Chapter 284: Night of the Bloodstained Ballad Of the Storm of Ash.
While the mission that was about to decide the fate of not just the universe, but maybe the entire Multiverse was about to unfold, the only one's not realizing the stakes were the ones that the mission was all about.
But since Tron put the device from the Infinite Victory and Conquest corporation on the Hague everyone was frozen in time the entire time, till Muzan was at last ready to begin interrogating everyone.
Masaki was as confused as everyone from the SRX team, as one second, he was yelling at Tron, and all of a sudden, he was tied up in a chair.
The green haired man saw Roll, and most of his teammates like Ryuski also tied up before he turned pale." Huh, what the hell is going on?"
"You're probably wondering where you are. I'll tell you where you might be. You might be in the room you die in depending on how you play the upcoming game. How the game ends depends on the choices all of you will make."
Masaki saw it came from a male ventriloquist's dummy hanging above the door leading into the room. Its face was white, with a protruding brow and cheeks that had red spirals painted on them. Its red lips formed a grin. Its eyes were black with red irises, and its head was topped with black hair.
It was depicted wearing a black tuxedo with a white shirt and gloves, red bow tie, and red handkerchief in the breast pocket. It also had red Mary Janes for shoes.
As everyone looked at it the doll cackled out," When faced with death, who should live versus who will live are two entirely separate things. But how you play the cards you're dealt with is all that matters. Now my associate will help you figure out what choice you will be making. Just remember, once you are in hell, only the devil can help you out. And speak of the devil."
The door opened before a cocky male voice uttered," I'll take it from here Hoffmen! All right! We got a full boat. Let's meet the man!"
A man walked in that was in his late forties with black hair, a beard, a mustache, a leather jacket, and a large, spiked bat walk in.
The man saw everyone's looks before he smirked." Pissing our pants yet? Boy, do I have a feeling we're getting close. Yep. It's gonna be pee-pee pants city here real soon. Which one of you faggots is the leader?"
He saw some of the others glance at Masaki before he snickered." Yah, you have that look eh melon hair? Name's Negan Smith, and I think we are going to get to know each other real damn soon.
List here says your name is Masaki whatever right?
I'm Negan Smith, And I do not appreciate you killing my men.
Also, when I sent my people to kill your people for killing my people, you kiled more of my people. Not cool. Not cool. You have no idea how not cool that is.
But I think you're gonna be up to speed shortly. Yeah. You are so gonna regret crossing me in a few minutes. Yes, you are.
You see, Masaki, whatever you do, no matter what, you don't mess with the new world, no, new universal order. And the new order is this, and it's really very simple.
So, even if you're stupid, which you very may well be, you can understand it. You ready? Here goes. Pay attention.
Give me where your "pals are". or I will kill you.
Today was career day. We invested a lot so you would know who I am and what I can do. You work for me now.
You have anything, you give it to me. That's your job.
Now, I know that is a mighty big, nasty pill to swallow, but swallow it you most certainly will. You ruled the roost. You built something. You thought you were safe. I get it. But the word is out. You are not safe. Not even close. In fact, you are pegged, more pegged if you don't do what I want.
This is your way of life now. The more you fight back, the harder it will be. So, if someone knocks on your door...heh…then you will let us in. We own that door.
You try to stop us and we will knock it down. You understand?
What, no answer? You don't really think that you were gonna get through this without being punished, now, did you? I don't want to kill you people.
Just want to make that clear from the get-go. I want you to work for me.
You can't do that if you're dead, now, can you? I and the top brass are not growing a garden. But you killed my people, a whole damn lot of them. More than I'm comfortable with. And for that, for that you're gonna pay.
So, now...I'm gonna bat the holy hell outta one of you."
Negan banged the wall hard enough to dent it before he smirked." This- this is Lucille, and she is awesome. All this, all this is just so we can pick out which one of you gets the honor."
Negan saw everyone stand firm before he rolled his eyes." C"mon, at least cry a little."
Sanger grin his teeth before snarling out," You think after all we faced a bat will scare true warriors? You"
In a flash Negan smashed Sanger to the ground before he spat on him." What think I'm too low tech for you multiverse rebels? Your fancy horse mecha is not going to help you if it can't move!
You got some balls punk, but I don't care what you've done, your balls are in my hand now! I should just put you out of your misery right now."
Masaki saw his friend being hit again and again before he winced." No! No! Stop it!"
Negan hit Sanger some more till blood spat out from his target. He wiped the blood off his face before he shrugged." All right, listen. Don't any of you do that again. I will shut your ass down, no exceptions. First one's free. It's an emotional moment, I get it. Sucks, don't it? The moment you realize you don't know a damn thing."
Aya had tears in her eyes before Negan smirked." Ah, this gal's your squeeze melon head?"
Masaki looked around before the bat holding man smirked."
This is definitely more than just a co worker eh?"
"Just stop this!" Masaki cried out before Negan shrugged." Hey! Do not make me kill the little future serial killer. Don't make it easy on me. I gotta pick somebody. Everybody's at the table waiting for me to order."
Negan started whistling as he walked behind the group while twirling his bat." I simply cannot decide. Heh, but I got an idea.
Eenie... meenie... miney... mo... catch... a tiger... by... his toe. If... he hollers... let him go. My mother... told me... to pick the very best one... and you...are... it.
You can breathe, you can blink, you can cry. Hell, you're all gonna be doing that. Ho! Ho! Look at that. You all think you can take it like a champ!"
Masaki spat out a bitter," If we are all going to die, at least we can die knowing we are not selling out the others!"
Negan paused before he shrugged." Oh, so you think you're ready to die for the line of duty eh? What about those who got caught along for the ride? I'm not a one trick pony you know, we got enough tricks to make sure no one 's " turn" is a rerun!"
He nodded to the doll, before he had the right wall slide open, to reveal Barrel attached to what seemed like a surgeon chair.
Negan saw Roll's horror before he smirked." Now since it seems you" rebels" have been cruising through one universe or another, maybe you can tell the locals what that chair does? C'mon, don't be shy and make me bat the truth out of yah eh?"
Masaki took a deep breath before he looked down." It, it's an autosurgeon chair, its used for, public executions by the IV&C. It, it scans the body, maps the nervous system. Measure resilience. Then they run a rendering program."
Roll's eyes widened a little." Rendering?"
"It, it takes him apart. Flays the skin, flenses the flesh, cracks the bones. Disembowels him, cooks his eyes in their sockets, shatters his teeth, and probes the nerves."
As he saw Roll's horror he sighed." It keeps him alive while it does it. If he looks like he's going into shock, it stops.
Give him stimulants if necessary. Gives him whatever's necessary, apart from painkillers, obviously. It, it removes the skull last. "
"Sounds like you do know how we do business melon boy." Negan growled out." So, then you know how this is going to go eh? Only one way to get this to end, and that's to squeal like a pig.
Other wise you're not just dying…you're suffering till you wish you die, and then die some more! Your "rebellion's just a joke, so man up and admit it or everyone suffers. Think I'm kidding? We don't need to even pretend with the tag along's!"
Negan snapped his finger before the Autosurgeon chair started. Barrel screamed in moments, outraged fury for the first few seconds, almost reassuring in its humanity, but it didn't last.
In less than a minute, every human element boiled away to the white bone of animal agony. In that form, it came searing up the beach from the butcher's slab, shrike after peeling shrike filing the air like something solid, hunting listeners, touching everyone with sickening intimacy.
The human scream ran on, ripping along nerves, digging into marrow as Barrel screamed, pleading denial, the words wrenched out of him like something drawn with pliers as he screamed searing, sawing up and down a scale of despair and disbelief at what the machine was doing to him, at what he could feel happening to the sinewed fibers of his body.
As the target's voice was shredding, and something started flapping, membrane-thin and blood-streaked, torn loose from its body by pincers and fell to the ground, Negan saw everyone's reaction and shrugged." Oh, don't lose it yet gang, this is just getting started! And it's never going to end till we get an answer! You think I've had enough? Let's give the ladies a turn!"
Masaki saw Roll and Aya start to get picked up before he shouted out, causing Negan to spit on the ground." There's only one way this stops and that's if you give me an answer! No one in the entire multiverse can bail you out now melon boy! This is,"
At that moment, the ceiling collapsed as a trident the size of a truck crashed down. As Negan and the Jigsaw doll were sent flying, Masaki smirked." What to bet jackass? Don't know how long we been out but it still took to long for that guys! We, huh? Wait?"
Masaki was shocked that the mecha was not one he expected, but a blue mecha that had fish like qualities before he blurted out," Wait, the Gaddess? This universe has Masou Kishins in it to?"
"No but yours does and don't want you dying in a ditch! At least…I don't want you dying in a ditch Masaki."
The cockpit of the mecha turned hollow, and showed that a gorgeous blond woman with blue eyes and wearing a pilot suit. Masaki saw her and widened his eyes." Wait… Tyutti Noorback? How, how did you get here?"
"Because Alzarl and most of La Gias was worried you were over your head, and I could not lose you like I lost Ricardo. Even if the Cybuster was sealed to others are bond can keep us together even from another universe! Sorry you're in pain but we got to get going fast!"
Masaki saw other mecha crashing down before he winced." Yah, just make sure everyone is free ok?"
"Sorry Masaki, a lot were killed already. We have to go quickly, so tell me how we get there!"
"Huh? Get where?"
La Gias is under attack from the IV&C too, and this prime universe is under Sieg's control to so the only place left is where the Multiversal Rebel Alliance is hiding out! We, we have to get there now!"
Masaki paused before he grasped his head." Wait…Tyutti…I never told you I knew where the Alliance leaders were!"
Tyutti paused before her eyes twitched." Yah…that's right , but Fang Zan Bisias found out! You know he never wants to be too far behind his rival right?"
Masaki grasped his head before uttering," Wait…no, this is not adding up. Tyutti…are you…ok?"
The blond woman had her eye twitch before spitting out," Of course I'm not ok? Everything we know is about to be wiped out and the only thing that can save us all is if we find the alliance!"
"No, no matter what happened, the Tyutti I know would never forget the greater good, even when pressed to the limit."
The woman twitched, before the entire area cracked as a cold male voice uttered," You really have keen instincts, to the very end boy."
Suddenly everything shattered, before a flash of light blinded Masaki. To his shock he saw he was in the cockpit of the Cybuster, before he saw a blue mecha in front of him with golden royal-like armor around it. The green haired man paused before he uttered," Wait…the Neo Granzon? No, but that means."
"Yes Masaki…you're in my crosshairs now."
Masaki saw a transmission before he saw a purple haired man in a lab coat before he narrowed his eyes." No…this has to be a dream, because I killed you Shu Shirakawa!"
"Heh…maybe you killed my counterpart from your universe. But, I planned all of this from the beginning as I knew of my 'Classic Timeline' counterpart's fate so I made a plan that should lead to Luozorl reviving me and then him screwing with Volkruss.
After all, I have a far superior partnership then the likes of him!"
"You mean V-Day? Damn you, no matter what tricks any version of you goes to, it's not going to be enough!"
"Oh? Because it seems like its at last time that you, and the entire Kingdom of Langran had the reckoning you all deserve!"
Masaki was about to respond before he looked down and realized he knew his surroundings." Wait…I'm back home? But, how? Wait, is that a crossgate?"
Before he could respond a massive four armored giant that looked like a knight bigger than the buildings in the kingdom burst out of the ground. Masaki heard a demonic roar and winced." Wait…that almost looks like, Kadoam Hakam, the legendary giant!"
"That's because it is the legend boy, because destiny is reaching its climax!"
A new voice came in before Masaki saw the mecha and winced," Wait… the Valsion? No, but you died Bian Zoldark!"
The image of a bearded man in a red uniform appeared before he snickered." You wish I was dead boy, but its time you all faced your reckoning! You and all of La Gigas thought you were "on the side of justice?" We know the truth!
In the past, the Kadoam Hakam of La Gias and the giants arrived in the subterranean world, uplifting the humans by giving them the technology to harness and utilize prana; at the same time, they made these ancient humans of La Gias their servants.
Although these "gods" and the humans of La Gias lived peacefully, man grew tired of serving the giants, eventually rebelling against their masters.
Through mass-producing the Zelvoid machines and initiating a Suicide Attack on them, the giants were destroyed, yet their lingering hate and resentment for the humans gave birth to the evil deities of La Gias. That time is now at hand! You and all the other fools across all other universe's will face your judgment!"
The giant Kadoam Hakam roared before four spheres of light formed in its hands. Masaki saw the entire area shake before he grit his teeth." Despite the odds…at least this is more my style! Shu, Bian, this is the last farewell!
Whatever the sins of La Gias in the past, I know that's nothing compared to the sins of the Infinite Victory and Conquest corporation! I don't want to leave regrets here; I'm going to bet my all here! Let's go Cybuster! Kadoam Hakam…no matter what existence you have…or what objective you have, if your keen on controlling us or eating us or whatever, then I'm not going to lose to you! Betting my pride as an Elemental Lord and as a SRX member ALL on this! COSMOS NOVA!"
The sliver mecha unleashed a gigantic blue energy blast that collided into the incoming energy blast. As the energy blast was pushed back a few feet Kuro tugged his arm." Masaki….its not going to be enough there is to many of those giants! We, we need back up! You, you have to call for back up! If the other alliance guys came here, we might win!"
Masaki paused before he glanced at his long-time talking cat friend." Hey, hold up Kuro you know that's not how it works right? Even if La Gias falls, it's not as bad as the whole multiverse falling!"
"But everything could fall Masaki! You , you have to realize what's at stake here so call for the alliance! You done enough for them that its time they risk their lives for once right?"
"Hey come on we overcame worst odds right? Huh?"
He saw a laser blast shoot past him before a stern older voice grunted out," You only delayed your fate because now is when destiny gives you what you deserve boy."
Masaki looked up to see a gigantic black demonic mecha towering over him before he raised a eyebrow." Wait…that's from the Ze Balmary Empire! But that means."
A new transmission appeared on his monitor to show the new man had jet-black body with three red eyes. He had two long, upward-curving horns and apart from these, his head and face are featureless.
He had three pairs of arms and two legs, giving him an appearance that would have been similar to Hindu deities. As Masaki looked at him in a distorted, echoing voice he boomed out," You thought you could deny the will of Keisar Ephes? You only staggered me last time boy, and it's time you vermin get what you deserve! Your planet is just going to be a Banquet of Despair for us!"
The green haired man saw the ruler of the Balmary Empire 's mecha's mouth open up to reveal a cannon that was gathering blood red energy before he took a deep breath." Even to the end…I'm not going to drag others down with me, especially if the entire multiverse is on the line! I'll figure out something, it's what I do!"
As Masaki struggled to figure out what was going on, little did he realize not only was he not back at his home, but he never left his cell. It was not Shu or any of his other enemies of his past looking at him, but Muzan.
The Shadowlord, along with Grimoire Noir, Mahito, Kirinmaru and the remaining Upper Moon demons saw a projection of what Masaki thought was reality, while he was chained up in what looked like a coffin.
Muzan and the others were in a wide room that seemed to be the core of the Mother crystal and hence was surrounded on all sides by blood red crystalline structures.
Mahito saw Masaki scream, and saw some of the other visions from those put in the coffins before the stich faced demon snickered." I have to admit boss man this is way more fun than just beating their faces in with a pipe! Having a redue option till we get the answer does seem like a good way to make sure we get that info sooner or later."
Muzan nodded before he tipped his hat." The Vought Clan's experimental dream-sharing technology to infiltrate their targets' subconscious and extract information that way is a far more, precise way of extracting what we need. They may have safeguards for direct mental probing.
But, by eroding their defenses by putting them through one "dream" after another they get confused with what is real and what is fake.
The deeper their minds fall into the multi-layered dream dungeon, the more minor things they reveal. And after enough time, they will think they are safe, and tell me what I want to hear.
And then, I will have the means to secure my, our place in the new order. And now with the system working smoothly, it's at last time I have the body that is fit to be part of the elite of the Multiverse.
Geto and the others have things under control on the surface?"
Kirinmaru paused before he nodded." The Dominants are all at the cathedral, one way or another they will do their part for the ritual."
"Good, then all that remains, is to make sure I step into the new order with my sister, my true sister. Is it ready Noir?"
The flying book glanced to the right and nodded." The process to merge the Replicant's body with your sister Yonah is ready to begin master."
Muzan heard a scream and glanced to the right as he saw Nezuko scream as the bindings held her to a wall, and to her side was a woman that looked like her, but with white hair and blue eyes and naked in some sort of suspended animation.
The demon lord looked at his sister with longing before he smirked." Just a little longer Yonah, your brother will free you from this unfair universe's burdens, and once the parasite is purged from your new body we will get what I deserve."
Nezuko yelled again before Grimoire Noir shocked her and Muzan uttered a cold," You have no right to defy me when you have my sister's face! It was your destiny, to return what I deserve, and nothing is going to stop it "faker."
You, your brother, your family, your entire planet was just meant to help me realized my destiny! Be at peace for the joy of fulfilling the role a substitute was supposed to serve!"
While Nezuko tried to have pink fire come out, Muzan snapped his fingers before the machine she was attached to zap her, the floating book floated above his master before uttering," I assure you Shadow Lord, once the process is finished…this unpleasantness will be. Purged."
"Yes, then she will be raised properly, and she will have a brother that is powerful enough to ensure death never touches her again, for the process is complete at last."
Muzan looked below before seeing a massive sphere shaped like an dice with demonic eyes and the symbol of Zannacross on it. He smirked before uttering," At last, the time has come. Make sure no one interferes!"
His minions looked around before Doma let out an uneasy chuckle." So um, just to be clear master, what do we do if Homelander wants to talk to you for, one reason or another? Or if Omni-Man does find us?"
Muzan paused before he shrugged." It does seem like the Viltrumite's have been successfully diverted to Mitcham. But, it's one thing if the IV&C directly comes here, but I refuse to let Homelander take my glory! That's what the "reserves are for." Eh Dragon…Ata?"
Two more men walked into the chamber. On the left was a huge and incredibly muscular man with yellow silted pupils and sharp teeth. His left eye had a noticeable squint compared to the right, akin to a case of strabismus.
While appearing to have male pattern baldness his remaining hair was still wild and dark. He wore a white cloak that acted like a cape due to his enormous size.
The other man was a dark-skinned adult man with white hair and two broken horns on his head. He had one dead eye, and wore a mask that concealed his mouth and chin.
His attire consisted of a sleeveless purple vest resembling a haori tied together by an armor plate covering his chest, along with dark baggy pants and sandals. He also carried four average sized katanas on his person.
The balder man cracked his neck before uttering," Whoever shows up, we will get to fight someone strong right?"
Muzan smirked before nodding." Yes…either you will fight a strong invader, or you will get to fight a strong target afterworlds. You two will be able to live up to your purpose so very soon."
The thinner man smirked before he licked his lips." Well Dragon looks like it's going to be a party after all eh? This is going to be a blast."
"Oh, one way or another it will be a celebration the universe will never forget. For its shaping up to how it was always fated to be. For all the promises of the light…darkness was always life's true nature, its fate. Master Elrond…all your pathetic devotion to the light is about to be show to be so utterly worthless.
Yes…all worlds begin in darkness, and all so end.
The heart is no different. Darkness sprouts within it, it grows, consumes it. Such is its nature. In the end, every heart returns to the darkness whence it came.
And since darkness is the heart's true essence, since I as the Shadowlord am the master of darkness that I was destined to be, at last it's time we have what we deserve!"
"We master?" Doma uttered in confusion. Muzan paused before his eye twitched and he grasped his face before licking his tongue." I meant me and my sister of course.
And we been delayed enough by inane questions, I'm so close to what I wanted are, my whole life that I can taste it in the air! Yes, it all starts now, do as your told and you will be rewarded! Fail…and suffer like all the heathens. See you soon, Yohan."
Muzan at once started the process to begin everything he had spent his life as the Shadow Lord building up to, and at once the entire planet of Valisthea, most of all the capital of the "Holy Empire of Sanbreque" Oriflamme started.
After Mike and co talked over a few things with Cid and the rest of the few in Valisthea still willing to defy Muzan, they left their hideout.
To ensure they would not be picked up by the scouts of the Shadowlord, Ezan let Cid guide them, and the world's native Cid kept his word as the group quickly arrived at a location called "the Final Sin".
Mike saw a massive crater the size of a city that had water going down what seemed to the core of the very planet itself before he whistled." Damn…if I threw a coin in there how long till it would hit the bottom?"
Cid snickered before he looked around." You're free to waste some gil trying to find out mate but funds are tight on are end. But aye, it's the" land of the gods."
Jill looked at the Final Sin Lake and sighed." I remember being captivated by the story as a child. "
Clive nodded before he grunted out," Long, long ago, man was overcome by avarice, and challenged the gods in a bid to win power. The final battle took place here, at these falls, at least the legends go."
James looked around before the holographic man sighed." There was a battle here to secure the world after most of the forces left Ormus for Van'Dalgyon, but while there was casualties I would hardly call it a battle of biblical proportions. Still, would not be the first-time truths were distorted in history."
Cid chuckled bitterly before responding with a dry," We were all told that the gods emerged victorious, and punished man for his defiance…by visiting him with two curses.
That would be Dominant 's and Bearers. To tell the truth, it always seemed strange to me that Dominants and their Eikions were seen as a curse. Back at home, the Dominant inherited the throne, they were admired and exalted, not spurred.
Whenever I got to that part of the story, I always assumed that there must be something I misunderstood. But now it's clear, this Muzan you all been talking about has been making this entire world suffer just to praise him as a god.
To think, I saw him whispering into Barnabas's ear. He looked so wormy I just assumed he was someone's lacky, like Sleipnir Harbard. But guess it makes sense to act like a lowly aide so no one catch's on that you're the king.
Making this a holy site is a great way to keep folks away, cause after what you told us does seem like a dandy place to push ships down."
Astra looked down at the Final Sin hole and shrugged." So should we just dive down the hole, kick Muzan's ass and be done with it?"
Ezan sighed before cutting in with," You can sense the power levels around the area too, yes? If we want to rescue everyone we have to get there before they notice so, backdoor it is."
Crowly snickered before he looked around." Should listen well girl, Muzan's got more traps than you can sneeze at. Why, there's the last dame that thought she could just walk in!"
Everyone saw that the turn coat demon in a coat was pointing to a crystal in the right, and saw that there was a woman frozen in it. James looked at the woman and as he eyed the female with black and brown hair and a gothic blue dress and a rose tattoo on her right exposed shoulder he gasped." Wait, I remember her!
She, she was an Enji, Miriam. Crystals that harbor demonic power were embedded into her skin at a young age as part of a dark curse.
She was orphan by an Alchemist at a young age, she became a host for the dark Alchemists' curse. Although I helped her repress the magi-crystals as she learned the arts of
I helped her train the art of the Shardbinder to repress the curse, and thought she was lost like, so many. But, somehow she came here?"
Crowly shrugged before saying," Muzan 's been experimenting on plenty mooks so she might have gotten the short straw. We won't know now, she's been gone for a lifetime if not more."
James eyed the crystal carefully before he looked determined." Maybe, but this is not the same as all the ones that fell to the crystal curse on this world. I, was able to reverse the effect of the Magi-crystals in the past, I, might be able to do it again."
Mike cleared his throat before uttering," You sure you can pull it off man? And that it won't tip things off here?"
"I understand your concern but, I have to at least try. I failed so many students, if I can save at least a few from my mistakes then, that has to be something."
Ezan nodded before he looked around." The area is secure for now, just do it quickly James."
"Understood, help me control the mana flow Weiss."
The floating book nodded before James made a few hand gestures and unleashed a spell that caused the crystals around Miriam to glow. After a few sparks of lighting the crystals receded before the woman inside took a gasp of fresh air.
Miriam fell to her knees before she looked at her hands." Am I…in hell?"
"Not unless we all are." Astra answered dryly." Miriam looked around before she saw James and gasped." Master Elrond…you're here? How?"
"I could ask you the same question Miriam."
The mage sighed before she got up." I, I was trying to help Gebel. He came to this world to see if it would help his curse, when a man met him asking for are help. Demons attacked, and I tried to absorb all of demons attacking the town. But, I think I absorbed to many because it caused me to crystallize. I, huh? Is, is this the same town?"
Miriam looked shocked at how different her surroundings looked before James sighed." I'm afraid much more time has passed them you hoped Miriam. But, the root problem still present, I wonder if Muzan built all of this on where your friend Gebel fell to his own curse.
I wish we had more time to catch up but we have a very vital job to see realized. But we can send you back to our allies if you need to rest."
Miriam looked determined before she grasped her right fist tightly." No…no matter what I must finish this."
Cid saw the woman's resolve despite being frozen for lifetimes and snickered." Bloody hell I was wondering if this was all a con, but you really can free those consumed by the crystal sickness?"
James looked conflicted before he looked around." I have mastered countless spells that can heal but, I already knew Miriam's case. It's not hopeless for your world but, we will need to liberate it first."
"Well as if I needed another reason to kick the so called" Masters of the house" swiftly in the arse. Let's just make sure the scene is clear and we are good to go. Ah, there's my man scouting the area. Hey, over here Zangetsu!"
Everyone saw a man with a rough black beard that was dressed in a fusion of a western-style coat that was prominent in the late 1700s and traces of Japanese elements in that it was kept half-open. He had an eyepatch and a wooden left arm.
This man with duel Katanas looked at all the citizens from another world before he raised the eyebrow from his remaining eye. "Cid…I knew we needed allies but having demons fight demons seems like we trade one devil for another."
"It's not like that Zangetsu, they are not from below but above. All the stories about other worlds are true mate, cause you're looking at them. So, if you got things scoped out then things are good to go and we just might live to drink another day eh?"
Zangetsu sighed before he nodded." I won't turn down a chance for vengeance now. The kingdom is as monitored as it ever has been, but even that is not something that the Mugen Tenshin clan and the Hayabusa Ninja Clan can't overcome, yes Kasumi?"
A woman suddenly landed right next to Zangetsu. She was a slender, physically-fit, and petite young woman, predominantly black ninja bodysuit with white gloves and what looks like tabi with heeled kunoichi shoes, as well as sections with blue accents.
She had armored pads on her arms, and shins, and she wears her sword on her lower back before she looked around and nodded."
"Me, Ryu, Hayate, and Ayane have finished checking the city. Its tight, but we can pull it off if everything is going according to plan."
Cid saw another ninja like man leaning on a rock in the distance, one clad in an outfit that's sleek design was similar to that of the modern special ops agent, while the tabi boots, ninja head piece, mask, scarf and shin/forearm guards are reminiscent of the ancient ninja warrior before he shrugged."
Well I know the Mugen Tenshin clan and the Hayabusa Ninja Clan have been at each other's throats as long as the kingdoms have been a thing but I know even mister "dragon ninja" Ryu Hayabusa can put his grudge aside to realize his "lord" was about to have him jump off a cliff. To top it off we got some other turncoats helping us, eh Cornell?"
Next to Kasumi came out a slender, somewhat frail appearance, with pale complexion and platinum-colored hair. The man named Cornell nodded as he looked around." I followed Ortega's lead because I thought we would survive, but he offered my sister Ada to Volf anyway out of spite! She's the only one I care about, I'll do whatever it takes to rescue her!"
Crowly snickered before he responded with," Well with Reinhardt Schneider, the bloke who trained from the art of the Belmont clan, a few undercover "Beaers" that go by Carrie Fernandez and Shanoa and we got all the eyes we can pull off in a place that's demon central."
"Well, the Dame and Martha gave us a few last crumbs but it's now or never. Alright Crowly, it's all on you mate."
The demon in a trench coat sighed before he put his hands up in the air." Look I'm going to honor the deal but I can't con them forever. Just long enough to get you past the gate."
"Don't worry about that." Ezan uttered as he had his hand grasp his sheath." We can move fast when motivated. The path is clear, let's begin. Cid, with everything going on we will do what I can but I can't promise you're that you will get through this."
Cid laughed before responding with a fatalistic," I knew the odds were good that I was going to die when I gave all the powers that be the finger "hero", but if it means that my kid Mid has a future, it's worth it."
Mike let out an uneasy chuckle before he shrugged." Hey Cid, defying the odds is our whole Shtick so, no reason to be off brand now of all times."
Crowly nodded before he cracked his knuckles." Alright, then just try and act like you been in a heard your whole life and you might not wind-up dead."
The demon cast a spell before to everyone's shock they saw Chocobos pop up, and realized that the spell caused everyone to look like Chocobos. Tyson grasped his fist and realized it was only a magic bubble that caused those on the outside to think they were chocobo's before the Black Panther shrugged." Beats crawling through the sewers."
Astra spat on the ground before she shrugged." Long as it gets me to kick all those punk's ass's before they screw us over, works for me."
Clive took a deep breath before he grasped his necklace tightly." Mother…despite how hard you tried to run away its time you answer for what you done to your own family!"
Tanjiro took a deep breath before he nodded." Hang on just a little longer Nezuko…no matter how many demons Muzan has surrounded himself with, with the help of the others I'll cut them all down to free you from this insanity! No matter what, this ends here."
With one last check the group cautiously made their way to their destination. While the majority of the ones there had nothing but thoughts of murder and conquest on their minds, there was a few that was lamenting the ritual taking place before them, Dion, Dominant of light being one of them.
After Geto had informed everyone what they had to do he left to talk with a few others, leaving the leaders of the world's kingdoms to eat.
Dion looked outside and saw below that people were casually sacrificing bearers and looking like they were having the time of their lives before he winced. "This is madness, we are acting like barbarians, not people of a nation."
"Even noble elite must show their fangs to assert their superiority my son. Tonight, the masters of the house assert their dominance."
Dion turned around to see a man in blue and white regal attire glancing at him. Dion saw how Annabel looked at the bearded man with amusement before he winced." Is this really your will father? The will of Sylvestre Lesage, Emperor of Sanbreque has surrendered his throne to these priests?"
Sylvester smirked before he made a dramatic gesture." I thought a dragon man would clearly see that I have son. I rule are land, but are hosts are one with god, who has authority over all. Ere long…the imperial banner shawl fly over every corner of Storm…and then all of Valisthea."
Dion saw his father tap the ground with his scepter before he struggled to not vomit in disgust." Father those are words of a tyrant."
"Heh, they are words of god. The Emperor who I gladly serve. Great Gregor made flesh!" Dion's father raised his scepter and smashed it on his son's shoulder, causing him to kneel.
Sylvester saw his son's bitterness before he took a flower out of his pocket and but it on his son." Go to your spot son, the time of judgment has come."
Dion saw Geto and Mother Miranda again before he grit his teeth." Father…I find you much changed. Is this truly the path you wish to trend? Are these even your ambitions or the ambitions of another? These "priests" spout holy words but commit demonic acts! They are everything Great Gregor is supposed to be against! "
"What nonsense is this?" His father shout out with raw indignation." I speak my mind, and my mind only! Though I do own Anabella thanks of reminding me of certain truths…regarding the nature of nations, of rulers…and of the divine."
Dion saw Clive's mother smirk with triumph before the rage boiled in his heart." You trust the words of this traitoress? She betrayed her country, she slew her husband!"
The blond woman sighed before cutting in with a dismissive," You have ever been an invaluable servant to Sanbreque," Prince" Dion. I trust you will not tarnish that legacy with a moment of weakness. Well, more than the moments you already had."
"Don't act like you're my,"
"Silence! "His father snarled out with pure fury." Insolent wretch! She is your mother, because that is what I see her as! You will bend the knee! All else is heresy!"
Dion saw the building rage in his father and lowered his head." As you command father."
"This chat is over, I must talk with the Rowena Syndicate about what's to come."
He left, leaving Anabella to look smugly at her son in law." Does it pain you will never inherit your father's throne Dion? "
Dion grasped his spear tightly before spitting out," I have suffered worst."
"All to true boy. Count your blessings, for a base born child to be chosen by Bahamut is a miracle enough. You have rising high on his wings, but no matter how strong you are, you will never rise higher, your impure blood will stain the throne, if not the world. Your sinful passions have made sure of it."
"My passions are only my concern."
"I thought you were smart boy? No matter what, people will always hate such mindsets on pure instinct.
No matter what you think, I know that your wholly unworthy of the highest offices of the state, which rightly belong to those of…purer breeding and mind. Alas…your bloodline runs through the Oriflamme gutter from a whore who weighed her child's worth in gil."
Dion found it harder to control himself as he hissed out," Did you threaten my father?"
"Oh of course not! I merely whispered in his ear what he already knew was a fact. That his degenerate son was unable to have enough wisdom to be a true ruler. Oh, Sylvestre listens well to his astrologers…and they have ears to."
"You have been feeding them your lies?"
"Not lies…facts that others are to craven to admit! Should you do your part Dion, you might get a laurel on your head when this is over…instead of tar."
"Foul tongued witch…I'll."
He saw Geto and some of the others in the distance glancing at him before he repressed his anger. Anabel saw his repressed fury and snickered." In consideration of your long service to your father, and me, I'll be graceful enough to look past that unsightly rudeness.
Now hurry and make ready "son." The fires of Bahamut will be needed to burn all the sinners that pollute this world to ash, and all that's left will bow to their rightful ruler.
So go do your duty before you lose what glory you already have."
Dion had his eye twitch before he saw some of the others coming and stormed off. Hugo was one of the ones that walked off before the tall bald man snickered." You masterfully keep the mutt on his leash, just keep him tethered long enough for this to pull off and you might be more than just a good whore."
Clive's mother snickered as she eyed the bald man keenly." Please…think at your own peril that I got to where I am solely on my skill at wooing a man's lust. If it's a toy you want don't you already have your own?"
Hugo saw Benedikta wave at him before he snickered." Bah, I'm not going to do anything cause I know so many hate your guts that its fated to happen. Have fun looking at every shadow."
He and Benedikta then went into the corner on the other side before the younger blonder woman said," Take care not to finish to early "titan."
The taller man snickered back with," Does the lion take care, when chasing the hare? Or do you think of me as one of the latter?"
"No, my love, you're the lion, you're my lion and we are going to feast on this hunt together."
The two made out, and Annabella saw the younger blond woman wink at Barnabas from the other side before making out with the taller man before her before the older blond woman snickered darkly." Dominant or no…one cannot escape one's breeding.
Beasts will ever belong with beasts…fated to be guided by the beast master who will cause the old order to come tumbling down…and be rebuilt in the glorious image of the one true ruler."
She grasped her necklace, a jewel in the image of the cat of the Chinese zodiac, or Serpentarius before her eyes hardened." And I'll make sure whoever that new ruler is, be it human or demon I will be in that room even if I have to swim in a river of blood to get there."
Clive's mother saw Mother Miranda coming and pretended to care what she had to say as she noticed the moon turn redder and redder. Just about everyone else noticed that the moon was becoming more and more bloody to, and one of the few not excited about it was the treacherous Empress's still living offspring.
Despite their reservations, Crowly kept to his word and the illusion magic allowed them to walk right up to the capital city with everyone just thinking they were a herded pack of Chocobos. That did not mean they were invisible though, and at the entrance to the city a knight with shoulder length brown hair walked up." What is the meaning of this?"
Sam walked up before the long-time porter sighed." Sam Porter of the, Fragile Express is here to deliver a heard of chocobos for the party. Please let me in my order's for a party that's about to start."
"I am Sleipnir Harbard, Lord Commander of the Kingdom of Waloed's armies and I will not have some random peddler try and muck up Barnabas Tharmr's moment of triumph for a "bonus." "
As Sam winced Crowly walked up and snickered." Your choice mate but if your keen on being a suck up then sounds like you don't want to deny your boss what he wants right?"
Sleipnir saw Crowly strut up before he winced." Wait…you, you were talking with Lord Barnabas a few times. This, this is sincere?"
"Course mate! What better way to kill sacrifices then to cleave off their heads while running on a Chocobo to get a good swing!"
"But…he."
"Of course he did not tell you about it cause I'm the one who does the dealing around here eh? There's a reason types like me don't call our chits in early – consumer confidence.
This isn't the market, this is Hell! Well, at least those driven as hell to get the job done well and all that We have a little something called integrity. This gets out, who'll deal with us? Nobody! Then where are we? So, you want to interrupt everyone because you're an idiot?"
Sleipnir saw everyone looking at him before he cleared his throat." Very well…just get there quickly the ceremony is about to start."
Crowly saw the clocktower was getting closer to midnight before he snickered." Well don't worry about that, sure not going to miss the main event eh?"
Crowly and Sam walked past Sleipnir, and as they walked into the capital Mike walked up to Crowly and tried to keep up the illusion that he was still a chocobo trotting alongside its owner before muttering," Very slick my good demon, but now what? Any of these buildings are the base?"
"Muzan's base is not attached to this planet kid. But there is places where his Infinity Castle docks with local hide outs. See the thing is that Muzan has one of his whores, this Biwa loving Demon Nakime control the whole thing. You pin her down and you pin down the base.
And you have to pin her down before the whole blasted place warps off. So, got to find the link to this planet to get that down eh? To save time I'll skip my usual riddles and just say it linked to the cathedral where all the demons are swarming around ok?"
Tyson eyed the former Sithantos cathedral before he shrugged." Got an endgoal at least. So how much time do we have before."
Suddenly the clock tower struck again, and everyone saw it was midnight. As the moon seemed to glow more Crowly tugged his collar." Yah about that…I would say that it's just about go time mates."
Everyone braced themselves as the residents of the city suddenly begun cheering with delirious jubilation. They saw out of the cathedral came out Barnabas, and the other Dominant 's.
Astra saw Geto also walk out before she cracked her neck." So, the Sinister Six jackasses are all here eh? Nice of them to line up for me to kick their asses."
Mike shrugged before adding," If that Claw guy that Vaan has beef with is up there would be nice if we could wrap this up at once."
Ezan saw the looks in everyone's eyes before he narrowed his own." Get ready to move in an instant, its beginning."
Barnabas put his hand in the air before uttering," To the citizens of Valisthea, kneel to Barnabas Tharmr…warden of ash…King of Waloed, and messenger of the lord! At last after all the trails god has but us through its time we all go to the promised land that the true believers deserve! The will of Mythos is the cornerstone of creation, the vessel of the lord!
The purpose of all true believers, who submit to forsaking their mind and body to the lord, is to prove their resolve and purge heathens from this world as prove of their faith!
Those that will allow the delusion that is" free will" bar are fate for greatness by their own volition are a cancer that must be excised! The heathens try and defy their fate, but the consciousness in which such men coil their feeble soils grow thick with desperation!
They refuse to submit to fate, thus are god turned to my blade! This world will soon be painted black. And all the lives shawl gather in Death's autumn's wake!"
Mike saw the crowed got even more revved up before he tugged his collar." I admit maybe it's just my customs but to me never getting a good vibe when the crowd's big buzz word is death."
Cid sighed as he looked around." Are world has had so little to offer in ways of hope that death itself come to be the only thing to look forward to. At least, the death that leads to rebirth.
Barnabas use to know better, but it's clear he wants the easy answer to. He may have use to be my lord, but I'm not buying what he's selling! If you guys need a distraction, then I'll give you one, just make it count."
As Cid distanced himself Crowly saw him become a human to everyone, and that most were too distracted before he snickered." To be clear, I'll not be joining you ever! Except at your death scene, where I shall burst into song."
Barnabas was to into his speech to notice before he extended his arms." The sinners try and hack away at the blight as if it was so simple! There efforts will avail them naught, naught that is, but suffering!"
As many cheered Cid's voice suddenly boomed out," What can I say but that I'm a glutton for punishment Barnabas!? But to me you can shove your salvation up your arse because as long as there's a chance there's a choice, and I choose freedom!"
Everyone tensed up as they saw Cid was now on top of one of the buildings opposite of Barnabas, using magic to project his voice. Barnabas paused at seeing the leader of the planet's resistance suddenly in front of him before he narrowed his eyes." Cid…so you had some honor and spared us cornering you like a rat at the very last moment eh old friend? How kind of you to be ever led astray by your resolve."
Benedikta saw Cid and gasped." Cid…so you come for the end?"
Hugo saw the woman he just made out with look excited before he cracked his neck." God damn it…you won't muck this up you reject!"
Barnabas saw some start to gasp before he pointed at Cid." I give you credit for being as stubborn as a cockroach Cid, but no mere heathen mortal can crawl Now, it's time you learn the inevitability of your divine fate however much it may hurt my former Lord Commander. "
Cid saw soldiers run up in all directions before he sighed." We don't have to do this if you have any of your mind left in your head Barnabas! You could just wake up and realize how much of a jackass your looking like right now!"
"Oh, we have to do this Cid. If nothing else but to remind you of the duty you ran away from! All this fire and fury, and all for what? To stop the blight? The foolish notions of a foolish man! You know naught of this world…nor are place in it!"
"I don't by your "vision" but I know people should not be slaves damn it!"
"Oh Cid…if are fates were so easily rewritten we would all be gods eh? But there is only one god, and all who deny his will must face there judgment! For old time's sake I would hope you would be on my side, but if reason cannot' t persuade you, then other means might!
You will assume the mantle you were given Cid! I don't know how many Bearers you thought you could save in your last moments but there light of hope is about to be severed!"
The king of Waloed took out a long black sword and pointed it into the air before he and the other Dominate's all started to glow. A tremor started to break out before bursts of blood red mist burst out of the ground.
It stopped before it could reach Mike and co, but Cid saw the mist consume some and tensed up." No…you're willingly trying to turn everyone Akashic?"
In the distance Mike saw people consumed by the mist turn blue hue and crystal-like before he took a deep breath." I knew this was a death rave but…this really is mass suicide? Damn it…this party's got to get canceled before it even gets started!"
Barnabas saw Cid's disgust and looked driven." I always respected your will Cid, but your "iron will" weights you down…dragging you down even further from your purpose!"
"And the whole point is that I refused to let another decide my purpose you wanker!"
"Cid…your destiny was given to you the moment you awoke! Who are we? What are the Dominants? The breath of the creator still warm on are lips, we carry his light that we might guide the masses in god's name! We are but mighty acts of god!"
"We are more than that you idiot!" Cid shout back bitterly, causing his former commander to get angry." You would be nothing without the gifts god graced you! The power we wield is his! And yet every time we draw upon it, it wears upon our very soul! It breaks us…it unmakes us…that it immaculate aspect might reveal itself! The Eikon…is too much even for his chosen few. Apart from you Cid."
"What can I say, other than I just love life too much to toss it away as easily as you Barnabas."
"You're not as special as you think Cid. The chains of volition shackle all mankind, but there is yet cause to rejoice. For the Lord, in his mercy, has taken pity on his flawed creations. And shall see them restored to their proper forms."
"And what precisely would that be eh?"
"Why, loyal servants to god!"
Cid saw more and more people were turning Akashic before he looked at his former lord with disgust." So that's the end game? Turning everyone here Akashic out of revenge for the wars?"
"Oh, I'm not that petty Cid! After all…everyone in Waloed has already become one with god!"
"What? You sold out your own people"!
"I became their King because I hated them more than any other, like I hate all of humanity! We all hate life, so nothing is too horrid to end what this life is! And I did not turn them, I turned them back! For too long mankind has been led astray by their clamorous wills. It is time they return to a world of quiet equality! Where they might once more know salvation!"
"To think I ever respected you! We don't need your salvation! We will save are selves and we will do it on our own terms! Not yours…and sure as hell not your god!"
"Tsc…with every defiant expression of your will, the tighter the chains of fate become! "
Benedikta saw Cid's anger before she giggled darkly." My king…your words are wasted on him…let me punish him for you for…old time's sake. After all you have more important things to do then dirty your hands on such filthy blood."
Cid saw the blond woman's passion before he snickered." Feeling sorry you picked the wrong side Benedikta?"
"The only one that's going to be sorry is you!" She hissed out with sudden venom. "If you stand between your liege and his dream, then you leave me no choice!"
"It sure seemed like you picked a choice that one night in."
"QUIET!" She hissed out. As Barnabas raised an eyebrow Hugo saw the look she had before his eye twitched." Wait…you were with…DAMN YOU CID!"
Benedikta giggled darkly before she flicked her hair out of her eyes." Good by Cidofus…I 'll make it quick. Not for your sake, but for the sake of not wasting our time any longer!"
She yelled out before her eyes turned green, and she sprouted harpy like wings. As wind surged around her, Cid threw the cigar in his hand down before lighting crackled around him." Your move love…but I don't have time to be chivalrous today with this dumb ass ritual you got going!"
His former lover shrieked like a harpy before in an instant she was above him and tried to slash his head. He grasped her talon, before extending his free hand and firing a lighting bolt at her.
As she was blasted into a building he sighed." I hoped you had a head on those shoulders Benedikta…it's a damn shame for you to be a pawn but that one night was not enough for me to give, huh? Bullocks!"
The change in tone was caused as he saw her burst out of the building. While he fired another lighting spell, to his dread he saw his target ripple as her body faded, proving it was a after image as the real harpy woman burst out of the ground to try and ram him through.
Cid was pushed back but kept her at bay before he shrugged." You play rough as always love, but I still been doing this longer! Blind Justice!"
The leader of the local freedom fighters formed a rod in his hand before he fired a dozen lighting balls. Despite being fired right at her face Benedikta evaded every projectile before she slashed at him and grasped his rod." You really are blind if you thought that you could hit me with those simple, GUH!"
To her shock she was hit from behind, as she realized all too late that Cid fired the projectiles not to hit her at first, only for them to go into the sky and take the shape of lightning rods before blasting their target from behind.
Ezan saw Cid's confidence before he nodded." This power, it's not quite the same but it reminds me of Terra's Esper form. Guess it makes sense if its more or less the same thing."
"And this is just him being" Semi-Primed." Clive uttered," He's still got more tricks up his sleeve."
Mike saw countless soldiers swarming around behind and below Cid, and Geto just looking amused in the distance before the curly haired man let out an uneasy chuckle." Well, I hope so man. Cid seems on the level, but we are all going to need every trick in the book to get out of this hell house."
Cid pointed his rod at his former lover before uttering," You really want to die as a pawn Benedikta? Thought you had more spark in yah! The only thing that's coming from this is death!"
Before the half harpy could respond a calm voice uttered," Not quite the only matter to address today Mister Telamon. There are still a few matters that must be addressed before the end."
Cid paused as he saw a man casually walking up to the burning roof. He was a man dressed in a green business suit that looked like the actor Jean Reno. Cid raised an eyebrow before uttering," Hey we are in the middle of something here!"
"True but we have our own affairs to conclude. Did you forget when you bought over thirty thousand gold gil worth of supplies last year?"
Cid winced before his eye twitched." Oh right, you were…Renon right? Hey I was going to pay you back but you know, had to take care of a few things before I could?"
Renon swept some dust off his shoulder and shrugged." Alas we are out of time and are at the climax, of humanity so there is a small thing I require of you. That scroll we used to sign the contract, did you read the fine print?"
Cid let out an uneasy chuckle before he muttered," Some part of it looked like gibberish mate so I thought that was written over!"
"Oh, it was not gibberish, but demonic script. I suppose it's impossible to read but you still chose to sigh it so, I should remind you that you sighed a contract with hell, and if you borrowed over thirty thousand gold gil coins and not pay back in time…then your soul is forfeit.
You took out far more than that amount…and since today is the last day humanity will exist on this world, I will collect my payment, to present to the Shadowlord. Your soul is mine!"
Crowly cringed as a demonic aura consumed Renon before he spat out," God damn it Renon is always such an ass kicker! I told you to pay him back mate!"
Cid cringed as Renon proceeded to transform into the winged torso of a demon with a goat's head. He became clad in armor and brandished the Chauve-souris spear in his hands before Cid groaned out," Bloody hell the one time I did not wait for Charon to resupply and it had to be a demon? If I live through this she's never going to let me hear the end of it."
"You can talk about it in hell!" Renon snarled out as he jabbed his spear at Cid. The man with the power of lighting parried the strike before uttering," I don't care what contract you pulled on me goat…my soul's not a meal!"
"But it is." Renon uttered as he waved his spear around. Cid kept it away from him, but only noticed a magical pentagram was forming beneath him, and cursed as a giant bear sized orange demonic fish burst right at the ground to bite Cid.
As the Dominant screamed in pain Renon hissed out," In the end you were nothing but prey. It was a game to see who would last but you were all fated to be food in the end."
Benedikta giggled darkly before hissing out," Hey, I have more of a right to him then you!"
"His heart is still yours if you insist, his soul is mine though."
Benedikta shrugged before she grasped her hand tightly." Oh Cid…you always were larger than life but you're a damn fool thinking you were big enough to stop this all by yourself. But at least I get one last kiss out of it!"
She prepared to dive at Cid, only for a wall of fire to cut her off.
She then saw ice suddenly freeze the fish biting Cid, forcing Renon to take to the air and was further shocked to see Clive run up before the exiled First Shield of Rosaria glared at the blond woman." His life is not yours to take! Are lives are not just a meal for any of you to feast on! And no matter how much you tightly try to repress us we will break free!"
Benedikta saw Renon prepare to strike back, before Megaman suddenly dove at him from above and hacked into him with his chainsaw. Reinhardt Schneider then lashed the demon's head off with his holy whip before he nodded to Cid.
Jill and Josuha also ran up behind the bearded man before she raised an eyebrow." Oh, so you conned a few lost souls well enough to die for you Cid? If it's a hearth you long for, you will find more than enough under my wings!"
"He needs nothing from a whore like you!" Jill shouted out defiantly as she took out her sword, causing the other woman to snicker." Know your place little lamb. Fool is the shepherd who beats to every flock, and I will suffer yours no longer."
"And we will not suffer those who treat us like cattle any longer." Clive uttered defiantly, causing Benedikta to sigh." Still think justice is on your side Branded? No one offers salvation to the weak in this world. But come lamb…to the slaughter to you! "
Geto saw Clive and Benedikta cross blades before he narrowed his eyes." Wait…that's one of the ones that escaped with the Enji in Omnipotence city, yes? There is no way the likes of them could get back here on their own…but that means that."
An explosion caught his eye as he saw dozens of soldiers go flying, and saw Astra was the one responsible just by swinging her sword. His eye twitched before he chuckled bitterly." I told Muzan that neutralizing her should have been a priority…she is as stubborn as her father after all."
Kirinmaru grasped his blade before saying," At least she's not craven enough to run, this time I'll settle this!"
"We will…but we will do it my way." Geto uttered fiercely."
Astra glanced at the two before she spat on the ground." Sorry but this party sure as hell deserves to be canceled jackasses. All of you are just going to throw your lives away? Don't you want to live?"
Geto saw the others emerge from the buildings before he closed his eyes." Astra…your father may value freedom more than anything but to most freedom is just a curse, and true freedom, is being free from having to live their own lives. All of these believers want to embrace happiness, and they are about to do so, by opening their heart to darkness.
Its time…we see who the true successor to the darkness is, Astra!"
People in the city got in front of Astra before the blond woman had her eye twitch." C'mon…no matter what junk they been drilling into your head you really don't care about your own lives? Huh?"
She saw some people turn pale, and cough up black blood before a woman cried out," Save me god…I'll do anything…I'll kill anyone if you save me from this hell!"
Astra had her eye twitch before she spat out a bitter," Damn it…save yourselves for crying out loud! You can't depend on, huh?"
The folks around her coughed blacker and blacker before Joshua saw what was going on and looked horrified." Wait…as horrifying as turning Akashia is, this seems to be more then that!"
Ezan noticed that many were becoming ink-black in color, with yellow beady eyes before he tensed up and let out a bitter," No…he's really done it. He…he's transforming the citizens into the Necrochalcos…the one's who's hearts have been hollowed out by the darkness and were the grunts of the Zannacross Empire! No matter what…you're not going to become the new empire of darkness understand!?"
Mike saw the people transformed into Necrochalcos before he tensed up." So…these are the guys dad and mom fought to become hero's eh? They…fit the bill as evil foot soldiers really damn well."
James came out and got his Quincy ready before he sighed." Watch the shadows Mike. The normal Necrochalcos is not too strong on their own, but they can swarm from the shadows like a furious hive."
"Thanks for the heads up. Still…have they been doing this a while? No one seems to shocked that there drinking buddies are turning into monsters."
Kaine shrugged as she was one of the many who got into a fighting stance." Guess they all drunk the punch from the start. Either way, this dance is going to get bloody if you guys won't back down!"
Many kept dancing like everything was just kids acting out as noble woman casually dancing as she uttered," Oh…are treasure is just beyond dear."
Astra winced before shouting out," I don't care how drunk you are the party's over you, huh?"
As she stepped foot in the city square the people who were casually dancing before suddenly had their eyes twitch before the same woman from before shirked out," NOO! Heretics can't enter the promised land…YOU WON'T TAKE ARE PARADISE!"
Tyson saw that more were turning into Necrochalcos, even the children before his eye twitched." No…you assholes are even dragging kids into this?"
Geto laughed as he put his hands into the air." Even newborns are made sure to be believers on this planet. Its…a wonderful feeling."
"ONLY IF YOU'RE BROKEN IN THE HEAD GETO!"
Astra roared out as her energy caused the city to quake." Making everyone your slaves? I'm going to."
"Yes yes kill me I know. But you still have to get through them first."
Geto pointed out as many of the Necrochalcos suddenly slammed together and combined into the shape of roughly humanoid in shape, at least twice the height of the humans around them, and shadow, black smoke and flame were their new bodies.
James saw the fused Necrochalcos reveal its red tongues, yellow eyes that glowed like furnace fires, and long arms tipped with steel claws before he sighed." To see the Belrogas fusion once more…the nightmare's have been relit once more."
The Belrogas roared and formed a whip of fire before lashing out at those in front of it. However, Astra flash stepped in front of the whip of fire and caught it while looking furiously at it." This is no nightmare to me, just another day in the life of someone who's only known hell.
If the best you got is play acting the past Geto, then you Muzan and the rest are going to get your ass kicked into the history books soon enough! Huh?"
She saw more people transform and combined, some into different shapes. Some turned one with an overweight stature, massive dual-arm cannons, and squat stance, but has a seemingly stitched together appearance, with signs of stretching and tears all over its body, the Mancubus type.
Others transformed into towering figures consumed with cybernetics, including silver metal plating and orange-yellow tubes. Its arms projected blades of energy just above its wrists. Its head was mostly plated in metal, and its eyes glowed a deep red, and it was the new Dread Knight type.
Others took the shape of black and gray bipedal dinosaurs with much of their flesh rotting off that had no arms, had empty eye-sockets, and visible ribs, and was the Gergoth type.
Others took the shapes that the only visible remnants of the original organic body were its head, right arm, and half of its upper torso. For the rest of its body is mechanical, including a large cannon, a twin-bladed chainsaw arm, and a set of thrusters that allow it to move through the air. It also was interfacing with a "sled," a hovertank-like apparatus equipped with dual heavy machine guns, rocket launchers, and a shield generator and they were the " Doom Hunter" type.
Even others transformed into large yeti-like beast with a blood-stained skin, a very large mouth displaying enormous fangs, no visible eyes, and sharp claws, the Shambler type.
Others took the shape of building sized muscular, goat-legged demons with large fiery blade emitting from each forearm, the Fireborne Baron type.
Even more, the population of an entire school morphed together to become an incredibly large demon, at least double the size of a Baron of Hell.
It had pale, pinkish skin that was covered in a natural armor that covered the majority of its body.
It had four small, beady eyes and a large, gaping mouth similar in appearance to the Mancubus type.
This demon had two large, sharp horns, the left horn of which had been broken in half. Its right arm had a large blade-like bone that is located on the wrist While it's had left arm has been replaced with an orange Vought clan-engineered rocket launcher.
As all these new demons roared and James saw dozens of targeting lasers aimed at him he sighed." Well…I suppose they have taught old dogs new tricks."
Geto laughed yet again as his new Necrochalcos surrounded the invaders." We were not just proving we could reach the levels of the past but surpass them " warriors of light." After all…we want to prove we can be part of the new order. That's why this is the prove that we will be the new Icon Of Sin…and I'm not just being figurative!"
Geto snapped his fingers before everyone felt another tremor. A massive wall of shadow from outside the capital burst up, before hundreds of Necrochalcos fused together to become the Icon of Sin type, a demon the size of the skyscrapers in the city with the head being a massive skull of a goat featuring goat-like legs and hands akin to a bat's.
As the Icon Of Sin roared with enough fury to shatter all the glass in the city Astra spat on the ground." Yah really think you're so badass eh? You should have just stayed down because after this you wish you never woke up from last time Geto!"
Dozens of the newly formed Necrochalcos fired at Astra and the others, and the Icon Of Sin directly fired a massive energy beam from its mouth at her.
The blond woman was pushed back a few feet, but managed to deflect the energy blast into the air. But with all the demons in her way even her and Ezan could not get to the masters of the "party" right away.
While most were pleased to see this display, Dion was one of the few horrified at this sight. He saw a floating orb eyeball Necrochalcos, a Cacodemons type fly by with souls floating around it before the ball like demon hissed out," They are just babies! They don't know any better! We waited for so long, and now we finally can reach paradise. Spare the lives of the children! Please! I beg you! Mommy's here. Everything'll be fine now."
Dion saw the demon absorb the souls to become a bigger demon that looked like it was going to blow up and become a bomb before it dove at the group, only for Axl and Ratchet to combine their ice guns and freeze the demon.
As it cracked and shattered the prince of Sanbreque took all his will power to vomit." What…what are we even fighting for if we already been reduced to this?"
"For the will of god you spineless fool." Anabella spat out from behind. Dion swerved around with raw hate." What god demands this kind of faith?" Have you leave of your senses?"
The blond woman looked cold as ice as she shrugged." One that demands prove of resolve to grasp victory boy!"
His father merely shrugged." Prosperity always comes at a cost my son, this is merely are citizens being morphed into what it takes to save are nation."
"What good is a nation that has had its people massacred father!?"
"For every citizen that falls, another can be bred! For every home that burns, another can be built! But if the soul of the nation falls, none of that matters.
As long as their nobility exist, then the peasants have done their duty as the cannon fodder they are." Anabella spat out with completely amusement, causing Dion to glare at her with pure hate." How vain a wrench are you!? Father…a darkness has dug itself in Sanbreque's heart and she is the source!"
"Not another word Dion!" His father shouted out as he slammed his scepter into the ground. This just caused Dion to look remorseful." Father…though you may not see it, the darkness has taken hold of you! It has made you forget yourself! But I bid you remember, that there was a time when you ruled not with cruelty but with compassion! She's made you a puppet, but cut the strings and it loses its power!"
"Really now." His mother-in-law spat out." A bit late for a regime change, eh?"
"Maybe…but at least are kingdom can have some honor! Those words you say show how detached you are! For when every last citizen falls, and every home has been turned to ash, what will become of your empire? Of its rulers? Of its god?
As the blight devoured our lands piece by piece are people looked to its leaders for protection! Yet they labors not for their protection but to secure what's left just for themselves even if it comes at the cost of everything the citizens have labored to build!"
"And its there fault for being stupid enough to believe such nonsense." Anabella hissed out, causing Dion to have his eye twitch before he raised his lance." Who's stupid again whore!?"
He threw his spear at her, only for her to smirk before she waved her finger, and caused her ring to glow, before the spear suddenly changed its course, and caused Dion to be horrified as he saw his weapon impale his father to the wall instead.
As Dion's eyes blinked in shock Anabella shrugged." I was wondering when the right time to off the fossil would present itself but thank you wretched faggot, you lined things up quite nicely."
Her husband looked at the blood coming out of him and raised his hand before he looked at his son." I…I…Dion…I…GUH!"
Dion saw his father cough up blood and die before he turned pale." No…how…what?"
"Really now "knight" it's clear the only thing sharp about you is your blade." Geto suddenly uttered as he walked up to them. "It seems your father dotted on you a tad too much, it made you even dumber than the usual monkey."
Annabella giggled darkly as she flicked her hair back." I admit you did well to endure so long…but you broke as I knew you would. He deserved it to for humoring such defects in the bloodline."
Dion yelled with hate as he yelled out," DAMN YOU! All because you are so narrow minded that you could never even,"
"ENOUGH! I'll never stand defects like you! Don't you get that there will never be a time when you defects are accepted? Every moment you breath I want to rip you apart! As long as you exist you will be hunted like the defects you are, and because you did not understand your place you had to suffer Dion!"
"YOU WILL KNOW YOURS YOU…GUAH!"
Dion prepared to strangle Annabella before his eye twitched and he coughed up blood. His eyes glowed red and he turned pale before Geto clapped." Oh, that's some wicked rage vibes you're giving off Dominant.
But alas I forgot to mention that the drink I gave you before also had Muzan's blood in it…so giving into your rage makes you turn into are slave all the faster! It's not your place to think Dion, just to destroy. So how about getting in on the action already, Bahamut?"
Dion screamed in pain as the symbol of Zannacross appeared on his forehead before he staggered back, then jumped off the balcony. He unleashed a demonic roar before he transformed into Bahamut.
He looked like most takes on the Summon king of dragons, a large Wyvern-like creature with steel-gray scales with some gold highlights across his body, bright green eyes, a massive wingspan, and a third eye in the center of his head.
He had two long, narrow horns on his head, with smaller spines running down the back of his neck, and there were several large, spear-like protrusions on his wings.
Clive just parried Benedikt 's strike before he saw Bahamut roar and tensed up." Oh hell."
Anabella saw Dion as Bahamut roar and suddenly unleash energy blasts in all directions before she merely looked at her own sons with pure hate." Yes…your better when you're fighting not thinking Dion…so do your duty and kill your brother's in law so that my bloodline can be cleansed of failures so my future scion will not be weighed down by defects.
Clive…Joshua…how dare you embarrass your mother by showing your faces in her moment of glory! I don't know what you were thinking but I hope you suffer."
Clive saw Bahamut's rage and tensed up before he had flames surge around his right hand." Mother…no matter how sadistic you get you're not going to get away with this! No matter how many beasts and demons you gathered around you…my rage still will burn greater! Now…NOW Ifrit!"
Bahamut fired a Megaflare at him, but as the blast came at him Clive became consumed with flames, before he transformed into the Eikon of fire.
Unlike when Astra knocked him out in their quick fight, Clive was able to fully" prime" into his transformed state and punched the energy blast.
Jousha saw his now transformed brother being pushed back before he winced." No…your not going through this burden alone brother! One way or another, we will see this through together!"
The younger Rosfield had flames surge across his body before he transformed into his own Eikon, a plane sized red phoenix. Joshua cried out in his avian state before he had a barrier from around him and his brother and cried out," You're not a monster Dion! Don't let them turn you into one!"
Jill saw the brothers struggle before she threw out a fierce," One way or another his rage is consuming him so he has to cool off! Come Shiva!"
The longtime friend of the Rosfield brothers hair turned blue before she transformed into the Eikon variation of the ice summon. Benedikta saw Shiva freeze Bahamut's left wing, before Bahamut unleashed another barrage of energy projectiles form its wings, and saw one orb nearly blow her away before one of her wind shadows took the hit before she glared at her fellow Eikon." HEY watch it rube you nearly blew up one of your own!"
"Don't you get it gal?" Cid uttered with pity." You are willing to throw everything away because Barnabas conned you on some dream that's clearly a living hell! This really how you want things to end Benedikta?"
The half harpy winced before uttering," Only the strong grasp happiness Cid! Right, my lord?"
She saw her lord laughing in the distance as his sword glowed the color of blood." The blade must ever feed if her edge is to remain keen!"
Cid looked at his former leader and just spat out," Your nothing but a god damn butcher Barnabas!"
The man with the title of Warden of Ash just looked even more deranged as he responded with," Why do you care for such worthless creatures Cid? They are nothing! Weak from the moment of their conception, ever longing for power not theirs to command, they turn unfailingly for themselves.
Like sheep, they roam in filthy flocks, eager to trample those few gifted a fleece of gold. All that they might feel contentment to their pitiful existence. Prejudice and persecution, severance and strife, every earthly wrong springs from the malice in their hearts. Malice born from pain and suffering, that is free will! Its corruption has gnawed at your being from the moment of your birth."
"Your wrong Barnabas! It's no corruption, it's who we are! It's who I am! Every choice I make, right or wrong gives me reasons to carry on! And carry on I shawl, not as a puppet but as a man! Which are all of you!?"
Barnabas looked down before he grasped his blade tightly." There was a time I to thought those were my only choices."
"What?"
"God was merciful enough to give man many gifts…but over time man has spoiled every last one of them. Man has lost sight of the gift's true meaning…stepping down the path of shared prosperity to one of avarice.
He forsakes his creator's wish for sword and flame, and through his folly brought the blight not just on this world but all worlds! Yet there were those who refused to turn their eyes from the heavens.
And they prayed for God to lead them back on the path to salvation. And today the lord proved he answered!"
"That's not the lord your thinking of you wanker!"
"Tsc, that's just because you're not worthy Cid! Before the worthy the gates of paradise will open! The fact that the key is made of the blood of the damned is trivial for the reward!
And that's why I spread my arms to the ather and cast my soul to its gentle winters! I gave myself into him! With my worth proving….the lord charged me thus…if your kind to be made salvation…they must be made to serve!
You see Cid? Paradise lies but a single step away…we only have to have the will to take it…to only leave are transgressions behind! For none save the pure of heart will step foot in the new world! I will save us! But you all have to open your mind, before it's opened for you! With the rest of this humble offering, I will prove my faith once and for all!"
"So, you forsake your kingdom and its people, and yourself, to "serve" like a good pet? Tell me how is that living? What you seek to provide is not salvation Baranas! It's anything but! Life is about always having a choice! Take that away and we might as well be dead!"
"You think you know more than the will of god?"
"Yah because I'm not blind to what the people want!"
"The weak don't get a say in how things go, that is this planet's final lesson on the matter! Benedikta…join me to ending this heathen's crusade once and for all!"
Benedikta saw everything burning around her before she grasped her head." My lord…we…will still be alive by the end of this right? Like you promised?"
Barnabas snickered darkly as he pointed his sword at her." We will be one with god, there is no greater joy."
"But…but I like being able to decide my own, AHH!"
She suddenly grasped her head as the symbol of Zannacross appeared on her head before her lord looked angry." I thought Cid's words could not infect you at this point Benedikta, but it seems his grasp is deeper than I figured. No matter…no mere man's grip can match the grasp of the darkness!"
Cid saw his former lover's eyes glow red before he winced and suddenly zapped her. As she screamed in pain he shrugged." Sorry but a little pain now is better than being able to feel nothing later!"
Hugo saw Benedikta's confusing before his eye twitched." Damn you Cid…YOU THINK YOU CAN TAKE BENEDIKTA AWAY FROM ME!?"
"Tsc, still not realizing you got sloppy seconds, if not thirds big guy?"
"YOU MOCK ME!? ENOUGH OF THIS!"
Hugo snarled out as he started to glow." We...We shared a dream! I would be the king of the world! She would be my queen, and together, we would rule the gods we are! But you crushed that dream-ground it into dust! Hear me, Cid! You will pay for what you've done! I'll tear you apart with my bare hands! And they are very big hands!"
He beat his chest before he landed all the way on the streets of the city with a thud, and proceeded to transform into Titan, taking the shape of a granite-skinned giant as tall as the buildings. Jill as Shiva was still helping the siblings fight off Bahamut before she saw Titan roaring and sighed." This city is about to drown in the egos of men."
She unleashed her diamond dust spell to try and freeze the Titan sized attacker before Hugo's eyes glowed red." You think my might can be stopped by the weather whore!? I'm not just a thug…I'm might itself…I'M THE STRONGEST ONE THERE IS!"
He suddenly devoured some demons flying by and absorbed their dark energy before his body started to twitch, and to everyone's horror Hugo started growing even larger. He kept growing till even the Icon of Sin was as tall as this new Titan Lost form's leg.
Mike winced before he tugged his collar." Damn…fair bet that he just has to fall to smash the planet!"
Ezan was casually dispatching one Necrochalcos after another before he saw Hugo was causing the city to tremble just by moving, and had snake like tentacles bursting out of its back before he eyed the sudden new colossus with annoyance and had his energy flare up." All right that about enough. Got a feel for where all the power levels are around here…and no time for discount medieval Fowltror imposters."
Hugo noticed him and tried to smash Ezan, only for the sliver haired man to casually block the much larger opponent by slamming the hilt of his sword at the finger. As Hugo looked shocked Ezan narrowed his eyes." Titan…you're going to do your raging in one hell or another! XIII Chidori Blitz!"
With the clap of thunder, the super elite Enji moved at the speed of light. Hugo blinked and realized Ezan was suddenly right in front of his face. His tooth was taller than Ezan and he laughed as he tried to devour the man in front of him, only for the tooth to fall off.
Hugo widened his eyes, as lighting crackled all over his body, and everyone saw the massive titan fall to pieces in seconds. As the body fragments started to fall on the city Ezan had his purple aura flare out to have all the fragments of the now sliced and diced deceased "Permanent Economic Advisor of the Dhalmekian Republic" get blown out of the city before he looked around and shrugged." No time to humor scum is, oh? Far too slow."
Ezan casually swung the Nu Epyon to parry a strike, and looked detached as he saw it came from Barnabas. The Dominant of Darkness just looked ecstatic at Ezan's display as his eye twitched." I don't know who you are stranger…but your what I been praying for!
Your stubborn defiance has stirred my long-becalmed heart. Filling it with a...joy I have not known for generations. I had thought the tantalizing kiss of self-indulgence of dream forever out of reach.
And now that its sweet ruin courses through my veins I shall not be quick to relinquish it. Show me your worth, "rebel"...that I might revel in it! ! I have long suffered at the hands of lesser rivals and at last I will, GUH!"
Ezan casually broke Barnabas's sword with his bare lighting infused hand and sliced him across the face in the process. As the mad king of Waloed cried in agony Ezan stated," I'm in no mood to humor deluded murderers. Rival? You're not even close to my equal, not even a warm up. So, prey to whatever god you deluded yourself into thinking cares about you but I promise you it won't help you if this continues any longer."
Barnabas screamed with pure madness as he cried out," I don't care where you came from…YOU WILL PAY FOR MOCKING ME! I'm no mere warrior, I'm Odin… Dominant of Darkness! Men know nothing of true strength…but you will! Woden Worthe Weos!"
Ezan looked bored as Barnabas suddenly transformed into a variant of the Odin summon. As he suddenly became a demonic knight and formed a horse under him the Enji sighed." You're a disgrace to all Odins everywhere clown."
"MOCK ME WHILE YOU CAN KAVE! I'll slice that tongue off of you! My heart, it soars as the day I won the nation of Ash! Since then, many have sought my crown heretic! But none could wrest it from my head! O my constant congregation, salvation has come! Rejoice as are souls head to the rapture in an iron flash! Double Zantetsuken!"
Ezan saw "Odin" have his new massive red sword surge with energy, and took out another one on his other hand before he had his Sharingan eyes narrow." Is that all the extent of your talent after all that barking?"
"Insolent to the end you,"
"Shin Zantetsuken…Reverse!"
Ezan suddenly yelled out and pointed his katana in front of him just as Odin's sword arm lashed out.
Barnabas unleashed a spinning double sword slash that unleashed a red energy wave that cut all the buildings and demons in its path.
The Dominant of darkness swerved around and saw Ezan did not move an inch before he laughed madly." HAH! To craven to even move!"
"Tsc…to slow to even see it? Pathetic."
Barnabas had his eye twitch and raised his arm, only to his arm, blade and all fall to pieces. He saw his head start to split and could only mutter," Mommy…please hear my, GUAH!"
Before the mad king of Waloed fell into two pieces a moment later. Ezan merely put his sword back in his sheath before sighing." I guess Squall was right about what Seifer did after all. Eh, at least the likes of Sephiroth have some more dignity compared to mad dogs like them. And now…for the dog master."
Cid saw the remains of Barnabas's sword fall to the ground with a thud before he winced." Damn…after all that…I told him he was a fool before I left but did not think he would come off as that foolish."
"Sorry…did not have time to make it personal." Ezan casually uttered as in an instant he went down from the sky next to Cid. The local resistance leader let out an uneasy chuckle as he saw Benedikta looked shocked at two of her lovers so quickly meeting their end." Hey, mate I'm not complaining this is ending out a lot smoother than I thought it was going to do so, long as that blade stays away from me then works for me."
"Don't aide the demons and we should be good. Now…about that."
Geto saw the abrupt demise of Hugo and Barnabas and saw Clive, Jousha, and Jill hit Dion before he sighed." I told you that you messed around with the pawns to the point that you crippled their combat effectiveness."
As Mahito shrugged, before the stitched faced demon could respond they saw a explosion, and saw the Icon Of Sin go crashing to the ground as its arm heading for their direction. Geto narrowed his eyes before hissing out," Antigravity System."
And with a gesture caused the giant demonic arm to suddenly float before a angry voice cut in with," How about owning up to the fact that you broke a whole planet because you're playing god jackass!?"
Geto saw Astra above him before he shrugged." Playing god is what all winners do Astra…I thought you would have known enough by now."
"Well, your still acting like you're a tough guy after I kicked your ass so who's a slow learner again? This time…it's not ending till your all dead!"
Astra prepared to dive-bomb the former Equalizer till she sensed something and swerved around just in time to parry an incoming blade with Gorr. She saw Kirinmaru was the interloper before she rolled her eyes." Oh, you want to finish the ass kicking I was about to give you before you ran away like the whipped dog you are goat man? Fine by me!"
"You think I would be afraid of a hanyō Astra!? This time I won't run."
"Fine…but you saw how tightass up there owned the Odin cosplayer? It's going to be worst for you before this is over!"
Geto was about to chip in when he sensed something, and jumped back as a pillar of black fire erupted underneath where he stood.
He saw Ezan was the source of the attack as the super elite warrior of light jumped down and uttered." She's right…no mercy for the puppet masters. Kenjaku…we either go through you or you submit to fate. If you have info on the Infinite Victory and Conquest corporation, you might have some worth alive."
Geto had his eye twitch as he saw Mike, Tyson, Mark, Tanjiro, "Doomman" And a few more surround him, Mahito and Kirinmaru before he sighed." Ezan Zeon…your one of the few who lives up to the legacy of a living legend alright.
Well…no point delaying the "hero's" eh? Of course there is a barrier to the ship that needs a key to unlock it since I doubt any of you want the whole thing to blow up right? Brauner…unlock the door for us eh?"
They glanced to the right and saw an abnormally tall humanoid with ghostly pale skin, crimson red eyes and long purple nails with a set of refined clothing consisting of a thick buttoned coat with long wide sleeves, featuring white sections with an intricate black pattern. He also donned a pair of long purple pants and a pair of classic shoes and was welding a golden cane with a skull design.
The one named Brauner nodded before he glanced at the paintings in the chamber and smirked. "Paintings are a pathway into the soul, so I'll make you my masterpiece!"
Ezan saw the paintings start to glow and grasped his sword." We don't have time for your tricks! D, huh?"
The ground beneath them all started to glow before Ezan was drawn into the portal. The demon Gremory flew out before hissing out," That was just the diversion. The moon is full. Your final hour has come "heroes."
Miriam saw Gremory smirk before she had magical energy surge across her hands." That…that's the demon that attacked me and Gable!"
"Sorry but right now only really want to know how to, huh? Whoa!"
While Gremory warped Ezan away the paintings all started to suck in him and the others thanks to Brauner's own blood art magic. Astra grit her teeth as she powered up." Damn it…I'm not going through any more of your, huh?"
Astra was shocked to see she was still around, but everyone else was gone before Geto chuckled darkly." Oh…the others have been sent away for the others but you're not going anywhere Astra. After all…no one is denying me what I want this time."
Astra saw only Kirinmaru was left before she cracked her neck." I really busted your brain good last time if you still think your stronger than me."
"Oh, you made your power quite clear but this time I've devised an operation just for you! Domain Expansion… Womb Profusion!"
As Kirinmaru attacked Geto slammed his palms into the ground before a clock sound was heard, and a red light blinded Astra.
When she could see she seemed to be in the inside of the cathedral's clock tower, and it was all glowing red.
Astra looked around and saw on all four sides of the room were totem-esque towers of grotesque, cursed spirit-like faces that were all merged together. She saw that everything seemed upside down before she raised an eyebrow.
She saw Geto looking darkly determined before she spat on the ground. "You brought me here so I could bang your head like a gong? Wait….we are not falling? You tried to take this castle to space?"
"Hardly…this is just the other layer of the castle, the Inverted Castle."
"Seriously? Who the hell would bother designing a whole extra castle that's upside down?"
"You would be surprised what one does to keep finding new experiences. If you open your mind you might find yourself grasping new heights."
"Yah maybe that was on my list but this is just the, GUH!"
As she stepped forward a spike shut out of one of the bones and impaled her right foot.
She heard a new male's voice cackle before Kill-Vearn stepped out of the shadows and gave a mocking bow." Sorry, the deal was I got a piece of you to Demi-Fiend. Kill-Veran's the name and killing is my game.
Like a prey caught on a spider's web, seeing a target caught in a trap is glorious. The more someone has worked hard, the more I love seeing them fall into my traps. Once I have tasted that joy, killing in other ways seem foolish. As the offspring of Doug Fitter it's so predictable you would run right into the jaws of death."
Astra ripped her foot out of the scythe on the ground and hissed out," Anyone else you want to try and dog pile me with asshole? Bring every demon left on this planet and it's still not going to be enough to kill me. So, lets finish this I have stuff to do!"
"Kill you?" Geto uttered." Oh no I want to save you from your own foolishness Astra! This is an intervention, so that the champion of the demons is in her rightful place! How could you let the last pathetic embers of the Enji order delude you into thinking you're a warrior of light?
How could you really think you could stop the power Sieg V-Day Elgan has? You would throw away your own kind for those who hunted you most of your life? Ezan Zeon has been hunting your family for generations and you still be his lap dog?"
Astra suddenly burst out laughing as she looked up." Man…you keep liking to think you're so smart when the answer's god damn simple Geto! Yah…Ezan's a kill joy but you know what?
He still pisses me off more than you guys! You're making it to complicated when it's all about you all here are creepy assholes who I hate more than the team I'm on now! I don't like you and I want to shut you down more than anything else, that's all there is to it."
Geto saw how serious she looked before he sighed." You really are Doug Fitter's child, more so than most of his direct offspring. Just a pity you took the wrong traits from him, like his failure to care about the bigger picture. That's why I had to micromanage behind the scenes, as I do now. If you're too stubborn to see reason I'll just have to correct those errors."
"Yah...just try it and see where that gets yah asshole!" Astra roared out as her energy flared up enough to push Geto back. As Kirinmaru and Kill-Veren got in front of him Geto took out a curse seal of Necrochalcos crystal and uttered," I made you to have the Atavism of the Mazoku but, I'm still more of a master of darkness then you. With the others kept busy you will not be able to escape your destiny!"
She saw all three of her opponents infused themselves with Curse seals, and as the mark of Zannacross appeared on their head she snickered." Don't think juicing up is going to change a damn thing! I never saw myself as a pawn of the darkness, just someone who kicks assholes ass! I don't need anyone's help to own creeps like you…so bring it on…I'll show you what all your tricks are worth before this is done!"
Astra went to intercept Kirinmaru 's blade and Kill-Veren's scythe at once with a shadow blade before her bitter showdown kicked off.
As it did, the others were too distracted to notice. Mike for one landed on the ground with a hard thud before he moaned out." Did…anyone get the number on that…painting?"
While he was mostly joking a shrill female voice cackled out," Mother. I bring you fresh prey."
Mike winced and saw he was on an ceiling, and saw Lady Dimitrescu and her children giggling on a upside down dinner table before the tallest woman among them flicked her hair back." You are so kind to me, daughters. "She finished her wine before she suddenly landed on the ground hard enough to shake it and look at mike." Now, let's take a look at him. Well, well. Michale Auro yes? You escaped my comrades games for a while eh? Let's see how special you are. Honestly starting to go a little stale!"
Mike let out an uneasy chuckle before he shrugged." Hey it's the weather lady."
The left most daughter moaned before taking out a knife." If that' s the case let us devour his man-flesh quickly, Mother!"
"But I am the one who saw him first!"
Before Dimitreschu could cut in a slick voice cut in with," No worries ladies…by the time I'm done with him there will be enough pieces for everyone to play with."
Mike tensed up as he saw Mahito casually walk in. The stich faced demon smirked before giving a mock wave." Yo…how about we finish what we started at Omnipotence Palace eh? I mean, not only did you make me look bad but I found out you're not just some random slacker…but the son of Ben Auro!
I dreamed of being able to mutate his soul…but at least you have his blood right? I was in a rush last time but, now we have all the time in the world to make this one special time!"
Mike winced as he quickly looked around." Gee…this is not the kind of party I was really counting on. Too bad for you there's a few other guests that might not like the plan."
"Oh…talking about your pals? I admit you sure got quite the party with you, but Braner and Gremory sent everyone to the party room just for them! So…no one's going to bail you out this time "Prince". Time to see what the true shape of your soul is without anyone else to hide behind!"
Mike braced himself as he countered with." You really think your untouchable eh Mahito? No matter how slimy you are…I got a trick just for you! I may not be my parents…but you're going to see who's just a con soon enough! You want to go nuts? Let's go nuts!"
Mike saw Dimitreschu's daughters slowly start to surround him before he braced himself. But as he wondered where the others were, it was clear that he was going to have to pull his weight.
At the moment Ezan also landed on a upside down gladiator arena before he grasped his fist tightly." Damn…I was too careless. But they can't delay this fight."
"Oh, don't worry Ezan Zeon…if it's a fight you want it's a fight you will get."
Ezan swerved around and saw Doma sitting upside down on the upside down throne before the number two ranked Upper Moon Demon smiled." Wow…you really do have as pretty special eyes as I do! This is so cool!"
The sliver haired man saw the demon's array of rainbow pastel tones in his eyes before lighting crackled around him." You're going to find them a lot less enjoyable once you get a firsthand look maverick scum. You have no idea what your messing with, but that arrogance will be your bane."
"Your wrong Ezan Zeon…even your Rini-Sharingan can't see the true might of the shadow lord."
Ezan turned around to see Kokushibo walking in on the other side of the arena. The number one Ranked demon glared at Ezan with his many eyes before uttering," You may be a legend, but the new legend begins today! Even your powers won't be enough to delay are moment of glory!"
Ezan saw Kokushibo get into a fighting stance before he sighed." Thankfully I did not entirely plan for my skill alone to decide the success of this mission. Make no mistake…none of you are getting out of the punishment you deserve."
Doma snickered before he leaned back." You seriously still think that after all this time eh? The idea of divine punishment is a joke. Wicked people going to hell after death?
If humans didn't think like that, people with weak spirits couldn't keep going, right? Well now that's the reality. The wicked just control whatever they can grasp, and the only one's punished are the weak, with no more salvation for the meek in any reality. I truly believe that humans are pathetic, but your even more pathetic for fighting for a cause already lost!"
Ezan looked down before he sighed." No matter what…there are still those in this universe worth protecting. There are still those I find worth as comrades, and so I am not going to give up this mission yet!"
"A die hard to the end eh? Fine then…let the games begin!"
Ezan saw the other arena doors around him open before he prepared to show everyone just how dedicated he was to his resolve.
At the same time some of the ones he just recently saw as comrades were regaining there baring's, including Tanjiro.
The man who's sister was abducted by Muzan landed with a thud before Grimoire Weiss floated alongside him." Are you ok lad? This is one of the rare times I'm glad I don't have a back to break."
Tanjiro winced before nodding." I'm ok, I been through worst."
Kaine, Megaman, and a few others with him also grunted out before a new voice snarled out," That so? We will have to do something about that runt."
Tanjiro winced before the pillar next to him suddenly collapsed on him. Megaman blasted it to pieces before roaring out," RIP AND TEAR!"
Akaza suddenly landed on the ground before he cracked his neck." To think the likes of you made me look bad and took down that Viltrumite! I have to regain my honor! I did not think such weaklings would still be alive, but its clear some of you really did some drastic overhauls to try and hang on eh? It's not going to do you any good of course."
Tanjiro winced before he got into a fighting stance." You, you really are all monsters for what you did to the people of this world."
"You misunderstand, Tanjiro. I only despise the weak. I only spit on weaklings. Yes. Weaklings make me sick. It is the law of nature that they be weeded out. And today's the day that the weeds meet the weedwacker! These people were already screwed even before Master Muzan took over…he just made it so that they killed each other for a reason worth a damn!"
"Your wrong! I only met Clive and the others a short while ago but they are good people that deserve to live free lives!"
"HAH! That's just because you're a dumbass hick who has not seen humans for what they are. But don't worry, I'll punch you so hard you're going to forget them soon enough before you die!"
"No…I'm not losing to the likes of you I have to rescue Nezuko!"
"For real? Guess what Tanjiro, if you beat me then you can run up and get wasted by Muzan! But you're not going to waste his time, I'm sure as hell not losing to you!"
Tanjiro saw the third upper ranked demon charge to punch him before he yelled out," Hinokami Kagura: Fire Wheel!"
The young swordsmen swerved around in a fiery wheel to slice his attacker's hand off mid attack. As Akaza saw his severed limb his eye twitched before he uttered," Well at least this won't be boring!"
His limb instantly regenerated before he went on to unleash his attack. As the other bitter showdown kicked off Tanjiro was right that not all the natives of the world of Valisthea were submitting to their fate.
Clive, Jousha and Jill were able to slowly chip away at the berserk Bahamut, but no matter how many attacks they landed, to the bane of the remainder of the hapless transformed citizens no matter how many Megaflare's they evaded the transformed Dion never seemed to run out of energy.
As we cut back to the waring Dominants Clive in his Ifrit state managed to smash the Terraflare the variation of the King of Dragons was preparing to unleash, but even as the blast went down his throat Bahamut Dion just emerged with a furious roar as he absorbed energy from the Mother curse seal Necrochalcos crystal and became a living shadow and roared out," Celestial Foundry!"
Before glyphs appeared in the sky before countless energy blasts rained down. Zero, Shadow, and the other hero's that were not warped into the Inverted Castle tried to counter some of the beams but a lot of the city was still vaporized before Clive snarled." Damn it…this is his capital; does he not care at all?"
Jill saw all the damage before she sighed." None of this seems to matter to them…this entire world's just a sacrifice."
"Well, its not to us!" Jousha cried out defiantly." And it's not what Dion would have in mind either if he was right mind! Dion…this can't be what you want is it?"
Dion roared as he soared higher, and his energy surrounded him." Zeta…FLARE!"
Dion prepared to unleash a blast that looked big as the city itself before lighting crackled into him. Cid floated up next to the trio, now fully "Primed" into Ramuha before he snickered." C'mon lads, if he's not listening you have to shock him to his senses! I was able to disrupt the control that was messing with Benedikta with a bit of hyper shock therapy so we can pull it off here if we can just keep him from vaporizing the lot of yah!"
Jill nodded before she had ice surge around her." I'll try and slow him down, you two have to strike before it's too late! Diamond Dust!"
Clive's childhood friend caused ice to consume Bahamut's wings and try and slow down his attack before Dion roared and unleashed his energy blast anyway. Cid and Jill's magic weakened it a little bit but Clive gave a primal roar before uttering," No…NOT TODAY! Together brother!"
Jousha nodded before the Pheonix landed on the back of Ifrit and junctional together to become" Ifrit Risin." Before the brothers shot out like a flaming rocket and burst through the disrupted Zeta Flare…before hitting Bahamut in the gut.
Cid's plan worked as the disruption of energy seemed to break Dion out of his transformation. As he came crashing to the ground a gust of wind broke his fall, before Benedikta floated upward while coughing bitterly." No…we are not…dogs to just be thrown away damn it!"
Clive saw both former enemies looking damaged but stable before he sighed." At least…not everyone is to be dragged down by the cruel destiny madmen imaged."
Cid saw all the fighting still going on before he winced." Looks like the matter is far from settled boys, are new allies seem to be having a rather intense chat with the "Masters."
Clive glanced at the cathedral before his eyes narrowed." Maybe…but at least one of the" masters" will answer for all she's done, once and for all! I must settle this family matter if I can ever have peace."
The native freedom fighter landed down and both brothers transformed back to normal, just as they saw their mother casually drinking some wine. As Cid, Jill and Benedikta landed behind them Anabella casually kicked aside a corpse before she sighed." Are you boys happy you ruined your mother's big moment?"
Clive saw the blond woman's annoyance before he grit his teeth." After all this…you're treating this like it's your birthday!? Have you ever realized what your actions amounted to "Empress?" Why mother…why did you betray us all!?"
"You have no right to speak to me that way Clive." Anabella hissed out as she stood up. Jill had her eye twitch before she pointed her rapier at the older woman." Answer him! You own us much!"
"I own inferiors nothing! We took you in, savage! Show some respect for the one who raised you!"
"I'm more than ready to show the same respect you showed your husband!"
"Oh please…all this for him? Dear "honorable" Elwin. Always thinking of his precious homeland…but what worth is a homeland consumed with Blight infested rabble?"
"Are you really that out of touch?" Clive uttered with disgust." Father did not seek to protect his country, but to protect his people! "
"You pathetic simpleton…a leader's duty is not to protect his "people" it's to protect the source of the nations sovereignty! The noble blood that ruins in his family's veins! So as long as this bloodline remains unbroken, what does it matter if a mere nation falls? The strong will always found another over the ashes.
Unlike him I did my duty, I preserved the line! I born sons of the Nobelist bloodline that would make the inferior scum kneel or be crushed! That is why I gave Roseria to Sanbreque! Everything was a minor cost if I could merge the bloodlines of Bahamut and Pheonix to produce a savior to this blighted land!"
Jousha looked at his mother with horror before he closed his eyes." You sold your nation, and your children for an off spring?"
Clive had flames surge across his fist before he grit out," Why would you need another? You had me and Jousha?"
"I had nothing! You were always your father's son. So very strong and bold, yet you failed to awaken into anything without the wisdom of the Shadowlord! And Jousha was so very feeble. How the nobles laughed…that Erwing's offspring was surely the son of a concubine and my own were not long for this world. The shame of it…the shame of being slandered by one's inferiors!
How could you ever know what that feels? If you just became the Phoenix none of your suffering would have had to happen! So, look and what you made me do!"
"What I did? Josuha's every waking moment was trying to shoulder the burden you and the Pheonix and the Duchy foisted on him! That's why I became his shield, to lessen his burden! But what did you do!?"
"You betrayed your own blood and surrendered your son to his fate! And now Anabella Lesage…its time you feel the pain that you think you're too good to avoid!"
"You think you can strike your mother!?"
"Are blood means nothing now, with all that's at stake are bond means nothing compared to."
He was about to charge Anabella before the ground trembled, and Cid pulled him back before a pillar of acidic water burst out where he was. Clive saw the acid melt everything in its path before his eyes widened at his mother's annoyance." Wait…that was a spell from you? After all this time…you're a bearer?"
"You dare think of me as someone as lowly as that?"
Anabella hissed out as the rings on her hands glowed." I'm at last what I'm supposed to be boy, a superior being! You remember how they said that the Leviathan Eikon was lost to time? Because of my unyielding ambition my Black Shields were able to uncover the Zodiac Stones that had the remains of its spirits of Lucavi! For my devotion to the cause, the Shadow Lord blessed me with making me a Dominate!
Something of a merged of the sprits Zalera, Ogopogo, and Anima to become a superior chimera Eikon! At last I don't need the muscles of men to take what is rightfully mine! I was still trying to maintain the dignity a royal must bear, but if you force my hand I will show you the wrath of true noble blood!"
Anabella twisted her right ring, a curse seal crystal and slammed it into her gut. Instantly her eyes glowed red and the mark of Zannacross surged across her forehead before Clive saw an aura of darkness form around his mother and winced." Mother…what…what the hell did you do?"
"What I always do you failure! Do what I must to take what is mine!"
Anabella unleashed a shockwave of dark energy that nearly blasted everyone off of the cathedral. As Clive rebounded he saw his mother become covered with a sphere of blood red energy, before she transformed.
She kept growing till she emerged as a two-part creature whose top half was heavily restrained and's face now looked like most versions of Medusa.
The lower half was a horned purple snake like demon. Cid saw the newly "Primed" Anabella sprout demonic wings before he chuckled bitterly." No offense Clive but I think your mother at last looks like how she feels!"
Clive bitterly nodded before he pointed his sword at the mad queen." Is this what you wanted all along Anabella? Are power? You can have it, but it won't save you!"
Anabella hissed her new snake like tongue as acidic water started to surge around the entire cathedral." So defiant, but time I give you the punishment failed scions like you deserve!
Here dying, join my legion of undeath. Your blood, the roses on unhallow'd graves that will mark my ascension! Let your rebellion shatter, and let everyone know that the weak have no right to grasp anything! A nation revolves around the will of the strong, for it's the strength of the nobles that mark anything worth a damn.
And if they decide to leave to let the masses to their fate, then the common trash have no choice but to submit. And so you all will watch as I remake Valisthea to how I see fit, and wash away all the gutter trash in the process with my flood of judgment! Dreadful Deluge!"
Anima Anabella unleashed a hiss of hate before her serpent mouth unleashed a barrage of acidic rain to come down. As Cid and Jill tried to neglect the deadly rainstorm Clive glared at his now demonic mother." For father's sake…I'll make you see that no matter who you gave birth to, or bloodlines your ancestors had, or what treachery you commit, you do not have the right to decide my or any one else's fate!"
Benedikta saw acid geyser everywhere before she moaned out," Damn it, I'm not just food for a tacky whore! I'll show you!"
The five bitter Dominant's prepared to oppose the bigger one above them, but the city of Sanbreque was all but in a state of chaos and carnage as it is. The few that were not already transformed into demons were being escorted out by some of Cid's agents that were more about rescuing instead of fighting.
One of them, a blond man with a scar on his face that went by Gav, was escorting some children out before he saw another building burst into flames and winced." It's going to be ok just follow Goetz out! He may be fat, but he can pick yah up if need be! Huh?"
Gav saw a man in a cloak slowly walking up before he blinked a few times." Hey fella even if your house is in there you really want to turn around! There's nothing but death past the gates!"
The man's hood blew back a bit from a shockwave to reveal it was Coriolanus. The man who's face was so thin he looked like he was half a skull just looked at the giant curse seal crystal and shrugged." Misery acquaints a man with strange bedfellows but I assure you that the stage of Death is where I belong.
I'm an Appraiser of sorts you see. You can run from death if you like, but no one can escape time, it delivers us all to the same end. You can't plug your ears and cover your eyes."
Gav saw Corilanus did not look hostile before he saw another chunk of a building go flying before, he grit his teeth." Well, everyone has their views I guess but we are trying to keep folks alive so good luck old timer!"
Corilanus saw Gav and the others flee before he eyed the Mothercrystal and narrowed his eyes." What a horrible night for a curse. But alas… Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player, that struts and frets his hour upon the stage, and then is heard no more; it is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing. Thus…its death's turn, and time to see what the true shape of death really is."
Authors Notes: Jigsaw was from Saw, though it was a version of Hoffmen introduced in Saw 4.
Negan is from the Walking Dead, Kadoam Hakam is the central enemy from the Super Robot Wars Pride of Justice & Coffin of the End, Shu and the Neo Grazon was in many Super Robot Wars games, while Bian Zoldark was the commander of the Divine Crusaders that had variations in both the original Super Robot Wars games and the alpha trilogy.
Keiser Ephes is the central enemy of Super Robot Wars Alpha 3.
Got another big clash today so let's get started. The Icon of Sin and most of those monsters are from Doom, the Shambler is from Quake.
Miriam is the main lead from Bloodstained Night.
Ryu and Kasima are from both Ninja Gaiden and the Dead or Alive series.
Brauner is from Castlevania Portrait of Ruin, and Renon is an enemy from Castlevania 64 and Legacy of Darkness…along side Corin and Reinhardt Schneider. The N64 games may have been the black sheep of the series but, still was my first one lol.
And of course, the Inverted Castle is inspired by Symphony of the Night.
Dragon is an enemy from the Fire Force series, and Ata is from Samurai 8: The Tale of Hachimaru, the manga Masashi Kishimoto did after Naruto that did not quite do so well.
Annabella's Dominant form is made up by me, in Final Fantasy 10 Anima was made out of her love for Seymour but this version is her hate for her children, I'll just say I was let down with how little she did in 16 after the start so, figured I'd do my own take on it.
We have a lot of showdowns and all of them might not be resolved next chapter, but while I have a few things that will delay the next chapter will try to not let it take to long to get the next one out. Hope at least some are hyped for the next chapter, thanks for the reviews so far and as always till next time.
