The Oni roared and suddenly regenerated its chest cavity, all the damage done had become null and void.
"They can do that now?!!!" Ibaraki screamed while hanging from a tree. Below her imps began to grow larger, roaring and sprinting at Xenthos. Standing up Xenthos prepared himself for combat but Ibaraki rained arrows down around him that burst into flames defending him. However the imps weren’t normal, they leapt through her flames and began to pile onto him.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Id0wTYs3j
"Xenthos!!" Ibaraki tried to help by rapidly firing arrows.
SWISH SWISH SWISH SHWING!
In a flash without even disturbing the air around them everyone watched the imps fall.
"Are you okay?" Xenthos looked up seeing a woman standing above him, butterflies floating around her while she stood to defend him.
"Utsukushī! The perfect person at the perfect time!" Konkitsu exclaimed at the woman’s arrival, a sign of happiness in his voice.
"Your aid is appreciated Ms. Sānzu, but we've already won. That is unless SOMEONE doesn't want to listen?" With those words Xenthos grouped up with everyone else and The Scientist continued.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQYoVZqhA8
"With Sōzō's Hand, this battle is decided."
"The Hand Of Creation? I'm confused." Utsukushī looked towards the group, puzzled by what she was hearing.
"Everyone, show her!" The Scientist ordered and Ibaraki instantly used hers to sling around the trees —launching out a whip around a tree and using it to trip the Oni.
"Wow!"
"Atsuryoku-ten." Pulling back the arrow she lined up her shot, her bow tugging back. With the release the arrow became coated in energy — tearing the Oni’s leg off.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVoV7Jjfu5h
"Konkitsu Scientist Now!"
On command the two summoned glowing orbs and tossed them at the Oni lining up their respective shots and firing — both orbs exploded at the Oni’s feet and chest.
“GROAAAAH!!!”
SHINK SHWING!
The Oni’s roars fell silent as Utsukushī followed up and cut it down, sheathing her blade and walking back towards the group.
"This doohickey is so damn badass!!" Ibaraki cheered out.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEoPw0NkSN3
"How much does it cost?! Because I am BROKE!"
"Then you can pay me by using it. The more you use it, the more field research I’ll have, and the happier I'll be." The Scientist said with a smile.
"This thing is incredible Scientist, how does it work exactly?" Konkitsu asks.
"It takes the thoughts of the individual and manifests it with more structural power depending on the willpower of the individual, in similar fashion to your body." She explains.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vBtR04Rjm
“So long as you know what you want it’ll manifest that, not what you need.”
"So it's another one of your inventions?" Utsukushī says.
"That's the sum of it, yes."
"Alright big guy come here let me get a look at you." Ibaraki began to check on Xenthos — despite his grumbling and profuse refusal — she managed to assess the damages he took.
"Scientist thank you for defending the village." Just then three people walked over to the group all wearing the same attire, they wore pretty simple knight-like armor just enough to protect themselves in case of an attack.
"This was an experiment, saving the village was a welcome side effect. I saw a few imps running south. It would be best to scout the area in case they're looking for bigger ones to call, now get to it Defenders." The Scientist informed them.
"Understood. But before that. Who are you two? We've never seen you before." The Defender asked Xenthos and Ibaraki.
"We're people from outside we-"
"Outside? You're exiles?!" A flash of metal was shown, a pistol, a blade, and a dagger. Their response turned the Defenders hostile.
“That a problem?” Ibaraki’s hair erupted into flames, a small heatwave dispersing around her — Xenthos looked toward them, his face was completely shadowed over by his hair, blood dripping from his injuries — looking like a man possessed.
"These two are my new assistants far from the east. That's what they mean by "from outside"." The Scientist told the defenders to quell all hostility, though more so saving them.
"O-Oh our apologies. Defenders split and search the area any Demons found are to be eradicated! Ms Sānzu, take care of yourself."
"Thank you, same to you." The Defenders split off and begin searching.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9XmwAT4w99
“Now you two. I've never seen you either. Please tell me your names." Utsukushī asked.
"I'm Ibaraki, this is Xenthos, pleased to make your acquaintance." Ibaraki introduced herself while further examining Xenthos.
"Xenthos & Ibaraki. I won't forget your names. Hope to meet you two again soon." Utsukushī smiled at the newcomers and went back into the village.
"Ah Utsukushī. A kind hearted and nice person all around, unlike somebody I know." Konkitsu commented.
"And who might that somebody be?" The Scientist glared at Konkitsu and began to head back into the village. Ibaraki pat Xenthos’s face before following after them.
Everything has finally FINALLY hit him — all at once — and now… NOW.
CRACK!! BOOM!!!
Everyone stopped and turned looking back at Xenthos, a tree split in half soon dropping to the ground in front of him.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcHkNbjTG2
"IDIOT! YOU'LL MAKE THE WOUND WORSE YOU STUPID- GRAAAH!" Ibaraki ran over, tugging at his hair and face, chopping him on the head.
"Xenthos.” The Scientist called out to him in a softer tone than usual, catching his attention.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJPMAQKWNM
“Come on, let's go, I'll tell the village you aided in collecting firewood plus I want to hear more about you two and we need to patch you up." The Scientist spoke to him in such a familiar tone — like she knew him before. Xenthos didn’t fully calm down but he followed and walked with the group back into Valentina Village.
Valentina Village, The Scientist's Laboratory
"General Shōkyo? He was the Lead of the battle?" The Scientist rubbed her chin pondering.
"We also had another part of our group, Junsui Shinzo." Ibaraki added.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlW5mz4jO4
"While also battling the demon Asmodeus." Ibaraki explained but Xenthos just kept staring at Konkitsu — soon it became too much.
"Hey now what's with the eyeballing?" Konkitsu asked Xenthos as he jerked his head away.
"It's a tech called "A.M.D" Automation Mobility Drones like the Sōzō's hand. It takes the thoughts and will of a person's soul and turns it into power with the use of stones I call Creation's Heart. So thanks to that, we have this fool." The Scientist explains.
"The fool part was unnecessary. However, that's my story and I hope we can get along." Konkitsu says.
"Swimmingly."
"Fearfully." Ibaraki seemed ecstatic to be friends with Konkitsu but Xenthos was a bit uneasy.
"Back onto the topic at hand. It's official that you two have jumped through time. Everything you've told me points to The Revival ten or so years ago." She stood and walked over to a globe and spun it.
"Years ago. Demons of all kinds poured into the world, revealing themselves to the world's light after lurking in its shadows for so long. With their reveal they destroyed most all of what man had struggled to achieve and thus bringing demons thought to be folk tales to walk the world. That is why we call it "The Revival." The battle of Ōkoku being the first battle of many fought in an attempt to stop the Demons from advancing."
"So we just got unlucky to join the fold of Time jumpers." Ibaraki rubbed her temples annoyed.
"Okay even if that is the case. How did such a thing even manage to happen?" Konkitsu asked.
"I've never heard of such a thing but then again things can be learned in ten years." Xenthos commented.
"A Spirit Gate. We believe it's what Demons use to jump through time themselves when they consume a Warrior's Soul. Those swallowed by it become lost in time, eventually washing up in eras completely different from their own. For example, there was a group of soldiers who were about to hunt down a demon, until they all just vanished leaving all their gear behind. Years later one of the soldiers was found unconscious on the floor confused and when he hopped up he shouted."
"For the whereabouts of his prey didn't he?"
"Just like you with Ōkoku and similar as well, he didn't even look a day older and it had been sixty years since.." Everyone went silent, this got worse and worse as more information was being fed.
"Damn it no..."
"No denying that. All sounds like Time Travel." Konkitsu added.
"No surprise. This world has always been a subject beyond human understanding. Thanks to The Revival that's only increased. It's crazy isn't it, the less we know the more things just make sense huh?" The Scientist rubbed her chin.
"Back onto the topic of Shōkyo and Junsui. Grand General Shōkyo of the Divine Mount. A tactical genius, sadly he seems to lack emotions and is an extreme realist. Guys known as the "Man Painted Red" willing to sacrifice life to maintain it without a moment’s notice. Junsui Shinzo The Soulless Commander, the kid doesn't take anything from anyone. Last time he was here he effortlessly beat three defenders and three exiles who got into a scuffle.”
“Yeah that sounds like the Axel in him.” Ibaraki commented with a smile.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQ07YbXSFa
“Sensei always did say a quick beating would-”
“He almost killed two of them.” Konkitsu added.
“Get someone’s mind- Wow okay…”
“He's one of the Legendary Five Heroes so honestly there wasn't much anyone could do to stop him — except Utsukushī — as a hero herself she stepped in and drew her blade preparing to face him. Instead he just left with a threat. "This issue had best be resolved next time I arrive or Valentina will be under new leadership". No one believes him. He and our Maiden were best friends, the fear of him is setting in day by day however." The Scientist explained.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0N9Oi8JK4
"Gyah!" A bright light began to swarm around Xenthos and a smaller one around Ibaraki.
"Come on! More weird stuff!" Konkitsu panicked and Xenthos stood up looking at himself.
"Whoa Whoa Whoa! Am I dying?! Are we dying?!" Ibaraki panicked.
"Xenthos Ibaraki! Look at me!" The two looked at the Scientist who shouted at them.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZhdkgNLD0
"You are here! Both of you! You're here and nowhere else! I know this as fact! Believe in me!!" She shouted at them and Ibaraki's glow went away.
"Yes! Wait!" Ibaraki went from cheer to panic — Xenthos's glow didn't go away — it only got brighter.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKte4hrr00
"Xenthos! You have to let go! We can't go back, we don't even know if it's possible! This could be suicide! Please!"
"This..I don't know, I want to take this chance and if I die...well..it's a death fittable for one who failed humanity." Ibaraki slapped Xenthos and balled up her fists.
"Stop being a damn coward!!!" She screamed and his glow disappeared as he looked at her. The Scientist sighed.
"I don't have all the answers. I may never have them. But I do know one thing. You two don't belong in this time period and someone or something is trying to correct that, if you want to break this curse you have to link yourselves to this time. Yo-"
"Eaaaaat!" The Scientist was interrupted by Ibaraki shoving some cake in Xenthos's face, despite his protests he finally caved in and ate it.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKaQ0b34DR
"Don't be that stupid again okay?" While watching them The Scientist took a moment pondering what could be done to assist them but then she figured out something simple.
"Since you two need to tie yourselves to this time to reinforce the change to stop trying to grab you. How about"
"Aye.” Konkitsu spoke, he saw the face she was making. To others it was nothing but he knew her enough to tell, the slight changes in her face meant varying things.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64CvUD43d9
“No!"
"-becoming my assistants?" The Scientist proposed despite Konkitsu trying to shut it down.
"Yes! I'm all for it!" Ibaraki confidently shouted.
"Xenthos?"
"Are you sure you want-"
"I don't care who you are Xenthos. Your intent is all that matters to me, you failed. Tough luck, you didn’t die. Get up and remind them why they feared you so badly they had to send you through history." Wiping his mouth Xenthos took a second thinking it over before he sighed.
"Let me think about it."
"You can think about it while starting to help me."
"What the hell?! How does that even work?!" She ignored him completely.
"This isn't a good move for you two, I'm tech and she still overworks me like hell. Seriously not a good move."
"And vanishing completely is Konkitsu?" The Scientist asked.
"I never said that." He sighed.
"Remember that empty house you two woke up in? That's your home now. Do with it as you see fit. For now go home and rest." She waved her hand and sent them off.
The Next Day In The Village
"Oi Oi. You two haven't vanished have you?"
"We're coming in." The Scientist and Konkitsu both called out as they entered Ibaraki and Xenthos's home only to see Xenthos asleep with a bento box next to him.
"Hm? Morning.." Xenthos suddenly sat up and reached for a nearby bento box only to get hit in the head with a shoe.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9iK8E86GK
"You can't be ser-"
"Five out of the six Xenthos! I paid, they're mine!" Ibaraki shouted from the back room, she had a towel covering her chest while she was glaring at him.
"You didn't pay he offered!" Despite her yelling he still took one anyway. Unwrapping the box while looking at their visitors.
"What did I jus-" Ibaraki slid the door closed then opened it and threw a rock at his head.
"Ow!! Why do you even have rocks?!!"
"For you! Now put it down! I've got sharper ones!" She threatened, he put it down — slid away from the Bento box — she slid the door closed and went back to dressing herself.
"Ugh....what do you two want?"
"Well, don't you two have proper chemistry. You sure you two ain't siblings?" Konkitsu chuckled.
"Not at all." Xenthos scratched his head, yawning — looking at the Scientist and Konkitsu.
"Anyway. Let's get down to it, we need to use today to get you two properly set up. Go meet our Maiden and get yourselves started with the Fiends Rite Of War. That'll make it so you two can get on your way to becoming proper Fiends for the village. I've got some research that needs to be tended to." The Scientist stepped out and began to head back to her laboratory — Ibaraki stepped out having finished getting dressed.
"Hm? Alright guess that's our next plan if we're gonna ya know..NOT get possibly ported and whipped from history or flung into another one."
"Alright then it's a deal. Let's get started."
"Hold it! You don't even know where you're going." Konkitsu shouts to the two before they exit.
"How about we get a little lay of the land first shall we? Ya know, learn where you can get what?" Konkitsu added as the two looked at each other and nodded.
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