"Well, on a certain degree," Replied Shi, climbing in after her. "I hardly trust anybody," He added. Even myself.
The voice chuckled and said in a mocking tone Because of me, right? Or are you doubting your sanity?
He looked out the window and took one last look of Twilight Town before turning his back on it. Shi glanced around the gummi ship and took a seat. He could feel the anticipation of the Archives. Shi always loved reading and learning from books, but he never learned anything that was slightly dangerous.

"Oh, I see," Azumi said. Then we are the same, it seems... She stifled a sigh. Something was bothering her. I feel like I'm trapped...perhaps I should tell him... Azumi looked as though she wanted to say something, but was thinking of the right way to put it. "What...what do these rings mean to you?" She managed to whisper. Why does it feel as though I'm slipping away? She gripped the throttle tightly and pushed it vigorously. The ship was jostled around for a second. Dang this all! Dang it...I'll find my own answers!

She landed the ship in front of the Archives. She jerked the door open and jumped out. She looked at Shi. "I...am sorry, I'm just...not myself...I have things I need to say, but...I don't want to burden you." Her hands were clenching and unclenching. Was she that untrusting?

Shi heard her whisper just barely. He thought for a moment. "This rings mean that we now have a unbreakable bond, but it's us that has to decide on what kind of bond it is," Shi finally answered.

As they landed at the Archives, Shi couldn't help but be awed. The building was simply too much to put into words.
Shi jumped out after Azumi and heard her. "It's okay, it's your choice. I won't mind the outcome."

"Is it really?" Azumi almost growled. "Gaea...that..." She was almost too mad to continue. "She meant to make you my Guardian..." she hissed. "I don't want that..." Lavender eyes gazed at Shi. "I..." She stopped. "When I was unconscious, I had a weird dream...everyone was praising me, then Gaea said that she expected great things from her Handmaid of Earth..." Heat rose to her cheeks. "Then, there was you...you were holding me...we were both happy, just to be together..." She sighed. "That's the bond I want...I just want to be with you, and make you happy..."

The girl smiled a little. "So, I'll follow you wherever you go...I'll stay by your side...as a friend...or...more, if you wish it...though, if you ever want to be left to yourself, tell me..."

Now came the hard part. A lump formed in her throat. "What I have to tell you...the reason why I was crying...was because of memories...my dad I assume was a dryad...he died, and I never knew him...my mother became ill...I tried to save her, but...despite all my knowledge...I failed." She realized her arms were around Shi. "I'm so lost, now...which way do I go? I can't trust Gaea, what if she's not good as all the legends say? What if I use her power and become some monster that I don't even know?"

Shi hugged Azumi tightly. "Happiness never really amused me," Shi thought aloud. "So I don't want you to try and make my life happy go lucky, okay? Anyways, this is more about you if I'm your guardian. Where you go, I can't say because it's your choice, though I'll follow you whatever option you pick," Shi told her. "And I'm sorry about your parents. Beside, if the Heart of Earth is not what she seems, she'll regret crossing us."

Shi then took her hand and walked into the Archives. "But first, I need to read up on a few things." On the way, he saw what he presumed were Prinnies. They were supposed to be servants but they weren't working much, just talking. Out of cruel amusement, Shi snapped his fingers and one of the Prinnie's head burst into flames. He saw it run out of sight, while Shi chuckled darkly.

As they entered the first floor, Shi was shocked by how much books there were. I never seen so many books in one place. This is amazing.
Shi turned to Azumi and said, "This place is amazing."

Azumi nodded. She felt lighter somehow. She laughed. "Of course...I understand..." The girl looked at Shi and smiled. "Just because you're a 'guardian' that doesn't mean you have to protect me everywhere we go, how about we agree to protect each other?" She released herself from Shi's grip. "It's OK, just sometimes, I wish I still had her around for advice..."

When they entered the Archives, Azumi gaped. Even though she'd been here once before, she got the feeling that she would always gape at the sheer size of things. She closed her eyes when she saw the Prinny burst into flame.

She looked at Shi, "Yeah, it is...well, since I'm here, I may as well do some reading too...nothing like practicing things, right?"

"Yup," Shi said, agreeing. "Well, see you in a minute or in a while, I'm going book hunting." And with that, Shi ran off into the shelves and shelves of book. Scanning them, Shi found a section dedicated to the element of Darkness. After a while, Shi found what he was looking for.
The Effects of Darkness, Basic Spells & Skills of Darkness and Form & Transformations: Darkness Affinity
Putting them under his arm, Shi ran through the shelves again and found a section based on Magic Spells. After a while, he finally found his goal.
Conversion Spells & Skills
He ran to a table near to entrance and put his books down. He first opened up The Effects of Darkness and skimmed through it. He finally found something that caught his eye.

The Effects of Darkness: Chapter VI: Consumed Users wrote:

Darkness can be helpful of course, as said in the beginning, but with a price. There are two different Darkness users: Those who train with Darkness and those who are consumed by darkness. Those who are consumed by darkness become unstable over time. Their heart will lose its light and become darkness. Of course, this doesn't necessarily means that they will become a heartless. Oh no, some do not, but most do. The ways that one will become consumed with darkness are in many. 1. Lose all hope and just be devoured by the darkness 2. Be controlled by a Heartless 3. Take on a deal of some sort, either to get power or to survive. There are several more ways, which are listed later in the book. The time it takes to be consumed by Darkness is based on the control one has over self. If they can still see the light, than they have a long time before being completely consumed. There are very few ways to fend off being consumed by darkness and they are very difficult to achieve. In fact, there has only been one recorded success. A ma-

Shi closed the book. He expected as much, so it didn't surprise him much. He knew there was ways to go before fearing the voice in his head, though the effects have been almost instant. The little event with the Prinny showed that.

Shi next opened Conversion Spells & Skills

Conversion Spells & Skills: Chapter: Dark Affinity Skills wrote:

There are a few skills of converting [magic] into something else, like [strength] or [defense]. 1. Mahou Riki Kaishin: A rather difficult skill to achieve since it can only be learned though one way. This skill allows the user to convert MP into Strength and Speed. The user must transform or use a form with an affinity to darkness at least [5] times. At the [5th] transformation, the user will be ready to use it and to speak these words: Kashin [Insert how much MP you want to convert into strength and speed].

Shi stopped reading and got out a piece of paper and scribbled down how to do it. Returning the books, Shi ran off to find Azumi while holding the other unread books he obtained.

_________________
Max MP: 70.

Quote:

Wonderland Deep Jungle Beasts Castle Olympus Coliseum Neverland Castle Oblivion The End of the World

Quote:

[00:44:51] Biscuits of Heart has been kicked by MorpheusZero

Azumi watched Shi go. She stared at the Earth section of the library, wondering what to research. I guess I should research Gaea...and her powers...then, maybe some spells... She skimmed through the 'G' section of the Earth section. Finding one book that caught her eyes, Azumi pulled it from the shelf. It was entitled: Gaea, Heart of Earth: Secrets and Powers

Quote:

Gaea, Heart of Earth: Secrets and Powers: Handmaiden of Earth The Handmaiden of Earth is a title given to one chosen to fight for the well-being of the Earth, unless Gaea has deemed otherwise. If Gaea was fading when her powers were bestowed, it could mean that the Handmaiden is meant to fight good, for Gaea could have been corrupt. However, if the subject is considerably strong-willed, she can fight off the Darkness corrupting Gaea. Once Gaea is reborn, the Darkness shall be removed. However, the powers of the Handmaiden shall remain, and if the maiden fell into Darkness, it shall remain a part of her, as another conscious.

Azumi closed the book with a thud. She was even more enraged at Gaea. Why me? Why me? She remembered the dream she had and pounded her fist on the table. I won't give into you, Dark Gaea! Is the world that evil, to have corrupted you?! She moved away from the table and put her book back. Next, she picked out a book on spells. It was entitled: Earth Spells: More than Defense.

Quote:

Earth Spells: More than Defense: Offensive moves There are many uses for the Earth around you. Stone repels fire, but not Ice or Magma. However, one can also use stones as projectiles. Some other spells include Quicksand and Earthquake. One can simply visualize the spell in their head and make it into reality. Minerals can be extracted from the Earth such as Gold and Silver. Some minerals when combined with herbs can heal others.

Azumi closed her eyes and visualized sand. To her surprise, it appeared at her feet. She changed the texture and nutrients of the sand, which changed it into quicksand. She kept this in mind, and allowed the sand to vanish. She then focused on making sharp spires. Some she made were harder and tougher than others. She allowed these to vanish. All something to practice sometime. Next, she found a pot of soil, and tried to extract different minerals. It was easy to extract Iodine, but that was about all the girl could manage. Sighing, Azumi put the book back, wanting to take a break. She paced around, trying to puzzle out what exactly Gaea was up to. She sighed and sat back down, waiting for Shi. Perhaps he'll have an idea of what it means...

_________________
Elements: Cure, Earth, Ink
Learning: Rose
MP: 60 Satsu's MP: 30
Theme: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkFadHyM5UY&feature=related
Satsu's theme: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2sWWj9RjeQ

As Shi was looking for Azumi, he was thinking.
I need to train. I haven't fought much but I know I'm no good. Which is why I need to master the element, Darkness before I'm consumed by it.
But how? You're supposed to be protecting Azumi
As much as I hate to do this, I think we have to go our separate ways. At least for a while. Do you think it's the right choice?
Perhaps, or perhaps not. I think you're going over your head, kid. Just swim to the shallow end, before a wave knocks you out to the deep waters.
Will you ever go away?
Not likely
Lovely.
Shi finally found Azumi sitting at a table. He greeted her with a smile and noticed something was wrong. "What's up?"

Azumi looked at Shi. "I was duped. It was a 'Dark Gaea'...a Gaea corrupted by Darkness...now, I have to fight her off...but, I hate fighting...I need to train...besides, I assume you need to train as well, besides, if we are to protect each other, we need to know each other's skills like a memorized book..."

Azumi looked at her ring. It was glistening in the sunlight, but instead of "Gaea's Bond", the silver had changed to "Guardians of the Heart". As Azumi rotated the Ring, it also read, "Bond of the Guardian". "That is, if you want to...Shi, has your ring changed at all?" She showed him her ring.

The claim silent air of the liberally within the darkness of this study hall soon fell apart with the aura of a wicked force known though out this world, as for the only two non servants within this room that was yet to be seen. The candle lights of crimson flickered out within a few moments of the gales picking up from an unknown force, the windows still were all shut and yet this gale did not halt instead it was gaining power. Faster and faster the more blinding the winds grew with the extinction of the true sight, now being replaced with a burning blue. Soon enough the books themselves that were onto left on their tables soon lifted on their own and back into the respective shelf’s where they were failed originally. The massing storm inside the building gathered within the center of the room before generating into a collection of darkness forming a single being that owned everything that around the two visitors. The shadows form the appearance of a young man of gold locks with attire of black, with the style more femmine and revealing of this scripted frame, the humanity of his structure decorated with demonic features of wings of darkness attached to his hips and temples. His bone like tail waving back and force as though quietly awaiting the time to strike much like a viper.

There stood the boy, the young ruler of the dark realm. One hip tilted outward with his arm posed with a fist at his side, steering at them both with his fiery glare. His expression was stern and different then most times people have seen this heartless before. There his gaze swiped back and forth at the boy and girl hissing silently under his breath while taking note of the flaming prinny. The La Vaeas there took command of the flaming corpse with his mystically powers, lifting the blue bird from the force of gravity and tearing its remains to shears and putting out the fire before it spread into the paper books.

“How set this worker on fire!” the darker lord of the realm shouted at the two with a trait only seen by a few. This side was the opposite one the girl angered before, how they might deal with the true heartless of this magician will soon be seen.

Shi was about to speak before he was interrupted by the boy. Shi was slightly nervous because of this boys aura and the cold look on his face. When looking at his face, Shi could literally feel the darkness emitting from him. A Master of Darkness? Shi thought curiously. He was both interested and slightly scared. This could be dangerous. I could die in an instant if the boy wanted. No, not boy. He seemed much, much, older, Shi realized. I have to play this out right.
Still, when the boy shouted, Shi did not flinch, though wanted to. Shi's eyes flickered around the room and then rested on the boy. A small smile crept onto Shi's lips as he said in a cool, "Why, I did. I'm sorry if I offended you, I was rather rude."
Shi carefully place his hands behind his back and thought of several ways to get out if something bad happened. He had a last resort to use, but it wasn't much. He'd have to make sure Azumi got out first, though.

Azumi recognized the boy. His voice was different. "Lenneth...um..." The girl was weighing out her options. I can't betray Shi... Right then, Shi spoke. Azumi gasped. "Shi," she whispered. She looked at Lenneth. "Please, I will pay for his crime..." She flinched at the words coming from her mouth. She realized she was in front of Shi with her arms spread wide.

"Please, forgive him...let him go...I beg you." Azumi was shaking hard. She hated the idea of punishment, but she would walk through flames if it meant protecting Shi. "Please, sir, I'm sorry...I didn't know he would have..." Then, she got a new resolve. "As the Earth's Handmaiden, I beg you, let him go!"

Hrist looked off at the windows and doors, wondering ever so on how to deal with these little tourists, so far he was not impressed but such honesty nor the fact of how dangerous they were to his temper. The books were a well earned struggle to retrieve and even if one were to be burned down both of their heads would be rolling across the floor. Course this man seemed to have guts, not to mention having a some nerve to even think about forgiveness from this dark lord. The girl was not of his concern and withers or not they wanted to please or piss Hrist off was a different story. The air around this dark prince grew deeper in jet black as a precautionary measure would be taken into account just to insure environmental damage would not be an issue to clean up. The girl approached him next, already begging for her worthless life. Hell if she would have just kept her silence for a mere second or more Hrist would have simply killed the man and left, forgetting all about the female but now she was in his sights and the two of them would have to play for a bit.

“well why so serouisy? Lets have some fun shall we? After all you come into my home and intending to get stronger do you not? Then lets play and have both of you shredded into shape” The La Vaeas muttered as the room itlsef became organic and damp, more exactly into its true biologically form. The doors and windows themselves became nothing more then simply walls, as did the book shelf’s slipped into the floor of the beast. The candles turned and untied into a single source of light and before long the vast amount of space grew closer to the three of them. Forming now the area was no longer the same, rather a cube solid and without entrance or exit, no shelfs no uneven flooring just a cage created to keep things interesting or his captives into escaping. soon enough the six walls around them soildfiyed back into dense matter, thicker then most and able to regenerate if the need to repair at a moments notice was in order "so what shall it be? stay here forever and wither away from age? or play a little game with me and maybe survive? pick soon cause i have little patience and may just force you to play, hows that sound?"

Shi watched the scenery change with an expressionless. When it was over and the man offered a game, a smile crept onto Shi's face. "A game? You are on, my friend," Shi said to the boy, accepting the offer.Gotta control myself Shi thought. Shi glanced over at Azumi, wondering what she was thinking. "Oh and before we start, may I have your name? It's quite rude to challenge someone without properly introducing oneself. I'm Shi Velox by the way."