Chapter 88: Better Luck Next Time

Disclaimer: I own nothing, this is purely a fanfic for enjoyment.

Cross-over from various games, books, anime, manga, and movies.

The familiar characters you see here belongs to their respected authors and owners.

'thoughts'

"Active skill name or magic spell"

'Active skill name or magic spell in thought'

"Activation phrase"

'Activation Phrase in thoughts'

"speech"

action*

time*

noise*

Gaia/gamer system talking

[Skill Name] - Passive or Active - Lvl.1/100 - EXP: 0% - MP cost: or none

Description: Info on skill

[Item Name] - Rank: F- to EX - Durability: 1 to Unbreakable - ATK: 0 to N/A

Description: Info on the item

[Title] - Info

Chapter 88: Better Luck Next Time

Year 27: Day 122: What's Your Desire? Part 2

-Kids' POV-

(Earth Land: Fiore: Magnolia Town: Eastern Forest: Log House)

"Okay, time is up." Father shouted to the kids, causing almost everyone to grim because the kids still haven't finished the plan nor the outline. 10 minutes was just not enough. "I'm about to attack, letting you know ahead of time. Also, I'll take this as the time to give you kids lessons."

Before one of the kids know it; Gon instantly been knocked out cold with an arrow to the head. Yet, before he passed out, Gon let out a horrifying scream and the sound of a tiger letting out a loud roar, that shook all of the kids.

"Lesson One: Don't let your opponent read your attack unless it's a feint or you'll be open to counters like so."

"I'll do my best to distract, Father." Chifuyu didn't bother to wait for the rest of her siblings to be taken out one by one and rush in, hoping to close the distance between herself and her Father by surprising him as her body covered in a silver mist before exploding, covering the area of 10 meters radius in a silver mist.

Then, in Chifuyu's hands, two single-edged swords releasing silver light.

"Oh, so you have developed a [Sword Intent]." Father spoke in awe, but that didn't stop him from releasing the second arrow at Chifuyu, who knows she shouldn't hold back at all.

Chifuyu went beyond what her physical abilities should be possible as she channels a large amount of her [Sword Qi] throughout her body, increasing her physical aspects. Allowing her to barely avoid the second arrow.

"[Maneuver Sword Intent: Body Ascending]." Chifuyu spoke softly, then the silver mist condenses, wrapping her body in silver light. Then, going beyond what a human's naked eye could track. Chifuyu appears behind her Father, with both swords already in motion of slashing her Father's unprotected back.

Chifuyu wasn't surprised, and a little disappointed, as her Father blocked her attack by ducking the last second, forcing her to move out of the way fast. As she pushes the [Body Ascending] even further. Giving her enough speed to barely move out of the way and dodge the arrow almost hitting her in the forehead. Something Chifuyu clearly knew that if that arrow has landed, then she would be out cold for sure.

"[Maneuver Sword Intent: Sea Gazing]." Chifuyu felt the strain on her body push, even more, leading to Chifuyu instantly knowing she can't hold up [Body Ascending] much longer and using the [Sea Gazing] was making it more difficult.

"I see, the [Body Ascending] is making so the user is able to remove the limiter on one's body and go beyond without an end." Father said with a hint of interest, along with something else, that Chifuyu wasn't able to catch. "I wonder what [Sea Gazing] would do."

Chifuyu didn't explain and explode incredible speed, faster than before, and attack one of her Father's blind spots she detected with [Sea Gazing], which is more on the line of seeking out the flaws of the target's weak points and strike it. Honestly, Chifuyu knew that this is blind spot isn't suppose to be there and was forced due to the handicap her Father gave to her and her siblings.

"Ah, I see now. It's a [Detecting Technique]." Father said with approval, something Chifuyu would find herself a little happy, but now wasn't the time for it. "But, that isn't enough. Lesson Two: Don't trust everything you see." And that was the last thing Chifuyu hear before her head tilt back, as an arrow struck her in the forehead without her seeing how.

If it wasn't for using both [Body Ascending] and [Sea Gazing] together. Chifuyu would have felt the pain like Gon and hearing a tiger roaring once more. But, she was already in too much pain as the two [Maneuver Sword Intent Techniques] wasn't completely finished, where the major flaws to them are still there and would make it very dangerous to use for too long.

"Chifuyu down!" Kaori shouted to her siblings, where she is still currently creating more special thin threads out of [Mana], giving off a light blue glow. "I still need more time!" Kaori knew her main weakness is the time to create the special thin threads, that are ultra-sharp, super-thin threads out of [Mana], where it is based on the [Monomolecular Wires] used by Walter C. Dornez from Hellsing series.

Something, that took Kaori a few years of trial and error into making this, where she finally able to at least create one out of [Mana] finally. Sure, she could have her Father make the exact [Monomolecular Wires] she desires, but rather not, as she has already made her own wires before in her past life and now improving them via with completely made out of [Mana]. In fact, by doing this, Kaori accidentally discovered that once she finished making the [Monomolecular Mana Wires], they will barely take any use of [Mana] to manipulate with just a single thought once finished forming and would be very hard to be destroyed in most cases as long there lots of it, and she will need a massive amount to deal with her Father.

"Got it!" Killua quickly got in front of Kaori, ready to defend her of any incoming arrows, "Erza, you go ahead! I'll protect Kaori as best I can!" Killua would gladly use his [Nen: Whirlwind] like how his canon version used for defense, but he hasn't gotten to the part of creating a bigger defensive circle, something Kaori needs lots of room to create her wires. So, Killua has to do it the old fashion of protecting Kaori without the auto defensive with [Nen].

Erza charge at her Father, drawing out two double-edged swords from her [Pocket Dimension] in reverse grips, and use the [Wave Sword Form], together with [Flick Sword Form], as she begins attacking her Father with swift sword attacks, which seem to be useless due to her Father easily evading her sword attacks with barely any movements on his part.

However, this didn't frustrate Erza at all. In fact, she just hoping her Father continues to dodge the entire time, to give Kaori enough time to build up her [Monomolecular Mana Wires]. Since everyone is betting on Kaori to at least get Father out of his circle.

"Lesson Three: Most people tend not to look up or down in a battle, exploit that fact."

The next thing Erza knew it, she got smashed against her chin from her Father's bow and forgot that even a bow, if strong enough, could be used as a melee weapon, and sent Erza flying off her feet a couple of feet and an arrow to the gut, launching her back to the ground.

"Lesson Four: When outnumbered, divide and conquer. However, if you're strong enough. Attack with something along with the line of dealing damage the entire area instead."

Erza blackout when another arrow slams right in between her eyebrows.

"Crap! Erza down now!" Killua shouted to Kaori, upon seeing two of their heavy hitter is down for the count, even their backup Gon is out before the whole thing started.

"Lesson Five: Commanders are prime targets in battle."

Too fast for Killua's eyes, but manage to react on pure instinct alone and barely changed the trajectory of the arrow by trying to take the hit for Kaori, but instead, by some kind of luck, Killua's left shoulder brush against the arrow a bit, enough to make it goes off course; however, this ends up having Killua gritting his teeth with how much pain he is going through even with just a brief touch of the arrow.

"Oh? Nice job of protecting your sister, Killua. Lesson Six: Don't rely too much on instinct alone." Father said to Killua, where he fired off three arrows at the same time, with one going straight in the middle while the other two went for a curve from left and right. "Lesson Seven: Be sneaky when you're trying to do sneak attacks. Like so."

Killua wanted to cry out how unfair this whole thing is, as none of the three arrows was even coming close to Kaori or him by a couple of feet away from them. All feints, for the fourth arrow to smash straight at Killua's chest, sending him flying for a few seconds while passing out before and planning to increase the training of his senses. Because he didn't expect the fourth arrow won't let out a tiger roar like the other previous arrows fired.

"Lesson Eight: When pulling off a powerful move or bringing out a powerful weapon, which takes up times. Don't, if you're alone or your team can't protect you long enough for this kind of thing."

Six arrows soar through the air at high speed, towards Kaori, who gave up making more and use the [Monomolecular Mana Wires] she made so far into a shield in front of her, blocking all the arrows from hitting her.

"Lesson Nine: Even if you have people on yourself or not, always be aware of your surroundings, including your back."

Kaori quickly reacts upon the last words, as her wires wrap around her entire body, where she was launched forward by a strong impact from behind, then to her right, and next, to back head.

"Lesson Ten: When things aren't going your way. Do your best to gain extra time, even a few seconds, to come up with something to help your current situation."

Ten arrows appear around Kaori in a circle formation, which should be impossible to do. Then, only darkness and pain appear in Kaori's mind for the last second before a loud tiger roar is the last thing Kaori heard before she joins the rest of her siblings knocked out.

-Ragna's POV-

"Class dismissed." I said, even though the kids are out cold, but my other kids, the babies, are watching. So this could be useful for them too. No clue on Black would willing to remember this whole thing and just charge right at the opponent. Something both Chifuyu and Erza did.

I walk over to the others, while using [Rejection] to heal the kids of any hidden injuries, but left them to stay unconscious for the time being. I do have to speak with Chifuyu later about her [Sword Intent], though.

"I counted 30 arrows." Esdeath said to everyone, with a hint of pride, where her Daughter was the last one to fall, even though she was the last one to be targeted. As she took a small break from reading the interesting book she currently holds in her hands.

"I didn't bother to count, but I can for sure say that the kids either need more training or you need to hold back, even more, Ragna." Raven said in a joking manner. "Also, it has only been 10 minutes or so since the whole things started, not including the 10 minutes you gave them to plan things out."

"Hmm." I glance down at my bow, then at the unconscious kids. "Maybe. By the way, since we got all the kids that wanted to travel out cold. Should we have someone watch over them? I would gladly do it, but then I may end up doing something others would regret making me taking this role. I, on the other hand, won't regret it."

"What? Don't have trust in your kids, to survive in this dimension?" Yuri asks with an eyebrow raise. "Because honestly, I would say they could easily take down some people I know in Repellista, Ryun and my home universe in the Tower, maybe those low [Rankers] or something. And that's only what I have seen so far. I can't get an accurate gauge of their best against other people I have faced in the past." Yuri didn't mention how Gon was taken out first, meaning that he may be the one out of the rest that can potentially push their Father out of the circle on the first try.

"Oh, I trust them alright, but I mean, there is always that small chance, no matter how little it is. They'll still be in danger." I said to Yuri, who thought about it for a moment and nods her head, agreeing with my words.

"I guess you're right, but that doesn't mean you don't have to watch them 24/7. Just believe in them, Ragna." Yuri gives me a kiss on the lip, "Besides, you're busy with helping the rest of us, watching over the babies."

"Fine." I roll my eyes at Yuri.

"Well, it looks like I have to train my little gift further of what a Hwa can do." Ryun frown at the way her Daughter didn't use her inborn ability for being a Hwa. Honestly, Ryun felt like her first Daughter doesn't have any talent in the family's innate ability. "Hmm. Maybe I should speak to her before she leaves."

"I would talk with Chifuyu, but the only thing that came into my mind on this fight. I would say Chifuyu needs to work on her [Sword Intent]. Still surprised she managed to develop the [Sword Intent] from the [Basic Movements of Sword Skills]. I think she called it the [Maneuver Sword Intent]." Yuri said with a hint of interest of this [Sword Intent], for even her husband didn't manage to get it and got something else through a forceful method.

"Is it powerful, hubby?" Serafall asks me about the [Maneuver Sword Intent] Chifuyu developed on her own at some point, without anyone but maybe a selected few knew about it.

"From what I can tell from watching Chifuyu using alone. I would say, that the [Maneuver Sword Intent] is more on the line of pure control. Also, the ability to gain control over the surrounding area's [Qi], which I noticed right away when I discovered Chifuyu's swords were made out of pure [Qi] from the surroundings, that is converted into [Sword Qi] in a solid, compressed, form that similar to a powerful, extremely high-quality swords for Chifuyu to wield. But still, use a large amount of her own [Sword Qi] at the same time." I explained to everyone, who listening and interested, that Chifuyu's [Maneuver Sword Intent] would give her the edge if she specializes in control first before branching out later.

"Huh, so what happens when Chifuyu reaches the [Domain Stage] for her [Sword Intent], and later on, the [Dao Stage]?" Yuri asks me, very interested now that her Daughter's [Sword Intent]'s specializes in.

"I have to say, that Chifuyu's [Maneuver Sword Intent] can either evolve into a different type of [Sword Dao] while as a [Sword Domain]; well, Chifuyu technically already got a hint of the insight into the [Domain Stage] due to the [Maneuver Sword Intent] ties to control and [Domain] is part of that control. As for what type of [Domain Stage] Chifuyu would develop. I would say her ability to convert pure [Qi] of the surrounding into [Sword Qi] would be enhanced further, also giving her better control of manipulating [Sword Qi]. So in this case, Chifuyu's [Maneuver Sword Domain] is literally giving her a bigger weapon to wield in a simple term." I replied to Yuri's question, "Her [Sword Dao], we just have to wait for Chifuyu to get there."

"I see." Yuri nods her head, "I can't wait to see what Chifuyu could do in the future." Yuri feels proud of her Daughter. "By the way, Ragna. Are you planning to give your kids books to study on whatever during their travel or you're going to implant the knowledge into their heads instead?"

"Hmm. I could just make a copy of the book Raven is reading and have all of them carry one of Repellista's [Lighthouses] just in case they need to contact us." I glance over to Repellista who is using one of her [Lighthouses] as we speak, doing something and when she noticed me looking at her and heard what I said just now, gave me a thumb up, that she will provide the [Lighthouses] for the kids to carry.

"Good enough for me." Yuri shrugs her shoulders. "Well, if we're not going to talk about anything else. Ragna, mind waking the kids up? The kids should have a bit more training before they leave."

"Alright." I woke the kids up and put away my bow, then sat next to Esdeath and Serafall, where the latter pass me baby Rin, who is currently staring at me like I'm some sort of monster, but at the same time want to know all my secrets. Also. baby Rin is still holding on that gemstone I gave her. Not once she let it go, even when she was asleep.

"Hey, hubby, I decided that I want to be an actor!" Serafall said to me, as she jumps onto her feet and spins around before giving me a victory pose, with her left hand on her hip and her right hand in front of her, in a victory hand gesture, giving me a smile.

"Okay, I'm alright with this. I just want to know why though?" I give Serafall a smile, because I've already read why she wanted to be an actor via the character sheet, but I still want to hear it from Serafall's mouth.

"Well, after checking out the [Jigoku Tsushin] a bit. I think acting would go along with it great. Plus, I don't really feel like being all gloomy and among other things, to match the theme when using the [Jigoku Tsushin] all the time." Serafall grin at me before grabbing Rin, spinning around cheerfully, causing baby Rin to shriek a little due to the sudden action and almost dropping her precious gemstone, leading to baby Rin glaring tearfully at Serafall. "Aw, don't be sad my baby. Mama just excited to do something, that's all." Serafall rubs her cheek with baby Rin's.

"Hmm. If you're truly going into acting. I think I know a [Dao] you could go into, not to mention it matches your race in a way, Serafall." I said to Serafall, who blinks her eyes at me. "There is the [Dao of Deception]." I explain what it is for everyone, where it came from the Renegade Immortal novel.

I bring up the info of the [Dao of Deception] in a [Skill Form] for Serafall and those that interested to see what it is.

[Dao of Deception] - Passive/Active -

Description: To deceive others is to act something else. Deceiving others into believing lies as truths. Further on is to deceive oneself, to improve one's acting beyond normal, making one believe the lie into being true. Enough time and effort, to make one believe one is a King and the next moment a Commoner. This is to lie to yourself. Beyond this, where one reached a considerable height. With enough clear comprehension, one can even deceive reality itself.

1st Effect: Gain access to all knowledge of [Acting Skills].

2nd Effect: Gain access to all knowledge of [Deception Mastery].

3rd Effect: Gain access to all knowledge of [Reality Warping].

Serafall's jaw drops upon reading the info on the [Skill: Dao of Deception], because she knew right away this one of those [Skills] her hubby explained, that have the potential or already a [Broken Skill] depending on what it is.

"I'm pretty sure, Esdeath should get this instead." Yuri said what is on almost everyone's mind when reading the [Dao of Deception].

"Nah, I will stick to my [Freezing Time Dao]. That [Dao of Deception] seems to go well with me at first, but I do not have any urge to manipulate reality itself through words alone. That's just... not fun." Esdeath shook her head at the end, dismissing on gaining the [Dao of Deception] due to it not being fun. "In fact, this [Dao of Deception] is making me be something I'm not and I rather not do something I don't like. So, it's fine for Serafall to take this. I have no use for it."

"Oh, I'm definitely taking this!" Serafall shouted with happiness as she is eager to take what is considered to be the bread and butter for her race.

And just like that, the family now has someone who could manipulate others through words besides Esdeath, but more.

A week later*

Year 27: Day 129: Preparations

(Earth Land: Fiore: Magnolia Town: Eastern Forest: Log House)

"Hey, Ragna. What are you doing there?" Raven asks me, as she left her Son with the other babies to play together, with Repellista watching over them like she did with the others before them, with excitement to record the babies' growth. Something that lets one know what cuteness is when one looks at the pictures and videos, but also could be used as blackmails as well, which was Repellista's answer when asked before. When she knew the babies are [Reincarnators] and use this against them if the situation call for it.

"Oh, I'm just taking this chance to think up a [Sword Dao] for the [Innate Invisible Sword Qi]. Since I got the [Volition Sword Dao]. Then, I realized that unlike the [Volition Sword Dao] that can stand on its own as its continue to just evolve through experience. The [Innate Invisible Sword Qi] is similar. It's pretty much like the [Omega Sword Dao], but never have an ending like [Volition Sword Dao]. If I were to think about it, then [Volition Sword Dao] is more of a wild beast, that survives the harsh cruel world and always at the borderline of life and death. The [Innate Invisible Sword Qi] is a man, that's almost like the wild beast, but through a steady process of learning from both theory and experimentally, with cautious. Both are similar but at the same time different in a way." I replied to Raven's question. "Also, I'm still working on making the [Dao Weapons]. Yet, even the weakest [Sword Dao] I have used from the [Omega Sword Dao] still won't work. I'm missing something, to make an actual [Sword Dao Weapon]."

"Oh yeah, I think you mentioned something about that." Raven places a hand on her hip, then glance at her husband's hands, where she can see him holding an unstable sword purely made out of [Sword Qi] that about to break any second now. Raven can guess this must be the working [Dao Weapon] or something. "How long you have been working on this whole [Dao Weapon]?" Raven rather not go too much into detail related to the [Volition Sword Dao] and the [Innate Invisible Sword Qi]. The latter caused her too much annoyance that she has already begun to hate it whenever it used in her presence.

"Over 2 years since I thought about it." I replied while trying to understand what I'm doing wrong, even with the help of the max out level [Sengo Muramasa's Blacksmith]. And at the same time, trying to see if this would help me think up which [Dao] to fuse with [Innate Invisible Sword Qi].

"Well, I'm no expert, let alone know the first thing to making a [Dao Weapon]. But, I have made my own weapon before I met you and the others." Raven sat down on her husband's left side, trying her best not to take too much notice what's going on outside. Where it's mostly just the kids being trained by the adult and among other things. "So, I could give you some help by providing some ideas."

"Hm. Alright." I didn't see any harm in this, then begin discussing with Raven about what I've done so far into the [Dao Weapon] while at the same time explaining what's wrong I'm having since the I put work into this project.

A few hours later*

(Earth Land: Fiore: Magnolia Town: Eastern Forest: Log House)

"Okay, training over. You kids can do whatever. Tomorrow is the big day for those that are planning to travel." Esdeath said to all the kids, especially the ones that leaving for a while, with two days coming back to visit, but most the weekdays they'll be gone.

"I can't wait for all the things we can find!" Gon said to his siblings, "What do you hope we'll find, Killua? I hope we end up finding extinct wild animals, but actually still alive up to now!"

"Don't know, but I do hope it's interesting at the very least. Though, I highly doubt it with all the places we've visited with this family of ours." Killua shrugs his shoulders, "I mean, this family is full of people that either came from or was from in their past lives." Killua points out the fact, that among them are [Reincarnators]. A concept that even he would never think of would be true or even a thing in the first place.

"By the way, I hope you kids understand, that even though we can travel other universes, where the moment we enter. A parallel new dimension creates from the one we enter, does not mean we are allowed to do anything we wanted. Well, unlike you have a good reason for doing so." I look at Esdeath near the end of my explanation. "After all, who knows what would happen afterward."

"Don't worry, Father. We'll do our best not to cause too many problems for the family." Kaori said to me, then look at Erza. "I know you would do something, but do make sure to talk with me and Chifuyu beforehand. I rather not have our family worries about us." What Kaori didn't say was that she and the others rather not get punished by the adults.

"Why are you looking at me for? And why do I need to do such a thing?" Erza asks in a confused voice, wondering why she picked out of the others, that needs to do such a thing.

"Just because, and don't worry, Chifuyu and I will speak with you as well whenever we want to do something else. Think of it as a group decision." Kaori quickly comes up with an excuse, which Erza accepted, causing Kaori to mentally thank her Mother for teaching her how to persuade others. Yet, Kaori had the feeling it won't matter if she speaks with Erza or not, as her words would just go in one ear and exit the other when the time come.

"Anyway, be ready for tomorrow, and remember the rules." Esdeath said to the kids, then walk over to the front porch and pick up Black, who already out of breath after trying to stand up. Again. " By the way, Kaori. If I find out you could have stopped the problem from happening. Well... you'll find out the outcome for doing so." Esdeath smile at her eldest child, which sends a chill down Kaori's back.

"Don't worry, Mother. I'll do my best." Kaori seriously would never believe such a person would be her birth Mother in her second life, nor would she believe that her Mother existed and that would easily kill her, even when she at her prime.

"Right then, you kids rest up now." Ryun said to the kids, where there is a table filled with snacks. For the kids to eat after training, but none dare go near it just yet. "Also, go ahead and eat. Your Father made it this time. So eat all of it." Ryun close her eyes and smile, where no one could see the desire to eat the snacks for all herself; well, save some for her little gift and precious; nevertheless, she has to control herself.

The kids hearing this, quickly rush over to eat, even though it wasn't the best compared to Mother Esdeath's food. It's better than normal and something none of them wanted to waste at all. Especially when the last time someone did. Well, Mother Ryun proved that she wasn't someone to get on her bad side, even though she among the weakest in unarmed combat.

"I guess that means, I get to do our thing, huh?" Serafall bumps her hip with Gabriel, who smiled and nodded as almost all the adults have their own plans to do in this dimension of the Fairy Tail universe.