Bless This World With A Stranger

by RhineWrites

Arc 15: At the End of the World!

62. A12-7: A Good Night for a Rescue

{|} Chapter 7: A Good Night for a Rescue {|}

{|} A-Part {|}

The Captain and his men approached the Knight Guard station, where they would be keeping their prisoner, Satou Kazuma, detained until the day of his ultimate fate, alongside the captured dark goddess Eris. As they near the entrance, the Captain speaks up, saying-

"Once we're inside, I want this heretic to be taken down into The Pit; understand me."

"Yes sir!"

said all the men, though one of them quickly speaks up with confusion in his tone.

"Pardon me, sir. I'm well aware that this man is dangerous and must be contained, but The Pit...? Isn't that... rather overkill even for someone like this."

"Can't be helped. Lady Cecily asked me to keep him locked up inside our most secure cell and there is no cell more secure than The Pit. Still, I understand your trepidation as we have never had a need to make use of The Pit before, so we don't have any idea on how being in there will impact his mind and body. Not that it matters in either the short term or the long term, I guess."

"Sir, a question. Wouldn't it not make more sense to just kill Satou right here and now. Would be a far kinder, and quicker, fate for him than spending a few days in The Pit."

"Maybe, but lady Cecily's request was quite clear. He needs to be kept under lock and key until the final day of the Aqua Festival where both he and the dark goddess will be slain together. I have no idea as to why it needs to be this way but..."

The Captain goes quiet as he steps into the station, quickly sensing that something was off. He orders his men to be prepared for trouble as they proceed forward through the entry hall, stepping inside the large central room... where all the men and women within are lying unconscious on the ground.

"What the... men, we have a..."

Before he could finish, several small vials go flying through the air, shattering upon hitting the ground, releasing a large amount of smoke into the air. The guards try to retreat outside, only to find the way being blocked by a kind of magical barrier.

It only takes a few moments before the Captain and his men go collapsing onto the ground, unconscious as well. Windows are then opened, allowing the smoke to flow outside as two figures emerge from their hiding spots. They then approach the downed men, check them, then move to the side of the unconscious Kazuma.

"They really did a number on him, didn't they."

"They could have done worse... a lot worse. Come on; let's get him somewhere safe before anyone wakes up."

"Won't they be hunting Kazuma once they awaken. Hunting us too?"

"Possibly, but unlikely. If what we were told in the letter we received last night, that stuff should have muddled their minds of having captured Kazuma. They'll know that they did, of course, but they'll think he's already in solitary and thus won't have a need to check on him till the last day."

"And what will they think of their being laid out on the floor once they wake up?"

"Who knows. So long as they don't realize Kazuma isn't here, it won't matter. Now, let's hurry before anyone else shows up. Just getting him someplace safe and unseen is going to be difficult enough for us. Let's not go about trying to add any more challenge to our trip on top of that."

The other figure nods as they pick up Kazuma's body, moving quickly to the exit and beyond.

(morning of the fourth day)

Cecily was not in a good mood as she stomps her way through the streets of Axel. She wasn't angry, exactly, but she was rather moody. Yesterday had been a good day, almost perfect even. In addition to the capture of the dark goddess Eris, she had also been able to capture Eris' personal champion too.

Well, she hadn't been the one to capture him; rather others but... details, as they say.

The reason behind her moody attitude came after all that. Once the news had reached her of the heretic's capture, she had taken her "friends" out for a celebratory dinner; all free of course. After that, they had retired to her new home here in Axel where she had guided Megumin and Yunyun to the master bedroom so they could have a little additional celebratory fun, to say nothing of the fact that what she planned on doing with them was something she felt was LONG overdue. However...

Cecily comes to a stop and starts stomping her feet repeatedly as she huffs and puffs and rages on, making quite a scene the many onlookers didn't know how to react to, thus making them decide to just go about their business and ignore her.

"Damn it, damn it, DAMN IT! What the hell was all that about last night? Why was I always being... damn it all, it had to have been the work of that heretic and his demonic pet. They must have placed one hell of a serious curse on me for all THAT to happen in order to prevent me from finally taking things to the next level with Megumin and Yunyun. That's it; no more miss nice girl. I'm heading over to the Knight Guard Station and..."

She doesn't finish as a weird wisp of dark light zooms past her line of sight. She blinks, wondering if that had been her imagination before seeing it zoom around her again. She then sees it moving in a specific direction. For a moment, she wonders what that thing was or what it was all about to begin with.

And then she remembers what that dark light represents, making her follow after it till she enters a nice little coffee shop where she finds a familiar face sitting at a small table situated in the back. As she approaches the sitting figure, said person acknowledges her by saying-

"Nice to see you again, priestess Cecily. Care to join me for a morning cup?"

The figure then lifts his drink up, takes a quick sip before does an ever so slight flick in her direction.

"Reuben..."

"That's Rubrikt, actually. Anyways, will you be joining me? My treat."

A few minutes later, Cecily was drinking down her own drink which had just been delivered. As she drinks, Rubrikt observes her and once she had finished, he says-

"So, how have things been going for you since our last meeting? I've had a chance to walk around Axel prior to coming here and I see you've been pretty successful with brainwashing everyone within the city's walls into becoming devout followers of the goddess Aqua."

Cecily sends him an annoyed glare as she says, with obvious anger in her tone-

"Brainwash? I'll have you know I haven't brainwashed anyone. Never have, never will. If you're talking about the power of the Charisma Choker that has been in my family for generations, I'll also have you know that it doesn't brainwash, it LIBERATE's their minds from the dark influence and control of the dark goddess Eris!"

"Oh, I see... please forgive me for my mistake, my dear!"

"Just don't make that mistake again and we'll be good. I confess that the choker's power can also repress one's fears, doubt, and inhibitions but really... is that such a bad thing?"

"(intentional sarcasm) No, of course not. (more seriously) Still though, are things going well for you and your... sacred endeavor here in Axel?"

"Very well, all thanks to you. I don't know what it is you did exactly with the choker here, and I really don't care either. The fact is that because of you, I have been able to do so much more for these people than I could have ever hoped for. Because of you, I'm close... so-so close to saving this world from the evils that the dark goddess Eris has unleashed upon it. Once she, and her champion, are out of the way, the path to saving the rest of the world will finally become clear for the Axis faith."

"Glad I could be of assistance then. (takes a drink) By the way, I couldn't help but notice you seem conflicted about something. Dare I say... even a little moody when you first arrived."

"(finishes her drink, then sighs) Anyone ever tell you that you're good with reading people, Rubock (can't get his name right to save her life). You know what, I'll go ahead and tell you what happened last night. Maybe you'll have an idea as to what happened with me and my destined lovers, seeing as you are a smart guy and all."

"If it's within my power, and knowledge pool, I'll help you."

"(nods) Last night, after dinner, I took my two girlfriends upstairs so we could finally take out long stalled romance to the next level..."

"I was not aware you had two girlfriends, priestess Cecily. Are the three of you close, by chance."

"Duh, of course we are... though I confess Megumin and Yunyun can be a bit difficult when it comes to acknowledging our relationship. Megumin can be such a stubborn girl sometimes and Yunyun so shy but... those are some of the qualities that makes me love them so much."

"(is quiet for a moment) I... see. Sounds... hm, I'm honestly not sure what words to say that would work as a response. Never mind that issue on my part. Please continue."

"Well, things were going great. The mood was perfect, the lighting from the scented candles, as well as the scent coming from those candles... it was all so perfect. But then, just as I'm going in to get things started with Megumin... I found myself being hurled back against the wall by some unseen force. I tried again and again and again, each time getting the same result though it felt like the force that kept pushing me away from Megumin was getting more intense with each attempt."

"Interesting... and what about that Yunyun girl? Did you fare any better with her. And what about your powers as a priestess. Did you use any of those Break Spells on them and yourself during this time?"

"It was the same when I tried to become intimate with Yunyun and yes, I did try using various spells designed to breaks both enchantments, curses, anything I could think of. Nothing worked. I kept being sent flying till I finally gave up and went to sleep in another room just because I was so tired and done with being treated like that. So, any ideas what all that was about?"

Rubrikt closes his eyes, taking on a thinking pose. After a few moments, he opens his eyes and says-

"I really hate to break it to you, Cecily, but getting into an intimate, sexual relationship with those two may be impossible for you now."

"WHAT? Why... why can't the three of us express our pure love for each other in a physical way?"

"I believe it's because those two have already bound their hearts and souls to one Satou Kazuma!"

"Eh... so that guy really did... I"M GOING TO KILL HIM. How dare he have his way with my... That has to be it. The monster has clearly done something to them, to make sure only he can have them in such a way. Please Rebok, tell me... how do I free them from whatever curse he's placed on them."

Rubrikt studies Cecily carefully as she grinds her teeth back and forth in her rage. He thinks that this girl was not only stupid but also a total hypocrite as well. Surely she knew that she was the one who was trying take advantage of them using a controlling power, but he reminds himself that she actually believes that the choker liberates others, not controls them and thus she wasn't doing anything wrong which was typical of the Axis cult. He then tells her-

"That... may be more difficult than you'll want to hear, perhaps even possible. You may not be aware of this truth, Cecily, but you should know that ALL female Crimson Demons have a little succubus within them. I've heard this makes them all fantastic lovers; breathtakingly so!"

"Seriously? Damn it! While I'm not a fan of the succubi race, or any demon or devil race for that matter, still hearing that Megumin and Yunyun would make any and all bedroom activities especially amazing makes me want to love them all the more. So, about that resolution to my problem here."

"That's the thing. In addition to being the perfect lovers, or close enough at least, that little detail about female Crimson Demons also means they once they have bonded themselves with another, they become protected from any outsiders attempts at stealing them away. This protection insures they can't be raped or manipulated by another into performing sexual acts. No, the only ones both Megumin and Yunyun can be intimate with now is either the one who they were with first... and perhaps each other, so long as they both share the same lover."

"No, it can't be. That has to be a lie. Please Roark, tell me there's a way to free them of that curse."

"Hm... there IS a way to do it... but it may be impossible in this case."

"I don't care, just tell me already."

"In order to be free of the Mark of the Succubus, one would first need to find an actual succubus and ask them to use their powers to release them from the Mark's power so they can take on a new lover."

"Is that all there is to it? OK, not a problem. While having to interact with a succubus fills me with disgust... I'm willing to push my personal dislike of their kind in order to free those two from..."

"ALSO...I must tell you that the succubus will ONLY help you out here if she can't sense any romantic within the one who bares the Mark for the person who was the source of the Mark being placed on her to begin with. Long story short, both Megumin and Yunyun have to have NO love in their hearts for the one who caused them to be Marked in order for it to be removed. If they do have love in their hearts for him, then not even the rumored succubus queen herself won't be able to do anything. So, the big question to ask yourself is do those two have any romantic feelings for the one who marked them. In this case, Satou Kazuma!"

"Well of course they wouldn't have any feelings for... at least I wouldn't think they would. I mean sure, Yunyun seems to be the type who would do anything to make a friend and Megumin seems to like strange people and things, but I don't think... OH NO!"

Hearing that makes Cecily deflate. She then grumbles and mumbles out a complaint to herself.

"Why... why must I suffer such unfair happenings, lady Aqua? Do I not do your will upon this earth? Have I made some great mistake, committed some great sin for you to curse me so... what am I saying, of course not. It's not your fault this is happening. It's all their fault... that damn dark goddess and her monstrous champion. I swear I'm going to make his death both slow and painful when the time comes."

Rubrikt can't help but grin ever so slight before something important comes to mind.

"By the way Cecily, I've been meaning to ask you... why do you keep calling Eris a DARK goddess?"

"(gives him a confused look) Why is... surely you know about the dark goddess Eris, Rankin."

"I am aware of her, yes. That said, I have never heard her referred to as a dark goddess before. Does the Axis really see her as a dark goddess?"

"Of course we do; it's all right here inside our sacred texts! (Cecily then reaches into her pouch and pulls out a thick book which she places on the table) It's all written down right here. See for yourself."

Rubrikt reaches out, pulling the book closer to him before opening it. As he flips through the pages, Cecily helps out by telling him what page it would be on. Once reaching said page, Rubrikt reads the words written down before addressing Cecily.

"So it does. Curious, I was unaware of this little detail. Goes to show I still have much to learn about you religion. If it's alright with you, may I keep this so I can read through it... to help me bridge the gap within my mind where your faith is concerned."

"Sure, I have tons of them stored within my pouch here anyways. Never hurts to have a bunch to keep available as you never know when one will need to hand them out to others."

Cecily then stands, making Rubrikt ask-

"Leaving already?"

"Yes; there's plenty of things I need to do today. First, I'm going to stop in and see how our dark goddess is holding up. I also want to let her know that her champion has been captured as well. After that, I'm going to begin searching Axel as I've heard rumors of a blue haired arch priestess going around, claiming to be the goddess Aqua in the flesh. I need to deal with that before it becomes an issue for the other TRUE faithful to the goddess Aqua."

"Understood... before you go though, I quick reminder of a few things. Don't forget on what I told you when I used the seed of power to enhance the power of the Charisma Choker."

"I... honestly don't recall what it was you said again. What was it you told me back then?"

"First, while the chokers power is indeed enhanced, being pushed beyond what it was capable of when its original owner used it, it's... liberating power can suffer moments of weakness from time to time. Because of this, it may be possible for someone loyal to Eris to create enough contradictions within their minds which have been liberated to possibly... relapse back into their mindsets prior to being... LIBERATED!"

"I see... that explains why those four acted the way they did when I finally found them, freed them!"

"Also, and this is very important, do NOT forget that the enhancing power of the seed I merged with the choker will only last until the stroke of midnight of the final day of the festival. Once the festival has ended, so to will the power of the Charisma Choker be forever lost. It will become nothing more than just another fashionable accessory anyone can wear."

"So make sure I finish my business here by then. Sure, I can do that. Once the dark goddess is no more, the dominoes will begin to fall and the all others who have been led astray by her lies will be free to become followers of Aqua and all will be right with the world."

"Perhaps..."

"Anyways, I must be going now. I do hope we'll have a chance to meet again one day, Robear. Perhaps by then, you'll agree to becoming a member of our faith as well."

Cecily then bows before walking out of the shop. Rubrikt watches her go, then turns his attention back to the book Cecily had given him. He brings a hand up and snaps his fingers, making another book appear. It was the same as the book Cecily had given him, except much older. He then places it down above the newer looking one and pages through it as well till he confirmed his thoughts.

"Hm, something shady is going on within the Axis. There's nothing in this first generational Tome of the Axis faith that says anything about Eris being a dark goddess. In fact, it talks a lot about how Eris is a subordinate to Aqua and thus her followers should be treated as subordinates as well. And yet, this newer one doesn't include any of that, instead painting Eris as evil and having stolen this world away from Aqua. The original even acknowledges that Eris was here before Aqua. I wonder, when these changes were made to the source material?"

While Rubrikt didn't know when it happened, he had no doubt as to why no one ever took notice of the change. It was because the followers of Aqua were all insanely stupid idiots. In Rubrikt's mind, he could see someone coming along and making such a change and none in the Axis ever taking notice which said a lot about them and their goddess who failed to notice it either.

He then closes both books before taking another sip of his drink, then smiles as he says-

"Well, I've set up this latest challenge for you, Satou Kazuma. I wonder how you'll over come this one. My expectations for you are high so please... don't start disappointing me now. Not when we're SO close to the end of this little game we're playing!"

{|} B-Part {|}

Consciousness slowly returned to Chris as she slowly opened her eyes and as the haze in her vision began to clear, she saw that she was still a prisoner within the very cathedral that was named for her, for the most part.

'Still trapped here, huh. Rats... and here I was hoping that dream I was having could have been the real deal.'

Of course, she knew that was impossible as the dream she had been having had been of the past, before she had become a goddess. She wished from the bottom of her heart that she could return to those days again; playing games with Kris, watching Kris and Realm have their usual contest to prove their dominance over the other, and being carried around on Linear's back with a sense of safety while in his care.

She shakes it all from her thoughts, instead deciding to focus on the present. As she had done before, she test the shackles that locked her arms tightly behind her back. As expected, they refused to relent and release her from the vice like grip they bound her with.

She then tries the shackles around her ankles which kept her legs pinned to the ground like she was down on her knees for the sake of prostrating herself. Not surprising seeing as Cecily had seen fit to place a statue of Aqua before her in order to create an image of a dark goddess being made to kneel before a true goddess, begging to be forgiven.

Chris then let's out an exasperated sigh before saying to herself-

"OK, let's review my current situation here... AGAIN! I'm currently imprisoned inside the Erisia Cathedral. All my followers here in Axel have been mind controlled by the Charisma Choker, at least as far as I'm aware. These shackles I'm wearing have some kind of magical property that's somehow sealing up what little divine power I'm permitted to have when in a human form... Actually, about all that..."

Eris goes quiet for a moment, giving her thoughts a moment to stew, before she shouts out-

"Where did Cecily, and by extension the Axis, get their hands on divine sealing shackles like these? Did they find them, be given them, or learned how to craft items with such sealing powers contained within. Please, Creator, please tell me Aqua wasn't so stupid as to share such things with her followers as even for her, that's just plain stupidity... even for her. And another thing, why is it possible to shackle someone up all the way in here. I hope it's just because Cecily had this installed because otherwise... I may need to have a little talk with Clerica once this is all over..."

Chris then goes quiet, thinking about that little detail. Once this was all over and done with, how would Clerica and all the other loyal followers of her faith react once they were free of the chokers power. Could they, would they, ever forgive themselves for something that was outside their control. Sure, she could as she knew the truth behind their change of faith, but that doesn't mean that they could forgive themselves for what happened.

Chris knew, no matter what, that this incident would leave a deep scar upon the hearts and minds of many, if not all, her followers who had been forced to endure this that will last for years, perhaps even a full lifetime.

The sound of footsteps brings her out of her thoughts. Chris only needs to wait a short while longer before the door to her storage closet of a prison opens and Cecily, smiling from ear to ear, enters the room. Chris sends her a narrowed eyed look as she says-

"So, paying me yet another visit, are we. What, are you really that bored, Axis priestess?"

"Not at all, dark goddess. I just thought I'd grace you with my superior presence and give you an update on what's been going on here in Axel. In truth, being around you and the stench you're giving off now disgust me as well so please, just bare with me for a few minutes so we can both be free of the other till the big day arrives in two days."

"Fair enough... but just so you know. If I stink in any way shape or form, it's because I haven't had a chance to take a bath in a few days. In fact, I haven't even been given anything to eat or drink here either. Seriously, this is some lousy room service you're offering me here."

"(sarcastically) I'll be sure to inform mother Clerica of your complaints. (normal tone) First, you'll be unhappy to know I have more or less liberated everyone here in Axel. I even managed to find my dear and precious friends Megumin and Yunyun, as well as their two companions, and freed them from being controlled by your champion as well."

"My champion...?"

"I forget his name, but he was the guy hanging around the four of them, manipulating them into doing Aqua knows what to satisfy his sick, sadistic desires. Luckily, he was made to suffer greatly for his evil and we have captured him as well. I can't tell you where he's being detained but know he's being given the utmost respect... just like you."

Cecily then gives Chris a big, cheery smile. Chris, meanwhile, couldn't help but worry. She was confident Darkness and the other girls were OK, even if they were being controlled by Cecily. But Kazuma... what did they do to him before he was captured and where was he being held.

'Why do I have this feeling the others are going to be really upset with themselves once they're back to normal. Kazuma... please be OK.'

Chris quiets her mind, knowing she needed to focus on the here and now. She then sends Cecily a serious look, which makes the Axis priestess flinch from the sudden case of nerves she was feeling, and says with a strong, commanding tone-

"Listen Cecily, you need to remove the Charisma Choker. Can't you see it... see how you've been brainwashing everyone around..."

"Why does everyone keep telling my family's heirloom brainwashes people. It doesn't brainwash, it liberates. I repeat, it LI-BER-ATES!"

"Really, then how do you explain how your cousin Alonzo was making use of it then? Are you telling me him using it to surround himself with pretty girls to make himself feel loved and admired and using it to make his show more popular and bring in the maximum amount of eris."

"I... well... that is to say..."

Clearly, Cecily didn't have an answer to that question from Chris. Chris watches Cecily close, keeping her focus on the choker itself in particular. She could see it, just barely, but she knew it was there; something dark and pulsing deep within the choker. It was a foreign power that was starting to reach outward to crush down the conflict that was being created within Cecily's mind.

Chris decides to press on, hoping that maybe she can still talk some sense into Cecily.

"I'll ask you again, are YOU really sure the choker's power is that of liberating one from being controlled and not a power that forces control over others."

"... I... I can't... (zzzzt) Nice try, dark goddess. You can't fool a devoted follower of an Axis faithful though. I won't be led astray by your lies."

"Then how do you explain how Alonzo made use of the choker. Was what he was doing with it truly liberation."

"(takes a moment to think about it) Perhaps... the power responds to the desires of the user. Yes, that has to be it. (begins speaking normally again) Alonzo wanted to surround himself with fan girls and success and so the Charisma Choker gave him the power to do that. As for me, seeing as I want to use its power to liberate everyone from your control..."

"Are you even listening to yourself here. That's not how the choker's power works at all. Just think about the name of it; the Charisma Choker! You do know what the word 'charisma' even means, don't you? How can it grant the wish of the one who wears it when it clear says with its name that it charms and makes one admired to a crippling degree. Surely you can see and understand that much at least."

"... Shut up, what do you know. You're just a dark goddess, after all. Anyways, I have places to be and people to interact with. Enjoy your remaining two days on this earth, Eris. You won't see me again till it's time for your execution. At least take solace in the fact that it won't be by my hand, but the hand of lady Aqua herself, that will see you off to your final destination."

"Wait, you said Aqua's name. Does that mean..."

"That's right. For the ritual that will see you soul returned to Hell where it belongs, we'll need to call the goddess Aqua herself down from the heavens so that she can personally deal with you."

"Why wait... why not call Aqua over here to the cathedral right now. Let her see who it is you're keeping prisoner here."

"And I would do that why?"

"Because... she can confirm herself that I am NOT a dark goddess, but a fellow goddess whose charged with keeping an eye on mortals; even aiding them from time to time if it's truly necessary... and if we're allowed to do so by the higher ups."

"Right, now I know you're lying. Everyone knows that the goddess Aqua is the one and only true divine being that exist. Any other is either a false god, a fallen god, or a dark god like yourself."

'Please tell me she's lying because of that's actually true, then Aqua REALLY needs to have a talk with her followers about how things truly are once this is all over.'

Chris sighs, then says-

"Then go ahead and call here now, let her see ME and we'll find out which one of us is right."

"You sound really confident about that, Eris."

"I should be because I know how this will all end if you, or any of Aqua's other followers, actually kill me."

While she couldn't die of natural causes or from starvation or dehydration, it was still possible for Chris, or any other god who was walking around in the mortal plain with a mortal shell. Death by the hands of another was just another way to return to Heaven though it wasn't a recommended one for various reasons.

Cecily looked hesitant but ultimately asks-

"I'll humor you here, Eris. Let's say for the sake of argument that you are right, that you are a true goddess like Aqua. If I, or any other member of the Axis church, were to kill you. What would happen?"

"Simple, it would be the end of the Axis faith itself. Using me as an example, any member of the Axis faith involved with my death would have their souls damned for all eternity. There's even a chance the entire faith could be punished for what happened. As for Aqua herself... she would face her own degree of punishment; either from negligence at not stopping you all or being aware of it and letting it happen. In truth, you goddess is already in hot water because of her lax and lazy nature, which is why..."

"OK, that's enough. I'm going to be taking me leave now. I won't hear anymore of your lies."

"But are they lies? How can you be so certain they are, and not the truth. Only one way to know for sure and that's to call Aqua here and have her confirm the truth herself."

"Very well, I will call her... in two days as is the plan. Seriously, I'm leaving..."

"You don't need to summon her in two days. She's already here now... in Axel."

"Wait, what?"

Cecily looks at Chris, sending her a confused and questioning look. She then recalls what she had told Rubrikt earlier; about hearing rumors that Aqua was indeed walking around here in Axel. Was it possible that she really was here already?

"Since you're leaving, why not search around Axel. I'm sure you'll find her if you look... I recommend you focus on any place that sells any kind of booze, perhaps check out the amphitheater outside Axel. If memory serves, she has been living there ever since arriving in Axel a week or two ago."

"... Alright, I'll do that. And if I do find this Aqua you're talking about, the one I've been hearing rumors about, then I'll go ahead and bring her here to see you. That'll confirm which one of us is right, which will be me of course."

"And if not?"

"If not, then I'll... I'll... I will leave the Axis faith and become a follower of yours then. How does that sound?"

"Please don't do that. (says to herself) I'd rather not have someone like you as one of my followers."

Cecily didn't hear what Chris had said as she had already exited the room, making her way through the cathedral and outside. She then wonders where it was she should begin her search, considering heading to the governors mansion and having the old man put out another city wide message when...

A girl comes into view, walking around aimlessly with a lost in thought look. She was wearing all blue and had blue hair flowing with the breeze. What's more, Cecily could feel such radiance coming off her as well. Was it truly possible? Was that girl the REAL goddess Aqua?

'That holy aura, that that divine presence. Could that really be her, the...'

Meanwhile, Aqua was to lost in thought herself to really be paying attention to where it was she was going.

'OK, just what is going on here in this strange place. When ever I make physical contact with all the new recruits to the faith, I can't feel ANY faith flowing from their hearts. If that wasn't enough, I'm starting to become aware of this strange sort of energy surrounding their minds. I don't know why but I can't help but feel that everyone here in Axel is being brain...'

"Is it you... is it REALLY you, lady Aqua?"

"Hm... yes, I am Aqua, THE Aqua, goddess of water and she who is worshiped by the Axis faith who protect this world from all forms of evil. How can I..."

"It really is you, lady Aqua!"

cried Cecily as she rushes forward and pulls Aqua into a tight hug, tears of joy flowing from her eyes. While Aqua wasn't sure what was going on here exactly, she would admit that she did like hugs, quite a lot actually, so she decided to allow this girl, who was obviously an Axis faithful from the way she dressed, to do as she pleased. Aqua even hugged her back as she felt it was the proper response.

Cecily kept hugging Aqua, weeping for joy for a full minute before she realized what it was she was doing and quickly breaks the hug, then just as quickly getting down on her hands and knees, bowing deeply before her god.

"Lady Aqua, forgive my... overeager actions just now. It's just that being here, in your radiant presence, I... I just could help myself..."

"It's OK, it's OK; I really didn't mind at all, my child. Please stand and tell me your name."

Cecily quickly stands and does her graceful introduction.

"Yes, right... ah. My name is Cecily; arch priestess of the Axis church and, if I may be so bold to say, your number one follower!"

"My number one... mmm. Well, I can say that you do have way more faith flowing from the depths of your heart than any other I have ever felt for quite a long time. Well, it's nice to get to meet you, Cecily my number one follower."

Aqua then becomes hesitant, considers her words, then asks-

"I know this may sound rather strange, but I'm hoping you can explain a great mystery to me. I've noticed the streets of Axel are filled with followers of my faith, so many more than even I had expected to find. Given what week this is, I find it strange that I haven't seen any sign of any of Er..."

"That's all thanks to me, actually. Using my charming words and graceful suggestions, I have managed to single handedly convert all the souls here in Axel over to being followers of yours, lady Aqua."

"(shocked) Wait, really? (sounding amazed) That's incredible. To think any one of my faithful would be able to accomplish... (starting to sniffle and cry) I feel like a parent, feeling total joy and absolute pride at hearing that their child has accomplished a great feet. How did you do it, Cecily?"

Cecily chuckles with pride as she lifts her head up to better expose her neck while pointing to the choker she was wearing.

"I wouldn't have been able to achieve my goals without this amazing and powerful item, lady Aqua. With the great power held within this choker I am wearing, I was able to free the masses from the dark shadow that held sway upon their minds; liberating them so that they could see the truth of your love and thus seek to be embraced by it as well."

"Incredible, amazing... and such beautiful and poetic words you used to describe it all as well. Truly, you are something special, my dear... wait, there's something about that choker that looks familiar."

Aqua then leans in close to get a better look. Cecily, meanwhile, not noticing Aqua's actions, then recalls-

"Oh yeah, that isn't all I've done, lady Aqua. You'll be proud to know I have captured a dark goddess. The very dark goddess who was leading all the people here in Axel, and the whole world as well, astray with her evil influence and dark, corrupting lies."

"What, a dark goddess? Where is she... I'll send her back down into the fiery pits of Hell where she belongs."

shouted Aqua, forgetting about her want to get a closer look at the choker as she couldn't help but feel she knew it from somewhere in the past. As for Cecily, she failed to notice her own lack of giving said dark goddess a name when mentioning her too Aqua. Instead, she says-

"She right behind me. I have her locked up all nice and tight there inside the highest point within the cathedral. I've also asked the captain of the city guard to post as many men as possible here to keep her under tight lock and key until the final day of the festival here in two days, where she and her champion can be properly dealt with."

"Why wait till then? I'll go up there and send her on her way right here and now!"

declared Aqua, making a rolling up her sleeves style action before beginning to stomp off towards the cathedral. Cecily stops her and quickly says-

"Have you forgotten your own words; lady Aqua. What you yourself penned within the sacred text of the Axis faith. When it comes to punishing dark, fallen gods; they must be punished on the final day of a holy festival being held in your honor. You know, because it's tradition!"

"Hm, did I write something like that? Well, if you say so then I guess I did. Are you sure this dark goddess will be unable to escape before the big day."

"On my honor and devotion as one of your followers."

Aqua thinks about it, then smiles.

"Alright then. If she's been properly secure, then I'm fine with letting her live for a few extra days. By the way, what was her name..."

"Lady Aqua, don't you think we should go celebrate right now? I mean, with all your new converts and a dark goddess destroying ritual to look forward, doesn't it call for a great party to be held? I mean, that is also written in the sacred text."

Aqua thinks about that to, then quickly gives Cecily a happy nod.

"Alright, let's go celebrate. But where should we celebrate at, I wonder?"

"Just leave it to me, lady Aqua. I'll take you to all the best places one can go to have a celebration."

And with that, Cecily takes Aqua's hand, guiding her away from the cathedral. Do to their reverie, both had forgotten about the questions that had been on their minds.

Cecily had already forgotten the words Eris had spoken to her about being a true goddess and about the consequences that came from slaying a true goddess in the name of another true goddess.

As for Aqua, she had herself forgotten about the mystery plaguing her mind that was the lack of faith she was feeling from the new recruits, the strange energy present within everyone's minds, the familiarity of the curious choker Cecily was wearing, and asking what name the dark goddess went by.

As they move further and further away, a lone figure emerges from the shadows; a sad look on his face.

"You're running out of time, Aqua. You need to stop forgetting such important questions so easily and start doing... something, anything more here than be your usual you. If you can't... then it will truly mean the end of who you are!"

The figure then fades into a flash of light, returning to on high in order to continue his observations.

{|} Intermission {|}

"Look, I can see the outline of the Artashire southern gate ahead of us."

"Finally, this walk has been taking forever."

Since leaving Axel, Lynn, Ruffian, and Hans had been working on returning to Artashire. They had gone to the old fortress, in order to make use of the Gate. However, upon stepping through it, they had not found themselves arriving in Artashire itself, but instead a location deep within the Esther Forest.

And even stranger was the fact it was the exit point that was furthest away from Artashire, thus forcing them to have to take the LONG way there. Several days of walking longer, in fact. There was also the fact any attempts at contacting any of the Faea had proven impossible too.

During much of that time, Lynn had been quiet; being lost in thought as she tried to come up with a reason as to why this was the case. Ruffian, seeing the serious expression on his daughters face, asks-

"You OK there, kiddo. Try not to frazzle your brain from trying to figure this all out. Now that we're here, we can ask the old man directly if he would know what happened. If anyone would know, it's pops."

"... Maybe, but as future [Riiji] of the Faea, I need to be able to figure something like this out without his help."

A few minutes later, they stepped through the gate and began walking on the streets of Artashire, only to notice something was different. There wasn't anyone to be seen and there was a eerie kind of silence filling the air, as well as a strange kind of heaviness too.

"Hello? Hey, is anyone here? Answer me!"

shouted Ruffian. Hans, who had finally regained his human form, kneels down and runs his fingers along the ground for a moment before looking at Lynn and saying-

"My lady, you may want to feel this. The ground... it's..."

Lynn quickly kneels down too, placing her hand onto the ground and letting her senses reach out. Ruffian waits for a few moments before asking them what was going on. Lynn stands and looks at her father, saying-

"It's the mana. It has become so thin... and hollow feeling. Something strange is happening here."

"Hey, look. I think I can see some people."

said Hans, getting up himself. He points Lynn and Ruffian towards what he meant and indeed, there were a few Faea walking about. However, it was obvious that something was off with them. The three arrivals quickly run over, getting a better look at the Faea as they get closer.

Their skin had become pale; very pale to the point it was just ever so slightly transparent. They also appeared to be walking in a weird way, almost like they were just barely being hoisted off the ground like a puppet dangling from strings. And then there was their speech. There was a kind of distortion to their tone on top of the strangest of all things; they were speaking in reverse.

"OK, this is a new one."

"Are they trying out some weird game or something?"

"Something is really wrong here. Quickly, we need to speak with grandfather."

Lynn then breaks off into a run with Ruffian and Hans right behind her. They make their way up higher and higher till they reach the audience chambers of the [Riiji], only to find it empty.

"Grandpa? Grandpa? Where are you?"

"Hey, old man. If you're here, then say something already."

"Hey boss, I don't think these two are joking around so you might want to come out already."

There was no reply and by now, Lynn was starting to become agitated on top of being worried. She clenches her fist as she says-

"Come on. Grandpa has to be around here somewhere. Let's go check his private chambers next..."

"There won't be any need of that, dear [Eirwasha]!"

The three jump at hearing the voice of the [Riiji], then turn to see him come walking past them. Lynn tries to talk to him but he ignores her words, instead moving to sit upon his throne. Only then does he choose to say more.

"Why are the three of you here? Shouldn't you all be elsewhere right now? Tia'lynnya, you and Rustaban at the very least should be back in Axel."

"You first, grandfather. What's going on here in Artashire? Why is the air the way it is, why is the mana in the earth so... strange, and why are the people acting as they are?"

"Hm... (turns his gaze up skyward) Just as there are beginnings, so too are there endings. While it wasn't intended, or planned, to end so soon; it seems the destined time has finally arrived at last."

"What do you mean, father?"

Yasaka doesn't answer immediately. Instead, he seemed to be lost in thought about something before finally looking back at them; his expression being one that asked "Why are you here" again, which he then mirrors with his words.

"I'll ask you three again. Why are you HERE and not back in Axel?"

"Is it that important we be in Axel right now, grandfather. Are we not allowed to be here right now?"

"Are you wondering why we're skipping out on attending the Eris Festival with the others, pops?"

Yasaka doesn't reply, making everyone look at each other. Hans then speaks up and says-

"Boss, they... wanted to make sure I made it back after the little adventure me and Wolbach had. Um... you're probably wondering where she is right now. You see, it's a long story but I guess I'll begin by saying..."

"No need, Hans. I'm already aware of everything that's happened. And yes, Tia'lynnya. It IS important for you to be back in Axel instead of here right now."

"May I ask why?"

"(sigh) Because right now, that boy named Satou Kazuma could really use your help. You see, a member of the Axis cult, goes by the name of Cecily, has brainwashed everyone in Axel using the power of a Divine Relic. Even those other girls who wish to stay close to Kazuma have been charmed. As for Kazuma himself; I believe he is in hiding, having suffered some terrible wounds that those girls, in their brainwashed states, have inflicted upon him. Even now, I fear his life is in great danger."

"What, grandfather... what are you..."

"Lynn, we need to get back to Axel. If Kazuma really is in trouble, then we need too."

Lynn turns to look at her father, giving him a nod before going to run out of the room as she couldn't use her teleportation spell within this particular chamber. Ruffian and Hans turn to follow, only for all free of them to be stopped as a set of three rings appear around them, lifting them into the air and stopping all physical movement.

"Actually, perhaps you three coming back was the better option here. Had any of you chosen to remain behind back there, then it is likely you would have also been brainwashed by Cecily and the Charisma Choker."

Lynn, despite finding her arms and legs unresponsive and her mana frozen, is able to turn herself back enough to see Yasaka stand and begin to walk towards them.

"What... what are you saying, grandfather. What's going on?"

"Answer her, old man."

Yasaka ignores them, instead saying to himself-

"In fact, having you here would make for some excellent bait, Tia'lynnya. Bait that can be used to give that boy a momentary distraction and allow me a chance to set up the FINAL test."

"GRANDFATHER!"

shouts Lynn, finally getting Yasaka to look at her.

"What are you going on about. Just what is it your thinking. Tell..."

Before Lynn could finish. Yasaka snaps his fingers, causing the three rings encircling each of them to glow before turning into three ice-blue colored egg shaped cells where Lynn, Ruffian, and Hans hovered in a frozen, unmoving state. Yasaka steps forward and places a hand against Lynn's cell.

"You keep calling me grandfather, Tia'lynnya. This truth I'll share with you now is... you really shouldn't!"

{|} C-Part {|}

As she finished unpacking and putting her things away, Megumin took a moment to look around her new bedroom; she took a good long look around. After the heretic, Satou Kazuma, had escaped them outside the old mansion, Cecily had suggested they relocate to her private mansion within the walls of Axel.

"It doesn't make sense that we live so far outside the city walls. Wouldn't it be more advantageous to live within the walls, closer to where all the action, news, and pleasantries can be found. Also, this place here... No offense everyone but it's really creepy looking!"

Yes, those had been the words she had said, words they had all agreed with without hesitation. Thinking back on that, Megumin found her quickness in agreeing strange as the old mansion was her pride and joy; her little baby that's design had been born from the brilliance that is her mind.

And it was because of that fact that she couldn't help but say to herself now-

"I miss the old mansion. This place... sure, it's nice and all that. But it just lacks that special little something that made the old mansion so much better."

Was it the lack of the private indoor hot spring hidden down in the basement. Was it that warm and cozy feeling born from having lived there for a while. Was it her old bed that she missed. Or perhaps maybe she just liked the old mansion more because of the Gothic look she had given it, according to Kazuma...

'Wait, why did I just think of that guy's name. Wasn't it Cecily who said the old mansion had a Gothic look to it?'

As Megumin ponders that question, a knock at her door draws her attention. She calls out to the person outside to come in and Darkness opens the door and steps into the room.

"So Megumin, finally finished unpacking? Enjoy your first night in your new room?"

"I guess... wish I could have brought my old bed here with me though. This new bed, while nice, just doesn't feel right. Same with living in the new mansion. Sure, it has its charm and all, but I would rather we continued to live in the old mansion."

"Yeah, I know the feeling. On another subject... I couldn't help but overhear all the noise you, Yunyun, and lady Cecily were making together. Must have had quite the night together, you three... though I confess I'm confused. Seeing as you two were joining Cecily in her room last night, I honestly thought all three of you would have stayed in lady Cecily's bed together for the entire night."

"Yeah, I had thought that would have happened last night as well. However, things didn't go quite like we all expected it would. You see..."

Megumin the explains all the weird things that happened last night with Yunyun and Cecily, making Darkness nod as she listened. Once she was done, Darkness closes her eyes and thinks for a second before saying-

"So, in a nutshell, lady Cecily DID try to become intimate with you, both of you, but every time she tried to do anything, some invisible force seemed to attack her and send her slamming into the wall. That explains all the noise I was hearing. What do you think it was all about, Megumin?"

"Hm... Cecily believed there was some kind of evil spirit or a poor soul who was having fun pranking her and, in a fit of rage, cast various holy exorcism spells she knew to deal with it. That didn't work, so she tried using any and every spell she could think of it to deal with it. Again, nothing changed. Finally, me and Yunyun just retired to our rooms as we were tired and Cecily herself just didn't feel like doing anything after all that... except sleep of course."

"You must be feeling disappointed. Having some strange phenomenon getting in the way of you and Yunyun expressing your love for lady Cecily in the good, old fashion physical way."

"(takes a second before answering) Actually, I'm kind of glad we weren't able to do anything."

"Seriously?"

"Yeah, I'm being serious. Honestly, whenever I think about Cecily, I don't feel any form of romantic love... of any kind. In fact, what I do feel when I think of her is a mixture of gratitude and a whole lot of wariness. I know she says that we are destined lovers, and my thoughts agree with those words, and yet... (sigh) When I look into my heart, I just don't feel anything romantic towards her!"

"And yet, you were OK with joining her in HER bed last night."

"Yeah, I know that. That's what makes it weird to me. I know my heart doesn't feel anything romantic for her, yet my thoughts and memories tell me otherwise and when Cecily was leading me and Yunyun towards her room, it... this is going to sound strange, but I personally felt like I was being compelled by some force to do it."

"Curious. I wonder if Yunyun would agree with you."

"Funny you should ask that question, Darkness."

Megumin and Darkness turn to see Yunyun standing at the door. Darkness quickly says-

"Morning Yunyun, did you sleep well last night?"

"Sure... I guess?"

Yunyun didn't sound all that confident but before Darkness could inquire more from her, Megumin cuts in and asks-

"Forget about that, Yunyun. What did you mean by what you said when you arrived at my door."

"I... (hesitates) I guess I'm of the same mindset as Megumin. My memories tell me that I love Cecily; that I want to be with her. And yet, when I'm around her, I don't feel any emotion from my heart for her. Instead, I feel... I don't know, but I think it's more akin to..."

"Wariness, like what I've been feeling."

"Yeah, like you said, Megumin. Whenever I'm around her, I feel like I need to be wary. Also, there's something else too."

Megumin and Darkness wait and watch as Yunyun brings her diary out into the open, making them realize that Yunyun had been keeping one hand behind her back upon arriving. Darkness then says-

"Your diary?"

Yunyun nods, then looks down at the diary, then back at them again and says-

"When I first got up this morning, I planned on getting started with unpacking my things, I guess the same mindset that you clearly had, Megumin. But after finding my diary amongst my things, I couldn't help but sit down and read through it. Because of that, I..."

"Yunyun?" (x2)

"I found something really strange. Something that doesn't make any sense to me."

Megumin and Yunyun look at each other, then back at Yunyun as Megumin asks-

"And that would be?"

"When I was reading through my diary, I found there was no mention of Cecily anywhere within my diary. No mention of her being present during all our previous adventures, despite my memories telling me otherwise. Instead, there was someone else there with us. Someone who, according to my memories, shouldn't be there."

"And that person is?"

"Believe it or not, but it was the heretic, the champion of the dark goddess... Satou Kazuma!"

There was a silence that followed Yunyun saying that, broken when Megumin finally says-

"That... that can't be possible, Yunyun."

"Yeah, I know that. And yet, that's what my diary..."

"Darkness, Megumin, Yunyun... can you come downstairs. Lady Cecily has gotten back, and she says she wants to introduce us to a special someone."

came the voice of Cielo from downstairs. The three girls hesitate before Darkness finally shouts out-

"We'll be right down. (turning her attention back to the two Crimson Demons) Let's continue this conversation later, along with Cielo. Also, perhaps we should look through our own diary's and see what they have to say."

"Good idea... and also, let's keep this a secret from Cecily for now."

"Megumin's right. After having read my diary, I can't help but recall the words that Kazuma said back when we were all at the old mansion. About how he knew about all our past events, things Cecily didn't seem to know. That and... other things as well."

"Alright then. Let's go meet this person Cecily wants us to meet, then we can try to find some time to talk with Cielo and see if we can figure out exactly what is going on here."

{|} D-Part {|}

Once again, Kazuma found himself slowly returning to consciousness and the first thing he noticed was that he had his back resting against a rather soft feeling bed, with an equally soft and comfy pillow. This was strange to him as, seeing as he was in the process of being captured when he blacked out before, he was sure his little temporary prison would be far less forgiving on him.

He then feels something being placed on his forehead; a cool, wet cloth. It takes some effort on his part, but he is finally open his eyes and after a moment to let his eyes focus, he sees who it was that was attending him.

"Lia? What's going..."

"Kazuma... you're finally awake. Are you... are you OK?"

"(groans) Yeah, sure. I'm just peachy here. I mean, why wouldn't I be after having my party brainwashed by some Aqua loving psycho, have my friends attack, injure, and maim me, (holds up his still stump of a right arm) and then get my ass kicked when I'm already in a bad state. Obviously, I'm doing OK."

"I see your point!"

"(sighs) Sorry, Lia. I'm just... really going through the motions right now. I didn't mean to dumb..."

"No need for that. I completely understand. Anyways, think you're up for eating anything?"

"I don't know. I did get stabbed through my stomach earlier... but I'm willing to give it a try. Can you help me sit up here."

Lia nods before assisting Kazuma with sitting up. It takes a few seconds before Kazuma was finally sitting upright and as Lia goes to pull something out from her vanity; a secret stash of snack food Kazuma reasoned, he takes a moment to look around the room they were both in.

Lia notices this and says before he can ask-

"We're inside the amphitheater, Kazuma. To be more exact, inside my bedroom. You should be grateful as I won't let just anyone, guy or girl, into my room and into my bed like this."

Kazuma, despite still feeling like crap, can't help but smirk from the playful tone in Lia's voice.

"I won't tell if you don't. Anyways, how did I end up here to begin with. Last thing I recalled was being captured by Darkness, Megumin, and the Knight Guard. Given how everyone in Axel sees me right now, I seriously doubt they would have chosen this to be my personal prison for the next few days."

"You're right about that. Luckily, me and Erika managed to catch sight of the whole thing. We figured they would be holding you inside the Knight Guard Station and we went ahead and set up a trap there. Once we managed to recover you, we returned here and have been keeping you safely locked away for the last few hours."

"Thanks for that, Lia. Does that mean the Idol Hearts..."

Lia, having returned with a plate full of chocolate chip cookies in hands, shakes her head before handing them to Kazuma. Kazuma takes on in hand, bites off a piece and chews it before swallowing. While his stomach becomes pained from having food in it now, it wasn't enough to stop Kazuma from eating even more as Lia continues explaining.

"All of Idol Hearts, apart from Erika and I, have been brainwashed; turned into followers of Aqua."

"(gulp) Damn, that seriously sucks. Any idea on how you and Erika escaped being brainwashed."

"We have a few!"

It wasn't Lia who spoke, but Erika who quickly lets herself in. Seeing Kazuma awake and up, eating something, makes Erika tear up a little before walking over to sit beside Lia at Kazuma's side.

"And those would be?"

(L) "Neither of us can be certain, but my personal guess behind why I wasn't brainwashed along with the others is because of my amnesia. Strange as it sounds, but maybe something about my amnesia, or the events that brought it about, may have giving me some form of shielding or defense from the brainwashing."

"Makes sense, sort of. What about you, Erika?"

"Simple, I think I was spared because the idea of being brainwashed, to say nothing of becoming a member of the Axis faith and a worshiper of Aqua's... is just not cute!"

"(Kazuma, and Lia, give her a deadpan look) Why am I not surprised that would be your explanation, Erika."

Kazuma then goes quiet, giving the matter some thought as well. He has an idea which makes his say-

"I wonder... maybe the reason you two were spared was because you're both owners of Divine Relics."

"(Lia and Erika look at each other, then back at Kazuma) What do you mean?" (x2)

"Cecily is using a Divine Relic, one that's been in her family for many generations, called the Charisma Choker. It has the power to charm someone, to make them do anything the holder of the choker wants them to do without question. While she is not the original owner, she still has his blood in her thus giving her the power to use it, even if not it's full power. The fact you two also have your own DR's along with the fact you both are your DR's original owners, combined with the fact they have anima flowing within them..."

(E) "Then that may be the reason behind why we were shielded. That actually makes a lot more sense than either of our assumptions."

Lia nods in agreement, then goes to ask-

"OK, that may explain us being safe but what about..."

The door to Lia's room opens again, this time it was Anna, who was now back in her full-sized human form, that stepped inside. She was holding what looked to be a board game in her hands as she says-

"OK, I found something to keep us from being bored until big... KAZUMA, YOU'RE AWAKE!"

Immediately, Lia and Erika jump Anna, shutting her up. Lia then says in a quiet, yet stern, voice-

"Not so loud, you idiot. Do you want the others to learn that he's here inside the amphitheater?"

"Huh? (sheepishly) Oh, right. Sorry about that."

Erika closes the door to the room, this time making sure to lock it before all three of them return to Kazuma's side. Kazuma looks at Anna then says-

"I hope you realize I'm going to need to scold you later, once things calm down."

"Scold... wait, what did I do?"

"You running off like you did somehow alerted everyone to my location. If not for you, I'd still be back at Wiz's shop as no one had considered to look there. Never mind that for now, what time is it, anyways?"

"Sunset has just started. Anyways, back to my question. We have an idea as to why we weren't brainwashed, Kazuma. And we've heard from Anna why she thinks she wasn't affected. But what about you, Kazuma. Why weren't you brainwashed like everyone else?"

"I... it may be because of my Lich powers. Or maybe my connection to the goddess Eris was just too strong. Who knows, really."

Kazuma also knew the whole connection to Entropy was a likely factor, if not the biggest factor, but he felt it was better to not bring that up as neither Lia nor Erika knew about that part of him and he really wasn't feeling like explaining it to them right now either.

If Lia or Erika had any reason to doubt, they didn't show it as Lia stands and takes a peek outside her bedroom window. Erika watches her, then asks-

"So, what do we do now? How do we deal with this whole crazy situation?"

(L) "Well, if the choker that this Cecily person is wearing is the cause behind everyone in Axel being brainwashed, then shouldn't we take it away from her. Unless I'm mistaken, taking it from her should return everyone to normal... right?"

"Yeah, it will... though it'll take a few hours before they return to normal."

(E) "Then we should start hunting down that Cecily girl as soon as possible. Strike while she isn't expecting anyone to come for her, right?"

Lia and Anna nod, but Kazuma cuts in and says-

"Before that, we need to find Er... Chris. We're most likely going to need her help with getting the choker off Cecily as, according to Chris, only a family member can remove the choker when it's being worn by a descendent of the original owner... unless you use special means which Chris happens to know."

(L) "Why would Chris know how to do that, Kazuma. Is it because she's an agent of the goddess Eris?"

"Actually, it's because... Chris IS Eris!"

Kazuma then explains to the shocked Lia and Erika, asking them to keep it a secret as, understandably, Chris wanted to keep that truth on the down low. Erika says-

"No problem. Still though, where in Axel would they be keeping Er... I mean Chris at anyways?"

"Oh, right! That reminds me, big brother. While I was out and about, I learned where they were keeping Eris, I mean Chris, hostage!"

"EH?" (x3)

Several hours later, night had fallen over Axel and everyone had turned in for the night, save for those who were out on night patrol, guard duty, and four individual's who made their way towards the Erisia Cathedral as quietly as possible.

Luckily, the darkness and the shadows served them well, on top of the fact no one was expecting any sort of trouble, now that the heretic champion of the dark goddess had been captured and, as far as anyone was concerned or aware, was still captive.

Once the cathedral was before them, they stop to plan out their next actions.

"Anna, are you sure Chris is being held in the topmost spire of the cathedral?"

"Honestly, I'm not. That was the speculation one of them had at least."

(E) "So we sneak all stealthy like and try to avoid the guards then. That's going to be rough."

"That's not going to be possible. We'll need to sneak up on any guard we see and disable them, knock them out so the escape can be easier for us once we find Chris."

(L) "Do you think you're up for this, Kazuma? No offense, but you're not in the best of shape right now."

"You're not wrong, but I'm the one with the most stealth, sneaking, and assassin like skills and experience. Unfortunately, you three may need to do the leg work when it comes to taking out the individual guards. I'll do what I can as well but..."

"You can count on us!" (x3)

Kazuma then takes the lead, directing the girls as they do a quick speed around the cathedral. While it was an annoying detour to do, Kazuma decided that knocking out all the guards out on exterior patrol would be a good idea, just in case any happened to step inside and find more of their fellow guards having been incapacitated.

It took them nearly a half hour to do, but once they had finally dealt with all the outside guards, making sure to tuck them away from direct sight as a just in case. They then head inside and slowly begin making their way through the massive, maze-like structure.

'I can't help but feel like I'm dungeon diving in an RPG right now with my party!'

Because Kazuma, or any of them really, didn't know exactly what the fastest route to the top of the central spire, they had to spend a good amount of time searching around though it allowed them to deal with even more guards, though they did end up having more than a few close calls along the way.

After nearly two hours of searching, they finally reached their destination... or so they assumed as they had found two guards decked out in some seriously hardcore armor.

"I have an idea. Follow my lead..."

said Anna before morphing into her chibi form. She then goes waltzing out without a care or worry, while the others question if they should stop her or not. Luckily, her plan actually worked as chibi-Anna actually distracted them, allowing Lia and Erika to come in from behind and knock them out too.

Kazuma then uses his Unlocking skill to deal with the lock on the door, then the four of them step inside where Chris was waiting. Upon seeing Kazuma, Chris's features light up; her positive feelings quickly turning once she saw, and could now feel, just how bad his physical condition truly was.

"Kazuma, you're... you're hurt, badly."

"Not going to lie to you, boss. I'm definitely not in the best of shape. Forget that for the moment, what about you?"

"Hungry, thirsty, and my legs and arms have been asleep since forever, but I'll live. (jokingly) I see Anna also maintained her sanity... if you could call her mental state sane that is. ("HEY!) It's good to see you again, Lia. And you are...?"

"Names Erika, Kazuma's dear childhood friend from our old lives."

"It's good to see you again too, lady Eris... sorry, Chris. Are you sure you're doing, OK?"

"Could be worse. Luckily, no one tried to take advantage of me in my current state of... wait, how do you two know..."

"I told them, boss. Given the situation and all, keeping secrets isn't all that important when you think about it."

(E) "Don't worry. We won't tell anyone, lady Eris."

Kazuma examines the shackles on Chris' ankles and on her wrist, then says-

"This is going to take me a few moments. These are a lot more powerful than the usual locks and I do only have one hand to work with here."

"Focus on freeing my hands, Kazuma. Once that's done, I can do my ankles myself."

"Uh... everyone, I think we missed a few along the way. I can hear footsteps heading our way!"

said Anna, being able to hear the incoming clanks of metal against the stone floor. Lia and Erika look at each other and nod, then Lia says-

"Kazuma, you work on freeing Chris. Leave the guards to the three of us."

"Understood... be careful, all of you."

The three girls nod, then exit the room while Kazuma continues working on freeing Chris' hands.

"Kazuma, seriously, are you OK?"

"... No... no, I'm really not OK right now, Chris. And I'm not just speaking of my physical status here either. Honestly, I'm tired... I'm just so DAMN... actually, now's not the time for this talk between us. For now, let's just focus on the task at hand. Once this is all over and done with, we can have a little private talk between the two of us about my current mental and emotional state, as well as a few other things I need to get off my chest and say."

"I'm sorry... if only I was a better goddess..."

"None of that, boss. This isn't your fault. It's not the fault of the girls or anyone else's fault either. No, the blame lies solely on that Cecily girl and maybe even Aqua for letting her followers become like they are to begin with... there, your hands are free. How do they feel?"

Chris rubs her wrist, then nods at Kazuma before twisting herself around enough so that she could use her own power to free her legs. Once that was done, Kazuma helps her up while asking-

"So, what now? Any idea where we should start looking for Cecily at?"

"I don't, but I know how to find out. Kazuma, I'm going to need your help here."

"Sure, but what can I..."

Kazuma doesn't get to finish his question as Chris suddenly pulls him into a kiss. While he was surprised by this, he decides not to fight it either and just go with the flow. He wasn't sure what he was supposed to do here till he felt his forehead begin to tingle and the next thing he knew...

He and Chris were standing inside her heavenly throne where Chris finally breaks the kiss.

"Sorry about that, Kazuma. I needed to use that special link I had placed within you all the way back when we first interacted, following the whole Verdia encounter, I mean. Do you remember that?"

"Do I... (thinks about it) Oh right, Eris, that is to say, you DID say something about making it possible for us to communicate via dreams. I honestly forgot about that. Actually, boss... wouldn't you simply touching your forehead to my forehead work just as well for this purpose?"

"... Yes, it would have... actually. Ah... never mind the method used. The end result is all that matters."

"Fair enough, I suppose. So, why is it we're here inside your little throne place. I thought the purpose of the link was to allow us to communicate with one another if the need to do so ever arose."

"The link within you isn't just connected to me but also to my throne. Right now, our spirits are her while our physical bodies are still down below."

"And still in a state of kissing, I take it?"

"Yes, exact...ly... oh crap!"

Chris, realizing that was the case, quickly begins to panic as she has an intense blush growing bigger and bigger on her face. She then says with clear haste in her tone-

"I need to make this quick. Clover... CLOVER. Where are..."

A quick flash of light, followed by Eris' angel assistant appearing, and seeing the cute young angel running over to hug Chris with tears in her eyes.

"Ah, you're finally back, lady Eris. I've been so..."

"There-there, I'm fine now. So, I take it you know what's been going on then?"

"Yes, I've been watching it all happen. I'm so sorry I didn't do anything, but I was... mister Kazuma? AHHH, it's mister Kazuma. I-I-I-I'm not ready for this. Quick, I need to fix my tear-stained face."

Kazuma can't help but laugh at seeing Clover becoming all flustered and nervous. He also felt bad for her as it must be tough being in the presence of someone you idolized, or so he assumed she idolized him, and looking a mess because of her previous emotional moment.

Chris chuckles too before becoming serious and saying-

"Now's not the time for that, Clover. Please, tell me why you couldn't come to my aid."

"Huh... oh, right. It was on the orders of lord Pathos. He said to not worry; that you will be rescued by mister Kazuma here before too long, which he was obviously right about. He also said that together, the two of you would bring an end to the situation currently going down within Axel."

(K) "That can't be the only reason. No offense to how things work up here, but it seems more like this was all a punishment placed on boss here for all her running around in the mortal world with a mortal body."

"Mister Kazuma, I can assure you lord Pathos and the other higher-ups would never..."

"No, Kazuma's right. That is something they would go do. (Clover squeaks out an "EH!") That said, they also know the reason why I'm doing it too and have even given the OK to do it. There has to be something more than just wanting me to handle this without aid from above."

"Really? Oh right, actually... lord Pathos also told me that this is the big moment for lady Aqua too. Since she's also in Axel, the higher-ups have decided that this matter will be her big test, to determine if she deserves to continue being a goddess or if she'll be stripped of her status and made a full mortal."

"Is that right. Well, Aqua's royally screwed then!"

"Kazuma... I understand. Clover, is there any chance I can have some of my power restored for this task. With all my followers having been brainwashed, their faith has become diluted which in turn is having a negative effect on what little divine power I have available in my mortal form."

"Sorry, lady Eris. Lord Pathos said you have to work with what you got until this is over. Only then can I bring you back myself so you can recover."

"Figures. OK, what about Aqua. Any idea where she is in Axel right now?"

"She's with Cecily, actually. The two of them ran into each other earlier and have been hanging out ever since. Currently, they are at Cecily's mansion... the most lavish and expensive mansion in all of Axel."

"Why does that not surprise me."

"Clover, what about my friends. Are they..."

"That's right, mister Kazuma. They're also at Cecily's mansion too."

Chris takes a moment to think, then says-

"OK, then what we do next is clear. Kazuma, we're going after Cecily, and we'll be ending this whole thing before dawn breaks."

"Agreed. I hope we can do this without dragging the others into it but... no matter what, this all ends tonight."

"Good luck, both of... oh, wait. Before you go."

Clover walks up and uses a powerful healing spell on Kazuma. She then says-

"When you awaken, mister Kazuma, you'll find your body fully healed and your missing hand regrown. For what's likely to be coming, you'll need to be at your best."

"Thanks for that, Clover. But are you allowed too..."

"I WASN'T told I couldn't help you out... nor was I told I couldn't do this either. Angel's Blessing!"

Clover then cast the Angel's Blessing holy spell onto Kazuma and Chris. While not as powerful as a Blessing from a God or Goddess, it was still a powerful booster to have cast upon you.

"I'll be back soon, Clover. Till then, keep doing a good job here."

"Understood... good luck, both of you!"

Clover then waves her hand, making the world around them distort and go dark before they find themselves back down in their bodies. However...

"Seriously, you two. REALLY?"

"Yeah, what Lia said. Isn't this a bad time to be doing stuff like..."

"Shut up, you two. This is pure gold here. Just wait till I tell the others about this."

It seems that when their souls had passed into Eris' throne, Kazuma and Chris' bodies had fallen onto the ground, with Kazuma's body on top of Chris' and their lips somehow remaining locked, making it look like they were having themselves a heated make-out session.

Kazuma and Chris quickly pull apart and stand, then explain what had been happening just a moment ago. Once they were done explaining, Lia says-

"So we know where they are and what we need to do. So, how do we go about doing it."

(K) "However we can. Anyways... enough standing around. Let's go end this!"

{|} to be continued... {|}