102.) Battle of the Four Gates!

With tensions rising at an alarming rate, far higher than ANY other time in history. Well… save for the times before order and balance was brought to the omniverse. But that is beside the point of this. In more recent times, beings of great magnitude have shown their fangs to those who wish to uphold the peace for all. Tearing at the balance of the omniverse using terror and conflict. Their goals are unknown, but their motives have been made clear as day. To break balance by ANY means necessary, and that would include killing the reps of Life and Death alike. One of these eerie beings was none other than Haydes himself. The younger brother to Death of the 2nd generation. To combat this, Gaia and Shiishii have gathered their prowess and called upon their forces. Strife II would not fail to stop the obscurity this time around.

With that being said, we cut back to the training session that Shiishii and Gaia had called forth on short notice. A session that was nothing more than a trap. And everyone who agreed to join was in on the plan. It's why Strife II and their partners chose to actually train and prepare. Prepare to prevent the fall of Shiishii, as well as taking on what comes next so long as they succeed here… and now! That was to come into fruition very soon with the many arrivals of Strife's members. And as they arrived, Gaia and Shii began to split everyone up into pairs between the youngins and OGs.

They'd usually start things off with catching up and idle chit-chat. But there was no time for that and everyone knew of this fact. Such was their haste to get things started once they got there. Amongst those that showed up, we had Vashjai, Ebon, Kishin, Hideaki, ZeeArc, ZeeShift, a waking Amiyama, Thermias, Curti, Zo'Elgor Jr, Dante and even Kareezim, the newest recruit. A few of them even brought comrades with them who acted as their Commanders for their faction of Strife.

With Morpheus and Young Strife being present. They needed to shift them to the best respectable masters in order to make the best of what little time Shii predicted they had. Such precision and strategic ingenuity was left to Gaia and her superior level of experience. And man was she quick to assign the best possible partnering for each and every pair. Each YS II member was paired with a captain of the actual Strife II.

The likes of Clarence and Ju'Mosi were sent with ZeeArc and ZeeShift to better help the potency and destructive nature of their elements. Malikai was taken by Dante who was going to teach him to use his Black-Hole to fuel himself with foreign essence. Amera went with her big brother Curti for obvious reasons. She couldn't help but piggyback on him to their training spot. Thermias actually volunteered to take Zelibus after sizing him up. With the help of Alec, he'd soon realize his potential as a counter striking TANK. Scrâg had Kareezim and Gaia herself to assist with his control of his more "Plant" side. Silvio went along with his uncle Zo'Elgor. Fong had Amiyama drag her to the far south of Gaia's world. Leaving Kenny and Morpheus to be train by Shiishii and the family. They all wore insidious grins as it'd be the first time they could all fight one another.

Morhpeus: "OH… this is gonna be sweeet!!

Kenny: "No kiddin'!"

Shiishii: "Mhm… I honestly think it'd be best if Kishin and I start with Morpheus. While you three train Kenny and show 'em the ropes. Coo?"

Vashjai: "Fine by me."

Ebon: "We're better suited for the famous magician anyway. Especially our mage over here, Hideaki."

Hideaki: "Mhm… good thing too, I only show my mage persona to fam anyway."

Kenny: "Oh?? We'll excuse my rudeness but I can bet your mage arts don't match the Magician arts my pops and moms taught me!" *points at self*

Hideaki: "Heh! Follow me then, This'll be the first part of your training young master Kenny."

Kenny: "Aight, bet that big man." *Pat* *pat*

Shiishii: "Mhm-mm mhm, the nerve of this new generation of Gods."

Kishin: "Got that right!"

Shiishii: "But that aside, we have everyone split to make for easier targets. Each having a capable protector for their student, so we should have no worries."

Kishin: "Good, our brother here deserves our full focus anyways."

Morpheus: "I sure in the hell do ya damn fossils. What's first anyways??"

Shiishii: "Mhm… I'm not taking kindly to that tone of yours Young man. So let's start with the basic sparring match to see what you lack. *SW-ish* Come!"

Morpheus: *GULP* "R-Right!!" *FWIP*

And thus began the rigorous training between Strife II and it's younger counterpart. Gaia's world lit up like a star from the display of Essence flying about. Her mountains shook and withered ever so slightly while the oceans danced so wildly that they actually splashed high enough for water to leave the atmosphere. Does one even have a grasp of how hard the ocean would have to "whip" to get such results? Well without going into detail, just know continents would crumble under such punishment. The skies were filled with constant bombardment of storm clouds at the catastrophic level. Only splitting apart when an attack from one of our Strifers makes its way there. This was just a simple display of the might Gods have though the crazy part is. Gaia commanded the planet to react in such a way. Believe it or not, Gaia and the planet are of the same level when it comes to essence amounts. Meaning this planet has the ability to blow whole universes apart using a Canon system taught to it by Gaia. A true sentient being with the durability levels needed to survive cosmic collapse and the fall of whole multiverses. Gaia never leaves leeway for mistakes or obscurity in her creations.

Speaking of Gaia, we see her trailing after Scrâg who seemed to be trying his best to defend using nothing but the power of the plant life around them. Knowing this, Scrâg hops through the trees, turning the falling leaves left behind into sharpened rotating blades. Launching them at her by the tens in shinobi arts fashion. Gaia repeatedly tore off pieces of bark and refined them into blades by reshaping their biostructure. Then using them to skillfully slice at the blades of leaves coming her way. Breaking and decimating them until blades of bark were waddled to nothing. They would repeat this until she either chose to catch him or he tuckered out. All the while, Kareezim controls the 100k acres worth of forest they all created together.

After another thirty minutes of chasing Scrâg down, Gaia decides to go for a full throttle nape chop. Just as her intent is sent out, Scrâg makes the branches of more than 25 redwood sized trees into flexible whips. Then sent them after Gaia at splintering speeds, Gaia of course goes on the defensive and begins to avoid the bombardment. Pretty much turning the tables after a long winded bout. Gaia and Kareezim give directions on how to better control plant life. The secret, per Kareezim, was to actually imbue essence into what it is you wish to control rather than just speaking to them. The conversation becomes much more surreal that way. Then you simply think of them as extensions of yourself, as if you guys were always one. In the same way one does with weapons.

Gaia: (And once that process is complete, you get a greater burst of what you were capable of with them by your side. Though he has the levels for it, one could never hope to control a plant based planet without this principle.) "Impressive kid, now let me show you an interesting technique!"

Scrâg: "Wha- … th-the plants are floating towards her even as she flutters about? What kind of technique is this?"

Kareezim: "What do you have going Gaia? I might just be learning something here too, you know b?"

Gaia calls the plants to her person and allows them to bind to her. Using essence, the two began to combine to create organic Armor. With a sword and shield to boot. She almost looked identical to that of a valkyrie from Norse legends. Though there was no surprise there considering Gahwardians were based around such culture and have Valkyries of their own. Wings made of flowers sprouted from her back and took the shape of something similar to a bird's wing.

Gaia: "The center of this technique, Organic Assimilation, is to view one's self as a plant. I can pretty much become part of the forest itself. Observe…" *SWOOSH*

Scrâg: "Whoa!?"

Kareezim: "AYO!? So this is what Rosalina meant when she said I was missing something when it comes to my plant mastery. Damn… to become the green itself!? Seems befitting of we gods b… WOOH."

Scrâg: (It's crazy… but I can't sense her yet I can sense the forest. Damn, she really has become one with it. Maybe I can… control… herr.) *REACH* "Hmm!" *CLENCH*

Gaia: "No dice! I know your level now so let's end it with this little bang." *crick* *CrAck* *SPlinTer*

Kareezim: "Holy…"

Scrâg: (A little bang? What da hell does that mean-) "A gigantic shadow!? *TURN* What!?"

Gaia: "Gotcha!" *Creeeeeee-* *WHAM*

From above Scrâg came down with a gigantic hammer made of a thick pallet of vines and tree roots. Hardened dirt and soil from it being soaked in water secreted from the tree branches and other plants then rapidly drying. The hammer was so big and fast that he couldn't react fast enough. It was almost as fast as Gaia herself. Scrâg guarded himself as the blow hit its mark and catapulted him into the dirt. Rupturing the lands and the hammer alike. The forest gave way and fell through the broken floor that Scrâg crashed through, at the same time Kareezim released his grip on the forest. And from the hammer came Gaia back in her base form.

Gaia: "Guess I failed to mention that we share our stats with each and every plant we assimilate with."

Scrâg: "N-Nrgh! Y-Yeah, you definitely forgot that… part. *tremble* Damn!" *THUD*

Kareezim: "He lacks confidence and control. I see nothing wrong with such high levels of skill if I'm being honest b."

Gaia: "Just how he uses them huh? Has to be the same with everyone besides maybe Fong, Morphy and Kenny. Hmm…"

*KABLOOOM*

Silvio: "GAH! That smirks!" *Tisssss**Sizzle*

Zo'Elgor Jr.: *step* *Step* "You have the stench of one riddled with fear, young man. That is not the way of our household and family name."

Silvio: "Mhrrrm!"

Zo'Elgor Jr.: "That frustration need only be aimed at your own weakness. It's a shame that you had the same issues during challenge day, correct?"

Silvio: "H-How do you know that-"

Zo'Elgor Jr.: "You actually thought we wouldn't peek in on you? How foolish my nephew is."

Silvio: (What Kenny told me makes so much more sense now… DAMMIT!) *SMASH*

Zo'Elgor Jr.: "It's come to my understanding that the creature known as Rasho has assimilated with your draconic side. That would mean everytime you go into your state, he'll have his power and presence there as well. In a perfectly blended new form. Now if that's all the case and you continue to fear the use of him, you'll become unable to call upon your true self. Your dragon self, you'd be too scared of it and fail to use it as it should be used on the battlefield. That's unacceptable!"

Silvio: "Uncle, I'm trying to-" *SMACK*

Silvio is sent flying through the mountain right behind their current location. All it took was a simple backhand from the likes of Zo'Elgor Jr. Zo'Elgor himself had an extremely agitated face and a bulging vein sticking out of his forehead.

"No goddamn excuses, BOY!" Zo'Elgor shouted as he walked towards where Silvio had landed. Silvio himself was trying to pry himself from in-between two boulders. Just then, both were shot away in an instant by that of Zo'Elgor.

Silvio: (Damn that was nearly my face man!) "Huh!?" *Stare*

Zo'Elgor: *Glare*

Silvio: *Gulp*

Zo'Elgor: "It's been long overdue for your training to include us of the Draconos House. Don't you think so?"

Silvio: "Y-Yeah, Master MorZick has been quite busy as of late. So this was needed and…. Long overdue." *stand*

Zo'Elgor: "Good, I'll show you the first steps to how to make the beast within you submit. Both your dragon AND Rashomon!"

Silvio: "Yessir- *PRCH* Gah! Whyyyy!?"

Zo'Elgor: "Lesson one… you need to harden those scales. *Smack* So back to the harden through damaging process! We'll polish you before long and This'll be the start!"

Silvio: "Keh, if that's the case then bring it!" *SWISH*

Zo'Elgor: "Heh!" *FWIP*

Silvio begins his journey to learning to control his inner dragon and use it as a direct assistant for putting the reins on Rashomon. At the same time, the likes of Zelibus, Ju'Mosi and Clarence were all being steadily coursing down the best path for their sought out results. Zeilbus was being taught the best ways to use his Dragon form with the best example of "Show and follow" one could see. Thermias took a tab from Shiishii and Kishin and decided to teach Zelibus a fighting style that best suits bulky beasts. This would help Zelibus utilize his strengths the best while being able to better focus on his essence use and finesse. Which is what he truly lacked.

Clarence and Ju'Mosi were being shown how to utilize every last particle found in the elemental constructs they bring forth with essence. Showing off their techniques and the boundless control they have, ZeeArc and his brother ZeeShift were able to get through to them quite quickly. They give them a run down on how the concept works and the fundamentals needed to pull it off. The first being to obscure themselves from meddling distractions. But that was just the start, in the end that principle won't even matter due to them having it down to a T. Merely being muscle memory to be used when their bodies can decide action for themselves.

ZeeArc: "It's a good thing we all came here as a group. Seeing as we and Thermias are using the same concepts for breeding different results. You three have to grow more accustomed to widening the variety of things you can do with your element's and genetically and/or clan gifted prowess. You're only scratching the surface cause you created a narrow pond to begin with."

Thermias: "He's correct. Zelibus here didn't even know he could create or find a style that could actually bring out the best of his draconic form without the extra thought to be added. It'd be automatic with the way the fighting style works. He could easily make it run like clockwork and have it automatically instilled within your muscle memory. The best thing next to "The Art of Self-Movement."

ZeeShift: "So when we say you guys really made some shallow ponds, you did. Think of ability and technique as your boats. Those will be your guides to learning and scoping out the concept you utilize whenever you use these things. You think you need a boat for a pond? No it'd do you no good. But if you release those water walls then you'll find that concepts are an ocean of boundless proportions. You could learn everything about it and still have more to go as it in itself grows as we do. We are concepts even, infinite voids being filled with an abundance of objects."

All three: "Woaaaah!"

ZeeArc: "Seems they get it now guys."

Thermias: "No kizzy."

ZeeShift: "Well now that they get it, their boats are essentially made. High time we show them what direction to paddle towards first."

ZeeArc: "Be~haa. Well, what do you say guys, ready?"

Zelibus: "Yeah, I'm eager to see what heights this can take my dragon self to."

Ju'Mosi: "Likewise brah."

Clarence: "Same here, so I'd say we're ready masters!"

Thermias: "Say less, let's get this shit movin then bruh!" *FIST CLENCH*

The depths of the oceans they have opened have begun to be searched through. Amera herself was being refined on the teachings of her family as well as a ritual. One that would allow her and Curti to feed off each other's elements and fuse them. Her having gravity and him having dark matter meant they'd get something close to what Demetrius of Gahwardia has. A dark version of the Gravity element with a strong enough pulse to tear down matter itself with sheer force. One needn't go into detail on those teachings. Save that for a later time.

So skipping over Amera and her brother, we go to Fong who was busy learning the true nature of the Phoenix form and its true abilities. It would seem that being just a Phoenix is far from what it truly allows them to do. One could say they are a sub-elemental type of war God. One tethered to the concept of fire and the everlasting rebirth of ash to life. As one should know…. The ash of a fire that once extinguished a life. Will return to the soil to bring forth new life based on he/she that gave theirs. Almost like a form of reincarnation. With that being said, there seems to be a secret to this form that goes deeper than what was explained. Though the answer IS in what we just explained. A new blade of life added to the previous as it always should be.

Amiyama: "With that being said, there is something further to go with this. An ability that the royalty of our empire has used since its founding."

Fong: "It already seems like such a potent form. What more can it offer?"

Amiyama: "Once controlled and mastered it will offer the ultimate rebirth when your day of evolution arrives. I've already had mine and here's the secret I gained. I assimilated life and Death to myself when training with Gaia and Shii. That's all I'll say. The answers that hold should be enough for you to figure out the true gift of our Empire's form. Our version of the war form."

Fong: "Hmm, after my studies with Shii, I think I get it!"

Amiyamaa: "Good baby girl. Now then, activate that Demonic Fiend Phoenix form again please."

Fong: "Yes ma'am! HRMN!! *FWUEEE* *FLASH* *A huge gust of wind is summoned from the force she released*

Amiyama : "Hm… good. (Seems she figured it out before she figured it out.) Interesting…"

As Amiyama starts to show Fong the ropes to properly using the Phoenix Form. Dante was busy explaining how to best utilize the spiral force of Malikai's black hole found at the center of his forehead. Malikai seems to have the same issue as Zelibus and the others. He limited what he could do with his natural born talents and thus his black hole had yet to bloom. Dante thought it be best to tap into the ancestral bounds of his Archive and pull out the essence of a past leader that used Black holes as a weapon. Though it was the way they used these black holes that makes Dante believe he can help Malikai.

Dante: "You have to realize that all Black holes follow the spiral of the universe. The natural flow that all cosmic bodies follow as a whole. Planets spin in the same way while spiraling around a star. Stars spin in that same way as they flow with the spiral of the galaxies. Such do the black holes that form from the death of fallen stars. But their spiral is one that forms a vacuum of unparalleled proportions. Shifting the boundaries of time and space for anything that may be caught in them. It'd be your job to harness that by making sure the destination for all things absorbed or sucked in is you, yourself. Transferring and converting it all into essence to fuel you."

Malikai: "Oh wow, so you're saying I can become like Kirby!?"

Dante: "Wait what!? K-Kirby?? Who the hell- Archive…"

(Archive: "Yes, Lord Delio-Dant!)

Dante: "Search up a being known as… Kirby."

(Archive: "Ah, Kirby is a fictional character to most mortals. Though it may exist somewhere on the same plain as we do. He has the ability to suck in foes and/or their abilities and imitate or take their attributes. Making him a jack of all trades plus a natural born combatant of the cosmic level. He is nothing to snuff at sir ")

Dante: "Ah OK… thanks a bunch Archive, now off with ye."

(Archive: "Good day sir!")

Malikai: "So… am I gonna be like him or what?"

Dante: "Hmm… it'll be tough, but I think we can set up an ability using your origin essence and the principles of Zenchi. But you must be ready for a long trial that I can only start you on. Your father or someone from that clan should be able to help you further."

Malikai: "Alright nice! We gods truly have no limits do we?"

Dante: "No… we do not. Now let's start this training off right ol' chap. Now be dazzled by my light and follow me to the forefront of your awakening." *GLISTEN*

Malikai: "Uh… ok master. (What the fuck was that!?)"

Seems everyone is well on their way to gaining new abilities and paths to further themselves. And help gain a leg up in their mission to rescue Zoshen. Though one could say Morpheus and Kenny had it the worst. For their trainers held nothing back in their tutelage. Both quickly learned the hard way that they are only strong when it comes to the younger generation for now.

Kenny: *Huff* *huff* "Damn! So this is the power of… *Huff* Hideaki!?"

Hideaki: "Done already?"

Kenny: "Tch! Magician's Hand: Dealer's Deck!"

Hideaki: (He's skilled for sure, but he lacks control when the battle isn't in his favor. So losing this way was the best start to this.) "Hmph!"

Vashjai: "A can guarantee those playing cards have some sort of catch. Throwing them like ninja stars would be far too simple."

Ebon: "I agree, my man."

Hideaki summons two magic circles around his fists then condenses them to the back of his hands. Kenny rushes at Hideaki while throwing cards. Each card had different symbols on the back of them. Hideaki paid no mind to that and began to mow down the cards as they came towards him. Kenny attempts to flank his 6 but is countered by a sudden backhand just as he appears.

"Oh crap!" Kenny says as he vanishes once more out of harm's way, leaving a card behind just as he does.

Hideaki: "What the hell is this? (A symbol with an oval and three lines at the center going upwards.) Odd, but just in case. *Poke* And then… HMPH!" *Swish*

Kenny: "This should work- WHAT!? *FWISH* (Sheesh, his instincts and speed are crazy!) But I got everything set up!" *Fwip*

Hideaki: "The same move, but the card left behind has a different symbol on it. (It almost looks like a cartoonish bulging vein or even a…) Son of a-"

Kenny: *Fwip* "Hehe! The cards have been set. *he throws the card previously left behind* Finally gotcha!"

Hideaki: (He's teleported to where the card was yet again. I see now, that symbol is for-) *kaBLOOOOM*

The card explodes before Hidekai could finish his thought. The magnitude was easily equal to that of an atom bomb and leveled a good portion of the forest. A cloud of smoke covered the area like a thick mist. From it came out Kenny's card with Kenny appearing at its location.

Kenny: "Finally got his ass."

Hideaki: "Oh yeah? Who'd you get, big fella?"

Kenny: "Wha- *Swish*(Damn!!) Magician's Hand: Grand Esca-"

Hideaki: "Anti-Magic Sphere!!" *VWIMP*

Kenny: What the?? (I can't reshape my essence into Mana for magic. How!?)"

Hideaki: "And that'll be all you can for now. Hmph, your self control when in a battle you're losing is atrocious. Are you used to being on the winning side of things?"

Kenny: "N-Nrgh! D-Dammit bruh. I can't get out of this even when I use my fire essence."

Hideaki: "That's because you were foolish enough to convert to mana without threading Zenchi into it. Which is what my mana consists of. Plus Zenchi is your deck holder anyways. You need to use it to keep all your slight hands and Trump cards ready and waiting. Plus it makes for far smoother transitioning from mana to pure essence again and back to mana or any other source if needed."

Kenny: "Hmh… I can see how that can work and be of great use. Alright, I get it."

Hideaki: "Good, now We can assist you with learning how to effortlessly infuse Zenchi into your natural born OR foreign techniques and abilities."

Vashjai: "We'll start with me, I'll teach you the fundamentals of the concept. As well as how to be more versatile with your use of mana."

Ebon: "Then I'll be showing you the best ways to get used to this. Making it come as natural as possible so that your battle style and choice of way of fighting aren't tainted by this."

Hideaki: "Then there's me, the final stage. Ill be wrapping things up with showing you how to then make this an endless supply for yourself. By learning to naturally infuse Zenchi into your mana. You can conquer the lingering essence around you and convert it into Mana. Allowing you to use big moves without so much as dropping even a tiny bit in essence reserves."

Kenny: "Whoaaa. This almost sounds too good to be true. But I know it's true, so this will all.be great for me and my growth."

Vashjai: "I take that as a sign of him being ready."

Hideaki: "Indeed, let's get started!"

Kenny: "Say less!" *PRCH*

Shiishii: "Good, seems they've got their direction going and so does everyone else. Now there's just you Morpheus."

Morpheus: *Huff* *Huff* *Huff*

Kishin: "Your speed must be higher if you wish to learn the infamous Wolf Style of Death-Yu. Your efforts so far have been pitiful, almost like you forgot your animal instincts!"

Shiishii: "Can't say I disagree. You are lacking heavily, and I believe it's due to your easy going nature as of late. For one, we don't keep our tails retracted, we keep them bitches tucked. Yet you act as if you're embarrassed of it. You don't have the luxury of indulging in such a childish take on handling your heritage."

Kishin: "Mhm hm."

Shiishii: "And seeing as our expected guest has yet to bite at the bait. It gives us the perfect opportunity to force open those instincts. Ayo Vashjai!"

Vashjai: "Hold it Kenny. *Head turn* What's up!?"

Shiishii: "Come this way once you're done showing Kenny your portion."

Vashjai: "Aight, I gotchu big bro!"

Shiishii:"Hmph!"

Morpheus: "My animal instincts huh? Does that mean that this has become…"

Shiishii: "Bingooo, that's right!"

Kishin: "This here has become a Battle of the Four Gates! Ready?"

Morpheus: "Wa~he~haaa. Heal + Death to Injuries! Ah… yeah, I'm ready "

Shiishii: "Good to hear it, once we get past this. The wolf style will be a cake walk. Trust us."

Morpheus: "Right, let's do it!"

Just as everyone gets to kicking it into high gear. A watching eye peers in from far above the atmosphere. An eye linked to an orb found in a familiar base. A base where one could see more than 50 Nymphians gathered with at least ten powerful Gods. They all seemed to range from different clans. Which would make one wonder, WHY are they all gathered here in the middle of…

???: "Where the hell is Haydes!?"

Haydes: "No where you need be worried about Leygo the Defiler."

Leygo: "Tch! Don't get too comfortable commanding us you brat. We Generals from the Factions of TRUTH grow impatient. Just when the hell are we going to attack these bitches!?"

Haydes: "Watch your mouth Leygo, besides… from what the orb has been showing. Our best time to attack would be… now."

Leygo: "Grrekegaha, finally!!!" *Clench*

A familiar set of eyes stare from the back. Eyes that don't belong to a TRUTH general.

Just as training gets to a fruitful point. The lingering shadow that was cast has expanded greatly. The attack Shiishii was secretly hoping to avoid, will come to pass. The time for Haydes and Shiishii's final bout is… NOW!

Next Chapter: An Expected TURN

of Events.