2100 Chapter 4 SPOILERS FOR THE COMIC

[Karoku (2100)©]

Chapter 4:  Ri-Kaigun's Nightmare (Part 1)

Page 1:

Dear Moru,

      I have just arrived in the little village of Ri-Kaigun. Finally, I get to meet one of the world's wonders:  The Conscerra Falls.  Alas the wait is over, and I plan to go deep as well.  50,000,000 lbs of force plummeting down and hiding a secret shrine endeavored to it's rich gardens full of all the world's problems, and home to possibly new species.  It's the core under that big wet town that will full-fill my research in medics, and now, I can finally get rewarded for my participation for the great leap in Man-kind.  I really wished you'd come along as well.  It's really swell in here too.  It really is no fun camping out here to read over some legends and myths of this village, doing everything on my own, and I really hope you're not lonesome there as well, Moru.  Keep in check that if I ever return or accomplish my research, you'll be the first I will save, Moru.

                                                                                                                                                                   Your's truly,
                                                                                                                                                                   Kevin

Another day and another way-ward step for the powerful mind, Kevin.  Standing under the heat of his lamp, wiping his face from the humidity of his cabin, he picks up his fountain pen and places it under his pocket, in the initials "Cetus Ponderous."  Keeping his paper still and his mind to the mood of the moment, he realizes that he has no way to message his letter.  Instead, he delivers it in a bottle, tossing it from his window as it impacts the water.  Luckily, however, it did not smash under the rocks below, and yes, the cabin's whereabouts are at a considerable distance from the waterfall.

Kevin:  What a life I've chosen, that one kid can't handle alone, though it beats school.  Then again, this is extra credit work too, *sigh* and why did I have to choose to do it alone, WHY?  Moru, I may not have the support on me, but I assure you, I will find a cure under those falls!  Nothing can stand in my way.  I'm destined to know it's secret shrine.

Kevin, pausing and pinching his forehead, talks a few walks around the room with a sense of doubt that his mission will never finish, but knowing how much effort it will take, he decides a long nap is best.

Kevin is described as a genius with an I.Q. of 500 (and rumored to be higher), who works with a special facility in the U.S. whom study nature's secrets and changes to find any weakness and strength in the human race.  In other words, they're "Terra-scavengers," a clan of bright people hoping to fight back the Drocon race with their intellect.

Kevin's appearance is that of a regular kid.  One with short hair, wearing a red shirt and baggy pants.  Very simplistic aside from his height and the giant barnacle attached to his left shoulder.  This relationship is that of a whale, and as his constellation suggests, he is "Cetus, The Whale."  This unusual feature on him is actually the helps he gets when assaulted.  Notice the creature on his left shoulder, storing water to both hydrate him AND give him the ability of controlling water.  In other words, he is the master of Hydrokinesis of this world.

Along with defensive and genius, he holds a harpoon he crafted and designed for the purpose of hiking and killing food.  Despite it's current use for such a tool, it is analyzed to kill a good number of people if it were held by a mad man.

Kevin (in his sleep): Thirsty, so very thirsty...ZzzZzzZzz...

Outside, a couple of noises can be heard by a flock of humming birds near the cliff side, making it hard for Kevin to rest.

Kevin (covering his ears with his pillow):  Stupid kids.  That god damn chirping is driving me insane....!

He walks out to his window and scares the family of Humming birds away.

Kevin:  What does it take to get some sleep?

12 hours later after a long-long rest, Kevin finally gets up from his torn and ravaged mattress.  Seeing as how this cabin is just a cabin, it can be clear of what has come in to start a party.  Pests over-run the place at night to feast on what Kevin doesn't have.

Forgetting the annoyance of unwanted crawlers, he makes his bed and eats a little breakfast before starting his day with his new friends.     
Problem we have understanding is, what exactly is Kevin getting his breakfast from?  He carries along side of him a small seal of sliced melon to continue eating along the way.

Leaving the cabin, he stops by to wave hello to the good town's people above him.  As he walks allover Ri-Kaigun, he comes across a friend of his, dressed in white and bright golden colors.

Being this peaceful outset of a town, like Venice, it has water channels rather than road.  The people are far different from how this stranger appears, but the uniform reveals his association with a clan.

Akier (stranger in golden/white uniform):  Hello there brother Kevin.  Isn't it a marvelous season we're having?  You should really wash your face in the waters.  It's as clear as ever, lad.

Akier is an "Order Priest" with an Irish accent.  He appears tall and benevolent, walking straight like civilized young man, with orange-reddish hair (skinny too).  He looks like that typical Irish man, with short hair, side-burns, and a beard.  He has several chains around his sleeves.

Kevin:  Well, not much, but I feel like I should get a fresh start asking the folks around here what they know about Conscerra.  And maybe tomorrow, I can start my expedition.

Akier: Kevin, son, you really don't need to waste your precious moments in life trying to prove you're help.  Just leave the job to me, I will cure the lass back at home.  Favor done by your good friend, Akier.

Kevin:  It's okay Akier, really, but I started this so I should fix it myself.  Thanks for the generous thoughts. I appreciate your help.

Kevin, kicking the plank under his feet, points at a few more white-dressed people

Kevin: Hey look!  It's Utoa, Kormin, and Chierce!  Why up so early?  I only thought one of you take turns getting the groceries at the town market every morning (even though the stuff they sell it's pretty worthless).

Akier:  You're right, it is my turn.  They just wanted a good kick from the fresh breeze and fair day we're having!  Hahaha, hey Kevin, don't try too hard enjoying the day okay?  Keep that "souvenir" in good hands, I trust you with it.  (Now with a serious and threating tone) Remember, you're doing me a favor too.

Kevin:  Yeah, yeah, I know.  It's safe in my hands, okay?  I'll treasure it as if it were my child.

Akier (whispering):  Aye, that's the Kevin I know!  Quit standing around!  Let's greet the others.

The two walk toward the silent and at-peace Trio-in-white, with a warm hello.

Like Akier, Chierce is an Irish descendant, however, he has a rather Medieval-accent.  He has amber/golden hair finished with a bright gold plate of armor around his elegant uniform.  Seeing how angelic these people appear, Kevin must have an excellent reputation even amongst the Eternal Order of Glory.

Kormin is a German Order member, and apart from Chierce and Akier, he has long black hair and a set of chains covering his face like a mask.  He does, however, wear tight clothing.

Utoa is a British girl with black hair and gold underneath it's roots.  You can say she has a raver-style, except every color that one would wear is "negative" to the average raver.  From this point on, it almost confirms that all members of Order come from parts of Europe and more up North.

Akier:  Utoa, you look lovely this morning.  Why so majestic on this fine day, when we can have that face for eternity?

Utoa (blushing):  Oh stop it Akier, you immature brute.  Hello Kevin, you look like you're in a hurry.

Kevin, looking eager and impatient, gives Utoa a kiss on the cheek and shakes Chierce and Kormin's hands with a rather furious gesture.

Kevin (twitching):  Okay, I really have to go now.  I'm so sorry I can't stick around, I'm sorry but, you should all leave and never return until my research is complete!

Utoa stands still, frozen from his kiss, feeling it on her cheek with her hand.  Chierce and Kormin look at eachother, wondering what has gotten into Kevin's mind.

Akier:  Kevin, lad.  What is wrong?  You look worried.  One second you're happy to see us, then the next-

Kevin (even more nervous):  I really suggest you all leave this place, I mean come on!  There are cooler places to check out than this boring town!  Right Kormin?

Page 2:

Kormin justs look back and doesn't speak.

Akier, dragging Kevin between two houses, tries to get him to speak what troubles may brew in the future.

Akier:  Kevin, listen to me lad.  What is wrong?  Is anyone after us, after you?  Kevin!  Kevin!  Look at me!  Look at me!

Kevin (shaking):  Akier, it isn't safe around here anymore. I have forgotten what the danger of us being around is.  Please, understand.  You have to leave before it's too late.

Akier:  I will not leave my comrades behind.  Now who is the mad-man behind all of thi-

Kevin:  Look Akier, I came here to find that shrine and bring back it's sacred herbs to save Moru.  That orb you gave me, it's not just an orb that anyone is going to kill me for, no...  In fact, there's this one man who would kill an entire city if it meant taking this orb, and crushing it.

Akier turns pale and begins to shake a little as well.

Akier:  I think I know who you are talking about lad.  Isn't it-

Kormin, listening to everything they've been keeping silent from the rest of the group, comes in to speak Akier's answer.

Kormin (with wisdom and in deep voice):  Tim, The Bringer of Mayhem...  The anti-Order; ruler of Chaos.  The man who hungers for the downfall of The Eternal Order of Glory, seeks our most prized possession:  "The Sphere of Stratos".  Is this the man you fear?

Kevin (taking a deep breath):  Yes, it is...  This is why you should all escape while the skies are clear.

Chierce:  Kevin, you are in no danger.  Tim is no where near Japan.  He is far from here and he will never find you, I promise that.

Kevin finally calms down a bit and resumes morning in a confident smile again.

Utoa, smiling, takes Kevin's arm and walks him to a rather popular fountain in the middle of town.

Kevin (turning red):  Utoa, I'm sorry about before, really, I am.  I was just so excited about this, yet I was worried about you four.  If Tim knew I had the orb- I'm responsible for this.  You put too much trust in a human like me.

Utoa (looking at the reflection in the fountain):  Kevin, you worry too much.  Even if he does find you, there are four of us and you.  He can't possibly take on 5, could he?

Kevin:  *Sigh* I doubt it...  You're probably right.  We should enjoy these moments.  Now, who wants to get some REAL breakfast?

Utoa:  *Winking* Now that's the Kevin I know!

The two walk by a near-by food-stand to buy 4 plates of dumplings.

Chierce, Akier, and Kormin, who are behind watching, decide to explore the rest of town, searching for a library to read of this waterfall.

Chierce (looking back at Kevin and Utoa):  They make quite the couple,  hahaha! Right Kormin?

Kormin:  Stop behaving like a child!  Utoa and Kevin are obviously a mis-matched pair.

Akier:  You're right, we should be teasing Chierce and his love for unicorns, HAHAHA!!!  Don't cry Kormin, don't cry.  It's just a unicorn!

Kormin (now snickering):  Perhaps we should buy enchanted unicorn oatmeal as well, he has a storage of them in his closet!  HAHAHA!!!

Chierce, turning red and furious, strangles Akier and Kormin against a wall.

Cheirce:  No one is SUPPOSED TO KNOW THAT!  How will I ever get respect from Glory is they knew I liked sissy animals!?

Akier:  Aye, Chierce.  You're still the same idiot we all love and care for.  Now quiet being such a cry baby, and let's move on so we can help Kevin find out more about this waterfall project of his, before he starts to have another trauma again!

Chierce:  Right...

The day stays clear throughout the morning and evening, and once the three men of Order find what they're looking for, they proceed to read all about the waterfall.

Meanwhile, back at the food stand, Kevin and Utoa take another break at the fountain, enjoying the moment.

Kevin:  It's so peaceful today, isn't it Utoa.

Utoa:  I hope this doesn't go all the way.  If you call this romance, then you're sadly mistaken.

Kevin (blushing):  Uhhh, no, no, of course not!  Jeez, why do you girls have to be so dumb?!

Utoa (giggling):  What ever you say.

Kevin and Utoa just stare at the sky, and while they point at the shape of clouds, they start to name them.  To Kevin, it feels like child-play, standing there looking all grown-up just wanting to move ahead to his boring research.  Of course, Kevin is that responsible and growing young man who will be recognized as not just one of the top 5, but the top of the entire universe.  His dedication will be remembered for generations to come.

While recalling the shapes, he notices a rather eerie one. It's puffy and looks hairy like the ones that appear on the clearest days.  He takes a gander at the figure, noticing it move, and starts to have a headache.

Kevin:  Uhhh....  What's going on?  My head hurts...

Utoa:  Kevin!  What's wrong?!

Page 3:

Kevin, feeling distorted and fragile, faints into the fountain and begins to drown unconsciously.

Utoa:  Kevin!  Wake up!

Sounds begin to crawl up into her ears as she begins to feel the same pain as Kevin.  Struggling, she fights the foreign noise as she pulls Kevin out of the fountain.  However, it does not seem so clear that she herself triumphs over this deadly wave.  She falls into waters as well...

Back at where Akier and the other gentlemen are, they continue browsing for philosophy and other ancient-historical pages in Ri-Kiagun's wondrous library.  They, however, do not notice the same force that put Kevin and Utoa to sleep.

Kormin:  Look at this!  Oooo, and it has actual dead animal skin to describe the texture of the ones of today AND extinct!

Chierce:  I think you're in the wrong section, Kormin.  That's a little away from the geography section, don't ya think?

Akier (interrupting the two from the back):  I think this is what you're looking for.  Behold lads!

They open the book and read to themselves, the history and legend of the Conscerra Falls:

Conscerra, the waters clear red as they cripple,
Through splashing and thrashing with jets like a prickle.
The Crosser beneath will discover the truth.
Conscerra, my bride!  To I abandon all youth!

Tis I will meet you again and hold hands in our shrine,
To laugh at the moments and follow with time.
To whom will trespass will find out themselves,
That coming to visit will never avail.

The guests that have come and have tried to get out,
He only cries agony, blood loss, and shouts:
"Why am I locked in these caverns, I fell!?"
Once you touch fin, you'll never come tell,
That entering Conscerra, my bride, my wishing well,
No man can escape in the waters of Hell

Chierce (Closing the book):  Well, now that was fun story time ((sarcastically)).

Kormin:  It's more of a riddle.  So could this mean that the shrine hidden is kept safe-guarded by this author?

Akier:  Aye, it seems so lads.  We should warn Kevin about this and accompany him at all costs.

The three leave the library, dropping the book behind as it flips the pages on it's own.  An event is happening...

The pages begin to whiten with time, erasing the same sonnet, page-by-page.

Hours randomly pass by into the night, and Kevin wakes up all wet and pale.

Kevin:  Woah, did I just do it?  (Touching is forehead)  Agh!  The pain!  What in the world happened here?

Kevin, noticing the silence surrounding him and the absence of Utoa beside him.

Kevin:  UTOA!!!  WHERE ARE YOU?!  Someone, ANYONE!!??

Kevin looks back at the fountain, now black and thick.  I feels for the waters and pulls out a body.

Kevin (shocked):  !  UTOA!

Kevin proceeds with CPR, yet holds back.

Kevin (turning red):  ...Utoa, forgive me...

When Kevin touches her lips, he discovers something new.  The supposed Utoa melts into a pile of thick blood.

Kevin:  It's fake!  Ugh!  Disgusting!  What the hell is going on around here?

Kevin: hears a few bubbles from the fountain and looks closer at it.  A head drags Kevin's hair by the mouth and pulls him inside.

Kevin:  AAAA!!!

Kevin wakes up from a nightmare.  He sees Utoa, Chierce, Kormin, and Akier safe and in one piece, well, 4 in this case.

Akier:  Kevin, we were worried about you!  We would like you to meet our newest friend.  His name is Mehyam Mit.  He's an archaeologist from Great Britian.  Perhaps he can assist in your research?  Mehyam, this is Kevin.  He's a loyal friend of ours.  We're helping him fulfill his mission here.  Mind introducing yourself, Mehyam Mit?

Mehyam Mit:  That is Mr. Mehyam Mit to you, kind sir.  I am a member of the Foundation of Foreign Agriculture and Artifacts (FFAA).  My job is to get every bit of information written down for generations to know and read.  Books!  They're inspiring young minds that make our future, today!

Kevin (feeling the same pain as before): Yes, that is quite interesting,  But did you have to repeat yourself?

Mehyam Mit:  And what's wrong with emphasis?

* Mehyam  grins

Mehyam is an odd looking man in a brown suit with a rather odd suitcase.  He has an orange pair of glasses and a rather big book to carry around for is skinny appearance.  He also wears a barrette like the Mr. Sherlock Holmes, and a smoking pipe.

Page 4:

Kevin:  So you're a fan of mystery I see.

Mehyam:  Yes, quite the fiction it is, yet I usually appreciate facts the most.  Come, old sport!  I shall show you my latest works!

The two leave in plain sight back in the library, and find the same book as mentioned before.

Mehyam (curious):  Hmm, and what could this be?

The two flip a few pages and discover another sonnet different from the one Akier, Chierce, and Kormin read.  Astonished, Kevin writes the sonnet into his notes.  Mehyam, however, is not too impressed, but he does give a rather eerie grin.

Reader, please mind,
In Conscerra, you'll find,
Your demeanor and horror inside.

But please take a note,
Don't hurry and stroke,
For chance plays the game fairly or mine.

The decision is yours,
Hospitality is mine,
And the best of the guests will leave me behind.

So do as you please,
And get down on your knees,
For mercy is absent (the least).

Kevin is puzzled to what this message says and hands over his notes to Meyham to proof-read any missing notes.

Kevin (curious):  It's definitely a threat.  Suppose the place is "cursed?"  I know I'm missing extra information, but before us, Akier and the others read about this.  Should we interview them?

Mehyam:  No, sir.  They know no more than we do.  Leave them to their status and let us proceed with this:

* Mehyam  hands Kevin a contract

Kevin (confused):  What's this?  An agreement?  What for?

The whole contract seems suspicious and sudden due to the fact Mehyam hands him a pen, as if in a hurry.  What in the world is this contract about?

Kevin:  But I have a pen right he-

Mehyam (licking his lips from behind the paper):  Everything is here on fine-print...

After reading everything in the contract, Kevin picks up the pen and begins to write his name.  However, as he writes his name, a tremendous explosion is heard from miles away.

Kevin drops his pen and his name is scribbled all over the paper.  His name then magically writes itself on the lines.  Without noticing the name written on paper, he rushes outside to see what the commotion was.

Mehyam:  Heh heh heh, excellent choice old chap...

A large cloud of dust is seen from a mile away. Kevin, trying to ignore the unnecessary ruckus, he turns back to find Mehyam.

Mehyam:  Mehyam!  Mr. Mehyam!  Where are you?  I was writing down my name on the contra-  !  *Gasp!*

Kevin, looking down on his dead body, he notices a beam struck Mehyam's chest, bleeding all over and splintered in several areas.  Everyone around, however, are perfectly fine.

Kevin is again traumatized after seeing all of this.  He runs outside to search for the others.  Everything around him begins to fade before his very eyes, the void, whitening completely and putting him into a state of panic.

Kevin (waking up):  *GASP!*  What happened? (waking from the floor)  Where am I?  !  Mehyam... He's dead.  But where are the others?

It is as early as morning can get...

Meanwhile, back at where Mehyam's corpse resides, a large creature, white and gruesome, devours Mehyam and swallows him whole leaving traces of blood all over the scene of crime.  The creature leaves entirely from site, yet unknowing it's appearance.

Kevin, running back, sees a trail of blood left by the creature and follows it.

Kevin:  Damn it!  Where the hell are the others?  Where's anyone?  I knew something was up!

The first trail, leading to the back of the library, follows it and sees what is dragging the body, or at least, thinks so...

Kevin (shouting out at the large figure):  HEY!  DROP THE BODY AND NO ONE GETS HURT!

Kevin feels a little doubtful, put proceeds running.  After chasing the shady figure, he stops at Conscerra.  He sees a path underneath it and walks into the burrow.

Kevin (seeing Mehyam's heart on the floor and picking it up):  Gross... (What in God's name is going on here?  I have to find the killer.  There is no way Mehyam could be the only one to die from this.  He was killed!)

Page 5:

Feeling weary and rather dizzy, Kevin drops down on his knees, feeling agony within his skull, trying to break the pain away.  Unfortunately, it is to this moment he does not pass out.  Struggling and forcing himself to stand still, he searches for the orb within his shell-shoulder, but no luck.  It was stolen...

Kevin:  !  The orb!  Where the hell is it?  No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, NO!!!  I'm such a fucking asshole!  How could I have lost the orb!?  Awww man!  This is worse than forgetting my research portfolio from last year, and it cost me 2-years of good GPA's worth!  No, no, no, no, no...

Stressing, Kevin makes quick use of himself and heads forward through the rest of this dungeon, in attempt to find Mehyam's corpse and the killer.

After much running, another tremendous explosion is heard, capsizing the entrance behind Kevin and deeper.

Kevin (sobbing):  I'm scared... I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm scared... Everything is all my fault now... How can I ever redeem myself for what I have done?  Utoa, Akier, Chierce, Kormin... I have failed you all.  Forgive me if I never see the light of day.

Kevin, wiping his tears, shakes as he closes in into the light of the other side of this dungeon.

Kevin: (Come on Kevin, you can do this!  Don't be afraid, just walk in, and everything will be perfectly normal, I think...)

As Kevin walks in, he at last, finds the shrine inside Conscerra.  It's a miracle.

Kevin (cowardly but bravely):  Okay!  Come quietly with your hands up, and I will hold any force against you!

Akier, walks in from the shadows out of nowhere, to greet Kevin?  The only thing is, it's just Akier and no one else in plain site.

Akier:  Hello sir Kevin.  What brings you here all by yourself?

Kevin (in relief):  Akier!  What are you doing-  Where are the ot- !  Have you by any chances?-

Akier:  No, nothing my dear boy...  Just take some tea and drink it.  I picked it up by those rather peculiar leaves over there.  They have astonishing healing properties, if you may say.

Kevin:  BUT-

Akier shoves some of this strange red-tea into Kevin's throat and makes him swallow it whole.

Akier: Isn't it relaxing?

Kevin:  Yes, yes, it's perfect, but we're in a critica-  It is beautiful in here...

Kevin is in a peaceful and trance-like state.  He walks around looking at every detail of the shrine and observes all the plants and fruit in sight.

Akier:  Lovely, isn't it?

Kevin (still hypnotized by the tea's aroma and boldness):  It is quiet a charm.

Akier:  Indeed...

* Akier  grins rather oddly

Akier:  Too bad you cannot stay for this very long.  The curse may very well affect you dear boy.

Kevin:  Hmmm?

Akier:  Heh heh heh...

* Akier  traps Kevin within an orange cage, unable to escape from it's horrible noise pollution.

Kevin:  I say!  Why are you doing this?

Confused, Kevin snaps out of his confusion and quickly notices what is going on.

Kevin (back to normal by will-power):  Wait a minute.  Where's the real Akier!?  You're just a faker!  Akier is obviously Irish and you have that annoying Brit accent!  I've heard a monkey who has better vocab speak better English than you!  Now tell me who you are and where my friends are at!

Akier (The impostor):  Hmm, yes, prime apes are delectable aren't they?  Isn't it obvious?

The creature comes out from the shadows, spiting something out of his mouth.  It's a human, and with all the bones and organs slithering out of it's jaws, and blood, it licks its lips once more with a new-found taste for Kevin.

The creature is nothing other than a monstrous and gruesome, terrifying 30-foot Goat from the pits of Tartarus, or at least, it has the all-over outside appearance of a demon.

Akier (The impostor):  Where is the heart?  It's missing.

Kevin (taking out Mehyam's heart):  This?  NEVER!!!

Akier (The impostor):  You have no choice...

* Akier  takes Mehyam's heart through kinesis and throws it with the pile of meat and bones.

Kevin:  You're a sick man!

Akier (The impostor):  Still haven't figured it out yet?  Very well then...

* Akier  reads a spell from a rather unusual book

Akier (The impostor, chanting):  De stokken en de stenen, vlees en beenderen.  Doen herleven deze mens!  Opnieuw, zal hij zich bevinden!

Mehyam's body comes back anew, while Akier's fake body explodes into many pieces.

Mehyam:  Surprise, surprise.

Kevin is in a state of panic and shock.

Kevin:  Y-y-y-ou, you, you, it was you?  You killed him?  How could you?

Mehyam:  Allow me to clarify your theory...  This man was the REAL Mr. Met Mehyam, the real man, so I have placed a spell upon this decoy while your friends are enslaved under my eternal rule.  Funny coincidence, eh?

Mehyam writes his name back wards...

Kevin:  ... *GASP!!!*  You're!

Tim (psychotically):  That's right...  Congrats, insert bravado... I am Tim, The Bringer of Mayhem!!!  AND YOU, YOUR BELOVED PEOPLE OF RI-KAIGUN, AND YOUR FRIENDS BELONG TO ME!!!  HAHAHAHA!!!!!

Kevin (screaming drastically):  NOOOOOOO!!!!!!

Page 36:

Tim: Yes... ((smiles evilly)), and there's nothing you can do about it.

Kevin:  (I'm not running away!  NO!  If my friends are going to die, I'm going to die a hero!)

Tim looks at Kevin and listens to the silence in the shrine where the waterfall should be heard at.  He takes out his book and chants, hurling his War Goat into an orange void.

Tim:  Chaos is a beautiful thing.  As long as Glory is around, there is enough Mayhem to go around for everyone.  After all, with out yang, what will yin do by herself?

* Kevin  reaches for his harpoon in his belt, but finds it's not there.

Kevin:  !

Tim:  Don't you even dare...  Looking for this?

Tim shows Kevin his harpoon, now poking out of the orange void, and moving it back in.

Kevin:  Give it back!

Tim:  Never... I'm leaving you here to rot.  Let me go get the others to join you.  Wait here.

Tim stops for a moment and looks back at the lonesome Kevin.

Tim:  On second thought, you poor poor child.  May War Goat accompany you?  Do you mind that?  You look like you need a friend.  War Goat ((claps his hands twice))!  Come forth!

* Tim  summons War Goat and directs that it watches over Kevin if anything he escapes

Tim:  Luck always falls for the hero...

Tim leaves from sight, into the shadows.

Kevin sits down quietly and looks at War Goat, with an expression of fear trying to hold it within.  He tries to speak with the Goat with a friendly manner in attempts of escaping.

Kevin:  So.....  This is Conscerra, right?  Real cool huh?  You get to eat all the stuff you missed out on- funny story!  I-

War Goat (beastly): RRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAA!!!

Kevin (backing away):  Okay, okay, okay, no more... Eh, sheesh!  Do you have to scream so loud?

Notices rubble fall from the ceiling, and uses his quick thinking to get him out of the situation.

Kevin:  Hey!  Do you want to know what I think about big, stupid, and smelly animals like you?  Oh wait, that's all I think about.  Heh heh heh ((nervously)), heh...

* War Goat  charges at Kevin's prison and knocks it down

Kevin:  OWW!!!  I mean, why have such a mediocre farm animal as your weapon of destruction, then again, I carry a harpoon and it still kicks ass!  I'm sorry but, you have a life-span, and this harpoon isn't going anywhere.

(From far far away...)

Tim:  Hmph!

* War Goat  charges at Kevin again

The aftermath of the attack leaves Kevin's prison to finally break...

Kevin:  I'm free!  I have to find the others now.

However, things don't always go as they seem.  You see, because War Goat kept using its body weight and brute strength to hopelessly trash over Kevin's confinement, the inside of these caverns begin to capsize with each hit, making a miniature earth quake.

Kevin:  Oh shit!  I didn't expect this to happen.

Kevin runs out of the cave as fast as he can.  He looks back at the helpless War Goat.

Kevin:  Sorry pal, but I'm not wasting a second to save my friends ((hearing a loud boom)), AND STAYING IN ONE PIECE!

Page 7:

After much sprinting away from the shrine and the beast within it, Kevin arrives at the collapsed entrance, taking no time.  The hesitance within dies and Kevin tries to "punch" through the rubble in hopes it will crumble some more.

Kevin:  Gahhh-chh... Stupid rocks...  Hiiiiiiii!!!!

*  Kevin  tries to pull nearby water to slam it onto the rubble, instead, he gets the water from the shrine and it brings War Goat with the tide

War Goat (with fury): RAAAAAEEEERRRR!!!!!

* War Goat  opens it's mouth and goes for a direct swallow at Kevin

Kevin:  Son-of-a-bitch!  Eat an apple or something you stupid goat!

* Kevin  with all his might, makes a large explosion, propelling the rubble into the air and the water with it

War Goat is thrown off back into the cave and to the other side of the cavern, bringing it the the opposite side of the waterfall.

Kevin:  *Phew* Yeah, don't fuck me like an animal....

Kevin runs ahead of time to find his friends wherever they're kept hidden.

Kevin:  (If anything, it's not there.  He probably has them separated in different parts).

Kevin looks back at the entrance again while running, and he comes to a stop at the middle of his town.  He searches in the library to find the spot where "Mehyam" was "killed" and looks for any clues of his missing allies.

Kevin (pondering): Where could they be kept captive?  If I were a psycho, where would I put them?

Kevin thinks back in all the places where Utoa could have been, and it comes to him at last.

Kevin:  The fountain!  He probably imprisoned her in it, somehow?

The darkness is far more focused than ever, making it hard for Kevin to see where he's going. He looks far away in a random path and sees a gargantuan fog like non other.  Trying to stick with the times, he runs out of the library and onto the site of the fountain.  Upon arriving at the site, he looks all over the waters trying to find Utoa, but no luck.  Things are getting out of hand and Kevin is bound to this eternal nightmare.

Kevin:  Where did I go wrong?  This is the worst "vacation" ever...  I'm so sorry Moru... I'm sorry I couldn't defend these great people.  Oh how proud you would've been if I had been the hero.  I'm nothing *sob.*

Kevin stares down into the fountain imagining Moru and Utoa's face, failing to protect his damsels like a true hero would.  He looks deeper into the fountain, and sees Tim's face looking over him in the reflection.

Tim's eyes are blood shot and Kevin feels a hand on his shoulder.  Kevin attempts to hit Tim hard with his left fist back, but is intercepted not by Tim, but by Kormin, surprisingly...

Kevin:  KORMIN!  OH THANK THE LORD YOU'RE HERE!

Relieved, Kevin hugs Kormin and feels better.

Kormin smiles and laughs to himself.

Kevin:  Shut up.  Know one knows about this or I'll kill you...

Kormin:  Hahaha, well, at least you're in one piece.  That man knows how to shatter a connection between the dark world and the real world.  He's killed your people as well...

Kevin:  WHAT!?  Wait... these people?  I don't even know them... !  But wait, how did you escape him?

Kormin:  And what is that we call Kevin?  These people are still people, and it is the duty of Glory to punish the ones who have brought mayhem to this now-abyss.

Kevin becomes suspicious and questions Kormin.

Kevin: you didn't answer my last question.

Kormin:  It does not matter.  I have the reflexes of a monkey and the brain of a raptor.  I can coordinate quite well, but he knows we've escaped.  I'll take the spot for you, and you keep this safe next time.

Kormin hands Kevin the sphere that Tim stole.  Kevin takes it, but notices how Tim seemingly took it.  Re puzzling Tim's reflection and the fact he has possession of the sphere, he runs away from Kormin fearing he is an impostor.

Kevin:  Nice try Tim!

Kormin:  Kevin, what in God's name are you talking about?

* Kevin  summons a spiral of fountain water around him and disappears

Kormin:  I didn't even tell him the rest...  I have to inform him!  His life depends on it!

* Kormin  turns into a female version of himself

Kormin:  I should move rather quickly now.  Time is running out.

Kormin's voice changes completely and his entire body (now her) is sleeker and sexier than ever.

Kormin:  Berenices comes in handy.

It is revealed that Kormin is a Chapter as well, and is under the constellation name of "Coma Berenices" (Berenice's Hair).  The "golden chain" in front of his/her face is the hair that masks his/her gender, making it impossible to determine what he/she really is.  The origins of his/her gender is unknown, but she can shift to whatever, whenever.  Other features include his/her shadow being to opposite gender of who he/she is.  His/her reproductive juices are all opposite, truly making Kormin a unique and rather disturbing character.

Back to Kevin's new spot location, he takes the Sphere of Sanctuary out of pocket and checks if it's the right one.  It's not trapping him or imploding.  It's not glowing or sending messages.  It's just standing on his hands with no movement whatsoever.

Day is coming , and Kevin escapes town with it, hoping to get away from Tim and his wrath.  With guilt, Kevin looks back in town, but chooses what Karoku does not... Leave his friends stranded.

Kevin:  I'm so sorry, I don't stand a chance!

* Kevin  disappears from sight

(Scenario end...)

Page 8:

And alas, we return to hostile situation kept place in the incredible Salt Marsh, where Karoku attempts a rescue to redeem his selfish and undisputed ways...

Fast as I run, I come to remember how far behind I am compared to whence I started and I take the time to find them nonetheless.  After knocking Cerreta out-cold for a while, I have the time to search around.

Karoku (pissed off at the moment):  But the question is, who's the asshole that blew us away?  I'm gonna kill someone in the afternoon...

In that case, then I'll just have to get some work done.  Don't want to procrastinate!

* Karoku  slams the Earth with his head

What?

The impact is not as intimidating as his previous rage, but it makes a long enough signal to sense how much ground there is (And what is moving near it).

No luck, just splashes of water and some rocks and dirt popping from the ground.

It seems that Karoku has reached his limit, for now...

Karoku:  Okay, that hurt.  Time for a little game of hide-and-seek *sigh...*

Looking through every puddle, nothing new is progressed with each look into these foggy puddles that were vaporized in due explosion.

Karoku:  That's it!  They have to be somewhere outside this region.  If I can re-call, there are three parts to this region, I was told there was a... (ponders).  Forget it, I'll find out for myself once I see it.

And with that, I'm off.

In the mean time, Giino has some trouble with an unattended guest, who happens to stay for dessert.

And by that...

Giino:  Aww, still hungry?  I have a nice hedge for you to gnaw on.

* Vermillion larvae  strikes Giino, for a bone-smasher

* Giino  dodges swiftly away from it

The Vermillion larvae attempts simultaneous hits, but keeps missing after each head-butt, hurting itself with each desperate trial.  And of course, Giino in his rather idiotic fashion, teases the giant, only making it worse.

Giino:  Karoku has better aim than you, and that's being nice!

* Giino  again dodges the creature while holding his hat to his head in the air

Giino:  Scratch that!  You couldn't tilt drop of water from it's glass an inch away!

Then again...

Giino: No fun at all, so I think I should predict the outcome of our conclusion?

* Giino  takes out his Coma-Coil blade

Giino:  The Art-of-Choke is my favorite style (and vegetable!), but why save the best for last when you can have some chrysalis stew?

Meanwhile,  Senichi still swims for his life away from the 1,000-tooted titan, but clearly there's a way out?

Unfortunately, the underground lake is far to blood-thick to see anything above or under, or even ahead.  Luckily, the anglar is illuminate enough for him to see where it'll strike.

However...

Senichi (with calamity and confusion):  (*Sigh* why does it have to be an aquatic animal and not a forest bear or something?)

* Senichi  opens his five senses and tries to see through the bloody pond...

Senichi's senses are bleak within this demonic water and do not work in this hellish lake.  Senichi's new found tactics depend on his life.

Senichi:  (My senses are cut in this place?  What the hell?  How can I see!?)

*  Doom Anglar  opens its mouth wide for a tasty treat

Senichi:  (I CAN'T SWIM RIGHT!  THIS IS REMOTELY UN FAIR!)

* Senichi  dodges, but is injured by the titan

Senichi (covering his wounds):  (Gahhh, So fucking unfair...  So if that's how it's going to be, fine...)

* Senichi  swims up wards as high as he can reach, feeling for pressure

Senichi:  (Ahh great.  The pressure is lowering up here)

Senichi looks back at the Anglar, now swimming after him.

Senichi:  (Can you keep up?  Huh, a few seconds ago I thought I couldn't swim, so this is what adventure feels like?  Come to think of it, I haven't ran out of breath.  Man, I'm good!))

Distracted by his self-awareness...

* Doom Anglar  "swallows" Senichi whole

With a rather enormous bite.

Senichi:  (Ghhh!  Not on your life!)

* Senichi  takes out his sword of life and blows into the stip-end, making a powerful sonic wave

The Doom Anglar gets blown into the bottom of the lake, deep and deep into the abyss.

Senichi (over-confidentially):  (Take THAT bitch!  *Hiccup*  SHIT!  I'm running out of air!)

Senichi turns blue.

At the very same time the Vermillion Larvae kept trying to kill Giino off, the sonic boom caused by Senichi combines with this commotion beneath the trench and makes a small tunnel right where the giant kept smashing.
 
Red water gushes out of the tunnel.

Giino (gaging):  Ewww, it's bleeding.

Again, with Giino's stupidity...

The water hits the Vermillion Larvae sending it deep down into the trench, away from sight and sight in the night.

Out of the tunnel comes Senichi, who sees the exit and kicks his feet from the wall opposite to Giino's and onto that ledge where Giino stands.

But at the same time, the Doom Anglar comes out as well.

* Doom Anglar  sticks to the wet walls and goes for a bite

Giino:  No time for reunions!  THERE BE A GIANT FISH ON LAND!

Senichi (spitting some water out):  I though you abandoned Irish-speaking Giino?

* Giino  strikes at the creature with the tip of his blade

Nothing happens, and the creature keeps at it.

Giino:  SHUT UP AND HELP!

Senichi:  God, you don't have to be such a douche, Giino!

* Senichi  blows into his blade into the creature's ears

It stalls its rampage, yet it does not flinch this time.

Senichi:  What!?  WHAT!?  Water channels sound and so does air!  This creature is clearly COVERED IN IT!!!

* Doom Anglar  already gets a bite of Giino whole

On the inside (luckily in one piece), Giino cuts the innards and kills the monster from the inside-out.

It let's go of Giino from the brutal pain left marked and scarred in a million slashes, falling with the larvae.

Senichi (trying to hold his laughter): *Snicker...-*

Giino (Angry):  DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT!  Or you'll be served "on the rocks" with these guys down there.

Senichi:  Hahaha, whatever you say.

Far into the plain of shadows, Kitoku is watching everything.

Kitoku:  I will not let them off so easily...

Kitoku chants a spell and brings back the Vermillion Larvae and the Doom Anglar, in one (with the evolved addition of the larvae to butterfly), creating the Doom Moth.

While Giino and Senichi are relieved, they soon find out that they have just begun their struggle...

Page 9:

Giino (eyes wide open looking at nowhere):  Senichi...

Senichi, still puzzled and voided of his instincts, questions with no awareness of the Doom Moth's knocking on the walls.

Senichi (confused):  What? (Cleans his hears) ... Do you feel a mosquito in your back or something?

Giino:  We have to leave now... There's an unattended guest here.  Only this time, he's really close-

* Doom Moth  flies into the air and goes for a direct kill with it's fin-fangs

Interrupted by the creature's presence in the air, Giino is still and watching rocks fall and knock on it's neighbors.  Silence is set in place and both look at nowhere in fear and lonesomeness.  Someone like Hasu or Senio would spice things up on these occasions.

Senichi only has this to say:

Senichi:  RUN!!!!!

* Giino  pulls him out of the way before the attack hits

Giino:  There's no place to run, we're on a cliff that's about to fall!  AND HASU IS LOST!

Senichi:  Yes there is!  In this tunnel!  Come on, I doubt it will fit.

Giino:  Judging from it's massively small brain, I would have to agree.

So the two go into the tunnel and end up in the middle of the dark and underground lake.  They climb their way to the top, but they also find out that this sky-water walker is not sloppy on ground either.

Senichi:  God damn, it's dark in here!

Giino:  Up there!  Quick, before it catches up!

* Giino  morphs into a semi demon state and spits venom at the creature, knocking it down for a few

And what happens next?  Giino and Senichi make it out in one piece (with some scars and wounds, but nothing TOO big), and are off running to a completely off-set path, where a great separation begins...

In the mean time, Karoku arrives at the very same lake as Senichi and Giino, only 10 seconds late.  Suspecting their being there, he jumps into the abyss to find them, however, he finds another surprise waiting for him in the well of hell...

Karoku:  Senichi?  Giino?  Are you guys here?

Creeping voice: Rrrrrrrrrrr.....

Karoku: *GASP!*

And I stumble in the very lake just drained by the feral duo, Giino and Senichi, with the Doom Moth rather angered.  Now that I have to put up with the god damn creature...

* Doom Moth  expands its legs and slams at Karoku

Karoku (dodging):  Damn, your aim is shit! ((Something hit it.  It's not even hesitating))

* Karoku  unsheathes his sword and dashes with a critical hit ratio

The beast is slain in half, yet it stands still.  In the mean time, I'm slathered in green liquid.  The nightmare passes from beast to man, spreading it's venom over me.

(At least, Karoku suspects it belongs to the creature...)

Karoku (feeling numb):  (Yet it stands!)  You're late with your appointment.  Let me show you the way!!!

* Karoku  jumps for a vertical slice

This time, however...

* Karoku  falls to the ground hard

* Doom Moth  body slams all parts with it's remaining seconds

Karoku:  GAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

Something like this wouldn't hurt normally, but in my case, using up so much energy since meeting Giino, turning into a beast, and getting slathered in poison is not pretty (especially since it's my first "day").

Although, it's not like something in my first try and encounter would bring me down even to my belly, that I would surrender here and now.  No weight of demise is stronger than my will.

Karoku (struggling to get up):  (With all of this determination I have left:  Fighting Ziro and his gang of ruthless hunters, thinking they're so tough.  I'll be ready for that.  Being a better friend and stop caring for myself, to protect them...  I will redeem myself...)

* Karoku  chews some carbolyxe down

Karoku (with pride):  NO ONE WILL STAND IN MY WAY!

From the center of the creature, a dark hole rips open sucking in the oxygen and every living micro-life.  It's bleak color and deep emptyness brings sorrow and despair in place of reality.

Out of it comes Kitoku, standing tall and ruthless.  He picks up his hands holding Mourn/Mercy with a gesture of "oh well, better luck next time."  He stares down at Karoku, who is now angrier than ever.

Karoku:  Are you the one who did this to us?  Who the hell are you?

* Kitoku  puts his arms down

Kitoku: You have the heart of a valiant knight despite your undoing.  You pity yourself too much, and my job is to reveal your measure of your deeds.  Knowing one in control of the realm of sins, knows how much he needs to get there.  But, take this as a note...

Kitoku pauses for a moment, and I begin to lose my grip...

Kitoku (bursting in sadistic rage and evil desire):  YOU ARE NOT A SAINT!!! CONTINUE BEHAVING THE WAY YOU ARE WILL GIVE A ONE WAY TICKET TO HELL, AND I WILL MAKE SURE YOU SUFFER THE VERY WORST FROM MY INFERNAL RULE.  DO YOU HEAR ME!!??  I WILL BE WATCHING, SO YOU BETTER GET YOUR ACT TOGETHER, BECAUSE THIS ACT WILL NOT BE YOUR LAST.  (Laughing evilly) HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!!!!!!!!

Karoku:  *GASP!*  YOU GOD-DAMN BASTARD, I'LL KILL YOU BEFORE IT HAPPENS!!!

* Karoku  runs straight at Kitoku for a kill

* Kitoku  continues laughing menacingly and slaps Karoku across the chest, knocking him out

Kitoku:  Do not forget who you are, child...

Everything turns black and silence comes in place of the remaining drops of water...  All that's left is blur and despair, as Kitoku walks back into the rip in space.

Page 10:

...(1 hour later)...

Light shines heavenly on Karoku as he wakes up in the same path as before.  Now he's alone and the fog is glittering with the light of day.  It's absolutely bright and shining all over his skin, now sweat-battered and covered in scars, still.  Forgetful of an hour later, he picks up his sword and moves ahead of the road.

* Karoku  smiles

Karoku (staring at the elegant light of day):  It seems that a certain someone is watching me.  No day gets this good when regretful events happen before it.  Hmph, time to get a move on...

And with that, Karoku moves onto this new path, completely forgetting about Giino and Senichi.

Karoku:  I can start all over again.  Me and me alone and no one in my way.

(with light of thought...)

Karoku (suddenly remembering what Kitoku said):  ... *Sigh* I remember now...  I have to start being generous from now on.  But why me?  Of all people, why me?

Meanwhile, back at the plains of Ryokou, Senio is "dancing" with his cards and Sumire picks fruit in her garden far off the battle-torn field

Sumire (pleased):  Little brother?  *Giggling* are you really that determined to know more about those cards?  I'm so proud of you, being one with the light.

Sumire continues picking up strawberries from a bush.  Senio puts his cards down.

Senio (blushing):  It's actually kind of stupid, if you ask me...

Sumire comes to place her arms around Senio's shoulders.

Senio (continues blushing with his eyes wide open): ...

Sumire:  My little brother is a man now.  (Turns Senio to face her and kneels down to his height)  You have a destiny now that you must ful-fill.  The light will tell you when to go, and with practice, your abilities will take you far into the light and become a true Guardian.  You can go whenever you feel like it, but go when the sun is strong.  Understand?

Senio clenches his fists and his cards struggle to get out of his grip; Senio cries.

Senio:  *Sob* I'll promise it.  (Wiping his tears away)  I'll promise to ful-fill the prophecy, no matter what.

Senio pauses for a moment and takes a strawberry.  Sumire is surprised.

Senio (chewing):  But if I go, then I'll miss your Mid-ternament!

Sumire:  Forget it, it won't come in the longest, and even if it does, we'll record it.

Senio (raising his finger):  Actually (they would've post-pone it due to the Drocon invasion, but, oh well...), never mind.  I have to get going now.  Bye sister, I promise to take care of myself.

Sumire (raising her hand):  Do not forget to follow your own path this time now.  You will see him and them again.  This is a single trial from this point on.

Senio:  Understood.

Senio waves good bye and runs off to a different path this time, towards North in the trench's direction.

Back to where Karoku travels (with 2 hours passing by), he stops at a couple of small rocks and makes a small sun dial, tying it to his left hand.

Karoku (stomach grumbling):  I haven't ate the whole day since yesterday...

Seeing as how I skipped dinner yesterday, I take my clothes off (with my underwear still on, and dive for food in a small river.  After taking a bite at three carp in the water, I take them back, for a little breakfast.  That's all there is in the river anyways.

Karoku (cooking them):  Mmmm, looks good, smells good (takes a bite), *munch munch munch* and it even tastes good...

I look at the river and discover a new village just ahead. I eat fast and put my clothes back on to get a closer look.

As I walk by, I see some teen fishing for... well, fish.  The guy looks totally bummed out, and I approach him with caution.

Karoku (standing guard):  Hey, are you all right?

Kevin (the guy):  Leave me alone...

Kevin is guilty and ashamed to even look at a stranger anymore.  Now, Karoku and Kevin finally meet.

Karoku (sitting down next to him):  You know, I was like that yesterday, 'till I met new friends.  It's actually kinda nice since you don't have so many people hating on-  Huh?

* Kevin  runs away

Karoku:  Hey!  Hold on!  What the hell is wrong with you?

Kevin:  Non of your business, queer!

Karoku (pissed):  HEY!  I am NOT a queer!  Where are your manners!?  ((Who am I kidding?  I've been a brute))

* Karoku  chases Kevin and catches him by the neck

Karoku:  I hate it when people don't listen to me.  Now tell me this much only, is that where you live?  Were you exiled?  What is bugging you that you don't want to speak?  And why are you crying?

Kevin:  It's personal matters, and no I don't live there, but I chose to leave.

Karoku:  Listen buddy, I'm in a bad mood.  Tell me if you know anything about that town.

Kevin gets up and throws my hand off.  He stands up wiping dirt off his clothes.

Kevin:  Not anymore, or at least, you still have time if you avoid getting within a distance.  I ran away because of that, and I ran away-

Near, in the back of Kevin stands Tim, who is in a rather displeased mood.

* Tim  frowns

Tim: Hmph!  Because you were a coward.  You were too afraid to stand up to your fears and couldn't help but run away instead of dying like a hero (or a fool, either way).  Now that I found you, give me that sphere and I will consider letting you live, a little longer...

I get in a stance.  This guy looks like the real deal.

Kevin is too scared to move and is frozen in his own fear.

Karoku:  Are you the one who corrupted him?

Tim (turns to Karoku, yet unimpressed with his presence):  And who are you supposed to be?  I've supposed you met Kitoku, right?  He's the shady fellow with those large maces and one eye, right?  Hmph.  I created that beast.  That Kitoku has a lot of nerve taking credit for distractions.

Karoku:  How did you-

Tim:  My book tells me a lot.  (Tim takes a closer glance at Karoku)  Hmm?  Your face looks familiar... ((Could he be?  Hmm, I haven't read all pages before it, but it's possible.))  Well, it doesn't matter now, because even if that where so, it wouldn't make a difference.  Come on now Kevin!  Your destiny awaits...

* Tim  turns even more serious

* Karoku  jumps in Tim's way

Karoku:  NOT IF I HAVE TO SAY SOMETHING ABOUT IT!

Tim:  You're a contentious one.  Excuse me for that, but I have never seen someone stand up to someone like myself in his position in Chaos.  Tell me, how long have you been clueless of our organization?

Karoku:  I've heard, but I'm not backing away!  You can go suck it hard, and tell Chaos I said that as well!  He's not your property!

Tim:  AND THIS IS NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS!

Page 11:

* Tim  grins and takes out his book

Tim:  Now Kevin, you cannot deny your fate.  You left your people, and they are only of use with that sphere.  Hand it over and I may reconsider, even letting those poor people breath life again.  Think hard and think wisely.

Tim looks stranger than ever.  Unlike before, he has various bones coming out at certain parts of his body and a rippled clothing with creases all over.  With every time I look at that umbrella of his, it seems to change appearance with every blink.

Morning does not look very happy despite it's grace, and Tim is like concentrated hatred in one open spot.

Tim (noticing Hasu's curiosity):  Do you like it?  It's quite ancient, actually.  I had it battle-scarred for many years to come, and my previous ancestors and successors have wielded it for quite along time bringing the joyful pain I do now.  It's quite a marvel, changing it's vision in mortal eyes.  (Noticing Karoku's Shimekiribi), but judging from that peculiar sword of yours, I'd say it's official that you are not only human.  Yes...

* Tim  grins wider

Tim:  Now I remember.  This can get quite interesting.  You're like Kevin, yes, you too are worth 500 generations worth of wealth and luxury.  I can sell you two in, but what is the fun if I don't play with my food first?  Hehehe, I can always have a sample of blood from you both.  It'd always nice to cool off with a demi-god's soul.

Karoku:  Not I have to say something about it!

* Karoku  raises his sword and strikes at Tim

Tim:  Hmph!  Cocky little brat!

* Tim  defends with his umbrella

Sparks fly out from both weapons, bringing distortion from both blades, well, at least what Tim's umbrella holds.  With each passing second, neither one is getting a grip on their strenght.  It is evenly matched.

Both are thrown back from the force of these monstrous weapons of induce chaos.

Karoku (panting):  (This guy is strong.  I hope it's only him)

Tim (panting):  (This brat is tough for his age.  It can get quite amusing fighting him)

Kevin (surprised):  (This kid can fight!  Let-alone standing up to a top Chaos general such as Tim!  Woah...)

Karoku:  And you're alone, right?

Tim:  What's wrong?  Can't take on a group?  How pathetic!  All bark, and no bite.

* Tim  flies toward Karoku and strikes with his umbrella

* Karoku  blocks in position with his sword from the back of his left shoulder

Karoku:  Is that supposed to be an insult?  Harsh...

Tim (with pity):  Hmph!  You couldn't take on 3 people, even in your demonic state!

Karoku (now angered):  WHAT DID YOU SAY!!??

Kevin runs away from all the destruction being caused by these two fiends.

* Karoku  slams Tim's umbrella to the floor with his sword, and begins a barrage of blades

* Tim  intercepts clashes his umbrella as well

And sparks fly hard, boiling the river and setting a fire in a near-by forest to the left.  Birds officially migrate far away, never to be seen.  The simultaneous slashing and metal colliding with each hit continues to disturb the natural habitat around.

An inferno begins to rise from a ring of bursting rage and anger and these two won't quit either.

* Karoku  focuses hard on his aura

* Tim  draws energy from his book

Tim:  Mijn stromende zonden moeten binnen komen!  Laat te winnen aurastroom en stroom!

* Tim  lets out a burst of orange energy, throwing Karoku back

Tim:  Teh!  Nice try, but when you have strenghts and smarts-

* Karoku  flies back at Tim and appears in front of face, ready to punch him to the ground

Karoku (interupts):  SHUT THE FUCK UP!

* Karoku  pounds on Tim hard with a large amount of aura readings from his right hand

Tim spits dirt from his mouth after tasting the ground.

Tim (spitting out the dirt):  *Pfft!!!*  You dirty little runt.

Karoku:  That's not knowledge, it's just a fancy book.

Tim (standing up):  I'll tell you what...

* Tim  seals Kevin from far away with one of his spells and drags him towards the air above them

Kevin:  HEY!  LET ME GO!

Kevin struggles to escape Tim's grip, but it is useless.

Tim:  You will be a witness ((looking at Kevin)).  Meet me under that waterfall, and we will settle the score there.  In fact...  Take Kevin with you.

* Tim  unseals the orange prison, but makes hand-cuffs so that Kevin does not escape

Tim: You have until 12:00 PM to meet under Conscerra Falls.  If you do not show at exactly 12:00 sharp, you can forget about your friends seeing the light of day.  Oh, and if you try to escape, you will be written as our enemy, kid.  Do not disappoint me...

* Tim  teleports from sight

It's been rather strange lately, seeing the outside world.  What could Giino and Senichi being doing?  Where did I go wrong?  And what happened to the venom that struck my body earlier?  Well, one thing is certain.  I was untold what others have gone through. 

Karoku (standing straight and serious): Hypocrisy...

Kevin:  Huh?

Karoku (leaving Kevin behind):  They hid reality from me, the bastards.  They thought I couldn't handle monsters, aliens, and warlocks.  THEY THOUGHT I WAS INSANE!!!

* Karoku  pounds the ground knocking down several trees and making a large crater

Kevin:  So, what you're saying is, they pretty much ditched you when all the "fun" was around, right?

Karoku (trying to calm down):  ...Yeah...

I do absolutely nothing else about it.  Trying to hold my temper, I walk to the near-by village to find a place to cool off in the mean time.  Still trying to heal my wounds, I try to find a nice spot to lie and heal, and of course observe the name of this odd little village.  I read the sign of this once luxurious town named "Ri-Kaigun."  Kevin slithers like a caterpillar trying to catch up with me as we walk up the entrance.

Struggling to keep up, I pick him up from the back of his shirt and walk by a ramen stand.

Kevin (sarcastically):  Yeah, don't worry about me.  Just leave me to dry out here in the open.  Uhuh, real helpful.  Yeah, a true friend.

Karoku:  Well thanks!  You know, I was once told by this girl back in 7th grade that I was cute, so I showed her how "friendly" I can be, hehehe...

Kevin (trying to cover his ears):  SHUT UP!  I DO NOT WANT TO HEAR IT!

Karoku (enjoying Kevin's pain):  And then I went to give her a tour in my room, of course, I just bought red lights...

Kevin (trying to ignore Karoku's immature story):  BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH!

Kevin (biting Karoku):  DO YOU REALIZE WHO WE'RE FIGHTING?!

Karoku:  Oww!  You bastard!  That hurt!

Kevin:  I think you're just a little over-confident about facing Tim.  Tell me, why mad at the start and happy now?

Karoku (blushing):  I have mood swings...

Kevin:  Aww, no need to be to embarrassed about being a Schizo.  I hang with a bunch of weirdos everyday ((sweat-drops)).

But what's the use?  I get called worse names everyday back at Ryokou.  This one is just recalling my mental disability.

Looking to see any signs of folk in the village, we encounter a stranger shining in the sun light.  As bright as gold and black with a pearly-white uniform.  I can see a beautiful woman on a cliff over us, yet her shadow is that of a man.  Curious to know if this stranger was one of Tim's henchman, she jumps in front of us.

Kevin:  AHHH!!! YOU AGAIN!!!  You are Kormin, right?

Kormin (stranger in Karoku's eyes):  Welcome back.

I examine her from her profile and notice her shadow real is a man-shadow.  This is amongst the strangest things I have seen yet.

Karoku (with curiosity):  Excuse me, who are you, miss?

Kormin (turning her attention to Karoku):  Hmm?  Talking to me?  I'm a boy, and I can also be a girl.

Wacked out, I give an non-supporting expression of disbelief and sweat-drop.  This is one odd lady...

Karoku:  Kidding, right?

Kormin:  No one will know what I really am, but I'll prove it nonetheless.  My job in running around is done.

* Kormin  turns back into a man

Only this time, I notice he has a woman's shadow.

Karoku:  ...

Kevin:  Haha, all our names start with K...

Karoku and Kormin: *Sigh*

Kormin:  Well, enough fooling around, we have a mission to follow up.  Starting now, I will try to break Tim's spell on Kevin however I can.  Provided I free him from the curse, YOU have to do drive that arrogant orange man from our lives!  And to do that, well, you have to accept his invite.

Kevin and I look at each other confused with Kormin's sudden plan.  Kormin reaches for my blade and takes it out in front of me.

Kormin:  So you're one of those Chapters, like Kevin here?  Welcome brother.  Any friend of Kevin's is a friend of mine!

Karoku and Kevin (pointing at each other):  WE'RE NOT FRIENDS!

Kormin:  Haha, whatever you say.

Karoku:  Well, whatever.  When I do see Tim, I will defeat him!

To be continued...

[EDIT]:  SPARK NOTES:

-This is a "meanwhile" side-story from Kevin's perspective to give an early look on how they meet later on.

-Moru is Kevin's best friend who is sick from a super form of West Nile Virus, and is conducting research to find the only cure under Conscerra Falls

-Ri-Kaigun is a Venice-like village that ironically holds information, but says the shrine within Conscerra is heavily cursed (according to the sonets).

-Akier, Utoa, Kormin, and Chierce are Order members from the "Eternal Order of Glory."

-Utoa does not have a crush on Kevin, but likes him only as a friend.

-Kormin is mistaken as a man/woman on several occasions by readers due to his/her appearance.  It is revealed he/she is a Chapter in under "Coma Berenices" (Berenice's Hair).

-After Kevin and Utoa's little date, it there in the sky that Tim finds him and his friends from above.  His presence harming Kevin is similar to how Lord Voldemort harms Harry Potter.

-Kevin (thought untold) is "Cetus" (The Whale), and is seen controlling the water from the water fall.

-Tim tries to pose as a boot-leg world-class archeoligist to get closer in his evil plot in obtaining "The Sphere of Sanctuary."

-The Sphere of Sanctuary, as the name suggests, is able to bring back the dead as the undead.

-Even though it is not revealed in this chapter, the rest of the Order members are Chapters as well (given they are the most important of the association):
   -Akier = "Telescopium" (The Telescope)
   -Utoa = "Sagitta" (The Arrow)
   -Chierce = "Microscopium" (The Microscope)

-Kevin falls in under one of Tim's powerful illusions (from the moment he saw him in the air) that forced to Kevin to hallucinate, and even drove him away from Ri-Kaigun out of fear.

-Ri-Kaigun is south west of Ryokou, which are close to the southern-west border of Japan.

-When Kevin escapes Kormin, he really does believe Kormin is an illusion by Tim.  It is said that most victims of Tim DO NOT escape, but Kormin managed.

-In fact, that "illusion" was Kormin.

-After Kevin's escape from Ri-Kaigun, it is suspected that Tim let him go on purpose.

-Going back to Karoku's events, he attempts a rescue for his friends, but Senichi and Giino manage on their own.

-During some point on, Karoku faces the fusion creature, and it passes Giino's slathered venom over him.

-Kitoku appears front and black-mails Karoku of any mis-deeds as an excuse of killing him early, breaking Death's rules on full-life.

-Karoku wakes up in day-break in the same exact spot as when he went back to find Senichi and Giino (who are in God-knows-where), with a psychedelic memory loss (that only goes temperarily).

-Senio and Sumire's part are mentioned in hints that Karoku will not be the only one to miss the Mid-ternament do to personal and powerful reasons; Senio starts his journey.

-When Karoku meets up with Kevin, they do not get along, and Tim finds Kevin outside of his prison hold.

-Before Kevin's successful escape, War Goat purposely let Kevin escape when he could literally slam through the burrow and eat Kevin easily in his little run-away.  He was given secret orders by his Master Tim.

-It is implied that Tim predicted all these events for the enjoyment of torturing Kevin, his friends, and Karoku, whom takes him thinking and observation to know that he is a demi-god.

-However, Tim uses his constant lying as his advantage, making up stories of him being the one to summon the creature and not Kitoku, feeling rather cocky.

-Karoku and Tim are evenly matched, but Tim is yet to show any signs of ammusement, forcing him to schedule their fight another time.

-The Shrine is actually larger in perspective than to what Kevin has observed by far.