Alright, we'll take a little break for this chapter, mainly because I have some news. So…my storage drive with the original "Heroic Calamity" story burned out, so I'm a little screwed. So, I must now scrounge around my belongings to see if I still have my backup files stored somewhere. All hope isn't lost, however, since I know I've still got it somewhere. If not...then I might have two versions to adjust.

Anyways, enough with the bad news, enjoy this story, since my plans for this story are safely tucked away.


Chapter 18: Unnatural Tremors

It was the day of the funeral, with preparations having been made quickly without issue. Shui-Zan and Chao-Fang had come to hide with Sun Wukong's family, with permission from the Fighting Buddha. Meanwhile, everyone was going to stay put while Sun Quan and Lianshi handled the funeral.

Opening the door, Issei looked around in the dead of the morning, hoping no one spotted them.

"Did anyone see you?" Issei asked.

"No."

"Then who's that?" Issei went bug-eyed as he pointed at a young woman.

Chao-Fang gasped.

"That's my cousin, Su-Yi!"

Issei then heard rustling from another direction.

"And who's that?!" He demanded.

"That's my butler, Ping! He'll probably tell my dad, Lu Long." Shui-Zan's jaw dropped in shock.

Bikou froze.

"Your dad is Lu Long?"

"Yes, why?" Shui-Zan asked.

"Lu Long's one of the leaders of the Sun Mafia. We'll be safe, but the other's will have their heads on silver platters if he tells him!" Bikou pointed at Issei and the others.

Issei went bug-eyed. If word got out, they were going to have a very political problem on their hands.

"Arthur, Bikou, with me. The rest of you, go after Su-Yi!" Issei said.

"How dare you brainwash our Young Master into such treachery. The Lus will have your heads!" Ping yelled incredulously.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!"

Issei immediately took off running after Ping while screaming like a charging bull.

"What kind of guy is he?" Elaine raised a very confused brow.

"One of a kind." Vali sighed in exasperation.


The ladies immediately went after Su-Yi, which was relatively simple since she lacked any distinct powers and such.

"Su-Yi, wait!" Chao-Fang yelled.

"What is going on? You're dead! We found your corpse!" Su-Yi pointed a shaking finger at her.

Vali and Kuroka traded looks. One wrong word and it would all go downhill.

"I know, and I'm sorry for lying to you, but trust me, there was no other way."

"Why'd you fake your own death?" Su-Yi asked.

Chao-Fang went on to explain what she had told before.

"You know how the family is. Every time I ran away, they'd make me come back home. Mother would threaten suicide and Father would gather others and look for me. No matter how many times I ran and no matter where I went, they always found Shui-Zan and me. We had to fake our deaths so that they'd leave us alone permanently." Chao-Fang said.

"And did these people plug this idea into your head?" Su-Yi looked at the others in accusation.

Kuroka raised an irritated brow.

"No. If I'm to be honest, Shui-Zan and I were literally about to kill ourselves but one of them talked us out of it."

"I don't get it, why do you want to marry the son of that mafia man?" Su-Yi growled.

"One day, when you fall in love, you'll understand. Some people are just worth it." Chao-Fang shook her head.

"Are you listening to yourself? You sound like a naïve child. No, you sound crazy!" Su-Ying scolded her.

Chao-Fang sighed in exasperation.

"Do you truly know if this love will last? Aren't you just with him in the throes of young love? How do you know he won't run off with someone else later? How do you know if he genuinely loves you? Have you thought of what others will think of you if you marry the son of a criminal?" Su-Yi asked.

"If he didn't love me, would he have gotten himself beaten every time we ran away? In the first place, what person would just agree to run away with you if they didn't love you? He threw is entire life away to be together. A person who loves you, wouldn't be afraid of harm at the cost of themselves. A person who loves you would be willing to do whatever they can in order to keep you happy even if it severely hurts them. That's what I'm willing to do and that's what he's willing to do."

"And you don't care if it grieves your families? What would the others think if they knew?" Su-Yi asked.

"That's exactly it. It's always about what the family wants. The desire of the family elders and my parents always outweighed what the others wanted or believed. That's not the life I want. I don't want to be a caged bird all my life. I urge you to learn to think for yourself as well. Would you rather live a tortured and caged bird, or would you rather live free with the only person that actually cares about you?" Chao-Fang asked.

Su-Yi was silent, thinking to herself. Ultimately, she sighed, relenting.

"Do you really love him that much? More than your own family?"

"It's not as simple as that, Su-Yi. I love him dearly, more than anything else, but that doesn't mean I don't love you all, either. I just can't live the life that they've chosen for me. I can't live to just be a pawn all my life." Chao-Fang explained.

"And where do you plan to go? You know you can't remain in Kunlun or even China." Su-Yi inquired.

"We know some people that'll help us out. Shui-Zan and I will be fine. Don't worry about us. But, please, don't tell anyone that we're alive. If the others knew, they'd chain us up and we'd never see the light of day again. I'll give up many things, but my freedom to love is something I'll never let go off, no matter where I have to go." Chao-Fang declared.

Su-Yi crossed her arms. She had given up. She'd tried to convince her cousin to let this all go before, but it never worked. This was the final straw that showed her just how far Chao-Fang was willing to go.

"To think you'd go this far for that man…very well. Just don't expect anymore help with running away. If you two have decided to really destroy your old lives, then this is the end of our time as cousins as well. Goodbye, Chao-Fang. I wish you all the luck in the world." She resolutely turned away.

"Thank you, sister." Chao-Fang bowed in gratitude.

'That was a lot easier than expected. Almost too easy.' Kuroka looked at Vali.

'Well, they've probably been through a lot together. Guess this was just the ending note.' Vali nodded.

The ladies returned to Wukong's home, only to find a disturbing new piece of information.

"Well, the lads haven't lost sight of the butler. Only one issue, though." Wukong puffed his pipe.

Vali thought about the implications for a bit.

"Don't tell me…" She sighed.

"There's a whole lot of domestic disturbance."


Meanwhile…

"STOP RIGHT THERE!"

"DON'T LET HIM GET AWAY!"

The boys were chasing after the elderly butler throughout the city, causing everyone to see what was going on.

"He runs really fast for an old man!" Bikou growled.

"Split up and head him off." Issei said.

The group consisting of Issei, Arthur, and Bikou pursued the old butler.

"So, what're we gonna even do when we catch up to him?"

"We'll cross that bridge when we get to it. We just can't let him get to anyone he knows." Issei answered.

"Don't we look like the bad guys right now?" Bikou asked.

Issei didn't even respond to that. If Ping told Lu Long about all of this, then he didn't want to imagine the problems that would arise from it. He really needed to reevaluate how he made his life decisions.

Ping flung a giant pot of rice at Issei. Catching it, he tried to catch all of the rice before putting it back where it came from. Next, the old man threw a brick at Bikou, hitting him in the shoulder. After that, he threw a cage full of chickens at Arthur, who promptly swatted it away. However, he wasn't fast enough to dodge all of the bird dung that got on him.

"This guy just has no care for other people's property." Bikou growled.

Immediately after he said that, a giant fish jammed into his mouth. Issei stopped to look at it, only to find himself staring right at Ping, who dropped a giant statue on his foot.

"Ow!" He yelled.

Arthur tried to circle around but Ping grabbed oil from a stall and splashed it around him, causing Arthur to slip.

Issei got up and continued the pursuit.

"Where'd he go?" He mumbled.

That was when he heard chimes. Looking behind him, a giant rickshaw came charging at him.

"Where is this guy getting all this?!" Issei shouted incredulously.

Completely kicked to the ground and rolled over, Issei was left in the dust as Ping ran away.

'Lord, please forgive me for what I am about to do.' Issei sighed.

He grabbed a rock off the ground and aimed. Feeling where the wind was going, blowing North, and predicting the estimate distance of Ping, Issei knew where to throw the rock. He had this.

The basketball-sized rock sailed through the air and right at…a glass window.

"Dow!" An old lady screamed.

"OH MY GOD! I'MSOSORRY!" Issei covered his mouth in horror as he saw the damage.

The entire window of the shop he hit had smashed into thousands of shards.

"What is wrong with you?! You hit that old lady!" Arthur scolded him as he ran past.

"Don't just stand there! Run!" Bikou said, following after the Knight.

Issei then watched as Ping ran to the right…pursuing a group of people…that looked like mafia.

"Oh crap." He paled.

Flying forward, Issei had to put even more effort into the chase.

"Almost there. Lord Long, this faithful servant of yours has discovered the truth." Ping said to himself.

"ARGH!"

Boom. Three people tackled him into an alleyway.

"Unhand me, you foul imbeciles!" Ping tried to squirm out of their gasp.

Grabbing hold of Issei's head, he repeatedly banged it into the ground.

"Get! The! Rope!" Issei said in between the times his head hit the ground.

Bikou and Arthur grabbed whatever rope and chains that were nearby and wrapped them around him.

"Help, three young bastards are trying to take advantage of me! They're beating me with a wrench and club! And they all reek of weed and heroin!" Ping screamed.

"Tape his mouth, don't let him scream." Issei growled.

Bikou slapped a talisman over Ping's mouth before he could talk.

Issei paused.

"Okay, we seriously look like the bad guys here…" He realized.

Bikou also came to his senses.

"What's wrong with us?"

Arthur only shrugged.

After tying Ping up with chains and binding a talisman over him to prevent him from yelling, they dragged him back to Wukong's estate. Putting him in a comfy room, the group met up once again to try and catch up.

"Alright, so what happened to you three?"

"Chased the man throughout the entire area, got hit with chickens, fish, bricks, and run over by a rickshaw…" Issei groaned.

"Well, at least you stopped him from reaching my father." Shui-Zan sighed in relief.

"So, why did you fail to mention that your father was a part of the mafia? Didn't you say that your family owned a publishing company?"

"Yeah, we're in the process of transitioning. Originally, it was just a front, but the family is going legit now." Shui-Zan sheepishly cowered back.

Suddenly, a magic circle appeared in front of Issei.

"We've got a problem…" Sun Quan said.

"What's wrong?" Issei slammed his head onto a table.

What was happening this time?

"You know Bikou's transformed clone? It's about to disappear…"

"I told you to practice on it." Sun Wukong slapped him across the head.

"Ow! I did!"

"How much time is left?" Issei asked.

"About an hour or two. The clone is already starting to falter and the funeral is already about to start."

Issei groaned. They couldn't get a fake body made in time and not only that, but it was clear that it wouldn't fool anyone in the magical realm. Only regular morals would be fooled by the kinds of fake bodies that the Sun family could make. They had to get over there and get another of Bikou's hairs ready.

"Well, you better hurry. Change and get over there." Sun Wukong chuckled.

Issei turned to Shui-Zan.

"You did mention us, right?" He sighed.

"Yeah, I left a fake letter for you guys. My family should let you in."

"Alright, let's go." Issei reluctantly said.

He sometimes wondered if he was suffering karma for coming up with such a crazy plan, which now seemed to be piling up with holes.


The funeral home that the Lin family had all gathered in was a massive hall, being traditional in design using ancient Chinese aesthetics. Golden dragons and jade statues stood watch all around the funeral home, with gardens and lawns of grass scattered around the area in rectangles.

The room where the coffin for Shui-Zan was placed, was a massive square with white walls. Long tables for the elders, bouquets, and chairs were placed neatly for guests.

'Are you sure things will work out well?' Vali looked at Issei.

'No, but we've got no other options.' Issei looked back.

Their expression-conversation was interrupted when a man and woman walked up to Issei and the others.

"Our apologies, but may we ask who you are?"

"My name is Hyoudou Issei and we're friends of Lu Shui-Zan."

"Ah, yes, Shui-Zan mention you within his letter. Please, enter. We will be beginning shortly." Mrs. Lu guided everyone in.

For now, the Shui-Zan copy was still in the coffin as people mourned over his presumed passing. Issei honestly felt guilty for doing this, but in all honesty, the Lin and Lu families had pushed it this far. No matter what, they wouldn't allow their children freedom or happiness. To forever be under the thumb of the parents and elders, that was the fate that the two families desired for Chao-Fang and Shui-Zan. No matter where they went, what they said, what they did, and how fast they ran, the two families dragged them back kicking and screaming. This had to be done.

The plan was simple. They just needed a distraction that would get everyone away while they put in a fresh decoy for Shui-Zan's corpse. The thing was, what would remove any eyes that would notice them?

"Bikou, is there anything that you can tell us? What drives everyone into mass panic in Kunlun?"

"Not much. Although, I do know that fires freak the Sun mafia out."

"What's the deal with that?" Issei was surprised. That was so mundane.

"Apparently, someone set fire to Kunlun once and it traumatized a lot of people. I think my great grandfather accidentally did it while he was drunk. Anyways, ever since then, massive fires would make people flip."

Vali looked at Issei sternly.

"Issei, you wouldn't." She gasped.

"Not like there's a choice." Issei sighed.

He looked around for a fire alarm or a magic circle that served that same purpose. Not a thing. He snuck into the kitchens and found nothing of use either. With a sigh, he grabbed a lighter and lit a piece of paper on fire before fanning it, spreading smoke. Now, he needed to get everyone's attention.

Issei had nothing around him that made sounds like an alarm. The only thing he had that could make something was his…Sacred…Gear. He shrugged. Might as well try the idea he had in his head. He created a whistle and blew on it sequentially, making a high-pitched noise that sounded like an alarm and a flute.

"Fire! It's a giant fire!" He screamed in a high-pitched voice from behind a door.

"FIRE!" Someone instantly roared in panic, smashing through a wall.

"FIRE BAD!"

Immediately, everyone ran out of the Hall. Issei seriously lost all guilt he felt when nobody stuck around for the sake of Shui-Zan's (fake) body.

'I no longer feel guilty about this.' He disappointedly looked at the doorway, which still had the door swinging back and forth from the force pushed upon it.

"Alright, let's get this over with." Issei ran over to the coffin.

Bikou and Issei opened the chestnut coffin and looked inside. There was nothing in there.

"Seriously?!" Issei looked at Bikou exasperatedly.

"I said it would last around 6 hours and I didn't say it was completely accurate. Besides, something's inhibiting my magic."

"Oh, right. I forgot to tell you, we used enchantments on the Hall to keep people from fighting, so magic gets weakened here. Your hairs aren't going to work like they should." Lianshi sheepishly looked away out of embarrassment.

"Seriously?" Issei facepalmed.

"What're we gonna do? They're gonna flip when they see no corpse in the coffin." Kuroka asked.

Issei shook his head. It was just one crazy idea after another. With a loud, growly sigh, Issei raised his hand.

"I'll do it."

He hopped right into the coffin.

"Are you serious?!" Vali smacked him upside the head.

"Look, they're gonna wanna see a body. I'll leave it up to you guys to make up lies."

Issei put a blanket over himself.

"Just make sure to bust me out before you throw me into the crematorium."

As he said that, people returned to the room when all traces of smoke disappeared.

"He's seriously bad for our health." Arthur groaned.

"Where'd you find this guy?" Elaine asked Vali.

"I really don't know." She shook her head in exasperation.


And so, when it was time for family to come and say goodbye, Issei was barraged by a ton of different reactions.

"Why, my child, why did you do this to yourself?" Shui-Zan's mother asked.

"Where's the Yuan you owe me?" One man said while crying.

"I can't believe he died a virgin." One lady sniffled.

"I remember when he got blackmailed into joining a theater troupe." That one came out of left-field.

"I don't even remember his name." Some stranger bawled.

'What's that?' Issei wondered as he felt something drop onto the blanket over his face.

Someone blew their nose.

'It's snot…' Issei blankly concluded.

Issei was officially done now. Some of the people didn't even make sense anymore.

'I really hope people don't react like this when I die...' Issei groaned.

"Why'd you have to die, son? We were going to go into legit business together?" Shui-Zan's father pounded his chest in grief and frustration.

'Oh my god, if he hits my chest one more time, I'm going to black out.' Issei held his breath to keep silent.

The others had no idea what to do. Vali felt sorry for him, but Bikou and Kuroka were pinching themselves to hold their laughter in. Arthur remained indifferent while Lefay and Elaine felt the urge to stop the abuse on Issei.

Vali gasped when Shui-Zan's father hit Issei even harder.

"What was lacking in our love, my son?!" He cried out in despair.

He smacked both arms onto Issei's torso, his head on his stomach. Without looking, he brought both fists down on Issei one last time.

Bam! One giant fist landed square in Issei's face, instantly knocking him out. That was when Lianshi had her guards carry him away.

"No! Let me go! Aiieeeeeeeeee!" Shui-Zan's father was dragged away by Lianshi's guards, after that scene.

As he kicked and screamed while being escorted away, pallbearers appeared to carry the coffin away to the Crematorium. Slowly, everyone walked out of the Hall and towards the pyre where the coffin was to be burned.


Thankfully, Issei was able to wake up just as the Coffin was placed onto the bed of wood.

'They probably haven't brought me to the Crematorium yet…Why is my back sweaty?' Issei wondered.


'Shouldn't we get him out of there?' Lefay looked at the others.

'Not yet. There's too many people watching.' Vali said.

'We need a distraction.' Arthur cleared his throat.

Bikou looked at Sun Quan, signaling with a nod.

'Think he'll be okay till the distraction?' Lefay asked.

The group watched as the pyre was lit.

'Yes, I'm sure he'll be fine.' Bikou passively said.

'It's Issei, I'm sure it's all going according to plan.' Kuroka added.


'PANIC! PANIC! PANIC! PANIC!' Issei was screaming in his mind.

At the moment, the fires inside the cremation pyre had just started. Issei could already feel the heat warming the bottom of the coffin. While nobody heard Issei from the outside, Vali…could. She couldn't explain it properly, but she could sense it. The (comedic) distress he was feeling resonated with her.

"Mmm! Mmm! Mmmmmm!" Issei's muffled screams echoed from the coffin.

Everyone looked around in shock.

"I can still hear his voice!"

"It's like he's still here with us." Someone wailed.

"Okay, we need to get him out now." Vali said.

With that said, a massive shockwave rumbled throughout the area. The ground rumbled and rocks crumbled from the mountains as cracks started slithering across the earth.

"What keeps happening?" Someone said.

Bikou looked at Sun Quan, who had the same look of alarm that he had. This wasn't part of the plan. Regardless, Kuroka took advantage of the moment. Using her illusions, she hid the others from sight before Lefay waved her wand, opening the coffin as Issei jumped out.

"Come on." Bikou took him to the side as he closed the coffin.

With Issei out, they all regrouped at the back. He looked at everyone sternly.

'I can't believe you sick bastards were going to let me burn alive.'

'Sorry.' Everyone looked at him apologetically.


Thankfully, the funeral ended without anymore incidents. Chao-Fang's went off without an issue, thankfully. Thus, the entire incident was now cleared. Unlike Su-Yi, however, Ping wasn't going to be talked out of spilling the beans. Left with no choice, Elaine and Lefay wiped his memory with magic and sent him on his way, but not before smacking him across the head with a mallet for him being annoying.

Now, it was time to send the couple off.

"Three hours of talking and he refused to listen?" Issei asked Shui-Zan.

"Ping has always been stubborn. It only got worse with age. Like what Chao-Fang did, I tried to give my reasons but he wouldn't have it. He kept insisting that the family's future mattered more and that I should just surrender, basically."

(Kung-Fu Panda OST – Oogway Ascends. Play Song.)

"I see. Well, with that said, the funerals are over, your families think you're dead, and you have new lives to live. Still, don't you have any regrets?" Vali asked.

Shui-Zan and Chao-Fang had regretful faces.

"Of course we do…but this is the last resort. We've run to other lands, changed our names, and they did everything they could to drag us back home. To be figureheads and pawns…that's not how we want to live. I know it's selfish but the life that they want for us is no life at all. It's a charade meant to make them look better and to further themselves in the long run. They'll cry and act hurt in front of others, but deep down, they don't really care. The ones that do, are overruled by the ones that don't. I know my father does love me, but his word alone isn't enough to win the arguments amongst the family." Shui-Zan said.

"It's the same for me. While it's wrong to fake our deaths and just run away, it's a decision we'll have to live with. We've already come this far, we can't turn back now." Chao-Fang nodded.

Issei agreed. There were a lot of crocodile tears that were shed at the funeral, that much he would say.

"So, a few strings have been pulled and we've secured a home in a place far removed from where your families know of. It's in America, in the state of California. You two should be able to live freely there. However, things don't work the same way there that they do here. You can't mention your awareness of the Supernatural Realm and all traces of magic that you know, can't be unveiled. I have people that will tell you more when you arrive at your new home." Vali said.

"We can't thank you enough for all you've done. Honestly, you could've just let us die, but you didn't. It's been so long since I had any hope. Thinking back, all I knew was to be a proper lady and to not shame our family. I felt no different from a puppet and when everything just piled, I wanted to just end it all. When you, a total stranger, kept intervening, I was disturbed by it but…I see now that with enough patience…things will work out. Thank you for not giving up on us, even though we were strangers." Chao-Fang said to Issei.

"It's my honor." Issei nodded.

"We should be going now before anything else happens." Shui-Zan held Chao-Fang's hand as they walked away to a magic circle.

Waving goodbye to the others, the couple disappeared, leaving everyone to reflect on what had recently happened.

(Kung-Fu Panda OST – Oogway Ascends. End Song.)

"So, think they'll be alright?" Lefay asked.

"I'm sure of it. They look a whole lot more hopeful now." Issei smiled.

Everyone returned inside, now needing to talk about more serious things.

"So, now that you've gotten all your antics out of the way, it's time to talk about the Jade Empress's vision." Sun Wukong said as he reclined into his chair.

"Been meaning to ask about that." Bikou said.

"The Jade Empress has the power to see into the future for a good bit. A few days ago, she saw that the Khaos Brigade would attack soon. We have one more day to prepare for the attack. However, we've all seen what the Khaos Brigade is capable of. A few days ago, it was brought to our attention that one of Egypt's mythical locations was raided by the Old Satan Faction while a temple in Greece was raided by the Hero Faction. With the damage we saw, a small mountain range like ours probable won't do well."

Bikou knew that was bull since his great grandfather could probably wipe them out by himself. Probably. What was he up to?

"Thus, we've enlisted your help. In exchange, we will completely align with the Alliance and all compensation will be made for your troubles."

"And what exactly did the Empress see in her vision?" Issei asked.

"The earth shattered, stones raining from the sky, and all-around destruction." Sun Wukong said flatly.

"Sounds…extreme."

"Indeed. That's why we'll trade services. Now, the Empress hasn't seen what'll happen in exact detail, however, we do know that the fight will begin the day after tomorrow, around the afternoon. The Hero Faction will attempt to invade in secrecy and we can expect an assault from any and all directions, given the size of their numbers." Sun Wukong puffed his pipe.

"I don't get it, Grandfather, why can't you deal with them?" Bikou asked.

"Because Indra has summoned me for a mission. We will be attacking a base we discovered that belongs to the Khaos Brigade. If not for that, I'd have stayed to deal with this situation. Unfortunately, I owe Indra a favor. As for the Jade Emperor and Empress, something has occurred. For reasons untold…they decided to immediately enter a meditative state. During the vision, the Empress was going to learn even more than she already had. Yet, something stopped it, as if clouding her foresight. In her words, it was malevolent and dark and it even scared her. To find out more, they've begun a powerful meditation to try and peer into what they saw and to see if they can find out more about things to come, maybe even find out what blocked her vision." Wukong explained.

"That's where we come in. We'll serve as added protection for Kunlun until Sun Wukong returns or if we can foil the invasion and capture the enemy leaders. If we can carry out that mission, then Kunlun will ally with us and we can increase our chances of ending the Khaos Brigade even sooner." Vali explained.

"There'll be others helping out too. The Sun and Bu families will be there, as well as other creatures and warriors that live here. You just need to remain mindful of everything. Don't stray from the others, don't lose control of yourself, and don't forget your mission." Wukong warned.

Suddenly two people walked into the house. It was Sun Quan and Lianshi.

"Good, now that you youngsters are all together, I don't have to repeat myself. Let's go over a plan."

Snapping his fingers, a map flew over to the table they were all gathered around.

"Kunlun is one giant mountain with five other mountains around it. We can only assume that their target is the Jade Palace. We'll have to place guards all across the area, since we can't let a single item fall into the enemy's hands. Almost all of you aside from Hyoudou, Arthur, Bikou, and Lianshi are well-suited for fighting multiple opponents. So, aside from those four, you'll all be stationed outside. As for the four that I've just named, it's better that you remain within the palace for the stragglers that get through. You are to each guard the Gardens to the Peaches of Immortality and the Vaults that house magical objects."

As Sun Wukong spoke, he traced names over points on the map depicting Kunlun and the Jade Palace.

"The goal of this mission is to capture or kill the enemy leaders. If that is not possible, then it will be your goal to last as long as possible until the Jade Emperor and Empress or myself, return. Most of all, you all need to make sure that you survive. The Khaos Brigade is dangerous and unpredictable. We don't know the full scope of their abilities and we don't know who's working for them." Wukong warned.


With that said, the planning was adjourned after more thorough talks, leaving everyone to get ready in their own ways. Arthur was training and sharpening his swords. Elaine and Lefay were practicing magic. Vali was reading up on Chinese magic and Chi applications. Kuroka was meditating. Bikou was practicing with his staff. As for Issei, he was training his martial arts and the ability to create weapons from his Sacred Gear. As of late, he was learning how to make other things from his Sacred Gear. He could make keys, tongs, silverware, and a few other things that weren't electronic. This Left Gauntlet was easily becoming his favorite of the Sacred Gears.

The Wukong Estate had a yard full of moving dummies, fully capable of simulating real combat. Issei was training his martial arts skills but the goal was to try and put his powers to use with it. He'd watched Vali, Bikou, and Kuroka fight and was impressed with their ability to cause internal damage with physical strikes.

As he dodged punches and kicks and returned them, he could see improvement. He was hitting harder and faster and he wasn't getting hit was much, even blocking and returning hits. However, he wasn't succeeding with his intended goal.

He wanted to apply his mana and Bahamut's power to his strikes to increase the damage. Rather than just a physical strike, he wanted to be able to cause internal damage to the enemy. Sometimes, he could feel his power ripple from contact, but only once in several strikes. For a long while now, he'd noticed that his attacks were merely physical and were worthless against sturdy opponents or people who had weapons. If this continued, he'd only be a burden to Vali and the others. He remembered his fight with Ashoka, recalling how he had merely toyed with him the entire time.

"You look like you need some help." Someone chuckled.

Looking behind him, it was Sun Wukong.

"You need a bit more work with how you route energy to your attacks. Also, your skill with weapons needs a bit of improvement for enemies that're stronger than this."

The Fighting Buddha circled around Issei.

"You have good form, adequate skill, and the mana reserves to back you up. You also have a number of abilities that'll help you out. I'll give that Lucifer girl a lot of credit. Despite not reaching her peak, she's able to turn a complete newcomer into this already." Wukong chuckled.

"May I ask why you are here?" Issei inquired, feeling a bit insulted.

"I came to check on where you stood, strength-wise. You can give a High-Class Devil a run for their money, but only for the imbecile-class. We need to get you even stronger. That's why I came. Free lessons from the Fighting Buddha. Think you're up for it?"

This was a golden opportunity. A training session with the legendary Monkey King? Yes, please.

"It's my honor." Issei nodded.

"Good. I've seen you fight with your body, attack me with magic. Surely, you've learned some already?"

Issei nodded. Wreathing his hand in orange flame, he blasted it at Wukong. With a puff of his breath, the flames dispersed.

"Hmm…needs work. You barely lit my smoking pipe. Again. This time, with a different element."

This time, Issei fired ice magic at him. Holding his staff in front of him, the block of ice magic shattered.

"Oooh, I think I felt a chill that time." Wukong chuckled

After trying out all kinds of elemental magic, the only kind that Issei had learned thus far, Sun Wukong had easily brushed it all aside. His lightning magic was fizzled out. His wind attack didn't even flap his robes. His earth magic barely moved him from his spot.

"Now that we've established where you stand, let's see you fire that beam. I heard from others that you can fire a navy beam from your arm. Make sure you don't hold back, either. Hit me with all the power you have." Wukong goaded him.

Charging up his attack, he fired the beam at the Monkey King. As requested, he didn't hold anything back. The beam was as large as a train and tore across the yard like a raging stampede. The ground was obliterated into dust as the area shook and shattered from the force of the attack. For a moment, Issei saw Sun Wukong twitch with surprise before the old sage resumed his calm demeanor. With more visible effort, he plunged his staff forward, dispersing the attack but not without several seconds of struggle with it. When the smoke cleared, Issei saw that Sun Wukong had actually been pushed back a few feet.

The Monkey King let out an amused chuckle.

"Now, that's more like it." He puffed his pipe.

(Ip Man Theme. Play Song.)

"Make sure to remember that feeling when you're gathering power into your arm for that attack. That's the key to imbuing your attacks with Abyssal energy."

"Abyssal energy?" Issei asked.

"Bahamut's unique energy signature which we've named. You need to memorize that feeling because it'll help your body memorize how to imbue your physical attacks with that unique energy. Now, let's try imbuing it into your elemental magic." Wukong said.

Creating an orange flame in his hand, Issei tried to remember that feeling he felt when he used his 'Abyssal beam'. That cold calmness that had a hint of chaos and fury. It was like a stream flowing through his veins, which was then focused into his hands. Opening his eyes, he saw that the flame in his hands had become navy-blue.

"Yes, that's it." Wukong smirked in satisfaction.

For the next several hours, he had Issei continue this, trying to get this style of attack to become second-nature. Soon enough, it was on its way to become instinctive, with the time needed for Issei to enhance his attacks growing shorter and shorter. While doing so, he personally taught Issei some martial arts to expand his horizons.

Issei still didn't know why Wukong was helping him, but nonetheless, he'd happily take the lessons.

(Ip Man Theme. End Song.)

"I'm astonished to see how much you can learn in only 10 hours. Now, I suggest you take a break. Your mana is running low and overwork isn't a good idea. Any further and you'll start inuring yourself. A reminder, however." Wukong walked up to Issei to get on his level.

"Do not let your emotions get the best of you. Bahamut's downfall was caused by his own rage and inability to forgive. If your own emotions go out of control, it could very well cause Bahamut to stir, and that is something that no one would like."

"How did you know?" Issei asked.

"I was there when Bahamu had yet to be defeated. I lived on that old world, boy. That was when I had done my exploits that landed me in trouble with the Buddha." Wukong chuckled.

"What more can you tell me?"

Wukong considered that request.

"Well, I honestly don't know much. I've run into past hosts of Bahamut's Sacred Gears and only trained you with what I knew by combining it with that knowledge. Bahamut's activity is tied to rage. When in battle, rage is easily roused. Don't let it get the best of you or you risk causing damage to others and yourself. Still, it's not entirely one-sided. Sometimes, that rage that Bahamut feels, can be used to your advantage if you're capable of controlling it. Anyways, I need to go now. Make sure to keep practicing what we went over today and I promise you'll see moderate improvement in the future. I made sure to give you the quick tutorials." Wukong chuckled.

"Wait, but what about- " Issei tried to ask.

"As for the rest, it's something that you might have to find out on your own. I don't have all the answers, nor did I ever know a lot. I've told you all that I can. The ball's back in your court. That's why I'll leave you with this last bit. The Jade Emperor and Empress want you to directly meet them right now. No delays and no hesitations. It's an utmost urgent matter that they don't wish to delay any further." The Monkey King said as he disappeared from sight.

Issei sighed. That made sense. Old people never finished their thoughts and often left before they could be questioned further.


While Issei had trained, Bikou found himself in a situation that he knew he needed to deal with sooner or later. After dinner, he found Lianshi sitting outside, staring at the stars.

"So, you're not going to spend time with Sun Quan?" He decided to ask.

Lianshi didn't respond.

"You know, people might start spreading rumors if they heard that the esteemed daughter of the Bu family was hanging out with the disgraced descendant of Sun Wukong." Bikou chuckled.

Lianshi chuckled, shaking her head.

"Let them think what they want."

"So, you excited about the wedding? It's supposed to be in a few weeks, right?" Bikou asked.

He honestly didn't know why he was asking. He didn't even understand why he wanted to talk about it. It almost felt masochistic. Then again, it was probably his attempt at moving on.

"Yeah."

"How're the in-laws?"

"Pretty nice, actually." Lianshi nodded.

"What about the rest of the family?"

"They're all quite nice. It was Sun Quan's parents' generation that decided to go legal. I guess they decided that lives of crime just weren't worth it." Lianshi sighed.

"He's a really cool guy. Even when Issei came up with that plan out of nowhere, he instantly agreed to it and did all he could. Not to mention, he paid for our entire trip around Kunlun, was completely nice to everyone, and he didn't even bat an eye when we spent time alone. You've found a good guy…" Bikou chuckled.

"Yeah…I sure did." Lianshi listlessly said.

Ever since Shui-Zan and Chao-Fang left, Lianshi had been acting a bit differently. She'd been lost in thought and seemed to zone out constantly. Did this hit a nerve with her?

Bikou sighed. He knew it was time to get serious. This was how Lianshi approached deeply serious moments. She would gear herself up before coming right out with it all. She was the kind to keep her troubles to herself and when it was time to release it, she erupted. Whenever she did, it would be a rare moment. She'd lose her ability to think logically and would just vent her emotions until she'd emptied that emotional basin that would cause her so much grief. She wouldn't have whatever anyone else said, she would only be able to focus on speaking her mind.

"So, I assume there's a reason you stayed this late?" Bikou inquired.

Lianshi was silent, gathering her thoughts.

(Fairy Tail OST – Past Story. Play Song.)

"Mei Hou, what were your thoughts when you decided to become a Devil?"

"It's just like how I said. I didn't think there was a way for me to return. I thought my life here was over and that I'd never see any of you again. So, I decided to start over." Bikou recounted.

"I see." Lianshi's breath faltered.

"Why do you sound so irritated?" Bikou looked at her indignantly.

Lianshi shot up and looked at him with the angriest expression he'd ever seen. She looked like a fierce tiger that was about to maul her prey. Yet, he froze in shock. What surprised him the most, was the trail of tears going down her face.

"Because it showed me that you cut me out of your life! It showed that I didn't matter anymore. You cast the people who cared about you out of your life, forgot about us, and chose a new life. I told you, didn't I? That I'd find a way to get you home, that I'd always wait for you! Yet, I find out that you became a Devil to one of the highest houses in the Underworld. Do you know how much it hurt me to see that?"

Bikou was too stunned to even speak. He could only listen.

"I don't want to marry Sun Quan, I wanted to marry you!" Her voice echoed as she yelled..

"I-I…"

"I held off on that decision but when I saw just how happy you were with your new life, I knew that it was over for me. There wasn't anymore room in your life for me. The entire time I was here, I could only think of how to get you back home. I wanted you to come back home so that I could tell you how I felt. My entire family and Quan's family kept pressuring me to marry, to solidify this ceasefire. All through that time, the thought of you kept me going. The possibility of finally telling you of how I felt kept me strong. When I found out that I was the reason for your banishment, I wanted to crumble. I even tried to get to you, but it was too late and I was forbidden to search for you. Do you know how painful that was?!"

Bikou could only hang his head in regret, feeling worse every time Lianshi lashed out with her words.

"I didn't want it to come to this. I just wanted to know how you felt but I can see that it's too late. The worlds that we live in are too different. You've forgotten all about us and not only that, but you didn't even say anything when you found out about the arranged marriage. You didn't try to stop it and just encouraged it. You say you know me, but you couldn't even tell when I was lying!" Lianshi stepped back.

"Lianshi, wait!" Bikou called out.

"Wait for what?!"

"Let me explain myself." Bikou begged.

"I-"

(Fairy Tail OST – Past Story. End Song.)

At that instant, all of Kunlun shook, trembling like blocks stacked on top of each other.

"What the hell?!" Bikou gasped.

Both him and Lianshi felt terrifying goosebumps crawl across their skin. Something massive was coming. They didn't have the time to talk anymore. They were about to have the biggest fight of their lives. Most unsettling of all, this earthquake felt like that tremor from earlier at the funeral. Completely unnatural.


Far away within the Jade Palace, Issei was brought to the chamber where the Jade Emperor and Empress were meditating.

(Naruto Shippuden OST – Cold Ground. Play Song.)

It was a round room made entirely of jade. Golden lines full of magic symbols trailed into the center of the room, creating a circle. All around them, were statues of golden dragons and talismans that hung from the ceiling.

"Welcome, Hyoudou Issei, please, sit down."

"There is much to talk about."

Doing as told, he sat across from the two, waiting to be spoken to.

"You must be wondering why we summoned you here, today." The Jade Emperor said.

Issei nodded.

"I understand that you are looking for these."

Opening his hand, the Jade Emperor materialized navy greaves from a flash of green light.

"Are those…"

"Another piece of Bahamut's Sacred Gears, yes." The Emperor nodded.

"We now offer this to you." The Jade Empress said.

"However, there is an exchange that must be made."

"What sort?" Issei asked.

"As you may already know, Bahamut was one of the greatest representations of destruction and power. In the old galaxy, he was unrivaled, with his seat of power being vacant here in this new galaxy. There are those who come close to him, but still don't match his strength. It goes without saying that in reflection, the more of his Sacred Gears you obtain, the stronger you shall become."

"And so, we will give this to you on only one condition, you must abandon everyone you hold dear." The Jade Empress declared.

"What?" Issei looked at them incredulously.

What sort of stupid condition was that?

"The more bonds you have, the more openings you have. Rage is one of the easiest emotions to trigger. It was rage that caused the downfall of the old galaxy and it caused the death of everyone within it, due to Bahamut. If you were to obtain more power while holding onto your bonds, then you could repeat the same calamity that occurred back then." The Emperor explained.

"Think about it. Your friends mean everything to you, yes?" The Empress gently said.

"They do." Issei said without hesitation.

"And what would you do if they were all killed, perhaps in your very presence."

Issei paused. He hated and dreaded the very idea of it. He always put more stock in the philosophic and emotional things in life. His friends brought him joy, growth, sometimes grief, and learning. He honestly felt that he had become a better person upon meeting them and developing bonds with them.

"I…I would probably react terribly." Issei sighed.

"Exactly. Loss can trigger many things. Most of all, it causes pain. Pain will lead to grief. Grief can boil and bolster into poison. That poison infects and changes the person who has lost, and instills rage and hatred within them. When that person can no longer withhold that pain, they will break and all of that controlled pain and rage will be unleashed upon those around them. The easiest way to cause this, is the loss of people that we love."

Issei was honestly quite disgusted. These two were trying to control him. They were trying to entice him with the power that was in front of him, via Bahamut's next piece. However, he could only have it if he let go of everyone he cared about. If he didn't abandon them, then he wouldn't be given the next piece of the Sacred Gear set. Issei felt Bahamut's innate hatred stirring. The thought of being controlled sparked negativity within him almost instantly. To be baited and then confronted with a term that made no sense to him, for the benefit of others, was disturbing.

"Easy now. Let's not let things progress down that road." The Jade Emperor warned, sensing the growing irritation.

Issei shook his head.

"I'm sorry, but I must decline."

"Oh?" The Jade Emperor raised a brow.

"I appreciate the gesture, but I will not let go of the people that I love simply for power. In the first place, I only gathered the pieces aside from the ones that I was born with, because the people that I love were in danger. I genuinely have no other reason to gather the other pieces. I have no desire for power for the sake of it."

"And what'll you do if you need power in the future? You can't fight everything as you are now."

"Maybe so. If I need power in the future, then I'll call for it. If it won't come to me, I'll force it to. If that doesn't work, then I'll fight tooth and nail. If that fails, then I'll even sacrifice my soul if it's for the sake of the people that I care about. If I'm to gain power through such a cold method, then I don't need it. The power that I have is for the sake of others, that much, my heart tells me. If I were to gain more power while letting go of my personal relations, then what would that power be for?" Issei asked.

He stood up, completely done with the conversation.

(Naruto Shippuden OST – Cold Ground. End Song.)

The Jade Emperor and Empress were about to respond, only for the Empress to gasp.

Turning around, Isisei saw that her eyes were glowing jade green. Her expression was distant, as if she wasn't all there. When the light in her eyes faded, a massive tremor immediately shook the room they were in.

"What was that?" Issei asked.

"We've been fooled. The Khaos Brigade aren't invading. It's something else. Without a doubt, they're up to something, but the invasion isn't happening in two days. It's happening right now." The Empress rubbed her forehead.

Issei grit his teeth, feeling completely caught off-guard. The moment he turned around, he felt something strike him from behind. He gagged at the unexpected force as he felt his legs being encased in something. It felt cold before some pain began coiling around them, forcing him to his knees.

Was he being betrayed?

He looked down and was shocked to see that Bahamut's greaves were wrapping around his legs, fusing to him like how his other Sacred Gears did.

"What?" Issei was utterly flabbergasted.

"This new enemy…is unlike anything you've faced before. This power will be necessary. Our survival just might depend on it. Now, go." The Jade Emperor commanded.

Not in the mood to argue or ask or balk, Issei made a break for it to get outside as quickly as possible. When Issei was gone, the Jade Emperor and Empress chuckled.

"You could've just told him you were going to let him have it from the start." The Empress laughed.

"It wouldn't have been a test, otherwise. I just wanted to see how desperate he was for power and I wanted to see what he prioritized more. Besides, he may act like that now, but one small moment is enough to completely change a person to the deepest core. Only time will tell if his words will hold up. Besides...I was wondering if our son was still the same as before." The Emperor huffed.

"Still, do you think they'll succeed?" He added.

"I know they will. I've already seen it. Still, I want to know what's blocking my future sight. I need to continue my meditation to see if I can find out more. While the children fight outside, we need to fight from here. If that boy is going to continue down this road…then I feel that it's best that I do what I can here."

"What did you see?" The Jade Emperor grew disturbed.

"The boy must overcome this trial…He must…Or the Beasts will win." The Empress trailed off, doubt dripping from her voice.


I'm glad to see that you all liked the new dynamic between Bikou and Kuroka, plus the addition of Lianshi. I was wondering if she'd be well-received, like how people liked Izalana from the original story. After going through a lot of my old stuff, I found that there was a mix between the reception of the OCs for the original "Heroic Calamity".

Vetrazin was the most popular choice for the "What-If" stories, where Issei would be paired with a specific girl, instead of Vali. Following up, was Izalana, then Lefay, and then Kuisha. I also recall that Vetrazin won the poll too, for being the first to get her side-story with Issei.

Still, I remember the reviews stating people earing her, since…well, the old readers from the original story know what I'm talking about. I'd still prefer it if none of you threw spoilers around, though. Might affect what I have planned or maybe not.

Anyways, enough of me ranting and babbling. I hope you all had a laugh and a good time and I will see you at the next update.