Now, I normally don't like to get political. It's just a bad idea to me because I've been involved in enough situations where talking about it causes problems once someone gets triggered. It's a sensitive topic and a lot of people don't like to talk about it. However, I feel the need to say something.

As we all may be aware, as of March 26, 2020, the Coronavirus (COVID-19), has been spreading throughout America and several other countries around the world. As of this moment, many are under stay-at-home and quarantine policies.

During this time, I want to wish everyone good luck and I hope that you all are doing well and best wishes to those who do have the COVID-19 Virus. I understand that these are scary and stressful times since our daily lives have been severely impacted. I want to remind everyone that despite how dark things may get or look, we can get through this, and we will get through this. We just need to keep our wisdom engaged and to not fall prey to panic and our darker thoughts and emotions. It just takes one slipup to make everything go downhill.

I wish you all the best of luck, I hope you all are safe, and please remember to be responsible. If you cough or sneeze, try to do it in your elbow. Avoid touching your face and mouth and nose. Try to keep your distance from others and watch out for each other. Also, make sure to wash your hands very often whenever you can. I can't tell you enough stories about people who use bathrooms or wipe their snot without washing their hands.

There are also people who go out to the stores to hoard supplies and food. While I do agree that it's a good idea to stock up on food and supplies, I disagree with the idea of hoarding. DO NOT HOARD. Just like you and me, we all want to survive. BUT we cannot do that if we or others are taking everything and leaving nothing for other people. In case some of people haven't noticed, it's not all about one person, whether this message be directed at you or someone else that can be selfish. Other people need to live and survive too.

Do NOT be selfish and apathetic people. Be responsible, be mindful, be wise, and be kind. Hatred, panic, and fear never did anyone any good. We make the best decisions when we're at our calmest and most rational. If you're selfish and are against the idea of showing sympathy and kindness and consideration to others, then you don't deserve any of it.

And on another note. Since the state that I live in is issuing a "Stay-at-home" policy for public safety, I've got some free time on my hands. Thus, I wanted to surprise you all with a 4 Chapter update. These aren't one chapter broken up into parts either. They're 4 separate chapters. These are Chapters 44 to 47. I hope that you'll enjoy.


Chapter 44: Know Yourself

Issei and the rest of the Vali Peerage ran into the Sitri Hospital where Kuisha was being cared for. When they reached outside the room, they could hear Kuisha groaning in agony as she thrashed around. Sairaorg remained in the room with her, holding onto her hand reassuringly.

"What happened?" Vali asked.

Corianna stepped forward.

"We were on a mission to help investigate a case of sicknesses along Italy's coast. We ended up in a forest where we fought with a serpentine creature. Kuisha was poisoned by it after taking a bite meant for Sairaorg. We managed to kill it, but the problem is that we don't know what it was and we don't know where to begin with a cure." She nervously said.

"What did that creature look like? Tell me everything?" He inquired.

"It was long, serpentine, had blue scales, 3 eyes. The third one was on its forehead. It had long fangs that stuck out its mouth. It also had a second head." Ladora recounted.

"Other than its size, did it feel unsettling? Like it was just wrong to be near it?" Issei asked.

"Yeah."

"Did it have glowing lines across its body?" Issei asked again.

"Only on its head. It had a glowing mark."

Issei now understood what had happened. This thing was a leftover from the First Calamity, from before Bahamut destroyed the original galaxy. It had been a hypothesis of his about what happened in the past. When the Abyss recreated the galaxy, it brought over everyone who'd died from Bahamut's rampage. Did it also bring the Aviturs and their influence over as well? Was it by accident? Or did the Void create them anew?

"What's her condition?" Vali asked a doctor who came out.

"Not good. The poison in her system is continuing to circulate. It's shutting down her body functions and killing her. Her body's overtaxing itself trying to keep her going, but it's not going to last forever. She'll only last a few more days at this rate."

"How'd you come about this mission?" Vali asked.

"We received orders from the higher brass of the government. All teams sent to search for the cause of the distress were killed. Eventually, Sairaorg was chosen for the mission since he was considered to have better luck with the situation." Liban answered.

'This smells fishy. Why would the government send a young person like Sairaorg on a mission where others failed? Sirzechs would never allow such a thing.' Vali narrowed her eyes.

'Sairaorg is exceptionally strong, more so than a major portion of High-Class Devils. If it's a threat that not even grown adults can deal with, then it would make sense to send stronger forces out. However, if that's the case, then the choice should've been Issei.' Albion reasoned.

'Issei's a loose cannon. He'll do whatever he deems necessary and cares little for rules and protocols. They also know that he's the Host of Bahamut, which means one wrong move and they'll nuke themselves in the face if he goes ballistic.' Vali pondered.

"Issei, do you think- " She turned to the side.

Suddenly, he was gone.

"Where did he go?!" Vali exclaimed.

"I didn't even hear him leave." Kuroka was baffled.


Inside Kuisha's room, Sairaorg was staring intently at her face. It distressed him to watch his Queen writhe in pain. He hated it whenever anyone in his Peerage was harmed and in distress. He wanted to do whatever he could for them.

Just then, the doctor walked into the room.

"What's the situation, Doctor?" Sairaorg asked.

"Kuisha is in a dire situation. I don't know how long she has unless we get her an antidote. Even so, we don't even know where to begin." The Doctor bit his lip.

Sairaorg grit his teeth in frustration.

"Do we have any clues?" He sighed.

His pulse was pounding as sweat dripped down his face. He felt himself going numb. His peerage was his family and the thought of losing anyone was unbearable.

"I'm sorry, not many. We've taken a basis off our cures for serpent venom, but nothing else. We're trying to get Azazel so that he and Grigori can share information." The Doctor apologized.

When Sairaorg came out of the room, he looked utterly strained, despite his best attempts to hide it. Vali could tell just how stressed he was with a look at his eyes.

"How can we help?" She asked.

"I don't know. Right now, there's no known cure for Kuisha. I'm going to go to Underworld's Record Archives for any clues." Sairaorg determinately said.

"I'll go with you." Lefay said.

"Sairaorg, there's actually something I wanted to talk to you about." Vali led him outside to talk in private.


"What's on your mind?" Sairaorg asked.

"I think it's weird. Why did the government send you, a group of Young Devils after something that not even more seasoned Devils could handle? Not only that, but you're the heir to the Bael House. That automatically makes you a target for anyone who wants to seize the position. If you died in battle, then it could be covered up as a casualty or accident. To boot, Sirzechs wouldn't allow you to go into this unless there were fail-safes or only after he had enough information. I think someone tried to have you killed." Vali explained.

"I'm not surprised. A long list of people come to mind, perhaps my stepmother or stepbrother. She wasn't pleased when I took the rights to succession from my brother. As for my younger half-sibling, I doubt it's him. He's content with life as a botanist. Not only that, but there're many who're dissatisfied with my loss to Issei at the Rating Games." Sairaorg pondered.

"Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" Vali asked.

"Yes. I'm going to go out and try and find a cure…" Sairaorg started.

"And I'll investigate the matter of your mission and those involved." Vali finished.

The two nodded at each other as they went their separate ways.


Sairaorg's search drove him to the Underworld's archives for information on cures and remedies. Scouring over each and every book, he kept searching for hours until he found an obscure book. Speeding through its pages like a machine, he found one piece of text that piqued his urgency.

"Sanjeevani, a rare herb that can cure any curse or malady." Sairaorg said to himself.

He researched where and when this herb was found. Eventually, he found that it was in India, being a herb of the Hindu pantheon. He had to take this chance. He'd gone over hundreds of books and Sanjeevani was the most promising. Purgatory was no longer an option since it took time for a new Fruit of Penance to ripen, much less begin growing.

He rushed to Rizevim. He was the closest connection he had to the Four Satans as well as the one with the least packed schedule.

"So, what can I do to help?" Rizevim asked as soon as Sairaorg rushed into his office.

"I need help getting into India. I need to obtain Sanjeevani." Sairaorg showed him the texts he'd found.

"Sanjeevani is a very rare plant that is closely guarded by the higher levels of the Hindu Pantheon. It can even revive the dead if done at the right time and place and if destiny allows it. Getting this won't be easy, Sairaorg." Rizevim explained.

"I know and I'm prepared to do anything to get it. I need it to save Kuisha." Sairaorg panted.

"And what exactly are you prepared to do?" Rizevim asked.

"I'll cut off all my limbs and disembowel myself to save my peerage members. They're my family and I refuse to lose any of them." Sairaorg declared.

Rizevim sighed.

"Alright. I'll make arrangements but understand that this might be all I can do. After that, you're going to be on your own." He said.

Sairaorg could only nod.


When Sairaorg was transported to India, he arrived at the steps to a massive shrine. He was standing on a massive stone road with pillars on the sides. Torches and flames crackled in midair as he passed by. Looking around, he could see that he was standing on a shrine among clouds. His instincts were telling him to run, but he refused to. He refused to turn back with Kuisha's life in the balance.

"Continue forth, young man." A voice echoed.

Sairaorg pressed on before he came to a halt. The stone path ended in front of him before the clouds began to move around him. Swirling together, the clouds and light came together to form an entity. He had long dark hair with pale blue skin, golden anklets and wreaths adorned and a golden headpiece.

"I am Vishnu. Welcome, Sairaorg Bael."

Sairaorg was a bit surprised that his name was known. Then again, this was Vishnu they were talking about.

"It is an honor, Lord Vishnu." Sairaorg bowed.

"I am aware that you wish to obtain this."

Vishnu opened his palm, levitating a glowing green herb with laces of gold coiling on its leaves.

"The true Sanjeevani." He explained.

"I am." Sairaorg replied.

"Why do you desire such a powerful herb? Sanjeevani, the true form of it is a herb that can even revive the dead if administered quickly. Surely, you understood just how dangerous it is in the wrong hands?" Vishnu asked.

"I understand, Lord Vishnu. However, I only want it in order to save the life of someone very important to me."

"I understand how you feel, but this isn't something that I can give away easily nor freely." Vishnu said.

Sairaorg's desperation grew. Vishnu had to have been messing with him now. Vishnu was one of the strongest entities in creation. If he could already decipher Sairaorg's reasons and goals, then what was the point of wasting all this time?

"Please, I'll do anything." Sairaorg immediately knelt.

"I'm sorry, but one life is inconsequential compared to billions more. Not only that, but it would be unfair to all if I were to give this to you only and not others who came before or after." Vishnu shook his head.

"Please, Lord Vishnu. It's for the sake of the woman who's been with me since I was young. I don't care if I have to swear eternal servitude or sever my limbs. I'll do anything!" Sairaorg begged.

Vishnu silently stared at Sairarog for the longest time. The young devil had his head to the ground, prostrating himself without any care for dignity.

"Very well. I will give you a chance. However, you must face 3 trials." Vishnu finally spoke.

Sairaorg gulped. Gods were completely different from all others. He had no idea what these trials would be like, but he knew that they would be far from easy in the most difficult sense of the word.

"You must fulfill 3 tasks. First, you must travel to the Arctic, there you will find a shrine. At the heart of the shrine, at its highest point, is a sapphire gem. Make sure to take it and keep it with you. That will bring you to your second task. The Second Task will require you to fight. As for your opponent, it will depend upon you. The Third Task will then be a test that you will bring upon yourself. The final task is something that will also depend on who you are. You must resolve it on your own. If you succeed and bring the sapphire gem back to me, I will give you the Sanjeevani." Vishnu said.

"I understand." Sairaorg resolutely said.

"Then, I will send you to where you need to begin." Vishnu's glowing eyes grew brighter for an instant as Sairaorg was teleported away.

When Vishnu was alone, someone materialized from the mana in the air. It was Lakshmi. She had black hair, pale skin, a gold sari, with anklets and necklaces adorning her.

"Was it necessary to test him?" She asked.

"Sanjeevani is a powerful essence. There was a reason why I destroyed all records of it. It's too powerful to be left vulnerable to anyone who would abuse it. It can revive anyone from death within 3 days. The boy must prove himself if he is going to obtain this sacred herb." Vishnu sternly said.

"He's just a boy, Vishnu." Lakshmi reasserted.

"And he must learn to be able to let others go. Life isn't about continuing eternally. Life is about living as best as you can before your time in mortal form is gone. Even the Host of Bahamut understands that." Vishnu responded.

The two went silent. That was a topic that they had yet to talk about.

"Is there truly no way to save him?" Lakshmi asked, as if trying to urge him to do it.

"No…if there were, it'd have happened already, as Rexis has said. The power of Bahamut is ancient. The one who created Bahamut is more ancient than any deity or world. His power is derived from the powers that be. I cannot do anything to save him because the energy of Bahamut would interfere. The ancient dragon has gone mad with rage and hatred. He will not be satisfied with anything less than the destruction of everything that reminds him of his suffering. That means all of us. Even now, he is contained within his seal, but no one knows when that seal will break. It's best that fate takes control of everything now. I have already spoken to Odin and Zeus about this and we have all agreed upon this." Vishnu reasoned.

"Still, he's suffered long enough." Lakshmi retorted.

"This world was created based on a second chance. The original Galaxy, our original home was obliterated because we did as we pleased. We didn't care for anyone aside from ourselves, both mortals and immortals. It drowned in sin. Thus, the flames of destruction from Bahamut reduced it to nothing. Now, we have a second chance. We cannot act rashly. We can only do what fate wills us to. Gods may be capable of unimaginable things. Yet, we are paltry in comparison to fate, life, death, and time. Thus, we must wait. If the boy is fitting of being saved by fate, then we shall do so. Interfering with the balance is something that not even gods are forgiven for doing. There are powers at work that are beyond even us." Vishnu said with a final tone.


When Sairarog arrived at the Arctic, he shivered slightly as the blistering winds slammed into him. Snow covered everything from sight. His feet sunk into 12 inches of snow as he braved through the endless storm. For hours, he journeyed, his teeth clattering. His body trembled and his movements were growing stiffer. Even so, he refused to give up. Kuisha was counting on him.

Before long, Sairaorg saw a distant blue glow. Continuing forward through the blizzard, he finally arrived in front of a massive shrine of ice. It looked to be made of white stone but was covered in ice. There were no windows, only spikes of ice and design aesthetics reminiscent of magic.

After several hours of braving through a swirl of snow and cold, he'd arrived. Shaking off his shivers, Sairaorg stepped forward into the Shrine. The moment he did, he crossed a threshold that became visible as he passed through.

He felt like a cold wind had passed through him, spread throughout every cell in his body before exiting.

He shivered before continuing into Shrine. He looked around and listened. There wasn't a single indication of life around him. There were no sounds. No movement. No breath.

He walked through countless rooms and doors as he ascended the tower. When he climbed to the third floor, he opened the door to reveal someone he didn't expect.

Issei was also here.

"Sairaorg?"

"What're you doing here?" Said young man asked.

"I came here looking for a cure for Kuisha. Thanks to memories of my past lives, I had an idea or two. What're you doing here?" Issei explained.

That was true. Issei had told him that he retained memories from his past lives as well.

"Well, I struck a deal with Vishnu. I'd undertake 3 tasks for him. If I can succeed, he'll give me the possible cure or an ingredient that'll cure her." Sairaorg said.

"Sanjeevani." Issei nodded.

"You know about it?" Sairaorg asked.

"Yes. It can be used as an ingredient to cure anything or to revive the dead within 3 days of their death. I can see why Vishnu would give you so much trouble for it. Now, let's stop wasting time and keep going." Issei pointed upwards.

"What do you know about this place?" Sairaorg asked.

"There're 50 floors to this shrine. It was abandoned and its origins are unknown. The only facts on it are that it contains various artifacts of significant capabilities and functions. If everything here were collected, it'd give a massive boost in power to any person or military." Issei noted.

"I see."

"So, now that we're on the subject…what's your history with Kuisha, exactly?"

(Naruto Shippuden OST – Ochihabune/Dead Floating Leaves. Play Song.)

"Well, after Vali left for training and Sona and Rias left for school in the Human Realm, I ended up alone. I was getting older and I needed to get ready. I wanted to grow stronger in strength and influence. So, I needed people to help me. Eventually, one day, I met Kuisha. Like me, she was trying to make it in the world. However, given her family's history, she was rejected wherever she went."

"And you went to her aid." Issei guessed.

Sairaorg made a bitter smile. Discrimination was just so common.

"Heheheh. Well, I knew what it was like. I sympathized with her. I know what it's like to have the door slammed in your face. When you cry out for help and no one comes, when you want someone to listen to you talk, when you just…wanna hear someone else…it really hurts." He reasoned.

Issei gave him a sympathetic look, nodding in understanding.

"So, I decided to recruit her. Despite my disgraced position, I was still a son of the Bael Clan, so my title had some weight. Around that time, Kuisha was alone, so I figured that I'd take her in. We went through a lot together. We trained together. We lived through countless days together. After my mother went into a coma, she was there for me. She became like family to me. No matter what it cost her or scared her, she always did her best for me. That's why I can't turn back and won't turn back. I have to save her no matter what. No matter what it costs me, I won't abandon her." Sairaorg swore.

"That's the Sairaorg I know." Issei smiled.

The two climbed on for hours before finally reaching a change in pace.

(Naruto Shippuden OST – Ochihabune/Dead Floating Leaves. End Song.)

They entered yet another frozen room. Same old cold dead room with same old design. At least, that was the expectation.

"Feel that?" Issei asked.

"Yeah." Sairaorg nodded.

"Well, let's do this." Issei said.

Sairaorg could now feel that cold vibrance in the air grow stronger, denser. It was almost as if a blizzard was coming in here.

Suddenly, a swirling vortex of ice and snow erupted in the room. Sairaorg could feel snow and ice layering over his clothes as his senses realized that whatever it was that was coming, was nothing like he'd dealt with before.

Standing before him was a mannequin of ice with two glowing spheres for eyes.

"Well, no other way but forward."

Sairaorg knew he was at a massive disadvantage. His skill with magic was abysmal. All he had were his fists. The only way to overcome this opponent was with his fists.

Suddenly, a clone split from the Mannequin, as melting and freezing into two.

"One for each of us." Issei sighed.

(Bleach OST – Showing Off. Play Song.)

Sairaorg charged forward. He threw a punch, only for the Mannequin to block. He kicked at it, only for the Mannequin to duck. Wreathing his fist in ki, he swung again, only for the Mannequin to jump, dodging. It brought its heel down on his head, knocking him to the ground. Before it could stomp on him, Sairaorg rolled out the way. Sweeping its legs out from under it, Sairaorg got up to punch it, only for it to dodge once again, turning into a swirl of snow.

Sairaorg punched the ground, shattering the floor where the Mannequin was reforming. Just before it could turn back into a cloud of snow, Sairaorg rushed at it. With one strong arm, he rammed into its neck with his elbow.

The Mannequin shattered, its head rolling onto the ground. Sairaorg was about to turn around to help Issei, only to pause as he heard the ice crackling behind him. Before he could fully turn around, he raised his arm, guarding against a blade of ice.

Countering, he kicked it as hard as he could, causing it side to shatter. Yet, it reformed its lost parts. Sairaorg blocked another attack with his arm.

He then jabbed at him, only for the Mannequin to punch him in the face, causing him to stagger back. He whirled around with his left fist, only for the Mannequin to do the same. That piqued Sairaorg's interest.

He dove forward, his fist ready. Out of the blue, he kicked at it with his right leg, only for the Mannequin to do the same.

Sairaorg was sent rolling onto the ground. He growled in frustration. The Mannequin couldn't feel pain. It didn't recoil, stagger, or slow down. It kept getting back up again and again.

Over and over, he attacked it with brute force, only for the Mannequin to do the same movements, hitting with the same amount of force that he put into it. However, Sairaorg now understood what was going on. The Mannequin mirrored all of his movements and strength. If he was going to defeat it, he had to be resolute enough to risk the same amount of harm that he'd inflict upon the Mannequin.

Gathering all of his ki to his right fist, he lunged forward. The moment he made contact with the Mannequin, its torso shattered as its fist smashed into his torso. As experienced previously, the amount of power in his attack was inflicted upon by the Mannequin. He could feel his bones cracking and muscles tearing as he choked out blood, coughing it out as his knees hit the floor. At the same time, the Mannequin dissolved into nothing, causing the one fighting Issei to disappear.

(Bleach OST – Showing Off. End Song.)

"Hey, hey, hey!" Issei ran over to keep him from falling to the ground.

Sairaorg dug into his coat, hoping to get the bottle of medicine that Kuisha always gave him before a fight. It had been customary for her to give him medicine before each confrontation for his own safety. Yet, when he reached around, he found a broken plastic bottle in his pocket, its contents spilled.

"Damn." Sairaorg sighed in exasperation.

"What's that?" Issei asked.

"It's medicine that Kuisha always gives me before a fight. It helps with recovery and injuries." Sairaorg answered.

Tossing the bottle away, he continued forward.

Once again, for what felt likes hours and countless staircases, the two climbed the steps until at long last, they reached the top. Opening the door that led outside, the top of the Shrine was a large spike and at the highest peak, was a glowing sapphire gem. Stepping off the balcony and flying up, Sairaorg was instantly repelled by a barrier, knocking him back to the ground.

Issei ran over, helping him up.

"Guess flying isn't going to work." Sairaorg groaned.

He felt as if he'd just been slammed with a mountain. Issei deployed his wings, flying straight up as well, only to get smacked down by a barrier again.

"Climbing's our only solution." Issei stifled as he got back up.

Sairaorg decided to make the move. He stood on the railing, nearly slipping for a fall that was thousands of feet deep. With his quick reflexes, Sairaorg clutched onto a wall. Once he got a good footing, he slowly climbed his way up. Suddenly, he heard a crackling sound. Then two. Then three. He snapped to attention as spikes of ice began jabbing out of the walls, making their way toward him.

"Sairaorg, watch out!" Issei exclaimed.

The Bael Heir began climbing as calmly and quickly as he could. Yet, that could only go so far. The spikes were sprouting faster and faster, forcing Sairaorg to ignore getting a secure footing and only getting a good grip. As he climbed the top of the shrine, several spikes nicked him, even stabbing him a few times in the left arm and right leg. He ignored it, however. Such small wounds didn't mean anything to him.

Sairaorg finally reached the top, gripping the Sapphire gem before yanking it off the top of the Shrine. Sliding down the top of the Shrine, he landed on his feet.

"Let's go." Sairaorg said.

The two took the steps back down before Sairaorg felt something coming from behind. Dodging to the side, he kicked Issei across the face. Launched into the wall, Sairaorg took a deep breath.

"I was wondering when you'd attack." He said.

"How did you know?" Issei asked.

"The real Issei hits harder than you. Also, he wouldn't be waiting for me to take action. You were too passive, almost as if playing around. The Issei that I know would've done everything as quickly as possible if he knew anyone was in danger." Sairaorg explained.

"Very attentive." The Fake Issei smirked.

Suddenly, his image morphed, his features changing until he turned a fake copy of Sairaorg.

"But can you do the same with yourself?" The Fake Sairaorg scoffed.

"So, the Shrine's all about tests." Sairaorg noted.

"This Shrine is a remnant from eons long past, from an age long forgotten. It is here that many face themselves. Tell me, can you defeat yourself?" The Fake Sairaorg asked.

"Let's find out." Sairaorg said.

Suddenly, ice began to cover the Fake Sairaorg before slowly shaping itself into a copy of Regulus Rey Rex.

"Yes, let's." The Fake Sairaorg charged.

(Mega Man Zero: Mythos – Cannonball. Play Song.)

Sairaorg blocked the Fake's punch, causing his teeth the clatter from the blow. Just like the Mannequin before it, its strength mirrored his own. This time, however, its movements didn't mirror his.

"Tell me, who do you love more? Vali or Kuisha?" The Fake Sairaorg asked.

The question came with a punch to the face, which prompted Sairaorg to kick it in the stomach.

"When your mother went into her coma? Were you relieved? Angry?" The Fake Sairaorg asked again.

"What's it to you?" Sairaorg punched it twice in the face, causing it to launch into the air.

Sairaorg flew after it, only for it to plant its foot in his stomach, knocking him to the ground.

"It seems to me that you don't know yourself very well. The strong, proud Sairaorg, only putting up a façade of charisma to hide the sad and confused little boy inside." The Fake Sairaorg taunted.

Sairaorg ignored the insults, focusing only on defeating the Fake. He needed to hurry up and finish the mission.

"Unable to answer? Are you that afraid of the truth? The truth that you refuse to think about?" The Fake Sairaorg asked.

It kicked at Sairaorg, who caught its foot. It then used its other foot to strike him in the face. Flipping over his head, the Fake Sairaorg grabbed him by the neck, throwing him as it landed.

"Afraid to wonder which woman you love more? Afraid to face your own emotions and realize how vulnerable you really are? Afraid to realize that you're exactly like your father?" The Fake Sairaorg continued to hammer him with questions.

Sairaorg dodged a fist, only to be kicked into a wall. He rolled off the wall, plunging his fist into the Fake's ribs.

The Fake Sairaorg clutched his arm before beating him repeatedly with its armored gauntlets, keeping him in place as he struck him.

"You spent years building your reputation, prestige, and strength. Then, in one day, you lost it all. And now, you're left to pick up the pieces, your dreams in tatters. Then, your best friend comes to you with an offer to help you with your girl problems. You didn't even hesitate to accept. Tell me, do you care about anything other than yourself? Everyone that you've recruited was all for the sake of pushing yourself to greater heights and yet, they get no glory, no honors. They're just steppingstones to you." The Fake Sairaorg said as the two continued to block and attack each other.

"You say they're like family to you, but if that was the case, where are you when they need you? Why is it that Issei had to step in and fix everything for you? It's your responsibility to care for your peerage, not him. Or will you give the sorry excuse that Issei has less restrictions or he's more powerful?"

Sairaorg growled in anger. He was actually starting to get fed up with all these questions and statements.

"Issei hides everything, Vali runs from everything, and you deny everything. No wonder you're such good friends." Fake Sairaorg smirked.

As he was about to strike Sairaorg again, the real one caught his fist.

"You can make fun of me. You can beat me to a bloody pulp. But, the one thing I'll never allow, is you shaming the people that I care about." Sairaorg growled with all the ferocity of a lion.

Crushing the Fake's fist into snowflakes, Sairaorg stood up with renewed vigor. With one mighty fist, he shattered the Fake's other arm.

"I have no reason to prove anything to you because everything you've said is false." Sairaorg declared.

He had no need for words. He had no need to argue. He knew the truth. Yes, he had his doubts and the like but, in this fight, Sairaorg had solidified what he already believed in.

He decided to put all his strength into this next attack. Gathering all of his ki and strength, he rushed forward, manifesting a lion's aura around himself. With one clawing motion, he shredded through his fake self, destroying it and shattering its icy core into snowflakes and dust.

(Mega Man Zero: Mythos – Cannonball. End Song.)

Panting and exhausted, Sairaorg turned around, waiting. When it was clear that the imposter was truly gone, Sairaorg limped back down the hundreds of steps from the top of the Shrine.

Yet, when he arrived at the entrance, where he passed through the transparent veil, it froze shut. A wall of solid enchanted ice formed, shutting him in.

"What now?" Sairaorg growled.

To his exasperation, it was another reflection of himself inside the wall.

"I'm not here to fight." His Reflection spoke.

Sairaorg only glared, as if trying to decipher the magic behind all this.

"I'll assume you still remember what was said to you by your doppelganger." His Reflection said.

"What are you? Another opponent? Or…a test." Sairaorg bluntly asked.

"Either or. It all depends on you." His Reflection shrugged.

"How do I leave?" Sairaorg asked.

"That also depends on you. There are still matters in your heart that you haven't come to terms with." His Reflection pointed at him.

"What do you mean?" Sairaorg asked.

(Kamen Rider W OST – Cyclone Effect ~ Acoustic Instrumental. Play Song.)

"Do you genuinely mean what you think?" His Reflection calmly asked.

"Yes." Sairaorg said without hesitation.

"Are you sure?" His Reflection gently prodded.

"Yes. I've been thinking about it for a long time now." Sairaorg took a deep breath.

Even if he wasn't talking to a real person, he felt that he needed to do this for his own peace of mind. He needed to do this for himself.

"I've made up my mind. I know who I am. I'm not like my father. The servants that I've taken in are indeed my true companions in life. It's true that I saw them as people that could help me move forward, but during all that time, I saw them as people who could move forward with me." Sairaorg answered.

"And what of Kuisha and Vali? Surely, you've noticed, haven't you? Kuisha sees you as more than her King and friend." His Reflection said.

Sairaorg paused, an ashamed look on his face.

"I always did have a feeling, but…it was made clear to me."

"And what will you do?" His Reflection asked.

"I don't know just yet, to be honest. I've already decided that I'll tell her after this is over. But, the conclusion is…well, it's complicated." Sairaorg sighed.

"It's cruel to lead them both on, Sairaorg, let alone wrong. It's something your father would do."

"I won't do what that man did. I won't toy with them or mislead them for any longer." Sairaorg replied.

"I see. And what about your future? What'll you do now? Your future is completely uncertain." His Reflection pointed out.

"Well, it's simple, really. I'm going to become a Satan." Sairaorg declared.

"Oh?"

"Since Issei helped cure my mother, I no longer have to worry about that. I've had time to think about my future. I want to become a Satan. I don't want anyone else among the Devils to go through what I went through. I don't want other people to go through what my mother went through. I can't let more people like my father stay in power, either." Sairaorg said.

"What are you going to do to prepare for it?" His Reflection asked.

"I'll do as I've always done. I'll work myself to the bone and make sure that I gain the position the right way. I may be a devil, but that doesn't mean I have to be a vile person. If there's one thing a very dear friend showed me, it's that with willpower, determination, a strong heart, and body, I can accomplish what I aspire towards." Sairaorg smiled.

His Reflection nodded.

"Still, why do you want to revive Kuisha so badly?" His Reflection asked.

"It's because…I can't let her die like this. She's my dearest friend and has been with me through my toughest moments. I'm going to be there for her like how she was for me. Yes, everyone has limited time, even long-lived people, but I know it's not her time yet. If it was, then I would've failed." Sairaorg answered.

The Reflection was silent, staring at him for the longest time.

"I understand. Very well, you may go."

A portal appeared in front of the wall of ice.

"This will lead you back to where you came from. Your trials are complete." Sairaorg's Reflection explained.

"One more thing, what is this place?" Sairaorg asked.

"This Shrine was from a time long forgotten. It is a place where you face yourself and your inner troubles. It is a place of higher enlightenment and epiphanies. This is where a person's character is truly tested." His Reflection answered before fading away.

Without any more troubles, Sairaorg passed through the portal, returning to Vishnu's presence.


"So? Have you learned anything?" Vishnu asked upon Sairaorg's return.

"Yes. I've learned of what's been holding me back, what I think of myself and others, and what I need to do from now on." Sairaorg nodded.

He held up the sapphire gem that he'd retrieved from the Shrine. The gem began shimmering brightly before floating into Vishnu's hand. The Hindu god placed the gem back on one of the accessories on his person.

"I was watching you from here and saw everything. While some things were left unanswered, other parts ambiguous, I can see that you have a strong mind and character. You are not one of the people who would misuse the herb. Instead, I see that you're doing this because you want to save and support, rather than selfishly keep someone with you even after their time is over. I have seen too many people unable to look past themselves and have tried to bring the dead back to life because they simply cannot let go. Of course, I am a god, so I may not feel the same way as mortals do. I don't think the way mortals do, either. Regardless, you have proven yourself to me and shown that despite all challenges lain before you, you have persevered through them all. The Sanjeevani is yours. Use it wisely and only this once." Vishnu warned.

Sairaorg was whisked away by magic before he could even say anything. When the swirling vortex before his eyes disappeared, he was standing in the Sitri Hospital, right outside Kuisha's room.

Opening his hand, he found the Sanjeevani herb sparkling in his hands. He exhaled in relief as he raced off to the doctor to have a cure made.

(Kamen Rider W OST – Cyclone Effect ~ Acoustic Instrumental. End Song.)


And that's the end of this chapter.

Before you move on, I wanted to talk a little bit more. Be warned, I won't be as gentle this time around. Plus, I'm already aware that there's going to be trouble for me just for speaking about the topic. But fuck it, I feel the need to say something.

It's been brought to my attention recently that there have been people beating and hating on Asian people. They've been stigmatized as the source of the Corona Virus. They MIGHT be. BUT THEY ALSO MIGHT NOT BE. Regardless, their race doesn't matter.

IT IS WRONG TO BE RACIST AND HURT OTHER PEOPLE!

It doesn't matter where the virus came from. DON'T BE IGNORANT! DON'T BE RACIST! There's enough hatred in the world already.

The Corona Virus is a disease, much like the flu. As many people who have any sort of medical knowledge, viruses evolve over time and in response, we have to create new vaccines. It just happens. It isn't something that someone deliberately unleashed upon the world. Flus and viruses evolve over time and as it so happens, the Corona Virus is a product of evolution. Things can't stay the same forever. Like how Camels evolved to be able to eat Cactii, diseases and viruses evolve to prey on lifeforms. It isn't something that's truly within our control.

Think about the Swine Flu. It came about because the flu needed to evolve to prey on more subjects. It's the same cause and situation as the Corona Virus. Life made a new virus and we were unfortunate enough to be around for it.

Hatred does no good. It only makes things worse. All this racism and violence and hate does no good because it only exposes us to more dangers and for the people who're scared of the virus, they're only ensuring that they'll get the virus by going near the people who do have the virus. It's counter intuitive. People need to wake up and learn to imagine and put themselves in the shoes of others. If you were the subject of the oppression and suffering, would you be okay with it happening to you if the roles were reversed?

It is my belief that hatred, ignorance, racism, and greed are learned. Don't learn any of these habits because it just makes you nothing more than a rabid animal. Think of the Code of Hammurabi. If you took something from someone, would you be okay with something being taken from you? Would you be ready to pay that same price? It won't matter what the other person did. You still went after them and inflicted pain upon them, especially if they did nothing to you. You're even more in the wrong because you decided to be a rabid animal who's only considered option was to attack to vent up the negativity that you didn't know how to deal with.

I know the times are scary right now, but that's no excuse to hurt others just because you associated them with something that other people of the same race did. The one you attacked didn't do anything and it was decided by fate that they were of the same race. That's all.

Don't engage in the double-standard and don't be a spoiled brat. Don't be ignorant. Rise above all that. Don't get swept away by the mindset of rabid crowds either. Think for yourself. The wise people are the ones who can think for themselves and decide what they believe in and what they should do. The fools are the ones who do what other people are doing just for the sake of it. In Layman's terms, don't engage in bandwagon mentality.

That's all I'm going to say concerning the Corona Virus Pandemic. Please think about what I've said too. Do you want to be the good person who'll help yourself and others get through this tough time? Do you want to be indifferent and not get infected nor create issues? Or do you want to be the rabid animal who only knows how to make things worse?

Now, I won't delay you any further. Please enjoy the other chapters.