Chapter 24: Ceremony of Advancement

"So. How'd it go?" A woman asked.

She stood there as Flores floated through the white void. She had a disappointed look on her face. But Flores only brushed it off.

"Don't act like you don't know. I know you're the flag at this point." Flores scoffed.

"Morale tools. I have more forms, you know."

"And did said forms help me in that fight? Not at all."

"That's because you succumbed to the power of pride."

"The same power you pushed into me."

"The same power that prevented you from killing yourself. It's not my fault; I'm hardwired into doing this for you."

"And who did said wiring exactly?"

"Classified."

"Then it's your fault."

The woman groaned and smacked her forehead. Taking a few deep breaths, she focused her attention towards the floating hero once more, as he asked her something.

"So, Rali, mind giving your thoughts on something."

"Rali? Is that your weird nickname for me?"

"Rah-li. Similar to rallying, which is something people use to boost morale. I say that name is fitting."

"Well, Miguel used to call me hope whenever we met. So I shall indulge this name for you. Now, what question do you have in mind?"

"Why did you choose me as your wielder? And are you getting the results you've expected from my summoning?"

Rali heard the question, then sighed. Sitting on the nonexistent ground. The weapon addressed the floating hero.

"Statistically speaking. Out of trillions of candidates from many different worlds, You are my third choice. My first and second choices were snagged by some other weapon, meaning I got you."

"So basically, I'm the bronze medal. Nice job increasing my morale, Rali." Flores scoffed.

"That was not the point." Rali groaned. "What I'm trying to say is that you were exceptional. The best of the best when it came to Morale candidates. The other two were only there because their mental fortitude far surpassed yours. Something that is needed when going up against the horrors the waves have to offer. But as time goes on. I'm starting to think you were the best choice now."

Flores heard this and sat up.

"Sure, there were many hiccups on the way here. But you've defeated a wave boss alone, stopped a bandit group, and even beat two reincarnates. In my opinion, you should stop being so hard on yourself. You're doing a great job."

"You really think so?"

"I know so." Rali grabbed the hero and dragged him to his feet. Dusting Flores off, she extended a hand towards Flores, similar to when he was offered the power of pride. He was hesitant to grab her hand, but it felt less ominous as he got closer.

"Then one last question. Does a man like me truly deserve forgiveness?"

"That's a question I don't have an answer for. I don't know much about the human mind. I'm designed to look for specific traits within a potential hero; everything after that is an enigma to me. I suggest asking your fellow heroes. That metronome girl should be able to answer you."

"If you say so." Flores reached out his hand and grabbed Rali's. As the purple light began to glow, Rali began to smile.

"I know this may be selfish to ask. But I like the old Flores. So even if it's an act, mind keeping it up."

Sigh. "No promises. I need some time to think things through."

"Fair enough. I wish you luck, Keeper. And be sure to block that bunny's punch."

"The bunny's what?"

/~/

Flores woke up. But he didn't even get a chance to rise as a fluffy drill rammed into his stomach.

"Agh."

"Afternoon Pops. It's about time you woke up."

"That's cruel even for you, Fonhare." Cinder shuddered.

"It's two in the afternoon, and I've been awake for the majority of the morning. My patience is running thin."

"Patience for what? What the hell is going on?" Flores groaned.

"The Paths of Progression ceremony has been delayed for two hours now. Cinder and Hollow refuses to go on stage without you being there." Leo grumbled.

"I am not. I just want Godfather not to miss such an important event." Cinder blushed.

"Alright, alright, one at a time. What is this path ceremony exactly?"

"Quite simple. Every month, we host a ceremony for the monsters and other travelers of the sanctuary. Inside, we give out blessings to monsters so they can gain a humanoid form. And offer up the dragon hourglass to allow those to choose their path. Of course, other nations offer that last one. Rinoth only allows path advancement twice, while Foo and Hatyr offer their for a hefty fee, or to knights after their training." Leo explained.

"I see." Flores groaned as he got up. Looking around the room, he finally realized where he was. "Damn. How long was I out for?"

"Three days.

"Two days. Heard you fought snakes?"

"Yeah, shit, where Tommy?" Flores panicked.

"He's at the venue. Now hurry up; I want to go to sleep." Fonhare groaned.

"Alright alright. Let me put on my clothes first."

/~/

"Greetings to you all, Human and Selee alike. I'd like to thank you for coming to this month's Paths of Progression ceremony. Unfortunately, the omega cannot be here today, as she is off. fighting the waves. But in her place, we have another hero. Everyone, give a warm welcome to the Morale hero Sylvester Flores in the crowd."

The crowd looked to the front where Leo was pointing, and all began to mutter. That chatter soon turned into a round of applause as they celebrated the hero's arrival. Flores felt a bit embarrassed. Despite being so old, he can't help but get flustered when a group of people are praising him. All he could do was smile and wave until Leo calmed the crowd with his calm yet commanding voice.

"With the omega urgent summonings. Ray, and Beck. Mind stepping up and representing your species as their apex monster."

The two stood up with applause. Ray the lion walked down the middle with a limp and cane, still injured from the previous battle. The other was a squid who, instead of walking, floated towards the stage on a platform of black ink.

Once they were on stage, the two stood in front of two monsters. One was a squid with a similar head to Beck sitting inside of a tank. The other was a lion, similar to what Ray looked like when he fought Phantom but much smaller in comparison.

After some words in the monster language. The two Selee placed their hands on the monsters heads and glowed a white light as the symbols of a lion and squid were left. Afterward, Ray and Beck performed a salute and sat back down in the crowd. The other two went to the back of the stage as Leo came back on stage.

From there, he did a quick introduction of the path system. There's two times a person will advance in their life. The first is usually done when one is young. They are given classes that are either Fighter or Mage. That'll adjust and boost stat growth for the specific classes until level forty. Once they reach it, they'll be able to choose an advanced path and gain special bonuses and abilities from it.

This also made Flores realize that if it wasn't for the exp bonus from his flag, he wouldn't have been able to level up as fast as he could. The difference was massive, so massive that despite all the people here, only one person aside from his own group was getting an advanced path today. And even that was weird.

"Today is a special occasion. We have not just two, but four separate individuals reaching the stage of advancement. Of course, three are blessed by Miguel's successor, so they obvious would be at this level. But before we get to them, we do have one individual who showed great promise during his ceremony a year."

A boy no older than Neila stepped onto the stage shaking rather violently, almost as if he's being shocked by something. Unlike most selee, he was similar to Leo, as in he looked more human than monster.

He was an Adrena-Lion from what Flores could deduce. Although unlike Ray, he had a human face instead of that of a lion. He did, however, still carry their appendages, as a pair of lion ears stood atop his black and white hair and his cow-like tail wrapped around his leg.

"Wait, cowtail." Flores mumbled. Adreni-Lion and Cow genes. If I remember, Melida is a cow maid and is married to Ray. So that means.

"Great work, Jay!" Ray cheered.

Yep, this is Ray's son. No wonder he's at level forty already. The hell did that lion put him through? And why is he shaken up?

"He is a prodigy, second only to my niece. And yes, I am very biased." Leo chuckle. "Anyways. A few months ago, he was on his stage, ready to choose his path. Now he is ready to advance beyond the level most, even most adults, do not reach. And with that, he has earned the sanctuary's respect and approval. Now reach out your hand and step forward on your path to adulthood."

Jay did as instructed and reached for the hourglass. Flores couldn't see the options, but he did see Jay searching intently. And after a while, Jay closed his fist, and the hourglass flashed a bright light, illuminating the room.

"I won't ever get used to that light." Leo mumbled. "I mean. Congratulations to Jay for reaching the advanced paths."

The crowd began to clap, something that put the already cowering boy into even more of a panic. Doing a quick bow, the kid ran off the stage and out of the side door.

"That was awkward." Leo joked. The crowd laughed with him, then quieted down as Leo continued the ceremony.

One by one, his "pets?" Or more or less children, based on what they've been calling him recently, began stepping onto the stage one by one to get their classes.

The first was Cinder, outfitted with an orange bow on the top of her head and a black sash on her middle tail. Heading for the hourglass, she too went through the same process as Jay and selected a class. Coming out of the bright light, a green fire burned on each one of her tails, and her magic stats got a pretty great boost. Leo quickly identified the path as Fox-Fire. A magic-based path gives the user control over their flames to create mirages and other trickster-like attacks. It was the perfect class for a kitsune if Flores had an opinion on it.

Next up was Fonhare. He was decked out in a bow tie and miniature black top hat for the occasion. Flores found it cute and quickly caught himself after giving out an audible aww. Fonhare was a bit embarrassed by the comment but did his best to ignore it as he took to the hourglass.

Fonhare, however, didn't even get a chance to pick an option. The second he touched the hourglass, it glowed once again. Coming out, Fonhare was now much bigger, almost the size of a bundrill father now. His ears had more curls and reached down to the floor his tail, and his tail curved up, also taking up the form of a drill as well.

"To think we'd witnessed the birth of a bundrill father! Flores, you never fail to surprise me." Leo exclaimed.

Much to Flores's relief. Fonhare got annoyed with his new size and shifted back into his old form before hopping off to the side. After the cheers died down, Hollowtrix took the stage with a light blue scarf and ribbon tied around her neck and tail. The final member of his party moved forward and placed her hoof on the hourglass. Suddenly, much to his surprise. Two lights on her side and head began to glow, and she shot out a beam of light at the hourglass.

Flores watched as Hollowtrix became overwhelmed. She was looking back and forth between two options and had no idea which one to choose. It was kind of funny seeing her panic, but Flores was losing patience as time went on. Thats when he noticed his flag glowing.

Muttering Rali's name. He held it out, and a purple beam hit the middle of the screen. That's when Flores saw both of the options fuse together. The blessing of the pegasus and the blessing of the unicorn combined, leaving a new path entirely. The crowd watched intently as Hollowtrix picked the new path. Another light glowed, and the neighs of hollowtrix filled the room until the light dissipated.

Standing in front of them all was Hollowtrix, but completely changed. She was no longer a normal horse, nor was she a unicorn or pegasus either. Instead, she was both, carrying the wings of a pegasus and the horn of a unicorn. And Flores watched enough fallout equestria to know what this was.

"Uhh master. What is this?" Hollowtrix asked, kind of shocked at the new set of limbs.

"It seems that you-"

"Gained the blessings of both the unicorn and pegasus. The path you chose would have given you the appendages of one, but armed with the blessing of the Morale tools, you received the power of both. This is as crazy as the Bundrill father; they've gone extinct during the cataclysm six hundred years ago."

"I'm an extinct species? Fucking Azriel."

/~/

"Achoo!"

/~/

"A Ceraptor in our day in age. The successor's powers know no bounds." The crowd began to cheer for Hollowtrix. And unlike Fonhare, she took in all the praise with grace.

It would take a fifteen-minute recess and several arrested researchers for the excitement to die back down. In just a matter of minutes, they've just witnessed the evolution of a bundrill to a bundrill father and the revival of an extinct species of monsters via the power of the Morale hero. Needless to say, everyone in the room aside from a few was antsy for the ceremony's conclusion.

It was time for humanization, and his pets were back on the stage along with a few others. All of them were decked out with some accessories, and Leo made sure everyone thanked his sister for all the clothing seen here.

They were, of course, last, mostly a ploy by Leo to help build up the hype. Why, however, was a question Flores didn't understand.

One by one, the monsters on the stage did as Leo instructed and molded their lifeforce into a humanoid form. The forms varied between each monster. Some decided to become more humanoid, only carrying a few features from their monster form. Others went more beastlike, similar to Ray, only becoming more human in stature.

Finally, it came up to the last three, and this time, Hollowtrix was up first. Stepping forward, she began molding her life force as instructed. And it didn't take long for her to be enveloped in a rainbow light.

Stepping out, Hollowtrix posed with her new form. She looked like a late teen, being around 5'7 in height, and wore black boots and shorts that leaked out of her light pink skirt. She had a white top and a light pink scarf, all of which matched perfectly with her short, light blue hair and tail. She looked more like a fashion model than a combatant, and her tan skin brought the crowd to awe as she extended her glorious white wings into the air.

"Told you, Cinder, I look fabulous." Hollow sparkled.

"Whatever, my turn now." Pushing Hollowtrix aside, Cinder's body burst into green flames before Leo could say anything. Emerging from the flames, Cinder emerged with a more childlike appearance, only being slightly taller than Neila. Like Hollow, she took on a more human-like appearance, only keeping her ears and four tails. But the tips of her tail were still alight with the green flames from her advanced path.

She wore a white and orange dress with flame-like patterns on her baggy sleeves. Her hair was also orange, similar to the color that presided on her ears and tail. Instead of keeping it long, however, it was all wrapped up in a ponytail with an orange bow in her previous form.

After her transformation and applause, she spent no extra time in the spotlight and pushed Fonhare forward. He was looking a bit tired, but he held back his yawns as Leo started his usual evolution speech. Afterward, he began molding his lifeforce as instructed and quickly became enveloped in a puff of smoke. That was how it looked for any other monster transforming. So Flores assumed it was just Cinder and Hollowtrix being flashy for no reason.

Fonhare didn't bother stepping out the smoke and instead let it dissipate naturally as bits and pieces of himself were slowly exposed. It was then Flores finally realized what the tophat was for. He was tall—almost taller than him, actually. He also took the more monster-like appearance, looking like an anthropomorphic bunny. He wore the suit similar to that of a butler but modified it a bit to allow his tail to poke out.

It was Flores's favorite by far. The simple outfit fit Fonhare so well, and the rabbit seemed to enjoy it as well. Alas, the bunny did his usual but started to become tired. Doing activities in the day always drained him, so he silently ushers Leo to continue the ceremony.

"And with that, the transformation ceremony is complete. Though we do have one last arrival. A construct actually, who recently awakened a few days ago, under the tutelage of the upcoming prodigy, Tommy Orzemund."

Tommy awakened a construct? Damn I missed it again. Flores cursed. He really wanted to see this awakening firsthand. But that was like looking for hay in a needlestack. Long, arduous, and painful to do. At least mentally for that last bit.

As Leo finished his introduction, Tommy walked out on the stage with his construct. The boy mirrored Tommy. In every way. His hair was blue, his eyes were blue, and his clothing was red. Even the bag he carried was similar. But it was brown instead of black, one of the only things that wasn't a direct opposite of the otherworlder. The other being the newsboy cap he wore on his head.

"This is a wonder union. Similar to that of the princess's newest retainer, Isu. This continues to show that even other worlds can achieve a deeper connection with the nature of Arcadia. Just as my dearest sister, the Omega, unified the Calamity class monsters of the forest of zell. It is our duty to have unity with ourselves and even others during these trying times. That was how the progenitor of Morale did it. So it's out turn. For the Sanctuary! For Acadia!"

"For Arcadia!"

Leo did the Sanctuary salute, and everyone followed his example, saluting with either the Sanctuary of Ken'bitches salute. There were ever some he hasn't even seen before, but his curiosity would have to wait, as he the ken'bitch salute.

"For Arcadia."

/~/

"Successor, a bit of your time."

"I was wondering if you could stop by my forge and try out a few things."

"That guy is a quack, but my potions are quality, I assure you."

Flores groaned and walked along the path to the castle. Humans and Selee alike flocked to him in order to make some sort of connection with him. It wasn't as bad in Foo, where at most a person or two come up to ask him something, usually on how to get stronger or the occasional call for help. But the sanctuary is just a different form of annoyance, mostly because it's people from all over who can't take a hint.

"Alright, back away. Give the successor some space." Ray commanded. Walking down the middle of the parted path. Ray and his son continued to bark orders, slowly dispersing the crowd. It was here when Flores finally saw the weapon Jay wields, and it was honestly baffling. It wasn't something as simple as a sword or spear, but a World War II-era rifle, bayonet included. And he was handling it very well. Safety on, pointing it towards the ground but gripped to where it could be used at moments noticed. If he ever got to the rank of drill sergeant, he'd be shedding a tear of joy right now.

"Greetings successor. Beta Cadenza told me she needed you."

"It's probably my armor. I'll meet up with her when I get to the castle." Flores started walking, and so did Ray. Stopping, Flores looked behind and asked him a question.

"You're following me?"

"My house is in that direction. So yes."

"Really? Then off we go, I guess." Flores shrugged his shoulders awkwardly and began walking alongside Ray and Jay.

"So that's your son, huh?"

"Indeed."

"I see. Nice to meet you, kiddo." Flores did a little wave, but Jay shuddered and purposefully slowed his stride just to get as far away as possible.

"What's his deal?"

"He's just socially awkward, like you wouldn't believe. I'm still surprised he hangs with Neila at this point."

"Him and Neila are friends?" Flores asked.

"If friends me randomly showing up to the house and dragging him out for some fun. Then yes."

"Extroverts do be like that. That'll also explain his level of growth at such an age."

"He is the unofficial royal bodyguard for a reason. Even at level 15, he was able to defeat a bundrill father with a kitchen knife." Ray declared proudly.

"Speaking of. Why does Jay use a rifle of all things? I thought Adrena-lions were more melee-based fighters."

"That's a racial stereotype. Stats are stats. They don't discriminate." Ray growled.

"Um okay. Didn't know that. Sorry." Flores nervously laughed.

"Nah, I was just joking. But stats are indeed stats. You'd deal the same damage stabbing someone, whether it's from a distance or not. Besides, I stole it from a Dark Hydra member awhile back and gave it to him as a gift. He likes it, so he keeps it. He even learned how to do maintenance on it from Cadenza and ships bullets from Fallum every few weeks using the monster scraps he sells. It may be a bit disheartening that he isn't going the path of the greatsword. But if he's this committed, it'd be bad parenting to stop him."

"Like giving him a gun isn't already bad parenting." Flores muttered.

"What was that?"

"Nothing." Flores chuckled.

The trio continued to walk until they reached Ray's house. Waving goodbye, Flores was about to leave. But Ray stopped him out the way and offered him a drink inside. Flores refused, but Ray didn't take no for an answer and dragged him in anyway.

"So. What's been bothering you?" Ray asked as Flores sat on the couch.

"Wh-what?"

"You heard me. What's wrong?" Ray asked again, this time being in the kitchen grabbing some kind of juice out of some sort of cooler. "Ever since that paid intern attacked, you've been dreary. Even now you feel different. You're cracking fewer jokes, being less sarcastic, and being more weary of your words. That off, even for you."

Ray came back to the living room, placing a cup of red juice on the table. Seeing his reflection inside, Flores took in a deep breath before picking it up.

"Not alcoholic, by the way."

"No, it's not that. It's just… The only day you hated me. Why are you treating me so well now?"

"I'm like that to everyone; don't take it so personally. Being the Morale hero aside. You saved my life and fought for the safety of the sanctuary. For that, you've earned my everlasting respect, which is why I'm taking my time to be vulnerable with you." Ray explained.

"Well, nothing much is going on. It's just been a long three weeks." Flores sighed.

"And what made it so difficult? Was it the snakes?"

"You know about them?"

"Well obviously. I may be on medical leave, but I still get information from the meetings. The boy told us about the literal mental battles he went through, so I'm wondering if you went through the same thing."

"Yeah. I did." Flores took a big swig of his cup before slamming it down. "I was assaulted by the memories of my past. Memories of my incompetence. And memories of my cowardice. At that moment, I doubted my worth as a hero. My worth as a human being. So many times I've lost a comrade because of my failure to act. And they exploited that till I went over the edge."

"I see. So you're struggling to figure out if you're the best hero for this world, correct?"

"Sort of. Most certainly the arrogance curse talking. But I'm a pretty damn good hero; many won't deny that. But after dealing with the snakes and confronting the living embodiment of the Morale tools themselves, I'm starting to realize I need to learn something first so I can finally get past these mental blocks in my head and move on."

"And those blocks of yours. What are they?"

Flores sighed and drank the last of the juice in his cup. "It's what the snake said. Despite everything I've been up to at this point and constant reassurance along the way. I'm still unable to forgive myself. I'm sure you saw it after Phantom's attack."

"Your eagerness to take the fall for every mess? So what might be the cause then? Your sister?"

"Y-yes… no? I'm not sure. I always say it is, but I know I'm telling a lie. I was doing it long before then as well."

"Then when you think of that time, what is it that first comes to mind? Nobody just develops habits randomly; they all stem from something. Even the most insignificant thing, like an out-of-place tile, can lead a man to pursue landscaping. There's something holding you back. Or… should I say, someone holding you back?"

"Why are you a psychologist all of a sudden?" Flores mocked.

"My son has anxiety around other people beyond what most would call normal. Doctors even say he may not be able to talk because of it. I've learned plenty about the brain to help understand his feelings. Like now. I can tell you only ask this because you're hoping to avoid the topic, correct?"

Flores sat up, his ploy being discovered. Ray wasn't angry, however, and just refilled his cup.

"Hey. If it's hard to talk about, we can end things here." Ray asked.

"No, it's just. But acknowledging my flaw would only be saying she's right in everything but words."

"I see. Teacher or mother?"

"My bitch of a mother. She was abused herself as a kid and then later again by her husband. So what's her outlet? Us!" Flores chuckled. "I still remember what she told me. There are no mistakes. Just failure and defiance. Don't get a good grade; you didn't study. You didn't win that meet? You didn't train hard enough. And that just gave her a reason to beat us. I always thought what she said was crazy, but deep down. I couldn't help but agree with what she said in a sense. Even though I've always challenged it."

"Just because you believe something is true doesn't mean that it's right. Your mother was honestly a psychopath trying to bring logic to her own fucked-up way of thinking. You're the most impressionable when you're young. Your desire to always take the fall for the simplest of things is not because you think she's right. But instead, you've just been conditioned to act this way."

"Fucking Pavlov." Flores drank through his second glass and leaned back. "All of this and more. Even when she's in prison, possibly dead, and in another world. She continues to have an effect on me."

"That's exactly why you need to forgive her." Ray explained. That however didn't go over well with Flores. And the hero sat back up and leaned in closer.

"Come again?"

"You need to forgive and let go. That's one of the steps to finally ridding her influence on your life. Harboring hatred for her isn't going to get you anywhere."

"You're seriously saying that! After what she did!" Flores protested.

"It may take months. Hell, it may take years. But one day, you'll find out that you're directing your attention at someone who doesn't even deserve it. You're only dragging yourself down."

"I'm not doing it," Flores grumbled as he rolled his eyes.

"A fair reaction. Just keep that in mind for later." Ray got up and escorted Flores to the door.

"Is there any other way?"

"Nothing, that's 100%. You basically placed a geass of the non-magical variety on yourself. The only thing I can say is try rejecting your old way of thinking. And instead, start thinking opposite of what you once did. If you wronged someone, and they offer forgiveness. Take it, reflect on it, and then ask yourself. What can I do to make it up to them? That is how you build a better habit of yourself."

"If you say so. How's your leg?" Flores asked.

"Still fractured. Wanna make it up to me? Take my son to Foo."

"Foo?"

"There's a festival going on at the moment. I want you to go; take a load off. There's no shame in taking a break; that's how you prevent burnout." Ray put a paw on Flores's shoulder and gave him a thumbs up.

"Hey. You're doing a good job. So keep at it, okay? Stay optimistic, and keep joking. That's how you can get through life despite its struggles."

/~/

"Master!" Hollowtrix yelled.

The second Flores left his house, he had a rambunctious horse fall from the sky and tackle him to the ground.

"Agh. Hollow, what the hell?"

"What the hell? The last time you saw me was when you went into that death tomb. And all you have to say to me is, What the hell!?" Hollow raged. She proceeded to use her newly formed hands to shake the hero by the shoulders. And with her strength, it was pretty violent on Flores's end.

"Calm down, Trix. Flores has been through a lot these past few days; you shouldn't be angry that he's desensitized."

"Yes, I should!" Hollowtrix picked up Flores and dusted him off.

"Did you see us, Godfather!?"

"Indeed, I did. You look as short as ever, Cinder." Flores chuckled.

"Hey! It's not like I wanted to be this short!" Cinder yelled.

Flores ignored her, however, and walked over to Fonhare. "Damn, we're the same height. I thought you were shorter."

"Doesn't matter. I don't like being this tall anyway." Fonhare shifted back into his bunny form and hopped back onto Flores head.

"What? You didn't choose your height for that?"

"No. You see, when a monster has an owner, their form is more or less a depiction of what the owner sees them as. You saw Cinder as a childish daughter, so she took the form of a little kid. You acted like a sibling with Trix, so she took the form of a late teenage."

"And I saw Fonhare as the responsible caretaker of the three, meaning he got an adult form. Kinda trippy."

"Ha, short." Hollowtrix laughed.

"I will strangle you horse." Cinder flailed her fist at Hollow, but the Ceraptor effortlessly held her back by her head.

"So. What's your plan now that everything is concluded?"

"Well, since Hatyrs wave is still two weeks away, I'm heading back to Foo. I'm planning on using this time to relax a bit. I need my head after everything."

"Well, you better move fast. Taco Fest is ending tomorrow."

"Please tell me that's not what they actually called it."

"It is. What's wrong with it?"

"Miguel, you fucking." Flores groaned. "I don't have the energy to be angry. Cinder, you want a staff? Lets get you a staff."

"Do I!" Cinder ran off.

"Hey! Why does she get a weapon and I don't!?" Hollow shouted as she flew after her.

Flores looked at the scene and couldn't help but laugh. Walking after them with Fonhare still on his head, he pulled out his journal and began to write.

/~/

Journal of Flores: Entry 4, Part 2. The Harbingers of Disaster.

The Storm Tenko is the second harbinger. Survivors wrote down their experience in the battle, but much of it was destroyed in the burning of Alexandria 2. The only records that survived were eyewitness statements passed down as stories in the family, the most common of which is it's power set. The Tenko has nine tails, and seven of them each control one element from one of the castable attributes. That being fire, water, earth, wind, lightning, light, and darkness. The effects of the last three tails, however, are unknown.

The tenko is also known for its almost impervious defense to elemental damage, meaning that if I go up against it, I need to engage in physical combat to damage it. A bit annoying, but every game has that one enemy after all.