A series of of events inspired the changes that ultimately brought Khalfani to what they believed to be their final physical form. Looking back, the Helios Dragon Slayer had gone from a darkened soul into a blinding, nearly scorching entity. From acquiring a magic that they had transformed into their own, eyes that none could hope to escape and evolving into something that mere mortals could only dream of truly comprehending, Khalfani stood as the Ascended. The gods had spoken to them in more ways than one and despite the fact that the Desiertan Prince forsook them all, they had been wise in not rejecting their blessings.

One could say that by accepting their offerings that they, the Commander of Paradise, hadn't actually forsook the gods after all. However, Khalfani fully understood that the power bestowed upon them was rightfully theres. Now more than ever, they were confident in who they were, confident in their mission. It goes without saying that they had made some silly mistakes, like attacking Sleeping Calamity before they could manipulate and bend them to their will.

Alas, mistakes were often gifts in disguise. That was something the Lion forced themselves to accept. However there was still something troubling them. Even after coming home from Enca, even after they had ascended beyond the capacity of mortals, they didn't quite understand the vision the mysterious Seer had warned them about. As intelligent as they were it would seem that this was too big a riddle for them to solve, at least while they had to worry about the Nation of Paradise and the rest of the Northern Region.

It was for that reason that Khalfani had called upon Yuurei and Amir. Both were two amongst some of their most trusted comrades, Amir being their lover and Yuurei being one of their closest friends. Amir could be trusted because the two had grown to love each other, though their lack of communication with each other could have left Amir with a bad taste in his mouth. Yuurei was the most pure hearted of all the founders of Paradise, he was loyal as long as the Mission remained pure and for the most part, Khalfani believed that the Elf trusted him.

The decisions that would be made today, albeit temporary, would have an effect on the guild's future. The Monarch of the Mountains, the people sang. The Ascended was curious about a couple of things and how Yuurei and Amir felt about such a title being granted to their commander was one of them. Khalfani's vision hadn't changed, it had only elevated. They sent folks to bring Yuurei and Amir a message earlier in the day about where to meet them, and now they stood atop an abandoned building on the outskirts of Orchidia waiting. They peered ahead, their eye linked to the sky as they watched the Sleeping Calamity members unite.

Stuff:

Belserion's Eye:

And there he was. One of the men Khalfani had called upon soared through the skies in his angelic form. To be a Nephilim was a magnificent thing, even if it meant the source of their power was being drawn from Illumin themselves, the most maleficent of all the gods. Perhaps it was because the commander was biased, but they didn't feel that sense of disgust when they gazed upon their friend. With a warm smile they nodded. Khalfani was considerably different from the last time the two had spoken and if Yuurei didn't see that just from the essence that radiated off of the Lion, he would see it soon enough. Khal watched their comrade land, their newly bestowed god-like intuition and vision telling them more things about Yuurei than they had previously known. Xena peeked from behind the Ascended's leg and gazed upon Renji. "Sleeping Calamity's in Orchidia, I'm merely here to watch them." They said. "It's been a short while friend. There's much for us to talk about. I had hoped to see Amir today but I can think of a few reasons why he wouldn't show up." Khalfani held their hands behind them, turning to gaze upon the city once more. "I hope everything's been well with you?"

Stuff:

Belserion's Eye:

"There's always some adventure awaiting you." Khalfani chuckled lightly. They were glad to hear that Yuurei was being productive, spending his time strengthening himself. Though only a split moment later Khalfani's own smile slightly dimmed. The weight they were about to place on the shoulders of their most trusted comrades was something they truly felt bad about. Khalfani would be gone for gods know how long dealing with saving the world and they would be stuck doing the same, except they hadn't asked to put their personal goals to the side for the sake of the guild. "They're clearing another building of rats. I plan on watching them indefinitely so in the case that they decide to strike our home, no matter where I am, I'll be prepared." Khalfani said, turning to face Yuurei once more. "But I didn't ask you to come to speak about Sleeping Calamity. Not long ago a Mysterious Oracle came to me and gave me a reading. I'd never seen her before and after taking some time to ponder on it I believe it was the gods who sent her to me. She saw something dangerous...far more dangerous than Sleeping Calamity, the Titans, or any earthlandish being..." Khalfani's smile was completely gone now. Their golden eyes peered deeply into Yuurei's own oceanic orbs as the wind around them suddenly began to move wilder.

Stuff:

Trust, or at least a sense of it, was prevalent between the two light mages. The Ascended looked upon their guild mate as an equal, proud as always to be in his presence and even prouder that he was such a gorgeous man. Xena waddled over to where Renji was and just glared at him, feeling the exceed out. She couldn't speak yet but one of these days Khalfani would figure out a way for her to evolve too. The Commander nodded at the Sidhe's words. He definitely was  as forward thinking as the Prince themselves were. "I agree. The patrolling around Sieghart has been increased after the Titan attack thanks to the scouts, the rangers, and the warriors. For what's to come though, we're going to need to up it even more." Khalfani cleared their throat as they glanced down at Xena for a moment, then shifted their gaze back to Yuurei.

"What's more disturbing... is that the Oracle saw me as this harbinger of chaos." They said bluntly. Khalfani didn't intend on waltzing around Fiore destroying everything, but that isn't to say that their desire to do more than just protect the North couldn't push them to do the unintended. After all, they believed in achieving their goals by any means necessary and sometimes that meant...well...

"I don't intend on becoming that type of person, but Fate works in Mysterious ways. It wasn't long ago that the god Apophis chose me as his vessel. I thought I broke his grip over me but maybe..." Khalfani raised the palm of their hands, scanning them as their mind pondered for a split second. "Not to mention these new abilities were given to me by a different deity. Honestly speaking, sometimes I don't even recognize myself. I'd be a fool to rule out the possibility that the Oracle forseen my fate without making sure. As much as I loathe them, the gods just won't leave me alone." Suddenly a warm smiled stretched their lips. They didn't want to seem so worried, not when they had always appeared to be so confident.

In any case, I need to figure this out, and Paradise Dawn has to prepare for the worst, which means you have some figuring out to do too." Khalfani said in a lower almost defeated tone, but never escaping their friends gaze with a forced display of emotion. Hopefully the Captain could see where this was going. In the span of a few seconds they revealed to Yuurei key parts of themselves. Normally the Dragon Slayer was secretive, but this was necessary.

Stuff:

"You came to that conclusion rather quick." Khalfani chuckled. As paranoid as they were, it took them a bit of mental strength to not assume Yuurei did want to rule after all. He didn't even offer to help. He doesn't even sound concerned, a voice that was not their own whispered to them. For a moment the Prince blanked out but was brought back by Xenas squeaking noises. "Good, make sure all of the founders are on the same page." What Khalfani had been subjected to by the gods - what they had experienced through the entities in the realms beyond, was something the commander felt like Yuurei could not understand. The Seraphim weren't deities, they were servants of a Deity. Khalfani's fate left them confused and often at odds with themself. Gods fought for dominance over their soul and every so often Khalfani had to make sure none of them were victorious. Khal winced at the idea of Yuurei understanding that aspect of their life.

Nobody understood, not even Khnurn.

Yuurei was a good man. Everything he said was what you'd expect the perfect hero to say, someone noble who truly cared about the world. Soft and tender, yet struck like thunder when provoked. Truly, he had the persona to be a great leader but that didn't stop Khalfani from worrying. "I need you to lead alongside the others in my stead. I don't know how long I'll be gone, so you'll need to hold it down indefinitely. Do you understand? I'm afraid the North cannot wait for you to deal with your personal problems." Such was the burden of leadership. It was a sacrifice and people often overlooked that part. Your life was shared with the people and dedicated to the cause, or at least that was the case for a good leader. "It's a lot to ask I know, but there's no other choice. The rest of the founders need act the same way." Khalfani sighed as they said softly.

"The price of leadership..."

Stuff:

Khalfani paused for a moment. The Slayer took a few seconds just to gaze upon Yuurei. Could he lead? It was a question Khalfani had to ask themselves over and over again as the two spoke to each other. There was a tight grip on Paradise Dawn for so many reasons, so it was a valid question. As much as they believed Yuurei was certainly capable of building a marvelous community, it was the sacrifices that Khalfani was afraid he wouldn't be able to make. Alas, there was Amir and Cailyn who could fill that role if need be. Amir, Haru, and Brone too perhaps? Then there was Yori. Suddenly, the more Khalfani thought about it the easier it became to imagine this actually working out. They had to trust their friends.

"Yeah but Paradise has you, Brone, Amir, Haru, Azure, Cailyn, Yori... I know you're all more than capable- just keep an eye on Yori." Khalfani sighed. The Dragon slayer turned away as their face colored red. Yuurei asked what was their next move, it was a good question. "Leaving you? I'd never leave your fine ass..." they muttered quickly. "I have to travel to every country, but I'll start with home." Then they remembered. "Oh! Speaking of home. Uh, the Pharaoh is marrying me off to a woman in Desierto and I'd like you to be there. Not because I'm nervous or anything." The Lion chuckled. "Just...don't tell Amir."

Stuff:

"Alright, great. We leave tomorrow morning." Khalfani said with a smile and a nod. They were glad Yuurei was coming, he was dependable, strong, and it seemed like he genuinely cared about Khalfani. Yuurei said that his secret would be safe, which was always good to know. of course he had no doubts about Yuurei's loyalty. Khalfani would pay it in full with their own loyalty whenever Yuurei needed. "I'll see you later then, there's something I've gotta handle before we leave." Khalfani tapped his chest as they turned to Xena. The bunny strutted towards her companion before jumping onto their back. With a have Khalfani ascended into the air and pushed forward through the sky. Yuurei also had the ability to fly so Khalfani wasn't worried about him being able to leave. As for Sleeping Calamity, Khalfani would be keeping a close watch on them. They could never escape them, whether they had gone to Enca, Joya, or any other country, Khalfani would always be there.

Stuff: