June was crying, as she was outside the ruins, and pounding her fists to the ground.

"DAMN IT! DAMN IT, DAMN IT, DAMN IT!" June shrieked, "I CAN'T LOSE AUNTIE MICHELLE, AGAIN!"

Subaru said, as she held her, "It's alright… She's okay."

June sobbed, "No, it's not… My father's gone, my aunt's dead… my sister's poisoned… and I'm going to be alone… Mother would've come with us, but… Why did I agree to help out? Beth had to open her big mouth!"

Kyo said, "No! She was being noble. She knew we were not strong enough, since Kagura resurfaced. Now, we have even bigger problems… Her, and those Jewel Women…"

Emily said, "It's like you told us. Two of those Jewel Women, Elsa and Inga, they poisoned Beth, before she could train for a month. But we have a whole month, and by my estimation, we have five days, before she dies. Our best bet is to train for 28 days, and use the remaining five, within the time, to save Beth… and Miss Nevins…"

She held her chin and thought, "It's the least I can do, since that vampire ripped that tooth of me, a while back…"

June was still crying, as Emily said, "June… She's okay. Once we sense that the danger is over, we can get her. Miss Nevins will be alright. She died before, and somehow survived…"

June wept, saying nothing. She was hurt that she couldn't save her aunt. Beth suddenly came to and approached June. She then said, "June…"

She thought, as she was holding her small chest. Beth has 33 days to live, injected by two rings, filled with a poison that can kill her. Neither ring can be removed, but in order to obtain the antidote, Beth must defeat Elsa, one of the Jewel Women that was awakened by Kagura Sohma.

Kyo said, "Beth, if we're going to stop Kagura and the Jewel Women, we have to train hard, learning your aunt's Ty Ko Ky, and harnessing your ESP Perk."

Kaname said, "Once we get Miss Nevins, we're going to train together in Venice. We're not going home to train in America… not until this demonic force is eradicated, once and for all!"

Beth nodded, "I understand… But June, she's torn that Auntie Michelle was lambasted."

Emily said, "It's okay. I'll stay with June for support. It's your battle. June's still heartbroken, thinking that Michelle's dead."

Beth thought, "Even so, when I was unconscious, Auntie Michelle's words were deep, while she was battling Kagura… I can't bring myself to say it about her… But if I want to save the world from Father's greatest enemy, I'll avenge his honor and defeat Kagura Sohma… and her Jewel Women, to boot."

Kaname said, "Alright, then it's settled! Kyo, Subaru, and I will accompany Beth to train her powers. She is a gifted warrior, like her family, she's got a lot to learn, much as June Nevins does."

She saluted, "IT'S GOING TO BE A GRIND, BUT WE'LL WORK HARD AND MAKE BETH NEVINS A CHOUJIN, JUST LIKE HER FATHER!"

Beth just shrieked, as she was unhappy, "OH, NO! "GRIND" AND "WORK" ARE PROBABLY MY TWO LEAST FAVORITE WORDS IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE!"

Episode XV – Chapter 1: The Training Begins!
Beth's Chance for Redemption!

Two days later…
(31 days before poison is released…)

Kyo, Subaru, Kaname, and Beth arrived at Venice, and waiting for someone to take them to their training grounds. Subaru said, "Ah, I'm back in Venice. Subaru longs to view its majestic land, again, you know."

Beth sighs, "So, this is Venice? I thought this was a tourist town."

They hopped aboard on a gondola, as they were heading to the Choujins' training camp: Air Supplena Island.

As they were sailing off, Beth asked what this Ty Ko Ky was. Kaname was the only one who knows of this power, since she saw it, firsthand, long ago.

"I've heard about Ty Ko Ky, from a friend of mine. She once trained it to protect the school I used to go to, before it became a hideaway for delinquents, and that was after a friend of mine left me." Kaname said, "You may not know it, Beth, but Ty Ko Ky takes years to train, to master the hidden abilities. Here, your aunt, Michelle, learned it in months, after her heart and ESP Perk was in sync."

She explained, "She was once trained by the master of Ty Ko Ky, Queen Tia. And one day, after she defended our school, she would suffer a fatal blow to her chest, by a demon. That was when I stepped in and stopped that guy. I'm glad I had such energy and defense to best the beast."

Beth said, "What does this power do, actually?"

Kaname said, "Well, you see… It's an ancient martial art, which uses weapons and magic. For example, those clackers you used, they are helpful to condone as much Ty Ko Ky energy to lacerate your opponent, much as you did Elsa. But if you use Ty Ko Ky, and master it, you could be able to learn it, and hone with your psychic powers, in one month… Some say that Ty Ko Ky is somewhat a reflection of Hamon, held by the famous Joestar Family… and even the Hamon Tribe of millennia ago, as said by the Jewel Women."

Beth cried, "One month's all I need! In case you didn't notice, I'm going to die a horrible death, in 30 days!"

Kaname said, "You're good to go. Besides, you will learn the art of the technique, and by then, you'll get used to it, before you can achieve full potential."

Kyo replied, "It's very for us to learn this ability. That's why we're going to have a teacher join us in our training grounds, to teach us the ways of Ty Ko Ky."

Beth snarled, "ARE YOU DUMB? I KILLED TOHKA YATOGAMI! SHE'S A TY KO KY TEACHER!"

Subaru nodded, "We were aware of Tohka's passing… But she has learned the Ty Ko Ky, all her life."

Kaname replied, "She goes by the name of Mandy. She, unfortunately, is new to us, since we met her, after learning she does Ty Ko Ky."

A woman in long blonde hair, wearing a red dress, was standing in the pier, waiting for the others to arrive to the island.
She goes by the name of Mandy, and no further information is revealed, as of late. She will be Beth's coach on training to art of Ty Ko Ky, as long as she takes… or at least for the next month.

Back at the river, Beth asked, "A woman? I never knew she would learn everything. You can't help be respect her skills of Ty Ko Ky."

Kyo said, "Well, whatever she is, you better respect her."

He continued, "Air Supplena Island… It's thirty minutes away northwest from Venice, by boat. Its dark and mysterious air is a stark contrast to a city of canals. But, it possesses a dark aura that fits the arts of Ty Ko Ky. This is where the Chosen Choujin like us train, whenever evil is subsided. Mr. Nevins, your father, was able to use this area as our own personal and private training gym."

Beth huffed, "So this is where I'll die for my training… We'll see about that…"

Meanwhile, back in a hospital, Michelle was in a hospital bed, covered in bandages, and in a coma. June was lying by her side, feeling unhappy. Emily was out with Hotaru, as she explained to her what happened. Hotaru agreed and said, "I see… Beth's with Mr. Nevins's friends in Venice… and we know that his arch-rival, Kagura Sohma, has awakened three more Jewel Women."

Emily nodded, "Indeed. But right now, Beth will train to avenge Michelle's savage beating."

She then thought, "What a liar I am… I can't believe that brat make me write an excuse! And she doesn't even have psychic powers, either…"

Beth said to Emily, "HEY! Emily, tell the others that I'm training with Father's friends. But if you slip out about the poison rings, I might come back and beat you senseless!"

Emily closed her eyes and thought, "But then again, Miss Speedwagon's been through hell… and it won't do her good to tell her, anyway."

Hotaru said, "I understand. But still, in her power, she would've bested Kagura Sohma with ease. But why? Did she get held back?"

Emily turned away, "We felt it… Miss Nevins is not a Choujin… These Supermen… And only because we know that June & Beth are heroes by blood. Mr. Nevins is a great man and a powerful fighter. Why did he abandon his daughters, while all this is happening?"

Hotaru said, "I am sorry, Emily… But I have a confession to make… Only… do not tell June or Beth, or anyone else, about Mr. Nevins's turn to the dark side. Michelle knew all about it, and kept it secret from them… so it wouldn't break their hearts, learning that their father become from a superhero martial artist to a full-blown traitor."

Emily said, as she looked by the doorway, seeing June, still crying for Michelle, "I understand… Perhaps we should talk privately, away from June… It would break her heart, knowing the truth would devastate her."

They walked together, as Hotaru told Emily everything about Steven Nevins's heel turn.

After the outcome in Manchester, two years ago, when Mio killed Pastor Clifton Nevins, and Michelle's ESP Perk was finally awakened, Steven Nevins, a man in a dark blue suit and slick dark brown hair, approached the burnt-away rubble of what was once The Nevins Family's Mansion, where an elderly Asian man in balding black hair and a mustache was digging through the rubble. This old man was Yang Chen, the Asian Druggist that was assisting MIO, years ago. He unearthed a dark blue gem and said, "Heh-heh-heh-heh-heh… At last, I found it… It's all mine…"

Mr. Nevins called out, "I wouldn't reach for that, if I were you…"

NOTE: For the remainder of this story, Steven Nevins, or Steven N, will be referred to as Mr. Nevins, since he's the founder and second-oldest member of The Gang.

Yang Chen hissed, "You're too late, kind sir. You see, fortune smiles upon thee, since I have the treasure that I seek… Her gem, removed from her corpse, now belongs to me! The power of her essence is finally mine!"

Mr. Nevins said, "I see… So, this was all your plan from the start, wasn't it? I get it, now… You're evil, beyond the core, even so much to assist a fembot like her… Sorry, a fembot-vampire like her… Truth to be told, I was the one that learned the true power of this gem, long after Michelle learned what causes the gem to react – human blood. I doubt fully that you may keep it for so long…"

"Fortune smiles upon me, since I have all the power… What can YOU do?"

He reached for the gem, but…
STAB!
Yang Chen screamed, as he was being drained of his blood, by a lone robotic hand, scarred from her skin. It was Mio Akiyama, and she was still alive, buried in the debris of the mansion that was burned down. After Yang Chen dropped dead, wrinkled and shriveled, Mr. Nevins peeked into the hole and saw glowing pale blue eyes, in a glaring look. He then said, "So, you're still alive… Impressive…"

Mio snarled, emitting cool air from within her hiding place. Mr. Nevins said, "Well, then, since you're back up and about, and you're grounded from broad daylight… how about we work out a deal?"

He grinned evilly, as Mio growled quietly, pulling the gem she procured into the rubble.

This was how Steven Nevins, the man who was a hero and a legend to the Moji Mikisa turned over to the Forces of Darkness, siding with the gynoid vampire, MIO… and his betrayal to, not just The Gang and his Choujin Allies, but to his family and friends, as well.

They arrived at the island, as they were greeted with Mandy. She boomed, "Hello, you three. I've heard about you, and I'm offered to help out. After all, this isn't about training, it's about saving the world. You four will be training your hardest to increase your abilities."

She turned to Beth and said, "Ah, and you are?"

Beth said, "Beth Nevins. I'm the daughter of these three's mentor, Steven Nevins."

Mandy smiled, "Ah, yes. I've heard about you, little one. And was a tragic day to learn, since we overheard that your sister is now too hurt to fight."

Beth said, "My Aunt and Father are family… I know that…"

She pleaded, "But that's not the point! Whatever this Ty Ko Ky is, I want to learn it, much as Auntie Michelle did!"

Mandy said, "Good… For this test, I want you to spar with me. See if you can keep up… WITH ME!"

She held up a black whip and snapped at Beth. The whip brimmed in bluish energy. Beth avoided the whip, and said, "DAMN! What power! This is Ty Ko whatever?"

Mandy lashed her whip out, and called out, "Can you keep up? Ty Ko Ky is mostly for offense! Find a defense that can control your abilities!"

Beth brimmed in dark energy and leapt up, avoiding the whip strikes. She said, "Alright, lemme show you the fruits of my training! YOU FORGET WHO MY FATHER IS!"

SNAP!
Mandy pulled her wrist back, and her whip flew back towards her. It struck down on Beth's back. She dropped down and moaned, "Owww…"

Mandy added, "Not bad, child. But to harness the full potential of Ty Ko Ky, one must learn offense and defense! Your ESP Perk, one of the Precious Stones of Control, is weak and frail, unlike the family members that own it. If you understand that, your powers are your key. But without a handicap, like Ty Ko Ky, all it is for you was a mere dud of an ability."

Beth roared, "WHAT DID YOU SAY?"

SLAM!
Mandy slammed her hands on her face, giving Beth a small mask, over her mouth and jaw. She muffled, "HEY! WHAT THE HELL IS THIS?"

Mandy said, "Control your breathing, child. The reason your performance was excellent, while your delivery was sloppy, is because you lack breathing capabilities. Once I finish with you, you're going to be just like your family, with that powerful experience. If you are to train with me, for the next month, you are to do as I say, but the training I give to ALL beginners is strict and punishable!"

Beth griped, "NEVER MIND ALL THAT! WHY DO I HAVE TO WEAR A MOUTHGUARD?!"

Mandy said, "Just breathe normally, but rhythmically. You are free to take it off, during meals, baths, or brushing your teeth. Under no circumstances, during your training, you will take that thing off."

Kyo huffed, "She's getting hard on yourself, Beth…"

Beth snarled, "You damned old hag-!"

Mandy said, "And one more thing, so we're not on the same page… I did not come here to accept responsibility, only to save your own skin; I'm forging a squad of warriors in a battle against an evil force."

"You witch…" Beth growled.

Mandy said, "You do realize that by wearing this mask, your training's already begun. Master your breathing, and soon, you can run marathons in ease, while wearing it."

Subaru said, "She gave that thing to me, when Subaru was inexperienced. You're so lucky, you know."

Beth huffed, "Fine… But not because I'll team with fuzzy head, behind me!"

Kyo roared, "HOW DARE YOU!"

Mandy called, "ENOUGH! You four will begin training, right away. For this chance of power, you're going to start from the bottom to the top… beginning with the Hell Climb Pillar!"

Kyo gasped, "WHAT? SERIOUSLY?"

Beth said, "Yeah, what he said! What's the big deal?"

Kaname said, "Miss Mandy, you know that everyone who's worthy gets to climb the Hell Climb Pillar, and only very few have survived."

Mandy said, "From what I gathered, two survived the climb – Caesar Zeppeli and Joseph Joestar, about 80 years ago."

Kaname stated, "They did it out of luck! Even I haven't attempted that pillar!"

Mandy replied, "Fables are fables, that may or may not be factual. Failure of climbing this pillar means that you have no place here."

Beth said, "Hello! Can somebody clarify for me? This Hell Pillar doesn't seem to be tall… well, to me, at least…"

The doors opened, as Mandy smiled, "Well, from up here, it's more deep than tall."

Beth gasped, as the others were stunned. But before an answer was made, Mandy kicked all of them into the abyss. They screamed, falling below, landing in a pool of black water. They emerged, as Subaru was disgusted. She cried, "PAGYU! THAT'S NOT WATER! IT'S SLIMY!"

Beth felt the pillar and said, "OIL! This pillar is coated with oil! No wonder no one has succeeded in climbing the pillar to success!"

Mandy called from below, "It's 24 meters tall, and it's a climb up to the top. There is no other way out. If you reach the top, you're worthy of my teachings. But, one small caveat – you must only use your hands, and nothing else. But if you can't find a way to climb back, you'll die down there!"

The doors slammed, as Beth griped, "Oh, perfect…"

Kyo cried, "THAT'S IMPOSSIBLE!"

Kaname sobbed, "I can't believe JoJo and Caesar actually climbed this slimy pillar with ease!"

Subaru sobbed, "Ew… My best outfit is ruined, and Subaru has to climb up?"

Beth whined, "How can anyone climb that pillar, using our own powers?"

(30 days until the poison is released…)

Beth and the Choujins must now endure the hardest challenge to date: The Hell Climb Pillar!
Be sure to tune in to the next chapter, to find out if they'll succeed!

To be continued…