Chapter 54: The tears of the sea.
Desert Kingdom of Arum Sedis.
...
"It's been almost a month after Wilmarina's bloody coup that had befallen the Demon Realm of Lescatie. I've witnessed the horrors of bloodshed, which no monster would've done in the previous millennia... The pain of the Dark Hero was so volatile, her followers heeded her orders to destroy anything that promotes happiness... and unveiled the harsh reality of the world in front of our eyes..."
"... I couldn't imagine that I'm living in a historical event in this century. Death, Life, Love, Hate... it was swirling like a hurricane. The latest news we've heard from Demon Lord Lilith made the very earth beneath our feet shake in fear. Her decision is allowing violence for all mamono... is ensuring her dream, which should never be threatened."
Cask paused, looking up at an open window in deep thought while to her left, Mila was inspecting for books with interest. The Ratatoskr looks down at the paper note she was writing with a feather pen in her hand, then continues to write.
"I'm currently in Arum Sedis as a refugee. It's a Federation State within the Desert Regions... far off south of the western continent. To my greatest joy, Ilassa is generous enough to send a messenger to Polove, where my husband is currently working there to pick up some stories. He'll be in distress when he finds out what happened..."
"I couldn't thank Cheryl enough for saving our lives back then during that bloody coup. Right now, I'm not just writing this piece of note for the latest newsletter. My company had been burned down and my co-workers were executed. I'm writing this with all the experiences I've been through... as a documentary for the future generations to learn the events."
"I... hoped this doesn't turn out for the worse. The two sides, the Federation and the Demon Realms, those who sided with Lilith, will be soon locked in war... a war that no one else would expect from the Demon Lord. I've met some angels who were undercover, and they felt... more carefree than usual. I assume their wounded Chief God was delighted by this turn of events."
Cask closed her eyes and gave out a deep sigh, massaging her temples in distress for a while.
"If the monsters would turn against Lilith... then this complete fiasco about the Supremacy of Monster Love... had proved to us wrong. It is that... one day, we will turn into violent, obsessive widows rather than someone who understands the meaning of true love and moving on. We couldn't do anything that goes against our instincts as monsters as if... we were nothing but shackled like slaves. Then I was wondering, is the Order was being reasonable all along? Are we being lied to by Lilith's illusion?"
"... If so, the Silver-Blue Knight of Lescatie had uncovered something that wasn't meant to be discovered. This possibility was not foreseen by the Lord of Monsters herself... even Fate itself tells nothing about this. "
"But... I'll ask myself for my own concerns and fears... is it the time of the Demon Lord nearing its end?"
...
Island of Mira
...
"De Ryua has fallen by the time you arrived here."
...
"How unfortunate. How much time do we still have left to raise up defences?"
...
"Within ten hours... it isn't enough. While we still have manpower left, we barely have any weapons to fend them off!"
...
"I can offer you our help... and we have the right answer."
...
...
...
"So the Abyss can be killed by ordinary weapons... not demon silver?" Aizen Wiltex raised his brow in question. "Huh... we were using Demon Silver for the entire time. It's no wonder it didn't take to any effects."
"The corruption of the Abyss is extremely volatile as well. It could send any sane man into madness." Ash explained forth while placing his teacup on the table. "Therefore, it is advised that only individuals with the strongest wills could traverse the darkness or other means."
"Is it the same as that of the Corruption of Monsters?" Asura Mythra questioned. "I assume our efforts could take this to our advantage-"
"No... dare not to think about that as our advantage. The Abyss contains various emotions." Ash interfered with a firm look. "They have that in store which none of you couldn't comprehend... even the lust of monsters contains the same sensations as humans. So it's not recommended."
"Hmph! Oh please~ We've seduced the darkness to the side of the Demon Lord~" Asura Mythra then gave Ash a haughty look of arrogance. "You have forgotten that Dark Matters existed-"
"I've encountered such beings and dealt with them." The Silver-Blue Knight replied in a serious tone. His words were too honest, causing the Admiral of Queen Diana and Asura Mythra to freeze in silence. "Even they were beings of pure darkness... you haven't seen the potential of what the true power of the otherworldly darkness is capable of."
"Grr!...Tsk, Fair enough." Asura Mythra twitched her brow in annoyance. Admitting the words Astoran. "And the way to counter them... is to contain them? That's it? No other way to reverse it?"
"Only the light can cleanse them if darkness is weak. Containing it is the only option." Ash explained and then closed his eyes in thought. "But... we have to defeat their leader. The darkness that can spread is a sign... it means they were being led by a stronger creature."
"I see... to we have to take out their leader or else, the sea of Asuramis will fall into this darkness," Aizen spoke in a worrisome tone, feeling the sweat running down his face. "The Priestesses had been praying for Poseidon's blessings... yet this abyss is unstoppable. For the last few days, the ocean floors were being swept without pause... Hah~... I can't believe our military power had been reduced to a shell of its former self for the last hundreds of years."
"While I agree, since it's not good to raise military power from learning our mistakes... when Asuramis was still a war zone." Asura Mythra then closes her eyes, remembering the blood and fire from the past. "But... in this new age, peace turns out to be temporary. I believe it's reasonable to take arms once more to defeat a common enemy."
"With all due respect... the Demon Lord wouldn't like this if we should take arms and shed blood," Aizen said with a heavy sigh. "We have no choice but to fight."
"You picked the right option," Deren said, delighted with their answer, and then turns to Asura Mythra. "I believe you had no choice either... am I right?"
"Hmph!... Let's deal with these monstrosities and move on." Asura Mythra said uncaringly while rolling her eyes. "After that... I will question Fate... that why in times like this... that we should suffer?"
'... Do they not think about the possibilities of consequences after the incident that happened in Dragonia?' Ash's thoughts raised a question and then tilts his head before they ended their talks. 'A pity... they should know better at what were they doing rather than sticking themselves in their beds for a long time...'
...
"So Ash, how's it going?" Ash perked up from his thoughts and spun around to see Dracolinde. "Asura Mythra looks distressed once she barged out from the meeting room."
"I guess she doesn't want to remind herself of the past," Ash claimed while shrugging off his shoulders. "The Sea of Asuramis was once a big Warzone. Then she must've seen a lot... I know a war veteran by looking into their eyes, despite that it had happened several centuries ago."
"I see... she still felt that pain," Dracolinde said in pity, seeing Asura Mythra taking a glass of wine with unruly behaviour. "It's sad that she has no other options around."
"Mhm... We should return to our group and pack up." Ash then slung his claymore behind his back. "I heard the Abyss was heading straight to Mira."
"Huh?... What about De Ryua?" Dracolinde cocked her brow in concern. "Did they go past the defences?"
"No, they overcome the island... the moment we arrived here." Dracolinde gasped as she cupped her mouth in shock. "This island will evacuate soon."
"It's no wonder... why am I hearing pained voices..." The Dragon Princess murmured while looking down. "Their spirits are in torment and their fates were worse than death itself... those poor people."
"We don't have time to grieve for the defenders." Ash patted Dracolinde on her right shoulder. "We're doing this... for them."
"Ash? Linde?" Ash and Dracolinde turn their glances and saw Sasha coming along with Olivier and Luciana. "Everyone's ready. We can do what our clients requested."
"No... we'll be staying here in Mira. The nearby island of De Ryua had fallen." Ash explained, causing the trio to reel back in shock. "Our main objectives had changed... we'll be assisting the civilians to evacuate while Deren is going to fix the garrison up to shape with Aizen and Asura Mythra."
"Wait, then that means we're defending this place?" Luciana cocked her brows and Ash nodded. "Geez~! And I thought we'll be diving to hell for sure."
"At least we can gain experience in fighting the Abyss." Olivier smiled in relief as she placed her hands on her hips. "Still, my sword couldn't be waiting until they're here."
"... Sasha, is there anything else in need?" Ash asked the priestess and Sasha tilts her head. "Good, then that settles it."
"Is Fulafel aware of this?" Sasha whispered a question. Ash responded as he tilts his head and the Priestess breathed out in distress. "Hah~... This will be chaotic for sure."
"Indeed." Dracolinde agreed with a nod.
"Just like Dragonia?" He asked.
"Just like Dragonia." Both the Priestess and the Red Dragon responded.
...
Island of Mira, Town Plaza.
...
"Hmm... I was wondering what is my family in the Royal Makai doing right now?" Druella hadn't felt more worried than before. After Lescatie had fallen under the hands of the Dark Hero Wilmarina, she was sure the Demon Lord would swoop in and punish her. But it wasn't the case. "Strange... my senses to her link... have been going numb for days. Just what is mother doing?"
The Lilim took deep breaths, bothered by the strange senses she was receiving and then massaged her forehead with one finger in distress.
"Hmm~!... This is strange! Why is it all silent!?" Druella groaned in annoyance. "Mom should be worried for her baby girl, who's been dragged along by a group of God slayers!"
Thus, out of nowhere. A voice speaks up from behind. "Is something troubling you?"
"K-Kyaaah~!" Druella yelped, stepping back from a stranger until she sees a man wearing his red hood. "H-Huh!? Junayd!? Hey, don't laugh at me like that! It isn't funny!"
"Hahaha! You're being cute when I startle you." Junayd chuckled and Druella swayed her eyes away from him, embarrassed. "Ah... Sorry."
Druella puffed her cheeks and noticed Reginald and Daniella coming around the corner. Then she noticed the dhampir has a pink cotton candy in her hand.
"You guys having some fun?" Junayd asked once he spun his glance around to the couple.
"Y-Yeah, we were just killing some time here," Reginald replied, feeling embarrassed as he waved his hand in dismissal. "Looks like Ash and Deren take some time to discuss a strategy."
Junayd crossed his arms. "I see..."
"EEEEKKK~!"
Junyad, Druella, Reginald and Daniella were startled by someone screaming, catching the attention of the other civilians nearby and saw a monster couple, an incubus and a Jinko seen running away in fear until more people came running down from the nearby alleyway in panic. Chaos ensues once they saw strange creatures of abominable proportions marching down and there are some that stood on the roofs.
The abominations screamed in garbled voices and one of them threw the head of an unlucky victim before they charge at the hapless monster civilians. Junyad, Reginald and Daniella unsheathed their weapons and took their fighting stance while Druella was startled by the strange monsters.
"Druella, we know you have powerful magic, but we still can't trust you," Junayd spoke seriously, and the Lilim felt offended by his words. "However, you can still fly and warn the others."
"But Junayd, there's too many of them!" Druella complained as she stepped forth, facing him. "You can't fight them all on your own!"
"Just don't be worried about us!" Reginald spoke up, readying his sword. "We've faced worse, so don't cry at us if you see us bleed!"
Druella stepped back, trembling in anxiety. "E-... Everyone."
"Just go! We'll delay their attacks!" Daniella raised her voice. "Trust in us!"
"D-Damnit...!" Druella spreads her wings and took off into the skies while looking back to Junyad, Reginald and Daniella. "Don't die!"
Once the Lilim fled to warn the rest of their companionship, Junyad noticed a large monstrosity covered in black goo, weaving a massive log. Stone is tied with chains and the monster is using it as a massive hammer. The large abyssal creature roared and jumps into the fray.
Reginald and Daniella sprang into action as they dashed into the flanks, causing the creature to sway its attention at the couple before Junayd sprang in for the kill and black blood bursts into the air.
...
Island of Mira, Town Hall.
...
"What!? An enemy raid attack!?" Arcturus sprang up from his seat and grabbed his sword. "Damnit! Here already!?"
"Junayd and the others were delaying their attacks," Druella informed, rushing along with the rest of the fellowship. "I'll warn the Silver-Blue Knight and his maidens."
"Just out of the blue and they're already here," Elt spoke up nervously.
"Ugh~! I was about to sleep since it was getting late!" Vermut groaned in unease as she brought up her weapon. "An attack in the middle of the night! This isn't what I was trained for!"
"Stop complaining and get your ass up," Elaine spoke starkly while hefting her Greataxe on her shoulder. "We have some bastards to kill!"
"Wait... does any know where Elen went?" Gerome asked, noticing someone felt missing.
Arcturus stopped and looked back. "... I think she went out for a stroll."
"Everyone, what's going on?" The group heard a voice and turned to see Ash coming along with the others, including Asura Mythra and Admiral Aizen. "I heard screams coming from outside."
"It's an enemy attack," Druella replied with a serious look. "Those enemies... I think it's them we're trying to deal with."
"So they're here... quicker than I thought," Deren spoke in a grim tone. "They must've sent a raiding party to harass us."
"Sasha, go with Elaine, Arcturus and the others to assist Fulafel to evacuate the civilians. Druella will be assigned to the group as well for aerial reconnaissance and support." Ash ordered and then turned to the Red Dragon. "Linde, Elt, Luciana and Deren should come with me and regroup with Junyad."
Dracolinde felt giddy with excitement to be together with Ash, as Sasha puffed her cheeks in annoyance and defeat. After all, the Red Dragon didn't expect it was her turn to have time with their beloved knight.
"Don't think this is a date, Linde." Ash rolled his eyes behind the helmet visor.
"Oh, no. I don't intend to do it~!" Dracolinde smiled with a wink while cracking her knuckles. "Besides, let's get out and kick some asses!"
...
Island of Mira, Refugee Camp.
...
"Help us!"
"Th-they're here!"
The refugees of De Ryua and Queen Diana fled as the monsters of the abyss came marching forth, razing their tents to the ground and killing any unlucky civilians in their way. One young man stumbled into the ground and yelped once he saw the abyssal creature weaving its weapon to kill him.
"N-No... No! NO! PLEASE NO!"
The young man shielded himself and braced for death. Yet, in a stroke of luck, a blur went past the abomination and fell back as its head was cleaved apart. He looks up to see a young woman wielding a bastard sword stained with black blood.
"Hey... you okay?" She questioned, and the incubus nodded. "Good. Now get out, or else you wouldn't want to sign up for dying."
The incubi quickly stood up to his feet and felt thankful for the woman who saved his life before reuniting with his monster wife. Elen brandished her sword while facing the monstrosities. The creatures of the Abyss gained their attention at her and charged into a large group. However, an enormous body of water washed them away. Elen spun around and looks up to see a Nereid standing on top of a swirling water sprout.
"Fear not, Dhampir. I came here to help!" Meivia twirled her spear and locked her gaze on the monsters of the Abyss. "Despite we have differences between me and your connection with the Silver-Blue Knight... let's be proper allies from now on."
"Heh, don't mind if I do!" Elen smirked before charging into the fray, along with the Songstress of De Ryua.
The dhampir sprang high and brought down her sword, cleaving the creature in half while Meivia washed away the surrounding creatures in their surroundings, then sent more of them flying into the air by summoning several water sprouts. Elen zig-zagged her way while cleaving her enemies apart.
The Dhampir noticed one creature charged in, but it was killed by an arrow through the head. She turns around to see Anri wielding his bow and Ifrit granting her powers to strengthen his weapon through a prayer.
"You alright?"
"Thanks for your help, Anri!" Elen smiled.
Meivia senses multiple footsteps coming in their direction and spots more abyssal creatures coming through the entrance of the Refugee Camp.
"Waste no time for talks... we still have enemies left!"
Suddenly, one monster of the abyss ambushed Meivia from behind. Fortunately, Alameria came right on time as she sends a roundhouse kick into the monstrosity, sending it flying away. The Dhampir raised the tip of her hat and winked towards Meivia and Elen.
"Yo! Thank goodness I haven't missed the party."
"The party is far from over." Elen smiled cockily while resting the blade of her bastard sword over her shoulder and looked over to the creatures of the Abyss. "I guess it's a good time to "dance" around, ey?"
...
Island of Mira, Harbour.
...
"Everyone! Stay calm and line up in an orderly fashion!"
Arcturus waved his hands over to the people as they boarded the ships and submarines to evacuate the island residents, while those who still have arms remained to stay behind and fight. Elaine looked back to the civilians in worry while Vermut rushed to her side in a panic.
"Elaine, the monsters of the Abyss are right outside the gates!" Vermut hastily reported and soon heard the gates to the harbour come smashing down. "Th-They knocked down the gates!"
One abyssal monster dashed forth from the smoke and rubble as it jumps towards a hapless civilian with its weapon raised. Fortunately, a circle of light went past the monster and cut the abomination in half. Sasha raised her staff and erected a wide magic barrier to protect the civilians behind her from harm before she unsheathed her sword and raised her shield.
Druella landed to her left and unsheathed her short sword.
"Well, let's see how you can put up a fight without your magic," Sasha smirked.
Druella grunts as she rolled her eyes. "Tsk, don't make fun of me me, priestess."
"So what're their numbers?" Gerome asked, readying his weapon. And his sword flashed with golden lightning. "I can see one big bastard standing behind those mooks."
"Yeah, I noticed." Olivier squints once she saw a hulking ten feet giant, wielding a massive sword made of rotten bones and stones. "I bet your lightning can get through that."
"Around fifty... not that much," Druella informed and spun to Gerome. "So then, shall we?"
"You're on!" Gerome expressed his smile once he raised his talisman and threw a lightning spear into the abyssal creatures. Resulting in an explosion and some flew up. "Let's go!"
...
Island of Mira, Town Plaza.
...
"Ash! To your left!"
Ash heard Dracolinde, then immediately spun his arm around with the shield around to the left, blocking a massive mace from the creature of the abyss and then slid underneath the hulking giant before he thrusts his claymore upwards. Thus, the blade bore through as the black blood spurts out.
He kicked the creature to the ground until she saw three more charging in. Ash held his claymore tight in his one hand and weaved the blade horizontally twice until they were sliced apart within a blink of an eye. He turns his gaze to see Dracolinde sending a couple of tough-looking abominations crashing against the nearby building and noticed one hulking mook appear behind her from the shadows and raised its massive weapon.
"Linde, behind you!"
Dracolinde spun around and saw a glimpse of her new opponent. She leapt away immediately to the left from becoming a bloody past, thus the Red Dragon countered with a powerful punch, creating a gaping hole through the chest while sending the giant creature crashing into a nearby ice cream vendor to its death.
"Whoopsie! I guess the owner wouldn't like to see this if they came back."
Meanwhile, Elt and Luciana cut down several abominations and noticed several creatures of the abyss rushed forth. They yelped and ran away to prevent being overwhelmed by their numbers until both of them ran past Deren. The Lion Knight summoned a floating fireball and left it there for a while before stepping back until the abominations ran into it. Soon, the fireball trembles and explodes, incinerating the monsters within its radius.
"The Lingering Flames truly comes in handy." Deren chuckled while turning to Luciana and Elt. "Are you okay there, young lads?"
"Y-You knew Pyromancy as well?!" Elt spoke up in disbelief. "I never knew you can do that!"
"Y-Yes! That was outstanding!" Luciana chirped in awe. "Our Knight's Order wished to have guys like you~!"
Back at the plaza, Ash hacked his way through to find Junayd, Reginald and Daniella, while Dracolinde swooped down with her wings, sending a number of abyssal creatures into the air and making a clear path. Once Dracolinde lands on the ground, a spear came flinging forth without warning and Ash appeared in front of her and deflects the incoming projectiles with his claymore.
"You alright?" Ash turns his gaze around to Dracolinde. "That would've killed you-"
"Kyaaahh~! Ash~! I didn't expect you to come around and save me~!" Dracolinde blushed as her body fidgets childishly. "I knew you were the warrior I would choose to be... my perfect hubby~!"
...
... Meanwhile...
"RRAAAAAAGHH!"
"I-Is it me or is Sasha becoming bloodthirsty?"
"I-... I don't know."
Elaine and Druella were standing dumbfounded, seeing Sasha hacking away the monsters in rage and without hesitation, she grabbed one creature on the head and threw it into another group of enemies on the ground with all her might. She was breathing heavily with an angry glare, and then slowly looking up in the direction where Ash and Dracolinde were supposed to be.
'This feeling... there's no way that damn Dragon is getting him!' She grits her teeth and yelled out into the skies. "That's it!... Linde! I'm invoking our love rivalry again!"
"... What is she talking about?" Gerome asked Olivier with sweat running down his face. "I've never seen her acting like this!"
"I... I don't know..." Olivier sighed while rubbing her temple in utter confusion. "I bet she felt that feeling over Ash and Dracolinde."
...
Back at the Town Plaza.
Ash sighed and waved his hand in dismissal. "Alright, just cut the fiasco already. We still have to find Reginald."
"Is that them?"
The Knight looks up to see the Red Dragon pointing towards a fountain in a distance, spotting Junyad and Reginald were cornered by numerous enemies in their way and noticed Daniella was injured, clutching her bloody arm while hiding behind Reginald as cover.
"Damnit! There's too many of them!" Ash gripped his weapon tight. "We need to make a clear path."
"Heh, not if I can help!" Dracolinde grinned and stepped forth. "Stand back!"
The Red Dragon inhaled a vast amount of air and her lungs inflated with fire before releasing it, sending an amount of heat which carved through the abyssal creatures. Junayd, Reginald and Daniella were surprised that a swath of flames appeared out of nowhere that made a clear path. Ash noticed that her flames were actually incinerating the creatures into burning crisps rather than the usual demonic corrupting dragon flames he had seen being used by the other Knights of Dragonia in Anor Londo against the Puppets of Phantom Aldrich.
"Linde... your flames..."
"My flames are actually burning those bastards, I know." Dracolinde sighed with unease. "As I've said before... Dragonia is changing, thanks to you guys."
"... Right, thanks. I appreciate it." Ash thanked the red dragon and then waved over to Junayd. "Over here!"
"Come on! Let's go!" Junyad said out loud and sprints into the scorching path.
Reginald carried Daniella into his arms and followed Junyad, successfully escaping from the grasp of the Abyss.
"R-... Reginald?" Reginald heard Daniella mutter. He looked down to see her smiling. "I'm so glad we're saved."
Her boyfriend then smiled back. "Yeah... we're thankful that we have friends on our side."
...
Underwater Ship City of Queen Diana.
...
"Prince Ja-Yearl... the raid on Mira Island... is a failure."
...
"I have ears and eyes, Maura."
...
The Prince of the Abyss stared at the floating vision, depicting the Knight of Astora along with a Red Dragon and his companions. Once the raid have settled the conclusion of the battle and the rest of the raiding party soon dwindled and fled, he chuckled in amusement to see the once Chosen Undead hasn't strayed from his noble act after thousands of years since the fall of his predecessor, Manus, The Father of the Abyss.
"So how does this knight... which you deem a threat above all else?"
Ja-Yearl turns his glance to a Mindflayer, expressing her seductive smile before turning to her master.
"A human... that you call it the Lord of Darkness."
...
"Attaining that title befits what it means to be a God," Ja-Yearl spoke and furrowed his eyes. "But this human... shall nay deserve it, nor should inherit that power which the pygmies hast accumulated for hundreds of millennia..."
"... The Lord of the Dark continues to flow in his bloodline and it will not extinguish, even in death... as long as he produces heirs worthy to gain the power of his Dark Soul."
"And your ambition is to receive that power, isn't that right?"
...
"Indeed, the Abyss was born from the Dark... and the powers, I shall attain it back to its rightful place... to become the Lord of Chaos and Darkness!"
Once the Prince of Darkness declared his proclamation, the very ground beneath him began to quake.
Outside, the Monster Girls of Chaos and the creatures of the Abyss noticed the Underwater City of Queen Diana submerged from the ocean floor, carried up by the power of darkness to the surface. It's been hundreds of years since Queen Diana was sunk by Asura Mythra during the Asuramis War. Until now, the Abyss reawakens the colossal ship, bringing a sense of dread and death into the air... From the absence of war which has stood for many centuries, War returns to the oceans.
...
Island of Al-Mar.
...
"So this must be the White City of this Theocracy... Impressive, bleached white as Anor Londo."
Ornstein mused as he strolled his way through the main road while being followed by Artor, Alto-Eris, and their small detachment of Dragon Knights. The citizens of Al-Mar stood in awe and shock to witness a golden knight, who was by far the biggest male they'd ever encountered.
"Does the Priestess know about the Abyss?" Artor asked curiously.
"I doubt they would know, but they're experiencing a crisis," Ornstein replied. "It involves strange creatures and monsters that came straight from the deepest depths of the darkness... Then that's no mystery."
"... Hm?" Alto-Eris noticed something came from around the corner. A group of monster girls was panting and exhausted in sweat. "Huh... what's with them?"
...
"It's supposed to be this way! Not that way!"
"I-I didn't know!"
"Francisca... you were holding the map upside-down!"
The young puppet queen went clueless and spun the map upwards to reveal the correct direction to the main temple.
"Ugh!... I never thought we can get lost so easily..." Mimil groaned as she slapped her forehead.
"Th-This is my first time to be outside of Lescatie." Francisca chuckled nervously. "At least I have my first time experiencing how the outside world works!... As a tourist."
"We're not here as tourists, Fran." Primera sighed. "You almost forget that an invasion fleet is going to arrive within the next few hours!"
...
Pantheon of Poseidon.
...
"... What has the world gone into...?"
Poseidon overlooked her domains throughout the Asuramis sea in extreme worry. After the Demon Lord's meeting with the Great Lords of the Demon Realm, her decision to resort to violence back into their society was not that she would expect this from Lilith. This will mean a violation of their promise between her and the Goddess of the Sea.
"Lilith... I thought you would uphold our promise... that my people will no longer suffer." Poseidon took some deep breaths as she laid her face on her palm. Dismayed by the latest news and coupled with the recent crisis to deal against the new abyss. "W-why...? Why would you do this... to us?"
The Asuramis Sea had a long history of prolonged conflict during the times of the former demon lords. Once she took sides with Lilith, Asuramis became a paradise for monsters and humans who were living together in peace. However, as time flies by, there had been no bloodshed spilt over the course of the past millennia until mysterious creatures came along and lost their most important ally, the Fallen God, under the hands of the Silver-Blue Knight.
She desired to see these new players should pick sides between the Order or the Demon Realms. Yet neither did and formed their own independent group like the Federation.
In this recent century, things were not going well for the Demon Realms and ended up for the worse. As unknown oddities wreaked havoc upon the world without warning, there had been Orderites slowly retaking their long-lost territories with success, like the Kingdom of Valaria. Its human armies had already exploited magic items, ores and weapons from the dungeons for their own use and peaked their advantage over the Mamono.
"I don't want to go back...! Lilith, I don't want that cycle to return!" Poseidon clenched her hand and bit her lips, whimpering in tears. "I wanted peace, and you did to make it worse!"
The Goddess of the Sea curled herself under emotional pain as she reflected on her past, that time when she met the Demon Lord and they had a pleasant time sharing their talks about a common goal after defecting the Chief God.
"I never thought that joining you... is the greatest mistake I have ever done..."
"... Are you going to defect me? Poseidon?"
The Goddess opened her eyes when she heard her voice coming from the magic ball. She looks up and saw the image of the Demon Lord, staring down at her with disdain. Poseidon knew Lilith would greet her with smiles and friendliness... right now, she expressed the face that would mean a betrayal of their trust. She felt her own soul trembling with a mixture of emotions. Sadness, fear... and anger.
After a thousand years, the goddess of the seas felt as if it were yesterday. A time when she had expressed her wrath upon mortals and monsters alike.
"Lilith... explain... p-please." Poseidon stuttered and her throat choked. "Why w-would you... b-betray our promise?"
"... I had a reason... because of the outworlders... the strings of fate take its turn against us." Lilith's response was cold and Poseidon finally snapped from hearing that response. There were no lies in her words. "I'm sorry... the bloodshed will be inevitable."
"You bitch... I-... I THOUGHT YOU HAD SEEN EVERYTHING!" Poseidon lashed out in rage, stepping out from her throne, and summoned her Golden Trident. "I HAD TRUSTED YOU AND YOU JUST STOOP DOWN LIKE THAT!? THEN WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF OUR PROMISE!?"
The Demon Lord breathed out, taking the pain and the god's anger that was thrown at her. "Poseidon... Let me explain, we can-"
"I have seen it and heard it... I don't want ANY EXCUSES!" Poseidon then screamed in fury, her voice shaking her entire pantheon. Then she summoned a vision depicting the fleet of Lescatie floating above the clouds over the sea of Asuramis. "You have the guts to allow this madwoman... TO SECURE YOUR DESIRED DREAM AT THE COST OF MY PEOPLE!?"
"Our goal is to destroy the Silver-Blue Knight and dismantle the Federation!" The Demon Lord retaliated, but the anger of the Goddess did not fade from her reason. "Once they succeed, there will be a path!"
"And how are you sure?" Poseidon growled, scowling at Lilith. "Can you predict the future of this outcome?"
...
...
"... I..."
...
...
Poseidon was waiting and the demon lord remained silent. The only answer that she got... is a single sweat running down Lilith's cheeks and her eyes dilate in fear.
"I... cannot answer."
"... As expected... I shouldn't have trusted you if I knew there are times like this." Poseidon then turns her glance away, then giving her a warning in a bitter tone. "Be gone... I don't want to see you ever again."
"... I'm sorry..." The Demon Lord apologised. "I shall take my leave..."
A farewell is normal for many and would see each other again or otherwise. But to Poseidon, this little "farewell" from Lilith hurts her heart more than anyone could imagine. A thousand-year friendship built up from the scratch since the old era of war and a promise that there will be peace in sight. Then it took a single week to break their friendship into ruins since the Demon Lord called out a general meeting.
"All this time, I'm so PATHETIC!... I'm so weak... I-I couldn't save everyone!... Not even that so-called "Demon Lord" could save my people...!" Poseidon collapsed to her knees on the marble floor and cried on the seat of her throne. "Fate... why...? How did this happen... HOW DID THIS HAPPEN TO US!? ANSWER ME!"
Her cries echoed through her divine temple..., and her answers remained silent.
The tears of the Goddess dripped onto the floor and hit a spot on the floor, suddenly dissipating into a smoking mist, changing colour. That pale colour on the floor that has been stained by Demonic Energy for a thousand years now gives off its genuine colours. That "stain" on the marble was cleaner than the dream of the monsters which Poseidon has been flaunting about... The tears of the one who realised the facade of that so-called "Dream"...
The Tears of Disillusion.
"Am I really a fool...? All this time? Everything she saw about it had never come to fruition and the Paradise was all nothing but a lie...?" Poseidon wipes off her tears, dissipating more of the Demonic Energy from the light-grey marble floors. "This isn't what I wanted in the future... this is not what I wanted for my admirers and my people... I wished I should've gone back in time and slapped my stupid self for joining her...!"
"Poseidon...?"
The Goddess of the Sea then turns around, seeing another deity with cat-like features, and she has a worried look on her face.
"... Bastet... you've heard everything."
"... I'm scared as well." Bastet looks down in uncertainty as her tail swings down anxiously. "I don't want to take sides with her either because of her last meeting... but truth to be told. If we were up against her, we stood no chance."
The deity of cats then presses her fingers together, murmuring while puffing her cheeks. "We should do something or else... there won't be any husbands left for us!"
"I don't care... I don't care about collecting husbands for my people anymore." Poseidon clenched her fist as if her newfound willpower spiralled into her heart. "All I ever wanted is my people to survive... no matter the cost... Bastet."
Bastet raised her ears up in surprise as the Goddess slowly stood up.
"I will leave the Demon Lord's side... and that doesn't mean I should rejoin the Chief God." Her proclamation gave Bastet a chill in her spine. "As Goddess... I will do my best for my domains... for my people. Not for anyone I should depend on!"
"P-Poseidon... You..." Bastet was in tears and felt her shoulders slump once Poseidon radiated in a clear blue light. "I see... so you were serious about leaving us."
The light flashed before her very eyes, and she saw Poseidon's appearance was changing to what she was before. Her newfound resolve turns herself for the world to perceive any acts of bravery, love and will, which are of the utmost importance above all else over the hedonism of monsters. Then, the light faded and the interior of the Deity's Temple, which had been once full of pale marble covered by Demonic Energy, was shining brightly as fresh pearls.
"... Bastet. I see you were still afraid." Bastet then looks up and Poseidon, in her new appearance, then spoke while giving the cat deity a warm smile. "There is nothing to worry about going up against the Wrath of the Demon Lord."
"... W-... Will there be peace?" Bastet stuttered, and her tears were falling down like a waterfall from her recent change of personality. "Will everyone... CAN UNDERSTAND EACH OTHER IN THE END!?"
"There will... and the hope doesn't lie to us... but to them," Poseidon spoke gently, expressing her sad smile, and then embraced Bastet. "To give them our support, we can stop the Demon Lord from burying the world into flames."
"Poseidon... But... But...!" Bastet then buried her face in her chest, bawling. "I'm so scared that you're going to perish!"
"It will not happen," Poseidon cooed the Cat Deity while gently stroking her head. "In time... everyone will see the truth."
From that day on... the Deity of the Seas had seen the truth from her own eyes. The Demon Lord had promised everyone that the cycle will be broken. But with the strange anomalies appearing and the sudden change of heart from the Lord of Monsters, the future wasn't as bright as they would perceive.
And thus, her domains across all known seas changed. A faint pink hue was being filtered out from the deepest depths of the oceans and at night, the sea waters were glowing from light pink to aqua-blue. All over the globe, everyone witnessed the events unfold with their very eyes. Both monsters and humans who lived near the coastlines saw the change when the oceans were calmer than before. Then, in a strange occurrence, the rate of human females drowning in the ocean waters on the verge of monsterization had dropped as if they could swim again while the remaining percentage was saved by local marine animals like dolphins and whales and others like friendlier monster girls such as mermaids.
...
Al-Mar, Temple of Poseidon.
...
"Huh... that's strange. I have sworn I heard our deity... crying." Difina felt her shoulders giving off shivers, feeling something strange going as a wave of energy washed across the Asuramis Sea. "The oceans... are changing."
"Great Songstress, is there something the matter?" Arial asked in worry and saw the bright green hue emitting from the sea waters. "By Poseidon... what on earth is going on!?"
"... I see... It seems our goddess no longer siding with her." Difina gives off a deep sigh as she crossed her arms. "I can tell that she isn't on the good terms with the Demon Lord."
"The Demon Lord!? She's no longer siding with her!?" Arial felt her jaws drop. "How can that be!? I thought they shared a common goal!"
"My husband was there in the general meeting with the Demon Lord at the Conference Hall from over a week ago," Difina spoke with worry. "Demon Lord Lilith came up with a solution to deal with the anomalies and the problems occurring in Lescatie... It did not bode well."
"So, what was the solution?" Arial asked curiously.
Difina closed her eyes, regretting telling the truth. "That solution... will be violence."
"H-... HUH!? Violence!? The Demon Lord said that!?" Difina nods to her question and Arial gasped in horror. "B-But the newspaper didn't tell any of this!"
"It's the reason those damn Ratatoskr in the World Tree remained silent about the Demon Lord's meeting," Difina explained in a serious tone. "Words were already been spoken in some Demon Realms, but the majority remained censored, even here."
"So why shouldn't they?" Arial raised her brow.
"They hide it away to prevent mass hysteria. Even I allow the censorship." The Great Songstress answered with dread. "The news will demoralise the entire Confederation of Court Alf. Not only do we have to deal with the Abyss... but from a madwoman which the Demon Lord fully endorses."
Arial was shaking in trepidation. "Wh-Who...?"
"... Wilmarina Noscrim. The Dark Hero and the Lord of Lescatie... she's heading for Al-Mar with an invasion fleet of at least a hundred airships." Arial's heart fell, and Difina closed her eyes in regret. "... I'm sorry for not telling anything... but it's best that at least everyone should know it."
"You... Y-you... YOU KNEW THAT AN INVASION IS COMING AND DIDN'T TELL US!?"
Without warning, once Arial spouted out in anger, she grabbed Difina by her collar before slapping her hand across the cheeks and dropping the Great Songstress onto the floor with a yelp. The guards heard her and barged through the door.
"P-Priestess what's going-... By Poseidon!"
*SLAP!* *SLAP!* *SLAP!* *SLAP!*
"Sh-She's hitting the Great Songstress!"
The Temple Guards were stunned and paralyzed to see Arial slapping Difina into her face multiple times until she stopped. The Great Songstress grunted in pain as she stood up and Arial was panting, scowling towards the Songstress she knew and admired.
"You could've told us everything..." Arial stuttered, tears welling in sadness and anger. "WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL US EARLIER!?"
"I'm sorry... If I had the courage to tell anyone." Difina bowed her head in apology, expressing her pain of having regrets to keep the news silent. "It wouldn't have ended like this...! The people of Al-Mar... no... the entire Court Alf will fall into chaos."
"Difina... I never knew you were such a coward...!" Arial hissed and clenched her fists as if she had the urge to punch her. "I thought everything will be fine... but no. You haven't spoken a single word that one day they will screw us all!"
"... Heh... Heh... Perhaps I'm stupid after all. I keep it to prevent the hysteria... but that's no longer an issue." Difina nods with a smile while rubbing the bruise on her cheeks. "Now that the news is out... we should warn the people and evacuate the entire city. This place... will be a war zone that would pale the Asuramis War that has never been seen before-"
"Y-You're highness!" Arial and Difina jerked once they heard a voice yelling from outside. Soon, a temple guard barged into the room, exhausted. "Th-There's a fleet of Airships in the skies!"
...
"So this must be the temple," Mimil said while looking up at the Temple of Poseidon. "Great! Now we can warn the Songstress. Perhaps Ash and his crew are still in there!"
Francisca sighed in relief. "Good, now we can rejoice-!"
*BOOM!* *BOOM!* *BOOM!*
"Huh!? An explosion?" Primera spun around to the source. "Wh-what's going on-... N-No way!"
Francisca and Mimil turn to Primera and gasp in terror once they saw a fleet of airships coming down from the heavens. The citizens of the city were frozen, awed, shocked and feared as the shadows of the Lescatian ships hovered over them.
Mimil was shaken as she stuttered out. "Sh-... she's here!"
...
1st Lescatian Fleet, Capital Ship.
...
"Lord Wilmarina... the cannons are loaded. We can fire when ready."
Wilmarina stared at the white city in disdain and spots the temple standing at the centre of the city, which is of great importance. Thus she brought up her newspaper of the latest event and reads the article. Her lips form a mad grin.
"Heh~!... Hahahaha~! Finally, I knew this is a perfect opportunity." Wilmarina chuckled and then looks up to the windows, exposing her to the open view of Al-Mar. "Ahh~! I knew the Demon Lord heeded my wish to become true~!"
Eva balled her fists and shook. She'd never thought of the latest news involving the Demon Lord's decision to incite violence within the society of monsters. Thus, the Dark Hero raised her hand.
"All hands on every ship in this fleet! This is Wilmarina Noscrim speaking!" Wilmarina speaks up with a demented smile. "It is time... that a new era had befallen upon us! Thanks to the Demon Lord's decision... we can do whatever we want and there's nothing to stop us!"
"uuuUUUOOOOOHHH~"
The Dark Hero heard her soldiers and knights radically cheering up for her and then... Wilmarina brought down her hand, signalling the attack.
"COMMENCE THE BOMBARDMENT!"
...
Chapter 54: Ends.
A/N: So, I would like to give a minor note that I've written another MGE Crossover called "Hero and Pirate". It involves Wilmarina and Elt entering the world of One Piece, but the story itself is more light-hearted compared to my first MGE Fanfiction, The Knight, which has a dark theme.
Look up if you wanted, enjoy!