Into The Shadows

[LoX ] As the flashes of crimson-streaked amber lights fade away and burst back into reality, they stand at the entrance to crumbling temple made of obsidian stone. The mon of the Scorpion decorates the entrance way, as slight movement can be detected from within. The chants of nonexistent monks mar the air, the buzz and hum somewhat loud. For a temple, it stands strangely without activity, the decaying mass dappled with moss and ivy that cling tenaciously to each and every part of the structure. No one comes to greet the trio, but to LoX, the fact is not surprising. "Okay. It begins here, fellas. I'll be waiting on the other side for you. Keep in mind what I said." With that, he fades once more, disappearing into nothingness. "Good luck. You might need it."

Flash_Guardian emerges from the psychoportation with his hands already held out defensively, glancing around cautiously. "You know, LoX," Flash says, moving his hand quickly to the hilt of SwordBreaker, "I don't remember you ever explaining just what this sword of mine is capable of. Besides the obvious, of ..." And then LoX fades away, leaving Flash standing there speaking to no one. "... course." Flash grumps audibly, turning to look instead at Devaine knowingly.

Devaine_Hawk appears with the others , in his black jogging pants , jacket and combat boots . As his senses adjust the reality that forms around him. He shrugs his jacket off with a quick movement to reveal Strom Blossom strapped on his bare back in her hilt . Dropping into a combat roll that brings him back to his feet back to back with Flash he nods here we go then No speaking any more he opens his mind s eye to scan the ruins and the surrounding area with his psychic senses . The familiar blue glow springs up in his left eye , let me see what I can see before we rush onto any thing, right? he whispers as his focus clears .

Flash_Guardian looks at everything surrounding him now, eyes wide and mouth open. Despite the dilapidated state of the structure, Flash can almost see what this place must have looked like in its glory days. He pays special attention to the mon of the Scorpion, as well as the entrance which it decorates. "Right. Looks like aged obsidian and moss to me. You see anything different?"

[LoX ] A powerful-looking figure rises from the ground at the entranceway, then strides forward to greet the now duo. The figure's face is masked by a wrought-iron depiction of a roaring tiger, his eyes black and pupiless. "Ah. You must be the fresh meat. Ohayo , I greet you in the name of my master." The closer the figure gets, the more apparent it is that he is merely a shade, somehow still bound to the grounds throughout. "I am Kiyori Inagashi Leila. First Commander of the Blossom and also, unfortunately, the last."

[LoX ] "My master has instructed me to give you these rules and instructions before you begin. Have you brought a trusted friend with you?" The shade stands at erect attention, awaiting a reply intently.

Flash_Guardian immediately straightens his posture as the figure rises from the depths. Shade or not, Flash is certainly not going to show any disrespect here as he bows. "Ohayo, Commander Leila. I am Flash, Leader of Redfang Dojo and ex-avatar to the god of Time." Perhaps a bit too much information given, but better too much than too little. Flash straightens, keeping his senses alert. "I will accompany Devaine through this challenge, if such is his wish."

LoX bows once, in reply to Flash, then once more to Devaine. "Excellent. You have courtesy, my friend. Such is good when faced with the unknown. It is good to carry a little rouge in one's pocket, for one might never know when one might require a change of appearance." The true meaning behind his words are not evidently apparent, but he gives no explanation. "Now. To the root of the matter. If you are ready, we shall begin. I will be your guide through each chamber, but I cannot give you hints. You must rely on only yourselves. Understood?"

Flash_Guardian is flattered by Devaine's trust, though not truly surprised. He and Devaine had, in fact, worked together multiple times. They'd even saved each other's lives, on different occasions. Smiling appreciatively, he nods to the shadowy figure.

Devaine_Hawk bows again and replies I am ready to begin the next league of the path I travel

[LoX ] Kiyori Inagashi Leila: "Fine. Let us go." The solitary figure spins about on its heel in exact military precision and strides away towards the yawning entrance of the temple. "Make sure not to lose me....more shades than I prowl these halls."

Flash_Guardian performs a silent and subtle gesture, conjuring a small ball of yellow light into his palm. "I do not fear shadows," he says, looking to Devaine. "After you, Dev."

Devaine_Hawk shuts his eyes for the briefest of seconds to focus , thinking to him self rely on my self , alright then time to use what uncle Sam gave me for a good cause with that , his eyes snap on just in time to hear the shades words , and the left one glows the familiar blue as he follows .

Flash_Guardian follows close behind Devaine, eyes darting this way and that, watching the rear.

Devaine_Hawk feels his mind kick into over drive as he puts on his game face so to speak , reflexes and motor skills at three times normal, adrenaline out put increased to three hindered percent for maximum physical performance , Shutting down pain receptors in brain and nervous system then in the back of his mind , he hears LoX s words only as real as you make it

[LoX ] Kiyori Inagashi Leila: Ancient kanji and inscriptions are etched into the walls at every turn, flickering forms flitting through the corridors with but only out of the corner of the eye. Flash's light will illuminate only a small portion around him, the shroud that cloaks the structure somewhat oppressive at each twist and useage of the Weave itself. Bones covered in ivy and lying broken about the halls, litter every aspect, each step resounding into a crunching sound. Broken katana and nodachi blades surround each body cloaked within shattered ceremonial armor, each set unique. Some bear the Scorpion mon , some do not. Kiyoshi stops suddenly at the door of a room. "I will wait outside. You two must enter here. I will wait and evaluate your performance."

Devaine_Hawk follows along , reaching out to run his fingers along the remains and glyphs as they move . It didn t work before but he figures it can t hurt to try and psychically sense the past in these relics . He steps to the door and attempts to push it open when the shade bids him to enter .

Flash_Guardian just nods silently to Devaine, eyes wandering over the bones and blades of the fallen with interest. Rather than show fear, Flash simply chooses to take the warrior's remains as what they are ... a warning. He nods to the shadowy figure before cautiously following Devaine in, staying closeby to allow him the benefits of the light as well. "Would you like a light of your own, Dev? The darkness is thick about this place. Almost as if it wishes to hide from itself."

[LoX ] Kiyori Inagashi Leila: The room inside is bare, but once both men enter, the lights go out despite any magical attempt to foil it. The shroud is very powerful in this room. An invisible barrier springs up between them, as if pushing against a brick wall, when in fact, it is more akin to solidified air. A soft glow seems to finally suffuse the air. Flash is greeted with a figure seated in a chaotic throne of mish-mash mechanics, while Devaine is faced with three forms, unrecognizeable at first. The closer they approach them, the more their features become familiar, until finally, it's apparent that Flash faces Jester, seated firmly upon that throne, Bida seated underneath the pedestal. Devaine, at the same time, is faced with a familiar woman, her arms wrapped firmly around two sobbing children, expressions of fear plainly etched into their features.

Flash_Guardian immediately goes into a combat stance once the lights go out, calming his breathing and relying on his hearing and other senses once the darkness claims him. But then, once visions begin to assail his eyes once more, his eyes go wide. Be it LoX's advice, or the fact that what he sees truly cannot and should not be possible, he finds himself heavily in doubt ... only allowing for the possibility that what he sees is real, just in case. Silently, Flash prays that he is right. As a side not, Flash attempts to use the communication device attached to his vest, unsure whether it too will cease functioning inside this shroud. "Devaine," he mutters quietly. "Respond."

Devaine_Hawk takes an involuntary step back at the sight of the woman and children , pushing right up against the wall of air between him and flash . Then he does a very odd thing , he kneels before them and lowers his head , lowering Storm Blossom from the on guard position he d been holding her in to hang at his side, but not letting tip touch the ground . I make no excuses for what I did to you, he begins to whisper probably to soft for even flash to hear . I acted of fear and cowardice, unwilling to face my own demons and foes in an honorable fashion , but I can vow that in the future I will oput such dishonorable acts and thoughts out of my mind . I will defend those who can not defend their selves , never to threaten an innocent again, and never to allow others to do so either as long as I draw breath to prevent it . But you are my greatest shame , and if you demand retribution here and now, he pauses and rises to his feet again, bringing Storm Blossom back to the on guard position once again . I will f

[LoX ] Kiyori Inagashi Leila: The Jester only laughs. "Oh, Flashie, Flashie, Flashie. Calling for your friends now? You see I've made one of my own. Did you really think that that little trick of time would truly get rid of me? No, no. Chen pulled me from that vortex, you know. Especially when you let that mewling little godling sever you from him. Karma, my friend, has a sense of humor, isn't that right, Bida?" She looks up at Jester in pure admiration, her eyes as docile as a Hindu cow's. "Yes, master. He's weak. Too weak for me. He needs his friends to help him."

[Devaine_Hawk ] . I will face you and except it on my feet, with pride and honor as you deem fit he finishes

[LoX ] Kiyori Inagashi Leila: The woman stares at Devaine for a long moment before she finally replies, her voice awkward and shaky. "Y-you... are shame. Nothing can redeem what you tried to do to us! How could you?" The children merely cry louder, their sobbing filling the air between themselves and Devaine, though oddly enough, Flash would not be able to hear that, as likewise, Devaine would not be able to hear the Jester or Bida.

[Flash_Guardian ] Real or not, the Jester's words sting. As do Bida's. "Chen would never aid a servant of Rumbodis's. Karma or not, he knows they don't stick to the bargains or keep promises," Flash argues. He would stare coldly at the Jester, bearing down on it with all his menace ... were it not for the form of Bida seated beneath Jester, looking up at him so fondly. The very sight of it seems to tug at Flash's heart. He winces, turning his head and closing his eyes. Wishing to find some reason to truly disbelieve, he opens his senses further to his surroundings, hoping they will tell him different.

Devaine_Hawk taps his ear ring , and speaks to flash this is all in the past for me , any way I think I know what to do, I ll let you know Then he looks the woman in the eyes , nodding to the children . No, I am shamed , but not shame it self . The shame leis in you for not focusing on the future, them, as I am going to do, he finishes , turning his back to try and look through his own shame and regrets as h turns his back on the mistakes of the past and focuses on the future him self .

[LoX ] Kiyori Inagashi Leila: "Bah. Haven't you listened to a word your own sensei told you, Flashie? The Gods are fickle. Especially when it comes to their chosen. Chen cannot touch you here...but I can. The strong survive and the weak only fall by the wayside. Like you will." Jester's mocking laughter echoes throughout Flash's portion of the chamber, the sound radiated until it almost threatens to overwhelm his senses. Meanwhile, the woman merely spits at Devaine, her image winking from view, the silence speaking volumes. Suddenly, whispers seem to surround him from everywhere and nowhere all at once, the sounds different. It's him! He killed us....make him pay. It hurts! No...the project was a failure...we failed...he failed. Cold hearted. Clueless. Will never measure up.

Alison enters this area in a completly new outfit from her once white dress she now wore pink boots pink baggy trousers and a pink tank top she aslo wore a cloke to keep her self from view her walking was so wobbly as though some one trying to walk a thin line she fell down again on her butt "owwwey"

Devaine_Hawk snaps his head up at the sound of the voices around him . No!! I have not failed yet because is till live to make things right, if for my elf if not in your eyes !! I can not change what I did, but I decide what I do now , and I will do better !! he shouts . Then he closes his eyes and goes into the closest thing to a meditative trance , blocking it all out best he can until the phantoms give up on him . not real. Not here as real as I make them . he chants over and over in his mind .

[Devaine_Hawk ] * my elf = my self there *

[LoX ] Kiyori Inagashi Leila: A figure winks into Devaine's viewpoints, a sleek figure, faceless, but calm, smirking, a man dressed in a tailored business suit, a confident air surrounding him. " Oh no, Project Gemini. You WILL fail eventually. You were made to. You hear those voices? Victims all of them. Lives you ended. We owned you...you know no different. How can you? We engineered you. Born alone, you will die alone and empty when your systems finally fail you."

[LoX ] Kiyori Inagashi Leila: The whispers surrounding Devaine coalesce into a dull roar of betrayal, pain, some screaming in death throes, some begging for mercy, some calmly await a chance to sear into his soul with cutting words.

Flash_Guardian opens his eyes now, narrowed dangerously as a fire rises within him. But his eyes fall upon something hanging from his neck ... something that offers him reassurance beyond measure. A wry smile spreads over his lips as he turns defiantly up to face Jester. "You're right. Chen has no presence here, in this realm. And here I stand, a forsaken follower. But in the absence of Chen's ruling hand, I have come to make a life of my own. I have found new strength in my friends. I have built a monument to hope, peace, and prosperity out of a quiet island, and gathered people there who rally to support its cause. They look to me to be their pillar of strength, for I am indeed strong." Flash now draws forth his weapon, SwordBreaker, holding it defiantly before him in both hands, glaring daggers at the Jester. "You think you can touch me? Go ahead. I don't care how you're here, or who supports you now. I'll show you who is weak and who is not."

Devaine_Hawk opens his eyes and turns on the man, running right at him, swinging the sword more like a two by four, but if it connects it ll work just as well. you own nothing now , my friends freed me , and when I die it will be knowing that I did it on my own terms !! The abyss holds no fear for me !!

[LoX ] Kiyori Inagashi Leila: The Jester lunges from his throne, a sudden kiai shout echoing from his lips as the illusion fails and passes harmlessly through Flash. Alone, Bida still sits at the seat of the throne, her own figure seeming very real, very lost and very bewildered. "F-Flash? He held me under his sway....made me do things. Hold me." She rushes forwards in an attempt to hug him, the touch very real, her flesh warm against his own. "Make it go away...."

[LoX ] Kiyori Inagashi Leila: The faceless man in the suit merely laughs as the sword passes harmlessly through him. " My words are too much for you, eh? Still, you've learned nothing, Gemini. Violence is still your solution to everything."

Flash_Guardian moves the sword aside harmlessly, but places a firm hand out before him, a flat palm to stop Bida from coming any closer. "No." Just that. He stares not at the form of his love, but through her. He knows that she isn't real, it's as simple as that. The pendant around his neck tells him so.

Devaine_Hawk shakes his head . Gemini is dead and gone I am Devaine . I ask no forgiveness from my self , let alone you or the others , I will gain it and redemption by actions and deeds , not words , empty and hollow like yours

[LoX ] Kiyori Inagashi Leila: Suddenly, at the same time, the return to life, the barriers fade and the figures do as well. The door back outside swings open to reveal the erect figure of Kiyoshi once more. "Ah. It is good to see that you have not succumbed to your fears, my friends. Are we ready for our next excursion? That was your test of self and focus. You must lose your past before you can truly attain a future."

Devaine_Hawk looks at the man closer and speaks again I see not shame , but guilt, and I except that guilt , for if I did not feel it for the things I have done then I would be truly lost to any hope, but you will not rule me any more you are a part of me, not the whole he whispers even as he blinks when the man disappears and he finds him self back in front of Flash and the shade . He bows in submission . I am ready

Flash_Guardian sighs deeply, his head dropping and shaking from side to side as he slowly sheathes SwordBreaker once more. But still, he steps back to Devaine's side obediently.

[LoX ] Kiyori Inagashi Leila: "Excellent, my friends. Let us continue onwards." Further down the arid halls he leads, broken corpses filled with decaying arrows, shattered yari shafts scattered amongst the pathway. A residual feeling of betrayal seems to permeate the air itself as they walk along the corridors. The deeper they go, the more it becomes overwhelming. Finally, they arrive in a large room filled with ancient weaponry stacked in precise piles, threadbare banners hanging from the walls, bearing the mons of Scorpion, Storm and Mantis. Whatever this room was used for before the clash that ruined the temple itself, it must have been grand. What once were ornate tables line the center of the room, a dais with a throne made of pure obsidian placed in the center. When they take the time to glance around, they notice that Kiyoshi is gone.

Flash_Guardian follows to the end of the hallway, emerging into the room just a step behind Devaine and glancing around. The grandeur of this place is apparent to him even after the passing of time, and he takes a good long moment to appreciate it, hardly noticing the shade's departure. "Wow ... like stepping back in time, eh Dev?"

[LoX ] Kiyori Inagashi Leila: In his place stand two very real warriors dressed in customized ninja garb, their faces covered by wrought iron masks akin to Kiyoshi's, only one is depicted as a screaming mouth of an onisu , the other, intricate grill work. Both of their eyes seem strangely familiar, however, but their stances prove them to be not so friendly. Both stand in classic iajutsu stances, their hands firmly upon their weapons. The first carries a nodachi, then second, gauntlets made into claws. A whisper resounds throughout the chamber. " Test your might. "

Devaine_Hawk brigs Storm Blossom back up to the on guard position, or as lose as he knows how to one any way. Putting his back to flash s he whispers I think I saw this one in a movie once , let them come to us , and when they pick which one of us they want to face , switch, I m betting their custom made to beat one or the other, but not the other, know what I mean? he whispers

Flash_Guardian easily stands apart from the betrayal that permeates this place. Such has never found place in his heart before, and today is no exception. "Don't worry, I'm still on my toes." As the pair of ninjas appear, he looks between the pair, sizing them both up and determining which of them is to be his opponent. "Fist for fist, sword for sword?" Flash suggests, bowing to the pair of shadows before rocking back on his heel into a cat stance, open palms ready to deflect and counter.

Flash_Guardian shrugs. "Or that."

Devaine_Hawk nods let them make the first move , then we decide you might be right as well

[LoX ] Kiyori Inagashi Leila: Both attack in tandem, but not each one, they both attack Flash at once. Kiai shouts flood the air as Ninja A feint slashes towards Flash's neck, then reverses his hold on the blade's handle to sweep it towards his feet instead. Ninja B dashes forward, then leaps into the air, his legs splaying into a mid-air splits kick designed to strike both Flash and Dev both in the head. Both are extremely quick and precise, their mastery over their techniques and styles evident. Speed seems to be their strength at first blow.

Flash_Guardian is aware of the motion in an instant, leaning back away from the twin blows to his head and neck, then springing up off of his feet to remove them from harms way, moving back horizontally through the air. His hands quickly plant upon the back wall, arms bending like twin springs slowly pushed to their limits ... "HAAAHP!" ... only to rebound back off the wall with equal if not greater force, both feet locked forward in a twin kick to Ninja B just as he lands, aimed square for the ninja's torso.

Devaine_Hawk gets another bright idea , and surprisingly sheathes Strom Blossom with a quick motion . depend on my strength, not the blades, show my might not hers that s what the shade ask of me here he thinks Using a combination of precognitive senses and his increased reflexes and strength from the extra adrenalin his mind is producing , he shouts at Flash duck! Dropping to his own knees he reaches up with his hands to attempt to catch ninja B s legs and use both hands to swing him directly into Ninja A s sword with his own mid air momentum combined with Hawks strength and leverage .

Devaine_Hawk looks at the ninjas post, Flash's post, then his post and realizes how compicated the fight just got !!

[LoX ] Kiyori Inagashi Leila: Ninja B is caught within Devaine's grasp, but in a deft maneuver, twists about to roll behind him, instead, using a bit of his own forward momentum to attempt to hit the ground, then pull Devaine's legs out from under him. Apparently grappling is also a strong point for this one, should it work, it'd cause Flash to hit Ninja B and Dev both at the same time, while Ninja A dashes forward, his nodachi held to the side as he runs, then delivers a backhanded blow towards Flash's back as he attempts to hit B and Devaine both.

Flash_Guardian decides to put a new twist on things, quickly tucking his knees back into a backward spin and flailing back with both arms. If Ninja A's sword hits anything, it would be the large golden bracer upon Flash's forearm, the blow easily and powerfully knocked away by the force of Flash's rotation, by stout metal and by magical force. The tucking motion is just enough to slow Flash's midair momentum so that he actually falls just short of the other two, regardless of the grapple's outcome, in a firm handstand. He stays there for a moment, watching the remaining conflict before deciding just what to do.

Devaine_Hawk feels the ninja s hands grasp from his legs, and as the grasp closes on his right leg he lashes out from the bent knee of his left leg with all of his might trying to kick the ninja B right in his unmentionables . If demon ninjas have any. Falling flat on his back as both legs go off from under him, one in the ninja s grasp, the other hopefully firmly entrenched in his crotch. This give him just enough time to see ninja A swinging the sword at both of them, so he does about all he can try to do from his prone position, attempts to reach and grab Ninja B s toward him and between him and Ninja A . if ninja B is on top of him like he thinks he is now . At the same time, he snaps his own head right at ninja B s own face, doing what Dev does best, fighting dirty. With his pain receptors shut off right now, the head but if it lands might hurt him worse than the ninja, but he should feel it less , at east ?

[LoX ] Kiyori Inagashi Leila: Ninja A's blade shatters against Flash's gauntlet, the shards of steel raining onto the floor with clinking sounds. A stands in shock for a moment, then hurls the hilt towards Flash's torso, while he hops forward once and attempts a vicious legsweep of his handstand. Ninja B shows no pain to the blow to his jooglies, but the force of the blow is enough to dislodge him from his grasp on Dev's ankles. The headbutt, however, will hurt Dev more than B, due to the wrought iron facemask. It wasn't there for show, and the grill work itself would tear at his face as B hurls his own head at Devaine's. The outcome? Pain.

Devaine_Hawk is hurt worse, but in his current mental state, he knows this but does not feel it so much . Flesh rips away, and he begins to bleed , as he kicks to his feet , and raises his right leg in a low attempt to smash the heavy combat boot right down on ninja b s head . Then in the back of his mind he hears the words once more, nothing as real as it seems I just kicked it in the balls , but it doesn t have balls because its not real!! he thinks , and realizing this he hopes his foot passes right through the ninja to the floor . Flash!! Not real knock it off their not even here!! he calls out still hoping he s right .

Flash_Guardian isn't exactly in the best position to dodge the hurled hilt ... at least not yet. "GRRAAAAH!" Flash pushes up off the floor with all the strength he can muster, bring his head and hands where his torso once were. Flash leans his head one way, and one of his arms the other, the hurled blade narrowly passing through the gap created as such. His flailed arm causes a bit of sideways rotation, Flash tucking one leg to aid in the rotation, bringing him back to a standing position as a foot contacts the ground, sliding for a short distance on his one foot, accompanied by a grating noise. He hears Devaine's words, actually frowning slightly. "Awww ... what if I don't want to?" He smirks back at Ninja A, who is now bladeless. "This is kinda fun."

Devaine_Hawk feels his face , nothing no blood, no ripped flesh, so help me if you don t I ll come over there and kick you in the balls !! he shouts back to Flash.

Flash_Guardian looks over at Devaine now, trying to detemine by his actions and posture if he is still being attacked or not, yet keeps a wary eye upon the disarmed ninja.

[LoX ] Kiyori Inagashi Leila: Ninja B fades from existence as Devaine feels the shock of stomping empty earth. Meanwhile, as the legsweep misses, Ninja A uses his own momentum to complete step two of a combination, that being a quick leaping butterfly kick that fades long before it connects, as the power of the words tear at its own existence, then rip it away. Alone in the hall once more, empty breezes shift throughout it. Kiyoshi's form shimmers into place, seated on a table. "Gentlemen, if you had continued fighting, you'd still be doing so. Into eternity perhaps. This room reflects the seeking of those within it. Devaine came spoiling for a fight...that's what he got. Now. I suggest you both find some rest for the night. The preparations for your final test begin with the first light of Dawn tomorrow. It will not be as easy as these where."

Devaine_Hawk focuses his mind, deciding he will not fight , and turns his back and walks away. some times it takes a bigger man to walk away from the fight Flash, my grand pa told me that he stops .he just remerged something from his child hood, his memory from before project Gemini is slowly coming back ., he realizes . and a wise warrior knows where, when and how to choose his battles , an old monk back in Tibet told me that one he adds , in his mind he decides as well that s it, no more fighting, not here not now, not like this , peace my ninja friends your fight with us is over hoping the decision will vanish Flash s of now ?

Flash_Guardian sighs, seeming rather disappointed. "Dev wasn't the only one looking for a good fight, you know," he adds, gazing back to Devaine with a twinkle in his eyes. "We gotta get us one of those for the dojo." The grin upon Flash's face is outright ridiculous against such a gloomy background, just daring to offer a bit of cheer to their drab situation.

Flash_Guardian sighs, seeming rather disappointed. "Dev wasn't the only one looking for a good fight, you know," he adds, gazing back to Devaine with a twinkle in his eyes. "We gotta get us one of those for the dojo." The grin upon Flash's face is outright ridiculous against such a gloomy background, just daring to offer a bit of cheer to their drab situation.