Destiny

*Disclaimer*

I DON'T OWN DIGIMON.

Author's Note:

Okay, my trial exams are over. So I can concentrate more on 'Destiny' before my finals. Anyway, I decided to rewrite the eight previous chapters. And no, I wouldn't change the storylines. I just wanted to correct all my grammar mistakes. Not forgetting, I would like to say thanks to the readers who told me and pointed out my grammar mistakes, and also 'mandycroyance', who aided me in improving my grammars.

Not forgetting, a million thanks to those who reviewed! All your kind words and encouragements really supported me in this! Continue sending them in and thanks again!

To an author named 'WhiteSpectre':

Since, you don't have your e-mail address in your bio page, I've decided to answer your questions this way. To your first question; yes, Koushirou (Izzy) and Jou (Joe) will be coming in. To your second question… the answer lies in this chapter. ^_^

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Destiny – Chapter Two : The Legend of Inochi Stone

Once upon a time, the world of Gaea was a wasteland. Its surface was barren of any vegetation. Let alone living things. It's sky was as dark as charcoal, always eluded by the dark clouds. Endless storms, raged in every corners of the inhabited world. The ocean, musty and dirty, with a stale smell, was always churning and tidal waves flooded the ground.

But then…

The Holy Gods took steps to bring forth a peaceful world. In the very first pace, Kaminari, the God of Thunder, stopped the raging storm. Following that, Mizu, the Goddess of Water, calmed the sea and cleansed it. Then, Tsuchi, the God of Earth, made continents, islands, and mainland… grounds for walking. With the command of Kaze, the Goddess of Wind, the breezeless world of Gaea was now traveled by slow and soft breeze. Honou, the God of Fire, warmed the freezing cold Gaea.

The God of Nature, Shizen, then said, "A perfect world should be filled with greenery."

And thus, vegetations covered the world, leaving only a fraction, which was now known as the Dry Continent of Gwarthen. But without light, the plants would eventually die. And so, Hika, the Goddess of Light, sent forth blazing rays of light that pierced and filtered through the black clouds to brighten the dark world. With the help of Kaze, Hika also vaporized the dark clouds. Leaving only the blue sky in sight.

Finally, Inochi, the God of Life, started the final pace of their creation, "May there be life in this land."

And there was life. Planktons, was the first to emerge. They appeared in uncountable numbers, littering the sea. And from them, fishes of all kinds appeared. Some of these marine beings evolved and started to stay on the ground. Then, at the peak of the creation, humans came. The gods made them as perfect as possible, giving them hands, legs, and a boundless mind to think for what's good and what's bad.

As hoped, the world of Gaea was peaceful with its inhabitant.

But, the Dark Gods did not share the joy. They despised the joy that Gaea have. And ever since from the beginning of time, they had been opposing the Holy Gods. Of course, they had tried to destroy the creations made. But with the protection from the Holy Gods, they weren't able to lay a finger on it. And so, they advance in a less violent way. Slowly, one by one, they corrupted the pure minds of the humans.

Thus began the Age of Darkness…

Greed, jealousy, envy and hate bloomed from the humans' hearts. They started to wage war against each other, destroying everything in their path. The Holy Gods were greatly saddened by it. And because they were not able to interfere directly, Inochi sent forth a messiah who helped the only uncorrupted king, Seferius, the Holy King, and also known as the Inochi-ou.

After a series of agonizing battles, King Seferius received the Inochi Stone. With him, Seven Holy Guardians fight alongside him. Each Holy Guardians were the Holy Beasts, representing the gods; Kaminari, Mizu, Tsuchi, Kaze, Honou, Shizen and Hika.

Together, they fought away the darkness and brought a peaceful era where no people will live in fear. A world that was filled with joys, a world full of smile. Seeing that there was no more to be done and that their time were up, the Holy Gods departed, leaving Gaea. But they know…

Someday…

They will return…

To have the final battle with the Dark Gods who only lied sealed in slumber…

*******

1008 A.D., the 20th day of the sixth month…

Takeru's eyes widened as the blade of his pursuer flashed in the semi dark forest…

But in the nick of time, he manages to duck low enough to parry the deadly slash aimed at his neck. With reflexive agility, Takeru rolled away, escaping certain doom. He was lucky to have only some of his bangs that covered his forehead removed. Who knows what worse could have happen if he wasn't fast enough.

Once Takeru was safely out of distance, he eyed the stalker with an extremely deadly gaze. As he surmised everything, he realized that the person attacking him was just a boy of about two years younger than him. But the blonde hair Takeru knew this stalker with brown hair was no ordinary boy. Or else, this uneasy feeling wouldn't be lingering at the back of his neck and his subconscious mind wouldn't be nagging at him to be careful.

Takeru opted to get out and to avoid any unnecessary fight. But then, for some reason he couldn't help it but let his anger took control over him. This boy was one of the races that the shinobi boy couldn't help but wanted to get rid off. As he spoke that one word out, his voice was seethed with hatred, "Samurai…."

The mysterious boy acknowledges the hatred and replied by charging forward with his kodachi held at ready. Takeru took one look at the boy's movement and immediately knew that this boy was not an easy opponent. Yet, Takeru still stood tall where he was with his eye's pupil reduce to a slit, not moving a single muscle. His fists clenched and unclenched at his side.

At the last minute when the brown hair boy was about to slice open his chest, Takeru vanished. The brown hair boy was greatly surprised but he knew it was no sorcery. It was the unbelieving speed that the shinobi race possessed. Hurriedly, he tried to pinpoint the blonde hair boy's location. However, before he could turn his head, his kodachi was knocked off his grip and immediately, he felt an arm encircling his neck.

Takeru was holding the boy at a headlock, attempting to suffocate him or just break his neck. But before he could do so, a pair of arms was there to stop Takeru's hand from doing anything further. For a moment, the two was struggling to overcome the other. The shorter boy seems to be on the losing side, considering their age, but an idea flashed into his mind.

The brown hair boy positioned the katana at his back carefully while his hands are still holding his hunt's arms at bay. With a jerk, the end of the katana's scabbard jutted into Takeru's stomach, knocking the wind out of him. With Takeru's hold loosened, the brown hair boy manages to escape by elbowing the blonde hair boy's chest.

Takeru, who had had his eyes closed when the katana jutted him, opened one side of it. He was shocked to see the katana removed from the brown hair boy's scabbard and was held high, with the tip pointing towards the sky. The brown hair boy shouted, "RAIJIN!"

Quite suddenly, the sky above darkened as black clouds started to swirl and formed into one humongous cumulonimbus. And as suddenly as it has appear, the sky cackled and lightning strike down at the brown hair boy, with it, the thunder roared. But it did not brought any harm to the boy; instead, the blade of his weapon is now charged with lightning.

Without giving a chance for Takeru to piece this surprise, the boy slashed the air with his charged weapon. As he did so, he shouted, "KEN!!"

Takeru eyes widened, as some sort of ground energy that was trailed by lightning as it moved, came closer to him. At the last minute, without thinking, Takeru leapt high up into a tree to escape the intended damage. But he was wrong; the ground energy hit the base of the trunk and resulting in the instant collapse of the plant. But that wasn't all, to worsen the situation, the tree immediately caught on fire.

With a surprise yelp, Takeru fell and was thrown quite a distant. With his backpack still intact, Takeru tried to stand up. As he did so, he notices that the brown hair boy was preparing for another attack. The blade of the boy's katana was already charged again.

Takeru realized that it was no use to escape this battle or this attack. So, he stood there, with a calm look and concentrated. His hand was held apart and slowly, there was a small light formed at the very center of his chest. The brown hair boy had to cover his eyes as a bright light burst out. But the end result, the light still caused him to see blurry images.

When his sight was fully adjusted again, he realized that now, floating in front of Takeru was a golden naginata, shaped oddly but expertly forged. The brown hair boy was surprised at how this weapon had appeared. But nonetheless, he assumed his attacking stance. Takeru, seeing that, grabbed the floating weapon and held it defensively.

When the brown hair boy was about to launch his attack, a mighty voice boomed out, IORI! STOP THIS VERY MOMENT!

The brown hair boy immediately paused his movement, his muscles, not twitching. But when he got over at the sudden interruption, he asked the unseen figure. His voice was clearly filled with annoyance, "Byakko, why did you stop me?"

I know about your feeling with that boy Iori, but I can't have you kill him.

"Is there a special reason?"

As a matter of fact, there is. The brown hair boy shot Takeru a cold glare as Byakko paused to piece together his next sentence. This boy here, and I'm sure of it, was a Holy Warrior. But surprisingly, I couldn't feel his Holy Guardian's presence.

The brown hair boy, Iori, scowled and said, "And then that settles everything. He should be eliminated since there are no obvious reasons to let him live."

Please be more sensible Iori. Don't let that hatred hide your true kind self. As the unseen figure's word crashed on him like a huge boulder, Iori closed his eyes and sheathed his katana, feeling guilty at his action. The unseen figure went on, Even though I didn't feel the presence of a guardian, there is no mistakes that the golden naginata the boy is holding is doubtlessly the Tengoku, the Heavenly Weapon.

"Tengoku?" Iori asked the unseen figure, "What's that?"

It's a holy weapon forged by Hika, the Goddess of Light, and Inochi, the God of Light. And for the sake of history, that is also the weapon King Seferius used when he fought against the Absolute Evil.

Takeru, who could listened to every single details of their conversation, scowled and said in an annoyed tone, "If you're gonna stand there and talk with that person who knows a lot, you best do it later; cause I'm not the type of person to tolerate with a stalker who attacked first, and ignored me now."

The unseen figure blinked in surprise and asked, So you can hear me also…

If Takeru was mad earlier, he was an erupting volcano now. Though always polite and gentle, the blonde brunette hated being treated like an idiot. "Of course I can! What am I? Deaf?" He looked around and shouted, "Come out here and don't hide yourself!"

Takeru could hear the unseen figure sighed in response. Sadly, I couldn't comply with your request. If I still were to have my full powers, I might be able to do so. But now…

Takeru was surprised at the unseen figure's polite tone even though he was rude at him. Takeru shifted uneasily and apologized, "I'm sorry to have shouted at you. It's just that… being attacked just got me jumpy and meeting with my race's rival wasn't all that great as well."

I understand what you mean.

The brown hair boy walked to the place he had dropped his kodachi and retrieved it, sheathing it into a small scabbard hidden underneath his shirt at his back. After realizing this boy who wore a plain blue cloth and matching shorts was of no threat, Takeru let his golden naginata disappeared once more.

Apparently, after leaving the Shinobi Village, Takeru had discovered a small part of the secrets that the golden naginata had concealed. Somehow, he had discovered that it could disappear and reappear at his command. Of course, it needs a little concentration. And as an addition, he also realized that it could change its shape into a few other weapons. The other extent of it was yet to be revealed.

Finally overcoming his anger, the brown hair boy inclined his head slightly and said, "I'm sorry for attacking. But that was an instinct that you and I know that it couldn't be help."

To Takeru, the apology sounded a trifle fake. He had noticed the hatred that was concealed. But being polite, Takeru let it slipped and said, "It's okay. I understand what you meant. But in any case though, I'm also sorry for attacking you, I hope I didn't hurt you."

Takeru knew himself that what he had said was partly false. He had no doubt in breaking the boy's neck when he had him in a headlock. But shuffling that off into a corner, Takeru introduced himself, "My name is Takeru. Takaishi Takeru from the Shinobi Village."

The younger boy replied coolly, "Hida Iori." He paused and realized that he wasn't finished with what he had wanted to say. "And the one who you couldn't see is Byakko, one of the Holy Guardian."

Takeru was taken aback. He didn't realize that the unseen figure was one of the seven Holy Guardians. He was feeling sorrier now for shouting at Byakko earlier. But what he had heard earlier had really intrigued him. He thought to himself silently, 'No wonder he was talking about guardians and stuff like that earlier…. But he did say something about me not having a guardian. I wonder what he meant by that.'

Letting his curiosity took over, Takeru asked, "With all due respect Byakko, what do you mean when you said I have no guardian? And what is this Absolute Evil that you're talking with Iori?"

Byakko realized that Takeru didn't know the truth behind the legend of King Seferius. But that wasn't surprising; considering that the boy had no Holy Guardians to guide him. But before Byakko started to explain he said, Firstly though, please drop those formality. Treat me as your equal. Takeru nodded in response. Now, to answer your question… you are one of the Holy Warriors. A warrior that receives the guidance and the power of a Holy Guardian resulted in the form of a Holy Warrior. But you, despite having the Tengoku, your golden naginata, and can hear the voices of a guardian; you don't have, in your possession, a Holy Stone and also a guardian. Byakko paused, deep in thought. My guess is, the guardian was to be with you couldn't escape from the seal that bind him or her. And that would be Tenshi. Being the wisest, she was placed with heaviest task in sealing the Absolute Evil.

"Task?" Takeru asked.

It was to seal the power of the Absolute Evil. Each guardian were placed at different locations that is unknown to even we ourselves to seal a part of the Evil. At the moment, as far as I can feel, the Evil had released himself from six of us guardians already. That only leaves Tenshi and also seven other Holy Stones.

"Seven?" Iori exclaimed. "I thought that there were only seven Holy Guardians. And each of them had one Holy Stone."

Yes, that is true. But when King Seferius's Holy Stone, the Inochi no Ishi, broke apart, it formed fourteen other Holy Stones. Seven that belongs to seven different gods and seven others that is to enhance a guardian's potential. Those stones are the only things that are keeping the Absolute Evil at bay.

"Then, does that mean the Evil is close to revival?" Takeru asked.

You could say that. But at the moment, you and Iori, being a Holy Warrior, have more urgent task. The two of you, despite your background, should cooperate and find the other five Holy Warrior.

"Why weren't there fourteen warriors when there are fourteen Holy Stones?" Iori asked.

Because, as you had said earlier, there are only seven guardians. However, as far as I know, there are fourteen Dark Warrior. Each of them has an Evil Stone. I'm not sure how, but apparently, even though seven of them who have no Evil Diviner, the opposition of a Holy Guardian, can still draw out the secret power of the Stones. Byakko realized that he had delayed their time too long already. In any case though, you two should be careful, as they are the one who will bar our way to victory. As of now, we should hurry and head to the Castle City, Mincht. There, we might be able to look into some ancient records in their libraries.

After that, Byakko said nothing else. Takeru was curious as of why the guardian had to take leave so hastily. Iori, realizing Takeru's confused look, said, "Byakko couldn't appear in our world as he used to anymore. Even talking with us takes a lot of his energy. That is why he can only communicate with us limitedly and only if necessary."

Takeru nodded, understanding it. He then shifted his backpack and suggested, "I guess we should head to Mincht as told then." He unfolded a parchment and gazed at it. "It's a good thing I've purchased a map earlier before I left Miijen."

Takeru started and headed toward northeast. Iori grunted and followed the blonde hair boy. As he did so, he told Takeru acidly, "Don't think that we'll share a bond of friendship or comrade. This is only a temporary truce. And when the time is right, I'll get rid of you."

Takeru ignored that comment completely. In his heart, even though they both hated each other, he knew that he would eventually get over it and for some reasons, he felt very close to this brown hair boy who so wanted his life…

*******

With a flash of light, the figure had turned around and Daisuke found something sharp and pointed at his throat!

But then, the figure eyes widened and immediately withdrew his or her hand. Following that, both Daisuke and the figure jumped away, bringing in some distance between them. But still, their eyes had not taken off from each other, as if they fear one another.

As the soft ray of the moon played across the small clearing they're in, Daisuke finally realized that the person he was stalking was a girl… a girl of his age with shoulder length brown hair and matching brown eyes. Daisuke's face suddenly grew hot at two reasons. One, he was embarrassed at trying to attack a girl before he even make sure whether it was a killer he had wanted to catch. The other was, the girl was awfully beautiful.

Realizing his mistake and his obvious staring, Daisuke apologized immediately in a shaken tone, "I-I'm really s-sorry! I-I thought you were t-the killer that rampages in the night! Hontou ni sumimasen!"

The girl, who had an odd gauntlet fastened at her left hand blinked in surprised. Realizing that there were no immediate dangers, the three sharp and pointed energy blade at the tip of the gauntlet, which was formed from wind molecules, retracted and disappeared completely. Hurriedly, she also apologized for her action, "Oh no! It was my fault! I shouldn't be sneaking around at this hour!"

"Iya." Daisuke disagreed. "It was my fault."

"No, it wasn't."

"It was."

And then the two paused. There was the hint of a smile forming at their lips. And quite suddenly, the two broke into laughter, laughing at how childish they were. Once the girl recovered, she said, "I'm sorry, my name is Yagami Hikari from Shazan of Wyndian."

"And mine is Motomiya Daisuke from the continent of Flamberge."

Hikari apologized again, "I'm really sorry for the mistake. For a minute, I also thought that you were the killer creeping up from behind."

Daisuke hit his palm softly as it occurred to him. He said to the girl, "So, you were one of the two 'young adventurers' who the owner of the Hunter Shop told me about."

"You also took this job as well?"

"Yeah." Daisuke then rubbed his head. He had no idea why, but he revealed his reason in him taking this job, "Well, my friend and I sort of ran out of money. That is why we're taking this task." He then asked, "No offense, but is there any reason why you're taking this job also? You knew it was dangerous."

"Well… like you, I also have a friend signed for this job. But our reason was different than yours."

Daisuke didn't realize that the girl had purposely left out their reason. He just went on and asked, "So, uh… if we are in the same road, do you mind if we are to cooperate."

Hikari thought about it. After some time, she nodded and said, "Why not? I think it would be better to have another pair of eyes to watch our turned backs. And if it were to come down to fight, we can easily best the killer, two to one."

Daisuke nodded with a smile. Somehow, just thinking about cooperating with this girl made him felt easy. He was about to comment on something else when the sound of bushes being stirred came to his ear. Immediately, the two of them, Daisuke and Hikari, averted their gaze toward the source of the sound.

Then, another similar stirring further ahead was heard. It became fairly obvious to them that there were two criminals. Exchanging an understanding nod, they crept closer to the source, making sure to not alert whoever it was. As they were within earshot, the two voices words became clearer.

"The time has almost come, my friend. Have you done all that are necessary?" one voice asked.

For some reason, Hikari felt awfully familiar with this voice but she wasn't able to grasp on who it was. She manages to push it aside for the moment and concentrated on what's at hand.

"Yes, my lord," a gruff voice replied. "I only need one last sacrifice to unlock the gate that you've commanded to open."

"Are there any difficulties?"

"None as of yet, my lord."

"Excellent," the first voice said with glee. "Soon, shi-ou – sama will be fully revived. And when the time comes, we will rid this world of its inhabitants and build a new one that is filled with terror and despair."

The two figures chuckled as softly as they could. But tried as they might, they couldn't hide the hint of pleasure in what they had said.

Even in the dark, the two teenagers can still see the wicked grin on the shadowy figures. And in some way, this has provoked Daisuke. His heart felt like it was burning and his clenched fists shook with anger. He was about to barge in and stop whatever the two figures were doing. But Hikari manages to stop him from doing so by extending a hand to block his path.

That however, came a second to slow. Daisuke's foot had accidentally stepped on a fallen twig that had been there. This new sound alerted the two figures. One of them immediately blurred and disappeared. Daisuke was surprised at it, but Hikari whispered knowingly, "Teleportation."

The only figure left, turned around, facing them, and said, "Whoever that is out there, I suggest that you better show yourselves. Even if you hide, it wouldn't hinders me from finding you."

Hikari was torn between two decisions as of now. She wasn't sure whether she should escape and finds her friend first or confronts the criminal straight away. She knew she could escape easily with her 'flight' ability. But, now that Daisuke, her newly made friend, was here with her, she can't help it but worries about his safety as well.

Before Hikari could make up any decision, Daisuke had stepped out to meet his opponent. When the cloud parted, the mysterious figure came into view. Wearing tight fitting clothes and pants, the figure has an ugly twisted face with a pointed nose and also a swishing tail behind him.

Worried, Hikari quickly stand beside Daisuke and eyed the figure as well. It didn't take her long to realize that her opponent was a demi-human, which was a human with demons or other mystical beasts traits or features. She raised her left hand and the three sharp energy blade appeared from the tip of her gauntlet again. Taihu had told her about such races, which are minions to the Evil.

Before Daisuke could make a move to prepare himself, the figure, blades protruded from his knuckles, lunged towards them. Hikari moved faster than Daisuke's eyes could blink and used her energy claws to block the intended attack meant for him. Daisuke was awed that Hikari, being an innocent looking girl, could block such man attack.

The two wrestled for a while. But as expected, the figure was gaining the upper hand. Hikari cringed uncomfortably at the force. Without knowing it, she had shouted, shoved, and pushed her weapon so hard, that the figure was thrown away. The gauntlet Hikari had on, 'Kuuki', had glowed in the process when she pushed her opponent away. This resulted in the breaking of the hidden blades of her opponent in the process. That gave a shock to both Daisuke and also the figure. And there, in the lower part of the gauntlet, near the tip, was a green orb with a letter in ancient rune word.

The figure was shocked at the girl for pushing him away and destroyed his weapon. But Daisuke, however, was shocked at the word that had appeared on Hikari's gauntlet. The figure might not understand it, but the maroon hair boy knew exactly what it meant. The word there read, 'Kaze'.

Very suddenly, Suzaku's voice boomed in Daisuke's mind, giving him a fright. Daisuke! That girl is the Holy Warrior of Wind.

Daisuke, scared out of his skin, shouted at the guardian with anger, "Suzaku! Where have you been? And what do you mean by she is also a Holy Warrior? Also, don't scare me like that!"

I'm sorry, my friend. I'll try to be quick, so that you could help her. The fiery phoenix paused and tried to form sentences that were short but could easily come to the point. The girl is one of the one you should seek. As I said, she's one of the Holy Warriors. I'll search her mind for her guardian, but for now, you should help her. I'll explain to you later on everything else.

With that said, Suzaku's presence vanished. Daisuke, understood full well of the condition, made a silent command. The two gloves of his, Fire Blaze, or rather known as 'Okaji' in ancient rune language, materialized and fastened on his fist.

As soon as Daisuke raised his hand, the gloves burst into flame, and in the process, the red orb in his left glove flared brightly. The figure that was busying himself with dodging Hikari's claws swipe, had his back turned at Daisuke. Seeking the opportunity, the maroon hair boy ran forward and shouted, "RENGADAN!"

Daisuke landed three successful consecutive punches on the figure's back. As he leapt back, the area he struck burst into flame. The figure howled in pain and flailed his tail wildly. Hikari, though surprise, didn't forget to launch her attack, "UZUMAKU NO KAZE!"

From the tip of her gauntlet, which was surrounded by a green nimbus, ten energies air currents emerged at the same time. The high-speed energies strike and slashed at the figures mercilessly. During the energies, storm, though not intended by Hikari, it also severed one of the figure's arms and also its tail. A new scream of pain erupted from the figure's throat.

Daisuke, feeling that his anger from earlier resurfacing, rushed forward and delivered a hard punch at the figure's face. And as it always does, the place strike, burst into flame, burning the man's face. Hikari cringed at that, and no longer have the heart to kill her opponent, she stood where she was, unmoving.

As the screaming man thrashed on the ground, Daisuke raised his hand and wrote something in midair. The words were blurry at first. But when Daisuke finished writing, both the blurry words and his orb, glowed. Thus revealing the words written in midair. The maroon hair boy shouted loud enough to show his anger, "FUREBORURU!

A burning orb appeared in Daisuke's hand and with perfect accuracy, he threw it at the figure that's rolling on the ground uncontrollably. It exploded as soon as it connected with the figure, throwing up black smoke in the process. When it cleared, only the unmoving form of the figure remained on the burned, charred ground.

When the anger in Daisuke dissipated, a heavy pang of guilt overcame him and he dropped to his knees very suddenly. He doesn't know why, but he felt sorry for killing the killer that had killed so many. His mind only knew that he had done what's supposed to be done though. It was like, back in the volcano with his friend, Lee, fighting Vajira. But at least, the warrior had killed himself instead of Daisuke doing it. However, to him, in a way, this is almost the same situation… but it was also different at the same time.

Hikari averted her gaze, unable to bear it. No matter who it was, and no matter how many times she had done it, she would always feel bad about it. Back in her village, and the time when she had to rescue her friend in Mescaria, she had killed. Be it a monster, demon, or a demi-human, she still felt horrible. It's against her nature; she's just a fifteen years old girl, for crying out loud! The only reason that had kept her going was the thought that kept saying, 'It's the only right thing to do'.

As Hikari continued to feel sorry and as Daisuke kept staring at the body of the mysterious killer with unreadable expression, the bushes on the right stirred, and a blue hair boy appeared. He also stared at the scene, as another boy with blonde hair, holding a trident, emerged running. He threw a look at the charred figure on the ground, then on Hikari and finally on Daisuke.

The blonde hair boy spoke in an authoritative tone, "Okay, someone tell me what had happened here."

Having no answer for that question, the blue hair boy moved closer to Daisuke and put a comforting hand on the maroon hair boy's shoulder. Daisuke placed his own hand on his friend's and squeezed it tightly to assure himself that he was still awake. Only then, did he speak in a shaking voice, "I-I killed h-him."

The blond hair boy replied in a slightly annoyed tone, "I know that. I can see it myself. But what happened exactly? In detail, please."

Hikari voice was soft and almost quiet as she replied, "I think we needed time to sort things out first before answering you, Wallace…"

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Basic Statistics:

*This section is the first time ever being used in fanfiction.net. Therefore, it belongs to me. If any authors who wanted to use this concept in their own story, please inform me and ask my permission first before doing so. Thank you!!

*Those numbers in brackets belongs to the characters' respective guardian.

Main characters:

Takaishi Takeru (None)

Level: 13

Hp: 746

Sp: 62

Mp: N/A

Strength: 25

Magic: N/A

Defense: 19

Mag. Defense: 18

Speed: 32

Luck: 100

Skills learned:

- Kabutowari (6 Sp)

- Sazanka (8 Sp)

Magics learned:

- N/A

Yagami Hikari (Taihu)

Level: 16 (21)

Hp: 635

Sp: 43

Mp: 108

Strength: 14 (34)

Magic: 41 (33)

Defense: 15 (29)

Mag. Defense: 33 (27)

Speed: 28

Luck: 120

Skills learned:

- Kamaitachi (10 Sp)

- Uzumaku no Kaze (20 Sp)

Magics learned:

-  Air Slash (12 Mp)

- Cyclone (16 Mp)

- Tornado (32 Mp)

- *Summoning _ Taihu* (100 Mp)

Ichijozi Ken (Seiryu)

Level: 11 (19)

Hp: 538

Sp: 40

Mp: 62

Strength: 16 (34)

Magic: 24 (29)

Defense: 12 (23)

Mag. Defense: 27 (25)

Speed: 18

Luck: 130

Skills learned:

- Wareme ga Atama (23 Sp)

Magics learned:

- Spread (9 Mp)

- Ice Wall (15 Mp)

- Hail Storm (28 Mp)

Inoue Miyako (Genbu)

Level: 10 (17)

Hp: 524

Sp: 42

Mp: 38

Strength: 17 (34)

Magic: 14 (21)

Defense: 24 (41)

Mag. Defense: 11 (16)

Speed: 12

Luck: 80

Skills learned:

- Kanazuchi (7 Sp)

- Kami o-sage (7 Sp)

- Oogama (9Sp)

Magics learned:

- Stone Wall (10 Mp)

- Rock Break (17 Mp)

Motomiya Daisuke (Suzaku)

Level: 11 (16)

Hp: 673

Sp: 55

Mp: 35

Strength: 28 (28)

Magic: 14 (22)

Defense: 23 (20)

Mag. Defense: 10 (16)

Speed: 17

Luck: 40

Skills learned:

- Tenga _ Hien Ren Kyaku (6 Sp)

- Tenga _ Rengadan (10 Sp)

- Tenga _ Hachi Yourenga (12 Sp)

- Tenga _ Shishi Senkou (24 Sp)

- Tenga _ Majin Hien Kyaku (28 Sp)

Magics learned:

- Fireball (9 Mp)

- Flame Wall (11 Mp)

Hida Iori (Byakko)

Level: 10 (13)

Hp: 645

Sp: 59

Mp: 31

Strength: 20 (22)

Magic: 13 (17)

Defense: 16 (17)

Mag. Defense: 11 (16)

Speed: 13

Luck: 70

Skills learned:

- Majin Ken (5 Sp)

- Raijin Ken (12 Sp)

- Tatsuumaki, Kougeki suru (17 Sp)

Magics learned:

- None

Wallace de Winter (Yousei)

Level: 11 (16)

Hp: 782

Sp: 46

Mp: 38

Strength: 19 (25)

Magic: 16 (30)

Defense: 17 (23)

Mag. Defense: 16 (21)

Speed: 17

Luck: 60

Skills learned:

- Yousou Shuugeki (15 Sp)

Magics learned:

- Vicious Vine (21 Mp)

Misc. Characters:

Lee Jenrya

Level: 8

Hp: 453

Sp: 43

Mp: N/A

Strength: 17

Magic: N/A

Defense: 16

Mag. Defense: 9

Speed: 12

Luck: 90

Skills learned:

- Tenga _ Tsumujikaze (7 Sp)

- Tenga _ Gariuukuuha (13 Sp)

- Tenga _ Hien Ren Ten Kyaku (33 Sp)

Magics learned:

- N/A

*Note that the outcome of the battle between Takeru and Iori have no winner or loser, that is why there is no experience gained, thus there is no improvement to their stats except skills that are used.

***********************************************************************************************

Translations:

Magic:

Fureboruru – Fireball

Miscellaneous:

Tengoku – Heaven

Okaji – Inferno

Kuuki – Air

Inochi no Ishi – Life Stone

Iya – No

Hontou ni sumimasen – I'm really sorry

Author's Note:

Firstly, I would like to apologize. I know I've said that this would be late, but the thought of making you all wait, is very agonizing. I promise to get the next few chapters out as soon as I can.

Also, as you all noticed, this chapter is shorter than my previous ones a lot. I humbly ask for your forgiveness for that too. The reason for me making it this short is because there is something that should be in the next chapter, appear here. That is why; I've cut the original Chapter 9 by half and the other half will go together with Chapter 10. So, expect the next chapter to be posted up sooner and for sure, it would be longer.

Finally, there's no song for this chapter because I can't find a suitable one to put in here.

With that, wait for the next chapter, 'The Conspiracy'.