Dragonball M, Chapter 2: Lighthouse! Across the Shores of Shattered Time!

[Sub-Zero MKA]

Blizz knew the Tuffles were weak, and moved to make certain she didn't say a word. Killing her would have been easier, but would have not only raised even more questions, but also placed Blizzar in an awkward position. Despite not caring even a little bit about his fellow Icer outside of how he benefited him, Blizz needed the GP lieutenant at least for a little while longer. Therefore, he tried another means of ensuring silence.

The base in which Appel and hers were being detained was a veritable fortress. Guards were posted everywhere. It was well known that security was going to be on high ever since the Majin Sasheem's attack on the base, an attack that led to the disappearance and perhaps even death of Officer P-Sta. Breaking in and getting past the guards was extremely difficult, even for the most powerful. High-tech sensory arrays were placed in strategic places throughout the facility, designed to detect even the most minute of movements. If something – even a being moving at high speed – moved past them, they alerted all available officers stationed there and recorded surveillance.

Today, the officers assigned with interrogating Appel decided to try an experimental machine that would detect with 100% certainty whether or not an answer was honest or not. Once hooked up, they immediately asked her a control question. “Is your name Appel?”

“Yes.”

It came back, obviously, truthful, so the machine had a baseline to work with.

“Did you orchestrate the attacks on Turrip, Langal, and Ruco alone?”

“No.”

Another honest answer.

“Were all of the associates that you planned the attacks with Tuffles?”

“Yes.”

The answer came up as dishonest.

Appel felt her heart rate shoot through the roof as the officer asking her the questions peered at her over his glasses. “Do you know the name of the non-Tuffle who helped you plan the attacks on the Saiyans?”

“No.”

Another falsehood.

Appel knew she was trapped. She had told two straight lies, and they knew it. It was only a matter of time before she had to tell them Blizz's name, an action that his associate explicitly said would have fatal consequences; not just for herself, but what little remained of her race.

“What's this person's name, Appel?” the officer asked her. “Keep in mind that you are looking at a very, very long prison sentence. You killed the Saiyan Queen's sister. That isn't taken lightly.”

Her mouth felt like she had just swallowed a mouthful of sand. Sweat poured down her face. “I...”

Just when it seemed she was going to give up and just tell them Blizz's name, a woman suddenly appeared in the interrogation room with her and the two officers.



A shining blue ion sword attached to her back, the woman slowly circled around the table, completely unseen by everyone. She stopped when she was standing beside Appel. Slowly, she raised a hand and brought it to within an inch of her face. “0100011001101111011100100110011101100101011101000 01000000100001001101100011010010111101001111010001 00111011100110010000001101110011000010110110101100 10100101110001000000100110101100101011011010110111 10111001001111001001000000100011001100001011010010 110110001110101011100100110010100100001,” she spoke softly. Her hand glow a soft red for a brief second, followed by a corresponding red glow enveloping Appel's head for an equally long second. Then, she quickly departed, leaving the way she came and just as quietly.

“I...” Appel continued to stammer as if nothing had happened. “I...I can't rememeber.”

The answer came up... as truthful.

The officer looked like a demon had just leaped out of Appel's head. “What? That's impossible.”

“Maybe the machine is on the fritz?” his partner posited, shrugging his serpentine shoulders.

“It shouldn't be. It was just working a second ago.”

After trying again several more times, with the same result each time, the officers determined that the previous answer was the one that was mistaken, and continued.

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

The woman from before tilted her head to the side. Appel had forgotten Lord Blizz's name, just as she intended. Her master was safe, as were all of his associates. Her work complete, she entered her ship and flew away.

As she departed, she initiated a video call. Moments later, Blizz appeared on the screen. “Sword, I presume all went according to plan.”

“Yes, Lord Blizz,” she responded in a mechanical, but still feminine voice. “Target Appel has completely forgotten any and all association with you. You're dealings within the Galaxy Police are still secure.”

“Excellent. I knew I could depend on you, Sword. Return post haste. We have to amend our plans to eliminate the Saiyans.”

“Yes, my Lord.”

[Cthulhu_of_R'lyeh]

Unlike the first time Ishtar had fallen -- from the severity of her injuries -- the Oni did not find herself anywhere familiar. Instead, as she struggled to sit, she found herself upon the shore of what seemed an endless ocean; with black sand and a rolling white-gold tide that spanned beyond her field of view.

The symbolism -- if it could be considered such -- was not lost on her.

"..."

Nor was the fact that this was neither Otherworld, HIFL, or whatever it was -- truly -- that was waiting for her when and if she passed through the gate. Which at the least, meant she had not expired quiet yet, or perhaps, Ishtar considered then, I have ... and this is simply the 'where' I am to eventually find myself. A queer Oceanic Purgatory of Symbolism.

Yet that did not seem quite right. After all, should she had passed beyond the veil that shielded life from death; it was certainly to draw the attention of Shek'hinah, Sihn, and Zurvan. Two at least who had vested interest in her survival and eventual ascendance, and all three who cared for her as parents did their progeny. So what was this, then ?

A moment of thought, allowed Ishtar to recall what came before.

Her mind had done something similar, as Asha'rah careful reforged muscle, blood, and bone; and in many ways now mirrored then. There was after all, a Vide Blanc if the rolling tide could be considered such. Yet unlike that room, empty as it was save a table for two and a conversation with her own subconscious ... this was different. The glowing-horn Oni's hands dug into the black sand beneath her, and with a sigh she grabbed a handful.

There was no Zurvan to scoop her up and serve deliverer. There was no Asha'rah to recreate ruined flesh, and boiled blood. Simply the White-Gold Sea, bordered by a Katchin-Black Sand. A ...

"Vide Blanc, Vide Noir ... and a balance thereof."

A place to find her equilibrium, before she 'washed out to sea' to meet her Fate. Yet as she manipulated the sand she held in her palm, she could not help but feel that such was ... not quite right, either.

On the surface, the balance seemed to hold true. Yet as Ishtar sat and considered, even as the White-Gold waves lapped gently against the Katchin-Black, with its waves occasionally reaching out to soak Ishtar's feet ... she realized simply: that the waves always receded. Revealing too that in the absence of this White-Gold Sea, and stretching beneath the surface of its waters ... the black persisted. It always would, at least in this subconscious landscape, should symbolism hold true. Though in the wake of her momentary -- if not complete -- transcendence, perhaps that was the point. She had after all, been all but swallowed up by the black ... her Hakai; and though there persisted tendrils of the White-Gold Ki that was her surface 'ocean' ... the Hakai persists beneath it.

In light of this understanding, Ishtar sighed and lifted her hand to stare at the flecks of solid-black sand.

"How bothersome, this subconscious mind of mine. Circles, and riddles ... much like Zurvan used to spout."

Quickly on the heels of this utterance however, came an echoing voice that brought at least a small smile to her face despite her current situation. Like father, like daughter ... And for a moment Ishtar believed she even heard it in his voice. Though the Oni did not linger here long. There were more important things to consider, than the things she learned from her adoptive father -- and uncle as it were -- and her mind's own penchant for symbolism; and so her thoughts turned swiftly to one who was by far more important: Sarada.

Right.

A heavy feeling of regret, resonated deeply, as she realized what this -- her dying -- was doing to her.

After all she knew it well from Sekhmet's death, not only the physical pain, but the mental anguish this was no doubt causing. And how much pain and anguish her own death would continue to cause, even knowing that she could be restored to the Realm of the Living, provided a wish was made with the Dragonballs. That this was happening too, during a time of trouble -- Turrip being attacked, and what that meant -- also added to the stress Sarada was undoubtedly suffering from ... the Death of one she wished to spend her life would serve a crippling blow; and perhaps even have a detrimental effect on the Saiyan Queen's decision making.

And that realization alone allowed the regret -- and pain -- Ishtar felt, to spread their twisted roots.

I am sorry ...

Yet it -- her dying -- was a thing she could no more change in this moment, than the progression of time ... and so no matter how much she wished it, there was little she could do about it beyond wait for her life to end. The secrets of this place dying along with it.

Yet as time marched on as was its wont, there came a growing feeling -- that slowly beat back the pain, and regret -- that wallowing and waiting to die, was not the proper path. How could it be, when the path that lead her to this point in time, had been one of dogged determination in the face of all she had seen, and lived, and suffered. Yet realizing this was hardly enough, Ishtar knew. Finding the proper path, was. So what then, was that path ?

To not die, clearly ... but how ?

There came a single unbidden word, from across that endless White-Gold sea.

Time.

Ishtar blinked.

What is that supposed to mean ? Of course the offered voice, refused to expound. Which frustrated to no end, but could little be helped. Though it did lead the golden-eyed Oni to sigh, and say again. "Circles, and riddles ..." She was sure Zurvan would be proud.

... Zurvan.

He who's only Truth, was that the progression of time could not be halted. Yet ... that, like her first notions of this place, and all else before ... was not quite right.

Etrina had proven, time and again this past year, that while Time would ever continue forward ... it could for awhile be stymied, slowed, and stopped. As a matter of fact, Zurvan had even provided the young mage such insights. So if that Truth was wrong -- or at the least could be manipulated -- in such a way so as to subvert it. Did that not mean she could do much the same ? And in this the answer came in a single word, as well; though of her own conscious utterance.

"... Yes."

Yet again however, comes the question of how ?

Ishtar sat silently as she considered the answer. Though unlike the previous, after some moments of silent contemplation, Ishtar realized she already knew the answer ... and it was, simply ...

"Aṣ̌a."

Or rather, 'Truth'. Yet it was more than that.

While it was true that it translated as 'Truth' in the common tongue, the concept that the word represented was far more than simply one's honesty; it was also one's ability to operate with good reasoning and justification ... yet that mattered little now. There was a third thing, however, covered by the Aṣ̌a -- or Aṣ̌a Vahiṣ̌ta as it was commonly referred to by Ishtar --and it was, simply: the entirety of existence and the truth of existing.

Simply ... Aṣ̌a, was.

And that Ishtar had spent thousands upon thousands of years cementing her own Aṣ̌a -- a thing done through pain, and suffering, and a refusal to stand down, or turn away -- meant she too should be able to simply be. Especially now, death sought to force her from the path ...

Ishtar stood, Katchin-Black sand falling from her open palms and clumping at her feet, only yo be washed out to sea by a White-Gold tide. The Oni began walking forward then, into the sea.

Time to Wake Up - Carpenter Brut

"Fine then."

Truthfully, whether or not this was this place was what she believed it to be -- her subconscious mind before proving itself rather, percipient and subtle in its offerings -- did not matter now. Through the pain, and regret of her causing Sarada the same and a refusal to die and increase such suffering exponentially; her path was now set.

The White-Gold Seawater reached her waist now, the Katchin-Black Sand beneath tugging gently as it worked in tandem to drag her deeper, pull her further.

Death was not an option ... and as far as Ishtar was concerned, now: it would never be.

So she would simply need to continue existing.

So as the water reached her chin, the golden-eyed Oni slipped underneath the waves, kicking away from the safety of the shore -- and guaranteed death -- so that she might dive to the bottom of the White-Gold Sea, and secure the means save herself.

[Cthulhu_of_R'lyeh]

Meanwhile, in the realm of the living, The Eldest --The Archon of Criostalach -- watched, as the Archon of Uisce, and the Archon of Gaoth struggled to save the dying Oni; though this was an endeavor they were certainly failing at.

Not that the it could particularly fault them.

Organs punctured by fragments of floating bone, an arm that was attached by what little remained of its muscle and skin ... to say nothing of the loss of blood, and burns -- on the inside, of all places -- that seemed to span the length and width of her ... there was no denying this blue-skinned woman's injuries were well beyond fatal by mortal standards. In many respects, it was a wonder she had managed to survive this long; and while it would be a shame if death came before answers were gleaned ... in the end it would matter little. Answers would not change the state of this world, nor restore it to the way they had been.

Though that did not mean they would cease in their attempts to keep her on this side of Death's Gate ... yet.

"Hm ..." the Eldest sighed, before rousing itself and approaching its siblings. "How does she fare ?"

There was a silence a moment, before the Archon of Gaoth turned -- less focused on direct attempts to mend Ishtar, and more on assisting its sibling -- and offered a wispy response. "Her breath is ragged ... like a dying breeze, and the the winds of her anamacha is certainly fading ... Uisce has done its best but there is little else to be done." The Wind Aspect ceased then a moment, and offered the Archon of Uisce and offered a Second Wind; satisfied that the Water Aspect could continue on, then, it turned its attentions back to its older sibling.

"That there yet persists a breeze, is at least a hopeful thing. Or perhaps proof that there is more to this woman, that we yet understand ..."

The Archon of Gaoth trailed off once more, as a fluttering movement caught its attention -- or perhaps a silent word -- and as the Archon of Criostalach followed its gaze, it realized quickly why her younger siblings focus had shifted so suddenly.

Their ward was beginning to stir.

Turning quickly to the Archon of Uisce -- one tasked directly with Ishtar's salvation -- the Eldest was quick to ask. "Is this your doing, dear sibling ?"

The Water Aspect shook its head, and like a babbling brook offered a response. "Though I offered up my waters to slake the thirst of her dying body ... it is not I who is responsible for this. And in hearing that the Archon of Criostalach nodded. "More to her than is yet understood, certainly ... Continue with y-" A fluttering of Ishtar's eyelids however stymied what the Eldest wished to say ... and instead all fell silent as her golden-eyed opened.

---

Consciousness crept back in, not gradually but all at once; and with it came an all but mind-numbing pain.

Yet as time passed slowly, and she labored to draw in ragged breaths -- each bringing with it a sharp, searing pain -- she realized that this pain was good. It was proof that she was awake ... alive, and she had succeeded in prying herself from the grip of Death. Though it was ... odd. Through the haze of pain, Ishtar was almost certain she heard voices, and was being watched; and yet Tatenen had been expunged of life when the moon had been ripped form the heavens above. Had it not ?

The glowing-horn Oni struggled a time, before she was able to open her golden eyes to check ...

And all at once disproved her previous notion.

Three entities loomed above her at once familiar, yet wholly foreign ... and they were seemingly surprised ?

Ishtar struggled to sit only to find that her limbs -- for the moment -- were unwilling to comply. So instead she focused her efforts on a weak tilting of her head up towards the trio, so she could attempt to speak through her broken jaw. A thing that proved only slightly less difficult, than moving her limbs, at current.

"... Wh ... ere ?"

The taller of the two -- and by far the most solid -- stepped forward then, and offered a response in a language that was, thankfully, not as conflicting in its familiarity. <"It is a small wonder you are alive ... and while I do not understand, wholly, your current tongue ... I can suspect what you are asking."> Ishtar did her best to nod, only to fail and find herself staring back up at the Crystalline Ceiling.

The Archon of Criostalach, understanding the intent -- a gesture to imply, if a failed one, to imply understanding -- gestured at the Archon of Uisce to resume her ministrations before responding. <"You are safe ... for the moment.">

Stepping away from her two siblings and Ishtar then, to allow for the room necessary to work unobstructed, the Eldest offered a parting word. <"We shall speak at length when you are strong enough to do so. For now, it is enough to know we will soon have an understanding for what happened here, five millennia ago."> Disappearing through the floor then, as if stepping into a pool of water, the Archon of Criostalach left the trio alone.

After the Crystal Elemanti -- for that was certainly what she, and they, were in part -- departed, Ishtar focused her efforts toward remaining conscious; and after a time passed and she knew well that she would not slip away again, she offered the two Elemanti tending to her injuries a <Thank You> in their native tongue, much to their surprise, before simply staring up at the ceiling. It would not do to worry now, over what would come next after all ... at least not until it came around; and this was at least a time for a momentary joy.

Ishtar was alive, after all ... and whatever happened next certainly would not change that.

Of course what was to come, certainly remained to be seen ...

[Cthulhu_of_R'lyeh]

Ignore this. I am dumb.

[grampagen]

"Thank you, Master Balon!" Sasheem stated gratefully. "Sasheem will do just that!" The Majin stood up, glancing at his fellow students with a 'friendly' smile.


"Heh...you condemn murder and trickery, do you? Not too read up on the Snake School are ya?" Sasheem asked, folding his arms. "Now come on...that's no proper welcome for your fellow disciple!" He jested, elbowing Zaofan and Ochazuke.


"...Hardly seems fair," Sasheem noted. "That's not how things are handled between students of the Five! Didn't your former masters teach you anything?" The Majin asked, his tone disturbingly friendly all of the sudden. "How about a simple game of rock paper scissors, eh?"

When Sasheem's elbow prodded at him, Ochazuke's broad frame did not so much as budge, his face stock still.

When the Majin reached toward Master Balon, however, he fell between them with a preternatural swiftness and laid the flat of his hand against Sasheem's wrist. With a subtle motion the amiable gesture was overturned, and Ochazuke had trapped Sasheem's hand firmly against his own chest and stepped directly inside his guard. Two fingers point straight at his head, directly beneath his chin.

His silent statement given, he let Zaofan handle the rest-

"..."

He took a look at Sasheem's friendly facade. Zaofan hangs his head down, smiles incredulously, then looks back up, rubbing the area below his chin with his right thumb, inspecting his opponent. Why would Sasheem ever care about fairness? Nonetheless, the chef decides to go with it. "Hm. Alright. Rock paper scissors. Ready?"

Zaofan puts his right fist forward to his side. "ROCK!"

WHAAAMM

A swift right hook catches Sasheem's chin, the blunt force of the fist momentarily turns the face into spongey jelly. "Huh, that WAS fun," Zaofan says satisfactorily while rubbing his wrist with a smile. The normally transparent, typically honorable Zaofan had resorted to deception and vengeance. "I believe I don't know much about the Snake School, but that little surprise was perfectly in line with the Snake School philosophy."

Zaofan's usually kind face contorts to a hostile smirk. "Come now. We must hurry. Now go and take point, Majin."

- and a short chuckle left him.

Balon is about to scold them for the noise they are making when something...shifts...on the air in the dark cave.

A faint light seems to fall upon a figure kneeling amidst the ruined structure in the middle of the cavern, now seem to be supported by a massive complex of webs.



The armoured figure looks up, eyes glowing behind the mask. Even from that far away, it’s deep voice is heard.

“You disrespect the Shrine of the Spider by your noise. Who dares come before me, it’s Guardian?”

The cavern had swallowed his sublime sense, and yet where they rendered themselves in the darkness Ochazuke could hardly miss a thing. There by the ruined monument stood the spirit of the Shrine cradled in the distance on that delicate weave. Fallen into the web we beat our wings and sprawl our legs. A short gasp escaped him as he announced himself shortly. The entire time this lone Guardian had been observing them where the webs reached the outside, seizing upon prey without distinction.

Turtle, Crane, now even newly risen Dragon and Snake. What would this messenger of the Hidden Hand strain to bear after watching us fall into such petty quarrel?

Doubtless, if he were to draw any conclusion from the matters that yet lingered between them, the Spider Guardian sould see only a repetition of that he knew only too well. So he stepped forth; there was no reason to hide it.

“You seek Zxu’ro’s teachings? To gain the endorsement of the Spider-Shrine, you must prove yourselves. Do you agree? Be warned, failure is death.”

"...I do not seek the teaching," he said. "For I am one who was reared by Crane, had pursued the Tiger, was lift up by the Turtle and carry on the spirit of the Dragon.

"Save one, my companions and I are the legacy of of Zxu'ro, the Five that were One. But the Master had two hands with which to protect this world, and we would seek out that which was cruelly severed."

"The Wolf, Mara, sent us here in good faith, and we have already endured your subtle trial to seek you out, Guardian," he continued. "If I die, it will be another life among countless courses brought to an end across this world but the greater loss for this planet would be to allow your living death to continue."

[Miburo]

Jack stared dumbfounded at the sight before him. Completely slack-jawed. Jack had been to the heavens. He had. But he had never seen anything that looked as Heavenly as what lay before him at that moment.

Even Manco, the Ghostly-Bandit usually ready with a snide comment or sarcastic quip fell silent in wonder. ...By the Lady's own Deck...

Jack shook his head in disbelief. "Held...you've been here before? Why would you ever leave? Leave them with their shirts maybe, but leave?"

Ah man...I gotta admit Kid, I'm really missing having a body right now, Manco muttered as he stared off towards the Eastern District with the same expression of a puppy being told that the steak on his master's plate wasn't for him.

You wouldn't mind me borrowing yours for a second would you?

Manco...

What about Held's?

MANCO!

Phooey!

"Space Vegas, this is the Great Galloping" Held said over the hailing frequency, hailing the mighty colony, "Requesting permission to land."

"Galloping, please state the nature of your business." A calm, suave voice asked in response.

"I'd rather not." Held replied, chuckling slightly, "Can we say that your business is the nature of my business, and leave it at that?"

"Heh. Fair enough, Galloping. Permission Granted. Welcome aboard."

"Thank you kindly." Held replied, flicking off the ships broadcast with a button.

What were you saying, Jack....Oh, right, right.

"Not quite...." Held said with a dismayed sigh, "I've flew around once or twice, just to get a feel for the place, but..."

He shrugged.

"I pride myself on my assessments of situations, and as it was, I didn't have the skill to make it out here back then...Or the funds, to be honest."

As the Ship slowly descended into orbit, a small docking port appeared on the side of the asteroid, and the cities large shield made an opening just big enough for the Galloping to enter comfortably.

"But!" Held smiled at his comrade in chance, "That was some time ago, and I'm practically a different person at this stage, so I'm sure it'll go fine. We won't end up like those indentured guys in the tenements, I'm sure. For one thing, I'm sure we have more than enough cash to cover our bets, for one....."

It was hard to tell if the Nevadian was stating a fact, or attempting to gather morale for what he might have realized to be a more taxing endevour than realized.

For another thing, if the stories are true, they bet the sort of thing I can't be arsed risking....

The ship rocked slightly, having safely made it to its destination.

"Well, here we are."

Raising from his seat, Held stretched mightily, his mouth opening in a wide yawn. "That wasn't so bad was it, Jack? And, er, Manco, was it?"

He bent over to grab the sizeable rucksack near his feet, hoisting it over his shoulder with a grunt. To an ear as experienced as Jacks, a metallic clang could be heard, the distinctive sound of Zeni coins colliding with one another.

"Did you want to take the Grand Tour, or should we go check in first?"

[KingofPie]

Balon is about to scold them for the noise they are making when something...shifts...on the air in the dark cave.

A faint light seems to fall upon a figure kneeling amidst the ruined structure in the middle of the cavern, now seem to be supported by a massive complex of webs.



The armoured figure looks up, eyes glowing behind the mask. Even from that far away, it’s deep voice is heard.

“You disrespect the Shrine of the Spider by your noise. Who dares come before me, it’s Guardian?”

"The Spider School, huh..."

...Sasheem was beginning to get some sort of understanding of what the purpose of this little expedition. For all his eavesdropping on Zaofan and Ochazuke back at the Lookout so he could seek out Master Balon, the Majin couldn't glean anything about what this journey was actually about. However, when he had he tailed them and Dash as they met up with Master Balon, he began to receive some insight.

There were once more Schools than the Five. Forgotten by history, but not entirely lost. Sasheem supposed the Snake School was just unlucky enough to take in the opponent who's wiped them out completely.

And speaking of the Snake School style...It wasan art of assasination. Of stealth. Evasion. Venom. Could a school that based it's teachings on the ever conniving spider be all that different? It'd be interesting to find out. Sasheem doubted that he'd find exactly what he sought here, but he was genuinely curious at what would be uncovered upon further exploration.

Now, as for this Guardian...

Zaofan quickly falls silent, but not enough to jab Sasheem's side with his elbow, whispering through tightened teeth, "See what you did?!"

Sasheem's head snapped back to glance at Zaofan in irritation. "Y'know, it's gonna be real hard to continue this search of knowledge and understanding of a forgotten art wit you antagonizing me every chance you get," The Majin reprimanded in a whisper, fully aware of the irony of that statement.

Tha Majin then turned back to the Guardian and bowed respectfully. "Forgive Sasheem, mighty Guardian. He did not mean to make light of this Shrine."

He then clears his throat to speak, then puts fist to hand bow and offer deference. "Forgiveness, Guardian of the Spider Shrine. We seek your guidance. We do NOT seek to disturb or disrespect you."

As he straightens out, he points to Balon. "This is our Master Balon. The rest of us," he hesitates for a moment, looking at Sasheem, "...are but humble students of the Five Schools. We know of the impact of the great Zxu'ro and the Ten Schools, and we've come to discover and maintain the knowledge of the Spider School."

Zaofan bites his tongue, feeling obligated to recognize everyone in the room. Though Dash is a willing pupil and protege, he must swallow his pride and cease hostilities with Sasheem if the group is to move one step closer to the teachings of Zxu'ro and untapped martial potential.

“You seek Zxu’ro’s teachings? To gain the endorsement of the Spider-Shrine, you must prove yourselves. Do you agree? Be warned, failure is death.”

"Zxu'ro....so he's the guy who founded the Five...and all these other forgotten schools too? Good to know..."

The cavern had swallowed his sublime sense, and yet where they rendered themselves in the darkness Ochazuke could hardly miss a thing. There by the ruined monument stood the spirit of the Shrine cradled in the distance on that delicate weave. Fallen into the web we beat our wings and sprawl our legs. A short gasp escaped him as he announced himself shortly. The entire time this lone Guardian had been observing them where the webs reached the outside, seizing upon prey without distinction.

Turtle, Crane, now even newly risen Dragon and Snake. What would this messenger of the Hidden Hand strain to bear after watching us fall into such petty quarrel?

Doubtless, if he were to draw any conclusion from the matters that yet lingered between them, the Spider Guardian sould see only a repetition of that he knew only too well. So he stepped forth; there was no reason to hide it.

"...I do not seek the teaching," he said. "For I am one who was reared by Crane, had pursued the Tiger, was lift up by the Turtle and carry on the spirit of the Dragon.

"Save one, my companions and I are the legacy of of Zxu'ro, the Five that were One. But the Master had two hands with which to protect this world, and we would seek out that which was cruelly severed."

"The Wolf, Mara, sent us here in good faith, and we have already endured your subtle trial to seek you out, Guardian," he continued. "If I die, it will be another life among countless courses brought to an end across this world but the greater loss for this planet would be to allow your living death to continue."

So there was a Wolf School too...Sasheem wondered just what type of trial Zaofan and Ochazuke had to undergo to impress it's Guardian. Surely, his abilities would prove him more than capable of surviving any challenge that these two could!

Once his two fellow students had finished saying their piece, Sasheem spoke as well, "Guardian, as the last of the Snake School, Sasheem wishes to partake in whatever trials they may offer. The threat of death in the face of failure does not deter his resolve to learn!" The Majin stated in a serious tone, before echoing Ochazuke slightly, "He can promise that the ways of the Spider will not be lost to the annals of time for much longer!"

[Sub-Zero MKA]

Parsley's funeral was nothing special. Saiyans weren't ones to spend any extra effort on burials outside of putting the deceased in the ground and saying a few kind words about them to those in attendance. Even for a member of the royal family, there was no pomp and circumstance. The Saiyan Princess was buried in the private cemetery owned by the Royal Palace, with a few special words spoken by Maiz, who was just composed enough to finish. Afterwards, the crowd that had amassed -- which wasn't anything impressive -- dissipated and went on about their business.

Sarada and her family returned to the Palace to spend the day together, after which, they would move on with their lives. There was no point in dwelling on the dead overmuch. They were aware of nothing; the dead were as ignorant of the going-ons of the living as the living were of the dead. Parsley could no longer influence their lives in the literal sense; it made no sense to let her do it from beyond the grave. Once the funeral was over, Sarada resolved in her heart to move on and work toward building the Saiyan Empire into what she knew it could be.

But, it was just so hard.

If she had her best friend with her, she could maybe get everything she had bottled up off her chest, but Avoca hadn't said anything to anyone since the news of Parsley's death first broke. She wouldn't admit it, but she was taking it harder than nearly everyone else. No one knew how close they were outside of being lovers, but if Avova's persistent silence - even in the face of those who knew the fallen princess as well or better than she did - was anything to go by, the feelings they shared for one another ran much more deeply than anyone knew.

She would open up when the time felt right, Sarada knew. And when she did, she would as well. They would lean on each other, as they had so many times in the past. She was looking forward to it, even if she resented having to wait.

"I accepted the apprenticeship," Maiz said suddenly.

That Sarada knew exactly what she was talking about came as little surprise, since she had been secretly hoping to hear those words for months. "That's great," she commended, reserved in her enthusiasm, but no less pleased. "How long until you're a fully fledged Guardian?"

"Six months. That's how long it'll take to grow used to the new powers I'll be getting, as well as become adept enough at my duties."

"Good." With a guardian on Vocado, it would be much easier to not only protect the planet, but also implement the changes she wanted to make. People respected Maiz. They may not have liked her, but they respected her. Having her on board would add much needed weight to her words, much how it was for Mato when he served as King. "What about Pinach and Rutaba?"

Maiz not answering spoke volumes. In all likelihood, Sarada's brother and cousin would be cared for by the Palace care-nurse, who had been tending to the anyway ever since Maiz was a member of the council.

Even still, they were Maiz's children, and letting them go was without a doubt going to be the hardest thing she had ever done. But, doing so was for the best; she knew that, and in time, they would to.

Sarada stood. "I'll be back." She, with all the talk of Guardians, realized there was something she needed to do. She needed to talk to Eva about securing a wish with the dragonballs to make sure she wished back not only Parsley, but also the Saiyans killed on Turrip.

A portal opened and she stepped through and onto the Lookout on Earth.

Being on that floating palace was even harder than she anticipated. She glanced toward the edge and expected to see her sister standing there, back to everyone and eyes glaring at the clouds. When she wasn't there, she choked back a sob and breathed in the calm herself. "Eva?" she called out, hoping the Guardian of Earth was around.

[Cleric of Hell’s Brigade]

Balon also steps forward and speaks.

“I am the heir to the Dragon school, and student of the Turtle. Like my fellows, between us all we represent the Five. We have Mara’s blessing, as my student has said, and we seek thine as well. Whatever challenge, we as representatives shall overcome it.”

The Guardian stands and bows.

“Very well. To accomplish your goals, you must only find a way to me amongst the webs and ruins and take my sigil off my helmet.”

[Cleric of Hell’s Brigade]

Eva calls out for Sarada.

“In here.”

[Cleric of Hell’s Brigade]

Qaztoh enters the coordinates in her teleportation device and then press a small button saying" see ya." after that small invisible barrier forms around Qaztoh and then she suddenly vanishes in a flash of blue light. she will then instantly reappear in front Capsule Corp in a flash of blue light with the barrier still up. her teleportation device which is constantly do physic calculations on the fly.


when the conditions are deem safe and stabilize by the device's physic calculations the barrier deactivates. Qaztoh then walks into Capsule Corp saying " Hi my name is Qaztoh Zorak the future Queen of the Toadians." " however I just here to applied as inventor ." " I will be showing off 100 of my own inventions today!"

Jinzi holds a hand up.

“Woah woah woah! Hold up. Praxat suggested this, didn’t she?”

[Sub-Zero MKA]

Eva calls out for Sarada.

“In here.”

Sarada breathed in again, then exhaled slowly and walked toward where Eva's voice came from. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything," she said, but without any of the natural confidence she usually had.

[KingofPie]

Balon also steps forward and speaks.

“I am the heir to the Dragon school, and student of the Turtle. Like my fellows, between us all we represent the Five. We have Mara’s blessing, as my student has said, and we seek thine as well. Whatever challenge, we as representatives shall overcome it.”

The Guardian stands and bows.

“Very well. To accomplish your goals, you must only find a way to me amongst the webs and ruins and take my sigil off my helmet.”

"Sounds simple enough..." Sasheem stated confidently, though he knew that meant it would certainly not be. Still, if they wanted him to take point, he'd take point. After all, what better way to break him into these globe-trotting adventures!

"Try and keep up...fellow students," Sasheem stated, still taking a...relatively kind tone compared to his usual manner of speech. "Guardian..." the Majin announced, taking a step forward. "Sasheem is ready...start your challenge!"

[bruceleegreyhulk]

Jinzi holds a hand up.

“Woah woah woah! Hold up. Praxat suggested this, didn’t she?”

Qaztoh replies to this saying " maybe and I do like and enjoy inventing stuff." " it makes me feel good, also I kind of need the money." " as on this planet I'm officially broke." " I met this Galaxy Police officer name Blizzar on the Lookout and he gave me a card."

" he said it was for the Galaxy Police Reconstruction fund. " " I promise to him that I donate about a thousand a month to the Galaxy Police Reconstruction fund." " so I could keep his superiors of my back. " " really don't want to go to jail just because I was associate with the notorious space pirate group Stratovarius Buccaneers."

" sure I create all their gear and tech." " even made modifications to their space ship." " I even horde 100 Kilos of the drug Juppter on my ship before I came to this planet, and attempt to hide stash at the look at." " however after I was fix of my drug addiction I had the earthling Khan give all 100 kilos of Juppter I had in my possession to the Galaxy Police."

" so yeah donating money to this Galaxy Police Reconstruction fund beats gong to jail any day of the week." " I like to show case my inventions that I have in this Jobox and the devices that I'm currently wearing ." Qaztoh takes out a miniature metallic cube saying " the full name for this storage device is Jakzmakzia Omlazilzion Box." " Jakzmakzia Omlazilzion is Toadian for Dimensional Storage ."

" I have lots of blueprints store in this device as well." " blue prints for more inventions."

[Cleric of Hell’s Brigade]

Sarada breathed in again, then exhaled slowly and walked toward where Eva's voice came from. "I hope I'm not interrupting anything," she said, but without any of the natural confidence she usually had.

Eva smiles kindly at her.

“Of course not, Sarada. Please, sit.”