Chapter 24: The Pilgrimage in Hell. Guidance from a legendary poet.
Opening 1: Sequentia - Asriel
(Play Final Fantasy VII OST - Flowers blooming in the Church)
The final day of training was approaching. Aristides, Issei, and Kunou were all hardened after their training sessions.
"It's time to prepare for this upcoming battle..." Aristides remarked.
Issei and Kunou were approaching him as he overlooked the sky. They were just as anxious as Aristides was.
"We'll have to rest for the whole day. This battle will force us to use our stamina greatly." Aristides remarked, sensing them.
"I know... This will be a tough battle, but I know we can win. It's for the sake of Kunou and the Nekomata race whom died." Issei said.
All three teens had anxious expressions on their faces. Artemis came by, noticing the teens with their anxiety permeating off of them.
"Aristides, Kunou, Issei... I can sense that you're all anxious. Is it regarding about the battle you'll face?" The goddess questioned.
"I would be lying if I said it was nothing. After this, I'm planning to make an example of them for killing off a youkai species." Aristides said.
Issei and Kunou knew he was planning to commit genocide of the Phenex family as a form of retribution for the Nekomata being driven to near extinction.
"You're planning to destroy the Phenex household... I normally can't consider the prospect as retribution... However, I'm also grateful for you on ensuring their fate is sealed. Since the time of the Nekomata extinction, they have been seeking various places for asylum. I truly wished I could provide help to rescue the others." Artemis said.
"I know... Even a god has limits of their authority... However, that doesn't mean that you shouldn't stay in the shadows. You were the one who raised the Amazon warriors of Ancient Greece. The goddess whom made women into fine warriors that could make even a hardened male warrior fall to their knees. You still have that authority to raise any women as warriors before you." Aristides said.
"You're right, my nephew. Perhaps there may be more to you than meets the eye." Artemis said, smiling.
She then looked to Issei and Kunou. Both smiled of the interaction between the family members.
"You two have been good friends with Aristides. Please continue supporting him in case he loses his purpose." Artemis said.
"We will, Lady Artemis. He has helped me during a time when I almost died. I'm grateful for that." Issei said.
"I'm more than willing to be near him, especially if his mind is unsure. I want to support him both as a comrade and a fiancé." Kunou said.
Aristides scratched his head with a blush. He truly couldn't ask for anymore than the people he has been with.
(Flowers blooming in the Church OST ends here)
(Play Final Fantasy VII OST - Prelude)
The day for the battle has occurred. Aristides, Issei and Kunou had a battle ready expression. All three were now with Apollo. The gods were nearby, save for Ares, who was absent. All had a proud smile on their faces.
"We truly are grateful for the training here in Olympus, father. Grandfather, I will come back to visit again." Aristides said.
"My son, you have indeed become a true warrior throughout the years. The training you endured after all this time may have been a rough road, but I'm proud to see you standing, along with your friends. It is also worth mentioning that you have been able to find and correct the problems amongst us. A wisdom that Athena passed down to you is indeed one full of hope." Apollo said.
"Hope is a strong force. It's what makes any being, human or deity, strong. This is what reasons as to why we exist. If all else is lost, then its power is what we have left." Aristides said.
"My boy, you have wise words. I'm surprised Pandora didn't visit you. She too had those same words." Zeus said.
Aristides chuckled, knowing he may one day meet with Pandora.
"I'll be ready when she comes by. Send my regards to other Gods of Greece. I know there are lesser gods, but they too have their roles in life." Aristides said.
"I'll be sure to send your regards to them. Also, I haven't forgotten about the prophecy that Prometheus shared to you." Zeus said.
"I know. One day, I need to visit the realm of Tartarus so I can talk with the Titans." Aristides said.
Athena arrived and approached to both Issei and Kunou.
"You two have a lot of support for Aristides. I pray that the wisdom you learned will guide you in this fight." Athena said.
The trio noticed a calming sight. Prometheus was near Hestia, tending the sacred fire of Olympus. Her demeanor was more calm now that Prometheus was with her. She felt somewhat lonely without him.
"It's good to have you back, Prometheus." Hestia said in a tender tone.
"Likewise, Lady Hestia. I miss your presence." Prometheus smiled.
The three teens were preparing to use the Hyperion Gate to travel back to Kuoh. Before doing so, Persephone arrived, tackling Aristides with a deep hug, pressing her bosom on his head.
"Come back again, Aristides. I want to see you again." She begged.
Aristides pulled himself out of her breasts, taking a deep breath for oxygen. He then looked at Persephone, who was giving a tearful pout.
"I will come back to Olympus again. I'll send a letter to inform you all of my return." Aristides said.
Persephone smiled, before doing a bold move. She kissed Aristides on the lips. All of the Olympian gods were surprised of the young goddess. Demeter had a motherly smile as she watched the interaction.
"Oh my... My daughter is truly smitten with you, Aristides. I know you have Kunou as your fiancé, but I don't think Persephone would mind being with you." Demeter said.
"Demeter... Don't tease me too much." Aristides pouted with a blush, failing to hide it.
Kunou felt somewhat jealous after seeing the occurrence. However, she knew Aristides would be with her. Issei was equally shocked, seeing the action.
'I hope to any deity that I don't have too many girls after me... I think it might get competitive and frightful...' Issei thought with fear.
The three teens waved to the Olympian gods before crossing the Hyperion Gate.
(Prelude OST ends here)
(Play Final Fantasy VII OST - Opening)
Back in Kuoh, Rias and her peerage were awaiting Aristides to arrive. They were sitting patiently within the old school buulding.
"He should be here by now... Where is he?" She questioned.
Soon, a Hyperion Gate appeared. Rias watched as Aristides, Issei and Kunou appeared.
"We just got back from training in Olympus... Don't start with us." Aristides warned, knowing Rias was about to throw a brief tantrum.
"In any case, Grayfia will be here to transport you three to the battleground. That's where the Rating Game will take place." Rias said.
"So this so-called Rating Game takes place in a separate dimension where we can do as we please. However, there is a question that I must ask... How will we know what the arena will appear to be?" Issei asked.
"You'll see." Rias said.
Soon, Grayfia arrived. She was about to announce to Aristides till she noticed him and the two teens with the demi-god. Both were trained to the extreme through her deduction.
"I was recently informed of the Rating Game change from Riser's request. He wants you to meet with him within the Seventh Circle." Grayfia said.
"The Seventh Circle? What is that?" Aristides questioned, still scowling.
"Oh no..." Rias said, shivering.
"What is that place exactly? Why are you all shaking in fear?" Aristides persisted, noting Rias and her peerage.
"That realm is known as the Circle of Violence. This region is known for being a place where souls of the damned forever be immersed in the bloody Phlegethon." Grayfia explained.
"Wait, there was the same river back in Hades's realm. Isn't your description different?" Aristides said.
"You're right from your deduction, Aristides. This is not the Greek version of the river. This is the Judeo-Christian version, which is within a place called Hell. It was foretold by Dante Alighieri, whom wrote the Divine Comedy." Grayfia confirmed.
"Unlike a river of fire, this version you spoke of is but a large stream of boiling blood, judging by your earlier description of the Seventh Circle." Aristides said.
"You are correct, demi-god. Those who committed violence are drowned in the river. This same Circle is divided in three separate rings. Riser wished for you to arrive in the same region, using a sector of the Circle as a battleground." Grayfia said.
"So he wishes to use a region in Hell for those that are confined for violence as a battleground. How ironic to use that particular place." Aristides mused sadistically.
"Since Riser requested it, he already knows of the region." Grayfia commented.
"Lead the way then, Devil. I wish to end this fight without being immersed in your homeland." Aristides said.
"Careful with your words, demi-god. You may find this fight more dangerous than you think." Grayfia warned.
Aristides looked at Grayfia with a glare, channeling his aura through his left eye. It was glowing in a bright blue color.
"You haven't seen what I went through to acquire the strength I now possess. You should be the one to watch your words." Aristides snapped.
"No matter... Won't that eyepatch hinder you in battle?" Grayfia asked.
"You believe that this would hinder me... Foolishness." Aristides said, removing the patch off from his right eye.
His right eye was kept closed till he slowly opened it. The gray color it showed was bare for all to see.
"Do not mention anything about my eye again." The demi-god said, placing the eyepatch back to cover his right eye.
"Very well." Grayfia said, not wanting to anger Aristides any further.
Issei and Kunou knew he was edgy and angry for being near a Devil. They were sympathizing from his rage. Grayfia created a magic circle, causing everyone to teleport away from where they stood.
(Opening OST ends here)
(Play Dante's Inferno OST - Crossing the Styx)
The realm of Hell within the Seventh Circle was a place Aristides could say his depiction was right. It was a treacherous place. The very air around the realm was poisoned from the violence and bloodlust of all the wicked souls that are punished. The sky was obscured by dark, opaque, red clouds. The smell of blood permeated throughout the Circle.
"So this is the Seventh Circle... Very fitting for Devils to thrive in for bloodlust." Aristides darkly remarked.
"This is where most of our forces train to fight off any threat from the supernatural. I'll request someone whom can guide us to where the battlefield is, for I have no knowledge of the realm itself." Grayfia said, before disappearing.
'How can a wife of a Devil king not know this realm? Talk about blaspheming.' Issei mused.
Soon, a figure appeared to the three teens. It was a semi-transparent male, who was holding a staff with an opaque, dark purple orb at the head. He had sandy blonde hair and was wearing an off-white cloak.
"Who are you, shade or living?" Aristides asked.
Kunou could tell this man was a soul. However, she couldn't sense the energy from it.
'Something about this soul feels strangely...wise. It's as though I'm in the presence of a sage or a great poet.' She thought.
"At ease. I'm not living, though I once was. I'm known as Vergil." The soul named Vergil introduced.
"Vergil!? The great poet whom guided Dante through Inferno and Purgatory!?" Issei said with surprise.
Kunou was equally shocked, having heard of the poet. Aristides was mentioned about him thanks to the Olympian Gods.
"You have read the Divine Comedy it seems. Come, for I will guide you to the battlefield to where the Rating Game is taking place. Be cautious, you three. This realm is not for the weak-willed." Vergil warned.
"Guys, we should follow Vergil. He has knowledge of this region so we should listen to him." Issei said.
"I felt his soul... He was a virtuous poet writer during his time of living. There's nothing wrong with him." Kunou said.
Aristides kept calm, now able to trust the soul.
"Tell me, Vergil. Why do you reside here in Hell?" Aristides asked.
The poet paused for a moment before he gave a weary sigh.
"My role is to guide the lost souls in this Inferno and from Purgatory. It's a task from Paradise, which I must do. Though my actions are virtuous, I'm unable to cross to Heaven, for I can only follow my duty. I have not received the blessing of Christ, henceforth I'm bound here, guiding souls whose desire for redemption are shown." Vergil explained.
The group noticed a large chasm, which had a steep drop to a bloody, boiling river. The stink of the river permeated as it was constantly emitting a foul steam.
"This is the Phlegethon from which Dante Alighieri depicted..." Issei said.
"Yes, the bloody Phlegethon. See here are the souls who have done violence against one another." Vergil explained.
"What could have caused man to become so...consumed by their sins like this?" Aristides said, showing surprise.
"God gave free will to mankind. However, the king of all devils, the original Lucifer, caused sin to permeate. This caused the many teachings of god to become perverted, resulting what you all see. Thus, the wicked souls are forever damned here in this Inferno. This resulted in their punishment for denying God's blessing in their heart." Vergil answered.
"It's awful to think of such a horrible fate in the afterlife..." Kunou said.
"I see that only one of you is a mortal soul, but you two are not. I must ask as to what significance does he possess for you to join in this pilgrimage?" Vergil questioned.
"He houses one of the legendary beings of old times: The Red Dragon Emperor." Aristides answered.
"This mortal posses the Welsh Dragon!? Now I see why. For a mortal to possess the essence of the Welsh Dragon, it is not unheard of. However, their souls did not arrive in any of the three realms of the afterlife. The lost souls were all trapped within the Sacred Gear." Vergil said, looking at Issei.
"Forgive us for not revealing it to anyone but our allies, great poet. The Devils desire the power of the dragon and I couldn't allow that to happen. I also wished to protect my friend." Aristides apologized.
"You harbor virtuous thoughts, yet I can see there's anger burning within you. I will not ask, for it seems to be a private matter. However, I request you cast those thoughts aside temporarily. I'm here to guide you to the battlefield. Succumbing to anger right now will attract the damned souls here." Vergil said.
"Thank you, great poet." Aristides calmly said.
Soon, several wicked souls were seen rising from the hellish ground.
"Looks like we have a welcoming from them." Aristides said, equipping his sword.
Kunou and Issei also equipped their respective swords.
"Vergil, leave these damned souls to us. They don't seem to be insisting for us to pass through." Aristides spoke.
The poet disappeared in plain sight. The three teens began battling the souls that were confined for violence. They all looked bloodstained with hollow eye sockets. Their sockets contained nothing but a dark orange flame within them.
"These souls must have escaped from the Phlegethon. Let's ensure they don't cause trouble." Issei said.
They began slicing them down. Each time one of the damned souls was torn apart, white orbs were seen floating out.
"Those are...?" Aristides questioned.
Kunou held one of the orbs. She felt a presence within them. It made her realize what the orbs were.
"They're lost souls! We can save them from this Inferno if we can find an angel!" Kunou said.
Aristides channeled his divine light to the rest. They all stood still before disappearing with the light, leaving more souls to collect.
"That's the last of them..." Aristides said.
The teens noticed Vergil appearing in plain sight, though he still appeared semi-transparent.
"Poet, you were able to avoid them?" Issei asked.
"I'm but a shade. I cannot physically fight the forces of Hell, for I'm only here to guide you three to the battlefield." Vergil said.
The group stumbled upon a large cliff. There was no bridge anywhere, forcing everyone to stop. Several pillars were jutting out of the river, but they were too far.
"These pillars are too far for us to maneuver here... We can't cross the river like this." Issei said.
"I'm not sure if I can create platforms of light here... That river doesn't seem trusting to cross by air." Aristides noted.
"A good observation, for the river can sense any soul leaving off from it." Vergil confirmed.
Soon, bloody hands from the river emerged. They quickly slammed one of the pillars, which collapsed.
"That confirms my suspicion... How will we get across?" Aristides questioned.
Vergil soon made a loud whistling sound, seemingly calling for someone. By then, a large centaur appeared. The human half was male in appearance with red-orange hair. He appeared muscular, showing he trained in life. His lower section had a maroon color with thick hooves for feet.
"You summoned me, great poet?" The centaur asked.
"Nessus, we need your help to cross the river, for I'm here to guide my friends to a battlefield as requested from the Phenex Family." Vergil said.
"As you wish. Climb aboard everyone and hold on tight." The centaur named Nessus said.
"Nessus? The centaur whom Hercules slewed centuries ago via poisoned arrows?" Aristides asked with shock.
"Yes, I'm the same centaur whom Hercules slewed. Hydra's blood infused with the arrows he used to kill me. My past is of no importance for I must guide you all through the river." Nessus said.
"Okay then. What is your role here within this area?" Aristides asked.
"I keep the souls of the wicked forever drowning here in the Phlegethon. It's to serve their punishment for the violence they have wrought in life." Nessus explained.
"The damned here are better off in this region." Aristides commented.
"The souls of Alexander the Great, Atilla, Dionysus the First and Second, and all whom wrought violence are forever damned here. I cannot give full account to all the names here." Nessus said.
"We appreciate you helping us, great centaur. I also wish to forgive you of my relative for what he had done." Aristides said.
"Don't harbor vain thoughts of me, demi-god. I can see that you wish to find a form of repentance of my death. Yes, I'm aware you carry the blood of an Olympian, but's it's not the same. My role here is more preferable than being a target from mythology." Nessus reassured.
"Regardless, I truly wish there was a way for me to apologize in behalf from Olympus." Aristides said.
"You already gave me redemption from the moment you ask for repentance. That alone shows you're a virtuous one." Nessus commented.
Nessus made his way to the shallow region of the Phlegethon. It was a different region, away from the river. There, everyone climbed off.
"My thanks, Nessus." Vergil said.
"All is thanked for. Be wary, young souls. I wish you all luck in succeeding in the fight against the Phenex family." Nessus said.
Everyone noticed the other side away from the Phlegethon.
"What is this...?" Aristides quivered with slight fear.
Issei and Kunou were concerned as they could tell it was a fearsome place. It appeared to be a forest, but no leaves were spotted. The trees looked ghastly, almost dead-looking.
"Ease your thoughts, young ones. This is not what you perceive, for you all think with your sight." Vergil said.
"This is no forest..." Kunou realized.
"You're right, Kunou... It isn't..." Issei said before gasping.
"One may lay violent hands upon one's self. All whom wrought such pain against one's self are forever left here." Vergil cryptically said.
"What lies behind this shore?" Issei asked.
"Look well, and you will see that make my words...astonishing." Vergil said.
(Crossing the Styx OST ends here)
(Play Dante's Inferno OST - The Descent)
The three teens ventured with Vergil as cautiously as they could be. They all observed while the poet watched them with a careful eye.
"This is no forest at all... They are souls..." Issei realized.
"Yes. This is the Wood of Suicides. The very souls you see created this forest... They speak no longer, unless the branches break." Vergil said.
A loud screeching noise caught everyone's attention. It was a creature with a human female body, but with avian body parts.
"Harpies...?" Aristides asked.
"Yes. These wicked creatures feed on the souls's unholy trees that produce fruit. The fruit is what they feed on, but for any soul wandering here, they are compelled to take their own life here." Vergil warned.
"Suicide fruit... Lets be careful here..." Aristides said.
Soon, a flock of harpies flew by, setting their attentions to the teens.
"Hold your words, Vergil. This might get ugly." Issei said.
Aristides equipped his bow and began shooting arrows of light to the harpies. Some were hit, but the rest persisted.
"Is there a way for us to get them in the ground?" Issei asked.
Kunou noticed a suicide tree that had a fleshy core. She stabbed her nodachi in it, causing the tree to bellow a bloodcurdling screech. The harpies were forced on the ground, allowing the teens to finish them off.
"What on earth was that bloodcurdling screech?" Issei questioned.
Aristides looked at the tree, noticing a soul hanging on a noose. It's face was contorted from the branches of the trees, showing pain and sadness.
'This is a nightmare beyond comprehension... I rather not linger here too long.' Aristides thought.
The teens stayed close, easily frightful of the horrid place. Everything they saw were forsaken souls trapped in a twisted limbo of suffering as husks of their former selves.
"What could possibly prevent these souls from reaching Heaven? I may be a demi-god, but even I find this too cruel a punishment for those who's lives were robbed through suicide." Aristides commented.
"You harbor sympathy for the damned here. Perhaps you might also rescue the souls here as well to provide their freedom to Paradise." Vergil said.
"Great poet, who judges the fate of the damned in this Inferno?" Aristides asked.
"King Minos, former king and son of Zeus became the Judge of the Dead. He forever judges any soul after their lives filled with sin are done." Vergil answered.
"Minos!? I heard of him. He was a tyrant during his reign in the ancient world. I've read of his history back in Greece." Aristides said.
"I see that times have changed since the last time I guided a virtuous soul. None can know the present for it is forbidden for a damned soul to escape in their own." Vergil said.
Kunou looked at the souls with slight fear. Their expressions of pain, hopelessness, and grief are forever marked on their faces. Some souls appeared to be hanging from a rope-like extension, a noose, in their necks as they slowly become a part of the Wood of Suicides. Others were simply lying like a corpse with visible cuts in their skin, directly at their blood vessels. One particular soul had a large cut on its neck, frightening everyone who saw it the moment it looked up. She quickly clamped on to Aristides.
"What is their punishment?" Aristides asked, looking at the souls.
"When a soul quits a life from which it has uprooted itself, Minos judges it to the Seventh Circle. Here, it sprouts, shoots up like a sapling. No body, only pain... For it is unjust that any soul possesses that of which has robbed of itself." Vergil explained.
"My God..." Issei said.
"Come now. We mustn't linger here any longer." Vergil said.
The group didn't hesitate to move and continued traveling.
"This place is creepy..." Kunou said.
"I agree. Let's get out of here..." Issei agreed.
Not wanting to linger in the Woods of Suicide, the group quickly fled the region.
(The Descent OST ends here)
The group arrived at what appeared to be a realm of burning sand. The very grains were akin to embers floating within a forest fire as they felt hot to the touch. The sky was also a fiery shroud of orange red clouds as a rain of fire was constantly falling, burning the sand.
"We are still within the Seventh Circle?" Issei asked.
"Yes, this is the last region of the Seventh Circle, the Abominable Sands. Here, the violence against the deity by denying his heart are the forsaken, who are forever trapped here." Vergil explained.
"Violence against God's art, which is nature, is also punishable here. Such vengeance against the deity is to be feared, no?" Aristides asked.
"Yes, those who caused such destruction are punished here as well. The seven kings who beseeched Thebes reside in this realm. They fear not of that vengeance." Vergil answered.
Aristides looked ahead through the scorching desert. Several ruins and palaces of old cities laid waste here. They all had symbols of the Holy Cross, withering away as dust in the fiery desert.
'Much of this place looks like an old town or a desecrated village that has been engulfed by the desert. Nothing of it, save for a few ruins, can be known of this place.' Aristides thought.
Strangely, he could spot an area where the sand is unable to touch. Vergil, knowing what the demi-god was thinking, began explaining.
"Here, this is where you three must fight Raiser. The arena lies ahead, where the Phlegethon drains. Follow the river, for the arena is located near the bloody waterfall." The poet said.
"Great poet, will we meet again?" Issei asked.
"Gird yourself for the battle that lies ahead. Think not of me. Should you all prevail, I will guide you back to the world of the living." Vergil answered.
"Thank you, Vergil. You have been a helpful friend." Aristides thanked.
"Godspeed, my friends." Vergil said, before disappearing.
The three teens had a serious expression on their faces. They were ready to reach the battlefield. The travel was dangerous as the rain of fire and burning sands were treacherous.
"The fiery rain would prove to be dangerous to travel through if we go unprotected." Aristides said.
"I agree. This area is dangerous with the fire raining from above." Kunou said.
Aristides has to create a large bubble shield of divine light for everyone to deflect the fiery rain. The demi-god began sensing something.
"Guys... I have a bad feeling about this realm." Aristides said.
Several damned souls climbed their way out of the sands. Their appearance was zombie-like, due to the sand desiccating their bodies, leaving them as husks. They were wearing traditional battle gear with the Holy Cross shown in an upside down position.
"They're...Crusaders... These guys were crusaders whom invaded Jerusalem during the Crusader Wars." Aristides realized.
"They all believed their sins would have been absolved by claiming the True Holy Cross. Alas, Holy has nothing to do with the wars. It was a hellish sight, according to the history of the wars." Issei said.
Knowing the damned Crusaders were about to attack, Aristides equipped his sword and channeled his light energy to the blade.
"Judgement of Light!"
A wave of light was emitted, cutting one damned Crusader down before it split into multiple waves. They all hit the rest, dispersing the damned Crusaders.
"Another time for a Limit Break... Let's not linger here any longer. We need to follow the Phlegethon." Aristides said, creating a bubble of light.
They followed the bloody Phlegethon as they traveled to the arena. Several damned souls were attempting to impede their progress. However, they couldn't touch the teens due to the barrier of light. After a seemingly long walk, they finally made it. The arena was affected by the Abominable Sands, evident by the dust being blown off. It looked similar in appearance to the Roman Colliseum, but there were wicked gates. They all looked contorted and black as obsidian.
"Raiser!!! We're here!" Aristides shouted.
The shouting echoed throughout the landscape. At first, nothing happened.
"Are the Devils deaf from the shouting I caused?" Aristides questioned with a poker face.
A loud sound echoed within the realm. From the wicked gates of the coliseum, a passage was opened. The teens went inside, ready for anything.
"It's now or never, guys. Don't hold anything back in this fight. Be wary for anything that might occur." Aristides said.
The three teens kept their guard up as they approached within the arena. They all saw Riser, waiting patiently for them.
Ending 1: (Gundam Seed Destiny OST - Kimi wa Boku ni Niteiru)
Note: I was inspired by Dante's Inferno to make this particular chapter. Keep in mind that this is just an intro of the monotheistic religion. If you didn't expect it, well don't be surprised. DxD is known for showing almost every myth and historical figures.
Anyway, more to come.