Back in the illusionary forest—
"That actually wasn't that bad. I honestly expected it to go worse with the lack of power I have." Caedis said.
"My lord, was it wise to leave those two unharmed?" Silvan asked.
"Of course it was, after all they knew better to enter the forest. That's why they only slightly stepped into it, had they tried to go deeper the consequences for them would be immeasurable." Caedis answered.
"I suppose you are right." Silvan conceded.
"However, now I wonder what's happening around the world now. If this so-called 'Dark Lord' is interested in me, an anomaly that wasn't deleted—who knows who else is." Caedis said looking annoyed.
"If any of them tries anything, I will guard you with my life, my Lord." Silvan added.
"I appreciate your dedication." Caedis followed up with.
Soon they had already reached the church again.
"Now that I think about it. I was never fully given the run down of what's currently going on was I?" Caedis said.
"Ah, your right. I shall explain everything then as we enter." Silvan said. "In short, after the creation of the universe and everything by the Supreme One there was everlasting peace in this world. However, then came the existence of anomalies after which brought calamities, notably the ones dubbed the four tears: Chaos, Destruction, Sorrow, & Balance. With these calamities, it gave rise to two more beings: the The Anti-Hero Protocol and the Anti-Anomaly Equation."
"After which, a prophecy was given—one which even the Gods were unable to decipher except for the following words: 'The Heavens, the Earth, & its evils. All will bear the right to witness the miracle that is a hero in this vast crumbling world' that's about it." Silvan finished.
"Huh, I see... A hero huh. This world seems a lot more chaotic now that I think about it." Caedis said.
"Indeed, however I have complete trust you'll be able to reign over it without any trouble." Silvan added.
"Well, I highly doubt that." Caedis thought to himself.
"Ah! Lord Caedis your back!" Zyro said. "Was the intruder dealt with?"
"Indeed, has anything happened while we were gone?" Caedis asked.
"Not in the slightest." Zyro answered.
"I see—" Caedis said.
His gaze suddenly drawn to a statue behind the lectern.
"Is that statue dedicated to me?" Caedis asked.
"It indeed is, though its very strange. I found it the very same way when I found this church. In fact, even when I tried to fix it, it wouldn't budge." Zyro said.
In front of them lied a statue, mostly destroyed however it was still stunning. Underneath it was a pedestal which had text however even that was faded. It seemed that there was supposed to be wings along with butterfly and jellyfish accessories. Though they were now no more but rocks that lied unmovable on the floor.
"I must say, the craftsmanship on this is extraordinary." Caedis said.
-----------------
While the three were admiring the statue, upstairs in a guest bedroom Alena was slightly trembling.
"Hm? What's wrong?" Aedis asked.
"Huh, oh yea I'm fine." Alena answered, though it was clear she was lying.
"Are you worried about our God, miss?" Shiro asked.
"While, his very presence is intimidating to an apostle like me. I have no problem with him. However, my God seems to have been around here just recently and now they're gone." Alena explained.
"Huh?! Your serious?!" Aedis asked.
"Another God... That would be a great learning experience—to see this God and compare them to ours." Kuro added.
"So your God might still be around here?" Aedis questioned.
"I think so, but I can't be sure. It's weird to explain." Alena replied.
"Is that the reason why?" Shiro said, close to a window pointing outside.
Outside inside the forest fog appeared, covering what seemed to be the entire surrounding.
"I'll tell the Lord." Kuro said, heading to go downstairs.
"The strange fog that Cecelia spoke of." Alena said.
"This fog—or whatever that is—might be one of the key to this strange forest." Aedis added.
"It might indeed be so." Alena concluded.
"So, miss what's your God like?" Shiro asked with curiosity.
"Well he interacts with his apostles often and most often than not just wants us to enjoy life to the bitter end." Alena recounted with a warm smile on her face. "It's said he gave the gift of laughter and enjoyment to all lifeforms."
"Woah." Shiro said in amazement.
-----------------
Downstairs with the three who were admiring the statue.
"My Lord!" Kuro said, quickly going down the stairs.
A simple "Hm?" was uttered from Caedis as he took a look in the direction of Kuro.
"What is it?" Caedis asked.
"The fog that lady Cecelia spoke of—it's starting to form in the forest." Kuro answered.
"Is that so?" Caedis murmured.
He then turned to the entranced and walked to the door before opening the door. What lied outside indeed seemed to be a fog, however it seemed to have fully appeared at this time. The fog seemed to be a dark blue giving the impression as if the forest was plunged into the deepest parts of the ocean.
Jellyfishes all of different styles and sizes slowly swam across the air as if there was water all around them, their translucent bodies glowing faintly. Truly a mystical sight yet slightly unsettling.
"This forest of mines really has grown to it's own breed, hasn't it." Caedis said to himself.
"My Lord, what do we do about this?" Zyro asked.
Caedis just merely looked at the sight before him. Some of the jellyfishes which had started glowing, and swirling as if they wanted him to follow them.
"Seems, I can't ever catch a break can I?" Caedis said before entering the misty fog.
The three who had been upstairs—Alena, Aedis, and Shiro—had now just came down, intending to explaining what they saw through the window. However, the moment they saw the agape door they knew that they had already figured it out.
"D-Does he want us to follow him?" Zyro asked.
Silvan & Kuro who heard that prospect immediately followed after.
"D-Did they just go into it?" Alena asked.
Zyro turned around not realizing they were downstairs.
"A-Ah, you guys came down. Yes, those three entered suddenly." Zyro said, a bit shaken.
"What are we waiting for then. Follow them!" Aedis said, dashing in.
Alena and Shiro who were left behind started to rush into it as well. Leaving the reluctant yet devoted priest Zyro. However, even his reluctant could not hold him back and so he entered along with them. Leaving Cecelia who was taking a nap in her room.
As Caedis walked through the misty fog which looked no more than underwater. It was as if the jellyfishes were speaking to him.
"Follow... Reclaim... Home... Realm..." were all that Caedis could faintly discern.
The others who were following as well had their own jellyfish that had came to them to guide them. Each with their own words for each person. That of which no one else other than them could hear.
"O~ The child of endings, obliterate all for the protection of your principals." —whispered a black and red jellyfish to Kuro.
"O~ The child of beginnings, purify all things so that all may be prosperous." intoned a white and blue jellyfish to Shiro.
"O~ The swordsman with uncultivated strength, grow and fester your sword to become the blade that will shatter in the face of destiny." A blue and yellow jellyfish told Aedis.
"O~ Priest of great devotion but with much to learn, pray to the stars for he will answer your prayers, he who has been intertwined with the one." A creme-colored jellyfish glowed before Zyro.
"O~ Apostle of another god, you are welcome to our lands, for your soul is pure and yet to be stained with corruption. Explore all of life's wonders and experience true bliss." A pink jellyfish floated around Alena.
"O~ Dryad who will one day reach immense power, death will await you. If it grasp upon you do not hesitate to call on those who have been on your side." A green and dark green jellyfish whispered to Silvan.
"O~ Daughter who's arrows will one day pierce the sky, worry not, the sleep which you are having will bring you home soon." A pure white jellyfish spoke to Cecelia outside the window in her room as she slumbered.
"Lastly—the one which we will follow into the deepest trenches. This world which you seek to forsake will desperate cling to you like a longing child. When such a time comes, in your hands will be the path to leave this world behind along with everyone you've met on this journey." A big black and light blue jellyfish spoke to Caedis.
With those words, the fog slowly lifted. Revealing that they found themselves in a landscape they had never seen before. The lands stretched for some while and it seemed like it had cities of it's own. The land on which their feet touched was full of green grass and beautiful flowers as the jellyfishes flew into the air along with a storm of butterflies.
The mountains frame the horizons, the air warm and fragrant, the sun shining ever calmly overhead. The entire lands seemed like a hidden haven.
"W-What is this place?" Kuro said first, clearly amazed by such a landscape.
"Not only that! Did you all hear what the jellyfish said? Was it different for each of us?" Zyro said.
"Y-yea, and now were here. This forest sure is mysterious." Alena added.
A system then appeared in front of Caedis."Give access to 'Eli'?" "Yes" or "No".
"Huh?" Caedis thought.
<"I'm requesting permission to scan this realm, it is something I have never seen and it could be great information for you if you were to let me scan it.">
"Oh, uh sure. Give Eli limited access." Caedis said, in his thought as he pressed yes.
<"Whenever your ready to move I'll lead you to the nearest city.">
"Oh, thanks Eli." Caedis thought.
<"If you could, El is better.">
"Gotcha, El." Caedis finished.
As the crew was admiring the new place they found themselves in, Silvan spoke asking a question.
"Should we start moving now my Lord or head back?"
"I want to witness this place a bit more, so we shall continue." Caedis answered
"As you wish." Silvan said.
Before anyone could move however, a sharp scream could be heard grabbing everyone's attention.
"Let me down whatever you are!" What seemed to be a male shouted.
Being curious as to what the noise was about the crew made their way on over, which wasn't that far.
What they witness was a man who had curly hair and comedy and tragedy masks on the side of head being dropped to the ground.
"Tch, who on earth do you think you are?" The man asked, clearly enraged.
Before any of his questions were answered the creature disappeared. It had seemed to be a nature golem. However, what caught his attention next was the crew.
"Oh~ What's this?" The man said giving a deadly smile.
"My Lord?!" Alena proclaimed, slightly confused.
"It seems I was indeed right. The God of Anomalies did take my apostle." The man said. "So now I wonder, which one of you it is~?"
"This is your God?" Kuro asked, Alena.
"Yes, this is 'The Fool, The God of Freedom'." Alena introduced.
"Indeed I am, so now I wonder. How will you all do when your dealing with the wrath of a god?" The Fool asked.