Tartarus
Avalon
Xolotl's gaze locked on Yi and Myrddin. He breathed slowly and quietly, the only tell being his emaciated torso slowly rising and lowering.
"Myrddin," Yi whispered. "Quick summary, now."
"Xolotl: Aztec God, and a psychopomp," Myrddin said under his breath. "I only know amongst the Mesoamerican Pantheons, none of them match him in fire and lightning."
Xolotl slowly raised his clawed right hand.
"How does he use them?" Yi asked.
"I…I don't know."
"What?!"
"He was never around when I sneaked in here before, and none of the other Cerberus Heads know either."
Xolotl pointed his hand at Yi and Myrddin, extending only his index and middle fingers. Sparks crackled around his hand, and Yi saw the faintest hints of flames, making his blood run cold.
We need to move, bud! Uriel yelled in Yi's head.
A loud pop and burst of light exploded from Xolotl's fingers. Yi drew the glowing, radiant sword on his left hip and swung it out in front. He didn't see the source, but his body became enveloped in heat as something smashed into the blade, sending shockwaves up his arm, but he kept his eyes on Xolotl, who met his gaze. Without looking away, he shifted his hand to the right.
Towards Myrddin.
"MYRDDIN, DUCK!"
Another loud burst and pop. Myrddin dropped. The attack flew overhead, searing the ends of his gray hair. Myrddin heard a loud boom behind him and turned. A slab of the wall had been torn off and had fallen on the grass behind him. He turned forward as another pop came. Yi stepped in front of him and slashed at the attack. His arm vibrated again.
This attack…it's like cannon fire! What is he doing?! Yi thought, quickly taking in his surroundings. The grass under the two attacks had burned away, leaving scorch marks. He then focused on Xolotl as he raised his left arm to the same height as his right and pointed his index and middle fingers at Yi. Oh no. Sparks erupted around both hands, and two pops erupted. Yi drew his other sword and swung them both, swatting away the attacks. I can't take these head-on. I need to parry them!
Can you see them? Uriel asked.
No, but I can feel them in the air. Whatever he's doing, it's generating massive amounts of heat. The fact that it's small and fast, but makes that much heat…makes us lucky.
Only if we can get close.
Then it's time to take action. Yi, swords in hand, dashed at Xolotl. Xolotl tilted his head to the side, then shook it. His hands lit up and fired more attacks. Uriel, up the power!
On it!
The swords glowed brighter. Yi felt the oncoming heat and swung his swords. The blades collided with the shots, and the heat immediately dissipated. Xolotl's eyes widened, and he inhaled. He fired one shot, then another immediately. Then two more. Four more. He started shifting the angle and height of his hands as he continued firing. He wasn't limited in his attack speed! Was he baiting me to close in? Light blurred around Yi as he swung the swords at each attack. A good strategy! Make them think you're slow when you're just pretending! You're not some brute, are you?! Light met heat as Yi raced down the field. Will you change your focus back on Myrddin to make me panic?! Will you stay focused on me? Can you increase your speed even further?! Is range your only specialty?! How does he generate so much power in such a small attack?! Yi's thoughts raced as quickly as his feet tore up the burnt grass and soil, and as his swords swiped and parried away the attacks.
The distance between the two shrank rapidly. Xolotl stopped his barrage and reached his right hand behind his back.
Now! Yi stomped down and burst forward. He raised both swords over his right shoulder and swung down. "Samagwi Hwidureugi!" Xolotl pulled out a long, obsidian dagger, spun it around, and placed it in front of his body. The swords smashed into it, pushing Xolotl's feet into the ground as he pushed back against the strike. He stopped both strikes with a dagger?! Xolotl's eyes locked with Yi's as the dagger began to glow. Sparks and flares raced across it. Yi gritted his teeth and jumped back as an explosion burst out where he had just been. Smoke and dust flew up, obscuring his vision. That dagger… Yi sheathed the sword in his left hand and gripped his other sword in both hands. He channeled that same weird power into the dagger. Did it break? Is it durable enough to sustain that? Yi could not stop the smile growing on his face. There's so much I don't know about this puzzle! I need you to show me!
The dust settled, and Yi felt the pop coming before the sound hit the air. He jumped to his left, catching sight of Xolotl amongst the dust. He was slightly crouched down, holding the dagger in a reverse grip in his right hand with his left ready to fire.
Ah…now you're prepared for me. Yi thought. Good! Yi dashed at Xolotl. Xolotl raced out of the cloud towards him, firing more shots. Yi parried each shot, the heat slamming into his body each time. Yi closed the distance first and swung to the left side of Xolotl's neck. Xolotl kneeled, dodging the slash. He aimed his left hand at Yi's face and fired. Yi leaned back, avoiding the shot. Xolotl leaned forward, aiming the dagger at Yi's abdomen. Yi swung his sword down and to the right, parrying the obsidian dagger to the right. Reacting quickly, he slammed the pommel of the sword into Xolotl's face. His skull rattled from the impact, and he started rolling back. Yi stepped his left foot forward and crouched down to Xolotl's level and swung to the left. Xolotl braced against the ground with his right hand and raised his left leg. It slammed into the back of Yi's katana, throwing Yi off-balance and falling to the left. He stuck his out, staying up in his crouch as Xolotl's right heel slammed into his temple, sending him rolling to the ground. Xolotl's right foot landed flat on the ground, and he rose, taking his earlier stance and aiming his left hand at Yi. He fired at Yi as he tried to recover. Yi swung his sword out, the heavy impact of the shot vibrating his body again. Yi turned into his swing, rolling towards Xolotl's right side and rose, his sword aimed down and at his right side. Xolotl made a horizontal stab to the right. I bet you predicted I'd dodge to the right. You have to turn to use your shooting technique. However! Yi raised his left elbow into Xolotl's hand, knocking it away past Yi. He pictured Xolotl pulling out his dagger to block him. You still favor your right hand! Yi started swinging his sword up to cut, but he stopped and leaned. Xolotl's left hand rested on his chest, pointed straight at Yi. The shot was fired. Yi swung and destroyed it as Xolotl fell back and rolled away. He quickly got his feet back under him and returned to his crouch, aiming his left hand at Yi. Yi stepped his left foot forward, holding his sword in both hands, the edge aimed at Xolotl.
"You…are damn hard to hit," Yi said, smiling. "What could make someone like you? Where have you fought? What did you fight? What inspired this technique of yours?"
Xolotl huffed, but said nothing. He rose and sheathed his dagger. With his left hand, he pulled out a tablet from his hip-wrap and typed away with his long nails. He turned the tablet's screen to Yi.
Devotion. Everywhere. Everything. I refuse to die.
"Taciturn and a man of action. I could have used more like you back in the day."
Xolotl typed again.
Are you asking questions to stall me? Are you trying to have Myrddin read my mind or tear away at the boundary?
Yi smiled. "Maybe, but I missed out on Ragnarök to be a part of this. From what I saw, I doubt most of those Gods hold a candle to you."
You're flattery is unnecessary, but I am unworthy of such praise. Besides, Myrddin can't read me, so you can tell him to quit.
"Oy, Myrddin!"
"What?!" Myrddin responded.
"Any luck reading him?!"
"No?!"
"Then you should stop! He knows you're trying!" His gaze sharpened. "How are you doing that?"
Trade secret.
"I must know."
Get used to disappointment.
Yi sighed. "Alright, then. Ready to continue?" Xolotl drew his dagger and put away his tablet in one smooth motion. He returned to his stance, aiming his left hand back at Yi. Yi glanced at it briefly and saw something. Aaaaah…that's what's going on.
Tartarus
The Circles
Above Avalon, Teddy and Vidarr eyed each other. Vidarr pinched each side of the Axe's shaft and pulled. It then split down the middle, the axe's head separating into a matching pair. He flicked his wrists, folding the shafts up. They snapped into place, and Vidarr gripped both bearded short axes in his hands.
This form suits me better, Skeggöld. Any issue? Vidarr asked.
…Are you okay? She responded.
No, but I got something to focus on. I will keep my promise to you.
Viddy…
"Oy!" Vidarr yelled, pointing the axe in his right hand at Teddy. "Earlier, you said you were the one picked to fight Týr?!"
"I was the one picked to beat him!" Teddy roared, swinging his arms across his body, stretching his shoulders. "Trying to talk yourself up?!"
Vidarr crouched down as he stepped his right foot back. He held his right axe over his shoulder as he extended his left arm forward and held the other axe parallel to the floor. A tinge of pain shot up from his ribs and his nose. Space rippled inward around his axes as his stare hardened. That means you're dangerous. Vidarr thought.
Teddy, something's up. Camael said. The spatial ripples are changing in direction.
I see what you mean, but hesitation breeds defeat! Teddy thought. He broke into a sprint towards Vidarr. Vidarr stepped forward and threw his right axe straight at him, a dull whirring sound floating in the air as the axe spun. Come on! Is that it?! The space around the oncoming axe continued slowly rippling inward. Teddy slipped to the left well before it could get near him. I'm not so dumb as to let that thing NEAR me! It passed by him as he ran. Let's g—! Something pulled him back onto his right foot, and he started falling back. His eyes widened with shock as his gaze turned up to the ceiling. He swiveled his left hip back, swinging his left leg and landing flat on his left foot, staying upright. He looked forward and saw Vidarr already in front of him, swinging his left axe down. Teddy gritted his teeth as space rippled off his body. The ground gave way slightly as his feet sank into it. He raised his right arm and blocked the downward chop with his armored forearm. The collision released an echoing clang, but Teddy stood firm.
Vidarr grew a small, toothy grin. Teddy's eyes widened as Vidarr pulled the axe back, and Teddy with it like a magnet. Caught you! Vidarr thought. As he lurched forward, Teddy's hair stood on end. He looked back and raised his left arm just in time to block the other axe.
What the hell?! Teddy thought. The axe hung in midair and clung to Teddy's arm. Vidarr continued pulling, stretching Teddy as the other axe started floating slowly in the opposite direction. I…can't move! What's going on?!
Shit! Camael yelled in Teddy's head. It's Vidarr's power!
Doesn't matter! Teddy roared in his head. Vidarr continued pulling. Teddy flexed his back and pectorals, stretching his shirt. You think this is enough?! I've dealt with worse than this! Space distorted around Teddy's body, and his feet sank into the ground. Never thought there'd be a day I'd be literally too stubborn to move! The floor started giving way, and small craters formed under his feet. Vidarr and the floating axe stopped in their tracks and started sinking.
He's…HEAVY! Vidarr thought, trying to stay standing.
I can't hold him for much longer! Skeggöld responded.
Hold up for a few seconds! I'll take him!
Don't let him grab you again! The axe in Vidarr's hand separated from Teddy's arm. He swung it at Teddy's right hip. Teddy blocked it with his free arm. Upon contact, Vidarr pulled back and swung at Teddy's head. Teddy snapped his arm up and blocked the blow. The ground below his feet cracked some more. Hurry! His left arm continued lowering with the axe still stuck to it.
Vidarr's glare sharpened, and he kept swinging. Hip, neck, shoulder, ribs, waist, and head. Crushing chops, sharp swings, and rising slashes. Block and parry. Teddy's right arm reached out and retracted like a cobra with each attack, meeting every strike head-on. A cacophonic symphony of metal clashing against metal echoed through the cavern as Teddy stood against the assault.
I fought boxers with faster punches in the White House! This is nothing—
Got you! The axe stuck to his left hand suddenly dropped, pulling Teddy's left arm down with it. Why fight, when I can join you?! Skeggöld yelled.
Well played, Skeg! Vidarr thought as he jumped to the left and swung down. The axe-head found home and slashed through Teddy's vest and shirt, tearing at his back's flesh, sending blood flying. He swung to the left and cut him again, forming a large bleeding X on Teddy's back. Teddy tried to lift his left arm, but could not. The axe not only clung to his arm, but also to the floor. Vidarr swung his axe up and brought it down towards Teddy's crown. You're mine, now!
Teddy sprawled down on his back and raised his right arm, grabbing the blade of the axe in his grip. He swung his arm out to the side, causing Vidarr and the axe to slam into the ground. Time…for a surprise workout! He gripped the axe head and lurched to the left, lifting Vidarr off the ground and slamming him into the other axe. He released his grip and wrapped his right arm around Vidarr. Immediately, Vidarr felt a monstrous pressure crush down on him.
Skeggöld! Release the lock! We need to get out of here!
On it! She responded.
The moment the axe's pressure vanished, Teddy rolled up on Vidarr's back. He got his feet under him and wrapped his arms tight. Here's a fun wrestling move! Teddy lifted Vidarr off the ground and flung him down, face-first. Vidarr's face smashed into the ground. Teddy lifted him and fell back, slamming the back of Vidarr's head and shoulders against the floor in a heavy thud, the right axe flying out of his grip. Vidarr's head rattled, and his vision blurred for a moment. Teddy let go and rolled away. Getting back to his feet, he jumped towards Vidarr. Vidarr reached out his hand and slid out of the way. As Teddy landed and punched a hole in the ground where his foe's head was, Vidarr threw his other axe at Teddy. Teddy rose and punched it into the ground as Vidarr reached his other axe. He reached out his left hand and shot like a bullet. He crashed into and knocked Teddy back with his shoulder and gripped the embedded axe, pulling it free and swinging it at Teddy. The blade slashed against the left side of Teddy's torso, and more blood spilled.
Damn it, that's three now. Why aren't the cuts going through? Vidarr thought as he stood, both axes in hand.
It's Camael. Skeggöld said. He can control space, but it seems like this guy's not very good at using it.
No. I think he is. Vidarr spun both axes as Teddy lightly touched his wounds. It's not fancy, but it's effective if done right. Son of a bitch is using Pressure…
What?
He makes the space his body exists in dense and heavy, and he's pressing space together to keep us in reach. That's why the axe is failing to cut him. It's different from my Compression: he does it to himself. Vidarr exhaled. This guy's a pain in the ass…and he's probably been practicing this power for a while. Teddy grabbed his shirt with both hands and tore it off, revealing his stout, bulky physique marred by a new, bleeding cut.
…They've been planning this break-in for a while if that's true.
Maybe. He may have been picked to deal with me. Shit, this is bad.
A few meters away, Teddy rolled his shoulders as he flexed his hands. Holding up okay? Camael asked.
The cuts didn't get anything bad, but I can't take many like that. Teddy felt his back pop a little just under the cuts. Those swings are still heavy. Even if he can't cut through, he can still beat the daylights out of me!
Skeggöld's not helping. Her Rune Axe-Time is probably maintaining those effects without any effort from Vidarr. Camael added.
Damn…Brünhilde didn't warn us about this. He's far more dangerous than we planned.
She wouldn't know about Skeggöld being here. None of us would.
Ha! Well, that's a fair point! Teddy brought his hands back up in an orthodox stance. I liked this better when he was a raving loon. Now… Vidarr retook his dual-axe stance. …he's a man on a mission. Time to kick it up a notch, Cam. Ready?
All day, every day.
Tartarus
Upper Levels
Interrogation Chambers
Zahhak walked down a hall several levels above the Circles, staring down at his tablet. "Huh, looks like Viddy and Xolo are busy with the intruders," He said out loud. "Wonder if they need my help."
He stopped for a moment, his darting left and right. "Nah…" A notification popped up on his screen. His eyes widened. Someone…someone broke into Damavand?! Why?! Who?! He tapped the screen, and a live feed played. The room was dimly lit, but he could see three figures walking in. He recognized all three of them. I need to get there now.
He resumed walking just as a column of light and heat pierced through the ceiling right where he stood and cut through the floor below. The faintest sound of bells ringing echoed through the air. Zahhak blinked a few times and sighed as he slowly turned around. "Really? Couldn't be any more subtle?"
Valhalla
Eastern Chapel Field
"Sir," Georgios said. "Something's bothering me, but I don't know how to ask you, or if you'd be willing to answer." Georgios threw the ball high in an arc.
"Then ask," Set answered. He looked up and moved a step forward. He raised his glove and caught the ball. "I did not train you to be passive or avoid hard questions."
"That's easy when it's someone you don't know or don't have to worry about going off on the deep end."
He has a point. The wispy voice said.
"Yes…hmm. But between us, there should be no such concern. Ask away." Set raised his left leg and twisted his body to the right, then stepped forward and snapped his body back to the left, firing the ball. Georgios stretched his glove out straight ahead, snapping his glove around the ball flying towards his chest.
"Will you ever tell your kids you're alive?" Georgios asked, throwing the ball up in the air and catching it in his own glove.
Be careful how you answer this, Brother. This wispy voice said in Set's mind.
I will be. Set answered back. "What do you think would happen if I did? Things would get better? We would be a happy family again?"
Georgios tossed the ball. "Honestly? They'd probably call you out for everything you've done."
Set caught it and stared listlessly at him. "Then what would be the point?"
"To live as the example others want to follow, like you wanted me to be." He shrugged. "Plus, honestly, you still love them, and they miss you. I'd think they'd rather know you were alive, even if you stood against them, rather than dead and just a bad memory. Why else would Hilde still have your old coat?"
"…I am not sure I deserve to."
"Would you tell Hephaestus to keep hiding if he were in your shoes?"
He…he makes a good point, Brother. The voice said.
I know… Set answered.
If it helps you make a choice, remember what I had to do…for Nephthys, Osiris, and Isis…I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemies. Even Ra.
You are right…Maybe I cannot hide it any longer. Too many know already. It is not fair that my family does not know.
I won't force you, but maybe he's on the mark here. That's all.
"Uh…Sir?" Georgios asked. "You good?"
"Huh? Oh, yes. Just talking with a friend." Set answered.
"The guy you formed a Völund with?"
"Correct. We are usually in tandem, but I think this time he is siding with you over me."
"So….?" Set threw the ball back, and Georgios caught it.
"I…cannot hold this off, can I?"
"There are still three rounds left, and the likelihood of three more daughters dying isn't zero. Let them fight, knowing they can kick your ass later and maybe, just maybe, forgive you."
Georgios rolled the ball on the ground towards Set. Set crouched down to snap it up. "How can I convince them to meet with me?"
"Leave that to me…and Skalmöld."
Valhalla
Eastern Chapel
Back at the Chapel, inside its simple but pristine hall lined with wooden pews, Romulus and Skalmöld sat in the back, side-by-side in the last pew. Romulus sat to Skalmöld's right, holding her hand in his left with his Scuta shield resting on the ground near his right leg. The two watched people file in and out of the building in silence. Some walked into the pews and kneeled and prayed, while others walked along the walls and admired the stained-glass murals. A larger group, a dozen olive-skinned men in dark robes and sandals, walked past them while following a similar-looking man with longer, wavy dark hair and a beard and moustache. They walked up to the rest of the people, talking with them, some of them hugging or praying with the others as their leader walked up to the front of the chapel, slid into a pew, and prayed.
"Looks like they're back," Skalmöld whispered. "I think it's the fifth time I've seen them now?"
"Probably," Romulus answered. "They've been busy visiting the other chapels. Probably trying to keep people's spirits up."
"I've seen a few others come through, but I can't help but feel they're doing a lot of the heavy-lifting."
"Only seems that way." Romulus rubbed his thumb over the back of Skalmöld's hand. "They kind of lead the way, so others still rely on them."
Skalmöld chuckled a little. "Sounds like Hilde."
"It does."
"A little like you, too." Skalmöld rested her head on Romulus' shoulder. "Or, the old you."
"It kind of does, doesn't it?" He kissed the top of her head. "I still can't ever repay you for pulling me out of that mindset."
"Can't have you making hard choices alone, 'cause we're a team now."
"I know, but I'm worried I'm asking a lot of you, since I asked you to keep Set's secret from Hilde. If she found out, I was worried she'd lose her composure…But I didn't want to hide it from you."
"Thank you, and you didn't. Hilde acts tough, but she's like Dad: tough and stern on the outside, but a sweetheart beneath. I think she's trying to act like him right now, and I hate it. Besides, no matter what, it's you and me, not us and Hilde or the others."
"Thank you…Hey, Skalmöld."
"Hmmm?"
"We…already talked with Georgios. He promised he won't get in the way of my desire to fight Lugh…but it's getting closer."
"I know." She tightened her grip softly on his hand. "Lugh's strong. Stronger than the others, despite what he may think of himself. But that's not what worries you, is it?"
"No." He saw the group's leader rise, slip out of the pew, and walk in their direction. "He's too much like Remus."
"Yeah…he is. Are you okay?"
"I…don't think I can make that choice again. Maybe I've grown too soft." The leader stopped next to the pair. He looked down at them, his soft brown eyes complementing his calm, but wry, smile. He placed his right hand and gripped Romulus' shoulder tightly before patting it and departing.
"Well, he believes in you."
"If he does, maybe. Do you?" He looked down and met her cat-like eyes.
"Always."
Romulus leaned back and closed his eyes. Skalmöld did the same, resting her head on his shoulder. Suddenly, her tablet vibrated. She reached into her pocket and pulled it out, seeing a message notification on the screen.
Möld, it's Georgios. I need a favor.
Favor? She thought.
Can you get your sisters together for something? I can't say right now, but it's important.
She typed away with her left hand. On it, but give me a little bit. Rommie needs some time.
Damavand
Back on Midgard, Raphael, Armaiti, and Indra find themselves in a vast, dark cave with the wreckage of the door behind them. Raphael pulled out his tablet and tapped the screen, and the tablet's back lit up. He turned to Armaiti while pointing the light in the opposite direction. "Armaiti, what do you know about this place?" Raphael asked.
"This place is a prison built for Zahhak back when he was human," Armaiti answered. "I helped a man named Fereydun seal him down here with special chains forged by Hephaestus. The chains were designed to preserve his life so he would be as little of a threat to Midgard and Valhalla. Getting him in here…was a nightmare of a war."
"How long were the chains supposed to sustain him?"
Raphael could barely make out her face, but from what he could see, the look she gave him made him uncomfortable.
"I knew you were not someone to cross, Armaiti," Indra said. "But that's heavy."
"Zahhak was devouring the brains of innocent children to sustain his powers. He deserved this eternal hell."
"Did dad know about it?" Raphael asked.
"No."
"Makes you wonder how he eventually died then, since he's back in Tartarus," Indra said. "Maybe they went to look for him."
"I don't know, but we can worry about that later." The trio heard footsteps echoing behind them. They turned and saw dozens of angels in white fatigues and black combat boots armed with floodlights and light trees scramble into the cave and begin setting up. Within a matter of seconds, they assembled the equipment. "Ma'am," One of the younger angels said. "We are ready to go on your word."
"Start it up."
"Starting uuuuuup!" The lights flashed on, illuminating the entire cave.
All the angels, Armaiti, Raphael, and even Indra, froze. They could see the cave's walls as clear as day. The long, serpentine chains that littered the floor coiled into large mountains. Every nook and cranny was visible. So was what was carved in every centimeter of the cave's walls.
METATRON! METATRON! METATRON! METATRON! DAD! METATRON! METATRON! DADDY! METATRON! METATRON! METATRON! FATHER! METATRON! FATHER! METATRON! METATRON! METATRON! METATRON! METATRON! METATRON! METATRON! METATRON! METATRON! METATRON! I'LL KILL YOU! I'LL KILL YOU AND EVERYONE! FEREYDUN! METATRON! FEREYDUN! KILL! BURN! DAMN YOU! PLEASE SAVE ME! PLEASE! PLEASE! DAD! DON'T LEAVE ME HERE! DAMN YOU ALL! I'LL KILL ALL OF YOU! METATRON! METATRON! METATRON! METATRON! DAD! METATRON! METATRON! METATRON! METATRON! METATRON! METATRON! FATHER! METATRON! METATRON! METATRON! METATRON! METATRON! METATRON! METATRON! METATRON! METATRON! METATRON! METATRON! METATRON! I'LL KILL YOU! I'LL KILL YOU AND EVERYONE! FEREYDUN!METATRON! FEREYDUN! KILL! BURN! CHAINS! BLOOD! DIE! DAMN YOU! PLEASE SAVE ME! PLEASE! PLEASE! DAD! DON'T LEAVE ME HERE! DAMN YOU ALL! I'LL KILL ALL OF YOU! I'M SORRY! PLEASE SAVE ME! PLEEEEEEASE! FUCK ALL OF YOU! YOU UNWORTHY BASTARDS! I'LL MAKE YOU ALL SUFFER!
They continued to read the curving wall from left to right.
SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER! SUFFER!
Raphael could almost hear his voice screaming in his mind, and it made his stomach churn. He collapsed and retched.
"Raph!" Armaiti crouched down next to him, rubbing his back with her hand.
"I'm…okay…Heavens, this is madness…" Raph said, his words slightly slurred.
"How long was he in here?" Indra asked. "I can't make out a single bare spot."
Armaiti looked down at the floor. "The chains were designed to keep me informed of his status. They stopped sending a signal…after five hundred years."
"He was in here that long?"
"Yes, with no food, light, or water. A perpetual state of near-death. But something's not right. Why did he write that name?"
"The name?"
"Zahhak shouldn't have had memories of his time as an Angel when he's a Human. Why does he know it?"
"No clue, but like you said, we can worry about it later." Indra turned back to the angels. "Flank out and check the area. Search every spot possible."
"Sir!" They all yelled in unison. Over three dozen angels spread their feathery wings and took off, soaring over them. Some flew along the walls, others hovered in the center, surveying the area. About a dozen flew around the large mountains of chains that littered the floor.
"Gods…please let this place be the right spot," Raphael whispered. "This place is doing a right number on me…"
"Sorry, Raph," Armaiti said, still rubbing his back. "I didn't think this place would soak up so much of his anger and madness."
"Five hundred years' worth. Ugh…"
Indra walked over to them. "Hey, speaking as someone not familiar with your family affairs, what did this guy do to become this? You said he was becoming Human?"
"Eons ago," Armaiti said. "Zahhak was an Angel and our Dad's number two. His first son. Dad was trying to follow a friend's suggestion and raise a family. But Zahhak…was a monster. He's everything our dad wasn't. One day, he tried usurping his position as our leader and was punished…with this, or at least what led to this."
"He was forced to age as a God, die, then be reborn as a Human," Raphael added. "Then repeat the cycle for eternity, or until he learned his lesson. Each time he was a Human, he would lose his memories of Heaven and get them back when reborn as an Angel, but it seems that's not the case anymore…something happened to him, and it made him worse than we could have imagined."
Indra sighed. "Well, seems like your family drama's been escalating for a while."
"Won't…deny that." Indra heard a soft plop behind him. He turned, seeing one of the Angels standing at attention. She was tall with a dark complexion, short black hair, and green eyes with a sharp and strong chin. "Speak."
"Sir, Sergeant Jophiel of the Second Surveillance Division with a report," She said.
"What's the report?"
"We think we found him." She pointed to the furthest mountain. "Under there. Our scans show an active something that looks like a medical sustainment sphere. Your presence is requested."
"Then let's go," Raphael rose, his legs still shaking. "Would you two be willing to help me?" Armaiti and Indra each took one of his arms over their shoulders and started walking. Please be here, Epimetheus.