Dendro Medley

**Date Completed:**6/16/2021
**Previous Role-Play**:
**Users Involved:** User:Katokonia
**Setting:** Svarga , Abraxia
**Date:** August 7, 1510
**Celestial Pirates Involved**:
* Avani
* Vynai Venus
* Saturn Rezka

**Abraxi Involved**:
* Uei Chantico
* Uei Eztli (Unnamed)
* Uei Yaotl (Mentioned)
* Uei Ixchel

**Other Characters Involved**:
* Pyta Ceres
* Erudite-33
* Frostgale-22
* Saleiiya
* Serendipity
* Xibalba Cypher
* Petra

**Metrics**: Dendro Medley/Metrics

## **Mission, Start!**

"...and that's it for the briefing. If you have any other questions, please ask my assistant. If not, then I wish you all the best of luck. We have been expecting the raiders to attack for quite some time now. They were allegedly to come this Spring, however it would seem that something has delayed them, for better or worse. Now if you'll excuse me, I have some other work to attend to." Saturn Rezka stood up from his desk and walked towards the door, passing the five individuals he had delegated the mission to.

It was a survey mission to a nearby island located within the Calm Belt. While it did preside within the border-sea, it was geographically extremely close to Svarga, and so Rezka, as well as the other members of the Council, had decided that it would be best to send a team to investigate the territory, in an attempt to either find natural resources to aid in fueling Svarga, or potentially to establish friendly relations with any inhabitants of the island.

The island itself was present on older maps of the region Svarga was located in the sea, however in recent times it has gone relatively unnoticed by any party, though perhaps this was due to them being located to the opposite side of Svarga's entryway to the rest of the New World, making it an undesirable, and perhaps formerly unreachable, location to the masses. While not mentioning his thoughts to anyone, Rezka had reason to believe that it could have potentially resided within the Kairos state during its activation, though he no longer possessed much memory of the event that had begun so long ago.

The five tasked to this survey mission were hand-picked by Rezka, who vouched for their abilities. He had chosen to send two of his crewmates, Avani and Vynai Venus, the former of which he believed would excel in a mission that was located in a region flourishing in nature. He recognized that in a bountiful place Avani would be nigh-indestructible, allowing him some relaxation of worry when she accepted his proposal to have her on the team. As for Venus, he simply thought that it was best for her to make use of her abilities in some way, shape, or form. In the recent days, she had been growing increasingly more of a shut-in, playing videogames from waking hours all the way to bedtime, and Rezka thought that it would do her some good to get out and about.

Rezka also selected one of his most trusted affiliates, and likewise his most trusted ferrying fairy, Pyta Ceres. He had decided that it would be more efficient to simply pay her to transport the team to and from the location rather than mobilizing vessels from the Svargan fleet, saving much time and money relating to ship costs and fittings for travel through the Calm Belt, which would set back the mission by more than a month, time that Rezka wasn't sure that Svarga had before the inevitable re-invasion by the Stingbloods. *"Still, I do wonder why they have yet to return..."* He thought to himself as he exited the room.

There were two additional members on the team that were designated by Kakorra Kaira, the head of The Phantasma Brigade. Both members of the elite troop Phantom Embrace, they would serve as the three's bodyguards and escorts on the mission. They are both Third Wave Scopas, and highly capable soldiers, well versed in both the ways of words and stones. Erudite-33 and Frostgale-22 are their official names, and they both willingly, and rather enthusiastically, volunteered for the mission when it was presented to Phantom Embrace, excited at the chance of leaving Svarga's borders and seeing the outside world, something that would be a first for Frostgale, and while Erudite had been outside of the country before, she still had a fervent desire to explore the jungle to the south, though perhaps this showed somewhat of a discrepancy in the desires of those assigned to the mission to their actual purpose of being there.

Regardless, the paperwork was all but completed, and Rezka walked towards his lab, assuring himself that the mission would be successful, and that in a few weeks, when it was to be completed, that perhaps Svarga would find itself in an even better position, either politically, or energetically, than before. With this final thought, he entered his lab, the door shutting behind him swiftly. *"Now then, what type of Buzz shall I create today?"*

Back inside the room was still the entire party indicated, alongside Saleiiya, who proceeded to lead the discourse, "Well that's that, is there anything you need, or need to know before heading off?" She asked to the room.

A hand raised from Ceres, who was sitting cross-legged on the floor, "Um, yea. Am I getting paid for this?"

Everyone's head turned to Ceres, and Venus held in a laugh though some of it slipped out. Saleiiya sighed, replying, "Would you like to be paid, Ceres?"

Ceres responded with an enthusiastic head nod, followed by a "Yes Please!"

This lightened the mood completely if it had been dampened before, as Saleiiya was the one who laughed this time, "Ok, I'll pay you when you get back, deal?"

Ceres beamed at this, saying "Sure thing!" Before motioning for everyone to step back from around her. "I'm guessin' we're doing this the good ol' fashioned way?" She asks, as her body turns into a that of a taxi. "Well let's get to it then what are y'all waiting for?" She asked impatiently, obviously ready to go now.

Avani spoke up this time, addressing the room, "I myself am ready to go now, is there anything else we need to do before heading out?"

Nobody seemed to have anything that came to mind, and so they somewhat reluctantly just agreed to get inside the taxi already without any further preparation. Everyone seemed to have brought their equipment with them, so there wasn't much left to be wanted. Avani took the passenger seat in the front, while the other three huddled themselves into the back seat.

"Well ok then," Saleiiya said as the four boarded the taxi, "Try to take this job seriously, I know it may just seem like a vacation, but please, this is important, ok?" She mentioned in conclusion, as she received waves from everyone as Ceres started the car, and it began to disappear into this air.

*"I'm never going to get used to that..."* Saleiiya though to herself, as she collected the paperwork for the mission and proceeded to exit the now-empty room.

## **A Likely Encounter**

And so they were off on the Endless Highway. The entry this time opened up to the normal view, with an empty and expansive road leading both ways sitting in the center of a field that seemed to be underwater, though no water was felt, nor did any hinder the movement of Pyta Ceres. Immediately as they entered the Highway, Ceres amped up the speed to 150 mph within mere seconds, racing down the empty road, much to the bewilderment of her passengers.

Both Avani and Venus have travelled in this fashion before, with Ceres of course, however neither Erudite nor Frostgale had known what to expect when Ceres had turned into a car in the middle of a room atop a skyscraper. Neither of them had ever experienced high-speed driving either, as cars were rare in Svarga, and when Ceres rolled down the windows Erudite, who was next to one of them, could be seen with a plain look of shock printed onto her face. Venus, who was sitting on the other side of the car and also by a window looked past Frostgale, who was sitting in between her and Erudite, and mused, "First time?" With an innocent yet cheeky smile.

Erudite didn't respond to Venus' comment, her face simply locked in between a state of shock and awe, as she watched the landscape whiz by outside. Or at least, that's what she had expected would happen, yet the landscape didn't seem to be changing at all. She finally snapped out of her frozen demeanor, and asked Ceres, "Hey, are we actually moving? It doesn't look like anything's changed yet."

Ceres slowed down a little and turned her head over to Erudite, and then to look outside before replying, "Oh, well sometimes it changes and sometimes it doesn't. Honestly, it's better for all of us if it doesn't." She chuckles knowingly, before facing the road ahead once more. Erudite accepted the reply, as it seemed like Ceres wasn't planning on saying anything else about it, though it was definitely a new experience. She nudged Frostgale to find a conversation partner in her, but Frostgale was fast asleep, though still sitting perfectly straight as not to lean on either Erudite or Venus. Venus looked over at the two curiously, before leaning onto the sill of the window face-first. *"This is going to be a long drive isn't it..."* She thought to herself, closing her eyes as well.

I**t** was around two hours later when the taxi came to a screeching halt, waking up everyone who had fallen asleep, and making for a violent surprise even for those who hadn't. Avani, who was in the front, leaned back and looked at Venus, "Hey V, do you remember Serendipity?"

Venus rubbed her tired eyes as she processed the question, "Serendipity? You mean that biker chick?...NO WAY" Venus exclaimed, startling the two Scopas to her left. Venus peeked her head out the window excitedly, and sure enough, leaning on a motorbike next to the taxi was Serendipity.

Ceres quickly evacuated the taxi to run over and greet Serendipity, which caused the taxi to disappear and plopped all of it's passengers onto the hard ground below with little time to react. A unanimous grunt of pain was heard from the passengers behind Ceres, but she didn't even seem to notice. She ran up to Serendipity, who waved over to Ceres, "An uncanny meeting, but hey, this happens every time doesn't it?" Ceres says cheerily.

"Hey there lil' Ceres, didn't expect to run into you today!" Serendipity responds with similar enthusiasm. Spotting Venus and Avani, she waves over to them, "Well I'll be, Earth and Venus are here too!" She laughs, calling them over. Then seeing the other two on the ground, she bends over and calls to them as well, "And I don't think we've met before, but I'm Serendipity, nice to make your acquaintance!"

Serendipity then addressed Ceres once more, "Alright Ceres, you know the drill, we don't have much time before the scouts pick up on you not bein' inside your vehicle n all, so how about we take this to a pit stop? I know where one is a little bit down the road towards where you're going if you'd like?"

True to Serendipity's words, a black car could already be seen hovering in the distance, with a second one joining it mere moments after.

Ceres looked warily at them before turning herself back into a taxi and telling everyone to get back inside, "If you don't have anywhere you need to be sure! Though, I wouldn't want to take time away from you if you have something important to do..." Opening the doors of the taxi as Ceres now leaned outside the driver seat's window.

Avani and Venus promptly re-entered the taxi, though Frostgale and Erudite were a bit more hesitant. While Frostgale got back into her middle seat, Erudite interrupted Ceres and Serendipity. "Hey guys, what are those in the distance? My alarm sensors are going haywire over here."

Serendipity opted to respond, with a simple "That's a good warning system you have there lassie, we have to get a move on so they don't bother us, alright? Hop back into your ride and let's head over to a pit stop!"

Erudite seemed to have more questions, but she reluctantly got back into the taxi as the door shut behind her. Serendipity turned her motorbike around, and began driving in front of Ceres as to lead her to the pit stop in question.

The two drove for a few minutes, before arriving at what appeared to be a run-down bar, with lights and technology reminiscent of those seen in Svarga. *"Well this isn't suspicious."* Erudite thought to herself as they approached the bar.

Ceres stopped the taxi, and Serendipity parked her bike in a vacant slot in the small parking lot to the side of the bar. There were a few other vehicles there as well, some were familiar, though some looked completely foreign and alien in both make and nature. All of them shared the same feature of appearing to be not entirely there, though this was a perception very hard to explain, at least by the passengers of Ceres' taxi.

Ceres gave her passengers a fair warning to exit the car before shifting this time around, much to the appreciation of the four, and after they all had gotten out she reverted back into her normal self. Serendipity watched in amusement as she transformed, remarking "That always fascinates me." Before moving to head inside the bar. "This is a shop-stop, so if we just loiter in the lot we'll probably get in trouble. Let's get ourselves some drinks!" Serendipity explained with just a bit too much enthusiasm for the last part, though everyone followed her as she swung upon the door to the bar.

The inside of the bar was completely contrasting to it's exterior appearance, sparkling with clean and laden with glamorous decorations. There was an extremely long aisle that led from the entrance with small inlets indicating rooms on the sides of it, and a sign flashed above by the entrance "Please Seat Yourself!" In a language that couldn't be read by anyone, except perhaps Serendipity, though somehow the meaning of it was understood by all. Serendipity continued leading the way, grabbing a small pamphlet that stood on a shelf to the side of the entrance, and waved for the others to follow her.

Ceres promptly skipped over to follow her friend, with Venus and Avani casually walking behind the two. Erudite and Frostgale stood at the entrance in awe for a second before heading onwards, completely confounded at the fact that the bar was bigger on the inside, and the contrast in decor as well. They were persuaded to hurry up as they saw the others begin filing into one of the inlets, which happened to lead to a private room and table, with pillowed booth seating. At the end of the table opposite from the entry to the inlet was a miniature bar, a garbled sound emerging from behind a veil that stood in between those being seated and whoever was presumably manning the bar.

Once everyone was seated, Serendipity pulled out the pamphlet she had grabbed, showing it to be a menu. She whispered to the group, "Everyone has to get something so we don't offend the establishment," Before clearing her throat and speaking in a more audible tone, "What would you all like to get to drink? Or maybe eat? We can talk all the while!"

Serendipity handed the menu around the table, though there were no pictures, and in the place of words were a set of glyphs, about 10 in total, each incredibly intricate however completely meaningless and not understandable whatsoever if they were meant to convey a message.

Venus scratched her head while laughing nervously, though Avani spoke up directing her voice to the bartender that may or may not have been standing behind the veil, "We'd like you recommended drinks, but do make each one different if that wouldn't be too much trouble." She said sweetly and politely. From the other side of the veil, another unintelligible garble of sound was heard, followed by some rustling and a beeping sound.

A few seconds later, the drinks simply appeared in front of the customers, casting a surprised look on all of their faces, save for Ceres, Serendipity, and Avani. Ceres said "Thank you!" In a cheery voice towards the veil, and in an instant the veil turned into a wall, with the presence that may or may not have been behind it disappearing alongside it.

Erudite was about to say something, but at this point she had accepted that things were only getting weirder and weirder, and refrained, looking instead at the drinks that everyone had received. They all looked normal enough, and Frostgale had already started sipping on hers. Avani's was the only one that looked strange, as foamy bubbles formed at the top of her drink, then continuing to rise from the liquid to fill the air above as well.

As everyone began to test the waters, Serendipity finally spoke up once again. "Alright! So I see y'all are from where Ceres is from right? That's super cool! I didn't know you had EAI too!" She said enthusiastically. When nobody said anything after her, only giving confused looks, she clarified, "Oh, EAI meaning you two, I mean, you're mechanical aren't you?" She gestured towards Erudite and Frostgale, apparently being able to discern that the two were not human, even though their exteriors were nigh impossible to differentiate from a human's.

Frostgale stopped sipping on her drink, which she had already made halfway through, and Erudite saluted at Serendipity. "That would be accurate. We are Scopas, emotional artificial intelligence units that have been engineered to function similar to humans. Our models are the latest of the bunch, and we have human-like exteriors of well, alongside a swarm of stem cells in our skin. My official name is Erudite-33," She pauses, allowing Frostgale to introduce herself as well, "Oh, and I'm Frostgale-22." Frostgale responded, before letting Erudite continue, "You can call us simply by our names, leaving out our unit numbers. We are natives of the nation of Svarga, and were initially developed by one of the nation's technological experts and leaders, Saturn Rezka. It's a pleasure to formally make your acquaintance, Ms. Serendipity."

Serendipity clapped her hands together at the wonderful introduction, responding with "Just call me Serendipity no need for formalities! It's nice to meet you too, and I figured that bastard scientist Rezka had something to do with it." She remarked jokingly. The two Scopas were taken aback at her mention of Rezka, though neither said anything on it. Serendipity continued, "I'm just a traveler on this lonely road, though I guess Ceres and her merry little band keep me company every now and then. Before I ran into you all," She looks over to Ceres, "I was about to go on an exploration mission with Providence. I'd offer for y'all to come with, though I think this dive would be a bit rough for first-timers."

Ceres replies, "Oh no worries Serendipity, we have somewhere to get to soon ourselves, though I'm sure sometime we can make it happen!"

Serendipity smiles at Ceres' response, before directing her attention to Avani and Venus, who had been awkwardly listening to the conversation that had left them out thus far, "So how'd that whole invasion thing end up, has it happened yet? I vaguely remember Set talking about it the last time I saw the two of you together on the road?"

Avani's eyes widened, "You remember Set?" She asked with expressed surprise in her voice.

Now it was Serendipity's turn to look surprised, "Uh, yea? Short spiky brunette boy with a bit too much effort going towards 'responsibility' and all that? I'd hope I remember, it hasn't been THAT long since I found you all by Candy Falls..."

Avani recollected herself, saying "A lot's happened since then, though I guess not much time would have passed thinking about it. He's been forgotten by most people at this point, so you caught me off-guard with your comment."

Erudite spoke up then, interrupting after Avani finished talking, "You know about the Kurzhen invasion??" She asked, standing up as she spoke, bewildered. "Also who's Set?"

Serendipity looked at Erudite for a moment, "Well I thought he was from Svarga, though perhaps that's a topic I shouldn't talk about. As for the Kurzhen, if they are those barbarian hordes that I've been told so much about, then yes, yes I do." She smiled.

At this point, everyone had already finished, or was close to finishing, their drinks, as the wall that the veil had turned into began fading back into existence as a veil, although slowly.

Noticing this, Serendipity exclaimed, "Looks like we're almost out of time for our meeting here today, so without further ado!" She looked at Ceres, "For you my sweet little Ceres I have the obligatory gift!" Serendipity pulled out a pair of fuzzy dice, offering it to Ceres, "For decoration! I haven't found anything that'd be all too useful to you recently, but at least we can spice up the cab yea?" She said excitedly, obviously proud of her choice of gift.

Ceres looked happy with it as well, holding them gently, "Thanks Serendipity! I don't think I have anything to give you this time around, though..." Ceres said, almost dejected in her inability to give something in return.

Noticing this, Frostgale rummaged through one of her pockets, pulling out a mobile K-TA1. "Here Serendipity, I have an extra one of these if you'd like it?" She offered the K-TA1 to Serendipity, who was pleasantly surprised as the gesture, taking it and inspecting it. "Ahh, this looks like a new toy from Rezka no? I'll take good care of it, thank you!" She exclaimed, as the mobile K-TA1 chirped a cheer as Serendipity placed it into one of her pockets.

She then pulled out something else, looking at Frostgale, "For your kindness to someone you met mere minutes ago, I would like to reciprocate." She motioned for Frostgale to hold out her hands, and when she did, Serendipity placed a small black orb into it, then explaining what it was. "This here is a real neat fire-starter. When you roll it in the palm of your hand, a flame will appear, BUT!" Serendipity made a dramatic pause, "The flame won't hurt your hand if you're the one that rubbed the ball! Other than that it's still just a normal fire, though."

Venus whispered something to Avani, before saying aloud, "Hey Serendipity, does that veil being back mean we have to leave?"

Serendipity turned to see that the veil had returned, the presence of a figure felt behind it. She quickly bowed her head to the veil, "Apologies your graciousness, we have overstayed our welcome." Before getting up, motioning for the rest to do the same, and promptly heading outside of the inlet, and the restaurant. She handed the pamphlet menu to Erudite, who took it without thinking, as the six were now back in the parking lot. Serendipity mounted her bike, and called back to the others, "Well stay safe you all, get Ceres to drive you around again and we'll probably see each other soon!" After this, Serendipity proceeded to drive off down the road, towards the direction that Ceres and the others had initially come from.

"Well, that was...expected, admittedly." Ceres sighed, as she waved for the others to stand back, turning herself into a taxi once more, her body appearing in the driver's seat. "Well, hop in you guys, it shouldn't be much farther to the island." Avani unexpectedly ran to the passenger-side, saying "Shotgun" with an attitude that didn't fit her earlier demeanor at all, before she hopped into the car. The three left all sighed, as they had to share the back seat once more.

Erudite looked at Frostgale and Venus, who looked back at her. "I'll take the middle this time Frosty, you can have the window."

"Oh, thanks Eru!" Frostgale replied, circling to the other side of the car as Erudite hopped in, Venus following her.

The following drive would take even longer than the drive thus far, though everyone except for Ceres would fall asleep for the majority of the uneventful ride.

## **Avana Forest - Cat's Cradle**

A momentary dark as Ceres entered the tunnel that would lead them back to the world above, and then...sunlight.

Sunlight pierced at the car that had surfaced atop a sandy beach next to an ocean with calm waves, almost nonexistent. Towering trees stood mere yards in front of the taxi, with the beach itself spanning no larger than a few yards itself. A harsh sun shined overhead, though dark shadows cast from the forest, the trees seeming to block most of the light from reaching the forest floor. Strange birds called and cried from every direction, with the occasional roar of beasts much larger, as Ceres proceeded to poke each and every one of her sleeping passengers' foreheads.

"Wakey wakey, you know at least one of you could have kept me some company as I drove, right?" She asked sarcastically, though deep down she didn't actually care all too much whether she had conversation or not. She then cleared her throat, "Ahem. We are HERE! So get your lazy butts out of my car, or I'll drop you all on the ground.

Avani was the first to wake up, as she promptly exited the vehicle, though the three in the back were much slower to rise, grumbling at the sudden wake-up call as they dragged themselves out of the taxi and onto the beach. As everyone exited the vehicle, Ceres promptly got out as well, the cab folding nicely into her as she stood up onto the beach.

The first thing that everyone would feel was the dank and humid air, making for an uncomfortably hot temperature and climate. In the distance a rainfall could be heard, though it didn't seem to be moving in the direction of the group. Venus spoke up first, remarking, "Isn't it a bit too chilly for a rainforest?"

Everyone turned their heads to look at her, as Avani sighed, turning her head back to the jungle as the two Scopas inquired Venus about her remark. Erudite asked, "You think this is chilly? I'm already sweating up a flood and you're CHILLY??" She said, almost in an irritated fashion, though her reaction was nothing compared to Frostgale's who simply had her mouth open in shock from what Venus had just said, obviously sweating profusely already as well.

Ceres let out a short laugh, before turning to Avani, who was staring either listlessly or in deep thought at the thick jungle ahead, and asked, "So Ava, do you think you guys are going to want me to come with you? Or should I meet you back here at a certain time like usual."

Avani turned to look at Ceres, before putting her hand up to her chin in thought, "Hm, I would honestly like for you to come with us in the emergency that we encounter something...overwhelming," Avani gave a warm and caring smile to Ceres, "But if it would be too much of a bother for you, we can meet you back here in 5 days?" There was no sarcasm in Avani's voice, and she sounded genuinely interested and concerned for Ceres' response.

Ceres blushed slightly at Avani's sincerity, shuffling her feet before replying, "Oh, um, yea I can come with you guys I guess...I just don't want to get in your way, Make isn't here, so I'm not much use in a fight..." She said sheepishly, almost embarrassed with her lack of confidence in her abilities.

Venus walked up behind Ceres and placed a hand on her shoulder, "Oh don't you worry about fighting Ceres, that's what the rest of us are for," She looks back and gestures towards the two Scopas, who were waving back supportingly, "Remember, we have some of Svarga's best soldiers on our side! Everything'll be fine..." Her voice trails, as out from the jungle protrudes the head of a giant therapod, with it's eyes looking directly at the five standing on the beach.

It began stomping towards Avani, who was the closest to it, as Erudite and Frostgale pulled out their guns immediately, aiming at the reptilian and preparing to fire. Venus pulled out her bow, nocking an arrow and also ready to fire if the creature showed no sigh of halting.

However, Avani waved them to lower their weapons, saying "Don't try to kill him, please." Before she was suddenly airborne above the beast, then punching the top of it's head, sending it crashing to the ground. A mischievous smile creeped onto Avani's face, "I think this might be my favorite island yet, I feel stronger now than that Oskaraka fiasco!" She exclaimed, though only Venus and Ceres would understand the reference. Avani then crouched down beside the animal on the ground, which wasn't unconscious, though it was struggling to get back up. She placed a palm on it's forehead, as it seemed to be relieved of it's pain soon after. "Now Mr. Dinosaur, I can't be mad at you for seeing us as food, but please pick a meal that you can actually get away with eating safely. If I see you again you better be a good boy, ok?"

Venus lowered her bow, amused at the situation, though Ceres still stood frozen in her tracks, and the Scopas' guns were still semi-raised.

The Therapod got up, almost looking as if it was ashamed, and skulked back into the jungle away from the group.

"What the fuck just happened?" Erudite asked loudly, seeking answers from any who could give them.

Avani turned around and simply said, "Oh he was just being a little rascal, no need for violence!" With a happy voice, even though during this encounter she was perhaps the most violent out of everyone, something completely out of character for her to those who hadn't spent much time with her.

Erudite replied with a hesitant "Right..." And Frostgale started giggling, though quickly tried to hide and sequester it. Erudite looked over to Frostgale, "You laughing? Alongside that whole dino charade I might be convinced the world is ending. Whatever," She looked back to Avani, "Well Ms. Avani, as the designated leader of the mission, we are at your command." Erudite and Frostgale both bowed slightly, before fully lowering their weapons and awaited further instruction, both with a noticeable air of uniformity and duty now presiding within them.

Venus walked over to the two, whispering to them, "Between you and me, I think you're best making your own calls here, Ava's a bit shy when it comes to giving orders." Before she walked towards Avani and asked her, "So Ava, let's get a move on shall we?"

Ava nodded in agreement, "Yes, let's." As she took the lead and began to walk into the thicket of trees. Venus followed Avani, staying near her side. Ceres, who had finally reorganized her senses, hopped up and fell in line behind Venus, looking back to the two Scopas, "You two better watch my back, ok? This better not be my last mission!" She said with a huff, entering the treeline now herself. The two Scopas promptly followed behind her, with Erudite standing fourth in line and Frostgale taking the rear. And then, the sandy shore lay empty, with the whole group now patrolling the forest floor.

As they entered the jungle the sounds of the forest only grew louder and more cacophonic. Some wildlife could be seen, mostly birds fluttering about, though many more could be heard, though simply hidden within the undergrowth or with camouflage to protect them from sight. Of course, anything that could pose a threat to the group wouldn't be one of these creatures, though. It would be one that could remain hidden to the senses WHILE it fluttered, or moved, about.

Avani led the group through the jungle for about 5 minutes before abruptly stopping. As the line came to a halt, an eerie silence filled the air. All five of the group could feel something watching them, something sinister, though they had no idea what, or where it was coming from. Avani grabbed some dirt from the ground, alongside a single fallen leaf. Everyone watched on in curiosity as she brought the clump of dirt, as well as the leaf, over to a nearby rock and placed it on top of it. She then continued leading the way without a single word.

Venus was quick to follow, though it was obvious that Venus was feeling somewhat uneasy from the presence, her steps laid much more carefully now, treading the wood as if she were a hunter. Ceres had no such technique, walking along as normal, though she too felt the presence. From the corner of Ceres' eye she saw what appeared to be a black shadow for but a moment, her eyes widening, though it disappeared as quickly as it was seen. *"I hope that was my imagination..."* Ceres thought to herself, *"Ah who am I kidding there was definitely something up there, crap."*

Erudite's eyes followed where Ceres was looking, though she glanced at the spot far too late to see anything out of the ordinary, as ordinary as trees at tall as skyscrapers and dense thickets of flora were, anyways. Frostgale seemed to be looking somewhere as well, though to the opposite side. She leaned in close to Erudite and whispered, "Hey Eru, I think we're being followed by someone."

Erudite glanced at Frostgale, "Well yea, no shit." She replied, before continuing to follow the pack.

- - - -

Meanwhile, atop a branch and covered in thick foliage two figures talked to each other, though out of earshot of the five below.

"*So? What do you think they are?"* One asked.

*"I believe they are people, my dear."* The other responded

A sigh released from the first, *"Well that's not very helpful is it? I guess we'll find out one way or another soon enough..."* The first one pouted, their voice trailing off, and dispersing amongst the sounds of the jungle at large.

- - - -

After roughly ten more minutes of walking throughout the forest, the group of five arrived at what looked like a natural fountain spring. A small freshwater pool protruded from the ground, spouting up water into the air all the while. There were some small animals gathered around the spring, though they scattered with the arrival of the group.

Avani stepped towards the spring, though motioned for the others to stay back before they followed her up to it. She gave some sort of discreet hand signal, as suddenly Venus nocked an arrow and sent it flying, embedding itself high up on a nearby tree trunk harmlessly. For a few moments, there was no reaction. But after those few moments, a head peeked out from behind the tree, it's face covered with some sort of mask, and presumably standing on a branch facing away, "Aww man I guess you knew I was here huh?"

Erudite and Frostgale immediately fingered their guns, ready to raise them at a moment's notice. Ceres was the first to respond, though, exclaiming randomly, "You're not the one we felt! Who are you?"

Avani and Venus looked at Ceres, both sighing at her reaction the situation, it being much too casual for an encounter with an unknown force.

The person responded, however, "Wait really?? How'd you know I was here then!?" The voice could be assumed to be that of a girl, and not too old either. Her tone was equally casual to Ceres', and she didn't seem to be malicious whatsoever, unlike what the party had felt watching them earlier.

Avani called up to the girl, who still could only be identified by a mask, "Blame your voracious friend for this introduction between us, we've felt the presence of a ravenous beast for quite some time now."

While everyone had surely felt the presence itself, a quick exchange of glances said that Avani was the only one who had a hint of an idea as to what the source was, perhaps Venus being slightly more perceptive that the other three as well.

"Oh rats!" The voice said, "See wolf? I told you to calm down! Now they know we're here you ape." The voice pouted, responded to be a cacophonic and howling laughter.

*"Ha! It was simply a test to see if they were worthy of entering our forest, my dear. Though I suppose the white-haired one in the middle looks rather...tasty..."*

Ceres shivered at the comment as goosebumps rose atop her skin, with Erudite and Frostgale now raising their weapons up, trying to locate the second voice, which had been much more malicious, and dangerous, as it was heard.

A spiritic wolf's head protruded from the tree trunk next to the masked girl, as if it simply swam through the tree itself. It had the face and features of a wolf, though an ominous black mist surrounded it as it began to fully pass through the tree. It's body was large, that of a wolf, though it lacked feet. Instead simply hovering within the air, black mist spreading around the general area where it's mass would normally take space. It spoke again,

*"Why have you come to our wood, foreigners...?"* It asked, baring it's teeth, though not approaching any closer to the five.

Avani elected herself as diplomat, responding with, "We come on behalf of the nation of Svarga to investigate this land, and to establish a relationship with any of it's inhabitants provided they have a desire to do so."

*"Relationship...? Svarga...? Would the foreigner be representing something they are not, perhaps?"*

It was as if the wolf knew that Avani did not hail from Svarga, something that Avani herself inferred the wolf to know judging by his response, and chose to reiterate, "That would be correct. I am a friend of one of the current leaders within the nation of Svarga. Accompanying me are two guards from the nation, alongside two of my friends, one of which is serving as transportation."

Everyone was shocked at how honest Avani was in her response, as well as her withholding of information from the wolf, and girl behind it.

The wolf seemed satisfied with the response, however, as it slithered floatingly back through the tree and out of sight, reappearing behind the masked girl, who proceeded to leap down onto the ground. It was by no means a short drop, though she seemed to be unfazed by the impact of her fall, which was incredibly light contrary to what should have been felt. The spirit wolf seemingly swam through the air as it descended to join the girl, resting behind her with a menacing grin.

"Oh well hello there people of Svarga!" The girl said cheerily from inside her mask, "You should have said something sooner and I could have been more hospitable! But um, what's a Svarga in the first place, and why does this Svarga want you to come here?" She inquired, cocking her head to the side and speaking with a cute tone of confusion, "How did you even get here? And what's up with those things the two poser-humans are holding, is it supposed to be a threat?" Verbally bombarding the group, she waited impatiently for answers to all her questions.

Avani started to reply, but Erudite cut her off, "Poser-humans? What's that supposed to mean huh? This thing," She waved her gun around, "Is called a weapon, and it's a damn good one too you got that?" She said defensively, offended by the girl's remark.

Avani then interrupted Erudite, giving her a look that said "Shut up."

"Apologies for my friend's response. They are not posing as humans, but they are rather another model of human per se...anyways. Svarga is a nation that lies somewhere to the north of here, and again, we were sent to scout out the island, and try to establish a relationship with any existing population."

The girl eyed Avani suspicious, replying "You never told me how you got here. But I guess I'm sorry for calling you two poser-humans. I do not understand how that box-like piece of metal could be a weapon, but I suppose we just do things differently here."

She paused to whisper something to the wolf, who suddenly disappeared into the ground, "Well...you don't seem like bad people. There were some bad people that came here not so long ago, though they made the mistake of landing their ship on MY turf!" The masked girl posed triumphantly, "How about this? If you tell me about where you are from, I will show you my land, deal?"

Avani smiled in agreement, "Sure, that sounds like a good deal." She then bowed her head slightly before raising it again, "Allow me to introduce myself, my name is Avani," She pointed to Venus, "And this here is Venus, one of my dearest friends." She then turned slightly, gesturing for the others to introduce themselves.

Ceres took the lead, "I'm Ceres! Nice to meet you!"

The two Scopas were slightly more hesitant, but relented as the situation loosened, "Erudite-33, well met." Followed by a "Frostgale-22, likewise."

The masked girl nodded in understanding as the group went around introducing themselves, saving her own for last, "You all have weird names. I am Chantico, current chieftain of the Su'uei Tribe, and 28th of the Uei Blood. My friend's name is Chantico too! We match, it's so cool I know." Chantico stated in a friendly manner before adding, "Just saying, if you guys had responded badly Chantico probably would have eaten you, so good job being good people!"

It wasn't entirely confirmed whether she was referring to herself or the spirit wolf, though everyone hoped that she was talking about the wolf.

Chantico began prancing slowly away from the spring, calling back to the unmoving group, "What are you guys doing? I thought you were here to look around!"

This prompted the group to shuffle their way to towards Chantico, following her in the same formation they had been earlier. Avani and Venus seemed happy enough with the arrangement, as did Ceres who began humming happily. Erudite was more suspicious, leaning back and whispering to Frostgale, "Doesn't she seem just a little TOO friendly, or is it just me?"

Frostgale responded, "Hmm, I'm more concerned about where that wolf went, this could very well be a trap."

Erudite nodded in thought, "Yea...well it's out job to make sure those three stay safe," eyeing Avani, Venus, and Ceres, "So just keep an eye out behind us, we shouldn't relax our guard quite yet."

Frostgale nodded in agreement, leaning back towards a normal walking position as she followed the line, looking around at the vast forest around them all the while.

Chantico led the group as she marched forth over-emphantically, as the sounds of roaring water grew louder and louder with each step. Life made it's voice heard as well, with a bundle of different animal calls being heard from the direction of the water, perhaps marking it as a point of compilation amongst many species. Chantico hopped onto a massive boulder that stood on the ground in the direction the group was heading, climbing it as she told the others to follow her. Avani and Venus began to climb, swiftly transitioning into the new mode of travel. Erudite and Frostgale looked at each other, not necessarily wanting to sling their guns on their backs which would leave them prone to attack. Ceres hadn't yet begun to ascend yet either, as her hand was up to her chin and her eyes darted, trying to figure out how high the boulder went.

"Is there something wrong?" Frostgale asked Ceres, though when she didn't get a response, Ceres seemingly lost in thought, she spoke louder and clearer, "Ceres, is there something wrong?"

Ceres turned her head, an inquiring look still on her face. "How do you guys think this rock got here? I haven't seen a mountain since we got here, it's just been trees trees and more trees."

The two Scopas blinked at the question, obviously not expecting it.

Erudite opted to answer, "Maybe someone put it here? But what does that have to do with you staying down here and not climbing up?" She asked.

Ceres gave an aloof smile, "Hehe, want to see a magic trick?" She said mysteriously.

Without waiting for an answer, Ceres suddenly had a broom in her right hand, as if it had appeared out of nowhere. She proceeded to mount the broom, and began flying upwards atop it as if it were a plane, quickly passing by Avani and Venus, and soon passing Chantico as well. As she reached the top of the boulder, her eyes widened in amazement, and she called down, "Guys you need to get up here FAST!"

The sounds of crashing water came from a large set of waterfalls that made a semicircle around a giant lake that lay below where the boulder stood, which happened to itself be atop the edge of a cliff rising to the same altitude of the waterfalls in the distance. Countless fauna could be seen dashing the area below, herds of animals were found all around the lakeside. Several massive sauropods were bathing in the lake itself as well, towering over all else within the area. Birds and other flying creatures flocked above the water, some perching in nearby trees with others seemingly fishing, as they darted below the water's surface. In the center of the lake was a giant tree that grew even taller than where the group was, extending far into the sky and above the clouds overhead.

A voice called from below, "Hey no fair!" Chantico hopped up to the top of the boulder, and while she still wore a mask it could be easily inferred that her face was pouting, "I was supposed to make a grand entrance for it and everything..." She said, apparently saddened that someone had beaten her to the top.

Avani and Venus reached the top soon after, and upon looking at the view Avani's eyes glittered, as her hair began to flow beautifully in a gust of wind. Venus whistled, "I'm speechless, this is absolutely beautiful."

"What do you mean? No you aren't." Chantico said to Venus, who was somewhat taken aback.

"I'm not what?"

"Speechless, you just said something after all" Chantico mused, obviously impressed with her own wit.

Venus feigned a pained expression, before returning her eyes to the view. "This was definitely worth it."

Ceres was still on her broom, and looked down to the two Scopas who were struggling between their senses of duty and their senses of curiosity, "What are you guys doing? Get up here!"

Seemingly the last push needed to drive the two to action, they slung their guns and began rapidly climbing the boulder in complete synchronization, the looks in their eyes showing that they desperately wanted to see what everyone was talking about.

When the two reached the top, Chantico made a loud "Ahem!" Going into full tour guide mode.

"What you see here before you is Lake Tecohitzama! In the middle is Tree Ceiba, where the Great Sage lives, though she hasn't been out much recently..." Chantico looked up to the massive trunk that extended well beyond the clouds, "Any~ways~ this beautiful lake is the center of the island! Congratulations on making it here. If you look closely, you can see some little outposts scattered along the shoreline of the lake, those mark the points where the other territories connect to the lake, though I guess some of them actually don't..." Chantico trailed, thinking how best to word her thoughts.

Before Chantico continued, Venus raised her hand, waving it, "Um, other territories? Are you not the chief of the island and whatnot? Also who or what is a Great Sage?"

Everyone had a look of relief as Venus asked the questions that they each harbored in their minds as well, with Chantico responding,

"Oh, uhhh...nope! I'm actually the chief of the smallest tribe, hehe." She said the words sheepishly, as if they were somewhat embarrassing for her to say, "But yes! There are eight tribes in total, there's the six forest tribes, and then two tribes one in each of our nasty old swamps." She quickly covered her mask with her hands where her mouth would be, "Oh, uhhh, I mean beautiful marshlands yes yes. As for the Great Sage, they are kind of a big deal, pretty much decide who gets to be a chief, titles, accolades, all that good stuff! In fact, they even recommended me to be a chief! What a sweet Sage, yes, very kind."

Chantico then hopped to the edge of the boulder and turned to face the five before her, "So um, I'm not sure if there's anything else I have to show you. Most of my territory is just forest and some more of it, I thought I should bring you here since you seem like the diplomatic type. I'm not good with these sorts of things, but maybe you should try to see the Great Sage? If they're in right now anyways..."

Cutting off Chantico's voice was a series of loud horns in the distance, coming from the right of where the group faced Tree Ceiba, followed by a unified roar and warcry. Chantico looked over mildly intrigued, before looking back at the others, "Yea so...there's kind of a war going on between me and Yaotl right now, I should probably go help me people...like, now."

In an instant, Chantico disappeared, most likely heading towards the direction of the sounds of clashing blades and cries of war, leaving the five on top of the boulder with no real indication of what to do next.

"Well that was random." Ceres said, hopping off her broom and landing on the boulder. "Do you think we should follow her or something?" She looked to Avani for guidance.

Avani was still half-distracted by the view, but turned to answer Ceres, "We shouldn't get involved in these peoples' quarrels," she paused, looking at the giant tree that stood in the middle of the lake, "For now, I think it might be a good idea to see who this Great Sage is, from what Chantico said, they seem to be an object of authority here."

Ceres nodded in understanding, "Yeah, that makes sense I guess, though I'd hate to find out later that Chantico ended up dying in this battle going on right now..."

Venus objected this instantly, "C'mon Ceres, did you honestly not feel it?"

Ceres looked confused, as did Erudite and Frostgale, who were simply standing by and listening to the conversation, "Uh, Venus...feel what?"

Venus smiled and opened her mouth to respond, only for a bug to fly into her mouth, leaving her gagging on the ground trying to rid it from herself.

Avani took over, seemingly not caring a single bit about Venus' predicament as the other three looked on is astonishment, "Ceres, you know how I become stronger when I'm around nature, yes?"

Ceres nodded her head, not sure where the question was going, "Yea? I mean you knocked a dino to the ground with a single tap earlier didn't you?"

Avani smiled, and then continued, "Even as strong as I am right now, I'm not so sure if I could win a fight against that girl. Also, there was that incident earlier. Remember how Venus shot an arrow towards where the girl appeared and it landed harmlessly on the trunk? What actually happened wa--"

Venus started spitting on the ground violently, as a large butterfly found itself escaping the fate of being accidentally eaten. Venus placed a hand on Avani's shoulder, "Now now Ava let me tell my own stories ok? Yea, so I wasn't aiming drunk or anything, that shot should've whizzed right on top of that girl's mask. A tiny little bit of it was peeking out you see. It looks like you guys weren't quick enough to see it, but in the time that arrow was travelling, that masked girl peeked her body out from behind the trunk, threw a rock at my arrow driving it off-course, and then hid again within the span of like, half a second. Needless to say, I think she's going to be fine. Also there's that giant freaking wolf! Now that I'm thinking about it, did any of you see where that wolf ended up going?"

Erudite replied first, "After it went into the ground, my sensors showed it moving rapidly away from us. Looking at the map now," Erudite's left eye began to glow, as it projected a rudimentary map of everything the group had traversed and seen thus far, "I think he headed towards where that fighting is going on right now."

"Ahh that would explain it, he just left to go fight that war right? Makes sense to me!" Ceres said, happily concluding the conversation.

Frostgale said something without changing where she was standing or looking, and to the group, "I think it's best we act like we don't see them, but I can feel a really dangerous presence lurking from across the lake right now, off to the front and a bit to the left. Not sure if you guys feel it, but my internal warning system is going haywire right now."

Erudite backed this up, "Yes, I was about to mention that as well. I could attach a scope to my rifle, though if they're watching us it'll give us away when I move to look at them."

"If you need a scope to see them, chances are they can't see us all to clearly, though." Ceres said, walking carelessly to the edge of the boulder and sat down, her legs hanging. "Well, when you guys make a decision on what to do let me know, else I'm taking a nap." She proceeded to lean back, laying her torso and head on the boulder, as she tipped her hat over her eyes and tried to get some rest, obviously having been hiding her exhaustion from the trek thus far.

"Sorry for working you so hard Ceres, I know you don't usually do this much." Avani said, waving her hand in the air slightly, as Ceres' head now appeared as if it was cushioned by air rather than the hard rock below.

"As for the rest of you, I'm still of mind to see this Great Sage, though this might be a good time to take a break."

"You don't need to tell me twice, though we should probably figure out if that animosity over there is gonna come any closer over here first, in my opinion." Venus said, she too talking to the edge of the boulder, lying down next to Ceres and putting her arms behind her head as she leaned back. She turned her head to Avani and twirled her fingers a little bit, prompting a sigh from Avani as the air by Venus' head became cushioned as well.

"Well then. You two are still presumably full on charge, yes?" Avani asked the two Scopas.

"Right-o sir!" Erudite responded, "We have enough charge in us right now to last us an entire week without even having to look at the bar!" She said, as she looked at her bar instinctively. "So should I set up the scope then? I can have it ready in a minute or so."

Frostgale reacted a bit more tiredly, "Then again, conserving energy can never hurt, in the case we do end up having to fight in some war or something." She said, as she too sat down, though didn't lie down like the others, instead simply gazing at the landscape.

Avani nodded to herself before looking at Erudite, "Go ahead on that scope, let me know when it's attached, I would like to see the source as well."

And so Erudite kneeled down, reaching into the backpack that she had brought alongside her, and rummaged for the scope in question. When her hand found it, she took it out and began attaching it to her rifle, slinging her SMG onto her back after putting it in safety. After the short work was completed, she nudged Avani and lay down prone on the boulder, aiming her rifle, and subsequently it's scope, to the opposite side of the lake.

When she looked through the scope, a shiver went down her spine, as she saw a single person sitting on a tree stump staring right at her. Erudite's eyes widened in fear, as the person, who was a girl wearing rather revealing clothes, waved to her menacingly, as if encouraging her to come over, though with ill intent.

Erudite passed the scope to Avani, who then looked at the girl as well. "Yea, she's definitely the source of what you're feeling. In fact, I think I feel it too." Avani said, handing the scope back to Erudite. However, once Erudite regained vision on the person, they had already begun to walk away into the thick jungle behind them, leaving only confusion welled within Erudite. "Uh, sir. She left. Went straight back into the forest."

"Maybe she was just greeting us then...though I do wonder how she could see us so clearly from all the way over there." Avani replied. "Oh well, no point in worrying over something like that." She smiled at Erudite, "How about we just enjoy the view for the time being? I'll make sure to watch for anything lurking behind us, though I think atop this boulder we wouldn't be worth the effort as food." She grinned, before her face receded back towards a caring smile, though Avani now seemed to be distant in thought."

"Right-o sir." Erudite responded, taking the scope off of her rifle and slinging her rifle back onto her back, and bringing her SMG back into her hands as she held it, moving to sit down next to Frostgale. "Hey Frosty, mind scootin' over a bit?"

Frostgale looked up at Erudite before complying, making space for her to sit down. "So? Did you see something?"

"Yea...it was a girl. Though I can't say I would like the honor of ever seeing them again...I got a real bad vibe from that one. REAL bad." Erudite chattered to Frostgale.

"That so? Well, maybe we won't have to run into them. I'll make a mental note to remind us not to head in that direction!" Frostgale gave a hint of a smile, as she turned her head away from Erudite and continued watching over the landscape in all it's splendor.

Erudite kept looking at Frostgale for a few moments, as she let go of some of the tension that had built in her shoulders, shrugging as she too faced the lake and waterfalls ahead, thinking to herself, *"Somethin' tells me that chick's gonna be trouble later..."*

- - - -

Erudite wasn't sure when it happened, or how, but after about 40 minutes of the five having been resting on the boulder, they found themselves surrounded by at least 20 individual presences. She quickly grabbed her SMG before making sure that everyone was still safe. If seemed that the presence was felt by all, though, as Frostgale and Venus were already standing up, weapons equipped, and Ceres was starting to get up herself.

Avani stood to the fore, still sitting down, though facing the incoming group. A voice came from the trees,

"Hail Strangers, You are not of the tribes, who are you, and from where do you come?" It called, ringing with a feminine tone though a deep one.

Avani responded, "We come from Svarga. I was under the impression that we were allowed to remain here as we were led."

"Led? Svarga? What trickery do you attempt!" A crashing sound was heard, as suddenly five massive cats jumped onto the boulder with ease, surrounding the five already on it. Each cat had a masked woman riding it, with the one that had been speaking having glistening green hair that waved in the wind as she ascended. A bow was slung on each one's back, and a spear in the hand of all as well. The alleged leader then continued to speak, "Perhaps you come as mercenaries to an enemy cause!" The speaking panther-rider pointed a spear directly at Avani's face, standing mere inches away from piercing her.

Avani remained calm, not even flinching, "Would you be warriors of the Su'uei Tribe, then?" She asked, still not moving.

The other panther-riders shuffled around glances at the mention of the name, as the lead rider spoke once more, "I am a proud Panthera of the Su'uei, and so it is my duty to rid our lands of irregularities! I shall give you chance to depart to another land, however one false step and you will find yourselves fallen." She continued, as Venus casually walked up next to Avani.

"Sooooo, that means your boss is Chantico, right?" She asked, with a sweet, sarcastic smile plastered on her face.

The lead rider blinked for a moment, confused, before regaining her assertion, "That is correct. And to be rid of you would do justice to our chief, who is currently indisposed. Now rise, rise and begone."

Venus refused to budge an inch, "So you know that your sweet little chief was the one who brought us here in the first place, right?"

The lead rider blinked several more times in confusion, beginning to visibly sweat, "The Chief brought you here?" She asked, more meek this time.

"That's right cat-girl, her and her big bad wolf. So how about you show us guests some respect around here? She left to go fight some battle, maybe you should be of real help to her and go join the fray, hm?" Venus continued, turning the tides of the conversation.

The lead rider hesitated for a moment, even the cat she was riding looked embarrassed. She made a circular motion with her hand, as the other four Panthera leaped off of the boulder, running swiftly through the trees towards where the battle was taking place.

"I apologize for my rudeness, esteemed guests of the lady." The Panthera bowed her head in apology, "We have been on edge recently, though such does not excuse my behavior towards you."

Avani, who was still sitting down, looked at the bowing woman and said "You've done nothing wrong, raise your head."

The Panthera did as instructed, petting her cat as she changed her mode of dialogue, "So you've met with the Chief then, may I inquire as to why she left you here of all places?" She asked politely.

"Something about some Sage yadda yadda." Venus ranted, before Avani smacked her in the cheek and continued, "She told us that it may be in our interests to meet with a Great Sage, however we do not know how to contact this individual."

"The Great Sage!?" The Panthera exclaimed with utmost surprise, "Well that would explain why she brought you to Lake Tecohitzama..." The Panthera took a good look at everyone in the group, then past them at the tree, and back to the group and nodded. "I do not have the authority to enter Tree Ceiba of my own accord, however I can lead you to it's base if that would be your desire."

Avani smiled and nodded, and Venus didn't have a remark for the time being. Ceres, though, asked abruptly, "Why the change in attitude? Wouldn't it be better for you to go help out your Chief?"

The Panthera looked over at Ceres, a crease in her mask forming as if she were smiling lightly, "I believe that the Chief would have wished to lead you herself, so I apologize I cannot bring you into Tree Ceiba itself, however I will lead you to the entrance, for I believe it would be what she would have done." She responded, then hopping atop her large cat and said, "Come then, follow me and I shall lead you."

The Panthera hopped down to the base of the boulder, waiting for the others to follow.

"Well, I guess she seems nice enough..." Ceres said, pulling out her broom and swiftly descending down.

"Sir, a word?"

The voice was Erudite's, as she inquired Avani.

"Yes, Erudite?"

"Maybe I'm just being paranoid, but are you sure we should just follow this person blindly?"

"Hmm..." Avani pursed her lips for a moment, before replying with, "Even if she's leading us into a trap, I think I'd be able to keep us safe."

There was no arrogance in Avani's voice, and it seemed like she genuinely thought that she was powerful enough to overcome any trap or trickery that lay on the path ahead, and so Erudite nodded, as she waved to Frostgale to come along as the two started climbing down the boulder.

"I dunno Ava, I saw that girl earlier too, and that one's gonna be trouble if we end up running into her." Venus whispered to Avani, before hopping down the boulder, breaking her fall with a light burst of air.

Avani jumped as well with a similar technique, leaving the top of the boulder vacant. As she descended, she thought to herself, *"Yea...I know."*

The Panthera led them down the slope leading to the lakeshore, a path that was full of obstacles and flora, yet the Panthera seemed to lead the five along a track that had little rebuke for each step.

She turned back to make sure everyone was having ease in traversing the terrain.

Avani and Venus were almost sliding down the slope, though far too slowly for it to be out of control. Behind them, Ceres had opted to stay on her broom as she playfully hovered above the ground behind them, meanwhile the two Scopas that made up the rear of the formation were awkwardly stepping over branches and tripping through bushes, obviously not accustomed to such dense and random landscape.

The Panthera laughed a little at their awkward attempts at keeping up pace, as she slowed down slightly and called back, "I don't believe I ever introduced myself to you all, by the way."

Venus called forward, "Yea you did, you're a 'proud Panthera of the Su'uei, and so it is you duty to rid your lands of irregularities!'" She mocked, reciting how the rider had earlier introduced herself.

The Panthera looked up in mock helplessness, before replying, "Well yes, that too. But I figure that I have been rude in not transcribing to you my actual name..." She paused, waiting so see if any responses were to come, though when none did she proceeded to remove her mask, and continued,

"I am Uei Ixchel, the Kao'Kaka of the Su'uei Tribe." When she only garnered blank stares at her mention of the title, she realized that the foreigners would not know the terminology, rephrasing "I'm the leader of the military and hunting parties within my tribe. May I be honored in knowing your names and titles?"

Everyone proceeded to introduce themselves down the line, which went rather smoothly until it reached the two Scopas.

"You have a number in your names? Why?" Ixchel asked politely.

"You know, I think it's just kind of tradition at this point more than anything," Erudite scratched her head, noticeably less tense than she had been up until this point, "But we usually don't use them when we say each others' names. You can just call me Erudite, and her Frostgale." She points to Frostgale accordingly, who nods her head in affirmation.

"I see...very well then! We are almost to the lake, while it is unlikely, be wary of any others that may tread here. The lakeshore is neutral ground, however that makes it a spot of contention sometimes...As for the animals, there probably isn't anything too dangerous here right now, at least nothing on land." Ixchel said ominously, as if implying the water held dangerous creatures while the shore did not.

Light began to shine brighter, the cover of trees growing sparse, as the group entered a clearing in the trees and began treading upon a silky shore of glistening white sand. There were droves of wildlife that scattered and routed at the party's approach, both because of the presence of people, but perhaps also that of a large predatory cat. Now visible, but somehow unseen from before, were a series of long, thin bridges that led from the shore to approximately halfway into the lake, stopping short of the tree trunk, though making quite some distance towards it's central position.

"You can cross the closest bridge to near Tree Ceiba. At the edge of the pier there should be a boat. This is the only current method of traversing the lake, as we cannot build any closer to the tree without...difficulties. I can accompany you to the edge of the pier if you would like, though I think that would be where my guideship would end today..." Ixchel warned, indicating that there must be some reason as to why she could not go to the tree alongside them.

"Thank you Ixchel, we'll take you up on your offer. Please lead us to the tip of the pier." Avani replied, inspiring Ixchel to nod back.

Ixchel then dismounted her large cat, saying something in an unknown tongue to it as it took a few steps forward and sat down.

"My Panther will stay here, he is too heavy to cross the path over the water. We must go on foot."

"The rest of us have BEEN going on foot this entire time." Venus retorted, with Ceres awkwardly turning to the comment as she tried to deftly dismount and hide the broom she had been riding for quite some time now.

Ixchel was unfazed by the comment, and didn't seem to understand the sarcasm behind it, "Yes, I suppose you have. Come along then, I shall lead you for a little longer."

Leaving Ixchels massive feline mount behind on the beach, the six began walking single-file onto the pier, though while it was indicated to be thin, it was still more than enough room for the group. It was made of an unknown wood that sparkled smoothly in the light, reflecting a dark shade of white as the sunlight shone upon it. The pier did not creak, nor did it have any holes or cracks, and seemed to be in pristine condition, though mosses and plants did seem to be growing along the pillars that connected it to the ground under the water below.

Upcoming, one of the massive sauropods that the group had earlier seen before from the boulder seemed to be lumbering nearby, though it was wholly uninterested in the group, munching on an unknown plant that it grabbed from under the water and grazed on listlessly. As Ixchel approached the colossal creature, she turned back to the group and said, "These guys are called Acoa. They're peaceful unless they sense malice from something, I wouldn't recommend trying to attack one, while they mostly eat plants, they are actually omnivores."

Everyone nodded in understanding, thinking to themselves not to mess with the so-called Acoa. The group passed by it without incident, until Frostgale tried to walk by. Suddenly, it leaned it's large neck to block her path and face her directly, as Frostgale froze not knowing what to do in the situation.

The others turned back to see what was going on, as Erudite started walking back only to be held back by Avani, who told her, "Let's see what it does." Curiosity sparkling in her eyes.

Frostgale, who was face-to-face with the creature stood there helplessly as the Acoa's massive head drew closer and closer to her own. Now within arms' reach, it snorted loudly, steam spewing from it's nostrils onto Frostgale's face, as it blinked, and rose it's head once more, beginning to continue grazing on the aquatic plants.

Frostgale, now with a wet, mucusy fluid on her face looked over at the rest of the party who hadn't been subjected to the inspection. Her face reddened, as she kneeled down and leaned towards the lake's surface, frantically splashing water on her face to rid herself of the slimey substance. Everyone else laughed, except for Avani and Ixchel, who noticed something the rest seemed to not.

Ixchel rushed forward with her spear in hand, but Avani was faster, as she launched herself to knock Frostgale away from the surface's edge. Where Frostgale's face had been leaning, a giant crocodilian creature erupted from the water upwards into the air, snapping at the now empty space where Frostgale had been before.

Erudite ran over to see if Frostgale was alright, as Avani and Ixchel scanned the water for any more creatures lurking below.

"What. The hell. was that???" Ceres exclaimed, in shock from the event that had just transpired before her eyes.

Without looking towards her, still scanning the water, "That, is one of the reasons why we can't build any closer to the tree, though I must say that's one of the small ones." Ixchel replied, spear raised, or rather lowered, towards the water.

"THAT WAS A SMALL ONE? IT HAD TO BE AT LEAST THE SIZE OF A BUS!" Ceres exclaimed vehemently, only to gain a confused look from Ixchel.

"What's a bus?" She asked, before interrupting herself, "Anyways, we shouldn't linger in one spot for too long, let us continue."

Erudite and Avani helped Frostgale up, who was still mildly in shock, though she continued to move forward without any problems.

The six would continue along the pier with no further transgressions from the creatures lurking in the water, as they arrived at the end of the structure. To the left, tied to one of the last pillars, was a medium-sized rowboat. It was large enough to fit everyone inside, though it didn't look all too durable in terms of safety and structural integrity.

"We have to use...that?" Venus asked Ixchel, wondering if this was some sort of elaborate joke.

Ixchel nodded her head and gave a genuine smile as if there was nothing out of the ordinary from the clarification. "Yes, unless you have some other way of getting across." Ixchel pointed to a tiny hole that could now be seen in the trunk of the tree that rose just above the lake's height. There appeared to be a miniature staircase that led to it, and indicated to the group, "That's your destination, inside there should be a lifter that takes you to see the Great Sage. Well, this is as far as I can go, but if you'd like I can wait for you by the shore for your departure?" She offered kindly.

"There's no need Ixchel, we can manage ourselves from here. Thank you for leading us this far, it's been a pleasure to meet you." Avani said, extending a hand to Ixchel offering for her to shake it.

"Um, why are you pointing at me? Is this how you say farewell where you are from?" Ixchel asked innocently, not understanding the gesture.

"You shake my hand as a greeting for both hellos and goodbyes. It's something that much of the rest of the world has grown accustomed to culturally." Avani replied, her hand still waiting to be met with Ixchel's.

"Oh cool!" Ixchel said with an awkward enthusiasm. She proceeded to grab Avani's hand, and shook it very lightly, and with a weak grasp.

"Guess that's good enough." Venus mused from the side.

Ixchel released her hand from grasping Avani's, and waved to the rest of the group, "Well, good luck with your visit, I hope that we may meet again as friends someday." After the utterance of her final words, Ixchel began prancing back towards the shoreline, where her mount could still be seen waiting for her return.

The rest watched her depart, before turning to each other.

"There's no way we're taking that boat right? I almost just died!" Frostgale said with a tinge of fear lining her words.

"Hmm...it doesn't look to be very safe, does it?" Avani asked, even though everyone shared this thought.

"Well, how else are we going to get across then?" Venus asked, then suddenly turned her head to Ceres, as did everyone else.

"Hey Ceres...you wouldn't happen to have something up your sleeve would ya?" Venus approached Ceres menacingly, before grabbing her, beginning to beg. "PLEASE CERES DO YOU WANT US TO BE EATEN TODAY???" She shook Ceres as she pleaded her case.

Her words distorted as she was being shook, Ceres replied, "We-ll I-I-I C-co-uld t-or-y- some-th-th-ing."

Venus stopped shaking Ceres and stood up as if nothing had happened, "Oh wonderful! What've you got?"

Ceres smirked, "Yea, so here's the thing. I have one kinda taxi that can travel over water, but there would only be seats for two of you."

Venus looked back at the other three, then back to Ceres, "Could we just, pile people on every possible surface regardless of seats?"

Ceres thought about it for a moment, before answering, "Nah, that's hardly a taxi service at that point honestly."

"So would it be a taxi service, if we paid extra for you, the taxi, to allow it?" Avani asked, her arms crossed.

"HMMMMMMM" Ceres thought aloud, "How much extra we talkin' chief?" She asked, letting her greed visibly get the best of her.

Frostgale spoke up, "Hey, you can just take Avani and Venus, me and Erudite can take the rowboat if this is too much of a hassle." She stated plainly.

Erudite interjected immediately, "Whoa whoa whoa. Did you forget about the part where you just almost got eaten? With that gator that the huntress girl said was...ONE OF THE SMALLER ONES? HUH? What the hell do you mean we're 'taking the rowboat'? I thought you loved me Frosty, it sounds like you're trying to get us both killed!"

Seeing how everyone was staring at her explosion of thought, Erudite leaned back and coughed to clear her throat, "Ahem, I mean, I think it's a bit too much of a risk for anyone to use that boat." She rephrased. As if cued by her words, a giant crocodile leaped out of the water in between the pier and the staircase to catch a bird, it being at least four times larger than the first one. As it snatched the bird out of the air and submerged back under the water, Ceres spoke up again.

"Ok so guys, like, what I had in mind is just something that hovers over the water, but what the fuck that thing is probably still going to eat us that way."

"It's times like this that I wish we had Khaza with us..." Avani said softly, though only loud enough for Venus to hear.

She then said aloud, "Well. I can try something then, it'll probably work. Gather around me real close, ok?"

The four looked at Avani with confused expressions, though Venus gave off a smirk as she hopped beside Avani and told her, "If it's what I think you're doing, let me help out!"

Avani nodded, as the other three were left in the dark as they huddled close to Avani.

**Tornado Grasshopper Bounce COMBO!!!!**

Avani shouted, her words a jumbled combination of various techniques as the group suddenly propelled into the air towards the giant tree. A sudden gust of wind kept them afloat in the air as they barreled towards the small staircase at a high speed. Behind them, a series of snaps and growls were heard as crocodiles tried in vain to catch them out of the air, and upon nearing collision with the tree, Venus shouted **Sei Pillow!**, as the acceleration of the group suddenly halted as they reached directly above the top of the staircase, as they fell harmlessly a few feet below, the hole now right in front of their eyes.

"Well, that's one way to do it." Ceres said with a dizzied look on her face, standing up and peeking her head inside the hole. As she did, lights lit up inside of the hole, showing it to be a small room. There was a set of buttons on the far-side of it, with an arrow that showed up, and an arrow that showed down. The buttons were labeled, though in a writing not known to any in the group that was to enter. As everyone filed inside, Avani asked the others, "What do you all think we should do now?"

Without listening, Ceres pressed one of the buttons in the back of the room, as suddenly everyone fell to the ground as they felt the weight of them rapidly ascending, the entry they had come through quickly disappearing as they rose.

"CERES WHAT DID YOU DO???" Venus yelled, her voice being deafened in the wind being generated from the speed of travel.

Ceres simply stuck out her tongue playfully, as the Venus, as well as Erudite and Frostgale, seemed to be holding onto the ground for dear life.

After around two minutes, which felt like years to those within the ascending room, which had been at this point concluded to be some sort of elevator, a 'ding' reverberated within the room, as the wall opened as if it were a door, leading into a room.

Dizzied and confused, the five clumsily stumbled out of the elevator-room, and into the room it had opened into.

It was contrasting to what any of the five had expected to see.

It resembled a lounge at an office. Furbished chairs and a glass table with a bowl full of magazines took up the center of the room. A coat hanger stood to the side, behind it there being a massive fish tank full of a variety of local fish unique to Abraxia. A low-pitch song played, featuring both piano and violin in a strange pseudo-jazz genre, as a small girl with blue hair stumbled into the room through a door at the other end of it, carrying a stack of papers. She jumped as she saw the five visitors, quickly scurrying back inside the door she came from and began shouting at someone, "WE HAVE GUESTS WAKE UP! WAKE UP WE HAVE VISITORS!"

A grumble was heard in response to the girl's demands, as quick steps were heard walking back towards the room the five were in.

The girl was back, without her papers this time, "Please have a seat! The Sage will take you in juuuuuust a moment!" She said in a chipper voice, returning back behind the door, leaving the five alone once more.

"What. the. fuck. is. going. on?" Erudite asked, a blank stare on her face.

"Why is there an office inside of a tree....?" Ceres added in response, though not having an answer to explain Erudite's question. She too had a blank stare on her face.

"Well, I certainly didn't expect this." Avani commented, a perplexed grin trying to grow on her face, but her sheer confusion halting it.

"I don't think any of us expected this..." Frostgale responded, a dull look in her eyes, as if she thought this was some sort of joke.

"Well, I don't know about you guys, but I think I need to sit down." Venus finished, stepping forward and collapsing on one of the chairs provided around the table.

The rest watched as she walked up, their heads turning slowly to follow her casual movement from when she began to walk until when she plopped onto the chair. Then, one by one, they all followed suit, each taking a seat to catch a breath.

Ceres in particular looked very exhausted, her not being used to this much physical labor. From the hours of walking earlier, to the various encounters the group had had over the course of the day, she looked as if she just wanted to go to sleep, as she began nodding off the moment she sat down.

The two Scopas were completely awake, having no need for sleep, though Erudite looked exhausted as well, perhaps from all the stressors she had encountered thus far.

Avani and Venus began talking about something, though it was a topic neither of the Scopas had anything to contribute to, so they simply left themselves to their own devices. Frostgale decided to look at one of the magazines, picking one up of the magazines from the bowl, opening it and beginning to read.

It turned out to be a completely normal magazine, and rather recent as well. In fact, Frostgale looked at it curiously, thinking that she may have actually held this same magazine in her hands before, though she wasn't granted time to confirm this as the small blue-haired girl burst back into the room, exclaiming,

"You can all follow me now!...geez you all look tired." She opened the door wide, and waiting for the five to make ready to follow her.

Avani and Venus got up, heading over to take the lead, with Erudite marching on behind them. Frostgale poked Ceres, who was already nearly fully asleep, and shook her shoulder a bit as to wake her up.

"Ceres, it's time to go." She said simply, waiting for her to get up before moving to follow the others.

"Huh? Oh, yea ok." Ceres grumbled, standing up and following the others, Frostgale waiting for Ceres to pass before joining them herself, taking up the rear as per her nature.

The girl waited for the five to join her, then pushed the door a bit so that the next person could catch it and began to walk down a rather long, dimly lit hallway. The hallway itself slanted upwards slightly, making itself more of a ramp than anything. The girl called back, "I'm Petra by the way! It's been a while since we've had guests from the outside...hmm...maybe the last one was...no wait..." Petra drifted off to herself in thought, as she led them to a lit room at the end of the hallway. Still rather dimly lit, albeit, however brighter than the hallway, which was much darker than it should have been.

She looked back to make sure everyone was following her, before she pranced into the room.

The first to enter was Avani, who was quickly followed by Venus and Erudite. The room before them was even stranger and more out of place than the office lounge waiting room they had been in before. It resembled some form of lab, not unlike those that Rezka often frequented, with strange glowing lights protruding from random tables and machines in a wide array of colors. In the center of the room was a large desk, behind it sat a large, tall and slender figure who was leaning forward, her head resting upon crossed arms.

"The guests have arrive o' Great Sage." Petra recited, before making her way to one of the sides of the room, leaving the floor to the visitors. Ceres and Frostgale soon caught up to the other three, spreading out into the entrance of the room, which was quite spacy and easily the size of half the width of the massive tree trunk they had seen from the outside.

The figure sitting behind the desk had yet to speak, so Avani decided to take the initiative.

"Greets Great Sage, we have come to this island of Abraxia on a scouting mission to explore any objects of interest, and to potentially establish friendly relations if the island found itself suitable to do so. My name is Avani, and I come as a friend of one of the leaders of the nation of Svarga, an island that is located nearby Abraxia, however is situated within the Grand Line."

"So?" The figure said. Their voice was deep, though it sounded as if it were a woman, something that had been rather recurring thus far, the five not having encountered a single male yet, unless the wolf or Ixchel's large cat counted as one.

"...So what?" Avani asked, attempting to clarify what the Great Sage meant.

"Did you find anything of interest, and is this place suitable for your so-called 'friendly relations'?" The Great Sage clarified, still incredibly lacking in dialogue.

Venus almost replied, however held her tongue, realizing it best to let Avani do the talking. The rest had opted to do the same, and Avani was certainly the most suited towards taking the diplomatic role.

Avani then replied back herself, "There are a great many wonders in this island, yes. The people we have met so far have been nice enough, and should they be the standard then I believe a friendly relationship would be easy to maintain. Though, I have become aware of contention between the people?"

"This is not a nation, and I am not it's leader. There are distinct peoples living here, so a set standard does not exist in any capacity." The Sage wasn't quite as anyone had depicted them in each of their respective minds. She was quite...empty in dialogue, and very straight to the point. There seemed to be a lack of emotion in her words, though perhaps it was simply out of irritation or exhaustion of some sort.

The Great Sage continued, "However, I do suppose most of the regional authorities would listen to me, were I to take a stance. Regardless, you said you were from Svarga?" The Great Sage took a look at the guns carried by the two Scopa, "The Svarga I know doesn't have the technology, nor desire, to fill a quote so large as the mass production of advanced arms, nor do they have any capacity towards manufacturing bio-synthetic organisms." She started directly at Erudite as she spoke the last part, before slowly returning her gaze to Avani.

"You're aware of Svarga already? I'm not sure if that makes this easier or harder..." Avani thought aloud, "The nation is currently structured to be a scientifically-advanced city-state, though I must inquire what you know of Svarga already before I continue."

"What do I know of Svarga? Hm. I remember building that damn dial those fools all worship, though I suppose it's been some time since then. There's five grand beasts representing the classical elements, a few immortal people who don't know when to take a break, and I suppose some rather powerful martial artists, if I must find a compliment to give." The Great Sage said, her monotonous voice having no signal to it's end.

"You built the dial...?" Avani asked, her mind spinning from the influx of information that should very well be inaccessible to the vast majority of people, even hidden from many within Svarga itself. She stuttered as she tried to speak again, subtly pinching her arm to regain her composure. "...A-Anyways, it is currently a far cry from what it used to be. Technology has replaced and fixed many things within the nation, which is currently led by a council of technocrats referred to as 'Technarchs.' We were sent here by Saturn Rezka, one of the current five Technarchs, and one of the nation's foremost scientists." Avani had gone into full dictionary mode, her emotions being shut out as to retain her mental fortitude.

Similarly, Venus seemed to be wavering in thought. Her face didn't show it, though she was visibly shaking ever so slightly. Ceres, meanwhile, was leaning against the back of room on a wall, half-asleep once again.

The two Scopas held no scope as to what was being discussed, not entirely understanding what the two meant by an older Svarga, and this so-called "dial." They simply stayed silent, standing idle by the entrance.

"Saturn. Rezka." The Great Sage said bluntly.

"Y-yes, he's one of the current leaders of the natio--" Avani began.

"SATURN REZKA!!!" The Great Sage roared, standing up from her seat in a rush. Her true size was displayed at this moment as well, her showing herself to be well over two meters tall. Her hands raised into the air, though it couldn't be discerned whether they were of celebration or pure rage. Her head looked up at the ceiling, as if looking past it to the sky itself.

The Great Sage lowered her head, and arms slowly, peering at Avani with pitch-black eyes. "I know that name well enough. That would explain everything..." She muttered to herself.

*"What? I've never seen this woman in my life, how does she know Rezka??"* Avani thought to herself, her eyes darting, startled, as a more worried expression began to sneak onto her face. "How do you know Rezka, if I may ask?"

"Tch, I guess that wouldn't be something you would know, nor shall I tell you now. I'll simply say that I know Rezka perhaps more than I'd like to. Him, that bastard Doomsaint, and that Khaza fellow as well...I trust they are doing well, then?"

"Well... it's complicated. Rezka and Doomsaint are fine, but I'd still like to know when you all met." Avani asked again, a pleading tone creeping into her voice.

Refusing to answer Avani's question, the Great Sage simply sat back down and mused to herself for a few moments before speaking aloud once more, "I'm afraid that our dealings should be left...alluded to at best. It was a dawn long ago, so too was it's dusk, or so I thought." The Great Sage let out a violent laughter, "Though I suppose the day yet withers, ha! I am willing to further talks with the nation you come here to represent, if not only to see that madman again. Though, it may be outside of my persuasion to gain alliance in all eight of the tribes that reside here. They are divided for a reason, quarrels, grudges, squabbles and bad blood, all rife within the people that call this island their home. It would take something big to convince them to join forces, especially with the current cast of chieftains. Each is a bit...special in their own right, I do doubt most would relinquish their authority so easily, hm. Alas, that can be dealt with another day! You all look exhausted," A creepy attempt at a smile filled the Great Sage's face, "Petra! Show them to the guest rooms once we are finished talking." She said to Petra, who barked an affirmation in reply.

"I suppose it wouldn't hurt to introduce myself appropriately now, I had taken you for just another batch of fools, not unlike those brutes that came ashore a few days ago..."

"I am Xibalba Cypher, Great Sage of Abraxia, and the third member of the Aphotic Dawn. You may refer to me as Zero if you like..."

"Now then, how about you all get some rest?" Cypher mused, waving her hands for Petra to lead the five out of the room, as she sat back down in her chair.

As the six departed, she thought to herself, spinning her chair around and rolling it over towards one of the many tables that lay behind her.

*"Ahh..."* Cypher thought to herself, *"Is it finally time to begin our journey anew, friends?"*