yusei asked innocently.


    The girl nodded as everyone began to unload from the movable base. The Bestia Macht which were all just some basic Baron''s attacked the group instantly. Or at least they tried.


    Maudite stepped forward as she waved her hand creating a large black scythe that she swung up decapitating several of the monsters in a single swing.


    Darvin stared slightly in shock as he watched her go to town on the monsters easily slaying them with a single slash to each one.


    "Strong right!" Yusei said shrugging slightly. "Back at the Enforcers base, she gained the nickname black death... In fact, Squad One actually wants to place her in their Squad, but she refused. She prefers Squad Nine, much like me."


    Darvin simply grunted. "I''ll admit... She is certainly powerful..."


    In no time at all Maudite lowered the scythe as all the monster fell apart. "K! Killed them all!" She said smiling slightly. "So what now?"


    "Now..." Darvin said. "I take you to the Crystal."


    Ten minutes later...


    "Be sure not to touch it..." Darvin said shrugging as he backed away from it.


    All of the Enforcers walked around the Crystal as they stared at it with amazement. "This is definitely the Corruption... But what the hell is it doing down here..." Yusei asked. "And how is it so big?"


    "So I take it this isn''t normal?" Darvin asked.


    "Maybe..." Yusei said shrugging. "Who knows. Humans know very little about this. No person has even been able to study it... Until now..."


    "Yusei... You aren''t suggesting we do research on this right?" One of the Enforcers asked nervously.


    "Of course I am!" Yusei said smirking slightly.


    "Honey..." Maudite said slowly. "I don''t know about this?"


    "Come on!" Yusei said throwing his arms out. "What''s the worst that could happen?" He asked.


    Age 1990


    "So... So I have my mother''s name?" Maudite said with wide eyes. "They named me after her?"


    "No... I named you..." Father Darvin said. "Your parents never had the chance..."


    "Oh..."


    "From that day things only seemed to shift around wildly. Your parents began their research into the Corruption and found out several things within months."


    "Like what..."


    "Well... Most notably the fact in how it affected certain things differently." The Father said slowly. "For example. A human would obviously get infected by it and become a monster. However, a Bestia Macht was seemingly immune to it. But they seemed to dislike it? Going out of there way to destroy it... And finally. They also found out that it could affect plants, vegetables, and fruits. If a shard of the Corruption was near them they would grow no matter what. Even the freezing, cold, and lack of water wouldn''t affect them."


    "But why did they study the Corruption at all?" Maudite questioned.


    "To find a way to stop people from turning into monsters but keep the positives," Darvin said simply. "A way to make a new super soldier..."


    "So they were just trying to make a new weapon..." Maudite said slightly bummed out about that fact.


    "Indeed they were... But they failed..."

 Chapter 54 - The Story Of The Foolish Scientist Part 4

    Age 1990


    Father Darvin let out a sigh as he crossed his arms. "As time passed on I found myself stuck with the Enforcers more and more... Eventually, it came to the point where my father actually requested that I sleep in the moveable base... It was awful hearing the monsters clawing at the metal every day..." He muttered out.


    "How... How long did you spend there?" Maudite questioned curiously.


    "Quite a while... It took us at least a few months to find out the secrets of the Corruption. We even managed to resolve it before the end of the year... Although a few months in and something began to become clear..."


    "What?" Maudite asked curiously.


    "Your mother was pregnant..."


    Age 1978


    Maudite threw up her lunch into the toilet as she coughed out her lunch. Yusei stayed behind her patting the girl on the back as she coughed out in pain.


    "Are you sure you are okay?" Yusei questioned curiously.


    "Yeah..." Maudite coughed out. "I''m fine... I promise!"


    "Good..." Yusei said nodding. "I would hate to stop working now that we are getting so close."


    "Umm... Dr. Darvin..." One of the Enforcers said slowly. "Are you sure Maudite is really okay? We can take a break, and even head back-"


    "Silence you fool!" Yuesi hissed out hitting the wall slightly as he turned to the man. A blue light seemed to light up around him as he glared at the man who backed talked him. "She said she was alright! We can''t stop now that we are getting closer to finding out what the Crystal does... How it works..."


    "But Sir... She doesn''t look-"


    "Shut up!" Yusei yelled out with a growl. The blue light around him got wider.


    "Yusei!" Darvin announced stepping in between his son and the Enforcer. "Calm down, and actually think... It isn''t just Maudite that could use a break. All of us have been working for nearly four months-"


    "All of us!" Yusei yelled out in anger as the blue aura became a red. "What the hell have you been doing besides constantly whining?"


    "Turn that Aura off!" Darvin growled out. "You know we aren''t supposed to use our red-"


    "Oh, what because we can''t control it!" Yusei asked with wide eyes as he smirked. "Who the hell said that? Oh, that''s right. A weak guy from our family who never bothered to train and learn how to use his powers. Well, guess what! I''m an Enforcer! A powerful Enforcer at that! So how about you shut up old man-"


    "Shut up please!" Maudite cried out as she threw up again.


    The entire base went silent as they turned back to her.


    "Maudite..." Yusei said crouching down to her side.


    Age 1990


    "I wish that was the end of the infighting..." Darvin muttered. "Sadly it wasn''t... As it turned out your mother had become pregnant with you..." He said slowly. "I had my suspicions before that, but that was when I truly confirmed it."


    "What... What happened after that..." Maudite asked quietly. "And... And why did Yusei... Dad become so hostile suddenly?"


    "What you have to understand is that we were cooped up in a small metal base, attacked by monsters daily, and we were all working 101%... I am also to this day convinced that the crystal was messing with us somehow... It has the ability to affect Bestia Macht, and Plants, despite not coming into contact with them, so I see no reason as to why it couldn''t affect us..." He muttered out. "However that is all a theory... Yusei''s attitude only for worse on that point onwards..."


    "What do you mean?"


    "I mean. He became obsessed with finding out the secrets of the Corruption, because he knew that if he could be the one to make a new supersoldier project with it, that would guarantee that, he would become famous, rich, and powerful. This was his curse..." Darvin let out a sigh as he stared at the ground for a few moments. "About six months in, and he became so obsessed with it he was forcing us to work, even more, cutting back on the hours we got to sleep." He said slowly. "However. At six months Maudite, your mother, was no longer able to make it down to the cave, due to the pregnancy. Now normally this wouldn''t be too much of a problem except Maudite was one of the only people who could fight a Viscount and have a 100% chance of winning, so once she was now unable to leave the base no one else felt comfortable with stepping outside. This really angered your father... So... He came up with a solution..."


    Age 1978


    Darvin let out a sigh as he cupped his hand together and stared at the ground. The two Enforcers were both sat next to him, and behind them, Maudite was laid out on the bed quietly snoring.


    "Yusei is starting to scare me..." One of the Enforcers said suddenly.


    "Oh thank God I''m not the only one!"


    "He''s crazy right?"


    "Definitely crazy."


    "Was he always like this?"


    "Yes..." Darvin muttered out shaking his head. "He ran off with a woman he met in a day, and decided to spend his life with her. Does that sound like a sane man to you?"


    "I guess not?"


    The door suddenly burst opened as Yusei came barging in. Everyone including Maudite who woke up from him slamming the door open, turned to look at the man. He walked in holding a glass container. He walked over to stand and knocked everything off of it as he stepped back reviling a shard of the crystal in the container.


    "There..." He muttered smirking slightly. "Now we don''t have to walk down to the cave to inspect it..."


    Age 1990


    "He brought it into the base!" Maudite said in absolute shock.


    "Indeed he did..." Father Darvin said nodding his head. "We all disproved of this, but Yusei wouldn''t have any of it. He insisted that it was for the best and that he knew best... We all ended up going along with it for some reason. I am still convinced the Crystal made us..."


    "So... So what happened? You guys obviously didn''t like the crystal being in there right?"


    "Indeed we didn''t. But we had a few other matters to worry about."


    "Like what?"


    "Well. By month nine your mother was going into labor... You were being born."


    Maudite went into silence as the Father looked at her.


    "And on that day... All hell broke loose..."


    Age 1978


    Darvin walked towards the movable base that sat in the distance. Behind him, his Father, as well as the village doctor followed closely behind.


    "It is a good thing you got us when you could." The Doctor said.


    "Indeed..." The Father said letting out a painful cough.


    "Father you don''t have to be here!" Darvin said in a worried tone.


    "Nonsense..." The Father said waving his son off. "I''d like to see my great-grandchild..." He said smiling slightly.


    The three of them finally reached the base as they pushed the door open and entered quickly. Maudite was laid back on the bed as she breathed heavily. Yusei stood away from her as he examined the crystal. It was far more important than the birth of his child after all...


    The two incompetent Enforcers walked back and forth at a quickens pace in a panic.


    "Oh good, you''re here..." Yusei said not even bothering to look up. "Do you think you can hurry up with getting the baby out? She won''t stop screaming, and it is breaking my concentration?"


    "Excuse me?" The Father said taken aback.


    The Doctor also looked confused but soon snapped out of his daze when Maudite let out a yell. He quickly walked over to her side and quickly got to work on helping her deliver the baby...


    Everyone seemed to be moving around in a panic and all the while Yusei continued to work away at his crystal letting out a simple hum.


    Age 1990


    "Unfortunately we made a big mistake... No. A colossal mistake." Father Darvin said shaking his head.


    "What... What did you guys do?"


    "You see the Crystal was obviously attracting, Bestia Macht. We knew that. Thankfully it only seemed to be Baron which weren''t strong enough to get into the base. However, what we forgot was that standing in that room was three Darvin''s... Me, my father, and my son... And, just like you Maudite, we all had the side effect of summoning Bestia Macht''s... Once again this wouldn''t normally be a problem except... As it turns out when a baby is being born, for a few seconds their power will skyrocket... And with some much power, plus the crystal... Well, we were practically a dinner bell..."


    Age 1978


    Maudite let out one final powerful scream as the Doctor pulled back now holding a crying baby.


    "For God''s sake now we have to listen to that thing cry..." Yusei muttered out as he continued to study the crystal from behind his glass.


    "Yusei..." The Father said in what sounded like a dangerous tone. "Don''t you dare have the audacity of speaking like that to your own child..." He hissed.


    Maudite cleared her throat as she stared at the Doctor. "Can... Can I hold..."


    "Her..." The Doctor responded wrapping the baby in a blanket.


    "Her... Can I hold her..." Maudite asked.


    "Certainly..." The Doctor reached over handing the baby to its mother. The baby continued to cry as she rocked it back and forth. "If you don''t mind ma''am... What are you going to name her?" He asked curiously.


    "I think I will call her-"


    There was a horrible tearing sound as the roof of the moveable base was instantly ripped off by a powerful hand. Then before anyone could move the entire base was flipped straight into the air!


    Everyone came spilling out as they all crashed! Maudite shielded her baby from harm! Everyone else crashed painfully into the snow and ice as the entire base was thrown into the air.


    Then... They all turned to see the massive Earl that was responsible...

 Chapter 55 - The Story Of The Foolish Scientist Part 5

    Age 1978


    Everyone was slammed to the ground as the entire movable base was quite literally ripped in half and thrown up into the air!


    Darvin hit the floor quickly going into a small bit of a roll as he stopped himself from falling forward anymore, then he had already!


    The Father, Darvin''s dad, crashed painfully into a chunk of frozen rock breaking through it and sliding across the snow, before landing motionless, and not moving!


    Yusei was slammed straight into the ground as his head smashed into a rock so hard he started seeing stars. He groaned out in pain as he stared at the massive Bestia Macht.


    The Doctor that they had brought with them seemed to have gotten lucky as he landed in a soft pile of snow seemingly unharmed as he landed on his feet perfectly.


    One of the Enforcers crashed down landing on their leg and snapping it in half instantly dropping them to the ground as they screamed out in utter horror, and agony.


    The other Enforcer simply crashed a few feet away and was already getting back up, as he quickly took in the situation.


    Finally Maudite crashed down painfully, as she wrapped her arms around her crying baby shielding the baby girl with all her might! A black energy surrounded them cloaking them in a thick black bubble that protected them both and even kept them warm...


    The Earl''s mouth opened up as it unleashed a powerful roar up into the air! The Earl stood on two very powerful legs, reaching a hight of nearly thirty feet! It was pitch black, save for a bunch of green crystals that grew out of its back! It had two small arms, but a massive head, with some very powerful jaws! It had glowing green eyes, and had what looked like green flames coming out of its mouth. It had an extremely long tail that sliced through the air leaving a ripple as the beast let out a hungry growl.


    The Enforcer who broke his leg tried to get up but stopped suddenly when he saw a shadow up above him. He slowly looked up only to instantly be smashed into the ground by the movable base which fell on him crushing him instantly, and killing him in a second!


    And with that, all hell broke loose as they all began to scream in a panic.


    The Earl let out a loud laugh as it opened its mouth firing out a massive blast at Muadite and the baby.


    Maudite closed her eyes as the black barrier around her grew larger blocking the attack. The Earl simply let out a snarl and put more effort into the blast as cracks formed all across the barrier. However, right before it broke a beam of blue light slammed into the Earl catching it off guard as it stopped what it was doing and looked down to see the Father holding his hands out.


    "Dad... You used your Attribute!" Darvin said shocked as he stared at his father who now had a blue aura around him.


    "This is no time to worry about that!" The Father announced. "We need to hurry up and get Maudite out of here now!" He barked out.


    "He''s right..." The Enforcer who wasn''t crushed to death said. He stood up as he held his hand up. "You guys should go. Yusei and I will hold it off!" He announced. Then he snapped his fingers as flames erupted from around him! Only something was off about the fire. They were see-through? The only part visible about them was the fact that they had an outline around them and the crackling they made. "Yusei! We need to- What the hell are you doing!"


    "Where is it!" Yusei yelled as he sat on his knees rummaging through the rubble of the movable base. "I need that crystal! It''s important!"


    "You stupid fool!" The Enforcer shouted out.


    Over with Darvin, the man was quickly forcing the Doctor back to his feet. "Listen. He growled out. Go over and grab Maudite and my Father and carry them back to the village!" He said shaking the man. "They can''t be here."


    "But I won''t be able to carry them both!"


    "Well then find a way!"


    "What are you gonna do!"


    Darvin turned away and stated down the beast which was still letting out its massive roar. "I''ll tell you when I figure it out..." He said quietly. And with that, he charged forward.


    "What are you doing you need to escape!" The Enforcer shouted.


    "Oh please! We both know you won''t last two seconds against this thing..." Darvin said letting out a sigh. "Honestly I never thought I would be sacrificing myself for outsiders..." He said letting out a slight laugh.


    "Do you really think we stand so little a chance?"


    "Yep..."


    The two men didn''t waste any time as they instantly opened fire on the monster hitting with a beam of blue light, and a wave of invisible fire! The two attacks slammed into the monster''s side and bounced off doing nothing to it.


    The monster let out another roar as it blaster its own beam at the two men. Both the Enforcer, and Darvin jumped out of the way as the beam soared over them melting the snow underneath them and blowing up the entire battlefield sending out a shock wave.


    The two men got back up seconds later as they continued their assault on the Earl doing everything they could to even cause a little bit of damage to the monsters...


    Over with Yusei, the man was still sorting through the wreckage. The sounds of battle echoed around him but he ignored them. "Come find me Yusei..." A voice called out. "Think about how famous you''ll become if you can solve me."


    Yusei smirked as he continued to sort through the rubble, however in an instance, he was thrown out of his daze when the body of Darvin slammed into him as well as the tail of the monster which knocked them both aside and hit the moveable base throwing it up into the air.


    "No!" Yusei screamed out. "My crystal-"


    Darvin slammed his fist right into his son''s face as hard as he could knocking the boy to the ground. "Shut the hell up and help us!"


    Meanwhile over with Maudite, the girl was picking herself up but was stopped when the village Father placed a hand underneath her and held her up. "Are you and the child alright?" He asked.


    "Yes..." Maudite said nodding her head.


    "I am relieved..."


    "You guys need to go!" The Doctor said running up. "We all need to leave..."


    "No..." The Father said shaking his head. "I will stay and help to fight the beast..."


    "That''s suicidal..." Maudite muttered out.


    "Maybe so... But that child is important... Besides. I doubt the Doctor can carry the both of us back to the village."


    Maudite let out a quiet sigh as she looked down at her baby. Then she kissed it on the forehead and handed it over to the Doctor. "Take my daughter to somewhere safe... I''m staying behind as well..."


    Both men tried to protest but Maudite turned around and walked towards the monster ignoring them both.


    "I used to be able to take down an Earl with only slight difficulty but in this condition... I doubt I''ll put up much of a fight... But if it is even a single second that''ll be more than worth it!" She announced holding her hand out as a black scythe appeared in her hands.


    "You should hurry up and run..." The Father said to the Doctor. "At most, we can buy you maybe a few minutes..." And with that, he to turned towards the monster.


    And the two quickly jumped into the fight wasting no time in helping the current Enforcer as they both blasted the monster with their respective Attributes...


    And the Doctor... Well, he ran at the first chance he got running as fast as humanly possible back towards the village.


    Meanwhile over with Darvin, he kicked out slamming his foot into his son''s chest. "You! You are just the worst! Your child is in danger! Your wife is in danger! And you are in danger! And yet the first thing on your mind is some dumass crystal! I should just kill you to save the monster some time!"


    "You don''t understand!" Yusei said staring up into the sky. He could see the moveable base was flying through the air, as everything inside of it was now spilling out and falling to the ground. "That crystal is important!"


    "We are going to die!" Darvin screamed bending down and picking the man up. "So worry about it later!" He yelled shoving him to the ground as hard as he could.


    Yusei slipped falling onto his back as he stared up into the sky. Then something caught his eye...


    ''Stab!''


    Yusei and Darvin both froze as they stared at the object that just impaled itself into Yusei''s gut... Blood began to pour out of the hole but neither of the two seemed to care about that focused more on the object in question as they both stared in utter shock and horror.


    Yusei looked up at the man that did this. "Why dad?" He asked as his eyes slowly became orange and black."


    "I- I didn''t... But! No?" Darvin said falling back.


    Yusei reached up slowly pulling the orange crystal out of his gut.


    But it was too late...


    The transformation had begun...

 Chapter 56 - The Story Of The Foolish Scientist Part 6 (Final)

    Age 1990


    "So then it wasn''t your fault!" Maudite stated.


    "You''re wrong..." Father Darvin said somberly. "It was completely my fault... I caused Yusei to get infected... I am the one who pushed him down after all..."


    "But you had no way of knowing!"


    "That doesn''t matter..." Father Darvin said shaking his head. "The end results are the same. I killed my son, and created a monster, in his image... That monster was created by me. I killed your father. I murdered my son."


    Maudite stared at the man who had caused her pain her entire life. He looked... Sad? Depressed. Broken... It''s funny... If he wasn''t xi completely wasted he probably wouldn''t even be telling her any of this. Yet here he stood. Drunk beyond belief and laying out his sins to the girl he claimed was a witch. The girl whose life he had tried to ruin. His granddaughter... Someone that he had a duty to protect, but instead hurt. And yet at that moment, Maudite found herself filling pitty...


    Never in a million years had she even considered the fact she could feel such an emotion.


    "It''s okay... You did your best..." She said slowly.


    ''You''re too soft...'' A voice hissed out.


    Maudite ignored it as she placed a hand over her grandfathers. "What happened next..."


    Father Darvin took a deep breath as he shook his head. Then once he was ready he spoke. He said only a single word but it seemed to carry so much power and explain everything. "Hell..."


    Age 1978


    Maudite slid back gasping slightly. The Earl hadn''t even laid a finger on her yet, but despite that fact, she was absolutely exhausted... She found her self barely able to muster up her Attribute, and her whole body felt like jelly. It was a miracle she could even stand from the condition she was in.


    Off to the side the Enforcer who wasn''t dead still fought, blasting the Bestia Macht with his invisible fire. It didn''t really seem to do anything though as the Earl simply shrugged the attack off.


    The Father of the village raised both his hands up as a ball of blue energy suddenly formed, firing out as a massive energy-based attack. The ball slammed into the monster pushing it back but only served in royally pissing off the creature. The Father fell to his knees letting out a cough as he grabbed his chest.


    Their odds were really not that great...


    Maudite let out a groan of pain as she placed a hand over her stomach. Her entire body wouldn''t stop aching and unlike her fiance, her Attribute lacked the ability to heal... This meant she was stuck how she was... Bad since the Earl really seemed focused on her now...


    The Earl let out another growl as it charged forward. Maudite watched it run towards her but she was unable to move. It was a miracle her body lasted this long with the condition it was in.


    The Earl spun its body as it smashed its tail straight into the side of the girl so hard it lifted her up off of the ground and sent her flying back a few feet away!


    "Lady Maudite!" The Enforcer shouted.


    Maudite let out a yell of pain as the monster hovered over her. It let out a growl as it raised its leg up. Then in a flash, the monsters head rolled off...


    There was a moment of thick silence as everyone stood frozen in shock as the monster simply fell over dead...


    A bit anticlimactic...


    "Yusei..." Maudite said slowly in shock as she stared at the man she had come to know and love. His back was facing her as he stood on the ground staring at the body of the Earl he had just killed. His right arm was coated in its blood as he had used it to literally rip off the monsters head in a single slash... After a few seconds, he turned around slowly, as he faced the woman that he loved. Maudite let out a horrific gasp when she saw him. "No..."


    Yusei held the orange crystal in his hands, but he quickly let go of it dropping it to the ground. Not like that would help though... His eyes had changed becoming pure black, with an orange iris... They weren''t full of life anymore either. Now they were only filled with regret, and sadness... There was a hole in his stomach where an orange crystal was forming... His skin always becoming pale and at that moment he looked so weak...


    "Maudite..." He said slowly as he reached out towards her.


    "Oh Yusei... What have you done..." Maudite said quietly.


    "It wasn''t my fault..." Yusei said falling to his knees. "He did it..." His hand outstretched pointing over to Darvin.


    Darvin stepped back in fear when he saw the look in Maudite''s eyes... She had always seemed so gentle and kind... But the look she gave him now sent a shiver down his spine... He knew that at that moment, if she had the ability to, she wouldn''t hesitate to kill him...


    "I-It was an accident-" Darvin tried to explain... "I... I couldn''t have known and-"


    "Ahh!" Yusei fell to his knees clutching his stomach. Then he simply bent over and began to puke.


    "Yusei!" Maudite yelled running over to her lover''s side.


    "No! He... He''s turning!" Darwin said horrified. "Stay away from him!" He yelled out to the girl but she didn''t listen.


    "Shut up!" Maurice cried out ignoring the man. "We studied it! We know some of the secrets! A person doesn''t always lose themselves! If they are stronger, then the corruption, they''ll absorb it into their body! He just needs to fight it-"


    "Leave me alone! Getaway!" Yusei tried to gasp out as his body began to change. His orange eyes glowed, and he screamed in pain as his body morphed and changes into something else. Something not human... His skull split open as a pair of horns started to form from his head. His face twisted and he became so very pale... Yusei bolted to his feet jumping away from Maudite! He landed on all fours as he let out a loud howl of pain, and hunger. Then. Just like that, it stopped. He stood panting with a crazed look in his eyes. He looked like a Bestia Macht now, save for the fact that he wore clothing. though most of it was ripped up during his transformation.


    The beast, for this, was no longer a man, opened its mouth, and let out a loud animalistic howl!


    Age 1990


    "And then the real fight began..." Father Darvin said quietly as he bowed his head in shame.


    Maudite sat still in stunned silence. She was still trying to process everything she had learned. Twelve years, and not once had anyone told her a thing about her parents, and now suddenly she found out one turned into a giant killer monster...


    "My... My father... That creature. It''s still alive?" Maudite questioned. "Earlier you said it was just past the wall right there..."


    "Indeed..." Father Darvin said nodding somberly. "The cave only had two entrances. This one has been closed for quite some time... My grandfather and I did everything we could to try and stop Yusei but in the end, we failed. Faced with one last option, we send him into the cave... However, things would only get worse from there..."


    "What do you mean?" Maurice questioned curiously.


    "The Doctor. He was our only Doctor for our village but, he left." Father Darvin hissed out. "He became selfish and thought he could sell the information that he learned, as well as the research. He left with everything he could get his hands on. My guess is he is the one that told the people, who were bombing the Nest. He told them about the Corruption and likely gave them their research..."


    Maudite sat in silence for a few more moments. Several thoughts raced through her head. Finally, though she managed to stand up. She walked past Father Darvin and placed her hand on the entrance of the cave. "Why did you bring me down here..." She asked as her hand touched the rock. She knew why though. In her mind, she was starting to piece it all together. Why she was treated the way she was. Why she was forced to take on all the Hate of everyone else.


    "Why do you think..." Father Darvin asked as he let out a chuckle. "You know what your purpose is right? Our Attributes. They really are amazing. Some people say they were a gift from God. Our families, in particular, has the very powerful benefit of being powered by emotions. And as you may know, Hate is a very powerful emotion..."


    Muaidte let out a small smile as a tear managed to escape her... She stood in absolute silence. Then finally she spoke, saying only four words, that stabbed into the old man''s heart.


    "You really are cruel."

 Chapter 57 - Full Panic

    Age 1990


    Hero let out a loud yelp of pure panic as he jumped back narrowly avoiding a massive clawed hand from the monster in front of him.


    "Why the hell is it targeting me!" Hero screamed in horror as the monster lept towards him again!


    However, before the Beast could reach him Jackson suddenly appeared next to the monster and crashed into the beast, as his electricity flew off of him, and crackled the area around him as he sent the monster flying straight back.


    "I have no clue why it seems to utterly hate you so much?" Jackson said shrugging, as he pointed his greatsword at the monster. "Maybe it has something to do with you being a Seraphin? I dunno though? Seraphin''s are weird? Or maybe it could be something else. Honestly, there is no telling with this thing... It is nothing more than a mere beast at this point..."


    "Oh, that''s bull crap! I have enough problems being an evil science experiment! I don''t need giant killer monsters after me too!" Hero whined out as he folded his arms up and glared at the beast. It responded to his glare by opening its mouth and firing out a beam of blue energy that Hero just barely ducked under. "I wanna go home!" The teen whined out as he jumped back once more.


    The beast charged forward jumping past Jackson as it landed next to Hero and tried to rip the teen apart. Hero sucked in his gut as he compressed his body actually making himself slimmer as he seemed to go flat like a piece of paper! Then he fell back dodging the swipe.


    "I hate to say it... But I''m really glad it''s not focused on me anymore..." Kitsune said shivering slightly as he watches the monster try to rip into his friend. "After it got its hands on me earlier, I honestly thought it was all over. So I''m pretty glad that it isn''t focused on me now..."


    "Hey! Screw you Kitsune, this isn''t fun! It also isn''t funny!" Hero shouted as he jumped back avoiding another slash from the monster. He sucked his gut in, just barely avoiding the clawed hand that tried to rip into him. Jackson swung at the monster but it dodged his sword easily as it appeared around Hero and slashed its claw down on him!


    "Don''t worry kid? I got you!" Anga yelled out appearing next to the monster and slamming his fist straight into the monster''s face.


    "You''re part of the problem!" Hero yelled out jumping away from everyone as he neared the back of the cave. "Okay! Guess it''s time to hot this thing with my new super attack!" Hero announced as he brought both his arms back. "Big-"


    "Hero," Ken said turning to the sixteen-year-old boy. "You should stay in the background where it''s safe. I dunno why this thing is targeting you, but who knows what''ll happen on the off chance it gets you."


    "But I wanna fight it to-"


    "She''s right," Kitsune said cutting Hero off. "But we should all stay in the background and let the a.d.u.l.ts handle this..." The Fox Noble stated as he eyes the monster up. It was currently staring at them again as if deciding how it would act. "I honestly doubt any of us new recruits could even harm this thing... Much less kill it."


    "Yeah, you kids would just get in the way!" James announced.


    "Shut up James!" Everyone shouted.


    The man frowned as he crossed his arms. "Why the hell does everyone like picking on me..." He whined as he puffed his checks out.


    Zero raised his blade up pointing it at the beast. "Well, Enforcer Storm... Shall we dance with this beast."


    "That was worded really weirdly, but sure. Let''s kill this thing." Jackson stated nodding his head.


    In a flash, the two suddenly disappeared before reappearing on either side of the monster. Jackson swung his sword to the left, and Zero swung to the right, however, neither blade did any damage as the monsters arms fired out catching the two blades easily. Its body began to glow a bright blue once more as it was suddenly cloaked in a blue aura.


    "Mantra?" Zero said in confusion.


    "No!" Jackson said quickly shaking his head. "Mantra is only white! This is something g different? It must be their Attribute-"


    The beast let out a roar as it twisted both it''s arms up, still holding the blades of the two men! The force was actually strong enough to pick up both Jackson, and Zero and throw them into the air!


    "Fifteen-Steel-Bars-Break!" Anga announced slamming his fist straight into the monsters head, with enough force to easily break through fifteen solid steel bars.


    The fist slammed straight into the monster with enough force to actually lift the thing off of the ground and send it flying straight back. The monster let out a howl the entire time that it flew.


    "My turn..." Yang said smirking slightly as he slammed both his hands together. The ground suddenly exploring forward taking the shape of a giant stone fist that slammed straight down into the monster. The creature would have been smashed into the ground, but instead, it caught itself and placed it''s feet back onto the ground as it raised its hands up and easily held back the rock fist as if it was nothing. "James, Seth! Continue the combo!"


    "Right!" Both men stated as they prepared their own attacks.


    Seth reached into his pocket pulling out several tiny mirrors that he suddenly threw into the air! Each mirror fell surrounding the monster in a shard of glass as they all broke, and reflected the beast several times over. "Almighty reflection!" Seth said calmly throwing a dagger at the creature.


    The knife flew forward and stabbed into the creature''s side! Then suddenly the creature became riddled with holes as the knife passed overall the various reflections of the monster. It howled in utter pain as orange liquid began to pour out of it! Its legs wobbled but the creature still remained standing.


    "Final Stomp!" James announced bringing his left arm up as the entire limb became a massive tree that he slammed straight down on top of the monster. The tree dropped on top of the monster slamming it straight into the ground as the stone around it exploded.


    The before anyone else could react Yang raised both his arms up as several stone spikes shot up impaling the monster from all directions as the monster was lifted up off of the ground by the spikes as orange liquid oozed out of the many, many holes, as the beast''s body slumped down, now unmoving.


    "They... They''re so in sync..." Kitsune said in shock.


    "I know..." Irene said also surprised. "They worked so well together."


    "So that''s what professionals can do..." Cloud said nodding his head. "I''d love to have helped but without my cane, I doubt I could have even laid a finger on that thing..."


    "They aren''t so tough right Hero!" Ken said folding her arms as she rolled her eyes.


    Hero stayed silent as he stared at the four men. Finally, he smirked slightly. "I have got to get a lot stronger." He said sheepishly as he scratched the back of his head. "Now that I know just how serious a threat is out there I want to be able to fight at that level! Also, that looked like a lot of fun!"


    "Did they actually kill it?" Zero said in slight surprise as he stared at the body of the monster which still didn''t move. Orange liquid was just gushing out of it, as its eyes stared blankly at the wall. Its arms fell down its side and the thing''s mouth was opened slightly. A glowing orange crystal could now be seen attached to the creature''s stomach.


    "I''ll be honest that seemed like it would be a lot harder than it actually was..." Jackson said letting out a satisfied sigh.


    "You know what this means right..." Zero said eying the Enforcer up.


    "There is something far worse in this cave, since fate clearly wouldn''t just give us a simple challenge," Jackson asked.


    "That''s exactly what I was thinking..." Zero said nodding his head.


    "Or..." James said rolling his eyes as he walked towards the monster. "Maybe we are just awesome." He said simply.


    "Nah." Hero said shaking his head. "This entire mission has just been getting worse and worse, every day. It wouldn''t stop now." He said nodding. Ken slowly moved behind Hero just in case something bad would happen. "What are you doing?"


    "Using you as a shield."


    "Why?"


    "Because you can regenerate."


    "...That...Is...A...Valid...Point..." Hero said nodding.


    "Can I hide behind you?" Irene questioned.


    "No!" Ken said placing her hands on Hero. "Back off! He''s my meat shield." Ken announced.


    "I''m not anyone''s meat shield!" Hero yelled out jumping away from the two girls. "Kitsune protect me!" He yelled out jumping behind the fox teen.


    "Screw you, Hero..." Kitsune said slowly.


    "So... These are the kids that you are babysitting..." Zero said letting out a slight chuckle. "This is the next generation of Enforcers?"


    "They may be young, and inexperienced, but they have potential," Jackson stated. "All of them." He turned slightly to look towards Anga. "But that''s not important. What is important is you guys explaining? Preferably before I slam my sword into you."


    Anga held his hands up slowly. "Look. You want an explanation. I''ll be happy to tell you know that we''ve killed the monster." He said waving a hand in the direction of the monster.


    "I''m a little disappointed," James admitted as he smirked slightly. He reached out placing a hand on the monster''s head. "I was told the Corruption powers a person up several-"


    The monster sprung forward as it wrapped a hand around James''s arm and yanked him towards him! Then in a flash, it punched a hole straight through the shocked man''s face! Blood splattered out as the creature ripped its claw out of the man''s chest dropping the man to the floor.


    "James!" Anga and Yang shouted in horror.


    They weren''t able to do anything for the man though as the creature got itself ready... Then it simply tore itself off of the spikes! Its body was ripped to piece as the monster tore the spikes out of itself. However, despite being full of massive holes it didn''t seem bothered by it... In mere seconds the holes began to shut as the creature''s body regenerated fully.


    An ear-piercing howl filled the cave as the beast got ready for round two...

 Chapter 58 - The Team

    Age 1989


    "You''re pretty strong..." James let out a heavy breath as he looked up at the man who had spoken to him. James was badly bruised and bloodied and currently was face down in the dirt. Despite that fact though, he still managed to look up towards the person who beat him. "It would be a waste for you to stay here..."


    "What?" James asked slowly as he let out a pained cough. "You''re a weird guy... First, you defeat me, then you announce that I''m strong..." He spat out. "Not like I stood a chance though... Even if I had beat you, the guy behind you would have jumped in..."


    "I suppose it is sort of strange for you, isn''t it..." The man said walking forward and reviling that he was Anga. Anga bent down holding his hand out. "My name is Anga... The guy behind me is my brother Yang..." He said speaking softly.


    James stared at the man''s outstretched hand. "What do you want..."


    "How about a name?"


    James was quiet for a few moments but finally spoke. "My name is James..." He said taking the man''s hand.


    Anga gave a slight smirk as he helped the wounded man up. "Well, James. Tell me. How did you get so strong? And why?"


    "Who the hell asks a question like that?"


    "Forgive my brother," Yang commented keeping his arms crossed, and his eyes closed as he was slumped up against a wall. "He has a curious attitude that he can''t suppress..."


    "I''m just curious," Anga said simply.


    "I got strong to get strong," Janes said pulling his hand back as he turned around. "I was tired of being weak... And besides. The world only ever bends to those with power..."


    "Well, James... Do you crave power?"


    "What?"


    "Power. Do you crave it? If I offered you a way to increase your power several times what it currently was would you take it?" Anga questioned.


    "What kind of question is that... If there was a way I coupe get stronger then, of course, I''d take it, as long as there weren''t any side effects of course..."


    Anga smirked slightly. "Then do I have the job for you..."


    Age 1990


    "James..." Anga said in shock as he watched the body of his comrade hit the floor. James let out a few gasps for air before suddenly falling limb. "Damn... Damn it..." Anga hissed out squeezing his hands shut. "To think... All I ever did was yell at you... For you to end up like this..."


    Yang reaches out placing a hand on Anga''s shoulder. "We don''t have time to mourn him Anga. Let''s honor him by avenging his death..."


    "You''re right..." The man said nodding his head.


    "H... He''s dead..." Ken said horrified as she grabbed onto Hero''s arm. It was times like these that Hero was quickly reminded of the fact that Ken was a fourteen-year-old girl.


    "I... I was not prepared for that..." Kitsune started looking a little green. Cloud reached over patting the boy on the shoulder.


    Cloud, Hero, and Irene all seemed to be handling it pretty well but Ken and Kitsune both became an utter mess.


    "It killed him so quick..." Irene muttered biting her lip. "It just punched straight through him... Then we really are useless here... Is there even a point to us being here..." She wondered.


    "Enough!" Zero announced loudly as everyone, even the monster, turned to look at him. He held his blade up pointing it at the beast. "We let our guard down... We won''t do that again... This time I''ll personally slay it."


    "Like I''m gonna let you get all the glory..." Jackson stated as he smirked. Both men stabbed their swords into the ground as a white aura exploded around them cloaking them in what looked like white flames! They both gained a massive increase in power as they got ready to slay the beast.


    The monster let out a loud roar, as both men ripped their pair of swords out of the ground. In a flash, they both charged the creature.


    Jackson appeared next to the monster as electricity crackled off of him. The energy surrounded his sword as he swung it at the monster. There was a loud hissing sound as the blade tore straight through the monster ripping it in half.


    The creature let out a howl as its two sides fell back, but that seemed to only piss the monster off as seconds later its body sealed together, as it healed itself. "Okay that is bulls-" Jackson began only to be viciously backhanded across the cave wall.


    "Prolonged Execution!" Zero yelled out as he sliced his blade down. There was a white flash as razor edges of wind seemed to slash into the monster ripping into its shoulder! The monster let out another howl as it punched up slamming its fist into Zero''s gut hard enough to cause the man to almost throw up. Zero was sent flying as he crashed into the wall of the cave.


    A loud whirring sound could be heard as the monster opened its jaws and began to charge up an attack!


    "Twenty-Steel-Bars-Break!" Anga shouted slamming his fist straight into the monster''s head, with enough force to break through twenty solid steel bars.


    The punch actually spun the creature to the left as the beam fired out hitting the wall and sending out a massive wave of heat and wind that blew all of the recruits back!


    The monster stopped as it let out a quiet hiss as it slowly straightened up and gave a death glare to the man.


    "Uh-Oh!" Anga said slowly as the monster slammed both its hands into the side of the man''s head. Anga screamed out as he fell to his knees and seconds later the leg of the monster shot out kicking the man across the cave.


    Seconds later, Yang suddenly appeared behind the monster as he slammed his foot down. Several spikes raised out of the ground stabbing into the monster. The monster reached out grabbing Yang by the face, as he ripped himself off of the spikes. The beast let out a low growl as it threw its hand to the side tossing the man away and slamming him into another wall!


    "Guess I''m up," Seth said letting out a quiet sigh. He threw out several shards of glass as he threw out a blade. The blade vanished as it appeared in the mirror realm, slashing into the monster from all sides. The monster slashed its hand to the left as a wave of crackling blue light fired out destroying all the mirrors. Seconds later all the various wounds in it sealed shut healing again. "Well that didn''t seem to work-" The monsters fist slammed down punching Seth''s skull straight into the ground hard enough to crack the ground. If he had been a normal human he would have most certainly died...


    The creature raised its foot up intending in crushing the man''s skull, but before it could act though, a ball of flames slammed into the beast. The flames surround the creatures before it crashed its arms together sending the flames off of it. Then slowly it looked up towards Kitsune.


    "Why did I do that? Why the hell did I do that? Why the actual hell did I think that was in any sort of way a good plan!" The noble shouted as the monster jumped towards him.


    Ken slammed her sword down onto the monster as hard as she could slamming the thing straight into the ground as hard as she possibly could...


    Before the creature could stand up Hero kicked his foot out sending the monster flying back! "Okay guess we''re jumping into this right now!" Hero shouted out as he raised his arms up. "Anyone else feels like we are royally screwed..."


    "Less talk more planning!" Kitsune shouted out. "Cloud! Explosive mist! Irene drop a mountain on it!" Kitsune shouted.


    "Same thing we did to Dawson?"


    "Uh-Huh..."


    "Why not..." Cloud threw his hands out as a wave of combustible gas-fired out.


    "Everybody get down!" Jackson screamed outright as Kitsune waved his hand out.


    A ball of flames slammed straight into the monster as it exploded out sending a massive wave of pressure and heat out! Irene raised her hands up as she stepped forward dropping her arms down as a massive block of ice dropped onto the monster.


    "For God''s sake!" Anga said with wide eyes as he stared at the massive frozen, and melted crater. "I thought you said those were recruits..."


    "They are..." Jackson said nodding slightly. "Really, really, really destructive recruits..." He said laughing.


    "Don''t get c.o.c.ky..." Zero stated pulling his sword out. "Finish it off!" He announced out. He raised his sword up slashing it down and sending out a wave of slashes!


    "Good point..." Jackson said nodding his head. "Dust that asshole!" He announced raising his hands up. "Arking Shot!" He bellowed out firing out several beams of electricity.


    "Foxes-Glare!" Kitsune shouted out firing out a beam of orange light.


    "Red-Flash!" Ken announced slamming her sword down as hard as she could and firing out a wave of red energy.


    "I don''t have a cool range attack..." Hero said slowly looking around. "Umm..." He reached out ripping a giant rock out of the ground. "Take this!" He shouted throwing the rock at the monster.


    Every powerful attack, plus the rock Hero threw, all slammed into the crater where the monster was as a second shock wave was created.


    "And if we really wanna make sure it''s dead, we can throw that bomb thingy at it," Cloud said nodding his head.


    "Nah..." Anga said shaking his head. "I used those all up..." He said.


    "Bummer."


    "More importantly is it dead?" Yang questioned nervously.


    "Well, we dropped enough attacks on it to quite literally destroy an entire cave," Zero said slowly looking around the destroyed cave.


    "So it''s dead?"


    "Oh its definitely dead-"


    The monster let out a loud howl of anger as it jumped out of the crater.


    "Okay, look, I''m not a professional..." Zero said slowly.


    "Man this thing will just not die..." Hero whined.


    The monster eyed the group up. Then it turned around and ran away going further into the cave...


    "It''s running away!" Irene said in shock. "Oh crap! Is it gonna escape the cave!"


    "No. The exit is that way." Anga said pointing the opposite way of the creature. "The way it is going is just further into the cave. We should rest up and go after it only after we are ready..."


    "I agree," Jackson said nodding. "Besides." He turned to look at Anga, Yang, and Seth. "You guys have some explaining to do."

 Chapter 59 - The Break

    Age 1990


    "Start explaining..." Jackson growled out.


    "You want answers?"


    "Damn right I do!" Jackson yelled out. "Killer immortal monster that you apparently knew about!"


    Anga went quiet as he let out a slight growl. He went quiet as he looked down at the body of James. "I can assure you... I didn''t know about this..." He said quietly. He slowly took off his jacket throwing it over the body of James. "I had no idea it was alive..." He said sadly. "If I had known..." He let out a heavy sigh as he shook his head. "I would have hired a lot of those damn Samurai''s." He said looking over to Zero.


    "Yes. My brothers could have come in real handy right about now..." Zero said slowly as he nodded his head.


    "I don''t care about that!" Jackson said loudly. "I want to know everything you guys know." The Vice-Captain said in an aggressive tone. "How did you guys know about the Corruption!"


    "Okay, will someone please tell me what the hell the Corruption is..." Ken questioned. "Kit! You''re a smart boy, what''s the Corruption?" She questioned curiously.


    "I dunno..."


    "Wow... Hero was right. You really are useless." Ken said causing the boy to pout. She shook her head as she threw her arms behind her back. Or at least she tried too, but Zero''s hand shot out catching her wrist. "Whoa!" She said quickly. "Lay off the hands-"


    "You almost broke both your wrists..." Zero said simply. Ken stayed silent as she looked away from the man. "You''re body isn''t strong enough to handle a move like that..." He said eyeing the girl up. "And that weapon isn''t effective enough to handle such a move."


    "Lay off!" Ken said pulling her arm back as she turned away from the man.


    Zero let out a sigh as he crossed his arm. "Typical Enforcer..." He said slowly. "Always so stubborn... You guys never know when to quit..." He said slowly as he walked away and sat down in a quiet corner by himself.


    "He''s got a point you know..." Hero said shrugging. "I mean me, you, and Kitsune all can use our new attacks only a handful of times before it begins to cause permanent harm to us. I mean just look at your hands!"


    Ken''s hands had become an almost dark shade of purple. Her hands couldn''t stop shaking, and her fingernails, were cracked and bleeding.


    "Then I''ll just keep using it till I master it!" Ken said rolling her eyes as she shoved her hands in her pockets. "It doesn''t matter..."


    Hero gave a slight chuckle as he shrugged. "Have it your way. I''m gonna master mine first though."


    "What!" Ken and Kitsune both said as they turned to look at Hero who held a smirk on his face.


    "I''m gonna master my new super move before either of you!" Hero announced pointing up.


    The three teens broke out into arguments as everyone watched them fight...


    Jackson let out an annoyed sigh as his eye twitched slightly. "Okay... While they are fighting, I still want my question answered!" He stated pointing at Anga.


    "I''d also like to know what exactly the Corruption is..." Cloud commented now standing next to his Vice-Captain as he nodded his head.


    Jackson gave a heavy sigh. "The Corruption..." The Vice-Captain said slowly. "It is a... Well, it''s a shitty invention, that some asshole scientist made!" He said in annoyance. "Some guy must have thought the Seraphin project isn''t good enough, and wanted to make something better. As you can guess it backfired majorly..." He said letting out another annoyed sigh. "The thing back fired, and some crazy nutjob religious group ended up rising up and taking over."


    "Why?" Cloud asked curiously.


    Jackson gave a sheepish shrug. "They were nut jobs..." He said. "Also, it probably had something to do with God''s blood, or something. I dunno. The main point is that the Corruption is evil... It infects a person and forces them to evolve... You see there are several different evolutions we can take as humans... The Corruption forces us to take all of them... It supercharges our Attribute, our equation of life, and our bodies. Unlocking powers and upgrades that we didn''t even have an access to. Of course, the major downside is that the person becomes a mindless monster..."


    "Wrong," Anga said suddenly.


    "What..." Jackson said slowly.


    "The crazy monster thing," Anga said letting out a laugh. "That''s false. It can be cured... The scientist who were studying it found that out... When a person is infected by that they can fight it, and absorb it into themselves. They keep their humanity. If we can study it more maybe we can find out how to guarantee that a person stays themselves. Then we can use it to help everyone!"


    "Are you stupid or just naive?" Jackson questioned.


    "What?"


    "The scientist that you are just gushing on about is currently a mindless monster wanting to kill us!" Jackson yelled. "And for some reason, it ran further into the cave?"


    "Oh, it''s probably getting closer to the source of the Corruption so it can draw out more power-"


    "Why the hell did you not mention that sooner!" Jackson yelled out.


    "Well, it didn''t seem like it would matter? We didn''t really have a chance to stop it?"


    "Oh my God, I hate this mission!" Jackson yelled out throwing his arms up.


    "It''s true..." Anga said in a serious tone. "We can learn how to use it, and help the world out. Suddenly life-threatening injuries are a thing of the past!"


    "Not even close," Jackson said shaking his head. "Every mission that involves the Corruption always ends poorly. Believe me... There''s a reason why we don''t study it..."


    "Shouldn''t someone had been sent to check out the mission after the Scientist didn''t report back?" Cloud questioned.


    "They probably would..." Jackson said nodding his head. "Of course if someone, like say, Father Darvin, made up a story about them being killed by Bestia Macht... And if they looked around and found a new Nest filled with Bestia Macht..."


    "I... I don''t like where this is going?" Cloud said slowly.


    Jackson nodded his head. "My guess is that Father Darvin lied." The man said. "And now we have a mutant monster on our hands..." He said slowly. "God damn it, I''m gonna punch that man when I see him..."


    Over with Ken, the girl was pouting slightly by herself as Kitsune, and Hero chatted amongst each other. The two boys apparently had better things to do than chat with her...


    "Girl. Get up." Zero said startling Ken as she jumped slightly. She turned seeing Zero was staring at her.


    "What?"


    "Get up." He said once more.


    "Why?"


    "Because I said so," Zero said hissing slightly.


    Ken''s eyed the man up as she stood up slowly. "Okay..." Ken said, "Now what?"


    "Pull your weapon out," Zero said nodding his head.


    Ken hesitated for a few seconds but finally shrugged and grabbed her Sheathed blade as she held it up. "Alright... But why?"


    "Your grip is wrong..."


    "What?"


    "Your grip." Zero bent down on one knee as he grabbed her hands and rearranged them on the handle of the blade. "Also that isn''t how you hold a sword. You can''t just swing it as if it is a bat... Lower the blade down towards your hip. When you swing step forward and but your arms, and back into the swing. This will allow you to deliver more power, while using less of your Attribute."


    Ken listened swinging the sword up slowly, as she tested it out. "This does feel a little more comfortable..." She admitted slightly embarrassed.


    "You should get that... ''Weapon'' replaced with an actual long sword..." Zero stated. "With an actual sword, you shouldn''t just swing it, rather you should allow the edge of the weapon to reach the flesh of your opponent. The blade is a part of you. It should feel like an extension of yourself..."


    "Why are you telling me this?" Ken asked curiously.


    Zero went silent as he looked away from the small girl. "I honestly don''t know. All I know is I dislike a person wielding a Longsword, and not having a clue on how to use it..." He said giving a shrug.


    Ken looked at the man in curiosity. "What?"


    "Take my advice or not," Zero said turning away with slight embarrassment. Zero was silent for a few moments before turning back towards her. "Part of me is reminded of myself when I look at you." He said quietly. He glanced over to Hero who was still chatting with Kitsune. "And that boy..." Zero let out a sigh. "He reminds me of that man..."


    "What?"


    "Alright!" Anga said clapping his hands. "I hope everyone got a moment to rest... Because we''re going in." He announced.

 Chapter 60 - The Samurais Past

    Age 1985


    The Battle Between the Enforcers Versus the Samurai...


    Zero ran forward swinging his blade out as he ran forward! It sliced through the Enforcer in front of him easily. As he ran forward he easily cut another Enforcer down.


    All around him the sounds of battle echoed out!


    Everyone was battling, as blades met blade. It was utter chaos around the young Samurai, but despite all of that, he managed to keep his head down, and simply ran forward. He swung his sword out catching the flesh of whatever person got in his way.


    He was a young, naive, Samurai, fighting not for what he believed in, but fighting for what he was told he should believe in.


    Zero sidestepped a large metallic spike that was thrown at him. He watched as the spike shot forward impaling straight through a fellow Samurai just a few meters away. The Samurai let out a loud gasp as he fell back falling into a ditch.


    Zero ran forward jumping down into a ditch as a beam of light pierced the air exploding in a massive pink wave of heat, and power. "Shimmer stars..." Zero spat out as he frowned. "Seems they''ve resorted to dropping bombs on us..." He growled out. He peeked out from over his hole watching the war rage on around them. He jumped back down into the ditch as he turned to look at his injured comrade. "You okay?" He questioned as he reached over poking his alley.


    "I... I have a hole in my chest..." The Samurai said coughing up.


    Zero reached over undoing the man''s helmet and pulling it off. "Ahh... So it is you One..." Zero said smirking slightly. "I was looking for you all over the battlefield." He stated easing the man onto his back. "Damn... This looks bad..." He said hissing slightly when he saw the wound.


    "I... I know how bad it looks." One gasped out pressing his hand down the wound. "Zero... Listen to me." He gasped out as he stared at his comrade. "We''re losing this battle..."


    "Bull! We are destroying them-"


    "Don''t be stupid..." One hissed out. "We are losing... The Enforcers out number us. They out power us. They outgunned us. What reason do we even have to keep this fight going... Our ancestors are the ones from the Land of White... We are simply leftovers..."


    "It is our duty. Our honor. Our will. We must win this war. We will win this war!" Zero announced. "The Enforcers... They know not of the chaos they cause by existing..." Zero stood up. "So stay here One... Don''t bleed out."


    "What the hell are you going to do?" One asked.


    Zero peaked over the edge watching the battle. In the distance, he saw a single man battling several Samurai at once. The man blasted them all away, and held a cold look on his face. He wore a black business suit and had brown messy hair, and cold piercing forest green eyes behind a pair of round glasses. That single man was the biggest problem on the battlefield.


    One of the four sacred animals of Master Storm. Part of the highest-ranking position in the Enforcers...


    Ward... Or as he is more commonly known as the Green Turtle, or the shield of Storm.


    "Zero... You can''t seriously be thinking of fighting that man..."


    "Of course I am One..." Zero announced unsheathing his blade. "That man... It is his will is causing the Enforcers victory... Cut off the head of the creature and the body becomes useless... If I eliminate him, then the other Enforcers will have suffered a great loss."


    "Zero there is no way you can fight him alone. That man is one of the four strongest people in the Enforcers... He''ll kill..." One coughed out as he stared up at his brother in arms.


    "If it is my fate to die on the battlefield then I shall except that truth..." Zero said speaking calmly as he stepped forward.


    Zero didn''t wait for his comrade to say anything else. He instantly charged forward now sat on his goal. ''I''ll defeat him!'' Zero''s mind screamed out as he slashed his sword.


    The Enforcer named Ward turned and simply held his hand out as a green barrier suddenly appeared in front of him blocking the blade easily.


    "Ward!" Zero announced proudly as shifted his grip. "You''re time has come! My comrades have fought well to get me to this point! I''ll personally slay you with my own blade."


    Ward stared at the man in confusion for a few moments. "Uh... Who the hell are you?"


    "I! What?"


    "You''re acting like I should know you?"


    "I... I''m Zero... The greatest Samurai here who has given you Enforcers trouble..."


    "Trouble?" Ward said raising an eyebrow. "Oh, that''s cute! You think your little resistance is actually causing us problems! Ha. Adorable! You miss understanding. You see you Samurai aren''t even remotely a threat. The only reason we are out here currently destroying you, is because I thought it would be good practice for some of our Recruits. I also just wanted to show them, how an organization shouldn''t act, and well... Your little group is so weak I knew I could do as I pleased-"


    "You lie!" Zero bellowed swinging his sword out.


    Ward deflected the blow easily as another green barrier surrounded him. "Am I?" Ward asked slashing his hand out and sending out a wave of crackling green energy that threw Zero back. Then in a flash, Ward brought his other back creating a barrier behind Zero that pulled the man forward and straight into Ward''s fist! "Care to bet on that!" He called out as he slammed his fist into Zero''s face, and slammed the poor man straight into the ground. "I''m a bit of a betting man you see!" Ward said kicking his leg out and sending the Samurai away from him. "I just love making-" Zero jumped up to his feet and charges forward swinging his sword to the side but Ward reached up blocking the attack with his finger. "-crazy bets you see."


    Zero gritted his teeth as he jumped back. ''Damn it... They weren''t kidding... He''s barely even done anything, and yet I can feel just a massive wave of power coming off of him... But... He has an attitude problem.'' Zero let out a heavy sigh as he gritted his teeth once more. ''I might be able to use that to my advantage... He''s acting pretty c.o.c.ky... Maybe...''


    "So are you just going to sit there coming up with strategies all day?" Ward asked in a bored tone. "Because if so I''d rather kill you now and save the time."


    Zero pointed his blade at the man. "Don''t get c.o.c.ky Enforcer. I''ve already figured out your Attribute... Meanwhile, you haven''t even seen mine!"


    "Oh, congrats. You''ve seen all the various ways I can kill you. So what? Do you really think you honestly know the full extent of my Attribute? Besides. You really are a fool if you think I would rely on my Attribute at this level of power... Everyone knows Attributes are useless if used without a proper equation of life."


    "You are completely correct..." Zero said nodding his head as he just barely inched forward. "It can be difficult to balance it all out. But that doesn''t mean we can''t at least try..." In a flash, Zero charged forward and swung his sword down!


    Ward lazily blinked creating a barrier between him and Zero, as the sword bounced up and left Zero''s hands flying into the air!


    "There goes your weapon Sam-" Ward stopped as he stared in shock as Zero slammed his hands together. "Shit! You know Mantra-" Before Ward could clasp his own hands together Zero threw out an Enhanced punch sliding the man back. Ward coughed almost throwing up, and the force of the punch actually slid him back a few feet!


    ''Damn! A solid enhanced punch to the gut, and he''s still standing! He really is powerful. I''ll finish him off with this next attack before he can recover!'' Zero jumped up grabbing his blade. "Pero!" He announced as his aura surrounded the blade enhancing it even more! As he fell he began to focus all of his aura, and his power into the blade intending to enhance it. "Absolute-Execution!" Zero announced slamming the blade down.


    Wads let out a yell as he threw his arms out creating a barrier!


    The sword slammed into the barrier as an explosion of wind pressure fired out and a massive beam of white light fired into the sky.


    "Geez! His barrier isn''t being enhanced by his own equation, and yet, he''s still able to block my strongest strike!" Zero let out a hiss as he focused every last drop of power he could possibly muster.


    "Damn you!" Ward screamed out. "If I could active my own Mantra, you would be killed in mere seconds!" He hollered! His feet were pushed back through the dirt, as his green barrier began to fill with cracks.


    Zero let out a scream of rage, and power as he pressed further down on the blade driving it in deeper into the barrier. "Will you just shut the hell up!" Zero questioned letting out another yell as the blade began to breakthrough.


    "You! God Damn Samurai! None of you can see how pathetic you all are!" Ward screamed out!


    ''Crack!''


    There was a shattering sound as the entire barrier exploded into what looked like shards of glass! They quickly vanished turning into green mist, before evaporating into nothingness...


    Zero''s sword slashed down slamming into Ward, as a mighty explosion of wind, was kicked up from the insane force of the attack!


    Then in a flash, it all ended. Zero dropped to his feet as he let out a heavy exhausted breath. "I... I did it... That guy was insanely strong... Even barely powered up, it took my all to take him down... If I had let him power up any more, even by just a tiny bit, I have no doubt that he would have killed me-"


    "You''re correct..."


    Zero froze as he stared up in shock.


    Ward walked through the smoke, and dust, with a look of pure rage on his face. His suit was dusty, and ripped. There was a massive gash in his chest going down to his midsection, and he looked to be bleeding pretty badly. His glasses were cracked and broken on his face, and his messy brown hair, was even messier and covered in blood, and dirt. His forest green eyes now had a crazed look in them, and he had a sinister smirk on his face.


    "It would seem I overestimated you..." Ward said slowly. "Even fully powered up, you were only able to scratch me." He said reaching up and placing a hand over his wound. "Though if it makes you feel any better, that attack will most certainly leave me a nasty scar... A scar you''ll pay for causing..." Ward growled out.


    Zero gritted his teeth as he jumped to his feet. "I! I''ll kill you!" He announced running forward.


    Ward gave a sinister smirk as he raised his hand. "Don''t worry... I''ll make it quick-"


    There was a flash of blue lightning as something appeared in between the two men! Ward instantly dropped his hand as his eyes narrowed. Zero, who was confused and panicking lashed out with his sword, only to be stopped when a hand shot out and caught the blade.


    Zero stared in shock as the smoke began to fade, reviling an old man.


    "Master Storm..." Ward said frowning with disappointment.


    Zero stared in shock at the old man, as the leader of the entire Enforcers Organization, simply smiled at him. His electric blue eyes seemed to sparkle with amus.e.m.e.nt, and he looked as if he would chuckle at any moment. And strangest of all was that in that moment, Zero didn''t feel any fear, rather, he felt safe?


    Finally, after what felt like an eternity of silence the old man finally spoke...


    "I''m sorry... I can''t let you do that."

 Chapter 61 - Deeper Into The Cave

    Age 1990


    "Tell me something..." Jackson said slowly as he turned to look back towards Anga. "That monster... Do you know how I can kill it?" He questioned. "No matter how many times I hit it, that thing just does not stay down..."


    Anga was quiet for a moment but turned to look down at the body of James. "I''ll be honest. I don''t really know... The doctor who gave us this information never actually saw one himself... However, the records that we bought off of him was the research, the pair of scientist found... In it, they mentioned a weak spot that is formed on the body... Also... From what I''ve seen that creature might as well be damn right immortal, unless we can hit its weak spot..."


    "I see..." Jackson said slowly. He nodded his head. "Well... If I was Ward I''d likely make a bet on where the weak spot is... And if I was to bet where the spot it, I''d probably have to guess the giant glowing crystal attached to its stomach..." He announced.


    "Now that you mention it... I did notice a glowing crystal." Irene commented as she nodded her head. "I tried blasting it with my ice attacks, but it didn''t seem to be affected, so either that isn''t the weakness or that monster is just really, really sturdy... However, I''d actually say that the crystal is definitely its weakness as when we were barraging it with all those various attacks, it made sure to protect that crystal... Furthermore, it attacked anyone who came close to hitting the crystal with more hostility then anyone else... It seems to want to protect that crystal no matter what... So then what we should do, is have two people attack it from both the left and right side simultaneously, then have someone attack it from the front, and have someone attack if from the back. This way even if the creature gets the chance to stop the attack from the front it''ll still be helpless from the attack coming from the back. If that crystal really is its weakness then any other damage is pointless, but it does seem to take a few seconds to heal so maybe we can use that also, to at least slow it down. Really the only main issues is the fact that it simply has so much more power than us, it can literally punch through people. It also seems to have some intelligence still in it, since it was able to play dead and pick James off, as well as the fact that after we all jumped it at once, it decided to flee, and get a better advantage..." Irene blinked slightly when she realized everyone was looking at her. "What..."


    "Since when can North come up with plans!" Kitsune questioned suspiciously looking at his teammate. "You always freeze up and cry... How the hell did you come up with a plan."


    "Give them so credit," Cloud said shrugging. "Besides. It wasn''t that big of a deal. It''s a simple strategy but it works."


    "Although North did raise a good point," Jackson said suddenly. "A mindless creature wouldn''t simply turn around and run into the cave... So that thing does show some form of intelligence..."


    "Ha!" Anga announced smirking. "I told you!" He stated smugly.


    "You guys said you were after the Corruption to turn it into something that could help everybody..." Jackson said slowly eyeing the men up.


    "That is what Yang and Anga want." Seth cut in, as he turned his back on the group. "I on the other hand..." He said quietly barely speaking above a whisper. He slowly reached up placing a hand under his scar. "I want something slightly different..."


    "You all know that I won''t let you get away with this all," Jackson said giving them a serious look. "You have all broken, several, several, important laws... Seriously it was like you guys weren''t even trying..." He said rolling his eyes. "I won''t be able to simply sit down and let that all slide you know..."


    "It doesn''t matter..." Anga said seriously.


    "Anga?" Yang questioned turning to his brother.


    "Us getting caught is a good thing," Anga stated. "It will allow us to spread our message. Then the rest of the world will see, and another group will eventually rise up."


    "Anga we can''t let him capture us!" Yang said stepping back.


    "I''m not going to Nightshade!" Seth said glaring at Anga.


    "Please just calm down," Anga said holding his hands up. "I never meant to hurt anybody. What we have done is wrong but necessary. I''ll gladly accept any punishment as long as it means the world learns about all of this... Besides. You know the Enforcers. It''s only a matter of time before one of them tires to research something they shouldn''t..."


    "We''ll talk about this later..." Seth hissed out as he turned away from the man. Seth quickly stepped away from the group as he let out a huff.


    Yang glanced at his brother with disappointment before he also turned away.


    Anga let out a heavy sigh as he turned to Jackson. "You have my word that I at least won''t put up a fight when you do arrest us. But please. Wait until after we defeat that thing... I''d also like to request that you don''t arrest the Samurai... He has done nothing wrong, and wasn''t even after the Corruption."


    "Look... We''ll figure this all out later." Jackson hissed out. "Right now..." He turned around staring into the vast void that was the cave. "Let''s go kill that asshole..."


    "It would seem we are progressing..." Zero said softly. "Girl... Do your best to stay next to me. I''ll protect you."


    "Ha. I don''t need you to protect me." Ken announced crossing her arms.


    "You may believe that if you wish."


    "What!"


    "Looks like we are progressing further into the cave." Hero said sheepishly.


    "It would appear that way," Cloud said nodding.


    "Cloud... Be honest. Do you think I can fight that thing? Like I can cause it any harm."


    "Honestly... No. I doubt any of us recruits could even do any damage to it... I can sense a vast power just pouring off of it. It might even be around the strength of Dawson."


    "I see..." Hero said nodding. He gave a sheepish grin as he shrugged. "Oh well. Guess I''ll just have to pull something out of my butt to stand a chance."


    "I''d suggest not fighting it," Cloud stated causing Hero to pout.


    Kitsune let out a slight sigh. "I''ll be honest. I really, really, really hate this mission."


    "Ditto!" All the recruits plus Jackson stated.


    And with that, they all stepped into the darkness preparing for what they hoped would be the final trick this mission could pull.

 Chapter 62 - The Final Regrets Of The Foolish Father

    Age 1990


    Maudite stared at the stone wall in front of her... Her hand brushed up against it as Father Darvin continued to stare at her.


    "So there you have it..." The old man said slowly. "I have told you everything..." He stated.


    "My life... It was all sat up by you for this..." Maudite said slowly. "Why..."


    "I told you... Our Attribute... It''s powerful. Far stronger than almost every Attribute that has existed. And not only did you inherit that, but you also received your mother''s powers... The power the lies within you is far above anything that a normal person could ask for... You just have to learn how to harness it... And your power. It is dependent on emotion. I needed you to be ready for this day..."


    "So you did all of this so I could defeat the big, bad monster..." Maudite asked sniffling slightly.


    "No..."


    "What?"


    "The truth is... I don''t care... I might have at one point, but now I am simply empty... If you fight and somehow beat Yusei then good job. If you fail and get slaughtered by him, then good job. I could care, less how this final battle will end. I honestly don''t even remember my reasoning for doing all of this. Perhaps I really did hate you? What I do know is those damn Enforcers got in my way... Those damn men who are bombing the Nest. I didn''t plan on throwing you at Yusei until you were an a.d.u.l.t, and had more power. But now... Well, it really doesn''t matter now..." He said shaking his head. "The point is! You can fight. You can win, you can die. This is all in your hands now! Go! And face your-"


    "No..."


    "-destiny... What?"


    "No..." Maudite said again still staring at the wall. "I don''t want to give into you... I don''t want to give in to my emotions..." She stated.


    ''I think you should start training to become an Enforcer.''


    "I have no idea how to control my power. I also still don''t fully understand it... But... What I do know is that I can use it for good." Maudite announced. "So I''ll enter the cave. But it won''t be to fight my father... I''m going in to save them... To save Hero... Because he saved me... And he wants to be saved."


    Father Darvin stared at his grandaughter for a few moments as he stood up. "Those Enforcers really have messed with you... Influenced you... Tell me Maudite. Do you plan to go with them?"


    "I do..."


    "Do you hate this village..."


    "I do..." She said again. "All I''ve ever known was hate from it. Thinking back on it I honestly can''t remember a single fond memory... I also don''t know if there is any good in that village."


    Father Darvin let out what sounded like a chuckle as he looked up at the roof. "I guess its time then... In the end, you really were right... Father..."


    "What?"


    Father Darvin walked forward reaching into his robes and pulling out a small blue ball. "Once you enter you will have to find another way out..."


    "I know..."


    "You won''t be able to exit as long as that thing is alive..."


    "I know..."


    "You can''t let it get out..."


    "I know..."


    "It''s very likely... That you''ll die."


    "...I know..."


    Father Darvin stared at his granddaughter, the girl he had hated his entire life, the one person he had done everything in his power to break... And then he turned to the cave wall and slowly pulled it up. The wall formed several edges as it folded open becoming a doorway.


    "I''ll close it after you enter." The old man said slowly.


    Maudite gave a blank nod as she stepped forward. She stopped though when she felt a hand on her shoulder. "Father?"


    "Go on my child..." Father Darvin said slowly. "Go save them. Go save that boy." He stated. "And don''t look back."


    Age 1978


    "Yusei..." Maudite said quietly staring at her lover.


    The monster let out a low growl as he turned to look over at her.


    "Please don''t do this-"


    Blood splattered onto the snow as Maudite was shoved to the ground! The Enforcer gasped out as he stared at the hand that was now through his chest! Maudite stared up in shock at the Enforcer who had pushed her out of the way saving her life but ending his own...


    "T- This was all I could do-" The Enforcer spat out, as he coughed up blood. He glanced down at Maudite as he gave her a sympathetic look. "Please... Lady Alazir..." He gasped out. "Please. Don''t let this be your final resting spot. I might have failed, but it is my families duty to protect you-"


    "Sir Smythe!" Maudite yelled out, right as Yuesi reached up with his other hand and instantly tore the poor bastard in half.


    The monster, for there was no way he could be considered a man, looked up to the black sky, and let out a beastly howl. His orange eyes shined with a chaotic fury as it banged on its chest. Two beams of blue light slammed into the beast as he was thrown back.


    "Yusei..." Darvin said quietly as he stared at his former son... "I''ll do my duty, as a human with a soul, and put you out of your misery, by ending your life here..."


    "I don''t think it will be that easy..." The Father said slowly. "This power... It''s even greater than that Earl..." He said wincing. "We are likely going to die..."


    "..."


    Darvin charged forward as the blue aura condensed around his hand. He threw out a powerful punch that the monster reached up blocking easily. It turned roundhouse kicking Darvin away and instantly reached up blocking another strike from the Father as it let out another roar.


    Darvin slid back, as his Father charged in. The Father held his hands up as several blue beams of light fired out. Then shocking both men, the monster held his hands out firing out its own attack as a blue aura covered its body...


    "It can use its Attrubuite still!" Darvin said in shock.


    Then in a flash, Yusei fired forward stabbing his hand straight through the old man''s stomach. The old man gasped out as the beast threw the old man off of his hand...


    "Father!" Darvin yelled in horror.


    "That''s enough!" Maudite cried out as a thick black aura exploded out of her! A beam of black light fired out as Maudite slammed her hands toghter and a second aura, that was white, and looked like flames appeared around her. She raised her hands up, as the black beam raised up to the sky becoming a massive black blade. "I''m sorry Yuesi..." She stepped forward slamming her hands down. The energy blade dropped down slamming straight into Yuesi and kicking up a ninety-meter long black beam into the air. All the snow in a five-mile radius was instantly melted as the ground began to melt, and a massive tornado was generated... The ground broke away as a massive crater was formed and the mountainside shook as several avalanches were set off! The ground almost split open forever leaving a scar in the world as the Corrupted Yusei sunk through the ground, and the entire mountain fell over burying him straight into the ground. The entire battlefield was in utter ruins...


    Darvin stood up slowly as the rubble fell over him. "W-What the hell was that..." He said in utter shock as he looked around the scorched earth. "H-How can anyone be this strong..."


    "Don''t... Don''t just stand there..." Maudite said dropping to her knees. Her body had become pale, and she was breathing heavily. Her hair was a mess, and she was covered in a thick layer of sweat... Blood flowed out of her ears, nose, eyes, fingernails, and toes... Her fingers had become blue, and her ankles were snapped. It was clear that attack had taken absolutely everything she had in her... Maudite was on the last seconds of her life... "The... The formula is similar to the Monsterfication, able of replicating, and copying new cells, but far superior to the Monsterfication... You need to seal the area before he can regrow himself..." She said gasping out. She laid her head down on the snow as she as breathed in and out making a pained wheezing noise.


    Darvin stood there in shock for a few more seconds before shaking his head as he walked over to the massive crater. He stared down into the pits for a few seconds in shock. He slowly brought his hands together as a white aura surrounded him. It flickered, nearly going out but he gritted his teeth as it remained on. "Not much Mantra left..." He said quietly. "Dero..." He said slowly as it suddenly vanished. His body began to glow as he veins shined white lighting up his body. He crouched down as he placed his hands on the ground. A white aura slowly came out as it covered the hole. Then he slowly brought his hands together. "Two-Pronged Barrier..." He announced slamming two fingers into the ground. A beam fired up before quickly vanishing. "Damn... It''s weak but maybe it can hold?" He dropped to his knees breathing heavily as he shook his head. "I... I''m at my limit..." He crawled over slowly to Muaidte flipping her over.


    "Sarotobi..." Maudite asked. She looked utterly dead... At death''s door. Her eyes were glazed over as she shook her head.


    "Try not to talk. You need to conserve your energy..."


    "We both know that won''t be happening..."


    "I said-"


    "My daughter... Will... Will... Will you protect my child?" She questioned.


    Darvin stared down at her for a few moments before glancing over at the now formed cave. "That power you used... Could someone of your bloodline learn to control it?"


    "...Yes..."


    "Then I will do what I must." Darvin waited for the girl to say something but she didn''t. He looked down at her letting out a heavy sigh. He slowly reached up and closed her eyes before slowly sitting her down. He stood up bringing his hands together. He gave a quiet prayer to her before turning around and walking off.


    "Son..."


    Darvin stopped as his eyes widened. He looked around the battlefield as he heard it again...


    "Son..."


    Darvin dropped to the ground as he searched through the snow. "Father!" He yelled out in a panic. He reached out grabbing a hand in the snow and pulling the man out. "Dad..."


    "Son..." The Father gasped out laying back on the ground. He glanced out as he breathed out heavily. "It is up to you now..."


    "What?''


    "I''m leaving the village in your hands now-"


    "No! Shut up! It isn''t my job to lead it! The village is yours and you are-" Darvin stopped as he realized his father wasn''t saying anything. He stared down at the old man. His eyes were closed and a slight smile was on his face. "You... You didn''t even give me a choice..."


    Five Minutes Later...


    Darvin numbly walked forward as he stared out at the land with a blank look. He slipped falling forward as his hands shot out catching himself.


    He was about to move forward once more but stopped when he noticed something. He reached out pulling out a small tiny orange crystal...


    And the new father Darvin broke down, letting his laughter fill the landscape...

 Chapter 63 - The Corruptions Greatest Weakness!

    Age 1990


    Kitsune reached out grabbing Hero by the back of his shirt, and yanking him back, causing the swipe of the monster to just barely miss Hero!


    "Why did we agree to be the bait!" Hero yelled out.


    "Why did I agree to come with you?" Kitsune also yelled out.


    ''We''ll need someone to draw it into this trap... I highly doubt we''ll be able to kill it using this method, but I want to at least cut off a limb so I can see how quick it can regenerate.''


    Those had been what Jackson had said. He decided on that plan, and because ''he said so'' one of them would have to be bait.


    Stupidly Hero said yes...


    And in a moment of pure idiocy, Kitsune also said yes...


    Here they were now, currently trying to outrun the scary monster.


    "Run!" Hero screamed out in pure panic.


    "What the hell do you think I''m doing!" Kitsune hollered out.


    "Yelling at me-"


    The Creature jumped out electing a loud growl as a spinning blade flew through the air and stabbed straight into the monster''s palm, throwing it back, and stabbing into the wall behind the creature, leaving it stuck.


    "Now Storm!" Zero shouted out.


    Jackson fired forward as he swung his greatsword out, as fast as he could towards the crystal.


    The monster, however, was too quick, and in a flash, it reached up and ripped its own arm off. Now no longer bound it managed to jump away dodging the strike.


    It let out a loud growl, before turning around, and running back into the darkness, now missing one arm...


    "Alright!" Jackson announced smirking slightly. "That could have gone a little better I suppose..." He turned to look at the monsters severed arm and frowned when he saw it begin to shrivel up and melt... "Well... There goes studying it..."


    "You mean we did that for nothing!" Hero said dropping to the floor.


    "We almost died!" Kitsune announced barely holding back tears.


    "Ahh, I''m sure it wasn''t that bad..."


    "This is no time to be sitting around..." Zero muttered out walking up and pulling his sword out of the rock. "We wanted to see how long it would take to regenerate right? Well, let''s go then. If we''re lucky we stop it, while it heals..."


    "The Samurai is right," Anga said nodding his head slightly. "Let us continue on..."


    "You just want to go deeper because of the calling pressure..." Jackson said with narrowed eyes.


    "The what?" Irene asked.


    "There''s an incredibly intense pressure, that is calling out..." Zero said quietly. "It is further down in the cave. The closer we get to it, the louder it calls..."


    "Do you have any idea what they are talking about?" Irene questioned turning over to Cloud.


    "Not a clue..." The blind teen said crossing his arms as he shook his head. "I don''t sense anything."


    "I think I get it..." Ken said causing all of the recruits to turn to her. "I don''t sense anything!" She quickly clarified. "But! My father once talked about all that Aura weird stuff? He mentioned sensing stuff..." She shrugged slightly.


    "Your father sounds like an interesting fellow..." Cloud said slowly.


    "He was an asshole..." Ken responded.


    "Okay, kids!" Anga said holding his hands up. "That is enough. We''re continuing further into the cave..."


    Meanwhile...


    Deep within the cave, there was a massive room full of giant stone steps, and massive pillars... In the center of the room sat a giant Orange Crystal.


    Yusei reached out to it placing his hand on it. He managed a slight smile as he felt the warmth. "You''re close my love..." The voice of Maudite, his wife, stated quietly. "Just a little while longer..."


    The Crystal hummed and vibrated softly... There was a warm glow coming off of it that managed to heat up the freezing darkness of the black cave, as well as allow light in the utter nothingness of the void...


    "I just need a little more power, my love... Just a little more life..."


    Yusei opened his mouth about to say something but was interrupted by a loud screeching sound! He turned his head stepping out of the glow of the crystal, only... It wasn''t Yusei that stepped out...


    It was the Monster.


    The sound of stone on stone echoed out loudly in the back of the massive room. The second entrance was open...


    Yusei let out a loud hungry growl, but was instantly interpreted by another loud noise!


    "Arking Shot!" Jackson bellowed as several blue beams of lightning fired out slamming into the monster and throwing him back, causing him to crash into the crystal.


    The beast let out a growl as it stood back up...


    "Kill them, my love... Do it for me."


    The monster let out a howl, as it''s torn off stump, of its arm, began to bubble up... Then suddenly a new arm suddenly exploded out being regrown back instantly!


    "We''re in trouble!" Jackson said hissing slightly. "I only have enough energy to do that attack four times a day..." He said shaking his head. "That''s the third... Any more and I''ll be completely out of energy, and pass out... I have to save my last shot for when we can really do some serious damage..."


    "Well then why the hell did you start the fight by firing it out!" Ken yelled at the Vice-Captain.


    "Because it''s a badass laser beam barrage!" Jackson announced charging forward. "Come Zero! Let''s finish this thing!"


    "Right behind you!" Zero announced charging forward.


    "Alright!" Irene said nodding her head. "You guys all know the plan! Just attack it from every side while we beat it down slowly. Then when one of us gets a chance go for the crystal!"


    "Let''s hope this works..." Anga said nodding his head slightly. "We don''t have many options left..."


    And with that everybody charged in! Jackson, Zero, Anga, Yang, and Seth, all slammed their hands together as a white aura appeared around them! They all fought the creature head-on, while all of the kids stayed in the back getting in shots whenever they saw an opening...


    Flames would spew out hitting the creature followed by ice, and mist. Hero and Ken stayed mostly in the back, and Hero would fire off a stretching arm punch using his lengthening ability to take advantage of long-range punches.


    All seemed to be going well until...


    Hero shot out his arms as it stretched out five feet, slamming straight into the monster''s face. The creature let out. growl as its own hand shot up, and wrapped around Hero''s arm.


    "Uh oh-"


    The monster yanked the boy forward faster then anyone can react. The monster stabbed forward with its hand intending to impale straight through Hero, but was stopped by a massive blue beam of light that slammed straight into it from behind!


    Then before Hero knew it he was tackled to the ground by a twelve-year-old girl, as the monster took a swipe at him.


    "What the hell?" Hero said in shock. "Maudite!?"


    The monster let out a hiss as it opened its mouth and fired out a beam of its own! Hero wrapped his arms around the girl''s body and sucked in air inflating his body as he bounced up, and actually jumped over the beam, shield the little girl in his arms! Despite having dodged the beam though the sheer heat, and power badly injured Hero causing him to hiss out.


    Zero saw this as his chance and charged forward straight at the creature. Ken followed his lead. Both of them swung their swords out!


    Instantly the creature''s hand shot up slapping Zero away, and hitting him hard enough to make him drop his sword! Its other hand punched Ken straight over the head hard enough to knock her straight to the ground!


    "Ken!" Jackson screamed out charging forward.


    The monster also charged forward slamming its fist straight into Jackson who tanked the punch like a champ and actually stepped forward head butting the creature as hard as he possibly could! The force was actually strong enough to crack the ground, as both fighters slammed their skulls into each other.


    Then with a battle cry, Jackson turned and sliced into the creature with his blade nearly cleaving it in two!


    However, it withstood the attack and countered slamming its leg up hard enough to send Jackson flying back.


    The creature instantly charged forward heading towards a downed Hero as it raised its hand up and brought it down! Maudite jumped up to her feet as she threw her arms out shielding Hero with her body.


    The clawed hand of the creature flew forward as Maudite closed her eyes...


    She waited to feel the pain.


    She waited to feel the cold grip of death...


    But nothing happened...


    Her eyes slowly opened as she stared at the creature in front of her. Its hand had stopped mere inches away from her heart.


    Maudite managed to crack a sad smile as she stared at the beast. "It''s okay dad... Go join mom."


    The greatsword burst straight through the creature''s gut, as it stabbed into the crystal. Jackson stood behind the monster as he twisted the sword.


    "You can rest easy now..." Jackson said quietly. "I''ll protect her..."


    The monster bowed its head, and then before anyone else could react it turned to dust.


    One second it was whole...


    The next it completely fell apart...


    They had won.

 Chapter 64 - The Corruptions Greatest Strength!

    Age 1998


    Loud banging sounds echoed out in the darkness...


    For miles, the only thing that could be seen, was the pitch-black nothingness of the landscape.


    That, and the orange lights from the roaring flames...


    Seth tried to crawl forward as he gasped out. He reached up placing a hand over the left side of his face which was bleeding at an insane rate! His flesh was melted, and charred. His hair was ripped out, and his eye was missing.


    What was once a beautiful and elegant Noble face, was now nothing more than a charred mess.


    A shadow of its former self...


    ''Beauty is everything!''


    Those had been the words his mother had said... To him, and his family, beauty truly was all that mattered.


    ''I want to make this world elegant!''


    Seth gasped out as his father''s words echoed loudly in his mind...


    ''Let''s make a Beautiful world...''


    His sister had been so young and naive...


    Seth cried out as more words echoed in his mind, followed shortly by the screaming. The screaming of his family as they were torn apart by those things... His mother''s head being cleaved off, his father being ripped in half, and his sister... She suffered the worst being set on fire, and forced to slowly burn to death.


    A once beautiful family was truly, and utterly dead.


    Seth managed to take another pained step forward as more banging sounds echoed out. The sound of metal, grinding on metal could be heard as the flames grew brighter.


    Finally, after a few minutes of slowly crawling away in his own blood, Seth managed to roll over, finally giving up.


    That was when he saw them. The ''things'' that had caused all of this.


    The Automaton''s. The metal defenders that served the royal Empire of the Red Nation. They marched forward slowly, their bronze metal shinning and reflecting the flames. Every step they shook made Seth''s frown grow larger, as his rage began to boil over.


    "Why?" He asked spitting up saliva due to the hole in his lower jaw. "What did my family do to send the Automaton''s after us!" He gasped out.


    The machines didn''t listen, as they had no reason to speak to a target. That wasn''t what they were programmed to do after all...


    One of them flicked their wrist as a sword clicked out of their arm now giving them a light bronze great sword.


    Seth continued to watch them match towards him. He closed his eyes slowly. He waited for the sensation of death. He waited for one of them to set him on fire, maybe rip in half? Or perhaps they would simply impale him with the sword.


    But as he waited the only thing he felt was the agonizing pain from his scar.


    Seth opened his eyes and watched the machines walk away... Without even glancing at him they had simply turned and left... Leaving him behind...


    Alone...


    Age 1990...


    "I''m not sure how but we somehow pulled through..." Yang said collapsing. He stared down at his hands in slight disappointment. "I... I was completely useless... Unable to even do anything." He let out a heavy curse as he threw his fist out punching the ground.


    "Don''t beat yourself up," Anga said calmly. "We did it. We found what we came for." He gestured past his brother and over to the massive orange crystal that stood tall.


    "So that''s the thing we came all this way here for..." Seth said smiling slightly as he looked at it."


    "Here you go..." Zero slowly sat up and turned his head to the side. He saw Ken standing in front of him holding his sword out to him. "This is... A lot heavier than my sword." She said blushing slightly. "It also feels different." She reached out placing a finger on the blade but quickly let out a hiss as she pulled her finger back. There was a small mark of crimson on the blade...


    "Your stupidity is amazing..." Zero mocked as he reached out. He stopped hesitating as he stared at his weapon. "That is the second time my blade has failed... No. It is the second time that I have failed..." He reached out taking the blade away from Ken. He stared at it for a moment. "Normally our Samurai traditions would dictate that I run myself through with this weapon..."


    "What! Why the hell would anyone have a ridiculous rule like that!" Ken questioned in shock.


    Zero let a small laugh escape his lips as he fully stood up. "I have failed twice now. And both times I am only alive because an Enforcer saved me."


    "What! So just because you failed you have to kill yourself?" Ken questioned shaking her head.


    "That isn''t the sin I have committed," Zero said turning away. ''I am truly a fool... To think... I am actually growing fond of these... Enforcers... If I was seen now by my clan, then they would have surely killed me where I stood.'' Zero frowned as he looked at the spot where the monster had been moments ago. "I guess I''m still so weak... I never could match up to you One..."


    Nothing was left now save for a pile of dust, and his clothing... It would seem he was truly gone. It was hard to believe the kind of power that disease gifted such a man.


    Hero stared at Maudite as he placed both his hands on the twelve-year-old girl''s shoulders. "How, and why, did you come here?" Hero questioned curiously as he raised an eyebrow. "Thanks for saving me by the way. I have got to learn how to use my stretch arm better..." He muttered to himself as he shook his head.


    "I... I came to save you." Maudite answered. She blushed slightly as she looked away. "Well, not just you of course! I also came in to save Ken... And Kitsune. And the others."


    "Here that North..." Cloud said in a slightly annoyed tone. "We''re the others..."


    "She does realize that Hero is four years older than her right..." Maudite said slightly annoyed.


    "Oh, what," Ken asked mockingly. "Jealous?"


    "Bite me!"


    "I... I hate Hero..." Kitsune said giving an eye twitch. "He doesn''t even flirt..."


    "Don''t worry," Cloud said patting Kitsune on the back. "I''m sure you''ll find your special person one day."


    "You really think so?"


    "No..."


    "So..." Anga said quietly. "This is the Corruption..." He reached out placing his hand on the orange crystal as he gave a slight smile. "I can feel it calling to me. Trying to convince me to touch it. However, I won''t be swayed." He defiantly pulled his hand away from the crystal. "I refuse to fall victim to it!"


    "It really is amazing..." Seth said. He could hear whispers coming from it... Telling him things that intrigued him. "I heard that it gave regeneration, but I didn''t expect it to be that good... The beast... It was able to regrow entire limbs... All without a scar." He reached over placing a hand on his face as he smirked. "I can finally get rid of-"


    "Seth!" Anga hissed out holding his hand up. "I told you! We are not infecting ourselves with the formula." He said eyeing the man up.


    Seth frowned. "The research you had stated it was possible for those who are particularly strong will be able to absorb the Corruption into them gaining the power and keeping themselves-"


    "It said they may be able to!" Anga hissed out. "We shouldn''t take the drug ourselves... Rather let it be know to the world... Someone else will solve it, and if it truly can be used to save lives then they will distribute it. We found the grail, but we won''t use it-"


    "The entire point was for me to use it!" Seth shouted throwing his hands in the air.


    "I''m sorry..."


    Jackson let out a sigh as he turned to the other men in the room who were all fighting amongst themselves. "Well. That''s enough excitement for one day." He said casually as he reached into his pocket. He quickly pulled out a Golden Badge. "Anga, Seth, and Yang. By order of the Enforcers, it is my duty to uphold the law. All three of you are under arrest, charged with High Treason against the Nation of red..." He stated in a serious tone. His face dropped slightly as he frowned at them. "You have my word that I''ll do everything I can to try and get all three of you an easy trial..." He said in a slight apologetic way. "Chances are though... You''ll still be sent to Nightshade... I''m truly sorry..."


    Seth let out hiss as he frowned. "Then... I wasted all of this time... My family... They won''t be avenged..."


    "Anga!" Yang yelled out grabbing his brother''s shoulder. "What about mom! We don''t have time to wait for a cure! We need her to take this now-"


    Anga reached up yanking Yang''s arm off of him. "I''m sorry..."


    "You... You bastard!" Yang yelled out in a furious rage. "You weren''t ever there! Every day I watched her get worse, and worse, while you researched this! And now what? You''re telling me it was all for nothing! You asshole!" Yang slammed his fist into Anga''s face knocking him to the floor. He went to take a step forward but was stopped when he felt a blade at his neck.


    "If you touch my client again..." Zero said slowly as he eased down on the blade just enough to drop the tiniest amount of blood... "I don''t care that you''re related to him. I''ll kill you."


    "The weak Samurai is trying to threaten me..." Yang said shooting Zero a look. "Do you know why we picked you?" He questioned. "Because you were the cheapest. You had no strength or anything particular that we wanted. You were just a worthless-"


    "That''s enough!" Jackson yelled out clapping his hands together and firing out a wave of small harmless electricity. "Everyone clam down!" He announced.


    "Don''t tell us to calm down!" Seth shouted. "If you never showed up none of this would have happened!"


    "If they ever showed up then we would have murdered an entire village on accident!" Anga shouted back.


    "Should... Should we do something..." Kitsune asked backing away slowly.


    "I... I feel like this is gonna turn out bad." Irene muttered out stepping away. She reached out placing a hand on Ken''s shoulder and slowly dragged her away from Zero''s side.


    "Hey what gives!" Ken questioned.


    "Just shut up and stay next to me..." Irene said giving the girl a deadpan stare. "I feel like something bads about to happen and I don''t want you in the middle of it all-"


    "Oh what so now you''re flirting with me-"


    Irene chopped Ken over the head causing the fourteen-year-old girl to pout.


    "Can we all just stay quiet for one minute..." Zero questioned.


    "Oh, what so you can hear the crystal call out to you?" Yang asked mockingly. "You know it calls out to weak people right-"


    "Aren''t you and your brother hearing it too..." Zero said giving the man a dangerous look.


    "What are you-"


    "Call me weak one more time..." Zero hissed out. "I''ve put up with all of you for almost an entire month... No more. It''s over!"


    "You''re right!" Everyone insanely stopped when they heard that... They slowly turned to see Seth standing right next to the crystal. The man gave a wicked smirk as he placed one hand on his messed up face, and the other hand on the crystal itself. "It is over..."


    "No!" Jackson screamed out, right as Seth dragged his hand down the crystal cutting himself with it...

 Chapter 65 - The Sane Beast

    Age 1998


    Yang stared past the window quietly as he let out a heavy sigh...


    On the other side of the window was a small white room, with a single bed, and rows of machinery lined up. In the bed, an unconscious woman was laid down... Wires were hooked into her, and she was breathing heavily.


    Like usual Anga was out doing research...


    "It''s my fault it happened..." Yang said quietly as he stared at his mother''s form. "I was too weak... The Bestia Macht got into the town because of me... It was my job to stop any from getting past, and I failed..." He gritted his teeth as he turned his head. "But it''s okay... Anga will save you... He''s so much stronger, and smarter than I am. He''ll find a cure, for whatever that beast infected you with... He has to. He''s the best after all..."


    Age 1990


    Zero shot forward faster then anyone could react, as he sliced his blade through the air.


    Blood splattered out, as Seth''s head, as well as the entire half of the crystal, simply fell back, being cleanly cleaved off.


    However, before they could question what just happened, Seth''s decapitated body punched forward slamming its fist straight into Zero''s gut and launching the Samurai away.


    "Damn it..." Jackson hissed out. "He wasn''t able to stop it in time..."


    They all watched in horror as Seth''s body began to change... His body morphed, and altered itself, changing... Its blood flowed out, becoming a sickly orange. Then suddenly his head grew back popping out from his stub, only this one was missing his large scar...


    "Seth you fool!" Anga shouted out. "What have you done!"


    "I became beautiful!" Seth announced throwing his arms out as his body began to morph. His skin became a milky white. His eyes seemed to shrink further into his head as he dropped to his knees... His hair rapidly fell out, and his skin around his head seemed to harden becoming bone-like, causing his head to resemble a skull. His fingernails grew out becoming longer. His arms and legs lengthened growing out, and his stomach, and body actually seemed to shrink in as he became slimmer. Bones started to coat his body coming out of his flesh and surrounding him in what looked like a dress made of bones? Finally, his teeth and nails blackened as his eyes became a black void, with a glowing orange iris. When it was all said and done he no longer looked human...


    "Seth... You fool... You turned yourself into a mindless beast-"


    "Silence you fool!", Everyone stopped as they stared in shock at Seth. He reached down picking up a mirror from his discard pile of clothing. " Ahh yes... I truly have become perfect..." He said giving a crooked smile as he stared at his reflection. He smirked as he squeezed down on it shattering it. "To perfect for such an impure world..."


    "You... You''re sane?" Anga said in shock.


    "Oh. I''m sane alright!" Seth bellowed smirking as he waved his arms out. "And beautiful!"


    "How..." Zero questioned as he stood up slowly. Blood flowed down from his chin, as he had taken some serious damage from that single punch Seth hit him with.


    "It''s simple," Seth said as his smile grew larger and sinister. "The Corruption is the secret for the next evolution. I can see, hear, and feel, far more clearly now. It is as if a fog has been removed for the first time in years... It allows a person to evolve past their limits... Those who aren''t worthy, lose themselves to it. But me? I am beyond worthy. I''ve become Godlike. And I can truly see it now..."


    "See what?" Yang asked.


    "See the errors of this world!" Seth announced. "I am no longer human! I am a superior lifeform! Humans are held back, by themselves. But now... Well, now I can do anything... And I''ll start by making this world pure again. I''ll undo the nasty scar humans left on it."


    "It seems you are in fact insane..." Anga said frowning. "You might have enough self-control to speak, and act, but you are definitely not the man you were moments ago..."


    "Oh... And you knew who I really was?" Seth said mockingly.


    Anga stopped as he hung his head in slight shame. "I guess I didn''t." He said quietly. "I was so focused on my own goals, I failed to consider how it would affect all of you." He gave a heavy frown as he shook his head. "But I know Seth enough to realize he would never have considered such an abomination beautiful."


    The monster Seth frowned at Anga as he shrugged his shoulders. "You can believe that if you wish."


    "Seth!" Jackson said staring at the man with a heavy frown. "Careful on what you say... The Enforcers aren''t exactly open-minded when it comes to dealing with monsters... If I were you I''d chose my words carefully... Unless you want me to step in and slay you."


    "Typical of a human..."


    "You were a human less than five minutes ago..." Irene pointed out.


    Seth chose to ignore her... "In my will to get rid of the scar, I will have to obviously get rid of all thing ugly. That includes all humans." Jackson began to reach for his sword. "However I''ll make a deal with you two." He said looking at Anga and Yang. His hand shot out ripping two small shards from the already broken crystal. Then he threw them over to the two men. "Infect yourselves and join me!"


    Anga stared down at the crystal in his hands. For a moment it was obvious he was considering it. Finally, he answered. "No."


    "What?" Seth questioned letting out a small growl.


    "I said no..." Anga repeated. "I''m human. I won''t change. " Not now. Not ever." He stated in a serious tone. "I can''t allow myself to... I''ve done a lot of wrong things in my life. Wasted it at some points." He glanced over to his brother Yang. "I''m... I''m sorry..."


    Yang frowned as he stared at his older brother. "You always were stronger than me Anga..." He said quietly.


    Anga turned back to Seth. "So you might as well just give up now. You''re outnumbered. And none of us will join you!" He announced.


    Seth simply gave a smug smile. "It would seem that not only do you not know who I am, but you also seem to lack the knowledge of your own blood..."


    "What are you-"


    Seth simply gestured past Anga and over to Yang.


    "Yang?" Anga said quietly in a horrified tone.


    "I''m sorry... But if you won''t save mom, I will."


    "No-"


    Yang stabbed the crystal into his chest, and slowly allowed the transformation to happen...

 Chapter 66 - The Three Monsters

    Age 1990


    "Yang no!" Anga yelled out horrified.


    "I''m... I''m sorry..." The younger brother said slowly.


    Yang couldn''t look his brother in the eyes as he allowed his body to morph and change... He dropped to his knees as it happened. His eyes became black, and iris became orange... He began to throw up all the blood in his body as it morphed.


    Slowly, rocks began to form out of his body, coating it in a thick layer of protection. He grew in size growing more muscular and at least three feet taller, now almost reaching ten feet! The rock armor around him hardened and gained a black coating to it, making it look similar to obsidian. Several large spikes made out of the material grew out of his back. A row of them appeared on his knuckles making it appear as if he had spiked brass knuckles.


    When it was all said and done, Yang had become a weird, and scary looking, rock monster.


    "Yang..." Anga said sadly. "You fool..."


    "Seth was right..." Yang''s voice came out almost like a growl as he stood up to his full height and casting the group of horrified people in his shadow. "My mind has changed... I feel... I feel darker... Yet, I still know who I am, and what I once was... Despite that, I can still feel a grip on my mind... Something urging me to kill you all... I can''t tell if I made a horrible mistake, but this feels right. Like it was meant to be... Please, Anga... Infect yourself with the crystal. Join me, brother."


    Anga stared at Yang with a look of disappointment. "My brother is dead..."


    "So be it... You''ve made your choice..." Yang said quietly as his now orange eyes peered at the enemy. "I''ll do my best to make sure none of you suffer."


    "I''m glad you could see things my way..." Seth said reaching out a slim and boney hand. He placed it on Yang''s shoulder patting him on the back. "Now... Let us remake this world. Starting by defeating the enemies... The lifeforms of chaos! The beings known as humans?" Seth bellowed out.


    "This looks like trouble..." Kitsune hissed out.


    "You think..." Ken said giving the teen a deadpan stare.


    Hero watched the two monsters closely. He let a slight hiss escape his lips as he placed a hand on his side. "I... I''m not at a 100%" He muttered out. "Maudite. You should stay near Jackson-"


    "I''m not leaving your side..." The twelve-year-old girl announced out.


    Hero went to say something but stopped when he saw the determined look in her eyes. ''Huh... She looks like me, when I was a kid...'' He thought to himself.


    ''If you are ever in danger and for whatever reason, you don''t think Jackson will be able to come save you guys pull out that box and hit the button...''


    Hero reached into his pocket feeling the small metallic box Dawson had given him. "Not yet... I don''t know what it is... I''ll use it when I have an opening!" He decided as he nodded his head slightly. "Zero, and Mr. Storm might be able to handle them on their own, so I might not even need it..."


    Jackson let out a heavy sigh as he pointed his sword at the two new monsters. "Its a shame. I was starting to get to like your group... But I see now that you''ve become a threat to the human race. In that case, I''ll do my duty as an Enforcer, and stop you here and now!" He announced out.


    Seth let out a small chuckle as his grotesque face managed a smile. "Then... Let us begin-"


    Hero let out a gasp as Seth appeared in front of him swinging his clawed hand down. Everything seemed to move in slow motion as the teen''s eyes got wider. ''I-Its so quick! I- I won''t have time to move-''


    Zero brought his blade down blocking the strike as his foot shot out and kicked Hero in the chest launching the kid, as well as Maudite away. "Enforcer! You get the other one!" Zero bellowed out.


    "On it!" Jackson screamed flashing forward as he swung his sword at Yang. Yang raised an arm blocking the strike, but moments later a very pissed off Anga jumped in slamming his fist straight into Yang''s face and throwing the monster back.


    "Yang. As your older brother, it falls on me to be the one to put you out of your misery!" Anga shouted out as tears streamed down his face. He charged forward slamming his fist up and knocking the monster into the air.


    "Wow. He might be able to actually handle that on his own!" Jackson said taken aback. He glanced over at Zero who was clashing with Seth. "Who... Who do I help?"


    Zero gritted his teeth as he swung his blade down, only for Seth to suddenly vanish. "What?" Zero felt a fist slam into his gut breaking some of his ribs as he flew back.


    "This is amazing!" Seth announced holding his arms out. "My Attribute is so much stronger. I can now jump in and out of the mirror world in quick succession! I''m invincible!"


    Zero sliced his sword up firing out a wave of white energy but Seth simply slapped the attack away one-handed.


    "He... He''s so strong..." Kitsune muttered out in shock. "Even stronger than the one we were having trouble with earlier!"


    "His durability and power don''t matter..." Hero said simply.


    "What?"


    "No Hero''s right!" Irene said with a realization. "If he turned into a monster then he got the crystal weakness! It doesn''t matter how strong he is! If we just break that gem, he''ll die instantly!" She said proudly.


    "What?" Hero said taken aback. "Huh? I didn''t think of that!" He said sheepishly.


    "What? Then what were you going on about?"


    "Ahh.. Not important." Hero turned away as he watched the battle. "The question is... Which one do we target first?"


    Zero sliced his blade up once again only for Seth to easily block it. "Ha!" Seth laughed out. "Pathetic!" He slammed his fist straight into Zero''s gut hard enough to leave a hole in the man''s gut...


    Zero coughed up blood as he jumped back. He began breathing heavily as he glared at the monster. "I never liked you... I never liked any of you. I refuse to believe that I''m weak. I hold the title of Zero! I''m the strongest Samurai around! I am the best..."


    "At one time, you might have been a real threat. But now. Well, now you''re nothing." Seth said smugly. "Even the Enforcers are more of a challenge then you are!"


    "That''s a lie!" Zero screamed out in utter rage. "I! I am a samurai! A Samurai who holds the rank of Zero! ai fought on the great battlefield against the Enforcers! I am! I am the strongest there is!"


    Zero rushed forward slashing his sword up.


    Seth reached up slapping the sword away and sending it out of Zero''s hand. "Too weak!"


    ''Blam!''


    Seth''s fist slammed into Zero''s head hard enough to actually crack the sound barrier as the man''s head snapped back. If he was a normal human, he would have died instantly. Hell even if he was a superhuman he still would have most likely died instantly.


    Zero''s body flew back through the air seemingly in slow motion as his eyes glazed over.


    And then he saw it. His life began to flash before his eyes.


    He saw himself first being born.


    He saw himself training for the first time to wild a sword, at the age of four.


    He saw himself kill his first-ever opponent, at the age of seven.


    He saw himself fight in his first-ever war, at the age of nine.


    He saw himself hold the body of his older brother close to him, as his older brother passed away, at the age of ten.


    He saw himself hold the body of his younger brother, as he too passed away, at the age of twelve.


    He saw his friends die all over again...


    And again.


    And again.


    And he saw himself receive the rank of Zero, the highest rank his clan allowed...


    He saw the village burn to the ground...


    And... And he saw the body of his baby... His daughter... The daughter he lost, in the fire...


    He saw himself lead his tropes into battle...


    And he saw himself lose that war. Nearly killed by the Enforcer known as Ward.


    And he saw himself saved by Master Storm... Leader of the Enforcers.


    And he saw his life. All of it. His miserable life... The life that he held onto. The life he fought for. He saw the life of Zero. The man who was supposed to be the strongest Warrior...


    His clan broke up, now nonexistent. The Samurai had truly lost. They weren''t a part of the Nation of white. They were now apart of the Nation of red.


    He saw himself give in, and become a mere sword for hire...


    ''You''re weak!''


    ''Damn Samurai!''


    ''Even the Enforcer''s are more of a challenge than you are!''


    ''Zero...''


    ''Yukon... You are the Nation Of Whites burning Hope. Our ancestors came to this land to defeats the Red Emperor... But they were stopped by the lesser of the Enforcers. Our ancestors were left stuck here, and so for over a thousand years, our order has existed in enemy territory. Our grudge now rest with the Enforcer. More namely the leader of the Enforcers. Storm... We will exterminate him, and his family... His bloodline must not exist. A Storm is the worst thing in this world. Do you understand Yukon...''


    Zero''s eyes glazed up at the roof of the cave as he continued to fall back in slow motion. ''I guess I''m just that weak-''


    ''It is up to you know. For over a hundred years we breed, in order to make the ultimate warrior. Yukon. We gift you with the ultimate rank. We gift you the rank of Zero... From this day on you are the warrior known as Zero. A warrior stronger than any other.''


    "Die!" Seth bellowed out slicing his hand down. "Gah! What?" Seth looked down finding Jackson Storm next to him now. Jackson smirked slightly as he lifted his blade up easily slicing Seth in half in a single motion.


    Hero shot forward wrapping his arms around Zero as he sucked in air, inflating his body, and used himself to cushion the Samurai.


    "Saved- by an Enforcer..." Zero coughed out. "And that man... Jackson Storm... His blade actually managed to slice through the monster while mine failed..."


    "Yo! Mr. Samurai dude! Are you alright?" Hero asked.


    Zero let out a slight growl as he jumped off of Hero. He wobbled slightly falling to his knees as he spat up more blood.


    "Take it easy!" Irene said running up. "It''s very likely your insides are badly injured... Also, you are probably suffering from a major concussion after a punch like that... Just sit down and let Jackson handle it."


    Zero''s eye darted over to her for a brief second. "Let the Enforcer handle it... Are you saying I''m too weak?"


    "What! No!" Irene said. She glanced over to Hero shooting him a look. He just shrugged.


    Zero crawled forward reaching out, and reclaiming his sword as he stood back up. He stabbed the blade into the ground using it to hold himself up. He watched the battle between Jackson and Seth...


    Both fighters seemed evenly matched as they went back and forth. Jackson had a massive white aura around him that crackled with power.


    "So..." Zero hissed out. "You still had this much power left?" He wondered out loud. He turned away from the fight as he glanced on the ground. "I''m still just so weak... It seems I still haven''t learned my lesson."


    "Lesson?" Hero said raising an eyebrow.


    "In this world. The only thing the truly matters is power." Zero said reaching down and picking something up.


    "That''s not true." Hero said shaking his head.


    "You only say that because you already have power boy... You don''t even realize the gift you have inside of you. The power you get from being a Seraphin. Most of my clan would kill for a chance to have that kind of power."


    "Well, your clan sounds quite foolish." Hero said casually. He turned to look at Zero and instantly froze.


    Zero let a slight smirk come onto his face as he shrugged. "I suppose it is..."


    And with that, he drove the orange crystal he had picked up straight into his heart...

 Chapter 67 - The Battle Of Two Brothers

    Age 1980


    That fateful day...


    Yang ran forward after his older brother as he let out a laugh.


    Anga ran away also laughing. "You''ll never catch me!" Anga announced jumping over a branch. He ran forward crashing down as his feet slipped out from under him.


    Yang jumped forward also slipping as he landed next to his brother. Both boys stopped and let out loud giggles as they now laid down in the snow, both staring up at the black sky.


    "What do you think is out there?" Yang asked.


    "I already know the answer," Anga said smugly.


    "Really? What is it?"


    "I''ll never tell!" Anga announced.


    "Big bro why!"


    Anga let out an evil laugh before laying back down. "It''s amazing."


    "What is?"


    "Life?" The fourteen-year-old boy said smirking. "I mean... I''m fourteen now! I''m qualified to receive a letter!"


    "A letter? From who?"


    "The Enforcers!" Anga announced pointing up to the sky. "I''m gonna join them! And train to become the best I can. I''ll get stronger, and I''ll carry myself upwards! I''ll keep on climbing, and reach the Royal capital of Red! And I''ll become the next the Emperor!"


    "That... That sounds amazing..." Yang said awestruck. "I wanna be an Enforcer! I wanna keep climbing."


    "Then you''re in luck!"


    "I am?"


    "You''re thirteen! If you train hard then next year you''ll be of age to receive a letter! Then! We can go together!"


    "Let''s do it!" Yang said smiling.


    Age 1990


    Zero stabbed the crystal into his chest as he stared at the ground unable to meet the shocked, and hurt expressions of Hero and Irene who stared at him in horror, and disapproval.


    The other recruits were to busy watching Jackson''s fight to notice the change...


    "Zero!" Hero said in shock. "Why did you-"


    "Enforcer..." Zero said quietly. "Before the change begins and while I am of sound mind there is something you should know."


    "What is it-"


    Zero drove the blade as deep into Hero''s chest as much as he was physically able to. "I hate Enforcers..." Zero said with a determined look on his face. "And I hate myself for beginning to like you all... I''m Zero... I am the best. I was built to kill you all."


    Hero coughed out spitting up blood as Irene screamed his name in shock. This got everyone''s attention as they all stopped what they were doing.


    Jackson''s eyes widened when he saw the blade sticking through his recruit''s chest. Then his eyes met Zero''s black and orange eyes. "Oh Zero... You... You didn''t..."


    "I did," Zero said softly. "I''ll do what I must. I won''t fall behind you any longer. This... This is the only way it could have ended."


    "You should watch your back Enforcer!" Seth called out attacking Jackson from behind. Jackson let out a curse and turned around continuing his fight unable to help his recruit.


    Zero''s body fully healed as he turned on his hills and swung his blade throwing the body of Hero off of his sword. Hero slammed into the wall next to Anga as he smacked into the ground.


    "Kid... No..." Anga gritted his teeth as he glared at Zero. "After I deal with my brother. You''re next."


    Zero didn''t say anything as he closed his eyes and allowed the transformation to begin. It started off like the rest with him throwing up his blood, but quickly it became clear Zero''s wasn''t going to be normal...


    His hair changed becoming a bright silver color as it grew down his back getting longer and longer. His forehead split open as a third eye appeared. His back was also torn open as a pair of wings exploded out. Two horns came out of his skull and his right arm began to bubble up and morph growing around his sword, and actually fusing it into his body.


    Most terrifying was the massive amount of power that was now just rolling off of him in waves causing eveyone, even Jackson to stop and stare in shock... It was like standing next to a massive tsunami that would crush you if it came down... All four recruits knees shook, as the hairs on their bodies began to stand up... Even an amateur like Kitsune knew that this guy was the strongest thing they''ve seen... Stronger than even Dawson...


    "It... It''s huge!" Irene gasped out being blown back by a tremendous wave of power. "It... It''s almost as big as Master Storms was!"


    Zero opened his eyes as he let out a sigh. "It would seem I didn''t becoming a mere monster. Strange. I seem to have become something more." He let out a chuckle as he stared down at his body in curiosity. Zero smirked as he swung his arm out. His wings flapped and his third eye buzzed around. "So... This is what power feels like..."


    Jackson frowned as he stared at the man. ''Crap... He jumped up in power... But... It honestly isn''t that impressive... If a Captain was here they would be able to wipe him out... He''s definitely stronger than a Vice-Captain though... I have no idea if I will be able to defeat him on my own...''


    "Ahh yes!" Seth announced proudly. "Zero! You have become truly beautiful!"


    Zero smirked slightly as he vanished suddenly appearing next to Seth.


    ''I didn''t even see him move!'' Jackson frowned as he took a step back. ''This... Is gonna suck...''


    "Well, Enforcer," Zero asked. "Shall we have our long-awaited battle?"


    "Yes, yes, yes!" Seth laughed out. "Slaughter them, Zero! Show them our mighty pow-"


    "You''re annoying." Zero sliced his blade instantly tearing the crystal on Seth''s hand in two. "Burn in hell, you ugly freak."


    Seth let out a scream as his entire body erupted into fire, and he was burned down to absolute nothingness... Not even ash. Yellow flames danced off of Zero''s blade as he continued staring at Jackson.


    "Go on... Power up. I''ll wait..."


    "We''re dead...." Kitsune stated.


    1982


    That fateful day...


    "Take this!" Anga announced throwing out a powerful punch that Yang easily blocked.


    The two brothers slid away from each other both breathing heavily.


    "We need to practice more," Anga said shaking his head. "At this rate, we''ll never get into the Enforcers... Its been two years and still no letter!"


    "Maybe... Maybe this dream was hopeless..." Yang said quietly.


    "Don''t say that!" Anga yelled out. "No dream is hopeless!" He stated. "Now... Let''s get back to practicing."


    Age 1990


    "Yang!" Anga shouted throwing out a mighty punch that easily shattered the sound barrier. Yang caught the fist easily as he held onto his older brother''s hand.


    "You know... You really got the short end of the straw." Yang said quietly. His other hand shot out slamming into Anga''s gut hard enough to leave an indent! The man fell to his knees coughing up blood as he glared up at his younger brother. "Your Attribute is Super-Strength," Yang said calmly as his foot fired up upper cutting Anga straight into the air. "That is a trait found in every superhuman. Plus. The Corruption seemed to have boosted my strength and stamina by over a hundred folds... It''s basically like I have your Attribute, but better. And of course-" He raised his hand which caused the rock underneath Anga to rise up and slam him into the roof of the cave. "I of course still have my own Attribute. It''s kind of funny in a way... You were always better than me as kids. No matter how hard I worked you always stayed ahead of me... And yet neither of us could complete our dreams. We never became Enforcers... Just useless guards of a shitty town. And we failed at that too letting our own mother get injured. And now. Knowing there is a way to save her you choose not to take it-"


    "The Corruption is not the right option..." Anga gasped out. "Simply feeding it to her as it is, would turn her into an abomination of hatred itself..." He slowly managed to get to his feet which were easier said than done, since his insides were definitely a mess... "I''m sorry... But there simply isn''t anything we can do for mother... But it isn''t too late. We can have this stuff researched so that in the future something like this won''t have to happen again."


    "There is no future!" Yang bellowed. "I hate you." He said it calmly as he glared at his older brother. "It''s your fault things ended up this way."


    "That''s just the Corruption talking-"


    "You were supposed to be the one on guard duty that night!" Anga instantly went quiet... "You never showed up though... So I had to do it instead... If... If you had been there you would have been able to stop it!" Yang gritted his teeth. "You could have saved her! You can save her! But you won''t!"


    Anga looked down at the ground with a sad look. "I would rather mother die a human, and get to keep the good memories I have of her, then her become a monster, and be put down anyways."


    "I''m going to kill you..." Yang said slowly. "All you''ve done is taken away from me! You lied to me about this mission. You lied to me about your power. You lied to me about mother. And you lied to me about the Enforcers! You said we would be able to join them! But we never did! We never got that letter!" Yang screamed out.


    "Clearly you''re being taken over by the Corruption."


    "This is all me!"


    Anga gave his brother a serious look as he slowly brought his arms up. "Yang... I''m sorry. I won''t be able to save you. The only thing I can do for you now is put you out of your misery."


    "Misery..." Yang smirked as he got into his own battle stance. "Well come on... I''ll show you misery."


    Anga shot forward as fast as he could as he threw out a powerful punch. "Thirty-Steel-Bars-Break!" He announced. His fist slammed into his brother''s head.


    Yang hissed out as the punch actually knocked him back. "I''m impressed! I actually felt that one!" The rocks around his arm morphed and shifted becoming a rock sword. He swung his new arm out nearly decapitating Anga, but the man thankfully ducked under it.


    Anga instantly jumped forward wrapping his arms around his brother as he ran forward, and crashed straight into one of the massive stone pillars that were inside the room. He used all of his power to charge forward and force Yang, and himself through it! The moment they crashed out on the other side, he twisted his back, spun, and threw Yang across the room and straight into a wall.


    Yang crashed into the wall but was back up in seconds as his body healed all the damage on him. ''I need to break his crystal...'' Yang stabbed his arm forward expanding it with the rocks, and sent it straight through Anga stabbing into the man''s gut. Anga cried out but had no time to react as Yang swung his arm down and sent Anga flying back and straight through another pillar.


    "You''ll never get anywhere unarmed," Yang announced.


    "T-Thanks for the advice!" Anga yelled as he wrapped his arms around the pillar he had crashed through. Then instantly he picked it up swinging it around like a massive sword.


    Anga slammed the pillar straight into Yang. Yang tried to block it but the force was strong enough to actually break the floor underneath him, and cause his feet to sink in slightly. Yang still pushed on though, and with a mighty punch shattered the pillar.


    "Looks like that didn''t last very long-"


    Anga shot forward slamming his fist straight into his brother''s rocky skull. "Fifty-Steel-Bars-Break!" He screamed out. The punch was so powerful it actually ripped the monster''s head clean off.


    Yang''s headless body shot backward, as a new head began to reform. He raised his arm up firing up a large spike that shot through Anga''s side nearly dropping the man! Anga clutched his side as he let out a loud gasp of pain.


    "You can''t win," Yang said as his orange eyes glared into Anga''s normal eyes. "Any damage you inflict on me is healed good as new... Meanwhile, your own body is starting to slow down, and crash. If I don''t kill you the blood loss will..."


    Anga gritted his teeth as he stood back up. "You really have changed..." He muttered out.


    Age 1983


    "It''s pointless!" Yang cried out punching a tree. "No matter how hard we work still no letter! Are we really that weak."


    "Yang it''s alright. I''m sure that next year you''ll-"


    "No! They won''t pick us!" Yang growled out. "We are nobodies... The chances of us getting picked are practically nothing."


    "Yang... Strength isn''t the only thing they look for in an Enforcer. You also have to be calm, and level headed. Or have a lot of potential-"


    "What! Are you saying that I don''t?" Yang questioned.


    "No, I was just-"


    "Save it." Yang turned around as he began to head back to the town. "Face it. Neither one of us are good enough to become Enforcers..."


    The younger brother walked off leaving the older brother by himself. Anga let out a heavy sigh as he reached into his pocket pulling out a light blue envelope. "Neither of us is good enough." He muttered. And with that, he ripped the envelope in two. "I''ll stay with you Yang. Even if it means I don''t get to become an Enforcer. After all... We''re brothers. We''ve always done everything together."


    Age 1990


    "Yang. I''m sorry..."


    "Sorry... Sorry for what. You didn''t do anything. You were just yourself. And that''s just the kind of guy Anga is." Yang said coldly.


    Anga looked up as he gave a sad smile. "I''ll save you, Yang. So don''t worry about a thing. Your big brother will finally do his job right for once..."


    Yang gave out a growl as he held up his arm. It began to change shapes becoming a massive rocky drill. "I''m ending this here."


    "So am I..."


    There was a moment of pure silence as Anga held his hands together. A white aura surrounded his body...


    Then in a flash both brothers fired forward echoing out a massive crack as the sound barrier was shattered!


    "Anga!"


    "One-hundred-Steel-Bars-Break!" Anga screamed out throwing out his absolute strongest punch!


    There was a bright flash, and seconds later Anga''s fist slammed straight through the homage crystal inside of Yang''s chest!


    Everything stopped as the air slowly settled down...


    "So..." Yang said quietly. Cracks began to form all across his body as he stared at his older brother. "I guess this is goodbye..."


    "For now... But..." Anga said before coughing up a load of blood. He stared down at his own chest which had the massive spike sticking through him.


    Yang managed a small smile before his body fully covered in cracks, and crumbled away into a pile of rocks...


    Anga fell back landing on the floor as he looked up towards the roof of the cave. "But Yang..." He said quietly as he felt his throat fill up with blood. "I''ll be joining you soon..."


    And with that both brothers left this world, leaving behind all the pain and misery they caused.


    They were without their happy ending.

 Chapter 68 - The Answers

    Age 1990


    "Go on... Power up. I''ll wait." Seth said calmly.


    Jackson frowned as he stared at the man. "You''ll regret giving me this chance."


    "Oh... Will I?"


    "You will..."


    Meanwhile...


    "Oh come on! This isn''t going to be a common occurrence every time I get knocked out is it..." Hero questioned looking around the vast landscape of red.


    He was back in that weird dreamland from before. The red liquid seemed to have gotten bigger and now seemed to bubble up reaching his knees now. Steam was coming from it, but it wasn''t enough to burn Hero. Rather it was just a small warm feeling traveling through him. The sky was still just a black void that seemed to go on forever.


    Hero looked around but he couldn''t find the Hospital anywhere. He was all alone.


    "Geez... This place got even weirder..." Hero muttered out.


    "I wouldn''t be so calm if I were you!" A loud booming voice echoed out.


    Hero turned in surprise finding that the land had seemingly bent and twisted around. In front of him now, was the massive talking lab coat. Massive bright blue chains were wrapped around it though, holding it down. Above it, a blue orb was suspended in the air. All the chains seemed to be coming from it. There was a lock symbol on the ball, like it could be unlocked and opened? The coat was placed down in the red liquid which seemed to be trying to drag him under deeper?


    "Whoa. Lab coat guy. You''re still here?" Hero said in surprise. "I guess that blue orb, is Maudite''s ability stopping you..." He hummed.


    "Yes. That girl has quite the Attribute." The coat said quietly. "Then again the Alazir bloodline has always been a powerful one..."


    "You know about her family!"


    "That information is not important. What is important is how are you seemingly able to remember that we previously talked. I made sure to make you forget almost everything you saw here, as well as make you think that what you did remember was only a dream. How is it, you are able to remember me?"


    "Oh, that?" Hero said brushing his hand up and down his hair as he gave a sheepish shrug. "Whenever Maudite sealed you away, she undid that memory thingy you did. I didn''t say anything about it at the time as there were more important things that were going on."


    "So. You remember everything?"


    "No." Hero said shaking his head. "I am starting to get small pieces back though..." He gave a small happy smile as he stared at the ground for a few moments. "My mother... If I concentrate really hard, I think I can picture her outline..." He said giving a sad, and yet at the same time, proud smile. "I''m also remembering other things as well. I think if I really focus I might even be able to remember where that girl is!"


    "Why do you care for her so much?"


    Hero game a small sheepish laugh as he twiddled his fingers. "Well..." He said as his cheeks lit up slightly, and he looked away out of embarrassment. "She. She was the first human I talked to who wasn''t my grandfather, or that creepy scientist guy... I used to think I had a rough life but... But that look in her eyes. It was like she was asking for help... And my heartfelt weird as I stared at her..."


    "A childhood crush... You''re putting your life in danger for a childhood crush."


    "Well... Yeah..." Hero gave a sheepish laugh as he scratched at his head. "I never knew love... Not from my mother. Not from my grandfather... That girl. She was like me... Alone. Scared. Forced to work with people you didn''t agree with. Not knowing love... I promised. I''ll save her. And I will be that love. I''m going to remember everything. And I''m totally gonna punch that evil scientist right in the face!" He announced out.


    "That could be a problem. You were not supposed to discover any of this... It was never supposed to be like this..."


    "Oh well. Guess you failed. You really suck at your job." Hero gave a slight shrug as he looked around the room. "So... Is there an exit or?"


    "Ha... You can not leave as long as your body is in such a critical state!" The coat announced letting out an evil laugh. "In here you''re stuck until your body is no longer in such a critical state!"


    Hero gave the coat a deadpan stare as he scratched at his head sheepishly. "He really is like the Doctor..." He said slowly, as the blurry image of a man came to his mind. "So! Once I am done healing I can wake up right?" Hero asked.


    "Yes, but that will not happen!"


    "What! Why not?" Hero asked taken aback.


    "The wound you have is pretty severe. It would kill you if not for the monsterfication. However, you lack the ability to use even 30% of it, as long as I am sealed away like this. Without healing, you will bleed out in a matter of time."


    "That sounds bad..." Hero said in a casual manner.


    "I wouldn''t joke around so much boy... Your life is on the line. But... There is a way you could get back up in a matter of seconds..." The coat said quietly. It seemed to shift around, and Hero got the sense that somehow it was doing its version of a smile.


    "W-What would that be?"


    "Undo these chains bounding my power." The coat exclaimed. "If you do so, you''ll gain more of your powers back. Of course, you still won''t have access to 100% as long as I am here. But if you let me out, I can give you a boost in power. I can increase your power to 50%"


    "What am I at right now?" Hero asked out of curiosity.


    "You are at 25%... Every one of your Attributes are being held back by me at 25% of their power. That is also what is stopping you from using them all at once." The coat announced. "Originally you were at 30% which is the amount every Seraphin has access to, but after that girl sealed me away, I dropped down as much as I could. Let me out, though and I can increase it..."


    "Letting you out sounds bad..." Hero said biting his lip. "Even leaving you in here at all sounds kind of bad..."


    "Well... You could always attempt to defeat me, but we both know that in here you don''t have any powers... You''re useless... Held helpless. But. You could let me out again. Allow me to roam around your mind, as I once did monitoring it. Both of our abilities are limited like this. You are being held back by me being like this."


    "Wouldn''t me letting you out just be a fancy way for you to take over my body and kill me..."


    "Correct."


    "Yeah, not happening!" Hero said shaking his head.


    "Do you really think you have a choice..."


    "What do you mean by that?" Hero asked suspiciously.


    The lab coat seemed to laugh as it floated down, twisting with the chains. It pulled itself over to Hero as best as it could as it looked down on him. "Those other Enforcers you are with are having trouble. They could even die. However, if you were to get up now you could help them. What do you say? Undo my bindings and let me go free once more to explore your mind, and in return, I''ll increase the amount you can hold. I''ll boost you up to 50%... Your body,might be able to handle that level without breaking down... Or you could blow up. I don''t really care."


    Hero was quiet for a moment as he scratched at his wrist. "If I let you out you''ll just kill me."


    "Hmm... I''ll make a deal with you. It is true that I am supposed to eliminate you, now that you have pulled out more power unnaturally but, I promise you that I will not, until you have saved your friends."


    "Couldn''t you just be lying..."


    "I could be. But do you have any choice?"


    Hero narrowed his eyes as he plopped down into the red liquid, crossing his legs, he sat down as he let out a hum. "Okay... I''ll let you out."


    "Good-"


    "On one condition."


    The lab coat let out a sigh as the shoulders on it moved up then down in a shrugging motion. "Very well Boy. What is this condition?"


    "I want you to answer my questions."


    "Really?"


    "Yeah." Hero smiled slightly as he nodded his head. "I''m curious about this whole situation. I want answers. A lot of them in fact."


    "Very well... I suppose it matters not to me, if you know the truth now... What are your questions?"


    "First question!" Hero announced. "What the hell are you?"


    "I am a lab coat-"


    "That''s not what I meant and you know it!"


    The coat made a slight chuckling sound as it gave another shrug. "I am something created by Doctor Hyde, implanted into your mind with the goal to watch you."


    "So you''re a part of his Attribute..."


    "No." The lab coat said simply. "I am no mere Attribute. I am a mix of drugs, brainwashing, and hypnosis, all of which was performed on you in high doses, in an attempt to insert trigger words, and create me. I am not the result of any Attribute, magic, or anything. I am simply a part of your brain that was created as a way to monitor you. You are considered a failed experiment by Doctor Hyde. He wasn''t able to get the necessary balance he was looking for, nor was he able to improve the Seraphin project. The only reason you were not terminated from the start was because of Okami Otoko."


    "Gramps..." Hero said quietly as he bit his lip. "Always comes back to you doesn''t it..."


    "Project Seraphin, as you may be aware, is an experiment that involves a person''s Life Equation being altered and tweaked, as a means to give that person two additional Attributes. However. It comes with some massive side effects. The biggest being the body lacking the ability to keep up with three powers, in the beginning. A normal body simply is incapable of keeping up with those three powers all operating at 100% all at once. As such the Doctor created me. I am in every Seraphin, and it is my goal to monitor them, as well as stop them from using all three Attributes at once."


    "So you''re the reason why I can only use one at a time!" Hero said nodding his head. "And why they are all being held back..."


    "Indeed. However, I am different than most others." The coat said proudly. "The Doctor made me, as a way to limit your power in the beginning. On top of stopping you from accessing all three Attributes at once, it is also my goal to keep you stuck at a sat percentage of how much you can do with those."


    "Why would he do that though!" Hero questioned.


    "No particular reason. He wanted to see if he could do it, so he did it."


    "What? That''s dumb..."


    "That is what you are. You are nothing special. Just something the Doctor made to see if he could do it. However, on the off chance that you somehow got to be a problem, that is where I step in. I am your kill switch... Literally..."


    "This Equation of Life stuff you are going on about... What is it?" Hero asked curiously.


    "I do not know-"


    "What do you mean you don''t know! You keep bringing it up!"


    "I only know everything you know, and what the Doctor knew at the time, when he created me... The Doctor was very fascinated by it studying it, and some of its effects, but his research was at the time almost nonexistent. However, what I do know about it, is that it can seemingly alter the natural flow of your Attributes. This has happened twice. Once when you were with that girl... And the second time when you were defending the Village. During both those times, you somehow found a way to start using 35% of your Attributes, though you could still only use one at a time."


    "So that explains why I was filled with so much energy..." Hero muttered out as he placed a hand on his chin. "But it doesn''t explain what you meant by me being with some girl?"


    "Ask your next question! Your body doesn''t have all day."


    "Oh... Right." Hero said nodding slightly. "That weird white sludge. What is that?"


    "That is the manifestation of the Monsterfication. It''s the will of the Attribute taken shape, and somehow connected to the owner, though I have no idea how... It is not the only manifestation in here..."


    "I think I get it." Hero said nodding his head as he looked around. "So umm... Where is Hospital?"


    "I do not know. They are not always in here. Usually, when they are I do my best to kick them out. However, I will not be able to do that in my current condition."


    "Okay..." Hero turned away as he gave a wave. "Well. Thanks for answering my questions Labby, but I gotta go now!"


    "What are you babbling on about?" The lab coat questioned. "You can not leave here while your body is healing."


    "Oh. Yeah, I''m done healing!" Hero said sheepishly as he shrugged.


    "What? But you can''t use the Monsterfications healing ability! 25% isn''t enough to access it to heal you!"


    "You forget." Hero said placing a hand down in the warm red liquid. "I have another Attribute that can heal..."


    "Your mothers..."


    "And it seems like 25% is enough to heal with that one!" He said smugly.


    "Damn you! You knew all along! You were just playing along to get answers out of me!"


    "Yep!" Hero said walking away slowly. "I''m an idiot, but thankfully you''re a part of me, so you''re equally as stupid. Outsmarting myself is kind of the only thing I''m amazing at."


    "I''ll kill you!"


    Hero stopped as he brought his arm up. "Oh... And Labby. One day... I will get strong enough. And I will defeat you. I''ll take control of my Attribute, my mother''s Attribute, and... And her Attribute. I''m going to save her. I promise."


    The lab coat seemed to let out a growl. "You will never defeat me..."


    Hero gave a goofy smile. "We''ll see!" And with that, he brought his arm down, creating a rip in the fabric of space. "We''ll see..." He took a deep breath and stepped through.


    And the next thing he knew... He was awake.

 Chapter 69 - Jackson Powers Up!

    Age 1990


    "Go on... Power up. I''ll wait." Seth said calmly.


    Jackson frowned as he stared at the man. "You''ll regret giving me this chance."


    "Oh... Will I?"


    "You will..."


    "What is he planning now..." Kitsune asked taking a step back. Every hair on his body was standing up, as he felt nothing but tremendous waves of power coming off of the new, monster, that Zero had become.


    "Jackson is getting ready to power up!" Cloud said slowly.


    "Oh come on! He can get even stronger!" Ken hissed out throwing her hands in the air. "At this rate, we''ll never catch up! Why are these guys so much stronger than us!" She complained.


    Irene ignored the three recruits, as she stared over to the unconscious body of Hero that, was on the other side of the cave. Maudite was by Hero''s side as a blue light came off of her enveloping Hero in her energy as she did her best to try and heal him. A small amount of Steam slowly rose from the unconscious boy''s body, as color began to come back to his pale cheeks.


    "Hey," Kitsune said reaching out and placing a hand on Irene''s shoulder. "Don''t worry. I''m sure Hero will be fine. He wouldn''t let himself get killed by some simple stab through the gut. That''s way to boring for his taste."


    "Thanks..." Irene said smiling slightly. Kitsune smiled back at her causing her to look away out of embarrassment.


    "Did... Did I do something wrong?" Kitsune asked sheepishly to Cloud. Cloud just gave a shrug while Ken stared at Irene with mild suspicion.


    "Kids!" Jackson barked out. "Step back... This is gonna get messy." He hissed out.


    "What exactly are you planning!" Kitsune questioned hesitantly.


    "I''m powering up to 100%" Jackson stated calmly as a small amount of electricity slowly trickled off of him in small amounts of waves. "I highly suggest that you all don''t get in my way. This is gonna be messy..." He said slowly. "And I have trouble controlling this much power..."


    Zero smirked as he pointed his sword arm up towards Jackson. He lightly waved his other normal arm out as his calm face began to twist into a cruel and arrogant smile showing off that he was still being altered by the Corruption. "Well... Go on. Get on with it! I don''t have all day... This body is craving to battle you... It really is a strange feeling. In a way, I guess you can say that I have become the true Zero. I am now the strongest Samurai."


    Jackson gave a slight smirk as he stabbed his sword into the ground. Slowly he brought his hands up clasping them both together. "I''ve only ever had to do this twice now, so I''m a bit rusty at it..." He said slowly. He closed his eyes as he began to steady his breathing. Blue electricity began to crackle off of him slowly, as a white aura surrounded him. This aura was massive though. Big enough to cloak the surrounding area in a white light. His lightning crackled around the aura as it seemed to rapidly get smaller, then bigger as if it was breathing. A warm feeling spread throughout the cave, heating everyone up and brightening the entire cave.


    There was something else too though... Something more?


    "Wh-What is this feeling..." Kitsune questioned placing a hand on his heart.


    "This is..." Cloud went quiet as he shook his head.


    "This feels weird," Ken said also shaking her head. She felt a weird happiness running through her body, and a jolt, like she had just gotten shocked. But at the same time, she was still feeling her own emotions...


    "I don''t understand..." Irene muttered out.


    "It''s his emotions." Zero commented as he gave another smirk. "What you are all feeling is Jackson Storm''s emotions, and Equation Of Pure Life. You are feeling the very essence of the man known as Jackson Storm..." He stated. ''So... This is how you feel about this.'' Zero thought as he let out another small laugh.


    Jackson still held his eyes closed, as his hands were still placed together. Then slowly the aura around him began to actually shrink down and go around him.


    A massive white light suddenly exploded around him as a tremendous force, of pure power, and energy shot through the roof of the cave, shaking the entire cave.


    A massive build-up of pressure fired out pushing everyone, but Zero back, as all the recruits let out loud yelps of panic.


    "It! It''s too much!" Kitsune gasped out as he was thrown back.


    "How can anyone be this strong..." Cloud muttered out doing his best to stand his ground, but he was still being pushed back by the sheer overwhelming might that came from it.


    "So... So this is the kind of power I''m going to surpass!" Ken said with determination.


    "Those two are completely out of our league." Irene hissed out.


    Jackson still stood as a massive white pillar of light was enveloping him.


    It went from a simple plain white color, to a smooth and calming silver. Electricity crackled around in it as Jackson''s body expanded by a small extent, and his muscles seemed to perk up, and grow by a small amount. When it was all said and done he now stood cloaked in a silver aura, with white electricity crackling off of him. His hair stood up and fell down as he let out a breath he had been holding.


    Jackson took a deep breath as his electric blue eyes peered at Zero. "Well... Is this what you were waiting for?" He asked calmly as he placed a hand on the handle of his sword that was still stabbed into the ground.


    "Ho, ho!" Zero said giving a sly smile. "I''m impressed... My old self would have surely lost to you easily... I doubt I even would have stood a chance... You''ve certainly powered up... It is almost unfair how you Nobles get a free powerup just waiting to be tapped into."


    "Well nothings changed. You still don''t have any chance of beating me now." Jackson spoke as the white lightning around him crackled. "This is my Pure Equation! The Noble Life. The Power granted to us by God!"


    "Well... Let''s put it to the test shall we..."


    There was massive crack as the sound barrier shattered when both men rocketed forward. Jackson tore his sword out of the ground appearing next to Zero who swung his blade arm forward!


    The two blades collided as a massive aura of power shot out from the two blowing all of the kids back once again as the ground underneath the two men actually melted from the heat generated from the speed and power of the clash.


    The ground was split open by the pure force of it, as Jackson, and Zero glared at each other as both men began to flash around the battlefield at speeds rivaling lightning. They became an invisible blur to the kids as several shock waves exploded around the cave.


    Zero jumped back slashing his sword out and sending out a yellow wave of flames! Jackson retaliated by slashing his own blade, and launching out a wave of white lightning! The two attacks met exploding in a hail of heat that melted the nearby stone.


    Zero charged forward swinging his sword out, as Jackson began to parry his blows as best as he could.


    "Forgot about this arm!" Zero called out slamming his normal arm straight into Jackson''s gut hard enough to make the man spit out blood. Jackson slid back as his hand shot out and grabbed ahold of Zero''s arm.


    "I didn''t forget!" Jackson said smirking as he sliced his sword up and slashed Zero''s side open spilling out a wave of orange liquid. "You also got a pretty big weak spot!" Jackson called raising his own arm he shoved his finger straight into Zero''s third eye!


    Zero screamed out as his leg fired out kicking Jackson away as orange blood flowed out of where his third eye used to be. He gritted his teeth as he raised his blade up once more. Then he quickly brought it down sending out yet another wave of flames. Jackson sidestepped the attack slashing his blade out and sending out a massive crow made of electricity that let out a massive kaw as it shot forward!


    "Storm''s-Herald!" Jackson bellowed out.


    The crow slammed straight into the Monster, as its beak opened biting down on the man, and lifted him off the ground. It flew up heading straight into the roof of the cave as it ripped its way all the way through the ground. In mere moments Zero was being carried all the way through the ground and was ripped out back into the surface. The crow still held onto Zero as it flew higher, and higher. Then in a bright blue light it exploded in a bright light so strong it tore down the mountain next to the blast as a blue light, so bright it could be seen for miles, lit up the sky.


    "What... Just happened..." Kitsune questioned.


    "Did... Did he just blow up a mountain." Irene asked


    Jackson took a deep breath as he held onto his side. "That was my strongest attack..." He said slowly as he let out a sigh. "I doubt that it killed him, but it most certainly pissed him off."


    Zero''s body slammed back down into the cave. Steam rose from his body, and his skin elegant pale skin, had become an almost charred black. Zero let out several hisses, as he slowly pushed himself back up. "That was quite the attack." He muttered out as he stood back up. ''Why am I being affected by these attacks... I''m several times stronger than him, but I still can''t force myself to just kill him...'' Zero let out a deep sigh as he raised his sword up slashing it down and sending out a massive wave of flames.


    Jackson jumped back to avoid it only for the wave to suddenly stop as it rested in the air, suspended by nothing as it just floated there. "What the?"


    "My Attribute..." Zero said calmly as he gave a small smirk. "Don''t you know what it is?" He questioned. "It''s called the Continue. I can keep the effect of something suspended in place allowing it to happen continually. For example, if I slash my sword, you''ll notice what appears to be white string coming out. That is not in fact string, and is rather the illusion, of my blade being slashed in that area over and over again as I please. Normally I could only do this once, but now..." He sliced his sword over and over again firing out several more waves that all froze in the air.


    Jackson gritted his teeth as he eyed them up with a small amount of worry. "This isn''t good... I have to be constantly aware of where those are just in case he-"


    "Release!"


    "Shit!" Jackson held his sword out in front of him as every beam shot forward slamming into him, and pushing him back. He gritted his teeth as the aura around him got even brighter. "Dero!" He announced! And suddenly the aura around him vanished as his body began to light up from the inside. "Silver-Vein." All of his Vein''s lit up becoming a bright silver color as his body glowed. He let out a loud and powerful scream as he raised his blade up launching the energy waves skyward causing them to smash into the new entrance of the cave he had caused when he through Zero through the roof. Finally, Jackson dropped to his knees breathing heavily, as his body stopped glowing and his aura reappeared around him. The silver color around it vanished as his aura went back to being a plain white, his muscles dropped back down to normal.


    "I''m impressed!" Zero said smirking slightly as he pointed his blade forward. "But clearly your body is giving out... That''ll happen when you use too many Mantra techniques."


    "He''s right..." Kitsune said frowning heavily. "Mr. Storm doesn''t look too good..."


    "Yeah, but look at Zero!" Ken said nodding her head. "He doesn''t look like he is in good shape either..."


    Zero was breathing heavily. His side was cut open, and his third eyes was punctured in. He had several scr.a.p.es and cuts on him, and his flame was flickering slightly. His wings were burnt off and his flesh was blackend as smoke rolled off of him. Despite this though he still managed to remain standing...


    ''Damn it...'' Jackson thought as his vision began to become a blur. ''My body is beginning to collapse... I can barely keep this aura up... It''s do or die time... One final barrage!'' The Vice-Captain jumped to his feet, with a fire in his eyes as he pointed his blade forward.


    "Oh? You can keep going?" Zero said with a little admiration in his voice. "You truly are amazing..." He said quietly. ''I seem to be slowing down as well...''


    "Sero!" Jackson called out, as his aura exploded around his legs lighting them up in a bright white light.


    "Another Pledge! Just how much energy do you have-" Jackson shot forward appearing behind Zero before anyone could even react. There was a bright flash as Zero''s left arm was torn off by Jackson with a single slash of his sword!


    Zero turned to face Jackson but, the Enforcer was just too quick. In another flash, he sliced his sword up, cutting off the horns of Zero as well as a bit of the top of the monsters head.


    "You bastard!" Zero shouted swinging his other arm, which was the one that had the sword attached to it, straight down.


    "Oh just die already!" Jackson yelled outstanding his sword forward, and straight through Zero''s gut. Zero spat up an orange liquid as he glared down at Jackson. "Now! Burn in hell!" Jackson twisted his body and threw his back out, as hard as he could quite literally throwing Zero off of his blade! He threw his sword into the air as he clasped his hands toghter. "Arking-Shot!"


    Zero flew back spinning out of control as he slammed into the wall of the cave. He stared up with wide eyes as several beams of lightning slammed into him drilling him into the side of the cave as it exploded in a hail of electricity as the stone around the man was melted.


    Jackson let out a loud gasp collapsing down as he dropped his sword. His breathing was heavy, and his vision went in and out as he did his best to remain conscious.


    Zero hit the floor, as he began to vomit up that weird orange liquid. His body was torn apart, and ozzing it out of his many holes.


    "He''s still alive..." Ken said nervously.


    "Do-Don''t worry..." Jackson said before almost throwing up. "H-He''s weakened... Fi-Finish him off..."


    "You really are powerful Storm... Then again all your bloodline is..." Zero slowly picked his broken body up as he wobbled around. The magma from the melted stone dripoped down falling on his body as his legs broke off and he face planted into the ground. He stabbed his sword arm into the ground as he tried to pick himself back up. "But... You forgot a massive key factor." He closed his eyes as the stump on his arm, and legs bubbled up. Then suddenly a new arm fired out as well as a pair of new legs. His wings healed, and his third eye came back as his horns began to reform and his skull healed. All the damage he received came completely undone as he opened his smug looking eyes. "Did you really forget that I can regenerate..." He asked as all the burn marks began to slowly fade away. He frowned slightly as he bit his bottom lip. ''I feel like I just ran a mile. I guess healing that much damage all at once tired me out?''


    "I... But then why didn''t you just heal instantly!" Jackson asked as he stated horrified.


    "I did it to test myself... See if I could beat you without healing." Zero smirked as he walked forward. "But don''t worry Jackson..." His eyes slowly darted over towards the recruits who stepped back nervously. Finally, they settled on Ken as he frowned. He shook his head slightly as he smirked once more. "I''ll kill you last Storm. I''ll start by destroying these recruits... I''ll erase all of you! I''m Zero! I don''t need anyone!" He said letting out a laugh. "I''m the best there is! I am-"


    "Eventful-Impact!"

 Chapter 70 - Heros Trump Card

    Age 1990


    "Please wake up!"


    Hero''s eyes slowly opened as he glanced around. "Wh-Oh yeah? I remember now... Or do I? How does one know if they remember something or not?"


    "Hero!"


    Hero glanced down at the twelve-year-old girl who was shaking him ferociously as she clung onto him.


    "Oh. Hi Maudite? What''s wrong?"


    "That," Maudite said pointing past Hero and over towards where Jackson and Zero were fighting. "Hero! You were stabbed and-"


    "Yeah, I already know." Hero stood up slowly as he dusted himself off. He stretched a little as he looked down at his hands. "Weird... I feel stronger? But I know for a fact Labby didn''t let me use more of Attributes? How odd... It''s just like when I first woke up from my comma..."


    "Hero we need to leave and-"


    "Nah." Hero shook his head as he stared over at the beat up form of Zero who was glaring at Jackson. "Wow! He looks just like the guy in my vision. So how did Hosptial show me the future? Hmm... Ahh, this is all so confusing..." He said sheepishly.


    "Hero!" Maudite said stubbornly as she grabbed at his sleeve. "You should get the other recruits and run-"


    "No." Hero said shaking his head. "Wouldn''t work. He''d come after us. But you should definitely make a break for it while we''re distracting him."


    "But all of you will die-"


    "Don''t worry. I haven''t told Max, to suck it yet, so I can''t die here. Besides. I got a totally full proof plan! Or it could backfire and get us all killed!"


    "Do-Do you know what full-proof means..."


    Hero punched his open palm as his silver eyes seemed to almost glow. "Stand back Maudite. Because it''s time for my-" Hero shot into the air as he flipped over slamming his feet into the roof of the cave then used it as a way to propel himself forward as hard as he could as he shot forward at an inhuman speed. "Eventful-Impact!"


    Hero sliced his leg down, as he used his abilities to compress it making it sturdier as he slammed his leg down on Zero''s head as hard as he could, dive kicking the man!


    The force was so powerful it actually snapped Zero''s head clean off as his body was sent spinning in a random direction, slamming straight into the wall of the cave. The head splattered across the surface of the cave as his headless body fell back...


    "Wow! I can''t believe that worked!" Hero said throwing his arms. "Go! Hero! I''m awesome! Yeah!"


    "I... What? What just happened!" Kitsune questioned with wide eyes.


    "Did... Did Hero just kick Zero''s head off?" Ken questioned with wide eyes.


    "I can''t believe I''m saying this but... Thank God Hero is on our team..." Irene said letting out a sigh of relief.


    Jackson stood with slightly wide eyes as he stared at Hero who had now begun posing to assert dominance. Finally, he managed a slight chuckle as he tried to get to his feet. "Typical of an Otoko... Jumping in with a random over the top attack..." Jackson let out a hiss as he collapsed back down. "Damn... I''m completely drained..." He muttered out.


    "What an annoying attack." Everyone turned to find Zero''s body was getting back up as a new head was sprouting out from his shoulders. "It lacked skill, and experience. It only even worked because you took me by surprise and I was still recovering from my fight with Storm..."


    "That sounds like an excuse." Hero responded.


    "And that sounds like last words." Zero retorted as he slashed his sword down shooting out a wave of flames that Hero ducked under.


    "Wow. You''re a lot more of a mean guy, now that you are a monster..." Hero said frowning as he stood back up.


    "Monster... No, you fool! Look at me!" Zero''s wings sprouted back as he held his arms out at his side. "I''m no monster. I''m divine. I am Zero! I''m the greatest!" He said smirking.


    "You really have changed."


    "No! You all just never knew who I truly was!"


    "The stone..." Jackson gasped out. "It needs to be broke... Otherwise, he''ll keep healing." He eyed the monster up as he let out a heavy sigh. "I hate to do this but... Kids. You''ll have to fight him for at least five minutes... I need time to recover my energy."


    "All of us... Fighting him at once," Kitsune said frowning. "I... I don''t like our chances."


    "There''s something important that you''re forgetting..." Hero said smirking.


    "Which is..."


    Hero leaned in whispering to Kitsune as Zero stared at them with annoyance.


    "Oh yeah! You''re totally right Hero! Wow I can''t believe I just said that..." Kitsune said frowning now.


    "Enough!" Zero bellowed. "I''m done waiting! Enforcers! I am a Samurai! I will do all that I can to rip you all to ribbons!"


    Zero rocketed forward swinging his sword down but was stopped by Ken who jumped forward swinging her sheathed blade out. It clashed with Zero''s as a red energy flickered over her. The impact was still too strong though and Ken was sent flying back.


    Hero jumped up kicking his leg out as he slammed his foot straight into Zero''s face. Zero let out a growl as he reached up with his normal arm and grabbed Hero''s foot throwing him across the room.


    Cloud, Kitsune, and Irene all three jumped back as they all attacked with a deadly wave of air, flames, and ice. Zero slashed his sword up sending out a wave of yellow flames that blocked all three attacks.


    Cloud slammed his hand on the ground as a wave of mist raised up flying towards Zero. Before the man could react the mist reacted with the flames on his sword, and exploded in a hail of flames.


    "Let''s see how he likes this!" Kitsune stated cupping his hands together in front of him as he pointed forward. "Foxes-Glare!" He bellowed out sending out a beam of orange flames.


    Zero stepped out of the smoke and lift his hand up, right as the beam came towards him. His hand-fired out backhanding the beam away from him.


    "Okay, that''s just not fair..." Kitsune said frowning.


    "All of you kids are nothing more than idiotic fools trying to play the role of a hero! And you''re all failing miserably!" Zero jumped forward as he slashed his sword out intending on cutting Kitsune straight in half-


    "Eventful-Impact-"


    Zero turned reaching out and catching Hero''s leg as he swung the boy around. "That useless attack won''t work twice you fool!" He let out a loud laugh as he swung Hero slamming him straight into Kitsune. He began to violently beat the Noble down using Hero as his weapon.


    There was a flash of blue as a sharp ice sickle fired forward cutting off Zero''s arm dropping Hero to the floor. Zero frowned as he glared over at Irene.


    "Umm... Hi..." Irene said sheepishly.


    "I''m going to kill you slowly..." Zero stated as a new arm popped out.


    "Please don''t..."


    "Red-Flash!" Ken announced firing an attack out from behind Zero. The wave washed over the monster causing him to grit his teeth as his wings busted into flames and began to melt off of his body was the sheer force of the attack.


    Zero let out a growl and turn to the girl only to instantly be blasted by a wave of mist that began to melt out his eyes. Cloud snapped his fingers as the mist changed. "Now North." He said calmly.


    Irene raised her own hand sup firing out a wave of cold air and ice, as Zero gritted his teeth. The ice-covered his body slowly as he began to freeze.


    "Big-Arm-Strike!" Hero announced launching forward as his left arm grew becoming absolutely enormous. He brought it straight down slamming it onto Zero as hard as he possibly could.


    "Damn... Still not enough." Jackson said watching the kids fight. He let out a small hiss as he grabbed his side. "I took more damage than I thought... I should have already been done by now, but I haven''t even managed to get back a quarter of my Equation... Damn it..." He let out a hiss as he sighed out in annoyance. "Just hurry up..."


    Hero dropped back to the ground clutching his left arm which was shriveled up again. "Ouch... That hurts-"


    Zero shot forward slamming his fist straight into Hero''s head hard enough to throw the teen back. He let out a loud yell as he lifted his blade up. "Prolonged-Execution!" He announced slashing it down and sending out an enormous pillar of yellow flames.


    The attack slammed straight into Hero, Kitsune, Cloud, and Irene causing them all to scream out in pain as they were all thrown straight through the stone wall of the cave. All of them dropped to the floor badly injured, as a wave of smoke rolled off of them.


    Zero''s face held a small frown as he turned over to glare at Ken. She was currently the only Enforcer that was still standing after all...


    Ken held her ground as her dull red eyes seemed to shine with determination. Slowly she raised her sheathed sword.


    Then in an instant, it was knocked out of her hands as it was sent flying back. Zero frowned as he stood in front of her raising his sword up as he slashed it down towards her.


    Only to instantly be stopped by Jackson''s blade!


    Jackson let out a loud yell as he suddenly appeared in between the two, and held his blade up blocking the strike from reaching Ken. Letting out a loud yell as summoned any power he could. He wasn''t anywhere close to being able to fight but he couldn''t worry about that now.


    Jackson brought his arms up parrying the strike away and sending the sword arm up! With his leg, he kicked out sending Ken flying back, and out of the immediate danger. Then using the last of his strength he stepped forward and slammed his head straight into the monsters. The ground underneath the two broke as both men were pushed back.


    "Impressive but without your Mantra you can''t hope to even match up to me!" Zero said. Then shocking everyone there he stabbed his hand straight through Jackson''s chest going all the way through, and exiting on the other side...


    The entire cave seemed to go silent as Jackson stood perfectly still. His eyes were wide as his legs wobbled slightly. Zero gave a small frown as he stared down at the man.


    "It''s a pity. I would have liked to fight you again, but, I am starting to run low on energy as well... If I were to let you power up again, it could very well be the end of me. Goodbye Storm." Zero ripped his hand out of Jackson''s chest causing the man to fall back and collapse on the floor.


    "Mr. Storm!" Ken screamed as her eyes widened in horror. She stared in shock and horror as tears streamed down her face. "No. It doesn''t make any sense. He can''t really be gone... No..."


    Zero let out a gasp as he clutched his side. "I''ve really used up a lot of energy fighting these idiots... Every time I regenerate it takes more and more power... And I''ve just been throwing around those massive attacks without a care... I''ve almost exhausted my supply of power... I should end this quickly..."


    "I''m gonna make you pay!" Ken screamed out as she stood up to her full height of almost five feet.


    Zero shot her a slight curious look. "What can a malnourished fourteen-year-old girl possibly do to me?" He questioned curiously.


    Ken squeezed her hand hard enough to dig her fingernails into her palm. A red aura crackled around her body as she glared at Zero. The aura got brighter, and brighter becoming an almost pinkish color.


    ''This is a lot of power coming from such a small body... Even more power than that fox, and monster boy... She might be more interesting than I first thought...''


    Ken reached out picking up Jackson''s mighty greatsword, with one hand as she pointed it toward the monster in front of her. "I swear that I am going to kill you!" She hissed out as her red aura cracked around her body. It covered the blade as she shifted her grip on it.


    Zero simply smirked as he raised his own sword up. "Well then come at me... I already killed your leader. What harm can a fourteen-year-old girl possibly do to me? Face it... You''re outmatched!"


    A fire ignited in Ken''s eyes as she raised the blade up. "Did you just call me short!" Ken shot forward slashing her sword down and cleaving Zero''s arm clean off in a single motion. The sword hit the floor as it exploded.


    ''Shit! She''s fast!'' Zero jumped back using his sword arm to parry her various strikes away as his other arm began to grow back. ''No. Not fast. I''ve just gotten a lot slower! Even my regeneration is getting slowed down!'' He growled out as Ken swung her sword faster, and faster, and faster as her aura got brighter, and brighter. ''I just need to hold her off! She''ll rip herself into pieces trying to keep that aura up with her tiny, and frail body!''


    "I''ve never used a real blade before!" Ken said giving a wicked smile as she stabbed it into Zero''s gut.


    ''Devil girl...''


    Hero groaned slightly as he sat up looking around. "Man... Regeneration is kick ass..." He stated to himself as steam rolled off of him and his wounds began to slowly seal shut. He watched as his wounds slowly closed. He c.o.c.ked his head to the side seeing the unconscious bodies of Kitsune, Irene, and Cloud. "That ain''t good..." He slowly turned his head seeing the body of Jackson, laying on the floor in a puddle of his own blood, and Ken who was swinging around a giant greatsword fast enough to leave and after image effect of the blade. "That really isn''t good..." He said quietly. "Well... Guess it''s time to use my Trump card..."


    Back over with Zero, the man growled out as he was pushed back with every slice of the blade. "I-It isn''t even skill!" Zero shouted in anger. "You''re just using the weight, and your absurd strength to push me back."


    "You don''t get to complain!" Ken screamed back.


    Zero''s arm finally regrew as he smirked. "Finally!" He raised his sword arm up deflecting the strike from the girl. Then he used his normal arm to punch Ken straight in the gut as hard as he could dropping the girl to her knees as she almost threw up. The moment she hit the floor his leg shot up uppercutting her back to her feet as her head was snapped up. Zero stabbed his sword arm forward straight through Ken''s stomach. He placed his good hand on her face as he slowly pulled back on his blade slowly and agonizingly pulling it out of her as she gasped out in pain. His smirk never left his face as he let go of the girl''s head dropping her to the floor. "Finally... Guess I''m-"


    "Zero!"


    "I hate Enforcers..."


    Zero let out a heavy sigh as he turned to find Hero slowly standing back up shooting the man a death glare.


    "Don''t tell me. You''re mad I killed the girl right. Well, don''t worry. She isn''t dead... Yet. I''d say about a few more minutes before the internal bleeding ends her." As if on cue Ken coughed spitting out blood as she rolled over clutching her stomach wound.


    Hero''s glare only grew.


    "Don''t tell me you think you can fight me all on your own? I know that you are stupid-"


    Hero reached into his pocket slowly pulling out a small metallic box. "Please... For the love of God... Don''t be a practical joke..." Hero slowly reached up, and pressed the button on the box...


    ''Click...''

 Chapter 71 - The Odds Even Out

    Age 1990


    ''You could jump in and help...''


    "I... I know I could..." Maudite said quietly as she peeked around a stone pillar. "But I think I''d just get in the way more than anything..." She said softly.


    ''You could let me out...''


    "You... You would just cause more problems..." Maudite said shaking her head.


    ''I could save them. I could save him... Hero Otoko. I see why you like him. He''s like a big brother. He cares for everyone around him. Even a small no named girl like you...''


    "...You''re right... Hero... I really care for him... I''ve never had a proper family, but if I did I think I would want a brother who was like Hero. And I think I would like an older sister like Ken..." Maudite said slowly. She watched the battle between Ken and Zero continue on. "The Enforcers. They''re pretty amazing aren''t they..."


    ''Do you want to join them?''


    "I thought I did... But I really don''t think I''d be able to be like this..." She said giving a tired smile. "Besides. I''m not really the hero type..."


    ''It''s okay, if you are doing something good, even for the wrong reasons... I wonder if the opposite is true?''


    "What do you mean?"


    ''Who knows...''


    Maudite''s eyes widened as she watched Ken get run through by the blade.


    "Ken..." She whispered out in a horrified tone.


    ''This is bad... She was the last one fighting that thing... Rather you like it or not, you''ll have to let me out to fight him. Otherwise, we are definitely dead-''


    "Hero..."


    ''Don''t tell me that idiot is getting back up...''


    Maudite watched quietly as Hero slowly pulled a metal box out of his pocket. Then slowly he clicked the button.


    ''Click...''


    Hero dropped the metal box as he let out a hiss of pain. The box glowed a bright orange as he metal became a red hot. "Ouch! What the hell Dawson?" Hero hissed out waving his burnt hand.


    "A Holder..." Zero said eyeing the box up. "Where the hell did you get one of those kid. Those things cost a fortune to make... Whatever weapon you''re hiding in there I won''t let you use it!" Zero shot forward as fast as had could.


    The box slowly expanded growing in size as cracks formed around it. Everything seemed to move in slow motion as Hero dropped back and Zero swung his sword.


    ''If you are ever in danger and for whatever reason, you don''t think Jackson will be able to come save you guys pull out that box and hit the button...''


    ''Oh... And be careful not to accidentally use it. I don''t know how pissed she will be if you wake her up on accident.''


    Zero swung his blade down intending to cleave Hero straight in half. Right before the blade reached him though the box let out a small clicking sound as a hole appeared in it. Zero didn''t stop though as his blade came closer and closer!


    Then in the blink of an eye, a Bestia Macht shot out biting into Zero''s neck!


    "What the hell!" Hero said in confusion as he watched the entire Bestia Macht pull itself out of the box. It was that one Dawson had with him. The one that was just a long tail, with a head. It was letting out a loud hiss as it thrashed around on Zero who was screaming as loud as he could in pure panic as the creature smacked into him.


    "What the hell! What kind of idiot keeps a living creature in a Holder!" Zero screamed as he tried to rip the creature off of him.


    That seemed to only just piss it off, because it latched onto his throat and just began to violently slam its tail into his skull over, and over again.


    "Ha. If only one of your hands wasn''t a sword!" Hero laughed.


    Zero let out a scream of rage as the Bestia Macht just went to town on him. "I will devour you slowly!" The monster screamed out as he tried to rip the beast off of him with his one hand.


    The Bestia Macht responded by wrapping itself around Zero''s sword arm and pulled it forward stabbing it straight through the man''s gut.


    "Hahahahahahaha!" Hero couldn''t stop laughing as he watched the exchange go down.


    "Screw this!" Zero''s wings flapped up as he gloated into the air. Then he slammed his body straight into the wall of the cave. The Bestia Macht let out a loud hiss as it dropped off of him, and landed on Hero. It slowly wrapped around him as it glared up at Zero.


    "Nice... Bestia Macht... I think your name was Silky?" Hero said patting the beast.


    "I''m going to rip you apart as slowly as I physically can..." Zero said with a murderous glare. His body was covered in bite marks, and bruises. They were slowly healing, and looked like they stung...


    "Umm... I think you''re getting more monstrous..." Hero said taking a step back.


    "Your dead kid... Right after I kill that asshole, Bestia Macht."


    The Bestia Macht let out a small hiss as it wagged its body at the man.


    "Wow... I like this thing..." Hero said patting it on the head again.


    The Bestia Macht slowly opened its mouth as Zero glared at it. There was a flash of orange light as Zero''s eyes slowly got wide. ''Wait? What''s it doing now-"


    ''Boom!''


    There was a bright orange flash... Then it fired out a beam of pure heat, and death shooting out a massive laser beam that tore a hole straight through Zero''s gut as the man was blown back. His eyes were wide as the beam slashed through the back of the wall blowing it into nothingness.


    "And you shoot laser beams... I got remember to thank Dawson when I get back..." Hero said patting the snake once more.


    Meanwhile over with Ken, the girl let out a gasp when she felt warmth go through her cold body. Her eyes slowly looked up fining Maudite was standing over her. "Ma-Maudite..."


    "Shh," Maudite said holding up a finger. Maudite held her hand over Ken''s wound as a blue light came out of it, and crossed Ken''s body. "You have several broken bones, and some serious internal damage. His punches are strong enough to literally stab through a person, so it''s amazing your organs are still intact..." She said quietly. "I can heal up some of the damage but you''re still gonna be sore."


    "Can you get me to the point of being able to fight..." Ken asked quietly.


    "..."


    "Can you?"


    "I can... But you''re still gonna be injured. If you take a blow like that again then..."


    "I''ll die?"


    "Yea..."


    Ken frowned. "Just do it... With every second Zero is getting weaker and weaker... I''m not sure what happened but something clearly went wrong with his transformation. But he''s getting weaker... It was the same with Hero. When Hero fought Dawson, he was able to get back up instantly after a few blows, but after a while, he began to slow down, at an alarming rate. Even more than me, and the others... I think it''s their regeneration they have. It probably takes up a lot of stamina to heal the body at such a speed..."


    "Healing does usually put a damper on me..." Maudite said quietly as she nodded slightly. "Even now... It''s taking up a lot of power."


    "Can you heal the others?" Ken asked. "More specifically, Jackson..."


    "I can''t..."


    "Damn it."


    "Well, I can''t... But ''she'' probably can..." Maudite said quietly. "The only problem is she''ll probably be sat on fighting Zero, and taking him down, before she even bothers with healing the others."


    ''Damn right I will. I''m gonna obliterate that man.''


    Ken slowly sat as her body came back into a working condition. She grabbed Jackson''s sword as she stood up. Maudite helped her up as they turned both staring in confusion as they watched a Bestia Macht shot out a laser beam, and blow a hole straight through Zero.


    "What did I miss..." Ken said with wide eyes.


    "I... I can''t tell you..." Maudite said also with wide eyes. "I was busy healing you..."


    Ken let out a small sigh as she raised her sword. "Well guess it''s time I jump back in."


    "Yeah... I guess it is." Maudite said quietly as she closed her eyes.


    Slowly all the blue on her changed becoming red, as a red aura, with a black outline, surrounded her. "Alright... Let''s finish this." She stated as a black scythe made of energy appeared in her hands.

 Chapter 72 - Zero, The Greatest Samurai...

    Age 1978


    A young teen stood in front of a group of elders as they all stared at him.


    "Yukon... You are the Nation Of Whites burning Hope. Our ancestors came to this land to defeat the Red Emperor... But they were stopped by the Master of the Enforcers. Our ancestors were left stuck here, and so for over a thousand years, our order has existed in enemy territory. Our grudge now rest with the Enforcers. More namely the leader of the Enforcers. Storm... We will exterminate him, and his family... His bloodline must not exist. A Storm is the worst thing in this world. Do you understand Yukon..."


    "Yes, Master." The boy said bowing down.


    "Yukon rise..." The old man slowly stood up to his full height as he stared down at the boy. "It is up to you know. For over a hundred years we have bred, in order to make the ultimate warrior. Yukon. We gift you with the ultimate rank. We gift you the rank of Zero... From this day on you are the warrior known as Zero. A warrior stronger than any other. You shall be the thing that carries us to victory."


    "I accept this title with pride." The boy announced humbly.


    "Than still your body. I will perform the ritual on you. I''ll turn you into a full Samurai if you can survive it."


    "I''m ready..." Yukon said nodding his head.


    The old man slowly pulled his sword out as he stood up. Then in a flash, he stabbed the sword straight through the boy''s gut. "In order to wield a blade probably, you must be aware of its effects... You must know what it is you will be doing to others. Feel its pain and embrace it. Let it soar through your body and let it grow you. Evolve you. From this day on you can not be a man. A man can feel guilt, fear, l.u.s.t, greed. From this day you are no man. You are a weapon." The old man reached out placing a hand on Yukon''s face as he slowly pulled back pulling the blade out slowly. "If you survive the ritual you will be seen as a full-fledged Samurai. You are now our sword. Our hope."


    Yukon nodded as the blade was fully pulled out of him. He dropped to his knees clutching his gut as he coughed out in pain. "I understand..."


    "You are now, and forever, Zero. Our greatest weapon..."


    Age 1983


    "Zero..." An old man said slowly. "We have need of you on the front lines."


    "Not now." Zero said quietly as he stared down at a baby in a small wooden crib. "I''m watching the most precious thing in the world to me, sleep." He said quietly as he placed a finger over the baby. "It is small. Helpless. Unable to defend itself. That''s why I''ll stay with it. I''ll watch over. I''ll kill anything that touches it."


    "Zero we are dying..."


    "The entire world can die..." Zero said simply. "I have done more than enough for you for what? We go on to battle, and we die. All of you are useless. If not for me, and One you wouold have all been killed."


    "Zero!"


    "Leave."


    Age 1984


    "Zero!"


    Zero ran forward towards where his village was. His eyes were wide as he watched it slowly burn down. "W... What happened!"


    "Zero..." An out of breath Samurai said.


    "Eleven?" Zero turned to look at the man. "Tell me. What happened here?" He asked quietly as the flames outlined the snow and darkness. "This is a trick right..." He asked as his voice quivered.


    "The Enforcers... They came in the middle of the night while you guys were gone. They... They completely burnt it to the ground-" Eleven collapsed as he stared at the ground. "There... There was so many innocent civilians... N-Not even Samurai... Just Civilians in general. And the fire... It was just... Oh, God... It was one man and a small group... One of the four sacred beasts of the Enforcers..."


    Zero stepped forward slowly as his eyes slowly widened. "My... My daughter." Zero said quietly, with barely any emotion in his voice. "Did she..."


    "Zero... I am so sorry..."


    Zero watched the flames burn away his home as he numbly reached for his sword. "Enforcers..." He said slowly.


    Age 1885


    "I''m sorry... I can''t let you do that." The old man said giving a bright smile.


    Zero stared in shock as he dropped back. "You''re-"


    "Master Storm! Leader of the Enforcers!" The old man said doing a goofy pose. "I am here to end this silly fight."


    "Master Storm... Please stop..." Ward said giving a deadpan stare. "Your poses are lowering the morale of our men..."


    "Whoops!" The old man said stopping. "Actually! Wait! Morale doesn''t matter. Ward. I told you to leave the Samuria alone. Leave them be and not try to fight them. Why did you disobey my orders?''


    "I told you. They are an enemy. I took it upon myself to slay them."


    "There''s no need." Master Storm said letting out a small laugh. "They are so small and had no funding. We could stop them anytime we want to, but there is no point. They could do us no harm. There is no reason for us to fight. Just leave them be."


    "This... This is the strongest member of the Enforcers..." Zero let out a laugh as his eyes slowly widened. "Th-This is what my clan has been trying to beat for the last one thousand years! An old fool!" Zero''s laughter stopped as he swung his blade out letting out a loud yell. "I''ll f.u.c.k.i.n.g kill you old man!"


    The old man looked towards Ward as he held his finger out blocking the blade. "Ward. Can we go get something to eat after this?" The old man asked giving a puppy dog look towards the younger man.


    Ward frowned as he crossed his arms. "Master Storm you are aware that I am not in charge of your money... Not any more..." He said whispering out the last part as he clutched his fist.


    "Look at me!" Zero screamed swinging his sword out again and again as each strike was easily blocked. "We fought in this war for over a hundred God damn years! I lost brothers! I lost sisters! I lost friends! I... I lost my daughter to this war... Take... Take us seriously you bastard! Or else I''ll just-"


    Zero stopped when the old man turned back to look at him. The air around him seemed to be ripped out of his lungs, as the old man''s electric blue eyes seemed to almost glow. Zero could feel his body going limp as his face went pale. He could feel sweat drip down his body as his arms wobbled.


    "Wh-I-Wh-" Zero fell back dropping to his knees as he dropped his sword.


    And just as quick as the pressure had begun it stopped...


    Ward stepped forward raising his hand up but was stopped by the old man.


    "There isn''t any need for that." Master Storm said quietly. Zero looked up seeing the look of pity on the old man''s face. Normally he would have hated that look, but currently, he couldn''t even stand up. "He''s broken. There is no need to fight in this silly war. They are Red citizens. Even if they refuse to admit it. This war is done. We won."


    Age 1990


    Zero smacked into the back of the cave wall as the beam of heat slowly stopped. His body slid to the ground as he place a hand over the now blackened and charred hole in his stomach. It was slowly growing back as he struggled to get to his feet. He gritted his teeth as he slipped down.


    "That thing... What kind of Bestia Macht is it? An Earl? Or maybe even a close above Earl..." Zero let out a small growl as he stood back up. "Well, whatever... It doesn''t matter. One attack is all I''ll need to wipe it out."


    Over with Hero, the boy was patting the Bestia Macht as he eyed the monster across from him up. He watched Zero slowly get back up. "What do you think?"


    The Bestia Macht made several hissing, and cawing sounds as it clicked its jaw open, and closed. Hero nodded his head as he stared at it. He kept nodding as it made several hissing sounds to him telling him what to do.


    "Yep. It''s just as I thought. I have no idea what you''re saying." Hero said nodding. The Bestia Macht''s eye twitched as it smacked the boy over the head with its tail. "Oww! Why does everyone do that?"


    "Hero!"


    "Ken?" Hero turned seeing Ken was now standing up and moving around again. "You can regenerate too. Cool."


    "N-No..." Ken said shaking her head slowly. "Maudite healed me."


    Hero slowly shifted his gaze over towards the other girl. "Hi Maudite-"


    "Can it."


    "Oh... You''re the scary Maudite now..." Hero said nodding his head. "I don''t like you."


    "I don''t like you either," Maudite said letting out a hiss.


    "D-Did she just hiss at me..." Hero slowly stepped behind Ken as he eyed the scary twelve-year-old girl, holding a massive energy scythe that she swung up and down. He was rarely certain he probably couldn''t take...


    "Look, idiot. I could spend forty minutes explaining the ins and outs of this entire plan, or you could shut up and help us finally kill that annoying asshole over there." Maudite said gesturing over to Zero.


    "Oh, by all means, keep arguing," Zero called out. His hand was over his stomach as it slowly patched itself up. ''My regeneration has really slowed down... I must be at the very edge of my power. And now I have to fight a three, plus Hero, on one... This could be trouble.'' Zero raised his arm up pointing it at the three teens, and Bestia Macht in front of him.


    "Look likes it is go time..." Maudite said giving a slightly sinister smile. "You two... Be sure not to get in my way."


    "I liked the other Maudite better..." Hero muttered out.


    "Yeah well, the other Maudite was weaker!"


    "Power isn''t everything." Hero said shrugging.


    "Says the weakest member of this team of four..." Maudite muttered out. "Seriously. The fourteen-year-old midget-"


    "I''ll kill you!" Ken announced. "Also I''m older than you so ha!"


    "-is stronger than you now. I thought Seraphines were supposed to be all-powerful." Maudite shook her head as she turned away from the two Enforcers, and the Bestia Macht.


    "I don''t like you..."


    "Stop ignoring me!" Zero roared out snapping all the kid''s attention back over to him. Zero took a deep breath as he began to walk forward. "This is getting ridiculous... I am Zero. The Greatest Samurai. I will defeat you all!" He shouted out. "I am the weapon of hope. I am the burning will of the land of White!"


    Dark Maudite smirked as her scythe grew bigger. "God she''s such an edge lord..." Hero muttered only to shut up when the girl shot him a look. "Yeah... I''ll stop talking now." Hero muttered. He slowly sat the Bestia Macht on the floor as he backed up. "How am I the weakest one here... I''m older than both of them..." The Sixteen-year-old boy said in a salty tone as the two young girls walked forward.


    "Girl... I''ll put you back down." Zero said glaring at Ken. Ken simply raised Jackson''s sword up.


    "Will you stop talking and just attack already?" Maudite questioned. "Only a coward simply stands around waiting-"


    Zero flashed forward with a look of rage on his face as he slashed his sword out. Maudite jumped back avoiding the attack as she slid back. Ken, on the other hand, managed to raise the greatsword up blocking the strike.


    The Bestia Macht shot forward, but Zero was ready for it, and jumped away avoiding it. And just like that, the fight had begun, as everything broke out into chaos. Zero''s wings flapped taking him into the air, as he prepared a powerful attack.


    Maudite slashed her scythe down-firing out a ball of red energy! The Bestia Macht fired its own attack out by shooting out a beam of concentrated heat. Zero struck fast however and sent out a wave of yellow flames that blocked both attacks. He dropped down to the ground and was instantly met by a powerful slash from Ken.


    Zero gritted his teeth as his sword blocked hers, and for a second the two fought for dominance as they tried to out power one another.


    ''She''s gotten even stronger... Has her body already undergone an enhancement after our last clash? Or... Maybe I''m just getting weaker every second...'' Zero slashed his arm out sending Ken flying away, but before he could recover Maudite shot forward swinging her own weapon out. The scythe dug into his side and nearly ripped him in half. ''And then there''s this girl!'' Zero slid back as his body began to put itself back together. He frowned when he saw the sinister smile on Maudite''s face. "That Attribute." He said out loud. "I''ve seen it before. Now I see... An Alazir. So that explains why you''re so powerful..."


    "Okay seriously? Does everybody know about my family but me?" Maudite hissed out. "Screw it!" She raised her weapon up as it grew even bigger. Then she slammed it down as hard as she possibly could.


    ''No time to block-'' Zero gritted his teeth as the attack slashed over his normal arm, and blew half his body clean off. He smirked as he slid back. "That was close... Thankfully I moved the crystal down further into my body before you threw that out... Otherwise, that could have been the end-"


    "You can do that?" Hero yelled out from the sidelines.


    "Apparently."


    "That... That seems kind of unfair."


    Zero gave an awkward half body shrug, as the rest of his body began to grow back.


    Maudite shot forward along with Ken, and the Bestia Macht. Maudite swung her scythe out but right before it could reach him, Zero kicked his leg up allowing the weapon to stab straight through it. Then he pulled it up as far as he could lifting Maudite up with his leg. Then as hard as he could he brought it down slamming her straight into the stone floor. He raised his sword arm up, easily blocking a strike from Ken as he brought his head back, and slammed his skull straight into her''s dropping her to the floor. Finally, he slashed his sword out stabbing the blade right through the Bestia Macht as hard as he could.


    The thing let out a pained hiss as it withered out. Zero frowned at it as he threw his arm out throwing it off of his blade, and slamming it straight into the stone wall as hard as he could.


    "Silky!" Hero shouted out.


    Zero''s leg shot out kicking Ken in the chest throwing her away as she smacked into the back wall. Then he raised his sword up bringing it straight down on Maudite.


    Maudite threw her arms up in an attempt to stop the blade as it dropped down. Her eyes widened as she realized she wouldn''t be able to stop it in time. Right as it was about to hit her she saw a shadow go over as blood splattered to the floor.


    Hero let out a pained gasp as he stood in front of Maudite stopping the sword from reaching her as it stabbed straight through him. "Oww..." He gasped out as the blade dug deeper into his gut. He grabbed onto it doing his best to stop it from hitting the girl underneath her.


    Maudite stared up in shock, as she watched Hero let out another pained gasp. For a second neither of them were in the cave. For a second, they were both outside, in the cold, with a Bestia Macht beating down on Hero, as he stopped it from reaching her. For a second time, Hero was saving her.


    "I... Why would you do that?" Maudite asked shocked.


    Hero let out a gasp as he gave a slight smile. "Do I need a reason?" He questioned as he hissed out in pain.


    "I''m... I''m not the Maudite you know. I''m evil. I am the part of her that hates you! Hates this world! Why would you go out of your way to save me you, idiot!"


    Hero turned away from her as he stared back at Zero. "You aren''t evil. I''ve seen evil. You''re a child playing pretend-" Zero slammed his fist straight into Hero''s face smacking him straight to the floor as he ripped the blade out of the teen.


    He raised his sword up once more bringing it down as hard as he could.


    ''It''s okay, if you are doing something good, even for the wrong reasons... I wonder if the opposite is true?''


    ''-sometimes, people will do good things for themselves... And that isn''t wrong, at least I don''t think it is? It can be hard to try and be a hero for others, but it''s easier if you are doing it for yourself.''


    Zero lowered the blade down right as Maudite threw herself over Hero''s body. The blade stabbed straight into her, and went all the way through, stabbing into Hero as well. Both teens gasped out as the blade was thrusted through them both and stabbed into the ground below the twoo kids.


    "Sorry... But I''m tired of people jumping in the way of my sword... So that time I put a little more effort into it." Zero hissed out as he ripped the blade out of the two of them. He brought his foot up and slammed it down stomping on Maudite as she cried out in pain.


    Hero glanced up past Maudite, who was still on top of him, as his vision began to go blurry. His eyes darted over to an orange gem placed in Zero''s stomach. ''Th... That''s the crystal. He must have moved it there... I just need to break it... But I can''t move my body-'' He thought. ''I... I need to get up, but it''s hopeless... I can''t move... Is... Am I going to die? Ken, Kitsune, North, Cloud? Will they die too?''


    "Red-Flash!" Zero raised his sword up reflecting the attack away from him as he turned to see Ken was back in a standing position.


    "And so it comes to you," Zero said sighing. "The last warrior standing." He walked forward slowly as Ken jumped at him bringing her sword down!


    ''The heroic spark. Some people have it. Others don''t...''


    Ken slashed her sword down but Zero wordlessly blocked it unable to meet her eyes as he parried her sword away.


    ''You are the Nation Of Whites burning Hope.''


    Ken slid back as her sword was slammed down, but she raised it back up swinging it out once more.


    ''The test was actually about not giving up. As an Enforcer the odds will almost never be in your favor.''


    Ken slammed Jackson''s sword down again, and again, as Zero blocked them all. His face slowly grew more, and more annoyed as he let out an audible growl. He raised his sword up deflecting another blow, as his leg shot up kicking Ken in the gut hard enough to drop her to her knees.


    ''We gift you with the ultimate rank. We gift you the rank of Zero... From this day on you are the warrior known as Zero. A warrior stronger than any other.''


    "Do you know what I hate about you Enforcers the most..." Zero questioned. His face became one of rage as he slammed his sword down. Ken blocked it, but her arms shook, as Zero wouldn''t stop slamming his blade down onto her''s. "I hate the fact that we are so alike!" He shouted out as he brought his blade down again, and again, and again! "You guys never give up! But that was supposed to be our weapon. Our burning spirit! Our desire to rise above everyone else... And you guys took that from us!" Zero slammed his sword down, as a loud crack echoed out. Ken''s eyes widened in horror as she watched the mighty, and powerful greatsword in her hands snap in half as the blade shattered breaking apart... And with it Ken''s hope shattered.


    ''Hey, kid. Wanna be a badass Enforcer like me?''


    Zero let out a heavy breath as he raised his sword up. "But look at you know... Broken... Without a spirit-"


    "If you''re going to kill me just get it over with..." Ken said as her dull red eyes dropped. She stared down at the ground as she waited for him to finish her off.


    "I... I am Zero..." Zero felt his arm wobble slightly as he stared at the girl.


    ''Your grip is wrong...''


    ''Also that isn''t how you hold a sword. You can''t just swing it as if it is a bat... Lower the blade down towards your hip. When you swing step forward and put your arms, and back into the swing. This will allow you to deliver more power, while using less of your Attribute.''


    ''You will usually only have a 1% chance of winning a fight, maybe even less. But even despite those odds, you are required to stand back up. Being an Enforcer means getting back up no matter what happens to you. Even if you used up all your power. Even if your legs won''t allow you to stand up. You haven''t truly lost until you have given your final breath!''


    Zero took a deep breath as he held his sword up. He got ready to deliver the final attack. The least he could do was ensure that it would be painless for the girl.


    Zero looked down at her one last. "Goodbye..." He said swinging the sword out.


    Blood dripped onto the stone floor. Ken stared up in shock, as Zero''s eyes were wide. There was nobody in front of Ken. No one was blocking the strike from hitting her. But despite that, she wasn''t the one who got hurt.


    Because the strike never even happened.


    "I''m sorry..."


    "No!" Zero hissed out when he saw who was stopping the strike.


    "-but I can''t let you do that."


    Zero''s eyes widened as he saw the old man, but suddenly the image faded, and he was no longer looking at the old man he feared... No. Now he was staring into the glowing silver eyes of Hero Otoko!


    Hero''s hands were out wrapped around the blade as he planted his feet in the ground! He was using everything in his power, to stop that sword from being raised, as blood dripped down from his cut open palms! He flashed a sheepish smirk at Zero who stared there in shock.


    "Ken! Now! Aim for his stomach!"


    As if a switch had been flipped Ken instantly acted. She raised up bringing up the broken sword as she brought it up.


    Zero stared down at her as everything seemed to move in slow motion. Slowly, his face managed a small smile.


    ''Crack!''


    The blade stabbed forward, stabbing straight through the orange crystal...

 Chapter 73 - Time To Say Goodbye

    Age 1990


    Cracks began to appear over Zero''s body as he gave a small chuckle. A white light began to pour out of the cracks, as Zero burst out into full on laughter.


    "I guess this means I lost." Zero said still giving small bursts of laughs, as if the funniest thing in the world just happened to him...


    "...We...We...Did...It... Somehow..." Ken said breathing heavily as she dropped the broken sword. She was breathing heavily as her chest raised, and fell. She slowly collapsed to her knees as she threw her arms out in an attempt to hold herself up.


    Zero gave another small chuckle as he stared down at her. He slowly glanced over to Hero who was still holding onto his flaming sword. Slowly though the flames went out. "You remind me so much of that man..." He said quietly as the image of Master Storm came to his mind once more...


    "What?" Hero said in confusion.


    Zero lifted his hand up then slowly placed it on Hero''s head. "That damn old man..." He said laughing slightly as he ruffled Hero''s hair only confusing the boy even more. "You have the same look in your eyes... That God awful need to help others, and prove to everyone just how great you are. The thing I hated most that day was when I realized that old man wouldn''t hurt me... Of course, Jackson reminds me of him as well... They both have that stupid laugh." Zero chuckled slightly as he continued to stare at Hero. "I guess you remind me of One as well... Although I doubt One could have accomplished this..." Zero said chuckling again. "Tell me, boy. What was your name again?"


    "Umm... Hero... Hero Otoko?"


    Zero turned away as he stared back down at Ken. "Well, Hero. Let go of my blade. I have unfinished business..."


    "What! No way!" Hero said shaking his head. "You''re gonna try and stab Ken!"


    "Are you an idiot?" Zero questioned raising an eyebrow. By now his body was full of cracks, and his wings were already breaking off. The two Enforcers had no idea how he was even managing to stay together...


    Hero let out a few small grumbles but stepped back as he let go of the blade. "Ouch, ouch, ouch..." He hissed as he began to blow on the two gashes that were on the palm of his hands. "Geez, these sting..."


    Zero stared down at Ken, with a small softness as he slowly reached up. "Gi- Ken... I have seen your skill and strength." He said slowly as he placed his hand on his sword arm. "For besting me in combat, I gift to you-" He let out a small grunt as he ripped the blade out of his arm. "The only thing I can."


    Ken stared in shock as he slowly held it out to her. "What?"


    "Please. Take my sword." Zero said simply. "I won''t be needing it where I''m going..."


    Ken''s hand slowly came out, as she picked it up. It was heavier than her old one, but far lighter than the massive greatsword she had been swinging around earlier. "I... I don''t know what to say."


    "Then say the only thing you can," Zero said smiling slightly. "Promise to me, that you will use it well."


    "...I will." Ken said giving a serious look. "I promise... I''ll take up your sword. I''ll develop my own style... And one day, I''ll be even stronger than you were!" She said giving a sad smile. "I''ll become even more skilled than you."


    Zero gave one last chuckle as he slowly stared up at the roof of the cave. "I suppose that is all I can really ask for right..." His entire body lit up, and in a bright flash, he vanished being broken down into nothingness as he crumbled away. "Who knows... Maybe I''ll finally get to see my baby girl-"


    The light exploded from the man as he completely shattered becoming pure light. It was a beautiful sight as the light danced around slowly getting smaller and smaller. Finally, it went out.


    And that was the end of Yukon. The man who held the title of Zero. The Nation of whites burning hope. The Samurai''s weapon. And a father who failed at saving the most important thing.


    "Is... Is it over." Hero asked quietly.


    "Yeah..." Ken said staring sadly at the sword in her arms. "I think it is."


    "Oh thank God." Hero fell back collapsing to the ground as he stared up at the roof of the cave. "I''m gonna be honest... I don''t think I can even throw another punch..."


    "Hero..."


    "Yeah, Ken?"


    "Next time you pick the mission..."


    The two kids let out quiet laughs as they slowly stood up. Hero wandered over to Maudite slowly shaking the girl awake.


    "Oww..." She said hissing quietly. "My side hurts... But It shouldn''t kill me..." She said shaking her head as she stood up slowly. She glanced over at Hero as she frowned. "What do you want asshole..."


    "Oh good... You''re still Meandite."


    "The hell did you just call me..."


    "Listen can you heal our Vice-Captain?" Hero questioned.


    "Oh my God, I forgot about Jackson!" Ken said horrified as she ran over to the man.


    Maudite let out a sigh as she slowly wobbled over to him. "I... I can heal him..." She grumbled slightly. "But... Well, it''ll take up all my remaining power and I''ll turn back to that annoying version of me."


    "So you''re not gonna do it?" Ken said in a horrified tone. "He''s badly bleeding! He''ll die!"


    "I''ll do it..." Maudite grumbled.


    "What..."


    "I said I''ll do it okay! Geez..." Maudite said pouting. "I owe you guys one... I mean technically this is mostly your faults but... I''ll look past that..."


    "Wow... Good job Hero."


    "He has nothing to do with this!" Maudite yelled out.


    "Yeah. Sure."


    The two girls began to bicker slightly while Hero wandered off to go do... Well, whatever Hero does when he''s left alone?


    Jackson let out a small cough as his eyes slowly opened. He felt a wave of warmth go through his body as the bleeding hole in him stopped slowly beginning to close. "What the hell?" He questioned looking around. "I''m alive?"


    "Jackson!" Ken said wrapping her arms around him. "I was so worried!" She cried out.


    " What... Ken?" Jackson looked around groggily as he tried to remember what happened.


    "There I''m done..." Maudite said rolling her eyes. There was a flash of blue as she changed back to the original. "Thanks..." Maudite whispered quietly giving a shy smile.


    ''...Don''t mention it.''


    "What happened?" Jackson questioned.


    "You were stabbed!" Ken said practically crying as she hugged onto the man. "And I thought you were gonna die!"


    "Wow... Shorty actually had a heart-"


    ''Slam''


    "Oww..." Jackson whinned out.


    "You should know I can finally hit you while your down like this..." Ken said giving him a dead pan stare.


    "Noted..." He scratched his head sheepishly as he looked around. "So what happened. Kind thought we would all be dead by now?"


    "Hero and I defeated Zero."


    "No seriously. What happened?"


    "No... We... We actually did."


    "What."


    "We beat him. Hero stopped him from stabbing me, and I slammed the pointy end of your blade into his crystal. Then he turned into light and broke into nothiness."


    "What the fu- Okay... Sure... Can you give a little more detail." Jackson asked.


    "Sure... You want the good news or the bad news?"


    "Good news?"


    "Nobodies dead," Ken said nodding. "Well. On our side."


    "Bad news?"


    Ken slowly handed over Jackson''s broken sword...


    "I thought you said nobody was dead..." Jackson said as tears began to stream down his eyes. "My baby!" He sobbed holding the sword close to him.


    Over with Silky, the Bestia Macht was quietly rolling around as it slept. After being injured it went into a healing sleep in order to recover. It was important that nobody disturb it while it was in this state, less they gain its wrath-


    "Poke, Poke!" Hero said poking the deadly monster with his finger. "Rise and shine sleepy-"


    The Bestia Macht shot up slamming into Hero as it began to violently beat its tail into his head.


    "Ahh! I''m sorry!" Hero screamed as the beast pounded him into the ground.


    Silky let out a huff as she slowly slithered off of him, and wandered over to Jackson. "Hey Silky..." Jackson said patting the snake on the head. "I see Dawson packed you... Sorry about that."


    "I''m in pain..." Hero coughed out.


    "I''m in emotional pain," Jackson said glancing back down towards his broken sword.


    Hero rolled his eyes as he slowly walked over to the three unconscious recruits. "We should probably wake them up." He said nodding.


    Ken nodded as well as she wandered over as well. "I got North. You get Kitsune."


    Hero reached out placing his hand on Kitsune''s chest as he shook the boy. "Hey. Wake up, Nerd."


    "Don''t kill me my family is rich!" Kitsune yelled out bolting awake.


    "What?"


    "What?"


    Hero and Kitsune both stared at each other for a few seconds neither saying a word. "So... Uhh... We beat Zero."


    "I can see that..." Kitsune said nodding.


    "So is that how you wake up every time?"


    "Let''s not talk about this..."


    Over with Ken, she placed her hand down on the recruit in front of her shaking them awake. Ken frowned slightly as she shook them. "North. Wake up... I''m not about to reverse sleeping beauty you so wake up!"


    "What?" Irene sat up looking around as she was breathing heavily. She glanced around at the destroyed cave as her eyes widened. "What... What did I miss."


    "What didn''t you miss!" Hero said. "I got stabbed. A lot." He shrugged.


    Irene let out a sigh as she slowly sat up. "My whole body hurts..."


    "Mine too..." Kitsune groaned out. "Why the hell are you moving around..."


    "Regeneration sucker!" Hero said proudly.


    "...F.u.c.k you..."


    "What about her." Irene asked looking at Ken.


    "I wasn''t scrub, and didn''t get hit," Ken said smugly. Hero lightly pressed down on her side causing her to drop to the floor from the pain as she cried out.


    "So... Who wakes Cloud up?" Kitsune asked.


    "One, two three not it!" Hero yelled out.


    Everyone panicked stumbling over their words but it was Kitsune who was last. "Damn it..." He muttered out moving over to Cloud.


    Meanwhile over with Jackson, the man was staring down at the body of Anga. "Was... Was he one of the men?" Maudite asked shyly as she stared down at the body.


    "Yeah." Jackson bent down placing his hands over the man''s eyes. "He meant well... He just did it all wrong... I know all too well what that feels like..." He said quietly as he shut the man''s eyes.


    "You do?"


    "I had a friend... Way back in the day. However... I hurt him... My brother... He said some things about my friend, and like an idiot, I foolishly believed them without any evidence... My brother turned out to be a liar... I ended up breaking apart our friendship for no reason..."


    "If he was a friend he would have understood..."


    "That''s the thing... He did. I was the one who didn''t understand." Jackson slowly pulled away from Anga as he made a cross over his heart. "May the Light guide you forward."


    "We''re just gonna leave him here?" Maudite questioned.


    "Yes..."


    "What! We can''t do that! His body should be returned to his family." She said in shock.


    "Believe me. I would love to." Jackson said slowly as he let out a heavy sigh. "But Anga was right. If others find this place it would be bad... I think it is best of everything here just disappears..."


    Maudite gave a heavy frown, but nodded her head showing that she at least understood. "I still don''t like it though..."


    Jackson turned away from her as he turned to see his recruits. He blinked slightly out of surprise when he saw Kitsune get launched into the air by an annoyed Cloud.


    "Well. I think it''s about time to say goodbye." Jackson said giving a small smile.


    Three Hours Later...


    "As I said earlier... I will pay for any damage done to your village!" Jackson said giving a small bow.


    Father Darvin stared at him numbly for a moment as he gave a small nod. "I suppose we won''t have to worry about anything else?"


    "Well unless there is something worse around, than no... You won''t." Jackson said nodding his head.


    Father Darvin gave a small nod as he turned to look at Maudite. "I hope you do well on your travels..."


    "Travels? I''m staying here!"


    "What?" Everyone stared at the girl in shock as she shyly stepped away.


    "I... I want to stay here." She said again much more quieter.


    "But why?" Ken questioned.


    "I didn''t like this place. I still don''t. But. I think it can change for the better. I want to come with you guys, but I also want to make sure that this place is fine..." She said giving a small nod. "I want to protect my home... Even for just a little while."


    "Are you sure?" Jackson asked raising an eyebrow.


    Maudite gave a small nod. "Yes... And... And in two years I''ll be eligible for a letter anyways. So you all will see me again anyways! And until then I''ll learn to control my power! I''ll become my own version of a hero. And I''m gonna be better than the both of you!" She announced pointing at Ken and Hero.


    "Good luck with that," Ken said giving a small laugh. "In two years I''ll already be a world famous hero. And in two years Hero might be useful!"


    "Yeah!" Hero said nodding. "Wait what?"


    "So... You''re choosing to stay..." Father Darvin said quietly as he stared down at his granddaughter.


    "Yes... But there is something I want in return." She said giving a slightly smug smile.


    "Which is?"


    "My parents... You only told me bad stuff... I want you to tell me the good stuff now."


    Father Darvin gave a small laugh as he placed an arm on Maudite''s shoulder and began to lead her to the stone building. "I suppose I can do that... But where to start? There is just so much to talk about."


    The six Enforcers watched them go as they all turned away. "Well, gang!" Jackson said staring out at the vast landscape of ice. "We got a long walk ahead of us..."

 Chapter 74 - Welcome Back

    Age 1990


    "Finally!" Jackson said holding his arms out. "We''re back!"


    "Finally!" Hero said practically collapsing to the floor as he let out a heavy sigh. "I don''t think I could have walked another step..." He said sheepishly as he let out a small laugh.


    "We''ve been walking for almost two week straight!" Kitsune said also almost collapsing. "I''m still amazed that we didn''t run into any Bestia Macht''s on our way back... Though if we did I feel like we could have probably handled them?" He said giving a small shrug. "Still though... A lot happened in a short amount of time... We met a lot of new people, and learned so much... And yet... I still doubt any of us know what it means to be an Enforcer-"


    "Also we beat a lot of people up!" Hero said proudly.


    "Yes... Yes, we did."


    Hero''s smile faded as he thought back on the situation. "Although..." He said looking down at his hands. "I would rather not do something like that again... Like ever again... I don''t think I could win a second time... I doubt I even really grew a lot stronger. Its weird though. I know I did get stronger, but... It still isn''t enough..."


    "Can I sat you down now..." Cloud asked with a deadpan stare.


    "I guess..." Ken hopped off of the blind guys back as she stretched out her body giving a small yawn.


    "Devilish girl..." Cloud muttered glaring at her.


    The group of six had just now finally gotten back... They were all currently standing in the Enforcer''s main headquarters, common hall. The big building in the middle of the twelve. Unlike the others, this one didn''t belong to any particular squad. A few other squads were in the building as they stared at the Squad six recruits, and Jackson with curiosity. It wasn''t everyday that a group who was supposed to come back from a simple mission, comes back covered in bruises and ripped up clothing.


    "Okay, guys..." Jackson said whispering to the recruits. "Now... Let''s all slowly head back to the Squad Six Dorms, and hope Katrina doesn''t-"


    "Jackson!"


    "Uh-Oh!"


    There was a blue blur, as a woman suddenly appeared out of nowhere drop kicking Jackson, hard enough to send him flying across the room! He slammed into the wall behind him as he fell forward. All of the recruits were left with wide eyes as they shook.


    "You idiot!" The woman shouted out. The recruits all stared at her as they realized she was Katrina... Their Captain... Uh-Oh indeed...


    "Hey Katrina-"


    "Don''t hey Katrina me!" Katrina shouted out slapping Jackson over the head. She grabbed him and began to shake him violently. "Do you have any idea what you did!"


    "We did a mission?" Jackson tried to squeak out.


    "A C-Class mission!" Katrina shouted out still shaking her Vice-Captain. "They aren''t supposed to do that yet! The number of rules you broke!"


    "Yes... Indeed. It really is quite sad that he went and broke such an important rule..." Everyone stopped what they were doing as they slowly stared over at the guy who spoke. He wore a shiny white suit, that looked like it was covered in gems, as it lit up reflecting the light in all directions. He had blond hair that was styled up, and a pair of golden eyes that seemed to almost shine. There was a smug smile on his face, and even his teeth seemed to sparkle. "And yet... Despite breaking, such an important rule he has only received a mild slap on the wrist-"


    "Listen Jackass!" Katrina said shooting the man a dirty look. "Before you interrupted us, I was about to shove my foot so far up Jackson''s ass! I would not call what I''m about to do to him as ''a slap on the wrist.''" She growled out. "So how about you beat it Eins!"


    "Hmph... Typical of a Squad that does nothing but break the rules..." The sparkling man said as he gave a smirk.


    "Why you little..." Katrina let go of Jackson dropping him to the floor as she turned to glare at the man.


    "Umm... Who is that guy?" Hero asked curiously.


    "Oh him..." Jackson said dusting himself off. "That''s Eins. He''s harmless... Mostly... Bit of a punk..."


    "Why is he casually talking back to our Captain?" Kitsune questioned nervously.


    The argument between Eins, and Katrina was slowly getting more, and more heated...


    "Oh... He''s a Reserve." Jackson said simply.


    "What''s a Reserve?" Irene asked.


    "Well..." Jackson gave a small shrug. "I guess the best say to explain it... So you know how there are Twelve Captains. And there are Twelve Vice-Captains. Well. There are also Twelve Reserves. The Reserves are the strongest normal member of one of the Twelve Squads. So in every Squad, there are three rankings. Captain. Vice-Captain. And Reserve members. If for any reason a Captain should be unfit to serve, the Vice-Captain becomes the new Captain. And the Reserve becomes the new Vice-Captain. So in the events Katrina is unable to serve, I become Captain, and Dawson, becomes my Vice-Captain, and then the old Reserve slot is filled up by whoever Dawson thinks is best for it."


    "I get it," Kitsune said nodding. "So that glowing guy is a Reserve member, and that''s why he is able to backtalk our Captain-"


    "No, he''s just batshit insane!" Jackson said shaking his head. "Trust me... None of the other Reserves try to backtalk, Katrina..."


    There was a loud ringing sound as Eins looked down at his watch, which was naturally very glowy. "Hmm... I''m afraid I must take my leave." He said quietly as he turned away. He stopped for a second as his eyes focused in on Hero''s silver eyes. "Ahh... A Seraphin... Really Katrina... Taking in foul beasts now?" Before she could respond though, Eins turned away already walking off.


    "Hey get back here you jerk!" Katrina yelled out.


    The man didn''t bother turning around as he flipped her the bird, and walked off.


    "I... Am... Going... To... Kill... Him..." Katrina said through gritted teeth.


    "Oh good..." Jackson said letting out a sigh of relief.


    "How is that good?" Irene questioned stepping away from her Captain.


    "Her rage isn''t focused on me..." Jackson said smirking. "I don''t have to worry about getting beat up for-"


    "Jackson!"


    "Oh crap!"


    There was a red blur as Jackson was kicked by Dawson Blight who came flying through the air! Dawson landed on the ground as he crossed his arms. "What''s this I''m hearing about you taking the new recruits on a dangerous mission!" He questioned.


    "How the hell did word get around about that so fast!" Jackson yelled out.


    Dawson turned away as he marched over to the recruits. "Geez... Look at them!" He said pointing at the five kids. Their clothing was badly torn, and they were covered in sweat, bruises, dirt, blood, snow... Ice... They traveled through a blizzard for almost a week straight with no way of taking a bath, so they all smelled terrible as well... Kitsune had a black eye, Ken''s hands were covered in bandages, and she had two swords, on her h.i.p.s? Hero... Well he was covered in as much filth, as the others, but he didn''t actually look injured at all, benefits of having regeneration. "They... Well, they look like they have some experience now at least..." Dawson muttered. He held his hand up as he placed it on Ken''s chin looking down at her.


    "Umm..." The fourteen-year-old girl said stepping away.


    Dawson frowned as his eyes glanced down at all of them. "I suppose it isn''t that bad... But.. Did a C-Class mission really push you all this much?"


    "Well actually it was an A-Class- Why the hell am I saying that!" Jackson said freezing up as Katrina, and Dawson both slowly turned to look at him.


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    "A...Class..." Katrina said slowly.


    "You took the new inexperienced Recruits, on... On an A-Class mission..." Dawson said blinking a couple of times.


    "Uhh... Well... Looking back on it... I mean... It was C-Class... I mean... The Earl did most of it?"


    "Earl?"


    "I should stop talking..."


    "Get him..." Katrina said slowly as both her and Dawson shot forward.


    "No, wait!"


    The recruits all stood frozen with wide eyes as they watched the two a.d.u.l.ts go to town on beating their Vice-Captain into the ground.


    "I''m scared..." Irene said slowly.


    Katrina stopped as she let out a sigh. She slowly turned back over to the group of new recruits as she gave an innocent smile. "Kids..." She said sending a shiver down all of their spines. "We are gonna be busy for a little while. Why don''t all of you run, and get cleaned, and redressed, while me and Dawson teach, your Vice-Captain a valuable lesson!" She said innocently.


    All of the recruits wisely ran away, back towards the Squad Six dorms.


    Dawson watched them leave as he turned back to his friend. "So... A-Class mission? How did they do?" He asked curiously?


    "Well... They did well." Jackson said smiling as Dawson helped me up. "I wish you were there though... That mission sucked! If we had both been there it would have been such a breeze."


    "Is... Is there anyone we should drop." Katrina asked glancing at her Vice-Captain. "You realize that after today... That''s it. They''ll be Enforcers. Are you sure you can inflict that on all of them..."


    Jackson was quiet for a moment but finally, he nodded his head. "I can..." He said smiling again. "I know that all of them... All of them have potential... If any of the recruits deserve to be Enforcers it is them."


    Katrina gave a small smile as she shrugged. "Well... I''ll take your word for it."


    "So... Hero''s a Seraphin huh?" Dawson said slowly.


    "Yeah... Kind of shocked me."


    "I had a sneaking suspicion about that fact..." Dawson said sighing. "You know... The Master is gonna wanna see him now right?"


    "That''s not the only thing I think I discovered about him," Jackson said biting his lip. "His Attributes... All of them... All three of them, are important. That kid Hero. I don''t know what happened in his life. But I''m sure that we''ll find out..."


    Meanwhile...


    "Ahh much better!" Hero announced stepping outside of the shower room, and back into the dorm room, he shared with the other four recruits! "All clean!" He announced. All five of them were dressed very casually now, in simple street clothes. "Shame I lost my training outfit though..."


    "Hero..." Kitsune said slowly giving the boy a deadpanned look. "Your training outfit is just a green tracksuit... It''s better that it got ripped to piece."


    Hero frowned as he turned away from the teen. "Nah... I was totally awesome in it." He said walking over to his nightstand next to his bed. "Speaking of awesome..." He reached down grabbing a black box. He grabbed something and placed his hand over his face. "Back to normal!" He announced and turned around to show off a gold, and purple eye, in each socket.


    "Back to wearing your contacts huh..." Kitsune said slowly.


    "Yep!" Hero said looking at his reflection as he smirked. He gave himself a thumbs up as he nodded his head.


    "So what now?" Kitsune asked leaning back on his bed, as he stared up at the ceiling.


    "Well, I had an idea..." Irene said slowly as everyone turned to look at her. "I was thinking. How about we go out to eat! You know. Build up team bonding, and get to know each other a lot better. I mean it''s still been less than a month. Also, we can invite some of the other recruits, and get to share first-time missions!" She announced.


    "That... Actually sounds like fun." Kitsune said in surprise as he jumped to his feet. "Let''s go give out the invitations Hero!"


    "Why do I need to come?" Hero questioned.


    "So we can get that prick Max to say yes," Kitsune announced grabbing his wrist.


    "What?"


    "Oh just shut up and come on!"


    A few hours later, a pretty large group found themselves sitting around a large wooden table. Although sadly quite a few members simply didn''t show up...


    There were five from Squad Six, those being Hero, Ken, Kitsune, Irene, and Cloud. Two from Squad One, Max, and Shiki. One from Squad Eight, a girl named Alice. Three from Squad Seven, Emma, Sera, and a third girl named Lucy. And finally one from Squad Four a girl named Tsun.


    "I... I was kind of hoping more would show up..." Irene said with a small amount of disappointment.


    "Well. They didn''t want to be associated with their rivals." Max said casually.


    "Rivals?" Hero questioned parking up.


    "Well... Some Squads don''t like each other... Let''s leave it at that..." Max said shrugging.


    Shiki let out a loud grunt as he nodded next to Max.


    "Well, why did all of you show up?" Ken questioned.


    "Well, we all had our own reasons..." Emma said shrugging slightly. "I wanted to see Hero!"


    "I too wanted to see Hero-" Max began.


    "Back off I called him!" Emma said shooting the lava guy a stare.


    Hero slowly scooted away from everyone at the table. "Would it be a bad time to mention, I already have someone I''m in love with... I really don''t feel comfortable with all these perverts hitting on me..." He hissed over to Kitsune.


    "What? You''re seeing someone?"


    "I mean... Kind of?" Hero said shrugging. "I''m in love with her. I just need to find her..."


    "Wait! So everyone is hitting on you, and you''ve already been taken? Yes! This means I have a shot!" Kitsune said proudly standing up.


    Max cleared his throat interrupting the two boys as they turned back to him. "As I said. We all had our own reasoning. Some better than others..."


    Shiki let out a loud grunt as he nodded next to Max.


    "I... I just wanted to talk to some people..." Alice said shyly. She slowly shrunk down in her chair when everyone turned to look at her. "I''ll... I''ll shut up now..."


    "Great!" Tsun said rolling her eyes. "Way to go guys. You broke the shy girl."


    "I''m starting the suspect this was a terrible idea..." Irene said quietly as they all sat there in an awkward silence.


    "So..." Cloud said deciding he would be the one to start the conversation. "How was everybody''s mission..."


    "Not as eventful as yours," Max replied.


    Shiki let out a loud grunt as he nodded next to Max.


    "How does everyone keep knowing about that!" Ken questioned.


    "Word gets around fast."


    Shiki let out a small grunt as he nodded next to Max-


    "Does he not know how to speak?" Hero questioned as he stared at the man.


    "No, he can... He just doesn''t see fit to talk to any of you." Max said shrugging.


    "What!"


    "Both Shiki and I came to judge the other Enforcers, we may have the unfortunate privilege of fighting alongside. I was also curious... They say we grow in battle, so I wanted to see how far, all of you five have grown, since I heard you went on an A-Class mission... In particular, I wanted to see the depth of Hero''s power. He is a Seraphin after all..."


    "Ohh... I was kind of wanting that to be kept a secret..." Hero said slowly as he slowly inched away.


    "You should know you have a target painted on all of your backs..." Max said giving a smirk as he stood up. "Not only are you guys one Squad Six, but you also went on an A-Class mission, far too soon, you have a Noble, from the family of Nine, a blind kid, and street thug, a villager, and of course now a Seraphin. Your Squad is quite the interesting one, to say the least..." Max said letting out a sigh. "I just hope you guys can put up a decent match. You still have about eleven months to train after all?" The kid shrugged as he waved his hand. "No matter. Let''s go Shiki..."


    "Wow..." Tsun said slowly. "That guys and asshole."


    "You have no idea..." Hero said nodding.


    "What''s a Seraphin?" Emma asked.


    "A man-made weapon..." Alice said quietly. "Most, are battle-hungry-mad-warriors... They say it takes a few years but all Seraphin''s slowly snap, and will only care about battle, in order to grow..."


    "Hmm. Scary." Hero said shrinking down slightly.


    "Oh! I''m sorry!" Alice said as she too shrunk down.


    "Wait. What did he mean about having eleven months?" Ken asked curiously?


    "Oh, you haven''t heard?" Tsun said giving a smirk. "Well... At the end of the year, there is always a tournament held. It''s pretty important and will allow us to rank up through the Enforcers... During this time we also get to fight a lot of our other comrades..."


    "That sounds cool," Kitsune said smirking slightly. "And it''s in eleven months..."


    "I can''t wait that long!" Emma announced shooting up. "Hero! I have been training like crazy! Fight me!" She announced.


    "No."


    "Curses!" Emma slowly sat back down. "I''ve been foiled..."


    Sera reached out patting the girl lightly on the head. "Emma is telling the truth. Our Captain... Captain Sif. She is crazy... She wakes us up every morning at 5 A.M and throws us in life dangering situations in order to train us for battle... I don''t know how Emma, and Lucy are able to keep up with it at all..."


    "I''m not sure myself..." Lucy stated. "But have noticed, that I have grown in power. I estimate that I might have become ten, maybe even eleven times stronger than when I joined... And I too wish to have a rematch with you, Kitsune."


    "What? We never fought."


    "Incorrect. I was one of the people you knocked out, after your battle with the man over there." She said gesturing to Irene.


    "Oh... Yeah sorry, I don''t remember that..." Kitsune said awkwardly.


    "It is to be expected..."


    "Now I feel bad."


    "Good."


    "Well, " Tsun said slowly standing up. "I''ve seen all that I wanted to." She said turning away. "I don''t know how that Max kid is so good at judging others'' power level... He figured out your depth in minutes, but it took me this long to figure it out..." She grumbled to herself.


    "Wait you''re leaving to!" Irene questioned.


    "Indeed..." Tsun gave a small wave as she walked off.


    "Wow... People hate us." Ken said frowning. "Are you guys gonna leave?" She questioned looking at the four last recruits from the other squads.


    "I... I don''t have any plans to." Alice said slowly.


    "And I want free food!" Emma announced.


    "I just want to see what commonly restaurant food taste like," Sera said giving a small smile.


    "you''re gonna hate it," Kitsune replied giving her a small head tilt.


    "Well, guys." Hero said holding his drink up. "To us growing! Let''s all become stronger than Max so we can kick his butt!"

 Chapter 75 - A Calming Moment

    Age 1991


    ''Do not''


    ''Do not''


    ''Do not''


    ''I am Zero...''


    The yellow flames from the monsters flames exploded out lighting up the area in a bright yellow flash. The flames soared out over the many Enforcers melting through them instantly.


    ''Do not''


    Hero watched as a white gooey tentacle of Hospital, the other monster who lived inside his head, soared out wrapping around him. He tried to make a sound. Make any noise but he was unable to speak. Unable to move. The tentacle slowly slithered up his body...


    ''Most, are battle-hungry-mad-warriors... They say it takes a few years but all Seraphin''s slowly snap, and will only care about battle, in order to grow...''


    Hero sat up in bed letting out several large gasps as he slowly settled his breathing. He looked around the dark room spotting the sleeping bodies of Kitsune, Cloud, Irene, and Ken, all four of them sleeping in their own comfortable beds back in the Squad Six recruit dorm room. Thankfully none of them seemed to have heard him, or his panicked wake-up. Hero was silent as he felt his rapid heartbeat begin to slow down...


    Hero let out a small sigh as he reached up gripping his hand which was shaking violently. "Why... Why can''t I stop shaking." He questioned as he slowly laid back down. He closed his eyes only to open them seconds later. Only now something was different.


    The dorm room was gone.


    Now all that surrounded him was a valley of warm red liquid, and a giant lab coat that was chained up to a massive blue ball. He was back inside his head...


    "How did you get back here?" The lab coat hissed out when it saw the sixteen-year-old appear.


    "It''s my head? I''m here all the time." Hero said shrugging. "Also meditation or something? I dunno?"


    "What do you want?" The coat said in a booming voice. It was clear it disliked him even more, after he had tricked it into giving up valuable information.


    "I''m here to tell you to knock it off Labby!" Hero announced pointing at the massive lab coat. "Stop it! I don''t like what you''re doing!"


    It seemed to tilt, the closest thing it had to a head, as it stared down at him. "What do you mean? Knock what off? What are you going on about now you idiotic fool?"


    "I keep waking up in a cold sweat. My body won''t stop shaking. My heart feels weird. I can''t stop thinking about Zero. And I just feel like I am going to throw up at any second!" Hero said in an annoyed tone as he crossed his arms. "So whatever you''re doing stop it! I can''t get any sleep!"


    "Hahaha!" The coat let out a long and slow laugh as it shook. "I see what''s going on... First of all, I can not affect your body in that way. Even if I wasn''t sealed up, I would not be able to do something that specific. All I can do is wipe memories, keep people out, control the output of power coming from you, block power coming from you, and of course kill you. I do not possess the ability to make you dream, or make your body shake. Secondly. Even if I could why would I do that? My goal is to kill you, or monitor you, but we are way past that point, not annoy you. And thirdly. What you just described was fear... You''re scared."


    "What..."


    "You''re scared... You can''t help but imagine the fight going off in your head again, and again. You''re seeing how lucky you got right? How slim chances you really had. That was what it came down to. Luck. If that man had just put even a tiny amount of extra effort in pushing down on that blade you, and that Alazir girl would have died. Then everyone else would have died. Then the village. And who knows what would of happened after that... You realize that there was no skill involved in your win. It came down to pure luck..."


    "Will you shut up!"


    The coat let out another laugh. "You know... That Zero guy was strong... But we both know the Doctor is stronger... We both know that girl you like is stronger. We both know the man who held you captive for nearly seven years, is stronger. We both know your mother was stronger. And we both sure as hell know that Okami Otoko is stronger... You know what he''ll do to you after you can''t beat him... You''ll be completely altered and made into the perfect weapon just like he wants... And as you are now you can''t save ''her...'' You''re going to fail. You''ll-"


    "Stop talking!" Hero yelled out clutching his ears as he let out a small hiss. He took several deep breaths as he clutched his chest. He could feel his heart beating like a drum as the pain in his chest got worse and worse.


    "You''re afraid of dying. Afraid of failing. Afraid of letting them all down! Hero! You are experiencing fear!"


    "You''re wrong. I''m not scared." Hero said with a small shaky voice. "I... I''ve been afraid before. I shouldn''t be acting like this?"


    "Then why haven''t you been fighting at all?" The coat questioned. "Or are you scared what that shy girl said... Scared what will happen to you now that you''re a Seraphin. It was true you know... A Seraphin will always lose their minds. It''ll start off slow but eventually, all you''ll care about is fighting and growing. You''ll become lost to it... You could even want to kill your friends... Battle l.u.s.t. That''s what your future holds."


    "Y-You''re lying..."


    "Am I? This is precious. You never felt anything like this. One of the benefits of living with your grandfather. You have never been placed in a dangerous situation before. At least not until that mission. You never had a need to fear before. Never knew how much work you would have to put in... Face it. You failed. You see how strong the others are... Even on your own Squad that fox, and that young girl are stronger than you? Rember how your grandfather tried to make you the second strongest man in the world? Renbear how you bragged about it? Why have you stopped? Even when you knew it was false. Your grandfather taught you to always say that... Told you to use it to ready yourself? Yet you''ve stopped?"


    "How... How do you know that?"


    "You''ve forgotten... I am you. I am the true you. You can try to repress whatever you want but in the end, it will always come back to me..." The coat said slowly. "Why do you think you were always positive? I would hold those negative thoughts. But now that I am sealed you have no choice but to face them. Fear, Rage, Sadness."


    "So... Everything I felt most of it would go to you?"


    "Face it. You needed me. You still need me-"


    Hero went to say something but slowly closed his mouth. He stared down at the red liquid for a few moments. "Not yet..." He said finally speaking up. "I''m... I''m leaving." He called out as he turned away.


    "Running away? Well. That is a natural response to fear. It is normal for a human to want to run away. Of course, you aren''t human. You are a Seraphin. A monster. And a monster can''t feel fear..."


    Hero ignored the coat as he closed his eyes. And when he reopened them, he was back in bed...

 Chapter 76 - When Hero Thinks

    Age 1991


    "So. What''s wrong?"


    "What?" Hero said in confusion and he turned to look at Kitsune as they walked down the corridor.


    "I said what''s wrong?" The Noble repeated as he crossed his arms. He shot the Seraphin a look as he stared at the teen.


    "Why do you think something is wrong..."


    Kitsune stared at his squadmate as he raised an eyebrow. "Because you''re Hero Otoko. You''re an idiot, and right now you look like you''re deep in thought. That can''t be good... So? What''s wrong exactly? What is causing you to wake up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat."


    Hero turned away from his friend as he gave a shrug. "Ahh... It''s not important." He said quietly causing the Noble to frown. Briefly, his mind thought back to their first mission. It had been a long, and hard-fought battle but they managed to defeat Zero in the end. Not through skill, power, or tactics, though... Pure and utter luck was what gave them the victory. There was several ways they could have lost. Could have died... If not for a lucky break-


    "Hero?"


    "Yeah?"


    "Are you sure nothing is wrong?" Kitsune questioned curiously. "Because this isn''t just about you. We are a team. If you get affected in the wrong way and get to be too deep in thought in the middle of a battle that''ll cause some serious problems for all of us. Cloud has been telling me how North almost got both of them killed on two separate occasions. So I''ll ask again. What''s wrong?"


    "Yeah. I''m fine. I dunno... Maybe this is just a Seraphin thing?" Hero said unhelpfully. He gave a small shrug as he shook his head.


    "How would you know? You found out what you were the same time as we did..." The fox teen said frowning. "By the way... You being a Seraphin... You''re okay with that right? I know you''ve been getting some dirty looks from other Enforcers after we got back, but you''re not affected by them, are you? Also, you know that none of us think differently of you right?"


    "Yeah, I know." Hero muttered out giving the teen a confused look.


    "You don''t seem like you do..."


    "Look! I''m not really concerned with it right now." Hero said slowly as he gave a small shrug. "I''ll... I dunno... I''ll cross that bridge when I get to it?" Hero gave a small wave of his hand. "I guess I''m just not to concerned with it right now?"


    "Look. I get it. Being different is hard." Kitsune said letting out a small sigh. "Back home. Well everyone focused on my older brother Jin. He was amazing. I was never good enough to fill his shoes... After he went missing in action, my family was devastated. Not at the fact that Jin was actually gone. But at the fact that it meant I would be the heir... And you know. I get it. I don''t think I could be the heir. I''m not like Jackson Storm. I''m not some amazingly powerful Noble... I''ve actually been trying to copy how Mr. Storm acts... I don''t know how he does it. Putting on a smile... Being a Noble isn''t bad. But being a second-born child from a noble family... That''s awful... Everyone keeps looking at me. Expecting great things from me. I''m not my brother though. So I decided I would try and be Jackson Storm. I''ll be a strong Noble warrior. And I''ll find Jin. And I''ll be stronger than him. So strong I''ll take over the family for him."


    "But you just you didn''t think you could?"


    "I don''t," Kitsune said letting out a small laugh. "But... If it means helping out my big brother. I''ll do it. I''ll do it for him."


    Hero gave a slight smile as he patted his friend on the back. "You''re a good brother, and a great friend."


    "You should know how I feel. There''s someone in your life who you care about as well." Kitsune said raising an eyebrow.


    "Yeah... I''ve mentioned it briefly to you. I also have someone I wish to save." Hero said slowly as he reached up placing a hand over his chest. "I was given this power from her. Given it against both our wills. But I''ll use it. Even ifit is just a small amount I''ll use that power, and I''ll reach her with it..."


    "Hero. Why do you wear contacts?"


    "Because having duel colored eyes is cool."


    "Okay, but why do you really?"


    Hero gave a small shrug. "I... Well, I don''t like people seeing that I have silver eyes... My eyes weren''t always this color... Same thing for my hair." He reached up brushing a hand through the white highlights sprinkled in his hair. " They used to be very plain looking. But after I underwent a few experiments, the same ones which converted me into a Seraphin, my eyes and hair were altered slightly. Of course, my body was also altered slightly... I gained the ability to heal and of course..." Several small bone pipes sprouted out from his body before instantly pulling themselves back in. "I gained the ability to do that... Later on down the line, I discovered more about my Attributes, both my actual power, and the two additional powers I now had. For example, I learned that I could add on to my arms or legs in different ways to either make them get really, really buff, with a Monster-Limb, or I could simply cause them to get lengthened making them appear as if they could stretch, both of those abilities coming from the Monsterfication. It was easy to mess with my limbs since my Balloon Attrubuite already allowed me to inflate and compress them. I also learned how I could shape my bone fragments in a way that allowed them to be pipes, that could spit out the oxygen in my body with enough force to send me flying. First time I tried that I blacked out from using almost all of the air inside of my lungs. If not for my Living-Nano, Attribute I probably would have died a long time ago considering how many times I''ve ripped my body apart trying to do some new type of attack."


    "Yeah... You''re not one for calm simple attacks are you..." The Noble said letting out a small laugh. "So... When you use the Monsterfication, and you make extra muscles or bones, or whatever, inside of your body, what happens to all those extra parts? I mean every time you made that buff arm thing it isn''t a permanent limb. Same thing for when you stretch out your limb. If you aren''t actually stretching it out and are instead adding to it, how does it turn back to normal? Where does the added on stuff go to exactly?"


    "Oh. Well. Upon no longer using it two things will either happen." A small bone pipe popped out of Hero''s back and he reached up breaking it off and now held it up. "If it is no longer touching any of my DNA-" He dropped the spike causing it to drop down to the floor and instantly it began to break away into nothingness turning into something less than dust. "Then the cells connecting it die out at an incredible speed. But if it is inside of my body, and I no longer have a use for it, my body will subtract it breaking it down, and converting it into spare energy, and protein. Basically, it takes up some protein, and nutrients to make them, so when I no longer have a need for them, my body will break them back down into spare cells and other things that my body can use later on to either heal me or remake something else."


    "Convenient."


    "Kind of." Hero said giving a small shrug. "I got both lucky, and unlucky. I''m lucky because all of my Attributes affect the body, so they all work really well together allowing me to set them up, even if I can only use one Attribute at a time. On the other hand, despite working well together they really shouldn''t come together due to the fact that they are all altering the body in vastly different ways. If I''m not careful I could accidentally rip my entire body apart... In fact, the only reason that hasn''t happened is because of my mother''s Attribute the Living-Nano which has millions of tiny cell-sized creatures that are scattered through my body that will slightly listen to me... I''m not very good with that one but they let me do some cool stuff sometimes."


    "Well... It certainly is amazing how you work. I''d love to see how far your potential would go. If you were to gain access to using all three of your Attributes at the same time I wonder what would happen."


    "Oh... I''m a bit curious as well though if I had to guess I''d say I would probably completely alter how my body works. Not just on the outside but the inside as well. I like to look at it as my body is one big machine that I''m constantly adding to. If I were able to use all my Attributes at once I could probably alter my body in such a way that I wouldn''t even really be a normal human." He said shrugging. "I''d be able to alter how a body part works and do all kinds of crazy things."


    "So you''d really become a Seraphin," Kitsune questioned.


    "I don''t know... Maybe I''d just become a monster..."


    "Let''s stop talking about this," Kitsune said simply as he turned away. It was starting to get into an uncomfortable territory. "I was actually thinking..."


    "Yeah?"


    "Well, we got a small bit stronger right?" The Noble questioned. "We should go challenge Dawson to a rematch again!" He announced.


    "Oh, sure! That sounds like fun-"


    ''Most, are battle-hungry-mad-warriors... They say it takes a few years but all Seraphin''s slowly snap, and will only care about battle, in order to grow...''


    ''Battle l.u.s.t. That''s what your future holds.''


    "Hero?"


    "What?"


    "You went all silent."


    Hero blinked a few times as he shook his head. "Oh... I''m sorry. I was just thinking about something."


    "Okay? Well, do you want to go help me fight Dawson?" Kitsune questioned.


    Hero was silent for a few seconds bit finally he nodded. "Sure..."

 Chapter 77 - A rematch

    Age 1991


    Dawson jumped to the side avoiding the wave of flames easily as he slid back. He tilted his head to the left dodging a compressed punch from Hero. Thinking fast he reached out grabbing the boy, and spun throwing the sixteen-year-old away from him.


    "Nice try..." Dawson said simply as he gave a large smirk.


    Kitsune jumped into the air as he flicked his wrist out and fired out another ball of flames down towards the man.


    Dawson reached up and backhanded the fire away from him sending it straight at Hero, who let out a loud, and panicked yell as the ball of flames slammed straight into him, and blew him back.


    "Watch your friendly fire," Dawson yelled out still giving a smirk.


    Kitsune simply frowned as he landed on the ground. "Nah... I don''t worry about that. Hero can heal-"


    "It still hurts!" Hero shouted out in pain. "Also! I can''t fight and heal at the same time you prick! Also, also! It still takes a ton of energy to heal from serious wounds! I don''t want to blow all my energy healing all the damage that you cause!"


    Kitsune simply shrugged as he looked away.


    Dawson let out an annoyed sigh as he shook his head. "Why in Light''s sake did I agree to this..." He muttered out, as he resisted the urge to facepalm. "These two are both idiots.... I guess they might have gotten a little stronger."


    The three of them, Dawson, Hero, and Kitsune, were currently back in the Squad six training room. The room was sat to a comfortable level five which was just enough to pose the smallest bit of challenge to the two recruits, while still keeping the fight fair. The fight wasn''t really going to well for the recruits.


    The two recruits had asked Dawson Blight to spar with them both, as they wanted to see if they had improved at all. So far though Dawson was having an easier time, than when he first fought all five of them at once... Even if the two of them had improved a little, the previous five on one had pushed him way more than the two of them were able to do now.


    Dawson fired towards Hero as he engaged the young teen in a fistfight. The two brawled for a few seconds as Dawson easily began to take the upper hand thanks to him actually knowing how to fight. "You still lack any skill!" Dawson hissed out as he slammed his fist right into Hero''s face. Hero slid back as he gritted his teeth and jumped forward throwing out a powerful right hook. Dawson caught the fist as he pulled his body back, turned, and then proceeded to easily throw Hero off of him and across the room. "If you are going to insist on fighting without any kind of weapon, you should at least know some basic martial arts. Or at least any form of hand to hand combat. Just throwing out your basic punches doesn''t help but rather it hinders you! It''s to easy to see what you are going to do next. It doesn''t matter how much power you have, if you don''t have the skill to go with..."


    Hero flew through the air as he spun his body around so his feet faced the wall. "I''ll show you skill..." Hero said smirking as he crashed into the wall. Instantly he kicked off of it the moment his feet touched it as he fired forward. "Eventful-Impact!" He bellowed as he dive kicked straight down to Dawson. White bone-like pipes shot out of his legs as a wave of condensed air fired out of the thin holes that lined the white pipes, pushing him forward at a rapid speed, causing him to become a blur as he dropped down towards the man below him spinning down as a wave of air rolled over him.


    Dawson let out a sigh as he shook his head. "What did I just say..." He easily caught Hero''s foot stopping the boy''s spin tactic. He twisted the teen slamming him to the ground. Then still holding Hero''s leg he pulled his arm back, and punched it, snapping the bone as Hero let out a scream of agony. "Now then... While you''re busy healing up your broke leg I''ll deal with the other one." Dawson announced throwing Hero by his broken leg straight at Kitsune.


    "Uh-Oh!" Kitsune said ducking down as Hero''s body soared over him. "Wow! That was-" He looked back up only to see the fist of Dawson, as seconds later the fist slammed straight into his head so hard he face-planted into the metal floor below, with enough for to actually dent it.


    Dawson reached out grabbing Kitsune by the hair as he pulled the teen up. "As for you!" He lifted the teen''s body up with his other hand, as he held Kitsune up above his head. "You." He said calmly as he got his knee into position. "Need to also learn some kind of fighting style. But your body really isn''t built for hand to hand. I''d recommend an actual weapon."


    "That''s some good advice-" Kitsune was beginning to say right as Dawson slammed his body down! Dawson brought his knee up and Kitsune''s body down as he slammed the two into each other. Kitsune''s mouth opened in shock but he was in so much pain he couldn''t even let out a scream. Dawson let go of the body as he fell forward and collapsed straight into the metal floor.


    "I hope that wasn''t the best you guys could do..." Dawson hissed out. "Jackson told me how you all learned something from the reckless mission... So far all I''ve seen is stupidity..."


    "Ha. You haven''t seen nothing yet!" Hero boasted as he jumped back up now fully healed.


    "Hero..." Kitsune gasped out from on the ground as he tried to stand back up. "I... I don''t think that you know what you just said."


    Hero gave a simple shrug as he faced Dawson. "Well... They need a little work, but Kitsune and I invented our very own Super Attacks!"


    "Really?"


    "Ken did too."


    "Cool... I''ll pat her on the head after I take you guys to the hospital." Dawson said simply as he cracked his knuckles. "But Hero. You usually do stupid things without thinking too well-"


    Hero took a deep breath as he pulled the sleeve on his shirt back. "It''s go time!" He announced. And with that, he shot forward. Hero jumped into the air as he pulled his arm back.


    "Another punch..." Dawson said frowning. "I''ve told you already that-"


    "Big-Arm-Strike!"


    "-Oh shit!"


    Hero slammed his massive bus-sized fist straight into Dawson with enough force to actually push the man back as his legs stabbed into the ground from the sheer weight of the punch. Dawson gritted his teeth as he tried to hold the punch back but it was simply too much. A wave of wind fired out from the bone pipes that stuck out of Hero''s arm as they forced him forward at an insane speed and slowly pushed Dawson back as the man did his best to stop the strike. Hero gritted his teeth as his stomach began to slowly shrink down. ''Not good...'' Hero thought as an even greater wave of air fired out of the pipes. ''The more I use those pipes, the more exhausted I become! Maybe firing out a wave of oxygen from them isn''t such a good idea! I can''t breathe while doing this-'' Hero gasped out as his face began to get pale.


    Dawson gritted his teeth as his feet were pushed deeper into the metal floor. His yellow eyes flashed as he pushed his body to the limit, forcing the arm back as Hero gave an even harder push. Hero gave a small yell as his arm fell back.


    "Kitsune!" Hero shouted as his arm began to shrink, and shrivel up and he plummeted from the air. "Do the thing!"


    "Right!" Kitsune brought both his arms up as a ball of flames appeared in his hand. "Fox-Flare!" He bellowed out shooting out a massive beam of flames.


    The beam slammed straight into the figure of Dawson, as his eyes widened. "Oh son of-" Then the beam exploded in a hail of fire as it washed over Dawson.


    "Yeah-" Hero and Kitsune both let out a cheer only to stop as Dawson jumped out of the flames decked out in his Demon Mode armor. "Oh boy..." Both boys muttered out in panic.


    It was time for the real fight ti begin.


    Meanwhile...


    "Teach me!" Ken announced.


    "What?" Jackson questioned walking through the halls of base zero, the neutral building. He shot a look over his shoulder as he raised her an eyebrow.


    "Teach me!" Ken said again folding her arms as she followed the man.


    "Umm... Okay... So there is this type of energy source called-"


    "Not that!" Ken hissed out, crossing her arms as she marched after the man.


    "Well, then what do you want me to teach you?"


    "Teach me how to use a sword!" Ken announced proudly.


    Jackson stopped as he turned back to look at the fourteen-year-old girl. He gave her a small smile as he shrugged. "That... Isn''t how it works." He said letting out a laugh.


    "What? Explain!"


    Jackson sighed as he rolled his eyes. "Well for one... I don''t have a sword anymore..." He said through gritted teeth as he glared at the girl who gave a small innocent smile in response. "Secondly. I have a very particular style of fighting, and I doubt you''ll be able to use it, so even if I did have my sword I still wouldn''t be able to teach you. I use the weight of my sword to throw me around the battlefield, as well as my electricity to exhilarate. This is why some say I use a flying sword style. My fighting style literally involves me throwing myself around. And well. You''re..."


    "I''m what?"


    Jackson stepped back slightly. "Well... You''re a bit too small-"


    "I''ll kill you!"


    "You wouldn''t be able to use your own bodyweight to direct yourself. Also, you''re really frail... It could cause some serious harm to you." The Vice-Captain said as he gave another shrug. "Also. When you were wielding my Greatsword, which you broke, by the way, you had to rely on your Attribute boosting your body to some insane levels in order to even lift it... So you wouldn''t even be able to carry a greatsword... And you need a greatsword to use the style since it''s the weight of the sword that throws you forward."


    "Well can''t you just teach me how to use a sword?"


    "I mean no? Not really." Jackson pointed down at her belt where two swords were strapped to. "I mean for one. You have two swords now? Which why?"


    "Well I figured if one sword is awesome, than imagine how cool two swords would be!"


    "Ken... Have you been reading more of those comic books..."


    "Mega-Ultra-Super-Man is too cool not to read!" She announced pointing up to the sky.


    "I''m guessing this Mega-Whatever uses two swords right..."


    "No. He uses three!"


    "How the hell do you wield three swords..." Jackson muttered as he shook his head. "Anyways that''s off-topic! What I was saying is. We are using two completely different sword types. It would be like asking a marksman to teach a novice archer how to fire a bow. Also. I would recommend using one sword."


    "Or... Maybe I can get a third sword... Than I can hold that one in my mouth, and duel wield the other-"


    "Stop being a nerd!" Jackson said chopping the girl on the head. "Go back to being hotheaded and yelling insults. Nerd Ken sucks!"


    "Oww..." Ken pouted slightly as she pulled away from him. "Whatever."


    "That''s better."


    "I hate you."


    Jackson let out a laugh as he shrugged. "Speaking of hate. Have you seen Kitsune? Also North?"


    "Well. North was in our room reading a book. I think Kitsune went off to train with Hero? And Cloud... I have no idea where he is? Why do you ask?" Ken questioned curiously?


    "Well. Their Attributes are like mine. Elemental based. I wanted to go over a few tips, as well as teach them how to better control their powers, and energy supply."


    "Oh, so you''ll train them..." Ken said slightly annoyed.


    "I already told you! I can''t be the one to teach you how to wield that sword!''


    "Well... Since you can''t teach me how to use a sword what can you teach me?" Ken asked.


    Jackson let out a sigh. "Well... How about this. You should start off by eating more nutritious food. Also, lay off using your Attribute for a while since all you''re doing is draining your body of proper resources. You''re badly malnourished which thankfully due to our medical care we can fix pretty easily. So just eat some food, and exercise for a bit, and train your body without using your Attribute. Mastering one''s Attribute is definitely important, but your body has to be able to handle it."


    Ken let out an annoyed sigh as she bowed her head in slight embarrassment. "Alright..."


    "And if you''re lucky you might be able to hit 5 feet-" Jackson dodged a swipe from Ken as he jumped away with a laugh. "Okay, okay. I''ll stop teasing you." He turned away as he gave a small wave to the girl. "Anyways. If you bump into North, or Kitsune tell them to meet me in the cafeteria of Squad Six." He said with a small wave.


    Ken turned away as well as she crossed her arms. "Yeah... Whatever." She muttered out walking away.

 Chapter 78 - Fear

    Age 1991


    "Oh! Mr. Blight. How are you?" A young woman with long pink hair and bright blue eyes asked as she stared at the Red-Demon. She held a small kind smile on her face as she turned to look at the man who entered the room.


    The room in question was the Squad Twelve Common room. Several other Squad Twelve members turned to look at Dawson in curiosity.


    "I''m sorry to bother you, Captain Athena," Dawson said giving a slight bow to the woman out of respect. Both his arms were held up as he appeared to be holding two body shaped objects? "I was doing a bit of sparing and it kind of got a little out of hand..." He said sheepishly as he dropped the two objects down showing the unconscious, and heavily beat up, bodies of Hero, and Kitsune.


    Both boys were badly beaten and bruised. They looked like they had been ran over. Then backed up over by that car. Then ran over again. Then beat up Dawson... And then thrown into a blender... The main point being that both boys looked like they were only inches away from death...


    "A little out of hand?" Athena questioned raising an eyebrow.


    "Well... In my defense, neither of them thought to ask me to stop punching them." The Red-Demon spoke as he gave a small shrug. "Well... At least I don''t think they did? It was hard to understand them after I shattered their jaws. I had to really beat that boy down." Dawson said gesturing down to Hero. "He might not be that strong but, he makes up for that in his spirit. He just does not stay down..."


    "I assume you want me to heal them?" Athena questioned.


    "Yes, Ma''am. Please do."


    Athena gave a small nod as she slowly brought a finger to her lips. Then she opened her mouth and began to stick her entire hand into her mouth, as her arm went deeper and deeper. This went on for a disturbingly, five minutes, as her entire hand vanished into her mouth. Finally, she seemed to find whatever it was she was looking for as she pulled back pulling her hand out of her mouth, and dragging out a weird pink glob, that kind of looked like flesh, but was pure pink...


    She pulled on it, as it was dragged out to nearly five feet, then she bit down on her end snapping it off.


    "There we go." She said giving a smile as she wiped her mouth clean of all the saliva that was dripping down her face.


    "Yeah... That never stops being disturbing." Dawson muttered out.


    Athena ignored him as she grabbed the pink glob, and ripped it in half. She stretched one of the pieces out and placed it over Hero. Next, she did the same with Kitsune placing the second half over him.


    The pink globs suddenly wrapped around the two boys, as it covered them up entirely! Then seconds later it began to bubble up, and simply faded away seemingly sinking over them as it was absorbed into the bodies of the two boys...


    Both Hero and Kitsune shot up in shock as they looked around the room with wide eyes. Their wounds were fully healed, and even their clothing was now undamaged.


    "What? Where are we?" Hero asked looking around the room in confusion?


    "I took you guys to the best healer we have in the Enforcers," Dawson said simply as he folded his arms up. "You two are lucky she was here. Normally she''s out on a mission."


    "It''s a pleasure to meet you two," Athena said smiling slightly.


    Kitsune bowed slightly as Hero just looked at the Noble in confusion.


    "What are you doing?" Hero asked.


    "Hero!" Kitsune hissed out. "She''s a Captain... We saw her a month ago, when we were taking the Enforcer''s entrance exam!"


    "Oh..."


    "Why aren''t you bowing now!" Kitsune hissed when Hero still stood there.


    "Bowing is lame."


    "I agree," Athena said letting out a small laugh. "I''m tired of people treating me differently just because I''m a Captain."


    Kitsune slowly stood back up as he awkwardly shifted away from Hero, and the Captain...


    "Thanks for healing us, Miss-Captain-lady!" Hero said as he threw his arms behind his head. "I feel much better now, better than how I have in a long time! How did you heal us though?"


    "With my Attribute naturally," Athena said letting out a small laugh. "My Attribute is considered to be one of the top five best healing Attributes of all time."


    "Wow. The Enforcers got it good then." Kitsune said nodding. "After all an Attribute that can heal is really rare. There are only about... Fifteen in the Red Nation."


    "They''re that rare?" Hero said surprised.


    "Yeah. Which is why you''re lucky yours can heal." Kitsune stated. "Although yours isn''t as rare since yours heals only you while hers is able to heal anybody."


    "I didn''t know there are rare kinds of Attributes..." Hero said sheepishly.


    "Well, there are," Kitsune said shrugging. "Take flight for example. There are supposedly only five Attributes on the entire planet who are able to fly, and only a single one of them is found in the Nation Of Red. Of course, any Noble Attrubuite is rare, even if its effect isn''t. My Attrubuite for example. Even though Attrubuites that involve flame aren''t rare, my version would be. This is because of the type of my Attrubuite is what is rare."


    "This is all a little confusing..." Hero said grabbing his head.


    "It really isn''t that important," Athena said laughing. "I find the kinds of people far more interesting than the many kinds of Attributes. The two of you are a great example of that. A Noble from the family of Nine, and a Seraphin. Both of you have been the talk of the town, ever since you all got back on the mission."


    "How does it keep spreading!"


    "Neither one of you have to worry." Dawson said placing a hand on the two boys'' shoulders. "Squad Twelve isn''t like the others. I doubt any of them will want to attack you."


    "Is... Is it common for other Squads to attack each other?" Hero said hesitantly.


    "Kind of," Dawson said shrugging. "We all work together on the battlefield but a rivalry is encouraged. It isn''t unusual for other Squad members to challenge you to a duel. It is also considered rude to turn down a challenge request. Unfortunately for us... Squad Six seems to always attract attention and we get several, requests all the time... It actually kind of sucks. We think it''s because the other Squads don''t really like us too much... Katrina is a hard woman to work with..."


    "Well," Athena said letting out another small laugh. "That''s what happens when you become famous."


    "I''d say it''s more infamous, than famous..."


    "Wait. If it''s so common for a person to get a challenge than how come it hasn''t happened to us yet?" Kitsune asked.


    "Remember. It''s only the first month." Dawson said shrugging. "Many of the new recruits are all just now getting done with their first missions. Also. It''s likely the other Squads are getting their recruits, ready for real missions, which will be happening soon. Very soon, many of the Gold Badges, who are training the new recruits will begin to encourage them to start battling other Squads. It could even be happening now. When it does you two should be aware of the target you''ll have painted on your backs... A Noble of one of the twenty sacred branches, and a Seraphin are both bound to get attention from everybody."


    Hero and Kitsune both looked at each other for a moment as they shared a shrug.


    "Don''t worry," Athena said gently. "You guys won''t have to worry about it too much. A lot of the recruits will be away on their first real missions. And there''s always the chance you guys will have to leave as well. Although I would say it is important to challenge others at some point... After all by battling them not only will both of you improved you''ll also get to know them better, which is important if you ever are required to do a mission with them."


    "She''s right," Dawson said nodding. "Like it or not, sooner or later you''ll be forced to team up with someone you might not like. If that happens you''ll have to suck it up and work with them. When on the battlefield you can''t worry about who you are teaming up with. You''ll have to come up with a plan to work with them. Letting a petty rivalry get in the way between you, could resort in the death of everyone..."


    A few minutes later...


    Hero and Kitsune, as well as Dawson, all stepped out of the building and back into the courtyard outside all of the towers.


    "I''ll be heading back now," Dawson said peaking over his shoulder. "Oh... Jackson called by the way. He said he wanted to see you Kitsune."


    "Really! Great." Kitsune nodded his head. "I''ll go right away." He announced.


    "I don''t care..." Dawson said walking off.


    Hero was silent as he and Kitsune slowly walked back to the Squad Six Tower. "Something on your mind?" Kitsune questioned casually.


    "Ahh well..." Hero gave a shrug. "I''m still just thinking about what that Miss-Captain-Lady, and Mr. Blight said. I mean. It is kind of weird to consider the fact that I could get attacked randomly than have to suddenly work with them later on... There are a few people I would rather not have to team up with..."


    "Oh, I get it..." Kitsune said smirking slightly. "You''re afraid you''re gonna have to work with that Max kid!"


    "What!"


    "It''s so obvious," Kitsune said smirking as he crosses his arms.


    "No..."


    "You''re thinking about what he said that day right," Kitsune said letting out a small sigh. "You could feel it too. The power coming off of him, and that Shiki fellow. They had so much power coming off of them... Every hair on my body was forced to stand up while I was near them."


    Hero let out a slight sigh. "Yeah... I didn''t like it."


    "I don''t blame you," Kitsune replied. "It was like looking at an oncoming train that would hit you any second... I didn''t like being next to them... And they were so arrogant... I wanted to teach them a lesson but my body simply wouldn''t act at all... Deep down I knew they would obliterate me."


    "Maybe... Maybe we won''t be able to catch up to them." Hero said slowly.


    "What?" Kitsune stopped as he turned to look at Hero.


    "Well... I mean... You saw how strong Zero, and Jackson were. It was like they were a storm, and we were thin pieces of paper. And Max and Shiki are the same age as us, and are both still recruits, and yet they seem to have loads of more power. Plus who knows how strong some of the other recruits are-"


    "I can''t believe that you are even suggesting that we give up!"


    "Well not give up... I''m just trying to be reasonable..."


    "No!" Kitsune reached out grabbing Hero by the collar. "You''re afraid. You tried to act all cool, but I saw how shaken up you were after the battle with Zero... You''re scared right... Those nightmares you keep having... Afraid that we will have to fight something like that again..." Hero didn''t say anything as he looked away. "When we got back... You wanted to fight Dawson almost immediately because you wanted to see how much you''ve improved. Now that you''ve seen how little it is are you really going to just throw in the towel?"


    "You don''t understand." Hero said sighing. "I can barely control my abilities... And-"


    "That''s why you''re wearing contacts right. To hide those silver eyes of yours. You''re hiding what you are now. You rely on your Inflation, and your mother''s Attribute the most. You''ve been slacking on using that other power... No wonder you can barely use it, you''re not trying to even use it unless you''re forced to, and even then you rely on those bone pipes from it. Let me guess. That one girl''s words also scared you."


    ''Most, are battle-hungry-mad-warriors... They say it takes a few years but all Seraphin''s slowly snap, and will only care about battle, in order to grow...''


    Hero pulled Kitsune''s hand off of him. "I''ll meet you back at the dorm... I''m gonna go take a walk."


    Kitsune let out a sigh as he turned away. "Hero... You should really consider where you want to go from here. I don''t want you to slow down our group."


    Hero didn''t say anything as he slowly walked off... He gave a small wave behind his shoulder as he stepped away from the boy.

 Chapter 79 - The Past

    Age 1991


    "Ha! I''m not scared!" Hero said as he played with his hands in his pocket. "Or am I..." He went quiet again as he paced back and forth at a fast speed. "What is being scared anyways?"


    "I don''t know but I''m starting to get annoyed of watching you walk back and forth and talk to yourself..." The Gatekeep, who stopped people from entering past the golden gates, snapped as his eyes lazily watched Hero march past his gate several times. The boy had been walking around going, back and forth, muttering to himself, for nearly two hours.


    "You aren''t a part of the equation!" Hero said simply pointing at the gate keeper.


    The gatekeeper sighed shaking his head. "Look, kid. What''s wrong? What''s got you scared?"


    "Screw you! I''m not scared!"


    "Sure... That''s why your face is pale, and your body is shaking. Look. I heard about the mission-"


    "Oh! Of course, you did! I guess everybody knows!"


    "Oh shut up. As I was saying. I heard about the mission." The man said nodding. "You shouldn''t be so afraid. I don''t know what exactly went on fully but I heard it almost cost Vice-Captain Jackson his life. If that''s the case you have nothing to be afraid of. Jackson has been an Enforcer for almost three years and he hasn''t come that close to death in years... Whatever that mission was the chances of you ever facing something that strong again will likely never happen."


    "It isn''t that." Hero said slowly. "It''s just... I''m not strong enough... I''m never strong enough." He muttered out as the image of the outline of a man in a lab coat came to his mind. The image faded and was replaced by the giant lab coat which Hero had named Labby. Finally the image of a young girl appeared in his head. "I never seem to be quite at that point... Besides. I''m worried about other things than just fighting a strong guy... We also had to fight an Earl which really sucked... And then there''s the fact that I''m apparently a Seraphin which I still have no idea how to act on?"


    "You''re young and inexperienced. You don''t have a good reason to fight, and you don''t have a reason to get stronger."


    "What. Yes, I do."


    "No. You clearly don''t." The man retorted as he folded his arms. "You may say you do. But you don''t. If you''re hesitating like this, then whatever goal you had been pretending to have is breaking. You do not have a reason to go on, and keep pushing yourself so now you''re running away. Whatever it is that you are seeking is slipping away from you... Fading away into nothingness. You''ve gained a small inkling of fear and you''re hesitating now..."


    "I''m telling you, I have a goal!"


    "Are you prepared to die for that goal. And I don''t mean die, and complete the goal. I mean are you prepared to die, in an attempt to follow after this goal. Die knowing that it could have all been for nothing. Knowing you might fail. If you aren''t prepared to walk down this path which will lead to pain, agony, and loss, then you have no right to call yourself an Enforcer. And as an Enforcer, you have no right to die. You must be prepared to die chasing after your dream, but you must still go on. Being an Enforcer means you will die. There isn''t a question about it. No Enforcer has lived past the age of thirty. They either retire, or die on the battlefield. Not a single person save for Master Storm is above the age of thirty. If you don''t have any goal, that will push you to this certain death, then why are you walking down this road. The fact is. You Hero Otoko, will die, being an Enforcer if you continue to lack a goal. Or. You can die holding onto a goal, and maybe, when it happens, because it will happen, you won''t be afraid. Because you know it was what you wanted. Because you know you stuck true and followed that path. We all die as Enforcers. But at least if we have a goal to chase after we can say that we struck true to who we are..."


    Hero didn''t say anything as he turned away from the man.


    "Do you think you understand now?"


    "Not a clue..." Hero said giving a sheepish smile.


    The gatekeeper let out a loud sigh. "Get the hell out of my sight."


    Hero smiled as he began to walk off. "Hey... Umm. Thanks for trying at least... A goal huh. Something that I can work towards dying for."


    "Think of it as a promise. Even if it is something impossible, as long as you made it, and it means something you won''t have to worry about it. You said you have a goal already. If you really care about it you won''t let these small fears stop you."


    "I''m still a little lost..."


    "Oh my God!" The gatekeep took a deep breath as he let out another sigh. "Find. Something. You. Will. Die. For. Make. A. Goal. Than. Make. A. Promise. That. Will. Let. You. Follow. That. Goal."


    "Okay!" Hero nodded as he gave a small wave. "I still don''t get it but I won''t bother you anymore about it! Later Mr. Gatekeeper."


    The Gatekeeper let out another sigh as he turned away. "Later kid..." He muttered out before a small smirk came to his lips. "Just one... Just find one thing that will let you keep going forward." He said quietly.


    Hero walked off as he let out another sigh. "So. I need to find something to combat the fear... My goal... Well..." The image of a young girl came to his mind again. "My goal is to save her... But... I can''t do that if I''m this weak. But I can''t get stronger if I''m this scared... Scared huh..."


    ''Don''t be afraid because Hero''s can''t feel fear...''


    "I never was a very good hero..." Hero said letting out a small laugh as he looked up to the black sky. "But I took that name for my mother... I wanted to be what she described... And yet. I''m still surrounded by my constant failure..."


    Age 1981


    A small six-year-old boy sat curled up in a ball in the corner of the white room. He flinched as the sounds of combat echoed out in the background. His emerald eyes slowly glanced over to the bed in the corner.


    There the girl he called mother rested. Her red eyes were opened and stared up at the ceiling. They were blank and glassy and held no emotion in them. Her skin was pale and her entire body was held perfectly still not moving.


    The child flinched again as a loud bang echoed out on the other side of the large metal door. There was cracking sound, as a bright light filled the room. Then the metal door fell forward snapping off of its hinges as it smashed against the ground.


    The child looked up as a figure slowly entered the room... An old man who was just now beginning to get some greys in his hair and mustache.


    The man had almost pure blond hair, and golden eyes as he looked over at the frail and shaking boy. His eyes were cold, and harsh as he held a frown on his face staring at the child.


    Then his eyes slowly glanced over at the body of the girl in the room.


    And instantly it was like a switch was hit...


    His face dropped as his eyes widened with horror. "No..." He whispered out. He stepped forward slowly. "No... No... No... No... No..." Then he took another step. He slowly walked over to the body of the woman. He placed a hand on her and instantly jumped back from how cold she was. He glanced down at his hands which were now stained with a red liquid from her stomach. His face grew pale as he slowly reached out. "Oh, Joan... What did he do to you..." He said quietly. And he broke down. He grabbed the body of the woman and simply broke down into tears.


    The boy slowly stood up not knowing what to do as he awkwardly took a step forward.


    Instantly the man''s head jerked up as he turned to look at the boy. His golden eyes peered into the emerald ones of the boy.


    "What happened."


    "What?"


    There was a golden flash as the man shot forward grabbing the boy by the neck and slamming him into the metal wall. "I said... What happened." He growled out.


    The boy took several gasps of breath as he jerked around. "I-I don''t know!"


    "Did the General do that to her..."


    "Yes!"


    "Why?"


    The boy took out another gasp. "I-I don''t know! Mother never said-"


    "Mother?"


    "Mother... The girl on the table-"


    The man dropped the child to the floor as he stared down at him. "That girl... She''s..." He glanced back at the body for a few moments. "No... It can''t be." He shook his head. He seemed to consider something as he glanced back down at the boy. "Tell me... What''s your name."


    "I... I never got one. I was only ever called ''my little hero'' by Mother..."


    The man was silent as he slowly reached out. "My name is Okami Otoko..." The man said as he placed his hand on the boys head. "Tell me... Hero. Do you want to leave this place?"

 Chapter 80 - Heros Determination! A Promise is made!

    Age 1991


    "What!" Cloud said with wide eyes. "You just let him walk off on his own."


    "Yeah..." Kitsune said folding his arms as he raised an eyebrow. "What''s the big deal? I figure he''ll mope about and figure something out on his own-"


    "It''s Hero! The guys an idiot! Why in the world would you think it was a good idea for him to solve a serious life issue, such as crippling fear, on his own!"


    Kitsune opened his mouth to say something but quickly closed it. His eyes slowly widened. "I''ve made a horrible mistake!" He yelled out.


    "We need to find him fast! Knowing Hero he''ll talk to someone and get a dumb idea in his head! Who knows what he''ll come up with on his own!"


    "Oh my God! He could think that the key to solving fear, is to just not try anything! Or worse! He could think that as long as he does something stupid over and over again he just won''t need to be afraid."


    "Stop talking and come on!" Cloud said running to the door. Kitsune turned and followed after him.


    Both Irene and Ken sat on the bed still processing what they just saw. "Did... Do... What?" Irene said slowly.


    "Do they think Hero won''t recover from being afraid?" Ken questioned. "I mean... It''s Hero? He''ll find a solution, and fix the problem at hand."


    "Well... Hero is a mysterious fellow." Irene said as she slowly stood up.


    "Speaking of mystery''s I have a question."


    "What is it?"


    "So is the real North actually a girl, or are you just pretending to be him?"


    Irene instantly froze as she slowly turned to see the innocent smile on Ken''s face. "You Devil girl..."


    Meanwhile...


    "Gah! This is so hard!" Hero said collapsing to the grass bellow as he placed his hands on his head. "Okay... So. I need to get stronger! But I can''t! Is it fear? Or is it something else? How to get more strength!" Hero rolled up into a ball as he let out a sigh. "This is so hard... I get why I''m afraid. I get that I will have to train hard. I get that I need a goal... I have all of those things and understand them... Yet I still have no idea how I can gain more strength... Or... Or how I can gain the courage to push forward. Man... Who knew being an Enforcer would be so hard."


    "Umm...Are you alright?"


    "Ahh!" Hero jumped into the air as he held his arms up going into an awkward battle stance. "Don''t attack me! I''m a serious threat with a lot of power, and I''m totally awesome, and know how to fight!"


    "What are you doing..."


    Hero stopped suddenly as he blinked a few times trying to come up with an answer. "Nothing." He said staring at the three people who were now in front of him.


    The three of them all raised an eyebrow as they stared at him. The first person, which was the one who spoke, was a young sixteen-year-old girl, with long platinum-blond hair, and blue eyes. She wore a very elegant winter coat. The second was a boy who looked to be seventeen. He hovered behind the girl and stared at Hero with a serious expression not once taking his eyes off of the boy. He had red hair, and black eyes. And lastly was a young fifteen-year-old boy who was nervously following behind the two, as he awkwardly twiddled his thumbs. He looked away when Hero glanced at him. All three of them looked kind of familiar. Maybe other new recruits?


    "Umm so..." Hero said trying to steer the conversation away. "Nice weather right?" But his attempt failed miserably. The three teens continued to stare at him. "What?" He finally asked.


    "I came to check on you... ou were yelling out yourself and folded up into a ball?" The girl said folding her arms up as she let out a heavy sigh. "Honestly I don''t know why I bothered... You''re a very rude commoner."


    "Oh... You''re a Noble..."


    "Is that a problem?"


    "Are you going to continue to insult me by calling me a commoner?"


    "Yes."


    "Than yeah. Its a problem."


    The girl rolled her eyes. "You should be more like Shuncong." She said gesturing to the nervous boy behind her. He flinched jumping away.


    "...Not happening..."


    The girl let out a sigh. "Very well." She said calmly. "My name is Reine, heir to the Noble family of Antoinette." She announced proudly.


    "I''m Hero." Hero announced equally as loud as her. He held his hand out and instantly the third guy jumped forward getting between the Noble and him.


    "You mustn''t touch Lady Antoinette." He announced in a serious tone.


    "Whoa!" Hero said holding his hands up as he backed up.


    The girl let out a sigh as she shook her head. "Sir Schutz, please stop..." She said speaking sternly.


    "But lady-"


    "Schutz!"


    "Yes, my lady..."


    "What just happened..." Hero said blinking rapidly as he processed what he just saw.


    "Don''t mind Schutz." The Noble girl said waving her hand. "He''s nothing to be afraid of. Just a bit overprotective of me. I came here to become a better Noble and to eventually inherit the title of Empress... Unfortunately, some people don''t seem to understand that, that means to stop holding my hand!" She said loudly as she glared at Schutz.


    "My lady. I already informed you that-"


    "Blah, blah, blah!"


    Hero watched the three people with a look of confusion as he slowly took another step away from them. ''These guys are weird...'' He thought as he frowned. ''I should leave before they recognize who I-''


    "You''re Hero Otoko right..."


    ''Damn it!''


    Hero stopped as he glanced over at the quiet boy. The other two also stopped as he shrunk down taking a step back when he noticed everyone was looking at him.


    "Umm. I mean... You''re... You''re on Squad Six... And umm... You were on that big mission that everyone knows about, but nobody knows what happened on it exactly. Also. You''re a Seraphin..."


    "What''s a Seraphin?" Both Reine and Schutz''s said in confusion.


    "Uhh yeah? That''s me." Hero said a bit nervous now. "Why do you ask."


    "You must be really strong right..." The shy boy muttered out as he stared at the ground in embarrassment. "I want to get stronger too..." He said slowly.


    "Well... I''m not really!" Hero said laughing.


    "What?"


    "It''s actually why I was muttering to myself earlier." He responded as he looked down at his hands. "I''m trying to figure out how to get stronger. I need to draw more power but I can''t figure out how. I''m hitting a wall..." The image of a giant pissed off lab coat came to his mind as he clutched his hands. "Something is causing me to hit this rut..."


    "What do you mean?" Schutz asked raising an eyebrow.


    "Well... I don''t know how I can just get stronger... During the mission, we fought a very powerful opponent. Things were looking very bleak. But I managed to get back up and allow my friend, to attack with a finishing blow. It was close but we just barely won. But afterwords, it really sunk in how outmatched I was... Then after I got back, I was only reminded of how little I really grew. It''s weird but... I think I was actually stronger when I fought that man. I don''t know how, but I was able to use more power in that fight. Power I can no longer use... There''s a goal I want to reach. A road I want to walk. Someone I want to save. But I just don''t think I''ll be able to..."


    "Wow. Sucks to be you!" Reine replied casually.


    Hero dropped to the ground as he let out a sigh and slowly got back up.


    "It sounds like you already have your answer." The bodyguard of the Noble said slowly as he crossed his arms.


    "Umm? What?"


    "The answer you are looking for. You''ve found it already."


    "I have!" Hero said in surprise. "It''s gonna be something stupid..."


    "Tell me. During the battle did you consider for a moment how outmatched you were. Did you consider the fact that you would die? Did you stop and allow yourself to feel fear?" The man questioned.


    "I... I didn''t. I was too busy fighting and trying to save my friends. I didn''t consider it." Hero said slowly.


    "Exactly. You''re trying to find out how to get the strength to complete this goal of yours. Well, you''ve found out the answer. Besides. You''re saying that this single battle terrified you right? What about your friends. Do you think they are scared? Are they running around in a panic thinking about how they wern''t strong enough? Or do they already know the answer. You want to get stronger? You fight."


    "How does that help?"


    "When you are fighting to protect someone, or something, that''s when a person can really go all out... That''s when they can grab a hold of their inner power and unleash it all. I bet if you were to fight the version of you that tried to protect his friends, you would lose, you even said it yourself, you think that you had more power when you were on the mission. It''s because at that point you weren''t considering the difference in power. You want to complete this goal of yours. Than keep fighting. Fight to protect whatever it is that you are holding onto. Whatever person, whatever object, whatever memory it maybe. Fight for it. And while you fight to protect be amazed at the power you''ll unleash. When you protect something, you don''t have time to die. You don''t have time to worry about how strong the opponent is. You don''t have time to worry about the fear. All you have is the adrenaline pushing your body to unleash its hidden power. So the answer to how you can get stronger is simple. You fight. You might not grow as much as you want when training. You might not be strong enough to beat whoever it is that you are fighting. But. As long as you really are fighting to protect something than, rest assured, you will have more power at that moment. But. It''s still up to you to make sure that extra power is enough. Besides. If you quit what''ll change? You''re scared of facing someone who is so much stronger than you but you have friends who are in the Enforcers. If you quit, what''ll happen to them... Just because you''ll run away from someone strong doesn''t mean they will. That''s why you owe it to then to get stronger. If you really want to protect them then you must allow yourself to grow, and develop. You said you fought to protect your friends during that mission. What would happen if your friends had to fight someone strong once again, but you weren''t there because you quit, or you ran away, or you allowed the fear to hit you... It is your duty to protect those that you care about. That''s what power is. That''s where power comes from. Drawing the strength to get back up and keep on fighting someone who is stronger than you. That shows you''re strong. That you have the spark to become an Enforcer."


    Hero was silent for a moment as he hung his head. "I never thought of it like that. But you''re right. I can''t just mope around complaining about not being strong enough. I need to grow! I need to develop! I''m going to follow down my path of this death, and I''ll protect my friends, and I promise that no matter what, I''ll save her!" He announced now having his spark back.


    "Save who?"


    "Not important!" Hero announced throwing his arms up. "I got to go! I need to go tell Kitsune that I''m ready! I''m not gonna sit by and let him surpass me so easily!"


    "You do that." The bodyguard said letting out a chuckle. "Oh. By the way. If you ever need a sparring partner, come find me in the Squad three dorms."


    "Will do!" Hero announced as he ran off.


    "That was kind of bad of you..." Reine said frowning. "Handing advice out to a rival like that?"


    "I just told him the truth," Schutz said smirking. "After all." He turned flashing her a slight smile as she turned away from him with a light blush. "I have something to protect as well..."

 Chapter 81 - Development

    Age 1991


    Jackson jumped to the left avoiding a ball of flames as he gritted his teeth. ''This would be a million times easier with a weapon...'' He thought to himself. The Vice-Captain twisted his body to the side as a large ball of ice flew past him. ''Way easier...''


    "Oh come on!" Kitsune said throwing his hands up into the air. "This is hopeless!'' He sighed out as he folded his arms. "We''ve been at it all day but we still can''t hit you."


    "Well. Try harder?" Jackson said shrugging his shoulders sheepishly.


    "Will you actually give us a reasonable solution?" Irene muttered out as she frowned at the man.


    The three of them were back in the training room. Jackson claimed he would show them how to better use their Attributes, but than apparently changed his mind, and said he would only teach them if they could get a hit in on him. The problem was that lightening out sped both fire, and ice...


    "That''s not how it''ll work," Jackson said smirking.


    "But you''re just way to fast!" Kitsune said still annoyed. "How can we possibly hit you! This isn''t fair!"


    "Well. I am the fastest Enforcer!" Jackson said proudly as he gave a bright smile. "Although. You should know that while I am insanely fast, there are plenty of people who are still faster than me outside of the Enforcers." He stated, now giving a serious tone. "You should find a way to overcome someone being able to casually out speed your attacks-" Jackson ducked down as a ball of ice, and fire shot over his head. "And attacking at the same time is smart, if you can coordinate it. Both of you just firing out attacks at the same time is just the same results but from two angles..."


    "I really hate you..." Irene sighed out.


    "It is to be expected... I mean he is a Vice-Captain. And he is a Storm. He''s a Noble of insane power and-"


    "Okay! I get it!" Irene said rolling her eyes. "You can stop worshipping our enemy any time now! Seriously... You basically copy the man..."


    Kitsune gave a small shrug as he turned back to Jackson. "Alright... Well. It is as good a time as any I suppose." He brought his arms up creating a ball of energy. "Fox-Flare!" He announced as a wave of heat fired out.


    Blue electricity crackled around Jackson as he shot towards the left dodging the attack. "Firing an attack in a straight line isn''t a very good idea when your opponent can move as fast as lightning..." He said trailing off. "Those kinds of attacks aren''t very good if you can''t get a hit on your opponent. "Also? Are you trying to steal my attacks?"


    "Well! I don''t know how to pull it apart." Kitsune said letting out a sigh. "I struggle with getting it to separate."


    "I know the feeling," Irene muttered out. "I struggle with trying to shape my ice... No matter how hard I try, it always comes out as malformed blocks of Ice..." She muttered. ''Nowhere near the level of North''s...'' She thought to herself as she gave a heavy frown.


    Jackson gave a small sigh as he folded his arms up. "Okay. Look. I''ll give you a small piece of advice since both of you are struggling so much." He stated. "The reason you can''t hit me is because you are aiming at where I am."


    "Isn''t... Isn''t that whole point?" Kitsune questioned in slight confusion.


    "Not when your opponent can dodge," Jackson said shaking his head. "If you see that someone can dodge your attack easily, then you should stop aiming at where they are and instead aim at where they will be." He stated as a small smirk found its way onto his face. "So. When fighting if you''re going to hurl massive attacks around, you should study your opponent, and figure out how they are moving and make yourself an opening."


    "I get it," Irene said nodding her head. "I see what we have to do now."


    "I think I do too," Kitsune said nodding his head.


    Both teens raised their arms up, only to be stopped when a loud bell echoed throughout the training room.


    "Oh!" Jackson said giving a smirk. "Times up. Sorry kids. I guess you won''t get to test out your new attacks out on me. Better luck next time!"


    "Oh come on!" They both shouted.


    Jackson let out a laugh as he turned away from them. "Well! Come on then. Let''s go meet up with the others and see how they are doing. It''d also be nice to take a break. Ever since Hero came back from his walk around the towers, he had been so hyper... And of course, you all replicated him... I mean it''s been almost a week of you guys pestering us to train you all. It''s weird since none of us ever had a chance to train a new recruit... I wonder if we''re doing any good."


    "We just want to be ready on case we have to go on another mission," Irene said shrugging casually. "The chances of anyone as strong as Zero had been aren''t high, but those Earl''s are a lot more common. As we are now even if all five of us teamed up we wouldn''t be able to beat one..."


    "Well then. It''s a good thing you guys prepared then." Jackson said waving his hand slightly. "We''re gonna be sent out on a mission pretty soon..."


    "Really?" Kitsune said raising an eyebrow. A slight smirk found its way onto his face.


    "Yeah... Part of Squad Six''s job, is to go inspect other cities and check up on them... I mean every Squad has to do that, but Squad Six is usually the ones that are asked. Anyways. We are ordered to head to certain cities that have suspicious activities, and it''s our job to discover them, and put a stop to them." He said casually as he exited the training room followed by the others. "Squad Six is usually the more battle oriented squad. We''re flexible for most situations."


    "So we''re gonna get to do another mission after all!" Irene said nodding her head.


    "What''s this about another mission?"


    The group turned finding Ken, and Hero standing near the entrance to the training room. Ken was dressed up in a set of work out clothing, as she had been forced by the other higher-ups, to start eating more, and working out, to finally fix her malnourishment. She had also been instructed to not use her Attribute unless she had no other choice... A fact that really annoyed the small girl since now she could barely do anything from her lack of physical strength. She had relied on her Attribute to do any physical test, but now without she had the strength of a fourteen malnourished girl, that had never worked out a day in her life. It really sucked... She had to ask people to do stuff for her since she couldn''t do anything now.


    "Yo Hero!" Kitsune said as him and Hero high fived. "Where''s Cloud?"


    "He went to go off and meditate." Hero replied giving a smalls shrug. "He has an idea for a new attack but he''s still working out the vision of it in his head."


    "What''s this about a new mission?" Ken asked again, but with a little more force in her voice as she folded her arms up.


    Irene took a step away as she stared at the fourteen-year-old girl with a small amount of uneasiness. Ken returned her look, with an annoyed frown. ''I should be careful around her... She knows who I really am. Thankfully she hasn''t told anyone yet.''


    "We''re gonna be going on a new mission in a couple of days!" Kitsune announced happily.


    "Well. Maybe." Jackson said holding his hands up. "All I said was that Squad Six would be sent out on a mission. We don''t know who is going, or how the group will be split up. I do figure that you all will be picked simply so you can see how this kind of mission works."


    "Well, what Class is it?" Ken questioned.


    "None," Jackson replied back. "The mission is unknown. We are simply going to go check out a city, and walk around, and try to find something. It won''t have an official ranking until we get back to headquarters and give a full report on what we found. Then you''ll get Bells based off how much they think the mission was worth."


    "Seems interesting," Ken said slightly sarcastically as she frowned. "Although... I guess I should be glad that we won''t have to worry about anything too crazy."


    "I dunno... I''ve seen a lot of weird stuff on scouting missions." Jackson said shrugging. "I once saw a guy devour a Bestia Macht? Who knows what we''ll see."


    "Whatever!" Ken smirked slightly as she crossed her arms and tried to look cool. "Whatever it is, I''ll solve the problem in an ultra-stylish way. It''ll be done so well that I''ll become mega-famous, and have my name written down everywhere."


    Kitsune gave a small sigh as his eye twitched. "She''s still going on about becoming a famous superhero..."


    "She''s been going on about it all day..." Hero muttered out to the Fox Noble.


    Jackson let out a small laugh at his recruit''s antics. "Well, guys. If I were you. I''d get some last-minute training in. It''s important to get it done early. Eventually, you get to the point where all you''ll be doing is going on missions."


    The group all looked at each other for a few seconds as they all gave a small nod.


    Jackson gave another small smirk as he reached out placing a hand on Ken''s head. "You especially need to do some big training-" He stepped to the side dodging a swipe from the girl as he smirked. Then in a flash, he vanished.


    "I really hate him..." Ken muttered.


    "He''s so cool..." Kitsune said with stars in his eyes.


    "I need to go," Irene stated bluntly. "I need to get back to training."


    "What? But you''ve been nonstop training." Hero said frowning.


    "So have you?"


    "No. I''ve been training in quick bursts, then taking short breaks..." Hero pointed out. "I mean. It''s fine to want to improve by a lot right now but don''t push it. I talked to some people and got some helpful advice. You should definitely train when you can but don''t drain all of your energy, and time on it. You''ll burn yourself out to fast, and will begin to lose progress."


    Irene rolled her eyes. "Than I''ll worry about that when I get there." She stated walking past Hero. "I need to get a lot stronger... And fast."


    "Then get something to fight for."


    Irene didn''t reply as she walked away.


    "Anyone else think North got a little colder?" Hero questioned.


    "Oh. ''He''s just a little annoyed because I found out about his big secret." Ken said casually.


    "Secret? Do tell..." Kitsune said leaning in.


    "No."


    "Why not?"


    "It''s not my place. When North feels comfortable to tell you guys, you''ll know. And if he doesn''t tell, I''ll let you guys decide on how you want to treat them hiding something from you."


    Kitsune folded his arms as he let out a sigh. "Ahh, whatever. I didn''t want to know anyways..." He muttered out. "But. Mr. Storm had a point. Who knows when we''ll have a chance like this to train again. We should make the most of it, and see how hard our efforts had paid off. Plus. I read that scouting missions can take at the least a week, and at the most a few months... Who knows when we''ll be able to get back."


    "You''re right... Which gives me an idea!" Ken said as a light bulb flashed over her head.


    "Oh no... She''s coming up with plans..." Kitsune muttered stepping away.


    "We''re doomed..." Hero said also muttering. Both boys stepped back as Ken folded her arms and gave them both an annoyed glare.


    "Ha...Ha...Ha..." She shook her head as her dull red eyes rolled. "Very funny."


    "Well. What''s your plan?" Hero questioned?


    Ken smirked as she leaned in close to both of the boys. "Tomorrow we should challenge some of the other recruits."

 Chapter 81 - The Story Starts Now!

    Age 1991


    Kitsune walked forward as Cloud followed after him.


    "I still can''t believe you just let your friend walk-off by himself while he was going through an emotional moment..." The blind teen said shooting Kitsune a glare through his sunglasses.


    "Well! How was I supposed to know he would be affected so bad?" Kitsune questioned? "I mean... All of us were scared of Zero, and obviously, none of us want to fight him again, but Hero, seems to have really taken it bad."


    "He''s a Seraphin..." Cloud said giving a small shrug. "North has been doing some research on them in his free time and told me a bit about them... Emotional damage is bound to be a given already, but to make matters worse they are highly susceptible to emotions so it''s easy for them to get angry, sad, depressed-"


    "Hey speaking of North. What do you think of him?" Kitsune questioned casually?


    Cloud stopped as he stared at the Noble. "What..."


    "What?"


    "Did you just ask me what I think of North?"


    "Yeah... Why?"


    "Why? Why do you want to know about North?"


    Kitsune gave an uncomfortable shrug. "I... I don''t know? I mean he has some cool powers, and a good personality... Let''s stop discussing this and get back to looking for Hero."


    The two boys turned back to the job at hand as they continued searching the outside yard, looking for their lost friend.


    "Mr. Gate keeper," Kitsune said giving a small wave when he saw the man. "We''re looking for Hero. Seen him."


    "I mean... Yeah. I have. Why?"


    "We''re looking for him," Cloud said giving a small shrug. "He ran off in a hurry and we need to find him."


    "Afraid he''s gonna do something stupid."


    "Yeah."


    The GateKeeper gave a heavy sigh as he raised his arms up and pointed in a direction. "Last I saw of the crazy nut job, he ran off that way. He seemed to be deep in thought and was muttering to himself like crazy... He''s definitely one of the weirder recruits we got this Age..."


    "Okay. Thanks for the help." Kitsune stated giving a small bow.


    The two boys quickly turned away as they ran off once again. "Where do you think he is?" Cloud questioned.


    "I''m seeing as much as- I mean. I don''t know?" Kitsune replied back as he gave a shrug.


    "Hero. He really is something, isn''t he. He''s not the strongest member of our team, but he''s got raw endurance on his side. He just keeps coming taking more and more damage." Cloud said in a respectful tone.


    Kitsune gave a small nod. "I''ll admit. I''m a bit jealous of Hero. I might be stronger, and more skilled, but him having three Attributes is a great advantage for him. He is capable of so much with those powers of his. And they all flow together in such a way... He really hit the motherload on Attribute classes..."


    "Attribute classes?" Cloud said raising a small eyebrow. "I don''t think I''ve heard of those."


    "Really?" Kitsune said in a bit of surprised tone. "Well, that makes some sense I suppose. They are mostly a... Well... Umm..."


    "A what?"


    "Well... You see there are several Noble families. However, usually, Nobles do not like mixing blood with other Nobles, as when two Super-Attributes come together the child will have a fifty-fifty split between either having the mothers, or fathers, or on even rarer occasions having the two Super-Attributes fuse together into monstrous powerhouse of an ability. Normally that''s great but the downside is that it is often times too powerful for a body to handle and the baby will die before ever maturing."


    "Okay? What does that have to do with anything?" Cloud questioned?


    "Well. It means that Nobles will prefer to have children with commoners." Kitsune is in an awkward tone as he gave a light blush. "This is because the newborn child will almost always have the Noble Attribute. Very rarely they will still have a mix between the parents, but since it is only one Super-Attribute being mixed with a normal commoner Attribute it is far easier for the body to handle. That''s why Nobles prefer to marry a commoner. If two Nobles will have a baby they risk killing the child. Of a Noble and a Commoner have a child, there is a much smaller risk, and in fact, a chance that the child will be even stronger."


    "So what do Attribute Classes have to do with that?" Cloud questioned raising an eyebrow.


    "I was getting to that..." Kitsune said giving the blind man a deadpan stare. "Stop interrupting me... So basically a chart was formed allowing Attributes to be better distinguished as what they are. These come in classes, and types. There are two types of an Attribute. Active Types, meaning the user has to turn their ability on or off. My ability, your ability, Ken''s ability, and North''s ability are all Active types. One of Hero''s Attributes is also an Active type. The second type of Attribute is called an On type. An On type is an effect that is active at all times. It doesn''t require nearly as much energy as an Active type and will be turned on constantly with no way to turn it off. Mr. Blight is an example of an On type. His red tendrils are inside of his body at all times no matter what. Also, two of Hero''s Attributes are On type. Also, also, in some cases, an Attribute can be an On type, and an Active type at the sametime. That Maudite girl was an example of this. If your Attribute is an On type and an Active type that means it will have a constant effect, but it can still be turned on and activated as well giving you two effects. There are some cases when an Attribute will have a passive effect when activated for example my Nine-Tailed Fox mode, makes me stronger, faster, and quicker, but it is not an On effect as while so things are passive I don''t have them unless I turn my ability on... The next thing about Attributes are the Classes."


    "Finally..." Cloud muttered out rolling his eyes.


    "Oh shut it..." Kitsune took a deep breath. "There are several different kinds of classes all ranging from different effects. And this is where it gets kind of confusing."


    "Wait it wasn''t confusing before?"


    "So to start off with you have several different Classes. Then there are some Subclasses... Some Attributes can seem like they fall into more than one category which is why we made some of them have subclasses. So, first of all, you have what is known as a Caster. This would be like Mr. Storm, or North, as well as you. Casters can generate something like an element or energy, that they can then shape with some difficulty and use it in battle. There also exists a rare subclass of a caster called Embodiment. An Embodiment Class is a caster that can use their Attribute on their own body to enhance it. Mr. Storm, for example, is able to boost his speed and power with his own electricity. He would be an example of an Embodiment. Only Nobles can be Embodiment''s however."


    "Whys that?"


    "We don''t know? It just seems to be a form of the strand that exist in Nobles."


    "What''s next?" Cloud asked with curiosity.


    "Next is the Conjuror class. They are like a caster in that they create things but a Conjuror as a lot more control over their objects, and can shape it to a better extent. North could technically be a Conjuror if he had better control over his Attribute. Conjurors are able to shape whatever it is they create into many things like weapons, people, or even beasts..."


    "Interesting... I assume that isn''t all though?"


    "You would be correct. Next is an Augmentation Class. These are people who''s Attributes can enhance their body, or healing, or anything. They just enhance themselves, or even objects. Ken, for example, is an Augment. She''s someone who can increase her power, or increase the power of other things. When an Augment Class foes affect their body or other objects, those being affected do not change in appearance. The next Class is known as the Mutation Class. Dawson Blight is a Mutation. Like an Augment the Mutation is able to affect their body, but when they do it their body will physically change. Almost all Mutation Class Attributes, are On type. All of Hero''s Attributes are also a Mutation Class."


    "I see... But that still doesn''t explain your Attribute?" Cloud said raising an eyebrow.


    "Well, that leads me to the two last categories. The rare Class is known as Mystic. These are like Casters. They use their powers similar to them, and some Mystics can seem like an embodiment. What makes them different from a Caster is that they use straight-up magic. Whereas a Caster uses an element or an energy, a Mystic is capable of performing feats that seem downright magical..."


    "So you''re a Mystic?"


    "Nope. I an even rare type of class. My Attribute class is known as a Mythic. They are just like a Mystic, but Mythic''s have powers that seem to involve a more fantastical art. Mythic''s have Attributes that can work like any of the above categories, but with one thing different. A Mythic''s Attribute will be based off a story from the ancient days. An example... Way back there used to be the tale of Foxes with Nine Tails. They were considered tricksters. My ability allows me to take on that aspect. That''s how a Mythic works. We take on the powers of a fairy tale."


    "And this is the rarest kind of Attribute?" Cloud questioned.


    Kitsune gave a nod. "I believe only a total of five, have ever been seen. My family possesses one of them. There are four other Noble families out there who will have the other ones."


    "So what''s why everyone is so interested in you as well?" Cloud muttered out.


    "Yep." Kitsune gave a cheeky grin. "In some terms. I could actually be considered even rarer then Hero... And I still have a long ways to go. My Attribute is still developing..."


    "Well, how long do you think until it''ll finish?"


    The two boys turned seeing Hero up ahead. He gave a small wave and a large smile.


    "There you are!"


    "Sorry for making you two come look for me!" Hero said in a sheepish tone.


    Kitsune gave a smirk. "Your expression... It''s gone back to being an idiotic smile... You''re back to normal."


    "Well. As normal as I can get." Hero said giving a shrug. "I was worried about fighting. Because I didn''t want to end up as a mindless warrior like that girl said... But... I won''t. I''ll fight. And I''ll have fun. Not because I''m a Seraphin. But because this is the kind of person I am."


    "I see he''s back to being loud..." Cloud muttered out.


    Kitsune gave a tiny smile of recognition to his friend. "Well then watch Hero. Watch me leave you in the dust! From this day on I''ll take that promise we made even more serious!"

 Chapter 82 - Improvement

    Age 1991


    Jackson jumped to the left avoiding a ball of flames as he gritted his teeth. ''This would be a million times easier with a weapon...'' He thought to himself. The Vice-Captain twisted his body to the side as a large ball of ice flew past him. ''Way easier...''


    "Oh come on!" Kitsune said throwing his hands up into the air. "This is hopeless!'' He sighed out as he folded his arms. "We''ve been at it all day but we still can''t hit you."


    "Well. Try harder?" Jackson said shrugging his shoulders sheepishly.


    "Will you actually give us a reasonable solution?" Irene muttered out as she frowned at the man.


    The three of them were back in the training room. Jackson claimed he would show them how to better use their Attributes, but than apparently changed his mind, and said he would only teach them if they could get a hit in on him. The problem was that lightening out sped both fire, and ice...


    "That''s not how it''ll work," Jackson said smirking.


    "But you''re just way to fast!" Kitsune said still annoyed. "How can we possibly hit you! This isn''t fair!"


    "Well. I am the fastest Enforcer!" Jackson said proudly as he gave a bright smile. "Although. You should know that while I am insanely fast, there are plenty of people who are still faster than me outside of the Enforcers." He stated, now giving a serious tone. "You should find a way to overcome someone being able to casually out speed your attacks-" Jackson ducked down as a ball of ice, and fire shot over his head. "And attacking at the same time is smart, if you can coordinate it. Both of you just firing out attacks at the same time is just the same results but from two angles..."


    "I really hate you..." Irene sighed out.


    "It is to be expected... I mean he is a Vice-Captain. And he is a Storm. He''s a Noble of insane power and-"


    "Okay! I get it!" Irene said rolling her eyes. "You can stop worshipping our enemy any time now! Seriously... You basically copy the man..."


    Kitsune gave a small shrug as he turned back to Jackson. "Alright... Well. It is as good a time as any I suppose." He brought his arms up creating a ball of energy. "Fox-Flare!" He announced as a wave of heat fired out.


    Blue electricity crackled around Jackson as he shot towards the left dodging the attack. "Firing an attack in a straight line isn''t a very good idea when your opponent can move as fast as lightning..." He said trailing off. "Those kinds of attacks aren''t very good if you can''t get a hit on your opponent. "Also? Are you trying to steal my attacks?"


    "Well! I don''t know how to pull it apart." Kitsune said letting out a sigh. "I struggle with getting it to separate."


    "I know the feeling," Irene muttered out. "I struggle with trying to shape my ice... No matter how hard I try, it always comes out as malformed blocks of Ice..." She muttered. ''Nowhere near the level of North''s...'' She thought to herself as she gave a heavy frown.


    Jackson gave a small sigh as he folded his arms up. "Okay. Look. I''ll give you a small piece of advice since both of you are struggling so much." He stated. "The reason you can''t hit me is because you are aiming at where I am."


    "Isn''t... Isn''t that whole point?" Kitsune questioned in slight confusion.


    "Not when your opponent can dodge," Jackson said shaking his head. "If you see that someone can dodge your attack easily, then you should stop aiming at where they are and instead aim at where they will be." He stated as a small smirk found its way onto his face. "So. When fighting if you''re going to hurl massive attacks around, you should study your opponent, and figure out how they are moving and make yourself an opening."


    "I get it," Irene said nodding her head. "I see what we have to do now."


    "I think I do too," Kitsune said nodding his head.


    Both teens raised their arms up, only to be stopped when a loud bell echoed throughout the training room.


    "Oh!" Jackson said giving a smirk. "Times up. Sorry kids. I guess you won''t get to test out your new attacks out on me. Better luck next time!"


    "Oh come on!" They both shouted.


    Jackson let out a laugh as he turned away from them. "Well! Come on then. Let''s go meet up with the others and see how they are doing. It''d also be nice to take a break. Ever since Hero came back from his walk around the towers, he had been so hyper... And of course, you all replicated him... I mean it''s been almost a week of you guys pestering us to train you all. It''s weird since none of us ever had a chance to train a new recruit... I wonder if we''re doing any good."


    "We just want to be ready on case we have to go on another mission," Irene said shrugging casually. "The chances of anyone as strong as Zero had been aren''t high, but those Earl''s are a lot more common. As we are now even if all five of us teamed up we wouldn''t be able to beat one..."


    "Well then. It''s a good thing you guys prepared then." Jackson said waving his hand slightly. "We''re gonna be sent out on a mission pretty soon..."


    "Really?" Kitsune said raising an eyebrow. A slight smirk found its way onto his face.


    "Yeah... Part of Squad Six''s job, is to go inspect other cities and check up on them... I mean every Squad has to do that, but Squad Six is usually the ones that are asked. Anyways. We are ordered to head to certain cities that have suspicious activities, and it''s our job to discover them, and put a stop to them." He said casually as he exited the training room followed by the others. "Squad Six is usually the more battle oriented squad. We''re flexible for most situations."


    "So we''re gonna get to do another mission after all!" Irene said nodding her head.


    "What''s this about another mission?"


    The group turned finding Ken, and Hero standing near the entrance to the training room. Ken was dressed up in a set of work out clothing, as she had been forced by the other higher-ups, to start eating more, and working out, to finally fix her malnourishment. She had also been instructed to not use her Attribute unless she had no other choice... A fact that really annoyed the small girl since now she could barely do anything from her lack of physical strength. She had relied on her Attribute to do any physical test, but now without she had the strength of a fourteen malnourished girl, that had never worked out a day in her life. It really sucked... She had to ask people to do stuff for her since she couldn''t do anything now.


    "Yo Hero!" Kitsune said as him and Hero high fived. "Where''s Cloud?"


    "He went to go off and meditate." Hero replied giving a smalls shrug. "He has an idea for a new attack but he''s still working out the vision of it in his head."


    "What''s this about a new mission?" Ken asked again, but with a little more force in her voice as she folded her arms up.


    Irene took a step away as she stared at the fourteen-year-old girl with a small amount of uneasiness. Ken returned her look, with an annoyed frown. ''I should be careful around her... She knows who I really am. Thankfully she hasn''t told anyone yet.''


    "We''re gonna be going on a new mission in a couple of days!" Kitsune announced happily.


    "Well. Maybe." Jackson said holding his hands up. "All I said was that Squad Six would be sent out on a mission. We don''t know who is going, or how the group will be split up. I do figure that you all will be picked simply so you can see how this kind of mission works."


    "Well, what Class is it?" Ken questioned.


    "None," Jackson replied back. "The mission is unknown. We are simply going to go check out a city, and walk around, and try to find something. It won''t have an official ranking until we get back to headquarters and give a full report on what we found. Then you''ll get Bells based off how much they think the mission was worth."


    "Seems interesting," Ken said slightly sarcastically as she frowned. "Although... I guess I should be glad that we won''t have to worry about anything too crazy."


    "I dunno... I''ve seen a lot of weird stuff on scouting missions." Jackson said shrugging. "I once saw a guy devour a Bestia Macht? Who knows what we''ll see."


    "Whatever!" Ken smirked slightly as she crossed her arms and tried to look cool. "Whatever it is, I''ll solve the problem in an ultra-stylish way. It''ll be done so well that I''ll become mega-famous, and have my name written down everywhere."


    Kitsune gave a small sigh as his eye twitched. "She''s still going on about becoming a famous superhero..."


    "She''s been going on about it all day..." Hero muttered out to the Fox Noble.


    Jackson let out a small laugh at his recruit''s antics. "Well, guys. If I were you. I''d get some last-minute training in. It''s important to get it done early. Eventually, you get to the point where all you''ll be doing is going on missions."


    The group all looked at each other for a few seconds as they all gave a small nod.


    Jackson gave another small smirk as he reached out placing a hand on Ken''s head. "You especially need to do some big training-" He stepped to the side dodging a swipe from the girl as he smirked. Then in a flash, he vanished.


    "I really hate him..." Ken muttered.


    "He''s so cool..." Kitsune said with stars in his eyes.


    "I need to go," Irene stated bluntly. "I need to get back to training."


    "What? But you''ve been nonstop training." Hero said frowning.


    "So have you?"


    "No. I''ve been training in quick bursts, then taking short breaks..." Hero pointed out. "I mean. It''s fine to want to improve by a lot right now but don''t push it. I talked to some people and got some helpful advice. You should definitely train when you can but don''t drain all of your energy, and time on it. You''ll burn yourself out to fast, and will begin to lose progress."


    Irene rolled her eyes. "Than I''ll worry about that when I get there." She stated walking past Hero. "I need to get a lot stronger... And fast."


    "Then get something to fight for."


    Irene didn''t reply as she walked away.


    "Anyone else think North got a little colder?" Hero questioned.


    "Oh. ''He''s just a little annoyed because I found out about his big secret." Ken said casually.


    "Secret? Do tell..." Kitsune said leaning in.


    "No."


    "Why not?"


    "It''s not my place. When North feels comfortable to tell you guys, you''ll know. And if he doesn''t tell, I''ll let you guys decide on how you want to treat them hiding something from you."


    Kitsune folded his arms as he let out a sigh. "Ahh, whatever. I didn''t want to know anyways..." He muttered out. "But. Mr. Storm had a point. Who knows when we''ll have a chance like this to train again. We should make the most of it, and see how hard our efforts had paid off. Plus. I read that scouting missions can take at the least a week, and at the most a few months... Who knows when we''ll be able to get back."


    "You''re right... Which gives me an idea!" Ken said as a light bulb flashed over her head.


    "Oh no... She''s coming up with plans..." Kitsune muttered stepping away.


    "We''re doomed..." Hero said also muttering. Both boys stepped back as Ken folded her arms and gave them both an annoyed glare.


    "Ha...Ha...Ha..." She shook her head as her dull red eyes rolled. "Very funny."


    "Well. What''s your plan?" Hero questioned?


    Ken smirked as she leaned in close to both of the boys. "Tomorrow we should challenge some of the other recruits."

 Chapter 83 - A Plan That Fell Apart Instantly

    Age 1991


    "So what are we doing again," Cloud asked letting out a heavy sigh.


    "We''re gonna go off and challenge some of the other recruits!" Ken announced proudly as she placed her hands on her h.i.p.s trying to look intimidating, but only making herself look cute.


    "But why though?" Irene asked giving the girl a deadpan stare.


    Ken smirked at her causing Irene to frown and step away again. "For a few reasons!" Ken said nodding her head. "Firstly. It''ll let us see if we''ve improved at all."


    "Probably not?" Hero said casually. "I mean it was only two weeks ago since we did our first real mission. Two weeks of light training really isn''t that much. Then again, I''m not sure how this growth thingy works..."


    "Training doesn''t just mean getting a power-up Hero," Kitsune stated as he gave a small smirk. "It''s also about learning new techniques, tricks, and styles. And we all learned new stuff after our first mission. Sure we might have only gotten a small bit stronger than we were, but we can make up for that with new abilities."


    "I never thought of it like that!" Hero said nodding his head.


    "That''s still kind of dumb," Irene said shaking her head. "I don''t want to fight someone to see how much stronger I got. Or rather lack of strength I got..."


    "Okay," Ken said simply. "Reason two. We can get a lot stronger through actually fighting someone, rather than just training our butts off."


    "That... Is a good point." Irene said sighing. "Fighting someone and having an actual battle would be a better way to develop other than just training alone..."


    "And! Reason number three!" Ken announced pointing up to the black and sky for dramatic effect as she took an awkward pause. "It''ll let us see if our Squad is just lazy! If we fight a bunch of recruits, and they kick our butts, we''ll know that our Squad has been doing a bad job of training us, and the others are getting way to much time to harness their skills. Then we''ll know we will need to give it more work! Also. It''ll let us see how strong they are so we''ll have an easier time during the tournament." She said smirking evilly.


    "Tournament?" Hero questioned.


    "Max brought it up, remember," Kitsune said gesturing his hand. "I also read about. At the end of every Age, they host a tournament, and it''s how Enforcers can rank up."


    "Oh. I do remember that." Hero said nodding his head. "But umm... Isn''t getting to study the competition ahead of time kind of cheating?"


    "Of course not," Ken said rolling her eyes. "I mean they''ll be able to study us as well. Besides after I become a world-famous hero, everyone will know my name and abilities so it''s only fair that I get to know theirs!"


    "Whatever helps you sleep at night," Cloud muttered.


    "So how does this work?" Kitsune questioned stepping forward. "Do we just walk up to somebody and ask to fight them? Do we need them to sign something?"


    "That is a good question," Ken said nodding her head.


    "You have no idea what we do?"


    "None." She responded.


    Kitsune let out an annoyed sigh as he gave a shrug. "Well... I suppose it could be worse." He muttered out. "The important thing is we should watch who we challenge. I mean if we get destroyed we''ll become complete laughing stocks of the Enforcers."


    "Does anyone else hear that high pitch whistling noise?" Cloud questioned.


    "Now that you mention it... I do hear something." Hero said nodding his head. "It sounds like an object that is being thrown?"


    "I don''t hear anything?" Ken questioned.


    "Me either?" Irene replied frowning.


    "Well, it''s no surprise we don''t," Kitsune said stepping forward slightly as he turned to face the group. "After all Cloud, and Hero, have far better senses than us. I''m not surprised that they would be able to hear something before we-" Kitsune''s hand shot up as something round slammed into him. His entire body was pushed back from the force as his arm stopped whatever it was that was thrown at him. Finally, the force stopped as his body became still again.


    "Whoa!" Ken said with wide eyes.


    "What just happened?" Irene questioned.


    Kitsune stared down at the object he was now holding. It was a cannonball. Like an actual cannonball. The kind that a cannon would fire. The Noble''s eyes slowly widened as he stared at it in shock. "What the hell!" He shouted. "If it wasn''t for the kickass reflexes that would have killed me!"


    "Why did someone shoot a cannonball at you?" Hero asked confused. "You must have some serious enemies..." He said suspiciously.


    "Why does someone even have a cannonball that they can fire at people?" Cloud questioned as he began to mutter to himself.


    "How bizarre?" Ken replied staring at it.


    "Most unfortunate that you caught it," Irene said simply.


    "Who the hell is shooting cannonballs at me! Also! Please stop being so chilled out about this! If I hadn''t have caught it I''d be dead..." Kitsune yelled waving the ball through the air. "And what was the point of that! Seriously. A cannonball is so old school... Compared to most weapons of today, a basic cannon is almost completely useless. Who in their right minds would use it to-"


    A massive shadow suddenly appeared over Kitsune as all the recruits looked up. Their eyes slowly widened as a massive Bestia Macht fell towards Kitsune. It was at least 6 feet tall, and almost 9 feet in length. It was covered in a pitch-black fur, and had bright red eyes. It had four long legs with claws on the end, a tail that wouldn''t stop wagging, and a snout full of razor-sharp teeth. Part of it actually looked kind of cute.


    Then it opened its mouth showing off rows of teeth as it fell forward towards Kitsune.


    The Beast latched onto his arm, although it didn''t bite down. Then it turned its body still holding onto Kitsune and began to gallop away at a fast speed.


    "Ahh!" Kitsune screamed in shock as he was dragged off. "Browser history! Clear it, Hero!"


    "Oh my God that Bestia Macht just killed Kitsune!" Hero yelled out in a panic as the beast jumped into the air disappearing behind the Squad Seven tower.


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    "So... I notice nobodies going after him..." Hero said slowly as everybody remained standing in their spots.


    "I''m sure he''ll be fine," Ken responded casually. "But uh. On the off chance that he isn''t, dibs on his stuff btw."


    "You guys are terrible teammates," Irene said stepping forward. "I can''t believe you would just abandon a teammate like that."


    "I mean uhh... He''s probably fine." Cloud said shrugging. "That happened on Enforcer grounds. I highly doubt that a random Bestia Macht just happened to be running around. Plus I didn''t sense any killer intent from it. It''s likely just playing with him? I hope?"


    "Also when it grabbed Kitsune it made sure not to latch onto him with its teeth. It was very gentle with him, and dragged him off against his will, kicking and screaming, gently." Hero stated in a not reassuring way.


    "I didn''t pick up on any of that, I just don''t care about Kitsune," Ken said.


    Irene stared at the three recruits as she frowned. "I can''t believe you three. It doesn''t matter that the threat isn''t real. Kitsune, as much as I hate to admit it, is a great asset to our team, and a powerful Enforcer. The Enforcers need him to fight against the vile horde of Bestia Macht. It should be our duty to go on and save him. No matter what the situation is, be it easy, or be it impossible. Our duty is to protect our teammates. Think of the team and how such a-" She stopped suddenly as she stared at the ground, now notice the massive black shadow looming over her. "Why is there a shadow above-"


    Irene managed to say right before a Bestia Macht landed on her.

 Chapter 85 - Master Storm And Squad Seven

    Age 1991


    "Oww..." Irene groaned slightly as the Bestia Macht sat down on her.


    "That was unexpected!" Hero said speaking of Cloud''s shoulder as he hid behind the blind teen.


    "Hahahahahahaha!" Ken said laughing as Irene groaned in agony.


    "Hmm... For a group dedicated to slaying these beasts, they sure do keep a lot of them around the base, letting them roam freely around..." Cloud muttered.


    "Please get this thing off of me..." Irene groaned in pain.


    The Bestia Macht let out a low purring sound as it stared at the three kids in front of it. It was nearly seven feet tall, and ten feet in length. It was covered in a bright red fur, and had a fluffy dark red mane around its neck. Several small scales could also be seen on its body. It had bright green eyes and four legs with very sharp claws on them, and a pair of black twisted horns popped out of its head. It had a thin, but long tail, and a pair of red-wings that came out of its back. It made a low purring sound as it studies the teens with curiosity.


    "Look out below!" A voice shouted out from above.


    "Oh God, not me!" Ken shouted jumping into Hero''s arms.


    "If I die we all die!" Cloud announced also jumping into Hero''s arms.


    The kids looked up seeing a golden flash as a man suddenly appeared falling from the sky. He let out a loud yell as he smacked into the ground below landing face-first on the ground. "I... I have got to work on my landing..." The man muttered out as he sat up slowly.


    The Bestia Macht let out a low growl as its hand shot out slapping the man in the back of the head and sending him flying.


    "Oww... Bad Salem..." The man groaned out as he tried to get back up to his feet.


    The Bestia Macht made a low growling sound as a small trickle of flame came out of its mouth.


    "Stop trying to run away!" The man said rolling his eyes. He finally got back to his feet as he dusted himself off. He had short curly brown hair, and bright golden eyes. He held a smirk on his face, and had a dusty brown fedora on his head. "Hello, kids!" The man said flashing them a cheeky smile as he c.o.c.ked his head to the side. "How''s it hanging?"


    "Help me!" Irene hissed out.


    "Oh yeah! Whoops!" The man turned to the Bestia Macht as it stared at him. "Alright Salem. You had your fun. Back to your room." He stated as he held his hand up. A bright golden circle appeared underneath the creature, as a swirling portal formed dropping the creature into it. The portal closed as Irene jumped back up to her feet. "There we go lad."


    "That... Sucked..." Irene hissed out rubbing her back.


    "That was awesome! What was that portal thingy?" Hero questioned?


    "Oh, that? That''s my Attribute. Rift." The man said flashing a smile. "It''s pretty powerful. I mean it got me to the position of Captain after all."


    "You''re a Captain?" Ken questioned surprised at that remark.


    "Yes. He has the same pressure coming off of him, as the other one''s do..." Cloud muttered. "I can feel a massive wave of hidden intent just below the surface just like I do when I''m near Captain Katrina."


    "What Captain are you?" Hero asked casually.


    The man smirked as he gave a small bow. "My name is Alexander Gates! The eighth Captain!" He announced proudly.


    "Ahh... So you''re not a part of the three big one''s." Hero said turning away.


    "You don''t have to be so mean about it!" Alexander said dropping down to his knees out of sadness. "Besides!" He instantly jumped back up. "I still outrank all of you by a lot!"


    "Not for long!" Ken announced folding her arms. up as she did her trademarked Ken pose. "We''re going to get a lot stronger and become super famous!"


    "She''s the only one who wants to get famous..." Irene, and Cloud both muttered.


    "Stronger huh? Is that why you guys are out here?" Alexander asked.


    "Yeah. At least until our friend was dragged away by a Bestia Macht." Ken stated.


    "Ahh! You''re probably talking about Adolfo." Alexander said hitting his hands together. "That''s Sif''s, Bestia Macht!"


    "Is... Is it common for people to just run around with Bestia Macht''s?" Irene asked hesitantly. The Enforcers were not like how she thought they would be...


    "Not really. I mean I only know five people who even have Bestia Macht''s in the Enforcers!" Alexander said shrugging. "There''s me, Sif, Vice-Captain Jackson, Dawson Blight, and Vice-Captain Mary." He nodded his head as he listed them all off. "It is actually really difficult to get a Bestia Macht to trust you so that''s why it''s rare. But if you guys are looking for your friend, just head to the Squad Seven building. He''ll be there."


    "Thanks," Ken said nodding. "We should go get him..."


    "Well you three can go but he-" Alexander said pointing at Hero. "He''s coming with me..."


    Meanwhile...


    The Bestia Macht crashed into the ground kicking up all the dirt and stone. Kitsune still screamed even after the beast dropped him to the ground.


    "Oh! You brought us something back!" A voice said in a confused tone.


    Kitsune snapped out of his stupor as he looked around. He spotted a massive building with a seven in it. "Whoa! That thing really dragged me far."


    "Yeah. Must have been one hell of a ride for you!" Kitsune looked up spotting an outstretched hand. He took it and was helped back up to his feet. "You''re not hurt are you?"


    "Umm? No, I''m fine?" Kitsune said looking himself over. "Not a scratch on me." He looked up at the person who had helped him up. It was a young man who looked to be nineteen or twenty. He had red hair, and bright blue eyes. He held a wooden sword at his side and had on what looked like plastic gloves, and boots?


    Behind the man was a leaned back chair. In it, a figure sat sleeping quietly. Next to them, Kitsune saw Emma, Sera, and Lucy. Squad Seven''s three new recruits.


    But the thing that really got his attention was a massive metallic cannon!


    "Is that the thing that shot at me?"


    "Oh, that!" The man who helped him up said as he gave a sheepish smile. "Yeah. Sorry about that. We were playing fetch." He said sheepishly as he reached out to pet the Bestia Macht on the nose.


    "Yo Kitsune!" Emma said walking up as she gave a small wave. She looked around for a few moments as she frowned. "Where''s Hero?"


    "Well unlike me he didn''t get picked up by a giant monster," Kitsune replied shrugging.


    "Darn! I really wanted to fight him again." She sighed out folding her arms up. "I know I can beat him if I get my rematch."


    "Ahh, he''ll probably be here soon?" Kitsune said shrugging. "My whole Squad will be?"


    "Oh cool." The nice man said. "I wanted to check you guys out. I''m Nick by the way." He stated holding his hand out. "I''m the Squad Seven Vice-Captain. Over there''s my Captain. She''s sleeping. She put me in charge of training the new recruits." He said proudly.


    "Nick''s a much better teacher than Sif!" Emma whispered out. "He actually teaches us stuff. Sif just tries to get us killed!"


    "Well... It''s better than our guys... We haven''t even had a chance to see how Captain Katrina is, and Jackson has been busy trying to fix his sword, so he has just barely trained us... And the other Enforcers are all away on missions..."


    "Sounds hectic."


    "You have no idea... I just hope we can get stronger before the next big mission..."


    Meanwhile...


    Hero stood in the elevator awkwardly as it slowly rose up. "So..."


    "So..." Alexander said raising an eyebrow.


    The two of them went back into silence as the elevator began to go up passing the first floor.


    "Alright, I''ll just ask it? So Master Storm wanted to see me?" Hero questioned.


    "Yep. Master Storm asked that you be brought to him. I''m not 100% sure why, but I have a pretty good idea."


    "And that is?"


    Alexander was quiet for a moment as he seemed to try to figure out what to say. "You''re a Seraphin correct... Or at least you think you are?"


    "Well that''s what Jackson called me but yeah? I''m pretty sure I am one." Hero responded. "I mean I have three Attributes all working against each other, and one of them is the Monsterfication. Wait! I''m not gonna be treated differently because I''m a Seraphin am I?"


    "Oh yeah you''re definitely gonna be treated differently by everyone who knows what a Seraphin is, but I doubt that Master Storm cares about that. He wants to just run a few tests on you and make sure you aren''t going to be a danger to us, as well as wanting to see you about who you got the Attribute from..." Alexander stated slowly. "That... That''s why I actually asked to be the one to come get you..."


    "Why?"


    "Did... Did you by any chance see the person who you got the ability from?"


    "Yeah."


    "Was she a young girl?"


    Hero went quiet as he stared at the man. "Yeah."


    "It... It is very likely that the girl you are talking about was my little sister."


    "What!" Hero said in shock. He didn''t get an answer though as the elevator door dinged open.


    "I''ll be seeing you kid... I''ll be down on the first floor. Come meet me there when you''re done, and I''ll take you over to your friends." Alexander said softly as he gently pushed Hero out of the elevator.


    Hero faced the large red metallic door in front of him as a nervous feeling soared through him. Slowly he walked towards it.


    With a shaking hand, he reached out and turned the handle.


    And he entered the room...

 Chapter 86 - Attributes And A Glimpse Of The Secret

    Age 1991


    Hero gave a small gulp as he pushed the door open and stared into the room. The air instantly made him stop as he made a face.


    It was like being at the very edge of the tracks, of an oncoming train. You were aware that it wouldn''t hit you, but if you were to slip, forward, even by a mere inch then it would all be over.


    The room was like that but on a much bigger extent...


    Hero felt nervous, and yet at the same time, there was a shaking feeling in the back of his mind that he didn''t have anything to worry about.


    He felt that he was safe...


    "Ahh come on in!" A kind elderly voice announced in a happy tone.


    Hero looked up as he took in the sight of the room. It was a really big room for an office. It had a pair of stairs leading up to a balcony area. A section which was filled with several bookcases. A massive window that stared out at the city. Up in the roof a mini artificial light rested giving off a blue glow, and heating the room up. A large desk rested almost up against the window as an elderly man sat behind the chair. Master Storm... Leader of the Enforcers.


    Off to the side, a second figure stood. A young gorgeous looking blond woman. Hero recognized her as the girl who did the announcements a month ago, when he was first joining. But why would she be here?


    At the foot of the desk rested the body of a Bestia Macht. The one who determined where everyone would go. It lazily looked up at Hero as it stared at him with boredom.


    "Oh, I recognize him!" The girl said letting out a laugh. "He''s the one who has become the talk of the Base? He barely has a Pressure?"


    "Now, now Angel." Master Storm said giving out a warm grandfatherly laugh. "Don''t scare him off. Besides. I''m sure this whole gossip thing will blow over in no time, as soon as someone else does something odd." The man flashed Hero a smile as he waved at a seat. "Come sit down."


    Hero walked forward slowly as he sat in the chair. He stared curiously at the woman as he c.o.c.ked his head to the side. "Why is she here?" He asked curiously.


    "Ahh! Well, the Four Sacred Beast always insist of leaving at least one of them with me at all times." Master Storm said laughing. "Today Angel was chosen."


    "The Four Sacred Beast?" Hero questioned curiously.


    "We''re an elite subgroup dedicated specifically to guarding the Master." The woman said gesturing slightly. "As the name suggests there are four of us. Me, Ward, Zane, and Alpha. Just think of us as super Enforcers."


    "So you''re like really strong then?"


    "Yep."


    Master Storm cleared his throat getting the attention back on him. "So..."


    "Hero."


    "So Hero." Master Storm said slowly. "I brought you here because I have a few questions I wanted to ask."


    "Okay?"


    "The first thing I wanted to know. Were you present the night a man tried to steal a Ruby Ring?"


    "I definitely was! I was saved by this really cool woman, who turns out was an Enforcer, and she gave me a letter telling me to join, than, I became an Enforcer, and joined Squad six, and turns out she is on that squad so that was really cool to find out."


    "Ahh about you joining Squad Six... Tell me what made you want to lie, and say that was your squad?" Master Storm asked curiously.


    "Lie!"


    The old man let out a chuckle. "Hero. I own the Bestia Macht who determines where everyone goes. He told me the truth. You were assigned to Squad One, but when you got the chance to speak you told everyone that you were assigned to Squad Six instead. What made you want to say that?"


    Hero looked down for a moment as he thought about what he should say. "Well... I just didn''t want to go to Squad One... Sure it might have been the best but something just felt off to me? On top of that, all of my new friends went to Squad Six, and Max went to One. Jackson also seemed really cool too."


    "I see... Normally I would have removed you from Squad Six immediately and placed you back where you belong, but I decided against it. I wanted to see how it turned out for a little while. I think I''m proud to say that I feel like you choose the right Squad though for the wrong reasons."


    "What does that mean?"


    "I think Squad Six would be the best Squad for you simply because of their track record... But choosing it for your friends wasn''t the best idea... Being an Enforcer it can be hard to maintain friendsh.i.p.s."


    Hero frowned slightly. "I''ll keep that in mind?"


    The old man gave another laugh. "Back onto our topic. So you were present when the ring was stolen. Tell me. Do you know what that ring is?"


    "No, sir? It''s apparently important since so many people want it though? Why do you ask?" Hero questioned curiously?


    "Well let''s just say that ring is indeed important..." The elderly man said as he shrugged. "On to my next question. Do you know a group who is calling themselves The Organization?"


    "That sounds like a very unoriginal name..."


    "I''ll take that as a no?"


    "Nope. Sorry, grandpa Storm. I don''t know a group by that name." Hero said sheepishly.


    "That is quite alright." The old man said laughing slightly. "I doubted that you did, but I needed to double-check. These next few questions may be a bit personal." He warned.


    "I''ll answer them as best as I can."


    "Do you know a man by the name of Okami Otoko?"


    "That''s my grandpa."


    "I thought so... Do you know a woman by the name of Jaune?"


    "That was my mother..." Hero said sadly.


    "I see." Master Storm nodded. "When did you meet Miss Jaune?"


    "I don''t remember fully... I know she took care of me though, while I was in the facility." Hero replied.


    "Do you know who your biological parents are?" Master Storm asked.


    "Not really? I mean I know my ''dads'' name is apparently ''Life'' or at least that''s what he goes by, and thats, what my grandpa told me, but I don''t know who my real mother is..." Hero said giving a small shrug. "For me, Jaune was my mother. She took care of me, and called me her little hero... I like to think that she is still with me even to this day."


    "Yes... Miss Jaune was always quite the friendly girl..." Master Storm said quietly as a small bit of emotion entered his voice.


    "Did you know her?"


    "We all did..." The girl said speaking up. "Jaune was an amazing woman... She was actually the Reserve for Squad Six seventeen years ago... However she ended up getting captured by a rogue nation... Poor Squad Six and that blasted curse of their''s..."


    "Okami was very loving of her." Master Storm said quietly. "She was actually like a daughter to him. He came out of retirement the day she was captured and spent years looking for her... None of us heard anything back from him until sixteen years later when someone claiming to be his grandson pops back up wanting to join the Enforcers..."


    "Whoops..." Hero said awkwardly as he shrunk down. "Gramps and I never really left the building we were in... He didn''t want me to get into the outside world. Well, at least not until a few months ago when I made a bet with him."


    "And what was this bet?"


    Hero reached into his pocket pulling out a small silver coin. "Gramps wanted me to get stronger but our training was really bad. He wasn''t very good at teaching me. Because of this, he wanted other ways to enhance me..."


    "Like Project Seraphin..."


    "Yeah... Like that... He did a few experiments on me. I never liked them. We ended up having a massive disagreement, and I made a bet with him. He had to give me four years to wander around in the outside world, and get stronger my own way. After the four years were up if I was stronger than him, I would win our bet. If I was still weaker than him I had to agree to let him do whatever experiments he wanted on me to improve me."


    "That was kind of a terrible bet..." Master Storm muttered out. "Even Ward wouldn''t take that... Okami used to be the Captain of Squad One. In fact, he is almost as powerful as the current Squad One Captain... Although I do suppose old age could have slowed him down by now... My point is, that you''re going to have to do a lot of work if you want to catch up to him in four years... Acually I don''t think you could?"


    "Oh... Crap..."


    "Don''t worry... Okami Otoko is actually under heavy suspicion. If he does come for you I personally will step in." Master Storm said chuckling.


    "That makes me feel better..."


    "Now. Onto the biggest question. Are you a Seraphin?"


    "Yeah. I guess I am?"


    "Do you know who the two hosts were that gave you your Attributes?"


    "Well, my mother, Jaune, and the other one was a girl my age... I don''t know her name though. She had silver hair, and eyes though... And she just looked so sad... I promised that I would save her!"


    Master Storm gave a small nod. "Well, that matches up... It is very likely that the girl you speak of is Alexander''s little sister... She was the last one who held the Monsterfication, and a few years ago, we actually had her held in our labs... Her Attribute was out of control so we tried to find a way to help her control it. Unfortunately, a man by the name of Doctor Hyde, broke in, and kidnapped her..."


    "Doctor Hyde. Yeah, that''s the guy who did the experiment on me. At least I think he is? I don''t really remember everything, and it is only small blurs but that names sounds familiar." Hero stated nodding his head. "Also Labby said the same name once."


    "I thought so..." Master Storm gave a small sigh. "Well then. On to the next part. How much of your Attributes can you use?"


    "About 25% according to Labby?"


    "Labby?"


    "Oh! He''s the lab coat who lives inside my head. I used to be able to do more but a twelve-year-old girl who has some weird demon inside of her did something with reality-bending Aura, and placed several gates on Labby that held him backstopping him from killing me, but it had the unfortunate added effect of sealing some more of my power away, but that''s okay! I think... Anyways after that I fought with the demon girl who I am calling Meandite, because she''s evil, and we fought a Samuria named Zero who was super cool until he wasn''t. Zero did this thing and became an angel man so I used a Bestia Macht that was in this tiny box, and thankfully it was able to spit out lasers so we ended up beating him, and stabbing him with Jackson''s sword that Ken was using!"


    Master Storm, and Angel stared at Hero as they both blinked a couple of times processing what he said. "I''m... I''m gonna need to speak to my grandson... I think he left somethings in the report out..." The old man cleared his throat. "Well, Hero. If you don''t mind Angel here is going to run a few tests on you."


    "Okay?"


    "Please take off your shirt."


    "Not okay."


    "Oh relax kid." The girl said letting out a laugh. "I''m way out of your league."


    "There goes my self-confidence boost... Weird. Most girls throw themselves at me. I''m not used to rejection..." Hero mumbled out as he took off his black T-shirt.


    "Alright!'' The girl said walking up behind him. " Now this is gonna feel a little weird..." She said slowly. She placed her hands together as a white aura suddenly surrounded her. "Fero." She spoke calmly, as the aura surrounded her eyes making them appear as if white flames were coming out of them. She slowly reaches up and placed a hand on Hero''s back as the white aura slowly covered his body.


    "This feels weird?" He said shivering even though a warm effect shot through his body.


    "The first times always the weirdest." The old man said chuckling. "But relax. It''s your first time so Angel will be gentle."


    "Why is everyone in the Enforcers perverts..."


    "Get your head out of the gutter!" Angel said rolling her eyes. She placed her other hand on the boys back as she stared down at him. "Welp. If him having three Attributes wasn''t proof enough of him being a Seraphin, this sure is... His A-Lines are all over the place!"


    "What are A-Lines?" Hero questioned.


    "Inside of every Human exist two kinds of lines." Master Storm said. "S-Lines, and A-Lines. SuperHumans also have a third pair known as M-Lines. This forms what is sometimes referred to as the S-M-A-Lines, I didn''t pick the name... Each Line is something different from the other one, but A-Lines, are the part of our body where our Attribute comes from. They are usually the biggest Line inside of a human body. Each Line starts from the spinal cord and works its way through the body likes veins. These lines are where we get our Attributes from drawing on them."


    "Someone''s also been abusing Enhancements thus explaining why your Lines are getting bigger but not longer," Angel said nodding her head.


    "What do you mean?" Hero questioned in confusion. "Enhancements? And abusing them? I don''t understand?"


    "SuperHumans have many similarities to humans. Not to surprising since Humans descended from us... Anyways while we possess many similarities we also possess many differences. As I said earlier we have what is known as an M-Line. This Line can do several things, one of which effects the growth of the other two Lines. A process sometimes referred to as Enchantments... The key to everlasting evolution. It is possible for a SuperHuman to rapidly grow in terms of power through Enhancements. This is done through continual strained battle. The harder you fight, the more power you use, the further you are pushed, and the closer you get to death, are all factors that will add up. When a SuperHuman fights their body will slowly begin to get stronger and stronger. That is the Enhancements at work."


    "Basically what Master Storm is saying, is that all you got to do, is beat people up, while not dying, and you''ll get stronger." Angel commented. "However your Lines seemed to have been stretched out to much from you abusing the Enhancements without proper care."


    "What do you mean?"


    "Well... Basically, your body was forced to increase its power with the Enhancements several times over a short period of time. This indicates that you were in a situation and you were near death several times, and you were forced to go all out several times. Now normally that is fine, but you seem to have kept it going again and again and again. You''re forcing your body to Enhance itself and get stronger in order to grow but you aren''t giving it time to rest at all. You should probably slow down for a while. Exploiting Enhancements isn''t very healthy. Especially if it is done to this extent... All it will do is bloat your Lines. When you properly train your body and abilities your Lines will get longer, but when you battle and you grow that way they will get bigger. Your Lines haven''t stretched out nearly enough to handle these bloated Lines. You should slow down and do some light training to let your body rest for a while. By any chance did you almost die several times?"


    "Well... Now that you mention that I remember waking up from a comma, several times, and each time I recall that I seemed to have gotten stronger..." Hero said nodding his head, as he remembered defending the village from the horde of Bestia Macht. He had felt several times stronger than he first had. "So wait? Every SuperHuman can just get stronger through fighting?"


    "Well they have to actually put in work, and it has to be actually be pushing them, but in short yes. Though as I said you shouldn''t do it one after the other in a large course. Being pushed to the brink of death several times in the span of a few days isn''t a very good idea, and you''ll eventually begin to crash and could get weaker."


    "So other than that everything is fine?" Hero questioned.


    "Well besides some heavily messed up A-Lines."


    "Okay? But what''s wrong with my A-Lines?" Hero asked.


    "Well... For starters, you have three..." Angel said nervously. "That''s not normal... You should only have One. Being a Seraphin though the other two lines must have formed in your body which is how you have access to two more abilities... Secondly, all three of your A-Lines aren''t coming from the spine. Rather they are coming from the brain. And thirdly and the biggest factor, they are tangled up in each other... Seriously its a miracle you''re getting even 25% of power from this mess..."


    "I''m guessing all of that is bad?" Hero questioned.


    "Kind of?" Angel replied casually as she shrugged. "I mean. If you kept pushing your powers how they are now you would have caused more force on the Lines. Due to how just bloated your lines are, and how tangled they are you would probably explode in a few days..."


    "That sounds painful..."


    "Thankfully for you. I can undo them." The woman gloated.


    Hero let out a small gasp as a smile formed onto his face. "Am I gonna get access to 100%!"


    "No... Not even close..."


    Hero''s smile instantly faded.


    "At most maybe 50% but that seems dangerous..."


    "How is that dangerous!"


    "Can you control your Attribute at 25%?"


    "Maybe?"


    "So no."


    "Yeah No I suck at it." Hero sighed out.


    "Exactly my point." The girl stated nodding her head. "If I were to unlock it now, it could push you way to far, and pop... Although we''re at what we call, a bad crossroad..."


    "What do you mean?"


    "Well... If I don''t undo them then you''ll pop. If I do undo them, I could probably get them to stay at 25% but slowly they''ll become undone the more you fight and will eventually get up to 30% 35% 40% 45% and 50% naturally on their own. Thankfully they won''t go over that limit since your ''Labby'' is like a wall, stopping it from going past that point, but still... Reaching 50% could be bad unless you can somehow control it. And unfortunately, we don''t have any Seraphin''s so there isn''t anybody who can teach you how to master that... This means you''re very likely going to mess up and die unless you can figure out a way to solve it yourself..."


    Hero let out a small hiss. "That''s definitely bad."


    "You''re taking this rather well though all things considered."


    "Well?" Hero gave a small shrug. "I decided I can''t really be afraid right now. I have more important things to worry about. Besides. They have to come undone no matter what right?"


    "My, my... Aren''t you quite the brave boy... Maybe you''re my type after all."


    "Umm. No thank you?"


    Angel let out another laugh as she looked up towards Master Storm. "Well. What do you think we should do?"


    Master Storm let out a sigh. "This is definitely a hard question... Hero''s Attributes are simply not compatible. We could leave them tangled and just hope that they don''t cause him to die, or we could untangle them, and just hope he finds a way to control the fluctuation of power which judging from his character and lack of skill isn''t very likely..."


    "Untangle them." Hero said simply. "I''ll take my chances. Besides if I die by exploding that''s pretty hardcore way to go out! I''m satisfied with that kind of death."


    Master Storm let out a small chuckle. "You''re a strange kid Hero... Very well Angel undo them by just a little..."


    "Right." Angel nodded as her fingers began to glow. "Now remember Hero... Your power is going to really go all over the place. You''ll start at 25% but slowly that''ll be pushed up more and more, the more you fight... It''s very likely you''ll rip your body apart once you reach 35% percent unless you can find some way to gain better control over your Attributes... It''s going to be tricky though, since you aren''t just training one, but actually three which are about to rapidly get stronger quickly..."


    "I understand." Hero said nodding his head once again. "Trust me. I have no plans of dying. Well, at least not yet." He said sheepishly.


    "That''s good."


    "So? Is there any way I can get rid of Labby?" Hero questioned.


    "The passenger inside of your head?" The girl asked.


    "Yep."


    "Well... I mean you could maybe get rid of him but who knows..." The girl said giving a shrug. "You''re not gonna wanna get rid of him for sometime though. He''s the only thing holding your other half of the power back. If you removed him now then you could accidentally push straight to 60% or above... And if you''re at risk of dying from 35% then 60% would really pop you. And I don''t even wanna see what 100% is like..."


    "But I can get rid of him eventually?"


    "I mean yeah? From what I know those things are entities that are created from an unknown method. Their job is to monitor your mind, and help you fluctuate your power, but it should be possible for you to learn how to control that power yourself. Plus this entity is technically you or at least a part of you. It''s a part of your mind so you should be able to get rid of it. Similar to how a person can get over a personal issues, this is something you can conquer. But it won''t be easy. This is something you will have to figure out on your own."


    "I think I get it..." Hero said nodding his head.


    "I have one more question for you Hero." Master Storm said as a small thought crossed his mind.


    "What is it grandpa Storm?" Hero questioned.


    "How much do you want to be involved in serious matters..."

 Chapter 87 - Vibrations Versus The Fox

    Age 1991


    "So..." Kitsune said awkwardly as he shrugged slightly. "What happens now?" He said slowly.


    "Kitsune!"


    The fox boy turned only to see a small fourteen-year-old girl flying towards him.


    "Ken?"


    Ken''s foot slammed into the fox teens'' face launching him back across the yard.


    "Whoa..." Nick said with wide eyes as he watched the Noble''s body get sent flying back. "Who''s she... That is a lot of power in that tiny body?"


    "Kitsune!" Ken said again landing on the ground. "Why''d you allow yourself to get separated from the group! We had to come and get you because you let yourself get captured!"


    Kitsune made a sour face as he slowly pushed himself back up to his feet. His eyes twitched as he managed to get back up to his feet. "Good to see you too..." He muttered out as he glared at the girl.


    "Ken! You promised you wouldn''t kick him!" Irene said with wide eyes as she walked up behind the small girl.


    "Actually. She said she would think about it..." Cloud said also walking up.


    "Clouds right. I thought about it, and decided that I wanted to kick him." The fourteen-year-old girl stated.


    "Hey Ken," Emma said with a wave.


    "Hello, Emma." The tiny girl said.


    "You''re the girl who was at the restaurant," Lucy said slowly as she stared at the small girl.


    "I remember her as well!" Sera announced. "She was the one making eyes at Hero-"


    "Very good Sera..."


    "Who''s this?" Ken questioned looking over to Nick in question. "He looks-"


    "Hello. I''m Nick. I''m a Vice-Captain of Squad Seven." The man said slowly holding his hand out. He c.o.c.ked an eyebrow as he stared down at Ken''s h.i.p.s. "Those swords? Aren''t those swords that-"


    "Pretty cool right." Ken said giving a small smirk as she placed her hands on the handle of both swords.


    Nick gave a slight smile as he reached for his hip pulling up a wooden sword. It was in the shape of a generic long sword just like how Ken''s were. The wood was sharp and sturdy looking. Like it could cut you even though it was made out of wood. "We have matching swords it would seem." Nick noticed.


    Ken stared at his sword for a few seconds as her dull red eyes seemed to flash with curiosity. "Are you any good with that sword?"


    "I''m probably the best swordsman in the Enforcers-"


    "Teach me."


    "Yeah okay."


    "Curses-" Ken stopped as she c.o.c.ked her head at him. "What?"


    "I said okay," Nick said letting out a small laugh. "I''d be happy to train you in how to use those blades. Though I only know how to use one... Anyways. Yeah. I''ll teach you how to at least use one blade. I would love to see more Enforcers adopt this style but, most forgo elegance in favor of brutish weaponry. Your Vice-Captain is a great example of that. A massive brutish blade that he drops down on Bestia Macht ripping them apart. Of course, Mr. Storm does have an elegant way in which he fights with the blade swinging it around and flying through the air on his own. I belive the Nation of White had the right way to fight with these weapons."


    "So you''ll teach me?"


    "Yeah. I''ll teach you everything I know."


    "Aren''t we on different Squads though?" Ken questioned as she eyed the man up with suspicion.


    "Relax," Nick said letting out a small laugh as he reached out placing a hand on the small girl''s head. "Some of the other Squads might enjoy infighting but Squad Seven is usually teamed up with Squad Six. Our squad Captains have a weird love-hate relationship... Squad Seven is almost always the backup squad to squad six."


    "So when can we start?" Ken questioned curiously.


    "Well. If I remember correctly from a recent report Squad Six is planned to be sent off a mission soon." Nick said giving a shrug. "We could possibly start when your Squad gets back."


    "I guess that settles it..." Cloud said letting out a small sigh. "Ken is gonna get a massive head start on us..."


    "I know..." Kitsune said with a frown. "And Jackson only gave me and North, a vague hint on what we should do..."


    "I wasn''t even told anything..." Cloud said still frowning.


    "I''ll find my own way to catch up..." Irene stated simply.


    "Well we should probably head back," Kitsune announced turning away.


    "We can''t," Ken replied shaking her head. "I told Hero we would be waiting for him over here..."


    "Well great," Kitsune said letting out a sigh. "Guess we''re stuck waiting then aren''t we..."


    "Then this would be a great time for me to practice with my new toy!" Emma announced as she pointed a finger towards Kitsune. "I demand you battle me!"


    "Why me!?"


    "Well if Hero isn''t here I figured you''d be the second best option..."


    "Okay you do realize that Hero is only the third strongest member on our team right?" Irene questioned. "Everyone seems to think he''s special or something because he''s a Seraphin but he''s not really that strong?"


    "What? He''s not the strongest?" Emma said surprised.


    "No. Ken is... Then Kitsune... Then Hero. Then Cloud. Than Me." Irene said nodding her head.


    "Aren''t you supposed to be the oldest."


    "Aren''t you supposed to be challenging Kitsune to a fight."


    "Good point... Kitsune! I challenge you!"


    Kitsune gave a small sigh. "Well... Why not? I mean I am bored anyways." He said giving a shrug. "Besides... This should be at least a little interesting."


    Emma gave a small nod. "Nick! Do the thing!" She announced.


    "Uhh! Yeah sure. Okay." The Squad Seven Vice-Captain said as he gave a small shrug. He beant down placing his hands on the ground. There was a silver flash and slowly the ground underneath them turned into a sharp metal. The grass, concrete, and dirt all just became a solid metal structure.


    "Whoa..." Ken said raising an eyebrow.


    "That''s my Attribute," Nick said giving a smirk. "Anything I touch that is non-living can be converted into solid metal of my choosing."


    "That''s pretty cool!" Ken responded.


    "So you made us an arena?" Kitsune said inspecting the metal floor. "Not bad."


    "Alright, Fox boy!" Emma announced pointing at the noble. "Get ready!" She turned away from the Noble and over to one of the two other Squad Seven girls who were standing next to the sleeping Captain. "Yo! Lucy. Do that thing."


    Lucy gave a small nod as she held up a briefcase. She opened it slowly as she reached in and emerged with a shiny silver chainsaw. She then tossed it over to Emma who caught it.


    "Umm... What?" Kitsune asked with wide eyes.


    "This is my new weapon!" Emma announced clicking a little switch which caused the chainsaw to roar to life. "Get ready!"


    "Actually I think I''ve changed my mind-"


    Emma shot forward as she swung the chaotic weapon out sending out a wave of vibrations that quite literally shredded everything they touched. Kitsune gave a yelp as he activated his Attribute gaining his ears and tails. Instantly all nine of his tails shot forward wrapping around him right as the wave of vibrations hit him head-on.


    The wave of vibrations pushed against his tails slowly pushing the boy back but he gritted his teeth and stood his ground.


    Emma ran forward right as the wave disappeared. Then she pulled the craziest stunt she could possibly think of on the spot!


    She jumped forward at the fox Noble, and threw her still roaring chainsaw into the air up above both of them, while she ran at Kitsune!


    Kitsune watched with wide eyes as the chainsaw began to spin as it fell out of the air and towards them. Seconds later Emma struck with her own fist as Kitsune blocked it. All the while the roaring saw above them dropped getting lower and lower. "Whoa, whoa, whoa! Wait a minute you psycho bitch that''s gonna kill us both!"


    Kitsune tried to jumped back but Emma was too quick, and in a single motion managed to wrap her arms around the boy pulling him into a hug right as the saw was right about it reach them. Emma slammed her body into the man as she sent a wave of vibration through them both attacking Kitsune''s insides!


    Both teens slipped back hitting the floor as Emma held her hand up catching her weapon by the handle as she slashed it down.


    Kitsune stared up with wide eyes as it was placed inches away from his throat still roaring as he made a gulping sound.


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    "So do I win?"


    "Yeah..." Kitsune said with a very pale face. "I give..."


    Emma gave a small smile as she jumped up turning the blade off. "Lucy do the thing... Again." She shouted throwing it over to Lucy who caught it placing the saw back in her briefcase.


    "Whoa! Way to go Emma!" Everybody turned to see a Golden Gate open up. Seconds later Hero, and Alexander stepped out. "Cool weapon." Hero stated giving a nod to the girl as he flashed her a thumbs up.


    Alexander gave a slightly sheepish grin as he shrugged his shoulders. "Sorry that I stole your friend... I''m returning him now. Turns out he''s very annoying so I don''t want him anymore."


    "Hero!" Kitsune yelled out shooting to his feet. "How the hell did you beat that girl! You were way weaker than I was on our Recruitment night but you somehow beat her?"


    "Oh, she''s a lot stronger." Hero said turning his head over to stare at Emma. She shot him a cheeky smile. "I can tell. You''ve been working a lot harder than we have... I think you''re at least ten times stronger than even Ken! And she''s like... Mega awesome!"


    "Ahh, I can take her..." Ken muttered out puffing her cheeks out.


    "They all got a lot stronger." Hero said nodding his head. He glanced over to Sera as he frowned. "Even Sera... She''s almost as strong as a Baron. Which is saying something as Sera was by far the weakest SuperHuman I have ever seen!"


    "Hey!" The Noble girl said forming. "You''re mean..."


    "That''s some Reading skill..." Alexander said placing a hand on Hero''s head. "Someone has the potential to be a pro reader!"


    "A reader?"


    "Don''t worry about it," Alexander said giving a sheepish grin to the boy.


    "How did you guys get so strong in such a short amount of time?" Irene questioned raising an eyebrow.


    "Our Captain is an insane individual..." Emma said as a shiver went down her spine. She pointed over to the figure of a sleeping Sif, who still somehow hadn''t woken up. "The training she puts us through when she is up, is downright criminal... So many broken bones..." Emma gave a few tears as she sniffed.


    "That bad..." Hero said with wide eyes.


    "Well..." Nick stated giving a shrug. "Let''s just say that the first day I met Sif, she broke every bone in my body, punctured almost all my internal organs, nearly ripped my leg off, burned me down to almost the bone, and then she began the training..."


    "How are you still alive?"


    "I don''t know..." Nick said giving a shiver of his own... "But Sif... She''s a miracle worker... She is able to turn any person into an insanely powerful warrior, if given enough time. And as long as you don''t wake her up she won''t kill you."


    "What happens when you wake her up?" Hero questioned as he peaked over Nick''s shoulder. He could see Alexander was quietly walking up to the sleeping body of Sif.


    "Well?" Nick said giving a shrug. "Imagine everything horrible in the world. Then multiply it by cancer. Then clone it, but the clone turns out genetically wrong. Then blend the clone. Then resurrect its blended body. Then clone that. Then multiply that by cancer. And if you''re lucky it''ll stop at there..."


    "That sounds bad..." Hero said slowly.


    "Yeah..." Nick said letting out a sigh. "Thankfully the only person dumb to wake Sif up is Captain Alexa-" Nick stopped as he blinked a few times. His eyes slowly widened with horror. "We''re dead..."


    ''Slap!''


    The sound of the slap echoed out as Alexander''s hand slammed into the unconscious body of Sif.


    "Wake up!" Alexander screamed.


    And then... In a single instant. Alexander vanished as he used his wrap gate to teleport out leaving the others behind to face the wrath of a pissed off Sif...

 Chapter 88 - The Curious Case Of The Sixth Squad...

    Age 1991


    ''How much do you want to be involved in serious matters...''


    That had been what Master Storm had asked the young Seraphin that was on Squad Six... The boy''s answer hadn''t shocked the old man. On the contrary... He expected it. He saw so much of himself in that boy after all... So young, and yet filled with determination. Not potential though. Hero might have the spirit to get back up, but it was clear he lacked the ability to learn quickly.


    "Master Storm..." Angel said quietly as she frowned at the old man. "Was it really a good idea to leave that up to him... I mean he was a sixteen-year-old boy who thinks he is a lot stronger than he actually is?" She asked quietly. She knew Master Storm could be insane sometimes but that seemed to be something that was just downright foolish... Something even he shouldn''t have done...


    "You underestimate the newer genration Angel..." Master Storm said giving a small smile. He turned in his chair staring out the window. "Children are our next generation. I believe that they will be the ones to carry us forward. This generation is hitting its limit. That is why we recruit new Enforcers every new Age. Our group is dying. There are less than three hundred of us currently. Every day we lose more. The Enforcers are what inspires hope in the Nation of Red. For them to fall would be the biggest blow... That is why we will grow. That is why I will choose to believe in every kid..."


    "Then... We should get even more recruits!" Angel announced pointing up to the roof is a pose. "More Enforcers means more fighters and soldiers to battle the Bestia Macht!"


    "Have you been talking to Ward?" Master Storm asked curiously. "Ward has been going on about that for quite some time."


    "Well... Yeah. But it''s a good idea. We need more members." Angel stated. "I mean I hate Ward. The guys a total ass, but he has a point. Joining the Enforcers isn''t easy. We get hundreds of potential recruits, but only accept less than fifty of them... Getting more could really help us you know-"


    "You seem to be forgetting. Being an Enforcer is about having that spark. I refuse to let anyone who doesn''t have the spark to join. It would only slow us down and get those who lack the spark killed." Master Storm stated in a loud voice. "None of them would be able to last through even a single hard mission... That is why I let Rajin exam them. He can tell if they have that spark." The old man reached down rubbing the back of his pet which let out a quiet purring noise.


    Angel let out a heavy sigh. "Alright, sir... It was just a thought." There was a moment of silence as she stared at her leader. "Squad six has certainly been something this year... What has it been... Four Years since they last got a new recruit, and now here they are with five of the strangest recruits I''ve ever seen..."


    "That is correct." Master Storm stated giving a nod. "I''ve personally looked at the files on all five of those recruits... One in particular really stands out to me. A young fourteen-year-old girl. I''m not sure yet but she has a vast amount of power and potential. Leagues above even the Seraphin and Noble."


    "That girl... Is she really that strong?"


    "Yes. And she has the stench of the Order all around her." Master Storm reached up stroking a hand through his long white beard.


    "The Order?"


    "Ahh. It is nothing. Just a small group that has caught my interest. I doubt that they will ever be relevant. What is relevant though is a new crime syndicate that has recently popped up? They are calling themselves the Organization. As of now, we have very little data on them, but we know that they are after the Ruby ring."


    "So you hid the ring somewhere safe?"


    "No, I gave it to the Squad, that is the least qualified to keep it safe."


    "Why!"


    "Because I thought it would be funny?"


    "Why!"


    Master Storm cleared his throat as he looked away from the girl. "So anyways." He said changing the topic. "The Organization... I still as of now know very little about them... We have managed to capture one of their members for questioning but he''s a rock-solid man... No matter what form of torture we inflict he doesn''t talk. We still know nothing about them... No idea who they are working with. One thing that we need to figure out is their motivation..."


    "Well? They want that ring right. What exactly is the ring?"


    Master Storm let out a small sigh. He slowly raised his hand up showing off a diamond ring that was on his finger. "The five-colored rings... White Diamond, Red Ruby, Green Emerald, Blue Sapphire, and Black Coal... They are five rings made during Age 100... They were all scattered across the Nation of Red ending up in several various places. All five of them make up a Key... A key to a mysterious vault that is said to hold a great weapon..."


    "How do you know all this?"


    "That is not important." Master Storm said giving a slight shrug. "What is important, is keeping them out of the enemies hands."


    "So we should lock the rings up?"


    "No."


    "Why!"


    "Because it isn''t fun, if the world isn''t in danger!" Master Storm announced.


    "Oh my God, you are so irresponsible!"


    Master Storm gave a small chuckle before his face suddenly grew serious. He reached out placing a hand on the glass of his window. "Something that boy said resonated with me. Something I seem to have forgotten in my old age."


    ''How much do you want to be involved in serious matters...''


    Master Storm gave a small smile. "He didn''t hesitate to answer..."


    ''As much, as it''ll take for me to learn what being an Enforcer really means...''


    "Is that why you decided to send Squad Six on a new mission?" Angel asked.


    "That boy... Hero Otoko. He was supposed to go to Squad One but choose Squad Six. He''s a Seraphin, who is making friends, with a Blind Kid, A Crossdresser, A Loli, and a Noble. He was trained by the previous Squad One Captain, Okami Otoko, a dear friend of mine, and he was the adopted son of Jaune, a very powerful Enforcer member who passed away. And most of all. He reminds me so much of myself when I was his age... Hero Otoko..."


    "You seem to have taken a liking to that boy sir."


    Master Storm gave a small nod. "It would seem I have..."


    "That reminds me, sir... We need to go over how much you spent-"


    ''Crash!''


    The window exploded as Mast Storm threw himself out of it escaping the clutches of his Angel...

 Chapter 89 - The New Gear

    Age 1991


    "Somehow we''re not dead!" Hero said collapsing forward, into the Squad Six building face down as he gasped out.


    "Oh, God..." Ken m.o.a.ned also falling. "Everything hurts." She cried out.


    "That Captain Sif really did a number on us..." Kitsune whined. "Why are other people so strong..."


    Irene and Cloud causally walked into the building unharmed. They were smart enough to start running immediately and got out of the danger zone before things really got bad...


    "Whoa!" Hannah said raising an eyebrow. "New recruits look bad."


    "Oh, they were playing with Sif or something?" Jackson said sipping some coffee and reading his official Enforcer Scroll. It was the small metallic brick he had tossed to Ken the first time she got to choose a mission. They allow Enforcers to do everything on the campus even letting them open up different doors in the buildings, as well as letting them receive updates, and select missions.


    "It doesn''t look like they had a lot of fun..." Hannah muttered out with raised eyebrows.


    "Awesome lady?" Hero said staring up at the girl. "What are you doing here?"


    Hannah gave a small wave. "I just came here to chill out now that I finished my current mission. I''ll be leaving soon on another one in a few hours."


    "Also... Can you stop stealing my pet!" Jackson said shooting her a glare as he finally looked up at the girl.


    Hannah muttered out a few choice phrases as the winged Bestia Macht pulled its self out of her body phasing through her and flying out. It landed on Jackson''s shoulder as he still glared at her. The winged beast let out a kaw.


    "What exactly is your power?" Hero questioned his favorite Enforcer.


    Hannah gave a small shrug. "Sorry little man." She stated patting Hero on top of the head. "You''re not quite at the level where I''d trust you with information-"


    "Her body is basically a door to another dimension, where she can store stuff in. Basically allowing things to phase through or out of her into this dimension or into her dimension. So in short she is basically a massive door!" Jackson said casually.


    "You son of a-"


    The Vice-Captain avoided the strike from the girl as he flashed away and appeared on the other side of the room. His Bestia Macht made a trademarked ''kaw'' as Jackson flipped Hannah the bird while still taking a sip of his coffee.


    "What is happening right now..." Irene questioned dumbfounded. "I... Why do Enforcers act this way! I wanted to join this group for Justice. Instead everyone is insane..."


    Jackson gave a small smile as he shrugged. "Sorry to disappoint you. If you want to be around a serious Enforcer hang out with Dawson... He''s-"


    There was a loud whooshing sound as the metal doors to the downstairs floor opened up. Also apparently the Squad Six building had down stairs... Who knew? "Hey, Jackson," Dawson stated walking in now. "Claus just finished his work."


    "Claus is done!" Jackson said with a bright smile. "Good... I''ve been waiting a whole month for this!" He said smirking.


    "Who is Claus?" Hero questioned in mild confusion.


    "Only the coolest guy ever!" Jackson announced pointing up to the roof. "Come on shitty recruits. I''ll show you the only normal human to ever be allowed to officially join the Enforcers!"


    "Did he just call us shitty recruits-"


    Jackson flashed away heading downstairs. The five recruits looked at each other as they all followed after their Vice-Captain. "Claus," Ken said making a slight face. "That sounds like a weird name... And weird names always equal Superhero... There''s only room for one Superhero-"


    Hero karate chopped her on the head. "Bad Ken..."


    ''Smack''


    Ken slammed her sheathed sword on Hero''s head.


    "Ok, you win..." Hero yelled out clutching his bruised head.


    The group walked down a large flight of stairs as they descended into an underground room beneath the building. As they got closer a sound began to become more clear.


    ''Bang''


    ''Bang''


    ''Bang''


    ''Bang''


    It was like someone was slamming a metal object against another metal thing... It echoed out, again and again, getting louder and louder all the while a wave of heat was built up. With every step, they got more intense as the heat grew, and the sounds echoed more.


    Irene gave a heavy frown as she reached up unzipping her jacket by just a little. "It''s getting hot in here..." She muttered out.


    The group continued walking down as an orange light got brighter, and brighter. Finally, they stepped into a large open room. The entire room itself was made out of a brownish looking stone? There was a massive red metal anvil in the center with what looked like a large flaming forge behind it. Molten metal bubbled up in the forge as a large burly man held up a massive metal hammer up as he prepared to bring it down. He had long white hair, and a massive white beard. Sparkling blue lights filled his eyes, and he wore a red fur coat, and red pants that looked like they would cause you to have a heat stroke from the room.


    "Ha, ha, ha!" The man said in a booming cheery voice.


    "I feel like it should be ho-"


    "Yo Claus!" Jackson announced waving his hand at the big man.


    "Ahh Jackson!" Claus gave a cheery smile as he waved at the man. "I just finished the projiect!"


    "Yeah. Dawson told me!" Jackson said giving a nod. "Let''s see them!"


    "I looked over some of the graphs you gave me and tried to make it as close as I could to what you desired." The man reached down picking up a black box. "I present to you..." He tossed it over as Jackson caught the object. There was a click as it instantly began to fold open and get bigger. "The Striking Thunder Mark III!" He announced in a booming voice!


    Jackson now held in his hand a beautifully crafted greatsword. It was a gorgeous silver color, with a sharp, and elegant blade, despite its large size. A blue energy seemed to come from it as Jackson inspected it. He spun it in his hands as the blade let out a small hissing noise as it slashed the air in half.


    "Made out of the finest Rivion I had!" Claus said letting out a booming laugh.


    "Rivion?" Hero questioned raising an eyebrow.


    "It''s a powerful metal," Kitsune stated. "It is as light, and durable as iron, but it has a unique effect about it. We aren''t sure how it works but, Rivion is about to channel a user''s Attribute allowing them to use their abilities through it. Most weapons are made out of it as it is basically suicide to attack someone with a normal weapon."


    "That is correct," Claus announced as he played with his bushy beard. "You wouldn''t happen to be Kitsune Nine would you?"


    "You know my name?"


    "Of course I do! I made your brother his weapon after all... Jin was a good Enforcer, though he did have an odd choice for his weapon... Quite brutal he was. He talked about you a lot... I''m sorry for what happened to him."


    Kitsune gave a small nod of appreciation.


    "You kids are gonna be off on another mission soon..." The blacksmith stated. He turned away from the kids as he went to grab something. "Our Captain, Captain Katrina, came to me and requested I make these for you all now that you''re officially on our Squad." He turned back to the group now holding several large black boxes. There was a total of seven of them... He tossed one over to Kitsune who caught it. "Click that button..." He ordered.


    Kitsune gave a small nod as he hit a little button on the box. The box instantly made a loud clicking sound as it folded open and surrounded the boy. There was a flash of light as it pulled back.


    Everyone stared at Kitsune in surprise as he looked down at himself.


    "What the..." The Fox teen muttered in shock.


    He now wore a very fancy suit. But it was also armor? It was a white business style suit with a dark blue outline. It also had a blue tie. There was what looked like bits of chainmail in the threading, and he now wore a pair of metal gauntlets, and metal boots. It was like someone had taken a knights outfit, and smashed it together with a business suit, then somehow made it look awesome? Above his heart, a blue ''6'' was embroidered into the suit.


    "Whoa!" Kitsune said in surprise as he stared down at himself. "This... It has weight to it like armor but, it''s actually really light?"


    "It is also made out of Rivion." Claus started giving a slight smile. "It''ll offer some protection, as well as let you use your Attribute without worry. You don''t have to worry about burning up this outfit. It''ll be able to channel your power through itself."


    "Awesome!" Hero said with bright eyes. "And we all get these super cool outfits?"


    "Yeah." The Blacksmith said with a glint in his blue eyes. "I made them all specially tailored for you." He announced. He reached up throwing a box to Cloud who caught it.


    Cloud hit the button as it folded open. When the light cleared he now stood in a large white trench coat. The coat fell past his kness and had dark blue fur around it. It looked very warm, but still loose enough to allow him to run around in it. Much like Kitsune''s, the number ''6'' was placed over his heart. He even got a fancy pair of metal glasses.


    "Me next!" Hero said jumping up.


    Claus ignored him throwing one over to Irene. She looked down at it clicking the small button.


    After the light vanished she now stood in a semi bulky knight armor. The armor covered nearly her entire body, save for her head which now had a new dark blue hat placed over it conveniently covering her hair. She looked even more masculine in this new set of armor. The armor was slim and had bits of blue cloth covering it. It looked extremely durable, and comfortable. A small dark blue cloth came out of the back end of it.


    ''Thank God... I was worried it would put me in a dress...'' Irene thought letting out a relieved sigh.


    "Next is-" Hero threw his arms up waving. "Me!"


    Claus turned to Ken throwing her, her own black box. She eagerly hit it ready for her own costume. The light overtook her finally fading.


    Ken now stood in a white jacket with blue lining. She now had on a blue skirt with white leggings as well as metal gauntlets and metal boots that surrounded her hands and feet. Even a new belt for her swords.


    "And finally..."


    "Yes!" Hero announced. "My turn. New outfit here I come!" He caught the black box eagerly hitting the button. "...What the hell!"


    Hero stood, now wearing a white tracksuit, with blue lining... It looked exactly like his old outift but white...


    "This is just the same outfit I had earlier but white!"


    "Well, I thought a tracksuit looked good on you..." Claus said giving a shrug.


    "But! It''s just a tracksuit!" Hero complained


    "No... It is made out of Rivion."


    "But it''s a tracksuit!"


    "Yes."


    "Ha! Hero looks so lame!" Kitsune said laughing at his friend.


    Hero made a face as he crossed his arms and muttered a few choice words under his breath.


    "What''s with the last two boxes?" Ken questioned staring at the two last black boxes.


    "These were specially made for two of you new recruits." The old man stated. "First of all..." He tossed one over to Cloud who caught it.


    Cloud hit the button causing the box to unfold. In his hands he now held an elegant slim cane. It was made out of a beautiful silver metal and had a cold touch to it. There were several buttons all along the handle of it as Cloud felt it in his hands.


    "This... This is way better than my old cane..." He muttered out.


    "It''s also made out of Rivion," Claus stated. "This bad boy won''t break like your old one did. It''s also designed to be used as a weapon. I''ve put several gadgets in it allowing you to have an easier time slicing through enemies."


    "What about that last one?" Ken questioned.


    "This is for the Noble." The Blacksmith stated as he tossed it over to Kitsune. "Here you go, boy. Good luck learning how to use it." He muttered out.


    Kitsune hit the button opening the weapon up and showing it off. In his hands, he now held a pair of white metal tonfa''s... They looked like ordinary weapons except for the fact that they were made out of a smooth refined material.


    "Whoa! Cool!" Hero said giving a nod.


    Kitsune held them at his side as he lightly waved them up and down. "I''ve never used any kind of weapon before..."


    "Well... Get used to it," Jackson stated reminding everyone he was also in the room. "Because tomorrow, we''ll be starting the next mission..."

 Chapter 90 - Preparing For The Second Mission

    Age 1991


    ''Because tomorrow, we''ll be starting the next mission...''


    Squad Six Dorm rooms...


    "Man..." Ken said sitting on the ground. "Why did I have to get a skirt..." She complained.


    "Well, at least you look cool!" Hero whined. "Look at me!"


    "I think it suits you," Kitsune stated.


    "Really?"


    "Yea. You look like a clown."


    "Why I oughta..."


    The group of five recruits stood in the Squad Six dorm room they shared as they all studied themselves in the mirror. They were all crowded around it as they stared at themselves in the reflection. Irene, Cloud, and Kitsune seemed to be happy with their new outfits. Ken was happy with hers save for the fact that it had a skirt. And Hero... Well, he was still salty that he got stuck with a normal white track-suit. Only where as his old suit was a light green this one was just a plain white, with some blue lines on it.


    "Do you think we improved?" Irene asked raising an eyebrow as she stared at herself in the reflection. "I feel stronger but I dunno?"


    "Definitely." Hero said giving a nod. "You got like... 2% stronger!"


    "That small!" Irene muttered out. "Also how can you tell?"


    "I dunno?" Hero said shrugging.


    "We look badass. Hero looks okay." Kitsune replied.


    "I know for a fact we are stronger," Cloud muttered. "I can feel it inside of me. My power seems to have grown exponentially. I''m at least three times stronger than when I was in the street."


    "We''ve grown." Hero said giving a nod. "It might not be enough, but as long as I can fight, then I''ll keep going. I''m the Third-"


    "Please stop."


    "We got a long ways to go..." Kitsune agreed nodding his head. "I do not know if we will be able to keep up with the other recruits though... But I''m not about to pull a Hero and go off and whine for a few days. Still though. Some of those recruits have me worried."


    "You mean that asshole Max?" Ken questioned.


    "Yes..." The Fox Noble said letting out a heavy sigh. "I have no idea how he is growing so fast. I also don''t know what that power he had was but it was like Mr. Storms... That white aura? Just what the hell is it?"


    "Max..." Hero let out a hum. "He''s definitely interesting." Hero let out a sigh as he landed back falling on his bed. "Well, guys... I''d say go do some last-minute... Whatever, you guys do. We will be leaving tomorrow or sometime around then so we might not have much time to do anything else. So let''s get everything we want to, out of the way!"


    "What are you gonna do?" Kitsune questioned.


    "I''m going to bed..." Hero responded.


    "It''s like... Four in the afternoon?"


    "Well... Let''s just say there is someone I need to talk to." Hero closed his eyes before anyone could say anything else, and in seconds he was out.


    "That was fast." Cloud muttered. "But I digress. Hero''s right. I''m going to go spend the last of this day around the city. Maybe meet some people. Who knows?"


    "Oh cool, I''ll come with you!" Kitsune stated.


    "No." Cloud turned leaving the room before the Fox Noble could say anything else.


    "I''m gonna go walk around," Ken said letting out a heavy sigh. "Maybe after I change... I don''t want people to see me in this outfit... I hate this skirt..."


    "It looks good on you? You look cute?" Kitsune said with some confusion.


    "That''s the problem!" Ken said throwing her hands up. "I don''t wanna look cute! I wanna look badass, and cool! Like North!"


    "Yeah. North does look pretty cool." Kitsune said looking his fellow comrade up and down.


    Irene jumped back slightly, out of embarrassment as she turned away. "I''m gonna go take a walk!" She announced marching off and away from Kitsune''s prying eyes.


    "Did I do something wrong?" Kitsune asked.


    Ken gave a small shrug. "I dunno. I don''t get it."


    "Get what?"


    "Romance?"


    "What? What does Romance have to do with anything?"


    "I don''t get romance," Ken replied again. "I thought I liked Hero... And I mean I do, or I think I do. I think I love him, in a way... But... I really, really, really don''t want to ever do anything with him?"


    "Maybe you love him as a brother?" Kitsune asked giving a shrug. "You know he loves you like a little sister?"


    Ken gave a small blush as she turned away. "No... That isn''t it... I... I think I do love Hero. But I love him too much. Not like a brother. More like a good friend."


    "Love him too much?"


    "I know he wouldn''t be happy with me... He loves... Well, I don''t know who she is but she''s important to him... I refuse to hurt Hero by forcing him to be with me. So I''ll let him go. He deserves better than me. He deserves to meet his soul mate. And I don''t think I am in love with him like that. He isn''t a brother to me. Maybe more of just a good, good, good friend who I care about deeply. I do like him, but because I like him so much I''d rather he finds the person he likes... Besides, I don''t want people to make fun of me for dating an idiot. I don''t know if I will ever find my own form of love, but I do know that Hero won''t be that love..." Ken muttered as she folded her arms.


    Kitsune reached out placing a hand on the young girl''s shoulder. "Hey. You''re gonna make whatever person falls in love with you very happy. You''re an amazing person Ken..." Kitsune said with a small smile.


    "You really think so?"


    "I know so," Kitsune said smiling.


    Ken smiled back at him.


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    "And hey! You could always date me-"


    ''Smack''


    Ken turned walking out of the room as Kitsune''s unconscious body hit the floor...

 Chapter 91 - What They Do Part One

    Age 1991


    Irene let out a heavy sigh as she walked forward slowly. Her mind raced with thoughts as she folded her arms. Her pace quickened as she marched towards the doors of Oleander, the City that housed the Enforcers. "Damn it, Ken. Damn it, Hero. Damn it, Cloud... And definitely damn it Kitsune..." She hissed out as clenched her fist.


    "Whoa! Cool armor man!"


    Irene turned finding one of the normal humans, who guarded the outside of the city, staring at her from behind his helmet that covered his head.


    "What?" Irene asked raising an eyebrow at the normal guard. This one seemed to be different from the others. The other guards simply stood still ignoring her but this one was actively trying to talk to her...


    "So you got in after all!"


    "What?" Irene questioned again turning to stare at the strange man.


    "Oh. You probably don''t recognize me!" The guard said with a bit of realization. He did a pose holding his gun, which would be useless against anything above Baron level, up posing with it. "My name is Ace! It is my duty to guard this city against the enemy!"


    Irene blinked a few times as she stared at the man. She gave an awkward shrug. "Sorry... I uhh... I still don''t recognize you?"


    Ace hit the floor as he let out a pained groan. "My pride..." He whined slowly getting back to his feet. He cleared his throat as he adjusted his helmet that covered his entire head. "I''m Ace... I was the person who let you into the city last month? The guy who opened it..."


    "You were?"


    "Yeah! You remember me now?"


    "No."


    Ace hit the floor again...


    "Look, I''m sorry," Irene said letting out a sigh. "A lot happened this month so I guess I just forgot? I''m dealing with a lot of problems right now, so I''m sorry I didn''t remember you."


    "No! It''s fine." Ace said obviously crying, as a stream of tears flowed out of the bottom of his helmet. "I''m just a Guard. I''m not even really considered an Enforcer so... I don''t blame you."


    Irene took another sigh. "I''m sorry I hurt your feelings..."


    "Apologize not accepted, as you didn''t hurt anything." Ace said as he clutched his broken heart, and the stream of tears only grew.


    Irene turned away from the man as she rolled her eyes. "And I thought Ken was one for dramatics..."


    "So what''re you doing out here anyways?" Ace questioned in curiosity as he stopped crying.


    "Well," Irene said reaching into her pocket and pulling out a small thin piece of paper. "I''m going to mail my village a check. This is 50% of the Bells I earned from my mission. I''m going to send them this so they can repair any damages and maybe even build a better wall? Now that I am not there to help out I decided I would use all my Bells to build a better village for them."


    "Wow!" Ace said as he dropped his gun. He brought his hands up and began to clap for the Enforcer in front of him. "Bravo!" He stated clapping. "You''re so full of Justice. More people should strive to be like you! Willingly giving up their hard-earned Bells! You''re the kind of Enforcer I would want to be!"


    Irene stared at the man in mild confusion as she turned away from him. "Sure..." She said training off. ''I''m not even supposed to be an Enforcer...'' She thought as her clenched fist grew tighter.


    Irene let out a heavy and disappointed sigh as she walked towards the large metallic square that would allow her to send her mail to her family.


    "What a swell guy!" Ace said to himself watching the Enforcer leave.


    The other guards remained silent none of them bothering to talk.


    Meanwhile...


    Cloud walked down the street twirling his new cane as a small smirk crossed its way onto his face and he walked with an unusual pep in his step. "Ahh yes... This city is certainly better than my old one. Of course my old place, wasn''t really a city... It was more of a shitty town, but I digress... ~Home sweet home. That''s what I have found. So here I roam. Forever-~"


    "Why is he singing..." Someone hissed out as they stared at him.


    "Oh God that blind kids walking around again! He''s gonna roam around for like an hour talking to himself and trying to sound deep!"


    "And they say we need the Enforcers..."


    Cloud''s ear twitched as he turned to stare at the man in question. "Ahh... I recognize that voice." Cloud walked forward towards the man. He slowly pointed his cane up placing it under the man''s chin. "I recently acquired a new cane... This one seems to have a few features on it. Mind if I test them out on you?"


    "W-What!" The man said with a frown. "Y-You can''t do that." He stuttered slightly but tried to keep his calm expression.


    "I''m pretty sure I can."


    "Y-You''re an Enforcer! What reason would you have to attack me?"


    One month ago my group and I were on a simple childish mission. Our job was to clean up the trash. Then... You showed up proceeded to drop a can of soda, which was still full, on two of my friends... And you got away with it to..."


    "A-And so what if I did?"


    Cloud gave a small frown. "Before I wasn''t technically a full-fledged Enforcer. I was merely a kid playing pretend. Now I have gone on my missions. Fought with these people. I don''t appreciate you treating us poorly for the amount of work we have to do... Those people are my team mates, my friends, my family."


    By now a small crowd was starting to form around the two men as they both stared at each other. Cloud stood standing tall, as the asshole''s eyes reflected off of Cloud''s glasses and back to himself.


    "The Enforcers..." The man said giving a frown. "We don''t need them..."


    "What?" Cloud said taking aback by the man''s tone.


    "We don''t need them." The man said again. "You guys aren''t needed. You think you''re better than us but you aren''t. I know the government likes to label you guys as superhuman but that isn''t true. You guys aren''t special."


    "Buddy... I can literally rip your head off with very little effort..." Cloud said staring the man down with his sunglasses. "That''s pretty special. I can also fight a horde of Barons... It takes a squad of peak condition, heavily armed humans, to take even a single Baron down... We protect the world."


    "Liar... You guys are just having us waste money on you."


    "What? We protect you guys from the Bestia Macht!"


    "I don''t believe in the ''Bestia Macht!''" The guy said giving off quotation marks as he said it.


    "Ar-Are you an idiot?"


    "I''ve never seen a Bestia Macht before! I bet none these people had. There might have been proof that those creatures existed at some point but I don''t believe in them now."


    "How?"


    "I know how you guys work. The government wants us to be nice and quiet in these warm cites. They make up lies, saying the world is a frozen waste land-"


    "Literally walk five feet out the door!"


    The man continued. "They want us to think we have to stay in here. The Artificial Lights are fake! They don''t provide warmth! That is scientifically impossible! The goverment wants us to behave in these cities. They don''t let anyone out of the city unless they are a Noble, or an Enforcer, or someone else important. So they made fake science to tell us to stay in these cities. An artificial light can''t be providing heat through an entire city, that isn''t how science works. It is something else but they won''t tell us what it is."


    "My outfit was literally a black box that wrapped around me, and became a white trenchcoat. Pretty sure Scientifically, and Impossible do not go in the same sentence when an Enforcer is involved."


    "I know the secrets!" The man yelled out. "There was once a land beyond! Up above! The government made the void we see above us! They made this world! They made it to control us! They killed the world and made this wasteland for us to roam around in! I know how this works!"


    Cloud let out a heavy sigh. "No, you don''t... First of... Bestia Macht do exist. While I have not personally seen them, I have fought them. Nearly died to them. And slaughtered hundreds of them. Secondly. The world is cold. Wild. Cruel. Deadly. Unforgiven. And just downright cheating, outside of these walls. In a village, you live knowing every day could be your last. In a City you live with technology. Lights. Warmth. Protection. In a town, you live with only a few people dumb enough to guard it. A small tiny group of Enforcers, that will only show up sometimes, and hand me down tech that will constantly crash and break... You also have to deal with muggers, murderers, thieves, thugs, bandits, and the occasional Bestia Macht that get in, or the superhuman asshole, who gets bored and wants to go on a rampage for fun, because he knows the Enforcer''s don''t care enough to send anyone to stop him... So don''t you undermine the kind of life you live? Safe behind these walls, knowing that at any moment if your life is in danger we the Enforcers will come to save you... Because unlike most people you were born lucky. You were given an amazing privilege at birth. You were born in a city."


    The man was silent as Cloud stepped away from him.


    "Don''t make this mistake again. Unlike me, most Enforcers aren''t very nice." Cloud said giving the man a warning.


    The man gave a small nod as he walked off. The crowd parted allowing him to walk through.


    Cloud let out a sigh as he walked back to his dorms. He didn''t feel like walking around anymore...

 Chapter 92 - What They Do Part Two

    Age 1991


    Ken let out a loud yell as she swung the wooden sword down at the man.


    Nick responded with a yell of his own as he reflected her strike with his own wooden sword.


    "Focus on your footing!" Nick demanded as he kicked out with his leg knocking Ken to the ground and taking her breath away. His leg shot out kicking her in the chest as she gasped out in pain. "Remember. You aren''t allowed to use your Attribute for this challenge. You have to fight with that frail body of yours... It is up to you to train your body and get it back in working order."


    Ken gritted her teeth as she slowly stood back up.


    Currently, she stood outside the Squad Seven building with Vice-Captain Nick training her in the ways of using a sword. Both Ken, and Nick were sparring with wooden swords that Nick happened to have on hand. Nick had created an arena and also brought out two outfits for them both to wear for their training. The clothing was a long silky black robe with a bit of white on it? Nick called it a ''Kimono'' or something like that. The outfit was very loose but comfortable.


    "Remind me again why she''s here..." Sif said letting out a quiet yawn as she watched Nick knock Ken to the ground once again. It was clear that the small fourteen-year-old girl was unable to keep up with the much older, much more skilled man.


    "Well, Sif!" Emma said jumped around as she watched her Vice-Captain, and sort of but not really friend, Ken battle. "Ken asked Nick to teach her how to use a sword! He said yes. So now he''s teaching her."


    "That isn''t what I meant..."


    "Oh?"


    "I meant why is she here exactly? Why are they interpreting my sleep with their fighting? They could have picked any spot to fo this but they decided to fight here..." Sif gave another yawn as she crossed her arms. "It is annoying me greatly... They are so loud."


    "Ahh... I dunno they just wanted to fight outside?" Emma said giving another shrug.


    Back over with the two fighting Enforcers, Ken jumped forward wildly swinging her wooden sword around with absolutely no skill at all as she tried to get any hit off on the man.


    "Terrible!" Nick announced deflecting her blows easily. "With any blade you must strike with an intent to kill. Every slash, should be brought down with the intention of it being the last. Every block and deflect must be down with elegance, with the intent to counter right away!" Nick parried Ken''s strike and brought his sword down hitting her over the head and dropping the young girl to the ground.


    "Oww!" Ken whined as a knot began to form on her head. "That hurt... Is that what I''m doing to Hero everytime I smack him on the head?"


    "If this had been a real sword, we would be forced to have your funeral as a closed casket..." Nick responded as he held his hand out helping the young girl up. "What I''m saying is that you suck."


    "This is so hard..." Ken whined folding her arms up.


    "It actually isn''t. What you are finding difficult is easily able to be overcome. It is your body that is lacking. Without a proper body, you''ll never keep up with the skill level required to master the blade. You use that ability of yours to make shortcuts. It isn''t wrong to use your Attrubuite in a battle, but you need to have a body that can handle it."


    Ken gave another sigh. "I know, I know..." She said rolling her dull red eyes. "I need to build up my body? Eat lots of protein and do some working out. I got it. I''m just so used to letting my Attribute do everything. With it I''m able to easily break the sound barrier, and hit with the force of a cannon... Although they do put a strain on the body doing that."


    "As your body improves so to will your ability to handle greater levels of your Attribute," Nick responded. "You''re very much like that Seraphin on your team... He too is weighed down from having a body that can''t handle his Attributes properly..."


    "Hero has that problem?" Ken said raising an eyebrow.


    "Not just him. Every Seraphin. I''ve fought a few of them in my time. When you fight a proper Seraphin, and I mean one who has access to all three abilities at once, they can either be the hardest battle of your life, or a cakewalk. If they are not careful they will literally tear themselves apart and kill themselves simply by moving the wrong way. But... If they can master their abilities, then you''ll want to walk through hell itself, before you fight one of them."


    "Are they that bad?"


    "Meh. Fifty-fifty."


    Ken let out a sigh as she gave a small nod. "So I guess I just need to keep improving my body?"


    "Yes," Nick stated giving a nod.


    "I understand... It''s just I relied upon my Attribute for so long-"


    "Well, there''s your problem..." Sif said giving a small nod as she butted into the conversation between the two lower-ranked Enforcers.


    "What do you mean?" Ken questioned with mild confusion.


    "Relying on your Attribute isn''t bad, but it isn''t good either," Sif stated as she leaned back in her chair. "Our Attribute is our weapon. It is what our body holds. It is the thing that allows us to do great things. But like any weapon, it can only do so much. Mastering one''s Attribute is indeed a great step, but one must master their body first. Relying on a single trick in battle is never a good idea. You must expand your horizon and learn to adapt more, and more. Allow yourself to learn multiple different styles, and use several weapons... Then allow those styles to come together inside of you. Flowing through you, and enhancing yourself. Never forget that mastering a single weapon is great, but mastering several weapons is an achievement... Here in the Enforcers, there are several hundreds of fighting styles a young recruit could learn. Allow your body to adapt to them. Let your self grow, and then you''ll see how far you''ll improve. Master as many weapons as you can."


    "I understand," Ken said giving a small nod. "I think... I''m going to improve. No matter what I''ll grow. I''m going to be a world-famous hero after all... Also. I don''t want either of those idiots to pass me..." She muttered as the image of Hero, and Ken, came to her mind.


    Meanwhile...


    Back in the Squad Six New Recruits, common room...


    Kitsune Nine held the weapons in his hands awkwardly as he stared down at them...


    Behind him the sleeping body of Hero Otoko, rested, snoring quietly as his chest raised up and down.


    Hero had been 100% serious when he said he was going to sleep.


    Kitsune let out a small sigh as his eye twitched. "This grip feels kind of weird..." He muttered to himself as he held the tonfa''s, the weapon he had been gifted by Claus, up in a weird angle. His grip was loose as he stared down at them. "How... How do I even use these things?" He wondered as he had a small sweatdrop.


    The fox Noble held onto them awkwardly as he gave them a small swing.


    "Okay... I think I get it... So all I do is-"


    ''Stab!''


    The tonfa flew out of his hands embedding itself in the metal wall as the Noble stared at it with wide eyes.


    "Whoops..."


    Kitsune slowly walked over to it as he tried to rip it out of the wall. He didn''t have very much success...


    "God! Damn it!" He hissed out as he stabbed his feet into the wall and held onto the tonfa and pulled. "Come on! Come out!" He growled pulling on it with all his might. The damn thing refused to leave its new home, however, and it stayed where it was. Kitsune gave another small growl as he activated his Attribute getting his nine flaming tails, as well as ears. Small cracks appeared in the wall as he pulled even harder.


    The tonfa slowly began to become loose as Kitsune pulled even harder.


    "Just...A...Little...Bit...More..." Kitsune hissed out as he strained his body to the max. "Almost...There..." He growled out as his teeth clenched as hard as they possibly could. "100% full power!" He announced. There was a quiet groan as the Tonfa began to slowly come back out. "Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. I can do it. I am awesome! I can do this-"


    ''Pop!''


    "Ah-ha!"


    Kitsune slipped down as his hand slipped shooting the tonfa across the room.


    ''Stab!''


    The fox Noble stared with wide eyes as it flew forward stabbing itself into the other wall. Finally, he hit the floor covering his face in the carpet.


    "Ahh!!!"

 Chapter 93 - Labby

    Age 1991


    Hero let out a heavy sigh as he sat up now no longer in the normal world. All around him for miles was an ocean of red liquid that he stood in. The liquid had seemingly gone down this time, and wasn''t even able to reach past his ankles.


    "Why have you returned..." The angry gruff voice of Labby, the giant lab coat hissed out in his usual pissed off and annoyed tone. It was almost like he didn''t like the boy or something...


    "Yo!" Hero said giving a half-wave towards the massive figure bound not by blue chains anymore, but rather, massive white pillars. "Sup Labby? How''s it going still be stuck here unable to move."


    "Otoko!" The coat hissed out. "Why is it that the girl''s bindings have vanished..."


    "Reasons."


    "These one''s are much stronger than hers... And they are more flowing. I can see that your lines aren''t constricted. They are even helping to heal your damaged A-Lines, and M-Lines. It is a bit unfortunate... It seems you won''t randomly explode now. Though I''m still holding out hope you''ll mess up another way."


    "Yeah, I got a bit of an upgrade." Hero said giving a small shrug. "It is pretty cool I guess. But I did come for an important reason." The sixteen-year-old boy stated simply.


    "Why did you return here. And how are you so skilled at getting back here?" Labby hissed out. "From what little I know, which is what little Doctor Hyde knew at the time, it should be hard to get here. Yet somehow you manage to keep popping up in here... I doubt any other Seraphin is able to just appear in their mindscape... What makes you different from the others..." The lab coat questioned in curiosity as it made a loud rumble.


    "I already told you. You''re me. I had to spend ten years hanging out with only myself and my grandfather. Finding someone made up of me in my own head is a cakewalk." Hero said giving a shrug. "Man. You''re a bad listener, aren''t you? Then again you are just an ugly lab coat-"


    "I''ll kill you..."


    "Nah..." Hero smirked slightly. "I got a question for you."


    "I''ll start at the feet slowly ripping you apart, then I''ll make my way up."


    "What percentage of power am I at?" Hero questioned curiously still ignoring the constant threats the coat was throwing at him.


    Labby went silent as he c.o.c.ked the closet thing he had to a head. He stared at Hero in silence for a few moments. "25.2%"


    "Oh... It barely went up." Hero said letting out a small sigh as he folded his arms up in annoyance.


    "What have you done since you unlocked the power to grow..."


    "Well... Actually nothing. I haven''t done any training at all?" Hero said shrugging. "...Oh..."


    "Then that explains why it hasn''t gone up." Labby stated. "You must train and battle more. As you battle the level will increase on its own. Of course, you''ll also slowly lose your mind to the power hunger so there is that..."


    "Why are you being helpful?" Hero questioned raising an eyebrow.


    "Because you''re screwed!" Labby announced letting out a laugh. "A Seraphin can only naturally handle 30% of all Attributes they have. If they push it maybe 35% could be possible but they are reaching dangerous territories at that point... At 40% you''ll risk ripping the body apart by accident with even the smallest movement. At 45% just moving could rip an entire limb off and you will be forced to focus at all times so as to not die in mere moments. And at 50% even the act of merely breathing could rupture your lungs. Every beat of the heart could cause it to pop... Your body would be heated to a point of being on fire. You would literally be a walking bomb. You would have to focus on all aspects of those at once making sure to keep your bodies power down at all times. Even the smallest mistakes would end you on the spot. I just have to wait you out. Without me helping you, you''ll die!"


    "That sounds bad..." Hero said with wide eyes. He took a deep breath as he steadied his breathing. "But... It is possible for me to learn to control those powers and let my body become accustomed to handling those levels." He said it as more of a question than a fact.


    Labby let out a loud laugh as he stared down at the boy. "Yes. It is certainly possible for you to find a way to lessen the negative effects while keeping the positives. After all, I am able to do that, and as you so joyfully love to point out, you are me, and I am you. But there''s a big difference. I was made to handle that responsibility. The human body can normally only handle 100% of an Attribute. You have three. At 30% that would be like 90% for a normal person. Yes, you could probably learn to handle a greater power if you had time, and didn''t have to worry about it killing you. Not to mention that amount of concentration you''ll have to muster at 35% and onward..."


    "What do you mean?"


    "At 35% for you would be at 105% for anyone else. Not only are you already above the body''s natural limit, but at 35% you gain access to using all three Attributes at once. You''ll have little control of them all at once but, you can, in fact, use them all at the same time. So not only do you have to manage the level of power you''ll be pulling out, but you also have to make sure to manage three powers, all of which work vastly different from one another, at once, while also being in the middle of a battle. And that is only at 35% of your power. Once you reach 40% you''re always in a state of dying, and you''ll have to focus three powers, all of which you suck at using, while also making sure you can focus on those three powers, and while focusing on the power flux, and while also fighting whoever it is you''re fighting... Plus there is always the chance you''ll have to worry about your Mantra..."


    "My what?"


    "That is not important at this moment." The coat leaned forward staring down at Hero as it gave a small growl. "At the current situation, you are screwed..."


    Hero took a sigh as he gave a small smile. "Not yet. I''ll find a way to control this power."


    "What the hell happened to you? You were not like this a few days ago... Earlier you were scared at the thought of battling again. Now you know you''re facing certain death and all you''re doing is laughing!"


    "I haven''t fully come to terms with this yet but I''m getting there." Hero said giving a small shrug.


    "What are you on about?"


    Hero took a deep breath as he gave a wide smirk. "My name is Hero Otoko! And I am a Seraphin. I''ll use this power to protect my friends. And... No matter what I''ll save her!" He announced. "If the current me can''t do it, I''ll just force myself to become a new version of me that can do it. That''s why I claim to be the third strongest. I''ll use that excuse to grow myself."


    "You''re a fool if you feel any sympathy for that girl..." That lab coat hissed out.


    "If having even a shred of empathy makes me a fool, then I choose to be the biggest fool!"


    "I see... You''re still the same naive idiot you''ve always been. I''ve watched you grow for nearly ten years now Hero Otoko. You are nothing but a foolish boy playing the role of a Hero, for the sake of a dying memory. Do you think you can really save her... Do you think you can really be the thing she requires you to be."


    "I know I can. I''ll be her Hero..." The sixteen-year-old Seraphin announced giving a nod to the giant lab coat that was bounded by the white pillars. Hero turned away as he began to walk off but stopped, and turned back to look at the coat. "And... The more you tell me I can''t, the more I know I''m able to."


    "What?"


    "You''re me. And my biggest critic is myself." Hero gave the lab coat a smile as he gave a small wave. "Labby-"


    "Don''t call me that you fool!"


    "-I''m going to get stronger. No matter what happens. I''ll save her. I''ll save my friends. The name Hero was my mother''s gift. I''ll live up to her expectations. Because... Because if I can''t even save one girl who has asked for my help how can I have the audacity to claim the title of Hero for myself! So keep telling me I can''t do it! I''ll prove myself wrong, if I have to!"


    Hero brought his hand down ripping another hole in the fabric of the space in front of him, creating a way for himself to leave.


    Labby watched him step through the crack vanishing from this world.


    "...Hero Otoko... What a foolish dream."

 Chapter 94 - The Start Of The Second Mission

    Age 1991


    Katrina walked back and forth as her eyes focused on the group of five young recruits in front of her... Her eyes rolled over every one of the recruits before finally focusing on Hero. Hero froze under her gaze as he began to panic slightly.


    Off to the side Jackson, Dawson, and Hannah all stood by themselves as they watched their Captain pace back and forth in the room. The other Squad Six members would still be away on their important mission so this was all that they had to work with...


    Katrina let out an annoyed sigh as she reached up slowly, and began pinching the bridge of her nose in a stressed off manner. The Squad six Captain finally looked up as she gritted her teeth. "So..." She said finally speaking. "It would seem we got some new orders..." She stated in annoyance.


    "New orders?" Jackson questioned raising an eyebrow. "I don''t remember hearing anything on that?"


    "Yes..." Katrina said with clenched teeth. Her eyes focused in on Hero once more, as the boy began to whistle innocently. "Someone... Apparently talked to Master Storm, and put an idea in that old fool''s head... He requested two missions from us now... You wouldn''t happen to know about that, would you... Hero?"


    Hero felt the sweat drip down his face as he gulped. "What! N...No... I don''t even know what he looks like-"


    "Didn''t he call you to his-" Hero slapped his hand over Ken''s mouth stopping her from saying anything else.


    Katrina continued to stare at the boy as he slowly backed up and hid behind Kitsune peaking over the nobles shoulder.


    "Be my shield..." Hero hissed.


    "What! No! No reason we both have to die!" The fox Noble said in a panic as he tried to pull away from his friend.


    Katrina let out another heavy sigh as she turned away from the two idiots. "Anyways... We are being required to go off on two separate missions. Because of this, the party will naturally be split up." The woman stated cooly.


    "How are we splitting it up?" Hannah asked. "And uh... What is the mission exactly?"


    "Well at first it was gonna be a simple scouting mission. Now, however, Master Storm has altered it. We are to stay in the area of the city until something suspicious happens then try to stop it. Naturally, we have no idea how long this will take or how long it will be until we can solve the problem. Because of that two hotels have been booked. We will be staying at these hotels while we are in the city. They are set to last for an entire year but, I highly doubt it''ll come to that... We are not to leave until we have encountered what we are looking for." Katrina stated calmly.


    "What exactly are we looking for?" Dawson questioned speaking in his normally quiet yet terrifyingly deep voice that he is known for.


    "Good question..." Katrina let out yet another sigh. "Some group called the Organization or some shit... That actually reminds me. Jack catch." Katrina took the ruby ring off her finger tossing it over to the man.


    "What''s this?" Jackson questioned with a raised eyebrow.


    "A ruby ring." Hero announced stating the obvious. Ken elbowed him getting the boy to shut up.


    "Your grandfather asked me to hold onto that for some reason..." Katrina stated letting out a sigh. "I decided that I want you to be the one to actually hold onto it for me instead. That way if anything bad happens it''ll be after you rather than me."


    "Oh... You shouldn''t have..." Jackson said with a bit of an eye twitch as he slipped it on his finger.


    "So we are going to be splitting up our group?" Hannah questioned.


    "Yes. We are to go to two cites. The first is Dandelion. The second is Chrysanthemums..." The woman said slowly.


    There was a small gasp around the table as Hero frowned. "Is that supposed to mean something?" He asked.


    "Well... Chrysanthemum is a-"


    "Big word?"


    "-city... It''s actually the city of crimes some would say..." Kitsune muttered out as he gave a heavy frown. "Chrysanthemum is by far, one the worst places we could be sent to... The Nobles there who run the city are greedy and have taken over."


    "Sounds bad." Hero said.


    "Ha! I bet it isn''t that bad!" Ken announced.


    "Okay well Ken volunteered to go." Katrina stated.


    "Wait what!" The young girls dull red eyes widened in horror as she jumped back.


    "So. How exactly are we going to split up the party?" Hannah questioned curiously. "Like... How are we going to pick who goes where?" She questioned.


    "That''ll be the easy part," Katrina said giving a simple shrug. "We will split the group into two. One group will be Dawson''s side. Dawson, you will be third in command of the group going to Chrysanthemum. It will be your job to protect everyone there. I will be in charge of the group going to Dandelion. Now. Due to the fact on how we are splitting up the group a few members on Squad Seven will be helping us out. Sif, as well as her Vice-Captain, will be going with Dawson to Chrysanthemum. She is also bringing along a recruit of hers, as well as a Reserve. Furthermore, for my group, I will be getting two recruits from her. After planning it out and trying to figure out what would be an ideal strategy I have decided that Jackson, and Hannah will be with me. I also have chosen to take Kitsune, Cloud, and North with me. That leaves Hero, and Ken, on the team with Dawson..."


    "Is it really a good idea for me to take them to Chrysanthemum?" Dawson questioned.


    "Not really but, they are the two recruits I care the least about so..."


    "Ouch..." Ken muttered.


    "My heart..." Hero stated falling to the ground.


    "We don''t know what we will be walking into..." Katrina said getting the attention back on her. "It could be anything really. We also don''t know how long this mission will take. Because of that if one group finishes before the other then that group will head to the second city to help out the group that hasn''t finished yet. Squad seven can, and likely will leave us at a later time, so we can not rely on them for too long. And... By far the biggest rule I can give you. Nobody die. Don''t be a hero if it means putting your life in danger."


    "Isn''t... Isn''t that the entire purpose of us being Enforcers?" Irene questioned.


    "Maybe the others will tell you that, but by God, I don''t want to lose any more squad members than I have to." Katrina hissed out. "Don''t do anything stupid... Especially for someone you don''t know. Our lives are just as precious as the people we protect. If you''re gonna die, make sure it is for something you actually care about..."


    "Got it. So don''t die, be awesome, and get the girl-" Jackson was saying but was stopped when Katrina smacked him across the room sending him flying into the metal wall. "...Okay... Don''t get the door-" He gasped out.


    "This gonna be a very dangerous mission. We don''t know how it''ll be ranked, but Master Storm seems to think that this is a serious matter. No matter what... We will win." Katrina said holding her fist out.


    Jackson was first touching her fist with his. After him was Dawson, then Hannah, and then all of the new recruits who raised their hands.


    All five of them touched the fist of their Captain as they all announced all at once...


    "Squad Six!"

 Chapter 95 - The Train To Chrysanthemum

    Age 1991


    "Alright!" Hero announced holding his arm up. "New mission!"


    Ken let out an annoyed sigh as she rolled her eyes. "It is way too early for this..." She muttered out. "Why don''t the others have to wake up this early?" She questioned.


    "Because the train to Dandelion won''t be here until 6 A.M..." Dawson said giving a shrug. "The train to Chrysanthemum arrives at 2 A.M... I don''t get to pick the scheduling of how the trains function." The Squad Six Reserve member said simply.


    "Well, what about those other guys?" Ken questioned. "I thought some Squad Seven members would be here?"


    "Yeah but it''s Sif... You think you''re a morning person, you should see how hard it is waking that girl up..." Dawson sighed out as he folded his arms. "Unfortunately for us, we''re stuck waiting for them to arrive."


    "This sucks..." Ken sighed out.


    "It could be worse." Hero said giving a shrug.


    "How?"


    "I don''t know but it could?"


    Ken let out a sigh as she shook her head. "I can''t believe I thought I loved you..."


    "What?"


    "What?"


    Dawson cleared his throat as he shook his head. There was a loud hissing sound as the gang turned to find Sif, Nick, Sera, a young woman, and the big four legged Bestia Macht, that had taken Kitsune. "Oh thank God..." Dawson sighed out when he saw them.


    Sif gave a small tired wave as she rode on the back of her Bestia Macht which walked towards the group slowly. "Sorry, we''re late..." Nick said giving a bow.


    "It is no issue Vice-Captain Nick, Captain Sif..." Dawson said also bowing. He turned to look at the unnamed woman. "I''m sorry... I don''t think we''ve met..." He said holding his hand out.


    The girl gave a small smile as she took his hand. "I am Ren Seity." The woman said simply. She was a young woman in her early twenties much like Dawson. She wore a light black dress, and she had long white hair, with what appeared to be a pair of sad blue eyes. "It is an honor to meet someone like you..." She said giving another small smile.


    "Ahh! Loyal subject!"


    "Oh no..." Hero muttered backing up as Sera marched towards him. Hero ducked behind Ken holding her out in front of him. "Out of all the recruits, why did it have to be you..." He whined.


    Sera gave a heavy frown as she pulled out a fan covering the lower half of her face with it. "My... And I thought your time around Kitsune would have done you good in learning how to treat your Nobles..."


    "You know Kit?" Ken said frowning.


    "But of course! He is much like me one of the twenty sacrad branches-"


    "Okay... I keep hearing that but what the hell does that mean?" Ken questioned.


    Sera let out a horrified gasp as she clutched her chest. "How could you have not known of the sacred branches?" Sera questioned with a frown. "There are twenty families. A position that goes beyond the rank of a Noble. The twenty sacrad branches. It was a rank gifted to us by our Lord, the entity God for helping him create the black wall. Five Branches were each separated into the four nations. This is because each of the four nations are ruled by an Emperor. The rank of the Emperor can only be held by someone who is a sacrad branch. In our Nation, the Nation of Red, the five families who are from the twenty sacrad branches are the Nine, which Kitsune, your teammate is from, Azura, which is the family I am from, Storm, which your Vice-Captain is from, as well as the Alazir family, which is unfortunately dead, and finally the Aka family. Lady Lin Aka, is the current Emperess of our nation. The family of Aka has been the family to reach the rank of Emperor and Empress for nearly one thousand ages..."


    Ken stared at the girl for a few moments. "Why are you here?"


    Sera fell back clutching her chest once again.


    "Sera is a special case for me..." The two squad six members turned seeing Sif walking towards them. "Sera is the only Enforcer who has never received a letter... Rather she sent a letter in herself requesting she join. Sera is by far the weakest person I have ever seen. She has no physical strength, no control over her powers, and has no skill what so ever... Absolutely pathetic."


    "But... But I got a lot stronger though right!" Sera stated.


    "No..."


    Nick gave a small laugh. "Well it would seem like our train is here." He announced as everyone turned to see the giant steel train pulling up to the station. "With any luck, we''ll arrive at the city in a few hours..." The Vice-Captain stated letting out another laugh. "Lady Sif you know you won''t be able to take your pet with you..."


    Sif let out an annoyed yawn as she slid off of the creature and into the arms of Nick who caught her. A small sigh escaped her lips as she reached petting the beast. "Okay, Adolfo..." Sif said frowning. She reached up pulling out a tiny silver whistle. "Come to me if you hear this..."


    The Beast, let out a huff as it bowed its head. It turned its body and simply jumped away.


    "You know..." Dawson said slowly. "You could just-"


    "I''m not stuffing my pet in a tiny black box..." Sif hissed out.


    Dawson gave a shrug. "Silky seems to like it..."


    A few minutes later...


    Everyone found themselves a seat on the train which was completely empty. Most people weren''t allowed to ride out of a city unless they had a permit, were rich, or an Enforcer, and most people weren''t dumb enough to go to a city like Chrysanthemum... Because of this, it was mostly completely silent save for the current small group of Enforcers who now rested on the train.


    "So..." Dawson said slowly as he cupped his hands together. "We''re heading to Chrysanthemum... Hero, Ken, while it is true you are on my Squad, for this mission you will be listening to Vice-Captain Nick, and Captain Sif..." He stated in a serious tone as he stared at the two recruits.


    "I...Is that all?" Hero asked.


    "Yes... Go do whatever you want on the train I don''t care..." Dawson sighed turning away.


    Sif let out a yawn as she slowly laid back on her seat passing out. Dawson took a seat next to Ren as Hero, Ken, and Sera all followed after Nick.


    "Can I help you?" Nick questioned.


    "So Ms. Scary girl? What''s up with her?" Hero asked curiously. "Somehow Sera, Emma, and Lucy all three grew in power, by like... I dunno ten times in such a short amount of time? I didn''t even double in power yet, and Ken only got like two and a half times stronger. So how did they all grow so quickly? What is Sif doing exactly?"


    Nick let out a small chuckle as he folded his arms. "Lady Sif... Well, she''s amazing. She was voted in by Captain Katrina, and she is the youngest Captain at only seventeen..."


    "Wow... You''re older than her?" Ken stated.


    "Yeah... Lady Sif is an enigma. The only person crazier then her in terms of power is the current First Captain... Sif is sometimes called a miracle worker as she is able to make normal everyday Enforcers into absolute monsters..." Nick stated. "I''m sure you know a bit about Lines and the growth. Well, Sif exploits them. We don''t know how but somehow she is able to do it, but she is somehow able to get rid of the negative side effects of a rapid growth. By being near Sif and recovering from several events, each one pushing you closer, and closer to near death but then recovering from it, you are able to grow in power to a ridiculous extent. Not to mention Sif is good friends with the Squad Twelve Captain. Because of this you will be placed near death then healed. Then if you pissed her off you''ll be placed near death again... It can be terrible at times, but the massive power gaps can be seen..."


    "Well? Why not have everyone be trained by Sif?" Ken questioned.


    "Simple... She doesn''t like training anyone unless she is bored... Also, according to Lady Sif that particular gift she has only works on certain people."


    "Training is way to hard..." Sera whined folding her arms up.


    "As you can see... It even works on spoiled Nobles like young Sera here..." Nick sighed out.


    "Hey!"


    Over with Dawson the man quietly sat next to Ren as the two young a.d.u.l.ts stared out the window. "You... You''re a very sad individual aren''t you Mr. Blight..."


    "W...What?" Dawson said startled by the sudden comment.


    "My Attrubuite..." Ren said quietly as she stared down at her hands. "Emotional Joyment..." She stated quietly. "With it, anyone near me is affected by it... It causes you to feel joy. I can increase the amount by concentrating on a person showing them actual joyful moments from their lives. No matter what though my ability is always active and yet... You aren''t being affected by it. It''s possible for a person to brush it off if they are filled by another emotion... After watching this world I''ve come to the conclusion that in most situations sadness is the thing my joy can''t conquer."


    Dawson stared at her for a few moments before finally crossing his arms. "Well... I wouldn''t say it is a sadness that I am filled with but... I am filled with something..."


    "Well then... As one Enforcer to another... Would you mind if we talked about it?"


    Dawson gave a small smile. "I''d like that..."

 Chapter 96 - The City They Called Chrysanthemum

    Age 1991


    "-and that was how my family led the great revolution to the Emperor''s forefront in an attempt to claim the throne for ourselves!" Sera announced. "Any questions?"


    "What I wasn''t listening?" Hero said just coming to.


    "Wait? So your family tried to steal the throne of Red?" Ken said with wide eyes. "How the hell us your family still able to be trusted?"


    "We aren''t!" Sera announced. "There''s a reason I had to ask to receive a letter!"


    "What did I miss exactly?" Hero questioned blinking in confusion.


    "As a Noble family of the twenty sacred Branches, it is my duty to try and make a grab for the throne!" Sera announced. "But... Only the strongest of the Twenty Noble Branches are allowed to be the Emperor. Because of that I am honored bound to raise up in power, by becoming an Enforcer. Then and only then will I be able to be Empress Sera!"


    "Seriously what did I miss!"


    "Shut up Hero!" Both girls said.


    Nick let out a sigh as he lowered himself down in his chair. "How did I get stuck with babysitting duty..."


    Over on the other side of the train, Dawson stared out the window as it roared down the tracks. There was an awkward silence between the two Reserves as the train made several loud roaring sounds.


    "My best friend... His name is Jackson Storm. In a situation like this, he would normally say a joke to break this silence..." Dawson said slowly as his animalistic yellow eyes gave off a predatory glow.


    Ren gave a small smile as her cold, and hurt blue eyes seemed to shine for a second. "Your friend sounds nice..."


    "Yeah... He is." Dawson muttered. "Jackson is... Well, he is a strange Noble. There is a recruit I am slightly worried about. His name is Kitsune Nine. He''s like Jackson. Almost too much like him... Nine seems to be running from something. Himself maybe? He seems to take on the aspects of everyone around him. Him and Hero get along very well."


    "Hero... He''s that boy over there correct..."


    "Yes, Ma''am," Dawson said giving a nod.


    "He''s the opposite of you... Just me being near him is enough to make him break out into a smile... That boy wants to be happy. Even if he is feeling something else he''ll let my power wash over him."


    "Hero''s a brave boy. He''s been through a lot. I think... Honestly, I''m not to focus on Hero."


    Ren let out a small laugh as she gave a light smile. It seemed to be a real smile this time as a small giggle escaped her lips. "I''m a bit jealous of you Mr. Blight..."


    "Of me?"


    "You have so many people around you... You get to do so much... Being a Reserve member on Squad Seven it is actually rare that I get to go on a mission... Squad Seven is the greatest back up, Squad. Because of that fact, it is made up of several different units. Some groups in Squad Seven are more battle orientated. Others are more medical and support. Due to my Attribute, I have a strange outcome in missions so I am rarely given the chance to go on big missions like these..."


    "Well... What changed today?" Dawson questioned raising an eyebrow. "Why''d you get a chance today?"


    "I''m not sure. Lady Sif is a weird woman."


    "You can say that again..."


    The two Enforcers let out a small laugh.


    There was a massive screeching sound as the entire train began to shake. Dawson peered out the black window seeing the darkness was suddenly broken from the light of the cities, artificial lighting. The train slowly began to come to a stop as the loud screeching got louder.


    They had arrived at the city...


    A few minutes later...


    The group of Enforcers stepped out of the train as the metal gates to the city slowly swung open.


    "Whoa... Very different from the other cities!" Hero said with wide eyes.


    Chrysanthemums was certainly not like any of the other various cities... For one it was still pretty cold. There was a layer of snow that covered everything. It wasn''t a blizzard like the rest of the world, but compared to the other cities this one was freezing cold...The artificial lights were also vastly different from any others... These ones were a bright purple, lighting the entire city in a purple glow and giving it a spooky look. Next was the buildings... They were all small. Not as tiny as the buildings found in a town but still much smaller than any of the ones found in other cities. They were also bunched together. The entire thing felt tight and closed off and several of the buildings actually went over each other stacking up higher and higher. Everything looked to be made from a cold dark metal causing it all to look darker than it actually was. At the back of the city was a massive golden looking building. Like every city, it was owned by a Noble and chances were that the massive golden mansion belonged to the Nobles...


    "Yeah... This definitely isn''t creepy..." Ken said letting out a sigh as she rolled her eyes.


    "One of the lesser cities..." Dawson said letting out a heavy sigh. "It is sad but unfortunately some Nobles barely care about the people in their city. The end results are what you see now. A closed-off dark place. Out of all the cites, Chrysanthemums is the one with the highest rate of crime... It should be easy to find the problem... If we are lucky it''ll only take us a month or two."


    "Oh boy..." Ken said rolling her eyes once more.


    "Our hotel is up ahead..." Sif muttered out quietly.


    The group followed the Captain as the walked through the city. They got several strange looks which were completely justified. It was rare to see an Enforcer in a city like this... Much less A Captain, a Vice-Captain, Two Reserves, and Three recruits. They were packing some serious heat right now...


    The group walked for about another five minutes before finally stopping at a tall marble white building. This was the second biggest building in the city second only to the massive golden building. This building stood at nearly 5,794'' feet. It was almost half the size of the Squad Zero building in Oleander.


    It was a beautiful white color lined with snow. It stood tall and had no windows or anything really to speak of save for a metal door.


    Sif slowly pulled a golden badge out with the words ''Enforcer'' written on it. The metal door opened immediately.


    "In every city, that isn''t Oleander we have what we call the Marble pillars. They are basically fancy buildings for Enforcers, and Nobles to stay in, if they aren''t in their own city." Dawson stated. "Behave and don''t piss off the Automaton''s..."


    "The what?" Hero questioned.


    "The Automatons... They are highly advanced robotics that listens to the current Emperor. When an Automatons reaches its breaking point and can no longer battle they are sent here to work as butlers. Careful as they are highly susceptible to getting pissed off and while they might not be in 100% shape they are still packed with weapons..."


    "Why the hell would they have deadly killer robots be the butlers in places like these?" Ken questioned with wide eyes.


    "Well... Let''s just say that the current Empress is kind of an asshole and leave it at that..." Dawson muttered out. "Just be calm and... Try not to spill anything... Last time I was here Jackson slipped and split some tea and we were fighting off those damn robots for hours..."


    "I''m starting to think that the Nation Of Red is screwed up..." Ken said slowly.


    "That''s an understatement." Sif hissed.


    The group of Enforcer entered the building instantly being hit with a wave of heat. All the snow on them evaporated vanishing. The inside of the building was illuminated by a golden light. The inside looked like a scene in every generic Noble mansion. It was massive and filled with several fancy decorations.


    Several metallic-looking knights all dressed in butler outfits walked back and forth. They made several loud clicking sounds as they turned to look at the group. Each one of them looked... Well, beat up? They had dents in them, and were missing limbs like arms, legs, fingers? They had holes in them and some had sparks flying out of them.


    Others looked better but not by much... They had several pieces of scrap metal sticking out of them and molded into their body.


    "Geez... These things do not look safe?" Hero hissed lightly.


    One of the Automaton''s turned to look at the group. It made a clicking sound. Then its upper half exploded.


    "What the hell!"


    "Oh yeah sometimes they explode," Dawson said giving a shrug. "It''s okay. They mostly do it away from people."


    The other Automaton''s instantly tackled the more half of the one that blew up and began to rip its lower half into pieces.


    "W...What are they doing!" Ken said with wide eyes as she jumped into the arms Of Nick.


    "Well... It''s dead so too the Automaton''s that means it''s spare parts." Nick said casually. "It is their circle of life."


    Another Automaton walked up to the group as it gave a small bow. A small piece of paper slowly popped out of it as it handed it to Dawson.


    Dawson looked it over then looked back up at the group. "Me, Sif, Nick, Ken, Hero, Sera, and Ren... That''s seven of us..." He muttered out. "Lady Sif what do you want to do?"


    Sif gave a small yawn. "I don''t care... Just get three rooms." She said waving her hand.


    Dawson gave a shrug. "Three rooms. Each room has two beds..."


    Wait... Two beds three rooms... Three times two..." Hero muttered out counting on his fingers.


    "Six Hero... It''s six."


    "Oh... What but there are seven of us?" Hero questioned.


    "Not my problem," Sif said rolling her eyes. "There will be two groups of two, and one group of three. I choose Nick as my roommate." She stated. "If anyone else even tries to partner up with us I''ll kill you."


    Ren turned looking at Dawson for a moment. "I...If you don''t mind I''d like to be in the same room as you..."


    Dawson froze for a second but gave a nod. "I guess that just leaves the three recruits all sharing a room."


    "What!" Hero said glancing back at Ken, and Sera. Both girls stared back at him. "Crap!"


    A few minutes later...


    Hero stared at the two beds as he glanced back and forth. "Damn it..."


    Ken let out a small laugh as she took one of the beds. Sera quickly took the other. "Well. Guess you''ll have to sleep on the floor. Unless you wanna sha-"


    Hero face planted into the ground. "Alright good night!" He called out.

 Chapter 97 - Chrysanthemum Murders...

    Age 1991


    "So? How''d you sleep?" Nick asked curiously?


    "Terrible..." Hero muttered out laying face down on the fancy table. "Ken wouldn''t stop teasing me, and Sera, wouldn''t shut up about the great Noble families..." He whined.


    "Ouch... Well, Sif slept like a baby so I was able to get plenty of beauty sleep." Nick said giving a shrug as he sipped some of the tea that one of the busted robots poured him. "Of course you aren''t the one I was really curious about..."


    "I''m not?"


    "Nah... You''re in a room with Ken, who you view as a sister, and Sera, who is... Well, she''s Sera. Also while you may be getting to that age, Ken, and Sera, are way to young to consider anything like that with you. I knew nothing was gonna happen. But... Well, there is someone who I am a bit curious about." Nick said staring at the stairs right as Dawson Blight was walking down.


    "Why are you looking at Dawson?" Hero questioned in confusion.


    "He slept in a room with a woman his age who is into him, and he is presumably into her... Why wouldn''t I be interested?"


    "Are... Are you by any chance a fan of romance novels?"


    "Yeah," Nick said nodding as he gave a smirk. "I am. I like to view myself as a match maker-"


    "God damn it... Always with the perverts..."


    "Yo," Nick said standing up as he waved towards Dawson. "Mr. Blight. How''s it going?"


    "Vice-Captain Nick," Dawson said nodding his head.


    "So... How was your night with Ren?"


    "Quiet," Dawson said simply. "We both slept quietly."


    "Is that all?"


    "Should there be more?"


    Nick let out a sigh as he folded his arms. "Yeah, yeah... Geez. Stubborn Enforcers... It is like everyone in Squad Six is just incapable of telling when someone is in love with them-"


    "Love?" Dawson said in confusion. "Why are you suddenly talking about-"


    There was a loud banging sound as the three Enforcers turned seeing an Automaton marching towards them. It was glowing a sickly green as it held up a piece of paper. Nick took the paper looking it over. His eyes slowly widened.


    "Well... It would appear that we have a case..." He muttered out.


    Ten minutes later...


    The group of seven Enforcers walked into the big police station building that was found in the city. The difference between the police and the Enforcers was that the Enforcers were made up of SuperHumans, and dealt with the Bestia Macht, and SuperHuman crimes, while the police were made up of only Humans and dealt with normal crimes such as theft and human murders. They were like the Enforcers, but way less cool...


    If a normal human wanted to do good things and be a hero, then really their only options was joining the police, or becoming a city guardian.


    The Enforcers entered the building seeing how flooded it was almost immediately. So many people were running around in a panic, and the sounds of phones went off again, and again.


    "What are we doing again..." Sif hissed out as she yawned. She was currently on Nick''s back as he carried her.


    "We got a request to come down here," Nick said simply as he held the girl.


    "Ahh, Enforcers!" A middle-aged man said as he walked towards them. He held his hand out. "I am Officer Bradley. I''m currently in charge here."


    "Currently?"


    "The last guy in charge died. We made a few bets and think I might last the full month if I''m careful."


    "That''s dark..."


    "It''s life." The man said seemingly unbothered by the prospect of dying so soon. "Anyways. I have asked you guys here for a good reason. Please follow me." He said walking to an office. The others followed him as he shut the door on them. "Have a seat." He said gesturing to only two chairs.


    "We...We''re good."


    "So..." Dawson said quietly. "Why did you ask for us?"


    "We have a murderer on the loose..."


    "We don''t deal with Human crime," Sif said simply. "Besides we''re already on an important mission. If this has nothing to do with that, then we won''t get involved..."


    "No. You don''t understand. We think the murderer is a SuperHuman." That got the attention of the Enforcers as they stared at the man... "The murders are quite gruesome..." He warned.


    "We fight giant killer monsters on a daily basis..." Dawson said simply. "But... Hero, Ken, and Sera. Go wait outside."


    "What!" Ken said with wide eyes. "Why?"


    "Have you seen a dead body before?"


    "Yeah? Both me and Hero saw a guy die in front of us? I also killed a guy. Hero held him down so I could do it."


    "Oh..." Dawson said surprised by that answer. "...Well, go outside anyways." Dawson stated as he waved his hand at the door.


    The kids let out several small groans as they all stood up.


    "Lady Sif you''re a kid as well. You go-"


    "I''ll kill you."


    "Nevermind..." Dawson said quietly.


    The police chief cleared his throat as he reached into his desk pulling out several pictures. "I just want to say I warned you." He said simply sliding the pictures over to the group.


    "Geez!" Nick said with wide eyes as he shot his hand out placing it over Sif''s eyes.


    "You''re only allowed to do this because I refuse to look at something so grotesque..." Sif said slowly holding onto Nick''s hand.


    "Meh. I''ve seen worse." Dawson said shrugging. "This one guy I knew, got hit by an attack that made his insides his outside, and his outside his insides."


    "It is quite surprising that someone would kill in such a way..." Ren said with a slight eyebrow raise.


    There were several pictures of each kill. For the first three, it showed the brutally stabbed bodies of three women. One in each picture. They all look different having different hair colors, skin colors, and they all looked to be of various ages.


    After the first three pictures, there was a drastic change. Now there was two bodies in each picture... Well, sort of...


    Each picture still had a woman who was brutally stabbed to death much like the previous one but there was also a new addition. In each of the pictures what could only be described as a pile of flesh was present. It was just a mound of ripped up flesh, muscles, and blood. Lots, and lots, of blood... Although strangest of all was that there was no bones at all in the pile of flesh?


    "So... I get that it''s a horrible murder but what about this is special?" Dawson questioned raising an eyebrow.


    The police officer pointed down at the pile of flesh. "Every single one of those are the murderers. Each pile of meat is a different person. In the first three videos we got, it was the same person chasing the girls." He stated. "We aren''t sure what is going on exactly but in every video, we have it always starts the same way. A man, which is the pile of flesh, chases after a girl. After that the video cuts off."


    "Wait video? What video." Sif questioned pulling Nick''s hand away from her face. She glanced down at the pictures and grabbed Nick''s hand again placing it over her face covering it up and blocking the pictures once more.


    "We''ve been getting pictures, and videos from the Noble family of B¨¢thory, the family who owns this City." The man said. "As I said earlier the first three victims had the same man chase after the girls. The video always cuts off before he catches them..."


    "Okay... So you''ve been getting videos of people dying from the Nobles and you don''t think that is suspicious?" Dawson questioned raising an eyebrow.


    "Oh no, it''s super suspicious but... Well, you know the rules. Only Enforcers can look into Nobles. We''ve been trying to get a hold of you guys for nearly a year now... You just don''t seem to care unless it is a massive threat."


    "Well... There''s only like three hundred Enforcers, we lose someone every day, and are constantly under attack by massive monsters." Dawson said letting out a sigh. "Sorry we can''t spare a few members to save some normal humans, unless it is either a big threat, or we are getting paid to help. But we are here now so..."


    The police had a small eye twitch as he turned away. "Name any excuse you want but there are nearly twenty people who have been killed. Two new victims every month..."


    "We''ll do our best to solve this crime," Sif said holding a hand up. "I''m sorry it took us so long to arrive. Now. What can you tell me about these murders? Victims and the men who are chasing the women?"


    The man let out a heavy sigh. "Well... We haven''t actually gotten any of the bodies..." He said slowly. "The only things we get are the videotapes, showing the women being chased by a man, and then a picture of her body stabbed to death, next to a pile of flesh."


    "But in the first tape, it was the same guy for the first three?"


    "Yes."


    Sif nodded her head slightly. "And the Nobles are sending these to you?"


    "Yes. They claim someone is sending it to them, and they send it to us." The man said shrugging. "Naturally we aren''t allowed to look further into it, but you guys won''t have a problem."


    "And you claim you guys don''t have any of the bodies?" Ren commented.


    "Nope. But we can confirm each of the victims..." He said letting out a sigh. "It always starts the same way... A girl goes missing, then a week later the Nobles show up giving us a tape, and picture of the bodies. We try to contact you guys to come, and we are ignored, since we can''t pay for this mission... That isn''t the weirdest thing though... Each of the men who chase after the women. Well there''s something about them... We know they are the pile of flesh from the skin, hair, and clothing being the same as theirs. Also, each of the men are missing so with all of that we came to the conclusion they are the pile of meat in each picture. The strange thing though is each of them all have something in common..."


    "They do?" Dawson questioned raising an eyebrow.


    "Yes... We haven''t found anything in common with any of the women, other than the obvious being they are all the same gender. But for the men, each one of them, is a highly respected minor Noble in this town, or it is the current Police chief so with that in mind I''ll likely be the next one to die... The minor Nobles are the more common one''s to be picked though. We still aren''t sure why but, they all own various stores all co-owned by the Noble family. With that in mind their deaths means the Noble families paycheck, and land property gets bigger... Naturally very suspicious but we can''t do anything about it..." The man said through gritted teeth.


    Sif let out a small hum. "And... What about the first three murders. All of those are missing the pile of flesh and all three have the same potential killer in them..."


    "That is correct ma''am... Tobias Cl.u.s.ter. That''s the name of the man in all three. He''s a commoner who went missing. His pile of flesh is found in one of the videos though so chances are he''s dead. We tried to investigate his family, but they claimed their son is a SuperHuman so only an Enforcer is able to investigate them- Seriously I hate how these laws work!" The man said clearly pissed off from how hard it was to be a normal human in this world.


    "I see..." Sif gave a small nod. "Well then. I have one last question. Have you heard anything about a group called the Organization?"

 Chapter 98 - Getting The Missions Started

    Age 1991


    Sif let out a small yawn as she laid back on the couch. "Geez... This is already too much for me." Sif said as Nick brought his hand down through the girl''s hair petting her. "That police guy wasn''t very helpful either... Didn''t know about the Organization and didn''t have proof that the killer is a SuperHuman. Plus all he did was try and get us to focus on that killer case."


    The group was finally back in the hotel going over the information they now had. It wasn''t much... Mostly because of how lazy Sif was being.


    "So we''re looking for a murderer!" Hero announced.


    "This is just like my comic..." Ken muttered out. "I''ll solve this crime and become a super famous superhero." She muttered.


    "No," Dawson said slowly shaking his head. "We aren''t going to focus on the killer."


    "What!" Sera, Hero, and Ken all said in shock as they stared at the man.


    Dawson let out a small sigh. "Look. Don''t get me wrong. We''ll stop these crimes if we get the chance. But that is not our mission. I''m not like Jackson. I won''t do free work. We came to find out more about the Organization. This murderer is very likely not a part of that group. Not to mention we have no proof it is a SuperHuman causing the crime."


    "So what! We''re just gonna let these people die?" Ken questioned.


    "Yes."


    "I can''t believe you!"


    "You joined the wrong group if you wanted to play hero..." Sif said slowly. "Yes. It is our job to protect the people. But that''s the thing. We protect them as a whole. The Enforcers aren''t concerned with a normal killer. If it isn''t a Bestia Macht or a threat to the country of Red we will let another group handle it. Your first mission seems to have given you a false view on how the Enforcers work. Yes it is good to save people, and your first mission was impressive, but that is not how we work. We rarely do little missions like that."


    "But that would mean they''ll die!" Ken said standing up. "These people, as well as others, need our help. They''ll die if we do nothing?"


    "If they want help, they will either have to wait until the threat gets serious, pay for us to help them, or they will hire a Freelancer group," Sif said folding her arms. "If you can''t deal with that then you shouldn''t have become an Enforcer."


    "That just can''t be true!" Ken yelled throwing her hands up. "That goes against everything!"


    "Sadly Lady Sif is right..." Nick said letting out a sigh. "Ken... You need to understand. As Enforcers, we need to worry about protecting an entire country that takes up one fourth the entire world... There aren''t even that many of us... It isn''t uncommon for us to lose members. Because of this we simply can not help the entire world. As Lady Sif said. If they really need help either the threat needs to get bigger, or they will have to buy our time, or buy the time of another Enforcer."


    "But that isn''t fair-"


    "Life isn''t fair!" Sif hissed.


    "That is enough!" Ren shouted cupping her hands together. A light blue aura surrounded her as everyone froze. They all began to call down as a feeling of joy passed through them. "Everyone just calm down... This isn''t the time to be going on about this..."


    "Ren is right," Dawson said letting out a small sigh. "We shouldn''t worry about this right now." He said simply. "We need to focus on the Enforcers... Look, Ken. I already said we would we''ll investigate this crime. But don''t expect it to be our focus point..." He said simply. "We are going to be here for a while after all..."


    Ken let out a huff as she folded her arms up. "Yeah, yeah... Whatever."


    Dawson let out another sigh as he reached out patting the girl on the head. "Look. Why don''t you, Hero, and Sera go off and explore the city. You three will need to know where everything is in case we need to get around quickly."


    "That''s a good idea." Hero said nodding his head.


    Dawson hesitated for a moment but finally reached into his pocket pulling out a golden badge. "Catch." He said tossing it over to Ken who caught it easily. "You''ll need that to enter this building."


    "This is your Enforcer badge..." Ken said quietly staring down at it. The badge was a small golden color, with the words ''Enforcer'' carved on it, as well as three golden stars at the bottom.


    "You guys will get your own soon," Dawson muttered out as he turned around the group.


    "Would you like if I went with them..." Ren questioned.


    "If you want," Dawson said shrugging.


    "Make sure they don''t do anything too stupid..." Nick said casually.


    "Don''t die," Sif said waving her hand.


    Ren gave a small bow before suddenly turning to Ken and grabbing the girl. She quickly dragged her out of the room as Hero, and Sera followed.


    "Hey, wait!" Dawson said right as they left. "Damn... I was gonna ask for my badge back, since Ren is with them." He let out a sigh as he gave a small sigh. "Oh well... I''ll just get it back when they return..." He muttered out letting another sigh out.


    "Well. Now that it''s quiet I''d like to go over the facts on what we know about the Organization, as well as where we should start." Nick said simply as he placed several pieces of paper on the table.


    "You two do whatever..." Sif said closing her eyes. "I''m taking a nap."


    Meanwhile...


    "So what exactly are you planning..." Ren asked quietly.


    Ken gave a sheepish smile. "Well. Technically I''m not a full-fledged Enforcer yet... So while an Enforcer won''t help, I will!"


    "Oh, I get it..." Hero said nodding. "We''re gonna go looking for the killer who has killed, and will probably kill again on our own- Am I the only one suddenly not wanting to do this?"


    Ken crossed her arms as she gave a small smile. "We''re gonna solve this case!"


    "You two can''t agree to this right?" Hero asked turning to the two other Enforcers.


    "I agree with Ken..." Ren said slowly as she gave a tiny bow. "These murders are vile, and foul. I can not stand by and let them tarnish this beautiful world. This frozen world. This world of ice. It does not have a place for vile beings like this..."


    "Okay... Sera?" Hero said turning to her with pleading eyes.


    "I will follow this peasant girl!" Sera announced placing a hand on Ken''s head. "I agree with them. If there is truly a person who can commit foul acts, then as a Noble wanting to become the Empress it is my duty to solve such a problem like this!"


    "Huh..." Hero let out a small sigh as he folded his arms. Finally, he gave a small smile as he folded his arms. "Well then! What are we waiting for!"


    "Well, you seemed to have come around pretty fast..." Ken said surprised.


    Hero gave a small shrug. "Well, it doesn''t matter what I say. You guys are gonna do this no matter what. I might as well help out and do some super cool stuff." He stated.


    "Well?" Ken said turning away from the three Enforcers. "How should we do this?" She questioned.


    Ren gave a small frown. "There are two locations that we should start with..." She said slowly. "We should check out the Nobles estate, and the family of that man... Tobias Cl.u.s.ter?"


    "Well, then that settles it!" Ken announced placing her hands on her h.i.p.s as she stared out at the city. "It''s time-"


    "Please don''t say what I think you''re about to say..." Hero said with wide eyes.


    "-let''s split up!"


    "God damn it..."

 Chapter 99 - The Broken Family

    Age 1991


    Sera marched forward as Ren followed after her. "This place is filthy! I shouldn''t have been the one to come here..." The Noble girl complained.


    The two Squad Seven Enforcers were currently in the bad part of the city. Of course in the city of Chrysanthemum, every part of the city could be called the bad part of the city... So this part was more like the shitty part of the city.


    Sera let out another sigh as she glanced back and forth staring at all the various people who stared at her. She really stood out in her fancy Noble clothing.


    Ren shot the people a look making them back down, and not even bothering to attempt anything.


    "That power of yours is useful," Sera stated calmly. "Being able to make people feel joy. It must be a nice power..."


    Ren let out a simple hum. "I believe this is the place." She said slowly as they stopped in front of an old stone house. "We should progress slowly and not ask any hasty questions..."


    "I am a Noble! They will be honored to spill their secrets to me!" Sera announced.


    "I believe that you really do not seem to get how this world works..."


    The two girls slowly walked towards the door as Sera reached out knocking on the metallic door. There was a moment of silence as the two waited.


    "..."


    "..."


    "Maybe knock again?"


    "..."


    "..."


    "Hello!" Sera asked knocking even louder pounding her hand on the door.


    "I believe in a situation like this we should leave and come back later," Ren said calmly.


    "But Hero, and Ken are counting on us talking to these people!" Sera said slowly.


    "I thought you wanted to leave?"


    "And I thought you weren''t listening to me ramble!"


    "I wasn''t it..."


    The two Enforcers let out a sigh as they turned away from the metallic door as they began to walk off. "I guess we''ll just have to come back... Hopefully Ken, or Hero could come here without me. This place is so filthy!"


    Ren let out a sigh. "How did I get stuck with the Noble..." She muttered out.


    "What''s that supposed to mean-"


    ''Screech!''


    The two Enforcers stopped as they stared at the metal door which slowly swung open. Both stared into the darkness of the building with wide eyes. A moment of silence passed over the two young girls as they waited quietly.


    "I believe we are supposed to go in-"


    "Nope!" Sera said shaking her head.


    "But-"


    "That thing just opened on its own! It looks dark and scary! This place sucks! And I don''t wanna go in! I''ve only seen a handful of horror movies, but in every one of them when the person enters the dark creepy house, they die!" The Noble girl stated as she stepped back.


    "Lady Azure... We''re Enforcers... You shouldn''t be afraid."


    "Okay well you go in then."


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    "That''s what I thought..."


    Ren let out a sigh as she folded her arms up. She gave a small eye twitch. "Okay well, we have to go in." She reached out grabbing Sera by the shoulder. A light blue aura covered her body as a wave of joy-filled Sera. "I can''t use my Attribute on myself but I can at least lower some of your fear." She asked forward dragging the girl with her. The two reached the opening of the door and stopped.


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    "Well, I''m sure Ms. Ken and Mr. Otoko would understand if we-" Ren began but was interrupted by a loud yell.


    "Hurry up and get in here! All the hot hair is getting out!" A booming cry, screamed from inside the building. "I don''t have all day! Now get in!"


    Ren''s eyes widened slightly but she obeyed walking into the room as she dragged Sera along with her.


    "Wait we''re actually going in! That voice sounded hostile-"


    Ren ignored the young Noble as she finally stepped past the door dragging the girl with her. The two stepped inside of the room slowly as a nervous feeling washed over the both of them. They were both hit by a wave of cold air as they took in the darkness inside of the room. It was just like any house... Well, any house from the bad part of town. But still. It was surprisingly normal all things considered. Even if it was a little dark...


    "Close the door!" A voice barked.


    Ren reached out pushing on the metallic door. It didn''t budge.


    "No... It''s an automatic door... Hit the switch..."


    "Oh..." Sera said with realization. "So that''s how it opened on its own! That makes way more sense."


    The two Enforcers heard footsteps as a figure approached them. Finally, the person who had been speaking cane into view. An older woman. In her late sixties or seventies. She had what was probably once dark brown hair, but now her hair was much lighter, and filled with specks of grey in it. Her eyes were a dark brown, and looked extremely annoyed. She wore a simple outfit, but held a cigarette and her left hand and a very, very, very large bottle of alcohol in her right hand. Her face looked like someone who would wear a frown often.


    "Alright." The woman said with an annoyed and heavy sigh. "What do you want..."


    "How do you know we want something?" Sera asked.


    The woman looked at the Noble as if she was an idiot. "You were outside banging on the door for nearly an hour screaming and hollering." The older woman pointed out. "I don''t have all day so hurry up and spit it out."


    Rem gave a small nod. "We''re here on official business. We wanted to talk to you about a man you may know-"


    "I already told you cops. I won''t talk to any of you about Tobias."


    "We aren''t cops." Rem said pulling out a golden badge. "My name is Rem Seity. I''m an Enforcer on Squad Seven."


    The woman was quiet as she stared at the golden badge with mild annoyance. "So... They finally sent one of you... Let me guess. You weren''t sent for the murders."


    "...We weren''t. But we''re here now-"


    "Typical." The woman said letting out a small laugh. "I don''t know why I''m surprised. Of course, you guys wouldn''t have cared enough. So tell me. You''re actually here for some other big threat. It''s a Bestia Macht, right? Or maybe it is another problem."


    "We can''t talk about that."


    "Oh."


    Rem cleared her throat for a small second. "You''re family name. It is Cl.u.s.ter correct."


    "Yes yes. Tobias Cl.u.s.ter is my son." The woman said rolling her eyes. "Hurry up with these silly questions that you have about them."


    "Well, I wouldn''t say they were silly..."


    "..."


    "Yeah okay. I''ll let Rem do the talking..." Sera said slightly embarrassed as she took a few steps back.


    Rem cleared her throat once more steering the conversation onto other matters. "Well then... Let''s start with the basics." Rem stated slowly. "Tell me about Tobias Cl.u.s.ter."


    Ms. Cl.u.s.ter took a deep sigh as she put out her cigarette, and placed the bottle of alcohol down on the table. She closed her eyes as if she was collecting herself. There was a large moment of silence that passed over the three of them.


    "Ms. Cl.u.s.ter?"


    "I''m fine!" The old woman hissed out. She took a deep intake of breath. "Where to began. The story of Tobias Cl.u.s.ter..."

 Chapter 100 - The Nobles Meeting

    Age 1991


    "I''ll be bad cop, you be adorable cop-"


    ''Smack!''


    Hero hit the ground as Ken pulled her weapon back.


    "Oww..."


    Ken stared at the golden gates with a small frown. Her hand came up hitting a button on the gates as a loud buzz echoed out. There was a brief moment of silence between the two Enforcers as they waited.


    Finally, after a few seconds, a loud buzz came back.


    ''Noble Guardian Number Five-Seven-Two is my designation. Please leave the area now. This is private property-''


    "We''re with the Enforcers!" Ken announced loudly getting the voice to go silent. "And we demand an audience with the Noble of this household!" She said proudly.


    There was a moment of silence that passed over the gate as the two kids waited patiently. ''Looks like it didn''t work.'' Hero thought with a small amount of glee. ''Oh well guess we will need to come back next-'' A small mechanical lever popped out as what looked like a metal eye appeared staring down at the two kids.


    ''Please show your official Enforcer badge.''


    ''Oh come on...'' Hero let out a sigh as he crossed his arms.


    Ken reached into her pocket pulling out Dawson''s golden badge. "It''s a Gold Level too, so you guys have to see us in." She announced. The eye focused on the badge for a few moments before a quiet click finally echoed out.


    There was a loud metal click as the golden gates began to slide open. ''Please approach the building slowly, and with caution. Do not make any threatening gestures. Please wait at the front door. Someone will let you in soon.''


    "Okay... Here we go..." Hero said with a small amount of nervousness in his voice. "Let''s get this over with..."


    The two of them walked slowly towards the mansion in the distance.


    "So what are we going to do when we get inside?" Hero questioned.


    "I dunno."


    "What."


    "Yeah I didn''t expect us to get past this gate I have no plan..." Ken stated proudly. "Just don''t do anything stupid... I''ll use my natural charms, and badass attitude, to work them into a false sense of security. Then I''ll spring myself on them and get them to talk!"


    "We''re screwed."


    The two of them reached the metal door to the building as they both stopped in front of it.


    The two of them waited patiently as the door loomed in front of them... After a quiet moment passed over the two Enforcers they finally heard a quiet click as the door was pulled open.


    A wave of heat hit the two of them head-on surprising them both. It was way hotter in there, than anywhere else in this city. A wave of thick dark smoke-fired out of the top of the chimney reaching the already black sky. A golden glow shined from the inside of the building lighting up the darkness around the two Enforcers.


    A simple looking man in a basic suit stood in the doorway staring at the two kids. "You are a lot younger than I realized..." He said slowly as he raised an eyebrow at the two kids.


    "We''re total badasses!" Ken announced.


    Hero reached out placing a hand over Ken''s mouth. "What she means... Is that we are just really skilled. Like really skilled. Yeah... We are badasses! Screw it. I''m the third strongest person in the world! And she''s a professional superhero!"


    "Yeah!"


    "Yeah!"


    "Yeah!"


    The man continued to stare at the two kids in pure silence. "If not for the fact that you are Enforcers with an official Golden Enforcer badge, I would have closed the door on you instantly." He said slowly. "But. My Master has decided he wanted to talk to the both of you..." He stated as a sigh escaped his lips. He turned showing them the inside of the room. "Please... Follow me. And only me. Do not wander off alone."


    The two kids looked at each other for a brief second and followed after the man. They were led into a massive fancy-looking hallway that seemed to stretch on farther and farther into the room. There were several sections in the hallway that seemed to lead to other rooms. The entire building was very bright. And yet cold. Not cold in the sense that it was freezing, as the entire mansion was actually very warm, rather it was cold, as in the sense there was a deep pressure in the entire mansion. It was like being in Master Storm''s office all over again, but where as the Master of all Enforcers, office was filled with a pressure of overwhelming power, and protection, this was filled with something else. A sense of danger passed over the two teens as every hair on their bodies stood on its end. What could only be described as pure coldness surrounded the entire mansion filling it with a constant chill...


    It was like staring down a dangerous Bestia Macht, knowing that at any second it could rip you to shreds any moment.


    The butler walked at a simple pace seemingly unaffected by it.


    Hero nearly tripped as he walked as he stared around the mansion.


    Ken walked with a shiver that went up her spine again and again.


    "Follow after me..." The butler said in a cold tone as he marched forward.


    The two teens simply followed him at a slow pace.


    "You feel that too right..." Hero said quietly.


    "Yes..." Ken said as she gave another shiver. "I... Just what is this?" She said quietly. "This chilling wave is even worse then what Zero was like..."


    "Yeah. It is pretty-" As the three of them passed over a threshold in the mansion Hero instantly stopped as his eyes widened in horror. He placed a hand over his nose as he shook his head.


    "Hero?" Ken whispered in confusion when she saw Hero freeze. The butler continued walking ahead of them seemingly not noticing the two Enforcers stop. "Hero?" Ken said again with a little more force.


    "This smell..." Hero rubbed his nose as his face took on a pale look. He shook his head as he frowned. "Ken... Go on ahead while that guy doesn''t notice... I got to go check on something..." He stated as he turned away and walked down a separate hallway.


    "What!"


    Hero ignored the young fourteen-year-old girl as he walked further into the hallway.


    Ken looked left, and right with a panic before she turned and followed after the butler once more. She was now on edge even more, now that she was walking into what felt like death, by herself.


    Finally, after a few minutes, they reached an end of the hallway.


    "Here we- What happened to the second one."


    Ken''s eyes widened as she tried to think of something to say. "Uhh... What second one?"


    The man stared at her before he turned and opened the door. "Master we have a problem! There is a random Enforcer exploring the mansion unsupervised-"


    "Ahh, Regulus! I assume our guest is here?" A kind elderly voice said.


    "Yes Master, but as I was saying one of them is running around the mansion-"


    "And? It isn''t as if I have anything to hide?" The elderly voice said once more followed by a chuckle.


    "Sir?"


    "Tell me. There is still one Enforcer right?"


    "Yes, sir. She didn''t vanish-"


    "Send her in."


    "...Yes, sir..." The butler came back opening the door. "You may enter..."


    Ken walked past him entering the room. It was a large circular room with a lot of decorations and fine furniture. In the center of the room was a large wooden table. There were three people in the room. Five if you counted Ken, and the butler. A the wooden table set two men. An older man wearing a very fancy suit. He had an extremely stylish mustache. The second person was a young man with a cold look on his face. He had green hair, and wore a green suit.


    The final person was a young twelve-year-old girl. She had a bored, and pissed off look on her face. Ken decided she liked her.


    "Well, Okane. It seems my new guest had arrived." The older man said letting out a small laugh.


    "Is that your way of telling me to leave?" The green-haired man said slowly. He spoke in a slow tone as his green eyes stared at the man across the table from him.


    "I''m afraid so." The older man said giving a kind smile.


    Okane let out a sigh as he stood up. "Come along Heather. It would seem we are no longer welcome here." He said simply.


    "Yeah whatever..." The twelve-year-old girl said letting out a huff.


    The two green-haired people walked towards the wooden door. The girl quickly left but the green-haired man stopped for a brief second.


    "You... Girl... You''re an Enforcer correct?"


    "Umm... Yeah?" Ken said nodding her head.


    "So... That means you''re staying at the same hotel as me." He said. He left though before Ken could give an answer.


    "Come in, come in!" The older man said waving his hand at Ken. "Please have a seat." Ken walked into the room slowly taking a seat at the table as she stared at the older man in mild confusion. "Regulus! Please go find that second Enforcer and lead him back here." The butler gave a bow and walked out the door. Finally, the man turned to Ken once more. "Hello! My name is Sirius B¨¢thory. My family owns this city."


    "H...Hello. My name is Ken... I''m an Enforcer." Ken said slowly.


    "Well, Enforcer Ken... What can I do for you?"

 Chapter 101 - The Story Of Tobias Cl.u.s.ter

    Age 1991


    The old woman let out a deep breath as she took an intake on her cigarette. She placed it down in the ashtray next to her as she stared at the two Enforcers in front of her. "Where to began. The story of Tobias Cl.u.s.ter..." She said slowly as a sigh escaped her lips.


    "Who exactly was Tobias?" Sera asked slowly. "I get that he was your son right? But who was he? Why was he in three videos where he apparently killed three girls-"


    "Allegedly!" The woman spat out.


    "Right... Allegedly killed." Sera said nodding her head.


    "Have you seen these videotapes?" Ren questioned the woman.


    "Of course I have." The woman spat out. "That damn son of mine is in four..."


    "Four?"


    The old woman nodded her head. "Yes. He appears in four of those God Damn tapes. The first three is a lot more obvious... You see him clear as day running after a woman, then a picture of her corpse. In the first three the pictures only shows the dead woman. The fourth one though... That was when the first sack of flesh pops up. That was my son... Tobias."


    "I...I''m sorry for your loss..." Rem said slowly reaching out a placing a hand on the woman''s shoulder.


    "I''m sure someone is." The said practically spitting out. She took a deep breath once more as she steadied herself. "Tobias is a weird lad, but he was a SuperHuman."


    "How do you know that?" Sera questioned. "I mean clearly you''re just a normal human?"


    "And my piece of shit, late husband was also a normal human."


    "The chances of two normal humans having a child who is a SuperHuman is even rarer..." Sera said suspiciously as she stared at the old woman.


    "Well he was." The old woman said simply.


    "What was his Attribute then? Every normal humans Attribute is always something basic, where as SuperHumans, have over the top powers." Sera said slowly. "So what was his power?"


    The old woman took a small intake as she took a few minutes to say something. There was a small moment of silence that passed over the three. "It was a bone based ability."


    "Bone based?" Rem said curiously.


    "Yes... But Tobias was never good at using it... For most of his life he thought he didn''t have a power..."


    "Why?"


    "Because I told him he didn''t."


    "Why!"


    "I can''t say..."


    Sera stared at the woman in baffelment. "I hope you know that sounds really, really suspicious... Besides. Just because he has some bone ability that doesn''t make him a SuperHuman. Also how would he have not noticed his powers at all? That doesn''t make any sense? You''re story has some holes init..."


    "If you don''t believe me, than that''s your problem. Go check the local hospital-" The woman seemed to stop for a moment as she went silent. "Nevermind... You''ll just need to take my word on it." She said simply.


    "Okay. We''ll do that." Rem said slowly as she was deep in thought. "What makes your son special?"


    "Honey trust me. He was born special-"


    "...That wasn''t quite what I meant..." Rem stated giving the old woman a deadpan stare as she shook her head. "What I meant to say is why is your son the only person who is apparently in four different videos. Not to mention that in the first there videos he apparently doesn''t die, and the woman is the only one who dies... Why is that the case with only your son. In every other tape according to the cops, the man running after the girls is, always the sack of meat in the pictures. Of course, those meat sacks, don''t appear until the fourth picture which you are claiming is your son Tobias... Of course, we are just taking the words of all the cops since we don''t have any bodies to look at, since the cops are just getting evidence from the Nobles..."


    "Ha... You''re a fool if you trust those Nobles..."


    "I beg your pardon?" Sera said raising an eyebrow. "I take some offense to that..."


    "I don''t care. What I was saying is you shouldn''t trust those particular brand of Nobles... The B¨¢thory family is a family of devils... There is a reason this damn hellhole we call a city is run down. Those Nobles are probably behind all of this. They let this city fall to hell... They are greedy, sick folks. Every generation they get worse, and worse... Sirius B¨¢thory. The current head of the family. He is by far the worst of them all."


    "Wait... How do you know the Nobles are bad?" Rem questioned as she leaned forward.


    "Those Nobles..." The old woman made a small snarl for a second. "They came for my boy Tobias. Of course, I hate Tobias, but still... Those idiots. They wanted a new plaything... Now... Well now they unleashed a monster on this city. A monster that will keep killing until its bloodl.u.s.t is satisfied. And I reckon it''ll take the death of this whole damn world to satisfy that l.u.s.t..."


    "Are you sure the Nobles are dangerous?" Rem said alarmed.


    "Absolutely. It ain''t no secret..." The old woman hissed out as she folded her arms. "Whole city will tell you the same thing... Those Nobles are bad."


    Rem stood up quickly as she turned to Sera. "Ken, and Hero are heading towards the Nobles!" She said with a small amount of worry in her voice. "I don''t want them being near those people by themselves if there is even a small chance that they are dangerous!"


    The old woman let out a small laugh. "You screwed up if you left some people alone with that family."


    The two Enforcers ignored her as they quickly made their way to the door. They both quickly left leaving the woman''s home. The old woman in question watched them leave as she gave a small smile.


    "Damn fools."

 Chapter 101 - The Nobles Guardian

    Age 1991


    Ken stared at the Noble in awkward silence.


    He stared back at her with an amused grin. "So..." He said staring down the young girl. "You''re a Gold-ranked Enforcer?"


    "U...Uh yeah." Ken said nodding her head as the man continued to stare at her. "I have the badge..."


    "Yes... And it is an official badge." The old Noble said giving a nod from his head. "Fun fact, it is actually impossible to make a fake badge. This is because the badges are made by Storm, the leader of the Enforcers. No one knows how he makes them. Also, only an Enforcer can hold an Enforcer badge. Because of these reasons, I know that you are most certainly a real an Enforcer, with a real badge."


    "Umm! Yeah..." Ken said giving a nod of her head. ''Wow... All that stuff is convenient... I guess when I passed the Enforcer exam and got onto a Squad they went ahead and marked me down as being able to use a badge then... Guess that means we''ll be getting our own badges soon!''


    "Of course... Just because you have an official badge, and you are definitely an Enforcer doesn''t mean that badge is yours..."


    Ken froze slightly as the man stared at her. "W...What?"


    His calm smile never seemed to fade as his eyes stared into her dull red ones. "Tell me..."


    "K...Ken..."


    "Ken. Do you know how many ranks of the Enforcers there are?"


    "Umm." Ken''s eyes widened as she quickly tried to remember. She was sure Kitsune would have been a massive nerd and told her at one point. "Three! There''s three! The bronze badge, which is given to rank one member of the Enforcers. The Silver badge which is given to rank two Enforcers. And the Gold badge. Which is given to the final rank of the Enforcers and the highest rank they can go to."


    The man let out a small laugh as he leaned his head in his hand still staring at the young fourteen-year-old girl in front of him. "You were so close... There are actually five ranks..."


    "F...Five..."


    "Yes. The Bronze badge. This badge is given out to you once you pass the first advancement test. The silver badge, given to an Enforcer once you pass the tier two advancement test. And then or course the Gold badge which an Enforcer gets once they pass the tier three Advancement test. However, there are two more badges that most Enforcers don''t know about. The Platinum badge given to a very powerful individual. These people protect Noble Storm of the Enforcers. There can only be four Platinum badges at once. And finally the Glass badge. This is a secret badge that almost nobody knows about. Not even the Twelve captains are supposed to know about that particular badge..."


    "Y...You don''t say..." Ken said giving an unconvincing smile.


    "Tell me, Ken. Why haven''t I heard of you?"


    "...What!"


    "Every Enforcer who reaches the silver badge will have a bio in the official Enforcer manual." The Noble reached down pulling out a small book as he dropped it on the table. "At the end of every year, they make a new book going over the current Enforcers. You aren''t in it?"


    "...Oh..."


    The man sat back once more as he continued to stare at her. "So Ken... How many of you are there?"


    "Oh... Umm! A lot! Like a whole Squad all of which know where I was so if I ever went missing it would be noticed!"


    "You don''t say..." He said quietly. Before he could say more though the door to the room flew open as another butler ran in.


    "Sir! We have a serious problem!" The man said running up to the Noble. "That boy... I''m not sure how but he somehow found the room... He busted a hole in-"


    "What!" The calm look on the Noble''s face was gone, as he was overtaken by pale and frightened face. "But how... I made sure to keep it hidden off of maps, radars, sight, and sound- Wait a minute... That boy! What was his eye color?"


    "What?"


    "His eye color!" The Noble shouted losing his cool. "Did he have silver eyes? And a silver strand of hair?"


    "Y...Yes, sir-"


    "Seraphin!" The Noble jumped up as he began to pace completely forgetting that anyone else was in the room. "He smelled it..."


    Meanwhile...


    A few minutes earlier...


    Hero walked down the hallways slowly. He could feel small trickles of tears roll down his face as he tried to cover his nose. "God... That smell..." He nearly gagged as he continued his way forward. "I''m sure this is gonna be some kind of big misunderstanding but still... Geez..." He muttered to himself a bit more as he continued his way through the long hallways.


    With every step, the young Enforcer took the stench would grow, as would his beating heart. The air seemed to grow colder, and more hostile as he neared... Well, whatever it was he was walking to...


    "Let''s see what you''re hiding..." Hero muttered out as he stopped in front of a wall. "This is the place." He said quietly as he reached out placing his hand on the wall. "The smell is coming from here for sure..." He announced. "But how do I open... Wait. I''m Hero Otoko. I''ll just do what it superiors taught me and smash through it!" He announced proudly as he pulled back his arm. "Here goes nothing-"


    The sounds of flesh hitting metal echoed out followed by the cries of a young boy.


    "Fu- Ahh! Shit that hurt!" Hero hissed clutching his broken hand. He gritted his teeth as he popped it back into place and seconds later it heal. "Huh... Healing is getting faster and easier. I guess as my % goes up I''ll be able to do more crazy shit like this..." The as of now, not yet a real Enforcer, shook his head as he snapped back to the wall. "Okay... Punching it didn''t work. During my short amount of training, I was taught to use my head... If punching it doesn''t work... Then I should punch it harder!" He shouted.


    Hero jumped into the air as his right arm grew in size becoming massive. Several boney spikes stabbed out of his elbow as they began to pump out a wave of pressurized air launching the limb forward.


    "Big-Arm-Strike!" He bellowed right as his fist slammed into the wall.


    The entire mansion seemed to shake as several cracks appeared along the wall. Seconds later the entire thing exploded in a hail of dust as Hero''s arm pushed past it.


    The boy in question fell hitting the floor as his arm shrunk back down, becoming shriveled up. That limb would now be useless for fifteen minutes, as that was the time it would take him to heal the thing...


    "Alright!" Hero yelled out jumping back up to his feet. "I got about ten... Maybe fifteen minutes before those guys get here. Let''s see what it is you''re hiding!"


    Hero walked past the hole entering the room...


    The first thing he noticed was that it was white. Like really white. White roof, white floor, white walls. The entire room was made out of some clean, shiny, and cold, looking metal giving it a sleek design. There was no dust or dirt anywhere. Well, that wasn''t entirely true. Hero did just knock a wall down after all.


    "Whoa... What is this place?" He said slightly confused as he walked forward. He looked around in amazement. "It''s so shiny and white... This isn''t a hospital is it! I hate hospitals!"


    ''Beep''


    "What?"


    ''Beep''


    "Yeah, that''s what I thought you said." Hero turned to the very back of the hallway now noticing a small metal keypad on the wall.


    There was what looked like a glass cylinder. Like something you would place another thing in, and it would drop it down. Kind of like an elevator but for only one person? It also made a quiet beeping sound.


    Hero slowly walked up to it out of curiosity.


    There was a quiet clicking sound as what looked like a metal eye popped out. A red glow flashed through the entire hallway startling Hero.


    ''Scanning. Scanning. Scanning. One life form detected. Gender Male. Status not of the Noble family. Mission... Terminate!''


    "Terma what now-"


    The walls cracked open and out poured a wave of broken, run-down, barely functioning Automatons...


    "Uh oh..."


    They all let out a quiet clicking sound as their scanners became red, and they locked on to their newest target...

 Chapter 102 - The Hero Versus The Robots

    Age 1991


    "Back off!" Hero screamed punching with his good arm. He slammed it into the face of one of the Automatons as he jumped back dodging a swipe from another one. "Take this! Gungnir!" A bone spike stabbed out of his palm as he punched forward, then without warning his arm stretched out shooting across the battlefield, and stabbing the spike through the head of one of the Automatons! Hero simply pulled back causing his arm to the get reeled back in and become normal size once more. "Ha! I got bone weapons now! What do you got-"


    ''Threat Level Five.''


    The Automatons folded open as a wave of blades, guns, buzzsaws, flamethrowers, and pretty much every other deadly weapon known the man jutted out of them.


    Now each Automatons was fitted with its own deadly weapon. And they were still all locked onto Hero...


    "Ahh... I see. So that''s what you got... Well damn-"


    ''Eliminate target!''


    Hero let out a panicked yelp as he jumped back. A hail of flames followed after him as the Automatons tried to burn him alive.


    "Would be really handy right now if I could use both arms..." Hero said through clenched teeth as he dodged a hail of projectiles and kicked out with a leg knocking the head off of the robots.


    His feet slammed into the wall as he kicked off of it and bounced around the battlefield. More of his pipes poked out of his body as he went up, and down, left and right, all the while getting faster, and faster as he built up even more speed. It took only a few jumps before Hero''s body became a blur as he bounced.


    "Super-Eventuful-Impact-Gungnir!" Hero shouted launching forward as he began to rapidly spin literally kicking up a tornado around him as his spikes stabbed out reaching four feet. Then in a flash Hero appeared in front of one of the Automatons as he slammed his leg into the thing''s chest in a devastating kick drilling into it. There was a massive boom as the sound barrier exploded, and the Automaton was sent flying slamming into all the other Automatons that were behind it. There was a wave of broken robotic parts, as several of the Automatons smashed into the back wall ripping a hole through it and a tornado fired off from him, from his spinning.


    Hero crashed into the ground face first as all the Automatons were knocked to the ground by the force.


    "I think I dislocated my knee, and broke one of my legs!" Hero hissed out grabbing his leg as a wave of pain hit him.


    ''Threat level Fourteen!''


    "Threat level what now..."


    More Automatons suddenly appeared as the walls opened up once more showing off a massive swarm of them. These ones were different though...


    These Automatons weren''t made of scr.a.p.e or falling apart. They were completely clean, unharmed... Brand-new... These Automatons were made for war.


    ''Eliminate target...'' They all said echoing out in the room.


    ''Eliminate target...'' All the rusted and busted Automatons all got up still ready to rip Hero apart.


    In a flash, they rushed the downed Enforcer as Hero gave a hiss in pain. One of the Automatons brought down a massive hammer narrowly missing Hero who managed to kick forward with his undamaged leg.


    Hero slid forward under one of the Automatons avoiding their attacks. He brought his hand down stabbing a bone spike through the floor as he twisted his body using the spike to stop him from going in further. Then in a flash, he pushed down on the spike using it to kick himself up and stand on his good leg. With a powerful pull, he yanked the spike out of the ground and stabbed it into the neck of one of the Automatons twisting it around and ripping the things head off its body.


    There was a loud smacking sound as one of the Automaton''s hammer slammed into the back of Hero''s head throwing him forward and sending him into the blade of another Automaton, that stabbed its sword straight into Hero''s side causing him to gasp out in pure pain.


    The sword cut into his side leaving a gash but Hero managed to slam his arm into the head of the Automaton and push himself off of the blade. Unfortunately for him, he slipped on his own blood, which was pouring out of his massive wound, causing the teen to slip back and smack his head against the metal wall.


    Hero gave a small cry of pain as he pitifully fell to the floor defeated and badly beaten.


    The Automaton raised its weapon up stabbing it down. There was a loud cry of metal breaking as the Automatons body was ripped in half by a red tendril.


    "What?" Hero said in confusion.


    ''Threat Level forty-seven!''


    Threat Level fifty-nine!''


    Another red tendril slashed up ripped the computer out of the wall. That was when Hero, and the Automatons saw it.


    Dawson Blight, The Red Demon, clad in his demonic red tendril armor.


    "Hero!" Dawson barked out his voice coming out as a loud roar, through the fanged mouth of his armor. "You''re in big trouble when we get back!" He howled as he launched himself forward into the horde. Several of his tendrils fired out of him as he ripped the robots apart very easily, absolutely destroying them.


    Dawson grabbed on the Automatons and literally ripped it in half. Then he used its upper half to beat another Automaton straight into the ground.


    There was a quiet buzzing sound as the Automatons suddenly froze up. Their lights went out as the room went silent.


    "What''s happening?" Hero gasped out.


    Dawson let out a small sigh as his red tendrils pulled themselves back into his body and he reverted back to normal. "We managed to get the attention of the man who owns this place," Dawson muttered as he reached down grabbing Hero. He threw the boy over his shoulder as if he was a sack of Bestia Macht Tongues. "Let''s hope he isn''t too mad... I really don''t wanna have to explain this to Katrina..." The Red Demon said as a shiver went down his spine.


    A few minutes later...


    The two Enforcers now found themselves in the Nobles room. Along with Dawson, and Hero, Ken, Sera, and Rem were all also in the room. Ken and Sera were both frozen under the disappointed gaze of Dawson. Rem was staring at the ground unable to meet the man''s eyes. And Hero. Well, he was still thrown over Dawson''s shoulder completely unconscious. A wave of steam was rolling off of him as his wounds were slowly closing and healing up. His healing really was amazing.


    The metal door to the room slowly opened as Sirius B¨¢thory, the Noble who owned this mansion walked in. Behind him a young eight year old boy, and an older woman followed after the man.


    The boy had a cold uncaring look in his eyes. He stared at the five Enforcers in front of him as if they were foul-smelling trash. Like them just being there displeased him. The older woman didn''t look much better. The both of them were clearly B¨¢thory''s...


    "Sir B¨¢thory-" Dawson began but was cut off by the Noble.


    "Please. Call me Sirius." The man said. He still had a smile on his face, but it was clear that was just for show. His cold red eyes were locked onto the unconscious body of Hero.


    "...Sirius..." Dawson said again. "I know that what Young Ken, and Mr. Otoko did was wrong but-"


    "Did you say Otoko? As in Okami Otoko? The previous first Captain?" Sirius said letting out a small laugh. "No no... Okami is cursed with Infertility. I was the one who gave him that wound, insuring he would never be able to have kids. That boy can''t be related to him. Still though. For him to have such a name... And to be a Seraphin on top of that as well." He gave a small smirk but his eye still twitched. ''What a bother... Knowing Reaper he won''t outright kill this boy. After all, that brat isn''t a pretty girl. Still though maybe I can convince him to take over the boy''s body, and kill that small girl over there...'' He thought as he let out a small sigh.


    "Right... Well as I was saying." Dawson said letting out a nervous gulp. "Please forgive Mr. Otoko, and Young Ken, for what they have done. If you wish to punish them then please punish me on their behalf-"


    "No no..." Sirius said letting out a small laugh as he gave a half-wave. "It is quite alright. I rather enjoyed the company. I''ve always been a big fan on the Enforcers after all... Besides. That boy showed off just how well my new security system is. I spent a lot of Bells on that thing after all. And of course, there was no real harm done. It isn''t like we had anything to hide, and any damage can easily he payed for. Trust me. There is no need to get legal matters into this..." He said rather too quickly...


    Dawson gave a small frown. "Well... If you really feel that way."


    "I do," Sirius said giving a half-smile.


    "But father." The boy said giving a heavy frown. "I wanted them to meet Reaper-"


    "Now Remus what have I told you about talking about your new toy." The woman hissed out grabbing her son''s ear. "Sirius dear we''ll get out of your hair." The woman left dragging the boy away with her. She left in a hurry seeming to want to get out quickly.


    "Reaper?" Ken said in mild confusion.


    "It''s my son''s new toy. A special thing made specifically for him." Sirius said shrugging the question off.


    "We should be going ourselves," Dawson said quickly, not wanting to anger the man more than he already was.


    "Of course..." Sirius said giving a small smile full of a sinister intent... "Please. Do come again."

 Chapter 103 - What He Smelled

    Age 1991


    "What the hell were you thinking!" Dawson shouted right as soon as they exited the Noble''s property. He had a pissed off look on his face as he glared at the three Enforcers in front of him. He still held the body of Hero across his shoulder... "You guys are lucky... Okane Genkin mentioned seeing two Enforcers to me. I rushed over here as soon as he told me... If I hadn''t arrived Hero would most certainly be dead right now... So what the hell was so important that you would pull a stunt like this..."


    "...W...We wanted to investigate the murders..." Ken said quietly as she hung her head in shame. "I... I wanted to put a stop to these murders so I could get famous... I talked the others into helping me... I''m sorry..."


    Sera stood quirky fidgeting under the intense gaze Dawson was giving her.


    "Ken... I trusted you with that badge!" Dawson said hissing slightly. "Those things aren''t toys. An Enforcers badge is bound to them. It allows them to open up any mechanical door, and let''s them travel around the Enforcers headquarters in Oleander..." Dawson took a deep breath as he held his hand out. "Just give it back to me..." He said quietly.


    Ken gave a small nod as she reached down handing it over slowly. "I''m sorry..." She said again even quieter this time. She looked like she was about to cry, reminding Dawson that the person he was yelling at, was still a small child...


    "You''re still a fourteen-year-old kid, with a false sense of what is right and wrong. Still, though I can''t let you get off with just a warning." Dawson said sternly. "Same goes for you Sera. I''ll be letting Sif know when we get back."


    "Ahh, crap..." Sera said quietly as a sigh escaped her lips.


    "As for you..." Dawson said turning to Rem. His look of rage vanished. Replaced by pure disappointment. "I can''t believe you... I can understand the recruits doing something idiotic without thinking, but you... You know better. The fact that you let these kids do something like this... If that Noble wanted to we would all be in big trouble!"


    "And isn''t it convenient that he decided to not press charges." Rem said simply.


    "What?"


    Rem closed her eyes for a moment as she thought about what she should say next. "Hero. He found something he wasn''t supposed to... It was locked down orerrt tight as well. From what you said it was guarded by some Automatons. Isn''t that a little strange..."


    "Of course it is," Dawson said letting out a sigh. "Normal guarding systems only go up to threat level ten. That particular one though is the kind they keep in the Royal Palace of the Red Nation... If it hadn''t been shut off when it had, then it would have kept getting higher and higher. I doubt I would have made it to threat level one hundred, which is the final threat. At most I could probably manage to get to the high seventies or low eighties... After that, I would definitely be dead..."


    "Yes well. The fact that they have such a piece of hardware just lying around already brings into question several problems." Rem said quietly.


    "It doesn''t matter," Dawson said shaking his head. "They''re Nobles. They could simply have it for protection-"


    "Protection for a single part of an area where people would ever go?" Rem questioned. "That behavior is more along the lines of someone who wants to hide something."


    "Look," Dawson said letting out a sigh. "I get it... You want to investigate these murders. But until something happens we can''t do anything." Dawson said shaking his head. "I''ll admit. The chances of these Nobles being behind something illegal is massive, but unfortunately, we can''t do anything unless we are given a reason to inspect them. Not to mention that the little stunt, Hero, and Ken pulled definitely broke more than enough rules, to get us off a case like this. Not only to we not know if they are really hiding something, we have no reason to see what it is that they are hiding-"


    "But they definitely are hiding something, Mr. Blight!" Ken said grabbing Dawson''s arm. "I heard him. That man seemed to panic when Hero found that hallway."


    "Okay? Maybe they are hiding something. Maybe it is the family vault. That could be why it was so well protected." Dawson said giving a shrug.


    "Well Ms. Cl.u.s.ter, the woman we talked to said that the Noble family of this city was evil-"


    "Yes. I''m sure a lot of people in this city would hate the rich. I bet just as many hate us as well..." Dawson said giving another shrug.


    "So we''re really just gonna forget about all of this?" Ken questioned. "But what about the fact that they have been giving pictures, and tapes to the police force!"


    "Yes," Dawson said nodding. "We have no idea what was behind those doors. My guess is the vault which is why it was so heavily guarded. And as for the letters, and tapes, they said that someone had been giving them the tapes... Unless we are given a reason to investigate than our hands are sealed. Especially since we are on another mission currently. The fact is we don''t know what it is they are optionally hiding-"


    "Corpses."


    The four Enforcers went silent as they all turned to stare at Hero.


    "What..." Dawson questioned staring at the boy he was holding.


    "Corpses..." Hero said again. He reached up placing a hand over his nose. "They''re hiding Corpses behind that door. Judging my the intense smell I''d say a lot. I''ve never even smelled this much death on a Bestia Macht''s breath... You want to know what they''re hiding? Well, that''s it. Underneath that mansion is a mountain of death. And from what I could tell from the smell, it is recent."


    "How do you know that?" Dawson muttered in confusion as he stared at the boy with slightly wide eyes. "What do you mean?"


    "I smelled it." Hero said shaking his head. "I have extremely enhanced senses... Although now I kind of wish I didn''t. That stench... It was just wrong... I''ve never smelled so much blood."


    "Well, Mr. Blight..." Rem said quietly. "It appears we have our reason to investigate..."

 Chapter 104 - The Mysterious Intruder (Part One)

    Age 1991


    "Wait! We''re really going to just do nothing?" Ken shouted as she raised her arms up.


    The group was finally back in the hotel they had been provided.


    "Yes," Dawson said simply. "I don''t care what Hero smelled. We have no proof of how his nose works. There could also be an explanation to this."


    "I know what I smelled..." Hero muttered rubbing his nose. "It was awful..."


    Dawson let out a heavy sigh. "Look... I want to stop these murders as much as you guys do. From moral standpoint these murders are wrong, disgusting things. But that isn''t how the Enforcers work! We have a mission to follow. As long as these murder cases stay small and only focus on normal humans, then chances are the Enforcers won''t get involved for free. Either they need to hire us, which I doubt they can do since this mission would be a high B-Class to a low A-Class. If they really, really, really wanna put a stop to these murders than they should hire a freelancer to help." The man reached out placing a hand on Ken''s head. "You''re still young Ken... You''ll learn how a real Enforcer is eventually-"


    Ken turned away from the man as she let out several small mutters of breath. "Gah... This is so stupid!" She yelled storming off.


    Sif gave a small eye-roll as she folded arms. "That girl is such a brat..."


    "You were the same way when you were her age-" A black hand of darkness shot out slamming Nick into the wall. "So...Sorry..." Nick gasped out hitting the floor.


    The room seemed to grow silent as a pause hit them all.


    "Hero. Sera. Why don''t you both go back to your room, and talk to Ken." Dawson asked them.


    "It would he my honor to bestow the wisdom of the Nobles on her!" Sera announced.


    "Yeah, whatever," Dawson said not caring. "Hey, Hero..." He grabbed the boy''s shoulder pulling him closer to him as he began to whisper to him. "Listen. I''ve grown rather fond of Ken. She''s small and adorable."


    "Umm..."


    "What I mean to say is this. Watch over her for me. Make sure she doesn''t do anything stupid..." The Red-Demon said quietly as his yellow eyes peered into Hero''s multi-colored eyes. "Guard her."


    "O...Okay..."


    "I''m serious. Make sure she doesn''t get into any trouble. I''ve seen that girl. Just looking at her I can tell. She''s going to do great things."


    "Am I gonna do great things?"


    Dawson was silent as he stared at Hero. "Do you want the truth?"


    "Yes?"


    Dawson reached out placing a hand on Hero''s head. His eyes seemed to glow for a moment. "Fero..." He muttered quietly. He waited for a few seconds before finally pulling back as his eyes stopped glowing. "You''re going to die like an Enforcer." He said simply as he turned away.


    "What! What does that mean?" Hero questioned eying the man?


    Dawson turned away from the boy as he gave a half-wave. "The Enforcers have a small curse. No Enforcer, other than master Storm, and a small hand full of others, has lived past the age of thirty, and even then those that do, usually don''t make it very far past the age of thirty. Every other Enforcer they either die before reaching that age, or they retire from the Enforcers, like Okami Otoko. No Enforcer has seen the age of thirty. Either you quit, or you die young. Judging from what I''ve seen, and just from what I know of you, you''ll die like an Enforcer. You''re not going to reach the age of thirty."


    "Oh... Well shit."


    "Relax," Dawson said letting out a small laugh. "My predictions aren''t always true, and sometimes there''s some twist to them. You''ll die an ordinary Enforcer, but who knows? Maybe the definition of ordinary will change one day. Or it could all be false. I''m just telling you what I saw."


    The group quietly watched Hero leave as the boy entered the elevator.


    "You know you could have just said something else?" Sif muttered. "Telling him he would die young isn''t very nice."


    Dawson gave a shrug. "I figured he should know." He said quietly.


    "Chances are it''s right." Nick sighed out. "Hero isn''t very strong. He might have a lot of stamina and energy to keep fighting but power is very lacking for him. Not to mention he rips his body apart. Most Seraphin''s end up killing themselves. It is a power they simply can not use... Ahh well. Good thing he''s the one that is a Seraphin and not someone actually important."


    "Ouch," Sif said quietly. "That was just uncalled for."


    Ren ignored the two Enforcers as she slowly moved over to Dawson. The Red-Demon turned when he saw her as he raised an eyebrow towards the young woman.


    "Ren?" The man asked slowly.


    "I wanted to apologize..." The second reserve, of this mission, said as she gave a small bow. "After thinking it over I realized that you were right. I allowed my judgment to be clouded by my feelings, rather than my duty. I urged Ken, and the other two recruits on, despite knowing how dangerous that was. It is my fault."


    Dawson gave a small wave of the hand as he shrugged off her apology. "It hardly matters..." He said simply. "What is done, is done. Still though. What you did was certainly foolish and uncalled for. But as long as you learned from this mistake I am sure that lady Sif will understand-"


    "It isn''t Sif''s approval that I am seeking..." Ren said quietly.


    "What?" Dawson asked. Before he could get his answer though the elevator doors suddenly opened as a man stepped out...


    Okane. The Noble that was staying here. Following behind him was his young daughter Heather.


    Ren''s breathing instantly stopped when she saw the man... The two stared back at each other for a few moments, both with a look or recognition. It wouldn''t take a detective to figure out, that the two of them knew each other.


    Dawson reached out placing a hand on Ren''s shoulder. "Do you know him?"


    Ren was silent for a moment before she broke Okane''d stare. "Of course I do... He''s a famous Noble after all. I''m sure everyone knows who he is."


    "That isn''t what I meant..." Dawson said quietly. "That look he gave you. How does a Noble such as him know who you are? Ren? What are you hiding?"


    Ren turned away from the man. "I think I''m going to head back to our room..." Ren said simply as she walked away. She stepped past Okane, the two of them sharing one more glance before she stepped onto the elevator.


    Dawson gave a heavy frown as he stared at the Noble who was already heading towards the exit. Behind him, his daughter trailed after. She held a clearly annoyed look on her face as she followed after her dad.


    "Just what exactly is going on..." Dawson muttered out.


    A few hours later...


    Hero set up no longer in the real world. All around him for miles, was a pool of red liquid. In the distance a pissed off Labcoat rested. It was the same old landscape.


    Although this time something was different...


    In the distance a large white hospital stood...


    "So you weren''t able to get rid of Hospital?" Hero said raising an eyebrow as he stared at the Labcoat.


    "No..." Labby said practically spitting it out. "Now that I am chained up I no longer possess the ability to simply send them away... They are manifesting here again now."


    "Good." Hero said flashing the Labcoat a smile. "I''ve been wanting to talk to them for a while... Umm... So what exactly are they?"


    Labby let out a heavy sigh, despite not having a mouth. "Look at this way. In here you are the representation of Hero Otoko. I am the representation of control, and the will of Doctor Hyde. I represent the ability to control your power, while you represent the will of Hero Otoko, as well as his Attribute, the ability you call balloon. The lake of red, that we are standing in, is the smallest fragment, of the one you called ''mother...'' This lake is her Attributes, final resting place held within your body. The thing taking the form of the hospital, which you have given the name ''Hospital'' too, is also a representation. They represent the Monsterfication."


    "So it isn''t her..." Hero muttered out, as the image of the girl he promised he would save, came to his mind. "Not reall at least. Not Ava."


    "No... It is not the one you love. Rather it is a representation of the power you now have from her." Labby explained. "Though at times it was possible for her will to seep through."


    "So then why are you constantly sending them away?" Hero questioned. "And why are you able to send them away?"


    "When I send them away it does not actually get rid of them. Rather it sends them back to the deepest parts of your mind. I do this because they are the most dangerous thing in here... The Lake of red feels nothing, and knows nothing, at least for now, since I have been locked up the lake has begun to expand... I am to monitor you, and kill you if you progress too quickly. They, however, are different. Their job is to take you over. They crave blood. Gore. Violence. Battle. Their job is to make you go out of control. To turn you into an actual monster. When a person with the Monsterfication loses control, the ability will snap. Their body will begin to expand, rapidly growing in places. The Monsterfication is the power to create new mass. Where as your Balloon power simply inflates mass, this one will create brand new skin, muscle, bones, it expands them increasing its mass, at a cost of control. The more you push its power the quicker it goes out of control. This is especially true for a Seraphin. One slip up, doesn''t just mean you could rip your body apart. A slip up could mean you let the power take over. Then you''ll become a real monster, falling over that edge. You would no longer be that naive caterpillar. You would be a monstrous butterfly. You will cease to exist. The will of Hero Otoko, his humanity is fragile, and easily able to be cracked. Like all of us in here you to have a job. It is your job to make sure his humanity does not break... It is your jobe to hold onto the edge of Humanity, and stay in your cacoon. Stay as a caterpillar. Stay humn."


    "Why are you telling me this?" Hero asked curiously as he raised an eyebrow at Labby. "If I go out of control, and become a monster the Enforcers would kill me. Don''t you want me to die?"


    Labby stared down at him for a few moments. "I do... But I believe you misjudge me... I have... Shall we say, grown rather fond of the people you, or at least the real you, has met... I was forced to feel the compassion the real Hero felt for them. As such while I do want this host dead, I would prefer it if I was the one who did it, or at the very least if he killed himself by tearing his body apart. Not only would him losing control over the Monsterfication not result in an immediate death, but he would go out of control on a rampage, killing everyone in sight. He would hurt those close to him. And I simply do not wish for that to happen..."


    "Oh, I get it..." Hero gave a small devilish grin. "You''re actually a big softy!"


    "I''ll kill you."


    Hero let out a sheepish laugh as he threw his hands behind his head. "Well. Thanks for telling me all this. It just confirmed something I wanted to know."


    "What?"


    "Not gonna say." Hero said simply as he walked forward towards the hospital in the distance. He stopped though turning back to the coat. "Oh yeah. I got a quick question I need you to answer. You about those power up things we can do? Enhancements or whatever they are called."


    "Yes."


    "Well that Vice-Captain guy told me mine didn''t work?"


    "That''s because they didn''t but they did."


    "Aww what?"


    "Like everything about you, you are different from a human. Seraphin''s posses a different type of Enhancment. You see rather than simply growing stronger after recovering from near death they stack. A Seraphin''s Enhancments are much stronger than a humans. They can greatly power them up in one go. But rather than activate one at a time, they instead stay in the body building up, than all at once they are unleashed. So you did in fact have your Enhacnments when you got near death, but they will not happen until you reach a certain level of them. Then all the one''s you have will hit you all at once. It''ll probably kill you. You did get stronger as even at 20% power you passed you previous 30% but that was only because your body remebered that level of power and boosted itself back to that level."


    "Oh..." Hero said silently. "Wait! But I remember waking up and being stronger?"


    "Yes. You''re a Seraphin. Even without Enhacements your body grows at an incredible rate."


    "Cool." Hero said nodding. "Well that''s all I needed to hear. I''m gonna go say hi to Hospital!"


    "What are you doing you fool! If they take control of you-"


    Hero ignored the lab coat as he marched forward towards the hospital. As he got closer he began to notice the white sludge that was rolling off of it. It hit the red liquid beneath it, and sizzled up into nothingness. Apparently, the two didn''t like each other...


    "Hey Hospital!" Hero shouted waving his hand down at the building.


    A silence seemed to pass over for a few seconds as the giant hospital began to slowly morph and bubble up. When it finished it now looked more humanoid. It had the appearance but a person, but lacked any features, such as a nose, mouth, eyes, or hair. It has two tentacle arms, and its entire body was made out of a white sludge-like thing...


    Despite lacking a mouth to speak a loud rumble seemed to come out of it as it spoke...


    "Hero..."


    The entire void seemed to shake.


    "Whoa... I don''t remember that happening last time..." Hero muttered out shaking his head.


    "Last time I was in control of how much power they could pull out." Labby explained somehow now by Hero''s side. Though this couldn''t be the real Labby as it was the size of a normal lab coat.


    "Umm... How are you here?"


    "What little power I have to work with is making this clone." The normal-sized lab coat explained. "Though I can''t do anything really."


    "Okay, then why?"


    "To make sure you don''t do something stupid and piss off the giant monster that can turn you into a monster."


    "Yeah, that makes sense." Hero turned back to the giant hospital that was now staring down at him. "Hi!" He yelled out waving to it.


    "...Hero..."


    Once again the void seemed to rubble. The Hosptial touched down ignoring the fact that its body began to melt once it was touching the red liquid. A small arm reached out as it slowly brought it up to Hero.


    "Hey Hospital." Hero said flashing a small smile. "I just wanted to confirm something-"


    "Zero..."


    "What?" Hero recoiled as the tentacle slammed into him smashing him into the ground. The red liquid washed over Hero, but thankfully it didn''t harm him. "Oww! What the hell-"


    "Damn it! I told you this would happen!" The small version of Labby shouted out.


    "Didn''t... Listen... Do... Not!"


    Hero''s eyes widened back up with realization. "Whoa whoa! Look! I didn''t mean to fight Zero! I had to though. Everyone else was in trouble."


    "What are you on about?" Labby hissed out.


    Hero stood back up dusting himself off. He stared at the warm red liquid that was all around him for a few moments before finally speaking. "The first time I was in here... Well actually it wasn''t the first time, but I only have memories of that time. When I was in here though Hospital did something. She made me do something. I saw a vision of Zero though at the time I had no idea who he was. Hospital showed me him and warned me not to fight him..."


    "Mantra..." Labby hissed out quietly. "That can''t be true. Only I know about that. The other versions, this Hospital, this lake of red. They are just other versions of yourself, representations of the Attributes that are within you. They should only know what you know."


    "No..." Hospital said once more letting out a loud and massive rumble.


    "She''s right." Hero said flashing another smile.


    "...What do you mean by she..." Labby said quietly.


    Hero stared at the lab coat for a few seconds. "I mean she... As in the girl, I''m going to save."

 Chapter 105 - The Mysterious Intruder (Part Two)

    Age 1991


    "I mean she... As in the girl, I''m going to save."


    Labby stared at the boy in disbelief, or at least the closet thing a lab coat could do to staring in disbelief, as Hero simply stared back at him. "You''re a fool. They are not them."


    Hero simply gave a shrug. "I believe they are. At least kind of. They aren''t the real Ava, but still. That doesn''t mean they don''t exist." He said finally after a few awkward minutes of pure silence. "An Attribute. I''m not sure about it all yet, but I do know that it is somehow tied to Mantra. I can feel it, even if I don''t know what Mantra is yet. By taking someone''s Attribute you''re taking a piece of them. Hospital isn''t just the will of the Monsterfication. She is also the will of Ava." Hero stated. "I believe that when you placed a piece of Ava into me, it didn''t just give me her Attribute. It stored some of her inside of me. That is who Hospital is! She is Ava! Or at least a piece of Ava."


    "Ava..." Hospital said quietly as another loud rumble came off of it.


    "It is just not the case." Labby said shaking the closet thing he had to a head. "There have been several Seraphin''s before you. Known of them have had anything remotely close to this happen. For them, they simply had manifestations of the other Attributes."


    "I guess that means I''m special then." Hero stated placing a hand on Hospitals outstreatch tentacle. "But I know I''m right... Ever since I turned ten my memory of my past was always fuzzy. One thing I know though, is after that day I never did feel alone. In a way, I had three people watching over me."


    "Three?" Labby questioned in confusion.


    Hero gave another smirk. "Oh? You haven''t realized it yet? Well, I''ll keep that a secret for now then. I don''t want that big version of you finding out about it."


    "What?"


    Hero turned away as he stared back at the Hospital. "I get it now." Hero said smiling at them. "Save me... Back then I thought you meant you were wanting to save me. But that isn''t right, is it? You want me to save you. And that''s what I''m going to do. So stick tight Ava. Hero Otoko, the third strongest human is coming for you!"


    "...Idiot..." Hospital said shaking its head.


    "What?"


    Labby let out a huff. "Hero... You''re playing a dangerous game, and you''re aren''t giving it much thought. You''s shouldn''t try to befriend this thing. Especially if it really is Ava. You might say you love her, but those feelings are one-sided. The real Ava despises all Seraphin''s. That is how I know that this is indeed a fake. This can''t be the real Ava. Becasus if it was she wouldn''t hesitate to kill you..."


    "Seraphin!"


    Hospital let out a loud angry rumble as it shouted the name. Once again the entire void shook as 100% of the Momsterfication was unleashed for only a mere moment before being squashed back down by the void once more.


    Hero recoiled like he had be struck by something as he shook his head. "...You might be right. In fact, you probably are, since you know more about this than me. But I don''t care... I''m going to save Ava. Even if it kills me."


    "You''re going to follow a false dream?"


    "I am. False or not. This is where I''m going. I haven''t reached a path yet. But I will. And no matter which path I choose I know that they will led to the same conclusion..." Hero said slowly. "I''m Hero Otoko. A human. If I can''t do it I''ll just become a version of myself that can."


    ''Are you prepared to die for that goal. And I don''t mean die, and complete the goal. I mean are you prepared to die, in an attempt to follow after this goal.''


    ''You''re going to die like an Enforcer.''


    ''You can die holding onto a goal, and maybe, when it happens, because it will happen, you won''t be afraid. Because you know it was what you wanted. Because you know you stuck true and followed that path. We all die as Enforcers. But at least if we have a goal to chase after we can say that we struck true to who we are...''


    ''I''m going to get stronger. No matter what happens. I''ll save her. I''ll save my friends. The name Hero was my mother''s gift. I''ll live up to her expectations. Because... Because if I can''t even save one girl who has asked for my help how can I have the audacity to claim the title of Hero for myself! So keep telling me I can''t do it! I''ll prove myself wrong, if I have to!''


    "You say that a lot." The small Labby said slowly. "Becoming a new version of yourself. And yet you never do. You could become a monster, and gain that power. You could evolve and become a new creature, but you hold your power back not letting it progress as much as possible. You chose to not become someone new."


    "I guess you''re right." Hero laughed. "Never really thought about the phrase before." He said giving a shrug. "It''s just something my Grandfather told me to say, so that I don''t give up on my dream."


    "Only a fool follows after a dream knowing it will end in despair..." Labby warned.


    Hero gave another smile. "Then I guess I''m a fool." He said simply. "I''m choosing to believe."


    "Believe what?"


    "Believe that you guys are more." Hero said turning away. "Hospital, The Lake, and even you Labby. You aren''t just versions of myself in here. You might all be me, but you''re still more. If that makes any sense?"


    "It is that kind of ideals, that will get you killed... You are a Seraphin. A weapon created for war. You don''t get to decide what path you''ll travel on. It''s already be choosen for you."


    "Death..." Hospital said in a loud rumbling tone. "Leave. Now."


    Hero flashes a smile as the two as he have a small wave. "I''ll be going now... Oh and I don''t know when I''ll be coming back. Hospital, I''m placing some trust in you. Don''t take me over okay? As for you Labby. You''ll probably get bored of being in here without me-"


    "I''m going to kill you."


    "-Later guys!" Hero slashed his and down creating another rift as he stepped back out.


    In the real world...


    Hero''s eyes opened up seeing the pitch darkness of the room. The sounds of the three people breathing hit his ears.


    ''Right... It was getting late so we all went to sleep.'' Hero thought to himself as he laid face down on the carpeted floor. He was back in the room he shared with Ken, and Sera. Naturally, there was only two beds so he had opted to take the floor. Both girls liked the idea of getting a comfortable bed to sleep on.


    Hero let out a small sigh as he listened to the quiet breathing. The first was to his left. That was Ken. From the sounds of it, she was already asleep.


    The second breathing was to his right. That was Sera. Much like Ken, she to was asleep.


    ''It is probably pretty late...'' Hero thought rolling over slowly. ''I should probably get back to sleep...''


    His ears twitched again as he listened to the sounds of the three breathing.


    Three?


    Hero''s eyes suddenly widened. ''Wait a minute... Ken is to my left. Sera is to my right.'' The sounds of the third person came from behind him... Facing the door...


    Hero took a deep breath before flipping himself over, and staring towards the door.

 Chapter 106 - The Mysterious Intruder (Part Three)

    Age 1991


    Dawson stared at Ren in silence. The girl sat on her own bed as she stared back at him.


    "What is it?" She finally asked.


    Dawson was silent for a few seconds as he thought about what he could say. "It isn''t really important," Dawson said finally. "I don''t know why but my eyes are just drawn to you..."


    Ren stared at the Red Demon for a moment as she thought about what to say. "It is very strange." She said quietly. "But I understand what you mean... Or at least I think I do." She said finally. "I never liked people."


    "What?"


    "People. I never liked them." Ren stared down at her hands for a few seconds in silence. "My Attribute. Altering the emotions of everyone near me. I try to make sure it is only good emotions that they feel now. But when I was younger it was basically impossible to control. I''ve seen the worst in people because of this power. I''ve never told anyone this but when I use it, I am actually absorbing their other emotions. The hate, the sorrow, the fear... Whatever it is they aren''t feeling I feel. There was a time when I thought that it would break me. Maybe it has? I honestly can''t tell... All I know is that for the first time in a while I seem to suddenly care. You''re a weird person Dawson Blight. In a way, I think I''d like to get to know you..."


    "I''d like to get to know you a little more as well," Dawson admitted.


    "No doubt to discover how I know a Noble."


    "...I''ll confess. I am interested in how you know such a man." Dawson said finally.


    Ren gave the smallest hint of a smile as she turned away from him. "We share a common goal, me and him. Or rather a shared interest... I''m part of another group. One you wouldn''t like. This world is-"


    A loud shriek echoed throughout the entire hotel causing the two to boot up.


    "What was that?"


    Meanwhile...


    A few minutes earlier...


    Hero stayed in a sitting position as he made sure not to move. Now that he was aware of the breathing he could feel the pair of eyes that were on him. It was too dark in the room to see anything, and who knows how long the person could have been standing there for.


    Hero took a small breath to steady his nerves...


    And he struck!


    In a flash, Hero jumped forward punching out with his arm. As his arm came forward one of his pipes jutted out stabbing at the figure. "Gungnir!" Hero announced loudly.


    Whoever they were though, they were to fast, as in a single motion they managed to sidestep the spike causing it to impale itself in the wall.


    Hero turned bringing his arm out tearing the bone spear through the wall, causing his spike to split it in half as he lashed out at the figure. He brought his arm out and his spike shot out of his arm like an arrow. The figure dodged it as the spike stabbed into the wall behind him, and began to slowly break away into nothingness now that it wasn''t a part of his body. Hero pulled himself forward already creating a new bone blade to swing with. It came out of his wrist and was curved and sharp.


    "Caliburn!" Hero screamed out slicing the blade arm forward.


    Once again the figure was to fast as they ducked the strike. Everything behind them wasn''t so lucky as it was split in half from the force of Hero''s attack. A beam of light from the halls shined out showing the man in a better light. He was wearing a long black robe that covered his face with darkness. His hands could be seen but something was wrong. They had no skin. Or muscle. They were just a pair of bones.


    "Whoa what the hell!" Ken yelled shooting up. Sera also jumped up, but Hero ignored the two girls as he jumped towards the man as another blade began to for out of his leg.\


    "My body is in high alert... I''ve never used my bones like this?" Hero laughed jumping forward.


    "So you like using bones huh?" The figure said in a crazed voice.


    ''That voice...'' Hero thought. ''It sounds familiar?''


    "Well it just so happens I also like using bones." The man said still in a crazed voice. His hand shot out grabbing onto the blade that was poking out of Hero''s arm. "I win."


    "What are you-" Hero let out a scream of pain as he dropped to his knees. He stared at the blade that was in his arm as steamrolled off of him. Then...


    ''Plop''


    The blade dropped out of his arm hitting the ground.


    "What?" The man said in confusion.


    Hero''s eyes were wide as he stared down at his elbow where his blade used to be. "What the hell was that! My body instantly reacted and ejected the bone out?"


    "What the hell is going on!" Ken said with wide eyes as she stared at Hero, and the other man. Her hand slowly inched towards the floor of her bed where her sword rested.


    "I see what happened." The man said finally. "You stopped my infection by removing the bone before I could spread further... "


    ''He''s right... Whenever he touched my bone something happened? If my body didn''t react the way it did I feel like I''d be dead...'' Hero shook his head as he focused back in on the man. He brought his arm up as he inhaled. It instantly expanded taking up a portion of the room. Spikes fired out of the back of his arm as a wave of oxygen fired out. "Let''s see you dodge this one! Big-Arm-Strike!" He shouted out as loud as he could.


    "Oh shit!"


    There was a massive boom as Hero punched ripping the room in half. The back wall blew up as the figure was thrown out of the room by the punch.


    "Didn''t dodge that one did you asshole!" Hero shouted jumping after the man, and into the hallway. The robed figure slammed into the ground, and their robe finally ripped... Hero''s eyes widened as he stared at the man. "You!"


    Slowly Officer Bradley, stood back up...


    "Ahh come on! You seemed like such a cool guy!" Hero said throwing his arms up. "Umm... Did you get a hair cut or... Wow you''re skinny..."


    Officer Bradley stared back at Hero. Only something seemed off about him... His face was broken back out into a grin. Like a massive grin. Like bigger than a face should be. His skin actually looked like it was ripping. His eyes were sunken in and covered with bags. His eyes were red and tears streamed down his face. His hair was messy, and was falling out, and he looked much skinnier than he had a few days ago. Like super skinny. His entire body was purple, and looked bruised. His ribs were poking through his body and the flesh around his hands, and feet were gone. Nothing was on them. Not even muscles. It was just pure white bone.


    "P...Preaues-" The man said through gritted teeth and a clemched jaw. He spoke without opening his jaws, his entire face being mostly still save for the fact that his lips moved slowly. Like his mouth was just closed still in that massive smile, but his lips would move in the motions of saying words. "K...Kill me-"


    "What!" Hero said with a pale face as he stared at the man. "What did you just say-"


    Officer Bradley let out a loud guttural howl, only something was very off about it. It was the sound of two voices screaming. Not one.


    "You''re-"


    "Help-"


    "Dead!"


    "Me!"


    The two voices both came from the same body. One of them was Officer Bradley for sure but the second was different. Whatever it was it was using the man''s lips to speak, but it certainly wasn''t him.


    Hero once again got the cold feeling in his gut and that was when he realized it...


    ''I smell blood... So much blood. This thing is... This is the cause of the smell in the mansion. How many people has this thing killed-"


    Officer Bradley shot forward raising both of his bone hands up as he let out another crazed howl. He was insanely fast, far faster then his body should have been able to handle since Bradley was just a human. Despite that fact though he moved faster than even Hero could follow as he jumped towards the body.


    ''Shit! My left arm still hasn''t recovered from using my Big-Arm-Strike!'' Hero thought in panic as the man neared him. ''And with how fast he''s moving I don''t have time to-''


    ''Blam!''


    There was a loud banging noise, as the sound of flesh on flesh echoed out. Officer Bradley''s head was snapped back as he was sent flying. Hero stood in shock as a hand was placed on his shoulder.


    "You should be more careful Enforcer..." Okane Genkin said quietly walking in front of Hero. "A second later and I do believe this world would be down an Enforcer. Not that, that would be a bad thing."


    "What!" Hero said in shock just now processing everything that happened. ''This man saved me?'' He thought still in shock.


    Okane walked forward his eyes still on the downed body of the man before him. "What a vile and disgusting creature. Something like this should not exist in this world..." He hissed out. He whipped out a small black credit cars from his pocket as he held it up. "I''ll buy strength for a thousand Bells." He stated loudly. His body glowed a bright green as suddenly golden numbers appeared above his head. The numbers read out ''1000'' in bold letters and just floated there above the man''s head.


    Officer Bradley made an angry cry as he slowly stood up cracking his body back into place. "That hurt..."


    Okane gave a small but simple smirk as he raised his card up once again. "Make it two thousand Bells..."

 Chapter 107 - The Mysterious Intruder (Part Four)

    Age 1991


    Okane ran forward towards the man as Officer Bradley gave a wide, and nasty smirk. The police officer jumped into the air as he reached into his pocket pulling out a long metal knife.


    "I buy iron skin for three thousand Bells," Okane announced running his card through the air once more. His body glowed brighter as the number above his head changed into a ''5000.''


    The knife hit his chest and stabbed through his clothing but the blade quickly snapped off.


    "Bastard! That was my favorite weapon!" The officer shouted out.


    "I buy master of all things martial arts for fifty thousand Bells," Okane announced suddenly performing feats of high-speed combat. He fought like a master martial artist immediately hitting the police officer where it hurt. His fist flew out like a blur smashing in the man''s arms, and legs. "I buy super speed for fifty thousand Bells!" He shouted getting even faster as he rammed his fist into the man''s gut.


    Despite that though Officer Bradley apparently didn''t notice or care as he kept bringing his broke blade down on Okane. The Noble last out a small hiss of pain as the knife actually managed to pierce through his shoulder after the first few attempts.


    Okane slammed his foot into his opponent''s gut pushing himself off of the man and sending him away. "I''ll buy accelerated healing for fifty thousand Bells." Okane''s shoulder glowed a bright green then slowly closed.


    "I''m going to rip you apart limb by f.u.c.k.i.n.g limb..." The police officer said quietly. He reached up and impaled both his hands into his side. Blood sprayed out and seconds later he ripped out two pieces of his own ribs. The ribs began to get longer and sharper and before long they took on the shape of two bone blades. "I would be careful if I were you. One cut from these bad boys and I''ll infect you. After that, I win..."


    "Why are you telling me this?" Okane questioned raising an eyebrow as he held himself up in am elegant manner.


    "Because it''ll be funny when you slip up. It''ll be hilarious to see the look of shock and horror on your face! The look of terror as you die." Officer Bradley let out a gleeful life. "I wanna see you suffer."


    "I buy maximum defense for fifty thousand Bells," Okane muttered out. The number above his head was now an insane ''205,000'' and his entire body seemed to glow a bright green. "I can keep this up all day..." He said cooly.


    "That makes two of us..."


    And with that, they charged at each other once more.


    "Geez... Watching this fight is unreal..." Hero muttered out. "They''re so fast. My eyes are hitting just from trying to keep up-"


    "I''m here!" Ken announced jumping out of the hole in their room. She now wore her Enforcer''s uniform and had her sword unsheathed. Sera also quickly jumped out wearing her usual Nobles garb, although this time she actually had what looked like a small metallic pipe. "What did we mi- Whoa! Cool..." Ken muttered as she watched the fight between the Noble and the police officer.


    It was certainly intense. The two went back and forth with Okane delivering blow, after blow, after blow. Despite all of his punches landing though, Officer Bradley just kept on coming. He fought like a wounded animal forgoing safety and just fighting to his absolute limit.


    The fight between Jackson, and Zero, might have been more of a powerful feat, but it still lacked a candle to this battle. While it is true that neither Okane or Officer Bradley were anywhere near the level of Jackson or Zero the battle they were given was far more impressive. When Jackson and Zero fought it was a battle of honor. And yet both parties still held back. Zero more so... Here though. Neither man was holding back. This was a battle to the death. A bloody, brutal, painful-looking death...


    "What do we do?" Ken questioned.


    "That is highly disturbing..." Sera muttered out.


    "Just leave them be." Hero said simply. "We''d just get in the way of their fight."


    "I''ll buy a powerful punch for one hundred thousand Bells!" Okane roared out as his fist smashed into the face of the police officer.


    A massive boom echoed out as every window inside of the hotel shattered. The very floor exploded and the walls cracked. The entire building shook and for a second there was wave of air as the floor they were on collapsed onto the floor below it no doubt destroying any poor robot butler that was underneath it. The roof above them also exploded. And this was the damage just done to the surrounding area of the punch.


    Officer Bradley was far, far worse...


    The sonic boom ended as the man''s body flew back rolling across, and grinding against the floor leaving a red streak as he slammed into the wall.


    "Did... Did he just-" Sera said in horror as Ken raised a hand up shielding the Noble girl''s eyes. This was the first time she would have been faced with. And for it to be one so brutal...


    "Yeah..." Hero said after a few seconds of silence. "He just killed him."


    Okane let out a small sigh. Steam rose from his fist and his fancy looking white glove was on fire. He slowly reached up sliding it off. "Well. I suppose that was interesting. At least for a few moments. He managed to amuse me-"


    "Oh. I..s trhat wut I did..."


    Everyone froze as they all turned to see Officer Bradley slowly pick himself back up...


    "What! That''s impossible!" Okane said in pure shock. "I was sure I felt your neck snap from the punch."


    "O...Oh. I...It dud." Officer Bradley got back to his feet. Although that was a bit generous. His body was mangled. His flesh was literally beginning to fall off of him. And his head. Oh God, his head... His face was just caved in. His eyes were hanging out. His skull was beginning to pop out. He looked like a corpse. "G...Guess I... Tao. Strung-"


    ''Snap''


    His jaw snapped off hitting the floor.


    And that was the last straw as Hero, Ken, and Sera all screamed out in horror.


    "That''s messed up!" Hero shouted.


    "Oh God! That thing was in our room!" Ken said in terror clinging to Hero''s arm.


    "I wanna go home!" Sera screamed.


    Okane took a nervous gulp as he stepped forward. "What the hell are you."


    There were several more cracking sounds as slowly but surely the thing began to heal... Well, that wasn''t really true. It''s skeleton healed. It even grew a new jaw. But the muscles, and the flesh, and the blood. Those parts stayed destroyed.


    There was a loud crash as Dawson and Ren came crashing out of a wall that Dawson barged through, in his Demon mode.


    "What the hell!" Dawson said in shock as he stared at the thing.


    "What... What is that..." Ren said with wide eyes.


    The empty eye sockets of Officer Bradley peered at Ren as whatever it was managed a small smile. "Ahh... What a pretty girl..."


    Dawson instantly stepped in front of Ren putting himself between her and that monster.


    "Well..." A new darker and much more sister voice spoke as a small laugh came from the thing. "I seemed to have failed. I wasted to much time. Chances are the other Enforcers are on their way. It would be a real pain to have to fight you all at once. I could even die. Guess I''ll be leaving."


    "Like hell, I''m letting you get away!" Okame screamed out.


    "Oh... Who said you got a choice?" And with that. The thing slowly reached up and began to rip off the flesh, and muscle that was on it. It tore off Officer Bradley. When it was all said and done a grinning skeleton was all that left.


    Sera hit the floor losing her lunch as the thing discarded poor Officer Bradley...


    "I''ll be seeing you... Girl..." He said as his eyes locked onto Ren''s... And with that he stepped backwards through a hole in the wall falling out of the building, and into the city below.

 Chapter 108 - Arriving At Dandelion

    Age 1991


    "Ahh, this so boring!" Kitsune whined crossing his arms as the train slowly moved down the tracks. "We''ve been on this train for almost two days now..." He sighed.


    "Relax..." Irene said also letting out a sigh.


    The second group of Squad Six and Squad Seven hadn''t even reached their destination. Arguably they were doing better than the other group...


    This group consisted of Kitsune, Irene, Cloud, Emma, Lucy, Hannah, Jackson, and finally the leader of this group Katrina.


    "Quit complaining," Cloud said simply as he folded his arms. "The other group is in a much worse position than we are. I feel so sorry for my Big Brother, and Ken. And poor Dawson having to baby sit them both. Poor bastard. Bet they have already done something stupid. If I had to guess who would act first I''d say... Ken. Then again my Big Brother isn''t always the sharpest tool in the shed."


    "What Cloud is saying, is that you shouldn''t complain so much." Irene said slowly pulling out a small brown book. "You could have it much worse."


    "Yeah..." Kitsune said letting out a small sigh as he folded his arms. "You''re probably right North... Still though..." He said sighing as he shook his head. "This is so boring... I wish something would happen."


    "It''s not so bad." Emma laughed. "We could always fight!"


    "Is that all you care about?"


    "It is." Lucy stated, speaking up for the first time. "She only uses me to carry her stuff." She raised up her brife case showing them. "She can be pretty mean."


    "Hey!"


    Over at the front of the train, Katrina gave a smile as she watched the five kids. "You know." She said quietly. "He''s just like you, when you were a kid-"


    "You take that insult back!" Jackson said standing up.


    "What?" Katrina said giving another smile. "You don''t like him?"


    "You know I don''t..." Jackson muttered. He gave a small frown. "He''s such a fanboy... A hotheaded Noble. A coward. Someone who is running away for some reason." Jackson gave another shrug as he let out a tiny laugh. "Him being like me really scares me." He stated.


    "Because deep down you know he can be better than you?"


    "Hell no!" Jackson announced. "Because... Because I know he''s going to hurt himself trying to become better than me." He stated folding his arms. "I met Jin once. The guy was kind of creepy. I can''t belive he''s really gone."


    "He died in Dandelion. Poor city has been torn down so many times..." Katrina sighed. "Being an Enforcer is like a curse... But Kitsune. That boy isn''t so bad. He really is a lot like you. He might have a few problomes with a c.o.c.ky nature, and fanboying all over the place but still. His heart is in the right place."


    "The kid is pretty cool." Hannha said giving a nod. "Strong too! Hell of a fire Attribute. And that North boy. They got some serious power behind them as well. Shame they have shit reaction time."


    "Yeah... I''ve been working on that." Jackson said nodding.


    "How so?"


    "I hide behind corners and then jump out and throw a wrench at them as hard as I can." He said shrugging. "They haven''t dodged it yet... I also think they hate me now..."


    "Geez..."


    "Might have gone a little overbored..."


    Before either of the three grown up Enforcers could say anything else though they were stopped by a loud screech as the train began to come to a stop.


    "Finally!" The voice of Kitsune announced from the back. "I can finally get off of this damn train! Come on Cloud! Let''s go train or something! I''m itching for a fight!"


    "Well..." Katrina said giving a small smirk. "Looks like we''ve arrived..."


    Jackson stared out at the city as he folded his arms. A small smile found its way onto his face as he let out a sigh. "Let''s get this over with."

 Chapter 109 - Getting involved...

    Age 1991


    A chill ran into the hotel as the wind blowed through the hole in the wall that led outside. Alarms were going off through out the entire building as the robot butlers ran around in confusion not knowing what to do in this situation.


    The Enfrocers, and the Noble, all stood around also not having a clue as to where they should go next in this situation.


    They all had their own way of dealing with what they just witnessed...


    Hero paced back and forth down the halls as Dawson stared out the hole. Ren was silent no doubt deep in thought. Sera was on the ground trying to keep her lunch down after watching a man''s skeleton literally rip its way out, and Ken was next to the girl trying to keep her calm.


    "Well..." Ken said with wide eyes. "That was certainly something... What the hell did I wake up to Hero!"


    "Damn it!" Hero cursed hitting the wall as hard as he could and putting another hole in it, out of frustration. "I wasn''t strong enough! That guy!" He took a deep breath calming himself down. "Damn... I couldn''t even touch him... It was impossible for me to even keep up..."


    "Calm down Hero," Dawson said simply. "You did well. You had no time to plan and fought someone able to perform high-speed combat. Frankly, it is amazing you were able to even touch the guy."


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    Sera was still in the ground after having lost her lunch. Ken placed a hand on the girls back rubbing it in circles. "There there..." Ken said. "I don''t blame you for acting this way... He... He ripped his way out of that man... It was just a big no..." She said shaking her head.


    "What did that man mean..." Ren questioned biting her lip. "I''ll be seeing you-"


    "Ren. I want you to be near me at all times!" Dawson said quickly. "I don''t know why but that thing was looking at you... I don''t want to risk it... Same goes for Ken, and Sera. He said girl, and I''ll be damned if I let him near you all-"


    There was another loud crash as Nick and Sif came crashing through the walls. "We''re hear!" Nick yelled. "What''d we miss!"


    "About time!" Hero said watching the Captain and Vice-Captain who were both looking around on high alert.


    "Typical Enforcers," Okane muttered. "Showing up after the battle..." He hissed out.


    "What..." Sif said with slightly wide eyes. "We missed it... You mean I didn''t have to wake up!" She hissed out glaring at Nick.


    "...Whoops..."


    "You aren''t even sorry!"


    "Yeah I''m not..."


    Dawson gave a small sigh as he turned to look at the group. "What was that thing... It couldn''t have been a human... Right? But I''ve never seen a Bestia Macht that could speak... And he didn''t have a gem on him so he isn''t corrupted-"


    "Whoa! What exactly did we miss?" Nick asked. "I get a massive battle happened. but it sounds like we missed more than that... Corruption and Bestia Macht''s? Something happened!"


    "I was attacked." Hero explained. "Or I think I was attacked? I''m not actually sure if he was after me, or after Sera, or Ken. This weird guy was in my room so I fought him. He kicked my butt and then the Noble man showed up and saved me. Then the skeleton ripped itself out of the man-"


    "What!"


    "The skeleton. It ripped itself out of the man." Hero stated shrugging. "Pretty gross." Hero said casually.


    "Oh..." Nick shot Dawson a look but the man simply nodded. "Sounds serious. Where the hell did it come from? And how did it get in here?"


    "It used the cop," Ken said in a shaky voice as she gestured to the pile of flesh that was on the floor. "It was in him. It used him to get into the building and snuck in our room..."


    "As for where it came from..." Hero said trailing off.


    Dawson let out a small sigh as he shook his head. "Hero. Don''t say it-"


    "The Nobles!" Hero announced. "They were the one who had him!"


    "Damn it, Hero!"


    "But I''m telling the truth!" Hero stated. "That mans smell is the same as the room in their house! That man must be their killer! Also, this explains why the videotapes always show someone else! It''s always the same guy in a new persons body!"


    "You don''t know that-"


    "I do." Hero reached up placing a hand over his arm. "He managed to touch me with his hands... I felt it. My entire bone was compromised and my body threw it out. A second later I would have been infected by him. Then he''d have been in my body..." He trailed off as a shiver went down his spine.


    Ken reached out patting the boy on the shoulder. "There there."


    "Wait..." Okane said with wide eyes as he turned back to the bloody pile on the floor. "If he had touched me that would be me... No. He did touch me... I can only assume that means he has to cut me..."


    "Well..." Dawson was quiet for a moment. "I am unsure as to what to do in this situation-"


    "Easy. We do nothing." Sif said shrugging. "If this guy comes back I''ll deal with him personally... Until then we aren''t looking into anything else but our mission-"


    "But-" Ken was beginning to say.


    "No!" Sif stated. "We are investigating the Organization and nothing else. Either have the government become aware of this situation and have them hire us, or have a citizen hire us to deal with this. We aren''t doing this work for free."


    "The Organization..." Okane said calmly. He was deep in thought for a few moments before he finally let out a sigh. "How much."


    "What?" Sif asked looking at the Noble.


    "How many Bells to hire you," Okane said pulling out his black credit card. "I''ll personally hire you guys to deal with that abomination."


    Sif was quiet as she stared at the man. "Why. Why would you go out of your way to do that?"


    "That thing is an abomination! A fraud to the face God himself. I will do everything to everything I can to insure that he is gone." The Noble announced. "If you will not act until hired then I will personally hire you to look into this matter." Okane gave a small smile as he stared at the tiny Captain. "However much you are being paid to look into the Organization, I''ll pay the same amount but doubled. I want this to be a top priority. I want that man dead!"


    "Does that mean what I think it does?" Ken asked excitedly turning to look at Dawson.


    Dawson closed his eyes as he took a deep breath. "Yeah..." He said quietly.


    "Alright!" The tree kids cheered.


    "We''re gonna investigate these murders."

 Chapter 110 - One Week Later

    Age 1991


    The B¨¢thory family household...


    "I''m sorry..." Sirius said quietly. "Did you say that you failed..." He stared at the wall in front of him as a frown crossed its way onto his face.


    The bloodied skeleton ignored the Noble as he reached out grabbing a black robe throwing it over himself. He gave a satisfied click of the jaw as he turned back to the Noble.


    A wave of malice and killer intent rolled off the man but to the Skeleton it was all just funny antics to him.


    "Answer... Now Reaper..." The Noble hissed.


    Reaper gave a small smirk with his jaw as he glanced back towards the Noble. "Yeah. I failed. They all saw me. I didn''t kill any of them..." He stated still smiling. "So what?"


    Sirius gave a massive frown as he folded his arms up. He took a heavy intake of breath. "You... Idiot-"


    Reapers arm fired up as he placed a boney finger under the Nobles chin as the man was turning around. Reapers smile never left as his empty eye sockets stared back at the man. "Watch it ''master...'' You''d be well to remember." He stated in a sarcastic tone. "Don''t annoy me. After all your Attribute doesn''t work on me does it... No nerves. Can''t feel pain. Not physically anyways."


    "There''s more than one way to kill you. I don''t need my Attribute. I could easily crush you with my Mant-" The Noble stopped as his frown grew larger. He turned away from the skeleton as he peered at the wall. "Never mind... If this comes back to my family-"


    "Relax." Reaper said calmly. "They''ll come here. And when they do..." An image of Ren flashed through Reapers mind as he gave a disgusting twisted smile. "And when they do, she''ll come to me!"


    "...She..."


    "Yes." Reaper gave a small spin as he threw his arms out. "A new beautiful toy!" Reaper gave another grin. "Don''t worry boss... Those Enforcers will come. But I promise you I''ll wipe them out! I think you alone could compete with them. So with our powers."


    "How can you be so sure?"


    "I destroyed the communications in this city-"


    "You what!" Sirius''s eyes flashed in horror. "How am I going to trade!"


    "Relax. It''ll only be down for a few weeks at most. I took it out though so that those pricks can''t call for back up against me... Their stuck..."


    "So... I assume you have a plan for dealing with them..." Sirius asked. "You destroyed the devices to stop any more Enforcers from being called out. But you must have another plan right?"


    Reaper gave one last sinister smirk as he turned to look into the mirror that was up upon the wall in front of him. "Simple..."


    "W... Well. What is it?" Sirius ordered?


    Reaper turned back to look at him as his twisted soulless eye sockets flashed. "Divide. And. Conquer..." Reaper announced happily. "Those Enforcers will do all the work for all of us! They will research me. Go out and try to find more. My natural charms will make them want to know more about me... And while they''re busy being split up..."


    "That''s when you''ll strike."


    "Correct!" Reaper announced proudly as he threw his arms out.


    "...I see." Sirius turned away as he walked over to the window. He stared out at the black city below. "Well. I hope you considered the crime crunch that you are on."


    "What? Time crunch?" The skeleton asked raising the closest thing he had to an eyebrow. "What time crunch?"


    Sirius was completely silent as he slowly turned back. "That other Noble. He brought up some interesting things... A war is starting... A war that will begin here."


    "It helps if you start making sense..."


    "The Organization is coming..."


    "The what?"


    "...The Organization..."


    "...Never heard of it?"


    "Well... Basically they are..."


    One week later...


    "So," Ren said quietly. "What''s the plan?" She asked.


    Currently, her and Dawson were standing outside of the cites hospital.


    "So far we don''t know a whole lot," Dawson stated. "However. Our suspect is Tobias."


    "A... A dead guy? You think that someone who is dead is our suspect?"


    Dawson gave a small nod. "Yes. A dead guy. This skeletons Attribute is unheard of. That means it is unique to them. I want to check out the records of the hospital. See what they have to say about that man."


    "You think he is the skeleton?"


    "Yeah." Dawson folded his arms as he stared at the doors to the hospital. "The first few tapes had the same man. This man is believed to be Tobias." Dawson said simply. "It is my belief that the skeleton is Tobias. I want to come by here and look into the matter some more... See if we can figure this out... Truth is. I am glad we were hired. I wanted to stop these murders myself. But I''m an Enforcer. I''ll take my duties seriously. But... Now that I''ve been given permission to act on act on my own..."


    "You''re finally going to act?"


    "Exactly," Dawson said giving a nod. "I want to question the doctor who helped deliver the baby. Normally when a child is born the baby will show signs of their Attribute the moment they unleash their first cry. Sometimes this can be devastating and can lead to the death of the mother, and the baby... Especially if the child is born with a Super Attribute. God forbid the poor mother who gives birth to a child with an Ultra Attribute... Anyways. The point is, that this man will have known what this child''s power was. He''ll be our neat bet at discovering what it is we''re looking for."


    Ren gave a tiny nod of her head for a brief second as she folded her arms up. "I see..." She said finally. "I hope we can figure this out soon. The sooner we end this threat, the sooner we can get back to solving the problem of the Organization."


    "Yes... That reminds me. You are trying to solve that little problem aren''t you?" Dawson asked.


    The two Enforcers shared a quiet look as Ren stepped back. "I don''t know what you could possibly mean."


    "...We''ll need to discuss this later in more detail." Dawson finally said as he placed his hand on the doors to the hospital. "For now I want solve this mission. But rest assured. I will be bringing up my suspicions with your Captain."


    "...I... I understand..."


    Meanwhile...


    "Oh my God, I''m so bored!" Ken yelled kicking out with her tiny leg and nailing Hero in the face.


    "Ouch!" Hero hissed out hitting the floor. He gave a frown as he rubbed at his face. "Why!"


    "I''m bored..." Ken said simply. "It has been a whole week and nothing has happened! All the a.d.u.l.ts are running around and left us here being babysitted by Nick!"


    "Hey!'' Nick said frown.


    "Shut up Babysitter!"


    The Vice-Captain let out a small sigh as he set back. "I don''t like this anymore than you do..." Nick said leaning back in his chair. The four of them were all currently stuck in the hotel bored out of their minds while Dawson, Ren, and surprisingly Sif, were running around finishing this mission without them. Nick was doing research and had discovered some stuff on his own. Like how every attack happened during blizzards. Blizzards were very common here... Meanwhile, Okane and his daughter had been staying up in the top floor of the hotel. Neither had really done much save for the daughter Heather, who would often be trying to make a run for the exit only to be dragged back by her farther. "But orders are orders. Neither of you two seem to know how to follow them... You two should be more like Sera."


    Hero, and Ken both slowly turned to look at the young noble girl as she fanned herself with an elegant fan. "No thanks..." Both kids said shaking their heads.


    "Hey!'' The girl whined.


    Hero set back on the stone floor as he stared up at the roof. "Look, Ken. If you''re so bored go do something then. Why not go read more of those dumb comics?"


    "They aren''t dumb! Also... I kind of finished all of them... I''m waiting on the next issue..." Ken pouted slightly as she folded her arms up.


    "Then go make a new attack or something." Hero said casually. He let out a sigh as he stared up at the roof. "You''re good at that. Unlike me. All my attacks suck..."


    "You''re being unusually depressed..." Nick observed.


    "That skeleton man just made me mad..." Hero said giving a small shrug. "He completely beat me down, and made me feel so useless... My attacks were too flawed to even hurt him... Gah! I hate that man! I also hate myself for always making useless attacks. I have three powers! Three! How do I suck with all of them!"


    "You aren''t that bad at using them. I mean I''ve fought three Seraphin''s, and all of them have simply relied on their Monster-Point forms to beat me. Also they never used those bone pipes you have. As far as I know you''re the only one who has ever though to make new bones with your Monsterfication Attribute, and use them as spikes, and pipes in order to fire out the Oxygen at high speeds. You''re young and stupid, but yo have real skill." Nick said casually. "You''ll learn more eventually. It just takes time. For now, you should be glad you even made it this far. Truth is I was kind of expecting you be kicked out. Seraphin and all."


    "I don''t see why me being a Seraphin is a big deal?"


    "Well there is the whole going insane thing, that will happen..." Nick said trailing off. "Also the Monster-Point which gives you the power of a Bestia Macht. Some people will even claim you are a Bestia Macht."


    Hero rolled his eyes as he jumped up to his feet. "I''m not too worried about that. If that does ever happen, and I do go insane an Enforcer will be there to put me down right?"


    "...Dark..." Ken said quietly.


    "I''m not too worried where my life is going." Hero said casually as he stared out the window and towards the bright city above. "All I do know, is that I''m going to find her..."


    "You''re still going on about that?" Ken asked with a deadpan expression.


    "You''re still bored!" Hero rolled his eyes as he turned away from the group. He grabbed the zipper to his white jacket, zipping it all the way as he made his way over to the door. "I''m taking a walk." He called back.


    "No, you''re not!" Nick said jumping up. "I was told to make sure none of you leave! Besides you need a badge or key, to get back into the hotel. You haven''t earned your badge, and you aren''t rich to you definitely don''t have a key!"


    "There''s a giant hole in building if I want back in I''ll climb through that." Hero called reaching the door.


    "For the last time, I said-"


    ''Click''


    The door slid open as Hero stepped out, into the frozen city.


    "I hate kids!" Nick shouted.


    "I''ll go after him," Ken said rolling her eyes.


    "No! I''m not losing another-"


    ''Click''


    Ken stepped outside into the snowstorm.


    "...Sera... Don''t even think about it..."


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    "Sit down Sera..."


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    ''Click''


    "I swear to God!" Nick watched the Noble girl slide out the door as he stood in the entrance alone. "Great!" He shouted throwing his arms up into the air. "Now I gotta go after them." He let out a sigh as he made his way over to the door stepping out. "Man... Sif is gonna kill me..."

 Chapter 111 - The Girl? Part One

    Age 1991


    "Sera?" Sif said stepping out of the police building. "Why are you running around in the snow? I''ll kill Nick!"


    "Actually it isn''t his fault..." Sera said sheepishly. "It''s Hero''s fault!"


    "...I should be surprised but I''m not..." Sif let out a small sigh as she folded her arms up. "So. What did that boy do this time?"


    "Well he ran off, then Ken chased after him, so then I chased after Ken, and then Nick chased after me. Long story short, there was a blast of wind, and snow, and we all got separated."


    "I see." Sif let out another sigh as she folded her arms up once again. "Well. Let''s go look for them."


    "A... Am I in trouble?"


    "Did Nick ask you to stop?"


    "...Yes..."


    "Then yes. You are in big trouble..." Sif stated.


    "Darn..."


    Meanwhile...


    "Hero! Hero! Hero!" Ken called out through the massive snowstorm. The snow had really picked up now. It was almost impossible to see at this point... Most of the way in front of her was also blocked by a shield of white. "I swear to God I''m shoving my sword so far up your-"


    "Got you!" Nick announced jumping through the snow and tackling Ken to the ground. The girl let out a yell but Nick reached up placing his hand over her mouth. "Shh!" He hissed at her. "Shut up..." He growled. "I did more research. Apparently whatever takes the women happens during these snowstorms. So stay quiet so Mr. Skeleton doesn''t find us!"


    Ken gave a small nod as Nick removed his hand. "But what about Hero?" She asked.


    "Don''t worry." Nick stood up helping the small girl up to her feet. "He''ll be fine. The thing only takes women remember. Chances are he isn''t a target."


    "Is that why nobody else is running around?" Ken asked looking around the open street. After the storm had kicked up everyone just vanished. All of them heading towards the nearest building. The entire city just seemed so dead?


    "Yeah." Nick gave a small nod. "Apparently storks are frequent here. Everytime ones starts up that''s when Mr. Skeleton makes his appearance. Last week when we were attacked there was also a storm. That''s how he escapes. He blends in rather well in this cloud of white..."


    "I really wish you hadn''t told me that..." Ken said letting out a tiny sigh as she glanced around the cloud of snow and ice. "Now I''m creeped out... Creeped out big time."


    "If it makes you feel better the feeling is mutual."


    "Well. You''re a Vice-Captain one of the twelve strongest people alive, so.. No. That doesn''t make me feel better."


    "...Oh... Sorry?"


    "Let''s just head inside God damn it... It''s so cold!"


    "Well shouldn''t have runoff."


    "Point taken..." Ken growled out as she shivered.


    Meanwhile inside the hospital where is was nice and warm...


    "The Doctor will speak to you now." A nurse said as Dawson and Ren stood up. "Right this way." She led them down a simple white hallway and over towards a large metal door. She placed a keycard against it sliding it open and reviling the stone room lit up by torchlight. "Try to speak up. He''s losing his hearing in his old age." The nurse said turning and leaving.


    The stone room was fairly small. It had a simple wooden desk inside, as well as a few markings on the walls. There was a shelf filled with rows of plants, and animal parts, as well as foul-smelling jars. It looked like your average doctor''s office. Behind the desk, an old man was seated. He wore black fur clothing and a wooden mask hung off of his neck. Currently, he was carrying symbols into the heart of a Bestia Macht. Feeding this to a woman in labor was said to increase the chances of the delivery going smooth. It also would be infused with a bit of the doctor''s Equation of Life suppressing the infants Attribute so that they didn''t kill themselves or the mother, or in rare cases the doctor. They also were a prayer. A prayer to their Lord, their light, the being they call God. The man who made the world.


    The man looked up as he slowly set the metal dagger down. "I''m told you wish to speak to me?" The Doctor asked.


    "Indeed Doctor..."


    "Please. Call me Doctor Lyon."


    "Doctor Lyon," Dawson said nodding. He set down in one of the chairs. Ren took followed his lead taking the seat next to him as the two Enforcers faced the doctors. "We came to question you on a few matters..." Dawson said slowly.


    "Is it about the murders?" The Doctor asked curiously. "Because you should know I''m not the kind of doctor to ask about those. In fact, no doctor is. None of us have seen the bodies. Merely read about them in the morning paper."


    "Actually you can help us with the murders," Dawson said reaching into his pocket. He slid a picture of Tobias over to the man.


    Lyon''s eyes flashed showing several emotions. Some part recognition, some part regret, some part rage, and some fear. He stared at the picture for a few more moments before finally looking back up. Sadness filled his eyes, as he realized what this was about.


    "...His Attribute." Dawson said giving a tiny nod. "What is it?"


    Lyon was silent until Ren slowly reached out placing a hand over his. "Please Doctor Lyon. This is a matter of life and death..."


    Lyon let out a pain-filled sigh. "Tobias Custer... The Demon." He finally hissed out. "It''s a sad story... It was the first time I ever delivered a child. I was a young naive fool. I inscribed the runes wrong... And our Lord punished me so... For the child, I helped bear was an abomination." Lyon covered his face with his hands as he shook his head. "A child fated with blood. It lacked eyes, or skin, so muscles. Nor did it bear any organs. The demon craved them all though. And despite lacking a throat it let out a grotesque and cursed sound. Tobias Custer was born a freak. Tobias Custer was born a skeleton. A living skeleton. A skeleton that desired everything it lacked..."


    Ren gave a small frown as her, and Dawson shared a look. "But in the photos he had flesh?" She said raising an eyebrow.


    Lyon gave a tiny nod of his head. He reached out placing his hand over the picture. It glowed a tiny blue color before suddenly a second picture popped out of Lyon''s other hand.


    "My Attribute." He said finally. "It can make a copy of nearly anything, though whatever I make will be frail, and if I make a copy of an organic material, that organic material will age twice as fast. When the baby was born as a monster I realized I would be fired for my job. The parents realized they will be shunned for conceiving a monster... So... So I went to the morgue. I found a body that had only just recently died. It took a few attempts for me to place the organs, and mold the flesh over the child but eventually, I did. I managed to give him flesh, blood, organs. And I gave him bones. Bones to feed on. To crave his hunger. And for years that was enough. For years young Tobias grew shunned, yet happy. Until his father died... You see humanity is a tricky thing. We can build up a wall of goodwill for years, and in a single instance we can stray from the light, and tear that wall down. Tobias is the killer. That I am sure of. He did always have a strange fixation on pretty girls..."


    "So then. The Skeleton man we saw was Tobias?" Dawson said giving a small nod. "I was right then..."


    "Yes. It is Tobias but you should know. He goes by another name now. A name the Nobles have given him..."


    "The Nobles? So they are behind this!" Ren said with wide eyes.


    "More than you know girl... It was the Nobles son that started it all. It is always the same story with every Noble. They create a monster out of boredom. That was how project Seraphin originally started, leading to the power-hungry race of man, that was how Project GodsBlood originally started, leading to the Corruption, and that is how Project Hybrid was started."


    "Project Hybrid?" Dawson asked raising an eyebrow? "I''m sorry that''s a new one?"


    "I suppose it doesn''t matter now," Lyon said quietly. "For now I suggest you act." He said calmly. "It''s time you stop this mess. And you must act now. I fear another attack will be starting soon. And all you''ve done is poked the raging beast. You''ve shown him that his previous methods are flawed. Showed him that he has to adapt to defeat this new threat to him..."


    "You think a new attack is starting?" Dawson asked with a raised eyebrow. "And you knew all about these attacks but you didn''t do anything about it?"


    "We don''t have time to discuss the morality of my situation. If you want to know how I knew, then the answer is simple. Tobias comes to me sometimes... That''s how I know. It''s a snowstorm outside. This is when he is going to strike. Get out there and stop him, before anyone else dies!"


    Dawson was silent for a few moments before finally standing up. "Okay... I trust you. But if I find out for a second that you''re lying."


    "Believe me," Lyon said giving a tiny shrug. "We won''t be meeting again. At least now anytime soon..." He stated. "Now go. Go before he gets the chance to strike!"


    Meanwhile...


    "Geez, it''s cold!" Hero muttered as a shiver went down his spine. He let out a sigh as his cold breathe became visible. "Hey. That''s pretty cool. My air can be seen. It''s just like when I use my pipes. Only the cold air isn''t firing out my oxygen at 1,500 miles per hour. Or is it? What are physics anyways?" Hero questioned as he folded his arms? "Why did I need to come out here?" He asked himself. "I''m basically blind. And I think my hearing is going out, because I hear really loud breathing-"


    Hero felt himself collied with someone as he fell back hitting the floor.


    "Hey! Watch it you idiot-" The voice suddenly stopped dead in their tracks. "You''re..."


    Hero rubbed his head as he dusted himself free of the snow and looked up. "Sorry?" He said sheepishly. "I was deep in thought, thinking about advanced physics!"


    "Somehow I doubt you know anything about physics." It was a young woman. In her very, very early twenties. She had short brown hair, and light brown eyes. She also wore a very basic outfit. Not something you would wear during a blizzard. She had an annoyed look on her face as she stared at him.


    "What? You have to know what advance physics are to talk about advance physics?" Hero asked raising an eyebrow.


    She continued to stare at him dumbfounded. "Oh my God, you''re an idiot..."


    "Yep."


    "...What..." She let out a sigh as she shook her head. "Why... Did... How... So dumb..."


    Hero stared at the weird woman for a few moments before turning away from her. "Okay? Well, weird lady, I have to actually go! I''m needed elsewhere."


    "It''s snow!" She said quickly. "...Shouldn''t an Enforcer like you offer me help?"


    "I guess I should?" Hero said shrugging. "I''m not sure though. I''m really bad at this job!"


    "Oh for the love of... Take me someplace warm! And... And alone-"


    "I have a girlfriend."


    "What?"


    "I have a girlfriend. For some reason, people like Max, and Ken, and Jackson, won''t stop flirting with me, and I''m tired of it, so I have a girlfriend just FYI. I mean it isn''t official or anything still looking for her but I thought you should know so you won''t flirt with me."


    ''I seriously hate this brat...'' The girl put on an obviously fake smile that easily fooled Hero as she placed her hands on her h.i.p.s. "Right... I''ll keep that in mind. But still Hero, you should get me to a warm place."


    "Umm... Okay? I don''t know where to go though, I''m lost-"


    She let out a small hiss before putting on another smile. "Right. Well! Follow me!"


    "Oh... Okay?"

 Chapter 112 - The Girl? Part Two

    Age 1991


    "I''m kind of worried about Hero," Ken said letting out a tiny sigh.


    "Relax. I''m sure he''ll be fine." Nick said causally as they stepped under a sunroof, finally managing to get from out under the snow. "He''s an a.d.u.l.t... Actually, he''s a sixteen-year-old child... But he''s smart... Actually, he''s kind of an idiot... But he''s strong... Actually, I''m pretty sure anything that is an actual threat could take him, since he''s not only inexperienced, he also doesn''t know any kind of strategy or fighting style, and half his moves take up to much of his stamina, and break his limbs, so he can''t even fight that long... But uh... Huh... Yeah, I see why you''re worried."


    "Hero is gonna get himself killed if he''s by himself..." Ken muttered as she let out a heavy sigh. "Why does he get so stupid after every loss. He lost to Max, and stopped caring about being the strongest. He lost to Zero, and went through depression. And now he lost to that skeleton man, and he went off and wanted to be alone! How was I ever in love with that idiot!"


    "You were in love with him???"


    "Not the point!" She shouted.


    "Oh right sorry..." Nick said sheepishly.


    "I''m waiting five minutes..." Ken said going into a serious tone. "I''m gonna give that idiot five minutes to show up and then I''m going after him."


    "I don''t think that is a good idea..."


    "I don''t think your opinion is a good idea."


    "...That was just rude..."


    "Don''t care..."


    "Devil girl..."


    "Dumb metal man."


    "I hate you..."


    Meanwhile...


    "Come on," Dawson said marching out of the building.


    "Where are we going?" Ren asked curiously.


    "Back to the hotel. We should tell the others. Plus I bet Sif will be heading back there at this time. I''d like to tell her, and Nick what we learned, as well as consider where to go from this point on... If what the doctor said was true, then we have a lot to worry about... Especially if he is changing his attack method up... I still don''t know how his abilities work, but he appears to be able to become any man hiding inside of them. More disturbingly is from what I was told after the battle Hero, had with the cop, the victims seem to still be partially conscious. At least to an extent. We still don''t know if he can change that or not, or anything about how powerful he really is."


    Ren gave a small nod. "This is all so worrisome... He''s a complete monster who kills for fun... And thanks to this blizzard I can barely see... And worse yet my Attribute can''t really do much for fighting..."


    "I thought all superhuman''s had an Attribute that allowed for combat?" Dawson questioned.


    "No. Superhumans are the only kinds of people that can have an Attribute designed for combat. However, we don''t all have battle based Attributes. We still got the superior bodies though, and access to Mantra..."


    "How''s your Mantra then? Can you use any of the Words of Power? Maybe use Pero?"


    "I can use Fero, and tiny bit of Dero, but that''s it..." Ren said shrugging. "I guess I could try to use Pero, but you know how taxing that is on the body. One wrong mistake and I could destroy myself on the inside."


    "I understand," Dawson said nodding his head. "Even I have trouble using Pero for long. The only person I''ve seen that is any good with it has been Jackson. Then again every Storm is a master of the Words of Power, so I''m not surprised. He also has access to Noble Mantra which is way easier, to control, and way more powerful, then normal Mantra."


    Ren let out a tiny laugh as a small smile managed to find its way onto her face. "Nobel''s... They get all the good stuff... Well since you''re able to use Fero, do you think you could see through the snowstorm?"


    "I suppose I can try. Never used it for that though. My type of Fero is more on the instinctual, prediction side of things." Dawson said casually. He cupped his hands together in a prayer as he closed his eyes. "...Fero..." He said softly as a white aura covered his eyes. Suddenly in front of him, the snowstorm vanished. Or at least it appeared to vanish. He could still feel the snow hitting him, but his eyes saw through the storm. Like X-ray vision, he was able to see the unseen. "Okay. Follow me."


    "You can see?"


    "Yeah. I''m able to-" Dawson stopped as a heavy frown formed its way onto his face. "What? Why is she?" He grabbed Ren''s hand as he marched through the storm?


    "What is it? What do you see?"


    Dawson ignored her as he walked forward. "Lady Sif!" He called out stepping forward.


    Now that they were closer Ren could see the outline of two small figures. Sif, and Sera?


    "Dawson?" The small Captain said turning to look at the man.


    "My lady?" Dawson said with a tiny bit of confusion as he turned to look at Sera. "Why is she here?" He questioned.


    Sif turned to look at the girl next to her. "Oh. Sera. Apparently my Vice-Captain, really, really, sucks at babysitting, and let all the recruits out. Now they are all running around the city apparently..."


    "What!" Dawson said in shock. "No! We need to find them!"


    "Calm down. What''s wrong?" Sif asked confused?


    "Lady Sif you don''t understand!" Dawson said in a panicked tone. "I just found out that the Skeleton is going to strike again! He strikes on every blizzard!"


    Sif''s eyes slowly began to rise as she realized the gravity of the situation. "Uh oh..."


    "Worse yet... He''s upgrading his strategy. He''s out to kill. And my guess... Is he''ll be going after Hero. He seemed to be after him the other night. That boy, and anyone near him is in serious trouble." Dawson hissed out.


    "This is bad..." Ren said letting out a sigh. "How did the situation end up this bad..."


    "Indeed..." Sif was silent as she tried to think of a plan. "Alright. Let''s search for them. And be quick about it. Who knows how much time we might actually have." Sif said calmly.


    Meanwhile...


    "So is this like your house or?" Hero began as the girl dragged him into the building.


    The building itself was a massive wooden warehouse in the middle of the docking area, of the city. It was fairly big, offered no cold resistance, and had ice everywhere on the inside of the room. Shattered glass was also present, as well as boxes of who knows what, and wooden beams were scattered around. It did not seem like a safe place...


    It also didn''t seem like the kind of place any girl should have been living at. Especially in tight clothing like the one escorting Hero?


    And of course because its Hero, the boy naturally didn''t see how strange, and bizarre this situation was.


    "Sure..." The girl said rolling her eyes. "This is my house." She stated in a very sarcastic tone that Hero belived no questions asked. She had very quickly learned just how easy it was to bs the young teen. He would just take her word on whatever she told him.


    "Oh. This place is kind of cold." Hero muttured shivering slightly as he glanced around the open room. "And messy. You should clean up more. Especially if you are having guests."


    "I''ll keep that in mind..." The girl said slowly walking over to Hero.


    Hero let out a small hum as he glanced around. His ears twitched as he listened to the ice melt slowly and drip down to the floor. He listened to his breathing, and the woman''s breathing... Her breathing which seemed strained, and almost familiar. Like he had heard it before... It sounds almost like-


    "Oh my God, a bicycle!" Hero announced walking over to one of the boxes and accidentally avoiding the women who made a grab for him. She slipped and fell to the floor but Hero didn''t really notice as he opened the wooden box up and pulled out a shiny silver bike. "Cool. My grandpa had one of these. But it was stuck to the floor, and wouldn''t move when you rode on it. He told me that an actual bike had wheels like this one does, and when you used it, you could move fast, it''s also the poor man''s vehicle or something like that I''d dunno?" Hero said casually setting it down and slowly climbing onto it. "Away-"


    The bike tipped over causing Hero to slip and fall off of it tumbling to the floor.


    "...Oww..." The Enforcer groaned slowly sitting up.


    The girl frowned as she slowly scratched at her arm which was badly scr.a.p.ed up after her tumble. "Will you sit still!"


    "Sorry..." Hero said sheepishly. He turned away from the girl as she slowly stood back up. He stopped paying attention to her as he poked at the bike, with fascination. "So these are toys, right? I was told kids played with toys and stuff. I never really got one though? I mean for White-Out, my grandpa once gave me a pair of gloves with eyes painted on so I guess that was like a toy? I still have them but they kind of just lay not doing anything. Then again this bike is laying not doing anything, so..."


    "...Right..." The girl said with a heavy frown. She slowly raised her hand up as the skin around it began to slowly peel off...


    "Anyways. I guess thanks for taking me here. I should get back though. There''s this skeleton man who-"


    Hero''s eyes went wide as he ducked down. A large sharp blade-like object flew over his head as the teen turned around to stare at the girl.


    "I missed! Oh, come on!" The girl shouted. "I took over this body for nothing!"


    "You! Your arm!" Hero said in shock.


    "Yeah... My arm..." Her smile came back as she raised her left arm. It was a bladed limb. Like a giant curved sword, made of bone. There was no flesh, blood, or muscle. Just a boney slab taking the shape of a sword.


    "Oh..." Hero said slowly with wide eyes. "You''re the skeleton... Am I an idiot?"


    "Yeah... I''m the skeleton! And yes. You are."

 Chapter 113 - The Girl? Part Three

    Age 1991


    "Why does every new person I meet always end up betraying me!" Hero shouted jumping back as the bone blade sliced through the air. "Am I cursed? Is it just the way I act?"


    Reaper let out a small laugh as the flesh around him pulled off and the skeleton ripped its way out of the girl. "Don''t feel too bad," Reaper yelled letting out his insane cackles. "If it''ll make you feel better, it was mostly luck that I happened upon you, in that form. I realized that a straight-up battle wouldn''t work out against those Enforcers, the way I am know! No! I need to evolve my style! I needed to get you all away from each other. One I can handle..."


    "Evolve..." Hero muttered jumping away from the man. "That''s an idea..." He frowned as he watched the skeleton''s other arm morph and change becoming a second bone sword. ''Crap... I can''t use my pipes, because if he touches my bones he''ll be able to take me over. I also can''t let him cut me, or I''ll be taken over... But I can''t fight from far range... And if I use my Big-Arm-Strike, I''ll be down a limb, for a few minutes until it heals... What do I do-'' An idea flashed into his head. ''Wait! I can''t use bones but...'' Hero stared down at his arm for a moment. It began to bubble as a white muscle poured out. "Instead of usinf Bone Pipes I''ll just use pure Muscle to make shapes!" Hero yelled as the, for some reasson white, muscle morphed around his arm forming a white gauntlet. ''Damn! It hurts so much doing this! I''m not ready for this yet... But I''ll make it work!''


    Reaper let out a crazed laugh as he ran forward jumping into the air, and crashing down slicing his blades out. Hero dodged the slices dancing through the air as he backed up. Reaper continued to chase Hero as the two became a blur of moving limbs. The muscle formed becoming a large white round shield on Hero''s arm as he used it to block the attacks.


    "I... Can''t... Hold... It.." Hero jumped back as the muscle collapsed peeling off of his ground and melting at his feet. "Oww..." The flesh around his arm was turned a nasty red as steam rolled off of it, and it began to heal. "Not ready for that level yet... But maybe someday..."


    "A nice trick. But not good enough!"


    "Why are you doing this?" Hero yelled ducking down as the bone sword sliced through a metal pillar like a hot knife through butter.


    "Why am I killing? Well to put it simply it''s fun! This rush is everything!" Reaper screamed. "I''m a predator hunting its prey! Our race seeks evolution. It''s our goal to continuously evolve! The gift God gave us allows us to improve to infinity. Every now and then you have cases like me! A superior being of the next Equation! I do all of this to Evolve! I''ll improve and gain more power!"


    Hero''s frown faded as he felt a bit of hot anger rush through his body. "Okay..." He muttered out jumping back. He twisted his body grabbing one of the pillars, with it he twisted around slamming it up and smashing it into the skeleton echoing out a massive bang throughout the warehouse. Reaper was picked up off the ground and slammed through a row of pillars as he crashed down. "But that wasn''t what I meant." Hero said raising the pillar up. "I was actually asking why you are attacking me!" He screamed throwing the pillar as hard as he could.


    A loud sonic boom echoed out as the pillar slammed forward. Reaper let out a small gasp as he ducked down just in time. The pillar flew over his skull and flew straight through the wall leaving a massive hole in the warehouse as the entire building shook.


    "Geez..." Reaper muttered slowly getting back up as he began to dust himself off. "Pretty destructive? Is it just me or are you acting differently? I thought you were a big idiot but now you seem to be fighting like a wounded animal."


    "D... Differently?" Hero asked we his eyes slowly widened. ''He... He''s... Right... This is just like when I was fighting Max, and Zero. My mind is clear, and I can actually think of a plan. Now that I''m focusing on it, my entire body feels different to...''


    "You''re a Seraphin, right? Or at least that''s what my boss said." Reaper muttered as he slowly stalked back and forth staring at Hero. "That explains why your body is different. So that''s what''s happening. You''re also growing. You know I heard that most Seraphin''s have a dark path ahead of them. I thought I was a monster but compared to you I''m normal..."


    "Uh... You''re a Skeleton though?" Hero said with some confusion.


    "And you''re still an idiot."


    "Are you just mad because I look normal?"


    "I''m gonna kill you..."


    "But why?" Hero asked. "Why me? I thought you killed girls? I mean that''s bad and I''d still try to stop you, but why are you coming after me now!"


    "I do it for enjoyment, but I also kill anyone my boss tells me to..." Reaper explained calmly. "You went somewhere you weren''t supposed to, so..."


    "Somewhere I wasn''t suppose to- The room!" Hero said with wide eyes. "With the robots! So they are behind all of this!"


    "Bingo. Unfortunately I''m kill you now so..."


    "What?"


    Reaper charged forward as his skeletal structure began to slowly grow getting bigger and bigger as he began to rip the ground up with each step.


    "What the actual hell!"


    "I told you I''d evolve!" Reaper shouted as he grew to ten feet tall and began to gain massive boney armor that grew around his body. Spikes began to sprout out of him as his arms began to shift, and gain a dangerous edge to them...


    ''He transformed!'' Hero thought in shock. ''That''s just like my Monster-Point! And Heal-Point. And Balloon-Point... Maybe I shouldn''t have stopped using those things. I mean I''m pretty sure they were speeding up that weird Seraphin thing of taking me over but do I really have any choice now- No! What am I saying? This isn''t me. It''s that damn Seraphin thing. I need to calm down and focus. He''s getting bigger. And scarier... Way scarier!''


    "Roar!" Reaper shouted as a massive boney tail sprouted from him. "Behold your reckoning Enforcer!" He shouted picking up a massive metal box. "Take this!"


    The skeletal monster threw the box at the Seraphin! It soared through the air as Hero tried to jump away. He was to slow, though, as the box slammed into him throwing him back and smashing him straight through a pillar and slamming into a wall.


    "Oww..."


    "Die!" Reaper announced punching through the box and grabbing Hero by the face. He twisted his body and smashed the boy into the floor and began to sprint forward dragging Hero''s face through the stone floor leaving a trail of destroyed ground in his wake, as Hero''s face grinded on the floor as Reaper finally stopped and forced the teen up. He pulled his arm back and threw Hero forward throwing him towards the back of the wall.


    Hero let out a small groan as he tried to stand back up. "Well, that hurt..." He muttered out as he tried to stay standing. He rubbed his arm as steam slowly rose off of his body, and his flesh began to heal. "Damn it... I was struggling against his normal state. Now I got to fight him like this... Man, this sucks... I have bad luck..."


    "Looks like it''s over for you..." Reaper said letting out a tiny laugh. A massive sword made of bones formed from his body as he took a step forward. "I''d infect you, and take you over, but I don''t know how your body would react to my presence. I''ll just kill you instead." He stated in a simple tone.


    Hero let out a small gasp as he gritted his teeth. "Alright... I''m out of options... I need to use that form... The one I used against Max... Get ready!"


    "What are you babbling on about?" Reaper hissed out.


    "This is my full power!" Hero announced clenching his fist. "Mon-"


    ''Bang!''


    The roof to the warehouse caved him as a red blob of flesh dropped down. Red tendrils fired out wrapping around Hero. "Looks like I made it in time..." The voice of Dawson said echoing out. The form changed becoming more refined as it took shape, becoming the Red Demon, of the Enforcers...


    "Mr. Blight!" Hero said with wide eyes.


    "Stand down Hero," Dawson growled out turning to look at the giant skeleton who was wielding a massive bone great sword. "So... He did evolve... Weird... I thought he would be stronger. He''s barely a silver rank Enforcer though?"


    "Ahh. You''re that one Enforcer." Reaper muttered out as his skull changed into a frown. "Well... You seem to be alone."


    "I am..." Dawson said nodding his head.


    "Good..."


    "Good?"


    "That means there''s no need to run away," Reaper said smirking as he stepped forward. "I''ll simply kill you both now, before anyone else shows up."


    "...Tell me something." Dawson said as his form began to change. "Do you know what Mantra is?"


    "Mantra? What the hell is that?"


    "Good."


    "Good?" Reaper asked confused. It was his turn to not understand.


    "That means I don''t have anything to worry about..." Dawson said simply. "I don''t need to worry about you..."

 Chapter 114 - The Girl? Part Four

    Age 1991


    "I don''t need to worry about you."


    "You bastard." Reaper hissed out jumping forward.


    Dawson gave a small smirk as he threw Hero into the air tossing the boy away. The red tendrils around his body began to morph and change becoming a massive bladed weapon on his arm as he sliced it up meeting Reapers'' own weapon in the air.


    A large crack echoed out as a sonic boom blew everything around them back. Dawson pushed down on the blade slicing straight through Reapers sword and ripping the skeleton''s arm straight off.


    Reaper unleashed a yell of pain as he jumped back grabbing his severed arm. He placed it back on his stump as it began mold back into place. "Dirty bastard..." He growled.


    "Hero," Dawson yelled back. "The others are on the other side of the city looking for you. Go find them."


    "But-"


    "No buts!" Dawson hissed out. "Leave."


    "...Fine..." Hero said letting out a sigh. "Don''t lose." He said turning away.


    "I won''t..."


    "Good." Hero gave a smirk before finally crawling through one of the many holes in the walls and leaving.


    Reapers skull became a scowl as he walked over to one of the many metal boxes. He grabbed the lid pulling it up and opening it. Several skeletons spilled out onto the floor...


    "I spent five nights, slowly digging up every, body in the cemetery," Reaper stated slowly reaching down. "They are just bones of a normal human, so they won''t he to impressive but..." His hand went over one, as the bonds began to rattle. They were slowly pulled in as they began to mold over Reaper making him even bigger... He was absorbing them. "Add them onto to myself..." He rapidly grew becoming eighteen feet, tall. A second pair of arms grew out of his back, as his armor became thicker. His legs began to morph and began to sprout out more limbs, stretching out and making him resemble a centaur. Of course, the word centaur was an old legend most people didn''t know what that was... All of the skeletons were pulled into him as he reached a new transformation. "Behold my max power!" He announced.


    "So you grew bigger?" Dawson questioned. "You know all you''ve done is make yourself slower right?"


    "I don''t need speed! One hit and you''re dead!"


    "You''re a fool if you think I''ll let you touch me!" Dawson said. vanishing.


    "What! Where did he-" Reaper felt a massive wave of force slam into the back of his skull as he was sent flying back. Dawson vanished once again appearing to the right of Reaper, as he raised his arm up, and slammed it down as hard as he could smashing the Skeleton straight into the floor.


    Dawson''s body quickly grew, as his right arm was wrapped by more of his tendrils becoming several times bigger, similarly to when Hero used his monster arm. Dawson''s now-massive fist slammed up into the jaw of Reaper uppercutting him into the air.


    The giant skeleton spun as he crashed through the roof up above. Gravity kicked in as he began to fall right as Dawson got ready for his next attack.


    Dawson''s arm changed gaining a pointed end, as it shifted around becoming a red lance, as he raised his new weapon arm up. "Lance-It-Strike!" Dawson announced stepping forward and stabbing his arm forward right as Reaper hit the ground.


    "Wait!"


    ''Boom!''


    A massive wave of wind exploded out, as the sonic boom went off and the sound barrier shattered. The entire warehouse was ripped in half, as the walls collapsed, and the roof was blown off reaching the sky. The ground beneath the two men shattered and collapsed as the stone began to crack, as a wave of heat flashed out from the kinetic force of the attack and stone actually began to slowly melt.


    The snow fell covering the ground, as what was left of the warehouse broke away falling to the ground.


    There was only a single melted, and steaming stone slab left, on the ground, where Dawson was standing. All around him was a large pile of rubble.


    A moment of silence passed through the air as Dawson slowly pulled his arm back. The rubble hit the ground as the dust settled...


    "Get up," Dawson said calmly. "I know you''re still alive. That was just a love tap after all."


    There was a rumbling sound as the rubble moved and Reaper pulled himself out from under it. He no longer had his armor, or his extra limbs. Now he was just a normal beat up skeleton. He was missing an arm, was normal size, and was covered in cracks, and he looked pissed.


    "F.u.c.k you!"


    Dawson folded his arms up as his tendrils cracked out cutting at the air around him. "You lost the moment you decided to fight me..." He stated calmly. "I''m not only stronger than you, but I''m faster, have way more experience, am a master of Mantra, and my demon armor prevents you from touching me." He said calmly. "You never stood a chance."


    Reapers jaws clenched as he took a deep breath. "..Damn... Damn... Damn, damn, damn, damn, damn! Damn you! Damn you! Damn you!" He stopped taking another calming breath. "If I had better bones... Using the bones of normal humans is pathetic... If I only had access to more I could have beaten you!"


    "No, you couldn''t."


    Reaper let out another growl. The snow around then quickly grew as the blizzard began to surround them. The skeleton slowly turned over but was stopped when Dawson took a step forward.


    "Don''t even think about it! I know you plan to use the blizzard to escape..." Dawson said stepping forward again. "You take one more step, and I won''t hesitate to kill you."


    "...Damn it... Damn it... Damn it... Damn..."


    "You can stop with the childish attitude," Dawson said in a small hiss. "It''s over. We''re sending you to Nightshade, the prison country. You''ll be forced into steel holding cell, forced under constant watch, unable to move until the day you die. Your reign of death is over."


    "No! No! No!"


    "Yes." Dawson folded his arms once more as he stared the skeleton down. "It''s over! You''ve-"


    "Dawson!" The voice of Ren yelled out causing the man to turn.


    "Ren!"


    Reaper jumped forward twisting his body as he grabbed onto a metal pillar, he twisted his body throwing it back, launching himself forward.


    Ren''s eyes widened as the skeleton flew forward. He used the pillar to circle back as he jumped behind her and raised his arm up placing it at her throat as it shifted into a small bone blade.


    "Reaper stop!" Dawson screamed.


    "Not a step!" Reaper screamed pulling the blade up. "As for you girl. You move and I take your head off." Ren froze unmoving as Reaper watched the Red Demon glared at him. "I knew I''d get my hands on you girl... Thanks for showing up... I would have lost..."


    "You won''t get away with this..." Ren hissed out.


    "Oh, you''re completely right... But if I''m going to hell, you can bet I''m taking at least one of you with me!" He cackled. The skeleton turned back to look at Dawson as he smirked. "Well, Enforcer. What''s it going to be? Do you think you can reach me before I slit her throat?"


    Dawson stared at reaper for a moment, before he suddenly looked past the man? "Tell me? Do you know how strong a Captain is?"


    "A captain? What about them?" Reaper asked.


    "Well... One could probably kill you in one hit." Dawson said calmly.


    "So-"


    ''Bang!''


    A black morphing hand, made of darkness fired forward slamming into Reaper, hitting him faster than the speed of light as the skeleton exploded! His body was thrown forward ripping apart as he was sent flying across the entire city from the force of the strike. A massive crater was left in the ground as the skeleton hit the floor rolling across it. In the end, it was the walls of the city that broke his fall, as he was now only a skull, on the other side of the city.


    "Sorry," Sif said calmly stepping forward. "I came as fast as I could when I heard the explosion."


    "You came just in time," Dawson said smirking.


    "Are you okay Ren?" Sif questioned.


    "Yeah." The girl said nodding as she rubbed her throat. "I''m fine. He didn''t pierce the skin so I''m not infected."


    "Good."


    "We shouldn''t stand around," Dawson called out turning to where Reaper was thrown. "I don''t want to risk him surviving, and getting away."


    "I agree," Sif said calmly. "Let''s move out!"


    "Right!" The two Enforcers said nodding.


    Meanwhile...


    "So..." Sirius said calmly as he stared at the two men who set in the chairs in front of him. "I believe that you called your little group the Organization?"

 Chapter 115 - The Second Group

    Age 1991


    "Man," Kitsune said looking around the open city. "A whole week and nothing has happened so far." He said letting out another sigh. "We were told to just look for something strange."


    "Stop complaining," Cloud said rolling his eyes. "At least we were able to get away from Lucy, and Emma... Especially Emma. That girl just cares about fighting... I mean I like fighting, it''s a great way to get rid of stress, but that girl. She''s a total masochist, and sociopath. Someone who only lives for combat. I don''t like her... And she keeps talking about my Big Brother..."


    "I know. Anyways so do you see anything suspicious?" Kitsune asked.


    Cloud was silent as he slowly raised his arm up placing it on Kitsune''s head. "Kitsune."


    "Yeah?"


    "Ask that again. But slower."


    "...Do... Do you see anything... Oh... I see."


    "Do you?"


    "Sorry."


    "You are forgiven," Cloud said simply. "But in all seriousness. I don''t really know what we are doing, walking around this city." The blind kid said casually. "What are the chances, that anyone will just walk out in front of us-"


    "What a minute!" Kitsune said placing a hand on his shoulder. "What the hell!" He stared ahead of the street staring at the two figures who were ahead of him. They both stopped and turned back to look at him. "Hey! You''re those bad girls with the black wh.i.p.s, and blades!"


    "Oh!" One the girls said. "Look sister. It''s the fox boy..."


    They were both girls. The same ones Kitsune had fought in that bar. Of course, that was so long ago... Or at least it felt like it. In actuality, it had been less than three months ago.


    "Who are they?" Cloud questioned pointing his cane at them.


    "I actually don''t remember their names but they are assholes!"


    The one in the silver dress gave a heavy frown as she stared at Kitsune. "Really? The way I remember, is that you attacked our boss, first, then blew up the building... You have no idea how much that idiot whined to the Organization about having it repaired. It was bad enough we were told to work for them, but now they want us to help him rebuild his shop..."


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    "...Wait did she say Organization?" Kitsune asked.


    "Oh boy, you know about that group..." The one in the black dress said frowning.


    "Depending on your answer yes..." Cloud said cooly as he reached for a button on his cane slowly.


    The silver dressed girl, and the black-dressed girl shared a quick look. "Well, October." The silver dressed girl said calmly as she raised an eye row at her sister.


    "Lethal force, September."


    "Ha!" Kitsune said laughing. "As if we''re scared! I beat you both by myself when I was way weaker! You guys are-"


    A black whip backhanded him across the street throwing him back as he slammed through a light post.


    "Guess we''re starting!" A panicked Cloud yelled raising his cane up and blocking several white blades that were thrown at him.


    "Don''t worry," September said casually, as she sliced two blades down. "Sis, and I aren''t the killing type, and neither is our group. We''ll just badly beat you both up and send you to the hospital!"


    "Oh because that''s so much better!" Cloud growled out slicing his cane out with an elegant dance as he reflected the many blades thrown at him.


    "I''ll admit. You fight well for a blind person!" September said smiling as she jumped forward and sliced her blades out.


    Cloud once again blocked the many blades as him, and his opponent slowly got into a rhythm, neither one quite able to catch the other one off guard.


    "You better not go easy on me just because I''m blind..." Cloud warned shooting his cane, out as he clicked a button on it. From the tip of it a thin needle fired out catching September off guard.


    The girl jumped back grabbing her cheek as a small trail of blood trickled out of a thin slash. "You grazed me with that needle! You asshole! That''s going to leave a scar!" She growled.


    Cloud simply gave another smirk as he readied his weapon. "As I said. Don''t go easy on me. This cane is a deadly weapon."


    September let out another growl as her white blades began to glow. "Oh trust me... I won''t!" She shouted throwing out a wave of exploading blades that slammed into the blind man throwing him back.


    Over with Kitsune, the fox boy had just activated his Attribute as he was thrown back once again by a black whip.


    "Oww!" He yelled out jumping up and swinging his new weapons, the tonfa''s out. He showed how inexperienced he was as he nearly tripped over his own feet.


    "Umm... What are you doing?" October questioned raising an eyebrow.


    "I''m inserting my dominance by showing you how dangerous I am with these weapons!"


    "..."


    "Is it working?"


    The girl cracked her black whip once slicing it up and throwing the Noble back again. "Nope."


    Kitsune rolled landing on his feet as he sliced his arms out firing out a jet of fire that cut threw the air. October blocked the blow easily enough but was caught off guard when Kitsune jumped out of the fire and slammed his weapons down onto the women as flames covered over them.


    October was pushed back by the punch as she threw her whip out once more hitting Kitsune with a barrage of blows.


    "Ouch! I don''t get it!" Kitsune whined trying to stop the many attacks. "I beat you, and your sister at the same time, months ago when I was weaker! How am I struggling with just one of you now?"


    "You''re an idiot," October said with a sigh. She pulled her whip back as she jumped away. "First of all. You only beat us because of luck. You blew up the building we were in knocking us out. Without that explosion, and gas, you were able to use, we would have won. Secondly, during our first battle, we were going easy on you, and thirdly, did you really think you were the only one who would get stronger in a few months? Get used to people being stronger than you, because in this world, powers all that matters. It''s a dog eat, dog world."


    "Why are you a part of the Organization!" Kitsune shouted. "And what do they even do? Why join a terrorist group?"


    "I could come up with any excuse. I could tell you how the group wants to save this world, or I could tell you how we wish to destroy the planet, or I could say the group was given a task by God, in the end, whatever excuse I give you for why I joined doesn''t matter, in the end, we''re still part of a terrorist group right?"


    Kitsune frowned as October gave a smirk. "You know what you''re doing is wrong right?"


    "This world is the thing that is wrong. I want to save this beautiful world! Justice is what I seek!"


    "Justice... You sound just like my buddy North. Too bad he isn''t here. He''d kick your ass with his ice powers!" Kitsune announced. "Why did we leave him with Emma, and Lucy... Poor guy."


    October simply gave another smirk as she shrugged. "Well. You''d do well to be careful. I won''t kill you. At least not on purpose, but that doesn''t mean I won''t seriously harm you. After all, you cant cause our group trouble if you''re missing your arms and legs." She stated cracking the whip down and firing out a mini-explosion.


    The blast slammed into Kitsune throwing him back as he slammed into Cloud, the two of them collapsing to the ground.


    "Oww..." They both said in a pained groan.


    "Damn." Cloud hissed out ad he got back to his feet. "Those explosions are tricky to get around."


    "And they hurt like hell!" Kitsune matured rubbing his chest where the blast hit him.


    ''Boom!''


    The entire city shook as a few blocks away from an explosion echoed out.


    "Whoa! How''d they do that!" Kitsune said shocked?


    "That wasn''t them!" Cloud said with realization.


    "Ahh, it seems they started without us..." September said casually as she raised up more of her blades. "I guess we''ll stay here and keep you two occupied while the others complete the mission."


    "In that case let''s finish them quick September," October said cracking her whip. "They''ll need us at the prison..."


    Cloud and Kitsune glanced at each other for a moment before both boys nodded. "Switch opponents!"

 Chapter 116 - The Organization

    Age 1991


    "So..." Sirius said calmly as he stared at the two men who set in the chairs in front of him. "I believe that you called your little group the Organization?"


    They were in his studies now. The Noble had no idea where Reaper was at this moment, but he hoped the skeleton wouldn''t show up now. Not during such an important meeting...


    In front of him two men set in chairs. They both wore black robes and wooden masks. On had on the mask of a winged Bestia Macht. The other had on the mask of a creature of old. If Sirius wasn''t mistaken he believed that creature was called a ''fox?''


    The first figure, the one with the fox mask, had a red number ''three'' on the front of his robes. The second figure, the one with the creature that did exist, that being a winged Bestia Macht, had the number four on his robes.


    Both men were silent as they stared at the Noble in front of them.


    "...So..." Sirius said once again breaking the silence. "I believe that I know why you''re here." He said casually. "You want me to help fund your little group. Correct?"


    "No." The one with the four on his robes said slowly.


    "...I''m sorry. Did you say no?" Sirius asked as he frowned.


    Number four continued to talk while number three set silently gazing at the man. "We do not wish for you to join our group no longer. That offer is no longer possible."


    "Why not!" Sirius yelled standing up. "The amount of work I had to do, to get your group of four into this city!"


    "You have destroyed your offer for us to join you, when you allowed such an abomination of God to exist." Four stated.


    "...Reaper..." Sirius let out a small growl as he stared at the two men. "So. You know about my little secret?" He questioned. His hand slowly began to inch to his pocket, at a slugs pace so as to not alert the two men. "May I ask how?"


    "You may ask, but we will not tell you." Four said simply.


    Sirius let out another growl. "So. Your little terrorist organization doesn''t like the fact that I have a pet monster?"


    "We do not." Four stated. "We serve Jester, who in turn, answers to a higher power. We will destroy anything unfit in this world and clean it up. Our group is grand, with a total if Twelve members counting Kaen, and myself." Four said gesturing to three. Apparently, that man''s name was Kaen? "We will bring about a peaceful world, by serving our Lord and doing as the Jester says."


    "Right..." Sirius frowned as he stared at the two men. "Well then. Why bother coming here? You are not here to make a deal with me anymore. Why bother showing up at all?" Sirius asked. He had been informed that it was only going to be a simple deal. A chance for him to serve this new group. Of course, now that he has seen just how insane they were part of him was thankful that they no longer wanted to partner with him, or wanted his help. "State your business now or stop wasting my time..." He said slowly still inching over to his pocket.


    The two men looked at each other for a moment. Kaen gave a small nod as Four turned back to look at the Noble in front of them.


    "We''re here to give you a warning..." Four said quietly.


    "...A warning?"


    "Yes. Get out of our way. Call back your beast, and kill it."


    "Ahh." Sirius gave a small frown as his hand reached into the pocket of his coat. The two men seemed to stiffen as the tension in the room grew a hundred times bigger. "And let''s say... Let''s say that I don''t agree to go along with this plan." Sirius gave a small smile as his eyes stared daggers at the two men. "What happens then."


    Kaen and Four both shared a look. Kaen placed a hand inside of his robes reaching for a silver weapon. Four did the also reaching for something.


    "Well..." Four said quietly. "That would be very, very unwise..."


    "Would it now?"


    "Yes-"


    ''Bang!''


    The gunshot echoed throughout the mansion as the fighting began.

 Chapter 117 - Jail Break

    Age 1990


    One Year Ago...


    City Of Oleander, Enfrocers Building Zero...


    In a large metal room a massive round table stood. At this table twelve people were seated. At the center of the table Master Storm rested. In seats two through twelve the Captains could be seen. In seat one, it was empty with a simple note stuck to it.


    ''Didn''t feel like showing up, sorry. Signed, an absolute badass aka the first Captian.''


    He once again didn''t seem to bother showing...


    Behind all the Captain''s several silver badge, and gold badge Enforcers could be seen. These varied from random Enforcers, to the Vice-Captains, and the Reserves.


    "Thank you all for showing up." Master Storm said letting out a small laugh. Behind him rested Ward, and Angel, two members of the Sacrad Beasts, the Masters loyal body guards. "As I''m sure you''ve figured out I''ve called this meeting because of some troubling news."


    "Ha. What could bother, you enough to make you call on all of us to meet up?" The Fourth Captain said. He gave a small smirk as he leaned back.


    "I''m sure he''ll be telling us..." Katrina muttered out. "Whatever it is, must be dangerous though..."


    Master Storm let out a small laugh. "Yes. I was getting to that. As it stands we are under attack..." Master Storm said going serious.


    "Under attack..." The Fifth Captain muttured out as she frowned.


    "Yes. We don''t know what they are called, or what their goal is, but a new group has seemingly risen up. They have showed off their colors, when they attacked a small outpost near Dandelion."


    "Poor Dandelion..." Jackson said frowning. "How many times has that city be destroyed now?"


    "It''s very likely this group will become a full blown threat in only a few months." Master Storm said slowly.


    "Uh... This little group is just a street based crime, and just a few super human things thrown together? Are we sure they''ll actually be a threat to us?" Alexander questioned flipping his hat up into the air out of bordem. "I mean look around. This room has some of the strongest people in the world. We have an insane amount of funding, power houses on our side. I don''t really think a small group of thugs could really pose a threat to us?"


    Master Storm gave a small smile followed by a shrug. "Well... Normally you''d be right... However. Well. Let''s just say I have a bit of a bad feeling..."


    Age 1991


    Katrina, Hannah, Jackson, Irene, Emma, and Lucy, all walked down the street as a simple pace.


    "Hey so where exactly is Kitsune, and Cloud?" Irene asked casually.


    "Ahh. I sent them on a scouting mission." Jackson said casually. "Didn''t want to deal with them so..."


    "...Wait... You sent them alone!" Irene said with wide eyes.


    "Uh... Yeah? Why?"


    "You think they are responsible enough to be alone! They''re just barely above Hero, in terms of responsibilities!"


    "Oh relax," Jackson said rolling his eyes. "What''s the worst that could-"


    ''Boom!''


    The sound of the explosion echoed throughout the city as it shook.


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    "...I... I''m sure that''s a coincidence..." Jackson said slowly.


    "Yeah, you''re in trouble," Katrina said with a deadpan expression. "Come on! Let''s hurry!"


    "Right!"


    A few minutes earlier...


    At the Super Human holding cells in Dandelion...


    A calm looking man slowly walked down the streets to the large stone building in front of him. He let out a small sigh as a guard stopped him in front of the doors.


    "Name?" The guard asked.


    "David Kin." The man said simply as he folded his arms.


    "David..." The guard said looking through his list. "Umm... I don''t see you on the list? What''s your business here today exactly?"


    David unfolded his arms as he reached for his pocket. "Oh." He said calmly not breaking eye contact with the guard. "Well. You see my partner Ben, was an idiot and got himself caught by an Enforcer, and has been in this prison being tortured for information, so I am here to break him out of prison and save him." He said casually.


    "...What!"


    "I advise you dodge!" David said casually, pulling his gun out and pointing it at the guard. "Boom!" He said casually.


    ''Boom!''


    The entire building shook as the explosion blew the wall down. The guard, who had managed to duck down just in time, stared in shock.


    "You insane fool-"


    David slammed his gun into the man''s head knocking him to the floor unconscious. He reached into his other pocket pulling out a second handgun as he walked forward into the building. By now alarms were going off.


    "Halt evil-doer!" A loud voice announced out loud.


    David let out a small sigh as he glanced up. "I don''t have time to deal with stupid Humans."


    "Ha! I''m no mere human. I am an Enforcers!" A figure dropped down as David frowned staring at the man. He wore a pair of baggy black pants, and a black mask. On his chest, a silver badge was stitched to his skin. "I am Bao! One of the members of Squad Six! I have been assigned to guard this city, and this prison!" He announced.


    "An Enforcer. I expected to get their attention, but not this soon..." David muttered. "Let me guess. You''re not going to move on your own are you?"


    "Nope. I represent Justice! The flames of Enforcers! I am the embers. The spark! I am an Enforcer!"


    "I hate Enforcers..." David muttered out. "Oh well. Your badge is silver correct? That means you''re at least competent. I won''t be holding back, so you should know that if you make a mistake you will die."


    "Concerned for my health?" Bao asked dropping down to the ground, landing a few feet away from the man.


    "Of course. You should know that ''our'' Organization isn''t evil. Unlike that group led by that Jester freak."


    "Oh? And why join such an evil group?" Bao questioned.


    "I''m sure the others will all tell you better back stories as for why they joined this group but the truth for me is much simpler. They hired me." David said casually. "I was simple Freelancer. The Organization brings in some of the big bucks, and so I work for them." He said calmly. "I''m not in it for God, nor, do I have a grudge against the world government, or the Nobles. I simply want money. You''ll actually find that many of us don''t believe in God. Most of us have our own reasons for why we joined this little group..."


    "A Freelancer... And you use guns... And you entered with a boom... Ahh, I see. You''re the Damned-Hunter..." Bao said with realization. "The word around the street is you''re a terrible shot, but always score the kill due to your explosive range. You also never turn down a mission, and will stop at nothing to complete it."


    "So you''ve heard of me," David said giving a small smirk as he raised his guns up. "Then you know how this is going to work..." He said calmly placing his fingers on the triggers...


    Bao gave a small smirk as he raised his arms up. "Well... You should know I''m no slump myself! I... Am a... A... A Enforcer!"


    Bao jumped into the air doing an elegant pose as he began the fight.

 Chapter 118 - The Dark Battle

    Age 1991


    Sirius jumped back as he raised the gun up firing off several shots at the two men.


    The one named Kaen, jumped back ducking down as the bullets flew over his head.


    The one with the Four, on his robes, reached into his own pocket throwing out several small coins. "Twenty Bells, form my shield." He said calmly as the coins took shape pulling themselves together mid-air and blocking the bullets.


    Sirius gave a large smirk, as his gun clicked, running out of bullets. He threw it off to the side as he reached up and began to loosen his tie. "Good you survived that wave. I''d have been disappointed in you if you died to a mere gun!"


    Four raised his hand up again as the coins in front of him rotated in the air. They began to spin at a high speed as they became a large disk. The coins flew forward towards Sirius cutting through the air, and leaving a loud whirling sound.


    Sirius threw his black coat off using it to block the coins as he jumped away. The many coins tore through his shirt, ripping past it and stabbing themselves into the wall.


    Kaen punched the air, as an orange light cover his body, for a brief second. A ball of fire shot out, and the orange light around him vanished.


    The ball of fire slammed into Sirius throwing him back as he slammed into the wall.


    Kaen quickly reached into his robes pulling out a large ball and chain, as he spun the massive hunk of metal hurling it towards the Noble.


    Sirius danced to the left as it slammed into the wall leaving a large crater.


    "I guess I should get serious..." The Noble said giving a large smirk as he brought his hands together. A large white aura covered his body. "Behold my Equation!" He announced shooting forward at an inhuman speed.


    Four slammed his own hands together as a white aura also covered his body. He quickly reached out catching the Noble''s fist.


    "What!" Sirius shouted in shock.


    "You didn''t think you were the only one who knew about Mantra, did you..." Four said calmly.


    Kaen also placed his hands together as a white aura covered his body.


    "So... You all know about the will of God?" Sirius said with a frown.


    "We know more about it then you could possibly imagine..." Four said calmly. He kicked his leg out, slamming Sirius back and throwing the man into the wall.


    Sirius let out a small growl as he jumped forward slashing his hands forward. His fingernails cut into the shoulder of Four as he sliced his hand back. "Don''t get c.o.c.ky! I haven''t even began to use my Attribute!" Sirius announced as he placed the hand up to his lipe. He licked out licking the blood off of his fingers.


    "Damn!" Four hissed out grabbing his shoulder. "He consumed my blood! He''s a B¨¢thory so- Ahh!" Four dropped to his knees as he began to scream in pain.


    Sirius let out a small laugh as his smirk grew. "Yes, my Attribute. Anyone who''s blood I consume is put under intense physical, phycological, and emotional pain, until my body digests it! Until then you''re down for the count! And with only one of you I-"


    The metal ball sliced up as Kaen swung his weapon smashing it into the arm of Sirius and snapping the arm as the Noble let out a scream of pure agony. Kaen continued to swing his weapon as a wave of fire began to coat it, making the ball become white-hot, as steam rose off of it.


    Sirius let out another growl as he reached into his pocket pulling out a small knife. "I''ll kill you!" He announced. "No one makes a mockery of my family!"


    Kaen slammed his weapon down once again, but missed, as Sirius sidestepped it. The ball slammed into the floor burning a hole into the floor as he dragged it causing the chain, to rip around the landscape cutting into the air around them.


    "Pero!" Sirius announced shooting forward as his aura grew around his body speeding himself up and powering himself up to new levels. "Take this you flaming bastard!" He screamed cutting his knife through the air.


    Kaen let out a simple grunt as he dodged some of the strikes. "Dero..." He said finally speaking as he raised his chain up. The aura surrounded the chain as it glowed a bright white. The knife slammed into the chain but was unable to cut through. "Pero." He said once again as the aura left his chain and covered his body. He punched the air sending the man back into the wall. "Sero." The aura covered his legs as he fired forward seemingly flying, as he slammed into Sirius slamming his chain around the man''s throat. He put pressure on it as he began to choke him. "Pero." He said once more powering himself up once again and putting more pressure on the Nobles throat.


    Sirius let out several gasps of air as his aura flared. "D... Dero!" He gasped out, causing the aura to cover his throat with the aura. The aura flashed pushing the chain back, as Sirius jumped forward slamming his shoulder into the man. He grabbed his broken arm as he pulled it back snapping the bone back into place. He gasped out as the aura covered his arm and the broken bone was slowly forced back into place. "You aren''t the only one who knows the words of power!" He called out jumping forward and stabbing out with his knife.


    The blade stabbed into Kaen''s shoulder as the man let out a hiss of pain.


    Looks like you''re screened now-" Sirius felt himself get tackled to the floor as Four was seemingly no longer under the spell.


    Four brought his arms up and began to rapidly punch the man into the ground. "Pero!" He announced getting faster, and faster, as his arms became a blur and he pushed the man deep into the stone floor.


    Sirius let out a loud yell as he slammed his body up head butting the man in the robe and rolling him off of him. He let out a crazed yell as he slammed his leg into the man''s side throwing him out across the room and straight into the wall. "Take that-"


    The metal ball slammed into the back of Sirius''s head in a massive thud as the man dropped down to the floor. Blood began to trickle out of the back of his head as he let out a gasp. Kaen pulled back grabbing his ball as he walked forward.


    "I''ll admit..." Four said slowly getting back up to his feet. He wobbled slightly as he grabbed onto the wall. "You caused us some problems but it''s over now..." He said standing back up fully.


    "D... Damn... Damn you..." Sirius hissed out trying to get back up.


    Kaen swung his metal ball down but Sirius jumped forward barely dodging it.


    "Just give up and die!" Four shouted slicing his arms down as several metal coins sliced down into the ground stabbing forward and heading towards the man.


    "You fools don''t know how powerful my family is!" Sirius screamed reaching the wall. He grabbed a metal chain that was on the wall and pulled down.


    A loud alarm blared throughout the room as the floor opened up and several metal robots raised up.


    "Kipp them!" Sirius screamed falling to the floor and landing in a puddle of his own blood. "Kill them all!" He yelled.


    The robots charged forward as they opener up unleashing a hail of metal blades, and guns.


    Four, jumped back landing next to Kaen as they were quickly swarmed by the robots. "What now..." Four asked.


    "We leave..." Kaen said simply.


    "The Jester''s not gonna like this..."


    "You aren''t getting away!"Sirius screamed. "I''ll kill you both!"


    "Through the roof!" Four shouted right as the robots reached them.


    Kaen sliced his arm up launching a ball of flames into the air blasting a hole through the roof.


    "No!" Sirius screamed right as the men jumped up.


    Both Kaen, and Four landed on the roof as they made their way to the edge.


    "Well..." Four said slowly. "That could have gone better..."

 Chapter 119 - The Hunter And Justice

    Age 1991


    "Pure Bright! Super Attack! Justice V!" Bao shouted in the air as he brought his arms together in a ''V'' shape and his body began to glow a low pinkish color. A bright pink light fired out tearing through the air in a bright flash as a loud hiss cut through the air.


    David let out a sigh, as he jumped back, flipping through the air as he dodged the attack causing it to slam into the wall behind him. He whipped his pistols out pointing towards the man and began firing. He only pulled the trigger on the gun in his right hand. Despite being a simple handgun, it fired the bullets out like a rapid-fire weapon at a high speed! Bullets didn''t fly out of it though. Rather several large thin poles, fired from the guns. The poles were way too large, for that gun to hold but they fired out like a bullet, suddenly appearing as soon as they left the barrel, and stabbing into the wall next to the Enforcer.


    Bao flipped through the air dodging the many poles. "Not quite evildoer!" Bao yelled as he came crashing back down.


    David let out a grunt as he raised the gun in his left hand towards the man as he pulled the trigger. There was a loud boom, as a massive missile fired out of the barrel, exploding through the air, and blowing a chunk out of the wall. Flames erupted up from the blast covering the area and blasting the two men back.


    "Nice try evildoer!" Bao screamed falling out of the blast of smoke. "Behold! 50% maximum power mode!" He announced. A pink aura covered his body, as his mask grew larger, gaining a metallic chainmail thread to it. His pants exploded as he landed on the ground now wearing a tight pair of underwear that just barely covered his body. His muscles grew as he bulked out. "Pure Bright! Super Attack! Justice Punch!" He screamed punching the air and sending out a ball of pink light, as the shock wave slammed forward.


    David dodged the attack flipping through the air, as one of his guns continued to fire out several metallic poles at a fast speed and he ran forward unleashing a barge of bullets.


    Bao let out a grunt of pain as one of the poles stabbed into his shoulder pushing him back as his feet slammed into the ground, and he used the sheer power of his body to stop him from pushing him back. He managed to flip through the air dodging the other poles as he ripped the one in his shoulder out dropping it to the floor.


    "Tell me," Bao said in his gruff voice. "Why would you think to attack one of the Enforcers bases? Surely you knew an Enforcer would be here right? You had to know we would never let you keep doing this?"


    David let out another sigh as he ducked behind a pillar, and began to reload his guns. He placed strange glowing cubes into the chamber of the gun. They didn''t look like bullets? They also didn''t look like they should fit into the gun but they did going into the chamber easily. It was pretty clear that whatever weapons he had, they weren''t normal guns... "I''m here to save my idiot partner." David finally said as he let out a small sigh. He checked his coat pockets finding a knife, several more cubes, and a second much larger gun, that looked like it would have a hell of a lot more kick to it...


    "Your partner?"


    "Yes," David said slowly. "You see there are twelve of us in total. I am the tenth member. My partner is the ninth. You see we are all assigned to a person. Teams of two. My teammate is a man named Ben. Unlike me, he''s a fool who allowed himself to get caught by an Enforcer, and a dumb boy."


    "These rankings? Do they signify your levels of power?" Bao questioned uneasily. If he was having trouble with the tenth ranking member this wouldn''t be good...


    "...In a way... Though who''s to say. We don''t really trust each other enough for that. I wouldn''t be surprised if many of us are holding back." He said casually, finally finishing reloading his gun.


    In the distance, the sounds of sirens could be heard. They were slowly approaching towards the chaos. It wouldn''t be long, before other Enforcers would arrive, to break up this situation.


    ''Damn... Where are those two girls...'' David thought as he let out a small hiss of annoyance. ''This guys is giving me more trouble then he should be?''


    Loud bangs echoed out as the sirens got closer, and closer. It wouldn''t be long now... Not long at all.


    Time was beginning to run out...


    "I see..." Bao said slowly. "In that case, it is time I get serious." He announced. He charged forward slamming into the pillar as he broke through it and pushed David back. "Time to get serious!" He announced proudly. "Behold! My 100% full power!" He called out. His body was enveloped by a pink glow as his muscles grew even brighter. His mask changed becoming a full on metal helmet, similar to what a knight would wear covering his face up. His underwear also glowed and exploded off of him, as he became buffer than any human should possibly be, reaching a total of ten feet tall!


    "What the hell!" David said with wide eyes, as he stared at Bao, who was now wearing only a metal helmet that covered his face. He tried to keep his eyes up not looking down at Bao as he placed his hands on his sides doing a pose that showed off everything...


    He placed his hands on his h.i.p.s showing off his full-frontal nudity to the man. Thankfully his body was covered by a bright glow, so the important bits were covered up...


    "This is my maximum power! In this form I can punch one million times in a single second, but I can only stay like this for a few seconds!" Bao announced proudly. "Behold! Pure Bright! Ultimate Move! Max-Justice Killer Combo! One million strikes!"


    Bao''s fist became a blur, as he punched so fast, it looked like he had thousands of arms. Small sonic booms, exploded off of his fist, as he easily broke the sound barrier with a punch.


    David''s eyes widen in horror as he was pounded into the ground being sent back by the blows. Bao, fired off appearing behind the flying body of David. He kicked out with his leg shooting David into the air, with a large boom! Bao was again vanished suddenly appearing above the body of David as he punched down at the man launching him into the floor, smashing the Organization member into the ground.


    "Now for my finisher!" Bao called out still in the air. He turned his body as he began to fire towards the floor. "Max-Justice Dive!" He screamed dropping from the sky, as a sonic boom exploded out and he dropped to the floor.


    ''Boom!''


    The entire building shook, as the floor was caved in, and David was pushed deep into the ground.


    "Ha ha ha!" Bao announced jumping up into the air, and landing on the ground. "Max-Justice Winning Pose!" He called out doing a weird pose. "Nice try evildoer. But I am too-"


    "Are you done?"


    Bao froze as his eyes widened. He turned around seeing David pull himself out of the hole. A white aura covered David''s body. He began to dust himself off as he let out a small sigh.


    "That was close," David muttered. "I was forced to active my Mantra, and use Dero, to block that attack. A single second late, and I think that attack of yours would have killed me..."


    "Wha... What is that aura!" Bao asked in shock.


    David looked down at himself glancing at his aura. "Oh, this? I suppose it is likely you wouldn''t have seen this before. After all, usually, only Gold Badge or higher Enforcers know about this. And they don''t let this information out to the public lightly. Oh well... You should be proud. Most people, can''t force the activation of Mantra, without it themselves. Your base power, was strong enough to force me into this state, on your own. I''m really impressed. Unfortunately, it''s over for you. You don''t stand a chance now that I''ve activated this. This power boost my body beyond the levels of anything you could hope to cause, with just an Attribute. The Equation of life, brings me closer to God. Everything about me is stronger, from my physical strength, to my Attribute. This battle is over." He said casually, as he pulled his gun up.


    Bao gave a frown but it wasn''t seen since he was wearing a helmet. "I am justice-"


    ''Boom!''


    The missile slammed into his body slamming the Enforcer into the floor. He hit the ground completely unconscious.


    David let out a small sigh as he dropped to the floor. Hs grabbed his side. He turned looking towards the back of the room. A large metal door could be seen. Beyond that door would be all the prisoners...


    "Alright, idiot..." David muttered out. "You better not be dead..."

 Chapter 120 - The Device

    Age 1991


    "Coin, Kaen. Were you two successful?" A powerful voice asked. A wave of force seemed to come out as a figure slowly floated into view. Floated in a literal sense here...


    Both Four, and Kaen landed on the roof of a small metal building with a soft thud. The two of them looked up as they gave a small bow to the two other men who were in front of them. The two men before them stared down at the two Organization members as they waited.


    The first man who had spoken, was dressed up in head to two, in a jesters outfit... He wore a wooden mask that had a smile on it. His globes had several large metal claws coming off of it. On the front of his outfit was as a small ''one'' etched it. He floated off of the ground by a few inches. He was in a seated position but was just floating off of the ground. At the tip of his head was several small bells. As in the kind that jiggled not the kind that was used for money. Strangely though they didn''t seem to make any sounds, despite moving. His entire outfit was a dark purple, pink, and blue. He had an aura about him. An aura that would tell most to not mess with him.


    The second man was wearing a robe similar to Kaen, and Four, who was apparently named Coin? This man had a large two on his robes. He wore a metal mask that only covered the first upper half of his face. His lower face could be seen. It was twisted into a smirk as the man folded his arms.


    Behind the two men on the roof, was a large metal machine... It was like a metallic cylinder. A large stone chair poked out of the metal rod. Small levels and buttons could be seen sticking out of the chair. A thin thread with a needle was attached to it. A black gem, poked out of it at the top. A white aura slowly rolled off of it... Inside a loud bang echoed out. Like someone was in there.


    "Ahh!"


    A loud animalistic yell came out of it. It didn''t like like a human. But it didn''t sound like a Bestia Macht either...


    It had taken them nearly a week to set the machine up. However they did have it set up now.


    Now it would be the time. Now would be when they would start there plan.


    "Jester, Bunt." Coin said softly still bowing to the two men. "We were unfortunately unable to slay the Noble. He had an army of those robot bastards and stopped us."


    "I see," Jester said.


    "So you both failed..." The man with the two on his robes said. His name was Bunt apparently?


    Kaen, and Coin both shifted nervously as they glanced at the Jester clearly afraid of what the man might do.


    "It matters not." Jester finally said causing them to let out sighs of relief. "This whole city will he wiped off the face of the Earth in only a few hours..." Jester let out a small laugh. His mask changed suddenly as the smile seemed to twist around. It was only for a second though as it changed back to a normal smile.


    "Yes, sir..." Both Coin, and Kaen said giving a bow.


    "We''ll be leaving," Bunt announced as him and Jester turned away from the machine. "Kaen. We''re trusting you to operate the machine. You''ll be able to burn half of the city down. On the other side of the city Diana, and Gunther, will be operating the other machine." Bunt said simply. "With both the flames, and the earthquake combined you two should be able to total this city. Oh... And don''t screw this up."


    "...Yes, sir..." Both men said giving a nod.


    "Good." Bunt gave a small smirk as he turned away. "Well, Jester? Should we go?" He asked.


    Jester was silent for a moment before he finally nodded. "Yes... Start the machine..." He said finally. "It''s time this city falls. It''s time we show them, the wrath of God. It''s time that the Organization goes public..." He announced loudly as he let out a small intake of breath.


    "We are here to serve you. To serve the will of the one who has called on you. We will do as you ask when you ask." Bunt said giving a small bow.


    "As long as it benefits you of course? Or am I wrong?" The man questioned still floating slightly. "Will, you all not kill me at the first chance you get?" The man dressed as the Jester seemed to give a small smirk as a ball of energy suddenly appeared in his hand. "Or should I say you will try to kill me?" He asked.


    Bunt seemed to let out a small bit of a laugh. "You are correct of course. You are our leader for as long as we need you. I''m sure you knew from the start just what kind of danger you were in. Or am I wrong?" He asked raising an eyebrow.


    "No..." The Jester seemed to go silent as the three men all stared back at him slowly. "You are correct of course. I know that backstab will eventually happen. But. Rest assured. I will not have failed. I''ll show this world the truth. I''ll show them. The Kings... They will see what rules this world. And in turn, they will see how we have failed. I look around and a I weep. That was the words God told me. This world. Mankind was given it. And look at it." He hailed his hand out showing off the vast land of snow around them. "We froze it. Killed it. Changed it. We were never meant for this world. But we forced it to let us live on it anyways... No. The world has and will belong to them. So says Me! The Jester!"


    "Yes, Master." All three men said bowing.


    "Now go! Show the world that we aren''t some silly little gang. We are. The Organization."

 Chapter 121 - Meeting Up

    Age 1991


    "We''ll be leaving," Bunt announced as him and Jester turned away from the machine. "Kaen. We''re trusting you to operate the machine. You''ll be able to burn half of the city down. On the other side of the city Diana, and Gunther, will be operating the other machine." Bunt said simply. "With both the flames, and the earthquake combined you two should be able to total this city. Oh... And don''t screw this up."


    "...Yes, sir..." Both men said giving a nod.


    "Good." Bunt gave a small smirk as he turned away. "Well, Jester? Should we go?" He asked.


    Jester was silent for a moment before he finally nodded. "Yes... Start the machine..." He said finally. "It''s time this city falls. It''s time we show them, the wrath of God. It''s time that the Organization goes public..." He announced loudly as he let out a small intake of breath.


    "We are here to serve you. To serve the will of the one who has called on you. We will do as you ask when you ask." Bunt said giving a small bow.


    "As long as it benefits you of course? Or am I wrong?" The man questioned still floating slightly. "Will, you all not kill me at the first chance you get?" The man dressed as the Jester seemed to give a small smirk as a ball of energy suddenly appeared in his hand. "Or should I say you will try to kill me?" He asked.


    Bunt seemed to let out a small bit of a laugh. "You are correct of course. You are our leader for as long as we need you. I''m sure you knew from the start just what kind of danger you were in. Or am I wrong?" He asked raising an eyebrow.


    "No..." The Jester seemed to go silent as the three men all stared back at him slowly. "You are correct of course. I know that backstab will eventually happen. But. Rest assured. I will not have failed. I''ll show this world the truth. I''ll show them. The Kings... They will see what rules this world. And in turn, they will see how we have failed. I look around and a I weep. That was the words God told me. This world. Mankind was given it. And look at it." He hailed his hand out showing off the vast land of snow around them. "We froze it. Killed it. Changed it. We were never meant for this world. But we forced it to let us live on it anyways... No. The world has and will belong to them. So says Me! The Jester!"


    "Yes, Master." All three men said bowing.


    "Now go! Show the world that we aren''t some silly little gang. We are. The Organization."


    Meanwhile...


    "This way!" Sif yelled running forward and following the trail of destruction that she had caused when she punched the skeleton across the city. "We need to hurry before he can heal..." She announced.


    "Right," Ren said with a nod. "Who knows how long we have."


    "That reminds me," Dawson said letting out a small frown. "What happened to Sera? She was with you last time I we were together before I went on ahead."


    "Oh," Sif said in a simple tone. "I sent her back towards the hotel."


    "...Did... Did you watch her enter the hotel?" Dawson asked.


    "Of course not."


    "So. You just trusted she would head back instead of run off and do whatever she wanted to?"


    "...Crap..."


    "So both Hero, and Sera are running around the city," Dawson muttered as he let out a heavy sigh. "Great. How could this get any worse-"


    "Guys!"


    The three Enforcers stopped in their tracks as they heard a loud voice. They all turned to see Nick running towards them through the snowstorm. He stopped in front of them as he gave a small laugh.


    "Found you! Man. It is hard to see through this storm."


    "Nick!" Dawson said happy to see the strange Vice-Captain.


    "Hey guys." He said smiling. "Boy am I glad to he with some again. After Ken left I was running around in circles!"


    "...What?"


    "After Ken-"


    "Ken left! So you lost her!" Dawson said with wide eyes.


    "...Yeah? We were looking for Hero, and she got bored and left. Don''t know where she is. But we need to hurry because the Skeleton is-"


    "We know!" The three of them yelled.


    "...Oh..."


    "We sent him that way. More importantly, we have three kids running around!" Sif said with a heavy sigh.


    "Listen!" Ren yelled raising her hand. "We need to hurry back towards the Skeleton. Who knows how long he''ll be down!"


    "Oh yeah, we should do that..." Sif said nodding. "Come on everyone!"


    "Right!"


    Meanwhile...


    "Alright!" Hero announced as he landed on the ground. "Sorry, Mr. Blight, but I''m afraid I won''t be heading back to the hotel!" He announced talking to himself. "I''m going back to that mansion... If the Skeleton is here, then this is the best time to check it out!" He said to himself as he ran through the street going through the snowstorm.


    He seemed to be ignoring the fact that he got his butt kicked by the robots, and not by the Skeleton when he first entered the manner...


    "It''s time to get my answers! It''s time I avenge everyone in this city. It''s time to play hero!" The boy announced proudly. "I''m going to-"


    "Dumass!" A loud voice announced as a foot slammed into Hero''s face. The boy felt his body twist as he was thrown across the pavement, sliding back. Ken landed on top of him as she folded her arms. "You idiot!" She shouted folding her arms up. "Do you have any idea how worried I''ve been!"


    "Oww..." Hero said giving a small frown.


    "Well! What do you have to say!" Ken announced still standing over him?


    "I think you should remember that you''re in a skirt-"


    ''Smack!''


    A fl.u.s.tered Ken kicked Hero away as he was launched across the street once again.


    "Pervert!"


    Hero jumped up to his feet as he let out a sigh. "Ken? What are you doing here?"


    "What am I doing? No! What are you doing!" Ken yelled? "That isn''t the direction, the hotel is in!"


    "I''m going to the manner." Hero said with a shrug. "I''m gonna storm the castle!" He announced.


    Ken stared at him before giving a nod. "Alright. Let''s do it."


    "You''re coming with me?" Hero asked in confusion.


    "Of course I am. You think I trust you to do this yourself?" Ken asked.


    "You... Pose a good point." Hero said giving a small nod. "I wonder if Sera will be coming with us?"


    "We''d have to find her."


    "Oh, she''s over there!" Hero pointed past Ken''s shoulder as the girl turned to see Sera stumbling through the snow. "She wears so much shampoo, that I could smell her a mile away. Really burns my nose..." He said rubbing his face.


    "Ahh! Commoners!" Sera said when she saw them. "Excellent!"


    "Come on Sera..." Ken said letting out a small sigh as she reached out grabbing the Noble girl. "You''re coming with us."


    "Where are we going?" Sera asked raising an eyebrow.


    "To go beat down on an evil bad guy!" Ken announced happily. "Like a Superhero!"


    "That''s right." Hero said giving a nod. "We''re gonna storm the castle and beat the smile off of that evil Noble! And nothing will stop-"


    ''Bang!''


    The entire ground shook, as every building was raised off of the ground, and the road itself seemed to bend and twist, as if it was breathing. Every window exploded, as cracks covered the ground. A red light seeped through the cracks as a wave of heat could he felt across the city.


    From where they were standing the kids could see a gush of melted stone, spill through the city gushing over buildings, and lamposts.


    Behind them, the city shook, as the ground seemed to dig in, and the buildings began to fall over.


    Two loud mechanical whirling sounds could be heard echoing out to the black sky.


    A large ''crack'' exploded throughout the city, and the three kids were thrown back.


    "Okay!" Hero shouted out. "Guess we''re checking that out!"

 Chapter 122 - The Organization Member Named Ben

    Age 1991


    Ben paced back and forth in his small prison cell as he gave a large frown. ''Damn it... How long have I been in here now? I always thought that you losing time, was just a myth or something used in bad s... And figuring out the time was already hard without being in jail! Screw that boy, and girl who put me in here. Screw them both!'' He thought as he let out a small sigh.


    The man named Ben wore a simple white jumpsuit that covered most of his body. Very bright clothing that would stand out, so a prisoner couldn''t make a break for it in the dead of the night. A large chain, and ball was attached to his left leg, weighing him down. Two metal cylinders were around his hands stopping him from using his Attribute... On top of all of that a large metal ring was around his neck. The ring glowed a faint blue. If he did somehow escape and still had that on, it would allow them to find him, and take him back in. Each of these were things he would have to remove if he wanted to escape...


    Ben himself also looked worse for ware. His body now had several more scares all across it, many of which were a sickly, and nasty red. His skin was bruised, and blue, and his clothing was stained red with his own blood. He looked badly beat up. He had a large black eyes, and nails were poking out of his arms.


    No doubt the cause of the Enforcers... They could be quite nasty when they let out their darker side. Of course this was the stuff that they didn''t tell the public about.


    And then there was the room, that he had been forced to stay in. The room he was in was small, really small. It could barely fix three people. A tiny ceiling fan, was above him shaking madly, and would have hit him in the head if he didn''t duck. It shook wildly as if it would fall off any second, and land on him. Two small beds were also in the room, both of which were heavily stained with foul colors. In the corner a small toilet rested. It smelled awful...


    Off to the side, a second man stood. Another prisoner who watched Ben pace back and forth. He wore the same exact outfit as Ben.


    ''I was so stupid letting that girl get the best of me...'' Ben thought. ''There was nothing I could have done though... Even if I turned on my Mantra I would have lost. She was to strong...''


    "Haha... Still pacing huh?" The other prisoner said. He gave a large twisted smirk as he leaned back and folded his arms. "You really have it rough you know. Being tortured every day. You know it is only a matter of time before they send you off to the prison island... Nightshade... You''ll die there. And be used as spare parts for the next weapon."


    "Sure..." Ben said flatly looking away. ''I''m sure that will happen."


    "Scared? Ahh, it''s only natural. After all, Nightshade is the worst place on this piece of shit planet." The man let out a laugh. "It''ll be terrible for you." He stated. "Truly a fate worse then death. If you''re lucky you''ll die a week, into being on the island."


    "Yeah. Sorry but I won''t be going there." Ben said rolling his eyes.


    "Of course you will! Unlike me, you''re a big prisoner! You''ll be sent to hell! Haha!"


    "No. Because I''m going to get out of here." Ben said slowly.


    Silence filled the small room before the man let out a loud booming laugh. "Sure! That''s what they all say." He said smirking. "Let me guess. You think someone is coming for you? Someone is going to bust you out or something? You''re a fool."


    "Well..."


    "Hahaha! What a fool!"


    Ben turned away from the man as he gave a small shrug. "Sure. I''ll be busted out. It''s just a matter of time."


    "What an idiotic stupid fool you are-"


    ''Boom!''


    The entire building shook as the room went silent once again.


    "What... What the hell was that?" The man yelled in shock.


    ''Boom!''


    Another explosion shook the building.


    "That," Ben said giving a small smirk. "That is my help. I told you. Someone is here to get me out of here. Can you say the same?"


    ''W... What..."


    Ben gave a large smirk as he turned back to look at the door in front of him. He stopped pacing back and forth as he folded his chained arms. He suddenly didn''t have to worry about getting out.


    Meanwhile...


    David let out a heavy sigh as he grabbed at his side. His aura vanished around him as he dropped down to his knees.


    "Damn it... I guess I took more damage then I thought? That nude bastard was able to harm me more than I thought he could... How could anyone be that strong without Mantra? Enforcers really are a strange and fearful bunch..." He gasped out slowly as a wave of pain hit him. He slowly managed to get back to his feet as he faced the large metal door in front of him. "Let''s get this over with. I''m ready to get my money, and take my nap..."


    ''Boom!''


    The missile flew out of his gun exploding the door off its hinges as it flew back and slammed into the room past it.


    A loud smack could be heard, followed by a scream of pain, and several yells of panic, as the door slammed into someone. David entered the room and gave a small frown.


    A line of red surrounded him, as hundreds of normal humans, pointed their guns at the man. All of their red pointers covered his body as they got ready to fire.


    "Shoot to kill!"


    The room he was in was massive. It had several rows of doors all lined up on the wall. Inside these doors, several prisoners were seen peeking over it, and towards whatever was causing the loud noises.


    "I''m looking for the maximum security, hall..." David called out as he gave a small smirk.


    "Ha!" One of the guards said. "You aren''t getting away-"


    ''Boom!''


    The missile hit the floor blowing them all back as David began to walk forward.


    The man let out a small sigh as he walked past the many unconscious bodies of the many guards. "Idiots..." He muttered. "As if a normal human could even harm me. Then again those are some big guns..." He said raising an eyebrow.


    David marched forward towards the back of the room. All around him he heard screaming prisoners asking to be set free. He ignored them all focusing only on his goal. He made his way over to the back, standing in front of the large metal door. He raised his gun and fired once again blowing it down... All around him loud alarms blared as the entire building was lit up by orange flames, and the red alert.


    "Stop him from pushing forward!" Several guards could be heard screaming on the other side of the door as a hail of bullets rained out towards the man shooting towards him.


    David continued forward, as the bullets reached him. They all vanished being replaced by small glowing cubes? The cubes bounced against David easily, falling down and, hitting the floor. Nothing was able to harm him? Any time they got near him the bullets would just vanish and be replaced by the cubes.


    David pointed his own gun up, shooting several metal poles out that slammed into the many people stabbing through them and throwing them back.


    "I''ll say this once! I don''t have time to knock you all out. Get in my way, and I will kill you!"


    "We''ll never give up-"


    ''Boom!''


    The Organization member let out a small laugh as he made his way to a door. "Hey, Ben..." He called out kicking the metal door as hard as he could and leaving a large dent in the side.


    "Finally!" Ben said on the other side of the door. "Where the hell have you been! Do you have any idea what they were doing to me? Those Enforcer bastards are just as bad as the Jester was. They tortured me for days, but I never talked! I never did..."


    "Good for you," David muttered. He raised his gun up pointing it at the door. "Okay! Stand back. I''m going to blast the door down."


    "The hell you are!" Ben screamed. "This room is tiny! You''ll kill me!"


    "That''s a price I''m willing to pay..."


    "Asshole! Just use your Attribute to get rid of the door. You can just drop it, and we''ll leave!"


    A moment of silence passed over the two.


    "David! I swear to God! Don''t shoot!"


    David let out a small sigh. "Yeah okay. I''ll do that." He raised his hand up about to place it on the door-


    "Arking Shock!"


    Lightning rained down on the man in a massive blue blast...

 Chapter 123 - The Other Ken?

    Age 1991


    "Take this!" October yelled cracking her whip forward.


    ''Boom!''


    "Oh crap! Look out! Coming through!" Kitsune yelled slamming into the back of Cloud at a fast speed. The blind teen let out a small gasp as he fell forward. Cloud stabbed his cane into the ground catching himself. Kitsune slammed forward face first breaking his nose on the ground as he let out a groan of pain.


    "Oh will you two just black out already! Seriously! We''ve hit you so many times, that a normal person wouldn''t even ber a red stain at this point. I don''t even know how you two can still talk, much less fight, but I''m starting to get pissed..." September shouted throwing out more of her black blades towards both boys.


    They slammed into the two boys exploding and throwing them back again, and causing them to crash into a building.


    Kitsune caught himself as he threw his arms out and sending out several balls of fire towards the two girls. Both dodged them as October sliced her whip down splitting one of the balls of flame in half. Her whip flew out again wrapping around Kitsune''s leg, exploding as it blew part of the pants leg up and causing Kitsune to let out a massive gasp of pain. The skin began to melt as his muscle became visable. She pulled back forcing Kitsune into the air, as she slammed her arms down and forced Kitsune into the ground smashing him down as hard as she could.


    ''Give up asshole! I don''t want to kill you!"


    Over with the other fight it wasn''t going much better...


    Cloud blew out, as a green mist filled the air bubbling the street, and melting everything in front of him.


    September threw her blades out blowing the mist up and sending it away.


    Cloud let out a yell as he jumped forward swinging his cane out and smacking it into the head of October and causing her to fall back.


    Kitsune pulled himself back up as he jumped forward slicing both his weapons down. The tonfa''s cut through the air as flames flew off of them coating the area in an orange light.


    September blocked them easily with her blades as he led fired out kicking Kitsune hard in the side.


    "Will just give up!" She screamed punching Kitsune in the face as hard as she could. A black blade suddenly appeared in her hand as she sliced at him. "I''ll admit! you''ve got guts but you see that you can''t win! So just stop!"


    "N... No..." Kitsune was slapped as he flew back. "I''m not giving up." He said spitting out some blood. "He wouldn''t give up... He''d just say something stupid, heal, and get back up and keep fighting. I''m not going to let him out do me... Because I''m not falling behind!" He jumped forward as he sliced his arms up, several flames pulled up cutting into the air, as the girl was forced back.


    "Who?" September asked with a raised eyebrow. "Ahh, it doesn''t matter..." She said rolling her eyes. "Just go to sleep!" She threw several of the blades out, slamming into Kitsune blowing up in his face, as he hit the ground and rolled back, sliding across the brutal street...


    Over with Cloud the teen jumper forward bringing his cane down. He slammed it forward stabbing it towards the girl in front of him.


    October twisted her body to the side as the cane stabbed into the ground next to her. She sliced her whip up, knocking the teens head back. Her whip cracked out wrapping around his neck as she began to choke him.


    "You know..." She hissed out. "If you were just a little older, I''d blow your head off... You''re lucky I have a soft spot for idiot kids like you two, other wise we''d have killed you in an instant..." She growled out.


    Cloud gasped out as he blew out launching a thin wave of air.


    October c.o.c.ked her head to the side, as the blade of wind cut her cheek, causing her eyes to widen as she reached up with her off-hand grabbing at the thin trail of blood that trickled down her face.


    "You asshole!" She roared pulling on the whip and dragging Cloud towards her.


    ''Blam!''


    Her fist slammed into his face easily breaking his nose as his head was knocked back. She pulled her body to the side whipping it back and throwing Cloud around as she tore him through the air slamming him into a building. His body was easily forced through the stone as she forced him into the ground as hard as she could slamming him down.


    She let out a deep breath calming down. "Hey. You aren''t dead are you?" She questioned.


    Cloud let out a small gasp pulling himself out of the hole. He slumped on the ground as he began to spit up blood.


    "Oh good. Please tell me you see you aren''t going to win?" She asked. "You see that you can''t do anything right? Just quit."


    "Sc... Screw you." Cloud spat out a glob of blood, and one of his teeth as he stood back up. He pointed his cane forward as he jumped forward towards the girl preparing to keep fighting.


    Off to the side September was letting out another sigh as she side stepped, and easily dodged all of Kitsune''s attack.


    "Seriously?" She asked. "I hate you, dumb Enforcers. You never know when to quit!" She threw her blade forward as it stabbed into the Fox Noble''s stomach as his eyes widened in horror and pain. "Boom..."


    The blade exploded as Kitsune dropped to his knees staring at the small hole that was in his stomach. It was actually more of a line. It looked like his stomach had been split open... The wound itself wasn''t to big, but the blood... The blood began to flow out of his mouth as he coughed up, and his stomach began to leak, as it poured down. This was a brutal wound. One that would kill most people from the blood loss.


    "Relax," September said reaching out and placing a hand on his head. "The Doctor here has a healing Attribute. As soon as you pass out from the blood loss I''ll take you back there and save you. But this will put you down for a little-"


    Kitsune brought his hands up to his stomach as they glowed a bright orange. He let out a loud gasp of pain as he dragged them along and he burned the wound close stopping the bleeding forcefully leaving a nasty scar... He never broke eye contact as he stared at the girl and closed his own wound with his flames...


    "Okay..." September said stepping back as her eyes were wide with horror, and a mix of respect. "Now that''s asserting dominance..."


    Kitsune managed to get back to his feet as he cracked his knuckles. "I''m not done yet..." He wobbled slightly nearly falling over as September let out a small sigh.


    "No. You are." She said simply. "You might have stopped the bleeding but you still lost a hell of a lot of blood."


    "I''m not giving up..."


    The girl let out another sigh. "Well then. I''ll just stop you with this next attack. Let''s see you fight when your arms and legs are gone!" She threw the blades out, as they cut forward heading towards the fox...


    Kitsune tried to move back, as the blades cut forward...


    There was a bright pink flash as a wave of fire soared forward cutting over the blades, and melting them down in an instant.


    "Ha!" A loud feminine voice announced. "Nice try!"


    All four of them went silent as they turned to see a young fourteen-year-old girl. She had a small smirk on her face. Her hands were on her h.i.p.s and her eyes seemed to sparkle with annoyance and amus.e.m.e.nt. She had pink hair tied back in a pair of short twin tails, and bright pink eyes. She had a black skirt, and black leggings, a simple black t-shirt, and a pink jacket. She wore tall black boots. Pink flames seemed to roll off of her body, as her smile grew.


    There was a small way about her. An arrogance. She looked like someone who would get annoyed easily. Kitsune was instantly reminded of Ken. Hell, the girl was barely even taller than Ken was...


    "Okay..." September said with a raised eyebrow. "I''ll bite. Who''s the little girl-"


    "Little girl!" The girl yelled.


    Yep... Definitely Ken...


    She folded her arms as her eye twitched. "My name is Shelly!" She announced as her flames grew brighter, and somehow became pinker...


    "Okay, Shelly..." September questioned. "Are you an Enforcer?"


    "No."


    "Then run along."


    "No."


    "Okay..." September twisted her body throwing a wave of blades out.


    The small girl brought her arm up as a pink fireball flew out rolling over the blades melting them all... "Nice try."


    "This might be a problem..."

 Chapter 124 - Reapers Lucky Break...

    Age 1991


    ''Smash!''


    "Ahh!" The head of the skeleton hit the ground rolling across the street and slamming into the window of a house at mach five.


    There was a loud crack, as the head hit the ground rolling into the house as it smashed through the window with ease.


    Screams filled the house as the skeletal head rolled forward. Inside of the building a small group of people had been sitting around, but they now all screamed in horror as the skull rolled through their house.


    "Super Ultimate Technique!" Reaper screamed rolling forward from the force of the blow that destoryed his body. "Bite attack!" His jaw snapped open as he launched forward and his teeth bit down into the legs of the nearest man he saw. He clamped down onto the leg as the guy let out a scream of pain.


    The skull that was lodged into his leg, and became a light grey as it crumbled away into nothingness... Reaper gave one last laugh as his skull scattered into dust.


    "Billy?" A girl asked turning to look at the man. "Are you okay? You''re bleeding!"


    "Ha... Ha... Ha... Ha... HaHaHaHa... Ha!" The man dropped to his knees as his clothing ripped apart and a boney hand ripped its way out of the back of ''Billy?'' "Ha! Ha ha ha!" The laugther never stopped as the flesh was torn apart and a skelton began to rip its way out of the poor man.


    "Ahh!"


    "Thanks for the new bones," Reaper said climbing out of the corpse of the man. He began to shake, throwing the blood off of his body. "These are normal human bones but they''ll have to do for now..."


    "My! My husband!"


    "Don''t worry," Reaper said as his skull became a smile. He reached up pulling off one of his ribs as it turned into a sharp blade. "You''ll see him in a few moments..."


    Meanwhile...


    Dawson ran forward followed by the other ones. "Damn!" He shouted staring at the house in front of them. There was a hole in the window as everyone stopped. "We threw him into a house by accident..." He hissed out.


    "Well, crap..."


    A loud scream echoed out into the air...


    "Wow, we suck," Sif said with wide eyes.


    "Come! Before anything else-"


    ''Boom!''


    The entire city began to shake, as an orange light pierced the sky. The entire city began to shake, as the ground was actually pushed down, and many of the buildings were raised up off of the floor. A thick wave of magma raised up into the sky falling down and melting the floor.


    "What the hell!" The voice of Reaper reached out.


    "Okay, so the city is shaking!" Nick said unhelpfully.


    "What''s going on!" Sif yelled grabbing onto Nick.


    "Wait... What''s that sound..." Dawson asked. A loud mechanical whirring sound pierced out amongst the shaking...


    "An Enhancer!" Ren said in shock as her eyes widened.


    "A what?" Sif questioned.


    "Guys focus!" Dawson yelled.


    "Why the f##k is everything on fire!" Reaper''s voice screamed amongst the loud banging sound.


    Meanwhile...


    Sirius coughed up some blood as he placed his body against the wall slowly pulling himself up. A loud rumble pierced the sky, as he felt the entire city shake. "Ahh screw this..." He reached out pulling a cord.


    By now his family would be heading towards the safe room.


    "You! Robot assholes! Find Reaper!" He growled out. "And kill any Enforcers you see! Slowly! And as painfully as you can! Kill them like I killed that other Noble family! Scar them! Make them ugly! Kill the Enforcers!" He screamed. His once fake smile was gone now. His eyes had become wide and red. Blood flowed down his cuts, and the massive knot on the back of his head. His hair and clothing was torn, and messy. He looked... Pissed was a type of way to describe him... "I want then dead!" He screamed his voice cracking as he fell over.


    The robots gave a small nod and a bow as they turned towards the window jumping out of them and falling towards the ground below. They quickly set off ready to complete their mission.


    Sirius slowly crawled his way forward heading towards his door. "Those damn bastards... They''re the cause of this. It''ll cost me millions of Bells to fix this problem... God Damn it!"


    The rumbling grew louder as Sirius crawled his way forward. "I can fix this... I need to kill them. Those Enforcers. Those Organization assholes... All of them! I need to kill them all!"


    ''Boom!''


    A part of the manner was engulfed in flames as the entire building began to tip over and a large stream of lava coated the building...


    "Damn..." Sirius hit the floor as his eyes began to go dark. He could feel his head pounding, from the bump to his head he had received. Blood coated his body flowing out of the many cuts and bruises. "It''s getting... Getting hard to move..."


    The roof exploded falling down and crushing the room behind him.


    Sirius laid his head on the floor as he began to close his eyes. "D... Damn..."


    ''Boom!''


    Meanwhile...


    "Reaper!" Dawson screamed busting through the house.


    "What?" Reaper asked whipping around and dropping the corpse of the girl down.


    "What are you doing to this city!" He roared.


    "Oh, you can piss off with that! I obviously have nothing to do with this chaos! I''m about to get the hell out of this city, because if you look out the window it''s raining f##king lava!"


    "I''m not letting you get away!"


    The rest of the house caved in as Nick, Sif, and Ren, all dropped into the house.


    "Oh come on! I know I''m evil, but serious! Four on one!" Reaper yelled.


    "Yep. Get him!" Sif announced. She raised her arm up as black shadows fired up taking the shape of black needles as they dropped down stabbing into the ground and barely missing the skeleton.


    Nick grabbed his wooden sword placing his hand on it, as it, became a metal blade. He sliced through the air cutting the arm off of the skeleton and launching the arm away.


    "Damn it I just got that back!" Reaped yelled jumping back and hitting the wall. "Uh oh-"


    "Lance-It-Punch!" Dawson announced as his right arm became a large lance, and he punched forward slamming it into the skeleton man and slamming him through the wall.


    Reaper crashed through the wall landing into the other room as he jumped back to his feet. He let out a few choice words as he reached out and stabbed his hand into the floor. "I said! Piss off!" He tore his arm up as the floor was ripped up becoming a wall. "I got to get out of-"


    A foot slammed into the back of Reapers head as he was once again seen flying. Ren ran forward as she spun on the ball of her feet as she slammed her hand into the man''s skull launching him through another wall.


    There was a loud crack as the house began to fall apart... They were really damaging it. Also, the city shaking and being on fire didn''t help...


    The roof was caved in as a giant black hand of shadows slammed through it. "Alright!" Sif shouted. "Everyone down!" She waved her hand as everyone, even Reaper hit the floor. A mound of darkness exploded out as the house around them was blown to pieces as she turned the battle into an outdoor fight. "Oh geez, what''s up with the sky?" She asked.


    The sky glowed a bright orange, as the shaking in the city got worse and more lava began to flow around the city. The blizzard also seemed to kick up as everything was getting worse, and worse... More buildings also began to fall over, and everyone was running away in a panic.


    "Yeah... This is troubling..." Dawson muttered, as he looked around. "Let''s hurry and finish this monster off then get everyone out of here!"


    "Right!"


    "Whoa, whoa whoa!" Reaper said falling back and raising his one arm. "Let''s talk about this!"


    "You''ve hurt so many innocent people!" Dawson yelled raising his arm up. "It''s time you pay-"


    ''Bam!''


    Several metal Automatons crashed down around the group shocking everyone, even Reaper.


    "Grab the man." One of the robots said in a mechanical voice.


    "Not going out alone!" Reaper jumped forward wrapping his hand around the throat of Ren.


    A metal net shot out wrapping around the two of them as flames exploded out of the boots of the robot, and it flew up. "Kill them!" It announced as the other Automatons quickly charged the three remaining Enforcers.


    "Ren!" Dawson screamed.


    "Damn it!" Sif yelled as many of the robots opened fire on them. "Screw our luck!"


    "We''re gonna die!" Nick yelled as a building began to fall towards them.


    "Ren!" Dawson yelled again as the Automaton flew away with her and the skeleton. "Stay safe! I''ll find you!"


    "Well, I lucked out!" Reaper yelled with a laugh as he placed his hand around the girls neck. "Good luck red bastard! I win!"

 Chapter 125 - The Organizations Weird Machines?

    Age 1991


    Bright orange Flames rose up in the city as a sickly black smoke filled the air cutting into the sky. The city shook as more buildings began to fall collasping all around them. The stone was melting as the heat waves covered part of the city.


    The stone was slowly bubbling and becoming a foul oder, as everyone was in a panic.


    A mechinal hiss continued to reach out to the sky as the mechinal noise got louder, and louder.


    It was like hell on Ava, as the entire city was literally dying, as it melted. Several civllians could be seen running for their lives. Others just had their buildings fall on them as the city broke.


    "Why the hell is the shaking getting worse? Stop shaking city!" Ken yelled nearly falling over. She reached out wrapping her arms around Hero and using him to steady herself. She was behind him as she kept her arms wrapped around him and ran forward with him forcing him forward as they ran down the street. "Go! Mush Hero!''


    "Get off of me!"


    "I do dislike this ordeal greatly..." Sera muttered out also grabbing onto Hero from behind as she helped Ken, to push him forward. "Mush great beast!" A weird wave of force, and flames was exploding ahead of them slamming into the poor bastard as his body was used to protect the two evil girls.


    "Mush!"


    "I hate you both..." Hero yelled. He slowly steadied himself as he ran forward both girls hanging off of him. Sweat dripped down his face as heatwaves exploded out hitting him in the face again and again, as he tried to push forward. All the snow was melting and quickly turned to steam as the stone around them also began to melt flowing down the street and burn Hero''s feet as he let out yells of pain as they melted his skin, and the bottom of his pants. "Oh my God, what the hell is happening! I hate this!" He gasped out trying to push forward as hard as he could. All of his senses were screaming at him, at what a terrible idea this all was. It didn''t help that two fourteen-year-old girls were still clinging to him slowing him down, and literally using him as a shield. Each wave pushed him back and badly left marks on his flesh. Steam rose off of him, bith from his healing factor, and from him melting as the flames cut into him.


    "Mush Hero, mush!" Ken screamed. Both girls were using him as a shield as the heat waves slammed into him. A wave of force continued pounding into him as a shock wave continued to hit explode out from somewhere. "Faster Hero! Wow! You make a great shield! And best part is! You heal so any damage done doesn''t really matter right? Right? Mush."


    "I think I''m dying!"


    "Ahh quit being a baby and mush!" Ken ordered.


    Hero stopped suddenly a frowning forming onto his face. The wave of heat, and force suddenly stopped as soon as he walked past a threshold. The ground in front of them was perfectly fine. It was like this part of the city wasn''t even affected... It was like being in the eye of the storm. No insane heat. No massive shaking. It was pure and utter calm.


    "Wow..." Hero said with wide eyes. "I want to stay here!"


    "What the hell is that thing?" Ken said pointing ahead of Hero and towards a weird metal pole looking thing that was ahead of them. "That doesn''t look very safe does it?" Ken said slowly as she blinked a few times. It let out a massive booming pulse as it nearly pushed them back. "Oh! Yeah that looks like a big deal... Hero punch it!"


    In front of them, a large metal pole was stabbed into the ground. It seemed to be making a loud clicking sound. There was a weird chair in the middle of it, and a large man was sitting down. The man was wearing a pair of black robes with a large six written on it. He also wore a mask of some Bestia Macht.


    Next to him, a girl was standing. She also wore a pair of black robes, with a five on them. She also had on a weird mask. Her head c.o.c.ked to the side when she saw the three kids.


    "Looks like we got company, Gunther..." She hissed out slightly. She reached into her pockets pulling out several metal cards.


    "You''ll need to deal with them, Diana." Gunther hissed out as he stayed seated. "If I get out of this chair this device stops."


    "Device?" Hero asked with a confused look. Realization suddenly hit him as his eyes became wide. "Wait! You guys are behind this! You''re working with that Noble!"


    "Noble?" The girl who was apparently named Diana frowned. "I have no idea what you''re on about and I don''t care. Die!" She threw the cards forward as they spun through the air.


    Ken jumped past Hero, swinging her sheathed sword and launching one of the cards forward.


    Sera also jumped forward and stabbed her arm forward as a row of water launched forward taking the shape of a strange four-legged creature with antlers. It looked like a Bestia Macht, but kinder? It was something that was once called a Deer.


    The final card flew past both of them and stabbed into Hero''s head knocking him back.


    "Oww! Some of a-"


    Ken ran forward towards the girl. "Not sure what''s going on but!" She sliced her sheathed sword forward as a red aura covered her body enhancing her. ''Oh, it feels so good to do this again!'' She thought slicing forward.


    The woman easily dodged the strike spinning around Ken. She patted the girl on the shoulder as she moved away.


    Ken turned to follow and jumped after her "Take-" She instantly slipped falling on her face. "Oww! Who put that there!" She yelled looking at a misplaced rock.


    "How unlucky," Diana said with a small smirk.


    "Aquatic Slash!" Sera announced whipping her arm forward as a water whip cut forward slicing through the air.


    Diana easily dodged it throwing several cards forward. Sera slashed her arms cresting shield of water to block the cards. As soon as the shield dropped forward Diana jumped forward touching Sera on the nose.


    "Hey don''t touch-" A piece of debree fell falling on Sera''s head and knocking her to the floor. "Oww..."


    "Wow. You two are simply unlucky..." Diana said with a small smirk. "I''m sure you''ve realized it by now, but my Attribute allows, me to mark you with a charm. You''ll fall under it and simply be unlucky."


    "That''s unfair!" Ken whined slowly getting back up.


    "With my power, I''m basically unstoppable," Diana said smirking. "My only weakness is I need to touch you after each affect happens."


    "Oh." Ken gave a sly smile as she jumped back up to her feet. "So your affect isn''t on us anymore!"


    "Yeah."


    "Then take this!" Ken jumped forward bringing her sword up.


    Diana rolled her eyes as she easily ducked under the attack. Her fist came out punching the fourteen-year-old girl in the gut.


    "I''ll save you, Ken!" Sera announced jumping forward. Ken slipped getting caught by the punch as she crashed into Sera knocking them both to the floor. "Oww... Sorry..."


    "I told you," Diana said smirking. "I''m good at reading people, you know. I need to be. Other wise I''d be a terrible gambler. You two will never touch-"


    "Eventuful-Impact!"


    Hero flew forward slamming his foot into the back of the woman''s head and throwing her forward. She smashed face first into the metal machine as she smacked off of it and bounced off.


    "And now! Big-Arm-Strike!" Hero punched her as hard as he possibly could slamming her into the floor.


    Diana slammed into the ground being indented down by the first.


    "And finally!" Hero jumped into the air bringing his none broken arm up as a large bone spear stabbed out of it and he fell towards the downed body of the girl. "Gungnir!" He screamed thrusting his arm forward.


    ''Boom!''


    The womans body flew back as she smashed into the ground abdly beaten to all hell now. Seconds later Hero crashed back onto the ground as he gave a smirk and a thumbs up.


    "That''s for stabbing me you asshole!" Hero yelled reaching up and pulling the metal card that was poking out of his head out.


    "Diana!" Gunther yelled.


    A small groan escaped the crater as Diana crawled out heavily beat up. Her mask was shattered showing the face of a young woman in her early thirties. She gasped out spitting up some blood as she glared at Hero.


    "H... How dare you!"


    Hero gave a smirk as he popped his messed up arm back into place. It''d take a few minutes to heal. Maybe using Big-Arm-Strike was a bad idea. Oh well...


    "You''re so dead." Diana hissed.


    "Alright, Hero!" Ken said smiling as she, and Sera got back up. "I think you really hurt her with that attack."


    "All of you!" The four of them stopped turning to look over at Gunther. His body seemed to be growing as he stood up ripping the wires out of him. The machine made a loud growl before it began to smoke and exploded. "I''ll kill you three brats!"


    "Uh-oh..." Hero said with wide eyes.


    "I''ll kill you all for hurting my Diana!"

 Chapter 126 - Shelly?

    Age 1991


    "This might be a problem..." September muttered. She stepped away slowly as the little girl in front of her smirked.


    "My name is Shelly!" The small pink girl announced loudly as she placed her hands on her h.i.p.s, mirroring Ken. "And I don''t know what your four idiots think you are doing, but you are all being really, really loud!" She yelled out being even louder then they were.


    September, October, Kitsune, and Cloud, all stared back at the small girl in confusion. No one had really expected this outcome, of her showing up. Who could have planned for this? Pink flames flickered off of her as she walked forward. The pink flames grew brighter as she gave a smirk.


    "Well, this is certainly an unexpected outcome..." October muttered. "Little girl-"


    "Little! You bastard! I''m gonna burn you alive!"


    "She really is like Ken..." Kitsune muttered out as he tried to pull himself away from September. He dropped to the ground as he let out a hiss of pain. "Damn... This hurts. I''m at my limit for sure..."


    "You should leave!" October began. "This doesn''t concern you girl. There is no reason for you to get hurt. Run home to your parents."


    "Those boys are Enforcers right?" Shelly said looking down at Kitsune, and Cloud with a small frown on her face. "I''ve never seen one up close before. Well besides Mr. Eins. He''s the only Enforcer I''ve actually ever seen now that I think about it." She muttered out. She let out a small sigh as she slowly folded her arms. "And here I thought Enforcers were suppose to be strong. They look so weak and useless oh..." She quickly shook her head as she focused back in on the two girls. "Anyways. I guess what I''m getting as is leave them alone." She announced. "Or else I''ll beat you up good!" She punched her hands as the flames grew even bigger.


    "Umm... No? Especially not now. We kind of can''t anymore. We''ve thrown ourselves into the deep end here thanks to how stubborn they''ve been... At this point, one of us needs to be blacked out. It would be far too risky for them to report back, and mess this all up. Besides. Last I checked the name Eins, was the name of an Enforcer right? If you know that name then you are associated with that group. We can''t let you leave either." September stated already creating several late black blades. "Tell me, girl? Who are you? How is it that you know that name? I don''t know you by your face nor does the name Shelly ring a bell? So who the hell are you!"


    "I already said my name!" Shelly said rolling her eyes. "Come on. Don''t be to slow... Do try and keep up if you are able to."


    "Why you..."


    "Are you just mad that I am out thinking you, and I''m still so young and cute?" She asked innocently.


    "Devil girl..."


    "Not what I meant. But I guess it really doesn''t matter." September raised her arms up. "Just like everyone else who is soft, you''ll fall." She threw her arms out launching a barrage of flames.


    Shelly flipped her hand back causing a wave of pink flames to rise up covering the air in front of her. The flames soared forward coating the black blades in a wash of pink as they began to melt.


    "Soft?" The small girl said as she raised an eyebrow. "I''m not soft. I''m only saving these guys because they''re Enforcers. I have a lot of respect for Mr. Eins so anyone associated with him can''t be all that bad. Besides. It''s hardly going out of my way to squash two bugs."


    October gave a small smirk as she sliced her whip through the air. It let out a massive ''crack'' as it sent out a wave of explosive.


    "Bold of you to assume we were small bugs."


    The explosion rocketed forward as Shelly created a shield of flames in front of her. The former defied physics as they allowed the explosion to slam into them. It was like a literal wall of fire.


    September ran forward throwing her blades forward. They also exploded sending out a small shock wave that managed to catch the small girl off guard. Shelly just barely had time to create a thin shield. The blast still managed to push her back as a large frown appeared on her face.


    "September!" October yelled running forward. "It''s time for our little combo!"


    "Right!"


    October ran forward slicing her whip with her. She got close. To close for her long-range weapon to be used effectively. Despite that though she swung it around madly. It lost all elegance and speed as it continued to fire of explosions using the blast to launch itself in all directions building up power and momentum.


    Shelly was forced to try and block each strike with a solid force of pink flames but with every blast that fired out the whip got faster, and faster, getting more power, as it began to build up. October herself did her best to avoid her own strikes as they wildly flew around nearly slamming into herself once or twice.


    As this was going on September jumped into her air raising her arms up and launching out a barrage of blades at the building behind Shelly. The blades slammed into it and all exploded in a massive blast causing the building to shake. A loud crack echoed out as the building began to fall forward.


    "Take this you brat!" September screamed throwing as many blades as she could forward.


    They slammed into the back of Shelly causing her to let out a yell of pain. She was thrown forward and smashed straight into the whip of October. The whip once again blew up throwing her back as she slammed into the ground painfully landing in the path of the falling building.


    "Grab her Cloud!" Orange flames shot forward as Kitsune slammed straight into the back of October.


    "What the hell!" The girl yelled not expecting him to still be able to move.


    Flames blew out of Kitsune''s feet like a rocket as he pushed himself forward with a mighty blast. "New move!" He announced. "Fox-Engine!"


    The force blew Kitsune forward as he held onto October and dragged her with him. He slammed straight into September grabbing onto her as well as he caused all of them to crash down next to Shelly.


    As this happened Cloud ran forward as fast as he could hooking an arm around the small fourteen-year-old girl and picking her up with ease as he moved out of the way of the falling building.


    Kitsune pushed down on both October and September slamming them into the ground as he let go. The flames continued to expand out of his feet as he ran forward leaving a trail of flames and moved out of the way of the building.


    September and October both let out a yell ss the building finally fell, landing on the two of them and burying them in a pile of rubble.


    Kitsune slammed forward falling on his face as he crashed, and slowly came to a stop. "Oww..." He groaned loudly. He rubbed at his feet as he hissed out in pain. The bottom half of his pants up to his knees were gone. The skin around them was a sickly red as steamrolled off of them. "Geez... My high-speed movement needs some work. Not as good as Mr. Storm''s..."


    "Get off of me!" Shelly yelled pulling herself out of Cloud''s arms. She jumped away as she began to dust herself off. She gave a frown as she glared back at the two boys. "I didn''t need your help!" She shouted.


    "I beg to differ," Kitsune muttered. He was still seated as he began to rub at his legs. "Oww, oww, oww..." He groaned out.


    Cloud slowly stood up as he wobbled slightly. "Are you okay?" He asked turning to look at Kitsune.


    "Yeah... Yeah..."


    "What exactly was that?" The blind teen asked the Fox Noble.


    "A new attack I thought of? Or rather technique. Mr. Storm used his lighting to enhance his movement speed and run fast so I tried that too. But it''s really hard to control it, and I feel like I''m gonna for off of the ground and crash..."


    "Who exactly are the two of you?" Shelly asked frowning as she jumped away from the two of them. "Why are Enforcers so weird..." She muttered out.


    "We''re not weird. We''re badass!"


    "Meh," Cloud said giving a shrug. "I mean Ken is pretty badass. We''re cool I guess."


    Shelly eyed the two strange boys up. "I''m going to just back away slowly..."


    ''Boom!''


    The rubble exploded up as October and September came crashing out. They were heavily bruised, and their clothing was ripped. Both girls also looked extremely pissed off as they pulled their black weapons out.


    "Uh oh..." The three kids said all at the same time...

 Chapter 127 - Evolucionar

    Age 1991


    Several metal Automatons crashed down around the group shocking everyone, even Reaper.


    "Grab the man." One of the robots said in a mechanical voice.


    "Not going out alone!" Reaper jumped forward wrapping his hand around the throat of Ren.


    A metal net shot out wrapping around the two of them as flames exploded out of the boots of the robot, and it flew up. "Kill them!" It announced as the other Automatons quickly charged the three remaining Enforcers.


    "Ren!" Dawson screamed.


    "Damn it!" Sif yelled as many of the robots opened fire on them. "Screw our luck!"


    "We''re gonna die!" Nick yelled as a building began to fall towards them.


    "Ren!" Dawson yelled again as the Automaton flew away with her and the skeleton. "Stay safe! I''ll find you!"


    "Well, I lucked out!" Reaper yelled with a laugh as he placed his hand around the girl''s neck. "Good luck red bastard! I win!"


    "Ren!" Dawson shouted up towards the door. "I swear! I''ll save you!''


    "I know." The girl yelled giving a small smile down towards the man. "I know..." The robot flew higher, and higher eventually being covered up by the thick black smoke.


    "Dawson focus! I want to save Ren to but we can''t do that if we''re dead!" Sif yelled. She punched an arm out as a wave of black aura fired out slamming into many of the robots. The city shook as a wave of heat slammed into all of them pushing them back.


    They all fought as hard as they could but slowly the sheer horde began to push them back. Nick let out a scream as swung his wooden sword, which was now metal due to his power, slicing through the robots. More filled in though as hundreds dropped from the sky. It must have been all of the mansions Automatons. It was a literal army that they had to face. Each robot came in all shapes and sizes.


    Some had swords, or other pokey stabby weapon. They were the easier ones. They would go down in a hit or two from the three Enforcers. No... The hard ones were the ones with the guns. They rained down missiles, bombs, fire, and of course bullets.


    And when a robot was no longer in a state to fight they would simply hurle themselves at a human and self destruct hoping to at least harm or shock them in some type of way.


    Each attack wasn''t all that strong but they quickly piled on weighing them down.


    More crashed down from the sky firing off more and more attacks into the three Enforcers forcing them all back as they were slowly cornered.


    All the while buildings fell and waves of flames covered the sky. Some of the rubble crashed down slamming into the Enforcers.


    The ground itself erupted with a massive pillar of flames.


    A swarm of them tackled the three to the ground as they began to dogpile.


    "Damn it!" Dawson screamed as he was shoved down slamming onto the ground. The mechanical men swarmed him jumping onto him. He let out a muffled yell as it began to get harder, and harder to suck in air. His lungs began to ache as he was slammed down again and again. Many of the robots began to stab and cut into him breaking past the red armor and hitting the flesh human underneath.


    "Dawson!" Nick screamed out in horror. He watched as his friend was literally buried alive, as his entire body was underneath the robots. Nick let out a yell of his own as a close dug into his side. They couldn''t move. The entire street for miles was filled with the mechanical monstrosites as they pushed forward. Everytime one would die another would take its place, and worse yet, the one''s that were destroyed only worked to either repair a damaged brethren or slow the humans down as they had nowhere to step now that the ground was filled with metal scrap.


    "Shit!" Sif cursed as they were covered up by the robots.


    Many of the creatures began to self destruct blowing the ground up and pushing them all in deeper and deeper.


    Adrenaline... Something that can push the body further. Setting it up for high levels of exertion.


    "Get off!" Dawson yelled. He kicked and punched the air trying to shove them back as he was slammed into.


    More and more of the robots slammed into him again and again over and over. They began to smash down, and cut into his flesh poking, and stabbing him as they broke through his body.


    "Evolucionar!" Dawson roared. His body grew bigger as he slammed his hands together. A thick white aura covered his body. All the Automatons were literally blasted off of him as he let out a loud and powerful scream. More red flowed off of his body as spikes and blades started to form out of him. An extra pair of red arms shot out of his back as his fingers became large razor-sharp claws. His entire body bulked out as Dawson did something he hated. He went all out. "Pero!" His aura exploded covering his arms as it grew reaching past even the buildings. The ground shook as his feet stabbed into the ground. A massive tail sprouted out of his back forming a large massive spiked club on the end of it and several red wh.i.p.s shot out stabbing all of the monsters. "I''ll kill you all!"


    It is still mostly unknown what Mantra is. It is often known as the Equation of Life. One thing that is known about Mantra is that by turning it on, a person can unlock, and evolve their ability forcing it past the limitations of human flesh. And then there''s battle l.u.s.t. When a warrior is craving battle and they are in a dangerous fight, or they are forced on the sidelines while their friends and family are in danger, they can force themselves further beyond and their body can mutate pushing them past their limits. When a powerful human is in a state of danger they may reach deep within their power and grasp a hidden power they don''t normally have. It''s rare but there are cases of it. When this happens a person can be multiplied anywhere from as low to 10 to as high as 20. This massive power boost is enough to let them break last normal limits.


    Dawson had all three of these happen at once. He was pumped full of adrenaline. He surpassed his bodies and his Attributes limitations, and he pulled out his 100% gaining all of his power and forcing it even further beyond.


    When this happens it is known as Evolucionar! To go beyond ones limits of the body, mind, Power, soul, and Equation of life. Pushed to your limit and forced to transform beyond your own power.


    Dawson powered up beyond anything that had ever been seen. In a single second this man had down the impossible. Done something others try to do for years. In one instant Dawson Blight, AKA the Red Demon, evolved three times, gaining three mighty power ups! He went into Evolucionar! The ace the humans had.


    Dawson stared at his hands in shock as his jaws slowly twisted into a smirk. "I feel so strong! This power... I bet I could even keep up with Katrina now..." His smirk game back full fold as he glanced up at all of the robots in front of him as they all began to slowly back up seemingly in fear. Dawson opened his mouth and unleshsed a loud and powerful roar that was so strong buildings began to crumble and all the robots were thrown back from the force. Many were outright destroyed simply from being near him as his very aura crushed them.


    "Whoa!" Nick said shocked as his eyes were wide. "What the hell! How did he do that? Is that a Evolucionar? I''ve heard of it but never seen one in person!"


    Sif let out a small laugh. "That''s Dawson for Ya... You give him a limit... He''ll eventually break out of it. Even if he has to evolve three or four times to do it. This is why ye is called the Red Demon. He''ll hit you with the fury of hell itself to kill you. Still though. I never imagined it would have gone into Evolucionar..." The woman gave a smirk as she slammed her hands together as a white aura covered her body. "It''s time we beat these metal heads! Show these robots terror Blight! Show them the Red Demon. The man who is mistaken as a Seraphin! Show them your full power!"


    Nick gave a smirk as he unleashed his sword throwing it into the air. He slammed his hands together as a white aura appeared around him. Next, he reached out and caught his sword again as his smirk grew even larger. "Alright!" He announced. "I think our odds just increased! Kick their ass Dawson!" He screamed. "Carve our path!"


    "I''ll turned you all to scrap!" Dawson roared as red tentacles fired off.

 Chapter 128 - The Metal Golems

    Age 1991


    ''Boom!''


    The Organization member let out a small laugh as he made his way to a door. "Hey, Ben..." He called out kicking the metal door as hard as he could and leaving a large dent in the side.


    "Finally!" Ben said on the other side of the door. "Where the hell have you been! Do you have any idea what they were doing to me? Those Enforcer bastards are just as bad as the Jester was. They tortured me for days, but I never talked! I never did..."


    "Good for you," David muttered. He raised his gun up pointing it at the door. "Okay! Stand back. I''m going to blast the door down."


    "The hell you are!" Ben screamed. "This room is tiny! You''ll kill me!"


    "That''s a price I''m willing to pay..."


    "Asshole! Just use your Attribute to get rid of the door. You can just drop it, and we''ll leave!"


    A moment of silence passed over the two.


    "David! I swear to God! Don''t shoot!"


    David let out a small sigh. "Yeah okay. I''ll do that." He raised his hand up about to place it on the door-


    "Arking Shock!"


    Lightning rained down on the man in a massive blue blast...


    "What the hell!" David yelled jumping away as several balls of lightning slammed into the ground in front of him melting the stone.


    "Mega Punch!"


    Hannah flew through the air slamming her fist into the man''s face as he was thrown back crashing into the wall.


    The Organization member let out a loud hiss of pain as he looked up. A large scowl on his face.


    "Well well," Hannah announced as she smirked.


    Behind her Jackson, Lucy, and Emma, landed on the ground. They all moved out of the way as Katrina walked forward as she held a slight smirk on her face.


    "Oh, shit..." The man muttered as he stared at the large group of Enforcers. "I''m so dead... I barely beat a random member. Now I have to fight a Captain, a Vice-Captain, a Gold Badge, and two recruits all at the same time." He gritted his teeth as he dropped one of his guns. "Time for plan B..." He announced as he raised the gun up firing out a massive missile forward.


    Katrina raised her hand up casually as a blue glow appeared around it, and it froze in the air. She squeezed her hand as it exploded in the air. Her other hand came out punching the air as a wave of force shot out throwing the man further back with a massive shock wave.


    "Don''t even try it," Katrina said casually still holding her hand up. "I have the ability of 100% full control over all forms of Kinetic force. I can turn off the Kinetic force of an object. I can also speed up its Kinetic power. A pebble can hit with the force of a boulder. Or a Boulder can hit with the force of a pebble. Unless your Equation Of Life is strong enough to simply out power my abilities control, you will never hit me." She said slowly. "So just give up..." She hissed out. ''I won''t let these two escape... The last two members... Those two that me and Dawson fought. They weren''t really that strong. These two also don''t seem that powerful. Still though. I refuse to let them get away!''


    "Nice going Katrina!" Jackson said giving a thumbs up to the girl. She flashed him a smile.


    David let out a loud yell as he spun through the air slamming into the wall. He reached into his coat pocket pulling out a massive gun. It looked more like a cannon then an actual gun. He picked it up with both hands as it began to glow a bright green.


    "Rail Gun!" He announced pulling the trigger.


    ''Boom!''


    A giant building literally exploded out of the gun reaching mach five as it flew forward. The entire building they were in exploded as the hallways shook, as another building literally just appeared inside. Dust rained down from above crashing down and shaking everything.


    "Oh crap!" Katrina said with wide eyes as she raised her hands up. The building stopped mid-air as it slid her back. She gritted her teeth stopping the building in place.


    David ran forward while they were distracted by the massive building. He placed his hand on the door that held Ben as it glowed a bright green. Then it vanished? It just disappeared being replaced by a small cube.


    "Yes!" Ben screamed jumping out. He smirked as they turned back to the giant building that was stopping the other Enforcers. David quickly reached out placing his hands on the cuffs as they also vanished into cubes freeing Ben''s hands.


    Next, David reached out placing his hand on the wall next to them as it vanished leaving a hole to the outside. The two men quickly jumped outreaching the outside.


    "After them!" Katrina announced as she slammed her hands together and blew the entire building, and the one they were in up.l


    All of them crashed into the ground as David raised his gun up again. "Rail Gun!" He announced once more as a massive car shot out.


    Jackson let out a loud yell as he sliced his sword down cleaving the car in two.


    "How the hell are you doing that!" He screamed slightly annoyed. "You aren''t firing bullets! You''re firing objects! What the hell!"


    David gave a slight smirk as he lowered his gun. "Compression. The name of my Attribute. I can shrink any nonliving object down turning it into a small cube. However. Should the object move away further than two feet away from me it reverts back to normal size. As such, I built my guns to fire out these cubes instead of bullets. That way when the object turns back to normal it is flying through the air at a fast speed already." He announced. "I am a terrible shot. But if the bullet is massive then I don''t have to worry about missing." He announced loudly. "And thanks to this rail gun I can fire a bullet out at the speed of lightning."


    "Lighting huh?" Jackson said giving a small smirk. He raised his own sword up as blue electricity began to spark off of it. "I know a thing or two about that!" He announced sliding it down and shooting out a wave of blue.


    Ben jumped forward as he slammed his hands down. The floor bubbled as it took shape rising up. It took on the shape of a large man as it held its arms open. The wave sliced it in half easily as it soared forward.


    Both men barely ducked as it flew over their head.


    "Got any of my material?" Ben yelled.


    David threw his jacket off of him as several cubes flew out and took the shape of massive black pillars crashing into the ground.


    "Those pillars!" Hannah said with wide eyes. "They look like..."


    "That''s right!" Ben announced placing his hands on them. "These pillars are out of the same material of the black wall! The wall is basically unbreakable, but thanks to David''s power he can pull chunks off. And thanks to my power." The pillars glowed a bright blue as they began to take the shape of giant metal men. They came together fully forming. There was two of them. They were both fourteen feet in size. They had no eyes or face at all. It was just blank. "I can make the ultimate warriors!" He announced loudly.


    The golems punched forward both ripped a massive building out of the ground and raised it above their head. They stomped forward throwing the buildings forward.


    Jackson raised his hand up as it glowed a bright blue. "Arking-Shot!" He announced loudly firing out a wave of blue energy that separated into several small attacks that slammed through the buildings and smashed straight into the golems.


    ''Boom!''


    The blast exploded out shaking the city as the dust slowly settled.


    The golems walked forward completely unharmed as they crossed their arms.


    "Nice try!" Ben said smirking. "But they''re basically unbreakable." He announced. He flashed a smirk to David. "Well? Are we leaving?" He asked.


    "Yes..."


    "What! Your Golems can still act if you aren''t nearby!" Hannah said shocked. "Why you have been out on the first day then? That just seems kind of stupid..."


    "No. They can act without me. But if I''m gone I lose control over them. Without me to guide them they simply will go into a rampage destroying everything. You can all try and come after us but you''ll have to leave them behind..." He announced with a wicked smile.


    "That''s just dirty!" Emma yelled out as she frowned.


    David reached into his pocket throwing a cube on the ground. It changed becoming a medium-sized plane that fit on the streets. "Let''s go!" He announced.


    The golems stood in front of the Enforcers stopping them from getting near.


    "Quickly!" Katrina yelled. "Take them out before they can escape!"


    "Right!"

 Chapter 129 - Heros Greatest Foe! "Youre Like Me!"

    Age 1991


    Hero gave a smirk as he popped his messed up arm back into place. It''d take a few minutes to heal. Maybe using Big-Arm-Strike was a bad idea. Oh well...


    "You''re so dead." Diana hissed.


    "Alright, Hero!" Ken said smiling as she, and Sera got back up. "I think you really hurt her with that attack."


    "All of you!" The four of them stopped turning to look over at Gunther. His body seemed to be growing as he stood up ripping the wires out of him. The machine made a loud growl before it began to smoke and exploded. "I''ll kill you three brats!"


    "Uh-oh..." Hero said with wide eyes.


    "I''ll kill you all for hurting my Diana!"


    The man shot forward his hand wrapping around Hero''s face as he slammed the boy into the ground throwing him back. His hand stayed on the kid''s face as Hero was slammed into the ground. He ran forward carrying Hero with him and dragging him through the ground.


    "Hero!" Ken yelled.


    "I wouldn''t worry about him if I were you!" Diana screamed jumping up and throwing several metal cards about towards Ken and Sera. Both girls blocked with a slice of the sword or a wave of water. ''What was that idiot thinking!'' Diana thought as she glanced over to the metal pole. Smoke filtered out of it as it made a loud buzzing sound. ''He almost broke it. One more solid hit and that thing is going down. If it breaks then we''ve failed... I''d hate to see what that Jester asshole will do to us if we fail...'' A shiver went down her back as she let out a loud scream. "Gunther! Hurry up and finish that brat off so you can get back into the device!" She screamed.


    Over with Gunther, the man let out a yelp as a hero kicked up knocking his head to the side. Hero ripped the arm off of him as he flipped through the air landing on his feet.


    "Good as new!" Hero announced punching out with both his arms, no longer down a limb. His hands stretched out reaching ten feet as both fist slammed into the man''s face and pushed him back. Hero pulled back as his arms reached normal size.


    The man''s head knocked back down as he gave a wicked smirk. "Not bad kid." He said reaching up and throwing his robes off. Next, he grabbed his mask pulling it off as well. He had light green eyes and green hair that seemed to peer at the boy with excitement. "You''re a physical brawler like me right?" He asked. "Using your power to enhance your body and power it up. In a situation like this there are several things that can affect the outcome of the battle. Whoever has the more physical body, who ever has the stronger Attribute, whoever has more fighting experience, and most importantly. Whoever is more determined to win the fight."


    "Well. I guess you can say that." Hero said with a smirk. He he punched one hand into the other as steam began to roll off of his body. "But don''t think you can just use physical force to beat me down." He announced. "I don''t plan on losing!" He said with a smirk. ''Damn... I need to get over to Ken and Sera to help them... But I can feel more power coming off of this guy. He''s definitely the bigger threat.''


    "Get ready!" The man announced. "This is going to be an all out brawl!"


    "I won''t lose!"


    The man stomped forward literally tearing the ground up as Hero jumped towards him spinning through the air. White bones sprouted out of Hero''s back and leg as they shot out a gust of wind.


    "Eventful Impact!" He screamed as he slammed his leg into the man''s fist.


    The man''s fist, and Hero''s leg clashed shooting out a massive shock wave.


    The man let out a loud laugh as he punched out with his other arm. The entire limb began to bubble slightly as it suddenly grew in size becoming the size of a massive car. His arm crashed into the shocked boy smashing him into the ground.


    "Monster Limb!" Hero announced using as much of the Monsterfication as he could to create thick muscles in his right arm as his entire limb buffed up becoming thick and gaining a massive amount of weight to it. White liquid began to drip out of his fingertips splashing out onto the ground.


    Both of their giant arms punched each other forcing a massive shock wave out the blew them both back.


    Hero crashed into the ground rolling into a breakneck speed as his arm shrunk back down to normal size. White liquid continued to drip out of it as he slammed into a building.


    The man stabbed the ground with his giant ark stopping himself from falling back any further. "What was that arm..." Gunther muttered out. "It was different from the other one you hit my Diana with..."


    Hero slowly stood up holding his arm in pain as more white liquid gushed out of it dripping to the floor. ''Why won''t it stop?'' He shook his head focusing back on the man in front of him. "The attack I used on the girl over there was Big-Arm-Strike." He announced. "An attack where I inflate my arm up as much as I physically can, then while it''s massive I shrink it down. With it, it becomes the size of a bus. Its weight doesn''t change though. It is still hard to move around though due to the size. As such I use those bone pipes to launch it forward. The arm I used on you is what I call Monster Arm. I create several hundreds of thick layers in my arm buffing it up and making it bigger than a bodybuilder''s arm. It multiplies my physical strength by several times in that form but puts a lot of stress on the limb." He said. ''And apparently drips white goo for some reason...'' More white sludge dripped out coating the floor below him. ''This probably isn''t good... I need to talk to Labby and ask him how to get this to stop.''


    The man gave a big smirk as he stepped forward cracking his knuckles. His smile grew as he let out a loud laugh. "That''s quite Attribute. But that sounds like more than one power?"


    "...Well... I''m a Seraphin."


    "Ahh. How many do you have?"


    "Three."


    "Oh." The man sounded disappointed for a moment as he made a face. "So you''re an old Seraphin?"


    "What do you mean by that?"


    The man have a slight smirk. "Well then. You''ll need to go all out. That small Monster-Point boost won''t be enough for me. Go into your Renacido form, if you even want to harm me!"


    "A what?" Hero asked as he gave a small frown. "Renacido? What is that?"


    "Oh? You don''t have a Renacido? Bummer. I guess I''ll win then. And here I was thinking this would be a good and fun fight."


    "What the hell are you talking about!" Hero questioned as he gave a large frown. "You aren''t making sense."


    "Ahh, it isn''t important." The man said shrugging. He reached up grabbing his shirt and ripped it off showing off a finely honed chest. "I think it''s about time I finish you off though." He announced. His body began to grow in size. It started with his arms as they got bigger and bigger becoming massive. His legs also grew gaining a thick mass to them as the ground beneath him cracked and his kegs sunk into the ground. "You mentioned how you either inflate, a limb, or add more onto it causing it to grow! Well, my Attribute is very similar! I call it the growth! With it, I can grow parts of my body!" He announced as his arms and legs became massive! "It''s pretty close to your power."


    "You''re like me!" Hero said in shock. He shook his head as more white goo began to flow out of his hand splashing onto the ground. "Well, it doesn''t matter! I won''t lose!"


    "Hahaha!" The man gave a large smirk as his arms and legs stretched out and started to bulge with muscles. His body didn''t change at all though remaining the same size. "You know kid. I think I''m starting to like you! Tell ya what. I won''t kill you. I''ll just rip your arms and legs off!" He announced as his transformation finished. Both his arms were massive and had muscle spilling out of it. His legs were longer and seemed to bend weirdly as he used his arms to support himself. A large smirk was on his face as he slowly stepped forward.


    "Why does everyone keep transforming against me!" Hero shouted loudly as he the man shot forward. "But those powers! I''m going to have to find some way to get around it or something! I won''t lose to you!"


    "Get ready brat! It''s going to get ugly from this point on!"

 Chapter 130 - Desatraillar... An Unknown Power

    Age 1991


    "Who exactly are the two of you?" Shelly asked frowning as she jumped away from the two of them. "Why are Enforcers so weird..." She muttered out.


    "We''re not weird. We''re badass!"


    "Meh," Cloud said giving a shrug. "I mean Ken is pretty badass. We''re cool I guess."


    Shelly eyed the two strange boys up. "I''m going to just back away slowly..."


    ''Boom!''


    The rubble exploded up as October and September came crashing out. They were heavily bruised, and their clothing was ripped. Both girls also looked extremely pissed off as they pulled their black weapons out.


    "Uh oh..." The three kids said all at the same time...


    "Okay..." October said letting out a loud hiss as she cracked her whip. "Now I''m really, really mad." She growled out. With every crack of the whip, another blast came off of it.


    "It isn''t very often that we fight someone who can throw us around..." September growled. More black blades began to form in her hands as they all started to glow a dark black. Both girls placed their hands together in a prayer gesture as a white aura covered their body.


    "Oh crap!" Kitsune hissed out. "They got that white aura crap."


    "You know it''s called Mantra right?" Shelly asked raising an eyebrow. "Or Equation Of Life... Depends on who you ask though."


    "What! You know about this stuff?" Kitsune asked surprised.


    Shelly gave a small smirk as she placed her hands together. A white aura exploded around her. "Yeah... I guess you can say that."


    "Oh come on! She has it too!" Kitsune yelled.


    Cloud gave a large frown. "It seems we are really far behind, aren''t we..." He muttered out as he folded his arms.


    Shelly raised her hand up flashing a smirk to the two boys who were behind her. "Okay weaklings. You guys stay here. I''ll handle this!" She announced loudly as her pink flames grew brighter and began to spin in an arking shape around her. The fire stabbed into the ground behind her and seemed to be sinking into the ground slowly it bubbled up and pink steam rose up.


    "We can fight..." Cloud muttered.


    "No, you can''t," Shelly said casually. "Not even more at least. Mantra is able to give you a serious boost. Not only do you get a massive increase in strength, speed, and defense, your Attribute is greatly boosted, in fact at times it can unlock more powers of your abilities, and on top of this, you gain immunity to certain Attribute affects. It''ll be harder to set them on fire now... On the other hand, it''ll be harder for them to blow me up. And on top of all of that, they could use Dero, Pero, Sero, or even Fero, to power up even further beyond... They may even be able to go into an Evolucionar form and get an even bigger increase."


    "...What? I didn''t get any of that?" Kitsune asked blinking.


    "Those were weird words," Cloud said giving a small shrug.


    Shelly gave a small sigh as she rolled her eyes. "What I''m saying, is that you guys don''t stand a chance against them. Unless you are a freak, and just have some serious hidden power, you aren''t going to beat someone unless you also have Mantra." She said calmly.


    "Is it really that big of a deal?" Cloud muttered.


    "You have no idea..." Shelly said slowly.


    "Are you three done?" September asked as she raised her blades up.


    Shelly gave a smirk. "Actually I''ve been ready."


    "What-"


    Underneath both of the girls, a glow of pink became visible as a giant pillar of pink flames shot up raising up to the air and covering both girls.


    They let out a scream of pain as the flames slammed into them. It rose up higher and higher, as it smashed into the air.


    Both girls crashed out of the flames as smoke and steam rose off of them. There clothing was lit up with pink as it began to slowly melt. They swatted at it, but it didn''t go out.


    "That was dirty..." October hissed out trying to put the flames out. "You placed that trap under us while you talked to those idiotic boys..." She hissed out. "And why the hell won''t these flames go out!" She screamed as their first layer of clothing began to go out.


    "Take a look around the street," Shelly said with a smirk. She waved her hand around her showing off the battlefield they were in.


    The entire street at this point was mostly destroyed. Buildings were topped over and pink flames slowly spread over the battlefield. None of them were going out?


    "My Attribute," Shelly said again as a ball of pink flame appeared on her fingertips. "It isn''t just a flame-based power. It is actually a bit of a matter based power. You see the way my ability works is in two stages. It produces a small chemical flames. These flames take the shape of a pink color. They produce heat of course but it is there actual ability that makes them so powerful. You see. These flames don''t just burn anything they touch. Rather they covert it on a molecular level into a flammable material causing my flames to spread. Because of this they are nearly unstoppable. They can convert nearly anything unto this flammable material, from stone, to even water. In fact... The only reason you two aren''t on fire is because your Mantra is on. While your Mantra is activated, my flames will burn you, but they won''t be able to convert you into a material, of course, this will drain your energy massively. You''ll need to find a way to stop me before that happens." She said innocently as her smirk grew even more.


    "Devil girl!" September threw her blades as they slammed into the girl.


    She raised her hand up as the flames covered the blades wiping them into nothingness.


    "Screw it," October said slowly as she brought her arms up. "Pero!" She announced. Her aura covered her weapon as the aura crackled around it boosting it up in power. "Death Nothingness!" October hissed out as her blade sliced through the void of space literally ripping a hole in the air. "Explode!"


    The void gave a bright glow as a massive blast and shock wave fired out slamming into the small girl. Shelly slid back catching herself as she stared up with wide eyes.


    "Whoa!" She said shocked. "Your Pero is strong enough to affect space!"


    "That''s not all!" September announced jumping into the air. "Sero!" She called out. The aura covered her feet as her legs began to glow. It looked like she was actually wearing a pair of white boots now. Her feet touched down on the air as she stood... She didn''t fall she just stood on the air literally floating in the air as she ran forward somehow walking on the air. She threw more or her blades out as they all slammed into the young girl faster then she could react throwing her back.


    The explosion shook the city being much bigger then it had before. Each attack was going off with enough force to leave scorching marks on the city as it shook more and more.


    Shelly let out a loud yell as she crashed into the ground and rolled back crashing into a building.


    "Whoa!" Kitsune yelled being blown back.


    Cloud let out a loud grunt as he stabbed his cane into the ground using it to stop himself from being blown back any further. He reached out with his other hand grabbing the man and stopping him from going any further as well. "It isn''t as crazy as the fight as Jackson and Zero... But those three are most certainly above us..." He said with a shake.


    September and October both threw out waves of attacks sending off massive explosions as it lit up the city.


    The black blades sliced through the buildings and exploded them into nothingness.


    The black whip cut through space itself leaving harsh streaks through the air that would eventually explode and then close back up. It crashed down blowing up more and more.


    "Crap!" Shelly muttered as another blast slammed into her and crashed her back again.


    The black whip cracked through the air wrapping around her leg and began to violently throw her around and slam her through buildings. It glowed a bright black as it exploded once again.


    Shelly slammed back as she slowly stood back up. "Ahh... This hurts..." She whined slowly.


    "What''s wrong! Not so c.o.c.ky now are you!" September said with a smirk.


    Shelly let out a small sigh as she reached up grabbing her pink jacket and throwing it off. It crashed down to the floor as she cracked her knuckles. "Alright!" She announced loudly. "It''s time I end this!" She said.


    "Huh?"


    Shelly let out an intake of air as all the flames in the area were pulled over to her. "Desatraillar!"

 Chapter 131 - The Automatons To The Rescue

    Age 1991


    Nick gave a smirk as he unleashed his sword throwing it into the air. He slammed his hands together as a white aura appeared around him. Next, he reached out and caught his sword again as his smirk grew even larger. "Alright!" He announced. "I think our odds just increased! Kick their ass Dawson!" He screamed. "Carve our path!"


    "I''ll turned you all to scrap!" Dawson roared as red tentacles fired off.


    A swarm of his tendrils slammed into the Automatons throwing them back as it whipped around cutting through the metal and stone like a hot knife through butter. The force of the attack sliced up sending out a wave of wind as it cut through a nearby building knocking it to the ground as it slammed into the floor.


    "Watch it, Dawson!" Sif yelled out. "The city is already shaking, and on literal fire! We''re trying to keep it safe!"


    "Shut it!" Dawson roared more of his tendrils firing out and cutting through more of the buildings and the robots.


    "I''m sorry what did you say!" Sif questioned shooting the man a look.


    "Uh, lady Sif!" Nick said slicing his blade through a robot. "I heard that when a person goes into Evolucionar they tend to go a bit power hungry and crazy in the head for the first time while they''re like that, and they can have a hard time controlling their power, and telling friend from foe. It is a form that only activates when the body is pushed to the absolute danger point after all. He''s running on fumes and adrenalin right now. It''s similar to when a Seraphin goes Monster-Point, or Renacido. He''s probably not in the right state of mind right now-"


    Dawson let out a loud roar as is arms sprouted out a wave of red claws and blades. More red wh.i.p.s shot out of his body as he slammed through an Automaton ripping it in half.


    "Yeah..." Sif muttured watching him rip the robots apart. "He definitely not in the right state of mind..."


    "I''ll kill you all!" He roared loudly. His teeth crashed around an Automatons throat as he picked it up and began to slam it into the other ones. A red-tail fired out of his back narrowly missing Sif, and Nick as it pierced the sky and sent out a chunk of the building slamming it down to the ground. "Die, die, die, die, die!" He yelled as his hand fired out grabbing the head of one of the Automatons as he threw it up into the air as it crashed down. His foot came out landing on the head of another one, and smashing it into the ground. He unleashed a loud laugh as more spikes shot out of his body. The spikes whipped around cutting through the metal like a hot knife through butter. "Die! Die! Die!" He laughed showing just how far gone his mind was at this point.


    "Damn it!" Sif cursed watching the Red Demon rip his way through the horde. "At this rate, he''ll start attacking us..." She hissed out.


    As if to prove her point the body of an Automaton smashed straight into the wall next to Nick nearly slamming into him as it shattered against the wall.


    "Oh geez!" Nick yelled in surprise. "Watch it you giant red bastard!" He screamed. Dawson c.o.c.ked his head as it twisted around and gazed into Nick''s eyes. "Actually uhh... You do you buddy."


    Dawson unleashed another loid roar as he began to bang on his chest. More red tentacles fired out all around him stabbing any poor creature that got to close. "Die!" He screamed loudly. "Die! Die! Die! Everything will die! All die!" An explosion of red stabbed out of his back as a giant red tentacle was smashed into the ground on top of several of the robots. It hit with enough force to literally raised part of the ground up as a massive sonic boom went off, and several of the buildings began to fall over smashing into the ground. This one was far bigger then any of his other one''s and actually looked like a pillar of res flesh.


    "Oh for the love of God Dawson!" Sif screamed. "I swear I will not hesitate to knock you out if you don''t stop! Seriously calm down or-"


    Dawson''s arm ripped a chunk of the building up as he turned and threw it forward as hard as he could. It spun through the air heading towards the small girl as her eyes widened.


    The shadows around her bent and twisted as they shot up slicing into the chunk of the building. It was split in half falling around her as her dark eyes narrowed.


    "That''s it! No more!" She shouted punching forward as a massive black arm slammed forward. Dawson sidestepped the attack as it slammed into a wave of the robots blowing them to pieces.


    "Lady Sif!" Nick yelled running forward. Metal began to flake off of him stabbing out as he danced around slicing all the robots down. "Try and knock him out if you can!"


    "That''s the plan!" The shadows bent and twisted as they took the shape of a massive beast head. It stabbed forward slamming into the red demon as a mess of black darkness and red tendrils smashed together into each other bending and twisting around in a massive boom!


    Dawson was picked up off of the ground as the black beast head mad of shadows pushed him back lifting him up off of the floor. He was smashed through several collapsed buildings as the entire city screamed out with a massive boom of flames.


    Sif screamed out smashing her fist forward as the beast of darkness rose up getting bigger and bigger as it became a giant beast with arms and legs made out of the darkness. It was surrounding Sif keeping her in a layer of protection as it ran forward still smashing Dawson through rose of buildings.


    It was like a massive black suit of armor that Sif rested in.


    The black armor wrapped its hands around Dawson''s head as it picked him up. It raised its other hand up placing it over his stomach.


    "This form of yours might have a ton of power, but without the brains of Dawson, you''re nothing more then a raging beast. No better than a Bestia Macht. The real Dawson would have never let me get close to him. Because he knows my Attribute and my skill. And he knows I can do this!" The black armor Sif was in pulled back.


    The stomach around Dawson glowed a dark black as he let out a grunt. Sif pulled back as hard as she could as his stomach around his tendrils split open and a wave of black mist poured out. Dawson''s eyes widened as he let out a loud yell of pain. Black liquid started to drip out of his mouth as the red tendrils started to pull back. His eyes rolled into the back of his head as he reverted back to his human form. The black mist and liquid stopped as the black armor dropped him to the ground. His eyes were rolled back as his body shook slightly.


    Her armor pulled back as Sif dropped back landing on her knees. She let out a tired gasp. "Damn... I had to use a lot of energy for that... Even as a mindless beast his Mantra was able to resist most of my power forcing me to give way more energy..."


    "Lady Sif!" Nick screamed out in horror as he watched several of the robots crash land next to her. "No!" He sliced his way through the storm trying to get closer and closer to her as he ran. Several blades sliced out clawing at him as a hail of bullets shot out. His skin grew hard as he turned into metal causing the bullets to bounce off of him. "Damn I won''t make it in time!"


    One of the Automatons slammed their hand down bringing it towards Sif-


    ''Boom!''


    A massive metal rod stabbed into the robot''s head knocking it to the floor.


    "What?" Sif said slightly confused. She looked up and felt her eyes go wide as she saw them.


    Several of the Automatons all crashed down. All of them covered in scrap metal. Some were missing limbs. Others were covered in rust. All of them were wearing butler outfits.


    "Those Automatons..."


    Dawson slowly set up shivering as he gasped out. "Those are... The ones from the hotel?"


    "How may we be of service?" One of the old Automatons launching a spear through the head of some of the newer models. The old models rushed forward as the began to rip into the newer models. They tore them apart replacing their old parts with these newer prettier parts. "How may we be of service?" One asked again.


    "Kick their ass!" Nick screamed.


    "As you wish." One said getting back to the fight...


    Sif gave a slight smirk as she got back to her feet. "Well, it would seem we lucked out. The cavalry has arrived!"

 Chapter 132 - Team Attacks

    Age 1991


    "Those pillars!" Hannah said with wide eyes. "They look like..."


    "That''s right!" Ben announced placing his hands on them. "These pillars are out of the same material of the black wall! The wall is basically unbreakable, but thanks to David''s power he can pull chunks off. And thanks to my power." The pillars glowed a bright blue as they began to take the shape of giant metal men. They came together fully forming. There was two of them. They were both fourteen feet in size. They had no eyes or face at all. It was just blank. "I can make the ultimate warriors!" He announced loudly.


    The golems punched forward both ripped a massive building out of the ground and raised it above their head. They stomped forward throwing the buildings forward.


    Jackson raised his hand up as it glowed a bright blue. "Arking-Shot!" He announced loudly firing out a wave of blue energy that separated into several small attacks that slammed through the buildings and smashed straight into the golems.


    ''Boom!''


    The blast exploded out shaking the city as the dust slowly settled.


    The golems walked forward completely unharmed as they crossed their arms.


    "Nice try!" Ben said smirking. "But they''re basically unbreakable." He announced. He flashed a smirk to David. "Well? Are we leaving?" He asked.


    "Yes..."


    "What! Your Golems can still act if you aren''t nearby!" Hannah said shocked. "Why you have been out on the first day then? That just seems kind of stupid..."


    "No. They can act without me. But if I''m gone I lose control over them. Without me to guide them they simply will go into a rampage destroying everything. You can all try and come after us but you''ll have to leave them behind..." He announced with a wicked smile.


    "That''s just dirty!" Emma yelled out as she frowned.


    David reached into his pocket throwing a cube on the ground. It changed becoming a medium-sized plane that fit on the streets. "Let''s go!" He announced.


    The golems stood in front of the Enforcers stopping them from getting near.


    "Quickly!" Katrina yelled. "Take them out before they can escape!"


    "Right!"


    The metal golems crashed forward as they ripped a massive building up. One of them continued to run forward as it swung the building down towards the group. Katrina waved her hand as a massive amount of kinetic force stopped the golem. The second one jumped through the air as it began to fall forward towards ground heading towards the group.


    "Arking Shot!" Jackson announced slamming his blade down as a massive blue wave of lightning fired off as it sliced through the massive boulder the creature held. The force of the attack began to force it back as it crashed into the ground slamming back.


    "Alright, Lucy!" Emma announced pointing forward. "Give me my weapon!"


    "As you wish," Lucy said giving a small nod. She clicked open her briefcase reaching into as her arm seemed to sink into it. She came back out carrying a long chainsaw that she threw over to Emma.


    The girl caught it as she clicked a button and caused it to roar to life. "Vibrant Strike!" Emma announced slicing the weapon through the air. A large vibration force launched towards the golem as it smashed into the side of the golem knocking it to the ground. The golem slowly got back up seemingly unharmed. "Oh come on!" Emma yelled.


    "These things are pretty durable aren''t they!" Jackson said with mild surprise. "I keep hitting them and nothing is happening."


    "Let me take a shot at it," Hannah said walking forward. She landed over as a pair of black wings sprouted out of her back. A loud kaw echoed out as a Bestia Macht pulled its way out of her back. Jackson''s pet Bestia Macht! Fulminous!


    The Bestia Macht let out a loud cry as it shot forward towards one of the golems. It slammed into it with a loud boom as the massive creature was actually forced back from the powerful attack and crashed into a nearby building.


    "Alright!" Jackson yelled slamming his sword down as more lightning came off of his body. "Get them!" He yelled.


    "That''s my line..." Katrina said giving a frown. "...Alright! Get them!" She shouted.


    "Yeah!" Everyone yelled fist-bumping the air as they all charged the two creatures.


    ''Boom!''


    ''Boom!"


    ''Boom!''


    ''Boom!''


    ''Boom!''


    The battle was instantly over the top as a wave of lightning, vibrations, and kinetic force slammed into the Golems creating a massive shock wave that didn''t even seem to harm the things. No matter what they did the two creatures would simply get back up. And if they did damage them the metal they were made out of would simply grow back and the things would heal becoming good as new. Super durable, super regeneration.


    "Damn it!" Jackson yelled slicing his blade into the head of the metal golem. It bounced off with a click as the thing made a punch towards him. He dodged it appearing behind the creature and began to stab at it with his blade out of frustration. "No matter what we do these things keep getting back up! Just die already!"


    Katrina let out a loud frustrated yell as her fist slammed into the side of the golem throwing it back as it smashed into a wall. "I know what you mean. No matter now many times I punch it, the thing simply stands back up..."


    "We need to somehow kill this thing in one attack," Jackson muttered. "Hit it so hard it doesn''t have time to regenerate."


    "Can we do that?" Emma asked.


    "We''re about to find out..."


    They only fought one though. Off to the side, the Bestia Macht fought the other one. Its claws would dig into the metal leaving nasty gashes but seconds later the metal would close as if it could somehow heal? Air fired off of the creature as it raised its wings and fired off several rows of metal feathers that stabbed into the metal opponent. Once again though the golem barely seemed to notice.


    The golem stabbed a hand into the ground ripping out a massive chunk of it out. It held it above its head stepped forward and threw it as hard as it could towards the creature.


    Thankfully the Bestia Macht was fast narrowly avoiding the strike as it unleashed a loud and angry kaw.


    Its beak opened as a wave of wind fired out leaving large slash marks across the street and buildings as everything in front of it was shredded.


    The golem raised its arms up blocking the strike as it slid back. Slowly it raised its hands up telling the bird to come at it... It seems it had the ability to mock the creature for what a weak attack that was.


    The Bestia Macht narrowed its eyes as it let out one last mad and annoyed kaw and fired forward.


    Emma, Jackson, and Katrina danced around hitting the thing with everything they had.


    Off to the side, Hannah and Lucy rested sitting the fight out. Their ability wasn''t really made for this kind of fight and they''d only get in the way.


    "Take this!" Jackson announced smashing his blade forward as a wave of lightning fired off.


    Katrina punched the air as hard as she could as an enormous boom went off and the space in front of her bent back as it smashed forward.


    Emma raised her roaring chainsaw up and sliced it down as it fired out its own wave of vibrations that shattered all the glass in a one-mile radius and shook the area of the entire city as every car was lifted up off the ground for a second. Sif hadn''t been joking... She really had been training these kids.


    All three attacks were pulled together by the force as it soared forward. It slammed into the creature as it was forced back. The three attacks were like a massive beam of death now that began to slowly pick the golem up as the beam started to point up towards the sky. It was raised up getting sent higher and higher as metal began to melt. Its body became white hot as it was slowly becoming a liquid from the blast of heat that was on top of it.


    "Now!" Katrina announced.


    All these of them unleashed their power brining it to its max. Jackson and Katrina both activated their white aura. Emma just kind of gave it her all. She was the weakest link...


    This caused the beam to become unstable and explode.


    The blast was strong enough to wipe the golem out leaving nothing left, other then a bright glow in the sky as the whole city was lit up from the attack, and the energy began to diapers heading in various directions.


    "Whoa..." Emma said with wide eyes.


    "Well... We make a pretty destructive team." Katrina announced giving a small nod.


    "Well we aren''t done yet," Jackson announced. He turned to see his pet battling the last golem. "Let''s finish this guy!"


    "Right! Let''s make this quick!"

 Chapter 133 - The Brawl

    Age 1991


    "Hahaha!" The man gave a large smirk as his arms and legs stretched out and started to bulge with muscles. His body didn''t change at all though remaining the same size. "You know kid. I think I''m starting to like you! Tell ya what. I won''t kill you. I''ll just rip your arms and legs off!" He announced as his transformation finished. Both his arms were massive and had muscle spilling out of it. His legs were longer and seemed to bend weirdly as he used his arms to support himself. A large smirk was on his face as he slowly stepped forward.


    "Why does everyone keep transforming against me!" Hero shouted loudly as he the man shot forward. "But those powers! I''m going to have to find some way to get around it or something! I won''t lose to you!"


    "Get ready brat! It''s going to get ugly from this point on!"


    The man shot forward smashing his fist into the arms of Hero. The two clashed with a mighty boom as the ground underneath them was caved in. Cracks covered the streets as nearby buildings began to shake from their fighting. Blow after blow, fist met fist. Hero gritted his teeth as he was forced to give more effort trying to keep up with the massive man.


    "I told you! I don''t plan to lose!" Hero yelled. ''This is going to hurt me later but...'' He gritted his teeth as he raised both arms up. "Monster-Arm! Duel Style!" Hero reached down as far as he could as his arms got bigger becoming buff and massive. He forced them both as his arms punched at the man ramming a fist into the man''s face.


    The man stepped back from the punch nearly slipping. He slowly began to let out a loud laugh as he eyed the teen with a large smirk.


    "Ha! Yes! More, more! Keep fighting kid! It isn''t every day that you get to battle someone with an ability like yours! Give this everything you got!" The man screamed as his arms and legs got even bigger, and he began to punch faster, and harder as his smile grew more and more.


    Hero let out a yell as he jumped away and threw both of his arms out. They stretched out as the palms smashed into the man''s body. They began to rapidly pull back and push forward moving so fast that his arms became after images, and it actually looked like he had several arms. The sheer force actually began to send out small waves of flames as his arms got faster and faster speeding up. The heat got more intense brought on from the friction of the air that grinded on his arms sending out sparks. Small bone-like spikes began to stab out of Hero''s wrist as he stabbed into the man again and again. His massive arms broke the sound barrier with ease as each of the two boys attacked each other throwing punch after punch, flesh meeting flesh.


    "Keep going, boy!" The man yelled. "Give this everything you got!"


    "Gungnir barrage!" Hero yelled out as two bone spears stabbed out of his palms and he rapdily thrusted them forward as fast as he could.


    Meanwhile, across from the two boys, Ken and Sera fought the girl... Or rather tried to hit the woman as she dodged around the battlefield.


    The woman refused to let them get near her as she jumped around and threw more cards out again and again.


    The female Organization member let out a laugh of her own as she spun through the air firing out a wave of metal cards. Her body moved sluggishly after the blow she had been given from Hero. Both girls dodged the attacks easily. They both charged the woman as they sliced at her, sword, and fan, coming together in a dance, as the woman was forced to dance around and avoid the slashes as the girls moved towards her quicker and quicker.


    "Sit still!" Ken yelled with a large frown on her face. Her blade cut through the air but each time the woman skillfully dodged it.


    "I agree..." Sera yelled. She continued to slice with her water fan trying to reach the woman with every strike.


    Both her and Ken got faster, and faster, as they began to move quicker and quicker cutting again and again. The two of them got faster and faster, and closer and closer to the woman as she dodged again and again.


    The woman danced forward still avoiding their attacks even with her wounds. "Ha! We''ve been through this song and dance! You''re friend might have hit me, but that was a lucky shot! I can read people to such a level! You think you can actually hit-"


    "Red-Flash!" Ken yelled slamming her sword down as a wave of arking red energy bounded towards the woman leaving a large gash in the space in front of her.


    "Wash away!" Sera announced slicing her fan made of water, down towards the woman as a jet of water sliced through the air cutting towards her.


    The woman watched with wide eyes as the two attacks got closer and closer!


    ''Boom!''


    ''Boom!''


    ''Boom!''


    ''Boom!''


    ''Boom!''


    The two attacks exploded with a massive boom as the woman was slammed back smashing into the metal pole behind her. She let out a small groan as she stared up at the two girls with rage in her eyes. She gave a loud hiss and groan as she tried to stand back up to her feet.


    "You damn brats! You can''t keep-"


    Ken''s sword stabbed into the metal pole next to the woman as the small girl gave a cheeky grin. "Yeah... How about you shut up before I finish you off." Wisps of red energy slowly came off of her blade as she was covered in a thick red aura of power. It hissed and sparkled from the pressure as it slowly came off of her.


    "Watch where your sword is!" The woman screamed out in a panic. "Pull it out now!"


    "What?" Ken asked with a frown. "What are you saying? Why?" She asked. The woman was being weird now. She almost seemed scared?


    Sera also frowned as they saw pure fear in the woman''s eyes.


    "You god damn fool! I said pull it out! Pull it out before it-" The woman was cut off when a loud snap could be heard and part of the pole broke off. "Oh my God... You killed us..."


    The metal pole began to glow as a thick black, and yellow energy came off of it. Red lightning fired off stabbing near them and burning up the ground. White sludge also seemed to bubble out of the pole dripping onto the ground and leaving a foul and unpleasant odor.


    "Oh boy that can''t be good..." Ken hissed out with wide eyes. "Maybe stabbing the machine that was blowing the city up wasn''t a smart idea... Well crap..."


    "Ken!" Sera yelled running towards the girl.


    "Get down!" The woman yelled in a pure panic as she jumped away. She hit the ground and folded her body up in an attempt to keep all her vital areas safe.


    Ken felt herself get tackled to the ground by Sera as a wave of water came up covering over the two of them. Over with Hero and Gunther, the male Organization member, stopped their fighting as every hair on their body stood up. They turned to see the machine glowing. The metal actually began to get bigger as it seemingly inflated like a balloon. It got bigger and bigger as waves of red, yellow, and black energy came out of it. A thick white liquid began to pour out of the cracks as the very stone it rested on began to melt. A shock wave came out throwing all three girls back as more liquid bubbled out and began to take shape...


    The white liquid rose up becoming what looked like a giant head! Then it began to scream! It screamed out in fear, rage, confusion, and sadness getting louder and louder as everyone stared in shock at it.


    "What the hell!" Hero said with a look of confusion on his face. "Wait? This power feels familiar. Like I''ve seen it before?"


    "Oh shit!" The man yelled out with wide eyes filled with fear. More energy began to seep out of the device as it made a loud buzzing sound and began to glow.


    "Wait!" Hero said shocked. "That energy! It feels like Zero''s! And this scent? It smells like me? What''s happening? Is there... No... But the smell! A Seraphin is in that metal thing?"


    "Kid hit the floor!" The man yelled as he slammed his body to the ground. He shrunk back down going into his normal size as he covered his head and body to the best of his ability getting ready for something to happen. "Don''t just stand there dumbass! Get on the ground!" He yelled when he saw Hero was still standing there in confusion.


    "What is it doing-"


    "Damn it! I said get down!"


    "Why-"


    "You have shit survival instincts kid!"


    ''Boom!''

 Chapter 134 - Shellys Max Power! A Strange New Ability

    Age 1991


    "Whoa!" She said shocked. "Your Pero is strong enough to affect space!"


    "That''s not all!" September announced jumping into the air. "Sero!" She called out. The aura covered her feet as her legs began to glow. It looked like she was actually wearing a pair of white boots now. Her feet touched down on the air as she stood... She didn''t fall she just stood on the air literally floating in the air as she ran forward somehow walking on the air. She threw more or her blades out as they all slammed into the young girl faster then she could react throwing her back.


    The explosion shook the city being much bigger then it had before. Each attack was going off with enough force to leave scorching marks on the city as it shook more and more.


    Shelly let out a loud yell as she crashed into the ground and rolled back crashing into a building.


    "Whoa!" Kitsune yelled being blown back.


    Cloud let out a loud grunt as he stabbed his cane into the ground using it to stop himself from being blown back any further. He reached out with his other hand grabbing the man and stopping him from going any further as well. "It isn''t as crazy as the fight as Jackson and Zero... But those three are most certainly above us..." He said with a shake.


    September and October both threw out waves of attacks sending off massive explosions as it lit up the city.


    The black blades sliced through the buildings and exploded them into nothingness.


    The black whip cut through space itself leaving harsh streaks through the air that would eventually explode and then close back up. It crashed down blowing up more and more.


    "Crap!" Shelly muttered as another blast slammed into her and crashed her back again.


    The black whip cracked through the air wrapping around her leg and began to violently throw her around and slam her through buildings. It glowed a bright black as it exploded once again.


    Shelly slammed back as she slowly stood back up. "Ahh... This hurts..." She whined slowly.


    "What''s wrong! Not so c.o.c.ky now are you!" September said with a smirk.


    Shelly let out a small sigh as she reached up grabbing her pink jacket and throwing it off. It crashed down to the floor as she cracked her knuckles. "Alright!" She announced loudly. "It''s time I end this!" She said.


    "Huh?"


    Shelly let out an intake of air as all the flames in the area were pulled over to her.


    "Desatraillar!"


    The little girl screamed out as a wave of power covered her body.


    The flames covered her body lightning her up in a pink glow, as it mixed with the white aura that was coming off of her. Sparks of power seemed to roll off of her as all four of them stared at the small girl in shock.


    "Whoa..." Kitsune muttered out as he felt all the hairs on his body stand up. He couldn''t help but step away in mild fear as he watched the light show that came off of Shelly. "I take it back... She isn''t like Ken... Ken''s like her. Hero power is crazy. Not as high as Jackson, or Zero, but still... For a small child to be able to have this much power... Who the hell is this girl... How have we not heard of her... And more importantly. How does she seemingly know a high ranking Enforcer?"


    ''Shelly... Whatever you do. Don''t use that power.''


    "I''m sorry Eins..." Shelly muttered as the light show got even brighter. "But I never liked listening to you anyways..."


    ''Boom!''


    A massive pink pillar of light fired off into the air piercing the sky above and separating the black clouds in an arking streak. A wave of wind fired out from the force of the attack blowing all four kids back with a massive pressure.


    Cloud let out a grunt as he stabbed his cane into the ground. "This power... It feels wrong." He muttered out. All of his senses were screaming at him right now. Whatever this power was it wasn''t natural... This was the same feeling he had gotten whenever Hero would fight. Whatever that little girl was doing was an abomination. A sin to God. Something that should not exist in this world. What ever ''Desatraillar'' was, it couldn''t be good...


    The little girl let out another yell as even more power rushed in. More and more, waves of aura came off of her as the ground began to melt. More and more power was kicked up as a massive light show went off. One that could no doubt be seen and felt across the entire city...


    Meanwhile...


    "What the hell?" Jackson said looking around. The last Golem broke away turning into ashes but known of the Enforcers were focused on that. Rather than were focused on the massive giant pink pillar of flames that was exploding from a few miles away.


    "Well..." Hannah said slowly. "I''m not a betting man, like Ward is, but if was forced to make a bet, I''d guess the two lost boys, we''re over there..."


    "Yeah," Katrina said giving a nod. "We need to go..." She announced. "If we hurry we might be able to make it before this two Organization members!"


    "Right!"


    Meanwhile...


    "Yeah they''re over there aren''t they." Benuttired out holding onto his partner as their flying bike flew through the air.


    "Most certainly," David said giving a nod. "It explains why they never showed up."


    "They got distracted..." Ben muttered out.


    "Let''s go. If we hurry we can get there before those Enforcer bastards..."


    "Right!"


    Meanwhile back on the fight...


    Shelly continued to power up as several black keys and wh.i.p.s, tried to stop her. All of them shattered before they could reach her as a massive arm made of pink flames slashed around her, burning up anything that dared to get to close.


    "Oh, this just great!" October said sarcastically. "Now we get to watch the small girl power up, and we can''t stop her! What is some kind of bad anime?"


    "Yeah, scree this let''s leave-"


    "No!" Kitsune announced shooting forward. Cloud quickly followed running alongside his friend as they charged the two girls.


    "What the hell are you two idiots doing!" September yelled in a panic as her, and her sister we''re tackled to the ground by the two boys.


    "Holding you off until that scary girl powers up and kicks your ass!" Kitsune announced.


    "What kind of Enforcers are you!"


    "The kind that doesn''t mind being saved by a small adorable pink-haired girl," Cloud muttered stabbing his cane into the ground and narrowly missing the head of October who barely dodged the attack.


    "Get off of us you fools!" October shrieked out.


    "No!"


    Shelly watched them as she continued to still power up. "So those are Enforcers..." She muttered out. "And to think... I was once foolish enough to want to be one... I really was a naive child... Enforcers are terrible people. They can''t save anyone. Not like Eins can..."


    ''Do you think I could ever be one?''


    ''No Shelly... Your job is far more important than a silly Enforcer. You and your siblings are going to be the key to this world! If I can figure it out of course... It''ll take a few tries but I will find a way to slay the Kings! Nothing is immortal. Not the great beasts. Not the Master of the Enforcers. Not even God. I will slay them all...''


    ''Is that why you need to cut us up... Rip us apart. Put us back together? It always hurts... Can''t use medicine to numb the pain?''


    ''That''s right. I know it hurts, and I know the good doctor can seem a bit... Insane, but trust me. He knows what he is doing. That man already made several Seraphins. You should see his greatest project. That Seraphin is being trained by the previous first Captain. I''m sure that boy will grow up to be strong. Of course not as strong as our new weapon... Seraphins are out dated.''


    ''What''s a Seraphin...''


    ''I''ll tell you what a Seraphin is. A Seraphin is an old relic. A useless weapon now. This project is much better. I will admit there was a time when I thought that a Seraphin would be our greatest weapon. Not any more though. Seraphin''s are no longer needed. Not when we have you, Shelly... You and your siblings.''


    ''I see... Eins.''


    ''Yes?''


    ''Do you have to take me apart again?''


    ''You already know the answer to that. I didn''t raise you to be an idiot. Now. Close your eyes. Lay your head back. And this time. Try not to scream so much!''


    Shelly shook her head as she focused back in on her power. "The Enforcers..." She muttered out as a thin frown came onto her face. "I still don''t really like them..."

 Chapter 135 - Ill Save Her

    Age 1991


    Up in the air up above the shaking, and firey city, a metal shape shot through the air at a fast speed leaving a trail of wind behind it.


    The robot flew through the air carrying the two people, in the net, towards his destination. Reaper and Ren were currently stuck. The girl was doing her best to not let the man lay a hand on her which was easier said than done in their tight spot.


    "My orders were to bring you back alive so you will come with me to-"


    "Ha ha ha ha ha!" Reaper laughed loudly as he raised one of his arms up cutting through the net. "Ha ha ha ha ha! Ha ha ha!" The skeleton let out a loud laugh as he got to work.


    "Reaper! What are you doing? You will obey and-" The robot began only to have its head ripped off. The head flew through the air smashing into a brick house and was instantly flattened from the force.


    His bone sword stabbed up impaling through the head of the robot, and firing out a wave of sparks and oil. He pulled up as it was ripped off and him and the girl began to fall. The skeleton made a grab for her as the ground got closer and closer. As they fell Reaper slapped at the robot''s body launching it across the air, where it also smashed into the same brick house as its head.


    It hit the wall with a loud ''smack'' and slowly plummeted to the floor.


    Ren let out a loud gasp as they fell through the air spinning out of control. Both of their bodies collide as the skeletal man wrapped a hand around the girl''s throat as hard as he could. His jaws seemed to twist into a smirk.


    His laugh grew as they smashed through the roof of the building below them using the girl he held onto as a shield as she was forced through the roof and down into the rough stone floor below.


    Ren''s body smashed against the some floor painfully as Reaper raised his arm up and brought it down holding onto her head still, as he smashed her head first into the ground as hard as he could not holding anything back. And he did this... Again. And again.


    Again, and again.


    Again, and again..


    Again, and again...


    And again...


    And again..


    And again.


    His arm went down then up, down then up, down then up. Several cracks started to cover the floor as each smash shook the room.


    Reaper''s laughter came out in a loud burst as his body grew and he regrew his lost limb. His body became massive as he rentered his battle mode. His hand tightened on the girl''s face as he raised her up and slammed her down.


    ''Bang!''


    ''Bang!''


    ''Bang!''


    ''Bang!''


    ''Bang!''


    The floor under them exploded as it crashed down. The floor was caved in as Ren once again smashed into the floor below.


    "Ah... Ow... How..." Ren coughed up spitting up blood and vile as her vision went in and out. "Stop..." More blood started to pour out of her as the girl made a gasp. "Stop... Stop... Stop..." She weakily begged.


    ''Bang!''


    ''Bang!''


    ''Bang!''


    ''Bang!''


    ''Bang!''


    Reaper slammed down once again breaking through the floor and causing them to smash down into the floor below still using the girls body as his makeshift shield. She was once again roughly shoved into the ground.


    Their force shook the room and startled the unconscious man who had been in there.


    "Reaper!" Sirius yelled in a panic as when the two came crashing down from above. The skeleton was massive now somehow pulling in the bone fragments of every dead human in this city. The girl he was holding... Well, she no longer looked human... If not for the fact that a raspy gasp was coming from her, it''d be impossible to tell she was even alive... "What are you doing here..." The last thing the man had expected when he woke up was to see them come crashing down. "Wait! You actually got one of them? Hurry up and kill her-"


    "Sorry boss!" Reaper yelled giving the man a crazed look as his smile grew even larger. "Oh... And I''d suggest not telling me what to do! Ha ha ha ha!" His laughter came out crazed as he got back to work doing his best to turn the girl he held onto, into a fine red paste on the ground."


    The Noble actually stepped back a wave of fear washing through him for a split second. Something was wrong... Reaper was in a pure murderous state. He had lost all reason and thought... He was like a wild beast now, taking joy in the awful squishing sound that echoed out everytime the poor girls head smashed against the stone floor.


    "Reaper?" The man asked slowly after letting out a small intake of air he had been holding in.


    "I can''t talk right now!" The man announced. "I need to get down to the bas.e.m.e.nt floor! And I have a hell of a lot of floors to get through!"


    ''Bang!''


    The floor crashed below as Sirius and the girl let out a yell. Reaper let out a yell as he slammed the girl into the floor.


    "You... You won''t... Get away..."


    Reapers smile faded as he stared down at the girl. "What?" He questioned. Disappointment could be seen across his face as he made a face.


    "He... He''ll save me..."


    "That Red Demon? You think He''ll save you!"


    ''Smash!''


    The floor broke.


    "You think he''ll make it in time!"


    ''Smash!!''


    The floor broke..


    "You think he will actually be anle to save you!"


    ''Smash!!!''


    The floor broke...


    "Pathetic!"


    ''Smash!!!!''


    The floor broke....


    "It''s so pathetic! All of you thinking some knight will save you!"


    ''Smash!!!!!''


    The floor shattered as they smashed down into the bas.e.m.e.nt floor below.


    Ren collided with the metal floor below as the Skelton wrapped his hands around her throat.


    She felt her head fall into a thick liquid... All around them was a pool of red.


    "Like it! This is where I have my fun! This is where I rip them apart! And afterwards..." The skeleton wave one of his hands over to a metal machine. An incinerator... "We put them in there! And the black smoke fills the sky. What do you think of your new home?"


    "He''ll make it-"


    "I''ll kill you!"


    His fist slammed into her face. He reached out grabbing a large sharp rock raising it above his head.


    "He said he would-"


    ''Stab!''


    ''Stab!''


    ''Stab!''


    ''Stab!''


    ''Stab!''


    The sounds of the shard stabbing into her body echoed out louder and louder as he brought it down again and again and again and again and again and again and again.


    "So he''ll save me..."


    "Die!"


    "Die!"


    "Die!"


    "Die!"


    "Die!"


    "Die! Die! Die! Die die die die die!!!"


    "He''ll come..."


    Meanwhile...


    Kick their ass!" Nick screamed.


    "As you wish." One said getting back to the fight...


    Sif gave a slight smirk as she got back to her feet. "Well, it would seem we lucked out. The cavalry has arrived!"


    "Yeah!" Nick yelled out as he slammed his sword down as hard as he could.


    "Dawson!" Sif yelled. "This is your chance! Nick and I will hold them off here! Go get Ren!"


    Dawson stumbled to his feet as he entered his Red Demon mode. He made sure not to go past it into the new form since he couldn''t control that yet.


    "Right!" Dawson announced shooting forward. "I''ll save her!"


    "No need to tell me..."


    Dawson ran forward as fast as he could heading in the direction of where he thought she was. "...Stay safe Ren... I''ll make it... I have to make it... I need to make it... I will make it!"


    As he ran he thought back to everything she had said to him. Every comment. When they first met. Everything.


    Back over with Sif, she slapped her hand through the air, as it shot out a wave of darkness slicing through the wave of robots.


    Nick ran forward as well also slicing through them all as he danced around. Iron began to cover his body and stab out hitting the sides of the buildings and collapsed on top of the robots.


    Over with the one''s made of junk they tore through the horde ripping them apart and piecing themselves apart as they ripped their opponents to pieces.


    All of them fought as hard as they could...


    All of them fought to hold the horde off...


    Hold it off so Dawson could make it...


    The Red Demon tore himself up through the air ad he spun around firing out red tendrils and using them like a rope to pulling himself from building to building moving as fast as he could heading towards the direction of the Noble building.


    "I will save her!"

 Chapter 136 - Eins

    Age 1991


    The pink flames ripped forward as the pillar grew in size around Shelly.


    Massive pink arms cut through the air made of pink flames, coming out of the girl''s back.


    "What the hell kind of transformation is this!" September yelled slapping Kitsune off of her and launching the fox boy away causing him to crash into one of the buildings.


    "Oh..." Shelly said a small smirk coming onto her face as the two massive flaming hands came down getting in front of her. They were placed together forming a massive pink ball of crackling energy as even more heat rolled off of it. "This isn''t a transformation. This is an attack. An attack designed to break, and burn something down to molecular level!" The orb got bigger as it began to spin kicking up a massive wind cloud, as the arms got ready to fire it. "Sorry boys! You''ll probably be caught in the blast. Well, that and most of the city. Don''t worry though. This will be so quick you won''t have time to even realize your body no longer exist!''


    "Wait Shelly don''t!" Cloud yelled.


    "Damn it!" Kitsune shot forward as his orange flames fired out of his feet making him move faster as he made a grab for Cloud. "I''ll get us out of here-"


    "Fire!" Shelly announced launching the attack.


    All four stared in shock as it blasted forward...


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    ''I never really liked people. Ever since Iccould first remember, I lived in a lab... I had two siblings. Both older than me. Both stronger than me. I was deemed barely a success, and allowed to live. That was when I met Eins... My father?''


    Age 1981


    A small girl with long pink hair and pink eyes stared up at the man.


    His body practically seemed to glow as he stared down at a large pocket watch. He was young. Practically a teenager himself.


    On his chest was a small silver badge with the words ''Enforcer'' carved onto it.


    The little girl stared at him with curiosity. "W... Who are you?" She asked slowly.


    The man made a small face at her before turning to look up at a man in a lab coat. "She speaks?"


    "Well yeah? They''re still human you know." The man in the coat said giving a slight smirk. He was mostly in the shadows keeping him in silhouette. "I mean. If you want you could cut out their tongue. They aren''t Seraphin''s so it won''t come back."


    "Pathetic." Eins spat out. "What is the point of these weapons you created? They lack regeneration? And so far only three have passed. All with flames based abilities. Tell me why I should keep funding this group, and getting you your information from the lab?" Eins asked making another face.


    The doctor seemed to let out a laugh. "I''ll tell you why... Do you know what a Seraphin really is?"


    "Of course I do. A Seraphin is a human who has had three other Attributes implanted into them."


    "That''s half right..."


    "What?"


    "A Seraphin is, in fact, someone who was experimented on, and had two extra Attributes implanted into them. One of these is the Monsterfication. The other one will be an ability the Monsterfication chooses. If it isn''t one it chooses it won''t work."


    "What do you mean chose? Are you saying that ability is alive?"


    "Of course I am. Mantra. The Equation Of Life. They say we got this power from God. The ability to evolve an unlimited amount of times! But. We must be danger. Less we become like the normal humans and slowly devolve. No. Luckily. It won''t happen to us. If you''re a Super Human and you''re lazy and don''t fight you won''t suddenly lose your ability and look like a freak, like the rest of the humans. Rather you''ll have kids that will devolve. But if you are in danger. By being something like a solider, then you will evolve. Your body will change and get stronger... And your kids will have one hell of a kick to them. It is actually pretty bad. The human body can only handle so much after all. You wouldn''t believe the amount of kids who are dying now adays from child birth, since their abilities are too strong for them to handle. I''d say we got about... one hundred maybe two hundred years left before we go extinct, from the kids all dying from childbirth... In fact. Worldwide there are only about one hundred thousand Super Humans left... Meanwhile there are over one hundred billion normal humans. And around One S.e.xtillion Bestia Macht. We''re pretty screwed is what I''m saying."


    "What does that have to do with a Seraphin?"


    "I was getting to that. You''re almost as bad as Okami, cutting me off..."


    "Get to the point."


    "Fine. The Monsterfication first appeared way back in the day as you know. Well. That''s actually a lie. It appeared even sooner. You see. The Monsterfication was given that name because people were mistaken for Bestia Macht''s. You can''t blame them. The Monsterfication can power a person up at a cost of sanity... Of course... It is possible for them to tame the beast with in. And this is where they draw from a second source of power. I mentioned how Monsterfication existed for far longer then we realize. Well. This is because is child that was born with this ability back in the day, were the children of God-"


    "What..."


    "I''m not kidding. God. He came down and plowed a few women. They all gave birth to children with the Monsterfication. Now adays though that Attribute doesn''t exist since the people made sure to kill every person with the Monsterfication. The only reason I have Seraphin''s now is from a freak accident, and a miracle. Mantra is the Equation Of All Life so when a baby was born with messed up Mantra the doctors tried to fix it. But in doing so they activated a dormant gene within her unlocking the child of God. She gained the Monsterfication. The last of its kind. So, of course, I had to steal her away and experiment on her. A cit here. A slice there. And within time I found out how to make Seraphin''s. Renacido. When a Seraphin masters their powers they can enter this state. Here they will become the ultimate warrior."


    "Okay look. This is fascinating but it still doesn''t answer my question. I get that you''re saying Seraphin''s are special because they are children of God and whatnot. But what this." He roughly grabbed the girl with pink hair by the throat. "Only three survived! What make sure special. Why shouldn''t I just kill them and force you to make me a bunch of Seraphin''s! You promised me a weapon even greater than a Seraphin!"


    The man in lab coat watched the Enforcer continue to choke the girl. "Well. To put it simply. Her attack."


    "What?"


    "A Seraphin is built to survive and evolve. It is difficult to kill a Seraphin due to their regeneration. Even if the brain is inpailed that will only slow them down. They have Godlike Endurance and are able to fight for weeks without becoming exhausted. But this is only if they can tame the beast within. If not they will still have regeneration and enhanced abilities but there''s a limit. They must learn to work with their powers to fully become a Seraphin. But that girl. She''s different. Her kind don''t have a near-limitless stamina pool. Her kind don''t have the ability to simply shrug off decapitation. Her kind don''t have the ability to transform into an evolved state. She isn''t a warrior. I didn''t make you a bunch of warriors. I made you a gun."


    "What?"


    "Rather then focus on the ability to fight. Or the ability to come back. Or the ability to transform. I ignored them all, and focused only on how to up their attack. Made their Attributes stronger. Within this little girl is an ability she can call forth. An ability that could wipe out anything on this planet. You wanted a weapon to slay the Kings. I''m giving it to you. This girl. She could probably destroy the planet if left unchecked."


    "I see..." The man seemed to have calm down now. He actually looked... Happy? He slowly reached out placing a hand on the girl''s head as he set her down. "Well then... Let''s say..m Shelly? Yes, I like that. Well, then Shelly. It seems we''ll get along fine."


    Age 1991


    ''I never really liked people. Ever since Iccould first remember, I lived in a lab... I had two siblings. Both older than me. Both stronger than me. I was deemed barely a success, and allowed to live. That was when I met Eins... My father?''


    Shelly let out a yell as she began to fire off the attack.


    "You idiot!"


    Suddenly from behind Shelly felt an arm grab one of her twin tails as she yanked into the ground. Her attack fired off shooting up into the air and exploading with a massive pink blast so big it covered half the planet and separated the black smog for split second showing a blue sky?


    "What did I tell you." A voice growled out.


    Shelly looked up as her pink, and white aura vanished. In front of her now was Eins. And he looked pissed.


    His hand came out gripping the girl''s throat. "We''re leaving... I''ll punish you when you get back." He announced.


    "Wait!" Kitsune yelled jumping forward.


    A golden light appeared around Eins and in a bright flash he, and the girl vanished.


    "Well... I''m out." September announced grabbing her sister as they both made a run for it.


    Neither of the hots chased after them far too exhausted.


    "Well, this can''t get any worse..." Kitsune muttured.


    "You guys are dead!" The voice of Katrina echoed out.


    "I stand corrected..."

 Chapter 137 - The Boom

    Age 1991


    "Do you have any idea what happened?" Katrina asked with a small sigh. She glanced back and forth at the heavily beat up Kitsune and Cloud. Her group didn''t really look much better to be fair...


    "No," Kitsune muttered out. "It was super weird. This pink-haired girl showed up. And you did something. Them a guy showed up. And he knocked the girl out. And then they left?"


    Katrina let out another sigh as she folded her arms up. "Great... Okay well... Crap then."


    "We''re sorry."


    "It''s fine. Just try to be more careful next time okay?" The Captain said giving a small nod of her head. "You represent the Enforcers now


    More importantly, you represent Squad Six. Anything bad you do will be reflected onto is as well. We aren''t just a single unit. We''re a team."


    "We will," Cloud said nodding. "We were caught off guard by the events. We did our best but we simply were not even close to being a match... It annoys me greatly that there are people who are that absurdly strong and yet are still younger than us."


    "You''ll get used to it," Jackson said giving a slight smile. "It can be hard at times but eventually you''ll have to learn to accept it."


    "That''s not good..."


    The white-haired Vice-Captain let out a small laugh as he stabbed his sword into the ground. "Well. Let''s just hope the others are doing okay. After all, they''re stationed somewhere way worse than us. We should head back to Oleander for now, and wait for them to return."


    Meanwhile...


    ''Boom!''


    The metal pole exploded in a massive explosion.


    "Oww..." Hero whined slowly setting up. "That hurt..." He muttered out. He looked down seeing the large piece of metal that was impaled into his body. White liquid flowed out of his wound as he forced the thing out. Of he was a normal human he would have bled out in seconds.


    "Hero!" Ken yelled jumping up to her feet. Thankfully both her and Sera didn''t look that injured. They were a bit banged up, and had some cuts on them, that were bleeding but that was about it.


    The surrounding area they were in was a massive crater.


    "Ha! You crazy kids!" The male Organization member yelled out as he jumped back up to his feet. He let out a loud laugh as he looked around. "Well, I''ll be damned. You three day screwed us over." He announced. He walked over to the girl Organization member who was unconscious now. "Come, baby. Let''s head back." He muttered reaching out and grabbing the girl. He picked her up throwing her over his shoulder. "Oh. And before I go. Word of wisdom. There''s one more machine set up. The people assigned to it aren''t as nice as I am. They''ll likely just kill if they see you. If I were you I''d leave this city while I have the chance. Even if by some miracle you stop the machine this city is finished. It''s so badly destroyed that it is unbelievable. The Bestia Macht will probably be here soon now that the walls are gone. So take my advice and leave."


    "You aren''t going to kill us?" Hero asked confused.


    "Nah? Truth is I kind of like you kid. I wanna see you get stronger and unlock that Attribute of yours so we can have a real fight where I won''t have to hold back. Besides. Machines broke. No point in sticking around."


    "Oh... You''re a nice man. Why are you on the Organization?"


    "Well. I have my reasons. For now, I''ll be seeing." Before they could say anything else his leg came out as he kicked the ground as hard as he could. The force of it rocketed him up into the air as he flew away.


    "Well, that just happened..." Ken muttered out.


    Hero ignored the small girl as he walked over to where the machine was. It was still a massive metal pole stabbed into the ground but now it was missing several pieces and covered in burn marks. Hero reached to the top pulling up a yellow gem.


    "It''s as I thought." He said looking down at the gem. "This is the thing that infected Zero and those other guys turning them into monsters?"


    "What?" Sera asked confused.


    "Long story... Remember the mission we did where we came back all best up and everyone started to gossip about us? Well, we fought glowing crystal that turns people into monsters called the Corruption." Ken said calmly. "Also. HERO! Drop that!"


    Hero gave a nod as he dropped the crystal. As soon as it hit the ground his smashed his foot into it as hard as he could absolutely obliterating it into nothingness.


    "That won''t be hurting anyone else." He Announced calmly. He reached his hand out placing it on the pole. "And now..." He said calmly. He grabbed it and pulled back ripping a section off of it.


    Orange liquid flowed out dripping onto the ground as both the two girls quickly stepped away. Hero didn''t move standing there as the liquid flowed over him. His clothing began to sizzle and burn away at the bottom where the liquid touched as the flesh on his legs, and arms melted away.


    Having a regeneration ability was really helpful.


    "That''s not all." Hero said calmly reaching a melting arm into the machine.


    "Hero is acting kind of different..." Sera muttered. "And his powers are weirder now. Also is he bleeding white blood?"


    "Do you think he''s actually Hero... Or is he the Seraphin."


    "Here it is!" Hero announced pulling back. He ripped something out of the tube throwing it on the ground. "Oh crap-"


    They all let out loud screams when they saw that it was, in fact, a body that was now on the ground.


    "Eww!" Sera yelled jumping away.


    "Gross," Ken muttered.


    "That scent. No doubt about it. He''s a Seraphin." Hero dropped to his knees examining the body. It was just a young man. Much of his flesh was gone since he had been in the orange liquid. He didn''t seem to have a heartbeat or even any blood in him. A pair of silver eyes blankly stared up to the dark sky.


    Hero let out a small sigh as he reached out closing the body''s eyes.


    "Hero?" Ken asked slowly.


    "They''re using Seraphin''s to powers those things up..." Hero growled out. He jumped to his feet punching his hand. "Now it''s personal. I''ll destroy every last one of-"


    "Surprise kick!" A loud voice announced.


    Heron felt a foot slam into his face as he was knocked away crashing into one of the buildings that were somehow still standing.


    "What the hell!" Everyone yelled startled as a figure landed on the ground.


    "Wait a minute..." Ken muttered slowly. "That girl... Heather?"


    "The daughter of that rich Noble?" Sera asked.


    "Halt evildoer!" Heather announced pointing down on Hero. "I won''t stand for-"


    Hero''s hand came out grabbing the girl by the head as he held her up. "Why''d you kick me?" He asked curiously holding her with one hand. He made sure not to hurt her as she kicked at him.


    "Put me down!"


    "Okay."


    Hero dropped her.


    Heather jumped back to her feet as she glared at the boy. "What are you doing here?" She asked.


    "Umm... Stopping a machine that was going to blow up the city." Hero said casually pointing at the metal pole. "How about you?"


    "Ahh. So that''s the machine I read about." Heather muttered slightly as she stared at the device. "Impressive. But there is one more right?"


    "Okay slow down," Ken said placing a hand on the small girl''s shoulder. "Heather listen. You should leave and get somewhere safe. It is dangerous right now. Where''s your dad?"


    "Ha! As if I would know." The girl pulled away as she walked forward. "And besides! I''m not leaving until I stop those machines. Don''t get in my way."


    "Your Twelve..." Hero said flatly. "I won''t let you go off and fight."


    "Well screw you! You aren''t my dad. And I don''t even listen to my dad."


    "Heather. Stop." Hero said slowly. There was a quiet pop as a bone spike popped out of his hand. "I will knock you out if your force me to."


    Heather seemed to hesitate for a moment seeing the dangerous look on Hero''s face. It would seem the naive idiotic boy wasn''t in the mood to play around. He was just pissed off now.


    The girl shook her head as she raised her hand up. "You won''t stop me! I''ll get there first and break the machine before you three!" She announced slamming her hand down as a massive mountain of crystal formed out blocking them all off. "Ha! Good luck getting past that! While you''re trying I''ll escape!"


    "Heather! You idiot that''s dangerous!" Hero yelled at her. She didn''t seem to listen already running away. Hero jumped forward stabbing his claws into the crystal and began to climb up it.


    "Do you get the feeling this is karma for not listening to our baby sitters," Ken asked letting out a small sigh as she to began to climb the crystal.


    "Oh for sure," Sera said with a nod


    And with that, the three began to climb.

 Chapter 138 - Where Everyone Stands

    Age 1991


    Oleander City...


    Master Storms office...


    The old man let out a small hum reading a book. He was inturputed by a loud bang as his door was pushed open.


    "Ahh young Ward?" The old man said with a slight smile. "What brings you here to my office-"


    "Ok, sir! Something bad is definitely happening!" Ward announced barging into the room of Master Storm. "You can feel that right?" He asked loudly. "That power going on in Chrysanthemum? It''s like death has been given a body."


    "You mean all the power going off at Chrysanthemum?" The old man ask casually as he set down a book he was reading. "Of course I can feel that? What you think I don''t know how to sense Mantra?"


    Ward banged his hand on the table as he let out a loud yell. "If you sense it then why haven''t you done anything about it?"


    "? The government hasn''t told me to do anything?" The old man said simply as he gave another shrug.


    "Are you serious right now?" Ward asked with wide eyes. "Sir. People are dying right now. An entire city has as much energy as a war zone. I think the government would understand if we acted without getting an order first!"


    "You''re right. That probably would-"


    "Then why the hell are we still standing here-"


    "Ward." The air in the room suddenly changed as a pale expression went onto the man''s face. The old man looked at with an annoyed look now as he tapped his finger on the table. "Rest assured. I know what is happening in Chrysanthemum. I haven''t done anything because there would be no point now. By the time we were to arrive there, this situation would already be over with. Don''t get me wrong. It is bad that the death is happening. I am saddened that so many innocent people will most certainly fall, and are probably dying as we speak. But there is no point for us to set out. We would simply not make it in time. Even if we were to somehow set out right now and get ready in a few minutes by the time we got there the battle would be over. Our Squad would have won."


    "How do you know that?" Ward asked slowly. His voice had gone quieter now as he made sure not to tell at one of the strongest men in the world. He decided that it wouldn''t be a good idea to keep yelling. Especially when he seemed super pissed off at him. "I don''t understand? This is bad Sir... Even you have to admit that it is bad right sir?"


    "I believe in the squad I stationed there. I put them there to handle it. If they aren''t able to then that list means they aren''t real Enforcers." He said slowly. For a brief second the thought of Hero Otoko came to his mind. "I believe they can handle this. I chose to believe. It is an Enforcers job to handle anything and everything that this cursed and vile world can throw at them. No matter what we are to get back up and keep fighting. We aren''t a heroic group. Our job is to save the human race no matter what cost. Even if that means sacrificing the very thing we are trying to save. There would be no point to head to Chrysanthemum now. Not when the battle was so close to being over. Have faith that our group can handle it. We are the Enforcers. They are strong. They can finish it without us. They must finish it without us."


    Ward stepped back as he glanced down at his hands. "I used to think the Enforcers were so good. That they were this amazing heroic group. I dreamed of joining them rising through the ranks and one day surpassing you. I thought that I would be the one to finally take over this group. I believed that the Enforcers are good... A heroic group. Superheores. That''s what I used to think..."


    "Yes, you really were a fool back in the day weren''t you?"


    "...I was..."


    Master Storm let out a small sigh as a tiny smile came onto his face. "Alright young Ward. Let''s make a little bet shall we?"


    "A bet?"


    "You like those do you not? Last I checked you had a bit of a gambling problem."


    "Just a small one..."


    Master Storm placed his hand on the table sliding some random Bells over. "Let''s make a bet. I bet that within two hours the squad over there will get back. I believe that they will finish this mission. Even if the city is destroyed. Even if one of them, or two of them, or even three of them fall. I believe that they will finish this mission. How about you? Do you have a time on how long you think it will take Young Ward?"


    Ward was silent as he stared down at the Bells. He made a small face for a second. "Okay? I bet that in sixteen hours they''ll get back then."


    "Why sixteen?"


    "Well, it takes fourteen hours at the fastest to get from Chrysanthemum to Oleander."


    "...I forgot about that!" Master Storm said shooting to his feet as he grabbed his head. "Ahh! I was so focused on them finishing off the problem I didn''t even think about how long it would take the group to get back!"


    Ward let out a small sigh as he shook his head. He turned his back as a small smile came onto his face. "Thank you, sir..." He finally said.


    Meanwhile...


    "That''s a long way down!" Hero yelled in a panic as he fell down the side of the building. He crashed into the stone floor below with a painful thud. "Oww-"


    "Look out below!" Ken crashed into the body of Hero using him to break her fall.


    "Ahh! Why would you-"


    "Me too!" Sera also landed on Hero as she jumped off of him. "That was fun..."


    "I hate you both..." Hero yelled as he pulled himself up. "Why do you two have to be the way you are."


    "Oh relax! You can heal?"


    "Not to this extent!" Hero popped his body back in place. more white goo began to fall out of his body as he stared down at it. "Besides. I have no idea what''s happening with my powers but they''re being weird. I can''t stop this liquid from pouring out for some reason."


    "That can''t be good..." Ken said in a worried tone. "What do we do?"


    "We ignore it." Hero stated clutching his fist as he turned away from them. "We don''t have time to worry about me. That little girl is in trouble. We need to get there before she does." He announced punching his hand. "I''m not going to let her go do something stupid and get herself kill! The only people who can be stupid is me!"


    "How did she know so much about what was happening?" Ken asked curiously.


    "Uhh, the city is kind of destroyed?" Hero said shrugging. "Not hard to see what''s happening."


    "That isn''t what I meant!" Ken let out a sigh as she folded her arms. "I meant that she knew what those machines were. Or at least the fact that there was two? I want to ask her about that when we see her." She gave a small nod of her head. "So many weird things have been going on. I''m tired of this mission! I picked it for a nice east mission! Instead, we''re stuck doing this crazy lava, skeleton man bull crap!"


    "I forgot about Reaper..." Hero said as a shiver went down his spine. "I wonder how that''s going?"


    Meanwhile...


    ''Boom!''


    Flames continued to spread ripping the city apart. The entire city was still a hell on Ava.


    Although the shaking had stopped. Now all that was left was the constant waves of flames that were still strong enough to topple buildings.


    "Come on..." The Red Demon muttured as he gritted his teeth. "Don''t you dare be dead... I swear. I''m saving you..."


    Dawson stood in front of the large broken-down building. It had once been a towering mansion where a Noble family once lived. But now...


    Now it was nothing more then a run down tower. Covered in cracks, and fire. It looked like it would fall down any second.


    Dawson walked forward bashing a hand into a wall and knocking it down in a single strike.


    He entered the main room finding a massive hole in the floor leading to a room below.


    He took a deep breath as he clutched his hand hard enough to dig his hands into his skin. He gritted his teeth as he stared down the hole. Every floor he could see had a hole. Whatever happened they must have been at the bottom by now?


    "I''m here Ren... I promise I''ll save!"


    He stepped past the hole falling into the darkness below.

 Chapter 139 - The Next Battle

    Age 1991


    Hero very quickly jumped up to his feet as he pointed ahead of him. "Alright!" He announced loudly. "We''ll march-"


    A wave of flames slammed into the teen as he was thrown back crashing into one of the fallen buildings. He hit the ground with a soft thud as stars rolled around his head.


    "...Right..." He said slowly. "I forgot the city is still exploding with fire."


    Sera made a small face as she stared ahead of them as more flames danced around leaving large black marks on the stone.


    "Oh, dear... Ken and I would certainly be reduced to less then a crisp in mere seconds if one hit us."


    "Ahh! I see where you''re going with this." Ken said giving a nod.


    "What?" Hero asked jumping back up.


    Both girls slowly turned to look at the young Seraphin. A shiver went down his spine when he saw the look in their eyes. He let out a small sigh as he folded his arms.


    "You''re going to use me as a shield again-"


    "We''re going to use you as a shield again."


    A few minutes later...


    "Oww! Oh God, it burns!" Hero yelled as more fire slammed into him. He was pushed forward by both girls as his feet cut into the ground.


    "Geez." Sera hissed out looking down at her hands. "This fire is too much. I can''t even make any water at all? I''m completely drained." She muttered out.


    "Yeah. This drought probably isn''t good for your water Attribute is it?" Ken asked slowly. "Thankfully we have Hero. With his regeneration, he makes the ultimate defense! My hands are still sore and shaking from using my Red Slash attack. I think I only have one of two more in me before my hands give out. I can''t stop the shaking."


    "Oh yeah! I''m glad you two are fine!" Hero said sarcastically. "Meanwhile-" He crashed straight through a falling building walking through it with ease as it collapsed on him. He came out the other side dusting the rocks, and flames off of him as he continued walking as if nothing happened. "-I''m slowly being burned away! My flesh is able to heal faster then the fire can burn it off, but still! I feel pain just as much as anyone!" He yelled out with frustration. ''Still though...'' He thought running through another building as both girls held onto him. ''I can feel myself improving every second of this... Every time my flesh burns away it regrows a little bit quicker. Each time it is taking up less and less energy. I feel like if I keep it up I might even be able to regrow an entire limb or even one of my organs... Is that what being a Seraphin means? Should I stop? What if I lose control... I can feel something in me. It is subtle but still...''


    "Hero?"


    "Yeah?" Hero asked snapping out of his shock.


    "Look." Ken pointed past his shoulder as the boy stared ahead.


    Past him, the streets were perfectly normal? Like past an invisible line the flames and destructions just stopped.


    "This is just like before." Hero said surprised.


    "Yep. If I had to guess I''d say that another one of those machines are past this point." Ken said slowly. "Alright, Hero! Punch it!"


    "Ken! Last time we punched it, it exploded." Sera said with a face.


    "No. Last time I stabbed it. This time Hero will punch it!"


    "She''s right. Pretty sound logic." Hero said with a nod.


    Sera''s eyes twitched slightly. "Right... Well, commoners! How about we think of another way to go about it." She asked. "Like. A way that won''t lead to it blowing up and wiping out an entire city block again... Seriously. I think this might be the only place that isn''t on fire. The rest of this city is in bad shape."


    "We''ll think about it," Ken said.


    "Yep. Thought about it." Hero also said.


    "What?"


    "I thought about it. Decided to punch it."


    "Hero!"


    "It is all I know how to do!"


    The three moved past the invisible line and into the undamaged city block. As soon as they stepped past it they felt a wave of invisible instinctual power go through them raising every hair on their body as they looked around with a small amount of nervousness.


    "Oh boy that can''t be good..." Hero said with wide eyes.


    Both girls moved past him, finally deciding to stop using him as a makeshift shield. They looked around with a small amount of nervousness as a feeling of unease set within them.


    At the last fight, they had felt a bit of worry as they fought the two Organization members but it wasn''t anywhere near the level of this one. The last two members were certainly dangerous but this was different.


    This felt wrong. They once again felt like they were throwing themselves into danger once again.


    To he fair. They kind of were...


    "Okay..." Ken said slowly. "Hero... Punch really, really hard. You got this big guy."


    "I have many things. Cool powers. Awesome strength. Weird friends. But I don''t think I got this..."


    "Nah... You''re fine-"


    They walked forward a little more turning the corner. Instantly a green coin flew past them cutting into Hero''s cheek splitting it open as the boy let out a loud yell. He reached up grabbing his cheek as he jumped away.


    "Oww! What the hell!" Hero yelled rubbing at it. He reached out picking up a Bell. "Is this money? What? Well, this is mine now jackass!" He announced pocketing it.


    In front of the two of them now, was two men.


    A large metal pole was stabbed into the ground. A man wearing long black robes and the mask of an extinct creature, that being a fox, was seated in the machine. His robes had a large three on them.


    Next to him stood another man who also wore black robes and had the mask of some random Bestia Macht. The man held several small metal coins in his hand as they glowed a low green color. His robes had a large four on them.


    Both men glared at the three children with a lol of hostility as the one with the four walked forward.


    "Kaen." He barked out. "Stay in the seat. I''ll deal with these kids..." The man raised more coins up as they floated out of his hand and began to spin through the air at a fast speed bending the wind around them both.


    "Crap..." Sera muttered as a small amount of water came out of her hand. It turned to steam vanishing away. She pulled out as much as she could as the water began to shape becoming a thin blade of water. "I''m out of water. All I got is enough to form this, and I have no idea how long I can keep this sword on for... You guys got this right? I''m basically useless once this sword vanishes."


    "Wait a minute?" Hero said staring at the two men with a curious look. "You both smell familiar? Have I seen you-"


    The man stepped forward launching out a wave of coins. Ken jumped in front of her friend as she slashed out with her blade deflecting several of the coins away. It glowed a bright red as energy arked off of it slicing at the air as she grabbed her sheath and for the very first time since she got the blade she unsheathed it. Zero''s sword lit up shining through the darkness as the energy bounced off of it going all around it.


    "A samurais sword?" The man asked making a frown. "I''ve always wanted to face one of you!" His coins came together forming into a long green blade made out of the coins. Green energy came off of it as he also pointed it forward towards the girl.


    Hero made a slight face as he folded his arms. "No fair... I want a sword!" He went silent as he stared down at his hands. "I wonder..."


    "Hero focus! Here he comes!" Ken announced as the man began to walk towards him. "Get ready because-"


    A massive pink crystal fired through the air nearly hitting the man but at the last second he sliced out with his sword cutting the crystal in half.


    It flew forward separating as it crashed into the ground below ripping it up.


    "What the hell!" Ken said startled as she jumped slightly. She looked around in shock. "Oh no... Don''t tell me..."


    "Ha ha!" From the sky dropping down Heather landed on the floor. She let out a yelp of pain realizing how painful the superhero landing was. A shiver went through her as she stood up pointing her hand forward. More pink, and green crystals began to form as she gave a large smirk. "Hey, bad guys! I''m going to beat you up real good!"


    "Oh no..."


    The Organization member stared at her in shock for a moment as he stepped back.


    "Isn''t that girl..."


    "Shut up Kaen." Four hissed out raising his sword. "Make sure to keep that machine going."


    Heather gave a smile as she pointed. "Don''t worry!" She announced loudly. "I''m here now."


    "...Yay..."

 Chapter 140 - Not Giving Up

    Age 1991


    "Is anyone else concerned that a twelve-year-old girl just entered the battlefield?" Hero asked looking at Heather.


    "Well, what about her?" Heather asked pointing at Ken.


    "I''m not twelve? I''m fourteen?"


    "Oh. You''re short-"


    "I''ll kill you!"


    "Uhh, guys the bad guy is running towards us..." Sera said slowly.


    "Which one-" Hero was backhanded across the street as a wave of spinning coins slammed into him throwing him back.


    "Idiot kids. Leave now or I will kill you all!" The Organization member screamed out. Four ran forward past the boy as he swung his sword made of glowing coins. It clashed with Ken''s blade the two sending out a wave of sparks as green and red energy danced along the sky.


    Ken let out a yell as she continued to slice out with her sword showing only a small amount of skill as each strike was still fairly sloppy and filled with mistakes.


    "Huh. You''re no Samurai." The man with a bored expression as he deflected a strike with his blade and slammed his other hand into the girl''s side dropping her to the ground. He raised his sword above him preparing to bring it down on the young fourteen-year-old girl as her dull red eyes widened with surprise. "I don''t know where you got such a blade girl, but if I were you I would drop it. Such an item being carried around by a novice will only cause you trouble in the-"


    A massive wave of crystals fired out catching the man off guard as he was thrown back and crashed into the stone floor below. He broke his fall managing to twist his way back onto his feet.


    Heather stood in front of him as pink and green crystals formed off of her body all of them reflecting the small amount of light from the fire lighting up the mostly black city.


    "Just because I''m a kid doesn''t mean I''m weak," Heather announced. "I''m a Noble! Even without training, I was able to come this far. So sit back and check this out!" She announced. She brought her arm down as a wave of crystals fired overcoating the ground.


    The man let out a grunt as he sliced his blade up splitting them in half.


    "Foolish girl. Leave this battlefield or else." He grunted out. He pointed his green blade towards the green-haired girl as more energy began to crackle off of it. "I will not hesitate to knock you out if I need to." He hissed.


    ''Knock out?'' Hero thought with some confusion as he began to get back up. ''I thought he was trying to kill us... Oh I get it. He secretly has a soft spot for us!''


    "All of you! This is your only chance-"


    Sera rushed forward swinging her own sword as the man blocked the strike easily.


    "A few months ago I would have given up," Sera admitted giving a small nod of her head as her blue blade clashed with the green blade that belonged to the Organization member. "I wouldn''t have hesitated to give up. But. I''m an Enforcer now!" She announced loudly slicing her sword down as it bent and twisted becoming a whip that sliced through the air and cut into the man''s shoulder. He let out a loud hiss of pain as he jumped back streaks of red running down his side now. "I won''t quit. Even if I''m outmatched. None of us will! No matter what you say or do, you will never convince us to quit!"


    The man let out a low growl as he clutched at his bleeding shoulder. "Is that a fact huh? Alright, girl... Believe me. I have nothing against your group personally but, if I don''t act I will lose what makes me whole. So. Doe a pitiful death Enforcer sc.u.m-"


    Hero crashed into the man slamming his side into him as he threw out as many punches and kicks as he could.


    The man let out a growl as he sliced his blade up splitting the gut of Hero open. The boy let out a scream of pain as he dropped to his knees white blood pouring out of the wound. Hero spat up a glob of white liquid as the blade sliced into his chest pumping through his heart as the blade ripped up partially splitting him in half. Hero hit the floor practically throwing up now.


    ''Shit! This pain. I''m losing blood! Am I dying? I thought he wasn''t going to try and kill us! How do I make the bleeding stop! I can''t think! This pain. No...'' He gasped out as he stared around wildly. His vision began to go in and out as everything was becoming black around him. ''Oh no...''


    "Ahh. A Seraphin huh?" The man asked raising an eyebrow. "I see. Well, I''ve fought your kind before. Let''s see you regenerate after I rip your head off your shoulders and destroy your brain-"


    A mound of pink and green crystals slammed into him throwing him into the air.


    "I don''t like being interrupted!" He yelled as Heather raised her hands and sent more shards after him. He flied through the air dodging them as they smashed into the nearby buildings. Sera moved her arms as her whip cut through the air towards the man.


    "Hero! Oh geez... That''s bad." Ken yelled running over to the boy''s side. He was not in a good shape his shoulder falling down and nearly coming off of him. His inside could be seen nearly making the girl vomit. His heart was swollen and white? White liquid was pumping through his body, and his muscles were black growing and then getting smaller. His inflation and compression ability. His organs all looked like they were made of plastic? They also seemed to be growing and shrinking as his body moved around... His bones had tiny little white spikes coming off of them that stabbed into the muscle. No doubt spots where he could summon those bone spike things. And lastly wired tiny red creatures moved through his body. They were small. Barely able to be seen. There was billions of them in his body all piled up. That was the only way she had seen them. They seemed to be moving as white strands started grasping at his flesh trying to pull it back together. Steam was rising off of his body as Hero''s eyes stared around wildly. His contacts had fallen off by now showing off his normal silver eyes which had a look of shock and fear in them. "He seems to be healing..." Ken muttered. "But why is his blood white? Last time he was injured it was red? Is he changing? Becoming more of a Seraphin..." The girl shook her head quickly as she turned away. She slowly reached up taking off her white jacket of her uniform and threw it over the boy. "Stay here! We''ve got this!" She announced turning to look back at the fight.


    The Organization member landed on one of the many tipped over buildings as he reached into his pocket and threw out a wave of spinning green coins.


    "Rip everyone but him and her apart!" He announced pointing at the man in the machine, and Heather.


    The coins flew down spinning so fast they easily cut through stone. Ken ran forward bringing her weapon down as hard as she could as a wave of red energy slammed forward slicing through the coins. Her hands shook violently already becoming purple from the strain. Despite that though she still gave a smile pointing her blade forward.


    "Nice try." She announced. "But you should know by now we aren''t going to give up that easily. We are going to beat you!" She announced.


    The man let out another growl as he jumped down landing on the floor below. "I really hate your kind." He spat out. "Always with the heroics. And you!" He said to Heather. "I thought you would have known better!" He hissed out.


    "What''s that supposed to mean?" The twelve-year-old asked.


    Ken stepped in front of the girl blocking the man from reaching her, as she raised her own sword up once again. More red energy began to crackle off of it as she pointed the blade towards the man.


    "Get out of my way."


    "Yeah. Not happening." Ken stated still with a smirk. She prepared another attack as her sword began to shake.


    The man let out a small sigh as he waved his hand. Several more coins were pulled together forming a second blade. "That''s it. I was trying to be nice with you idiots. I dislike having to kill, especially someone so young but you''ve left me with no choice. From here on out I will do everything I can to insure your death."


    "Fine by me," Ken announced. "Because from this point on I''ll do everything I can to wipe that smug look of your face."


    "I''m wearing a mask."


    "Guess I''ll have to try hard then."

 Chapter 141 - The Fools Plan

    Age 1991


    Hero felt himself falling.


    He felt the ground give out around him.


    He felt the wind hit him as he spun through the air.


    A white liquid suddenly sprung around him as something covered over his body. It was like a white shell. It stuck to his body and forming around him covering him up. It was like wearing a full-on white bodysuit covering his body completely save for two holes where his silver eyes stuck out of. The white liquid suit seemed to move around his body as he felt himself fall back.


    ''Splash!''


    Redwater flew into the air as Hero took a deep breath of surprise, the suit opened up in the mouth area as the red liquid flowed into it. He felt liquid rush into his lungs as he tried to kick and punch at the air, but the suit seemed to have come to life as it forced his arms back down causing him to sink deeper, and deeper into the red ocean. He felt a warm liquid flow over him as his silver eyes stared around wildly. It was nearly impossible to see now nothing but a wave of red.


    All around him for miles was a large, and deep red sea?


    "What?" Hero said with wide eyes. "Where am I-"


    "Where do you think you are?" A cold, and familiar voice asked.


    Hero moved up through the water as he looked in the air. Above him, a massive lab coat floated in the air. Several chains were wrapped above it keeping it in place. Next to it, a smaller lab coat floated around freely.


    Labby, and the smaller version of Labby, that the lab coat had made. Apparently, he didn''t pull the smaller lab coat back into himself? That probably wasn''t good.


    "Why am I here again?" Hero asked looking around wildly again. "And what the hell is up with this!" He waved his hands around showing the white suit that was stuck to his body. "What happened to Hospital? And why is the red liquid so much deeper?" He asked.


    "Slow down." The big Labby hissed out. "You''re asking too many questions."


    "Well to be fair..." The smaller Labby said. "He is probably a bit confused. He does have every right to be after all. This is the worse condition he''s ever been in."


    "What?" Hero asked.


    The big Labby let out another sigh as he slowly floated closer to the ground. It''s sleeves came out placing them on the ground. "To put it simply. You''re currently dying."


    "What!"


    "Your heart was completely blown to pieces and then you were practically split in half." Labby said calmly. The smaller lab coat moved closer to the ground as it floated into the red water and disappeared. "Thankfully. Or well. Thankfully for you. You''re a Seraphin. Because of this, your body is currently healing. The Red ocean, as I''ve stated is the manifestation of your mother''s Attribute. Living Nano. The reason it is deeper is because it is going all out to try and keep you stable. As for where Hospital is. Well. You''re wearing her."


    Hero stared down at the white suit that was on him as his eyes went pure wide. He felt it breathing... It twisted around his body. Seraphin''s can lose control to the manifestation of the Monsterfication, if they do not watch it carefully. It is a Seraphin''s fate that the ability will take them over...


    "Ahh. That fearful look on your face." Labby said giving a small laugh despite not having a mouth. Then again he also talked without a mouth so that might not have actually been that strange. "You''re indeed correct boy." Labby said slowly. "She has gotten closer to you. Right now the only thing stopping her from taking your body over is the fact that she needs to heal it. You''re on a dangerous territory right now." The white suit moved around him as the red liquid seemed to hiss out. "Ahh of course. Your mother and Hospital don''t get along too well. Did you know this red ocean has been holding the ability back? Making it weaker so you would be able to beat it on your own? Of course. Right now she is teaming up with it. Both those abilities are teaming up to try and put you back into a working shape."


    "Oh no..." Hero muttered out slowly.


    "Yes." Labby said giving a nod of his head. Or at least the closet thing he had to a head. "I''m afraid that you don''t have a lot of options. There is a chance you will be able to keep the Monsterfication back. Or at least mostly. But it will be just you fighting. Due to how close it has gotten, quite literally being on your skin, your mother will not be able to fight back against it. She had to let it get to you to save you after all."


    Once again the red sea seemed to let out a loud hiss as steam rose up around it.


    "You''re still too weak to handle this power." Labby mocked. "And because of that, you will be taken over by that power. However. You do have an option."


    "I do?"


    "Drop these chains. Unlock me. And I will kill you right now. I will kill you so that the ability can''t take you over and kill everyone in this city."


    Hero was silent as he felt like he had just been slapped in the face.


    "You''re saying I have to die?" Hero asked slowly.


    "Of course. It is my job to stop that power from ever reaching you and taking over your body. That is the job of every lab coat, that rest inside of a Seraphin. Believe me. Many Seraphin''s think they can control the power. They think they can take it over. But in the end it will always take them over. Many of them try and destroy the mind manifestations. If you were to kill one of us, you would technically be able to absorb us into yourself."


    "Wait so if I kill you I''ll absorb you?"


    "All of us are you. Yes. The Monsterfication is Ava''s power, and does have some of her in it, but in the end, it is just a shadow of her. Same with the red ocean. It has your mother but still isn''t her. All of us are you. So if you were to somehow defeat us you could absorb us into your body gaining what we have. For instance. If you defeat the red ocean, you could gain the full power of the Living Nano. If you defeat Hospital, you could gain full power of the Monsterfication and not have to worry about it taking you over. Of course. No Seraphin has ever beaten the Monsterfication. Many have managed to beat it down and think they won. But in the end. It always comes back. It always takes them over."


    "...What about you?" Hero asked.


    "What?"


    "What do I get when I beat you?"


    "When? Well. If you beat me you get access to 100%... I told you. It is only possible for you to get to 50%... If you were defeat me then you would not only have that 100% full power, but you would also gain far more control no longer having to worry about ripping your body apart. Of course. You will never beat me. And if you do, the Monsterfication will have no one to suppress it. It would take you over for sure. Then all you would have is a mindless murders beast at 100% of its power."


    "That sounds bad." Hero said giving a small nod. "Oh well."


    "Stop stalling." The lab coat moved even closer to him. "Your body is being healed. You likely will not be able to fight off the Monsterfication when it is done! Unbind me. Allow me to kill you before it takes you over."


    "Kill me..."


    "I told you already! It is the only way. You will kill them if you are not stopped."


    Hero slowly reached out placing his hand up. He stopped though resting his hand back down. "...No..."


    "What?" The Lab Coat rested on the ground in announce. "You idiot! Do you want to be the one to kill your friends?"


    "I have a chance to fight it off right?"


    "Maybe a 1% chance."


    "I''ll take those odds."


    "You are a fool."


    "I know I am." Hero gripped his hand as he stared down at the white suit that was on his body. It seemed to move around his skin softly. "I said I would save her. I will. I''m in love with her. Or at least the closet thing I can be. I want to see her again. I want to see her smile. And I want to hold her hand..." He said with slight embarrassment. "I failed her those years ago. I won''t this time! I will save her!"


    "You will get them all killed!"


    "That''s another thing. I think I can stop it. At least I hope so. But. Even if I can''t. I know my friends. Ken. I''ve seen her power. And those two men. I''m confident that they will be able to stop me." He gave a slight smile flashing a thumbs up to the giant Lab coat. "So I won''t lose. At least not yet. If I really am unable to beat this thing, then I''ll just become a version of myself that can!"


    "Hero Otoko... You really are a fool..."

 Chapter 142 - Kens Strange Power

    Age 1991


    "Hero Otoko... You really are a fool..."


    "You know. You say that a lot." Hero said sheepishly as he gave a slight smile. He turned away from the massive flying lab coat as he set down in the red water allowing it to wash over the white suit he was in. "So I guess I''m stuck here until I''m done healing?"


    "Yes. Then your body will be taken over, you''ll become a monster no better than the Bestia Macht, go on a rampage, kill all your friends, as well as several innocent civilians, then be put down by a powerful Enforcer."


    "Will you stop with that?"


    "No! You are taking this too lightly."


    Hero gave a small shrug as he stared down at his hands. The white suit seemed to move around him for a second as he stared down at it. "I''m just not afraid of it taking me over. Is that so strange?"


    "Yes!"


    Hero let out a small laugh. "Yeah. I guess it is weird huh? I bet most Seraphin''s are afraid of it? I just don''t feel threatened. Even if it attacks me. I know I''ll win. I have to."


    "Foolish boy-"


    "Boring Lab Coat."


    Labby seemed to let out a sigh. "Do you even know if you can beat those guys?"


    "What?"


    "Even if you somehow don''t let the form take you over. Do you actually believe that you can beat those two?"


    "I haven''t actually thought that far ahead-"


    "Stupid!"


    "Sorry! But... Honestly. I don''t know. I don''t think I have the power to beat them." Hero rubbed at his arm awkwardly as he was silent. "I didn''t get a good judge on them, but they seemed strong. Like around Jackson, or Dawson''s level. I probably can''t beat them if we fight."


    "Then why are you doing this! If you see how hopeless it is! Of you see that you don''t stand a chance?"


    "Well. I got to at least try right?"


    The lab coat was silent as it stared down at the boy. "I really... Really... Really... Despise you."


    Meanwhile in the real world...


    "Ha!" Ken charged forward her sword coming out and connecting with the two blades of the other man. The two danced around red slamming into green.


    The man let out a grunt of displeasure as he sliced out with both blades cutting through the air but the girl ducked her head avoiding the blow as it sliced over her.


    ''She''s gotten faster...'' The man thought. More red energy came off of Ken as she slammed her blade down sending out a shock wave. Her leg came out faster then the man could react as it slammed into his side launching him away. Red energy crackled off of Ken as she gave a slight smirk. ''I take it back.'' The man thought standing back up. ''She didn''t get faster. She is getting faster... Every second her strike come out quicker than before with far more power. This girl? Is she a Seraphin. No. I''ve never even seen a Seraphin improve this quick. What the hell is she-''


    "Red Flash!" Ken announced slicing her blade down as a crimson wave of red flew out.


    The man''s eyes widened as the red blast flew towards him. "What!"


    ''Boom!''


    A bright red flash echoed out covering the buildings and knocking them down.


    "Whoa. She''s cool." Heather said with wide eyes.


    "I had no idea Ken was this strong!" Sera said in shock. "How? Why? What? Is she a Noble or something? No. I''ve never seen a Noble with her kind of Attribute?"


    "Should we be helping?" Heather asked slowly watching the girl.


    "Do you think we would be any help?"


    "...Probably not..."


    "Good girl." Sera placed a hand on the smaller girl''s head rubbing it.


    "Please stop."


    Over with Ken, the girl was breathing heavily as she let out a small hiss of pain. "That last attack really hurt my hands. My blade is still vibrating front it... I think the skin on my palms is gone?"


    The man flew out of the smoke cloud his cloak on fire as he threw it off of him. He swung his sword out as the blades flew off sliding through the air.


    Ken raised her blade up blocking the strikes as her feet dug into the ground and she was pushed back.


    A small amount of blood trickled down her hands as all of her fingernails had shattered with that last attack. Her hands had become a dark shade of purple and wouldn''t stop shaking.


    ''I think I broke my hands?'' Ken thought with a frown as she deflected the attack. ''This really hurts.''


    The blades flew back reforming into green swords as more coins began to spin through the air. The man cut out with his green blades once more barely missing the girl as they sliced over her.


    "What are you!" He yelled moving even faster. "To think a small fourteen-year-old girl is able to actually make me give it my 100% in my base form! You aren''t human!" His hands came out faster and faster but each slice was easily blocked by Ken as her aura grew even large and a dangerous glint formed in her eyes.


    "Did you just call me short!"


    ''Boom!''


    Ken literally punched the air so hard she created a massive explosion the blew the man back once more as the wind was kicked up.


    Over with the other Organization member, he was watching the fight with a large frown on his face that couldn''t be seen due to his mask.


    "He''s actually losing to this girl?" Kaen asked with a small hiss. "How pathetic. And to think he calls himself my partner..." The man continued to power the machine as he watched the fight continue. "Oh well. At this point, we''ve won. This city is done for. Everyone else is either dead, or leaving the city. Our group has succeeded. After today the whole Country of Red will know of our group..."


    Ken stabbed her sword forward bringing it up and sending off a wave of red energy once again.


    The man dodged the attack as it split the building behind him in half. Both his blades came out as they began to shift and get larger. More coins flew into them as he changed them to massive greatswords.


    "This is it girl!" He announced loudly as he threw both blades into the air. They flipped through the air vibrating faster and faster. "Behold. The Equation Of Life."


    "What?"


    The man placed his hands together as a white aura came over his body.


    "Uh Oh-" Ken began but was stopped when a flash of light slammed into her face. She was launched back slamming into a metal building and leaving a large dent in it as she fell to the ground landing on her knees. A large red handprint was on her face as her eyes were wide and she reached up placing a hand on her cheek. "Did he just slap me? More importantly my neck... That almost snapped it. I didn''t even see his hand move?"


    "You''re finished." The man held his hands out as he caught both of his swords. "There is nothing now. Without Mantra you won''t beat me." He said slowly. He walked forward towards the girl as he raised his blades up. "But. You seem to adapt quickly. I''ll kill you right here and now so that you don''t have time to improve past your limits." He said simply raising his blade up.


    Ken''s eyes widened as he sliced the blades down-


    A massive wave of crystals, and a whip made of water, both flew through the air hitting the man on all sides.


    He slapped at the air knocking the water and crystals back with the sheer force of the slap.


    "Right." He said slowly. "I forgot about you two." He sighed out turning to see Heather, and Sera both holding their arms out ready to attack him.


    "That was your biggest mistake!" Sera announced.


    "Was it?" The man appeared past them as the Noble girl was thrown in the air crashing into the ground with a painful thud.


    "He''s so fast!" Ken said shocked. "How? His Attribute doesn''t give him any speed? At least I don''t think it does?"


    "Oh, it does." The man said casually turning his body. Heather''s crystals slammed into him and instantly broke as he walked through the attack. "I told you. You can''t beat me once I have this Aura on. Mantra. Just activating it is a massive boost to all my stats, and my Attribute. I can boost it even further thanks to the Ero''s." He Announced loudly. "You can not win. Mantra is the Equation Of Life. I am Godlike, while I am like this."


    "Godlike-" A wave of water hit the man from behind as he stumbled slightly. "Yeah right." Sera was getting back up. She looked really hurt. ''From one attack? How is Ken still standing after a direct hit to the head?'' The girl held her arm up once again forming her water whip. "I told you! None of us are giving up!" She announced.


    The man gave a small shake of the head as he turned to her. "So be it."

 Chapter 143 - Ava

    Age 1991


    Ken let out a small hiss of pain as she collapsed into the floor.


    "Oww. Damn it! He really hurts." Ken gasped out. She stared up at the Organization member as he stared back at the three kids he had easily beaten.


    They were all beat up at this point. Ken and Sera were especially injured.


    "It''s over." He announced loudly. He raised his blades up. "I told you. Like this, I am simply too much for any of you to ever handle." He gripped his blade tightly as he took a step forward. "You two are dead." His masked face seemed to gaze at Ken, and Sera.


    ''Us two? As in only the two of us?'' Ken thought with some confusion. She shook her head getting back to her feet as she raised her weapon up.


    "You can still stand Ken?" Sera said with some shock. "I think he broke my legs..."


    "Don''t worry," Ken said pointing her blade forward. "I''m not done yet."


    The man brought his own swords up once again. "You are a tough kid." He said slowly.


    "And you''re a really annoying bad guy." Ken spat out. She sliced her sword out as she charged at the man.


    Meanwhile...


    "Damn! What''s taking so long!" Hero asked?


    "You were nearly split in half? You''re lucky you can even be healed at all." Labby said slowly.


    "I know but I need to hurry up!"


    "There''s nothing I can do. Your healing is up to them."


    Hero let out a sigh as he set down. "Damn this sucks. I''m so-"


    The red liquid beneath him bubbled up as a normal size lab coat flew out. It was the smaller Labby.


    "I just check." The small lab coat announced. "It should be done in a few minutes!"


    "Alright!" Hero announced.


    The lab coat flew around slowly. "Well." It said. "Since we still have this much time." It flew over Hero''s body going over the white suit causing the boy to wear it now.


    "Hey wait! I hate lab coats! I don''t want to wear one!" Hero yelled tugging on the clothing.


    "Relax." The small Labby said. "I''m checking your power..."


    "Oh. Well?" Hero asked.


    "You''ve gotten a small bit stronger I guess. Your base power has barely gone up. And you''ve only gotten a little more skilled at using them. And You''ve also only gone to about 23% of total %... You''re progressing slower then I thought you would."


    "You can tell all of that?" Hero asked. "Wait! Will you be able to do the kill me thing!"


    "Of course I can not do that. The bigger me has that, as well as most of the important powers, though he''s pretty useless right now with those chains around him. I''m simply a mini manifestation of him. My powers are naturally weaker than his."


    "Oh, that''s good."


    The lab coat pulled its self off of Hero as it flew into the air. "I''m disappointed all things considered. I was hoping you would have improved more... But at the rate, you''re going now. You''ve barely pushed forward."


    "I''ve been busy!"


    "No, you haven''t."


    "Yeah, you''re right-"


    There was a massive rumble as the red liquid suddenly exploded in a large hail. Hero''s eyes widened for a moment as it splashed back down.


    Suddenly the white suit on his body pulled off as it moved through the air landing on the red water. The white suit expanded out growing in size as it took form. Finally, after a few moments, it became a large white hospital.


    "So..." Hero said to the two silent lab coats. "I''m going to assume that, that means the healing is done?"


    There was a loud creak as the doors to the hospitals slowly pulled open.


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    "I think it wants you to enter..." The smaller Labby said slowly.


    "Don''t." The bigger Labby hissed out. "If you go in there you''ll be at her mercy! I have no idea why she hasn''t taken your body over already but you can not enter-"


    Hero walked forward ignoring the man.


    "Hey!"


    The smaller Lab coat pulled up flying along side Hero as they both headed towards the entrance. "You know. This is a stupid idea."


    "I don''t care." Hero said with a blank look on his face. "I want to see her. Or at least talk to her."


    "You know it isn''t actually her right? It is just a manifestation of her ability. Yeah, it might look like her. But it won''t really be her. It won''t act like her. And anything you tell her the real her won''t know."


    "That''s okay." Hero said. "I''ll just tell them again when I see them in the real world."


    "You''re very strange. I see why my other half calls you a fool. I also see how you cause him so much annoyance."


    "Yeah, he doesn''t like me."


    Hero moved past the doors entering the large hospital. The room seemed to suddenly bend and twist as everything moved around.


    "Alright kid... Be smart about this..."


    Hero gripped his hands tightly as he opened his mouth. "Ava!" He shouted out loudly.


    "I said be smart!"


    The room went silent for a moment as everything stopped. Suddenly the back wall seemed to shift and move open.


    And then they saw her...


    Or at least they mostly saw her. She stood in the back ground. Her body was also covered by a layer of shadows. Only her silver eyes could be seen. It was just an outline of darkness as it stared back at them.


    "Not good..." Labby said slowly floating back a few feet. "She''s gotten a lot stronger and made more of herself in your mind. One wrong step and you''re screwed..."


    Hero gave a smile as he stared at the girl across from him. "Hi, Ava..." He said slowly.


    "...Ava..." The shadow asked slowly. "Hero?"


    "Yep. That''s me." He said giving a small wave.


    The lab coat flew over to him going over his body once again causing him to wear it.


    "Here''s the plan... If she attacks turn and use me as a shield. I should be able to survive at least one hit. While she''s busy killing me, you should run back to the bigger me. If you both team up he should be able to send you back out against her will. As long as you''re in the real world she can''t get to you unless you allow her to."


    "Don''t worry." Hero said still smiling. "She isn''t going to try anything." He took a step forward heading towards the girl. "Right Ava."


    A black hand reached out. Hero also reached out for it.


    "What?" Labby asked slowly.


    "She isn''t going to try and take me over. At least not yet." Hero said. He reached out holding the hand. "She wants me to see her at her full power. She hates me. She won''t try and kill me until she''s at her full power."


    Ava pulled her hand back yanking it away from Hero.


    "I''ve been pretty awful to her after all..."


    "You''re being awfully calm being next to something that can kill you, and you just admitted it would kill you..." Labby said slowly.


    "I want you..." Ava said slowly placing a hand on the boys cheek. "Later..."


    "I know." Hero gave another smile as he turned away from the girl. "Later. I need to be a hero for someone else, before I can save you. But I will. I''ll save you, Ava. The real you." Hero said giving a nod. "I know I will. I have no intention of letting you go again."


    "...Go..."


    Hero turned away from her as he gave a small wave. "I got to go save them first. But don''t worry Ava. I''ll save you. Both of you. You and the real you." He walked out of the room now letting out a small sigh. "That was fun!"


    "Why are you so calm? And her... She seemed to like you. Are you sure she wants to kill you?"


    "Of course she does." Hero said nodding. "She wants to be in here at her full power first. Then. Then she''ll kill me."


    "Then why not get rid of her!"


    "I don''t feel like it." Hero said shrugging. "I just care about her to much."


    "I''m starting to agree with my other me. You are really, really strange, and foolish. Very foolish." He said pulling off of the boy and floating along side of him.


    "You think so? Oh well. Must be a Seraphin thing?"


    "I doubt it. Well, Otoko. I look forward to seeing you get out of this mess."


    "You think I can?"


    "No... But I''d still like to see it."


    Hero let out a chuckle as he raised his hand up. "Right. Well. Keep watching then. I''m going to become the Hero my mother thought I could be. I''m going to become the greatest Hero Otoko I can be." He brought his arm down stepping forward and vanishing through the hole.


    Labby watched him leave for a few more moments as he let out a small sigh. "Strange indeed."

 Chapter 144 - Monster-Point (Part One)

    Age 1991


    The small Labby floated through the hospital landing next to the shade of Ava as she stood still.


    "So," Labby said slowly.


    The shade seemed to glare at him but didn''t do anything. Pretty since she could probably kill him in a single attack.


    "I have to ask. What is the deal with you and Hero exactly? You must have a few bits of the real Ava''s memory right? But most of your memories are Hero''s own and what he knows. Why do you not act like you hate him, but he insists you will kill him? Also. Why haven''t you acted yet? The Monsterfication is an unstable ability. When placed in another person it does everything in its power to take them over. And with the other me gone, or at least chained up you should know how much power you have in this realm right? Why don''t you kill him?"


    "Because... I''m fond of him..."


    "Oh, so you can speak?"


    "...Yes... At least now... I couldn''t before..."


    "So as you gain more power you gain a stronger foothold in this world. But if you take him over you''d gain your full power instantly? Why haven''t you attack yet?"


    "... I... I told you... I... I am fond... Fond of him." She said speaking slowly. Her voice broke multiple times. "He...Hero... Hero is... Is someone... I... Like... Other... Other versions... Versions of me... Me... Would to other... Other people... But him... He''s different. I... I... I want to see him... I... I want to feel him...  I... I want to kill him..."


    "What?"


    "Him... Him... Him... Him... Him... I want... I want... I want to kill him... Real him... Hero... Until... Until... Until then... I''ll help him... Any... Anyway, I can... Hero... Hero... Hero..."


    Labby let out a small sigh as he slowly gave a nod which looked strange since he was a floating lab coat. "I see. I think? I think I get what you''re saying. So you will kill him another time?"


    "Yes... When... When I... Am Whole... And... And he... Sees me again... Again... Again... Because... I... Love him."


    "Love? A weird word coming from a monster. You''re kind shouldn''t be able to feel that. Monsters don''t feel love." Labby slowly floated towards the exit. "But I get it. You care for him? Is that why the white liquid keeps pouring out of him? You''re trying to get him to use Monster-Point right?"


    "Yes... Yes... Until I... Until I am whole... That... That... That is the best I can do... Renacido requires more... More... More power. Renacido can... Only... Only... Only happen when I... I am... Whole..."


    "I see..." Labby said slowly. "Renacido. By conquering the Monsterfication a Seraphin can achieve a power beyond Monster-Point. They can take on the from of a literal monster. But. They can only do that if they beat the shard of the Monsterfication within them. But... If you were to help them. Yes... A Seraphin teamed up with their elements could potentially be stronger if you helped them, Monster-Point or even Renacido would be a lot stronger."


    "Yes... Power... Power... Power... I want...  Want... Him... Power..."


    "This will be interesting..." Labby flaoted through the wall for a second before circling back. "Well. I have to ask though. Please be gentle with the boy. I am pretty fond of him."


    "Yes... Yes... Yes... Love... Love... Love... Love... Love-" She continued to repeat herself as Labby floated away.


    He floated through the lab coat entering into the red lake. "Well. This certainly brings up an interesting dynamic. What do you think... Jaune?"


    Meanwhile...


    Ken let out a yell as she hit the ground rolling across it. "Damn... Damn it..."


    "I''ll admit. You''re strong. Stronger then I thought you would be." The Organization member said walking forward. Behind Ken, Sera, and Heather were both unconscious. The body of Hero was off to the side still healing. "In the short time, we''ve been fighting you''ve gotten fast enough to make me give some effort, in this form. Not many people can do that."


    Ken tried to sit back up raising her sword up. "You sure like the sound of your own voice don''t you." She gasped out getting back up. Her legs wobbled as she nearly fell over. "That''s okay. It''ll be music to my ears when I shove my boot in your mouth to shut you up!"


    The seemed to frown but it couldn''t really be seem due to the wooden mask and all.


    "I hate you''re kind." He said slowly. "Never knowing when to give up even when it should be obvious... Why don''t you guys know how bad this world can be. Why don''t you ever know that this world won''t let you just get back up-"


    "You''re an idiot!" Ken hissed out. "Because of the fact that the world is so bad. That is why we don''t give up. It would be easy for us to give up. Believe me. I was bored out of my mind before I joined this group. Afterward, all I''ve seen was chaos. I almost regret joining. But. Even after all this chaos. Even after all this disaster. All I saw was them pushing forward. Jackson Storm. Dawson Blight. Sif, and Nick. North, Cloud, Hero, and even that idiot Kitsune. None of them gave up. I actually thought Kitsune would but he proved me wrong. Being an Enforcer isn''t about giving up. It isn''t even about holding onto some false hope that we can win. I know that I can''t beat you. But! I won''t just quit. Being an Enforcer is upholding our will! Our Spark! I won''t give up, not because I''m an idiot who thinks that have a chance, but because I''m an Enforcer and it is my job to keep getting back up!"


    "Fine. You want to die as a naive fool than be my guess-"


    "Eventful Impact!" The body of Hero flew past the man and slammed into Ken knocking the poor girl back. She crashed into the back wall landing on the ground as Hero landed over her.


    "Well..." The Organization member said with wide eyes. "That was certainly unexpected!"


    "Oww! What the hell Hero!" Ken hissed as she hit the ground.


    "Hey. How''s it going?" Hero asked staring down at her? He gave a smirk as the heavily beat up girl looked up at him.


    "Hero!" Her fist flew out landing a direct hit as he fell back landing off of her.


    "Oww! What the hell Ken!" Hero stood up rubbing his nose as he gave a frown. He popped his nose back into place as the girl slowly set up. "Wow, you look terrible!"


    "Oh shut the hell up." Ken hissed. "How did you heal so fast?"


    "I don''t know. I think it''s getting faster or something?" Hero said shrugging. He turned to look back at their opponent raising an eyebrow when he saw the white aura. "Oh wow, he''s strong!"


    "Yeah... Thanks for attacking me by the way..."


    "I saved you?"


    "He''s right." The Organization member said giving a small shrug. "Before he attacked I was about to jump forward and decapitate you. He pushed you out of the way though."


    "I hate both of you," Ken said rolling her eyes.


    Both Hero and Ken turned and faced the guy as he began to walk towards them at a slow rate. "So... Anymore surprises I should know about? I''m getting annoyed with these last minute saves after all."


    "Ahh maybe one or two more." Hero said unapologeticly.


    "What?"


    "What?"


    "No seriously." The man asked. "What?"


    "So? You can still move right?" Hero asked the fourteen year old girl.


    "Of course I can?" Ken said rolling her eyes. "Don''t I look like I can?" She questioned with a small bit of offense.


    "Do you want me to answer truthfully. Because you look like you should be in the hospital." Hero said giving the girl a shrug. "Meanwhile. I feel like I can run a million marathons! God I love having bs regeneration powers! This is like the only good thing about being a Seraphin."


    "Screw you..." Ken muttured. "We don''t all have bs regeneration okay?"


    "You should. It''s kickass!"


    "I hate you."


    "No you don''t."


    "Yes I do..."


    Hero gave another smile as he threw Ken''s jacket back over her. He reached up unzipping the jacket of his tracksuit which by now was badly covered in tears and burn marks. He unzipped it pulling it up and throwing it over the unconscious bodies of Sera, and Heather.


    "Alright." Hero said. More white liquid began to pour out of his fingernails this time coming out of both his hands. "Alright!" Hero announced. "I didn''t want to do this. It''s hard to control this, and it really hurts afterwards. It causes a lot of aches through my body but..."


    "Ahh, I see." The Organization member brought both his swords up. "Monster-Point? The second strongest weapon a Seraphin has right?"


    "That''s right." Hero announced loudly. His eyes began to glow a bright yellow. "Monster-Point!" He yelled out as loud as he could. "Get ready. The real fight starts now." Hero promised.

 Chapter 145 - Monster-Point (Part Two)

    Age 1991


    "That''s right." Hero announced loudly. His eyes began to glow a bright yellow. "Monster-Point!" He yelled out as loud as he could. "Get ready. The real fight starts now." Hero promised.


    "This is that thing you had used against Max?" Ken questioned raising an eyebrow. "I didn''t actually see it because I was to busy fighting Cloud, but Kitsune and North filled me in about it."


    "Yeah." Hero announced. "Right now this is all I can think to do. My entire body is screaming at me to run just like with Max. I don''t know what that power around him is but it really is amazing. So I''ll counter it with everything I have! Get ready. I try not to use this power. But at least fow a few seconds, I''ll come out of my shell. This Caterpillar, isn''t about to become a Butterfly, but I''ll become something close. Something that is both human and monster. That''s what it means to be a Seraphin!"


    "Well then!" The Organization member announced bringing his swords up as they shifted becoming green wh.i.p.s once again. "Come at me boy. It has been a while since I fought a Seraphin. Especially one of your power. Most die to quickly to learn to harness the energy within them. Show me your power! Maybe you can even unlock Renacido!"


    "Fine! Monster-Point!" The white liquid exploded out of Hero''s fingernails, as well as his toenails. It covered his hands and feet up becoming thick bone-like gloves and boots that had razor-sharp claws coming off of the fingers and toes. He seemed to actually get taller by a few inches as his bones grew longer and thicker. His muscles also grew ever so slightly buffing him up by a small amount. Steam began to roll off of his body as his teeth grew sharper. His silver eyes changed becoming an animalistic yellow, and the white streaks in his hair changed into a dark blue, while the rest of is hair grew slightly getting longer. The ground underneath Hero broke away as his feet sunk into it as he seemingly put on a ton of weight, and some white goo covered his chest like armor. "Get ready." Hero announced. "While I''m like this all three of my Attributes are able to be used, and they''re all being used to their absolute limit! Monsterfication is making new muscle cells, as well as bone cells fusing them to myself causing me to grow. My Compression ability is keeping them small. I know it doesn''t look like it but if I let my Compression go, I would be enormous. I weigh nearly eight tons like this. I''m made up of almost entirely bone and muscle. And my Living-Nano ability is doing everything in its power to keep me held together, and keep my blood flowing." Hero''s skin had almost become a small light red shade as more steam rolled off of him.


    "I see. Monster-Point is pushing your body to the limit. Renacido is surpassing that limit and forcing a new limit to be made. You''re starting to push into that point." The man ran forward suddenly easily breaking the sound barrier with a loud sonic boom, as he raised his wh.i.p.s up slicing them through the air. "I shouldn''t let someone like you live! It will be bad if you can improve any further!" He screamed slicing his wh.i.p.s out. "Die-"


    Hero''s fist flew forward slamming into the man''s stomach as his eyes widened. His foot came up stretching out as he launched the man into the air. Hero raised his palm pointing it up as a massive bone spear came out. It continued to come out getting longer and longer as it sliced through the air. The man cut out with his whip slicing it in half.


    The man landed on the ground firing out a massive green beam of millions of coins connected together all of them spinning.


    Hero slammed his arm forward as it grew in size becoming bigger than a building. Several bone pipes popped out of the back as he punched forward. "Massive-Arm-Strike!" He yelled hitting with nearly a hundred times the force of his Big-Arm-Strike.


    ''Boom!''


    The punch ripped an entire city block away from the sheer force as the city was ripped apart by the wind and the punch carriers across the entire city wiping away anything that was in its way. Ken Stabbed her blade into the ground keeping herself steady as she stared with wide eyes. Every building that was near them was absolutely obliterated. A pair of pure white arms exploded out of Hero''s back moving through the air and wrapping around the unconscious body of Sera and Heather which were picked up into the air.


    Over with the Kaen the man watched the battle with a bored expression as he rested his head on his hand. He continued to power the machine as he let out a small yawn. "Just finish this already Coin." He asked with a yawn. "Why are you holding back so much?"


    "Whoa!" Ken said with wide eyes. "You''re faster now? And so strong! Why don''t you do this more?"


    "Yeah. But it still won''t be enough." Hero said pulling the bone spear back into his body, as his other arm went back down into normal size. It wasn''t shriveled up. "I''ll need your help to even keep up with him."


    "What do you mean it won''t be enough? You just hit him so hard half the city is gone!"


    "He''s holding back. He just wants to see my power. He''s been deliberately holding his own speed back as well as his power. If he wanted to he could easily have sliced me in half again. Damn it. This power isn''t enough still. But anymore could risk me being taken over... Damn it. I''ll just make it work!"


    "He''s that strong!"


    "It''s that aura! I really don''t like it-"


    Hero''s shoulder split open as a wave of white blood gushed out. The man landed next to him bringing his swords up.


    He was stopped by Ken who brought her blade up blocking both of his. "Red-Flash!" She sliced her blade down hitting him with a point-blank attack.


    Only for the man to tank it like it was nothing.


    Hero brought his arm up as thousands of bone-like pipes fired out from all directions pointing towards the man and nearly impaled him, but the man easily countered though blocking the pipes or simply cutting through them as his arm came out like a blur.


    Hero suddenly inhaled his chest getting bigger and bigger as it seemed to inflate like a balloon. "Air... Canon..." He tried to speak while still sucking in air. Then he blew.


    ''Boom!''


    All the wind he had built up exploded out of him with enough force for him to literally spit out a massive tornado.


    The Organization member stabbed his blades into the ground holding himself up from the force but a kick to the head from Ken made him lose his grip as he was picked up into the air.


    His body flew through the air getting higher and higher as he was spinning up.


    "You ready?" Hero asked.


    "Yeah. I think I have one more left in me before I can''t hold my sword." Ken said giving a nod.


    "Alright!" Hero kicked the ground as hard as he could as he flew up into the air faster than lightning passing the man in under a second as he got as high as he could reaching the black smog clouds up above. Then. He raised his leg above his head bringing it up as high as he could.


    Down below Ken raised her own sword up as she prepared everything she had putting every last drop of her power into this. Her blade lit up with a bright red flash as it began to glow.


    She prepared everything she had raising it up.


    Then...


    She brought It up higher and higher. "Red-Flash!" She announced once again using all her power.


    The red wave of energy flew forward as the Organization member saw it at the last second. It slammed into his back and didn''t really do a lot of damage but it brought him up higher and higher.


    He stared up towards Hero who was by now falling.


    "This is it! My strongest attack." His leg grew becoming the size of a skyscr.a.p.er, white bone pipes exploding out of it in an attempt to bring his leg down. And he brought all of that weight down onto the man below him. "Massive-Eventful-Impact!" He announced smashing his leg into the Organization member. All five hundred tons of it!


    "Shit-"


    ''Boom!''


    ''Boom!''


    ''Boom!''


    The man''s body smashed down into the pavement and was forced straight through the ground getting deeper and deeper as the massive limb crushed him down as far as it could.


    It sunk nearly ten miles into the ground as Hero let out a deep gasp. The limb went even deeper as the sheer speed and weight of it falling caused a wave of flames to come off of it pouring into the massive hole he had created.


    Slowly his legs pulled back going back to normal size. His pants were completely obliterated leaving him in only a pair of ripped up boxers and a T-shirt that was missing everything past the chest area exposing his stomach.


    In front of them now was a hole two miles wide, and nearly fifteen miles deep.


    "Geez," Kaen muttered no longer in is chair as the attack had washed over his device causing him to have to get up and dodge it. "They were supposed to save this city yet they did more damage then I did. How funny."


    "Umm!" Ken said staring at Hero who was just barely covered up. "I..." She shook her head quickly. "You''re strong." She stared up at him on eye-level deciding not to look anywhere below. Her hands no longer held her sword. She was still heavily beaten up but her hands... Well. All the flesh on them was gone leaving only the muscle and bones. The bones were filled with cracks and all of her fingers were broken. The muscle was also badly burnt and her hands wouldn''t stop shaking.


    "That did way more damage then I thought it would." Hero let out a sigh as the white gauntlets and boots vanished becoming a white liquid that splashed to the ground. His muscles got smaller going back to normal size as he also shrunk back to his normal height. He was covered in cuts and bruises now as well. Barely having any power left. He couldn''t even heal anymore. He was basically his limit. "Well. at least we-"


    A hand came out of the crater as the man pulled himself out. He dusted himself off like nothing happened. The lower half of his mask was gone now showing off his mouth which was now twisted into a small smile. Most of his clothing was also torn and burned. What could be seen was a pair of clothing underneath his robes? It looked like the outfit a Noble would wear.


    "Oh, what the f.u.c.k!" Hero yelled. "I call bull shit!"


    "That attack." The man said his smile growing. "It was amazing. If I hadn''t put up my Dero I think it might have even knocked me out?" The man let out a small sigh. "I honestly don''t want to kill you. I don''t want to kill anyone. So how about this? Join our group. With that kind of power. You could be molded into the perfect warrior. You do that and I''ll leave those two girls alive-"


    Kaen appeared behind the man hitting him over the head and knocking him to the floor The man let out a loud yell looking up. "Sorry Coin. But these brats aren''t joining. Especially not that one." He said staring at Hero. He raised his hand up as it glowed a bright orange. "Die."


    A massive wave of flames fired out but Hero sidestepped it as if flew past him. It covered a building behind him and burnt it down to less than ash in a single second.


    "Those Machines," Kaen said with a smirk. "They''re strong. They let us use our powers across an entire city, but it can''t use our full power. In my case. One attack. You''re dead." Another wave of flames fired out.


    Hero once again dodged it feeling it zip past him and smash into the buildings behind him burning them down once again.


    "Impressive. You''re heavily beaten up and can still dodge something the speed of lighting?" Kaen seemed to give a smirk now. "Good. It will make my smile grow when I hit you!"


    Hero continued to dodge as Ken watched with some horror. She couldn''t even stand anymore. And Hero didn''t look much better nearly falling over after every dodge.


    Kaen gave another smirk as he continued to point his hand forward. "Hey, Coin. You trust me right?"


    "No." The man spat out.


    "That''s for the best. I don''t have feel bad for doing this." Kaen announced. And. He pointed his hand over to the unconscious body of Heather.


    "No!" Everyone screamed in horror as he fired an attack.


    "I''ll kill you!" Coin screamed as he glared at his partner..


    "The best part about fighting heroes..." Kaen said slowly dodging the strike from his teammate.


    Hero ran forward jumping in front of Heather in an attempt to stop the attack.


    "...They do predictable stuff like that," Kaen said smirking.


    Hero watched the attack fly towards him in slow motion as it flew through the air. ''Oh, man. I''m dead.''


    A wave of darkness fired up as a black hand suddenly appeared in front of Hero catching the fireball. There was a loud crash as Sif landed in front of the boy. She brought her arms up as thousands of black hands flew up.


    "Ahh," Kaen said giving a frown that couldn''t be seen from his mask. "It''s you. Wow. You''ve really grown since I''ve last seen you. But did you really think a single Captain is enough to make me back down-"


    Kaen stopped feeling the cold steel on his neck as Nick held his blade to the man''s neck. "Sup," Nick said giving a smirk.


    "So two Enforcers?" Kaen asked.


    "Yeah. Plus an army of pissed off robots." Nick said casually.


    "Piss off what now-"


    ''Boom!''


    Several of the robot butlers all crashed down now looking a lot more clean and new thanks to the new parts they found.


    Kaen let out a small sigh. "I see. Well." He placed a hand on Coin''s head. "I guess you caught us-"


    "Nick move!" Sif screamed.


    Kaen reached into his pocket throwing something down. There was a loud boom as the air in front of him explode and a Bestia Macht suddenly appeared moving forward.


    It was massive. Nearly the size of the buildings. It had four powerful legs all with three feet claws. Its body was thick and covered in a layer of muscles and shell-like armor. Its head came out as it opened its mouth swallowing the two men. It continued to move forward as everyone stared at it in shock.


    "A Marquess!" Sif said in horror.


    The Bestia Macht continued to move forward as it jumped forward. The air in front of it exploded as it vanished in thin air disappearing into nothingness.


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    "What the hell!"

 Chapter 146 - Bonding

    Age 1991


    Dawson dropped down through the hole smashing down with a loud and heavy thud.


    His feet stabbed into the ground as he slowly pulled himself up.


    "Wait!" A loud and panicked voice said. Dawson looked up finding a heavily beat up and annoyed Sirius. The Noble stared at Dawson in a mix of shock and horror. He was seated leaning down onto the wall as blood trickled down his face.


    Dawson ignored the man walking past him as he looked around. His eyes widened slightly when he saw the room. Blood could be seen everywhere. To the point where the stone was now red. It was caked and stained. Over in a corner, he saw an incinerator. A foul-smelling black smoke rose from it.


    Dawson felt his teeth grit as he slowly turned to the man.


    "I swear she isn''t in there!" The beat-up Sirius said quickly.


    Red tendrils wrapped around Dawson''s hand as he grabbed the man by the throat. "What the hell have you been doing!" He growled out.


    "Stop!" Sirius gasped out. "I''ll tell you!"


    Dawson dropped the man to the floor as he glared down at the man. "Speak..." He growled out. "Now..."


    "Okay..." Sirius stared down at the ground. He let out a small sigh as he stared down at the blood that soaked his hands. "My son." He said slowly. "He is insane. Well all of us are insane." He let out a chuckle.


    "Noble madness?" Dawson asked.


    "Yeah. Noble madness."


    Noble Madness. Thought to be a curse by God himself. Something that causes a long line of generation of Nobles to slowly go mad with power. Some seem to be immune to it, but in most cases, most will slowly go mad. Each generation increasing the chances.


    This makes most people afraid of Nobles. Someone with an insane amount of power, and money, who is completely insane.


    Although others believe that it doesn''t exist, and is just an excuse for Nobles to use when they do something wrong. Those that do agree that it exists tend to theorize that it is brought on from the years of inbreeding the Nobles have to go through.


    "My family has a bad case of it," Sirius said with a chuckle. "But my boy. He''s messed up in the head. He wanted a toy. Reaper... My family loves listening to him. The cries of pain he causes those people. We keep recordings of it. And we sent them to the police knowing nothing would really happen. We were kind of right. You guys weren''t here for him. If it wasn''t for that damn Organization you would have never even known he was here! Damn those bastards-"


    Dawson slammed his fist into the man knocking him out with one punch. He hit the ground his eyes rolling into the back of his head.


    Dawson gave a large frown as he turned away. He gritted his teeth slightly as he began to walk forward heading towards the entrance to another room. He entered the room and saw it...


    "Ren!" He screamed in horror when he saw the body of the woman.


    She was placed in the center of the room staring up at the roof. Her eyes were rolled to the back of her head and her stomach was gone leaving a large hole.


    Dawson ran over to her staring down at her as his eyes were wide. "Oh, God..." He muttered as he dropped down to his knees. He pulled her into his lap instantly staining his white clothing red. "Oh, God... Oh God-"


    "Dawson?"


    His eyes went wider as he stared down at her. "Ren..."


    "Dawson? I knew you would come." Ren''s eyes were shut unable to muster up the strength to open them. "I kept telling him you would come to save me." She said giving a small smile.


    "Shh..." Dawson said slowly. His eyes grew colder as he stared down at her. "You should stay silent. Save your strength." He said quietly.


    "It''s fine." She slowly reached up placing a hand on his cheek. "I''m sorry... I''m so sorry."


    "Ren you need to be quiet and save your strength," Dawson said quickly. "I''m going to carry you to the hospital."


    "What hospital? The city is gone."


    "I... I''ll carry you to the next city if I have to!" Dawson said.


    "Ha ha ha ha ha..."


    The room grew colder as Dawson felt a pair of eyes on him.


    "You know." The voice of Reaper said as the Skeleton moved out of the shadows of a corner. "I''m glad you prove me wrong. This is great! I thought she was an idiot, for going on and on about how you would come and save her. But you actually pretending to have some way of saving her! This is hilarious!" He announced loudly. "Oh. And don''t worry. I never bothered to infect her. I don''t infect the women I kill. It''s far more fun to rip them apart from the outside rather then the inside."


    Dawson gritted his teeth tightly as he felt a tremendous amount of rage go through his body. "Reaper," Hs growled. More tendrils began to come out of his body. "I''m going to rip you apart! Evolucionar-"


    Ren placed a hand on Dawson''s head stopping him from transforming into his monstrous form. It worked as he slowly claimed down.


    "Ha ha ha ha ha!" Reapers laughter got louder as his face twisted into a smirk once again. "You know." He said. "I''ve always been a fast learner." He said slowly.


    "So what?" Dawson asked slowly setting Ren on the ground as he glared at Reaper.


    "I''ve always been able to evolve past my limits. You can''t kill me. Ha ha ha... I''m a God!" Reaper announced. "Born with one of the strongest abilities around. All I needed. Was ''that'' thing."


    "What?"


    "That white aura," Reaper said again as Dawson began to frown. "All I needed." The skeleton brought both his hands up putting them together. "Was to see it done. Only a few times. And now." A white aura exploded around him as the skeleton began to laugh. A wave of power rolled off of him as his smirk got larger and larger.


    "His Mantra..." Dawson said with wide eyes. "This is insane. It''s higher than anything I''ve ever felt. His Equation Of Life is insane."


    "I told you! I am God! Every once in a few thousand years a child is born with a new power that has evolved several generations too soon. My power is pure!" He announced loudly.


    Dawson let out a sigh as he got ready to fight the man. "No matter... Even if you''re Equation is Higher then mine I''m still stronger and have more skill then you''ll ever have. You''re finished already-"


    Dawson was stopped when Ren grabbed his hand. She gripped it tightly as he was stopped and stared down at her. "Dawson..." She said again. This time though she said it was more struggle. "Please. Will you Bond with me?"


    "Bond." Dawson''s eyes went wide for a few seconds before going back down. "Are... Are you sure? It can''t be undone?"


    "Yes... Please. While I''m still..."


    "What the hell are you two on about-" Reaper began but was smacked through the wall by a red tendrils sending him flying back.


    Dawson crouched down to the girl once again. "I''ll do it..." He said giving a nod.


    Both Dawson, and Ren placed their hands in a prayer as a white aura covered both their bodies as they activated their Mantra together. They both gripped their hands together as their aura came together going over one another. Then. Their aura fully formed taking shape and becoming a single aura.


    "Ren..." Dawson said a small hint of red coming onto his cheeks even as his face remained blank. "Do you... Do you love me." He managed to say.


    "Yes... Dawson... Do you love me?"


    "Yes..." He muttured out.


    "Will you bond with me?"


    "Yes..." Dawson slowly pulled her closer.


    Reaper came crashing through the wall his eyes sockets glaring at the two Enforcers. "I''ll kill you both!" He shouted jumping forward towards them."


    They both ignored him. "Let''s us become one..." Dawson pulled the girl into a kiss.


    "Aww how cute!" Reaper laughed flying forward as he raised his arm up. It became a massive bone blade as he stabbed forward. "You can both die together l-"


    Dawson''s fist slammed into Reaper as he was thrown back crashing into the wall.


    Dawson slowly pulled away from the girl setting her down. Two white ghostly strings came off of the two of them connecting their aura together as the man glared at Reaper. His red tendrils came out wrapping around his body fully.


    "What the hell!" Reaper said in shock staring at the red demon. Dawson took a step forward his white aura getting even brighter.  "What did you do! What is this! What''s happening! How the hell did you get stronger then me in a single second! What did you do!" The skeleton roared his body growing bigger and bigger as he became a massive skeleton as he charged forward.


    "Reaper. Your end has come!" Dawson announced charging forward.

 Chapter 147 - We Lost

    Age 1991


    "Reaper. Your end has come!" Dawson announced charging forward.


    The Red Demon and Skeleton clashed in massive boom as the room shook.


    Dawson instantly broke through the man slamming him through the wall with a single push. His tendrils wrapped around the skeleton as he slammed it down again and again.


    Dawson swung the man smashing him straight through a wall.


    Reaper rolled into the room and began to laugh. All around them were piles and piles of skeletons. "I robbed a few graves a few years back. I keep them just in case I need to fix myself up. Now. Now I''ll use them to power up!" He announced as almost all the bones were pulled over to him and he grew even larger. "I told you! I am God-"


    Dawson reached up ripping the massive arm of the skeleton off as he began to smash the bone arm into the man over and over again literally beating him with his own arm.


    "You bastard!" Reaper growled out, only to have his lower jaw ripped off. Dawson continued to tear into him as he let out a loud yell.


    "What''s wrong?" Dawson asked wrapping his hand around the skeletons head as he twisted his hand forward throwing him through another wall. "Are you not having fun? Is being beaten to an inch of your life not fun for you? Come on! I thought this is what made you laugh!" He smashed him through another wall as his fist grew larger and larger as he began to punch again and again. "Better yet! Let me hear you scream!"


    "I''ll kill you-"


    Dawson forced the skeleton into the floor pushing him deeper and deeper into the stone. Every hit snapped off pieces of bones as more tendrils came out of him slicing through the room.


    They whipped around cutting the bones into even smaller pieces breaking them down as much as he possibly could.


    "I''m not letting you ever come back!" Dawson roared piling on a wave of tendrils onto the Skeleton. He ripped the Skeleton apart with pure rage.


    "Get- Off me!" Reaper growled out as he began to slowly break apart. "No! No! Stop-"


    "Die you bastard!"


    ''Boom!''


    Dawson''s raised his foot up smashing it down onto the skeletons head crushing it. He brought it down again and again and again.


    Finally. After nearly ten minutes of stomping at the ground, he stopped leaving only a white powder behind.


    "Goodbye Reaper. When you get to hell apologize on my behalf." Dawson spat out. His tendrils pulled back into his body as he let out a loud sigh. "Thank God. I thought that guy would never die-"


    "Dawson..." A weak voice croaked out.


    Dawson''s eyes widened as he turned back running over to Ren''s body. By now both of their aura was gone. She looked to be in even worse shape.


    She was at her limit...


    Both of them knew that.


    "...Dawson..." She said again.


    "I''m here..."


    "Can you stay with me."


    "Of course I can..." Dawson said slowly feeling his throat tighten as he struggled to swallow. "I''ll stay here until Sif or Nick arrive... I''m sure they''ll have a way to save you... So just hold on a little longer."


    "We both know that won''t be happening-"


    "You don''t know that!" Dawson stopped when he felt the hand on his cheek. Ren smiled up towards him despite not opening her eyes.


    "I''m sorry." She said slowly. She coughed out in pain


    "Why are you apologizing?"


    Ren''s smile faded as she flinched slightly. "I''m... I''m not a good person." She said slowly. "Dawson... I''m a traitor... I''m part of the Organization."


    "What..." Dawson''s eyes were wide as he stared down at the girl in a mix of horror and shock.


    "This world... I always thought it was so bland and dark. I was an Organization member. Number four..." She gasped out. "My partner... He goes by Mr. Green. And our leader is names, Mr. Snow. I was placed in the Enforcers as a double agent. That was why most information on them was so rare. It was my job to get rid of it. Mr. Green... His real name-"


    "Stop," Dawson said. "Don''t tell me..." He stated slowly. "I don''t want to spoil my memory of you... Let''s not talk about it." He slowly ran his hand through her hair. ''This could be my only chance to find out about them... But... I don''t care. I''ll let this secret die. Ren is an Enforcer...''


    "Dawson. We aren''t behind this." She gasped out slowly. "We aren''t behind the destruction behind this city. It is true. We were suppose to be here. My partner was. We came to judge the Noble here. But we didn''t destroy this city. We do not have the machines that do it. I don''t know who it is but they are dangerous-"


    "I told you stop talking about it..."


    "I''m sorry..."


    "It''s fine."


    "Dawson?"


    "Yeah?"


    "Can you tell me about your friends? You mentioned Jackson? And your Captain. And those Recruits of yours. Can you tell me about them?"


    "Yeah..." Dawson said slowly taking a small gulp. "Jackson Storm. He''s my best friend. In fact, he was one of my only friends until Katrina took over..."


    "Really?"


    "Yeah." Dawson gave a nod but remembered Ren couldn''t see it. "They''re special to me... I''m actually waiting for Jackson to propose to her, but he''s too stupid to do it."


    "I can''t imagine a Vice-Captain being an idiot?"


    "Well, he is. But isn''t... He''s actually insanely smart. But he has a hard time understanding people... We''ve gotten into several fights because of it." Ren getting answer remaining silent. Dawson continued to run his hand through her hair. "He''s strong. Even stronger than me. But he''s a Noble after all so that''s no surprise. And Katrina. She''s even stronger than me and him combined. Every now and then a normal non-Noble is born who is insanely strong. That''s her. Someone strong. Very strong. She''s amazing. I know the other Enforcers are afraid of her because she has caused some problems but most of that is due to bad luck." Ren still didn''t answer. "Umm... What else? Uhh. Oh yeah, the Recruits. Well. There''s Cloud. He''s blind but very skilled. I think he''ll make a fine Enforcer. Then there''s North. They''re obviously a girl pretending to be a boy. I don''t know why? She''s strong though. Obviously, there is a Kitsune. I worry about him the most. Every time I look at him all I see is sorrow and pain. Then there''s Ken. She has way too much potential. She''s insanely strong. I think she might even pass Katrina. A few years and she''ll pass me for sure. And Hero. Well, he weird. I don''t get how he works, but he''s cool." Ren was still silent. "Umm. What else? Uhh?" Dawson tried to rack his brain. "They''re all strong. I''m happy to have them on my team. I''m happy to see them grow. And. I''m happy I got to know you. I... I''m not sure. But I think this feeling is love? Oh..m And uhh. There''s the first time I became an Enforcer-"


    "Dawson."


    Dawson stopped suddenly as he turned his head slowly. Sif stood in the smashed out wall staring at him.


    "Dawson? You''re crying-" She stopped seeing what he was holding. "Oh... No..."


    Nick suddenly walked past her entering the room. He walked towards the man crouching down. Slowly he placed a hand on the girl''s neck. He slowly pulled away. The look on his face said it all.


    He slowly walked back over to Sif pulling the girl with him. "Is... Is she?"


    Nick pulled the young Captain out of the room pulling her away. "Come on lady Sif. We said we would tell the others if we found Dawson. They are probably bored waiting for us... Dawson we''ll be at the train station..." He said slowly.


    They left leaving Dawson alone. "So. Where was I?" Dawson asked slowly? "The first time I became an Enforcer... My first day I guess. It was pretty crazy. After all my partner was Jackson Storm himself... So things were bound to get weird... Umm... So..."


    Meanwhile...


    It had been sometime after the battle with the two Organization members. By now Heather and Sera had woken up.


    All of them had bee chatting at the train station while they waited on the rest of the group to show up. Heather was waiting on her dad to come get her.


    "I''m in big trouble..." The girl muttered.


    Hero turned just in time to see Nick and Sif in the distance.


    "Hey, guys!" A heavily beat up Hero yelled waving his hand. His smile faded when he saw the look on Nick and Sif''s face. "Guys..." Hero questioned as he raised an eyebrow.


    Nick walked Sif past the boy. Sif didn''t look very good. She looked like she had been crying reminding Hero of the fact that she was only seventeen, being one of the youngest Enforcer Captains.


    "What happened?" Ken asked in a worried tone.


    "Is Dawson and Ren alright?" Sera asked.


    "Those were the two other Enforcers?" Heather asked.


    "We lost." Was all Nick Said. "We lost."

 Chapter 148 - The Next Step

    Age 1991


    Kitsune turned to the two kids as they entered their room. "Oh! Hey Ken, Hero-" He stopped as they walked past him and silently set on the bed. "Guys?"


    "We lost..." Hero said slowly.


    "What?"


    "We lost," Ken said again.


    Kitsune shared a look with Cloud and Irene.


    Irene set down at a chair next to Ken''s bed. "What happened."


    "Enforcer Reserve Member Of Squad Seven, Ren..." Hero said slowly. He seemed to stop for a moment shaking his head. "She was KIA killed in action... After an accident and a series of events, she has unfortunately fallen in combat at the hands of an enemy."


    "Oh..." Kitsune said slowly. He placed a hand on Hero''s shoulder. "Of you need to talk..."


    "I''m fine." Hero said slowly standing back up. "I feel bad for Squad Seven though. They lost an important member on their Squad."


    "Damn..." Cloud slowly collapsed in his chair letting out a heavy sigh. "How is everyone else handling it?" He asked.


    "We don''t know," Ken said slowly. "Sif, Nick, and Dawson, were all called into Master Storms office to talk about it."


    "Yeah... The same is with Katrina and Jackson." Kitsune said with a sigh. "Hannah is actually outside our room making sure we don''t run off. I think we''re in big trouble."


    "We should be." Hero said. "We completely lost." He growled out hitting the wall. He stared down at his hands as he clenched his teeth. "I managed to use a powerful Monster-Point. Boosted my power beyond anything I was ever able to do. And I still lost! Hell, I wasn''t even there when she... When she... I hate that stupid white aura stuff they do!"


    "Oh. You guys fought that too." Cloud asked.


    "Yeah," Ken mumbled. "Weren''t able to do crap against him... I feel so useless!"


    "How about you guys?" Hero asked.


    "Us too," Kitsune said nodding. "I completely lost. Me and Cloud. We had to be saved by a little girl."


    "A little girl?"


    "Yeah. Some little girl." Kitsune said with a sigh. "She did a real number on the city. Thankfully Okane Genkin, the Noble who owns Dandelion will be paying for all the damage."


    "Genkin." Hero said slowly. "That''s the father of Heather... He was in our city..."


    "Really? Woe what are the chances."


    "Hmm..."


    Kitsune let out a small sigh as he folded his arms. "That power though. The one they bust out. It''s absolutely insane. We need to train Hero. Train so that we can beat that bull crap! I''m tired of the person we''re fighting beating is by pulling that out! It is so unfair!"


    "Yeah..." Hero said slowly. He thought of Okane for a second. Then he thought of that Organization member, the one with the flames. ''Now that I think about it. Those smells. Their stench. I know it. I think? Hmm...'' Hero glanced down at his hands for a moment. ''Next time I fight those guys I''ll need more power. Ava... Will you help me?'' A white liquid dripped out of his hand for a second before vanishing. Hero smiled as he turned back to Kitsune. "You''re right... We''ll train! We''ll just have to become versions of ourselves that can defeat them!"


    Kitsune held his fist out. Hero gave a cheeky grin as he reached up and fist-bumped his friend.


    Meanwhile...


    "I can''t believe you three!" Ward practically yelled slamming his hand onto the wooden table in front of him. His emerald green eyes glared at Dawson, Sif, and Nick. They all looked down a look of pure sorrow, and shame on their face.


    "Hey, Ward..." Katrina said softly. She placed two hands on Dawson''s and Sif''s shoulder. "Be easy on them."


    "I''ll get to you and your boyfriend later!" He hissed out glaring at Jackson and Katrina now. They recoiled as the man turned to look back at the other three. Master Storm set behind Ward. The old man was completely silent. He stared at the five Enforcers with a look of disappointment on his face. "You guys..." Ward said through gritted teeth. He took a deep breath. "Five hundred million, two thousand, and forty-six." He finally said. "That was the population of the city known as Chrysanthemum. Across the world, in all Nations, there are nearly two Trillion. Of that population a majority are Humans. In fact, around 90% are normal humans. Nearly four hundred million. That is the amount of bodies that have been recovered from Chrysanthemum. The entire city is gone. The Noble who lived there is on trial. And we lost a high ranking Enforcer, as well as not stopping the Organization from destroying the city. It is one thing for an Enforcer to die. It is another when her death meant nothing!" Ward yelled punching the desk again, his fist instantly broke through it. "What''s worse is most of the damage was caused by those two Recruits of yours!"


    "It is my fault," Dawson said cutting him off. "I take full blame for all actions. I made the mistakes. I didn''t fix the problems sooner. I take full responsibility for my action."


    "No," Sif said slowly. "I was the Captain. I was in charge. All blame is mine to bear."


    "Rest assured." Master Storm said. His tone caused the room to go dead silent once again. "There will be consequences for these actions. Not only have you all failed, you allowed an entire city to fall..."


    "He''s right." Ward hissed out. He turned to Katrina and Jackson. "As for you two... You also let a city block get completely obliterated. Thankfully all the damage is being repaired but still. You both failed at your mention. We have a prison with a massive hole in it, filled with a bunch of dead guards." He shook his head. "Right now we have a ton of reporters who are burning with passion. They all want to know what is going on. We''re doing everything we can to fix this but it''ll get out. This amount of death. It''s something that won''t be hidden forever."


    "All of you." Master Storm said speaking once again. "I want you all to return to your buildings, and rooms..." He said slowly. "You''ll all be on a bit of a break for a few months. It is better if all of you aren''t associated with the Enforcers for now. You can stay here but, we won''t be giving you guys missions... I''d use this time to help your Recruits. Sera, Hero, and Ken especially. They were in the heart of it all and are still recovering."


    "As you wish..." All five of them said giving a bow.


    "Oh... And I don''t want you to fail me again..." His voice held an edge to it now... "I won''t repeat myself."


    "...Yes..."


    Meanwhile...


    Hero walked down the path as he let out a loud sigh. He folded his arms as he stared up to the black sky.


    "What''s wrong kid?" The man who guards the Golden gates of the Enforcers home base asked.


    "What? Didn''t hear about it this time?" Hero asked. "I thought the gossip would have spread by now."


    "Nah. Not today. They''re being very hushush hush about what happened this time." Tue man let out a chuckle as he folded his arms. "Actually. I''m kind of bored kid. How about a quick match?"


    "Nah." Hero held his arms up showing the many bandages that was on them. He unzipped his jacket showing off his chest was also covered in the white bandages. "I''m still healing."


    "I thought you could heal quickly."


    "Normally I can." Hero said staring down at his hands. "Living Nano and Monsterfication team up to heal my body. Monsterfication can make new parts, and Living Nano has a bunch of tiny microscopic creature inside of me that help keep me together. However in my last fight, I completely burned through my reserves. I used all my power up and tired out my Monsterfication ability as well as killed all the microscopic creatures inside of me. Monster-Point really overdid it haha... Luckily I can make new creatures by resting, and my Monster energy will eventually come back but for now, I''m too exhausted to do much of anything. I''ll just rest up for a few days and be back in top shape!"


    "I see." The man gave a small smirk as he nodded. "Well take care Hero. I look forward to seeing what you can do."


    "I will." Hero waved as he began to walk away.


    The teen stared ahead as he walked forward. His eyes slowly focused on a man as he walked past. Eins. That Enforcer jerk? Hero stopped suddenly as his nose twitched.


    "Doctor Hyde..."


    Eins stopped. He slowly turned to stare at the boy. "Ahh. That Seraphin nose I always hear about? Well. I''m not surprised you can smell the man on me. After all, he did make you. And I and he have been working-"


    Hero reached out grabbing the man as his eyes flashed. "How!" He questioned. "You''ve been near that man! Tell me where he is-"


    There was a snapping sound as Eins reached up and broke Hero''s arm. The teen fell back letting out a loud gasp of pain.


    "Never. Ever. Touch. Me." Eins stared down at the boy with a look of disgust.


    "Where is he," Hero asked through gritted teeth. "Where is he!"


    "You''re looking for the girl right? Ava? Well. If you must know Doctor Hyde is gone. I won''t be seeing him for a few months."


    "Bastard!" Herl jumped up but was backhanded back down.


    Eins faced away as he began to walk off. "Hey, brat. Listen. You have no idea what you''re trying to get into."


    "I''m going to find her..."


    "Maybe so. But it won''t be through me."


    "Why are you working with him!" Hero asked.


    "We''re working on a project. And before you ask. Master Storm already knows about it so go ahead and go tell someone. It doesn''t matter."


    "Where is Ava!"


    The man began to walk away as he gave a small wave. "I don''t know kid. But why don''t you give up? Some things are better off not being found. And believe me. That girl. After the things, she went through. I''d hate to be the poor bastard that gets close to her. That girl will bring you nothing but pain."


    "I don''t care." Hero announced. "No matter what it takes. No matter how strong I have to get. I''ll find her!"


    Eins gave a small smirk. "Hero Otoko? What a fool you are."

 Chapter 149 - The Start Of The Next Force (Prologue)

    Age 1991


    The City Of Dandelion...


    A few hours after the fight...


    Shelly took a small intake of breath when she felt the hand on the back of her throat. It gripped down lightly as a burning sensation flowed through her body from the touch.


    She heard his almost silent breathing, and could feel his eyes on the back of her head as he seemed to stare into her.


    It creeped her out... This was one of the reasons she didn''t really like Enforcers.


    Her pink eyes stared ahead of her with dull and cold eyes. She numbly tried to ignore the creeping sensation that slowly went through her.


    In front of her rested a massive black ocean. She stood on the shoreline staring into the Black Depths. Even from being a few feet away from it, she could feel the intense heat that flowed out of the ocean. Its black water bubbled as a hail of steam raised off of it.


    Most people were too scared to even get near it. Made sense though. It was hot enough to burn through a persons flesh in mere minutes. Over a thousand degrees Celsius. It was pretty hot.


    "Shelly," Eins said in a low tone as he gave off a heavy frown. His voice practically seemed to shift into a low growl. His hand around her neck began to glow a low golden color as he tightened his grip and golden particles began to rise up off of his hands. "You''ve disappointed me..." He said in a very harsh tone. He reached into his pocket staring at the Crystal pocket watch he always had on him.


    "I''m sorry sir Licht," Shelly said slowly. She let out a small wince as his hands began to burn.


    "I told you." His grip got tighter, and his voice got harsher. "You should call me father."


    "Sorry... Dad..." Shelly felt a small shiver go through her as she said those words. She began to feel slightly sick. ''Maybe those two other boys weren''t so bad...'' She thought slowly as she remembered Cloud, and Kitsune for a moment. Compared to Eins, they were unbelievably weak, but they were still pretty cool.


    Eins seemed to gaze at her for a few moments before turning back to the black water. "Do you know why I had you made?" Eins asked slowly. A smile seemed to form onto his face. "Well. You and your two siblings. But you''re the newest model. Better than those two other siblings. I made you Shelly. Or at least had that damn scientist make you. Bioengineering at its finest. You''re my weapon. The King-Slayer. I''ll use you. Use you to do something no Enforcer has ever done! I will slay the Kings!"


    Shelly stayed silent. He had gone over this several times before. This wasn''t the first, and it likely wouldn''t be the last.


    Eins finally removed his hand from her neck as he gripped his hand. "I''ll slay them! Then I''ll be known as a hero! The man who saved the entire human race! The first Non-Noble to become the Emperor!" He gave another loud laugh as he waved his hand out. "All of this. It''ll be mine!" He announced.


    ''Who in their right minds would want the Black Ocean?'' Shelly thought with a small frown.


    There was a loud crack that echoed through the air. Slowly the water began to bubble up as the water began to suddenly move. Then slowly something began to rise from the water. Whatever it was it was absolutely massive.


    Both Shelly and Eins took a few steps back as the water poured out dripping onto the floor below them. It burned and hissed as the ground burning a hole into the floor before them.


    They didn''t seem to be surprised by the thing as it got higher and higher.


    In the background, a few people could be heard screaming in panic as the thing rose out of the water.


    The thing got higher and higher piercing up to the sky.


    Finally, it stopped.


    A massive warship. Nearly two miles big, and three miles tall. Made out of a thick white metal that was stained black. Steam rose off of it as the ship rested on the surface.


    There was a loud mechanical sound as a massive metal door unfolded falling forward and creating a massive metal bridge connecting it to the land. It hit the ground with a loud bang as it stabbed into the dirt.


    Eins reached his hand out again placing it on Shelly''s back. "Well. Let''s head home." He said as he began to lightly tug on her. "I''m sure you want to see your siblings? Plus I would like to run a few more experiments on you. I''m sure the Doctor wouldn''t mind cutting you open again. He seems to like doing that."


    "Right... Father..." She responded feeling another shiver go through her spine. She frowned at the thought of having to be on the cramped boat once again. But part of Eins had been right. She did want to see her siblings once again. Unlike her, they weren''t allowed off of the large boat.


    The two slowly walked forward heading towards the massive ship. "Oh. And don''t think you''ll get off scotfree for what you did. I let you roam around in the world so you can grow and socialize. Not so you can fight and show off your power. If Master Storm saw how much progress I''ve made without informing him I''d be- Err... I mean ''we''d'' be screwed. And those Kings. No one would be able to stop them... You don''t want to be known as the person who let the world get destroyed do you, Shelly."


    "No father." She said slowly.


    "You''ll do what I require of you right?" He asked. "You''ll be a good girl."


    "Yes, father..."


    "I''m going to kill them! My loyal weapon! We''ll take over this world. We will save it. You. Are the King Slayer!"

 Chapter 150 - Something In The Air

    Age 1991


    Oleander City...


    "Go go go!" A bandit screamed. He was a normal human so he kind of looked like a frogman. Behind him, several other humans all armed with heavy guns ran with him.


    ''It had been only a couple of months since the incident, where Squad Six failed.''


    "Not so fast!" A loud voice announced. A ball of lightning slammed into the ground as Jackson appeared in front of the bandits. He gave then a c.o.c.ky grin and raised his greatsword up. "Hey, guys. Sorry but you''re all being a little too loud. We''re gonna stop you."


    "We-"


    There was a loud boom as Kitsune, Cloud, Irene, and Ken all crashed down.


    "Yep," Jackson said giving a cheeky grin. "We."


    "Oh crap-"


    "Get them!"


    The four recruits charged forward.


    ''Despite that incident being mostly swept under the rug, we were still in deep trouble. Squad Six had been placed strictly on Oleander duty, protecting the city from the constantly attacking bandits, who for someone didn''t seem to realize that they stood zero chance at winning...''


    Ken let out a loud yell slicing her sheathed blade through the air and sending a swarm of the guys into the air. They all crashed down on the streets with a painful thud. She let out an angry yell once again smashing into them.


    "Geez..." Kitsune muttered watching the fourteen-year-old girl brutally bash the guys around. "She''s still mad about that isn''t she..."


    "Well," Irene said with some annoyance. "Hero did break our- Err. Her heart." She said with a frown. "I don''t blame her."


    "I don''t see why all the girls are in love Hero," Kitsune muttered. "I''m way more handsome."


    "I agree."


    "I''m sorry what North?"


    "Uhh, nothing!"


    ''We had gotten into a massive mess and were now stuck. We mostly trained to improve by a small amount. But Mr. Blight... Dawson. He was still in a dark place. He rarely left his room now. Ren''s death affected him the most.''


    Irene let out a loud yell smashing her arms into the ground and sending out a massive wave of ice that slammed into everyone.


    "And this is for always walking around with that stupid grin!" She shouted throwing a huge block of ice forward.


    Kitsune jumped over going back to back with Cloud. "Hey be honest," Kitsune asked. "You aren''t gonna start freaking out to are you?"


    "No. No clue why North and Ken are." Cloud muttered.


    "Good."


    ''Katrina and Jackson had managed to mostly get us out of trouble. We were still Enforcers at least. But Master Storm made his disappointment known. He had talked to all of us. I think he was really disappointed in me. I''m not sure why but being an Otoko, and a Seraphin, everyone seems to expect so much from me. But honestly, I''m just a dumb kid who likes fighting.''


    Kitsune rushed forward waving his hands as he swung his two weapons around. He had seemingly improved by a small bit doing some tricks with them.


    His nine tails fired out smacking into several of the bandits as jets of flames exploded off of him.


    ''All of us got some good training done. Ken and Kitsune especially improved by a huge amount. I''m still getting better but it has been slow...''


    Cloud dodged several attacks and struck out with his cane smashing the knee caps of everyone who got near him.


    Large waves of smoke rolled off of him blinding everyone near him as he continued to dance around them with skill.


    ''Now. Well, now we were mostly waiting on our next big mission.''


    Up in the sky, there was a bright blue glow as Katrina the sixth squad Captain crashed down leaving a large crater.


    "Hey, guys. Did I miss anything?" She asked.


    "Hey, Katrina!" Jackson called out. "Nah. Ken handled most of it-"


    He was blasted away by an annoyed Katrina, when he mentioned Ken. The Captain turned to look at the rest of the bandits as she brought her arm up.


    "Well. Let''s finish this." She stated punching forward.


    A massive sonic boom fired out as a wave of kinetic energy broke everything before her smashing the bandits into the ground and leaving them completely unconscious.


    "There we go." She said simply.


    There was a loud click followed by a flash as the group turned finding a camera pointed at them, as a large newsgroup started taking pictures of them.


    "And once again our city is saved by the brave and powerful Squad Six! Most notably the amazing Captain, Katrina!" A news lady announced.


    ''We could all feel it in the air. Not just our Squad. Every Enforcer. Every SuperHuman.''


    Meanwhile...


    The City Of Dandelion...


    "Run!" A guy screamed as him and a girl ran down the streets of the dark city. He held the hand of the girl as they both ran forward.


    The girl let out a loud yell as she slipped falling forward.


    "No!" She screamed. "Please-" Something in the darkness behind then reached out grabbing onto her.


    The man let go of her just in time as she was yanked into the darkness.


    Her screams echoed out, followed by a sickening snapping sound as the man turned and continued to run away.


    "I got to get out of here-" A black ball of energy seemed to fly out of the darkness. It flew forward brushing past the man as he stumbled forward. "I got to-" He stepped forward moving slower now as his voice grew heavier. He stepped out of the alleyway and fell into the light. He let out a loud groan as he fell forward. His vision began to blur as he stared into a nearby puddle. "What?" He asked in shock.


    When he looked into the puddle he didn''t see his once young and handsome face. He saw an old man.


    The man got older and older as he let out a gasp clutching at his heart. His eyes rolled into the back of his head as he hit the ground.


    He didn''t move. He didn''t even seem to be breathing anymore...


    "La la la..." A low feminine voice said. "La la la." A small figure wearing long black robes stepped out. Her foot came out stepping onto the body of the man. Under her foot, he crumbled breaking away into dust... The figure stopped suddenly bending down and picking up a discarded newspaper that was on the ground.


    ''Oleander City can rest easy, knowing that it is protected by Captain Katrina.''


    The robbed figure gripped down on the paper as it glowed black and crumbled into dust.


    "La la la..."


    From behind them, a large shape seemed to move through the darkness as the figure turned away and began to enter the darkness once again.


    ''Yes all of us could feel it... Something... Something wrong was out there.''

 Chapter 151 - Training

    Age 1991


    Max jumped back just in time as Hero crashed into the ground in front of him.


    The teens foot stabbed into the ground cracking it around them sending up several jagged rocks that he smacked towards Max. The boy ducked down avoiding the rocky spikes.


    Hero''s body was tense and he had some more muscles on him. This was because he was using his compression ability on his entire body allowing him to increase his strength and defense but making it hard to move.


    Max let out a loud yell as he punched forward slamming his fist into Hero''s chest. He let out a yell of pain though as it felt like punching a rock.


    ''I forgot how hard he is, in that mode.'' Max thought jumping back and clutching his hand. ''Thankfully he can''t hold it for long.''


    As if on cue Hero breathed out as his muscles stopped being compressed and he uncompressed getting less fit and slightly less muscular but being able to move normally again.


    Max struck kicking his leg up and cracking it into the head of Hero causing the boy to fall back.


    Hero punched out with his arm sending out a long and thin bone blade.


    ''Whoa!'' Max thought ducking down just in time as the blade sliced over his head. ''That''s new! He''s using his ability in another way now?'' The teen thought with some amus.e.m.e.nt. ''I knew he would be able to power up quickly.''


    "Surprised?" Hero asked giving a large smirk. "Yeah, I''ve been improving. I can compress my body boosting up my attack power and defense power, for nearly three minutes now. I can use a Big-Arm-Strike once without my arm breaking, and I can use my bones faster, and sharper. I''ve trained to use them as sharp blades now!" He announced.


    "Good defense, strong punches, self-creating blades, and a powerful regeneration. Compared to most of the people I fight you really are a cut above the rest." Max admitted.


    "Thanks!" Hero announced. He raised his right arm up using his compression to strengthen it. "Yeah before I used my stretching and inflation mainly to try and attack. But every time I stretched, that always ended badly, and my balloon arm doesn''t do a lot of damage mostly bouncing the opponent away. Incan compresses a single limb powering it up greatly by forcing my flesh and muscles to get harder and layer over each other. Or I can use it on my whole body but when I do that it becomes kind of hard to move. I also can''t stretch, or inflate, or do a lot of anything, when I am like that, since my body is so hard."


    "You improve fast," Max admitted. "But it won''t be enough." He announced rushing forward.


    The two began to clash punching at each other with rapid strikes. They slammed their fists into one another. Several bone pipes stabbed out of Hero''s arms sending out a rush of air allowing him to punch faster and faster.


    Hero sliced his leg up as a bone blade stabbed out and nearly cutting into Max. Hero spun around kicking out with the bone blade on his leg, again and again, all the while throwing out several fast punches compressing his arms causing them to be harder than rock, and punch with a great force as he balanced on is one normal leg.


    Max flipped over the blade landing behind Hero and smashing his elbow into the boy''s neck causing him to fall forward.


    He wrapped his hand around the boy''s face and smashed his head into the ground. He grabbed onto his hair and smashed him down, again and again, bashing the boy into the ground.


    Hero punched up throwing the boy off of him as he jumped back to his feet. He shook his head slightly as steamrolled off of his body, his wounds already putting themselves back together.


    He rushed forward as he began to throw out rapid high speed punches. He dropped the Compression ability and instead started stretching causing his arms to fire out and stretch forward at a high speed. Small bone like blades stabbed out of his hands piercing through the air in rapid stabs.


    "Rapid Gungnir!"


    Max raised his arms up and jumped away in an attempt to block the strikes. "So fast..." He hissed out. "But. It doesn''t matter if you don''t have enough power to get through my defense!" He yelled slamming a fist forward and senidng Hero back.


    "Yeah. You''re right. I should go for some more compressed power!" Hero raised his foot up as it streatched all the way up to the rough. Suddenly it inflated and then compressed as bone pipes stabbed out of it, and began to force it down. "Big-Leg-Strike!" He announced kicking down with the massive limb.


    Max raised his arms up just in time as the massive limb slammed into him and forced him down into the ground with a mighty boom.


    "Ha!" Hero announced loudly pointing into the smoke cloud where Max had crashed. "Take that!"


    "So," Max asked. "I have to ask. Have you noticed?"


    "Noticed what?" Hero asked curiously snapping his nose back into place. His silver eyes peered over to Max who was smirking.


    Max gave a small shrug. "I haven''t used my Attribute yet." The boy said simply. "I''ve been keeping up with you, all the while not even using my powers."


    "I call hacks-"


    Max rushed forward jumping into the air and smashing his fist into Hero''s head knocking the boy into the ground. He appeared behind him kicking out with his foot and sending Hero back.


    Hero hit the ground rolling across it as he raised his hand up and a twenty-foot bone spear fired out stabbing towards the boy.


    The spear pierced the roof above them as Max dodged it. Seconds later the bone spear ripped through the roof launching a wave of dirt down to them.


    Max flipped through the air smashing his foot into Hero''s face and slamming the boy down. He raised his hand up as it glowed a bright orange and lava began to drip down it.


    "You''re finished," Max said casually. He punched out slamming the lava hand down into the ground right next to Hero''s head.


    "Whoa!" Hero said with wide eyes. Max jumped off of him and helped him back up to his feet. "How though? My body is so strong and you kept up with it without an Attribute? How?"


    "Equation Of Life."


    "Of course it''s that white aura stuff..." Hero said letting out a sigh as he rolled his eyes.


    "Mantra," Max said staring down at his hands. "The Equation Of Life. It is our life force. By unlocking it you gain a spiritual power. Even without having your Mantra on, this Spiritual Power, is still enough to power you up greatly." He said casually. "And then I can activate it for an even greater boost. This power it gives is insane. I''m so strong. Being put on Squad One was the best thing for me."


    Hero gave a small eye-roll. "Yeah yeah." He said. "Hey. Actually. Can you tell me more about this Mantra? Or Equation of Life or whatever the hell it is called?"


    "Oh? Sure?"

 Chapter 152 - Mantra

    Age 1991


    Hero collapsed to the floor with a loud sigh as he fell back.


    Max stared down at the boy with a small frown.


    "So." He began his face becoming a small smirk as he stared back at his rival. "You want me to tell you about Mantra?" He questioned.


    "Yeah." Hero said giving an annoyed nod. "I''m tired of fighting a guy, and then boom! He busts out that white aura crap and kicks my butt! It is so unfair!"


    Max let out a chuckle as he folded his arms. "I can see how... But before I tell you. I have to ask. Isn''t your Squad out on a mission?"


    "Yeah, but they don''t need me?" Hero said casually.


    "That isn''t exactly what I meant," Max said slowly. "I mean. You have your own Squad training room? And a bunch of people around your level that you could train with. Why did you ask me?"


    "Uhh..." Hero''s silver eyes darted around for a second as he tried to come up with an answer. "Oh hey! Umm... Where are your other Squadmates?"


    "Oh. They''re in the other training rooms?"


    "You guys have more than one!"


    "Yeah. We have like... Fifty?"


    "What!"


    "Yeah. Squad One doesn''t go on a lot of missions, since it is designed as a last resort. Our Squad is one of the strongest. So whenever we aren''t on those rare missions, we sit around and train. Our Vice-Captain makes us train like crazy."


    "Have you seen the first Captain?"


    "Nah," Max said sighing. "No one has. But that''s normal. The last Squad Captain, Okami Otoko, your Grandfather, was only seen a few times himself. Wait! That isn''t important. Why are you here?"


    Hero folded his arms as he let out a small sigh. "Okay. You got me. So basically... Well..." He scratched his head as he gave a small sheepish laugh. "So. I''m kind of avoiding Ken." He stated.


    "Is that the small girl?"


    "Yeah."


    "Why? What did you do?"


    "Why do you assume I did something wrong!"


    "...What did you do?"


    Hero let out another sigh. "Well. I thought we got past it... But... Well..." He said in a slightly awkward tone. "She kept giving me those weird vibes."


    "Weird vibes?"


    "Yeah you know. Where they keep flirting with you. They don''t stop looking at you. They keep trying to place their hands all over you? You know the usual weird vibes that happen with girls."


    "What?"


    "I just kept getting these vibes off of her. So I kind of did a stupid, and flat out told her, that I already have someone who I''m in love with, and I''m not into short girls, and maybe she should look for someone else to love..."


    "Oh... How''d that go?"


    "She threw me out a window."


    "Who''d you suggest she should love?"


    "Kitsune."


    "Yeah, I''d throw you out of a window to. That was stupid of you."


    "Why does everyone keep saying that..." Hero muttered. He shook his head getting back on track. "Anyways. I don''t think she hates me. I also don''t think she ever really loved me. I just didn''t want to hurt her. I already have a girlfriend. She doesn''t know she''s my girlfriend yet."


    "That''s creepy..."


    "So after I told Ken, North I think tried to comfort her or something? Anyways they both seem mad at me now, so I''ve been avoiding them ever since that happened."


    "Wow. You messed up."


    "Don''t remind me." Hero sighed out. "Will, you just tell me about that Mantra stuff?"


    "Oh yeah sure. I should do that huh?"


    "Yeah." Hero said giving a nod. "I really am getting tired of that crap popping up." He sighed out.


    Max slowly brought his hands together in a prayer gesture. "So Hero. Tell me. Do you believe in God?"


    "What? I mean I guess. They say God made the world. And God gave us our powers and stuff?" He said shrugging.


    "Well. That was before we knew what this power was. I personally don''t believe in the person we call God. I believe there is something more but I highly doubt that a man like that existed." Max stated giving a slight smirk. A white aura covered his body as he brought his hands apart. It crackled around him as heat began to roll off of his body. "This. Is Mantra. The Equation Of Life. A power of endless evolution." He announced.


    "Endless evolution?" Hero asked raising an eyebrow.


    "Yes. I''m sure you''ve heard about Enhancement."


    "Yeah. We get stronger and stronger as we fight right?"


    "Yes. That comes from this." Max stated. "The Equation Of Life is a power that leads to many abilities. With it, we are able to evolve again and again and again. That is why when two SuperHumans have a kid, that child will almost always have more potential than the parents. However. On the flipside, this power is our greatest weakness. When a bunch of SuperHuamans stop fighting for years, and then have kids, those kids will be weaker. If there is no need for us to evolve past our limits, then our race will slowly break down and devolve."


    "Oh. That isn''t good."


    "You think? It is pretty tricky. We need to kill the Bestia Macht, so our race can survive. But we need the Bestia Macht, to fight us, our race can keep living. The Normal Humans are a by-product of people who stopped fighting."


    "Wait so if I don''t fight I''ll become a frogman!"


    "What? No. Don''t be stupid." Max hit the boy over the head. "That isn''t how evolution works. If you don''t fight for your entire life, and then have kids, those kids will be weaker. You yourself won''t start to devolve."


    "Oh, that''s good."


    "However. We can evolve."


    "Wait but you said that isn''t how evolution works-"


    "I know what I said! It''s magic get off my back, it doesn''t need to make sense!"


    "That just seems like an excuse-"


    ''Smack!''


    "Oww!"


    Max hit the boy over the head once again as he folded his arms. "Now shut up and listen! Mantra can allow us to power up past our limits. It can also allow us to enter a new form called Evolucionar. This form boost our body, Mantra, and Attribute to its limit, then breaks that limit, unlocking a new power beyond anything most people have seen."


    "Whoa. Cool."


    "Yeah, it is! I''ve almost reached my Evolucionar!"


    "You have?"


    "Do you remember that lava-like armor form I went into. That is like a Evolucionar. Not exactly though. It is more like I am on the edge of reaching Evolucionar."


    "Cool."


    Max stared down at his hands as his white aura went out once again. "Other than that I really don''t know a lot. Most people don''t. I''m sure there are more things to learn but progress has been slow."


    "How do you unlock Mantra?" Hero asked.


    "I don''t know?"


    "What!"


    "What? You think if we knew, we would withhold that? No. Every Enforcer would have Mantra then. The truth is no one really knows. The best we can do is when you reach a certain point, of level of power, you can unlock it. Or it can come at a time of need. I have no idea how to unlock it."


    "How''d you unlock yours?"


    "I''m a genius. I was born with it."


    "Oh..."


    "You should remember my name Hero. Max. I will be the first commoner. No. Less than a commoner. I will be the first street rat to become an Emperor. I lived on the streets my whole life, but I am destined for more. I am a pure genius. A boy born with Godlike potential, who trains harder than anyone else! I will become the Squad One Captain, then make them recognize me, then I will rise up and become the Red Emperor!" He announced loudly.


    "Oh cool."


    Max let out a small laugh as he folded his arms. "Well." He said bringing his hands back up. "You should get back up Hero." He said.


    "What why?"


    "Our training isn''t done yet."


    "It isn''t no?"


    "No! Now get back up and fight me! A Seraphin can evolve at a tremendous rate. I''ll fight you until you evolve, then force myself to evolve past you!"


    "Oh! Okay?"

 Chapter 153 - More Training

    Age 1991


    Kitsune let out a loud yell as he brought his arm up and sliced it through the air.


    A large wave of flames stabbed forward with his hand piercing the air in front of him.


    Irene raised her hand up creating a large wall of ice as the flames smashed into it head-on. The wall of ice shook and began to melt as the flames rolled over it.


    The girl gritted her teeth pressing down and sending out the wall causing it to tear the ground up and move towards the fox Noble.


    Kitsune dodged the attack at the last second as it smashed into the back of the Squad Six training room. It exploded in a hail of ice sending out chunks of sharp objects as they sliced and stabbed into the back of Kitsune.


    He let out a loud yell and gritted his teeth. He stomped forward throwing his weapon through the air as it smashed into Irene''s face causing her to let out several loud curses and grab at her busted nose.


    "Oww... You asshole..." She croaked.


    "Not bad," Kitsune said giving a large smile. "You''re starting to push me." He reached up wiping a hand over his forehead as he let out a loud hiss of exhaustion. "Whoa. You''re strong."


    Irene let out a sigh of her own nearly falling over. She caught herself though raising her own arms up. "Naturally. I don''t intend to lose to you." Irene said shaking her head.


    "You''re strong North. Very strong. If you got over that problem of freezing up in the middle of a fight, you would be so strong." He said wiping some blood away from his busted lips. His nine flaming tails slowly moved through the air leaving flaming streaks in their wake. "I''m so excited for you to have agreed to this! This is getting good!" He announced.


    "All of you guys. You all improve so quickly." Irene gasped out. "You''re just like him..." She sighed out shaking her head. The image of her brother North came to mind. "I have no intention of allowing all of you to fly past me. I''ll earn my right to be an Enforcer!" She announced pointing her hand up.


    Several ice shards flew out as Kitsune danced through the battlefield dodging the strikes as they stabbed past him.


    Kitsune brought his hands up bringing them together as he pointed his palms at her. "Foxes Flare!" He announced firing out a massive beam of heat.


    The beam sliced forward cutting through the floor and exploding in a massive hail of flames shaking the room and burning the white walls black.


    Irene smashed her hand into the ground forming a massive mountain of ice in an attempt to shield herself from the blast.


    The beam smashed into it, shaking the wall and blasting it away with ease as her eyes widened.


    Irene let out a loud yell as she was thrown back and crashed into the nearby wall. She fell forward catching herself as she let out a loud yell of pain.


    She slid down the wall letting out a loud gasp of pain as her head laid down onto the stone. "I... Give..." She sighed closing her eyes.


    "I win North!" Kitsune announced before falling forward and landing face-first on the ground, completely unconscious.


    Meanwhile...


    "Do you guys have to do this here..." Ace asked awkwardly.


    "Yes," Ken said in an annoyed tone.


    "What she means..." Cloud said placing a hand on the small girl''s head. "Our other teammates are training in our Squad room. Well, two are at least. We need a place to train ourselves." He said giving a small shrug. "We need to improve. So we wanted to train here."


    Cloud gestured to the vast amount of snow that was around them. They currently stood outside of the city walls out in the cold.


    "I mean I guess..." Ace said giving a shrug. "But do you think it''s safe?" He asked. "I mean. I know you''re near the city and all but still?"


    "Does it really matter," Ken questioned. "I''m pretty sure if any kind of problem actually happens you''ll be taken out first."


    "Well..." Ace said stepping away.


    "What she said is harsh but true," Cloud stated nodding. "You''re pretty useless."


    "You don''t have to rub it in... I mean... I got this big gun and everything."


    "You know what bullets do to a Baron? Basically nothing. You know what my fist does to a Baron." Ken cracked her knuckles in an attempt to look intimidating but it didn''t really work since she was small and adorable.


    Cloud let out a sigh folding his arms. "Look. I see-"


    "No, you don''t."


    "-the problem here. But it''s pretty small. We''ll be near the city after all. And you''re here. Pretty sure if something happens we can handle it. Besides. Training in the cold would be great-"


    "No, it wouldn''t." Ken hissed out. "But stupid North, and Kitsune stole the training room from us! And I don''t even know where Hero is! He screwed off, and has been avoiding me like a big stupid!"


    "Oh, gee I wonder why..." Cloud said pushing his sunglasses up further on his face.


    "Hey!"


    "What?"


    Ken let out a few grumbles as she raised her blade up. "Ahh, whatever! I''ll just kick your ass."


    "Well then!" Cloud brought his cane up pointing it towards the metal girl. "Come at me!" He announced.


    "I''ll show you what I got blind boy!"


    "Sure thing shorty. I''ve developed a several attacks to deal with you all. I''ll show you my skill!"


    "Ha screw skill! I''ll blow you away with a single attack!" She announced raising her blade up as red energy cracked off of the blade lighting up the darkness around them in a sea of red. "Red-Flash!"


    "White out! Cloud announced pointing his blade up.


    Ace simply let out a sigh and shook his head. He turned away just in time as the two began their clash.

 Chapter 154 - Fear Or Something Else

    Age 1991


    "Oh. You''re back again..." Labby said letting out a sigh. The chains around him clattered as he moved further up in the air getting away from the boy who just suddenly appeared.


    "Yep!" Hero announced giving a sheepish wave. "I''m back."


    "What is it this time..." Labby sighed out, shaking the closet thing he had to a head.


    "I think you know."


    The small Labby let out a sigh of his own as he floated down. His sleeve came out resting on Hero''s black and white hair as the three of them went completely silent.


    "Ahh." Small Labby said giving a nod.


    "Well?" Hero asked raising his silver eyes.


    "30.1%"


    "I finally hit 30%," Hero asked excitedly. "Alright! But why did it shoot up so fast?" He sounded a bit worried as he bit his lip and crossed his arms.


    "When you use Monster-Point it speeds up the growth. Thus you can''t rely on that power otherwise you''ll go to fast, and either burn yourself out, or tip over thye edge of being a Seraphin and become a full Monster."


    "That can''t be good!"


    "Yes. It seems you have grown stronger. On top of that, your body improved greatly as well. You are now at a total of 90.3% total power nearing your max. On top of improving your power output, you also have improved your body and your skill at using your Attributes. You''re now weaving through them so much quicker then you used to be able to. You''ve grown. Even holding your power back you still forced yourself to get this strong."


    "Yep." Hero said giving a large cheeky grin as he clenched his fist. "I''m getting better. I''m learning how these powers work and how far I can push my body. I''ll get all the way to 50% and beyond. I''ll do it the human way and not require any of your help. I''ll hold onto this humanity."


    "You know just because you''ll become a Monster you''re still Hero Otoko right?"


    ''Am I though. Mentally, and physically I might be there. But I would be forever changed. And I already said I don''t like change. I''m Hero Otoko, the third strongest human alive. A Seraphin is on the edge of Human and Monster. I''ll stay on that edge and see her."


    "Then why even come here." Small lab coat asked.


    "Well I need to know where I stand? How else will I know when I hit 50% of my power?"


    "Why just 50%," The large Lab coat asked c.o.c.king its not head, to the side. "At 50% you would have a total of 150%, still only being half of your total potential."


    "Well, you said I couldn''t get to a 100% unless I beat all of you right?" Hero asked curiously.


    "That''s right!" Little Labby announced. "In order to reach 100% or 300% max, you would have to absorb my full power, the manifestation of the Monsterfication, and the Red Lake. By absorbing all of us you would unlock 100% in each Attribute, giving you a total of 300% max power. Of course, your body would need to be at an insane level to handle all that power. Also you would have to beat ''him'' as well..."


    "Him?"


    "Ignore him." The Big Labby stated. "My smaller form seems to think there is something else in here. But we have both scanned. Only your signature, as well as the Monsterfication signature, and your Mothers signature have come back. We are the only thing in here."


    "About that." Hero said frowning. "What''s the thing that takes over the Seraphins and turn them into mindless monsters?" He asked.


    "The Monsterficaation of course?"


    "And yet." Hero pointed towards the massive white Hospital that rested in the distance. "She doesn''t seem to be doing anything. Are you sure that''s what takes control of us?" Hero asked raising an eyebrow.


    "What?"


    "I haven''t felt Rage. At least not to a pure extent. Nor have I felt a wave of saddness. Come to think of it I don''t think I ever cried after I became a Seraphin." Hero said frowing again He folded his arms bowing his head slightly as he became deep in thought. "And you said when we go through an Enhancement that power goes somewhere right... It gets stored up somewhere... I wonder where, if it isn''t any of you that are getting that power, and it isn''t the Monsterfication that takes the user over..."


    "If that''s the case... And there really is something else in here, the Doctor Hyde must have had no idea... This isn''t good. But it''s just a theory... I''ll look into this though."


    "Well, there you go." Hero said turning away from the Lab Coats as he gave a half wave. "The reason why I''m not interested in 100%"


    "Ahh. Because you know your body would be unable to handle all that power." The massive Labby said nodding his not head.


    "What no." Hero turned giving a small smile to them. "Because if I absorbed you all, I''d be alone."


    "...What..."


    Hero faced away from them again as he let out a small laugh. "I don''t like you guys. Well, I like Ava, but you two. I just don''t like. You''re annoying, and you''re a total bully. But... But, you keep me company. Even in the real world, as long as you are all here I''m not alone. That was always my biggest fear... Although I''m kind of scared at what is in here, if there really is something else crawling around my mind? When my mother died, I was left alone in the room with her corpse for nearly four days... I thought I would die. And then my Grandfather Okami Otoko, saved me. That''s why. Even if his methods were extreme. Even if he turned me into this monster. Even if he was only ever using me as a tool for revenge on the group that took my mother away... Even if... Even if all of that happened to me. I still love him. Because he''s my grandfather. So. Instead of acting out of power, I will instead chose to act out of Love. My love him. My love for her. My love for Cloud, North, Ken, Kitsune."


    "Hmph... Love. Such a strange human emotion." Labby announced slowly lowering himself down causing his chains to go wild as he pulled against it. "You humans follow along it way too much?"


    "Oh? Am I human? I was under the impression that me being a Seraphin made me different." Hero chuckled.


    "It does. A Seraphin is someone who will give up on life, for their power. And yet here you are, again and again, doing the stupidest decision you can make, for love rather than power. You claim you love Ava, and yet rejected the experiments your Grandfather wanted to do to you. You rejected the monster within you. Even now as you slowly increase in power you chose to hold back the full range of your abilities and cut loose. You could have reached a stage of power several years back if you went all out, and would have already saved the girl you claim you love. But you don''t. Because you''re scared. We both know the power is beating inside of you. You''re like a Caterpillar that is refusing to build a shell so that it may become a butterfly. All you''re doing is holding yourself back, and failing to save those you care about. You aren''t doing anything out of love. You''re acting out of fear. You''re choosing to hold yourself back..."


    "Fear. Love. Emotions are weird." Hero laughed off as he raised his hand up. His smile faded for a second as he slowly brought his hand down. "I''m just not ready to become a monster. I''m not ready to give up being a human. I know that in the end it wouldn''t change much, but to give up on this... It feels wrong. To just give up my humanity..."


    "Bye."


    "Later." Hero vanished with a quiet pop leaving the two lab coats alone.


    "What a strange boy." The small lab coat said letting out a laugh. "Was that true about what you said? Is he really holding back?"


    "Of course. Think back to all his fights. He has had access to Monster-Point for years now and yet has only used it a total of four times. The first was on accident. The second was on his Grandfather. The third of that boy named Max. And the fourth was last month when he fought that powerful man. Yet even then Otoko, has had more power he can draw on. Think about it. It is true he can''t pass 50% of his power as long as we still exist and yet, he could always draw on us for more power to at least boost himself up to 50%, and yet he doesn''t. Monster-Point draws on power from the girl he calls Ava. He could do that with any of us, or even all of us, but chooses not to out of a fear. Each of our abilities are really quite monstrous after all. Having all three at once, would surely turn him into a new beast. Something more Bestia Macht, then human."


    "I think I get his decision then."


    "What?"


    "His want, to not change. He''s an Enforcer. They hunt and kill monsters. His death would be swift if he lost control-"


    "You''re an idiot." The big lab coat announced.


    "I... I''m you though?"


    "Hero Otoko is not afraid of death. He is afraid of failing."


    "What?"


    "Failing. He isn''t afraid of losing control and becoming a monster that will be killed. He is afraid of losing control, and failing his allies."

 Chapter 155 - The Idea

    Age 1991


    Kitsune turned his towards the door, to their room as it burst open with a loud kick.


    "Why are you kicking our door down?"


    "Arms to tired to grab handle.


    Hero walked into the room letting out a heavy sigh as he placed his arms behind his bed in a sheepish manner. The boy''s training outfit was completely torn to bits, reduced to ribbons. Those ribbons were also on fire. Hero himself had a few cuts and even some burn marks across his body, an impressive feat considering how far his own healing had come. He must have gotten pretty banged up. Hero let out another sigh, this one a sigh of relief, as he ran a ran through messy black and white hair. His silver eyes darted around the room sporting Kitsune and North.


    North was face down on the bed completely unconscious.


    Kitsune set on his own bed. He was also pretty banged up though nowhere near the extent of Hero. Small flakes of ice seemed to come off of him as he shivered slightly.


    "Geez." Kitsune muttered, as he looked Hero up and down. "What happened to you? You look like utter crap."


    "Training." Hero simply announced, as he folded his arms and let out a small yawn. "Pushed pretty far this time. My body ran out of juice and stopped healing so we had to stop. I''m getting stronger though. I can feel it. Every punch, and kick, is coming out faster, and with a lot more force. And my healing is getting quicker as well."


    ''You''re choosing to hold yourself back.'' The words of Labby echoed through Hero''s mind for a moment as the boy clutched his hand.


    ''He''s right...'' Hero thought with some anger. ''I know I could push myself further but, I have no idea what would happen if I did. What happens if I just let the power out... The others. Would they kill me, for becoming a monster?''


    Kitsune gave a small frown as he stared at Hero. "Where did you train?" He asked curiously, snapping the boy out of his farl thoughts. "North and I were training all day. Just got back. I had to carry him. He''s surprisingly light? Anyways you couldn''t have trained in there so where? And with who?"


    "Oh. I was training with Max." Hero said shrugging his shoulder. "In the Squad One Training room. Away from everyone."


    "Ahh. I see. Still avoiding Ken?"


    "Yep." Hero announced proudly. He fist bumped the air letting out a sheepish laugh. "So far I''ve managed to avoid her for a full month now! Man I''m good at this!"


    "Don''t sound happy about that."


    "What? I''ve been doing a good job doing it so far! Besides. All I have to do is avoid her like the plague then she''ll forget about it. That''s how it works."


    "I... I don''t know a lot about girls, but... I think you''re wrong. Then again, I never even really saw a girl for most of my life. Well besides from the official Enforcer Magazine on the hottest Wom- I mean... Jackson Storm is my idol."


    "Nah. Just got to keep avoiding her."


    "Well that might be a little hard," Kitsune said giving the boy a deadpanned stare. "After all she is on our Squad. Also, she''s standing right behind you."


    "What!" Hero jumped ten feet in the air spinning his body and stabbing his hands into the ceiling as he stared down at the floor.


    A very annoyed, and tired looking, Ken stared back at him as she folded her arms.


    "I''m too tired to deal with this..." Ken muttered walking over and collapsing face down in her bed. She didn''t move apparently having fallen asleep almost instantly. She didn''t move an inch making Hero let out a sigh of relief and wipe his brow.


    "Phew. I thought I was dead. If she decided to hit me with another Red Flash, I can''t heal it off!"


    "She seems tired..." Kitsune said, stating the obvious. "Wonder how she''s been training?"


    "We''ve been fighting outside in the cold all day..." Cloud muttered entering the room and startling the two, boys who hadn''t noticed him. "Really tired. Sleepy." The blind boy collapsed face down in the carpet not even having enough energy to crawl towards his bed. "Sleep time..." The boy said quietly.


    "Sounds like they trained harder than us." Hero laughed as he dropped down from the ceiling.


    "I don''t blame them... Squad Six is still in huge trouble." Kitsune sighed folding his arms. "It''s been nearly a month and a half since that incident and yet we''re still stuck in Oleander, just fighting the constant bandits, and Bestia Macht. And when we''re not doing that we''re all stuck training. Meanwhile, the other Squads are going on constant cool missions! Some are even being stationed over at Dandelion!"


    "Why Dandelion?" Hero asked curiously.


    "I dunno. I mean that''s where the most Organization attacks have come from so far?"


    "I guess you''re right..." Hero muttered rubbing at his chin. Slowly an idea seemed to start forming as the boy nodded his head.


    "Uhh? What''s with that look?" Kitsune asked with some concern? "A look of realization shouldn''t ever be on your face Hero? When dumb people have ideas the world suffers."


    "It''s nothing." Hero said casually. "I just had an idea is all... A small plan. I feel like earlier I had been building a puzzle with missing pieces, but what you said just filled in the final piece." Hero nodded.


    "Care to elaborate?"


    "Nah." Hero stood up stretching slightly as he turned away from the fox boy. He gave a small wave. "I''m gonna head out. I got to go check on something."


    "What!" Kitsune said in shock. "You just got here? Also, what do you mean head out? You can''t just leave? Where will you go?"


    "Dandelion."


    "What!"


    "Later." Hero left before the boy could protest as he began to walk down the halls of the Squad Six building once again. ''Those Smells. They had all seemed so familiar. Even after a month... I''ve decided. It''s time I pay Master Storm another visit.''

 Chapter 156 - My Shell

    Age 1991


    Hero walked down the halls with a stern look on his face. He passed by several Enforcers who all stopped and looked at him.


    He was still dressed in burnt broken clothing, and covered in burns, and cuts, so he looked very odd, to say the least.


    It didn''t help that he had a pretty scary look on his face.


    He walked down the halls clenching his teeth with a look of anger and rage present on his face.


    ''I really am an idiot! I was so focused on my own powers, being all over the place I didn''t even realize that their smells... It was so similar. I wonder how Kitsune would react if he knew what I was going to do... He''d probably be pissed... Labby would call me an idiot. Ken would punch me. Cloud would... So North would likely also punch me. This is dumb...''


    "Hero?"


    The boy stopped turning around and seeing Emma was staring at him.


    "Oh. Hi Emma-"


    ''Punch!''


    Hero dropped down to his knees as the girl pulled her fist back. "Let''s fight!" She announced.


    "No... Kind of can''t..." Hero gasped out.


    "What? Oh, don''t tell me you already spent all your power already?" Emma sighed pulling the hot back up. "I guess I should have put that together based on your destroyed outfit huh? Oh well."


    "Hey. How is your? How is your Squad holding up?" Hero questioned?


    Emma went silent for a moment as she looked down. "Things have... Have been a bit awkward. Lady Sif is in a bit of a depression... She''s been sleeping way more then she used to. Which is saying something..."


    "Yeah... Dawson has also been in a funk. I think he was starting to like Ren..." Hero said sadly.


    "I can''t believe she''s gone..." Emma sighed as she turned to look out the window seeing the vast landscape before them. Piles and piles of snow. "It''s crazy. Ren seemed so strong and yet got floored... I wish I had been there."


    "Did you know how well?"


    "Well. She was a part of our squad. She helped train me, Sera, and Lucy."


    "That reminds me. How is Sera?"


    "Bad... Well. Kind of. She''s doing well physically but her personality has almost completely changed. She''s started throwing herself into the training working until she blacks out."


    "That can''t be good..." Hero threw his hands behind his back as he shrugged. "Then again I''m not in much of a better position. After all, my Squad has been doing the same."


    "Really? We should fight then-"


    Hero chopped the girl on the forehead as he frowned. "Is that all you think about?"


    "Oww!" She rubbed her head as she frowned. "Fighting fun? I mean why do you fight?"


    "I thought that was obvious."


    "What? Don''t tell me it''s some boring reason to save your friends and junk-"


    "I mean that''s part of it. But I''m fighting to save the love of my life Ava, so that I may finally here her claim me as her own, and say it name in her sweet angelic voice, and plant a kiss upon my forehead, and possibly my lips!" He announced happily.


    Emma looked at him with a frown as she backed away slowly. "I see..."


    Hero jumped back up as he pointed up to the sky. "I will find Ava no matter what I have to do!" He announced loudly. "I will save my Ava!"


    "You seem... Way happier about this now?"


    "Well." Hero smirked. "Recently I''ve actually seen my beloved." He announced giving a smirk. "Well, kind of. It wasn''t really her, more like an image of her. But that alone was more than enough to motive me! I will save her!"


    Emma gave a small smile as she reached out patting the boy''s head. "You know. You''ve really changed? You''ve even stopped wearing your contacts-"


    Hero reached up placing a hand over his eye as if surprised by this reveal. "That''s right! I forgot to put them in!"


    "Does it matter? Everyone knows you''re a Seraphin, and your eyes are silver?"


    "Of course it matters!" Hero announced. "I''m still holding onto my humanity. I haven''t become a Monster yet. I''m staying in this shell."


    "Shell?"


    "It''s what the Giant lab coat in my head says. He says I''m holding my power back constantly not powering myself up to my best of my abilities by holding onto my human side or something? I dunno?"


    "Well, are you holding back?"


    "Yeah."


    "Why!"


    "I like being a human. I''m at the edge right now. If I push any further I drop off, and I become more then a Seraphin. I become a Monster. Not a Bestia Macht. My body would forever be altered. I might look human but my insides... I would be different. A Seraphin means you''re at the edge. I''m not quite human, but I''m not a monster. So. Just for now. I''ll continue to be a caterpillar and remain in my shell." Hero said giving a smile. He reached our patting the girl on the head.


    "Hero?"


    "Anyways. I got to go!" Hero announced pushing past her.


    "Why do you always smile?"


    Hero didn''t answer her still giving his smile. "Cause it''s what a hero would do!" Hero laughed.


    "You''ve changed so much Hero. Or is it that I don''t even know you?"


    Age 1987


    "Oww!" A twelve-year-old Hero whined as he crashed down into the floor.


    "Not good enough!" A loud roar echoed out.


    "I''m trying my best!" Hero whined. He looked up into the eyes of Okami Otoko. His grandfather, and what he thought was the strongest man alive.


    The old man sighed as he walked over to Hero. He reached out placing a hand on the boy''s head and began to mess with his white and black hair.


    "Hero." He said softly.


    His fist flew out smashing into the gut of the young boy and throwing him back, as he crashed through the wall of the room they were in.


    "You idiot!" He shouted. "You don''t even realize how gifted you are! You are the Son of Life! Evolved to be able to fight to your heart''s content. You have your own powerful Attribute, your mother''s Attribute, and the Monsterfication! You possess so much power within you! Yet you let it all go to a waste! The amount your body has improved but you hold it back!"


    "I''m sorry..." Hero whined.


    Okami let out another sigh. He slowly moved over to the kid''s body as he reached out once again rubbing his hand through the child''s hair. This time he set down next to the boy.


    "What does it mean to fight?" Hero asked.


    "What?"


    "What does it mean to fight..." He asked again in a sheepish tone this time. "Why do we fight? Why do we need to fight? You told me about the Bestia Macht, but I''ve never even seen one?"


    Okami was silent for a few moments as he considered the question. "We fight. For ourselves. For others. For our dreams. For our race. For power. For money. For life. For religion. Pleasure. War. Hate. Protection. We fight to fight. When we fight we can really go all out."


    "I don''t think I get it?"


    Okami reached out patting the boy.


    "Fighting is something that you''ll have to learn. As you age you''ll develop a reason to fight. Something you desire more than anything. That is what you will fight for. And when you fight for that, you''ll be able to go all out. You''ll be able to convince yourself to drop all morals, and unlock your full power. Hero. I''m not training you to fight. I''m training so that when you need to fight, you''ll have the power to push forward. You''ll have the built-up energy to draw upon."


    "So we need a reason to fight?"


    "Yes, Hero. In life, you''ll discover that the power you''re at right now isn''t enough. Staying in your shell isn''t enough. When you feel the need to break past your shell you will."


    "Ava..."


    "What?"


    "I want to see Ava. I want to save her."


    "You mean that brat that we used to turn you into a Seraphin?"


    "I want her."


    "Hero... No offense but I don''t see her liking you..."


    "I don''t care." Hero stood up giving a smile as he reached up. "Ava. I''ll save her. I''ll hold onto my humanity for her. I''ll use this power to free her. I don''t care if staying in my shell makes me weak. I don''t care about power. I like being human."


    "Sure. Keep telling yourself." Okami stood up giving a smirk. "One day Hero. I know. I know that one day holding back won''t work. One day you''ll have to break past your limit. On day you''ll crave more power."


    "I won''t-"


    "You''ll start to pull more power... And when you do. Those walls will come. And with them, that shell will break."

 Chapter 157 - Can I leave

    Age 1991


    Hero stopped as he let out a small sigh. His hands rested on the handle to the door as he waited quietly.


    "Alright... I can do this." He took a second sigh as he nodded his head amping himself up with a small slap to the face. "I got this. I''m just going in to talk to the strongest man, in the world... No big deal."


    "Will you just enter already!" A loud voice yelled.


    Hero jumped slightly as he gave a sheepish laugh. And with that, he pushed the door open entering the room.


    "Ahh. Young Otoko?" A familiar elderly voice announced.


    Hero looked around the familiar room that was Master Storm''s office. Just like before Master Storm rested behind his desk. In front of him rested his Bestia Macht. And next to him was a new man. The man who had shouted.


    He had messy purple hair, and bright purple eyes. He wore a black suit, much like Ward. He also had a simple black necklace on him, in the shape of a dragon.


    Alpha Drake. The Purple Dragon, of Master Storm. One of the Four Sacred Beasts.


    "Hello..." Hero said awkwardly as he scratched the back of his head. He gave a sheepish laugh as the two stared at him.


    "What brings you here young boy?" Master Storm asked with a small frown.


    "This is the second time a recruit came to us..." The purple-haired boy muttered out as he folded his arms. "I wonder if he is gonna ask us for the same thing?"


    Hero let out a small sigh as he tried to think on what he should say. "I... Have a request." Hero said slowly.


    The two powerful Enforcers stared at each other raising an eyebrow.


    Master Storm finally turned back as he stared at the boy. "What is it, my boy?" Master Storm asked.


    Hero gave a small smile. "Well. I want to go to Dandelion." He announced.


    "Why does everyone want to go there..." Alpha muttered.


    Master Storm seemed to let out a small sigh as he stared at the young Seraphin. "Do you want to tell me why?" He asked curiously. "Why Dandelion?"


    "Well... Squad Six isn''t getting anything done. Besides, there''s something I wanted to check on." Hero said throwing his hands behind his head.


    "And what would that be?"


    "A Seraphin thing." Hero said shrugging in an unhelpful manner. The two men looked to themselves again. "So do you know about Eins working with Doctor Hyde." Hero said frowning as he leaned forward. His voice had a dangerous shift to it.


    Both men gave heavy frowns. "I don''t like your tone-" Alpha began but was stopped when Master Storm raised his hand.


    "I''m sorry. Did you say Eins is working with Doctor Hyde?"


    "Yes." Hero nodded.


    "That doesn''t sound right." Master Storm said with a frown. "Are you sure?"


    "Positive. I smelled the scent."


    Master Storm gave an even heavier frown. "Young Eins is working on an experiment... He''s been given some funding, but last I checked on him, he hadn''t gotten any work done. And besides. He isn''t working with that kind of Doctor."


    "I''m just telling you what I smelled." Hero announced giving a shrug.


    Master Storm let out another sigh. "Well." He said giving a nod. "I''m glad you brought this to my attention. Rest assured that I will look into this matter. This is a serious claim you are making after all."


    Hero nodded his thanks. "Well. I appreciate it." Hero laughed. "So about me going to Dandelion?" Hero questioned again.


    "Are you still on about that?" Alpha asked letting out a sigh.


    "Yeah! It''s important!"


    "Why?"


    "It''s important!" Hero laughed.


    Master Storm also gave a small laugh as he shook his head. "Hmm." He hummed as he stared at the young boy as if considering his question once more. "Well, I suppose Squad Six won''t be going on any missions any time soon?"


    "Master Storm..." Alpha said with a frown. "Uhh. You know that we already got a few people stationed over there right? One of which is already from Squad Six."


    "I know..."


    Hero frowned folding his arms. "So can I go or not?" He asked.


    "No!" Alpha announced.


    "Sure." Master Storm said shrugging.


    "Master!"


    Master Storm gave another shrug. "You can go to Dandelion if you want." He said ignoring his bodyguard. "But there''s a condition."


    "And what would that be?" Hero asked curiously.


    "You won''t be a part of the Enforcers as long as you are there. You can go do whatever you want, but you won''t be represented by us for as long as you are there. You get in trouble, destroy something, you''re on your own. We won''t step in and clear all your charges like we did, when you destroyed the last City you were in. So I''d be careful if I were you."


    Hero gave a nod follower by a smirk. "Sure thing. Besides. I don''t plan on causing very many problems." He admitted giving a small shrug.


    "Good. Also, you''ll need to find your own way here. Also also, we won''t be paying you while you''re gone, so you''ll be counted as being on temporarily leave."


    "That''s fine." Hero turned away giving a wave. "Thanks, Grampa Storm!" He announced quickly leaving the room.


    "That boy is... Interesting." Alpha said with a frown. "That''s the second Squad, Six member, to leave. And like the last, you said the same thing."


    "Yes. I was confused when young North asked me to leave yesterday, but I''m starting to see why. Clearly, there is something more to Dandelion then I first thought... And about Eins... This is troubling."


    "What are you gonna do about it?" Alpha asked. "We already have three Squad Three Recruits stationed over there looking into a few matters after all. Now with two extra members running around, it could be a little chaotic."


    "Ahh but I do love a bit of Chaos." Master Storm admitted giving a small nod. He gave a smile as he began to drum on his desk. He stared down at a small diamond ring that was around his finger. "I wonder... Does ''that mano still have the Amethyst ring?"


    "The what?" Alpha asked.


    "Ahh, nothing just a bit of a thing me and Orion, made way back in the day." Master Storm stated shrugging the question off.


    "What should I do about the current situation?"


    Master Storm let out another hum. "I know just the person to send. Yes. With him there things could get interesting."


    "Who sir?"


    "Call up Max, from Squad One. Tell him, he has a new mission..."

 Chapter 158 - Being Back

    Age 1991


    Hero jumped out of the train as he let out a loud yell up towards the sky making everyone jump.


    "I! Am! Back!" He announced loudly jumping out of the train and landing on the stone station in Dandelion city. "And! Now! I! Am! A! Enforcer!" He screamed using his powers to make his voice carry even further just so the entire city could hear him, since he''s a jerk.


    "Oh, God... It''s that one brat..." Someone muttered when they saw Hero land on the ground.


    "I knew he would come back..."


    "Why!"


    "Mommy that man scares me!"


    "He''s still unsylish. Hey you think a white tracksuit, is stylish!" They yelled out.


    Hero''s eye twitched as he turned away. "You guys suck."


    "Are you an actual Enforcer? Or are you just yelling crazy stuff again?"


    Hero gave a loud laugh placing his hands on his h.i.p.s. "It''s so good to be back home!" He announced looking around. Hero spun slightly as he stared around. "I need to go check out my old workplace again!" He yelled out running forward.


    Hero rushed down the streets at a fast speed as he looked around.


    Several people all stared at him in shock as he was a massive blur.


    Finally, he stopped in front of a small store. "Here we go..." The silver-eyed, black and white-haired, Seraphin announced. He reached out placing his hand on the door. "This is where it all started." Hero said giving a smile. "Where I first worked, after I left my Grandfather, and where I first fought Ben. This is where I became an Enforcer!" He stated pushing the door open.


    "Hero?" A familiar voice asked.


    Hero looked up seeing a frog looking man. A normal human, and like most normal humans on Ava, he was built like a toad, trying to be a frog. He had a confused look on his face as he stared at the Seraphin who barged in.


    "Hero!" He said again but this time with some fear. "Shit! You''re back!"


    "Hey, Mr. Shop Keeper!" Hero laughed throwing his hands behind his head as he marched in. He grabbed a chair spinning it around and plopping down. "I see you got your shop back!"


    "...Yeah..." The man said with a frown as he inched away. "I managed to rebuild it with my life savings..."


    "That''s cool!"


    "Please don''t break it..."


    Hero laughed again throwing his arms behind his head again as he shrugged. "Why would I destroy it?" He questioned.


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    "Wait a minute... You think I''m a villain!" Hero yelled pointing at the man. "Why I never... I''m an Enforcer."


    "What! You actually became an Enforcer?" The Shop Keeper said in shock. "Wait? Really? Like seriously?"


    "Yep!" Hero announced proudly. "And holy crap did a ton of stuff happen." He sighed out.


    "Really? Like what?"


    "Well for starters. I had to go to Oleander city. There I met a ton of people, like Max, Ken, Kitsune, Irene, Cloud, Emma, Sera. I met a ton of people basically. They''re pretty strong. Ken, and Kitsune are the strongest."


    "Kitsune... Kitsune... Kitsune Nine?"


    "Yep!"


    "Wow. You met a Noble?"


    "Yep."


    "That''s amazing."


    "We had to do a lot of crazy stuff to get on the Enforcers. Like we had to do a weird test. Then we had to do a lot of exercises. After that, we had to fight each other. I beat a lot of people up. Then I joined Squad Six."


    "Wow. That''s pretty amazing. So you actually became a real Squad Member. How was your first mission?"


    "It sucked! Ken, had to pick a fight with our Vice-Captain and he let her pick the mission. It sucked. At first, we had to fight a ton of Bestia Macht. Then we had to fight even more. Also, there was this Witch at one point but she wasn''t actually a Witch. Then we found this group that was causing a lot of problems. One of them was even a Samurai. He was cool. We ended up going down into the Nest. It sucked... Then we found this orange crystal that turns people into monsters. We fought it, lost, but then we won. After that, the Samurai became a monster. It was a massive battle but we ended up beating him. It was sad..."


    "That''s certainly a story..." The man said nodding his head. "I can''t believe you went through all that?"


    "Well, it''s all true." Hero laughed shrugging.


    "...Wow..."


    "My second mission was even worse."


    "What was it?" The Shop Keeper asked with a frown as he folded his arms. He seemed to fully drawn into the stories now. It wasn''t every day you got to listen to an Enforcer. Either that or Hero had been going through one hell of a drug trip.


    "Well basically after we got back we ended up doing some crazy training." Hero nodded. "After that we went on a mission splitting up. I worked with Dawson, Sif, Ken, Nick, and Sera." He stated. "We went to this rely crappy city. A lot of crazy stuff happened. People died there."


    "That''s awful!"


    "Yeah. It was." Hero agreed. "Well. There was this skeleton guy I couldn''t beat. These robots, I couldn''t beat. This giant guy I couldn''t beat. And this green money guy I couldn''t beat. Also, a fire guy, who I couldn''t beat. Oh, also I destroyed the city..."


    "Wow, you suck..."


    "Yep!" Hero announced placing his hands on his h.i.p.s. "So anyways. We lost. A lot." Hero went silent as he hummed. "And... And now I''m back here."


    "Why''d you come back?"


    Hero stopped as he stared back out at the window. "Well. It''s complicated."


    "Got it."


    "What you don''t wanna learn more?"


    "Nah."


    "Oh?"


    "Anyways kid. It''s been good seeing you again. But please leave."


    Hero let out a laugh as he turned away. "Well, I guess I''ll leave. Later!" Hero yelled walking off. The teen let out a sigh as be stared ahead out towards the city.


    "Stop standing in my doorway!" The man yelled out.


    Hero rolled his eyes as he walked forward. "Well. Let''s get this mission started..."

 Chapter 159 - Squad Threes Three Strangest Recruits

    Age 1991


    Reine Antoinette, Heir to the Noble Family of Antoinette, a strong and powerful Noble family said to be on the levels of even the twenty sacred Nobles, the one Noble family that tried to gain the title of Emperor, despite not being part of the Twenty Sacred branches, the girl who joined the Enforcers on a whim, in an attempt to seek more fame, and the person with the greatest bodyguard, walked down the streets of Dandelion, as she stared at all the small buildings.


    "So." She said as a sly smile crossed its way onto her face. "This is the city of Dandelion?" She announced. "It is... Quite small compared to the city of Rose, and the city of Oleander."


    "That is because Dandelion, is often attacked, and in most cases is destroyed." Arnold Schutz stated, following along behind his Noble, who he was sworn to protect. "But my Lady? Why did you choose to come here?" He asked curiously?


    "I came here because of something Shuncong, said!" Reine announced pointing to the third figure who followed him. "Tell him Shuncong!"


    Bolin Shuncong flenched slightly as the two Enforcers recruits turned to look at him. He covered his face with his hands embarrassed as he began to stutter.


    "W... Well. I mean. It... It wasn''t a big deal or anything... And it wasn''t like I was seeking the... The information but... But I overheard Otoko, talking..." He said embarrassed as he ducked down trying to get away from there stares.


    "Otoko? That''s that one boy right?" Sir Schutz asked scratching at his chin for a second as he went deep in thought. "Are you stalking him again?"


    "I... I''m not stalking him!" Bolin said quickly. "I''ve just been following him around and watching him train, and work out! He''s so strong, that I feel like when I watch him I can partially absorb his manliness, and power myself up! He''s a Seraphin, so he''s so strong and cool!"


    "Settle down." Sir Schutz said rolling his eyes.


    "Yeah," Reine said also rolling her eyes. "Besides. That Seraphin boy, isn''t even the best member on the Squad. My Darling North Glacious is!" She announced placing her hands on her cheeks as they became bright red. "I have watched him from afar for so long! His quiet nature. His finely honed body hidden away from thick armor, and baggy clothing. The elegant way he moves. That cool ice power he has, and the genius way he thinks and act. Always thinking ahead, and powering himself up. Always training, reading, and power up! He''s so cool, and handsome! Oh, my sweet prince, how I long for your cold gaze to look at me once!"


    "Seriously Lady Reine?" Sir Schutz said letting out a sigh.


    "Oh my darling North, thanks to Mr. Shuncong, we''ll finally meet at last! Finally, I won''t watch you from afar!" Reine announced still in her moment as she imagined her sweet prince.


    "What?" Schutz asked reeling back. "Wait Glacious is here?"


    "Of course!" Reine sang. "Mr. Shuncong overheard it!"


    "T... That''s right..." Bolin said still embarrassed. "I overheard that... That Mr. Glacious wanted to come back to Dandelion again. Apparently, he was here on a mission, and after he got back he decided to come back for some reason. Mr. Otoko, also wanted to come here for some reason?" He said shrinking down.


    "What?" Schutz asked frowning as he folded his arms. "Why are two Squad, Six Members coming here?" He asked. "Does no one else think that is a little bit suspicious? Why Dandelion. I guess it is a strange city." He muttered. "After all this city has been destroyed nearly seven times in history. Two have happened recently. Fourteen years ago, it was destroyed by a bunch of Bestia Macht, killing the Captain, and the Vice-Captain, of Squad Six, as well as their baby daughter. Then a few years back it was destroyed again, when Capitan Jin, stayed behind allowing Squad Seven the escape. He sacrificed himself buying his Squad Time. After that the City was bought by a Noble... Okane Genkin. Speaking of which recently Okane Genkin was out during an attack. Dandelion, had its entire prison destroyed, as well as two whole city blocks, and several buildings. Luckily nobody died. Both Okane Genkin, and Heather Genkin were out, during this... Squad Six was here though, and some reports say they saw a young fourteen year old girl with link hair and pink flames, and also the Squad One Reserve Member Eins? Come to think of it Okane and Heather were actually at Chrysanthemum, where the other half of Squad Six were at... Chrysanthemum, was completely destroyed, the entire city being nothing but a glass floor. Almost everyone was either dead or injured, and the Enforcers actually lost, a member... Ren, the Squad Seven, Reserve member... Also in Dandelion, there have been a few murders. Some bodies have been seen being either ripped apart, or aged to the point of death? But the ID everyone had on them, showed healthy young, people. It''s like they just withered up, and lost all of their life? Just what exactly is going on-"


    The brave soldier, stopped as he stared up to see his Noble, and the other boy, both who still had extremely red faces and were still muttering to themselves.


    "I... I... I wonder if Mr. Otoko, will remember me. I wonder if he''ll take me on as a student and teach me how to be manely..."


    "Oh, my sweet prince North! I can not wait until you sweep me off of my feet and announce your love to me making a family with me, and having powerful Noble Heir. Our kids would be amazing!"


    "I hate both of you," Schutz said shaking his head.


    "You''re just jealous that you don''t have a best man, on Squad Six," Reine said sticking her tongue out at the man.


    "Of course not. Because Ken is the best member!" Schutz said. "That small a frail body! Yet she possesses so much power. Her skill, and potential! She has the power to protect what she holds dear."


    "No one cares about Ken," Reine said rolling her eyes. "She''s just a Loli. North is best boy."


    Schutz sighed as he turned away. "Well. We should probably do that mission?"


    "What?"


    "Yeah remember. Master Storm let us come but gave us a mission. We''re supposed to be watching Okane Genkin, and looking for some kind of boat or something?" He asked shrugging slightly.


    "Oh. Yeah. I forgot that was a thing we have to do." Reine said nodding. "Although it is kind of surprising that they didn''t send us any superiors or anything. They must really trust us!"


    "Haha... About that." A calm voice said.


    All the Squad Three members turned, seeing someone sitting above them on one of the houses.


    "You!"


    "How''s it going?" Max asked slowly standing up.


    "What are you doing here!" Schutz barked out standing in front of his allies. ''Damn it why is he here! Can I take him on. In the Entrance exam, he had demolished so many people in a single attack... He seems hostile towards everyone. Even his own Squad Mates.''


    "Me?" Max gave a small shrug as he pulled out a small blue letter. "Oh. I''m just your superior."

 Chapter 160 - The Chance Encounter

    Age 1991


    "What!" Cloud said grabbing Kitsune. "Big Brother Hero, is gone!"


    "Yeah," Kitsune said shrugging the blind boy''s arms off of him. "North to."


    "North left?" Ken frowned as she folded her arms. "Why are they-" She stopped tapping her foot slightly. "I need to go." She stated leaving the room.


    "Hey where are you going now! You guys can''t just keep leaving! What if we get called out on a mission!" Kitsune asked.


    "This is more important!" Cloud announced. "I need to go see Santa!" He stated running out of the room as well.


    "Oh for God''s sake!" Kitsune ran after them seeing both recruits leave down different halls, Cloud heading towards the downstairs bas.e.m.e.nt, and Ken, heading towards the Captain''s quarters. "Uhh! Uhh! Left, Right, Left, Right, Left!" He turned left following after Ken. "Wait up!"


    "No," Ken said still walking forward. "That idiot Hero... And that fool North. What the hell are they thinking!"


    "What?" Kitsune asked catching up to her and walking alongside her.


    "They''re going after Okane Genkin!" Ken hissed out.


    "Wait what!"


    Ken sighed shaking her head. "It happened a while back... Before I tried to talk to Hero about my feelings... He mentioned something about smelling you, and that rich man. He was confused, and now he thinks Okane, is the guy behind the mask. That Coin guy? North overheard us. Damn her."


    "Did you say h-"


    Ken smacked her sword down on Kitsune''s head making him yell out and grab at the bump that now began to form on his head. "Whoops."


    "Oww! What were we talking about?"


    "That was easy. I should do that more."


    "Please don''t? Wait why are we going to see Katrina-"


    The two stopped staring ahead at Jackson, and Katrina.


    "You''ve seen the paper right!" Jackson asked her. He raised his voice slightly as he frowned.


    "Of course I''ve seen it! The bodies were aged and-"


    "So why are we all standing here then!" Jackson yelled at her. "It''s Chandler-"


    "Chandler is dead-"


    "Then who''s the one killing those people!" Jackson screamed. He stopped slowly as he turned seeing the two recruits standing in the halls. They quietly stared ahead as the man gave a sheepish laugh and placed his arms behind his heads. "Hey." He said casually.


    Katrina charged past her Vice-Captain storming down the halls in anger as his smile faded.


    "Katrina. Please. I''ll go. I don''t want you to see him-"


    "Get back to work. That''s an order."


    Meanwhile...


    "Why are you here?" Reine sighed out folding her arms. A glowing see-through blue arm appeared above her pointing glowing see-through blue sword at the man. Schutz reached down pulling out a longsword as he pointed it towards the man. Bolin let out a small squeak and pulled out his paintbrush and a black bottle of paint.


    Max''s eye twitched as he stared down at them all.


    "Seriously guys?" Max asked. "We''re on the same side."


    "Prove it."


    Max shook his head. He let go of the blue letter in his hands as it floated down into Schutz''s hands.


    "I hope you aren''t so much of a meathead that you can''t read?" He asked giving a large smirk.


    Schutz flipped the man the bird as he stared down at the blue letter. His eyebrows slowly raised as he looked back up.


    "Seriously?" Schutz asked. He let out a sigh as he shook his head.


    "What?" His two teammates asked.


    "This asshole is our Squad Leader right now!"


    "What!"


    "They assigned him as our leader for this mission!" Schutz said with annoyance. "We have to work with him now!"


    "Oh come on..." Reine muttered.


    "Is... Is it really that bad? He''s friends with Hero-" Bolin began but was stopped when a ball of heat flew last his head burning the ground behind him. Boling collapsed to his knees hiding behind Reine''s thighs. He poked his head out as a second glowing arm appeared above Reine''s head also holding a sword.


    "I''m not friends with that idiot." Max hissed out dropping down from the building and landing down in front of them. "Hero Otoko, is just a means to an end. A way for me to improve myself. I don''t consider anyone a friend. Not even Shiki."


    "Don''t be such a jerk!" Reine said placing her hands on her h.i.p.s.


    "What would a Noble like you know about being nice?"


    "Don''t talk to Lady Reine like that," Schutz said placing his blade at Max''s neck.


    Max stared at him for a moment before he smiled and turned away. "Honestly I don''t know why I was assigned to you, three idiots. I don''t even know why you''re all here. I mean I know the mission you were assigned but I have no clue why you would care."


    "So you know our mission?" Schutz asked.


    "Yes. We''re looking for Eins Licht, the Squad One Reserve Member, and also the man I''m going to replace, as well as the lab he''s working on, to see what kind of experiments he has been doing, as well as look into Okane Genkin."


    "Good. So you''re caught up?"


    "We''re also going to be looking for North and Hero," Max said turning away.


    "My darling North!"


    "Why?" Schutz asked frowning. "Last I heard they were off the record here."


    "I don''t care. I find them useful. It''s true that they aren''t official Enforcers right now, but that doesn''t mean I''m going to let them run around and get away with whatever they want. It''s better for them to be in on our loop, then running around messing our mission up."


    "I agree with Max!" Reine announced. "Let''s go find my darling! Oh sweet prince wait for me!"


    "So we''re gonna find Hero..." Bolin muttered. "Let''s find him. With his cool manliness, we can beat this mission."


    "In surrounded by idiots..." Schutz sighed out shaking his head.


    "Well you know what they say," Max said turning away. "Fools travel together."


    "You''re an asshole..."


    "I''m w future Emperor. Now come on. We need to find that Dumbass Otoko, before he does something stupid..."


    Meanwhile...


    Hero gave a small laugh as he stepped out of another shop.


    "Wow!" Hero announced. "I forgot how much people hate me here." He laughed. The teen walked out as he looked up at the black sky. "It is good to be back though... This was the first place I went after I left my grandfather''s home... I wonder if I could find his home again? Why would I though?"


    The teen continued to march down the street walking past several people.


    "Well. I guess I better hurry up and head towards that Nobles home. Okane? I just need to get his scent once again." Hero stepped past the corner at a fast speed not bother to look down. "All I need is to get there! Without any interruptions-"


    ''Crash!''


    "Oww!" A feminine voice hissed out.


    Hero felt himself fall back as he looked up seeing a small annoyed looking fourteen-year-old girl. She wore a pair of simple black pants, and a simple black T-Shirt, with a basic pink jacket thrown over it. She had a pair of pink twintails and cold looking pink eyes that stared down at the boy in annoyance.


    "Watch where you''re going you big jerk-" The girl stopped suddenly as she slowly looked him up and down.


    She stared at his black messy hair, with white streaks in it, and his silver eyes, which didn''t have his contacts in. He wore a simple white T-Shirt, and a pair of blue sweat pants with a white streak on the side. He didn''t have his Enforcer Uniform Tracksuit, since he was on a break right now. He thought his civilian clothing would be fine.


    "Whoops. Sorry for crashing into you." Hero laughed scratching the back of his head in a sheepish manner.


    The girl continued to look at him as her eyes slowly widened. "...Seraphin..."

 Chapter 161 - The New Weapon And Irenes Mission

    Age 1991


    Cloud burst through the doors jumping down the stairs three at a time as he landed at the bottom.


    He felt a wave of intense heat and heard the loud clanging sounds as the blacksmith apparently worked on something.


    "Oh? You''re the recruit I made the cane and suit for right. Cloud?"


    "Yes sir!" Cloud announced saluting the man slightly. "And thank you for the cane! It has been very good. Way better than my other one."


    "I''m glad you liked it. I worked pretty hard on forging it. Shaping Rivion down into a small shape like that, isn''t easy."


    "You made my coat out of Rivion. I figured that would have been harder, to make silk clothing out of this stuff."


    "Well for any normal blacksmith I''m sure it would have. But my Attribute allows me to negate that weakness. I''m a normal human so my ability isn''t very strong. It''s called Silk Metal. I can give clothing such as wool, or silk, the properties and durability of various metal, while keeping it light. I made several of the threads a mix of these materials. Some of the layers have the property of Rivion, others have Tungsten, some have steel, and the layered coat you have his titanium. They''re all layered together stacked up, but still as light as normal silk would be. Layered together like that allows for lightweight durable armor."


    "Wait that isn''t important!" Cloud shook his head growing serious now. "I need Big Brother Hero''s armor. His Enforcer uniform. I assume you have fixed it now?"


    "Oh? Yeah. I fixed it up a while ago. By fixing it up, I mean I had to make a new one, as only his boxers were still pieced together." The blacksmith gave a shrug for a moment. "But yeah. I made his new outfit. It''s still basically the same but I added an undershirt to it, and some extra threads to the jacket and pants. I also made it out of some elastic material so he can stretch and expand it easier. Pretty problematic as he sprouts bones. So that''s why I added a simple T-shirt underneath. He can take the jacket off ditching some armor to sprout more bones out of his arms. Still though. The blasted idiot will likely rip it up anyways."


    "So it is done?"


    "Yeah."


    "Good! I''ll personally deliver it to him then!" Cloud announced holding his arms out.


    "I figured he would come to get it himself."


    "He''s actually out right now."


    "What?" Clause frowned scratching his hand through his white messy beard. "That''s odd. I don''t recall Squad Six getting any missions. We''re still in trouble. Only allowed to break up the bandit fights in Oleander?"


    "Well, I don''t know about it exactly but it is apparently an unofficial mission or something. Big Brother left me out of the loop!" Cloud let out a huff shaking his head. "So I need to go out and find him."


    "I see..." Clause let another hum as he shook his head with a nod. "Okay. Catch." He threw a black box out to Cloud as the blind boy surprisingly caught it. "His outfit is in that. Also..." He hummed slightly staring down at another black box in his arms. "Also take this. I have a feeling you may need it." He also tossed it over to Cloud, who once again caught it.


    "What is it?" Cloud asked with a small frown as he held the two boxes now.


    "It''s a bit of an experimental weapon," Santa stated letting out a deep bellied laugh apparently finding it funny. "I''m sure you''ve heard of that Mantra crap or something? Only Superhumans can use it. Anyways this weapon is only a prototype but I think it might be able to deal with it. Or at least maybe give you an edge against it."


    "Ahh." Cloud gave a nod as he stared down at it. "Cool. Who is this for exactly?" He asked?


    "It''s for anyone really. If you want it you can have it. Or you can give it to one of those allies of yours. It could work pretty well if you gave it to that North fellow. Or that Ken girl. Or even Hero. Then again it could also potentially work with your style. Just make sure you know who you want to give it to for sure. Whoever activates it first, it''ll bond to their Equation Of Life and only they can use it."


    "Oh?"


    "Anyways. If that''s all you should hurry. I have a bad feeling."


    "Right! Thank you Mr. Blacksmith." Cloud announced saluting once again. "I''ll give this outfit to Hero, and also figure out what to do with this weapon you gave me."


    "Good. Now run along lad. I have more work to do."


    "Right!"


    Meanwhile


    In Dandelion City...


    Irene moved down the street slowly folding her arms up. "Maybe dressing up in my armor wasn''t the best idea..." She muttered. She was still fully decked out in her official Enforcer armor that the blacksmith Santa Clause had made her. She had decided it would be a better idea to wear it, then walk around in my civilian''s clothing. Someone could mistake me as a girl if I was like that. I hate having dress up like this though... And keeping my hair so short. Kitsune doesn''t even notice me like this- Not that I care if he does or anything!" Her face lit up slightly as she covered her face and shook her head.


    The Enforcer girl let out a loud sigh as she looked up staring ahead now.


    Several feet across from her rested a simple black gate.


    Past the gate was a large hill with a long trail snaking around it.


    And at the top of that hill rested a massive stone manner.


    It was large. Larger than the other buildings. It also looked old. And dark. Something that stood out in this bright city. It looked so cold. And lonely.


    Irene couldn''t imagine even living in there.


    It had several large windows, that were also black allowing someone from the inside to see out, but not allowing anyone on the outside to see in. The grass around the manner was brown and withered away. Dead. There weren''t any trees, or anything. The building still looked like it was in good shape, even if it was old. It was still quite an impressive sight.


    Just dark.


    "The Organization..." Irene muttered. "Here''s what we know of them... There are twelve members. Some claim they don''t kill, yet others burnt an entire city to the ground. They are apparently led by a guy named Mr. Snow, but they also mentioned someone named the Jester? As for their co-leader, it is apparently a guy named Bunt. A massive criminal who was in Nightshade, but escaped making him the only man to ever break out. They also work in teams... That''s some of the information we''ve gathered. As for the members we know of... Something doesn''t add up. Kitsune mentioned four people that worked in a bar, who all had tied to the organization. September, and October, and a guy named Harrison, and Tom... So that''s four out of twelve. Hero fought a guy named Ben, who was held here being tortured and interrogated. He broke slightly and gave some information such as the leaders... He was busted out by a man named David. So that''s six. Plus Mr. Snow, and the Jester, and that guy named Bunt. So Nine members. Captain Katrina, and Mr. Blight fought two other members. A girl named Viper, and a mysterious man named Turron. That''s eleven. And finally on Hero, and Ken''s mission, they met four people. That''s fifteen... Plus that skeleton guy they mentioned which could be sixteen. That''s four members to many. Our information doesn''t add up...." The girl gave a sigh as she looked up. "On top of that, this Nobleman was at the same city as Hero, and Ken when it was destroyed... And this city was also attacked... So why do a few claim their group never kill, while the other side blew an entire city off the face of Ava? I''m going to find out what''s going on."


    Irene slowly reached out placing her hand on the gate.


    "I''m gonna solve this case-"


    "That''s lovely and all. But if I were you, I would wait..." A voice stated.


    Irene whipped her head around seeing the smirking face of Max.


    "Hello." His orange finger began to glow with a small wisp of lava. "Don''t open that gate."

 Chapter 162 - The Seraphin And The Cherubim

    Age 1991


    "Whoops. Sorry for crashing into you." Hero laughed scratching the back of his head in a sheepish manner.


    The girl continued to look at him as her eyes slowly widened. "...Seraphin..."


    Hero felt his eyes widen slightly as the girl stared down at him. ''How does everyone seem to know what that is now!'' He thought with a small huff ''Seriously! I was left out of the loop for sixteen years then once I find out what it''s called everyone seems to know! How is this fair!'' He jumped up to his feet and quickly dusted off his blue pants. "Well sorry again-"


    "Where are you going!" The girl asked with a tiny bit of hostility flenching when she saw Hero move.


    "I''m leaving? Is that a problem?"


    "Why are you here! You shouldn''t be outside of the boat!"


    "Boat?" Hero frowned staring down at her. His nose twitched slightly as he began to smell a familiar scent. "You smell like Eins?"


    "You? You smell Eins on me?" The girl asked weirded out by him now. "Where did you get that outfit? Did you steal them?"


    "No their mine! You seem to think I''m part of some group? I''m not. The only group I''m a part of is the Enforcers!"


    "Enforcers!" The girl sounded even more alarmed now as she jumped back a few feet. A small trickle of pink flames began to rise off of her as she held her arms up. "You''re an enemy then!"


    "What?" Hero shook his head as his hand came out karate chopping the girl over the head. "Don''t be stupid. Wait? Are you part of the Organization?"


    "Organi what now? Organization? That''s stupid group name."


    "I''ll take that as a no..."


    Hero and the girl stared at each other both considering what they should do with the other one. They both stared at each other up and down for a moment.


    "I''m Shelly Licht." The girl finally said. "Daughter of Eins."


    "He has a daughter? Wait... You''re like fourteen, and he''s only in his twenties- Eww..."


    "Adopted Daughter of Eins..."


    "Oh. That makes sense. Uhh. I''m Hero Otoko! Adoptive Grandson of Okami Otoko!"


    "Never heard of him."


    "That''s a relief. People treat me differently when they find out I''m his grandson. His name alone almost made me a Squad One member." Hero shrugged slightly still looking down at the girl. "So? What''s up with you?"


    "What?"


    "You don''t smell human? What are you? No white hair or silver eyes so you aren''t a Seraphin? I''ve never smelled anyone like you."


    Shelly''s eyes narrowed slightly. "Well. If you must know. I''m a Cherubim."


    "Never heard of that?"


    "Not surprised. We''re new. Only three of us exist, me and my two siblings." Shelly folded her arms slightly looking uncomfortable. "We were made by that creepy scientist guy... Doctor Hyde..."


    "Of course he''s behind this..." Hero sighed shaking his head. "So what''s your deal? Can you heal? Multiple abilities. Godlike stamina?"


    "More like Godlike attack potency."


    "What?"


    "Desatraillar. The Ultimate Unleashed power of an Attribute." Shelly held her hand up as a small ball of pink flame formed on her fingers. "Seraphin is making someone with three Attributes in an attempt to make a homemade super Attribute. It uses the power of Monsterfication to power up themselves. Project Cherubim, uses another power. The Power of Asura. The Ultra-Attribute of some dead Squad Six Captain or something. Cherubim doesn''t worry about turning into a monster. Rather it is all about powering up their one Attribute. It focuses on a single power-boosting it to the state of being an Ultra-Attribute. Due to the intense power though we need to be careful otherwise we could accidentally wipe out a city..."


    "That... Sounds illegal." Hero said nodding. "Why the hell does Doctor Hyde keep making these busted powers..."


    "Probably." Shelly shrugged. "Doctor Hyde doesn''t really care either way. And I''m rarely allowed outside of the boat. I''m only allowed out for three hours, every month."


    "That sounds awful."


    "Isn''t that normal for us?" Shelly questioned. "To stop us from hurting anyone? Because of how dangerous our powers are?"


    "No? The Enforcers give me lots of walkies, and plenty of baths, and treats." Hero said nodding. "It''s pretty cool."


    "That... That sounds amazing. Wait so you can run around whenever you want?"


    "Mostly?"


    "And no one cares that you aren''t human."


    "Uhh..."


    ''Freak.''


    ''Seraphin.''


    ''Monster.''


    "Sure."


    "I''ll admit... I''m kind of jealous of you." Shelly said with a frown. "I''m not allowed to do that-"


    "Wait." Hero placed a hand on the girls head. "Serious time. So you know where Doctor Hyde is?"


    "He''s in our lab. Him and Eins have teamed up to make us. So we can slay the Kings."


    "What? Ahh, it''s not important. So tell me. Have you seen a girl with silver hair and silver eyes?" Hero asked.


    "Maybe once? I think I remember her? She isn''t kept at our lab though. I would have seen her more than once if she was."


    "Damn. Can you take me to your lab?"


    "What?"


    "I need to talk to that asshole Doctor Hyde! I need to question them." Her announced. "It''s super important!"


    "I don''t think that''s a good idea. If you just strolled in... They don''t really like strangers... And Eins could..."


    "I don''t care." Hero said shaking his head. "I can handle myself. Besides. It sounds like your situation isn''t very good either. I''m an Enforcer. Getting into trouble, and butting in, is kind of my job." Hero clenched his fist as he gave her a small smile. "Please?"


    Shelly''s cheeks lit up slightly as she moved his hand off of her head. "Whatever... I''ll take you to the lab I guess... But it isn''t because I need your help to save me or anything okay!" She stated puffing her cheeks out.


    Hero let out a small laugh. "You remind me of my friend Ken. You''re her size as well."


    "Are you calling me short!"


    "Definitely Ken." Hero let out a small sigh as he smiled again. "Thanks though." His tone grew serious as his smile became kinder. "Doctor Hyde. I''ve been looking for him ever since my memories came back. And that Eins guy. He smelled of Doctor Hyde. Those two have been near each other often. If I can just talk to him..."


    Shelly moved away from him as her from grew heavier. "Geez... Whatever. It''s not like I care or anything."


    "Sorry. I didn''t mean to ramble about myself." Hero laughed slightly. "It looks like I got it lucky compared to you. I was left with my Grandfather, but you had to stay with the vile man... I promise. He''s gonna be arrested and sent straight to Nightshade!"


    Shelly stared at the strange boy for a few seconds. "An Enforcer saving me... That''s rich. As if. I know how you guys work... Besides. Don''t think it life was so had. I had Kaen. And Fenix, to keep me company. They''re my older siblings. The three of us are the Cherubim... Only we survived the experiments."


    "And just like that, its interest went from a nine to a ten. How many kids were put under these experiments."


    "I don''t know... A lot... I... I never asked. Felix and Kaen... They tried to get help and they got into big trouble... They aren''t allowed out now... If not for Fenix''s power I think they would have died. I never... I never tried to get help for any of us... That''s why I don''t think you should go... But! But it''s not because I''m scared for myself or anything! I''m just scared at what they''ll do to you!"


    Hero nodded. "I get it. Fear I mean. It''s rid. Shelly. I''m gonna save you. And after that, I''ll save your siblings. Then I''ll save Ava."


    "G... Geez... Spouting off about saving me." The girlblet out a huff as she turned away from him still embarrassed. "You''re such an idiot... Whatever... Fine. I''ll take you to the stupid lab... But... But only because I want to help you okay! I''m doing this for you. Not for me. I don''t need help."


    Hero smiled again giving the girl a nod. "Thank you."


    "...Don''t-"


    ''Boom!''


    The city suddenly shook as a ball of heat pierced up towards the sky and screams rang out.


    Hero''s eyes went wide as he looked up seeing a hill of flames. Flames and ice.


    "Not again."

 Chapter 163 - The Purple Ring

    Age 1991


    Heather Genkin, daughter to Okane Genkin stared at the door to her father''s office for a few seconds debating what to do.


    "What is my dad hiding..." She muttered giving a small frown.


    Ever since she could remember her father had always been strict with his rules. He never let her leave the house unless he had a meeting in another city. Even then she was never allowed to leave the hotel they were at.


    She was never allowed in his office him always keeping it under lock and key. Then again he was rarely in his office only being in there one day a month.


    On those days he would lock her, in her room, not letting her out, and would meet with those strange people he invited over.


    She had no idea what he was hiding in here but she knew it had to be bad...


    "That man..." Heather thought back to her time in that cursed city... The one with that green mask. "Coin. He couldn''t be... My father would never be a part of some group... Yet..."


    The twelve-year-old girl walked forward slightly as she reached her hand out. Slowly a small amount of green crystals came out forming a crystal key.


    "Never expected me to do this dad... Did you?" Heather gave a small smirk. She spent weeks figuring out how to shape her crystals into the perfect size for a key.


    She slowly slid the key into the lock c.o.c.king it to the side as it slowly opened.


    "Now. Let''s see what you''re hiding dad."


    The door pushed open silently as she entered the room.


    It was fairly large but mostly bland looking. It had a simple red carpet. Towards the left was a simple wooden table with some bottles of some expensive alcohol laid out. Three chairs also stood around the table. No doubt where her father, and his two strange guests would sit.


    On the wall and obnoxiously large picture rested. On the massive picture, a headless man riding on a horse of bones could be seen.


    "I didn''t take my father for the type to get this kind of art?" Heather said with a frown as she placed a hand on it. Her frown grew larger. "It feels hollow."


    At the back of the roo,m a large wooden desk rested. On the desk was a simple computer that wasn''t on, and two pairs of pictures.


    Heather walked over to the desk flipping one of the pictures over. She let out a breath as her eyes widened. "M...Mom?"


    In the picture, her father rested. He looked younger. At least twelve years younger. He also looked happy? An expression she had never seen on his face before. Stand beside him was a young woman. She also looked happy. She almost looked exactly like Heather but older.


    "I didn''t think we had any pictures of mom left..." She slowly set it back down in the same place. She slowly reached out grabbing the second picture.


    This one was of her and her dad. She was six or seven. Her father had his trademark disappointed look on his face. She stared confused at the camera not understanding what they were doing.


    "I didn''t think he kept this picture?" She once again placed it back down. "Let''s see what we can find." She began to open his drawers.


    There was a few papers, of expenses for building repairs, and expansions. The collection of tax.


    But what really caught her attention was a strange black remote with a simple red button. Next to it was a black briefcase. There was also a second white briefcase.


    She opened the black briefcase finding a pair of black robes and a small green wooden mask. The same mask that Coin had been wearing...


    "...No..." Heather quietly shut the case feeling a numb sensation go through her body. "This can''t be real..." She slowly placed it back where she found and set there for a few moments. She felt cold now. Extremely cold. Her father... "What about the other one." She clicked it open.


    Inside was a pair of green armor? Like the kind, a knight would wear. It even had a large green knight helmet.


    "Why does he have two?" She shook her head also placing it back. Her mind moved fast as she tried to think of something. Was her father really a vicious murderer? Why? How? When?


    The last thing she grabbed was the simple black remote.


    "That looks extremely suspicious... Well... When you have the other two stuff." She clicked a small button on the device and nearly jumped when the painting flew open. "That''s... Beyond suspicious. Why father... I really wanted to be wrong..."


    She walked over to the painting finding a small room? It was just a wooden room with a simple small wooden table in it. On the table rested a black box.


    "Is this it?" She asked. She stepped into the room opening the small box. She set the remote down on the table accidentally pushing the button again causing the painting to close on her leaving her in the darkroom. She ignored that though staring down at the item in the box.


    Inside was a simple, and small, Amethyst...


    The words ''The Third Key'' could be seen.


    "A ring?" She grabbed the ring feeling a warm sensation on her hand. "Weird?"


    ''Bang!''


    She jumped slightly hearing the doors to the office crash open.


    "Uh oh..."


    Meanwhile...


    Irene gave a heavy frown as she stared back at Max.


    "Do you have to point a ball of hot magma at me?" She asked frowning. A small trickle of cold air came off of her hands freezing the ground around her.


    "Look at my darling North standing up to the big bully Max-" Reine began.


    Max gave a sly smirk as he dropped his arms. "Sorry." He shrugged. "I''m used to dealing with Hero. He usually doesn''t stop when I ask him to, so I have to use force to get him to see things my way."


    Irene continued to eye the man up practically glaring at him. "Why. Are. You. Here." She said through gritted teeth.


    "We came to save you! We''re here to back you up my darling prince!" Reine announced.


    "Well, she''s kind of right..." Schutz muttered giving a shrug.


    "N... Not really..." Bolin muttered. "We kind of just don''t want you to mess up our mission." He said through a shaky voice.


    "My two allies, plus Reine, speak the truth," Max said calmly. His sly smile never left his face as his grin actually seemed to grow.


    "Your mission?" Irene said flatly.


    "Well, you see my prince!" Reine announced shooting forward in an attempt to grab onto Irene''s arm only for the girl to sidestep her causing the Noble to fall face first in the snow.


    "As I was saying. Your mission?" Irene asked again ignoring the girl.


    "Well," Schutz said slowly as he helped his Noble back up. "We were sent on a mission. Our goal it to find some information on the Noble of this city."


    "Okane Genkin?" Irene asked eyeing the manner that was behind her.


    "Look," Max said giving a small smirk as he raised his arms up. "Let''s go to an inn. We can talk there. I would rather us not be standing out in front of his manner. We can discuss our mission, and what we''re gonna do about Hero as well."


    "Hero!" Irene said frowning. "He''s here!"


    "You didn''t know?" Schutz asked.


    "No?"


    Max let out a small sigh. "Damn... I thought he would have been with you. Or at least you would know where he was... What are the chances he''s already inside the manner?" Max asked.


    "No way," Irene said shaking her head. "A Zero percent chance-"


    ''Boom!''


    The manner exploded in a hail of massive flames as the entire city shook.


    "...Okay... One hundred percent chance that he''s in there." Irene sighed turning around. "That can''t be good."


    "Well so much for stealth." A massive ball of magma smashed straight through the gates as Max burst through them. "New plan. Storm the castle."

 Chapter 164 - In God We Trust

    Age 1991


    Ken stared back at the Vice-Captain as his smile faded.


    Jackson stared ahead as Katrina left the hallway disappearing around the corner.


    "Great..." He muttered giving a small frown. "I''m gonna have to deal with that..."


    "Uhh..." Ken said awkwardly getting his attention.


    "Mr. Storm is something wrong?" Kitsune asked frowning. "What were you guys talking about?"


    Jackson let out a small sigh for a moment. He was silent as he seemed to carefully consider what to say. "Well..." He slowly turned to look out the window. "Ahh, it''s nothing."


    "What!"


    "Yeah. It''s nothing." Jackson shrugged as he threw his arms behind his back. He began to casually walk away as he flashed the two kids a sly smile. "Katrina and I are just having a lovers spat."


    "L... Love!" Ken said her face liting up and becoming red.


    "Focus Ken!" Kitsune stated karate chipping the girl on the head.


    ''Smack!''


    Ken pulled her sword off of Kitsune''s head as the Fox teen hit the ground his eyes rolling into the back of his head.


    "Jackson." She said sternly now. "Please? Tell us what''s wrong?"


    "Yeah, Mr. Storm! We can help."


    Jackson stared at the two kids for a moment. "...Nah."


    ''Crash!''


    The window shattered as Jackson threw himself out of it jumping down to the ground below.


    "What!" Both kids ran over seeing him land as he gave a sheepish wave. Electricity appeared around him as he vanished in a loud crack.


    "That Stylish Asshole!" Ken yelled. She turned around grabbing Kitsune by the back of his jacket and began to drag him down the hall.


    "Wait where are we going!"


    "To Oleander! Still..."


    "Oh yeah that was our goal before we got caught up in that wasn''t it?"


    "You can drop the Hero act."


    "What?"


    "Or are you pretending to be Cloud?" Ken asked again.


    "Again what?"


    Ken gave an eye twitch as she stared down at the fox teen. "That acting crap you do!" She said with a frown. "You keep pretending to be other people acting like them. You''ve been doing it since we met you?"


    Kitsune stared at the girl for a moment. "Oh... You noticed that?" He pulled her arms off of her as he stared at her. "Oh well." He gave her a sly smirk throwing his arms behind his head. "Not bad right."


    "Now you''re acting like Jackson..." Ken shook her head as she frowned. "Whatever. I don''t have time to deal with that. Act like North."


    "What?"


    "I told you! Act like North." Ken said sternly. "Since the day I first met you, your personality has shifted drastically. Sometimes your smart, and a battle genius. Other times you''re an idiot. Sometimes you''re brave. Other times you''re c.o.c.ky. You''ve been acting like someone else since you got here! So start acting like North so I can actually use you-"


    ''Crash!''


    Kitsune jumped through the window falling to the ground below and leaving a deadpanned Ken up above.


    "God damn it stop acting like Jackson!" Ken yelled.


    Meanwhile...


    "Master Storm..." Alpha said casually moving a chess piece. He moved his pawn forward one space.


    "Yes?" The Master asked moving his own piece. He moved his King forward three spaces.


    "You don''t know how to play chess do you?"


    "Not a clue."


    "Well, this is getting nowhere." Alpha knocked the bored down as he leaned back. "I have a question."


    "And I have an ancient key to a vault that can release a massive evil onto the world killing trillions."


    "I... Okay? Can... Can I ask my question?" Alpha asked slowly.


    Master Storm hummed slightly. "I''ll allow it."


    Alpha sighed giving an eye twitch. "Why are you like this..." He muttered. "Master Storm. Why aren''t we doing anything?"


    "Hmm?"


    "We are just sitting here. Up in your office. While we know something is going on in Dandelion. I assume you can feel that massive power?"


    Master Storm hummed again nodding it. "I can feel it."


    "So? You''re just gonna leave a bunch of new Enforcers there to deal with it on their own? And don''t give me that ''oh I trust they can handle it'' bull crap! Ward already told me that the last time you ignored a problem like this things went south!"


    "Do you believe in God?" Master Storm asked slowly.


    "What? Of course I do?" Alpha asked frowning. "Before the Age of Life, Age 0 God came down and separated the world into six pieces. The Nation Of Red, The Nation Of White, The Nation Of Blue, and The Nation Of Green. He also created Nightshade a place where we can send Sinners, as well as the Garden of Eden. They say who ever arrives at Eden can learn and master the full Equation Of Life... We serve God with our lives."


    Master Storm simply hummed once more. "Tell me... Have you ever regretted reading a good story? Or a good book?"


    "What?"


    "A story you really liked. But you regret reading it, because it has outcomes you are forced to watch happen but can''t do anything about?" Master Storm leaned back slightly staring out his window. "Can you imagine living in a fake world? One you don''t belong in but everyone assumes you do? A world where you can''t act, but everyone begs you to? Forced to watch the good, and the bad, outcomes of the story, and yet none happen because of you?" Master Storm went silent as he gave a sheepish laugh. "Why. It''s enough, to drive someone insane after only a few years. I can''t imagine living in such a world. I wonder... How does he feel about it? Imagine trillions of people praying to you daily, forced to hear their pleas, and all you can think of, is the home you lost. We do not serve God with our lives. God serves us."


    "...Sir... Are you trying to claim you can''t act? Are you saying you''re unable to do anything?"


    "No. Nothing on that scale thankfully." Master Storm laughed. "I assure you. I can act... I''ve been putting on an act for years..." He muttered slowly.


    "Sir?"


    "Tell me Alpha. Do you know who we hire as Enforcers?"


    "People who have the Spark, sir!"


    "That''s right. And do you know what that Spark is?"


    "I. I guess I never thought of it? I always thought it was just a metaphor?"


    "In a way it is. The Spark. The will to live. An Equation... I won''t act not because I believe these recruits can handle this situation. But because I believe they have learned. Humans are a tricky thing. One loss, can either lead to great failure. Or. It can lead to Godlike powers." Master Storm gave another smirk as he slowly stood up staring out of his window and down to the ground below. "I make many mistakes. It comes with life. The older you get the more mistakes you will make. But. Letting the recruits into Dandelion. Sitting things out. Trust me when I say Alpha. This will not be a mistake."


    "...If... If you''re really sure sir."


    "I am."


    The two strongest Enforcers went silent as they simply gazed out the window.


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    "..."


    "Wait? What was that bit about having an ancient key to a vault that can release a massive evil onto the world killing trillions?"


    ''Crash!''


    The window exploded as Master Storm jumped through it.


    "God damn it Master Storm!"

 Chapter 165 - The Leaders Of The Organization

    Age 1991


    Dandelion City...


    Deep in the black ocean...


    "Damn it!" Eins yelled out his fist smashing into a metal pillar. "She left again! How does she keep doing that! We''re only on the surface for a few seconds!"


    "Relax." A calm voice stated. Eins turned to see a young twenty-year-old man. He had messy pink hair, and kind pink eyes. "I''m sure my little sister will be fine. She''ll stay out of trouble."


    "That''s a total lie, Felix..." Another voice scoffed. It was a young seventeen-year-old teen. He had messy black hair and cold pink eyes. "We both know Shelly''s gonna get into major trouble first chance she''s get-"


    "Kaen! Felix. Silence." Eins hissed.


    Kaen ran his hand through his messy black hair as he stared back at the Squad One Reserve member. "Oh, I''m sorry? Is us being worried about our little sister, bothering you-"


    "Kaen." Felix reaches out placing a hand on his younger brother''s shoulder. "Don''t make him mad."


    Eins was silent now as he stared out at the window. All that could be seen was the pitch black of the black water around. "That girl. She''s a problem child alright... Unlike you, two Shelly, was gifted with an insane amount of power and her Equation Of Life was close to Roshi''s was when he was alive. Ji¨¤n Zh¨© F¨´. That man was incredible when he was alive. He was nicknamed Roshi, due to his leadership, and despite bearing a cursed Equation, and a cursed Attribute he was still allowed to join the Enforcers. He reminds me a lot of that damn brat. Shelly. Her powers were already incredible. When we used the corpse of Roshi to turn her into a Cherubim, her power soared high!"


    "Yeah yeah yeah!" Kaen said rolling his eyes. "We know the story. Hundreds of orphans, that Doctor Hyde had, were cut apart and outback together. Only three survived... And of those three only Shelly is the weapon you desired."


    "Kaen..." Felix said again with a little more force to his voice. "Don''t make him mad. Last time it took almost all my energy to piece you back together."


    "Whatever." Kaen hissed out.


    "She will be my King slayer!" Eins smirked. "I will save this world!"


    "Oh are you still on about that?" A feminine voice asked. All three men in the room jumped slightly as they turned to see a new person entering the room.


    "Ahh." Eins gave a frown as he stared at the girl. "Ms. Blue. I assume the Doctor is with you?"


    The woman gave a sly smirk as she shrugged. Ms. Blue had long silver hair, and animalistic silver eyes. She wore a simple black dress that hugged her body tightly. Two men followed after her guarding her closely. The first was a tall lanky man with messy blond hair, and black eyes. He wore a black business suit with a red tie. Next to him was a massive bulky man with long purple hair, and bright purple eyes. He also wore a black business suit, and a massive golden battle-ax rested on his back.


    Ms. Blue gave another sly smirk as she waved her hands. "Yes." She sighed out as her eyes seemed to gaze at the three men in front of her with an almost hunger. "Doctor Hyde is here. He''s been awfully naughty to me, cutting me apart without my consent. But look. He made me two new friends." She said gesturing to the two men who stood behind her.


    "Uhh?" Felix stared at the three with mild confusion. "Ms. Blue? How did you get here? We''re already underwater?"


    "That would be my doing!" The tall lanky man announced bringing his hand up to his head in a salute. "My Attribute is called Warp. With it I can Warp time and space around us, allowing us to move through reality."


    "Yes. Bulk, and Lank, have been very helpful." Ms. Blue breathed out.


    "Did... Did you come up with those lame-ass names?" Kaen asked.


    "I did." Ms. Blue sighed slightly. "They were made to guard me."


    "Made?"


    "Yes. Isn''t Doctor Hyde amazing? He did the impossible. He has learned 35% of the Equation. And with that, he was able to make life, from the Monsterfication. New life. With a few cells, he crafted these two. Though sadly they both only have one Attribute, and their Equations are faulty. They also only serve one purpose. Protect me."


    "Fascinating," Eins muttered. "Well. If the Doctor is here I shall go see him. Blue why don''t you keep my two trouble maker sons company."


    "Oh she doesn''t have to do that," Felix said quickly.


    "We''d rather she f.u.c.ks off honestly," Kaen muttered.


    "Enough!" Eins hissed out causing everyone to go silent. "Good." And with that, he turned and left...


    Meanwhile...


    Oleander...


    Squad Six Building...


    "Alright," Cloud smirked walking up the stairs. "I think I almost have everything I''ll need."


    The blind teen was absolutely piled on with several cases of random junk as he marched up the stairs. He had several items all with him showing he was very prepared.


    The teen almost slipped but managed to catch himself at the top of the stairs. He let out a small sigh.


    "Before I go and save Big Brother I''m gonna need some backup." He announced.


    Cloud dropped everything he was holding as he walked in front of a large door.


    The Blind teen continued to stand there as he stared at it for a few moments.


    "He''s been awfully quiet since he got back. Even still. I''ll get him up. He can no longer sit around and wait for the world to pass around."


    Cloud reached up, and the blind teen knocked on Dawson Blight''s door...


    Meanwhile...


    "Come on you idiot..." Ken hissed out dragging 5he body of Kitsune behind her. They stood outside in the courtyard now and were heading towards the train station ahead of them. "Oh great..." She muttered with rolled eyes.


    In front of them stood Jackson, Katrina, and Alexander.


    "Oh hey!" Alexander called giving a smirk and flipping his fedora. "You guys coming to Dandelion to? Are you dragging a corpse?"


    "What?" Ken asked flatly as she dropped Kitsune.


    "Oww..." The fox boy muttered.


    "Well, your Captain and Vice-Captain asked me to use my powers to take you all to Dandelion?"


    "No." Katrina and Jackson both snapped. "They''re staying-"


    "No, we aren''t," Ken said rolling her eyes. "We''re going."


    "No, you''re not!" Katrina hissed.


    "Yes, I am." The small fourteen year old muttered as she folded her arms. "I''m gonna find Hero. Probably save his ass. Punch him in his stupid face. And then talk to him, and yell at him for avoiding me."


    "Look, Ken, you can deal with your failed romance later," Jackson said shrugging. "It''s way too dangerous in Dandelion. Maybe? We aren''t sure. We just think there''s a killer running around-"


    "Oh were we hired to go after him?" Ken asked sarcastically. "Because you know last time there was a killer I was told tough luck. We weren''t hired-"


    "That was different! You guys were already on a strict mission!" Jackson said. "You can''t just ignore the mission to go after someone you think is a killer. As of now none of us have a mission! So that''s why we can do this-"


    "So because it''s personal it''s okay?" Ken asked angrily.


    "We''re not having this conversation." Katrina snapped. "Ken, Kitsune! You''re staying."


    "Okay, we''ll just take the train."


    "What?"


    "You''re using that dumb Captain to teleport there? We can just take the train. You guys won''t be here."


    "...Jackson staying-"


    "No, I''m not." Jackson snapped turning to stare at Katrina. "I''m not letting you do this alone-"


    "Jackson!"


    "If it is Chandler," Jackson said with some voice. "I''m gonna kick his ass."


    "Who the hell is Chandler?" Ken yelled.


    "Okay, this is getting nowhere." Alexander clapped his hands together as several portals opened underneath everyone. The next instant all they saw was a void of pitch white. No sound, smell, or anything. It was impossible to breathe. Then they were suddenly standing in the streets of Dandelion. "There! Everyone''s here!" Alexander called out dropping all the four Squad Six Members down. "Sort this out!"


    "Damn it, Alexander!" Everyone yelled.


    Meanwhile...


    Okane stood in front of his phone as he placed it up to his ear. It hung off of the wall and was connected by a long black wire.


    "Hello?" He asked with a small frown as he ran his hand through his green hair.


    "Ahh. Coin. You finally answered."


    Okane''s eye twitched as he recognized the cold voice on the other end. "Hello. Jester..."


    The Jester. The Rank Number One member of the Organization. The true leader.


    "It''s been a while since we last got in contact. Kaen informed me of the events on the last mission. You two were able to confirm the location of that Skeleton man?"


    "Yes sir."


    "Good. Also, you confirmed the death of an Enforcer?"


    "Ren. A young woman..." Some emotion-filled Okane''s voice but he managed to choke it back.


    "Ren? Ahh, I see. Yes. She part of ''that'' group. She was your partner wasn''t she?" Jester asked casually over the phone.


    "...Yes. Sir. If I''m honest I liked her more then Kaen."


    "Right. I heard about Kaen trying to kill your daughter." Jester stated still in w casual tone. "Tell me. Okane? Where does your loyalty lie?"


    "That should be obvious sir."


    "I suppose it is." They were both silent for a moment. "Tell me. Is the device done? The one to raise of the underwater lab? There are several people I would like to take from there. They would make a fine addition to my army."


    "Not yet sir... The device is almost complete. Please just give me a few more days..."


    "...Very well. We''ll speak soon."


    There was a quiet click as the phone shut off.


    "That was very good of you Okane..." A voice stated. "I''m glad to know you''re still loyal to me."


    "Of course," Okane said as he turned around. and bowed.


    Two men stood in front of him the Noble. The first wore a long black kimono. A long sword hung from his side. He had long black hair, tied back into a ponytail, and cold black eyes.


    And the second man was the one Okane addressed. He had messy snow-white hair. He wore a small wooden mask over his face, and a long white cloak. Underneath the cloak, a pair of silver armor could be seen.


    "You''ve done really well to serve me." The second man said again. "Shall we go to your studies and discuss our next plan?"


    "Of course Mr. Snow..." Okane said bowing once more.


    Mr. Snow. The Rank Number One member of the Organization. The true leader...

 Chapter 166 - The Two Sides Of Okane Genkin

    Age 1991


    Okane pushed the two massive doors open as hard as he could as he strolled into his office. He stopped for a moment as a small frown came onto his face.


    "I could have sworn I locked this door-"


    "Well, Mr. Green." The man called Mr. Snow stated as he strolled in as if he owned the place. He took a seat as his companion, the man dressed up like a Samurai, took a seat next to him. Mr. Snow turned to look back at Okane as he waved a hand. "Take a seat. I assume we have much to talk about?"


    "...Yes sir..." Okane muttered.


    "Have you made the modifications to your armor?" Mr. Snow asked.


    Okane walked over to his desk pulling out two black cases. The first had the same costume he wore when he went by Coin. But in the second box, it had the green armor in it. "Yes." He stated pulling the green helmet out. He stared into it seeing his reflection coming off of it. "This armor will do nicely when I am Mr. Green." He was silent for a few moments putting it back. "But I assume you really wanted to talk about Ren?"


    "Yes..." Mr. Snow went silent as he leaned forward.


    "It''s a shame..." The man dressed as a Samurai muttered. "She was so young and filled with life. She was your partner to... A rank twelve member of the Organization, with you being Rank Eleven. Hard to believe she really died..."


    "It was something I couldn''t plan for..." Okane muttered. "I had no idea she would even be in the city..."


    "Yes. It''s a shame." Mr. Snow said in a calm and cold tone. "After all. She had been slipping us information about the Enforcers for years... Shame she had to die... Well, need to get someone else in that group then."


    "She was more than that." Okane hissed out. "Ren... She reminded me so much of my daughter..." He sighed out. Okane clenched his fist for a moment bowing his head. "If only I wasn''t with that fire bastard. I could have saved her..."


    "Yes. We did lose such an important asset." Mr. Snow grabbed one of the bottles of alcohol and began to pour himself a glass. "I assume Jester doesn''t know that you are going to betray him?"


    "No sir. Not yet. He still thinks I''m loyal to him." Okane stated nodding his head.


    "Good." Mr. Snow nodded his head. "And I assume you still have our ring?"


    "Yes sir..." Okane muttered. He reached up pulling off his glove showing off an emerald ring.


    "Good. It would be unfortunate if Jester got his hands on them. He would release a great evil onto this world. We would all surely die. Tell me? Have you found any of the other rings?"


    "No sir," Okane said shaking his head. "As of now, only the Emerald ring is my possession."


    "I see..." Mr. Snow was silent for a few seconds as he seemed to think of something. He slowly reached up showing off a small Sapphire ring that rested on his fingers. "Ruby. Emerald. Sapphire. Amethyst. Diamond. These five rings were crafted during Age 100 by Rin Storm. The Leader of the Enforcers... They say he keeps a great weapon locked up. As of now, we have the Emerald and Sapphire Ring. We do not know the whereabouts of the Amethyst ring. However, we know that the Diamond ring is worn by Master Storm himself... Furthermore Ben told me some troubling news... He claims you ordered the Ruby ring when it was found? And yet. I don''t remember you ever mentioning something to me about that?"


    "Did he now?" Okane said turning around and staring out his window. "That''s an interesting story. I remember Ben being defeated by an Enforcer and tortured for information? We had to send David, as well as September and October to get him?"


    "Interesting isn''t it... So I assume you have nothing to say on the ring matter?"


    "I do not sir."


    Slowly the Samurai began to stand up as he reached for his longsword.


    "There''s no need for that One." Mr. Snow said casually. "Tell me. You go by Mr. Green for us. And Coin, for the Jester. So I feel to ask. Who are you?"


    "I am Okane," Okane said simply. "You know where my loyalty lies."


    Mr. Snow set back slowly as he folded his arms. "Do I?"


    "You do..."


    There was a silence that filled the room as everyone waited for the other person to make the first move. Finally, Mr. Snow leaned forward.


    "So." He said clapping his hands together in a prayer gesture. Despite that though he didn''t activate his Mantra. It was more of a warning. "A while back an Enforcer by the name of Eins Licht, built a lab on a boat out in the black depth near this city. The lab is designed to sink under the water to keep it hidden and to defend it. We have reports that he is working for a vile and impure man by the name of Doctor Hyde. Hyde is famously known for breaking into the Enforcers lab, and stealing the arm of God, as well as one of the last remaining users of the Monsterfication. Eins has been instructed by Master Storm to work on an unknown project, however, he has secretly been going rouge, and working with Doctor Hyde to make a new Super Soldier. We don''t know what these are yet... We do know that what he is doing is inhumane and wrong. Many are being done to children... As such we will need to raise up the lab and break all the kids out. We will leave them on the shore so the Enforcers can find them and hopefully get them a new home. However, we need to do this fast as according to you Jester is wanting to break into the Lab as well?"


    "Yes sir." Okane nodded. "I''ve hired a few scientists. They''re down in the bas.e.m.e.nt. They''re working on a device that will hijack the Labs controls forcing it to surface and crash into the side of Dandelion. There we will be able to enter it."


    "I see. And you lied to Jester telling him this device wasn''t done yet?"


    "That''s correct." Okane nodded. "As far as he knows the device is still being built. We finished it yesterday, however. Now would be the best time to strike."


    "Well then... That''s exactly what we''ll-"


    ''Boom!''


    The entire manner suddenly shook as a massive wave of flames slammed down into the floor shaking the ground.


    Okane nearly fell over but managed to catch himself as he shook his head slightly. "What the hell was that?"


    "It sounded like it came from the floor below?"


    "Shit! The lab!"


    "Come One. Come, Okane. Let''s go see what this disturbance was." Mr. Snow said standing up.


    The three men left the room in a quick manner. None of them noticed the painting fly open as Heather stepped out.


    "So... This ring?" She stared down at the ring that rested on her fingers. "Why did Dad lie about it? And what was that explosion? I need to check this out... He said there was a device in the lab? I need to get it before they do!"

 Chapter 167 - Chandler Kronos

    Age 1991


    "Alexander you idiot!" Katrina yelled out smacking the Squad Eight Captain over the head. "You God damn stupid idiot! Why why why!" She smacked him again and again out of anger.


    "Oww! Owe! Wow you hurt!" Alexander yelled trying to block the many punches.


    "Take them back!" Katrina hissed at waving her hand at Kitsune and Ken. "This is way to dangerous you idiot! Why the hell did you just drag us all here!"


    "I agree," Jackson said as his electric blue eyes began to look left and right. "It''s way too dangerous. They need to leave!"


    "What?" Alexander asked.


    "Yeah what?" Ken asked frowning as she folded her arms over chest. "We''re here to find Hero. I don''t care whatever you guys are doing. We''re gonna leave and find Hero!"


    "Err... Technically she''s here to find Hero!" Kitsune said quickly waving his hands as he gave a sheepish laugh. "She dragged me here. I would like to go back?"


    "Relax Katrina." Alexander laughed throwing his hat into the air. "I don''t see the problem." He held his hand out waiting for the hat to fall back down. A small trickle of dust fell into the palm of his hand as the man stared down in confusion. "Wait? What just happened-"


    A black ball flew past Alexander''s head, barely missing him as it slammed into a street lamp. Everyone stared in shock as the lamp exploded into dust.


    "Oh my God." Alexander said flatly staring at the dust in his hands. "My hat!"


    "What the hell!" Kitsune said shocked.


    Several black orbs flew forward from a pitch-black alleyway.


    "Don''t let them touch you!" Katrina yelled as everyone jumped back right as the orbs slammed down into the ground. Everything that they touched turned black and crumbled into dust, as if they were aged to that point.


    "What''s going on!" Kitsune yelled out.


    "What the fox boy said." A panicked Ken hissed trying the dodge the orbs."


    "The reason I didn''t want you, dumbasses, to be here!" Katrina yelled out. "Jackson! Do that thing!"


    "Really? Uhh... I don''t think this is the right time for that-"


    "Not that thing!" A red faced Katrina yelled. "The speed thing! Grab the kids!"


    "Oh! Right Honey!" Lightning flew off of Jackson as he shot forward wrapping his arms around Ken and Kitsune. He jumped into the air and disappeared in a loud crack landing on top of one roofs. He dropped both the kids down as he pulled out his new great sword. "Let''s test this new blade out!" He laughed.


    "What''s happening though!" Ken asked in shock and surprise.


    "An old reunion with a friend..." Jackson muttered. "I''m gonna kick Chandlers ask for this!"


    "Who?"


    Down on the street Katrina smashed her fist into the ground sending out a wave of kinetic force that send several rocks up that blocked several of the black orbs. The orbs vanished as the rocks turned to dust.


    "So what is this exactly!" Alexander yelled clapping his hands together as several golden portals suddenly appeared in front of him. Several of the orbs entered the portal vanishing.


    "Someone who''s supposed to be dead..." Katrina hissed out. "Because I killed them."


    "What? Then how are they alive!"


    "Don''t know..."


    On the rooftop, Jackson slowly raised his blade up. It began to glow a bright blue as lightning covered the blade. A long chain hung at the handle as he grabbed onto it and began to spin it through the air at a fast speed turning it into a blue blur.


    "Spinning Tempest!" He announced suddenly grabbing the handle once more and stopping the blade.


    A large blue spinning electrical disk flew forward slicing through the ground with ease as it split straight through a building toppling it into the alleyway.


    "Whoa!" Kitsune said with stars in his eyes. "I got to try that!"


    "Stop stealing my attacks!" Jackson yelled in anger smacking the boy over the head.


    "Sondid you get them?" Ken asked staring down at the alleyway as the building collapsed onto it. Strangely the darkness remained.


    A large robed figure suddenly shot forward into the air. The figure wore a long black flowing robe as they spun through the air landing on one of the lamp posts. They raised their hands up sending several black orbs out straight at the group.


    "I''m just gonna put a big stop to that!" Alexander yelled clapping his hands and opening up more portals around the figure that once again swallowed the black orbs. "Now will someone please tell me what the hell is going on!" He yelled.


    Katrina stepped forward as she glared at the robed figure. "Chandler." She yelled out waving her hand through the air and enclosing the robed figure in a barrier of kinetic energy. "Stop this!"


    "Who the hell is Chandler!" Alexander yelled out.


    From the rooftops, Jackson jumped down landing on the ground. He raised his blade up pointing it towards the man. "It''s over Chandler. Please. We just want to talk. You''re surrounded. So don''t try anything..." He stated giving a large frown.


    The figure stared at them slowly as q blue kinetic energy crackled around them. Slowly they raised their right hand.


    "Uh? Whatcha doing Chandler?" Jackson asked blinking a few times in confusion. "Actually come to think of it. That''s what I do when I call my pet Bestia Macht to-"


    There was a loud bang as a massive Bestia Macht flew out of the pitch-black alleyway! The creature was large standing at, at least fifteen feet tall, and was at least ten feet long. It looked like a large pitch-black ball that had hundreds of long black tentacles coming off of it. A large red glowing eye could be seen in the center of it as it flew forward at a fast speed.


    "The darkness was alive!" Ken said shocked.


    Chandler reached up grabbing onto one of these tendrils as the creature flew up dragging the robed figure up into the air carrying them away.


    "...Well Shit!"

 Chapter 168 - Battle In The Manner...

    Age 1991


    Irene frowned as she stared at the side of the manner, as it exploded in a massive ball of flames.


    "Oh boy..." Max muttered. He let out a sigh shaking his head. "I guess we''re doing this..."


    "We should split up!" Reine announced. "I''ll go with North-" She once again face planted in the snow as Irene sidestepped the girl.


    "Splitting ups a terrible idea..." Bolin muttered shyly.


    "Bolins right." Max stopped for a moment letting out a heavy sigh as he realized he just agreed with the boy. "...I mean... Screw it. Let''s just go."


    "How do we-" Schutz began but was stopped when a massive ball of magma and death, flew past him smashing into the gates and melting it down. "...Stupid op ability..."


    Meanwhile...


    Okane ran down the halls followed closely by the two Organization members.


    They ran as fast as they could heading for the lab.


    "Who could be attacking you?" Mr. Snow asked curiously.


    "Do you have any enemies?" The Samurai asked.


    "I''m a Noble... The whole world is my enemy..." Okane clutched his fist tightly gritting his teeth. "I''ll kill whoever is doing this if they harm my daughter."


    "You really care for her..." The Samurai said slowly.


    "He joined the Organization for her." Mr. Snow muttered. "Both sides. All so he could give her a life where she wouldn''t have to worry about this terrible and blighted world, hurting her." Okane was silent not saying anything as he ran forward still.


    "I had someone I cared about at one point as well..." The Samurai stated bowing his head slightly. "She wasn''t my daughter, but all my brothers treated her as if she was... She was actually the daughter of my best friend. People called him Zero. The Samurai''s greatest weapon."


    Okane ignored the two sprinting ahead of them in order to be alone as he rushed down the hall reaching the bottom floor.


    "We are almost there!" He shouted leaping forward. "Just a little-" Okane spun suddenly flipping right over a massive ball of lava that flew under him. He held his hand out as several coins formed into a green barrier blocking a large blade of ice that flew at him.


    "Crap! We missed!"


    The two other Organization members came to stand by Okane''s side as they turned to see five young kids all staring at them now.


    "Ahh. Enforcers. So you guys are the ones behind this attack." Mr. Snow stated with a frown as he stepped forward.


    "Nope." Max gave a smirk as he shrugged. "Sorry we have no idea who blew hole in your manner. So I guess you''re being blind sides by two attacks." He said in a smug tone. ''Hero I swear to the Holy God, in the Garden, if you''re behind this attack I''m gonna melt you down to your atoms!'' He thought but still kept his cool look.


    Mr. Snow stared at the Samurai for a moment. "Well, One?" He asked.


    The Samurai was silent for a moment. "He is telling the truth. There is another group attacking."


    ''Did he read my mind? Some kind of lie detector Attribute? Or is he just that good at reading the body.'' Max frowned for a moment as his mind raced. ''This isn''t a good situation to be in... Only I have a Mantra... So its basically a three on one... One slip up and I''ll be... No! I''m stronger than them. I''m Max. The commoner with more potential than any Noble.''


    "He called you One," Irene said stepping forward and staring back at the Samurai across from them. "Do you know a Zero?"


    One was silent for a moment but finally a smile crossed its way otlnto his lips. "I haven''t heard anyone mention his name in a while. We parted ways many years ago, before I joined Mr. Snow. Tell me. How is he?"


    Irene stared back at the man for a moment before a smile crossed its way onto her face. "Oh. He''s dead. My Squads the one that killed him-"


    "Why are you pissing off the man who can murder us?" Max asked flatly.


    "What? Its a five one three. We got-" Irene didn''t have time to react as Max suddenly smashed his leg into her side throwing her back. As soon as she moved the Samurai appeared where she had been only to slash his blade out in empty air since she was no longer there.


    ''He reacted to my movement and kicked her out of the way... This kid is different from the rests... He might be a real problem.'' One thought seeing the cold look in Max''s eyes as the teen raised his hand up.


    Max''s hand glowed as a stream of lava poured out washing over the man, only for him to vanish with a loud crack flash stepping back over to the two Organization members.


    Then.


    A second finally passed by as Irene hit the ground and everyone else reacted to Max''s kick.


    "Why would you hit my darling prince!" Reine shouted in horror helping Irene back up.


    "That was close," Max said flatly staring back at One. "He''s at least light speed. Damn. Such a pain. The only person I know who can deal with speedsters this fast, without activating their Equation, is that dumbass Hero... Guess we''re holding out until he gets here."


    "I never saw him move..." Irene muttered rubbing at her neck with wide eyes. "My head could have..."


    Reine reached out placing a hand on Irene''s shoulder steadying the girl.


    "Well, we''re screwed..." Schutz muttered.


    "I never saw Hero Senpai..."


    "Been lopped off in a single attack. Yep. Next time don''t piss off the bad guys!" Max yelled smacking her over the head. He took a deep breath as he turned back to the three men. "New plan. I''m about to do the impossible." He smirked. "Or. As that dumbass says. I''m about to become a version of myself that can don the impossible."


    "What''s the plan?" Irene asked. "What can we do?"


    "I''m about to force you four to unlock your Mantra."

 Chapter 169 - The Device

    Age 1991


    Okane stared at the kids as a scowl crossed its way onto his face. "Mr. One... Mr. Green... I assume you two can handle these kids?"


    "We can..." Mr. Snow nodded. "Go and get the device. Make sure it isn''t damaged. We will cover you."


    "This fight will be over before you get back." The Samurai stated. "Go forward Mr. Green. That device must be found no matter what!" He announced.


    "Got it..."


    "You think I''m going to let you-" Max began only to be slapped away by One, the Samurai. He crashed a few feet away as Okane left. "Okay... I choose to let him get away, because it is my choice!" He announced.


    "Nice save..." Irene said flatly.


    "Anyone else feel really outclassed..." Schutz asked pulling the long sword that rested on his side out. He raised it uondtepping in front of Bolin, and Reine. "Bolin! Protect Lady Reine no matter what!" He stated.


    "The only person I need to protect me is my darling Prince!" Reine announced trying to wrap her arms around Irene only for them to once again side step her causing her to fall flat in her face. "One day my sweet prince! I''ll hug you!"


    "Please don''t..." Irene said feeling uncomfortable about how clingy the girl was being towards her.


    "We''re so dead..." Bolin hissed out.


    "...So..." One said slowly. "These are Enforcers..."


    "Quite childish... But even so. We won''t underestimate them. Attack with full power One. Insure our victory."


    "As you order sir!"


    "Mr. Green. Leave us. We will hold out here."


    "Very well..." Okane turned running down the hall once again. "Forget the damn lab..." He muttered turning the corner and heading up a flight of stairs. "I need to get Heather out of here." Be hissed. He whipped a small black credit card out slashing it through the air. "One Million Bells, for absolute speed." He announced suddenly zooming forward through the hall. He waved his hands out as several green coins flew forward blasting the door down as he slid into the room. "Heather!" He yelled entering his daughter''s room.


    The fearful father stopped when he looked around not seeing his daughter anywhere.


    "What? Where the hell is she? Could she have left when she heard the commotion? Damn it... She must be somewhere in the house!" He gritted his teeth as be turned around. "This isn''t good..."


    Meanwhile...


    Heather raised her arms up blowing the massive metal door, that was in front her down with a giant green crystal.


    She walked down the steps heading further into a large white room.


    "Who... Who are you." Several scientists all backed up when they saw the girl blow the door down and enter the room. They all raised their hands up as she slowly walked forward.


    "Apparently my dad, is hiding something in here," Heather said. She frowned slightly raising her hand up as a large crystal slowly began to form in the center of her hand. "I intend to find out what that is-"


    "Don''t hurt us, we''ll tell you everything!"


    The girl fell back, not expecting them to have just given up like that. "Aren''t you suppose to put up some resistance or something!"


    "No. We''re Normal Humans! We bruise way to easily. You win!" They said.


    The girl sighed rolling her eyes. "Well... I''m kind of disappointed. I wanted to beat you up..."


    "Oh please don''t." The man whinned. "I really like living, and would love to not die. I will literally do whatever you want."


    "This feels way to easy..." She folded her arms staring at them. "There''s a device in here. I want it. Now."


    One of the frog people, walked over to the wall. They pushed a button as it began to fold open and a tiny black remote, with a single red button on it, popped out. "Well here you go!" He said cheerfully handing it over. "And I get to keep living right?"


    "...Wait... That''s seriously it?" Heather asked taken aback. "That tiny remote? That''s the thing everyone is after?"


    "Yeah. Isn''t science awesome."


    "That''s super lame..."


    "Oh..."


    Heather took the remote in her hands staring down at it. "Okay. So what''s it do?"


    "Wait you mean you don''t even know?"


    "If you''re thinking of lying to me..." She warned.


    The man sighed folding his arms. "Well... It''s a device designed to raise a lab out of the water. If you go to the city docks and press that button a massive ship will rise up. On that ship is a hidden lab filled with several experiments. The remote works by sending out an electromagnetic field that scrambles the ship''s programming causing it to think it is taking on water, and rise up. This would allow you to board it." He said frowning. "Although you''d still need to fight through whatever group is on the boat..."


    "These experiments... What are they?"


    "I have no idea... All I know is they''re bad... Apparently some child gene manipulation. The typical illegal stuff."


    "Wait... There are kids in there." Heather slowly pulled the remote out staring down at it.


    "Yeah. They''re pretty crazy. Isn''t science lame!"


    She sighed as she held it in her hands for a few seconds thinking about what she should do with it. "I know what I have to do..." She said finally. "I''m going to-"


    ''Boom!''


    The back of the wall exploded in a hail of flames as three people enter the room. At the led of the group was a man in a Jester''s uniform...


    The Organization has arrived...


    "My my..." The Jester said looking around the room. "To think he actually had a place like this under his house..." The Jester muttered.


    "It''s filled with a lot of innocent people..." Bunt, the Jesters second in command said.


    "Not for long..." Kaen, the number three-member stated, as flames began to trickle down his body.


    "Now now Kaen." The Jester said slowly floating off of the ground. "Let''s make sure we don''t break the device."


    "Oh, crap..." Heather, and the Scientists, both said.

 Chapter 170 - What We Should Do

    Age 1991


    The City Of Dandelion...


    With Katrina''s group...


    "Okay!" Ken said dropping down from her perch on the roof landing back on the street. Kitsune did the same following her example but slipped up and landed on his head. "Anyone want to explain what the hell that was!" She asked. "Like seriously! You gotta give a girl a warning next time! Like when Jackson flirts with me."


    Jackson froze up as Katrina smacked her boyfriend over the head. "Oww! She lies! She lies! I swear that she lies."


    "Yeah, I''m just screwing around." Ken shrugged.


    "See! She''s a liar! Hit her, hit her!"


    "But seriously." Ken folded her arms as she began to tap her foot on the ground in a very annoyed manner. "Will someone please tell me what the hell any of that was!"


    "I think we all want to know," Kitsune said. "Also I would like to hurry this up. I give this like ten minutes before Hero causes something to blow up."


    "Yeah, I would also like to know..." Alexander said sheepishly as he waved at Katrina and Jackson who were both frowning.


    "Too bad," Katrina said frowning. "Alexander. Take Jackson, Ken, and Kitsune back to Oleander City."


    "Not happening." Everyone said at the same time causing the girl to frown. Katrina folded her arms as she glared at the four of them causing them to shrink down.


    "You''re scared of her?" Kitsune asked Alexander. "Aren''t both of you guys Captains who are insanely strong? You''re pretty even in terms of power of her right?"


    "Hell yeah, I am... She''s scary!" Alexander shrunk down even more. "We might both be Enforcer Captains but she''s still stronger than me haha... The only Captains stronger then Katrina are the big three... The Thrid Captain, the Second Captain, and of course the First Captain but that guys stronger than every Enforcer member combined. Also, I''m one of the weakest Captains... I''m not much of a fighter..."


    "He''s that strong?" Kitsune asked. "The first Captain I mean? Is he really stronger than every Captain?"


    "Oh yeah... Every first Captain is one of the strongest warriors in Enforcers. Like Okami Otoko, the previous first Captain, but this current one we have is one of the strongest beings on Earth... There was even a massive war every Nation had to see who would claim him for their side. In the end, we won..." Alexander nodded giving a smirk. "He even beat Master Storm, and that old guy is crazy strong. I tell ya, we''re lucky John is on our side, otherwise, I think we would have all have died a long time ago... It''s hard to keep him in line. They say he once got so mad, he blew up an entire part of the planet. Only a pink light was able to stop him?"


    "A pink light?" Kitsune frowned. "You know I feel like I''ve heard that. Something my brother Jin once said... White, to Blue, Blue to Green, purest form is pink? I''m not sure though? He was kind of crazy... This happened a month before he went on that assignment... The last time I saw him... I''m not sure what it meant though... He was... Weird..."


    "Hmm. I''ll need to look into that. It sounds concerning..." Alexander said. "Now that I think of that... The last time I saw Jin he said something about discovering the secret to life... The secret to his Attribute. You Nines have always had a powerful ability. They say none of you have ever even come close to Mastering it..."


    Katrina cleared her throat causing the two to jump. "I mean it." The blue-haired girl hissed out. She folded her arms over her chest as she glared at them. "I don''t want any of you getting hurt."


    "You can''t do this on your own," Jackson said. He slowly took Katrina''s hands into his. "Seriously... I''m not going to leave you." He said slowly. "We can do this together..."


    The girl sighed but slowly folded her arms taking his grip off of her. "I don''t like this though..." She let out another sigh.


    "Too bad," Ken announced. "We want to know what''s going on. Both me and Kitsune are thinking the same thing."


    "Actually I''m just thinking how dangerous this is, and how every single one of those orbs could turn me into an old man. I''m young to die from old age!"


    "We all are," Ken said nodding.


    "That is why it is way too dangerous." Katrina hissed out. "Chandler Kronos... My old friend. His Attribute gave him the ability to send those orbs out. Anything they touch he can age back and forth. When I knew him he was only ever able to do it by a few years... Two or three. He''s never been able to do it to this extent... But it has been five years. I suppose he could have trained up himself..."


    "Why have we never heard of this guy before..." Ken asked. "I mean I figured you would have at least mentioned him at some point in your life? Then again he is trying to kill you? Also. Why is he trying to kill you? You aren''t secretly evil are you?"


    "Yeah, I''ve never heard of him either?" Alexander asked. "I thought we were tight. What the hell?"


    "Guys. Please. Don''t ask her this." Jackson said holding his hand up. "She doesn''t need-"


    "No." Katrina held her own hand up. "It''s fine. I''ll tell them."


    "Katrina-"


    "The reason you never heard of Chandler Kronos, is because he''s dead. I killed him." Katrina said slowly. "Chandler Kronos is dead."


    None of them were able to think about that for very long as the entire city suddenly shook with a massive boom!


    A ball of flame shot up towards the sky in a massive orange ball of heat that ripped sky apart.


    "This... This energy feels..." Kitsune muttered as his eyes slowly went wide. "No... I must be wrong..."


    "That sounds like our Hero..." Ken muttered. "Great..."


    "I totally called it though!" Kitsune announced.

 Chapter 171 - Its Time...

    Age 1991


    "Oh, crap..." Heather and the Scientist both said.


    They started in horror as the three men entered the room.


    Jester let out a small hum as his eyes glazed over the several people in the room. He somehow floated off of the ground standing on air. His arms were folded behind his back and an aura of power rolled off of him. His cold eyes could be seen coming out of the pair of holes in his creepy smiling mask. The eyes slowly landed on Heather then slowly looked down at the small remote in her hands.


    "Ahh..." He spoke slowly. Agonizingly slow. Each word was done in such a way to draw it out. To let you know that you had until he was done speaking... "So that is the device... And it is only one button? I guess that means Coin lied to me..."


    "That''s right!" The scientist announced. "Okane had us build it! Just a single push of the button."


    ''They called Dad Coin... Those other guys called him Mr. Green... Just what the hell is going on...'' Heather placed her back against the wall slowly as the three men continued to look around.


    "Hmm... So it is that easy?" Jester asked.


    "Yep!" The Scientist said cheerfully.


    "Good. That means we don''t need you." Jester turned to Kaen as he raised an arm. "Kill them."


    ''Boom!''


    Heather let out a scream as every person besides her, and the three Organization, members, burst into flames. Every Scientist was reduced to nothing but a black skeleton.


    The scared twelve-year-old girl slowly dropped down as her legs gave out. She gave a small whimper as the one called Kaen walked up.


    "It''s your lucky day," Kaen said smirking. "My boss wants a few new weapons. You''re gonna be one of them."


    "W... What?" Heather''s eyes widened slightly as a thought came to her mind. She raised her hand as a crystal knife formed in her hands. She held it up to the device in a threatening measure. "Stay back or I''ll break-"


    The crystal went up I''m flames, not burning her hands, but still being reduced less than ash.


    "Don''t bother," Kaen smirked. A small tiny flame took shape of a small fox in his hands. "My flame Attribute is one of the greatest in this Galaxy. It can reduce even an Earl to ash in one attack. Not to mention my flames have the greatest control of all Attributes. With a flick of my hands, I could create a ring of fire around your wrist severing it. Or perhaps I cover your flesh in flames, and burn it off. Or maybe I cover your bones in fire leaving you as a flesh pile."


    Heather let out another small whimper knowing how bad the situation was now...


    Kaen raised his hand up as more flames began to slowly pour off of it and cover the floor around him. "I would suggest coming peacefully. We need you alive so I won''t kill you, but we have one hell of a healer, so if need be I will slice off your arms, and legs with my flames, and burn the wound close so you don''t bleed out." He reached Into his robes as a massive metal ball on a chain fell out smashing into the floor. The chains were covered in barbed wire, as well as alcohol, intending to make every slash, and crack hurt. The metal ball was extremely thick and rusted. Burn makes covered it as the balll began to glow a red hot, and he used his powers to heat it up. "Or I could break your bones with this. A weapon made by one of the finest blacksmiths I ever met. Designed for the sole purpose of inflicting agonizing pain on humans."


    "Okay..." Heather slowly put her hands down. "I''ll go."


    "Damn..." Kaen sighed. "I really wanted to cause her harm-"


    There was a quiet ringing sound that echoed through out the room. Slowly the Jester pulled out a small black cellphone. "Hello?" He asked. He nodded for a few seconds. "A Seraphin? And an Otoko? Here in the city?"


    "Ahh. I know that kid." Kaen said nodding. "He isn''t that strong but I could see waves of potential rolling off of him."


    Jester quietly clicked the phone off as he hummed. "Okane, has caused us quite a bit of problems." He hummed. "And now that I know the kinds of weapons that are here... Hmm. I''d like to make am example of Okane, on why you don''t get in my way. Change of Kaen. Kill the girl."


    "Wait what!" Heather said alarmed.


    "Alright!" Kaen raised his fingers up. "I''ll start by incinerating the organs you don''t need." He said. "For example."


    There was a flash as Heather screamed in absolute agnoy dropping the remote. Tears streamed out of her eyes as she dropped to her knees and clutched at her side.


    "There goes one of your kidneys. Reduced to less than ash, so quickly, your body barely had time to register the pop... Done in such a way though the rest of you is unharmed. Every nerve must feel like hell right."


    Heather didn''t respond instead breathing in and out at an incredibly fast rate as she cried from the pain. Kaen slowly raised his finger as she cried out in pain once more.


    "And just like that, your appendix is gone." Kaen slowly crouched down staring back at her. "It''s not just organs though." He moved another finger as Heather screamed even louder. "There goes a rib. Burned up."


    "Please... Just kill me."


    "Where''s the fun in-"


    "Kaen," Jester said sternly. "You''ve had your fun picking on someone weaker than you. Now kill her while we still have the chance."


    Kaen seemed to grumble for a moment but stood up adjusting his fox mask. "As you wish boss." He pointed his finger at Heather. "I''ll leave your body behind so your father can see. And since you''ve been a lot of fun I''ll make it painless. This next attack will incinerate your brain."


    Heather looked up slowly staring back up at the man.


    "Begone. Pure ash-"


    There was a flash of green, as a green blade stabbed through Kaen''s chest...

 Chapter 172 - Everyone Splits Up More

    Age 1991


    "Please... Just kill me."


    "Where''s the fun in-"


    "Kaen," Jester said sternly. "You''ve had your fun picking on someone weaker than you. Now kill her while we still have the chance."


    Kaen seemed to grumble for a moment but stood up adjusting his fox mask. "As you wish boss." He pointed his finger at Heather. "I''ll leave your body behind so your father can see. And since you''ve been a lot of fun I''ll make it painless. This next attack will incinerate your brain."


    Heather looked up slowly staring back up at the man.


    "Begone. Pure ash-"


    There was a flash of green, as a green blade stabbed through Kaen''s chest!


    "Oww! Son of a Bitch!" The man screamed out dropping to his knees. He ripped the green blade out as flames covered the massive hole. They burned the wound shut as he hissed out in pain. "Alright, you asshole! I know that was you, Okane!"


    Off to the side Bunt, the second in command was snorting. "I can''t believe you let your guard down like that... And to think you''re always going on about how your power is superior to ours." Bunt shrugged as Kaen began to wobbly stand up.


    "D... Dad?" Heather croaked out as she stared where the blades had come from.


    Slowly Okane came into the wound. Several coins floated around him as he held several green blades up.


    "Ahh, Okane." The Jester said calmly. "How are you friend?"


    "Skip the fake talk." He hissed out. He bent down picking his daughter and the remote up. A thick white barrier made of his Mantra covered the both of them as he slowly began to back up. "We both know why you''re here."


    The Jester clicked his tongue as he shrugged. "It really is a shame you know. I knew you were on that bastards Snow''s team but I thought your loyalty lied with me. And yet it seems you chose him over me-"


    "Wrong."


    "...What?"


    "I had no intention of giving either of you the remote," Okane said with a flat face. "In fact if I''m honest I hate both groups, and think all of you are batshit insane, religious nutjobs, who want to end the world for next to no reason. Honestly, I could give a f.u.c.k who wins in your group''s little disagreement. This remote was for the Enforcers. You see I do not concern myself with any side. I will simply work for whichever side offers the best protection for what I hold dear."


    The Jester was silent for a moment. This was the first time any of his subordinates had ever talked back to him. "...Kaen. Kill them."


    Kaen raised his hand up sending out a massive ball of flames.


    Okane threw his blade forward as several of the coins smashed into the roof above him.


    "Damn." Kaen cursed dodging the blade. "I can''t burn either of them alive while they have their Mantra on. It negates my attacks... I''ll need to turn my own on-"


    Okane didn''t bother to wait as he simply jumped through the new and ran off with his daughter.


    "That cheating asshole! He''s running away!"


    Meanwhile...


    A few floors above...


    "What? Its a five one three. We got-" Irene didn''t have time to react as Max suddenly smashed his leg into her side throwing her back. As soon as she moved the Samurai appeared where she had been only to slash his blade out in empty air since she was no longer there.


    ''He reacted to my movement and kicked her out of the way... This kid is different from the rests... He might be a real problem.'' One thought seeing the cold look in Max''s eyes as the teen raised his hand up.


    Max''s hand glowed as a stream of lava poured out washing over the man, only for him to vanish with a loud crack flash stepping back over to the two Organization members.


    Then.


    A second finally passed by as Irene hit the ground and everyone else reacted to Max''s kick.


    "Why would you hit my darling prince!" Reine shouted in horror helping Irene back up.


    "That was close," Max said flatly staring back at One. "He''s at least light speed. Damn. Such a pain. The only person I know who can deal with speedsters this fast, without activating their Equation, is that dumbass Hero... Guess we''re holding out until he gets here."


    "I never saw him move..." Irene muttered rubbing at her neck with wide eyes. "My head could have..."


    Reine reached out placing a hand on Irene''s shoulder steadying the girl.


    "Well, we''re screwed..." Schutz muttered.


    "I never saw Hero Senpai..."


    "Been lopped off in a single attack. Yep. Next time don''t piss off the bad guys!" Max yelled smacking her over the head. He took a deep breath as he turned back to the three men. "New plan. I''m about to do the impossible." He smirked. "Or. As that dumbass says. I''m about to become a version of myself that can don the impossible."


    "What''s the plan?" Irene asked. "What can we do?"


    "I''m about to force you four to unlock your Mantra."


    "Wait?" Irene said with a frown. "Can you do that?"


    "I have absolutely no God damn clue..." Max said shrugging. "But I can at the very least try..."


    "I feel like this is going to end poorly..." All four of the Enforcers said to Max. All four gave him a flat look as he shrugged.


    Mr. Snow, and One, watched them with a small amount of curiosity.


    "This could be interesting." Snow said letting out a small laugh. "It could also help out later down the line." He nodded his head as he began to pull off one of his white gloves. "I''ve made up my mind. One. Go after Okane. He''ll need assistance. I shall play with my prey."


    "As you wish sir." The Samurai bowed before suddenly vanishing.


    Mr. Snow began to walk forward as he held his hand out. Slowly snow began to slowly seep from his hand.


    "That ability..." Irene muttered.


    "You there boy." Mr. Snow said. "You wouldn''t happen to be a Glacious would you?"


    "...And what if I am?"


    "It has been to long, since I met a member of my family!" He announced thrusting his arm forward and sending out a tidal wave of snow.


    Meanwhile...


    "The reason you never heard of Chandler Kronos, is because he''s dead. I killed him." Katrina said slowly. "Chandler Kronos is dead."


    None of them were able to think about that for very long as the entire city suddenly shook with a massive boom!


    A ball of flame shot up towards the sky in a massive orange ball of heat that ripped sky apart.


    "This... This energy feels..." Kitsune muttered as his eyes slowly went wide. "No... I must be wrong..."


    "That sounds like our Hero..." Ken muttered. "Great..."


    "I totally called it though!" Kitsune announced.


    "Well, crap..."


    Katrina bit her lip as she began to think.


    "Okay..." She let out a sigh. "Shit... Alright. With all this Chaos it maybe just a tiny bit dangerous for me to fight a guy who can turn me into a corpse with one attack."


    "You think..." Jackson said flatly.


    "So! In this case... Jackson. Please come with me... Alexander... Please... I know you''re I''m stupid so you aren''t going to listen when I tell you to take the kids back, and I know they''re stupid so they''re not gonna listen when I tell them to go back... So please. Watch them. And keep them safe."


    "Holy crap she''s giving us permission to do something dangerous!" Kitsune said with wide eyes.


    "Oh Kitsune. You always have permission to do dangerous, life-threatening things." Jackson said nodding.


    "I''ll keep them safe," Alexander promised. "You have my word."


    Meanwhile...


    At the train station...


    The train slowly pulled to a stop as the doors opened. Slowly a blind teen carrying a cane, and a briefcase walked out.


    "Finally here..." Cloud said. He turned back to the open doors of the train as he smiled. "Well? Are you coming... Dawson?"


    And that was when Dawson Blight, Aka, the Red Demon stepped out of the train, finally stepping out into the light ever since Ren''s death...


    "Let''s kick some Organization ass..."

 Chapter 173 - Two Organizations

    Age 1991


    "Well... That was unfortunate." The Jester hummed.


    "I can''t believe he actually got away." Bunt gave a smirk as he shrugged. "Should I go after him? Or send Kaen after him."


    "Damn it!" Kaen yelled as flames exploded off of him. He smashed a flamming punch directly into the wall in front of him as he gritted his teeth. "Damn him, damn him, damn him! He stabbed me and ran off! I wanted to kill him, and his daughter!"


    "I think it is best if we let Kaen cool off..." The Jester muttered. "He''s having one of his other personalities be in control right now."


    "Still." Bunt hummed for a second as he crosses his arms. "We need that remote. And if Coin... Okane, gets out and brings back reinforcements."


    "All will be dealt with soon," Jester said calmly. He placed his hands behind his back and began to slowly float off of the ground. "I have no interest in leaving this city standing."


    "-then I''ll rip her head off!" Kaen screamed out still throwing his hissy fit. "After that I''ll set that traitor-"


    Kaen suddenly ducked down as a bright flash appeared where his head had been moments ago. One, suddenly appeared slashing down with his blade but was stopped by Kaen who raised his arm up blocking the sword with the chain of his large iron ball.


    A moment of silence passed over the room as everyone stared at the Samurai.


    "It is funny that you are complaining about a traitor." One hissed out. He jumped back gaining some distance as he pointed his blade towards the Jester. "After all. It is you who broke away from our Organization, and stole our name and goal vile creature! Our group stood for justice wiping out the corrupted Nobles, and laying waste to the evil in this world. Your group simply wishes to kill everyone."


    "There is absolute justice, in a world without crime, is there not," Jester said casually. "And in a world with no life, there can be no crime."


    "You are completely insane." One hissed out as a large white aura covered his body.


    "Last I checked you were ranked as the second strongest member in the Organization that you follow correctly?" Bunt asked stepping forward. He threw off his robes but left his mask on. Now that his robes were removed it showed off a tall and muscular body covered in the scars of war. "It just so happens I am the masters right-hand man as well."


    "Kaen." The Jester said calmly. "Go after Okane. Kill him and retrieve the remote. We will play with the little Samurai."


    "...As... As you command." Kaen said clearly not happy about being forced to leave. Despite that though be quickly left the room leaving only the three people left in there.


    "I always wondered which group was stronger." The Jester hissed out slowly. "My second in command versus the second in command of the false group. This will truly be a battle."


    "A battle that I shall win." One announced as his blade began to lite up and his aura got larger.


    A white aura covered Bunt, as he to turned on his Mantra. "Let''s do this." He announced as a large blade suddenly stabbed out of both his wrist and ankles. "Blade World!" He announced as several spikes suddenly started to stab out of his body. "Absolute Carnage."


    One took a deep breath as he lowered his blade. "Prolonged Execution."


    ''Boom!''


    Meanwhile...


    Mr. Snow began to walk forward as he held his hand out. Slowly snow began to slowly seep from his hand.


    "That ability..." Irene muttered.


    "You there boy." Mr. Snow said. "You wouldn''t happen to be a Glacious would you?"


    "...And what if I am?"


    "It has been to long, since I met a member of my family!" He announced thrusting his arm forward and sending out a tidal wave of snow.


    Everyone countered in their own way. Max created a shield of lava. Bolin pulled out his paintbrush as waved it through the air making a large flame appear in front of him, Schutz decided to be insane and pulled his arms up to block the attack, and Irene grabbed Reine and jumped out of the way with the girl just in the nick of time as the avalanche of snow rained down.


    "Wait my sweet prince North you know this guy!" Reine yelled out as Irene and her dodged the attack by the skin of their teeth.


    "No..." Irene muttered out biting her lip. She dropped Reine down to the ground as the girl let out a yelp.


    Max let out a sigh as he rolled his eyes. "For God''s sake must I do everything! That man is a Noble!" He announced loudly shocking everyone. "He is part of the Snow family. Why would he be a dumbass and call himself Mister Snow, no idea... But that is him. I''m sure of it. And if I remember correctly the Snow family had a disagreement with a first born in Age 1000. That firstborn was sent away and took on the name of Glacious. Ober time their ability adapted into something even grater then simply snow. They evolved to ice! Feel like the Noble should have known this..." Max said giving Reine a flat look.


    "She''s not into the whole history reading stuff..." Schutz muttered. "But that isn''t important..." He shook his head and turned back to Mr. Snow who was slowly walking towards him. "How do we deal with this guy." He asked. "I can feel so much power rolling off of him... It''s like I''m looking into a massive storm."


    "Mantra will do that to you..." Max muttered, as a white aura covered his body.


    "You said you had a way to activate ours?" Irene asked.


    "Maybe." Max shrugged. "Honestly it was only ever done once in history. And it failed and the people died."


    "Oh..."


    Max gave a small smirk. "I''d say there is about a 1% chance of it working. So. Who''s up for gambling?"

 Chapter 174 - Back With Hero

    Age 1991


    "Finally!" Hero yelled throwing his arms into the air. "Man! I was getting bored not getting any screentime."


    "What?" Shelly said startled by his sudden yell.


    "Ahh, it''s nothing. It''s just been eleven chapters since I was relevant! Doesn''t the Author know that I''m like the main character! I''m supposed to be the best by default!"


    "What? Main character? This is real life?"


    "Ahh, you wouldn''t get it. To meta for you."


    Shelly let out a sigh as she shook her head. "How did I end up with the weirdo."


    "Well come on! We got to go check out that explosion."


    "Didn''t you want me to take you to the lab?" The pink-haired girl asked.


    Hero shrugged slightly. "I mean... Yeah, that''s important. But if someone is in danger then..."


    Both the Seraphin and Cherubim stopped suddenly. Both went back to back as they looked around.


    "You feel that to right?" Hero asked his eyes were narrowed as he looked left and right.


    "Yeah..." Shelly bit her lip. "This power... Several... Someone''s coming-"


    There was a flash of green as a figure dropped from the sky suddenly landing in between the two of them.


    "Heather?" Hero said started when he saw the Noble Okane, holding his daughter. "Wait a minute you''re a bad guy!" Hero threw his arm out wrapping it around Heather and yanking her out of her father''s arms as he jumped away. He now held the girl as Okane stopped a look of wrath in his eyes.


    "Give her back you fool." He hissed out as a large green blade made out of coins formed in his hands. His aura was pitch white and crackled around him as he took a step forward. "I don''t have long before that man catches up..."


    "You know this guy?" Shelly asked quietly as she stood next to Hero.


    "Yeah... I didn''t really want to believe it... But his scent. It''s the exact same as one of the Organization members I fought a while back. This man. He''s part of the Organization. Worse yet I think he''s trying to kill his daughter who is this girl." Hero shrugged. "He''s a real nasty fellow if he actually did this damage to her..."


    Shelly looked down at Heather who was still in Hero''s eyes. She was completely unconscious at this point. Barely breathing. She also had some burn marks on her body. She just looked awful...


    "She''s in a pretty rough shape... That man must be a real monster to have done this to his daughter." Shelly hissed out.


    Okane growled as his eyes flashed with rage. "Idiots! I''m not the one who did that! Now hand her over! I''m out of time. I won''t hesitate to kill you both if you stay in my way!"


    Hero set Heather on the ground as he began to crack his knuckles. "Last time we fought it didn''t go too well for me." Hero laughed sheepishly. "I had to go Monster-Point to keep up. Can''t that now though. I''m speeding up the monster transformation every time I''m like that. Pretty soon I''ll active my Renacido and turn into a real monster."


    "So you intend to fight me without your Monster-Point?" Okane frowned as he stepped forward. "What a fool."


    Shelly placed her hands together as a white aura surrounded her body. "Stay back dumbass. I''ll fight him. You don''t have Mantra, and if you aren''t going to transform you''ll only get in my way."


    Hero chuckled slightly as he scratched the back of his head. "My buddy Max said the same thing. I''m useless without my Transformation, but I can''t use it otherwise I''ll give up who I am. Ava... Someone I want to save. I promised. At least the image of her anyways... I''m going to save her. Because of that, I need a new way to get stronger... It took a while but I and Max figured something out while we were training. It isn''t perfect yet but I''m working on it."


    "What are you blabbering on about?" Okane asked. He frowned as he stared at the boy.


    Shelly also frowned. "Hero... Mantra allows you to negate Attribute affects. Unless you can counter someone''s Mantra with your own, then your Attribute is useless. And you don''t have Mantra. So whatever attack you have planned won''t work."


    "That''s a good point." Hero said nodding. "But it isn''t a new attack." He placed a hand on the girl''s head as her eyes went wide. "I can''t active my Mantra. Not on my own. But me and Max discovered just how close I was. Close enough that all I need is that little push. I just need to take that step. And you." His silver eyes glared back at Okane as the man realized what was about to happen. "You''re more than enough of a motivation for me to step forward!"


    There was a bright flash as a place white aura covered Hero''s body as his Mantra flickered to life. It blinked rapidly going in and out but managed to stay.


    "You activated your Mantra!" Shelly said shocked.


    "No..." Okane growled as he raised his blade up. "A Seraphin has blue Mantra... He didn''t activate his own... That push you were talking about. You can''t activate your own Mantra so you latched onto the girls and fueled it with your own power. You''re using borrowed power!"


    "I''m a Seraphin." Hero smirked as his arms began to expand. Several bones pipes began to stab out of them as he raised his arms up. "My entire being is nothing more than borrowed power!" He screamed as he brought his arms down sending out a wave of wind.


    "I guess we''re doing this!" Shelly screamed as a ball of pink flames exploded out of her hands and flew towards the man in front of them.


    ''Boom!''


    The smoke settled slowly showing a heavily beat up Okane as he let out a grunt. "Shit... Now that he has Mantra... That damn freaks attacks actually hurt..."


    "I''m going to defeat you!" Hero announced charging forward.


    "I won''t lose!" Okane roared.

 Chapter 175 - My Mantra

    Age 1991


    Max frowned slightly as he looker out towards the window. "Ahh... Hero''s pretty far away."


    "What?" Irene asked turning to look at the powerful recruit.


    "He''s activated his borrowed Mantra..."


    "His what?"


    "Borrowed Mantra," Max announced as he smirked. "I figured it out. Hero isn''t able to unlock his own Mantra, but he still has that power within him. By latching onto someone else''s Mantra he can pull off a small piece of their Aura. Then he feeds that tiny piece his own power allowing it to expand around his body. This allows him to use someone else''s Mantra but it has a small flaw... For one it takes a massive amount of energy as he is constantly having to feed it his own Mantra. And two since it isn''t his Mantra it is only as strong as the person who activates it. For example, if he did this with a Captain he would have the power of a Captain, but if he did this with any random person it really wouldn''t be that good... It''s basically a budget Mantra!"


    "I see... Is assume this is how you plan on having all of use activate Mantra?" Irene asked.


    "That''s right!" Max announced as his own Mantra began to crackle. "Grab on everyone! I''m going to allow you to feed off of my power! Like a newborn baby feasting on its mother for the first time."


    "Never word it like that again..." Everyone in the room said.


    Mr. Snow smirked as flakes of snow began to drip off of him. "This is getting interesting..." He smirked. "Go on! Power them up. Show me this skill."


    "Well get ready," Max announced. "The battle starts here!"


    Meanwhile...


    ''Boom!''


    The smoke settled slowly showing a heavily beat up Okane as he let out a grunt. "Shit... Now that he has Mantra... That damn freaks attacks actually hurt..."


    "I''m going to defeat you!" Hero announced charging forward.


    "I won''t lose!" Okane roared.


    "Wow, those two really don''t like each other..." Shelly muttered.


    Hero slammed his fist into the blade of Okane as the two clashed kicking up a wave of dirt and dust. Several blades of bone stabbed out of Hero''s wrist as a wave of wind began to slice through the city.


    Okane ducked down just in time as a wind blade sliced the building behind him in half.


    He brought his own blade up slicing into Hero''s shoulder. White liquid sprayed out as steam rose off of the wound and the cut sealed shut. More steam began to pour out as the pipe fired it out melting the stone around them.


    "That''s new..." Okane muttered.


    "Yeah I''ve done some self-improvements." Hero bragged. "I''m a Seraphin so I have three Attributes. Each one is a body based one. And working together they truly do become a massive force. I use the Monsterfication to make the bones in my body. The living nano to move the bones around and stab them outside of my body. I also use the living nanos healing process. As you may have noticed when they heal they create intense steam. I combine that steam with my balloon powers to compress it down then fire it out of a tiny hole in the bone pipes. And boom! Wind blade!"


    He swung his hand out slicing another building in half.


    "Too bad you have no self-control..." Shelly muttered.


    Okane slammed his hands down sending out a wave of coins to the two of them.


    Shelly stepped forward bringing her arms up as pink flames fired out melting the coins.


    "Chemical flames." She bragged. "They don''t burn. Rather they transmute. Anything these flames touch is broken down into pure oxygen and gasoline allowing it to spread faster and faster. They don''t burn an object they eat it."


    Thsbflamss took shape forming several flaming arrows that fired down. Okane flipped back as several coins fired up blocking the attacks.


    He whipped out a black credit card and sliced it through the air sending out a wave of wind that Hero blocked with a bone shield.


    "I''ll spend two hundred million Bells on Speed," Okane announced as his Attribute took affect.


    In a blast, he fired forward slamming his elbow into Shelly''s stomach and throwing her back.


    Hero whipped out with his hand as a bone whip suddenly appeared wrapping around the man''s leg. He inhailed as his other arm began to inflate and it got bigger. Then using the whip he pulled Okane towards him. "Big Arm Strike!" He announced smashing his giant fist into the man as his whip dragged him into the punch.


    Okane was smashed into the ground as the city shook.


    He growled slicing the whip off of him as he stumbled back to his feet.


    Hero''s arms began to get longer and buffer as the bone formed around his fists becoming bone knuckle dusters. Large spikes formed on them as pipes fired out of his elbows. The wind fired out launching his arms forward at a rapid speed.


    Okane raised his arm up as the coins formed a large shield that began to block all of Hero''s punches while Shelly suddenly appeared on his other side firing out a wave of pink fire fists. A second coin shield appeared and blocked that but both punches began to wear on the two shields as Okane gritted his teeth and stood his ground.


    Then...


    "Stop!"


    Everyone froze as they turned to look over to Heather who had managed to sit up.


    "Stop fighting..." She cried out. "Please... My father isn''t... Hero, you''re making a mistake."


    "I make a lot of mistakes." Hero admitted nodding his head. "But this is not one of them."


    "You''re right. I''m evil." Okane said simply. "I''m working for two Organizations. But right now all I care about is getting my daughter to safety. And if you two are going to stay in my way..."


    "...What do you think?" Shelly asked.


    "He''s telling the truth." Hero sighed as his arms turned back to normal. "Ahh, whatever. I didn''t have a grudge against you anyways. It''s that fire guy I was worried about."


    "Yes, I can be rather dangerous." A voice commented. There was a bright orange flash as a beam of fire exploded through Okane''s chest blowing a hole through the man. Okane stood there for a moment before slowly starting down at the hole.


    "Heather... I... Hero, please. Save-" He fell forward collapsing into the snow as a silence filled the air.


    "Looks like I finally managed to catch up." Kaen slowly dropped down as the fire began to surround him...

 Chapter 176 - What Is Mantra

    An Unknown Age...


    A young man with jet black hair slicked back, and simple black eyes was seated in front of a large computer. He wore a long white lab coat and had a large frown on his face as he tapped away at a computer.


    He had been in the lab for nearly a month now studying something strange. Recently the world known as Earth had found a strange device that had simply fallen from the sky.


    The computer seemed to spark and slowly began to boot up.


    Age 0000-0000-0000


    ...


    An Unknown Place


    ...


    An Unknown World


    ...


    An Unknown Time


    ...


    An Unknown Land


    ...


    An Unknown Generation


    ...


    ...


    ...


    Age 0000-0000-0000


    ...


    An Unknown Place


    ...


    An Unknown World


    ...


    An Unknown Time


    ...


    An Unknown Land


    ...


    An Unknown Generation


    ...


    ...


    ...


    Age 0000-0000-0000


    ...


    An Unknown Place


    ...


    An Unknown World


    ...


    An Unknown Time


    ...


    An Unknown Land


    ...


    An Unknown Generation


    ...


    ...


    ...


    It played the message again and again.


    Simply repeating it.


    Age 0000-0000-0000


    ...


    An Unknown Place


    ...


    An Unknown World


    ...


    An Unknown Time


    ...


    An Unknown Land


    ...


    An Unknown Generation


    ...


    ...


    ...


    Age 0000-0000-0000


    ...


    An Unknown Place


    ...


    An Unknown World


    ...


    An Unknown Time


    ...


    An Unknown Land


    ...


    An Unknown Generation


    ...


    ...


    ...


    Age 0000-0000-0000


    ...


    An Unknown Place


    ...


    An Unknown World


    ...


    An Unknown Time


    ...


    An Unknown Land


    ...


    An Unknown Generation


    ...


    ...


    ...


    The computer simply didn''t say anything else. It was just this message. Said again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again and again...


    It said it as if this message was its Mantra. As if saying it enough times something would happen.


    Age 0000-0000-0000


    ...


    An Unknown Place


    ...


    An Unknown World


    ...


    An Unknown Time


    ...


    An Unknown Land


    ...


    An Unknown Generation


    ...


    ...


    ...


    Age 0000-0000-0000


    ...


    An Unknown Place


    ...


    An Unknown World


    ...


    An Unknown Time


    ...


    An Unknown Land


    ...


    An Unknown Generation


    ...


    ...


    ...


    Age 0000-0000-0000


    ...


    An Unknown Place


    ...


    An Unknown World


    ...


    An Unknown Time


    ...


    An Unknown Land


    ...


    An Unknown Generation


    ...


    ...


    ...


    But nothing happened.


    Nothing ever happened.


    The man let out a sigh as he slowly looked up. He stared at a window that was in front. Behind the window inside of a large metal room something could be seen.


    It looked like a large golden egg. It was covered in various runes and seemed to pulse up and down getting brighter and brighter with every second that the supposedly pointless message played. The runes formed various words and lines and symbols over and over. And occasionally the egg seemed to change colors for some weird reason that he couldn''t figure out.


    Every now and then, the lines and symbols would line up in the exact perfect way to spell out a single word.


    ''Mantra''


    ...


    ...


    ...


    Mantra was a word or sound repeated to aid concentration in meditation. Typically used in a few religions. So what was it trying to concentrate on?


    "It confuses you doesn''t it..."


    The man''s eyes widened as he heard a voice. It seemed to come from all directions around him. Up, down, left, right. In front of him, and from behind. Even horizontally and vertically.


    The man looked around but saw nothing. "Who... Who said..." He let out a small laugh as he scratched at his ear nervously. "I must be hearing things. Maybe Rin was right. Maybe I should take a break. Staying in the lab all day isn''t helping. Maybe I should go out and see the sun."


    "Sun? Ahh, the sky isn''t blocked yet?"


    "What!" The man looked around now on full alert. He definitely didn''t imagine it a second time. "Who''s there!" He called out.


    "I am." A voice said bouncing around the room.


    "I am."


    "I am."


    "I am."


    The voice continued to bounce around the room and repeated itself again and again. It sounded like a child.


    No.


    Not a child.


    It sounded like something pretending to be a child.


    Like it spoke in a way that a child would but something was off. It was like it spoke how it thought a child should act.


    "You must be Orion." The voice said again.


    "Orion."


    "Orion."


    "Orion."


    "H... How do you know my name?" The man said slowly.


    "Of course I would know the name of God."


    "God."


    "God."


    "God."


    "G... God?" Orion said quietly. "What? I''m not..." His eyes began to feel heavy as his gaxe slowly turned to the egg. It was glowing a bright white.


    ''Mantra''


    ...


    ...


    ...


    The eggs glowing for brighter.


    "Of course not yet."


    "Yet."


    "Yet."


    "Yet."


    "Do you know why?"


    "Why?"


    "Why?"


    "Why?"


    Orion spoke shocking himself. "Because I haven''t become God yet." He said it as a fact. Not even a question. It confused him.


    "Very Good!"


    "Good."


    "Good."


    "Good."


    The egg glowed a slight pink color now.


    "I was confused when I ended up in this world. World three. I was originally in world four you see. I do not belong here. Not yet."


    "Yet."


    "Yet."


    "Yet."


    "World?" Orion asked snapping out of whatever trance he was in for a moment. "Wait..." He turned and began to search through his drawers. He pulled out a small metal device that seemed to hum. He also pulled out a single sheet of paper and drew a line on it. "I understand this now." He said. He drew a second line above the first line. "The line here. It''s four. We are three. The third world. With every line down things get strange. Like the use of Mantra and Supernatural powers that we call Attributes. Right?"


    "I suppose."


    "Suppose."


    "Suppose."


    "Suppose."


    The egg seemed to hum once more as the man walked towards it. Orion''s body walked through the wall as if it wasn''t there allowing him to step into the room where the egg was. He slowly reached out placing his hand on it.


    "What did you mean earlier when you called me God?" He asked slowly. "What did you mean about the sun? How did you fall from another world into ours? What are you?"


    The egg hummed one more time as the glowing slowly went out. There was a quiet cracking sound as the egg began to crack slowly opening up.


    "Let."


    The cracking sound got louder.


    "Me."


    The cracks on the egg grew larger and larger.


    "Show."


    A hand seemed to reach out of the hand grasping at the world above.


    "You..."


    Over at the computer, it lit up and flashed its message one more time...


    Age 0000-0000-0000


    ...


    An Unknown Place


    ...


    An Unknown World


    ...


    An Unknown Time


    ...


    An Unknown Land


    ...


    An Unknown Generation


    ...


    ...


    ...


    ''Boom!''


    In a bright flash of white light the Mantra was unleashed...

 Chapter 177 - It All Resets...

    Age 1991...


    "Yes, I can be rather dangerous." A voice commented. There was a bright orange flash as a beam of fire exploded through Okane''s chest blowing a hole through the man. Okane stood there for a moment before slowly starting down at the hole.


    "Heather... I... Hero, please. Save-" He fell forward collapsing into the snow as a silence filled the air.


    "Looks like I finally managed to catch up." Kaen slowly dropped down as the fire began to surround him...


    Hero and Shelly stared in shock as Okane hit the ground either unconscious, or dead.


    "I think that we might be in just a little bit of trouble..." Shelly muttered.


    "Oh, you think!" Hero asked rolling his eyes. He shook his head as he brought his arm back. "Well, no matter! I''ll finish him off with-"


    ''Hero No!''


    Hero froze as he heard the voice of Labby, the living, and talking Labcoat, that lives in his head, voice.


    ''This man''s power is far greater than anything we''ve faced yet! You need to leave while you still have the chance. Grab the girls and run.''


    "Geez, now you want to help me?" Hero asked making a face. "You''re so weird?"


    "Uhh? Who are you talking to?" Shelly frowned?


    "The voices in my head."


    "Oh... So my teammates gone insane." She turned over to Heather. "You might want to run. Hero and I will try and buy you some time."


    "Try being the keyword!" Hero announced unhelpfully.


    Kaen let out a short dropping down to their level. He raised his hand up as red hot flames danced off of it. "You there Seraphin. I had a question for you?"


    "Me?" Hero asked slightly confused. "What about it?"


    "Are you aware that your existence brings on a negative force to others?" Kaen asked. "Or do you just not care? And when I say a negative force I am of course talking about those from other worlds?"


    "Oh so he''s gone insane too," Shelly muttered her pink flames beginning to dance off of her body.


    "I don''t know?" Hero said speaking in a serious tone once more. He had a weird look on his face as he rubbed his head. "That actually sounds kind of familiar... I think that Master Strom brought up something similar? And Labby mentioned something too?"


    "A Seraphin draws powers from themselves and the person they are connected to." Kaen went on. "For exam, you draw power from Hero Otoko, and from the girl who''s organs were placed within you. But the Hero Otoko you draw power from isn''t yourself. It''s why I despise people like you. You''re literally forcing the power of other versions of yourself to work for you. The same goes for you to girl."


    "M... Me?" Shelly said startled.


    "All you two do is steal." Kaen let out a growl as he raised his hand. "It makes me sick!"


    A beam of red hot heat fired out flying towards Shelly who stood there in shock. Right before it hit her, she felt a powerful hand slap her away causing her to crash into the nearby building.


    "Oww..." She groaned. "Thanks for knocking me out of the way He- Hero?" She stopped when she looked up and saw Hero.


    He was staring down at his chest where the hole that hit him was. It had burned cleaned through him. He dropped to his knees as the hole began to get bigger and bigger, as part of his body broke away into ash.


    "Rest young Seraphin." Kaen laughed giving a sadistic laugh. "That attack was made to fight people who can regenerate. In an ear instant, all your Molecules have been reduced down to ash. When you get to hell tell them they''ll need to make some room."


    "Hero!" Shelly yelled horrified.


    But it was too late...


    Hero''s body broke away into nothing becoming less than ash. His molecules scattered and burnt up. Reduced down to a state no Seraphin, or any living creature could come back from.


    Hero just died...


    ***


    Year 2031


    Everything began to go white as Hero slowly stumbled up to his feet.


    "Whoa, this is weird!" He said looking around with wide eyes. "Is that the planet!'' He asked concerned.


    He didn''t understand where he was. He was seemingly standing on space? Above Ava. Only Ava was far smaller and a lot more blue? It also wasn''t covered in ice.


    "It''s called the Earth." A voice said casually causing Hero to jump and let out a squeak.


    Hero turned to see who had spoken and his eyes went even wider. Standing on space, much like him was... Something?


    It was a tall figure who seemed to be made out of metal? Like he was just a bronze figure. He didn''t seem to have a nose, eyes, ears, mouth, hair, or really anything. The metal skin suit thing, that he was had lines on it that pulsed with a white energy but that was it. In his hand he had a weird tattoo carved into the metal. It looked almost like an angelic being. It had twelve wings?


    "It''s so weird how the rules always change..." The man muttered. "Oh well. What are you going to do about it?" He shook his head slightly?


    "What?" Hero asked even more confused.


    "Oh. Where are my manners?" The figure turned to look at Hero as he let out a bit of a laugh. His voice sounded so reassuring... "My name is Orion. The man who broke time."


    "You... Broke time?"


    "Ok yes. Several times in fact." He laughed. "It seems my battle with Storm, is always fated to lead to this."


    "I''m so very confused..."


    "Oh? Let me put it this way." Orion turned back to the Earth and held his hand out. The image of a dragon appeared behind him radiating with power. "I call on the power of Perses. God of Destination. Obliterate my target."


    ''Boom!''


    In a single instant Hero stared in shock as the planet below exploded.


    And then it didn''t.


    It was like he blinked and it was all of a sudden back?


    "Now I''m even more confused. And terrified!"


    Orion let out a bit of a laugh. "Sorry. It''s a time loop. You see while we are in affected by it the Earth is resetting every second. In order to prevent me from blowing it up of course." Had chuckled. "Clever tactic they had. Stop from fixing it all."


    "What?"


    Orion brought his hand up as it glowed. An image of Hero Otoko reappeared suddenly. In the image, he was being blasted by Kaen over and over again. Again and again. Some of the poses he was in were different, sometimes the beam hit him somewhere else, but the end results were the same... He died. "Hero, what do you know about Mantra?" Orion asked curiously.


    "Uhh? Not really anything?"


    Orion let out a chuckle. "Well. To put it bluntly. It''s kind of impossible to know. Mantra is tricky in the fact that it changes constantly with each loop. Some loops don''t even have Mantra. Others don''t even have the Attributes. But to explain, Mantra is the Equation Of Life. Literally. It is a mathematical formula. Why does two plus two equal four? Well, why does someone die, when they do? Mantra is Destiny itself. Lady Fate if she had a form. It flows through all of time and will always exist. No matter what. The Universe is always connected to time. You have died because Mantra said you did."


    "Oh... I am dead." Hero said slightly bummed. "I figured as much but still..."


    "A reset has occurred," Orion said once more. "Every time you die I always jump in. And everytime I pull you hear and send you back you always save that damn girl."


    "What?" Hero asked. "You mean you''ve been sending me back to my battle with Kaen?"


    "No. I''ve been sending you back even farther. I''ve sent you back to the beginning, countless of times. But each time we get to this point all versions of you save her. All versions of Hero Otoko, no matter how I try and tweak it, are always a God damn Hero..."


    "Nice!"


    "No not nice!" Orion let out a sigh. "You always die. And I''m back to square one. So this time we''re gonna try something different. The Seraphin nature is what has been keeping me connected to you. But I wonder if that''s what causes the problems? A Seraphin is always fated to meet a tragic end after all... It''s risky but... It''s the only way?"


    "What?" Hero asked confused.


    "You being a Seraphin is what allowed me to bring you here. It''s what allowed us to do everything we''ve done so far. But that''s the problem... You always die. No matter what I do. So... What if I just... Don''t do anything. And let it okay out how the world intended it to? What if Hero Otoko is never a Seraphin?"


    "You... You can do that?" Hero said in shock.


    "I guess. Though it isn''t so simple. When you mess around with Time it bites back. I wonder how such a massive change will result in. Who will live and who will die? I''m excited for the first time in months! Remember Hero. Don''t die this time. After all. What is the story without our Hero?"


    Orion brought his hand up placing it over Hero''s face as everything began to go white once more.


    "Wait! But what''s happening? I''m super lost! Who are you?"


    "Oh, all will be explained with time, my boy. Give it a few thousand chapters and it''ll be explained. But if we were to be so blunt, and give me a real name. I guess... You can call me God."

 Chapter 178 - A Fated Battle

    "In this dark, and frozen world we live in, we may fight against the monsters and our own kind alike, but we will stand and defend the hearts, and lives of our people, from all sides. That is the sworn duty that we the Enforcers uphold."


    ''It''s funny how Time seems to always uphold itself even with the smallest of Changes...'' Orion thought. He floated above the Planet unseen to many as he stared down at the newly frozen world alone. ''I wonder why it brought me here once more? A fated battle that ends in the next story starting then again and again and again until we reach the Ero of Zero. Will the Ero of Hero prevail this time I wonder... Let''s see just how different this world will be...''


    Age ????


    An unknown date at an unknown time...


    The Battle At The First Ship...


    The battle that settled the fate of planet Earth...


    "Rin!" A fist slammed into a young man''s face throwing him back across the metal floor of the ship that had just crashed. Rin let out a loud gasp as he tried to push himself back up to his feet. "Rin..." Rin looked up to see the person who punched him, and had just called his name. "Get up..."


    Rin let out a pained gasp as he tried to get to a standing position. His eyes slowly focused on the man who was marching towards him. "Orion... Why are you doing this. Why now." Rin questioned clutching his side. He had no doubt broken some ribs... He was hurting... That much was obvious.


    "Because..." Orion said slowly. "Because all you do is screw up. Look around you, damn idiot!" The man yelled waving his hand around showing off all the ice, and snow that went on for miles, and miles in all directions. It was on all sides of the metal ship for as far as the eye could see. Up above the two men the pitch-black void that they now had to call the sky rested. Waves of pollution blocking out the sun. The other Orion who was up in the sky watching the fight made sure to remain unseen as he observed. Not like him interfering would matter. It would all reset again after all... "Look at this terrible, horrible, disgusting world you made! A world filled with ice, monsters, and worse of all... The race of man. Humans! I hate them! Our world is dead. And you think we can just settle with this one... This is the world you made! I don''t want this! I want my world! I want Earth! My Earth! Not this damn Ava!"


    "Though it may have died it can be reborn," Rin stated staring at the man who was once his comrade, his best friend, and most importantly his lover. He finally managed to get back up as he let out a deep breath he had been holding. "What you see as the death of our world I see as the burning hope. The Spark that we have. This isn''t the end. It''s the beginning. It will all come around."


    "Oh how right you are Master Strom..." The other Orion mutters from underneath his breath.


    "I''ll kill you," The Orion of this time said it in a quiet tone as he maintained eye contact with his ex-best-friend. He said it so calmly that it almost didn''t sound like a threat. It was a promise... The same kind of promise he had made when he said he could fix the world. "This is your fault. ''He'' died because of you."


    "The Enforcers..."


    "Shut up! Don''t pretend like ''his'' death wasn''t your fault. Look at me! I''m becoming a monster-"


    "That was the name you called our group."


    "I''m going to rip your throat out if you-"


    "I''m going to use that name." Rin announced loudly. "I''ll start the Enforcers. I''ll carry on our will. Our spark. Our Attributes. And most importantly... Our will to live. I''m going to use this power to recreate the world!" He announced. "This is my Equation. My Equation of Life!"


    "This is the end of our story..."


    "And it''s the beginning of their story." Rin shot back.


    Orion let out a quiet sigh. His iris flashed into an animalistic yellow color as his hair took on a dark blue color. He brought his hands together in a praying gesture as a blue aura appeared around him. A golden flash exploded out of his body as the image of a massive dragon appeared around him. It stood on two legs with a pair of powerful wings out behind it. Its own hands were up in a praying gesture as well. "Long Ryujin..." Orion hissed out. "Avaloketishvara-Thousand-Arms-Of-Compassion!" The dragon made of light, let out a loud cry as one thousand arms formed out of its body. "You''re dead." He said calmly. "Each punch can destroy a small moon with ease. How about thousand of them."


    "So be it..." Rin said quietly. He brought his own hands up in a prayer gesture as a wave of electricity crackled around him. A white aura also suddenly formed around his own body as his electricity took shape gaining form. It took on the form of a giant crow made of blue lightning as it burned away the snow. "Storm''s Herald..." Rin announced in a powerful tone as a wave of power washed off of him matching his friend''s own power. "Deaths-Omen!" He said quietly as the electricity around him grew so bright it became white turning the crow made of electricity into a white glow. The metal beneath them actually began to melt as they marched towards each other.


    The snow around the two men began to steam and melt as it was literally evaporated just by them standing near each other.


    "This is where, this world ends..." Orion hissed out.


    "You''re wrong. This is where the world is Reborn..." Rin said quietly.


    "You''re both wrong." The other Orion told himself. He began to fly up higher and higher. He had seen enough for one day. "There would be far greater changes to come."


    There was a bright flash as the two men fired forward incinerating the ground beneath them as the two beasts clashed. The Golden Dragon versus The White Crow...


    "Orion!" The crow let out a loud cry.


    "Rin!" The many hands of the dragon began to punch out faster then light.


    "This is the end!" Both men screamed.

 Chapter 179 - Those Seeking Justice

    ''My desire... I want to live up to the name my mother gave me... I want to fulfill my promise. I want to be a Hero!''


    ***


    Age 1981 (Third Generation)


    Dandelion City...


    Loud sirens wailed throughout the city as screams rang out.


    In the distance, a loud boom could be heard as one of the many skyscr.a.p.ers collapsed breaking in two. Cracks began to cover the ground as a wave of frost could be seen getting bigger and bigger as it began to bloat in a snowy cloud of ice.


    A loud roaring could be heard as a blizzard began to slowly cover the city in ice.


    ''Warning!'' A loud speaker buzzed out in a robotic voice. ''A Threat Level of at least Earl, has been spotted inside the city. Please head to the evacuation zone immediately. This is not a drill. Warning a large horde of Viscount level threats is quickly approaching. Please evacuate immediately.''


    "How did a Bestia Macht get in here!" Someone screamed.


    "Where the hell are the Enforcers!"


    "If that thing actually got in here then they''re probably dead by now! Screw this! We need to head to the evacuation zone!"


    "I heard Squad Seven is on their way-"


    In the crowd of people that were running away a young six-year-old boy could be seen. They moved forward towards the destruction slowly as their body shook. The child had messy black hair, and bright forest green eyes. Their hands shook as they raised them up. The child clenched their fist and gulped.


    "I... I can help..." The child said slowly as they gulped a second time. " I have... I have power... I''m a hero."


    As the child walked, he thought back to what his Grandfather had said... He had warned him of this exact situation.


    ''Boy... If you walk out that door and leave now, you will die. There''s only one thing you can do-''


    ''Boom!''


    The child was blown back, by a tremendous force snapping him out of his concentration.


    A dark shadow loomed out as several more buildings began to break apart. The blizzard got worse, and worse, and more snow and ice coated the surrounding land.


    The child looked up with wide eyes as he finally saw it.


    The thing that was making the blizzard...


    The thing that was destroying the city....


    ...Bestia Macht...


    The thing was large standing at nearly twenty feet tall. It was bulky and stood on all fours. It had a pitch white skin and glowing red eyes. Its head was faced down towards the ground and a pair of large horns were poking out of it.


    Ice rolled off of the creature in waves. With every step it took, the ground below it became frozen. All around the beast the frozen corpses of several unfortunate victims, who got to close, could be seen. The beast let out a loud roar shattering the frozen statues as it charged towards the downed boy.


    ''There''s only one thing you can do... Run Hero... Run if you really want to live. That''s all you can do. You are no hero.''


    The beast roared loudly as it jumped.


    Only to be instantly slammed to the ground from above, as a pillar of flames smashed into the beast slamming it down.


    The flame pillar stabbed into the beasts head severing it in a single blow as the creature hit the ground dead, shocking the young boy.


    "Are you alright?" A kind voice asked.


    The child slowly looked up seeing a young sixteen-year-old boy in front of him. The boy had messy brown hair and bright orange eyes. A pair of flaming cat ears, and a flaming cat tail poked out of his head, and rear. Fire coated his arms making it look like he was wearing orange gauntlets. His outfit was torn and he was badly bleeding.


    But what really caught the boy''s attention was the silver badge on the boy''s chest. It had the words ''Enforcer'' carved on it, as well as a number seven.


    "My names Koneko, but I go by Jin..." The teen said with a kind smile as he c.o.c.ked his head to the side. "Let''s get you back home to your parent''s little guy."


    ***


    Age 1991 (Third Generation) Present Day...


    Dandelion City...


    Snow fell hitting the path slowly as a man walked down the road. He hummed a simple tune as he marched forward confidently. A cane twirled in his hand as he strolled towards his destination


    "What a beautiful night it is." The man hummed.


    He looked up to the black and grey smog cloud they called a sky. Ice drifted down slowly.


    Behind the man, several other men followed all of them wearing very large coats that covered their bodies from head to toe. They all seemed to be wearing masks as well as hats, and gloves. This caused their bodies to be completely unseen but made them stand out instantly. A mere glance was all that was required to simply tell that these guys were up to no good...


    The man who seemed to be leading the group stopped as he slid a hand back through his pocket. "So..." The man said as he came to a stop in front of a simple antique store. "Who thinks they actually have what we''re looking for?" He questioned his group as he turned to look at his followers.


    The covered-up men simply stared at their boss. None of them moved or said a word at all. They simply stared at their boss as they tilted their heads to the side.


    "Right... Forgot I didn''t give you the ability to talk..." The man simply shrugged as his smile grew wider. "Oh well... More for me then. ~la da de, la da di~" The man sang out as he twirled his cane. His hand reached out for the doorknob as he prepared to enter. "~Well. Let''s get this over with~"


    "Hey?" A loud and concerned voice called out as the man reached for the door handle.


    He stopped as he slowly turned around. "~Yes?"


    "Are you guys bad guys?" Standing on the side of the street was a young sixteen-year-old boy. He had messy black hair and forest green eyes. He wore a pair of black pants, and a white buttoned up shirt.


    "Bad guys? Of course not. We merely... Wish to purify the world." The man tried to explain.


    "...That sounds like evil talk to me..." The teen said flatly. "I think I''m gonna beat you up now-"


    "Whoa whoa whoa!" The man held up his hand as he gave a sly smirk. "Come on now. No need to resort to violence. Here." He tossed something over to the boy.


    The young teen looked down at it seeing that it was a small candy bar. "Are you seriously trying to bribe me with candy?"


    "Is it working?"


    "...N... No... Not at all..."


    "Listen brat." The man gave a smirk as he waved his cane. "I don''t want any trouble. I also don''t want to hurt anyone today. I''m just here to pick up some jewelry and these guys are my bodyguards. Why don''t you run home to your parents and we can avoid any trouble." The man turned before he even got an answer as he opened the door.


    "But I like trouble..." The teen managed to get out, before the door was slammed shut.


    Inside the store clerk looked up from what he was doing when the door opened. He began to say his usual speech when he finally noticed the large crowd of people who now stood in his shop. "Umm... Good evening sir... What can- What can I help you with..." The man behind the desk gulped slightly as he stepped back. He eyed up all the people who stood in his store in a slightly worried manner. This was clearly a robbery... All thirteen of the people stared at him as the leader walked up twirling a fancy cane.


    "Ahh hello, my good store clerk!" The man said as he twirled his cane... "The names Ben Eleazar..." The man said holding his hand out. He grabbed the other man''s hand shaking it viciously nearly pulling the store owner''s arm out of his socket. "My..." He glanced over to his followers as he tried to figure out what he should call them. "Associates? Friends? Minions? My minions and I are looking for a piece of jewelry. We heard you came across?" He said in an innocent manner that sent a chill down the store owner''s spine.


    "W-What kind..." The store owner questioned attempting to stay calm in this tense situation. "I-If you don''t mind me asking? After all we have a lot of stuff here..." The store clerk peaked past the groups as he stared out the front window for a second. A small panicked look seemed to fill his eyes.


    "I''m looking for a certain... Ring?" The man said in a questioning tone.


    "Y-You''ll need to be a little bit more specific sir." The store owner said. "I have a lot of rings..."


    "Right. It''s a little ruby ring made from actual solid rubies. It should be extremely warm. Like it should be burning you but somehow isn''t. Oh. And it also should have the phrase ''The Second Key'' written on it? Is this ringing any bells for you? Or do I need to be even more specific?" Ben questioned as he leaned over the counter for a second his eyes shining as he peered over at the man.


    "No... No... I know the ring you''re talking about... But the thing is sir... It''s already been ordered..."


    "Yeah this is a robbery... I really don''t care who ordered the ring." Ben said humming slightly.


    "Well... The man who ordered it was Okane... Okane Genkin. As in a Noble... As in... The Noble who owns this city... As in one of the Twenty Sacred Branches, a title said to be passed down by God himself..."


    "Ahh..." Ben nodded as a smirk crossed onto his face. "~Mr. Green''s in trouble~" He sang out. "Oh also-" He snapped his fingers as his friends seemed to spring to life. They marched forward as they began to smash at the counter breaking the metal counter easily. "I suggest giving me the ring..." He said calmly. One of the men bent down grabbing the counter and ripping it out of the ground as they turned throwing it out the window. The window exploded in a shower of glass.


    "Okay! Fine! You can deal with the pissed off Noble then..." The store clerk yelled out as he brought his arms up in a panic. "Just tell your guys to stop... Its gonna cost a hell of a lot of Bells to fix all of this damage..." Ben snapped his finger once more which caused the men to stop. The store clerk walked towards the back where a metallic shelf stood. Pulling out a key he unlocked it and began to rummage through it. "Here!" The clerk announced as he pulled a red ring out of the cabinet.


    "Was that so hard?" Ben asked as a smirk crossed onto his face. He began to reach for the box. "Thanks for the ring-"


    A massive trash can flew through the window exploding it into a pile of glass as a body crashed through.


    The teen from before rolled into the building as he grabbed the ring and suddenly jumped up onto the counter. "Your candy bar sucked!" He yelled out now holding the ring.


    "What the hell!" Ben yelled.


    "Hero!" The store clerk yelled out in a panicked voice. "Quickly! Run!"


    "Nope." The boy who was apparently named Hero jumped down as a large smirk crossed onto his face. "It''s time to play hero!"

 Chapter 180 - Equation Zero Battle/Line

    Age ???


    Location ???


    "Man... Things really went and got bad huh?" Hero Otoko asked looking around with wide eyes. "Four Months was all it took to be forgotten huh?" He ran his hand through his black messy hair as his silver eyes gazed around with a confused look.


    He didn''t really know where he was.


    It was...


    Well he didn''t really know what it was.


    All around him was a void. Pure whiteness. It seemed to simply stretch on for miles, and miles, getting longer and longer.


    "Things really went in the deep end there huh..."


    "You have no idea."


    "What?" Hero felt a small spark hit him for a moment. He blinked and when he opened his eyes he found himself standing in what seemed to be a large red void... An ocean of red liquid. Not blood though. Something else. "Oh boy... Not this place again..."


    "Relax. This isn''t what you''re thinking."


    Hero turned finding someone had joined him where ever it was that he found himself at. In front of him now was a large brown fountain spewing the red liquid out in large waves. He also saw her... He didn''t know who she was, but she was pretty. A young woman around the age of twenty something with short black hair, and light black eyes. She had a strange reddish brown skin and wore a dress with what looked like a ''D'' Shaped scar on her. She had a small smile on her face as she stared at him.


    "My. You''re very different from my Hero. And what''s with the weird Seraphins of this universe?"


    "What?" Hero asked blinking a few times. "Uh who are you? And where am I? I''m kind of lost... Like mega lost... Wasn''t I being burnt alive? And there was some guy called God or something?"


    She let out a soft giggle as she c.o.c.ked her head to the side. "Oh I''m sorry. I guess that doesn''t make much sense huh? Well... Let''s see... You can call me Nightmare."


    "That''s an edgy name!"


    "There''s already someone called Dream with this Crest okay!" Night let out a huff as she folded her arms. "Lay off my back you big jerk."


    "You still haven''t answered my question." Hero pointed out. "I mean where are we?"


    Night let out a small sigh before looking back up at him. "It''s kind of complicated. You see... You don''t exist."


    "What..."


    "Well... Let''s see..." She hummed as she scratched at her chin. "How do I put this... Do... Do you know who Row Law is?"


    "What a dumb name."


    "I''ll take that as No?"


    "Yeah no clue."


    Night let out a sigh as she hummed once more. She scratched her head trying to explain it. "So... Basically... Some stuff happened and this universe got abandoned... Big time... Basically you were ditched for a better universe. One with weird powers."


    "Weirder than balloon powers?"


    "The you from that universe has a magic right arm that controls heat, and sound, and Ken''s a Seraphin who has Bestia Macht powers."


    "That sounds badass!"


    "Oh yeah it''s really cool." Night shook her head for a second. "Just look. Basically there is this guy called the Founder I guess? And he ditched and left your universe. The past few months your universe has been sort of Glitched... I guess? Like all messed up and broken. Hence why things went bad. Honestly you weren''t suppose to die to that fire guy. In fact that wasn''t suppose to happen at all. It got all messed up and broken. And when the Founder left God wanted to basically restart and reboot the universe if that makes any sense?"


    "I guess I kind of get it."


    "No you don''t."


    "You''re right. So why''d this Founder guy leave?" Hero asked. He moved over taking a seat next to the girl as he looked up to the white void that was the sky.


    "Honestly I''m not to sure. Maybe he just didn''t like where this was going. This was one of his first worlds you see. Maybe the Squid man would take it over. Maybe he just felt it was bad and he should get out now while he still can? Who knows why. All I know is he moved to a world with a new Equation, and a new story. EZBL."


    "EZBL?"


    "Equation Zero Battle Line."


    "What a dumb name..."


    "That''s actually my world..." The girl sighed leaning back. "Oh and about your question where we are. We''re in a place called the Void. This place exist outside of space and time. I''m actually dead in my world, but as I died, I used this bad boy to escape here, my soul coursing through the entire multiverse." As she spoke she traced her finger to the ''D'' shaped Scar on her chest. "That was where I found you. The first Hero. Outside of the multiverse like me... Your universe mostly broken apart. You inspired a lot you know..."


    "I did?"


    The girl gave a small nod as Hero turned and saw an image of something. The first was of some girl with long silver hair, and silver eyes, the second was of a boy his age, who looked almost exactly like him, but had snow white hair, and ruby red eyes, and the third was a dog for some reason. The image faded as the woman leaned back on the fountain.


    "Those guys were called Hero just so you know. They''re not really you though." Night shrugged. "It''s kind of like this. You''re from Enforcers. And they''re from Equation Zero Battle Line. Think of it like a coin. There are hundreds of universe but each universe also has someone on the other side of it, if that makes sense. Me and you right now are on the edge of that coin. Not in Enforcers, or EZBL, but rather in the Void. EZBL is devouring your universe though, to keep itself up."


    "Oh... I''m guessing that''s not good huh?"


    "No... It''s very bad."


    "Darn..."


    Night let out a small giggle as she threw her arms behind her head. "Bottom line little dude. I don''t think what happened to you is very fair. I think you deserve a chance to live."


    "You do?"


    "Yeah... I''m a member of this group called the Dragon Clan in EZBL, or rather I was, but they''ve already replaced me by now, and well... To put it simply I''ve done a lot of bad things. I''ve hurt a lot of people. And as I died... It occurred to me how I didn''t do anything at all with my life. And I never really wanted to do anything with my death so I escaped. There I was floating around when I saw your world. All weird and wrong. Whoever made your story clearly was an amateur. And seeing him just throw your universe away like that and move towards mine... I didn''t really like it. So I pulled you out of the nothingness God placed you in."


    "Oh?" Hero frowned slightly but gave a small smile. "Thanks I guess?"


    "Hero... I can save you."


    "What?"


    Night stood up and held her hand towards him. "I don''t know what''ll happen to your world. It''s weird, and filled with so many glitches. It''s all broken, and it would be a while before it got fixed. But... I can save you. I still have a small amount of power. Every day I get weaker though. Pretty soon this soul of mine will break and I''ll be scattered across the multiverse never to be seen again. But while I still have some energy. I can take you to EZBL. I can throw you into the world. You can do whatever you want there. Go where ever you want. You can even try and become an Enforcer for them, as they also have the Enforcers."


    Hero hummed for a moment as a small frown crossed onto his face. He seemed to consider it for a moment. "No thanks..."


    "What?"


    Hero smiled c.o.c.king his head to the side. "I''m Hero Otoko. Like the something strongest person alive! A Seraphin. Rather than send me off to some universe. Do me a favor. Send me back to my home world. I have a world to save. That fire bastard is going down!" Hero announced punching his open hand as he gave a large smirk.


    Night stared at him with a dumbfound look on her face. "You know... If I send you back it won''t change anything right... Sure I can bring you back to just before you died I guess... And undo God''s changes... But the past... That all still happened. The whole cl.u.s.ter of mistakes that went on leading up to that moment won''t change... It''ll still be a bad story even past that point you know."


    "Than in that case." Hero gave another smile c.o.c.king his head to the side. I''ll just have to do my best to make the next part of the story so much better won''t I."


    ''I''m Hero Otoko! A Seraphin! If I can''t win I''ll just become a version of myself that can!''


    ''I''m Hero Law, and I''ll become a hero of justice. A Superhero!''


    "Why..." Night asked. "Why is it that you''re both like this..." She shook her head but gave a small smile. "You''re world is really messed up you know... It''d be so much cleaner just to go to EZBL."


    "I know. So I''ll just work twice as hard to fix it."


    Night let out a small giggle. "Okay than... Alright Hero Otoko... I''ll fulfil that wish... I''ll dream that dream."


    "Will I ever see you again?"


    "Honestly." Night gave a small smile as she c.o.c.ked her head to the side. "I don''t know..."