The days went by as preparation for the Gethsemane Meet and Ae-Ri and Minsu's Christmas concert, both of them soon arriving in the near future. Upon the weekend, So-Yi and her friends decided to take a morning trip out to Grushia City's Cat Cafe for a cute and fluffy breakfast.
Hyeon Bae hummed as she squatted next to a cat, petting his soft fur and giggling as he purred against her hand. "He's so cute..!~ Daemo, can we get a cat for our home?"
Su-Yun grunted softly as she nearly choked on her latte, coughing lightly with Luciel gently patting her back, her cat ears flicking with uncertainty. "Aniyo..! I-I mean it's just—"
Kaguya chuckled softly at Su-Yun, understanding her Valkyria Form brought big cat qualities upon her nature making her slightly territorial. "I understand what you are trying to say, Su-Yun...but it would be nice to have a kitten of our own at the house."
"I think a nice calico cat would be nice," Hyeon Bae hummed as she held up the cat she was petting gently in the air.
So-Yi sipped upon her iced coffee slowly, staring out the window and noticed a family approaching the cafe as well then sat up straight. "It's...Mr. Nox..!"
Ye-Won looked up from her laptop then out the window, gasping softly as she noticed another person joining them. "Crap..! Quickly, hide me!"
Jiahn grunted softly as Ye-Won pushed past her and Kim Eun, using their bodies as a shield from the person she hid her self away from. "What the heck is up with you? Who are you hiding from?"
"I could care less about who you're afraid of, I just want you to let go of me!" Kim Eun groaned, shoving Ye-Won off her with her elbow onto the floor.
The bells of the cafe door rang as Minsu and Ae-Ri made their way inside the cafe with smiles and giggles, Sa Nu prancing after them before glancing over at Su-Yun. The two made eye contact for a brief moment, Sa Nu letting out her familiar meow before following behind Minsu.
Su-Yun stood up quickly then gasped in revelation, turning over toward Luciel. "She's here..! Ms. Kitty!"
"Where?" Luciel asked, standing up quickly as well before toppling over and squeaked lightly as someone caught her fall. She glanced up, noticing me and a small blush formed upon her cheek. "Noxie... I mean Mr. Nox..."
"Mister? Pfft, this guy may teach but he isn't an official Professor," Woo-Chi said with a light scoff and walked by me and Luciel.
I chuckled at Woo-Chi then looked down at Luciel, helping her back onto her feet then fixed her hair. "You should learn to be more careful..~"
Luciel huffed at me and crossed her arms, rolling her eyes at my tease. "I'll have you know, I am very meticulous with my steps and— Is that Claudio?!"
Do-hari and I glanced back at Claudio and the renewed Mua, my lips forming into a smile then I glanced back at Luciel. Placing my hand upon her shoulder, she began to calm down then focused her gaze upon me.
"Give him some grace, it took a lot for the guy to even join me here. Plus, it's been a few days since his big event so I'm sure he's ready for some reconcilation," I said, peeking past Luciel at her students to see Ye-Won hiding under the table where she sat with So-Yi, Jiahn, Kim Eun, and Hyeon Bae.
Claudio exhaled softly and closed his eyes, placing his hands in his jacket pockets. "If she's not here, I'll be on my way. I only came here for Ye-Won and not for a bunch of cats."
"And this better be worth it buddy! Me and my sisters just lost all of our powers the other day! If this was pointless, I promise you that I will jump you with my sisters," Mua scoffed, crossed her arms and tapping her foot upon the ground.
"Just be patient..." I said, watched as Woo-Chi went over to greet her friends.
Woo-Chi walked over to the table and smiled at So-Yi and the others waving at them. "Hi, girls. Is this spot next to So-Yi taken?"
"Ye—" Jiahn began, but stopped as Kim Eun kicked her foot under the table.
Kim Eun smirked and closed her eyes, shaking her head. "Nah, you're good. You can take a seat there."
Woo-Chi rose an eyebrow at Kim Eun then glanced at the other girls, cautiously taking her seat next to So-Yi and slide over on the booth. As she got next to So-Yi, she heard a grunt under the table then glanced under to see Ye-Won hiding.
"Ye-Won? What are you doing under the table?" Woo-Chi asked, raising a questioning brow with curiosity.
"Shhhhh!!!" Ye-Won shushed aggressively, placing her finger against her lips. "Quiet down, I don't want him to know I'm hear..."
"Everyone could've heard that shush from New Korea. You were not discrete at all," Woo-Chi said with a light chuckle, moving her legs so Ye-Won could leave from under the table.
Ye-Won fixed her clothes and glanced over at Claudio, meeting his eyes for the first time in years. Under his regal gaze, she began to shrink as she saw him more as a Tribal Leader than her older brother. Claudio stared at Ye-Won, seeing her submissive gaze, a hint of shame and regret settling in his eyes.
He closed his eyes, remembering what Nigoku said then left out the cafe without a word. Mua looked over at him with worry, rushing after him with concern. Do-hari wondered why Claudio couldn't look at his own sister, curious about the history between the two.
'Kaikuaʻana, kaikaina.... Even after the years, you still won't look at me or even say anything...' Ye-Won said softly in her head, watching as Claudio walk away from the building through the window.
Ye-Won closed her laptop, snatching it off the table and hurrying after her brother while everyone watched her in confusion. "Claudio! Claudio!"
Claudio heard Ye-Won's voice sounding from behind her then stopped walking, the snow crunching softly underneath his feet. "Even after everything, you still run after me..? Why? I have done nothing but use you and neglect you as Tribal Leader. Now, there is no Mojisola Tribe left."
Ye-Won listened to her brother speak, hearing his words then lowered her gaze to the white covered ground. Even today, as she stood before him, Claudio still didn't understand why Ye-Won still longs for his attention.
"It was never about the tribe for why I followed you...it was never the gods we worshipped or even the tradition...it was because I love you. You're my older brother. The only one I have left since we left Destiny Island. I was always hoping that you'd... actually see me," Ye-Won said, getting everything she wanted to say off her chest.
"Why? You willingly...followed into the false doctrines, you willingly tailed behind me for all these years..? Just so I could notice you..?" Claudio began, glancing back at Ye-Won and noticed her lowered gaze.
Ye-Won lowered her head slightly, holding her hands behind her back then glanced away from Claudio. "Yes... You were so focused on your destiny that you forgot completely about me and the tribe. All I wanted was for you to remember us, but you didn't.."
Claudio stared at Ye-Won, his hands tightening into fists, his mind filled with nothing but curses directed toward himself. He grit his teeth, turning away from Ye-Won and closed his eyes. As he began to walk away, he felt a hand grab his arm, stopping him in his tracks.
"Claudio... Just stay and listen for once. Why do you keep avoiding me? I made Go-Goken into what it was for you! An entire district has your influence just like you wanted!" Ye-Won cried out, gripping the sleeve of her brother's jacket tightly.
"That's the problem...I never asked for you to do that. All I asked of you was to sit behind me and stay quiet! I've doomed you and St. Goken, Ye-Won! You fell into deception trying to follow me! Why? Why did you do it, Ye-Won?!" Claudio yelled, his outburst causing Ye-Won to flinch back and let go of his arm.
Ye-Won took a step back, placing her hand upon her chest, her heart pounding against her chest with deep emotion. "Because I love you, Claudio... You're my only brother! My big brother! You're the one who up and left because of some destiny! Why are you mad at me for doing what you wanted!"
Ye-Won scoffed at Claudio, sniffling lightly and turned her back toward Claudio with her head held low. "You abandon me and then get mad at me when you do decide to reappear...You haven't changed at all since the day you left. Fine, stay distant! I have a Meet to be preparing for."
Claudio glanced back slightly, his eye twitching with slight annoyance then he scoffed and looked ahead into the distance within the city. "Come on, Mua. We have better things to do than to sit around trying to talk with a child."
Mua glanced between Ye-Won and Claudio, noticing a similar disconnection as Ryder and Leilani during Hisumi's Day. She quickly hurried behind Claudio, grabbing his arm then turned him around. "What are you doing? You and Nox talked about reconnecting with Ye-Won."
"What is there to reconnect with? Her mind is made up and so is mine. We have something to focus on and that's the death of Nigoku. I don't have time to prance around a teenage girl's mind," Claudio replied coldly, his hair shadowing his left eye.
"That teenage girl so happens to be one of the smartest girls in St. Goken and if you leave her like this again, Nigoku will surely steal her from under your wings! This is your sister, not someone like me!" Mua stressed, grabbing Claudio's jacket and slightly shaking him to realign his mind.
Claudio closed his eyes and took Mua's hand off his jacket then opened his eyes to meet her gaze. "Let her focus on her task. If we are really meant to reconnect, another chance will arise."
"And you think that is guaranteed? What if Ye-Won dies tomorrow, Lord forbid it, but still! What if you die tomorrow? Then what? Will you truly be able to live with that outcome on your mind?" Mua asked, pressing her finger against his chest, truly fighting him upon the matter.
I watched Mua and Claudio interact from the cafe, sitting at the table with Kaguya, Su-Yun, and Luciel while sipping my coffee. I hummed softly and turned my attention over to Ye-Won, watching as she began deleting Go-Goken files off her computer to try and spite Claudio.
"Nox?" Luciel asked, gently kicking my leg under the table. "I know that plotting look anywhere. What are you thinking about?"
Do-hari glanced at me as she sipped her boba tea, raising an eyebrow with slight curiosity. "Mmm, I agree. That look of planning doesn't come up out of nowhere. You're planning something with that student aren't you?"
"Oh? You can read his expressions too? Huh, in fact I don't think I've truly met you yet. My name is Luciel Winters, a close friend with Nox and Professor at Grushia High School," Luciel said, standing to greet Do-hari with a handshake and a warm smile.
Do-hari smiled back at Luciel, standing up as well to take Luciel's hand with both, giving her a respectful bow. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Luciel. Nox does talk a lot about you at times. My name is Do-hari Bong, well... soon to be Do-hari Winters."
Luciel smiled at Do-hari then glanced over at me to speak with me telepathically. 'Ahh, so she's the Ascean Yochanan told you to save? Is it almost that time?'
I nodded, setting my cup down and closing my eyes to respond back to Luciel. 'Almost, but not quite yet. There is still some work I have to do on my end before I get authority to begin St. Goken's Judgement.'
Luciel nodded back then looked back at Do-hari to get acquainted with her, the two sitting down and telling each other more about themselves. As they talked, the cafe's bells chimed once more, Claudio walking into the cafe once more with Mua, a smirk plastered in her face.
Ye-Won glanced back at the entrance, seeing Claudio again then scoffed at him, slamming her laptop closed before shooting out of her seat. "Mwoyo? Your first round of heartless declarations wasn't enough? You come back to belittle me more?"
So-Yi and the others stopped their planning to look at Ye-Won and Claudio, everyone's eyes upon the Shiuji Siblings while their drama was on display. Claudio looked around at the scene, sighing softly then looked back at Ye-Won, walking toward her with his hands in his pockets.
"I may have treated you wrong in the past...and I'm sorry about that. And I know sorry won't fix the years of abandonment I left you with, but now I'm back. I'm back to bring you out of the delusion you're in," Claudio said, stopping in front of Ye-Won and stood before her with a regal stature.
Ye-Won glanced back at her friends then at her teachers, Luciel and Su-Yun. She glanced back at Claudio with a slight glare. "Delusion..? What delusion? I'm fully aware of what's going on. I'm aware of you and your nine girlfriends."
"No, the delusion of our entire family. You want to win the Gethsemane Meet? It's gonna take more than just some Faith and Worship. This doesn't go for just Ye-Won, but all of you," Claudio said, directing his attention towards Ye-Won's friends.
"We are fully aware of what's needed for the Meet. Our Spirits and Bodies are being trained, we are learning what it means to be Spirit led. Who are you to tell us what we need to learn?" Kim Eun asked, glancing back at Claudio with a sour expression.
"You're training your Spirits and your Bodies, but Hisumi also said you need to train your Minds as well. You have to know who you are and who you truly stand with," Claudio began, shifting his attention back to Ye-Won. "Sure, you are Mojisolan...but you are much more than that fallen legacy."
Ye-Won stared up at Claudio, her gaze beginning to soften at his words. "What do you mean..?"
Claudio exhaled softly at Ye-Won then glanced back at me, noticing I was staring out the window watching a few birds fly around. "Why don't you ask him..? He's the reason I'm even here in the first place.."
Ye-Won glanced over at me, her gaze softening completely as her eyes fell upon me. "Mr. Nox..?"
Luciel, Kaguya, Su-Yun, and Do-hari watched as Ye-Won approached our table bashfully, looking at me with questions full in her mind. I noticed her reflection in the window and smiled, closing my eyes and turning my head to look at Ye-Won.
"Mr. Nox...you know things about my family that Claudio doesn't? What is it? If I'm more than Mojisolan, what am I?" Ye-Won asked, her pleading gaze never breaking from mine.
I stood up from my seat, walking toward the cat play area then sat down at the middle and called Ae-Ri and Minsu to me with Sa Nu. I crossed my legs and watched as they sat beside me, their gazes excited as they knew a story was coming along. I invited the young Valkyrias to join as well, each of them gathering around me.
I called twelve cats, all 12 letting out their mewls and came over to me to sit in front of me. The girls watched in slight confusion, each of them wondering why I was using cats for my answer. Luciel smiled as she watched, seemingly the only one who knew what was going on.
I looked around, watching that even some bystanders gathering around. I chuckled softly and held my hand over the cats, forming the 12 Crests of Eyica upon their foreheads. "2000 years ago, God made a land for us where we sit today. A land beyond the knowable ice wall the mainlands know about. In B.C. 250, Yuvah created Exzodia and Eyica."
"This land is officially known as The Echoing Lands...Qutsade meaning Circling Journey, another term we use for Echo. Just as Isreal had 12 Tribes, Eyica also has 12 Tribes: Yesha, Shiuji, Dagrax, Atren, Yascea, Sorien, Alrean, Uthea, Arcania, Genten, Theria, and Exzodia," I began, looking down at the 12 cats and pet each of them.
"Eyica, who's name also was in this land Jacob, was the father of these lands, each named after one of his son, excluding Yesha and Exzodia. Each tribe excluding these two have separated into a lower family or tribe. The Shiuji being the most prominent name," I continued, lifting my gaze to look at everyone who was listening.
"Because of the Mojisola Tribe?" Ye-Won asked, raising her hand to speak.
I nodded, looking down at the Shiuji cat then pet him gently, giving him a warm smile. "The Shiuji...resemble the Canaanites of the mainland though we have our differences. The side who hadn't strayed away remained Shiuji while those who did...became Mojisolan."
"The Mojisolan do not believe in the Truth of Yesha, that He was the perfect sacrifice, that He bled, died, and rose back up. They deny Him and are still seeking their perfect Messiah," I continued, looking up at Claudio and gave him a smile. "Yet, not knowing they've already thwarted their plans sending their Messiah to me."
Everyone looked over at Claudio, realizing he was the Vessel of the Anti-Ascea Hisumi spoke about. However, the clearing of my throat brought their eyes back to me. Claudio scoffed lightly at me and turned his head away, huffing lightly and shifting slightly in his seat.
"He is not the Anti-Ascea, do not fear him. Though he was used as a Vessel, the Chronicles say that the False Messiah will not have a single encounter with me and will not equal me. Claudio, is my rival and brother, not the enemy," I said, calming their nerves as I began to sense each mind grow worried.
"You should have nothing to fear in the world if you are sure of your salvation with the Nexus, Yesha...but since it is just us here, I can share with you who our Savior truly was and what I Echo," I hummed, dismissing each cat except the Yesha cat.
"We call Him Yesha because of our language which is a similar echo of the Hebrew Language the mainlands use with slight variation. Just like Yuvah is a translation in our language. We use Yesha because it is commanded...the rest of the world has forgotten Him or is so desperate they disregard Him," I continued then looked down at Ae-Ri and Minsu, rubbing their heads gently.
"But I say unto you all sheep, rams, and ewes alike, little saints and elder saints... please do not forget Him. Do not forget the name of Jesus Christ...His name lives here. He isn't forgotten, only dormant...but just like the Original Disciples did, we should spread His name once more...but that can only be done when I Echo His last words..." I said, closing my eyes and smiled with peace in mind.
Ye-Won stared at me, hearing the true name of Ascea shattering everything she once believed in. Just like her, the entire cafe fell silent with reverence and a listening ear. Upon the chests of every man and woman within the cafe, a Holy Fire began to form. Do-hari was the most in awe, seeing how many seeds were planted in a short amount of time.
"I will come to pass as that's what Echoes do...Addis and Eva were echoes of Adam and Eve, my forerunner, Yochanan the Evangelist is an echo of John the Baptist. Everyone here echoes The Biblos whether it be scripture or people... Exzodia is an Echo, one that will come to pass but be remembered...just as God remembered us all these years later," I finished, the Yesha cat finally walking away to join his brothers.
Ye-Won looked around at her friends, looking at So-Yi and noticed she echoed the advice to stay sober and vigilant. Jiahn as a Shopkeeper echoed Luke 14:13-14 while Hyeon Bae echoed verses speaking about seeking the Lord. Those were only the ones she could see from memory, the Holy Spirit providing her revelations about herself and those she loves.
"The stage...it's being set again. However, it is not for me, but for His return. The Millennium Reign is soon amongst us as we are only in Day 2 in God's eyes. The Earth may still be with life, but currently...she is dead. But on the third day, she will rise again a New Earth with a New Heaven," I said, standing on my feet and looked down at the Valkyrias with a smile.
"Keep your eyes on the One who brought you through the storms and is still currently bringing you through them. God's Word shall be on your hand and your foreheads and the Holy Spirit shall seal you with your soon to be inheritance. You are in this world, but not of this world," I added, walking toward Ye-Won then crouched down in front of her.
Ye-Won closed one eye as I placed a hand upon her head, her eyes meeting mine to see my warm smile. "Mr. Nox..."
"Give your brother some grace, my beloved... God brought him here for a reason. If He didn't see Claudio's softened heart, this moment would not have happened. Ye-Won Shiuji, continue to love your brother and pray for him...you're the only two Shiuji left currently. You need one another. Same for you, Rival," I said, looking over at Claudio and chuckled.
Claudio waved his hand at me dismissively, turning his gaze and huffed lightly. "Yeah, yeah...I hear you, Equal."
Ye-Won softly giggled at Claudio's slightly bashful response then looked up at me again, her eyes once again full of life. She reached up toward me to hug me, her hands gripping my shirt as she began to softly breakdown upon my shoulder.
I held her in my arms, my Sovereign Butterflies landing upon her body and began to glow a bright silver as they began their work to take away her grievances and sorrows. I closed my eyes as I listened to her cries, holding her closely and ran my hand through her hair.
"Let it all out...it's alright, Ye-Won," I said softly, gently rubbing her back and continuing to comfort her.
Ye-Won's friends began to gather around her, wrapping her arms around her as well for comfort. Kaguya felt a tug at her heart watching the unity between the Valkyrias in her district, a unity she hadn't seen since they were freshmen in highschool.
Claudio watched as well, his gaze softening as he began to notice how much his sister was hurting inside without him. He closed his eyes, lowering his head and leaned forward in his seat, his heart only becoming filled with more regret than he could deal with.
Suddenly, he felt something land upon his head, a familiar warmth covering his body with a bright silver glow. He opened his eyes, looking over to see The Echo sitting in a seat next to him then scoffed with a smirk on his lips.
"You have nothing to regret, Claudio...He who began a good work shall be the Author and Finisher of your faith. This becomes more than a moment of, 'Can I get over it?' and more of a 'Do I truly believe He died for me?'," The Echo began, keeping his gaze upon the group hug.
"Real repentance is accepting that Jesus died and rose back from the grave for your salvation. I am secured and John the Apostle writes about knowing you're secured. Now...it's time for you to know that you are secure in Jesus. Do you accept Him as your Lord and Savior, your God?" The Echo questioned, glancing over at Claudio, his amber eyes glowing with curiosity.
Claudio glanced ahead at his sister, interlocking his fingers together and exhaled softly. He knew this moment would change his fate forever, he belonged to no one for the last few days, his path being aimless without my assistance and the tug of the Holy Spirit upon his heart.
He lowered his head, closing his eyes and began to remember each tale from the Mojisola Tribe, how they were always in never ending violence and cycle of destruction. Then, his mind shifted over to the only two Mojisola who broke free from the lie, the two Mojisola who became Shiuji like a thief on the cross.
He opened his eyes after a long moment of thought, taking a deep breath then exhaled softly. "I do...After all, everyone who did turn to Him seemed to be more free and alive than others make it seem. However...what about Mua and the others? Do I just leave them?"
"You don't have to. Mua and the others loved you for you, not for your destiny or your abilities. They follow you where you go, and you can bring them home and actually be fruitful... however, like Shiro and Ryder...you must choose one as your Helper," The Echo said, his body dissolving into butterflies and vanished.
Claudio watched as he disappeared then looked ahead, noticing me standing in front of them and gesturing to head outside. He smiled at me and closed his eyes, standing up from his seat then began to follow me outside.
---------------------------------
Claudio and I walked through a nearby park, taking a less known path of the park where it was secluded then I stopped walking. Claudio stopped behind me, his gaze lifting up at me then he looked around to see we were alone, the sounds of families enjoying themselves playing in the distance.
"We are alone now, so you can truly lay it all down. You know who I am and what I am. You know I serve a purpose here, who know in whom I Echo to the best of my ability with my Lord as my witness...now, as Noxius Ascea Exzodia, Lord of Qutsade...I want to know who you are," I said, turning around to face Claudio directly.
"I want to know the man beneath the tribal skin, the true Claudio within. Who are you, Claudio?" I asked, crossing my arms and staring at him with seriousness.
Claudio could feel the seriousness in my gaze then looked at the snowy ground below, exhaling softly with slight resignation. "Right now, I don't know who I am. My destiny, my path...it's all so confusing beyond taking down Nigoku. Before, I thought I knew everything there was to know...and now I'm nothing..."
"Wrong. Claudio, you are a Shiuji, a son of God through adoption. You're worthy of the Lord's work, love, and acceptance. When it's time for you stand at the court, you need a lawyer. You need a High Chief, someone higher than your ancestors," I began, walking toward Claudio then pressed my finger upon his chest.
"You are one of mine...you heard my voice and came. I did my part with you and gave you your assignment, now it's my Lord who shall take the wheel with you. Let go of everything you once knew in this world...it's time for you to choose life or death, Heaven or Hell, God or the Devil," I said, lowering my hand and stared into his eyes.
"You are in God's hand now and none shall snatch you lest you leave Him. While you are in this land, I shall be sure to feed you with the bread God has provided for you. Until I speak the last echo, my last word...I will be sure to keep you up even when you're down," I continued, placing my hand upon Claudio's shoulder.
"And what will your last words be..? When will everything set off for us being able to go back out beyond the walls?" Claudio asked, looking at me with a mix of curiosity and hesitation.
"The Echo of Jesus' last shouts, 'My God, My God, why have you forsaken me? Father, in your hands I commit my Spirit. It...is finished.'," I answered then looked up at the sky. "I am to die, not by final battle against Merin or Terminus...not by a foolish mistake or miscalculation...but by an echo itself."
"I will be betrayed...as much as even I would like to deny, Nigoku's infiltration was needed for the next stage of Exzodia's divine plan. He is needed...so I can speak the last echo. Which is why I need you... Destiny's Chosen. Do you understand who you are now? You're my Equal for a reason..." I said, looking back down at Claudio with a smile.
"While you can not stop the Anti-Ascea, for that is a mission for our Lord...you can stop Nigoku and that's who we focus on while I focus on Merin," I finished, nodding my head at Claudio.
Claudio inhaled softly, yet exhaled deeply as I had predicted my echoed death. "Noxius..."
"Honestly, I'm saddened...a bit scared...a bit upset. This generation will see the End of Days, and Exzodia will experience her own End Times. Until Yesha returns and after I am gone...someone will have to guard Exzodia's Garden, that's my actual purpose. Guarding my home," I said, lowering my head and closing my eyes, my heart beating slightly harder against my chest.
Claudio slipped his hands into his pockets as he stared at me then looked off into the distance, letting out a soft exhale. "So, this is the stage..? What about the other Descendants of the Voyagers? Leonidas, Kaguya, and the other two?"
"You're one of them. That's why I need you here with me. The St. Nova Voyager was Shiujian, and like you, commanded many spirits in Yesha's name. The people in St. Nova need you, and I will lead you back home," I said, turning around to face Claudio with a determined smile.
Claudio looked over at me, his lips curling into a slight smirk then he turned around to walk off. "Alright, Equal. I understand my role in all of this now, but know this... anything to do with Esoria and the Mojisola are mine alone. Destiny Island is my home to save...I have a family to get back, to lead them here..."
"Lead them back here to Exzodia? You couldn't even lead your own people back to peace," A familiar voice said, his mocking tone causing the two of us to look toward him.
I smirked at The Supervisor and chuckled lightly at his mocking tone. "You appear again? This time in Grushia City...why do I feel like you all are planning to target a school of high schoolers?"
"That prophetic sense of yours is rather immaculate, and it's a shame that such foresight will help you none. You have something I need...The Ignis Halcyon, Dandelga. Your vessel for the blade is a Valkyria," The Supervisor said, summoning Dreden into his hand, the nature ridden pike glowing with beautiful emerald energy around the blade.
"Yes, the wielder of Dandelga will be a Valkyria... however I never specified that it will be high schoolers. Ha, they have their own issue to deal with concerning both Overseers, Cho Jin-Hyan and Nam Sun," I began, my butterflies manifesting around my body.
"If you must know, you must seek higher and the Valkyria I have already chosen is divinely protected. The war is already starting in Spirit and soon will come into the physical, like you and the elites are preparing your soldiers... I'm gathering mine," I said, taking a step back then phased through an incoming figure.
The Supervisor grunted in surprise as a cloaked figure rushed forward with an upper strike, the attack barely blocked with his weapon. Before he could register the next incoming events, a shadowy cat paw struck The Supervisor upon his side and sending him rolling on the side.
The figure threw off his cloak, revealing himself to being Chester, his Wonder Energy surging around his body as his lips curled into a Cheshire smile. "Heh, it's been a while, Lord Nox...I had a feeling sneaking a ride with you was a good call."
Claudio sucked his teeth as he looked at Chester, crossing his arms as he powered down and exhaled through his nose. "The Trickster has arrived. How ironic that both of us used to work for Merin..."
"Hm, I wouldn't have considered myself an ally. More like a curious cat looking for the purpose of this power and how to cultivate it...ever since working with Nox, I've found my path," Chester said, keeping his sharp gaze upon The Supervisor.
The Supervisor staggered back into his feet, grunting lowly in slight pain and held his side. 'What the hell was that..? I couldn't even sense him for a moment, yet he was right in front of me...'
The Supervisor stood up straight and twirled his polearm, preparing himself to clear the obstacles which stood in his way. "It doesn't matter who you choose, as along as I strike them all down. This land was at peace before you came along! We had everything under control!"
"You had everything under lies and deception, that's what you've done. Now everyone is waking up, the veil is being lifted and everything in the dark is being revealed in the light...and this is only the beginning," I said firmly, my gaze becoming sharp as I locked eyes with The Supervisor.
"Manaport...is nothing but a rebranded Judgement Order. Everything that happened from Stella's Day to Hisumi's Day is happening now. False worship of false gods, cloning of human beings, children even! Manaport makes themselves look righteous and claims the name of my Lord to excuse their sin!" I continued, my longcoat shifting into robes as I entered combat mode.
The Supervisor smirked behind his mask, tilting his head to crack his neck then charged toward me at full speeds with a thrust of his pike. I palmed the blade down then launched a swift straight which he slipped by, following with a slash to my side. I elbowed the blade, absorbing the nature energy into my body then summoned a Big Root from my lower back.
The root struck The Supervisor upon his stomach then wrapped around his body, yanking him toward me at high speeds where I followed with a devastating Lion's Fist. Letting out a roar and pulsing blaze, the sun began to glow brighter, the energy I released being seen from the cat cafe.
Do-hari glanced out the window seeing the bright starlight in the distance, other civilians stopping at the sight of four trails of energy launching toward the sky. "The enemy has been very active as of lately... I'm glad he tries his hardest to keep these battles from my children's eyes."
"They seem to be getting closer and closer... Do-hari, I have an important request. Come teach at St. Goken Institution. It's the best way to keep your children...and Woo-Chi safe," Luciel said, placing her hands upon Do-hari's.
Do-hari glanced over at Kaguya then at Su-Yun, noticing how much she resembled Sa Nu Rim. Her gaze shifted over to her children and the high school Valkyrias, her desire to keep the future generations safe from future deceptions weighing upon her heart.
"Okay," Do-hari nodded with a smile, finally having a reason to get out the house more.
Luciel, Kaguya, and Su-Yun smiled at Do-hari, the three of them excited to have a veteran upon their ranks within the district. While they discussed their next steps, Claudio, Chester, and I were focused on driving The Supervisor away from Grushia City.
"A Sky Island! Above!" Claudio called out, propelling himself toward the Supervisior with an upper wheel kick, sending him flying upward.
The Supervisor recovered in the air, knocking Chester away with a swing of Dreden then countered Claudio with a roundhouse. He let out a bellow as he fired a beam of energy toward me as I flew toward him, but I transformed into my Sovereign Form, my aura splitting the beam in two as I appeared in front of him.
He managed to evade my kick by air bouncing backwards then launched two gaia cutting waves toward me with two swings of his spear. I phased through the first wave then awakened my Sword of Spirits, a silver blade of energy appearing in front of me to cut the second in two.
'The Sword of Spirits...there it is...' The Black Serpent said mentally around the Supervisor's neck, humming deeply with hideous desire.
I began walking upon the air toward The Supervisor then warped toward him with a kick toward his face, sending him toward the sky island at high speeds. Chester gave chase afterwards, preparing a flash stepping strike but The Supervisor managed to evade the attack then landed upon the ground of the island.
"A Sky Island..? St. Goken is this close to Uthea..?" The Supervisor asked, glancing around the island then grunted softly as he felt the ground rumbling beneath him.
I landed on the ground and shifted two of my butterflies into silver energy blades, holding my hand out toward The Supervisor, firing both blades toward him then warped after them. The Supervisor shifted Dreden for Berechiah, the claymore surging with lightning as he swung widely to deflect both blades.
Claudio and Chester grunted as the streams of lightning rushed toward them, the streams breaking through the ground as recoil damage. The Supervisor grunted as he blocked my knee strike with the blade of his sword, the flashing of lightning making it hard for him to detect my Warp Strikes.
"While you worry about your empire, you should be focused on the true empire that will topple over all else! What good is it for a man to gain the entire world, yet lose his own soul in the process? You gained all this power for what?" I asked, reappearing in front of him and summoned two more blades.
The Supervisor panted softly, lowering his blade onto the ground and slightly staggered onto one knee. 'What is this..? Even with Divine Lightning...I can't keep up..? I hate this...I hate everything about this! I can't let him win!'
The Supervisor sprung onto his feet and charged at me with Judecca in his hand, thrusting the lance forward to pierce with a Void Buster. I dodged his attack, attacking as the dark beam of energy fired down the path then warped backwards.
"Running now? You understand what such power would do against you huh? It's time you give up, Exzodian Lord! Your Kingdom is still in ruin!" The Supervisor roared, searching around for me with his teeth clenched.
Suddenly, Chester snuck up from behind with a strike to the back of his knee, getting him into one knee then Claudio followed with a stunning knee to his face, shattering his mask in one blow. The Supervisor grunted as he was knocked backwards, his body sliding against the ground until hitting against a large stone wall.
The Supervisor coughed lightly as he rose to his feet, grunting lightly and held his face as he looked ahead with burning red eyes. He let out a roar then groaned as I struck him with a devastating blow to his stomach, causing him to groan heavily.
"I refuse to lose to you!" The Supervisor roared, countering with a rolling slash with Judecca and managing to knock me back.
I grunted as my back hit the ground then I recovered on to my feet, chuckling lightly as the sun struck directly upon my body. I let out a roar, my hair surging into blazes which resembled a lion's mane, my body release intense heat waves around the sky island.
'A Solaris Flare?! He's been storing up solar energy since when!?' The Black Serpent grunted in deep pain, the heat of the solar flare becoming unbearable.
The Supervisor groaned as the divine heat began burning his skin, forcing him to summon Lexida for her Divine Water, the rapier releasing cooling waves around The Supervisor's body. He exhaled softly with temporary relief, looking up at me to see I have reverted back to normal.
"Each time I get a report about this guy or I face off against him...he has something new prepared. Solar charging? Are there any other tricks I should be aware of?" The Supervisor asked with sarcastic frustration, gripping Lexida's handing with an angered force.
I rubbed under my nose, closing my eyes and chuckling lightly. "A lot of them if that's what you wish to call it. You haven't even seen the tip of the iceberg yet, and I haven't even been trying."
"Like I was telling Claudio, the stage is being set... You've seen Ryoma's Descendant, you've seen Hisumi's, you've seen Shiro's...there's only one left. And it's ironically the one you all are most afraid of..." I continued, the Crest of Death shimmering upon my hand.
"One descendant left..?" The Supervisor began the gasped, his eyes widening as his gaze snapped to mine.
"At the Gethsemane Meet, you will meet the Descendant Eyica and Exzodia feared for a time. She was more feared than the Dark Lords, some even saying that she was one. Her name? The Descendant you will meet will be the descendant of Stella Risa Bushi," I revealed, noticing the fear settling within his body.
"Stella Bushi? You mean the Empress of Death? Didn't the Council of Uphelia try to get her book uncanonized due to their fear of her power and deep bias for King Zephyr?" Chester asked, looking over at me with deep curiosity and amusement.
"This is nothing to be amused about. Stella Bushi was a destroyer of kings, lords, and gods in her time. No man could marry her except her equally as lunatic husband, fitting their kingdom is named Lunia. Reading her Doctrine...reminds me of Lamentations, there was truly a time of pure judgement in Eyica," Claudio shuddered, his body developing goosebumps.
The Supervisor ran his hand through his hair, looking down at Judecca as a thought ran through his mind. He glanced back up toward me, preparing to do whatever he could to stop me then charged forward with a swing of his weapon which I dodged then blocked his forward thrust.
Chester and Claudio prepared to join in, but halted at my command, the two watching as I evaded every attack gracefully. The Supervisor leaped around the area, switching angles to get one strike upon my but each attack became useless as I dodged with calculated steps.
Phasing through his next attack, I swiped upward with a claw strike, striking his chin then a shadowy figure crashed into The Supervisor at high speeds and sending him through the ground. "He's all yours. Don't kill him, but show him what he and the other Valkyrias have to look forward to...Stella."
The shadowy figure stepped forward, glancing down into the cave of the sky island then the umbra aura around her shattered to reveal for form. Her golden eyes gleamed with judgement, her platinum silver hair flowing with the gentle breeze with her waist cape releasing blue and purple streams of energy.
"With pleasure, I'll be sure to leave an astounding sign," Stella said, stepping off the cliff and began to descend into the cave.
The Supervisor stood up onto his feet, hearing a soft chuckle echoing through the cave which unsettled him. He glanced around, noticing multiple phantoms appearing and disappearing around him. "Where are you?! Show yourself!"
"I'm right behind you," Stella said, placing the barrel of her musket rifle against The Supervisor's back.
The Supervisor froze for a moment with fear, the Black Serpent around his neck glowing a deep red to force him to dodge the deadly fire of Stella's gun. She pumped her arm, reloading her gun then took aim again, firing three Holy Bullets in one fire.
The Supervisor grunted as he barely deflected the bullets, the force of the projectiles knocking him off balance. He couldn't get a look at Stella before she vanished once again, reappearing at his side with an elbow to his jaw then struck his side with a knee.
"I took down Lords like Motochika, Ginchiyo, Nobunaga, I even killed King Zephyr and took down Uphelia. I struck down Emperor Laslow of Arcania to become who I known as today. Even fools like you know not to mock my name, yet you mock Yesha's name..?" Stella asked, her voice bouncing off the cave walls as if she were all around him.
The Supervisor grunted as he quickly rose up to his feet, swinging Judecca around with desperation only to hit at the air. "Where are you?! Stop hiding like a coward! I will strike you all down! Project Esoria is already in motion! You have already lost the moment the Mojisolan Religion took effect!"
"That's what you would like to think, but in truth...my descendant has already been working in motion to stop it all. Nigoku will not win. I personally helped Shiro take down the Demon Lord of Esoria. Ascea is still in Esoria today," Stella said, appearing in front of The Supervisor, her Rebirth Energy flowing around her calmly.
The Supervisor grunted as he stumbled backwards onto the ground, looking up at Stella with terrified eyes and a quickened heartbeat as he noticed red lightning crackling around her body. "There's no way...you were used by God in Arcania..."
"Yet no one else in Arcania could wield Holy Energy and Rebirth Energy but me, no one else could rival King Zephyr but me. No one could have handled the task of bringing judgement upon Arcania but me! I sacrificed my entire nation to God to drive out the plague within it! You wouldn't know what it means to die twice..." Stella said, walking forward with a blank stare upon her face.
The Supervisor grunted as he scooted backwards, throwing stones and rubble at Stella to try to get her off his tracks, none of his thrown objects coming close to contact. "You are an Usurper! A Tyrant!"
"You're right! I ruled Arcania with an Iron Hand because of the lawlessness within the lands that costed the lives of my mother, father, sister, daughter, and my humanity! I am known as the Empress of Death because with my God blessed abilities, even the Dark Lords can become judged by me!" Stella exclaimed, stepping on The Supervisor's chest and stared down at him.
"This is only the beginning...if you think I am terrifying, you haven't seen my descendant in action clearly. She is more terrifying than me and that's me saying it," Stella said, getting off his chest then vanished.
The Supervisor panted with relief that Stella allowed him to live, the silence of the island filling him with a sense of temporary calm. He closed his eyes, his mind now filled with what the Gethsemane Valkyrias and Heroes were capable of if Stella's descendant was amongst them and more terrifying than even Stella.