{Heyo! This...became longer than I expected. Like a lot longer than I thought. Oh well, it's still awesome. As for all who pay close attention to my references you probably know which piece of media I've chosen, but it will break some expecations in a very awesome way. I love you all!}
Chapter 11 Priestess's question.
Now, just realizing I was holding a Grimm puppy in my hands I had a stunning revelation. "What the hell type of excuse am I gonna make to explain this?" I asked nobody in particular. The puppy Grimm looked up at me and began licking my arm, ah screw it. I'll make something up.
"Besides, who would argue if I say you're a reaper dog. Now, who would they Grimble?" I asked the puppy whose name shall forever be Grimble. Grimble barked happily at me, especially when I pet him.
Placing him on the ground I checked the time, four in the morning, much too early to be awake. 'Hmm, what to do?' I could play a game to pass the time, but given the Bioshock incident, I think I'll wait before I do that. "Guess it's movie time," I mumbled, I picked up the movie case and went rifling through for that perfect movie.
"Master of disguise is always a classic, but I can recite the script by memory at this point. Fire and Ice? Nah, a bit too cheesy. The cartoon Gi Joe movie? Possible."
After a few minutes of riffling I was down to two movies but before I could even decide I heard knocking at the door. Jumping to my feet I walked towards the door, summoning Wraith I used sign language to go invisible and wait above the door. Wraith nods and does so, his clone stood back, just out of sight. I walked towards the door, right hand behind my back. Using Death's Arsenal I created a saw-toothed dagger that was covered in the worst poisons I could think of.
Approaching the door, whoever was on the other side began knocking. "Coming!" I told them. I nodded at Wraith and when he nodded back I opened the door, dagger ready to impale them through my door. When looking through I instantly dismissed the lethal weapon, the now uncloaked Wraith gave me a confused look but when I pulled in Asia he understood.
"What are you doing here at this hour Asia?! You must be freezing." It can get rather bitter at this hour. I was nearly at the blankets when Asia stopped me.
"I'm ok mister angel. Being a devil really helps with the keeping me nice and toasty." If she wasn't so innocent saying that, I would've made so many jokes. 'Wait are those insensitive in this universe? I'll stick with incest jokes for the nobles then.' Future plans of screwing with the nobles of the devil race locked and loaded. I focused on Asia.
"Ok Asia, why in the world are you here? Is it something important?" I was honestly worried, anything could've happened. Assassins, fallen angels, fallen angel assassins. 'Hell maybe even Orp-'
"Oh no! I'm sorry I worried you. Nothing dangerous is going on Mr. angel."
Inner monologue cut off so spectacularly, I was left gaping. Thank god there okay but that still leaves me wondering.
'Why are you here then?! It's four in the morning. What could be so important that it couldn't wait until tomorrow?" I asked her.
Asia blushed in what I hope is an embarrassment. She started to play with her fingers and began mumbling at a volume, not even my enhanced hearing could pick up.
"Would you kindly speak up?" Did I do a little hop for joy when I finally had a reason to use that? Yes. Did it fit the mood? Yes. Will it work, hopefully.
"What...does Issie like in a woman?" She was bright crimson after asking me, I sorta stared past her. Into the great unknown processing that sweet little Asia is asking me what my pervert of a friend likes in women. As the shock wore off and the question sunk in, I had only one way of answering.
"What?" I so eloquently put it. Guess the shock hasn't faded just yet.
"I want to know what Issie likes in a woman." Asia was even redder than before, I didn't think such a feat was possible. "Okay, um well he likes…" I glanced down, I couldn't exactly tell her he cares the most about boobs. Especially given the current and future meta of his harem being filled with mostly busty women.
"...Personality is what he cares about the most." I was lying out of my ass. Mainly because I haven't the slightest clue what he likes more, boobs or the actual character of the person. He kinda flips flops a lot in that area.
"Really?" She innocently asked. She even did the head tilt puppies do! Good lord that's too sweet.
"Yes. I'm quite sure at the very least." I mention, showing I don't quite know all about that topic. Asia's eyes lit up and then she asked me something I certainly didn't expect of her. "Can you help me when I ask Issie on a date?"
"How?!" My surprise coming out in force. Asia twirled with her blonde locks, blushing slightly as she didn't get that far.
"W-well I'm sure you c-could follow us."
"And?"
"And give me hints on how to make it perfect while we're on the date!" I sat baffled at her, she didn't even let me ask how I could do that without being seen. She hugged me, thanked me and ran out back in the cold. I stared at Wraith and he stared back.
"How the hell am I supposed to do that? It's not like she has a phone or anything! I don't know telepathy, not with anyone other than my summons, so that's out. Unless-"
I try and make it but a screen slapped me upside the head, with a single word.
"No" just that before it disappeared. Blinking in confusion I tried again only to get the exact same response. 'Ow, damn now that's gonna sting.' I rubbed my head. Ok, so that's out for some reason. Craptastic. "So that's out, maybe just write cue cards so she can read them? That sounds good."
Plan figured out. Now, what the hell am I gonna do now? 'Back to sleep!' With the thought in hand, I flew upstairs and collapsed on my bed. I closed my eyes and the luminous castle came into view.
When I awoke again the sun was shining and I didn't have anyone with me on my bed. 'Thank goodness' I sighed mentally. I got up, brushed my teeth and went downstairs to see Murayama was awake, if barley, and Lilly talking to Issei and Asia…. 'Say what now?' Was my thought as I looked back to see they were indeed still there and not illusions my mind made up.
"Morning Mores," Issie said cheekily.
"Morning Mores," Asia said quietly. A little red, for what I reason I had no clue. I tiredly waved, looking at Murayama for answers.
"Hey they came in, someone left the door unlocked." She told me, sipping her coffee. I looked at the coffee maker and poured myself a cup as well, God knows I need it for today. After being rejuvenated by my little cup of nirvana I was able to clearly think and put my thoughts in words.
"What the heck are you doing here Issie, oh and you too Asia?" I asked, making sure to censor myself since there is a child present.
"Well, I learned that Asia hadn't tried your pancakes yet and that was a crime I'm looking to fix," Issie said nervously. I looked out the window and saw smoke coming from where Issie lived.
"Did your father set fire to the kitchen again?" I asked blandly. Issie chuckled nervously but shook his head nervously.
"Well...not him. It was Rias and Akeno." He said, chuckling nervously. I gave him the most deadpan of deadpan stares I could muster still being a bit tired.
"How?" I finally asked. Sipping my coffee.
"They were fighting on who got to cook me breakfast." He said I was still sipping my coffee so when I heard that I had to hold it down. I walked over to the patio door, opened it, and spat out my coffee and laughed.
"You're kidding me?! That's why the kitchen is smoking?" I barely got out, laughing too much to breathe. Murayama also laughed with me, course not as hard, since I was near to the level of rolling on the floor from laughter.
"Yeah...yeah. That's the other reason I'm here, also to let you know the rest of my peerage may or may not be coming to eat breakfast as well."
Now that killed my humor instantly. "What." I didn't phrase it as a question, merely settling for staring at Issie. He began to nervously sweat under my gaze. "Just to warn you." Issie squeaked out, shrinking under my gaze that could only be described as pissed, annoyed, and a little murderous. As I seriously contemplated wringing him by his neck, I heard knocking at the door. I turned my gaze at the door and had Wraith open it.
Rias was the first to enter. "Um Mores, I know it's a little unexpected but do you mind if- Oh my Satan what is that?!" She screamed at the equally deadpan Wraith, he looked at me and I looked at him.
"Wraith. Rias, Rias. Wraith. Good now everyone knows each other." I said with all the sarcasm I could muster.
The door slammed open fully as the rest of her peerage flooded in at the sound of their master's screams only to see the deadpan faces of both myself and Wraith, who moved by me when they were rushing in. Kiba, ironically, was the first to put his generic anime sword away, I can make fun of his lack of imagination if I want.
"Now, can you please give me a reason why I shouldn't throw you into the nearest restaurant?" My impatience was growing as was my summon's. He looked rather hungry as well. 'You can't eat them.' I told him through telepathy. Wraith groaned but nodded. 'Not even the skinny blonde boy?' He tried to bargain. After a quick thought, I gave him a look that said no. Wraith dramatically sighed but nodded. I dismissed him before either of us changed our minds.
{You know their speaking right?} Bahamut deadpanned. I panicked a little before asking him to sum up what they're saying.
{Basically, they will pay you. A lot.} He translated Rias's lip flaps. While you can never have too much money, I personally have a lot of it.
"Look, how about you owe me a favor," I told her since I have a good amount of money. She looked shocked that I gave her, what is basically a free meal, Rias agreed and I smiled under my mask.
'Now then, do I have enough to make pancakes for this many people?'
|One crazy breakfast later|
Oh, sweet lord, I'm exhausted. I'm certain I made fifteen pounds of assorted pancakes and bacon. Maybe I should've asked for money.
"Um, Mores, can I borrow you for a moment?" Asia asked me, my body groaned in protest but I nodded and followed her to a more isolated part of the house, away from the food comas of everyone who ate. Once there I used the shadows to create a chair so I could sit down.
"So is this about your little date with Issie?" I asked bluntly. Asia blushed bright red and tried to cover my mouth, but my mask kinda got in the way of that. "Shush!" She told me, redder than the raspberries in my fridge. It was pretty damn cute. I chuckled quietly and gently removed her hands from my mouth.
"Don't worry, they can't hear us. They are a bit preoccupied being comatose. So we can chat freely." I told her, trying to keep the humor out of my voice. She sighed in relief and sat down, I created a chair of light for her the moment she tried to sit.
"So what do you want me to do?" I finally asked her. She blushed a little but shook her head and finally spoke up.
"Um, can you follow me and Issie and give me tips if the date isn't going so well?" I blinked in surprise. I asked her to repeat herself and she did.
"Exactly how though?" I finally asked, she blushed and looked at her feet. {Looks like she didn't get that far.} Bahamut said dryly. I agreed but I knew I had to think of something. "How about I carry cue cards and you read of them?" It was something.
"What's a cue card?"
"It's a piece of cardboard that has writing on it, usually used in TV in case actors don't know what the heck they are supposed to do," I told her, Asia's eyes lit up in excitement.
"Yes! That's perfect, you can write down what I'm supposed to do! Thank you, Mores, you are a real angel!" She, somehow, picked me up and hugged me with the strength of a teddy bear. I pat her back, this type of hug I don't mind.
"So can you put me down now?" I asked good-humoredly, Asia blushed again and put me down. She ran to where Issie was and I followed. Thankfully Issie had mostly recovered from food coma.
"Um, Issie? Can we go on a d-d- a date?" She asked nervously. Issie jumped to his feet in shock and nodded his head, Issie picked her up princess style and they left through the door, and I quite mean through it. Anger flaring for a brief moment it cooled instantly and I followed them.
I had to grow my wings to find them, they were already at the mall and Issei was panting heavily. I disappeared into the shadows of a nearby building and watched them, not like a creeper damnit.
"Sorry about that. It's just that if Akeno and Rias made such a fuss over breakfast, they might have destroyed Mores's home over that, and I don't feel like dying today thank you very much." I didn't know whether Issie meant from being caught in the crossfire of Akeno and Rias, or me. I hope he meant me.
"It. It's okay Issie. I'm sorry I almost caused a fuss." Asia dejectedly said, even bowing her head like a sad puppy. {They made the cinnamon roll sad! Let us claim their souls!} Bahamut roared inside my head, I quickly told him to cool it, that they didn't mean to make Asia sad. As I had a mini-struggle with Bahamut to not give us away, Issie laughed and rubbed her hair affectionately.
"That was most certainly not your fault, besides, I wanted to go on a date with you," Issei said, blushing just a little because of it. Asia was blushing so much it actually made her glow, and brightly as well, so brightly, in fact, I had to change shadows to their own for the duration of the power blush.
'I'm calling it that and nobody can stop me.' I told myself mentally. Thankfully the blush didn't last long and I was able to crawl back to my original vantage point.
"Really?" Asia asked, still a good bit red. Issie smiled and nodded. "Now then, what do you wanna do?" He asked her. Asia looked confused for a moment and began to look around, for a moment I thought she was looking for a restaurant or something but nope, she was looking for me.
I pull out some cardboard from my inventory and a sharpie pen and wrote down what I thought they should do. I held it over my head and Asia finally saw it.
"How about we go to the park you showed me?" Asia asked him, reading my cue card word for word. Issie smiled and nodded, so the two went towards the park, with me as the silent phantom. After about an hour of walking around and enjoying nature, the two sat on a park bench. I went into the shadow of a nearby tree.
"As calming as this is, don't you wanna do anything else?" Issie asked her, trying to be polite but clearly, he was bored. Asia looked around for my cue cards, I wrote down what I think Issie may enjoy.
"How about going to the place where they show moving pictures?" Asia asked it took a moment for both of us to realize what she meant. I wrote down movies but I guess she's never seen one.
"You've never seen a movie, Asia?"
"Yes, my fellow priests warned me against watching certain movies so I decided that the Lord's book would be all the entertainment I would need," Asia told him, Issie jumped up. "That settles it, to the movies!"
I applauded Issie for his thinking, as I was about to follow them I noticed three people behind the same lamppost, poorly disguised at that so I knew who the three were. Donning my famous deadpan eye glare I used the shadows to appear behind them. I tapped each one on the shoulder so they could turn around and see me, arms crossed and foot tapping the ground.
"So wanna explain why you guys are following them?" I asked them.
Rias tried to counter with the usual. "Well, what about you?"
"I'm here because I was asked to by Asia." How quickly I said it caused both her and Akeno to look just a tad bit guilty. Koneko, being the voice of reason for them.
"They wanted to follow and make sure nothing disturbs the date, while also stalking the pervert because they like him. They dragged me along so I could help track them." Koneko told me in her usual monotone manner. I nodded, understanding what she said. It was reasonable, well for this world at least.
"Okay, I won't say anything as long as you two-" I pointed at Rias and Akeno. "-keep your jealousy under wraps and not cause a scene," I said in a scolding manner, can't believe we're about the same age. Rias agreed and after a moment Akeno agreed. I left and went after Issei and Asia. 'Hiding in shadows is fun.' I thought as I hid in Issie's shadow. I was getting tired of going from tree to tree.
As I dozed they arrived at the theater, the glass door closing woke me up. I nearly screamed at the sudden noise before I remembered I was technically spying on them. Poking my head out I saw that the movie theater...was the single most generic thing I've ever seen. Like if the 80's color and 90's mistakes vomited and the theater was made out of the generic chunks that were left, that or I'm still tired and it's a nice ish theater. {I think it's the second one partner.} Bahamut chuckled. I eye rolled but nodded.
"Okay Asia, what do you wanna watch?" Issie asked her. Asia looked up and stared at the board, she then pointed at one she wanted to see. I looked when Issie did and we both paled, she had chosen the Nun, horror movie The Nun. I nearly crawled out of Issie's shadow just to try and leave but Issie was one step ahead...sorta
"Um, Asia, that movie…...isn't a good one to watch for your first time." Issie sweatdropped, I joined him in spirit. Asia looked confused and even did the puppy head tilt!
"Why?"
"It's a horror movie."
"What's that?" Issie sweatdropped at the question, he had forgotten she had no clue what anything involving movies or entertainment in general was.
"This is one of those movies that your priesthood warned you about," Issie stated. Asia looked at the name again, clearly confused.
"But it's called The Nun. Anything involving the Lord's priesthood should always be wholesome." Asia countered Issie couldn't exactly argue that. Not with this cinnamon roll at least. Before Issie could come up with a way to tell her no, I used the shadows to trip an adult's drink on Issei's pants. He looked down at his soiled trunks and looked back to see the man running the hell away, smart decision.
"I'll be back, I just need to dry myself off," Issie told her, he mosied off and I climbed out of his shadow as he turned towards the door. I gave Asia the shush motion, at least until Issie closed the bathroom door.
"Okay, that movie. Not a good choice." I told her flat out.
"How come Mr. Angel?"
"Because it'll scare the crap out of you and Issie." I bluntly told her. She didn't look like she believed me, fair, so I showed her a fifteen-second clip of it.
She was shaking and backing away from my phone from that clip alone.
"Now imagine sitting through two hours of that." Asia suddenly looked very pale. I was worried she would faint but she told me I was fine. "So what should we watch?" She asked me. To that, I looked at the showings and tried to find one that wouldn't bore Issie but wouldn't scar Asia.
"Hotel Transylvania." I pointed out the cartoon movie. 'That should hopefully work.' I told myself. Nice and funny, while also having cartoonish violence. I heard the bathroom door opening and I dove into Asia's shadow. I stuck my head out last second to tell her.
"Remember. Hotel Transylvania. Not The Nun." I told her before fully submerging myself in her shadow. She nodded as Issie came back.
"Hey, just cleaned my pants. Are you sure you still want to watch that Nun mov-why are you suddenly shaking?" He asked. Asia began shaking out of fear from the mere name, of the trailer, that was fifteen seconds. Yeah, she wouldn't have lasted the movie.
"A nice stranger showed me a small piece of the movie, I wanna watch something different. What about that Transylvania movie?" Asia asked. Issie instantly agreed. He bought the tickets, which caused the ticketer to praise God for some reason, and they went inside the theater, in the corner of my eye I saw the three poorly hidden stalkers buy three tickets for the same movie.
'This will be either boring or terrible.'
|1 hour later|
'So bored!' I whined mentally. I had long since gotten out of Asia's shadow and sat behind them, blending in and making me see through for all intents and purposes. But that's not the boring part oh no. They haven't done anything! When I say that I mean both parties. Rias and her group were keeping their distance a few rows behind me, which was nice, and watched the hopeful couple more than the movie.
Speaking of, both of them were engrossed in the movie! No cuddling, no talking, and most importantly no snogging! 'You know I'm bored when I suddenly become British.' I told Bahamut. Who, bless his dragon soul, is the only reason I haven't blown my own cover out of sheer boredom.
{Ok, so why is that Aldnoah series so hated?} Bahamut asked me, trying to keep my mind active. 'Bullshit reason, like they hated how one of their ships didn't make it to sea, even though the show telegraphed the ship they wanted so badly.' I told him mentally, Bahamut hummed in thought.
While he did that I stared at the two of them and hoped they would do something. My wish was answered when Asia laid her head on his shoulder. She was blushing obviously and so was Issie but instead of moving or pushing her off he left her where she was. That's a small fist bump moment. 'Okay, now do something else.' I wished mentally.
This time it was Issie who made the move and pulled her closer, blushing madly as was Asia. I was seriously engrossed in this, hoping for one more thing. 'Cmon, so close. I'm about to ship it, one more little action.' I was moving my fists up and down like an excited child.
Asia was the one to seal the deal. She reached over and hugged him like a stuffed bear, she closed her eyes and smiled peacefully and actually fell asleep like that. 'It's settled! I shall ship this, and do everything in my power to make sure she's the top girl!' I declared, standing on my chair as if I was proclaiming it for the masses. Unfortunately, no one heard me and those in the back yelled at me to get down, which woke Asia up and caused Issie to glare at those people, luckily I ducked and crawled the fuck away before he saw me, but he did see Rias's group in the way back.
Which caused his eyes to widen in shock before he looked to Asia who also saw her fellow female peerage members. I stayed under the seats while this awkward silence went on, thankfully the lights came back on and everyone began filing out. The Devils were the last ones out, besides me. I crawled out from under the chairs and walked out of the theater, blending into any shadows I see. Thankfully the sun was setting so shadows were in no short supply. Using this technique I made it outside before the devils did.
They were silent for a while before Rias quickly said. "We were protecting you from fallen, we sensed them in the area and I wanted to make sure you weren't attacked. Akeno and Koneko came with me because I asked them to."
{As far as excuses go, that's not bad} Bahamut said, I nodded in agreement. Asia was convinced, Issie didn't look too sure. So I summoned Wraith, who teleported in front of them.
"Master sent me to protect. Crows flee, cowards." Wraith hissed in his normal broken grammar. That sold it for Issie. Rias was surprised at my summon's sudden entrance but nodded to it in gratitude.
"Well, we better head home. We'll meet you where you two~" Akeno said teasingly, Akeno led Rias and Koneko away leaving just Issei and Asia. Oh, plus my Wraith and I, though the summon disappeared and went back to wherever I summon them from.
"Thanks, Asia for the date, it was fun," Issie told her with a big goofy smile on his face. Yes, he was blushing but not as much as before. Asia was the exact opposite and she was steaming but managed to nod. She also hugged him again, and she whispered something that I had to lean in to hear.
"Thank you for everything, if it wasn't for you and Mr. Ange- I mean Mores, I don't think I could've been this happy. Thank you so much." She was tearing up and I so wanted to hug her but Issie had it handled. He brought her closer and rubbed her hair playfully.
"It was my pleasure, I can say that with utmost certainty." He said with that trademarked smile. They walked off to Issie's home, I slinked back into the open behind them. At this exact moment Asia turned back and saw me, she asked Issie something and he nodded, he went off ahead out of view. I was confused until she came barreling down and gave me a flying hug. I nearly lost my balance and because of that, I had to spin us to keep upright.
"Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!" Asia squealed. I simply chuckled and ruffled her hair.
"That's what wingmen, and friends, are for," I told her, giving her a great big thumbs up. She looked up and smiled brightly, copying my action and also giving me a thumbs up.
"Your the best friend I've ever had Mr. Ange-err I mean Mores." She corrected herself. To that, I laughed. "It's okay. You can call me Mr. Angel, all though I doubt I am one. At least the ones your thinking of." I told her.
She smiled up at me and broke the hug. "Then it's settled, and by the way. I think you are the exact type of angel I've always dreamed of meeting." She left and ran after Issie. I smiled, feeling all warm and nice.
I heard the choir of church bells, this time louder than any of the rest. Curious I checked and saw what I expected, but with a little extra towards the bottom. Also, I learned a new skill, neat.
Congratulations, you have maxed out the Priestess arcana!
Rank 10/10
Effects: Guardian angel. Holy light. Eternal trust. Guardian angel: To her, you and your creatures are her guardian angel(s), make sure to prove you're worthy of it. +40% increase in defensive magic and summoning abilities when training with Asia.
Holy Light: Even though she was excommunicated by the church and will become a devil in the future heaven still sees her as a precious daughter and their future sister in arms. As her close friend, you are also seen highly by all of heaven's residents. +40 to light affinity. Greatly improved standings with Heaven and the church.
Eternal trust: she has chosen you to be her first true friend and confidant. She trusts you with her life, does not squander this. Effects unknown.
Mr. Angel: Due to your friendship with the priestess you get access to all personas of the same type and a special surprise when you fall asleep. WARNING! THIS WILL NOT BE THE SAME AS THE LAST TWO, DON'T HOLD ANYTHING AND ANYONE BACK: this last sentence will be removed after tonight.
Shadow walk. Active, level: 45(34.6%) Mp cost: 200 per hour. Used by intermediate dark users. A technique that allows one to blend into the shadows. Higher versions of this technique can be used to hide in any shadow, even the shadow of the inside of an organism. Often used for speedy assassinations.
'One, What the fuck for that last bit of the arcana page. Two, how the fuck did that thing get so many levels, it's a new skill for crying out loud!' I screamed in my head. The skill one was easy to figure out, I've been using it nonstop for like twelve hours straight. The arcana one is what I'm most worried about, shit!
"Damn, I can't strategize when I don't know what will happen, especially with something like this happening when I go to sleep." I murmured, walking back to my abode, still trying to figure it out.
{Well it's obviously a warning about something powerful, any priest type characters you know of that are worthy of such a warning?} Bahamut asked me as I opened my door, it was already light blue outside. Lilly hugged my leg and dragged me to watch cartoons, I wasn't paying attention to the show.
'A few, some for their bodyguards. Especially Asura's Wrath…...oh my God. I'm fighting Mithra, and by extension, her star busting daddy!' I was paler than normal at that point, sweating from the utter terror of facing someone who can kill Goku and Superman, easily in fact! {Partner! Calm yourself, not even Ragnorak is that demented to}
'You don't know him like I do! I created him to be a massive, sadistic troll who loves to screw with people and turn entire universe into confetti!' My mental panic increasing by the second, I was so engrossed in my panicking I didn't notice that it was midnight until Bahamut took control of my arm and slapped me.
{Calm yourself! If he wanted you dead he would've thrown you into a raid event by yourself. Now think man, is there anyone else he could use?} My partner asked me, the slap had knocked the sense into me and I calmed down. "Only one other, a heretic god in the Hive pantheon. Nokris." I told him aloud, Lilly was still sleeping on my lap, she barely moved at my voice but otherwise didn't show any signs of waking up.
{Well, either way, you are fighting a god.} My partner clarified, I used the shadows to pull a blanket from a rocking chair and draped it over Lilly and I. Instantly I felt the need to sleep overpowering my will to stay awake. I passed out and drifted through space.
"Please be Nokris, please be Nokris." The fact I was wishing for that particular bastard showed how little I wanted to fight Asura. At least I have a chance of winning against Nokris, even with his bull shit difficulty. Those who did his strike on heroic difficulty know my pain.
As the dark receded I found myself in an empty underground cavern, six stone pyres stood around an elevated piece of earth, a hive portal stood tall against the wall. It erupted into a vortex of dark magic, I smiled. "Thank God I didn't get Asura, also I need cover." With that monologue I dove behind one of the many large boulders, I held off from summoning. I didn't want to screw up my chances of bringing him over to my side if I can.
I didn't have to wait for long, peeking from behind I watched as one of Oryx's sons floated out of the portal. His billowing crimson robes the only thing that touched the ground, his hands were little more than a palm and three finger-like talons for both hands. Two upward curled horns sat on his head, a crooked crown, it looked reminiscent of Oryx's own horns. Ironically he had very human-like teeth but that's where the shared characteristics of humanity and him begin and end. Three green eyes sat in the upward center with the third one in the lower middle. Did I forget to mention he was massive? Because he's forty feet high!
I Observed him, and he did the same for me. I just had more information.
Nokris.
Titles: Master necromancer. Heretical son. Herald of Xol.
Level: 450
Bio: One of the two sons of Oryx, the taken King. Nokris was unlike his brother who showed impressive physical strength and use of the word logic. Nokris took to magic and uncovered forbidden tomes that spoke of hive necromancy, something forbidden and seen as heresy. He learned he had an affinity for the forbidden art and practiced it until he could raise just about anything from the dead. His father, of course, found out and cast him out, shortly after he made a pact with Xol. They attempted to conquer mars but were frozen somehow and both were defeated by the guardian. He also remembers every player who defeated him, so he remembers each time you killed him for minor loot. Good luck in beating him, he rather...murderous today~
[Bgm begin. 'Nokris's them' Bungie]
Oh shit, that's not good. Not good at all, and now he's glaring at me. Crap he knows who I am. "Warlocks are still better than wizards!" I had to dodge a shower of flames for that quip. He snarled and went back to his portal, activating it instantly and the thralls, acolytes, and knights poured in.
"High council arise! Summon death gun!" I screamed, My summons arose around me. Death gun looked at the horde of Hive coming towards us. "Yes you can kill them, also, catch." I tossed him the thorn I had in my inventory. He grabbed it and fired the entire clip, all headshot kills. He reloaded right as more thrall came for him, Wraith sliced and diced most of the thrall that got to close. Acolytes circulated to our blind shot and fired. My defenders blocked the boomers and I sent them alight with black flames, it left no ashes. Knights vaulted over our cover and swung their blades at my throat. Cerberus's three heads crunched their upper halves, while I collected their swords.
That left Nokris alone, for now, he growled further and shot volley after volley of dying star attacks at our cover, I pulled my summons back behind cover so they weren't instantly disintegrated. My most daring summons, aka Death gun and Remains of the Damned. Jumped out of cover despite my protests and leaped at the prince. Nokris blasted away death gun but Remains slammed his holy blade through the leg of the prince. It screeched and ripped him off, trying to throw him off but the Remains escaped from the wizard's slow hands. It backflipped and landed on the ceiling, it pressed it's advantage and continued doing hit and run based attacks.
Death Gun laid down and started sniping the prince from between cover. Each shot paralyzed and hit Nokris's big head. Each time Nokris would turn his attention towards Sterben, Remains would deal a deeper cut. Likewise, when Nokris focused on Remains he couldn't protect himself from Death gun's pinpoint accurate shooting. They trapped him in an agro loop! 'Yes!'
"Now, attack! Bring him down!" I yelled, standing on a boulder and leaping into the fray, my summons was close behind me. I summoned sword after sword and hurtled them at Nokris's skull, Wraith activated Supernova and the cursed knights and defenders waddled after us. The keeper was already slicing at Nokris's heels.
The prince hissed and poured solar energy into his chest and pushed the energy outwards, sending a pulse wave out and smacking all of my summons and myself against the walls. He retreated towards the gate, first he resurrected all the minions we killed and surrounded himself in an impenetrable barrier. Two of the stone towers erupted and revealed their true forms as green crystals. More assorted goons poured into the portal, I and my summons ended up fighting back to back against the horde of the hive.
I was blocking thrall claws and parrying Knight blades. The sheer amount of strength each one put in their swings threatened to cut me in two. Snapping the thrall's necks with their own shadows I engulfed the Knights in the lighting of untold fury, but more and more took their places. "Endless, horde." Wraith managed to get out, His claws drenched in Hive ash. "We need to kill Knights!"
"We've already killed a bunch of them and they just come back!" Deathgun stated the obvious, his blade going through several thralls before he decapitated a ballsy acolyte that got to close.
"The ones we need to kill glow green. Remains! Find them and throw the orbs they drop into those crystals! There what charges Nokris's shield." I ordered my summon. It nodded and hopped out of the chaos. I would've helped but I had my hands full trying not to get skewered.
I used my earth affinity to create a tidal wave of rock and launched the Hive in the air. I used Death's Arsenal and impaled them upon countless blades. I opened my inventory and pulled out my scythe, perfect time for mastery farming. I entered a stance and waited for the eager Hive, as they struck against the pole I flipped it in my hands and swung the curved blade and decapitated a whole wave of thrall. A knight tried to strike from behind but I blocked it with the metal, my hands a blur as I use the pole to push the Hive into perfect kill range and sliced it in two.
"Reap what is sown." I murmured, my hands a blur and weapon a blur as I became a living blender. Obliterating Hive that tried to attack, I moved over to support death gun and mowed down any that would strike his back. He repays the favor by killing enemy snipers. Wraith is enjoying himself, no need to get in his way. I pole vaulted over the ledge and carved a path to the center. As I was about to destroy even more hive two consecutive explosions rocked the room as Remains destroyed the crystals.
Nokris narrowed his eyes at my army. He charged his dying star and blasted Cerberus to dust. My men and I turned our attention to him and ignored the fodder, blades were drawn and we all attacked. Nokris created a torrent of flames and wiped out the knights and defenders of the damned. The Keeper jumped off a thrall's spine and stabbed its blades in two of the three eyes of Nokris. A large torrent of fire reduced the Keeper to ash a moment later. Death gun loaded explosive shells into his sniper and blasted one of Nokris's horns off.
Screaming in agony Nokris ran back to his perch. Two more crystals came out, healing Nokris and regrew the broken horn. He can also move freely now.
"Out of the center! Back to the boulder!" I ordered my summons, they nod and high tail it back. I ran back with them, stomping the ground and creating walls of rock behind me so we could recuperate. "Okay, I bought us a minute or two. We need a plan." I told them, we couldn't keep this up. My remaining summons nodded grimly. Death gun's mask spouted steam like his sniper. Our numbers have been reduced dramatically to the four of us.
"Okay, what we need to do is go straight for the glowing knights. In this stage, I know exactly where they spawn, the two opposite corners of the cavern. Wraith and Death gun, you handle the right. Be extra careful of Nokris's attacks, he can and will two shot you guys, and remember, throw the orb at the crystal to destroy it. He can't move but he can still shoot. Remains and I will handle the left! Any questions or concerns?"
Death gun offered one. "Just go balance breaker and nuke the bitch."
"I can't, not now. It only lasts five minutes, he'll survive in his third stage and then I'll run out of mana, you guys disappear and I'm left manaless and a deadman against all those mobs. When he goes into his third phase and the last crystals are gone then I'll use it. Not before." I explained. Death gun nods and reloads his guns.
The walls begin to crumble from the horde waiting outside and Nokris's own powers. We go into our groups and I open a small pathway for all four of us, we dash through. Wraith and death gun cut through the horde while Remains and I jump on top of the horde, removing heads as we go along. I spot our target and it spots us. It primes its boomer but I Assimilate the shot, and even then just barely succeeds. I Retorted and it destroyed it's gun and left hand. Howling it drew it's blade and tried to destroy us, but without two hands the sword is uncontrollable and we slip through and stab the hive in the throat, killing it instantly. I grab the orb and throw it, the crystal explodes.
Death gun throws his and hits his target. Nokris's shield went down, we pounded him. I harnessed the power of the dark and turned Nokris's own shadow against him. Spikes and jagged blades of shadow stabbed into his back. Black flames and lighting engulfed him, the earth devoured his legs and kept him from dodging all the elemental punishment I was dishing out.
Death gun implanted explosive round after round into Nokris's big head, when he ran out of ammo for his main gun, he tossed it in his inventory. Pulling out the Thorn and sword he charged and he and Remains dashed around him, scouring large gashes all over Nokris's body with Death gun using the Thorn and it's poison needles to great effect.
Wraith handled the remaining horde, cleaving and ripping them apart. Supernova for the knights and biting the heads off of acolytes and thrall. Their worms were reduced to meat chunks under his sharp claws.
Screaming, Nokris brought up his last shield. The last crystals appeared, just begging to be destroyed. He revived whom he could and the portal brought even stronger mooks. Five Ascendant Knights and Witches. Even an Ascendant Orge stomped through the portal. 'Shit! The ascendant hive was not part of the plan!' I pulled Death gun and Wraith back with the shadows before the Ascendant hive could get them. Remains charged at the Ogre and stabbed its fleshy head sack. It screamed and tried to get the skeletal creature off it, but its arms were too small to grab the Remains. Remains, taking his blade, hopped off and as the Ogre fired dozens of projectiles I brought up a tidal wave of darkness to swallow the projectiles whole.
Nokris was able to move and angled to get pod shots whenever he could, but I erected walls of stone and dark to keep him off us as long as I could. His Ascendant generals went into the fray, killing their own kind for the chance to kill us. The four of us were backed into a corner of the cavern, desperately keeping the tidal wave of hive off us.
"Where Knights?!" Wraith asked me, barely keeping an army of thralls at bay. "I don't know! They spawn within the horde, they could be anywhere in that mess!" I told him, my scythe destroying countless hive yet more kept coming. The worst part was when I would try to heal they would all leap at me. 'So far we've been able to keep them off but when that elite Hive gets here things won't go well.' I thought, blasting acolytes in the back with Chaos bolts and Chaos Smashers.
That's when I saw one of the glowing green Hive knights in the back. I used Death's grasp to pull him forward and Death gun leaped over and ripped it's head off. The orb dropped into my hand and I tossed it into the crystal. It, of course, exploded but this time it took out some of the lesser hive. I tried to scan for the last one but an Ascendant wizard pulled me out of our makeshift formation. Reacting more than thinking I used Shadow Morph to push the Ascendant wizard closer into me and I snapped its neck with my bare hands. The corpse dropped me and when I landed I saw the final knight.
Dashing towards it I leaped over the Ascendant knights that tried to decapitate me. The Ascendant Ogre, wizards and Nokris all tried to blast me into oblivion. I melted into the shadows of the various lesser hive to escape their range. Traversing between shadows the chaotic lesser hive made me lose my target, but I found it again. That blasted knight was about to run Death gun through, picking up one of the many fallen knight weaponry I plunged the blade through its chest and pushed until it fell out the other end.
The orb fell through and death gun grabbed it. He nodded at me and tossed it, except unlike every other time, it missed the target! Nokris and I saw it and we both dashed towards it, my scythe and I became a tornado of steel and vitriol, Nokris had to blast away the lesser Hive just to progress forward. We both reached out, but I cheated. Using the orb's own shadow I pushed it into my own hands and I hurled it at the crystal. I did not miss.
The crystal exploded and wiped out all the lesser hive, Nokris's shield, and the portal. He won't be able to summon more. Sadly it also took out Remains and Death gun. Wraith was barely holding on himself but the Ogre blasted my Wraith to bits.
Eleven greater hive versus one me. I whose mana is will be toast if in five minutes. "{I like these odds.}" Bahamut spoke in reality, the Assimilation gear flashing into existence. I deadpanned at the gear, but soon I was smiling and even chuckling as they the Ascendant knights swung their axes at me.
"Me too." As their axes got closer I could feel my smile grow larger. I was indeed having the time of my life, no matter how much I complain I so love this lifestyle. "{Balance break!}"
Our transformation was quicker than normal, or the entire world stopped for a moment. The axes hurtling towards my neck met the cold scales of my open palms. I caught two in each hand and snagged the fifth with my teeth. Melting the four but spitting the one in my mouth in my inventory. "Death's Arsenal," I whispered.
They backed off, pulling more axes from the void, it was only fair I do the same. Reaching into my arsenal I pull out a sword all of the greater hive recognize instantly. The Ascendant Knights kneel to the sword out of loyalty, the Ascendant wizards shrunk back in fear and the Ogre was in the middle. Nokris, Nokris, however, chose a different reaction; full-blown anger, and it was because of this anger he finally spoke.
"That blade! How did you take control of it?! How dare you turn that wretched thing against me!" He screamed and cursed me out in his native tongue. The sword that I withdrew was that of the taken king, Oryx's own blade. It hummed with the power I expect from the late king.
"My, my, you truly do have daddy issues don't you." I taunted, walking forwards, taking the heads of the knights. Their power flowing into the sword but it was blocked by how my balance breaker worked. The Ascendant wizards along with Nokris and the Ogre all shot at me with their ranged abilities. Oryx's blade spun in my hands and blocked their magic, though some of it still skimmed past my arms and legs, and I felt them as they pass
I tossed the blade into the skull of the Ogre and used Death's Grasp to push the blade further in, at least until it collapsed. Turning my gaze to the Ascendant witches I dashed forwards, not wasting any more time. They blasted their strongest magic but I Assimilated their attacks without fail. I ripped the nearest one to me in half and Retorted two others into oblivion, the last one and Nokris combined their magic and managed to blast me back into the wall. As the dust settled I could hear them chuckling, and while it did take a third of my health.
"I'm far from dead," I whisper into their ears, emerging from the shadow of the dead Ogre, sword in hand. The Witch tried to attack first, but I flashed behind it and ran Oryx's blade through it. The corpse fell off the blade, leaving it slick with Ascendant blood. I walked up to Nokris, waving his father's blade, getting rid of the blood. Nokris snapped and launched dying stars with one hand and the other his fire bolts. The sword protected me from both, the blade cutting through his foul magic. Then I thrust straight up through him before he could gasp I tackled him and forced him to fall. We land with a thud, blade in his gut and chest and nearly pointing out. I push deeper, enjoying the cunt's screams of agony.
In a last-ditch effort of defiance or rage, he charged up his strongest dying star attack and smashed it in my face. My head exploded in a shower of gore and scales, I'm sure he was smirking at that point, but all that bravado disappeared when my head grew back. Another third of my health gone. "That hurt… but not as much as this will hurt you." I tell him, pushing the blade further in, twisting it all the while. Not caring if he died at this moment. He screamed in agony but refused to beg for mercy, he was Hive after all. Even on death's door, they accepted it as a part of natural history, but what happened next was far from natural.
"That is enough." My balance breaker was instantly destroyed by this creature's voice. How do I know this? I still had two minutes left on my counter, so with its voice, it destroyed my balance breaker. Then I felt it's presence, my strength was sapped away, to the point where I fell off Norkis and could barely keep my head up. 'This pressure. Not even a mad Sirzechs gave off a presence this imposing.' I thought, barely keeping my head up. My light element drained away, I could barely feel it anymore. Then the creature came in.
Large is too weak a word for this creature, Titanic is also weak but is the closest word I could think to describe it. Both in power and size. It broke through the upper level of the cavern, an alabaster worm with glowing yellow pods on the side. It turned, it's body not even halfway through the hole, a bone maw, like a carnivorous plant, opened and in the center was a bright golden eye that could've been passed as a jewel.
"Do you know who I am, child of death?" It asked me, voice booming but not violent or even trying. I raised my head as much as I could, just barely meeting the golden eye with my own. "You are Xol, the worm god of a thousand voices." Observe.
Xol of a thousand voices
Titles: worm god of forbidden knowledge. 'Weakest' one. Ascendant hive.
Level: 10,000
Bio: The Hive worm god of forbidden knowledge. This beast made a pact with the casted out son of a sword bound King and made to conquer Mars. However he was stopped twice, first by Rasputin freezing the planet, second by guardians who; 'slew' him. Although he is known as the weakest of the worm gods he is still stronger than almost anything in your world. Don't. Die.
'That explains why his presence is so powerful.' I thought, his level is so much bigger than anything I've witnessed, even in overpowered Gamer stories I read when I was human, a creature like this would be reserved as the final boss of that world or universe; just not for me.
"You are a knowledgeable child of death. Not only that but strong as well." He...complimented me? I was so confused. Nokris managed to pull out his father's sword and with merely a look Xol fully healed Nokris. "You would've killed my herald had I not stopped you. Truly, you are strong and I sense no iota of arrogance in you. Perhaps we can help each other?" If I had the room my jaw most certainly would've dropped. Nokris did it for me.
"Master! What could he offer you that is important enough for you to, not only spare him but that he could help you in any form?!" I hated to admit it, but I was with Nokris on this one. If Xol wanted to, he could erase me just by slithering on me. Xol chuckled, wish I could make that up. Since it was the most baffling and horrifying sight I could recall.
"What I desire of you, is the death of not only the taken king but of all my kin." My head jerked up out of shock, giving me just enough time for my jaw to drop through the earth. "Why do you want the other worm gods dead? I understand Oryx since he's a cunt but the other worm gods?" I managed to ask, Oryx I could understand since he killed a worm god and was, well, Oryx; but the other worm gods?!
"You do not do what you told without explanation. I have indeed chosen the correct Gamer for this mission. The reason why I asked for you to kill my kin is simple, it is so my head will become the most powerful of the Ascended and my worms would be the only way for others to follow in Ascendancy. It is a, how you say, a win-win situation for all three of us. I gain power from new sources, my herald becomes the strongest of the hive and you gain access to not only control the hive, and become Ascended in all but name, but I and Nokris would be under your strategic mind as well. As a show of good faith, Nokris will serve you as well as me."
I got the notification that Nokris would become a summon but it got pushed back for a large quest screen that overtook my entire field of vision.
Legendary quest obtained: When a worm god comes to a calling. Hunt down Oryx and the other worm gods to make Nokris truly an Ascended hive, the best that ever will be.
Time Limit: Unlimited.
Rewards: 100,000 levels. Ascendancy and a throne world. Hive armies. Xol and upgraded Nokris as summons. Title: Ascended Worm slayer.
Failure: not an option.
Accept: Y?
I couldn't even say no, so I said yes because that's my only choice. "I accept your mission. I can't wait to see the fruits of this mission." I told the worm god. I know there is no way to physically tell what the worm god felt, but I had a feeling he was happy. He nodded his head and left through yet another hole, Nokris followed his god like a loyal dog. Xol's massive presence left and I could breathe again.
"I didn't even know I was holding that in." I rasped. My light affinity coming back to normal. He really does repress light. {Holy fuck.} Was Bahamut's only response, and I could definitely relate.
"Well, I got what I came for." As I was about to leave I saw Oryx's sword was still here. Picking it up with both hands I felt a surge of power that I never felt before. I dropped it in shock. 'Observe!' I screamed mentally.
Sword of the taken king. The sword of a king.
Effects: takes the power of any enemy killed with this sword, through the old logic of the sword. However, these gifts only work for non-hive when they are in contact with the blade and only if they are strong enough themselves to handle such a power.
Current effects: Ascended Knights: +800 strength X5. Ascended Witch: 800 Intelligence. Ascended Ogre: 800 Vitality.
Level requirement to use safely: 1000.
'Oh, my god. Oh my god.' {Oh my god} Both I and my partner thought as we read this inscription. So using Death's grasp I gently placed the blade in my inventory. 'I'll wait till tomorrow to check my screens. I definitely sleep after today.' Bahamut agreed completely and we left.
{Alright. Clarify, just in case I get that one person in that comment section. Xol doesn't serve Mores at this point. Nokris serves Mores and Xol, two masters. Also, when the freak did I get 1000 likes?! Seriously, when did that happen? Regardless, I'm extremely grateful you all love my insanity. Next shall be the beginnings of season two, finally! I'm really excited about this season. Later my lovlies, until next I post!}