"Ok what we're getting now is, yes, they're saying it was in fact a fire that erupted inside the external tank of the ship exactly 98 seconds after it entered the asteroid field. No one is sure what caused the fire which led to the massive explosion, killing all 12 crewmembers and scientists aboard the Space Shuttle Deliverance… taking with them, our last - and only hope. Once again if you are just tuning in the CSA Space Shuttle Deliverance has been destroyed. The final mission to save mankind has failed. The 70 mile wide asteroid known commonly as 'Matilda' is set the collide with earth in exactly 3 weeks time.. tzzzz-zz…"

The radio broadcast booming across the Patch village began to crackle as Goldva's voice interrupted:

"So… yes, well… everyone please try to remain calm and collected, we would appreciate it if everyone would go about their business as normal and try not to panic. I will be informing you all of the council's decision whether to cancel the tournament once we have had time to take in this tragic news and deliberated on how we best move forward at this stage. Thank you and remember to check out our new tasty meal offers currently available at The Patch Café - for all your hunger needs! –tzzzz-zz."

After a long silence, a muffled eruption of noise and activity could be heard across the village as shamans took in the news of the impending end of the world.

Inside the chambers of the shaman council, every councilman was present, standing in silence. Some had concern and shocked expressions on their faces; others were not so easy to read. Goldva stood with his back to them all, still standing beside the microphone stand. The room was dark and lit only by torchlight surrounding the corners of the room. Long shadows flickered across the stone walls as the atmosphere in the room grew more and more desolate.

After an extended period of silence, one shaman spoke:

"Surely the Great Spirits has some sort of plan?" sternly said Silva, yet his voice wavered slightly.

"You know as well as I do that the Great Spirits is earth bound, no more than we all are," muttered Goldva. "If you remove that element from the equation, we are all simply mortal, like the rest of the world."

"No." came a loud sudden voice. A new shadow had appeared on the stone wall. "You are wrong, you must be!"

Goldva did not move from his position. "Unfortunately for you Hao, I am not wrong."

Hao's eyes became angered, he clenched his fists and stepped forward.

"Not another move Hao or I'll…!" spat Silva moving quickly towards him.

"Silva." calmly said Golva, he turned around and fixed his gaze upon Silva's worried eyes. Silva nodded in understanding, but kept his attention upon Hao.

"How can you possibly say that the Great Spirits is not immortal? That would mean that the Shaman King would be mortal too! That's – that's absurd!" shouted Hao.

"Oh yes, the Shaman King and the Great Spirits are immortal. I never said they aren't. But why have a Shaman King when shamans don't exist?" explained Golva.

Hao's eyes changed, he seemed almost afraid.

"Hao, the Great Spirits belong to the universe. It lends its power to the shamans of this world and allows us to all be connected spiritually. But if the world itself ceased to exist then so will the purpose of the Great Spirits, and it will lend its power to another once our time is done." Goldva paused and then sighed heavily. "I'm telling you this because I am certain you are here because you intend to forcefully take the Great Spirits in an attempt to save your mortality. For I am sure it has occurred to you that this would be end of your reincarnating days."

Hao looked over his shoulder towards the open entrance to the council room. Standing by the doorway was Opacho, looking solemnly at Hao. Opacho whimpered slightly as she noticed Hao's eyes appeared to be glistening.

"No…" whispered Hao, turning his attention back to Goldva. "I had far more important things to concern myself with than that." Hao turned around and slowly made his way to Opacho's side, he paused in the doorway and composed himself before offering his hand to her. Opacho gripped Hao's fingers and they made their way back to the Patch Village.

Goldva and the shaman council watched the pair of them leave, slightly stunned by what had just occurred.