I do not own Highschool DxD nor do I own Diablo. All rights respectively go to Ichiei Ishibumi, the series' creator, and Blizzard Entertainment, the company who made Diablo.

The Dreadlands. They were formerly called the Northern Steppes. It was from this primordial piece that the first landmass of Sanctuary was created. It was here that the Worldstone was laid to rest, protected by Mount Arreat, acting as its shell as designed by the angel Inarius. The first landform created on Sanctuary when the world was born so many eons ago.

And it was here that the Barbarian tribes once lived and thrived. These indigenous people were tasked with safeguarding the Worldstone from all threats, seeing Mount Arreat as a holy and beloved site to their proud culture. With such a sacred duty placed upon them and a task that they knew they would defend to their dying breath; Barbarian culture was built around the mountain's defense. To better protect their lands, they had adopted a nomadic lifestyle constantly moving around the Northern Steppes and possessing few permanent settlements.

But now, the entire area was blasted away by the explosion of the Worldstone, and Mount Arreat was reduced nothing more than a shadow of its former self; a smoldering crater for all to see, pumping ash and toxic gases into the air that seems to never end.

In the years following Arreat's destruction, the peoples of Sanctuary began to understand the long and noble history the Barbarian culture once possessed and became acknowledged. But with the destruction of the Worldstone and devastation of their homeland, many Barbarians lost faith. Some became aimless, haunted by their past, traveling from place to place without honor or direction. Some left Arreat and struck out to battle evil, in atonement for their failed stewardship. Other tribes fell into regression, becoming akin to unreasoning beasts and, in some cases, even cannibals. Some, however, still honor the harsh snows of Arreat's summit and prowl the outskirts of its crater, maintaining enclaves. They recall being handed axes and spears at an age when city children were clinging to their toys…and they burn with shame at the failure of their people. These Barbarians strive to find a new purpose for themselves in a changed world, and they will crush any who stand in their way.

Over time, the Barbarians had slowly faded away into the ashes of history. One by one as they became wanderers or died at the hands of battle, their stories became mythology and the basis of many others afterwards. A prime example are the Romans and the Spartans, whose ruthless training in their military derived so from the ancient Children of Bul-Kathos, a legend few ever know of.

*DING*

Aidan impales a sword onto the ground as he is on one knee, forced to catch his breath after slaying so many Demons, left over from Arreat's destruction. Since his original sword Dawnbreaker was cast away and broken, Aidan had to rely on his arm blades from his Sacred Gear, the Al'Diabolos Terror Claws. He sometimes wished he was carrying a sword right about now.

*RING RING*

Aidan's phone suddenly rings, making him flip it open to see that Alrik was calling him.

"Catch you at a bad time?" asked Alrik from the other side of the phone.

Aidan looks around to see the Demon corpses before giving a small smile. "Not at all. Where are you at?"

"Staalbreak," Alrik answered. "Should be the town right in front of you."

"I see it."

Staalbreak is a town situated in the Dreadlands. But its inhabitants are not of Barbarian origin, and instead follow the teachings of Zakarum; or at least, give praise to Akarat. However, unions between its people and the Northerners were common before the destruction of Mount Arreat. The town is surrounded by a tall wooden wall and has a town square where executions are carried out. One of the areas of the city is called the Gray Wards, a place where one is liable to have their throat slit if they're not careful. The town is ruled by a council of nobles, with a head constable as its main chairman.

Aidan saw that it was going to take a while to reach the town. Yet between him and meeting Alrik were a few wildlife creatures and Demons but it was nothing he could not handle.

30 MINUTES LATER…

Aidan arrives in a tavern as he opens the door and closes it immediately. Since it was winter in Staalbreak, there was no shortage of snow. Although snow could be accounted for the constant ash polluting from Mount Arreat constantly. He takes off his coat and shakes a bit of snow off of it before hanging it on a rack and stepping inside.

And boy was the tavern loud and busy today. Everyone seemed like they were having a good time drinking and chatting with friends, ordering food and hitting up with one another. For the people to be happy in such a hostile environment of ash and decay, it sounded like they were doing well. Of course, the Dreadlands have not always been kind to them, even before Mount Arreat was shattered.

As Aidan looks around, all the guests seemed to be folks from the town, men and women a lot bigger and sterner than him. It was like he traveled back to Scotland in the medieval period, where wenches were obese serving ale and the men had thick facial hair and Scottish accents. But since Aidan has traveled a lot around the globe with Uncle Deckard, this was nothing new as he was use to the sights and new culture perspectives, gaining good insight of the people and their traditional customs.

Aidan sees Alrik up by the main bar, served with his large drink and waiting for Aidan.

"There you are," Alrik greeted as Aidan walks behind to sit next to him. Aidan noticed the change of tone in Alrik's voice, like it showed his true Barbarian nature unlike the one in Georgia. It was more stern and serious compared to his more kinder and relaxing nature at the barbeque restaurant.

Once Aidan sits down, the waitress comes up and asks, "What will you like for tonight?"

"Just water is fine. Thanks."

As Aidan waits for the water, he takes more notice of Alrik's stern face and tone, not even bothering to turn to him and face him. This was not the same Alrik he had met back in Georgia. Not the same barbeque under the human name of Anders O'Conner who guided him on how to clean a smoker.

This was the Barbarian Alrik, who was the last of his kind. Or so he claims to be. Whatever happened to the remnants of the Barbarians was now gone, lost to the past ashes of history.

"Allow me to ask you once more: are you sure you're ready to take on the Trial of the Ancients?" Alrik asked without turning to Aidan.

A conflicted Aidan answered as he brought his head down in reflective thinking, "What choice do I have? I had been possessed by a Prime Evil and nearly lost myself and the people I care for. I'm tired of this weakness of mine and need to get stronger."

With that off his chest, he concludes, "And I never will unless I get more power."

Alrik was not convinced as he crosses his arms, still to turning to Aidan. "Then answer my question: are you ready or not?"

Aidan scoffs, "You think I would've come along to this 'expedition' of yours if I weren't?"

Alrik turns to the right, glaring at Aidan. "So you're ready to face death at the hands of those who came before?"

Aidan could not answer that.

"The Ancients await challengers in the deepest recesses of those caves containing ancient ruins," Alrik explains. "Those caves have existed since Sanctuary was first created, when the first nephalem were brought into this world. Countless expeditions have been sent, but all efforts have afforded no rewards to those unworthy... and no survivors."

"Except for you and your sister," Aidan countered. "From what you told me, you two undertook the trial on two separate occasions, and you two made it back alive."

Alrik then revealed, "In my case, barely. But Sonya was one of the very few to have passed it without much needed effort."

He then stands up from his table and ushers Aidan to do the same. "Let's move."

AT THE CAVE OF THE ANCIENTS…

Both Aidan and Alrik stood before a massive cave wall that, on the outside, looked like any ordinary cave. And there were thousands of these all over Mount Arreat, even more so when the mountain was shattered. But this particular cave led to an entrance within the ruins of an ancient nephalem city, one that has stood when the world was first born.

Now ruins are all that remained, yet power still emanated strongly to those worthy. All those not of nephalem origin cannot feel anything, which was mostly human explorers who lost their lives within it.

"Did you tell your friends why you were not coming back?" asked Alrik as he and Aidan walk.

"Just told them I have a contract of Sirzechs needed to take care of," Aidan answered. "They know nothing about this. And I didn't want to make them any worried than they are now."

Alrik chuckles, "Then let's proceed so that you can return to them a different man than before."

Aidan takes one long sigh to clear his head of emotion and fear. "Alright, let's do this. There's no turning back now."

About half an hour of venturing into this cave, yet Aidan and Alrik were not exhausted nor tired. For the former, he was simply following the latter as he remembered the cave's structure when he first traversed it many years ago. The caves were both narrow and vast depending on where they went, and it was going to be one hell of a long journey just to reach the end of it.

"Have you come to prove your might?" asked an echoing voice from within the caves. It bounced all over the walls loudly for Aidan to clearly hear.

"Who are you?" asked Aidan.

"One of many who haunt these grounds, following our fathers and mothers in death as in life. Naught but our souls remain, clinging to the vestiges of our past."

"Why?" asked Aidan.

"To test those worthy to be nephalem and prepare them to inherit the power of their birthright."

Aidan then turned to Alrik as he asked, "What is all this?"

"These nephalem have sworn their loyalty to their leaders both before and beyond the grave, scaring off the unworthy," Alrik explains. "They won't interfere in the Trials, but they will give judgment. They already know what you have become as of late."

Aidan and Alrik soon come across a vast area where it led to a small lake, followed by a waterfall. The path had cut off into two different directions, one inaccessible as it led down a very deep drop.

"So where do we…" Aidan asked as he turns to Alrik, but notes that he suddenly disappeared, to his surprise as he was nowhere to be found. "Go from here?"

As Aidan looks around, an orange and beautiful flame lights up in front of him, taking the form of a very tall and immensely strong individual. With full facial hair and long hair, he wore heavy armor and a fur coat on his back. He carried two large swords with him despite their sheer size and weight too strong for one ordinary man to lift. His most attracting feature was the belt buckle, with the skull of a large Demon on its frontal plate.

The man stood at least nine to ten feet tall, dwarfing Aidan who was small in comparison.

"Bul-Kathos," Aidan recognized. "The Immortal King and first of the Barbarians."

For those unaware, Bul-Kathos was born as part of the first generation of nephalem, in later times referred to as the Ancients. These nephalem wandered the world and adopted numerous philosophies as they spread across it. Bul-Kathos observed as due to Inarius's meddling with the Worldstone how subsequent nephalem generations became weaker and weaker, eventually becoming the race of humanity.

Bul-Kathos believed that only by bringing the local and wild Barbarian tribes together and training them in strict martial discipline could the tribes faithfully concentrate on their goal for generations to come. Bul-Kathos made a sacred vow to protect both Mt. Arreat and the Worldstone, seeing of its importance to all denizens of Creation.

Bul-Kathos was given reverence by his people. He was given the honor of sitting upon the Immortal Throne, an honor only ever bestowed to one other individual.

At some point Bul-Kathos did something to himself that allowed him to linger in spirit form, becoming one with Mount Arreat. How he still lives after the Worldstone's destruction is unknown nor how he is able to gain a physical form once more and survive with immortality.

The ancient Barbarian King walks over to Aidan with a large sword in hand.

"You come to prove yourself worthy of being called nephalem?" asked Bul-Kathos.

Aidan answered, "Nephalem or not, I do. I am here to undertake the Trial of the Ancients."

Bul-Kathos then asks, "And what is it you hope to glean?"

"Answers to who I am," Aidan answered as he looks at his left hand and clenches it, reminded of his Sacred Gear. "And power to protect those dear to me as I put my life on the line."

Bul-Kathos was amused as he brandishes away his sword on his back. "Is that so?"

The Immortal King then pulls out a large double-bladed axe. It intimidates Aidan before the Pawn pulls out his arm blades of his Sacred Gear and readies for combat. Aidan then charges in and goes for a vertical slash, but Bul-Kathos blocks it easily. He then swipes him away, making Aidan land away before going back in again.

Bul-Kathos conjures up a spear and throws it at Aidan but he ducks down to allow it pass overhead, then jumps into the air and tries to stab at the Ancient. The Immortal King jumps back, making Aidan miss his target and the two start hacking and slashing away.

A series of clangs echoes across the room but Aidan was left on the defensive. Due to Bul-Kathos' massive size and endurance, Aidan was literally powerless. The Immortal King chops him one more time, which Aidan blocks with his left arm blade, but conjures up another spear and thrusts at him. Aidan twists his body to the side, able to avoid the fatal stab and ducking under from the large two-handed axe that Bul-Kathos can surprisingly wield with just one hand.

Then, Bul-Kathos jumps into the air and prepares a dive bomb onto Aidan. One split second before he is able to cut him, Aidan uses his speed to get out of the way and jump backwards.

*BOOM*

A large dust explosion ensues with rocks flying everywhere. But the Immortal King rushes at Aidan, the latter avoiding the axe and spear in hand. Aidan leaps over the Immortal King to avoid the spear thrown at him.

But that was exactly what Bul-Kathos intended for the spear.

*BABOOM*

"AAHH!" Aidan cried.

When the spear hit the wall, a massive explosion happens from behind, feeling the shockwave and the intense wave propel him forward enough for Bul-Kathos to give a powerful punch to Aidan's gut.

*BAM*

Aidan's breath leaves his lungs completely as he feels the Ancient's fist punch through his stomach. Immediately, Aidan lies on the floor on his back in pain. Time seemed to slow down for him as he becomes disorientated, his eyes and mind all blurry from the explosion and the punch.

*POMPH*

Suddenly, a large foot from Bul-Kathos pins Aidan down. He screams out in pain as he feels the weight of it crush him, like three hippopotami were sitting on top of him.

Aidan struggles to stand up as Bul-Kathos points his axe to his neck and keeps him down from his foot. Aidan was left defeated and humiliated, and not just because of such a power difference but also of the conflict within his mind. The confliction of his own feelings, something Bul-Kathos notes and points out as he looks down at Aidan in condemnation.

"Brute force alone does little to impress," Bul-Kathos disapproved. "As does the inherent power within you. Only he who possesses both muscle and metal of equal caliber deserves the honor of fighting beside his allies as nephalem."

"Are you saying I am unworthy?" asked an angered Aidan. "That I came all the way here for nothing?!"

Bul-Kathos releases his footing on Aidan and walks a few steps backwards, but Aidan struggles from the pain the massive Ancient left on him,

"The Eternal Conflict has returned to Sanctuary once again. And only the nephalem can protect humanity, and those of the lesser species that dwell within. Whether it be gods, Devils, Angels, or Fallen Angels, they now look to you as their shield and sword to safeguard their lives."

Bul-Kathos walks over to Aidan before he points his axe at him. "All those unworthy or unwilling to rise to the task meet their end here, by my blade."

"I have come too far to be stopped," Aidan stubbornly stood up, trying to ignore the pain. "The Trial has not even begun."

"If you do not fear death, then go forth with reckless abandon and prove your worth," Bul-Kathos said before he disappears in a flash of light, leaving Aidan all alone once again. He disperses away his Sacred Gear in the form of flame before he turns himself over to his stomach and stands up slowly but surely.

Aidan then stumbles and is about to hit the floor before Alrik catches him and supports him to be able to stand up.

"I am ready for this," Aidan says as he calms down his rage.

"In that case, let the trials begin," Alrik agreed.

The two of them then continue their journey deeper and deeper into the caves.

At a small campfire as they rest to get their legs recovered from all that walking and trekking, Aidan and Alrik sit across from one another, the student listening in on the teacher.

"The Ancients are not here to train you; they're here to test you," Alrik states as he sits down next to Aidan by the campfire. "Bul-Kathos won't go easy on you just because you possess a Sacred Gear."

"So, no mercy for people like me then," Aidan concluded. "But why is it that the nephalem aren't worthy of calling themselves one in his eyes?"

"In the eyes of one like Bul-Kathos, whether they are Barbarian or nephalem, the weak aren't worthy of living. All of them are fools, punished for aspiring beyond their station." Alrik's mood then became reflective. "I was a fool back then, too – and I was punished."

Aidan then remarked, "But you weren't killed. Maybe you weren't worthy of being called nephalem or one of his children, but he must've seen you as worthy of living."

"Maybe he did, maybe he didn't," Alrik replies as he stares into the fire.

For Aidan though, he did not want to believe what everyone around him was telling him. There was no way he is a nephalem. For one thing, he doesn't remember his parents. And that the power he had up until now was of his Sacred Gear and Diablo living inside of him. So why would the spirits and Bul-Kathos imply to him that he is one of them? Is it something he knows not of and that others do? Perhaps Uncle Deckard or even Sirzechs?

Questions would have to wait though as he and Alrik continue on once their campfire and rest period were over.

LATER…

"Your skill is impressive," An Ancient spirit spoke. "You may have the strength to defeat the darkness inside of you… but do you have the spirit to survive these trials, knowing of what you carry inside of you?"

Aidan an Alrik soon come across a large gate, inaccessible as it was guarded by two stone guardians with their giant swords crossed over to deny entry. The door was just an ordinary giant slab of rock, rectangular in shape and standing vertical to cover the door. An ancient rune, revealed to be the symbol for strength, decorates on the giant door protected by the guardians..

"What is this?" asked Aidan.

"A trial chamber," Alrik explains. "There are two more just like it deep within these caves. Each contain a nephalem of the past who left their mark on the world. This one before you is the Trail of Strength and you will face someone called the Fierce. Good luck."

Alrik then stands before the stone guardians and takes out his knife.

*SLING*

Cutting his hand, he then shows the wounds to the stone guardians, whose eyes glow blue as their swords open the path to the trial chamber. The giant stone slab with the rune lights up and then rises upwards, revealing the chamber. Aidan soon enters in as Alrik watches him, the stone guardian's swords covering the giant slab.

"Prepare yourself, Young Brother, for the trials that wait," An Ancient spirit spoke. "Prove your might, and our power shall be yours."

Aidan beholds the large chamber as some sort of gigantic arena, like that of gladiators. Whatever this Trial of Strength was, an arena like this would be of a proper fitting to display it. And besides, his opponent was going to test his might.

Suddenly, a blue aura of light and flame emerges to show a large figure, taller than the average man, wearing an elaborate suit of armor that resembles samurai gear. His most prominent feature is the disc on his head, which has chains attached to its underside with what look like small dogtags hanging from them. His helmet covers his entire head with four narrow slits for eyes.

(Author's Note: For reference, it is the Fierce from FFXV)

He carries in his right hand a gigantic mace, elaborately designed to look something akin to a weapon of kings.

"Come forth, Somnus…" The Fierce, named Tonitrus, commands as he prepares for battle with his gigantic mace.

'Somnus? Who is Somnus?'

Answers to that will have to wait unfortunately as Aidan hears a loud roar coming from Tonitrus, like a mix of a lion and organ pipes.

Tonitrus soon charges in with the large mace, ready for a vertical attack. With no way to block the ginormous attack, Aidan leaps back away, only for the impact to throw him off balance from the shockwave. Tonitrus easily picks up his mace and swings his mace from the right to left and vice versa. He was not wildly swinging as he still had good eyesight it but it sure made his defense strong like a tenfold shield.

Aidan deflects one swing and barely blocks another with his arm blade on his left arm. The mace's power was very strong as it felt like he was trying to deal with an incoming car on each swing. Tonitrus, after being deflected twice, brings the mace down for another more powerful downward swing.

*BAM*

Aidan barely gets out of the way from the impact of where the mace landed. Knowing he is no match up close, Aidan warps away behind Tonitrus to try to get his bearings.

I am no match for him up close. I have to be cunning enough to get out of the mace's way.

Aidan warp strikes into Tonitrus from behind, but the Fierce teleports out of the way, disappearing in a flash of light.

"What the…?" Aidan is stunned as he misses. But that was the least of his worries as he looks around. Once he looks up though, he sees the Fierce with his mace coming down for an incoming attack.

Aidan ticks off as he is forced to get away. Unfortunately, he mistimed his warp.

*WABAM*

Tonitrus' mace slams into the ground and creates a devastating shockwave that not only shatters the area around it and make a crater but also creates lava cracks that burn as hot as the sun itself.

"AAH!" Aidan is thrusted away and hits his back to a wall with rubble piling onto him. Disorientated briefly, he shakes his head away of the dizziness and gets up, his head bleeding from the impact.

But just then, he sees a flash in front of him and sees Tonitrus swinging down his mace.

*BOOM*

Aidan rolls out of the way yet keeps rolling as the Ancient keeps swinging downwards over to Aidan. Each strike grew closer as Aidan keeps rolling before he warps away to get a safe distance.

Aidan soon fires a red lightning shot from his hand at the back of the Fierce.

*SCHBAM*

A successful hit was met at the back yet somehow, Aidan felt as if he just made him angry. The Fierce gives a mighty roar as an aura of blue light and flame encompasses his form.

'Looks like he's starting to live up to his name.'

Aidan knew that getting up close in a one on one combat duel was no option. The Fierce was way too strong in terms of strength so Aidan will have to rely on hit and run tactics. Despite knowing the Fierce can also warp like him, it would be better than a duel of might.

With his mace now in blue flames, Tonitrus charges in to slam it at Aidan. Aidan warps away and jumps over from a horizontal strike before latching himself onto the large opponent's armor. With one arm blade in his left hand, he empowers it.

*SLICE*

With one upward slash, he jumps off at the same time and makes a wound on the Ancient, who stumbles back. He then roars as the slashed mark burns red and white, glowing like lava. Aidan has to end this quickly and move on to the next trial.

Tonitrus goes in for a downward swing, but Aidan holds it back with his Sacred Gear using his arm blade deployed. Using all of his might, he pushes the mace away, making Tonitrus stumble backwards a bit.

Deploying both arm blades on both of his arms, Aidan crosses his arms for a cross attack and gets his chance.

"HAAAH!" He cries as he warps forward in a very fast dash.

*SLING*

With an X-like cut, Aidan slashes through the Fierce's armor and ends up behind him. The Fierce, beaten and wounded, stumbles forward before he drops to one knee, admitting defeat.

*FWOOM*

Tonitrus' form suddenly envelops in a gentle blue flame of light, signifying that his role in the Trial of the Ancients was now over.

"Stand tall, Somnus…" Tonitrus exclaimed before he disappears. "For the nephalem must kneel in subjugation before no man and no God."

There was that name again. The name of Somnus. Aidan has no idea who or what he is referring to. Perhaps it is a name the Ancients call him instead of his real name. Whatever the case, the Trial of Strength was over.

Aidan disperses away his Sacred Gear back to his normal arms. He then collapses to his knees, exhausted from that grueling fight. If the rest of the Trial was going to be like that, then Aidan had better be prepared.

"Well, you made it out alive," Alrik commented as he meets up.

"Yeah," Aidan muttered.

"You okay?"

Aidan takes a deep, slow breath. "I've had worse. And that was just one?"

"The rest of the Trial will be similar. But now that you've passed the first one, you have proven your strength to the Ancients. Now come. We best get moving."

The two walk out of the chamber and head on to the next one.

"Your first trial may have ended, but many more wait you on your road to an audience with Bul-Kathos. Prepare yourself."

Alrik and Aidan keep going. The first part of the trial was over, with Aidan's strength now tested and proven worthy. But many more challenges wait for him deeper into the cave. This was going to be a long and arduous trial for him.

LATER…

At another campfire site the two prepared for their rest period, Aidan and Alrik sit by as the former had something to ask.

"Your sister undertook the Trial of the Ancients before, right?" Aidan asked.

"She did," Alrik confirmed. "At first though, she didn't want to take it."

"Why?" asked a curious Aidan. "It couldn't be because your sister was scared, right?"

"Not of the Trial," Alrik said. "Sonya was scared of failing as a nephalem – putting my life as a priority before the rest of the world. At the time, I was just a young lad in training while she grew to become a strong leader of our tribe in the years after the Worldstone was destroyed. After all, what good is a nomadic people with no leader to protect?"

Aidan nodded his head in agreement. If Alrik's older sister was indeed scared of her role as a nephalem, then it could stand as a testament that even nephalem can be afraid of certain things. But fear is merely an illusion, a temporary feeling that passes away once one overcomes it.

If only Aidan could learn the same way. What he may have done during the time, running away with the soulstone to Tristram to seal himself and self-exiling himself in Entsteig to stay away from everyone for their safety, may have been noble if not selfish. But it was also based on his own fears of putting everyone in danger.

"What about you?" Alrik asked. "Worried about leaving your friends alone?"

"A little," Aidan confessed. "But I'm going to do what's right for me like your sister did what was right for you."

Alrik smiles on that, trusting Aidan yet is also filled with concern, wondering what will happen to the young man once they reach their goal.

The two of them then got up after their resting break once the campfire was burned out, continuing deeper and deeper into the caves.

"How long has it been since you understood the Trial?" Aidan asked. "Centuries or so?"

"Give or take," answered Alrik. "I was a lot younger than you are – and far less experienced. It's a wonder I even made it out alive."

"Does any of this look familiar to you?" asked Aidan as he looks around the area.

"Vaguely. The younger me had little mind for taking in the sights. Plus with the whole keep in ruins, there is not much to look at."

After another half an hour of walking and dredging into the caves, the two come across a familiar gateway. Instead of the rune for strength, this rune had the word and meaning of will.

"Another trial chamber," Aidan noted.

"This will be the Trial of Will," Alrik explains. "In there, you will face the Rogue, a female nephalem of the shadows. It will be another chance for the Ancients to impart their wisdom. It won't come easy, though – you'll have to earn it."

Suddenly, another Ancient spirit voice spoke up, echoing the room.

"How many moons has it been?" A spirit asked.

"Since our last visitor? Far more than I can count," Another answered.

A third chuckles and says, "Let us see how our latest challenger will fare in this."

The chamber of the Trial of Will appeared to be a platform surrounded by four pillars. But there was not much to say of this chamber though as its surroundings were all pitch black, like someone was watching from the shadows.

As Aidan enters into the next trial chamber, he comes face to face with another nephalem with its back turned onto him. But this time, it was a female unlike Tonitrus and was largely a bit shorter, almost to Aidan's size but a few feet taller.

She uniquely does not conceal her entire face by a helmet, her elaborate horned headgear covering the eyes and the nose. The headgear somewhat resembles a dragon, with two large horns springing out of it. Her white porcelain-like face mask has cracks on the surface and black lips. Though the mask has realistic nose and lips, where her eyes should be the mask is covered in black leather-like designs.

She wore an intricate full body suit of armor with a half-skirt and high heels. Her shoulder blades have ornaments that each have four long strips of fabric attached that invoke the image of wings like a dragon.

(Author's Note: For reference, it is the Rogue from FFXV)

"Welcome… Somnus…" The Rogue, named Crepera, calls forth as she turns around to face him. As she does, she brings out a large shuriken weapon with wing motifs and gives a mighty roar similar to that of the Fierce.

There was that name again of Somnus. And Aidan still did not know what she had meant by it. In Latin, it meant sleep. So why call him a Latin name meaning sleep?

Answers must wait as Aidan ducks underneath the flying shuriken that comes at him. But the weapon comes around back to Crepera's hands as Aidan jumps up with his left arm blade for a downward slash.

*DING*

Crepera blocks it easily with her shuriken before Aidan deploys his right arm blade for a horizontal slash from the right. But Crepera easily warps away behind Aidan and throws her shuriken at him, hoping to catch him off from behind. Aidan, sensing the projectile, jumps up and turns at the same time, narrowly missing it.

But in the moment he was still airborne, Aidan made a crucial mistake.

*BAM*

Crepera jumps forward and does a roundhouse kick with her right leg, sending Aidan flying to one of the pillars. Aidan's breath leaves his lungs as he falls to the ground after hitting the pillar.

As he gets up, the Rogue charges in to swipe at him, but Aidan ducks under her strike. He turns to face her only to find out that she is gone. He then begins to look around in the shadows.

'Did she warp herself away? No… she merely stuck to the shadows surrounding us to use as cover. Taking her head on is a bad idea as she moves too quickly. I need to time it to know when she will strike and counter.'

Sensing a flying shuriken, Aidan turns to his right to see the projectile thrown at him as he jumps out of its way. The shuriken comes back into Crepera's hands where she engages Aidan in combat as he deploys his left arm blade to block an incoming attack.

Aidan blocks the attack with his right arm blade before diagonally slashing down at her with his left, but Crepera parries easily. The two engage up close, trading blows and strikes whilst blocking. Unlike Tonitrus, Crepera relied on speed more less than brute strength.

*BAM*

*DING*

*CLASH*

As the two trade blows, Aidan's inherent power increases. His Sacred Gear on his left arm blade glows in red and white and the corruption begins to envelop him once more. He blocks a strike from Crepera but not before he receives a kick to the abdomen from the Rogue's right heel.

*POW*

The Rogue kicks Aidan back, causing him to hit another pillar. Getting up quickly and ignoring the pain, Aidan knew what he had to do in order to end this fight and pass the trial.

'I need to turn her weapon against her.'

As Crepera spins to slash at Aidan up close, Aidan counters with his own and deflects the shuriken. He manages to swipe the shuriken into the air before he kicks Crepera's chest with his right foot away from him. As the shuriken comes down, Aidan grabs it and throws it at Crepera.

In a turn of events, Aidan throws the shuriken and manages to land a hit on her, impaling the Rogue with her own weapon not trapped in her chest.

With this chance, Aidan summons his magic in the form of spectral weapons. With one swipe of his right hand, he fires one volley at the Rogue.

*BAM*

As the spectral weapons hit Crepera, they explode on impact, each one a devastating blow. Yet despite the small explosions, they did not damage the armor outright and instead incapacitate her.

Aidan spins and fires another volley of weapons with his left hand.

*BAM*

Conjuring more, he ushers both hands forward to unleash all of the weapons upon Crepera.

*BOOM*

The last volley explodes in a big explosion as Crepera stumbles backwards. Then, she falls to her knees in rout, admitting her defeat.

*FWOOM*

Like Tonitrus before her, Crepera's form is encompassed by a gentle blue light of flame, signifying her role in the trial is fulfilled.

"Go forth, Young Brother…" Crepera told Aidan as she disperses away. "Carry our legacy with you. Look ahead, for the nephalem must safeguard our future."

The Trial of Will was over.

Alrik arrives once the chamber opens up for him, along with the other door leading deeper into the cave. He was about to help Aidan who had his hands on his knees but Aidan waves him off saying he is alright.

Once Aidan recovers, the two continue forward, with Alrik leading the way.

Aidan and Alrik soon come across the remains of what appears to be some sort of keep. The ruins before them were most likely from Arreat's destruction thousands of years ago.

"Thousands set foot on these grounds, all of them fools unprepared for the dangers lurking within," An Ancient spirit spoke. "They all meet with the same fate – as will you."

"Is that what you believe?" asked Aidan to the spirits.

"Think what you may, Somnus, but I know otherwise. The world you call home is nothing like the Sanctuary I once served. Your world has forgotten the horrors of war, mindwiped by the One and drunk off the complacency of peace. And now the Three Factions fight over what remains of Sanctuary, seeking to influence mankind to their sides for their power. No nephalem worthy of being called one could be born from such depravity."

The spirit then goes silent.

"Well, at least they gave me a vote of confidence," Aidan sarcastically responds.

"Look on the bright side: everyone loves an underdog." Alrik quipped.

Another spirit pops up in the form of a wisp right up to Aidan.

"Will you stand tall, even when your flesh fails you, or will you fall to your knees?" asked a spirit, but Aidan ignores him and moves on.

LATER…

Stopping for another campfire resting site, the two sit down and eat quietly with whatever rations Alrik packed from his barbeque restaurant.

"You know, I never thought I'd make my way back to the Worldstone Keep," Alrik said.

"You said it's been centuries," Aidan mentioned as he turns to his mentor. "But Bul-Kathos – what was he like?"

"I don't remember much…except for those eyes," Alrik stated, remembering his forefather and first of his people. "His gaze pierced my heart and peered right into my soul. It was like he knew my every move even before I did." He then looks at Aidan. "Try as you may, there's no fooling those eyes."

"Did your sister Sonya ever talk about it?" asked Aidan.

"After she completed the Trial, she became quiet. Every time I asked her, she brushed it off. I like to think Bul-Kathos left a big impression on her from their fight. Maybe you've got what it takes after all."

"Maybe, but that is not for you or me to decide," Aidan said.

"True – and the Immortal King is a more formidable foe than any you've faced thus far."

"Well, what about you?" asked Aidan. "What was going on through your head back then? I mean you were a lot younger than I am."

"And a lot brasher, too, if you can believe it," Alrik said. "Wouldn't listen to a single word anyone said after my sister passed away. I thought I could be just like Sonya. No one could stop me…until he cut me down to size. I was cast out in defeat, my hubris laid bare for all to see. 'You really are your sister's brother,' they said – and it stuck with me since then."

"Still, you made it back alive – something no one else have ever done – and I respect that."

Once the fire was burned out and their resting period over, the two continue deeper and deeper into the keep.

As usual, the ancient nephalem spirits continue their taunts and boasts.

"He who bears the name nephalem…" Another spirit spoke. "Must boast muscle and mettle, both finely tempered. Should he lack either, the nephalem will fall. Be true, for the nephalem must deceive none – not even himself."

"The nephalem are bold, shrinking before none. Not even to the Seven Evils of Hell."

"Waste not the arsenal at your behest."

"Have come here to die though?"

"I've died time and time again," Aidan said. "I have already been down that road."

"You amuse but do not impress. You lack his conviction."

"Whose?" asked Aidan.

"A child of Bul-Kathos who traversed these caves centuries ago. The younger brother to the sister who effortlessly passed, he turned a deaf ear to our wails and wishes like his sister, proceeding unfazed, eyes ever forward. Yet he proved powerless before the Immortal King, cast out in defeat, unlike his sister."

For Aidan, he knew exactly what he was talking about. Yet he did not bother to look at Alrik for there was no point in even asking, having heard the story himself.

Upon seeing the last trial chamber, the gates to it were different. It looked like a shimmering portal used centuries ago but was now powered down. Two knight statues stood tall with their swords crossed over one another's blades to decorate the arch. They were guarding a door that held a rune like all the others, one that signified the word and meaning of sacrifice.

Alrik then takes out a knife and cuts his left palm. He then shows the blood before the gates, and a loud noise, like of a sword that was pulled from its sheath, echoed across the room. The knights' eyes then glowed blue before they pull their swords away, allowing entry. The slab door with the rune glows bright before it lifts itself up, showing a darkness within the leads the test taker to the final trial chamber.

As Alrik wraps his hand in a cloth bandage, he had something to say to Aidan.

"Sonya would've tried to stop you – just like how she tried to stop me all those years ago," Alrik said as the two stop.

"How come?" asked Aidan.

Alrik looks back. "Because one aspiring to be worthy of nephalem can stake his life for none but his friends – not even himself."

The Barbarian then faces Aidan. "'Do you dare risk all for naught in return?' It was a question from my sister that stayed with me." Alrik then looks down in shame and regret. "And she was right: I barely made it back with nothing to show for it."

"So, do you intend to stop me?" asked Aidan.

Alrik looks up, bearing his indifferent look. "No, I won't. But I will warn you one last time of the danger you're about to face – just like my sister warned me. Once you set foot through that door and enter the Worldstone Chamber, there's no turning back – and no one to help you if you fall. One false step, and it may prove your last."

Alrik was right. Beyond those gates lied the last trial, to defeat Bul-Kathos himself. Every mortal and nephalem that has ever journeyed here to prove themselves as nephalem have either perished or have passed the trial and walked out alive. Yet in all of the millennia that have passed, only a select bunch have made it out alive.

Bul-Kathos was waiting at the formerly sacred site of his people, the chamber where the Worldstone once stood before it was corrupted by Baal and destroyed by Diablo. The raw energy from the explosion was still felt even from outside the chamber, of a battle that decided the fate of Sanctuary. And now not only will Aidan step back into history but will also endure this alone without any help. The anticipation and anxiety took hold over him for a brief moment, a part of his mind wanting him to turn back now lest he faces death for good this time.

Aidan however was not going to run and hide like a coward that he has done so far. He has had enough of that for a lifetime. If he was going to pass this trial and walk out alive, then he was going to go through, no matter what.

"I'll be alright," Aidan said as he beholds the chamber. "Having gone through all of this, I now understand." He then looks at Alrik with a warm smile. "I will do what must be done.""

Alrik then watches as Aidan enters into the grounds, towards the very heart of the caves where Bul-Kathos was waiting for him. There was no turning back as the gates close away, forever separating Alrik and Aidan.

"Just come back alive," Alrik said. "Be safe, Somnus."

THE WORLDSTONE CHAMBER…

Aidan had not been walking very far as he ventures into the chamber, yet he knew he is getting close. As he presses forward and deeper into the chamber, the raw magical energy of the place intensified, bearing down on his senses. It was like he was walking into an oven wearing nothing but the most oversized clothing built layer upon layer. The heat was a bit intense as sweat pours down from his head, yet he remains calm and collected, breathing in and breathing out at a regular pace.

Yet the former lingering energies of the Worldstone were not the only thing weighing down on Aidan's mind.

"There's a chill in the air…" Aidan remarked, "I can feel his presence. He'd better be ready for me."

As Aidan makes his way through the chamber, he sees at the end of it Bul-Kathos with his back turned on him, a power aura surrounding him. Aidan can feel the raw and intense energy here. And he knew why Bul-Kathos was waiting for him in here.

The area Bul-Kathos stood at was where the Worldstone once rested before it was destroyed by the archangel Tyrael.

Aidan approaches Bul-Kathos head on, ready to undertake this last trial of facing him.

"Brandishing your power alone?" Bul-Kathos asked as he turns around.

"Yes…" Aidan confirmed as he readies his left arm blade from his Sacred Gear. "I am ready."

"Very well…" Bul-Kathos reluctantly prepared. "Let the last trial, the Trial of Sacrifice, begin!"

With their weapons drawn, the two opponents stood still as they stared intensely at one another. Three seconds later, they charge in, as if they teleported out of sight and met in the middle, coming to a stop as they swung their blades.

*CLASH*

Sparks fly as they pushed against one another. Bul-Kathos, being an Ancient, was strong, perhaps the strongest nephalem there ever was. Compared to Aidan, he struggled intensely.

They brought their blades back and slashed at each other again; only for the Immortal King to use his left sword to block Aidan's vertical strike. He then slashed at Aidan horizontally with his right sword, making Aidan jump back before he could get sliced. Aidan rushes back in again for a diagonal strike, but Bul-Kathos blocks it easily. Ten seconds into this fight, and Bul-Kathos and Aidan trade blows, but the latter was more on the defensive with Bul-Kathos wielding two weapons and being stronger in height and muscle.

"You only delay the inevitable, Cursed One," Bul-Kathos exclaimed as the two clash with blades. "Look at how you tremble in fear from your past, running away like a coward!"

"I fear nothing!" cried Aidan. He steps forward and does a left horizontal slash at the giant's waist, but Bul-Kathos surprises him by jumping over him. Aidan could only look up and watch with wide eyes and an ajar mouth in shock as Bul-Kathos lands behind a few feet away from him.

"With every passing second, the fear in your heart grows greater still!" Bul-Kathos turns around.

Aidan angrily asked, "So what do I do? Just roll over and die like a coward?"

"Yes…" Bul-Kathos answered, surprising Aidan a bit and almost catching him off guard. "Why else would you have come here if not to join the other lost souls?"

"Because I will do what must be done – and prove to you who I am!"

Bul-Kathos and Aidan charge at it again, the latter blocking both swords drawn at him from the Immortal King with his arm blades.

*BAM*

"OOF!" Aidan cried as he is viciously kicked by Bul-Kathos into the stomach, knocking the air out of him, and send him flying off of his feet a few meters away. He skids across the dirt as he slams his back to a large rock, coughing blood.

*COUGH COUGH*

Aidan spits out the blood in his mouth and looks up just in time to see Bul-Kathos jumping at him with, arms crossed like an X, ready to cut the young man in half. With no time to waste standing around, Aidan quickly warps away.

*SLICE*

The warp jump provided the right timing just before the Ancient sliced right through the rock completely with ease. Bul-Kathos turns to see Aidan warp jump to the ground, his arm blades at the ready.

"Blind reliance on strength or power alone reveals your weakness of will," Bul-Kathos explains as he and Aidan circle each other. The Immortal King then gestures to the weapons around him. "Countless disappointments, all of them unworthy of being called nephalem, met their end here, and so shall you!"

"No," Aidan denied. "I didn't come here to die. I came to discover and prove who I am to you!"

Bul-Kathos rushes in as Aidan ducks under from a right horizontal slash. Aidan parries another slash before the Immortal King jumps up, brings both of his swords together, and slams the ground, creating a shockwave earthquake that catches Aidan's footing off guard and propels him back, making him skid across the floor.

Aidan is disorientated for a bit before he sees Bul-Kathos charge in to slash at him, making him warp jump out of the way and get some distance. Right now as Aidan stands, his power was not enough. He knew he had to gain more in order to pass this last trial and defeat this ancient nephalem. And he had just the idea.

Summoning the dormant power of the Al'Diabolos Terror Claws on his left hand, he allows the corruption of the Sacred Gear to overtake him, granting him a boost in power. The corruption spreads across his left arm up to his shoulder and though it hurts, he ignored the pain. Bul-Kathos looked on intently at the corruption, looking very, very serious and intimidating as he prepares himself.

Aidan charges in on the offensive with his own slashes and hacks away with only his sword. With each few seconds that pass, his power from the Al'Diabolos Terror Claws grows, giving him a slight edge. Merging with Diablo made his Sacred Gear enhanced in power and forced the Immortal King backwards, stepping back his way towards the edge. But being more ancient and powerful than Aidan, he was able to block all his attacks.

*BAM*

*DING*

*CLASH*

*CLING*

*DONG*

Bul-Kathos stops stepping backwards as he finds his feet on the ledge. He takes a quick glance over his shoulder to see the massive drop before focusing back to Aidan.

Aidan sees the Immortal King's left sword coming at him in a downward diagonal slash, which makes him parry away. Aidan then blocks the second blade to stop Bul-Kathos' right sword coming down on him.

Aidan raises his left arm blade to bring it down vertically in an arch, but at the same time it did, Bul-Kathos brings his foot up to kick him away.

*SLASH*

*BAM*

Just as Bul-Kathos kicks Aidan away, his chest was sliced open from Aidan's arm blades. The cut was not deep enough to immobilize him but Bul-Kathos was impressed by the young man's attempts to injure him. Aidan meanwhile is sent flying again but this time he adjusts himself upright to land on his feet, skidding across the ground.

He looks up to see he scored a hit on the Immortal King at last. Despite the blood, it wasn't enough as the Ancient merely walks over to him, musing over at his wound as he wipes some of it on his fingers.

Aidan expected any insult to come from a proud nephalem like Bul-Kathos but the Barbarian was impressed.

"You are strong – yet so long as fear binds your heart…" Bul-Kathos then stacks away his weapons, to Aidan's confusion. "The power you possess is wasted on you."

Sweat ran down the side of Aidan's dirtied face as he stares at Bul-Kathos with a hint of anxiety in his eyes. He wondered what he had meant by those words as he stood down. Aidan stood at the ready, trying to anticipate Bul-Kathos' next moves and ready for a counterattack.

But he did not experience what Buk-Kathos was about to do next.

*ZACHIIING*

Aidan's whole body felt like it was grabbed and pulled forwards. His left arm was at the front of it yet soon it begins to writhe in pain.

"AH AAAAAHHHH!" Aidan yells as he grabs his left arm, feeling the power, in the form of a red fluid-like energy tendril, leave him and get absorbed by Bul-Kathos. Aidan keeps one eye open to see the Immortal King drain his Sacred Gear energy into himself.

"What is he doing?" Aidan asked to himself. "Is he trying to steal my power? No, wait a minute… That is not Bul-Kathos' style."

He then recalled what Bul-Kathos said earlier.

'So long as fear binds your heart, the power you possess is wasted upon you.'

Once the Sacred Gear's power was siphoned off, Aidan stumbles and bends in pain, grasping his left arm. He could no longer feel his power from the Al'Diabolos Terror Claws and looks on briefly and helplessly as Bul-Kathos absorbs it, the malevolent power aura surrounding him briefly before he is consumed in a cloud of darkness. Then, he disappears.

Aidan soon stands upright just to see what was happening around him. He watches as the surrounding area shifts somewhat. The Worldstone chamber was now covered in some form of shadow only lit by the braziers in the room. They could not however light up the whole place. While much of the chamber remained the same, the darkness was making it difficult to make out the surrounding area.

But Aidan knew he was not alone in the dark.

"What is it that drives you?" A dark and intimidating voice echoed in the chamber. Aidan slowly turns around, recognizing who it was as he saw a figure in black garbs from top to bottom, looking at the former site of the Worldstone.

"I wonder…" The figure then turns around slowly to look at Aidan, showcasing a red glow on its forehead. But that was not the most surprising factor. The most surprising factor was that its face looked exactly like Aidan's, back when he became the Dark Wanderer. "How tastes your fear?"

Aidan then realized that he was no longer facing Bul-Kathos. Or rather he still was but took the essence of Aidan's Sacred Gear and manifested in a form that reflects Aidan's worst fears. It made Aidan realize that he was facing his old foe as he looks at his Dark Wanderer appearance.

The one who was influencing him and manipulating him from the very beginning.

Al'Diabolos, the Lord of Terror.

Diablo, in the Dark Wanderer form, conjures up a powerful fireball made of flame and shadow in his right hand and hurls it at Aidan, making him bring up his arm blades to block it but it pushes him back.

Aidan is skidded back on the ground on his chest as Diablo moves forward with a double-bladed scythe. He slams his scythe to stab at Aidan, only for him to roll out of the way and get back up his feet. He turns to make a horizontal slash with his weapon, but Diablo deflects it away.

Aidan goes again but is again deflected and his face is hit by the end of the scythe's handle before he is kicked away to rock wall, making him fall on his back as Diablo approaches.

Clearly, Aidan needed to outmaneuver his opponent as he was clearly more powerful. Even though Diablo's strength is not at his fullest given of how he had been weakened by Rias physically and spiritually on two separate occasions, Aidan still had difficult time fighting his opponent. Aidan could call on more power but with his Sacred Gear rendered useless thanks to Bul-Kathos sucking away its power to manifest as Diablo, all Aidan could rely on is his own wit and judgment.

As Aidan gets back up, Diablo goes on the offensive, pushing Aidan back through all the clashes of their blades. He avoids a downward slash from the scythe that hits the ground next to him before he attempts to strike at Diablo. But every swing he made; Diablo deflects effortlessly. And on every last swing, he is pushed back to the ground by sheer force alone.

While Aidan does get back up quickly, he is forced onto the defensive, trying to deflect every strike from Diablo and attempting to counter with his own. Diablo, in his Dark Wanderer form, was fast and agile. The Lord of Terror had siphoned some of Aidan's essence during his time possessing him, knowing of his fighting style and outmaneuvering him at every turn.

They keep striking each other's weapons at every turn. Five more slashes in and then…

*PSHHH*

"AAAHHH!" Aidan cried. Sparks fly from their blades, enough to distract Aidan as his defense and resolve weakens. He then looks at his right arm blade to see that the arm blade was shattered, the blade broken off and scattered into little metal shards that were all but miniscule like dust.

Once he was vulnerable, Diablo quickly swings him away.

*WABAM*

Aidan is thrusted back onto his back before his body turns around and his head lands hard onto the ground, knocking him out.

Wounded and battered, Aidan could not stand. His right arm blade was shattered as he looks at it. His body felt as if he was crushed by a hippopotamus.

But then, his mind heard a voice call to him. A very familiar voice. One he had not heard from in months.

"Aidan…" The voice echoed within his mind as Aidan knew who it belonged to.

It was Rias. However, when Aidan saw where it was coming form, all he could see was his Horadrim necklace emanating a red gentle glow. It pulsed like a heartbeat every time Rias called out for him.

Aidan heard it but could not wake up to it.

"Aidan… Aidan…"

Then, all turns to black for him as he drifts away into a deep sleep unwillingly. Aidan lied broken and defeated, wounded and unconscious. Bul-Kathos, as Diablo, looked indifferent as he walked past him.

VISION BEGINS…

Aidan finds himself in some sort of dark area by a harbor of sorts. But instead of water, there was only air. Heavy thick fog covered the area as Aidan stood on the wooden harbor. But as Aidan looked around, he soon saw that this was no ordinary dark realm.

This was the Burning Hells, one of many portions of it anyway. Gone was the hot magma and rivers of fire that he remembered when he ventured down underneath Tristram Cathedral. Now there was nothing but an empty, cold, darkness void for all to see. It filled his heart with dread to be in a place that many would consider to be even worse than a river of flame in Hell.

After all, not all of Hell looks the same. Sure there is fire everywhere but not in a place like this.

He then hears footsteps rushing up behind him and heading towards the harbor. There were two individuals. They ran as if they were being hunted, trying to escape from something.

Leading the way was some sort of fiery Demon. He was tugging the hand of a female figure, who in her other hand was carrying something in swaddling clothes.

The Demon's appearance looked terrifying, one worthy of the Burning Hells. The head is surrounded by large and long ram-like horns with a second smaller set extending from the top. It is shown to have reptilian feet and four bat-like wings which are darker than the body. Dante wields a pair of bright red retractable spikes in his forearms. It has two pairs of wings, two on top and two on bottom. The chest and head glow with incandescent orange, and the whole body is wreathed in demonic flames. The solid parts of the body seem to be a combination of metal and black demonic stone: any areas of exposed "skin" are covered in square scales.

(Author's Note: For reference, it is Dante's Sin Devil Trigger form from Devil May Cry 5)

As for his companion, which was an Elder Angel, she looked very beautiful. She wore a white dress that looked as if she was from a royal society. Her coat, made of fur, was of a gold color and had two strands of blue cloth attached around it. It only hid her arms which then showed her hands. Like all other Elder Angels, she wore a white hood of which there was no face. However, there were blue eyes, like balls of light, that could show her expression that changed whether she was happy or sad. As for her wings, as usual they were tendrils of blue and white light like all others of her kind.

Yet what was so intriguing about her was that in her arms, she was carrying a small baby. A mortal perhaps? Or was this something more?

The two dash past Aidan, surprising him like he was not there and was only air. As they ran to the end of the harbor, they prepared themselves a small boat fit enough for the three of them. The Elder Angel was the first to get on along with her baby. Once she did, she turns to the Demon before they look at the child in her arms.

It was small and quiet, wrapped in swaddling cloth to keep it warm and safe. Human? No. That wouldn't be possible. No human could ever be loved by an Elder Angel much less a Demon. If it wasn't human, then perhaps…

Was it another?

As they prepare to sail themselves away on the boat, the Demon stops as if he felt a presence. He then turns around to see another Demon land behind him with a weapon drawn. The Demon that landed looked similar but was giving off a blue flame rather than orange.

The Demon then turns around and places his hands on the Angel's arms as if he was reassuring them.

"Wait here, you two," The Demon urged as he gives the baby to the Elder Angel sets them aside before turning around and pulling out his sword. It was a large two-handed demonic sword made mostly of a dark substance resembling solidified lava, with claws running up its length, talons for a handguard and a red jewel on its pommel. An intriguing factor about the blade was that the blade splits open in the middle, increasing in length while generating a second blade of fiery red energy.

(Author's Note: For reference, it is the Devil Sword Dante from Devil May Cry 5)

The opponent he was facing was very similar to him but there were notable differences. For one thing, the head of the opposing Demon had its horns cut off and blue flames sprouted from it, along with the arms that flowed off. There was also a segmented tail flowing out the back and the wings were considerably a bit lower compared to the other Demon. The body however was slim, and it looked as if her chest stuck out a bit, giving off a rather feminine figure.

(Author's Note: For reference, it is Vergil's Sin Devil Trigger form from Devil May Cry 5 but more feminine)

The opposing Demon draws out a large demonic-like katana with a red blade equipped with an ornate bronze guard. The handle wrapping is realistic, sporting a vaguely infinity symbol-like pattern, giving it the traditional diamond shape in the negative space. The hilt is now gold and blue, shaped like two hexagons. The top and bottom the hilt are decorated with gold rings, inside of which are various circles in clusters of three, arranged in triangular patterns.

Both opponents look at one another before the Demon companion of the Elder Angel charges in. The Demon companion of the Elder Angel grips his sword with both of his hands, igniting it in flames that decorates the hardened magma.

*CLASH*

Both the katana and the two-handed demonic sword clash, with each one clash of blades creating a shockwave that shakes the area. It seemed as if they were on equal footing with one another, but even that balance of power can change in a drastic way.

*PUNCH*

The blue feministic Demon bashes the other Demon on the head, making him stumble back and turn before they go back at it again. As they strike, they parry one another, destroying a pillar by the dock that shatters into magma rock.

Then the blue Demon sheathes her katana, spins, and strikes again in such a god-like speed move that her opponent did not have time to react to it.

*BAM*

The red Demon is sent thrusting away to the other pillar, destroying it as he falls to the floor. Then the female Demon looks to see the Elder Angel on the boat, cradling the sleeping baby. The Demon's blue flames run wild as she eyes on her prize, filled with hate. She jumps up with her wings to try to cut both of them down, but her opponent gets up just in time and blocks the vertical strike.

They keep at this for a while, trading blows with one another. But it was already a losing battle. The red Demon knew of one thing though. He would not leave here alive. With no other choice, he turns to face his Elder Angel companion.

"Run, Aurelia!" The Demon cried to the Elder Angel, carrying the small baby in her hands. Regrettably, she destroys the rope attaching the boat with a blast of her magic as it soon takes off, sailing in the air away from the dark harbor of Hell; far, far away from the danger. Yet for Aurelia, she looked on with her baby who was crying, seeing her companion now out of her reach.

Aurelia? Aidan could have sworn he had heard that name before. Then his mind remembered his conversation with Sirzechs and Grayfia. They had mentioned her name of how they were her students. More importantly, she was also Aidan's mother.

As the boat flies away from the mouth of Hell, Aidan looks back to see the duel continue. And it was not going so well. The Red Demon was being overpowered, only blocking the incoming strikes from his opponent but leaving himself exposed. He was already being sliced and diced by the katana, his demonic blood spilling forth onto the floor.

Vulnerable, he could only withstand each strike dealt to him by the blue Demon, who took in great pleasure of his suffering. She keeps strike and striking him until he turns around with his back onto her.

*STAB*

"AAHH!" The red Demon was stabbed through the chest by the katana. He was then lifted up into the air before dropped to the floor, still standing on his two legs yet hanging by the thread of his life.

The defeated Demon stood in front, watching the angelic sailboat fly away from Hell. He looked content and relief that they were now safe. And now it seemed like death will claim him here. Aidan looks on to see what happens next.

As the conquered companion of Aurelia was defeated, his Demon disguise was shed away to that of a mortal. He wore an ordinary black henley T-shirt with three buttons as the sleeves itself reach through his elbows, where it also features torn details, for his wrists he wears black driving gloves and white bandages. For his legs, he wears a black belt with golden accents, black jeans and brown boots. His also wore a red jacket whose color was faded. As for his face, he had long white hair and supported a beard that was a bit of a young grungy look.

The victor Demon also sheds her true form into something more reminiscent of a mortal. She has fair, yet pale skin, and white, swept back hair, which puts emphasis on the fierce, yet stoic expression on her face; however, when her hair is brushed down or becomes wet, her appearance is physically indistinguishable. She also possess the same, blue-colored eyes as of her attacker. wears a long, silver buttoned blue coat with three separated coattails. A white, serpentine pattern runs around the collar, with a snakes head hanging over the coat's left shoulder, and its tail slinking down the right, all the way to the bottom of the coat. A gold lining runs across the edges of the coat, and a silky, golden flower blossom pattern decorates the inner lining. Each cuff of the coat also possesses five, gold buttoned straps with gold lining.

"Aneue…" The wounded Demon spoke as his killer, which was, to Aidan's shock, his sister by blood.

(Author's note: "Aneue" in Japanese is another form of saying elder sister)

"And so ends your treachery, little brother," The sister Demon spoke. "You will never live to see them again."

Without turning, the brother had some final words and insults to say. "Whatever price you paid; it will be more than you know."

In a twist of events, and probably to ensure he would not be captured, the brother throws his sword high into the air, letting it spin before he then drops down on one knee and his head bows low.

Aidan did not understand what was happening. The brother had lost to his sister, who was escorting an Elder Angel out of Hell with her child. Their child. Now he leaves them and commits suicide? No Demon would ever think to do such a thing. Asides Lilith and her band of renegades along with Inarius, they were the only Demons in history who rebelled against their masters. But that was centuries ago.

To Aidan, this felt…wrong. He felt tempted to just intervene and save this Demon of rare nobility that would be found sacrilege among the Burning Hells. Yet he hesitated, watching the sword descend ever so onto the brother.

"Don't be afraid…" A voice spoke up, revealing to be the brother. "You don't need to run anymore."

The sword descends faster onto the brother Demon, ready to impale him. But just as it was about to…

*CHING*

Aidan soon catches the sword before it impales the Demon. Then the blade suddenly glows red as it is enveloped into a white and red light. The form soon began to change shape into a weapon more suitable for him, melting away the original design like a mold casting.

What was once a large two-handed sword, the weapon shifted and morphed into a massive sword with a heavy double-edged blade, notched on both sides near the tip. The pommel is a single spike, The grip has an interwoven pattern etched into it, but the guard is skeletal, with a skull-design on each side leading to the rib cage from which the blade emerges; on one side of the blade, the skull is that of a human, while the other uses a horned demon's skull. The crossguard is folded in against the ribcage, which was a raised addition to the blade rather than surrounding it, with the blade going all the way back to the guard. The blade also has swirling patterns reminiscent of pattern-welded Damascus steel, with the pattern darker and more noticeable and has a slight rainbow-colored sheen to it.

(Author's Note: For reference, it is the Rebellion from Devil May Cry 5)

As the sword takes shape and form and Aidan looks at it, he looks back below to see the brother Demon on one knee look up to him. Aidan was confused as the Demon did not glare at him for what he did, but rather, oddly enough, looked complacent.

It could have been Aidan's imagination, but he swore he saw a smile emanating from the Demon. Not one out of bloodlust or of destruction, but rather of praise. Directed to Aidan.

"My sword is yours, son," The Demon said. "Take it."

VISION ENDS…

(Author's Note: Insert Soundtrack: King Arthur Legend of the Sword OST – The Power of Excalibur)

*GASP*

Aidan wakes up from seeing the vision, his eyes blurry before they clear up to see his so-called father's sword in his right hand, which was not there earlier. It had glowed red with demonic runes he had not seen before. But they filled him up with power, more power than he could have ever asked for.

Aidan could not understand what he had just seen in that vision. Not with his so-called father's sword now in his hand. While it would be better than his Sacred Gear, he wondered how useful it would be against his opponent. But only this fight will tell now that he has been empowered.

With this mindset, Aidan uses his sword as a crutch to stand up, ignoring the pain coursing through him as he slowly rises up. Now relaxed and without fear, he gains Diablo's attention as the Demon feels his presence, making him slowly turn around.

"You wanted to know what gave me such drive?" asked Aidan as Diablo turns to him, feeling the Demon's gaze. Aidan took a small moment to fully acknowledge and give his reason. "It was you."

Diablo hurls a fireball of flame and shadow at Aidan, but he effortlessly deflects it away with his empowered sword, now filled with his own power. Not from the Sacred Gear nor from Diablo but rather of his own inherent potential. Diablo then took his double-bladed scythe and prepared for combat.

"You gave me those nightmares," Aidan said.

Having heard enough, Diablo charges forward and does a horizontal slash, but Aidan ducks under and sidesteps before both of them swing their weapons to the ground.

*CLASH*

Aidan's sword was on top of Diablo's scythe as he turns the blade, locking it in place. Diablo's face looked surprised, like he managed to deflect a powerful blow.

"You gave me your Sacred Gear," Aidan spoke further.

As they raise their swords, Diablo strikes from Aidan's right but the young Pawn deflects the attack. He spins to his right as he twirls his sword as he goes for a downward slash that Diablo parries. But Aidan raises his sword as Diablo tries to strike up top.

*SLASH*

Diablo grunts as he feels a slashed wound to his left leg, showing how easily Aidan gave him such a small and miniscule wound.

"I am here now, because of you!" Aidan concluded.

Diablo and Aidan charge in, the former swings a horizontal strike that Aidan ducks under before Diablo goes for an underhanded strike. Aidan blocks and the two move forward in a spin. Diablo goes for another strike that Aidan blocks, sparks and light shining off of their clash.

As Aidan backs away, Diablo goes for another strike, but Aidan barrel rolls to his right, narrowly missing the scythe's blade as it scrapes the ground behind him. Once Aidan gets up, he holds his sword out vertically to block an incoming strike to his right before he pushes it away. He soon dashes forward and turns to face Diablo's back, bringing his sword in a left diagonal strike.

*SLASH*

Diablo is wounded as he holds his left hand to see blood spill out. Angered, the Demon strikes above again, but Aidan brings his sword above to vertically block the attack. He then pushes the clashed weapons up and around to his right, making his sword on top of the scythe and scrapes it across the shaft length of the scythe. Sparks fly as Diablo pulls the scythe back.

He goes for another strike but not only does Aidan block it again, he also turns his blade around towards the inside of the scythe. And then…

*SLING*

Using his sword, Aidan breaks out one of the ends of the double-bladed scythe, the blade sent flying away. Diablo is stunned and stumbles back before Aidan gives a vertical cut to the Demon's weapon. But that was what Aidan wanted as he breaks the scythe, cutting it in two.

Clashing their blades against one another like it was some sort of beautiful dance, the two keep parrying, striking, and blocking each other's blows. But for Aidan, he knew this was the moment of salvation. What he needed to confront in reality to snap out of his stupor. It was to face his own fears manifested in the form of Diablo as the Dark Wanderer. The fight had now reached its climax as Aidan overpowers his opponent, forgetting that he was fighting Bul-Kathos as well.

Aidan soon jumps over a defenseless Diablo with the sword raised over his head.

*SHING*

Aidan manages to slice down on Diablo's head, a ring and sparks emanating from the soulstone when it was hit by the sword. Diablo stumbles and turns around, glaring in hatred at the vertical wound mark on the right side of his head. Aidan however was unfazed, readying himself for one last attack from his foe.

Diablo goes for one last attempt to slash at Aidan, striking in a left diagonal way. Aidan blocks it as he raises his sword before pushing it into a circle and slamming it onto the ground.

*DING*

The force of the impact was enough to shatter the second blade of the double-bladed scythe and make Diablo stumble as he is forced to let go of the weapon. Aidan then takes the opportunity to twirl his sword and readies for one last strike.

*SLIING*

"UGH!" Diablo grunts loudly as he finds Aidan's sword embedded deep into his chest, his black blood falling out of his mouth as he glares at Aidan. He was shocked that his host had managed to overcome and defeat him, especially after having the initial disadvantage. For the first time since Uldyssian, Diablo underestimated a mortal of equal, if not greater, power than him.

"You…created me," Aidan acknowledged.

*SHIING*

Aidan's sword is pulled out by Aidan, the vile blood decorating its blade. Diablo stumbles back, defeated and falls to the ground, on one knee that is. He growls and bitterly glares at Aidan, now at peace with the fear inside of him.

"And for that, you have my thanks," Aidan said as he approaches him. "You truly do live up to your epitome as The Devil."

Aidan, conjuring his Sacred Gear in his left hand, stretches it out and absorbs Diablo back into his body. The red malevolent essence is pulled back into the Sacred Gear as the Dark Wanderer form of Diablo vanishes, leaving a defeated and fatigued Bul-Kathos.

The battle was finally over. The last trial was complete.

Exhausted, Aidan collapses to the floor to catch his breath, looking back towards Bul-Kathos, who struggles to stand up as the battle took its toll on him physically and mentally.

Aidan could not help but chuckle a bit as he looks at his sword, still covered in blood. The sword he managed to retrieve from a vision of his parents. A sword that belonged to his demonic father.

"Not exactly a souvenir I was expecting to bring back," Aidan quipped. "It took me a while, but I realized something: you were right – I am afraid." Aidan sighed to give his reasons. "Afraid of failure to Rias and of being consumed by Diablo, only to lose myself permanently this time. Along with the fact that perhaps I am not really worthy to stand beside her as her favored servant."

Aidan smiles at that remark, at peace with his fears. Now he understood why he had fled. It was not just to contain Diablo and his own inherent power inside of him but also of failure. Too long had he failed Rias time and time again. It first started with him fighting alone against the Fallen Angels and culminated in stealing the Red Soulstone to defeat Riser.

Aidan knew the consequences of his actions but did not foresee the rest of the future for everyone involved. He did not expect them to come to Tristram and look for him, if not save him. While questions still lingered on his mind of why they would do such a thing, he did not let them become a burden.

Aidan looks at the Immortal King still on the ground.

"I may be a Pawn to her, and a selfish one at that, but no matter what happens, I am going to protect my friends the only way I know how. By standing by their side."

As Aidan turns to walk away, Bul-Kathos grunted and smiled, as if acknowledging Aidan's strength, will, and sacrifice. He had not met such a warrior in many years, not since the last one came centuries ago in the form of Sonya. And yet, all this time he knew what Aidan was. He just had to see it with his own eyes.

"Spoken like a true son of the nephalem," Bul-Kathos pronounced as he stood upright.

This made Aidan stop in his tracks, and slowly turn around in a mix of shock and confusion, mouth ajar by what the Immortal King just said.

"W-What?" He asked.

Bul-Kathos kept his calm and emotionless expression yet his words uttered from his mouth were that of praise.

"Fear and doubt beget death alone," The Immortal King explains. "He who averts his gaze from his own faults cannot himself a true nephalem call, but you – having made peace with your inner self – have proven you are worthy."

Bul-Kathos soon approaches Aidan and continues saying, "Sanctuary should be so fortunate as to have a man like yourself serving as its protector, alongside Devils, Angels, and Fallen Angels."

"Are you saying that…?"

Bul-Kathos smiled, as if he had acknowledged the worthy one's presence.

"Look here," Bul-Kathos ushers as he points to the sky. "The Ancients come."

Then, blue wisp-like spirits emerge and surround the pair, only for them to take shape and form of what appears to be humans. However, these were actually nephalem. The Ancients. The very first to walk this world when it was born. The purest of all nephalem created by the comingling of Elder Angels and Demons.

"What is this?" asked Aidan as he looks around.

Bul-Kathos explains, "They intend to grant you their gift but not before you perform one last act of sacrifice."

"One last act of sacrifice?" asked Aidan.

"The Trial of Sacrifice is meant more than just defeating a nephalem like me. It also to measure how much you are willing to give to safeguard the world, to protect it from those who wish to destroy it. A nephalem's endless duty is that to Sanctuary itself."

"Which means…" Aidan deduced before he was again interrupted.

"What then will you choose: your own life, or the future?"

Aidan then looks at his sword that his father. He turns the blade flat side up to see his own reflection. He stares at it long and hard, focusing on the scar on his forehead. The soulstone chunk was still lodged in his forehead but was now conceived by the scar. For some reason, he can no longer hear Diablo's voice yet can still feel his influence emanating form the corrupted stone.

As Aidan looks at his reflection, he looks back on all the past events that had happened to him. What started off with the battle with the Fallen Angel culminated all the way here. He had fought many battles, gained new allies, and even made new friends. He showed them a world he knew of, of where the truth was fully revealed.

The friends he had made soon rang up: Akeno, Asia, Koneko, Kiba, Sona, Kiyome, and many others. Even Issei and Saji rang up, though he was more of an acquaintance to the two rather than friends.

His mind was then drawn upon to Rias. He looks to see her turn and face him with a smile of pure joy, like nothing else was happening. It was her usual smile that she wore most. It was a smile that had set his heart at ease and the last to see before he had "died" when he plunged Diablo's soulstone into himself. He knew he had caused her untold pain and could not forgive himself for it, hence why he ran.

Yet always her smile remained every time he had seen her in his mind. It was a comforting memory in the worst of times in his exile.

As the flashback ends, Aidan looks at his father's sword one last time. He knew then what he had to do.

*STAB*

Turning the sword around, he jams the blade into his chest. He stumbles back a few steps before holding his ground, trying to ignore that burning pain that took over. This pain was not like the battles he was in during the Trial, but it was also not like when he plunged the soulstone into his forehead.

As he plunges the sword deeper, Aidan could think of one thing. If anyone can separate man from Demon, then what about fusing them together? Or rather, what if he fused the angelic and demonic essence inside of him as one? Perhaps that is what the Ancients wanted him to do as a final act in this last trial.

Plunging the sword deeper into him one last time, Aidan twists and turns it, blood spilling out like a fountain. But then his sword dissipates into flames and disappears, fusing with Aidan's body as veins like that of magma fire course all over his body. Aidan did not feel hot from the heat but rather felt something more.

An awakening.

Tendrils of nephalem energy, both demonic and angelic, rush to the wound he procured in his chest from his father's sword. The intense energy builds up yet the Ancients and Bul-Kathos stood still as statues, watching with indifferent expressions as Aidan continuously gathers power.

"Nnghh…GAAAAAAHHHH!" Aidan screams as the power buildup reaches its final limit.

*BOOM*

A flash of power erupts around the chamber as pillars shatter and walls crack. Rubble falls onto the ground as the light gives way to Aidan's new form, standing within the ash and fire as he slowly stands upright. His new form looked both beautiful and terrifying.

His armor looked as if something out of this world. It looked sleek for one thing, yet draconic and ancient. He had holes in his winged helmet that had two large horns. The back of the suit of armor has something similar to a bony tail. He also wore a waist cape that covered most of his back side and parts of his front, leaving the armored legs exposed. He had horns protruding from his helmet and shoulders, almost looking demonic or dragon-like depending on interpretation. The hands were clawed a bit and the feet looked as if he wore heeled armor.

(Author's note: For reference, it is the Mystic's Lucii form from Final Fantasy XV)

Anyone can guess that this was just a new armor and new power on Aidan. But this was more than that.

This was his Balance Breaker. Primal Terror Vengeance. It combined his inherent nephalem powers and the power of his Sacred Gear, the Al'Diabolos Terror Claws, to give way to the true representation of his power. This was what was lingering inside of him, his feelings now made manifest. The feelings of both light and darkness now fused and combined as one. Both angelic and demonic expression made one.

The Ancients soon draw out their weapons, ranging from swords to axes to staffs to scythes etc. A light then shines down upon Aidan.

"Arise, Somnus!" The Ancients proclaim. "Be cleansed within the flames of reawakening. Arise, Somnus! Keeper of Terror and Warden of Diablo. Arise, Somnus! And let those who threaten Sanctuary tremble to your might. Arise! Arise! Arise! ARISE!"

*SHIING*

Aidan is then surrounded by an array of weapons of light, which were mostly swords, but they came in various designs. But all of them bear the same essence and power from one source: nephalem. A power indescribably, unlike any other. Neither angelic nor demonic, neither good nor evil. But a mix of the two.

The blades then disperse as they dance all over the Worldstone chamber like some form of opera. They went in circles as they pass through one another, not even coming close to skimming each other's blades. Then, they came to Aidan in front of him, pointing their blades towards a stone. By his command as he shoots his arm out, they charge forward, slicing through the rock like butter and leaving nothing but pebbles.

As the phantom blades of light return to Aidan, they surround him in a circle. He then realizes what this newfound power was deep inside of him.

'This is…the Armiger. An ancient power usable only by the nephalem. I thought this was just a myth.'

As the Armiger disperses away in a flash of light, Aidan's form dissipates as well when he opens his eyes, reverting to their gentle blue ones. He takes a deep breath and looks at Bul-Kathos.

"You…are now one of us," Bul-Kathos proclaimed. "Welcome, brother."

Aidan bows out of respect. But then, the Ancients had one more last gift. In a flash of blue and white light, a sword appears in front of Aidan, pointed downwards. A large two-handed (yet sometimes wielded with one hand) platinum-colored longsword with a wing ornament at the hilt and a decorated blade.

(Author's Note: For reference, it is the Blade of the Mystic from FFXV.)

"Behold Silentium!" One of the Ancients spoke. "Let this weapon be the extension of your will as you protect this world from the horrors of war."

Aidan looks at Silentium intensely. The sword was large, much larger than Dawnbreaker. Still, it felt good to have a weapon like this. With Dawnbreaker destroyed and his father's sword now one inside of him, Aidan grasps the blade with his right hand and takes it. Instantly, the sword connects with him as he holds it close, admiring the blade.

Aidan then stores Silentium, his new weapon away as it disperses into blue light, joining the Armiger arsenal.

The spirits of the Ancients then disperse away one by one, leaving only Aidan and Bul-Kathos.

The Trial of Sacrifice was now over. And Aidan at last had passed the Trial of the Ancients and was declared nephalem.

"You have done well. Now you understand what you are now and what your calling is meant to be. And with this axe, I entrust my power to you," Bul-Kathos offers as he pulls out an axe. "It is the Leviathan, a fitting weapon of my children to be placed unto you."

It was a large two-handed axe with a large blade and wooden handle attached with a golden pommel. There are several runes inscribed on the blade that glows in the presence of the one who wields it. Ornate gold stretched across the handle and the blade, looking like a weapon of the gods.

(Author's Note: For reference, it is the Leviathan Axe from God of War 2019)

As Aidan took the axe, he noticed a brand inscribed onto it that resembled something of a Norse, like an Ingwaz brand with a diamond square laying on top of a small triangle and having two serpent heads at the top. Aidan recognized this rune, as it was on Alrik's armor.

"Where did you…?" asked Aidan in shock, seeing this belonged to Alrik.

"Taken from the young warrior who impressed me with his fury and strength of will. It was from this very axe, the same one his sister held, that he carved a wound deep into my heart, leaving a permanent mark."

Aidan then felt conflicted, seeing how he was being offered such a gift. "But…I can't accept this."

Bul-Kathos however remained humbled and calm. "If my last child still walks among the living, then a nephalem of his mettle will have doubtless transcended attachment to mere material possessions. His sister in fact would have wanted him to move on and pass it onto someone more worthy of it than he was."

"I understand," Aidan acknowledged. "And thank you."

"Now, hasten forth, Somnus," Bul-Kathos commanded. "With mind unclouded by doubt and will unmoved by fear. All of Sanctuary now falls to you and every last nephalem alive today, for the Eternal Conflict is returning once more. And only the nephalem can prevent the dark future that is to come."

Aidan acknowledged with a nod and turned around to leave. But a mere five steps forward, he stops. There was something on his mind he needed to ask.

"One last question before I leave…" Aidan asked. "Why do they and you call me Somnus?"

"It is the name granted unto you on the day of your birth," Bul-Kathos reveals. "A name bestowed upon you by an Angel of the High Heavens and a Demon of the Burning Hells."

"…What…?" Aidan turns around, eyes in shock and as wide as saucers, his mouth ajar. His mind recalls the vision.

'Run, Aurelia.'

'My sword is yours, son. Take it.'

Aidan then remembers the Demon and the Elder Angel in the vision.

"You mean…?" He asked.

Bul-Kathos interrupts, "Like Inarius and Lilith who had given birth to the dour one Rathma before you, you are a nephalem born from a pure coupling, blessed with a power and potential to forever alter the balance of power like your forefathers before you."

Aidan's legs shake in fear at the revelation of the truth. All this time, he was nephalem yet no one, not even his uncle knew. Nobody knew. Or maybe they did. And if they did, then perhaps the only two people he can think of who knew were Sirzechs and Grayfia, having had connections to his mother. If they knew he was nephalem, then Sirzechs deliberately sent him to Alrik not for a contract but also to undertake this Trial.

A part of Aidan's mind however did not believe in everything.

"But…" Aidan interjected. "I was reincarnated as Devil to the Gremory Household. How can I be-?"

"Someone interrupted the reincarnation ritual that night," Bul-Kathos said.

Aidan's eyes widened. "Interrupted the reincarnation ritual?"

"You were indeed brought back, but your lineage and blood as a nephalem were kept the same to prevent you from becoming a reincarnated Devil. Who it was I do not know. But you are still a Pawn of a Devil Peerage created to ensure your survival in exchange for your service. While most nephalem do not serve, there have been a few occasions. But their duty is the protection of the world through strength, will, and sacrifice."

And now it all comes to a full circle. The Trial of the Ancients was to test Aidan's strength, will, and sacrifice. Of how much he would give to protect those in need.

So what now then? Will he flee and continue in exile knowing he is what many would consider an abomination? With him being nephalem, his power could possibly be on the same level as the Four Great Satans. He could easily exterminate those in his path and rule over all beings in all of Creation. Or will he hide away and play safe in the shadows like he did when he fled? Will he seek to contain this power like he did with Diablo and abandon everyone once again.

No. He won't let this make him cower in fear as it had done so in the past. He was Aidan Kain. A nephew of Deckard Kain, the Last Horadrim. He was also the Pawn to Rias Gremory's Peerage, a member of the Gremory Household.

More than that, he was Somnus. Son of the Elder Angel Aurelia. A nephalem. Half-angel and half-demon, but stronger than both.

Aidan then turns around, looking back through the hallway that leads him to the back entrance. It was going to be a long way out but it would give him enough time for reflection as he walks.

"And so, what will you do now?" asked Bul-Kathos.

For the first time, Aidan smiles. "I will return. Back to her."

And with that, Aidan departs, leaving the Barbarian King alone. Unknown to him though, Bul-Kathos gives a smile of satisfaction.

OUTSIDE…

Alrik waits outside of the caves sitting on a crude stone as a bench of sorts. It had been hours since he had last seen Aidan head inside. He felt confident Aidan would be fine but as he was already up against the strongest of the Ancients, it would prove quite a troublesome challenge for him, and it was taking too long. Yet for Alrik, he felt the same as before. Twice actually.

The first time was his sister Sonya, whom he was constantly worried for as she did not emerge out of the cave for a full day. When he woke up the next morning, Sonya was there, revealing that she had passed the Trial. It was one of the more happiest moments of Alrik's life, inspired by his sister who managed to complete the difficult task.

But there was a time when Alrik fell into despair after his sister's death. Wanting power to avenge his sister, he undertook the Trial but failed against Bul-Kathos' might. In dishonor, he had left the weapon behind unintentionally as he was mortally wounded. For days he crawled out of the caves, and when he came too, he was mocked by his kin for his arrogance.

And he knew they were right. For after leaving them and settling for somewhere faraway, he had plenty of time to reflect on his past. He felt he had let his sister down, wondering what she would be thinking of him right now. Though Alrik is also a nephalem, he was unworthy of the title despite defending Sanctuary from the Demons alongside his friends.

It was also why he didn't want Aidan to undertake the Trial, fearing a repeat of history. He felt that same feeling from the past linger in his heart, making him doubt again.

Before long, he sees Aidan from the cave, disheveled and dirtied from the fight. Alrik stands up from the stone to go meet him.

"You made it," Alrik was relieved as he approached Aidan.

"I sure did," Aidan acknowledged.

"And so quickly. I'm impressed."

Aidan then pulls out the Leviathan, conjuring the axe in his hand. "I brought this back with me, too. I figured you want it to continue the fight."

Alrik chuckles, approaching his old friend, "I wondered where I put that thing."

Alrik was tempted to take the Leviathan into his hands once more. The axe that he had left behind after his fight with his ancestor centuries ago was still pristine as ever. This was also the same axe his sister carried, making it a family heirloom. Logically, it would be right for him to receive back his birthright and inheritance, the last legacy of his dead sister.

But Alrik was a humbled man. He knew that if he took it again, he'd go back to the past of his younger self. Now older and wiser, he knew what was the better course of action.

"Keep it," Alrik politely declined it. "It's more worthy to you than it was to me anyway. And besides, I can entrust my sister's legacy to you as well."

Aidan smiles as he stores it away, dissipating in red light and crystals, now a part of his Armiger arsenal. With the Trial over and Aidan restored, the two make their way to the outside, walking at their own pace.

"You know, he mentioned he had a scar carved into his heart in battle with a real Barbarian back in the day," Aidan said.

"That so?" Alrik was curious, even though he knew who he was referring to.

"Whatever it was left a lasting impression on him. Talked about how the nephalem had the strongest will and fury he'd ever seen."

"Takes more than will or fury to complete the trial," Alrik said in response. "You need to wield your weapon with a primal finesse. If you fail to prove your might, you are cast out empty-handed."

"And yet, he didn't seem to think the Barbarian would let it bother him. He said that his last child is too old to care about material things anymore – if he's still alive."

Alrik chuckles and scoffs at himself. A joke certainly and one he did not take any offense towards. Once the two reach outside, the sunlight shone upon them, which was rare in the Dreadlands considering the constant plume of ash from Arreat.

"Somnus," Alrik calls out to Aidan, making him turn around. "I hope you feel more confident in light of your success today. Few men can lay claim to such an accomplishment – not even Alrik, the last of the Barbarians."

"I'm just glad to have at least went through this," Aidan simply said. "Knowing of who I am now and what I am meant to be." He then looks towards the bright sunlight. "I can finally say that my exile is at last over. And that I can finally return to her."

Alrik smiles, "Good."

The two watch as a new day dawns onto them. For Aidan, it was the beginning of another lifetime, one much more fulfilling than the last.

Aidan stood in front of that familiar clubhouse that he had admittedly missed for so long. The same clubhouse that the Occult Research Club use as their headquarters. Not much has changed since he last set foot in it. The building still looked the same as it used to be: an old schoolhouse that the school doesn't use anymore.

After saying goodbye to Alrik, Aidan immediately returned to Kuoh and first met up with Uncle Deckard at their home, surprising the elder. He told his uncle everything about what happened, beginning of his possession by Diablo and ending with the Trial of the Ancients. Uncle Deckard took it rather pretty well. The fact that he was relieved to see Aidan again made his sleepless nights go away and his nephew's discoveries about the Trial of the Ancients prompted him to write some new lore. With what notes Aidan had procured in his free time, he could compile them into a book.

Aidan had apologized to his uncle for disappearing but Uncle Deckard, a kind-hearted old man who was wise beyond his years, accepted it and welcomed him back, relieved to see him return from his exile. They had a lot to catch up on and knowledge to share in regard to Aidan's exile in Entsteig and of his journey at Arreat.

Perhaps they could go on one of their little adventures like they use to during his childhood.

Before Aidan left to go meet with the others, he was told by his uncle to wear a rental suit. When he asked why, Deckard simply brushed him off, which was a first. It was your standard issue tuxedo suit with a black jacket, tie, kakis, shoes, and white buttoned shirt.

But the one thing Aidan had not spoken of to him was of his parents. Having still processing the fact that he is nephalem and that he is born from a pure comingling of Elder Angel and Demon, he wants his uncle to see it for himself instead of being told. Besides, the world right now is not exactly ready for the return of the nephalem but they have to be at this point.

As Aidan walks through the ORC building, he takes time to look around and feel the nostalgia come back. He remembered those times of walking here every day for the ORC. Luckily for him, he still remember where the main room is held at. And the doors to it were right in front of him.

This was it. Beyond those doors lied the ORC members. And Rias, the one girl he left behind and ran from due to his curse.

Once he opens the door…

*POP POP POP*

"Surprise!"

"WOAH!?" Aidan jumps backwards and almost falls to the floor. Luckily he caught his footing and stood up. The lights were turned on and confetti popped all over.

"Welcome back, Aidan!" Everyone exclaims. And by everyone, that meant the ORC members and the Student Council. And Kiyome Abe was also part of the party as well.

But Aidan was confused, surprised as the adrenaline rushed through like a river.

"G-Guys? How in the-?" Aidan stumbled over his words.

"We wanted to welcome you back," Kiba said. "What better way than to throw a party?"

"You knew I was coming?" asked Aidan.

"Sirzechs told us," Akeno revealed. "And we had planned this party in advanced for days now. All thanks to Sona's planning."

Aidan looks at Sona's direction, which for some reason made the SCP blush a little and turn her head to the left. Aidan looked confused for a bit.

Aidan is soon tackled by someone who jumps up in his arms and hugs him.

"Kiyome?" Aidan was surprised.

The captain of the Tennis Club hugged him tight. "Where were you, you idiot? Everyone missed you! When you just up and left, everyone was questioning and calling and – Aargh I can't take it anymore!"

*CRACK*

Aidan felt his back getting crushed from the bear hug. Kiyome hugs tighter but realizes what she was doing and backs away. Once Aidan recovers, he sees a large welcome home sign was hanging by the ceiling, karaoke was set up, drinks and snacks were provided, and even games like Corn Hole, ping pong, and darts.

They really did prepare for such an event.

Aidan then sees Koneko rush in and hug him like a cat, clinging on tightly. She then pows his chest with a jab.

"Oof! What was that for?" Aidan asked.

"Your punishment for leaving us," Koneko said without showing her face, as if she was trying to hide it.

"…Sorry." Aidan pets her head, which Koneko smiles underneath, having missed his head patting.

He then sees Kiba, who smiles and gives a nod as the Prince smiles back. To Aidan, his brother in arms was right. As fellow members of Rias' Peerage, they do not get to hide.

Akeno was the next in line but she decides to reserve herself as she doesn't want to steal the spotlight. While tempted to just hug Aidan, she felt it best that it was reserved for someone more important to him. Someone who had missed him more than her. A certain redhead if you will.

As for Asia, she too runs up and hugs Aidan, crying in his chest in that she missed him so much. Nuff said on that concerning her nature but she adores him too much and does not want to let go at all.

"Well, what are we waiting for?" asked Tsubasa. "Let's get this party started!"

"Yeah!" Everyone nods.

"Well don't mind if we join in as well?" A red magic circle suddenly appeared on the floor. Out of it came Sirzechs and Grayfia. Everyone except Asia, Aidan, and Kiyome bow to the presence of Sirzechs but he calmly waves his hand for them to be at ease.

"Sirzechs? Grayfia?" asked a surprised Aidan.

"Welcome back," Sirzechs greeted. "We thought to drop by and join in. Do you mind?"

Aidan smiles, "Not at all."

HOURS LATER…

Everyone was all exhausted from the party. They were either all asleep in the room or they returned back home to get some rest and relaxation. Only the ORC were left. Yet the only one still up, at least in view, was Aidan. Everyone had a great time for a full five hours in the clubhouse room. Drinks and snacks were served, games were played, karaoke songs were sung.

It was a truly marvelous night. One to remember.

Aidan sat on one of the couches with a drink in hand. He was already petting a sleeping Koneko, whose head was on his lap as she fell asleep from the sugar rush. Aidan quietly pets her hair, knowing of how cat-like she is and of how she had clung to him a lot before his self-exile.

Asia and Akeno were asleep on the other sofa. Kiba was cleaning up the floor with a broom and also taking out the trash, with Tsubaki and a few others from the SCP helping out. Grayfia offered her assistance and her husband was nowhere to be found for some odd reason.

For Aidan, this had been a grueling adventure for him. What started off as Diablo's resurgence ended with the Trial of the Ancients and discovering that the Pawn of Rias Gremory is not a Devil but a nephalem.

As Aidan ponders, he hears his glass being filled up with more fruit punch juice. He looks to his right and is surprised to see Sona.

"Sona…" Aidan greeted as the heiress of the Sitri Clan sat next to him with her drink in hand.

"Enjoying the party?" asked Sona.

"Much," Aidan nods. "I haven't been to a party before actually. Didn't have a lot of time for such social events if I am traveling all over the world with Uncle Deckard."

"Speaking of your uncle, he's become the advisor to the Student Council now," Sona revealed.

Aidan was surprised. "Has he? What made him become worthy of such a position?"

"After the battle at Tristram and of learning the truth from the Four Great Satans about the origin of our race, I realized that we needed to know more if we are going to survive what is to come. So I asked Professor Kain if he could become the Student Council's advisor not only for his Horadric knowledge, but also because of his stories."

"Stories?" asked Aidan.

"He always loves to tell stories to us, whether it is about the creation of our world or even the Dark Exile. He even told stories about such famous figures like Bartuc, the Warlord of Blood."

Aidan smiles at that. Uncle Deckard was always a storyteller, yet each one contained a very valuable lesson about one's life and what readers can take from it. Aidan always liked his uncle's stories as it helped shaped his viewpoint of the world and what to make of it.

As Aidan looks around, he truly did miss everyone. Kiba, whose swordsmanship and honor as a Knight knew no bounds. Akeno, the Queen who always flirted shamelessly with Aidan behind the scenes. Koneko, the little kitten whom Aidan treated as a real-life cat. And Aisa, the former nun Aidan rescued from the cult of Demon worshippers by Fallen Angels.

But it wasn't just the ORC he had missed. There was Sona, the SCP who Aidan shares a cordial friendship with. Tsubaki, the vice president of the Student Council. Saji and Issei, the Pawns who, despite their naivety and arrogance, have a lot to learn yet respect Aidan Pawn to Pawn.

Aidan really did miss everyone's company. But then Aidan noticed that someone was missing.

"Where's Rias?" asked a troubled Aidan.

"She's in a meeting with her family," Akeno said. "She couldn't come unfortunately."

"Do you think…it's okay for me to go see her?" asked Aidan.

"Only you can decide that," Sona answered. "But this time on your own volition. That's the whole point of free will. If I were you, I would."

Aidan could not argue against that. Meeting up with Rias after this party was going to be hard. The drama that would be anticipated between them was to be expected. But Aidan knew that recusing himself and being away from her was not going to change anything. And he could not exactly treat the next day as nothing.

He needed to fix this. And he needed to fix it with his own tow hands tonight and in person by meeting up with his master and King.

However, he also had to let Sona know of something.

"Sona," Aidan grabs the SCP's attention. "There's…something else you need to know."

Sona listens in carefully.

"In my exile, I went to Mount Arreat to discover who I was. And what I found shook me. And I'll admit I am still having a hard time believing it. But the truth is, I am not a Devil. Not Angel. Not Fallen Angel. Not even human. The truth is, I am—"

"Nephalem," Sona interjected. But Aidan looked shocked and surprised. Sona repeats again, "You are nephalem. Half Elder Angel, half Demon. But stronger than both. A new entity in your own right."

"How did you…?" Aidan was speechless.

"Sirzechs took a sample of your blood during your comatose to have it analyzed. And Ajuka Beelzebub also investigated your Pawn Pieces inside of you. Both of them were tampered by a powerful force meant to keep your true lineage intact. Everyone here in the room knows, including Rias."

Aidan was shocked. He had no idea that everyone learned he was nephalem. Though he wonders if they learned of this recently or was it in the months of his exile. He could not know.

"Then…you know what I am? What I can do?" Aidan asked cautiously.

"I know you choose not to," Sona replied. "Everyone may see you as an abomination, but that could be said the same for others as well, especially those not nephalem."

"Yet you seem calm enough to trust my presence," Aidan said, as if he was trying to test her. "Angels and Demons would see us as a plague, something not meant to exist in Creation."

Sona merely smiled. "I read books on the nephalem, you know? The forebearers of humanity not created by any god or even God himself. Spawned from the coupling of Angels and Demons who would forever alter the balance of power in the Eternal Conflict. But the reason why you are so feared is because of your power. You may be the most powerful amongst all of us, but you don't let that get to your head. You don't let fear hold you back nor do you become arrogant over it. And I think it just makes you more and more human."

"Human, huh…" Aidan looks at his left hand and clenches it gently. Perhaps the one thing Aidan had not lost in his exile was his humanity. Maybe that was what was keeping Diablo in check; his strength, will, and willingness for sacrifice.

"Come on," Sona ushered. "There's something you will need to see."

Aidan then sees a large beast on its stomach, lying in sleep before it opens its eyes and sees him. It was green and huge, bigger than your average bird so to speak.

"A griffon?" asked Aidan.

"Courtesy of Rias' brother," Sona revealed. "Think of it as a welcome home gift."

Aidan approaches it slowly, yet the griffon seemed docile enough for him to come near as Aidan strokes its head a little.

"He's beautiful," Aidan complimented as the griffon nuzzles him. "But what is he for?"

"To take you to Rias," Sona revealed, surprising Aidan as he turns around to face her. "She's waiting in the Underworld at her family's home. In her room."

But that made Aidan stop for a bit, hesitant to just simply take the griffon down to the Underworld. Sona anticipated this and put a hand on his shoulder.

"Don't worry," Sona reassured. "The Gremory Family cares for its servants, you most especially."

That made Aidan's heart relaxed for a bit yet he could not help but expect of the things to come afterwards. But he will worry about them for another time.

"Well, don't mind if I do then." Aidan said as he hops onto the griffon, the creature roars and spreads its wings.

"Spend time with her," Sona advised. "And don't worry about your school absences. I can take care of it from here."

Sona was about to take her leave before Aidan calls out to her. "Sona…" The Student Council president turns arounds to face him. "Thank you."

Sona merely smiles and nods in acknowledgement. She then takes her leave as Aidan grabs the reins of the griffon and the creature flaps its wings and takes off into the skies. Luckily, because it was magically enchanted, no human nor radar can detect it, making Aidan's journey an uninterrupted one.

As Aidan takes off, he is unaware of two figures inside, watching him fly away on the griffon.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" Sirzechs asked his wife Grayfia as they watch Aidan fly back home to see Rias. "I had that griffon ready just for this occasion."

"Didn't you have it prepared for them if he had won the duel against Riser?" Grayfia asked.

Sirzechs nodded, "Yes. But everything turned out much differently than I originally thought it would. And in more ways than one."

"Even with most of the mess cleaned up, the nobles will still want to see Aidan on trial and executed."

"Yes… But hopefully it will not turn out ugly. Even though my father and Lord Phenex have come to a common ground regarding the engagement, they still struggle against the growing pressure from within the nobility. I may have a plan though to remedy for this."

"I thought your father would be disappointed that the engagement is canceled?"

"That's what I thought, too," Sirzechs replied. "But now, everything is changing. The Demons are returning, and the Eternal Conflict has once again brought its influence here. The High Heavens and the Burning Hells will now be on watch with careful observation."

Sirzechs was right. The flames of war have begun to rage once more. Though they are only small sparks, enough of them can cause a small fire, which will grow exponentially with every little tinder and wood placed onto it. The Three Factions, even if they make an alliance with one another and work alongside other mythologies, will not be enough. The power of the Burning Hells and the High Heavens trumps in comparison to them. For the Elder Angels and the Demons are the epitomes of good and evil, waging a war brighter than any other star in the sky, destroying entire worlds in the process.

One thing is for certain though: Sanctuary/Earth will be the main battlefield.

And there was only one being in all of creation that can alter the course of fate and perhaps save all of creation, if not end the Eternal Conflict. That which was not meant to be in existence in the first place.

The nephalem.

"You were right about him," Sirzechs told Grayfia, catching her attention. "When I look at that young man, I see the eyes of his mother. Still, I didn't think Aurelia-sensei had a son. It could explain her disappearance."

"I never dreamed I'd ever see the day I would encounter her child," Grayfia sadly smiled. "Sometimes, I wonder what she would say to us about how we have handled the circumstances thus far?"

"I think she'll know that we are doing our best despite being deceived. She wouldn't want us to cling to the past as you and I have done on separate occasions."

Once again, Sirzechs was right. For Grayfia, she knows clinging to the past will not bring her once beloved master back. For her teacher would want her to move forward, always. To remain in the past would be exactly what the Demons would want and what many other Elder Angels of the High Heavens are right now. For all of their pride, the Angels are orderly structured in a way where there is not even a speck of chaos and disharmony.

Yet still, a small part of Grayfia wishes for her presence to see how far her son had come.

"About what you said of the High Heavens on careful observation…" Grayfia spoke. "I fear the Angiris Council will likely send their Champion to challenge Aidan."

"And not only that," Sirzechs agreed. "The Age of the Nephalem is upon us again. When they return, everything will change again. Whether for better or for worse, I do not know."

UNDERWORLD, GREMORY ESTATE…

Aidan arrives via his griffon right in front of the Gremory Estate. Landing behind the main gates, he gets off his griffon and brushes himself off before finding himself in front of the estate at its main doors. Strangely enough, there were no guards and no cameras watching. It was as if everyone knew he was coming.

Aidan smelled like this was a trap. A ploy to distract him before someone takes his head. After all, he is still a wanted man amongst the Devils for bringing great harm to the Phenex Family, even if Diablo possessed him.

But from what he had learned from Sirzechs, the Gremory Family cares for its family members and servants.

As Aidan approaches the door, he finds it unlocked for him. Strangely, there was no one to greet him. No guards and no maids.

'I guess everyone must be out and about.'

Then, Aidan sees a small blue wisp in front of him, rising from the floor before it shoots off in a direction, leaving a trail of pixelated blue light wherever it roamed. Aidan was not sure what to make of it but decides to follow it.

After about five minutes, he finds the wisp by a door that soon disperses away. Aidan was about to just casually unlock in, yet he decides to take a more gentle approach. Grasping the door handles, he opens it up to find a large bedroom of sorts, complete with a wardrobe, a mirror, a desk, and beautiful decorations. It had a distinct feminine touch to it and some parts of it were red. This was definitely a bedroom fitting for a noble, of an heiress to some Devil noble family.

Aidan realized he just stepped into a girl's bedroom. And there was only one girl in the entire Gremory Household who could have a room extravagant like this.

And speaking of that girl…

*FWOOSH*

Aidan then feels a cold and gentle breeze blow into the room. He then looks to his right to see a very familiar girl with long beautiful red hair staring out into the night. Surprisingly, she wore a wedding dress, the same one she wore at her engagement party. She looked marvelously beautiful in it, almost like a princess out of some fairy tale story.

"You're here at last, aren't you Aidan?" Rias asked lowly as she slightly looked behind.

But Aidan remains silent, unable to respond to her. He couldn't just answer casually and confirm his presence. After all, the atmosphere was already tense, with the two not having seen each other for months.

Rias gazes back to the night. Emotions began to swell within her, her chest hurting in the process.

"Do you have any idea what you did…?" She asked, her voice rising up in a bit of passion. "Just leaving?"

Aidan remained silent, hearing Rias' hidden feelings from her heart convey her emotions. Of words she wanted to say for so long.

"You were all I had," Rias continued. "And I know you wanted to protect me…" Memories of the events leading up to Aidan's possession surged through her mind, starting all the way back to the Rating Game and ending with his possession by Diablo before leaving through that red portal he created. "But I didn't want to be protected. I wanted you!"

Rias' tears began to form but she kept them in, trying so hard to desperately not to let them spill. She had been crying for way too many days due to Aidan's missing presence on both accounts.

"Say something!" Rias demanded, choking on her tears that she desperately tried to hold in, but her heart shook at the intense moment of the man she loved behind her. She then whispered quietly again, "Say something…"

There was only one thing Aidan could respond to her statement. The only thing he could say.

"There was no other way, Rias…" Aidan said. "I had to leave. Diablo needed to be contained, lest he kill you and everyone else." Aidan then lowers his head in shame and regret. "But for what it's worth… I am sorry."

But in Rias' heart, she could not keep it contained any longer. All of a sudden, she turns around and leaps forward to Aidan, hugging him tightly, catching him off guard and almost off balance as he gains his footing. Aidan catches her in his arms gently.

"You okay?" Aidan asked. Rias was silent for a few moments as she wraps herself around Aidan tightly, grabbing onto the back his shirt tightly and burying her face in his chest. She was also shaking hard and soon, Aidan felt two wet spots on his shirt where Rias' head was, and he knew why.

Without words, he simply hugs Rias back, the smell of her shampoo from her red hair went up in his nostrils, filling him with a sweet scent unlike any other. That beautiful figure hugging him tight as he felt her chest pressed into him.

*SOB…SOB*

Aidan then heard it. Her tears. Her heart poured out in front of him and he embraced it without hesitation. He could feel her pain and sadness of being away for so long. She hid her face in his chest as she spills her tears, making his rental shirt wet but he didn't care.

The two simply stood there in each other's embrace.

"Welcome…" Rias chokes on her tears. "Welcome home, Aidan."

"I'm home…Rias," Aidan replies quietly, the two gripping each other tighter than usual, not willing to let go.

It felt like a few hours had passed but it was really just one hour. Rias' tears had calmed down as she stays connected to Aidan in their hug.

"Feeling better?" asked Aidan as Rias wipes her tears away.

Rias nods, "Yes."

She then looks up to see the scar on his forehead from where he plunged the soulstone. Although magically covered up to hide it, it served as a constant reminder of Aidan's fate that Rias had sealed. But she will not let such thoughts of fear cloud her now that Aidan is back.

This moment was all but perfect for them. Then, this gave Aidan an idea.

Pulling out his phone, he plays a song called Perfect by Ed Sheeran.

No words were needed by Rias as her hand is taken by Aidan and the two dance to the tune. Aidan then began to sing the song, and Rias found his singing voice to be very beautiful.

I found a love for me
Darling, just dive right in
And follow my lead
Well I found a girl, beautiful and sweet
I never knew you were the someone waiting for me

'Cause we were just kids when we fell in love

Not knowing what it was
I will not give you up this time
But darling, just kiss me slow, your heart is all I own
And in your eyes you're holding mine

Baby, I'm dancing in the dark with you between my arms
Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favorite song
When you said you looked a mess, I whispered underneath my breath
But you heard it, darling, you look perfect tonight

Every time their hips swung back and forth as they danced gently in a circle. Their hearts were replaced with the longing for one another, just the two of them in this moment of serenity. This reunion could not have gone better than anything planned. As they entwined themselves into the tune of the song, they added their bit of magic to the dance as they went back and forth. Aidan even picked her up via princess style and spun her around gently before setting her on the ground.

Rias enveloped herself in the melody of the song and of Aidan's singing, finding it to be…perfect.

"…Silly boy," She said, looking at his face before leaning herself into his chest. "You gave up your whole life, just for me."

"Yeah…" Aidan said, taking her right hand into his left as they dance slowly to the tune of the song as it goes into the second verse. This time Aidan does not sing, just wanting to embrace Rias in his arms. "It feels like a lifetime ago that I held you in my arms."

"…You may have broken this engagement, Aidan, but I promise you that there'll be a new engagement that'll be brought up, believe me. If you keep doing this…" She stopped when Aidan's right-hand cups her left cheek, making her gasp a little and look at him with wide eyes.

"As long as I live, I will always protect you. No matter what. And I will never again leave you alone. Not in this life. Not in the next."

His soft gaze and small smile were evident enough for Rias to be convinced. He was willing to risk more than just his own body, but he would move even the High Heavens, the Burning Hells, or even Pandemonium to protect her.

And because both of them knew it. After all, nephalem have a duty to put the world and others before their own.

She puts her hands around his neck, and Aidan places his on her hips. The last chorus rehearsal was being played from the song as their lips were met in the middle. While not deep, it did contain enough emotion for their hidden feelings for one another to be known. Aidan could feel the pressure of Rias' lips press on his as he takes in the smell of her beautiful crimson hair. Rias loved Aidan's rougher lips and strong arms around her, tearing up in joy as the song reaches its apex.

After about a minute of making out, their lips were overlapped before Rias broke it. They stared into each other's eyes as the song soon ends.

Rias then giggled a little.

"What is it?" Aidan asked.

"When I came to you to have sex, I gave you my first kiss. It's something that girls treasure in Japan, right?"

"So I have been told," Aidan smiles. "What did you think of it?"

"I loved it," She closes her eyes, hiding away her blush but also smiling as she leans into his chest. "And I should be asking you the same thing."

"It was…perfect," Aidan responded with a smile, before hugging her gently. Her smile grew wider, as Rias melts into his warmth. The same warmth she had missed for so long after many restless nights. She allowed the sensation of his hold protect her from all troubles, like a princess meeting her knight in shining armor. She wished that she could always feel this way with him.

The song soon ended, which concluded their dance. The two simply stood there, wrapped in each other's presence, their foreheads touching one another and their eyes gazing upon one another's.

Aidan then took note of what she wore on her neck. His old Horadric necklace.

"You kept it all this time?" asked Aidan, noting the necklace.

"Yeah," Rias said. "It was the only thing left of you. I kept it close to me, always wore it."

Aidan then remembered something about the necklace. About what he did with Asia before he left to the Underworld for the soulstone.

"Pardon me, Rias," Aidan said as he lets go of her hips and grasps the necklace. "But there is something I installed in it that I was working on with Asia."

Rias was confused. Yet she watches Aidan work a tiny bit of his magic as little sparkles of light trickle down onto the necklace. Then a tune, like that of a music box, starts playing.

Rias recognized the tune. It was the same as when the song was being played.

"Aidan…" Rias was surprised, but she loved it so much. More tears of joy began to roll down as they went to dance again.

The two soon fell to bed gently as Aidan cradles Rias, never letting go of one another as Rias was on his left side with her head on his chest and listening to his heartbeat. The music box tune from the necklace was still being played until it could play no more.

"Aidan…" Rias cuddles up to her Pawn.

But Aidan had something to say regarding it his expression one of humility.

"The name Aidan was given to me by Uncle Deckard, when he found me all those years ago as a baby in the alleyway," Aidan said as Rias looks up to him in curiosity and surprise. "But it is not the name given to me by my parents, an Elder Angel of the High Heavens and a Demon of the Burning Hells."

"Is it true?" Rias asked.

"My parents named me Somnus," Aidan reveals. "That's my real name."

"Somnus…" Rias replies the name. In Latin, it meant the personification of sleep, referencing to a god in Roman Mythology. According to her Devil Mythology, all nephalem bore curious names, some unable to be translated, but every nephalem was unique in their own way throughout history, leaving their marks on the world.

"From here on out, Rias, can you call me by that name?" requested Aidan.

Rias took the time to consider it, before she smiled and nodded her head, happily.

"Yes…" She replied. "But only in private. Just between the two of us?"

Aidan smiles, "I would like that."

Her life was now complete, the long lonely struggle without Aidan's presence had finally come to an end.

And now at last, the two can finally sleep together. Just like the old days but even better.

For the first time in many moons, they found comfort in each other's arms.

And so concludes the Darkening of Tristram arc. That was one long ass journey to make. But I am happy to say I am proud of it. Still though, this last chapter was more than 20k words.

So let's recap, Aidan goes with Alrik to Mount Arreat to undertake a trial of the nephalem, completes all three trials of strength, will, and sacrifice; sees a vision of his birth and of his parents, overcomes his fears, unlocks a Balance Breaker, has a new sword, and discovers he is nephalem as well. Though at this point, I am sure most of you readers knew this was coming concerning a certain Angel of Death calling him such. I tried to do my best to hide it but looking back, I must have made it too obvious.

Is the father dead? The answer: no. Let's just say that like the mother Aurelia, he too is missing. But both of their status remains an unknown until more clues are given. And I have yet to give him a name which will be revealed in season 2.

Now Aidan is back. For good this time. In the arms of the one who had missed him the most. Later on there will be more romantic scenes but not yet. I want to build it up in the meantime, along with the other girls.

A lot of references to Devil May Cry, King Arthur Legend of the Sword, and Final Fantasy XV over all but I felt like they could be used very well, especially concerning Aidan and his past of which he knows not of until now. He also has a new name of Somnus (taken off of FFXV I know but I just could not resist not using it). But that is only a name Rias will call him in private, at least for now.

Am I gonna move on to season 2 now? Well...not quite. There are two more chapters I want to publish before moving on to season 2. Call it an OVA of sorts if you will after season 1. And no I am not going to do the OVA from season 1 because it just felt "meh" to me for some odd reason.

Here's a hint for them: YOU DARE TO BRING THE WARMTH OF LIFE INTO MY TOMB?!

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