Volume 5
Chapter 1: Darkness Returns
Part 1: 1 hour into the rating game, Crimson flash Stadium, Cartil's Territory
"It's been one hour and either team has destroyed an object," the announcer says. "It is very strange."
"I expected this from Cartil," says Sirzechs. "But I did not expect it from his opponent."
"Speaking of your brother," the announcer says. "Why hasn't your brother moved from the starting point?"
"I can answer that question," Quinton says. "Despite them in a special dimension, he is readying the chi. He is probably using that chi to find the objects. He may try to destroy them all at once."
"I expected as much," Sirzechs says. I sigh and open my eyes.
"Are they ever going to stop talking about me?" I say. "It's starting to piss me off." I look around. "Sasha there is 2 more objects to your left."
"I am on it," she says.
"That is 10," I say. "They must have the last 3. I wonder why they haven't destroyed them yet."
"It's too quiet out here," Nivana says. "They may try to ambush you, my love."
"I expect that as well," I say. "It would be foolish, even without the goliath formation they still have no chance."
"It's a shame," Hilda comments. "I enjoyed watching that form fight."
"I have both objects," Sasha says. "No one is here. They may be planning an ambush."
"Kella," I say. "Go scout out their base and see if they have the last 3 objects."
"I have a question Sirzechs," the announcer says and I stop to listen. "Your brother was born with the power of destruction correct."
"Yes," Sirzechs says.
"Why doesn't he use it?" he asks.
"You are the biggest idiot I have ever seen announcer boy," I respond before Sirzechs can. "Maybe if you actually watched more than a rating game you would understand but since you are an idiot I will show you. You want the power of destruction, so be it. Kella get out of the area I asked you to scout." I raise my hand a huge magic circle appears above the enemy main area. I drop my hand and the whole area is engulfed in the power of destruction.
Cartil's team has destroyed 3 objects and 3 people have been retired
"What the heck was that?" the announcer questions.
"Annihilation Field," I say. "That was only 30% of its power by the way. Now its time I teach you a wonderful lesson. Every one of my attacks is infused with the power of destruction. Just because you dont see it doesn't mean I am not using it. Sirzechs is a wizard-technique type. Rias is a wizard power type. I have no type, I use whatever I need to use. I spent years learning how to infuse the power of destruction into everything I could so I hide my origins. I don't like being overly flashy for no reason. So before you open your mouth again think."
"It seems you poked a nerve," Quinton comments. "You really need to stop poking the slayer of the titans."
"Are you okay?" Yang asks me.
"No," I say. "I am just sick of this crap." I sigh and close my eyes. "I am tired of these pathetic fools. I am tired of this stupid rating game. I am tired of only being able to respond to things. I have had enough." I open my eyes and everything goes black.
Cartil's team has destroyed all 13 objects
All rating game participants except Cartil have been eliminated
"What just happened?" Sirzechs asks.
"You are so foolish," I say. I appear before everyone in the stadium. "You sit here watching a pathetic display when our enemies are out there trying to break us."
"This is the Crimson God King form?" the announcer questions. "I am terrified."
"Smart move," I say. I look around and sigh. "For once you have a brain."
"Brother calm down please," Sirzechs says.
"I will not," I say. "My dear Lord Lucifer how far are you willing to go to protect your people?"
"You are seriously asking me that?" he asks. "Did you forget the Trihexa incident?" I laugh.
"You mean that pathetic attempt at self sacrifice?" I question. "Lets not forgot you then dumped everything on Issei after that. You are lucky I returned to save your ass over and over."
"Brother think of your reputation," I hear Rias call out.
"Screw my reputation," I say. "I will do whatever it takes to protect this world. I will kill those that get in my way. Even you my dear sister Rias." I point my right index finger at a group of people. A magic circle appears and I smirk.
"Are you insane?" Sirzechs asks. I turn to him and smile. "You are not the brother I know."
"Do you really know me?" I ask. "Do you even care to know?"
"Enough talk," I hear Sairaorg say. "Stand down Cartil or else we will have to use force."
"Oh please try," I say with a smirk. "I will glad show you how out classed you are." He jumps into the air at me and I move out of the way. I laugh. He jumps at me again and I grab his fist. I grip his fist tightly. "You will never win even in that armor." I spin him around and throw him into the ground. A crater forms under him. I raise my hand up and place my middle finger and thumb together. "Shatter." I snap my finger and his armor shatters. The armor returns back to lion form with cracks all over it. The sacred gear roars in pain.
"Brother that's enough," I hear Sirzechs say and I turn around to block his attack. I smile.
"Your true form," I say. "So you are trying to kill me then?" I teleport behind him and kick him into the ground. "This duel will go a lot different than last time."
"That may be true but I will force you to use a lot of your power," he says. I laugh.
"I am titan class," I say. "I am the strongest person right now. No one can stand against me." he launches an attack at me and I block it. "Come on." I point my finger at him and fire a beam at him. He jumps out of the way. He launches another attack and I block that one. I fire another beam at him and he jumps out of way again. I sigh and land on the ground. I hear something behind me. "What is this? Who said you could remove Sairaorg from this battle field?" I point at them and create a magic circle.
"I don't think so," Sirzechs says as he knocks my hand away. I quickly grab him arm and slam him into the ground. I place my hand on his chest and chains wrap around him holding him into the ground. He yells in pain and I smirk.
"Holy chains hurt don't they?" I ask. My fist ignites in the power of destruction. I punch my fist into his chest and the ground gives in forming a crater. I jump out and turn away. "I will show you mercy just this once dear brother of mine."
[BoostBoostBoostBoost]
I hold my hand up and catch Issei's fist. I smirk and throw him into Kiba. I begin laughing. "What is so funny?" Kiba demands.
"Lambs to the slaughter," I said. "Shatter." I snap my fingers and Issei's armor shatters.
"Issei are you alright?" Kiba asks.
"I am fine," he says. "I just need time to recover." He is breathing heavy. Kiba charges at me and I grab his sword.
"Still using Gram I see," I say and twist my wrist breaking the sword in half. "How disappointing, Kiba." I grab his face and throw him into Issei. They go flying back and into a wall. "Anymore fools coming to stop me?"
"Why are you doing this?" Michael asks.
"I am done playing games," I say. "While you fools play around I will be the one that saves the world from an upcoming threat even if I must make enemies of you all." I send out a huge shockwave of energy as I teleport away.
Part 2: Plan begins
Temple of Athena, 10 minutes later
I fall to my knees and return to normal. I am breathing heavy. "Well looks like you have done it now," I say to myself. "There will be no going back for me now."
"Hello?" I hear a female voice say.
"Who is there?" I demand. A girl walks out from the shadows.
"Are you Cartil by chance?" she asks.
"I suggest you answer my question first," I say.
"I am sorry," she says. "I am Lotós Torden, former apprentice of Bellona the Roman god. She told me to seek you out for more training."
"I am just going to call you Lotus," I say. "If you follow me then you will be going down a dark path but it leads to protecting this world from a future threat."
"I don't care as long as we help people," she says.
"As you wish then," I say. "Our first Target will be Asgard." She tilts her head confused. "I need some of the weapons they have for my mission. I know they won't give them willingly so I must take them." She nods. "From this moment on in order to save this world we must becomes the enemies of the alliance."
"About your family," she says.
"They will probably be questioned," I say. "They will all try to learn what has happened then try to stop me."
Part 3: Sadness
Team AxA HQ in Lilith, days later
It's been several days and everyone has been interrogated to see if we knew anything about Cartil. "What the hell is going on?" Hanalil asks. "This doesn't make any sense."
"I agree," Nivana says. "This is not the Cartil we know and love."
"Yin what do you think?" Lilian asks.
"Something has clearly happened," I say. "Something triggered this event and Cartil is spiraling out of control. We need to learn what happened to him."
"We can help with that," Sirzechs says as he walks in with Azazel and Sig. "I feared this day would come." We all look at him confused.
"How are you feeling Sirzechs?" Hanalil asks.
"I am fine," he says. "Despite the show, Cartil was holding back a lot. He could have killed me at any moment during that fight. I think that was supposed to a display more than anything." He turns to Sig. Sig nods and walks over to the computer. The big screen turns on and we turn to it. "When we raided Zenos's lab we found a lot of disturbing things." The screen shows images of what they found. "We have been allowed to have this information by the Shadows of Peace."
"Despite what we found," Sig chimes in. "Cartil found something far worse." The screen starts to show personal notes and slowly scrolls through them all. Lilian screams and clings to Nivana.
"He was behind so many things," Catherine says.
"He was the one who created that plague against my village," Sasha says.
"He was a monster," Trisa says.
"I assume this breaking is more than mind breaking," Raina says.
"Yes," Azazel says. "After Cartil left we found even deeper details on how he was going to break everyone. Yes rape was part of that plan." I punch the table.
"If this guy wasn't already dead," I say.
"Zenos no longer exists," Sig says. "Cartil went to hell and destroyed Zenos's soul. He also killed several Grim Reapers."
"We also have just learned that Cartil never handed over Hades powers," Sirzechs says. "The powers of Hades and the powers of the Titans, my brother has something planned. I am almost scared to find out what it is." The girls look at each other.
"Lilian, how are you holding up?" Rias asks as she walks up.
"I am scared for my Cartil," she says as she rubs her belly. "He is in a broken state but I need to stay strong for the twins so I can give birth to them. They must be healthy." Hanalil hugs Lilian.
"The wives has gotten this awesome bond," Azazel comments. "Cartil picked good women."
"How many are in his Harem now?" Sig asks to himself.
"There are 14 of us," Kella says. "There are some you haven't met. There is a fallen angel and a god you haven't met yet."
"So what do we do?" I ask.
"Nothing," Sirzechs says. "You assume your normal duties until Cartil makes a move. Its all we can do."
"All of Team AxA knows what is happening," Rias says. "We just need to wait." She sighs and looks away. "We can't lose him again."
Part 4: Alone
Cartil's Island, Days later
Yin stayed behind to plan with the rest of the Team. We the wives of Cartil went to the island to relax and to think. We are currently relaxing in the hot spring. "Our poor husband," Trisa says. "He has been holding onto that for months without telling us."
"He was probably trying to protect us," Sasha says.
"He carries the weight of too much on his shoulders," Hilda comments.
"It's who is his," Catherine.
"It is a strength and a curse," Nivana says.
"To be born with that much power," Viviane says. "He has had to keep himself balanced for so long."
"We will always be a trigger to his darker side," Kella says. "If anyone of us got seriously hurt or killed it would set him off and down a very dark path."
"I understand why he seeks so much power," Yang says.
"Problem with that is he will be burned out at this rate," Nivana says.
"He will be fine," Raina says. "I am more worried about Lilian and myself right now."
"You both depend on him so much," Reyni says. "Can you explain to me why?"
"I can," Nivana says. "Cartil is Lilian's emotional rock. He saved her at the right moment in time. So she became emotional dependant on him. She seems fine right now but it's probably killing her so to speak." Lilian nods. Raina says.
"I need him to keep myself in check," she says. "I get too worked up in battle sometimes. Physically and sexually, I am one of those types. This collar is more than just for show. He is my husband, my love, and my master."
"So where are Katie and Miki?" Sasha asks.
"Katie is still working with Gorgori on a project," I say. "Miki is with the rest of the gods working to find Cartil."
"Has anyone tried to call him?" Reyni asks.
"We have tried," I say. "His phone is off and he is blocking communication circles from reaching him. He is currently silent and stealthy."
"Mommy," Ri says. "Is daddy okay?"
"Yes Ri," I say. "He is busy working to protect us."
"I miss daddy," she says frowning.
"I know," I say and hug her. "We all do." We start to hear crying.
"Well that's my signal," Nivana says and gets up. She leaves to take care of her son.
"We should go do something else while we wait," I say and everyone nods.
Part 5: Failure
Team AxA HQ in Kyoto, hours later
"Still nothing on our end," Zeus says. "I am sorry Sirzechs." He nods and the screen goes black.
"You are never going to find him you know," I say. "He doesn't want to be found so he won't be."
"I know," he says. "I still hope we can before he does something stupid."
"There is something I have wanted to ask," Azazel says.
"It's about Cartil's ability isn't it?" Michael asks. He nods.
"As you all know some people have their own unique ability," Sirzechs says. "Diehauser has Worse. Issei has Kingship. Ravel has Path to Supremacy." He sighs and looks away. "Cartil is a unique person; due to what he is he has 3." Everyone looks at each other in shock. "Only 2 are known. Inspire and Sacrifice."
"The ability to Inspire other to become better must come from him being God," Michael says. "That would make sense."
"Sacrifice," I say. "That must his own ability, so that leaves the ability from the Great Devil king or a version of it." I sigh. "He is a lot more complicated than I thought." The screen suddenly flickers back on and it shows Olympus burning. "What the hell just happened?" There are flashes of combat in the background. Someone appears on the screen.
"This message is for Team AxA," Poseidon says. "Cartil is here. He is heading for the vault."
Part 6: Breaking
Mount Olympus, minutes before
Lotus and I arrive at the gates of Mount Olympus. I see someone outside the gate. "Well looks like they stuck Hermes on Gate guarding duty," I say. We walk up to Hermes.
"Cartil," he says. "You are no longer permitted to be here. Please leave while you have a chance."
"So you are going to get in the way?" I ask. He nods. "Always the wrong choices." I grab him by the shirt and lift him up. "You will be the message to them all." I blast him threw the gate. We step through the ruins of the gate. I place my hand on the ground and close my eyes. "Come forth the shadows of hell and bring ruin to your enemies." A giant magic circle appears and shadow figures appear from it. "This will distract them. Let's head to the vault."
"Yes Master Cartil," she says. "Do you think they will come?"
"Yes," I say. "But I hope it's long after we reach the vault."
"Will you be okay if they arrive sooner?" she asks. "I won't be fighting them." I say. We arrive at a large building. "I sense someone powerful."
"That would be Zeus," I say. I hand her a piece of paper. "Sneak into the vault and get these items. I will distract Zeus." She nods. "Devour everything, Venos." A giant black horned snake appears and breaks threw the wall of the building. "Venos stay in the shadows and guard Lotus."
"Yes master," he says. "I assume you have finally figured out what you need for those creations."
"Yes," I say. Black, crimson, and gold light engulfs me. "Crimson God King." I rush into the ruins of the building. I stand in the middle of the room.
"I have been waiting for you Cartil," Zeus says.
"Now you are the one who sounds like a villain," I say.
"But in this scenario you are the villain," he says.
"If you want to call me that," I say. "My duty is more to the planet than the factions. You all are just pawns to greater game."
"How far the mighty have fallen," he says.
"I haven't fallen anywhere," I say. "You on the other hand will fall." I summon a sword and charge forward. He jumps out of the way but I grab his leg. I throw him into a pillar. He recovers and fires lightning at me. "Reflect." The lightning shots back at him and he jumps out of the way. "You will fail." He jumps up at me and I dodge out of the way. I grab his hair and throw him into the ground.
"Are you trying to just be annoying?" he says. I shrug.
"I want to play with my prey before I kill it," I say. "I assume you are buying time for team AxA to show up. Sad fact is while you stall for time, your city burns. Those shadows I summoned work off peoples fear, even the fear of the gods." I laugh.
"Further into the villain role," he says.
"Like I care," I say. I point my finger at him and chains wrap around him. I move my finger and he slaps into a wall. "You are boring when you hold back." I make circles with my finger and he spins in the air.
"You are also holding back," he says.
"Like I said," I say. "You are just a pawn and pawns are useful. If I wanted to kill you I would have killed you."
"You have become so arrogant," he says.
"Says the god who tries to bang anything that moves," I say as I slam him into the ground. "At least devils are honest about it." I turn to open wall. "Hello Poseidon."
"You have gone too far Cartil," he says.
"You will get in the way," I say. "Trihexa go play with him." Trihexa appears and pushes him back out of building. Trihexa roars. "I really need to give him a new name." I turn back to Zeus as he hits him. I fly into the roof.
"You got distracted," he taunts. "Villains seem to get distracted easy. Since you are going further and further into the villain role when are you going to monologue your plan?" I laugh.
"I dont need one," I say as I appear behind him. "I am not trying to rule the world." I slash his back and he screams in pain. He stumbles forward before falling to his knees.
"When did you summon the god slayer?" he asks.
"Right off the start," I say. "I used magic to make it look like another sword." I grab his arm and throw him into another pillar. I sigh. "I am getting bored." I smirk as Zeus stands back up. "Maybe its time." Just then Poseidon slams into Zeus. I laugh. "Perfect timing." Trihexa moves behind me.
"That creature has gotten stronger," Poseidon says as he gets up.
"That is not good," Zeus say. "With Cartil controlling it then this is a major problem."
"I don't control it," I say. "He is not some Familiar. He is living creature who decided it was time to stop being a monster when I offered it. He knows my plan so he still follows me." I place my hand on Trihexa. "He is not some beast anymore."
"What have you become Cartil?" Zeus asks.
"Savior of the world," I say. I notice movement in the shadows and I smile. "Truth be told I have been stalling as well." I wave my hand and magic circles appear. "Trihexa." He begins to charge his attack.
"Are you really going to kill us?" Poseidon asks.
"Yes," I say. "You got in my way so you die. I though I made that clear." I point my finger at them. "Divine Armageddon." A wall of magic slams into them and I leave the building. I reunite with Lotus and Venos.
"Did you kill them?" Lotus asks.
"Sadly no," I say. "It seems Gaia still cares about them. She will be a problem."
"Are we ready master?" Venos asks. I nod.
"Master Cartil," Lotus says and points to the gate. "Team AxA is here."
"A few minutes earlier than expected," I say. "Well I planned for this outcome." They run up to us.
"Hold right there Cartil," Dulio says. "You are coming with us." I laugh.
"Here is the deal," I say. "You could stop me." I turn away and look at city. "Or you could help the gods. I assume most of them are near death by now."
"What has gotten into you kid?" First asks.
"The truth," I say.
"Cartil," Nivana says.
"I know," I say. "No matter what happens to me, I will still love you all." I look at her. "Protect Lilian from me." We disappear.
Part 7: Recover
Mount Olympus, seconds after Cartil left
Cartil has just left with his group. We are still stand in shock. "We better start helping," Dulio says. "If you girls need a minute then take your time." They nod.
"I felt cold in his words," Sasha says.
"Until the last parts," Trisa says.
"There is one thing for sure," Hilda says.
"His love for us will forever be strong," Raina says.
"I don't think he could fight us," Kella says.
"And we wouldn't be able to fight him," Nivana says.
"It's a good thing Lilian cant do anything right now," Yang says. "This would kill her."
"I hope he can be saved from this dark path," I say.
"Is it really a dark path Catherine?" Hilda asks. "Until we learn the whole story I will assume he only took something as we saw."
"I wonder who the new girl is," Trisa says.
"Her name is Lotós Torden," Bellona says as she walks up. "She is my former apprentice, I sent her to get further training with Cartil but it was before he became this. Still I did not expect her to follow him anyway."
"Why are you here?" Nivana asks in a harsh tone.
"I am here to help Olympus," she says. "A lot of the Roman gods have come."
"Some of them more came to fight Cartil," Mars says as he appears. "He left a big mess."
"Are you girls okay?" Bellona asks.
"We are fine," Nivana says. "I ask again, why are YOU here?"
"I don't understand," she says.
"I think she means here around us," Sasha says.
"Oh," she says. "You still don't like me."
"Not after what you did," Nivana says.
"What did she do?" I ask.
"That is for another time," she says. "Well I am going then."
"We better go help now," Trisa says. We nod and head into the ruins. We help put out fires and help heal the injured. Zeus and Poseidon recovered enough to wake up.
"I thought I was going to die there," Zeus says. "Thank you Gaia."
"What happened?" Dulio asks.
"Cartil sent Hermes threw the gate," Zeus says. "Then shadow creatures start attacking everything. I decided to wait at the vault entrance to stall him until you all got here. I did not expect him to have help." Then it hits him. "What was taken?" Everyone rushes down to the vault.
"The thunder bolt is gone," Poseidon says. "Also seems the shield is gone as well."
"Why is he stealing weapons?" I ask.
"You will never understand the master," someone says from the shadows. "This is just the beginning."
"Who are you?" Nivana demands.
"My name is not important," he says. "The master's plan is coming together. You should all be happy to saved by him."
"You sound like a fanatic," Nivana says. He laughs.
"Cartil's hidden army knows all," he says. "We have existed long before the Shadows of Peace and Team AxA. I must go the master calls to me." he disappears in a flash of light.
"What the hell was that?" Sasha asks.
"I didn't think it was real," Poseidon says.
"What do you mean?" Zeus asks.
"Its time you learn who is a part of the shadows of Peace," Poseidon say.
"So you have chosen to betray Cartil now?" Athena says as she walks up. "You took the oath, so we can only reveal ourselves."
"He betrayed us," he says.
"It changes nothing," She says. "The Shadows of peace have chosen loyal to Cartil and the saving this world over our own mythologies. I trust him. I expected better from you Poseidon. He did save your son after all."
"Shut up Athena," he says.
"It would be bad if the Shadows of Peace fracture," Bellona says as she appears. "They need to stay together. For whatever Cartil is creating it must be important."
"Why didn't he just ask for the weapons?" Trisa asks.
"Because gods are prideful," Yin says. "Despite everything Cartil has done for them, these weapons are sacred so they would have told him no."
"We should prepare for his next attack then," Hilda says.
Part 8: The Deal
Small Island outside of Japan, days later
"I was surprised to hear from you," Indra says.
"I still hate you," I say. "I do see your point. It's been clear to me now that the gods have gotten weaker. As much as I hate to admit it, conflict builds strength."
"Now you are here with me for a reason," he says.
"I want to use you," I say. "I will be honest. I want to fight for me."
"What do I get out of it?" he says.
"Your powers back," I say. "Also you will get to fight the gods of other mythologies while I am on my quest."
"You have my attention," he says.
"No killing," I say. "Just beat them up. If you want to use your pet Cao Cao then you can." He places his hand under his chin thinking. "Do we have a deal?" I hold my hand out.
"Yes," he says. He smiles has he shakes my hand. I smile. He then falls to his knees in pain.
"I forgot to tell you that it going to sting a bit," I say. "You are a full god again. I hope you didn't loose too much faith from your followers. You will need all the strength you can get for this next attack." Lotus and Trihexa appear behind me.
"So where are we headed?" he asks.
"Asgard," I say. "Meet me here in a few days." I had him a note and he nods. He leaves.
"Is it smart to trust a War god?" Lotus asks.
"I beat him once before," I say. "He likes to fight but he won't fight me. I can kill him now." I look at my phone and I see a message. I start reading the message. "I need to go."
To my husband I hope this reaches you. Lilian has gone into labor. She needs you. So please put aside your mission and come see her. –Hanalil
"I understand," Lotus says. Trihexa looks at me worried.
"It's Lilian," I say. He nods and points to Japan. I nod.
"Go Cartil," Lotus says. "Our mission can wait a few more days." I wave as I disappear.
