The table flipped into the air just past Zero’s knee, still exaggerating his chambered kick position while she did deft damage to his decor. He tossed his hands in front of him to recoil some of the force she slammed into it. They didn’t need to share a look, the only place for the table to go was t...

Her foot exploded through the table, snapping it in two and sending the books flying back into their shelves. The shrapnel from the table exploded around him and snapped back together right after her foot flew through it in pristine condition. The vacuum force ruffled his hair, but Zero powered thro...

Shadows on the Water Although the Venkage are a generally jovial community, there is a hanging sense that hangs over certain houses. Occasionally, people just disappear without a trace. No blood, no bone, no notice, adults and children are both subject to the Shadow on the Water, the colloquial nam...

The Marlboro Archipelago The Venkage Clos inhabits a tropical mountain range jutting out of the Balmung Sea. Marlboro Archipelago is a modestly sized group of islands with a single large island with a number of smaller ones within its gulf. The mountain range’s curvature creates a strong underwater...

“It’ll do you a whole lot of nothing,” Zero said , shrugging off her threat. Any kind of scream would blow her cover and a leave her to the whim of whoever would come rushing to her aid. He thought it strange for her to assume someone would be coming to her rescue, her pride would never allow for it...

“Unconscious?” He watched the few grains drip from the hourglass and realized just how much time he had to fulfill her request. It was of no consequence to him if she joined or not, she could have walked away and had her luck with the rest of the Jaida Coast and he’d go back to his business. But she...

“We’ll get you there, don’t worry about it.” Zero took her objection and filed it under “things to consider later” and kept his pitch rolling. Everyone objects to the teaching thing until they get a taste of what it’s like to learn, and he can get them to take on a class or at least a part time appr...

“In the grand scheme of things, you’re going to be a mentor. But first, you must learn to listen, then learn to learn, and finally, learn to teach.” He counted each of those steps with his fingers in front of her, Pinning his final, middle finger between his opposite thumb and forefinger. “If you ca...

“Arena’s for members only or special occasions.” Zero spoke proudly and leaned back into the couch, popping a piece of fruit in his mouth. The Arena she spoke of was a secret from everyone on the coast. He hadn’t planned on bringing it up just yet, giving her some time to mull over the pitch for The...

“Good luck with ruling and empire. You have a lot of work ahead of you.” The arcs of life stretch far and wide, Zero’s had taken so many twists and turns over the years, he appreciated peers with a similar resolve to roll with the punches and try to make something good out of a bad situation. That q...