Mixtape Ghost N

Recollections: Primal Sinister

Latoya K. Strange

"Things will be different, but okay."

_______________________________________________ Latoya Katrina Strange She/Her | 31 | African-American | 6'1ft | 175 _______________________________________________ Empowered _______________________________________________ Skills & Talents "I just get it done—with heart" ___________________________________ [+] Empathy ⫻ Latoya is incredibly attuned to the emotions and needs of others. She can offer support and understanding in difficult times, making her someone people turn to for advice or comfort. Leader ⫻ A natural leader, Latoya knows how to inspire and motivate those around her. She builds strong, cooperative teams, delegating tasks efficiently and ensuring everyone works toward a common goal. Cooking ⫻ Latoya is an excellent cook, skilled in preparing a wide range of dishes from various cultures. She’s particularly adept at making intricate desserts and is known for her ability to recreate recipes from memory. Medical Knowledge ⫻ Latoya has a solid foundation in medical sciences, including anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, and pathology. Her studies have equipped her to understand the human body and common medical conditions. Patient Care ⫻ While she has yet to practice clinically, Latoya has a strong sense of empathy and an understanding of patient care protocols. She is capable of offering essential medical advice and providing comfort to those in need. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving ⫻ As part of her medical education, Latoya honed her ability to analyze complex problems, assess patient symptoms, and determine possible diagnoses. She is skilled in synthesizing information to make sound, logical decisions. First Responder Skills ⫻ In her medical studies, Latoya received basic training in first aid, CPR, and emergency response techniques, preparing her to act quickly and efficiently in medical emergencies.

Appearance ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ "It’s all about embracing what’s already here, what’s already me." Latoya Duckworth stands with a natural, grounded elegance that seems effortless and carefully curated. At six-one, her profile is sharp yet soft, exuding an aura of self-assurance tempered by empathy. Latoya's presence is magnetic, capturing the attention of those around her with an easy confidence that doesn’t demand the spotlight but draws it. Her old-soul energy gives her a timeless quality as if she's seen and understood much of the world and can see right through facades. She’s African-American, with rich, dark brown skin that seems to catch and reflect the light in warm, earthy hues. Her complexion is radiant, its glow enhanced by subtle touches of highlighter on her cheekbones, giving her a naturally sculpted look without needing much embellishment. Her hair, a voluminous cloud of tight curls, is pulled into a high puff that beautifully shows off her facial structure. The style suits her—polished and powerful while embracing her hair's natural texture. It complements her aesthetic and blends authenticity with a refined, contemporary edge. Latoya’s build perfectly balances soft curves and a hint of underlying strength. She’s naturally a bit chubby, with a plushness that suits her relaxed confidence and warm energy. Her shoulders are gently rounded, with just enough definition to hint at her active lifestyle, though she isn’t overly focused on fitness. Latoya has a body that embraces softness in all the right places, and she carries herself comfortably and unapologetically self-assuredly. Latoya's bust measures around 38D, with a naturally full and shapely silhouette that complements her overall frame. Her waist is softly defined, giving her figure a subtle hourglass shape without harsh lines. Her hips are rounded and generous, leading down to thighs that are thick and sturdy without being overly muscular. She’s got a bit of extra padding, especially around her lower body, but it only adds to her grounded, approachable vibe. Her rear is round, firm, and shapely, adding to the natural sway in her walk, and her legs carry her with effortless grace, giving her a presence that feels stable and reassuring. Latoya’s physique is a refreshing blend of softness and confidence, with a healthy, vibrant, honest, and relatable look. Her body reflects a genuine comfort with herself—she’s not one to obsess over rigid fitness standards, but she’s active enough to keep herself feeling strong and energized. There’s a glow to her that comes from self-acceptance, and it shows in how she presents herself, embracing her curves as an essential part of who she is. Latoya’s style is minimalist but impactful; she often wears subtle jewelry, like the tiny gold hoop earrings visible here, which add a touch of refinement to her look. Her makeup is understated, typically just enough to accentuate her natural looks when wearing it. She has a keen eye for details others might overlook, reflected in how she presents herself—never overdone, always just right.

_{Psychology
^{▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔}}
"I’m still figuring out how to trust myself without losing control."

MAIN GOAL ⫻ There is a desperate search for an expert in souls or a powerful artifact capable of manipulating them, a pursuit steeped in urgency and mystery. Though she says the journey is about mastering her place in the paranormal world and protecting those she cares for, there are deeper motivations—forces working tirelessly to reclaim something lost and undo a binding far beyond her understanding.

PHILOSOPHY ⫻ Latoya's philosophy is rooted in the belief that true strength lies in embracing vulnerability and confronting the darkness within oneself. Her experiences of loss and existential upheaval have taught her that resilience is not about denying fear or pain but about acknowledging them as catalysts for growth. To her, vulnerability is not weakness; it is the raw essence of humanity and a bridge to genuine connection and understanding. This worldview makes Latoya a complex individual: she is a compassionate ally, offering solace to those who struggle, yet she becomes a fierce adversary when faced with those who exploit or manipulate others. Empathy allows her to see through masks and façades but fuels her intolerance for cruelty or deceit. She views magic and power as tools that amplify one’s intentions rather than solutions to life’s challenges. To Latoya, what matters is the purpose behind one’s actions, whether they bring healing or destruction. This mindset shapes her interactions with others, her approach to the Paranormal, and her unwavering belief that the most significant battles are fought not in the external world but within the soul. For her, the measure of a person is not in their power but in how they wield it, especially when faced with their fears and flaws.

SECRETS ⫻ Latoya is not one to harbor secrets, at least not intentionally. She carries herself with an openness that reflects her philosophy of confronting fears and flaws. However, beneath this seemingly unguarded nature lies an enigmatic truth even she may not fully understand. While others see her as a survivor of the Cataclysm, she occasionally recalls fragmented memories that don't align with her perception of events, leaving her unsettled and questioning the gaps in her understanding of her past.

SEXUALITY ⫻ Latoya previously identified as pansexual, drawn to the strength, intellect, and emotional depth of others rather than any physical traits. In the past, she embraced connection and intimacy with an open heart, finding beauty in shared vulnerability. Yet, recently, she has inexplicably withdrawn, adopting a celibate lifestyle despite her natural inclination toward forming deep and meaningful bonds. She attributes this shift to the emotional toll of her experiences, framing it as a need to focus on self-discovery and healing. However, her explanation has quiet dissonance—a subtle, unspoken rift between her current choices and her past values. While she appears content with this change outwardly, there are fleeting moments when her behavior feels almost out of character, as if her retreat from intimacy stems from a more profound, unseen force rather than her own will.

FEARS ⫻ Latoya’s most profound fear is the loss of autonomy—a lingering dread born from past losses and a growing unease she struggles to articulate. Whether it’s the threat of manipulation by others or succumbing to the very forces she fights against, the idea of losing control over her body or choices is an all-encompassing terror. This fear manifests subtly: a reluctance to rely too heavily on her magic, an obsession with maintaining her independence, and an acute wariness of forming bonds that might leave her vulnerable. Additionally, Latoya is tormented by the possibility of becoming a monster, figuratively or literally. The thought of being seen as an irredeemable threat by those she wishes to protect weighs heavily, driving her to scrutinize her moral compass at every turn. Her self-doubt often spirals into a paralyzing fixation on whether her actions are indeed her own or influenced by darker, unseen forces.

WHAT DID THEY DO DURING THE CATACLYSM? ⫻ During the Cataclysm, Latoya led her fractured group of friends into a final, desperate battle against Nyrah the Ravager to save Cloverfield. Believing she could rekindle their once-unbreakable bond and harness their collective strength, she crafted a plan to confront the looming threat. However, time, distance, and personal struggles had eroded their unity, and they entered the battle unprepared for the sheer devastation Nyrah would unleash. As the fight escalated, chaos and tragedy struck. Latoya watched helplessly as her friends fell one by one, unable to protect them or turn the tide. In the end, she emerged as the sole survivor. Still, victory came at an unimaginable cost: the lives of those she loved most.

FLAWS ⫻ Latoya’s most significant flaws are intertwined with her internal struggles and past traumas. Chief among them is her tendency to overanalyze, often paralyzing herself with doubt and hesitation when swift action is needed. This indecision frustrates her allies and occasionally allows critical opportunities to slip away. Though she values vulnerability in theory, her actions often contradict her beliefs, as she isolates herself in times of need. Another significant flaw is her simmering anger. While she strives to maintain control, it sometimes bursts forth in ways that damage her relationships and cloud her judgment. Latoya’s pursuit of power and understanding, driven by an unyielding need for redemption and control, blinds her to the collateral damage her actions can cause. Her tunnel vision in these moments leads her to take risks that alienate others or result in unintended harm. Despite her outward philosophy of embracing flaws and learning from them, Latoya struggles to forgive herself. She holds herself to impossibly high standards and berates herself for every perceived failure, big or small. This relentless self-criticism fosters a cycle of self-doubt that undermines her confidence and feeds into her hesitation.

Latoya’s idealism can also be a flaw. She believes deeply in the power of confronting darkness and overcoming adversity, but this belief sometimes manifests as naivety, making her overly trusting of those who show signs of vulnerability. Conversely, when people don’t conform to her moral framework, she can be unyieldingly harsh, seeing them as lost causes or irredeemable threats, even when nuance might be warranted. Her fear of losing autonomy drives her to micromanage situations and resist relying on others, even when collaboration would lead to better outcomes. This fear also makes her wary of deep emotional bonds, as she worries they might compromise her independence or leave her vulnerable to pain.

Finally, Latoya’s deep guilt over the Cataclysm haunts her interactions and decisions. She unconsciously sabotages opportunities for happiness, believing she does not deserve peace after surviving when her friends did not. This survivor’s guilt not only isolates her but also causes her to underestimate her worth, leading her to take on burdens far heavier than she can carry alone.

_{Backstory
^{▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔}}
"Some losses can never be undone, no matter how powerful the magic."

Latoya Strange's early life in Cloverfield was defined by a close-knit group of five friends, primarily female, who were her lifeline in a city struggling with division and decay. Growing up on the South Bank, a neighborhood constantly battling against economic decay and social tension, Latoya and her friends found solace in each other. Their lives were marked by resilience—making the best of what they had, even as the world drifted further into chaos. They were a diverse group, each bringing something unique to the table, yet bound by their shared experiences and the struggle to make something better in the city.

Maya Rivera was the quiet, brilliant one of the group. She was always quick to think of practical solutions when things went wrong, whether it was schoolwork or navigating the chaos around them. She had a natural gift for finding the best way forward, even when the rest of the group was unsure. Tessa Grant was the naughty one, the joker of the group. She could always lighten the mood, even in the darkest times. Her humor was infectious, and she had a way of making difficult situations feel a little less overwhelming, no matter the odds.

Camryn "Cammy" Hayes was a sensitive, intuitive soul who always seemed to know when something wasn’t right, whether in their lives or the world around them. Her ability to sense when they were about to face a challenge or make a poor decision helped guide them out of sticky situations more than once. And Jackson Keagan, though a boy in a group of girls, had an essential place in their dynamic. Full of charm and daring, he was the one who would challenge them and push them out of their comfort zones. His courage and willingness to take risks often helped the group see beyond their limitations and step outside their routines.

Latoya and her friends were inseparable, each vitally helping the others navigate the challenges of growing up in Cloverfield. However, their world was about to change in a way none could have predicted. The group had decided to go for a walk in the forest near Cloverfield, where they often ventured to escape the noise and trouble of the city. However, this time, something was different. An odd energy was in the air, a thick, almost palpable tension.

Without warning, they were ambushed by a creature—a werewolf, larger and more terrifying than anything they'd ever seen. It was too fast, and its ferocity took them by surprise. The group fought back in their ways, but they were outmatched. That’s when it happened. In the heat of the attack, something inside each of them—hidden, dormant—flared to life, their Kindling Event. Magic wasn’t something they’d known before—at least not how they knew it now. They managed to outsmart the Werewolf to escape, but each of them had changed, and each had been marked by magic they hadn’t understood yet.

During their Kindling Event, each friend unlocked unique magic. Latoya's Black Lux granted her control over the ectoplasm and spirits, while her Pink Lux allowed her to influence emotions and memories. Maya used Green Lux to develop healing abilities, and her White Lux offered flashes of the future. Tessa's Yellow Lux lets her create barriers and hide herself, and her Orange Lux enhances the others' Abstractions. Camryn's Blue Lux enabled her to curse others, while her Pink Lux granted her access to memories. Jackson’s Red Lux gave him control over fire, and his Gold Lux allowed him to summon creatures. Over time, they refined their abilities, mastering their Lux.

After their Kindling Event, Latoya and her friends became the protectors of Cloverfield. Their newfound abilities united them to defend their city from magical and mundane threats. As the natural leader, Latoya guided them, using magic to confront the darker forces. Maya’s foresight and healing abilities, Tessa’s ability to strengthen and shield, Camryn’s talent for uncovering hidden truths, and Jackson’s raw power played a vital role in their efforts. Over time, they refined their magic and grew stronger, using their unique abilities to make a lasting difference in a city struggling with division and decay. Their bond and determination brought hope to Cloverfield, shaping their destiny in ways they never imagined.

The balance between their magical duties and everyday lives wore thin as the years passed. Their battles against the darker forces affected their relationships and sense of normalcy. Each adventure and conflict drew them further away from the lives they once knew. Driven by a deep understanding of responsibility, Latoya continued to push for more, believing their work was never finished and that Cloverfield still needed their protection. She wanted to keep fighting and defending the city that had given them so much, even as the weight of it all grew heavier.

However, her friends began to grow apart. Maya, ever the practical one, became more focused on her studies and future. With her playful spirit, Tessa longed for a simpler life, away from the constant strain of magical battles. Always sensitive, Camryn started questioning the cost of their actions, wondering if they were genuinely making a difference or merely fighting a never-ending cycle. Jackson, the most daring of the group, found himself craving adventure in other places, growing restless with the confines of Cloverfield.

Latoya tried to hold the group together, but the more she pushed, the further they drifted. The pull of their mundane lives and growing responsibilities and desires proved more vital than the bonds they had formed through their shared magic. The city they had once protected now felt like a reminder of what they had lost—that, despite their powers, they couldn’t stop the inevitable march of time or the changes it brought.

Ultimately, each chose their path, leaving behind the fight they had once fought together. Heartbroken but resolute, Latoya continued her mission alone, convinced she couldn’t stop, even if her friends had. She battled in the shadows for a time, confronting the dark forces threatening the city. With each victory, she felt a sense of purpose, but the weight of fighting alone soon took its toll. The city was vast, and the magical and mundane threats were unrelenting. Despite her power and resolve, the strain of constantly being on guard wore her down, and the isolation grew heavier daily.

Still, Latoya refused to give up. She juggled her responsibilities, attending college with a singular focus: to become a doctor. She was drawn to the medical field, perhaps partly because of her desire to heal and protect but because it provided a new purpose. Yet, even as she excelled in her studies, her sense of duty to Cloverfield lingered. She would slip away from campus whenever possible, protecting the city between late-night study sessions and grueling clinical hours. But the balancing act became increasingly difficult.

The more she tried to maintain both lives, the more draining it became. Her magic, studies, and constant vigilance left little room for anything else. While she found brief solace in the few moments she could dedicate to defending her city, she couldn't deny the exhaustion creeping in. The battles took longer to recover from, her responsibilities felt heavier, and the loneliness gnawed at her. Yet, Latoya persisted, convinced that no matter how difficult, she couldn’t stop. Even if she had to fight alone, she would keep going—because someone had to.

Everything changed when Nyrah the Ravager and her host, Princess, came to Cloverfield.

Latoya's attempt to reunite her friends for the showdown against Nyrah the Ravager marked the crux of her story, and it would leave lasting scars on her. Desperate to restore the bonds that had once united them, she believed that with their combined strength, they could defeat the looming darkness and finally secure Cloverfield's future. She had trained, refined her magic, and cultivated new skills, hoping that she could guide her friends through the chaos that had unraveled their lives.

Latoya’s plan was simple: reunite the team, confront Nyrah, and restore balance to their fractured world. But she had underestimated the toll that time, distance, and the harsh reality of their individual lives would have taken. The friends who had once shared everything now stood on the brink of irreparable change, each struggling with their issues—some magical, some personal—and none genuinely ready to face the horrors of the Cataclysm. When they gathered to face Nyrah, the battle quickly spiraled out of control. All her friends, out of practice, out of their element, and unprepared for the sheer power of Nyrah's destruction, faltered.

One by one, they fell.

Latoya watched helplessly as her closest friends were struck down in a single, brutal confrontation, their lives extinguished before her eyes. The pain of losing them was almost unbearable. It wasn’t just the loss of her friends but the weight of her failure to protect them. She had led them into battle, believing in their ability to stand together, but the cruel reality of the struggle shattered that hope.

But Latoya survived. Alone. After the dust settled, the city was in ruins, and Nyrah was defeated. The Cataclysm had ravaged Cloverfield, leaving the city in chaos, torn between rebuilding and the pressure of ever-deepening divides. The scars of the battle, however, ran deeper than physical destruction. Cloverfield’s once-unified identity was fractured, and the emotional and social chasm between the North and South could never be bridged by money alone. Once a thriving industrial hub, the south side was a forgotten wasteland, filled with abandoned factories and haunted by new magical threats. The people here, primarily those who had lived on the fringes, turned to magic to survive the bleak reality, and the criminal underworld flourished in the gaps left by a city that seemed to have forgotten them.

In the wake of the Cataclysm, Latoya was consumed by a bottomless pit of depression and self-loathing. The battle had claimed everything—her friends, her sense of purpose, and a piece of her soul. The devastation of losing her team weighed heavily on her heart. Each day felt like a reminder of her failure, her inability to save them, and the brutal truth that she was the sole survivor of the fight against Nyrah the Ravager. She could not escape the guilt.

Once vibrant and full of promise, the city of Cloverfield mirrored her internal chaos. The battle had left scars on the people, but for Latoya, the most painful wound was the one she carried within. She couldn’t face her reflection or the shattered remnants of her former life. She had dropped out of college just before graduation—unable to continue her studies, unable to push herself beyond the crushing weight of grief. She gave up on the dream of becoming a doctor, a symbol of hope she once held for herself and the city. Latoya's world had entirely shattered after the loss of her friends, and in the wake of their deaths, her grief, guilt, and sense of failure had overwhelmed her to the point where she decided to end it all. She went alone to the abandoned, decaying remnants of Cloverfield with nothing to her name except a pistol.

She pressed it to the side of her head.

Something stopped her. A sudden, overwhelming presence filled the air, and one by one, the Apparitions of her five dead friends materialized before her. They had come, not as the people they once were, but as magical echoes of their past selves. They spoke to her, not in words, but through feelings—memories of their bond, the strength they once had, and the love and support they gave each other. Latoya realized something she had lost sight of: she wasn’t alone. The presence of her friends, even in death, reminded her that her story wasn’t finished yet. They had never indeed left her—they were with her, always. With tears streaming down her face, she lowered the pistol.

Grief and rage churned inside her, twisting her perception of reality. Her friends, now Apparitions, weren’t quite the people they had been. They were quite the friends she remembered, but shades of them. And in the depths of her pain, Latoya made a choice that blurred the lines between love and loss. Driven by a desperate desire to recreate her lost bond, Latoya used a potent mixture of Pink and Black Lux to pour the fragments of her grief and longing into a spell, believing that bringing her friends back would somehow undo the agony of their loss. She twisted the Lux in her hands, bending it to her will, and through a surge of energy, gave them their memories back.

But the result was not what she had hoped.

Their personalities were a fractured reflection of what they once were, constructed from the shattered pieces of her memories of them. They weren’t the same—they had been reborn through her lens of grief and distorted love. They retained the essence of who they had been, but now it was tainted with the echoes of her emotions—guilt, regret, and an overwhelming need to fill the void they had left behind. Latoya watched, heart heavy with the realization that these Apparitions, these pale shadows of her friends, were both comfort and torment. They were reminders of everything she had lost and could never fully recover. Still, they were there, and that presence—distorted though it was—gave her a fleeting sense of purpose.

But it wasn’t enough. She could feel the unraveling within her, a deep, gnawing emptiness that no magic could fill. The Apparitions, while echoes of what she had known, could never replace the reality of her loss. As they stood around her, mere phantoms of a life she could never return to, Latoya knew she was left with a cruel paradox. The very Lux that had brought them back to her side had also twisted them into something she no longer recognized. At first, they seemed content to follow Latoya’s lead, their fractured personalities shaped by her grief and memories. But soon, they began to act on their own—expressing thoughts, making choices, and displaying quirks that Latoya had never associated with her friends. These shifts were subtle at first: a comment that didn’t fit, a hesitation where there had once been certainty. Yet, as time passed, these differences grew sharper.

Latoya’s heart ached with each revelation. Were these expressions born of her friends’ true spirits, struggling to assert themselves through the layers of grief-laden magic? Or were they entirely new beings, birthed from the same Lux that had twisted her intent? The line between friend and apparition blurred further with every interaction. Latoya questioned if her desperate act of love had created something altogether different—something no longer tethered to who they had been but shaped instead by the darker shades of her soul. Yes, they were there, but not in the way she had wanted. And now, as they grew further from what she remembered, she couldn’t escape the sinking realization that she might have given them life only to lose them all over again.

Her worst fears came true in a single, harrowing moment. Still grappling with their fractured identities, the Apparitions were ripped from her grasp by forces she never saw coming. The cult struck without warning—a shadowed collective. Latoya barely had time to react as they descended upon her, their movements precise, their intent unmistakable. They weren’t there for her—they wanted the Apparitions.

She fought back with all the strength her Lux could muster, weaving barriers of Pink and Black in frantic bursts. But the cult was prepared. They wielded an uncanny magic, a strange amalgamation of rituals and artifacts, that seemed designed to subdue the Apparitions. One by one, her friends were torn from her. Their distorted personalities flared in brief defiance - pleading for Latoya to save them — but it was useless. The cult's power was overwhelming.

Latoya screamed as the last of them was taken, her cries swallowed by the void left in their absence. She fell to her knees, drained and shaking. The cult didn’t linger. They vanished as swiftly as they had appeared, leaving her alone in the aftermath. Her mind raced with questions. Who were these people? Why had they taken the Apparitions? And what did they plan to do with them? Grief gave way to rage as she swore to find the answers. This wasn’t just about her friends anymore—it was about undoing the theft of what little remained of her past. Latoya felt a flicker of purpose ignite within her for the first time since she’d bound her friends into existence. She would stop at nothing to bring them back, no matter what they had become—or what she had to become to do it.

Using her Pink Lux, Latoya delved deep into the threads of emotion and memory left behind by the cult, following a trail of fear, reverence, and fanaticism. The fragments she pieced together pointed to a shadowy group known only as Heavens—a doomsday cult that sought to spark a Second Cataclysm. This event could tear the fabric of the Paranormal and the mundane apart. The Apparitions weren’t just stolen for power; they were a critical piece of the cult’s apocalyptic designs.

Latoya confronted them, wielding her magic with the force of her grief and fury. She fought with everything, but the cult’s preparations proved too great. Their ritual, artifacts, and power were all designed for a purpose she couldn’t fully grasp. The Apparitions of her friends seemed to flicker in and out of form, caught in the tangled forces of the spell. The confrontation reached its breaking point when the magic destabilized, spiraling out of control.

The memories of what followed were fragmented and hazy, like a half-remembered nightmare. There was a moment—an instant of impossible choice—when she acted out of desperation. Something went wrong. Latoya could only recall the feeling of magic slipping through her grasp and a terrible, hollow sensation of loss. The last clear image in her mind was the Apparitions, their forms unraveling as if the threads of their existence were coming apart.

When she stumbled out of the cathedral, her Lux was gone. Severed, or so she claimed. Her body bore no apparent wounds, but something inside her had changed. She refused to speak of what truly happened, deflecting questions with vague mentions of failure and betrayal. All that mattered now was finding a way forward—a path that might help her understand what had been done and how to undo it.

Her search became relentless, a desperate hunt for experts in soul magic, artifacts rumored to bridge the gap between mind and spirit, and anyone who could help her piece together what was left of her fractured existence. Latoya was a shadow of who she had been, driven by a singular purpose. Something had been taken from her—or perhaps something had been left behind.

Either way, she would find a way, no matter the cost.

_{Abstraction
^{▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔}}
"My magic isn't about control but connection. I twist emotions and weave minds, but in the end, the heart always tells the real story."

TYPE ⫻ One-Eye-Open/Severed. (?)

ABSTRACTION ⫻ Latoya was previously a Black/Pink Adept, or so she claims.

ABSTRACTION DESCRIPTION ⫻ Latoya claims to not have magic, despite still having an Emotional-Field.

LIMITS ⫻ N/A

WEAKNESSES ⫻ N/A.

^{Other
_{▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔}}
"Maybe saving Cloverfield was never the point. Maybe it was just about surviving it—alone or not."

Recollections: Under The Sycamore Tree Part. 1

Whether the veil still works is entirely up to god (GN)

@Blizz

oh naw i need it off-off for the craziness that will happen next

Paragraphs: Dragon Dance [Blizz & Mixtape Ghost Note]

Hatanaka Yoko

Alternate Themesong

"I will not be able to live with myself if I do not become the very best Adept. The very best Hatanaka. The very best person."

_______________________________________________ Hatanaka Yoko She/Her | 22 | Japanese | 4'11 | 126 _______________________________________________ Resilient _______________________________________________ Skills & Talents "I refuse to be anything other than the gold standard." ___________________________________ [+] Martial Arts ⫻ Yoko has dedicated significant time to studying various forms of martial arts, including traditional Japanese styles such as Karate, Judo, and Kendo. These give her a solid foundation in striking and grappling techniques; Yoko’s skill makes her a formidable hand-to-hand combatant. Multilingual ⫻ Growing up in Japan and spending significant time in America, Yoko is fluent in both Japanese and English. Culinary Skills ⫻ Having worked in a café and helping her grandparents, Yoko has developed impressive culinary skills. She can prepare various dishes, from traditional Japanese cuisine to Western meals. Agricultural Knowledge ⫻ Yoko's experience as a farmhand has provided her with a solid understanding of agriculture. She knows how to cultivate crops, care for livestock, and manage the various tasks required during harvest season. Practical Mechanics ⫻ Yoko has picked up basic mechanical skills from maintaining equipment on the farm and handling minor repairs. She can troubleshoot and fix common mechanical issues, whether a broken appliance, a vehicle needing a quick fix, or agricultural machinery. Bojutsu ⫻ Yoko has studied the art of Bojutsu, the traditional Japanese martial art of stick fighting. She is skilled in using a long staff, or bo, to perform various techniques, including striking, sweeping, and blocking. Her training includes various katas (forms) and wazas (techniques) that blend offensive and defensive maneuvers, allowing her to transition between attack and defense fluidly. Yoko can adapt and use any long, stick-like object as a makeshift bo in combat, from broom handles to branches. Her Bojutsu practice has honed her physical coordination, balance, and reflexes while instilling mental discipline and focus. Sealing ⫻ Yoko is quite proficient in sealing, a skill taught to her by her older brother, Goro. While the process is straightforward, it demands careful preparation, unwavering belief, and exceptional skill; by drawing sigils with genuine conviction, she can successfully trap an Apparition within an object.

Appearance ▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔ "I do not work out to be your eye candy, pervert." Despite her small stature, Yoko Hatanaka's mere presence commands an undeniable presence that makes her stand out. The girl emanates a fierce, intense, and unapologetically assertive aura wherever she goes, which makes her seem more significant than she naturally is. Her overall demeanor, often described as exuding a perpetual resting bitch face, adds to her unapproachable air, serving as a barrier to any who might think of approaching her without good reason. One of Yoko's defining characteristics is her unladylike demeanor. She moves with confidence and purpose, often seen as alien to someone of her background. Her mannerisms are straightforward, and she has zero patience for niceties or pretense. This is reflected in how she carries herself, with a straightforward, almost aggressive posture that further discourages unwanted interaction. Yoko prefers to present herself as unfiltered and raw, so she would never put on makeup. Yoko's physical build is another aspect that sets her apart. Despite her short stature, her body is very well-developed and muscular, a testament to her dedication to fitness. Her time at the gym has sculpted her physique into well-defined muscles, but it's often hidden beneath her choice of clothing, which typically consists of several sizes too large. These oversized clothes conceal her figure and add to her mysterious and unapproachable image. However, her clothing choice reflects her indifference to norms and trends; Yoko favors practicality and comfort over style, donning loose, baggy dresses or oversized pants and shirts that obscure her body. Hidden beneath her layers of heavy clothing are surprisingly large breasts, measuring around 38H, a detail that contrasts sharply with her otherwise androgynous appearance. Yoko orders custom-sized binders just for her, and they reduce the silhouette of her breasts significantly, but if the situation calls for it, she'll swap them out for a sports bra. However, Yoko is flat-bootied. Her physical appearance is the quintessential East Asian, with features that reflect her pureblooded Japanese heritage. Her hair, naturally straight and jet-black, is cut into a pseudo-pixie style that enhances her tomboyish charm.

_{Psychology
^{▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔}}
"If it has nothing to do with my journey, I want nothing to do with it."

MAIN GOAL ⫻ Yoko's primary desire is to locate her brother Goro. She has no clue where he's at, but she's on the trail, and she will find him. While doing so, she wishes to honor her Grandfather's dying wish: recover the scattered artifacts and breathe new life into the Hatanaka name. Despite her initial disdain and reluctance for the magical world, she feels responsible for maintaining the Hatanaka legacy. This isn't just for her family, however. Still, it's for herself, and Yoko wishes to prove to the world that she is not only worthy of the Hatanaka name - but she is the gold standard for Hatanakas, warriors, Adepts, and whatever category you can stick Yoko in. In addition to this grand mission, Yoko seeks personal growth and a clearer sense of self. Her time away from magic, working various jobs, and honing her physical skills have shown her the value of normalcy. Yoko wants to find a way to integrate her duty with her desires, and she hopes to carve out a life that is true to who she is.

PHILOSOPHY ⫻ Yoko’s philosophy revolves around self-determination and authenticity. She believes in the importance of being true to oneself, even if it means bucking the norms and breaking from tradition. This mindset directly responded to her upbringing, where she felt suffocated by her family's expectations and obsession with status and prestige. Yoko values honesty and straightforwardness, often rejecting pretense and false niceties, favoring genuineness. Her time spent away from magic, working various jobs, and honing her physical skills has reinforced her belief in self-sufficiency and the importance of personal freedom. However, Yoko’s encounters with magic and her experiences during the battle with the Stygian Snake have instilled the girl with a profound sense of duty and responsibility. She recognizes the importance of understanding and respecting her heritage, even if she initially rebelled against it. This sense of duty is deeply intertwined with her desire to honor her grandfather’s dying wish to reignite the Hatanaka legacy. Her philosophy now balances individualism and familial duty, where she strives to honor her past without being confined. Despite her bold and assertive demeanor, she deeply empathizes and cares for those she loves, particularly her brother Goro, her grandparents, and the few people she considers friends. This compassion extends to Shirakawa-Go, where she takes on the responsibility of protecting them from the paranormal. Yoko believes true strength lies in protecting and caring for others, especially when it requires sacrifice.

SECRETS ⫻ One of Yoko's most closely guarded secrets is the depth of her fear and trauma from the Stygian Snake incident. While she outwardly projects confidence and resilience, the memories of that night and her subsequent Kindling-Event haunt her. She often experiences nightmares and flashbacks, which she keeps hidden from everyone, including Goro. This fear is compounded by a lingering sense of inadequacy, stemming from her initial inability to protect herself and her reliance on Goro during the attack.

SEXUALITY ⫻ Yoko identifies as asexual, feeling little to no sexual attraction toward others; despite this, she has a strong desire for romantic connections and is open to dating both genders. Yoko longs for someone who can appreciate her complexities and see past her tough exterior to the compassionate and fiercely loyal person underneath. Additionally, Yoko harbors a strong desire to have a child. This is due to her need to continue the Hatanaka lineage and honor her grandfather's wish. She envisions raising a child who can inherit the family's legacy with pride and autonomy, free from the pressures and constraints she experienced.

FEARS ⫻ Yoko’s greatest fear is the possibility of losing her brother, Goro. His sudden disappearance has left her vulnerable and desperate. The thought of facing the magical world without his guidance and support terrifies her. This fear is about losing a loved one, but also about confronting the responsibility of continuing the Hatanaka legacy on her own. Goro has always been her anchor, and going on without him fills her with dread. Yoko is terrified of being perceived as weak or incapable by her family and herself. This fear drives her relentless pursuit of self-improvement, but it also threatens to consume her if she cannot find a way to balance her ambitions with her limitations.

REPUTATION IN OLD COVEN ⫻ One of the many terrors of the Old Coven, Yoko had to be near-literally dragged along the fight kicking and screaming. She was not happy to be here, nor did she want to be, and the young Yoko was determined to make that everyone's problem. She was seen as bold, overly aggressive, and difficult to work with, constantly challenging authority and testing the patience of everyone around her. Her frequent fights with Amy Nakamura, leadership, and other influential members only cemented her as a troublemaker. However, Yoko's relationship with the Coven was shaped and defined by her association with Goro; his influential status within the Old Coven essentially was a shield that protected her against backlash. Members who respected Goro were more lenient towards Yoko, hoping she might eventually follow in his footsteps. Despite her rebellious streak, some believed that, with the proper guidance, she could become a valuable member of the Old Coven.

ROLE IN THE BATTLE WITH THE STYGIAN SNAKE ⫻ During the battle with the Stygian Snake, Yoko's role was primarily that of support. Goro taught her various Rituals passed down through the Hatanaka bloodline that boosted the Abstractions of others, ensuring she could contribute to the fight while hopefully keeping her name off the memorial. Yoko used her Rituals to enhance the Abstractions of her allies and boost Emotional-Fields - though her spells were rudimentary compared to her brother's mighty and more advanced feats of Orange-Lux.

FLAWS ⫻ Yoko's social skills have always been lacking. She's not a talker; she's a doer, and while this attribute helps her sometimes, it often works against her. She simply doesn't know how to sit down and talk things over, preferring instead to jump to violence or escalate situations. Her most glaring flaw is her excessive pride, which often manifests as a stubborn refusal to accept help or admit mistakes. This pride is a shield from years of feeling inadequate compared to her prodigious older brother, Goro. Yoko's pride drives her to prove herself, but it also blinds her to her limitations and the value of collaboration. Her need to stand out and be strong on her terms often leads her to act recklessly and jeopardize herself and those around her. Her abrasive demeanor and unladylike manners express her internal struggle; Yoko has always felt like an outsider, a misfit who doesn't belong.

This feeling of alienation was exacerbated by her family's expectations and the constant comparison to Goro. She rebelled against these expectations, embracing a new persona to shield her vulnerable core until it stopped being a persona. Yet, this armor she built to protect her ego only pushes others away when Yoko only wants to be accepted and loved. Despite her fierce exterior, Yoko is plagued by a deep sense of insecurity and self-doubt. The trauma of facing the Stygian Snake and the subsequent (attempt to) return to a mundane life left her struggling to find purpose. Yoko yearns for normalcy yet is drawn to the magical world she fought so hard to escape. This duality leaves her constantly questioning herself, torn between the life she wants and the duty she feels compelled to uphold. Her reluctance to embrace her magical heritage is not just a rejection of her family’s legacy but also a rejection of the pain and responsibility it entails.

Adding to her internal conflict is a mild case of survivor's guilt over the death of Ella Brooks, a dear friend from the Old Coven. Yoko was on the sidelines when Ella died, unable to intervene, and the guilt from this event has lingered. She often wonders if she could have done more and if her hesitation makes her less deserving of the life she now leads. This feeling compounds her sense of alienation, adding another layer of emotional distance between her and those she cares about.

_{Backstory
^{▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔}}
"Wherever Goro is, I will find him."

The Hatanaka Family Roots

The Hatanaka Family was a legendary family of Orange-Adepts who were formidable artifact creators who specialized in creating magical weaponry. They had an entire arsenal of enchanted weapons they kept safe in their compound, and the Hatanakas were heroes of legend. Over the years, many tales were woven about the Hatanakas, defeating powerful foes and saving Japan and the world. The most famous Hatanaka, however, was Hatanaka Takashi, who fought in the Oni Wars and created the sword Murakumo—known worldwide as the Aberration Killer-and used it to kill Oni Emperor Daisuke. They also created the legendary Apparition Killer for the hero Reiner Stiller and were the decisive factor in defeating the Stygian Snake. These powerful weapons and the other artifacts they crafted earned the Hatanakas immense respect and fear, cementing their legacy of magical artifacts.

However, as time passed, the significance of their magical heritage waned. The once-revered Hatanakas gradually drifted away from their roots, focusing instead on amassing wealth and prestige. The modern-day Hatanaka family is now considered old money in Japan, living a life of luxury and influence but ignoring the magical legacy that once defined them. The magical artifacts the family once protected with their lives were, at some point, stolen and scattered across the All-Verse, becoming the stuff of legends and myths.

---

Yoko was born and raised in Shirakawa-Go, a village in the mountainous Gifu Prefecture in Japan. All the girl knew from early life was the Hatanaka Estate, an ancient manor on the very outskirts of Shirakawa-Go. From the moment Yoko learned how to walk and talk, there was a distance between herself and her family and their magical roots. She was rebellious; her parents wanted to preserve their image, so they pressured her to fit it - but Yoko wasn’t that. Then there was her older brother, who was everything she was not. He was a wise, considerate prodigy who discovered and even embraced the Hatanaka family roots at a young age - while Yoko was oblivious to them. Yoko always stood out in school due to her unladylike, rude, brash, unapologetically assertive demeanor and temper. Her actions have often led to unnecessary controversy and attention on Yoko, but Goro was the only person who could get through to her. She held Goro in the highest regard, and he could temper the child when her parents couldn’t. Goro never introduced her to magic, as he felt she was unready.

The siblings had grandparents who lived in America (St.Portwell, Oregon, specifically), and they occasionally visited them (or when Yoko got in trouble) between school terms. Yoko didn't like America (or Americans) all that much, but she loved her grandparents to death and would love to visit them whenever possible. One such dramatic visit was during the Stygian Snake's rampage throughout the St. Portwell, and one night, Yoko was roused awake by one of the Stygian Snake's minions in her room. Naturally, Yoko freaked out as it tried to kill her, and the event was enough to cause Yoko to undergo her Kindling-Event. However, it couldn't save her, and Goro burst into the room with a glowing Odachi and cut the creature in half with a glowing Nodachi. Oblivious to what was happening, Goro grabbed Yoko and fled into the night as it was no longer safe at her grandparent's house.

After some fleeing, cleaving through the monster-infested streets of St. Portwell, they came across it: the Stygian Snake. And not just the Stygian Snake, the Sycamore Tree Coven, who opposed the serpentine menace... Goro helped them and eventually was introduced and invited to the Sycamore Tree Coven. Yoko wanted nothing to do with this Coven, the Stygian Snake, or even magic, but Goro pressured her into it, knowing the threat that the Stygian Snake posed. Yoko had to be ultimately dragged along, kicking and screaming, as Goro gave her a crash course in magic... he taught her some of the spells that were passed down the Hatanaka bloodline, primarily the support spells, so Yoko could stay out of the line of fire while also contributing towards defeating this world-ending threat.

However, that did not stop Yoko from being one of the Old Coven's many problem children. The young Yoko had the social skills of a brick; assertive and rebellious, she made it clear that she wasn’t happy to be here and constantly beefed with everyone over every little thing—especially with her “arch-rival” Amy Nakamura. On the other hand, Goro was seen as the model Coven-brother and was beloved by the Coven, working closely with influential members such as Jinhai, Britney, Jack, Amara, Kari, Ashley, and others. They were at war, and Goro was a quintessential member of the Old Coven, so Yoko’s behavior was tolerated. There was one person Yoko was friends with... Despite Yoko's best efforts to push her away, Kari Wilson reached out, offering friendship and support even though she never wanted it. Kari’s genuine kindness and patience slowly broke through Yoko’s defenses, and they eventually became best friends. Through Kari, Yoko met Ella Brooks, who also became one of the few friends Yoko had in the Old Coven.

However, tragedy struck before the Stygian Snake was defeated. Ella Brooks, one of Yoko’s few genuine friends, was killed by a horde of Apparitions. Ella's death struck a deep chord within Yoko, intensifying her feelings of inadequacy and igniting a fierce survivor’s guilt. The Stygian Snake was sealed, and then suddenly, they were harder on Yoko, and the weight of this tragedy bore heavily on Yoko as the Stygian Snake was eventually sealed.. Before Yoko could be voted out, the sibling’s time in America ended, and the two returned to Japan for their next school term. In between terms, Goro returned to America to spend more time in the Old Coven, but the Old Coven self-destructed after returning to Japan.

But Goro believed he had finally cracked it; the secret to magic and invigorating the Hatanaka legacy was connecting and learning from others. Yoko, on the other hand? She thought it was all rubbish, that her life was better without magic, and that she could not care less about the family legacy. After graduating, he chose to attend university in St. Portwell and learn from magical experts like Britney and Kari Wilson. However, returning to Japan was easy because he had a teleportation artifact made in collaboration with Kenshiro Murakin. Goro tried to teach Yoko more about Magic, but she wasn’t interested, so he gave up.

However, leaving magic behind was more complicated than anticipated. Shirakawa-Go’s tranquility was suffocating compared to fighting against the Stygian Snake. Yoko tried to play it off but was haunted by what she went through against the Stygian Snake — and, more deeply, by the death of Ella Brooks. The guilt of standing on the sidelines during Ella’s death gnawed at her, leaving her questioning her role and responsibility. Going to school felt trivial, and she was frustrated and pent-up. She went to the gym to channel her aggression into something positive. The gym became a sanctuary to the girl as weightlifting, running, and martial arts became her daily routine. Martial arts, in particular, became something she desperately needed: discipline and an outlet for her inner turmoil.

In an attempt to gain some financial independence and to defy her family’s expectations, she took a few part-time jobs. She got a job in a cafe, a local convenience store, and even as a farmhand during harvest season, which gave her a break from her inner turmoil and allowed her to interact with Shirakawa-Go on her terms.

However, magic was never far behind, and she was drawn to inexplicable events and magical disturbances. She used what magic she knew to solve them, feeling a mixture of resentment, duty, and, worst of all, certainty. As she dealt with each new disturbance, she couldn’t help but think of Ella and wonder if things might have been different had she acted sooner. This sense of guilt, combined with her growing realization that she could never truly escape magic, pushed her to confront the reality that, like it or not, she would be dragged back into the magical world. This duality between the life she wanted and the legacy she couldn't escape did not make her particularly happy, but her survivor’s guilt complicated things. She couldn’t shake the feeling that perhaps she owed it to Ella to be more robust — to take control of magic before it controlled her. Eventually, Yoko decided that if she was going to be involved in magic, it would be on her terms, so she finally asked Goro to teach her.

Goro was delighted that Yoko had finally understood everything and prepared for this. He took her to the basement of the Hatanaka Estate and opened a portal to the Hatanaka Sanctuary. The Hatanaka family used a personal dimension for generations, which hosted their castle. This place was surreal, but Goro trained Yoko in more magic and taught her some spells. Even though Yoko didn't take to it initially, he eventually specially tailored his training regime to her. He also took her to the Hatanaka arsenal, giving her several artifacts.

Then, he cut her loose in Shirakawa-Go, where she used her artifacts and spells to keep Shirakawa-Go safe from paranormal threats between training and work. However, her grandfather’s health deteriorated, and Yoko and Goro returned to America. On his deathbed, their grandfather’s last wish was never to let the Hatanaka legacy burn out, to renew it, and to carry it onto the next generations. Their grandfather also asked them to find the Hatanaka family’s missing artifacts.

Yoko prepared for the adventure of a lifetime... Only for Goro to tell her that she was not going. When Yoko asked why, he told her she wasn't ready: she had only recently begun learning magic and fighting monsters. Despite Yoko’s insistence, he took off on a multiversal adventure but occasionally returned to drop off artifacts he found and train Yoko. While Yoko just pretended everything was okay and went back to her routine.

However, eventually, Goro went dark. Yoko had no idea where he went or where to find him. Thus, it seemed like it was up to Yoko to honor her grandfather's wishes and find her brother...

... Except she had no idea how to get back into the Hatanaka sanctuary.

_{Abstraction
^{▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔}}
"I am the Hatanaka Lion! I will not let you break my pride!"

TYPE ⫻ Adept.

ABSTRACTION ⫻ Orange Lux. Yoko's Channeler is an antique comb gifted by her grandmother.

ABSTRACTION DESCRIPTION ⫻ The Hatanaka magical arts encompass three distinct disciplines, all of which were passed down to Yoko by her mentor and brother, Goro Hatanaka. Each of these disciplines represents a different pillar of magic that the Hatanaka family upheld. In the Ritual Discipline, practitioners delve into the ancient practices that tap into the essence of Orange Lux, harnessing its power to imbue strength, resilience, and protection upon themselves and their allies. Armanant, on the other hand, focuses on combat spells and techniques honed over centuries, allowing wielders to transform mundane objects into formidable weapons and nullify the advantages of their adversaries. Lastly, the Weaponmaster Discipline embodies the renowned craftsmanship of the Hatanaka lineage, celebrated for its mastery in crafting legendary weapons. While Yoko is enthusiastic, she is behind because there was a lengthy period of her life in which she wanted nothing to do with magic.

RITUAL ⫻ What Yoko used in the Old Coven to support her allies. Yoko's Ritual Discipline delves into the ancient and intricate practices passed down through generations of the Hatanaka family. Goro taught her these profound ceremonies that tap into the essence of Orange Lux. Through meticulous preparation, precise incantations, and channeling her Lux, Yoko harnesses the power of these rituals to imbue strength, resilience, and protection upon herself and her allies. Each ritual is a testament to the Hatanaka legacy, a blend of artistry, discipline, and the profound connection between mind, body, and spirit.

Soul's Radiance ⫻ This ritual requires preparation and coordination. Yoko begins by meticulously drawing ancient kanji symbols on rocks, each representing strength, resilience, and vitality. Yoko then arranges these rocks in a ring around the target person, which they have to stand in the middle of, and then Yoko begins chanting. As the chanting reaches a crescendo, Yoko channels her Orange Lux, infusing the stones with radiant energy. The ritual's culmination sees a burst of yellow light before it fades away, and the target person feels stronger. This ritual bolsters their Abstractions for several hours.

Song of the Heart ⫻ This enchanting ritual is a testament to the power of unity and emotional connection. Yoko meticulously inscribes elegant kanji symbols onto the ground, representing emotions like courage, hope, and determination, and begins chanting. As the chanting intensifies, Yoko channels her Orange Lux into the target person. The ritual's climax causes the Emotional-Field to manifest as a faint, gentle glow, and this aura enhances their Emotional-Field, making them far more resistant to magic.

INCANTATIONS ⫻ Within the broader discipline of Ritual, Goro has taught Yoko the art of Incantations, a sub-discipline crafted for swift empowerment. With Goro's tutelage, Yoko has mastered the incantation rituals for use in battle or moments of urgency. Each spell embodies the essence of the Hatanaka legacy, offering Yoko the means to bolster her companions' strength and resilience when time is a luxury.

Power ⫻ The Power Incantation is Yoko's go-to when immediate reinforcement is needed. She draws a simplified kanji symbol onto a piece of paper, infusing it with her Orange Lux energy. As she chants a brief incantation, the symbol glows with a vibrant aura, symbolizing the power transfer. When placed upon the target individual, the symbol releases a surge of energy, temporarily enhancing their Abstraction for a few minutes.

Soul ⫻ The Soul-Incantation embodies a swift and focused channeling of Orange-Lux. Yoko sketches intricate symbols and kanji onto a small piece of paper. Then, she speaks ancient verses passed down through generations, resonating with the power of inner strength. As the chant unfolds, Yoko's Orange Lux imbues the paper, and with a final flourish, she places the paper upon the target's chest. Instantly, their Emotional-Field bolstered briefly, raising their defense against magical attacks.

Vigor ⫻ Yoko begins by sketching intricate symbols and kanji onto a small piece of parchment, infusing it with her Orange Lux energy. The parchment glows with a vibrant aura as she recites ancient verses, each word resonating with the power of strength and resilience. With a final flourish, she places the parchment upon the target's chest. Instantly, their physical abilities are bolstered, granting them heightened strength, agility, and resilience for a brief period.

Unity ⫻ As a last resort, Yoko calls upon the Unity Incantation, a spell of swift empowerment that saps her strength to bolster another's. She sketches a single kanji symbol onto a small piece of paper, infusing it with her Orange Lux energy. She speaks some ancient verses, and each kanji stroke symbolizes a power transfer. Through this brief ritual, Yoko weakens her magic to transfer a portion to another. Though it offers the recipient a potent surge of energy, it comes at the cost of Yoko's magical prowess, making it a risky gambit.

ARMANANT ⫻ An ancient discipline preserved by the Hatanakas, this encompasses an array of different combat spells passed down through generations. Rooted in tradition and refined through centuries of practice, these spells represent the pinnacle of weapons prowess within the Hatanaka family. Guided by the venerable Goro, Yoko has embarked on a journey to master this discipline, unlocking their secrets to wield them for her journey. Each spell, from the razor-sharp precision of Sharpen to the armor-ignoring potency of Pierce, embodies the indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication of the Hatanaka bloodline.

Sharpen ⫻ Sharpen was crafted to overcome the limitations of conventional weaponry and transform mundane objects into lethal instruments of war. The Sharpen spell allows her to imbue weapons and objects with a supernatural slice. She channels her Orange Lux into the object with a focused concentration, causing it to glow vibrantly. The object's edges become razor-sharp as the glow fades, effortlessly slicing through materials. Whether it's a sword, knife, or even mundane objects like rocks or paper, the Sharpen spell ensures anything becomes a deadly weapon in her hands. A favored technique of Yoko is infusing a blank card with the Sharpen spell.

Hardening ⫻ Grounded in the principles of resilience and grit, the Hardening spell embodies the Hatanakas' unwavering resolve in the face of adversity. Developed to reinforce their weaponry and equipment, this Spell grants objects unmatched durability and offensive prowess. Yoko's Hardening spell is a versatile enchantment that grants objects durability and some offensive power. With a dash of her Orange Lux, she infuses the object with it, reinforcing its structure, making it capable of tanking far more than it usually would and enhancing its offensive capabilities in some cases.

Extend ⫻ Born from innovation and creativity, the Extend spell reflects the Hatanakas' ingenuity in the field of combat. Inspired by the need for versatility and adaptability, this spell allows wielders to extend the reach of their weapons with just Orange-Lux. By channeling Yoko's Lux, she envelops the chosen object in a radiant glow, causing its edges to shimmer and extend. Whether it's a sword, staff, or even a mundane household item, Yoko's Edge spell causes the object to elongate magically, and Yoko can make an object up to three times as long.

Impact ⫻ Rooted in the ancient tradition that embodies strength and courage, the Impact spell embodies the Hatanakas' commitment to overwhelming their adversaries with their unmatched might. Yoko imbues objects with a magical force, causing them to strike with bone-shattering impact. Whether hurling projectiles or wielding melee weapons, Yoko's every blow lands with crushing force, overwhelming foes with the sheer power of her attacks.

Absorption ⫻ The Hatanakas developed Absorption as a countermeasure against magical assaults, aiming to create openings for retaliation. This spell harnesses Yoko's Emotional-Field, briefly altering it and channeling it into a chosen object. Yoko can suck a ranged-magical (such as a fireball) attack into the object through focused concentration, converting it into stored energy, and, at will, Yoko can unleash it through a powerful explosion of force. The size and potency of the blast directly correlate with the amount of magic absorbed. To use Absorption effectively, Yoko must remain still and focused while absorbing the incoming magical energy, ensuring maximum potential for the resulting explosion.

Parry ⫻ An ancient defensive technique honed through generations of practice, Parry embodies the Hatanaka family’s mastery of precision and timing in combat. This spell allows Yoko to enhance her wielded object with the ability to deflect physical attacks. When an enemy strike is about to land, Yoko channels her Orange Lux into her weapon, causing it to glow briefly. Upon contact with the attack, the Parry spell redirects the attack away from Yoko, leaving them open for a moment for Yoko to counterattack or flee.

Block ⫻ The ancient Hatanakas developed this spell to address the pressing need for defense in battle. Recognizing the strategic advantage of resilience and endurance in combat, they crafted this spell to empower practitioners with enhanced protection against physical assaults and magical projectiles. Block enchants Yoko's defensive capabilities by enchanting her body's defenses and any objects she holds against incoming attacks. Block ensures Yoko's durability increases significantly while the spell remains active. This defensive enhancement shields Yoko from physical blows and reinforces objects in her possession against damage. Block renders Yoko immobile when activated and unable to initiate attacks, focusing solely on defense. For example, if confronted with a barrage of magical projectiles, Yoko can activate Block to withstand the onslaught without sustaining significant harm. In close combat, she can use Block to tank the impact of powerful melee attacks, maintaining her defensive stance until she deactivates the spell.

WEAPONMASTER ⫻ The Weaponmaster discipline stands as a testament to the renowned craftsmanship of the Hatanaka lineage, celebrated for their mastery in crafting legendary weapons. For Yoko, the journey into this ancient discipline is not merely a pursuit of skill but a legacy to uphold. Guided by her older brother Goro, she delves into the secrets of Weaponmaster, learning the intricate rituals and techniques passed down through generations. However, her path is fraught with challenges, and her training remains incomplete as Goro's sudden disappearance leaves her grasping for knowledge.

Empower ⫻ Yoko's journey into the Hatanaka Weaponmaster discipline begins with Empower, a spell laden with potential but limited by her novice understanding. It is a spell that demands more than mere incantations — it requires an entire ritual to enchant an object. To begin the ritual, Yoko meticulously prepares a space adorned with symbols of her lineage, incense, and candles to honor her ancestors. With the ritual space prepared, Yoko places the chosen object at the center, then enters a meditative state, channeling her Orange Lux that radiates throughout the room. Through intricate gestures and chants, she imparts her will upon the object, imbuing it with the power to transcend its mundane origins.

The potential applications of Empower are vast and limited only by Yoko's imagination and her ability to collaborate with other Paranormals. For instance, she might seek the assistance of a Red Lux Adept to create a sword that bursts into flames upon command, adding fiery devastation to her arsenal. Alternatively, by collaborating with a White Lux Adept, she could craft a pendant capable of revealing hidden truths or detecting the presence of Apparitions. Beyond Adepts, Yoko might team up with an Apparition to draw upon its unique powers or an Aberration who has gained a particular ability through their curse or bond with an Apparition. However, as Goro didn't have time to train her fully, Yoko's attempts at empowerment are often imperfect. The enchanted objects may exhibit flaws or instability, requiring constant maintenance or refinement to function correctly. Furthermore, her inexperience limits the complexity and power of the enchantments she can bestow on objects, with more ambitious endeavors often ending in disappointment or danger.

TRADITION (Joint-Casts) ⫻ With a rare blend of skill and empathy, Yoko forged connections with others that transcend mere spells; it became a testament to her ability to forge unbreakable bonds.

The Place ⫻ This Joint Cast stands as a testament to the collaborative prowess of Kari Wilson and Yoko Hatanaka, merging White and Orange Lux to transform any location into their sanctuary. Conceived amidst their battles with the Stygian Snake in the Old Coven, this Joint-Cast was crafted to provide a haven where they could evade the serpent's minions and shield themselves from intrusion. To cast The Place, Kari and Yoko join hands at the center of the chosen location, their auras intertwining in White and Orange Lux. As they focus, a shimmering aura of yellow light emanates from their joined palms, spreading outward to envelop the area. The barrier solidifies into a protective shell, imbued with their combined strength and heightened perception. Empowered by their respective Lux, Kari and Yoko weave a protective aura that fortifies the physical defenses of their surroundings and grants them comprehensive insight into anything within its bounds. The sanctuary's walls, structures, and natural elements have enhanced durability. Stones become unyielding, capable of withstanding tremendous force, while wood gains an unbreakable resilience akin to iron. The air thickens, forming a barrier that deflects projectiles and dissipates the impact of magical assaults.

As Kari and Yoko deepen their connection to "The Place," their ability to gather information intensifies. Initially, they receive glimpses of random knowledge about those present, sensing emotions, intentions, and essential details. Over time, their awareness expands exponentially, evolving from sporadic insights to a near-omniscient understanding of their surroundings and the beings within. The sanctuary becomes a conduit of information, where every corner and every inhabitant whispers their secrets to Kari and Yoko.

Mirage ⫻ A unique Joint-Cast between Kari and Yoko. Yoko begins by projecting her Orange-Lux into their surroundings. Kari then weaves her White Lux into Yoko's energy, blending it into a dance of colors swirling around them like sand stirred by a gentle breeze. Together, their combined Lux creates a tapestry of light, merging into shapes that manifest echoes of past events. These spectral projections unfold like holograms, transporting Yoko and Kari through glimpses of different times and places. Within their shared aura, the scenes of history unfold unpredictably: from epic battles to tender moments of love and from moments of loss to profound discoveries.

Magical Girl Ascension! ⫻ Yoko performs a ritual that temporarily grants Ella an extraordinary power surge, boosting her Abstraction and physical capabilities. Yoko begins by drawing a complex circle on the ground, using her Lux to inscribe Kanji symbols that glow with a yellow light onto the ground, and Yoko stands at the circle's center chanting. As the ritual climaxes, a beam of yellow light descends from above directly onto Ella. Her body begins to glow with a golden aura, her muscles puff up, and her eyes become a light show. Ella’s Abstraction is boosted to new heights, allowing her to achieve feats never seen before. Simultaneously, her speed, strength, and reflexes are amplified. Her movements become a blur, her strikes capable of shattering stone, and her aura crackling with raw power. The transformation lasts for a limited time, during which Ella becomes a force to be reckoned with, but once the effect wears off, she returns to her normal state.

The Lightning Barrage ⫻ A unique display of Yoko and Ella's impeccable coordination, unfolds. They lock eyes, a silent understanding passing between them, synchronizing their breathing, focusing their energy. Yoko darts forward, unleashing a flurry of rapid strikes infused with her Lux. Ella steps in with her barrage of attacks, punches, and kicks, a blur of movement. The two fighters continue to alternate, never giving their opponent a moment to catch their breath. The Lightning Barrage culminates with Yoko and Ella launching their final blow, combining their energies for a decisive finishing move that should finish the opponent.

Radiant Annihilation! ⫻ Yoko and Ella, in a testament to their unbreakable bond, combine their Abstractions to create a massive ball of light that detonates with the force of a bomb, devastating everything in its radius. Yoko begins by channeling her Lux into her hands, creating a sphere of yellow light. Ella places her hands over Yoko's, adding her energy to the growing sphere. The light intensifies, becoming blindingly bright as the combined power of both Adepts merges into a single blast. With a final push, they launch the sphere into the air. It hovers momentarily, growing more significant and unstable before exploding in a blinding flash. The resulting shockwave levels everything within a considerable radius, leaving behind a scorched and barren landscape.

Dragon-Uppercut! ⫻ Yoko performs an incantation that imbues Ella with a burst of power, allowing her to deliver a super-strong attack, typically an uppercut. Yoko stands behind Ella, reciting an ancient chant, and a visible aura surrounds Ella, crackling with energy. As the chant finishes, Ella feels a surge of strength coursing through her. She launches herself at the target with newfound strength, delivering a devastating uppercut amplified by Yoko's Orange-Lux. The force of the strike is so immense that it shatters stone and sends its opponent flying.

LIMITS ⫻

RITUAL/INCANTATION ⫻

Typically, the Rituals/Incantations are a process that can be interrupted and takes time and resources to pull off; they simply can not be performed in a fight. Yoko can only perform her rituals a few times daily due to their exhaustive nature and the meticulous preparation required. Additionally, the effects of the rituals lose their potency over time, being less effective as the hours pass until their bolster disappears (usually under a day). The surge of energy provided by Yoko's incantations is temporary. It may result in weaker magic for the target, leaving them exhausted after the enhancement wears off. All the Incantations are brief, typically lasting around ten minutes, before they abruptly return to their original strength. Yoko must also wait around ten minutes before she can use any Incantations again after casting one. Regarding the Unity Incantation, Yoko's sacrifice of her magical strength temporarily weakens her overall magical abilities, making subsequent spells less potent for around twenty minutes after casting the Incantation.

ARMANANT ⫻

The effects of the Armanant spells gradually fade over time, typically lasting for ten minutes before returning to their normal state (certain spells, such as Armor Piercing, fade away almost immediately). Infusing objects with magical properties drains Yoko's magical energy, limiting her ability to perform other spells immediately afterward and making it difficult to sustain them indefinitely. Certain materials (such as organic materials, gems, artifacts, etc) may resist the sharpening effect or dull more quickly than others, limiting the spell's effectiveness on particular objects. Certain materials may resist the hardening effect or exhibit limited improvement in durability - for example, naturally hard materials such as stone and already supernaturally altered - affecting the spell's overall effectiveness.

Excessive extension of particular objects may compromise their structural integrity, leading to breakage or deformation. Maintaining control over the extended object requires precise concentration and focus, making wielding effectively in chaotic or high-pressure situations challenging. Yoko can only use Impact three times in ten minutes before she has to wait for a cooldown. Yoko cannot absorb melee magical attacks, only ranged ones. Yoko can only absorb a limited amount of magical energy before reaching her maximum capacity, requiring her to discharge the stored energy before continuing to absorb more. The conversion of absorbed magical energy into a usable explosion is not instantaneous and requires a brief period of concentration, leaving Yoko temporarily vulnerable to counterattacks. The Parry spell is less effective against powerful physical attacks. While it can easily redirect lighter or moderate blows, all-out blows might only be partially deflected, causing some damage to Yoko. The Parry spell is designed to counter a single attack at a time. If Yoko faces multiple attackers or simultaneous strikes, she can only parry one attack, exposing her to the others. Parry only has a brief window for Yoko to use; if she mistimes it, she has to wait a few moments before she can cast Parry again. Activating Block makes Yoko immobile, preventing her from initiating attacks or moving while the spell is active. Yoko can only maintain Block for about five minutes straight; the spell automatically deactivates after that point. Block also doesn't prevent Yoko from being physically manipulated, such as grabbed or thrown.

WEAPONMASTER ⫻

Yoko's limited experience limits the complexity and potency of the enchantments she imbues on objects, leading to imperfections and instability. The empowerment ritual demands significant time and preparation, with more ambitious endeavors necessitating collaboration with fellow Adepts. Over time, empowered objects may reveal flaws or exhibit instability, requiring ongoing maintenance and refinement. Additionally, their performance may deviate from expectations, necessitating constant maintenance and adjustment.

TRADITION ⫻

The Place ⫻ The Place can only be sustained for a specific duration, ranging from hours to a day, depending on the energy expended. The sanctuary's size is restricted to a set radius from the center point where Kari and Yoko join hands. Creating and maintaining "The Place" drains a significant amount of energy from both Kari and Yoko, leading to exhaustion if prolonged. Additionally, "The Place" remains fixed once established and cannot be moved. There is also a cooldown period after its use before they can attempt another similar Joint-Cast.

Magical Girl Ascension! ⫻ The boosted Abstraction and physical capabilities granted by the ritual are only temporary. The transformation lasts for a limited time, typically ranging from a few minutes to an hour, depending on how much effort Yoko puts into the ritual. Performing the ritual requires a significant amount of Lux energy from Yoko. If she is not prepared or if the ritual is interrupted, it could fail or result in a less potent transformation for Ella.

The Lightning Barrage ⫻ The effectiveness of the Lightning Barrage relies heavily on the synchronization and coordination between Yoko and Ella. Any miscommunication or disruption in their teamwork can prematurely end the barrage or leave openings for their opponents. Performing the Lightning Barrage consumes significant energy from both Yoko and Ella. They cannot sustain this level of coordinated assault for an extended period without risking the depletion of their energy reserves.

Radiant Annihilation! ⫻ Generating such a powerful blast consumes a tremendous amount of Lux energy from both Yoko and Ella. They can only use Radiant Annihilation sparingly, as repeated use could exhaust them entirely and weaken the potency of future spells for a brief period. Creating the massive ball of light for Radiant Annihilation requires time and concentration from both Yoko and Ella. They must channel and merge their Lux carefully to form a devastating blast, leaving them vulnerable during this preparation phase. They can only cast Radiant Annihilation once an hour.

Dragon-Uppercut! ⫻ Yoko must remain close to Ella while performing the magic for Dragon-Uppercut, limiting their flexibility during combat and potentially exposing them to danger. There is a brief cooldown before they can cast Dragon-Uppercut again, so if they miss they are out of luck before they can cast it again. The surge of strength from Yoko's incantation is short-lived. If Ella doesn't execute the attack quickly, the enhanced strength diminishes rapidly.

WEAKNESSES ⫻

RITUAL/INCANTATION ⫻

The Song of the Heart and Fortitude of Spirit rituals offer bolstering effects to the Emotional-Field, yet they carry a double-edged aspect. They inadvertently amplify negative emotions, triggering erratic behavior in the target. The surge of energy provided by the Incantations is temporary and can lead to a subsequent energy crash, leaving the target fatigued and vulnerable once the enhancement wears off. While the Soul Incantation bolsters the Emotional-Field, it also temporarily disrupts the target's emotional stability, causing erratic behavior and leaving them vulnerable to emotion-manipulating magic. The Unity Incantation exacts a heavy toll on Yoko's magical reserves, leaving her depleted and vulnerable for twenty minutes after performing the spell.

ARMANANT ⫻

After Yoko's spells wear off, the objects she imbues often become brittle and vulnerable to damage, creating a brief window where they can easily break and leave her defenseless. Overusing the Sharpen spell can cause fatigue and mental strain, diminishing her overall combat effectiveness. While the Hardening spell grants enhanced durability, it also makes objects heavier to wield. Extended objects can become difficult to control, especially in chaotic or fast-paced combat situations, increasing the risk of self-injury. Yoko's vulnerability increases while she absorbs magical energy, as she must remain still and focused, leaving her open to attacks from other angles. Absorbing too much magical energy beyond her capacity can cause a forceful explosion, injuring Yoko and anyone nearby. Block's protective aura obscures Yoko’s vision, making it difficult for her to see or react to incoming threats effectively. After Block is deactivated, there are a few moments in which Yoko's defense is lowered, making her more vulnerable to damage.

WEAPONMASTER ⫻

Due to her inexperience, Yoko's enchantments may become unstable, causing the object to malfunction or lose its power at critical moments.

TRADITION ⫻

The Place ⫻ As Kari and Yoko gain enhanced perception within "The Place," they risk being overwhelmed by the sheer volume of sensory information. The influx of details from every corner and inhabitant can lead to cognitive strain, causing headaches and nosebleeds, and can even cause them to pass out.

Magical Girl Ascension! ⫻ The transformation puts a strain on Ella's body due to the rapid increase in physical capabilities. Prolonged use or frequent transformations could lead to exhaustion or even bodily injury. The ritual drains Yoko's energy significantly, leaving her physically exhausted and vulnerable afterward. After the transformation wears off, Ella experiences a backlash of weakness and fatigue. Her muscles ache, and her reflexes slow down significantly, leaving her temporarily unable to fight effectively.

The Lightning Barrage ⫻ Missing the initial hit of the Lightning Barrage can leave them open to counterattack, and it's extra vulnerable to long ranged attacks. The rapid, high-energy movements during the Lightning Barrage place immense strain on Yoko and Ella's bodies. This can lead to muscle cramps, joint pain, and a significant drop in physical endurance.

Radiant Annihilation! ⫻ After casting Radiant Annihilation, both Yoko and Ella experience a prolonged period of weakness and vulnerability. Their bodies struggle to recover from the immense magical expenditure, leaving them defenseless. The explosive nature of Radiant Annihilation poses a risk to Yoko and Ella and a high risk of collateral damage or outright harming themselves.

Dragon-Uppercut! ⫻ The sheer force behind Ella's enhanced attack puts immense strain on her muscles and joints. If the attack misses or is blocked, Ella risks injuring herself due to the intense physical exertion. The surge of amplified energy surrounding Ella's attack makes her movements predictable and reduces her agility, making it easier for skilled opponents to dodge or counterattack.

^{Other
_{▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔▔}}
"Even in the face of darkness, I will carve my path with the light of my brother. Or your burning body. Idiot."

The Hatanaka Sanctuary

THE.HATANAKA.SANCTUARY
............................................................ "Whispers in the air tell the tales of the brothers gone."	The Hatanaka Sanctuary is a surreal and enigmatic dimension where reality itself seems to warp and twist. Landmasses drift weightlessly in the sky, each island adorned with lush vegetation, ancient ruins, and meandering pathways that defy logical direction. Despite its enchanting appearance, an eerie silence pervades the realm as if all life has abandoned it. At the heart of this bizarre domain stands the imposing Hatanaka Castle, its towering spires and intricate battlements casting long shadows over the floating islands below. Beyond these walls, the silence is occasionally broken by the distant cry of a creature or the whisper of unseen shadows. Inside Hatanaka Castle, the labyrinthine corridors and chambers reveal a history of grandeur now obscured by time. The once-vibrant halls, where artifacts and relics were proudly displayed, now show signs of their absence. Once alive with the clamor of combat training, the training grounds now lie in a state of disrepair, overrun with tangled vegetation. This space, designed for honing skills and preparing for battle, features a unique system capable of summoning and creating monsters for trainees to face—a testament to the rigorous training of the Hatanaka Family. Although the grand dinner hall where camaraderie and strategy were once shared is now barren, it still echoes with memories of past gatherings. The Sanctuary also contains a hidden Artifact Storage area, a vault where the Hatanaka family's most prized artifacts are kept. This storage is a treasure trove of mystical objects, many of which were recovered by Goro and now rest safely within the Sanctuary’s protective confines. Access to the Hatanaka Sanctuary is a closely guarded secret, known only to a select few. The sole entrance is concealed beneath the Hatanaka estate in Shimmer, reachable only by those who possess Hatanaka blood.

Paragraphs: Dragon Dance [Blizz & Mixtape Ghost Note]

---

You’re back here again.

Yoko practically heard the voice in her head, she doubted it was an external source but came from within. Her own inadequacy coming from the ugly recesses of her soul and projecting itself outward. Yoko sighed, she knelt down before the tree with that ugly reminder. Eventually she would have the strength to be comfortably here.

Today wasn’t that day.

The breeze of St. Portwell’s summer was a near constant reminder of ten years ago. Yoko was hoping that Serenelight’s advice on how to brave the pain would help. Yoko sighed again, glancing up at Commander Sirus.

Any minute now…

”Yes.”

“Waiting on me,” Lynn said as she walked around the corner. She wore a white cutoff shirt, a yellow miniskirt with horizontal black lines, tattered tights, and a pair of black boots. She took a few more steps towards Yoko before stopping, smiling gently.

”Yes, I wanted you to extrapolate on the vision,” Yoko began, looking up at Commander Sirus. ”But, first, my robotic friend here had some questions.”

Lynn raised an eyebrow as she looked at the robot. She was not sure how to react when a grown woman called a robot a friend. Was it sentient? Did it have feelings? Did it dream of electric sheep? Lynn shifted her weight to the side, popping her hip out ever so, as she crossed her arms. “Alright, Mr. Roboto, what questions can I help with,” Lynn looked at the robot with a curious expression.

”Lynn Serenelight, do you remember me?” The metal man asked. ”It has been years, but we were both Sycamore, once.”

Lynn leaned in and squinted her eyes. At first they could not discern any regonizable feature that sparked a memory. And then it hit, and her eyes flew open in recognition, “Siri” Lynn asked before she shook her head, “Sirus, you’re Sirus!”

He nodded and took a step forward, clapping Lynn over the shoulder with a sturdy hand. ”The very same, how has the Sycamore’s resident augur been all these years?”
Drunk and depressed. “Surviving, how about you?”

”Surviving. Connor and I have made it far in the past nine years. He is discussing battle plans with Yoko and Selena at the moment. He says hello.”

Connor did not, in fact, say hello.

“Well tell Connor I said,” FUCK YOU, “I hope he is well. Battle plans? What for?”

”Now that you are done with your touching reunion…” Yoko rolled her eyes. ”… I need more details on my brother. Anything.”

Lynn raised an eyebrow before a soft smile crept across her face. “Of course, Yoko, I remember the paths back to the future well. I can see if I can gather anything more. Has anything changed?”

”No, but Wilson brought up a good point,” Yoko said, ”New York is a big place and I need anything that can narrow it down.”

“Okay,” Lynn paused as she adjusted her footing. Her skirt was short so she pondered what would be the best way for her to sit down, her eyes scanning the nearby area for any stray chair or ledge to sit down on, eventually realizing she would need to sit down on the ground. She would need to do this because she knew she was already drunk and she would for sure fall if she tried to stand and go to the future. Lynn awkwardly sat down on the ground on her shins and made sure to pull her skirt down to give her the most modesty. “This will take longer than before, Yoko, and there will be some variance in what I can see so far away. Do you follow?”

”I have nothing but time,” Yoko paused to reconsider, ”… Yes.”

“Protect me with your lives dear friends. Until we see each other again,” Lynn used her left hand to give them a salute before her eyes flickered green and she was off to the future. An hour came and passed and Lynn remained in her future trance. She remained motionless, like a statue, until suddenly she jolted back to the present. She took a big breath of air, nearly gaping as she did, and her vision darted around for a few seconds before finding Yoko.

“Lesbian Vampire Mafia in New York,” Lynn blushed as she spoke, using her left hand to fan her face. “Yoko’s path runs through a Lesbian Vampire Mafia in New York.”

Sirus looked at Lynn, then at Yoko. Then at Lynn, and then at Yoko.

”...Them?”

“Karnstein Mafia,” Lynn added their name finally as she rose to her feet, pulling her skirt back down and brushing the dirt and bugs from her as she did. Her face was still red but her normal color had started to return.

Yoko stared at her for a few seconds, ”Now I am hoping you are joking when you describe them in that manner.” Then sighed, ”… Wilson will have a field day if not.”

“I assure you,” Lynn averted her eyes as she blushed once again, “I am not. Do you need some help dealing with them? I proved quite…useful in those futures.”

”I’d rather not put you in the line of danger, Serenelight,” Yoko said.

“My loss,” Lynn chuckled as she looked towards Yoko, “He’s looking for the Aberration Killer Yoko.”

”A strong weapon, if I remember correctly,” Sirus noted.

”Murakumo,” Yoko corrected, before rubbing her chin and musing to herself, ”It makes sense for him to go for Murakumo…”

Then turned to Lynn, ”You can come, but if you get hurt; I’m not taking any responsibility for it.”

“I might just get in your way,” Lynn sighed as she rubbed her neck. “Besides, I checked the futures where you go without me and it seems you’ll do just as well,” Lynn paused as she smirked, “I have to get back to Chicago sooner rather than later,” Lynn smiled widely, “but I am a phone call away if you need any more predictions.”

”Noted, thank you for your help again, Serenelight,” Yoko expressed gratitude, before turning to Sirus. ”Come, we have to find Phoenix and Bray.”

Lynn smiled wide. “You’re welcome, Yoko, it’s good to feel useful,” Lynn paused as she turned to leave.

“Actually on second thought…. tell Connor he can go fuck himself.”

Yoko smiled.

”... I will.”

---

”Bray, Serenelight said to go fuck yourself.” Yoko began the conversation.

”Well, good for her.” Connor sat at a table, looking over the Black Anvil and touching up the components in the chamber. It was a hefty grenade launcher burned black by years of use, and his fingers smoked as they made contact with the weapon.

”What’s the plan?” He asked, without looking up at her.

”According to Serenelight, my brother went after a Mafia in New York for Murakumo,” Yoko nodded. ”The Karnstein Family, I know little about them however.”

Connor looked up at her, unamsued. ”Vampires. They’re fucking annoying. I’ve been up there a few times.”

”I have little experience in dealing with vampires, so I trust you can lead the way?” Yoko began, ”With the Wall of Defiance, they should be little issue.”

”Yeah. Vampires die like anything else.” He snapped the Black Anvil shut and held it up. ”Burn the bodies. Hit them in the skull or the heart, treat them like Abberations. That’s if they’re stupid enough to attack us.”

”You know they are,” Yoko smirked, ”But in any event, let’s go while it's still daylight.”

”Sure. But when we are over there, what’s your plan?” He asked. ”If you want to talk with them, ask Sirus. He’s the diplomat, not me.”

”I have a feeling they will not be cordial with us,” Yoko said. ”But, I am certain we have ways to get them to talk…”

Yoko deviously grinned.

”Well what are they? I’m not stupid. I’m not killing them unless they just don’t talk.”

”Serenelight just described them as a ‘vampire lesbian mafia,” Yoko began, ”I don't know much more beyond that but I am certain we will find out.”

” I’m not building another machine just to seduce them, Hatanaka.”

Yoko facepalmed.

”... We have Phoenix for that.”

”We have me for what?” Selena walked down the stairs, hearing her name.

”Nothing, nothing! Nothing at all!” Yoko smiled at her. ”We are going to fight Vampires in New York. Are you up to the task?”

Selena blinked. ”Vampires? Why?”

”Because they hurt my feelings,” Yoko rolled her eyes, ”We have a lead on my brother, and it leads to them.”

”Do I want to know what Goro is doing around vampires?”

”They have Murakumo,” Yoko then shrugged. ”Or had it.”

Selena sighed. ”Well… As long as you have a plan, I’m sure the four of us can make it work.”

”Unlikely.”

”What?” She turned on Connor.

”They’re vampires, and they’re a mafia. You think they’d just turn over an artifact like that? You saw what happens when someone steals one of mine.”

”The priority is my brother, not Murakumo,” Yoko said, ”We can always get it later.”

”So what if he’s not there? How long have you been looking for him?”

Yoko sneered, barely turning in Connor’s direction.

”... Then we’ll look somewhere else,” Yoko said, ”I have been looking for a week, and I will keep looking for him until I find him.”

She paused,

”Clear?”

”If you say so.”

”If you’re ready to leave, I am,” Selena said.

Yoko unfurled the Swift Scroll.

”Let’s go,”

Yoko said as she recited the chant, and the wind carried them away.

---

The Swift Scroll carried them from St. Portwell to New York, and Yoko blinked as the world came into focus. Yoko took a moment to reorient herself, steadying herself on the rooftop they had landed on, high above the streets of New York City. However, the light reflecting off the skyscrapers was blinding, and she had to turn away and shield her eyes. Despite it all, she took a deep breath, letting the city's energy fill her lungs. It’s still afternoon She thought with relief. They had some time before the Karnstein Family would be at full strength if they could work quickly enough. Turning around, she saw Selena, Sirus and Connor steadying themselves from the teleport.

”Alright,” Yoko said, ”We have a few hours before sunset… I suggest we get a lay of the land before entering their den.”

”Sirus and I’ve been here once or twice.” Connor didn’t bring much, and neither did Sirus. They had enough weapons under their clothes without bringing their full armory.

”Their “den,” is that way.” Sirus pointed south. ”The East River and the Hudson River are behind us, and they live a fair distance away.”

”Then let’s go,” Yoko said, as she held the Wall of Defiance in one hand. Before she came to a stop and looked at it, ”Aw, damn it!”

”What?”

”Should we risk walking around with this?” Yoko asked, referring to the Wall of Defiance. ”I’m not sure if it’d be invisible to the Blinds or not… I wish I had a spell that made this smaller!” It was a dead give away if anyone Paranormal - or even slightly aware - was watching.

A big Neon sign that says ‘I’m here to fuck your day up.’

”Doesn’t your clan have literally hundreds of spells?” Connor asked. ”I thought you knew what you were doing bringing that thing.”

”They do, but-” Yoko rolled her eyes, ”Let’s just keep moving; someone walking around with a shield is probably the least weird thing to happen in New York.” She rolled her eyes as they proceeded down the side streets and alleys - Going through the main roads would just be stupid. - staying out of the crowded streets of New York. It smelled horrible. The Americans could learn a thing or two from Japan.

The Karnstein Family's lair - or one of their outposts, at least - was in the maze of old buildings ahead. She glanced at the Wall of Defiance again, cursing under her breath. The shield felt like an anchor in her hands, a constant weight dragging her down. Doesn’t your clan have literally hundreds of spells? Briefly rang through her head. I could have, but we are racing against time here for my brother. Yoko thought to herself.

Still, she couldn’t deny he had a point. The shield was a risk… yet, she couldn’t ignore the power of it or leave it behind. Yoko pushed her doubts aside, scanning their surroundings. The streets were quieter here, the sounds of honking horns and shouting pedestrians muffled by the thick brick walls of the buildings. The Karnsteins. While Yoko knew that she could handle them, they wouldn’t be accessible if they could stake their claim in a city like this.

The pulse of magic grew stronger as they approached an old, unassuming warehouse. Yoko squinted at the building. It looked abandoned, with weathered bricks, boarded-up windows, and rusted metal doors. But she could feel the faint buzz of protective wards hidden beneath layers of illusion. Yoko stopped, holding up a hand to signal the others.

”We’re here,” Yoko said, glancing over her shoulder, ”I’ll be right back. I’m going to grab their leader and threaten to drag them into the sunlight if they don’t tell me what happened to my brother.”

”There’s a non-zero chance they won’t give a shit.” Connor crossed his arms, staring at the building. ”There are usually two types of vampires. The ones who care about the sun and the ones who don’t. Any number of each can be in there. You want to negotiate? Walk out alive? Sirus, go with her.”

”Certainly. I have been told I have a way with words,” The machine bragged, with a bit of humor.

”Okay…” Yoko sighed, taking in a deep breath. ”... Let’s go.”

Yoko marched inside.

---

A few minutes later, Yoko came out, dragging one of the Karnstein Family members - a pale, short girl with black hair - out by their leg. Yoko panted as she tried to make it look too easy, only to fail. The Vampire hissed and snarled, more out of reflex than actual resistance, as her face contorted into annoyance as Yoko dragged her into the spot of the alleyway where the sunlight beamed down.

Yoko looked at the Vampire.

The Vampire looked at Yoko.

Yoko looked at Connor.

The Vampire looked at Sirus.

Yoko looked at Sirus.

The Vampire looked at Yoko again.

Yoko looked at Selena.

The Vampire was still staring at Yoko.

Then Yoko locked eyes with the Vampire…

”... Shouldn’t you be melting?” Yoko tilted her head.

“Sunlight isn’t exactly the big bad for all of us, darling. Some of us have evolved past the fairy tales. Guess you didn’t get the memo.” The Vampire shrugged.

”Damn it,”

”What did I fucking tell you, give fucking minutes ago?” Connor asked, fucking exasperated. ”Sirus…”

”In my defense, I tried to reason with her. But that was useless.”

”Are you fucking stupid, Yoko?”

Yoko sneered at him, then muttered in Japanese, ”Wilson might be if she thinks you are going to be such help… This is why I wanted to work alone,” Her grip tightened on the Vampire’s ankle…
“... I’m starting to like you, human. The drama is almost worth this indignity.” The Vampire mocked.
”Shut up!” Yoko shouted, before turning to Connor, ”Bray, you take the lead then since you know what you are doing?” She rolled her eyes.

”Good lord.” Selena facepalmed.

”Yeah…” Connor took a step forward and bent down in front of the vampire, on one knee. ”Is your matriarch in today?”

“Yes, you tryna get sucked, love?” The Vampire chuckled.

Connor sighed, and withdrew his Forge Blaster. Then, he pressed the barrel against the vampire’s forehead. The pistol was always warm to the touch, like the hood of a running car.

”Ask me that again.”

”We traded favors for information once, with these people,” Sirus explained to Yoko. ”Fighting for directions to a great beast.”

”Why do I get the feeling Kari made a mistake introducing us to you two…”

”If Wilson trusts them, I trust them…” Yoko’s voice turned into a hushed whisper, ”... But that doesn't mean that I like them.” Or any of you.

The Vampire didn't flinch, “... Ah, you’re on that timing I see. The Matriarch is in an important meeting with one of our affiliates from Miami… You best wait for her to be free. She’ll probably be hungry.” She laughed.

”We can wait.”

Yoko scowled as she looked at Sirus, then back at Connor, ”Your Automaton needs an update,” Yoko quietly laughed to herself, ”We don’t have time to wait. My brother could be in danger…”

She narrowed at them, then gave the Vampire the side eye who awkwardly smiled.

”... And I don’t want to be just seconds too late because some Yokai wasted our time.”

”The time you spend making an ass out of yourself is time you could spend looking for him, so shut the fuck up about that for a second.”

”He does have a point, Yoko,” Selena admitted.

Yoko narrowed her eyes, raising the Wall of Defiance at Connor, ”Now Bray, I understand your point, but you will not speak to me in any way you please like I am some common American Whore.”

”I’ll speak to you however the fuck I want if you’re going to act like that. And put that damn shield down before you do something stupid,” He warned, keeping his pistol pointed at the vampire. ”I will fucking skin you alive if you so much as think about picking a fight with me, do you understand?”

”Connor, please.”

For a brief moment, a yellow light surrounded the edges of the Wall of Defiance, ”... Make me, you insect.”

”We’re in public, you two…” Selena sighed.

”That is enough.” Sirus stepped in between both of them. ”This helps no one, except for whoever may or may not be holding your brother hostage. He may be in danger or he may simply be missing, but we do not answer that question by killing each other.”

There was that urge in Yoko’s head to continue, yet she sighed as she remembered Serenelight’s words (embody the best qualities of Ella in your actions.) and lowered the shield. ”Bray,” Yoko almost said his name like an insult, ”We will do things your way, if it doesn't work out…”

Yoko jammed a thumb into her chest, ”We do things my way.”

”Fine.”

Then there was awkward silence.

”...There is a meeting? How much longer will it last?” Selena asked the vampire.

The Vampire just shrugged. “Who knows? The Matriarch is arranging a big sale.”

Yoko stared at her.

”... Know any good ramen spots?”

---

Dusk had settled.

”Ah! That ramen tasted like piss,” Yoko whined, crossing her arms with the Wall of Defiance around her chest. She looked down at the neon streets from the rooftops. ”... I wonder if that Yokai was just stalling until night time.”

”They’re vampires, not Yokai,” Selena remarked.

”And they were. You think they’d just let you walk in when most of them are likely asleep?” Connor sat with his back against an AC unit.

”Vampires are- Actually,” Yoko shrugged. ”It doesn't matter, we can handle them either way.”

”Yoko…” Selena signed. ”I don’t want to “handle” them. Sirus offered to handle discussions with the Karnsteins, it’d be easier than fighting them.”

Yoko glared at Selena, ”... And think I want to either, but look at the writing on the wall, Phoenix.” Yoko then rolled her eyes.

”They stalled us until they were at their strongest. They are not going to try and negotiate.”

”They will, or we’ll burn the place to the ground. It’s that simple. Now, are we going or what?” Connor asked.

Yoko’s eyes scanned the neon-lit streets before she sighed, ”... Yeah, let’s get a move on already,” Yoko then climbed down the fire escape back onto the streets of New York. She didn’t care about the unwanted attention the Wall of Defiance would bring anymore. However, she did put it into a readied position. The shield’s weight against her arm was grounding and infuriating, a constant reminder of how much she hated relying on borrowed power.

The Karnstein lair loomed in the distance.

“...Don’t let them trick you into thinking this is a negotiation,” Yoko said over her shoulder, “If they wanted to talk, they wouldn’t have wasted an entire day jerking us around.”

Yoko didn’t wait for a response as she continued. Yoko stepped up to the imposing double doors of the Karnstein lair, her grip tightening on the Wall of Defiance as she shoved them open with more force than necessary. The dimly lit interior stretched into the main hall, its walls adorned with tapestries depicting scenes of battles, feasts, and endless nights. The glow of flickering candles cast long, eerie shadows across the room. Still, their light barely illuminated the faces of several figures seated at an elongated table in the center of the room. Yoko’s gaze locked on the apparent leader, sitting at the far end. Yoko noted that she looked oddly young, probably because she was a vampire. The leader took a guzzle of blood from a wine glass, before facing Yoko.

“Ah, you four must be the lot harassing us,” the leader said. “Well, have a seat. We have much to discuss, don’t we?”

Yoko glanced at Sirus.

”Yes, we do.” Sirus took a seat across from her, as did Selena and Connor. ”Thank you for taking the time to meet us, firstly. It’s been some time since Connor and I were here, but we were hoping you could help us solve a mystery.”

“Well,” The Matriarch said, “If it gets you four out of my hair… Just get to the point.”

”Goro Hatanaka,” Selena sat up in her seat. ”He’s been missing for a considerable amount of time, and his last known location was here in New York. Have you heard from him, or do you know where he may have gone?”

The Matriarch dragged her claws against the surface of the table, “Yes, I may have heard of him.” She hissed, before she pushed herself up to her feet, “... That bastard stole the Aberration Killer when we were going to make the deal of a lifetime!”

”Stole? I thought your family created it,” She glanced at Yoko.

Yoko facepalmed.

”We made it but some other assholes stole it.”

”I see…” Sirus leaned forward in his seat. ”How long ago did this occur?”

Yoko shrugged, ”Long before I was born.”

“The fact of the matter is that it left your hands, Hatanaka!” The Matriarch hissed. “We found it! It was ours!”

”Aberrations cannot even touch Murakumo,” Yoko narrowed her eyes at her. ”How did you even manage to bring it here?!”

The Matriarch shrugged.

“… We paid someone.”

”How long has it been since he took the sword?” Sirus asked. ”We are trying to find him.”

“A few months ago, back in January,” She replied.

”You still didn’t know where he was at that time, didn’t you, Yoko?” Selena asked.

Yoko sighed, ”... No,” Before turning to the Matriarch,”Where is my brother? I don’t care about all of this.”

The Matriarch sighed, “... If you must know, Goro escaped through a portal. A rift in space, created by some Paranormal artifact he either found or stole. We had him cornered - he should have been ours - but the bastard slipped away before we could even lay a finger on him.”

Yoko’s eyes narrowed, her hands tightening into fists. “A portal? Where did it lead?”

The Matriarch just shrugged, “... Does it look like I know? it wasn’t anywhere in this city - possibly not even in this world. He left us nothing but the trace of the portal’s magic, which disappeared within minutes.”

Yoko aimed the Wall of Defiance at her, ”... You expect me to believe you just stood there gawking while he escaped?!” Yoko tilted her head. ”I’m not that stupid.”

Sirus shot his hand out and sat it on the rim of the shield. His robotic strength kept it pointed low, and he didn’t break eye contact with the Matriarch. ”What exactly did this rift look like? Most artifacts that perform such a feat have their own distinct appearances.”

“Distinct is an understatement,” the Matriarch laughed. “It wasn’t a clean portal; I could [i]feel[/u] the desperation when he ripped it open. The edges were black, jagged, less like a portal and more like a wound in reality.”

”Hmph, that doesn’t sound like a Swift Scroll,” Yoko turned to Selena, ”... Then again, it leaves you open.”

”Does it sound like any other Hatanaka artifact?” Selena asked. ”It might have been too long ago, but if you know an abstraction-enhancing spell that works with white Lux spells, I could use one of mine to determine if his or someone else’s Lux was involved in that artifact. It might narrow something down…”

”The only teleporting artifact that I know of are the Swift Scrolls,” Yoko nodded her head. ”It is entirely within the realm of possibility that Goro got another artifact.”

”From who? That doesn’t tell us anything.” Connor couldn’t think of an artifact that fit the description off the top of his head, either. ”Or… Did he make one? That your family didn’t know about?”

”Make one I didn’t know about,” Yoko rolled her eyes. ”I’m not sure. My brother was always moving, and didn’t always tell me everything sadly.”

Yoko then shrugged as she lowered the Wall of Defiance, ”What I’m saying is that it’s possible he found an artifact. They practically grow on trees!”

”So now what? Do we ask Kari?”

Yoko paused momentarily, glancing at the Matriarch before returning to Connor. ”No, not yet,” Yoko began, ”We are going to Serenelight. After all, we wouldn’t have found this lead if it wasn’t for her.”

”Sure.”

”Well…” Sirus stood from his seat. ”That is all we needed to know. Thank you for your time. We’ll see ourselves out.”

”Someone else will hopefully extinguish you all,” Yoko pointed at the Matriarch as she marched out of the room.

She only gave them the finger wag.

---

The cars passed by.

The sounds of the city blared in the background.

Yet that was irrelevant to Yoko as she stood in the street not too far away from their lair - she wasn’t worried about them, because if they were going to do anything they would have done so when they had the home-field advantage. She placed her hands on her hips tapped her foot on the ground, and looked at her companions.

”I’m going to give Serenelight a call,” Yoko began, ”.. And what a strange last name she has.”

Without another word, Yoko called Lynn.

The phone rang for several seconds before it connected. The first sound Yoko would hear was the phone dropping and hitting the floor, followed by an audible groan of annoyance. The phone was rustled on the floor for a second before Lynn managed to grab it and bring it up to her face.

“You’re five minutes early with the call” Lynn groaned as she pulled herself out of bed and walked towards the window. She was wearing a sports bra and black boxers and she rested her arm on the window and her head on the arm. “How are you today Yoko,” Lynn asked with a small smile.

”Are you free?” Yoko asked, ”We have a lead, they say that he went through some type of portal.”

Lynn looked back to her bed and at the two twinks who were both still asleep. “I got time for you. What do you need me to look for,” Lynn asked as she turned her attention back outside..

”Goro, anything you can on him,” Yoko said.

“You’re lucky I looked ahead already,” Lynn chuckled as she looked back to ensure the two men were still asleep. “in the future I saw two possibilities. Either he went to a place called Dazzle, a bit more magical place than Shimmer or he went to a place called Sparkle. More than likely the portal took him to the latter but there’s a solid chance for the former,” Lynn paused as she yawned. “I can narrow it down a little more if you would like.”

”... Please do,” Yoko said.

“Give me two seconds to get ready and I’ll look ahead,” Lynn paused as she went to hit the mute microphone button but missed. “Alright, you two. Wake up,” Lynn spoke in a loud voice. color=F08080]“I told you earlier I’d need some alone time today. That time is now let’s go,”[/color] Lynn paused as she tossed the two men their clothes and ushered them towards the door and out. Once the door closed Lynn engaged all the locks and returned back to her phone and went to unmute but realized she left the microphone on.

“Alright, I’m going forward. Protect me with your life, Yoko,” Lynn paused as her eyes went green and she departed for the future.

Yoko’s jaw dropped in astonishment as she grasped the phone both hands. ”... I’m in New York!” Yoko shouted, ”... How?!”

The line fell silent as Lynn was already in the future. She spent the next five minutes dancing through the eventualities before she returned with a big gasp of air. “Thanks you for your protective services, I survived. Sparkle is more likely, I wasn’t able to discern what he’s there for but it looks like he went there with a purpose,” Lynn smiled as she stood up and walked to the fridge. Her apartment was a small, studio style unit with only a standalone room for the toilet which meant it only took a minute for her to get to it. She grabbed a premade margarita bottle from the fridge and closed the door.

”Thank you, Serenelight,” Yoko said, ”But where in Sparkle if you could be specific…?”

“Where else,” Lynn paused as she yawned, “Sparkles version of St. Portwell.”

Yoko facepalmed.

”... Does every universe have a version of America’s magical anus?!” Yoko groaned. ”Thank you, Serenelight. We may go dark as I doubt cellphones have extradimensional capabilities.”

Yoko looked at her comrades.

”... Are you three ready?”

They were. So they all left for Sparkle.

---

Yoko, Selena, Sirus and Connor stepped through the doorway between the two worlds, and landed on solid ground. This version of St Portwell was one that the Sycamore Tree Coven- specifically, the version in Shimmer- Never made contact with. They hopped into many worlds back in the day on a search for the Apparition Killer, but even their best never got around to visiting Sparkle. Or, if they did, no one stopped to ask which world this was.

It was foggy here, on this street. A thick haze of smog hung over the city, so dense that Selena couldn’t even see more than maybe a hundred feet away. None of them could make out whether or not it was midnight or noon, because while it was silent like the grave here, there was some light shining through the mist.

”The hell is this…” Connor turned around trying to get a sense of things, but it was just fog and more fog. He looked at the ground and saw not a sidewalk, not a road, but rubble. Thick chunks of asphalt or concrete, maybe both, clumping together like gravel. There was a smell like ozone, mixed with burning hair.

”I can’t see any Lux, this must be something else. Does anyone feel… Off?”

Just standing here was doing something to them.

”Serenight neglected to mention this…” Yoko shook her head, not noticing anything wrong. With the Wall of Defiance in hand, she gestured for them to come along. ”Let’s go, if this information is faulty, I am sticking the Wall of Defiance between Serenelight’s buttocks.-”

A metallic groan escaped Sirus. ”Something is wrong, in this place,” The machine whispered. He usually didn’t feel many things, but now he felt weak.

”I feel that too… We shouldn’t be here long, whatever it-“

A steak of something red arced over their heads against the sky. What, they didn’t know. And right as it did, the ground shook.

”Stay on him!”

The silence had been broken by someone shouting off in the distance behind them. And then by something screaming across the city. It was loud, in a way that most things weren’t. Sirus was reminded of air raid sirens, only this was more jagged, more angry.

Everyone felt something rumbling in them, as the sound reverberated and cut right through them. It was so forceful that all the fog was forced backwards. And it was then that they saw Sparkle’s St. Portwell for what it was.

Or, rather, what remained.

As far as they could see, St. Portwell was in ruin. The tallest buildings in the sky were nothing but amputated monoliths of something that might never recover. Clouds of smoke had been pushed back by the roar, showing just how much was falling to pieces. Bodies lie buried in rubble, a few dozen feet above their heads, out of the trench they were apparently standing in.

And over the rotting buildings, out of that trench, there was something standing on the horizon.

A thousand feet tall, a monster made of flesh and steel, cloaked in mist and sickly yellow light. In bygone days, it was worshipped as a god that unmade the earth. A savior who brought baptism by fire to the unworthy, and a quick end to the few who deserved it.

The Dreadnaught.

”No… Not here. That thing, it was supposed to never rise again.” Sirus stared up and felt fear for the first time in years.

”What the fuck!? Here?!”

Yoko didn’t so much as flinch as she narrowed her eyes at it, ”What is this creature??”

”That, Yoko, is the Dreadnaught.” Sirus shifted his weight to one leg. ”First of the Calamities, the Drowned Angel… They are things that would make the Stygian Snake cower like a scared animal. And this one has come to destroy this place.”

The jaws of the Dreadnaught opened wide, and a yellow glow snaked out from behind its teeth.

”GET DOWN!”

Connor and Sirus hit the dirt, and Selena after that. She pulled Yoko down right as a beam of blinding energy shot forth, leaving a crater miles behind them.

Another red flash flew over their head, this time more clear. Enough that it looked humanoid, like a ghost. Two more soared over, in a cluster to attack the creature. They were heading towards the Calamity. Not fleeing.

”Aw! Good grief!” Yoko shouted as she pushed herself to her feet and looked at the Calamity, then the direction those blasts were going. She began walking that way, ”Let’s go you three,”

”Yoko- If Goro was here, he definitely isn’t now. Where are we going?!”

They started running. The trench that one of the creature’s lasers carved into the land tapered off enough that they could climb out when they walked far enough.

Yoko stopped and looked over her shoulder.

”... To find someone who can explain the hell is going on!”

Paragraphs: Dragon Dance [Blizz & Mixtape Ghost Note]

---

The desert was cold and empty. Long ago, this empty place was a bustling Meso-American settlement responsible for the consistent visitation of tens of thousands. A trade hub, which long ago was visited by the enigmatic Ten Path Sage Kai, who established a pathway directly to its outskirts.
It was this ancient pathway which gathered from the edges of reality in the middle of nowhere. Its physical form coalesced into the majesty of a mid-sized Japanese Torii. Its wood was stained purple, slowly forming from the mist of non-creation before the door within materialized. A few slashes, and the door swung open with a gentle click.

Kari and Selena stepped through the door after traveling through the paths. They were greeted by the cool night skies of Mirage Springs… And they were right outside of it on the outskirts. Kari looked down and noticed a scorpion walking by. She was wearing black leggings, leather running shoes, a black t-shirt… And a wide-brimmed witch hat. She took a few steps forward and spread her fingers and pressed them to the sides of her head and closed her eyes.

”... Give me a few minutes to find Connor and-” Kari was cut off by an explosion in the distance. ”... We can just follow the chaos.”

Ken emmerged from behind them, taking a deep breath of the desert air. Fully equipped, Ken’s vest was heavy and laden with equipment which readied him for any kind of combat he may find.
Making up for the few physical problems Kari may have, he very quickly applied Enlighten to her form. It was the least he could do, and he followed up by hitting himself with it. Doing so let them operate longer without the strain of weight effecting them, and they’d be able to operate harder longer.

Selena, he felt, was a secondary priority. But, not entirely useless, so before they made any move, he enlightened her as well.
”Alright… Just stay close as you can, Kari: I’ll not be able to forgive myself if something happens to you here.”

Off in the distance, there was a sound like a sledgehammer hitting a brick wall and shattering it, followed by the sight of a red glow pulsing from between the buildings. Something screamed, and it definitely didn’t sound human.

”We should… Certainly remain close to each other. I agree,” Selena added. ”I can see the Lux from here. Red, gold and orange all blended together. And it’s burning.”

Ken cleared his throat, stretching slightly.
”For the sake of clarity… We’re not trying to kill him, are we?” he asked, a bit of a chuckle escaping his lips.

”No, I’m trying to lock him in my basement, babe,” Kari chuckled, ”Let’s go!” Kari said before running in that direction.

Selena took off after her as well, and the three of them came upon a warzone. The source of the commotion was a parking lot that led to a surprisingly empty bank, where they could hear the fighting long before they laid eyes on it. There were only a few cars here or there, and most of them were scorched by magical fire in some fashion or another. Smoke rose up into the night as the only clear sign the Blind could hope to see. But the real evidence of battle was splattered all over the ground.

Demons left and right, some visibly incinerated by that red flash, some broken as if they had been hit by cars. Otherworldly body parts and unholy blood pooled up like some sort of supernatural bloodbath. Demons were running around left and right, crawling out of alleyways and from underneath manhole covers to below the city itself.

Shots rang out, as streaks of icy blue light swept through the horde of demons. There in the thick of all that violence was one of the two that Kari and Selena were looking for.

Commander Sirus.

A tall being of steel and Lux, built like a mountain. In his hands he held the Earthbreaker, a long hammer that crashed into the demons with absolutely zero mercy. The machine whirled it overhead, and the very pavement beneath his feet rippled out like water to give the demons pause. Smaller creations floated around him, vaguely sphere shaped and hurling nets of solid electricity at the demons. There was a mechanical turret just behind him, blaring out a string of expletives that only he could understand as it shot at the demons flanking its commander with bolts of vibrant lightning.

”Begone from here, demons!” He called out, in a voice that carried authority with it. ”You cannot hope to kill me!”

BOOM!

Another explosion kicked off, and another flare of deep red light appeared on the far end of the parking lot. A cluster of demons burst into flames, and fell to chaos. Kari skidded to a halt at the edge of the parking lot, eyes wide as she took in the chaotic battlefield. She was paying little attention to the violence in front of her, but she was locked in on the Red, Gold, and Orange Lux flares in the distance.

”Oh, Connor, what will we do with you…” Kari muttered under her breath.

Kari reached into her crossbody bag and pulled out her Glock 17. Then, she brought her hands together, closing her eyes… A soft glow emerged from the ground beneath her feet, snaking forward like a ribbon of light. Its color was distinct - an electric blue. As the path stretched ahead, it cut through the chaos, bypassing shattered pavement, broken cars, and pools of demonic blood. Kari’s eyes opened, and the path was clear. She smiled, then shouted.

”... Follow the path! It’ll lead us straight to Connor!” Kari’s voice projected loudly over the chaos. ”Commander Sirus will be fine!”

Without hesitation, Kari started down the glowing path, and the closer they got, the more intense the glow began.

Deeper into the chaos, fires were raging like crazy. There was the occasional, stray pocket of biting cold mixed in as the group eventually came upon the sight of demons littered with glowing green arrows and several smaller mechanical minions swirling around a man brandishing a flaming sword in one hand with a pistol in the other.

That was Connor Bray, and just like Sirus, he was in the trenches. Demons were shot out of the sky as quickly as they were cut down from the ground. One of his drones launched a grenade at its creator, and Connor sent it flying with a quick smack of his sword, into a crowd of demons that promptly became a pile of frozen statues.

The demons over here were larger, a bit more hulking in their demeanor. It seemed that Sirus was handling the cannon fodder while his partner in violence took on the big guys. Most of them were in ruin on the ground, a mountain of corpses with few left alive.

A winged demon pounced on Kenshiro from behind, but a beam of red light vaporized its skull at the last second.

”Who the FUCK are you?!” Connor bellowed at the new arrivals, leveling the Forge Blaster at them all. ”I can do this all fucking night, you wanna try me?!”

”... Hey! Hey! Hey! It’s cool! It’s me!” Kari took a few (brave) steps forward, waving her hands back and forth. She dropped her Glock on the ground and then placed her hands on her chest. ”Connor! It’s me! Kari! Kari Wilson from the Coven!”

Kenshiro had, until now, done a decent job of keeping out the chaff that made it close. A crushing burst here, a slice of demon there; The Emperor's Tanto was slicked with demonic blood, as was the man’s body as crushing the foe was an action that required full contact. His figure was bulky, carrying the weight of the fusion between himself and Tennogama in order to minimize the potential for things to go wrong.
He remembered Connor well, and didn’t want Kari pressing her luck too hard as they were well within range. Instinctively, he began putting subtle pressure-barriers in front of them, hoping to at least slow down any errant attacks made toward their group.

”Caution, my Love… Not too close…”

”Kari… Kari Wilson? What the fuck are you doing in Mirage Springs?! What are you all-”

Another demon roared overhead, and Connor put a hole in its face.

”You’re a long way from St. Portwell, what are you doing here?”

”We’re saving your ass, silly,” Kari snorted, placing her hands on her hips. ”Now let’s grab Sirus and go, I have a feeling-”

Kari was cut off by a flaming rift appearing in the air in front of her. All she saw was orange, before a hulking figure reached through and yanked her into the portal. She could only scream.

”Kari!” Against all logic and reason, Selena dove through the portal to try and drag Kari out.

Yet it closed before she could get in.

Ken’s aberrant tongue lashed out thick as a crane cable, smashing against the closing portal and nearly losing the tip in the process.
”Oh, Goddammit! I’ll not have this again!” he raged, leg smashing into the ground and causing the pavement beneath to buckle beneath the weight of his Ten Ton style.
”What are these beasts, Brother Connor!? Where have they taken my Beloved?!”

”These are demons!” Sirus and his drone companions rushed over, all soaked in demon blood. ”Somebody under Morningstar stole from us, and we followed him. He summoned these beasts to save himself.”

”Yeah. And it didn’t fucking work,” Connor remarked, as all the drones fell in around them both. ”Weren’t you purple Lux? Just drag the portal back open.”

Confused, somewhat insulted, Ken frowned and began to channel his Purple Lux into the Emperor's Tanto. Stanced, his hand lay upon the blade's grip, and in a single fell swoop he swung toward where the barrier had been. It was the same motion he used to open the Pathways, and he only hoped the basic principle would carry over.

However, before he could continue, a man shouted from the rooftops.

“... Failures all of you!”

Their attention was brought to a very tall blonde-haired man wearing a black suit. He stood at the edge of the rooftop with a look of disgust on his face. Behind him were a group of three other people - a tall woman in a suit, a gigantic obese man, and… the giant creature that had snatched Kari. He stood over nine feet tall and held Kari by her neck as she struggled and thrashed.

“You let yourselves get reduced to mere cannon fodder! Act like you’re members of the Society!” The man barked at the demons before he slid his hands into his pockets and looked at the three, then said, “As for you, Connor Bray, bravo, you’ve managed to not only have Morningstar mark you for death, but you made me come see to your execution. Personally.”

He began slowly clapping.

“I applaud you for making yourself such a pain in the ass,” He then looked at Kenshiro. He said, “Now, if you don’t want my associate, Mala’Boolaan, to separate this girl’s head from her shoulders, you are going to take that sword and use it to slash Connor’s throat.” He gestured towards the hulking monstrosity that held Kari.

“Me crush girl!” Mala’Boolaan shouted, pointing at them. “Then me crush you!”

“Come now, Mala, contain yourself,” The man said. “That’s only necessary if they are stupid.”

”I suggest you two let go of her now, before I come up there skin you two alive, lady,” Connor warned, pointing the Inferno Blade up at whoever she was.

“Try me!” Mala’Boolaan shouted.

Ken hadn’t turned from his position, the Emperor’s Tanto still glowing deep purple in his hands. His half-froggy appearance, the wide face and massive mouth with his eyes more centered in his head, gave him a freakish appearance. But that strange too-wide face turned slowly, eye rotating just enough to see Kari struggling. His hand rumbled slightly, and a slow but sure trail of pebbles began to hoist themselves from the ground.

The tiniest things… Barely noticeable within the space between them and the gathering at the top of the building. A barely noticeable guidewire…
His free hand twisted into the symbol of the Horse. There was a slight pause as Send/Receive accepted Ken’s target, then a dull flash of static as Ken picked up speed. Using the guidewire to give him something to change places with each cast, he could feel the buildup of disorientation as he got faster and faster.

Half headed for Kari, half headed for the Demon’s arm with blade in hand, he intended to extricate with the only thing in this blasted desert he actually cared about. Once, or if, she was safe, he’d happily return to the task at hand… But he only had one goal now.
Save her. Save her. Save her.

The tanto embedded into Mala’Boolaan’s arm, and he growled, looking at Kenshiro.

“... Me break you!” Mala’Boolaan shouted as he exploded into an aura of fire. He threw Kari over his shoulder like a toy he was bored with and swung his fist at Kenshiro.

“Good grief, Mala, kill the girl and-” The tall man shouted at Mala, only for him to ignore his command. The man facepalmed before he said, “Sheer’Khan, Gomander! Kill them all!”

“Yes, Ignatius!” They both said.

Sheer’Khan, the obese man, transformed into a massive, hulking, beast in a cloud of smoke While; Gomander, the woman, transformed into an extensive worm-like creature with dozens of mouths.

Ignatius pointed at Connor.

“You’re not leaving this city…”

In a cloud of black smoke, Ignatius transformed into a massive dragon with the girth of an 18-wheeler.

“... I’ll personally see to that.”

He opened his maw and sprayed magma at the group below.

”Kari!” Selena cast Moonstep on herself and bolted in the direction of Kari, falling body.

Sirus flexed his fingers and handed the Earthbreaker off to the caddie drone. ”Leave the large one to me.”

Connor sidestepped the magma, while Sirus ran directly forward underneath it.

”I’ve killed worse than you before!” Connor shouted, as his drones growled at the woman. TRY ME!”

Ignatius didn’t respond so much before opening his mouth and spraying more magma at Connor and Sirus. Gomander floated off to the side before diving straight into the ground, tunneling underneath, before coming up beneath Sirus’ feet. Jaws capable of consuming anything.

Sirus, feeling the ground tremble, leapt to one side and hit the ground knee-first. He reached into his jacket and withdrew Zephyr. Just in case.

”What layer of Hell did you arise from, demon?” He asked, holding the weapon up in a reverse grip as his fists came up into a boxing stance.

Meanwhile, Connor was running and gunning, firing off red beams of searing light at Ignatius as a raptor drone flew high up, throwing nets of lighting at him. Ignatius quickly crawled down the side of the building to be on the same level as Connor before spraying more magma at him. Ignatius looked over his shoulder and shouted.

“... Sheer’Khan! Do something!” He barked.

Before the massive demon-creature jumped down, he scratched his head.

“... The same layer of hell you’re going to!” Gomander shouted as she quickly soared through the air and consumed many of Connor’s flying drones in her snapping jaws. “Open fire upon me if you dare, boy!”

Ken’s fight with Mala’Boolaan had, so far, been as successful as the Toad Warrior could hope for. Kari seemed out of danger, so everything else was just preparation. Training for an ultimate battle with an entity still unknown to him. Revenge for his clan.
Which meant, every so often, one needed to push their upper limits. Stretch the muscles to failure. And his blood was up anyway, this dreadful and ugly, foul creature daring to assault his Cherry Blossom as she was defenseless.

”Ten-Ton Defense: Farmer’s Gun!”
He and the demon had, until now, traded mostly superficial blows. Anything significant seemed to be absorbed without care, while his constant Gold-to-Purple siphon effect from the Emperor’s Tanto increased his output to match that of a pure Purple Lux user. The equally intense walls of force Ken was capable of shaping in the blink of an eye served as ablative pads meant to catch any errant attacks.
Theoretically, as he directed a great deal of force into a turbine-like tube of force, would be sucked into the hole and crushed before being sent through the other side. The other side, of course, being pointed toward the ground, where they would be planted like a seed under the thumb of a farmer.

Mala'Boolaan grinned as Ken unleashed his anime attack, the force of it rushing toward him like a tidal wave. He met it head-on and was sucked inside… before getting launched into the ground hard enough to make someone think a brief earthquake had hit. It left a crater… smoke and dust in all directions before a light shined brightly underneath it all—a fire. Mala’Boolaan stepped through the dust.
He began laughing.

“Me think that pathetic!” Mala’Boolaan laughed. “Me need more than that!”

He exploded into fire before launching himself at Kenshiro with the force and violence of a meteor.

Selena had caught Kari and brought her back down to the ground-floor, she had dusted herself off. Kari looked at Selena and said, ”... Thanks.” Kari shook her head. ”You need to help Connor...” She looked at Kenshiro.

”... I’ll help Ken.”

”I have an idea…” Selena looked up into the sky and saw the moon. She reached for Kari’s pistol and laid one finger on it, concentrating for a moment.

Suddenly, there were two Karis.

”Use your Abstraction to find their weaknesses,” she ordered the silent clone, before turning to the real one. ”She can’t speak but she can use your magic until she runs out of power. Anything she learns, you’ll learn. Let’s go.”

Kari ran back over and grabbed her Glock from the ground before returning to Selena… She gave her a wide, toothy grin as she said, ”... I was thinking something more along the lines of using this, but this works too!” Kari pointed at the Glock in her other hand.

Ken’s defensive sphere felt the force of impact from Mala’Boolaan’s attack, watching around himself as the ground buckled up around him. Rubble and debris filled the crater impact, forcing Ken to tighten the field around him in order to keep it strong enough to protect himself and the Emperor’s Tanto. Bursts of purple lightning sprung from the holes, phantom hands lashing out to search for anything substantial that could impact the demon from behind.

They grasped a pickup truck just as Mala’Boolaan hit the ground with a thud. The hands swung the pickup truck like a mace, but the sound of it skidding across the ground made the demonic Aberration look over his shoulder. He grinned as he exploded into fire.

“... CRUSH!”

He shouted at the top of his lungs as he cocked his fist back and punched the pickup truck. He turned into it, putting his entire body into the punch, and when it made contact, the pickup truck was shattered to pieces. He held the pose momentarily before letting out a guttural laugh.

“Me tired of this!” Mala’Boolaan reached forward, and grabbed… seemingly nothing. Yet, it felt like his hands were full as space and time warped around them. He groaned, as he began tearing reality in half… before he opened a portal, yet it was unrefined and looked less like a classical portal and more like a burning tear in reality. However, on the other end of this “tear” was a perfect shot at Kenshiro Murakin as Mala’Boolaan first launched himself through the portal shoulder first. He flew through the air like a meteor, leaving behind a trail of fire and brimstone as he cut through the air with the speed of a meteor.

A glowing net arced through the air, saving Kenshiro by flinging him out of the way of the ugly demon. It felt like being electrocuted, but he was on the ground and Mala’Boolaan was going past him.

”Watch your damn back!” Connor shouted, running forward with one of his Raptor drones. He held the Falling Glacier in his hands and hurled it like a javelin at the back of the demon’s skull.

Kenshiro had the good sense, while he was being flung, to release his defenses in a heavy wave of telekinetic energy. The bit of rubble that had been tightest to him launched itself like a cannonball, shredding apart as it breached the sound barrier on a collision course with the demons chasing Connor.

Coincidentally, the same surge blew away the net, leaving him free to redirect. His hands flicked together, and every bit of momentum he was carrying was dumped into the swap with the rubble. He was hurtling sword first toward Connor’s pursuers now, as if they swapped partners in a dance of death.

Mala’Boolan hit the ground hard enough to send a ripple through the earth; the building collapsed to bits. There was a loud growling as a torch pieced through the dust and smoke…. Mala’Boolaan stepped out of the smoke and stared at Connor. He raised both of his fists into the air.

“... Get out of my way!” Mala’Boolaan slammed his hands onto the street with such force that it caused an absolute chasm to form in a path straight underneath Connor’s feet. Not just that, it began glowing brightly with molten hot magma.

“Good grief!” Ignatius shouted; he quickly hopped to the top of the building and shouted, “Gomander! Get the machine!!”

“Yes, Ignatius!” Gomander flew through the earth, ignoring Kenshiro entirely as she came back up when Mala-Boolaan cracked the earth. Her target was Commander Sirus… and she dove at him, with her maws open and snapping as she tried to consume him.

“I guess all five of you are going to die here today!” Ignatius opened as he opened his mouth and spewed magma at Kenshiro.

”... Jesus Christ!” Kari said before pants as she had to take cover, she clutched her Glock tightly in her hands as she groaned. ”... Why wasn’t I gifted with Purple Lux?”

Kenshiro's stance, famed among the Palette Clans as the student of the Ten Ton Master, was famously defensive even among his peers. Anticipation and Excitement was built on the back of danger, and being directly in the thick of it was dangerous as Hell. Casting complex spells was difficult, but constantly channeling a protective barrier? As long as he was on edge, he could do it successfully.

So the lava spewing blasted against a wall of pressurized air, cooling into a blackrock facade and sloughing away just as fast as Ignatius could apply more.

Connor dodged _{because apparently Kenshiro didn’t block the one his writer was thinking of.} He withdrew Funnelweb from his caddie drone, and met back up with Kenshiro. ”We don’t need to kill that fucker,” He said, drawing a nuclear, glowing arrow from a quiver. ”We can make him do that for us.”

Sirus threw himself to the side to save himself from Gomander, and tossed the Zepyhyr knife at Ignatius. It flew far and steady, and he didn’t stop to see if it hit. It would come back.

He stood and raised his fists. ”Worm of Hell, I’ve stared down creatures greater than you before.”

Gomander didn’t respond as she simply charged Sirus, with her maws open and ready to close down and consume Sirus. Ignatius simply dodged the knife but sprayed magma directly onto it on its way back. He sinisterly grinned… Before his head darted to a car.

The car Kari was hiding behind, her eyes shot open before she pointed her glock at Ignatius and opened fire letting off a series of shots before Ignatius opened his mouth and sprayed magma in her direction.

“Weakling… hide behind shield!” Mala’Boolaan took steps towards the barrier Kenshiro erected; every step left burning hot magma in his wave. “Me… Need no shield… because nothing can stop me!” The air got hotter and hotter as Mala’Boolaan, got down on all fours and exploded into flames. Then, he launched himself at the barrier at blinding speeds, leaving behind a trail of fire and destruction.

”MOVE!”

Connor lunged for the floor, hoping the flaming giant would soar clean over him and Kenshiro.

Meanwhile, Sirus let Gomander swallow him whole. He had an idea, which seemed to involve the metal man being devoured by the giant worm. Little did Gomander know that Sirus had a trick up his sleeves. One that gave him the confidence to place himself between the jaws of a beast that could eat anything.

When she bit down to try and devour him, all she could taste was white hot fire. Yet, it didn’t affect her in the slightest as she crushed his mechanical body in her jaws. The various maws around her began laughing as she shouted.

“Idiot! Do you think you’re the first to try that?!” Gomander began laughing. “Or the last even?!”

Selena was nowhere to be found.

This was getting exhausting… But sustained Channeling was his bread and butter, and he had Tennogama's energy reserves. There were no warnings for him to stop, only a steady drumbeat and the chants of war he always heard… From the Other Side.
Kenshiro hadn't seen Kari since he challenged the Demon properly. He was anxious to catch a glimpse of her, and excited to honor her with triumph…

Anticipation built Purple Lux reserves. He was especially anxious of this working…
”Keep charging! I love a stupid enemy!”
Subtle force built directly across Bool's chest, forming a vest of force that threatened to pin the Demon's limbs to its sides. The time it took to make this happen was an eye's blink, and in the next instant, Ken flooded the vest with Telekinetic mass. Enough that Mala’Boolaan would hopefully slow down and begin to struggle with his trajectory.

Enough that he'd fight hard against the weight to maintain his course. So much so that as he got within a few arms lengths, and Kenshiro released all the weight, he'd unintentionally overshoot and spring himself high off course into the air. The very edge of the Emperor's Tanto slipped into the trajectory he imagined in hopes the beast would rake its belly across the blade.

Meanwhile, Kari screamed as she panicked, trying to escape the magma that came in her direction. She slipped and fell onto her hands and knees…

Purple Winds came from all directions, and right in front of Kari, Yoko appeared, donning a round and green shield, immediately, Yoko put the shield in front of her shield and then it expanded outwards. The magma that collided with the barrier landed uselessly against the ground and sizzled as Yoko backpedaled.

---

Breton - The Well

---

The sun had fully set when Yoko reached the lakeside again, alone this time. The fire still crackled faintly, its embers glowing in the dim light of the Sanctuary. It was silent, but the air was thick with the aftermath of her argument with Selena. Yoko stared at the lake’s reflection and how serene and undisturbed it was… but Yoko’s mind was everything but. The words from her conversation with Selena echoed in her head. Cruelty. Loss. Judgment. It all twisted inside her like a jagged knife. Yoko sat down in the seiza position on the lakeside…

She’d been holding onto so much for soooooo long. The guilt of not being there for Ella, the feeling of being a black sheep in her family, and the simmering resentment she harbored towards those who seemed to move forward while she remained in the past. Selena was right in her way - Yoko had chosen to stay, to wallow in her pain instead of confronting it. But she couldn’t just forget or simply move on like nothing happened.

After what felt like hours, Yoko stood, brushing the dirt from her pants. She couldn’t stay here forever. As peaceful as it was, the Hatanaka Sanctuary had become a place where her anger festered. She needed to leave. It was time to face the world outside again - time to return to where it all began.

The knife slid back into its sheath as Yoko stood up and walked towards the exit… She moved with purpose now, her mind made. The weight of her emotions wasn’t gone, but it no longer held her in place. She was going to face her past, not run from it. With a deep breath, Yoko left the Sanctuary behind, and the moment the doors closed behind her, she pulled out her Swift Scroll. Opening it, she recited the chant and was teleported to St. Portwell. Specifically…

The lair of the old Coven.

---

The winds of the Swift Scroll transported Yoko to the crumbling mansion the Old Coven used as a lair—supplied by Greyson; that place was a place of memories… just not fond ones. Unlike the others who were lost without the Old Coven, all they did was give her so much to forget. The likes of Leon and Ashey just compounded those feelings as she looked up at the mansion. She turned her back on the mansion, yet it felt like its broken windows were staring at her.

You're back.

Yoko never thought she’d return to this place. The haunting memories of the Old Coven twisted in her heart, mind, but also her soul. She promised herself she’d forget. Move on. But something always pulled her back. Maybe it was the need for closure. Or maybe the guilt. Whatever it was, she couldn’t resist the draw anymore. Her boots crunched on the debris as she walked past the wreckage of the mansion… The lair of the Old Coven, once teeming with life, camaraderie, and powerful magic, is now decayed, crumbled, and forgotten (As it should be.).

But it’s not the mansion she came for.

Yoko circled the mansion to the rear; that was where a beautiful flower field replaced the decrepit ruins of the mansion. Flowers of every color bloomed around her, startlingly contrasting the destruction around it. They seem too attractive for a place like this. It's almost out of place. She walked through this field, the experience serene and ethereal, until she walked over to the ancient, rotting tree.

Yoko stepped closer. Her fingers reach out to touch the bark. It’s still here.

Her gaze lowers, and the carvings catch her eye.

Letters.

To the untrained eye, it would seem like a mess of symbols - random scratches in the wood. But Yoko knows better. The Old Coven had always been secretive, encoding their final messages in these trees. The sacrifices they made, buried beneath layers of magic and time, are etched into the bark of this tree like a hidden eulogy. She traced the coded letters with her fingertips. They are more than names to Yoko - they are memories, lives lost, sacrifices made. The letters represent people who stood against the impossible, the unspeakable, and lost their lives.

MH AdAb - M. Chimera of the World Tree.
CB ROA - F. Red Panda of the Manchineel.
NT RA - M. Scarlet Ibis of the Manchineel.
CS RA - F. Robin of the Manchineel.

Yoko scanned the tree; her fingers and hands drifted to the bottom, where it was.

EB GORA - F. Sun Conure of the Manchineel

Yoko’s fingers trembled as she traced the letters. She sighed deeply as she knelt at the tree's base, surrounded by the flowers. It was Ella Brooks - Yoko's lost and dear friend. Ella had been a beacon of light amidst the darkness, her spirit as vibrant as the sun conure she was named after. Yoko can almost hear her laughter and see her bright smile. The loss is still fresh, the pain sharp. Yoko pressed her forehead against the base of the tree as she said,

”... Thank you, Ella,” Yoko’s voice cracked as she whispered. ”For everything.”

A tear fell onto the bark.

“Hey,” Lynn spoke as she took another step forward. Seeing something in the future often did little to prepare one to experience it in reality, and Lynn felt that in the moment as she intruded on a personal moment. “I am on my last day in town so I figured I’d stop by and see everyone again” Lynn paused as she took another few steps forward, “when I checked the future I saw that you’d be here too. Are you okay?”

Yoko’s tears dried. Like hell she was going to let her see her vulnerable. She hopped up to her feet and turned around. It was Serenelight… Kari’s ex. Yoko would be lying if she said if she was close to her. She wouldn’t let anyone - especially not Serenelight - see her like this. But as she turned towards Lynn, a weight on her chest refused to lift. She let out a slow, controlled breath, choosing her words carefully.

”I’m really not okay, American,” Yoko admitted, her voice tremoring a bit. ”But, I didn’t come here to be okay; I came here looking for answers.”

Yoko glanced back at the tree where Ella’s name was carved, then at the decaying mansion. There was that urge to push Lynn away, but strangely, she felt comfortable around her.

”I want to leave it all behind, forget it ever existed, American,” Yoko said with a solemn sigh. ”But, something won’t let me, and keeps pulling me back here.”

She paused, narrowing her eyes at Lynn,

”... And I need to know why. Something - anything - that will make sense.”

Lynn slowly moved her eyes towards the tree. She knew more about staying away from this spot. Regret, failure, and the memory of all those who died because of you. Lynn knew why it took so long to return, both to this memorial and to this town. Lynn also knew Yoko did not suffer from the same shortcomings. “I ask myself the opposite question,” Lynn paused as she turned her attention back to Yoko. “Do you want to forget, Yoko? Or do you want to be at peace?”

Yoko narrowed her eyes as she thought about it, ”... Wouldn’t that accomplish the same thing, American?” Yoko said as she climbed to her feet and opened her posture a bit as she faced Lynn.

”I want to know why I am still tethered to this pain, American. Why I can’t let go. I thought coming here would help but now I don't know.”

Yoko glanced at Ella’s code on the memorial before sighing, ”... So, if you have any insight. I am all ears, American.”

“Forgetting is easy. I do my best to forget. Your liver will hate you for it but I have just the elixir to help. But something tells me you don’t want to forget, don’t want to try and find that answer at the bottom of a bottle,”

Yoko couldn’t help but feel like Lynn was jabbing at her amazing alcohol tolerance. She turned her nose up momentarily before crossing her arms, hanging her head, and shaking it from left to right. Yoko raised her head, ”I don’t want to forget… Ella. I want to honor her memory. It’s what she deserves.”

She sighed yet again, her frustration bubbling, ”Yet, I’m feeling like I’m failing at that. How do I move forward without leaving her behind, American?”

“I don’t know if I have that answer,” Lynn paused as she took a couple steps closer, “I am the last of my bloodline. I carry that weight on my shoulders, and every day that passes I feel more and more like I’m failing my ancestors, you know? So I don’t know the answer to your question,” Lynn paused as her smile faltered, “I do know the burden of it. So. How do you keep on remembering her, and how do you honor her memory?”

“My memory of Ella is superficial at best. Can you tell me about her? Who was she to you?”

Yoko’s arms lowered as her posture softened… she sighed. She hadn’t expected Lynn’s words to resonate so profoundly. It was rare for anyone to understand the weight of carrying memories, let alone the struggle of keeping them alive. She bit her lip, trying to suppress the emotions rising within her.

”Ella…” Yoko said, playing with her hands. ”... Like Kari. She was kind to me when no one else was. There was a light in her, even when everything around us was falling apart. She made me laugh when I didn't think I could anymore. She had a way of seeing the good in people… Something I never experienced again but long for, American.”

Yoko grasped at her chest, sighing. ”And now, I don’t know how to honor her without feeling like I'm betraying her somehow by moving forward. What if I forget the way she made me feel? What if I lose that connection?”

Lynn remained silent for a minute as she contemplated the questions. “It’s been ten years now since she died, and you continue to honor her by cherishing her memories, visiting her here, and by remembering her as she was. The only thing you could do more than you already have is to embody her in your actions, you know?”

”Elaborate,” Yoko raised an eyebrow.

“See the good in others, for starters,” Lynn said as she smirked, “embody the best qualities of Ella in your actions, have that part of her live on through you, and have that be a way you honor her memory.”

Yoko stared at Lynn for a long moment, letting the words sink in. Embodying Ella’s best qualities - was that the answer? It seemed simple, but somehow, it felt like the most challenging thing she could ever attempt.

”You make it sound easy, American,” Yoko turned away from Lynn. ”After it all… I find it hard to find to see the world the way she saw it.” Her gaze drifted back to the tree.

”... And if I fail, American? If I try and just can’t live up to the impossible standard she set for me?” Yoko asked, though her tone seemed less of her talking to Lynn and making it vague if she was even referring to herself.

”Would Ella be mad that you failed or would she be happy that you keep trying?”

”I just… I don't know if I can be that person, American. The world feels so heavy, and I feel so small,” Yoko’s heart raced at the question, a wave of emotions crashing over her. She bit her lip, staring at the tree, at the name carved into its bark - Ella, forever etched in her memory. ”Ella wouldn’t have wanted me to stay stuck. She wanted me to live, to fight for the good, even when it felt impossible. She believed in me... even when I didn’t believe in myself.”

Yoko sighed, looked over her shoulder at Lynn, ”Maybe… Maybe it’s not about living up to an impossible standard. I don’t necessarily have to be her.”

Yoko closed her eyes, ”I don’t want to forget her. But I can let go of the fear of not being enough. Even if it's hard, I can try to see the world through her lens.”

”Good. And if you fall, or fail, take a page from her book and make sure you surround yourself with people who will pick you back up. Beneath the rough, coarse exterior there’s a likable person. Remember that.”

”You know, American, I’ve always thought I had to bear this alone. But maybe Ella wouldn’t have wanted that. She surrounded herself with light and love. I realize now that I can do the same. I don’t have to be perfect; I just need to try to honor her by being kind, just like she was.” As Yoko spoke, a warm smile crept across her face.

”I like the sound of that,” Lynn paused as she looked at the names on the tree. Even from this distance she could read several names belonging to people she had indirectly killed. Maybe one day she’d be willing to be open about their deaths, but today was not that day. ”I don’t need to see the future to know that you’ll make Ella proud.”

Yoko couldn’t help but smile. Then it hit her.

”... You said you saw me in the future, American?” Yoko asked.

”I did, yeah. I tend to look ahead when I come to places like this. I saw you as you were before I walked up, and stopped looking from there.”

”I need your help, American, you are aware my brother is missing, yes?” Yoko said. ”I can’t find him. Wilson cannot find him. I need you to look into the future for my brother. So I can find him and save him if necessary.”

Lynn was surprised. She had thought most of the coven thought she was unreliable, inaccurate, and at the very least just above worthless. This was a welcome change to that narrative.

”Of course. As a refresher on my skills the near future is mostly clear, the future beyond is less so.”. Lynn’s eyes flashed green and she departed for the possible future. There were many ways she searched for answers, from simply asking people to having Yoko tag along to threaten people. Eventually, she was unable to determine where he is but was able to figure out where he was. ”I don’t see where he is,” Lynn spoke after her eyes went back to normal, ”I did see that he may have been in search of the Aberration Killer and went to New York. Nothing guaranteed but it’s what I was able to gather.”

”New York…” Yoko mused out loud. ”Thank you Amer- Serenelight. I will repay you for this kindness eventually.”

”One more thing. In these futures Kari was in danger in a place called Mirage Springs. I don’t have specifics but it was common. I think there’s some truth to these futures.”

Yoko narrowed her eyes.

”Why is Wilson in Mirage Springs?” Yoko then tilted her head, ”What the hell is Mirage Springs? Actually, I’ll ask her!” Yoko pulled out her cellphone, before calling Kari.

No answer.

Yoko pulled Kari’s Wayfinder out of her pocket. She pressed the central gem and zoomed in, and it was in Nevada. ”Hmmm…” Yoko groaned, before she turned to face Lynn.

”... I’ll trust your visions this time, Serenelight,” Yoko started, ”I hope I will not be too late.”

”You won’t be,” Lynn said with a smile, ”I know it. If you need any help with this you can always give me a call.”

”I will, Serenelight,” Yoko put the Wayfinder away and pulled out one of the Swift Scrolls - since she carried several on her, she was able to bypass the cooldown. She recited the chant before she was carried away by purple winds back to Japan.

---

Yoko pushed open the doors to the Hatanaka Sanctuary’s artifact supply… which was relatively empty save for the artifacts that Goro either made or recovered. There were no valuable or powerful artifacts that Yoko could utilize in a fight! As she ran through Goro’s collection… her eyes landed on something, and she grinned.

---

Ignatius narrowed his eyes and growled…

“... And the freaks keep coming!”

The Wall of Defiance went back to its normal size… Yoko kept a stern look on her face as she examined the chaos around her. Only to mutter to herself...

^{”Of course the inbred couldn’t protect you...”}

”What’d you say?” Kari said as she climbed to her feet.

”... I need to thank Serenelight when we get back,” Yoko backpedaled herself.

”Yeah, um,” Kari laughed. ”Thank you so much, Yoko!” Kari said as she hugged Yoko, then whispered in her ear.

”... We need to go; these three are just stalling,” Kari began. ”There’s like a small army coming right on top of us….”

Kari snickered.
”... And not in a fun way.”

”Ugh, Wilson! That’s- I mean-” Yoko loudly gagged.

Piercing Silence (Remastered) - Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin<br>

The ground underneath them trembled… the Wall of Defiance, typically invincible, began to rumble in her hand. Yoko’s expression turned towards the center of their “battlefield” as massive cracks formed in the ground. The earth tore itself apart as a colossal demon broke free from the soil. It let out a massive roar as molten lava sprayed in all directions. In the blink of an eye, Sheer’Khan appeared before the creature.

Then, he scratched his head.

“You told me to do something,” Sheer’Khan said to Ignatius. “So I did.”

Ignatius’s face contorted into a grin.

“... There are more on the way,” Sheer’Khan laughed.

”Ooooooooh….” Kari stared up at the creature in awe. ”... Yeah, that’s not good.”

Deep inside Gomander’s stomach, Sirus tore away at flesh and bone. His exterior shell had been scraped and gouged to hell, but the mechanical man was still going despite it all. Like a mole burrowing through soft soil, Sirus had taken to attacking the beast from a place it could not chew away at, and escape in the process.

A rime grenade was hurled over the chasm, at demons spewing out. Connor ran forward and fired the Black Anvil over his shoulder to explode a clump of them.

”Sirus is on another one of his glory missions,” Connor growled, stopping next to Kari and Yoko as his weapon began charging up again.

”That gigantic fucking worm. He jumped into its mouth with a grenade, I wish he’d fucking hurry and get on with it- I’m running low, and my drones are slowing down.” he pulled out his Inferno Blade. ”Any of you got an easy way out of here?”

Kari just shrugged at Connor.

”Babe teleports us all back to St. Portwell,” Kari suggested. ”Or Yoko teleports us away on a swift scroll… You brought another, right?”
”Of course, I have three,” Yoko said with a roll of her eyes.

”So, yes we have an easy way out,” Kari said.

”We can take them all on,” Yoko nodded her head.

”Brooo, Yoko… it hasn’t been a week and you got-”

Clones of Selena pranced through the air, hurling a barrage of Shooting Stars at from various angles as they constantly flickered in and out of existence. They weren’t so worried about actually taking Ignatius out, but wanted to distract him.

All while the real Selena appeared behind Kenshiro, firing her Vitrify spell into the ground to make a glassy barricade that they could benefit from.

”What were those two idiots thinking, getting into a fight like this?!” She balked. ”We need to leave.”

“... You’re not going anywhere!” Ignatius shouted, before turning towards his minions, “You idiots! Stop acting like cannon fodder before I subjugate you all to a fate worse than what these ‘casters’ are capable of!”

“Yes, Ignatius!” Gomander shouted, before charging towards Kenshiro and Selena with her jaws open and snapping. Meanwhile, Sheer’Khan appeared right at the barrier, and raised his fists over his head and brought them down with insane amounts of force.

The colossal beast marched forward towards Kari, Connor, and Yoko, and every step shook the earth… However, Ignatius turned towards Mala’Boolaan,

“Kill the girl, Mala,” Ignatius said, “If they are so obsessed with saving the boy, they can go down with him!”

Mala’Boolaan growled, before he charged at the three.

”The hammer,” Connor commanded, as his caddie drone expelled a sledgehammer. Connor caught it and swung the head into the ground with one hand. The concrete ripped forward in waves, like water, and rose up in front of the demon. A wall of rock and stone, to slow him down or stop him.

And then Connor started running in a different direction.

Ken looked more froglike than ever as Selena Vitrified their surroundings.
”Tell that to this motherfucker!”
As he spoke, Gomander’s jaws were snapping in, and Sheer’Khan was launching a simultaneous strike. Ripples in the very gravity around him spoke of their motions, and all he had time to do was grab around Selena and increase their weight. In a flash, the two were approaching the ground faster than either demon could get ahold of them; until they hit the ground, at least… Crashing into the rippling waves of the roadway caused by Connor’s hammer, Ken took the chance to dive underneath like a mouse into a burrow.

His forceful barrier of the Ten Ton stance held a small pocket open safely for Selena.
”Come on! Come, come!”

Selena did as she was told.

Black smoke bellowed from one of Gomander’s jaws as Sirus found his way out through one of her many faces, falling out of the air and hitting the ground with a thud.

He was fine. His plating was scratched and torn to hell, but the metal man lived. He had torn his way through Gomander’s stomach and miraculously found a way out. And he started running towards the other.

”I got what I came for,” Connor growled in Yoko’s direction. ”I’m fucking leaving.”

Yoko narrowed her eyes at Connor, ”Then go. I came for Wilson, not you, or the drama that comes with you.”

There was a sphere of ground that was rushing toward the group at high speed, bursting as it got closer to reveal Kenshiro telekinetically hoisting Selena so she’d be able to keep up with him. They burst from the ground, and Ken sent them back into the air for a quick scan like a dolphin breaching the ocean.
The claws built into his shoes scraped across the ground as he came back down to deposit Selena.

”Hah, funny… I’m sure you’d love for her to come for you too, Flatlander…”
He was like a frog-human bruise. The impacts and every bit of combat still transferred to his body vaguely, breaking blood cells at the surface of his skin constantly.
”Now, I believe we came for you, Connor. So, unless Kari says otherwise, you should probably come with us.”

Kari turned towards Ken with pleading eyes, then Connor, followed by a sigh. ”If you come, you come. If you don’t, you don’t. We have to go either way.” Kari said to Connor.
Ken wasted no time pulling her close in a protective manner.
”Fine, fine. Let's go then!”

”Yeah. Fine- Sirus!” He ran closer, and all of Connor’s machine minions fell in.

”Take us away from here!” The metal man shouted, closing the distance. He turned around and anticipated that someone was right behind them… Mala’Boolaan, charging at them like a rocket. However, Yoko braced for the attack by placing the Wall of Defiance between them. The round shield stretched outwards and the excess flames blew in every direction but theirs.

Ken stared up at Mala’Boolaan one last time, laughing as the Emperor’s Tanto slipped from its sheath. Still holding a tremendous amount of Purple Lux within it, calling a pathway door was simple…
In the blink of an eye, he raked the sword across the ground, splitting it open and letting the door form under their feet. At the last moment, the Path opened, letting the entire group fall into it like a trap door.

The last thing any of them saw from that location was Mala’s fist and flames, then the door snapped shut and disappeared. Finally Ken could disconnect from the Tanto, causing a burst of Purple that transferred directly into kinetic energy that blasted a massive hole through the surrounding bamboo forest.
It was only a short walk back to St. Portwell; back to the basement of the little tea shop. The permanent door there to the Paths was originally placed thousands of years prior, and was resurfaced during the construction of the building many years later…

It was where the Palette Clan had made first contact in St. Portwell. And the owners were somewhat used to Ken passing in and out, so much so that they’d taken to leaving the back entrance of the basement open for him to come and go.
Stepping into the calm dark of that basement was a sigh of relief. Home.
”Well shit… That was… Kind of fun?” he laughed

”… Lord, I ain’t built for that!” Kari laughed.

Yoko rolled her eyes, ”… Who the hell were those things and why were you in Mirage Springs of all places?”

”Tooooooooo get you help!” Kari grandly said, giving Yoko a toothy smile.

And Yoko just rolled her eyes again.

”Keep rolling those spheres, Yoko… Hopefully they unscrew from your head: What the Hell were you doing anyway, trying to be some hero? We were fine.” Ken grunted, starting to make for the exit. The family even kept a box of water bottles next to the door for him. Instinctually, he grabbed one and started chugging.

Yoko pointed a finger at Ken before Connor spoke.

”We were fine, before all of you showed up and led more of them to us,” Connor said while wiping demon blood from his weapons. ”What the hell did any of you want with us in the first place?”

”C’mon you three…” Kari’s smile went flat as she rolled her eyes. Before turning to Connor. ”I wanted to ask you for your help, Connor.”

”And we really didn’t expect you to be in the middle of a full scale battle against the forces of evil…” Ken added with something of a chuckle.

”I haven’t seen any of you in, what is it, seven years now? Eight? You couldn’t just ask Sirus over the phone with that white Lux of yours?” Sirus was, currently, standing by the wall and tending to weary drones.

”… Okay it’s over and done with! We came over, we helped, there is nothing we can do about it!” Kari said, hiding her exasperation behind a chipper smile. And then she stared at Connor for a few moments. ”Connor - and I guess your robot buddy - do you mind helping Yoko and Selena on their grand quest to find Yoko’s brother and find her family’s artifacts?”

”Hey now!” Yoko protested, ”I didn’t even ask for Phoenix’s help! Now you want to volunteer people, Wilson?”

Yoko narrowed her eyes, ”You are making me seem incapable of fulfilling my grandfather’s request.”

”Alone, maybe, but-“

”I could never turn down a chance to help an old friend,” Sirus would’ve smiled if he had a mouth. ”What has Goro Hatanaka gotten himself into?”

”I like to think he’s just trying to stay away from Yoko, but…” Ken’s sarcasm slithered out of his mouth, and his expression was equal parts devious and surprised.

Yoko immediately aimed the edges of the Wall of Defiance at Kenshiro. The edges glew for a moment before she said in plain English, ”Inbred, I would suggest your mouth remains shut from here on in.”

Selena sighed. ”He’s missing. None of us have a clue where he is.”

”And you want us to help you with that… In what way, exactly? I’m not exactly a private investigator.”

_{”Well, we certainly aren’t interested in your knack for conflict resolution-“}

”What was that?”

”Oh, nothing.”

”Incorrect, Phoenix,” Yoko said, lowering the Wall of Defiance as everyone’s attention turned towards her. She sighed as she said, ”I spoke with Serenelight. She said he was in New York to look for the Aberration Killer..”

”New York City? New York State…?” Kari asked.

”We’ll find out,” Yoko said with a nod, before she rotated towards Connor. ”Help or don’t help-” Yoko sighed, remembering her talk with Lynn.

”… I would be most gracious if you helped me find my brother,” Yoko said, her voice strained as if this behavior was alien to her. ”I don’t quite remember you? Have we met?” Then turned towards the robot.

”I will say that is impressive.”

”I made a sword with your brother once.”

”The only time she’s graceful is getting something she wants…” Ken muttered under his breath.

”I am Sirus. Connor created me, we were members of the Sycamore Tree Coven when the rest of you were children.” The machine seemed surprisingly dignified for an Abominable that was visible roughed up to hell and back. ”My time was often spent between the battlefield and the medical wings, I do not believe you were often found in either of those places.”

Yoko sighed as his statement stung a lot more than he thought, she closed her eyes as she said, ”… Because I was in neither of those places,” Yoko admitted. ”I was in the rear, typically with Wilson, boosting the abstractions of the heavy hitters such as Phoenix-Prescott, Carson, and Blackmore.”

”And we won, thanks to everyone and their collective efforts. We will help you find your brother, wherever he has gone.”

He turned and looked at Connor. ”Won’t we?”

”Sure. Don’t see why not.”

Ken shook his head.
”Kari? I’m headed home, if we’re all done… I’m getting a weird feeling from all the navel gazing.”

”The what?”

As if we want you here, Inbred,”” Yoko spat at Ken in Japanese.

”Yeah, you’re good,” Kari laughed. ”Does anyone else need me?”

”I’m sure we are fine on our own…” Yoko glanced at Connor; then Sirus, then Selena. ”… Right?”

As Ken started up the little staircase that led out of the basement, he turned and cleared his throat.
”Well, don’t fuckin’ stick around too long: The Deng family is gracious enough keeping this door active, I don’t want Mr. Deng showing up to open things and finding a group of magical hoodlums fucking in his basement.”
His hand reached for Kari’s, intending to leave for good.

”… Unlike you, we have resp-” Yoko hissed, before getting cut off by Kari.

”Juuuuuuuuust go!” Kari sighed, pinching her nose. She lazily reached out and grabbed Kenshiro’s hand.

”Where the fuck are we, again?”

”St. Portwell, the magical anus of America,” Yoko said completely monotonously. ”Is there anything you three need? I may visit Serenelight.”

”You gotta be fucking ki-“

Evelyn Serenelight?” Sirus asked. ”She is here in town? I may just pay her a visit as well.”

”Who else could it be?” Yoko cracked him a wry grin in response.

”I wouldn’t know. That is why I asked.”

Yoko just shrugged, before she gestured for them to come along. ”Let’s go, before that inbred has a conniption.”

That was when Yoko led her merry band out.

Paragraphs: Dragon Dance [Blizz & Mixtape Ghost Note]

---

After that party, Selena and Yoko returned to the Hatanaka Sanctuary. Yoko led her across the bridge, up into the courtyard that led into the main entrance. Yoko paused for a moment, turning slightly over her shoulder,

”American,” Yoko began, ”I am going to take you into the Hatanaka Archive. Where all the Hatanaka spell-scrolls are kept.”

Yoko paused, ”These spells are incredibly valuable and powerful spells that many would kill to be taught.” Yoko began, ”I can trust you not to try and make off with one of these scrolls, correct, American?”

Selena followed her quietly, hands folded behind her. ”Of course. I can assume that there would be nowhere to run if I did.”

”... There really wouldn’t be,” Yoko said, nodding her head before she walked across the bridge. Before entering the castle and walking through the halls of the castle - the shadowy creatures quietly trailed behind them but Yoko didn't pay them any mind.

Eventually they made it to another door with various Kanji… Yoko pressed the ones representing Honor, Knowledge, and Wisdom. With each tap of the symbols, the kanji began glowing and then the doors slid open.

Stepping inside, there was a library of various shelves with spellbooks, organized by the three Hatanaka Disciplines, and other spells they collected over the years. Each scroll was a spell, organized by how difficult they would be to learn. Yoko stepped in, rubbing her chin as she knew she was going to be here for a while.

Yoko gestured for Selena to come along as she strolled through the hundreds of spells in the Hatanaka ritual discipline. Her fingers traced over some of the spells, before one caught her eye (Eternal Binding). She grabbed it, dramatically opened the scroll, and examined the contents.

”Eternal Binding…” Yoko read the name before she explained what it does, ”Orange-Lux boosted sealing ritual…”

Yoko narrowed her eyes, ”This would have been useful, ten years ago.”

”Was it left here for a reason? How is it performed?” Selena asked, keeping close to Yoko.

”It's left here because it's a Hatanaka spell,” Yoko rolled her eyes, ”You draw kanji on the ground, you place four objects at each cardinal point, and then you recite a chant. It can seal stronger Apparitions without having to weaken them all the way.”

Selena nodded. ”What objects? And how much space does the spell permit before it fails? Is it only orange Lux?”
Selena was quite curious now.

”According to this, it can be any, a small space, and yes,” Yoko concisely answered. ”This could be helpful… But not against that bastard Enzo.”

”If you want my honest opinion, Yoko… I wouldn’t worry about Enzo for now. There are still plenty of other artifacts to recover, there may be one that can disrupt his magic.”

Yoko grumbled underneath her breath, before she said, ”Or a spell to decapitate him before he gets a chance to realize what happened.” Yoko placed the scroll back, before saying, ”I’m going to learn that one later, I feel like it’ll come in handy.”

Yoko then moved from the rituals, all the way over to the Armanant discipline. Much like the Rituals, there were thousands of different scrolls organized by difficulty. Yoko’s hand traced over the spells, up until she saw one that caught her eye.

Block.

Yoko grabbed it, and opened it… Before she turned to Selena. ”Let’s head to the training yard.”

A short walk later, Yoko was in the training yard… Which was an elevated stone platform that used to be full of life ages ago. Only to be empty, cold, and lifeless. Yoko walked up to the middle of the field, before pointing at Selena to get in front of her, and examined the scroll again.

ARMANANT BLOCK

purpose: to strengthen the body and soul, to stand firm against the trials of battle, shielding oneself from blade and sorcery alike

i. preparation
before invoking the spell, stand with feet grounded, firm as the mountains. clear your mind of doubt and let your spirit be as calm as still water.

ii. summoning the aura
with a deep breath, feel the energy within your core. let it rise and expand, forming an invisible armor around your body and the weapon in your hand. this aura shall become your shield, impenetrable as iron.

iii. immobility
once the shield is formed, remain unmoving, like the ancient trees of the forest. the block demands stillness. no attack can breach it, yet while the shield endures, you cannot strike.

iv. ending the spell
when the danger has passed, release the aura with a slow breath. return to the flow of the battle, your spirit renewed.

Block Scroll

Yoko studied the scroll carefully, her eyes narrowing as she took in each step. She muttered, ”Grounded as the mountains, still as the water…” She planted her feet firmly on the cold stone, taking a deep breath. Closing her eyes, she focused on the energy within, visualizing it spreading across her body like armor.

The Orange-Lux flowed into her body and clothes, and formed an armor. Her body tensed as she forced herself to remain still, resisting the urge to move. Frustration creeped in as the strain built in her legs. Sweat formed on her brow as she held her stance…

”Hit me with a spell, American,”

Selena nodded, and shot Yoko with a Celestial Spear. It was her anti-Emotional Field spell, so surely this would be a good test for a spell designed to block something. Yoko closed her eyes right before it hit her… Seemingly doing nothing.

Yoko exhaled.

”... Something else, American.”

Selena fired off a set of Shooting Stars, this time. Minor spells, but a sustained barrage that could theoretically wear someone down. Much like the spear, they functionally bounced off Yoko. She exhaled, before she said,

”Thank you, American,” Yoko began, ”However I feel I need to get familiar with it… How about a spar, American?”

Selena blinked. ”...If you insist. Will you be using that spell throughout it?” She asked, as a mix of red and purple Lux swelled around her.

”Naturally, American, the point is familiarization - but hold on,” Yoko said, before she disappeared into the halls of the Hatanaka Castle… Reappearing a few minutes later wielding a wooden Bo staff. She gave it a few twirls over her head before assuming a fighting position.

”Time to show you why I am the greatest Hatanaka, American,”

Selena chuckled. And she moved into a fighting stance that… Didn’t imply it was made for close fights. ”I’m sure Goro will be thrilled to hear that.”

Yoko cracked a smile.

”... I bet he would, American,” Yoko proudly said, ”Now come at me with everything you have! I can withstand it!”

”...As you wish.”

Selena’s opening move was the Glass Wave spell, meant to yeet the shit out of Yoko and send her flying with a blast of telekinetic force. Yoko raised her staff in a defensive position and blocked it.

She quickly came in and swung the staff at Selena.

Selena jumped into the air, going high overhead and peppering her from above with Shooting Stars. As she came back down, her Lux formed in a swirling ball of energy in the other hand, and she hurled it at Yoko.

Yoko blocked.

It did chip damage.

”Come down here, American!”Yoko shouted, ”I can’t hit you with my stick if you’re up there!”

”Exactly,” Selena teased, in a singsong voice. ”I fight at range, Yoko. You don’t. Though, I could always try something more hands-on, if you want me to go easy on you?”

Yoko deviously grinned.

”... Don’t insult me, American!”

”Have it your way…” As Selena finished her sentence, the sky spilled open. Glowing white meteors started raining down around them both. With each one that struck the ground, a bit of crystal was left behind.

”Behold, the Cosmic Hailstorm!”

”... Impressive!” Yoko shouted as she cast Extend on the Bo staff, causing it to stretch out several meters. Then applied Absorption as she spun the staff in the air, causing any meteors that hit it to be absorbed - however it only managed to absorb three before it hit capacity.

Selena dropped to the ground, landing on her feet while crystal fell all around them. She wasn’t a long endurance fighter. In fact, this spell was only making her fight worse. The meteor shower ceased, and now the ground was covered in a minefield of shiny rocks…

And the ones nearest Yoko exploded…

”... GOT YOU NOW, AMERICAN!” Yoko said as she raised the bo-staff over head, leaping at Selena.

… Not that Yoko noticed.

When it exploded, it launched Yoko aside, hitting the ground with a thud. The staff landed next to her.

Selena could not help but smirk at Yoko. ”I’m almost certain that the “greatest Hatanaka” would have looked before she leapt. If only we could speak to her,” She teased, sauntering through the crystal field with brazen whimsy.

Selena flicked her wrist, and more crystals exploded near Yoko. It exploded again, but Yoko curled up and took a defensive position as she activated Block again. The exploding crystals merely pushed her aside as it did chip damage.

Selena stood her ground, and used Chromatic Clairvoyance to get a sense for how that spell was working. Her vision lit up with red colors, denoting all the red Lux covering the ground.

”If you plan to stay still, that can be arranged to,” she teased, reading the Vitrify spell. Yoko grinned as she hopped to her feet, with the staff firmly pressed against the ground. It extended, launching her towards Selena, and swung it mid air.

That was what Selena expected. She saw the Lux condense into the staff, so she was ready when Yoko went forward. Selena simply ducked, pointed her palm skyward, and fired off a Glass Wave. Between Yoko’s momentum and the telekinetic force, Selena felt sure she’d be fine.

Yoko screamed as she was launched through the air. She came to a stop with a few rolls, before she quickly hopped to her feet.

”... You’re pretty good.” Yoko said.

Selena blinked her spell away from her eyes, having a good feeling of how Yoko used her magic. ”Classical training has a way of bringing the best out of a person.” She could feel her Lux complaining already.

”Now what, Yoko?”

”... Let’s eat!” Yoko was starving. ”We can return to Shimmer, or we can catch something here!” Yoko smiled at Selena.

”Here? In the sanctuary?” Selena’s eyes widen. ”Well, now I’m curious.”

There are monsters! And fish the size of semi-trucks!”” Yoko proudly said, and waved her hand in astonishment.

”…Alright. How do you intend to eat them?”

Yoko opened her mouth then pointed at it, ”... With my mouth!” Yoko then asked, ”You ask a lot of questions, you know that, American?”

Selena rolled her eyes. ”Of course I do. I don’t think monsters and fish are going to just let you eat them. You’re so short, they’d swallow you whole.”

”Oh lord, American!” Yoko rolled her eyes and gestured towards the door. ”Let me show you how to catch them! And stop asking a trillion questions!”

”Alright, alright, show me.”

Yoko grinned at Selena, silently gesturing for the girl to come along and turning on her heel and striding confidently toward the sanctuary's exit. Yoko led the way through stone paths as the sound of distant waterfalls grew louder with each step. As they neared the lakes, the landscape opened up to reveal shimmering waters stretching out before them. Yoko stepped in front of Selena and pointed, saying,

”... See?” Yoko pointed proudly toward the water. Massive koi fish swam just beneath the surface… and some were large as boats. Yoko walked over to the edge of the water, and knelt down, and splashed it a bit with her hand. ”Hope you’re ready to catch them…”

Then that grin widened as she said,

”... Without magic.”

”Are you? This was your idea, Yoko,” she commented, walking onto one of the boats. Those were some pretty big fish, and Selena wasn’t exactly built to wrestle a monster.

Yet Yoko’s grin widened as she stood up, and rolled her sleeves up. She gave the staff a quick spin before planting it firmly in the ground beside her, and eyed the koi fish just beneath the surface.

”I’ll show you how it’s done… American.”

Yoko raised the bo staff above her head, timing it perfectly as one of the larger koi swam closer to the surface. With a swift, precise strike, she thrust the staff into the water, aiming for a vulnerable spot just behind the massive creature’s head. The staff connected with a thud, and the water erupted as the fish thrashed in response. Digging her heels into the dirt, Yoko gripped the staff tightly as the koi’s immense strength pulled against her.

”... C’mon!” Shouted Yoko as she used all of her strength to haul the creature towards the sword. With a final tug, she dragged the massive fish out of the water and onto the shore and took a step back, wiping the water from her face with a satisfied smirk.

”How was that, American?”

Selena crossed her arms, resting up against the edge of the boat. ”And you did that… Without magic? I can see Lux, you know.”

Yoko firmly planted the bo-staff into the ground next to her, and kept her grip on it tight as she grinned ear to ear. ”... Then tell me how much Lux I used, then? Not a whole lot I guess.”

Selena’s eyes turned smokey white for a moment. ”Enough to safely say you used you cheated and cast a spell on your staff."

”I did not!” Yoko said. ”What spell did I use then?!”

”Your toughness spell, the one you use to break rocks and bricks with that stick of yours. Obviously. I don’t know what you named it.”

”Hmph, you’re no Wilson,” Yoko said with a roll of her eyes. ”You’re only jealous I could do it without magic!” Yoko gave her a toothy grin.

”Then why didn’t you?” She countered. ”I know what I saw. You’re too short for it.”

”... ‘You’re too short for it!’” Yoko (childishly) mocked Selena, rocking her head back and fourth and sticking her tongue out. ”Good grief, American! I’m not like Hawthorne or those other Coven upstarts who can’t so much as breathe without magic.” She rolled her eyes.

”You know, for awhile I didn’t even want anything to do with magic.”

Selena blinked. ”I remember. You hated it, but Goro was always the one who cared about it. So you learned out of need, when we are young.”

”Though, I do regret my previous mindset,” Yoko said, briefly Ella entered her thoughts, but that was not a subject Yoko opened up about willy nilly. Only Wilson knew about her mild survivor’s guilt. ”I could have done a lot of good, but like Wilson says, we cannot change the past…”

”We don’t always need to. You still did your best, and Goro will be proud when we find him. That is the important part, isn’t it?”

Yoko sighed, ”I guess...” Yoko then looked down at the fish and gave Selena a toothy smile. ”... Speaking of the future, do you have any spells that can cook this fish for us? Or can you just chuck it back into the water?”

Selena narrowed her eyes. ”I thought you’d have a way to cook it, since this was your idea, Yoko.”

”I do,” Yoko said, ”I’m just lazy.” She gave Selena a toothy grin.

Selena sighed. ”We can cook the fish together, then. Now, how do we get back to dry land?”

Yoko looked down at the ground that they were stepping on. Staring at it intently, before looking up at Selena.

”... What do you think we’re standing on?!”

”That was a joke, Hatanaka.”

Yoko facepalmed.

---

The sun had begun to set in the Hatanaka Sanctuary. The lakeside where Yoko lied against the boat had a golden glow. Yoko had set up a camp fire in front of herself and Selena… She took a deep breath, savoring the moment before pulling a knife from her belt. ”Time to show you how a real chef does it.”

Yoko made the first cut. The blade slid effortlessly through the fish’s flesh, her hands steady as she worked. She liked this - the simplicity of it. No magic. No distractions. Just her, a knife, and the fish. It reminded her of a time before all the chaos, when she could lose herself in something as basic as preparing a meal. Her thoughts wandered briefly to Selena who was nearby watching. Yoko could feel her gaze without looking up.

Eventually, Yoko placed the cut piece of fish onto a stick, and allowed it to cook on the fire. Yoko leaned back, watching as the fish began to sizzle.

“You know,” Yoko began, casually poking at the fire with another stick, “There’s something about cooking like this that feels... right, American. Like the old days. No magic, no noise. Just... peace.”

Selena had been quiet, letting Yoko just work in peace. She hadn’t seen her be this mellow since they reunited. Peace was a funny thing, really. ”What old days? They were always chaotic.”

"... You just can’t let me have a moment, can you, American?" Yoko said with a roll of her eyes.

”We are having a moment, Yoko. But we never had moments of peace. They were always too tense,” She nudged a twig into the fire. ”It wasn’t meant to be anything more.”

Yoko scoffed, ”Tense? Maybe for you, American. I remember plenty of moments that were just... quiet.” She glanced at Selena briefly, then back to the fire. "Maybe you were too wrapped up in your own world to notice."

She watched the fish cook, then continued, "You don’t always have to dissect everything, American. Sometimes things just... are." Yoko sighed.

"... But I guess you wouldn’t get that."

”I “got it” better than most children our age, actually,” Selena rolled her eyes. ”My “own world” was the same as yours after I left home. Some things just are too chaotic. Too tense. Too cruel.”

“The same as yours’” Yoko muttered, “Cruel, huh? You don’t know the half of it, Selena.” She said as she climbed to her feet.

”You had your moments, you got to be in the fight. You got to do something, American. I…” Yoko damn-near had to resist hissing out the words, ”... Stood on the sidelines.”

Yoko stared at Selena, as she asked the question,

”... Do you remember Ella by chance?”

”Of course I do. She died. So did Saskia, and Reza, and many others. Why?”
”I wasn’t there,” Yoko hissed, ”Nowhere near it, I wasn’t fighting. I wasn’t saving anyone. I wasn’t there. And now she’s gone. And I can only help but feel like it was my fault.”

Yoko huffed,

”... So, don’t tell me what’s cruel. Wasn’t chaotic. What’s tense.”

”You chose that. And at least you could actually choose where you were. You could’ve come home, and been with your family. I couldn’t.”

”What family?” Yoko rolled her eyes. ”You don’t know me, Phoenix.”

Somehow, Yoko referring to Selena by her actual name struck like a bolt of lightning.

”Me? I’m the black sheep. Nobody in my family wants me around - matter fact! Why the fuck do you think I was in America in the first place?!” Yoko hissed, her face turning red as her mood went more and more up.

”... Guess, Phoenix. C’mon, guess.”

”Because, Yoko, you only thought you were dead to your family. Goro loved you,” she stated, firmly and cold as ice. ”You actually had someone in your life who deserved to take up space in it. You had someone waiting for you after we saved the world. You had a future. The fact that we’re in this sanctuary proves that. Do you think you’re the only one who was disowned by powerful Adepts? Your story isn’t unique.”

”I thought I was dead to them because they made me feel like it,” Yoko hissed, ”You talk about choices and cruelty as if you know half of it! You’re just a cold bitch hiding behind in your own made up world! You never knew what it was like to lose anybody! Never knew what it felt like to do anything other than delude yourself into believing you’re more important than you really are!”

Selena leaned forward, quiet like the grave and scowling like the devil.

”Do you have any idea how many years I’ve spent running from my family, Yoko? How many people I’ve lost by abandoning them for their own good?” she hissed. ”Can you even hope to understand how many times I’ve barely escaped assassination because of the secrets I stole when I fled my home? You’ve never felt what it’s like to be forced to be an adult so quickly compared to others. So don’t you dare pretend you know the first thing about cruelty, when you’re so fortunate that the worst you’ve gotten from your family is a cold shoulder.”

Crystalline glass started creeping outwards across the ground where Selena sat.

”The fact you believe you have the right to lecture me about cruelty and hardship proves my point exactly,” Yoko hissed, barely containing her anger before just letting it out, ”I’m not trying to diminish or say I even understand your suffering, but don’t you dare act like you’re the only one that has to deal with pain! You never had to stand by as someone you care about die as you because you weren’t good enough to be there for them!”

She took a step forward, “I lost Ella, and now I’m stuck with nothing but guilt! I should have been there, Phoenix, but I wasn’t! You want to talk about running from your family and losing people?! Fine! Do it all fucking day! But don’t you dare belittle the fact that my pain is real, that my regrets are more than just some abstract concept to me!”

Her gaze fell on the spreading crystalline glass, before shouting became a strained whisper, “If you want to trade stories of loss and betrayal? Go ahead. But don’t act like your experiences give you the right to judge mine. So, keep your judgements to yourself.”

”Oh, of course. Because you’re clearly most equipped to be judgmental.” Selena went silent, and looked down at the glass spreading around her. It cracked and flared, and then it was gone.
She said nothing else.

Yoko shook her head, ”Judgemental? You know that’s not the point, Phoenix.”

Though, Yoko had lowered her voice to a neutral volume, and her stance shifted somewhat… her next words came out slower, and more deliberate. She sighed, ”... I need some alone time.” She shook her head, before gesturing for Selena to come along. ”Would you like an escort out of the Sanctuary?”

Selena slowly stood up. ”Fine. I’ll follow you.”

Yoko said nothing further, turning sharply and starting to walk toward the exit of the Hatanaka Sanctuary. It was a very long and hard trip through the pathway lines with trees that gently danced from the wind. Every footstep felt heavy, weighed down by their conversation… Yoko wasn’t willing to admit that she was wrong, not yet, and possibly not ever. She simply led her across that bridge to the door, and waited at the side for Selena to walk by.

Once she walked through, the door closed behind her with Yoko still in the Sanctuary.

A few moments later, Selena’s phone rang.

Selena pulled it from her pocket and answered it. ”Kari?”

”... Eeeeeeeyyyyyy! Selena! Wassup!?” Kari then awkwardly laughed. ”How are you doing…?”

”I’m fine. Did you find something?” She asked, clearly just a little impatient.

”I have… I found you all some help,” Kari said, ”I was hoping to talk to Yoko about it, but, ummmm… I’ll wait until she comes out..”

”She won't be for a while, I think. And I don’t want to talk to her right now, anyway,” Selena said, bluntly. ”Who did you find?”

Kari paused (for dramatic effect).

”... Connor Bray and his Robro Commander Sirus,” Kari said. ”They’re in Mirage Springs.”

Selena balked for a moment.

”...That psychopath is still alive?”

”He’s not a psychopath! He’s a great guy, he’s just rough around the edges…” Kari said, laughing. ”... Something the two of you have in common.”

Selena internally cringed, remembering all the absurd shit Connor did back in the day. ”I suppose… What are they doing in Mirage Springs? And what can they do to help us, exactly?”

”He’s shaking down someone who took one of his weapons,” Kari answered. ”And don’t you remember him? He can do wonders to help you all… But, um…”

Kari trailed off for a moment, ”... You know who runs the scene in Mirage Springs, right?”

”Morningstar.”

”... And he already wants Connor dead,” Kari added, ”So I was thinking you and I slip in there, grab him, then leave.”

”You? Well, I suppose you’re better company than Yoko. But if Morningstar is hunting Connor and Sirus, is it that simple? Is he in danger now? What are we walking into?”

”Yes, I,” Kari said, ”And of course it’s not going to be simple and clean. But, we survived Stiggy, we can survive this.”

Kari paused, ”If necessary, I can go alone.”

”And die the moment you set foot there?” Selena scoffed, and kept walking out of the sanctuary. ”No, I’ll come with you. I have the swift scroll, I’ll be there shortly.”

”Oh Lord, you’re like Ken,” Selena could feel Kari rolling her eyes through the phone. ” Acting like I’m helpless even though I got this.” Selena could hear Kari pulling the hammer back on her pistol.

”Meet me at my house. I’ll see if I can get Elsa and Ken to come by in the meantime.”

”I’ll be there.” Selena hung the phone up and looked back the way she came. Yoko thought she was so special, suffering exile from her family, and it made Selena feel something she didn’t like to feel. Yoko was obsessed with restoring her family’s honor and still complained.

At least Yoko had a family worth that dignity.

She pulled the scroll out and summoned the winds that took her to Kari’s house.

Paragraphs: Dragon Dance [Blizz & Mixtape Ghost Note]

---

Song playing: Mushroom Chocolate - QUIN & 6Lack

---

Night had fallen.

The music played in the background… the chattering and laughter of the guests all mixed to form an incomprehensible mess that Yoko essentially attempted to ignore. She was leaning up against the window, her elbow on the windowsill, hand on the cheek, as she reflected on everything that happened. The fairy lights that Kari had strung up illuminated the room with a golden hue, and she could only sigh. The scent of freshly cooked food lingered in the air—spicy aromas of grilled meat and the sweet smell of baked goods, making Yoko’s stomach growl, though she felt too restless to eat. A long table by the far wall was laden with various dishes: buffalo wings, nachos, and an assortment of colorful snacks that Kari had likely spent hours preparing. Despite the cheerful atmosphere, tension tugged at Yoko…

She had Kari’s Wayfinder in her other hand and rocked it back and forth as she stared at it, only glancing over her shoulder to see their gracious host, Kari Wilson, floating around the room, entertaining all of her guests. Though now and then, Kari would glance Yoko’s way…

What am I even doing here? Yoko thought to herself. he mission, the artifacts, Goro—everything weighed heavily on her mind, refusing to be drowned out by the party’s cheerful noise. She felt a pang of guilt for not being able to relax, for letting her worries overshadow what was supposed to be a moment of reprieve. Kari wanted her to unwind, yet she just couldn’t…. Yet, all Yoko could think about was how Enzo made her look like a scrub! She balled her fist up, pounding it on the windowsill, before glancing over her shoulder at the scene… There weren’t many people here, but various faces from the Old Coven. The very people that Yoko was a terror towards back in the day… so she wasn’t in a rush to interact with them.

However, Yoko overlooked Kari, walking up to her… presenting a drink in a red cup. It had to be coke, but Yoko could smell the alcohol from here. Kari gave her a warm smile…

”Stop sitting by the window like a weirdo and join the party!” Kari laughed, raising the drink closer to Yoko’s face. ”I know you’re a lightweight, but its time to relax..”

”... I’m not a lightweight,” Yoko said.

”Yes you are,” Kari began. ”And you’re also killing the mood by sitting here in silence.”

”I’m fine.” Yoko said with a shrug.

”It’s okay to let go, even for a minute,” Kari began. ”You don’t have to carry everything on your own…”

Yoko wanted to believe Kari and be part of this world… but it was so hard to set aside her defeats and what was at stake. But Kari gently grabbed the Wayfinder from Yoko and slid it into her pocket as she grabbed her hand.

”Just try to enjoy tonight, okay? We’re all here for you. Whatever happens next, we’ll face it together.” Kari began and gently pulled her towards the party. Yoko sighed as she just silently agreed with a nod.
Kari led Yoko toward the center of the room, where the party's energy peaked. A few guests were gathered around, talking animatedly, while others danced to the music. Kari clapped her hands, signaling to the others to quiet down. The music was lowered, and conversations paused as everyone turned their attention to her.
”Alright everyone!” Kari shouted, her voice full of enthusiasm, ”Before we get carried away! I wanted to thank you all for coming out here tonight on such short notice! It means a lot to me!”

Kari raised her cup…

Not even Kenshiro was going to bring Kari’s mood down. Nursing an injury to his chest and arm, the recovering adventurer was dressed casually in some airy wide-legged pants, a loosely tied yukata hardly covering his chest. The bandages did most of the work, his arm resting in a simple cloth sling under the top.
The entire night, he’d been in the company of mostly friendly Sycamore members, people whom he had fond memories of. It was nice to catch up with the ones he’d not seen, and to see the ones he did…

Except for Yoko.

But he wasn’t going to ruin Kari’s night! Not over problems that they didn’t share. Smiling, he raised his cup as well.
"Usually you raise the glass and toast, don’t you Kiki?" Ken asked, having learned long ago that the previous versions of said nickname simply didn’t work in English.

”... I thought it was implied, Ken,” Kari shot him a catty smile.

Lynn raised her cup and flashed a soft smile across her face. She had dressed up more than normal for this event, wearing a white button up blouse overtop vivid blue pants and simple platform shoes. It had been ages since she last saw anyone from the coven days and she wanted to at least pretend life had not gone to shit in the years since. “It is good to see you all again.”

Aislin had situated herself beside Kenshiro, eyeing Kari and Yoko make their way to the epicenter of the party. Her eyes hovered a moment longer on Yoko, before she smiled, and raised her red cup. Her oversized black sweater hid the stuffed penguin hiding under her tank top, and she still had a few splotches of paint on her from her projects at the 317, but she was in a happy mood, and nothing could shatter that.

“Alright, Kariii! Say some good words for us!” Aislin said with a gleeful smile.

At last, Selena walked back into the room, wearing a red cardigan and gray pants. ”Kenshiro, why do you look like you’ve been fighting monsters?”

“Knowing the Ken I knew nine years ago he probably was,” Lila joked as he raised up her glass. She wore a simple black tank top and green and red plaid shorts with doc martinis that were laced up haphazardly. Lila looked over to Kari as she held up her glass and smiled. It truly was a delight to be invited back. Especially because the toxic elements of the coven were nowhere to be seen.

Ken, smiling widely, pointed a free finger at Lila.
”The work never ends!” he joked.

Kari glanced around the room - eyes lingering on Yoko for a moment - before she said with a wide smile. “... Alright everyone, it’s been a while since we’ve been in the same room like this, and I really can’t say how much- Hold on.” Kari paused as she quickly approached Yoko and shoved the cup into her hand, and then grabbed onto her forearm and raised it into the air.

Before pouring herself another glass and raising it into the air high like before! ”... Now where was I? Oh yeah! We’ve been through so much together, both good and bad. But, I’m glad we’re all still here. That we all have each other’s back no matter what”

Yoko kept her hand up, sighing as she briefly thought about Ella… Then Kari continued, ”I know it’s been ten whole years, the Old Coven ended on a sour note, and we all went our separate ways - but, let’s set all that aside for tonight. Let’s remember why we all keep pushing forward, the future we’re working for, and fuel the desire to keep on. And remember all the people we’ve lost just so we can stand here today.”

Kari raised her glass slightly higher - she was only 4’11, after all - and said, ” So let’s raise our glasses… Kari began, ”... To us, and the people who aren’t here but should be.”

”... Aren’t we already raising our glasses?” Yoko asked with a raised eyebrow.

”Be quiet, Yoko.”

Selena raised hers, silently. There were over a hundred of them once, of course many of them should’ve been here.

“To us.” Aislin said with a cheeky grin.

Lynn raised her glass an extra inch as she smirked.

Lila, from the other side of the room, did the same with a wide smile.

”Kanpai, my dear friends. Even you, Yoko.” Ken included, the last part muttered in Japanese for its target’s direct hearing.

”Well, that’s one way to ruin the mood,” Selena commented, knowing exactly what Kenshiro just said.

”So is bringing attention to it! Kind of crazy how that works.” Ken grinned, confident in his own joke and Yoko’s ability to take it up with him if she gave a shit. And then he knocked back the whole glass he was holding.
”Now let's get drunk and have some fun.”

”As if I want to be your friend, inbred,” Yoko hissed back in Japanese before glancing down at the cup. Drinking was not her forte… so she just downed it. Almost gagging because the drink tasted so horrible, she felt the drink burn in her throat and mouth but barely managed to keep the same facial expression - twisting her mouth and face up. However, she immediately felt a little buzzed… not that she would show that in front of the inbred and the rest of these people.

”I’d rather not be too drunk, thank you very much.”

“As long as we find some trinkets to keep the crows at bay I’ll get drunk with you Ken,” Lila smirked towards Ken and raised a drink.

Evelynn looked at her cup and thought to herself whether or not tonight was a socially drunk night or a lonely, balled up crying in bed kind of night. On one hand, Evelynn was enjoying the company of people like Ken, Lila, and even Yoko. The problem, or rather the lack of a problem, was with Kari. Their breakup a few years back had healed already, but there was still that pit of ‘what could have been’ that gnawed at her endlessly. “I never turn down a good night of drinking with good people.”

Kari looked around the room before her gaze landed on Yoko, and grinned.

”.Alright people, how about we make tonight memorable?” Kari began. ”How about a drinking game?”

” ... How original, Wilson,” Yoko rolled her eyes, stumbling slightly.

”Yes,” Kari laughed, pointing at Yoko. ”Every time you say something sarcastic or annoying; we all take a drink.”

”Good grief, Wilson,” Yoko facepalmed.

”Take a drink, everyone!” Kari laughed.

Aislin finished her own drink at the sound of that. "Always up for a challenge~!”

Ken playfully reached his arm around Kari, slipping his hand under her cup and stealing it.
”Oh, my Rose in Bloom, you’ll need to carry me if those are the rules!” he laughed, downing her drink as much as he could before she could take it back.

”Heeeeeeeeeey!” Kari laughed, hopping up to try and get her drink back. ”Giiiiiive it back!”

Tied around his waist was his Channeler, his headband inherited from his clan, and it made a gentle hum as he cast his magehand on the cup to swing the rest of the liquid up to her lips.
”Only because your pleading is so cute…”

Kari laughed as she downed the rest, and Yoko couldn’t help but roll her eyes… as she felt slightly nauseous from the drink. However, she kept her mouth shut or else Kari would poke fun at her.

Evelynn felt the sharp burning taste of vomit as it hit the back of her throat at the cute display taking place before her. It was too cute. Part of Evelynn wished that they would keep the PDA to a minimum, that either would realize that there were some people here who still dealt with the pain from a breakup from years past. Yet Evelynn knew that was unfair of her to expect. They broke up five years ago. Evelynn should be healed by this point, and she knew that Kari was. She needed to simply learn how to handle her feelings, and she knew this drinking game would help. Evelynn downed the entire drink in a few seconds before she smirked. “I think this drinking game is rigged.”

Kari briefly shot Lynn a worried look before shaking it off and turning up the music…

”... What are you all waiting for?!” Kari shouted, raising her cup. ”Let’s party!”

---

Song playing: Imagination - Gorgon City

---

”... I need you to use, use, use, use, use, use your imagination!”

Kari loudly sang along with the music, as she was the party's heart. Her movements were loose and carefree, almost childlike, as she swayed to the rhythm of the music with the others. Her hair had become loose, her glasses slipped down her nose somewhat—to be pushed back up by a quick finger—and her dress swirled around her knees. The air of laughter created an intoxicating atmosphere.

Well, Yoko thought that it was overpowering. She was drifting away from the party, back to that windowsill where she was perfectly fine. Except, she was buzzed… wobbly in her movements. Yoko’s ego and pride wouldn’t let her falter now after one drink. Everyone here would see her as a pathetic lightweight! Though she looked out the window, somewhat swaying to the music, and-

Kari damn near crashed into the wall next to her; Yoko raised an eyebrow as she got up. Kari laughed as she grabbed Yoko by her arm.

”Yoko! Enough sulking!” Kari said as she pulled Yoko from the window. ”You have all day to do that after your hangover!”

”Wilson! I’m fine!” Yoko protested before Kari pushed her into the dance floor. She started dancing herself, but Yoko was stiff as a stick. ”... I can’t dance, Wilson.” Yoko said in a whisper.

”... No one cares, Yoko,” Kari said with a smile as she kept dancing. ”Cut loose! Use your imagination!”

”How do I-” Yoko cut herself off as she sighed, deciding to give it a shot. Yoko’s face was red as a beet as she raised her fists, swaying her shoulders, and doing an awkward jig where her feet barely left the ground… which looked pathetic next to Kari’s fluid movements. Yoko tried to dance to the beat...

Aislin eyed the mixed expressions of Yoko and Lynn, before she drew up a cheeky grin, and pulled on Evelynn's hand. “Heyyy, come dance with me! Come on!”

If Evelynn conceded, Aislin's smile would only grow, trying to shake off the tension she carried. With bravado, she present her and Lynn to Kari and Yoko, striking a pose with jazz hands.

“I dare you both to a dance off! Lynn and I will win~!” She said, as she shot a mischievous grin to Lynn, and started freestyling to the beat.

Lynn shot Aislin a smirk as she squeezed her hand in response. Lynn had spent countless nights out at the club, dancing and drinking, and dancing some more. While she was by no means a great dancer, she had rhythm and knew how to move her body to it very well. “I’m always down to dance!”

Ken was, if anything, athletic and used to timing and rhythm. Fighting and farming both had a certain step. Since he’d spent so much time here in America, he’d grown used to the local styles of dance; especially those that Kari related closely to. He’d even learned to swing dance about a year ago, accompanying her to a wedding she was invited to.
Now he was absolutely skanking to the beat, feet flying in and out without telekinetic assistance. He was simply that athletic, and he held his glass up in the air with one hand. His feet flashed out as the beat dropped, and he spun a full three-sixty as his headband glowed slightly to shear off his momentum to a perfect stop.

Then the moonwalk started.

”Yeahhh, Ken!” Aislin cheered on.

Selena finished off her drink, floating over Kenshiro and towards a trash can to deposit the empty red cup. ”I don’t dance, unfortunately.”

”Nonsense!” Kari said as she disengaged from Yoko and walked over to Selena. She gently pushed her towards the dance floor, saying, ”Yoko’s dancing and she looks like a balding forty-four year old teacher!”

”... Hey!” Yoko shouted, stopping.

”Fortunately, I am not Yoko,” Selena remarked with all the snark she could.

Seeing Kari doing her best to get the sad, repressed girls to actually live for once, Ken couldn’t help but laugh. Every single bit of Kari’s enthusiasm rubbed off on him when he was around her, and everything became a little less serious. A little more joyous.
Still glowing, his headband rang out in sonorous joy as he redirected the flow of his mage-hand to Selena’s back. Two subtle pressures, like someone’s hands, would slip onto her shoulders. Gently, they pushed and pulled at her upper torso to get her to start moving to the beat of the music.
”Bibiriiiii…” he chided, calling Selena a scaredy-cat.

”What-“ feeling the hands on her back made her react by turning around. Seeing the hands, she shot Kenshiro a look with a raised eyebrow. ”Good attempt. Alas.”

”Come oooooooooooooon!” Kari pouted. ”We just want you to have fun! You’re always so serious! So stiff!”

Lila chuckled to herself as she had thus far avoided attention for her lack of dance and party spirit. It’s not that she wasn’t having fun, instead it was that she did not quite know how to match up with the energy that every one seemed to have. Everyone, except Selena and Yoko. She hoped that a few more drinks would help.

Selena sighed. ”Alright, alright.” Selena relented, and her shoulders started to sway just a bit.

”Let’s dance!” Kari said before she went back to dancing.

---

BGM - Wale

---

Sometime later, the party was still going strong with half-eaten plates of food, empty bottles, discarded clothing, and decorations scattered about…

”... Okay, okay, I got this!” Kari slurred, as she held the spinner in one hand, squinting at it. ”Leeeeeeeeeeft hand… green!”

… Both Kari and Yoko were thoroughly drunk. Yoko was already on the mat, her face cherry-red from alcohol and laughter; she was wobbling on one foot.

”I got-” Yoko stopped to giggle. ”... I got this, Wilson!”

Yoko stretches her hand out toward a green circle… completely overshoots it, and lands on her ass. Kari laughed, falling onto her back and grabbing her stomach as she laughed out of control.

”You’re supposed to touch the circle with your hand silly!” Kari raised her left hand and pointed at itYour, barely containing laughter. ”Your hand! Your. HAND.”

Aislin did her best to hold in her laughter, teetering as she was in a pretzel shape on the Twister mat. She called out between her legs, wholly too drunk to care her butt was in the air.

“Yourrrr out, Yoko!” Aislin crowed.

”No I’m not- Ugh!” Yoko said as she tried climbing up, only to fall on her face again. ”Ugh! I don’t get your American games!”

Selena wasn’t very drunk. She stopped at two drinks, and spectated this silly game. It was amusing, admittedly.

”You look ridiculous,” she teased.

“I don’t know,” Lynn spoke in a slurred tone. She had a wide smile across her face as she nursed her current drink. Her white blouse was stained, with a few noticeable drops of red wine splattered across the front. Lynn did not remember if it was her drink, or someone else’s that caused it, but she cared not. “She looks like she’s having fun, real fun, so much fun. I like fun.”

Ken loved Kari’s cooking. He liked it almost as much as he liked his own cooking; but in a completely different way. The kind of way that he simply had no control over. So, while most of the group was busy trying to turn themselves sweaty with this strange form of directed wrestling, he was getting sweaty eating incredibly spicy chicken wings.
”W-well, why not-? Why not join? ‘S not like they’ve, y’know, packed it uh-up…” he half-heartedly chided Lynn, smiling vaguely.

“Because- because someone stained my.. stained my shirt, and I worry I’ll stain it some,” Lynn started to laugh as she placed a hand over one of her eyes. “I don’t know if I could even move like that right now,” Lynn paused as she walked over next to Ken, “can I have a wing?”

”Only if you…- Ah, Hell…” he held up the plate to her. ”I won’t make you fight me. The wings are free.”

“You sir are a gentleman,” Lynn paused as she turned to the group, “I don’t need to know..to know the future to know I would lose that fight,” Lynn joked as she grabbed a wing and sat down next to Ken. All negative thoughts about conversing with her ex's new partner fell from her mind. Kari did well finding her next love and Lynn was happy for her. She took one bite and instantly the heat hit her but she remembered this heat well. She missed it. She took another bite without stress and then another.

”Kari!? Did you… Did you use the pepper thingies I brought home for you?-” he turned his head out toward the center to ask, looking back at Lynn.
”I… I bring her home stuff! Things, trinkets, but… Sometimes I have a chance to visit a market in other dimensions. Find cool food.” he grinned up.

Kari wrapped her arms around Ken’s shoulders, getting on her tippy toes as she lovingly stared him in the eyes…

”... Baby, of course,” Kari tried to lovingly say but slurred. She pressed her lips against his.

Of course, his lips were covered in spicy sauce. He happily kissed her back, not caring about the pain she was causing as she leaned directly into his wounded arm.
”That’s why you’re the best! My Boo.” he smiled to himself, fond of the phrase he’d only recently come to know.

Aislin, at that moment, fell on her ass. “I'm the winnerrr, ya bitches- *hic*.”

Her eyes glanced over at Ken and Kari from the floor, and had a sloppy grin on her face. “Ah, young love~! Could write for decades on it.”

Lynn blinked three times in quick succession before she grabbed her drink and downed it in full in an instant. Her mind was devoid of emotion but it felt like the right thing to do at that moment. “So,” Lynn paused as she put the drink down, “how’d you two find your way toget-together?”

”... Questions of the ages if you ask me!” Yoko loudly said, stumbling over to the bottles to pour herself another glass. Yoko wasn’t even thinking, just poured herself a red cup full of cherry vodka.

”Oh hush you!” Kari loudly said, turning around to face Yoko. ”Me and Ken are going to get married and have LOTS of blasian babies!” Kari lovingly looked Ken in the eyes.

Yoko gagged. Aislin aww'ed.

”W-when I first came back, I… I had wanted to see Kari anyway. I had a little crush on her during the Bad Days Before. So, when I was forced to come here to St. Portwell, it was only natural. I asked her to help me in my quest to avenge my family. There was a point where I thought I would die, and so… I confessed my feelings.”
He smiled warmly at Kari, doing his best to wipe the sticky sauce off his face.
”And then I lived! When I came back, she… Well… Here we are, y’know?” he paused. ”And I can’t wait to be done my duty, so I- So we can really get married. And have our Ninja clan.” he waggled his eyebrows.

Lynn regretted the question immediately. She questioned her decision to come to this party, to ask these questions, and to pretend like all the wounds of Lynn’s own mistakes were fully healed. She smiled, all the same, and raised her glass up to imitate Kari’s toast from earlier. “I’m glad that you both found each other all the same. We all suffered,” Lynn paused to take another big drink, “so much before. It’s good that some-some of us found happiness.”. Lynn smiled a genuine smile as she finished her drink. “Has anyone seen Lila, my friend Lila? I thought she was right with hic with us?”

Kari frowned at Lynn. While Yoko tried to chug the vodka but choked some of it up.

”… I’ll find her,” Kari tried to dramatically say, but slurred. She pressed her fingers against both sides of her temples, taking a step away from Ken.

Aislin, in that moment, stared long and hard at Lynn from the floor, before she drunkenly swayed to her feet, clearly on a mission. She stumbled to the kitchen, where she grabbed a delicacy. Hidden in the back of the liquor stash was a small bottle of moonshine, with a home-made latch cap and everything. She took two fresh cups, poured a little poison in each, and reached Lynn’s side. One of the red cups was pressed in Lynn's hands, while another took away her empty cup.

Aislin smiled, pain flickering in her eyes. “Hey, I know a real good way to forget the shit, eh? Try a little moonshine.”

Ailsin nodded to the cup with a mischievous grin, before she tilted her head. “And if you want a quick dopamine hit, make all that… bullshit just evaporate like a cloud… Well, I can help with that too~.”

And Aislin procured a small joint from her hoodie pocket, winking at Lynn.

“Oh, oh my dear,” Lynn held up her hand saying no to the joint. “I appreciate it though, you are you’re the best.”

Ailsin just laughed and pocketed the joint, gesturing again to the moonshine, leaning a bit of Lynn as she grinned. ”I'm just teasing you. Take a swig, you'll feel better. Here, we can even peel these off at the same time. Ready? One, two-”

And Aislin poured her bit of moonshine down the hatch.

Multiple Selenas walked out from Kari’s kitchen, all cloned from the Greymoon Cloak she had put back on. They each had water bottles in hand. ”If you’re about to get even more drunk, drink water instead. Your heads will thank you tomorrow.”

“Gatorade sounds amazing, Selena do we have any Gatorade? I want my head to thank me tomorrow,” Lynn laughed as she put the cup of moonshine down. Maybe next time.

“Awww, Lynnnn!” Ailsin teased again, before she sighed. “Ah, might be a water time anyway…”

”We? I don’t live here,” One of the Selenas said.

”... Why are you asking her?!” Kari snorted. ”Yes, there’s some Gatorade in the fridge! Only blue and red, though.”

Yoko stumbled towards Selena… tripping over Kari’s sofa and landing facedown on the floor. Kari immediately ran over and knelt… and Kari’s Wayfinder fell out of her pocket.

”... Yoko, are you okay?!” Kari asked.

Yoko weakly raised a thumb.

Lynn reached down and grabbed the device, clearly puzzled by what she held. It could be any number of things, was it a compass? Was it edible? Lynn was too drunk to even try and decipher what it was. “Kari, Kari what is this? You dropped this.”

Ailsin drunkenly chortled. “It's a magic eight ball.”

She seemed to be hit by a wild idea, before she glanced at Lynn. “Hey, heyyyy Lynn, try giving it a shake. Maybe it'll tell us something good!”

The wayfinder magically floated upwards and out of Lynn’s hand, and into the original Selena. ”This,” She explained. ”Is a delicate artifact that should not be rolled around on the floor like old quarters. Yoko.”

”... Delicate? That fucking thing?” Kari laughed. ”Goro made that thing so tough it could probably take a punch from that meathead George!”

Kari spun around like a drunken ballerina, swiping the Wayfinder from Selena, and back towards Lynn. She held it in both hands like a excited kid,
”This is my Wayfinder! Goro made it for me! Basically, you press this…”

Kari hit the central gem and the map of the All-Verse deployed. There were many kanji symbols nearby that denoted all the people that Kari was close to.

”... And it finds all the people you care about!”

”I can attest to that thing’s toughness. I knocked it against a stone so hard it split into rocks. Y’know, stone… Rocks… One’s bigger.”
Of course, he’d had his fill of alcohol. Except while the others went to find lighter beverages, he’d found the half-empty tequila.
”I… I like this stuff.” he laughed.

Water bottles began magically floating around the room to all the drunken dumbasses. ”Kenshiro, if you finish that before finishing the water, I’m going to launch you through a window,” Selena said to him, casually.

Ken’s face twisted into a mocking scowl.
”Kenshiro、その残りを飲んでから、ハンバーガーのためにグリルをオンにしてください!!! (Kenshiro, drink the rest of that and then turn the grill on for a hamburger!!!)” his snide, learned American sarcasm oozing from between his teeth, trying to spin-kick the floating water bottle out of the air and falling over with a giggle.

“That,” Lynn paused as she reached out for the device but stopped, and pulled her hands back. Aislin was watching as well, drunken amazement in her eyes.

“Kari, that’s really really cool.”. Lynn took a step to the side, pulling out her phone as she did, as her eyes remained locked on the Wayfinder. She opened up a note pad titled ‘Things for Sober meee’ and typed in a quick description of the wayfinder. “It’s like a portable Kari.”

”I asked Goro to make it in case I’m not available!” Kari shouted, as she pressed the gem again and the map faded. Then handed it to Lynn.

”Try it!”

“Oh okay,” Lynn paused as she pressed the gem, following the same steps that Kari had showed. It opened up, and the number of symbols that were shown on the map were fewer and further in between. “Does it show me the way itself or should I have a map on hand just in case?”

Kari smiled. Pointing at one of the Kanji symbols.

”... Tap it.”

Lynn did as instructed and tapped it. Immediately the detailed holographic map in front of her changed, and soon the terrain and other notable features were visible. She could see the subject was close by, elevated, and in a tree. Lynn’s vision was blurred and it was hard to make out the details, however, she knew this was Lynn from the wayfinder. “She’s out in a tree, feeding her crows no doubt.”

Kari clapped her hands together.

”Excellent, let’s get back to-” Kari looked towards Yoko.

Yoko was still facedown on the floor.

Kari knelt around Yoko’s legs and then looked up.

”... Someone help me get her into the guest room, please?!”

”No!... M-my sweet Girl… She… Hatanaka Honor is at stake! L-let the bitch sleep!” Ken slurred from his own floor-bound position. With what magic he could muster, he was able to at least float himself up into the air, even if he was half-limp.
”S-see?!”

Lynn waited a second to see if anyone would step up to help Kari with this situation and, after a few more moments, Lynn raised a hand. “I can help Kari, I may be- maybe drunk but I can help carry a drunk friend.” Lynn paused as she looked down at Yoko and back to Kari and gave her a thumbs up.

Selena shook her head. ”There are four of me, and I’m not sure any of them can be bothered.”

”Oh, babe, don’t be like tha!!” Kari rolled her eyes at Kenshiro, before she nodded at Lynn and grabbed Yoko’s legs.

”... Okay, three, two, one…” With one exertion of strength, Kari lifted Yoko by the legs, and she said to Lynn, ”Let’s get her out of here before she throws up all over my furniture!”

---

DoYaThing (Outro) - Gorillaz

---

… Yoko’s head was spinning.

After all that drinking (a total of two drinks!), Yoko was peacefully resting in the guest room… The sunshine hit her face from between the cracks of the blinds and curtains, seemingly perfectly adjusted to hit her directly in the eyes. It was like a flashbang as Yoko squinted. She could smell Kari cooking in the other room. Bacon, eggs… something else, but Yoko was too tired to give a hoot.

She groaned, pulling the blanket over her head to block out the light, but it was useless. The combination of sunlight and the mouthwatering scent wafting through the air made her awake, even if her body still refused to move. Her head was pounding slightly, a dull reminder of the night before. Two drinks—how had two drinks done this to her?

Though, she wasn’t alone in this bed. There was someone else posted up against her as if she was cuddling… With Yoko being the little spoon. Yoko scooted forward a bit to look and see who she was cuddling with…

It was Selena.

”... AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!”

Yoko loudly screamed.

Selena had been sound asleep. Very sound asleep, in fact. She last recalled Kari suggesting she sleep here to avoid going anywhere while inebriated, which Selena agreed to. But now she was shocked away by the scream of Yoko, which forced her awake so damn violently that Selena was suddenly stuck to the ceiling thanks to her Moonstep spell.

Her thoughts were racing like crazy, as she stammered away.

”What- What happened? Yoko?! Kari?!”

And then when she was finally fully awake, not three seconds later she looked down and saw she was floating.

And Yoko wasn’t in any danger.

”…Yoko?”

“Well, well, the two lovebirds are awake.” Aislin chortled softly, standing in the doorway, chewing on a bit of cucumber. She had a killer hangover, apparent from the wincing smile on her face.

”Lovebirds?!” Yoko hopped out the bed. ”I-”

”Thank you, Aislin!” Kari shouted from the other room. ”I thought they were getting murdered in there!”

“...I'm helping Kari with breakfast. Ya'll interested in hashbrowns? Pancakes?” Aislin said.

Yoko huffed.

”... You know what? Hashbrowns sounds nice.”

Aislin's smile widened. ”Hashbrowns it is.”

Yoko ran a hand through her messy hair - that quickly went to her mouth as she coughed up stomach bile - as she walked into the kitchen. Where Kari was over the stove wearing a white tank top and some blue pajama pants - no socks or shoes. She turned towards Yoko and smiled…

”... Rise and shine, lightweight!” Kari laughed. ”It was an AMAZING party…”

She narrowed her eyes at Yoko as she dropped the bomb, ”... If only you didn't pass out after two drinks.”

Yoko’s pride was at stake.

”... It was way more than just two!”

”Nuh-uh.”

”Yes it was!”

”Nuh-uh.”

”Yes it was!”

”Nuh-uh.”

”Yes it was!”

”Nuh-uh.”

”Yes it was!”

Aislin had moved back to her bowl of shredded potatoes, spluttering out a laugh.

”Stop, both of you.” Selena walked in, a bit more put together now. ”It was two. You are small, Yoko.”

”Size doesn't have anything to do with it!” Kari snorted.

Yoko’s face went beet red.

”I have drunk way more than that before! I am no lightweight!”

Kari raised two fingers.

“Are we sure it wasn’t two drinks of that moonshine,” Lynn said as walked into the room. She may have worn the same blue pants as the night before but her white button up blouse was missing. Instead she walked into the room with her black soft bra that had a colorful array of dragons printed on it. “I believe you Yoko. Promise. Promise. Has anyone seen my shirt?”

”I added it to my collection!” Kari creepily laughed, before rolling her eyes. ”I accidentally used it to wipe some of Yoko’s vomit and its in the wash. My bad.”

“It might be bound for the trash,” Lynn joked back.

She gave Lynn a playful smile, ”It wasn’t even that kind of party! Why were you stripping?!”

“I honestly do not remember,” Lynn paused as she grabbed another Gatorade, “oh sweet relief I love you so,” Lynn paused as she sat down in a chair, “last memories were taking Yoko to bed and then I woke up like this. I think I got hot?” Lynn

“Don't ask me, I blacked out shortly after our dear little Yoko was put to bed.” Aislin whistled low, before she took her bowl over to the stove and pulled out a pan. “Kari, got some room for me?”

Before she threw a grin at Lynn, “The look suits you, though.”

Kenshiro hadn't slept, opting to sweat the alcohol out with some vigorous exercising. Since around five in the morning, he'd been sprinting and kicking, climbing trees nearby, anything to get himself active and keep himself awake.

Truthfully, he didn't like the idea of sleeping around Yoko. She was far worse than any cursed talisman to him, and all he could really do was make sure Kari stayed safe.
His shirtless form, hands scuffed from his time outside and streaked in dirt all over, came through the sliding doors leading to the back yard.

”Party People riiiiise! Good morning, good morning, and good morning my precious princess…” Ken pretty quickly let his focus fall upon Kari, moving to her and wrapping a sweaty arm around her waist.
”Should I get the tomago pan? Make a few egg rolls for the table?”

Yoko immediately threw up some bile.

Kari scoffed at Yoko, before turning to Ken. ”Baaaabe! These are my clean pajamas!” Kari scolded before kissing him on the cheek.

“Ken, my man, you need a shower. Hey Kari, why don't you let me take care of things here, and join him?” Aislin teased lightly, a mischievous look in her eye as she started frying hashbrowns.

“Thanks,” Lynn paused as she smirked at Aislin, trying to ignore the pda in front of her.

”Don't mention it~.” Aislin purred with that easy smile of hers.

Without the shirt Lynn was noticeably thin. She was on the cusp of being too thin. This was something that Lynn heard most of her life, and she was always smaller in that regard, but she did crave food today more than normal and Lynn knew her body reflected this. “Did I ever find Lila last night” Lynn said as she pressed her back into the top of the chair and leaned back until the satisfying crack was heard.

“Yes,” Lila responded as she entered the room, “You came out and talked to me. It was cold being that drunk and outside,” Lila coughed as she rubbed her arms. Around her were fifteen crows which was usually unremarkable however she had started the party yesterday with just seven. “I need something to give them so they go away for a bit,” Lila asked the group for help as she found a chair and sat down. She rotated her neck trying to stretch out the tightness that sleeping in a tree brought.

”I can help with that.” Selena reached her hands out and started drawing glowing lines in the air, in the shape of a cube. ”Just a moment.”

Lynn’s eyes flashed green for just a moment before they returned to normal. “A magic show for breakfast I see,” Lynn grinned as she took another drink of her Gatorade.

Lila looked up. She was curious to see what Selena would create in the moment.

The glowing lines became a glowing hypercube, Selena’s Tesseract. She reached her hand into it and pulled out a container of some fancy snacks that cost a few hundred dollars to get shipped to the US. It looked like chocolate but it was in some language other than English.

”Feed them this.”

“I appreciate the help, but crows actually can’t have chocolate. If that’s chocolate, I can’t read that,” Lila paused as she laughed a coarse laugh, “do you have any fruits or seeds, or nuts? They really like nuts,” Lila paused as she looked at her murder. She smiled as she looked at them individually.

Selena reached in and pulled out a container of roasted nuts, that seemed to feel warm. ”Would these be more appealing?”

“Yes! Much more their speed. Thank you,” Lila paused as she looked at her crows before reaching over and grabbing the container, opening it, and grabbing a handful of nuts before holding out her hand, “there is an offering in my hands. Please take it and go outside for a few hours.” As Lila finished her statement the crows swarmed her hand. They grabbed at the roasted nuts with expert precision and soon they flew as a swarm to the nearest open window with a flurry of caws. Lila looked over to Kari, “What are you cooking? Smells good.”

”Oh! You know, hashbrowns, bacon, french toast,” Kari smiled. ”Want something in particular? I don’t mind making it?”

“Kari, love, you could make me a bowl of cereal and it’d somehow taste amazing. I don’t need anything more than what you’re cooking.” Lila chuckled as she pressed a hand to her temple. She was very hungover and the pounding headache was her indication that today was going to be long. She grabbed a water and chugged it within a few seconds.

”Am I the only one in this house who isn’t nursing a terrible headache?” Selena asked as she used her Psychometry spell to pull plates from the cabinets and help out with breakfast.

“Who isn't? Girl, I am a hundred shades of jealous over here.” Aislin said dryly, scooping up crispy hashbrowns with a spatula and placing them on a serving tray.

”Me: I am simply built differently. I find that not sleeping after drinking alcohol minimizes the risk! But, I do… I'll shower. Leave me some of the fried potato!”

“We got ketchup, right Kari?” Aislin looked over with a smirk.

”Of course, we got everything,” Kari said with a smile.

”I am perfectly-” Yoko gagged, coughing up some bile.

”... You were saying?” Kari gave Yoko a catty smile.

”OOOOOOOOOOOH-” Yoko shouted, before she relented.

”Now, let’s get rid of that hangover for you, Yoko,” Kari said with a warm smile. ”You have to go train so you don’t get your ass kicked for a fiftieth time in a row.”

Then she turned towards Selena, and gave her the biggest, shit-eating grin, ”... But, we both know you’re going to just cuddle with your new girlfriend.” Then winked at her.

”My what?”

“You have a new girlfriend? Since when?”

Aislin's tinkling laughter could be heard as she fetched the ketchup from the fridge and brought the hashbrowns to the table.

”…No?”

”Oh you should have seen it!” Kari said, grinning like a fool as she looked at Selena. ”You looked so cute cuddling Yoko! Can I take a picture next time?!”

”Which one of you had the idea to leave Yoko in the same bed as me, now that we’re bringing this up?”

”I know how lonely Yoko always is. I suggested we move her to a place where she felt safe and secure: Her lover's arms.” Ken replied with an incredibly smug expression on his face.

”Go make love to your mother, Inbred,” Yoko hissed at Kenshiro in Japanese. Before turning to Selena, and pulling out the swift scroll, ”Let’s go, we have important work to do!”

Selena nodded. ”Where? What other leads do you have that we can pursue? Where is the next artifact?”

”We are going to train before we tackle the next artifact!” Yoko shouted.

”I’m still looking for your help,” Kari said, ”I’ll let you know.”

”Alright, alright, don’t shout.” Selena walked over to Yoko. ”Let’s go… The party was enjoyable, everyone.”

”And everyone enjoyed having you,” Kari said, ”You are invited to the next party!” She winked at Selena, before giving Ken a kiss in the cheek.

Tired of this, Yoko unwrapped the Swift Scroll, recited the chant. A purple wind came, and carried them all the way back to Japan.

Paragraphs: Dragon Dance [Blizz & Mixtape Ghost Note]

---

In a few hours Kari's house became a whirlwind of color and noise, transformed into the perfect setting for a lively slumber party. Soft lights casted a warm glow over a sea of blankets and pillows scattered across the floor. A spread of snacks—popcorn, candy, and chips—rests on the coffee table, alongside a game of monopoly that’s currently the center of attention. Everyone was dressed in pajamas...

”... Yoooooookoooo,” Kari said, giving Yoko a playful grin as she laid on her stomach kicking her legs back and forth. ”It’s just a game, why are you mad?”

Yoko dramatically hopped up to her feet, and pointed a finger at Kari, ”... I’m mad because you cheated!” Yoko’s finger shook as she said, ”How the hell did you land on my property three times in a row?!”

Kari just shrugged.

”... Dumb luck.”

“... You’re just mad because Kari’s wiiiiiiiinning, Yoko,” Elsa chimed in, sitting down, also laughing.

”You’re using your Lux!” Yoko accused Kari.

”My magic doesn’t even work like that!” Kari laughed.

”Yes it does!” Yoko shouted.

”Nuh-uh.” Kari replied.

”Yes it does!”

”Nuh-uh.”

”Yes it does!”

”Nuh-uh.”

”Yes it does!”

”Nuh-uh.”

”Yes it does!”

”Nuh-uh.”

”Yes it does!”

”Nuh-uh.”

”Yes it does!”

”Nuh-uh.”

”Yes it does!”

”Nuh-uh.”

”Yes it does!”

”Nuh-uh.”

”Yes it does!”

”Nuh-uh.”

”Yes it does!”

”Nuh-uh.”

”Yes it does!”

”Nuh-uh.”

”Yes it does!”

”Nuh-uh.”

”Yes it does!”

”Nuh-uh.”

”Yes it does!”

”Nuh-uh.”

”Yes it does!”

”Nuh-uh.”

”Yes it does!”

”Nuh-uh.”

”Yes it does!”

”Nuh-uh.”

”Yes it does!”

”Nuh-uh.”

”Why did I agree to this…” Selena muttered, walking in wearing the exact same clothes she had on before robbing the Temple. Minus the Graymoon Cloak, which was folded up over her lap as she watched these two bicker about Monopoly.

”You do know I have white Lux too, don’t you? She isn’t cheating.”

”See, Yoko?” Kari cattily smiled at Yoko, kicking her feet some more. ”Someone else with built in wisdom.”

Before she turned to Selena, ”... Even though she misses the whole point of a slumber party.” She rolled her eyes.

”... Yes, you White… Luxes have to stick together!” Yoko valiantly said.

”White Adepts, Hatanaka.” Selena rolled her eyes. ”Luxes… Unbelievable.”

”Well in that case…” Kari trailed off, ”I’m a Black Adept…” Kari gave Selena the widest, toothiest smile.

”... You know I was trying to avoid that implication.” Yoko rolled her eyes.

”No, you are not.”

”Yes I am,” Kari replied, before pointing at the Monopoly board. ”Actually it’s your turn.”

Selena moved a piece. ”…What game is this?”

Kari facepalmed.

Yoko facepalmed.

Elsa facepalmed.

”... Let’s just watch a movie.” Kari added.

”…Alright. What movie?”

”Let’s watch a serious movie, because you’re a serious person,” Kari rolled her eyes. ”Schindler's List?”

"That's… heavy," Elsa said, her playful demeanor sobering up.

”If you’re going to poke fun at me being serious…” Selena turned and gave Yoko a look.

”…Why don’t we watch Hero?”

”Ahhhhhhhh… a wuxia, good choice,” Kari said as she hopped up onto her feet, and went to the remote. She turned Netflix on, looked up the movie, and put it on. She grabbed some snacks as she hopped onto her sofa, as Yoko and Elsa took her side. Kari smiled, as she gave the empty spot on the sofa a few pats, as she said, ”C’mon, we won’t bite.”

Reluctantly, Selena sat down next to her.

Then watching the movie commenced!

While the movie was playing, Yoko reached into her pocket and pulled out the medallion with the white stones - Kari’s Wayfinder. Out of curiosity, she pressed the central gem and the holographic display, well, displayed. It was distracting for the movie, but Yoko scanned the map of the All-Verse looking for any signs of Goro… there weren’t any. Yoko sighed as she pressed the gem again and it went away.

”... You’ll find him,” Kari smiled at Yoko. ”I promise.”

Yoko sighed, ”I hope its in one piece.” Before she put Kari’s Wayfinder away, and pulled out Goro’s Wayfinder. She deployed the map there… Unfortunately, due to being created by his Mass Production spell, it was nowhere near as good as the original. It only gave a radius for each spell, though interestingly enough, not a majority of the artifacts were even in Shimmer! Curious. She would have to go on an adventure through the All-Verse like that inbred ninja… she could only roll her eyes thinking about Ken.

Though, she zoomed in on one location, in California…
”... Monterrey,” Kari answered the question that she never knew she had. ”Paranormal hotspot, nowhere near as bad as here, though. I kept my eyes on it, its ran by a man named Enzo….”

Yoko tilted her head at Kari, ”He took over the city, rebuilt it under his own design… Nobody goes in or out of the city without him knowing.”

Kari shrugged, ”Maybe you can just convince him to give up whatever he has this time.”

Selena leaned over, looking at the map. ”I’ve heard of him. High standards for everyone in his city, enforced by a group that calls itself the Ivory Court. They keep the peace, put down the dangers. I’ve never been there in person.”

”... What’s with Paranormals and their stupid names for everything?” Yoko said with a roll of her eyes. ”If he has one of my family artifacts, I’m going to get it from him.”

”Don’t go in there guns blazing,” Kari rolled her eyes. ”The Temple went easy on you two.”

”A friend of mine was there once. Three years ago, I think it was. Maybe four. A small group tried to overthrow him. Apparently they marched right into his “office,” and picked a fight with the man directly.”

Selena leaned back away and looked back at the TV. ”None of them walked out alive, and I’m told he was outnumbered… I think five to one.”

Kari turned to Yoko and smiled, ”... Sounds like something you’d do,” Kari began. ”Don’t do that.”

Yoko rolled her eyes, before turning to Selena, ”You want to head there in the morning?”

”Yoooooo…” Kari trailed off.
”... Ko. Finish watching the movie! We got all day! Night! Whatever!”

”I would very much rather not pick a fight with a man like that, if you are suggesting such,” She answered firmly. ”Anyone on this side of the country who knows anything about the paranormal scene has heard of that city. We wouldn’t stand a chance. Now, if you wanted to walk in there politely, ask him for whatever artifact he has of yours and pray he’s empathetic? By all means.”

Yoko rolled her eyes, ”Whatever works.” She shrugged. ”Why are you two acting like I’m an amateur!?”

”... Amy kicked your ass twice, and Leon chewed your food,” Kari noted.

”And you have a terrible habit of overestimating your own skill.”

Yoko crossed her arms and rolled her eyes.

”But enough. Movie, ladies.”

They watched movies for the rest of the night.

---

In the morning, a purple wind traveled from St. Portwell all the way to Monterey, California. It went to the beach, and Yoko and Selena appeared and were immediately assaulted by the smell of salt and the sound of the waves crashing. Seagulls could be heard…

Yoko sighed… She wore green cargo pants, combat boots, and a black tank top - with the kanabo in a gym bag slung over her shoulder.

”... This place reminds me of St. Portwell,” Yoko noted.

The beach they were standing on was quiet today. Next to no one was here since it was early, but off in the distance, the city was alive and well. Skyscrapers shooting high into the air on the horizon overlooked Monterey. Much like St. Portwell, it was set against the rolling waves of the Pacific Ocean, but the docks that Selena and Yoko could see in the distance were so much bigger. Far off the coast, one could see a cargo ship lumbering away towards a shipyard, not a cloud in the sky. Smaller boats were making their way out into the further stretches at this very moment, owned by families of all ages and numbers.

Overtop the sparse trees, they could see the sight of distant buildings. Drink stands and shade from the hot sun to accommodate the warm weather. A lifeguard tower yet to be occupied.

It was picturesque, in a way. Beautiful.

Selena had changed into a pale, cherry red sundress before coming here, layered beneath a lightweight jacket for pockets. Unlike Yoko, she had dressed appropriately for the weather.

”Well… Here we are,” Selena commented. ”We could stand here and wait for someone to come to us, or we could walk and start following your map. My understanding of the city is that it’s as close to perfect as a paranormal hotspot can be, so we aren’t likely to see anything obvious.”

Yoko just shrugged, pulled out Goro’s Wayfinder, and deployed the holographic map. The map pointed deeper into Monterey, and Yoko silently pressed on.

Selena couldn’t help but roll her eyes a little. She pulled her phone from the Tesseract and caught up with her. The two of them turned down a sidewalk and were immediately met with the sight of the downtown area. This was the heart of Monterey, they passed dozens of storefronts, restaurants and a locally owned bakery. Smells of fresh food mingled with the salt on the wind, filling the streets with all the carefree life that one often had to squint to find back home.

Even here in the early morning, it was still busy. People say at outdoor tables eating and grabbing a breakfast on the go. It was maybe five minutes at most before the two of them were confronted.

”Going somewhere?”

A voice stuck out, vaguely feminine and sounding a touch cocky. Selena turned around and saw that there was a woman staring them down. Dark-skinned, with a death hawk hairstyle white as snow. Her eyes were glazed over, and she wore a pale battle jacket over what looked to be a tank top. She stood with her arms crossed, leaning back against a brick wall of the building the two had just passed.

”Who wants to know?” Selena asked.

”Me.” The strange woman smirked.

Immediately, Yoko put the Wayfinder away.

”And you are…?”

”An envoy, in a way. I work for the Ivory Court, and you two showed up just now without any warning.”

Yoko rolled her eyes at the woman, her hand drifting towards the kanabo she kept in the gym bag. ”We’re tourists,” Yoko said. ”We aren’t bothering you or your group of weirdos. Mind your business.” Yoko narrowed her eyes.

”This is my business, young lady,” She remarked. ”You are in our city, and the Court runs a tight ship. When a new face comes, I’m one of the responders. So you’ll have to enjoy my company a little longer.”

Despite Yoko’s tone and the strange look of the “envoy…” No one was paying attention to them. People were steering around them and giving the three some space. No one even noticed them.

”Again, we are not bothering you,” Yoko rolled her eyes at her. ”We’re just sightseeing - wait, do you weirdos bother everyone who comes into this city?”

”We’ll be the judges of that, and yes we do. If they’re paranormal like the two of you are.”

”Yoko…”

The busy street they were standing on was empty, suddenly. Yoko noticed that, and she was not intimidated in the slightest.

”Well, it was great meeting you, American,” Yoko said. ”We must be going.,” Yoko turned to walk away.

”I’m glad we’re on the same page.”

In the time it took Yoko to turn her gaze away from where the woman was standing, she had repositioned right in front of them both, standing in the way of her and the sidewalk.

”But I’m not used to being ignored so easily. So let me say this a bit less… Politely.”

The woman reached into her battle jacket, and withdrew an envelope.

”Whenever a paranormal arrives in Monterey, they go through a process, or they are sent back the way they came,” she explained. ”You have one hour to be at the address written in this, or your stay in this city will be cut short. Give the man at the door the card inside, and then you will be directed to an authority figure. He will decide whether you stay or not.”

”… You know what?” Yoko said, before she snatched the envelope. ”If we go there, will you finally leave us alone?”

”Oh, honey, I’m just the messenger.” She smirked again. ”No, if we have to meet again, I think you’ve made a mess of things.”

”Pardon my friend’s… Abrasiveness.” Selena jumped in to make sure Yoko didn’t completely fuck them over. ”We’re both a long way from home, and we’re close to a breakthrough in something.”

The stranger studied Selena for a second. And then she nodded, that smile yet to leave her face.

”Then go, girls. You may just fit right in.”

Someone bumped into Yoko from behind, walking past her without even realizing she was there with a thump.

Selena’s attention shifted to that, and in the brief moment they were both distracted, they were alone again.

People were passing them by, all was normal.

”…She’s an Adept.”

”And? So are we,” Yoko rolled her eyes. ”What we should be worried about is the fact we barely stepped here and they are all over us.” Yoko shook her head.

”They may have someone like Wilson,” Yoko theorized, before she looked at the envelope. ”I only played along so she’d go away… But…”

She sighed.

”Let’s just find this asshole.”

”I did tell you this would happen.”

They looked around for roughly ten minutes, and found the place. The address in the envelope took them to the tallest building in the city, an obelisk of glass, concrete and ominous energy. Just going near the place, Selena got a sense that there was something powerful here.

”Out of curiosity,” She asked. ”Is the Wayfinder also pointing us in this direction?”

Yoko pulled out Goro’s Wayfinder, deployed the map, and revealed they are in fact going the right direction. Yoko nodded at Selena.

She walked through, Yoko followed. The interior lobby was fancy. Marble floors and columns, plants around the windows. It was very well air conditioned.

Selena handed the card to the man in a black suit, who stood by the doors. He wordlessly beckoned the two of them to follow. Neither of them could remember his face after they took their eyes off of him.

They went up two flights of stairs, down a long hallway and then took an elevator. It didn’t feel like it was moving in the slightest until after the doors opened. The suited man didn’t say it, but Selena remembered him telling them to go through the black doors at the end of the hall.

They did, and behind them was a large, spacious room bigger than the lobby itself. An executive space, paved with a floor that was stark white, emblazoned with the symbol of a black chess pawn.

Along the walls were glass cases with weapons, books, and other oddities that were fit for a museum. It looked like a mix between the office of a CEO and a war veteran. And at the far end of this room, a man stood with his back turned to them. He seemed to be wearing a white suit that matched his white hair.

His hands were folded behind his back, as he stared out the floor-to-ceiling windows. Selena and Yoko walked in, an air of nobility made itself clear in this room. They were in a place of dignity.

”Ah… Selena Gallagher Phoenix, Hatanaka Yoko.”

”How do you-” Yoko stopped herself when she realized someone like Kari is in play.

He turned around and fixed a look on them. He seems to be about middle aged, but in a way that someone aged well. Dark brown eyes looked through them both, as if searching for something.

”I trust Mhorosa didn’t give you trouble. I am Grandmaster Enzo Alcaraz, head of the Ivory Court. Allow me to be the first to welcome you both to our city.”

He gestured to the desk before him. A steaming kettle sat with three empty cups. The chairs looked comfortable. ”Sit, I believe we have something to discuss.”

Yoko narrowed her eyes - another blowhard. She entertained him by sitting down, resting her gym bag with the kanabo next to her. But she kept the strap in hand. Yoko kept her eyes on Enzo.

”Let’s. So we can stop these annoying theatrics and get a move on.”

”Yes. Perhaps they are annoying, but they tend to smooth things over with “tourists.” Like the one wielding Oni weaponry.” He gave Yoko a pointed, emotionless look.

Green tea, brewed wonderfully, was poured into each of the three cups. A dish of super cubes was slid closed to the two of them.

”I do apologize for the inconvenience this is. You two are on a journey right now, so I will try not to take up too much of your time.”

He took a slow sip of his tea, never once taking his eyes off the two of them.

”…What business do you have in Monterey?”

”You fellated yourself about knowing sooooo much about us..:,” Yoko rolled her eyes. ”I’m looking for my family’s artifacts - there’s one here. I’m going to find it, then leave.”

”Mm.” He took another sip of his tea. ”And I suppose you’ll do it with that kanabo, rather than your list of rather impressive spells?”

”Yoko, please.”

Yoko bared teeth.

”… That’s not necessary, now is it?”

”Objectively speaking, you could certainly try. However, I would hope your family’s honor means enough to you that you wouldn’t fall to such barbarics.”

”You seem to know us quite well,” Selena mused.

”Knowing things quite well is my role in things, miss Phoenix. Knowing is half the battle, wouldn’t you agree?”

”Well, do you know what we are looking for so we may leave?” Yoko asked.

”Of course. Yurei’s Leash, one of your family’s artifacts. Unfortunately, I cannot allow you to leave with it.”

”Well,” Yoko shrugged. ”… You don’t have to.”

Yoko imbued the gym bag with harden - and swung it at Enzo like a mace. It’d hit like one, too.

…Or rather, it would have. Except Enzo ducked clean underneath it. And he didn’t even try to riposte the swing as it sailed clean over his head.

”I had hoped you would at least enjoy your tea before this. A shame.”

”Shut up!” Yoko shouted.
”You are so goddamn annoying!”

She cocked the gym bag back for another swing.

Calmly, and without standing up, Enzo hooked his left hand underneath the gym bag, and deftly redirected the momentum of the swing over his head to knock her way off balance.

”Yoko!” Selena flinched as the bag came close to smacking the shit out of her. She jumped out of her seat, leaving the cup unattended.

”You do not speak for her, so I will not hold this against you.” Enzo slowly stood from his desk, and reached underneath it. He was now armed with a sword.

”As for you, miss Hatanaka… You have already decided there is no going back. I sympathize with that. But unfortunately, you’ve made a grave error in judgment.”

Yoko dropped the gym-bag, unzipped it, and pulled out the kanabo… she held it in both hands. She narrowed her eyes at Enzo,

”... There is no going back, yes, American,” Yoko rolled her eyes. ”I am not leaving here without Yurei’s Leash, and if that means I have to shove this up your ass, then so be it!”

Yoko raised the Kanabo overhead, and slammed it down on Enzo with enough force to flatten him - shatter wood.

Enzo saw it coming, exactly as quick as Yoko decided to make her move. The sword in his hand flicked upwards, meeting the kanabo and splitting it down the middle with a flick of his wrist.

The two halves went flying off in different directions. Enzo had barely taken a step.

”I would suggest you cease this, but we both know you wouldn’t consider it. Not while your brother and grandfather’s collective honor is at stake.”

”Go to hell!” Yoko said, as she reached into her pocket and pulled out a blank card… she applied the Sharpen spell to it, and swung it at Enzo like a knife.

Enzo took one step backwards and used the flat side of his sword to make Yoko overextend. He leapt over the desk, and swung the sword at her leg to knock it out from under her, all without spilling a drop of blood.

Selena moonstepped backwards, ready to blast Enzo when he pointed the sword at her.

”I will not harm your “friend” any further than she insists,” He told her.

Yoko hit the ground, and grit her teeth as she looked up at Enzo, and hopped back to her feet… Enzo’s taunts were nothing to her. Yoko pulled out another paper card out of her pocket, and then cast Extend to it - causing it to lengthen. She also cast Sharpen to it, and then swung it at Enzo like a longsword.

He wasn’t even looking at her, and he pivoted on one foot to block the attack, sword to sword. He twisted his weapon around it, and flicked it out of Yoko’s hands. His other hand remained behind his back, he didn’t seem threatened in the slightest. Yoko grit her teeth as she came up with an idea… she ran over to the desk and applied Impact to it. She flipped it on its side, and when it hit the ground, it caused an explosive amount of force that sent it through the floor. It created a hole in the ground, one that she hoped would throw Enzo off guard.

…But it didn’t. He was just calmly walking towards her.

”That desk contains an artifact that can reverse time within a localized area. Did you think I would be surprised?”

Enzo leapt at her, and the floor seemed to be repairing itself. He brought the pommel of his sword down quickly, smacking the shit out of Yoko like he was holding a hammer, just in time for the floor to be beneath her. He timed it so she’d be smacked straight into the ground. Yoko’s ears were ringing, and her head was spinning, there was a sharp pain that went through her skull. Yet, Yoko didn’t give up, she rolled on her back onto her feet, not as gracefully as she had hoped. She wobbled a little bit, but narrowed her eyes at Enzo… he was always a step ahead of her. Yoko had never fought anyone like him before… then she felt blood drip from the top of her head down her cheek onto her jawline.

”I’ll… never stop, American,” Yoko said, shaking her head. ”Even if I leave now. I’ll be back. And I’ll shove that sword up your ass!”

”You will experience a bruise at the worst. Your head will be fine. Now…”

In a fraction of a second, the sword cut through the air without so much as a whisper’s worth of noise, and the tip was mere millimeters away from Yoko’s face. ”When I asked you of your business, it was a formality. From the moment you arrived, I knew exactly what the two of you were doing,” Enzo stated, patiently and without emotion.

”You two are searching for Hatanaka Goro, your brother. You are also searching for the artifacts your family created. I know this, because I know more than you can understand. You came in here with the expectation you would meet friction, and an attitude of impatience. And your friend’s exact thoughts at this very moment are of your foolishness.”

He saw through her, knew what she was thinking before even she did. ”You, miss Hatanaka, are officially forbidden from entering this city for as long as you live. If you return, you will be dealt with more severely than this. You have thirty seconds to leave with the Swift Scroll you are carrying. Starting now.”

Yoko grit her teeth… Like hell this bastard was going to serve Yoko her fourth defeat in the last two days! Yoko grabbed her Swift Scroll, and opened it. ”Trust me, I’ll be back American.” Yoko narrowed her eyes. ”I’ll be stronger, better, and I’ll crush you like the insect you are!”

Yoko began the incantation for the Swift Scroll… and Yoko and Selena were teleported away in a purple wind…

---

… The Swift Scroll teleported the two back to Kari’s house, and Yoko stumbled onto one of the rocks in front of her home. Yoko grabbed her head, which stopped bleeding, and she turned away from Selena, hoping that she wouldn’t see the tears well up in her eyes.

Selena stepped away from her, thinking as she crossed her arms, and looked off in another direction.

Suddenly, the door was thrown open.

”... Yoko!” Kari shouted as she ran outside, and wrapped her arms around Yoko. ”I saw the whole thing, are you okay?”

Of course, Yoko knew Kari was only asking as a formality. Kari already knows… but, Yoko couldn’t help but feel defeated. Kari turned towards Selena.

”... Thank you for having her back, Selena.”

”There was nothing to have her back for, Kari. He was just playing games with her.”

”... And Yoko fell right into it,” Kari sighed. Yoko said nothing as Kari let her go. ”So, what did you learn?”

Yoko was silent.

”... Well?”

”I’m not strong enough for this mission,” Yoko sighed. ”I’m a disgrace.”

”You attacked him when he was emphatically diplomatic with you.” Selena turned around and glared at her. ”That had nothing to do with strength! The moment things went different than you planned, you made a mockery of yourself! What was the plan if he decided to stop going easy on you?!”

”You insisted on tagging along, American! I never asked for your input!” Yoko shouted at Selena.

”Well you have it, so learn to deal with it!” She shouted back. ”You can’t find Goro alone, you can’t find your family’s artifacts alone! You’re too reckless!”

”... She’s right you know,” Kari agreed. ”I didn't tell you to let her come along because you necessarily need help. You need perspective.”

”Did you see how easily he fended you off? He could have killed you before you blinked.”

Yoko sighed.

”... Fine, I get it, I’ll slow down” Yoko began. ”But, I’m not going to let him keep my artifact.”

”…I don’t think you have much choice in that. Maybe if you found the others first and were more resourceful.”

Kari nodded at Selena, ”That sounds like a plan. Also, you should have the Hatanaka spellbooks in the Hatanaka Sanctuary. How about you try learning from those?” Kari suggested, before smiling at Yoko. ”... And I know someone who can help. I just need to find him.”

Yoko sighed, as she already didn’t want the help of Selena and now Kari wants to add more people.

”Whatever gets my family’s artifacts back from that annoying asshole,” Yoko rolled her eyes.

”In the meantime, take it easy,” Kari warmly smiled, putting both of her hands together. ”I’m going to invite some people over later… It’s friday. let’s have a little fun.”

”Are you sure about that? Last night was a tragedy, Yoko didn’t even understand the concept of white Lux. What will she fumble this time?”

Kari grabbed Selena’s hand, then Yoko’s, then gently pulled them inside. ”We’ll go easy on her this time, board games are not her strong suit!”

”Hey!”

And then they had a party.

Somehow even gayer than the slumber party!

Paragraphs: Dragon Dance [Blizz & Mixtape Ghost Note]

---

Yoko and Selena approached the walls outside of the Temple. Yoko didn’t like the looks of this place… Goro told her that the Temple tried to recruit him through Leon before. They didn’t seem to have the perimeter fully guarded, but there had to be some security they didn’t know about. However, with Kari watching over them, nothing could go wrong! Yoko turned to Selena and said, ”... Time to see what that fancy cloak of yours can do, American.”

There were a grand total of four Selenas huddled together with Yoko, each with their own copy of the Greymoon Cloak draped over them. ”You know what to do. We’ll scour the grounds for the vault and look for the artifacts, while one of my doubles distracts Lynette. I am ready when you are.”

The spot the two chose for their brazen entry to the property was far along the west end, a dip in the landscape creating a mostly-scalable area that was only blocked by a row of hedges that tried to hide the imperfection. Atop the wall, looking down, the descent was going to be a little more difficult… Or, would be; but thanks to Selena’s unique situation, it’d be a simple thing to create a human rope-ladder.

Once over the wall, the two would find themselves in something like another world. The enchantment of the area was thick, Lux currents creating a breezy forest that seemed to prattle on with life until it was ultimately disturbed by the quiet intrusion. Things went from a distant drone, to a terse and biting silence.
It’d be up to the two to navigate the rough mile between themselves and the Temple proper, but a walk should’ve been a small price to pay for a clandestine entrypoint.

Yoko turned to Selena, ”Let’s get this show on the road! This place gives me the creeps…” Yoko shuddered.

---

The sound of Selena’s footsteps echoed through the hallways of the Temple’s central building. Flanked by two of Lynette’s guards, she silently walked down the passageway as directed by them, and entered the chamber to speak with the head of the Temple there. She lowered the hood of her cloak, met Lynette Richoux’s eyes and slightly bowed her head.

”Madame Richoux, it has been a long few years since we’ve stood in the same room together. I am thankful for the opportunity to speak with you once again.”

Lynette Richoux, as was typical of her nature, was dressed in a dark black sundress that showed off her shoulders and arms. Their subtle musculature was covered in tattoos, wings and vines and plenty of flowers; they matched the lilies and posies that stuck into her thick single-tailed braid. She had a hat, its brim almost two feet around, resting on the conference table.
”Miiiiiiss Phoenix… It is forever my pleasure to welcome members of the esteemed Sycamore Tree Coven; may the Lord rest her name… Now, to what do I owe such magnanimous pleasure?” she asked, voice regal and aloof as the security members flanked the door.

”I have returned home to St. Portwell on a quest to seek out one of our former members, Goro Hatanaka. I have spent weeks searching for him, traveled to three countries outside the United States, scoured the internet for a trace of his presence. And I’ve found nothing. Neither magical nor mundane means have been sufficient to find him,” She explained, calmly. It wasn’t a total lie, at least.

”I’ve come to you because I fear the worst, and I know that you keep a close ear to the wind for what occurs in the world.”

Lynette tilted back slightly.
”Hmmmm… My Dear…-” She seemed lost in thought for a moment, like she was rummaging around in her mind for something. ”-Well… As far as I’m aware, young Goro never took any of our oaths! We certainly keep tabs, my Love, this you know: But we do our best not to keep too close an eye on those uninterested in our causes.”
She turned a smile to Selena, eyes squinting up just like a cat’s would in pleasure.

”But I’m sure we can make a concerted effort to look! I’ll assign some resources, have a few conversations: I’m sure that we can replicate some of the famous Hatanaka artifices… Maybe, something like a wayfinder? To find the master, one must use their skills, no?”

She nodded. ”I have already been to the Hatanaka family’s home in Japan. I think we are closer to that eventuality than you may expect. But, such things take time, and I would be remiss if I did not make proper use of that time. We can accomplish much when we work together, that is the strength of all paranormals. Your people are an example of that, hence my presence here today.”

Lynette looked oh-so-pleased with herself as Selena spoke. Being praised for her unifying efforts was a fast track into Lynette’s good graces.
”Then, bodies it is? Some assistance in your hunting, no doubt?”

”It would be greatly appreciated if you could spare the effort.” A professional grin crossed her face. ”Information, extra eyes in the world, anything you are willing to extend. In return, I will offer favors. I have amassed resources of my own in the years after the Sycamore.”

”Oh, Sweet Pea… Favors simply don’t interest me when it comes to you Sycamites. It’s an honor and a pleasure to do what we can.”
Her assistant, a young woman with striking red hair, moved without prompting toward one of the walls. Pressing her hand against it, the section unfolded into a rack that held a single large, ancient looking tome. She hefted its massive leather volume and brought it before Lynette, who opened it up.

She looked like a librarian hunting the records for something specific.
”Ha-ta-naaaaa-... Well, last time we updated anything, it seems Mr. Hatanaka was still residing in St. Portwell. How off the mark is that from your current information?” she asked, looking up at Selena half expectantly.

”Very,” she answered. ”He returned to Japan years ago, not so long after we sealed the Devil Snake… He hadn’t come back to America since, to my knowledge.”

Lynette closed the book with a gentle flick, the grin never leaving her face.
”Men it is then… We’ve been to Japan before, we can get you back there! And I’ll send a few people with you! You remember my son, Leon? And my niece, Daisy Hunter? There should be plenty of investigative power between the two of them, and with one of our basic Jumpers, you shouldn’t have any trouble getting around.”

”Leon…” He had certainly been a character way back when. ”I have not heard from him in years. How is he?”

---

The forest pathway Yoko and Selena found themselves upon was mostly quiet, save for glimpses and echoes of strange and otherworldly creatures. The magical environment surrounding the Temple’s grounds was maintained by the cult, allowing for the inhabitants of other realms to be found here in comfort.
Strange deer, birds, insects; there was a pond that was suspended mid-air, a giant sphere of hovering water in which a myriad of fish swam.

Eventually they made for a mausoleum, its gate unlocked and its entryway dark. There was a crypt beneath, and a few levels of stone stairs down brought the duo to a hall that looked different from the rest of the place. Wood paneling this far underground was a questionable decision, as some of the structure looked to be weakened or molded from water leaking in at the table level.
But it was mostly unsecured, and eventually the hall gave way to an iron gate. It only took a little finesse to get that open, and suddenly they were in what could only be described as a trophy room.

Glass display cases held artifacts from across Shimmer and beyond, some displays bordering on non-euclidian in their design. It’d be up to the two of them to hunt for the scroll in question, but if it was actually on this property, this is definitely where they’d keep it.

Yoko glanced around… The urge to take everything was defeated by the urge to grab whatever was here and haul ass. Yoko glanced at the Selenas, she would have to check out the Greymoon Cloak when she had a chance. ”Let’s get to work, American. I have a feeling it’s not going to be this easy.” Yoko shrugged, hoping that Kari was also searching for whatever Hatanaka artifact was here.

”You have your Wayfinder, we just need to follow it as closely as we can. I’ll send clones ahead of us just in case we aren’t alone.” Selena’s clones began walking at a quicker pace, manifesting small orbs of pale glass. Selena herself created one and made it float behind them.

”That will prevent us from being ambushed… Which way is it taking us too?”

”Unfortunately the replica of my brother’s Wayfinder is not that accurate,” Yoko said, shaking her head. ”We’re going have to find it the old fashioned way.”

The many different artifact displays seemed to be regional, with some sections consisting of only a few small objects while others seemed to be full of any kind of random crap. One side was dedicated to the Richoux’s participation in both Europe and the Americas, while the other held scant Egyptian and North African artifacts. Then, beyond them, Middle Eastern artifacts from the Arabian peninsula, then India, South-East Asia…

The section of Japanese artifacts had enough substance that it was very clearly separated from the others. There was a rack of scrolls even, covered up by a locked front that denied immediate entry.

”Do any of those look like a Hatanaka artifact? A Swift Scroll, perhaps?”

Yoko was quickly checking them case by case. However, Yoko found a kanabo…Probably the same kind that damn ogre uses. Though, it gave her an idea, she grabbed it from its rack. It was heavy, but Yoko trained for this. Yoko sucked in air as she groaned - using all of her strength to throw the club over.

”... We’re about to find out!” Yoko said as she ran over. ”Get out of the way!”

When she was in range, Yoko slammed the club down on the lock - imbued with the Impact spell. It shattered the lock into pieces, and granted them access. Yoko then stepped forward, dropping the club with a loud thud. She examined the scrolls, before reaching for one. Yoko turned to Selena, stating…

”... This is the Contract Scroll,” Yoko said. ”I think this is it, we should go now. Unless you want to gorge yourself on these cheap replicas.” Yoko rolled her eyes.

”We have what we came for, so let’s-” Selena stopped abruptly, and her head snapped to the ceiling.

”They destroyed the clone.”

Yoko then shoved the scroll into her pocket before her phone began to ring, she pulled it out, and it was Kari calling her. Naturally she answered…

”... Someone’s coming! Wrap it up and go!” Kari said, without so much as a hello.

There wasn’t a great deal of noise or sound that heralded the arrival of the giant in black. Robed, poised between them and the door, the figure’s body began to jostle about as a laugh echoed from beneath its hood.
The figure stepped forward, bare feet against the stone floor shuffling along slowly.

"Ho-ly shit… Well… Can’t say I’m one-hundred percent surprised you’re back for that…”
As his hand lifted, the robe hiding his flesh pulled away to reveal the shimmering hue of flesh anointed with the light of raw Apparitional Lux. A long, thick and calloused finger pointed to Yoko.
"But I always imagined it’d be Goro. Not you, Yoko. Selena? You really hurt Mom’s feelings, tricking her like that…”

He stepped forward one more time, finally pulling the hood away. Leon Richoux: but rather than the raven-haired teen they’d known all those years ago, his hair was white as snow, eyes blue like the sky and piercing as they stared at the two women.

"I think you’ve been blessed regardless… I’ve been instructed to give you a head start. Don’t blow it.”
With an evil grin, Leon dropped to his knees and divested himself of his robe, revealing the flesh beneath that began to writhe and bubble until new growth burst forth in great, bloody wounds. He grunted, snarled, and as he did so, the two would be able to see the muscles and bones themselves break and shift upon his face. Every second, he more and more resembled those awful creatures of fantasy; the hybrids of man and wolf.

He was not the same Wizard he’d once been…

”I’m not blowing it alright…” Yoko hissed as she knelt down, and grabbed the remains of the locks. She applied the Impact spell to it, and then quickly threw it at Leon. With the Impact spell, it should be enough to knock him down. In this moment, Yoko grabbed the Kanabo, ready to shove it up his ass… Then slid the phone in her back pocket.

”Nice!” Kari said, ”There goes your headstart!”

Yoko, for all the smarts, threw an impact-afflicted lock at a werewolf. A werewolf well versed in sparring and fighting against Orange Lux users like her. But none of it mattered, in the end. In a secure location, somewhere nearby and unbeknownst to the duo, was an artifact that stabilized Leon’s transformation to the point where he could push himself to the absolute limit.

A fist lashed out the instant Yoko’s lock left her hand, driving itself into the impact lock like he was punching a moving truck. It stopped the beast’s fist, clanking to the floor in a flattened heap.
"Is that Kari Wilson on the phone!? Ooooh, it's a three-way operation!”

”No, it's your mother,” Kari retorted.

A consummate gentleman, Leon used the inhuman dexterity and speed of his twisted in-between form to kick off the floor at an incredible speed, aiming for the little buzzing electronic audio source coming from the phone. He was told to give them a head start, and he intended to do so…
After all, he was used to playing with his food.

Yoko’s eyes shot open as Leon just ignored the Impact spell. Which was, currently, her primary offensive technique. Yoko acted on reflex when Leon came at her, applying the Hardening spell to her clothes and this club. Yoko hunkered down, anticipating the attack, the spell weighed her down unfortunately so she had to hope she could remain on her feet.

Flinching only made it easier for the half-beast to scarper with the phone, sliding to a stop behind the two women. As much as his wolf-like face could grin, it did. Holding the phone was like holding a little book of matches for Leon, and he ever-so-gently brought it up to his fuzzy ear.

"Kariiiiiii… We’re not animals. We say we’ll give something, we give it. Just like there’s always a place for you here in the Temple.” he growled loudly.

BAM!

Four glowing spikes of pale energy were launched at the beastly Adjoined, each coming from the hand of Selena and her clones. Celestial Spears, that they had charged up to hit him hard and fast while he was throwing Yoko around like a sack of potatoes.

”Leon, Leon, Leon. Surely you haven’t lost your sense of reason in the last few years. You are outnumbered. Do not play this game.”

The beastial man-thing's body twisted in place, dodging spear after spear. One coalesced and sped toward his face, at which point the maw opened and closed down on the broad head of it. Like it was a solid object, he bit down on it and shattered it into golden light.

A few remained to stick out of the thick hide of his leg and chest, but they seemed to be spat out as the wounds recovered on their own. It hurt, enough that Leon didn't want to keep dealing with blows like that… But they didn't kill him outright. He could keep going.

"Who else but us, huh? We get a free pass and still spit in the face of the provider! Long live Sycamore!”
With great force and speed, Leon sent Yoko's phone back toward her face hoping to distract her.
Truth be told, he didn't care that Yoko came to reclaim her family's stolen property: It was only right, after all. He only cared that the two of them were such assholes that they heard “head start” and chose to waste such a grace.

So he was going to show Selena, or whichever clone he got his claws on first, that courtesy was just that. As the phone ripped through the air, Leon pushed off on powerful back legs, arm out and claws forward like a deadly arrow to pierce whatever he hit.

Yoko grit teeth as she caught her phone and wanted to shove this club up his ass. Yoko used all of her strength to raise the club and applied the Parry spell to it. ”... Sycamore is dead, you stupid fuck!” When Leon made contact with the club, Leon was launched aside.

Yoko quickly swung the kanabo at him, with Impact applied to it to give it bone breaking force.

Leon yelped as he was knocked out of the air and slammed into a display. It must've activated the mechanism in the wall, causing the secret cache of more artifacts to open up behind it as Leon tried to recover.
"No thanks to people like you and Goro, Yoko!”

The sound of bones snapping back into place bounced and echoed through the stone room. The beast stood again, and this time went for a different tactic: Flesh burst open at the neck and shoulders, meat and flesh and muscle forming in rapid fashion as Leon broke and reformed himself.

His neck grew long and snakelike in its range of motion. The same was true of his arms, which were now so long and flexible that they more resembled the tentacles of an octopus than the arms of a beast.
These noodle limbs, attached to massive claws, began to rake out and slash away in a fury. The hydra-like stance of the head waited above it all, searching for a moment to lash out and bite.

While Leon was busy extending his neck out like a damn bungee cord, the Selenas were moving around him. Two of them were floating, jumping above him and damn near banging their heads against the ceiling as they drifted back down with a pale white glow radiating from their hands. That would be the Vitrify spell. The clones shot out beams of energy at Leon, which caused crystalline glass to build up on his skin to weigh him down. It was like a freeze ray, somewhat, but less cold.

Yoko had no choice but to backpedal… What the hell happened to Leon?! Selena gave her an opening, but Yoko had no tools to capitalize on it.

”... You have the scroll!” Kari shouted from the phone, having to raise her voice to be heard, ”Just go!”

Yoko sighed, throwing the kanabo over her shoulder. ”... American! Let's go!” Yoko began, before pointing a finger at Leon. ”I will return! And challenge you and this cult, Yokai!”

The sensation of having one's flesh actively crystallized was one Leon didn't recognize. It didn't mean that he didn't know what to do about it, however, only that it put him on the back foot again. He could hear Kari Wilson's voice echo through the phone speaker as supernatural hearing picked up the electronic resonance over anything else.

He had to retract his head and arms, less they become so brittle and unsupported that they simply snap off. Without any weak structural areas to focus on, Selena would have to dump the spell into the rapidly regenerating core of the beast.
Every time a big enough chunk was crystalized, the flesh would simply sevor the affected area and heal near instantly. Though, he was already getting tired from the heavy usage of Lelou's energy.

"You should really listen to KARI!”
A leg swept out, Leon actively snapping the ligaments that held his form together to ensure a full rotation at maximum power. As it swept forward, he'd aim for every Selena at once with his free hands.

An impact into the actual woman wouldn't involve claws: It almost seemed like he still didn't want to hurt her, even if the power would snap bones of her own. Ultimately, all it did was force all parties involved closer to the door.
"And don't fucking come back! It'll be bad for your health!”

”... God, you’re annoying,” Yoko rolled her eyes, as she backpedaled towards the door. ”Selena! This trash isn’t worth our time! Let’s go!”

In a moment of quick thinking, one of the Selena clones made an orb of crystal in its hands as all of them were tossed backwards. She shattered it in Leon’s face, pulsing a wave of telekinetic energy at him like a shotgun blast. That Selena faded from the scene as the real one ran towards Yoko. ”Let’s go!”

Yoko just darted out of the door, Kari giving her directions on where to get through the phone. Afterward, the two made it out the door to the wall they approached when they got there. Yoko stopped, pivoted on her heel, and turned around and saw that Leon was no longer pursuing them. She panted over and over again…

”... Leon is no longer chasing you,” Kari noted through the phone. ”You should head back here for the night.”

Yoko kept panting, and Kari laughed, ”We can have a cute little slumber party!”

Yoko rolled her eyes.

”Wonderful.”

Paragraphs: Dragon Dance [Blizz & Mixtape Ghost Note]

---

Dusk had settled in St. Portwell.

A purple wind had arrived in front of Kari’s house, and the three had appeared. Kari loudly yawned as she stretched her arms upwards.

”See, that’s faster and less of a pain in the ass than flying, isn’t it?” Kari smiled at Selena.

Yoko, meanwhile, had deployed the holographic display of Goro’s Wayfinder… the map wasn’t as detailed as Kari’s. Yoko turned to Kari as she said,

”Wilson,” Yoko began. ”Why does this seem less detailed than…”

Yoko pulled Kari’s Wayfinder out of her pocket and deployed the map. It was, unlike Goro’s Wayfinder, a three-dimensional map of the All-Verse.

”Oh? That?” Kari shrugged. ”You, my friend, are holding the original replica. Made with Goro’s Mass Production Spell.”

”Oh…” Yoko said, pressing the central gem on Kari’s Wayfinder to turn off the holographic display.

”... The original Wayfinder should be with Goro,” Kari shrugged. ”But, this is just as good… even though it’ll give you a vague estimation at times if you hit me up, I can help you and guide you better.”

Wilson… always willing to help. What a great friend (I don’t deserve it). Yoko sighed before she turned to Selena, still holding the Wayfinder.

”Should we start with the closet one?” Yoko asked.

”It might be leading you to the… Blackmores,” Kari huffed, then rolled her eyes. ”Though, I also know that Goro was trying to get Ashley to give up the Apparition Killer, so maybe she knows.” Kari shrugged.

”We might as well. If Stone is willing to put up with us after this long. Does it say which artifact is nearby exactly?” Selena asked, looking over at the map.

Kari put her hands behind her back, then awkwardly laughed, ”... You know, Goro and I overlooked that. Because you know,” She shrugged. ”The plan was to get all of them, you know.”

”...Fascinating.” She was just a bit underwhelmed at something so simple being overlooked. ”Then I suppose we’re paying the Blackmores a visit.”

Kari rolled her eyes. ”... Have fun with that.” She walked back towards her house, only to come to a stop as she said, ”I know you’re both probably aware, but please be careful. St. Portwell is probably just as dangerous now as it was when we were fighting Stiggy.”

Kari took a moment to push her glasses up her nose as she continued, ”There is a new faction, Das Sonnenrad, roaming the streets, especially at night. I know you two are capable, but, uh, please, just be careful. Promise?”

Yoko smiled, before jamming herself in the chest with a thumb, ”... You know me!” Yoko laughed. ”No promises!”

”... Oh lord,” Kari rolled her eyes. ”If - _{or when} - you get into some trouble or get stuck, just hit me up, and I’ll see what I can do.”

”Will do, Wilson!” Yoko shouted as Kari rolled her eyes again and retreated into her house. Yoko turned to Selena, and figured it was time to pay the Blackmores a visit.

---

It was a short walk to the “Blackmore Manor”. A walk because Yoko refused to get an Uber. When they walked through the gates, and approached, Yoko knocked on the doors - aggressively.

“Who’s bangin’ on the doors like they are the police?!” Amanda shouted.

“... Amanda! Get the door!” Victoria shouted from within.

After some running, Amanda threw the door open - wearing a black tank top, some Adidas sweatpants. She looked at them, and tilted her head.

“How can I help you two?”

”Amanda Blackmore,” Selena pulled the hood of the Graymoon Cloak down off of her head. ”I hope we weren’t disturbing you. We were in the Sycamore Coven together.”

Amanda laughed, “... So were a lot of people, hon.”

Yoko rolled her eyes, then put a hand on her chest, ”I am Yoko Hatanaka,” Yoko then gestured to Selena. ”And this is Selena Phoenix. We are looking for leads on my brother, Goro Hatanaka.”

“Oh?” Amanda said, “Maybe ‘Toria or Drake knows something, lemme ask!”

Amanda poked her head into the house, then shouted, “... ‘Toria! It's Yoko and Selena, they want to talk about Goro!”

“Tell them to come in!” Victoria shouted back.

Amanda gestured for the two to come in, and led them through the Blackmore house. To the living room, which had a black sofa (with Nikki on it), across from a wide screen TV. Next to it was a single seat sofa, with Victoria sitting on it. She was wearing green sweat pants and a black T-shirt… Which was bulging due to her being eight months pregnant.

“Yoko, Selena,” Victoria said, “How are you two doing? You two seem to be doing well.”

”We are. We’re looking for Yoko’s brother, he’s currently missing.” Technically missing. Neither of them actually had a blue if Goro was just hiding or actually in danger.

“Goro,” Victoria answered. “I know… I’ve been trying to find a lead on him myself but I’m currently…”

Victoria tapped herself in the stomach a few times with her hand.

“... Encumbered.” She laughed. While she was talking, Amanda hopped on the sofa and started playing video games with Nikki.

Yoko narrowed her eyes, somewhat envious that Victoria got to experience the joys of motherhood. Though, there was no point in asking her if she had leads because she probably would have told them. What Yoko did instead was brandish Goro’s Wayfinder, and deploy the map. She pointed at the general area that was around the Blackmore House.

”This artifact was made to find my family artifacts,” Yoko raised Goro’s Wayfinder. ”It's telling me there might be some here.”

“... Does it differentiate between artifacts made by Goro at all?” Victoria asked.

”No, because Kari and my brother overlooked that,” Yoko answered.

“It might be detecting The Memory of Adam,” Victoria shrugged.

”... The what?”

“The sword that Goro made with our help,” Victoria shrugged. “Well, it was all Drake’s idea, but me, Amanda, Jade, and Drake helped.”

She paused, then shrugged, “I honestly forgot what it does.”

”I’m going to take a guess that it represents the spells he used in life,” Selena mused.

”We can have Wilson look at it,” Yoko also mused.

“It’s not necessary,” Victoria said. “Ideally, we never have to use it again!” She laughed, before she flicked her wrist.

“Not just that, you’re trying to find your brother. I have some contacts through work, I can ask them and see what they know. Only issue is that I’m on maternity leave.”

”Something tells me that this is going to be a problem,” Selena told Yoko. ”Finding these artifacts along the way, only to realize they aren’t Hatanaka artifacts.”

”I mean if my brother made it, it's a Hatanaka artifact.” Yoko began, then shrugged. ” So it's working as intended.” She smiled.

“Maybe you can talk to Ashley,” Victoria suggested. “I know she kept in touch with Goro…”

”Ashley Stone…” Selena gave Yoko a side-eye. ”We didn’t see eye to eye very often, at all. I’d be surprised if she doesn’t slam a door in our faces.”

Yoko shrugged. While Ashley was far from Yoko’s favorite person in the Old Coven, they had to try. ”I’m certain she’s willing to let bygones be bygones.” She shrugged.

“I’ll tell her you’re coming,” Victoria noted, “Should save ya’ll from any kneejerk reactions.”

”Thank you, Victoria. I had no idea Ashley stayed connected with the paranormal world after so long.”

“She keeps in touch with the people she likes,” Victoria shrugged. “I’m still perplexed on why she’s so obsessed with holding onto the Apparition Killer…”

”It’s a powerful artifact. Anyone would covet something with that potential… Leverage, safety, any number of reasons. I’m sure we’ll have a chance to ask.”

Victoria just nodded her head.

“… Just don’t give her too much hell.”

---

As directed by Victoria, they found Ashley’s apartment which was in south St. Portwell. Selena managed to convince Yoko to take an Uber instead of trying to take public transportation halfway across the city. It took a few flights of stairs before they made it to apartment 431. Yoko knocked on the door, and they heard someone walking up, and it was a moment before Ashley opened the door. Wearing blue Adidas shorts and a white tank-top.

“… Yoko, Selena,” Ashley said, “Victoria called me, so let me nip this in the bud: I don’t know where Goro is, I don’t know where he went.”

”When did you last speak to him?” Selena asked.

“A few weeks ago, when he was bugging me for the Apparition Killer,” Ashley answered, “I told him to get bent.”

Selena looked at Yoko, silently.

Yoko stared at Ashley, clenching her fists, before she said, ”… Why?”

“Because, I’ve been holding onto it just fine so far,” Ashley said. “Everyone keeps acting like I don’t know what I’m doing.”

”… You’re severed, Stone,” Yoko answered. ”You don’t want anything to do with magic, yet you hold onto one of the most powerful artifacts in the All-Verse.” Yoko shook her head.

“… And I didn’t ask you,” Ashley answered.

”What are you doing, then? Is there a chance the Stygian Snake is returning?” Selena narrowed her eyes at Ashley. ”Are you in danger?”

“Stiggy ain’t coming back unless one of you do something stupid,” Ashley answered. “But, I have shit to do; I don’t know where Goro is, I’m not giving up the sword. Get bent.”

She punctuated that with a slam of the door. Yoko looked at Selena, then at the door, before she stepped towards it and started banging.

”…Get back here, you stupid, American!” Yoko shouted as she banged on the door.

”Yoko, Yoko-” She put a hand firmly on the smaller girl’s shoulder. ”Don’t make a fool of yourself.”

Yoko stopped, and turned towards Selena,

”I’m not making a fool of myself…” She began. ”… I’m going to shove my foot up her ass!”

Selena sighed, disappointed already. ”Fine. Through the front door, then?”

”… Where else could we go?!” Yoko asked.

Selena smirked, and raised the hood of her cloak over her head. Yoko blinked and there were suddenly three Selenas standing side by side.

”The windows, a fire exit, anywhere with a hint of subtlety. While one of these two goes through the front.”

”Let’s-” Yoko was about to say before she was interrupted by a phone call. She pulled out her phone: Kari. Yoko, naturally answered and didn’t even get a chance to greet her friend before she said,

”… Yoko, what the fuck?’”

”I-“

”Yes! I was watching you!” Kari answered before Yoko got a chance, before she continued.

”For the love of God,” Kari began. ”Just turn and walk away! Jesus! Are you trying to get arrested?!”

”If it’s any consolation, I would’ve made sure she’d be long gone by then.” One of the three Selenas chimed in.

”Just go!” Kari shouted, and Yoko sighed before she said,

”… Fine,” Yoko then hung up the phone. She turned to Selena, dejected, before she ran down the hall.

”Now what?” the one Selena asked, following her.

Yoko didn’t respond, not until she made it all the way to the park across the street from the apartment. Well that didn’t go well, Yoko figured that she could find one of the Hatanaka artifacts. She pulled Goro’s Wayfinder out of her pocket, and deployed the hologram. It was simple to use: it had a touch interface like a phone! She swiped around this shitty map of St. Portwell until she found it…

A space in the wooden north of St. Portwell where it gave a vague estimate of several of the Hatanaka artifacts. Yoko rubbed her chin, pulled out her phone, before calling Kari, and when she answered she put it on speaker,

”… Yellow,” Kari said,

”Wilson, hello,” Yoko said, ”What area is this?”

”Give me a minute to cross-reference…” Kari was silent for a few moments, before she added, ”… Oh.”

”Oh?”

”Yes, oh.” Kari began. ”That is the Temple of Charming and Graceful Individuals.”

”The cult?” Selena made a face. ”They tried to steal my cloak once.”

”Yes, the cult,” Kari laughed,
”Leon tried to recruit me.”

”So, we’ll just go in there, and take back my artifacts,” Yoko said.

”… They have guns and magic,” Kari dryly noted.

”I was willing to play fair with Stone, but… I do not have a high opinion of “families” like them. But I assume you already knew that, Kari the All-Knowing.”

”… And I’m not saying you do,” Kari began. ”I’m saying they’re dangerous and you need to use some discretion…”

Kari was silent for a moment. ”.., Yoko.”

”Discretion is more my field than yours,” she said, bluntly. ”I have an idea to speak with Lynette Richoux without putting either of us at risk.”

”And what will I do?” Yoko asked. ”I’m a woman of action.”

”You’ll be raiding their storage area with me, while I talk to her to distract her.”

”And I’ll be keeping an extra set of eyes on you,” Kari said.

”Sounds fine to me,” Yoko shrugged. ”I doubt they’ll let us just walk in, however.”

”They’re the Temple. As I recall, they were obsessed with us, I’m sure they’d spare a few minutes out of their oh-so busy schedules.”

”Well…” Yoko didn’t really have anything to say. ”If you have everything figured out, then let’s go.”