Unmei Force Shattered Heroes: Faded Divinity
Chapter 11: The Path Forward
As they were about to come up towards Vasuki's fortress, Kaguya began to discuss strategies with her team.
"So, I think that we might want to take the next few battles seriously." Kaguya answered back. "We're going to need every shred of power, if we are going to be able to take down our enemies."
"And how do you propose that?" Tao asked.
"I think that we should split ourselves into two parties." Kaguya answered back. "That way, we'll be able to keep future enemies busy, so that we can ensure that all of us can combine our strength against a single target, and also ensure that we don't end up getting destroyed in one go, by adopting a front-and-back formation."
"I see, you intend to make use of that formation to ensure that both parties can draw the fire for the other party when the situation gets dire." Miyazu remarked.
"That's the gist of it, yes." Kaguya nodded.
"And who will be the one leading the party on the front, and the one at the back?" Sahori asked.
"That would be me for the front. And don't know exactly who leads the back party." Kaguya remarked. "Because the back party will be a full party of my demons, depending on the situation at hand."
"And I assume that we are all part of the front party?" Tao asked, gesturing at the Nahobino and goddess present. "That seems to be slightly skewed towards a fire-based focus, with Sahori and Miyazu covering those affinities."
"Maybe, but they have their own moves, and I can tell." Kaguya answered back. "I'm sure that all of this fighting has awakened something in them, right?"
"Yes, I can feel myself learning more with each battle I fight." Miyazu nodded back.
"Same." Sahori agreed.
The group then proceeded, before Kaguya then noticed a certain harvest goddess, as she stopped the group.
"Hold on for a moment, I need to see what's going on with this goddess." Kaguya said, as the party stood still for a moment, while Kaguya approached Demeter. "Hi, Demeter. How's things?"
"Oh! There you are, Kaguya!" Demeter exclaimed. "I have some very important information that I must relay to you. The demon that is after you is none other than Baal! He is the leader of those Tyrants that you defeated, Belphegor and Moloch. He was also the ruler before the Creator took the throne."
"Well, that doesn't sound good at all." Kaguya winced.
"It would have been bad enough if he'd persisted as a Tyrant with only a portion of his power, but it seems he's now returned in his true form." Demeter stated. "This is a very grave situation!"
"Oh, I intend to rectify that." Kaguya firmly declared. "Tell me where he is, and I'll confront him and put an end to his ambitions before he even gets a whiff of the struggle for the Throne."
"But he is on a completely different level compared to those Tyrants you've faced. Are you sure you'll be okay?" Demeter asked.
"I'll have worse to face off, so yeah, I can take him." Kaguya smirked.
"What a bountiful harvest! I knew I could rely on you, Kaguya!" Demeter cheerfully remarked. "Do you remember Tennozu? That is where you previously defeated Belphegor, and that is where Baal will appear too. In any case, good luck. I expect you to deliver me a great harvest."
Kaguya then walked back to her group. "Change of plans, we've got a rising challenger to the Throne that needs to be dealt with ASAP." Kaguya said.
"What!? Even more than the branch leaders?" Sahori remarked.
"He's the previous god who held the Throne before the Creator. Yeah, I think that you'd agree with me." Kaguya remarked, before turning to Tao. "What about you?"
"Baal… Yes, I do know that name. Or at least my other self does." Tao nodded. "It would be wise to defeat him before he gather more power to gain the strength to challenge the Throne once more."
The group teleported back to Tennozu, as they quickly revisited the area where Belphegor was defeated, as the group felt a strong presence on it, before the entire area shaked, as Baal revealed himself, being a dark-skinned humanoid with a pair of curved horns on the top of his head, and yellow eyes, and scruffy white hair under a bronze helmet with side-fins, wearing a plated necklace that hung to the front of his chest, and dressed in a white cloth that covered his entire chest, and exposed his muscled abdomen, and a blue toga that only covered the back and sides of his legs, with a large green and purple tabard on the front. His arms were armed with bronze finned gauntlets, and he had a chalice in one hand.
"Well, aren't you quite the looker, Baal." Kaguya shot off, as the demon god merely chuckled.
"So you've come, Nahobino, with more of your kin." Baal remarked. "I am the Deity, Baal. I am the ruler of gods. There are none more fit than I. With that charlatan who deigns to be a Creator now gone, I must make my return as a Nahobino. It is time to reclaim my throne. Now, Nahobino. You possess the right, no, the divinity to rule. The divinity of the bull god to inherit Baal. Not only that, but you will be reborn as a Nahobino. Very favorable indeed."
"Cute, I'm flattered by your words." Kaguya scoffed.
"That is the charge I give you, Kaguya, and your soul of a Nahobino." Baal continued, ignoring Kaguya's indignation. "Even more fortunately, your soul can be reshaped to serve as my own. That is how well-suited you are. Now is the time. I shall permit you to become my soul. It matters not that you aren't my other half. Abandon that useless demon, and serve as the soul of a true king!"
"Unfortunately, said useless demon is the reason I have that divinity." Kaguya answered back, before she then drew her naginata. "And I'm done humoring your words. I'm taking that Throne, and that means slicing that deluded head of yours off."
"You dare!?" Baal snapped. "I shall make you regret your foolishness. When I am done, you will beg me to take your soul willingly! Heheheh… For Baal must be the one to hold the Throne… That is law!"
Formidable Target Detected
Baal
The Lord Who Came Before
"Oh yeah, and guess what's also a law?" Kaguya retorted, before she then immediately hit Baal with several beams of silver light, which froze on impact on Baal. "THIS!"
Sahori then immediately flicked her hands together, as she casted Bufubarion on Baal, as the ice spell managed to do considerable damage to Baal, while Tao boosted the group with her divine magic.
"You won't get another chance to terrorize more people!" Miyazu exclaimed, before she then flipped the khopesh around, before landing a powerful horizontal strike, as it managed to stagger Baal back.
"Nice hit, Miyazu!" Kaguya exclaimed, before she then hit Baal on the rebound with a crippling darkness strike, while Sahori immediately coated her fist with ice and sucker-punched Baal right in the face with it, dealing considerable damage.
"Here, use my power!" Tao exclaimed, as she immediately boosted the group with another Mandala, before Miyazu immediately ravaged Baal with a series of rapid flickering strikes.
"Damned whores… you will pay for this!" Baal swore, before he then fired a Agidyne right towards Miyazu, who merely let the flames lick her body. "What!?"
"Khonsu's power will protect me from your flames!" Miyazu defiantly declared.
"Then can you god protect you from this!?" Baal growled, before he then immediately cast Megidola, as the energy blast hit the entire party, although they were merely shaken from it.
"Not bad… but you're not getting another shot on us!" Kaguya remarked, before she pulled her party back, as her demons took the front-line, with Artemis, Cleopatra, Idun, and Fionn leading the battle.
"What is the meaning of this!? You think me weak enough for your demons to pick me off!?" Baal growled, insulted by Kaguya's retreat.
"No, Kaguya is merely letting us take to the battle." Artemis remarked, before she flicked her hand forth, as Baal was hit by a Bufubarion, which weakened him considerably. "She has faith in us that even a former Throne god like you will not be enough."
"And I'm inclined to agree." Cleopatra remarked, before she then raised her finger, as a massive iceberg shot towards Baal, as the disgraced god cried out in rage, as the iceberg hit him with thundering force. "I don't mind taking a uppity god like you a few begs down."
"Here!" Idun exclaimed, as she gave everyone apples to buff themselves.
"You are part of the reason for the chaos. As such, I will give you no mercy." Fionn declared with a steely tone to his voice, before he then swung his blade around, channeling his ice magic into a mighty swing that created an ice prison that shattered onto Baal.
"Your guard's open!" Artemis exclaimed, before she then ran up to Baal, and kicked him on the chest, rebounding off, and then throttling back with a overhead kick that slammed against the top of Baal's head, cracking his helmet.
"And you're still so weak to ice. Tsk tsk." Cleopatra remarked, wagging a finger, as she cast Bufubarion to stagger Baal even further, while Idun buffed the party up even more, and Fionn drew Mac an Luin and hit Baal with a powerful shattering strike.
"Enough of this! I will not be defeated by the likes of you!" Baal roared, before he then raised his hands, as a blue barrier formed around him. "There, that will put an end to your attempts to exploit my one weakness. And now, I shall make you squirm!"
Baal then unleashed a massive storm of lightning, as it hit the entire group of demons, as Fionn took the brunt of it, while Idun managed to defend herself against it, thanks to the power she had gotten from Kaguya's assistance, and Artemis deflected the lightning away, and Cleopatra growled, as the lightning irritated her.
"Damn you, what will it take for you to fall!?" Baal roared in rage, as Kaguya and her group returned to the front.
"More than you will ever have." Kaguya remarked, before she then unleashed the group's Magatsuhi. "Let's show him what he's in for!"
Kaguya then immediately smashed Baal with a high-powered beam of almighty energy, as Baal was stunned by it, as Sahori then leapt up, as she charged her tentacle with almighty energy, before slapping Baal silly with it, and then piercing it through his chest. After that, Tao then summoned her own Megidola, as the almighty attack blasted through Baal's armor.
Miyazu then readied herself, before she then disappeared in a flash of speed, before several copies of her khopesh appeared, before they began to saw themselves through Baal, as she then reappeared above, as her khopesh was raised with a red glow, before she then brought it down the length of Baal, creating a massive burst of red energy that exploded.
"Impossible, I am-" Baal remarked, before Kaguya immediately hit him with another beam in the head, which bloodied him enough to collapse onto his knees. "I… am a ruler of gods… How could I be defeated!?"
"Sounds like a skill issue to me." Kaguya mocked. "Face it, you're old news."
"Beelzebub…! If only I had that power, I would have not fallen here!" Baal seethed, before he then raised his head to curse to the heavens. "Damn you, Lucifer! Where is it!? Where did you hide it!? Curse youuuu….!"
Baal then evaporated into Magatsuhi, as the group lowered their weapons.
"And that was that…" Kaguya remarked. "...Good thing we handled this before he could get any form of power, eh?"
"Yes, this is a small victory we can take pride in." Tao nodded. "Now we can continue our quest for the keys uninterrupted."
The group then headed back to the Ueno Ward, as they found Demeter, as Kaguya reported the defeat of Baal.
"I can't believe it! You defeated the former ruler of this world. What an extraordinarily grand harvest!" Demeter whooped. "And with that, there are no obstacles in my way."
"Sure, take care, and I hope you find a way to help create a world of bountiful harvest for everyone." Kaguya smiled back.
Demeter immediately froze upon seeing Kaguya's smile, as her joyful expression shook slightly, her lips and eyes twitching, before she then took a deep breath.
"...Say, Kaguya…" Demeter started, as she began to mouth something, before she then shook her head with a frown. "...No, never mind. Sorry to bother you. I just remembered I have some urgent business. So I must be going now."
"Demeter-" Kaguya was about to say.
"Good day to you!" Demeter hurriedly said, before teleporting away, leaving Kaguya alone with her group.
"Her expression… she feels like she's holding something terrible to herself." Miyazu remarked. "I wonder why Kaguya's thanks set her off so."
"...Yeah, that is definitely something that I need to look into." Kaguya remarked. "But first, we need to deal with the branch leaders."
The group then began to head through the Hindu branch, as Kaguya decided to use a nearby leyline fount to go and see if Oberon's and Titania's assessment of High Pixie were true or not.
"Hold here for a moment, I need to check something. High Pixie, with me." Kaguya remarked.
"You got it, Kaguya!" High Pixie remarked.
They soon travelled to the World of Shadows, to meet with Sophie, who was expecting their return.
"It has been quite a while since you have come here, Kaguya." Sophia remarked. "...Have you found the demons in your company to suffice for you?"
"More or less. I actually managed to recruit some great demons to our cause." Kaguya answered back. "...Hey Sophia, can you tell if someone has the potential for something or not?"
"Of course. That is how I was able to transform your Pixie into a High Pixie." Sophia remarked, before she then shuffled towards High Pixie and examined her closer, as a glint of emotion crossed her face. "...Oh, it seems that there is something else within her that I have neglected before. It seems that this is one of the few cases that I do believe hold a personal interest in my heart."
"And what's that?" Kaguya asked.
"She can transcend into something different. Beyond the limits of her species." Sophia remarked. "She is not the first Pixie to do so. In another time, another world, the devotion and loyalty towards a Pixie gave her a power that is only matched by that of the gods. I sense the same spark within your Pixie right now. But it will require a sacrifice to awaken it, as it did with the other case."
"And what's the sacrifice?" Kaguya asked, before Sophia pointed at Kaguya's pouch, as she pulled out Oberon and Titania's Essences. "...These? I suppose they fit, considering that they're fairy royalty. If I fuse them with High Pixie, she will transform into something new, right?"
"That is correct." Sophia answered back. "But let me tell you this: Even I do not know what will come of this transformation."
"So it's a gamble." Kaguya answered back, before turning to High Pixie. "...So, High Pixie, your thoughts on this?"
"To be fair, I'm glad that I can make it this far as I am… but I know when I'm eventually going to be outmatched." High Pixie answered back. "I want to gain power so that I can stay by your side, and fight the world together with you and your friends. So whatever happens, so long as I'm still there, I'll accept it."
"...Heh, I guess you really got attached to me." Kaguya chuckled.
"Of course. We slew many great demons together." High Pixie laughed. "If I didn't get attached to you by then, I must be a real cold bastard."
"Let's begin this then." Kaguya answered back, as High Pixie moved to one of the fusion podiums, while the two Essences flowed to the other ones, before transforming into facsimilies of their contributors.
Kaguya then initiated the fusion process, as the chords of the organ rang through the realm, before the monochrome orb collapsed into an entirely new form, as Pixie was changed drastically. No longer was she fairy-sized, but she was more mature, alike that of Oberon and Titania and other high-ranked fairy demons, as she was dressed in a sky-blue dress that had white highlights in the shape of wind and cloud marks all along the bottom of her dress, a pair of dark blue heels, and a golden circlet on her head. Her hair also reverted to being red, except it was long and flowing, and her eyes were green. On her back were two pairs of shimmering butterfly wings that left glowing dust.
"Pixie, that you?" Kaguya asked, before the demon blinked her eyes a few times and looked at herself.
"Wow, I look a lot more refined like this." The demon remarked, before she then pouted. "Too refined, actually. I preferred it when I was much more tomboyish… but what can I do? It feels too good for me to hate the change actually."
"Glad to see that you're getting used to it quickly." Kaguya remarked, before the demon turned to her.
"Well, guess Oberon and Titania were both right. I guess this is really something neat." The demon smiled back. "I'm Fairy Royal Pixie. Hope you'll take good care of me."
"Gladly." Kaguya remarked, before grabbing Royal Pixie's hand. "Let's go and dazzle the group with your new appearance."
The two of them exited the World of Shadows, as Royal Pixie's appearance shocked the group.
"Oh my, that is quite the look you have. I'm jealous." Cleopatra remarked.
"I… I never thought I would be able to witness the birth of such a demon." Idun remarked, overwhelmed by Royal Pixie's regal appearance.
"By the gods, this is truly a miracle. To think that a Pixie would be able to become a queen like Kaguya." Fionn declared.
"You have truly become strong on your bonds. I respect you, Pixie." Artemis smiled with a nod of approval.
"Wow, so that's her first demon. Like, literally the first demon by her side." Sahori stated. "Wow, that's a real change, alright."
"N-No fair!" Amanozako exclaimed. "How come I don't get to look like that!?"
"Like the new me?" Royal Pixie smirked, as she crossed her arms. "You better, because I'm going to do a lot of stuff from here on in!"
"Alright, now that's everything." Kaguya remarked. "Let's go pay a visit to a certain snake god."
Kaguya then began to storm the Hindu fortress, as the demons placed were no match for the party, due to their powerful skills and solid teamwork. It didn't take them long until they were before Vasuki himself, who noticed their arrival.
"I know you… You're that Nahobino from the Japanese branch." Vasuki remarked. "So, you seek the keys to the Throne of Creation, do you?"
"That's right." Kaguya declared.
"It is true, we do possess a tool that unlocks the Empyrean, the Key of Austerity." Vasuki answered back. "Now, we have no desire to assume the throne, as the right to remake the world is Lord Shiva's and Lord Shiva's alone. To that end, I've been keeping close watch on this key to see just who's foolish enough to come after it. And here you are. How truly delightful. Now I can vanquish both you, and this infernal idleness in one fell stroke."
Formidable Target Detected
Vasuki
Naga King, Servant of Shiva
"Big talk from a living purse." Sahori growled, as she summoned her tentacle. "If you won't give the key, then we'll gladly pry it from your cold corpse."
Kaguya then immediately hit Vasuki with a sealing slash, as Vasuki managed to barely ward off the effects of the attack, although he was still staggered by the attack.
Sahori then immediately began to throw her hands together, as she created a massive ball of fire and lobbed it right at Vasuki, as the naga king let out a grunt of pain, while Tao used her ability to buff the group up.
"So this is what Kaguya was preparing to fight against… but I can't let myself be intimidated!" Miyazu remarked, before she then immediately used Trisagion, as a rain of fire fell down upon Vasuki, dealing considerable damage.
"Hey, if that didn't do much, then have another on the house!" Kaguya exclaimed, before she then immediately launched another sealing slash, as it managed to connect, causing Vasuki to become frustrated.
"To think that you would manage to seal my powers away." Vasuki growled. "No matter, I can defeat you with my bare hands if need be."
"Hey, snake, you're forgetting someone." Sahori growled, before she then immediately threw a fast-ball of fire right into Vasuki's face, causing the naga king to roar in pain, while Tao further buffed the party, and Miyazu threw another Trisagion which managed to hurt Vasuki even more.
"You will pay for that!" Vasuki growled, before he then immediately grabbed Sahori by the arms, before pummeling her with several punches to her body, as Sahori was able to endure the attacks, before the naga king turned his wrath towards Kaguya, slamming her with a quadruple hook to the face.
"Hey, you get the hell away from my princess!" Royal Pixie remarked, before she then rushed into the fray, as Fionn, Cleopatra, and Alice joined the fray.
"I challenge the fate you dictate, Vasuki!" Fionn declared, before he then dragged his thumb across Mac an Luin, and hit Vasuki with the thrust of his blade, knocking him back, and giving the group space to fight.
"Oh, aren't you quite the slippery one." Cleopatra chuckled, before she then began to pose seductively. "Now then, why don't you forget about your lord, and partake in a beauty who can treat you just right, my little serpent."
"Ngh, I will not be… seduced by the likes of you, demon of Kama!" Vasuki cursed, as he tried to fight the seduction's effect upon him, as it reduced his focus down to nothing.
"Disgusting snake. Go away." Alice remarked, before she then flashed magic at her finger-tip, as she cast Agibarion to hit Vasuki, burning the naga king severely.
"Hey, Vasuki, want to see a trick?" Royal Pixie remarked, before she then traced her finger into a circle, creating a green magic circle, before it then hit Vasuki's chest, as it then faded to black, as Vasuki felt a trio of wisps leave his body, green, red and blue in color, before they flowed towards the group, and created a tri-coloured shine on them that faded away, as the group felt themselves grow stronger.
Fionn then immediately hit Vasuki with a high-powered Agibarion, as Alice did the same, while Cleopatra used her magic to bolster the group's power even more, and Royal Pixie hit Vasuki with a powerful Megidolaon that hurt the naga king.
"Finally, this curse has faded from me." Vasuki remarked. "Now suffer!"
Vasuki then immediately breathed a mist of poison on Alice, as she was affected by the poison, before Vasuki immediately clawed her with a purple strike that aggravated the poison, hurting her even more.
"Face the same punishment that your master forced upon me!" Vasuki declared, as he created a red magic circle that struck the entire group, as Cleopatra felt her power being sealed away, although Fionn was unaffected and Royal Pixie resisted the attempt, and Alice dodged the spell.
Vasuki then immediately began to cast some sort of magical purple vortex on Royal Pixie, who was made drowsy by the spell, although she was able to remain active.
"Oh, I get it, you're trying to drag us down with your afflictions." Kaguya remarked, before she called her demons back, as her team moved back into the fray. "Well, too bad for you, that won't work here!"
Kaguya then immediately unleashed the group's Magatsuhi, before Kaguya immediately fired a almighty beam of energy at Vasuki, stunning him, before Sahori hit him with a breath of fire that managed to hit the naga king, while Tao healed both Kaguya and Sahori up with her magic, and Miyazu used Trisagion to burn Vasuki, who was starting to flag.
"You're done!" Sahori declared, before she then summoned her tentacles, before piercing through Vasuki with every one of them, as Magatsuhi dripped down them through his body.
"Such strength…" Vasuki coughed. "So this is what it means to be a Nahobino. How utterly terrifying… Ugh, forgive me, Lord Shiva… I have failed you…"
Vasuki then dissipated, leaving behind a red triangle-shaped pillar that fell down, as Kaguya picked it up, seeing that it was made of cubes that vibrated in her grasp.
"Okay, that's one key down. Two more to go. Not a bad start." Tao remarked.
"The Empyrean, otherwise known as the throne of God, rests at the peak of three pillars." Amanozako started like a woman possessed, as her expression was serious. "These pillars are known as Austerity, Benevolence and Harmony. You have obtained the key of one such pillar, that of Austerity. While it is true that a new ruler must be willing to hear the voices of his people, he must also discipline himself for that purpose. Show no leniency to law-breakers, and expect none in turn. Austerity must be upheld."
There was silence as the group looked at Amanozako as if she was being entirely weird, before Amanozako snapped back to her normal personality.
"Huh, what's wrong?' Amanozako asked, before noticing the faces on everyone. "Ahaha, what's with the faces? Seriously. I'm going to lose it."
"...Amanozako, are you alright?" Kaguya asked.
"Never finer, why do you ask?" Amanozako asked.
"You… you were off your mind just then, talking about the Empyrean Throne and the pillar we just got." Kaguya answered back.
"Did I…? I can't seem to remember…" Amanozako scratched the top of her head.
"...Geez, next time you go into something like that, a little heads-up would be nice." Sahori remarked bluntly. "Anyways, two more, right? Let's find the next branch leader, beat them, and move on."
It did not take them long to find Zeus, as the Greek god was just awaiting them from afar, in an empty field surrounded by ruined building walls.
"Well, well, if it isn't the princess who spiced the meeting up." Zeus chuckled, before noticing the party. "And I see that you brought quite the party to greet me with."
"Cute. I would ask you to hand the Pillar over, but I know that you don't want things the easy way." Kaguya answered back dryly.
"Aw, don't be so dry on me." Zeus chortled, before his expression darkened. "I've not gotten the best out of this, you know."
"And why's that?" Sahori asked.
"Imagine this, girl. I look for the human with my Knowledge, and you know what I found!?" Zeus growled. "The demons already killed them. Scattered to the winds. Now I'm stuck wasting time until ANOTHER human with my Knowledge comes down the proverbial pipe."
"But why stop us then?" Miyazu asked back. "If you have no claim for the Throne, then why safeguard the Pillar?"
"A few centuries is nothing to me. I can afford to wait until the next human partner is born." Zeus answered back. "So at the very least, I've more than enough time to play with all of you! So let's have fun!"
"This isn't the time for games!" Artemis remarked, being summoned forth by Kaguya. "Father, what has gotten into you all this sudden? Kaguya's trying to-"
"Now, now, daughter. Of course I can see in her eyes that she's doing something great." Zeus interrupted. "However, I'm not going to be shoved aside by some Nahobinos, regardless of their intent. If you want that Pillar, you earn it the hard way."
"Father… No, Zeus. In that case, I will stand by Kaguya's side and defeat you, for the sake of everyone!" Artemis remarked, as she adopted a combat stance.
"Ha ha ha! Now that's the spirit, my daughter!" Zeus laughed. "Come at me, all of you, and give me a good time!"
Formidable Target Detected
Zeus
Greek Patriarch God of Thunder
"Well then, I suppose this means that I will have to beat you hard and strong, doesn't it!?" Kaguya remarked, before she then hit Zeus with a powerful almighty-powered beam, which managed to hit Zeus for considerable damage.
"I'll smash that arrogant face of yours in!" Sahori roared, before she then began to wind a punch, which managed to hit Zeus right under the chin, causing the two-sided god to stagger back a few steps.
"Woah, now that's some force in your punch." Zeus chuckled, while Tao began to buff the entire party up.
"She's not the only one!" Miyazu remarked, before she then fired a Megidolaon, which managed to hit Zeus and cause him to flinch temporarily.
"No spamming those attacks of yours for you, thunder god!" Kaguya remarked, before she then swung her naginata across, with a sealing strike, although the thunder god rejected the effect.
"Sorry, but this thunder doesn't stop!" Zeus remarked, before he then arched back his right leg. "How about a consolation prize for the attempt, eh?"
Zeus then immediately swung his leg in a horizontal kick that created a massive shearing wind that shot towards the group, as Miyazu and Kaguya were able to dodge the attack, although Tao and Sahori were hit by it, as it did considerable damage to him.
"Urgh, son of a…!" Sahori swore, before Kaguya dragged her back, as the front party moved back for the demons to take their place.
"I do not know what you want, Father, but this ends now!" Artemis remarked, before she then landed a crushing somersault kick that managed to nail her father in the chest, with a lot of damage.
"Another king. Oh my, and he's a well-built one." Cleopatra remarked. "Would be a shame if I tore it up."
Cleopatra then flexed her fingers, as a massive tornado hit Zeus, dealing considerable damage to him, and causing the god to flinch, although his lips merely moved to a smirk.
"Ha, did you think that was enough? Compared to the storms I bring, this is but a mere breeze!" Zeus boasted.
"Then have another." Idun remarked, before she then summoned Zanbarion, as the same wind hit Zeus again, causing him to flinch once more.
"And while we're at it, take it easy, old stoney." Royal Pixie remarked, before she then stole Zeus's power to empower the rest of the group.
"Father, when I next come into the fray… I will be the one to defeat you!" Artemis remarked, as she began to gather her strength, while Cleopatra immediately began to hit Zeus with more wind, while Idun decided to give the group some golden apples to increase their strength for the retaliation to come.
"Well then, we'll see about that, daughter!" Zeus remarked, before he then began to let malice gather over his demonic left eye, which glowed, before hitting the group with a series of dark beams that hit Cleopatra and Idun, as they felt their magic being sapped away, only for them both to resist the attacks. "Hm, it seems that I'm not as effective as I thought. However…"
Zeus then immediately began to raise his hand, as a golden aura formed around him. "Let's see if your cherished leader will help you through this!" He declared, as Kaguya's party swapped ends with her demon's.
"We'll put you down before it comes to that!" Kaguya remarked, before hitting Zeus with another almighty beam, which staggered him again, before Sahori went for an encore, landing a powerful uppercut to the chest, which made Zeus gag a little, followed by Tao strengthening the group again, and Miyazu using her khopesh to land a critical blow that made Zeus waver a little.
"What's the matter? Getting weak?" Sahori mocked Zeus, who took a knee.
"Heh… Heh… I like your confidence, girl… but it takes more than that to bring me down!" Zeus remarked.
Kaguya did not waste time attacking again, as she used Ochitsuki to hit Zeus for considerable damage, as Sahori followed up by using her tentacles to hit Zeus several times with powerful attacks, although Zeus remained standing.
"Because I'm King of the Gods!" Zeus roared, before he then launched another slash wave that hit the entire group, as the attack sheared through their defenses. He then immediately stood up, and rushed towards Kaguya. "Now then, do me a favor, and try to survive this!"
Zeus then raised his sickled arm, before slashing Kaguya rapidly with it, as the attack was generating thunder around Kaguya, which began to grow with each strike Zeus landed on her, with Zeus getting faster and faster, before he then let out a bellow, and crossed both of his arms, setting off the accumulated lightning, which shocked Kaguya almost to the point of unconsciousness, as she fell to her knees.
"Kaguya!" Tao exclaimed, as Kaguya barely managed to use her naginata to stand back up.
"...Urgh… Damn bastard… that almost killed me!" Kaguya growled, before she then retreated, while Zeus fell to a knee, as if the previous attack took a lot out of him.
"Father." Artemis remarked, before she then unleashed her Magatsuhi, as her appearance was imposing with the fact that she had gathered an immense amount of power in preparation for finishing the fight herself. "It's time for you to step down from all of this."
"...Heh." Zeus let out one last chuckle, as Artemis prepared Astral Saintstrike, before unleashing the full brunt of it on Zeus, which managed to send the god sprawling on the ground, barely able to stand and fight. "That was hell of a fight… my daughter. As for you, princess. You're truly as feisty as when you tore that winged drone's wing off, and about to take the other. If I'd found my Nahobino form, we would have seen some real fireworks."
"Heh. You almost killed me. A consolation that you can hold over the other gods." Kaguya remarked, as she winced from the damage. "Now, the Pillar if you will."
"Bah, fine. Let no man call Zeus ungracious and unfair. The key is yours." Zeus sighed, before raising his hand, as a blue version of the same pillar key appeared, moving into Kaguya's arms.
"Much appreciated." Kaguya nodded back.
"You better take that throne with it. I'm going to be a real laughingstock if someone beats you to it, with how strong you're going for it." Zeus stated, slowly getting himself to a standing position. "You hear me, princess!? I'll be watching you go for it!"
Zeus then disappeared in a flash of thunder, leaving the group alone.
"...Farewell, Father." Artemis answered back. "I-"
"Let's not celebrate too early." Kaguya interrupted. "...Somehow, I have a feeling that we haven't seen the last of him."
"What makes you think that?" Tao asked.
"The fact that he's not acting seriously about all of this." Kaguya said. "After all, he treated this entire fight like entertainment. I do wonder… what would happen if we took him on when he was serious."
"...Let's not dawdle on that." Miyazu answered back.
"That reminds me. We're just one key left. Almost to the finish line, even." Tao answered back.
"You have obtained the key to the pillar of Benevolence." Amanozako remarked, as her eyes glazed over again. "While it is true that a new ruler must be prepared to act for the sake of his people, he must also possess a deep sense of kindness. As an absolute being, one must not forget the power of benevolence."
There was another moment of silence, as Amanozako returned back to normal.
"What… just happened?" Amanozako remarked, confused. "Did… whatever it was… happen again?"
"Yeah, you narrated something again." Kaguya nodded back. "Amanozako… you're something else, aren't you?"
"What are you thinking, asking that? I…" Amanozako argued, before the words died in her mouth. "...I don't even know anymore."
"Look, we can find the truth later. For now… whatever you can tell us, just let us know. It could explain all of this." Kaguya stated.
"I… I don't know." Amanozako answered back, before rubbing her head. "...Every time I try to think back to anything regarding how I came to be, I get nothing but static. But somehow… I have a feeling that you're connected to me in some way… but I don't even know you… or that artificial god you have supporting you."
There was silence, as Amanozako sighed.
"Please, I'm sure that it's nothing bad. I mean, you did take the power out of me, right?" Amanozako said, as Kaguya nodded. "Then it should be all fine. Seriously."
The group continued on, as Omoikane decided to address Kaguya internally.
'If I may offer my own thoughts on the matter. The name Amanozako rings several bells.' Omoikane stated in her mind.
'Yeah, I figured that she would have some connection to gods, with her name being related to a goddess born from Susanoo retching his guts out. But the question is… what does this have to do with me or you?' Kaguya answered back.
'I believe it is more than you think. If Koshimizu's words are true, then her first priority was Aogami, because he is a template for Susanoo.' Omoikane answered back. 'However, since he is not a possibility anymore… for some unknown reason, she must have prioritized any god of the same origin as him. And being based on Omoikane, a Shinto god, she was attracted to me.'
'And yet the reason about that still eludes us…' Kaguya thought back, before ending the mental conversation.
Kaguya then began to head towards Odin, as she and her group managed to find the golden-clad Norse god on a high point, a cubic field to observe everything, as Odin was conversing with one of his ravens.
"What's the situation? Is it truly so difficult to find the human with my Knowledge?" Odin remarked, before he then sensed the group's arrival, and turned around. "Hrm…? So it is you again, Kaguya. I assume that you have come here for a certain item in my possession?"
"Before this inevitably ends up in a fight, I want to know something." Kaguya answered back. "What do you hope to achieve when you become a Nahobino? That is, what do you think of this world?"
"I care little about this world." Odin firmly answered back. "And that is why I will take my true form as a Nahobino, like you. And as you can tell, I'll need the human who bears my knowledge."
"And if they're gone and dusted?" Kaguya asked back, as Odin's expression hardened.
"...I assume that you have fought one of the branch leaders who have faced a similar situation?" Odin asked back. "I assume it is Zeus, that blathering fool would make demons hone on his quarry like warriors to their mead."
"Got it in one." Kaguya answered back. "But that still doesn't answer the question, what do you want?"
"And why do I have the need to answer that?" Odin retorted back.
"You don't. But either way, I'm taking that Pillar." Kaguya answered back. "Zeus is out of the game, Vasuki's been sliced to ribbons. You're the last on the list, so do me a favor and spare me the trouble. Hand it over, and I promise that I won't kill you for it. You know that I will do whatever it takes to get into the Empyrean."
"Such bold confidence. I will respect that." Odin answered back with amusement. "But I will not be cowed even by the likes of you. I will claim my birthright, by prying the secret of your ability to become a Nahobino. But take solace on this, death at my hands shall earn you your place in Valhalla!"
Formidable Target Detected
Zeus
The Golden All-Father of the Nine Realms
"Fine. I suppose someone dies." Kaguya answered back, before she then hit Odin with a powerful Ochitsuki, which hit the golden god for some damage. "And it won't be any of us!"
Sahori then immediately grabbed Odin by the shoulder, before hitting him with a haymaker that managed to hurt the Norse god some more, while Tao began to buff the group up, and MIyazu then struck Odin, who tried to parry her strike, only for her to shift the weight of her weapon to sail under his spear, and land a critical hit that made the all-father flinch.
"I hope you can back those words up, Odin." Kaguya remarked, before she then blasted Odin with an almighty beam of energy that hit Odin dead-on. "Because you're not doing so well."
Sahori then threw her tentacles forward, as they managed to slam into Odin several times, while Tao boosted the group again with her divine magic, and Miyazu charged her attack up, as the glow of her khopesh grew.
"Hmph." Odin remarked, before he then slammed the tip of his spear down, creating a massive wave of energy that hit the entire group for considerable damage, before he then raised his spear, as a dark purple aura washed over the group, dissolving their buffs. "I suppose you didn't come this far without some understanding of proper battle."
"You mock me. And you'll pay for it." Kaguya answered back, before the group retreated, as Kaguya's demon took to the front, with Idun, Cleopatra, Fionn and Royal Pixie taking the battle.
"Father…" Idun remarked with worry in her voice.
"Do not hold back. I refuse to be pitied by you on this battlefield." Odin answered back. "If you truly believe that Kaguya is the one to change the world for the best, then you will not show me hesitation."
"...I shall not." Idun declared, as her expression hardened.
"Good. I expect no less from my kin." Odin answered back, as there was a hint of pride in his voice.
Artemis then immediately hit him with a powerful crushing kick which managed to temporarily disarm Odin for a moment, giving Cleopatra the chance to hit him with a Zanbarion while he was unprotected, followed by Idun doing the same, as the two wind attacks hurtled Odin around hard, causing him to grunt in pain, before Royal Pixie stole his power to strengthen the others.
"Stay down!" Artemis declared, before she then immediately grabbed Odin by the head with a leg-lock, before hurling him over herself and face-first into the ground, as the force was able to daze the Norse god.
"Come on now, will you not appreciate my beauty, o foreign king of gods?" Cleopatra remarked, as she posed at Odin, intending to seduce and weaken his strength, as the former did not happen, while the latter did, as Odin's will to fight weakened.
"To think that someone like you would have beauty enough to make me desire." Odin remarked. "...Truly, Kaguya is a terrifying individual, to unite such talents under her cause."
"That's right. Kaguya is the reason we are gathered here today." Idun remarked. "And that is why we are able to stand against you."
Idun then hit Odin with another Zanbarion as it managed to weaken the Norse god considerably, before Pixie sapped more power from him, causing him to become weaker.
"It seems that desperate situations call for desperate measures." Odin remarked, before he then flexed his spear. "Be fortunate. You shall taste the steel of Gungrir for yourself!"
He then thrusted at Cleopatra, as the attack managed to hit her directly, and wound her, evident from the spray of Magatsuhi and blood, before he then did the same onto Artemis, who managed to weather the blow, before he then began to charge his Magatsuhi up.
"Fall back, we got this one handled!" Kaguya remarked, before the demon party retreated, to let Kaguya and the others back onto the field of battle. "I must say, Odin. Out of all of the other demons, you are the smartest one, to be able to decide that stripping our buffs away will help you far more than everything."
"You flatter me." Odin bluntly stated.
"True." Kaguya answered back, before she then unleashed the group's Magatsuhi. "But it doesn't make it any less true. Anyway, time for you to be put down. No hard feelings, but I ain't going to hold back, when I'm this close."
Odin could only let out a mild chuckle, before Sahori, Kaguya, and Miyazu rushed forward, about to attack as one, as the Norse god merely stood still and accepted the blow in full, as the three of them struck through Odin as one, in three streaks of energy, blue, dark purple, and red respectively, before Odin collapsed down onto his knees.
"Ha… Hahahaha… To be defeated by not one, but three Nahobinos working in conjunction… And so swiftly and so easily…" Odin laughed. "Truly, a testament to the strength of being one. If I'd only regained my own Knowledge in time… Ah, such a pity…"
"It's over." Kaguya answered back, before the entire group lowered their weapons. "But I'll give you time to speak your last words. It's the least of courtesies I can give you."
"Tell me, Kaguya Houraisen… What do you intend for this world?" Odin asked with curiosity in his voice.
"I intend to create a new world where humans will be able to find their place in this world." Kaguya answered back. "And that doesn't necessitate the extinction of all gods and demons. In the world I seek, demons, humans and gods will be able to find coexistence with each other. It will not be ideal, I will admit this, but once a step is made, there will be others who will seek it."
Odin was silent for a second, before he then began to laugh.
"Of all the people to defeat me, an idealist is the one to do the job." Odin remarked. "...I see, so your intentions are noble, and your power is enough to uphold him. But mark my words: The world you see is far less stable than that of what others wish for it. It is because of sentient nature to drive conflict amongst each other, that peace never truly lasts. Take the Key of Harmony with these words, and consider carefully how the world will change for your image."
Odin then collapsed, before he dissipated into a stream of Magatsuhi, before a green pillar key appeared, as it flowed into Kaguya's hands.
"Well, that's all of the keys. I think it's time. Let's head to the Temple of Eternity." Tao stated.
"Not yet, let's hear what the resident tengu has to say about this." Kaguya remarked, immediately predicting Amanozako's change.
"You have obtained the key to the Pillar of Harmony." Amanozako remarked, back in her trance. "While it is true that a great force opposes the natural will of the world, that force must never be denied. Balance is essential for all things. To enact change requires a powerful driving force. However, a world bereft of harmony will swiftly fall to ruin. Remember this well."
Amanozako then paused for a moment, before then speaking again.
"You have obtained all three keys representing the three pillars of the Empyrean." Amanozako continued. "You now have the right to tread the same path that the Creator and I once did. Follow the Goddess. Make for the Empyrean."
Amanozako then stopped speaking, as she returned to normal, before clutching her head.
"What's wrong with me? I can now hear that voice in my head. Who is it?" Amanozako said. "Who could it be?"
"There you are! I finally found you, Amanozako!" A large-winged tengu remarked, appearing before the group in the air, as Amanozako gasped in horror.
"Ack! This is bad! Very, very bad!" Amanozako panicked, before turning to the group. "Sorry, I gotta run! Just promise you'll come see me again later, okay? Cool, it's a promise!"
Amanozako then jetted off into the air, as the tengu followed after her.
"You won't escape, Amanozako! You must fulfill your duty!" The tengu remarked, before both of them disappeared.
"We have to find her." Kaguya remarked, as there was an edge to her voice.
"Kaguya?" Tao asked, concerned about Kaguya's sudden change in tone.
"I'm not leaving Amanozako behind. Whatever issue she ended up in, I owe it to her to help, considering that she helped me enough as a guide." Kaguya answered back. "And she is quite powerful. It's merely that she never fought… But I don't understand. Why didn't she fight when I first met her?"
"I have to agree with Kaguya. Amanozako, whatever connection she has with Kaguya, deserves our help." Miyazu agreed.
The group then immediately began to search the entire Netherworld for Amanozako, as it took them searching through all of the known areas, even the Egyptian base, to find her, right under the abandoned Tokyo Tower, where Amanozako was being magically restrained by the same tengu that restrained her.
"This is for your own good, Amanozako. We need you to be able to lead us." The tengu remarked.
"Let me go!" Amanozako exclaimed. "I don't know what pills you're on, old man, but I want none of it!"
"You must! That is your purpose!" The Tengu exclaimed.
"Hey!" Kaguya remarked, as she stormed up to the scene. "You have someone important to me."
"Kaguya! You're here! I'm so glad!" Amanozako exclaimed with relief.
"You.. you chased us here!?" The tengu exclaimed.
"Damn right." Kaguya answered back, before drawing her naginata. "You better start explaining, or I'll have your head."
The tengu looked at Kaguya, before he then sighed.
"Very well, it's in your right, since you are the one who is so acquainted with Amanozako." The tengu remarked. "As you can see, this world is coming to an end. And in order for us Tengu to band together once more, we require a leader, a Great Tengu. For that purpose, we enacted a ritual to transfer a soul into the remains of a Proto-fiend, hoping to create a Great Tengu as a result. That is how Amanozako came to be!"
"What? But that's impossible!" Tao remarked. "The only way that works is Kaguya's fusion, but it is a concise and specific process!"
"But it isn't the only one that exists." The tengu countered back. "Upon her awakening, she immediately became rampant and fled. Perhaps it was due to the uncontrollable power locked within her. We have been doing all we can to get her back. And it is then that we found you with her. And by luck, I was able to restrain her properly."
"And now you're expecting me to back off." Kaguya answered back. "Is that what you're going to ask?"
"I sincerely request that you do." The tengu answered back.
"And why should I, when Amanozako doesn't seem keen on the idea. I think that you're trying to brainwash her or something." Kaguya answered back. "And considering that her madness was your group's damn fault to begin with, excuse me if I don't trust you an inch from her."
"Get them, Kaguya! Get them!" Amanozako shouted.
"I see…" The tengu answered back. "In that case, you must be dealt with."
"Oh, you and what army? I literally beat gods to their knees." Kaguya mocked. "I could literally step forward and behead you where you float in an instant. And when that's done, those restraints are going off."
"Come forth, Zaou-Gongen!" The tengu hurriedly chanted, as a demon god with blue skin and white markings, as well as having white sashes on his limbs, and metallic chain armor, with a golden crown on his head, a vajra in one hand, and blue flowing tassels from his head. "I suspected that this might happen. As such, I appealed to Ishzuchizan Hokibo to summon one who would fight on our behalf."
"Oh, how cute. Like that'll stop me." Kaguya remarked, before she then immediately crippled Zaou-Gongen with a powerful slash that managed to cut into the metallic armor of the warrior god.
"You picked the wrong fight." Sahori declared, before she then immediately smashed Zaou-Gonger in the face with a overcharged straight that managed to send the god skidding back, while Tao strengthened the group with magic, and Miyazu hit the Japanese god with a slash of her khopesh, that did considerable damage.
"Have some more in the house!" Kaguya declared, before she then smashed Zaou-Gongen with another debilitating attack, and Sahori struck him with another empowered punch, which managed to land on his chest, bending the Japanese god over, as Miyazu smashed the downed god with a Megidolaon that managed to hurt the god hard.
Zaou-Gongen then immediately fired a Agibarion right at Miyazu, who let the attack hit him, only for it to be dispelled upon hit, giving the group the chance to take advantage of the god's astonishment at the negation of its attack, as the demons took to the front, with Artemis, Ishtar, Idun and Royal Pixie leading the fight.
"To control one of your kin, and rely on a god to fight your battles. Such disregard of honor will not be left unpunished!" Artemis exclaimed, before she then immediately hit Zaou-Gongen with a powerful focused strike that managed to cause the god to keel over momentarily, gagging dryly, before Ishtar shocked him with thunder, which managed to cause the god to be downed for a moment.
Idun tossed her golden apples into the air, strengthening the group, while Royal Pixie weakened the god to strengthen the group even more.
"Take this!" Artemis remarked, before she then hit Zaou-Gongen with Astral Saintstrike, as the empowered attack managed to blast Zaou-Gongen with an immense amount of damage, as the god sagged where he stood.
"Let me put you out of your misery." Ishtar remarked, before her eyes gleamed, as Zaou-Gonger roared, as a massive storm of divine lightning ravaged the god, causing him to shatter into wisps of Magatsuhi.
The tengu looked in pure awe and horror at the defeat of his summon, before turning to the group, as they looked at him, with weapons drawn.
"You did it! You really did it, Kaguya! You're amazing! Seriously, so amazing!" Amanozako cheered on. "Oh, now you're going to get it, old man, she's going to chew you up real bad!"
"Release her, or I promise you won't have a clean fate." Kaguya threatened, as she jabbed the tip of her naginata on the tengu's chest.
"You… You were able to make short work of even Zaou-Gongen?" The tengu said, before defeat crossed his face. "Then we cannot hope to win back Amanozako from you, especially with your allies by your side. It seems we must admit defeat. As of now, we shall withdraw from this matter."
The tengu then teleported away in a flash of light, dropping a few feathers, as Amanozako's bindings were dispelled, as she floated up to Kaguya.
"Ahh, what a relief… It's so nice knowing there aren't any more of those weirdos chasing me around anymore." Amanozako said. "I knew that sticking with you was the right call! I mean, seriously, wasn't it? Like, totally! Bet you had no idea I was using you as a bodyguard, huh? Are you mad at me? I mean, are you?"
"Can't get mad at something that I knew long enough to get over it." Kaguya smirked, surprising Amanozako. "I had the feeling that you were trying to dupe me. But I felt that it was nothing serious. I mean, you were quite nice after I beat that power out of you. So I suppose that makes us even then."
"Well, anyway. It turns out that my other half… I mean, the soulmate I've been searching for…" Amanozako remarked, as her tone turned grim.
"...Is gone." Kaguya answered back. "...Yeah, Aogami, or Susanoo as you prefer to know him, isn't exactly around anymore. Omoikane and I figured that you clung to us as a second choice when you saw us. Because Omoikane is a Proto-Fiend much like Aogami was, so of course you would feel comfortable around him, being born from one."
"I guess." Amanozako said. "Okay, I think this whole guide/bodyguard thing has run its course, don't you? After all, we're meant to be, you and me, right? Totally! Now it's my turn to help you! I'm going to join up as one of your demons! Oh, and don't expect me to say 'Nice to meet you' or any of that sappy stuff. Got it?"
"Wouldn't expect less, my sassy tengu buddy." Kaguya smirked, before grabbing Amanozako into a firm hug, causing Amanozako to squawk out of surprise.
"Hey, get off! Get off!" Amanozako remarked, as Kaguya merely laughed in response, while Amanozako struggled to get out of her grip.
"It's touching that she managed to finally get on well with that tengu of hers." Tao smiled back. "Truly, Kaguya can find the best in most people."
"Yeah, after all, she's the reason we're all like we are now." Sahori agreed with a nod. "We owe her a fair lot for everything she has done for us, don't we?"
"I wouldn't be against it. I hope that we won't have to be forced to part ways too soon." Miyazu stated.
After a while, Kaguya finally released Amanozako, who pouted heavily with a mock hurt expression.
"Alright, let's go. It's time we finally head to the Empyrean, and end this entire race for the Throne." Kaguya stated, as the group headed towards the Empyrean Throne, after using a leyline fount to warp towards the Ueno Ward, to begin their journey to the entrance of the Empyrean Realm.
Fairy High Pixie + Fairy Oberon + Fairy Titania = Fairy Royal Pixie
Fairy Royal Pixie Lv. 82
Elemental Immunities: Light, Force
Elemental Resistances: Dark
Elemental Weaknesses: Ice
Ailment Resistances: Seal, Confusion, Poison, Mirage
Notable Skills: Zanbarion, Ziobarion, Megidolaon, Samarecarm, Pixie Shift
Pixie Shift: Debilitate + Luster Candy