Strongest
Chapter 9: Babylon's Rest Area
Written By Illuminet
Disclaimer: The cast of characters 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:
Valvoga's Netherworld, Overlord's Castle, Dark Lord's Throne Room
:MK:CST:
The Throne Room was empty when Salome teleported inside. She looked around briefly, but could not even sense the Star Overlord's anywhere.
'Where are they? I must speak to Ophelia as soon as possible!'
Salome thought frantically, heading towards the exit and opening the doors. Two Carrot guards armed with spears had been caught by surprise.
"What the...! Your...Lady Salome? What are you doing here?"
The shorter Carrot of the two asked. He was hit in the back of the head by the other one.
"You idiot! Your not suppose to greet her all civilized like that. She's the one who blasted the Castle before, remember?"
The taller Carrot said, waving his spear menacingly in front of Salome's face. The shorter carrot shrugged.
"Well, yeah but...she's an Overlord. You really think we can take her on without our own master's help?"
The shorter Carrot inquired.
"Fair enough, I guess."
Seeing the truth in those words, the taller Carrot lowered his weapon before Salome could do him any bodily harm as she was getting annoyed.
"Where's your master, anyway? I must speak with him about something urgent."
Salome said, in a slightly demanding tone.
"Uh...your gonna have to wait. He's playing a Final Boss role in a video game. Video World had come into orbit with Lord Valvoga's Netherworld a month, so they've been busily going about to film the final beta testing scene."
The shorter Carrot informed her.
"They probably won't be done until the next hour or so. You can wait in the Throne Room if you want."
The taller Carrot said. The female Overlord shook her head.
"Sorry, but I'm in a hurry. I'll just go on ahead and speak to him on Video World."
She said to them. Before the two could protest, she vanished in a view rings of light.
:MK:CST:
Video World, Volcano Summit Set
:MK:CST:
(Mini-Note: I'm aware that video games are not really directed like what is about to be seen, however...just bare with me on this one. It's the Netherworld after all, so just about anything is done just a tad bit differently.)
He finally stood before the Volcano's summit.
"I've made it..."
The Hero said softly. A rather evil laugh boomed into the air.
"HA HA HA! So this is the one? Don't make me laugh anymore at your expense. Leave here, weakling. You are not worthy."
The deep voice warned, though with a hint of amusement as well.
"So you really do exist, eh? Show yourself, Dark Lord, so that I may slay you and end your viral corruption to the rest of my kind."
The Hero challenged confidently. The Dark Lord only laughed more before calming down slightly.
"You act as if showing what pathetic creatures you Humans are is such a heinous crime. Have you forgotten that I am the epitome of ultimate evil? It's in my job description after all so what did you expect?"
Dark Lord countered. The Hero drew his sword and aimed it towards the sky.
"Show yourself, loathsome creature of the abyss!"
The Hero stated clearly.
"...Very well...face the wrath of the Dark Lord Valvoga!"
-FIGHT!-
Name: The Hero (too many others have died already, so who's keeping track of names?)
Class: The Hero (you were expecting...?)
Lv:1400
Hp:67168
Sp:14450
Atk:24484
Def:25780
Int:20140
Res:23135
Tec:8838
Weapon: Excalibur
Armor: S. Powersuit
Etc-Belt: Champion Belt
Etc-Muscle: Planet Lifter
Etc-Treasure: Testament
-V.S!-
Name: Valvoga (the epitome of ultimate evil?...questionable.)
Class: Dark Lord (...well, every hero needs a rival to beat!)
Lv:1500
Hp:76017
Sp:32084
Atk:49058
Def:42521
Int:25517
Res:42277
Tec:16665
Weapon: Divine Light
Armor: Nirvana
Etc-Orb: Overfiend Orb
Etc-Bust: Innocence
Etc-Treasure: Exodus
Before anything else can happen, however, Salome teleports on the scene. Valvoga looks surprised.
"Eh? Salome? Why are you here?"
He asked. Salome looks just as surprised by his altered appearance and was only able to tell it was him because of Micky's voice.
"Your...Micky? I wasn't aware you could change into a smaller version of yourself. Where is...?"
Before she could finish speaking, the dumbfounded Hero interjected.
"Hey, what gives? The Damsel in Distress isn't suppose to free herself, I'M the one who's suppose to save her."
He said. Salome only spared him a brief glance.
"I don't have time to deal with you."
She said flatly before turning towards Valvoga again. The Hero fumed.
"What the hell! Your suppose to come to me, not him! He's the bad guy! Honesty, wouldn't a sexy young thing like you want to hang out with a handsome stud like myself over some pale skinned freak?"
He said, coming closer to the female Overlord and placing a hand on her bare shoulder.
"Let's not play hard to get, my dear. I know you want me. Why else would you be tempting me with that nightgown of your's?"
He whispered softly into her ear. Salome's eyes narrowed. She swatted his hand off her shoulder and turned to face him.
"Your irritating me. Be gone."
She stated firmly, grabbing the front of his armored plate mail with her left hand before punching him dead on in the face with her right. The Hero went flying back a couple of feet before rolling down the Volcano's side, screams and clangs of metal following him during the fall. A very, very, very long fall.
-Game Over!-
"Cut! Cut! Dammit, that wasn't suppose to happen. Your coming into the scene way too early! The battle didn't even get a fourth of the way through and you killed the Hero! Do you know how long it will take to find another one? Do you?"
The Director said. Salome and Micky turned to face him.
"You should have said Cut earlier if you didn't want Salome punching that guy's lights out which in turn made him fall and break his neck. What WAS taking you so long anyway?"
Micky asked, making the Director nervous.
"I was thinking up another part to add in for one of the multiple endings since Lady Salome's arrival...but that's beside the point. She..."
Before the Director could say anymore, Salome interrupted.
"I apologize, but I really need Valvoga's help. Otherwise none of you may be able to even film this scene of your's and add it into the final product anyway."
Salome warned. Micky and the Director were stunned.
"She sounds pretty serious, whatever the problem might be. Maybe you should postpone the production for a little bit, Mr. Director. We wouldn't want to create anymore disasters when we're all so close to the final development stages. So then, Lady Salome, what do you need my help for?"
The Star Overlord mentioned. The Director grumbled incoherently but nodded and walked away. Salome was glad that Micky was being very understanding at this point.
"Yes. Well, not specifically your's. You see I wanted to talk to Ophelia. Where is she? How did all three of you separate like that anyway?"
Salome questioned. Micky laughed for a brief moment.
"Don't worry, we're all still one, but when I unite our thoughts on one set path I can create our ultimate body. Thank Zetta for me later if you see him. He is the one who helped me realize this potential."
Micky explained happily. Salome lowered her head sadly.
"Zetta's in trouble. That's why I need her help."
She told him, instantly putting the Star Overlord into a somber mood.
"Zetta is..."
Micky's eyes closed, and the crimson gem in his forehead changed into a violet colored one.
"...you'll have to more convincing then that, dear. I'm still not over that time you blasted the castle when you arrived to help Zetta the last time. Why now should I help you with anymore of your guy problems, huh?"
It was Ophelia's voice that came out of his mouth, and Salome realized that they now shared the same mouth in their ultimate state of being.
"Ophelia. I apologize, thought I know that the gesture alone will not be enough to win you over anytime soon. This entire universe, not just Zetta, might be threatened. Trenia sent me to retrieve you and said that if I mentioned the name Baal, you would understand her words."
Salome stated clearly as she talked to the fallen Angel that had been a part of Micky since he had been born.
"Baal..."
Before she continued, the gem turned orange, as did Valvoga's eyes when they opened.
"...is a myth! GYAH HYA HA HA HA!"
A deep booming voice stated. Salome realized it was Dryzen who was speaking now. But the gem turned to violet once more.
"Shut up, Dryzen. Baal is more real than even I'd like to admit. We can't afford for silly antics if the Overlord of legends long past is involved. Now then, did Trenia mention anything else, dear? About Baal or even Zetta?"
Ophelia questioned. It was amazing to see her so uncharacteristically serious, but Salome was only more relieved that Trenia's speculation had been correct, not that the female Overlord was too worried about it to begin with as the little girl tended to be right more times than she was ever wrong, even now with the loss of her power.
"No, but she did instruct me to take you to my Netherworld. She went to get Babylon on his Netherworld, and said that she would meet up with us on mine."
The female Overlord informed. Opehlia nodded.
"I see...so she hopes to make us the last resort to protect Zetta from him at all costs. Oh well, Zetta really is that important after all, so I would have to agree with Trenia's way of thinking."
Ophelia mentioned. Salome wanted to speak with her more about that, but Micky beat her to the question as the orb in Valvoga's head changed red.
"Hey, Ophelia, I don't get it. You sound as if you know Trenia from a long time back yet we've only first met her about a month back."
He told her, voice thick curiosity. Ophelia took over again, chuckling.
"Don't forget, Micky. Both me and Dryzen had separate lives before being reincarnated as components of your body. Our's was a rare case, but regardless, it happens. I knew Trenia from many years back so I don't doubt her words, but time is not on our side so I'll explain it in full detail later. If Baal is the one who Trenia suspects, then no chances can be taken. If Zetta falls into his hands again...well, calamity will consume everything...the just, the corrupt, the godly, the pathetic...there is no discriminating in Baal's ancient scheme."
Ophelia stated in a low tone.
"Ophelia...who are you?"
Micky was awed, to say the least. Salome was not too far off in her own thought process.
"And what do you mean when about Zetta falling into his hands again? They exist from completely different eras, so such a thing shouldn't be possible. What's their true connection?"
Salome questioned. There seemed to be something far greater than she first assumed brewing between Baal and Zetta, yet none of it seemed to make any relevant sense.
:MK:CST:
Babylon's Netherworld, Ice Fang Mountain
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Unlike many of the other Netherworlds, Babylon's was one that was completely covered in ice and snow. Winter never ended in this Netherworld, and it seemed the Dragon Overlord wouldn't have it any other way.
"I wish things didn't have to come to this, old friend...but too much is at stake."
Trenia murmured softly, floating above Babylon's castle and paying no attention to the sharp, cold winds that swirled around her. It wasn't even a castle so much as it was a kind of temple or shrine. A few of the residence lined outside the front of the building, going inside to pay homage to their Overlord within the Dragon Eye Chamber. Trenia flew to the back of the mountain, landing at the very bottom of the mountain where a fairly large cove that faced a tiny frozen lake was situated. The small lake was completely surrounded by large mountain, and combined with the powerful snowstorms, not a single residence came to this area. Trenia entered into the massive cavern, guided by torches that hung from the wall. She soon entered the large hollowed out area within the mountain, finding a sea of ancient treasures and on top of them lay Babylon himself, sleeping.
"Babylon, wake up! WAKE UP!"
She shouted to the Dragon Overlord, but his massive frame remained unmoving. She had to wake him up urgently, so she used telepathy instead.
'Babylon.'
The large Dragon's eyes opened and he lifted his head up slightly, looking around briefly before his old eyes focused in on Trenia.
"Ohhh...you startled me, child. Why would you want to spend time with an old man like me? Zetta Boy hasn't been starving you, has he? You look thinner than before, I think...?"
Babylon said in a tired voice that boarded with confusion. Trenia's eyes were serious however.
"Babylon...Baal may have been freed. The time for playing aloof is over."
Babylon seem to undergo a change when he heard the little girl's words. No longer was his face so wrinkled and gullible looking, but tightened with a serious expression of his own.
"And Zetta? Has anything happened to him?"
He questioned in a voice full of authority as opposed to his confused old man speech patterns. He didn't even need to see Zetta to realize something happened, and now he just had to find out what that something was.
"Salome was with me when we witnessed it. I believe Baal has put him in a deep sleep, so I had her leave him on his Netherworld. How he has done this or even how he escaped imprisonment in the first place is unknown, but hopefully we will be able to bide some time since Baal is new to this universe. He's most likely stopping off at every Netherworld in hopes of finding Zetta. If he has been freed, he most likely will make his way here with the Yoshitsuna."
Trenia explained. Babylon nodded knowingly.
"Your most likely correct. Hmmm...One out of two of Baal's legacies already in his possession. Zetta's body was destroyed so we shouldn't need to worry about that, but a bigger problem presents itself. Zetta's now the Sacred Tome, the first Overlord classed Demon to confine to it. The wishes Baal could make would be amplified on near impossible scales if he was able to obtain Zetta that way. He could wish for..."
Babylon did not speak anymore for a few brief moments, not even wanting to fathom what Baal would be capable of. Both he and Trenia were in complete agreement on this.
"Yes...if Zetta was in his possession now, all the universes would surely crumble as Baal desires. Everything will return to the nothingness it started out to be, except no creation or evolution would be allowed to continue for all eternity."
Trenia said, her body shivering in fear, not the cold. Babylon lifted his head up to regard the darkness that was the ceiling of the massive cave.
"The depth of Baal's ambition to become the Strongest...by erasing all life and keeping it that way and then killing himself without regret because he knows he will continue to be the Strongest no matter what, as there will not be a single soul to challenge him. Such dedication would be admirable if not for his maddening plan. No matter what we've tried, it seems our efforts were not enough after all, Trenia. I doubt that I could take on Baal alone. Even with Ophelia's help, such efforts will still prove useless. Do you have some kind of plan to protect Zetta?"
Babylon asked, turning back to face the little girl. She lowered her head sadly.
"I do know where I can take Zetta so he can remain safe. I had Salome go and get Ophelia, which automatically brings Micky and Dryzen into the fray as well. So it will be Salome, Valvoga, and yourself total. The other Overlords probably are already occupying Baal as we speak. There is also a decent enough gap between each Netherworld that the Yoshitsuna will have to travel from one by one. All of these factors help us in terms of time, not resources and Overlord power. If we're lucky, some of the Overlords may survive and try and hunt out Baal and be led to Salome's Netherworld and end up assisting in the battle. I'm sorry that all the other Overlords including yourself have to be used like this, Babylon and that I cannot help you with any of the fighting. I'm very ashamed of my weakness...if me and my family were only stronger, none of this might have happened in the first place."
Trenia's body began to tremble more violently. Babylon used one of his long, fur tipped whisker like protrusions around his head to pat the little girl on the back to help comfort her.
(Mini-Note: Babylon has no hands in his dragon form, but in my opinion, I think he uses those whisker/whip like things coming out of his body to perform such tasks like writing in the Sacred Tome in the actual game. If anyone honestly knows how he can really do things like that without actual hands or those whiskers of his either, please let me know.)
"You must not blame yourself. If people like you and your mother who's souls were bound to the Sacred Tome before were as powerful as Zetta, Baal may have succeeded in his ambition that much sooner. I know you must use me, but I allow it willingly since Baal's ambition affects all living things no matter if it be Angel, Demon, Human or otherwise. There's no need to feel guilty about any of this, but if it will put your tormented mind at rest, Trenia, I will make sure both Salome and Valvoga will survive the battle as I believe I already know where it is you plan to take Zetta. I'll make sure they know where to go before I die, and I won't let the information into Baal's hands either. On my ancient honor, this I assure you."
The Dragon Overlord stated, confidence never once wavering.
"Babylon..."
Trenia had been shocked by his words as she lifted her head to look up at him, tears forming in her eyes. The old Dragon grinned.
"You, me, and Ophelia have been protecting Zetta for so long in our own ways. If it is my time to perish at Baal's hands, I believe Salome is the best candidate to replace me. Her love for him may be the only salvation from his dark past with Baal that I so badly tried to erase but only managed to fragment into millions of tiny pieces. Neither that or my parental affection was enough to give Zetta anything to truly live for, and it turned him back to the path to become the strongest just as Baal originally intended for him instead. Therefore, I must definitely ensure Salome's safe return to the one she loves the most. Hurry and retrieve Zetta from his Netherworld and take him to your safe place and wait there for Valvoga and Salome."
Babylon instructed, before slithering out of the cave that Trenia had entered, not allowing the little girl to say anything more.
:ToBeContinued:
Note: This chapter is another "plot revealing" type of chapter, similar to the fifth one. I also wanted to answer your question to me, Bella. That is if "The White Flower" version of Baal and the "Strongest" version of Baal are one and the same. I can see where these conclusions could be made, but actually this Baal is a different one created for this story. The similar outward personalities and backgrounds are most likely spawned from my envisionment of Baal's character back when I was writing "The White Flower". I don't really want to reveal much more or else my rambling habit may let a spoiler slip out, and then there would be no real point to read the story onward to the end when it arrives. So hopefully you'll forgive me for the short explanation. Anyway, my problem with this chapter is that everyone is so uncharacteristically serious, but I can't seem to help it because the story's plot itself keeps becoming more and more serious as well. Hopefully everyone enjoyed Thanks Giving and I'll try and update again some time soon.