[September 7, 2418 - Friday, 10:30 PM]
Riggs walked into his workshop and turned on the lights, various electronics turning on as a red laser scanned Riggs and confirmed his identity. He walked to his computer and logged onto his account, various projects appearing upon his screen.
Clicking off the projects, he went online and began researching upon the Judgement Organization. As he looked through the public information about them online, his eyes landed upon one scientist who specialized in the Spirit Realm.
"If Averice has this much money, who's to say he didn't hire this one," Riggs asked, crossing his arms as he looked at the scientist.
Riggs stared at the image of Dr. Dionysus Balor, a renown scientist of the Judgement Organization and a main enemy of St. Fraskia. He hummed softly and began looking more into Dr. Dionysus and his history and family.
-Name: Dr. Dionysus-
-Age: 26 (Physical Age)/60 (Real Age)-
-Occupation: Lead Scientist of JO-
-Rank: Overseer-
-Achievements: Bio-Preservation, DNA Duplication, Founder of Cherno Energy-
"Cherno Energy? What the heck is that?" Riggs asked, clicking on Cherno Energy and brought up an interview with Dr. Dionysus about it.
"This is another stellar finding, Dr. Dionysus. Cherno Energy, what is this finding and what does it do for humanity?" The interviewer asked, holding his notebook in his hand to document.
"Cherno Energy is the energy of misfortune and doom, but it is natural energy found within the Earth due to so many people being in karmic debt. It is a very destructive type energy which is why we use it in moderation," Dr. Dionysus answered with a calm, professional smile.
"I actually discovered it when I encountered this strange angel who goes by the name of Tenshi. She carried a lot of this Cherno Energy which is why I became interested. In fact, I think she's with Senkaku now, so I'll give her a call," Dr. Dionysus continued.
"An angel you say? I didn't know angels could carry such unfortunate energy around them," The interviewer said, writing down all the information he had learned. "So, what does JO use this energy for today?"
"Cherno Energy is a natural counter to people who are Valkyrias and Strijders since they carry some form of light within them. We at Judgement Organization take innovation very seriously for the betterment of humanity, and we will do whatever it takes to see that future in fruition—"
Riggs turned off the interview then scoffed softly, looking back at his Anti-Valkyria equipment around his room. "Cherno Energy...is that why we are seeing an actual decrease in Valkyrias today?"
"Cap'n Riggs! Get out here now!" Fists called out from outside.
Riggs looked at the open door then rushed out of his workshop, grunting softly as he noticed helicopter lights shining down upon the Chi-Teck-ii hideout. "What the hell? What is going on?"
"Attention, Chi-Teck-ii! There is nowhere to run nor hide, we have the perimeter surrounded! This is the Kabetori Police! Surrender now, or face consequences!" A Supervisor shouted over the intercom of the helicopter.
Madam B scoffed as she guarded her eyes from the light with her hand, looking around as she noticed multiple of Averice's Knights surrounding them with firearms. "Is this about the sweet boy's challenge upon the city? Come to take us out before the 20th huh?"
"This is nothing personal, beautiful. We've just received a tip that you're all backsliding on Averice and Senkaku, so we came to clear out any loose ends before you geeks can do something rash," One officer said, holding his rifle at Madam B with a grin.
"Hey!" A voice called out from above.
Everyone looked up at the sound of the voice, noticing a figure in a white cloak standing on the top of the Chi-Teck-ii hideout. Riggs stared at the cloaked figure then closed his eyes with a smirk, shaking his head.
"It's him! It's Detective Binah! He's on Averice's Wanted List! We kill him here and we have our payout before the 20th!" Another Kabetori officer called out, aiming his gun up.
The hood of the cloak flew off from the winds, exposing my golden eyes behind my mask. I adjusted my mask then glanced over at my pawn piece sitting over the Chi-Teck-ii hideout, the wings of my angelic piece crowned over its head like a Rook.
'So, You have me here tonight...this seems very messy, but I suppose I'll trust what You're showing me,' I thought to myself, looking down at the scene and rubbed the area where Senkaku struck me hours before.
{Chapter 36: Jericho Defense!}
I instinctively reached behind myself for my sword, but grabbed onto nothing then looked at my hand. I glanced up at my angelic piece and rose an eyebrow. 'Where is my sword?'
"Chariots do not wield swords. A Rook is a defensive piece both in earthly games and God's Chess. Your job is to defend. Take a look at the board," My angelic piece responded, his eyes glancing forward at the situation.
I looked ahead, and noticed three gray pawns, two black knights, and a bishop and a little king. I looked up at the helicopter, noticing a king's crown hovering over the helicopter. 'All of these people, yet only seven pieces.'
"Groups of people are one body, one piece. That's how God's Chess works. Break down their walls seven times, it's Checkmate, but all they need to do is make the crack in your wall bigger,' My angelic piece explained.
My Sovereign Butterfly fluttered toward me then expanded with a pulse of silver and light blue energy. I watched as it became a shield for me to use then I took hold of my shield, the shield humming with a powerful determination as if it were alive.
"You have everything you need here...That shield and your faith," My angelic piece said before going quiet.
"Fire!" One Kabetori officer commanded, taking aim at me and firing off multiple bullets at me.
I heard their call then immediately rose my shield, blocking the bullets then launched my shield toward one of the officers. The Officer deflected my shield with his rifle then took aim at me once again, but noticed I was missing.
I warped to my shield and landed on the ground, grabbing Madam B's arm and pulled her to the side to evade a volley of bullets flying toward her. I deployed my shield as a sniper round was fired, the bullet smashing against my shield and pushing me backwards.
"Oh, my savior~" Madam B teased, giggling softly before unsheathing her tanto and dashed forward at high speeds.
I ran behind her then launched my shield forward before warping behind it. I grabbed my shield and jammed it into the ground, creating a shockwave to knock a group of officers off their feet while Madam B struck each of them with a blinding slash with one move.
I looked up, noticing a gray knight piece knocking over one of the opposing pawn pieces on its side while my piece remained still. 'So, Madam B is acting as a Knight...'
"Binah! To your left!" Fists called out, rushing toward me and tackled one officer to the ground as the officer grew near.
I grunted in shock, watching as Fists took down the officer with a takedown then looked ahead, noticing a white Rook standing beside mine as one of the two black knights approached my piece. I looked to the right, noticing a Commanding Officer rushing toward me with his bladed baton.
Remembering White Ø, I took on a defensive stance as my Holy Fire pulsed and casted a layer of protective fire around me. The bladed baton struck the layer of fire around me then I immediately countered with a body knee then followed with an uppercut.
Fists charged toward the Commanding Officer with a superman punch then tossed him over his shoulder. The Commanding Officer landed on his feet and pivoted around with a slash, but I rushed forward to block with my shield.
"Good eye, rookie!" Fists complimented, moving forward as I moved away then struck the Commanding Officer's chest and knocked him away with a Pressure Fist.
Riggs watched as I helped Fists and Madam B take down the front lines of the Kabetori PD, the three pawns and two black knights being tipped over on the spiritual board. He watched as the helicopter landed in front of the hideout then smirked, cracking his knuckles.
"Alright, seems like the real challenge is starting," Riggs said, his gaze carefully watching the helicopter and noticed Faux stepping out.
"Man, what a drag. I was really hoping this Binah guy was easier to deal with," Faux sighed, watching his allies groan on the ground after Madam B and Fists took them down.
I exhaled softly and turned toward Faux, noticing him locking onto me then braced myself for the little king of this board. Faux fixed his sunglasses upon his face then held his hand out toward me, generation a gravitational pull to drag me toward him.
Catching me by surprise, Faux launched a swift straight to my face, but I quickly phased through his attack then planted my shield upon the ground. I placed my hand upon the surface and swung my body for a NY Flare which Faux evaded by decreasing his gravity to shoot into the air.
"Is that Flow Motion..? He has a great reaction time...hm," Faux said, gently landing upon the ground and watched me closely.
I grabbed my shield from the ground then leaped backwards, regrouping with Madam B and Riggs. "What the heck was that..? Does he have gravitational abilities..?"
"Yeah, you gotta be careful with him. If you hadn't Phased like that, he would've gotten you good," Fists answered then felt a tap upon his shoulder.
Riggs walked forward with his hands in his pockets, his cigarette burning between his lips as he looked at Faux with a calm expression. "Leave this one to me...it's time to show these Kabetori rejects how the Chi-Teck-ii really move.."
Faux smirked at Riggs and chuckled, wiping under his nose with his finger. "If you just surrender, we might go light on your sentencing. You wouldn't want to be charged with insubordination as well right?"
Riggs chuckled softly at Faux then took his cigarette from his mouth, his gaze growing more sharp like a hawk locking onto its prey. "Do you think I care what a bunch of corrupt cops have to charge me with? I am Riggs Falchon, leader of the Chi-Teck-ii..."
Faux scoffed at Riggs, sliding on his fingerless gloves and smirked, rushing toward Riggs with a jab -straight combination, but Riggs evaded both attack before responding with a body hook. Faux twirled around his strike and went for a sweeping kick, but Riggs caught his leg and tossed him around.
Riggs held his neck and cracked his, letting out a soft groan and chuckled. He snapped his fingers then a beam of energy struck down near Faux's feet, catching him by surprise. Riggs held his hand up, a bionic gauntlet flying toward him and attaching onto his hand.
"This fight was over before it even began. You all underestimate what we can really do. It's about time you all know our name," Riggs said, his entire bionic suit flying toward him and attaching to his body to build his mech suit.
"What the heck is that?" Faux asked, standing up on his feet and got into a defensive stance.
Riggs held his hand out toward Faux. "This is my newest creation, EX-Chii Machina! My secret weapon to rid Averice once and for all. As it stands now, there is no hope of survival for you!"
As Riggs fired a beam from the emitters in his pulsar hand, Faux immediately set up a repulsive force field around himself then grunted heavily as the pulsar beam began cracking through his barrier. Before Faux could be struck, he was warped to safety while Riggs pulsar beam struck the Kabetori helicopter, causing it to explode.
I watched in awe and looked at Riggs, eating my own words as I remembered saying no one else had my skill set. Turns out, they didn't need my skill set at all...This level of experience just needs direction. I looked ahead and noticed a woman with black wings standing behind Faux, her face being illuminated by the screen of her tablet.
"Oh? So, the Fallen Angel decided to join Kabetori in taking us out~? Why, I am delighted to know even Jeht's side piece also views us as too dangerous," Madam B said, biting down on her nail to control her excitement.
Tenshi stared at us with an analytical gaze then glanced at me, humming softly then held her hand out toward me. "Well, if it isn't the infamous Detective Binah. I see you're helping your enemy. Didn't you want to stop all Yakuza associated with Jeht? The Chi-Teck-ii are allies of Jeht."
As Tenshi's words reached my ears, my Holy Fire pulsed and caused her words to exit the other ear. I scoffed at her and readied my shield. "Truth Manipulation doesn't work here when the evidence is too clear to see. However, I have a truth for you, Tenshi..."
"Once the SPA can prove Jeht is Senkaku, it's all over for him. There will be no more running! He will have to take accountability for what he did to Nanako! You included!" I called out, raising my shield in the air as it began to glow a light blue light.
Tenshi's lips cracked into a grin, her eyes flashing as she looked up at my shield. "So, you are a chosen one as I've been suspecting...taking you out will be just as satisfying as kilking Inspector Krisis."
I grit my teeth behind my mask, my anger flaring as she mentioned the murder of my parents. I stomped my foot down, my spiritual energy flowing angrily around my body. "Take me down? I would love to see you try!"
Before I could charge forward, Fists grabbed my arm and stopped me. I looked back at him, noticing him shaking his head.
"Calm yourself...the same rule is applied to Tenshi. You can not listen to anything she says. Rooks do not advance aggressively," My angelic piece spoke, looking down at me with the eyes of correction.
I looked up at my angelic piece and noticed his wings shifting from over his head to around his body like a robe. Looking at his appearance carefully, I noticed he had taken shape of a Bishop. My piece had dropped something from his winged robes, a book falling before my feet.
I picked up the book and noticed it was a Qutsadian Book named The Chronicles. I stared at it then looked back up at my angelic piece. 'The Chronicles, how is this going to help me?'
"You can not fight a Qutsadian Valkyria with mainland techniques and knowledge. Any other opponent, the Bible stands true. However, this opponent is outside these lands with different expectations, yet the same God," The angelic piece answered.
"The Chronicles follows what Jesus has done for Qutsade and teaches how to fight the evils of Qutsade," My angelic piece finished, his eyes focusing back on the black Bishop and the little king.
I looked at The Chronicles in my hand and opened it up, reading through the first chapter of the book, The Book of Origin. I read about the Echoes of Adam and Eve, Addis and Eva, and their time within the Garden of Qutsade. Within that garden, a serpent named Terminus tricked them into doing the same thing Adam and Eve did.
"The same question...except different wording. 'Did God really say you would die? He's just withholding your true potential from you'. Truth Manipulation," I said, looking ahead at Tenshi and Faux.
Faux fixed his sunglasses and tilted his head, looking at the gold and silver book in my hands. "Is that a Bible? Buddy really brought a bible to a seige."
"No, that's not the mainland's bible. That's The Chronicles, a book that echoes the Bible of this land. I suppose he's trying to figure out a way to combat my abilities," Tenshi said, looking down at her tablet and began typing on her screen.
Suddenly, multiple digital orbs appeared around me, each emitter aimed toward me as they began gathering the atoms within the air. I looked up, my eyes widening as multiple devastating wind blasts were fired at me from all directions.
"I'm not letting you go down, kid!" Riggs called out, propelling himself toward me and grabbed my hood to yank me from the blast zone.
I grunted as Riggs tossed me to safety, my back hitting the door of his hideout. I looked up, noticing Riggs standing in front of me protectively. I stood up on my feet, silently thanking Riggs and looked back down at The Chronicles.
"Henosis...The Angel of Unity. Luca, The Angel of Authority. Read about them in the Book of Origins," My angelic piece spoke, glancing down at me before taking a step forward.
I watched as my angelic piece began marching forward then looked back down at my book, flipping through the pages to get to Henosis and Luca. "Henosis and Luca guarded the Garden of Qutsade after Addis and Eva fell, but still remained with them as Guardian Angels, guarding their hearts from Terminus' deception by ministering them the Truth."
"'Thou can not fight evil with evil, but repay evil with good. Thou shall not dishonor God by being hearers of the word that pleases the flesh. Guard your heart by having faith in The LORD,'" I read aloud then noticed a pulse of light from my peripheral vision.
Looking up, I noticed Faux dodging Riggs' pulsar blasts then use his gravitational pull to drag Riggs toward him. Riggs activated the right pulsar within his bionic boot, causing his body to rotate into a heavy roundhouse kick. Faux grunted as he blocked his attack with his forearm then used a gravity shield to block Fists' Pressure Fist.
Tenshi continued to type on her tablet then looked up at me, her lips curling into a smirk. "Get ready for the next trial!"
I closed my book and looked up at my angelic piece, noticing he was now standing in front of the black Bishop. My angelic piece shifted his wings to spread out then a second pair of wings emerged from under the first, wind currents flowing around his body.
'A Knight!' I thought to myself then noticed a flash of light in the air.
My angelic piece looked down at me as my sword was dropped down by him and stuck to the ground in front of me. "Equip yourself. You have been given the Shield of Faith, God's Word in Qutsade, and now you have the Sword of the Spirit. Now, it's time for you to Walk in Truth."
A golden chain appeared upon the spine of my book, allowing me to hook it along the loops in my pants. I picked up my fusion sword, noticing light blue energy flowing around it. "Walking in Truth..."
"Be sober..."
"Be vigilant..."
"Do not let your ears fall into deceit..."
"Trust not your sight, but trust Me..."
I heard The Voice and smiled at the soft whisper within the chaos, taking on my stance with my sword and shield ready. "I do wonder what living this truth out looks like here..."
Madam B glanced at me and chuckled softly, turning her gaze to Tenshi then got into her stance as well. "Well, sweet boy~ You ready to take down this fake angel?"
"Yeah. This time, this Izuna isn't gonna fall for the tricks!" I declared then tossed my shield toward Tenshi.
Tenshi spread her wings and dodged my shield before flying quickly toward me and generated a sword in her hand. She sliced down with an overhead slash, but her blade cut through my light blue silhouette. She grunted as my shield struck her back then I warped toward my shield with a reverse grip slash toward her wings.
Tenshi felt my vicious attack then blinked out of range of my attack then countered with a knee struck, but I blocked with my shield and grinned behind cover. She watched as the illusion faded away, revealing Madam B before her.
"Surprise!" Madam B laughed, striking the top of her head with an overhead punch then swiftly got below Tenshi with a rising slash, knocking her off her feet.
My sword flew over Tenshi then I warped toward it, grabbing it and crashing my blade down upon her stomach. "There is power of life and death in the tongue, and you only speak Death!"
Tenshi flapped her wings to stop herself from crashing to the ground then held her hand up toward me. "You are bounded by your own self imposed ignorance!"
Tenshi fired a blast of darkened energy toward me, the beam striking against my shield then it began to glow brightly. I took my arm out of the strap of my shield then struck the back of it with a high kick, my shield breaking through her darkened blast and crashing down upon her stomach.
"Madam B, flank her!" I called out.
"Already on it!" Madam B laughed, striking Tenshi with a blinding slash as she bounced off the ground.
I followed up with a slash against her, knocking her down onto her feet then struck her with a shield bash, my shield releasing a pulse of light energy to knock her backwards. Madam B rushed forward with a series of swift cuts then slipped under her legs and put her in a full nelson while I charged forward with a thrust.
Tenshi flinched as my blade got close to her, but felt nothing. She opened her eyes, noticing my blade beside her head. "What..? Why did you stop?"
"Yeah, why didn't you kill her?" Madam B asked, looking at me with confusion.
"Because, I need answers from her...and I know she isn't the one who killed my parents. Her ability is Truth Manipulation, so why should I take her word for anything? Your ability is the same one that caused the fall of Qutsade," I said, pulling my sword back and disengaged.
"Hmph...you can't trust a word I say, but you're still willing to interrogate me? How foolish. I've given you a bit too much credit..." Tenshi scoffed, flapping her wings and blowing Madam B off her.
I rose my sword up to Tenshi, my blade pointed at her chest. "No one has ever taken the chance to question you...after all you're the harmless secretary right? Not in my eyes... I don't care if you're human, angel, nor demon."
"You could be a Living Stigmata for all I care, in the court of law and the Heavenly Jury, you will confess nothing but the truth!" I exclaimed, keeping my sword pointed at her.
Tenshi smirked and crossed her arms, chuckling softly then laughed at my conviction. "Paul, I know. Jesus, I know....But—"
"Who are you?" I interrupted, finishing her recite for her then gripped my sword tighter. "Who is the real Tenshi?"
Tenshi stared at me, an intrigued smirk forming upon her lips. "Hm, just like Mikoto...very deep in your religion. I knew you Izunas would be an actual problem...I can't escape you in Qutsade and outside it..."
"You can't out run Wisdom. Sophia wins that race every time," I retorted, lowering my sword as I noticed Tenshi disengage as well.
Tenshi walked over to Faux and grabbed his hair, pulling him away from Riggs and Fists. "Come on, we're leaving."
"What!? I was in the middle of kicking their– Ouch! You're pulling too hard on my locs!" Faux groaned, stumbling behind Tenshi as she dragged him away.
Tenshi looked back at me then smirked. "Oh, and one more thing. I won't be telling Jeht about this encounter. He's already got enough on his plate. Now, I'm wondering how far you'll get with The Chronicles."
I stared at Tenshi, watching as she flew away with Faux then looked up at my angelic piece, noticing he had shifted back into a pawn and ascended back up to the Heavens. "Finally...it's over..."
Riggs looked around the area and sighed softly, looking at all the injured Kabetori officers in front of the hideout. "Hm...well, since they are still here...We can just turn all of them in to the SPA."
"Aww, but that's no fun! They raided our home! We should finish them!" Madam B protested, pointing her tanto at one of the officers.
"And get a murder charge on top of all the other charges the SPA is holding against you? Do you want to be pardoned and off the wanted list or not?" I asked, looking at Madam B with a judgemental gaze.
Fists hummed, crossing his arms and sighing softly. "The kid's right. It's better for us to report this than to kill them. After all, Averice will know they are missing."
Riggs nodded and snapped his fingers, multiple drones flying out of the hideout and hovered over the incapacitated officers. The drones shot out a net over each officer and picked them up, each one flying off to deliver them to the SPA with a silver spoon.
"Alright...that's done. I've had enough of this night. If you needed anything, kid, it's gonna have to wait for the morning. Or later. Maybe next week," Riggs said, his power suit detaching from his body and flying back into the hideout.
"Riggs might be tired, but I'm not~! We can—" Madam B began.
"Declined. I'd rather not fall into your temptation. I'll take my chances with Madam K berating me over...this," I said, waving my hands in front of Madam B.
Fists chuckled at my response and began walking to the hideout. "Well, the kid has spoken. Let's go, Bella."
Madam B chuckled softly and followed behind her team while I left the area to go back home. After the long day I've had, I knew the shut eye I was going to get was about to be phenomenal.
[September 8, 2418 - Saturday, 5:30 AM]
Shokyo walked down the streets of Matsugaya with White Ø, the roads quiet and empty as she wandered through the neighborhood Nanako once lived in. She stopped walking in the middle of the road and looked up at the navy blue skies above.
"This is where she stayed. She lived in that sharehouse," White Ø said, looking at the light pink modest one story home to his left.
Shokyo stared at the house and walked toward it. She looked around the yard, noticing a memorial for Nanako sitting under the tree in front of her home. She kneeled down before the picture of Nanako, touching the photo gently and stared at it.
"Onee-chan..." Shokyo said, lowering her head and clenching her fists as null energy began flowing around her body. "I will erase that man from existence...if you couldn't live a good life, he shouldn't be allowed to stand any longer."
White Ø looked at Shokyo, his pale silver eyes glowing with a deep sadness as he listened to Shokyo's grief. He heard footsteps behind them and turned around, his eyes widening as he noticed Kyoto walking down the street.
"Kyoto Nagagami..." White Ø said, turning around to face her.
Kyoto walked toward the memorial with her hands the her pockets of her trench cloak while a cigarette slowly burned between her lips. She stared down at the picture of Nanako, regret still filling her gaze.
"Nanako's life can not be remembered in vain. You're her sister correct?" Kyoto asked, looking down at Shokyo.
Shokyo slowly looked up at Kyoto, her eyes widening slightly then she wiped her eyes with a sniffle. "Y-Yes. I am. I am Shokyo Hashi..."
"General Hisu has been looking for you. We need all the help we can get right now...you can thank Motosaki for reporting to her yesterday. I know she talked to you everyday...and I have questions," Kyoto said, meeting Shokyo's gaze.
"Questions..? About what?" Shokyo asked, standing up in her feet.
"About Nanako and Jeht. What did she call Jeht to her?" Kyoto asked, staring into Shokyo's eyes.
"Her boyfriend," White Ø answered for Shokyo, stepping forward. "I know it's true that Jeht was cheating with Nanako. I witnessed it all."
Kyoto looked down at White Ø with intrigue. "Is that so? So, I'll ask this...did Senkaku's voice sound similar to Jeht's when Nanako met up with him for the tri-pills that sent her into Delirium?"
Shokyo's eyes widened at the name of Senkaku. "Yes, she said that Senkaku's voice sounded familiar. So familiar, she said a Messenger was sent to warn her. However because of Delirium, she didn't know if she could trust the angel."
"I can confirm. A Messenger of the Lord did meet with Nanako, but she had doubts... because of that wretched angel with black wings! What's her name? Tengu? Tengo?" White Ø said, growling lowly as he tried to remember Tenshi's name.
"Tengu..? What a strange slip up...I do recognized Tenshi. The black wings, the bird like habits. Nothing about her actually screams angel like her name suggests," Kyoto said, taking her cigarette from her mouth then pointed it at Shokyo.
"Are you aware of The Chronicles and Qutsade?" Kyoto asked Shokyo, raising an eyebrow at her.
Shokyo took a moment to think then looked down at White Ø. "Well, yeah... Otosan and Okaasan said they got her Living Stigmata from this place called Aetherpoint. Apparently, a Korean owns the shop they went to."
Kyoto began to think deeply and closed her eyes, humming softly as she crossed her arms. "Aetherpoint...The Stigmata Shop in The Border. I've read about that in The Chronicles. I think I might know what Jeht was really after."
Shokyo tilted her head slightly. "What was it if it wasn't only for White Ø and Borealis Ł? What is Jeht after?"
"No one willingly enters the Border unless they want to enter into Qutsade or find an Aetherpoint location. Jeht doesn't have a Stigma nor any Godly blessings. He's always been a shady figure in my eyes, so I have to answer this...who did he meet first? Tenshi or The Illusory?" Kyoto questioned, tapping her foot against the ground.
"The Illusory," White Ø answered, looking up at Kyoto. "He couldn't enter The Border if Nanako didn't have her NDE. Only when he entered The Border, did he meet Tenshi. Otherwise, he wouldn't have targeted us if some truth wasn't manipulated."
"What truth?" Kyoto asked, looking down at White Ø with intrigue.
"Killing the host would allow you access to their Stigmata. That is a lie. A blatant one. No where is it found in The Chronicles that killing a host releases us. If anything, we die with Nanako...and she knew that," White Ø answered.
"It's only...The Illusory fed Nanako herself a half-truth. She was fed a half truth from the Book of 2 August during his time fighting against Chaos in the Phantom Kingdom Era," White Ø continued then looked down.
Kyoto took a moment to think of the specific verse White Ø mentioned and moved her lips to the side. "2 August? Are you talking about the moment August sacrificed his power in exchange to be filled with the Holy Spirit? He still died against Ayass."
"Exactly...The Illusory told her August survived and lived afterwards, but twisted it. August did live on afterwards, after God rose him back up as Cipher. Nanako believed her...and died with regret," White Ø said, closing his eyes.
Kyoto's spirit resonated with the word 'regret' then something clicked in her mind. "Regret...that's why she's still here..."
"Regret. I have many years of experience with that emotion," A snarky tone sounded behind Kyoto.
Kyoto, Shokyo, and White Ø looked at the porch of Nanako's house, noticing a woman with pale green hair and a lab coat leaning against the railing. White Ø growled lowly, his mane ruffing up as white fire began crackling around him.
"Who...who is she?" Shokyo asked, unable to sense any energy coming from the woman.
Kyoto crossed her eyes then scoffed, turning to face the woman with an intrigued expression. "If it isn't St. Fraskia's Lead Mad Scientist. Everyone, meet Dr. Noxius Nagini."
Nagini chuckled softly and lowered her read, standing up straight before sitting down upon her floating platform. "Guilty as charged. It seems you all are still wondering about Nanako. It's an open and shut case, but I wouldn't expect mainland humans to possess the wisdom needed."
"What?" White Ø asked with an offended tone, stepping forward with a growl.
"It's clear that Jeht did it. There is no question about it, but there are some who believe Nousagi did it. It doesn't matter the suspect...the real case is this. Should Jeht be sentenced on Earth, or should he be sentenced at Final Judgement," Nagini said, stepping off her platform as it reached the yard.
"Can Jeht be held criminally liable for his actions, is what I am asking," Nagini said, twirling her churchwarden between her fingers.
"Of course he should! He killed Nanako!" Shokyo yelled, pointing her finger at Nagini.
"Really? Then why does God command us to lead her back to Him? Why is she frozen at eighteen? Why does her spirit still roam?" Nagini asked, tilting her head, her serpentine eyes glowing in the early morning.
Kyoto rose an eyebrow at Nagini, letting out a soft hum. "So, an Ex-Judgement member has also been looking into this case?"
"I don't go by that title anymore. I am the Physical Goddess of Valkyrias now, coined by myself! Of course, I still answer to the Higher Power... But, to answer your question. Yes. These eyes have seen more than what you could know," Nagini chuckled, walking toward White Ø and looked down at him with Insight.
White Ø growled lowly at Nagini, slowly crouching down in an offensive stance. Nagini smirked at him and with a glow of her sharp pupils, White Ø immediately grew unnerved and began backing down.
"You beasts should know your place. I am not your enemy here...and neither is the rest of the world. If you want to know the truth about Nanako and see real justice, start by becoming more wise about the Spirit Realm," Nagini scoffed then turned her gaze to Shokyo.
"Lest you wish to continue letting Jeht win..." Nagini finished.
Shokyo scoffed at Nagini and turned away from Nagini, letting out a soft sigh. "What could you possibly know? You sound too arrogant for your own good, and you have the eyes of a serpent."
"Do you automatically assume every serpent is bad? How do you interpret the bronze serpent risen up on the staff? Was the Son of Man not also risen up? Do you believe every snake is crawling on the vine to deceive?" Nagini asked, lowering her head and chuckled softly.
Shokyo paused for a moment, feeling a sense of conviction within her heart then glanced at Nagini. She scoffed at her, turning toward Nagini to test her. "Just like the devil, using scriptures because you can read! What could you possibly know about The Son?"
"Enough to know that your lack of faith will not save Nanako, nor defeat Jeht. Has Jesus not risen Lazarus from the dead? Has He not healed the sick, the deceased, the poor? You must not really know Him," Nagini said, shrugging her shoulders nonchalantly.
Shokyo shifted slightly, tilting her head at Nagini. "What..?"
"I will never have to thirst for knowledge again because I have the Fountain of Truth with me. The waters from the Son of Man overflows for those who trust in His works. Because I am part of His Bride, by my submission, albeit kinda annoying, He provides all I need," Nagini continued then pointed at Shokyo.
"So, do you still believe I am the same serpent who deceived Qutsade's First Man and Woman? Or do you only walk by your sight because your faith has produced a counterfeit Fire?" Nagini asked, her eyes glowing with judgement.
White Ø hummed softly at Nagini, noticing the Holy Fire that rested upon her tongue. He backed away a step and looked at Shokyo. "I hate to admit it, but this pale green serpent is legit."
Kyoto lowered her face into her hand and sighed softly. "God did say come as you are, but seriously...how long are you gonna remain this arrogant? How does God put up with us?"
Shokyo stared at Nagini before relaxing her posture, her gaze shifting to the ground. "A counterfeit Fire..? You think I've lost my faith in God? Have I..?"
"You have..."
Each woman heard the soft whisper in the wind, the trees rustling as the breeze moved by. Shokyo felt a warmth washing over her, as if a hand touched her shoulder with a comforting presence. White Ø felt the presence and immediately began looking around as an invisible hand brushed against his mane.
"Come back..."
"You still have a place..."
Kyoto glanced up at the sky, noticing a star twinkling from above over a church bell across the neighborhood. She glanced over at Nagini, raising an eyebrow at her.
Nagini held her hands up and chuckled. "Nope, don't look at me. I didn't say a word..."
Kyoto looked back up at the sky, looking up at the bright star once again, noticing it shined brighter than any other light in the sky. 'He was always here...'
[September 8, 2418 - Saturday, 12:30 PM]
Naomi laughed and pointed at me as I missed the target of a carnival game, her laughter seeming a bit too hard for my liking. I glanced at her with a side eye then heard the worker behind the counter snicker, his eyes closing as if he was trying not to laugh.
"You're laughing a bit too hard, home girl," I said in perfect English, scoffing at Naomi and shook my head.
"You! Miss!" Naomi replied in her broken English, making an X with her arms and giggled softly.
I rolled my eyes at Naomi then slapped another five dollar bill against the counter and looked at the worker. "I'm knocking that dude down in that pool in one throw."
"You've been missing for the last five minutes, my guy. You might just suck, and I'm not supposed to be saying this as a worker," The worker said, stifling his chuckle and rubbed his lips.
'Lord, do I have to keep losing like this. This is genuinely embarrassing to my intelligence and wisdom,' I said, glancing up at the sky.
"Plant the seeds of joy..."
"She seems happy.."
I glanced at Naomi, noticing a green aura surrounding her body as my eyes flashed gold. I sighed and lowered my head. 'Okay, but can I win this once..? I'll use Hanna's techniques again on the next games...'
"Go ahead..."
I smiled at His response then looked up at the target and grabbed a ball. I took aim, Naomi and the worker watching with smirks on their faces. I locked onto the target and hurled the ball at it with all my might, watching as the ball reached the target.
Suddenly, a dog barked and leaped in the air, snagging the ball and ran off as the owner chased after him. Naomi's jaw dropped then she let out the hardest laugh of her life, hurling over and falling over with tears in her eyes.
The worker covered his mouth and lowered his head against the desk. "What the hell is this guy's luck?"
I stared at the scenario with genuine disbelief and glanced up at the sky, saying aloud. "Really, God? No, really Jesus of Nazareth, born in Bethlehem? Are we serious?"
"My Ways are higher than your ways..."
I covered my mouth in disbelief, letting out a scoffing laugh. "You really let that one happen. That's actually so crazy."
"More like God orchestrated that because there's no way," The worker said, finally bursting into laughter.
I let out an annoyed sigh and rubbed my face, telling myself that I still loved God, but could not put my frustrations into words. I could even hear my own angelic pawn chuckling at the event, the entire experience more humbling than I could imagine.
"This is a win. Everyone is experiencing joy..."
'I mean I guess...I'm still glad I'm here with Naomi and Nanako, but really..?' I replied mentally with an exasperated sigh.
"Alright, man. Because that was one crazy outcome, I'll just give you a prize for free. You, my man, are one funny guy," The worker said, walking over to the stuffed animals and grabbed a large lion plushie off the net.
Naomi wiped her eyes and looked at the lion in awe then gasped. Suddenly, static memories of White Ø began protruding her brain, causing her to grunt lightly and hold her head. She looked up, noticing me holding my hand out to her, my words muffled to her.
"Earth to Naomi, are you okay?" I asked, holding the white lion plushie in my arm and crouched down next to her. "All that laughing, huh?"
Naomi stared at me then sucked her teeth, pushing me lightly with an annoyed smile. "You jerk. Not going to ask your princess if she's alright?"
"My bad, your highness. Are you okay?" I asked sarcastically and chuckled, helping her up onto her feet carefully.
Naomi rolled her eyes and took the white lion plushie out of my hand then stuck her tongue out at me. "I am now~"
I chuckled softly at her, letting her hold onto my arm as we continued down the carnival. We explored a few more games together, winning a few and earning more prizes along the way. As we moved toward an indoor arcade section, Naomi pointed at a dance machine with a bright smile and looked at me.
"I wanna go play that! Can we do it?" Naomi asked, Nanako's voice spilling through with excitement.
I glanced at the dance machine then gave a reluctant smile, shrugging my shoulders. "Alright. Let's go."
Naomi happily hurried to the dance machine, stepping inside and looking at the list of songs upon the screen. I leaned against the wall and crossed my arms, watching as she selected a song. The song was a high energy song, the bass playing a jersey club beat that moved the floor.
I rose an eyebrow at the song selection and watched as Naomi pivoted around with high energy dance moves, none of her movements looking like a royal Princess. She had the brightest smile on her face as she danced and twirled, her arms and legs moving in rhythm to the beat.
"Yo! Nice dance moves! You rock!" The dance machine said as the song finished and flashed bright colors upon the floor.
Naomi giggled as she hopped off the stage, grabbing my arm and pushing me toward the stage. "It's your turn! I wanna see you dance too!"
"Huh? I don't really—" I began, grunting softly as Naomi managed to get me on stage. "Come on, Nao.."
Dior heard my complaints from nearby, looking over from her outing with Orla and noticed me trying to resist Naomi's encouraging pushes onto the stage. "Bunny Man..? He's on a date with another girl? That Captain guy is right...he's collecting them like Pocket Beasts."
Orla looked over with a piece of funnel cake in her mouth, grunting as she noticed me and pointed at me. "You mean to tell me he has multiple girlfriends? He's got a harem?"
"Allegedly," Dior said, sitting back in her seat to watch.
I groaned as Naomi got me on stage, my body not hitting a single dance move since NekoP1. I looked at the song selection and let out a sigh. 'Do I have to?'
"David was a king, and he still danced with all his might for Me..."
"All of Ezusha in Qutsade worshipped Me with dancing..."
"Even Mikoto danced..."
I smirked to myself as God included my mother in His response to me then exhaled softly as I pressed on a song by MmarchTeam. As the song began, a marching beat began playing and my right leg began moving on step. Naomi watched me with bright eyes, clapping with the beat.
Once the beat dropped, I pivoted around and began to dance, each step marching in step to the music. I began doing any move I knew, ginga, two step, even the marcarena. Every move I knew. Naomi cheered me on, but Dior sat back and tried to hold in her laughter.
"Oh my God..." Orla said in disbelief, covering her mouth.
"Whooaa! Those moves are tough! Yatta!" The dance machine cheered, flashing bright lights once again.
I hurried off the stage, grabbing Naomi's hand and hurried away from the dancing machine before anyone else could notice us. Naomi laughed as she hurried behind me, Dior and Orla watching as we left the tent.
"Wow. Nice hopping, Bunny Man," Dior laughed to herself, shaking her head and sighed. "Wow, I haven't laughed like that in a while, poyo..."
"I can tell. You laugh as if I don't allow you to show emotion. You never laugh at my jokes," Orla scoffed, glancing at Dior.
Naomi continued to laugh and stopped as we had ended up at the outskirts of the carnival. She stared up at the doves flying through the air, listening to their songs. I looked back at Naomi then glanced at the afternoon sky, seeing the doves as well then smiled.
"You know, Motosaki... Today has been amazing so far. We went out for breakfast, watched a movie together, and now this. I'm really enjoying this...today is just perfect," Naomi sighed softly, looking over at me, her eyes flashing a soft magenta hue.
I looked at Naomi then chuckled as I noticed a faint green silhouette standing behind Naomi, looking at the sky. I reached over to her and moved a strand of her hair from her face. "I'm glad you're enjoying today. I have more planned for us~"
"Really?" Naomi asked with a gasp, holding my arms lovingly, staring into my eyes engrossingly.
"No, he doesn't," A snarky tone sounded behind us.
Naomi and I looked behind us, noticing a woman with pale green hair standing behind us. We glanced at each other then back at the woman in front of us.
"Hello, Son of Mikoto and Erik. My name is Dr. Noxius Nagini," The woman introduced, her serpentine eyes glowing with interest.
{To Be Continued...}