After some time, I think I'll update my name from Azurestoryteller to Azurestoryteller5150 to try and give it some more uniqueness and set me apart from the others. Hopefully, it'll lessen some confusion since I know I'm not the only "Azurestoryteller" out there, when it comes to usernames.
Anyways, thank you to all the readers who've continued to give me their support in the reviews. I know this part was one of the more heated parts of the story, but seeing all this support just helps solidify my resolve more. I hope to make you proud. Now, enjoy.
Chapter 31: The Countdown Begins
Sairaorg had made another visit to his mother's doctor after his own release. He knew that he could no longer monopolize the Fruit of Penance, but he still felt that he had to try and see the chances of his mother's survival.
Again, he sat in the doctor's office, discussing the current situation. Despite his fear, he needed to know what was going on. Recently, the state of his mother's health had been growing worse. He knew it, even if nobody told him.
(Doctor Who OST – The Dream of a Normal Death. Play Song.)
"I'm sorry, Lord Sairaorg, but it looks like your mother's condition is worsening by the day. Her end…I know I said not to give up hope, but the reality of the situation is worsening. I won't lie to you. I think it best that you resolve yourself for the worst."
Sairaorg only nodded as he left. He didn't want anyone to see him in the next few minutes.
He sat outside, angry with himself and upset that he couldn't do anything to save his mother. Everything he'd done, was for naught.
'Mommy won't be awake for much longer so promise me one thing: grow up to be a strong and honorable. Be the best that you can be, my darling son. That's all that I could ever wish for you. That's all I ever wanted for you, along with your happiness. So many people are cruel, arrogant, and selfish. So, don't be like those people. Nurture the strengths you have and be the best that you can be.'
His mother's last words still remained fresh in his mind.
Many of his supporters had fled, with his aspirations of becoming a Satan now uncertain. Distant Clan members were beginning to question him and his strength. Worst of all, he'd lost the chance to save his mother, or at least, improve the chances of her survival.
He couldn't help but grieve at how much his life was starting to go down the drain.
"If only there was some way to save her. If only I could make it up to everyone. If only I could do more than just fight." Sairaorg muttered to himself, clutching his head in defeat.
Little did he know, Issei was listening. He'd followed Sairaorg and listened, wanting to know as much as possible. At first, he was uncertain of what was going on, but now everything was answered. It was time. He had to make is move as quickly as possible.
(Doctor Who OST – The Dream of a Normal Death. End Song.)
Vali finally woke up from a nice and long sleep. It had been days since she'd had a peaceful night since Issei and Sairaorg had gotten landed in the hospital. She remembered how the doctor told everyone just how badly the two were wounded.
Issei was severely depleted of his blood while Sairaorg's organs had been severely damaged in the fight. Thankfully, Issei's regeneration and Sairaorg's powerful life-force pulled them through.
Vali had half a mind to give them both a piece of her mind. True, a lot rode on the Rating Game, but to nearly kill each other was something that she didn't approve of. It reminded her of when her brainwashed father had forced to attack and hurt the people she knew.
She sighed, she'd done enough brooding. It was time to get ready for the day. She took a shower and combed her long shining hair. She got in a black shirt with a white jacket and a sapphire skirt. She decided that she was going to go to Issei's room to check up on him.
Lately, he'd started waking up at unpredictable hours. He'd sleep for four hours and move on like nothing happened. Sometimes, he'd sleep for 10 hours and then he'd leave the house for a few short hours or until the crack of dawn. Mostly, he went to the Record District to read and research.
She gently opened the door and entered to see an empty bed with a few items missing.
"What?" Vali was perplexed.
He hadn't said a thing about going anywhere to her. Perhaps the others knew. She went downstairs to the rest of the family to question them.
"Hey, have any of you seen Issei?" She asked, lightheartedly.
"Not at all. He was gone before the butlers and maids woke up." Ezagyra responded.
"Did he say anything about what he was planning today?" Vali followed up.
"Nope. Maybe he's just out on a walk." Lianshi shrugged.
Vali took a breath. Normally, Issei always let someone know that he was going somewhere in case anyone needed him.
She went to all the butlers and maids, asking about him.
"I'm sorry, Milady, but no one has any idea about his whereabouts." The Head Maid replied.
Vali felt uncomfortable with this. She had no idea if something had happened to him or if she was just being paranoid. She felt a strong discomfort in her heart and stomach, as if something wasn't right. Then again, she had this feeling for a while now, ever since that meeting with the Avitur.
She took out her phone and called Issei.
"The number you have dialed is not available at this moment. The person you are calling, has no signal." The machine reported.
She tried to use an old-fashioned magic circle to call him, but again, she couldn't contact him. The magic circle merely flashed and glitched before fizzling out.
"What?" Vali was stunned.
This was getting worse and worse. All of these signs were making her worry even more by the second.
She decided to go see Sairaorg and his peerage in hopes that he knew what was going on.
"So, Issei hasn't come here either?" Vali asked.
Sairaorg shook his head.
"Nope. I haven't seen him at all since the end of the Rating Games. I was going to come over today to hang out but clearly, something's up."
Without a doubt, Vali's mind went into a small panic. Issei and Sairaorg would hang out sometimes, and if he wasn't here, then he went somewhere completely foreign. What if someone had abducted him again?
"What's wrong?" Sairaorg asked.
"He hasn't been seen since last night. The butlers and maids haven't seen him and he hasn't said a thing to the others. Something's wrong." Vali muttered.
Sairaorg called his peerage to him, intent on getting to the bottom of this.
"Is something the matter, Sairaorg?" Kuisha asked.
"Issei's missing."
"How?" Ladora asked.
"No idea. However, we might get some clues. Has he talked to any of you recently?" Sairaorg asked.
Everyone shook their heads, except for Kuisha, who looked nervous.
"He talked to me." She calmly said.
"What'd he talk about?" Vali asked.
"He wanted to know more about Lady Misla's condition and the possible cure for her."
Vali gasped.
"You don't think…" Sairaorg paused.
"I know he did. That idiot!" Vali ran out the door.
"What's going on?" Misteeta asked.
"Issei must've gone to try and find a way to Purgatory." Sairaorg ran after Vali.
Far away, Issei had gone to the lost land of Canaan. He started in Egypt, following the path set by his research into Biblical locations. He trekked through the deserts of Egypt, with Rexis guiding him.
He'd been walking in the searing heat for the past 3 hours and there was still no end in sight.
"So, tell me why the Gate to Purgatory is here?" Issei asked.
"When the souls of the dead that believe in God pass on, they either go to Heaven, Hell, or Purgatory. Purgatory is a heavily debated topic amongst humans. However, the reason why we are here is because of the strong presence of Biblical energy that is left at the Red Sea. So, the Gate to Purgatory isn't here. We're just gonna use the place. The Earth is a peculiar thing. It can hold so many things yet so few can see it. It was there, that God extended his reach and split the Red Sea through Moses for his people to be delivered from Egypt's control. Here, where much of his influence is strong, we can tap into the residual energy and open a gateway to Purgatory." Rexis explained.
"So why didn't we go anywhere else? Like Golgotha where Christ was crucified?"
"Because they're too religiously significant and monitored. The Red Sea isn't exactly a place people want to fight over. The Biblical Pantheon has their eyes elsewhere now and the Egyptians won't claim it, so it's a good place to be avoided."
"And how much longer will it be?" Issei asked.
"So impatient, we are."
"Well, I've got 16 months to work, so you're gonna have to forgive me." Issei chuckled.
"It won't be long now. In fact, it's up ahead by a few miles. You could fly there, you know."
"Yeah, but I'd rather save my energy for later if I need to fly away fast." Issei shrugged.
"Then stop complaining and walk." Rexis scolded him.
At long last, Issei found himself at the end of the desert, with a massive body of water separating him from the other side. Other than that…there was nothing.
"Mortals, who have lost their belief, can no longer sense the power here. Look closely."
Issei squinted past the sunlight and saw gold and white clouds of particles over the water and in the sky. The longer he looked, the more visible it became.
"The power of Moses' staff still lies here. It was a tool of many miracles, being able to turn the river into blood, summon locusts, pestilence, and bring fire from the sky. You'd be amazed that the Staff of Moses wasn't exactly a Sacred Gear. Some Sacred Gears were actually modeled after the originals."
"You enjoy stories, don't you?" Issei sighed.
Rexis cleared his throat.
"Now, take the seal that I instructed you to make and hold it in front of the water."
Taking out a piece of paper with a spell formula on it, Issei held it facing the Red Sea.
"This seal will absorb all that holy energy and channel it into a portal, serving as the key. Make sure you do not let it go, no matter what. I'll funnel Bahamut's power into the seal to make up for the massive cost of energy. In a way, it'll help turn the key and push the door open."
Instantly, Issei felt the burning power of God's energy seeping into the paper. He had the urge to drop the blazing paper but forced himself to hang on. He gripped the paper with both hands, struggling to keep his hold.
"Hang on, Issei. The spell is almost ready." Rexis encouraged him.
Finally, with a great burst of light, the paper exploded into dust as a massive white and grey tear in space appeared in front of him.
"And now, the path is clear." Rexis said.
"And have you ever been on the other side?" Issei asked.
"Only for a short while. I went to Purgatory in order to bring back the soul of someone quite dear to me." Rexis stated.
"I see."
Without another word, for fear that he'd start stalling, Issei crossed the threshold. He'd be lying if he said he wasn't intimidated, but this needed to be done.
"Why didn't you go to Azazel or Michael?" Rexis decided to ask.
"Sirzechs banned travel to Purgatory since nobody has an obvious idea of how to get there or what's in it. I thought it'd be a waste of time and they'd probably stop me." Issei answered.
"True. You're lucky I still remember how to get in here." Rexis said.
"Yes, yes, I am most grateful." Issei sighed.
Entering the other side, Issei saw that the land of Purgatory wasn't what he expected at all. He thought it'd be a barren gray wasteland or a land of punishing fire. Instead, what he was met with, was a land of white flames, a golden sky, and grey soil with plants that were nowhere similar to that of Earth. Spanning endlessly into the distance, was a thick forest of grey trees with orange leaves.
"Well, can't say it's unpleasant, but it's still eerie." Issei noted.
"You should get going." Rexis urged.
"Right."
As soon as Issei took one step onto the ground, grey wisps of air gathered in front of him. Floating in front of him, was a creature that he'd never even seen before. It had wings of air with a long grey cloak, a hooded head with two glowing golden eyes. Issei labeled him as downright unsettling in appearance but he could feel that this thing was indifferent, at most. That is, if it wasn't for the glowing golden blade in its hands.
"I am Ultoria, the gatekeeper of Purgatory. You are not dead but…your life is waning. You're still of the living." It's calm but cold tone surmised.
"My name is Issei Hyoudou, and I am the Host of Bahamut. I've come here on a mission." Issei said.
"Purgatory is a land that only allows the dead. The living are forbidden from coming here." Ultoria hissed.
"I've come here to retrieve a cure for a disease that is carried by a family member that is great friend to me. Please, I swear that I will do no else but retrieve the Fruit of Penance." Issei said.
"That fruit is only allowed to those who have completed their repentance in Purgatory. It is not some prize for the living. Turn away and do not return." Ultoria ordered.
"I cannot do that. For the sake of my friend and the happiness that it slings on, I can't turn back. I'll do whatever it takes to retrieve that fruit. The one that I want, is a naturally grown one here, not one that is made from a soul."
"To retrieve that particular fruit, is a dangerous trial that none have accomplished. You would dare to seek out that task?" Ultoria narrowed its eyes.
"Yes. I have little time left. There are many things that I have to do before I die." Issei admitted.
Ultoria studied Issei for a while, weighing its options and the truth of Issei's words.
"In order to continue, you must first give me that which is most precious to you. That is the first step to enter Purgatory." Ultoria demanded.
Issei wasn't sure of what to do. He didn't have anything materialistic to give…well, nothing tangible aside from his Sacred Gear. However, that would rob him of Rexis.
Issei sighed. He wasn't sure if his offer would be acceptable, but it was the only thing he could think of.
"I'll give you 12 months out of the 16 that I have." Issei said.
"Twelve? Not all 16?" Ultoria questioned.
The normal thing was for someone to give all of their life.
"I need that time to finish my affairs for my loved ones before I die. All the other time that I don't need, is yours to take." Issei declared, resolute.
Again, Ultoria silently looked at him.
"Very well…your offer is accepted but not taken. You may continue." Ultoria said after a long pause.
"What?"
"I may not be an angel, but I am still a creation of the Father. I will not rob you of the very little time you have left. I merely wanted to see if you were worthy of even setting another step in Purgatory. Purgatory is a land created by God. Only those who are worthy are allowed to enter this realm. Perhaps, your tale is no lie. I will not fight you, that challenge is far ahead. In fairness, I will give you 3 warnings." Ultoria said.
Issei listened intently as he spoke.
"First: do not stray from the road. It is the path that presents the least danger. If you leave it, fouler entities of this land will prey upon you. The holy energies that once sustained this land are no longer as powerful and has become inhabited by the evil in humanity's heart. Second: there will be tests for you. Do not listen to what you are told, but with instead, listen to what your heart tells you. There are many powers in this land that you will not comprehend. Third: the location that you seek, is at the end of the road, for Purgatory will shift itself to conform with who you are." Ultoria finished.
"Thank you."
"Do not thank me. You still have many trials and troubles ahead. I am merely tolerating your entry. Should you not be who you say you are and are here out of malevolence, I will kill you." Ultoria coldly said.
Issei nodded as he moved on, entering the forest as Ultoria disappeared into light. Issei knew that Ultoria wasn't joking. If he messed up, he'd probably get speared.
The entire time he traversed the path into the Forest of Purgatory, he focused himself. He was uncomfortable, to say the least. His senses were going haywire, warning him of the dangers all around him. They were invisible, but he was sure that the trouble was here. He could feel eyes following him, waiting to pounce at him.
Yet, the most unsettling part was that there were white spheres floating all over the place. It was like giant, still, light-blue fireflies floating around in place. Swirling around them, were red and blue wisps of energy.
"Those are dead souls that do not have form. Those are the freshly deceased, who have yet to gain their own uniqueness. Their sins and good deeds are swirling around them, their process of repentance still taking place." Rexis explained.
"You know a lot, for someone who says they've only been here for a bit." Issei quipped.
"Before, Ultoria said the same things to me and he explained a few other things to me when I came here in life."
"Well, anything I should know?" Issei asked.
"Stay on your toes. The dangers in here, are unorthodox. The ways in which you will be tested will be unique to you. At this point, you're on your own." Rexis admitted.
"HE DID WHAT?!" Rizevim bellowed.
The Vali Peerage cowered on the couches as Rizevim fumed. His aura was flaring, a vein literally popping on his forehead as the glass windows trembled. He'd enjoyed a lot of Issei's stunts and kookiness, but this was unacceptable. Travel to Purgatory and attempts at it were banned because nobody knew the dangers of it. No one had seen what it was like for eons already and yet, he still went in. There was no telling what sort of dangers were in there.
"We need to go after him." Vali demanded.
"If we could, I'd have already been on my way." Rizevim sighed.
"We should go see Michael and Azazel. Those two are the most likely to have any idea on what to do and how to get there." Ezagyra said.
"I guess you're right." Rizevim pursed his lips.
When they arrived in Heaven, Rizevim had already told Michael about what had happened.
"I see. I felt a disturbance near the Red Sea a long while ago. We can assume that was him." Michael said.
"Have you finished the way to get in there?" Ezagyra urgently asked.
"Almost. It'll take a few more hours, but once we're finished, we can go in and bring him back." Michael nodded.
Sairaorg was pacing a few feet away.
"This is my fault. I shouldn't have blabbed my mouth."
"It's not your fault. This is Issei we're talking about." Vali shook her head.
"True. I just hope he's alright."
The group was silently waiting for Michael and Azazel to speed up the process, wondering about Issei's safety.
While everyone just waited around. For four agonizing hours, everyone was wondering what would happen from all this, both shortly, and in the long run.
Vali was trying to understand just why Issei decided to do all this. Sure, he and Sairaog had become good friends over the past months since he'd joined the peerage. However, it felt so random for him to risk so much to save Misla, when he didn't even know her. She had a feeling that he was doing it out of the goodness of his heart, but still…she felt that there was something more explicit behind this all.
Just then, Azazel walked over to everyone.
"So, thanks to this unforeseen turn of events we're going to have to use a makeshift method. Michael's using extra holy energy along with the power of several angels to open a portal to Purgatory. We can keep it open for 6 hours. You've got that time to get in there, find Issei, hopefully get the Fruit, and get out." Azazel explained.
"However, we can only let 2 people in. It takes energy to send people safely through portals, on top of keeping it open and keeping unwanted entries away. If we send more, we risk failing the spell or your safety." Michael added.
"I'm going." Vali stated.
Based on her expression alone, she wasn't going to let anyone deny her.
"Michael would be the other person, but as it stands, he needs to remain here to help the portal stay open." Azazel said.
"I'll be the other one." Sairaorg walked up.
"Then you'd better hurry. The less time we waste, the better." Azazel said.
"Wait, shouldn't we go?" Ezagyra objected.
Why did the children have to go when there were more powerful people that could get this done safer and quicker?
"No, this is something I'm responsible for." Sairaorg rejected her.
"Besides, you should stay on this side in case something comes through the other side." Vali added.
Without another word, the two rushed into Purgatory.
Issei had been walking for what seemed like hours. During that time, he saw a lot of things he'd never expected to. He saw humanoid souls walking all around him. It was as if they couldn't see him or just ignored him. He heard their voices, whispering in dazes about people and hallucinations.
'How long until I become one of them? How many times was I one of them?' He asked himself.
"Rexis…why were we the chosen host of Bahamut? Why was it us?" Issei asked.
For a long time, he'd been wondering about that question. Why did Bahamut stay with him only, and not move on to someone else entirely?
"I honestly don't know. The origins of all this was long before my time. I've tried to find that answer myself, but it ultimately came to nothing. I'm afraid the answer may be lost." Rexis answered.
Suddenly, Issei came to a halt. He sensed something. Something was coming, rather, something was ready to attack. For a while now, he'd felt something approaching him from behind. Now, it was closer than ever.
"Issei!"
Issei turned around, recognizing that familiar voice. Running toward him from the mist of the forest, was Vali.
"What?" He wondered why she was here, let alone how she got here.
"What on Earth are you doing here?" Vali demanded, stomping over.
"What are you doing here?" Issei fired back.
"I came here to bring you home. What were you thinking? Coming to Purgatory on your own when it was forbidden." Vali growled in frustration.
"I can't come back home yet. I've got a job to do." Issei shook his head.
"And what would that be?" Vali raised a brow.
"I've gotta get the Fruit of Penance for Sairaorg's mother. I'll come back after I have it. You should go home." Issei sternly said.
"I am not doing that. I'm taking you home right now." Vali grabbed his hand and tried to drag him away. She was like a metal claw, dragging him with as much strength as possible.
"Vali, let me go. I'm not going back until I've finished this." Issei adamantly said.
"Issei, this place is dangerous. Nobody knows what this place is like. Just forget about this and come home. Lady Misla isn't worth it."
Issei finally stopped resisting and sighed. Vali stopped tugging, when she felt him stop resisting.
"Alright…" Issei said.
Vali smiled in relief.
Suddenly, she felt a sharp thud as she looked down. Issei had impaled her with a sword from his gauntlet.
"I've concluded that you're nothing more than a trap. Your hands are frigidly colder than Vali's. Also, the real Vali wouldn't tell me to give up on someone, especially when they're close. She'd encourage me to continue and would've resolved to help me." Issei coldly explained.
The Fake Vali dispersed into dust, combining with the Mist of Purgatory. Issei paused, waiting for another challenge but after some time, nothing happened. Turning around, he continued forward.
Eventually, the forests of Purgatory gradually thickened in snow, with a cold wasteland replacing the landscape. Despite all that, Issei wasn't affected by the visible cold. Instead, he saw that the souls behind him trembled…as if they were freezing from the cold.
Issei continued onwards for what felt like a few hours until he was stopped. In front of him was a frozen canyon by a frozen lake. A waterfall of ice blocked the path, being as clear and reflective as glass.
Issei had the temptation to fly over the canyon but had an idea. He grabbed a rock and threw it over the canyon's edge. Instantly, it was pulverized into dust by a barrier in the sky, electrifying the air like a growling beast.
"Well, that's out of the question." Issei sighed.
He walked over to the lake, lightly tapping it with his foot. It showed no signs of weakening or cracking. He then went to the waterfall and looked into it. All he saw was his reflection.
"So, what do we do here?" Issei asked Rexis.
"I never made it this far, Issei. I'd already found the person I was looking for and brought them back with me." Rexis admitted
Issei took a deep breath to think. He couldn't fly over the wall. He couldn't break the ice. His magic wasn't going to melt it either. What was the significance of this place? He stood in the wintery landscape for a while, thinking to himself.
'Purgatory is a land where dead souls repent for their sins before going to Heaven. When you repent, you reflect on the things you've done and your life…So, this place…has a lot of reflections. When you look at reflections, you look at yourself.' He said in his mind.
(Hiroyuki Sawano – Ashes Returns. Play Song.)
Issei sighed again. It looked like it was time for another emotional taxation. He walked to the waterfall and gazed into his reflection. He thought he was going to have to do something. Instead, things happened on their own.
"What're you doing here, Issei?" His reflection asked.
Coming to life on its own, Issei's reflection began to talk.
"So, can we skip to the part where you melt away and I move forward?" Issei asked.
"Don't act all impatient. You know you wanna tuck your tail, turn around, and go back to Vali."
"So, what's the point of you?" Issei asked.
"What're you talking about? I'm you. I'm the part of you that never rises to the surface." His reflection said.
"Then you should know my answers already. This is getting old." Issei narrowed his eyes.
"Is it? Are you being honest?"
Issei didn't respond.
"You're going to die, Issei. You've got 16 months at best. You're wasting time. Misla's going to die in just a few hours, probably. Who knows how much time you've got left. Not only that, but you plan to help Sairaorg snag your beloved? Are you that much of a quitter?"
"I'm not quitting. I'm making it count."
"Is that what you're telling yourself? Well, I don't have to hear it. After all, I'm you. I know your plan. You plan to help everyone with their 'issues' and then you're gonna go and fight the Aviturs. I'll spare you the wait and tell you that it won't matter. It'll all be for nothing. The Aviturs will be back. You'll die. You're going to reincarnate and by then, people will have forgotten all about you. In 16 months, Issei Hyoudou will end up dead. With your plan, you'll be forgotten too. So, tell me, just how does your plan make any sense?"
Issei faltered. His reflection had a point. Not only that, but the fact that it kept poking at some insecurities that he had about his plans just made it worse. What would all this accomplish, really?
"All of this is just some glorified attempt to make something of your life. You were just a regular teen who went to school to go to college to get a good job. Mundane to the maximum. Now, you're someone who can't catch up to the others. It was by luck that you were the Host of Bahamut. Now, you're dying, and you've got nothing worth showing for. So, tell me, is this for you or for the others?"
Again, Issei was silent.
"And your love for Vali will be pointless. She doesn't love you. She never will. Even after all that you've done, her eyes are still on Sairaorg. Even on the brink of death, you don't have the courage to confess how you feel." The Reflection taunted him.
Issei nodded. His reflection raised some good points, but that wasn't enough. After some silence, he formed his answer, solidifying his resolve.
"I see what you're trying to do. You're trying to make me doubt myself. Well, I'm not sorry to say that I'm not stopping. I've come too far to just stop and turn around. I'm dying. I've accepted that. There's no turning back, nor is there a cure for my condition. That's why, I'll fit in all that I can so that I can make the most of it all. True, I might be doing this for me, but what happens to me doesn't really matter. What matters is that the people I care about will smile and be happy for as long as it'll last. I don't care how much of a hell I have to live through. I won't surrender. I won't quit. I won't let others sink back into loneliness like how I will. What I do, I do because I want to. I may wish to be more than I am and I may wish that my legacy will live on in some way, but you know what? That'll never overtake the top of my priorities. Unlike me, my loved ones will live for far longer. They'll experience more pain and suffering that I probably will in this life, as Issei Hyoudou. Thus, I want to give them as much happiness as possible to be their light in those dark times." Issei vehemently declared.
"I don't care if you pick at my resolve. I'm not turning back. The only thing I can do is keep going forward. So, you can disappear with the last of my doubt." Issei ordered.
The waterfall containing his reflection shattered into powder, revealing the path forward.
"Another test that you've passed, clearly." Rexis chuckled.
"I needed that." Issei said.
"What?"
"At first, I agreed with what it all. Now…I don't. True, my actions won't last forever. However, nothing ever does. That's why, you've gotta make things count while you can." Issei explained as he continued on the path.
As he said, he'd come too far to just stop. He had a mission that he had to see through before his life ended. These tests had done more benefit to him than he'd expected. They hardened his willpower and helped him rid himself of his doubts.
(Hiroyuki Sawano – Ashes ~ Returns. End Song.)
After much longer, he came to the end of the path. Standing there, was a large pillar of white metal. Floating inside it, was something that looked like a fruit. It was caramel-brown with shimmering leaves at the top and shaped like a diamond. That had to be the Fruit of Penance.
As he stepped further, the ground began trembling. Clanking and clicks grew louder as the Pillar in front of him began to shift and transform. Two arms and legs shifted and formed from the Pillar as it changed into a humanoid machine. Its head had a golden visor with blue lights all over its body.
"I am the Omniculus, Guardian of Purgatory. The living are forbidden from entering this land. Name yourself and your purpose." The guardian demanded.
"I am Issei Hyoudou, Host of Bahamut. I've come here for the Fruit of Penance."
"And why is it that you've come for this fruit, specifically?"
"In the Living Realm, there's someone who needs that fruit. There are no cures where I come from. That fruit is the only possibility left. Please, her time is running out."
"I cannot give you this fruit. It is only for those that have repented long enough in this realm. By consuming this fruit, they can pass on to Heaven. You may play host to Bahamut, but that alone is not enough to grant this boon to you. Turn back and never return." The Omniculus said.
"Please, I beg of you, please allow me to take the fruit. The happiness and hopes of many rides on the life of the person I need to save. I'll do whatever it takes." Issei pleaded.
He had no shame in begging if it meant he could reason to save someone's life.
"Why are you so desperate to save this person?" It asked.
"Because very dear friends care for her. I refuse to let them be saddened if I have the power to save her."
"So, you fight for your so-called friends?" The Omniculus asked.
"Yes."
"I see. And what are you prepared to do?"
"I'm ready to give up my life." Issei retorted.
"Death is cheap for you. The Host of Bahamut has reincarnated many times. Saying that you'll give up your life, means little to me."
"If my words are not enough for you, then I'll have to take it from you." Issei declared.
Misla only had a few more days to live at best. Issei refused to waste more time out of fear that things had gotten worse while he was away.
"Oh? Interesting." The Omniculus scoffed.
"I don't have time to play with you and your arrogance. I don't have time to beat around the bush with you either. If you won't allow me to have it, then I'll rip it from you after you're a pile of scrap." Issei growled, his eyes glowing.
"Very well. I accept your challenge. The prize shall be the Fruit. Use all that you can against me and prove to me that you are worthy."
Issei adorned himself in his navy aura.
"Balance Break."
(God of War OST – Magni and Modi. Play Song.)
Equipped with his Calamity Bringer, Issei unfurled his wings, blasting radiant energy everywhere. Materializing a sword, Issei flew at the machine. The Omniculus stretched its arm, extending an endless cable that barely missed Issei. Dodging and weaving back and forth, Issei detached parts of his wings, remotely controlling them to fire at the Omniculus.
Splitting its arm into several more, the Omniculus swatted Issei away, smashing him through several trees. It dragged Issei across the ground, pushing him further and further. Cleaving the arms off, Issei flew into the air. He didn't have time to counter as rays of grey energy fired at him. Deflecting them with shields and mana barriers, Issei made his way toward the Omniculus.
It stomped its foot, erecting the ground of Purgatory to slam into his stomach. Issei recovered, blasting away at it with beams.
The Omniculus was pushed back but easily recovered. Gathering mana into its chest, it fired a massive beam of energy, dragging it through the air and along the ground, chasing Issei. He formed a spear and a shield throwing them at the Omniculus. The spear bounced off the shield, impaling it through the leg.
Issei slashed a wave of mana at it with a sword, forcing it to defend itself. Wreathing his fist in abyssal energy, Issei bashed into its chest before spinning around, blasting it back with beams. Just then, two arms erupted from the ground, latching onto Issei's limbs. He tried to wrestle out, willing his satellites to attack the arms holding him. He formed blades from the arms of his gauntlets, slashing them off.
Issei spread his wings, firing off spheres of mana at the Omniculus like homing missiles. It swiped its arm through the air, swiping the mists of Purgatory toward them. It charged at Issei, who backed up, knocking it back with a shield before skewering it with a lance.
Issei spun around, knocking it even further back with a swing of his hammer. Before he could hit it again, the Omniculus grabbed him by the face, yanking him into the ground and stomping on him.
Issei rolled out the way, uppercutting it in the head with spikes growing out of his gauntlets. Up-close, he hit it with a blast of lightning, but it had no effect.
"I may be a machine, but I am not subject to that old-fashioned weakness."
The Omniculus fired a beam from its visor, hitting Issei dead in the chest. Landing on the ground, Issei dodged, ran, and somersaulted as the Omniculus fired beams and swiped at him with its arms.
Flying into the sky, Issei fired a rain of mana again.
"If your only approach is overwhelming brute force, then you will never win the Fruit."
Firing beams from its arms, the Omniculus dispersed the projectiles. Unexpectedly, it was caught off-guard by the dozens of blades raining down from behind the projectiles Issei fired. Tearing into its armor, the Omniculus began to move, dodging to the side as Issei came lunging fast toward it. His fist battered the ground below him, a shockwave erupting.
'I've gotta be careful not to destroy the fruit.' Issei scolded himself, nearly making a fatal error.
All of this would've been pointless if he destroyed the Fruit. After gaining so much power, Issei had almost forgotten how to hold himself back for when it mattered.
The Omniculus rushed him, materializing blades from its arms. Issei twirled chains around some of its arms before brandishing two swords. Slashing, parrying, and blocking, the two went back and forth. Issei was starting to get overwhelmed by all the attacks thrown at him. He was nicked in the shoulder, poked in the thigh, and his weapons were starting to break too.
He was getting hammered by the constant swings. Issei backed away, blasting the Omniculus in the face before throwing a flail at its head. The Omniculus caught them and threw them back. Issei dodged to the side and threw a massive shuriken at it.
The Omniculus activated a magic circle, manipulating the ground to rise, stopping the projectile. Crushing its way from the other side, the Omniculus extended an arm, grabbing Issei's leg. It yanked him around, smashing into the ground like a beaten rag.
Issei flared his aura, disintegrating the arm it was using to hold him.
(God of War OST – Magni and Modi. End Song.)
Issei landed back on the ground, staggering from the drop and the nonstop action. Thankfully, the Omniculus stopped. It stood in place, ready for another talk.
"Tell me, why do you fight so hard for this person?" It asked.
"I told you already."
"Tell me the whole truth." The Omniculus demanded.
"The person that needs this cure, is a poor mother who's been mistreated all her life. Her husband abused and neglected her. The clan she married into, abandoned her and drove her away. Her son suffered the same fate because he wasn't born with their clan's special power. They were treated with prejudice and suffered for years. Now, that mother is dying, comatose, and hasn't seen her son's face for years since he was a boy. I refuse to stand by and let this happen." Issei responded.
"And just what drives you to help them? Are they also friend and family? Have they done something for you? Has someone asked you to?" The Omniculus asked.
"I do it of my own volition. After seeing someone suffer so much shame and suffering, I won't let it continue. Most of all, they've done nothing wrong. I can't just let that mother die nor will I let her son move on with life and not let her see it." Issei growled.
"And why is all that?"
"Because that's what I want. With what little time I have left, I want the people I care about to smile, to be happy, to look forward to tomorrow. Even if it's temporary, then I'll do whatever I can to preserve it." Issei swore.
"So, you will continue, even if you die?" The Omniculus asked again.
"No matter what, I won't turn back." Issei declared.
"Very well. Then to honor your words, I shall use all of my power to match your strong will." The Omniculus declared.
The Omniculus wreathed itself in a grey aura before, suddenly, its metal form shattered.
(God Eater 2 OST – Puppets of Justice. Play Song.)
In its place, was a ghostly entity with glowing golden eyes and metal armor. Its aura changed form, growing dozens of arms like the hair of Medusa. Following suit, the arms opened their hands, charging energy beams.
Issei matched him, firing several beams that raked through the air, disintegrating its arms.
The Omniculus drove its arms into the ground before hundreds tore out of the ground. Issei flew into the air, slashing away as quickly as possible while blasting them away. He circled the Omniculus, shooting at it while fending off its spectral arms.
As they closed in, Issei spread his wings and used the power of the [Abyssal Nexus]. Glowing, the wings began absorbing the energy in the air before firing gigantic beams at the arms. Issei used the additional mana to fly towards the Omniculus, swinging his sword down. It caught his attack with its spectral arms before willing the clouds in the sky to swirl, electricity crackling.
Issei let go of his sword, dashing away as a bolt of lightning came flying down. Issei fired mana back at its face before he was seized by its arms.
"Uoooooh!" Issei let his aura explode, releasing him from the Omniculus' grip.
"Is this all the might that Bahamut can muster?" The Omniculus taunted.
The mists of Purgatory swirled in front of him, tunneling into a vortex with his name on it. Issei spread his wings again, charging up his energy for a [Vacuum Burst]. Absorbing mana from the air and adding it to his own, he detached the satellites of his wings and aimed them at the Omniculus, putting abyssal energy into it.
"So that is your response." The Omniculus said.
The two attacks met, clashing into a storm of grey and navy, swirling like a cyclone. The forest around them was shredded and obliterated apart by the blast, dust scattering everywhere.
When everything settled, the Omniculus was damaged, its armor corroded. As for Issei, he had defended himself with a shield and barrier.
The Omniculus divided itself into copies, creating several more of himself.
"So long as we are in Purgatory, you cannot defeat me." It stated.
Issei knew that already. The entire time, he'd noticed that the Omniculus was drawing energy from Purgatory. It absorbed power from the air, namely the Mist of Purgatory, which was also energy. Not only that, but the Omniculus was the guardian of Purgatory, so it would be natural for it to draw power from it.
Issei was about to counter, but immediately, he felt his painful fits again. He gagged and fell to his knees as blood started gurgling from his mouth. He clutched at his chest, trying to regulate his breathing to control the pain. His throat burned from the blood and the air that seared his airways.
"It looks like your time limit is up." The Omniculus marched toward him.
Issei had to think of something. He was getting tired and this painful fit wasn't helping. He tried to find any weak points of noticeable things about the Omniculus. Despite now looking like a ghost, it still maintained its torso. Why was that? If it didn't need it, it'd have just discarded it along with the rest of its armor.
That was when he got an idea. Channeling lightning energy around his hand, he fired it at the Omniculus, again. As expected, it absorbed the attack, but this time, Issei had a surprise for it.
"Again, you waste your energy." The Omniculus scoffed.
Suddenly, its torso sparked with navy smoke hissing from its body.
"You may be ready for lightning attacks, but how about abyssal energy?" Issei asked.
The Omniculus sizzled, twitched, and jerked as its systems were overloading with abyssal energy.
Issei made a mad rush for the Fruit. Powering his aura to the max, he grasped at both sides of the Omniculus, ripping its chest cavity open and grasping the fruit.
Just as Issei jumped away, his Balance Breaker dissipated. He lost his footing, falling and tumbling to the ground. He felt exhaustion sweep into him as he nearly fell over, landing on his knees. He looked up to see that the Omniculus was working through its system malfunction, ready to attack him at any moment.
Issei tried to get back up but he was running out of strength. Another fight wasn't going to go well. He was still tired from his Rating Game with Sairaorg, the stress of maintaining his Balance Breaker, and his very recent painful fit.
"[Division Slicer]"
"[Earth Cutter]"
A gold and light-blue cross wave of energy sliced at the Omniculus. Issei's attention shot to the side to see Sairaorg and Vali racing toward him.
"[Divide 10x]"
The Omniculus jerked as its energy was taken from it.
"Are you alright?!" Vali rushed toward him.
Sairaorg ran up to the Omniculus, smashing it away while it was still dazed.
(God Eater 2 Ost – Puppets of Justice. End Song.)
Issei was honestly surprised at this sudden turn of events. He didn't have any reason to doubt it was them either, since their attacks hit the enemy and Vali's first instinct was to see if he was okay.
"I'm alright. I've got the fruit." Issei panted.
The three turned toward the trees as the Omniculus gently glided towards them.
"Well-done, boy. You've won the fruit." It congratulated him.
"What are you, exactly?" Issei asked.
"It's as I said, I am the Guardian of Purgatory and the Fruit of Penance. It is my duty to test all who wish to obtain the fruit. You have passed the test. In this test, you, the living, came here to retrieve the Fruit, which was naturally grown instead of being one that is nurtured by the dead. You did it selflessly, you persevered, endangered your life, and saw it through to the end. You used more than just your might to get it, and you were even prepared to fight me off after winning it. You pass the test, boy. Go now, and make sure that this is the last time that you come here. I may not be so merciful next time." The Omniculus calmly said as it dissipated into mist.
Issei forced himself to stand, as Sairaorg and Vali caught him. He was lucky, since it clearly sounded like the Guardian of Purgatory was holding back. Maybe.
"How did you two even find out where I was? How'd you get here?" Issei asked.
"Vali found out after connecting the dots after asking everyone where you were. As for how we got here, it was thanks to Michael and Azazel making an imperfected method of travel." Sairaorg explained.
"Let's hurry and get out of here before anything else happens. I've had enough of tests for today." Vali decided.
When they crossed through the portal back into Heaven, Issei was met with many disapproving gazes.
"You have a lot of nerve, Issei." Rizevim sternly said.
"Especially when the ban on traveling to Purgatory was made." Ezagyra added.
Issei scoffed. That only angered them even more. Normally, he'd be cowering in their presence, but he didn't have the patience for this anymore.
"That's the least of my worries. I have the Fruit. Please take this to Misla Bael and other patients first. I'll accept whatever punishment you have for me later." Issei rolled his eyes.
Rizevim gripped his collar, glaring.
"We're going to decide your punishment right now. I'll admit, what you did was noble, but you disregarded all warnings and dangers. We also don't know what the consequences of your actions will be. Other pantheons may turn their gazes to Purgatory and the unknown enemies might do the same. What you did was rash and you could've gotten yourself killed. Thus, you'll be put under house arrest for a month. No leaving the Mansion, period. It's for your own good." He sternly ordered.
Issei had to admit, Rizevim had a point. If others found out about methods to travel into Purgatory, then they'd try to exploit it. Still, that was a bridge he'd cross later.
"Fine." Issei sighed in defeat.
With nothing more to say, Issei's fate was decided and he was sent home after a checkup. Rizevim promised more later, but Issei was sure he'd cool off. As for Sairaorg, he immediately took the Fruit of Penance to the Sitri Hospital. The doctors didn't even bother to question him. They took the Fruit to their labs and immediately began work on synthesizing a cure.
Thankfully, Issei had made it in time to save Misla's life. One more hour and she would've died since her condition had worsened rapidly. After the doctors administered the cure, it had been 8 grueling hours for Sairaorg. His entire Peerage and the Vali Peerage was there, aside from Issei. They waited, pacing back and forth, before the nurses came running.
"Lord Sairaorg, it's your mother!"
At first, Sairaorg and the others feared the worst. Everyone ran to see what had happened and much to their relief, they were greeted with the sight of Misla Bael, sitting upright and awake. She was rubbing her temples but when she heard the commotion, she turned to look at the doorway. She still looked exhausted, bags under her eyes and underfed, but the zeal in her eyes held suns-worth of vitality.
"Sairaorg, is that you?" She asked.
She already knew it was him, but she felt that she had to be sure. Her mother's intuition already gave her the answer, but times and people changed. It was probably years since she'd gone into a coma. Sairaorg nodded, slowly walking toward her. It was almost like a dream, a dream that he'd begged for, for so long.
(Doctor Who OST – The Doctor Forever. Play Song.)
"Look at how much you've grown. You were so small and now look at how mighty you appear. You've become such a big and strong young man." Misla happily said, tears forming in her eyes.
"I've done exactly as I'd promised you, mother. I've grown strong. I've done all that I can to be the best I can be." Sairaorg said.
"You didn't need to worry about all that. As long as you grew up happy, with people who care about you, then that's all I could have ever asked for." Misla said, patting his head soothingly.
Sairaorg had nearly forgotten this feeling. His mother hadn't done it in so long that he'd never thought he'd get to experience it again.
"I'm so proud of you, my sweet little boy. I'm so sorry that I was asleep for so long." Misla tearfully said.
Sairaorg hid his face on her blankets, holding back the tears. It had finally come true. His mother was back. He'd wished to talk to her for so long and now she was back.
"From now on, we can be family again. We can enjoy life again." Misla happily said.
Vali watched from the sidelines, smiling at the happy sight.
"All's well that ends well, huh? Issei, you crazy guy…you come here for just a few months and look at all the miracles you've caused…"
(Doctor Who OST – The Doctor Forever. End Song.)
Alright, that loose end's been tied up. Now that Misla is awake, Issei can finally focus on setting up his plans. That means I get to do the same. Time to start thinking of jokes and funny craziness again. I've been focusing on so much serious writing now that it's a breath of fresh air for me to start working with comedy again.
Anyways, thanks for tuning in like always and I'll see you at the next update.
