Murmurs and outraged cries filled the halls of the central chamber of the Vatican. The Grigori discussed amongst themselves potential courses of action whilst the other leaders and the Paladin debated amongst each other. "We have to destroy it!" The head of the American branch yelled. "You heard what it said. That damn beast will have no hesitation in decimating our families and loved ones if we show a hint of opposition! I don't know about you but I want to protect my family!" The head of the French branch yelled back. "Are you suggesting we cower with our tails between our legs?" "What he is suggesting is that perhaps the best course of action would be to follow the creature's orders." The head of the British Branch stated. Rin and the others watched the arguing. They had been summoned due to being present when Astarte became the monster they all feared.

"Sir Pheles." The Grigori called Mephisto to the centre of the room where silence reigned over all as they spoke. "You have dealt with the demoness Astarte before correct? You will tell us what has driven her to make such ridiculous accusations and commands." They ordered. "Astarte is not the one making the accusations or commands. That is an entirely different consciousness that exists within Astarte's soul." He answered. "If you do not believe me, then why not research it? You know the stories as well as anyone else." The Paladin scoffed. "But that's all that refers to that beast. Stories and myths." Amaimon, who had been sitting in the back corner, smirked softly. "All myths have some basis of truth to them." He murmured. "Besides, it was through Astarte that the stories came back so that we would have some knowledge of the creature." Mephisto added. The crowd broke into its murmurs again. "Very well. We will have the matter looked into. But until then, we will do all we can to ensure this creature does not get its wish!" With that, the meeting was disbanded.

"So, you plan on telling us just what happened exactly?" Shura demanded as they left the Vatican. "What is there to tell? You saw just the same as I did." Mephisto stated. "You're hiding something from everyone. And it's got to be important." Rin snapped. If you can tell, then he's done a shit job of hiding it. They all froze at the sound of that voice. May I ask that you keep your language usage to a minimum? I'm blind not deaf. A second voice asked. They all stared as the two other sides of Astarte appeared. "Why are you two here?" Amaimon growled. We know you want to save Astarte so we came to offer our assistance her angelic side stated. Without Astarte, we will fade into the void and I don't like the sound of that. So we're gonna help you force the outcast back to its cage within her soul. "Why would you help us?" The demonic side shrugged As much as I dislike the fact Astarte doesn't accept that I am her true form. I hate the outcast more. So any chance to beat the living shit out of it I'll accept. Rin grinned. "So what are we waiting for?" He yelled.

We can't do anything like this. The angel stated. We need hosts, someone with similar soul patterns to the ones we attached to in Astarte. I need someone with a similar soul pattern to her demonic side. The demon chuckled. And I need someone with a similar soul pattern to her angelic side. The two sides circled the group. And it seems that two of you match those requirements perfectly. The demon cocked its head to one side. Strange though, the ones who do are not who we expected. "How so?" The one who matches the patterns of the angel is her. The demon pointed to Shiemi. And the one who matches the patterns of the demon is you. The angel pointed to Mephisto. "H…how can I help?" Shiemi stammered. You don't really need to do anything, just allow me to reside temporarily within your body. I'll protect you from the outcast's power until we bring Astarte back. Before any protests could be uttered, Shiemi nodded. "I'll help her. I'll let you reside within." She said firmly.

The angel turned to Mephisto. What about you? Will you do the same? He nodded. Both sides smiled. The determination you display is just like her. The angel murmured. Just as stubborn as well. The demon added as both of them joined with Shiemi and Mephisto in order to defeat the outcast.

The outcast flew over mountains and rivers, horror filling the cavity its heart should fill as it saw the damage done to the world. What have they done? It grimaced as it felt the earth shriek in agony. I left Assiah to the humans, believing they would protect it. The horrific monster landed by the ocean, an array of colours showing the chemicals that poisoned the waters, and stared at its own reflection. How ignorant I was! BAKA! It hit the water with its claws, disturbing the reflection. Well, I guess I have no choice. I gave them a chance and they abused it. Now, they suffer as this world has suffered. It grinned as it saw its reflection once again to show Astarte. GIVE ME MY BODY BACK! She screamed. No! You willingly accepted me! You can't go back now! Astarte growled at it. You tricked me! YOU USED ME! She shrieked. But I kept my promise did I not? She froze. I took away your pain and suffering. I've made the sadness go away have I not? She backed down. Now, be a good girl and stay quiet. I'm going to ensure that this world suffers for its crimes.

The creature paused and laughed. I thought I told you what would happen if you opposed me? It asked as it turned to face a large group of exorcists. "We have orders to prevent you from achieving your goals." Their leader snapped. The creature burst out laughing; its jaws open wide to reveal the razor like fangs that filled its mouth and shredded its lips. Very well then. I guess I'll use your corpses for the example of how disobedience will not go without punishment! The exorcists summoned their familiars, fired their weapons and chanted their death verses. But nothing worked. The familiars were wiped out without the creature even moving. The elements themselves tore the demons apart. "Impossible!" A knight moved forward to strike, gasping when his blade was grabbed by the large lizard like tail and ripped from him, the ragged remnants of his forearms spewing blood as they were cast aside.

He fell back, screaming in agony, as the creature moved forward. It paused near his head. Let's make this interesting shall we? It asked as its two tails coiled around either side of his head. A flex of the muscles and the skull of the unfortunate soul was crushed. The others froze in horror. Now, you'll be the first to feel my wrath the exorcists could do naught but scream as the creature attacked them. Even Astarte, trapped within the confines of the creature's insanity looked away at the bloodshed. The outcast stood amongst the blood splatter and let out an inhuman roar. RESIDENTS OF ASSIAH! It yelled. I gave you this realm in the belief you would protect it! THIS EARTH IS SCREAMING IN AGONY! You poisoned this realm and you will pay! It got to its feet and glared out across the ocean. Let all those who stand in my way perish in the fire that is my wrath! It waved its arm across the shadows and grinned as they formed a variety of chimeras. Go! Hunt down those who would dare to stand against me! Show them what happens to bad dogs!

As the chimeras ran off in different directions, the outcast turned back to the reflection of Astarte. As for you, you're going to receive the same treatment I did! Her eyes widened in horror as she realised what it meant. I will confine you to a cage within my mind! You'll never be able to get out! But it paused in its actions. No, you wouldn't get to see the show if I did that. It grinned psychotically at her. Instead, I'll let you watch as I tear those you care about apart! It cocked its head thoughtfully. Though I suppose I should give you one last treat seeing as you were such a good girl. I know! I'll let you see that human…what was she called? Emiko's funeral. After all, you did care about her so much that you willingly accepted me to avenge her. It laughed as Astarte hung her head.

It was right. She had accepted this fate willingly and for what? A human who saw her, not her heritage. But now, seeing what she had become she had to question. Was the cost of that acceptance worth it in the end? As it laughed she hunched in on herself and thought about what she could lose. What do I do? She whispered. What should I do? She raised her head to look skywards, beyond the confines of the outcast's insanity. Someone, anyone! Please! TELL ME WHAT I SHOULD DO!