Slayer: Ah… I got nothing.

Kusanagi: Okay?

Neos: I think his brain is a little dead for some reason.

Mizore: Aww, here a hug~.

Slayer: Thank you. I'm just tired as I try and edit this. Probably will wake up more half way through it.

Shadow: Probably.

Neos: Mhm.

Slayer: Well I hope everyone has been enjoying the improved story, getting rid of the extra baggage has been a good idea I say.

Shadow: Speaking of baggage we'll be changing quite a bit this chapter.

Mizore: It is for the best.

Slayer: Yep! Now since we literally got nothing else, Neos please start us off.

Neos: Sure why not? We here at the Dark Guard productions own nothing by Oc's and reality building concepts. Now without further ado…

Everyone: Here's the story!

Nero

Thoughts/talking to inner voice

'Kusanagi'

Chapter Seven: The Tale Begins

The Yuki-Onna (Mizore)

It had been two hours since we've brought Hunter back to the school. And despite giving him all of the blood vials we had on hand, his wounds had still not healed. In fact I think the overdose on blood vials had maybe made it worse… Right now we're all in the clinic watching him as he panted and sweated.

He looked like he was in extreme pain, and all I could do was sit there and hold his hand. Every once in a while he'd yell out in his sleep, screaming in pain. Sometimes even yelling out in fear from some kind of nightmare he was having. While I was on his left side, I looked over to Shirone who was on his right. The poor girl was crying while holding onto his hand as if he'd die at any second. It pained my heart to see that sweet child like that.

The others were just as somber but not as worried as the two of us. After all we were much closer to the voidwalker. I finally decided that worrying and moping around wasn't going to fix anything. I got up and moved to Shirone and pulled the girl into a tight embrace. The small Nekoshou buried her face into my chest as I stroked her head the way Hunter does. She calmed down after a while and eventually fell asleep in my arms. Picking her up I made to move out of the room.

Tsukune looked at me confused. "Where're you going Mizore san?" Stopping right outside the door I turned to him with determination in my eyes.

"First I'm dropping Shirone off in my room; the poor girl has it rougher than any of us. Even myself…" I mumbled that last part so they didn't hear me. "After which I'm going to see the chairman. Hunter's wounds aren't healing no matter what we do. That is worrying me. They're healing as slow as a human. And Hunter has always shown great regenerative abilities… I'm hoping he'll be able to help us find out what's wrong."

"There's no need for that." All of us jumped at the voice. Turning around we all calmed down when we saw the chairman. Though it was only a bit since he still creeped most of us out. He continued talking once we calmed down slightly. "Good evening everyone, I'm here to check on our resident Voidwalker. His condition also worries me since he has a job to do." He looked at Tsukune who fidgeted under his gaze. Turning back to my boyfriend he walked up to his sweating form. Putting a rather young hand on his forehead; we all saw his body glow before it was transferred to Hunter. When the light died down we all saw that he was exactly as before.

"Oh no… that isn't good. In fact this is what I feared the most!" Hearing the chairman panic like that only made my fears worse.

I spoke up with a terrified voice. "What's wrong with him? Please tell me!" Everyone looked worried but mostly sorrowful as the chair man turned to me. Sighing he answered me.

"He was shot with a powerful dark maker bullet. They have the same strength as Hunter's quicksilver bullets. However they have the extra bonus of a very unique poison. The poison makes it so any unnatural healing ability is made void. Useless, along with all healing spells, items, or even blood transfusions which Hunter uses. Not even the soul arts would work for healing a wound like this. And since it shut off his healing before being hit with the bombs…"

I answered with eyes wide. "His wounds are so much worse than we first thought aren't they?" He nodded his head solemnly. Tears bristled at my eyes, it just wasn't fair! I liked him for so long and now when we just barely got together… he gets wounded so badly he could die in any minute! I- I didn't want to lose him! He was the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. Him and his crazy actions, to his wonderful kind and protective side, to even his cool scheming side! I don't want that to go away!

I wanted to introduce him to my mother and show him around the village. I had no doubt that his mastery over three types of elemental magic, including ice would astound them. His strength would crush any opposition to us marrying, and no doubt everyone else would be jealous. I also wanted to help raise Shirone, because despite it being only a few days I've grown attached to the girl. Not to mention I wanted to raise our children together. Was I thinking of things too quickly? Probably but I doubted Hunter would care and would agree with me.

But now… Looking back over to him I could only pray to his patron the Outsider that he'll watch over him. After a small prayer I decided I wouldn't quite completely rely on him, turning back to the chairman I asked him what I could do.

He put his hand to his chin in thought. "Hmm… Well I suppose there is one cure… But I don't think you'd be able to obtain it with the strength you all have now. Perhaps if you could convince Ginei and if I could get some others… than maybe you could pull it off alive." He seemed stuck in thought before folding his arms and nodding to us. "Alright I have an idea but only those willing to risk life and limb should go. I'll ask the Outsider to see if he can also send some help." He grimaced slightly after that. "Expect all help to be rather strange though." All of us nodded our heads at him before turning to each other.

We knew what we were going to do. Tsukune was the one to voice our decision. "All of us are going. Despite the way he acts I know that Hunter would do the same for us. At the very least we can save his life as he has saved ours." The chairman seemed to smile at that before turning to leave. Before that though he gave us one last bit of advice.

"From now on I suggest you start training. The one who left Hunter in his current state was someone on the low end of the totem pole. I can't even state how strong someone even a little higher will be." With that he left and let that statement hang in the air. That man Hunter fought was just a low level grunt. I couldn't even imagine at the time what someone stronger would be like. I grimaced at that, Hunter barely defeated him. Though I also had some hope. After all Hunter didn't have Kusanagi on him, now he has his enemies strength added onto himself.

For now all I can do is hope. Looking back at Hunter I walked over still holding Shirone in my arms. Bending over carefully so I didn't drop her I kissed Hunter on the lips. I pulled back after a few seconds with my face being red. Still I made a promise to his unconscious form.

"That was my first kiss you know. I hope to forever treasure it." After a smiling sadly I looked at him seriously. "I promise to look after your sister and to get strong enough to fight by your side." With that I left while everyone stared at me in shock. Well besides Kurumu, instead she was looking at me with tears in her eyes. Then again she was a succubus so I didn't pay her reaction much thought. Although Hunter seemed a bit calmer after my kiss. I could only hope that was a good sign.

You wouldn't harm a line break would you?

The Voidwalker (Hunter)

Opening my eyes I could see a blue sky with huge white puffy clouds going across its giant expanse. However feeling the ground underneath me all I could feel was soft snow. Sitting up and looking down to it I grab a small handful within a gloved hand. Holding it up I didn't feel any cold coming from it. Instead it filled my heart with warmth and happiness. Looking at it closer I could see flecks of purple in it, the same shade as Mizore's hair. Looking more around I raised an eyebrow when I saw white cattails springing forth from the snowy ground.

Walking over to one I plucked it and gave it an appraisal. What I felt from it was the pride and joy I felt from being around Shirone. I wasn't too sure as to what was going on, or just why the snow and cattails made me feel this way. Looking around once more I saw a red crystal floating in the sky with lightning, wind, and ice flowing around it. There was also another equally large crystal next to it, though that one had metal floating around it. What kind of metal I simply couldn't tell ya. Shaking my head I brought a hand to my eyes and looked out towards the horizon. My eyes widened as the field of snow and cattails extended on forever.

'It's nice isn't it?' Looking behind me towards the familiar voice I looked to see a very young yet mature looking woman. Her hair was pure white and it draped around her shoulders and back. With three long bangs slightly covering her left eye. Speaking of eyes her were red with black fox like slit pupils. Her figure was rather petite and she was actually pretty short. Yet she wore a low cut black kimono, and a green kimono with flower designs on its sleeves and around its bottom edge. I also noticed how she had nine white and green tipped fox tails, as well as how she had two white and green tipped fox ears. Finally in her hair was a small silver tiara decorated with sapphires.

After a moment I couldn't help but fold my arms before questioning the woman. "So… who are you? And what in the void is this place?" She gave me a friendly smile while taking out a fan and giggling behind it. "I say something funny?" Shaking her head she closed the fan before finally answering my questions.

'No I just honestly thought you'd recognize me by my voice at least. But it's me Kusanagi, the form you see me have is one I based on lady Amaterasu. You like it?' After humming I nodded good naturedly.

"Actually I think you look rather beautiful, though even now I say Mizore is more beautiful. No offense or anything." She grinned at me laughing before waving her hand at me.

'Nah! I completely understand, in fact I say that's a good thing even.' She then opened up the fan and hid her face behind it. 'Now as for your question about where we are. We are inside your soul or inner world if you'd prefer. I will admit that despite your rather… exuberant personality, your soul is truly one of the best ones I've been in. I simply adore the snow and cattails.'

I couldn't help but shrug at that. "Honestly I'm surprised this place isn't filled to the brim with blood and fire. But I definitely prefer this." She giggled as I then pointed to the snow and cattails. "So I'm guessing these represent my care for Shirone and Mizore then?"

She nodded before plucking a cattail with her free hand. 'They are indeed, despite how long you've known them you've accepted them as important. So important that your soul changed from a blood soaked Yharnam to this wondrous field. At least that is what your darker half said. It's a good sign that you're changing in the right direction.' I smiled as I looked out towards the fields, that's when I felt her hand on my shoulder.

She smiled back before continuing. 'The cattails came after you let Shirone into your heart.' She then pointed to the crystals above. 'Now as you may have also guessed the crystal with the elements around it represents your power. As for the other that's Shizu Gun-meister's power. You've yet to partake in it, but since you're here I suggest you do so before we continue.' Nodding my head I quickly did what I usually did to increase my strength. After a bit I was done using up the blood echoes. Looking back up my eyes widened in surprise as the two crystals smashed into each other. Both shattered and eventually reformed into another larger one. Even the elements flowing around it had gotten bigger. What's more I now had the metal floating around my crystal.

However looking down I clenched and unclenched my hand. For some reason the amount of power I got was greater than it would be normally. And I'm not saying that because Shizu was so strong. No I meant the power up I got was larger than it should have been.

As if sensing my confusion Kusanagi spoke up. 'It is because you're in your inner world. Your very soul to be precise.' I looked back to her giving her my full attention. 'You see normally you would have to waste some of the echoes to push the energies together not being able to fully see or feel them. In here you can do both, you always unintentionally let some of the power flow away.' She paused letting me digest that before continuing.

'But in here you know exactly how much you have so none disappears. Before when you missed some your darker half would collect it into its self. But now you can take your full power.' Nodding my head I then frowned while looking around. 'Is something the matter master?'

I shook my head before turning back to her. "Not really I'm just wondering where my dark side actually is."

Smiling brightly she pointed in over to the east, I couldn't help but blink at the dark clouds. 'That my dear wielder is the dark maker poison running its course in your body, or at the least a representation. Right now your darker side is doing what she can to keep it at bay. But once it reaches here we'll be in for a rather tough fight. Already the darkness summons your inner demons and nightmares to fight us. Right now she can only keep the dark clouds back. But we don't know for how long. Thankfully it is a spiritual poison so it can be held back.' I pursed my lips at this information. Truly this is the worse predicament ever. I was going to die, to myself basically.

Looking back at my still rather calm new friend I sighed. "And how are you so calm about this?" She grinned before putting the fan back over her mouth.

'Simple!~ I have absolute faith in Nero to hold the enemy off as I teach you how to use my powers! I am a weapon made originally for a god after all.~' I couldn't help but blink as I remembered the legend surrounding her, though I was more concerned by something else.

"Who is Nero?"

She smiled happily while clasping her hands together. 'That's the name I've been calling your dark half!~ She seems to like it, reminds her of what Flora called her before she manifested inside of you.' I looked at her confused.

"Uh… who's Flora? And how did this Flora put… Nero inside of me"

Her grin seemed to widen at my question. 'Flora was the moon presence or Great old one in charge of the hunter's dream. When you became a hunter Hunter she put Nero or Black back then, inside of you to fight off the beast infection. That's how she's always done it for the other hunters.' I couldn't help but purse my lips as I looked back at the dark clouds.

After a moment and epiphany came to me. "So that's why she was always female! Thank the void for that! I always thought it had something to do with me. Yet it was mostly this great old one's fault!" Kusanagi looked at me strangely as I coughed into my fist. "Okay so how should we do this?"

I was greeted by a bone chilling smile. 'Oh that will be easy, for even in my sealed state once you learn how to use me. Than nothing will stand in our way! I was blessed by the god of storms and goddess of the universe after all.' She then seemed to perk up before smiling normally bright again. 'But first I think you should see this.' Waving her hand in the air I saw something that confused me. It was an image with Mizore holding Shirone. To say I was confused was an understatement.

"What is thi-" I was cut off by Kusanagi sushing me and simply pointing at the image. After a bit of watching everyone simply talk I was about to try and ask again. But before I could ask what was going on my eyes widened in shock when Mizore kissed me on the lips.

I could practically feel that all the way inside my soul! Then I heard the promise she made. I gave a small chuckle as my chest grew warm, and much to my surprise the darkness went further away from where we were at. I smiled while thanking Mizore from the bottom of my heart. Feeling like I now had enough motivation I turned back to Kusanagi as the image disappeared.

"So… what's up first?" Again I was answered by that chilling grin of hers. I felt it even more so as she swung her arm out, summoning a long jian the center was black but the edges were green.

'If you want to start so bad… than who am I to say no?~' Hunter immediately regretted his decision.

You wouldn't harm a line break would you?

The Dragon (Bladedancer/Neos)

I had no idea what I had just gotten myself into. All I know was that I was called in to do a favor for the Outsider. A favor in which he would then owe to me, and only a true madman wouldn't want a favor from the ruler of the void. Didn't mean I liked going into something unprepared, however that was just the way the Outsider did things. Sighing I looked observed the rather ominous school building in front of me. It had a distinct look that I couldn't help but like.

Hmm, cool building but I think my academy's castle like structure is better. As I walked through the halls the students gave me curious looks. Looks which I promptly ignored as I continued on my way, though my attire probably had something to do with it.

I was wearing a dark white duster, with a blue long sleeved shirt underneath with silver metal plates over it; on my hands were blue fingerless gloves, I also wore white pants and combat boots. The boots were also blue in color and had sliver plates over the most vulnerable areas. Over my face was a white gasmask helmet hybrid. Honestly the gasmask was what was probably making people wary of me. Not that I cared all that much, for after spending so much time in a toxic wasteland. I was a bit paranoid about these kinds of things, so instead of responding to the stares. I instead casually walked inside the school. I was only there for a job after all.

I however quickly deduced that no one would be of any help, so instead of asking I took out a piece of paper that had directions to the school's chairman office. After a bit of walking I finally made it to my destination. Once inside I saw five other kids one looked my age while three looked a year younger, and one looked eleven. All five of them were looking at me warily, again most likely because of the mask. I folded my arms while I stared at the white cloaked priest, and though unseen I raised an eyebrow at his glowing eyes but spoke up.

"The Outsider basically gave me the rundown on the situation. What I need to know is where we're going and who's coming with." The man nodded his head while leaning back into his chair.

"Well first off we'll be needing your dimensional talents to go to a specific dimension. I'll give you the coordinates after the meeting." I nodded my head in understanding and let him continue. "Once there I'll need you to find the cure to a very specific poison. You see the student was hit with a dark maker bullet; which means that he was poisoned by Ingato wolo poldo."

The boy with short dark brown hair questioned the man. "What does that mean?" I sighed and translated it for him.

"It means Deep wound poison in Abyssal." He contemplated that before shrugging with a devious smirk.

"Yeah that first part doesn't sound deep at all." I slapped my face before reprimanding him for the pun.

"First of all that was absolutely terrible! Secondly please don't pun again; reality knows I get enough of that from my girlfriend's older sister." The guy folded his arms and nodded understandingly. Taking a breath at having averted a crisis I turned back to the chairman. "I understand why I was called now; there is only one known cure for the poison. But to get it…" The chairman sighed at that.

"Yes I know you'll have to use an Abyssal portal and travel to the dimension closet to the Abyss. However once there, the cure should be easy to find, it is a fairly common plant you're looking for." I nodded my head and spoke again.

"Well if that's the case I don't need coordinates I've already been there a couple of times." I then shudder at the memory. "Not a friendly place to say the least … Anyways…" I said while turning towards the others. "I take it that these guys are coming with me or something? Because if they are they should know that this will take a couple of weeks." At this I looked directly at the group. A girl with light purple hair was the first to step forward. To be honest she kind of reminded me of my half-sister.

"We all decided to go already no matter how dangerous it could be. Hunter is my- I mean a good friend and he would do the same for any of us. So just tell us what we need and we'll go with you." I smiled at the almost slip up, and nodded my head at their determination. But then I smirked as I realized something.

"You're his girlfriend aren't you?" The girl freezes as her face turns bright red.

"What…girlfriend?" I laughed at that a bit.

Shaking my head I got out a pen and paper from my void pocket and wrote down what they'll need. I then handed it to the purple haired girl. Taking it gratefully the chairman than excused them so they could get ready. This left the two of us alone. I turned back to him.

"Well I'm guessing those were his friends?" At his nod I couldn't help but chuckle. "Now that's a bit surprising, usually those from the void don't let people in." The Chairman chuckled himself before commenting.

"Well to be honest it's only Mizore the purple haired Yuki-Onna, and his adopted sister that he's truly opened up to. His sister is a white haired Nekoshou that he saved, very heroically I might add. Though I have no doubt he'll open himself to the others soon enough." I smirked at this.

"Well it seems as though we have more in common than I first thought." For a second I reached up to my right eye, an eye that flashed white behind my black lenses. "I'm glad I'll be able to count on him in the future." With that I bowed before leaving the office. I still wanted to have a look around the school. After all it's not every day you're in a school designed specifically for yokai.

However that begs the question… Why is there a human boy here?

You wouldn't harm a line break would you?

The Voidwalker

It had been a couple hours since I began training with Kusanagi. And so far… She's pretty much has kicked my but all over the snowy field.

"Argh!" I once again cried out in pain after she kicked me in the chest. Call me crazy, err crazier. But I do believe her fighting style had mine beat outright, though she said mine was fine and I just needed more training. I honestly didn't know how that worked, not that I had much of a style in the first place. It was just me looking for as many openings as possible, attacking those openings, and using quick dodges to avoid as much damage as possible… okay so maybe it was kind of a style but I still had a long way to go.

"Well that's going to leave a mark." At her sarcastic remark I looked back up at her, her smirk granted me strength through anger. However as I got up she charged me again. I barely had enough time to roll backwards onto my feet as she axe-kicked my last location. And judging by the small hole she created it probably would've broken many a rib if I stayed there. Sure it would've been temporary since I'm only mentally training myself. I'll have to train my body to be able to handle the strain later. Gripping onto my Kusanagi, which still sounds weird mind you… I charged at her while trying to channel the lightning from the sword. Kusanagi had taught me that so I could be as fast as lightning.

However… While dashing to her side I ended up tripping and falling face first into the snow. I also believe a cattail went inside my mouth. Besides my pained groan the only thing I heard was my "partners" melodic laughing. It was a nice laugh, but not as nice as Mizore's, or Shirone's. But it was a close third. Propping myself up with my arms I spat out the offending plant. Based off my sister or not those things taste nasty. And now I grimace at that thought. It didn't exactly come out right. Jumping to my feet and dusting myself off I turned towards my opponent.

"That lightning channeling is pretty tricky, any more advice on it?" She thought for a moment before shaking her head.

'Nope sorry I've told you everything about it. Besides you're picking up on it quicker than most people.' I blushed a bit because of the praise. Wincing as I felt my side I could tell a nasty bruise was probably going to form. Kusanagi held nothing back but yet stopped every now and then to give me advice. It was different then the way I'm used to getting stronger. In fact now that I thought about it, this was actually the first true time I've ever trained. Any other time I've gained strength from literally stealing it from my dead enemies.

That said I was improving quite a bit still, having someone actually train you was remarkable. Blocking another sword strike I quickly made her sword slip to the side as I slash upwards. However showing her agility once more she leaned far enough that the blade sailed harmlessly over her. I then felt weightless as she swept my legs from underneath me. Falling on my back I rolled out of the way as she stabbed at my last location. Jumping to my feet I swung once more only to be parried and have the hilt of her sword slammed into my face.

"Owww…" I held my now bleeding nose as I snapped it back into place. I gave a muffled sigh. Only to be once again kicked in the chest. Flying backwards I flipped myself up right and sent energy down to my hands and feet. Gripping the ground I slowed my momentum down, just fast enough to cart wheel out of the way of another sword thrust. Recovering quickly I charged back at her and went in for multiple thrusts in quick succession. If this was another fight with Xenolith I'd probably have won by now. Especially with how fast my attacks were just now. However…

Reacting quickly she managed to knock my blade to the side after a bit. Scowling I used that momentum to quickly turn myself in the direction of the deflection. This allowed me to try and bisect her. To be honest I really wasn't worried about harming her at this point.

Moving quickly she bent backwards as the blade sailed over her head. She then stood straight up and gave me a good right hook to the face.

Spitting out saliva and blood I flew for a bit. I eventually landed and rolled to a stop. However I was beat, I couldn't even move. Seeing me like this and breathing a little hard herself Kusanagi smiled at me.

'Alright let's take a little break and begin again in an hour.' I could only nod my head at that.

I wonder what the others are up to? Hopefully they don't do something too dangerous for me.

You wouldn't harm a line break would you?

The Yuki-Onna

I suddenly sneezed hard for some reason. Sniffling a bit I looked over at the sleeping form of Shirone. Luckily I didn't wake the emotionally exhausted girl.

That's odd, I know I can't get a cold and I don't have allergies… Shaking my head I get ready for bed, it was already rather late and I would need my strength. I'm not exactly sure where we'll be going. But based on what they were talking about the trip wouldn't be easy. Slipping on my pajamas I crawled into bed. Feeling another body Shirone curled up close to me.

Smiling at her I wrapped an arm around her protectively. I then whispered lightly into her ear.

"Don't worry Shirone, until your brother's better I'll protect you." Then as if I was running on instinct I kissed her forehead and hugged her closer. In return I saw a small smile form on the girl's face. Smiling myself I closed my eyes soon after.

The next time I opened them was early in the morning. To be honest I was hoping that last night was a bad dream. But looking down to the still sleeping form of Shirone, I knew it wasn't. Sighing I got up and quickly got changed into the clothes I picked out for today.

Black tights with black long boots, and a white skirt with black accents. I also had on a long black sleeved shirt with a white vest over it. A vest that had tons of pockets on it mind you. I also wore this because the material was better made than the schools uniform. Plus based on what our… chaperone said this was not going to be a walk in the park. Nothing like the school skirmishes that we get into every now and then. By the time I was done getting dressed Shirone had woken up. She blinked repeatedly in order to get her eyes adjusted to the light. Upon spotting me she tilted her head in confusion.

"Mizore Nee Chan why am I in your room?" I looked at her sadly before going over to her, and wrapping her smaller body in a hug. She seemed confused for a couple seconds, before her eyes widened as she remembered. I heard a few sniffles before she talked.

"I won't cry… Onii Chan needs me to be strong now, so I can't cry." I pulled her in tighter; I was actually surprised at how proud of her I was with how brave she was trying to be. However as much as I hate to say it, Shirone needed Hunter more than I did. Maybe hates too harsh of a word, but she had already lost one family. Losing another so soon would completely devastate her. She was only holding up thanks to Hunter meeting her so soon afterword's. So in order to save him we'll all need to work together with this masked man.

I thought about him for a few moments, trying to piece together his character. So far he seemed nice enough, also strong to. But his features were just a little intimidating. Just what did he look like? What kind of place was he leading us to? And why did he hate puns so much? These questions flew around in my head as I caught Shirone up to speed. And continued to do so even after the two of us were ready and packed. I protested against it but she was adamant that she help Hunter.

"He saved both my life and my light. So now it's time for me to save him!" Her words had left little room for argument. So I reluctantly nodded my head as we left to the front gates. That was where we would be meeting everyone. Once there I looked to see who came. Tsukune was there despite still being human. Moka was there as well, most likely to make sure he doesn't die. Also Kurumu and Yukari were there. However what surprised me the most was Gin. He didn't seem to care all that much for Hunter, yet here he was trying to help. I couldn't help but smile seeing how we probably misjudged him a little.

Maybe it was how close the full moon was that was making Gin a little crazy? Shaking my head I observed what everyone was wearing. Now while Gin and Yukari were wearing their usual school clothes for some reason, the others had actually changed. Tsukune was now sporting blue jeans, a white undershirt, and an unbuttoned grey long sleeved shirt over it.

Moka was wearing a pink skirt, a red shirt, and a dark red short cropped jacket over it. Kurumu had on a yellow skirt with a blue long sleeved shirt and white tights. As for our guide, he just had on what he had worn yesterday. Next to me Shirone wore a two tailed white coat, with the top two buttons unbuttoned. She also wore a white long sleeved shirt underneath. She also had on a short black skirt, black tights, and white combat boots. On her hands were the gloves she always wore.

I guess this is as good as we're going to get. I sighed before turning my attention to our guide who began talking.

"Alright rookies! Listen up because I'm only saying this once! This trip will not be like your regular school trips! Where we're going is not someplace even I liked to go at full power. However that is where the plant for the antidote exists. The place is called Outslan or Far Gone. It is a world with a dead surface, dead trees, cliffs, enormous underground caverns, and ravenous beasts who won't hesitate to eat your face. Nothing there is friendly, nowhere there is truly safe, and the place is filled with poisonous clouds that could melt you in seconds." That got the others besides Shirone and I to gulp. Though I was a bit surprised to see that Gin didn't flinch as well.

I and Shirone were prepared to go to the ends of the earth for this. As for Gin… I guess as a true S class monster he's used to this. Not saying that Moka isn't, but she really only shows it when the Rosario's off.

Now that I think of it didn't Hunter say Gin could become an S+ monster soon? I looked over at Gin and wondered if he had gotten stronger. However my attention was diverted back to our guide. In his hand was now a paper bag.

"Alright everyone step forward and take two bottles here. These will allow you to breathe in the poisonous air for six hours. Which means you should take one every five, just in case you know?" We all nodded before grabbing said bottles. They looked like ordinary prescription bottles; however the pills were blue, round, and the size of a small ladybug.

At our questioning gazes he spoke up. "These are an antidote I created from the last time I was there. Don't worry I tested them out myself, anyway I'll now explain what you might encounter over there." We all gave him our full attention; after all we didn't want to be caught off guard now. "First off you all say your monsters right?" We all nodded towards him except Tsukune who looked to the side. "Well forget that!" We all looked at him in shock, but he was looking deadly serious.

"In Outslan you'll find out what real monsters are. There are more than just beasts roaming around. There are sentient creatures as well; however all of them have been corrupted by the Abyss' last ruler. There are darker creatures there even I haven't seen yet. Always, and I mean always keep up your guard." All of us were now rather worried about what we might find, however we all steeled our resolve and looked on in determination.

Seeing our faces our now new company leader nodded his head with a smile. "Well determination will get you most of the way but, if everyone's ready we should leave before Hunter's condition worsens." Turning around as we picked up our bags he swiped his finger down through the air. The space then rippled and a black vortex suddenly appeared. It also had what seemed to be some white rotating in the opposite direction. It certainly was different than Hunter's instant teleportation.

He turned towards us. "Alright then everyone who still wants to come, follow in after me. Word of warning though, don't get separated from me. For if you do, you might just wander off into a different dimension. In that case there'd be no telling where you might end up." Turning back to his portal he stepped through. The rest of us soon filled in. The inside of the dimensional tunnel was actually rather interesting. It was like standing in the middle of a sea of darkness. It seemed to go on forever and yet there were exits.

Looking back for a second to make sure we were all there, our guide faced forward and started walking. All of us followed shortly after. Along the way we had nothing better to do but talk. The others ended up talking, but I and Shirone talked to our guide who simply asked us to call him Bladedancer for some reason. Turned out he was a lot more like Hunter than we thought. He even had a Nekomata as a younger sister. He didn't exactly go into details, and never gave out names but he still seemed nice enough. However I was still a bit wary of him, I could tell that he's killed more than even Hunter has. Normally that wouldn't be an issue, how I knew some of those kills weren't completely out of self-defense.

As we discussed Hunter with him he seemed to relax about something. "It seems you two truly do care for him. He should feel lucky." That made me and Shirone blush a bit before he continued. "It's good to know that after this I'll have another ally to rely on. One that can go full out much more easily than I can, I still remember the poor goblin village…" He trailed off a bit leaving the two of us rather confused. Shaking his head he finally continued. "Well no point dwelling on the past. Even if they called me apocalypse incarnate…" Besides the whole apocalypse incarnate thing, the rest of what he said actually made sense. However the conversation did still after that.

For what seemed like hours of walking later, we finally were able to make out what looked like a light.

"That my companions is the exit to this dark tunnel. However before we go in I need those without night-vision to step forward." That made me, Tsukune, and Yukari step forward. Grabbing three techy looking goggles from his void pocket, he handed each of us one. He then quickly explained what they were needed for. "Remember Outslan is a dead world, doesn't even have a sun. It also doesn't help that we'll be going underground. These are Night-vision goggles. Put them on before exiting the portal. Oh yeah these are also my own design so be careful with them. They're a lot more expensive to make than regular goggles." Agreeing the three of us put on the goggles. There was a bright light which forced my eyes shut.

Slowly opening them I saw that nothing had actually changed. However like those around me I could now see perfectly even in the dark cave. Seeing that they worked, he nodded his head and continued onwards. Finally reaching the exit he stepped out first. The rest of us just followed shortly after. When looking around only one word came to mind.

"Horrible." When Shirone said that everyone turned towards her. "This place, the chakra flowing in the air is… Evil." Bladedancer grimaced but nodded his head.

"How do you think I feel? I can sense all energy! Mental, spiritual, physical, and magic energy I can sense them all… This place is the worst kind to ever find yourself in." Taking a better look around I had to agree, even if I could only feel the eeriness of the place. The trees were dead and rotting, with some kind of unidentifiable fungus growing on them. The ceiling of the cavern was at least four hundred yards up, and I couldn't see any of the caverns walls. This indicated that the place certainly was massive.

"Alright then listen up, as I said this place is full of toxic fumes. Make sure to take a pill each time you see any type of fog. However always avoid the purple at all costs." Yukari spoke up at that.

"Why the purple fog specifically?" He sighed before answering.

"Well the others are poison and toxic clouds. While the purple is acidic, sure it won't kill you immediately. But if you stay too long in it, the cloud will eat at your skin until only bones are left. And eventually even those would dissolve." That got everyone to start sweating a bit. However judging by the thinking pose he took he wasn't done.

"I believe in my true form I could last about thirty seconds." He then looked at Moka and then to Gin. "You two could probably last ten." He turned towards me and Shirone next, then to Kurumu. "You three could probably last eight. As for the witch girl I can guess about five." When it came to Tsukune he narrowed his eyes. "As for you I can only guess about three. If the voidwalker was here he'd last about as long as me." Based on how he said it, I could tell that he already knew that Tsukune was a human.

Luckily he hasn't said anything so far. But that could change soon; I need to make sure to tell him about the situation soon. Digging out what looked like a picture, he pulled out a photo of a strange looking plant. The stem was bright green in color, and had five black bands running up it. The flower itself was made up of ten diamond shaped petals. The tips were colored purple, the middle yellow, and the part attaching them to the stem was colored red. The center was colored bright blue.

I had to speak up at this. "Um not to doubt you but… That flower, looks more poisonous than anything else." Everyone nodded in agreement even Bladedancer, which got me a little worried.

"Yep it is actually poisonous, but only on its own. You see on its own, it would kill the ingestee within six minutes. However! If that person happened to be already poisoned by a spiritual poison… Than the poison from this flower, known as the Jin Trati, or hollow gale; will eat away at that poison, before poisoning the host. This poison I already have an antidote for. However this plant can only survive here. Even if I were to take some and store it away… the plant would rot in a week." I narrowed my eyes thoughtfully at that, what he said explained why he already didn't have any flowers on hand.

Knowing the kind of people guys like him and Hunter were… They'd try and keep any and all antidotes for any poison on hand. They also tend to try and develop immunities for different poisons.

However for the deep wound poison, it seems no one can develop immunity for. If that's the case I need to train up my defense. Suddenly all of us were driven from our thoughts by a blood curdling scream.

"Arghhhieee!" It was animal like in nature, but it wasn't a scream in pain. No it was a scream in anger, a territorial scream. We all turned to Bladedancer to see what it was.

Shaking his head he answered. "Remember this place was one of the first places the Abyss conquered. What you heard was one of the many normal animals, which have been completely corrupted. All of them look completely different from each other. And all of them have different attributes, well all but three actually." His face became deathly serious as he finished explaining.

"All of them are immune to all of the clouds, they can all at least use minor Abyssal magic, and they all can inflict illusions on your mind. So remember to keep your mind strong." He sighed at seeing our troubled faces. "I told you this place would be dark and completely horrible." That was fair I guess, he did say that at the beginning. But even so, none of us expected it to be as bad as this. Looking over at Shirone I grimaced. The poor girl was breathing heavily and shaking. It seemed as though this place was really getting to her. Her ability to feel and sense the energy in the air was a double edged sword here.

Bladedancer seemed to be holding up though, however he was used to such things. More than likely Hunter wouldn't be bothered either. But those two guys are on a completely different level than the rest of us. The amount of fighting the two have is vastly different between us. True Gin and inner Moka might have quite a bit. But they both still pale compared to them.

It seemed as though Bladedancer picked up on Shirone's fear as well. "Don't worry so much about the energy; it belongs to an already dead monster. Everything you feel is just left over, no need to worry so much about it. Unlike the animals and people who were here. We've arrived when this energy is completely harmless to us. However it's just enough to keep the clouds here for the immediate… Forever…" Those words made all of us along with Shirone sweat drop a bit.

He smiled however at having lightened the mood though. "Well like I said this place is absolutely dark and horrible.~ But as long as you stick close to me, I won't allow any of you to die. Now then we should get to it, time is a wasting. The longer we take the worst your friend's condition gets." With those words our resolve returned, he smirked at this before turning around. "Well it's time to get a move on, remember stay close to me." Nodding all of us followed after him. Fortunately for us, and especially Shirone; the feeling in the air didn't get any worse than what it was.

However it didn't get better either. A win lose type of deal I guess. Still I found it funny how the trees kind of looked like the school's trees.

Also thanks to Bladedancer's sensing abilities, we've so far been able to avoid anything dangerous. Of course, that just added to our paranoia the longer we walked on. I could tell that we all felt as if something would happen any second now. Honestly Hunter's paranoia was rubbing off on all of us. Didn't help that he was always correct about being prepared, seemed as if our luck was always just that terrible. In that view there's no way the quiet would last too long.

"Alright then I think we'll call it a day for now. You guys will set up camp here; I'll go and set up a barrier." Deciding to just go along with his experience we didn't say anything. Instead we just went about doing what he said. He went off somewhere while taking out four pieces of paper. Gin and Tsukune went to gather some fire wood, Kurumu and Moka started getting things out for dinner, and the rest of us set up tents. However my mind started to wander to Hunter as we completed our tasks.

I hope we can get this done quickly; Hunter's condition worsens every day, by every hour. I guess for now we just have to trust our guide.

You wouldn't harm a line break would you?

Unknown (Unknown)

Watching the group was a pair of glowing purple eyes. There was the sound of quiet growling as well. But what was worrisome was the sound of dripping water. A voice was heard, dark, rough, and gravely.

"Well now what a surprise, it seems as though I've finally have found prey worth hunting. The other creatures of this…" The voice trailed off as the eyes darted around. "Place… Have been rather dull, and boring; much too weak for my tastes. But they seem strong and rather delectable. All except that one setting up the barrier, he seems rather nasty." An eye could be seen rising a bit as said person sneezed. Walking forward a bit the sound of something being dragged could be heard.

Gripped in a clawed hand was what seemed like the tip of a tail. The tail itself was attached to a much larger creature. However it was unrecognizable. Not that it was unfamiliar but… It was completely ripped to shreds; pieces of flesh and bone being dragged across the ground. Ribs, spinal cords, lungs, jaw, and even intestines were all on the ground. The sound of dripping water was actually, from the blood spilling out of the still beating heart. The heart however was starting to slow down. But still it kept on pumping blood till its last beat.

You wouldn't harm a line break would you?

Slayer: Gosh I had to rewrite this chapter almost from the ground up!

Judan: That's what happens when you decide to change so much.

Slayer: When did you get back?

Judan: Honestly typing this on my tablet.

Slayer: Ah.

Neos: Well at least I have a part again, even if it's not a part of my own story.

Slayer: You're the main character of a multi part series, so no complaining!

Neos: Yeah but one of those parts is something you'll never fix up!

Shadow: That's because part of the TODG sucks beyond sucking.

Slayer: Still wondering why someone decided to favorite that story recently.

Judan: Yeah it was quite the abomination.

Slayer: I know right! I hate just looking at it nowadays!

Shadow: And you were the one who wrote it. Then again that was in like elementary school.

Judan: Yeah it isn't a wonder that it sucks so bad.

Slayer: Meh… True enough I suppose. Anyways Neos! Can you end the chapter off please?

Neos: Sure. This has been a Dark Guard production now signing off!

Everyone: Goodbye!