It was just another peacefully boring day for Avatar Aang after defeating Fire Lord Ozai and restoring "balance" to the world. After the great adventure all that was left was diplomatic work in order to ensure peace for the future. Anng was more than ready to move forward and do whatever he needed

to comfort the citizens of the world, however Aang did not realize how much of that would be handled from behind desks, and in council with the heads of the nations. Surprisingly enough many of the Fire Nation were perfectly willing to except Zuko as the new Fire Lord. Apparently the banished prince

had earned the respect of the people as well as a few high ranking individuals through his actions retaking the throne

MEANWHILE

"GUTS!" Puck shouted as a the hulking man known as Guts was sent flying.

Guts slammed into a rock face wall cracking it on impact as blood spewed from his mouth. Guts leaned forward planted his feet on the wall and kicked off. Positioning the Dragonslayer ready to pierce his demonic enemy. This Pseudo Apostle was a tower of flesh and limbs. Mouths appeared sporadically and in random positions on the meat spire. Guts successfully pierced the grotesque flesh as a mouth formed where he planted his feet on the beast. The vile Pseudo Apostle began chewing on Guts' feet ripping and tearing into the armor Gut's wore.

(Odd.) Thought the wretched abomination.(there should be nothing left of this sacrifice!)

Little did he know that Guts not only donned the Berserker Armor but was also a near expert Apostle killer. in mere seconds Guts split the Pseudo Apostle's mouth open freeing his legs. Next Guts brought down the Dragonslayer to half the Pseudo Apostle vertically. A horrendous pile of mismatched organs split from the two halves of the convulsing corpse. Guts wiped the sweat from his brow with his right hand and said.

"It's clear, let's keep moving." Seconds after Guts spoke the rest of the group fell in: Serpico, Schierike, Isidro, Farnese, Casca, and the two elves Puck and Ivalera.

"Guts perhaps we should start looking for a place to rest tonight. You're still wounded even if that fight wasn't as bad as the others" Serpico said.

Guts looked to lot of 'em and saw weary faces and said. "Sure, lets look for some shelter."

Gut's glaced at Casca and saw her hostile eyes stare back something inside him pained nostalgically.

(IS THIS THE ONE YOU LOVED OR JUST A HOLLOW SHELL?) Guts suppressed the voice and looked toward Schierke.

"Can you sense anywhere safe nearby?" Guts asked the little witch.

"Yes as a matter of fact there is a place with strong positive Od not very far north of us." Schierke responded.

"Ever dependable thank you" Guts said in a more sincere tone than usual.

Schierke hid her blush by the brim of her hat as Ivalera teased her and said. "Thank you, but it is the least i can do."

The girl led the group of in the direction of their soon to be shelter. It was a strange place with rocks jutting out of the earth to form a Turtle shell like dome. There was one entrance that was not too large and plenty of room inside the dome for the entire party.

(an easily defendable stronghold.) Guts thought.

There was also an unmistakable benevolence in the air surrounding this "Turtle Shell" that reminded the weary travelers of the spirit tree forest. Unfortunately that benevolence would serve as a bittersweet reminder of Schierke's lost home. Even with the grim unease She felt Schierke did her best to keep her composure.

"This will do quite nicely, and this air should do well to keep away any foul presence and mask Guts and Casca's brands, right teacher?" Farnese asked Schierke gleefully.

"uh, yes that is correct Lady Farnese." Schierke responded awkwardly.

"Oua" Casca joined in cheerfully.

"Finally you can get some rest too Guts" Puck said breathing an air of relief into the chamber, and an infectious smile began to spread to everyone except Guts.

After some sleepless hours the night came and with it a strange being.