Chapter 24: Battle against an ancient enemy, and the resolution of a fractured mind I.

Location- Outer Realm.

3rd person POV

The white void, the alabaster abyss. The Outer Realm had few names. Of course, few would ever be knowledgeable enough to utter them. It is within this realm that two figures converse. One, the second birthed existence, and the other, a divine thrall. The former spoke first, as it must.

"There has been a shift. The one who shall wield Chaos has been chosen."

The voice was not loud, nor authoritative, in fact, no one should have heard it at all, due the nature of the void. Yet heard it was. For that was the existence of the second born.

"I-isn't that a bad thing? I-I thought Chaos couldn't be controlled, t-that it rots the world tree?"

Though shaking in fear at the possible response to his words, the thrall was inquisitive, Chaos was something that was usually avoided, not stated as existing, and especially not tolerated.

"Chaos itself cannot be controlled, but it appears strangers are the exception. To be rid of it requires only the death of the host. What would normally be a hinderance, is now a tool."

Whereas before the second born would seek to erase, now it sought to control. For if it had both Chaos and Light, imbalance would never be an issue. All the pieces would be in hand.

Peace, true peace, could be possible.

"But there is another matter to discuss, that of the new child of the 8th and the Goddess of Planeptune."

The child herself was a known quantity, her residence as a spawn of the 8th was not. The 8th was never meant to have a child, not in any quantity or form. In fact, the one he had taken as a spouse, the Goddess of Planeptune, was barren, unable to conceive any children. This being an unfortunate side-effect of being born of a fragment of a Goddesses' power.

However, while the 8th having a child was unthinkable, it was not unsalvageable. The child had some use.

"She is to be taken, either killed or used as a hostage to spur the 8th into his fated dual with the one who wields Chaos."

The 8th held love for his brother. Despite his lack of memories, he would not kill the one known as 'Jin'. Even if they were to fight, the Chaosbringer's death would not be certain. Therefore, something had to be done, something must change if all was to go as it must.

"As you wish, Lord Alpha."

The thrall obeyed; it could do nothing else.

Compa POV (Play Shin Megami Tensei 4 Apocalypse OST: Polytheistic Alliance Battle)

"She's just a child! How can you justify doing this?" It made no sense, Frey-Frey was just a little girl! How was any of this right!? {He is nothing more than the extension of someone else's will now, his reasons matter not. He cannot be reasoned with either, you must fight.} Ammie may have had a point, but that didn't mean I had to like it. Like the others, I was getting tired of everything being so complicated, or ending in violence.

However, if Ammie said the old man had to be fought, then I would believe her. Besides, the meanie had knocked out Iffy.

For that, he at least deserved a good whack on the head!

Suddenly a lightning-infused spear came my way, and I was forced to move to the side. "Hmm, decent reaction speed...Though is that all?" The man was no longer smiling, instead looking like he was thinking. Calling upon Ammie's power, I created an estoc made of golden-white flames. (It's not like my syringe, but it's close enough.) I thrust my weapon outwards, only to have it swatted away. I tried again, this time using my unoccupied hand to summon a sphere of flames. When my weapon was once again batted away, I threw the fire in the mean old man's face.

He swatted that away too.

"Why are you so weak? Surely one of the Amatsukami can give me a good fight? Do you really want that kid dead? After all she is the child of the boy and that pathetic Goddess..."

His words made me very angry. Sure, I love Zeddy. But I wasn't so cruel or spiteful as to harm a child. It was the opposite in fact, I loved being an aunty.

"Nep-Nep, cover your eyes!" Not giving the meanie any time to react, I snapped my fingers, summoning a mote of light. Said mote of light rapidly expanded, creating a massive flash of light that I hoped would blind my opponent. (It's a good thing some of Ammie's abilities come naturally to me.) I hadn't exactly had time to practice, so I wasn't exactly the best at using her powers.

The light faded, revealing the mean old man with his eyes closed. "Neat trick, now I can't see." Despite what he said, I felt uneasy. (Why is he so calm?) Something that proved right when the air around me suddenly felt static. (What is-) Nep-Nep shouted something I couldn't hear, then a flash of light followed by excruciating pain.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!"

I felt my skin fry, my blood boil, my bones crack, and my organs spasm. It was a miracle that I only fell to my knees. {I'm sorry, but you need to stay down. Though damaged mortally, your body isn't completely mortal, now that you've awoken me. As long as you stay down, I can heal you.} No, no I couldn't. My body may have been broken, but I couldn't, wouldn't, let that old man have his way. (I'm her...Aunty, after... all.)

(Play Castlevania: Order Of Ecclesia OST: Rhapsody of the Forsaken.)

Though everything hurt, I got up.

I was only an aunty for a full day, but Frey-Frey was still a part of the family.

She was a child.

She was innocent.

She was ours.

"I...Won't let you." My legs were shaky, I could feel my arms, hands and fingers spasm uncontrollably, at one point I even spat blood. "'Won't' what? You're not even a true Goddess. You're a weak and pathetic mortal who knows not the will of Fate." Fate? Did fate really demand that my niece be killed? Was I expected to do nothing? To let a child be killed for merely having a happy family?

"I...if..." The despicable man grinned. "'If' what? Speak up now, let your last words be heard before I end this!"

If he stood between us and prevented our Freya from being happy.

If he would take away one of our own just to make sure some 'fate' came to pass.

Then I couldn't just lie down. No matter what, this despicable man would have to be stopped.

"If this...so-called 'fate' decides to... ruin my family, then...I will end it! It's as simple...as that!"

There was no sudden burst of power, no surge of energy.

Just the will of a woman who wouldn't let harm come to her family.

Neptune POV

"Look out!"

It was too late, my words didn't reach her. There was a flash of lightning, then a horrific scream. Compa, my sister, was being completely brutalised. (Darn it, there must be something I can do!) My daughter was unconscious, but otherwise unhurt. So I could just find somewhere to put her, then join up with Compa. There was only one problem.

Freya was the target, and there was no guarantee that Compa and I would be enough to keep the old fart away from her. I hated seeing the old man hurt my sister, hated it more than anything that came to mind. But if I joined the fight, only for our enemy to get his grubby mitts on my daughter, then what would have been the point? (Where the heck is Iffy?) With how mouthy the old man was about his plans; I doubt she would have just let him pass.

A horrible thought entered my mind.

(Did he...No, no, Iffy is too strong, that wouldn't happen!)

I quickly shook off the dark thoughts, instead, I began thinking about my next move. (I can't leave Frey-Frey alone. But...If me and Compa can't beat him, he'd take her anyway.) It was either watch Compa lose, before losing myself, or fight as a team. Seeing how little Compa managed to do on her own, my decision was clear. I gently slid Freya off of my shoulders, and placed her on the softest part of the ground I could find. From there, I transformed and summoned my sword, before running over to where my sister was fighting.

"HEY YOU OLD FART, DON'T FORGET ABOUT ME!" I ran over to said old fart, and tried hitting him with my weapon. To my surprise, instead of dodging or blocking my attack, the old man straight up grabbed my weapon by the edge. "Temper temper, have a little patience will ya? I ain't done with the other one." Ignoring his words, I lifted my left leg and kicked, my foot landing square on his jaw. "Erk, tough little bitch, ain'tcha?" To my surprise, my attack actually seemed to do something.

Suddenly having an effect, I kept it up. Kicking, punching, slicing with my totally-awesome sword. If a part of my body could damage him, I made sure it could. (There's no room for super moves, I just gotta' keep hitting him!) And I did, over and over and over again.

Well, until he decided to back off and laugh.

"Hah, I get it now. That boy, he loves you just that much. What form of faith can triumph over the power of true love?" The man cracked his neck, and began stretching. "You've actually managed to entertain me, for that I'll give you some credit. Though I think it's about time I stepped this up, hope Thor doesn't mind me using his favourite toy!" He stopped stretching and snapped his fingers, a large lightning-covered hammer with a small handle appearing in his left hand.

"Sorry to say it, but I might just end up killing you"

There was no room for argument in his voice, he spoke like he was saying facts.

But it didn't matter what he said.

"Pft, as if! I still gotta get married and stuff, ain't no way you're gonna off me before then!" Besides, we had to watch as Frey-Frey grew up, neither of us was going to miss that!

The old man chuckled.

"I'm going to enjoy the look on the boy's face when he sees you all broken." I shook off his words, I couldn't let them get to me, not now while I stood a chance. "Nep-Nep...Don't forget about...me!" I couldn't help but smile. She looked determined, despite being battered and bleeding, she was okay!

"Yeah, lets send him straight back to the nursing home!"

"Hahahah! I love the spirit! Hell, let's get the boy over here, let him watch as I kick the shit outta the two of ya!"

Wait, what?

Noah POV

How long had I been there? Minutes? Hours? Days? I had long forgotten. Hell, at the point I was at currently, I wasn't even angry, just tired and confused. I had thought that the trial would just involve having to overcome apathy or anger, yet even though I knew I had gotten over those particular emotions, I was still here, in the trial chamber.

All this 'other me' did was be an obnoxious moron. Sure, I got angry a few times, but I quickly caught on to the fact that my opposition was the cause. He-it! Spoke of an answer, but what even was the question? (I didn't ask for this, any of this!) I was taken from my family, had my memories taken from me. I found a new family, but had to endure too much just to see them smile.

Get asked to deliver a message? Good. Rescue a beautiful young lady? Good.

But oh no! Now there's a crazy bitch that wants you all dead! Now you have to give up a part of yourself to save them.

And it just kept getting worse.

Going to another landmass to look for some key to free someone? Nah, let's make sure the place is under the thumb of a fucked up company that commits crimes against humanity.

Visiting Leanbox? Nope, the Goddess pussied out and tried killing you and the woman you love.

Falling in love itself? Too bad, you just committed murder and feel unworthy of it.

Things couldn't get worse right? Wrong! Turns out one of your old family members was also in this world, and he was the boss of the bitch that tried killing your new family.

Feel bad enough for murdering your best friend's last remaining relative? Pft, as if. Turns out that the man you killed was also the dad of your other best friend, and now they were out for your blood.

But hey! At least things sorted themselves out, right? You were forgiven, and was now in a relationship with your beloved. Things were finally looking up!...Right?

Well of course not!

You have a child now, isn't that great? Wait, no its not, because now you were becoming a psychopath!

Histoire was rescued! Oh, wait, now your brother shows up and declares that he's going to kill your future wife and sisters!

You want more power? Enough to solve all your problems, and keep danger away from your loved ones?

TOO BAD! BECAUSE NOW YOU'RE STUCK IN AN ABYSS WITH A SHADOW-WANNABE!

...Okay maybe that was a bit much... But hey, at least I felt better.

"Huh, we're kind of fucked up, aren't we? Oh weeeelllll...Eurgh, Okay, I'm done with this."

The tension disappeared, as did the mischievous look on it's face.

"You know, this is getting old. You've been here for ages, and you're still not getting it." The fuck? "What am I not getting!?" Its vagueness was not helping my temper. (Seriously, What's the point in telling me that!) "Let me ask you a simple question. Are you perfect?"...Wait, what did that have to do with anything? "Of course not!" It nodded. "There you go, now think about that for a second."

(Think?) Well fuck it, I had nothing else better to do. (Hmm, I know I'm not perfect. But what's the significance in that? Everyone knows they're not perfect.) Wait, why was it helping me? Wasn't this supposed to be so hard that even the God Eater couldn't do it? (Unless...Maybe Akos never reached this point?) I had been here for ages, wondering what I had to do. But how did Akos handle it? He obviously failed. But how? Why? "I'll give you a hint; Akos never reached the point you are now. After committing the crimes he did, he couldn't face himself, couldn't accept himself for what he was." 'Couldn't accept himself for what he was'? ('No one is perfect'...Wait, does that mean that he...)

"Akos couldn't accept his imperfect self. He was paranoid, and he gave into that out of fear of the peace he created being broken." It smiled, however this time it was different, less condescending, and much more genuine. "Huh, you're actually starting to get it...Go on." So I was finally getting somewhere? (He was overcome by his emotions...I was different though, wasn't I?) From the beginning, I rejected all the feelings of apathy...

I had a sudden resolution.

"I, however, was the exact opposite. I rejected the feelings I had. I was different, but also the same. I also didn't accept my imperfections, as blown out of proportion as they were. That's the point, isn't it? Akos and I, we refused to accept our less pleasant selves."

Sure, our emotions were magnified to be as extreme as hell, but the core of it all already existed within us.

Akos was a worrier who turned paranoid.

I was someone that prioritised his loved ones, who then turned into someone who was overprotective and apathetic to strangers.

"Ha! You're finally starting to understand! Akos was someone who strived for perfection, someone who feared failure above all else."

I couldn't help the smile that came to my face.

"But aren't those that strive for perfection, fools? Of course! To wield the power to change the world, one must accept themselves, including their imperfections!" Speaking with a smile, I bore witness to it-no, him, my other self, smiling as well. "Indeed. Well done, my other self. You have passed." As soon as he finished speaking, he disappeared, giving way for another to suddenly appear.

"Well done." It was Akos. He looked just the same as he did in the last trial. "I'm sure you have more questions you needed answering, right?" He was right, I knew that. However, any questions I once had, I'd already forgotten. I suppose It was natural, considering how hectic my life was. I mean, I had a daughter now, can you blame a man for being a little forgetful?

Though that being said, I did have one question.

"Why couldn't you accept yourself? You are human, right? Isn't it normal to understand that all humans are imperfect?" Why was such a common, indisputable fact, such a hard thing for him to understand?

Even if he gained the power of Gods, that doesn't mean he ceased being human. Hell, from what I knew of Gods and Goddesses. They were perfectly capable of emotion and imperfection, just like humans. So why was he so dead set on perfection?

"I was no mere human, to many, I was a vengeful God. I saved countless people from harm, and they in turn pledged their loyalty to me. I could not allow imperfection, for countless lives depended on me." The legend spoke.

(That's,)

"Fucking stupid!" The figure's eyes widened, shocked at my sudden insult. "You would insult my life's work?" I shook my head. "Of course not. But you were human, right?" He nodded. "Yes, I was a mere man before I became the hope of many." I waved a hand in a 'well there you go' motion. "Well then, isn't it normal to be imperfect then? After all, to be human is to be imperfect, right?" Akos shook his head. "No, you don't understand. I could not fail!"

"Look where that got you. In trying so hard to be perfect, you went and fucked yourself over. A true ruler understands his limits, you are a fool in not doing so." Though being silent, I could sense Rex's proudness at my speech.

Akos was silent for a while.

"heh...Hahah...HAHAHAH!" The man suddenly started laughing. "Ahhh, perhaps you can make things right. You are truly shaping yourself into a fine heir to my power." In response to such an outlandish claim, I could only shake my head. "No, no I'm not, and-no offence- I never will be." Akos, to my surprise, laughed off my words. "Ah, in denial are you?" I looked at the man blankly, he was clearly lacking in understanding.

"No, I'm not in denial, I just refuse to become your heir." I only used his power as a means to an end, and even then, I used it sparingly. I did not understand his power, that of countless Gods and Goddesses. (Hell, I can't even use the sword for more than a few seconds.) I would not become a slave to a cause I didn't know, nor care for.

I had a family; A soon-to-be-wife, a daughter, two younger sisters, as well as a few friends. I would take care of them first and foremost. Anything else would just be a bother.

To my surprise, Akos just continued to laugh. "Perhaps that is what makes you worthy. For unlike me you seek selfishness above the good of the world, you see things as a man would, not a God." I rolled my eyes at his words. "You never ceased being human, fool. Now can I please be let out of this place?" I wanted more than anything to be back with Neptune and the others. I had already spent who-knows-how-long in this damnable place.

"Very well, though I suspect you should keep your guard up."

"Wait, why is tha-" Before I could finish my sentence, I was already out. "For fu-" And as soon as I realised I was out, I felt the familiar pull of Woden's teleportation.

Location change: Central Basilicom of Lowee

...

...

...

" ...Freya?

My little girl was on the floor, IF was nowhere to be seen, and my other sister, as well as my future-wife, were heavily injured and on their knees.

I was going to fucking kill him.

END OF CHAPTER

An: sorry for the short chapter, I just wanted to get something out before I have to leave the story alone for a while.

Yes, due to important personal stuff, I'll have to leave writing chapters for a while.

It's not a hiatus, as I'll work on chapters when I can, but I won't get your hopes up.

Thank you for reading, and I hope I can give you all higher quality chapters in future.