Unmei Force Shattered Heroes: Faded Divinity
Chapter 9: To Walk Your Own Path
Kaguya began to head towards Bethel HQ, as Omoikane decided to interrupt Kaguya.
"Kaguya. May I have a word with you?" Omoikane asked. "I would like to hold this conversation in private, away from any who would pry into our personal matters."
"I understand." Kaguya nodded, before she sneaked away into a small unused room which no-one even cared to look at. "What is it that you must ask of me?"
"...Kaguya, who will you align with?" Omoikane asked. "Will you walk an independent path… or will you seek the aid of the Amatsukami?"
'So you know that I refuse to work for Bethel any longer." Kaguya nodded. "...And now that you mention it, Tsukuyomi has a point, and his ideal isn't exactly fully rounded out, but he has a good idea on the basis."
"I'm afraid that the world you seek and the world he seeks is different." Omoikane answered back, shaking his head. "You seek to create a world where humans are able to live in peace?"
"That is correct, yes." Kaguya nodded back.
"Then what would Tsukuyomi do with the existence of Nahobinos?" Omoikane asked back.
"...That's a good point. He never did say what he would do about them." Kaguya remarked, before biting her thumb. "...And judging by their name, the Amatsukami is a forever-open position, which means… Oh, that's not good at all."
"That's right. Nahobinos will pop up over and over again. Gods will die and be reborn in a cycle." Omoikane stated. "...And if I must reference that loathsome Yakumo, humanity will be in the cross-fire again, and so will the demons who want no part of the power struggle."
"...Shit, guess there's no easy way to go about it." Kaguya swore. "...Tsukuyomi won't take a 'no' for his grand plan. He's too devoted to it, after everything. I understand the reason with Tokyo about to go poof, but his solution just ended up being a problem in the long-term. But then… what do I do then?"
"Find another way." Omoikane declared. "...There has to be an answer for how the world is to be recreated, in order to put an end to this conflict once and for all."
"...Hm, that's a tough question to find the answer to." Kaguya grimaced. "...Either way, the summit is not going to go smoothly, with everything that's happening. Odin's a smug bastard, and I know he's a branch leader by default in power and influence alone, and I doubt that most of the branch leaders are more temperamental than him."
"A great change will occur." Omoikane stated. "Regardless, my loyalty will remain with you regardless of what happens. After everything that has happened to this point, Tsukuyomi's desires are no longer my own, and so he holds very little sway against you through me. I will do everything to ensure that your ideals are achieved."
"I'm glad to hear that, Richard." Kaguya smiled back. "You really are acting more like Richard, even though you might be a bit emotionally-challenged, no offence."
"None taken." Omoikane answered back. "Let us go, it would not do to be late to the summit."
The duo then immediately arrived in the teleportation chamber in the Tokyo Diet Building of Da'at, as an Angel greeted them.
"Master Abdiel will arrive shortly. Afterwards, the transport to the summit hall prepared by Shiva will take place." The Angel informed them. "Now, line up over there."
Kaguya complied, as she stood by the side with the rest of the angels, as Koshimizu appeared soon after.
"Good, you're here." Tsukuyomi stated. "Time for that security detail. Let's go, you two." Koshimizu told Kaguya and Omoikane.
"Ah, if it isn't the champion of the Arioch campaign herself. We surely could not have triumphed without your strength." Abdiel declared.
"You do me too much honor, Master Abdiel." Koshimizu answered back. "I can only express my pride that the Japanese branch managed to serve Bethel's aims."
"Indeed so. A duty I am sure you will continue to perform." Abdiel declared, as Kaguya hid a twitch of her lips
"Of course." Koshimizu curtly responded back, to which Abdiel remained silent for a moment.
"I will go on ahead to the conference hall. Ensure you are not late." Abdiel declared, as she walked towards the doors to the conference hall, with her personal guard following her.
"I can already tell this is going to be a mess… Well, that means we're up." Koshimizu stated, before turning to one of the angels. "Please direct Yuzuru and his friends when they arrive."
"Sir." The angel stated with a nod.
Tsukuyomi and Kaguya then walked towards the conference hall doors, before entering it, as it was a portal into the realm where the summit was held, being a empty realm filled with a tranquil sea under everyone's feet, and lotus flowers blooming everywhere in white. There was even a large ring of candles floating in the water, serving as the center stage of the summit meeting, as there were four gods awaiting them, one of them being Odin, and another being familiar, and the other two slipping from Kaguya's memories, and Abdiel in the air, on that stage.
"Greetings. I, Khonsu, represent Bethel Egypt. Pleased to make your acquaintance." One of the gods remarked, being a green-skinned pharoah, dressed in a similarly-fitting head-dress with a large sun mark floating above his head, enshrined in a golden plate, and wielding a khopesh in hand, as he bowed to everyone present.
"I speak for the Greeks." Another of the gods, who was the one that Kaguya was familiar with, as being Artemis's father, Zeus, who was a tall imposing god with a large purple horn on his head, and one side being pure marble of elegant artistry as a man, and the other being demonic and barbed, with the split happening down on the center of his body, splitting half and half vertically, with one side sparking with electricity on his arm, and the other having a wicked curved blade on it.
"And I, the Nordic branch." Odin remarked, as he flicked his arm to dismiss his divine raven.
"I shall be filling as Lord Shiva's proxy." A snake-like god with a dark purple underside, and pink skin, with six arms, that had bracelets with green tassels on the ends, a spiked golden collar, and a sultan's hat, with a blue gem lodged on his forehead, and black sclera with white eyes.
"What, the Lord of Dance tire himself out?" Zeus remarked with a sarcastic tone.
"Lord Shiva simply refuses to sit in with the rest of you." The Hindu representative answered back. "Now, let's begin with this pandemonic nonsense and be done with it, Abdiel?"
"Very well. As many of you are surely aware, we recently achieved a decisive victory over the legions of chaos Surt, Ishtar, Arioch. Each of them were formidable in their own right, yet all lie slain at the feet of Bethel Japan." Abdiel declared. "Henceforth, all forces that marched into the netherworld may retreat and return to their normal duties."
"I am unconcerned with the fate of Lucifer's thralls; what interests me is the Lord of Chaos himself." Odin interjected. "Word is, he took out the Creator. Tell me what you make of that."
"Clearly, this falsehood was designed to lead us astray. Do not be deceived. Bethel must remain united." Abdiel rebuked.
"How dim are you? You realize with the Creator gone, we might as well as drop the pretense of an alliance together." Zeus scoffed, throwing his arms up.
"True, I see no merit in joining forces any further. Lord Shiva in fact expected this, and is already preparing our next move." The Hindu representative declared.
"Patience, everyone… Perhaps it would do us all well to step back and review our circumstances." Khonsu stated.
"Khonsu speaks wisely. Rather than act rashly, let us each take a moment to reason amongst ourselves." Abdiel agreed.
"This is a good opportunity to discern where each faction stands. Go and listen to what each of them has to say." Koshimizu told Kaguya.
"Fine then, let's start with you. What about all that you heard?" Kaguya asked in turn.
"18 years ago, Tokyo endured the Conception unwittingly. Now, with the Shekinah Glory fading, the loss we face would be unbearable. We were wrong to place our trust in one God. Only a multitude of divine beings can give the world the proper attention it needs. Furthermore, it is only right for us, the Amatsukami, to keep our land secure."
"Fair enough, but you do know that gods can be fickle. After all, you know what the various myths say to any attempt to force peace and understanding." Kaguya answered back.
"...Even so, at least the people would be able to choose their own fates." Tsukuyomi stated.
Kaguya merely sighed, before walking over to Khonsu.
"So, what do you think of this?" Kaguya asked the Egyptian god.
"I care less about Abdiel's achievements. See for yourself the Creator's 'almighty' handiwork. See how the earth's inhabitants lament their injustices and buckle under misfortune." Khonsu declared. "Had we the authority, we would create a world of gladness, where all are treated with equity and compassion."
"A world of kindness?" Kaguya asked back. "So that's what you seek?'
"As much as any other gods follow their desires." Khonsu firmly declared. "...Hm, you seem to have something about you. Your very ba radiates a divine presence within, a shining light not different to that of Horus. Tell me, do you desire the same resolution as I?"
"Not entirely, but you did actually give me an idea." Kaguya answered back. "I might actually get along quite well with you."
"Hm, we shall see." Khonsu stated, as Kaguya went to the next god in the lineup, which was Zeus.
"Oho, the one who is watching over my daughter is here. I assume that you are the one who are responsible for the defeats of those demons that Abdiel mentioned?" Zeus remarked, noticing the princess first.
"Yeah, plus one." Kaguya stated. "A coin for your thoughts?"
"Bah, I don't need wealth. If the Creator's dead, his throne ought to be free for the taking. At least, that's how it should work. Either way, I'm sick of hearing babble from that winged wench and automations." Zeus remarked. "Creator's glory this, divine justice that. I spit at her very idea of order."
"And I can agree with you on that." Kaguya answered back, before heading towards Odin. "So, what do you think of what I have done?"
"I will have to admit, you defeating Ishtar without my offer is something I have not expected." Odin remarked. "For that, you have my firm respect, for there are very few who have dared so brazenly and emerged victorious. If only I had my full power…"
"Oh, you're against the Condemnation then?" Kaguya remarked.
"Long ago, the Creator, in his boundless arrogance, issued that edict, damning all gods to primitivity, thus preventing any challenge to his reign. Oh, how I long to break free of this curse." Odin growled. "And yet, I can tell that you are something more than what you are…. What secret do you hold within?"
"You would have to make a deal with me to learn it. Or perhaps you can just wait." Kaguya stated. "You never know, even your raven isn't see-all, be-all. Sometimes, some things are meant to be watched."
"Oh? Well, I will indeed be watching you closely then." Odin remarked, as there was a hint of intrigue in it.
Kaguya then headed towards the Hindu representative. "Hey, I don't think that I have seen you before." She said, "Who are you, and why are you Shiva's representative?"
"I am Vasuki, King of the Nagas, servant of Lord Shiva." Vasuki declared. "I would sooner be free of these incessant arguments if I could. A time of great undoing is upon us. The word of Lord Shiva has been spoken. I must say, this world of flaws and contradictions, fashioned by an absentee ruler, is long overdue for renovation."
"Oh, there will be a renovation." Kaguya answered back. "But I don't intend for Shiva to do it with a clean-slate."
"You would defy Lord Shiva's will?" Vasuki remarked darkly.
"I will challenge him myself, and see whether it is I who will reshape the world, or he who will cleanse it." Kaguya responded back without hesitation.
'Such… will-power. Very well, I shall make sure that Lord Shiva is aware of your challenge." Vasuki remarked, as his voice seemed to be fairly unnerved.
Kaguya then headed back, before she then noticed that Ichiro and Yuzuru were present as well.
"If it isn't my fellow summoners." Kaguya remarked casually. "So, what's up?"
"We have discussed some matters between us. But our opinions differ greatly." Yuzuru answered back. "I've always aspired to keep our city safe. To me, working with Director Koshimizu seems the most logical way to accomplish that. And now, with everything that's happened. It's clear to me that one almighty being isn't enough to protect Tokyo, not by a longshot. That's why I want the world to be as the Director envisions: where the gods of old watch over us, governing with their wisdom."
"As for me… Well, like Yuzuru, I'm all for the idea of protecting Japan." Dazai stated. "Still, Master Abdiel's words make the most sense to me. After all, if someone could just roll over and ruin a lot more lives, just by being stronger and crueler than any of the gods… then the entire thing happens again… and I don't think that you'll always be here to bail us out of it. There should be a defined divine being who is strong enough to keep everyone in check. I hate to say it, but after everything I've seen, that's the only way that these tragedies can stop."
"Your opinions are noted. And suffice to say, they have their own weight. And are strong enough that I am not fully attracted to either side of the debate." Kaguya nodded.
"The Creator can never be defeated. But, were that even to be true… Surely He would rise up once more." Abdiel remarked. "Yes, we must await His glorious return. Until then, we join hands and guide our people. That is Bethel's duty. Hear me, Bethel's mission is to sustain this world. God's world… Any objections?"
"Damn right there are! I say you cut the act and admit your 'God' is dead and gone!" Zeus retorted.
"He speaks true. Besides, Lord Shiva will soon bring this world to its proper end." Vasuki declared.
"On whose authority? If any being is to decide this world's fate, it will be me." Odin refuted.
"Not while the Condemnation stands, it won't. It is undeniable proof that the Most High still sits upon the throne." Abdiel declared.
"Does he? I recall the fact that demons tried to kidnap your charges, with one being an ancient god who was feared for his tyranny." Khonsu argued back. "That god wouldn't need to lift a finger to get what he needs. Sustenance he can get from the lost humans of the netherworld, and worship from the demons who he intimidated. No, it is simple enough, he wants the Knowledge he lost, and he would have gotten it had it not been stopped."
"A deluded demon thinking itself as a god is a inept excuse to say that the Condemnation is undone-" Abdiel declared.
"May I please offer my objections." Kaguya remarked, as she slowly walked to the center stage, as all eyes fell on her. "I believe that Zeus is right. This farce has gone on for long enough."
"Kaguya, what is the meaning of this?" Abdiel spat out.
"You see, I believe I have the right to say this: You are inept and obsolete." Kaguya declared. "Had it not been for me, you wouldn't have been able to get past Surt, let alone Ishtar or Arioch on that matter. I do believe I'm the one who made the hat-trick on that. And not only that, but I was the one who managed to get revenge on that same demon who led the attack on Tokyo. Would the class be nice to tell me where this is heading?"
"And yet the headquarters branch has done nothing to prevent these incidents." Khonsu stated.
"That's right. I came to Bethel only because it would help to put an end to the turmoil that this has been. Lahmu's gone, Arioch's forces are dust, and so the forces of chaos are nothing more than guerillas, with no clear leader to push them forward." Kaguya remarked. "I expected that you would have been able to help me. But all I see from you, Abdiel, is that you are all hot air, and no bite. You have done nothing to help us. You may have given Ichiro those angels, but that was one time, one time out of the many that the people pleaded for you to save them."
Abdiel was left silent, as she did not know how to refute Kaguya.
"And as for your last statement? I do believe I have a way to prove whether it is false or not." Kaguya remarked. "In a few seconds, that is."
Kaguya then leapt into the air, before she then drew her naginata, as Omoikane flew up to her, and merged with her, causing her to assume her Nahobino form, which left Abdiel shocked beyond belief, and the entire group of gods stunned.
Kaguya then immediately covered her naginata with a blood-red glow, before she then slashed vertically with it, as the attack cut right through the root of Abdiel's right wing, causing it to be amputated with a spray of Magatsuhi, and Abdiel's cry of agony, before Kaguya then landed down. Abdiel fell shortly after, face-planting on the ground, as she slowly pushed herself up.
"You…" Abdiel remarked, with a murderous glare in her eyes.
"And as you can see, the verdict's in. The Condemnation no longer exists. And that means big G is D-E-A-D." Kaguya remarked, emphasizing each letter of the word, before she then summoned Artemis, Idun, and Alice to the field. "And when I'm done, Abdiel will be right in his 'loving' embrace."
Formidable Target Detected
Abdiel
The Fanatical Servant Of God
"Why…? Why have you betrayed us!?" Abdiel exclaimed. "What lies have you been told to turn your blade against Bethel!?"
"Lies? I didn't need any convincing." Kaguya answered back, as there was a sadistic smile on her face. "In fact, you dug yourself that grave on your own accord. I'm just simply here to tie you down so that you'll be laid in it as you deserve."
"I have done nothing to earn your wrath!" Abdiel argued back, drawing her blade. "I have been protecting the humans you so covet!"
"And even now, you can't stop lying from your mouth. Or are you always this delusional?" Kaguya mocked, before her expression turned cold. "...For the humans, you didn't protect shit."
Kaguya then immediately slashed Abdiel with the same attack that she cut her wing off, as Abdiel felt the curse of the blade weaken her even further, as her arm were trembling.
"Kaguya…" Artemis remarked. "...Why are you doing this?"
"Isn't it obvious? I'm teaching her what it feels to be the one to suffer from being abandoned." Kaguya venomously declared.
"Kaguya…" Idun remarked, before she shook her head. "...No, I can't do this. Kaguya, I cannot in my good conscience fight this battle for the sake of a grudge."
"I must declare my forfeit from this battle as well… I came with you because you sought justice for the weak… but this cruelty makes you no different to the oppressors." Artemis firmly stated.
Kaguya looked at them both for a moment, before she then lowered her head and sighed.
"...I'm sorry, but I will have this done. I have endured this for far more than I should have." Kaguya responded back. "...I promise, after all of this, this will be only one cruel thing that I will do. If you don't want to fight with me after that… that's fine. It would be what I deserve if my hatred pushes you both away."
Kaguya then desummoned both demons, as Zeus put a hand under his chin and let out a amused smirk.
"Alice, what about you-" Kaguya remarked, before seeing Alice attack the angel with her signature move.
"...I know how angry you are. But Alice understands you." Alice responded back. "...Bad people must be punished, and this angel is not good at all, in fact she is very bad."
"...Thank you, Alice. And I'm sorry for putting you through this." Kaguya answered back, before she then unleashed another severing attack, as Abdiel began to feel the weight of the wounds affect her, and another set of spears hurt her badly.
In retaliation, Abdiel immediately used her blade to hit Kaguya hard, as it managed to cut through her defenses, and then follow up with an Agidyne that blasted Kaguya's face.
"I cannot forgive you for this… I will not forgive you for this!" Abdiel grit out.
"Good, because hate me as much as you want, it's a fucking drop in the ocean of what I had to deal with everytime I look at that smug expression of yours. Acting like you're far better than everyone else." Kaguya growled.
"I FOLLOW GOD'S ORDER!" Abdiel snapped. "God's order is the only way that this world and its people can be saved!"
"Oh, and next you'll say: 'Oh please, Mr Creator, may I suck your high and almighty cock, so that you can praise me like a good girl?'" Kaguya remarked, as she mimicked Abdiel's voice pitch with the statement. "Or better yet: 'Mr Creator, Mr Creator, I just sacrificed an entire school of students for you, so that I can prove that I'm fulfilling your glory! Please, praise me more!'"
"...What?" Abdiel remarked, as she was left horrified at what Kaguya said.
"Let me put it in a language you can understand." Kaguya remarked, as her expression darkened even more. "Do you have any idea how much of the student population died in that attack? Hundreds upon thousands of students. And not a single one of your fucking angels helped. While you were out, Sahori was pushed over the edge, and Tao was forced to help."
"I was in the act of slaying generals of chaos!" Abdiel argued back.
"And you were too fucking high on your glory to even think of us for a moment." Kaguya spat back with vile hatred. "We're just His fucking pets, are we? Some died, oh well, we can just wait, and then they'll breed themselves back to normal, and all's right with the people worshiping us."
"That… is not what I think of humans." Abdiel retorted back. "Have you not seen how I have treated Dazai so? Would someone who looks down at humans do such a thing!?"
"And where were you when Tao was dragged into this mess?" Kaguya remarked, before she then channeled darkness into her weapon. "Did you even bother to look for her, your precious Saint?"
"I…" Abdiel argued, before Kaguya then smashed her across the chest with the naginata.
"No, you didn't." Kaguya coldly stated. "So much for your fucking Saint, that you don't care if she lives or dies. Hell, when I brought her back to Bethel, you weren't even fucking there, you glorified choir girl."
Alice then summoned her dark spears, as they thrusted towards the staggered Abdiel. "Face the fucking facts: YOU. DIDN'T. CARE. ABOUT. HER." Kaguya declared, as each word was emphasized with a dark spear into Abdiel's body.
"So… this is the wrath she has been bottling within. Like a wraith from Helheim itself…" Odin remarked with awe.
"Enough! You have fallen far from the grace of God!" Abdiel exclaimed, as she took to the skies. "In the name of the Creator, I will smite you from this earth!"
Abdiel then raised her blade, as a golden light emanated from it, as it attacked the group in a large explosion of light, as Alice guarded against it, while the light merely shone on Kaguya.
"What?" Abdiel remarked, as Kaguya brushed off her shoulders as a sign of mockery. "How did that…?"
"Fuck you and the high horse you rode on, that's why." Kaguya smirked back evilly, before she then unleashed the group's Magatsuhi. "And now, this charade of a fight ends now."
Kaguya then began to slash Abdiel several times over, while Alice gathered her energy, summoning a large teddy-bear bomb that was shaped like a Bugs, as it giggled manically, before hurtling towards Abdiel. Kaguya moved back, as there was a mighty explosion, leaving behind a seared Abdiel, who fell forwards onto her knees.
"Impossible… How could I have fallen?" Abdiel weakly stated.
"Because your faith is rotten, and so you will forever be weak." Kaguya answered back, before she then tossed her naginata to the side, splashing on the watery ground. "And now, I'm going to pay you back for all of the lives you threw aside, you hypocritical bitch."
Kaguya then grabbed Abdiel by the neck with hand, clamping it tight enough to choke Abdiel, who tried to use both hands to get Kaguya's hand off her neck, choking and wheezing as she did so, to no effect.
"This is for Sahori." Kaguya remarked, as she slugged Abdiel hard enough for her to hack up blood, as it polluted the water on the center stage. "This is for Tao."
Kaguya then backhanded Abdiel hard enough for her face to reel the opposite direction, as more blood sprayed from her mouth.
With a single flick of her wrist, Abdiel was tossed to the ground, gasping for breath, before Kaguya seized both of her arms, and bent them behind her back, while Kaguya forced her face into the watery ground, which didn't drown Abdiel, but made her struggles ripple through the water.
"And this is for the countless students that died because of your neglect." Kaguya remarked, before she began to repeatedly stomp on Abdiel's head, smashing it against the ground over and over, as the barrier that kept them both from falling into the water pushed back on her face.
After Kaguya was done, Abdiel wheezed and coughed, with hatred in her eyes.
"You… you are a true monster to do such horrible things." Abdiel growled back.
"True. I'm spiteful, I'm cruel. The people who read my myth know that I don't take nicely to people who think I'm soft." Kaguya answered back, unfazed by Abdiel's statement. "...And I'm no shining princess like her. So I have no qualms for doing this on you. Righteous or not, I'm just giving you what you deserved for a long time coming."
Kaguya then shifted her other foot onto Abdiel's left arm, and then moved her foot to Abdiel's back.
"But I forgot something." Kaguya remarked, as she then grabbed Abdiel's remaining wing by the joint. "Because you have abandoned your Saint, you're not worthy as an Archangel anymore. And therefore, you don't deserve your wings. So say goodbye to your other wing, you bitch."
Kaguya then began to tug, as Abdiel felt the searing pain, as she cried in agony, as the princess began to slowly increase in force, as her wing began to creak under the pressure, until…
"STOP!" Ichiro cried out, as he rushed towards Kaguya and Abdiel. "...Kaguya, please stop! Don't… Don't hurt Master Abdiel anymore than you should! You already got payback on me, so please…"
"Why do you think that I'm done?" Kaguya asked back. "Just because she favors you, you believe that she should be let off with this much, after all the people who died, and after Tao suffered trying to bring me back!"
'Tao wouldn't want this!" Ichiro exclaimed. "In fact, this is far too much! You made your point! This… This is just cruelty! If you do this… then she would be right, you would be a true monster!"
Kaguya then looked at Ichiro for a moment, as the boy's expression was resolute, and then back down at Abdiel's wing, and back at Ichiro, before her grip on Abdiel's wing loosened, until she let go of it.
"...Fine. Perhaps you're right. There's been enough bloodshed in this summit. In fact, it's already a disaster that I went this far." Kaguya answered back, as she stepped off Abdiel, who couldn't get up due to the pain, and walked a few steps away.
"Such a brutal display of the Nahobino's strength. God was right to be afraid, especially when it is in the hand of a woman with a grudge. 'Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned' indeed." Odin remarked. "Perhaps, I, too, will seek out my old Knowledge."
"This…" Khonsu remarked, appalled at the show of brutality. "I… I trusted you! And then you commit such atrocities before my eyes! Even if I do not enjoy the presence of Abdiel, this cruelty is far too great of a sin for me to ignore. Whoever you are… I cannot allow you to reach the Empyreal Throne with such dark intentions."
"I must inform Lord Shiva of these… new developments." Vasuki remarked.
"Now that's some good old bloodshed." Zeus laughed. "Shame that my daughter is too pure to accept such a grudge. Well now, I feel that I will indeed enjoy my battle with you, Kaguya."
"And to the four of you present." Kaguya remarked, as she turned her attention to the surrounding crowd. "Have no fear, I have no personal grudge unlike this unworthy wretch that I have crushed so thoroughly. If you fear me for what I am, Khonsu, I understand that, but sometimes, cruelty is what makes kindness possible. And make no mistake, when I head to the Empyrean Throne, everything in my way is a challenger. I will not stop until I reach the throne, and realize my wish for this world. So prepare hard and prepare well. I will not go gently for the sake of the oppressed."
The demons then left one by one, as Khonsu left with a final withering glare towards Kaguya.
"All have forsaken us for their own selfish gain…" Abdiel wheezed, as she lifted her eyes towards Kaguya, and Koshimizu, who walked over. "Does this please you, Tsukuyomi? Or you, in your bloody glee, Kaguya? To see demonkind fall to chaos? To see all that Bethel has struggled for, scattered!"
"I truly couldn't be more satisfied. And Kaguya is telling the truth. Had you only done better to earn her trust, she would not have humiliated and broken you so." Koshimizu stated. "Entrusting this beautiful world to such a vain despot was always a mistake. We shall establish a new world order, one where countless gods can freely illuminate the horizon. As for you, Abdiel, your only mercy is to find your home in heaven. I advise you to do so, for Kaguya might not be so lenient the next time you meet."
Kaguya didn't even see fit to give Abdiel a final insult, merely spitting on the ground beside her, as she walked away, and left the conference hall, and taking the teleporter back to Tokyo HQ with Koshimizu.
"I'd like to discuss our next move, and our plan for the general future. Come speak to me in the conference room later." Koshimizu told Kaguya.
"Sure. I'm tired from all of this." Kaguya sighed. "It would do well to not have to deal with Abdiel ever again."
Kaguya then headed towards the meeting room, where Yuzuru, Ichiro and Koshimizu were, as Koshimizu took this as a sign to begin.
"Now then, I will go over the plan once more." Koshimizu stated. "As I stated earlier, the Japanese branch will become its own entity, separate from Bethel. And in order to save Tokyo, we are going to take God's throne. If there is anything you aren't clear on, now's the time to ask. Regarding the war of the gods, the Empyrean, the throne or perhaps creation itself, I will explain in full detail."
"Sure, let's start with the war of gods." Kaguya stated.
"Ever since time out of mind, the gods would do battle for the right to rule the world." Koshimizu explained, "Before the Creator reigned supreme, the throne belonged to Baal, god of the harvest. And even before that, it was held by Ra, the sun god. Every god who assumes the throne obtains its vast power, enough to reshape the world however they see fit. As such, many a god has fallen in pursuit of that power."
"And there's the motive.." Kaguya remarked. "Fine, next topic: Let's talk about the Empyrean Throne. Need to know what to expect there, or on the path towards it."
"The Throne of Creation lies at the pinnacle of Empyrean Heaven, or simply the Empyrean, as it has become known." Koshimizu stated. "That is where the Creator would be now, were he not ousted by Lucifer, as was claimed. Only Nahobino are allowed in the Empyrean's sacred space. As such, none have entered thus far."
"Which created the entire foot-race to be Nahobinos." Kaguya concluded. "And I assume that with your drive, you'll find a way to become a Nahobino too, right?"
"Indeed." Koshimizu answered back.
"Figured as much." Kaguya stated. "Explain the Throne of Creation to me then."
"The Throne of Creation exists to prove one's dominion over the earth." Koshimizu answered back. "Whoever assumes the throne may determine the world's laws and inner workings, much like how the Creator established his own order."
"Laws and inner workings you say…" Kaguya remarked, as she placed a hand under her chin, thinking on the matter. "I've heard about Nahobinos before, and what they are. But enlighten the others about it."
"A Nahobino is a god in its fullest, or truest sense. Our original form, if you will." Koshimizu answered back. "In ancient times, we were all Nahobinos. But when the Creator took the throne, he demanded that there be 'no other gods before him' and diabolized us all. He accomplished this by spiriting our Knowledge away. Without the knowledge needed to shape a functioning world, we ceased to be divine, and were left to contend with our fallen nature. Our Knowledge was sealed within the Garden of Eden. Mortals soon ate of its fruit, binding all Knowledge to their souls and all who came after."
"So that's why humans possess the Knowledge of demons and gods alike." Kaguya realized.
"Ever since the Fall of Man, demons have vied to steal the souls of mankind and restore their former selves… But they were doomed to fail." Koshimizu continued. "Long it was futile to seek out our Knowledge and reclaim our former glory. But with Armageddon fulfilled, the rules have again changed."
"The Condemnation." Kaguya stated.
"There are actually two Proto-Fiends that were created. One was Aogami, whose true name was Susano'o, who would inherit the Amatsukami's full power, with myself provided as the template." Koshimizu stated. "Whereas Omoikane was built after. He was built from a fading vessel, no different to the fossilized demons that are scattered throughout Da'at. He was created in the same template as the body that he was plucked from. However, the creation of him was not as smooth as Aogami was. The moment he was actualised into this world, he began to devour the databases nearby, as if he was scouring knowledge. That is why we gave him the name of the most knowledgeable upon him, and bestowed upon him an understanding of all demons to have existed."
"..That must explain how I was able to discern the weaknesses of my foes." Kaguya realized. "He was guiding my thought processes towards exploiting them."
"It is my personal mission to become a Nahobino and rescue Tokyo from the mouth of danger. But to do that, I require your aid." Koshimizu said.
"Understood. So, will Kaguya be the one to create the world, being that only the Nahobino can do it?" Yuzuru asked back.
"It could very well end up being Kaguya. But what if I were to say that you, Yuzuru Atsuta, also have that potential?" Koshimizu stated. "After my time spent observing you, I am all but certain you are the one holding my Knowledge."
"What!?" Yuzuru exclaimed.
"Yes. If you so choose, you too can harness the power of a Nahobino and recreate the world." Koshimizu confirmed.
"But… that would mean… I'm the same as Kaguya…" Yuzuru remarked, before he then fell silent for a moment, and then answered. "If I really do have that power, enough to save Tokyo… I'll do it! I'll become a Nahobino!"
"Excellent. We now have two Nahobino on our side: Kaguya and Yuzuru. From here, we strike at Bethel Headquarters, then make our way to the Empyrean posthaste." Koshimizu declared.
"Hey, uh, guys… You think I could be a Nahobino too?" Ichiro asked.
"My condolences, Dazai, but you do not appear to bear the Knowledge of an Amatsukami." Koshimizu shook his head.
"Oh…" Ichiro answered back.
"Don't be disheartened, I sense yet another's Knowledge resting within you." Koshimizu continued. "However, only its owner can identify it. So I suggest you stay on guard, a demon may be lying in wait for you."
"With that said, I must begin investigating a way to reach the Empyrean. I'm fairly certain the secret lies in Ueno, given the density of Bethel security there. So I will concentrate our branch's effort on that." Koshimizu said. "I will contact you the moment I turn up a solid answer. Until then, please bear with me."
"Very well." Kaguya remarked, as she turned to leave.
"Wait! Kaguya, what do you think I should do now?" Ichiro remarked, as he ran over to her. "I can't decide anything on my own. I guess I really do need Master Abdiel. Say, do you know where she is?"
"At the summit, likely weeping about her own order being shattered." Kaguya answered back bluntly.
"Then how about we-" Ichiro stated.
"No. If you go there, you're going alone." Kaguya stated.
"But-" Ichiro was about to say.
"Dazai, you're a good man, who's starting to learn to stand up for himself." Kaguya stated. "But I'm not going back to Abdiel. Do remember that I literally beat the shit out of her, and tore one of her wings off, and would have torn the other off if you didn't stop me. She and I are done with a capital D, and the feeling's mutual. And besides, you have the angels, right?"
"Y-Yeah… Now that I think of it. Maybe you're right." Ichiro remarked, with eyes downcast.
Kaguya then headed towards the dorms, climbing up to the rooftops, where Sahori and Tao were, as they both just arrived there, by the surprised looks on their faces.
"Well, what a surprise, you both ended up here." Kaguya remarked. "I had a feeling that you would go up here, Tao, when you wake up, and that Sahori, knowing you, would be there as well."
"You… You read my mind, I guess." Tao chuckled awkwardly. "And… you managed to save Sahori… as you promised me."
"She did. She went so far for me." Sahori answered back, before she turned sullen. "Tao, there are so many things that I want to say to you. But I want to say this. I'm sorry. I'm sorry that you got involved in all of this… That I almost killed Kaguya and you… and that I ended up too weak to do what was right."
Sahori then clutched her face, before she then began to cry harshly into her own hands. "I'm sorry… I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" Sahori wept, as she was shaking heavily.
Tao looked at Kaguya, who gestured for her to hug her, as Tao did so, before Tao began to feel a rush of emotion, as she began to cry as well.
"It's also my fault… If only I tried better to help you, and if only I know how terrible you felt with all of this… I could have helped you move on through it. My powers mean nothing if I can't help someone who is being hurt by others like this…" Tao softly whispered to Sahori. "I forgive you, and I ask that you would forgive me as well."
"Tao, I… I…!" Sahori remarked, before she then wailed into Tao's shoulder, as it took a while, before she slowly calmed down to weak sobs.
Tao then let go, as Sahori sniffled a few times, and wiped her tears away. "Please, don't leave me, Tao. I don't want to be left alone with no-one to help." She asked gently.
"I would never, Sahori. From now on, we will go through this together." Tao smiled back. "And I will be with you on every step of the way. It will take time, but I'm sure that everyone will understand what you've been through and promise to never let anyone go through what you have."
"...Thank you, Tao." Sahori remarked, as she smiled genuinely for the first time in years.
"I have something to tell you, Kaguya." Tao stated, as she turned around. "While I was in that deep slumber, I have learned so many things about myself. My soul has been reforged by a power beyond description, creating a new me. Perhaps that's why I didn't wake for so long. Like a chrysalis blooming into a butterfly."
Tao then closed her eyes, before she then began to transform before Sahori's and Kaguya's very eyes, as she turned into something similar to a Nahobino, with a white plug-suit with thin outlines, a pair of red fabric armlets that had golden lines embedded onto them along the length of the fabric, a cape along her waist which bore the same golden lines, and high heels, a pair of silver gust-shaped ear-pieces on the side of her eye with silver highlights, and a large golden metal head-dress with a red sun on the center of it.
"As the Goddess of Creation, my new purpose is to guide the Nahobino to his throne." Tao declared, as her voice grew some gravitas to it. "Take a good look. Tokyo is fading like the setting sun… Its time is almost up."
"I cannot allow this. After everything… we are just going to fade away…?" Sahori remarked, her fists clenched.
"Kaguya, before it's too late, I want you to reach the Empyrean and recreate the world." Tao stated. "You risked our life for me and Sahori without a moment's hesitation, and did everything to save Sahori, especially at her worst times. To us, you're a true savior and in every sense of the word."
"But I… What I did at the Bethel Summit, do you think I still-" Kaguya said.
"I know. Your confrontation with Abdiel was the last thing I dreamt about, before I woke up." Tao stated. "...While I cannot condone your violence and your sadism for defeating Abdiel, I have come to understand that you kept your anger within, to ensure that no-one got hurt from your retaliation. Even when blinded with rage, you still thought of others. That is a noble quality that few possess."
"So, you were the one who kicked that archangel's ass?" Sahori remarked, before crossing her arms. "...Serves her right for leaving me to die out there."
"What power I have, shall be yours. And together, we can forge a new future." Tao stated. "Until then, will you let me fight at your side? That's all I ask of you."
"Of course. I'm sure that you're a real big upgrade compared to what you were before, now that you had your awakening." Kaguya remarked, before taking Tao's hand and shaking it. "Welcome to a better cause for saving people, Tao."
"I'm coming along as well." Sahori remarked, before she then transformed into her Nahobino form. "After Kaguya saved me, I managed to wrest control from Lahmu and sentence him to never rise up again, so long as I live and breathe. Because of this, I have become a Nahobino, much like Kaguya did to stop me. So please, Kaguya. Let me come along as well."
"Of course." Kaguya nodded back. "I'll be glad to have you on the team. You don't even have to fight on the front-lines. Just supporting me with certain skills will be enough."
"Then let me take you to Da'at, where the path to the Empyrean lies." Tao stated, as the three of them were transported to an entirely new area of the netherworld, where Kaguya noticed how most of the area was invaded by cube-shaped realms around the area.
"A new realm of Da'at lies before us… One that leads to the Empyrean." Omoikane stated.
"The path to the Empyrean… It has also been called the Temple of Eternity." Tao stated. "Long before the first human being, the entity who oversaw the world created a bridge to the throne. However, Bethel headquarters has hidden the keys to access it, and so the path remains closed."
"But not for long." Kaguya answered back. "I place a bet that those very keys are in the hands of the Bethel branch leaders who split off to their own things. And that means that Omoikane will be useful to find where the keys are."
"Indeed, I have found three such signatures with a power level that matches that of the key to the Empyrean throne, all surrounded by demons that are most likely affiliated with each key-holder. How strange… They refuse to combat each other to gain the other keys. Perhaps they play the waiting game for the sake of not being backstabbed by the third party."
"And that reminds me." Kaguya stated, before she summoned Idun and Artemis. "Would you mind if I just have a little intervention that my demons deserve to have on me?"
"Alright." Tao remarked, as she and Sahori backed away.
"So… let's talk about what I've done." Kaguya stated. "...Perhaps I went a bit overboard with it all, because I was literally fuming at the opportunity to smash Abdiel's head through anything I could find."
"Indeed, that is not what justice does." Artemis sternly stated. "While we did kill certain demons who pose a great threat, none of them have ever been treated so cruelly as you did, as we have seen from an outside perspective. If it wasn't for that boy… you would have gone down a road you won't like, and can't come back from."
"Kaguya, do you feel ashamed for what you have done?" Idun asked firmly.
"I do. But I don't regret teaching Abdiel the pain she foisted onto others for her arrogance and neglect. My regret is that I went too far with it, which is not fitting for a princess of my stature." Kaguya answered back.
"Then I will accept fighting with you, so long as you never do such a thing again." Idun answered back.
"I agree. Your words are sincere on the matter that you won't try it again. But both of us will be watching, and your actions could possibly have consequences with that spirit of grudges in the shape of the girl, Alice. She is already disturbed enough, more will only make her more cruelr by learning from your example."
"Alright, alright, no need to play the child card, I'm already down for the count." Kaguya yelped. "...But in all honesty… Thanks for giving me a second chance, and not going ape-shit on me. Oh, and also calling me out for it. A princess gotta know where things need to stop before it goes too far."
"Hey! Kaguya! Well, what are the odds!? Seriously!" Amanozako remarked, as she flew before Kaguya. "Thanks for helping me out back then! Gosh, I don't know what I'd do without you!"
"You're most welcome." Kaguya nodded back.
"Anyway… I see you've got a different girl… wait a minute, is that the girl who was with you back then, when you were beating Lahmu into the ground?" Amanozako remarked.
"I'm glad you remembered me. My name is Tao, but in this form, I am Panagia Tao." Tao remarked. "...It's a pleasure to meet you."
"And I'm the schmuck who got kidnapped by Lahmu, only for me to turn the tables." Sahori remarked, as she flexed her fingers with a smirk. "Name's Sahori. And right now, Nahobino Sahori."
"Wow, you really are attracting the chicks, aren't you?" Amanozako deadpanned, seeing the entire group of girls at Kaguya's command.
"Bitch, I'm sexy and charismatic, and you know it." Kaguya smugly remarked, flexing her waist to prove it.
"U-uu-uuu.." Amanozako stuttered, as she blushed instantly, with most of her face going red, before slapping her cheeks hard with her hands to snap her out of her blushing embarrassment. "J-Just don't think that any of them can ever replace me! I'm all that you really need! Seriously! Because you and I… we're… we're best buddies, alright!"
"Wow, and I'm starting to get envious. Any chances that I can switch sides?" Sahori joked.
"Sahori…" Tao pouted harshly, as Sahori laughed.
"Just kidding, why would I turn on the one who saved me?" Sahori answered back. "Let's get this party started. Whatever world you're looking to have Kaguya… I'm with you all the way."
As Kaguya began to explore the realm, the group managed to do a quick check of the enemy factions present, which consisted of the Norse Branch, the Hindu branch, and the Greek branch, all who had enclosed themselves in makeshift fortresses.
"That's odd, Khonsu and the Egyptian branch aren't here…" Kaguya remarked, as she cut down several Greek demons who tried to aim for her life, knowing that she was their greatest threat. "Could it be that Khonsu has no desire to claim the Throne?"
"It is likely. We would have to find him to know the truth." Omoikane answered back.
"And speaking of truths… Here's another Essence." Kaguya remarked, as she just broke open another chest to reveal another of Omoikane's essences. "Here you go."
Omoikane then took it. However, when he was about to insert it, he felt an ominous presence, as he analyzed it further, and noticed that there were dark emotions emanating from it.
"Kaguya… I'm detecting something truly dark within this essence. Not dark in the sense of sin… but the memories are tainted with misery and rage that has lingered for so long." Omoikane stated.
"Huh? Just this one?" Kaguya asked back. "...What could lie within, for it to be tainted unlike the rest?"
Omoikane looked at the essence for a moment, as he hesitated for a moment, before his desire to understand the truth won over his caution, as he inserted it in.
The skies were weeping….
Amidst a sea of bodies, consisting of both youkai and humans, a pair of figures were running through the city, both of them looking like that they've escaped a hell most cruel.
One of them was Richard himself, whose attire was severely torn, revealing the scarred flesh underneath, which was still stained with his own blood and the blood of his foes, with various signs of other forms of damage inflicted upon him, with bullet holes where the bullets pierced him, and burns where holy spells landed upon him.
And in his arms, was Kaguya, who was pale and weak, as she was clad in nothing but a tattered robe, a far cry from the majestic dress that she was wearing, as she was weakly breathing, even though she herself didn't take any visible damage.
As soon as Richard managed to find a collapsed building with an entrance large enough to make, he immediately shifted the rubble aside, and eased Kaguya inside, before he himself got inside.
After he was done, he collapsed onto his ground, before he then pounded his fists on the ground.
"Damn it… DAMN IT! DAMN IT ALL!" Richard screamed with rage, as hot tears spilled from his eyes, making the wounds on his face sting even more. "Why… Why couldn't I… save them! I could have… I could have…!"
Richard then pulled out something, as there was a pair of ribbons, one red and one white, as the red one was burned heavily, and the white one was torn to shreds, as he held them close.
"Reimu… Marisa…" Richard silently muttered. "...Please, rest in peace… you're fought for long enough. You fought so well, to take that damnable monster with you…"
"Ri…chard…" Kaguya weakly croaked, as Richard snapped his head around, as Kaguya's eyes were slightly opened. "Richard…"
"Kaguya… I'm here." Richard remarked, before holding her hand gently with warmth. "It's alright… You're safe here."
"Don't go… please… I don't want to be alone…" Kaguya weakly said, as tears dripped from her eyes.
"I won't abandon you. This I swore to you when I broke you out from that infernal cell." Richard remarked, as he breathed harshly to control his rage. "I'm nothing like that… that damned two-tongued monster of a demon who does not know love, only suffering…"
"We… We didn't do anything… wrong… did we?" Kaguya whispered back.
"...It's not your fault, it's this damn world's fault. Everyone is dying around us, Kaguya. In a world that celebrates their deaths…" Richard softly responded back. "...And now, we're the only one left who still fight for it… now that the Sage is nowhere to be found."
"A-Ah…. Reisen… Tewi… Eirin…" Kaguya remarked, as she began to clutch her face, as she began to cry audibly. "...I'm sorry… I'm so sorry that you had to protect a faker like me…"
Suddenly, the two of them heard the sound of marching, as Kaguya paled.
"No… No…! Please, don't let them take me, Richard! I don't want to be tortured! I don't want to be their test subject!" Kaguya screamed with raw fear.
"...Kaguya." Richard said, as he slowly rose up to his feet with a morose expression. "...I want you to do something for me."
"...Richard?" Kaguya asked back.
"...Run. Run away from all of this as far as you can." Richard said, pointing to a passage deeper into the building. "Find somewhere you can hide safely, and do not let out a peep until you are sure you can hear me, and that I know it is safe."
"But… what about you-" Kaguya remarked.
"I won't lose you! I already lost everything to these monsters… I refuse to let you, the last thing that I care about, be ripped apart by them!" Richard shouted. "...Please, do this for both our sakes… I will survive, as I survived the destruction of Gensokyo. You know that a few hopped-up soldiers won't kill me."
"...Please come back." Kaguya stated, before she then scurried away.
Richard then took a deep breath, before walking towards the rubble pile, and then kicking it with mighty force, sending it entirely propelling forward, as it crushed several soldiers in its path, and slowly stepped out.
"Surrender the moon princess, and we'll grant you a quick and swift death." One of the Lunarian soldiers declared.
"She is not yours. She is a pure individual that does not belong to a monster like you." Another Lunarian soldier."
"We'll end you, for the sake of the lives lost to the kaiju!" One of the human soldiers remarked.
Richard then took a glance around, as he noticed that he was surrounded by thousands upon thousands of soldiers, with some even piloting mecha suits tailored for taking him down, as he let out a scoff.
"You won't find her here. She is long gone from this place." Richard declared. "But that won't matter soon enough… because this is where you all die. For everyone that I have lost… I will not stop fighting, until my very soul is extinguished, for the one solace that I have taken from this cruel hell you wrought upon my people!"
Richard then roared, as he drew Heaven's Will, as magical circles formed around him, as chaos began to break loose, as Richard began to assault the enemy formation with both blade and magic at his beck and call.
Omoikane then collapsed onto the ground, as he was panting heavily, before then beginning to gag uncontrollably, although nothing came out of his own throat except the sounds, causing Kaguya to worry.
"Richard! Are you okay!?" Kaguya shouted with worry, as she rushed over to check on Omoikane.
"...I am… I am fine." Omoikane remarked, as he recovered. "...Such a dark memory. It's almost as if I lived it… Do you remember a time where you were on the run?"
"On the run?" Kaguya asked, before the connections clicked in her head. "...Wait, that memory was one of those that occurred within that damned place!?"
"What are you referring to?" Omoikane asked.
"...The place where he was broken down to his base instincts, where his heart was shattered so many times…" Kaguya remarked. "...The only thing that kept him sane for most of the time there was his care for us… and his love for me."
"Love…" Omoikane muttered in his mouth. "...So love… is what I feel for you… as a fragment of him."
"That has to be it… there's no other way to explain it!" Kaguya exclaimed. "You're what Richard left behind, an emotion that composed his own being!"
"I… am an emotion?" Omoikane repeated with disbelief in his voice. "...Regardless, it doesn't matter for now. I still feel incomplete… and yet, the completion is not so far."
"Wow… the hell did I stumble upon…?' Sahori remarked, seeing the entire debacle unfold before her.
"I don't know… but I understand that Omoikane is seeking something from the essences scattered throughout the netherworld." Tao responded back. "...It's why Kaguya has been hunting them down."
"So he's an incarnation of her lover? That must explain how they sound close." Sahori theorized. "...But then again, I literally went mad with power, so what do I know about human strife?"
The group then continued around, before they noticed that there was a green leyline fount nearby, as Omoikane decided to touch it.
"...How odd, it seems that there has been a pre-registered destination in this leyline fount." Omoikane remarked. "...I do not know what this means."
"Is it possible to travel there?" Kaguya asked back.
"Yes, but since we are likely entering unknown territory, it would be wise to consider the decision." Omoikane declared.
Kaguya took a moment to think on the matter, before giving her answer. "We go. There is no reason someone would put a pre-defined destination in the leyline fount, other than to guide us somewhere." She declared. "If it is really a trap, I would like to see whether they're competent enough to handle us all."
Kaguya then traveled through the leyline fount, taking her entire group with her, as they seemed to find themselves in the same location of the Minato Ward, except the part of the area they were in was a lot different, as they were before the great bridge that was part of the ward, except it was shattered long ago due to unknown forces.
As Kaguya began to explore the area, traversing through the bridge, as they fought more demons in the area, including a imposing black dragon that tried to attack the group, only to be swiftly annihilated by the efforts of the group, they began to see that there was a gathering of demons ahead, as if it was a stronghold not too different to the ones that the other Bethel branches were making.
Kaguya then noticed that there was a Lamia nearby, as she approached her.
"Hey, what is this place?" Kaguya asked the demon.
"This? This is Lord Khonsu's home-ground." The Lamia answered back. "Lord Khonsu aims for a world where everyone can live in peace. No difference in ability, no pestilence or plague. What would it be like to live in such a world? I simply can't imagine."
"Well, at least it would be better than all of this." Kaguya stated.
Kaguya began to look around, seeing the various Egyptian demons that were present, before one of them caught her eye.
"Isis!?" Kaguya remarked, as she approached the female goddess, who was a dark-skinned woman dressed in a long white dress with purple highlights, and had golden feathers covering her chest, the sides of her arms, which spread out further, and a golden head-dress. "...I suppose that this really is the place of the Egyptian demons, isn't it?"
"You wouldn't be wrong. I am glad that you helped me with Horus." Isis answered back. "But I know the reason why you're here. You seek Khonsu, yes?"
"Definitely. But I just want to talk to him." Kaguya answered back.
"Then let me tell you an old story." Isis said. "A long time ago, a prince met a girl suffering from a terrible disease. The girl was desperately fighting against the cruel fate that the gods had dealt her. The prince was moved by the girl's courage. None knew what he was thinking at the time, but he took a blade, cut his arm and made the girl drink his blood. It turns out, the prince had a miraculous ability. He could use his blood to lessen people's suffering."
"Woah…" Tao remarked, as she was astounded by the tale.
"The prince gave blood slowly to the girl every night. Slowly but surely, the girl grew healthy again." Isis continued, before bowing her head. "But tragedy came swiftly. The prince was drawn into war. For as long as he had his blood, he could not be defeated. So the prince filled wine barrels with his blood and ordered them to be given to the girl regularly. He left for the battlefield, but in the end, it was for naught. He did not survive. Without the prince's blood, his soldiers fell, one by one. The kingdom fell, but with the blood that was still left, the girl was cured. To this day, the girl enjoys perfect health, completely unaware of the prince's sacrifice. The end."
"...What a sad tale." High Pixie remarked, with a sad expression on her face.
"Well? Did you find that interesting?" Isis smiled back.
"...It was a good story. The tragedy, and the hope left behind… I think I understand the moral behind it." Kaguya answered back.
"Oh? Then you must be wiser than you think." Isis stated. "Thank you for your compliment. I made up the latter half, but it was still a good story, no?"
"Wait, you made up the latter half?" Kaguya remarked. "Then that means that the former half is true events… and Miyazu said that a prince from a faraway place saved her, and since…"
Kaguya then realized something immediately, as she froze. "You're telling a story in progress, and your ad-lib is one of the possible outcomes of it!" Kaguya exclaimed.
"Kaguya, what are you talking about?" Sahori asked.
"Think about it." Kaguya stated. "Now, I may not have been here long enough to know everyone well, but I know that Miyazu has been sick for a long time, and that her illness is untreatable. Don't you think that she is the ill girl in Isis's story?"
"...Shit, this changes everything…" Sahori bit her thumb. "...And that means that this Khonsu is the one who has been treating her?"
"It has to be, right, Isis?" Kaguya answered back, turning to the goddess.
"I stand by my earlier statement." Isis stated. "And your companions are also able to pick up the pieces when you point out the damning clue. Well done."
"What do we do then?" Tao asked.
"We confront Khonsu about this. But first, we need to get answers for what the hell he was doing here." Kaguya stated.
They soon entered through the stone gates into the Egyptian stronghold, finding themselves on tiled ground, with no-one to be seen.
"Well, that must mean that Khonsu is out and about-" Sahori quipped.
"So they sent an assassin after all." Khonsu's voice remarked, before he then appeared before the group. "And I have to say- YOU!?"
"Khonsu, I know that you're not pleased with me, but-" Kaguya was about to say, as Khonsu immediately drew his Khopesh in a hostile stance.
"Have you come here to kill me? Simply because I do not approve of you!?" Khonsu growled. "Or worse yet, you expect me to be party to your cruelties, with honeyed words hiding venomous lies underneath!"
"I'm not here to fight you, I just want to talk with you!" Kaguya shouted back.
"Be silent! I will not heed any words from your vile tongue!" Khonsu roared. "In fact, since you've come here, I shall put an end to you. And when you are judged, may Ammit consume your wretched soul for all of eternity!"
Formidable Target Detected
Khonsu
The Moon Traveller
"Tch, he's not going to see reason." Sahori clicked her tongue. "Sorry, Kaguya. But you will have to beat him sore to even get him to start listening."
"...Khonsu, I'm going to apologize for what I'm about to do, because this is not what I want." Kaguya answered back. "...But I won't let you kill me."
Kaguya then immediately fired off several silver lights from her naginata, as it managed to hit Khonsu, making him falter, as Artemis joined the fray.
"Khonsu, I understand your noble intentions, but Kaguya is genuine in her apology-" Artemis remarked.
"You left her because you know of her cruelty." Khonsu retorted back. "Why have you come back to her? What has she threatened you with?"
"Nothing." Artemis responded back. "I came with her in the first place because she seeked to do justice like you. Her act in the summit was cruel, and I strongly agree. In fact, had she not apologized, I would have turned my back on her out of sheer horror. But she did, and she accepted the consequences of her actions."
"Even so, I will not allow her to live." Khonsu answered back. "A world of peace will not be paved with the bloodshed wrought upon our enemies. Cruelty like this is rewarded with more cruelty."
"Then I have to stop you." Artemis declared, before she cast Bufudyne, as the ice pillar knocked Khonsu further off guard.
"Khonsu, please, just let us try to convince you to stop." Tao stated. "We don't have to fight. Kaguya has never done something as terrible as this before. She only did it out of sheer hate for Abdiel's actions."
"And does that excuse her-" Khonsu roared back, before he then took a closer look at Tao. "...Wait, you're the Saint from the Japanese branch… How… how have you transcended into a divine form like this?"
"I obtained it, because I unlocked the hidden power within me, the power of creation." Tao answered back. "...And to answer you, no, that does not excuse her. She does not regret hurting Abdiel, but she did admit that one time, she went too far even in her standards. Would you not have punished Abdiel if you were in her shoes?"
Khonsu was left silent, as the grip of his khopesh began to loosen.
"...No, I would be hypocritical to say that I wouldn't." Khonsu answered back.
"I won't fight you. You're not the wrong party here, but neither is Kaguya. This fight has no point." Tao remarked, as she stepped back from the battlefield.
"Okay, look. Can you just lay off Kaguya?" Sahori remarked, as she stepped forth. "She's been tired after everything she has done to keep Tao and I safe. Ever since the start of this entire debacle, she's been fighting chaos demon after chaos demon just to make the entire netherworld a safer place for us all. And from what I have heard, she's been helping a lot of demons, so don't say that she doesn't care about demons."
"And how does she solve those problems? With bloodshed?" Khonsu answered back.
"No, you idiot prince!" Sahori snapped. "She may have defeated and killed some demons. But I can bet you all of the money under my name that each and every one of them deserved what they got. And she was far less merciless with them. To her, taking care of them was her job, nothing personal really. And then comes Abdiel, who literally screwed her and us over so many times. Of course she wanted to hurt her real bad. But at least she didn't kill Abdiel, right?"
"No, but it was still a brutal fate forced upon her." Khonsu answered back. "Severing a wing and beating the very blood out of her… that is not something that an impartial savior would do."
"I'm not really a savior." Kaguya responded back. "I just simply do my best to solve problems for others. And after someone in my life showed me what's good about it all, I decided to be a bit charitable to the general populace. That's mainly why I've been helping out people. I've helped put an end to a dispute of ideals, got some demons a safe haven, and even made the fairy village a much safer and happier place. Hell, I helped Isis out in stopping her son from becoming a feral beast."
Khonsu fell silent, before he then let go of his Khopesh, as there was a conflicted expression on him.
"So my doubts were true. You merely acted out in rage against someone who has spurned you so, not out of a sense of twisted justice." Khonsu remarked, before he then took a deep breath. "...Very well, I understand now. I do not forgive you for what you have done. But I understand your motivations, and see no reason to judge you for it."
"Thank goodness." Tao smiled, at the dissolution of hostilities.
"So, why are you here, not near the Empyrean Throne?" Kaguya asked. "I thought that you would have gone for it, in order to create a better world for everyone."
"I have no interest in becoming a Nahobino." Khonsu answered back. "And therefore, I will never be able to have a claim towards taking the Throne. Let that assure you that you have one less competitor to the throne."
"Well, if you put it that way… Actually, I can take your cause." Kaguya responded back.
"What!?" Khonsu exclaimed. "But you are from Bethel Japan! Your interests would align with them, not mine!"
"Not anymore. I told myself that I would find a worthy cause to shape the world with. And when you spoke to me in that summit, you actually gave me the idea." Kaguya answered back. "A world where demons and humans are equal. That is a better kind of world than the world where humans only exist as fodder or pawns for the demons."
"You… You would cast away your own allegiance to fulfill my wish, truly?" Khonsu asked with surprise.
"I would." Kaguya nodded.
"And I promised to follow Kaguya." Tao stated. "Tsukuyomi's wish… while noble, is still a far cry from the equality and peace we seek."
"...Perhaps I truly have misjudged you. Very well, you have my word that we will not harm each other anymore." Khonsu remarked. "Now, I must ponder on this matter."
"Alright." Kaguya answered back, before she then left the area with her group, as they began to head back.
"Wow, didn't think that we could talk a big-wig like him down, eh?" Sahori remarked.
"I'm surprised as you are, Sahori. He was adamant about trying to kill you. And then after the reasons are explained… he seems hesitant to do so." Tao answered back.
"I'm glad that things didn't go bad. I wouldn't want to kill him. He's a far more decent head than the rest of the three, that's for sure. At least he wears his heart on his sleeve." Kaguya answered back. "And for me, that's a good thing."
"So, where do we go from here?" High Pixie asked. "We still have to take care of the Throne business, before someone else beats us to the punch."
"I doubt that's happening." Kaguya answered back. "The branch heads are no pushovers, so it would take a real miracle for them to be taken out first."
"Then what now?" High Pixie asked back.
"Simple, we find a certain glass-wearing girl, and explain the matter to her." Kaguya answered back. "And then we decide where to go from there."
Proto Omoikane (Supermoon) Lv. 54
Elemental Resistances: Ice, Light, Lightning, Force
Elemental Weaknesses: Fire, Dark
Notable Skills: Critical Zealot, Dragon Eye, Megidola, Diamrita, Moon Blessing
Moon Blessings: Gives all allies Shining for 3 turns.
Shining: Restores the MP of the demon with this status effect for each turn.