Margulis played his role well, though one has to wonder whether he doubted my words, or was simply overcome by the situation, lest he be an exceptional actor who simply wishes to make comments against the known truth. The whole event played out fluidly, the information provided seems more a subconscious tag than a conscious instruction. One could not complain at such however, should they 'forget' these things and continue as if it were all unexpected it guarantees no mistakes or slips of the tongue. No information shall be given to them that they are not required to possess.
So they've reached the Zohar at last. Shion must now cope with the Zohar control mechanism and equally in such, destroying it. How difficult it shall no doubt be for her, she struggles greatly with any emotional 'trauma'. Though despite that weakness, she is equally capable of great strength and stubbornness.
At this point in time they shall no doubt be feeling relief, believing that it is all over and that their mission is a success. However, things shall not play out so simply for them, they're not alone after all, Sergius will not lose the Zohar so easily.
Why do they find it so very difficult to believe that Realians would be used in such a manner? This is from the time of the Miltian conflict and before, Realians had no rights, they were not considered living beings. They were far more fitting for this role than humans, and far more capable.
How much is Sergius likely to say? The man loves the sound of his own voice far too much; making it unlikely that he will say nothing. I doubt he will provide anything in-depth however, even if he does believe that they're going to die. He isn't quite that much of a fool, though perhaps not too far off.
Yes, as expected, the existence of Ormus has been revealed, as well as their belief of the purpose of Ormus. His take on it is rather more selfish than that of the others though; Sergius has always been rather power hungry. Despite that, he still manages to preach well, that is perhaps the only reason he gained the position of Patriarch.
Yeshua's friends don't seem particularly enthralled by his words, not that such a response comes as a surprise of course. Despite any selfish behaviour bestowed by them, they are in some ways the typical sheep, ever requiring unity, protection of each other, of the weak.
Under the threat of U-DO appearing, will you ignore Shion's wishes to protect her? I don't doubt that you would at this point in time, KOS-MOS, however I don't believe that it will come to that. She will make Shion act, though the girl will still struggle, not understanding the point behind it, perhaps her brother may be able to shed some light on that for her.
Even without knowing what is to come, some things are far too obvious. Unsurprisingly I was completely correct in my presumption of events. KOS-MOS went to act, Shion tried to stop her, Febronia intervened and Shion reluctantly agreed, and is sulking over it and will no doubt continue to do so until someone knocks some sense into her.
Proto Omega's existence is revealed, you shall not keep your toy for long however Sergius, so do be sure to enjoy it while you have the chance. And now comes the end of this planet's existence, and unto its place shall appear the Omega System. Yet a new challenge, before once again things change. What will you be thinking of this I wonder…?
--
So Dmitri Yuriev has finally revealed himself, Nigredo's function was to allow his return as expected. His fear of death is ridiculously strong, to go so far just to avoid it, regardless of the consequences it may incur… Only a fool would desire immortality so flippantly, he has given no thought to what such an existence means. His fear removes the sensibility that warns of the truth of immortality.
The death, destruction and degradation one must endure, ever being alone, trapped in whatever may occur, for better or worse. There is only so much one can do before an escape is desired. Humanity is only able to exist because it has the release of death to look forward to, even if they seem to be quite incapable of understanding that.
Sergius is no better, no; perhaps I should say he isn't much better, certainly he doesn't go to nearly the same desperate lengths to exist, though he does believe that he is omnipotent, as is Dmitri's aim. Neither is nor ever shall be however, irrespective of how hard they try or what they believe.
Speaking of Sergius, I think it is about time that Margulis paid him a visit, and made him aware that he is not the 'master' of the Inquisitors. Sergius shall be less than pleased with the events, but shall no doubt continue to believe that he is untouchable, time shall prove the falsity in that belief.
"Margulis."
"Yes, Your Eminence?"
"The time has come to visit the one who has lost faith and seeks only power. I leave it to you to let him know his place."
"With pleasure, I'll make him understand that he isn't the true power of Ormus, and that his time is up."
Yes, of course you will, try at least, though I wouldn't assume that everything will be that easy. Sergius is not one to accept such things so willingly. Still, the experience will prove to affect him, even if only a little and unnoticeably on the surface. Though it matters little in the end, and that end is soon to come. I think perhaps I shall watch how Margulis handles this, as well as Sergius.
"Reinforcements? Damn Federation… Do they really want to destroy us that badly? Hmph. It matters not. I'll show them the errors of their ways." Sergius stated, continuing once a hologram of Margulis appeared. "Margulis. Take the fleet and eliminate them!"
Margulis laughs gently, urging Sergius to speak again. "What is it? Margulis, did you not hear me?"
"I think perhaps it would be better if you went yourself, Holiness." Margulis stated finally.
"What? Have you lost your senses, Margulis? I am your master! Now do as I say!"
"You appear to misunderstand the situation. We Inquisitors serve but one master. Surely, Your Holiness is aware of that." Margulis moved the hologram behind Sergius before continuing. "Everything has translated exactly as we have planned. All that's left now is for you to die a martyr, Holiness."
"Damn you! You can't mean Heinlein?!"
"I bid you farewell, Holiness…"
Good, that was handled well, Margulis can be rather too…enthusiastic, at times, but that was relatively flawless. Even if he were to somehow get out of this alive, which won't happen, he would have no knowledge of 'our' plans, nor any proof of the events that took place, especially 'Heinlein's' involvement.
--
Ignoring the inevitable scene of Shion moping and Jin trying to help her, all that remains is to wait for Dmitri to contact his 'beloved son' to press them further. Their arrival in the Omega System is required after all. How else can we expect Albedo's appearance and resurrection to be properly appreciated?
Your friends shall have some difficult challenges within the Omega System, Yeshua. You are aware of that aren't you? After all, you know the power of the Zohar all too well. Will you believe in them, and yourself? Or will you trust that I won't allow them to get hurt, too badly at least?
What defences are waiting within for you? Inversion, Cathedral and Sergius, along with Proto Omega, that should be all non-menial opponents I believe. Inversion shall most likely prove to be the biggest threat, providing due care and common sense is used, Cathedral is easy enough and as for Sergius, Testament shall handle any problems they may have with him.
"It is coming time to pay Sergius a visit. Do not allow him to harm them, destroy him and Proto Omega, and return Albedo to the stage." Wilhelm stated, the message going to all three of the Testament.
Virgil appeared in the room shortly afterwards. "Do I get to have some fun, or are we just there for show?"
"Work it out between yourselves Virgil; it makes little difference to me who ends Sergius' existence. If you want to have some fun with the old fool, then be my guest."
"What are you doing? Master Wilhelm has more important things to do." Kevin stated obnoxiously upon appearing in the room.
"Now, now, behave yourselves. Let Virgil act this time, he still has much to learn after all. Now prepare yourselves to act, and remember, you are the Testament, work together, not against each other."
"Yes Master Wilhelm." The three conceded before leaving Wilhelm's office.
--
Albedo has acted, unsurprisingly trying to aid his twin, while claiming to be there for other reasons. While it is true Albedo is after the power of U-DO, his goal is not the power itself, as it is with his father. Unlike Dmitri, Albedo understands that immortality can be far more of a curse than it is ever a gift.
So now they are set to fight him…let me see the shining light of your wills then, prove that you are set on your path, no matter what it may bring your way. If Yeshua is to put his faith in you then you must be worthy of that, those who will betray or fail him have no place in this play. I will not allow anyone to harm him, even though I must make things difficult for him. Wonderful, the final curtain for Sergius has arrived. Let us see how they perform.
Sergius commands Proto Omega to fire at Shion's group, but it failed to fire. "What's going on? What's wrong? Work! Come on, work!"
"The Zohar does not exist for your sake." Kevin stated bluntly as the three appeared with their E.S units.
"Who's there?"
Virgil took the opportunity to speak. "We'd appreciate it if the supporting actors could just stick to their roles." Ignoring the comments, he continued. "Exit the stage. Your act is over."
"No! I am all power—" Sergius yelled as Virgil destroyed him and Proto Omega.
Perhaps I haven't given Virgil enough credit; he handled that much better than I had expected him to. While his usual traits of sarcasm and sadism were present, he acted as a Testament. Ah, so Jan Sauer and Voyager are reunited at last, the cyborg has retained some of his memories then.
And unto the resurrection of Albedo we move at last. One final test remains until our interlude then, are you ready Yeshua? The U.R.T.V will need your help to return safely from that place, but do be careful, we both know the truth of U-DO after all. Flee then for now, and allow the twins to make their peace, then 'that' shall come at last and the interval shall begin. Do make the most of it, for once it ends…
--
"It's coming… Abel's Ark…" Wilhelm muttered, watching it appear and disappear before addressing Yeshua. "It's been a long time…Yeshua. I'm pleased that you've come. But…Didn't you say you weren't going to intervene?"
A long time since you stood against me, a long time since you considered leaving my side, but those words don't need to be spoken out loud, we both know what I mean. It would hurt us both more to say it, wouldn't it? So how will you handle this Yeshua? How will you tell me that the promise of always being mine is null and void?
"I've made up my mind. I won't hold back anymore." Yeshua replied simply, no emotions present in his tone.
"That's wonderful. I'm thrilled…that you'll finally be entering the stage." Wilhelm stated nonchalantly, even though he felt like screaming at the other for being so cold.
It isn't like you Yeshua, I admit that hurt, is that how you feel when you talk to me? If so, all I can say is that I'm sorry; certainly I never meant to come across that way to you. In some ways, I'm proud of you, to handle things that way; it took a lot of strength. Perhaps that was the only way you could say it? Either way, it was only a matter of time and it was necessary for things to continue.
Well, it seems that the time has come for our little meeting at last, very well then, let the charade continue. "I see. So this is the Y-Data. But there's a great deal missing."
"But both he and the U-TIC Organization have completely poured through the Realian's main database." Virgil said, irritated from the lack of results.
"He only went as far as the subconscious." Kevin stated calmly.
"Below even that…in the lowest level of the unconscious domain… Are you saying the answer lies in the Unus Mundus?" Wilhelm asked, managing to sound sincere, even though his mind was elsewhere.
"Most likely."
"Really? Well, I suppose we'll leave it at that for now. When the path to Lost Jerusalem is opened, KOS-MOS will awaken."
"So, what will you do with him?" Virgil asked, referring to Albedo.
"I said it was a shame, didn't I?"
"There you have it. Good news, huh? Partner."
"Welcome… …weaver of the eternal circle of Zarathustra."
And so we continue until that time comes. Do make the most of the interval, for its end heralds the beginning of the end. Do take care, Yeshua, I shall look forward to watching your role, show me the strength of your will, and of your belief. No matter what, my promise remains, I shall always love you and I shall always do the best I can for you.
Well, that heralds the end of my favourite of the three (except for the lack of attack-all...), yes, like Shaami, I'm one of the few who liked XSII. So onto XSIII, I can continue straight away, I've been working hard for you. Must admit except for Wilhelm, I really don't think much to XSIII, all the stuff with Shion bored me to death, but since I don't have to write about Shion much the fic won't suffer for it, lol.
I'm expecting XSIII to last 9 chapters, finishing the fic on chapter 30, just to give you some idea of how much longer you have to suffer for. Don't kill me for the ending, blame Monolith, I am following canon after all, but I am going to try for a happier ending for the last chapter, honest. Don't know that I dare ask for reviews, lol, I think that's asking for trouble. Anyway, I'll shut up now, back in a week. Laters.