Chapter 1: Defend the Underworld
Part 1: Team AxA headquarters minutes after talking with Trihexa
I turn the monitors back on and watch the news. I look for Cronus's location. "Where are you?" I say. I keep looking and I freeze. "Crap he is in my territory." I turn to the boy. "We need to go now." We turn to leave.
"Cronus has taken a turn and headed straight for the school being built," the new reporter says. I quickly open a teleportation circle and we go into it. We arrive near the construction. I look around and sigh.
"Everyone get out of here Cronus is on his way," I yell at everyone. "I will handle this." They all start evacuating the area. I look at where Cronus is coming from. "I guess its time to try a different formation." I close my eyes. "Trihexa wait for my orders." I hear loud footsteps and the sounds of combat in the distance. It's getting louder as it gets closer to the area. I hear different foot steps run up.
"Cartil has arrived on scene is standing here," the reporter says. "Cartil what are you doing?"
"Can you be quiet?" I ask. "I am focusing my energy. You should get to a safer distance."
"We will be fine," she says and I hear her step back. "Cronus is now in sight. He looks like a walking mountain." I smirk.
"Infinite Crimson Archangel God Rook Formation." I say and I am engulfed into intense crimson aura. My armor changes into a heavily armored bulky form. I open my eyes and my boosters fire up. I boost forward towards Cronus. I can hear him laughing as I get closer. As I approach my boosters change direction and I launch up into the air. I punch Cronus in the jaw and he throw back into the air. He crashes backwards into the ground and I slowly descend to the ground. As I approach the ground someone runs up.
"Thank goodness you are here Cartil," Saji says. "We could not slow him down at all." I look at him.
"I assume Sona is around here somewhere as well?" I ask and he nods. "We are going to need more than that. I only stalled. He will recover soon. Saji, you need to get Sona to get Serafall to come here. I also need Sairaorg." He nods and he runs to find Sona. I look at my armor. "This rook formation's armor design is awesome. It looks like an actual wall; I am basically a crimson stone golem right now. It feels kind of good." Cronus slowly gets back up. He begins to shrink down and glare at me.
"You are very annoying," he says. I laugh and boost forward. I slam my shoulder into him and he flies back. I jump into the air and come down with my fist into his chest. The ground breaks under him and forms into a crater. I notice him show signs of pain. I jump back and he stands back up. "That power you have right now, where did it come from?" He wipes blood from his mouth and I smirk.
"This is the overwhelming physical destructive power of a rook," I say. "Sometimes you must fight brute force with brute force." He dashes towards with his fist and I block it. I start to laugh. "What's wrong Cronus? That attack should have cracked my armor but it did no damage. Are you running out of steam in this attack?" he glares at me as slide my arms down. I come back up with my arms into an upper cut. He goes flying back into the hair. I pull my fist back and the armor's vents open, power of destruction circles around the fist. He stands back after hitting the ground. I punch forward launching a huge shockwave and beam at him. The impact causes a loud explosion and destroys the ground around him.
"You are super annoying right now," he says. The smoke clears and he stands there. "I am not going to let you live this time." I laugh. We charge at each other and out fists connect sending out more shockwaves from the impact. I knee him in the chest then punch him the side of the head. He staggers to the side but counter attacks with his own punch. I knock his hand away and hit him in the shoulder. He falls over and I boost backwards away from him. "Where do you think you are going?" I laugh. He stands back up. I firm up my stance to brace. The shoulders of my armor open and missiles tips slide up. I fire the missiles at him. The impact him causing more dust and smoke to fly up.
I boost forward into the smoke and dust. I grab his head and slap it into the ground. I keep boosting forward sliding his head on the ground. I jump up into the air still hold him and throw him into the ground. I boost down towards the ground punching him into the chest causing a huge crater to form. I boost out of the crater and further away. I kneel down and breathe heavy. "This formation is very taxing on the stamina," I say. "I need to get use to this form. For its first battle I am happy about the results of his formation though. I would like to fight Sairaorg using this form at some point. He might find it fun."
"You stupid devils are annoying," He says as look up. "All you stupid mortals keep fighting when you face total destruction. Your will to fight pisses me off so much." He turns to the school. "What is this, a symbol of hope for the young devils? I must destroy it." he holds his hand out towards the school. I try to stand up but fall back down to my knees. "It seems your time is running out in that form." He fires a shot towards the school. I have no choice I turn back to the school.
"TRIHEXA STOP THAT ATTACK," I order and the boy turns into his monster form. He blocks the attack and roars. I turn back to Cronus and he is glaring at me.
"I was told that thing was sealed for good this time," he says. "What have you done to control it?" I stand up and get into battle stance.
"Like I would tell you my secrets," I boost forward and slam into him with my shoulder. I grab his arm and throw him into the air. I boost into the air hitting him in the back. He launches into further into the air. I pull my fist back infuse it with the power of destruction. As he falls in front of me, I punch him and send him flying back. I land on the ground and fall to my knees. My armor starts to crack. "No I need more time."
"It seems you have gotten off lucky," he says and I look at him. "It seems you are correct this constant fighting has drained more than I expected. It seems I have not fully recovered yet." I sigh. "I will take my leave. Next time you will die though." He disappears and I punch the ground as my armor shatters.
"He is still not even at full power after all this time," I say. "Every time it appears I close the gap, he says something like that. Damn it." I punch the ground. "It's the same stupid cycle over again." I stand back up and walk back. I reach Trihexa I raise my hand and it begins to calm down. It returns to its boy form. "You did good." I smile.
"Cartil Gremory," a voice says and I look around. We are surrounded. "We are here to escort you to stand trial." I wave my hand and Trihexa disappears.
"So the factions now see me as a threat," I say and laugh. "After everything I have done for peace I am now a thread. Alright let's go."
Part 2: Capital of Lilith, A court room
I am in the middle of a room chained up; in front of me are the different leaders of the factions. To my left and right there are people in stands watching the trial. Everyone close to me is here. I have not stopped starting at the leaders. We have been waiting for my brother. He arrives after a few minutes. "Sorry I am late," brother says. "Mother has not been taking this well." I glare at him.
"So you are going to play that first?" I ask. "What is this crap show even for? Yes I freed Trihexa because I can control it and we need all the destructive power we need to fight the titans. Nothing you do here will be good for the future."
"You have committed treason against the factions," Azazel says and I laugh. "What is so funny?"
"You all speak of treason," I say. "Do I need to remind you of the secret you kept from the factions Azazel, Michael, and brother?" I look over by Issei who has Ophis and Lilith with him. "I will do whatever it takes to beat these titans."
"We can defeat them without you," Zeus says. I laugh.
"Are you stupid?" I ask. "Haven't you realized it yet Zeus? The titans are far stronger than when you stopped them. Cronus still isn't even at full power." The crowds begin to talk to each other. "This trial is pointless; you can't do anything to me." I stand up and the chains tighten. "So stop wasting my time and yours."
"Enough," brother says. I glare at brother. "You may hate this but we must do it."
"You have done so much," Michael says. "Too see you fall this far, it pains me. Heaven is pained as well."
"ENOUGH," I yell. "I will not stand for this betrayal. I have given so much to save all of you and this is the thanks I get." My normally Crimson aura and turned jet black. 2 people rush at me but a flash a white light appears. The two people have been stopped by two glowing armored figures.
"You will not harm him," King Arthur says.
"You all disappoint me," the other one says.
"It can't be," Michael says. "King Arthur and Alexander the Great how are you both here?"
"I summoned them," I say. "Powers of god and knowledge of ancient magic remember? Did you forget who I am?" my aura gets more intense and the chains shatter into dust. I glare at the leaders. "Even after being taken from me that aura can still surface." I look around and all the older devils are in shock.
"This aura," brother says. "It can't be, brother what are you?"
"You lied to me," Azazel says. "You have his power too."
"I had his power," I say. "It was stolen from me and I plan to take it back. If it's leaking out me then she is awake and coming back." I turn away. "We are done here. The more we waste our time with this crap show the more time the titans have. You need to prepare." I leave the room.
Part 2.5: Prison
I am walking down the hall and stop at a cell. I stare into the dark cell. "Yin," I say. "You have had to think about your actions. I have come here to ask. What are you going to do now?"
"I don't know what to do," he says. I sigh.
"You disappoint me," I say. "You have a wife and a future child. Do what I told you before, fight to make things right so you have a future with them."
"She deserves better," he says.
"She chose you Yin," I say. "You can still make things right. She needs you. Yang needs you. Everyone needs you right now. We need all the strength we can get." I start to tear up. "I need my best friend back. I need you Yin. It's not the same without you." He walks up into sight.
"I will fight," he says. I summoned my sword and he steps back. I slash open the door. "You are going to be in a lot of trouble for that."
"I already am in a lot of trouble," I say. "The titans have forced me to use Trihexa."
"So the controlling magic is working?" he asks. I nod and hand him his sword. "I can see where they would be upset then."
"I will turn myself in after this war is over," I say.
Part 2.75: Cartil's house
I have returned home with Yin. He has gone up to the door already. I can only stand back and stare at the house. "Is it right for me to even be here anymore?" I ask myself. "I have dragged my family into hell bad this time." I am frozen on the side walk as the door opens up.
"Yin you have been released?" Hanalil asks.
"More or less," he says. "I want to make things right. I made a stupid mistake." She smiles. She notices me.
"What is wrong Cartil?" she asks and I turn away. She runs up to me. "Look at me and tell me what is wrong."
"I can't," I say. "I messed up again and dragged everyone into a bad place." I step back. "I think it would be better if I wasn't here." I turn to leave and I feel my arm grabbed. I look back.
"You are not doing this again," she says. "You created this family and we will be by your side forever."
"You deserve so much better than me," I say and look away. She moves in front of me and slaps me.
"Enough," she says. "Stop doing this. Damn it Cartil. Stop doing this to yourself. Why are you pushing us away?"
"I am trying to protect you," I say.
"We don't want protecting anymore," she says. "We want our husband back." She begins to cry. "I need you Cartil, I almost lost you twice. I don't think I could handle a third time. Please don't leave me." I wrap my arms around her and hold her close. She cries into my chest.
"I am an idiot," I say. "I have forgotten to live." She looks up at me. I kiss her.
"I told you," I hear a voice say. "If anyone was going to knock sense into him it would be Hanalil." I look to see the rest of the girls standing there.
"Sasha you are a dork," I say and she pouts. "You are my dork so stop that." She sticks her tongue out. I laugh.
"How cute," I hear someone say and turn around.
"Mother?" I say. "What are you doing here?"
"I am here to see my grandchildren," she says with a smile.
"Okay," I say. "Are you mad at me?"
"Why would I be mad at you?" she asks. "You are trying your best to protect everyone. If you think you can control Trihexa then I trust you know what you are doing."
"Thank you mommy," I say. She smiles. "There is something I must do now." I kiss Hanalil's cheek and start to walk away.
"Where are you going?" she asks.
"I need to prepare myself to talk to sister and Issei," I say.
Part 3: Hyoudou Residence days later
I am sitting in the basement listening to sister yell at me. I can only smile we is making her even more upset. "Are you an idiot?" She asks. "What were you thinking releasing that thing?"
"Yes I am an idiot," I say. "That is beside the point. "Trihexa when not out is back in the seal. It is only out when I want it to be out." I say and look around. "I would be more concerned that you haven't been able to sense its presence this whole time." They panic and look around. I stand up and look behind me. A boy walks out from behind me. They jump back and I laugh.
"Are you insane?" sister asks. "Why would you bring it here?" I turn to Issei.
"You can sense it can you?" I ask.
"It is different than before," he says. "I sense sadness from it and no killing intent from it towards us." I turn and kneel before the boy.
"Trihexa's core is a little boy," I say. "I have always wondered why. It almost feels like a sad little boy that doesn't want to be alone but was twisted into a being of destruction. I want to see if turning it into a protector will change things."
"This is more than just defeating the titans then?" akeno asks.
"Sadly yes," I say. "I have a question and I need it answered." I turn to her. "How is your mother doing?"
"She is doing fine," she says and I smile. Bova walks up.
"Have you been to see Kronus yet?" he asks. I look away.
"I tried once," I say. "He didn't want to see me. I did what I did to save him. He would have died." I stand up and walk to Ravel. "Due to current events with the Titans have you talk to your mother yet?"
"Yes I have," she says. "She said something about a temporary place to stay until the war is over. Why do you ask?"
"So she didn't give full details," I say with a sigh. "Due to our home being the focus of the Titan attacks. It has been determined that some of the devil families are to come to the human world to live here until the titans are dealt with. Due to sister's complaint, I will be having the Phoenix and the Gremory family staying at my house." Everyone is in shock. "Lady Phoenix also has an announcement, when she arrives. Team AxA, Gremory family, and the Phoenix family will meet in the Team AxA head quarters in Kyoto for that announcement when they come in 2 days."
"You have a headquarters in Kyoto?" sister asks and I nod.
"It seems brother will also have an announcement as well," I say. A communication circle appears next to my ear. "I understand. It seems the Faction leaders will also be coming." I sigh. "Before I forget my fellow sword users, I will have gifts for you all at the meeting." I smile.
"I wonder what mother has planned," Ravel comments to herself. I sigh.
"She told me already," I say. "It has something to do with your little sister." She looks up at me.
"Is she really going to do that?" she asks.
"Yes," I say. "It is my fault really." I sigh. "She is pushing this too early and too fast."
Part 3.5 Team AxA HQ in Kyoto
Everyone has gathered in the meeting room. I am sitting in my chair looking around at everyone who is here. "Focused much are we?" Bellona asks.
"Yes," I say. "I take it you are here because Mars still hasn't recovered yet?" she nods. "My wives are here so don't try anything."
"You were the one who did it last time." She says.
"You started it when you were mad at Mars," I say. "Anyway it looks like it's about time. You better go." I stand up. "Welcome everyone to the Kyoto HQ branch. I am happy that the yokai allowed this place to be built. Thank you. Lady Phoenix wants to make her announcement first." I gulp and she walks up to me. She smiles.
"Thank you Cartil," she says and turns to face everyone. "As everyone knows the miracle tear prototype was given to us by Cartil to test. Also as you all know it was a success. What is not known is the deal that was made between us and Cartil." I place my hands in my face. "He will be training Revatil when she is old enough." Everyone looks at each other and they seem to understand. "Since I like to plan for the future something else has been decided about her future."
"Please don't," I say protesting.
"Embarrassed?" she asks.
"Maybe," I say. "I am more worried about them killing me after you say this." She giggles.
"Come on what is it?" Azazel asks.
"Since I fully believe she will fall in love with her master," she says. "Revatil will marry Cartil when she is old enough." I hit my head on my desk and I hear everyone talking. I can feel the hostility from my wives. Lady phoenix walks back to her seat.
"Okay brother you are next," I say. He walks up to the front and turns to face everyone.
"Hello everyone," he says. "After brother knocked some sense into us leaders we have come to a choice. Team AxA you have been granted permission to actively recruit members from all the factions. From this day forward you are the joint military division."
"I see," I say. "That makes me in charge of the world's defense."
"Yes it does," Michael says. "I can sense that you are nervous."
"Of course I am," I say. "I hope I do not fail everyone." I turn to Sona. "Sona, please gather all the information from all the factions for potential recruits."
"I understand," she says.
"There is more," brother says and turns to me. "After the titans are dealt with, you will become a Devil King." I froze and could only stare.
"So I am the first of the new Generation of Devil Kings?" I ask. I look down. "If that is what everyone wishes."
"Why are you not excited for this?" Sister asks me.
"I have my reasons," I say. I stand up and walk over to the window. I look outside. "Is that all brother?"
"The rating game against Sona has been approved," he says. "It will happen after the titan threat but before your promotion."
"I understand," I say. "Any other surprises I need to hear about?"
"I am pregnant," Lilian says randomly. I turn to her. "I was hoping for a better time but I figured why not since you are feeling down." I walk up to her and hug her.
"That means no fighting," I say.
"I know," she says. The rest of the girls come up and I step back. I sneak out of the room.
Part 3.75 Center Garden of Team AxA HQ
I sit down and look at the flowers. I take a deep breath and try to relax. "Too much excitement," I say to myself.
"Something wrong Cartil?" a woman says as she walks up.
"Lady Gaia," I say. "This is our second meeting. What do you want from me?"
"I want nothing from you," she says. "I am just keeping an eye on everything. Why are you suspicious of me?"
"You are Lady Gaia," I say. "Mother earth and mother of the titans that is why I don't trust you. I am trying to kill your children and you keep appearing before me. I have no idea what you want but I find it hard to trust you."
"I am just watching the resolve of the people fighting against my children," she says. "I assume you know why they are far stronger than ever before."
"I assume it has something to do with their father," I say. "Some how the Gods of Chaos managed to boost the titans' power that way."
"Maybe," she says. "My children are not your only worry anymore. She is coming for you now, the false reincarnation of the Great Devil King." I sigh.
"So you figured it out," I say.
"More like watched it," she says. "I am mother earth after all."
"You are a very stranger woman," I say. She laughs. "I will never understand deities."
"That might be a good thing," she says. She disappears and I sigh. I stand up and walk over to the fountain. I stare into the water.
"Are you okay Cartil?" Michael asks.
"I am just overwhelmed with everything," I say. "I am surprised they let you out of the meeting." I turn to him.
"Truthfully they sent me to get you," he says. "With everything going on we haven't had the time to talk. You still have the holy Aegis don't you?"
"Nothing gets past you," I say. "I did lie about that. Infinite Crimson Archangel God Queen Formation." A flash a light appears and when it fades I am in the queen formation. "For some reason it fused with the queen formation." I point to the chest plate.
"I see," he says. "I am not surprised. I assume you are still looking for that sword as well?"
"The sword god created?" I ask. "Or should I say the Sacred Gear that was made from that sword?" I smirk. "I know its location but I can't wield it in my current state."
"What do you mean?" he asks. I kneel down and place my hand on the ground. An ancient holy spell circle appears and I pull out a sword that is heavily covered in chains.
"It's chained and sealed," I say. "I don't know how to release it." I sigh and stand up. The sword disappears. "I rather focus on making the titan slayer."
"Are you close?" he asks.
"No," I say. "I don't have enough data."
"You could use a break," he says. "The angel child is going to be born in a few days. You should come see it."
"I would like that," I say and smile. "Thank you, Michael. I enjoy our chats sometimes."