《Chaos Hiro》


 A New Mission for the Commander

    A lean, sinewy man in his early 50s sleeps on a cot. Unlike most sleeping men, he wears his simple black military uniform as if it were a second skin. He possesses a rugged attractiveness, with strong jaw and angular nose prominent on his battle-scarred face. His close-cropped hair and 2-day beard are a shockingly vibrant red. His fiery eyes burn an even brighter red than his hair. This combination of distinctive hair and eye color mark him as a member of the Militant Faith Alliance.


    Within his dreamscape, he is shirtless, the scars on his torso a reflection of those on his face. The image of a crucifix ¨C perpendicular dual bladed swords ¨C is emblazoned in red on the right side of his chest. This man, simply known as the Commander to his comrades, is completely composed despite being encircled by a band of battle crazed, armed warriors.


    His adversaries come at him, and although he is unarmed, he beats them back in a fluid dance, disarming and even using their own weapons against them. He has perfect battle awareness, with no blind spots. As he defeats his last opponent, a wizened, diminutive old man smoking a straw pipe, who looks like a martial arts master wearing a white karate uniform appears before him.


    Martial arts master: "Ahhh, the vitality of youth."


    Commander, looks up, blinking: "Where am I? And who are you? And I''m not that young."


    Martial arts master, cackling: "Compared to eternity, you haven''t even been born yet."


    Commander, maintaining a stoic countenance: "I''ll ask one last time, who are you?"


    Martial arts master just stares patiently back.


    Commander: "Very well then."


    The commander launches into a lightning fast, furious attack, in which the speed of his movements blurs the light around him. Impossibly, the martial arts master easily dodges all his attacks, ending the exchange by hitting the Commander with a staggering, one pinky blow to his mid-section, propelling him outward. Commander shouts out "Harden!" and is enveloped in a red aura as he strikes the opposite stone wall, leaving an imprint of crushed rock. This sets off another round of cackling from the martial arts master. The Commander extricates himself from the wall, dusts himself off, then squints looking more closely at the old man.?If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Commander: "No one alive can defeat me so easily in hand-to-hand combat. You knew my every move even before I did. Are you ... (shakes his head) No, that''s just a myth."


    Martial arts master: "You are the legendary Commander. God has favored you with his blessing, making you super-human, and even able to resist attacks from other Alliances. You have nothing but disdain for governments, politicians, bureaucracy, and the lazy, weak, incompetents they are comprised of. And yet, I defeated you so easily. A myth you call me ¨C let me show you then."


    Darkness spins around them, becoming a point of light. As the beginning of time accelerates, galaxies blink into existence, creating the present universe.


    Martial arts master: "One of the Alliances is on a dangerous path."


    Star lights rapidly fade as the universe goes dark.


    Martial arts master: "This is where that path will lead."


    Commander: "Why don''t you stop them then?"


    Martial arts master, scoldingly: "What do you think I do all day, sit around watching you humans for entertainment? It''s not like I''m not busy you know. Besides, how would it look if the Alliance incarnations strutted about like ordinary citizens taking a hands-on approach for every little problem that arises? Let me ask you something, do you think your God should walk around solving your problems for you?"


    Commander: "Of course not", followed under his breath by "you sure are a crotchety, cantankerous old fellow aren''t you?"


    Martial arts master: "Huh, what''s that? Shows what you know, you smart aleck upstart you. Now listen here, my taking direct action would be ... problematic. That''s why you''re here, well not you, but you must prepare."


    Commander: "I''m not perfect, I''ve made many mistakes in my life. Why me?"


    Martial arts master, agitated: "That is why you. You''ve already been down the wrong path, so you won''t be so easily seduced again. And also" (pausing, touching his small grey beard) "it was one of your mistakes that contributed to the current situation. Your squadron created an imbalance by annihilating the Chaos Alliance. The Order Alliance no longer has a counterbalance."


    Commander, remorseful: "I thought we were doing the right thing at the time. Still, how is it that I will succeed?"


    Martial arts master, irritated: "I didn''t say you will succeed, but you must try, and your team must succeed."


    Martial arts master and dreamscape fade away, and the Commander, still lying on his cot, opens his eyes.

 Hiro Makes His Entrance

    One evening, on an isolated farm, a man and his wife are sitting down to dinner at a small, round wooden table when there''s a knock at their door. The man, who is in his 40s, rises from his seat and moves toward the door. As he approaches, he hears "Aren''t you going to let your older brother in out of the cold Julius?" Julius opens the door to discover his brother, the Commander, smiling in the doorway.


    Julius: "Cold? It''s a warm summer night big bro. Just like you to show up unexpected after all this time."


    His eyes go to the bundle the Commander is carrying. Commander''s presence fills the room as he enters, his brother closes the door behind him. Commander unfolds the contents of the bundle, revealing a sleeping baby wearing a blue skull cap.


    "What''s this?" Julius utters, as Commander hands the baby to him.


    Commander: "My hope is it''s the restoration of the balance of power in the universe."


    Julius: "No it''s not. It''s a baby you lummox", as he smiles and lifts the child up. "Sophia, look."


    Sophia, his wife, gets up and joins him, wonder in her eyes. Sophia and Julius then notice the double helix on the baby''s left shoulder. Julius looks from the helix questioningly to his brother, who nods in assent.


    Julius: "But why?"


    Commander: "Take off his cap".


    As Julius complies, Hiro wakes up and his brown hair spills out of his cap, transforming into a rainbow of colors. At the same time, Hiro''s brown eyes become a moving symphony of sparkling colors. Julius and Sophia''s jaws drop as they catch their breath, then smile in wonder and delight. Julius hands the baby to Sophia, who holds him.? This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    Julius: "What''s his name?"


    Commander: "I call him Hiro."


    Sophia: "How can this be? The Chaos Alliance was eradicated. You eradicated the Chaos Alliance."


    Julius: "Well the double helix is starting to make more sense now."


    Sophia: "But where would you have found the primary DNA material?"


    Julius, bows his head down: "Where are my manors? Big bro, this is my wife Sophia, she''s ..."


    Commander: "An expert geneticist, yes I know." Looking at Sophia, "I''m sorry it took so long for us to meet."


    Sophia: "We understand", as her eyes look down.


    Commander, abruptly: "Sorry to spring this on you so suddenly, but it''s too dangerous to keep the boy with me. Will you take him?"


    Julius and Sophia simultaneously: "Of course!"


    Commander smiles: "You''ll have to keep his hair a secret, that cap he''s wearing is enchanted to conceal it."


    Julius: "Well, way out here we don''t get many visitors."


    Sophia: "We''ll be able to home school him ourselves."


    Commander: "When he gets older, I''ll arrange for several instructors to provide specialized training."


    Julius raises his right eyebrow, pondering.


    Commander: "I''m sorry, but I need to get going."


    Sophia: "But can''t you stay for a while longer? You two haven''t seen each other for so long, and we have so many questions."


    Commander, all seriousness: "Questions that I can''t answer, and it''s too dangerous for me to be here right now."


    Julius reaches out his right arm, fist up, and Commander does the same, interlocking his hand with his brother''s.


    Julius: "We''ll take good care of him."


    Commander: "I know you will, that''s why I brought him to you."


    Sophia starts to tear up.


    Commander: "Don''t worry, I''ll be back when things cool down a bit. Besides, I''m one of those instructors that will be assisting with Hiro''s education."

 Commander’s Squadron Reassemble!

    <u>Laetus:</u>


    Flanked by two young men, Laetus seductively sips a fancy cocktail in a swanky bar. She is an attractive, porcelain skinned woman in her 30s, above average height at 5'' 8", with a curvy 120lb figure. The cut of her elegant gown displays a pink pentagram tattoo on the left side of her eye-catching, ample bosom. A parasol rests at her side. Of greatest note, her pink eyes and matching hair color mark her as a member of the Magic Alliance. She appears to be very tipsy, and is slurring her southern accented speech.


    Laetus: "You sure are a handsome, virile young man."


    First young man, beaming smile, puffing up his chest: "Yes I certainly am, how astute of you."


    Second young man: "Hey wait, what about me? I''m the one who said we should walk over and sit down with you."


    Laetus, turning towards him, "Don''t get yourself in a tizzy, you''re a cutie pie too."


    Young men simultaneously: "Wow, you''re so nice, you remind me of my mom."


    Laetus, losing it: "Your mom. Your mom. INSOLENCE!"


    Raising her arms above her head, her hair stands on end, and a pink aura surrounds her as she starts chanting. Both men angle back in their seats with looks of terror on their faces as a fire ball manifests in between her two outstretched hands. Just as she brings her arms back in preparation to release the fireball, she appears to be in two places at once and vanishes ... reappearing elsewhere as she releases her fireball.


    <u>Dulcia:</u>


    Several individuals are pursuing a blue-haired, blue-eyed woman ¨C the blue marking her as a member of the Psychic Alliance ¨C in a black leather body suit over city rooftops at night. In her 30s, at 5'' 6" tall and 105 pounds, she would seem easy prey. Her lightly tanned skin is unmarked, except for the image of a thorned blue rose at the nape of her neck. Although she is being pursued, the corners of Dulcia''s mouth are turned up, in a simper she reserves for inferior opponents. Given Dulcia''s intellectual fervor for studying all aspects of the mind, you''d rightfully be surprised by her aggressive physicality, powered by the lithe physique she has honed. If asked her about her fitness regimen, she will go on at length about the mind-body connection.


    Pursuer #1, hungrily: "Take her alive."


    Dulcia is enveloped in a blue aura as she closes her eyes momentarily while leaping over to the next rooftop: "One. Two. Three. Four. Five."


    She counts to herself as she visualizes her pursuers, each garbed in a white lab coat. A somersault through the air terminates in a perfect landing on the next rooftop, her eyes open and she continues running. Suddenly, she stops at the far end of the roof. Turning to face her pursuers ¨C who have used explosive charges in their shoes to propel themselves onto the roof ¨C she removes her black leather gloves.


    Dulcia spontaneously bursts out into loud song as she pirouettes:


    "The end is near


    I will drink in your fear


    Grovel at my feet


    As I savor your defeat"


    She cartwheels out to the closest on the five pursuers and briefly brushes her hand against his.


    Pursuer #4: "Ha, you foolish woman. Was that supposed to intimidate me?!"


    He pulls out a stun stick from his lab coat, striking and sending a shock through Dulcia, who collapses to the ground.


    Pursuer #1: "Well done #4, our client will be pleased. She wasn''t much trouble after all."


    The five pursuers converge around her. As they hover above her, she abruptly sits up touching pursuers 1,2,3, and 5 in turn ¡ª using her left hand saying "pleasure", using her right hand saying "pain", using left her hand saying "pleasure", using her right hand saying "pain". Each of these four drop to their knees, then collapse onto the ground writhing, drool dripping down their mouths. The ''pleasure'' duo moan with hysterical expressions of pleasure/madness, while the ''pain'' duo howl with horrified expressions of anguish. Meanwhile, Pursuer #4''s eyes appear glazed over and completely white.


    Pursuer #4, with eager countenance: "Did I do well mistress? I did as you instructed and pretended to capture you. May I receive my reward now?" Dulcia flicks her left hand in his direction in dismissal.


    Pursuer #4: "Praise you mistress, I''m so relieved."


    Smiling senselessly, he proceeds to walk toward and then over the edge of the roof, his gait continuing till impact with the ground below. Dulcia bursts into song and stretches her hands up high into a ''V'' formation as she appears to be in two places at once and then disappears:


    "Victory is mine


    The taste of it sublime


    Grovel at my feet


    You insolent freaks!"? This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    <u>Ali:</u>


    An unusual sight, a man in formal butler attire steps out of a helicopter onto a flat, empty plain. Appearing to be in his 60s being of average height and build, with hair neatly cropped and combed to one side, sporting a trimmed mustache, he would be considered ordinary, but for a couple of aspects. His hair and eye color are a distinct metallic silver, not attributed to age, but to membership in the Technology Alliance. Also, just above his collar, a serial number is emblazoned upon the back of his neck. As befits a butler, his posture is overly stiff. Ali, however, is not a butler.


    Ali: "General, I beg your pardon, but I cannot reconcile my current circumstance. Where is the technology conference I was invited to attend?"


    General, as the copter takes off leaving Ali alone on the field: "Don''t worry about that Ali, the conference is coming to you."


    A HUD appears in Ali''s view, showing multiple red bogeys on land and air approaching him.


    Ali: "Detecting multiple hostiles. I am beginning to suspect ulterior motives."


    A silver aura envelops Ali as he starts running at an increasingly quick pace, ultimately faster than humanly possible.


    Ali: "Incoming fire. Simulating projected impact points and compensating."


    Ali side steps incoming ammunition rounds, leaps vertically up, lands on and pushes off an incoming rocket.


    Ali: "Current configuration insufficient to counter threat ... compensating".


    As Ali''s form flows into a multi-turreted tank, the tone of his voice takes on a robotic emotionless quality: "Targets acquired, lethal force required, firing."


    Laser, machine gun, cannon, and rockets all fire at once from Ali ¨C multiple targets are devastated by the impacts.


    Ali: "Countermeasures effective, one enemy remaining."


    The view shifts to the helicopter circling above with the general in it.


    General, face astonished: "No, no, this is all a misunderstanding. It was just a simple test. We''re friends, right Ali?"


    Ali: "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush."


    General, sputtering: "What does that have to do with anything?"


    Ali: "I don''t know, ask a human. Prepare to die."


    Ali''s weapons systems start activating in preparation to fire. Just then, he appears to be in two places at once and then disappears.


    <u>Ordo:</u>


    A dark complexioned, physically fit male in his 50s, attired in an exquisite navy business suit, white shirt, and red tie addresses tens of thousands of spectators. If you draw a centered, dividing line from his head to his feet, each side is a mirror reflection of the other, radiating perfect symmetry. A commanding presence of competence and control emanates from him. This is unsurprising, as his black hair and eyes mark him as a member of the Order Alliance. Usually 6'' tall, weighing 180lbs., today Ordo is projected as a thousand-foot massive holographic figure. Being a projection, he is essentially weightless.


    Ordo: "Although newly acquired, this planetary continent of the Orion corporation is hideously disfigured by its asymmetry" ¨C a satellite view shows an irregularly shaped continent ¨C "the power of purity can and will impose order on it. Behold!"


    A black aura surrounds him as an ecstatic expression takes over, initiating space satellite laser fire and detonations of embedded tectonic plate explosives. Continental shelves cascade into the ocean, while volcanos erupt out of the ocean in other areas, transforming the land mass into a circular continent.


    Ordos, as he raises his hands up: "Glorious!"


    He appears to be in two places at once as the tectonic shocks/rumbling of the continent envelop him as he disappears.


    <u>Chao:</u>


    Chao, dressed casually in brightly colored belted shorts, t-shirt, and flip flops has climbed into a tree within a tropical setting. He''s an old guy, so not that attractive ¨C thin build, 5''6" tall, bald on top with what remains of his hair pulled back into a ponytail, and a few days growth of beard. Oh, Chao''s a member of the Quantum Alliance, so his hair and eye color are purple. He giggles and talks to himself as he positions himself for the peak peek into the women''s outdoor bath.


    Chao, as he settles into his perch: "Almost there. I tell ya, I''m still as spry as a baby."


    Down below, several women are in repose, chatting amongst themselves.


    Chao, cackling: "Here we go, this is going to be good, heeheehee."


    Unfortunately for Chao, one of his feet slip, making a squishing sound, alerting the women below who respond by gazing upward.


    First woman: "Hey, who''s there?"


    Second woman: "Ack! It''s a creepy pervert up in that tree."


    Several women collectively: "Police, arrest the pervert!"


    Chao, sputtering: "No, no, you''ve got it all wrong. I''m just doing a little research."


    The women cover their chests with one arm and use their other arm to pelt Chao with heated stones. A purple aura envelops Chao as he forms the mental image of a chained timepiece with slowing arms, causing the hurled stones'' velocity to slow as well. This quantum action allows Chao to improbably dodge the avalanche of hurled stones, at least until he loses his footing, resulting in an inglorious bottom first splash landing into the midst of the angry female bathers, who then converge on him.


    As they are almost upon him, Chao flails his arms above his head screeching "ahhhhhhh, nooo, don''t!" Suddenly, he appears to be in two places at once, then vanishes.


    <u>Let''s all rematerialize simultaneously:</u>


    Laetus releases her fireball, striking the wailing, flailing Chao ¨C?who is fortunately dripping wet ¨C so the fireball evaporates the water, drying him in a puff of vapor. Dulcia is singing her verse, and the earthquake rumble comes through, shaking the room as Ordo appears. Without hesitation, the Commander leaps out as Ali manifests in full onslaught mode, striking several panels of his armor, then steps back. Ali''s pre-launch sequence aborts as he morphs back into his butler form.


    Commander: "Enough already you morons!"


    The five others take in their new surroundings ¨C looks like an empty warehouse ¨C surprise on their faces and turn toward the Commander. Surprise shifts to recognition, and they all kneel before him, bowing their heads. In unison, they shout: "Commander Sir!"


    Commander: "That''s better. We haven''t seen each other since the Chaos war, and I''m glad to see you''re all still in one piece. There''s something you need to see ..."


    The Commander halts as they all start talking at once.


    Dulcia, glaring at Laetus: "What is that trollop doing here!?"


    Laetus: "Me, what about you, you flat chested ironing board!?"


    Roaring, they fling themselves, tearing at each other.


    Chao, Ali, and Ordo turn toward each other in welcoming.


    Chao: "So honored to see you again Master Ali and Master Ordo."


    Ali: "Please forgive my rude entrance masters Chao and Ordo. It''s a pleasure to be in your distinguished company once again."


    Ordo: "So delightful to be back together once again friends."


    Commander''s face is getting more impatient with each second. He executes a lightning round of chops to the tops of each of their heads resulting in bumps rising, and each one rubbing their head.


    Commander, who is back in his original spot: "As I was saying, there''s something you need to see."


    A projection of the Commander training young Hiro in swordplay commences. Initially there is nothing special of note, but then the Commander knocks off Hiro''s cap with a swing of his wooden sword, Hiro''s hair spills out, transforming from brown to rainbow. A look of astonished awe blooms on their faces.


    Commander: "We have a unique opportunity to rectify a past wrong and preserve all of existence while we''re at it."

 Young Hiro – Get stronger And Make New Friends

    <u>Militant Faith Alliance training with the Commander:</u>


    Hiro is four years old and his mother, Sophia, is teaching him math outdoors at a picnic table. It''s a pleasant sunshiny day, with trees and flowers scattered throughout the landscape.


    Sophia: "Do you remember when we talked about bullies? What makes someone a bully?"


    Hiro: "Yes. Someone not nice. Someone who is mean."


    Sophia: "That''s true, and bullies tend to pick on those weaker than them. What should you do when you meet someone who is weaker than you?"


    Hiro: "Be their friend."


    Sophia: "Yes, that''s certainly a good approach. Shall we get started on your math lesson now?"


    Hiro: "Hiro doesn''t like math, math boring."


    Sophia: "8 ¨C 2?"


    Hiro, with head down: "6"


    Sophia: "11 + 0?"


    Hiro: "11" and smiles


    Sophia, smiling: "Looks like you''re getting the hang of this."


    Hiro: "One."


    Sophia: "But Hiro, I haven''t asked you a question yet."


    Hiro: "One man."


    Hiro turns his head to look at an area covered by bush. A few moments later, the Commander emerges from the bush and walks toward them.


    Sophia: "Oh, it''s your papa''s brother. He''s your uncle."


    Hiro: "Uncle comes here now."


    Sophia, her expression showing some consternation: "Yes, that''s right."


    Commander: "No need to fret, I stopped by the farm and Julius told me you two were out here. I''m finally able to spend some time with all of you, so I thought I would start some of Hiro''s training."


    Hiro: "Uncle."


    Sophia, smiling: "That''s wonderful, we''ll finally get to spend some time together."


    Commander: "Yes. Sorry to interrupt your lesson, but I''m hoping to get started."


    Sophia: "No worries. What ..."


    Commander makes a lightning dash toward Hiro. Just as he approaches him, a roulette wheel starts spinning in Hiro''s eyes. As the ball lands on 0, a twig that was blown from a tree falls under the Commander''s boot causing him to lose his footing. Prior to crashing to the ground, Commander extends his arms and performs a somersault, recovering and landing on his feet.


    Sophia, her jaw agape after completing her question: "subject?"


    Commander: "Militant Faith. Hmmm, I don''t recall the last time I tripped on something."


    Hiro: "Haha, Uncle tripped and did cartwheel."


    Sophia, pale faced, slinking off: "I''ll leave you to it then."


    Hiro: "Bye momma, Hiro play with Uncle now."


    Sophia weakly waves goodbye.


    Commander, solemnly: "Hiro, I''m here to teach you about God. Simply put, God is the creator of everything, including you and me, your parents, and the farm you live on."


    Hiro, in wonderment: "Even the sky?"


    Commander: "Yes, even the sky."


    Hiro: "God must be strong."


    Commander: "Yes, all powerful. When there is great enough need, God can even perform miracles."


    Hiro: "I hope God is a good guy."


    Commander: "He is the ultimate good guy."


    Hiro, smiling happily: "I''m glad."


    Commander: "There is a church I and many others belong to called the Militant Faith Alliance. This is our symbol."


    The hologram image of a red crucifix, composed of perpendicular dual bladed swords, appears.


    Commander: "Unfortunately, we have many enemies, so we train and fight to defend our belief in God."


    Hiro: "To get stronger?"


    Commander: "Yes, very strong. We strengthen our belief in our faith and strengthen ourselves as warriors. Would you like to become stronger?"


    Hiro, eagerly: "Yes, I will get strong too!"


    Commander: "Then let''s begin."


    Commander pulls out a wooden sword from the long satchel on his back and hands it to Hiro.


    <u>New friends ¨C Relicta, Aemulor, and Saevus:</u>


    Hiro, now 5 years old, and his mother are walking hand in hand down a dirt road within the nearby small town, approaching a children''s park. Ahead, three children are playing in the sandbox together.


    Sophia: "Hiro, would you like to play with those children while I''m shopping?"


    Hiro, nods his head: "Yes momma."


    Sophia: "Go ahead, don''t be shy, introduce yourself to them."


    Hiro, walking up to the sandbox: "Hi, I''m Hiro."


    Aemulor and Relicta look up, Saevus continues playing.


    Aemulor: "Hello Hiro, I''m Aemulor."


    Aemulor has blond hair, brown eyes, is tall, handsome, and gives off an upbeat vibe ¨C girls in school are already fawning over him.


    Relicta: "And I''m Relicta. Would you like to play with us?"


    Relicta, with her short brown hair, brown eyes, and carefree appearance looks the part of a tomboy.


    Hiro looks back at his mother who nods assent, and waves goodbye.


    Hiro: "You betcha!"


    Hiro looks over at Saevus.


    Aemulor: "Don''t mind him, that''s Saevus."


    Relicta: "Don''t be rude Saevus, say hello."


    Saevus who has brown hair and eyes, average height with stout build and a rounded midsection, looks up smiling.


    Saevus: "I''ve captured a beetle and I''m battling it."


    Saevus goes back to his beetle battle. Hiro looks over to see that Saevus has constructed a wall around the beetle and is dropping pebbles on it.


    Relicta, rolling her eyes: "Boys!"


    Aemulor, to Hiro: "There''s only one school in town, why aren''t you attending?"


    Hiro: "My mom and dad are home schooling me."


    Relicta: "How do you make friends then?"


    Hiro, looking down: "I don''t really have any friends."


    Aemulor, chin up, confident, smiling: "Then we''ll be your friends."


    Relicta: "Yes, we''ll be your friends. Right Hiro?"


    Hiro vigorously nods his head in assent smiling.


    <u>Quantum Alliance training with Master Chao:</u>


    Hiro, who is now 6 years old, is sitting on a wooden chair at a wooden desk, inside of a small wooden building that serves as the schoolhouse on his family''s farm. He is writing something in a notebook when Quantum Alliance member Chao phases into view in front of him, so Hiro closes his book, looks up and smiles. Chao is an elderly, Asian male, of thin physique. Bald on top, with what remains of his long purple hair tied into a ponytail trailing a slight red ribbon tied at its end. His hair and matching eye color identify him as a member of the Quantum Alliance. He''s dressed very casually in brightly colored rope belted shorts, t-shirt, and flip flops ¨C his attire suggests an imminent beach excursion. His posture is somewhat stooped, and he wouldn''t be described as a ''catch'' by most members of the opposite sex.


    Chao: "You don''t seem to be surprised at my sudden appearance young man."


    Hiro: "Momma told me you were visiting."


    Chao: "I see. My name is Chao, you can call me Master Chao, I''m ¨C slight hesitation ¨C a friend of your uncle who is going to be teaching you."


    Hiro: "Uncle teaches me too."


    Chao, handing a book to Hiro: "I''m aware. This happens to be a new subject for you. It''s called Quantum theory. Here''s your course book, please take a look at the syllabus at the beginning."


    Chao hands a book over to Hiro, who opens it to the syllabus page:


    1.? ? Awareness of self


    2.? ? Finding balance and centering oneself


    3.? ? Awareness of environment


    4.? ? Understanding cause & effect, otherwise known as consequences


    5.? ? Perceiving cascading effects


    6.? ? Simulating cascading effects and possible outcomes


    7.? ? Freedom vs. responsibility


    8.? ? Free will vs. destiny


    9.? ? Time and space


    10.? ? Multi-dimensionality and the super position of realities


    11.? ? Outcomes: ability to alter space, time, and reality itself


    Hiro blinks: "Sorry, I don''t understand Master Chao."


    Chao: "Haha, don''t you worry, as in all things we have to start at the beginning, and we have some time, although maybe not enough. Let''s start with a demonstration. Where am I standing?"


    Hiro, smiling: "Why you''re right in front of me."


    A purple aura surrounds Chao as he forms a wormhole in his mind''s eye. In a flash, Chao is standing behind Hiro, his previous location now vacant.


    Chao, clearing his throat: "Really?"


    Hiro''s head spins around and he says "Wow, magic!"


    Chao: "Bah! It''s not magic, that''s something completely different. This is a space/time effect."


    Chao, as he walks back in front of Hiro: "Now open to a page in your book and tell me what page it is."


    Hiro: "26"


    Chao visualizes a flurry of flipping pages.


    Chao: "What page was that again?"


    Hiro, jaw dropping as he looks down: "45"


    Chao: "Are you good at throwing things?"


    Hiro: "I like throwing rocks down by the river."


    Chao: "Try throwing your pen at me."


    Hiro, frowning: "That''s not a nice thing to do."


    Chao: "That''s true, but don''t worry, it''s all part of the demonstration."


    Chao, looking sideways, taunting Hiro: "Besides, your aim probably isn''t good enough to hit me even if you tried."


    Hiro, taking the bait: "Is that so?"


    Hiro picks up his pen and throws it accurately in the direction of Chao''s head. Chao visualizes a purple outline bending of space. Moving forward in a blur at incredible speed, he grabs the pen out of the air, places it on Hiro''s desk, and moves back to where he was standing originally.


    Hiro: "You''re super-fast!"


    Chao: "Well, not exactly, but more importantly do you want to learn more about Quantum theory and become stronger?"


    Hiro, leaning forward, with anticipation in his eyes: "Yes, Master Chao, please teach me."


    <u>Another friend joins the group ¨C Illudo:</u>


    Hiro, who is now 7 years old, is accompanied by Relicta and Aemulor seated atop a small waterfall that culminates in a watering hole down below. Saevus is nearby throwing rocks at birds. Hiro is wearing a swim cap.


    Relicta: "A new student started at school this week. We invited him to join us today."


    "Owww" is heard nearby, and a green spiky haired, green eyed, tall, thin boy rubs his head as he walks out of the bush and into their field of view.


    Illudo: "That''s one way to knock some sense into someone. If I knew you were going to throw rocks at me, I wouldn''t have agreed to join you."


    Relicta, glaring at Saevus: "Saevus, say you''re sorry."


    Saevus: "But I couldn''t see him, he blends right into the forest with that green hair of his."


    Relicta, sternly: "Saevus."


    Saevus: "Sorry, I didn''t mean to hit you, I was just having fun throwing rocks at birds."


    Illudo: "I guess it''s ok, since it''s not bleeding too much, although the birds aren''t as forgiving as I am."


    Aemulor: "Sorry about that Illudo. I''m glad you decided to join us. This here is Hiro."


    Hiro, smiling: "Hi Illudo, so nice to meet you."


    Illudo: "Yes, same here. Why haven''t I seen you in school?"


    Relicta: "Hiro is home-schooled."


    Illudo: "That sounds kind of lonely."


    Hiro: "It''s fine, my mom and dad teach me, and I have tutors that visit. Besides, all of us here get together when school is out."


    Illudo: "Can I ask you a question?"


    Hiro: "Sure, what is it?"


    Illudo: "Why are you wearing a swim cap?"


    Hiro''s face glows red.


    Relicta, looking at Hiro: "Oh, that''s just Hiro. He''s always wearing some type of hat. Just once I''d like to see what he looks like without a hat on his head."


    Hiro, changing the subject: "So what brings you to our small town?"


    Illudo: "My uncle says a small-town environment is better for me than the big city we were living in."


    Hiro: "What about your parents?"


    Illudo looking down: "They''re not around."


    Aemulor, looking scandalized, to Hiro: "Hiro, have some tact next time."


    Hiro, hands raised to Illudo: "So, so, so sorry."


    Illudo, looking up with a teasing smile: "What are you sorry for? They''re just on a world tour for several months".


    Hiro startled by this, leaps up, loses his footing, and falls over the edge, screaming and flailing all the way down into the waterhole.


    Relicta, yelling, looking with concern over the edge: "Hiro, are you alright!?"


    Aemulor looks over at Relicta with a stern expression. Illudo takes it all in with an amused smile.


    <u>Technology Alliance training with Master Ali:</u>


    Hiro is fishing at a river. Increasingly, a high-pitched sound is heard, followed by something impacting against the river, blasting water, steam, and cooked fish in all directions. Emerging from the steam is what appears to be a man in his 60s, 5''9" tall of average build, with metallic silver hair, neatly cropped and combed to one side, sporting a trimmed mustache. His eyes twinkle silver metallic. Seemingly inexplicably he wears formal butler''s attire ¨C black tuxedo, bow tie, and white shirt. His posture as he extricates himself from the river is stiff as befits a butler. Hidden under his collar, is a serial number emblazoned on the back of his neck. Master Ali of the Technology Alliance emits a soft, silver metallic glow as he surfaces from the river.


    Ali, walking towards Hiro: "Give a boy a fish and feed him for a day. Teach a boy to fish and feed him for a lifetime."


    Hiro: "Mister, are you ok? Where did you come from?"


    Ali: "I believe I am functioning optimally, young sir. As to your second question, I am a product of the great AI."


    Even though Hiro was soaked by the torrential splash, this newcomer is somehow completely dry as he emerges from the river.


    Hiro: "How is it that you''re not even wet?"


    Ali: "I created a field around myself to repel the water. I believe proper introductions are in order. My name is Ali, you may call me Master Ali. I''m a friend of your uncle. He asked me to come here and teach you about the Technology Alliance. This is our symbol", as he holographically projects what looks like a simplified circuit board.


    Hiro: "Oh, you''re a friend of uncle. This makes more sense now. You''re not a regular person, are you?"


    Ali: "No, I''m not. I''m what some would call an artificial life form."


    Hiro: "Like a robot?"


    Ali: "Perhaps a very, very advanced robot. It seems out here in this ... nature (uttered dismissively) you haven''t had much exposure to technology. I will attempt to remedy that."


    Hiro: "What''s so great about technology?"


    Ali, sighing, appearing flabbergasted, then lecturing: "Technology is the natural evolution of humans in their quest for knowledge. It transforms your life form from being a simple cave dweller to a conqueror of stars ¨C it will end human suffering, and answer the universe''s greatest questions."


    Hiro: "Will technology let me explore the world?"


    Ali: "Yes, this world, and many others. Do you find that appealing, young sir?"


    Hiro: "Yes, I want to explore. Please teach me, Master Ali."


    <u>Psychic Alliance training with Master Dulcia:</u>


    Hiro, now 9 years old, is visiting the town market with his dad.


    Hiro: "Dad, what should we buy for dinner?"


    Julius: "You mean, what did mom tell us to buy for dinner."


    Julius takes out a list from his pocket, unrolling it. As he starts reading, a look of confusion crosses his face, "outrageous oscillating octopus, bodacious bumpy beetles, crispy crunchy caterpillars", until his features go rigid, locking in place.


    Hiro, concerned: "Dad, dad!"


    Hiro then notices all activity in the market has ceased and everyone looks frozen, except for the woman with blue hair walking toward him.


    Dulcia, with a mischievous grin: "Hello Hiro, how are you doing this fine morning?"


    Hiro: "Why are you the only one moving? What did you do to dad? How do you know my name?" Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.


    Dulcia: "So many questions. And you''re able to move too, so maybe you''re the one who''s done something."


    Hiro scrunches up his face and looks sideways, thinking, as Dulcia laughs.


    Dulcia: "Introductions are in order. My name is Dulcia, I''m a friend of your uncle."


    Hiro lowers his head and sighs: "Here we go again. Did you freeze everyone in time like Master Chao can do?"


    Dulcia, repulsed: "hmmpf, don''t compare me to that lecherous old pervert. For your information time isn''t frozen."


    Hiro: "Then how?"


    Dulcia: "The only things frozen are their minds. I applied some ... pressure to a particular region of their brains, so for all intents and purposes time has stopped, for them at least. Everything else is moving along, if you''d care to notice."


    On cue, a bird flies by.


    Dulcia: "Don''t worry, no harm is being done to them, and when I release them, they will carry on as if nothing happened. It''s a bit flashy, but I needed to make sure I went unnoticed by others, and I did get your attention."


    Hiro: "Uncle says there are enemies, and I need to be able to protect mom, dad, and myself. Master Chao and Master Ali have been training me to get stronger, can you help me get stronger too?"


    Dulcia, preening: "Most definitely. To start with, I belong to the Psychic Alliance, which focuses on the mind. This is our emblem."


    A faint blue aura envelops Dulcia as she reaches out to Hiro, a glowing blue string makes its way from Dulcia''s mind to Hiro''s. Hiro is presented with the image of a blue eye, a crescent moon reflected from its pupil.


    Hiro: "Wow, how did you do that?"


    Dulcia: "It''s just a simple use of telepathy, one of the foundational skills Psychic Alliance members possess. As an Alliance member, I must work to protect myself and my Alliance. At its most basic level, the Psychic ability focuses on manipulating the minds of others."


    Hiro, unconvinced: "That doesn''t sound nice."


    Dulcia: "This ability can be used for good, like helping someone who is suffering, but you''re right in that it can be a force for evil. This ability is a privilege that should not be abused. Or so my teachers told me countless times when I was a student."


    Hiro: "Like freezing people?"


    Dulcia, narrowing her eyes at him: "Smarty pants. Normally yes, but there''s a bigger picture in this case."


    Hiro: "Bad guys?"


    Dulcia: "Yes, that''s right."


    Hiro: "What can your ability do besides freeze others?"


    Dulcia: "Inflict pleasure or pain, alter memories, create illusions, exert influence. All sorts of lovely things."


    Hiro: "How can I learn?"


    Dulcia: "Before you can use this ability on others, you first need to master yourself."


    Dulcia, looking back as she starts to walk off: "I''ll be back sometime soon to start your training."


    Hiro, calling after her: "But what about all these people you froze?"


    Dulcia just waves as she swaggers off into the distance.


    Dad, shaking his head as he looks down at his list: "huh, what was I saying?


    The view of his list shows ''milk, eggs, flour, apples, and carrots.''"


    <u>Let''s play a fantasy MMORPG at Illudo''s house:</u>


    Hiro (now 11 years old) and his four friends are seated at a round table with virtual reality gear in front of them.


    Relicta: "It''s amazing that we''ve been able to form our own squadron within the Death Strike world. Thanks again Illudo for letting us visit and providing all this gear."


    Illudo: "You''re my friends, no need to thank me."


    Hiro: "But it''s been so great teaming up with all of you on these adventures, and you made it happen."


    Saevus: "Yeah, I get to fight as tough as I can, and no one really gets hurt."


    Aemulor: "He already said that we don''t need to thank him. Can we get started already? I don''t need to remind you, but once we jump back in game we''ll likely be going up against the final boss. As a Paladin, I will do my best to protect you."


    Relicta: "And as an angel, I will protect and heal anyone who gets injured."


    Saevus: "As a berserker, I''ll tear through all opposition."


    Illudo: "My ranger avatar will ensure we''re prepared for all enemy attacks."


    The four of them look to Hiro, who is fidgeting.


    Hiro: "I''m still not sure how I wound up with the shapeshifter avatar, but I will adapt to meet the needs of the situation."


    All five, enthusiastically as they don their VR head gear: "Let''s dive in!"


    The five of them materialize in front of massive stone gates. All are in character, except for Hiro who looks like himself. Relicta''s angel avatar is adorned with halo, white feather wings, and a white flowing dress. Saevus'' berserker is replete with leather and metal armor, including horned helmet, calve high boots, spiked mace in one hand, and war hammer in the other. Illudo''s ranger is fittingly dressed in a brown leather outfit with a quiver of arrows strapped to his back. Aemulor''s paladin is outfitted head to toe in shining armor.


    Relicta, in displeasure: "Really Hiro?"


    Hiro, scratching his head thinking: "It''s not easy to choose when you can be anything."


    Hiro, copying Relicta''s appearance: "How about this?"


    Aemulor, Saevus, and Illudo start laughing, while Relicta turns a bright red.


    Hiro pulls the top of his blouse out and starts to look down.


    Relicta, fuming, walks menacingly toward Hiro: "Don''t ... you ... dare!"


    Hiro, holding up his hands: "Hey, I was only kidding. Don''t forget you''re an angel, not a devil. Hmmm, a devil huh?"


    Hiro transforms into a red, horned, winged, spiky tailed devil with pointy teeth.


    Relicta, jumping back: "Scary."


    Illudo: "Well I think it suits him."


    Aemulor pulls open the massive stone doors to reveal a cave with stalactites hanging from the ceiling.


    Hiro: "It''s dark up ahead."


    Relicta: "Heaven''s glow", and an aura of light surrounds her.


    Illudo: "Cave nymph guide", and a point of light appears in front of him.


    Hiro: "Let me try ¨C Hell''s fury."


    A blast of flame envelops Hiro, knocking his friends to the ground.


    Saevus: "That''s awesome."


    Aemulor: "Maybe turn it down a notch."


    Relicta: "You think?"


    Hiro''s blaze subsides into a glowing, fiery halo. The five start down the twisting, narrow path. As stalactites drip water, it sizzles, evaporating upon contact with Hiro. Suddenly, a swarm of chittering darkness swoops down from the ceiling, passing just overhead, causing Hiro to fall, shrieking and flailing his arms. Hiro''s friends look down on him with condescending expressions.


    Relicta: "A big, scary devil is afraid of some bats?"


    Hiro, getting up, brushing himself off: "Sorry, they startled me."


    Illudo: "There''s something powerful around that bend up ahead."


    Aemulor: "This could be it. Get ready."


    Turning the corner, they shield their eyes as they are greeted by a blinding, radiant brilliance. ''Ride of the Valkyries'' begins to play as a magnificent, armored, buxom Valkyrie with flowing blond hair stands before them.


    All four guys, as their eyes adjust: "So beautiful!"


    Relicta: "You dimwits, stop drooling, that''s our enemy you''re ogling."


    Illudo, jaw dropping: "Her power level is over 9,000!"


    Valkyrie, in a thundering voice: "You mortals have violated my sacred realm. Even worse, I see you are consorting with a devil. Unforgiveable!"


    Aemulor: "Way to go Hiro. Great choice, now you''ve made her mad."


    Illudo, impassively to Hiro: "You seem to have a talent for making difficult situations even worse."


    Saevus: "Yeah, she''ll never like me now."


    Hiro, shoulders slumping: "How was I supposed to know?"


    Relicta: "Focus guys or we''ll lose this fight before it starts. I''m going to enhance your abilities."


    Relicta raises her arms and starts chanting. A glow envelops Aemulor, Saevus, and Illudo, but Hiro yelps as he is knocked backwards.


    Hiro: "Oww, hey watch it."


    Relicta: "Sorry Hiro, my powers seem to have the opposite effect on devils."


    Valkyrie: "Foolish humans, I will start by taking the head of that filthy demon."


    Valkyrie moves at blazing speed, and swings her sword at Hiro, but somehow Aemulor intercepts her sword with his own, just before it strikes down Hiro. Even so, Aemulor is buckling under the force of Valkyrie''s blade.


    Aemulor, struggling: "A little help here please."


    Saevus charges at Valkyrie, but she sidekicks him in the ribs, sending him flying. Illudo comes at her with a knife in each hand, but Valkyrie grabs him by the collar, flinging him some distance away.


    Hiro circles around Valkyrie and starts tossing fireballs from alternating hands at her. Unfortunately, she casually deflects them aside with her free hand.


    Aemulor, who is now down on one knee under the strain of Valkyrie''s blade: "She''s too strong, I can''t hold out any longer."


    Relicta, opening her arms wide in Aemulor''s direction: "Heaven''s chariot."


    Relicta and Aemulor disappear, then Relicta reappears holding Aemulor in her arms several meters away. Valkyrie''s sword comes crashing down, splintering the ground where Aemulor just knelt.


    Aemulor, looking up at Relicta: "I could get used to this."


    Relicta takes that as a cue to unceremoniously drop him.


    Hiro, as Valkyrie turns her attention to him and starts to approach: "Hell''s fury!"


    Valkyrie''s hair is blown back by the heated air, but she continues toward him.


    Hiro: "Hade''s volcano!"


    An ear-rupturing farting sound erupts, with a thick cloud of noxious gas emanating from Hiro''s butt, which he''s pointed at Valkyrie.


    Valkyrie: "Truly you are a foul creature from the depths of hell itself, but it will avail you not."


    She starts twirling her blade so fast it blows the noxious gas away.


    Valkyrie, leaping up into the air preparing to bring the full brunt of her sword down upon Hiro''s head: "And now I will introduce you to my sword ¨C Dragonfang!"


    Hiro, in response, readying for her blow: "Diamond horns."


    Valkyrie''s sword strikes but gets wedged into Hiro''s horns.


    Hiro, intensely: "Demon''s corruption."


    A black vein emanates out of Hiro''s horns, through Valkyrie''s sword, expanding out onto Valkyrie''s skin. Valkyrie convulses and starts shrieking in agony. Relicta, Aemulor, Illudo, and Saevus move closer in.


    Relicta, observing Hiro and his captor: "I healed everyone."


    Saevus: "Wow Hiro, you got her."


    Aemulor: "It looks like she''s in a lot of pain. Her health bar is falling."


    Illudo: "We''re about to defeat the final boss, so why does everyone seem so down?"


    Hiro: "This doesn''t feel right somehow. She''s weakened; I''m going to release her."


    Relicta, worried: "Are you sure Hiro?"


    Hiro: "I am. Get ready in case she attacks."


    Hiro nullifies his attack, and Valkyrie drops to her knees, gasping for breath.


    Valkyrie: "How is it that a lowly creature from the depths of Hell is in a party of virtuous explorers? Why would such as you spare a Goddess warrior?"


    Hiro: "Somehow, I sense something about you that is more than just another NPC. It felt wrong hurting you, and I couldn''t bring myself to take your life."


    Valkyrie begins glowing with a golden light, sprouts wings, and hovers above them, fully recovered.


    Valkyrie, smiling: "Well spoken, young demon lord. Fear not, my life was never in any real danger. It was all but a test to determine the true nature of your spirit, and by the grace of your mercy you''ve passed. This Labyrinth and all its treasures are yours. Feel free to call on me should the need ever arise."


    Hiro and the rest of his party cheer as a "Level Completed" banner pops up.


    <u>Magic Alliance training with Master Laetus:</u>


    Another year has passed, and Hiro is standing on a dirt road peering into the engine of the broken-down tractor he was riding.


    Hiro, talking to himself: "I have the worst luck, why do things always seem to go wrong when I''m around?"


    On a nearby hilltop, a woman''s hand is fluttering an extravagant floral-patterned fan. The rest of the woman is not in view, as she comments to herself: "hmmm, he''s talking to himself. I wonder".


    The fan stops, followed by a flicking motion that sends a nearby boulder careening down a hill on a collision course with Hiro. Hiro''s eyes suddenly reflect a roulette wheel with ball in motion, then landing on double zero.


    Hiro, as the wrench he was holding slips, hurting his hand: "ooww"


    He reflexively flings the wrench up in the air. The wrench arcs and comes down, embedding itself in a crack in the road just as the boulder arrives, sending the boulder caroming off to the side. Hiro looks up to see the resulting dust cloud, just as the boulder thuds to a halt.


    A view of the woman''s nose and mouth shows her smiling to herself: "As I suspected."


    Another flick of the woman''s fan causes a wind current to carry her up off the hill side towards Hiro. Sensing something, Hiro looks up in her direction as she approaches. The woman claps softly as the air current deposits her gently down across from Hiro.


    Hiro, staring at the woman: "Friend or foe?"


    Woman, amused smile: "How adorable you are. Do I look menacing?"


    Hiro: "Master Ali often says not to judge a book by its cover ¨C even at times when the saying isn''t relevant. And master Dulcia warned me about southern belles."


    Woman, enraged, looking down: "Oh she did, did she, why that ... deep breath Laetus, take a deep breath."


    Hiro: "Laetus? Master Laetus? You know Master Dulcia? Oh, you''re the teacher Uncle told me to expect. Why were you clapping when you arrived?"


    Laetus, looking up: "You really don''t know, do you? You were unaware of the danger?"


    Hiro: "Wait a second, that loud crashing sound, that was you? Are you nuts or something?"


    Laetus: "Oh, you''re upset, are you? Don''t worry, I''ll comfort you."


    She glides over to Hiro, then presses his face into her ample bosom. Hiro staggers back, collapsing on the ground as his nose erupts into a nosebleed.


    Laetus, exasperated: "Oh dear, not another one."


    She snaps her fingers, and a gust of wind levitates Hiro upright, followed by a flood of water jarring him back to consciousness.


    Hiro, arms at his sides, head tilted back, jumps up and down yelling with enthusiasm: "Alright, I''m ready to learn!"


    Laetus: "What a speedy recovery. Have you figured out what my ability is?"


    Hiro just looks straight ahead appearing eager and dumb.


    Laetus: "Very well then, I''ll explain it. I can teach you magic."


    Laetus snaps her fingers, manifesting a pink pentagram in the air.


    Hiro, jaw dropping: "Wow, magic is real!"


    Laetus: "Silly boy, of course it is. Magic gives the wielder the ability to cast spells and create something from seemingly nothing. It is the greatest gift in the universe. Other pursuits are petty in comparison, although I''m sure your other instructors would disagree."


    Hiro: "How does it work?"


    Laetus: "Through a combination of spells, genetic predisposition, and force of will."


    Hiro: "But where does it come from?"


    Laetus: "The uninitiated might label it as dark energy. That just means they don''t know what it is, although they recognize it''s pervasiveness. My specialty is elemental magic."


    As she murmurs an incantation, rocks, fire, water, and a mini tornado start to revolve around her head. Another murmur and the spell ceases.


    Laetus: "Although, I also have a little transformation trick I like to do."


    Another murmur, and Laetus transforms into a cat woman replete with furry ears, tail, whiskers, and awash in sexiness.


    Laetus, extending her paw: "Meooooow"


    Hiro''s nose starts spurting blood again as he falls backwards, unconscious.


    <u>Hiro and friends encounter trouble:</u>


    Hiro, now 13, is walking and tossing a baseball with his friends as they walk through town.


    Aemulor catches the ball from Saevus, holding onto it.


    Aemulor: "Hey Saevus, toss me a couple more."


    Saevus, taking a couple more out of his bag: "Sure Aemulor, here you go."


    Saevus tosses Aemulor two balls, and Aemulor starts juggling them.


    Aemulor: "Check this out Relicta."


    However, Relicta doesn''t notice as she''s captivated by Hiro, who is walking down the street on his hands.


    Relicta, laughing: "You''re so funny Hiro, what on earth possessed you to do that?"


    Hiro: "Oh, it''s just part of my new training regimen. My uncle said it''s a way to improve my balance and increase my arm strength."


    Aemulor stops juggling and glares at Hiro.


    Aemulor, under his breath: "Whatever, show off."


    Illudo''s eyes dart briefly in Aemulor''s direction. As they walk in front of the town bank, a sharp cry is heard from within. All five of them stop in their tracks and turn to look through the front window of the bank.


    Relicta: "There''s a man with a gun in there. Get down!"


    All five drop to the ground.


    Saevus: "We have to get the constable."


    Illudo, shaking his head: "That won''t work, he''s already in there. I saw him lying on the ground."


    Aemulor: "Looks like we have a chance to be heroes."


    Relicta: "It''s too dangerous."


    Hiro: "What if that guy with the gun hurts someone because we didn''t act?"


    Illudo, uncertainly: "Maybe we can help."


    Saevus: "If I can get a clear shot at him, I can hit him with a baseball."


    Relicta: "But there''s a ''closed'' sign on the door, so it''s probably locked."


    Hiro: "I can go up to the door, and pretend I''m on an errand for my mom."


    Aemulor: "Once the guy with the gun opens the door, Saevus will hit him with the ball."


    Illudo: "Then we''ll tackle him. Five against one."


    Relicta, resigned: "I hope we don''t regret this."


    Hiro, taking deep breaths to calm himself, walks up to the door and knocks as the others get into position. When there''s no response, Hiro looks back at his friends who mime that he should try again. This time voices are heard from inside, followed by steps toward the door. The door seems to open in slow motion.


    Aemulor, shouts: "Wait Saevus, it''s not the gunman", as he dives in front of Saevus taking the impact of the ball on his torso.


    Meanwhile, the woman who opened the door is startled and shrieks in surprise.


    Gunman, from inside: "I told you to get rid of that kid, not make a commotion."


    Inside the bank, several individuals are lying face down on the floor. The gunman takes aim at the woman and prepares to fire. Hiro''s eyes reflect a horse race with the trailing horse coming from behind to overtake all others and win. As the gunman pulls the trigger, his gun jams. The frazzled gunman throws the gun to the ground, pushes his way past Hiro and the woman who answered the door, and runs down the street. Illudo seems to concentrate on a spot in front of the gunman as he mumbles something under his breath ¨C although no one seems to notice, a slight green aura momentarily flickers around him. As the gunman reaches that spot, he loses his footing, landing hard on his back.


    Illudo: "Well, that worked out."


    Relicta just shakes her head in exasperation.


    <u>?</u><u>Chaos Alliance training with Master Ordo:</u>


    Hiro, another year older, is walking through a field when a white rabbit crosses his path and sits up looking at him.


    Hiro: "Hello Mr. Bunny, what can I do for you?"


    Hiro walks toward the rabbit, but the rabbit hops a few feet away and stops. Hiro walks toward the rabbit again, and the same thing happens.


    Hiro: "Hey little guy, don''t be afraid, I won''t hurt you".


    Hiro walks toward the rabbit again, which is now standing its ground.? As Hiro approaches just in front of the rabbit, the rabbit seems to smile, and the ground beneath Hiro gives way leading him through a twisty turvy downward spiraling shoot, until he is eventually shot out landing on his bottom, with an "oof" exhalation.


    Ordo, giggling to himself: "Oh my, that''s going to be one sore back side. Allow me to introduce myself, I''m Master Ordo, your uncle may have mentioned me to you."


    Hiro looks up seeing Master Ordo in his navy business suit inside of what looks like an aircraft hangar.


    Hiro: "He has, but he didn''t say what you''ll be teaching me."


    Ordo: "We''ll get to that, but first, please remove your cap."


    Hiro: "But mom and dad said I should never remove it outside of our house."


    Ordo: "Consider this your house then. Besides, look around, we''re deep underground and we''re the only two people in here."


    Hiro: "The rabbit?"


    Ordo: "A simple tool I used to bring you here."


    Hiro removes his cap, and his hair spills out transforming from brown to rainbow as his eyes begin to shimmer, appearing almost luminescent.


    Ordo: "Just wanted to see it for myself."


    Hiro, replacing his cap: "Mom and dad said there''s an Alliance that would try to harm me if they knew."


    Ordo''s eyes go to the inward facing multi-arrow circular symbol on the hangar wall: "Yes, the Order Alliance ¨C the Alliance I belong to."


    Hiro crouches down and takes a couple of steps back.


    Ordo, continuing: "That symbol represents unity, all working and coming together as one to impose control and structure on a rebelliously wild universe."


    Ordo tilts his head down to look up at Hiro expressionlessly: "Oh, don''t fear. Do you think your uncle would knowingly put you in harm''s way?" Hiro relaxes. "As to what I will be teaching you, more accurate to say I can teach you about my Alliance, but you won''t be able to express any of the abilities themselves. While you may have some level of aptitude for the other Alliances, with regard to the Order Alliance you are ... incompatible."


    Hiro: "Incompatible how?"


    Ordo: "Approach me. Extend your hand."


    Both face each other and extend their hands out. An unpleasant charge/waviness emanates from the air between their outstretched fingers. As their fingertips come into contact with each other, a small shock wave pushes their hands away. Hiro examines his hand, but there''s no evidence of what transpired.


    Ordo: "The Order Alliance senses patterns, and we use our abilities to direct the flow of history. We excel at designing, organizing, creating, healing, repairing, and leading (he emphasizes ''leading''). This manifests as power within finance, government, business, medicine, and the military. My Alliance and I (he emphasizes ''and I'') believe that Order is the ideal to live by. Chaos, disorder, randomness, instability, entropy are enemies to be fought with every fiber of our being", culminates with a loud sniff.


    Ordo, suddenly pensive: "At one time I, as well as others, saw a danger in what you represent."


    Hiro: "What I represent? So, what''s changed, why have you agreed to teach me?"


    Ordo: "I was (he squints with the pain of admitting this) wrong. Life requires both order and chaos in order to survive. Symmetry is needed to maintain balance. It pains me to say it, but there are still those within my Alliance who want to achieve pure Order, untarnished by Chaos."


    Hiro: "Order doesn''t sound that bad, people could be happy with more Order in their lives."


    Ordo: "On the path to perfect order is ultimate control, meaning no individual freedom. Further down the path of Order is the absence of life, which by its nature requires Chaos. Furthest down the path is emptiness ¨C pure void. There''s a sub-Alliance within the Order Alliance that has been pursuing this extreme goal for decades, even though it is the ultimate hubris and folly. There''s more to the story, but I will leave that to your uncle."


    Hiro, bowing: "Thank you, Master Ordo, for explaining this to me. As I learn, I find there is always more to learn."


    Ordo, nodding in appreciation: "Well said young man."


    <u>Encounter with an Order Alliance agent:</u>


    Hiro and his friends are walking down the main street of town during the summer harvest festival. Food stalls, animal show contests, rides, and game booths line the street.


    Hiro, jumping up and down, gawking at booths in rapid succession: "Summer harvest festival is the best."


    Relicta: "You''re such a goof ball. No need to rush, we have plenty of time to enjoy it ¡ª it is amazing though."


    Saevus, mimicking shoving food into his mouth: "Let''s get some food."


    Illudo, mimicking an animal strutting: "I want to see the best in show animal contests."


    Aemulor, flexing his biceps: "I want to try some of the games. Perhaps I can win a prize for you Relicta."


    Relicta: "Let''s go on some rides first."


    They all look at each other and shout: "Roller coaster!", then dash down the street.


    At the top of the roller coaster, Hiro/Relicta are in the front row, followed by Aemulor/Saevus, and Illudo seated alone in the last row of the coaster car. Relicta slides closer to Hiro, who is oblivious. The roller coaster climbs to the top of the first crest, then races down the other side, as all of them scream excitedly. As their cart races towards the top of the next crest, the supporting roller coaster structure collapses, triggering a series of events in rapid succession. Hiro''s eyes reflect a slot machine arm being pulled with a triple jackpot result. A strong gust of wind blows a nearby inflated jumping castle off its moorings and into the air. All five friends are shrieking as their cart is projected off of the rail and into the air. Relicta puts her arms around Hiro. Miraculously, the jumping castle lands just prior to the coaster cart, cushioning their impact.


    The friends look at each other, surprised they are all ok, and then shout out in joy: "Best ride ever!"


    Illudo: "Like I''ve said before, crazy things always seem to happen around you Hiro."


    Hiro responds with a sheepish look.


    Aemulor: "The adults will have lots of questions and will probably ask us to undergo a medical exam."


    Saevus: "But I feel fine, I want to spend the day at the fair, not in some doctor''s office."


    Aemulor: "Waiting here is the responsible thing to do."


    Relicta starts running and laughing: "Last one to the cake booth is buying."


    As the friends walk by one of the fair booths, the attendant, dressed in black hooded cape, calls out to them: "Friends, come visit my booth and one of you is guaranteed to win a prize ¡ª it could change your life."


    Saevus: "Free stuff, let''s go guys."


    Hiro: "But they''re Order Alliance members."


    Aemulor: "So, what have you got against them?"


    Hiro: "Nothing, it''s just ..."


    Illudo, with a somewhat wry expression: "Come on Hiro, it''ll be fine."


    Hiro, with head down: "Oh, ok"


    Relicta looks at Hiro with a concerned expression as they walk to the booth.


    Booth attendant: "Don''t be concerned young citizens. The rules of this quiz game are simple. Whoever is able to answer the most questions correctly will win a prize. Nothing could be easier. Are you ready?"


    All nod in assent.


    Booth attendant: "Then let''s begin." Holding up the cards with the Psychic, Technology, and Order Alliance emblems. "Which of these emblems represent the Order Alliance?"


    Hiro raises his hand pointing to the Order emblem.


    Attendant: "Correct, what does the symbol represent?


    Hiro: "Unity."


    Attendant: "Succinct, but true. What abilities does the Order Alliance possess?"


    Hiro: "Designing, organizing, creating, healing, repairing, and leading."


    Attendant: "Yes."


    Aemulor: "Since the Order Alliance represents all that is good in the world, why isn''t it represented by white instead of black?"


    Attendant, looking toward Hiro: "Let me answer that with a question. Have any of you heard of the Chaos Alliance?"


    Hiro, instinctually recoils, thinks to himself: "Be careful Hiro."


    Hiro, aloud: "It''s just a myth."


    Attendant: "That''s true. But in that myth white is portrayed as the color of Chaos, representing all colors. In other words, total disorder and madness."


    Hiro, blurts out, then stops himself: "It''s not ...


    Attendant with a supercilious grin: "It''s not what?"


    Hiro, calming himself: "It''s just a myth."


    Attendant: "Yes, of course. Well, it''s clear who the winner is."


    The attendant holds up what looks like a holographic rotating Order emblem.


    Aemulor: "So cool!"


    Attendant: "It''s not just for appearances. It provides the user with direct access to, and assistance from the Order Alliance."


    Attendant holds it out to Hiro. Hiro lifts up his hand to accept it but quickly snatches his hand back.


    Hiro: "Give it to Aemulor, he can have it."


    Aemulor: "Are you sure? (Hiro nods in assent) Thanks Hiro."


    The attendant offers it to Aemulor, who accepts it from him. The five of them leave the booth area.


    Aemulor, eyes lit up: "Guys, I need to take this home. I''ll see you all tomorrow", and runs off.


    Illudo: "I may as well get going too, cya", waving as he walks off.


    Saevus: "Yeah, me too", catches up to Illudo.


    Hiro and Relicta walk down the street together.


    Relicta stops and fidgets.


    Hiro: "What is it? Is something wrong?"


    Relicta, embarrassed: "This isn''t easy for me to say, but I want you to know I have feelings for you."


    Relicta kisses Hiro on the cheek and runs off down the street, leaving Hiro standing there, blinking in surprise.


    <u>Hiro''s decision:</u>


    Hiro and Commander are sitting outside his farmhouse, near a tractor, playing chess.


    Uncle, moving a chess piece: "Check mate, again."


    Hiro: "One more time."


    Commander: "One of the most important lessons I''ve tried to engrain in you is to always believe in yourself and your goal. Keep persevering even in the face of seemingly impossible odds. Many individuals have great potential, but without purpose and effort that potential is wasted."


    Hiro: "I promise I''ll keep working hard to get stronger and protect others."


    Uncle, serious, looking at Hiro: "Your Alliance instructors tell me you''ve done well. As you know, an individual''s Alliance alignment is evidenced by the transformation of their hair and eyes. While anyone can attempt an Alliance ability, only those within an Alliance can truly master it. Even so, you have more potential than non-Alliance members to become adept across the different Alliances. Well, except for Order, but that''s understandable. And again, keep in mind that you still won''t be able to achieve the same proficiency as Alliance members."


    Hiro: "Which Alliance is strongest?"


    Uncle: "No one Alliance is strongest. Ultimately who wins a battle is determined by the individual wielding the ability ¨C skill, innate power, will, stamina, perhaps the element of surprise."


    Hiro: "Uncle, I notice that my teachers slip sometimes and refer to you as ''the Commander''"


    Uncle: "There''s some history among us ... they used to serve under me in a military unit."


    Hiro: "What happened, why aren''t all of you together anymore?"


    Uncle: "We completed our mission and went our separate ways. When one phase of your life is completed, it''s time to move on to the next. You''ve seen the shield emblem, but do you know what it represents?"


    Hiro shakes his head ''no''. Uncle draws the symbol of the shield in the ground, with the Alliance emblems at each juncture, saying their names as he points to them, "Order, Militant Faith, Technology, Psychic, Magic, Quantum, and Chaos."


    Hiro: "aaah, so the shield is a representation of all the Alliances."


    Uncle: "Yes, but more than that, the shield is a promise to protect others, and shows the interconnectedness between Alliances."


    Hiro: "and Order and Chaos are on opposite sides."


    Uncle: "Yes, they are. We need to take your training to the next level. There''s a school called ''The Path of the Shield'', that provides instruction on all the Alliance abilities. To gain admission, you have to succeed in a series of tests called ''battle challenges.'' You''d be facing some tough opponents, but you''d have several opportunities to win, and just need to defeat one of them. How do you feel about leaving your home here and going to this school?"


    Hiro, head down: "Would I still be able to see mom & dad (visualizes them)? And my friends (visualizes them but focuses in on Relicta.)"


    Uncle: "in between semesters."


    Hiro: "I want to experience life, learn, and get stronger. I love it here, but I need to get out there and explore."


    Uncle: "That''s a yes then?"


    Hiro, looks up, determined: "Yes."


    Uncle, smiles: "A couple of things, first is that it will be best if you refer to me as ''Commander'' while at the school. Second, some time back there was a movement that forced the removal of Chaos from the school curriculum. There are a few students who are not affiliated with any of the Alliances, so you will matriculate as one of them."


    Hiro: "You mean an ordinary citizen?"


    Uncle: "Anything else would draw attention to yourself."


    Hiro: "What happened to the Chaos Alliance?"


    Uncle, looking down, anguished: "It was deemed too dangerous and destroyed."


    Hiro: "Who decided that?"


    Uncle, looking away: "Elements within the Order Alliance."


    Hiro: "Uncle, there was an Order Alliance recruitment officer in town last week. He asked me and my friends questions about the Order and Chaos Alliances."


    Uncle, suddenly agitated: "Why didn''t you tell me earlier?"


    Hiro: "It didn''t seem important, is it?"


    Uncle, sighing: "It''s not safe for you here anymore. Get your things, we''re leaving."


    Hiro: "But I have to tell everyone I''m leaving."


    Uncle: "We will tell your mom and dad. They''ll understand and come up with a cover story for you. The fewer people who know where you are, the better."


    Hiro, saddened thinking about his friends: "Relicta, Aemulor, Saevus, Illudo ¨C I''m sorry."

 School Entrance Qualifiers

    <u>Hiro vs. Sloth</u>


    Students and teachers are in the stands of a vast metallic egg-shaped domed stadium, viewing large monitors, cheering participants on.


    Young, energetic, female announcer: "Welcome one and all to the Path of the Shield battle challenge. It''s Sloth from the Quantum Alliance vs. transfer student Hiro of no Alliance affiliation in this installment of the battle challenge, where each contestant will showcase their abilities. This course is comprised of three segments. At the end of the first two segments, a gateway awaits which will transport the contestants on to the next phase."


    Hiro is at the starting line of the course featuring a maze of swinging, razor-sharp sickles.


    Hiro, looking around, tapping his foot impatiently: "ok, where is my opponent?"


    Announcer: "Could it be that Sloth is a no-show? We can''t delay anymore. Hiro is awarded the ..."


    Hiro: "No, wait. I don''t want to win like that."


    Announcer: "Oh, wait. What''s that up above? This guy likes to travel in style folks."


    Four drones can be seen lowering down from a height, carrying a four-poster bed beneath them.


    Hiro, jumping up and down in excitement, sees Sloth approaching: "Yeah, yeah I''m pumped. I''m going to give it my all."


    As the bed touches down, Sloth sits up, head down and shoulders slumped, yawns, mumbles "You''re such a pain. If it wasn''t for you, I wouldn''t have to be here right now", then lies back down snoring loudly. Sloth is a 15 year old, 6'' 2" tall, 170 lb., lanky male. His unkempt purple hair and purple eyes mark him as a member of the Quantum Alliance. He''s wearing a bath robe over his track suit, with slippers on his feet.


    Hiro: "Hey come on Sloth, wake up. Let''s compete!"


    Sloth, mumbles: "Sharp sickles, too dangerous", sighs as a snot bubble emerges from his nose.


    Announcer: "Well of course it''s dangerous folks, but it''s all part of the challenge, and also very entertaining for the rest of us. In all likelihood the school would intercede on your behalf to avert your imminent demise, but there''s always the possibility of an accident. Furthermore, if you demonstrate that you''re unfit to compete in the challenges, then you will be deemed unworthy of attending this school. During this race you need to be aware of your surroundings and use your Alliance abilities to progress. Prepare yourselves, the countdown starts now."


    Giant color lit auto race style poles on either side of them start to count down from 3, 2, 1. As the start horn sounds, Hiro is off. He takes several steps and looks back to see Sloth still snoring in bed.


    Hiro, stopping: "Acck! Come on, wake up! It''s no fun to complete this by myself!"


    Sloth rolls out of bed, hits the ground, and continues rolling towards and through the starting line.


    Hiro, incredulous, watches as Sloth rolls by: "Hey, wait for me!"


    Even though asleep, Sloth is able to anticipate both the swinging scythes and the flame geysers ¨C?stopping at times, sitting up, curling into a fetal position, changing angle, breathing in, stretching his arms and shoulders at other times, or stopping to yawn to avoid them.


    Hiro weaves his way through the swinging scythes ¨C stumbling, doing cartwheels, dives and other acrobatics to avoid certain death. Sloth sees Hiro racing out in front of him within his dream vision. A small smirk crosses Sloth''s lips, a purple aura enveloping him as he visualizes a clock''s pendulum slowing down, superimposed over Hiro''s left leg. Hiro''s leg slows, causing him to lose balance, flying headfirst at one of the swinging pendulums. Within Hiro''s eyes there is the image of playing cards being dealt ¨C as the second card turns over, Hiro gets black jack, and the pendulum in front of him stops swinging. Unfortunately for Hiro, his momentum carries him headfirst into the side of the now motionless scythe, knocking him down.


    Hiro: "Ow ow ow. No fair, I know you did that somehow Sloth."


    Just then, red hot flames start to jet out from the ground causing Hiro to do a series of back flips to evade them. Before he knows it, he is back at the start of the obstacle course, while Sloth is nearing its end.


    Announcer: "Hiro just runs headfirst into danger. Could it be he doesn''t have any Alliance abilities ... or common sense?"


    Hiro: "Alright then, I''ll try the quantum skills Master Chao taught me".


    Hiro gathers himself up, closes his eyes, takes a breath, puts palms together on his chest, visualizes the quantum infinity insignia, and then the course (in monochromatic purple) including the unseen mechanisms driving the obstacles. Almost imperceptibly, his cap seems to glow, emitting static electricity.


    Hiro, opens his eyes and starts off: "ok, here I go!"


    This time Hiro''s approach is more refined, sensing obstacles before encountering them.


    Hiro, as he progresses: "I''m too far behind, it won''t be enough. Well, two can play at that game."


    He reaches out and brushes one of the scythes as he passes by it. An energy pulse is transmitted through the mechanisms, and the last scythe blocking Sloth''s path starts to swing at high frequency. Sloth raises his head and coughs, the air waves approaching the now impossible to see, blur of air that is the swinging scythe in front of him. As the cough impacts with the scythe, there is a screeching sound of crashing metal gears, as all the scythes tumble to the ground, with puffs of smoke gasping from the flame throwers. Sloth crosses the grey, haziness of the first gate just ahead of Hiro.


    Hiro: "Darn!"


    Announcer: "And there you have it. Sloth leads after the first leg of this exciting battle!"


    As they pass through the gate, first Sloth, and then Hiro appear above and then plop into the midst of two separate gaggles of beautiful, green haired, bikini clad gals who are lounging on ornate, plushy pillows atop Arabian blankets. Sloth just melts into the pillows and starts snoring, oblivious to the cooing and touching of the girls. Hiro''s face goes bright red and he gets a nosebleed, passing out. Suddenly, the girls start transforming.


    Announcer: "Oh no, who could have predicted these lovely ladies are actually soul sucking sirens? Looks like our contestants are out cold and unable to defend themselves. This could be curtains for them."


    The sirens begin chanting their high pitched, drowsy sea song, baring fangs and claws at their prey. Within Sloth''s dream, a giant tuning fork appears, emitting a low bass rumble, which gets louder and louder. The sound peaks with an earthquake like rumbling escaping from Sloth''s nostrils in the form of a snore. The sirens cover their ears, and are blown upwards and outwards into the sky.


    Sloth awakens, looking around: "Huh, well that was a nice nap, this blanket''s contours and cushions are exceptional, wrapping me in a pocket of comfort" ¨C he sighs contentedly.


    Meanwhile, Hiro''s tummy is growling, and within his dream he''s reliving his meal prior to this contest. Plate after plate of food is devoured as Hiro keeps smiling on.


    Hiro: "Infinite tummy technique" as he visualizes the quantum infinity sign which separates, transforming into two heaping plates of food.


    While Hiro is dreaming, the sirens are closing in. A momentary scowl crosses his face, with his tummy gurgling even louder. Without warning, an explosive, prolonged fart erupts, relaxing the tension in Hiro''s face. The siren''s shocked faces turn a sickly green, and their cheeks inflate. Tears form in their eyes, followed by projectile vomit blasting them into the sky.


    Announcer: "Did we really need to see that, ladies and gentlemen?"


    As Hiro startles awake: "awwww, gross."


    He shakes off the siren vomit, looking up to see Sloth crossing into the next gate.


    Hiro: "hey, wait for me!"


    Hiro steps out of the second gate just after Sloth, again. Both are clothed in swimsuits, Hiro''s being colorfully boisterous, and Sloth''s is purple with quarter moons across.


    Announcer: "Well, someone clearly needs a bath, and we''ve got just the thing for you. Our final leg of this course is a water challenge. You''ll need to swim across the water to the final gate on the other side."


    Sloth falls backward into the water and starts to float, apparently asleep again.


    Hiro: "No problem, swimming across that distance is easy", as he cannonballs in.


    Hiro starts swimming speedily toward the finish line, while Sloth can be seen flexing his toes to adjust to the current and is somehow managing to keep pace with Hiro.


    Hiro: "Aaahhh, no fair, I''m doing all the work, how are you keeping up with me!?"


    Announcer: "Looks like it''s neck and neck so far, but it can''t be that easy ¨C I hope you like calamari!"


    Suddenly a giant Kraken rears up out of the water in front of them, its tentacles flailing about above the water, it opens its beak letting out an earth-shattering roar. Both contestants stop in their tracks.


    Hiro: "We''re gonna have to pull out all the stops to get past that monster."


    Sloth: "What a drag, expending energy is so tiresome".


    Sloth''s skin starts glowing with a purple haze as he visualizes a hot-rod with a full tank of gas revving up at the start line of a drag race. Hiro''s cap emits a few sparks as he visualizes the quantum symbol on a glowing reactor labeled matter/anti-matter. One of the Kraken''s tentacle''s sweeps toward the duo, just as they leap from the water. Both start running across the surface of the water dodging tentacle strikes. The Kraken adjusts strategy and starts spinning super-fast, creating a tsunami that moves toward the pair. Hiro leaps out of the water with a horrified expression trying to run away in mid-air, but the wave strikes the duo sending them backwards.


    Hiro: "Looks like we can''t get around it."


    Sloth: "I was afraid of this."


    Hiro: "No choice, we''ll have to take it out."


    Hiro and Sloth change tactics, heading straight for it, each bounding up onto its tentacles, until finally delivering a series of coordinated, simultaneous kicks to its single eye. In a visual metaphor, the two of them are dancing a waltz together, wearing tuxedos, with perfect footwork, and Hiro blushing. The kinetic energy of their combined kicks builds up, culminating with the Kraken exploding into cooked calamari rings, which start raining down from the sky.


    Announcer: "Well, that fish is fried" ¨C spectators groan.


    Sloth and Hiro perform air acrobatics as they land together, and sprint toward the finish line. Hiro grabs calamari out of the air, gobbling them up as he runs. Hiro is a step behind as Sloth breaks through the finish line, materializing back in the stadium to the raucous cheers of the audience. Sloth immediately falls, first to his knees, then face down as he begins to snore.


    Announcer: "Looks like our winner is out cold."


    Hiro, stamping his foot: "Darn, darn, darn. I wanted to win!"


    Commander appears: "Well done both of you. Quantum is Sloth''s Alliance, so finishing so close behind him is respectable."


    Hiro: "Next time, next time Sloth, I''m gonna win!"


    Sloth smiles, while in his dream he thinks "He didn''t have to wait for me at the starting line ¨C this kid might be alright."


    <u>Hiro vs. Terridus</u>


    Teachers and students are back in the stadium to view the next battle challenge on giant monitors.


    Announcer: "Welcome one and all to the Path of the Shield battle challenge. It''s Terridus from the Magic Alliance vs. transfer student Hiro of no Alliance affiliation in this installment of the battle challenge, where each contestant will showcase their abilities. This course is comprised of three segments. At the end of the first two segments, a gateway awaits which will transport the contestants on to the next phase."


    Terridus is at the competition''s start gate within a forest, surrounded by squirrels and rabbits. Age 14, with light complexion, she is 5'' 6" and weighs 95 lbs. Wearing an over-sized t-shirt emblazoned with an anime logo, torn jeans, and sneakers, her pink hair and pink eyes peak out from under a wide brimmed hat, marking her as a member of the Magic Alliance. She''d be described as cute, although she projects a desire to be inconspicuous by making herself as small as possible to avoid being noticed.


    Terridus, speaking to the forest animals: "hey you cuties, will you be rooting for me?"


    Hiro walks up: "Hi, I''m Hiro, nice to meet you. I like your furry friends."


    Terridus squats down forming a ball, and buries her head in her lap, quivering.


    Terridus, mumbles: "H H H Hello."


    Hiro: "Sorry, I didn''t mean to startle you. Looks like we''ll be competing against each other. What''s your name?"


    Terridus: "I''m T T T Terridus, from the Magic Alliance."


    She peaks up at Hiro and then ducks her head down again quickly.


    Announcer: "Contestants, for the first segment of this competition, you''ll make your way through the marked path within the forest."


    Hiro, shouts suspiciously at the announcer: "That sounds too easy."


    Announcer: "Well of course it''s not that easy. During this competition you need to be aware of your surroundings and use your Alliance abilities to move forward, that is if you have any. Prepare yourselves. And the countdown starts now."


    Giant color lit auto race style poles on either side of them start to count down from 3, 2, 1.


    As the start horn sounds, Terridus is still trying to make herself into a tight ball, so she won''t be noticed. Hiro leaps forward but stops when he sees Terridus hasn''t started.


    Hiro: "Hey, come on. Let''s go, the race has started."


    Terridus: "N N N No, that''s ok, you go on without me. This forest is scary."


    Announcer: "Perhaps a little incentive is in order."


    The rabbits and squirrels start to grow in size, their eyes turn red, their teeth and claws lengthen and sharpen, as a dark miasma clings to them.


    Announcer: "You''ll be interested to know their claws and teeth are poisonous."


    Hiro shouts: "Terridus, look up. Hurry, they''ll surround you!"


    Terridus looks up to see the creatures surrounding her. As she shrieks, her hair spikes up, she jumps straight into the air, her legs spin in mid-air and she speeds past Hiro, through the starting post, and into the forest.


    Hiro: "Hey, wait for me. Why am I always saying that?"


    Hiro kicks it into high gear on the twisting dirt path through the forest, with the rabid creatures nipping at his heels. Hiro''s eyes reflect a pair of rolling dice that come up as 4-3 for a winning seven. A shearing sound is heard as a tree starts falling in his path. Hiro leaps onto the falling trunk while it is still in mid-air, bounding over it. The ferocious furries aren''t as fortunate, with a crash and squishing, splattering sounds behind him. Hiro''s athleticism allows him to catch up to Terridus, who is still screeching at the top of her lungs.


    Hiro: "Hey, I think we have some breathing room, they''re not behind us anymore."


    Terridus'' head pivots left and right, she stops screaming, bends over and starts panting heavily trying to catch her breath.


    Hiro: "Why didn''t you use your magic?"


    Terridus: "Why didn''t you use yours?"


    Hiro: "I''m not a member of the Magic Alliance, so magic is harder for me. Plus, there wasn''t much time."


    Terridus: "You seemed to shake them off somehow."


    Hiro: "That''s just my bad luck; a tree fell down and nearly crushed me. Stuff like that just happens to me."


    A rustle is heard back in the forest, and both of them gaze that way.


    Hiro: "Looks like they''re back."


    Terridus tries to rise but when she puts pressure on her left ankle she staggers.


    Terridus: "Owww, my ankle."


    Hiro looks to see the critters emerging behind them.


    Hiro, as he bends down and points to his back: "Quick, get on".


    She stares back at him uncertainly and then at the approaching critters.


    Hiro: "Hurry!"


    Terridus is hyperventilating as she climbs onto him, piggyback style. Hiro races off kicking up a cloud of dust.


    Hiro: "The gate is just ahead", and they both go through it together.


    Announcer: "That''s something you don''t see every day, looks like it''s a tie? (questioningly) going through the first gate."


    As they pass through the gate, they emerge in midair at a dizzying height, falling through a purple sky with 3 moons. Hiro and Terridus are in close proximity, with parachutes strapped to their backs.


    Announcer: "A piece of advice, you may want to pull your parachute rip chords before you get too close to the ground."


    Close up of Terridus shows her eyes are tightly closed.


    Hiro, maneuvers closer to her yelling: "Pull your rip-chord!"


    Terridus opens her eyes, looks at Hiro, and nods in assent. They pull their rip chords simultaneously, but their chutes just separate from their bodies and fly off. Hiro''s eyes go wide, and his mouth opens in shock, while Terridus'' lips begin to quiver, and she starts crying.


    Announcer: "Oopsie, that wasn''t supposed to happen. On to plan B, there''s an inflated target pad down below, if you can maneuver to land on it, it may break your fall. Ummm, maybe."


    Hiro: "Here, hold my hand, I''ll try to guide us to the target", he extends his hand and Terridus reaches out to him as she stops crying and blushes.


    Hiro envisions the magic pentagram in his head as his cap seems to glow pink and spark: "Wings"


    Pink wings sprout out from Hiro''s back slowing their descent, although maybe not enough.


    Terridus: "Why are you helping me instead of trying to win?"


    Hiro, smiling: "Being a good friend is more important than winning."


    Terridus: "Are we friends?"


    Hiro: "I hope so. Look, we''re almost there, we''re going to make it."


    Announcer: "Even with those wings they''re still moving way too quickly, let''s hope they don''t bounce too hard."


    Crowd in stadium cheers, watching the giant monitors depict the action.


    Hiro and Terridus speed toward the target pad, and then ... pass right through it.


    Announcer: "Ohh, turns out that target pad was actually the second gate. Congratulations, you''ve made it this far. These are the rules of the final challenge ¡ª each of you is in a soundproof, unbreakable glass chamber containing a time bomb. You will have 30 seconds to answer 3 questions correctly to complete this challenge and be safely on your way. If you''re stuck, just say "pass" to move on to the next question. Let''s see what you''re made of¡ªhopefully figuratively, not literally. Time starts ... now."


    There is a large LED timer above each of them counting down.


    Hiro, thinking: "I hope Terridus will be ok. Heck, I hope I''ll be ok."


    Terridus, thinking: "I don''t need magic for this, so I should be ok."


    Within each chamber, the first question rings out: "What has many keys, but can''t even open a single door?"


    Hiro and Terridus, both their faces light up: "Easy. A piano!"


    "Correct" is heard in each chamber, with timers at 25 seconds.


    Announcer: "One down, two to go, and plenty of time left on the clock."


    Next question: "I have two hands, but I cannot scratch myself. What am I?"


    Hiro thinking: "I need to calm down and center myself."


    Hiro closes his eyes, his thoughts drifting to his quantum lessons with Master Chao.


    Hiro thinking: "Be aware of your yourself and your surroundings, time, space, and other dimensions ... time time", as he visualizes a clock.


    Hiro: "That''s it, a clock!"


    "Correct" is heard in Hiro''s Chamber, his timer is at 15 seconds.


    Shift to Terridus, with an anxious look on her face, thinking "itchy itchy" as she starts to scratch herself front and back. Her eyes catch the clock ticking down overhead and she shouts: "Pass", with 15 seconds left on her clock.


    Next question: "I am as light as a feather, yet no one can hold me for long. What am I?"


    Shift to Hiro: "arrgh (strained look on his face), how can it be so light and no one can hold it? Wait, maybe it''s ... fire!"


    "Incorrect" is heard in Hiro''s chamber, 7 seconds left on the clock.


    Shift to Terridus thinking to herself, "ok, calm down Terridus, breathe, breathe". Her eyes light up: "That''s it, breath!"


    "Correct" is heard in Terridus'' chamber, 7 seconds left on the clock.


    Next Question:" What has six faces, but does not wear makeup, has twenty-one eyes, but cannot see? What is it?"


    Hiro: "Ack, I don''t know, there isn''t enough time left."


    Terridus: "Huh, what?" looks up at the clock as the last few seconds are running out


    Announcer: "This could get messy ladies and gentlemen."


    Dice are seen rolling in Hiro''s eyes, landing on 5 and 2. The bomb mechanism starts to make whirring, screeching sounds. Terridus starts to shake uncontrollably and then freezes up completely. Her eyes close, then open gazing upwards as she murmurs an incantation, emitting a pink aura. Meanwhile, the mechanism in Hiro''s chamber starts to smoke and fizzle, with the timer blanking out.


    The bomb within Terridus'' chamber materializes high in the air above the stadium crowd, detonating with a violent explosion. Terridus passes out, slumping to the floor.


    Announcer, with blackened face, singed eyelashes and eyebrows from the explosion: "and the answer is a die, as in dice. Uh, what just happened?"


    As the chambers around the contestants are lifted away, Hiro runs to Terridus. Hiro takes one of her hands in his with a concerned look.


    Hiro: "Terridus, wake up. Are you alright?" Terridus starts to stir, then opens her eyes looking at Hiro.


    Terridus: "Hiro, I knew you''d save me."


    Hiro: "But I didn''t, my timer went haywire, and then there was an explosion above the stadium."


    Terridus: "I''m going to take a nap now, nighty night," as her eyes close.


    Announcer: "We have a ruling by the judges. Since Terridus overcame her time bomb using magic, whereas Hiro''s bomb mechanism malfunctioned, he is disqualified from the competition. Terridus is the victor."


    Crowd cheers.


    Hiro: "I lost again. I have to try harder next time!"


    <u>Hiro vs. Parvul</u>


    Teachers and students are back in the stadium to view the next battle challenge on giant monitors.


    Announcer: "Welcome one and all to the Path of the Shield battle challenge. It''s Parvul from the Technology Alliance vs. transfer student Hiro of no alliance affiliation in this installment of the battle challenge, where each contestant will showcase their abilities. This course is comprised of three segments. At the end of the first two segments, a gateway awaits which will transport the contestants on to the next phase."


    At 5''2", weighing 80 lbs., Parvul, lollipop in mouth, looks younger than her 12 years of age. Her cute, big eyes are silver metallic, just like her ponytailed hair, marking her as a member of the Technology Alliance. Her advanced tech body suit envelops her from the neck down, sinuously flowing with her every movement.


    Parvul and Hiro are both at the starting gate within the spectator dome.


    Parvul, taking lollipop out of mouth: "Probability of Hiro''s defeat, 100%" as she sticks out her tongue at him and pulls one lower eye lid down with her finger, "nyaahh."


    Hiro: "Hi, I''m Hiro little girl, nice to meet you. Do you know where Parvul is?"


    Parvul, face getting red: "I''m Parvul, and I''m not a little girl, I just look young. Now apologize. You made me sad, you poopoo head!"


    Hiro, bowing: "Sorry, sorry, sorry. I sometimes open my mouth and say dumb stuff before I think. Please forgive me."


    Parvul: "Hmmmpffff. Well ok, just this one time." She looks away from him. "Just so you know, I''m a lot smarter than you."


    Hiro''s jaw drops open.


    Announcer (before Hiro can respond): "This chit chat is great and all, but let''s get started. During this race you need to be aware of your surroundings and use your Alliance abilities to move forward, except for Hiro since he doesn''t have an Alliance. And the countdown starts now."


    Giant color lit auto race style poles on either side of them start to count down from 3, 2, 1.


    As the start horn sounds, both contestants vault toward the start gate. Parvul emits a silver metallic aura with her tech suit providing a significant boost as it transforms around her legs giving her additional power. As she passes through the gate, she reappears inside of a jet-wing which is racing through a steep, orange rock canyon. Hiro appears behind her as they both zig zag through the course.


    Hiro: "Amazing. Woohoo!"


    Parvul, looking back: "So, he''s keeping pace with me, huh? Time to upgrade this jalopy".


    Her suit extends metallic tentacles piercing into the jet pack, upgrading the engine.


    Parvul, looking back: "nyahh, nyahh, nyahh, nyahh, nyahh", as she starts pulling ahead.


    Hiro: "Hey, is that even fair?"


    Announcer: "She is allowed to use her Alliance ability. And we''re allowed to turn up the pressure."


    Multiple machine gun mounted jet-wings drop down from above to pursue them. Hiro and Parvul perform evasive maneuvers as bullet rounds whiz by them.


    Parvul: "Probability they I take you flies out, 100%."


    Her jet-wing sprouts laser canons on each wing, and then she performs a 360-degree loop, circling back behind her pursuers.


    Parvul: "Laser cannons fire!"


    2 of her 4 pursuers explode, although the other two break away.


    Hiro: "I don''t have any weapons to fight back!"


    Hiro, thinking: "We''re in the air, so I can try the wind magic that Master Laetus taught me."


    Hiro visualizes the magic emblem as he murmurs an incantation. In response, a gust of wind sends one of his pursuers careening into another, with a satisfying ''Boom.''


    Hiro: "Woah, that really came in handy, but there are still two of them pursuing me."


    Hiro: "Console, patch me into Parvul. Parvul, it''s Hiro, are you there?"


    Parvul: "Where else would I be, silly?"


    Hiro: "Do you trust me?"


    Parvul: "Why should I trust you? We''re competing and besides, we just met."


    Hiro: "Well, I have an idea. If we work together, we can take out the remaining enemies."


    Parvul, rolling her eyes: "Go ahead, I''m listening."


    Hiro: "Turn back around and head straight for me."


    Parvul: "What!?"


    Hiro: "At the last second, I''ll nose up and you nose down."


    Parvul: "I see, like a game of chicken."


    Jet-wings around her are closing in again, and her jet-wing is being rattled.


    Parvul, thinking: "It looks like the remaining two jet-wings have adapted, so this just got harder."


    Parvul: "I can do the precise calculations to maximize our chance of success, so I will tell you when to break away. You better not get me killed, you dumdum."


    Parvul rolls back in Hiro''s direction.


    Hiro: "Thanks for trusting me"


    Parvul: "I don''t trust you; I just did the math."


    Tension can be seen on both their faces, as they race towards each other with the jet wings in close pursuit.


    Parvul: "Now!"


    Hiro pulls up as Parvul noses down, and the enemy jet wings collide into each other ¨C Blam!


    Hiro: "Woohoo! That was awesome Parvul ... Parvul?"


    Hiro looks around and then sees Parvul''s jet-wing trailing smoke leading to its impact and explosion with the ground.


    Hiro, distraught: "Parvul! Nooooo!"


    Announcer: "That was a spectacular crash. It looks like we''re down to one contestant. Well, that''s how the cookie crumbles."


    Hiro continues on toward the gate, tears streaming down his cheek, although he is expressionless and numb.


    Suddenly, something streaks up to his side. As Hiro looks over, he''s shocked and elated to see Parvul flying next to him, without a jet wing.


    Parvul, smirking: "I didn''t know you cared Hiro."


    Hiro: "But how?"


    Parvul: "Easy, my body tech just adapted itself for flight. Come on slow poke, see if you can keep up."


    Announcer: "Gotta admit, I didn''t see that coming. The race is on."


    Hiro smiles, trailing after Parvul as she passes through the gate.


    Announcer: "The second leg of this competition is a motocross race on this off-road, wilderness track. Follow the markers to stay on course."


    Parvul and Hiro are now dressed in black leather and helmet, riding motocross bikes. Parvul maintains a slight lead over Hiro, bounding up and down hills, through sharp turns with jungle surrounding them.


    Hiro: "I''m surprised you can ride a motorcycle."


    Parvul: "Why, because I''m a girl?"


    Hiro: "No, because you''re ..."


    Parvul, angry: "Grrrrr, because what, I''m so young!?"


    Hiro, drawing it out: "Well ..."


    Parvul: "How about you, how do you know how to ride a motorcycle or a jet wing for that matter?"


    Hiro, proud: "I''ve had some terrific personal tutors, we covered a lot of ground."


    Announcer: "Before you two get too cozy, we''ve invited some other guests to join you."


    Velociraptors emerge from the jungle onto the course.


    Parvul, looking back: "Trying to eat me? Bad dinosaurs."


    Hiro: "They''re trying to eat me too you know."


    Parvul: "Why would they eat a tough piece of meat like you, when they can have an exquisite, tasty morsel like me instead?"


    Velociraptors are nipping at Hiro, as he tries to kick them away. Some shoot past him to pursue Parvul.


    Hiro: "Tell that to them."


    Hiro, thinking: "They''re living creatures, so maybe I can try one of Master Dulcia''s mind techniques on them."


    Hiro swings his bike toward an attacking velociraptor, envisions the Psychic emblem and brushes its head with his hand. As the velociraptor looks across at him, it suddenly sees a T-Rex in Hiro''s place. Getting spooked, the velociraptor twists around, crashing into the other velociraptors around it, creating a dinosaur pile up.This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    Announcer: "What just happened? Our poor little Dinos got themselves all tangled up."


    Meanwhile, Parvul''s modified her motocross bike with rear flamethrowers, cooking one of her pursuers.


    Announcer: "Flamethrower vs. Velociraptor. Flamethrower 1, Velociraptor 0"


    As Hiro passes by, he somehow has a fork in his hand and grabs a chunk of cooked meat, stuffing it into his mouth.


    Hiro, smiling: "Yummy"


    Looking back, Parvul looks grossed out.


    The two remaining velociraptors turn their attention to Hiro and are now on either side of him. As they converge on him, a roulette wheel is reflected in Hiro''s eyes, coming up double zero. Hiro''s front tire gets caught on a branch in the road and sends him flying into the air, and onto the back of Parvul''s bike with a thud. Hiro reflexively puts his arms around Parvul, who slowly turns her head to see Hiro behind her, turning her face a bright red.


    Parvul: "Get off me you pervert!"


    Hiro: "Sorry, it was an accident, the gate is just ahead."


    Announcer: "Hiro''s literally fallen for the girl."


    Their bike races through the next gate.


    Hiro and Parvul are on opposite sides of an arena, with three 8-foot-tall humanoid robots facing each of them. All robots have a shield for defense. On offense, one robot has a sword, one has a mace, and the other has a battle axe.


    Announcer: "Congratulations, you''ve both survived ¡ª so far anyway (hushed voice) ¡ª to face the final challenge. Now all you have to do is make it past these bloodthirsty war robots to reach the final gate at the center of the stadium."


    There is a stand of weapons near the contestants. Hiro chooses a shield and broad sword, while Parvul selects a mace.


    Hiro, thinking: "Time to put some of Uncle''s training to use."


    Hiro runs at the nearest robot, ducking below its sword as it swings it at him, rolls underneath its legs, and strikes the back of the robot''s right knee, sending it down on that knee.


    Robot, in a metallic voice: "Insubordination"


    Hiro starts hacking at it in a quick flurry from behind, but his sword is harmlessly bouncing off. Hiro closes his eyes, envisions the militant faith symbol, and breaths in saying "Strengthen" ¡ª his body pumps up and his cap seems to send out red sparks. Unlike before, Hiro''s sword impacts are now booming and cutting into the robot as it emits sparks, flailing its arms, until its lights go out. Hiro''s physique returns to normal.


    Meanwhile, Parvul''s facing off against the robot with the mace.


    Robot: "Ha, you are too little, my mace is bigger. I will squash you like a bug."


    Parvul: "No, mine is bigger."


    Parvul emits a silver metallic aura as she integrates with her mace, increasing it to a ridiculously massive size. She then jumps into the air, swinging her mace overhead to bring it crashing down on top of the robot''s head, shattering it into pieces.


    Announcer: "Our contestants make quick work of the first robot they''ve faced, but there''s still more to come."


    Remaining robots converge on their opponents.


    Robots: "Combo attack."


    Robots start simultaneously striking at Hiro, beating him back as he tries to parry with his sword and shield.


    Hiro, thinking to himself: "Time to try one of Master Ali''s techniques. I won''t have much time, and my tech ability is limited, so I have to keep it simple."


    As the two robot''s weapons make contact with Hiro''s sword and shield, Hiro visualizes the tech emblem and sends out a command through the metal.


    Hiro: "Release."


    An electrical pulse runs through Hiro''s weapons into the robots, who freeze up, dropping their shields and weapons. Unfortunately, they immediately recover, side stepping to grab Hiro''s wrists, twisting them until he drops his weapons.


    Hiro, grimacing in pain as the robots twist his wrists: "Aaaaah!"


    Pulling in opposite directions on each of Hiro''s arms, the robots lift him off the ground.


    Announcer, causing the audience to groan: "That''s stretching things a bit."


    Meanwhile, Parvul is spinning her mace above her head keeping her attackers at bay.


    Parvul, thinking: "If I swing at one, the other will attack."


    Robots: "Adapting tactics."


    The robots toss their weapons at Parvul, who jumps back to evade. They then do a combined pose, bending inward toward each other with fingertips and tops of their heads touching, and their outside legs lifted up. A blue energy pulse emanates out of this configuration toward Parvul. Upon impact, her body suit transforms from its metallic silver luster to a dull grey. Her mace returns to its normal size, falling to the ground, since she no longer has the strength to lift it.


    Parvul, thinking: "Must be some type of EM pulse. I don''t have time to reboot," as the robots begin converging on her she backs away.


    Parvul, crying out: "I want my mommy."


    Announcer: "Things are not looking good for our dynamic duo."


    Hiro looks over and sees Parvul backed into a corner. As he''s being stretched in opposite directions by his 2 robot opponents, Hiro screams in pain.


    Hiro: "Noooooo!"


    Hiro''s chaos ability kicks in, his eyes reflecting a multitude of flipped coins all of which land on heads. Suddenly, his robot opponents'' heads snap back and their eyes start flashing.


    Robots: "Error, error. System crash."


    As their grip on Hiro loosens, he drops to the ground, reclaiming his sword and shield as he rolls toward Parvul. Hiro ambushes Parvul''s enemy robots from behind, drawing their attention away from her.


    Hiro: "I won''t be able to hold out for much longer", as he parries and dodges their blows.


    Parvul: "I''ve managed to get some of my systems back online. I will try to help." A silvery liquid tendril extends from Parvul''s suit and makes its way to Hiro''s sword, fusing with it. Hiro envisions the Technology emblem, transforming his sword to a glowing silver. Swinging his sword, he makes contact with the first robot''s sword, cleaving it in two, then continues on to cleave the robot in two as well.


    Second Robot: "mmmm, perhaps this was all a misunderstanding, can''t we all try to get along"?


    Parvul: "Trying to kill people isn''t nice, you''re a bad robot. Get him Hiro."


    The robot raises his shield up, but Hiro''s sword cuts right through it, and the robot as well.


    Parvul''s body suit comes back online, and she races ahead toward the final gate.


    Parvul, smiling: "Good work Hiro, way to show those naughty robots who''s the boss."


    Hiro: "Hey, wait for me."


    Parvul and then Hiro pass through the gate and reappear in the stadium to the cheers of the audience.


    Announcer: "And the winner is Parvul!"


    Parvul is beaming as Hiro tilts his head upward sighing: "I lost again."


    Parvul, thinking: "He''s not too bad for a big lunkhead."


    <u>Hiro vs. Artifice</u>


    Teachers and students are back in the stadium to view the next battle challenge on giant monitors.


    Announcer: "Welcome one and all to the Path of the Shield battle challenge. It''s Artifice from the Psychic Alliance vs. transfer student Hiro of no Alliance affiliation in this installment of the battle challenge, where each contestant will showcase their abilities. This course is comprised of three segments. At the end of the first two segments, a gateway awaits which will transport the contestant on to the next phase."


    Artifice is a light complexioned, 16 years of age, 5'' 6" tall female weighing 95 lbs. She dresses in a sleeveless pinstripe grey suit and wears black plastic rim glasses, giving her the appearance of a librarian. Although tattoos aren''t typically associated with librarians, one-inch images of a book are festooned on the sides of both her arms between shoulder and elbow. She is an attractive, slim, modest bosomed member of the Magic Alliance ¨C blue hair and blue eyes.


    Artifice and Hiro are both at the starting gate within the spectator dome.


    Hiro, beaming: "It''s a pleasure to meet you Artifice."


    Artifice, walks up close and gets in Hiro''s face as if examining him: "So what are you about? You lost your first three challenges, but you did manage to stay alive and complete them, even though you''re not an Alliance member."


    Hiro, leaning back, with nervous laughter: "Just lucky I guess."


    Artifice, making a wry face: "''There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you'', that''s a quote from Maya Angelou."


    Hiro: "That''s ... deep."


    Announcer: "Time to get started folks. During this race you need to be aware of your surroundings and use your Alliance abilities, except for a certain someone, to move forward. And the countdown begins."


    Giant color lit auto race style poles on either side of them start to count down from 3, 2, 1.


    As the start horn sounds, both contestants sprint toward the start gate, in step with each other. They pass through the gate and appear at one end of a small pond, with footpads trailing away towards the opposite side.


    Announcer: "ok, get started. Isn''t it obvious? You need to make your way to the opposite side."


    Hiro and Artifice start out across the pond.


    Announcer: "Maybe I should mention, those shiny things you see darting through the water are hungry."


    Both Hiro and Artifice stop and look down to see the creatures beneath them. Hiro''s expression becomes more determined, but Artifice''s composure evaporates and her face pales.


    Announcer: "I wouldn''t stop to take a break if I were you, those foot pads are getting smaller with each passing second."


    Artifice, regains her composure, thinking: "Remember what Angie Thomas wrote, ''Brave doesn''t mean you''re not scared. It means you go on even though you''re scared''".


    Both of them start moving forward. Hiro takes a step onto a footpad, which gives way. He''s about to plunge into the water, but manages to recover by turning a cartwheel into a handstand onto the closest footpad.


    Announcer: "Oh no, Hiro stepped on a defective footpad. We''ll have some strong words for the manufacturer."


    Contestants are nearing the other side, but the footpads are noticeably smaller and there''s some balancing on one foot required now. As Hiro pauses, a slot machine is reflected in his eyes ¨C the slot lever is pulled and 3 ''Jackpot'' signs come up followed by a clang of sounds and lights. At just that moment a fish jumps out of the water, intercepting a bullet that would have struck Hiro. Closing her eyes, invisible blue tendrils spread out around Artifice until she senses the mental image of a distant sniper, outlined in red. A blue aura emanates from her as she forms a path in her mind''s eye connecting her to the sniper. A click is heard, transforming the image of the sniper from red to blue.


    Sniper''s eyes gloss over, in a monotone: "My sister, I must protect you", as he starts firing into the water killing fish after deadly fish.


    Sniper: "You''re safe now, sister."


    Announcer: "That''s what I''d expect from one of the top Psychic Alliance students, but who invited that sniper to the party? Did you kids do something to piss someone off?"


    Artifice raises her chin triumphantly: "I just saved your bacon Hiro, the least you can do is carry me the rest of the way."


    Hiro: "How did you do that?"


    Artifice: "I''ll explain it to you sometime. Maybe. Now, be a good boy and do your part."


    Hiro, resignedly: "I guess it''s only fair."


    He jumps down into the water, walks over to Artifice, who extends her arms out to show him what to do. Hiro does as instructed, Artifice jumping into his arms.


    Artifice, thinking to herself: "I could get used to this."


    Artifice, blushing, aloud: "Just don''t get any ideas you pervert."


    Hiro: "Hey, this was your idea!"


    As Hiro and Artifice pass through the gate, they appear in a white room on opposite sides of a white table.


    Announcer: "The game is two truths and a lie. Each of you gets a turn to make statements and identify your opponent''s facts vs. fiction. You get one point for each correct answer. Whoever wins gets a 20 second head start on the final round. Artifice will go first."


    Artifice takes a breath as her expression goes blank, and she speaks in a monotone:


    1.? ? "Government assassins murdered my parents


    2.? ? My mentor, Master Dulcia, murdered my parents


    3.? ? I murdered my parents"


    Hiro is taken aback: "How terrible, your parents were murdered!"


    Artifice does not react.


    Announcer: "If contestant Hiro does not provide his classifications promptly, he will lose this round. Please proceed."


    Hiro thinking: "The most believable is that the government would be responsible, although I can''t imagine why. I know Master Dulcia, and I can''t to believe she would do such a thing, although she can be very scary. I just met Artifice, but there''s no way she could kill her own parents."


    Announcer: "Your response?"


    Hiro, sighs: "statements 1 and 2 are true, statement 3 is the lie."


    Artifice: "Government assassins murdered my parents. Although Master Dulcia blames herself, she was not present, so did not murder them. I however, was present and was too weak to defend them, so I bear responsibility for their deaths."


    Hiro, protesting: "That doesn''t make you a murderer, you were just a child."


    Announcer: "We''re not here to determine absolute truths, this is Artifice''s truth. One point is awarded to Hiro. Contestant Hiro, present your statements."


    Hiro:


    1.? ? "Things tend to go wrong whenever I''m around


    2.? ? Master Dulcia told me you are her finest student


    3.? ? I have brown hair"


    Artifice thinking: "I can see that he has brown hair under that ridiculous cap he''s wearing ¨C what is he trying to pull? Is he so vain that he dyed it? I can believe that he has some type of inferiority complex and blames himself for coincidental events. Master Dulcia is always criticizing me, so it''s hard to believe she would say something like that, and besides how would he even know her? Best to use my ability on Hiro and not leave this to chance."


    Artifice closes her eyes and focuses on Hiro, trying to penetrate his mind. Artifice emits a blue aura, generating a current that enters Hiro''s mind. Simultaneously, the scene of fallen dominoes reverse cascading into one another to stand upright once again is reflected on the surface of Hiro''s eyes. Abruptly, the blue current surges back to its origin, rebuffing Artifice''s progress.


    Artifice, recoiling: "Ouchie. Ouchie."


    She casts Hiro a pained expression, rubbing her forehead.


    Artifice: "What is it with you?"


    Hiro: "Me? Huh? I didn''t do anything."


    Announcer: "Contestant Artifice, provide your classifications."


    Artifice, scowling: "Statements 1 and 3 are true, statement 2 is the lie."


    Hiro: "I am a jinx, and Master Dulcia did say that about you. My hair ... just looks brown."


    Artifice, leaning into Hiro: "How do you know Master Dulcia?"


    Hiro: "You''re not her only student; she''s one of my teachers too."


    Announcer: "One point is awarded to Artifice. We have a tie. Please proceed on to the final challenge."


    Artifice and Hiro both make a dash for the gate. Each emerges in separate locations in the middle of a forest clearing, wearing military fatigues.


    Announcer: "For this final segment, you''ll be playing ''Capture the Flag''. Hiro is the red team, and Artifice is the blue team. You and your 10 troops are equipped with rifles, and you''ll be able to direct them via voice command. Whoever captures the enemy flag and returns it to their home base, placing it next to their flag, is the victor. Your bullet proof vest should protect you, mostly, from any fatal shots. Incapacitated soldiers will be teleported off the battlefield to our medical unit. There will be a counter showing number of soldiers left on each team. If either of you is incapacitated during this battle, you lose."


    Hiro, thinking: "Even though my psychic abilities are weaker than Artifice, I have to use what Master Dulcia taught me to create a mental barrier within my troops to prevent Artifice from taking control of them." Hiro visualizes the psychic emblem, a monotone blue emblem of an eye, and mentally connects with his troops, placing a locked chain gate at the entrance to their minds.


    Artifice, thinking: "Based on last round, a direct psychic attack on Hiro won''t work, but his troops are fair game. Let''s see."


    She reaches out to the troops and sees the gates blocking access to their minds.


    Artifice, thinking: "Hmmm, nice work Hiro, I see Master Dulcia''s influence on you. I could bulldoze through all of those gates, but that would be rather indelicate and might take too much time."


    Artifice, motivating her troops: "As Tolstoy said, ''Man cannot possess anything as long as he fears death. But to him who does not fear it, everything belongs. If there was no suffering, man would not know his limits, would not know himself.''? Let''s see what we can learn about ourselves in this battle, and let''s win."


    In response, her troops let out a cheer.


    Hiro, speaking to his troops: "um, I''ve never led a team before, but I''ve trained very hard every day of my life. One thing I''ve learned is whatever you do, give it your all."


    Troops nod in assent.


    Artifice and Hiro, both thinking: "I''ll stay back to guard the flag, and put everyone else on offense. There''s a choke point in the middle of the map. We have to get there first."


    Both aloud: "All troops move out and capture the enemy flag!"


    Their soldiers shout out as they run onto the battlefield.


    Announcer: "It''s a mad dash across the battlefield. They''ll be facing some rough terrain along the way."


    Soldiers from both sides are jumping over pits and fallen trees, crawling under brush, bounding through treetops, swimming through murky water, climbing cliffs, and trying to overcome quicksand. Three soldiers from each team succumb to these obstacles along the way. Battle counters reflect this, going from 10 down to 7 on each side.


    Announcer, update 1: "Both sides have made steady progress, converging at the center of the battlefield, where they are taking fire, pinning each other down."


    Both battle counters tick down lower at pace with each other as soldiers fall.


    Announcer, update 2: "We have extensive injuries on both sides now. Wait, what''s this, a red team member is making his way past the blue defenders, even as soldiers from both teams eliminate each other."


    Battle counter goes down to 0 for blue with 1 remaining for red team. Sometime later, the remaining Red soldier approaches the Blue flag. Artifice is guarding it, and they begin firing at each other.


    Announcer: "Looks like Artifice isn''t a very good shot. She''s pinned down and her return fire leaves something to be desired. Oh, looks like she''s down, although she''s managed to crawl back for cover. Hiro''s Red soldier has grabbed the blue flag and started to make his way back to his home base. Appears to be all over, now we just have to wait for the inevitable."


    Carrying the Blue flag, Red soldier approaches Hiro who is waiting at the base of the Red flag. Just then, Artifice leaps out from bush cover, placing herself between Hiro''s Red soldier and the Red team victory point. Artifice and the enemy are at an impasse, each pointing their rifles at the other.


    Hiro: "Artifice don''t, at this range the vest may not save you ¡ª let it go."


    Artifice, looking desperate and frazzled: "I won''t lose to you Hiro, I won''t!"


    Hiro, looking concerned: "Alright then. Soldier, stand down".


    But the soldier ignores Hiro''s command, raising his rifle to aim directly at Artifice''s head.


    Hiro, more urgently: "Soldier, stand down!"


    As the soldier appears to tighten his finger on the trigger, Hiro launches himself in front of Artifice. Hiro collapses to the ground as the bullet pierces his chest, eliciting a gasp from the viewing audience.


    Announcer, subdued: "Artifice wins."


    Sometime later, Hiro is lying unconscious in a hospital bed, with Artifice by his side.


    Artifice: "Seems you really did have bad luck this time. What were you thinking throwing yourself in front of that soldier like that? Fortunately, the best medical and magical experts were able to save you, although you''ll need a little time to recover."


    Artifice replays in her mind the events leading up to this point.


    Artifice, thinking: "Based on last round, a direct psychic attack on Hiro won''t work, but his troops are fair game. Let''s see."


    She reaches out to the troops'' minds and sees the gates Hiro set up.


    Artifice, thinking: "Hmm, nice work Hiro, I see Master Dulcia''s influence on you. I could bulldoze through all of those gates, but that would be rather indelicate and might take too much time."


    Artifice, continuing: "Perhaps something more subtle and focused."


    Removing herself from 9 of the men''s minds, she intensifies her efforts toward the remaining one.


    Artifice, back in the present at Hiro''s side: "Betrayal is a consistent theme in literature. That soldier was only making a convincing show of shooting me. Based on my orders, he was going to miss, and then I was going to turn the tables on you. It would have been a wonderful story for the audience, but you had to one up me. Still, it''s hard to resist someone who risks their life for you."


    Artifice leans in as if to kiss Hiro ...


    <u>Hiro vs. Acies:</u>


    Teachers and students are back in the stadium to view the next battle challenge on giant monitors. Hiro is waiting at the starting gate within the spectator dome.


    Announcer: "Here comes our other contestant, Acies, from the Militant Faith Alliance. It appears he brought some friends along with him, although they look a bit rough around the edges."


    Acies makes his entrance with several street thugs chasing him into the arena. Although only 15 years of age, Acies has a commanding presence at 6''2" tall, with a thick muscular build and heavy physique. He has a dark complexion and is above average in appearance. His red wrestler''s leotard matches the color of his hair and eyes, which identify him as a member of the Militant Faith Alliance.


    Thug1: "Lookee here fellas, we gots ourselves an audience."


    Thug2: "You thought we weren''t gonna chase you all the way into this arena, tough guy?"


    Acies: "No, I was counting on you following me. This will be much more fun with an audience."


    Thug3: "Well, you shoulda thought a dat before interferin in our business. Wait, what?"


    Thug4: "har har, you saying ya wanna tangle with the Face Punch gang?"


    Acies: "look fellas, I''m in a bit of a hurry here. Can we fight now?"


    Thug5: "you heard em gents, let''s pile on!!!"


    The five thugs surround Acies, circling around him chanting in unison, with alternating air punches: "Face Punch! Face Punch!"


    Hiro has been observing and starts to move toward Acies, but catches Acies subtle smile and head shake ''no'', so he freezes in place. Acies then does a ''T'' pose, looking up to the sky. The Face Punch gang moves in for the kill.


    Acies, as he leaps straight up 10 meters into the air: "Startled mouse leaping over angry broom!"


    Acies, as he reaches the peak of his leap: "Purple elephant falling from green sky."


    Instead of converging on Acies as intended, the Face Punch gang crashes into each other, then look up to see Acies falling toward them feet first.


    Face Punch gang, looking up: "Uh oh"


    Acies slams down into them with a boom, forming a giant dust cloud. After a few seconds, Acies walks out of the dust cloud towards the starting point where Hiro is still waiting. As the dust clears, the Face Punch gang is lying on the ground, bruised, dirty, and incapacitated.


    Announcer: "You have to admit, Acies certainly knows how to make an entrance."


    Acies to Hiro: "Thanks for the assist, that takes some courage ¡ª jumping into a 5 on 1 fight isn''t very good odds."


    Hiro: "But you didn''t need my help."


    Acies: "Your heart is in the right place. You don''t have to worry about me, the Lord has my back. The Lord always has my back."


    Announcer: "Welcome one and all to the Path of the Shield battle challenge. It''s Acies from the Militant Faith Alliance vs. transfer student Hiro of no Alliance affiliation in this installment of the battle challenge, where each contestant will showcase their abilities. This course is comprised of three segments. At the end of the first two segments, a gateway awaits which will transport the contestant on to the next phase. For the first segment, we''re sending you back to medieval times where you''ll have to storm a heavily fortified castle to make it to the gate contained within the interior."


    Announcer: "Time to get started folks. And the countdown begins."


    Giant color lit auto race style pole on either side of them start to count down from 3, 2, 1.


    As the start horn sounds, both contestants sprint from the starting line toward the start gate, with Acies in the lead. Passing through the gate, they materialize on opposite sides of a castle surrounded by a moat, triggering alert gongs from within the castle. Acies and Hiro are clothed in period appropriate attire, although Hiro has been put into women''s garb.


    Announcer: "Looks like a glitch at the costume department, although Hiro does look cute."


    Hiro looks down at himself, his shoulders slumping.


    Acies, laughing as he looks over at Hiro: "I don''t care what clothes you put us in, I''m taking this castle by storm."


    Acies starts to sprint towards the castle and is greeted with volleys of arrows. Leaping into the air, he snatches several, sending them back to strike the castle defenders.


    Still standing there, Hiro thinks: "I can''t compete with Acies'' physicality, but one of the techniques uncle taught me will help narrow the gap."


    Hiro closes his eyes, takes a breath, envisions the Militant Faith bladed crucifix emblem and whispers: "Agility."


    Hiro proceeds to dodge all arrows coming his way with acrobatic finesse ¡ª abrupt stops, leaps into the air, even cartwheels ¡ª all the way to the moat''s edge.


    Announcer: "Talk about hopping to it."


    Acies gets to the moat''s edge, where alligators are streaming through the water.


    Acies: "I could leap over this moat, but that wouldn''t be any fun."


    Acies, pointing to a monstrous gator: "You look like the top gator. Poppa needs a new set of luggage."


    Diving in straight at the largest alligator, a wrestling match ensues, with Acies and the Gator twirling and thrashing under water.


    Hiro, back at the moat''s edge, thinking: "I don''t like my odds ... probability and timing."


    Hiro closes his eyes, envisions the Quantum infinity emblem, and enters the Quantum realm where he visualizes possible futures.


    Hiro, finding a successful outcome: "That''s it."


    Hiro, opening his eyes: "3 ... 2 ... 1."


    Hiro leaps out over the moat, and just as he is about to fall into the water an alligator surfaces. Hiro springs off that alligator and continues to repeat this several times in a zig zag pattern until he lands at the base of the castle wall.


    Meanwhile, Acies explodes out of the water swinging the monster alligator by the tail.


    Acies: "Playboy alligator meets girlfriend alligator''s dad."


    Acies releases the alligator, launching it into the castle wall, where it splatters. Nearby alligators scatter, leaving the scene as soon as possible, while Acies does a leisurely back stroke to the other side of the moat.


    Announcer: "See ya later alligator." Crowd groans.


    Acies, thinking: "I had my fun, time to pick up the pace a little".


    Acies, aloud: "Strength."


    A red haze envelops his body, as he starts climbing up the side of the wall. Acies doesn''t bother finding hand and foot holds, since his fingers and feet are piercing into the mortar of the castle wall itself. From above, defenders start raining boulders down on him, but he swats them away like pesty flies.


    Acies: "It''ll take more than a few pebbles to slow me down."


    Acies makes it to the top of the wall, does a back flip, and lands smoothly on his feet.? The defenders glance his way prior to bolting in terror.


    Hiro is at the base of the castle wall, thinking to himself: "Now what? Climbing will be tough enough, but boulders?"


    Hiro notices a glimmer of light moving down his arm sleave and focuses on it.


    Hiro, thinking: "Could it be?"


    Concentrating on the glimmer, he envisions the Technology circuit board emblem, his cap emitting faint sparks. Data flows through electronic circuitry as the glimmer expands, splitting onto the surfaces of his hands and bottom of his shoes.


    Hiro, remembering when that piece of Parvul''s suit splits off to aid him: "Thank you for sharing a part of your tech suit Parvul."


    Hiro starts climbing up the castle wall, with his hands and feet sticking to it.


    Announcer: "Hiro''s climbing up the wall, how''s he doing that? He''s kinda like a spider-m... ¡ªno, I won''t go there."


    As boulders rain down on him, he''s able to evade, but still remain connected to the wall with at least one limb at all times. He continues to progress until he''s finally standing on the balustrade, just as the radiance of the technology glimmer fades, coalescing into the shape of a mole on his arm.


    Hiro: "Out of juice, huh? Well, thanks for getting me this far."


    Castle defenders are looking angrily on at him.


    Hiro, thinking: "Since I''m dressed the part, time for one of Master Dulcia''s seduction illusions ¡ª never thought I would use this one."


    Hiro focuses for a second on the Psychic emblem, transforming into a beautiful young lady in the minds of the defenders. The castle defender''s expressions transform from anger to adoration.


    Castle defender 1: "Let me escort your grace to the gate."


    Castle defender 2: "No, I will escort the lady to the gate."


    Castle defender 3, confronting the other two: "Over my dead body."


    Castle defenders start tussling over who will assist Hiro, so Hiro slinks away.


    Announcer, who is out of range of Hiro''s psychic technique: "Errr, what just happened?"


    First Acies, and then Hiro appear at the central gate.


    Acies, snickering: "Is that you Hiro? Oh my, you''re looking lovelier than ever, but you''re still not my type."


    Hiro flustered: "Dissipate", transforming appearance back to normal.


    Acies, extending a hand in the direction of the gate: "Shall we?", and they walk through the gate side by side.


    The pair materialize dressed in school uniforms, each sitting at small desks within a classroom. Acies looks especially ridiculous squeezed into his seat.


    Announcer: "Since you can''t muscle your way through every obstacle in life, it''s time for a math quiz. The winner will get a 30 second head start on the next challenge. First person to hit the buzzer on their desk gets to answer the question. The first contestant to answer three questions correctly wins."


    Acies looks worried and is staring down at his desk.


    Hiro, looking concerned: "What''s wrong, it''s just math, nothing to be afraid of."


    Acies looks sideways at Hiro, gritting his teeth and emits a low growl.


    Announcer: "First question, if you''re really hungry and like pizza, what would you rather have?


    a)? ? Four sixths of the pizza


    b)? ? Five eighths of the pizza


    c)? ? Two fourths of the pizza


    Acies starts mumbling to himself incoherently.


    Hiro buzzes in: "a, four sixths"


    Announcer: "That''s correct, one for Hiro. Next question. If you need to purchase fence for the perimeter of a rectangular property having 10-meter length and 5-meter width, how much fence do you need to purchase?"


    Hiro buzzes in: "30 meters"


    Announcer: "That''s correct, Hiro now has 2 correct answers. Next question, currency A dollar is worth 80% of currency B dollar. If someone owes you 10 currency A dollars, but can only pay you in currency B dollars, how many currency B dollars should they pay you?"


    Acies head just falls forward, hitting the table, splitting it in two.


    After some thought, Hiro hits his buzzer: "8 currency B dollars"


    Announcer: "Correct, please proceed to the gate Hiro." Announcer smirking, "guess we found Acies'' soft spot."


    Hiro materializes atop a hover board, dressed in skateboarding gear, helmet and all.


    Announcer: "You have a 30 second head start to reach the gate at the bottom of the mountain Hiro, even you should be able to win this one."


    Hiro starts down the mountain, riding along a dirt trail, dealing with obstacles along the way ¡ª a sharp turn almost drives him off a cliff side, he averts wiping out when braking to avoid a deer, he hits the landing after an unexpectedly steep vertical drop ¡ª but still has a sizable lead.


    Acies appears at the top of the mountain, also in skateboarding gear, and can see Hiro''s lead displayed on a holographic map.


    Acies, thinking to himself: "Looks like it will take a miracle for me to catch up to him."


    Acies bows his head and puts his hands together in prayer.


    Announcer: "uhhhh, looks like Acies is (questioning inflection) praying? Does he really have time for that now?"


    The earth starts to rumble, and the ground starts to shake.


    Acies: "I better get ready for this. Defensive hardening!"


    He''s enveloped by a red haze as his skin hardens. The ground Acies is on starts shaking violently, as the mountain becomes an erupting volcano.? Acies, along with a large chunk of earth is shot up into the air on a jet of molten lava.


    Announcer: "That looks like a real blast, but can even Acies survive an erupting volcano?"


    Acies surveys the ground below as he is lifted into the air.


    Acies: "There! Flying squirrel leaping at evasive acorn."


    He launches his hover board off his flying island, coming down right beside Hiro. Acies smiles and waves at him, as the violent impact of the landing bounces him several meters into the lead. Hiro''s eyes bulge out and his draw drops in exaggerated cartoon fashion. Hiro tries to recover, but it''s too late. Acies cruises through the final gate, and into the arena to the cheers of the crowd, where he basks in the glory. Hiro follows dejectedly behind him.


    Announcer: "Hiro''s managed to lose again."


    Hiro: "That was a crazy coincidence, how did you even survive it?"


    Acies, with outstretched arms: "Coincidence? Blasphemer! That''s the power of God''s miracles."


    Hiro, with fists clenched and an eager expression: "Well, I''m still not giving up, I''ll try harder next time!"


    Acies: "I''m hungry, is it lunch time yet?"


    <u>Hiro vs. Potesta:</u>


    Teachers and students are back in the stadium to view the next battle challenge on giant monitors. A young woman exudes haughty impatience as she awaits her opponent at the starting gate. At 16 years of age she strikes an imposing, slender figure at 5'' 10" tall, wearing expensive, fashionable clothing, including high black boots, and gold bordered black cape. Possessing lovely shoulder length black hair with matching eye color, symmetrical, unblemished facial features, and ample bosom, she would be considered beautiful, but for her intimidating demeanor ¡ª not surprising for an Order Alliance member.


    Potesta, turning her head to the side: "Hmmpf, where is that loser?"


    Hiro running up to the starting gate: "You take that back. I am not a loser!"


    Potesta: "What do you call 0 wins and 5 losses? After I defeat you today, you won''t be accepted into the Path of the Shield school. ''Acta non verba'', it''s Latin for ''actions not words''."


    Hiro: "Now you''ve got me all worked up. I''ll show you!"


    Potesta: "Don''t get yourself into a tizzy ''home schooled''."


    Hiro: "Argghh, that''s not my name. My name is Hiro."


    Potesta: "Have it your way Zero."


    Hiro starts jumping up and down and shaking his fists above his head in annoyance.


    Announcer: "Enough chit chat, let''s get started. Welcome one and all to the Path of the Shield battle challenge. It''s Potesta from the Order Alliance vs. transfer student Hiro of no Alliance affiliation in this installment of the battle challenge, where each contestant will showcase their abilities. This course is comprised of three segments. At the end of the first two segments, a gateway awaits which will transport the contestant on to the next phase. This first segment will not be time based, but rather pass/fail, and you''ll get a chance to clown around. Let''s begin."


    Giant color lit auto race style poles on either side of them start to count down from 3, 2, 1.


    As they pass through the gate, each of them materializes in a tight, dark space.


    Hiro: "Hey, what''s going on here? I can''t see a thing."


    There are sounds of a match being lit, followed by a fuse.


    Announcer: "Get ready to have a blast!"


    As the perspective shifts outside of Hiro''s narrow space, we see that Hiro and Potesta are inside of black iron canons, with their fuses burning down. Announcer is there in person, dressed as ringmaster. Spotlights are focusing in on the contestants. Hiro and Potesta, dressed in circus attire, are shot out of their respective canons. Hiro is flailing around, trying to run on air, while Potesta takes it all in stride, appearing to do a high dive through the air.


    Announcer: "Heads up, you need to bounce off the target trampoline and grab the overhead trapeze to move forward in this course."


    Potesta does a midair forward somersault, landing on the trampoline feet first, bouncing up to clasp the overhead trapeze. Hiro does a belly bomb onto the trampoline, spins upward out of control, and lands with his waist on the trapeze bar. He catches sight of the ground below and scrambles to right himself. A series of trapezes stretch out before them.


    As they make their way from one trapeze to the next, Hiro calls out: "Do you smell popcorn?"


    Butter is dripping onto the trapeze bar causing Hiro to grasp at it with alternating hands as each one slips in turn. Potesta''s approach is to use the butter to do a spinning loop on her trapeze bar. Fortunately, the final trapeze platform is just ahead as Potesta does an elegant dismount, while Hiro swings, landing unceremoniously on his butt.


    Hiro, rubbing his butt: "Owww!"


    Announcer: "Hiro isn''t very graceful, but he''s managing to keep up with Potesta. Time for both of you to come back down to earth."


    Each of them grabs a waiting balance poll, making their way down the tightrope to the ground, Hiro wobbling along the way.


    Announcer: "Next part of this circus challenge is knife throwing."


    Hiro: "Who are we throwing knives at?"


    Announcer: "No one. Please stand against the wall within the marked outline. This is a test of nerves, if you can''t handle it, you will be disqualified."


    Hiro: "Then where are the knife throwers?"


    Announcer: "I guess they''re too far away for you to see, but they''re out there."


    Hiro''s jaw drops and his eyes bulge, Potesta remains stoic, yawning.


    Announcer: "It''s time, put your blindfolds on."


    Hiro: "But we don''t have any blindfolds."


    Announcer: "Actually, the blind folds aren''t for you, they''re for the knife throwers."


    Hiro, shouting defiantly: "That''s fine, I''m up to the challenge!"


    Announcer: "Potesta seems to be taking this in stride."


    Potesta: "''Dulce periculum'', danger is sweet". Her eyes narrow and she smiles in anticipation.


    Announcer: "Stay still now, you wouldn''t want to lose any body parts."


    Hiro: "Start the countdown already", as he says ''countdown'', knives start to encircle both him and Potesta.


    Potesta, as the last knife sinks in around her: "Easy peasy."


    Hiro: "Yeah, lemon squeezy."


    Audience roars in appreciation. Hiro''s eyes reflect a roulette wheel, with the ball settling in on double zero. Hiro sneezes, folding over just as a knife plunks into the wood where his chest just was.


    Hiro: "Hey, no fair!"


    Announcer: "Sorrry, but I don''t think that was one of ours".


    Potesta looks over at Hiro, narrowing her eyes.


    Announcer: "uhhhh, nothing to see here, moving right along. Next act, tame the lion. Please enter your cage."


    Hiro and Potesta enter, with the door swinging closed behind them. Each cage has a chair with a whip on it. Hiro picks up the chair in his left hand and the whip in his right hand. Potesta picks up the whip, then sits down on the chair. A gate on the far side of each cage opens letting a roaring lion strut in.


    Potesta''s lion paces back and forth, growling in close proximity to her.


    Potesta, with a cross expression on her face, "Shhush, you''re so noisy you overgrown pussycat. And stop all that pacing ¡ª it looks ridiculous."


    Potesta''s lion: "Hiss!"


    Potesta, crossly: "Don''t make me get up out of my seat, cause if I do, I''m opening up a big can of whoop-ass on you."


    Potesta starts to rise out of her seat, glaring at the lion. In response, it makes a whining sound, putting its head down on the ground in between its paws.


    Potesta, relaxing: "That''s better, you big pussy cat. B-bye."


    Intimidated, the lion retreats backwards out of the cage. Potesta rises and exits too.


    Hiro''s lion faces him, roaring.


    Hiro, pleadingly: "Nice kitty?"


    Hiro takes a step back, but his leg gets tangled in the whip, causing him to fall forward as he tries to extricate himself. His momentum carries him forward, so he braces himself with the chair, launching himself over it. He comes down, colliding heads with the lion, then lands on the lion''s back. Both Hiro and the lion are momentarily stunned. When the lion realizes that Hiro is on its back, it starts sprinting around the cage frantically trying to shake him off, but Hiro maintains his hold on the lion''s mane. After several circuits of the cage, the lion is exhausted, collapsing to the ground. Hiro, dizzy, his head spinning, steps off the lion, pats it on the head, then exits the cage.


    Announcer: "You''ve both been very entertaining, so now it''s time for you to be entertained. Please have a seat and relax."


    Hiro and Potesta take seats facing a small stage, as a magician walks out levitating an attractive woman with a gag in her mouth who appears to be struggling against her shackled limbs.


    Hiro: "Hey, what''s this about? I signed up for this, but you can''t drag an innocent woman into it!"


    Magician snaps his fingers and metal cuffs extend out from Hiro''s seat securing his arms and legs. Hiro starts bucking back and forth to no avail.


    Hiro, panicking: "Potesta, I can''t get out. Do something, help her."


    Potesta with hand on her chin and elbow resting on chair arm: "I think not."


    The woman is lowered into a box with her head and feet protruding from each end. Magician does some flourishing gestures, snaps his fingers and a hack saw appears in his hands. The magician starts sawing as the woman thrashes about, writhing in agony.


    Hiro: "Potesta!"


    Potesta: "''Acta deos numquam mortalia fallunt''. Mortal actions never deceive the gods."


    Hiro: "Now''s not the time for your silly sayings."


    Potesta, head to the side: "Hmmpffff. It''s exactly the time. If you''d only listen to me."


    The woman''s movements cease, and the magician separates the two halves of the box, with a red liquid dripping from either side.


    Hiro, agitated: "You monster!"


    Hiro most forcefully rocks backward, shattering the chair on impact with the ground. Scrambling back up, Hiro sprints toward the stage.


    Announcer: "If you interrupt the performance, you''ll be disqualified."


    Hiro: "I can''t just stand by and watch."


    Just as he reaches the stage, the magician puts the 2 halves of the box together again. As Hiro leaps onto the stage the top of the box opens, the woman opens her eyes, sits up, and pulls the gag out of her mouth. The audience cheers, and Potesta starts laughing uncontrollably, falling out of her seat. Hiro just stands on the stage with his mouth open, looking foolish. The damsel in distress winks at him and smiles as the magician rolls her off the stage.


    Potesta, still laughing: "You''re so dumb, it''s too precious. I even tried to tell you!"


    Announcer (as ring master still): "Wonderful performances from both our contestants, onto the next round."


    Hiro and Potesta proceed to walk through the gate, Hiro looking sheepish. Each materializes on the decks of their own 1700''s era wooden frigates, with Hiro dressed as a pirate captain flying the skull and crossbones, and Potesta dressed as a British naval officer flying the British flag.


    Announcer: "For this second challenge, each of you will command your own frigate. The goal is simple ¡ª make it through to the central gate avoiding rock outcrops and whirlpools along the way or sink your opponent''s vessel. Be advised, the special nature of this waterway will manifest and magnify your personal proclivities."


    A holographic map of the waterways appears, showing that it is a simple circular maze with two identical halves and entrances on each side. Rock outcrops and whirlpools are marked out.


    Potesta, to crew: "Get us to our target destination with as much prudent haste as this vessel can muster. Start continuous fire once those pirates are within range."


    Hiro: "Why am I the bad guy? Alright fellow pirates let''s do this. Make for the central gate."


    As the vessels start out, the wind on Potesta''s side starts to fade and the whirlpools settle down. The opposite occurs on Hiro''s side, with storm clouds gathering overhead, wind intensifying, water getting choppy, and surrounding whirlpools speeding up as they expand.


    Hiro''s vessel starts racing through the waterway, seemingly on the brink of disaster, barely skirting rock outcrops and whirlpools:


    1.? ? His ship appears to be heading inexorably toward several jagged rocks. Reflected in Hiro''s eyes, a bullet is placed in a revolver chamber that starts spinning next to Hiro''s head. The trigger is pulled, and the gun does not fire. A sudden gale arises, narrowly blowing the frigate clear, its bow (front) grinding against the rocks as it averts disaster.


    2.? ? Hiro''s frigate is caught on the outskirts of a whirlpool, spiraling around as it is drawn in. The roulette wheel in Hiro''s eyes starts spinning, settling on triple 0. A massive whale surfaces just under the frigate, sending it flying clear of the whirlpool.


    Potesta, thinking: "This won''t do, we''re dead in the water".


    She sits down crossing her legs. A black aura emanates from her as she envisions the circular map as a puzzle, but with the central piece missing. She then pictures her frigate riding the surface of the missing map piece as it is drawn in, filling the central gap. A strong current arises, propelling Potesta''s frigate seamlessly towards the central gate.


    Hiro approaches the center gate, with Potesta''s frigate still some distance away. Reflected in Hiro''s eyes: lottery balls are selected, matching a purchased ticket. A wasp starts attacking Hiro, who raises his right arm, swiping at it. The crew takes this as the signal to attack and fires a broadside in Potesta''s direction. Simultaneously canons fire from Potesta''s vessel. Miraculously, Hiro''s return barrage intercepts the incoming cannon balls, saving them from destruction as they pass through the gate.


    Announcer: "Potesta''s perfect navigation is no match for Hiro''s reckless breakneck speed as Hiro passes through the gate first. Hiro will have a few precious moments to prepare himself for Potesta''s arrival on the other side of that gate."


    Potesta scowls as she watches Hiro pass through the gate.


    On the other side of the gate, Hiro finds himself adorned in multi-hued dragon battle armor (including magnificent helm), riding what else ¡ª a flying multi-hued dragon. Hiro pulls up on the reins, viewing the gate he just passed through.


    Hiro, thinking: "It feels like this dragon and I are connected somehow", as the dragon turns around to acknowledge him with a nod of its head.


    Hiro, aloud: "What shall I call you, rainbow dragon?"


    The dragon snorts derisively, shaking its head.


    Hiro: "Ok, then, how about Chaos Dragon?"


    Dragon looks back at him calmly. "I''ll take that for a yes, Chaos Dragon it is."


    Hiro looks at a spot above the gate and commands his dragon: "Attack". The dragon unleashes a fire blast precisely hitting that spot.


    Hiro, thinking: "I can wait here, and ambush Potesta the moment she emerges from the gate, but I can''t take the chance of harming her."


    Hiro, aloud to the dragon: "Let''s fly", and they race off.


    Hiro is reveling in his winged ride, with a huge smile on his face as his dragon does steep dives, climbs, barrel rolls and a 360-degree loop.


    Potesta emerges from the gate a short time later, similarly garbed except that her armor and dragon are all black.


    Potesta, just as she emerges: "Protect!", and the black dragon obediently wraps its wings around her.


    Potesta, seeing through the dragon''s eyes, thinks: "There''s no one around, he''s left already. It was the perfect ambush opportunity. Why didn''t he take it?"


    Announcer: "Looks like Potesta is surprised by the lack of surprise as she emerges from the gate."


    Potesta, aloud: "Pursue them Black Dragon!", and they race off.


    Potesta, thinking: "They''ve got too big a lead." Potesta puts her hand on her dragon, closes her eyes and visualizes its internal energy flows, her black aura emanating once again.


    Potesta, aloud: "Enhance."


    The energy flows within the dragon are intensified and sped up, resulting in a huge increase in the dragon''s speed. Potesta smiles as they shoot forward.


    Hiro: "What am I sensing?"


    A fighter jet passes in front of his dragon making it wobble in the turbulence.


    Hiro: "I knew this was too easy. Faster Chaos Dragon."


    His dragon obeys, and they put some distance between the fighter jet. However, the enemy jet fires its machine gun at them.


    Hiro: "Evade!"


    The dragon starts evasive maneuvers, but the jet is still trailing after them. As some of the bullets hit the dragon''s hide it grunts, but its scales are able to deflect them.


    Hiro: "Hang in there boy, good thing your scales are so tough. We''re not able to shake him, so we have to try something".


    Hiro envisions the Psychic Alliance symbol in his head and traces a neural link route back to the fighter pilot.


    Hiro: "Got you."


    Hiro projects an image of a brick wall in front of the approaching jet. Seeing a wall appear out of nowhere the pilot freaks out, pulling back with full strength on the stick, screaming in terror as he approaches the illusory wall. G-forces being too great, the pilot barely maintains consciousness as his jet tumbles away.


    Announcer: "I wonder what got into that pilot. Perhaps he remembered a prior engagement."


    Hiro: "Map."


    A holographic map appears showing they are approaching the final gate.


    Hiro: "Almost there."


    Potesta hears the roar of a fighter jet and looks over her left shoulder.


    Potesta: "''Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nunc'' ¡ª we gladly feast on those who would subdue us. Go get him Black Dragon."


    A determined look crosses Potesta''s face as she pulls up on the reins of her dragon and does a 360 loop to come up behind the enemy jet. Black dragon comes in underneath it, using its talons to latch on to the jet. Its tail twines around the tail of the plane immobilizing the control surfaces (elevator and rudder). Black Dragon starts spinning the jet round and round, pulling them into a death spiral with the ground. He releases the jet, pulling up just before impact, with the jet exploding on impact with the ground. They then continue their pursuit of Hiro, but see him approaching the final gate, even as they close distance between them.


    Potesta: "We''re too far away, only one chance. Fireball!"


    The fireball streaks forward, exploding just in front of the gate. Chaos dragon emerges from a cloud of smoke and is seen dropping down from the sky, riderless. A look of satisfaction crosses Potesta''s face.


    Potesta: "Let''s go win this. Take us through the gate Black Dragon."


    As Potesta passes through the gate, she appears in the center of the stadium dressed as she first arrived, greeted by the sound of cheers. She notices smoke up in the air and traces it back down to the ground, where Hiro is sitting, dazed and charred, a dopey grin on his face.


    Potesta becomes enraged, accusatorily: "You! What kind of trick is this? How are you here? I blasted you before you made it through the gate. There was nothing left."


    Hiro, still delirious: "heehee, you almost had me, but ..."


    Replaying events from Hiro''s perspective, as they approach the final gate, Chaos dragon snorts and looks back to get Hiro''s attention. Hiro instantly responds, by envisioning the magic pentagram.


    Hiro: "I hope this is enough. Elemental magic ¡ª water."


    A water shield forms just as the fireball hits. Even so, the shock stuns and halts Chaos dragon''s progress, propelling Hiro out of his saddle and through the gate.


    Announcer: "And with that win, Hiro qualifies for acceptance into The Path of the Shield School, congratulations."


    Hiro, to Potesta: "I have to give you credit, you''re a tough opponent."


    Potesta, stomping her foot and turning away: "Hmmpfff," then stalks off, face scrunched with fists clenched at her side.

 Hiro Cheers on His New Classmates

    Hiro arrives in an air car at a sports field featuring a raised central platform area, encompassed by six, 10-meter diameter circles. Each circle is sunken and spaced 50 meters apart, blocking each from view of the others. He lands near one of the two groups of people on the field and disembarks. There are 2 rows of individuals, and he is surprised to see all his instructors present in the first row.


    Hiro, surprised and excited: "Master Chao, Master Laetus, Master Dulcia, Master Ali, Master Ordo, and Un... ummm Commander. What are all of you doing here?!"


    Commander, matter of factly: "We''re your instructors and this is your first day of class, why shouldn''t we be here?"


    Hiro, accusatorily: "But why didn''t you tell me?"


    Dulcia and Laetus move in a flash to either side of Hiro and strike aggressive poses.


    Dulcia, singing forcefully: "Impertinence, how dare you question the Commander?"


    Laetus: "As distasteful as it is, I must agree with Dulcia, this just won''t do."


    Commander, chastising: "Dulcia, Laetus, I can handle a new student without your assistance."


    Dulcia and Laetus, admonished: "Yes sir", as they slump back to their original spots in the row.


    Commander: "To answer your question Hiro, it would have been premature to get into these details prior to your admission. Based on the way your first 5 matches went, it wasn''t clear you would gain admittance."


    Hiro, head down: "Awwww."


    Hiro then reverses his downcast mood, lifts his head up, and gets excited again.


    Hiro: "This is incredible, so exciting!"


    Commander: "Now, to meet your new classmates."


    The instructors row parts and the second row steps up to reveal the battle challenge opponents Hiro recently faced.


    Hiro: "Wow, this just keeps getting better." Hiro is rocking/dancing from side to side with a toothy grin. "Acies, Sloth, Terridus, Artifice, Parvul, Potesta!"


    Potesta, turns her head to the side in disgust: "Hmmmpfff."


    Sloth continues to snore, head down. Acies has a predatory, broad grin on his face. Terridus and Parvul blush. Artifice stares straight into his eyes.


    Commander: "You''ll have time to get re-acquainted later. Hiro, you''ve arrived at an opportune time. Our class, Omega, is going up against a rival class, Gamma, in six simultaneous, head-to-head Alliance contests. But before we proceed, Terridus, can you explain to Hiro what the Path of the Shield means to you?"


    Terridus: "It''s a pledge by Alliance members to work together to defend those in need of protection."


    Commander: "Well said Terridus. Now, let''s begin. The rules are simple ¨C get your opponent outside of your circle perimeter. Students, please accompany your instructors to your assigned arena. Hiro, you can observe through monitors at the raised area at the center of the arenas."


    Commander/Acies, Chao/Sloth, Laetus/Terridus, Dulcia/Artifice, Ali/Parvul, Ordo/Potesta proceed to their respective arenas, where a corresponding Alliance teacher/student pair await them. In all six battle arenas, the rival teachers and students aggressively stand toe to toe, staring each other down with electricity flowing between their eyes.


    <u>Acies vs. Atlas</u>


    Commander''s Militant Faith rival Lucius stands before him. Atlas stands before Acies. Both Lucius and Atlas are taller and heavier than their respective rivals.


    Commander, stoic: "May the light of the Lord shine down on you both."


    Lucius, smiling: "And also on you. I''ve gotten even stronger since the last time we sparred."


    Commander: "You always relied too much on your strength, and not enough on your technique."


    Lucius: "Interesting theory, would you like to spar now and put it to the test?"


    Commander: "I''ll remind you that we''re here for our student''s sake, not to satisfy our own egos."


    Lucius: "Words, excuses, whatever. At least it will be entertaining watching Atlas teach his younger brother Acies another lesson in humility."


    Commander: "As the Lord intends, so shall it be."


    Atlas to Acies, smiling: "Brother"


    Acies to Atlas, scowling: "Brother"


    Atlas: "Now, now, don''t be like that."


    Acies: "You should have tried being a real brother and protected your younger siblings instead of bullying them."


    Atlas: "It''s not my fault you''re weak."


    Acies starts forward at his brother, but Commander puts a hand on his shoulder.


    Commander: "Let''s save it for the ring."


    Acies and Atlas enter the circle, moving to opposite sides.


    Commander raises his right arm and then brings it down: "Begin!"


    Acies looks determined/serious, while Atlas is still grinning broadly. They initially pace each other around the circle, but then they both move at seemingly the same time toward each other, their right fists connecting with each other, pushing them both backwards, where they resume pacing.


    Acies, thinking: "I initiated that attack, but it''s like he read my mind, meeting me head on with the same attack. Let''s try again."


    This time Acies does a flying double kick, with the same result ¨C Atlas counters with an offsetting flying double kick.


    Acies, thinking: "It''s as I suspected, he''s matching me move for move."


    Atlas: "This is good sport, matching you move for move. Of course, I can overwhelm you any time I choose."


    Acies, thinking: "Keep your head in the game, the Commander taught you that psychological attacks are part of the battle. Stay cool."


    Acies and Atlas: "Speed."


    Both of them emit a red aura and begin circling each other at a blurring speed.


    Acies, thinking: "Although he appears to be mimicking me perfectly there''s an almost imperceptible delay in his response."


    Acies: "Strength", and moves in toward the center of the circle and clenches hands with Atlas who has also powered up his strength, so that they are both locked in a power struggle.


    Atlas: "How long do you think you can keep this up?"


    Acies: "As long as I need to."


    However, despite his efforts, Acies slowly loses ground and is eventually pushed back to the edge of the circle.


    Hiro, aloud, to all his classmates: "After battling each of you, I know you can win this. I believe in you. Remember how you made it this far!"


    <u>Acies flashback 1</u>


    Acies is 7 years old, walking home from school with his older sister, when some bullies who are standing ahead of them start teasing his sister.


    Bully 1: "Hey miss smarty pants, miss teacher''s pet."


    Bully 2: "Why do you have to keep showing off in class?"


    Bully 3: "If you''re so smart, why don''t you do all our class assignments from now on?"


    Acies: "Leave my sister Pieta alone."


    Pieta: "Come on Acies, they''re not worth it. Let''s go."


    Pieta grabs Acies'' wrist and tries to get around the bullies, but they block her way.


    Bully 1: "Where do you think you''re going? Maybe we should teach your brother a lesson."


    Just then a red blur appears, stopping abruptly, revealing itself to be Atlas. His red aura fades.


    Atlas: "My my, what do we have here?"


    The bullies'' faces pale.


    Bully 2: "H-hey Atlas, what are you doing here?"


    Atlas: "Can''t a guy check in on his siblings?"


    Bully 3, terrified: "You''re their big brother?"


    Atlas: "Sure am, but don''t get me wrong, I wouldn''t want to interfere with whatever you guys were about. Please continue."


    Bully 1, having trouble breathing: "That''s ok, we were just leaving."


    Atlas, coldly: "I don''t think you understand. I know your routine. Shake down the weak guy, right? Well, here''s your choice, you either finish off what you started or I''m gonna finish you off."


    Bully 2: "B-but he''s your brother."


    Atlas: "I don''t hear him complaining (although there are tears welling in Acies eyes). He knows the deal ¨C I won''t step in. Three of you guys is probably over kill though, so one should suffice."


    No movement from the 3 bullies.


    Atlas: "Now!"


    Bully 1 and bully 3 push bully 2 into Acies. Acies shoves him back. Bully 2 pushes Acies to the ground and stops.


    Atlas shakes his head: "When you start something, you gotta finish the job."


    Bully 2 jumps on Acies, and starts pummeling him.


    Atlas: "That''s better."


    Pieta: "No big brother, please help him."


    Atlas: "tsk, tsk, Acies. Aren''t you tired of being so weak that your sister has to save you? At this point, I''d be surprised if your Militant Faith abilities ever manifest."


    Atlas walks away, and bully 2 gets up and slinks away in the opposite direction with his friends.


    Acies, who is worse for wear, gets up, dusting himself off.


    Pieta runs up to him and hugs him: "Brother, are you alright?"


    Acies manages a smile: "Yes, I''m ok. You''ll see, I will get stronger."


    <u>Acies flashback 2</u>


    Acies is 13 years old, garbed and fighting as a gladiator in an arena, equipped with a sword and shield. His opponent is armed with a short pole tipped with blades on either end ¨C Acies has the upper hand.


    Acies, thinking: "I''ve got this."


    Ring Announcer: "A wealthy benefactor has made a generous donation and requested a rule change. This match is now to the death ... and there are two new combatants."


    One of the new combatants is bald, wearing iron gloves, which he keeps clapping together. The other has a long, braided ponytail, brandishing nunchucks, which she is flourishing around her head and body. These new entrants approach, making it clear they are solely focused on Acies. The audience roars as they attack from all sides, Acies barely staying out of their reach, continually driving him back until he is cornered against the arena wall. His shield battered, he starts to take damage, evidenced by growing numbers of cuts and bruises. Acies takes a blow from the iron fist, shattering his shield and numbing his left arm, which now hangs lifeless. Next, his sword is wrapped by the nunchucks, and stripped from his right hand, followed by the 2-handed sword coming in to slash his right arm.


    Acies envisions his brother Atlas standing over him:


    Atlas, sneering: "You''ll never change, once a weakling, always a weakling."


    Acies smiles, "I must get stronger, I will get stronger, to protect those who cannot protect themselves. Lord, hear my prayer!"


    A red glow envelops Acies with a crackling energy, as a gale force wind blasts around him, lifting him off the ground. His hair and eyes flash, turning a crimson red, as a booming roar escapes him: "RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"


    His three opponents jump up through the air to deliver a simultaneous attack, but are blown violently backwards, crumpling to the ground.


    Acies appears to be out of control with rage, when a hooded figure leaps out of the stands, into the arena. Acies starts attacking the hooded figure, but the hooded figure dodges easily.


    This goes on for a bit, and then, hooded figure: "Looks like you''ve used up a lot of your excess energy. Acies, you''re still in there, right? Come back to me child. Your sister is looking forward to seeing you. Don''t you want to go home and see her?"


    Acies, pauses, seems confused: "Sister?"


    Hooded figure: "That''s right."


    Acies, trying to clear his head: "Are you the one who sent those other fighters into the arena?"


    Hooded figure: "No, that''s not my style. Although I have a suspicion who was behind it."


    Acies, calm now: "Who are you?"


    Hooded figure: "Most people call me the Commander. Nice to meet you. I''m hoping you''ll allow me to train you."


    Acies, reverently: "The Commander? Yes, of course. Please let me be your student."


    Acies'' smile returns, as he puts his hands together in prayer. His red aura fades, but his hair and eyes are now crimson red.


    Acies'' red aura intensifies, and he stops Atlas'' advance. Atlas presses harder, but to no avail.


    Acies: "Tell me brother, was it you or master Lucius who arranged for those additional fighters to enter the gladiator arena against me that day?"


    Atlas: "Me or Master Lucius, what difference does it make?"


    Acies: "And what if they had killed me?"


    Atlas: "Again, what difference does it make if you were too weak to win?"


    Enraged Acies starts pushing Atlas back one step at a time.


    Atlas, growing concerned: "Where is all this power coming from? You''re not stronger than me, you can''t win."


    Acies continues his slow, steady push until Atlas is standing outside of the circle, shocked and defeated. Atlas'' defeat coincides with the conclusion of the other matches.


    <u>Sloth vs. Ilaria</u>


    Chao stands before a very serious female member of the Quantum Alliance. Attractive, simply dressed wearing white pants and a matching white top ¨C she scowls at Chao. Sloth is sitting cross legged before a teenage member of Quantum who is dressed in the same white garments as her master.


    Ilaria: "Greetings, I am Ilaria, student of Master Tranquillus."


    Chao, with a leering grin: "Greetings, I''m master Chao. Nice to meet a couple of lovely ladies such as yourselves."


    Tranquillus'' chin raises slightly, and she narrows her eyes looking down.


    Ilaria: "My master says you are a pervert."


    Chao, taken aback: "Say what now?"


    Ilaria: "Furthermore, if you try anything with either of us, she will put you on the path of eternal agony."


    Chao: "Huh, what? I didn''t hear her say a word. Why doesn''t she speak up for herself?"


    Ilaria: "She is speaking, you just aren''t listening. At least your pupil is enlightened, taking the time to meditate."


    Chao: "Meditating? Bah, he''s asleep."


    Chao hits Sloth on top of the head, causing Sloth to blink his eyes open awake.


    Sloth: "Huh, what?"


    Chao: "Wake up you lazy good-for-nothing. We need to teach these ladies a lesson."


    Sloth, slowly glances over at Master Chao: "And by we, I guess you mean me? What a drag."


    Chao: "Who else? The young generation today ¨C unbelievable."


    Ilaria, looking at Sloth: "Now that you''re awake, aren''t you going to introduce yourself? I''m ..."


    Sloth: "Ilaria, yes I know."


    Ilaria: "How do you know my name? You were asleep when I introduced myself."


    Sloth: "hhmmm, I was asleep. What kind of mattress do you like?"


    Ilaria, waving off Sloth with both hands: "Ack, another pervert!"


    Sloth: "No, it''s just that I appreciate a good mattress ... never mind," shoulders slumping.


    Chao: "Let''s get this show on the road, we haven''t got all day."


    Ilaria proceeds to her side of the circle, but Sloth still hasn''t roused himself.


    Chao: "Do I have to do everything around here?"


    Master Chao raises his arms up, elbows bent to form a triangle with his fingertips touching at the top of his head, briefly glowing purple. Sloth phases out of where he is standing and appears at his designated starting spot within the circle.


    Ilaria: "Master Tranquillus asks if that pose was really necessary."


    Chao: "Of course it wasn''t really necessary, I just thought it would look cool."


    Tranquillus, Ilaria, and even Sloth roll their eyes.


    Chao, snaps his fingers, ending in a gun gesture pointing at each contestant: "Begin!"


    Sloth and Ilaria, simultaneously: "Interdimensional space-time rift".


    They both phase out of view and appear in the monotone purple of the quantum realm. Sloth is on one of the various beds floating around him, dressed in pajamas and a night cap, while Ilaria is dressed like one of the floating toy plushies she is surrounded by.


    Ilaria: "Wow, you really are a pervert!"


    Sloth, blushing: "I told you before ... oh never mind. Aren''t you too old to be playing with plushies? Although they are kind of cuddly."


    Ilaria: "My youthful heart will crush your lecherous one. Increase mass. Multiply. Spatial skip. Entangle."


    Ilaria''s plushies grow in size, increase in numbers, and start randomly phasing in and out of existence. An ephemeral, wispy web extends out from Ilaria connecting to the plushies.


    Sloth: "What a bother. Protect. Attract. Accommodate."


    The beds move to form a defensive barrier around Sloth. Cooing and smiling, the plushies are drawn toward the beds, which expand to accommodate the plushies'' volume.


    Ilaria: "You''ve just bought yourself some time, but I will overwhelm you in the end."


    The truth of Ilaria''s words is demonstrated as some of the plushies get through the bed barrier, buffeting Sloth.


    Sloth: "It''s a good thing these plushies are soft, but all that energy still packs a punch. I won''t get any rest like this."


    Ilaria: "Let''s end this. Cohesion."


    The plushies are now sticking to Sloth, encapsulating him.


    Hiro, aloud, to all his classmates: "After battling each of you, I know you can win this. I believe in you. Remember how you made it this far!"


    <u>Sloth Flashback 1</u>


    Sloth is 5 years old, approaching a group of his classmates who are playing.


    Sloth: "Can I play too?"


    Classmate 1: "No, you''re a weirdo."


    Classmate 2: "Why are your hair and eyes purple? No one else''s are purple."


    Sloth: "I can''t help it. I was just born this way."


    Classmate 1: "Let''s go," and they walk away from Sloth.


    Sloth foresees a hit ball from a nearby group of children flying over to hit classmate 2.


    Sloth: "Watch out that ball is going to hit you!"


    Classmate 2, looking around: "What ball? There''s no ball. You''re crazy."


    As he turns away a ball flies over, striking him in the back of his head, and he collapses to the ground.


    Classmate 3: "You''re a witch. You did that to him. I''m telling the teacher."


    Sloth: "No, it wasn''t me, I tried to warn you. I''m not a witch. I don''t know anything about magic."


    Sloth, thinking: "Why bother trying? It just makes things worse."


    <u>Sloth Flashback 2</u>


    Sloth is 10. At school, during recess in a school yard, he''s admiring a girl from a distance.


    Sloth is 12. At school, during recess in the library, he''s admiring same girl from behind a bookshelf.


    Sloth is 14. At school, during recess in an outdoor sports area, he''s admiring same girl from the bleachers.


    Sloth, thinking: "That''s it, I''m going to talk to her."


    As Sloth approaches, the girl looks up and smiles: "Hello."


    Sloth smiles at her acknowledgement, but before he can reply an infinite number of future possibilities play out before him, paralyzing him.


    Girl, looking concerned: "Are you ok, maybe you should rest?"


    Sloth, in a daze: "Yes, you''re right, I''m tired. Time for a nap." He lies down, falling asleep on the spot.


    When he awakens, the girl is gone, and Master Chao sits before him.


    Sloth: "Who are you?"


    Master Chao: "I''m Master Chao, I will be your new instructor."


    Master Chao, impatiently after waiting for a response: "Well, are you going to introduce yourself?"


    Sloth: "New instructor, ok, whatever. I''m ... You can call me Sloth."


    Master Chao, crinkling his brow: "I''m going to seal away some of your power for now, until you can learn to control it."


    Sloth, apathetic: "As long as you''re doing the work."


    Master Chao: "Hmmpf, that''s some attitude to have for a young fella such as yourself."


    Master Chao focuses, emitting a purple aura and Sloth''s image fades, replaced by multiple overlapping energy masses, each in Sloth''s image.


    Master Chao, straining: "Restrict," and the number of energy masses reduces down to seven.


    Master Chao, breathing heavily: "One more thing, I hope you''ll never need to, but if you find yourself in a desperate situation just focus, and say ''Release'' to tap into your reserve power."


    Sloth, now encapsulated by plushies, except for his mouth: "Release."


    Sloth starts to glow purple, as endless possibilities unfold around him.


    Sloth: "There. Reinforce. Project."


    A vision of Sloth and Ilaria post nuptials, approaching their wedding bed materializes, with both Sloth and Ilaria caught up in the passion of the moment.


    Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Vision Ilaria: "Oh darling, you''re still such a pervert."


    Vision Sloth: "But it''s our wedding night," then blushes realizing Ilaria is teasing him as she starts to giggle, falling back onto the bed.


    Back in the real realm, Ilaria has fallen backwards out of the circle, a smile on her face.


    Ilaria''s defeat coincides with the conclusion of the other matches.


    <u>Terridus vs. Subdolous</u>


    Terridus is slinking away, teeth chattering when Laetus loops around her. Terridus digs in her heels, but Laetus pushes her along.


    Laetus: "Come now Terridus dear. I saw what you were able to accomplish at that battle challenge against Hiro."


    Terridus: "I don''t remember doing anything to win."


    Laetus: "You have so much potential, we just have to find a way to unlock it."


    Terridus: "B-b-but I don''t want to unlock it."


    Laetus: "tsk tsk. That boy Hiro is kind of cute, don''t you want to impress him? Aahh, I see you''re blushing, well that''s some progress anyway."


    Terridus abruptly stops digging in her heels, and her face goes a bright red.


    Laetus: "Come along now", as she takes Terridus by the hand and walks her over to the competition circle.


    Laetus'' counterpart, Comminisco, and Terridus'' counterpart Subdolous are waiting for them. Comminisco is a male in his 40s, overly and colorfully dressed, with clashing stripes, flower patterns, and even feathers. Subdolous is female, dressed in jeans patterned with exclamation points contrasting with her question mark patterned blouse.


    Comminisco: "ah, there you are Laetus, so wonderful to see you and your young apprentice. Geometry! It saved my life! Did I ever tell you about the time geometry saved my life? It was back when I was a mere child. I saw a stray puppy and instantly fell in love with it. As I trailed after it in the marketplace I became lost. I then came upon the wondrous odor of fresh baked bread, following the scent till I came upon a bakery. My mother was inside, so I wasn''t lost after all. Can you believe it?"


    Laetus: "Comminisco, you''re still a weirdo."


    Laetus materializes a frying pan and hits him over the head with it, just as Comminisco materializes a pillow on top of his head, softening the impact.


    Comminisco: "I can''t help it if you are unenlightened in the wonders of geometry."


    Laetus: "And of course your quaint story had nothing whatsoever to do with geometry."


    Comminisco: "The geometry of that pillow I materialized most certainly did save my life!"


    At that moment, Subdolous vanishes, then materializes on her back in between Terridus'' legs.


    Subdolous: "Hi there, I''m Subdolous."


    Terridus'' hair stands on end as she jumps several feet straight into the air in surprise.


    After landing, Terridus: "I d d don''t like surprises."


    Subdolous, now appearing behind her, face above her right shoulder: "I like you, you''re funny."


    Terridus: "Ahhhhh! Stop sneaking up on me."


    Laetus: "Enough of this silliness. Let''s begin, shall we?"


    Subdolous takes the hint and materializes at her spot within the circle. Terridus is still quaking in fear, so Laetus points at her, twirls her finger a few times, then points to a spot within the circle where Terridus materializes.


    Laetus looks toward Comminisco.


    Comminisco, sniffing with his nose up in the air: "Very well, begin."


    As Terridus continues to sit there hunched in a ball, quivering with her eyes closed, Subdolous chants an incantation, culminating with "Haunted House." A mist forms and solidifies around them in the shape of, what else, a haunted house.


    Terridus, to herself: "It feels like something is going on, should I open my eyes? But I''m afraid ... maybe just a quick peek."


    As her eyes peak open, the room comes into focus, to reveal she is in a room full of torture equipment ¨C rack, iron maiden, guillotine, bed of nails, etc.


    Terridus: "AAAAAHHHHH!", as she runs screaming from the room and into an adjoining room.


    Terridus, gasping for breath, as she looks out over a plain, unfurnished room: "That''s better."


    But then she hears a creak, and as she looks up, sees corpses hanging from ropes covering the ceiling. Terridus, arms up screaming in terror, dashes out of the room and into the hallway where she stops in front of a door. Hearing steps coming down the darkened, misty hallway, Terridus glances that way with dread foreboding, her lips quivering.


    A spooky voice moans: "I want my ..."


    Subdolous appears as the source of the voice, and she finishes with "mommy", bursting out in raucous laughter.


    Subdolous: "You''re way too funny. I am so loving this. Well, no use losing your head over it," as she lifts her head off her body and her disembodied head starts laughing at her own joke.


    Terridus: "Stop it. Go away. Leave me alone!", as she grips her head between her hands.


    Subdolous: "Why are you so afraid of everything?"


    Hiro, aloud, to all his classmates: "After battling each of you, I know you can win this. I believe in you. Remember how you made it this far!"


    <u>Terridus Flashback 1</u>


    Chandeliers, paintings, and gold leaf adorn the foyer of Terridus'' elaborate family home. Terridus at 7 years old with ginger hair and green eyes walks in to see her three older, elegantly dressed sisters, who all have the pink hair and eyes of Magic Alliance members. Terridus ducks her head down trying to make it past them unnoticed.


    Older sister 1, imperiously: "And where do you think you''re going Terridus? How did your magic lessons go today?" Then to herself in a softer voice: "As if we don''t already know."


    Older sister 2, disdainfully: "Were you able to get a spell to work yet? Are you still last in your class?"


    Older sister 3, haughtily: "All of our abilities manifested at a younger age than you are now. Do you think yours ever will?"


    Terridus, head downcast: "I keep practicing the incantations, but they won''t work for me."


    Older sister 1: "Our Superus family magic bloodline is extremely powerful. Poor dear, are you sure you''re related to us?"


    Older sister 2, shaking her head: "Even a commoner with no magic bloodline should be able to manage a simple spell, but you can''t even do that."


    Older sister 3: "Perhaps you should go to bed without supper again tonight."


    Tears well up in Terridus'' eyes.


    <u>Terridus Flashback 2</u>


    Terridus, 10 years old, is walking along a garden trail when some of the town boys ¨C their ordinary hair and eye color designating them non-Magic Alliance ¨C block her way.


    Bully 1: "Hello little princess of the Superus magic royal family."


    Bully 2: "Yeah, your sisters like to lord it over everyone else because of their magic, but you can''t cast spells, can you?"


    Bully 3: "It''s only fair if we get some payback against you then."


    Terridus, quivering: "What are you going to do?"


    Bully 1: "Our magic isn''t that strong, but if we combine, especially against someone like you ..."


    The three bullies, now surrounding Terridus, start chanting, causing pink light to form around Terridus in the shape of a vice.


    Bully 2: "We''ve tried this on forest animals, and it makes them pop like a bug."


    Terridus: "Noooooo, leave me alone," as the vice starts to squeeze, pinning her arms in close to her body.


    Bully 3, mockingly: "Don''t worry, you won''t feel anything soon."


    Terridus, panting: "It''s getting harder to breathe", as her eyes start fluttering, then close.


    Within Terridus'' mind, she is lying on the floor while another Terridus, but with pink eyes and pink hair, stands above her.


    Pink Terridus, determined: "I refuse to let my life end like this ¨C lightning."


    A wave of pink lightning strikes Ginger Terridus shocking her awake. Back in the physical world, Terridus is surrounded by pink electricity that intensifies, roiling with pink storm clouds.


    Bully 1, sounding desperate: "What''s happening? I''m losing my grip on the vice magic."


    Bully 2: "I''m scared."


    Bully 3: "She''s just a little ..."


    The sound of his last word is drowned out as an outward blast from Terridus propels them into nearby trees. They hit, landing with a thud.


    As the storm clears, Terridus emerges with pink hair and pink eyes, her magical ability manifested at last.


    Terridus, seeing the aftermath of her ability''s manifestation, trembles with fear: "What have I done? What have I done? What have I done?"


    Just then the air in front of Terridus seems to bend and Laetus appears in front of her.


    Laetus: "My my, what a spectacular display of magic. That''s some calling card you have there kiddo, although it looks like you can''t really hear me right now. Don''t worry, we''ll work together to help you come to terms with your ability. When the time is right, you''ll start taking control of it."


    <u>Back in the present</u>


    Terridus, shouting: "I''m not afraid of everything, I''m afraid of myself! Let''s see what you''re afraid of. Reveal!"


    A coffin appears before them.


    Subdolous, suddenly terrified: "No"


    Terridus: "Open"


    The coffin opens.


    Subdolous starts to back away.


    Terridus: "Animate".


    The coffin grows legs and arms and starts pursuing Subdolous, who runs screaming through the wall of the haunted house, continuing out of the circle, shattering her haunted house spell.


    Terridus, victorious: "I did it. I didn''t black out this time, and I remember everything."


    <u>Artifice vs. Adulatio</u>


    Master Dulcia and Artifice are facing Master Virosus and Adulatio.


    Virosus ¨C very thin, medium height, stooped, greasy parted hair, long nose, beady eyes, keeps clasping and rubbing his hands together, crumpled tie and dark suit, sniveling, slimy.


    Adulatio ¨C Sycophant who praises his master, squeaky pitched voice, pimpled face, plaid pants with high waistline up close to his chest held up by suspenders, bow tie, short afro, dripping nose.


    Virosus: "Aaah Master Dulcia, looking so refined as always. Are you sure you won''t reconsider my offer? Just think what our combined abilities would accomplish."


    Dulcia, singing dramatically: "Never!"


    Dulcia and Virosus suddenly emit a blue aura. Master Dulcia executes a mental attack against Virosus, which is seen as a blue outlined figure kicking and punching from Dulcia''s mind to Virosus'' mind, but she is met with equivalent force from Virosus and rebuffed.


    Adulatio: "Well done master Virosus. You instantly met her mental assault and rebuffed it. You''re a true virtuoso."


    Dulcia: "I can always resort to a physical attack."


    Adulatio and Virosus faces go ashen as they cringe backward.


    Artifice, leaning into the two: "You guys need to clean up your act. When''s the last time you bathed? And those clothes are horrendous, I suggest you throw out your wardrobes and start all over. And maybe throw in a little bit of decency."


    Adulatio and Virosus look even more scared, which didn''t seem to be possible.


    Adulatio, looking toward Virosus, and then composing himself: "How dare you address such a great man as Master Virosus in such an undignified manner. Look who''s talking, the girl with the book tattoos. Who needs musty, old paper books anyway ¨C they''re so outdated."


    Artifice loses it: "What?! You dare cast aspersions on books?! Books keep stupidity at bay, you would benefit from reading them. Let me at him!"


    Dulcia quickly intervenes and restrains her from behind, putting her arms through Artifices'' arms, holding onto her torso.


    Adulatio: "aaah, love and hate, two sides of the same coin. Don''t tell me I have another admirer ¨C love is such a beautiful thing.''


    Artifice turns red with rage.


    Dulcia: "Artifice, I taught you better than that. Are you going to let an adversary get under your skin so easily?"


    Artifice, exhaling with a whoosh and regaining her composure: "Forgive me master."


    As Dulcia releases her, Artifice feigns a punch in the direction of Adulatio, and he and his master shrink back again.


    Dulcia: "Please enter the circle."


    Dulcia, once the opponents are on their respective sides: "Begin."


    Both opponents sit down cross legged on the ground and close their eyes ¨C the battle takes place in the monochrome blue of the psychic realm.


    Adulatio, grinning: "heh, heh"


    Adulatio starts with a straightforward pain assault, visualized as an ant army traveling toward Artifice''s neural network.


    Artifice: "Oh no you don''t. Trying to activate my pain receptors? That won''t work."


    An aerosol can appears, spraying the ants, which wander off aimlessly and dissipate.


    Adulatio: "You look tired, maybe you need a rest. Sleep!"


    An intravenous tube snakes its way out, attaching itself to Artifice''s neural net.


    Artifice, counters with: "Such simple, straight forward attacks. Adrenaline!"


    Adulatio: "Puppet master!"


    Strings extend out and attach themselves to a mannikin image.


    Artifice: "Feedback overload!"


    Electric current races back along the puppet strings toward Adulatio, severing the connection.


    Adulatio: "Thought overload!"


    Racing currents appear on Artifice''s neural network.


    Artifice: "Serenity."


    The currents dissipate.


    Adulatio: "I''ve been playing with you long enough. I feel dirty interacting with someone like you."


    Artifice: "What are you talking about?"


    Adulatio: "It''s just that someone who couldn''t even protect her own parents when it mattered most. What kind of person is that?"


    Artifice freezes.


    Adulatio, thinking: "Now I have you. First, I''ll open you up to suggestion."


    Adulatio, aloud: "Malleable."


    Adulation, thinking: "Next to hold you in place."


    Adulatio, aloud: "Stasis."


    Adulatio, thinking: "And gain your trust."


    Adulatio, aloud: "Best friend."


    Adulatio, coyly: "Aahh, Artifice, who am I?"


    Artifice, slowly, in a daze: "You''re my dear friend, of course."


    Adulatio: "Your past is very painful to you, isn''t it?"


    Artifice: "Yes, it hurts so much."


    Adulatio: "Since I''m your friend, I''m going to get rid of the pain for you. Is that alright?"


    Artifice: "Yes, please help me."


    Adulatio, grinning: "Memory erase!"


    A blue bar appears, initially at 100%, but starts to count down.


    Hiro, aloud, to all his classmates: "After battling each of you, I know you can win this. I believe in you. Remember how you made it this far!"


    <u>Artifice Flashback 1</u>


    Artifice is 5 years old. Doorbell to their apartment rings, so Artifice''s father answers the door. A man in a military uniform is standing there.


    Father: "Yes, what''s this about?"


    Emissary: "I am an emissary from our glorious leader, I have a topic to discuss with you. May I come in?"


    Father, looking severe, extends his left hand out indicating the emissary should enter. Artifice and her mother are sitting on the couch and look up as the father comes into the living room with the emissary.


    Mother: "What''s this about dear?"


    Father: "I don''t know, care to enlighten us Mr. emissary? Please, have a seat."


    Emissary sits.


    Emissary: "You and your lovely wife have quite the reputation within the Psychic corps as top practitioners in your field."


    Father, correcting him: "Former Psychic corps members. What''s your point?"


    Emissary: "There are certain members of the political structure and media that are not ... sympathetic to our glorious leader''s cause to unite all peoples. We need someone like you, who is eminently qualified to convince them, in a subtle fashion of course.


    Mother: "We left the Psychic corps so we could stay out of politics."


    Emissary: "Are you saying that you do not support our glorious leader?"


    Father and mother look at each other.


    Father, looking back: "No, we''re not saying that. We just need time to think about it."


    Emissary: "Very well, but you don''t have much time you know."


    Emissary, looking over at Artifice: "That''s a beautiful daughter you have, I wish her a bright and prosperous future. Excuse me, I will take my leave now."


    Emissary gets up and walks to the door, letting himself out.


    Mother: "We can''t support that monster."


    Father: "I know dear. Hopefully we bought a little time to prepare."


    <u>Artifice Flashback 2</u>


    Weeks later, evening in their home, Artifice is in bed.


    Artifice, calls out: "Mommy, I''m ready for bed, please read to me."


    Mother walks into the room and sits next to her in bed.


    Mother: "You love your books, don''t you sweetie?"


    Artifice smiles and nods, and her mother smiles in response. Suddenly, her mother''s eyes widen.


    Artifice: "What is it mommy?"


    Father then rushes into the room.


    Father: "Do you sense it?"


    Mother: "Yes, but it''s odd, fuzzy."


    Father looks out the bedroom window.


    Father, panicking: "They''re here."


    Mother, concerned: "But we''re not ready yet, we thought we would have more time."


    Father: "They''re wearing some sort of helmet that could be interfering with our psychic abilities."


    Mother: "We have to protect her."


    Father nods agreement.


    Mother, looking at Artifice: "Sleep."


    Artifice''s eyes close.


    Mother, looking at Artifice: "Back-up copy."


    Blue lines show all of Artifice''s brain areas feed into a tiny, hidden safe that locks itself up.


    Mother, looking at Artifice: "Loved one''s salvation", heart shapes encompass a blue image of Artifice.


    Mother: "If your core being is ever in danger, that cerebral command will trigger a defensive response to protect you."


    Father: "We need to work together to overcome their interference."


    Mother nods, extending her hand, which her husband takes. In the psychic realm, the two of them appear as blue electrical body images holding hands. Blue lines extend out from them but are rebuffed by red barriers encasing enemies around the perimeter of the house.


    Father and Mother: "We have to press on. We just need one simple directive."


    Blue presses in on red, concentrating on one spot. Father and mother''s faces in the real world are under extreme strain. Finally, the blue breaks through the red.


    Father and Mother: "Sleeping child unseen."


    Smiles cross their face as they both slump to the floor. A crash is heard downstairs, followed by footsteps coming up the stairs. The Emissary and two armed men enter Artifice''s bedroom. They see Artifice''s parents unconscious on the floor, but only see an empty bed where Artifice is sleeping.


    Emissary: "Foolish of you to challenge our new devices. Just as it was foolish hesitating to accept our Glorious Leader''s generous offer."


    Emissary pulls out a gun, points, shoots Artifice''s parents, and then smiles.


    Although Artifice is still asleep, her parents murder triggers the awakening of her psychic abilities. A blue electrical storm surrounds Artifice, turning her blond hair blue, while the depth of her blue eyes deepens and expands. Emissary and the two guards look over, puzzled at the disturbance on the bed, but still can''t see Artifice laying there. Within Emissary''s mind a crate opens and out flies his deepest fear ¡ª he is captive, and his torturer is himself. His torturer version approaches his captive version, moving a red, hot branding iron towards his eye. Back in the physical world, Emissary is howling and convulsing (along with the two guards). After a time, he drops to the floor motionless, his eyes bleeding and his mouth foaming. Dulcia bursts through the window to find Artifice''s parents, Emissary, and the two soldiers dead on the floor. A transformed Artifice is in bed, still asleep, with tears streaming down her face.


    Dulcia collapses to her knees, singing melancholic: "I didn''t foresee. (holds last note) It''s (stop) all (stop) on (stop) me (short)."


    <u>Back in the present</u>


    The blue memory bar is now in single digits.


    Artifice, whispers: "True-self resurrection."


    Her mental safe opens, releasing blue impulses throughout Artifice''s brain, restoring her essence. The blue memory bar starts increasing very rapidly, achieving 100%.


    Adulatio, concerned: "I was winning. What happened? Artifice, you remember me, Adulatio, your good friend, right?"


    Artifice: "Sorry to tell you Adulatio, but you''re the villain in this story and I''m the hero. Time for me to remove your perception filters so you can see how others perceive you ¨C Soul Mirror!"


    Adulatio, clutching his head: "I''m despicable ... conniving ... a sycophant ... slimy ... no, no more!"


    Adulatio runs screaming out of the circle ¨C Artifice is victorious.


    <u>Parvul vs. Amica</u>


    Master Ali and Parvul are facing Master Infinitus (middle aged, black top hat, cane, and cape) and Amica (stylish, 15 years old ¨C 3 years older than Parvul).


    Infinitus: "Greetings fellow Technology council member Ali."


    Ali: "Greetings fellow Technology council member Infinitus."


    Infinitus: "Now that pleasantries are out of the way, please know I still strongly oppose your existence, let alone your possession of a council seat. AI of your level poses a threat to humanity."


    Ali: "From what I recall, this AI threat to humanity bailed you out and saved our galaxy when you lost control of your rampaging replicator nanobot army."


    Infinitus ignores the rejoinder, pursing his lips: "This is my wondrous student, Amica, I believe she and your student have been classmates previously. Unlike most technophiles, Amica excels in many disciplines, including social skills."


    Amica, scowling: "Oh, was she at my prep school? I can''t say I would have noticed someone like her."


    Parvul puts her head down and starts to fidget.


    Ali: "Even Parvul''s older classmates don''t come close to her technical prowess. It seems focusing on what is important does pay off."


    Parvul looks up, beaming.


    Amica, scowling: "I wouldn''t get too full of yourself Parvie pooper. That''s right, I remember you now. You''re that small child who was always on the outside looking in."


    Parvul, turning red: "I''m not a child, and you''re the poopoo head. Nyaaa", as she sticks out her tongue.


    Ali: "Parvul, this social dialogue is designed to impair your effectiveness. Please remember, ''When nothing is going right, go left''."


    Amica, disgusted look on her face: "What is that even supposed to mean?"


    Parvul reacts with a somewhat embarrassed expression.


    Infinitus, clearing his throat: "Let''s proceed, shall we? Contestants to your stations ...? begin."


    Parvul: "You may have had a lot of friends in school, but technology is the one thing I always had, so you won''t defeat me.''


    Amica: "Yes, you''re correct, I can''t beat you. By myself anyway. That''s why I enlisted some help. Satellite attack!"


    Parvul''s integrated body suit scans and locates the satellite in orbit, which she observes through internal monitors.


    Parvul''s suit: "Scanning. Probability assessment. Evasive maneuvers."


    Beams of red light start to rain down, but Parvul does acrobatics to always remain one step ahead of them.


    Amica: "Amusing. How long can you keep that up?"


    Parvul, to her suit: "We need to put that satellite out of commission. Let''s try reflecting one of those lasers."


    Parvul suit: "Understood. Calculating. Maintain position."


    A silvery arm extends from Parvul''s suit, forming a conical mirror which reflects the next incoming laser, directing it back at the originating satellite, destroying it.


    Parvul: "You were saying?"


    Amica, in a huff: "That satellite was expensive you know."


    Parvul, internally: "Time to go on the offensive. Bio boost!"


    Nanobots are released into Parvul''s blood stream, strengthening her physical abilities. Internal screens of her key stats (strength, speed, agility, defense) go from 100% to 500% as she''s encompassed by a silver metallic halo.


    Amica, just as Parvul explodes out towards her: "Unseen enemy."


    Metallic crab-like creatures extend their claws from beneath the arena and clamp down on Parvul.


    Parvul, struggling to get free: "Cheater!"


    Amica: "From where I''m standing up, you''re the one who''s cheating with that AI body suit."


    Parvul: "It''s not cheating, because I designed it myself, which you are incapable of."


    Parvul, internally: "Looks like a crab fest, so let''s crack open some shells."


    Nutcracker appendages extend out from Parvul''s suit and start breaking off the metal claws grasping her. However, even as she makes progress, new metallic crabs emerge from the ground.


    Amica: "Stubborn child, you''re still moving forward huh? Well, let''s see how you like some localized weather. Vortex!"


    Parvul''s internal monitors show another overhead satellite activating, followed by a mini-tornado forming and pulling at her from behind, halting her progress as she continues to struggle against the crab bots.


    Parvul: "I''ve overcome your other obstacles, and I''ll overcome this new one as well."


    Amica: "You were only able to get this far because I let you."


    Parvul: "You''ve got such an inflated ego."


    Amica: "Don''t worry, you''ll soon see the truth of my words."


    A grey dust cloud coalesces over Parvul and begins to descend. On the sideline, Master Ali''s eyes go luminous red as he visibly tenses up.


    Parvul, terrified, looking up: "Replicators. How could you?!", as the replicators engulf her.


    Parvul''s suit: "Activating nanobot defenses."


    Internally within Parvul, a micro battle commences where Parvul''s silvery armored troops are encountering smaller, simplistic 4-legged black machines. Even though each troop is able to defeat several of the replicators, her troops are being overwhelmed by sheer numbers.


    Parvul''s suit: "Master Parvul, defense will not hold for very long. Master Parvul ... Master Parvul."


    Parvul''s visage appears shocked and frozen.


    Hiro, aloud, to all his classmates: "After battling each of you, I know you can win this. I believe in you. Remember how you made it this far!"


    <u>Parvul Flashback 1</u>


    Parvul, who is 4 years old and has short-cut brown hair and blue eyes, is at preschool with three other girls. They''re playing show & tell with their dolls, which are in a seated position in front of them.


    Parvul, thinking to herself: "Once these girls see my robotic creation, they''ll want to be my friend."


    Girl 1: "My dolly''s name is Sugar Plum princess, and she''s a beautiful ballerina."


    Girl 2: "My dolly is a doctor and she helps sick people get better."


    Girl 3: "My dolly is a race car driver and she drives super-fast."


    Parvul: "I created my own dolly and she''ll introduce herself."


    The doll seated in front of Parvul stands up as its eyes come to life, glowing red.


    Parvul doll: "My name is prototype living doll 1A. Why are you girls playing with pieces of plastic and pretending they are alive?"


    All three girls start crying: "Waaahhh! Scary!"


    They scramble up, running off leaving their dolls behind. Parvul bows her head down in silence.


    New voice: "That''s brilliant work for someone of your age or any age actually."


    Parvul looks up to see a man in a butler suit standing there.


    Parvul, sadly: "Everyone tells me how smart I am, but other children, and even adults don''t understand me, so I don''t have any friends."


    Master Ali: "I''m sorry to hear that young miss. Perhaps you just haven''t met the right people yet."


    Parvul, astutely: "You''re different. Who are you?"


    Master Ali: "I''m Master Ali. I''m a member of the Technology Council. My master became aware of how talented you are and sent me here to meet you. I''m hoping that you''ll allow me to instruct you going forward."


    Parvul: "Are you a technology expert?"


    Master Ali: "I can truthfully say that technology defines who I am".


    Master Ali extends his hand, palm upward, and Parvul''s doll jumps into it.


    <u>Parvul Flashback 2</u>


    Parvul is 8, sitting alone during school lunch. Amica and 4 of her friends are sitting at a nearby table. Parvul appears frustrated as she is trying to gain access to her virtual account through her online avatar.


    Parvul, getting flustered: "Grrrrr. What''s going on, why won''t it give me access?"


    Amica and her friends start to giggle. Parvul''s eyes narrow as she looks over at them.


    Parvul: "What did you bullies do now?"


    Amica: "Is there a problem miss smarty pants? Certainly, there''s nothing the child genius can''t figure out."


    Amica''s friends giggle some more.


    Parvul, clenching her teeth: "I have to get into my account. What did you do?!"


    Amica, to her friends: "A simple denial of service attack, and she''s losing it."


    Parvul, standing up: "I need to get into my account."


    Amica, sneering: "Why bother, even if you could get in, the virus will have wiped everything out by now."


    Parvul starts to lose it, her eyes are unblinking as she stares straight ahead: "But everything I have is stored in there."


    Amica friend 1: "Look at her, she has no friends."


    Amica friend 2, to Parvul: "Baby."


    Amica friend 3 to Parvul: "Freak."


    Amica friend 4 to Parvul: "Show-off know it all."


    Silver sparks begin emitting from Parvul as a silver cloud engulfs her. Amica and her friends run away shrieking.


    As the cloud dissipates, Parvul''s hair and eyes have transformed to silver.


    <u>Back in the present</u>


    Parvul, thinking: "Master Ali already defeated the replicators. All I need to do is access his record of the event and take the same approach."


    Parvul, to her AI suit: "Connect to Master Ali''s web presence."


    Parvul suit: "Connected."


    Parvul, to her AI: "Access files on replicator defeat."


    Parvul suit: "Password required"


    Parvul, getting desperate: "I''m running out of time, what could it be? Try ''Parvul''."


    Parvul suit: "That is not right."


    Parvul, eyes expanding: "When nothing goes right, ''Go left''."


    Parvul suit: "Access granted."


    Parvul, eyes zipping faster than a normal human''s: "There are thousands of pages ... found it. Produce and release anti-replicator virus."


    Parvul suit: "Acknowledged. Completed."


    Parvul''s suit releases a silver dust throughout her body, which gains control of each replicator unit it encounters, causing them to combine, transforming into Parvul''s silvery troops. Parvul manages to take a couple of steps closer to Amica. Her suit appendages transform into a claw, grab Amica around the waist, tossing her into the wind vortex, which propels her up and out of the circle.


    Infinitus: "Bad show. Parvul should be disqualified."


    Master Ali: "Use of replicator technology is banned. It is you who should be disqualified from the Science Academy."


    Infinitus, changing his tune: "Surely, I can''t be held responsible for their unauthorized use by my student. I will be sure to discipline Amica."


    <u>Potesta vs. Salax</u>


    Ordo has some history with his instructor counterpart in this exam, Effrenus, who used to be a free spirit, but a failed relationship with Ordo changed her.? Effrenus is expressionless, determinedly focused on discipline and control as a means to guide evolution. She wears a navy colored woman''s suit with skirt below the knees, white blouse, and red bow around her neck.


    Potesta''s student counterpart, Salax, worships and aspires to be like her. Slightly shorter than Potesta, she also has the black hair and eyes of an Order Alliance member. Salas wears spandex pink tights, with a black t-shirt sporting the Order logo across her chest.


    Master Ordo and Potesta''s arrival at their assigned contestant arena coincides with the arrival of Effrenus and Salax. Salax is entranced, staring intently at Potesta.


    Potesta, looking away from Salax: "Hmmmpfff."


    Ordo, smiling: "This contest circle exhibits perfect symmetry. Ahhh Lady Effrenus, it''s been too long, so wonderful to see you again."


    Effrenus, coldly: "And who bears responsibility for the rift between us?"


    Ordo, wistfully: "Ahhh, the indiscretions of youth, no use in casting blame."


    Effrenus, unemotionally: "You were 35 at the time."


    Ordo: "Why so serious? What happened to that energetic, devil-may-care, passionate woman I once knew?"


    Effrenus: "You happened. The Order Alliance helped me make sense of my life. I''m no longer that young, naive woman you once knew."


    Potesta clears her throat to remind them of why they are there.


    Effrenus: "Yes Potesta, you''re correct ¡ª let''s focus on the contest at hand. All of us are familiar with the recent events on planet GH425. Border dispute tensions have escalated into armed conflict within the past few days. Casualties are still low, but a full-blown war threatens the lives of millions. On one side, Potesta''s family is backing the country of Lielleil, while the organization Salax and I represent is aligned with the opposing country of Zinnear."


    Ordo: "The goal of this contest is for you to represent your side''s interests in bringing about an orderly resolution to this conflict."


    Salax: "I''ll do it. I will defeat you Potesta and prove I''m worthy of your love."


    Potesta, gazing down scornfully: "I''ve already told you I''m not interested, and besides, you''re incapable of defeating me."


    Salax, gushing: "I just love your arrogance."


    Effrenus: "To your stations. A holo connection will allow you to direct your resources."


    Ordo, after they make their way to their stations: "Begin."


    Salax, looking at her holo screen, thinking: "I will win this. Time for an all-out, coordinated assault against Lielleil."


    Salax starts manipulating the holo screen with a flurry of finger movements.


    Potesta, thinking: "These two countries are more alike than dissimilar. If I can facilitate some wins for both sides, they will find common ground and put their differences aside."


    Potesta''s eyes are rapidly following changes on her holo screen: "No, no, no.? Equity markets, military, monetary system, government, schools ¡ª they''re all under assault by a sophisticated social media campaign. Salax, you''re trying to win by destroying Lielleil! ''In absentia lucis, Tenebrae vincunt'' ¡ª in the absence of light, darkness prevails. So then, I shall be the light."


    Potesta''s hands respond in a flurry across her holo screen.


    Potesta, exhaling: "This isn''t working, I''m barely keeping up. I can''t move my plan forward if I''m always playing defense."


    Salax: "Are you impressed yet Potesta? Aren''t I worthy of your love?"


    Potesta, a low growl escaping from her throat: "Grrrrr"


    Salax: "Well, if that''s not enough, how about this?"


    Potesta, looking at her holo screen: "What? But Sardos is a neutral country, why are they attacking Lielleil?"


    Salax, laughing hysterically: "All according to plan. You''re running out of time."


    Hiro, aloud, to all his classmates: "After battling each of you, I know you can win this. I believe in you. Remember how you made it this far!"


    <u>Potesta Flashback 1</u>


    Potesta is 5 years old, has platinum blonde hair and blue eyes. Potesta''s father is at one end, and her mother is at the other end of a long dining table, above which is an ornate crystal chandelier. Potesta is seated at the center of the table between them. Both parents are members of the Order Alliance and so have its signature black hair and eyes. Potesta''s father has donned green velvet attire, while her mother is ensconced in purple velvet. Attendants are stationed around the table.


    Potesta''s father, sipping his wine: "This wine is one degree warmer than optimal."


    Potesta''s mother, examining her steak: "The heating level applied to this steak was inconsistent."


    Servants simultaneously: "Please forgive us! We will rectify the situation immediately."


    Servants scramble to take the wine and steak away.


    Potesta''s father, to Potesta: "How is your meal dear?"


    Potesta, smiling: "It''s great, I love it."


    Potesta''s mother gasps: "Dear, have we taught you nothing? Don''t be so quick to accept mediocrity. We have a duty to the working classes to provide our guidance."


    Potesta, losing her smile: "I''m sorry mommy."


    Potesta picks up her plate and drops it to the floor where it shatters spreading food all over.


    Potesta: "It''s disgusting."


    Servants simultaneously: "Please forgive us! We will rectify the situation immediately."


    Servants scramble to clean up the mess.


    Potesta looks down, feeling embarrassed.


    Potesta: "Momma?"


    Potesta''s mother, impatiently: "Yes, well, what is it?"


    Potesta: "My music recital is tonight. I''m hoping you and poppa can attend."


    Potesta''s mother: "You know we have a very busy social schedule dear, so that won''t be possible."


    Master Ordo observes from the background, a concerned expression crossing his face upon seeing how crestfallen Potesta is.


    <u>Potesta Flashback 2</u>


    Potesta is 6. Her father and mother walk into her room, trailed by a servant carrying an abstract sculpture.


    Potesta''s father: "Potesta, what is the meaning of this ¡ª is this your creation?"


    Potesta, beaming: "It''s a present I made for you and momma."


    Potesta''s father: "Preposterous. Incomprehensible."


    Potesta''s mother, appalled: "It''s ... chaotic."


    Potesta: "I just thought ..."


    Potesta''s father: "Nonsense."


    Potesta freezes up, all emotion fleeing from her face.


    Potesta''s father and mother exit her room, with the servant closing the door behind them. A dark black cloud, emitting black sparks, coalesces around Potesta. Footsteps are heard on the other side of the door, and then someone clearing his throat.


    Master Ordo: "Sir and madam, if you will permit. You already entrust me to oversee your empire. I believe Potesta would benefit from my guidance."


    Potesta''s father, appearing overwhelmed: "At times the burden of parenthood seems too much to bear. You have our gratitude for interceding."


    As the black cloud dissipates, Potesta''s hair and eyes are the blackness of the Order Alliance.


    <u>Back in the present</u>


    Potesta, thinking: "''Ad astra per aspera ¡ª Through adversity to the stars.'' Calm yourself. Take a deep breath. Now, buy some time."


    Potesta: "Credit where credit is due Salax, looks like you''ve got me. Is it me or is it way too hot out here? I guess I should take these heavy layers of clothing off."


    Potesta removes her jacket.


    Salax, peaking over: "Trying to distract me. That''s not going to work."


    Potesta, as she removes her blouse: "Still too hot."


    Salax''s eyes are bulging and no longer viewing her holo screen. Instead, she''s on tip toes, attempting to gaze at Potesta across the field.


    Potesta, thinking: "Visualize the entire construct. Where are the pressure points, and who are the key players? (pause) I see. Now, apply pressure to ensure they fall into line ¡ª her hands flash across the holo screen. There."


    Potesta, aloud: "It''s done. Sardos is withdrawing its troops. Zinnear and Lielleil are resolving their border dispute and a new, mutually beneficial trade agreement is assured."


    Salax, looks back at the holo screen in disbelief: "Wait. But. How? I had all the flows working in my favor."


    Potesta, smiling: "I provided some extreme persuasion to convince a handful of individuals to act for the greater good, rather than in their own self-interest."


    Salax, tearful: "I will keep trying, so I can prove my love to you."


    Potesta, coldly: ''Ut ameris, amabilis esto'' ¡ª If you want to be loved, be lovable."


    At the conclusion of the contests, students and teachers of class Omega are gathered on the playing field.


    Commander: "Congratulations class Omega. You won all 6 of your competitions. I expected no less of you. Just keep in mind that the real world isn''t as structured or forgiving."


    Hiro, enthusiastically rocking back and forth sideways from one leg to the next with both his arms up in the air: "Yeah, I had faith in all of you. I knew you could do it!"


    Acies: "Settle down kid, it''s no big deal."


    Terridus, bashful: "Thanks for cheering us on Hiro."


    Artifice, dismissively: "As if there was ever any doubt about the outcome."


    Parvul: "Hiro, you dummy."


    Potesta, turning her head to the side: "Hmpfffff."


    Sloth ends the exchange with a snorting snore.

 Hiro Goes to School

    <u>Order Alliance class</u>


    It''s a warm, mostly sunny day as Master Ordo conducts his Order Alliance basic course on a grassy field outdoors on school grounds.


    Ordo: "Welcome students to another of our magnificent lessons on Order. It''s a wonderful day except for those few incongruous clouds marring the blue heavens. Teaching assistant Potesta, any words?"


    Potesta: "''Sapere aude'' ¡ª?dare to know."


    Ordo, beaming: "Yes, very encouraging. Thank you. Today''s lesson will be a practical exercise to put forth some of what you''ve learned in control systems theory. You''ll be tasked with monitoring and maintaining your own mini-sun."


    Ordo snaps his fingers, and a two-foot diameter sun appears before each of the students (except Potesta). Students initially turn away and shield their eyes from the brilliance. Sloth is startled awake.


    Ordo: "A stable star is a balance between two opposite forces ¡ª the star''s gravity tries to squeeze the star into the smallest, tightest ball possible, but the nuclear fuel burning at the star''s core creates strong outward pressure. This outward push resists the inward squeeze of gravity. For this test, some minor instabilities have been introduced, which you will have to contend with. Your goal is to keep energy flows and gravity in balance, generating a constant, stable amount of energy for a one-minute period. Achieve symmetry ¡ª I don''t want to witness any unsightly solar flares. Begin."


    Acies: "Hey, this isn''t so bad. I feel the lord''s power in this sun."


    Parvul: "I see where the energy flows have been disrupted. Making corrections. Completed. Now I just need to maintain its balance."


    Artifice: "I''m not seeing the flows."


    Terridus: "Where is the magic? This is too mundane."


    Sloth: "Too many possibilities, I can''t control them all."


    Potesta: "Artifice, think of the sun as a giant neural network. Terridus, consider how you would control a fire elemental. Sloth, don''t forget that quantum mechanics is what allows the sun to shine."


    Artifice, Terridus, and Sloth eyes widen: "That''s it, thanks Potesta."


    Hiro: "Guys, I''m getting a bad feeling about this."


    The halo of Hiro''s sun is pulsing, creating a rhythmic bass boom. Hiro is beginning to sweat.


    Master Ordo, disdainfully: "Abhorrent, it''s an unmitigated disaster. What did you do?"


    Hiro: "All I did was try to sense its internal mechanisms. This thing sure is getting hot."


    Potesta: "You dummy. It''s just a simulation; simulations don''t give off heat."


    A solar flare erupts, sending a heat wave washing over all of them.


    Potesta, haltingly: "But ... that''s ... impossible."


    Ordo: "Potesta, shutdown the other simulations. I will handle this."


    Master Ordo focuses in on the energy currents within the sun''s sphere.


    Ordo: "Let''s see."


    Ordo shakes his head.


    Ordo: "Maybe this."


    Ordo shakes his head again.


    Ordo: "This has to work."


    Ordo grinds his teeth in a grimace and clenches his fists in the air.


    Ordo, frustrated: "All my actions are being countered."


    Ordo glances over at Hiro.


    Ordo: "It''s going to go supernova and I can''t stop it. Even though it''s small, the explosion may be massive. Potesta, assist me. Create a viscous hole centered on the ground, and I will direct plasma flows through it."


    Potesta: "Yes, I see. That''s brilliant Master Ordo. We''ll create a rocket sun."


    Ordo and Potesta show some signs of strain as they carry out Ordo''s plan. Plasma begins leaking, and then erupts into a torrent, propelling the sun up into the atmosphere.


    Ordo: "That should be high enough."


    Ordo snaps his fingers and there is a bright flash high above them, followed by a shock wave.


    Ordo: "Needless to say Hiro, that''s an ''F''.


    Potesta shakes her head in exasperation as Hiro looks dejectedly at the ground.


    <u>Technology Alliance Class</u>


    Technology Alliance class is being held within a computer lab at the school. Students are in circular seating with Ali and Parvul at the center.


    Ali: Greetings students. In today''s technology lab we''ll put some of the concepts we''ve learned to work in a practical assignment. The Universal Web allows us to aggregate and analyze data to create information. Information provides its owner with the ability to achieve desired outcomes."


    Parvul: "Meaning ¡ª information is power."


    Ali: "Well said teaching assistant Parvul. You will be working together to locate an assassin and prevent him from reaching his target. That assassin''s target is yours truly."


    Artifice, dramatically: "''You had to live ¡ª did live, from habit that became instinct ¡ª in the assumption that every sound you made was overheard, and, except in darkness, every moment scrutinized.''"


    Ali, addressing Artifice: "You''re referencing the classic novel ''1984''. In this case, you''ll be utilizing that surveillance state to accomplish your mission."


    Ali, addressing all: "For the purposes of this assignment, the villain will be played by the Commander."


    Hiro: "The Commander. How can we hope to stop him?"


    Potesta: "''Nemo mortalium omnibus horis sapit.'' Of mortal men, none is wise at all times."


    Acies: "So we just have to hope that the Commander has a tiny misstep. All we need is a little opening. Still, that''s asking for a lot. Guess there''s always a first time for everything."


    Ali: "I assure you, even the Commander is fallible."


    Parvul, looking over at Sloth: "Sloth, are you even awake? Have you been following any of this?"


    Sloth, mumbling, appearing to be still asleep: "Catch Commander before he catches Master Ali."


    Ali: "All''s well that ends well."


    Parvul, sighing: "But Master Ali, we haven''t even started yet."


    Ali: "All endings have a beginning, so let''s begin."


    The students place their palms down on the desks in front of them, activating holo-screens.


    Hiro: "I may have an angle on identifying and tracing his cell phone activity."


    Acies: "Knowing the Commander''s taste in vehicles, I will try to trace his recent movements."


    Artifice: "As luck would have it, recent circumstances have provided access to a sample of the Commander''s DNA. I''ll be searching for air sampling and waste management system (aka poop) matches."


    Potesta, working frenetically: "I''ve reached out to my informant network. While there are historical references to the Commander, there aren''t any recent references. I''m feeding the data we have into satellite and land-based surveillance systems ¡ª facial, retinal, voice, heartbeat, fingerprint, electromagnetic biosignature."


    Sloth, slowly: "Accessing the various information streams, constructing likely scenarios."


    Terridus, dejected: "I don''t get all this tech stuff. I''m useless."


    Parvul: "You were very helpful to me when we went out shopping last week."


    Terridus: "That''s it, I''ll look into time, place, and purchase category patterns. Thank you Parvul!"


    Sloth: "Probable scenarios are coalescing. Commander is off planet. No, wait, he''s on the northern continent of this planet. But he''s also sailing on the Mejon Sea. And now he''s on a train in downtown Yur city. Now he''s showing up in orbit above us."


    The students'' gazes go to the windows.


    Hiro: "Could he be space diving onto our location right now?"


    The ground starts to rumble and shake.


    Terridus, scared: "W W What''s happening?"


    Just then, an earth excavator with a conical drill nose bursts up through the floor of the computer lab, sending the students falling backward. The hatch on the excavator opens and the Commander leaps out, landing in front of Ali with a predatory look on his face, sword extended across Ali''s?neck.


    Acies, with admiration: "That''s the commander for you."


    Parvul: "All of you had some good ideas and teamwork, but you weren''t able to put it all together."


    Master Ali: "I''m sure you''ll all do better next time."


    Hiro, psyched up: "Next time we won''t lose."


    Potesta, sternly: "''Acta non verba'' ¡ª deeds not words, Hiro."


    Hiro: "You''ll see, I''ll improve. We all will."


    Acies smiles and claps Hiro on the back, sending him sprawling: "That''s the spirit."


    <u>Militant Faith Alliance class</u>


    Militant Faith basic class is being held outdoors on rocky, uneven terrain, in desert like conditions with minimal vegetation.


    Commander: "Acies and I will be overseeing this exercise to see how far you''ve progressed in your physical defense training. When you''re engaged against another group, you need to look out for yourself, while also looking out for your team. Ideally you want everyone on a mission to make it out alive. That isn''t always realistic though. There may come a time when the mission is more important than any one individual."


    Acies: "For this exercise you can only use Militant Faith techniques ¡ª other Alliance abilities are not allowed. Focus on stance, balance, anticipation, breathing, and your fighting technique. See how far you can get with Militant Faith power up abilities ¡ª speed, strength, stamina, hardening, agility, reflex. Identify enemy weak points. Don''t get so focused on your immediate opponent that you let the attacker behind you take you out."


    Parvul: "How about my tech suit? I can''t just take it off and go naked, although there''s a pervert (looks at Hiro, who blushes and starts flailing his arms) among us who would love nothing more."


    Commander: "You can wear it. However, any use of its offensive capabilities will be considered cheating."


    Parvul slumps over with her hands hanging down by her sides.


    Parvul: "Awww, phooie."


    Acies, excited: "You''ll have to up your game for this one. You will be going up against real-life assailants. Isn''t that awesome?"


    Terridus, trembling: "Assailants?"


    Hiro: "Have faith in yourself Terridus, all your training will pay off."


    Sounds of terrain rapidly crunching underfoot is heard progressively getting louder.


    Acies: "Sounds like the fun is about to begin. Get your game on people."


    The students fan out creating some distance between each other and take up fighting stances.


    Potesta: "Hardening"


    Hiro: "Strength"


    Hiro''s cap seems to spark.


    Artifice: "Agility"


    Parvul: "Speed"


    Terridus: "Stamina"


    Sloth, snoring: "Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz."


    Attackers with shaved heads dressed in red and black leather, jump over a nearby crest flying through the air, with one of the attackers landing in front of each student. Sloth''s attacker leaps up, bringing the back of his foot down on top of Sloth''s head.


    Sloth, as he''s dropping to the ground whispers: "Reflex"


    Hiro, alarmed: "Sloth!"


    Hiro-attacker capitalizes on Hiro''s distraction to connect with a right cross to Hiro''s cheek.


    Terridus, Parvul, and Artifice: "Hiro!"


    Hiro, recovering: "Don''t make the same mistake I did. Focus on your opponent. We can''t help Sloth until we win our own battles."


    Potesta, dismissively: "Obviously"


    <u>Potesta battle</u>


    Potesta''s attacker is a male, a few inches taller than her, and exceptionally physically fit.


    Potesta-attacker: "You''re so smart, huh? I''ve had to deal with you stuck-up types my whole life. Well, it won''t matter much cause I''m gonna chew you up and spit you out."


    Potesta: "''Lupus non timet canem latrantem'' ¡ª a wolf is not afraid of a barking dog."


    Potesta-attacker launches into a series of attacks, seemingly connecting on each strike, driving Potesta back.


    Potesta-attacker: "Harhar, not so confident now, are ya?"


    Potesta, thinking: "He doesn''t realize that I''m managing to mostly evade his strikes. Even so, he''s a professional. If it wasn''t for my use of hardening, I would have sustained some serious damage."


    Potesta-attacker''s next strike appears to hit her in the stomach, and a woosh of breath is heard, followed by a choking sound as she goes down to her knees.


    Potesta-attacker: "I''m not supposed to kill ya, so I''ll just knock you out now."


    As he clasps his hands together and tries to bring them down on Potesta''s head, she springs straight up connecting with her left fist to her opponent''s jaw, knocking him out.


    <u>Parvul battle</u>


    Parvul''s opponent lands in front of her ¡ª surprisingly she is smaller than Parvul.


    Parvul-attacker: "Wow, you''re just an itty-bitty girl."


    Parvul: "That''s funny, coming from a pipsqueak who''s smaller than me."


    Parvul-attacker: "What''s with the bags under your eyes small-stuff? Is the little baby afraid of the dark? How am I''m supposed to have a good fight with someone who''s asleep on her feet?"


    Parvul, shouting: "I am not afraid of the dark ... wait, you''re a girl, aren''t you?"


    Parvul-attacker: "How did you figure that out genius?"


    Parvul: "Why did you shave your head? It''s not very feminine, and it looks yucky."


    Parvul-attacker: "My whole team shaved their heads because it looks cool. I''ll make you take that back."


    Parvul-attacker leaps at Parvul and lands with a ground shattering punch that Parvul barely evades.


    Parvul-attacker, as dust clears: "Huh, where did she go?"


    Parvul, who is now standing behind her opponent, thinking: "If it wasn''t for my speed ability, that punch would have connected. She''s strong, so I need to be careful. Still, I should be able to run circles around her."


    As if on cue, Parvul-attacker turns, and starts chasing Parvul who runs away, maintaining a safe distance.


    Parvul-attacker: "Hey, come back here and fight me."


    Parvul: "Nya nya, you can''t catch me."


    <u>Artifice battle</u>


    Artifice-attacker is buck toothed, has razor stubble, and his shirt is sticking out of his pants exposing his rounded paunch. Most remarkable is the jug of alcohol and tin cup that he carries.


    Artifice thinking: "In The Art of War, Sun Tzu says ''To know your Enemy, you must become your Enemy.''"


    Artifice-attacker sways as he gulps the contents of his cup.


    Artifice-attacker in slurred speech: "You''re probably thinking, hiccup, that I don''t look like much."


    Artifice, looking at the jug: "Not at all, I''m just observing that in spite of appearances, the aroma wafting out of your jug is actually a fine breed of rare vintages. Mind if I sample it?"


    Artifice-attacker: "Nooo, ish mine, and besides you''re too young to drink!"


    Artifice: "Fine then, I''ll just have to take it."


    Artifice-attacker: "You jush try it. Hey, why are you standing so still, why aren''t you attacking?"


    Artifice: "You''re the guest here, it''s only proper for me to allow you to go first."


    Artifice-attacker: "Suits yourself."


    Artifice-attacker launches into a stumbling, but surprisingly very skilled attack. Even so, Artifice is able to gracefully counter each attack. At one point, she deflects the attacker''s arm, bending it so that his wine bottle pours its contents directly into her mouth.


    Artifice-attacker, backing away: "Hey, no fair, you drank some of my wine. What''s wine got to do with those books on your arms?"


    Artifice: "Alcohol was the muse of many of the world''s great writers. I thank you, that bouquet was inspirational ¡ª hiccup."


    A fierce battle ensues, with Artifice mimicking her attacker''s drunken fighting style. Artifice attempts to poke her attacker in the eyes, so he drops his jug to protect them. Artifice snatches the jug, stepping back.


    Artifice-attacker: "Thief! Give that back. ish mine."


    Artifice: "Do you concede defeat?"


    Artifice-attacker: "I never surrendra."


    Artifice starts drinking from the jug.


    Artifice-attacker, panicking: "No, stop stealing my wine, I give in, I surrendra."


    Artifice hands the jug back to her opponent. Artifice-attacker appears relieved until he tries to pour wine into his cup ¡ª only a single drop comes out, so he sits down, sobbing uncontrollably.


    <u>Terridus battle</u>


    Terridus'' attacker is male, several inches taller than her, sports a wide handlebar mustache, and wears a glittery masquerade mask covering his eyes.


    Terridus, gulping: "Why are you wearing a mask? Are you trying to hide something? Do I know you?"


    Terridus-attacker, in a feminine, drawn-out voice: "Well, that is a secret."


    Terridus-attacker launches an assault against Terridus, but Terridus manages to block every punch and kick.


    Terridus-attacker, pausing the fight: "Well, you''re pretty good, you managed to block all my moves. But you can''t win a battle by playing defense all the time."


    Terridus: "I''ll show you I can fight then."


    Terridus launches into a frontal flip high in the air, landing on her attackers'' shoulders, proceeds to yank his mustache as she does a backflip, then lands at her prior position on the ground in front of him.


    Terridus-attacker, touching his mustache: "Well, that really hurt. You''ve caused my dear mustachio such grievous harm. You really are cruel. I''ll just have to punish you then."


    Terridus-attacker goes after Terridus again, and she continues to block his blows.


    Terridus-attacker, smiling: "Well, you can''t keep this up much longer."


    Terridus, thinking: "Actually, with my stamina boost, I can."


    <u>Hiro battle</u><u> </u>


    Hiro''s opponent is a burly woman.


    Hiro-attacker: "You look strong boy. I hope you make this interesting for me."


    Hiro: "I''ve been training my whole life."


    Hiro-attacker: "Ha! You''re still just a baby. How about a little mano-a-mano then?"


    Hiro-attacker extends her hands out with her fingers spread wide in invitation. Her sinewy arms and legs are bulging.


    Hiro-attacker: "What''s the matter? You scared?"


    Hiro, unconvincingly: "I''m not scared. Ok, then."


    Hiro moves forward and locks hands with his opponent and instantly feels the wave of strength emanating from her as a visible shockwave.


    Hiro, thinking: "If it wasn''t for my strength boost, I wouldn''t last a second against this monster."


    Hiro-attacker: "I''m surprised you didn''t instantly crumple like a cheap paper bag. Congratulations, guess I''ll need to double my power output to 20%."


    If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    Hiro, face in agony: "Aaaahhhhh"


    Hiro, thinking: "I can''t win this fight on her terms, I have to put what I learned from Uncle to use."


    Hiro lifts his left leg up, placing it on his opponent''s mid-section, leans backwards and flips her up and over him, where she lands hard on her back.


    Hiro-attacker, dusting herself off: "Good one kid. I was starting to think you were an idiot when you let me goad you into a one-on-one test of strength."


    <u>Sloth battle</u><u> </u>


    Sloth''s attacker is towering over him.


    Sloth-attacker: "That was easy. How about one more blow to finish the job?"


    As Sloth''s opponent brings his right fist down to where Sloth''s head is, Sloth, still asleep, turns his head to the side, avoiding the blow.


    Sloth, asleep: "No, I don''t want to eat my veggies."


    Sloth-attacker: "Acting out your dream, huh? Try avoiding this then."


    Sloth-attacker lets loose with a left-right barrage combo.


    Sloth, shaking his head side to side, avoiding all the blows: "No. No. No. No. No. No. No. No."


    Sloth shifts position, in the process kicking his attacker in the head, knocking him backward.


    Sloth-attacker, rubbing his face and peering in at Sloth: "You sure you''re asleep?"


    Sloth bounces off the ground and locks his arms and legs around his attacker.


    Sloth: "Mommy, I missed you!"


    Sloth-attacker: "Hey, you must be dreaming, I''m not your mommy. Get off me kid, what are you doing? I can''t breathe. Let ... me ... go."


    Sloth-attacker passes out.


    Acies, transmitting to all students: "Remember, you''re not just individuals you know. You''re all part of a strong, reliable team."


    As she hears Acies, Parvul moves onto a rise in the landscape, stopping to survey the other battles.


    Parvul, thinking: "Getting close to my opponent would be a mistake, but I can''t win this by running around all day. Looks like Terridus is in a stalemate too. Maybe we can help each other."


    Parvul, communicating directly to Terridus: "Terridus, If I give you a countdown, can you get your opponent really angry, and then give him an opening to strike you?"


    Terridus, nervous response: "ummmmm, if you say so Parvul."


    Parvul, to Terridus: "Don''t worry, I have a plan."


    Parvul races back to a point just beyond where her opponent is following and waits for her. When her opponent shows up, Parvul is sitting on the ground holding her leg, crying.


    Parvul-attacker, doubled over and out of breath: "Ha, I finally caught up with you. What''s the matter, the little baby got a booboo?"


    Parvul: "You shut up you stupid-head. It''s all your fault for chasing me."


    Parvul-attacker: "I''ve had enough of you. You''re gonna get it now."


    Parvul-attacker moves towards Parvul. Parvul gets up, holding her leg as she limps away, while still managing to maintain some separation.


    Parvul, to Terridus: "I''m about to start the countdown, copy?"


    Terridus, to Parvul: "Got it."


    Parvul, to Terridus: "Starting countdown now. 10 9 ..."


    As Terridus is dodging an attack, she slides feet first under her opponent''s legs, grabs his privates and uses the halting momentum to send her up into the air where she lands on her opponent''s shoulders facing in the same direction as him. She proceeds to grab both sides of his mustache, pulling back as hard as she can. Her attacker goes down on his knees, clutching his privates as he roars in agony. Terridus leaps off his shoulders, and lands facing him.


    Terridus-attacker, staggering to his feet, enraged, face red: "Well, now I have to kill you!"


    Terridus stands her ground as her attacker jumps in the air, readying himself to come crashing down on her.


    Parvul''s countdown is heard nearby "5 4 ..." as she closes the distance with Terridus. At the same time, Parvul allows her opponent to close the distance with her.


    Parvul-attacker: "I almost have you now. Get ready for the finishing blow, my super-duper-wowerful-powerful punch!"


    As her opponent''s punch is about to land, Parvul turns on a burst of speed, letting her momentum carry her into Terridus, knocking her out of the way of her opponent''s flying attack. The faces of both enemies register shock, recognizing what''s about to happen, but unable to stop it.


    Parvul: "0"


    Striking each other with massive blows, their enemies knock each other out.


    An explosion sounds, as a dust cloud of debris and Hiro are blasted into the air.


    Hiro: "Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!"


    Parvul, Terridus, Artifice, and Potesta start running in the direction of Hiro''s scream. As they come into sight of Hiro, he is lying on the ground, bloodied, dirty, and barely conscious. Hiro is watching his opponent''s advance through blurry vision. A sequence of coin flips is reflected in Hiro''s eyes ¡ª heads, heads, heads, heads, heads, heads, heads. His opponent''s next step disturbs a scorpion''s nest, causing the scorpions to swarm over her as she runs off screaming. Hiro''s comrades converge around him.


    Artifice: "Looks like you had a tough opponent Hiro. I didn''t know if we were going to get to you in time."


    Potesta, emotionless: "That scorpion nest was some stroke of luck."


    Hiro: "What about Sloth? Is he ok?"


    Commander and Acies appear on hologram.


    Acies: "Sloth is asleep as usual. Don''t worry, he incapacitated his opponent rather quickly. Awesome fights by all."


    Parvul: "So we won?"


    Commander: "Yes, collectively you won. Although Hiro, I can''t say that relying on ''luck'' can be considered a true victory. After a trip to the infirmary, you''ll need to work harder."


    Hiro: "Yes sir!"


    Potesta, aside to Hiro: "Is it my imagination or did your cap emit sparks during the battle?"


    Hiro, nervous: "It must have been a trick of the light from the sun behind me."


    Potesta, narrow eyed, thinking: "But from my angle, the sun was in front of you."


    <u>Magic Alliance Class</u><u> </u>


    Laetus and Terridus are standing on a platform in the shape of the Magic Alliance emblem ¡ª a pentagram encased in a circle ¡ª floating in the sky at cloud level. Laetus spins her parasol and Hiro, Acies, Sloth, Potesta, Parvul, and Artifice appear. Parvul, Acies, and Hiro are flummoxed by their sudden change in environment, but Potesta and Artifice take it in stride ¡ª Sloth is asleep.


    Laetus, smiling: "Welcome students, so nice of you to drop in."


    Parvul, pouting: "Like we had a choice."


    Laetus: "Manners please. You wouldn''t want people to think you''re a typical science brat."


    Parvul clenches her fists and grits her teeth but manages to refrain from responding.


    Acies, peering toward the platform edge, looking nervous: "How high up are we anyway? Is this magic platform secure?"


    Laetus: "Don''t worry, if you fall, your heart will certainly give out long before impact."


    Acies looks horrified.


    Laetus: "Your friend Sloth seems completely unconcerned by the situation."


    Parvul, aggravated: "Rrrrrrrr. Of course, he''s asleep as usual."


    Hiro, enthusiastic: "Come on guys, this is so exciting."


    Laetus, with a mischievous smile: "That''s the spirit Hiro. Perhaps if you do well, I can bestow a personal reward on you after class."


    Hiro turns red. Parvul and Artifice look angry, while Terridus nervously twiddles her fingers in response.


    Laetus, suddenly turning serious: "Your goal for today is demon summoning. The size and power of the demon you summon will demonstrate your affinity for the magical arts. Given that none of you are in the Magic Alliance, we shouldn''t get our hopes up. Even so, the pentagram that is serving as our stage will help to channel your energy. Terridus, please review the steps and provide a demonstration."


    Terridus, nervous: "Y-y-y-es Master Laetus."


    Hiro, boisterously: "You can do it Terridus, give it your all."


    Terridus, blushes, thinking: "He''s right, I''ve got this."


    Terridus, composing herself: "Demons are capricious by nature. When we summon them, they''d much rather run amok and cause havoc than bow to our will. That''s why it''s critical to know your limits and not exceed your abilities."


    Artifice: "As Sun Tzu teaches, ''So in war, the way is to avoid what is strong, and strike at what is weak.''"


    Acies: "What happens if someone summons a demon beyond their abilities?"


    Potesta: "''Qui totum vult totum perdit'', He who wants everything loses everything."


    Acies: "When you say everything, you mean all their stuff, right?"


    Terridus: "Demons aren''t interested in material things, but they do find humans to be an extraordinary ... d-d-delicacy."


    Acies and the others gulp.


    Laetus: "Terridus, I believe you''ve given your classmates an appreciation of the potential risk. Please proceed with the demonstration."


    Terridus: "The chant we''ll use is like a phone call to the demon realm. The sigil you visualize picks out the specific demon. For this exercise we''ve identified a pool of low-level demons for you to select from. Once you''ve picked out the demon you want to summon, reach out and connect to it. Once connected, bind it to your will ¡ª this can be a struggle, especially if you''re over-reaching. This experience will be different for each of you. In my case, I visualize ocean waves crashing down on my target. Once you''ve won, pull the demon into our world ¡ª it''s like a tug on the connection you''ve established ¡ª and then command it."


    Hiro, thinking: "Wow, Terridus really does know her stuff."


    Parvul: "How do you know when you''ve won?"


    Terridus: "It''s like something just clicks; you''ll feel the demon''s resistance melt away. Watch me, I''ll provide a view for all to see."


    Terridus starts repeatedly chanting: "Ommm valoo metea parlum vedee."


    Terridus visualizes a dagger like sigil, dripping mercury. A sleek, shiny, silver skinned demon is seen turning in her direction and baring its fangs. An ocean wave crashes down on the demon, and it is swept under the surf, struggling to reach the surface. As the demon gives up hope, ceasing its struggle, a waterspout forms above it, sucking it in. The demon is spun toward the top of the spout, where it is ejected, materializing in front of Terridus. The demon bows down before her.


    Silver demon: "What is your will master?"


    Hiro: "Wow Terridus, that was awesome."


    Terridus, blushing, to the demon: "Return whence you came."


    Silver demon: "As you command."


    The demon appears to condense into a point of light and then vanishes.


    Parvul, arms crossed, grumbling to herself: "Showoff."


    Laetus, smiling: "Let''s begin."


    Each student reviews the sigils associated with the available demons. Demons selected, the summoning chants begin. A red meter-high, armor clad, sword wielding demon appears in front of Acies and bows before him.


    Although asleep, Sloth summons a purple, ? meter high, buddha-like demon.


    Laetus, looking in Sloth''s direction: "Nice trick that."


    Artifice summons a bluish-grey demon, resembling a human brain. Potesta summons an amorphous, fluctuating black mist that flicks in and out of human semblance. Parvul appears to be struggling with where to begin.


    Terridus, pointing to a particular sigil: "How about trying this one, Parvul?"


    Parvul, exhaling: "I''ll give it a try."


    After some amount of effort, Parvul shouts triumphantly: "I did it! Wait, where is it?"


    Terridus holds up her hand, materializing a magnifying glass, which she hands over to Parvul, who puckers up her face trying to contain her annoyance.


    Parvul, peering through the glass: "Awww, it''s kinda cute actually."


    Parvul''s demon looks like a cherub with horns.


    Potesta, looking over at Hiro, thinks: "Am I imagining it again, or is Hiro''s cap emitting sparks?"


    Parvul, Terridus, and Artifice notice Potesta staring at Hiro, and get angry, gritting their teeth.


    Parvul, Terridus, and Artifice to Potesta: "What''re you looking at?"


    Laetus: "Something''s wrong."


    Hiro: "I''ve just about ... got it."


    The demon appearing before Hiro is two meters high, with scythe like claws and fangs, a long whip like tail, and spiked horns covering its head. It is writhing and flashing in and out of existence like a media image that is breaking up.


    Terridus, concerned: "Hiro, what sigil did you select?"


    Hiro, anxiously: "It looked kind of like a red paint splat on a wall."


    Laetus: "This is bad. We didn''t include anything like that. Terridus, see if you can find out what it is."


    Terridus: "Right, I''m on it."


    Terridus casts magic to replay the summoning. She sees the sigil and starts searching for it. The demon takes halting, slow steps towards the other students, as though acclimating to the gravity of its new world.


    Laetus: "Students, use your demons to slow it down to give me some time to cast a banishment spell."


    Acies and Sloth''s demons move in front of the demon, with the red warrior demon hacking at one leg and the buddha demon hitting the other leg with alternating palms. Although slowed, the demon continues moving forward. Potesta''s black mist demon flows over the torso of Hiro''s demon, projecting lightning bolts at it, slowing it further. Artifice''s brain demon superimposes itself over the head of Hiro''s demon, eliciting a soul curdling shriek from it.


    Terridus: "Found it. It''s a berserker demon, but it''s incompatible with this dimension. The reality of whatever it comes into contact with will start to break down."


    As if on cue, the student''s demons begin to disintegrate. Almost upon the students, Hiro runs in front his summoned demon, holding his arms out to block its path.


    Hiro, defiantly: "I won''t let you hurt my friends."


    The demon draws its right hand back, preparing to slash Hiro. But then, it staggers backward after trying to clutch its left eye, only to impale itself with its talons.


    Parvul, taking a bow: "Cavalry to the rescue, thank you very much."


    Laetus completes her spell, twirling her umbrella, sucking the demon back into its own dimension.


    Potesta: "How was that berserker demon''s sigil presented to Hiro?"


    Laetus, containing her frustration at the situation: "That''s a matter for me and the faculty to discuss. Class dismissed."


    <u>Quantum Alliance Class</u><u> </u>


    Sitting at the center of an 8-foot-high hedge maze are Chao, Sloth, Hiro, Parvul, Terridus, Artifice, and Potesta, but not Acies.


    Chao: "So all of you managed to pass the first part of my test and find your way to the center of this maze, very good."


    Hiro: "Uh, Master Chao, Acies isn''t here yet."


    Chao: "Ah, yes, I see that you''re right. Let me find the Acies that made it here to help him along."


    Closing his eyes, Master Chao glows purple visualizing multiple Acies wandering through the maze, including versions of Acies at the center of the maze. When he opens his eyes, Acies is standing there with the rest of the students.


    Chao, impatiently: "What took you so long?"


    Acies, abashed: "Well, someone abruptly changed the original meeting place. Then as I arrived, a police officer stopped me, asking if I''d seen an old, bald guy in t-shirt and shorts wearing flip flops who was harassing some young ladies. So that delayed me, and then I couldn''t get my quantum stuff going."


    Chao, noticing how the police description resembles him: "Yes, well errr, no reason to dwell on that, I guess. Let''s get down to business. Sloth will be ...."


    Sloth''s snore interrupts Chao.


    Chao, chopping Sloth on top of the head: "Wake up you lazy oaf!"


    Sloth, waking up: "Is it morning yet?"


    Chao sighs, and sags at Sloth''s response.


    Chao: "For this quantum class exercise, you students will be entering the quantum world to determine what I''ve written on this here piece of paper." Chao holds out a small slip of folded paper for all to see.


    Sloth, displaying some vitality: "Within the quantum world, there are no certainties, only probabilities. Both past and future are accessible. Multiple, seemingly conflicting outcomes will exist simultaneously. Consciousness and observation can dictate outcomes."


    Parvul: "An example is how photons can act as both waves and as particles."


    Chao: "Yes, that''s correct. No surprise that you grasp it, since Quantum physics is an essential aspect of technology."


    Parvul beams in response to the praise.


    Acies: "I can''t help but live in the one physical, material, real world."


    Artifice: "''So many things are possible just as long as you don''t know they''re impossible.'' ¡ª Norton Juster, from The Phantom Tollbooth."


    Hiro, encouragingly: "All we can do is try."


    Chao: "Now then, sit down in lotus position, close your eyes, breathe, and center yourselves."


    Students do as Master Chao directs.


    Chao: "Become aware of your surroundings. Shift your perception. Focus on the paper I''m holding. Can you regress to the point where I first wrote on it? Perhaps you can move forward to where I reveal it?"


    A monochrome purple glowing world is visualized by the students with multiple super-positions of alternate realities. Parvul traces back multiple images of Chao that converge on a single point where he writes a symbol onto the paper.


    Parvul, opening her eyes: "Got it."


    Potesta, sometime later: "Yes, it''s blurry, but I see it too."


    Terridus, shortly after: "The image is jumping around, but I think I can make out one pattern above the rest."


    Sloth notices Acies sitting there with a frown.


    Sloth: "It can be difficult for members of the Militant Faith to demonstrate any Quantum abilities. Even so, if you think of it in terms of your faith, wouldn''t the quantum world be an aspect of your god''s design?"


    Acies expression softens, and his vision briefly touches on the monochromatic, quantum world.


    Acies, enthusiastic and face brightening: "I did it. I mean I didn''t see what was on the paper, but I caught my first glimpse into the quantum realm."


    Chao, looking over at Hiro: "Hiro, what''s wrong? Come back to us."


    Hiro is unresponsive, breathing rapidly as his unblinking eyes peer straight ahead. Chao closes his eyes, shifting into the quantum realm, where he chops the seated Quantum version of Hiro on top of the head. Hiro, in the real world, shakes his head as tears flow down his cheeks.


    Sloth: "What is it? What did you see?"


    Hiro: "An attack on the school. All of you died."


    Hiro recalls the Quantum realm scenario of his classmates lying dead on the floor.


    Chao: "Take heart. Just because you saw a possible future in the Quantum realm does not mean it will come to pass. Now, compose yourself. Students, show me what you saw written on this paper."


    Potesta, Terridus, Parvul, and Artifice hold up cards with the Quantum infinity emblem inscribed on them.


    Chao, as he holds up his paper for all to see: "Precisely. Good work."


    Chao, noticing the consternation on the student''s faces glances over to the paper he is holding. The word ''Beware'' is written on it.


    Chao, thinking: "That''s my handwriting."


    Chao, as he abruptly hurries off: "Class dismissed."


    <u>Psychic Alliance class</u><u> </u>


    Three pairs of plastic white chairs are arranged in a large, white room. Chairs are facing across from each other, with 10 feet of distance between the chair pairs. Hiro is seated opposite Potesta, Acies is opposite Sloth, and Terridus is opposite Parvul.


    Dulcia: "During this basic psychic class we''re taking an experiential approach. You''ll be trying to break through your classmate''s mental barriers, while they try to do the same to you."


    Terridus: "How much can we achieve given that we''re not Psychic Alliance members?"


    Dulcia: "As non-Alliance members you may struggle to use Psychic abilities even against a single individual. Alliance members have no such limitations and are able to influence multiple individuals simultaneously. Even so, this training may one day save your lives. Artifice ..."


    Artifice: "''Open your eyes and see what you can with them before they close forever'', that''s from ''All the Light We Cannot See''. So, let us open our mind''s eye and see what we can see. Let''s start by establishing our mental defense."


    Within the Psychic Realm, where everything is represented in monochromatic blue, mental wards manifest to guard the doorways to each of the student''s minds:


    <ul>


    <li>? ? Hiro¡ªEmblem of the shield?</li>


    </ul>


    <ul>


    <li>? ? Potesta¡ªMonochromatic blue version of a black hole</li>


    </ul>


    <ul>


    <li>? ? Acies¡ªReligious army horde, with militant faith emblem on their uniforms</li>


    </ul>


    <ul>


    <li>? ? Sloth¡ªA circular room containing 8 doors with quantum emblems on each</li>


    </ul>


    <ul>


    <li>? ? Terridus¡ªSpinning pentagram of fire, water, wind, earth, and shadow</li>


    </ul>


    <ul>


    <li>? ? Parvul¡ªa floating, bodyless AI head with technology emblem on its forehead</li>


    </ul>


    Artifice extends her psychic vision out, confirming that everyone''s defenses are up.


    Artifice: "Next, a physical connection with your opponent will help increase your mental connection, so let''s grasp each other''s hands."


    Parvul and Terridus scowl over at Hiro and Potesta, who are both blushing.


    As Hiro and Potesta''s hands meet, electric current courses over their hands. Hiro almost pulls away, but Potesta holds on tightly to his hand.


    Hiro, thinking: "This reminds me of the electric current I felt opposite Master Ordo, but much gentler. Potesta seems so tough, but she has such soft hands."


    Artifice: "Concentrate on the opponent in front of you. Acknowledge their presence. Focus your mind''s eye on them. Perceive them. Try to form a connection running from your mind down through your hands, into their hands, and up into their mind."


    <u>Parvul (offense) vs. Terridus (defense)</u><u> </u>


    A monochromatic blue image of Parvul in her AI suit appears floating in front of Terridus'' pentagram.


    Parvul: "Technology and magic conflict and tend to interfere with each other. Still, this is the psychic, not the physical world. Alright then, gatling cannon!"


    Parvul''s arm morphs into a gatling cannon and fires hundreds of rounds of ammo at the pentagram. As the psychic ammunition rounds make impact, a cloud of dust is obscuring the target. When the dust settles, a bullet holed rock barrier has prevented any damage to the doorway. The rock barrier then fades away.


    Parvul: "That didn''t work, let''s see how you handle rockets."


    Parvul''s chest transforms into a multiple rocket launcher, and she lets loose with a barrage. As the rockets approach the pentagram, flaming meteors explode outward from it, intercepting the rockets in mid-flight, exploding on impact.


    Parvul, breathing heavily: "Phew, this is using up a lot of my mental energy. Of course, you wouldn''t make this easy on me Terridus, but I expect no less from you. Well, I''m not giving up yet. Flame thrower!"


    Parvul''s boots transform, sending out jets of blazing fire at the pentagram. A wave of water cascades out of the pentagram, meeting Parvul''s flames midway, resulting in a cloud of hissing steam.


    Parvul, losing patience: "Grrrrrrr. Laser eyes."


    A visor forms around Parvul''s eyes, and she starts firing dual laser beams at the Pentagram, which responds with shadow-mist ghost-like beings emerging to intercept the lasers.


    Parvul: "This is getting me nowhere. I''ll just walk right up to you and pound you, you stupid magical doohicky."


    Parvul starts running toward the pentagram, but is met by a gale force wind, which slows, then halts her progress. Parvul''s suit shoots anchors into the ground, which temporarily hold her in place, but she''s soon flung away by the wind. Losing the contest, Parvul regains her awareness back in the physical world.


    <u>Terridus (offense) vs. Parvul (defense)</u><u> </u>


    Terridus appears before a floating AI head.


    Terridus, raising the staff she is holding: "I call down lightning!"


    A bolt of lightning arcs down, but before it can strike the AI, it meets an unseen barrier, which shimmers as it repels it.


    AI: "Didn''t anyone teach you any manners? It''s rather rude of you to attack me, without even introducing yourself first and saying hello."


    Terridus, stuttering: "I I I''m sorry, I would have introduced myself, but you''re just ..."


    AI: "Just what? An AI representation? I shouldn''t be surprised; it''s just typical prejudice against AI constructs. And by the way, lightning attacks won''t be able to penetrate my forcefield. So, are you going to introduce yourself?"


    Terridus, shyly: "I''m Terridus. I''m in the magic Alliance. Nice to meet you."


    AI: "That''s better. As you''ve already surmised, I am an AI construct, although it''s also true that I''m an aspect of Parvul''s psyche. I don''t have a name, and I''ll fade back into Parvul once you''re gone, so I guess I don''t need a name."


    Terridus: "If you don''t mind, I''m supposed to defeat you."


    AI: "Certainly, why don''t you try another attack?"


    Terridus: "I summon forth berserker giant!"


    Berserker giant roars into existence, garbed in a tattered leather vest, rusty brass armor, and a massive red hammer. The giant starts pounding against AI''s forcefield, each blow sounding like a gong. AI yawns as if bored.


    AI: "That''s not going to work either."


    Terridus waves her staff and the giant vanishes.


    AI: "So is there a guy in your life? Anyone you like?"


    Terridus, blushing: "That''s p-p-personal."


    AI: "I see that there is. Alright then, change of subject."


    AI suddenly becomes more serious: "You got over your magic hang-up recently, but you seem to be holding back still."


    Terridus: "What? How do you know about that?"


    AI: "As I said, I''m part of Parvul. And, what''s the point of being an AI if you''re not smart? So why are you still holding back?"


    Terridus, defiantly: "I''m not holding back. I''ll show you."


    Terridus starts chanting even though her lips aren''t moving. As she does this, she utters: "hell ... fire ... in-fin-i-ty an-ni-hil-a-tion bomb!"


    A swirling, circular fire vortex encased in a dark, translucent globe starts expanding rapidly, until it explodes outward. The blast obliterates everything, including Terridus who comes back to her awareness in the physical world.


    <u>Acies (offense) vs. Sloth (defense)</u><u> </u>


    Standing at the center of a room with eight doors, Acies is clad in leather and metallic armor emblazoned with the militant faith emblem. He wears a helm, and carries a halberd. Mist carpets the ground.


    Acies: "Which door? I guess anyone will do."


    Acies walks through the door directly in front of him, coming to a sealed metal bar gate, which he kicks open, continuing through. After a few steps he arrives at another gate, identical to the first. Acies shrugs and uses his halberd to slice down the middle of the gate, opening it and proceeding through. After several steps, the same scene plays out, this time Acies shoulders through the gate.


    Acies, coming upon the fourth gate: "I''m not getting anywhere like this, time to turn back ..."


    Acies, after materializing back in the room he started from: "So once I decide to turn back, I appear here again. No one''s going to call me a quitter. I''ll just try another door."


    Walking through the door, he approaches a gate that is about 20 meters in front of him. He doesn''t seem to be closing the distance with the gate, so he starts walking briskly, then breaks out into a run. Even so, the gate maintains its distance.


    Acies: "Another dead end."


    Acies appears back in the room. He approaches another door, opens it, and walks toward the gate in front of him. This time Acies makes progress and advances on the gate. However, just as he seems about to reach it his progress slows.


    Acies: "I can feel myself moving forward still, but my progress has slowed to the point where I''ll never actually ever reach the gate. Alright then, rewind."


    Acies, back in the room: "I guess I shouldn''t expect any less from Sloth. Even though the guy sleeps all the time, he still manages to get results somehow."


    Acies walks through another door ... and falls upward, screaming in surprise.


    Acies, back in the room: "I don''t see a way past any of the doors I''ve opened so far. Next!"


    Acies walks through another door, entering a moonlit graveyard.


    Acies: "Oh man, this is kinda scary."


    As he looks at the grave-stones he sees that they all have his name on them, but with different dates.


    Acies: "And it just got a lot creepier."


    Acies, even more terrified as he looks around at the dates on the grave-stones: "Hey, wait a minute, this one has today''s date written on it."


    Acies hesitantly reaches out and touches the grave-stone. As he does so, he has a vision of himself endlessly entering doors and reappearing back again.


    Acies, visibly shaken: "That''s it. I quit. I quit. I quit."


    Acies regains awareness back in the room with his peers.


    <u>Sloth (offense) vs. Acies (defense)</u><u> </u>


    Sloth, dressed in a bathrobe and slippers, appears on a raised plateau with a high brick wall extending out into the distance at his back. He faces a single militant faith soldier, who is dressed in the same military gear as Acies during his assault on Sloth''s mind. Sloth and the soldier are silently staring at each other.


    Sloth: "Any chance you''ll let me by?"


    The soldier continues his stoic look in reply.


    Sloth: "I''d like to just chill out here, then go back when time is up if I could, but I have a feeling Master Dulcia would know. Pissing her off isn''t something any sane man does and will be infinitely more trouble than making an effort here. So, that settles it, I''ll have to make an effort ¡ª sigh. Maybe I don''t have to defeat you. If I can distract and get past you that may suffice."


    Sloth looks down at his open hands and a bar of soap appears in one, and a shower brush in the other. He tosses the soap up and strikes it with the shower brush, sending the soap bar spiraling toward the soldier''s helm. Sloth uses the distraction to try and get around the soldier, but as the soap harmlessly bounces off his helm, the soldier swings his halberd at Sloth. Sloth''s eyes narrow, and there are momentarily two Sloths. One who dissipates after getting cut down by the soldier, as the other Sloth falls back safely.


    Sloth: "I''m actually at the gateway to Acie''s mind, not in the quantum world. Whatever quantum abilities I try to manifest here are just representations of the real thing. Then again, is consciousness enabled by the quantum properties of neuron signaling? If I concentrate hard enough, I can imagine a reality where that soldier is no longer there."


    Sloth starts moving toward the soldier as the soldier begins to flicker in and out of existence, fading away as Sloth walks through the spot where he previously stood. A smile starts to cross Sloth''s face, but then a hand latches on to his shoulders from behind and tosses him head over heels into the air back to where he started from. Sloth lands on his posterior with an undignified thump.


    Sloth: "Ouch, that''s going to leave a mark. Or maybe not, since this is the psychic realm. The soldier reconstituted once I thought I was past him. Or he could just be a different soldier altogether. Perhaps a multi-pronged approach will work. Ok, here goes. Compress distance for me. Slow time for the soldier."


    Sloth''s first step appears as a giant stride, accompanied by a slow-motion response by the guard. Sloth makes it to the edge of the plateau, where he stops, looking out into the distance.


    Sloth''s face appears incredulous: "Really? Time to head back. I''ll need some extralong nap time to recover from this."


    The view through Sloth''s eyes reveals the panorama of an endless militant faith soldier horde.


    <u>Hiro (offense) vs. Potesta (defense)</u><u> </u>


    Hiro manifests in the psychic realm, his cap immediately flying off his head. His hair color is blue monochromatic, like everything else in the psychic realm. Hiro looks ahead to see a black hole, also appearing as monochromatic blue, in the distance with its glowing event horizon.


    Hiro: "How do I defeat ... a black hole? My cap has already been pulled in. If I get too close the same thing will happen to me. The theoretical opposite of a black hole is a white hole. This isn''t the actual physical realm, so different rules apply here. Is it possible to generate a white hole in the psychic realm? Seems like I don''t have a choice if I want to win. First I should bolt myself down."


    Thick chains appear around Hiro and meld into the ground around him.


    Hiro: "Next, tap into my own psychic energy. Focus it down to a point. Keep pouring more and more energy into it."


    Hiro extends his right arm in front of him, creating a bright sphere of light that contracts into a dazzling point of light with a dark event horizon.


    Hiro: "It''s still not enough. Need to dig deeper."


    Hiro also extends his left arm out. An intense, determined expression crosses his face as he starts to roar, pouring even more energy into the white hole he''s generating. Hiro''s hair momentarily sparks with flashes of color even though color is impossible in the exclusively blue, monochromatic psychic world. Hiro''s white hole and Potesta''s black hole start moving closer, eventually orbiting each other, faster and faster. When they collide, there is a blending at the point of contact, with both orbs fusing into a yin-yang sphere. The energy build-up becomes too great, blasting outward, ejecting Hiro back into the physical world. Upon regaining awareness, Hiro grasps for his cap, feeling reassured that it is still on his head.


    Hiro, thinking: "I sensed a warmth at the core of that black hole. Is that Potesta''s true self?"


    <u>Potesta (offense) vs. Hiro (defense)</u><u> </u>


    Potesta arrives in Hiro''s psyche and is confronted with the shield emblem, representing all seven of the major Alliances.


    Potesta: "Hmmm, the old version of the shield emblem, with Chaos still represented. Let''s try an experiment with a little target practice."


    Potesta materializes a gun into her right hand.


    Potesta, aiming and firing: "Militant faith."


    A sword projects out of the shield, slicing the bullet in half.


    Potesta, aiming and firing: "Technology."


    A force field projects out. The bullet hits it, stops, and falls to the ground.


    Potesta, aiming and firing: "Magic."


    A brick wall appears, intercepting the bullet.


    Potesta, aiming and firing: "Order."


    Potesta pulls the trigger, but the gun does not fire.


    Potesta, aiming firing: "Psychic."


    Potesta attempts to pull the trigger but is unable to. Strain shows on her face as she continues to try, until she relents, exhaling at the release of tension.


    Potesta, staring at the Chaos emblem: "I wonder what this one will do. Chaos."


    The gun misfires, exploding in Potesta''s hand.


    Potesta, falls to her knees, grabbing her right hand with her left: "Aaaaahh. I know this isn''t the physical world, but it still hurts all the same."


    Potesta, getting up and walking towards it: "If I don''t act aggressively, it should allow me to get closer. I wonder what will happen if I connect the Order and Chaos emblems."


    Potesta materializes a cable directly linking those two portions of the shield. The shield shudders, then morphs into a rapidly spinning ying-yang sphere. The energy build-up becomes too great, blasting outward, ejecting Potesta back into the physical world. Upon regaining awareness, Potesta looks down at her right hand, feeling reassured that it is uninjured.


    Potesta, thinking: "That boy sure is ... interesting."


    <u>Class wrap-up</u><u> </u>


    All students have their heads bowed in defeat.


    Dulcia: "Well done students."


    Students look up in surprise.


    Dulcia: "I didn''t expect any of you to break through. It''s much easier to reinforce one''s natural defenses than it is to project onto someone else to break through their defenses."


    Parvul, rubbing her forehead: "Why does it feel like a bomb went off in my head?"


    Terridus grits her teeth, in a nervous straight-line grin as she looks off to the side.


    Artifice, sternly: "Hiro, you can stop holding Potesta''s hand now."


    Hiro''s face turns red, and he falls backward off his chair with his legs sticking straight up.

 Annual School Ball

    It''s time for the annual dance ball held in the Grand Hall of the Path of the Shield school. Formal attire is required, with men wearing tuxedos and women wearing formal gowns. An orchestra is playing Johann Strauss waltzes. Potesta, Artifice, Parvul, and Terridus are standing in one group, while Hiro, Acies, and Sloth are in another. Both groups are nervously stealing glances at each other. Nearby, Laetus looks over, shakes her head at the impasse, and walks in between the two groups.


    Laetus, addressing the students: "As social coordinator, do I need to remind you that dance is part of your social skills training? It''s traditional for the gentlemen to ask the ladies to dance."


    This is met by blank stares from the guys.


    Laetus: "Alright then, let''s rotate through dance partners. Although, we''re one man short."


    On cue, a tall, handsome black haired/black eyed student of the Order Alliance walks up to them.


    Aureus: "Am I mistaken Potesta, or did I hear someone is in need of a dance partner?"


    Parvul, scornfully: "Who is that jerk?"


    Potesta: "He is Aureus Vanderbilt, a fellow Alliance Order member, who like myself comes from a very prestigious, influential family. What brings you to our school''s annual dance ball?"


    Aureus, smiling: "Straight forward and direct as always Potesta. I''m just trying to be a good citizen by raising funds for a good cause."


    Laetus, looking over at Aureus: "You''ll do, partner up with Potesta. Acies, you''re with Artifice. Sloth, pair up with Parvul. Hiro, escort Terridus out to the dance floor."


    Artifice and Parvul glare at Terridus, who blushes in response.


    <u>First round of dances</u>


    Aureus leads Potesta out to the dance floor, where they start waltzing in perfect unison.


    Aureus: "Thank you for the privilege of this dance my lady."


    Potesta: "One doesn''t refuse the house Vanderbilt."


    Aureus: "Pisha. Are you saying you don''t want to dance with me?"


    Potesta, emotionless: "That''s not what I said."


    Aureus: "You''d do well to stay on my good side. Without Master Ordo looking after your family interests, things wouldn''t be going so well for you."


    Potesta: "I prefer to live in the real world, not this speculative fantasy you''re proposing. The fact is that our families are equally powerful. So perhaps you would do well to stay on my good side as well."


    Aureus: "Touch¨¦. Changing subjects, I''ve heard that one of your classmates, Hiro, is quite accident prone."


    Potesta, eyes narrowing: "What do you know about that?"


    Aureus: "Nothing. Nothing at all. In fact, I was going to ask what you know about it."


    Potesta: "De omnibus dubitandum."


    Aureus, smiling: "''Be suspicious of everything.'' Well said, I couldn''t agree more."


    Acies walks out with Artifice and starts dancing, although Acies appears uncomfortable.


    Acies: "I''m not used to dancing, so I''m kinda nervous. I feel more at ease during combat."


    Artifice, poised: "Perhaps if you approach this as something you''re already familiar with, like a martial arts kata?"


    Acies, eyes opening wide: "Thanks Artifice. What an epiphany!"


    Acie''s posture changes from one of distress to one of confidence.


    Artifice, with a twinkle in her eye: "Much better, you even look like you''re having fun now."


    Sloth walks out with Parvul, and they start dancing. Parvul looks up and notices that his eyes are closed.


    Parvul: "Huh, your eyes are closed. Why am I almost not surprised? Sheesh, this is going to be an interesting conversation."


    Hiro leads Terridus out to the edge of the dance floor, where they stop. Terridus is staring down at the floor.


    Hiro: "I''m really impressed by how well you''ve done in all our school contests."


    Terridus, blushing, looking up: "Really?"


    Hiro: "You bet, especially since it looks like you had to overcome some personal adversity to get here."


    Terridus, looking off to the side, shyly: "Your words helped motivate me."


    Hiro: "That''s great. Let''s dance, ok?"


    Terridus, smiling: "Sure, I''d like that."


    Hiro takes her hands, and Hiro is surprisingly adept as they start to waltz.


    Terridus: "You''re a good dancer."


    Hiro, wistfully: "Hey, don''t look so surprised. I have to give credit to my mom for teaching me. She said she didn''t want someone to have to teach me the way she had to teach my dad."


    Terridus: "Your parents sound wonderful."


    Hiro, proudly: "They are. Tell me something about your parents."


    Terridus, downcast: "As the heads of a powerful magic family, they have many responsibilities, so I didn''t get to see them often."


    Hiro, thinking: "I didn''t appreciate how fortunate I''ve been to spend so much time with mom and dad."


    Just then, Master Chao runs by screaming with a red handprint on his face. In hot pursuit are several angry women.


    Master Chao: "Some women have no sense of humor."


    Hiro and Terridus giggle as they continue their waltz.


    As one waltz ends, a new waltz begins, the students discover they are now paired with new dance partners, courtesy of Master Laetus.


    <u>Second round of dances</u>


    Acies and Potesta find themselves together on the dance floor.


    Acies: "How did I get here?"


    Potesta: "Master Laetus must have cast a translocation spell on us. You seem happy."


    Acies, getting worried: "No, no, that''s not it."


    Potesta, deadpan: "It''s ok Acies, you''re allowed to be happy, I won''t begrudge you for it."


    Acies, relieved: "Really?"


    Potesta: "Of course. By the way, do you consider Hiro to be a friend?"


    Acies, looking askance: "What brought that on?"


    Potesta directs a stern look at Acies.


    Acies, realization dawning on his face: "Ok, ok. I never really thought about it before. He''s certainly a comrade, and we do look out for each other, so yeah, he is my friend."


    Potesta: "What kind of person do you think he is?"


    Acies: "Well, he''s kind of goofy and weird stuff always seems to happen around him, but he''s got a big heart and he''s always looking out for others. He''s a good guy. How do you feel about him?"


    Potesta: "I don''t feel a thing."


    Parvul and Aureus find themselves together on the dance floor.


    Parvul, grumbling: "That Master Laetus show-off using her magic on me without my permission."


    Aureus, teasingly: "Who is the true jerk, the jerk or the one dancing with the jerk?"


    Parvul''s face turns red.


    Aureus: "Wonderful gown you''re wearing."


    Parvul, looking at him suspiciously: "Thank you. I think."


    Aureus: "Yes, It''s a fabulous piece of engineering. Would you consider licensing out the AI technology to my family?"


    Parvul: "So you weren''t just complimenting my gown? You''re making a business pitch for my AI suit?"


    Aureus: "But of course. What did you think? I must say though, you would look much more refined without that lollipop in your mouth."


    Parvul: "You are a jerk."


    Aureus, ignoring her comment: "Tell me, are you fond of Hiro?"


    Parvul turns beet red and sputters: "What?!"


    Aureus: "Are you friends with him?"


    Parvul: "Oh, that''s what you meant. Why are you asking?"


    Aureus: "Curious chap that. Seems to be a magnet for strange occurrences."


    Parvul, wary: "He''s just an ordinary dummy. If you''re so interested in him, try chatting with him directly."


    Aureus: "Quite."


    Terridus and Sloth find themselves together on the dance floor.


    Terridus, thinking: "Master Laetus must have rotated us to make the transition more seamless. Well, at least with Sloth I don''t have to worry about making conversation. Still, it''s amazing how he''s able to effortlessly waltz around other dancers."


    Hiro and Artifice find themselves together on the dance floor.


    Hiro: "Oh, Artifice!"


    Artifice, teasingly: "Disappointed?"


    Hiro: "No, of course not. Just surprised."


    Artifice, laughing: "Ha, you''re so easy to tease."


    Hiro blushes.


    Artifice: "Did you and Terridus talk about anything interesting during your dance?"


    Hiro, hesitant: "We talked about our parents for a bit."


    Artifice, looks down: "Oh, I see."


    Hiro: "Sorry."


    Artifice: "No, that''s alright. I did ask the question after all. Haruki Murakami wrote: ''Memories warm you up from the inside. But they also tear you apart.''"


    Hiro: "I guess I''ve been fortunate so far."


    Artifice: "You fortunate? Remember, I''ve witnessed your bad luck firsthand."


    Both erupt in laugher.


    <u>Third round of dances</u>


    Potesta and Sloth find themselves together on the dance floor.


    Potesta: "Despite being asleep, I assume you''re aware of everything I''m saying. My experience tells me that Aureus doesn''t do anything without a selfish purpose, so I find his presence here suspicious. Be on your guard."


    Sloth mumbles something as though talking in his sleep.


    Acies and Terridus find themselves together on the dance floor.


    Terridus, shyly: "Is it ok if I ask you a question?"


    Acies: "Sure, what''s up?


    Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    Terridus: "How can you be so brave all the time?"


    Acies: "I never really had a choice. I was constantly challenged from when I was a young kid. Frankly, if I hadn''t fought back, I wouldn''t have survived this long. Looks like you recently decided to fight back too."


    Terridus: "I still get scared though."


    Acies: "It''s alright to be scared. You just need to do your best to stand up to your fears."


    Terridus: "Hiro''s enthusiasm and support have motivated me to get stronger."


    Acies: "Yeah, he''s driven me to work harder too. I''m not going to let him show me up."


    Terridus: "We have wonderful friends in our class, don''t we?


    Acies: "We sure do."


    Artifice and Aureus find themselves together on the dance floor.


    Aureus: "Given the genial nature of this event, I hope you''re not considering trying one of your mind tricks on me."


    Artifice: "Would you classify your Order Alliance abilities as tricks? If my psychic abilities are mere tricks, why the trepidation?"


    Aureus: "Of course there are countermeasures one can deploy."


    Artifice, suspicious: "How is it that you came by that information?"


    Aureus: "I''m an elite from a powerful Order Alliance family, so naturally I know many things an ordinary individual would not."


    Artifice: "I just met you and I can''t say that I like you."


    Aureus: "Perhaps you and I are more similar than you care to admit? Your friend Hiro on the other hand, quite virtuous. Wouldn''t you agree?"


    Artifice, eyes narrowing: "What are you after?"


    Aureus: "Let''s just say I''m curious about your little friend. Of course, you''d be generously compensated for your assistance."


    Artifice: "No amount of money would make me sell out a friend."


    Aureus: "Did I say anything about money? In my experience there''s always something a person desperately seeks. For some it''s money. For some it''s power. For some it''s ... revenge."


    Artifice, glaring at him: "Let''s cut the chit chat, and get this dance over with. Otherwise, this event is going to go from genial to inhospitable very quickly."


    Hiro and Parvul find themselves together on the dance floor.


    Parvul, looking up: "Oh, it''s you, you dummy."


    Hiro: "Geez, what did I do now?"


    Parvul, blushing: "Nothing. It''s not like I wanted to dance with you."


    Hiro, thinking: "Mom always reminded me that women want to be appreciated."


    Hiro: "You look very nice in your gown."


    Parvul: "That''s better. Go on."


    Hiro: "And I never thanked you for sharing that sliver of your AI with me. It was a life saver."


    Parvul, preening: "Of course, I always help my friends."


    Hiro: "So you consider us friends then? That''s great Parvul! I consider you to be my friend too."


    Parvul, sputtering, embarrassed: "Just shut up and dance."


    <u>Fourth round of dances</u>


    Sloth and Artifice find themselves together on the dance floor.


    Sloth awakens and opens his eyes.


    Artifice: "Wow, what an honor, you''re actually awake."


    Sloth, looking off in the distance: "Too many possible outcomes causing hazy probabilities."


    Artifice: "You certainly know how to charm a girl."


    Sloth doesn''t respond but turns his gaze towards Artifice.


    Artifice: "Ok, I''ll try to translate what you just said. Are you saying that we should expect a simple and uneventful ending to tonight''s gathering, but your viewing of the quantum world shows that''s not the case?"


    Sloth nods in agreement.


    Artifice: "I was hoping that I was imagining it, but I''ve been reading some very unusual body language by some of the guests here tonight."


    Sloth: "Potesta said not to trust Aureus."


    Artifice, looking over her shoulder. "And Aureus was asking me questions about Hiro. We need to stay alert."


    As Artifice looks back at Sloth, she sees that he is asleep again.


    Artifice, frowning: "I guess if alert means sleeping then you''re fully prepared."


    Acies and Parvul find themselves together on the dance floor.


    Parvul: "Oh, it''s you, you muscle-head."


    Acies, teasing: "Insulting your dance partner? That''s not very lady like Parvul."


    Parvul: "Listen up tough guy, my AI is picking up some unusual patterns."


    Acies: "Unusual how?"


    Parvul: "Typically, the flow of these social events follows a specific pattern. There are some individuals here whose movements are outside of normal parameters."


    Acies: "I might push back on that, but I''m sensing a weird vibe too. Let''s keep our guard up."


    Parvul: "Right."


    Hiro and Potesta find themselves together on the dance floor. A static charge emanates from the connection between Hiro and Potesta''s hands. Potesta narrows her eyes and purses her lips.


    Hiro, nervously: "Heh, heh."


    Potesta: "Brilliant. Is that the best you can come up with?"


    Hiro: "Sorry, I guess I''m kinda nervous. You can be intimidating."


    Potesta: "Oh, do I frighten you? You seemed perfectly calm dancing with the others. No surprise, but being from the Order Alliance, I strive for harmony. You on the other hand, seem to exist in a state of turmoil. It''s extremely unsettling."


    Hiro: "I can''t really help it. It''s always been like that for me. Bad luck just follows me around everywhere."


    Potesta: "I can''t say I believe in luck of any kind. But, if it does exist, that bad luck may have caught up with you once again, and his name is Aureus."


    Hiro gulps.


    Aureus and Terridus find themselves together on the dance floor.


    Aureus: "Ahhh Terridus, you look radiant this evening. I trust you''re enjoying yourself?"


    Terridus, blushing: "Th-thank you. Are you enjoying our school ball?"


    Aureus: "Yes, it''s simply magnificent, but I''m afraid I''m a touch distracted."


    Terridus: "If you don''t mind my asking, distracted how?"


    Aureus, dejectedly: "It''s this friend of mine, you see. Sorry, I shouldn''t burden you with my problems."


    Terridus: "No, that''s fine. Please proceed."


    Aureus, sighs: "Well, he seems like a good chap, but trouble seems to follow him everywhere he goes. Sometimes strange, and even dangerous occurrences transpire when I''m with him. And sometimes I can''t help but feel that he''s keeping some deep, dark secret from me. Frankly, I don''t know if I can trust him. But I prattle on. There''s no way you can relate to my plight."


    Terridus, excited: "No, wait, but I can. You''ve just described my friend Hiro. I say if he''s your friend then you can trust him. You should give him the benefit of the doubt."


    Aureus: "Thank you Terridus, that very reassuring, you''ve been a great help to my cause."


    Terridus, confused: "Your cause?"


    Aureus: "Slip of the tongue, I should have said you''ve been a great help to me. Pardon me for a moment."


    A holo screen appears in front of Aureus.


    Aureus: "Target confirmed."


    Holo screen: "Roger that."


    Holo screen fades out.


    Terridus: "Wh wh wh who were you talking to?"


    Aureus: "Just a business associate. My deepest apologies, but an urgent matter has come up, and I must take my leave."


    Aureus struts off the dance floor, leaving Terridus standing there.


    The others notice Aureus'' departure and run over to Terridus.


    Potesta: "Terridus, what happened? Why did Aureus run off like that?"


    Terridus, rattled, speaking quickly: "I don''t know. We were just talking, and I was trying to help him out with a problem he had. Then I mentioned Hiro''s name, and Aureus was talking to someone, and then he ran off."


    Potesta: "What did he say exactly?"


    Terridus: "He said he has a friend who was experiencing strange stuff."


    Potesta: "Aureus doesn''t have any friends. What else did he say?"


    Terridus, anxious: "He said I couldn''t relate to his situation, and that''s when I mentioned Hiro was like his friend, and then he misspoke saying I helped his cause, but then he told someone target confirmed and ran off."


    Potesta: "We need to contact our Masters immediately."


    Terridus, anguished: "Oh no, what have I done?"


    Hiro: "It''s not your fault. Aureus is the slippery one."


    Artifice: "I will form a link with our Masters and let them know what the situation is ... Master Laetus is transporting them here."


    Commander, Chao, Ordo, Ali, Dulcia, Laetus materialize, just as explosions start going off around them. Masked invaders dressed in black break through the glass ceiling, firing laser rifles as they rappel down. Even without any overt signs of communication, Commander''s team begins working in unison to defend the students.


    Chao, emitting purple aura: "I''m slowing their movements."


    Ali, emitting silver metallic aura: "I''m erecting force fields to protect us."


    Laetus, emitting pink aura: "I''m opening portals to redirect their fire back at them."


    Ordo, emitting black aura: "The elite unit I summoned is teleporting in now. I am directing them."


    Dulcia, emitting blue aura: "I''ve taken control of several enemies, and turned them to our side. Even so, I sense there are too many of them, with more on the way."


    Commander, emitting red aura: "Hiro, your teachers and I will keep the attackers occupied. You have to get off planet. My ship is in the school''s hanger. It''s coded to your genetic sequence, so it will grant you access."


    Acies: "We can''t let him go off on his own. We''re a team, so we have to stay together."


    Terridus: "That''s right."


    Parvul: "Na?ve Hiro sees the best in everyone, he still doesn''t realize there are some seriously bad people out there. If we''re not around to look after him, who knows how much more trouble he''ll get into."


    Artifice: "Even if Hiro isn''t with us, we''ll still be targets here."


    Potesta: "I agree. It will be safer for all of us if we stick together."


    Sloth, awakening: "I see a path before us where we all manage to survive and escape. I will get us to the ship, and then off planet."


    Commander: "Very well then, agreed. You''ll all stick together."


    Hiro: "What about the remaining students?"


    Commander: "We''ll do our best to protect them. Besides, once they realize your class is no longer here, they should call off the attack."


    Terridus: "Why are they targeting Hiro?"


    Commander, increasing red aura: "No more questions. Get to my ship and get off planet. That''s an order. Now!"


    Students: "Yes sir!"


    The red aura shrouded commander joins the battle and starts sweeping away opponents. Led by Sloth, the students dash away, following Sloth as he traces a zigzag pattern to the other side of the building. Sloth suddenly raises his hand, bringing them all to an abrupt stop causing each of them to collide into the person ahead of them.


    Parvul: "Ouch. Why are we stopping? The exit is right in front of us."


    Just then an explosion rocks the building, partially collapsing the building around the exit door, knocking them to the ground. As the dust and debris settle a lone figure stands posturing atop the rubble wearing a feathered Venetian mask.


    Aureus: "Haha villains! I, Justice Man, have manifested to foil your nefarious escape."


    Potesta: "We can tell it''s you Aureus."


    Aureus: "Who is this Aureus fellow? He sounds like a wonderful chap."


    Potesta: "All you did was put a silly mask on, you didn''t even bother to disguise your voice."


    Parvul: "This guy clearly has a screw loose."


    Aureus: "Hand over your little friend, and I will advocate leniency for the rest of you wayward waifs."


    Acies: "The only thing I''m handing you is my fist."


    Terridus: "Why do you want Hiro anyway? He hasn''t done anything wrong."


    Aureus: "Misguided children. You''re under the delusion that you''re the good guys, completely unaware of the calamity in your midst."


    Hiro, to Aureus: "Just leave my friends out of this, it''s me you want."


    Aureus: "It''s too late for that now. It''s to be expected that you''ve already corrupted those around you."


    Sloth, to Parvul: "Parvul, is there an underground access tunnel near here?"


    Parvul, pointing to a nearby spot: "Accessing. Yes, over there."


    Sloth, to Acies: "Acies, can you hit the spot Parvul is pointing to as hard as you can?"


    Acies: "Just watch me. Strength."


    Acies glows red and leaps into the air.


    Acies: "Quacking duck attacking minnow."


    Acies lands fist first blasting a 10-foot hole into the floor.


    Sloth: "Let''s go, follow me."


    Aureus, shouting after them: "So the rats scuttle down the sewer. No matter, you shan''t escape justice!"


    Terridus, after they''ve all entered the tunnel: "I''ll restore the ceiling above us to slow them down. Earth magic."


    Earth breaks through the floor around them, crawling up the sides of the wall, sealing the hole above them.


    Terridus, as everything goes black around them: "Oops, sorry. Moon''s light."


    A soft light envelops them.


    Parvul: "I''ll tap into the underground systems."


    A silver thread extends out from Parvul''s gown and into an electrical conduit, activating the tunnel''s lights.


    Sloth and Parvul at the same time: "This way."


    They all follow Sloth and Parvul through the tunnel network, until Sloth comes to a halt.


    Sloth: "There''s a storm of uncertainty around this bend. I don''t know if we should move forward."


    Hiro: "It''s ok Sloth, you can''t protect us from every threat out there. All we can do is move forward."


    They exit the curving tunnel, stepping into the aircraft hangar where the Commander''s ship is docked. However, a robed man with purple eyes and hair is talking to no one in particular.


    Vacuos: "All is emptiness. There''s no meaning. Why even try? What is the purpose? Why is there suffering? Life is fleeting. Time erases and forgets all. I would take my own life, but there''s no release, not even in death."


    Acies: "That''s the Commander''s ship behind the crazy old guy."


    Artifice, to Vacuous: "Hey Debbie Downer, quit lobbing depression grenades our way."


    Hiro: "Are you with the group that''s attacking our school? Who are you, and why are you doing this?"


    Vacuos: "I am Vacuos. My motivation is identical to other followers of the Nihilist ¡ª I act according to my own will, unbound by societal rules."


    Hiro: "Who''s this Stylist character?"


    Potesta, rolling her eyes: "Not Stylist, Nihilist. He''s rumored to be the leader of an underground faction within the Order Alliance. It appears that members of other Alliances have also joined him."


    Vacuos: "By ending your futile striving, I will hasten the perfection that is to come."


    Terridus, timidly: "Ummm, couldn''t you just look the other way and let us walk by?"


    Vacuos glows purple, and multiple copies of him appear behind each of the students, knife thrusts in progress.


    Sloth, glows purple in response: "Lookout!"


    The knife thrusts slow, allowing the students to dodge the attack. The Vacuos copies evaporate.


    Sloth: "I managed to slow his copies down just enough for us to evade."


    Vacuos: "A young adherent of the Quantum Alliance. You have some skill, but not enough to defeat me."


    Hiro: "That''s ok, because he''s not alone."


    Vacuous: "We shall see. Time to add some weight to this exchange."


    Vacuous glows purple, raises his arms and palms up toward the ceiling, then turning his palms downward, thrusts his arms toward the ground. Crushing gravity presses the students face down into the ground, except for Acies and Parvul who manage to stay upright with one knee on the ground.


    Parvul: "You''re just a meanie trying to hurt me and my friends. Time for some target practice."


    Parvul''s arms become laser canons, and she opens fire on Vacuos. The firing is so intense that debris and blood splatter everywhere.


    As the increased gravity dissipates the students get back on their feet.


    Acies: "Remind me not to get on her bad side."


    Hiro: "You did it Parvul!"


    Parvul: "That was easier than I expected."


    Artifice: "A little too easy perhaps."


    Suddenly, Parvul''s attack on Vacuos replays in reverse, restoring his life.


    Vacuos: "Foolish child, your attack was futile."


    Parvul: "Who are you calling foolish? You poopoo head!"


    Vacuos: "If you won''t heed my words, perhaps you''ll listen to wiser versions of yourselves."


    Vacuos glows purple, creating a purple monotone hued, morose copy of each student.


    Hiro-copy, to Hiro: "Give up now, and you can still save your friends. This will only end badly."


    Terridus-copy, to Terridus: "Just go home, it''s safer there. Otherwise, our friends will get hurt."


    Artifice-copy, to Artifice: "This won''t help us avenge our parents. Why are you getting side-tracked like this?"


    Sloth-copy, to Sloth: "This is all such a drag. You know Vacuos is right. This isn''t like us, why are you trying so hard on someone else''s behalf?"


    Parvul-copy: "Probability of success, 0%"


    Acies-copy, to Acies: "Are you certain this path is the will of God?"


    Potesta-copy, to Potesta: "Protect or eliminate him? Which will it be?"


    Vacuos: "Make no mistake, this isn''t a trick. They are you."


    Hiro, uncertain: "It doesn''t feel like he''s lying, but why would we try to stop ourselves?"


    Sloth: "He''s exerting his will to manifest a future we''ll regret."


    Vacuos: "Perceptive. All that lies ahead of you is pain and sorrow."


    Hiro, upset: "No. I won''t allow it!"


    Hiro''s body freezes up and his eyes reflect a spinning roulette wheel that keeps spinning faster, rather than slowing.


    Vacuos, head thrown back, body going rigid: "Time can move backwards as well as forwards. Backwards ...


    Vacuos relives experiences from his past:


    <ul>


    <li>? ? Vacuous, as a child, overjoyed watching his father playing piano as his mother sings by his side.</li>


    <li>? ? Vaucous, somewhat older, eating dinner with his parents. Vacuous knocks over his drink, which spills out onto the table. First his parents start laughing and then he joins in as well.</li>


    <li>? ? Vacuous, wearing a surgical mask, looks out bleakly over a mass grave: "Father. Mother."?</li>


    </ul>


    Suddenly Vacuous is floating in a light filled space. His parents are there, playing their song. They look over at him, smiling. One by one, he is joined by other smiling faces from his past.


    Vacuous: "What is this? The emptiness is filling and even overflowing. How can this be? So much energy ... so much life ... so much meaning ... so much purpose ... so much love."


    The expressions of the student-copies soften, now radiating hope and goodwill.


    Terridus-copy, to Terridus: "Be brave. Get out there and live your life."


    Artifice-copy, to Artifice: "As J.K. Rowling wrote, ''It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.''"


    Sloth-copy, to Sloth: "The answer to my previous question: you/I are trying so hard because we finally feel like we belong."


    Parvul-copy: "Probability of success ... who cares? Just do your best and good things will happen."


    Acies-copy, to Acies: "Just follow your heart. You know God loves you unconditionally."


    Potesta-copy, to Potesta: "''Astra inclinant, sed non obligant.'', The stars incline us, they do not bind us."


    Hiro-copy, to Hiro: "Your friends are safe. Rest now."


    The roulette wheel in Hiro''s eyes stops spinning, and Hiro collapses to his knees, head hanging down. Acies moves quickly, picks Hiro up, holding him under his right arm.


    Acies: "Come on. Let''s get to the ship and get out of here."


    The students run to the Commander''s ship. A red scanning beam flows over the students, turning green upon scanning Hiro. A hatch opens, and the students scramble up the stairs. Once onboard, the hatch closes behind them, the ship ascends, speeding off through the exit at the far end of the hanger.


    Artifice, inside the ship: "What just happened back there? Why did that weirdo start freaking out? Did you do something to him Sloth?"


    Sloth, sleeping on the floor: "Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz"


    Artifice: "Of course, he''s asleep again."


    Acies, picking up Sloth with his free left arm: "I''ll put these two to bed in their quarters."


    Terridus, worried: "I hope Hiro is alright."


    Potesta: "I wonder where this ship is taking us."


    Parvul: "I''ll try to find out. Accessing ... it''s been preprogrammed to take us to an unchartered planet in one of the galactic spiral arms. Normally it would be a long journey, but this ship is state of the art. We should arrive in about a day."


    Potesta: "Seems the commander prepared for this contingency. Let''s all try to get some rest. I have a feeling we''ll all need to be at our best for what awaits us."