Ishtar gasped as felt more vines began to wrap around her legs and began to tightened around her. Even if she could react, it was already too late as the young woman found her legs to completely wrapped up...movement was impossible. Fortunately for the young woman there was still some fruits in reach, so she could still continued to try more fruits. Still the voice taunted her, telling her that she should give up, that victory was impossible, that she would fail.

Fortunately for Ishtar, she did have a white haired friend helping her out. Weiss picked a fruit off the tree and held for the blue haired girl. The young woman was happy to take it from her friend. Thank you Weiss, that is very sweet of you. She smiled a bit as the Hall growled it frustration over Weiss's help. It was a small measure of victory for the young lady. Still she had to press forward if she ever expected to escape. She took a long look at the fruit, right before she took a bite.

'Certainly, Ishtar. I'm only here to help, after all.' Weiss smiled as he watched the young lady push forward in the Hall's challenge, seemingly deaf to the Hall's taunts. He didn't say anything, nor did the rude voice, as they waited for the student to take a bite, watching as she stared at the fruit for a bit of a while. Then the student took a bite out of the fruit, where nothing seemed to happen. Weiss raised his eyebrow at this. 'Ah, you lucked out! That one might not have been the real one but... Well, it happens to be hidden among fake fruits and duds.' The white-haired man sighed as he looked at Ishtar. 'Well, I suppose that's a bit of good news there, as seeing as it's not so much as finding a needle in a haystack now.' The voice chuckled before speaking. 'Knowledge rest not upon truth alone, but also error, my friends.' This drew an exasperated sigh from the young man and he looked out at the empty space, as if the voice was floating around there somewhere. 'Quoting Jung isn't going to make you sound smarter, no matter how much you want it to... Wait, I'm getting something here...' Growling, the voice returned in a tone that was filled with anger. 'Aw, fuck me.' Grinning, Weiss looked at Ishtar. 'Voltaire. He said... Truth is a fruit that can only be picked when it is very ripe.' The young man then turned to the tree, trying to see if there was a fruit that looked at least a bit different than the others.

Ishtar took a bite and then winced as she was expecting for vines were going to pop out and wrap up more of her nubile body. However absolutely nothing happened. The young woman tried to pull her legs up, but the vines still held her tight in place. It was a push, she didn't gain anything in the process, but didn't lose anything either. It was then that the Voice mentioned that the fruit was a dud. Weiss and the Voice began to make banter back and forth as the two verbally spared to see which was the most clever. Ishtar listened intently but still the blue haired girl almost didn't catch on the mistake that the Voice made.

It was at that moment that the Voice dropped a clue that Weiss picked up on. So the fruit that is the most ripe is the answer. Good job, Weiss! Ishtar immediately starting looking at the tree trying to find anything that would distinguish the ripe fruit from the others.

'That's right, Ishtar... But knowing this bastard, it's likely to be just a metaphor as well. Only one way to find out, though.' Weiss smiled as he kept scanning the branches, going from fruit to fruit. They all might not have be strange looking, but they were still identical to each other, even if they didn't exist back home. How could it be hard to find an even stranger looking fruit than the others? It didn't take him long until he saw something up on the higher branches, surrounded by more of the strange fruits. 'You know that story about Adam and Eve, the one in the Garden of Eden? They ate a fruit taken from the Tree of Knowledge... What was it?' The young man grabbed one of the branches and pulled himself up, and began to work his way up into the large tree until he reached what he was looking for. 'Goddamn it, no one was supposed to be able to beat my challenge!' Soon, a fruit was tossed out of the tree, looking very much like an ordinary but perfectly ripen apple, followed by the young man's words. 'Knock it out of the park!'

Ishtar was grateful for the help that her white haired companion was providing as he continued to scan the tree from his angle. It was then that he looked up high and seemed to see something. Weiss mentioned the story about Adam and Eve and he began to climb tree. The blue haired time traveler could only watch as her companion continued to make his way up. Ishtar was lucky to have chosen him, as with the vines tying her feet to the ground she couldn't have ever beaten this challenge. It was then Weiss found the fruit. He tossed down an apple that looked like it was absolutely perfect. The young woman smiled, Thank you, Weiss. And with that took a bite of the apple.

As soon as she had bitten into the fruit, there was a crisp taste to it, one that all the others lacked. As soon as the piece of the apple was in her mouth, a warmth began to spread from there into the rest of her body. It was a gentle warmth that seemed to be both calming and comforting even as the vines that had bound her legs tightly began to loose up, withdrawing back into the soil. Not only that, the so-called Tree of Knowledge too began to shrink, as if it was returning to the soil as well. Within the span of minutes, the great tree as nearly gone, Weiss having already taken the opportunity to jump off as soon as he was close enough to the ground.

In but a moment, the last of the tree disappeared, leaving behind nothing... except for something that glittered through the grass, the second piece of the key that would unseal the door to her freedom. 'Nice job, Ishtar. The man grinned at his friend, patting her back as he did so. The voice, however, wasn't as pleased. 'For fuck's sake... Fine, you made it. You get to pick your prize... You can either keep that apple there,' The voice spoke, speaking of the fruit she had bitten, the same fruit that showed no signs of having ever had a bite taken out of it. 'It'll keep growing back, no matter how many time you eat it, and in return, it'll prevent you from being imprisoned. Or you can take me along with you, like the fag here.'

At this, Weiss could only sigh again, shrugging as he looked at Ishtar. 'Your call, Ishtar.'

Ishtar had found the fruit had a crisp, fresh taste to like a perfect apple should. She suddenly felt a warmth began to spread through out her body. Within seconds the vines that had completely bound her legs suddenly began to retract back into the ground as she marveled at how quickly they had retreated. However as she looked up, she noticed that the Tree of Knowledge began to shrink as well. Soon it too had shrunk back into the ground, letting Weiss the opportunity to jump to the ground when he was low enough.

It was then that a glittering object caught the blue haired girl eye, she walked over to the object. It was the key, the last one she needed to get into the next room. This is it! The last one I need! Ishtar smiled as her friend patted her on the back. It was then the Voice gave her a choice, she could either she take the apple. An apple that apparently would free her from any imprisonment, one that grew back everytime she took a bite out of it, or she could take the Voice adding a third person in her little party.

It didn't take long for Ishtar to pick her answer, I think I would rather have the apple. The young woman would probably later regret the decision, but she really didn't want to deal with the Voice any longer. With that she took the key and apple and began to head out to the door to finally be able to open it.

Weiss sighed as he looked at Ishtar. 'I thank you, sincerely... I'd hate to have to put up with him.' This drew an angry shouting tirade from the rude voice, which only faded away as the great meadow itself faded. It didn't take long until they were standing in front of the entrance to the Hall of Knowledge, the great sealed doors just off to the side. The young man looked at the apple and the key in her hands. 'Keep that apple of yours safe. If the Hall gave you something like that, then there's sure to be even more traps ahead. Wouldn't do to lose it.' With that Weiss appeared as if he had just gotten an idea and turned to look at the Hall of Curiosity, seeing the spot where the flashlight had been placed earlier for Ishtar. And sure enough, there it was, waiting for her once again. He then approached it, picking the flashlight up and holding it in case anything happened. As soon as it seemed as if nothing would, Weiss turned and held the tool up for Ishtar to see. 'Before, you were given a choice. Take me along or be protected from the darkness. The rules didn't say anything about me not taking anything, so... You got the apple, and I got the flashlight.' Weiss grinned as he returned to her side, gesturing her toward the lock. 'Let's keep moving, we got to get you home, right?'

Ishtar could hear the angry voice behind her as it shouted an endless tirade at her as she and Weiss left the Hall and continued to the great sealed door. She still had the apple and the key in her hand. Her companion told her to keep the apple safe, as that would be useful in further in the palace. Just as he finished his comment, Weiss seem to get an idea and began to walk over to the Hall of Curiosity. In a moment, he returned with the flashlight she used when she entered the Hall. He mentioned there was nothing against him having the flashlight. That is good thinking Weiss. I am so glad I chose you to accompany me. She gave her white haired friend a kiss on the cheek before she turned to deal with the door. The blue haired girl took a deep breath as she put the second key into the slot.

Weiss gave the girl a gentle pat on the back as she reward him with a kiss on his cheek. 'You're welcomed, Ishtar. Just doing my best to help out.' The young man then watched as Ishtar went and placed the second key into the slot. Nothing happened at first, but soon a low creaking sound could be heard. It grew louder and louder until the room was rumbling. Grabbing the girl's hand, Weiss pulled her back from the door, not sure what was going to happen and seeing no need to leave her where it might be dangerous. 'I don't think this door has ever been opened before...' Soon, the great doors began to budge, the loud rumbling continuing as the locks were pulled out of place, allowing the traveler and her companion access to the rest of the palace built by the Marquis. Soon, the thick doors stood open, revealing a richly decorated central chamber, with more halls branching out elsewhere, along with stairs to the next level. '...Who know what we'll come up against. Well, after you, Ishtar.' Weiss gestured for the student to enter, as polite as usual.

At first there was nothing, as if the Ishtar had not done enough to get the door open. It was then that she heard a creaking noise. At first it low and barely audible, but soon it grew louder and louder. Eventually the room began to shake so much so that Weiss grabbed the young girl's hand pull her away from the door. Since the door had never been opened before he didn't know what was going to happen. Fortunately for the couple, there was nothing hiding behind the door.

Instead the door opened to a great hall, a richly decorated central chamber which lead to the stairs going up. There were other halls that branched out from the central chamber, but it looked liked that the stairs was the route to go. Slowly but surely the girl began lead Weiss forward into the chamber as she made her way to the stairs.

Weiss followed the student, staying close to her in case anything sprang out to attack them. He was set on helping the girl however he could, even if it meant taking any attacks directed at her. She had chosen him in the hopes that he could help her, and he couldn't betray her nor waste her hopes. 'Wait here... Whatever happens, Ishtar...' The young man began, touching her shoulder gently to get her attention. '... I'll do my best to protect you. If things goes badly, I need you to promise me you'll run for safety.' As if to not give her any chance to argue the point, Weiss moved ahead of Ishtar quickly, closing the distance to the stairs. Nothing seemed to happen so far and it was with this thought that the young man decided to risk taking a step on the stairs... Only for there to be a sudden flash of light, almost as if it were a bolt of lightning. As the flash of light disappeared, Weiss was flung backward violently by some sort of unseen force, landing hard on the floor just behind the student. A loud laughter erupted as a man began walking down the stairs, almost as if he had appeared out of nowhere. Dressed much like a businessman from Ishtar's time would, the man stopped on the last few steps of the stairs, as if to establish his domination over the two of them by standing above them.

"Dear Weiss, you know better than to force the point. But that's neither here nor there. Ahem, Ishtar, wasn't it? I am one of the four Daeva of this palace. This floor, my dear, has been left up to me. Your freedom, as promised by the Marquis, is up higher in the palace. However, if you notice..." He then gestured toward the handrails, where four slots could be seen, before holding up his hand, with four fingers pointed straight up. "Four keys." Then the man held up his right hand, doing the same with his fingers. "Four hallways." Taking another step down closer to Ishtar, the man then held his arms out, pointing toward the walls with the entrances to the hallways. "Four challenges. Each hallway has its own challenges and its own key, of which will be fiercely defended, their guardians quite demanding. Defeat the challenges, and bring the keys back. Place the keys in the holes, and you unseal the stairs. Good luck."

Weiss groaned as he got onto his feet, rubbing his neck. 'Knew something would happen. At least you didn't get hurt.' The young man sighed as he looked around the room, examining the four hallways. Each one looked quite identical, though three of them appeared quite well-lit while the fourth was darkened. 'This is going to take forever, if we go at them together. I don't like it but... We'll have to split up and tackle the hallways on our own. I doubt they'll actually harm us, that's not how these guys work. I'll take the dark one...' He held up his flashlight and gave the young lady a smile. 'Remember, you beat two challenges already. Just stay calm and think it out. They won't hurt you. They'll only do their best to make you fail. Don't forget, you're the first person to ever get into this place, so show them what you're made out of.'

Ishtar suddenly felt up her friend touch her shoulder as Weiss took the lead. He asked the beautiful woman to stay where she and run if necessary. Before she could argue the point, the white haired man stepped out and continued forward as he made his way across the room. Weiss made his way across to the stairs without incident but it was when he took his first step on the stairs that he got into trouble.

The white haired guide went flying across the room as a bright light filled the room. The sound of thunder shook the room as if poor Weiss had been hit by an lightning bolt. Ishtar ran over to his aid as she heard laughter erupt from the stairs. The blue haired girl turned back towards the stairs to see a man in a business suit walk down towards them.
The man introduced him as one of the four Daeva of the palace and he pointed that if she wanted to go up she would have to find four keys.

Weiss suggested that they needed to get split up if they were going to ever have the finish this quest. Ishtar sighed, but she knew her guide was right. I understand. I take the this one over here. As she suggested that Weiss held up his flashlight and announced he would take the one in the dark. Good luck, Weiss. I will meet you out here when I compete the first challenge. With that the blue haired girl walked into the first well-lit hallway.

As the girl made her way toward the hall she had chosen, Weiss did the same, making his way for the dark one, hoping that it wouldn't be beyond his ability to handle. Whenever it was or not wasn't the point, though. He had to do his best anyway and that meant helping her as much as he could. And that, in itself, meant he had to try and handle the hardest ones. Given that it was the only one in pitch black darkness, it seems the most appropriate one for him to use, considering that he had been in charge of a similar hall himself. With another sigh, Weiss made his way into the hallway, disappearing into the darkness with nothing but the flashlight to guide his way.

For Ishtar, it was the opposite. The hall she had chosen was well-lit, furnished the same as the central chamber had been. Luxurious and regal in appearance, it seemed to be every bit what the halls of a great palace should appear as, and every bit the same as the first two halls she had challenged. The only difference was there was no voice to welcome her. There was no one to explain the hall or tell her what she had to do. In a way, it was almost as if it was testing her after her experiences with the other halls, as if it was saying that she had to explore it using her curiosity as a guide and the knowledge that every action had its consequences. Surely those were lessons she had learned well enough.

Nothing happened at all as the student made her way deeper and deeper into the hallway, despite the man's saying there would be guardians in place. It did not sound as if he had been lying, the way he had casually explained the whole setup, the way he had spoken. It was much too practiced to sound false, but that could have been a trap in itself. Instead, it didn't take long until she could see a pedestal at the end of the hall, an golden key resting atop a plush pillow. And in front of the pedestal, four large creatures stood. Covered in thick fur, their heads topped off by great horns, and standing on legs that ended in hooves, the creatures snorted and stared at the newcomer. For all intent and purpose, these things looked very much like minotaurs. Only then, at the sight of the minotaurs, did the hall finally say anything.

'Welcome... To the Hall of Endurance...'

Ishtar made her way into the hall. It seemed that it was very well furnished, almost like it should be. The blue haired girl expected to hear a voice that would explain the challenge that she must over come. However, she was met with silence, there would be no help whether friendly or otherwise that the young woman would be able to rely on. Ishtar sighed there was only going to be one way to find out and that was to puih forward.

Ishtar continued to walk deeper and deeper into the hallway. Eventually she saw a pedestal at the end of the hall. On top of the pedestal was a golden key resting atop pillow, it was the the very key she was looking for. Unfortunately, for the blue haired time traveler there was four creatures in front of key. They looked exactly like the minotaurs she read about in Greek myth. It was then that the Hall mentioned what it was, the Hall of Endurance. Okay, what is that? Ishtar mind raced with all she had to deal with so far, and she was a bit scared what that exactly meant. Still she knew she was going to have to move forward and attempt to grab the key, it was the only way she was going to find out how this hall's challenge would work.