120.) The Aftermath and The New Goal!

Clarissa: "CRAP!" *FLASH*

Xebeel: "CRAP!" *FLASH*

*pssss…SHAOWWW*

A burst of essence shoots out and stems into a funnel that connects to the stomach of the Silhouette in question. Rasho and Silvio both watch in 'ah' as Bubuano got himself trapped within the funnel. Being sucked into the body of the savior that prevented a catastrophe. Xebeel was quick to take advantage of the situation and placed a seal on the center of their body. Making it impossible for Bubauno to escape once he's within their body completely. Bubauno's being began to morph and reshape into a stream that flowed like water. He spun into the funnel, being completely trapped under the pressure. One could see that once he was halfway in… he had more than accepted his fate. For this meant he would get to live longer and bide his time while stuck within. When those thoughts passed… his body stopped all resistance and was sucked in almost instantly. *Click*

Their body let off steam, their hair now had green streaks flowing through it. An obvious effect from having Bubuano within them now. Everyone stared on, hoping all was ok and that Bubauno wouldn't use their body to attack. A Glare was given to everyone, their eyes were glowing green and flared up in the same way Bubauno's did during battle. Only for them to fade with the essence showing off Bubauno's smiling face. His host's eyes returned to normal, breathing heavy as they came to the realization of what had transpired. Looking around at all the worried faces recollecting themselves.

Gaia: "Are you ok?" *Pat*

Xebeel: *SWOOSH* "That was a crazy stunt you pulled."

Clarissa: "You could've been killed if not for your compatibility with Bubuano. Hopefully you don't make it a normal thing, you know… being EXTRA reckless and all."

Shiishii: "Plus… my wife would throw a fit if you ended up severely hurt or dead. *Hug* Never do that again."

Silvio: "Hey… Fong, are you sure you're ok?"

Fong: "Yeah, I feel pretty normal as far as things go."

Ju'Mosi: "Are you sure, brah?"

Fong: "Yes."

Silvio: "Well alright… I'll take your word on it, but never scare me like that again!"

Fong: "Teehee… I won't Silvio, I promise!"

Morpheus: "Hm… if Silvio's back in his own body and in control. That means…" *GLARE*

Zoshen: "Yo, long time no see-"

Young Strife: "ZOSHEN"

Zoshen: "Huh… woah, slow down!" *BOOF*

Zoshen was tackled by his peers and classmates. Being bombarded with tight hugs and slaps to the head. Tears were flowing from their eyes as they welcomed their friend home. It was all as if a dream had come true and a nightmare came to a thrilling end. Morpheus smiled brightly while standing over the pile, grabbing hold of Zoshen's hand as he smiles back. His face cringed up heavily as the reality settled in. And the tears began to flood as he realized… he was finally home again! Amera sat on top of him, giving him a kiss on the cheek as a show of how much she missed him. Which only made him tear up even more.

Amera: "We'll make sure you can fight that freak the next time your body's in jeopardy. You will NEVER…"

Zelibus: "Neva eva…"

Ju'Mosi: "EVER…"

Kenny: "Have to deal with such a thing alone my man. We got your back, brotha!" *He hits his chest twice before extending his fist towards Zo*

Zoshen: "Appreciate that, Kenny!" *Sniffle* … *Tap*

Silvio: "Finally… we got him back."

Fong: "Thanks to everyone's efforts here today. *Smooch* Looks like we both have a problem on our hands now."

Silvio: "Yeah, we do… but we'll manage. Right?"

Fong: "Yeah."

Scrâg: "And I'll be here, helping you busters out!" *Hug*

Silvio: "We wouldn't have it any other way!"

Fong: "Got that right! *Grin* (I won't allow you to tear this apart. So you stay in your place, Bubauno!)"

(Bubauno: "Hmph… we'll see, brat.")

Everyone conversed and talked amongst themselves, discussing the new developments they discovered from these series of battles. In the meantime, all those who were left on Gaia's planet had finished up their affairs and made their way for the group. Joining in the conversations and getting caught up on the new developments they missed. Zo'Elgor Jr rushed Zoshen when he realized it was him and not Atomen in control. It was a miracle he thought wouldn't happen with how things were going. He couldn't thank his fellow Strifers enough for this feat.

But just as everyone was getting lively, Shiishii and his brothers spoke on what comes next as Haydes finally returned home. Everyone seemed so cheerful and then…

Bubbles: "Hey!"

Everyone stopped what they were doing and looked over at Bubbles and Xebeel. Both of them were staring down at Fong as she now held Bubauno within her. Amiyama could be seen squeezing Demetri and Shiimiya. Sweat dripped down her face as she stared up at Xebeel. He had taken off his mask, revealing a stern look in his eyes…

Xebeel: "It would seem you all have forgotten something vital here. Yeah it's good that you guys saved the kid from Ato. Yeah it's good you got Haydes to change a new leaf by telling him the TRUTH. But… the case still remains that one of your younger members down there now has a Stuliathan within her."

Clarissa: "Hm… I guess you're right about that. But what's the issue here?"

Xebeel: "Hm? What're you getting at Clarissa?"

Clarissa: "Ha… *Grin* Allow me to explain then." *Woosh*

Clarissa flew up to where Xebeel was. Gaia looked on with an intrigued look on her face from what her sister mentioned. Because in her mind… Fong being possessed was a bad situation that couldn't get any worse. But she also knows her sister has a vast amount of knowledge and intellect. She wanted to hear what it was Clarissa would be saying. And why she viewed the current situation as something other than negative for them all.

Clarissa: "You see Xebeel… what we have here are four. FOUR beings possessed by higher beings than Gods, Stuliathans. For me… I view them as weapons to be used for what's to come if the Keys happen to fall in the wrong hands, our hands. Which is something I see happening no matter what, our leader is THAT capable."

Xebeel: "Hm… so you're saying they can be used to combat whatever those Keys may lead us to?"

Clarissa: "Precisely. After all, we have Cancer, Particles, Magic and now Disease. These guys can break the fabric of reality, manipulate matter to the highest point and even affect the body's temple as easily as cutting planets."

Morpheus: "Uh… cutting planets ain't easy!"

Gaia: "Yes it is."

Shiishii: "You trippin' little brother, cutting planets is as simple as cutting cheese."

Morpheus: "Mhm… monsters."

Clarissa: "We have some good soldiers here, Xebeel. Best we train them to control their beasts just as you did for your son."

Xebeel: "I guess that could work honestly. I'm just not one to overlook the dangers they carry as a whole. That includes my own son, Clarissa. We must train them diligently and keep a close eye on them all at once."

Clarissa: "Exactly, I can't wait to see what kind of potential they hold. Even if it is used against my forces and I. Not as if I ain't just using this as training and ways to kill boredom. Oh yeah, question?"

Xebeel: "I can support that as well, but what's your question Rissa?"

Clarissa: "Well Beel, I plan on closing the gap between us my boy. And when that happens, I want you to fight me at full power. We can have this spar out in the Gap."

Xebeel: "The Gap eh? Sure, why not… I mean I've sparred with all my fellow Strifers including your ma and uncle. I even fought Shiitania when I visited her last."

Clarissa: "You fought Tania!?"

Xebeel: "Yep… and man is she a scary one bruh. Her martial arts skills are beyond Shiishii and Kishins as of right now. They're the second best until further notice."

Clarissa: "Well damn… she surpassed Shiishii!?"

Xebeel: "Yeah, it was crazy to think she beat out 10,000+ years of martial arts experience like it was nothing. But, back to what we were on about earlier. You truly think those children will be OK, I'm including my precious Ken in that too."

Clarissa: "Yes, gosh… you worry too much Beel. Let's just get this shit cleaned up and everyone back to their clans. I can guess there's a lot to be discussed in Gahwardia. So let's head there first and get Haydes' situation under control."

Xebeel: "Right… plus I've gotta report back to the ones that hired me for this. *Flick* *flick* *Inhale* Trynna hit this?" *Exhale*

Clarissa: "For sure, it sounds good Beel. And hell yeah, gimme that shit."

Clarissa and Xebeel sit above everyone else as she raises her arm. Putting up a salute and swinging her arm outward as a sign of dismissal. Gaia knew what this signal meant and let everyone know what to do next. They gathered their things and helped clean parts of the planet Alpha Gaia purposely left messed up. She too had a petty consciousness and refused to clean up after fully grown gods and their younger halves. Upon completing the clean up, everyone began to go their separate ways. The TRUTH generals headed back alongside Miitto through the portal he and Clarissa used to get there. While Strife members took their leave to their individual homes, bringing their family and friends who also lived in the same civilizations along with them. Leaving the Gahwardians to themselves as they waved goodbye.

Haydes: "I guess it's time to head out huh?"

Vashjai: "I guess so, kind of a bitter ending no thanks to you."

Haydes: "Mhm, I won't apologize for my actions. I did what I had to."

Ebon: "Mrhm!"

Sonya: (You bitch!)

Jollister: "Yeah, yeah… just watch your damn mouth!"

Kishin: "Yeah, and about that death you caused." *FWISH*

Haydes: "Huh-" *SMASH*

Kishin: "Big bro…"

Shiishii: "Yeah, good kick. That oughta ring his damn senses for once, Death's Shackles." *Fwiship* … *Click**CLACK*

MorZick: "Good job, my sons."

Morpheus: "Wait… why'd you knock out big brother Haydes!?"

Zenki: "For punishment… don't think we're allowed to do as we please without consequences. He killed a being carrying Senkozen blood and a Royal to another clan. His friends died for it before, he's lucky to be getting locked up and nothing else."

Clarissa: "That's right. His actions are inexcusable and even I can't overlook them. I know Gaia told him not to do it, and if she says it… then it's something to be listened to. Yet the idiot didn't do even that."

Hideaki: "Step back Morpheus, there is no helping this idiot. Just use him as a reference of what not to do in the future."

Morpheus: "Hmh… I guess I can understand that. But that kick seemed a little unnecessary."

Kishin: "Don't be weak minded."

Shiishii: "You just watched this guy take a few universes to the face. A kick won't do what it is you think it will. But I just didn't want him reacting poorly to the news and getting uppity. I Need this to be as easy as possible!"

Morpheus: "R-Right! *Pat* Huh?"

MorZick: "Pay no real mind to it, my son. Your elder brother has goofed up a little more than I'd thought. But… he won't be in this predicament forever. Part of me is just hoping he doesn't overthink his motives."

Morpheus: (Overthink his motives? What does he mean?)

Morpheus stares at his father in confusion as they all start to make their way towards Gahwardia. Flying In a group as they pay their respects to Gaia's planet and the man that died trying to stop a mess. Someone who can be viewed as foolish, but courageous for standing up against something he viewed as wrong. Even now… the royals of Gahwardia reflect on their ways. One could only hope this would bring about a change in their hearts. One that could potentially change the ways of Gahwardia forever.

With that being said, the group flew over to a gateway that led straight to Gahwardia's entrance. One of the many gateways that acts as a wormhole for travel. They enter and get pushed out by a huge amount of force. Shifting them within a quick second as they all come shooting out like stars. Racing to the gates of Gahwardia, Shiishii carrying Haydes the whole way. The gates begin to open as MorZick and Zenki flew through. Followed by Gaia, Clarissa, the Five Gates and the others. Each made their way to the Senkozen Keep, hoping to finally get some rest after such a lengthy battle.

Kishin: "About time we made it back! Shiishii, pops… let's take the idiot to his cell so he can await judgement. Then I can finally get some meditation in."

Shiishii: "Alright, sounds good."

MorZick: "Let's get this done then. Zenki and I have reports to fill out."

Kishin: "Right, well with the both of you here it should be easy to admit him in without question."

MorZick: "Mhm… it's for that same reason that my paperwork will pile up in an instant. *Sigh* Well, whatever. It's not like my paperwork ever piles up anyway."

Shiishii: "Exactly, so stop complaining already. We're here."

Before them was a gigantic building that sat near the center of the clan's territory. It was plain when it came to architecture, a box shape to it that stacked up like a grand, medieval castle. It had bars lined across the edges of the rooftops. Each individual bar had essence imbued into it that was drained from the hundreds of thousands of inmates. This was a practice to use their own power against them if they were to try and escape. It's also the best way to keep their powers in check for the inmates that had really terrible track records and have committed the most heinous of crimes due to that same power they wield. A precautionary practice just in case…

Within the walls layer a luxury layout most wouldn't think cosmic criminals would deserve. But it's done like this as a gift to those changing their ways with evidence to boot. So only the center hall and areas where workers make stations were coated in marvel and luxury material. The rest, or at least where the inmates and their cells are located. Were plain Jane walls and ceiling made of nothing, but thick layers of Machenite and Spatial asphalt. Two materials used to hold God's due to their great durability and density. The cells were big, but void of any feel or presence. It was to set on the eerie feeling they should all be going through at all times. A way to let reality set in, set in that this is it for them.

Shiishii: "Hey there uncle Gerreoff(Gare•off), how's the life of running one of the ten greatest prisons of all time?"

Gerreoff: "Ah, if it isn't my nephews, Kishin, Shiishii and… is that HAYDES!?"

MorZick: "Yes my dear brother-in-law. Allow my children to check their brother in for his deeds, and walk with me. It's something I wish to speak to you about in private."

Gerreoff: "That's all fine with me, Brother… but what could be so important that even Shiishii and Kishin can't hear?"

Shiishii: *Pat* "Best you go with him, Gerreoff. Please."

Gerreoff: "Uh…"

Kishin: "Uncle… go."

Gerreoff: "A-Alright, fine. I'll go see what's so important."

MorZick: "Good, thank you my brother."

Gerreoff walks off with MorZick, they turn their walk into a casual flight to the front gates of the prison. Shiishii and Kishin walk the unconscious Haydes to a group of three officers. They escort them to the inmate check-in station where he was processed and taken to a cell in shackles. It was there that Kishin slapped him awake. He was surprised and flustered from the sudden hit. Looking around in a dazed fashion, trying his best to figure his current situation out. He was quick to notice where he was, glaring up at Shiishii and Kishin as they looked down on him.

Haydes: "So… I was headed here after all. To the prison known for having the best defenses for prison break ever known. The prison we know as FrostHeim."

Gerreoff: "That's correct my nephew, Haydes."

Haydes: "Hm? Uncle Gerreoff, haven't seen you since I injured twenty of your guards during my first attack on Shiishii."

Gerreoff: "Mhm… seems you've only gotten worse since then."

Haydes: "So I've been told. Just know this… your son's Death… you won't get an apology for it." *Glare*

Gerreoff: "I know. Though, you being here means you willingly listened to the truth and let your guard down. Your stupidity and lax attitude about this is more than enough. My son, Joe was at fault too. He shouldn't have interfered."

Kishin: "Not at all."

Shiishii: "Mhm… just know that isn't the reason you're here."

Haydes: "My earlier deeds are."

MorZick: "Exactly… now we expect you to wait here and await your judgment. Not like you can escape anyway, Gerreoff is too strong for your current level."

Haydes: "So it seems, but no worries dad. I lost to Shii, so now I serve Strife as one of its Captains. My meddling is done… for now." *Grin*

MorZick: "So be it. *Step* *Step* Just glad to have all five of my sons back."

Haydes: "Glad to be back."

Shiishii and the others leave Haydes to sit in his solitary cell. Void of contact, only he and his thoughts were left once the door shut behind them. *Slam* MorZick, Shiishii and Kishin head to the Senkozen Keep while Gerreoff stays behind and began Haydes paperwork. One could see clear sadness in his eyes, but it didn't come close to breaking him nor his fortitude. He worked on plans to go visit his wife at her new home. For he could feel her grief as well, even from this far away. Such is their connection and level of bondage.

Shiishii and his family arrive at the Keep in little to no time. Flying through the open doors to see a small group of their family and close friends awaiting their arrival. Everyone present had dawned their family coats, sitting in a circle that surrounded Xebeel. There was Tailee, Meilee, Taishin, Clarissa, Gaia, Vashjai, Morpheus, Kenny, Silvio, Fong, Amiyama with Shiimiya, Ebon, Jollister, Hideaki, Zenki and even Miikimo had come to hear what was to be said. MorZick, Shiishii and Kishin walk in to join the circle, conjuring their coats up as they do. Xebeel begins to speak as they take their seats within their personal thrones.

Xebeel: "Eh-Ehm! So we gather here to speak on a certain event that occurred following the defeat of Haydes. A beast not of this verse had invaded from beyond the Gap in the Cosmos. A beast we know to be known as, a Stuliathan. This beast could command Disease to the point that you couldn't tell me the difference between it and the bubonic plague. Such is their tethered relationship and affinity for concepts. It's equal to our own Colossaverses' connection and embodiment of the concepts they represent. Yes, that means there IS a Combat Stuliathan. But, I managed to dispatch the beast thoroughly until I got it down to its last remaining study and core concept. It used our moment of rest after attacking to get a jump on us with speed. Which led to Fong being possessed by the beast. She is the newest Stuliathan Possessed Warrior."

Everyone turned to look towards Fong who had her head down for a bit. She looked up and let a green flare loose from her eyes. This gave clear evidence to anyone that was absent during the event or anyone who may still be in disbelief. Xebeel had a few monitors connected to the clans who had members involved in this debacle. The leaders that were absent were shocked to hear such news, leaders such as, Thermias II, Zo'Elgor Sr., and Annihilation himself, though he wore a silhouette over his entire body. Yes… he literally put on a Silhouette ladies and gentlemen.

Annihilation: "So this is the fourth child huh?"

Thermias Sr.: "Astonishing, and your proposal earlier was to make these four beings, including Zo'Elgor's boy, into living weapons!?"

Xebeel: "No… not in that sense. We'll have a forge, a militia with the experience to deal with what lies beyond and the potential to surpass who they host when they're at their best. Allowing them complete control and a slew of concepts to learn, master and conquer as a whole."

Annihilation: "I have no objections to such a scheme. The Keys have become such a concern that we Strife I have been getting updates on matters by those two."

Clarissa: "Mhm… well let me be the first to say it. With me on their side, the Keys will be used to unlock that. It's inevitable and needs to be done."

Xebeel: "What makes you so sure, I could end you right now."

Clarissa: "Could you? Do you know how many concepts I've tethered to? I'll always come back, such is the cheater I am. Either way, trust me Xebeel. That's all."

Xebeel: "Alright Rissa, but you had better know what you're doing. That isn't to be trifled with in any manner. Do tread carefully, but back to the topic at hand."

Zo'Elgor Sr.: "What's your plans here Xebeel, MorZick? I know you were in on this."

MorZick: "Of course I was, we need these children to be as safe as they are strong. Even the benevolent Stuliathan, Merlin wants his freedom and has possessed Kenny to get that freedom before."

Kenny: "Yeah… he has."

Xebeel: "So of course malevolent ones such as Bubauno, Atomen and Rashomon will do the same to gain theirs. It'll just be far more frequent and much more gruesome happenings during that rampage to keep their freedom. We must train these lasses to be strong enough to fight them on their own, whether it's in their mental plain, the plain of essence or even in the physical realm where we are now."

Zo'Elgor Sr.: "Mhm… that actually is a great idea when I think about it. Plus… I have the perfect tutor for Zoshen and my other two, he just came home after all."

Xebeel: "Good, and I can guess these three are in good hands here? Well at least until my boy graduates. That's when he'll be coming with me for a while, same with his brothers that follow him. But MorZick… get him into high gear until then?"

MorZick: "Easily done."

Kenny: "Bet… always wanted to train with Morpheus and his pops. Guessing it's torture?"

All four brothers shook their heads at the same time while looking towards Kenny with concern. He sat there holding a poker face while screaming underneath his "mask".

Fong: "Amiyama and the royals will.be handling mine and Silvio's training for a bit. There's someone there he can study under to gain some greater control on his basic levels of destruction. Better to start there before he learns the techniques that can be commonly shared between Annihilation and Destruction. MorZick is perfect for that."

Amiyama: "We got them for now." *Grin*

Xebeel: "Seems all the bases are covered, but now I must ask. Shiishii?"

Shiishii: "Yeah? What is it?"

Xebeel: "My colleagues, please allow your son who represents Strife as a captain, to take the lens. I need them to hear this directly."

All three walk away from their monitors, allowing their eldest son to take the stand. Everyone turned their attention to Shiishii as Xebeel stared him down. He cleared his throat once more and made perfect eye contact with Shiishii. This sent a clear message that this matter was of importance to the current order of Strife.

Xebeel: "Just… what comes next for Strife now that you've gotten Haydes on your side?"

Shiishii: "Oh… well that's simple. Gaia and I decided this the second we knew who the enemy was. But… now that we've heard what Clarissa had to say. We went on to change it up a bit. Yeah, the initial plan was to collect our forces little by little and expand our connections. All in an act to defy the TRUTH their way."

Gaia: "But now… it's become obvious what Clarissa meant. It means that whatever is to come, whatever is to Break balance. It's easy to see that this was our warning to prepare for it. And I'm guessing we Strife Captains would have at least become equal to Xebeel's current level?"

Clarissa: "Precisely, and certain TRUTH members will be trained to be of that strength as well. I… won't stand for a looming threat to scare us into such folly that we ignore the Keys and what they can do. We WILL surpass all those who lie beyond the Gap and our fair Omniverse."

Shiishii: "And that's the new Goal. But know this Clarissa… we be of the competitive spirit around here."

Gaia: "So don't go thinking you're gonna get an easy route no matter your motive. We shall strengthen one another behind the scenes in preparation for this."

Jollister: "I can agree to all that with ease. As can the rest of you, right?"

Everyone in Strife bowed their heads in agreement. ZeeArc, Thermias III and Zo'Elgor Jr were no exception. Jollister smiled alongside Shiishii, Clarissa and Gaia. They knew exactly what this entailed. Xebeel knew as well and had no objections, such was his commitment to trusting Clarissa.

Xebeel: "Well with that being settled, let's end this meeting and get on with our lives. Just make sure to stick to the plans made here today and remember…"

Everyone: "What's said in the Keep, be kept in the Keep."

They all end the meeting on a unanimous decision. Each going their separate ways to get back to what their daily lives had in store for them. Xebeel flew into the distance to converse with Life and Death I at their base. Kishin and MorZick walk off to speak in private. While Zenki awaits his brother for paperwork. Gaia heads over to speak with the triplets for who knows what reason. Vashjai and Ebon were called in for a mission while Amiyama took Silvio and Fong with her to the empire. She kissed Shiishii goodbye along with Shiimiya as they flew off. Shiishii stayed behind to wait on Kishin, he wished to speak to him about something important. Kenny and Morpheus ran off to train while Clarissa and Jollister took their leave. Heading towards the location of the warpgate she created that leads to the TRUTH base.

A bit of time had gone by and we could find Kishin sitting beside Shiishii on a cliff. The cliff was attached to a floating mountain that rested high above the capital, hoisted up by the absence of gravity within that territory of space. They both sat in their elemental sweat suits while gazing at the Cosmos. They had a bottle of Gaia's premium liquor, Gaia's Tears and a blunt full of the best keef tiks can buy. They spoke on their past and the matters that plagued their home and its neighbors today. Venting to one another in a way while chopping at the other. One could barely tell them apart if you looked at just personality and energy.

Kishin: "Man… I gotta say. I never imagined we'd be born in that fabled time that grandpa told dad about. The time where a generation will go through what he himself had to go through with his team. Fucking Stuliathans invading and shit, you got these verses that aren't our verse but it's still… a verse! This shit is nuts, its crazy… it's exciting honestly."

Shiishii: "Damn right it is brotha. We get to lead this new generation into the future. But I will say… I always wondered what else is out there. I mean… we've always had the info on Stuliathans, but have you ever noticed that… we have none on the Keys really?"

Kishin: "Hmmm… alright so what did that make you wonder then bro? Blow my mind bruh, let's hear that shit." *Inhale*

Shiishii: "So here's the thing, we have Stuliathan info put flat in our faces in every major civilization known to Gods. Yet we don't see Stuliathans being the fabled Balance breakers behind the Gates. So if that's the case… what if, and I mean what if. There were other beings equal to the fucking Stuliathans brooo!?"

Kishin: "Bruh… that shit would be wild as FUCK. Like imagine being in a situation like earlier, but ain't no Xebeel there to help us? Man, I would… I would like… use my near infinite life force to pull some shit straight out of some fable book bruh!"

Shiishii: "A fable book written by mortals from the sounds of it. Fucking using your life force and shit! Let's hope the Stuliathans the only ones we gotta trip with bro! Hahahaaa!" *Reach*

Kishin: "Hehahehahaaaa! *Clap* On pops I ain't trynna use my life for yo ahh anyway bro!"

Shiishii: "Ah… too funny bro. But, aye, aye… speaking of pops. What did you ask him?"

Kishin: "Oh… to be honest, I heard that pops is the one that judges those that step out of line. I asked what would Haydes' judgement be and he told me without so much as batting an eye."

Shiishii: "Mhm… yeah pops ain't never kept a secret from any of us that we couldn't handle. What he say though?"

Kishin: "He said that Haydes would be sentenced to a year in solitary confinement, maximum level for that. No contact whatsoever, plus 100 acts of Valor and courage. When I heard that… I decided to request the first act as my own scheme."

Shiishii: *Gulp* *GULP* "So… what you request brotha?" *BELCH*

Kishin: "Well… that's simple really Shii. We're going to use Haydes to fully awaken the one known as Graze. Matter. X!"

The curtain has fallen on the conflict between brothas as new ones arise. Four Stuliathan Possessed, the declaration of Clarissa, the existence of verses beyond and the looming threat that is the Secret behind the Keys. Shiishii and Gaia have their hands full as the first of many arrive at their doorstep. Let the doors swing open for… GRAZE!!!

Clarissa: "It was a great learning experience to watch Beel fight. Gave me many hints on how to get beyond my current level with a huge leap. Can't wait to test them out, might as well train Jujoku a bit more while I'm at it."

Jollister: "Yeah, never thought I'd see such a thing so early in my lifetime. So much to aspire and so much to hunt down and surpass. I'll conquer it all as I advance forward. Hopefully Shiishii and the guys can keep up. And seeing how important the Keys are… he'll be back soon enough."

Clarissa: "Indeed he will, now let's head over to the base so we can brief XigXahm on what he's allowed to hear."

Jollister: "Right."

???: "Not so fast, Lady and gent."

Jollister: "Hm- wait… you're the Teller."

Clarissa: "Wait… THIS is the Teller??"

???: "Indeed I am, Mal McDave is at your service. *Bow* It's a grand smacking pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Clarissa: *Bow* "Likewise, now please tell us your reasoning for being here."

Jollister: "Mhm… long time no see Mal."

Mal: "Indeed, Jollister my boy. But Clarissa, dear… I've come bearing information that ties greatly into your goals as TRUTH."

Clarissa: "How so?"

Mal: "It's fruitful really, it's the existence of six more Keys and an organization that wants them all. Seems Strife won't be your only competition here my dear."

Clarissa: "Now you've peaked my interest. What would you want in exchange for such vital information?"

Mal: "Ah, that's even more simple really. I want a sparring match with you, that's it, that's all. Your name puts fear in even the greatest of beasts and Gods. And I'd honestly love to see it!"

Clarissa: "Well that makes two of us then. You're more than just some information broker and your messes, though they may be few, prove this to be true. Come at me, Mal!" *FWISH*

Mal: "Perfect, this will be grand indeed, my dear." *SWISH*

Jollister: "Well… aren't I the luckiest mofo eva, mayne. Let's GO!!!"

Mal: "Ha!" *FLASH*

Clarissa: "HYEH!" *FLASH*

*BOOM*

???: "Charge fourth and take siege of their plane of existence. I grow more excited with every bit of growth you gain… SHIISHII and GAIA!!!"

Both: "Hmm!?"

Next Saga: Graze the Evolution.

Next Arc: Truth within Light!

Next Chapter: Niflheim! The Results of Treachery!