Strongest
Chapter 8: Alexander's Last Stand
Written By Illuminet
Disclaimer: The cast of character from Makai Kingdom : Chronicles Of The Sacred Tome do not belong to me, and are the rightful property of N.I.S (Nippon Ichi Software) America.
"..."-Indicate Speech
'...'-Indicate Thought and/or Telepathy
:MK:CST:
Alexander's Netherworld, Outskirts of Spire Mountain
:MK:CST:
Alex never even saw it coming, being too busy to try and impale the Genesis into his adversary's heart. An eruption of black flames was released from Zetta-Baal's body, sending the God of Destruction flying back like a rag doll. He went skipping across the ground like a flat rock across a water surface, only instead, geyser after geyser of mud was spewing up into the air whenever he touched ground. After the fourth one, Alex took to the sky after getting over his initial shock.
"Shit...he got me pretty good."
The God of Destruction muttered, his body caked with mud. The Overlord was upon him in an instant, hand clenched tightly around Alex's neck, bringing him closer to collide heads. Alex was sent farther back by the impressive head-butt, and Zetta-Baal thrust forward with his weapon. Alex slammed his left fist against the blunt of the Genesis to knock it off course while his right hand hit one of his drums to send a weak but quick lightning jolt through the Overlord's body. It had little effect, but it allowed Alex to coil up both feet against his body before striking a stunned Zetta-Baal across the face, increasing the space between them so Alex could launch some of his stronger drum and lightning attack spells. He did just that as he pounded the drums in a certain order. Zetta-Baal charged at him, but the God of Destruction was able to send a massive lightning bolt right at the Overlord at near point blank range. Zetta-Baal was able to narrowly bring his weapon up to guard, though that action did very little as the electricity ran up the blade to transfer the attack to Zetta-Baal's body through his arms.
"Hah! Let's see you get out of this quickly Zetta!"
Alex boasted. His words had been spoken too soon, as the Overlord threw his sword down to the ground to which the lightning was the most attracted to. The electric current sped down to the blade that thrust into the earth, leaving Alex vulnerable, and Zetta-Baal capitalized on the opportunity as he rushed over to Alex. The Overlord grabbed each side of Alex's head before sending a knee to smash Alex right in the chin. The God of Destruction went reeling back from the force behind the blow. Alex recovered as quickly as possible to intercept the Overlord, but he was nowhere in sight. Even the sword was gone. The God of Destruction began frantically looking around, knowing his rival was not one to simply give up and back down. Hearing the rustle of fabric Alex whirled around, seeing Zetta-Baal already charging at him with blade thrust forward. Alex ascended to evade at the last possible moment, unleashing a giant surge of lightning to rip free from the clouds to engulf both of them. Alex absorbed the energy for a temporary extra boost to his Mana power, while Zetta-Baal was damaged by it. The Overlord began to ponder about his opponent in a normal tone, now that the original Zetta was put to sleep by Zetta-Baal's own will.
'So...this is the power in possession of the rival of Zetta? I'm surprised he has the nerve to entitle himself as the -God of Destruction-. But it is of no great consequence, this Alex has no grasp of the situation at hand...nor does he even comprehend the real difference between us in terms of power. Perhaps I can use that little piece of information to get some enjoyment in this fight after all...'
Zetta-Baal didn't even flinch as electricity kept coursing through his body and light blinded his vision. This pain was nothing against the will to complete his own personal agendas, which would truly come to fruition once he located the one he sought the most in this universe. Not even Babylon and Trenia, the ones who were the most closely tied with his past, would be able to impede on his goals any longer. He would make sure of that.
"So...how did you like that lightning bolt, Zetta? Pretty big, ain't it?"
Alex inquired smugly, seeing as he was charged up with energy while most of the Overlord's clothing was torn to tiny shreds and Zetta-Baal's face hung low, already looked defeated. The Overlord held up his left hand as a small violet-black flame arose from his palm. The magic fire was completely resistant to the rain.
"You want to keep fighting? Give it a rest, Zetta! You've lost against my will and determination!"
The God of Destruction pounded on the Angel Beat once more, sending another impressive lightning bolt scorching down over the two of them once more. Before the lightning bolt descended, however, the black fire that emanated from the Overlord's palm exploded into a massive chaotic inferno that swallowed the lightning before it even had a chance to engulf him and the God of Destruction, and went even farther to evaporate both rain and cloud. Alex cursed as the flames reached his location, forcing him to retreat back until the flames died down in the air.
"Impossible...you shouldn't have had enough power anymore to pull off something like that after sustaining so much damage. Tch...you really are like a cockroach that keeps clinging onto life, Zetta."
Alex mumbled out, nervousness starting to kick in underneath his confidence. His advantage was no longer able to be means to fall back on. Even during his mad onslaught against Zetta when the Overlord had struck down Al, Alex had that small feeling in the back of his mind that things would not nearly be as easy as they had in the past. It should have been impossible if the Overlord got his body back recently, but Alex's senses had noted how powerful his rival had become and could practically feel an even more intense amount of Mana seeping free from Zetta's body than ever before. Alex never truly realized, until he witnessed the enormous dark flame spell consume his lightning spell moments ago, Zetta to have such masterful control over such a large amount of Mana power that he could keep it from going rampant on himself. The God of Destruction could conjure up another storm if he so desired, but the process was a little too long to make it conventional in a one on one duel since he was practically a sitting duck when performing the song with the drums. This meant he had to fight normally with his one reserve gained from the first lightning spell he cast. As always, Zetta-Baal spoke not with words but rather his actions as he flew towards the God of Destruction. Alex became frustrated.
'He...could have killed me at any moment he wanted to with that much power...he still can, but he keeps using his sword instead. All of the spells I've used on him in the past are nearly useless against him now. He really is like a whole different person. Why didn't my spies and assassins see this coming?'
He chanced a peek at the now completely visible underside of the Battleship Yoshitsuna after evading one of Zetta-Baal's attacks, since all the clouds were gone.
'How did they not know such a massive vehicle was in Zetta's possession? Why is everything going against my favor? At the beginning, I thought we were near equal. Near the middle of our bout after he struck Al, he began revealing slightly more and more of his true power but I hadn't been nearly that worried since I could reach that level of power easily too. Now...there's no way I'll be able to surpass him. He's so serious that I can't doubt that he's going to try and kill me and show me up against all my vassals on my own Netherworld. Has he been toying with me ever since we first met? So much power...I never stood a chance! No...I refuse to die here. I've worked too hard throughout the ages just to cower in the presence of a near unstoppable force now!'
Alex look of determination didn't go unnoticed by Zetta-Baal, who had the shadow of a smirk forming on his pale lips.
'You were wallowing in despair for a while there, but it would seem you've found a resolve to continue fighting. Good...let us see how long you can keep that charade of your's up, God of Destruction.'
Zetta-Baal's smirk increased even more as he continued the offensive. It was always an entertainment of his to toy around with headstrong young Overlords. Tension ran thick within the soldiers on Spire Mountain who witnessed the fight, already well aware of the advantage the Overlord probably had all along but chose only to reveal right at this time.
"Lord Alexander is in great peril now that Zetta has shown his true colors. Raiden, we must do something!"
A lesser Thunder Giant spoke up. Raiden shook his head.
"Not yet. Our Lord can still continue fighting for the time being. The only chance with the highest success rate we have to keep him and Master Alastor alive is to make sure he realizes that he truly cannot continue the fight any longer. In the past when he waged war against Zetta, Lord Alex would have to completely extinguish all his power before even thinking of retreating to fight again another day. I don't like to wait as much as the rest of you, but we must think of keeping both our masters alive or else our deaths will be in vain and Zetta will end up killing them because they'll be too stubborn to run."
Raiden explained, his eyes retreating from the battle to check on Al who was cradled against his large forearm. The boy began to stir.
"Ohhhh...my head..."
Al's eyes opened slowly, bringing a hand to rub his forehead in hopes of dispelling his headache.
"Are you feeling okay, Master Alastor?"
Raiden asked, relieved that the boy finally awoke. Everyone gathered around him.
"Raiden...? What happened to me? Why do I have a throbbing bump on the side of my head?"
Al asked, groaning slightly.
"You had a run in with Zetta. Thankfully, however, you'll be okay."
Raiden said. Al's eyes widened.
"That's right...! Is the fight still going on?"
Al asked quickly. Alex's roar of pain brought focus back to the duel. Everyone turned to witness Alex being rammed into by Zetta-Baal's shoulder, before the Overlord swung his blade upward. The God of Destruction brought up another barrier in intercept the attack, but the sword pierced through the shield again and only quick reflexes allowed Alex to swerve backward to avoid the rest of what would have been a very painful cut to add to the rest of his numerous injuries he had just incurred at the hand of Zetta-Baal. Alex was breathing heavily and coughing up some blood, but even with him in such a beaten state, his eyes continued to gleam with his determined will. Al looked worriedly at his brother, before his eyes went to Zetta-Baal who stayed as still as a mountain. The Overlord seemed satisfied with his onslaught, hefting his wide blade across his shoulder before gesturing Alex to come over with his other hand. Everyone realized that the Overlord was allowing Alex to attack him now, as if taking turns to strike down one another. Despite such arrogance, only the self proclaimed -Strongest- could do a thing like that. Al's form shook.
"All this Mana I sense...it all belongs to Zetta?"
Al said softly, more to himself than anyone else. His brother was truly brave to face off against such an opponent, but his bravery was likely going to get him killed in the process as well. Al was about to take to the sky to help him, but Raiden stopped him.
"Don't be rash, Master Alastor. You will only hinder Lord Alexander by trying to help him. It was a shock even to all of us who are now witnessing the true might that Zetta possesses. You have no experience fighting other Overlords anyway, and if the attack you received from Zetta was any indication...he won't take even a child such as yourself prisoner. I'm sorry, Master Alastor, but...this is the harsh reality of things."
The Thunder Giant said in a soothing voice, but even he looked afraid. Al gritted his teeth together in frustration as he saw Alex only hesitate for a moment before going for an onslaught of his own against Zetta-Baal.
"Why? I don't get you, big bro...why did you make a rival out of someone so impossible to defeat? Zetta's already about three times more powerful than you are right now. I...just don't understand."
Al floated back down to stand besides Raiden, his head lowered. Raiden made sure the boy held his head up.
"Watch closely, Master Alastor. Even though he's frightened, your brother will only contemplate backing down but never follow through until every bit of power has been used up for the occasion. That's just the way he is in the face of his rival and someday you might be as well. But there's no need to worry so much. We will lay our lives down to protect him when the time is right. And when I say we, your not included, Master Alastor. Even if you are a vassal like the rest of us, your still Lord Alexander's relative."
Raiden informed him.
"But..."
Al started to protest as his eyes left the fight again, but Raiden interrupted.
"Please don't interfere, Master Alastor. As long as both you and Lord Alexander live, you may have what it takes to become stronger than Zetta someday. Just concentrate on staying alive, or our deaths will be in vain."
Raiden said. All the other vassals nodded in agreement.
"VANISHING BOLT!"
Alex used his least flashiest or coolest spell in his arsenal, but it was his ultimate attack spell so that made up for it. The Angel Beat transformed into magic lightning that struck down on Zetta-Baal, encasing him in a sphere. Alex used the remains of his reserve power in order to increase the strength of the spell, as it was his last resort. Al noted this and got an idea.
"There maybe something I can do to help after all..."
Al said softly before he began beating a song with his drums. Alex heard the familiar tune and lost concentration for a brief moment, turning to gaze back at Spire Mountain.
'Only one other person besides me knows that song and has the power to use it.'
Alex thought to himself, finally able to see that Al was alright after all. The God of Destruction was about to holler to his brother not to interfere, but started thinking otherwise now that he had Zetta-Baal where he wanted him.
'Hmmm...now that I think about it, Salome did interfere and help Zetta beat me that one time. Maybe this time I should just swallow my pride and have Al interfere with this duel to help me. If he conjures up another full blown storm...it might still be possible to win for once.'
Alex smirked.
"Hey, little bro, keep playing!"
He yelled loud enough for Al to hear him, and the boy did just that. Storm clouds began to cover the sky again, though obviously, it wasn't a natural storm like the one earlier. Alex looked back to the imprisoned Overlord, who still had enough power to break free if he so wished, though the God of Destruction was hoping he would be able to absorb the lightning's Mana for his own use and make it more and more difficult for Zetta-Baal to escape.
"I suppose I may have originally brought this on myself, Zetta. You know, attacking you and your Netherworld so damn much that it made you want to come here. But I never tried to hurt anyone close to you without a just reason. You didn't have any right to do that to Al. He was about to fly off and you knew it, and yet you still struck him down. Why?"
Alex questioned as his body became powered up with more lightning, allowing him to add attack power to his spell. The Overlord never answered Alex and continued his silent treatment that he had began ever since he came to Alex's Netherworld. Not even the increase in damage to his body made him scream out in pain. It only further reminded the God of Destruction how utterly different and more powerful the Overlord seemed, as if he still had complete control. It was baffling.
"So you won't answer...and I don't suppose you have any last words then? Not even for Salome?"
Alex was hoping that by saying her name he would get some kind of response finally, but Zetta-Baal did nothing. It took some time, but Alex was finally able to draw enough power. He was truly surprised that Zetta-Baal didn't even try to escape at least once and seemed intent to hold true to his action of letting Alex finish his own turn. It was an extremely gutsy move on the Overlord's part. Al stopped playing, already a lot of power drained in the effort to provide the storm with enough kick to feed Alex more strength. Everyone was just as surprised as Alex had been to see Zetta-Baal even allowing himself the near successful chance of dying by the God of Destruction's hands. Alex no longer wanted to waste any time and came above the sphere, touching the surface with his hands.
"DIE!"
Alex sent the trapped Zetta-Baal down to the surface of his Netherworld with as much speed as he could muster. The explosion that ensued when the sphere touched ground was one of unexpected proportions. Alex was sent flying back as his whole northern area of his Netherworld was surrounded with blinding light, and the Yoshitsuna took off to outer space. All sense of time and direction was lost until the light finally faded back to normal.
"Oh crap..."
Alex muttered. Beside the whole storm dissipating for a second time, the whole area of this part of his Netherworld had changed, and some new mountain ranges formed due to the upheaval.
"Is it over...?"
Al asked as he floated down to Alex's location, who had made a decent sized crack along the side of Spire Mountain when it caught him. Alex's eyes widened as he felt tremendous Mana energy flowing within him, his body being charged with electricity into the hidden horn at the top of his head.
"So much power...and it's still coming forth. This is all of Zetta's Mana energy...?"
Alex took to the sky, looking at his own hands as waves after waves of power kept flowing within him. The God of Destruction was completely enraptured by it all.
"Lord Alexander...your flowing with so much energy! You've finally did it! You're the strongest in the entire universe!"
One of Alex's soldier's claimed. Alex turned to his brother who hovered beside him, patting him on the head.
"No...WE did it. Me and my little bro. I can hardly believe all this power...Zetta must have still been holding back so much. He took such a big gamble and lost. If it had been me, I would have never done such a thing so costly. Was he...trying to die?"
Alex said softly. If Zetta had been fighting at full strength, then there was no way Alex could have toppled him just now. It was as if the Overlord wanted to give Alex his power, which was way out of character for him. Any more thoughts were erased when Alex's body began to shake furiously.
"Lord Alexander, what's wrong? Your trembling is almost erratic."
Raiden said. Everyone else became worried.
"Are you okay, Alex?"
Al asked cautiously. Alex jaw was clenched tightly together as beads of sweat fell from the side of his already grimy face.
"Too much...it's too much..."
Alex clutched his head as his shaking intensified.
"AUUHHHH!"
Alex scream was blood curdling, and lightning began to unleash from his body, tearing through the mountains and almost into his Vassals own flesh themselves. Everyone began scattering for cover as Alex's power destroyed his own castle.
"Big Bro, stop it! What are you doing?"
Al asked frantically. Alex was finally able to get his screaming under some control, and he stared at his younger brother, his eyes full of tears.
"Al...I can't...control it...! Zetta's Mana keeps entering...!"
Alex said in a low frightened tone. His own Netherworld might be destroyed with his newly acquired power.
"Cut it off, then, Alex! Hurry up before you kill someone!"
Al shouted to him, creating a shield for the other vassals to hide under.
"I already...tried...but it won't stop! The Mana power is...!"
Alex couldn't finish as his screaming fit continued, and the lightning emitting from his body became even larger. Another sound broke into his scream and grabbed everyone's attention. A very familiar sound.
"...ha ha ha ha ha...Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha...HA HA HA HA HA!"
Zetta-Baal finally made a noise for the first time since arriving on Alex's Netherworld as he floated in the air, a few miles away from Alex's location. His laughter was so sickeningly pleased at what he was witnessing. Al flew over to face the Overlord, pure malice across his features as he eyed his brother's enemy.
"Your still alive! What have you done to my brother, you asshole!"
The boy, not caring if he cursed, demanded of the Overlord. Zetta-Baal smirked.
"I've done nothing, child...Behold the effects of an Overlord who has obtained so much Mana in such a short period of time that it has turned against him because he hasn't acquired the skill to harness it...to bend it to his complete and utter will. What you would call...going rampant against it's owner. Ha ha ha..."
Zetta-Baal began laughing again, but Al intervened.
"SHUT UP! All of your Mana power...take it back NOW!"
Al demanded again. Zetta-Baal only smirked wider, baring a fang over his lower lip.
"Why would I want to do that? Your brother got what he wanted did he not? He's now the strongest Overlord in the universe, and we can all witness as he tears both his residence and Netherworld apart by his own hand."
The Overlord said, and Al was completely surprised.
"You...fucking MONSTER!"
The boy shouted with all his might. It only made Zetta-Baal's smirk grow wider again, baring another fang.
"Oh please, child...tell me something I don't already know."
Zetta-Baal said with his deathly calm voice. Al roared in fury as he tried to attack the Overlord, but such a tactic proved futile as Zetta-Baal grabbed the boy around the neck, crushing his throat as his grip became tighter. Zetta-Baal tossed Al away like an annoying bug who had been flicked off his arm.
"Zetta...!"
Zetta-Baal's attention was brought back to Alex as he spoke that name. The God of Destruction willed himself to fly towards Zetta-Baal's location.
"You'll be the first one I truly kill!"
Alex said with determination. Zetta-Baal looked away with a bored expression.
"I was hoping to be entertained...but you don't have it in you...to sacrifice everything in order to become the strongest...not that I would have given you my Mana power anyway...so it's time you died now if you won't even amuse me by killing your own, right now."
Zetta-Baal explained, and a pillar of light began lifting from Alex. The Mana that had been Zetta-Baal's left his body, to enter the Overlord's once more. A black flamed aura surrounded the Overlord, expanding and expanding as Alex's power returned back to it's exhausted state from during the duel. The God of Destruction could have sworn he saw a giant black Demon forming in the shrouds of the black flames that kept growing larger, but it had gone just as quickly as it came. Once Zetta-Baal recollected all his Mana, he ascended high into the air.
"Die..."
The Overlord dove down towards Alex with blade thrust forward, his speed causing a powerful wind current behind him that could cut through flesh easily. Alex recognized the sword technique.
"Dammit...! Al, get out of here!"
Alex instructed as he raised a barrier in an effort to protect himself, though he was already well aware that things were too late for him.
"LORD ALEXANDER!"
A wall of bodies flew between the Overlord and the God of Destruction.
"What the hell are you all doing?"
Alex asked in surprise as all his vassals formed one large barrier from all the Mana power they had. Zetta-Baal's blade thrust into the barrier, nearly breaking it right then and there, but it miraculously held. He was obviously not striking with that much power than was necessary. Raiden was near the back of the bunch, looking towards the two brothers.
"Lord Alexander, Master Alastor...escape! Hurry!"
The Thunder Giant said with much strain in his voice as he and the other Vassals tried with all their might to repel Zetta-Baal for a few more brief moments.
"Raiden...all of you stop this now. Once I'm dead, Al will succeed me and take over as the next Overlord. It is you all who must take care of him. Now stand down, I command it!"
Alex stated with much authority in his words. No one complied, however, despite wanting to.
"Alexander...both you and Alastor are whom I swear my life to. All of us do...so please, leave us be...let us protect you this one time as you have protected us for so long already. Please..."
Raiden could say no more as the barrier was destroyed, and to the brothers horror, Zetta-Baal's attack went through the Vassals bodies like a scythe through wheat grain or something akin to that effect. And what the Overlord didn't hit, the backlash of the wind current his speed generated severed the bodies into even smaller pieces of bloody flesh that soon disappeared.
"RAIDEN!"
Al whaled as tears welled up in his eyes, looking into the empty eyes of the Overlord who was nearly upon them. Alex grabbed hold of Al's arm, before he teleported them both out of the way just before Zetta-Baal could do the same as he did to Alex's Vassals. Zetta-Baal rocketed back upward from his dive, stopping as he saw Spire Mountain crumble like a hollow clay model.
'So they got away...but it doesn't matter. I've had my fun for the time being. The next Netherworld awaits, may it finally be his so I no longer have to subdue him in that fashion.'
The Overlord flew away to rendevous with the Yoshitsuna in space, no remorse for the chaos he had wrought upon this Netherworld. Once Zetta-Baal left, Alex and Al teleported back where the remains of Spire Mountain was. Al was crying now, never having experienced the death of loved ones until this day.
"Raiden...Raiden..."
The boy mumbled his friend and caretaker's name over and over again between the sobs. Alex was greatly saddened by this tragedy as well, but did not let the tears fall.
"Al...get a hold of yourself. We aren't Angels or Humans. We're Demons, so start acting like one again. Raiden wouldn't want this of you, anyway."
Alex said. Al complied, but he didn't let go of the hatred he just felt towards his brother.
"Alex...why? Why did you make a rival out of someone like Zetta? Was it all worth this? This...destruction? The lives of our Vassals? How could you do this to them? Because you tempted Zetta, your just as responsible as he is for the death of all of them!"
Al stated vehemently. Alex growled.
"Shut up! They all knew what they wanted to do with their lives, and even disregarded my orders. Do you really believe I'm at complete fault because of that? Do you?"
Alex questioned, his tone a mixture of anger and hurt. Al felt bad now.
"I...I'm sorry. Your right, brother...Zetta is completely to blame for this. But he's not here anymore...so I took my anger and frustration out on you instead."
Al said. Alex nodded, rubbing the boy's head.
"Don't worry about it. Besides, as the saying goes...an eye for an eye, right?"
Alex said as he stared off into the distance. Things didn't dawn on Al for a few moments until he finally realized what Alex meant.
"Your...going to kill the one closest to him? Salome?"
He inquired.
"Bingo. Now before you say that I can't because I lost before, just hear me out okay? First, I was caught off guard because she was said to be losing Mana power, so I underestimated her too late to change the outcome of the fight. Second, I'm going to use you for assisting me. Third, I didn't have our family heirloom weapon to do battle with the last time either."
Alex explained. Al's eyes widened.
"Family heirloom...weapon?"
The boy asked. The God of Destruction nodded.
"Remember Al, about the ring of giant Drums that revolve around my Netherworld? That's the Devine Beat. And the strongest weapon in our family line. With that I could kill Salome easily!"
Alex declared. Al looked suspiciously unconvinced.
"Whoa, wait a minute. Those Drums are WAY too BIG for someone to use. Those will probably attract too much attention if you try moving them around anyway."
Al said. Alex sighed irritably.
"You dork, of course I'm not going to USE them as they are. I'll shrink them first. Sheesh...I can't believe you even thought I was going to use them in their magnified property. Keh...as if! Watch and learn, little bro. Watch and learn."
Alex said, concentrating on using some of the last vestiges of his power to summon the Devine Beat to his side. Lightning shot out from his horn in six directions. At first, Al didn't see anything happen, adding on to his scepticism. But eventually he saw six drums being pulled by the lightning strands, shrinking rapidly to the typical size for drum usage. The platinum encrusted surface was intricately carved into with many designs. Al took one of the drums and stared at it with awe.
"Wow...so this is the Devine Beat?"
He looked at the highly polished surface, seeing his face slightly obscured as the surface reflected it back to him.
"Yep. It's time you were given an upgrade too. So I'll hand the Angel Beat down to you, Al."
Alex said, making the Angel Beat float around Al. The boy smiled.
"Thanks. But what should I do with the Devil Beat now?"
Al inquired. Alex looked thoughtful for a moment.
"We'll use in as a grave marker for Raiden and the others for the time being. Once Salome's taken care of, her death should prove a decent distraction for Zetta, and hopefully we'll be able to find the Sacred Tome."
Alex stated, taking the six Devil Beat drums and placing them half way in the soft dirt beside the remains of Spire Mountain.
"Sacred Tome? That was the special book that Zetta confined to, right? How can finding that help us?"
Al asked.
"Remember Al, the Sacred Tome can be used to revive the dead, even those who die in the Netherworld."
Alex reminded him. The boy remembered instantly.
"Oh yeah, that's right. Then the Vassals that fell here can be saved. But should Salome really be killed then? It would provide the best distraction but I don't really think it's fair if Raiden and the others are revived then at the cost of her life, not to mention that it gives Zetta incentive to hunt us down. Maybe another distraction should be used in order to find the Sacred Tome if it really is still at Zetta's Netherworld."
Al explained to Alex.
"Maybe...well, we'll rest in whatever remains of the castle structure and recover our health and strength. We'll also think about the plan in more depth when the time comes. We need to focus on staying alive over all else as Raiden wished for us and also...I want to tap into that power of Zetta's again someday and tame it, so that I reclaim my pride as a user of power, not one for whom power uses."
Alex said in a steely tone, ascending some of the jagged rocks and heading towards the castle structure. Al followed meekly.
'I'll support you of course...but I really hope we know what we're getting into, brother. And to try and control that power would take a lot of time and effort from what it seemed. I'm surprised...and afraid. Zetta's older than him by some time, but somehow already has perfect control despite the fact that he shouldn't be able to. How is that possible?'
Al thought. Deep down, Alex had been thinking the same thing also.
:MK:CST:
Space Battleship Yoshitsuna
:MK:CST:
Zetta-Baal sat in his throne. His clothes were being mended again back to it's normal look, so he was naked and ordered not to be disturbed. The Overlord needed rest in order to recuperate his power, but he didn't rest for very long as the part of Zetta's memory that resurfaced during the fight with Alex got him to thinking. He rose up from his throne and went behind it, facing a small keyboard lock on the back of the throne. He typed a combination that opened a secret chamber directly behind the throne and headed inside.
'Slowly but surely...he is most likely becoming more aware...of my presence. And why not? I have been too lenient it seems...'
The Overlord stopped within the dimly lit chamber which held two large capsule shaped tanks. One was in perfect condition, while the other looked to have been shattered open from the inside and still had broken glass on the floor. Thick layers of dust hung around the entire room. Zetta-Baal rubbed his hand to clear away the looking glass, revealing a body encased in ice of the same shape as the capsule itself. The tank was labeled with his name -Baal-, and it was his original body that lay within. The red clad Demon with the blue hair and dark skin. He turned to the broken tank, kneeling to grab the metal placard that remained amongst the old broken shards of glass. On it was the name -Zetta-.
"You escaped me once before, Zetta...but it won't happen again...because we will..."
He spoke softly as he dropped the placard back on the ground with a light clang, before getting back up to walk away, reopening the chamber and leaving as the wall slid back in place. He rested back in his throne.
"...meet again."
He propped his head up with his right hand, eyes closing shut to everything else.
:ToBeContinued:
Note: Sorry, I failed. It's just so damn hard to depict a fight between a sword and a drum very well for me, so I just kind of gave into the plot instead of remaining focused on the fight between Zetta and Alex because my brain was about to turn into mush otherwise. This chapter is pretty long, though not quite as long as chapter five (the longest chapter so far, in case anyone was wondering) which may or may not make up for the lack of action and out of character personalities yet again. Anyway, things will become a little bit less serious once more in the next chapter, so hopefully that'll be something to look forward to. I guess the last thing worthy to note is that Baal speaks for a second time to someone other than Zetta...I'm just rambling now, aren't I? Sorry about that.