The firemanTamashi #78View on SuiVision stared at the buildings as they
became enveloped in flames. The roaring fires spread across the city block unanswered.
There was no way for him to leverage the hydrants nearby, and the buckets he had
in his hands were woefully inadequate. All he could do is stare at the rubble and
assess the damage that had been done.
“I don’t understand how this keeps happening.” heTamashi #78View on SuiVision said to 
the man beside himTamashi #64View on SuiVision. “After the last fire, why would anyone join team Chaos? How can you still be one of them after everything they’ve done. All they know is destruction.”
“You know it’s not that simple.” the man in the bright vestTamashi #64View on SuiVision said, “We thought …” he started to say, “I thought - that things would be better this way. It was tempting to think that all of our problems had a single cause, and that by following Chaos, those problems would go away. We’ve all struggled so much. I really wanted to believe that it was over. But as I look at these flames tear away at everything, I know I took the easy way out by trusting a man like him.”
“What are you going to do now?” the firemanTamashi #78View on SuiVision asked.
“What we should have done from the beginning,” heTamashi #64View on SuiVision said. “We roll up our sleeves and do the hard part ourselves.” he looked towards the other man, “We start to rebuild.”
VaultTamashi #36View on SuiVision and 
KeyTamashi #13View on SuiVision ran across the city streets ignoring the bright sun that shone bright overhead.
It was mid-morning now and they both ran with a growing sense of dread. As they came
upon the old hotel where Vault stayed, they both froze with apprehension.
“Are you ready to go in?” KeyTamashi #13View on SuiVision asked her.
VaultTamashi #36View on SuiVision faced forward without looking at him.
“Yeah” she answered. They both stepped forward, approached the building and walked
through the doors. Yet the very moment the doors closed behind them, they saw 
her uncleTamashi #43View on SuiVision
, glaring towards KeyTamashi #13View on SuiVision with his arms crossed.
“I’m glad you’re safe,” heTamashi #43View on SuiVision said to VaultTamashi #36View on SuiVision. “Who’s this?”
“This is my friend KeyTamashi #13View on SuiVision.” VaultTamashi #36View on SuiVision hesitated.
“Where were you?” her uncleTamashi #43View on SuiVision insisted. “Were you at the fire?”
“We were.” KeyTamashi #13View on SuiVision stated.
HeTamashi #43View on SuiVision glared at VaultTamashi #36View on SuiVision
. “I specifically told you to stay safe! They were burning buildings down, how could
you think that you should go to something like that?!”
“It was my idea.” KeyTamashi #13View on SuiVision admitted, “I thought it would be fun. I didn’t think it would be dangerous.”
“You didn’t think, or you didn’t care?” Her uncleTamashi #43View on SuiVision asked. “I don’t know who you think you are, but I’m the one who has to look after her. She can’t be hanging around with people who will put her life at risk!”
“Of course I care about her!” KeyTamashi #13View on SuiVision insisted. “I would never let anything bad happen to her!”
“Then how the hell did we get here?!” heTamashi #43View on SuiVision barked. KeyTamashi #13View on SuiVision stood speechless as they both paused for a moment. “Look, I don’t know who you are, but you put my niece’s life at risk today. I know you thought it would be ‘fun’ to gamble with both of your lives, but either you don’t care enough to put her needs ahead of yours, or you don’t care at all.”
KeyTamashi #13View on SuiVision looked past him and looked towards VaultTamashi #36View on SuiVision
, who stared towards the floor. “V-” Key started.
“I think you should leave.” VaultTamashi #36View on SuiVision whispered.
KeyTamashi #13View on SuiVision nodded and turned away. With his head down,
he walked back out the door.
GangTamashi #21View on SuiVision sat alone on the steps entering the casino,
staring at everyone gambling across the tables. The tone was conflicted after the
fires earlier that morning. Some people laughed and smiled with chips in their hands,
still fueled by the promises Chaos had made of a better life, while others shifted
their eyes in states of unease. He could see the quiet conflict in their faces, and
imagined they were looking for a way out, but couldn’t find a way. It reminded him
of his own regret from when he joined Chaos’s gang as a kid. He had trusted him too,
and his mind flashed back to how he had been hurt. HeTamashi #21View on SuiVision remembered Chaos standing in front of him in the rain. He remembered that day
from sixteen years ago that had changed his life forever. If he focused hard enough,
he could still taste the blood on his tongue. He looked down at his hands that were
torn by calluses and scars. GangTamashi #21View on SuiVision wondered what
his life would have been like if he had never met Chaos. Then, his head rose for
a moment and he spotted 
FearTamashi #16View on SuiVision sitting alone
across the hall staring towards his hands. Gang walked over and sat beside Fear.
“How are you doing?” GangTamashi #21View on SuiVision asked him.
FearTamashi #16View on SuiVision stared straight ahead with a firm expression.
“I’m fine,” he stated.
GangTamashi #21View on SuiVision looked towards Fear with concern. “You
know, I worked for Chaos for a lot of years before we were plugged in.” he started,
“It was a difficult way to live. Everything he did was a mind game. He always told
me that it made me stronger and tougher,” GangTamashi #21View on SuiVision paused, “and it did, but it also made me trust less. He taught me that power was
everything, and the only way to be safe was to be in charge. I don’t know who I’d
be if it wasn’t for him. I just … I don’t want you to make the same mistake I did.”
FearTamashi #16View on SuiVision stared uninterrupted. “It’s not a mistake.”
he said, “Every problem I’ve ever had. Every fear and anxiety I’ve had would be solved
if I was stronger or in charge. Every trial he’s put me through has been to make
me stronger - and I need that. I need to be a better version of myself.”
“Strength isn’t everything.” GangTamashi #21View on SuiVision told him, “I used to be a much happier well-adjusted kid, then life got in the way and I turned to Chaos to get things back on track. I got what I wanted, but I don’t think it was what I needed. Sure, I can outfight almost anybody in this casino, but at the end of the day, they get to go back to their regular peaceful lives. When I close my eyes I have to deal with the guilt of everything I’ve done and everything I’ve been a part of. If I could do it again, I wouldn’t.”
“Chaos told me you’d try to tempt me to give up. He said that you did what needed to be done, but you let your conscience get in the way. I know that he’ll make me stronger, and I would give anything to never be afraid again.” FearTamashi #16View on SuiVision stood up, “It’s time that I take charge of things.”
GangTamashi #21View on SuiVision hesitated as Fear walked away to the other
end of the casino. As GangTamashi #21View on SuiVision saw FearTamashi #16View on SuiVision clench his fists and walk with haughty self-confidence, he couldn’t help but see
a reflection of his old self a mere sixteen years earlier. Gang’s gut ached in apprehensive
dread as he imagined where Fear’s path might lead. Then he gazed back at his hands
and reflected on the answer.
HeroTamashi #73View on SuiVision walked through the door and onto the flat
roof of the hotel. He felt the wind rush against his skin as he took stock of the
view before him. From the roof he had a view of the entire city. He saw all of the
skyscrapers, most of the houses, and all three square blocks that had working electricity.
From up there, you could see everything happening below, just like the superheroes
he aspired to be. And standing alone on the far corner of the roof, was 
KitsuneTamashi #9View on SuiVision
, gazing intently towards the flames just a few blocks away.
“I see that you and Superior failed to pacify things.” Kitsune said without turning around.
“It was too late.” HeroTamashi #73View on SuiVision said. “We disbanded the crowd, but a few buildings had already caught fire. Superior did a good job intimidating them to stand down.”
“I have no doubt that he was effective.” KitsuneTamashi #9View on SuiVision seethed.
“Can I ask you something?” HeroTamashi #73View on SuiVision asked. “What happened with you two? I know you’re siblings, but there has to be more to it than that.”
KitsuneTamashi #9View on SuiVision turned to face HeroTamashi #73View on SuiVision and paused as the wind roared around them. “When we were children, we actually
got along well. Our father raised us and decided to train us as warriors. We studied
fighting, swordsmanship and spiritual strength. When we grew older, Superior grew
angrier and rejected our father’s teachings. In defiance, he left us and pursued
money and power. He joined the Triangle Company.” she paused. “It wasn’t until I
joined the Resistance that I understood how ruthless and effective he was. He was
always a strong and disciplined fighter, but he pledged his sword and his will to
the Triangle Company, which crushed the souls of those they gathered in their machines
and stomped on them like rocks. He spat in the face of every value our father had
taught us. I fought him indirectly several times. He and I led troops against each
other that were often at odds, but we never crossed blades. One day we did have the
opportunity to face each other and decide which of us was truly the strongest, but
we were ambushed by Triangle Company soldiers. I don’t plan on fighting him now,
because our cause is too great, but I would like to fight him someday. There’s too
much history to be left unanswered.”
“I’m sorry all of that happened.” HeroTamashi #73View on SuiVision replied. “I haven’t fought with them, but I’ve always been on the side of the Resistance.” Hero looked towards KitsuneTamashi #9View on SuiVision. “There’s something else I wanted to ask you.” Kitsune tilted her head. “I was wondering if you could train me. I’ve always focused on getting stronger, but I’ve never learned to fight properly. You’re clearly a much better fighter than me and I’d be honored if you’d be willing to teach me.”
KitsuneTamashi #9View on SuiVision smiled. “The fight we had wasn’t enough
of a lesson?”
“It might have been if you moved a bit slower.” HeroTamashi #73View on SuiVision chuckled.
“Alright.” Kitsune said, “I’ll teach you a few things, but you have to promise me that you’ll only fight for a just cause. You’ve been on the wrong side before. If you use what I teach you for immoral purposes, you’ll have to fight me again, except next time I won’t toss my blade aside.”
“I understand.” HeroTamashi #73View on SuiVision nodded.
“Good.” KitsuneTamashi #9View on SuiVision answered and began to walk towards him.
“Before we get started” HeroTamashi #73View on SuiVision faltered, “There’s one more thing I have to ask.”
“What is it?” Kitsune inquired.
“I understand why you hate Superior, but why does he hate you? When he said that you couldn’t come yesterday, it seemed like it was personal.”
KitsuneTamashi #9View on SuiVision shook her head. “Honestly, I don’t know.
I haven’t done him any personal harm. Maybe he sees me as a rival? Either way, it
doesn’t concern me.” Kitsune shifted her feet into a battle-ready stance. “Now let’s
talk about redirection.”
A few hours later, KitsuneTamashi #9View on SuiVision and HeroTamashi #73View on SuiVision walked into the hotel lobby. 
OrderTamashi #41View on SuiVision sat with his papers spread out against the table while 
ChemTamashi #31View on SuiVision and 
SuperiorTamashi #37View on SuiVision sat idly against the back wall.
“I hope you’re happy.” Kitsune barked towards OrderTamashi #41View on SuiVision. “The fire has spread to a fourth building.”
“Architecturally, it should be contained to four, since all nearby buildings are outside of that cluster.” OrderTamashi #41View on SuiVision replied.
“You’re missing the point!” KitsuneTamashi #9View on SuiVision snapped, “Chaos and his gang are literally burning the city to the ground and you’re still sitting there with your papers and spreadsheets. We’re no closer to resolving things than we were days ago!”
“I know in the world of swords things are resolved quickly” OrderTamashi #41View on SuiVision retorted , “but we have to deal with institutions and command structures, and we all need to have a bit more discipline if we want a hundred percent success rate of dismantling their organization!”
“I have had enough of you lecturing about discipline!” ChemTamashi #31View on SuiVision shouted and approached Order’s table. “Every day you tell us to be patient, and insist that only the perfect plan is good enough to act on. Now I’m only an amateur mathematician, but I know that most things aren’t guaranteed to succeed. And I’m sure KitsuneTamashi #9View on SuiVision here, whose ‘world of swords’ involves leading people into battle understands that very well. And I’m sure Math understands that well, as well as Design and Coder. And where are they now Order? They’re on the other team! All of the people that worked with you the most are gone! I’m the only one left! Why do you think that is?” ChemTamashi #31View on SuiVision paused, “It’s because you’re the one who lacks discipline.” OrderTamashi #41View on SuiVision’s head shot up. “No one doubts that you work hard, but that’s not the only thing that counts. You need the discipline not to be a jerk. You need the discipline to get people to follow you. You need the discipline to commit to a plan even though it’s not perfect, because otherwise things are going to happen like you’ve done absolutely nothing at all.”
OrderTamashi #41View on SuiVision stared straight ahead towards nothing
at all. He breathed deeply and heavily and spoke with an uncharacteristic amount
of emotion. “You’re right.” he stated. “Forgive me, I just need a moment.” He placed
both of his arms parallel across the table. He closed his eyes and adjusted his fingers
so that each of them were approximately five degrees apart and his thumbs were parallel
to the adjacent index finger. He took a deep breath, and turned back time to a memory,
an old memory where he could channel all of his focus and adrenaline.
OrderTamashi #41View on SuiVision sat at a long wooden table. He was a
child of thirteen years old, three months and twelve days. He wore his school uniform
and stood with his back straight and his arms at his sides as his father read over
his history exam.
“Ninety percent” his father stated. “Well you’re not stupid, but we both know that a grade like this is far beneath your potential.”
“The other kids say ninety percent is good.” OrderTamashi #41View on SuiVision insisted.
“It’s good if you want a mediocre life with a mediocre job. But as your parent it’s my job to make sure that you’re the best that you can be, because the world is black and white. You’re either the winner or the loser. Now, what kind of economic system did the ancient Persians use?”
“That’s not part of the test.” OrderTamashi #41View on SuiVision stuttered, “The exam was on Athens.”
“But Athens was at war with Persia. If you understood the economics of the two nations, you could understand the incentives behind the war.”
“But we don’t learn about that war until the next unit.”
“I don’t care!” his father shouted. OrderTamashi #41View on SuiVision froze and the two became silent. His father turned to a harsh whisper “The world is not divided into units. You should understand the money they used, the food they ate, how they felt about different types of trade. Anything less is lazy and I know that you can do better. Now put your hands on the table.”
OrderTamashi #41View on SuiVision placed his arms parallel across the table
and spread his fingers in the way he’d learned was the best. His father had left
the room to grab a ruler.
“Now what kind of economic system did the Persians use?” his father asked sternly.
OrderTamashi #41View on SuiVision remembered studying in his room later
that night. He remembered the tearful rage by which he studied. He forced himself
to stay up until dawn reading every detail of the history book that he could and
decided that when he’d finished, he’d read articles and math and science. He wouldn’t
disappoint his father again. Anything less would be lazy.
OrderTamashi #41View on SuiVision opened his eyes and saw KitsuneTamashi #9View on SuiVision and ChemTamashi #31View on SuiVision standing impatiently before him.
In his pursuit of perfection, he’d fallen short of his goal. He’d studied so long
he had missed the test. As much as he didn’t want to admit it, he knew that ChemTamashi #31View on SuiVision was right. He knew that the best way forward was to not let his ego get the better
of him and correct his mistakes. If he couldn’t be perfect, he’d be as close as he
could given the deadline.
ChemTamashi #31View on SuiVision looked curiously at OrderTamashi #41View on SuiVision as he started to blink away the first sign of emotion in his eyes.
“Now” OrderTamashi #41View on SuiVision started, “I understand that an offensive on Chaos is overdue. And while it’s not a guaranteed success, I believe it’s highly likely that we’ll be able to defeat him, dismantle his organization and successfully re-integrate his members into a working society.”
“About time.” KitsuneTamashi #9View on SuiVision smiled.
“Now while we probably have the best fighters with you and SuperiorTamashi #37View on SuiVision, it’s important that we don’t rely on that.” OrderTamashi #41View on SuiVision stood up and glanced across the table. “Here’s what we’re going to do…”