Chaos Sonic

"That may be true but we all still need to learn. It's hard enough from wanting to keep myself to dupe Sai into 32 duels into the late of the night and early morning. All for the purpose of learning, of course, but from what I understand with his attitude he could use all the beauty rest possible, his personality requires the handicap." "Ouch! Just going to go straight for the kill on that, huh Falisha?" Daichi smirked with a bit of a snicker at her little jab at the other Action Duelist. "Though I must admit I'm a bit shocked to see an Action Duelist that's going completely for substance over style, even in a learning setting. She mentioned this isn't even her deck so the fact she's processing it so well means that it's still one she knows the ins and outs of." He nodded at this, as it was pretty interesting. It wasn't her actual deck and the fact that Adrian was doing this well and able to process and comprehend what this deck could do, it showed she was a veteran at the game in general. Knowing the ins and outs of one's deck was key...but at this point, she was knowing the ins and outs about a deck she never really played before. That there was a feat all it's own. "Familiarity with a deck lets you do that. We can't be so quick on the trigger against all our opponents, with how many different things we can run into... So we need to be able to process information quickly in a different way. When you know what the opponent's deck wants to do so intimately, you can make tougher calls easier..." "Excellent point there...assessing what the opponent's deck can do and their general playstyle and goal during or even before a Duel can definitely help in the long run." he chimed in, though he was thinking that this would've been a lesson he could've learned against Hunny and her Ursarctic, but live and learn as they say. Though the Duel ended, with Vega's win, Daichi was pleased to have had this type of lesson being present in this moment...especially with what would come next... "With the fun out of the way, we do have a little to discuss! Team Shining has been around for a while, and doesn't have a terrible record. They just, uh..." "They're well known for being pricks." Team Shining was the next obstacle in their way...and as Adrian said...they were basically pricks. So this would DEFINITELY be a fun time. "Anyway, they do have a bit of a sour reputation. In fact, the action duelist Lance Sheridan is known for being quite rough in action duels to prevent opponents from finding action cards. So then, who will be the best matchup... Daichi. Kendra. Falisha. Are you three up to it this week?" Daichi listened to the Action Duelist part intently, closing his eyes slightly. Lance Sheridan...an individual who would be rough on other Action Duelists in order to prevent them from finding and obtaining Action Cards. This would be a stark contrast to his Duel against Hunny, furthermore it would be the first Duel since his defeat by her hands. But he had new additions to his performance this time, so perhaps this wouldn't be a bad time to make his return. After a moment or two, he opened his eyes before looking in Vega's direction, his smile appearing on his face. "Coach, count me in. I'm not going to fail this time, not when I got a few new tricks up my sleeve...along with reading up on as many Action Fields as I can." He immediately gave a thumbs up before nodding. "Count the Moonlit Magician as ready and raring to go!" Of course the meeting ended and like last time, Vega insisted and implored them to spend time with their fellow teammates. And of course, Daichi was thinking this already being something he should do. But this time, who would he end up seeing would hang out with him? Falisha was his hang out partner last time, even though with that it was generally when they already were at the match...but it still was something. No, this time he figured he'd work with someone else this time...but who to work with? Sai was definitely the lowest on the roster for him...it was clear Daichi wasn't 100% sure how to get the two of them to see eye-to-eye with one another...that would take some time. However, he did come to think of one person... "Hey Kendra!" Daichi called to the vice-captain, making his way towards her. "If your free sometime this week, maybe we can hang out. Anything you want, I'll see what I can do to accommodate for it. Sound like a plan?"

V.S. “Go on and analyze me all you want, O’Hara. But I’ve been studying you all since day one of class. I know your moves, your weaknesses, hell I can even replicate the way you breathe. Now let’s see what you haven’t shown me.” That was going to make things difficult, least from Benjamin's point of view. How would he be able to combat someone with that much of a photographic memory to the point that he could replicate his breathing patterns? A slight exhale escaped his lips, staring down his opponent only to slowly relax his shoulders. He eyed his surroundings of this little battlefield, realizing what he could do. He had a plan now...all he had to do was bring it to fruition. "That's a tall order, [ya know]." Benjamin nodded. Kio didn't move when he threw his spiders at him, so either he was confident in his abilities or wasn't thinking about them...though if he had to wager, it was the former. "But if you insist on me fighting you like you think I should, then fine by me." He gave a whistle, his hands now being covered in webbing as he made a mad dash for the nearest wall, leaping towards it. Once he noticed the webbing was now on his feet, he began to scale the wall and immediately got to the ceiling before making his way to be above Kio for a moment. "By the way, not sure if you intended to let them hit you...but if you can take it, be my guest." Benjamin said slyly, as he gave the mental order: "Those who landed on Kio, it's showtime. Bite the hell out of him! The ones who landed around, start work on keeping his movements slowed." Once the order was delivered, Kio would definitely start feeling the various amounts of bites via the spiders. "Oooooh those will probably sting for a while. Nothing some ice won't fix...maybe some lotion." he snickered, now getting behind Kio. Kio watched as the boy placed webbing in his hands, and started crawling all over the walls of the arena. As he made his way to the tippy top, Kio frowned. These walls were really going to be a pain if Kio was unwilling to use his Quirk…but he’d find a way. Suddenly, a bunch of small bites could be felt all over his body. Not enough to hurt, but just enough to be extremely annoying. “So you launched some small spiders onto me? If they aren’t venomous, this will get you nowhere.” Kio started wiping off all the spiders on his skin, swatting and rubbing, as if he was itching various spots across his body. It was embarrassing. When he was finished, Kio stood up straight and looked back at O'Hara. “So now what? Are you just going to stay up there the whole round? Or do you have more surprises up your sleeve.” Kio spread his arms out wide. “I’m not using my Quirk against you Ben!” The sounds of dissatisfaction began to rumble from people watching their fight. Some even boo’d. “This would be a lousy time to use that ‘Blow Up’ I just got, huh?” Kio laughed. "Sir, you asked me to fight you seriously...so naturally, I am!" Benjamin smirked as he too laughed. "Same time, I'm sure you could've used a waaaaaaaay different Quirk than 'Blow Up'. Honestly the kid with that Quirk just had an inflated ego was all...you're ten times better." Now in his hands, was a sling and small balls made of webbing...as now he was slinging web balls right at Kio, each one with more and more spiders. "Another order for you guys, while you keep going with our original plan: if he isn't using the memory slot...at least a couple of you...see if you can see if that'll cause a bit more pain. Hate to do it to him, but if he isn't using his Quirk, we need every advantage we can get." The beginnings of his plan were in effect...and if he was unwilling to use his Quirk, then so be it. He just needed to do his best to outsmart the super computer...wouldn't be too hard if he could just "overload" his perception and focus.

"well, it's frozen. So uh, now what?" "Not quite...look." Trevor huffed, looking at the beast in the frozen cube. At first, nothing happened, but one would notice it starting to shake now and again...but then stop...and then it would repeat this. "Fen, Aduain...you did good...but I'll add the finishing touches to this plan...I'll put as much of my Magic Power into this..." he glanced at his blue gemmed ring and the now open grimoire. "Now or never..." He moved up to the icy prison and with one hand holding the Cabanomicon and the other with the blue ring outstretched towards it, Trevor looked sternly at it. "Offensive Spell...3rd Level...BLIZZAGA!!!" With this declared, he unleashed a powerful blast of ice that began to reinforce the already icy prison that held this strange beast. Trevor was putting his all into this attack, making sure this plan worked and allow their mission to be fulfilled. As he does, the creature began to move more violently. Small cracks started to appear in the cube, but thankfully Trevor's magic covered those cracks, and the cube gained a spherical form due to the added ice. C'mon...C'MON!!! he thought, biting his lip slightly. The creature rested a moment, gave one, two, three shakes....and then stopped moving. A long moment passed and then a portal like from the other day appeared and the creature, ice and all, was pulled inside before it closed up suddenly. Trevor slowly lowered his hand, closing the grimoire before falling back on his rear end and exhaling heavily. "...t-there we go...m-m-mission...accomplished..."

"Do? Nothing at all my good man. I gave you a drink, you drank it, that is all. Now, enough of that, they're so insistent I...ah, alas. Perhaps another day, then, there is always some party to be had in this city. Until next time. try and build up your tolerance in the meantime." It was all a blur after that for Ziun, finding himself standing at the end of the alley...with his "friend" gone. Vanished really...only a stone wall where the man once was. It was puzzling, curious even...but it's not like Ziun could deal with that puzzling and confounding thought for long. As he kept trying to get his composure, now leaning against the stone wall, he was set upon by two men who seemed out of breath. These are most likely who he was referring too... Ziun thought, holding his head slightly. Of course, his thoughts were soon answered by one of these individuals. "Where...did he go? What...did you do, with Lord Apati?" Apati...now where does that name ring a bell...? he thought for a moment, his mind racing as he went through what he could to remember why it sounded familiar. Eventually, it clicked with him and his eyes widened. The Apati ran this city, more accurately, one of the many families that did. One step further, it was something else to realize...that was one of the top 100 ranked Mages in the world. "...surely you must be jesting..." he muttered, in a hushed tone to where only he and the two individuals could hear. "...that was...Zion Apati?!" He should've realized it sooner than he did, after all, the Apati family specialize in Illusion magic, something he too specialized in. But at this point, he was probably leagues behind the head of the Apati family...and especially Zion. Now the comment of having a similar name makes sense... Ziun thought, before looking back at the two. "Unfortunately, I'm afraid I know not where your lord is. Before this moment, I myself knew not that he was who you say he is. I'm but a humble bard and I thought him a humble lover of music, so please understand I meant no ill will against one such as he."

I'm Off My Joy “There is a small ceremony later, but for now, let’s dull those daggers you’ve both had in your eyes. You have questions, and I’ve put them off long enough. Speak!” There was a slew of questions and retorts Kitt had in his mind, so much so that they were simply bubbling and brewing up to the point where he couldn't think straight. Luckily, Hinder's Dog spoke first...least that would assist. "We've come to find the integrity of the temple is not as it seems. Newer structures are either ragged beneath their appearance, or they don't exist at all. Furthermore, it would seem that my comrade has learned that a word of power is being used rather freely and abundantly about the island. So, I guess what I would really like to know is, what role do you play in all of this? And why do the people of this island recite a word of power so nonchalantly?" "Take it a step further..." Kitt finally spoke, his mind being somewhat clear at this point, the various questions finally starting to subside. "Why lie? Before you think me accusatory for this, as my comrade here spoke, the integrity of the temple...as well as the structures here on this island are either simply ragged or they don't exist...a facade." His eyes had a type of fire in them right now, one could even say the fires of a forge's flames. "Hearing and seeing this, it seems as if you or whoever is in charge of the island is trying to hide your mistakes away...hence the word of power." he said, glancing at Olivander. "While I know not the meaning of this word of power, this word of the gods...I can make an assumption that it placates and pacifies one. I saw something along those lines with the dockmaster. He spoke the word and the young man Ricky seemed...relaxed. Originally I thought this was simply a word to initiate a state of relaxation...but perhaps that's too...simple. What we saw, and with I've witnessed on this word of power...it's all too coincidental. The answers we seek, either you have them or you know who does."

Soldier of the Wasteland

This seems like a VERY bad idea... interest noted

From Johto: Elekid From Sinnoh: Riolu From Galar: Toxel

"I know this last match was a bit rough on you, so I asked Adri- you all met her now, yeah- anyway, I asked if... she wouldn't mind giving a bit of an exhibition match? At least, if you guys don't mind staying here a bit longer than normal that is? I, uh..." "You forgot to clear that with them, yes. I'm sure that they're already used to that... aren't you guys?" "...If the others are fine with it, I can push things back a bit and make the time to stick around...Any objections?" "Hmmm I'm going to have to check my schedule real quick..." Daichi hummed, pulling out a piece of paper...did it actually have a schedule or was it blank? Honestly, the only one to know this was the illusionist himself. After staring at it for a long period of time, he started crumpling up the paper in his hands quite a bit. After that was done, he lifted his hands and showed that they were indeed empty...the crumpled paper ball was now gone. "And like that, my schedule has vanished from my mind. Even though it was simply me doing more in-depth research on as many Action fields as possible." he smiled, before giving Vega and Adrian a thumbs up. "In short, I'll be staying around. After all, we don't get to see you in action all that often, coach. I'm sure it'll be quite the spectacle!" Indeed it started off as quite the spectacle from what Daichi could see from his seat. @Ignister was the style of deck Vega was using, as on brand for her...a deck that was capable of not just Link Summoning their Cyberse monsters, but also being fully capable to Fusion, Xyz, Synchro and Ritual Summon. In terms of things, aside from it generally relying on beatdown strategies, @Ignister was quite versatile. Then came Adrian's quick succession of retorts in the manner of her Paleozoic Canadia...just the rapid, seamless responses...it was impressive. “Er… wasn’t this supposed to be a learning experience? Dunno if seeing a blazing fast duel where I can’t even process cards is going to help learn anything…” "Eh? Are we going too fast? Sorry about that. We play with each other a lot, though usually just on a kitchen table. We know how each other's plays in and out, so..." "We can get a bit carried away with it. I'll do my best to slow it down a bit for now." "At the same time, though...we're seeing these two play in rapid succession...in real time." Daichi commented, still watching the Duel continue on. "Whether we can process the cards being used, you can at least see the strong response timing that they have. No second thoughts, no double backs...it was truly seamless...it's actually impressive." Fire Phoenix @Ignister did appear not too long later, to which during the whole thing, dropped Adrian's Life Points to 1400...though what puzzled Daichi was the fact of what the opponent was truly using. Paleozoic...and then Dupe Frog...and then getting Swap Frog? He tried his hardest to figure out what style of deck she was using, but for not, it was eluding him. Same time, all he cared about was the exciting Duel in front of him. He could sense the excitement, the fun, the passion between these two Duelists...this was the type of feeling that he as the audience was feeling. Knowing how one's audience feels...I can better understand and even play on this... he thought, continuing to watch the Duel with bated breath.

Movies and animated series may factor in...also, I'm having Venom sit out on this because in recent times he's become an anti-hero, same with Morbius. Black Cat also is staying out of this, due to her being the Catwoman of the Spider-Man universe so she's wishy washy (my opinion on it anyway). THAT SAID...let's get down to it! Top 3 Favorite #1 - Green Goblin: Lemme clarify...we're talking Norman Osborn, not Harry. Norman's Green Goblin is basically a staple of the Spider-Man series. This is Parker's main villain, his arch-nemesis and the countless times he's been a thorn in Parker's side is too many to count. He legit killed Gwen Stacy (though we all know a bit better on how she died, but he's attributed this), and this is generally one of the reasons he's memorable. Of course, then there's the various portrayals of said Goblin (DaFoe for obvious reasons)...and honestly, the one Goblin in animation that sticks with me for the voice isn't the 90s one, shocking...it's actually from the Spectacular Spider-Man. #2 - Dr. Otto Octavius: This man...THIS MAN...not only is he a genius, not ONLY does he have 4 mechanical limbs...BUT HE SINGLE HANDEDLY SWAPPED BODIES WITH PARKER!!! This man swapped bodies with him and BECAME Parker/Spider-Man and even continued to live Parker's life for him as the Superior Spider-Man. This man was a genius with this point of a power play. It's also good to mention that this guy was the originator and creator of the Sinister Six group as well. #3 - Vulture: Adrian Toomes...okay so a BIG reason he's here in the top three is just because of Michael Keaton's portrayal of him in the MCU in Spider-Man Homecoming. I mean, originally just an old man in a mechanical suit with wings that sometimes has the agenda to want to gain his youth back never worked for me...but Keaton's performance as our bird of prey actually bumped him up into the ranks for me. Bottom 3 Least Uh...I...um sorry, but I don't think I like any of them the least. Like...I don't want this to be a cop out, but it's one of those situations where all of Spider-Man's villains to me are pretty interesting and impressive in design. I can't really choose one to dislike in general...except Stilt Man...FUCK STILT MAN >:( Honorable Mention Miles Warren/The Jackal...I like the clone saga, leave me alone T-T SHOOOOOOOOOOCKER!!!!!!

"EMERGENCY MISSION: DEFEAT KUWAGAMON AND HIS ARMY..... MISSION SUCCESS! CONGRATULATIONS TAMERS! BITS earned: 1000 EXP Earned: 100" Elton sighed out in relief as he descended with the Dash Slider, before having it immediately de-materialize out from under him as his feet hit solid ground. He received the Bits and experience, raising him up to the next level almost immediately. This was definitely a good thing...as was the next thing he received: a DigiCard. Unfortunately for him, it was only a Single-Use one, but nevertheless, he reveled in the fact that this was indeed worth it. Obtained DigiCard - Sting Cannon "Sting Cannon huh? Let's take a look at this..." Elton said, immediately opening his menu up and diving right into his inventory and selection the option for his DigiCards. A Single-Use DigiCard that materializes a missile launcher in the shape of a Flymon's Thorax that would fire off a single, venomous stinger. "Hmmm now that could definitely be useful." he nodded, not really aware of some random guy being right behind him as he viewed his new card. He only found out he was there after hearing his mocking laughter. Turning around, Elton stared at the glasses wearing young man who's username read "CardCaptor", even flashing his own drop for the Digimon mission. "Aha! Just a rare drop! That's a pity! Better luck next time." Elton stared at the young man before simply nodding. "Good for you. You must be fun at parties with your mocking nature." he smirked, before turning back towards Berg, to which the duo simply bumped fists with one another. "Unfortunately it's a Single-Use one for you, Berg. So we'll need to work with it and figure out a good time to use it before it gets wasted." "Knowing you, we'll be able to use it properly at the best moment possible." Berg gave his partner a thumbs up, as he looked over his shoulder to glance at CardCaptor. "...so you make a new friend? Or is he an enemy?" "More like a show off..." Elton snickered with a shrug. "Regardless, least that means I got someone else to possibly have a friendly competition with..." Glancing over in the direction of Aoki and Reef, he made his way and held his fist out towards the blue haired man. "Good work out there...ya know, for a Brawler." The Card Master simply made the verbal jab at the young man, but was genuine in what he said. "So, seeing as we're working together at this point, if our previous conversation before the mission was anything to go by...what's our next course of action, Aoki?"

"It was an extermination...From what I can tell, connection to the force is hereditary...At least one of your immediate kin had to have the potential, even if they never learned to unlock it...It's very likely that your home wasn't spared in the purge." Unlike last time...Zane's dream this time, he could remember small things...but this was one phrase that remained with him, though he couldn't make out everything that was said. He didn't know why, nor who's voice it happened to be. There wasn't an entity he could see or make out a figure, nor was there any specifics of the dream. Though he did know he could see bright flashes, quite a few of them in fact. What they were, he knew not, all he knew were these flashes were heavy...and they carried weight...almost like they came from the heat of battle. Zane reached a hand out towards the direction of the flashes of light, but the sounds of only a piercing howl filled the now shadowy void and the rumbles of a cackling laughter that began to pierce his ears, making it almost deafening for him. It woke him up in a sudden manner...well, not the deafening laughter and piercing howls, it was more or less the blaring siren that Zane found was going off while in his room. The wolf let out a loud groan, though it was clearly muffled by the sounds of the siren. Chaos sake...why does this happen when I'm trying to sleep? This is SO not chill!! "Our fuel reserves were much lower than anticipated. Prepare for crash landing on the Mobian Ocean." "Wait...WHAT?!?!" Zane shouted, immediately grabbing a hold of something for the emergency crash landing. "WHAT KIND OF SHIP DOESN'T MAKE SURE THEY DON'T HAVE THE PROPER FUEL?!?!"

Bumping it up...

"Yes, yes, you're right, this is a lively place. I'm glad that you seem to have an eye for these things. Some people worry far too much about the politics and commerce. I suppose it's only fitting as you have a name similar to my own....If you'd like you could take another drink, it's something you wouldn't get just any day after all." Ziun was puzzled by this response from this flamboyant man, but before he could really do anything else...something hit him...HARD. The world around him seemed to twist and turn and his head felt incredibly light. As the background shifted around, oddly, the man himself only grew more sharp and clear. It seemed he, and the flask, were the only things not shifting. ...what...the...h-hell...? It was a strong drink, for sure, but should it have had THIS type of effect on him? Ziun grew a tad bit worried at this. "Ah they already caught up. Why don't we continue this conversation elsewhere, I'm sure I can find you an even livelier venue elsewhere...anywhere but right here would be much better I think." The bard wobbled slightly, his legs doing his best to support him as he felt the man's hand on his shoulder. Ziun glanced over at him, who seeming like he was frowning, and he was still as lost as ever right now. At first, he couldn't form a sentence properly, due to his head spinning and it being light as it was. Once he shook his head slightly, he regained some sort of composure to finally speak. "T-They...? W-W-What...do you mean...they? A-And...what did you...do..." he stuttered out, groaning lightly. "...to me...?"

Looking Glass "That's the opposite of what I was hoping you were going to say. You say you heard the first in a dream. I'm sure I have to, but I believe my mind suppressed it. So much so, that it caused me to black out from pain. When I awoke I was in the care of another watchdog. Joy. I don't supposed you've run into her yet if you've been in the temple all this time. But the second, If it's being spoken so casually, especially without those people using it knowing its power, then there's no telling what effects it could be having on the island. That being said, it leads me to my next point." "Joy? Yeah, she just left before you got here..." Kitt nodded, closing his notebook again. "You look like you've seen a ghost, Olive, what's wr-..." But the Dog of Hinder continued without much as a hesitation. "Captain Helmsley sent someone to give me this with great urgency. Before I left him, he told me something was off about the island. That it was too... new. And he was right. I'll show you what I mean if you'll follow me outside. Take the loupe and peer through it. Examine for yourself the lies that this very island appears to be built upon. Whatever damage is being done by those words needs to be ceased immediately." Taking the loupe that his comrade tossed in his direction as he examined the device first. "Helmsley gave this to you? And lies...? What do you mean?" he asked, seeing Olivander opening the door to the temple. With a sigh, he started walking out the door with loupe in hand before bringing it up to his eye. However...what he saw...he wasn't expecting, in the slightest. Ruins...nothing but ruins... "...what...?" Kitt lowered the loupe, seeing everything normal, before looking through it again and seeing the ruins once more. The temples were the worst for ware on this, as were the old castle ruins even though it seemed like it was unchanged. But the other buildings, the one that looked newer anyway, seemed to be dilapidated or just plain not there. "...what the actual fuck...?"

Seemed like things were going well...until they weren't... From once there was light around the sorcerer, now there was nothing but a heavy shade and darkness around Trevor. Why was this? The answer, he would find, was above as now this massive creature was plummeting down towards him... This left the sorcerer with his mouth agape, just staring at the imminent doom that he was about to deal with. With not another word or moment of feeling awestruck and dumbstruck at watching the falling creature, Trevor grabbed the end of his chain and whipped the Cabanomicon on the other side in order to hook it onto something. Luckily it hit one of the roof's ventilation shafts and immediately wrapped around it. With a couple of tugs, Trevor had the grimoire reel him in at a fast pace as he skidded away and watched the creature plummet. "SERIOUSLY...WHAT THE HELL IS THIS?!" he groaned, quite surprised and annoyed at this strange creature. Having his grimoire and chain unwrap from the vent shaft, rolled his eyes some, before calling to Aduian. "Aduian! Dowse that thing as much and as quickly as you can! Fen! Get ready to pour as much ice into this!" His blue ring glowed together with his grimoire as he charged his magical energy enough to prepare for a chilly reception to this creature.

Time for Some StraightTalk “Thank you for sharing, Kitt Axton of Taros. I hope we will see more of each other tonight at the party, to which you are, of course, invited. Now, I apologize for running off so soon, but there are other things I must take care of, and if I don’t do them now, I fear the night will catch up on me and the party will be less effective. So, if you will excuse me…” Kitt only nodded, giving Joy a bit of a smile before returning towards Laura... “Oh, was there a change in doctrine? News does not always travel as fast as some might like out here. It’s not as though one of Lar’s watchdogs has shown up to let us know. That would be a reason. But I cannot believe all these waning altars are simply because of some misguided worship. That’s certainly not what happened to Medeis, for example. Medeis, goddess of magic, goddess of the earth… Her altar is barren now because of how much was lost when Naviim was torn apart. She died because of how much of the earth fell into the abyss -- no domain to take charge over, no god. And maybe something similar is happening to Lar. After all, if what I presume was the doctrinal change is correct, wouldn’t that reduce the number of eligible hearths?” "No, not a change in doctrine...more like people found it simpler to do it that way...perhaps it's more out of necessity and...maybe laziness than a change in doctrine." Kitt said in regards to the question about Lar. He kept listening, to Laura's explanation of Medeis, simply nodding at this. A goddess that died due to how Naviim was torn apart...to where the islands were simply in being now. It did make his heart hurt at hearing this...it sounded awful. He simply listened to Laura continue... “Not that I mean to question Lar’s judgment there. He must have had his reasons, and, in any case, I could be wrong. It could simply be belief. To make another example, I do not think many are worshipping springs and lakes in Dia’s name, and so she dwindles as well even if the number of those sites remains more or less the same. What changed is the number of people. Though I will say, my offerings these last few days have had a healthier color to them. It’s not much, but it is something. "That showed heavily on Galatea as well. It took Dia's Watchdog to tell them there was no water and for Hinder's Dog to bring back the pearl that allowed Dia to restore the water to their island." he reminisced on this. "But it is true, it does seem to be that the worshipers are dwindling for an odd reason...but you have done quite a job in making sure that the gods and goddesses are appeased with your offerings." “There are more examples. Dies has seemed exhausted. Codex is all but forgotten. Even Nuumu has started to dwindle a little. I suppose the fear, then, is what will happen to us? Or maybe that won’t matter. After all, t͠at҉ib͠us̨, no?” Kitt seemed to be saddened at hearing of Nuumu's influence starting to dwindle...but wait...what did she say at the end? No, Kitt's ears weren't playing a trick...he heard that word again: t͠at҉ib͠us̨. This marked the second time he heard it...and it was just today. "...you said that word at the end...I heard it already once today...what does that me-..." However, before he could finish his thought, who should walk in but... "Oh, good. You're here. We need to talk. Now." Quickly turning around at hearing this voice, Kitt saw Olivander walk in...with his...rooster in his arms. Strange day indeed. "Y-Yeah..." he said, bowing slightly to Laura. "Please excuse me." Turning on his heel, the Forge Watchdog made his way towards Olivander and pulled out his notebook. "I've been meaning to get in touch with you as well...two things..." He spoke in a hushed tone and flipped through the notebook right to the page with the Words of Power were and he pointed at two: Ca͢n̷t҉icųm̕ad ͝ ̷ and t͠at҉ib͠us̨. "I heard this one about the time we came here in my dream...within a whisper. As for the second one...I've heard it twice now here on this island..."

BGM Time moves strangely here...it always has for some, though not for others. But one thing remained true: it truly moved differently than it ever did within the mortal coil. And once again, he found himself staring at the ceiling of his room, watching the ceiling fan spin in it's normal hypnotic manner. Had he even slept a wink the night prior? Or perhaps he was left awake due to the nightmares? Honestly, he couldn't tell you...but he knew he was perfectly fine to go about the day...same as it always was, he supposed. Sitting up from his lounged position, he looked out his window to the sun's emergence blessed him with another day here in S.Y.S. Inc. ...oh wait...it wasn't the morning sunrise...but just the general light of Heaven, though either way...it greeted him the same. Virgil sighed heavily, rubbing the back of his neck some before getting out of his bed and preparing his wardrobe, tossing his jacket on last. On the nightstand, lay his belt and two holsters with guns in them. His trusty sidearms...the ones with him through thick and thin. Another sigh escaped his lips as the young man grabbed his belt and fastened it around him, his belt and guns now firmly on his person... ...it's too early...but I do need to wake up... he thought, immediately walking out his room. BANG!!! BANG!!! BANG!!! Virgil's guns fired off as he pointed them at two separate targets in the shooting range. Each one: around the bull's-eye...and then...with one final pull of the trigger from each pistol, immediately straight in the middle...point blank. He spun them around on his fingers a bit before finally holstering them with a satisfied sigh. Taking a deep breath, he could smell the strong scent of gunpowder and hot brass. The smell usually brought him some calmness in the mornings and on this morning, he'd surely need it. The moment he finished, he heard something over the speakers... "Attention all available S.Y.S. Soulders of Class 2 and higher! Please assemble in the main conference room on floor 99. We will be having a mandatory emergency meeting in the next 30 minutes." "Emergency meeting? Hmm...somethin's got St. Peter all a bother, I reckon..." Virgil pondered, before sighing. He thought about not doing anything at first, but he felt something inside him: the thirst for a challenge. Might this be something to finally shake things up for him and actually give him a challenge? "...best not get my hopes up...but let's see what he says." With that, he made his way from the shooting range and towards the elevator. Of course, Virgil pondered the idea of taking the stairs, but he remembered...it was an emergency meeting in thirty minutes, so naturally...he had to get there as quickly as possibly. Pressing the button to be taken to the 99th floor, Virgil walked into the contraption and was whisked away straight to his destination. The gunslinger strolled right out of it, hands in his pocket as he noticed one other being here when he arrived. "Mornin' Sharp. Reckon you heard the ol' saint's message too?" he flashed a smirk, taking his seat at the end of the table...naturally propping his feet on said table. Some habits were harder to break than others, apparently.

"Yo, Ben! Looks like we'll be duking it out soon, huh? Don't go easy on me, got it? Because I won't come at you with anything other than my best!" Benjamin quickly looked up and saw Kio smiling with a salute, almost as if he was arriving on cue or something. The young man only gave a small smile before nodding. “Of course, Kio. I may not be able to best you and the arsenal you have, but I’m going to give it my all.” he said, moving to look at his right hand, seeing that a few spiders were out and seeming to do something that Kio could possibly see as…flexing. You mean…WE’LL give it our all! This caused him to chuckle lightly, nodding at the mental message from these few spiders. “Right…sorry…we’ll give it our all.” he said, watching the spiders dissipate. Though now this brought him back to the interview he had moments earlier. I know I said I should ask later…but this moment…I need to at least know. Benjamin thought, before sighing. “Kio, I have a question for you.” he began, slowly crossing his arms, exhaling slowly. “You’ve got an amazing memory…so I need to ask…do you…happen to remember a Hero by the name of Eight-Legged Hero: Silky?” "Silky? Didn't she have a big part in stopping the sports festival terror attack some time ago?" Kio nodded. "Of course I remember. I'm kind of forced to." He gripped his chin between his thumb and index finger. "Why do you ask?" A soft sigh escaped his lips, nodding at hearing this. "I asked the right person..." Benjamin said with a slight smile. "I needed to ask because I just mentioned her to those people...since she's my Hero...and they honestly didn't hear about her. It...it honestly killed me..." "Honestly, I can't really blame them. Who has time to remember some hero who died in a fire." Kio shrugged. "That's not the way any hero should go out...and I use the term hero lightly. She hadn't even graduated from U.A. yet." Benjamin's face seemed to go from smiling to one that seemed, both disappointed and even insulted. Part of him wanted to simply lash out at this guy, big time. Just the way that he simply spoke about her like that...his hand started to grip his arm tightly in a gradual process. That's not the way any Hero should go...who has time to remember some Hero who died in a fire... he mulled these words over in his head more and more. He wanted to shout at him, but he was stopped...not by his spiders, but rather himself. Kio was a smart young man, forced to have such an edict memory that also corresponded with his Quirk. If anything he was simply stating facts and information...he seemed to be the guy to do that anyway. A simple sigh escaped his lips once more, possibly letting this go...this time at least. "...regardless if she graduated or not, she did a good job, as far as I'm concerned she is a Hero." he said, looking away for a moment. "Mutant-type quirks don't really catch my eye, and spiders less so...but she could've done great things." Kio looked away as well. "Probably." "Guess that's fair...least Silky did one thing..." he moved himself from the wall, his hands digging into his pockets. "She saved me that day...and gave me and my spiders the drive to be Heroes, even if we aren't as strong as everyone else." "I guess your idolization of her makes sense then." Kio had the tendency to idolize the more powerful heroes...it was like he was drawn to the strong quirks like a magnet. "Well...I'm sure she'd be proud of you today." “I honestly hope she would be…” he sighed again, before shaking his head. “[ANYWAY!] …I need to stop with that and get myself in the game before our match. Gotta think of strategy and how things will play out.” Benjamin gave Kio a two fingered salute before turning around and walking off to get himself prepared...though as he did...he bit his lip. He could feel tears starting to form from hearing those last few words: she'd be proud of you today. Regardless of the outcome of this festival, knowing that at least...knowing she would be proud of him...that was all the validation he needed. ...guess talking to Kio was just what was needed...huh? he asked, seeing a few spiders on his arm bouncing up and down slightly, almost as if to say yes. ...yeah, I figured it was...

Saturday, February 29 "How will we celebrate the day's rising stars? Dinner is my own treat, it's only fair after my loss!" "Hmmm, you treating us? Truly this is unorthodox, my dear theater buff." Daichi snickered. "Then again, perhaps we'll be expecting this every time you lose...cause it may not happen all the time, buuuuuuuuut we may get lucky!" Whatever the case was where they went, Daichi was sure that the team would enjoy themselves. Still, the loss of Sai...in an Action Duel...it still resided heavily in the front of his mind. Just meant the next time he was up at bat, that he had to do more than Sai did...to make sure the audience was captivated and make sure to get them into the experience. And with his two new cards...Daichi had a good feeling about the next time he'd Duel. Today "Ah, nice to meet you! I'm Adrian, Vega's girlfriend. Y'know, she talks about you guys quite a bit." This was truly a surprise, to say the least. Daichi wasn't expecting to see the coach's girlfriend in today, or honestly...at all. Same time, it was good to at least hear that she had been talking about them...hopefully all good things. "Oh, she talks about the rest of the team, too? And I know who you are, I did some cursory research on your old team." "Of course she talks about all of you! This team means a lot to her, y'know? As for knowing me, well... I suppose that was to be expected, even if I haven't been relevant in years. Well, she asked me to come here ahead of her so that I could inform you that she has a surprise... aaand to inform you all that your captain will be absent. She had matters to attend to otherwise. If there's anything you guys normally do to prep, I haven't the foggiest, so would you mind handling that? I'd appreciate it a lot!" "A surprise? Well, knowing the coach, there's no telling what sort of surprise there may be." the Action Duelist chuckled, currently taking a look on his phone. If one was to see what he was staring at...they'd see it being nothing but a catalog of various different Action Fields and the styles of cards he ended up recording. Truly seemed like he was serious about making sure he didn't fall under the same issue he did against Honey. "Annnnnnnyway, that said..." he paused, glancing up from his phone, looking at Adrian. "Since Rosalia is absent, I guess she's already been informed or will be informed of the details of our next match...least it's a fair assessment. As for the prep, honestly, in my humble opinion...we sort of wing it. And by wing it, I mean watch coach doodle quite a bit of her Ignister monsters on the board...which, that said, she's quite the artist there. Then again you probably already knew that..." Daichi paused in his thought processes before looking over at the rest of the team. "I mean, am I wrong?" It honestly seemed like he was writing himself into a corner with his words...truly horrible.

Odd that the creature wasn't even attacking you lot until you attacked it...perhaps it wasn't a good idea to-... "This is NOT the time for this!" Trevor shouted, immediately sealing the grimoire and yanking it to the side by it's chain as he watched as both Fen and Aduain were being swatted by the creature. He moved a bit to where he could get cover, before immediately casting Cure on both his party members (once they were in view) and then quickly casting in succession Aero. "Now we got some defense for you..." He glanced out from cover to see what he could on this creature. True to his previous analysis, it seemed to be a pretty lazy creature. That said, when it got really angry and annoyed, it made an action...a sort of...blast of focused energy or something. Perhaps if anything we could try and hinder it's movements... Trevor thought, rubbing his chin slightly. Let me think...if Aduain could douse it with water, perhaps Fen and I can use a combined effort of ice magic in order to freeze this beast in place. It's not the best idea, but it's one of the only ones we have... The moment Trevor noticed Fen, he whistled to her. "Ice Princess, I have a plan...not a good one, but it's a plan regardless." he said, explaining in detail to her what he was thinking. "If you can assist me with this, perhaps we can freeze it in place and keep it from doing any more harm. We just need to get our fishy friend in agreeance with this little plan. Either way, can you assist me with this?" he said, immediately opening the Cabanomicon, his blue gemmed ring glowing in unison with the open book.

In truth, Ziun wasn't expecting to garner a bit of a crowd as he did this...not at all. However, he found it fitting...that the power of music, moreso, his playing would bring others to allow them to enjoy it. Now whether they continued to go about their business or stay and listen, that was truly up to them and not him...the love of music truly was a fickle mistress, much akin to his muse, the Goddess of Poetry and Music. However...finally something did catch his eye, or rather someone. Apparently, there stood a man...one rather flamboyant in his attire but nevertheless, he seemed to be humming along to the tune he played and brandished quite the interesting flask which was adorned in precious jewels of various colors. Truly mesmerizing to say the least. However, when Ziun took notice, the flamboyant man flashed him a bright smile and gave a low chuckle. "Seems like someone is in a good mood. Let me guess, you found a lovely lady for your own? Or perhaps you stumbled upon a treasure...well, I suppose they could be one in the same." This caused Ziun to elicit a chuckle of his own, only returning his smile with a smirk. "Truer words have never been spoken, my good sir." he said, nodding. "Alas, the only lovely lady I have for my own at this moment is my muse...my Goddess of Poetry and Music...but one day, there will be the most beautiful pearl I'll have ever laid eyes upon will come into my life...and that will be both my lovely lady and my treasure." He paused his playing, before deciding to graciously take the flask and a swig of the drink that was in it. "My thanks, I was a bit parched. But I shall indulge you on why I may be in a good mood. This city, this town...this place...it's teaming and buzzing with life. So many sounds, so many stories waiting to be told. How could someone like myself not take in the atmosphere and not be in quite the giddy mood?" he said happily, before removing his hat and bowing slightly. "Ah, my manners...I suppose an introduction is in order. I am Ziun Castir, a humble bard from the Bard's College of Glamour in Steelhorn. And who do I have the pleasure in making the acquaintance of today? I'll venture someone who obviously has impeccable taste in music if my playing got you into humming along it."

Make a Joyful Noise “More goes into this place than you know, so I am glad to hear you say that. Welcome, Kitt Axton of Taros. I am also glad, of course, that you found your altar satisfactory. With gods and goddesses dying out, it’s important to hold onto the ones still watching over us, and, well, knowing that Taros is still appreciative of any just work is meaningful to me. Perhaps later you might bless our altar so that it might remain here just a bit longer.” "I am the hands and feet of my patron and my will is his will..." Kitt said simply bowing slightly. "I would be honored and delighted to bless the Forge-Maker's altar to insure it's continued stay." He gave a small smile, but he wasn't too fond of hearing that one line she said: with the gods and goddesses dying out. If they ended up dying out...what would this mean for the Watchdogs...all Watchdogs here in Naviim...or worse...what would this mean for the creation that Taros had a specific hand in creating and meddled in: he himself? Questions for another time... “This one, for example, continues to wane. I think I know why, and yet…For now, though, it is still alight. Joy will need this tonight, I think. Especially with your arrival, I’m sure she wants to make the best impression she can.” Her eyes flickered with mourning, but it was just that, a flicker...but even just that flicker, Kitt could notice something was off there. Regardless, enter Joy herself...the Watchdog of Laeta, the goddess of...well Joy...truly a match made in the heavens. “But where are my manners? My name is Joy and I’m privileged to be Laeta’s watchdog. Would you mind telling me what your happiest memory is?” “Ah, yes, of course. Before you go through these motions again, I will be there at your behest with whatever else you desire. I look forward to it. In the meantime, I suppose I will continue my work. You have questions, I can tell now. When you’re done with this, you know where to find me.” Kitt nodded in the direction of Laura, before turning his attention to Joy, bowing slightly. "A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Watchdog of Laeta. I'm Kitt Axton, Watchdog of Taros." he introduced himself, before ruminating on the question she presented him. "My happiest memory...I believe it was the day I became a Watchdog in full. Truly a joyous day for myself and those who were able to see my progress up to that point." "Kitt, ol' boy! Where are you!?" For a moment, he thought he heard a faint sound of someone calling for him...from the sounds of it...Olive. Kitt gave a slight smirk, shaking his head. I suppose he could wait a few...after all, he's kept me waiting quite a bit before. Only right to return the favor. he thought, now beginning to turn towards Laura and approached the young woman. "You spoke earlier, that you know why the altars are continually waning...and you used Lar's hearth flame as an example. Pray tell, what is the reason? Is it because people are finding it easier to pray and worship Lar from the comfort of their own homes? Another island I visited, Galatea, had the same issue with the temple of Lar...his acolyte Aiden told me this much."

A typical Froura morning...least that was what he was assuming. Truth be told, if THIS was a typical morning in Froura, then Ziun would definitely be in a world of hurt. Still, least he had a blast the night before against his newfound comrade in the "dread" pirate Robin. Though this hangover wasn't doing him any favors, he figured by the way the sun was...she was already up and about...which meant he was the lazy one. Oh, he was sure she'd rag on him for that...along with putting his liver to the test the night prior. "I suppose that's what I get for challenging, of all people, a pirate and sailor..." he groaned, getting up and preparing himself for the day. "...truly the one set of people in this wide world who have iron livers...ah the best combination in this world, an iron liver along with quite the fount of knowledge in regards to their countless shanties." Ziun fixed his hair and fastened his coat and hat, looking himself over in the mirror, grabbing his Elegant Melody and of course...his trusty lute. "Not a hair out of place...as it should be. Now, let's see what we can accomplish today." BGM Leaving the Drooling Dragon, Ziun took in the fresh air and the liveliness Froura had to bring, as he grabbed his lute to simply strum a few chords, hoping to get his creativity flowing as he walked through the city streets. Passing by every vendor stall he could, Ziun truly was getting a feel for this place...a lot more then he did when he first arrived here. After all, when he first arrived here, he was just pressed for wanting to find a team and crew to follow down into the dungeons so he could tell their stories (along with partake in the glory, of course). But now, after his brush with Robin, he figured things were preparing to look up. It meant now he could actually take the sights, sounds and atmosphere of the city in fully. And he was truly getting the feel of it...as this bard even proceeded to hum to himself, even managing to find his groove in a nice little melody that truly spoke to his soul about this locale. Perhaps his melodic talents would lure others to him...true it might not work, but at the same time, being simply at the Drooling Dragon lured Robin to him and their fates were tied this way, so perhaps this would also work just as well.

Team Iron Spider The planned worked...though the ending part of this improved plan was actually something neither competitor could've imagined happening. But regardless, it happened. On Benjamin's mark, Risa pulled a now fully bitten and webbed up Mayu's bola and down to the ground she went. What transpired next for Atsushi, well... “ATSUSHIIIIIIIIII!” "Wait...oh man that guy's gonna..." Benjamin started, watching this falling blue haired young man falling to his inevitable doom...until Atsushi was now grabbed by the falling student and having his descent being slowed down, almost to the point where the one individual's feet were at the ground. Of course, the one student was already on the ground safely...but now Benjamin looked at the one seeing him so close to the ground. "Risa...Risa the weight!" he said quickly. No sooner after saying that, the young woman began to pull the weight and it came at full speed, zooming towards Atsushi and clipping his legs in turn causing the young man to start spinning violently in the air. From what Benjamin also noticed, Risa pulling something else: the small target. Or at least she would be...if he didn't notice something else snagging it...a tongue...a lizard's tongue. Rika, no doubt about it... ...and without much of anything else...Atsushi fell onto the ground in the most comedic way possible, about the time the buzzer sounded. "And that concludes the Chicken Fight portion of this year's Sports Festival. If you will all direct your attention to the big screen, the bracket for the last phase will be visible, displaying our top eight." Benjamin was surprised...even at a loss for words. The top eight...Sun, Shannon, Rika, Takehiko, Diana, Kio...and then Risa and himself. He stood there in awe for a moment before looking at Risa with a smile. "Hey! Congrats! We did it!!" he said joyfully. Risa stared up at the scoreboard, her eyes wide and twitchy. "Did we live?" she asked hazily, sounding as if she were talking through a head injury. "Thanks to our combined efforts, we sure did!" he extended a fist towards Risa and smiled, the two bumping fists with each other. "We got each other to the Top 8...now we really get to show everyone what we can do." After this little exchange, Benjamin let Risa go meet up with her friends, figuring now was probably the best time for them to part ways for the time being. Would fate bring them together in a match? He wasn't sure...same time, he wasn't even expecting to arrive here, but now that he was...he-... "Benjamin O'Hara? Are you as surprised as we are to see you in the top 8?" He blinked for a moment, seeing himself now cornered in one of the hallways to the locker rooms. By whom, one may ask? Answer was simple: reporters for a TV station. It was...odd...to say the least. Out of no where these vultures descended...and this TV station was...basically one that dealt with gossip but at the same time, it spoke the truth and did actual journalism here and there when it was beneficial for them, if Benjamin was correct. Still, least it wasn't anything majorly incriminating. The question was asked once more, which released Benjamin from his stupor. "Oh...uh...honestly, I am. Don't get me wrong, I was fine just making it into the Top 16, but I wasn't expecting to make it to Top 8. Guess it just helps that I had a great partner that round." "It definitely helps to have someone with such a heroic legacy to ride along with. So what is an American doing at UA?" Intrusive, aren't they? he thought, but focused a bit on the beginning. Again with that... "Heroic legacy or not, Risa was a great partner." Benjamin dismissed this comment originally, cause it didn't matter who her father was...she was her own person. "As for the question at hand, well you know how it is, family moves due to a job opportunity for your parent and the local Heroes just ignited the spark to be a Hero and where else to learn from then the place that has given us so many great Heroes!" "The local heroes inspired you? Someone your age must have been a big fan of Omega Star growing up, right?" "She was alright...no disrespect, but..." he paused, before looking away for a moment. A slight sigh escaped his lips before looking back, deciding now was the time to just say it. "...Eight-Legged Hero: Silky was my Hero..." "Silky..? I can't say I'm familiar." This made Benjamin's heart sink at hearing such a revelation from these people. "I believe she was still a student at the time I met her...and she saved me that day..." he started explaining, he seemed lost in his thoughts at this point. "She was the one who ignited the spark in me...I owe everything to Hachimoto Sayaka." "It's not unheard of for hero students to dabble in heroics once they are licensed. Where-..." It seemed the reporter said something...but Benjamin heard the words begin to trail off. He closed his eyes, letting out a sigh as he thought upon the events of that day. The memories were still vivid...just as if it happened yesterday. BGM It was supposed to be a normal day in December at the mall...more specifically the newest mall that opened for business, Nev-Arro Central Mall. Of course, Benjamin was there with his mother off to do a bit of Christmas shopping, the young child wanting to find something special for his father for a gift. Unfortunately, it never panned out that direction… Benjamin's mother was talking to a friend she bumped into and he went off to look at a few windows with some new flashy toys and electronics, so he separated from her. That was when it happened...in a blur, what went from a nice, calm winter day became a hellish nightmare in an instant. Panic ensued as three villains took over the mall, but what was worse, Benjamin was now separated from his mother in this panic...the mall was currently on fire and he was trapped on the inside. The only thing he could do was having to hide away just to make sure he wasn't found. But with the smoke from the fire filling the mall...the sounds of coughs could be heard everywhere. What of his Quirk? His Spider Colony Quirk couldn't help much...but try as he might, he did work with his spiders to try and keep an eye on the situation. He didn't want to run into the villains...he didn't want to be found by them… I...I don't want to d-die… Benjamin thought, coughing some more. He prayed his spiders would catch the eye of some Pro Heroes...or the police...or someone. Tears started to well in his eyes, having every possible scenario play in his head. That's when his spiders caught sight of something. Or rather, someone. They caught sight of her. He looked up, seeing a young lady, the bottom half of a spider and the rest like a normal girl. Although she had soot and wasn't looking the best, Benjamin could see the pure sincerity in her eyes as she held out her hand. "Hey little guy." the young lady spoke, a small cough coming from her. She motioned with her eyes to her hand, the young boy now noticing there was a spider in her hand. "Guessing this is one of yours. Lucky he found me, and good on you with that Quirk of yours." The spider jumped from her hand back to Benjamin, who was sniffling slightly. "Go on, just take my hand. I'm Silky, I'm a Hero." A Hero? And she was a spider girl...and...she complimented his Quirk. Benjamin nodded, immediately taking the hand of Silky and he was whisked away. He covered his eyes, he didn't want to see anymore of this. But eventually, he felt the winter air hitting him and he finally looked to see that he was outside. Silky put him down and immediately his mother was rushing to him in a hug. Benjamin would immediately turn around to try and thank the Hero, but all he saw was the spider girl scurrying back inside the mall to rescue others. He stayed there near the mall, sitting in an ambulance as he was checked up on by some paramedics. That's when the mall finally collapsed...and of course, the Hero that saved his life, was gone. Benjamin couldn't believe this...he wouldn't believe it... It was however true, as Benjamin found himself at the funeral for the Hero a few days later. After hearing and reading about it, he begged his parents to let him go to it, to which they graciously accepted this for him. He was silent the whole time at the funeral for Silky...no...for Hachimoto Sayaka. He noticed that there were many different Heroes and students there to pay their respects, but he didn’t pay too much attention to who was there. As some were already expressing their condolences and best wishes to her family, Benjamin slowly approached the casket and just shook his head, keeping himself from crying. “...I...I didn’t even get...to say thank you...” he muttered, sniffling lightly before wiping a few stray tears. “...t-t-thank you...Silky.” He moved away, not before placing a rose made of webbing on the casket. “...y-you...were just like me. I...just wish I had met you...b-before...” As he left the funeral, Benjamin could hear something from his spiders: "She saved us...can...can we do that?" This was a question that Benjamin never had crossed his mind. He wasn't as strong as the Eight-Legged Hero, he couldn't make his own webs...he was simply a guy with a mental psychic link to his spiders in which he housed within him. But then again, it did beg the question...could he do that? Could he be a Hero like Silky? It was that day he decided...no, they all decided that this would be the spark to reignite his want and desire to become a Hero. "We've lost one spider hero...we need to be there to take up that position…" Benjamin thought, looking at a few of the spiders that were in his hand. "...we'll be a Hero that Silky would be proud of!!" "O'Hara?" Benjamin once again was snapped from his stupor as he cleared his throat. "I'm sorry, could you repeat the question?" "Where is this hero operating these days?" "..." Silence fell over Benjamin, sighing heavily as he rubbed the back of his neck slightly. "She died...Nev-Arro Central Mall's burning building collapsed and she was lost in it..." "Oh. Well, uh, good luck." That was it...that was the end of the interview? Benjamin sighed, watching the group leave immediately as he just leaned back on the wall and let out a heavy sigh. ...never heard of her? ...she saved so many people that day...myself included...h-how...how could no one even have heard of her? he thought, shaking his head slowly. Same time, he figured one person would've known with the memory he had: Kio. Perhaps that would be a question for him later... Right now, however, he had an hour to kill...he needed to mentally and physically prepare himself.