Fairy Tail: Mirror of Humanity (Zeno)

by T.C Shelton

A swordsman named Zeno gets in over his head after he joins Fairy Tail to impress a girl, and soon, sets out on a journey to save a girl he knows nothing about

Episode 1: Welcome to your new home!

A man with black hair, and a small blue patch on the front walks with a hooded individual towards a town. Eventually, they see huge buildings all around. "Well, we finally made it. One of the Fairy Tail branch guilds should be somewhere in town" says the guy. The person takes down the hood. It's a blonde girl who looks to be Nobility. "You're job isn't done yet. I paid you to protect me until I joined the Fairy Tail guild, that hasn't been accomplished yet" says the girl. "What?! It's right in town, you're a wizard aren't you? Can't you just protect yourself" asks the guy. "Yes, but I paid you to do it for me, so either give me back my money or see me safely to my destination" she says. "Fine you pain in the ass" says the guy. "Honestly you're so rude, I don't know why I didn't hire someone else" she says. "Nobody else would take this stupid job for the price you're offering" says the guy. "Why did you" she asks. "Because I needed money. Same reason any of them would have done it if it came down to it" says the guy. "Well regardless, I wished to thank you. You've protected me so far, just as I asked you too" she says. "Yeah whatever, let's just finish this job" he says as they walk into town they pass by back alleys, and can feel eyes on them. Eventually, someone comes out of an alley and grabs the girl. "Unhand me" she says. The guy quickly draws a sword and has it up to the thugs throat. "Let her go" he says. A few more thugs come out of the alley. "Now it's 5 against 1" the thug says. "Actually, I happen to be a mage" says the girl as her body turns to steel. "Two" asks the thug. One of the thugs falls unconcious, and a cloaked figure appears out of nowhere. "Actually, that's my partner Talwin, say hello" says the guy. "Hello" the cloaked figure says jokingly. "Three" the thug asks as he starts backing away. "Yeah that's right, don't mess with my team" says the guy. The thug nods, and runs away. "Tell your friends about me" the guy yells. "Nice work Zeno" Talwin says as he takes down his hood to reveal he's an elf. "We did make a pretty good team there didn't we" the girl asks. She smiles, but then quickly frowns. "What now" asks Zeno. "Nothing. Let's get to the guild hall" she says. "Fine by me. I'm ready to be done with this job" says Zeno. The group keep walking, and come to a huge hall with the Fairy Tail emblem on it. "There. I got you here, or am I supposed to walk you in too? Maybe even join-" Zeno starts saying sarcastically. The girls eyes light up. "You're joining" she asks exitedly. "What? No. It was sarcasm. I'm a mercenary. I don't do guilds" says Zeno. "I'll join if they have some sweets. I've been dying for sweets" says Talwin. "No. No sweets. No guild" says Zeno. The girl looks sad. "Come on, the pouty face isn't gonna work on me. Forget it, not happening" he says. "It's not a pouty face. I'm just…sad" she says. "Why" asks Talwin. She looks up at Zeno. "I...don't want you to leave. I think we work well together" she says bashfully. "Sorry. I did my share. See ya" says Zeno as he starts walking away. Talwin gives the girl an apologetic smile, and rushes after Zeno. "Come on Zeno, why did you lie back there" asks Talwin. "I don't do guilds" he says. "I know that much. You aren't even a mage" says Talwin. "If I recall right, neither are you. That invisibllity crap is just a ninja technique" says Zeno. "True enough, but think about it! This could be our gold mine! Guilds get jobs everyday, and they pay top dollar for quest. Just think about all the food" Talwin says with his mouth watering. "You have got to be the most gluttonous skinny guy I've ever met" says Zeno. A woman with black hair shoulder checks Zeno. "Hey you wanna watch where you're-" starts Zeno. He turns around to see the woman is no longer in sight, and instead a black key lays on the ground behind him. "Hey! Lady, you dropped this-" starts Talwin. Zeno covers his mouth. "This could be our meal ticket! I've never seen a black key before. I bet this thing is worth so much" says Zeno as he picks up the key and spins it around his finger. "It's not right to take things that aren't yours" says Talwin. "Who cares? If she really wants it back bad enough, she can buy it from whoever we sell it too" says Zeno. The two book a inn room, and the next day, they walk outside to see the town is just as busy as last night. "Well, unfortunately that stay just cleaned us out of what we had left, so time to look for another job" says Zeno. "I hate to say it Zeno, but that guild sounds pretty good right now. Good food, a place to sleep, three square meals a day, steady work, guaranteed food-" starts Talwin. "What is it with you and food" asks Zeno. "We haven't eaten breakfast. That nice lady we were escorting usually paid for it" says Talwin. "You miss her so much, go be her partner" says Zeno. "Now that's not fair-" starts Talwin. Zeno looks over and sees a beautiful dark skinned girl. She had white hair, and appeared to be a mage. "Alright, shut up Talwin, I'm about to score me a hottie" says Zeno as he walks towards her. "Ah, okay. I'll just….be here then" says Talwin. Zeno gets over to the girl. "Hey beautiful, I was wondering, are you from around here" asks Zeno. "Actually, I'm part of a guild. It's called Fairy Tail" she says. "Interesting, if I said I were interested in joining, would you form a party with me? I'd love to get to know you" he says. She looks over her shoulder and sees Talwin. He goes to lean against a trashcan, but it tips and he falls. She laughs. "Oh yeah, that's my little buddy. His name is Talwin" says Zeno. "Well, if you both wish to join, I can take you to the guild hall" she says. "Yeah. That's actually why I came here. Isn't that right Talwin" asks Zeno. "What" asks Talwin. Zeno gives him a stealthy thumbs up, and Talwin gives one back with a smile. "See, just go let me fill him in real quick" says Zeno as he walks over to Talwin. "Okay, here's the deal, me and you are gonna join the guild, I'm gonna get with this girl, and eventually we're just gonna split" says Zeno. "We can't do that. That's so dirty" says Talwin. "Don't blow this for me. That girl is really hot" says Zeno. Talwin sighs, and the group make their way to Fairy Tail. When they enter, Zeno looks over and sees the blonde girl, and his face drops. "I forgot about her" says Zeno. "Oh yeah, at least we know someone here" says Talwin. "No! This is bad! She's gonna blow our cover! I told that girl we came here to join the guild" Zeno whispers. Talwin slaps his forehead. The blonde girl looks at Zeno and looks happy. "You did join" she says happily. "Oh, you know her" asks the white haired girl. Zeno rushes over pulls the blonde girl away and looks at her. "I thought you didn't do guilds" she says. "I...uh...changed my mind. Talwin wanted to join and I couldn't abandon the guy" Zeno says. "Oh, and I see you've met Garna, she's an S class wizard" says the blonde. Zeno's jaw drops. "Oh, and by the way, my name is Janna" says the blonde. "Er...yeah. Right. Uh, listen, don't tell that girl over there I didn't want to join. I'm a little embarrassed about it, so could you do me that solid" asks Zeno. "Sure thing" she says. Zeno nods, and the two make their way back over. "Sorry about that" says Zeno. "It's alright" says Garna. "So, what's involved with joining" asks Talwin. "Well, basically they put a magical brand on you, each guild has its own brand. A brand is not only a symbol of pride for it's members, but it also gives a small bonus to magic, overall improving a mages power" says Garna. "Can someone get a brand removed" asks Zeno. "No. Even if a wizard leaves the guild, the mark is permanent" says Garna. "Ah...I see" says Zeno. A blonde man wearing a white shirt approaches the group. "Hello, I am your new guildmaster. You can call me master Frillos. Jack Douglas Frillos. It's a pleasure to meet you" says the man with a bow. "Uh, hey" says Zeno. "Well, are you ready to get your brands and join our little family" asks Jack. "Sure. Let's get it over with" says Zeno. A woman with greyish white hair walks out with a brander, and Zeno smiles. "Lots of hotties around this place. Maybe it won't be so bad after all" Zeno says to himself. The woman smiles gently at him and it melts his heart a little. "You there. Swordsman of the darkness. I offer to you this brand, with the promise that we shall stand together. Fairy Tail is more than a guild. More than a random collection of people. Fairy Tail is family" says the woman. "Sure" Zeno says. He pulls up his sleeve, and she brands his shoulder. "D-Does it hurt" asks Talwin. "It's a little late now" says Zeno. The woman walks over to Talwin, and smiles at him. "The elf who walks in the very shadows he fears. You're both loyal and courageous. Our guild would be honored to have you join" she says. Talwin lifts up his shirt, and turns around, and gets the brand on his back. "Congratulations. You're both now officially Fairy Tail wizards" says the grey haired woman. "Whooptie Doo" Zeno says sarcastically. Talwin nudges him with his elbow. "Your rooms are upstairs. I'm sure you wish to rest. If you have need of me, I shall be in my study" she says as she walks away. Zeno and Talwin walk upstairs, and Zeno pulls Talwin into his room. "Alright, new plan. No girl is worth all this, tonight we book it, and we don't stop until we see daylight" says Zeno. Talwin looks a little guilty. "Zeno...I don't want to go" says Talwin. Zeno looks at Talwin with concern. "I like it here. I finally feel like I belong somewhere" says Talwin. "You've always belonged somewhere, right at my side" says Zeno. Talwin hugs Zeno. "You've been like a brother to me, words can't explain my loyalty and trust in you, but I can't go. I'm finally in a place where I can do better" says Talwin. Zeno says nothing, but nods and hugs Talwin. That night, Zeno hops out his window and lands on the ground. "Where are you off too at this time a night kid" asks a guy. He's an older man, with a fake eye, and several rotten teeth. "I don't have to answer you" says Zeno as he starts walking away. "You know kid, I was just like you once. I committed to something bigger than myself, but once the realization kicks in, you start changing your mind, miss your freedom. I made the mistake of deserting. Ended up avoided getting arrested and hanged, but now's not a better situation by much" he says. "What work did you do" asks Zeno. "Mercenary work, but eventually you start getting old, start slipping a little, they'll want someone new, and better armed. It's only a matter of time before every Merc is out of work" he says. Zeno stares at Fairy Tail for a moment. "Tell me son, what's one reason you have to join" asks the old man. "Well, before it was just some girl, but now my best friend finally finds a place he wants to be...and I'm turning my back in him" Zeno says sadly. "And what's one reason you have not to join" asks the old man. Zeno looks surprised at the question, and looks at the old man. The old man smiles back at him. "I think you know what to do kid" says the old man. Zeno smiles, and walks back around into the guild hall. "Ah, Zeno. Where were you" asks Janna. "I...er...went for a walk" says Zeno as he walks back up to his room.

Episode 2: Kido style, the style of speed

The next day Talwin gives Zeno a tight hug. "You stayed! You stayed! I can't believe you stayed" he says. "Yeah whatever. I still think we were better off out there, but I'll play it your way for a while" says Zeno. "You act all mean and non-caring, but you're actually just a big softie" says Talwin. "Nope. No clue what your talking about" says Zeno. Zeno hears a knock at the door. He walks over and opens it, and a girl stands there in a French maid outfit looking unhappy. "Sorry I didn't order room service" says Zeno as he closes the door. She knocks again and he opens it. She bows. "Please allow me to clean your room master Zeno" she says. Zeno looks back to see there is nothing to clean. "Look, all I own is this sword. There isn't anything else to clean" says Zeno. She clicks her tonge at him. "Please allow me to do my job master Zeno" she says. Zeno rolls his eyes, and let's her in. "There. Your in" says Zeno. "Now, please step out while I clean your quarters" she says. "We should probably have a look around anyways" says Talwin. "Nah uh. I'm going straight for a guild job. We're broke" says Zeno. The two walk out, and close the door. Janna walks up to Zeno almost immediately. "Ah good, your up-" she starts. "Sorry, me and Talwin have some work to do" says Zeno as he startz walking away. "P-Please wait" she says. Zeno sighs and stops. "What" he asks. She holds out a form and Talwin looks at it. "It's a request form to form a party" says Talwin. Janna turns red. "Y-Yes. I figure since we've already traveled with each other-" she starts. "No thanks" says Zeno as he starts walking away. "And why not" Janna asks. "Me and Talwin don't do the party thing anymore. Escort quest are one thing, being part of a party, no thanks" says Zeno. "Is it your foolish pride" she asks. "Nope" says Zeno as he walks away. "Don't take it personally. Zeno's usually like that" says Talwin. "I'm aware unfortunately. We traveled together to get here after all" she says. "The party thing, it's not personal. It's just, a few years back, we did a party job with a guy we thought we could trust. One of our friends was in the party. He lied a lot, and had an ego the size of a house, but he was still our friend. During that job, our friend was killed by betrayal. We haven't done party jobs since" says Talwin. "Oh...I'm...sorry about your friend" she says. "Hey Talwin, look at this one" says Zeno. Talwin rushes over, and Janna decides to eavesdrop. "Huh, looks like it's an escort quest for somewhere near here. Look, the reward's good too. Really good actually" says Zeno. Talwin looks. "Awe, but it request a party of 3 at least" says Talwin. Zeno sighs. "Man, what a bust" he says. "Ahem, I believe I can help" says Janna. "I already told you, we don't do-" starts Zeno. "Here me out please. Form a party with me to do this quest. If it turns out you hate it and you want to disband after this job, then I shall rip up the form, and never ask you about it again" she says. Zeno sighs. "Fine. Only because this quest doesn't seem all that hard" says Zeno. Janna smiles. "Thank you" she says. "You can thank me all you want after that form goes in the trash" says Zeno. "We'll see" she says. "You're kidding me right? A simple swordsman thinks he's got what it takes to be a Fairy Tail wizard" asks a voice from a higher floor. Zeno looks up to see a man with long purple hair, dressed in some odd clothing. "Oh yeah tough guy? Let's see you back up those words" says Zeno as he rushes for the stairs. As he gets close, a man with huge muscles knocks him aside. "That's the S class floor. Only A class wizards are allowed to step foot up there" says the guy. "Fine, why don't you come down so we can dance" says Zeno as he unsheaths his sword slightly. "No, I don't believe I will. You're on the lower floor because you're beneath me. I won't waste my time or Mana showing an amature up" says the puprle haired guy. Zeno draws his sword, and the wind pressure rips up and scratches the purple haired guys cheek. "Charming. You do party tricks" says the purple haired guy. Zeno goes to rush at him again, but Talwin and Janna grab him and drag him out of the guildhall. "Let go damnit. If he wants a fight I'll give it to him" says Zeno. "Look at me" says Janna as she grabs his cheeks and turns his head towards her. "I understand you're angry, and I'm not saying you can't be, but let's just do this job and try and forget about him okay" she asks. "But he-" starts Zeno. Janna presses her finger against his lips. "Just leave it be for now" she says. Zeno grunts but sheaths his sword. "Whatever" he says as he starts walking away. "I've never seen anyone do that" asks Talwin. "Do what" she asks. "You calmed him down. He must really like you" says Talwin. She turns beat red. "Y-You shouldn't say things like that" she says. Talwin smiles. "I can tell you have a big old crush on him" says Talwin. Her face turns even more red. "Y-you're wrong! Absolutely wrong! I don't have a crush on that brutish, insensitive, jerkface" she says. "Zeno and Janna sitting in a tree-" starts Talwin. "Wrong" she says as she rushes off. Talwin just smiles at her as she rushes off. The group continue, and eventually reach the meeting spot for the job. When they get there. A few others wait around, including a cloaked figure, who seems a bit nervous when Zeno walks in. Also in there is an older man with grey hair and dressed in armor. Next to him is a girl with long black hair, done off to the side. She's wearing a suit of enchanted samurai obi, and has a sword hooked to her side. "What's she wearing" asks Talwin. "It's called an Obi I believe. It's traditional in the east for swordsman called samurai to wear them rather than armor. They also use sword techniques and traditionally use a sword known as a katana" says Janna. "I actually use some of those sword techniques" says Zeno. The girl overhears that part and turns to Zeno. "It's true. I don't remember how to use them though" says Talwin. "I only know 2 of the sacred sword techniques. Kido style, which allows the swordsman to become faster, and Kono style, which gives the swordman strength" says Zeno. A man walks in. He's wearing fancy armor, and has a brilliant mustache. Next, a girl walks in with a cloak. Zeno only catches her face for a second, but he can tell she has beautiful blue eyes, and pink hair. She appeared to be sad about something. "Alright mercenary scum, listen up. This job will be harder than you expected. In truth, the person your transporting is actually a very important ambassador from our neighboring country. You are to escort us to our own soldiers, where you'll be compensated and sent away. There may be trouble, which of course is what you're there for" says the man. "Master Isachi, do you still wish to continue this" asks a guy wearing similar clothes to the girl. He has long black hair like hers, done into a small ponytail in the back. The old man nods. A few other mercenaries walk out, leaving only Zeno's group, the old man's group, and the cloaked figure, plus two people by him. A guy with a bow, and a guy with a sword. "Very well, you 9 are all now officially hired" says the man. The group leads the cloaked woman to a carriage, and Zeno slaps his forehead. "Amatures" says Zeno. "Do you have a problem boy" asks the man with the mustache. "Yeah, I do. My charge is gonna die if you put her in that thing. It'd be pretty obvious where she's at" says Zeno. "Fine, what is your suggestion" asks the man. "Well, she's not exactly easy to hide in a crowd, otherwise we could dress her up like a mercenary" says Zeno. "You must be mad" says the man with the mustache. "Hey, I only said something because I don't get paid if she dies" says Zeno. The man goes to punch Zeno, but Janna stops the punch by turning her first to iron and catching it. "Adventurer, do you believe a disguise is the wisest course" asks the cloaked girl. "That depends. Hold this" says Zeno as he offers her his sword. She grabs it, and he lets go, and it takes her straight to the ground. "Yeah, this isn't gonna work" says Zeno. "Than what do you suggest" asks the man. Zeno smiles, and soon, the groups are on their way. Janna gets closer to Zeno as they're walking by the carriage. "Any closer and you may as well be smelling my neck" says Zeno. Janna looks taken aback a little. "What's your deal with me anyways? Surely it's not that hard to find someone else to party with you" says Zeno. "I-It just has to be you" she says as she turns a little red. "Couldn't you sucker someone else into it? Why not that S class prick" asks Zeno. "He's...he's just not you okay" she says. Suddenly, the carriage stops. Zeno walks up to the front to see the carriage driver has gotten off. He whistles, and a group of soldiers come out. "Oh crap, it's a trap" says the guy with the bow. He and the guy with the sword both get taken down by some arrows, and the cloaked guy dives under the cart. More arrows fly, and one hits the old man. "Master Isachi!" Yells the girl samurai as the guy tackles her to the ground. Zeno slashes away arrow after arrow. The carriage driver hops in the carriage, but is surprised to see Talwin sitting there without his cloak. "Hi" he says as he punch the driver right in the throat. "Sorry" says Talwin. Meanwhile, Janna protects the girl, who's wearing Talwin's cloak. The guy samurai takes an arrow in the back, but still manages to over to the cart. "We...need a plan" he says in a pained tone. "Hurry up Zeno" says the cloaked guy. "What the-Hey! I know that voice you bastard" says Zeno as he ducks down and pulls down the guys hood to reveal a blonde guy in glasses. "You! You're supposed to be dead" says Zeno. "Haha, funny story there, you see-" he starts. An arrow flies right in front of Zeno's face. "Damnit. Why is it when your involved there's always an ambush" asks Zeno. The guy grabs Zeno by the shirt. "Just get me out of here alive" he yells. "Sorry, I distinctly remember you dying already" says Zeno as he stands back up and keeps knocking away the arrows. "Damn, I can't find an opening" says Zeno. The guy pulls up his sleeve, and pulls back an arm crossbow. "What are you doing" asks Zeno. "Buying you time" says the guy as he fires a dart from it. It hits a guy in the neck, who pulls it out. "What the-" starts the guy. He falls down unconcious. "Did you seriously use illegal sleeping oils on that thing" asks Zeno. "I don't know what you're talking about. That was a natural blackout" says the guy. Zeno rolls his eyes. "Yeah right" he says. The guy pulls back another dart, and puts it into another guys neck. As he's falling down, Zeno moves his sword by his side, and the guy smiles. "Haha! Now face the wrath of my friend, Zeno! The ultimate swordman and king of the mercenaries! Why I personally watched him fell an entire kingdom with a single swing of his ultimate legendary blade, it has the ability to kill whatever it touches even with a single-" starts the guy. "You wanna shut up now" asks Zeno. "Right. You go do your thing, I'll just be here" says the guy. "Kido style, first technique! Slashing blitz" says Zeno. He moves so quickly it almost looks like he disappears. One by one he takes out all of the enemies, and has it all done within seconds. Zeno stops after the last one, and sheaths his sword. "Master Isachi! Master Isachi" yells female samurai. The male samurai feels for a pulse, and shakes his head. The female samurai drops to the ground and looks upset. "G-Grandfather" she says. "Master Isachi was an excellent man" says the male samurai. The female samurai says nothing. "We'll need to return to the east soon and find a new master to teach us" says the male samurai. The female looks over at Zeno, and walks up to him. She bows. "Greetings and salutations. I am Inawa Kotorè, and I ask that you take me on as your pupil. I-I-Im a quick study, and I'll even help you with daily tasks" says the female samurai. "No" says Zeno. "Please" she asks. "No" says Zeno. She kneels down before him. "Please" she repeats. "What part of no isn't getting through? I'm not a damn teacher, find someone else" says Zeno. (Flashback) "Please, you have to take me under your wing! I need to get stronger" says a young Zeno. "No" says a woman with a sword. "Please" says Zeno. "No. Scram kid, I'm not a babysitter" says the woman. Zeno grabs onto her Obi tightly. "My best friend is fighting everyday to take care of me. I'm not able to use magic, so I'll learn the sword! I'll learn it even if you won't teach me" says Zeno. "How" she asks. Zeno rushes at her, and she whacks him with the pummel of her blade, right in the gut. Zeno takes the hit, but uses the chance to pull her own dagger and hold it up to her throat. She laughs. "You know, I might actually like you yet kiddo. Let's see what you've got" she says. (Flashback ends). Zeno looks down to see Kotorè is now on her hands and knees, grabbing tightly onto his pants leg. "Please...I want to become a better swordsman. I need to become a better swordsman. I know it's selfish, but I'm afraid I can't take no for an answer" she says. Zeno sighs. "Let go already. I'll train you, just get up already" says Zeno. Kotorè lifts her head and looks at him. "Let's get this straight. I'm not your master, or your trainer, or whatever. I'm showing you what I was shown and throwing in the towel, got it" asks Zeno. She jumps up and hugs him. "Thank you master. I shan't let you down" she says. "I already regret this" Zeno says with a groan. "Very well. I would have preferred to return home and find a trainer, but if you believe he's to be our next master, so be it. (Kneels). My name is Sakamoto Iyasu. I'm Kotorè's retainer and sworn brother" says Iyasu. "Great. A two for one deal" Zeno says sarcastically. The guy gets out from under the carriage and dusts himself off a little. Zeno walks over and slams him into the carriage. "Zeno, what are you doing" asks Janna. Talwin is quickly by Zeno's side. "How did you survive way back when" asks Zeno. "I-I got lucky I guess" says the guy. "Bullshit! You set us up didn't you" asks Zeno. "Please say it isn't true Kelder" says Talwin. The guy gives Talwin a guilty look, and Talwin hangs his head. "Tell me why I shouldn't end you now" says Zeno. "Because you've got bigger problems" says the man with the mustache as he aggressively grabs the pink haired girls arm. "Stop this at once please" she says. Magical bindings appear around the girl, and a group of more skilled mages walks out. "Well, I was hoping more of those mercenaries would die in the ambush. Unfortunately, quite a few still stand" says the man. Zeno turns to Kelder. "This was your doing" he says. "I didn't have anything to do with it this time I swear" says Kelder. "For once, he's telling the truth. This a matter far beyond the bounds your guild allows you to go. (Tosses a huge bag of gold down). Split that however you'd like. All you have to do is walk away" he says. "You know, the funny thing about me is, I'm greedy, so I think I'll take the money and the girl" says Zeno. "Disrespectful little shit" says the man as he nods at the mages. A man walks up, and takes off his cloak. He's a bald man with tattoos all over his head. "So, who wants to die" asks the guy. "Kido style, second technique. Flashstep" says Zeno. He steps forward, then seemingly disappears. He reappears behind the guy, and goes to put the sword away, but the blade breaks off. "What the-" starts Zeno. "Rule number one. (Blad guy slams his fist into Zeno's stomach with a powerful impact, making him spit up blood). Always know your opponent. Rule two (Bald guy hardens his skin, and slams his fist down on Zeno's back, making him grunt in pain). If your opponent is down, take it for everything it's worth. (Bald guy kicks Zeno in the ribs, and by now just about everyone is crying watching Zeno getting beat. Zeno weakly grabs for what's left of his sword, but the bald guy stomps on his hand). Rule three. Don't leave any witness" says the man with the mustache. The bald guy slams Zeno up against the carriage, and has him dangling by his throat. "STOP IT" yells Janna as she tries to punch the bald guy with her iron fist. A mage holds out her hand, and magical bindings appear on her too, and soon after, everyone else. It's clear the girl is struggling to hold so many at once. "P-P-Please master Arronn. I can't hold it too much-" she starts. "Silence girl! You'll hold the spells until I say so, and you won't let go before then! Do I make myself clear" asks the man with the mustache. She nods. Zeno starts losing consciousness. Kelder takes a deep breath. "This is gonna suck" he says as he looks down at his arm crossbow and sees it pointed down towards his leg. He barely gets it drawn back one handed, and takes a deep breath. "It's not gonna hurt, it's not gonna hurt, it's not gonna-" he starts as he fires it. It rips into his leg, and he falls over. The girl sees an opportunity to weaken her strain, and let's the bindings off of Kelder. The moment he's free. Kelder shoots back up, draws back his arm crossbow, and points it at the bald guy. "Put down my buddy right now" he yells as he fires a shot. The shot glances off the bald guy, and Kelder gives a sheepish smile. While he's distracted, Zeno slams his hand into the bald guys chest. "No sword skill, soul clash" says Zeno. The bald guy suddenly feels a pulse run through his body, and he falls unconcious. Zeno falls to the ground. "Retreat! We have the girl" says Arronn as he and the others start running off. Everyone goes up to Zeno. "Are you alright" asks Talwin. Zeno says nothing. He simply looks the direction they took the girl, and hangs his head.

Episode 3: Crossing the Border

The group gather up stuff, and get ready to leave, all except Zeno, who's still sitting the way he was. "Is he alright" Janna asks Talwin. "I don't know what's wrong. It's not like this is the first fight Zeno has lost, and the sword was in bad shape already, so Zeno knew that was gonna happen eventually-" starts Talwin. "It's the girl. Master Zeno feels responsible for not being able to save her" says Iyasu. "We can't do much about it anyways. If we cross into their borders, it may be seen as an act of war" says Kotorè. Zeno still says nothing. "Hey, at least they left the bag of gold. We can spend our problems away like we've always dreamed of" says Kelder. Zeno looks at Kelder, but then looks away. Kelder rubs the back of his head. Suddenly, Zeno gets up, walks over, and picks up a random sword from the battlefield, and starts walking towards the border. "What are you doing Master Zeno? I've already-" starts Kotorè. "Yeah yeah. You guys do what you want. I'm going after them" says Zeno. "I distinctly remember you just getting pummeled, now you're wanting to march into enemy territory to save a girl you've barely met" asks Kelder. "Yep. That's pretty much it. Thanks for the distraction by the way" says Zeno. Talwin starts walking after Zeno. "Great, you're going too" asks Kelder. "Of course. Zeno's always looked out for me, and had my back. I'd be a bad friend if I didn't" says Talwin. Kelder takes a deep breath and starts walking towards them as well. "You can't be serious" says Iyasu. "I'm not scared! The word fear doesn't even exist to Kelder, master sharpshooter" says Kelder, although he's trembling as he's walking, so it's obvious he's terrified. "Hold Master Zeno. I wish to accompany you" says Kotorè as she starts following. Iyasu sighs. "As your retainer, I must tell you I find this to be a very bad idea" says Iyasu. "You're free to stay behind if you want" says Kotorè. "Never lady Kotorè. Remember, I am as your sword, forever by your side" he says as he starts walking after her. Janna looks around to see everyone else is walking away. She sighs. "Zeno, your such a pain" she says to herself as she rushes to catch up with everyone. Meanwhile, at the guildhall…"They did what" asks the bigger muscled man. "Apparently they crossed into Eddliche's territory. We can't even send someone to get them out. If we do, it may spark a war" says the purple haired guy. "I think you all worry too much about our new members. You should have some faith, and join my card game" says Master Jack as he shuffles some cards. "You're too laid back Master Jack" says Garna. "If master Jack's orders are to have faith and wait, then we shall have faith and wait" says the bigger muscled guy. "I find it hard to have faith in that party at all. 3 swordsman, a liar, an elf, and a mage isn't exactly a great team set up" says the purple haired guy. "Come now. People facinate me. They're always so full of surprises. I wonder what surprises our young fairies have for us" says Jack as he slides in some chips. "I don't know about their surprise, but mine just wiped you master" says a child looking boy as he tosses his cards down to see the he has a royal flush. Jack's jaw drops, and the boy pulls the chips in. "You also owe me a drink remember" asks the boy. "Would an orange juice suffice" asks Jack. "Don't treat me like I'm a kid because I'm small" says the boy. "I meant, you now have all my cash, and orange juice is the only thing I can afford" says Jack. "Oh" says the boy. Meanwhile, Zeno and group continue walking, and suddenly when Zeno takes another step forward, he can feel a change. He stops. "What was that" he asks. "You can magicly feel the change in borders, due to huge barriers that surround each one. The barriers are mainly there to protect us from outside magical attacks, but they also serve to warn people when they've crossed a border, and that they need to head back. If a mage passes a border, the government of that nation may not interfere. This includes magical guilds as well" says Kotorè. "In other words, try not to let it show your Fairy Tail wizards, or we may get in some trouble" says Janna. The group walks for a while, and eventually come to a town. Just by the look, they can already tell this town isn't very safe. Shady figures in dark clothes watch them from the back alleys with sinister smiles, and most of the buildings are damaged and broke down. "Seems like your kind of place" Zeno says as he looks back at Kelder. "Funny, I was about to say the same to you" says Janna. "Actually, that's not a bad idea. Me, Kelder, and Talwin can move through easier. We're mercenaries, so we're used to places like that" says Zeno. "No, I won't let you go without protection master" says Kotorè. "Kotorè, I'll be-" starts Zeno. "I insist master. Please, allow me to accompany you" she says. "You stick out like a sour thumb" says Zeno. "I agree Kotorè, master is capable of handling himself" says Iyasu. "I-Iyasu" she asks. Iyasu nods, and Kotorè reluctantly nods. "Just be careful master" she says. Zeno puts his hand on her shoulder. "Relax. I'm probably the scariest guy around here" Zeno says jokingly. Kotorè pays no attention, as her eyes meet Zeno's and she instantly feels a spark. Zeno snaps in front of her face. "Hello, Kotorè" says Zeno. Kotorè quickly shakes her head and blushes. "Take care...master" she says now a little more worried about him. The three walk into town, and they all keep faces like they own the place, although Kelder is sweating badly from the fear. Eventually a guy walks out with a spear and points it at Zeno. "You lost" he asks. "No, but apparently you're spear is. Surely you wouldn't be stupid enough to turn your weapon on the man that the mightiest of warriors have called a living legend! Do you have any idea who your pointing your weapon at" asks Kelder. "Yeah right" says the guy. "Oh really, if he wasn't who I said he was, would he have, this" asks Kelder as he holds the sword up in the air. "A….sword" asks the guy. "It appears your stupidity runs much deeper than I thought! This my friend is the legendary blade known as Goma Ki Wammi. It's been said this sword could slice through even the strongest of metals like paper" says Kelder as he draws the blade. The guy with the spear takes a step back. "Don't worry, I'll duel in your sted my friend. Now, come on, let's see what you've got. I'm not afraid, no man has ever matched my skill with a sword" says Kelder. The guy scoffs. "Whatever. Pass if you want. Your funeral" says the guy. The group walk away, and Zeno takes his sword back and sheaths it. "I could have taken that guy" says Zeno. "True, but I was confident it wouldn't come to that. My skills are simply amazing, unparalleled, why, any more skilled and they'd have to make me a-(notices Zeno and Talwin are walking away)-Hey! Wait for me" Kelder says as he rushes after them. The end up reaching a bar, where they walk in. It's filled to the brim with a bunch of people. Zeno walks over to the bartender. "Alright, I'm gonna need some information. Got any to spare" asks Zeno. The bartender spits in Zeno's direction. "You better head on back wherever you came from boy" says the bartender. "I knew you probably wouldn't see it my way" says Zeno. The bartender grabs a shotgun, but Talwin draws a set of daggers, and Kelder holds out his arm crossbow towards the guy. They stare at each other for a long time. "Looks to me like I might be outnumbered, but my gun isn't some silly little toy. It kills people, it has killed people before" says the bartender. Zeno looks over at the guy in the next barstool over. He has black hair, and is dressed in dark clothes meant for stealth. "You wanna make some money" asks Zeno. The guy stands up and pulls out a handgun, pointing it at the bartender. Zeno smiles, and looks at the bartender. The bartender grunts, and sets the shotgun down. "Great, I knew you'd see it my way" says Zeno. "It doesn't matter. Even if I told you everything I knew, you're dead. All four of you. You don't know who you're messing with" says the bartender. "Oh I do. Underworld Queen Aisha right? Well, tell your boss that Ravio said hi, also if she's interested, I wouldn't mind settling it with a date" says the guy. The bartender scowls at Ravio. "Well, start talking. I need to know of anyone important around here. Specifically a girl with blue eyes and pink hair. She'll be kinda hard to miss" says Zeno. Ravio looks surprised. "She ain't here. The only one who might know where she is, is Aisha" says the bartender. "And where do we find this Aisha" asks Zeno. "You don't. She finds you" says the bartender. "Oh, is that a bet? I bet we find her before she finds us" says Ravio. The bartender starts laughing. "You don't realize how screwed you are" says the bartender. Ravio bashes the gun against the bartender's face, knocking him out cold. "Well, I suppose that's all we're getting out of him" says Zeno. The group walk outside, and Zeno tosses Ravio some gold coins. "There, your payment" says Zeno. "Actually, I was wondering if you need a full-time bodyguard" says Ravio. "Pass" says Zeno. "Come on, you know I've got good weapons, I'm cheap, and I know this town" says Ravio. "Thanks. We'll be fine" says Zeno. "What if I told you I could help you find Aisha" asks Ravio. Zeno turns to him. "Or I would if you were my employer, after all, your paying for the whole package" says Ravio. Zeno grunts. "You really need money that badly" he asks. "It's not about the money persay, although I do expect to be paid. Let's just say I owe a favor to the girl your looking for" says Ravio. "So I'd be paying you to follow me and hold up some Favor you owe" asks Zeno. "No. You're paying for a bodyguard and a juicy bit of information that nobody else in the city knows" says Ravio. Zeno sighs. "Damnit, fine. You're hired" says Zeno. "Pleasure doing business with you boss" says Ravio as he pulls out a strange device. "What is that" asks Zeno. "It's complicated, let's just say this baby will tell us wherever Aisha is, no matter where she is" says Ravio. He looks at a screen, and a dot flashes on it. "Got it, follow me" says Ravio. He leads them through the alleys a little and they eventually come to a building with a locked door. Zeno tries slashing it with the sword, but it doesn't even leave a scratch. "You aren't cutting through this baby. It's magicly enchanted, so if it's magicly unlocked, a siren will ring and alert them we're here. There's obviously no other way to get in" says Ravio. "Then we're stuck out here" asks Kelder. Talwin gets down by the lock and pulls out some tools. In less than a minute, Talwin gets the door unlocked and opened. "Nice" says Ravio as the four walk in. "Alright, Talwin, I want you to scout around a little. Let me know if something's up" says Zeno. Talwin nods, throws up his cloak hood, and turns disappears. "Kelder, sit here and watch the entrance. If someone tries to come in, put them to sleep using your darts and find a good place to hide for a bit" says Zeno. Kelder nods. Zeno and Ravio walk towards the back of the building, where there's an open man hole cover, with an X lightly carved into the ground by it. "That's Talwin's signal. We must need to come down here" says Zeno. He and Ravio slowly go down the latter, and come to a sewer system. Ravio pulls out the gadget, and enhances the screen. Now they can see a map of the sewer system, and where it leads. They follow the map, and eventually come to a huge set of doors. Zeno tries to open them, but they won't budge. Ravio pulls out a handgun, and shoots the door. The bullet impacts, and falls to the ground. "This door is made of the same material as the door upstairs. This one doesn't seem to have a way to unlock it, and I don't know how to get it open" says Ravio. "I wish we had an explosion mage right around now" says Zeno. Ravio thinks, then pulls out some small little gadgets, and sticks them around the doors frame. "What's that supposed to do" asks Zeno. Ravio moves him a good distance from it, and pulls out a button. He presses it, and the gadgets explode, and the wall around the door has now been destroyed. The door falls over on the ground, and Zeno and Ravio see a woman with darker skin, and darker hair. "Well. How terribly rude of you" she says.

Episode 4: A rainy day

Zeno and Ravio walk in where the wall is missing. "Well. How terribly rude of you" she says. "Are you Aisha" asks Zeno. "I am. I don't believe I know you, but Ravio, I'd like to know what you're doing here exactly. What is it you want" she asks. "I want you. I'll settle for the payment you screwed me on" says Ravio. "You'll get nothing. The job isn't done" she says. "No, I did the part you paid me for. Just because you left out a part in the contract doesn't mean my job is incomplete" says Ravio. "What job" asks Zeno. "A few weeks ago, Aisha over there hired me to gather information on a target who's name I won't disclose. I got her the information, but now she won't pay me" says Ravio. "What's the part you didn't do" asks Zeno. "I didn't assassinate the target afterwards" says Zeno. "You have to watch who you hire for what job" says Zeno. "Oh I would have done it, but it wasn't part of the deal" says Ravio. "How about I make a new deal" says Zeno. "You'd make a deal with the queen of the underworld? You're either brave, or stupid. I'm inclined to believe a little of both after charging straight into my base of sanctuary" says Aisha. "I don't care about your title, or your wall, or this guy to be completely honest. I'm looking for a girl, and I'm told you can help me find her. How about I take care of your target, and the only payment you owe me afterwards is information about the girl" says Zeno. "You'd kill a man for this girl" asks Aisha. Zeno nods, and Aisha smiles. "Well, isn't that just the sweetest little thing. I just want to eat you all up. Alright, then. Do it, if you think you have what it takes" says Aisha. "The target is Mayor Rones. It's not hard to guess in this town that something isn't quite right. Mayor Rones operates by letting criminals do whatever they want, as long as they pay his fee of course" says Ravio. "Lady Aisha is the first one to oppose the Mayor. She refuses to pay the mayor's money" says a girl standing by Aisha. "So, which one is the real you" asks Talwin as he suddenly appears. Aisha narrows her eyes. "What do you mean" she asks. "Well, none of you are the real lady Aisha right" asks Talwin. They all look surprised, and so do Ravio and Zeno. "H-How could you possibly know that" asks Aisha. Talwin holds up a picture of a woman with darker skinned, standing behind a group of darker skinned little girls in rags. "Was she your mom" asks Talwin. Aisha stands up, and draws a sword. "How dare you go through our personal things" she asks. "I-Im sorry. I wasn't trying to steal your picture. I promise I didn't wrinkle it or anything" says Talwin as he walks the picture up to Aisha. "I'm so confused now" says Ravio. "Lady Aisha, or at least the original one is no more. She perished some time ago. Luckily, she had some daughters, and those daughters picked up where she left off. Opposing Mayor Rones. We are those daughters" says Aisha. "But why take your mother's name" asks Ravio. "Actually, my name really is Aisha. I'm simply not, the Aisha" she says. "And that doesn't change your mission. The mayor still needs to die for what he's done to this town" says the other girl standing by Aisha. Talwin looks at Zeno. "Y-You agreed to kill someone" asks Talwin. "Maybe it's best if you wait with the others" says Zeno. Talwin looks mad. "Zeno! You promised me" he says. Zeno grips his sword tighter. "You promised me you wouldn't ever take a life for money" says Talwin. "This isn't for money, it's for information. Whatever that guy had planned for that girl, I doubt it was nice" says Zeno. Talwin hangs his head. Zeno goes to give him a hug, but stops and walks away. "Not too big on death are you kid" asks Ravio. "No" says Talwin. "Don't feel bad for the bad guys though. Zeno is saving the town" says Ravio. "It's not the mayor I'm sad for. This is gonna haunt Zeno for the rest of his life, I know it will. He's allowing the darkness in to fight the darkness, and I don't like it" says Talwin. Aisha stares at Talwin for a second. "There's something you can do to save your friend you know" says Aisha. Meanwhile, Zeno walks down the streets with his hands shaking. "Come on, he's a noble. He can't handle a weapon. Why am I shaking so much? It's too easy...or...maybe it's because it's too easy" Zeno says to himself. He eventually reaches the mayor's estate, and takes a deep breath. "Kono style-" starts Zeno. "Wait" yells Talwin as he rushes over and tackles Zeno. "Talwin? What the hell man" asks Zeno. "Zeno, you don't have to do this" says Talwin. "I don't have a choice" says Zeno. "Yes you do. I made lady Aisha a counter deal to yours" says Talwin. "What" asks Zeno. Talwin smiles slightly. "You don't have to do anything now, I took care of it" says Talwin. "What'd she get in return" asks Zeno. "I-Its fine, don't worry about it" says Talwin. Zeno looks at Talwin. "What'd you give her" he asks. Talwin hangs his head a little, and pulls down his cloak a little. A magical collar is around his neck. "You made yourself a slave" asks Zeno. Talwin nods. Zeno clenches his fist, and punches Talwin in the face. "Damnit! You aren't giving up your life over this! So what a scumbag has to die, I'm not losing any sleep over it" says Zeno. Talwin shoots up, and punches Zeno in the gut. "Stop trying to do everything yourself all the time! We're PARTNERS! That means we work TOGETHER" yells Talwin. Zeno elbows Talwin's back, and send him down to the ground with a crash. "We've always been partners! Brothers! I'm not letting you become a slave to save some guy who's gonna die by some other assassin's hands if I don't do it" says Zeno. Talwin grabs Zeno's legs, and flips him over is back. "And I'm not letting you add any more pain to your conscience" says Talwin. The grabs each other's shoulders and headbutt each other. They both fall down panting. "You...still hit...like...a girl" Zeno says between pants. "This really hurts Zeno" says Talwin. "Yeah...nobody wins with a headbutt" says Zeno. Suddenly, it starts raining, and the two start getting drenched. "I remember. It was raining just like this the day we met" says Zeno. (Talwin's flashback). A young form of Talwin is running down the street from a group of men chasing him. It's pouring down rain, and Talwin is wearing little except for rags on his back. "Get it! It's an elf" yells one man. "He'll be worth a fortune" says another man. Suddenly, a young form of Zeno jumps from a rooftop, landing on one man, and rolling to the ground. "Sorry chumps, but he just ran into my territory, and as such, he's under my protection" says Zeno. One of the guys just kicks Zeno out of the way, but Zeno gets up and moves right back out where he was. "Maybe you didn't hear me the first time! He's under my protection now! You can't lay a finger on him" young Zeno yells. (Flashback ends). "You never gave up that day either" says Talwin. Suddenly, Aisha steps over them, and looks down. "You both look terrible" she says. "Yeah yeah, I'll get on it" says Zeno. "That will no longer be necessary" says Aisha. "Sorry, but I'm revoking Talwin's deal. He's not a slave, he's my friend and brother" says Zeno. "I'm releasing him actually. It turns out while you boys were out here beating each other up, somebody blackmailed the mayor into leaving permanently. He's no longer my problem and as such, I no longer have need of your services" she says as she turns away. "It was you wasn't it" asks Zeno. "Sadly the blackmailer left no traces so that mystery will remain unsolved" she says. Talwin rushes up to her and bows. "Thank you very much" he says. "Don't worry. I'll be getting my reward shortly" she mutters. "What was that" asks Zeno. "Nevermind that. I'll be seeing you boys" she says as she walks away. Zeno and Talwin look at each other, shrug, and head back to the others, where Kelder and Ravio are already waiting, along with Aisha. "Uh, Aisha" asks Zeno. She smiles. "I believe we can call this payment" she says. "No. Nope. No way. We've already got enough undesirables around" says Zeno. "Oh, did I forget to mention, if you want to find the girl, you're going to need more information. Luckily for you, I just so happen to be owed a lot of favors. I think it may be time I collected some" she says. Zeno sighs. "I'd argue, but I think we all know my opinion isn't going to matter in the end anyways" he says. Aisha smiles. "I'm glad you see things my way" she says. "What about your sisters" asks Talwin. "Oh they'll be fine. It's about time they learned to rely on someone other than mother and myself" says Aisha. "Hey, I'm pretty stoked. We've already got 3 hot babes with us" says Ravio. "Well, off to the next place" Zeno says in enthusiastically. "What? You thought it'd be easy tracking down 1 girl in the whole country" says Ravio. Zeno sighs. "Yeah, I guess you're right" says Zeno.

Episode 5: Inn and out

Zeno and the rest make their way into a town. It's a small village that only has an inn, a bar, and two food stalls. "Oh, food" Talwin says exitedly. "We aren't here for food. We're looking for information" says Zeno. "I'll ask around the food stalls" says Talwin as he rushes for them. "I suppose I'll actually go ask around the food stalls" says Kelder as he walks that way. "I don't buy it. Could you go actually do it Kotorè" asks Zeno. "Yes master Zeno" she says with a bow as she walks away with Iyasu. "I'll go ask around the Inn" says Aisha. "I'll go with you, you know, watch your back" says Ravio with a wink. Aisha rolls her eyes as they walk away. "Well, I guess it's me and you to the bar Janna" says Zeno. Janna blushes. "I-I guess so" she says. "Do you drink" he asks. "Oh never. It's disgusting" she says. "I don't drink much. I can handle it fine, but it throws off my focus" says Zeno. They walk into the bar, and inside a man with a beard sits next to a muscular ginger man with a greatsword on his back, and an eyepatch on his face. "What can I get you strangers" asks the bartender. "Just information. There's a missing girl, if you know anything about her, even the slightest detail, I wanna know" says Zeno. "She has blue eyes and pink hair, were guessing she's probably someone important" says Janna. "My goodness. That sounds like ambassador Galars daughter. Last I knew he was in some other county visiting some guild" says the bartender. "I don't know about him, but his daughter was kidnapped by a man with a mustache. Kinda dressed fancy. Real prick" says Zeno. "Well the ambassadors bodyguard over there matches that description, but if you're facing him, I'd stay away" says the bartender. "Why's that" asks Janna. "Because he's the queens fiance for one. Then there's the army at his disposal as her personal bodyguard. Finally there's his influence because of his noble birth. Whatever he took her for, I'm afraid he's likely gonna get away with it" says the bartender. "I'm not letting him get away with it. Where is he" asks Zeno. "B-B-But that's suicide. Even if you survived the rescue, opposing him would get you arrested and executed for sure" says the bartender. "Zeno, maybe this is over-" starts Janna. "I don't care if they try, but nobody's killing me. I'm saving the girl and avoiding the consequences" says Zeno. "I-IM sorry. I don't know where he's at" says the bartender. "Thanks anyways. At least we know who she is now" says Zeno as they walk out. The bearded man and the ginger guy walk out behind them. "Uh, hello. I was wondering if you would be interested in hiring some extra help" says the bearded man. "No thanks. We've hired enough help" says Zeno. "Come on, your facing an army for heaven's sake. You need extra muscle, and my guy here, he's got plenty of it" says the bearded guy. "Get lost" says Zeno. "Hold on, why would you want to come? We're facing an army, prison, and execution" says Janna. "I like unique company, besides, the more impossible the battle, the more I wanna be part of it" says the guy. "You gotta name big red" asks Zeno. "Ross" says the guy. "Please tell me you aren't going to hire some stranger because he asked you too" says Janna. "Alright, I'll sweeten the deal. One match, me and you. If I win, not only do I get paid, but I'll go wherever I damn please, and that includes with you guys" says Ross as he lights a cigar in his mouth. "And if I win" asks Zeno. "If you win, you get a lifetime bodyguard, free of charge" says Ross. The bearded man's jaw drops. "I'm sick of this place anyways. If you think you can handle it swordman, I'll take you on right now" says Ross as he pulls out his greatsword. Zeno draws his sword. "Ha! That things a toothpick compared to Ross's weapon" says the bearded man. Ross goes to use a strong blow downwards on Zeno. "Kono style, swordwall" says Zeno as he holds the sword up. The greatsword slams into it, but Zeno seems not to waver. "That's impossible! That sword should have been shattered to pieces" says the bearded man. Zeno tosses Ross away. "He seems to be fighting much differently now than he was before" says Janna. Talwin walks up with an apple in his hand and takes a bite. "That's because Zeno knows two fighting styles so far. The first one is called Kido. That's what he was using the day we found Miss Kotorè and Mr Iyasu. This fighting style is called Kono. It lets Zeno tap into his strength, rather than his speed" says Talwin. "Do you think he'll win" asks Janna. "I believe in Zeno" says Talwin as he takes another bite of the apple. Ross and Zeno cross blades a few times. Ross kicks Zeno back, but Zeno takes the hit well. "Kono style, air ripping slash" says Zeno. He slashes downwards with all of his might and a blade of wind is created, which flies directly into Ross, slashing him open and slashing his cigar in half. "Damn. My last cigar too" says Ross as he spits what's left out. "After that hit, he should be done right" asks Janna. The bearded man laughs. "Please. Ross doesn't lose" says the bearded man. Ross slams his sword into the ground. "Alright, I give" says Ross. The bearded man's eyes widen. "B-B-But you don't LOSE" yells the bearded man. "I would have here. From the moment our blades clashed I realized I wasn't getting the edge. Not unless I started dealing more lethal blows" says Ross. "B-B-But-" starts the bearded man. "Hey, get me some more cigars would you Goro" asks Ross. "I-Im your manager! Not your errand boy" he yells. "Then manage getting me some more cigars" says Ross. Goro grumbles to himself as he walks away. "Well boss, where too" asks Ross. "I don't actually know where to go next. I know who the girl is now, but not where to find her" says Zeno. "Ha! You must have the luck of a Theif. It just so happens there's a bandit camp near here. One of their members just so happens to have a magic specifically made for finding people" says Ross. "Then that's where we're heading" says Zeno. Ross pulls his sword out of the ground, and puts it right back on his back. "Um, aren't you at least going to wrap that open wound" asks Janna. Ross looks down at it. "Oh yeah, I forgot about it" he says. Both Talwin and Janna look surprised. Janna wraps up Ross, and the group meets back up. "Well, where is this bandit camp" asks Zeno. "It's not far, but I suggest waiting until nightfall to get a better look. It's not exactly a typical band of bandits" says Ross. "What does that mean? Is lady Kotorè going to be in danger" asks Iyasu. "If we get seen, we'll all be in danger. This specific group of bandits has a rule. They obey any order given by their leader. A bandit can take over leadership by killing the current leader. Well, it got taken over by some crazy cultist guy. Now he and his lackeys kill anyone they see even get close. There's also a woman I've seen, but never actually saw her do anything. She has black and white hair" says Ross. "Your kidding me? How did a simple escort quest turn into ambushes, rescues, crime lords, assassins, and now cultist" Zeno asks as he slaps his forehead. "Sounds like you've had quite the journey" says Ross. "Well, for now we'll wait at the inn. I've already aquired us some rooms" says Aisha. The group enter the Inn, and later, Zeno lays on the bed looking up at the ceiling. Suddenly he gets up, and goes to walk out, but Kotorè is right outside his door getting ready to knock. "Ah, m-master Zeno. I-" she starts. "Hey, saves me the trip. I was actually going to come look for you" says Zeno. Kotorè looks surprised. "Well, I did say I'd teach you some stuff, so let's go" says Zeno. "I shall retrieve Iyasu, and we shall be right out" says Kotorè. Kotorè gets Iyasu, and they get outside, where Zeno is waiting, meanwhile, Janna and Talwin spy from a distance, trying to avoid getting seen by anyone. "Alright. So, I'm sure you already know the basics, so I'll skip that crap. First things first. I want to teach you both the technique I used earlier. It's called swordwall. It's a Kono technique that requires a swordman to find their inner rock. You need to use that. Make yourself solid like the rock. After that, no blow your opponents deal will get passed your sword" says Zeno. "But what if the sword breaks" asks Iyasu. "That's an issue in any battle. However, believe it or not, even the magicless can still use Mana. I may not be able to throw fireballs, or turn to steel like Janna, but every person has Mana in their body. If you can feel it, you channel it, just like the mages. The difference is, your not sending it to your fingertips. Your sending it further. Into the blade itself. This will rapidly improve your training, your swords endurance, and your ability to take a hit. If you learn to channel Mana correctly, hypothetically there isn't a whole lot you can't do" says Zeno. "Can you teach me how" asks Kotorè. "It's not that hard. Here, give me your hand" says Zeno as he offers his hand. Kotorè blushes, and lightly offers her hand to him. He takes it, and pulls her in slightly closer. He then slowly moves his finger up her arm, and it makes her squirm a little. "Aha, there it is" he says as it stops. "Alright, so this spot my finger is stopped out is a stronger Mana vein. There should be a lot of magical energy held up in here. I don't want you to simply touch it. You need to feel it. From within" says Zeno. "I-I believe that would require attention I'm unable to give right now" she says. Janna is steaming with jeliousy, but trying not to let Talwin notice. "Why can't you focus" asks Zeno. She looks down to see he's still holding onto her arm. "Oh right. Sorry. Alright Iyasu, let's see your hand" says Iyasu. "Thank you master Zeno, but I must decline" says Iyasu. "Decline? Decline what" asks Zeno. "I'm afraid I'm into girls master" says Iyasu. "It's not flirting. I did it to Kotorè" says Zeno. "Wait, you aren't-Oh I see. It was my understanding that you were making advances on lady Kotorè" says Iyasu. Kotorè turns beat red, and rushes away. "What? Who told you that" asks Zeno. "N-Nobody master. I simply thought you may be returning her feelings, but it seems I was mistaken" says Iyasu as he starts walking away. "Hey wait! You can't just cut out there! What do you mean" asks Zeno. Iyasu keeps going in search for Kotorè. "Kotorè has feelings Zeno! I knew it! She only came along so she could steal him" Janna says. Talwin looks at her, and she covers her mouth. "You're usually a lot better with stealth Talwin. I already knew you guys were back there" says Zeno without turning to them. They both walk out. "What? You guys sneak off to make out or something" asks Zeno. "Make out" asks Talwin. "Yeah, I knew you were getting about that age. Congrats kiddo, looks like you got a girlfriend" says Zeno. "G-G-Girlfriend?! Absolutely not" she says. "Why not" asks Zeno. "I'm...interested in someone already" she says bashfully. "Hey look, don't trust Ravio to-" starts Zeno. "It's not Ravio" she yells. "Iyasu" asks Zeno. "No! And it's not Kelder, or Ross, or his manager, or any of the girls! It's you, you big dumbass! You" she yells. Zeno's eyes widen, and Janna covered her mouth, tears up and runs away. "What was that all about" asks Zeno. Talwin stomps on his foot. "Ouch, what the hell you little weasel" asks Zeno. "Don't act stupid Zeno! You know what's going on" says Talwin. "Nope, you just stomped on my foot all of a sudden" says Zeno. Talwin looks him in the eyes with a serious look. "Stop running from people who care about you" he yells as he walks away. Zeno sighs, and lays down in the grass. "Man, this sucks" says Zeno.

Episode 6: Limit break

Later that night, Talwin and the others go to where Zeno was, to see he's no longer there. "Huh. I didn't see him on the way over" says Ross. "He can't have gone too far. He doesn't know where anything outside of town is except the way we came and-" starts Ravio. He stops as he realizes. "What" asks Janna. "We need to go after Zeno, NOW" says Ravio as he starts running. Everyone starts following. "Why? Where is he? Where'd he go" asks Janna. "That damn idiot almost certainly went to take on those bandits alone" says Ravio. Everyone looks worried. Meanwhile, Zeno walks straight into the bandit camp with his sword over his shoulder. The bandits all back away from Zeno as he slowly makes his way through the camp. "To hear my sources say, you've caused quite a stir since you've crossed the border. You've earned yourself a dangerous reputation" says a man in a creepy mask, who sits on a chair. "Yeah, and I'm really getting fed up with all the running around! I need to borrow your person locater mage, and then I'll leave" says Zeno. The man stays silent for a while. "You really think you pose a threat to me? That you can simply come in and make demands" the man asks finally. "Hey, I'm trying talking. Next, (draws sword) we do things my way" he says. "I haven't the time to waste with you. Bring me Kurona, as well as Ingar" says the man. One of the bandits walks away, and comes out with a chained girl, and a chained guy. "Now, pick one to die" says the man. Zeno's eyes widen. "I grow tiresome of taking care of all my slaves. One must be let go. Decide, or I will not give you my mage" says the man. Zeno scoffs, and the man draws a blade, and impales the chained guy. Zeno's eyes widen. "You lack any real resolve. Sometimes to achieve what you wish, others must suffer. Leave now, I don't have the time for you" says the masked man. Zeno grips his sword tightly. "I'm not leaving without that mage" says Zeno. "You're welcome to him. I doubt he'll be much use to you now though" says the masked man. "Y-You mean-" starts Zeno. "Yes. The man I just gave to my Lord as a sacrifice was none other than the mage you had come here for. Had you proven your willingness to sacrifice for what you wanted, she would have died instead, and I would have given you him as a reward" says the masked man. Zeno trembles in anger. "Kido style, second technique, flashstep" says Zeno. He starts doing it, but the masked man snaps, and a blast of light slams into him, throwing him back into a wall. Then his shadow reaches around and grabs him, restraining him. He looks over to see the girl holding out her hands. "Why" asks Zeno. "She has no choice. That collar on her neck makes her do whatever I want her too. She won't even speak without my command" says the masked man. "Bastard" yells Zeno. "Don't worry. You'll be joining her. I believe a slave of your caliber may be worth salvaging, at least for now" says the masked man. A huge woman walks out and looks at Zeno. She has a face resembling a gorilla. "Oh my master, that man over there looks absolutely yummy" she says. Zeno shudders. "I swear, if I ever get out of this I'll do anything. Heck, I'll even put on a dress and dance the marigold" Zeno mutters to himself. "Fine, you may have him, but do try to keep this one alive. It seems like anyone of skill I aquire, you end up turning them into husks" says the masked man. "I'll try, but no promises" she says as she winks at Zeno. "You know, maybe dying wouldn't be so bad. I lived 21 good years. You should probably just execute me now, you know, before she touches me" says Zeno. Guards grab Zeno and start dragging him away. Meanwhile, the party sits a small distance off watching the camp. Ravio is using binoculars. "I can't see him down there. They probably already captured him. Remember, rescuing Zeno is the priority" says Ravio. "Some bodyguards you are! Where were you two" asks Janna as she looks at Ravio and Ross. They both look at each other, and nervously chuckle. Aisha looks around. "What's wrong" asks Kelder. "Did...Talwin come with us" asks Aisha. "Yeah, I remember talking to him on the way here" says Janna. "Then...where is he" asks Aisha. Everyone looks around. "Oh, I remember, he said he was going back to the inn for something, I'll go look" says Kelder as he tries to walk away. Janna grabs his leg. "Nice try" she says. Meanwhile, Zeno is chained to a wall. "Well, this is it. I'm gonna be killed by a gorilla woman during my first time" Zeno says with a sigh. "Not if I can help it" says a voice. Talwin suddenly appears and smiles at Zeno. Zeno tears up. "I've never been so happy to see you buddy" he says. Talwin smiles, and pulls out his lock picking tools. "Well, it seems my tasty meal brings a tasty snack" says the gorilla woman as she walks in. "Z-Z-Zeno" asks Talwin. "Run buddy run! Save yourself...or somehow get me free so we can both leave. That's a much better plan" says Zeno. Soon after, Talwin is caught and locked up next to Zeno. "At least you tried" says Zeno with a sigh. Talwin tears up a little. "Zeno, I wanna die" says Talwin. "Believe me, if you knew what was coming, death would seem like a mercy" says Zeno. Talwin looks scared. "Look on the bright side, once they're done with us, then they'll kill us" says Zeno. "That's not helping" Talwin cries out as he wiggles around. "Seriously though Talwin, this may be the last time we talk to each other, so I want to say it now. You're right. I keep running away from the people I care about, except one little guy I gave a chance, and now we're together at the end. You're my best friend, my brother even. If I'm dying with anyone at my side, you're first pick everytime" says Zeno. Talwin tears up again. "I love you Zeno" says Talwin. Zeno looks at him. "You're my family. I've never said it out loud before, I didn't want you picking on me, but I love you" says Talwin. "I love you too buddy. I'd give you a hug, but, you know" says Zeno. Talwin sniffles. "I still don't wanna die" says Talwin. The gorilla lady walks in. "Get ready to run" Zeno mumbles to Talwin. Talwin turns towards him. The gorilla woman gets close, and Zeno looks at Talwin, and smiles. "Run" he says. He wraps his hand down to his arm. "Unique swordsman ability-" starts Zeno. "NO" yells Talwin. "No sword style, limit break" says Zeno. He rips the chain right out of the wall, rips Talwin's chains out, and tosses Talwin out a window. Zeno then punches the gorilla woman in the stomach, which makes her spit up blood and fall unconcious. "Sorry, but no means no" says Zeno. He rushes out of that area, but suddenly feels a pulse throughout his body. (Zeno's inner monologue) "Limit break. It allows a swordsman to use every bit of strength their body has to offer, plus some, by making you completely unbreakable, however, when it runs out...your body will start to fail you". Zeno feels his body start going numb, and his vision starts to darken. Talwin lays on the ground outside the window crying. Suddenly, Zeno sees all dark, and seems to be in an all dark world. "Is...this what being dead feels like" he asks. "Yes. Today, you gave your life to save your best friend from a dungeon. You activated limit break, and now your body has failed you" says a voice. Zeno sighs. "Man. What a way to go" says Zeno. A girl appears. She looks both young and old, tall and short, wise and naive, ect. "Who...or what are you" asks Zeno. "Do you wish to live" she asks. "Well hell yeah I want to live. Besides the personal reasons, I don't want to make Talwin sad...plus I owe two girls some answers" says Zeno. "It's not your destiny to die today Zeno. The world needs you to live. Fairy Tail needs you to live. Francesca, needs you to live" says the girl. A glow occurs, and Zeno shoots up alive again. The girl with black and white hair looks surprised. "You...just died...and came back to life" the masked man says in surprise. "I don't know. I guess so. I can't really remember what happened after I threw Talwin out of a window to be honest" says Zeno. "How dare you discard my lords gift. He grants death, allows you to join him by his side, and you cast it into his face! You insolent disgusting cockroach. I'll end you myself" he says as he stands up. "Flashstep" says Zeno. "Child's play! Kurona, protect me" says the masked man as he snaps his fingers. She doesn't move. "What the" starts the masked man. When Zeno appears, he lifts up the bottom of the chain. "She can't defy you, but she can ignore an order that doesn't make since. I wasn't attacking you, so she had nothing to defend" says Zeno as he picks her up, and starts rushing off with her. "Damn it! Kurona! Attack your abductor, now" he says. She holds out her hand, and fires a shot of light into his chest. "Wait, did breaking that chain free you" asks Zeno. She says nothing. "Apparently not" says Zeno as he gets outside. Talwin looks over to see Zeno running. "Z-ZENO" Talwin asks in surprisement. "I brought you a souvenir" Zeno says jokingly as he looks at Talwin. Talwin just stands there in awe for a second. "You coming or what pipsqueak? They're reeeally mad I stole a girl" says Zeno. Talwin rushes up to Zeno. The other are on their way down, when they see Zeno and Talwin. "Zeno? And...is that Talwin with him" asks Janna. "Yep, and he's carrying a cute girl with him, bonus" says Ravio. Janna elbows him in the gut. They catch up, and Janna walks up and slaps Zeno. "Really?! I confess something and you react by nearly getting yourself killed" she asks angrily. "Actually, according to that masked douchebag, I did die, but I'm alive now so it's fine. Somehow I recovered" says Zeno. "Fine? Fine?! How is that fine" she asks. "Look, that's not the problem here. The problem is, the locater mage is dead, I kidnapped a slave, and the leader of a group of bandits just so happens to worship some lord of death or something" says Zeno. "Ross my boy, I believe you've gotten in too high over your head this time. Perhaps-" starts Goro. Ross holds out his hand. "Are you kidding, this is the most interesting thing I've been part of in years. No way I'm leaving" says Ross. "So, who's your friend" asks Ravio. Zeno explains the situation to everyone. "So, she's a slave" asks Talwin. "I dunno, probably. The chains, magical wards, and the fact that she can't resist an order from someone all kinda suggest it" says Zeno. Ross reaches over, and grabs the collar. "What's he doing" asks Goro. Ross shatters it in his hand. All the chains fall, and the wards disappear. Goro and Kelder's eyes widen. "Th-That thing could have been worth fortunes" says Goro. "I was planning on selling that and splitting it with you all" says Kelder. "So what? It was getting in the way so I broke it" says Ross. The girl looks up at Zeno. "You...saved me" she says. "Yeah, well. Your free now. Go do whatever freed slaves do" says Zeno. She stares at him in silence. "Well...you're free to go now...anytime" says Zeno. She still sits in silence. "Right, I'll just...leave you to it then" says Zeno. He takes a step back, and she steps forward. "You've got to be kidding me" Zeno says to himself. She tilts her head, and looks Zeno in the eyes. "Tell me, what do you see" she asks. "Huh" asks Zeno. "When you look at me" she says. "Uh...well, your hair is half white and half black...uh...your eyes are different colors too. Blue and green...uh, let's see-" starts Zeno. "Not on the outside. I mean, what do think of me" she asks. "10/10" Ravio says flirtingly. "I don't see anything" says Zeno. "Huh" asks Janna. "You can't read someone with a look. That's like saying Kelder has to be smart because he wears glasses" says Zeno. "Hey" says Kelder. Suddenly, the girl walks over to Zeno, and holds out her hands. "Pick one" she says. "They're both empty" he says. "Just pick one" she says. "This lady seems really weird" says Talwin. Zeno rolls his eyes, and grabs both hands. She tilts her head. "I don't do choices. Whatever I feel like doing is what I'm gonna do" says Zeno as he starts walking away. "Then...would it be alright if I did the same" she asks. "Sure, do whatever you want. I don't-" starts Zeno. She spins him around and kisses him. A glowing occurs in his mouth, and he pulls away. "WHAT" Janna yells angrily. Kotorè looks sad, but tries to hide it. "What the hell was that for" asks Zeno. "I don't understand. Isn't that why heros save girls? Humans are difficult to understand" she says. "Well, no! I didn't just save you for a kiss" says Zeno. "Ah, so you want more? Very well" she says as she starts undressing. "N-No! I mean, I didn't save you for any reason other than I felt like it" says Zeno. "Do you not find me attractive" she asks. "Oh, that's definitely not an issue" says Zeno. "Pervert" yells Janna. "I suppose it doesn't matter now anyways. I can't leave you now regardless" she says. "What? Why not" asks Zeno. "I started imprinting myself on you. As of right now, you only have the light part" she says. "I'm confused. You wanna run this from the top" asks Ravio. "I'm not human. I'm actually two celestial spirits fused into one. Both a diamond key, and a black key were used in my making. I'm only able to live as long as I stay near my guardian. My guardian is whoever I imprint too. Normally as long as someone has 1 imprint, they can use both, however, this won't be the case this time" she says. "Why not" asks Ross. "Because the man back there has the dark one. Her forced himself upon me and-" she starts. Zeno starts walking back towards the bandits camp. "Where are you going" asks Janna. "He has something that belongs to me. I'm gonna take it back...once I figure out how" says Zeno. "If the current host is slain, or I steal it back myself, It will transfer back into my body, where I can imprint a new guardian" she says. "Your crazy! You barely survived the first time" says Iyasu. "Why is that other part so important to you" asks Talwin. Zeno says nothing, but thinks back to the girl saying he forced himself on her. "Somethings a man just can't let go" says Zeno. Talwin notices the look in Zeno's eyes. "Softy" he whispers as Zeno starts heading back down.

Episode 7: Oops

Zeno enters the bandit camp again, and this time, every bandit and slave around surrounds him. "I'm not here for any of you. Just the man who hides behind his mask" says Zeno. "Who's hiding" he asks as he takes off the mask. He had long blonde hair running back, with baby blue eyes and a very serious face. "Enough with the masks already. That one's scarier than the last" Zeno says sarcastically. The masked man holds his hand out towards Zeno. "Death magic, vengeful souls" says the man. A hoard of zombies starts rising from beneath the dirt. "I'm not letting you get away" says Zeno as he dodges zombie after zombie as he rushes towards the man. "Death magic, black poison" he says. Zeno dodges, and a needle of poison hits a bandit. The bandit ceases up and dies in seconds. "Well...shit" says Zeno. A huge beam of light slams down on the battlefield, and when it clears, the zombies are gone. Zeno looks over to see the girl standing there. "That power! It's not possible! You're supposed to be a feeling less tool, that attack should have been little more than a beam of light" says the formally masked man. "I...don't understand what I feel, but whatever it is, it's powerful" she says. "Maybe it's hatred. The guy is a tool" says Zeno. "Not feelings for him. Those would only power the darkness. The feelings I have, are for you" she says. The guy pulls out his sword, and stabs it into himself, only instead of impaling him, it goes straight through. He reaches into his stomach, which has a magical rip by where the sword went in. He reaches in, pulls out a small dark stone, and crushes it. A dark powder flies over to the girl and goes inside her. Before Zeno can say anything, the guy opens up a portal with the sword. "Well meet again" he says as he steps in. Zeno tries charging after him, but the portal closes. The bandits all scatter and run away. "Man, that was such a pain" says Zeno as he flops down on the ground and closes his eyes. The girl walks over to him and lays beside him. Zeno opens one of his eyes to see she's just laying there staring at him. Zeno sighs. "Yep. This is my life now" he says. Eventually, he and and her get back to the others. "Did you win" asks Talwin. "Of course he did. That's Zeno for you, never doubted it for a moment" says Kelder. "Weren't you litterly just talking about who gets what if he dies" asks Aisha. Zeno whacks Kelder on the head. "It wasn't a win, or a lose" says Zeno. "Incorrect. You did accomplish your mission to retrieve the darkness part. I can began imprinting myself again" she says. "No. Keep the dark one with you or whatever. I don't need another tongue in my mouth" says Zeno. "She-she used tongue" asks Janna in defeat. "Of course. The imprinting works best if our tongues make contact" she says. Kotorè starts walking back towards the Inn. "Where are you going my lady" asks Iyasu. "To the inn. I didn't get to battle here so I wish to get some training done" says Kotorè as she doesn't turn around. "Huh, and I thought I was the liar" says Kelder. Ross whacks him on the head. "Ow, what was that for" asks Kelder. "I don't know. I saw Zeno do it and I wanted to try" says Ross. "Come on, we should head back. There's little point in staying out here any longer" says Aisha. "There was little point of us being out here anyways. All we did was watch Zeno fight" says Ross as they all head back. After a bit, Zeno and Talwin hit a nearby bathhouse. "Man, I kinda just want to melt into the water" Zeno says. "Come on Zeno, let's swim" says Talwin. "Look kid, bathhouses are for relaxing. We'll find a river to swim in, this, this is our one chance to take a break and enjoy ourselves. I think we're entitled to it after all the stuff we've done so far" says Zeno. Ravio walks up to the bathhouse and sees the men and woman signs hanging there. "Hmm. Do I switch the signs and let my good friend get a good show, or do I be that lame friend who plays by the rules" Ravio asks himself jokingly as he switches the signs. "Whatever lady you guys get to see, I hope she's worth the slap that comes after" Ravio says to himself as he walks away pleased with himself. "Alright Zeno, I think I'm gonna get out now. The heat is making me feel dizzy" says Talwin. "Alright bud. I'm just gonna be a few more minutes" says Zeno as he leans back and relaxes. Talwin nods, wraps a towel around himself, and walks away. Soon after, Kotorè walks into the bathhouse. "It pleases me that they have bathhouses here too" she says as she takes off her clothes, wraps up her hair, and walks into what she thinks is the woman's bath. The steam is thick, so it's hard to see, and she walks over and gets into the water. "Huh? Talwin? Is that you" asks Zeno. "M-Master Zeno" Kotorè asks. "Huh" asks Zeno as he moves closer a little. "M-Master Zeno please don't come over, I'm-" she starts. "What? Talwin send you to get me out" he asks as he gets close enough to see her. He stops as he realizes she's naked. "Jeez, what the hell? There's a woman's side you know" says Zeno. "I know! I'm in it" she says. "Huh" asks Zeno. Talwin rushes in. "Zeno! Zeno! Someone switched the signs on the doors" yells Talwin. Kotorè turns beat red. "Oh! Oh my goodness! Master Zeno I'm so embarrassed-" she starts. Zeno tosses her a towel. "M-Master Zeno" she says. "Take it. It's just a stupid towel" says Zeno. Kotorè nods, and rushes out. Ravio walks in. "So, who was it" asks Ravio. "Who was what" asks Zeno. "Who was what" asks Talwin. "Come on, you guys know. Who was the babe that feel for it" asks Ravio. "That was you" asks Talwin. "Yep" says Ravio. Zeno throws a bucket at him, which smacks him in the head. "Yeah, guess I deserved that. Seriously though, who was it? What all did you see" asks Ravio. "It was Kotorè, and more than I'm sure she wanted me too" says Zeno. "Wait! Kotorè? Uh oh" says Ravio. "What" asks Zeno. "Well...let's just say, that's something you'd need to talk to her about" says Ravio. Later Zeno walks out, and sees Kotorè sitting by the front of the Inn. "Hey, I was just coming to look for you" says Zeno. "Master Zeno, before you say anything, let me tell you it has been an honor to train under you. I may not have learned much, but I won't forget a single moment we spent together...but...I have to go home now" she says. "What? Why? If it's what happened earlier-" starts Zeno. "It is, but not probably not what your assuming. Where I'm from, we do things differently. First off, most marriages are political. They have nothing to do with love. If the couple can find love regardless, then so be it, but if not, you'll spend the rest of your life with someone you don't care for. Woman in my country are carefully raised and dressed, as their soul purpose in life is to marry, and either create a warrior, or a woman to give birth to the next generation. Naturally, all men are warriors, but not all warriors are men. If a woman chooses to walk the path of a warrior, she walks a dangerous line. She'll now have more free will, and be allowed to leave, but, they are still bound by rules. A samurai woman is not allowed to touch a man, other than the one that first sees her nude. That means, I'm no longer allowed to touch, marry, or even look at anyone but you. If I do, I will bring great dishonor and misfortune apon my family" she says. "But why do you have to go home? Can't you just stay and-" starts Zeno. A tear rolls down her cheek, and she grabs Zeno's hand. "I would love nothing more than to be with you forever Master Zeno. I'm almost glad it turned out this way though. If I can't be with you, then I shall be with no man. No man could ever be you, but I can't stay. Seeing you everyday, wanting to be in your arms, I-I just can't do it! I can't just be friends, it...it would just kill me" she says. Zeno thinks for a while. "Don't leave yet. I-I need some time to think, will you at least give me that" asks Zeno. She bows. "Very well Master Zeno, but, please don't chose to be with me just because you don't want me to leave. If you chose me, I'd rather it be because you wanted to...because...you chose me" she says with a blush as she walks her way. "Looks like your in some trouble" says a man with silver everything as he makes his way over to Zeno. "What would you know" asks Zeno. "The blonde noble, the artificial being, and the swordman all like you. You like them all, but you can't chose one and hurt the others" says the guy. "How did you-" starts Zeno. "Talk to the mouthy gunslinger. This is his fault anyways" says the silver guy. "Hey wait! How do you know about them" asks Zeno. "I gave you my advice. Do with it what you will" the guy says as he walks around the corner of the inn. Zeno runs around the corner, but is surprised to see the guy is no longer there. "Where did he go" Zeno asks himself as he looks around. After that, he goes up to Ravio. "Alright, you're gonna help me fix this thing" says Zeno. "What thing" asks Ravio. "You know what thing. The thing that is entirely your fault" says Zeno. Ravio chuckles nervously. Zeno explains what happened, and Ravio thinks. "I don't think I've ever heard of a silver swordman before, but he did have a point. I think know the perfect solution" says Ravio as he starts walking away. "Hey, where the hell are you going" asks Zeno. "Fixing your problem...or making them worse. Guess we'll find out" says Ravio as he walks away. Zeno sighs. A little while later, Ravio stands in front of Janna. "So, what do you think" he asks. "No! You must be daft if you think I'd agree to that" she says. "Look, there's a huge problem here, and this is the only way to fix it, unless, you want two of our friends to leave, and then Zeno will probably fall into a massive depression-" starts Ravio. "Don't try to Kelder your way out of this! This is YOUR fault anyways" she says. "Alright, fine. I switched the signs, I admit that, but had it been you, or Aisha, or-" starts Ravio. Janna turns her fist to steel and punches Ravio in the face. "Alright, alright. Jeez. Seriously though, you know there isn't another way out of this, unless you have an idea. Then I'm all ears" says Ravio. Janna rolls her eyes. "Fine, let's say I agree. There's no guarantee the others will too" she says. "I'll make you deal. If I get them on board, you have to do it. If not I'll let you punch me in the face again" says Ravio. Janna sighs. "Fine, but I bet they don't agree" says Janna. Ravio smiles. "Let me worry about that" says Ravio. He goes up to the black and white haired girl and asks her about it. "I don't know. What does Zeno desire" she asks. "What do think he desires? He's a man isn't he? He'll definitely want this, what man wouldn't" asks Ravio. "Then I agree" she says. Ravio then goes to Kotorè about it. "I agree to your proposal" says Kotorè. "Wait! What? Just like that" asks Janna. "My options are limited. I would have preferred a different outcome, but if allows me to remain at master Zeno's side, then I agree whole heatedly" she says. Janna slaps her forehead. "Great, looks like this is really happening" she says. "Hold on, I've still got one person on my list" says Ravio. The three girls and Ravio walk outside to see Zeno training. "Hey buddy, I almost solved that problem, just like you asked. There is one tiny little catch though" says Ravio. "Great" Zeno says sarcastically. "You now have...get ready for it...a HAREM" Ravio says. "Huh" asks Zeno. "Sure, why not? They all agreed to it" says Ravio. "Your kidding" says Zeno. "Not at all master Zeno" says Kotorè. "It's not that big of a deal. You couldn't decide, because you didn't want to hurt any of them, now you get all three, AND nobody got hurt" says Ravio. Zeno whacks him on the head. "Except me" he says as he grabs his head. Zeno sighs. "Whatever he's blackmailing you with, don't worry about it" says Zeno. "It's not blackmail. If dating 3 girls at once is what makes you feel warm inside too, then I don't object" says the black and white haired girl. "I-I don't even know your name" says Zeno. "Oh, it's Kurona" she says. "That's not the issue" says Zeno. "Just...let it happen" Janna says with a scarlet red face. Zeno slaps his forehead. "Sure. Why not. Nothing else here lately has made sense, so why should love" he asks. "Love never made sense" says Ravio. Talwin watches from a window. "Oooh, Ravio did it! He really did it" says Talwin. "I believe that's 10 gold you owe me Goro" Aisha says. Goro grumbles and pulls out her gold. "Good for the boss. I'm happy he's happy" says Ross. "I personally think it's disrespectful of Lady Kotorè's feelings, but it seems it's her desire" says Iyasu. "I could have done that with my eyes closed. Any woman who sees me falls instantly under my charm" says Kelder. "Well, I must not be very ladylike then" says Aisha. The group laughs. (Talwin's inner monologue) "I think that joining Fairy Tail that day must have been destiny. I love being a Fairy Tail member".

Episode 8: The plan

Ravio walks in looking pleased with himself. "It's been nearly 2 weeks since those bandits. I hope you've found something, I'm bored put of my mind" says Zeno. "I did actually. Wanna know where your good buddy Arronn is hiding" asks Ravio. "Where" asks Zeno. "Nowhere. He went right back to the royal capital. The Captial City of Deulvong" says Ravio. "So, we have no choice? We have to take the fight to them" asks Zeno. "Yeah, unfortunately it look like that's the case. Luckily though, we can skip the fight. There's a small entrance to the city in the slums. Nobody patched it up, because nobody knows about it. The slummers aren't about to tip off the guards. It's how they smuggle goods into the city" says Ravio. "So, we use the entrance? Then what" asks Zeno. "Well, unfortunately that's the hard part. We'll either need a distraction outside to lure the guards out, or we'll have to prepare an assult team just in case the infintry team gets caught. The assult team can keep the outside forces outside, but I doubt they'll be able to do much more than buy the infintry team time" says Ravio. "Either way, it looks like we'll be splitting into two teams when we get there" says Zeno. Ravio nods. "I'll be joining the infintry team, but only temporarily. I'm gonna go out and set up some miner explosions in unoccupied parts of the city. Even through they're little, it should be enough to confuse and hopefully panic the enemy. It's gonna take all we've got, but we may actually be able to rescue this girl of yours. Who knows, maybe she'll join your harem" Ravio says jokingly. Zeno whacks Ravio. "I'm still salty about that" says Zeno. "Apparently" says Ravio as he rubs his head. Later that day, the group is walking, now, finally away from the little village. "Hey...uh, Zeno" says Janna. "Yeah" he asks. "I-I have a demand to make" she says. "Just the one today" he asks sarcastically. "I'm serious! I want a kiss" she says. Zeno turns to her. "Why" he asks. "Well, your my boyfriend for one, and...and you already kissed Kurona. It's only fair" she says. "No. Kurona kissed me. I didn't do anything" says Zeno. "That's not the point" she says. Zeno sighs. "Look, I've never done the dating thing before. How about we just take it slow" he says. "How slow" she asks. "I don't know. How about we start by holding hands or something. People do that right" he asks. "Holding hands? We aren't 5" she says. Kotorè walks up, and takes one of his hands. He looks at her, and she smiles and blushes. "Suck up" Janna mutters to herself. Kurona walks up and grabs his other hand. "Hold on a minute" says Janna. "Only a minute? Oh well" says Kurona. "That's not what I-Oh forget it" Janna says as she crosses her arms. Zeno sighs. "Fine" he says as he stops and gets down. "What are you-" she starts. "You wanna piggyback or not? I'm out of hands so this is the best I can do" says Zeno. Janna smiles a little and walks over him, then gently wraps her arms around his neck. "Thank you for trying" she says happily as they continue on. Eventually, they reach an open clearing, with some woods on either side. "That's an Ambush if I've ever seen one" says Zeno. Ravio pulls out a coin, and tosses it as far as he can into the clearing. As soon as it touches the ground, it triggers a mine and explodes. "Alright, is there anyone here who could help us fly" asks Talwin. "No, but it wouldn't work anyway" says Ravio. He pulls out a disk, and tosses it. A shot comes from the trees and shatters it. "This is technology from where I'm from. That shouldn't be possible" says Ravio. "Why not" asks Talwin. Suddenly, a bullet flies at Janna, but Zeno deflects it with his sword. "Sniper! Down" yells Ravio. Everyone hits the ground, and Ravio leads them to safety. "We're not gonna die, we're not gonna die, we're not gonna-" starts Kelder. "We're gonna get killed if we stay pinned down like this. I don't know their numbers either" says Ravio. "Is there any good news" asks Ross. "Oh, I have an apple left in my pocket" Talwin says happily. "Great. Any other good news" Ross asks sarcastically. Ravio tosses on a pair of sunglasses, then draws his sniper rifle. "Time for you to find out why I'm the superior bodyguard" says Ravio. He pulls out a robotic bird, and he flies it up, and gets a better view. He can see the arm of their attacker. He rounds the corner, and without even looking through the scope, snipes the person right through their shoulder. While they're injured, Ravio starts rushing up, he throws a handful of black marbles at the ground, and a massive explosion errupts, leaving a huge crater there. Next, the airborne defenses activate, and he drops down as turrets from both sides fire. He slowly crawls over to the spot where the person was, but all that's left is a small puddle of blood. Ravio shuts off the turrets, and everyone comes out. "What was that" asks Zeno. "Well, whoever it was seems to have fled. A sniper bullet through the shoulder isn't exactly deadly, but at the very least, he knows he's who he's dealing with" says Ravio. "That's it? You summoned a bird, threw some marbles and hit the deck" says Ross. "Don't forget about my epic no scope" says Ravio. "I could out bodyguard you in my sleep" says Ross. "Enough boys. We'll say your both equally immature for arguing about such a petty thing. How does that sound" asks Aisha. "Yes ma'am" says Ross. "Whatever you say" says Ravio. The group continues, and at last comes to a town. Not too far from the town, a huge city surrounded by an even huger wall. "That's it. That's Deulvong" says Ravio. "Then I say we rest here, pick teams, and tomorrow, we assult the capital" says Zeno. A cloaked figure walks by, and tries to steal Ravio's coin pouch, but his reflexes kick in. He spins around, slams the figure against a wall, and twist their arm behind their back. "That doesn't belong to you" says Ravio. The cloaked figure says nothing. Ravio let's them go. "Look, I'm letting you off, plus you get some free advice. Don't rob people that look like us. Rob people who look rich, more money in it that way" says Ravio. Janna whacks him on the head. "You know, you guys are gonna give me a concussion one of these days" says Ravio. The cloaked figure starts walking away, but as they go by, Zeno can see it's a blonde girl with long hair and a some tiny horns on her head. "Well, glad to know kids these days haven't changed" says Aisha. Zeno keeps watching her walk away. "Uh, Zeno. What are you looking at" asks Talwin. Zeno shakes his head. "I-Its the strangest thing really. I thought that girl had horns for a moment" says Zeno. "Horns? I bet it was a girl wasn't it? You were checking her out" Janna says in jeliousy. "It was a girl, but I wasn't checking her out" says Zeno. "We should probably get checked into an inn. We should probably have most of the group study what we know about our people, and what we know about the attack plan, then pick teams. However, after earlier an ambush, I think me, Ross, and the boss should have a look around" says Ravio. "Alright, keep him safe you hear me" asks Janna. "Yeah yeah, don't we always" asks Ravio. "No, actually you get him in trouble" says Janna. Ravio chuckles, and everyone but the 3 go to find an inn. "So, what's the real reason you held us back" asks Zeno. Ravio smiles. "Where's the trust" he asks. Zeno just stares at him. "Look, the city needs checked out anyways. If got your back if you see anyone" says Ravio. Zeno sighs, and the group starts heading off. The group eventually comes to a slummier looking part of town. "Well, if we'd find a criminal anywhere, it'd be here" says Ravio. "I grew up in a slim like this" says Zeno. "Ha! So did I" says Ross. "Guess we all have a little slum in us" says Ravio as they start making their way through. Not a lot of people pay them much mind. "It's kinda sad isn't it? All these people have to keep an eye out for anyone who doesn't like them" says Ravio. "I remember being one of these people. You just watch the rich walk by, smug as all can be, and as soon as you have an opportunity, wham, there goes their coin purse" says Zeno. They eventually see the cloaked figure from before. She now has her hood down, and her horns are clearly visible. "How could you fail again? I've shown you the quick grab 1000 times already! Stupid brat" says a guy as he goes to slam his fist down on her, but Ravio quickly pulls out a stun gun, and fires at the guy. It shocks him, and he falls down shaking. "Don't worry. He'll be fine" says Ravio. The girl turns to see them, and starts running. "I'm going after the girl, Ravio, see if you can cut her off. Ross, learn what you can from that guy" says Zeno as he starts rushing off. Ravio smiles. "Looks like we found what we were looking for after all" says Ravio. "What" asks Ross. "Hey, I said we were looking for a criminal. Did I forget to mention which" Ravio asks in a joking tone. Ross glares at Ravio as he rushes off, then walks over to the guy. "Start talking" he says aggressively. The guy stands up, and slams his fist into Ross's ribcage. He hears a crunch, but barely reacts at all. "You don't know who your dealing with! He'll have your head for this" says the guy as he goes to throw another punch, but Ross catches it like it's nothing. "Well. Unfortunately for you, it's been a loooong time since I've hit anything, so this will probably hurt" says Ross as he slams his fist straight into the guys chest, which shatters several ribs and he crashes into a wall, breaking a few more. The guy coughs up blood. Ross walks up to him. "You ready to talk now" asks Ross. The guy spits on Ross's face. Ross stands up, and draws his greatsword. "Ha! Killing me does nothing" says the guy. "Who said anything about killing you" asks Ross. He slams the flat part of the blade hard into the guy's face, and the impact echoes throughout the town. The guy falls back. "Well, that didn't go well. I suppose I'll just beat the crap out of whoever I can get my hands on until one of them talks" says Ross. Meanwhile, Zeno chases the girl. "Hold on! Wait! Stop" yells Zeno she doesn't listen, but can't seem to shake Zeno even slightly. "Yeah, you! With the horns! Stop running" yells Zeno. She quickly turns around, and throws a fireball at him, which he dodges quickly, then she keeps running. A tomato cart comes out of nowhere, and blocks her path. "Red means stop" Ravio says jokingly as he walks out and reveals he pushed the cart out. "You wanna tell me who that guy who was hurting you is" asks Zeno. She says nothing. "I'm gonna take that as a no" says Ravio. Zeno sighs. "Are you at least hungry" asks Zeno. She looks up at him with hopeful eyes. "I don't have anything on me, but I'll take you to a market or restaurant or whatever. I'm honestly surprised you ran that fast, you look like you haven't eaten in days" says Zeno. Soon after, Zeno, her, and Ravio sit in a restaurant as she scarfs down food. "The only other person I've seen this passionate about food is Talwin" says Zeno. Zeno throws down some coins. "Alright, eat your fill. If you have any left over just keep it" says Zeno as he starts walking away. "Please...don't leave" she says. Zeno stops. "Look, I've got things to do" says Zeno. She hops up, rushes over, and hugs onto him from behind. "Alright, your welcome. Let go now" says Zeno. She continues hugging him, and smiling gleefully. "Awe, I think she likes you" says Ravio. "Don't even. Look, I've got to go. Could you let go" asks Zeno. "She hangs on a few more seconds, before letting go. Thank you" she says as she rushes out. Ravio claps. "You know, I don't know how you do it, but you've got to tell me your secret" says Ravio. "I don't even wanna know what your talking about" says Zeno. "You will" says Ravio. Zeno walks out, and after a bit, comes across a bunch of armored men. "Arronn says you're a threat. You definitely look like scum to me" says one of the armored men. "I'm not a threat, I'm a promise. When I find him, he's handing over the girl. Whether it's by choice or force, that's on him" says Zeno. "For Arron" yells one of the guards as he tries stabbing Zeno. Zeno draws his sword, and blocks the impact. Suddenly, a cart of melons slams into the guards, and knocks them down. Zeno turns to see Ross standing there. "Apparently you've already discovered Arronn knows of your presence" says Ross. "Yeah, that I did" says Zeno as he looks at the unconcious guards. "Did you also know that the girl you've been chasing is not just a criminal. She's a slave, and worse, a demon" says Ross. "Come on, get real. There are no demons" says Zeno. "She's not just some girl. There's more to her than any other human. For starters, she has inhuman endurance. A blow from that man earlier broke one of my ribs, my bones are several times thicker than that of the average human. A blow like that would shatter any normal human skeleton to pieces, even just the wind pressure. Then, she has horns. Lastly, I felt heat nearby when I was around her. Demons are said to have much higher body temperatures, it's likely the warmth came from her" says Ross. "So what" asks Zeno. "Well, I don't believe you should give chase any longer" says Ross. "Don't worry about it. I bought her lunch, and she hugged me for a while...actually, she was really warm" says Zeno. "You...bought a demon lunch" asks Ross. "I guess" says Zeno. "You know, that's what I like about you boss. You've always got some way to surprise me" says Ross. The group all meet back at the inn. "That's not good. If Arronn knows you're here, he'll likely send some people to deal with you, if he doesn't he'll send a whole army just to stop you" says Aisha. "Seriously" asks Zeno. "Unfortunately, yes. Arronn simply doesn't peg me as a bark is worse than his bite type. I believe if he truely wishes you dead, he'll find a way" says Aisha. "Alright, we'll improvise. I'll sneak in early, Zeno, try and get that girl on our side. It's worth it" says Ravio. "What are you gonna do Ravio" asks Aisha. "Let's just say, it's gonna buy you time" says Ravio. "You're gonna need backup" says Iyasu. "I agree, Goro, go with them" says Ross. "Wh-wh-what? I'm not a fighter" says Goro. Ross holds out his sword. "You are now. I need to protect Zeno, but 2 people isn't enough to invade alone. Just be a lookout if you want" says Ross. Goro tries to lift the sword, but it won't budge. "Jeez, this weighs a ton" says Goro. "No. The pummel weighs at least 2 tons on its own" says Ross. "That's not possible" says Zeno. "It does. No clue how heavy the blade itself is" says Ross. Zeno sighs and hands Goro his sword. "Take this then. You need to protect yourself" says Zeno. "No, I-I-Id rather not" Goro says nervously. Ravio hands Goro a remote. "Iyasu will bring you word when I'm ready, all you have to do is hit that button" says Ravio. Goro takes it. "Hey buddy, we're counting on you" says Ravio. Goro nods, and the three walk out.

Episode 9: Heavy Hearted Losses

Ravio, Iyasu, and Goro are in the slums, and Ravio nods to Goro. "Stay here. It's important you don't move. If you run, it'll alert the guards, they'll close the hole, and our escape route would be cut. If one walks by, don't even look at them. They'll assume your a slummie and wouldn't think twice" says Ravio. Goro nods. "Hey big guy, are you okay? You don't have to do this, I won't tell-" says Ravio. "I've got you. Don't worry" says Goro. Ravio smiles and pats his shoulder. "Alright. I'll buy you a drink afterwards" says Ravio. "Take care of yourself" says Iyasu as they walk away. The two make it up to the regular part of the city, where guards stand everywhere. "Just act natural. If anyone points out that we stand out, were diplomats from our own respective countries. By the time they get a letter back that it's bogus, we'll already have saved the girl, gone back home, and been rewarded riches and woman" Ravio says jokingly. Iyasu nods, and they make their way through the city. They end up stealthing past some guards, and eventually get to the royal palace. "Alright, stay out of sight. If you hear something, then we're compromised and I need you to give me an evac. If not, I'll be back out. If it looks like the mission is gonna be a failure, leave me behind. Tell Goro to hit the button" says Ravio as he throws on his sunglasses and sneaks inside the castle. "I have a bad feeling about this" Iyasu says. Meanwhile, Goro sees some guards walk by, and looks a little nervous. He looks down at the remote, and Ravio's voice echoes in his head. "I'm counting on you" it says. As soon as the guards leave sight, Goro drops the remote, and rushes off. A guard pokes his head back around the corner. "Well, looks like we've got trouble" he says. Soon, Iyasu hears horns. "The city is under attack! Invaders are in the city" says a man. "Damn. We were discovered faster than I thought. I better go warn Ravio" says Iyasu. All of a sudden, a bullet rips through Iyasu's shoulder. "Well, you're definitely an easier target than your friend" says a guy with a British accent. He is wearing a white suit, with a black tie, clear blue sunglasses, and blonde hair. Iyasu quickly draws his sword. "I refuse to fall here. Lady Kotorè needs me" says Iyasu. Ravio is in the castle, and the guards run by as he hides behind a wall. "Crap. This went to hell faster than I thought. I just need to get out" he says to himself as he starts rushing off. He eventually gets spotted by some guards, and decides to exit via a nearby window. He rushes up, jumps, and crashes through it, landing on the ground and looking around. "There's the intruder! Get him" yells some guards as they rush after him. "I gotta find Iyasu" says Ravio as he rushes around the side. He gets around to see the british guy standing over Iyasu, who's laying there in a pool of blood. "IYASU" yells Ravio. The Ravio rushes up, firing his handgun off randomly as a distraction. The british guy dodges the bullets, but sees a moment of weakness in Ravio when he gets down and starts helping Iyasu up. The british guy shoots him right through the chest, which Ravio is barely able to handle, he continues moving Iyasu and firing until his clip empties, and he makes it around a corner. The british guy walks around the corner and holds up his gun, but doesn't see Ravio anywhere. "Well, you are a slippery one aren't you" he asks as he walks away. Meanwhile, Ravio is barely conscious when he gets Iyasu to the area Goro was. Ravio looks around and sees the remote laying there. "Goro...I'm sorry...this was my stupid plan. I should have told you to run if you were in danger. (Leans Iyasu against a nearby wall, then falls to the ground). I'll avenge you guys, I swear" Ravio says weakly as he drags himself over to the remote. Suddenly, he feels a spear rip into his back. A guard stands there over him. Ravio weakly holds up the remote. "This is...for my friends" he says as he clicks the button. Several places in the castle blow up, and Ravio's arm falls over and the remote rolls away. A man with black hair and glasses walks up. "Captain Zemos Sir, the invaders have been dealt with" says the guard. "Two more bodies to dispose of. The amount of fools who wish to stop Lord Arronn must be high indeed" says the guy in glasses. Goro gets back to the Inn, with a heavy head. "See, told you. It's not hard to help out once in a-" starts Ross. "Wh-where are Ravio, and Iyasu" asks Janna. Goro says nothing, but a man throws open the inn doors. "Did you all hear? The capital was just under attack. Apparently they killed the two intruders" says the man. Everyone looks at Goro, and Zeno slams him against the wall. "Start talking! What happened" he asks. Goro explains what he knows. Kotorè cries, while everyone else looks sad. "I-Im sorry" says Goro. Zeno says nothing, but swings the doors open and walks out. "Do you have any idea how screwed we are now" asks Aisha. Goro says nothing. "Thanks to your cowardess, two men are dead. Those men were supposed to be your friends. Ontop of that, they'll likely seal the opening to the city, that means we now have to use the city gates, which are gonna be heavily defended. They're also aware of an attack now, so they'll be prepared" says Aisha. Goro still says nothing. "I have only one question. They...didn't suffer did they" asks Kotorè. "According to the man who came in. Iyasu died by a bullet wound, Ravio took a spear to the back" says Aisha. "I see. I pleases me they didn't suffer long" says Kotorè as she gets up and walks away with a heavy heart. "I-I think I just need some air" says Talwin as he walks away. One by one, people get up and walk away, until only Ross, Kelder, and Goro are left. "I hope you guys know, I didn't want any of this to happen" says Goro. "It's my fault. I shouldn't have sent you. I should have known better" says Ross as he gets up and walks away. "K-Kelder, you get it right? You would have run" says Goro. "No actually" says Kelder. Goro looks over and sees Kelder the most serious he's ever been. "Zeno and Talwin will vouch for me there. There was a job once, Zeno and Talwin went off, and I was supposed to hold my position. Enemies showed up, and I was terrified, but I hid behind some nearby crates and held up until they got back" says Kelder. Goro hangs his head. "You know, you can be spineless your whole life, but there's a moment in everyone's life where they can prove what's more important to them. Today, you chose yourself. I hope that choice was worth it" says Kelder as he gets up and walks away. Goro sits there alone in the Inn. Meanwhile, it's storming bad outside, where Zeno sits in an alley looking down at the ground. The demon girl starts walking past, but sees Zeno there. "Hey, you're that guy-wait, what's wrong" she asks. Zeno simply stares at the group, and she gets down by him, and wraps her arms around him again. "You're...still warm. Even in the rain" he says. She looks up at him, but doesn't say anything. Her eyes widen as she sees tears roll down Zeno's face. "I lost two friends today. They were abandoned by someone they trusted, and they paid the price" says Zeno. "Was one of them the guy with you at the restaurant" she asks. Zeno nods. "His name was Ravio. He was nothing but trouble I swear, but...he was a friend. He was always making somebody laugh or smile" says Zeno as he stares off. "I'm sorry you lost your friends" she says as she squeezes him tighter. "Hey...can I ask you something" asks Zeno. She looks at him. "Are you a demon" asks Zeno. Her eyes widen, but quickly turn sorrowful. "I'm sorry" she says. "Don't be. You shouldn't be sorry for what you are. It's only what you do" says Zeno. She doesn't say anything. A man walks up and sees her. "Hey punk, you shouldn't touch what isn't yours" says the guy as he aggressively grabs the demon girls arm and pulls her off Zeno. Zeno draws his sword and has it up to the guys throat. "Try it. Right now, I wouldn't hesitate" says Zeno. "Please don't. I don't want you getting hurt" says the demon. "Your concerned? About him? Your a demon! You're a vessel of evil, of destruction" says the guy. Zeno pulls back his blade, and tries to attack the guy, but the demon girl grabs his arm and stops him. "Please don't. I promise it's fine. You should have some time to grieve over your friends" says the demon girl. "Friends? Don't tell me those idiots who attacked the castle were your people" says the guy. Zeno slams his fist into the guy's gut. "Soul clash" he says. The guy feels a pulse of energy but then Zeno feels something in his chest. He looks down to see he's been run through with a sword. "Saul! Please stop it! Don't kill him" the demon girl says with tears rolling down her face. Zeno turns his head back, and the previously masked man stands there. "You're quite the annoyance aren't you? Do me a favor. Stay dead this time" he says as he kicks Zeno off the end of his sword. Saul walks over and helps the other guy up. He pulls out a revolver and points it at Zeno. "Want me to end him boss" asks the guy. Saul looks over at the demon girl, who has dropped down and is holding Zeno's hand. "It would be cruel to do it in front of her. I'll take her with me, when we're gone, fire all six shots just to be sure" says Saul. "NO" yells the demon girl as Saul walks over and grabs her by the hair. "I'll drag you if I must" he says. "Just go with him. You don't want to see this" says the guy. She cries, but reluctantly follows Saul away. "Bye asshole" says the guy as he fires all 6 shots into Zeno's back. Goro rushes out. "I heard gun fire" he says. He looks down and sees Zeno. "Oh my gosh" he says as he rushes back inside. Everyone gathers around a bed where Zeno lays barely alive. "How's he looking Kelder" asks Talwin. "Oh you know Zeno. It looks worse than it is, he's fine" says Kelder. "Don't lie to us. Not now" says Janna. Kelder hangs his head. "I did what I could to get the bullets out and stitch him up, but I'm afraid Zeno's odds of survival are low. His odds of surviving the night is even lower" he says. Kotorè starts crying and squeezes Talwin tightly. "Dummy! Stupid! Idiot! Why did you go outside? Why didn't-(sobs)why is all this happening" Janna asks. "We bit off more than we could chew. As a result, we lost 3-" starts Aisha. "Don't say that! He's not dead yet" says Talwin. "My apologies. So far we have 2 friends gone, and 1 in critical condition. Tomorrow was supposed to be our attack, but honestly I think this all just came crashing down. Any hope we had of winning, I think it's safe to say it's gone" says Aisha. "No! Zeno wants to save this girl! She should be here when he wakes up" says Talwin. Everyone hangs their heads. "Talwin, I know death isn't easy-" starts Aisha. "He's not DEAD" says Talwin. "But there is a chance he might not wake up-" starts Goro. "Why are you all against me?! Zeno is gonna survive! You'll see! And I'll save the girl even if I have to do it alone" says Talwin as he storms out of the room. "I'll go make sure he doesn't do anything stupid" says Ross as he walks out. "Thank you for finding him Goro. His chances would have been Zero if you hadn't" says Janna. "Not like I feel like a hero. He wouldn't have even been outside if I-if I would have listened to Ravio" says Goro as he hangs his head and walks out. "I wish to see master Zeno's request filled, but moral is at incredible lows, we're down 3 fighters, and the plan was a failure" says Kotorè. Kelder stares down at Zeno for a while. "Are you alright? I never expected you to be this sad about it" says Janna. "Of course I'm sad. He was my best friend. I've been a liar my whole life. It just came so naturally. Eventually, Nobody believed me. Nobody believed in me. Then Zeno came along. He actually helped me become a better liar, and even taught me how to use my arm crossbow. He showed me more than anyone ever did" Kelder says sadly. Janna rubs his back. Kelder gives her a half smile. "I...uh...if it's alright with you, I think I need some time to myself" says Kelder as he pushes his glasses back up his nose and walks out of the room. The girls all just look at each other, and back down at Zeno. They go to walk out, but Janna stops and walks back over to Zeno. She leans down, and grabs his hand. "I shouldn't have said this was childish. I'd give anything again just to hold your hand" she says as she leans down and kisses his cheek. Then she walks out of the room.

Episode 10: The castle invasion

Zeno wakes up in the dark place again, with the girl from before in there. "My heaven's, it seems like someone dances with death often" she says. "What can I say? I missed you" Zeno says jokingly. "I can't keep sending you back you know. One of these time, your going to die, and-" she starts. "Your talking like I'm unlucky. I know two of my buddies who never got a second shot" says Zeno. The girl says nothing. "Oh well, it's not a big deal. I don't care if I go back or not" says Zeno as he lays down on seemingly air. "You can't give up Zeno. Your destiny waits" says the girl. "Destiny certainly picked a crappy candidate. I'm not a mage, I'm just some guy with a sword" says Zeno. "You're so much more than that to those around you. You're also a boyfriend, a mentor, a best friend, and a source of inspiration. You're friends need you Zeno. Francesca needs you" says the girl. A glow occurs. Later, Kelder rushes downstairs, and slides into a pole. "Your in a hurry, is something wrong with Zeno" asks Ross. "Yeah you could say that" says Kelder. "Don't tell me he-" starts Goro. "No. He's gone" says Kelder. "What do you mean he's gone? The guy had a sword wound and 6 bullets in the back. He shouldn't even be alive, let alone missing" says Aisha. "I swear he's not there" says Kelder. Meanwhile, Zeno walks down the street with bandaged wrapped around his torso and back. He gets to the Captial City gates, and a band of guards point spears at him. "Nobody is to enter the city. Lord Arronn's orders" says a guard. "Kido style, first technique! Slashing blitz" says Zeno. He takes out all the guards, and walks into town. "You don't Zeno is attacking the city on his own do you" Janna asks nervously. "He might of, especially if he thought he might die soon. If that's the case, it's likely he's already within the city" says Aisha. Talwin and Kelder start rushing out. "Where are you going" asks Aisha. "Isn't it obvious? We're following Zeno" says Talwin as they rush off. Kurona, Janna, and Kotorè all look at each other, nod, and rush out. "Very well. I'll go too. Goro, hold down the fort" says Aisha as she rushes out. Goro looks around and sighs. Meanwhile, Zeno continues his advance, taking down any guard that rushes at him. "Come on! Come at me" yells Zeno as they all keep charging at him. He takes them down one by one. He feels his stitches rip, and looks down to see his bandages slowly absorbing the blood. "Damn. Looks like I'll need to hurry. I haven't even recovered the blood I lost yesterday" he says as he moves on. The rest of the group follow the trail of guards until they get up to the castle. "He's insane" says Ross. Kelder looks down and sees the blood trail. "It's a blood trail, probably Zeno's. That idiot probably reopened the wound" says Kelder. "I might just have to kill him myself for being so reckless" says Janna. They walk in the castle, and Zeno sits in the main room. "Took you long enough" he says. Talwin smiles. "Hey wait Ross, didn't you say you had a broken rib? You should be resting" says Zeno. "Look at the pot calling the kennel black! I have more ribs, you got ran through AND shot 6 times" says Ross. Janna walks up and slaps him. "How dare you! I was so worried! I thought you were dead TWICE in less than 24 hours! Do you have any idea how it feels" she asks. "If him being alive shocks you, just wait until you turn around" says a familiar voice. Everyone looks back to see Ravio and Iyasu standing there. "Y-you're alive" says Janna. "Aha, I knew you guys cared! I totally knew it" says Ravio. Janna walks over and punches him in the face. "You! You had everyone crying! You're all monsters! All three of you" says Janna. "Well, to be fair, we almost did die. We actually would have too, but they missed anything important on me. A healer patched us both up, but...Iyasu-" starts Ravio. Zeno looks at Iyasu and sees he's not carrying his sword. "The bullet severed some nerves in my arm. I can still use it for simple tasks, but I'm no longer able to lift my sword. I'm sorry lady Kotorè" Iyasu says as he kneels. "Don't sound like that. It makes it sound like your giving up" says Zeno. "I have no choice, without my strong arm-" starts Iyasu. "That's not your strong arm anymore. You simply have to train your other one. One of my students isn't quiting because of a small setback. You want to protect Kotorè don't you" asks Zeno. "How dare you even ask such a question? I would give my life for lady Kotorè" says Iyasu. "Then prove it bud. If you can't lift a sword, use a dagger, or your fist if you have too. If she matters to you, you'll find a way" says Zeno. "Aren't you being a little hard-" starts Janna. "You're right master Zeno. I was foolish to have doubted lady Kotorè's belief in you. You're words are wise, yet stern. Just as a true master of the sword should be. It honors me you trust me to protect lady Kotorè, I won't let you down again master" he says with a bow. Zeno smiles. "Right, now that the band is all here-" starts Zeno. "Not everyone actually" says a voice. They look back to see Goro walking up carrying a heavy battleaxe. "I may not be at Ross's level, but I'm still strong enough to swing this thing around" he says. "I knew I was right about you" says Ravio. Goro looks over and sees Ravio and Iyasu, and tears up. "Sup" asks Ravio. Goro rushes over and gives them both a squeezing hug. "It's alright big guy. Still, the plan was a success" says Ravio. "How was it a success" asks Zeno. "Well, I was gonna explain when I got back, but you know. The plan was to distract them. The explosions helped, but it definitely helped they thought they killed us. Now we distracted them, and we've got the element of surprise" says Ravio. The group head on, and eventually come to a main room, with several different doors and stairs. "Uh, everyone just pick a way to go I guess" says Zeno. "I don't know, wouldn't it be smarter to stick together" asks Kelder. "No. We need to search this place. When I find that Arronn guy, me and him are gonna have a talk and he's gonna tell me where that girl is" says Zeno. Everyone shrugs and goes down different paths. Goro ends up in a room, with chains and torcher devices everywhere. "Well, how unfortunate for you...and fortunate for me" says a girl dressed like a dominatrix as she walks out with a whip hooked to her side. Goro doesn't do anything. "What's the matter? Can't hit a woman" she asks. (Goro's inner monologue) "Great. I don't want to cleave this chick in half. I suppose I'll just try something else". "I have no problems hurting woman. I'm a businessman. As long as something goes my way, I don't care who it hurts. You however, are a very attractive woman" says Goro. She turns red and spins around. "Don't blow your cover Camilla. Make him think your scary" she says to herself in a much more shy and girly voice. She spins back around. "Yes my boy toy. Feed me complements and beg for mercy like a dog" she says. "Very well" he says as he gets down on his hands and knees. "You're beautiful mistress. No picture could match your beauty, it's almost goddess like, please do what you will" he says. Her face turns beat red. "I-I-I can't do it! It's so embarrassing" she says as she gets down as a little demon tail wags around. "Hold on, is she a-" starts Goro. "Fine you big baby. I'll take the handsome stud for myself" says another girl. She looks to be about in her twenties, with long purple hair and a huge rack. Goro looks lustful. "You see, all I had to do was walk in" says the older one as she rubs her finger on his chin. "Ah! It's so indecent" says the other girl as she buries her face in her hands. The older one sighs. "Some succubus you are" says the older one. "I-Im sorry" says the other girl. "Well anyways, I suppose I'd be killing you right now, but luckily you and the rebellion are on the same side" says the older succubus. "Rebellion" asks Goro. "Yeah. Arronn's trying to keep it secret, but he locked the queen lady away, and has been ruling in her stead. Apparently, rumor has it he has a girl now who he plans to sacrifice in a forbidden spell. It forcefully let's him use Fairy Law once, though nobody knows what toll it's gonna take on him" says the older succubus. "What's Fairy Law" asks Goro. "It's a powerful spell that wipes out any enemies of the caster within it's range, and it goes pretty far" says the older succubus. Goro's jaw drops. "You got lucky. We're part of the rebellion to stop it. Your friends probably won't get that lucky. There's a few more rebellion members inside the castle, but not many" says the older succubus. "I've got to go warn the others" says Goro. "Don't bother. Right now, your our leader. We need to get this rebellion moving. Arronn decided to move up when he's using the ritual to tonight" says the older succubus. "L-Leader" asks Goro. "Well yeah, technically the rebellion already has a leader, but he can't afford to blow his cover, so we need someone else to lead" says the older succubus. "Why me" asks Goro. "Because. It's either me, you, or her right now until we find someone else" says the older succubus. Goro sighs. "Fine. Let's go find someone who can actually lead this thing" says Goro as they head out. Meanwhile, Kelder gets to a room, and walks in to see a blonde guy in golden armor standing there holding hands with a girl dressed like nobility. "Oh, sorry wrong room, mine must be down the hall" says Kelder as he goes to walk out. "Hold it right there" says the guy. Kelder stops. "Come now! If you're a friend to her majesty, then you are a friend of mine! Feel free to have a seat good fellow. Me and my lady were just about to have some soothing tea" says the guy as he sits down at a table, and she pours 3 cups of tea. "I hope you like it" she says with a curtsie. Kelder walks over and takes a sip. "So, who are you exactly" asks Kelder. "Oh heavens, I've forgotten my manners my friend. Please, call me Romeus. This lovely woman here is my girlfriend Julie" says the guy. "Nice to meet you. Are you with the royal army" asks Kelder. "Not any longer my friend" says Romeus. "Why not" asks Kelder. "Love my friend. It's the purest and hardest to understand of all the emotions. My family and hers had disagreements, they wished us to stop seeing each other, but I refused. I cast aside my nobility, as did she. For this act, my knighthood was stripped, and I was labeled unloyal to the queen by Arronn, but what he didn't know was the queen was actually letting stay here" says Romeus. Kelder laughs. "How clever. You're hiding right under your enemies nose" says Kelder. "You know, I think I like you Romeus" says Kelder. "What a coincidence! I was just thinking you seemed like an alright fellow. Tell me, what's your name" asks Romeus. "Kelder" says Kelder. "Well Kelder, how about a little drink" asks Kelder as he pulls out a bottle of rum. Meanwhile, Aisha comes to an open room, and walks in, but is surprised when a darker skinned girl drops from the ceiling and shatters the ground where she lands. "Hiya! I'm Kia, and I've been ordered to kill you now" the girl says energetically as she rushes forth and tries to hit Aisha. Aisha crosses her arms across her chest. "Your attacks are sloppy. Earth uppercut" says Aisha. A rock piller shoots from the ground and slams into the girls chin, sending her flying back, but she jumps right back on her feet. "Man, that really hurt! This is gonna be so much fun" says the girl as she rushes at Aisha again. Iyasu walks into a room, and the guy Zeno confronted walks out. "Well, look who's back from the dead" the guy says. "I was hoping to prove myself against my assailant, but I suppose you'll do for a sparing partner" says Iyasu. The guy twilrs a pike around in his hand. "Come on, you seriously think you can take me without a weapon" asks the guy. "Master Zeno told me even if you don't have a weapon, you can still fight for what you wish for" says Iyasu. "Well. Maybe he'll tell his next apprentice that's the advice that got you killed" says the guy. Iyasu takes a fighting stance. "Come at me then" he says. Ross walks into a room, and in it is a huge monster with bulging muscles. "Ha! Just the kinda fights I like" says Ross. He looks over to see it's chained up. "Well it's no fun that way" says Ross as he walks over, grabs the giant chain, and crushes it in his hand. The mister roars, and smacks Ross through 7 cement walks. Ross just stands up and lights a cigar. "Come on grandma. I knew a girl scout who hit harder than you" says Ross as he starts walking back out towards the monster. Ravio walks into a room, but stops and looks down. He pulls out a bag of powder, and blows it downwards, where a bunch of red lines are shown. "Laser cencer mines. Not a bad trick" says Ravio. He jumps back, right as an explosion goes off under him. "What? You didn't think I'd fall for the old "trap the guy who thinks he knows the trap" trick did you" asks Ravio. A celling tile moves, and the british guy hops down. "You're a pain in the ass to kill" says the british guy. "Ditto" says Ravio as they both pull out a gun. "What the hell? I went to another world and everything" says Ravio. "You can't run from the past Alvin. It finds a way to stick around" says the british guy. "So, I'm the target huh? Well, that sucks" says Ravio. "Not just you. Jutara Isaki, Takumi Kazuchi, and Crystal Bless all are also in this world" says the british guy. Ravio's eyes widen. "Takumi and Crystal are alive" he asks the british guy fires some shots, but Ravio manages to dodge them by milometers and takes cover behind a wall. "Not bad for a computer hacker" says the british guy. "I have my moments" says Ravio as he tosses out some smoke bombs. They spray smoke everywhere. "Damn, he's running" says the british guy as he runs that direction. Ravio close lines him, and points a gun to his head, but the british guy flips up, and kicks the gun out of Ravio's hand he then goes to punch Ravio, but Ravio grabs his arm and twist it behind his back, then kicks him into a wall. The guy spins around and kicks Ravio in the face, which knocks him down to the ground, and starts going to get the gun, but Ravio grabs his leg with his legs, and pulls him down to the ground. He gets ontop of the guy, and punches him in the face a few times, but the guy headbutts Ravio in the nose. Making Ravio jump back and grab his nose. "Ouch my sniffer" says Ravio as blood runs down his face.

Episode 11: The battle rages on

Kotorè rushes forth, but stops and slashes an arrow coming by her. "Impressive. Good job, wanna hold star" asks a sarcastic guy. "No. I mearly wish to get by" she says. "Sure, go on ahead. It's not like I was put here to stop people from doing that or anything" says the sarcastic guy. Kotorè takes a deep breath. "If you won't let me pass, then I'm afraid we'll have to face each other" says Kotorè. "Oooh, really now? What gave that away? The drawn weapons? Or the fact that your trying to do something you aren't supposed too" asks the guy. Kotorè sighs. "It seems talking to this man is of little use" she says. Janna walks into a room, and looks around to see it's empty. A gas fills the room, and she coughs a few times before falling down unconscious. When she wakes up, she's strapped down to the table, and has a tube running down her throat. She looks around, and tries to move but can't. "Sorry, can't let you leave, nope nope. I'm technically supposed to torcher you, but I don't feel like it, let's be friends instead" says a girl with brown hair done into pig tails. She has glasses on, and spins around in the chair a bunch. Janna tries to talk, but can't because of the tube. "Oh right, that. Bummer right? I remember when they did it to me" she says as she stops spinning. She's dizzy and crashes onto a table, but shoots right back up. "I'm okay, well actually I might puke" she says as she grabs her stomach. Janna tries moving again, and the girl looks at her. Janna motions her eyes towards the tube. "Oh, I don't read eye language. What does that mean? Change? No, that's babies. How about food. Food goes in the tube" she says as she walks over to a fridge and swings it open. "Huh, I don't know what she likes. I'll just throw everything in" she says kinda wildly as she pulls out stuff and takes it to the blender. Janna keeps trying to get her attention and shaking her head, but it's not working. Talwin sneaks in a room using his stealth. "Don't bother sneaking further. I can see you elf" says a familiar voice. Talwin turns to see Saul standing there. "I had hoped I'd get that arrogant friend of yours, but I suppose killing his little pet wouldn't hurt" says Saul. Talwin looks mad, and pulls out some throwing daggers. "Fine. Stay invisible if you wish. It doesn't matter" says Saul as he swings his blade at Talwin. Talwin backflips out of the way. Zeno walks into a room, and a woman wearing swan themed clothing stands there. "Insolent fools. Lord Arronn has had enough of your selfish rebellion! Get ready to face Lady Dace, the greatest celestial wizard in the kingdom" she says. "Heh, I've faced spirits before. None of your silver keys are gonna hurt me" says Zeno. "Who said my keys were silver" she asks as she pulls out a black key. "The hell is that? Is it a unique spirit" asks Zeno. Lady Dace laughs. "Arrogant fool. There is more in the world then you'll ever know. Just don't trust everything history tells you" she says as she holds out the key. Then she holds out her arm, and pulls up her glove. She pricks her arm with a needle, and the key glows. Suddenly, a spirit appears. It's the demon girl that Zeno had been talking too. "I-Impossible" says Zeno. "Asha, destroy him" says Lady Dace. A tear falls down Asha's face. "As you command lady Dace" she says as a huge fireball appears in her hand. She throws it at Zeno, and Zeno hops out of the way. "What's wrong? Can't hit a woman" asks Lady Dace. "If at all possible I prefer not too, but especially not this one. I don't know what control that key has over her, but I'm gonna save her" says Zeno. Lady Dace laughs. "Isn't that cute? He wants to be a hero" says Lady Dace with a laugh. "Don't worry about me Zeno. I can't die, not really. Besides, heros don't save demons. They kill them" she says as tears weld up a little. "Well then, good thing I'm not a hero then" says Zeno. Asha looks surprised and looks at Zeno. "I'm a greedy mercenary! I take what I want, and do what I want, and guess what? I just so happen to want to save you" says Zeno as he smiled at her. "So what? All the good intentions in the world won't change the fact that I am her master" says Lady Dace. Meanwhile, Kelder and Romeus sit laughing, clearly drunk. "I...I forget what we were laughing about to be honest" Kelder says in a drunk tone as he laughs again. Romeus laughs. "Ah I can't either, but it's funny" Romeus says. Julie smiles at them. "I'm so glad you made a friend Romeus. Kelder truely is a blessing to our lives, that's why I believe it's the perfect time to ask, will you marry me Romeus" asks Julie. "Sure. We could do that! Come on Kelder, let's go find ring" says Romeus as he drunkly walks to the door. "H-Hey, you should go alone man. I-I know. I'll go with you. I'll probably figure out this place in no time" says Kelder as he wobbles his way up. Julie giggles at them. "Just keep it down. Her Majesty probably had other guests" says Julie. "I'm getting married! Whoo" says Romeus as he stumbles away with Kelder. Meanwhile the girl walks over and shakes Aisha. "Oopsie. I might have killed her" she says. Aisha groans in her sleep. "Oh, nope! Whew, I didn't want to kill her" she says. She sees Romeus and Kelder wobble in drunkly. "H-Hey, th-thatsh my friend there! You beat her up didn't you meanie" asks Kelder. "Uh, yeah, but I had orders" she says. "Hitting a woman is unforgivable, K-Kelder, hold my sword" says Romeus as he he pushes it into Kelder's chest. He then goes to grab for his sword. "Huh, where'd I put my sword" he asks. Kelder bust out laughing. "You dummy! We must have left it in the room" says Kelder. "Oh yeah" says Romeus as they both laugh and Kelder drops the sword. "What was we talking about? Oh yeah, you shouldn't beat people up lady! It'sh not nice" says Kelder. "Y-You seem like a good kid. You shouldn't fight" says Romeus. "I-I guess lord Arronn has been pushing it lately. People even say he's holding the queen hostage" she says. "Yeah, what she said" says Kelder. "Okay, I'll switch to the resistance" she says happily as she rushes out. "Wh-whos Arronn" asks Kelder. Romeus bust out laughing. "I-I have no idea" he says as they both laugh and fall backwards. The monster slams a pillar down on Ross's head, but it crumbles, and Ross looks unhurt. "Come on! I've head headaches stronger than that" says Ross as he slams his fist into the monsters stomach. A huge pool of blood shoots from it's mouth. "That's how it's done damnit! Now hit me" says Ross. The monster roars, and slams it's fist hard into Ross's gut, sending him flying up through the ceiling, then the monster jumps up, and slams it's fist on his back, sending him slamming through all the way to the basement. The monster lands down there, where Ross leans against the wall with blood coming out of his head and a huge smiles on his face. "Now that's what I'm looking for! Bring it on monster" yells Ross as he delivers a hard slam to it's jaw and shatters all of its teeth. The impact also sends it flying up, but Ross grabs it's foot, and slams it right back onto the ground hard enough to leave an imprint in the cement. Ravio and the british guy look at each other for a moment. "Man, this is gonna suck" says Ravio. The british guy charges at Ravio, and slams his shoulder into his gut, then rams him into the wall, and punches him in the chin. He pulls out a revolver, but Ravio throws some powder in his eyes, swiped the gun, and slams it into the guy's face. He falls down, and Ravio shoots him in the leg, but the guy still gets up, and spin kicks the gun away. Ravio pull out a Swiss army knife (the knife part), and the british guy pulls out a butterfly knife. Ravio tries to slash the guy, but he blocks with the butterfly knife, then slides another one out of his sleeve and tries to stab Ravio, but Ravio catches his arm, and kicks him in the bullet wound. "Bloody hell" the guy yells as he drops the knifes to grab his leg. Ravio kicks him in the face, and he falls back by the revolver. He picks it up, and points it but Ravio runs away and avoids the shoot. The british guy stands up and rushes over to see he's not there anymore. "Bollocks" says the british guy as he sits down. He pulls out a ciggerette, and lights it, then puts it in his mouth. "I knew he was trained by a military, but that bloke is on my level of combat skill. Those lot weren't just some normal team" he says to himself. The guy Zeno confronted tried to jab Iyasu with the pike, but Iyasu kicks it out of the guys hands with his foot, then hits the guy in several pressure points around his body. "I-I can't move" says the guy. Iyasu nods. "Indeed. Apparently you felt so sorry for me not having a weapon, so you graciously gave me yours" says Iyasu as he walks over and grabs the pike. "Errr, when I'm able to move-" starts the guy. Iyasu outs him in a sleeper hold, and puts him to sleep. "Never underestimate someone who has things to protect" says Iyasu as he walks away with the Pike.

Episode 12: The Life Cord

Kotorè stands there slashing away arrow after arrow in a barrage. "You realize this is a magic bow right? You can't just run me out of arrows, but hey, obviously your way is working fantastically so far" says the guy with the bow as he keeps firing arrows. (Kotorè's inner monologue) "He's right. Blocking his attacks only keeps me here while my friends are fighting". She takes a deep breath and starts rushing at the guy while still blocking arrows. "Oh wow, she figured she could move. Oh wait, that's right, so can I" the guy says sarcastically as he backs up. "Kido style! Second technique, flashstep" she says. She flashes behind the guy, who grabs his chest and falls to the ground. "I used the back of the blade. You'll live" she says as she walks away. Meanwhile, the girl in the lab coat is sitting by the table Janna is strapped too. "Annnd that's all the deepest darkest secrets I wanted to tell a bestie, if I had one, which I don't, I never leave here" she says as she rolls her chair back and accidentally hits a rock, which stops the chair and throws her out. Janna tries to talk again, but the tube is in her throat. "Oh come on I just fed you" says the girl. Janna shakes her head and motions her eyes down to the tube. "I wish you could just tell me what you wanted, but you have that tube down your throat" says the girl. Janna shakes her head. "Oh yeah! I could take it out, though I'm not supposed too" she says. Janna looks at her with pleading eyes. The girl sighs. "Oh well, they may kill you soon anyways, so I may not get in trouble" the girl says as she starts pulling the tube out. When she gets it out, Janna throws up on the table beside her. "Yeah, sometimes that happens" says the girl. "Please let me go! I have to find my boyfriend" she says. "Oh my gosh! You have a boyfriend? I've always wanted one, but I'm not allowed to leave the lab. In fact, I think I've only been out 4 times in my 20 years of life. What's it like" she asks as she picks up her chair and plops down in it. "It's a really good feeling. I can't explain it, but he's in trouble. He might die if I don't find him" Janna says. The girl spins around in her chair a little. "What's he like" she asks. "He's rude, crude, and over confident...but he's also actually sweet, and more sensitive than you'd guess. He's so sensitive that rather than pick a girlfriend out of three girls who liked him, he let everyone be mad at him for not telling us no, because he didn't want to choose" says Janna. "But he eventually chose you right" asks the girl. "No actually. His stupid friend convinced us to all date him" Janna says with a sigh. "So...he's not opposed to multiple girlfriends" she asks. "No. He's actually taking it pretty casually" says Janna. The girl smiles and propells the chair over to Janna. "I'll make you a deal. I'll let you go, but you have to share your boyfriend" says the girl. "What? No! I've already got two other girls stealing time" says Janna. "Well, then, I'd hate to be you when the torcher gets here" says the girl as she spins around in the chair. "Y-You'd just let me die over this" she asks. "No, they wouldn't let you die. That's what the tubes for" says the girl. "Y-you're heartless" she says. "Maybe I wouldn't be if I had a boyfriend" she says in a moppy tone as she keeps spinning. "It's not like your asking me to share a dress, or even a house! You're trying to steal my boyfriend, and you've never even met him" says Janna. "I feel like I have. I bet he's good looking" says the girl. "What if I told you he wasn't" asks Janna. "I wouldn't care. Sure I'd like a good looking guy, but as long as he cares I don't care what he looks like" she says. "How about another guy? I'm sure-" starts Janna. The girl shakes her head. "This guy must be special if three girls like him. Plus, you sure want to keep him for yourself aweful bad" says the girl. Janna groans. "This sucks but the puke stinks and I don't want to be torchered, so I'll make you a deal. If you let me go, when we find my boyfriend, we'll ask him. Surely you wouldn't force yourself on a guy who didn't want you right" asks Janna. "Okay, yeah! Let's do this" says the girl as she undoes the straps. "Now, we have to be careful on our way out. The whole place is full of traps" says the girl. Janna sighs as they go on. Talwin lays on the ground being held down by the undead. "Zeno will stop you! He's stronger than any of you" says Talwin. Saul laughs. "Let me let you in on a secret boy! Your friend hasn't been pulling through. He's died twice recently, yet he comes back. The more he does this, the more closely he is to one of those creatures holding you. I don't know what kind of power he has, but I want it" says Saul. Talwin's eyes widen. "Th-thats not true" yells Talwin. "You hesitate because you know it's true. Zeno already told you what his limit break did, and yet he's still alive, and isn't it curious that he didn't need more than a night to recover from life threatening injuries? You're friend has died twice foolishly trying to save those why don't need his saving. I'm going to make it 3. Maybe 3 is my lucky number" he says as he slashes a portal open. "No! Stop it" yells Talwin. "Dispose of him my creatures" says Saul as he walks through it and it closes. Talwin struggles, and an undead walks up with a sword in it's hands. "Goodbye Zeno" Talwin says as he closes his eyes. "Bind" says a voice. The undead all get bound, and Talwin looks over to see the cloaked girl from before standing there struggling to hold the binds. Talwin slips out and rushes over to her as she collapses. Her hood falls off to reveal she has light brown hair and elf ears. "S-shes an elf" says Talwin. The undead get closer, and Talwin rushes off with her in his arms. Zeno draws his sword. "Decide to try and kill her after all" asks Lady Dace. "No. I'm not gonna kill you either despite this, if you hand over the key when I ask for it" says Zeno. Lady Dace laughs. "I'd like to see you take this key" she says. Zeno turns his sword backwards. Hohoh style, backwards blade. First technique, blitzkrieg" says Zeno. He bounces around the room at incredible speed attacking recklessly. Asha dodges a few attacks, and Lady Dace is waiting for one to hit her. However Zeno disappears, and seems to have stopped moving. "Wh-where did he go" asks Lady Dace. "I'm gonna need that key now" says Zeno. Lady Dace spins around, and Zeno has the blade pointed at the back of her neck. She trembles and holds out the key. Zeno grabs it, and tosses it to Asha. "Uh, this isn't-" starts Asha. Lady Dace jams a key into Zeno's gut. "Let it corrupt you" she whispers in his ear. "No! Stop" yells Asha. "Close your mouth" says Lady Dace. Asha closes her mouth and just looks at Zeno. Zeno feels pulsing course through his body. "It's trying...to take...my body" says Zeno as he falls down and grabs his head. Lady Dace laughs. "Soon the corruption will eat your sanity away, and you'll become a spirit of hatred and anger, just like our little Asha" says Lady Dace as she turns to Asha. Zeno quickly stands up, and puts his hand on her back. "No sword style, soul transfer" says Zeno. The darkness leaves Zeno and goes into Lady Dace. She screams and grabs her head. "It corrupted her. She's not human anymore" says Asha. Suddenly, she fades away and a black key appears, along with a few others that fall on the ground. Asha leans down and picks up hers. "What do we do with the rest of them" asks Zeno. Asha picks up Lady Dace's key, and snaps it in half. "Break them" she says. Zeno nods and starts breaking the keys. Once they finish, Asha smiles and hugs onto Zeno again. "I love you, and I don't even know who you are" she says. "Thanks, but enough people love me already" says Zeno. "That's not true. You can never have too much love in your life" says Asha. "Wanna bet" asks Zeno. Soon Ravio walks in. "Hey, glad to see you listened to me. Guess that makes for girlfriends now" says Ravio. "I get to date you" she asks exitedly. "What? No! Ravio, don't put words in-" starts Zeno. "Yep. You sure do little imp. I'm Ravio" says Ravio. "I thought you were dead" says Asha. "I'm starting to regret mourning him" Zeno says with a sigh. "I was. Well, at least, everyone thought I was" says Ravio. "I'm glad you aren't dead. It made him sad" says Asha. Ravio grins at Zeno. "Oh really? How badly did he miss me" asks Ravio. "He was crying and-" starts Asha. Zeno covers her mouth. "Let's just stop talking" says Zeno. She tries to say something, but it's muffled by Zeno's hand. He moves it away and she smiles at him. "I love you" she says happily as she buries her face in his chest. Zeno sighs. "Alright, we should probably get moving" says Zeno. She doesn't let go. "Uh, that means you should probably let go so we can move" says Zeno. She still hangs on. Zeno sighs. "Guess we'll wait" says Zeno. Iyasu and Kotorè meet up back at the beginning. "My path was a dead end" says Iyasu. "I fear so was mine" says Kotorè. "Then we know those paths don't lead anywhere. Let's try this one" says Iyasu as he leads them down the path Aisha originally went down. Goro trembles in front of a small army of people, some including the girl who beat Aisha, and the succubus sisters. "Uh, we need to...uh, beat them" says Goro. The monster flies through the floors and lands on the ground with a crash. Ross jumps up, and looks at it. "Well damn. I was trying so hard not to knock it out too" he says. Everyone looks amazed, and Goro grabs Ross's arm. "This is why we're gonna win this battle ladies and gentlemen. As Ross's manager, I've made sure he tried hard until he got this strong, so, do you think I can lead you to victory" asks Goro as he holds up his Axe. The crowd screams "Yeah". "Then let's take back the country, for the queeeeeen" yells Goro. They all charge out to face the opposing forces. "What are their chances" asks Ross. "Oh they'll definitely die out there. Enemy forces are overwhelming" says Goro. "Sounds great. Let's go" says Ross as he starts running out. Goro sighs. "I should have managed that laid back guy back 10 years ago" Goro says with a grumble as he follows Ross out into battle. Zeno and his group continue on to find out it's a dead end. "Great, now what" asks Ravio. "We go back Talwin's way. I wanna make sure he's alright anyways" says Zeno as they rush off. They get down that way and Talwin is gone, but a hoard of zombies is there, and Saul appears behind them "I see you made it. I don't know where the elf went, but he doesn't matter. I must kill you" he says as he holds out his hand. The zombies move after Zeno, but Asha snaps her fingers and a piller of flame takes them all out. Ravio fires his gun at the guy, but he slashes a portal, and it send the bullet into Ravio's back. "This doesn't involve you two I'm afraid. Death magic, endless nightmare" he says. Ravio and Asha grab their heads. (Ravio's nightmare) He stands over a a bunch of bodies. "Oh, Jutara! Everyone! Come on! You guys can't be dead right? You have to be alive" says Ravio as he shakes the bodied. (Asha's nightmare) Raid pushes her away. "Demons don't deserve love! They deserve to DIE" dream Zeno says. They both scream as they squeeze their heads. Zeno narrows his eyes. "I don't know what your doing to them, bulk I'll stop you" says Zeno. "You can't. If you do, you'll die" says Saul. "What" asks Zeno. "I'm well versed in death. I've killed things myself, and sometimes I bring those same things back to do my bidding. I know everything down to what kills you. You can beat me, but only if you use the power of the limit break. This time however, I'm going to force whatever is protecting you to show itself afterwards" says Saul. "Kido style, second technique, flashstep" says Zeno. He disappears, but Saul simply slashes the air, and Zeno appears with a huge slash across his chest. "You're a failure Zeno. The only reason you're still here is because something believes you more worthy than I! I'll simply take it from you then" says Saul as he spins around and tries to slash Zeno, but Zeno blocks. "Sorry, but it's not gonna be as easy as you think pal" says Zeno. Saul pulls out a gun and shoots Zeno in the chest. Zeno falls down, and grabs his chest. "Please! Don't kill him" yells Asha. Ravio covers her eyes. "Fine, you want limit break" asks Zeno. "Ha! I knew you couldn't win without it" says Saul. Zeno grabs onto Saul's foot. "Limit break" he says. "What" asks Saul. Saul feels a pulse of energy. "How does all the power feel" asks Zeno. Saul looks mad. "Enjoy it while it last" says Zeno. Saul grabs Zeno by the throat and throws him against the wall. "Then you'll die with me" he says. He slams his sword into Zeno's gut, and nails him to the wall. Soon, Zeno fades away. "Death ward" says Saul. A magical symbol appears on Zeno. "He's...he's not coming back? Why isn't he coming back" asks Asha. "He can't. Death ward makes sure the dead can't come back, no matter the reason" says Saul. Meanwhile in the dark world, the girl looks sad. "I can't send you back Zeno" she says. "What? Why not? Did I already use up all my deaths" asks Zeno. "No, but to be honest I'd rather you stop dying so frequently" she says in a slightly annoyed tone. "What's the problem then" asks Zeno. "Give me a moment" she says. She glows and disappears. "Uh...sure...I'll just...sit here alone in the dark" says Zeno. The girl appears in the human world and looks at Saul, who pulls his sword out of Zeno and let's him fall to the ground. "Do you see? He's not worthy of your protection. He's not strong enough! You should come with me" says Saul. "First off, you have no business telling me who or who is not worthy of my protection. Secondly, Zeno is much stronger then you realize. Thirdly, I wouldn't come with you even if I thought you were worthy. Your a vial and selfish man-" starts the girl. Saul tries to attack her, but she knocks it away with ease, and she walks up to him. She touched his chest, and pulls her finger away. Following it is a small blue trail. "What is-" starts Saul as his head slumps over. "This is a life cord. It resides inside a human soul, and without one, the body can't sustain life. Your time was nearly up anyways because of limit break" she says a she turns around and touches the life cord to Zeno's chest. The girl smiles, kisses Zeno on the lips, and disappears, then he shoots up. Ravio smiles. "Well, make that 5" Ravio says to himself. "I hate that" says Zeno as he lays back on the ground. "I'm so happy you're alive" Asha says as she runs up and hugs him. Talwin and the girl hide in an empty room. Talwin shakes her, and she wakes up. She looks at Talwin and sees his ears. "You're an elf" she asks. Talwin smiles. "Yep" he says. She smiles. "I'm Milla" she says. "I'm Talwin (stomach grumbles). And apparently hungry" Talwin says with an embarrassed chuckle. Milla smiles, and takes his hands. "Follow me. I'll show you where the kitchen is" she says kindly. Talwin smiles and turns a little red as she leads him to the kitchen. She opens up a cabinet, and grabs some cookies. "I love these things" she says turning a little red. "I do too! They're so crumbly and good" says Talwin. Meanwhile, Kotorè and Iyasu walk up and look down to see Aisha unconscious, as well as Kelder and Romeus sleeping curled up to each other. "Uh...I'm not gonna ask" says Iyasu as they walk down a little further and sees it's a dead end. "You're kidding" Iyasu says with a groan. "It's alright. Persistence is the key element to any victory" says Kotorè. Janna and the girl end up meeting up with Zeno's group, and the girl has a sucker in her mouth. She looks over at Ravio. "Hmm. No. It can't be you" she says. She looks over at Zeno and her heart skips a beat. "Oh it's you! It's him! It's really him" she says happily as she rushes over and tackles him in a hug. "Who the hell are you and why are you on top of me" asks Zeno. "Your just like I thought you'd be" she says. "Remember, you need his permission. Tell her no Zeno" says Janna. "What" asks Zeno. "Oh, wait. Introductions. I'm Cassandra, but you can call me Cassie stud, and I request you let me join your harem" she says happily. Zeno groans. "Why me" he asks. "So? Can I?! Can I?! Can I?!" She asks exitedly. Janna smirks. "Fine. Why not? If I said no, Ravio would talk me into later anyways" says Zeno. "Good on you buddy" says Ravio. "WHAT" asks Janna. "Yay! Haha! Oh, and your my bestie! You made this happen" Cassie says as she squeezes Janna happily. "Nope. Pretty sure this one is all his fault" says Janna. Kotorè and Iyasu walk up. "Hey, we found the others" says Iyasu. "Master Zeno. I'm glad to see your still alright" says Kotorè. Zeno and Ravio look at each other, but Ravio shakes his head at Zeno. "Heh, you know me. I'm invincible" says Zeno. "You most certainly are not, so stop acting like it already" says Janna. "Where's Talwin" asks Iyasu. "I don't know. Saul says he ran. He wouldn't bail on us. Not my little buddy" says Zeno. "I'm sure he'll catch up. For now, let's try and find that girl" says Ravio. The group then continues walking on.

Episode 13: Rescuing the Queen

Zeno and friends come to an open area with a door on one side, and a hallway down the other way. "Man, it's gonna take forever to find this girl" says Zeno. "Um, hello? Please excuse me, but would you mind letting me out? I'm afraid these bindings are a bit tight" says a polite voice from the other side of the door. "That depends who's asking" says Ravio. "Oh, I suppose it was rude of me to not introduce myself first. Please accept my apologies. My name is Francesca" says the voice. Zeno has a quick flashback of the girl he sees when he dies saying the name Francesca. Zeno quickly draws his sword and slashes the door down. Inside is the girl with pink hair, tied up. It's long, and on top big her head sits a black bow. "It's you" says Zeno. "Oh, greetings. I recognize you! You're the mercenary Arronn hired to protect me" she says. "Yeah. "You'll probably remember Janna, Kotorè, and Iyasu too" says Zeno as he works on the ropes. "It's a pleasure to meet you all" says Francesca. "Hey wait, Lady Francesca is being kidnapped" yells a voice. "Crap" says Zeno. He picks up Francesca. "U-uh, excuse me. C-could you put me-" she starts. Some guards start rushing at Zeno, but Iyasu readies his pike. "Take the girl and go on ahead. These guys are no match for me" says Iyasu. "I'll remain here with you. Make sure she stays safe master Zeno" says Kotorè. Zeno nods, and he, and the others (besides Iyasu and Kotorè) rush off. As they're rushing, Francesca looks out the window and sees everyone fighting in the streets. "My home...it's become a warzone" she says sadly. "I'm not sure you realize just how bad this war really is" says the british guy as he walks out. Ravio pulls out his gun, and aims it at him. "Do you even know what Arronn plans" asks the british guy. "No" says Zeno. "He's gone mad after discovering a power that should have remained unfound. It's a pure black key. It gives him power, but the longer it's in his possession, the crazier his actions become" says the british guy. "But what's his plan" asks Zeno. "Conquest. I trust you've already surmised the queen has been abducted. Well, with the queen missing, and no husband or heirs to succeed, the next person in charge takes over, that would have been her lifelong bodyguard Arronn. At first, it was simply you're typical plot for the throne situation, but afterwards, Arronn became a tyrant. Crime began to spread fast, and many people believed that the queen simply wasn't away on business, but by then, Arronn had already planted his roots. Now he plans on sacrificing a pure hearted virgin, which is said to give the sacrificer untold strength" says the british guy. "I knew she was a virgin" Ravio says to himself. "Is that seriously all you got from that" asks Janna. "I don't really care what his plan is. I came here to rescue the girl. My job's done" says Zeno. "You came to rescue me" she asks. "Yeah" says Zeno. "Just like in the storybooks" she says happily. She looks over at Cassie, and losses color in her face. "I-its her" Francesca says reluctantly. "What? You meet her too" asks Janna. "Of course. She is the castle torcherer after all" says Francesca. Janna and Zeno's faces drop. "Oops, I forgot! Surprise, big reveal" she says. "You mean...you're the torcherer?! What about that stuff you said" asks Janna. "Oh yeah, I lied. Well sort of, if you didn't take me away from there, I would have been forced to torcher you" Cassie says as though it's no big deal. Francesca, Zeno, and Janna are now ghost white. "Hey wait, do you see all the prisoners" asks Ravio. "Yep! Even the ones I don't touch, I was still supposed to scare them" says Janna. "Great job" Janna says with her heart practically in her chest. "Did you see the queen" asks Ravio. "Huh, I dunno. What does she look like" asks Cassie. "You don't know what your own queen looks like" asks Zeno. "Nope. I never left the dungeon. I didn't even know there was another part of the castle until now" she says. "The queen is a black haired woman, about 40 years of age. She's approximately 5'8 inches tall, with a mole on her face exactly 3.23 inches away from the corner of her lip" says the british guy as he starts walking away. "Hey wait, why did you help us" asks Ravio. "To be frank, it was simply one discarded agent to another" says the british guy as he walks away. Zeno starts walking back the way everyone came. "Where are you going" asks Kurona. "Isn't it obvious? I did what I wanted, now I'm leaving" says Zeno. "You can't abandon the queen! She needs you" says Asha. "So? She's got a royal army. Let them handle it" says Zeno. Janna walks over and slaps Zeno. "I don't want to hear it buster! All we've done since we got here is rescue girl after girl, and they fall for you one after another, now one last girl needs your help and you're just gonna walk away" she asks. Zeno sighs. "Fine, hold her" says Zeno as he hands Janna Francesca. "What are you-" she starts. "Get her to safety. As a matter of fact, get everyone to safety. This castle is coming down" says Zeno. "You're crazy! I love it" yells Cassie. "No Zeno! No more putting yourself in danger" yells Janna. Zeno looks her in the eyes. "You wanted me to find the queen, so I'm gonna find the queen. Then I'm kicking this Arronn guy's ass for making me run all over looking for him" says Zeno as he starts walking away. Janna and the other girls stay silent. "You girls go. I'm his bodyguard, nothing's happening to him...at least without someone paying me a great deal to look the other way" Ravio says jokingly. The girls all hit him, but then work on getting themselves, and the others out. Zeno rushes down hallway after hallway until he comes to a set of huge doors. "I'm gonna guess that's where the queen is" says Zeno as he slashes the door, but his sword blade snaps. "Damn. Whatever that door's made of, I think it's safe to say I'm not cutting it" Zeno says to himself. He places his hand on the door. "This really sucks" he says as he takes a deep breath. "No sword style, exploding hands" says Zeno. An explosion sends Zeno flying back into the wall, but also leaves a huge hole where the door once was. A woman wiggles around on a bed as she's tied up with a cloth tied in her mouth. Zeno walks over and tries undoing the ropes, but is unable too. "You'll find that no knot tied by me will be undone by your hand" says a man dressed in black leather as he walks in. "Looks like this Arronn guy has...questionable taste" Zeno says to himself as he looks the guy over. "They call me sir bondage" says the guy. Zeno goes for his sword, but realizes it's gone, because he just broke it. Sir bondage pulls out some rope. "Let's get started" says Sir Bondage. Zeno sighs. "I reeeeeally hate my job" he says. Sir bondage starts running at him, but a gunshot is heard. Sir bondage slowly turns around to see Ravio standing there. "Well, not that I mind, but unfortunately I'm gonna need you to tell me how to undo that knot" says Ravio. After a bit, the queen is freed, and Ravio leaves sir bondage handcuffed to the bed frame. "Hey your Majesty, are you alright? They didn't hurt you did they" asks Ravio. The queen reaches up and grabs onto a necklace she has on. Ravio looks at it. "Huh. That's not good. That's a magical item. It's called a silence stone" says Ravio. "So? Break it" says Zeno. Ravio pulls it off and breaks it easily. "The stone itself isn't the problem, at least not anymore. Whenever the silence stone is put on someone, it steals their voice forever. Even if the stone is broken, the wearer still faces a world of silence" says Ravio. Zeno looks sad, but the queen smiles and tilts his head up. "Its just not right. You'll never be able to speak again, and what was the point of it" Zeno asks angrily. "It was supposed to be a message I think. This is Arronn's way of saying anyone who speaks against him will be silenced" says Ravio. Zeno looks mad, but the queen simply pulls him in and hugs him. When he looks up, she smiles down at him, and she pets his head. "I don't think you need to worry about the queen. She seems to be trying to help you calm down" says Ravio. "Well, I want to show that bastard a lesson, but my sword broke again" says Zeno. The queen let's go of Zeno, walks away, and comes back with a sword. This one seems to be made out of a stronger metal, and has a fancy grip. The queen offers it too him with a kneel. "Hey wait, Zeno don't take-" starts Ravio. Zeno grabs the blade. "Thanks. I'll be right back" says Zeno as he rushes out. "Uh oh" says Ravio as he watches Zeno rush off. Zeno reaches the top of the castle, where Arronn stands at the side, looking down at the fighting below. "When I hired you, I never would have expected such an annoyance. I suppose I should consider it money well spent, after all, it appears even after all I've done, you still do what you were paid to do" says Arronn. "It started off that way, but now I have another reason besides money to fight you. I just don't like you. I don't like what you did to your own people, to those other mercenaries, to Francesca, to the queen, to anyone" says Zeno. Arronn laughs. "Sure I put people through pain, but this whole journey, you've been hurting just as many" says Arronn. Zeno looks surprised. "Oh please! You hurt everyone around you! Aisha would have gotten her revenge after all the years of waiting and suffering, but instead because of you, she blackmailed him and now he'll hurt more innocent people. Goro never would have been put in the danger he's in now if you had told Ross it was a bad idea to send him. Kelder wouldn't be as good as a liar, and as such, he may have went on to do honest work had he not met you. Asha suffers now, for without a celestial mage, she has no Mana to feed herself. Iyasu would still be able to use his sword arm if not for your selfish desire to save 1 measly girl. Ross is now indebted to you forever, making you little better than a slaver. Cassie never knew the outside world, and thus, never knew pain, or sorrow, or loss, things you've now exposed her too. Kurona was a slave before, but at least she felt like she belonged. You're always too busy, or too full of yourself to her the love she so desperately hopes to see. Kotorè would be able to return home, start a family, and be happy, but instead, she's now eternally bound to you. Ravio wouldn't have met his adversary, and thus never would have experienced the pain he will in the future. You hurt Janna everytime you fight, and she doesn't even know the price you often pay. And finally, the one you've hurt most of all, Talwin. If he didn't meet up with you, Talwin wouldn't have become a mercenary. He would have lived a safe and happy life, the life he should have had" says Arronn. Zeno drops to the ground. "You fail those around you time and time again. You aren't a hero, always beating the bad guy. You're some two bit mercenary with a sword" says Arronn. Zeno looks down at the sword. (Flashback). "Come on lady Helslit, I'm tired" says a young Zeno. She whacks him on the head. "Tired is a state of mind. You're muscles are straining and hurting, which makes you want to give up, but don't. Someday someone's gonna wield a sword your hands" says a woman. "That sounds stupid. How would that even work" asks Zeno. She whacks him again. "Don't question your master you little brat" she says. Zeno smiles at her. "What" she asks. Zeno wraps his arms around her and gives her a hug, which she turns a little red about. She hugs him back. "You know, you're a real pain in my ass kid" she says as she tries to hide a smile. (Flashback ends). Zeno starts laughing. "What's so funny" asks Arronn. "I'm so stupid! She didn't mean litterly" says Zeno as he stands up. "What's this" asks Arronn. "Yeah, you're right! Sometimes I screw up, and as a result, people can get hurt, but it's for those people I'm holding this sword. I may be holding it physically, but it's the will of my friends that directs me" says Zeno as he draws the sword. Ravio rushes up. "Zeno! Hey, don't use-oh. You already drew it" says Ravio. "Huh" asks Zeno. "Uh...nevermind" says Ravio. Zeno looks at the sword. "It looks fine to me. Better than fine actually, it actually looks a little expensive" says Zeno. "You fool, that's the king's blade! The only one to wield that blade should be the husband of the queen" says Arronn. Zeno's jaw drops. "Well...any thoughts for wedding gifts" asks Ravio. Zeno still stands there staring at the blade. "You bastard! I'll kill you and take the blade for myself" says Arronn as he tries slamming his greatsword down on it. The sword stops it like it's nothing. "Why...would the queen...give me this stupid sword" asks Zeno. "Apparently she thought you were cute" Ravio says jokingly. Arronn tries slashing Zeno a few times, but everytime, Zeno blocks the hit. "Fine! Apparently just having the key isn't enough. I'll have to step up my game" says Arronn. He pulls out a black key, and stabs it into his leg. Arronn screams, and starts to glow. When the glowing fades, a knight dressed in all black armor appears. "I-Is that even possible" asks Ravio. "Kill...kill...kill...kill" it keeps repeating. Ravio pulls out his handgun and fires the whole clip into its head, however, it simply regrows. "No sword style, soul clash" says Zeno. He places his hand on it, but the armored figure is unaffected. It pulls out a greatsword, only this one is glowing purpleish and and seems to be much more sharp. It tries swinging it again, and Zeno blocks, but this time is sent sliding back from the impact. "He's definitely a lot stronger now" says Zeno. "Kill...kill...kill" the armored guy continues. It holds it's sword up. "Look out Ravio" yells Zeno. The armored guy slams the blade into the ground, and the whole castle splits in two from it. It comes crashing down, and both Ravio and Zeno get pinned under rubble. Zeno looks over to see Ravio is unconcious. The armored guy starts walking towards Ravio, dragging the blade behind. "Kill...kill...kill" it continues. Zeno struggles, but can't move. The armored guy gets close to Ravio. "Hey! Ugly! Over here" yells Zeno. It doesn't seem to pay any attention, it gets above Ravio, and holds up it's sword. "RAVIO" yells Zeno. A greatsword flies into the armored figure, impaling it, and sending it slamming into a wall behind it. "Aye boss" says Ross as he walks over. The armored figure pulls away from the wall. "Be careful Ross, as far as I know, it can't die" says Zeno. Ross smiles and starts laughing. "YES! Finally! A foe I can go all out on, and he'll keep coming back for more" Ross yells exitedly. He rushes over and slams his fist into the armored figure. It explodes, but pulls itself back together. As soon as it forms, Ross grabs it by the face, slams it into a nearby wall, and starts running the wall while dragging the armored figure down it. When he reaches the end, the armored figure pulls away, and tries slamming it's greatsword down on Ross's head, but it simply breaks off, as though Ross we're simply uncutable. Ross punches it in the face, and its head goes flying, but regrows. Ross grabs it by the shoulders and headbutts it, which caves in its face. It grows back. "You doing okay Ross" asks Zeno. "Never better boss, thanks for asking" he says as he throws the armored figure up in the air. It flies up, then he jumps up, and slams it down. It slams into the ground and leaves a huge crater. It tries climbing out, but Ross grabs it, and slams it around on the ground back in forth before it rips in half and grows back. "Oh man, this is the best present I've ever gotten" says Ross. He looks down in the crater and sees a black key. "Huh, what's that" asks Ross. The armored figure slams it's fist into Ross's face, but the impact only shatters the armored guys arm. Ross bends down, and tries picking it up, but it shatters at his touch. The armored guy screams and disappears. "Huh? Damn! I killed it" says Ross. Zeno just stares at him in amazement. There's no way you're human" says Zeno. "Ha, that's rich coming from you boss. I'm nowhere near on your level" says Ross. (Zeno's inner monologue) "Yeah, until you realize I've actually died a few times this trip". Ross walks over and gets the rubble off of Zeno and Ravio. "Really Zeno? Really? You tore down the castle" Janna asks as she and the others run over. Goro is carrying Romeus, Kelder, and Aisha. "Talwin! Where's Talwin" asks Zeno. Janna points over to Talwin standing there with Milla. "Over there. Apparently while the rest of us were off fighting for our lives, he was off eating cookies with some girl" says Janna. Zeno rushes up, and drop kicks Talwin in the face. "ZENO" Talwin yells as he grabs his face. "Yeah, that's right you little bastard! You ditched me" says Zeno. "I-Im sorry Zeno" says Talwin as he tears up. "Damnit. Now you made me feel bad. I'm sorry" says Zeno as he hugs Talwin. "I'm glad you're ali-" starts Talwin. He thinks back to what Saul said. "You alright Talwin" asks Zeno. "Huh? Oh, y-yeah" says Talwin. Zeno punches Talwin in the gut. "Ow! Zeno" yells Talwin. "You can't lie to me" says Zeno. "Well I won't be alright it you keep hitting me" says Talwin. "I'm not talking about physically. You've got something on your mind" says Zeno. "Zeno, please don't ask me about this" says Talwin. "Huh, why not" asks Zeno. Tears roll down Talwin's face. "Because it's too painful" he says. "What is" asks Zeno. "The thought you keep dying!" Talwin yells. He covers his mouth. "Keep dying? What does that mean" asks Janna. Ravio and Zeno look at each other. "O-oh my gods" Janna says as tears weld up in her eyes. "Can someone explain? I'm confused" says Ross. "...Zeno...has died. You guys already knew about him dying and coming back at the bandit camp. It seemed like a miracle at the time, but it wasn't. He died again the night he got injured. Somewhere in the night, he died again, but arose like new the next morning. He then died again today. Saul killed him, and yet, he's still walking" says Ravio. "I-I-I just don't understand. How" she asks. The girl Zeno sees when he dies appears. "Zeno cannot die. Not yet. His destiny requires him to live" she says. "What destiny" asks Ross. The girl holds out her hand, and a glow occurs. When it disapates, the entire city is in ruin, with statues of Arronn everywhere. "What...is this" asks Janna. "A whole lotta mustache for one" says Cassie. "This is your future. In this timeline, Arronn conquerored the entire western area of the world. All members of your party, and guild are deceased" says the girl. "That's impossible, we just killed Arronn" says Zeno. "No. When Arronn became one with the spirit, he also bound himself to their rules. A celestial spirit will only be sent back to the celestial world if their key is broken. For any key besides the zodiac, they don't get another key, but if they find their way out of the celestial world, that's the only way they can die. Arronn uses a mirror called the mirror of humanity, and comes to the human world with an army" says the girl. "H-How could this happen" asks Kurona. "Someone here does something so bad that it brings the end of the world" says the girl. "What did they do" asks Zeno. The girl looks a little sad. "They...killed you" she says. Zeno's eyes widen and everyone looks at each other. Ross holds his sword out towards Ravio. "I never have trusted you" says Ross. "Me? No, Zeno and me are close, unlike some people. Which reminds me-" starts Ravio as he pulls out his gun and points it at Talwin. "M-me" asks Talwin. "Sure, you're his best friend. That also means you have the best chance of catching him off guard" says Ravio. "I would never betray Zeno! Why not ask Goro? He's the one who left people behind" says Talwin. "An excellent point" says Iyasu as he points the pike towards Goro. "Hey, I'm holding injured! Besides, how did you survive anyways? Ravio was almost killed, all you got was a bullet in the arm. Seems fishy to me" says Goro. "An excellent point" says Kurona as she holds her hand out towards Iyasu. "And what makes you more trustable than someone I've known my whole life? For all we know you could be using master Zeno in service to Saul" says Kotorè. "STOP IT! ALL OF YOU" yells Zeno. Everyone looks at him. "I don't believe this future. The very fact you're all arguing about it is all the proof I need" says Zeno. "But-" starts the girl. "No. My friends wouldn't turn on me" says Zeno. The girl bows. "Very well master Zeno. As long as you believe in them" she says as she disappears and the world goes back to normal.

Episode 14: Zeno's letter from home

Zeno walks up to the queen and holds out the blade. She looks at it but doesn't take it. "Take the stupid thing back. I don't want to be king" says Zeno. "Uh, that's not how it works Zeno" says Ravio. "What do you mean" asks Zeno. "By drawing that blade, you might as well have bought her a gold ring. You have to marry her. Whether or not you're king is your choice I guess" says Ravio. "You can't marry her" yells Janna. "I'm not" says Zeno as he sets the sword down and tries to let go. "The hell" asks Zeno. "It's a magical item Zeno. It's bound to you. You can't just put it down and walk away" says Ravio. "Who the hell designs these things anyways" asks Zeno. The queen pulls Zeno in and presses his face against her breasts. "Oh well. It least it's not all bad" says Zeno. "Pervert" yells Janna. "Her Majesty certainly is blessed. Largely so" says Ravio. Everyone smacks him, but some guards run up on the queen. "Queen Virididi, you are hearby under arrest for the crimes of misusing military power-" starts one of the guards. "Hey wait! That was Arronn's fault" says Zeno. "Silence. Let her speak for herself or not at all" says the guard. "She can't" says Zeno. A guard points a spear at Zeno's neck and the queen slaps him. "Wh-who are you" asks the guard. "He's her husband, and as such, it's his right to speak on her behalf" says Ravio. "Y-you're Majesty? You're married? A-A thousand apologies my king. Please, continue what you were saying" says the guard. Zeno looks confused, but rolls with it. "My...uh, wife, was taken captive by her own bodyguard. She was tied up in her own room with a silence stone on her" says Zeno. "A-A thousand apologies again, but I'm afraid I have bad news to deliver as well" says the guard. "Fantastic" Zeno says sarcastically. "The royal army has ordered her Majesty to leave the country for now. They've also decided to exile any rebels, that includes your friends I'm afraid" says the guard. "Alright, we'll get out of your hair then" says Zeno as he starts walking away. "S-sir, aren't you at least going to address your people" asks the guard. "What" Zeno asks as he stops. "Well, it's only fair that the citizens know their king is leaving...or even exist" says the guard. Zeno sighs and walks away. After a while, he's walking towards the city limits, and sees the girl who fought Aisha, the succubus sisters, and the guy who attacked Ravio. "Uh, hi...you aren't gonna throw us in jail are you" asks the girl Aisha fought. "No. I'm skipping town as fast as possible" says Zeno. "Oh, let us come with you. We got exiled after the fight" she says. "Nope. No more tag alongs" says Zeno. Ravio ends up running up to Zeno. "Hey, there you are. I came to let you know everyone is waiting at that inn we were staying at" says Ravio. He turns to see everyone in the alley. "Hey! It's you" says Ravio. "You know him" asks Zeno. "Zemos right? This guy is actually the reason me and Iyasu survived" says Ravio. "Yep. He was actually the captain of the resistance" the girl says. "I did have to attack Ravio. I had to avoid suspicion, but I did make sure to miss anything important, plus I had a healer on standby" says Zemos. "Me and Iyasu owe him big time" says Ravio. "I do too. Without the help of that resistance we wouldn't have stood a chance" says Zeno. Ravio looks at Zeno and Zeno sighs. "Fine. You guys can come. I'm gonna need names though" says Zeno. "Oh, I'm Zemos. The chipper going lady you've been speaking too is Kia, the older succubus is Veronica and her younger sister is Jezebel" says Zemos. "Oh, we have a few other tag alongs too" says Ravio. "Who" asks Zeno. They get back, and Zeno sees Romeus, Julie, the Queen, and Milla. "Sure. Why not" Zeno asks sarcastically. The group travel back home, and Zeno walks into the guildhall. "That was long for an escort quest" says Jack. "You have no idea bub" says Zeno as he swings the doors open and everyone is standing outside. Jack's jaw drops. "Hope you have room for a few more" says Zeno. Zeno walks up to his room and opens the door to see the maid sitting on his bed. "Why did you have to come back" she asks with a sigh. Zeno shuts his door. "Talwin, I'm taking a nap in your room buddy" says Zeno. The next day, Zeno walks out of the guildhall. He turns around to see his harem is following him. "Don't you guys have something better to do" asks Zeno. "Well actually, we want quality time" says Janna. "Fine, whatever. I'll do it when I get back" says Zeno. "What's so important you can't do it today" asks Janna. Talwin rushes out. "Zeno! Why'd you throw away a letter from your sister" asks Talwin. "You have a sister" asks Cassie. "And a brother, at least that's what it says here" says Talwin. "I don't care" says Zeno. As he walks away. "Why was Zeno so mad? Is it an angry letter" asks Asha. "Let's see, it says...Dear Zenoku, Hey it's me, Zenava. I hope you're well. I know you don't like writing me back, but I wanted to write and check up on you again. If you change your mind about visiting us, we'd love to have you. Love you bubby, signed your little Z" says Talwin. "Why wouldn't he write back? She seems so nice and adorable" says Cassie. "I know. Let's invite his siblings over to the guild. We'll throw Zeno a party" Janna says exitedly. "I don't think master Zeno likes parties" says Kotorè. "He won't at first, but I'm sure we'll help him have fun" says Talwin. Later that day, Zeno is walking back and yawns. "Man, I wanna go straight to bed when I get in-" he starts. He opens up the doors, where everyone stands there, including a girl with long blonde hair that has a blue mark in the front like Zeno's, and a brown haired guy, also with the blue spot. "Surprise" says Talwin. Zeno turns around to walk away, but the blonde girl rushes over and rubs on his back. "You aren't getting away from us again Zenoku. I missed you bubby" she says as she rest her head on his back. "Come on Zenava! Don't hog him to yourself" says the brown haired guy as he walks up. "Yeah, why don't you creeps get lost" asks Zeno. "How could you Zeno? They're your siblings" says Janna. "That's sort of the point" says Zeno as he storms off. "What's his problem" asks Janna. Talwin shrugs. Later that night, Zeno is sleeping, when his siblings sneak into his room and hop into bed with him quickly. Zeno wakes up, and is face to face with Zenava, who's staring at him and blushing. "I'm ready bubby" she says as she moves closer. Zeno tries to move back, but bumps into his other sibling. "See, I told you he'd want me first. Isn't that right" asks the brother as he grabs Zeno's butt. Zeno hops out of bed. "You two are the same creeps you always were" says Zeno. The two hop out of bed, and the brother blocks the door, while Zenava grabs Zeno and pulls him into the bed. "Maybe we should tie him up, or tie me to him. I don't care. I just can't be without my bubby anymore" she says as she leans in for a kiss, but Zeno rolls her off and jumps out the window. He hits the ground and shudders. "Why do you run brother? We only want to show you our love" says the brother. "You guys are weird and creepy, leave me alone" says Zeno. "That's okay, we brought back up this time. We came prepared Zenoku" says the brother. A bunch of people with blue patches in their hair come out. "We recruited our cousins too" he says as he and Zenava hop down. Zeno draws his sword. "Oh, he looks so hot with that sword" says Zenava. "I'm warning you weirdos, I'll do it" says Zeno. "Take him down, but be gentle. I couldn't bare it if my darling brother were harmed" says the brother. "There is something seriously wrong with my family" says Zeno. The cousins surround him. Zenava squeezes past the group and hugs Zeno. "It's okay. I've still saved myself for you" she whispers. Zeno sudders. "Go on Zenava. Get the magic mobile ready" says one of the cousins. Zenava let's go, smiles at Zeno, and rushes off. "Hey Zeneix, why don't you go help her. We'll take care of your brother" says another cousin. "You better not. If so much as a hair seems harmed, you'll all answer to me" he says as he walks away. The cousins smile. "Fools. They don't even care that your a king now. You're worth a lot more" says the cousins as they grab Zeno. The next morning Janna walks down to see Talwin crying. "What's the matter" asks Janna. "Z-Zeno...Zeno quit" says Talwin. "WHAT" Janna asks angrily. "Master Jack says he left a note saying he was leaving...he didn't even tell me goodbye" says Talwin as he starts sobbing. "Because he didn't quit" says Ravio. "What" asks Janna. "Neither of you seems to have faith in Zeno. He would never leave Talwin behind. Furthermore, after everything we've been through, Zeno wouldn't just quit. My best guess is it has something to do with his siblings" says Ravio. "They seemed nice. You don't think they'd kidnap him do you" asks Janna. "I'm not sure. Maybe he's just running from them, but I doubt it if there's a quiting note. We should probably find him so we can ask" says Ravio. "Oh, I'm gonna come" says Cassie. "Why" asks Ravio. "Because I'm bored" she says. "Fair enough" says Ravio. "Oh, well, I'd come but there's this thing-" starts Kelder. "Coward. He's your friend" says Talwin. "Annnd, as his friend, I believe he'll make it back safe and sound" says Kelder. Ravio rolls his eyes. "If master Zeno is in danger, then I wish to do what I can to protect him" says Kotorè. "I'll protect you on the journey lady Kotorè" says Iyasu. "Please, allow me to join you" says a voice. They look over to see Francesca is standing there with a guild emblem. "Hey, you're that girl Zeno rescued" says Talwin. "Yes. I wish to repay the favor to him actually. That's why I wish to join you on your journey" she says. "Thanks, we'll pass" says Janna. "Nonsense. I welcome you" says Ravio. Francesca smiles. "I'm glad" she says. "Well then, off to save Zeno" says Talwin as they start heading out.