Disclaimer: See the prologue.
Extraneous: Ditto
Chapter 11: The War with Asmodeus
Last time on Shadows of the Obligate:
The battle outside was coming to a standstill, but the fight between the Lord of Terror and the mage was just getting started. With everyone working together, the battle with Baal was over in the short span of a half-an-hour. However, the fighting was far from finished, as Saito received disturbing news from one of his close allies. The archdemon Asmodeus, one of the nastiest Demon Lords in existence, had just found a way into Draconia. Saito was quick to send the EDF fleet to the aid of his friends, and then he collected the last three keys. As he headed out to open the final Dimensional Gate, he was surprised to find that the entire army was waiting to follow him into the last battle. He allowed his emotions to get the better of him, and then he snapped back into focus. He opened the gate, and then led the army through, in order to find that the battle was already raging.
Just outside the Hall of Shadows: Draconia
Asmodeus looked around in dismay, but then he grinned when the Dimensional Gate in front of the Hall opened. Finally! The reinforcements have arrived! However, he was in for a nasty shock when he got a response coming from the Gate. Yes, reinforcements have arrived. DRACONIC reinforcements, you idiot. What in the name of heaven and hell...? Get used to it, demon. My name is Saito Onago. Remember that name well, because I will be the one to kill you in the end. The Gate spun twice, and then Saito arrived at the head of the combined army. He came out of the portal, and then he grinned wickedly. Master Alexander? Where do you want me to take the reinforcements? There was a moment of silence. Then: Saito? When did you get here? I'm sorry I couldn't come any earlier. I just arrived here. It doesn't really matter, then. Send half of your force to defend the Hall of Prophecies. We're being overrun at three points, but we are keeping the demons away from the scrying glass and the library. Hang on, old man. I'm coming as fast as I can.
The weredragon turned to the former Overlord. "Nicholai, keep half of the army here. Hold out for as long as you can." "Where are you going, Saito?" "I'm going to help my combat instructor." With that, Saito took half of the army south, directly into Asmodeus' reserve units. At that point, all hell broke loose, and Saito found himself in the thick of the fight. He drew his sword and spun around, delivering a devastating blow to the Corpses surrounding him. He tried to find the rest of his troops, but then he noticed that things were growing noticeably darker. This can only mean one thing... "EVERYBODY DOWN!" Everyone who had joined him, including every draconic, fell flat, with the lone exceptions of Majoly and Priere. They looked at one another, and then they nodded. "Alternate Overlord and dark witch overdrive: Wind of Darkness!"
As the attack spiraled outwards, a few of the demons still standing made note of two particular facts. First, the attack refused to touch the two who launched it. Second, the attack also refused to harm anyone who was lying flat on the ground. The batons ended up smashing a large hole in Asmodeus' reserve forces, and it also severely damaged his main force. The archdemon narrowed his acid-green eyes, and then he turned back to his main objective: attempting to gain access to the Hall of Shadows.
Meanwhile, Saito was rushing to the aid of his mentor Alexander. He led his forces through the fields, ripping through demonic lines in order to find that demons had already entered the Hall of Prophecies. Swearing under his breath, he led his troops into the inferno.
Hall of Prophecies: Draconia
The Seraph took one look down the main corridor and then he sadly shook his head. "Those idiots have no idea what they have coming to them." "That's the point, Michael. Come on, we have work to finish here." With that, the mage led his troops down the corridors. He remained in the lead, ripping apart demons with his claws as he continued deeper into the Hall. Eventually, he found his master, Alexander Critios.
The older draconic was standing outside of his study, holding a bloody pike in his hands. The bodies of three dozen demons were spread out across the floor in various stages of dismemberment. Saito looked at his mentor, and then he smiled. "Having fun, Master Alexander?" "Of course I am, Saito. Is there any news on the progress of the fight outside?" Saito paused for a moment, and then he turned to Croix. The angel shrugged, and then responded honestly. "We cleared all of the demons out of here, but I think they may be massing at the Hall of Shadows for some sort of final push." Alexander grinned wickedly before laying the pike over his shoulders. "Why don't we head over to the Hall of Shadows? Who knows? We might actually have the opportunity to stop in and see how Nathaniel is doing." The mage grinned at his mentor, and then he turned to the rest of his troops. "What are we waiting for, people? It's time to move out!" The army turned as one, and they followed their leader out of the building. Saito spent a few moments in contemplation before leading his troops onwards. I certainly hope that Oricaltos Nathaniel hasn't done anything incredibly stupid while we are here. Besides, I need to take out that damn archdemon Asmodeus. The time for fun and games is officially OVER!
Hall of Shadows: Draconia
The raven-haired demon cursed viciously under his breath as he fought his way towards the steps leading into the Hall. If I can kill the Oricaltos, then it will crush the spirit of every draconic here. Then, it will be MUCH easier to wipe all of them out. However, he was stopped short before he could enter the Hall. There was a slightly older man standing on the steps, wielding a broadsword. The amber-eyed man looked up, and then he noticed that Asmodeus was just sitting there, staring at him. He laughed, and then descended the steps. "My guess is that you are looking for the Oricaltos." Asmodeus nodded silently. "He is not inside of the Hall at this time." The demon's eyes narrowed as he stared at the man. "How do you know THAT?" Nathaniel smiled as he raised his sword once more. "Because I am the Oricaltos!"
At that point, Asmodeus dodged backwards in order to avoid the downward stroke from the draconic's sword. He snarled, and then brought his scimitar up into a guard position. "It looks as if your time has finally come, Nathaniel," the archdemon snarled as he swung his blade at the man's head. Nathaniel ducked under the stroke and lashed out once again. To his surprise, he landed a blow across the demon's stomach. The Oricaltos grinned wickedly. "First blood is mine."
Asmodeus looked down, in order to find that the draconic was correct. He cursed under his breath, and then he began to take a more calculated approach to finishing off the draconic. Everyone on the battlefield had stopped to watch the progress of the fight, and there was absolute silence as the two rivals circled one another. Nathaniel was playing defensively, while Asmodeus was seeking to find a gap in the man's defense. Both were sweating heavily from the effort, and Asmodeus realized that the Oricaltos was slowly losing ground.
Nathaniel was struggling to keep his form together. He had been through several battles before Asmodeus had arrived, and he knew that the fight he was in would cost him his life. However, Nathaniel also had knowledge of one fact that Asmodeus would kill to have. He already knew who would become the next Oricaltos after his demise. Desperately, the older draconic sent out an urgent mental summons, even as he prepared himself for the final series of blows. Saito! I am not sure how much longer I can hold out against Asmodeus. Your place is here, winning the final battle for us all. But Master Nathaniel, that would mean that… No. That's impossible! I'm afraid not, my young friend. My death has already been foretold, and I know that I will go down fighting the archdemon. YOU are the next Oricaltos, and I charge you with one single task… He was cut-off shortly before he could finish. I know what you are going to ask of me, and I swear upon my own immortal soul that I will permanently eliminate the threat of Asmodeus. The older draconic mentally sighed. Thank you, Saito. You truly understand what must be done in order to preserve life. Now, if you don't mind, I have a battle to finish. Hurry, Saito.
Saito was rushing across the field when he noticed that almost all of the fighting had come to a standstill. This can only mean that Master Nathaniel is fighting Asmodeus. I need to get over there NOW! Disregarding his own safety, the young weredragon plunged into the crowd, no longer caring whether he was shoving past friends or foes as he pushed towards the front of the crowd. Marjoly and Priere looked at each other, and then they both plunged in after the young man. They were followed closely by the rest of the leaders, including Alexander Critios. When they reached the front of the crowd, they could only stop and stare in amazement at the battle that was taking place.
The two continued to circle, and Asmodeus wiped the sweat away from his eyes. Both of the combatants were covered in minor cuts, and there were no life-threatening injuries. Or so they thought. Asmodeus grinned as he waited for the contact poison on his blade to take effect. The nasty concoction would severely weaken the Oricaltos AND it would also slow him down.
Nathaniel felt his muscles begin to slow, and his first thought was that he was getting too old to continue. Then his eyes narrowed as he saw that Asmodeus was waiting for something. His eyes darted to the black-bladed scimitar, and then it dawned on him. That damn demon coated his blade with a contact poison! It was probably designed to both severely weaken a draconic, in addition to slowing them down. Why didn't I notice this before? he thought as he kept circling his opponent. Saito! His blade is covered with contact poison. Be very careful not to get too cut-up. I will keep that in mind, Master Nathaniel. There was a moment's pause. Then: LOOK OUT! Nathaniel turned to find that Asmodeus had begun to lunge, and he raised his broadsword in defense. However, he was too late.
Saito struggled to turn away from the scene, but he knew that it would haunt him in his dreams forever. Asmodeus' lips were pulled back in a feral grin as he ran the Oricaltos through. Nathaniel looked down at the blade in his chest, and then he slumped to his knees. The broadsword dropped form his grasp, and the archdemon kicked it away, his fangs fully visible as he began to laugh maliciously. "I have finally done it! At long last, the final leader of the draconics has fallen to my sword." He then turned and addressed the crowd. "All hail the new dictator of Draconia!" The cheers were interrupted by a fit of coughing from the draconic behind Asmodeus, and he turned to face the man, sneering. "Any last words, fool of an Oricaltos?" Nathaniel swallowed hard, and then he raised his voice. "I want all of you to fight these demons with every fiber of your being. Know this, all of you: the next Oricaltos is already among you. Though I may die here, the draconic spirit will NEVER be crushed!" There was a moment of silence, and then cheers rang out from the crowd. Much to the surprise of Asmodeus, everyone was applauding and cheering for the Oricaltos. A few demons wiped tears from their eyes, and Shyler, Asmodeus' head Incubus, sniffed aloud. Brilliant red blood stained the weredragon's lips, and he slumped over onto the ground as Asmodeus pulled his sword out of the man's chest. Nathaniel was unfinished, and he spoke only four more words before he died. "There is…another…Oricaltos." Shyler looked over at Asmodeus, and then he spoke to his former leader. "Proud, ready and willing to fight, and never giving-up, even in the face of his own death. THAT is the kind of man that I hope to fight one day."
The Incubus then turned away from the archdemon, and he walked over to his original creator, Priere. She was the one who had given him his human shape, and he would always remember that. The Alternate Overlord raised an eyebrow at the golden-haired, violet-eyed young man, and then she enfolded him in a hug. "Shyler! I thought that I told you to stay away from Asmodeus." The incubus hung his head in shame. "I'm sorry, Miss Priere. It's just that you had been gone for so long, and I was starting to wonder whether or not you would return." Priere shook her head slowly, and then she lightly scolded the young man. "You know better than to run-off like that, Shyler. Still, it's great to have you back again." The two then turned towards the center of the circle, where the recorder was giving a short eulogy.
"Master Nathaniel Julius Korenma was a close friend of mine. He excelled in all that he did, but his greatest strength was that of his heart. He was caring, kind, and understanding. However, above all of these, he was deathly loyal. No Oricaltos has ever kept his oath to the people that he would help to defend them in times of conflict. That was, until Nathaniel took the position. Suddenly, he was out there with the rest of us, giving pointers and helping others to learn new skills. He even sparred with several of us, and he was more than willing to help correct flaws in our techniques." He stopped for a moment, sniffed loudly, and then he continued. "He will be remembered for being even-tempered, courteous, and a close friend to many of us. However," he said, his eyes suddenly narrowing, "he would not want his death to have been in vain. Therefore, we must finish this battle with all that we are. For our sake, and the sake of our children. And, last but not least, for the sake of the Oricaltos." "FOR THE SAKE OF THE ORICALTOS," the draconics all intoned, bringing the eulogy to a close.
As Alexander stepped back into the crowd, an all too-familiar young man stepped forward into the center of the circle. "Hear me, draconics, and allow me to tell you what was relayed to me by the Oricaltos. His time may be finished, but his spirit lives on. He has asked me to perform one task, and I have willingly accepted it." "Oh, really," snarled Asmodeus as he looked at the auburn-haired young man. "And what, might I dare ask, was the task that he asked you to perform?" Saito's face was twisted into a furious mask as he drew his sword and then pointed it directly at the archdemon's chest. "I am going to kill you, Asmodeus. And there is NOTHING that you can do to stop me!" Asmodeus laughed aloud, and the rest of his force laughed with him. "Now THAT is amusing! You actually think that you can kill…" His voice trailed-off when he noticed that the young man's eyes were rapidly growing darker. "I don't think I can kill you, scumbag. I KNOW that I can!" the mage roared as he charged at Asmodeus, his blade already swinging crosswise.
The archdemon raised his sword to block, and he received quite a jolt when his blade met that of the mage. By all of the gods! This boy is incredibly strong! Why thank you, Asmodeus. There was a momentary pause, and then Asmodeus snarled as he rose to his full height of 6'2". "What do you think of me now, kid?" Saito responded by rising to his own full height, and Asmodeus struggled to keep his jaw from dropping in amazement. He's only a quarter-inch shorter than I am! That's just not fair! LIFE is not fair. Get used to it, idiot. Asmodeus grinned wickedly as he swung his blade diagonally, but the mage's block killed his smile. "I know that you have contact poison on that scimitar of yours. However, just for the record, I am immune to practically every poison ever invented." The archdemon ground his sharpened teeth in frustration as he found that he could not fool the weredragon before him.
The two traded blows back and forth for several minutes, but then Saito noticed that almost all of Asmodeus' forces had shoved their way into the inner ring of the circle. Most of the demons were snarling at the mage, and they were all ready and willing to attack at a moment's notice. The weredragon grinned wickedly, and then he speeded up his attacks. Asmodeus silently cursed his own stupidity as Saito began to land blow after blow. DAMN! This stupid kid is too darn fast. Do you guys mind "occupying" him so that I can get in a few decent blows? Not at all, sir. We are ready when you are. NOW!
The young Kaiser allowed himself a single grim smile before he shifted into his Warrior form. He then began to methodically block and counter each and every single attack that was aimed at him. Some of the demons were quick to back away in fear and awe. Those were the smart ones. However, several of the stupid ones left their guard down, and they were killed by the mage's counterattacks. When the rest of the demons finally backed away from the mage, nearly a dozen were lying on the ground, never to rise again.
Those who were left standing circled the mage, snarling viciously. Saito allowed a truly demonic grin to cross his face before he launched into the air. All eyes looked to him, and Asmodeus had a sudden feeling that everything was about to go horribly wrong. Saito looked down from his position, and he nearly laughed aloud. This is perfect! I have them all set-up right where I want them to be. Now, it is time that I end this war, once and for all!
The mage threw back his head and then began his incantation. Those who knew it immediately joined in, and the chorus of voices continued to grow.
"Sun of day and stars of night:
Eternal darkness, eternal light.
Through all days and powers unending,
Through all nights and powers ascending.
Sun of day, eternal light:
Moon of darkness eternal night.
Powers unknown and powers-that-be:
Wild magics I summon thee.
Alcarve, ansure, alnidrae, ansum.
Oldave, Antelis, Ankare TSUNUM
HELLFIRE!"
With those words and a single gesture, the air was suddenly filled with numerous orbs of silver energy. The mage looked down at Asmodeus, and then he grinned wickedly. "There was something that you neglected to hear earlier, but maybe this time you will actually hear it. Master Nathaniel's last words were, and I quote: 'There is another Oricaltos."" "Why are you telling me this now, when you should be saving your breath before I kill you?" At this, Saito laughed aloud before looking back down at the archdemon. "Asmodeus, there is one flaw in your plan." "And exactly WHAT is that flaw, boy?" "You see, Asmodeus, I am not a normal draconic. I am a four-part hybrid. Have you ever heard the legends about the diralec?"
There was an audible pause as the archdemon's mind raced. Wait just a minute! He mentioned the term diralec. What in the hell does he mean to do by comparing himself to the immortal dragons of myth? "What in the hell is your point, boy?" Saito's grin started out small, and then it continued to grow wider and more malicious as he continued to speak. "Each diralec was a particular type of hybrid. However, they all had one thing in common: they all belonged to the Kaiser bloodline." "Get to the point!" one of the Majin yelled from the inner circle. Saito sighed aloud, and then stated his point. "I am a hybrid of angel, human sorcerer, vampire, and Ultima Kaiser Dragon." At this remark, Asmodeus could not keep his jaw from dropping in amazement. Saito grinned as he continued. "I am the last of the Kaiser line, the first and only pure-bred hybrid to be named Keeper of the Keys, AND I am also the last diralec, the final product of the Blood Shadow breeding program. It was written that I would come one day, and that my arrival would alter history forever."
Saito then searched the crowd, looking for one particular face. When he saw Alexander, he suddenly smiled. Just before Master Nathaniel died, he mentioned something to me. I believe it was the name of one of the prophecies. What was it, Saito? I believe that it was "Prophecy di luce e di ombre". The older draconic stopped in his tracks. How much did he tell you? He told me enough so that I can pull-off the Æther Overdrive. Then it is time for you to begin the calling, my friend. With absolute pleasure, Master Alexander.
Saito allowed his hands to drop for a moment, but the energy orbs remained suspended. "The Oricaltos spoke to me of a prophecy, and how it would relate to my travels. I never figured it out until now, but I know this much: You are as good as dead, Asmodeus," the mage whispered lightly before raising his voice once again. "The Oricaltos spoke to me of a prophecy, one that would somehow relate to me. In this prophecy, there are several lines devoted to describing the allies that I would gain during the course of my journey. I will speak the lines, and then I will call each of the related people forward." The mage allowed his head to drop for a moment, but then everyone noticed that they could see something that had never been visible before.
Rena gasped. Nicholai! Do you remember how that happened at the wedding? The former Overlord nodded, and then he turned back to his wife. "This signifies that something truly monumental is about to happen." Both looked up at the mage once again, noting how the colors of his aura were swirling and shifting, forming a moving rainbow.
Saito threw back his head and began to speak. His voice was magnified, and everyone could clearly hear the young man's words.
"He shall find allies in the darkest of places, and they will aid him to the bitter end.
First, a witch renowned for her beauty,
Second, a demon renowned for her fury.
Third, a vampire and his sorcerous bride,
Fourth, an Overlord with far too much pride.
Fifth, a machine who works for the light,
Sixth, three Defenders, who know what is right.
Next is an angel, blessed in her fall;
Then comes another, the Seraph of all.
A vassal who loves to hurl her Prinnies,
And then a vampire whom no one believes.
A master of zombies,
and vassals unseen,
and a holy/unholy to round out the team.
And now last, but certainly not least of them all:
The young Kaiser dragon who was forced to fall."
The mage looked over the crowd, and then his eyes settled on one particular young woman. "Marjoly." The witch was quick to step forward, and she was even quicker to cast one of her modified spells. "Dark Conjuration: Spirit Burst!" The spell, which had been channeled through her bare skin, shot away from her fists. The jet-black orbs circled menacingly before filling in one of the gaps in Saito's attack area. The witch's aura was glowing a brilliant gold as she looked up at the mage. I'm ready when you are, Saito. The mage nodded, and then he proceeded to the next person that was mentioned in the prophecy. "Priere."
The Alternate Overlord unleashed her own ultimate attack in much the same way that Marjoly had. "Requiem Aeternam!" The red orbs spiraled up to fill another gap, and Priere bowed her head. I'm not just going to let you die here. I love you too much for that. I know that, Priere. However, we need to concentrate on the task at hand. Agreed. Saito allowed his eyes to scan the crowd, and then they fell onto the first couple. Isn't it fitting that I should be aided by two whose lives I helped to save so long ago? "Nicholai and Rena Krichevskoy."
The former Overlord was quick to launch his trademark attack, the Overlord's Wrath. However, instead of the orbs being gold in color, they took on a brilliant green color as they raced away from Nicholai's hands. Rena added her own magic by using Terra Star, and then both looked up at the young mage. We are prepared, Saito. The mage smiled, and then he acknowledged both of them. Meanwhile, he was already scanning for the next person. "Laharl Krichevskoy."
The Overlord grinned wickedly as he prepared to unleash his own ultimate attack. Are you ready, Saito? I'm as ready as I will ever be. Fire away! "Meteor Impact!" the Overlord roared as he used his own powers to pull several large meteors from space. Before they could reach Asmodeus, however, each and every single one of them shattered. What in the name of hell just happened? Laharl thought as he tried to understand exactly what he had just witnessed. However, he soon received his answer when he noticed that the energy in the fragments began to spiral around the young Kaiser, joining the energy that he had already gathered.
Saito mentally chuckled to himself before calling out to the confused Overlord. All I really needed was the energy in the attack. Besides, smashing Asmodeus into a bloody pulp right now will only bring more fighting. There was a brief pause while Laharl thought this over. He then sighed aloud. Very well, Saito. Have it your way, at least for now. Thank you, Overlord, the mage sent as he easily found the next person (well, NOT exactly) on his list. "Thursday."
The robot immediately launched himself into the air before he began his own attack, the Robo Bazooka. The four particle-cannon shots ended up swirling around the mage, in much the same manner as the other attacks. Saito merely grinned before acknowledging the robot with a simple nod. He then proceeded to call upon the next group. "Gordon. Jennifer. Kurtis."
The Slayer of the Netherworld was fairly quick to launch a Totenkreuz, and he was satisfied to see that the blast had also sent a portion of his own energy to the mage's mass attack. I'm afraid that's all I can do, Saito. At this, the mage chuckled lightly. It is enough, Slayer. Thank you for the energy contribution. You are very welcome.
Jennifer was next, and she called out her attack in short order. "Cosmic Arrow!" The massive spike of light dissipated into numerous spheres of energy that soon began to combine with the other attacks. Carter's foster child grinned wickedly as she cast her thoughts skyward. Anything else that I could add, Saito? I think that this is enough of your energy, Jennifer. Besides, I don't really want to think about anything else right now. By the way, do you know when Kurtis will be starting his attack? She looked over at the chartreuse Prinny, and then she shrugged. I have absolutely no clue. I, however, already know when I am going to launch the Pringer Beam. Are you ready, kid? What do you think, Kurtis? Fire away!
"Pringer Beam!" Kurtis called as he released his own deadliest attack. The beam hit the ground, and then it curved and shot upwards to join the rest of the attacks. Asmodeus was a little surprised by this development. Wait a minute… Wasn't there supposed to be some sort of explosion? No explosion occurs when the attack is redirected skyward, Asmodeus. I thought that even YOU would be able to remember that after serving as Overlord for several thousand years, "Kormus," the mage snarled at the demon below. This comment caused much confusion in the demon ranks, and Nicholai narrowed his eyes as he took a closer look at the demon. By all that is above and below… That really IS Kormus under all of that! Why else do you think he was masking his presence, Nicholai? It was because you were here. The former Overlord smiled easily, and then he called to the man whom he had defeated so many years ago. "Hey, Kormus! Is your shoulder still bothering you?"
Asmodeus Kormus, former Overlord of all the Netherworld, silently cursed his luck. He had allowed his tone of voice to slip, and it was this tiny detail that gave away his true identity to the mage. He turned to look over at Nicholai, and then he answered. "Yes, my shoulder is still giving me grief about that darn blade cut of yours, Krichevskoy. However, I still have enough energy to kill you. Dimension Slash!" The lethal crescent, which was normally an aerial attack, raced along the ground towards his successor, and Nicholai allowed himself a grim smile as the wave slammed into an invisible wall and was deflected up towards the mage.
Saito grinned wickedly as he stopped the attack with a single hand gesture. He then proceeded to dissipate the blast, and the great green crescent merely ceased to exist, returning to its elemental components as it spread out. The mage looked down and nodded at Nicholai and Rena in grim satisfaction before he started to once again scan the crowd. It did not take him long to find a familiar pair of red wings. He smiled, and then called out lightly. "Flonne."
The fallen angel looked up as Saito called her name, and she allowed a brief smile to cross her face. "I won't hold back!" she called as she looked up at the young man. The grin was quick to fade as she began to concentrate her own energy into her ultimate attack. She launched into the air, and then allowed her wings to fully extend. At last, she finished with a simple incantation before she launched her assault. "Lord, give me strength. Divine Ray!" The multiple light beams began to converge on the mage, and he smiled as he looked at the young angel. When you said that you wouldn't hold back, I never thought that you were actually being serious this time. I guess that I was wrong about you, young lady. Flonne turned away from the mage, hoping that the distance between herself and Laharl was enough to hide her blush. Saito grinned, and then he looked around to find the only angel with silver wings. "Michael. Julius. Lamington."
Asmodeus Kormus could not keep his jaw from dropping in amazement when he heard that name. What in the hell is going on here? he asked no one in particular. What surprised him the most was the answer coming from one of his own elite troops. "I think our fate has just been sealed, sir." "And why is that?" Asmodeus snarled, turning on the younger demon. The Surt shrugged before responding. "Michael Lamington is the Seraph, the leader of all angels. His ultimate attack has the capacity to wipe all of us out in one single blow." The rest of the demons nodded, terrified. They had all heard the legends about the Seraph's most devastating attack, but they never believed that they would actually witness it.
The Seraph launched himself into the air, and then he chanted aloud. "Father, forgive me. Armageddon!" The pillar of light which had emerged from the seventh seal shot down at the young Kaiser, but it stopped short of actually hitting him. The beam began to swirl, and then it broke into several large, rainbow-colored spheres. These orbs circled the mage, and then all of the orbs slowly began to spiral around Saito, sealing him within a vortex of pure power. The Kaiser grinned wickedly to himself as he quickly found the next member of the group. "Etna."
The pink-haired demon launched herself into the air, and then she looked over at the mage. She grinned wickedly, but then she looked down at the ring of demons below. She allowed a sneer to cross her face, and then she snarled once. "Drop dead. Chaos Impact!" The massive pink orb hovered over her head, and then she whipped her arms down and launched the blast directly at the young mage. Saito smiled as he raised his right hand, palm-up, towards the blast. The orb fractured in the same way that Laharl's Meteor Impact had, and the energy spiraled in to join the vortex. Thank you for the blast, Etna. The rest shouldn't take that long, so hang in there. I'll try, Saito, but please remember that we don't have all the time in the world. I will, Etna. Saito concluded the conversation and searched the crowd again, looking for one particular vampire. "Has anyone seen Maderas?"
"I got a little caught up in a duel. I am very sorry that I'm late," came the voice of the exhausted Nosferatu. Saito smiled and then nodded. "Catch your breath first, Maderas, and then we will proceed." It didn't take long for the vampire to catch his breath, and it took even less time for him to gather his strength for the next attack. "Chaos Plasma!" he roared as he released the attack. The white semi-solid matter congealed around the vampire, and then it began to circle him. Faster and faster the plasma whirled around Maderas, until it finally shot off towards the mage. It easily combined with the tsunum, and the bright silver color changed slightly. However, few people noticed it, because all of their attention was focused on the Kaiser. Saito allowed a tiny smile to cross his features, but it quickly vanished as he searched for the next member of the group. "Aramis."
Etna's little brother looked up and smiled at the mage. I know that you already dissipated one, but I thought that it would be the best way to add in my powers. That's fine with me, Aramis. Just be careful not to waste too much energy. I will keep that in mind, Saito. The young zombie master sprang backwards, pulling off several backflips until he hovered high in the air above the battlefield. He looked off to his right, nodded at his older sister, and then he released his attack. "Dimension Slash!" This time, instead of completely dissipating when it reached the mage, the crescent broke apart into several light green spheres. These joined the swirling vortex, and Aramis smiled in satisfaction. Hey Saito! Who are you calling next? Well, that's actually a little hard to tell, because there are so many other vassals that are not usually seen.
I have an idea, came the mental voice of Croix. I'm listening, my friend. How about you just call us by the group? That way, we won't all have to wait around here forever. The mage thought for a moment, and then the angel saw a smile cross the mage's face. Saito looked down at the crowd, and his grin grew wider as he noticed that all of the team members were standing in the same general area. He then spoke two words that NO demon would ever forget. "La Pucelle."
Éclair looked over at her husband and shrugged. We might as well launch our attacks now, dear. Do you want to go first, or should I? Homard responded by launching a Terra Fire, and then he turned to look at his bride. "Does that answer your question?" Éclair grinned, and then she tossed her head back as she unleashed her own attack towards the heavens. "Dark Lightning!"
Culotte was fairly quick to launch a Terra Wind, and he left the casting of Terra Ice to Alouette. Finally, Croix was the only one left, and he merely smiled before speaking one word. "Judgement." The massive crystal attack dropped down towards the mage, and all of the energy was dispersed when it suddenly shattered less than two feet above the mage's head. Croix winced slightly before calling out to the mage. Sorry about that! The Seraph just taught me that spell recently, and I haven't had much practice. That's fine with me, Croix. Just try to be a LITTLE more careful next time. The mage turned away from the angel, and then he noticed that the last person he was looking for had decided to separate himself from the main group. "Kyuuseishu Setsuna."
The dark-haired hybrid looked up at Saito, and then tilted his head to one side. What do you want me to do? Release the seal, Setsuna. WHAT? Are you out of your damn mind? Nice try for the guess that I was insane. I am DEATHLY serious about this, friend. Either we all work together to pull off the Æther Overdrive, or we will all die at the hands of Asmodeus. It's really your choice… Fine, then. I will unleash the seal, but I am warning you only once: IF that energy manages to escape you, then you could very well be destroyed. I know the risk that I am taking, Setsuna. However, at this point in time, NO risk is too great. Okay. Are you truly prepared? Yes.
The holy/unholy priest began to chant, and Laharl suddenly felt chills run up and down his spine. I remember those words. His eyes then grew wide as he realized what was about to happen. He looked up at the mage, his eyes slightly desperate. "Are you out of your mind?" he roared at the young man. Saito looked down at the Overlord, and then he slowly shook his head. "Just trust me on this one, Laharl. I know what I am doing." The Overlord fell silent, and he looked over at Priere. She looks really worried, Saito. If you don't survive this… Stop being so morbid, Overlord Laharl. It was written that Saito would survive this final battle. What are you talking about, Master Alexander? The answer came to him, but it came from a mental voice that he head never heard before.
And the young Kaiser Dragon who was forced to fall; shall then become Oricaltos of all. That is what was written in the Prophecy di luce e di ombre. Do you have any other questions, Overlord Laharl? As a matter-of-fact, I have one for you: WHO are you? He heard a light chuckle, and then he received his answer. I am the Oracle of the Netherworld, and I know the most about that particular piece because I wrote over two-thirds of it. My name is Pram. However, I think it is about time that you truly see who I really am. Laharl looked up, his expression slightly puzzled. It was at that point that he noticed the great gate hanging in the sky. He stopped and stared, remembering how he had once faced the full power of that attack, all for the sake of a fallen angel. However, his eyes were drawn to the top of the gate, and he was surprised to see that someone was sitting there, letting her legs dangle before the closed doorway.
Saito had felt the disturbance even before the young woman made her appearance. However, he could not tell exactly who had just arrived, due to the fact that he was now staring directly at the closed gates that held back Setsuna's ultimate attack. Setsuna had stopped before opening the gate, and the young Kaiser was starting to wonder. Setsuna, why won't you open the gate? Well, I would be able to open the gate if someone wasn't SITTING on it right now. Sorry about that, Setsuna. I just wanted to make sure that our young friend here survives his ordeal. The mage's eyes wandered to the top of the gateway, and then they widened in surprise.
There was a white-haired young woman sitting on top of the gate. She looked down at the mage, and then she smiled. "I'm sorry for the late introduction, diralec. My name is Pram, and my title is Oracle of the Netherworld." Her red eyes glittered playfully as she looked over the entire assembly, but then she turned her focus directly to the mage. "I want to thank you for eliminating a major threat to all of us. Baal has caused more trouble for me than you might be willing to believe." The mage thought for a moment, and then he looked up at her, smiling. "It was you back there. You were the one who used the Dimensional Gate within Baal's Tower." The Oracle nodded and then turned away, slightly blushing. "He has made my life hell thus far, so I came back to gloat that he was finally going to get what he deserved."
Pram stood up and attempted to smooth out her dress. However, the material was far too stiff, and it wouldn't budge. She sighed aloud, and then looked down at the grounded hybrid. "You may fire when ready, Master Setsuna." The young man nodded, and then he opened the gate with a single gesture. All Saito saw was pure light, and then he heard Setsuna speak one last word. The word that would release all of that energy. The single word that might mean the death of last of the Kaiser line. "Fire."
There was a brilliant flash of light, and everyone below was forced to look away. When the light finally began to die down, Asmodeus roared aloud, laughing hysterically. "No one could have possibly survived a direct strike like that. NO ONE!" There was dead silence for a moment. Then…
"Do you really want to make a bet on that, Asmodeus?" came a voice from above the battlefield. Priere looked up with teary eyes, just in time to see the final smoke cloud clear away. Saito Onago had not moved an inch, and his aura blazed even brighter than before. All of the energy from the gate attack was now swirling around him, bathing him in an otherworldly glow. He smiled wickedly upon seeing the look of shock and horror on the face of archdemon who had been Overlord so long ago. Pram smiled gently, and then she called out to the mage. "I might as well help you finish with this fight. When I wrote those lines, I thought that it meant that there would be other allies. However, Lord Zetta explained exactly what the words meant to me only a few days ago. It meant that I was going to help you to finish this battle, and I will." She began to gather energy into her fists, and then she slowly raised her hands above her head. The bracelets that she wore hindered her movements, but she still managed to finish the motion. She then relaxed her body, and chanted a simple psalm. "By all of the powers throughout the universe, I beseech thee, O LORD, to hear my plea. Allow me to join the master mage, and erase this fool once and for all from the timeline."
"GRANTED," came a slightly deeper voice from above. Pram stopped in surprise, and then she closed her eyes as she concentrated the energy even further. Master Babylon! I had no idea that you would answer me. That is alright, young Oracle. These chains of yours are useless now, because you are an Overlord as well. With those words, the manacles fell away from Pram's wrists, and plummeted towards the ground. Asmodeus could not move away fast enough, and the right manacle whacked him on the back of his right leg. He fell to his knees, grimacing. Cursing his luck, he looked up at the young woman, hanging suspended in midair.
Does this mean that I can finally finish my task here, Lord Babylon? Of course it means that you can finish, child. However, you MUST return to our time after Saito has been established as Oricaltos. But why? I want to stay here! I am afraid that Zetta still needs your help in order to regain his body. I understand, Lord Babylon. Pram finished her mental conversation with the other Overlord, and then she looked down at Saito. Her eyes glittered wickedly as she finished charging the energy in her hands. "By all of the powers in heaven and hell, I unleash thee once more upon the universe. FINAL DESTINY!"
Saito smiled as he recognized the blast that Pram had unleashed. He had used it so long ago, when his life and that of so many others were threatened by his father. He closed his eyes, and then accepted the energy. Thank you, Pram. However, I need you to help me to finish this attack. As you wish, Master Saito.
The mage's eyes reopened, and then he raised his hands above his head once more. All of the leaders followed his example, and they waited for Saito to finish with the incantation. The Kaiser sneered as he looked down at the archdemon. "Asmodeus Kormus, I find you guilty of the deaths of both Oricaltos Alan Sorgen and Oricaltos Nathaniel Korenma. Do you have any last words before we wipe you out of existence forever?" The acid-eyed demon snarled, baring his fangs as he cursed the mage in several languages before he finally finished. "I will make sure that you suffer before you die, boy. I will come back to haunt you, and will make your life a living hell." Saito laughed at this, and then he grew serious. "You won't be harming anyone, especially after your soul is utterly ripped apart by the final part of this attack." The mage then raised his voice once more. "IT IS TIME."
All of the leaders who had aided him, all those who had lent him their own energies, raised their hands for the final blast. At this nearly unanimous gesture, every single one of the nineteen thousand five hundred and sixty-three energy spheres stopped. "By all that is both known and unknown, in accordance with the law of shadows: it is time that we finish you off once and for all." He then called out the attack, and his voice was joined by those who had come to know him during the most recent battles against both Shadow and Baal. "Æther Overdrive: Shadows of the Obligate!" He snarled a single word then, and everyone clearly heard him. "DIE!" He then called out in a mental voice to all of those who were below. I am sure that all of you know the words and gesture of release. Please join me now, as we crush this fool together. On three, ladies and gentlemen. One. Two. THREE! The three word phrase would reverberate throughout time and space as all present roared the words at the top of their lungs. "BITE THE DUST!"
All of the orbs converged on Asmodeus in a single instant, and he knew that it was truly the end for him. All watched as the blast literally shredded the remainder of his forces, but no one cheered. The death toll was tremendous, and the silence was a tribute to those who had fallen. Pram closed her eyes and fell into a trance. She then chanted a single passage, and all responded without even thinking. "Bless the Maker and his Water. Bless the coming and going of Him. May His passage cleanse the world. May He keep this world forever for His people." "BI-LA-KAIFA." (The previous quote is found in Frank Herbert's immortal work, Dune)
There was silence for a few more moments, and then Alexander Critios began to speak. "It was well-known that Nathaniel already had someone in mind to become Oricaltos after he had gone. It is time that I let his choice be known to the masses." The older draconic then turned around to look at those descending in front of the Hall of Shadows. Michael Lamington was keeping a tight hold on Flonne, who had fainted shortly after the attack ended. Pram, Etna, and Aramis all landed on their own two feet, but they turned to look up as one very special young man descended, landing with a light flair of his wings.
Saito rose to his full height, and he was about to speak when Pram raised a hand to silence him. "There was one particular passage that was written in the Prophecy di luce e di ombre, and it read as follows:
For this young Kaiser Dragon who was forced to fall,
Shall then become Oricaltos of all.
This effectively ends all debate as to who Master Nathaniel had in mind." She turned to look at Saito, and then she fell to one knee. "All hail the Oricaltos." All were quick to follow the Oracle's example, leaving a fairly stunned Saito still standing. I never knew that it would come to this. Then again, I think that there are a few who knew that this was coming. You are right about that, my young friend. Master Nathaniel? Is that really you? Of course it is. Do you think I would just leave without making sure that this battle was truly won? Saito paused for a moment, and then he shook his head. Very good, young man. There is still much that you have left to learn, but you will come to understand soon. Rest in peace, Master Nathaniel. The battle is over, and we are the victors. I am glad for that, Saito. May you live forever, and never need to worry about war in Draconia again. Thank you, Master Nathaniel. Godspeed.
Author's note2: Only the epilogue left to write, and then I can call this one finished. Please remember to read and review both this and my other story, Origins of A Kaiser. Anyway, I'll be starting a new fic soon, so watch for it ladies and gentlemen. Just a bit of a warning: it might not be in the Disgaea section, because it is a cross-over fan-fic. Thank you.
Author's note3: Pram is a character from Makai Kingdom, which is another excellent game by Nippon Ichi. Therefore, I do not own the character. The only characters that I can truly claim as my own are the draconics, Saito chief among them. Just passing this on to all of you.