Unknown location in the Demon Universe…
"Your little ploy failed, child." Sisyphus Prime said as he was conversing with Damien. "A welcome outcome, I must say."
"Well, I'm glad one of us is happy about it." Damien snarked. "This is why I didn't officially announce Trillion as part of my cabinet; unless they can prove I sent her, the events in Fudo's world can't be traced back to me."
"Trying to kill them by proxy was foolish. We should have gone there ourselves." Sisyphus Prime said.
"Just because you want a rematch against Ishihara doesn't mean the rest of us are eager." Damien said. "You'll get your chance later."
"And what about now?" Makima asked. "After all, J-Hack now has a world under his control."
"That bleeding heart doesn't have a sponsor. Even if he did, I have the popular vote." Damien scoffed.
"Then why send Trillion?" The Chaos Kin rasped as it sat in the corner in its bipedal form, with Trillion, recuperating from her wounds as it gently brushed her hair.
"Look, you met the Dimensional Heroes early in their career. They've got leagues more powerful now." Damien said. "I could count the number of beings who could beat them reliably with one hand and still have fingers left over. I need them gone if the plan to stop the Rapture is going to happen."
"And they still managed to turn the situation." Trillion remarked, as her voice mellowed slightly compared to her booming voice formerly in Akira's and Ryo's world . "Damien is correct. To throw yourself before them directly would be seeking death. All that can be done is to cripple or delay them, in order to ensure the plan is made. The matter of my defeat was not a possibility, but a question of how long it took."
"So you admit that they are too great of a foe for you then?" Sisyphus Prime remarked.
"You were there to see the measure of their strength." Trillion responded back. "Take these words, resurrected and proud king: A man determined is far stronger than a man without drive. It goes true for you, and it goes true for others. I have learned that from the fate that I was brought back on."
"So, how do you intend to deal with them now, brilliant leader?" Makima asked, a twinge of sarcasm in her voice present in the last two words.
"Let me go after them. It will be a glorious battle!" Sisyphus Prime declared.
"No. I can possess one of them, cause confusion among their ranks." the Chaos Kin argued.
"You two would expose Damien's plans. I can send some Devils after them." Makima said.
The three argued their positions as Damien looked more and more flustered, until…
"SHUT UP!" Damien yelled, before he took several deep breaths to calm himself down. "Okay… Okay. We're not doing any of that. We need a surefire way. Something that not even the Color Gods would mess with."
Just then, the door opened as an imp fluttered into the room.
"Lord Thorn, we tracked the group, just like you asked. They are heading to this world." the imp said, handing the Antichrist a datapad, the contents of which caused him to raise an eyebrow.
"A world in the intersection between the Demon and Magic Universes…The Old World? Why would they…?" Damien wondered before the realization hit him. "Ursun…"
"Hmm?" Sisyphus Prime hummed. "Ah, the rumors about that Warpspawn, Be'lakor. So, they were true after all."
"But they'd have to go into the Warp. That's…" Makima started.
"A death sentence." Damien finished for her. "Yeah…even if they could withstand the Chaos taint, they'd be hounded by daemons the second they stepped foot in there. And with the prize of the God-Bear on the line…yeah, we could use this." he said with a grin. "I think I have a plan…"
In the skies above the Old World…
The Galaxy King descended into the Old World, making sure that they were cloaked to avoid causing panic in the medieval world.
"So this is your world, Gerik?" Hope asked the Spirit of Gerik, who was inhabiting David's new sword.
"Yes. I can feel that much has changed since I last saw my homeland." Gerik said.
"Well, according to the readings comparing when Superbia was kicked out of this world and when you were killed to now…you've been gone for at least a week." Entrapta analyzed.
"Of course, Ursun's roar vastly changed this world as well." Double D added. "There's a huge storm of energy in the North, making it virtually impassable. What's more, vortexes into another dimension are opening up frequently. Gateways into this so-called 'Realm of Chaos', I assume."
"Some things have stayed the same. I am certain that the Motherland is still cast into Eternal Winter. Ursun's roar is supposed to drive winter away. But… with him trapped in the Realm of Chaos, warmth has not come to my home in 7 years since Ursun's disappearance."
"So it's as if it has been cursed by the Fimblewinter." Baril said.
"And that's why you went on that expedition to find Ursun in the realm of Chaos. But with what you said…things didn't turn out so good." Hope said.
"Yes. And in my absence, I fear that my fellow Kislevites must think Ursun truly is dead. With my death and Yuri's descent into Chaos, no doubt the Tzardom has lost all hope of seeing an end to the endless winter." Gerik said.
"Don't worry, Gerik. We've got a knack for swaying people to our side. We just need to speak with whoever rules over Kislev." Glimmer said. "They're pretty easy to talk to, I bet."
"That would be Katarin Bokha. She's the Tzarina, the current ruler of Kizlev. She rules the entire realm with the company of her Ice Court." Adora searched.
"An Ice Court?" Klonoa asked.
"Ah…a group of powerful Ice Witches within the royal Bokha Palace of Kislev that act as a powerful political body within the tzars' government." Double D quicked searched the term.
"Is Katarin gonna be easy to talk to, Gerik?" Bow asked.
"I'm afraid not." Gerik said. "She is rather cold and aloof when she rules, but she is dedicated to her homeland. Beyond that, she was also close to Yuri."
"Oh…that's gotta sting." ZS winced.
"Alright, then we're just gonna have to be careful when talking to her." Mark said.
"How are we gonna do that?" Ragna asked.
"Hey, why don't you guys let me talk to her?" Frosta asked.
"Uh, Frosta are you sure that's a good idea?" Hope asked.
"Yeah, Hope's right. You guys in the squad aren't exactly the best negotiators."
"I know we don't have the best diplomatic track record, but I am pretty much in the same boat as Katarin. I rule an Ice Kingdom too, so maybe if I speak to her on the same level, I could get through to her." Frosta said.
"Yeah, but…you're not cold, or aloof, and you haven't lost a partner… I hope you haven't had one yet, or else we need to hunt someone down." Scarlet said.
"I haven't, but that's not the point!" Frosta said.
"What Frosta's trying to say is, that her standing as the Princess of Snows may just be the best shot we got at getting a deal with Katarin." Adora said.
"If that fails, Francisca and I can smooth things over." David said.
"I will gladly lend my aid as well if needed." Selena added.
"I think I got this, don't worry." Frosta nodded. "But… thanks for the help in advance if I don't break the ice right away, guys."
"You're going to place your faith in securing an Alliance with Tzarina Katarin… on a child?" Gerik asked.
"...Pretty much, yeah."
"Even if we suggested someone else, she would just charge in front anyway." David said.
"Hey, I'm not that bad anymore." Frosta said.
"That's debatable." Francisca said.
Gerik sighed. "Well young one, if you're determined to go through with this negotiation with the Tzarina, then we must head into Kislev country. We will be able to speak to her highness in the Kislev capital."
"And what city exactly does Katarin rule from?" Hope asked.
"Kislev City." Gerik answered.
"They named the capital after the country?" Emo asked.
"A lot kingdoms tend to do that. It's a bit of a trend, actually." Sectonia said.
"And, Emo? New York City?" Moltar pointed out.
"...Touche." the warlock admitted.
"Alright, then. Kislev City, here we come!"
Kislev City, the Tzardom of Kizlev, Northern Province…
A nation in mourning, false news was already before Frosta even before she stepped inside the Ice Court in the capital. The Kislev nation believed Ursun was already dead. She knew right away as she stepped inside the Frozen City that her proposition would require a fairly delicate touch.
"Who are you to walk into this court?" Katarin remarked as she resided on her throne, as the court mumbled amongst each other.
"Katarin Bohka, esteemed Tzarina of Kizlev. My name is Frosta, and I'm the Princess of the Kingdom of Snows. It's an honor and privilege to come before you as a friend and fellow ruler." Frosta bowed.
Needless to say, the Ice Court had their doubts about Frosta when they heard she was royalty.
"A ruler of a kingdom? At her age?"
"Is this a jest from those beyond the borders?"
"Hm. A fellow ruler, yes, but a friend, you should not be so certain." Katarin remarked neutrally. "So then, I shall ask: What brings you here?"
"I'm here as a representative of a group called the Hero Alliance. And we need your help, your highness. No… we need Kizlev's help." Frosta said.
"A bold proposition." Katarin remarked, as her lips curled slightly upwards before her lips turned into a frown. "But you say you are a representative then. Are you here because you believe that you will convince me in your stead? Or are your leaders unable to come to greet me personally? I much rather face them leader to leader."
"Uh, well…" Frosta fidgeted.
"In that case, allow me." David said.
"And who might you be?" Katarin asked, as her eyes locked on David. "…Hm, you have the air of a practitioner of the arcane arts…but I can sense your connection to the winter. And more so… I can sense a heart most determined."
"You are sharp, Lady Katarin. I am David Ishihara, leader of the Brave Adventurers, one of the groups in the Hero Alliance." David introduced himself with a bow.
"Tell me, David Ishihara. What brings your people here to Kislev?" Katarin asked.
"As Frosta said, we are here to ask for your aid." David said.
"We have heard news about a tragedy that swept through your nation." Frosta answered back. "And we are willing to assist you with it."
"Oh? And do you know what it is that you're helping with?" Katarin asked darkly.
"...Putting an end to the endless winter that has hit your kingdom." David said decisively.
"For seven years, you haven't heard the roar from Ursun, the one who breaks the winds that bring the cold, and paves the way to spring." Frosta said. "David and I come here to say this: Ursun isn't dead. Your patron god still lives. Ursun is still alive!"
Frosta's declaration sent the court into an uproar, as the many courtgoers shouted in rage.
"It cannot be!"
"A trick! Lies from Chaos!"
"Another one of the daemon's traps?! We will not lose any more sons of Kislev!"
"SILENCE! SHE SPEAKS TRUTH!" A booming voice roared out as everyone became quiet as the sudden marching of heavy plated boots was heard approaching the court.
Cue: Retribution - Andaron Saga OST
Leading a group of heavily plated knights could be seen two aged veterans of the battlefield, the one on the left being far younger than the one on the right, as the left man had darker brown hair and less of a beard, while his fellow armored knight had lighter brown hair and fuller beard, as their accompanying knights merely stood by the entryway, spread out, while the two knights in question stepped forth.
"She speaks the truth. For we have witnessed it for ourselves, as has our ruler, who makes his way to speak to you." The younger man spoke. "Allow us to introduce ourselves. I am Randall, Personal Guard and Advisor to the King of Andaron, a direct ally to a force known as the Future Seekers, indirectly allied with the Hero Alliance."
"And I am Sir Gallahad. Randall's Second in Command, same allegiance." The older man spoke. "Our rulers and one of their closest friends desire an audience with you, Tzarina Katarin of Kislev."
"Then invite them in." Katarin responded back. "Show me these allies."
"As you say, Tzarina. Make way, for the King and Queen of Andaron, and the current leader of the Future Seekers! King Baudimon of House Steel, his wife, Aylanda Lightbringer, and their trusted friend, Rimuru Tempest!" Randall proclaimed, as he and Gallahad stepped aside, everyone watching as three new figures would walk into view. One of them, the lead figure, was a man with messy brown hair and beard, yet kept up just enough to appear royalty, as he wore shimmering silver armor, with a flowing regal cape following him, as he walked with a regal aura at every step. King Baudimon of Andaron. On his left, a woman of pristine beauty and splendor, with hair as white as light, eyes as blue as the sea, and a blue dress as wondrous as the sky. Aylanda, his wife. And of course, on their right, none other than Rimuru Tempest himself, the carrier of such proof, as the three of them moved past David and Frosta, and looked directly at Tzarina Katarin.
"Tzarina Katarin of Kislev. I am King Baudimon of Andaron. What my friends have all said is indeed true. There is proof of Ursun living. And our friend here, Rimuru, has proof of such truth." Baudimon spoke with a forced air of authority and presence.
"Ah, so you return to the court again." Katarin remarked as Rimuru looked back at her with a calm expression. "Are these people also allies?"
"Yes, ma'am. They are. And it's true. I have the proof that Ursun is alive… …I've captured his roar, utilizing my magical powers." FS!Rimuru declared. "It will not be the same effect as his true roar… but trust me. It will have the effect you desire."
"Know that your entire argument weighs upon this. Show us your proof." Katarin declared.
FS!Rimuru nodded, soon forming a magicule of energy… and he released it, as Ursun's very roar, the residue of it from before, blasted through the courts, and brought some life to nearby trees… But temporarily. That put all the court at ease, immediately.
"They speak the truth." Katarin spoke softly as the court murmured loudly. "She spoke the truth!" she said, pointing her sword to Frosta.
The court then erupted into a cacophony, before Katarin silenced it with a slam of her fist, as the ice around her glowed.
"The proof is clear, and the gods have deemed it so." Katarin remarked, "The 'Hero Alliance' aids us. Let there not be a voice of dissent to this."
This allowed Frosta to continue. "Let me explain what we know. Ursun is still alive, somewhere inside the Realm of Chaos. He's bound by a Daemon called the Lord of Shadow, Be'lakor. He's using him has leverage to try and run for the position of Demon Lord of Pride, along with the notation that he's conquered all of the Old World. If we work together, we can expose the lie he has his approval, and free your world from his oppression, denouncing his campaign!"
The court murmured amongst each other again, this time with curiosity about what Frosta is referring to, while Katarin drummed her fingers on the throne before she rose.
"As I have heard, it was because of that daemon that Yuri fell." Katarin answered back. "…Very well, take your leaders and meet me in my abode. We will discuss our alliance in there."
"Of course, Tzarina." Baudimon said with a bow, before looking to David and Frosta and gave an apologetic shrug.
"As for the rest of you in the court… you are dismissed." Katarin remarked, as the gathered officials dispersed without a voice of dissent.
On the way, Aylanda turned to Frosta and David. "We apologize for butting in, but… We believed things would go smoother with the proof we had… Saves time, right?"
"To be honest, I was getting a little worried when I spoke about Ursun being alive…" Frosta admitted.
"I think that's the sign that you need to work on your diplomacy, Frosta…" David said with a sweatdrop.
As the group entered the personal abode of Katarin, Rimuru then crossed his arms.
"Well, that ought to hammer in the final nails for the United Kislev, does it?" Rimuru remarked. "I gotta hand it to you. You made the best of that event… Katarin."
"Indeed… With the hard-liners convinced of their mistake… and Kostaltyn relenting to the cause with reluctant, but dedicated effort… we are ready, after months of preparation… all thanks to you all." Katarin declared.
"Jeez, and I thought that things were going to go sour." Baudimon chuckled.
"Wait, so you guys planned this?" Frosta asked.
"Do not be surprised. I have met them all long before you of the Hero Alliance set foot here." Katarin answered back. "…I must say, your timing was almost coincidental. Not only am I able to convince my people for your aid, but I can cleave away what remains of the people's dissent in our quest."
"And you did it perfectly." FS!Richard remarked, as he walked into the room, as there was a fairly pale patch of skin on his right cheek. "So, Daves… You changed a lot. I can tell at least from your new armaments."
"Whistle Daaaamn right." A familiar voice rang out as SoF!Siege walked into the room as well, arms folded and smiling, as UF!Richard followed in silently. "Looooking good, David."
"It's good to see you guys again. Yeah, it has been a long time. There was even an incident where Masakado… Well, didn't quite come out intact. But I got myself a new one shortly before we got here." David said.
"And that's not all!" Frosta spoke up. "It's even got a soul inside of it!"
"You all made it back to Kislev." Gerik's voice spoke from the sword, surprising the FS, SoF, and UF leaders. "Thank Ursun you survived Yuri's attack, Richard…"
"Gerik?!" Katarin, SoF!Siege and FS!Rimiru asked in shock.
"Huh… so the loyal one returns." FS!Richard remarked with intrigue on his face.
"…I knew you weren't truly gone." UF!Richard remarked with a solemn smile.
"How can this be?! They told me you had perished!" Katarin said, shocked.
"I did. But my soul managed to find its way into Superbia's hammer." Gerik explained. "When he was blasted away by Ursun's roar, so was I. In the end, I inhabited David's blade. I know not how this came to be…but if it means I can help undo my brother's actions, then I will accept it."
"So do you guys know exactly where Ursun is in the Realm of Chaos?" Hope asked Richard.
"Yes. It's important that we get him out ASAP." Jexi said.
"Speaking of which, how did you manage to convince Kislev? The reception wasn't exactly nice." Mark asked FS!Richard.
"...Well, it's a long story…" FS!Richard chuckled awkwardly. "Let me put it down in cliff-notes for you all…"
"Sentence the foreigners!"
"Cast them into the cold!"
Those were the cries of the Kislev court, as jeers and insults were being hurled at the gathered members of the out-worlders, as a good part of them were being herded together by soldiers and witches, that were wary of their power and the destructive potential that they could have.
And in front of the group, were the accused, consisting of FS!Richard and Saint Peter, as they were identified as the leaders of their respective factions, as UF!Richard was spared the act, due to being held in medical captivity for the time being.
"Tzarina! We speak the truth! Ursun lives yet!" Saint Peter exclaimed. "Please, you must dispel this misunderstanding!"
"Lies! Lies! All of them!"
"They are stained with the blood of Kislev! They are no ally of ours!"
"Cease this farce, or I'll-!" FS!Rimuru snarled, as his own band was beginning to get hostile at the unfair persecution.
"Rimuru!" FS!Richard harshly hissed, glaring at him, as FS!Rimuru looked at Richard, before biting his tongue with a unpleasant 'tch'.
"My Tzarina!" Zorya exclaimed, as she seemed to be frantic, unbecoming of her Ice Witch persona. "You have to believe their word! They have saved our people and-"
"Speak when you are spoken to, Witch of the Ice Court." The Tzarina, Katarin, who sat upon her icy throne, as her jewel-encrusted dress, made of wool and fur billowed in the cold winds, while the azure jewels gleamed in the light. Under the ice crown she had, her cold blue eyes gazed upon both of them.
Katarin then raised a hand, before a wave of ice washed over the two captives, as they did not make any extreme reaction, despite their lower halves being locked in ice.
"You say that you have seen Yuri Barkov descend into madness by the taint of Chaos." Katarin accused. "That he had turned against his fellow man. Is that what you state as part of your plea?"
"Indeed." FS!Richard bluntly answered back, before Katarin narrowed her eyes, as the mystical ice on him consumed more of him.
"RICHARD!" Kanako exclaimed with worry, as she throttled forward, before FS!Popol caught her.
"Don't go there! You could end up worse if you intrude!" FS!Popol harshly warned her.
"Slander. Yuri is a man of resolute will. He would never bow his head in the name of Chaos." Katarin snarled back. "I should have your life for that insult, daring to speak such words about a dear friend of mine who went to find Ursun."
"He was resolute, and he had the sense to know the dangers of his path." FS!Richard countered. "...Yes, in any other case, he would be standing here, sourly thinking of us, but willing to speak our case for us. But Yuri was not tempted by mere daemons, or mere texts. No, Yuri was played by the fool of the one demon who was able to suckle favour from the Four Gods of the Chaotic Warp. It was he who meticulously crafted the method to turn Yuri's faith into a weapon against the gods."
"Yuri would never turn against our gods." Katarin firmly denied.
"And yet all of you heard the Roar." FS!Richard retorted back. "...Ursun's rage could be felt. And it was that Roar that denied Be'lakor his tainted victory. With the last of his strength, Ursun brought us time, and he has also informed you all... all for the sake of saving him."
Katarin was silent, as the ice began to creep up FS!Richard, although it was not as fast as Katarin willed it, indicating her hesitation.
"Tzarina. I beg you." Saint Peter pleaded firmly. "You and the people of Kislev are attuned with your gods, are you not? You are descended from the blood of Boris Ursus, the Red Tzar, the Tzar of Tzars. He is one with Ursun, and I believe that your blood will be able to sense Ursun. I understand your grief. When we were without our God in our times of distress, we were in grief as well. But we never lost hope that our God is still there. Kislev must not give up on Ursun, for Ursun never gave up on Kislev. Search your heart, carry your duty, Tzarina."
Katarin did not speak at first, before she then turned towards FS!Richard, as the ice had crawled up to his neck, with the rest of his body locked in the deadly ice.
"You who would speak with such confidence. Richard, was it?" Katarin remarked, before she then leaned forward. "...Tell me, what will you do, if I refuse your call of aid? What if I were to sentence you and your followers to death for potential collusion with the forces of Chaos in tainting Yuri and his expedition? What then?"
"That's a load of bullshit!" SoF!Siege roared, as a good part of the more vocal members voiced their dissent. "We do your fucking dirty work, we did our best to save your people, and this is the thanks we get: A TRIP TO YOUR GULLOTINES!? If you're so inclined to hate us, then we'll just leave, and don't think about-"
"...Then that will be it." FS!Richard interrupted, as the court went silent. "...Nothing will happen, and nothing will change. You will continue to grieve what you have lost... and the world will continue to fall apart around you."
"What are you saying?" Katarin challenged.
"You can kill me. You can kill us all, but I will go to my death, knowing that I at least did something, and I risked myself for it." FS!Richard continued, as he locked eyes with Katarin.
"...That is more than enough to say than any of you in the court right now. It truly shames me that this is what Yuri, before he fell, asked me to protect in his stead."
The court erupted with fury, as ice shards were being thrown at FS!Richard, akin to the court audience throwing items at the accused out of anger, although FS!Richard did not let them get to him, while Katarin's grip on her throne tightened.
"Where is the devotion to Ursun that the Kislevites took pride in?" FS!Richard continued, his tone unrelenting. "A simple announcement that their god dies, and the people fall into despair? Is this what faith in Kislev means to this day? I feel shame for the fact that the expedition members who gave their life to do justice, to do the right thing, would find their actions in vain. We are willing to fight for Ursun, we bled for Ursun, and people under us died for Ursun, including a child who took the fatal bullet for him. A child, more loyal than the religious court of Kislev. I almost want to cry at this sheer injustice... but I've long lost the ability to cry in pity for such things."
FS!Richard then glared forward, as Katarin was surprised to see that there was bitterness in his eyes.
"If you are truly Boris Bokha's daughter, Katarin..." FS!Richard firmly seethed. "...Then you would not avert your gaze to the truth. Ursun lives, barely by the thread of his life... but he needs his people. And if you refuse to help him in his time of need... Kislev doesn't deserve him, nor Salyak, who would weep tears of bitterness at seeing what her own people have become: bitter, wretched people who would not lift a finger to repay their deeds in their direst times."
"Execute him!"
"Bleed him dry!"
"Make him suffer!"
As the court's rage reached a fever-pitch, Katarin finally stepped up from her throne, before she then slowly walked towards FS!Richard, who did not take his eyes off her. She then immediately summoned a blade of ice, before slashing across Richard's right cheek, as it was deep enough to spill blood, as it streaked down his ice prison, although he did not react, save for a flinch.
"...You did not flinch at all. Has my blade dulled?" Katarin told Richard.
"Your blade is sharp... and it draws me great pain... but this pain compares not to the gnawing pain in my heart, seeing this absolute atrocity of human nature." FS!Richard answered back. "I feel genuine grief at the fact that Kislev has turned into... this. And the pain of it is as potent as the pain of seeing Ursun suffer."
Katarin closed her eyes, before she then let her sword fade away, before she then sat down on her throne.
"...I have consulted with the gods... They speak the truth." Katarin declared the verdict.
"Impossible!"
"You must be mad!"
"False Queen-"
"SILENCE!"
Katarin's roar rang through the entire court, as the disapproval died down.
"...Richard speaks the truth, bitter as it is. He dares to tell us this when we act as if we are better." Katarin declared. "We have lost what is most precious. Many say I am at fault. That I no longer have the right to sit on this throne, formerly sat on by my father. So be it then."
Katarin then slowly stood up, as she raised a hand, as it glowed with icy magic.
"So I stand. I stand with my people, all of you. And if it comes to it, I shall die with my people, like my father would have." Katarin continued. "We have been blinded by grief... made inept, lesser than these foreigners who know not our ways... and yet would stand with Ursun to protect our land. Ursun lives, and while He fights to draw breath, we fight for Him, as they have. For Ursun, For Kislev! For Ursun, For Kislev!"
The court was silent, before someone repeated her war-cry, as it caused the rest of the court to follow in short order, until the entire court was crying out with their Tzarina.
"Kislev marches north... into HELL!" Katarin roared, before she then stepped forward, before she then dispelled the ice holding Saint Peter and FS!Richard captive.
"My word... you really have a way with persuading others." Saint Peter remarked. "...Are you sure that you are fine? That wound..."
"It can be healed. Much more easily than my counterpart." FS!Richard casually answered back.
"You." Katarin stated, before she strided towards Richard. "...You are a crass and blunt individual, who would insult our own traditions without any sense of remorse at all."
"However?" FS!Richard pressed, with raised eye-brows.
"...Bitter as your words are, you have convinced me of the right way." Katarin answered back. "...There is much to do. The Great Orthodoxy will not be so kind to appreciate my ambition to unite Kislev. We will be in a war of faith, to determine which of us is right. Me or Kostaltyn."
"Then we will do all we can to help you." Saint Peter answered back. "...You have the Prideful Crusade at your service, Tzarina. We will serve your nation well."
"...And my people will not falter either." FS!Richard bowed. "...Despite everything, I am pleased that you chose the right choice, Tzarina. Now... let us work together... in the name of Ursun."
"...And that's basically the gist of it." FS!Richard concluded, having summarized his past experience. "Afterwards, we had to deal with trying to put Kislev's two distinct factions together. And boy, was that a real trial. I can't simply summarize all of that… But I can tell you it involved a lot of religious miracles, and a lot of community service."
"You have no idea how split the factions are." Randall scoffed. "Had it not been for the fact that both the Ice Court and the Great Orthodoxy work towards the same goal of preserving Kislev's culture and history, there would be little recourse, than to have the Tzarina's political enemies put to the literal blade."
"Randall, you shouldn't speak of such things in front of the Tzarina." Aylanda scolded Randall.
"It is a far better affair than what we had to deal with, Queen Aylanda." Randall crossed his arms, refusing to budge from his stance. "Be thankful that having natives who know the religion of Kislev, and its culture well, made the process of consolidating the Ice Court's claim to represent Kislev a smooth journey, save for a few problems."
"Richard… And I mean you, of the Future Seekers. I've said this to myself so many times already…" Mark remarked with a dead-pan expression. "You all seriously need to learn some self-preservation. I'm starting to think that I'm seeing patterns of you guys throwing yourself into the metaphorical fire for us."
"Hey, we do our best to not resort to that option…" FS!Rimuru retorted, slightly offended.
"But we understand your point. We'll tone back on the hail-marys." FS!Richard answered back, raising his hands. "We get the message loud and clear after we see the results. Once and done."
"So, before we go off-topic… Place, please?" Hope pressed FS!Richard.
"Well, at least I have the spot, Forge of Souls." FS!Richard answered back. "Literally been fighting for my life in there; if it wasn't for the help of General Shao."
"The Forge of Souls. Sounds creepy." DW typed.
"Unfortunately with that deadline creeping up on us, we really don't have a choice." Arven said.
"Gaining passageway into the Forge won't be easy, we'd assume." SoF!Siege declared. "We need to collect the souls of the Four Daemon princes to do that."
"All right. We'll find those princes then and chop them up." Denji said.
"Each Daemon prince is tied to the four Daemon Factions loyal to one of the four Chaos Gods." SoF!Siege continued. "Luckily for us, we just so happen to have a guide for one of those."
"Wait, who are these Chaos Gods?" Noel asked.
"They're Gods, but…not the good kind. They're chaos aligned, and they each have demonic armies at their beck and call." Adora said. "First is Khorne, Chaos God of Blood and War. You can imagine he's not the friendly type."
"Then there's Nurgle. He's the Chaos God of Pestilence and Stagnancy." Double D said. "His followers spread death and decay across the lands, using deadly and painful diseases as their weapons. He's also, apparently, the nicest of the four Chaos Gods."
"...Oh joy." Mark deadpanned.
"The third chaos god is Slaanesh, Chaos God of Excess and Desire. They and their followers are pretty… obsessed, to put it lightly about seeing others in pain, physically or emotionally." Double D said.
"Finally there's Tzeentch, Chaos God of Sorcery and Deception. He's all about change, mutations, and stuff like that. He's got plans, inside of schemes, inside of plans. He likes to get inside of your head, pluck at the strings of fate, all that jazz." Adora said.
"So these Chaos Gods are kinda like Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse." Mayumi said.
"Pretty much." Simon said.
"Well…they don't sound as strong as the Four I know of." Denji said. "Killing these gods and princes should be easy."
"Don't underestimate them, Denji." Double D said. "Even contained within two worlds, the Chaos Gods are dangerous. There's a reason nobody wants Be'lakor to win the election; there's a chance it could open the entire Multiverse to them."
"'Huh…see your point. Then we just gotta make sure he dies with them." Denji said.
"You seriously don't get the point!" most of the group said.
"You may be fine with dying but we aren't." Jexi said.
"Fine. We'll do it your way then." Denji said.
"Don't worry, our way still falls under your definition of fun." Mark said. "We'll be tearing up the Realm of Chaos while we find those Daemon Princes and get their souls."
"Speaking of. The guide should be here soon. …At least, I think she should be. Unless she's off flirting with that Prideful Crusader Levi…" SoF!Siege remarked.
"...Eh?" Mark said in confusion.
"Oh, I guess that needs some clarifying. The Prideful Crusaders helped us out in trying to keep Yuri from going full Daemon. Weeent… a bit less according to plan. Superbia tried as well but… I have no clue where he got off to." SoF!Siege admitted.
"Tch… he could be dead… …Like my daughter Shinsha…" FS!Rimuru grieved.
"Uh…funny you should mention that…" ZS said. "You see…"
"We ran into him in the Swordsmith Village." Tanjiro said. "He…is alive and well."
"Unfortunately." Mark added.
"And the thing about that is he's from the past." Mari said.
"Deduced that when the Unmei Richard explained it." FS!Rimuru remarked. "Point is, he may be a demon-hating scumbag, but, I guess I still have my charm about me since he considered me a valued ally."
"Well, he's actually warming up to some demons. He's keeping Nezuko company as we speak." Tanjiro said.
"Hah! For real!? I guess the cuteness of your sister got to him." SoF!Siege laughed.
"Alright. Glad to hear that the angel's doing fine. Wondered where the hell he blasted off to… but two things I need to get out of the way." FS!Richard stated. "One, I heard this stuff about the Demon Election, and hearing the current court hearing clued on a few things, but not the wider picture. So you say Be'lakor is playing candidate for the seat of the Demon Lord of Pride. What sales pitch did he throw to even get considered?"
"He's running on the stance that he'll free his fellow daemons from the thrall of the Four Chaos Gods." Mark said. "It's bull, nobody believes it."
"Ain't that the funniest joke." FS!Richard chuckled before his expression turned dry. "Be'lakor doesn't do 'freedom' and 'equality'. That little cause of his is just a smoke-screen for that position and whatever power he gains from it."
FS!Richard then spat venomously towards the ground.
"That's all life is to him: a game of gaining power. He'll do anything to stay relevant, he'll suck the toes of any god prideful or gullible to give him some blessings." He continued. "But he has no loyalty to his heart but to himself. He is unfit of anything he has gained. It was only sheer luck that even his own kind tolerated him. I've faced people like him… and I destroyed or plan to destroy each and every one of them."
"Hey, slow down on the rampage spree, won't you?" Baudimon placated FS!Richard. "Right now, making Bel pay is secondary to saving Ursun."
"I know.. and that tit-sucker better pray I don't get a chance to get close to him." FS!Richard growled. "But onto the second matter… and that's for my counterpart to share."
"Yeah…" UF!Richard sighed, before he then closed his eyes, mentally counting to ten, before then opening his eyes. "...I owe you all an explanation for what can be simply dictated as my biggest clusterf**k that I almost had shoved right on top of your heads."
"What do you-" Jexi stated, before he then recalled what happened in Lucrece. "Oh… Oh right, you looked extremely terrible. And you were talking about some great disaster."
"It already has happened." UF!Richard stated. "…And I feel too damn responsible for it all. All because I couldn't move past all of the pain that has been hounding me from that accursed day…"
"Richard, what you're about to say, you're not truly at fault-" Mark tried to argue.
"But I am!" UF!Richard shouted. "…I ended up getting you killed, and I literally was going to commit literal damn genocide on an entire universe, because I was too angry and hurt to think straight! If any of you were there, I would hurled the most vile of insults towards you… That's what I did to my own friends, and their allies."
"You said it yourself, you weren't in the right mind." FS!Richard frowned. "And even though you had these thoughts about them, you never would curse out these people, because you know they didn't deserve it."
"…Jexi, Hope, David, Ace, and Mark." UF!Richard stated. "I'm going to say it straight. I've been doing a lot of self-reflection after everything that happened… and I come to realize that I'm not a good person… Not like you all."
The leaders gave a pause of silence, before UF!Richard continued.
"I come through something that can be considered a living hell for even the gods themselves, and I came out twisted and broken. It made me someone that can't simply see the world in a more idealistic light. Not after the death and misery I have seen with my two eyes." He continued. "…And at times, I wonder if I should have stopped trying to act like I could ever be able to be a hero like you. I want to make people suffer, suffer for their sins against their own kind. At most times, it's rational… but at times, it doesn't. It's like a dark whisper in my head… but I can't be free of it.. because that's me. That's me as much as everything else that represents myself."
"I know exactly how you feel. There were times where I was like that myself." David said. "To make the bad guys suffer the same way they made everyone else suffer, no matter how extreme it is."
"Indeed." UF!Richard nodded back. "…And we are glad that we all have people who would never allow us to truly cross that line… But it hurts me more than it does for most others… because seeing evil triumph has scarred my heart, all the loss… but there is one thing that I can promise."
"And what's that?" Ace asked.
"I will stand by your side. Not because it's an obligation for the sake of good… but because I trust in you all, and that you represent what is right in this reality. Because you are the light of the future, and truly friends to me." Richard answered back. "I cannot be a hero. I barely count as a savior. I kill and I save. I protect and I destroy. I bring reconciliation and I bring condemnation. I'm on both sides of the coin right now… but I will do the right thing, because even if at times, it hurts me inside to do it for the sake of many others… It is worth it to fix what's wrong bit by bit, with everyone's help. That's why I ask for you to forgive me for my failure in being so weak of heart… so that we can look forward to the future."
"...Yeah, we're cool." Mark said. "We're always cool."
"Agreed." Hope nodded., as the rest of the leaders did the same.
"Thank you. That is enough, to just hear that from you all." UF!Richard answered back, trembling with tears of relief.
"Wow, you really needed that." FS!Richard remarked. "See, everything worked out in the end."
FS!Rimuru sighed as he closed his eyes, the passing of Shinsha still fresh in his mind as everyone talked.
"All the more reason for us to expose him and get him out of the running." Hope said.
"Normally I'd agree but if you rush this, we may end up damaging J-Hack's rep more than his." Jexi said. "Like Mark said. Killing him should be second. Freeing Ursun comes first."
"Our priority should be finding a way inside the Realm of Chaos." Alphamon said.
"The only land which can provide access is Grand Cathay." Katarin piped in.
"Isn't that the kingdom ruled by immortal dragons?" Kokoro asked.
"Sweet. So we gotta beat up some strong dragons to get through? I'm all in for this!" Natsu said.
"Natsu, buddy, pal…just this once, can you not cause an incident between nations? Please?" Emo asked.
"What? I've never done anything like that." Natsu said.
"Don't make this a first time." the warlock said. "I'd rather not get executed by dragons."
"Or eaten!" Tenko piped in. "Or even both, you'll never know!"
"They've got a point. Not to mention that you already broke through three walls on the way in." Ranma said, pointing to said melting holes. "Plus out of everyone here, almost all the destruction in almost every place we visited is caused by either you, Luffy, or Zoro."
"Or any combination of the three." Miu piped in.
"Fine. I won't pick a fight…unless they pick one with us." Natsu said.
"Ugh…that's as good as we're gonna get from him unfortunately." Ranma said.
"I prefer not to fight them if it can be helped." Kokoro said.
"Unfortunately, that will be a given." Samuel remarked, making himself known, as the blonde-haired lord of House Rose made himself known. "The Grand Cathay are proud people. They will not be diplomatic with foreigners unless they prove their worth. We tried to advocate for collusion, but the best we could get were mutual trade deals that were short-lived, once both sides got what they needed."
"So it would be a test of strength then." Roy said.
"Haha! So they will pick a fight!" Natsu said happily. "I'm all fired up!"
"Alright, you got this one, buddy." SE said.
"How long will it take us to reach Grand Cathay?" Scarlet asked.
"It is a great distance. It would take us at least two weeks." Katarin answered.
"Sounds fair. We're not exactly in any hurry." David said.
"We will need to gather our allies, and make preparations." the Tzarina said. "In three days…Kislev marches into Hell."
"Now we're talking!" Mark smiled, cracking his knuckles. "Let's get ready to rumble, gang!"
"Marching to Hell, eh? Sounds like home to me." A voice called out as the group saw a Khornate Berzerker approaching them, clearly female in physique with a Battle Axe and Eviscerator on her back as she smiled. "Anything to get back at the one controlling my urges for bloodlust."
"Red skin… horns… you're a Daemon of Khorne!" Frosta said.
"Ease yourself, Frosta. This one is on our side." Katarin said.
"Wait…she's thrown off the Chaos taint?!" Sheer said in surprise. "That's…rare, to say the least!"
"Sadly, I wish." The Berzerker admitted with a frown. "I still have urges to spill blood for Khorne, but I've been working on keeping those locked in. Oh, I haven't introduced, have I? Lierach, nice to meet all of ya!" The Khornate, now named Lierach, greeted.
"Nice to meet you too." Mark nodded. "So, you're going to be our guide, huh?"
"At least into Khorne's territory. Beyond him, I'll be useless as a guide. But I'll still kick some ass for bloody glory-! Ahem Sorry. See? The urges still try to kick in now and then…" Lierach apologized.
"Is that normal?" Hope asked.
"Remember when I said Khorne wasn't the friendly variety of God? The Daemons in his name mostly all think of shedding blood and spreading carnage." Adora said.
"Heh. I can think of a few people with that mindset, so I don't mind it as much as you think, Lierach." David said. "Admittedly, we all get a bit crazy at times, so you don't have anything to worry about."
"Oh seriously? Good. Just, if I get real blood crazy, start spewing out a line something like: "BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD!" Or something like that, conk me out, kay?" Lierach requested.
"Can do." Kokoro said.
And so, with the full support of Kislev, and the assistance of a rouge Khorne Warrior, the campaign to defeat Be'lakor and free Ursun from imprisonment, was soon to begin.. But would the alliance be able to overcome the trials that awaited them? Only time will tell…