Beyond the Sky

certified Good Boy™who sometimes has trouble understanding others’ thoughts and emotions

but if you call him in the middle of the night he’ll be at your door in 5min

he’s very technically savvy in his world, but the tech in Xenoblade is very different than it is here in Isola

would rather solve things by talking them out, but can definitely fight

orphaned at a young age, he believes strongly in the idea of found family and has a great love for his friends

loves reading, researching, fixing and making things; all sorts of nerd stuff

specializes in weapons of any kind

often gets wrapped up in a project and forgets to take care of himself

tends to be somewhat anxious in general, but especially in regards to the future and how to behave socially

still wants to meet new people and explore new places

does not like the fact that he was forced to come here because he feels he is being controlled by a higher power

Amaterasu appreciated the healing, and let him know as such through a glance sent Shulk’s way. Waka, however, kept his eye on the last of the miniature demon spirits, which soon transformed into a large fox. However, this fox only had one tail, and looked to be rather old and covered with scars. The pronged sword remained on its back.

“We just need to take out this one, and it should be over!” Waka called as Amaterasu lept back into action. She waited for the sword to be raised to the sky before using Thunderbolt to stun the creature. He then teleported near, striking it with quick slashes as Amaterasu wielded her brush to do the same.

At first he was unsure. Attacking what was obviously a creature who had lived a hard life seemed... unfair to Shulk. Reflecting on the situation a second more, he reasoned that his feelings on the matter shouldn’t change now that the mask had been ripped away. They were still the same creature underneath, still capable of regaining their powers and causing others to suffer. He hadn’t shown Zanza mercy after all...

Enchanting his comrades weapons, he strengthened them with a purple light before throwing himself into battle. After a few, well-aimed hits, he saw the demon recover from their shocked state and dashed away just in time to avoid being speared by it’s charge attack.

Ninetails let out a roar of rage as the blade dug into their flesh, effectively slowing their movement and allowing Amaterasu to get a few power slashes in. Unfortunately, the attack wasn’t enough to stop them completely, and in no time the demon rose the pronged sword to the sky, summoning  numerous thunderclouds.

Amaterasu quickly used Thunderbolt to electrocute the demon, resulting in them collapsing into five smaller creatures.

Waka, with the protective shield still around him, rushed towards the two closest to him, taking them down with ease. Amaterasu took out another, who was foolish enough to approach with a Power Slash. This left only two, one of which was approaching Shulk while the last hovered in the air.

The Monado easily slashed through the remaining shadow, requiring nothing more than a little extra ether from Shulk. This sword was designed to kill gods after all. Now that he knew physical attacks were effective against the demons, they were easy to dispatch.

With a spin, the sword began to glow a brighter blue as Shulk sent some healing energy Amaterasu’s way. As far as he knew, the god-volff couldn’t speak in a language he would understand, and wouldn’t know how to ask him for help. He figured it was better safe than sorry. Bonding through being allies in combat, he found himself warming up to Amaterasu. The world needed all of the good gods it could get.

@temperedwithgods​

In the drawing room there appears to be a very excitable professor taking up an entire corner of the studio space, with a setup that looks more like a biology lab than a casual art workshop. Journals were strewn about on a table, each with different studies of plants and monsters found throughout Spirale. In an open folder were many pressed plants that the woman was using to place on slides of a microscope, which was clearly labeled with a bright sticker claiming it had belonged to Spirale’s University. On the page in front of her was a rather abstract pattern detailing the leaf’s structure under the microscope, with notes on the sides of the image detailing scientific names as well as medicinal uses. It looked like she had been here for awhile. It took her perhaps a little too long to notice that someone was standing beside her.

“Oh, my. Sorry! Would you like me to push over to the next chair? I’m afraid I couldn’t help but make use of the free materials for my research.”

While he understood the draw of the Optimized Tools, Shulk felt like anything he wanted to make, he already could. Designing and forging weapons was his job, and researching new flora and fauna was already a hobby, so it seemed like a waste to use them for that. Maybe he’d use one later to see how they worked, but for now he wandered about the drawing room, looking at what drove others to create instead.

In retrospect, perhaps he’d been staring, but in his defense, he’d never seen a mechanism like the one the the person was using. He started a little when he was addressed.

“No, that’s alright! I don’t want to interrupt you.” He took out a large, bound notebook filled with his own research notes and set it down across the table before turning it to show a page with the same plant the other was looking at with similar notes.

At Shulk’s shout, Waka quickly turned and struck one of the smaller figures down, managing to kill it in one swing. The count was up to four, which left five remaining.

Amaterasu quickly aimed for another, but by the time she got to it the figure had rejoined the other four who were fleeing from Shulk, and the large fox reappeared once more. Unlike last time, the fox only had five tails instead of nine.

“It seems we will have to strike it down again until it splits once more!” Waka called, teleporting out of the way as Ninetails lunged towards both himself and the wolf.

Amaterasu moved swiftly out of harms way, waiting for the moment the large fox raised their sword to the sky once more.

“Tsk.” Shulk clicked his tongue, disappointed in himself. He must have greatly underestimated the smaller demons. Usually Whirlwind was enough to defeat lesser enemies by itself.

The fox turned towards Waka and his friend again, apparently labeling Shulk as less of a threat and he used the distraction to cast Monado Shield on all of them, encasing them in golden spheres that would keep them from being critically injured.

Waka simply gave a nod, determined not to give his mind any room to dwell on things. There would be plenty of time to do so after all of this was over.

Once the battle was underway and Waka avoided being directly hit, he began to lash out at the fox while retreating every so often to avoid coming into close contact with the demon. Shulk, it seemed, was dealing far more damage, but it would take a lot more than that to take out the fox.

Eventually Ninetails raised its sword to the sky, the seven pronged blade summoning a host of thunderclouds. Amaterasu used this moment to use her brush, drawing the thunder from the cloud to the blade. This sent a large jolt through the fox’s body, which split into many little humanoid creatures.

“Strike down as many of them as you can!” He called to Shulk before slicing down the one that had approached them. Amaterasu had already taken out three and was aiming for another. The more they could take out, the less tails the fox would have when it reformed.

Jumping out of the way and rolling to the side as the fox was struck by lightning, Shulk quickly recovered from the shock of the demon being split into smaller forms. Zanza had done something similar during their fight, so why not another god-like being?

Swinging his Monado over his head, he tried to draw in as many of the smaller creatures in as he could with its light. He used his own skills to heal Amaterasu and temporarily add power to Waka’s own weapon. Letting his ether be channeled through his sword, he allowed it to glow in a flashy manner and soon had the attention of three humanoids.

He saw the sepia tones creeping into the edge of his vision and, just as suddenly as they always came on, his eyes began to glow when he got a glimpse into the future. 

He saw one of the demons sneak up on Waka from behind to strike at him.

Instead of panicking, as he might have done at one time, he simply called out “Waka! Behind you!” Shulk had learned that the future he saw in his Visions could indeed be changed. He trusted Waka enough as a swordsman and a friend to not let the enemy catch him off guard.

Feeling the Monado’s power increase in response to his Vision, he instead used its increase energy to deal with the foes surrounding himself.

“That seems to be the case.” He had a suspicion that this was the work of the Stars; how else would the Ark of Yamato appear here and be filled with nearly every major enemy he happened to have come across. It would also explain how Amaterasu was here by his side, though whether she would stay or not had yet to be determined.

Either way, knowing that the Stars had set this task before him left Waka feeling ill. He knew that, once this is over the memories would come flooding back (it was by sheer willpower that he was keeping them at bay at present), and he would have to relive them as he explained things to his friend and ally.

He really couldn’t win, could he?

Amaterasu, meanwhile, gave a nod to Shulk. She had sensed a great, almost divine power coming from his sword, and she knew better than to go near it without him warning her. Instead she turned and made her way down the narrow, artificially lit pathway to a room with a symbol of a fox engraved above the doorway.

“…so it is the fox demon, Ninetails that we are to face,” he said, his voice low as he followed Amaterasu with his eyes. This demon had been responsible for the death of a priestess, and then had the gall to assume her form in order to deceive the mortals and to get at Queen Himiko. Even though she had been prepared for her death, and had foreseen it in her crystal like Waka did in his dreams, Himiko’s murder still shook him more than he cared to admit.

Now would be the time to avenge her, if nothing else.

“…thank you, and I shall do my best to explain everything once this is over.” Assuming that his mental state held firm enough to do so. For now he pushed his self pity, guilt and other feelings aside in order to focus on the matter at hand, following after Amaterasu and into the room. The room itself was small, and in the center was a glowing green circle. This was a teleporter that would take them to the demon.

Once they stepped through ,they were transported to an arena where a large, nine tailed fox waited for them. This fox had an equally large sword on its back, and upon spotting the three, rushed towards them at blinding speed. Waka had just barely managed to get out of the way while Amaterasu dodged before immediately going on the offensive.

Amaterasu seemed to understand him, so he followed her down the corridor to the doorway. He was glad Waka didn’t remark on how he knew they would be fighting this particular ‘demon,’ nor did he make any comments about Shulk’s glowing eyes. That wasn’t something he really wanted to get into before a big battle.

“We don’t have to talk if we don’t want to!” Shulk felt the need to assure Waka after seeing the other so uncomfortable. “I get not wanting to, really. It’s just... I’ve found that... it helps a bit.” He’d found out after a lot of persuasion from his friends. He rubbed the back of his head uncomfortably and cleared his throat.

“Anyway, call out if you need support or healing. I’m gifted with those skills as well.” He wanted them both to know he had their backs. Following the others’ lead, he stepped on the teleporter as well.

Having been forewarned by his Vision, Shulk wasn’t surprised by the size of the monster, but this ‘fox’ was fast! Much, much quicker and more agile than he had expected for a creature of their size. He barely had time to roll out of the way of the demon’s initial attack. Behind the mask, he could tell Ninetails was looking his way, no doubt drawn by the glowing divine sword in his hand.

The fox’s huge sword swung without warning in a series of rapid swipes. Shulk managed to block the attack before calling on one of his skills.

Shadow Eye! Darkness wrapped around him and the Monado like a cloak, nearly hiding him from sight. He changed the symbol on his Monado and it glowed a dark blue. Monado Speed! Doubling his already impressive agility, he ducked under the sword and ran along the fox’s long side, dragging his sword along after him through their flesh.

When it looked like that it would be just him and Amaterasu to take on the ark, a familiar form appeared in front of him.

“Shulk?” he asked, his tone one of disbelief before he listened to the rest of his friend’s words. “That seems to be the case, but is also not quite right. I was able to call you here, but that is not a power I do not normally, if at all possess.” He also didn’t know if this was a dream, for it felt more like reality than anything else. “I am only able to see into the future; the realm of dreams is not my area, nor do I have any powers or connection to it.”

Amaterasu, unable to speak, simply let out a bark to Shulk’s question. This caused Waka’s attention to shift to the goddess.

“This is Amaterasu: origin of all that is good and mother to us all. She is the sun goddess where I am from, and a very dear friend.” Here she gave another bark to agree with his words. “Ma cherie is here to help us take on the evil that lies within this ark.

In order to get through this ordeal and leave this ship, we must defeat the demons that lie in wait on board. While there do not seem to be many, there are at least five boasting incredible power, while a sixth lies in wait for when the first five are defeated.

Normally I would attempt to take this task on myself, but it is far too large for even myself to deal with. Regrettably I am in need of assistance, and I apologize for dragging you into this.” He hated dragging other people into his messes, having long believed that his own problems were for himself alone to deal with. However, Waka still had some common sense, and learned from his last battle with Yami that he couldn’t do everything alone (though he still tried). He knew that, this time he had to rely on others.

“Hmm. I’m used to having dreams like this, but as far as I know, pulling others into them isn’t a power I have either...” Shulk crossed his arms and tapped his foot while he thought. “Therefore, the most logical conclusion is that this is one of The Stars’ experiments. Though... admittedly the only evidence to prove that theory is all circumstantial. Either way, we should probably treat this as reality. Just in case.”

Shulk looked at the volff with a little less suspicion, put at ease by her many titles. “So you are a good god.” Just like Meyneth, he supposed. Inching closer, he put his hand on her head and felt that her fur was warm as if she’d been sunning herself. “Hello, Amaterasu. I’m Shulk.” Should he say something else? “I like your markings; red is my favorite color. It looks almost like you have war paint on! I’d very much like to draw a portrait of you, but I don’t think we have the time... Oh! I know you must sense something from my sword, but please don’t touch it. This weapon is very dangerous to beings like yourself.”

Turning his attention to Waka, he noted an unfamiliar word. “Demons? I’m not sure what-” As if answering his question, a familiar feeling started to overwhelm him as ether surged to his eyes.

He saw a dark moon and a huge beast with many tails. They wore a mask that mocked the god presently before him. A feeble attempt at mimicking her power and grandeur.

Stumbling a little, he clutched his forehead. So his Visions were back. He couldn’t say he was happy about that, but at least they would help in battle. “I... see. So we have to fight a nine-tailed monster who is trying to become a false god?” It suddenly became clear why he was chosen for this task.

“No apology necessary.” He waved off Waka’s concerns with a smile. “What are friends for if not to be there for you when you need them? I know I’m younger than you, but I have a lot of combat experience. I’ve been training with swords ever since I could hold one.” He looked back and forth between Waka and Amaterasu once more.

Challenge: All Aboard the Path to the Heavens! ...or Hell. Whichever Comes First.

When Waka went to the City of Glass, he had been planning for a relaxing trip to an onsen with just himself. He hadn’t been planning for company, nor did he plan to see a rather large, very familiar ship docked in the port a short distance away.

Like a moth to a flame, Waka found himself approaching the ship, disbelief evident in his expression as a feeling of pure dread began to well up inside him. He had been certain that the ark was no longer a threat; Amaterasu had defeated everything on board, and the two were planning to return it to the Celestial Plain before he was taken to this island. Therefore, the ark should have been en route to the heavens, not sitting here in front of him.

Yet here it was: an overly large ship which had been one of many achievements of the Moon Tribe, but which also was the coffin for many innocent celestial beings. The inside would be filled with nothing but a maze of corridors and rooms, each housing an unspeakable evil.

As the door of the ark opened, and a familiar rainbow bridge descended to him that connected the land to the entrance, Waka could feel the evil auras emanating from the ship itself.

This wasn’t good.

“…I suppose I have little choice,” he said, looking to the bridge with misgiving. There would be no way for him to take on everything inside by himself, yet there was no one around who could help him.

Or so he thought.

As if having heard his silent, unspoken wish, a familiar white wolf covered in divine, red markings and boasting her divine instruments stood next to him.

“…Amaterasu?” He asked, his tone one of confusion as the wolf regarded him warmly. She then turned her gaze towards the ark, examining it before beckoning Waka to join her.

Once the two were aboard, the door shut tight behind them, plunging them into a darkness that was only partially lifted by the artificial light inside. While he felt more at ease by having Amaterasu with him, Waka knew that more help would be needed.

Little did he know that he would get the help he desired, due to the unsaid wishes of his heart bringing the help to him, much like how Amaterasu was summoned to his side.

Having worked late into the night and probably fallen asleep at his desk, Shulk was sure this was a dream. He was used to having extremely vivid dreams where he traveled to places he’d never been and talked to people he’d never met; he’d had them for as long as he could remember. It was probably another side effect of Zanza, but he never thought about it too much. The dreams were what allowed him to talk to Alvis after all.

It was dark, wherever he was, but dimly lit with some artificial lights, he noted with interest. His skin began to crawl and he recognized the feeling of being inside a structure of a ancient and probably long-dead race. Out of instinct, he reached over his shoulder and found his Monado attached to his back. Before he could sigh in relief, a familiar electric energy crackled from his hand, all the way down his body. His skills and the Monado’s powers had been returned in this dream for some reason. Another oddity, and not a welcome one at that...

Examining the electric ether that traveled over his hands and healed the small cuts he’d gathered from working the night before, he turned around and was met by a familiar face when he raised his head.

“Oh!” Shulk started a little. “Hello, Waka. I guess since Alvis isn’t in this world, you’re the one who sent me this dream? Wait... that doesn’t seem right... I’m certain I don’t fully know what you’re capable of, but I can’t think of any reason you would hide a power as mundane as being able to see into people’s dreams. Especially since you’re pretty forward about being able to see the future, which is far more isolating...” The last part was mostly Shulk talking to himself out loud and he didn’t quite realize what he was saying until he’s already said it. “Not that I would know! I’m just assuming!” He chuckled nervously.

Suddenly he noticed he was sensing divine power that wasn’t just coming from the sword on his back. Looking down he noticed a large, white volff with crimson markings and wearing what looked like a shield surrounded by fire. No doubt that they were the source of the divine energy. Nervously, he took a step back, eyes widening, even as his Monado’s glow brightened and began to pulse excitedly in time with his heart. 

“Sometimes they’d try and butt in, or stop me from cooking, but I never understood why.” She huffed.

“And of course you would! Lucky for you, I’m feeling gracious after you helping me out with that puzzle, and I haven’t cooked for anybody in a long time. So I’ll cook for you. And I won’t leave sculpin spines on the plate.”

“Thank you...?” He’s a little nervous still, but at the same time, he has the feeling that this is Mythra ‘being nice’.

“Of course I do. I used to do a lot of the cooking for both of the groups I was in! And I was in a cooking competition once, too.”

“And only the sculpin spines are poisonous! That’s why you just use them for decoration! Don’t be ungrateful!”

“Really? You must have a lot more experience than I do. My group would always tell me I could do something else or take a break when it was my turn to cook.”

“I’d like to try your food sometime!” Mythra was almost always brusque with him, but as far as he knew, she’d never lied.

“Everyone’s sense of dessert is so boring. Something as normal as plain chocolate needs something like…”

“Maybe…Ground meat? Or krabble claw on the side of it. Krabble claw with mint leaves, at least!”

“These all sound fine to me. Do you have a lot of experience cooking?” 

Wait.