Hello and welcome to chapter one of the second main instalment of the Horyus Universe. The adventures of the Horyus continues and this time, they will be meating many famous Marvel characters, heroes and villains alike.
Now I'll admit, my first official instalment wasn't really the best. The idea of Hinata being a damsile in distress was a bit uncool especially since she is a fully-trained Kunoichi, Naruto becoming a full Heartless was a bit far fetched especially since he saw what that did to Sasuke and Kurama should be able to protect him from that, there were multiple spelling and proofreading errors here and there, and the Marvel characters especially S.H.I.E.L.D. and the Avengers were way underutilized. However, I do have explainations for those. You can call them excuses if you want, but please hear me out:
One: Hinata was almost kidnapped by Toneri and his puppets in The Last: Naruto the Movie and Xehanort is certainly smarter than Toneri. The only reason Hinata wasn't kidnapped then and there was because Naruto stopped them, but with Xehanort, he's a lot harder to handle than Toneri.
Two: I had thought about getting rid of the part where Naruto became a full Heartless, but it was already too late. What's done is done.
Three: I had no one to proofread The Horyus and I wrote it back in the early 2010s, so all I could do was hope for the best.
Four: I deliberately downplayed the use of the Marvel Characters in The Horyus on purpose. I'll admit, having Naruto, Sakura, Inuyasha, Spiro, Aang, and Sora team up with several famous Marvel characters like Captain America, Iron Man, Thor, Hulk, and so forth was tempting, but it wasn't time yet. I was actually saving all real interactions with the Marvel Characters for this instalment.
Anyway, I apologize if my first instalment wasn't perfect, but I promise you, I'll do my best to make this instalment better than the last one.
Author's Note: This instalment will focus mostly on Sakura Kinomoto as the main character since the story will take place mostly in the World of Science. But don't worry, Naruto, Inuyasha, Spiro, Aang, and Sora will have a big role in this as well. On a side note, there's a good chance that the rating on this fanfic will be bumped up to M, just to be on the safe side.
Chapter 1:
In The Shinobi World, Kakashi was in his office doing some paperwork once more now that the Xehanort Incident was over. As he did so, Sakura, Shikamaru, Kiba, Lee, and Yamato came into the office to report the mission.
"So the mission was a complete success," Kakashi asked.
"Yeah," Sakura answered.
"We were lucky enough not to sustain any casualties," Shikamaru pointed out. "But it was really close."
Kakashi then turned his attention to something he noticed early on. "So where are Naruto and Hinata?"
"Oh, they're picking up where they left it off," Sakura hinted. "But Sensei, I think things became a lot more complicated."
Sakura and the others then explained everything about the Hinata Rescue Mission. They did not leave out any detail about what had happened, especially with what happened at Disney Castle before the climactic battle against Xehanort. They even explained about what Naruto and the other Horyus had mentioned.
"Someone out there even worse than Xehanort," Kakashi asked.
"That's what Sakura Kinomoto told us, Sensei," Sakura Haruno confirmed. "If that's not enough, there's this helmet known as the Helmet of Lust, the weapon Xehanort used during the Naruto's battle with Sakura Kinomoto, Inuyasha, Spiro, Aang, and Sora against him. According to Naruto, the energy coming from that helmet was similar in nature to Kaguya's."
"Something similar in nature to Kaguya's energy," Kakashi gasped.
Sakura nodded. "What's even crazier is that Inuyasha mentioned that he felt the same thing when he touched the helmet. He said it felt similar to a sword his father once wielded known as the So'unga. But they also mentioned that Xehanort's presence while wearing the Helmet of Lust felt like lust while Kaguya's presence felt more like greed and So'unga's presence felt more like uncontrollable anger."
Kakashi scratched his head for a moment. "Three presences that are similar yet very different from one another at the same time. One of them is from our world, one of them is from Inuyasha's world, and one of them was wielded by Xehanort."
"Could this be a coincidence, is there something we're missing," Shikamaru asked.
"Good question, Shikamaru," Kakashi replied in agreement. "We'd better start searching for an answer. In the meantime, I'll need to discuss something with Naruto personally."
After the meeting, everyone was dismissed. But Shikamaru was given one last assignment, to find Naruto and inform him about what Kakashi had in mind. As Shikamaru left the Hokage office, he made his way to the monument to get Naruto. Luckily for him, Naruto and Hinata had finished having their little romantic moment and he bumped into them. Whether it was destiny or dumb luck, he did not know.
"Shikamaru, what's up," Naruto asked.
"Naruto I know it's late, but Kakashi wants to talk to you about something," Shikamaru replied. "And Hinata, there's something you need to know as well."
At the Hokage Office, Kakashi was handling some files when Naruto arrived. Sakura, Shikamaru, Kiba, Akamaru, and Lee had already gone home and he wanted to talk with Naruto about something.
"Kakashi Sensei," said Naruto upon entering the office.
"Ah, Naruto," Kakashi replied.
"Did you send for me," Naruto asked.
"Yes Naruto," Kakashi replied. "I need to discuss something with you; it's about this team you formed while you were with those others. I think you called yourselves, the Horyus?"
At Konoha Hospital, Hinata was being escorted by Ino to her father's room. Ino had told Hinata all the details to what happened on the night she got kidnapped by Organization XIII and the former heiress was worried. The moment they entered the room, Hinata was shocked to see what had become of her father during the Heartless attack.
"Father," Hinata gasped as she ran up to Hiashi's recovery bed.
"Hinata," said Hiashi upon seeing his elder daughter back home safe and sound. "I'm glad you're safe."
"Oh Father," Hinata cried a bit.
While Hinata was sobbing, Hiashi used his Byakugan to see if anything had changed about his daughter. Focusing on his sight on her eyes, he noticed a slight abnormal influx of chakra around her Byakugan. Deactivating his Byakugan, Hiashi rubbed Hinata's cheek in a way to comfort his daughter. Hinata noticed this and opened her eyes back up.
"Hinata, there is something I need to tell you," Hiashi told Hinata.
"What is it Father," Hinata asked, tears still in her eyes.
"You're not like the other members of the Hyuga Clan," Hiashi explained. "I'm sure you know about the legend of the Byakugan Princess."
Hinata was confused, but nodded.
"Well, there's more to that legend than what Xehanort may have told you," Hiasha continued. "Sadly, I'll have to tell you another time. For now, I still need to rest."
Hiashi then went back to sleep. Ino escorted Hinata out of the room as she knew that Hiashi still needed rest and so did Hinata after that epic adventure outside her home world.
"Ino, how long will my father have to stay in the hospital," Hinata asked.
"He'll be ready to leave in about a week," Ino assured Hinata. "But in the meantime, you should get some rest as well. I'm sure your sister is worried about you as well."
Hinata nodded as she knew she was still tired from all the excitement earlier that day.
At the Hokage Office, Kakashi was talking to Naruto about his decision to be a part of the Horyus.
"Look Sensei, I know it sounds dangerous," Naruto explained. "But if what we sensed is out there, then…"
"I understand your reasons for doing this Naruto," Kakashi replied. "But we'll talk more about this later with the other Kage. In the meantime, you should go home and rest. You deserve it after all the adventure you had outside of our home world."
Naruto simply nodded and left the office to go home.
In Tomoeda, Black Widow saw the Gummi Ship drop off Sakura and the others and drove a S.H.I.E.L.D. van towards the area. Upon her arrival, she noticed that Sakura, Kero, Yue, and Syaoran were unsurprisingly exhausted from the battle against Xehanort and Organization XIII.
"What a day," Sakura told the others.
"I'm just glad that it's over," said Syaoran.
"For now at least," Kero pointed out, remembering what Sakura and the others sensed.
"It's best that we don't think about this other presence for now," said Yue. "Let's just focus on getting home."
"I just wish we were dropped off at our homes," said Sakura.
"No need to worry guys," said Tomoyo as she saw the S.H.I.E.L.D. van pull over next to them.
"Hey there everyone," said Black Widow getting their attention. "Need a lift?"
Sakura and her friends gladly accepted and got into the van. The van then drove off, taking them all back home. Everyone remained silent throughout the trip. While Sakura and Syaoran had questions for Black Widow, they were too tired from the events and just wanted to get some sleep. The van first drove Syaoran to the building he and Meilin were staying at. It then drove up to Yukito's house as Yue turned back into Yukito. The van then dropped Sakura off at her home as she and Kero left the van. Finally, the van parked at Tomoyo's mansion where both she and Black Widow got out of the van and other S.H.I.E.L.D. agents took the car and drove off.
"It's good to have you back, Ms. Daidouji," said Black Widow as the two walked up to the mansion.
"Thanks, Natashia," said Tomoyo. "I still can't believe I have the famous Black Widow as one of my bodyguards."
"I'm flattered," said Black Widow. "But you must keep this knowledge a secret from the rest of the world. If word like this got out, many of my enemies will come here to hunt me down and you'll be in danger."
"Okay, your secret's safe with me," said Tomoyo as she took out some recording from her camera and handed it to Black Widow. "This is all the footage I took that reveals your identity. If anyone should reveal your secret to the rest of the world, it should be you."
"Thanks, Ms. Daidouji," said Black Widow as she took the recording and put it away in her belt, pleased that Tomoyo respected her that much.
The two then entered the mansion where Tomoyo's mother Sanomi came into view and hugged her daughter. "Oh Tomoyo, I was so worried about you."
"I'm okay mom," said Tomoyo as she hugged her mother back.
At Syaoran's place, Syaoran was greeted by his cousin Meilin who hugged him in much the same faction she used to.
"Syaoran, I was so worried about you," said Meilin.
"Okay, Meilin," said Syaoran as he tried to calm her down. "Calm down… Let go… let go…"
Syaoran was able to pry himself free of Meilin's bear hug when Wang arrived. "Master Syaoran, it's so good to have you back."
"Yeah, I noticed," Syaoran sighed, looking at Meilin as he did.
"We saw that battle with that old man, Xehanort," Wang explained. "Can you blame us for being worried about you?"
"I guess not," said Syaoran. "But I'm not the one who fought him, Sakura was along with those other five."
"Other five," Meiling asked.
"Are you talking about the ninja, the samurai, the dragon, the monk and the dual swordsman," Wang asked.
"Yeah," Syaoran confirmed. "Their names are Naruto Uzumaki, Inuyasha, Spiro, Aang, and Sora. Sakura formed an alliance with them and they formed a team called the Horyus."
"I recognized Inuyasha," said Meilin. "But Naruto, Spiro, Aang, and Sora…"
"In any case, why don't we all get some rest," Wang told them. "It's been a long day and I'm sure we're all exhausted from today's events."
"Good idea," Syaoran yawned.
At Sakura's house, Sakura and Kero walked inside and were greeted by Toya and Fujitaka.
"Sakura," Toya gasped as he hugged his sister. "Don't ever do that again young lady…"
"I'm sorry," Sakura apologized. "I didn't mean to worry you, really."
"Kids," Toya sighed.
"Well what matters is that she's back safe and sound," Fujitaka told Toya. "Anyway, it's been a long day and I'm sure Sakura could use a good rest."
"Thanks Dad," Sakura then walked up the stairs and went up to her room.
Once in her room, Sakura lied down in her bed and was able to get some rest. "What a relief," she sighed. "I can't believe we went through all of that."
"Yeah, me neither," Kero yawned. "That's got to be the toughest battle we've been in, and it's only going to get tougher from here on in."
"I hear you there," Sakura agreed. "Do you think we're ready for all of this?"
"Hard to say Sakura," Kero answered. "It was your choice to join forces with Naruto, Inuyasha, Spiro, Aang and Sora to stop this evil that you sensed, so only you can answer that question. Anyway let's just get to sleep before anything else happens."
Sakura agreed and she and Kero then went straight to sleep.
At Higurashi Shrine, Inuyasha and Kagome were reunited with their friends and family from both the present and past.
"Hey guys," Kagome called out to her friends and family.
"Kagome, Inuyasha," Sota called out.
"Welcome back," Shippo greeted.
"What happened while we were away," Kagome asked.
"A lot of things," Sango answered with disapproving look on her face. "Including something my husband agreed to stop doing a long time ago…"
"What do you," Kagome started before realizing what Sango was talking about. "Don't tell me Miroku tried womanizing with my friends again…"
"He did more than that," Shippo pointed out.
Kagome's friends then showed up with complaining looks on their faces.
"Kagome," Yuka complained. "I think we know why you never got with that Miroku guy."
"Yeah, that guy's a real pervert," Eri agreed.
"We had to set him straight," Ayumi added.
Kagome was about to ask when she realized what they were talking about. "He touched your butts, didn't he," she asked in an embarrass tone.
"Darn straight," Eri, Yuka and Ayumi shouted.
Miroku then showed up with his face all red from being slapped and his head full of bumps from being banged there. Moments later, he collapsed.
"When will he ever learn," Sango asked.
"I do not want to grow up like him," said Sota.
"I second at that," Shippo agreed.
In Draco Sanctuary, Queen Crystal was waiting patiently inside the castle for Spiro, Tasha, and Alopheya to return from their mission. It did not take long for one of her guards to arrive with some news for the queen.
"Queen Crystal," said the guard. "Spiro, Tasha, and Alopheya have returned."
"Show them in," Queen Crystal ordered.
The guard did as he was ordered and showed Spiro, Tasha, and Alopheya into Queen Crystal's throne room.
Upon entering, Spiro, Tasha, and Alopheya bowed down to their queen before getting straight to the point.
"I take it that your mission was a success," Queen Crystal asked.
"It was," Spiro confirmed.
"Then where is the Keyblade Wielder," Queen Crystal questioned.
"Crystal, I'm afraid the situation has become more complicated," Spiro answered grimly.
"Complicated, how," Crystal asked.
"Believe it or not my friend, there is something out there that may be even worse than the Heartless and the Nobodies," Spiro answered. "I don't know what this thing is, but I have reason to believe that it may be even worse than anything any of us have ever faced. I'm sure you saw the battle against Xehanort."
"I did," Crystal answered. "The whole kingdom saw that battle. And those others who were with you in that battle, their names were Naruto, Sakura, Inuyasha, Aang, and Sora, correct?"
"Yes," Spiro confirmed. "They sensed it too. So therefor, the six of us have formed a team known as the Horyus."
Queen Crystal was shocked. "You've joined forces with humans," she asked.
"I have," Spiro admitted.
Queen Crystal was disappointed that the leader of her 10 guardians had aligned himself with humans once more. She still remembered the times with Lilly during the war, but she was calm enough to allow Spiro to speak. "What are your intentions?"
"If there really is an evil out there that is even worse than Xehanort, we must be prepared for when or if it ever arrives," Spiro answered. "I believe that joining forces with those humans is the only way to handle it properly. With your permission, I wish to help out in that fight."
Queen Crystal raised her eyebrow and answered. "I will have to discuss this with the Clan Leaders and the rulers of our neighboring kingdoms."
"How long will that take," Tasha asked.
"The meeting will take place in about a week from today," Queen Crystal answered. "Be sure to be there tell them about this "greater evil", Spiro. You may take your leave now."
"Thank you, your majesty."
Spiro, Tasha, and Alopheya then left the room.
In the Bending World, Team Avatar regrouped at Ba Sing Se Palace where they spoke with Earth King Kuei about the new situation.
"A meeting with the Four Nation Leaders," Kuei questioned.
"Yes your majesty," Aang answered. "Whatever it is out there that me and the Horyus sensed, I think it's necessary for everyone to know what will be happening from now on."
Kuei thought about Aang's request for a while before answering, "Very well, Avatar Aang. We will have this meeting right here in the palace one week from today. But you had better let me and the other leaders know what will be happening from now on in detail."
"I will," Aang agreed to the terms.
After that Team Avatar left the palace and sent Sokka's messenger hawk to send a message to Zuko in the Fire Nation.
Back at the Jasmine Dragon Tea Shop, Aang when into a meditated state and entered the Spirit World.
In the Spirit World, Aang met up with Princess Yue who had been waiting for him since he got back.
"Aang," said Yue. "Welcome back."
"Good to be back," Aang agreed. "But I'm afraid things have gotten more complicated."
In the Fire Nation, Zuko was recovering after a long night fighting off the Heartless and Nobodies when he received the messenger hawk. "Sokka's hawk…?"
Zuko pulled his arm out and Hawky landed on his arm where the young Fire Lord received the message. Upon reading it, Zuko realized the situation and knew that something had to be done.
On Destiny Islands, Sora, Riku, and Kairi had returned to their homes after a long day of fighting against Xehanort and Organizaiton XIII. However, Kairi decided to stay with Sora for the night, hoping to bond with him even more, much to Sora's surprise.
"Are you sure about this Kairi," Sora asked. "I know you asked your guardians if it was okay and they said yes, but still."
"It's okay Sora," said Kairi. "This is the third time you asked me this tonight."
"I can't help it Kairi," said Sora. "I know I confessed my love to you back on the beach, but don't you think it's a little soon for this?"
"Don't worry about it Sora," said Kairi. "After everything you've been through to save and protect me… I think we can handle going a little fast."
While Sora wanted to protest a little more, he realized that Kairi had made up her mind and being too exhausted to argue further, he decided to just go with the flow. The two then lied down on his bed and eventually let the relaxation of sleep take over them.
At his house, Riku was looking outside his window, wondering about many things.
"Something doesn't sit well with me," Riku thought. "Sora formed the Horyus with those other five and they defeated Xehanort, so why do I feel uneasy? I know they mentioned that evil force that's even worse than Xehanort, but still. Maybe I'm just too tired."
Riku then lied down in his bed and went to sleep.
In the World of Science, Natasha had entered Tomoyo's private theater and activated the screen, Tomoyo standing beside her at the time.
"Now, what I'm about to show you, Tomoyo," Black Widow instructed. "You must never reveal to anyone."
"Okay, but what is it," said Tomoyo. "All I see is my private theater screen."
Black Widow then activated a frequency that activated the screen. Next thing Tomoyo knew, some black man with an eye patch on his left eye appeared in screen.
"Director Fury, this Agent Romanoff reporting in," said Black Widow.
"Ah Romanoff," said Fury. "I see you've called. But I didn't expect you to have company."
"This is Tomoyo Daidouji, the girl I was assigned to protect while observing Ms. Kinomoto," said Black Widow.
"You know the protocol, Romanoff," said Fury, not looking too pleased. "Under no circumstances are you allowed to let civilians in on S.H.I.E.L.D. operations!"
"Protocols change, Sir," said Black Widow. "Ms. Daidouji here has exclusive footage on the battle against this Xehanort person."
"It's true, sir," Tomoyo said with respect. "I made sure to record both the battle at Tokyo Disneyland and the battle in between worlds."
Meanwhile in New York City, there was a large mansion, home of an extraordinary group known as the Avengers. The group consisted of Tony Stark aka Iron Man, Thor Odinson aka Thor, Bruce Banner aka Hulk, Steve Rogers aka Captain America, Hank Pym aka Ant-Man, and Janet van Dyne aka Wasp. Other members included Natasha Romanoff aka Black Widow, Clint Barton aka Hawkeye, and Carol Danvers aka Captain Marvel, all of which were currently absent.
It was daytime where they were and at the moment, the Avengers all looked at the footage they received earlier, namely that of the Horyus fighting Xehanort. While the battle intrigued them, it was the young heroes Naruto, Sakura, Inuyasha, Spiro, Aang, and Sora who intrigued them the most, especially Tony Stark.
"Interesting, those kids took down that old man in a good old faction all-out melee," said Captain America as he looked at Spiro. "That dragon is a natural leader."
"Those kids are risky and reckless, especially the blonde haired ninja, the silver-hair samurai, and the brown-hair swordsman," said Iron Man, looking at Naruto, Inuyasha and Sora. "I like that."
"That bold kid is a good fighter, but he seems to prefer the peaceful route," said Ant-Man as he looked at Aang. "I think I prefer him."
"Same can be said about that little girl," said Wasp as she observed Sakura.
"All six of them seem to have the willingness to fight," said Thor.
"Better than that, they have heart," said Hulk.
"I think we're all in agreement," said Iron Man. "Let's recruit them ASAP."
"Hold on Tony," said Captain America. "They live in Japan and they've probably had a long day already. Why don't we let them sleep? Besides, we need to know more about these kids before we recruit them."
"And in the meantime, Hydra or anyone else could come rushing in and take advantage of them," said Iron Man pointed out.
"Actually Tony, I think we've all had a long day," Ant-Man pointed out. "We battled those Heartless and Nobody creatures all day."
"I still cannot believe children were able to stop a villain as vile as Xehanort," said Thor.
"What puzzles me more, Thor, is that you couldn't take us to that battlefield using the Bifrost," said Wasp. "And don't even get me started on how we couldn't enter the battle using those portals they opened up."
"Normally, I would smash," said Hulk. "But I think I smashed enough for one day."
Meanwhile in Europe, the terrorist organization known as Hydra was also observing the footage of the Horyus battling Xehanort. At the center of the stage was their leaders, Johann Schmidt aka Red Skull, Baron Wolfgang von Strucker, and Ophelia Sarkissian aka Viper along with many other high ranked members.
"It would seem that Hydra now has six more potential threats," said Red Skull. "These children were able to defeat the man they call Xehanort, the one whom we believe commanded the Heartless and the Nobodies. We'll need to make our move on them soon and we need more information on each of them."
"Allow me to take the honor of disposing them," said Viper.
"Very well," said Red Skull. "In the meantime, Arnim Zola, gather as much information on these children as you can."
"As you wish," said Arnim Zola, who appeared as nothing but a face on the sceen.
Zola then disappeared.
"S.H.I.E.L.D. will be monitoring them as well," said Strucker. "How will we get passed their defenses?"
"Good question, Strucker," Red Skull acknowledged. "S.H.I.E.L.D. sent in a spy to keep an eye on the one named Sakura Kinomoto, posing as one the bodyguards of her fellow classmate. I believe that child's name is Tomoyo Daidouji. What we need is a spy of our own who could also pose as a bodyguard for her."
"I think I know someone who could fit that role," said Viper.
In Washington, D.C., Phil Coulson and the other S.H.I.E.L.D. agents arrived at S.H.I.E.L.D.'s home base rather than Tokyo, for some odd reason. The aircraft he and his men were on landed in a hidden hanger bay near the large building known as the Triskelion, allowing them to exit. As they walked out, they were greeted by another high ranking S.H.I.E.L.D. agent, Maria Hill, Nick Fury's third in command.
"It's been a while Hill," said Coulson.
"Not exactly long enough," said Maria. "I wasn't expecting you to be back so soon, Coulson."
"Obviously we reentered our world through the wrong wormhole," Coulson joked.
"In any case, Director Fury contacted us," said Maria. "He says that these youngsters have formed a team."
"They have," said Coulson. "They call themselves the Horyus."
"I guess it's only natural they would go with an Asian name, but I didn't expect they would cross the Chinese word for fire with the Japanese word for dragon," said Maria. "What do we know about them?"
Coulson answered, "Well, they consist of a young ninja named Naruto Uzumaki who's from a place called the Shinobi World, a young magician named Sakura Kinomoto who from Tomoeda Japan, a samurai named Inuyasha Higurashi who's apparently half human half yokai, a European dragon named Spiro who's from a place called Draco Sanctuary, a young Tibetan monk named Aang who's from a place called the Bending World, and a young swordsman named Sora who's from a world called Destiny Islands. But that's about all we know."
"Interesting," said Maria before she got a call on her communicator. "This Agent Hill, who's there?"
"This is Agent Fontaine," said the caller. "I found out that Hydra is preparing to infiltrate the town of Tomoeda and get close to the young Sakura Kinomoto."
"So soon," Maria questioned. "Who are they sending?"
"I don't know," said Agent Fontaina. "I suspect it'll be someone who will pose as one of Tomoyo Daidouji's bodyguards much like Agent Romanoff."
"Okay, keep an eye on them," said Maria. "Over and out…"
Maria then turned her attention back to Coulson.
"It sounds like Hydra is preparing to make their move," said Coulson.
"Indeed," said Maria. "We'll have to make preparations of our own."
At Hydra's base, Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, the one who called Maria Hill, was approached by Viper.
"It worked," said Fontaine. "Hill doesn't even suspect that I'm the one who will be infiltrating young Ms. Daidouji's home, posing as one of her bodyguards."
"Hail Hydra," said Viper. "Hill will have her hands full talking Fury into increasing security measures around Tomoeda. She will never suspect that the worst enemy is the enemy within."
"It's probably best to keep it that way," said Fontaine. "Hail Hydra."
And that was chapter 1. I don't know if I did a good job reintroducing you all back into the Horyus Universe, but I hope I did. Like with Flash Thompson: The New Super Soldier, I don't know if I got any of the Marvel characters right. If I didn't, please feel free to point it out in the reviews, but please no nasty reviews.
The next chapter will having the Horyus discussing about what they will do next while visiting each of there respective home worlds (or home eras in the case of Inuyasha). Be warned though, there will not be too much interaction with the Horyus and the Marvel characters.
PS: There's a good chance that many plot elements from the first instalment could be reused in this one.
Chapter 2: Discussing the Horyus