This…This is it. After following the path through desert lands, harsh winded valleys and treacherous forests for so long, they arrived at the base of a mountain. The mouth itself, breathed death with its ghostly howls and unknown screeches. Casshern was the first to move forward, followed by Venus, trailed by Friender and Lyuze. The walls were thick with a slimy green residue that sizzled when it the hard flat surface of the cave floor.
"Strange." Was all Lyuze could come up with to describe the material. Friender huffed in agreeance. They tracked their way deeper and deeper into the cave and finally reached a clearing. What lay out before them was three entrances. The first one was lined with beautiful glowing crystals, second was covered with over grown vines with thorns just as thick as its stem, the last entrance had a cold, bone chilling wind blowing through it, with the smell of rotting carcasses.
"Oh disgusting," Lyuze said through her clenched nose. "I think we all know what the obvious choice should be." She began walked towards the crystalloid cave when Casshern grabbed her forearm.
"We follow Venus." He said in a stern voice.
"But she is leading us to cave that reeks of death. Ugh. I didn't think it was possible for a robot but I think I'm gonna be sick."
At the end of each tunnel, there was always more tunnels. As they paced their way deeper and deeper into the cave, they began to notice how the air no longer smelled of its usual metallic scent. It had a sweet fragrance. Something that they never smelt before. The pounding in Venus' head became more fierce, along with the melody of the moon screaming its melody, pulling her harder with each step.
In front of them, they noticed the slightest sliver of light peeking out from the end of the tunnel. Amazed that they could finally reach their long awaited goal, they raced towards the opening.
Once they reached the source of light, they found themselves in a field of blue roses, located in an opening at the top of the mountain.
Overwhelmed with all the excitement, Lyuze collapsed to the group, breathing heavy and her head spinning. She had never seen blue roses before, but she knew the story behind them. It was the flower only found in paradise, once only a folk tale, but now it had been confirmed. She couldn't believe it. Perhaps there was a chance for her to make it, and see a world that was so perfect that every single being on the planet craved even an ounce of its beauty, of its bliss. The forever serious Friender kept guard at the entrance, never forgetting his loyalty to Casshern and his compassion for Venus. He could smell the impending doom, lingering in this mountain. Through his paws digging into the soft earth, he could feel screams and horrors that the mountain laid witness to. A glance from Casshern showed that even he could feel it.
Venus found herself walking to the center of the crater. Underneath her bare feet, she felt a sense of familiarity running her feet through the thornless roses. Her feet came upon a patch of moss. She knelt down and picked at the moss, to reveal a small divot, in the same shape as the two necklaces.
"Looking for this, sweetheart?" called out a familiar voice from the rim of the crater.
"Dio." Casshern said in a threatening tone.
"Dear brother, I do wish we could get along." Within seconds, Dio stood in front of Casshern, with a look of disinterest. Casshern stood silent and didn't even flinch at his sudden movement. "Psh. So cold. I don't have to slightest idea on how I get confused for you." From around his neck, he played with the sun and moon pendant, spinning it in between his fingers. Taunting them with his finding. "You know, because of you I suffered so much. Let me list all of the reasons of why I hate you so damn much. First of all, you were created before me. Then they made me just like you. Then you were Braiking Boss' favorite because of your ever standing obedience to do whatever he told you to do. Then you killed Luna, the sun named moon and got ever lasting glory." His forehead was pressed hard on Casshern's head, emphasizing his every word. "And finally, the reason I hate you the most..." His breaths quickened as he clenched his teeth. "is because you killed the only person I ever loved. You will die but not before I make you suffer. Then killing you would be a blessing."
Casshern grabbed his throat and pressed him hard against the wall. "Your empty threats are meaningless." Dio wrapped him arm around Casshern's, and pushed him back with his legs, forcing the grip on his neck to loosen.
"Shame on you. They aren't empty threats. Luna explained everything about how to get into paradise, including the Shinrei-kei. How could they even dare to pass judgement on me when all I have ever done is hide in your shadows. They will undoubtedly side with me. And if not..." he let out a small snicker, "you can imagine what will happen to them. The gairdians of paradise."
Casshern growled at his other copy. In his eyes, glinted the berserk raging at his counter part. Without hesitation, he charged full force with his arm pointed directly at his heart.
All Venus could do was watched, she couldn't wield her legs to move. She couldn't understand in her most dire need, her legs refused to move. Why was it like this? She was no weakling, and let someone fight her battle for her, yet that was exactly what she was doing. She was the reason for Casshern fighting, and for what? Her pathetic selfish life. Things weren't supposed to go this way. All she wanted was to see Shangri-la, but even if she was meant to be with the Gods, she was not granted access without conflict.
Her eyes widened in shock as his hand pierced through his brothers heart. A loud and piercing scream rang through out the mountain top. She didn't realize until his body crashed to the ground that she realized that it was her beloved Casshern that was wounded.
"You monster!" yelled Lyuze. She began running towards him with her swords pointed towards him.
He shook his finger at her. "If you want Casshern to live, I suggest you back off. Your sister wasn't as smart, and look where she is now." Dio wrapped his arms around Casshern's neck and dragged his unconscious body over to the shocked Venus. "You have been oddly quiet through all this."
Her voice squeaked out as he rested one knee to the ground before her, squeezing Casshern's neck between his bicep. With his other hand he grabbed her chin and forced her to look at him. "Now, now. There is no need to cry. I won't hurt him as long as you cooperate."
She vigorously shook her head to release his grasp, but to no avail. "You are a liar." her eyes widened with shock as she spoke. There was no earth shattering scream, no trembling of the Earth, nothing but her normal sweet voice.
"Luna also revealed to me about how your voice works as well." He sneered at her, celebrating his small victory of "one upping" his enemy. "Your voice is not to be heard in the lands of humans, but this particular patch of land is meant for you and your sister. It is a patch of land meant for only gods." He began laughing hysterically. "You should see the look on your face!"
"Leave her alone, you conniving bastard!" Lyuze couldn't take anymore of his banter and shoved him away from Venus. Venus saw something glimmer fall from his pocket and leaped out to catch it in mid air. It was the sun and the moon pendant. She quickly ran over to the mound, indented with the shape of the sun and moon.
"You aren't going to leave me behind! I will get into paradise!" Dio pushed off the wall, flying towards Venus. His eyes glazed over with his own selfish intention.
Casshern was flung from Dio's grip. He yelled out at the pain of his bodies self healing ability. He pushed himself up onto his forearms, still groggy from his wound. He looked up to see his beloved, sitting there innocently, fumbling with the pendants, unaware of what was driving towards her.
"Venus! No!" Casshern ran as fast as he could to stop Dio from driving his fist through her. Dio's menacing eyes bore into hers. Finally, he was seconds away from meeting his beloved. He laughed as contact was made and a pool of blood spilled out in front of him.
Venus couldn't believe her eyes. All she could see was the color red.