Secret Phone Calls and Spellcaster Training

--- Povell Manner, North London, England ---

*11:50 pm, room 325, Dante Jaxson, apprentice butler, delivers a parcel to a certain young lady the parcel consist of a communicator and a battle outfit. The young lady changes into her night clothes and clutches the communicator to her chest*

Little Flower:  Dante, who wants to call that idiot anyway *Flops on the bed, she takes a moment before picking up the communicator again* AHHHH! I’m so pissed! Just wait til I get my hands on you, ???, you’re a dead man!!!!! *She starts to dial*

Ringer: Ring, ring *No answer* Ring, ring *Phone cuts off*

Little Flower: *sigh* He’s on a mission, maybe I should just leave it... stupid ???, I’m supposed to be your partner… we’re not supposed to be apart for this long… why did you leave me all alone… idiot

Ringer: Dial tone *phone rings again  and she picks up*

Little flower: … ??? is that you

???: No, I’m the other ??? you know. *soft amused snort* Yes, its me. Sorry I couldn’t answer before. Was in a bit of a predicament, but it’s sorted now. What can I do for you, Partner?

Little Flower: DON’T CALL ME PARTNER AFTER YOU UP AND ABANDONED ME!!!!! JACKASS!!!! Who the hell leaves their so called partner and doesn’t even say anything?! I bet you’re off fooling around when I’m not there, aren’t you?! Well, I’m here to tell you that I can finally get a hold of you and by hell or come high water, the next time I see you, I’m gonna kill you for leaving me!!!!!! I’m just so mad right now!!!!! You jerk! *Tears start to well up* … I thought you might have died somewhere, asshole.

???: ...I hadn’t realised your trust in me was that low. After all these years, I would have thought you’d know that I don’t fool around on a mission. But believe me, I’d have told you about the whole thing if I was permitted to. There’s….issues, at the moment, a lot of them, and we honestly didn’t have the time to waste. You were busy with your own mission at the time, too. But, for what it’s worth, I apologize. Though I imagine that’s not what you want to hear from me right now, huh?

Little Flower: *Tears streaming* You could have left a note *Sobs quietly* I was so worried I… I..

???: Hey, hey, it’s ok. You know me, I always get through things. I’m, like, super good at not being hurt. I just annoy the bullets so much that they don’t want to come anywhere near me. But if it makes you feel any better, you can try to beat me up a bit when I come back. How’s that sound?

Little Flower: Who said I was worried about you!?!? If anyone is going to take your life, it's gonna be me! I told you that when we were kids, I’m telling you now! IDIOT!!!! So don’t think I’m crying coz I thought you were hurt, I just don't want anyone else to kill you, that's all!

???: Sure sure. Well, same difference. I annoy the bullets way too much for them to want anything to do with me. You know that I’m saving myself only for you, darling.

Little Flower: E-excuse me!!!! That sounded suggestive! Fix the way you say things to girls, you're way too suggestive for comfort!!!! *Blush* Honestly!!!!

???: What, you mean you didn’t want me all to yourself to shoot at over and over? Such a naughty girl, getting a guy’s hopes up like that, you might give a man the wrong idea, you know? Heh heh.

Little Flower: Jeez, you troll *Face still burning* You never change... *Snuggles into the bed* But, I miss you, so come back to me soon… I... *Shuts mouth and avoids looking at the screen*

???: Well, why change perfection, right? *Becomes a little more serious* Anyway, you have my word, I’ll be home soon. So, until then, give our Miss Povell some hell for me, right? And you’ll see, I’ll be back to annoy you to death soon enough. Until then, chin up, M’kay?

Little Flower: Yeah, yeah. Oh, I ran into the triads last time I was out. They said they were your guys and they gave me a new chain for Zeus and Hades. But Al took my guns to Japan where I’m gonna be heading out next week. I wanna go Shibuya, so next time you're free, you're treating me shopping, got it?!

???: I wouldn’t expect anything different, love. See, you have something nice to look forwards to, right?

Little Flower: I can't wait! A da- *cough cough* a shopping trip paid by you! Oh, honey, I’m gonna bleed you dry! *Dark grin* I’ve seen your bank statements, ???, so it’s a shopping trip and a nice restaurant, nothing less -^.^-

???: Ouch….I can hear my bank crying in pain. Maybe I should go mysteriously AWOL for a while instead to save my poor account’s life. Surely it doesn’t deserve such torture.

Little Flower: Oh please, you’re practically  a millionair… Wait, do you even need to work? You could technically live out your days in luxury, you know that?

???: What, would you rather I be a slob? I’d get bored. You really think that would be a good idea? Me, bored? The world wouldn’t survive. Nah, I like what I do. Besides, if I stopped working, who would watch the back of our lovely flower, there?

Little Flower: I’ma act like I didn’t hear that -.-’ Idiot. ???, oh, I just got this. What do you think? It’s hot, right? *Tilts communicator to show ??? what she’s wearing* It’s a little different from usual, but it’s getting a little cold out, so I thought...?

???: It certainly suits you. But then again, you do look good in anything. Or is this a conspiracy to make me fall on my face while I’m on a mission? People might be a bit concerned if I topple off a roof out of surprise. That would be such a pointless death, don’t you think?

Little Flower: Ima act like I only heard the first part of what you said.  And forget you said the second. Well, you better savour that image, you’re not gonna see it again *annoyed*  But I won’t bug you any more. Call me back when you can, ok? *Tilts head*

???: Of course. You have my word. Take care until then.

Little Flower: You too, ‘n’ next time, return the favor *Mumble mumble* So I can sell it and make pocket money. Bye bye, ???

*Call ends*

Little Flower: Send... send me a photo, so i know you’re ok, so I can keep some part of you close to me until you come back. *Sobs into pillow* Jeez what wrong with me? It’s like I’m in… Oh no.

*Meanwhile, across the pond….*

--- Izumo-taisha, Shimane prefecture, Japan ---

*Tara and the rest of team 226 are now back at the temple after the defeat and purification of the local land god. Alastair had left the room to call back to Pandora, and had informed Tara to wait a while, since she would be speaking to a tutor, who would begin her training in the spiritual arts. Eventually, a young priestess, whom they had met briefly before they investigated the seal, enters the room, scanning the group, before her eyes lands on Tara*

Priestess: I was informed that one of you needed to learn the basics of the spiritual arts. It would appear that that would be you, correct?

Tara: Uh….yes, that’s me. Did Alastair describe me or something?

Priestess: He didn’t need to. Looking at your spiritual capabilities, it was easy enough to deduce which of you would need the training. It would seem that I will be your temporary sensei in the basics. By understanding the basics of the spiritual arts, it will allow you to gain a better understanding, and will help to give you a solid foundation when you continue your studies once you leave here. I imagine that you will be unlikely to never use these skills, considering your connection to Pandora.

Tara: True. So, when do we start?

Priestess: Now is as good a time as any. You have little time to learn, so there is no point in wasting what time we do have. Now, if you could come with me, it would  be best to begin without the distraction of others.

Tara: Oh, yes, right. *turns to the rest of the team* See you later.

Agent: Sure. Just ,make sure not to blow up any more caves in the meantime.

Tara: Oh, har de har.

Priestess: Are you done?

Tara: Eep! Sorry! *hurries out after the Priestess through the door and down the corridor* Sooo….uh...what do we need to do, exactly? Is there a practice room we’re going to?

Priestess: Eventually. However, before we begin, you must first be cleansed.

Tara: Cleansed? What, I don’t smell that bad, do I? I made sure to wash and stuff after the fight.

Priestess: I meant that, in order to use your spiritual energy, it would be best to make sure it isn’t contaminated by the youkai you’ve been exposed to, to be sure that it is pure and untainted. *Takes her into a large pool like room* You must be cleansed so that you will be more open to what we will do.

Tara: It almost sounds like I’m joining a cult or something. Uh….Am I supposed to be a pure, untainted virgin to make some kind of pact with a god or something? Because I really don’t know if I- *gets cut off as she is shoved into the water*

Priestess: ¬.¬ Oops, my hand slipped trying to suppress stupidity.

Tara: *Sputtering as comes up from the water* You….you are cruel.

Priestess: *Stares back unrepentantly*

Tara: ...Meany….

Priestess: Just start cleansing, idiot.

Tara: Alright, alright, I’ma cleansing.

[END]

Flowers, Cookies and Blood

--- Povell Manor, North London ---

*7:30 pm. Povell Manor is silent, and the last ray of sunlight is fading though the curtains tanning the room beige, Mada povel sits back on her chair watching a sleeping girl out of the corner of her eye. She breathes in and dials a number on her communicator. A few rings and there's no answer, a few more rings and finally a smiling face is on the screen*

Madam Povell: *Sigh* I’m glad...I had thought something had happened to you. Be more prompt in answering me, Alastair.

Alastair: My apologies, Ma’am. Things were a little difficult over here for a while. The seal that needed replenishing was causing interference with the communicators when at close range. I contacted you as soon as I was capable of doing so

Madam Povell: Hmph….Alastair, I believe I told you that you are to use my name when we’re alone. Mission aside for now, my concerns are for you and you alone.

Alastair: Ah, I wasn’t entirely certain that you, yourself were alone. Very well, Violet. But not to worry, I am quite well. While the situation was somewhat tense, I and the rest of the team, incidentally, are unscathed. You have no need to worry yourself further.

Madam Povell: Well, not entirely alone - I have my little Flower resting on the arm chair, all curled up. *Turns the communicator slightly* Ah, she reminds me of when she was a child….She grew up so fast. It’s enough to make a woman feel old.

Alastair: It is the way of the world. Time seems to get away with all of us, it seems. Still, I’m glad to see that your Flower is blooming well. I shall be sure to visit her once I return. For now, I suppose it would be wise to update you on the situation, however. Unless you have more you wish to ask of me?

Madm Povell: You mean ‘Our’ Flower, I’m sure. After all, you are her godparent as well. *chuckles* However, you’re right. Tell me, how are my two agents? The one with you and our undercover agent?

Alastair: There is little I can tell you about your undercover agent. ??? recently left, and its possible that he will be able to give me more information when I get his next report. I can, at least inform you that she is alive, but beyond that….I’ll report to you more once ??? has got back to me. On the other hand, I can certainly pass on information about Agent T. It seems that she has recovered from her injuries that ??? reported and was even capable of using Zeus to an extent. It would seem that she is interested in training somewhat in mystic arts here at the temple. Or at least, some of the basics, she is aware she has responsibilities to us after all.

Madam Povell: An interesting idea, though do you have time for that? It is my understanding that it takes several years to master the arts and you have only days in that location. To be quite honest, I have no wish for this child to meet 226 yet - her emotional state is turbulent at best and frightening at worst. I want a controlled environment for her first mission, so, in regards to Agent T, have her taught warding magic and exorcism sutra for now. Her next location is one closer to Tokyo, if I’m not mistaken. We will also have a better weapon forged there and have her learn mystic tactics there. In addition, have ??? contact me as soon as he is abl-

*Moaning and the cracking of vertebrae can be heard *

Alastair: Ah, it would seem that Our little flower is awake?

‘Little Flower’: *Growl* Al-as-tair!!!! You bastard, where the hell did you go without telling me?! i’ve been looking for you everywhere!  What the hell, you just up and leave without telling me!!!! Both you and that troll of a man just go MIA on my ass and don’t tell that he wasn't here, his fangirls are still lingering around here going on about how he was doing this and that all bloody day!  Damn that flirt. It's been 3 months… 3 month and he hasn't contacted me! GOD, are all me like that, Vie?

Violet: *Chuckle* So, you’re upset that your companion hasn't contacted you? And now you favorite butler has left you, too?

‘Little Flower’: Lay off it, Vie! Jeez, you're so annoying for a brat, you shouldn’t tease your elders, damn it. Humph! *Turns head away*

Madam Povell:  *Mumbles* Brat? How dare-

Alastair: Snk-Ahem! Anyway, I apologize for not informing you of my departure. I’m afraid it was something of an emergency situation. It was a similar scenario for your partner as well. If we had the time to do so, we would have indeed informed you. Afterwards, the signal had been disrupted and neither of us could contact base. This was the soonest I could contact either of you. Please forgive me.

‘Little Flower’: EXCUSES!!!! You both have a phone don’t you!!! +.+

Alastair: Indeed - a phone which, as just mentioned, had a disrupted signal which could not reach out of my location. As for your partner, he is currently working in a slightly more delicate situation at the moment. It is probably not wise for him to contact the base, lest the signal be traced. However, I would advise questioning him on the specifics upon his return.

‘Little Flower’: Oh! Don’t you mind him, I’ll be sure to roast his ass the next chance I get! He’s probably done with his mission and off flirting somewhere… It’s in his nature.

Madam Povell:  You almost sound like a jealous girlfriend or lover. It is neither flattering, nor an attractive trait in a young lady.

‘Little Flower’: G-girlfri- AS IF! *BLUSH*  Listen, if I don’t keep him in line, god knows what would happen! I’m just doing my part as his partner to make sure he d-doesn't do anything bad… that all. *Twirls finger in her hair out of embarrassment*

Madam Povell:  you know it’s not at all believable when you say it like that right alaster?

Alaster: My Lady Flower does indeed come across as a little more concerned than the average partner, I’m afraid.

‘Little Flower’: Al! Not you too! You’re supposed to be on my side! Like I said, I'm concerned he’ll do something scandalous while I'm not with him... that’s all.  *Can't look at him in the eye while saying it *

Alastair: As my lady wishes. However, I can assure you that you have no need to worry. He will be quite professional, I’m certain. However, to make it up to you, The both of us shall likely bring back treats as an apology for our abrupt departure. Would that suffice as an appropriate apology?

‘Little Flower’: Humph! I’m not a child, you know. You can’t bribe me with cookies anymore. I’m nearly twenty, for crying out loud!

Madam Povell:  Ah, pardon me, but it was my understanding that you both stole and ate almost an entire batch of cookies the last time Alastair made his speciality platter. *Raises eyebrow and a slight smirk* Do you care to deny this?

‘Little Flower’: I-it was that time of the... ya know... and I was craving something sweet and they happened to be there. It not like I obsess over snacks anymore or anything. Plus I’m looking after my figure. I can’t charm men and women if I look like the pillsbury doughboy, now can I?!

Alastair: Ah, forgive me, but I don’t believe I said food as treats, merely treats. I’m quite certain that we will be capable of bringing something to your esteamed liking, young miss.

‘Little Flower’: And I told YOU! I don’t need them and I don’t need this!!! I’m gonna try and contact ??? and give him a piece of my mind!!! BYE!!!!

*She storms off in a huff, slamming the door so hard the wood rattles around in its frame*

Madam Povell: Oy vey….A light bit of teasing and she almost broke down my door... *Sigh*

Alastair: I should probably warn ???, just in case he is in difficult territory. If her call ends up turning unfriendly attention on him at an inopportune moment….

Madam Povell:  Ah, despite the fact that you have spent the most time with her out of the two of us, you still know her so little *Chuckle* If I was to guess, she will merely run to her room, collapse to her bed and dial his number, though never with the courage to message him. I believe that she will call in a few days, though by then, her temper will have waned. Love does make fools of the young, wouldn’t you say? *chuckles* She should be more honest with her feelings. I remember a certain young butler being the same way.

Alastair: Ah, for me, however, it was more a matter of position and concern for your sake, lest there be a scandal, rather than pure shyness the way it seems to be with Our Flower. However, Forgive me for saying so, but I do pity her somewhat. You know the difficulties, on both sides. *Sigh* Still, it is not business that I should get involved with, I believe. Not that I believe that either would want our involvement.

Madam Povell: True, it’s something they must solve on their own...even a fruitless loves may lead to heartbreak. Yet, the young still have the chance to find new love. *Sigh* If she is wise, she would find another ‘partner’, one more suited to act as her counterbalance. It would be….the preferable option...for both of them

Alastair: It is as you say, however - Love makes fools of the young. All we can do is watch, and wait, and hope that, in the end, things will work out. A naive thought, I know, but...A little optimism in these dark times brings a certain amount of light, don’t you think?

Madam Povell: Quite true, my darling. Foolish...naive...fragile...All we have is hope. For now, however, let us put such matters to one side. My love, you know the date, I’m sure...and due to our circumstances, you and I are unfortunately parted. What shall you do? To grant me my happiness?

Alastair: While it pains me that I cannot be at your side at this moment, I have prepared something for you. While it is a poor substitute, I do hope that my gift I left behind may grant you happiness in my stead. In your desk, in the left side draw, I have left something for you.

Madam Povell: *Opens the draw. Inside is a medium sized, decadent black and crimson wine bottle is resting in the draw. Madam Povell opens it and brings it to her lips, taking small sips, savoring the flavor. For a brief moment, her tea coloured eyes dilate and flash red, she shivers slightly* Alastair... this is your bl-

Alastair: Indeed. It pains me that I cannot be by your side, today of all days. Though a poor substitute, I do hope that this, at least, will offer you happiness, if only briefly, until I might return to my place at your side.

Madam Povell: I-I should reward you, my love. You have brought me more than happiness. *She takes another sip, savoring each sip* You know what your blood does to me... naughty Alastair. I-I should reward you, my love. But I shall do so the next time I see you, so, come home to me soon.

Alastair: Your wish, as always, is my command, my lady, my love.

Madam Povell: Unfortunately, it would seem that our time is at an end. I shall speak with you again soon, my darling.

Alastair: Then I shall long for next time I hear your voice, and wait patiently until then. Please, take care of yourself until then.

*Phone call ends and Madam Povell puts the bottle back in the draw. Meanwhile, on the other side of the house...*

‘Little Flower’ *Collapsed on her bed, she dials the number and stares at the screen, not yet pressing the call button* ...I can’t…. he’s on a mission. *Sigh* I can…. That idiot. Just come home safe… idiot.

[END]

Orpheus and Eurydice

--- Phoenix Headquarters ---

*Lorenzo sits in his office, alone. On the desk in front of him are various folders and documents which refer to Pandora, which are scattered over the desktop, while one folder open in front of him, which he is currently flicking through, refers to three ancient books which had been in the process of being translated by the Pandora organization, details of which having come into Phoenix agent hands. After a while, Lorenzo stops flicking through the pages to instead tiredly rub at his temples*

Lorenzo: *recalling the events a few hours earlier, where Nadia had bluffed to him* Nadia….What exactly is she thinking? She knows that her position is precarious. I have her life in my hands. One word from me and she wouldn’t be drawing another breath. Is it foolishness? Is she suicidal? Perhaps I had underestimated how fanatical she can be… *he frowns* Either way, her usefulness is starting to wane. It might be best to kill her now and get it over with before she causes more problems.

*Lorenzo closes the file in front of him with a snap, closing his eyes with a dark frown.*

Lorenzo: Tch…..comparing me to ‘God of War’....how foolish. Does she truly believe I act in the name of an inferiority complex? How truely juvenile... Does she truly not have the ability to see that the goal of Phoenix is far more than that? Truly, I have underestimated her intelligence. She has become….weak…

*Sitting back in his chair, he pulled out a cigarette and lights it, taking a deep breath of the smoke and breathing out the smoke*

Lorenzo: No, I have more important things to look at in this situation. Crushing the gods….freeing humanity from their oppression...my plans are far beyond that of petty grudges. It’s far beyond a singular person. It’s far beyond me alone…

*There is a flash of memory as he remembers the look on Nadia’s face as she spoke to him a few hours before*

Nadia: *Chuckle* I have faith in Pandora, the bond between man and the mystic, is ever growing and as cliché as it sounds, I have faith in my organisation. It’s what I… we believed all those years ago. And even if you decided you wanted to end me, you wouldn't.

*The flashback ends*

Lorenzo: *Gritting his teeth, he leans forwards once again, resting his forehead in his free hand* Damn you….

(your turn. Nadia comes in now, right?) yop

*The door slowly creaks open. Nadia walks in bandage around her neck*

Nadia: Lorenzie, you here. I have chocolate loving for you? *folder in one hand and two cups of hot chocolate in the other*

Lorenzo: *Keeps his eyes closed and his head in his hand, speaking tiredly* What are you trying to do, Nadia? Trying to ‘win me over’ with chocolate now?

Nadia: Well, I know how much you used to love my hot chocolate… how you used to pester me to make it every time you were stressed out, so… I… *Sets the cup down in front of Lorenzo, and the folder down on the chair. Her eye scans across the carnage that is his desk* It’s a good thing I came, huh? Here take this too.

Lorenzo: *Takes the folder* Say what you will. I already told you before, I am not the Lorenzo you knew. I’m hardly pining after hot chocolate.

Nadia: Is that why as soon as I walked in, your eyebrow twitched, and why I can see it in your eyes that you’re missing it…? Go on, and don’t waste it. I won’t pester you anymore tonight. I just want to chat, that’s all.

Lorenzo: *Stills his expression and purposefully ignores the cup, eyes narrowing to Nadia instead.* Then hurry up and speak so you can leave me be. I have things to accomplish other than play around with you.

Nadia: Nope, not gonna do that. There’s 24 hours in a day, you can spare 20 minutes talking to me. Besides, in that folder is your work simplified, organized, translated and more by yours truly. I’ve worked hard, Lorenzie, and YOU’RE GONNA reward me by talking to me and drinking hot coco with me. I’m not backing down on this one *pout*

Lorenzo:  Che…. *he pulls himself upright once more.* Then talk. And be to the point. I already told you that you’re walking on thin ice, so don’t push it further, otherwise I’ll have you destroyed so thoroughly there’ll be no evidence of your existence by the time we’re done. I thought I told you before, this is not a game, and I am not the Lorenzo you knew. Give up on trying to draw him out. He is gone.

Nadia: *Chuckle* And I thought I told YOU, Lorenzie, you don’t scare me, so drink up before it gets cold and, while you're at it, convince me… convince me to give up on Pandora and make me want to be a Phoenix agent. You said it before, didn't you? ‘We all have our reason for being here.’

Lorenzo: *A growl breaks from him as he smacks the mug away, sending it flying off the table and onto the ground, breaking on impact* I have no reason to tell you anything! You’ve been making it clear enough that you’re still so in love with Pandora! I’ve covered for you enough! This is not a game, and I will indulge you no further, since no matter what I do or say, you will not follow me! Because you don’t understand and you never have! *slamming his hands on the desk* Even now, you think I do this out of some petty grudges against petty gods like my father. And if you believe that, then you never understood me at all, not back then, and not now! And you will never understand because you’re so in love with this corrupted world that you cling to it like a leech, draining out what little good will this pathetic world has to offer! And you will die, starved, as the last of that goodwill is consumed by the gods that believe they can enslave everyone into destructive fates while demanding praise! And you don’t care, won’t care, and so you will never understand because it will never fit into your box of preconceptions, because you will blind yourself to the truth of everything!

Nadia: *Slap him as hard a she physically can, tears welling in her eyes* did i follow you in the beginning, NO did i care for you or anyone back then NO, did i ever blindly follow the gods will Hell fucking no! How could i there selfish and spoilt… loving and cind, curle and flawed like mankind… the very creatures they created. An governed *places han over where she hit him* i understood then as i do now. One thing i always understood… that was you. Don't tell me i don't when i can see it in your eye, i see the same man i saw then. Fighting for what he believed in. i see the flawed broken man rebuilding himself piece by piece from nothing working his way to the top. I see the man i leaned on when all i was, was broken and i see the man that i will save. So convince me Lorenzie convince me that i should follow you convince me to care convince me Phenix is right and i’ll do the same with pandora convince you to come back home. Pandora is flawed not always right but they try. As do i as do you as do we all *hugs his close* convince me.

*As her arms wrap around him, Lorenzo freezes, his eyes wide. His body is shaking and slowly, he rests his face in her shoulder, thoughts frenzied*

Lorenzo: *thoughts* Why….why is she trying? Even now, she believes that I can be saved….I can’t be saved, not now, I can’t…..I can’t go back to the lies, and even though she thinks she can, she will not be able to understand. All she will do it be driven down to the darkness and torn apart. She’ll die. Die...Die, die diediedie

*Body shaking, what had began as quiet tears begins to change into choked sobs, which changes into crazed laughter, tearing himself away from Nadia, palms of his hands pressed against his eyes as he continues to laugh hysterically*

Lorenzo: It’s too late! Far too late! For me, for you, for them! Even….even now, everything is already in motion, far bigger than anyone here! This world will burn and begin anew! There’s no turning back! You cannot stop it! You cannot save me! Everything…..everything will end, whether you convince them or not! It’s over already! You just don’t know it yet!

Nadia: *Gently puts her hand around his cheeks, resting her forehead against his and whispering in a barely audible voice* I’ll save you from the depths of Tartarus. *Kisses his forehead and turns to leave* I’ll won’t die ‘til I do.

Lorenzo: It’s a hopeless endeavour. He’s already gone, the Lorenzo you want to save died years ago. It’s a fool’s errand. You will be like Orpheus, going into the depths of Hades to save Eurydice - you will be doomed to fail as you look back for the man you knew.

Nadia: *Chuckles as she leaves the room* My love, what I do with my time and body is my choice. If the man I knew is truly dead, then I will drag his wretched corpse from the pit he resides and throw his sorry ass into the Lazarus Pit myself. And, after he has returned to me, I’ll once again slap the hell out of him and make him swear to never leave my side again. He broke that promise once… i won't ever let you do that again. *Leaves the room, a sad smile is plastered on her face as she does so.*

Lorenzo: *Shakilly, Lorenzo drops back into his seat once more, running his hands through his hair and scrubbing at his face with his palms, taking a breath to try to regain composure. That done, he looks back at the desk, where the file Nadia had brought is sitting under the other mug of hot chocolate. Moving the mug aside, he pulls the file to himself, freezing as he sees what is on top of it*

*Laying on the file is an old photograph, which looks somewhat worn, as if it had been carried around for a while. In the photograph is himself and Nadia, holding glasses of wine and the smiled to the camera. It seems that they are sitting in a booth of some kind at a fancy restraunt. From the writing on the menus in the background, it looks as though they were in a high class italian restaurant. Around them, other people seemed to have dived into the picture, all grinning happily and mischievously, some making rabbit ears behind their heads, grinning or pulling silly faces to the camera. These faces, too, were familiar. The photo was portraying, other than himself and Nadia, the lost members of Pandora’s original, lost Team 226*

Lorenzo: *Shakily pulling the photo to himself* It’s too late…..why….are you doing this to me? Even if I wanted to do something….even if I wanted to stop...there’s nothing I can do any longer. No matter how much my heart is crying….There is nothing I can do…..*Putting his head into his hands* Damn you….Nadia….

[END]

...And Into the Fire!

--- Last time ---

Alastair: *Chuckle* Once we seal the site, I’ll ask one of 626’s future agents to personally teach you some basic warding magic. The more battle ready spells take years to master, but we’ll practice it together once everything has settled down, what do you say? *Pets Tara’s head*

Tara: Really? Awesome! Even bigger reason not to get myself all beat up again…..uh…..not that I needed a reason, heh. But I’m going to do my best. Ugh…..though I suppose it’s…..normal to feel a little sick before a major fight? Just nerves, right?

Alastair: You’ll get used to-

*Alastair cuts himself off as he senses something and rushes over to the Head Monk. They rush to the entrance of the village. Worried, Tara runs after them until she skids to a halt beside Alastair and the Head Monk. Her eyes widen*

Tara: Oh hell…...

--- Outside Village, Izumo Region, Japan ---

[A massive boar roars, it’s voice makes the ground tremble. The head monk's eyes wided]

Alastair: What is that thing *Alastair unsheathes his sword*

Tara: I-is it some kind of boar youkai or something? *grips own weapon in trembling hands* Whatever it is….it looks really….pissed off…

Head Monk: Please, Joubert-san, I ask that you do not take his life. That is no youkai, but the god of the forest. The life of this forest is tied to the god. If you destroy him, then the land will fade along with his life. (does this work?)

Alastair: Then what do we do? If we don’t stop him, he’ll destroy the village!

Head monk: I believe I can calm him down, but I need time *unraps his hand, revealing a gentle aura* Since the seal was broken, there has been a faint miasma that’s been making most of the more gentle youkai act strangely... I never thought it would be so bad as to corrupt a god like this...

Alastair: Sure, I’ll do my best. Quickly, Tara, use this! *Throws a silver pistol in her direction*

Tara: *Grabs the pistol in her free hand and gives Alastair a look* Uh…..guns just piss off youkai! The Jurogumo batted bullets off like flies before - I doubt a god’s going to even blink at this! What am I supposed to do with…. *looks again* Zeus?

Alastair: *Chuckle* Do you trust me?

Tara: You know, it’s always when people say stuff like that that either dramatic ‘I’m actually evil’ music plays, or someone pulls a deus ex machina from somewhere….Please tell me it’s the latter?

Alastair: *Chuckles and starts running* That’s no ordinary gun. It was forged from two cursed blades long ago - it’s far superior to those toy guns you’re use to. You should see its other half. I doubt you’ll be able to unlock its true potential, but it should come in handy for now.

Tara: Wow, thanks for that ringing endorsement when I’m about to get stampeded by a pissed off boar god……*Starts running after Alastair*

Alastair: I meant no offense little one, but its full potential can only be unlocked by it’s true owner, that’s all :3

Tara: So I’m walking around with the proverbial ‘Sword in the Stone’ - are you even sure this thing will work for me at all? I’m really trying to trust you here but I really don’t want to die here!

Alastair: if your that troubled by it, aim and fire!

*Chanting can be heard in the distance*

Tara: I swear if this doesn’t work and I die, I’m so haunting your ass! *Fires the gun in the direction of the incoming god*

*A spark turns into a raging bolt of energy the air ripples around the forest god and a light pierces through its skin. The beast suddenly stops its rampage for just a moment and redirects its gaze to Alastair and Tara.*

Alastair: Brilliant, just time *Alastair jumps an insane height and hits the boar on on the head with the back of his blade, knocking it over*

Tara:...Holy shi…..taki mushrooms…. *Stares at the gun for a moment.* Uh….Deus ex Machina it is…. *Prepares to use the gun again to keep the god down if it got up again from Alastair’s attack*

Alastair: Didn’t I tell you? Now, Zeus, Paralyze Mode 33! *Gun transforms slightly*  

Alastair: Now, hopefully your next shot should send out little friend to sleep for a while. Just wait for my signal *Alastair sprints off again as the boar stands up

Tara: Oh….joy…. *swallows hard but aims the gun again, biting her lip as she awaits the signal*

Alastair:  *Runs towards the boar when a sudden whistle rings in his ears, suddenly two sheci pin down the god.*

Tara: Wait….what?

Head Monk: *The loud chanting comes to an end* Oh Great Forest God, I beseech you! Return to your true mind, for your land shall be cleansed!

*Light envelops the land, then the god turns back to normal*

Tara: Uh…..My eyes…..ow….*blinks rapidly and rubs her eyes* So, for those of us that have very little field experience with magic and all that jazz, can someone explain what just happened....?

Alastair: he cleansed the land… well, as well as he can, considering our current situation. And it seems- *Cut of by the god waking up*

Forest God: My mind... my mind has been freed of its bloody haze, twisted from the screams of pain from my land. Tell me, Human Monk, has the miasma that plagued me finally been banished?

Head Monk: *Panting and looking very pale* F-for now

Forest God: The Miasma has been ever growing around my forest. Despite all efforts, neither my servants, no I, have been able to banish it, and even now, it has twisted the guardians that protect my children, turning them into monsters that would betray us. Be warned, monk, should this not be fixed, more blood shall be shed. Proceed with caution. But know this, I shall aid you as best I can, but for now….I must retire, for I am weary.

*Forest god then fades, a patch of foliage remaining where his body once laid.*

Tara:...Well…..that….just happened….So….the miasma that is coming out of that broken seal...I knew it had been twisting the l;and somewhat and drawing in youkai, but it’s strong enough to twist a god too? *looks around uneasily* Just what used to be sealed in there that it could even affect a god’s mind like that…?

Head monk: Another, more powerful, entity... one that should have never walked on this earth.

Alastair: But that’s above your pay grade.

Head monk: Shall we retire for the evening? The villagers will deal with the mess here.

[END]