Kael stepped into Mulligan. This was his first time here, but he did feel something familiar in this place. It was an odd feeling but Kael continued moving around until he felt that feeling gradually get stronger. Where he reached the barren lands where the swords of his past were. The ones that have chosen to await for Joshua to be worthy of their use. They were chirping with joy at the sight of him.

"It might take longer, but you guys sure want to wait for him?" They all were in the affirmative.

Avatar... Would it trouble you if I asked you to relinquish your fifth blade to him?

-Etana.

"Oh, you mean Ashen Phoenix? He can if I deem him worthy of it. I guess you must have heard from Lucius?"

Yes, he told me that he relinquished the blade to you when you used it to cut down the Supreme Being and you've refused to use it ever since... May I ask why?

"It's a blade that grows with its master Etana. I have outgrowned it and it deserves better. If Joshua proves worthy. I can give him the blade." Kael said with ease, then looking at the cages where he could see the many variations of his past lives. So far only Lee and Kael were seen, but that is a given. Joshua doesn't know much about him yet.

He felt Ice Reaper's pressence, which meant Joshua is here. Kael turned and got himself ready as his cards began to resonate all over his body, fluttering around him like butterflies and for this fight. He brought Kuro Hana, but she was in her Divine Slayer form. She was a bit quiet this time, perhaps due to the change that this world was. It was far too drastic and maybe the devastation was too much for Kuro Hana to process.

Joshua arrived to see Kael, but he could see Joshua who was shaking. Perhaps the anxiety, the intensity that Kael had brought was not for the weakhearted. It was meant to push Joshua to his limit. It was like Joshua was a robot with its servos all locked up, unable to move or even speak. Yet, Joshua made his approach. Despite the wobbly footsteps and the overly tensed muscles. Kael just kept his gaze to Joshua's eyes, as the cards continued to flutter about.

It should be enough time to get started. Kael stretched his neck.

"Are you ready, Lord of Thorns?"A question poised to Joshua, one that Kael could see the raised eyebrows, the tilted head and mouth wide open. Thankfully Joshua wore a mask, if not a fly could have just flown in with that mouth hanging ajar.

"What...What is this?" Of course Joshua was confused but then again. It was a dumb question Kael had to ask, because of how unhinged the Lord of Thorns was. It was not that Joshua was weak, but he was unsure of himself that Kael was feeling uneasy about it.

"It is merely a small battle. The fear of the unknown. That is for you to experience because not all enemies will follow with the rules of this world. Tell me Joshua, what is it that you wish for?" Perhaps it may have sounded absurd or cooler in Kael's head, but Joshua seemed to be a little sure of what to say. He paused for a moment, thinking of an answer. Did the 5th Bellwitch ask Joshua the question as well? Well, it was part and parcel of the 5th Bellwitch's question. The giant must determine if Joshua is worthy to be a patron of the shop. Funny thing is, Kael was thinking about how that shop operates? No payment to them, or was it free of charge and duty free thanks to the Gods of Commerce saying that it was a necessary thing.

Joshua seemed to be faltering in his thoughts but his Coat of Crimson and Mask of Thorns was in better shape, it was stronger than before. A spiking heart rate, his adrenaline must be kicking in. His muscles were far too tense and it seemed like any longer, Joshua would make Kael uncomfortable. Perhaps Kael needed to ease his power a bit, seeing how Joshua was literally close to hitting panic. The system may not show it, but the shaky hands, quaking boots and that spike in heart rate was enough for Kael to note. That Joshua was terrified.

Joshua took a step, then he stopped. Now this whole situation was just teasing for a fight but then again, this world has system popups that show things bit by bit. So maybe Joshua was reading it and thinking. He's not stupid but he's honest. The honest kid who would return a stolen candy if he didn't pay for it. Then again, Kael was always causing anxiety to those he fights. Especially if it is as the Avatar of Destruction. Can't blame Joshua for that.

"Take your time, Lord. I will not rush you. This is a question for your soul." Kael spoke with a gentle voice. It was piss poor effort to lower the intensity. A necessity so Joshua would not be pressured to answer with a dishonest remark.

"I... I don't have a clear goal. I just... I just want to live comfortably. Is that wrong?" Now that was an honest answer, the same kind of honesty a goodie two shoes had but Joshua was honest to a fault. So Kael just shook his head, it was not a wrong answer but then again. There is no right one either. This was something that Joshua had to figure out alone.

"No, but do you feel powerless?" Kael asked, seeing Joshua clenched his fists. That was enough to start a few questions to trigger him.

"Yes... I do.. I. I always feel powerless when I come back here. This was the tomb of the place I once called home." Joshua answered, earning a nod from Kael. Satisfied, this will be a good start, so might as well get this show started.

"I suppose that will be enough for us to start with." Kael said as he cracked his fingers, where Joshua watched how the dust cleared away from all around them just with that motion.

"Ready your blade, Lord. I will attack you." Kael warned, a voice of ominous intent. Joshua readied his new katana against Kael's Kuro Hana but the first part of this test? It was for Kael to see if Joshua can see through Kael's movements. He was going as fast as he could, just to see if Joshua can detect him. Joshua could barely react to his current speed, seems like an adjustment is in order. Kael then went close, standing right beside Joshua as he flicked Joshua's mask. Watching him fly through an entire block of buildings. Cracking through them all with dust coming from the buildings that crashed downwards.

"I have to go easier then, no hand to hand combat. Better use a sword." Kael said as he chased after Joshua. He was back on his feet, which Kael struck Joshua, seeing that tense look in his gaze.

"Focus." Kael said.

Now that was a start for a proper fight. Now to mess with his senses. Kael was actually just walking this time. No fancy footworks, the cards that spiraled all around him were messing with Joshua's senses and clearly, he could not see where Kael was. Shifting his footwork repeatedly as he circled himself. Kael went to the right and swung the blade. Joshua managed to react but Kael was pushing him back.

"Just because you can't feel me doesn't mean you can't pin point where I am. You can do this Joshua." Kael gave encouragement but as the other Avatars have saidyet his actions sent Joshua flying to the wall. Kael chased after Joshua who rolled away from where he was. Barely managing to dodge Kael's attack as the portion of the building was blown outwards. Joshua got back on his feet, then charging at Kael head on. Taking the initiative, but Kael engaged Joshua in a full on sword fight.

Joshua's strong strikes were easily parried by Kael, redirecting the katana to the side. Kael shoulder charged Joshua to the wall, where Joshua put a hole through it. Kael was readying his cards, the Four Kings.

"Never think things are simple as it seems." Kael said as he snapped his fingers. The Four Kings was floating all around Joshua.

"Four Kings, blast my enemy to oblivion." A snap of Kael's finger, Joshua was sent flying through the walls. Now reaching somewhere with snow as Kael floated upwards to just take a look how far did he launch Joshua at. Seems like his endurance is paying off, it was able to negate most of the attacks. Was he still alive? Kael made his way to the snowy location, seeing Joshua breathing heavily with the other Ancients.

"Ancients of White, Yellow, Green and Red. Nice to see you all." Kael greeted them, they were the Ancient of Seasons here but Kael knew them as the ones who governed colours.

"I wish the same could be said but this.." Bayran spoke up, clearly he was concerned over the Lord of Thorns but would that matter to Kael? Yet, Joshua got back on his feet,despite shaking in his boots. He stopped the Ancient of White from saying anything further. That must have been one hell of a blow to cause Joshua to be in a daze. His footsteps were a mess, taking baby steps and zig zagging bit by bit. Kael walked closer, a good old tight slap might do the trick. Kael slapped Joshua, it did help him gain back his vision and not continue to be in a daze.

"Why do you hesitate? When I see your swordsmanship. I see so much hesitation." Kael pointed out while charging to Joshua. as he charged at Joshua.

"Think, think!"Kael shouted, trying to get Joshua to think in a fight. To stop relying on one type of attack against him. To prepare attacks and traps together, magic and swordsmanship. This was far too simple minded in combat, Joshua needed to have variety. Kael felt ice forming near Joshua, where he blasted Kael back a few steps. Joshua struck Kael's chest. It was a naive kind of move. Taking the blow and catching Joshua by the throat.

"Don't let yourself be exposed after an attack. Always look for an opportunity to recover." Kael advised, letting Joshua go and a kick that sent Joshua flying through the trees. Seeing an entire portion of the forest fall down as a result of the blow.

"I will have a lot to repair in my little home." Bayran said.

"It's not like you do much anyway." Kael joked as he charged after Joshua, noticing the dark elves that were present, children and families alike.Now, this was something. Should Kael give Joshua a bit more initiative? Joshua screamed for them to run but Kael decided to divert his path to the children. Seeing the horror wrinkle the confidence that Joshua had was the point. Joshua reached Kael first, perhaps he used one of the skills.

"Good. Now there was some initiative. If you want to protect them, you need to have more initiative." Kael advised with a smile as Joshua struck Kael's blade.

"Blade Shift." Joshua's blade changed, Kael could see the power of white flowing into the blade. Overpowering Joshua was easy, but Kael needed to see how Joshua was going to break free from this. The power gave Joshua that small burst of energy to push Kael back. An attack to Kael's neck, Kael responded to protect his neck. Only to be struck by the shoulder, he smirked. Joshua did a good job, now he's thinking on his feet! Trying to wrap Joshua's neck in a headlock. His hands passed through Joshua like he was a ghost. A shoulder charge to push Kael back. Then making some distance, then Kael watched as thorns wrapped over his legs to bind him to the ground.

There we go, there's some creativity from Joshua. Kael was getting excited but he cannot let his hopes go too high or Joshua might fall. Kael had Ace of Spades prepared to the back of his hip. Pulling the card out.

"Not bad, but... Did you think I only attack with a blade?" Kael asked as the thorns withered away, consumed by the flames.

"I know but you need at least a few miliseconds to think!" Joshua was already to his left, striking Kael with the blade. It did push Kael back to the side. Where the flames and ice made contact, creating vapors and mist that blanketed Kael's position. He was getting creative, he was thinking and that look of fear was gone. It was a look of determination, a good look on a fighter like Joshua. Time to ready one of his other cards. The Magician Arcana, this was going to be dangerous. Can he dodge it?

"Trust in your abilities, Lord. Now trust your creativity to pull you through." Kael said within the smoke.

Kael unleashed a laser of flames through the air, seeing the snow of the area melt away, and seeing that Joshua had taken the simplest approach which was to duck from the attack. It was a strong spell but it takes a second or two to prime. This time Joshua took the initiative, going after Kael in a head on collision with their blades. The mist cleared as a result of their blades crashing into each other. Trading blows once more.

"Have you grieved properly?" Kael asked, seeing Joshua falling to anger so easily. It was a sigh but Kael had to keep his dissappointment in hceck. Joshua needed to keep that to himself, the attacks though increased in tenacity. Were piss poor as Kael was not overwhelmed. Diverting the blade's path to the side and a good old fashioned headbutt.

That headbutt had Kael falling to his knees. His HP? Well Kael couldn't see it but even if it did pop out. It was clear that Joshua was out of it. He could barely do anything from this point.

"You can't be triggered like that. If the enemies knew you were in that state. It would be pitiful." Kael said to Joshua, not a glare but one of dissappointment.

"Do you know why I'm here?" Kael asked, seeing the out of breath Joshua shake his head.

"I don't." Of course he would not, Kael was here because he needed to see if this guy can handle being Kael's equivalent.

"You have a good heart, Joshua. A kind heart, but to live the life you wish. You must be strong enough to allow kindness and cruelty go hand in hand. Be kind to those who you wish to protect, but be cruel to your enemies. Ensure that they do not have mercy, I regretted letting enemies go because they hurt the people I loved later. What had happened here... It is a tragedy, but Goddess of Seasons chose you because of your heart. You whose heart has caused problems at birth, you who've not been able to do many things other people can. Now you are the sole survivor. Yet, you've not grieved properly." Kael said as he knelt to Joshua, placing his hand over Joshua's shoulder.

"Let me show you... My times of grief." Kael gave Joshua an entire show. Where Joshua could see Kael's suffering and grief in the many lives that he had led. The family he once had, the family that he had made. The times when all the lives that Kael had, seeing Joshua's face be wrinkle with sadness. The many things in the past, the death of Kael's wife, the Priestess of Waters and recently... Ice Reaper's death.

"Never think that tears are for the weak. Your mask of thorns has chosen to bear your sadness as well. So will they."Kael said, watching the familiars walk on over to Joshua, they were different. They were stronger than before and their loyalty remained unchanged. The werewolf was first to make his way to Joshua.

"Lugasa?" Lugasa the crimson, now that's a name Kael hasn't heard in a while.

"Master... If you need to talk about grief, I am here too. I did lose my two sons in a war where werewolves fought against each other. I killed the clan that did it, but I just felt more hollow. Though I do have Esyn, she's the only one left but... She knows that I can't spend as much time with her and as long as you needed me. I am at your side. So stop hiding your thoughts. If you need to let your grief out. Why not us?" Lugasa posed the question where Joshua looked at Kael. Perhaps wondering what was it that Kael was trying to teach him, but to Kael this was just part of the lesson.

"We have watched the many Lords whose tears fell for their grief. Though we may not understand, we wish to help you. Though we cannot cut grief like an enemy, it is pain and as life dictates it. Pain must be felt, Oh Lord." Iacus spoke to Joshua.

"Family is not always blood. It can also be by the bonds you've forged. Joshua, as my equal. I will train you so that one day you will equal to me." Kael said as he looked at Ice Reaper who bowed to him. The way they spoke to Joshua, Kael could see their loyalty was strong but first. He must greet an old friend.

"Ice Reaper. I will always... Always be grateful for what you've done for Ren. And I hope, you take care of Joshua the same too." Kael said to Ice Reaper, it was a pained smile. He felt his heart rip apart just saying those words, seeing Ice Reaper being alive again. This was the time where Kael could speak properly, and one that Kael treasures really well. Though he could see the cloaked reaper smiling at him.

"Yes, my Avatar. I will take care of him, as I have taken care of you. I do miss Ren sometimes." Those words were enough to get Kael to smile at his old friend.

"He's using a scythe, and I think you will be a fine weapon for him when the time comes, but it seems someone else has been made." Kael said as they watched another scythe made of ice, unlike Ice Reaper's pale blue this one was made with ice that was with midnight black. This was an interesting one, Midnight Fang, Ice Reaper's elder brother, though Kael could see Ice Reaper smiling when he said that Ren used a scythe.

The Midnight Fang took a human form, being a figure as tall as Ice Reaper.

"Brother. It has been many years." Ice Reaper hugged the other scythe tightly. It was something akin to Ren and Kael. A hug that Kael may share withh is brother in the future.

"Midnight Fang... It has been far too long... Why are you here?" That was the million dollar question, Kael remembered that he had sealed Midnight Fang because it was far too dangerous to keep around. It seems that those years have calmed it down a bit.

"For my resolve, brother. You have a duty to the Lord of Thorns. So I will be staying in your stead. To take care of Ren." Midnight Fang's words had touched Ice Reaper, despite being a cloaked skeleton. Kael smirked, Ice Reaper was honoured to have heard that. A weapon that seeked the recognition of its elder brother. Something like Ren.

"Thank you, brother. I... I am in your debt." Midnight Fang turned to Kael.

"So the elder brother is going to take care of my younger brother. I'm fine with that plan, Midnight Fang." Kael said with a smirk as Midnight Fang reverted to a scythe form and Kael grabbed him, then looking at Joshua.

"For they serve you Lord of Thorns. As the many blades once served me." Kael said as they see the swords of the cemetery float to their position. Then showing their human forms to them, they were the swords that Kael ahd either sealed or left them to rest. Now they will wait for Joshua to be their master. He could have an army soon and these blades train their masters.

"They will be ready when you are ready. So will the other Familiars of the Lord of Thorns." Kael said as Lugasa let go of Joshua. It was clear Joshua was nowhere close to Kael, but if he fights like this and continues to grow. He can be someone even Kael can fight without having to take it easy. He would be a fine Rival.

"Just know that the Avatar of Destruction, Kael Webster sees the 13th Lord of Thorns as an equal and I will train you until you become strong enough to not need my help." Kael's words were a declaration that was heard by all in Mulligan, as voices chanted in admission.

Is he worthy?

-Etana-

Kael nodded to the pop up screen, Joshua would be a fine bearer of the Ashen Phoenix. The voices came from minotaurs, angels, demons and many other figures that chanted for the Lord of Thorns.

He can't have them all as his familiar because he has not gotten his powers adjusted to their level yet.

Also, I have more better familiars for him to use when he fulfills the requirements set by the many Lord of Thorns.

"Lord of Thorns!" The voices chorused, including the blades that were covering the sky, then Joshua turned to see Kael take a pendant from his neck. It was time, and this is something Kael was debating. It was a blade that refuses masters and could only be earned. Kael got it from Lucius when he went to slay the former Supreme Being. Now, he was going to have to give this power to another. It requires an oath, one to signify to the Ashen Phoenix that the blade is to be given elsewhere.

"The Legend of the Avatar of Destruction carrying 4 blades is a little misguided. I carried 5. The 5th blade... It is one of a kind, known to me as the Ashen Phoenix. Nobody knows about it because I rarely draw it. It's a blade that I can't use because it needs someone else. Perhaps all of my years of fighting. This blade that I used in my last life to slay a Supreme Being... It will be useful to you. But I need to recite the oath." Kael said as the Four Ancients appeared by their side.

"Take this blade, oh one who bears the burden of his world. For when things turn grim, turn to this blade. For when everything that was once alive must turn to ash. The ashes will give birth to anew. The phoenix is born from the ashes. Slumbering, awaiting for its true call and you to become its master. For the Ashen Phoenix will only accept those worthy to the call. And so, I... The 7th Bearer, will pass this blade unto you. As my predecessor, Lucius has given to me. As did his predecessors. You are worthy to be its herald. Give this legend, a new life. Joshua Gates." Kael declared as they watched the ash gray tachi appear before them. It had the marks of a phoenix over its scabbard. With its grip, handguard and scabbard tied by a glowing red string. The fact that the blade has appeared, it has recognized him but there was one more step.

"Take this blade to the 5th Bellwitch. He must make the changes for this tachi to suit you." Kael said as Joshua took the blade, where the glowing string burned away. To the others, Joshua fell to his knees, his mind was brought somewhere else.

"Relax. He's fine. He just needs to greet the Ashen Phoenix itself." Kael said with a cigarette in hand. He had quite a few rings by his fingers, Kael did not realize that the rings materialized. These were rings of the destruction, where it amplifies his current magic and act as protective enchantments. Looking at the rings itself, means that Joshua was strong enough to force them.

"What is the Ashen Phoenix?" Iacus asked.

"It's a God Slayer. Damn thing was made by the First Bellwitch as a means to fuck up an asshole God. It's been used as a means to slay Supreme Beings. I don't use it anymore because it's just wild, but if it's Joshua. I think he can handle it. I got this blade far too late for me to tame it and it was too tedious. It kept scaring my oter swords. Only a dozen can handle it at best." Kael answered.

"Then... Why?"

"Because he is worthy. I am here to just test his worth and like I told you. To make him my equal. It's no fun if I use a blade that kills Supreme Beings and Supreme Gods and Joshua doesn't have one. He might have to do it, to a meddling figure or God." Kael answered the question. Then turning to see Joshua back up on his feet with the Ashen Phoenix.

"You are worthy, oh Lord of Thorns." Kael said as he shouldered Midnight Fang, that was all he needed to say.

"Good luck on your adventure. I'll come by once or twice just to mess with you. Or kick your ass until you get stronger. Oh and I almost forgot." Kael snapped his fingers to Joshua.This was to grant him some blessings. So any foreign invaders that try to mess with Joshua's world, can get fucked and butchered, maimed or whatever the hell Joshua wants. Then he took out an old deck of his. One that he used when he was the Master of Cards. Might be useful for Joshua, but he will have to fight someone first.

Kael then threw a deck of cards at Joshua.

"You have to beat the Master of Cards for that one to be used. Trust me, if you can handle me right now at my laziest way of kicking your ass. You can beat the Master of Cards. Now all of the fights against me are unlocked. Beat the 52 lives of the Avatar of Destruction and you will gain some skills or powerful weapons too. I don't use guns though, just swords and magic. If guns, it has to be the Avatar of War, but he'll have to pay you a visit. Which might be sooner or later. That guy's weapon collection is pretty sweet. Railguns, electric sniper rifles. Plasma cannons... The works. Well, enough dilly dallying from me. I get so tense from being so damn serious all the time. See ya." Kael said as a portal opened and he walked into it.

This time, Kael saw Lucius, Ren and Velaya that were having lunch together at home. Where Ren had just completed his training.

"Oh, big brother!" Ren ran up to hug Kael, where Kael scruffed his younger brother's hair again, messing it up.

"Got you a present." Kael said as he let go of Midnight Fang, where it knelt to Ren.

"You're just like Ice Reaper!" Ren was excited to see Midnight Fang.

"Ice Reaper is my younger brother, master. And just like your brother, I will serve you. As my younger brother has done for your." Ren watched as Midnight Fang changed to scythe form for Ren to use. He was jumping with joy, even practicing with the blade.

"So you gave it to him?" Lucius asked.

"Yep. He's worthy, and Ashen Phoenix seems to like him more than me. He's got a Spectral Horse. So I think Ashen Phoenix is in good hands." Kael answered where Lucius nodded with a smile.

"I trust your judgement, helicopter brother."

"Well you gave me the blade, did the oath and everything. Oh doting supreme father." Kael and Lucius laughed at their own insults, but Kael was hoping the best for Joshua.

"Hopefully things will change after this." Kael thought to himself.