Previously on LOTM: Crossover - The Corbin Files...[]
(Vital parts only)
Katarina was right. Michael was not dead. In fact, he became stronger.
Michael: This is not over... This is not over...
Managed to regenerate himself into his Blood Moon Wicked Standard Form, a more human form than that bloody mess Katarina had fought, and appeared in Vatican once again.. Returning from Sleepy Hollow, Michael immediately went back to St. Peter's Ballisca when some of the clergies were arguing at the hall. However, when Michael came in the hall, everyone went silence. Then, the clergies all bowed to Michael full of respect.
Michael: (thinks) Well done. Looks like I've won.
Seeing their attitude, Michael realized that Crowley's brainwashing power succeeded and tried to hide his smile of satisfaction. He pretended to be weak and frustrated, with tears streaming down his eyes.
Michael: Brothers, comrades, friends! Would you please calm down?
Clergy 1: Your Holiness, you are back?
Michael: Me?
Realized that he had become the next Pope before his coronation, Michael tried to hide his feeling of triumphant so he lowered his head a bit. Pretended to be shocked bit his lips and trembled.
Michael: Dear me, living in the KnightWalker HQ is like Hell on Earth, but fortunately I escaped from the place. The election...
Clergy 1: Due to what Pietro Yogdis' deeds during the riot of Vatican, despite he was not the assassin of the former Pope Matthai Reese, he lost his position as the candidates. Therefore, that made you the only suitable candidate and therefore the Pope.
Michael then secretly observed the throne of Pope behind every cardinals and his mind was smiling. Instantly, Michael bowed to the cardinals and clergies in front of them.
Michael: Thank you for giving me the chance. Even so, I will not renounce my sacred vow I made before the body of the late Pope Matthai Reese. I will make the enemy of ours know to fear the new Pope so that they shall never ever cross us again. I will go to the place where Ultimate Despair resided.
Cardinal: Please allow us to go with you, Your Holiness.
Michael shook his head, meaning that he decided to go alone.
Michael: There will be no necessary. I am not like Matthai Reese, and I know hiding will not be the only solution. Since those men had gone so far, I will teach them a lesson... alone... to show them how powerful would the next Pope will be... and they will know how to fear God's will and might.
Michael then turned back and left the Ballisca, but then a malicious smile had appeared very briefly on his face...
St. Peter's Ballisca
2 hours later
The night fell onto Rome. Standing in front St. Peter's Ballisca with his papal tiara, staff as well as attire, Michael Langdon observed the crowds of Roman citizens and lowered his head, with sadness in his eyes.
Michael: The death of Matthai Reese is indeed a tragedy... It was very painful to see the children of this whole world suffered in pain and sorrow. Cardinal Aleister Crowley told me what happened during the time in Rome. Eckidina KnightWalker caught me. She tortured me and maybe she planted something inside me. Even so, with a heavy heart, I regret to tell you something: Rumors said that the greatest sinner... is Katarina Couteau.
Hearing this, people in Rome were astonished. Michael lowered his head as if he was really sad about "hearing" this. In fact, he was smiling in his mind, and no one could see that smile.
Michael: I felt pain to know this, and therefore I need to test her in order to find out whether she is a sinner. I won't lay a finger on her for now, but soon I will find a chance to make her better. Tribulation is necessary for her, and our Lord needs to test her. On this day of sadness, I accept my papacy with this heavy heart. Even though am very glad to return back into this city with splendid history... I cannot see itself being reduced to ruins. The only thing that Cardinal Yogdis who was in Generve was still alive and well. I cannot see our children suffer anymore... Considering the recent events, I think it is plausible to change another angle in order to reach our new salvation.
All of a sudden, people all reacted in shock when they saw Aleister Crowley, Terra of the Left, Ibuki Mioda, Hiyoko Saionji and alongside many Ultimate Despair members (except Izuru, Sonia, Junko, Peko, Fuyihiko, Soda and Tanaka) had appeared behind Michael. Michael slightly narrowed his eyes as he saw the Roman trembled in fear. They could not believe what was happening.
Michael: Don't be afraid. This won't last long. Let we Catholics and KnightWalker Alliance, together, to embrace a great and glorius future!
With a serious expression, Michael then left for St. Peter's Ballisca as Saionji and Ibuki sang and dance, cheering for Michael's ascension.
Ibuki & Saionji: Long Live Pope Michael, the Ultimate Pope!!!
The Roman citizens and clergies were all frightened and it caused them to make wrong judgments. They all looked at Cardinal Crowley who just looked at Michael in an cold eye. Then, they had to bow down in fear.
Suddenly, Michael stopped beside a clergy from Spain standing in front of the Ballisca. The clergy were shivering in fear as he sensed Michael's demonic power. Frowned, Michael walked towards him with spite as Crowley and Nagito looked with uneasy expression.
The clergy even shouted out in Spanish as Michael walked closer as his eyes turned red - clearly a sign of demonic power and Ultimate Despair.
Clergy: ¡Déjame ir, Satanás! (Leave me, Satan!)
Michael: Huh......
Seeing this, Crowley was a bit of scared by this - It was very clear that he forgot to brainwash that clergy. Even so, Michael did not blame Crowley. He sadistically stared at that Spaniard and went away. Then, Michael secretly made a plan with a malicious smile.
Saionji laughed mockingly when she pointed at the clergy who was kept drawing cross in front of chest. However, Nagito was a bit of nervous at Michael's expression on face, and he was lucky that Michael did not look at him. Now, Michael's stare could make someone frightened to a state of half-death...
Nagito: It's not gonna go well.
In the night, the Spanish clergy went back to his room and started to pray to God. His praying was interrupted when he heard someone opened his door. It was Michael, with Nagito, Ibuki and Sajonji were behind him. The clergy looked up and saw Michael. He then shivered in horror.
Michael: Why are you so fearful, my child?
Then, as Michael walked towards him, the clergy raised his trident with a crucifix to Michael.
However, Michael simply looked at the crucifix before knocking it on the ground. He wickedly smiled at the clergy who looked through his real identity. Nagito was wondering what Michael would do next...
Michael: I can't imagine what you're so afraid of. Get on your knees and we'll pray it all away.
Clergy: No... no...
Michael nodded with an expression meaning, "I insist." However, the clergy still tried to refuse. Michael's eyes narrowed since he was enraged to see someone had been so disrespectful to him, the new Pope respected by the Romans' will, so he bellowed in sheer rage.
- Michael: ¡Arrodíllate! (On your knees!)
Nagito and Ibuki got an awful shock caused by Michael's shouting. Shivering in terror, the clergy crawled from his bed and crawled to get his crucifix. Nagito looked at Sajonji as she closed her eyes since she did not expect some surprising thing from Michael other than torture.
Clergy: ¡El diablo! ¡El diablo! ¡Perdóname! (The Devil! The Devil! Spare me!)
Michael stepped on the clergy's wrist with his left foot before kicked the crucifix away with his right foot.
Clergy: ¡Perdóname! Por favor... ¡Déjame ir! (Let me go! Please... Let me go!)
Michael simply slapped his neck and grabbed his collar. He then forced the poor man to kneel before he knelt beside him.
Michael: Repetir. "Padre en el cielo. Fuente siempre viva de todo lo que es bueno." (Repeat. "Father in Heaven. Ever-living source of all that is good.")
Clergy: Padre en el cielo. Fuente siempre viva de todo lo que es bueno.
At this time, Michael slowly drew a pair of scissors from his pocket...
Michael: "Mantenernos fieles al servicio de usted." ("Keep us... Faithful... in serving You.")
Clergy: Mantenernos fieles al servicio de usted...
Before the clergy could finished, Michael immediately stood up and struck his neck with the scissors, and blood start to spray out like fountain. Nagito, Ibuki and even Sajonji were all shocked by this brutal act since they never expected this came so quickly.
The clergy screamed in pain as he fell down on the ground while bleeding. Michael then raised his scissors once again and stabbed right through the dying man's heart, killing him.
Ibuki: Your... Your Holiness...
Michael's unexpected brutality had caused Ibuki's horror, yet Michael remained calm. He just looked at Ibuki.
Michael: Is there a... problem?
Ibuki: No... nothing...
Michael: Do not worry, Ibuki. I will deal with this mess. My lovely assistant, Melancholia, will be very glad to receive this corpse as her gift since it was a good material to fill my greatest work. She needs some more dead flesh.
Realizing Michael's unstable state, Ibuki nodded and trembled.
Ibuki: Okay...
Michael: Since Sonia had helped Katarina to defeat me, I was angry and dismayed, yet I had just released all of my anger and dismay on this very man who had the nerve to be scared of me. I hope none of you three will follow this sample. The plan of Moloch need to have a pause. I will join you people to do the work.
Nagito was surprised to hear Sonia teamed up with Katarina.
Nagito: Sonia... had...
Nagito intended to speak, but Saionji stared at him and he had to stop. Michael then put the corpse into a bag and sucked all of the blood into a small red whirlpool he summoned. The room became so tidy that seemly no murder had occurred here.
Michael: Nagito? Speak of Sonia... where is she?
Nagito: She was in her palace. Tanaka was with her as well.
Melancholia's base, underwater
At this time, Melancholia was inside her lab, looking at the cocoon of FOLIE. Just then, she heard Michael's voice behind her, speaking in Italian.
Michael: Buonasera, signor. (Good evening, sir.)
Italian guard: Buonasera, Vostra Santità. (Good evening, Your Holiness.)
When Michael appeared behind her, Melancholia noticed this by his reflection on the glass window and turned back to him, full of excitement.
Melancholia: Michael? You becomes the Pope.
Michael: I am here.
Melancholia bowed to the new Pope with a smile full of genuine respect.
Melancholia: Ah, Your Holiness, how may your humble servant serve you?
Michael: How was my little helper today?
Melancholia: I am fine.
Melancholia then turned to the cocoon. Meanwhile, Tanaka entered the room under the guidance of a Neo-Hellfire agent. He then saw Michael with his papal tiara and attire, but he did not get closer to him.
Melancholia: Can you hear that? Looks like our "son" is getting hungrier.
Michael: The weather is changing. It'll have some meat. I just brought a new corpse to you and I've send it to the grinder. The maturity is now almost 80%, and I think we will release it when we had a chance. It will roam on the land and cause great damage. Great Flood shall appear and clean EVERYTHING. How powerful it will be...
Tanaka hear everything and then he realized that there was something enormous and dangerous inside the cocoon. He bellowed in horror.
Tanaka: What is the meaning of this!?
Tanaka's yell had caught Michael's attention. Michael turned back and saw Tanaka.
Michael: I am sorry. Are you not feeling well?
Tanaka: Sonia is right about you, Pope Michael. You are an evil fiend! You made a... monster? Have you lost your mind? You should be in a padded cell instead of the City of Vatican!
Michael: With you in the same room? I and the entire Ultimate Despair are on the same boat, Tanaka. Without you people's help, I can never clean those rivals and cause panic, making everyone required a "hero" which I gave them one. When exactly you had the nerve to lecture me?
Tanaka was enraged and he pulled his gun to Michael. To protect Michael, Melancholia drew her spear and pointed to Tanaka. Tanaka did not afraid of her.
Melancholia: Stay away!
Tanaka: This ends here and now! I will avenge Sonia and eventually you two are all gonna die!
Michael: Do it, and you won't win.
Michael's words surprised Tanaka, and his following words shocked Tanaka even more.
Michael: Yes, yes, killing me won't be easy, and it will never help at all. I know you will do this to me, so I make my warning clear. Either I or my assistant beside me is killed will trigger a backup plan that will eventually hatch the monster prematurely.
Tanaka: How much it was matured?
Michael: 80%.
Tanaka: You...
Sweats started to come down from Tanaka's head, and Michael gloated as he sensed fear. His eyes turned yellow once more shortly before it turned to red again.
Michael: I hope this can clarify everything. You can't kill me. What is more, you people from Ultimate Despair still need me.
All of a sudden, some mists with pink aura started to flow below Tanaka's feet, and Tanaka were trapped in it. He felt pain in his arm and he had to bent his knee even if he won't.
Michael: Yes, yes, that's it. This torture won't stop until I finish my speech. Kneel in front of your Pope. Do you want to know what I saw after my eyes wide opened? I saw a future.
Tanaka: What have you done...
Michael: There will be only five existence in the world after the war is over - Angel, Demon Queen, war, power... and me. All of the existence in the world will bow to me and calls me Their Holiness. Now, everyone in the world shall witness my coronation. My long time dream has finally come true... No more pretense, no more heroic motives, no more faith. Two billions people will hail me. 131 nations and regions will kneel in front of me! Today, finally... THE CITY OF VATICAN IS MINE! HAHAHAHAHA!!!
Tanaka: Your Holiness... you are one... sick twist.
Michael: And you are an Ultimate Despair member.
Michael the raised his hand as the pink mists disappeared. Tanaka looked up as Michael showed the Grand Grimoire from his attire.
Michael: Therefore, that makes both of us far away from saints. Do you want to know why I chose you to hear my plan? Tanaka, you are one of the Ultimate Despair members Sonia trusted. You are going to ask her one question. How she will attempt to fight back? If she wanted to fight back... then tell her it will be futile. Tell her my creation and my warning. If you all obeyed my advice... then I will not cross you people. Perhaps, I will one day need you guys' help.
Tanaka clenched his fists and stood up.
Tanaka: Then, Your Holiness, I agree with you.
Michael: Never fool me, or I will haunt you. I won't be merciful to your pets.
Then, Michael casted the Traveler's Spell and sent Tanaka back. Melancholia was confused by this.
Melancholia: You let him go? That's it?
Michael: Yes, that's it... for now.
Then, Michael shook hand with Melancholia before he secretly enchanting a magic in his mind. He had secretly planted a soul fragment inside Melancholia's body, yet she had no idea.
Michael: I don't have intend to kill him for now. We have some more work to do. Princess Carissa had joined us, Melancholia, and I will give her a mission as well. You will become her companion.
Melancholia: Oh...
Michael: From this day on, you will be Mother Superior and will live in Rome, operating the Neo Inquisition and torture our opponents and people from other churches.
Melancholia was a bit of displeased when she heard she was equal to the self-proclaimed "Queen of England", but she had no intention of objection.
The Inquisition was a part of the Catholic Church and also the Spanish Empire in medieval eras, being used to torture and kill many non-Catholics, including Jews, Muslims and Protestants. Michael had set a new facility in Vatican than ran like Inquisition, so he called it Neo Inquisition.
Michael: Neither Russian Orthodox Church or Anglican Church will stand against our might. You will order thousands of nuns who will kindly call you "Reverend Mother".
Melancholia looked at Michael and smiled.
Melancholia: True?
Michael: True. Now, Moloch won't see us in this era and I will arrange some hunting party. Our Carl Robinson... or more precisely, Firenza Junior, is now in Rome, waiting for us to make him a fish in the plate. You will interrogate him and do no fail me.
Hearing this, Melancholia smiled and bowed in gratitude, not knowing Michael was slowly driving her insane with his soul fragment.
Melancholia: As you wished, Your Holiness.
Rome
20 minutes later
With a yell, Carl Robinson was beaten up by Carissa and several demonic redcoats she led. Several undead redcoats had tied him up. At this time, Carissa had joined forces with Michael's Catholic Church after Lusamine took her in Vatican under the order of the Fallen's Essence.
Hearing the news, Carl chased after her and arrived at Vatican before he fell into an ambush. Mahiru "Shinya" Bamba held a knife and attacked Carl, and the latter resisted her with his right fist, but Shinya was now a powerful Cyborg and she & Carl both engaged into a struggle for victory. Carl did not want to waste any time on this since he thought his first priority was Carissa.
Therefore, Carl tried to escape, but some dark magic had strained him because he stepped on Michael's magical trap and several ropes made of darkness had tied him up.
Soon after, Michael had arrived with Melancholia as soon as they heard Carissa had caught him. Michael was wearing his papal attire and tiara, with his staff in his hand and his crucifix wielded on his neck.
Carissa: Your Holiness, the man you wants had caught, on your orders.
Michael: Well done, Queen Carissa. Now, who do we have here?
Michael then started to observe Carl with curiosity.
Michael: Greetings, Carl Robinson.
Carl looked up and saw Michael.
Carl: Pope Michael? How do you know me?
Michael bent his knees and crouched in front of Carl, looking at him.
Michael: I know everything about you, Mr. Robinson. Everything. I know what is it you're looking for... A world of chaos, am I right?
Carl: You know, those traps of yours needs to be improved, Your Holiness.
Michael smiled as he looked closer to Carl.
Michael: You looked so much like him...
Carl: Like whom?
Michael: I am right about you. So, Carl... You are Firenza Junior.
At first, Michael's word made Carl fell very puzzled and so he shook his head.
Carl: Firenza? You lost me.
Michael: Unlike his sister, Elizard, who is a respected leader as a matter of fact, Duke Firenza was a colossal imbecile, a fool who wants to runs the royalty with money, a devil who loved beauties instead of his motherland... and he is your father, Carl...
Hearing this, Carl was so shocked that his eyes instantly widened. His face went pale and he could not speak a single word until he spoke out in a voice like breathing.
Carl: What... ?
Michael's face turned serious once again.
Michael: ... which makes you heir to a special blood type. They cleaned your memory, and I will kindly bring your memory back. After that, you shall know just how small and pathetic you really are.
Michael then looked at Carissa & Shinya with a smile and a special gesture meaning "do it", and they nodded. A wicked smile was on Shinya's face and her eyes became very inhumane-looking. Satisfied, Michael turned back and gleefully walked away with Melancholia, while Carissa, her men and Shinya followed the Pope to the place now known as Roman Neo Inquisition...
The day of Michael's coronation shall be remembered as the darkest day in the Church after the KnightWalker Family executed a former Pope. Henceforth, the time when Michael Langdon ruled the Catholic Church is known to historians as the Era of Fallen Roman Catholic Church.
Opening - Room of Angel[]
Mary Elizabeth McGlynn - Room oF Angel
Lyrics[]
You lie, silent there before me
Your tears, they mean nothing to me
The wind howling at the window
The love you never gave
I give to you
Really don't deserve it
But now, there's nothing you can do
So sleep, in your only memory of me
My dearest mother
Here's a lullaby to close your eyes
Goodbye
It was always you that I despised
I don't feel enough for you to cry, oh well
Here's a lullaby to close your eyes
Goodbye
Goodbye
Goodbye
Goodbye
So insignificant, sleeping dormant deep inside of me
Are you hiding away, lost, under the sewers?
Maybe flying high, in the clouds?
Perhaps you're happy without me
So many seeds have been sown in the field
And who could sprout up so blessedly
If I had died, I would have never felt sad at all
You will not hear me say 'I'm sorry'
Where is the light, wonder if it's weeping somewhere?
Here's a lullaby to close your eyes
Goodbye
It was always you that I despised
I don't feel enough for you to cry, oh well
Here's a lullaby to close your eyes
Goodbye
Here's a lullaby to close your eyes
Goodbye
It was always you I despised
I don't feel enough for you to cry, oh well
Here's a lullaby to close your eyes
Goodbye
Goodbye
Goodbye
Goodbye
Here's a lullaby to close your eyes
Goodbye
It was always you that I despised
I don't feel enough for you to cry, oh well
Here's a lullaby to close your eyes
Goodbye
Here's a lullaby to close your eyes
Goodbye
It was always you that I despised
I don't feel enough for you to cry, oh well
Here's a lullaby to close your eyes
Goodbye
Goodbye
Goodbye
Goodbye
Act 0 - In Maria Arzonia's Name[]
2026[]
June 6th, 2026
New Orleans
10 years before the World War III
It was a bright morning, and yet no one had expected that an attempt of suicide was happening on the roof. A woman and a young girl were struggling on the roof.
The woman was making a lasso out of a straw rope, and a young girl - apparently her daughter - was shouting behind her. The girl was holding a basket of tuna sandwiches in her hands.
Girl: Mommy, no!
Woman: Esther... I am sorry.
The woman looked at the daughter of hers, whose name was Esther, with no emotions in her eyes. Her eyes was so cold that she seemed completely dead... and her tones was as cold as winter storms.
Esther: Who can believe this? Once we were royalties and now, because of the KnightWalker Family and its loyal followers, we became less worthy than mere beggars... Really, I cannot stand this longer. Esther, you need to go on the road on your own.
The people were gathering at the scene, looking at the scene with shock and confusion. Among them, there was a young teenager, who was no more than 14 years old, was looking at the woman as well. The boy was wearing a suit and a tie, and a crucifix was on his neck.
The woman then looked at her daughter once last time... and her daughter yelled in great despair.
Esther: MOMMA!
Unaware of her daughter's sadness, Esther's mother tied the lasso around her neck, and her eyes were vacant as if she was already dead. She grabbed the rope and immediately leaped herself from the house... Then, Esther's basket dropped on the ground.
- Esther: MOMMA!!!
One second later, as Esther fainted, the building was a site to behold. People around there were shocked so much that they immediately shivered in horror. Their hands and feet went cold when they saw the terrifying scene. Some had even passed out.
Firefighters and police officers immediately rushed to the scene and then, they managed to get the corpse. Some of them went upstairs and found the fainted girl.
Ten minutes later, the girl was awakened, but she refused to speak to anyone. The police had no choice but leaving her alone.
Just then, as two police officers were talking, the mysterious boy wearing a crucifix was approaching the scene as well. He then looked at the girl as she looked at him, with not even a single spoken word. The boy then approached the officer.
Boy: Sorry, officers. My name is... [tells police his name] and I am a local priest. May I speak to this girl? She may need some blessing, monsieur.
Officer 1: Sorry, young man. This girl refused to speak or converse to others. It seemed that she was broken.
The boy then looked at Esther and sighed.
Boy: It won't take long.
The boy then went towards the girl before putting his crucifix on her head.
Boy: Poor soul...
Esther did not speak a word and the boy looked at her in silence before he began to speak.
Boy: What is your name?
Esther looked at the boy with surprise and she saw that he was a boy older than her, and he is also a young priest. The young priest did not move.
Boy: Tell me... what is your name? You can tell me, and I will protect you. Do you have a name?
The girl looked at the young priest before she shivered and spoke her name.
Girl: The name is Esther... Esther Blanchett. I am living with my mother... and my sister, Mary Spencer.
The mysterious boy was alarmed by the words, much to Esther's surprise. The boy's eye immediately lit up and spoke in a much deeper and quieter voice.
Boy: Esther Blanchett?
Esther nervously nodded. Then, the strange teenage boy just looked around and found no one noticing them, and then he whispered to the girl.
Boy: You are the... the lost princess of Spain... Am I right?
Esther: No.
Esther looked at the boy with innocence, but the boy's eyes narrowed as if he was trying to see through her soul.
Boy: Don't lie to me. You are trying to protect yourself, but that never hides the fact that your father was killed by Johan Liebert and his men... My sympathies.
Esther was surprised to hear the boy's words. She is indeed the lost princess of Spain, and somehow the teenage boy had saw through her true identity.
Her aforementioned sister, Mary Spencer, is the elder half-sister of Esther, and she is an illegitimate child of the late King Abel of Spain, who is Esther's father. Therefore, Mary Spencer is Esther's half-sister, yet since she is illegitimate, she could not ascend to Spanish throne.
Esther: How do you know I was lying?
Boy: I know everything.
The young boy then turned to Esther with a smile.
Boy: You can call me Devil if you want.
Esther did not feel amused and she lowered her head. The boy's smile faded and he put his hand on the head of Esther.
Boy: I am only here to cheer you up, Esther. I am sorry for what happened to your mother... and your late father.
At this time, Esther looked at the boy once again with tears in her eyes, and she was dearly surprised since he somehow was the first stranger who mourned her parents in front of her.
She was deeply moved, no doubt that the stranger in front of her was a kind soul.
Boy: Surely, I will protect you and your sister, but in a time like this, as the infamous Juria KnightWalker is still controlling his corrupt family which could harm anyone who crossed them, you have to stay with me and a friend of mine. I invite you to join our Church and I will help you to return to Madrid. The only safe place for you is to be with God.
The boy then crouched himself in front of Esther before placing the basket of sandwiches in Esther's arm.
Boy: By the way, I believe this belongs to you.
Esther had felt warmth in her heart and looked at the young man with tears in her eyes. Then, she gave a sandwich to the boy.
Esther: This is for you, good sir.
The boy looked at the sandwich and then received it carefully and gently. It was obvious that this young boy was very educated and polite. This made Esther more relieved. The boy then took a small bite on the tuna sandwich and smiled at the girl.
Boy: This is good. Thank you.
Girl: I am appreciate for your help, and from today on, you and I are friends. By the way, what is your name?
The teenage boy smiled at the child very friendly and he hugged her gently in his arms. Then, he started to introduce himself slowly and gently.
Many graves stones were under the sun. The entire cemetery was absolutely quiet. In front one of the gravestones, there stood a Catholic nun with black hair and in white habit with blue stripes on it.
???: God bless St. Maria Arzonia. May her soul rest in peace. For Jesus Christ, our Lord.
The Catholic nun sighed when she looked at Maria's gravestone.
???: Rest in peace, Maria. You proved to us that you are not a member from Mafusa Gang in your heart. You are a hero. I, Sister Noelle Boe, will always remember you.
The nun named Noelle Boe then turned back and looked at another woman behind her. The woman was dressed up in the attire of a Catholic cardinal, with a pair of glasses on her face, looking serious.
Cardinal: I hope I know what you are doing, Sister Noella... or should I call you Erica Butcher?
Erica Butcher was the birth name of Noelle Boe, and she is the biological sister of Matt Butcher, who was once a Royal Air Force member.
(- Narrator: For convenience, we will call her Noelle.)
Noelle: Cardinal Sforza, either is okay. For you, I prefer Noella; for my brother, I prefer Erica. Anyway, the two referred to the same sister to my brother, right?
Cardinal Katherine Sforza looked at Erica with a serious face.
Sforza: Never play a pun in front of me. I never like to buy it.
Noella: Oh, yes, sorry...
Sforza then looked aside with a serious look.
Sforza: However, it was a shame that your brother did not join any of the Church, not to mention ours. He was such a brave man who managed to find Orthodox Church to help us.
Noella: You are right, Cardinal. Thanks to the Water of Life, some of us were free from Aleister Crowley's control, and now we have realized that we became the pawns.
Noelle's smile faded and her face was wearing sadness. Sforza bit her lips.
Sforza: I came into shock that the Inquisition became a major function once again, and that terrible old man, Francesco di Medici... How could the pope use such a man as the co-leader of Inquisition? What is more, I have no idea on that woman named Melancholia who became Mother Superior.
A moment later, Cardinal Sforza sighed helplessly.
Sforza: Michael renounced his vow which he once made in front of the remains of the late Matthai Reese, and he even allowed the Mafusa Gang and the Ultimate Despair to continue their atrocities. Even though they went quieter for some time, I am still not sure if one day they will unleash another great catastrophe again.
The Cardinal then thought about Matthai Reese who endorse peace instead of war, but eventually he got killed.
Sforza: I guess we have no choice. We have to do something... in the name of Maria Arzonia. We will make God's justice to be served.
Noelle then looked at the Cardinal with curiosity.
Noelle: Do what? An rebellion, you mean?
Sforza: Yes, I do mean rebellion. We must tell your brother to save Carl. After that, we will ally with Russian Orthodox Church and find Cardinal Pietro Yogdis. For now, Michael was yet to kill Pietro and I don't know why. However, it is only a matter of time.
Noelle lowered her head and fell into thoughts. Then she looked up at Sforza.
Noelle: Allow me alone to do the job, please.
With a surprise face, Sforza walked towards Noelle. She was utterly unexpected to the words of Noelle.
Sforza: Alone? You save Carl alone?
Noelle: At least this will not cause the attention of Pope Michael. No matter what reason to cause this corruption, we must find a way to clean it, stop it. After that, not only will we the life of Carl, but also stop another terror to rise.
Then, she looked at Sforza and smiled once again like an naive girl.
Noelle: No pressure.
Sforza shrugged her shoulders before she start walking in clockwise until she finally stopped..
Sforza: Fine, but be careful. Once you got out, send a message to your brother, and then we will aid Acqua of the Back and Aureolus Izzard in Eastern Europe. We have to be fast.
With her smile faded, Noelle then bowed to the kind Cardinal.
Noelle: Yes, ma'am. Consider it done.
After that, Nodelle looked at Maria's tombstone once again before her eyes were filled with tears.
Then, she casually brushed away her tears.
Nodelle: Once we blocked King Hamdo's army out of Eastern Europe, we will head towards Gernerve, and we will find Pietro Yogdis. Now, since Eurotunnel was bombed... we will have to use teleportation.
Nodelle was still looking at the tombstone while talking, and the Cardinal had noticed this.
Sforza: I know you admire her. We never found her body, only some metallic remains that once belonged to the. I also found the Chain Viper which somehow survived the blast. Now, we have kept it in Buckingham Palace.
Noelle turned back and faced her superior.
Noella: The war becomes much, much worse, and now as a matter of the fact, I must contact my brother as soon as possible.
Then, she attempted to go away, but Soforza had blocked her way, looking at her.
Sforza: This is not the time for this, since we cannot draw Michael's suspicion, and we cannot let more people fall into ominous danger. It is the time to prove yourself.
Hearing this with a surprised face, Noelle looked at the Cardinal and eventually, she nodded. She knew that the Cardinal wanted to make this entire rescue operation go quietly. Even so...
Noelle: However, I think we do need help. We will find the Red Haired Demon... who had recently returned to this place after a long period of missing.
Reports has that the Red Haired Demon, real name Katarina Couteau, had just returned to Tenguu City with her friends. During this time, Katarina was at her house some times before she was attacked by Chinatsu and Kefka Palazzo, who were looking for La Folia Rihavein.Again, the Cardinal shook her head.
Sforza: No, I said, "no", and it is "no". I know what Michael was capable of after three days of investigation, and if Katarina Couteau stepped into Rome, she would very likely be captured and tortured by the Neo Inquisition.
Hearing all of this, Noelle was a bit of distressed. She lowered her head in sheer dismay.
Noelle: We can leave Katarina Couteau alone, but... Well, you know what my brother was like. He was such a duty-driven man who cannot bear if his family was in distress. If he heard I was in danger, he would come here quickly.
Sforza: That's why I need you to do it carefully. I trust in you. You can save Carl, and then you shall reunite with your brother. It is a highly critical movement, so I need you to do it. You are the one whom Melancholia will never suspect.
Noelle then nodded and felt great responsibility of being someone whom a cardinal would trust, and then, she bowed to Sforza with respect.
Noelle: Yes, Your Eminence.
Vatican
Neo Inquisition Base
The Papal State of Vatican was no longer the same as soon as the new Pope sat on the Holy Seat.
Melancholia sat in her office with a smile on her face. She looked at the town from the window calmly.
Melancholia: I have been such a fool, Your Holiness. Too humble I am to become the new Mother Superior. Sometimes, when you have more power in your hand, you have more duty. Rome is so beautiful.
Then, she turned back and walked swiftly towards her table. She smiled like a normal teenager instead of a deranged psychopath.
Melancholia: I have to say that I owe you more than one. This place is full of sacred scent and happiness. I am proud to be here assisting your great ambition. I... want to say...
Melancholia had her mouth wide opened as she tried to speak out the words, "I love you", that she wanted to say, but she could not. In sheer frustration, Melancholia punched her thigh.
Melancholia: Darn it! Why am I still struggling in this relationship? Is there any possibility to avoid this tension?
???: I know your feeling is true, you don't have to tell.
Suddenly, a dark voice had occurred behind Melancholia. Melancholia turned back and saw Michael looking at her with a cigarette in his mouth... or in fact, unknown to her, it was her own delusion of Michael. This "Michael" was wearing black cloak and a dark hat. His presence made Melancholia surprised.
Melancholia: Michael? I thought you never smoke cigarette.
After their last meeting, Michael had placed a soul fragment of his inside Melancholia's mind in order to make her fall into delusions. In fact, for now, the real Michael was inside the St. Peter's Ballisca.
"Michael": I seldom smokes, but since I faced pressure, I began to use it as a way to relax. I know it may cause trouble if you smoke too much.
Hearing this, Melancholia's expression turned from surprise into smile. She was waiting for the day for her to make a difference. Now, the blood of Firenza Junior had been stored in Neo Inquisition's basement, and the sample was contained in ten syringes.
One day ago, the Pope had just ordered Melancholia to interrogate Carl to make him betray his Anglican friends. Then, she would attack the Eastern Orthodox Church in Eastern Europe before heading towards Aldegyr Kingdom to deal with Kanon Rihavein, helping her to capture La Folia Rihavein, the kingdom's missing princess.
Melancholia: So, why are you here? Are you...
"Michael": I am here to tell you that I am arranging a new schedule. During your mission, I will join you in the flesh and help you if necessary. By the way, I will protect you in the Eastern Europe. No one will ever harm you.
Melancholia immediately smiled with her tears nearly falling down.
Melancholia: Thank you, Michael. I really, really appreciate that if...
Just then, the door opened. Melancholia turned back after brushing her tears away, as "Michael" faded behind her. It was several inquisitor guards.
Guard: Reverend Mother, that Firenza Junior is there to wait for the trial.
All of a sudden, Melancholia smiled wickedly as if she became a deranged psychopath in just one second. The kind and loving smile, which was in contrast to her current expression, had fade.
Melancholia: Tell Cardinal di Medici. I want him in the torture chamber, alive.
One for sorrow,
Two for mirth
Three for a funeral,
Four for birth
Five for heaven
Six for hell
Seven for the devil, his own self
Act 1 - Riot in Poland (4-3 days ago)[]
4 days ago[]
Ukraine
23:59 AM
One day before Michael Langdon's coronation
Lightning and thunder flashed through the night sky, and it was clear that a violent storm was coming to the Eastern Europe.In a small house, Acqua of the Back was glaring at three people dressed like Soviet Union officials. He finished preparing his own nooses before he walked towards the man and glared at them at the front.
Those three men were put on the nooses, and all of their eyes blindfolded by white cloth pieces. Each of them were standing on a chair.
Acqua: Communists? You dare to call yourself communists? Stop this pathetic joke. You three are just King Hamdo's pathetic watchdogs.
While speaking, Acqua of the Back angrily glared at the three men. Those people were the officials from the New USSR, a Stalinist dictatorship government in Russia who joined the forces of KnightWalker Family.
Acqua: The entire Red Army was contributing itself into the Anti-Fascist War, and without them, the Nazi Regime shall never fall apart. Then, there come people like you who just spit on their graves. You behaved nothing more like... some Red Fascists.
The three people mumbled and struggled, but they could not escape. Acqua angrily walked towards the first criminal on the left, saying the crime of this man.
Acqua: Bribery.
Then, he walked towards the second one, saying the man's crime as well.
Acqua: Sabotage the artifacts.
Then, Acqua walked to the front of the third one.
Acqua: Incrimination.
Acqua narrowed his eyes and bit his lips. An old clock was behind them, and it was close that the clock will strike twelve.
Acqua: We've kept files on all three of you for some days, waiting for the proof we needed while you sneered at the law. Not tonight.
Then, the clock struck twelve.
Acqua: Tonight, I am the law!
As the bell was chiming, Acqua then start kicking the chairs of the Stalinist captives, one by one.
Acqua: And you are hereby tried...
Acqua kicked the first chair, and the first man were forced to struggle until he could not move.
Acqua: Found guilty.
Acqua then moved on to kick the second chair.
Acqua: And sentenced.
Then, Acqua kicked one last chair. Then, the three criminals struggled and tried to escape, but it was totally useless. Acqua looked at them struggled to their slow death with satisfaction.
- Acqua: Justice is served.
3 days ago[]
Next day
Under the Vatican Square
8:30 AM
30 minutes after Michael's coronation
The day of Michael's coronation as the pope had caused tremendous effects on the city of Vatican, no matter positive or negative. However, as the coronation is going on, underneath the Vatican Square lied a chamber filled with evil plots.
Standing in front of an enormous oven, Shinya Banba was making cakes with the face of Monokuma on it, and she was putting poison inside ingredients. Then, she start singing a nursery rhyme originated from England.
Shinya: Pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake, baker's man. / Bake me a cake as fast as you can / You roll it, pat it, mark it with a "P" / And you put it in the oven for Peace and me!
While Shinya were singing, she was putting some kind of chemicals inside the cake and put the cake inside the oven. Just then, she heard someone speaking to her.
???: Tea? You girl... I mean, girls, you want some tea?
Shinya looked at the table and saw a girl with long, light orange hair as well as blue eyes. The girl was sitting in a chair not far away from Shinya, and had a cup of tea and a nice china plate in her hands, respectively. A teapot was on the table beside her.
There was also a name card on the table, right in front of the seat of hers - Sumeriko Hanabusa. She is a schoolgirl forced to work with Towa Family.
Sumeriko: I just heard the radio news. Michael Langdon had become the Pope and signed a treaty to join the KnightWalker Family. Now, let us drink for this great news.
Holding a strawberry cake on a plate, Shinya went closer to the girl while still singing the nursery rhyme like a delusional child.
Shinya: Patty Cake, Patty Cake, / Baker's Man; / That I will Master, / As fast as I can.
Mahiru: No cakes! We can have tea as much as we want!
Suddenly, Mahiru Banba's original personality cut in and interrupted Shinya's words. Mahiru and Sumeriko were good friends and Mahiru tried to stop Shinya from giving a poisonous cake to Sumeriko. However, Shinya easily overpowered her.
Shinya: OH, SHUT UP, YOU STUPID SOW!!!
Having Mahiru's original personality in control, Shinya calmed down before presenting the cake to Sumeriko.
Shinya: Trust me. This is an ORDINARY cake.
Sumeriko looked at the cake and looked at Shinya. Shinya encouragingly nodded and Sumeriko took a bite before she blushed with excitement. She was absolutely fine.
Sumeriko: It's delicious.
Just then, a voice occured not far away from them.
???: Ladies, His Holiness made you like this is not make you "two" to argue about cake or tea!
This time, it was a male voice. The two/three girls turned to the direction and saw a man with red coat and crimson hair was looking at them with a cold and malicious grin. It was none other than Fiamma of the Right, now had falling under the control of Aleister Crowley.
Fiamma: His Holiness has more arrangement for you ladies, and we require you to go to Poland and have some fun there, ladies.
With hostility filled inside her own heart of evil and darkness, Shinya looked at Fiamma with a face of scorn, and she scoffed.
Shinya: Fiamma of the Right, I tell you, without His Holiness to keep you breathing here, you and the Right Seat of God will never make it up to this day! I am preparing the poisonous cakes to send it to the Patriarch of Moscow, as you all requested. If that is all the Catholic Church wants from me---
Cutting off Shinya's complaints, Fiamma seemed very offended by Shinya's words and he angrily looked at her.
Fiamma: You must at least respect me, or today will be your last day on Earth. You can still hob and jump in this very night, but when sun rises, I doubt whether Mahiru inside you will take over you once again.
Not wanting to look at Fiamma due to his mocking attitude, Shinya turned her eyes to elsewhere, and she sniffed.
Shinya: Fiamma of the Right, don't you ever forget that I am now a Cyborg thanks to those experiments on me, executed by the minions of Eckidina KnightWalker. I am in control of my other self.
Enraged finally, Fiamma walked to Shinya with some threatening words.
Fiamma: Compare to Ryuunosuke Uryuu, the former strongest Cyborg in the world, you are nothing but a sad piece of wretch! You cannot even compare to the one single hair of me!
(- Narrator: Ryuunosuke Uryuu, the former strongest Cyborg in the world, ultimately meets his end years ago before the main story started, but that is for the upcoming second part of LOTM: Sword of Kings Spin-Off - Rise of the Blue Haired Heroine to explain. After the death of Uryuu, Eckidina KnightWalker herself became the strongest Cyborg in the world.)
Peace foundation logo
Hearing this, a sarcastic, scornful and wicked grin appeared on the face of Shinya.
Shinya: All right, then, you scumbag from that Peace Foundation stuff, your former bosses can't deal with Aki Honda or Tomoo and then only two teenage girls from Japan clear up Mafusa Gang's mess!
As Fiamma and Shinya were standing face to face and bitterly arguing, Sumireko was frustrated by this and she had to look at Fiamma first and then looking at Shinya in the next second. Then, she could not
Fiamma and Shinya both looked at Sumeriko angrily. It was obvious that the transferred their fury from each other to this girl who cut their arguing. However, Sumeriko was afraid of neither of them.
Sumeriko: Is there an end? It is such a waste of time. Fiamma, what is His Holiness' plan we have to do in Poland?
As his anger faded away after Sumeriko said her word, Fiamma turned his head towards Sumeriko.
Fiamma: Ah, now we're talking. According to His Holiness' note, you all go to Poland and then do anything you want to cause mass panic, distracting Acqua of the Back. After that, we will send Sister Noelle and Cardinal Sforza to attack Kirv, where the Patriarch were currently resided.
Then, hearing Fiamma's words, a great killer smile occurred on the face of Shinya. She forgot her previous grudge against Fiamma all of a sudden.
Shinya: You want us to kill? That is great. Then, we will do it.
Fiamma: Easy, my friends. The time is plenty. You need to go to Kiev if necessary, by the way, and I will inform you when the time come.
Shinya: Very well, whatever you say.
Then, Shinya smiled and nodded. However, Sumeriko hestitated when she heard the city of Kirv, the capital of Ukraine where the newly-rising Stalinist dictator, King Hamdo, had dragged into the World War III.
Sumeriko: Kiev? The capital of Ukraine, right?
Fiamma: Yes, it is. Is there a problem?
With her eyes wide up, Sumeriko lowered her head and her face was full of distraught.
Sumeriko: Oh, I don't know now... I don't know. Ukraine? I am afraid of that country simply because that nuclear explosion incident at Chernobyl freaked me out. I heard that place would hardly be recovered in at least 20,000 years...
Fiamma: You can have Shinya to go with you, and she will help you through it.
It should be noted that Sumeriko and Mahiru Banba were good friends, and even after hearing Mahiru turned into Shinya and joined the KnightWalker Family, Sumerika joined it as well in order to help her friend. The two were loyal to each other, even if Shinya was utterly merciless.
Hearing this, Sumeriko smiled and her excitement sky rocketed. She was someone who rarely smiled unless she was excited.
Sumeriko: Many thanks, and I will go.
Fiamma: By the way, the Pope said that after the mission was over, no matter succeeded or not, you will be labeled as a member... of the Ultimate Despair, officially. Terra of the Left will accompany you.
Hearing this, Sumeriko felt that her once warmed emotion dropped to the Absolute Zero. She started biting her nails to control her frustration.
Sumeriko: Anyway, I dearly felt that the world is like a renewed one when this day come. On this day, the Papal conclave elected a new pope for the Church. It is a heartfelt compliment coming from me...
Then, Sumeriko scoffed as her smile faded all of a sudden.
Sumeriko: However, it was such a shame that I need to work with Despair Sisters and the Ultimate Despair. However, I have no choice but find Celestia. She is the first priority for executing this plan.
Fiamma, however, shook his finger with a smile.
Fiamma: That won't be necessary. Celes is now in Vatican. May I show her to you? You are gonna love her current appearance.
Sumeriko's eyes widened as Fiamma went to the door and opened it.
Fiamma: Come in!
Then, Celestia came in... and her face shocked Sumeriko. Celestia's face was now had some red pimples, caused by bee stings.
Fiamma sarcastically looked at Celestia as she looked at Fiamma until she suddenly burst into a violent rage.
Celestia: You think I want it? You think I give a care? I lost a chance to win at VERY LEAST 100,000,000,000 Pataca de Macau thanks to your frigging fiasco!
"Pataca de Macau", or "pataca" for short, is Portuguese-originated name of the official currency in Macau, China. Due to the policy of a special administrative region, Macau remained its own capitalism society style even after its reunite into China in 1998, while the mainland China follows its new type of socialism ideology with Chinese feature, adding market economy in its policy since 1978.
Therefore, despite under the command of Chinese government and People's Liberation Army, Macau shares its own currency while the mainland China uses RMB.
Fiamma shrugged his shoulder with a smile.
Fiamma: Our fiasco? You mean your fiasco, right? You gave your money to Princess Sonia Nevermind so that she could book a ticket on board of a French plane and enter the first class, flying all the way towards Tenguu City, Japan... and took that detective, Kyouko Kirigiri, along with her. The Pope's original plan faced a shuttering halt because of you!
While speaking, Fiamma maliciously blinked the both eyes of his. His eyes were now empty as if some... thing... resided right inside his body and taken over his soul.
Celestia: Aw...
Celestia immediately calmed down and looked at Shinya beside her. Shinya grinned widely, ear to ear, as if she was mocking Celestia for denying her own responsibility in this incident.
Celestia: Oh, well... then I guess so...
Just then, Fiamma's tense face seemed relent a little bit and Celestia noticed this.
Fiamma: However, the reason I am here, to give you this mission, is because the pope wants you to mend this. If you complete this mission perfectly, you will spread your own name throughout the world. Your name won't be gone unnoticed, even in Rome.
Celestia shivered, but it was not because she was afraid. In fact, she absolutely favored the idea and so she immediately nodded. She wanted to become a lady with fame since long ago. The reason Celestia joined this cause because she wanted herself to become one within the society of nobility, living in a quaint, nice and luxurious lifestyle with numerous servants surrounding her.
Celestia: If I am going to be famous, be rich... then I will go there, of course. Even so, hmm, executing this plan with a schizophrenic killer really unnerves me.
Soon, the plan was made, and Celestia, Shinya and Sumeriko - alongside some others - set out for Warsaw, the capital of Poland. In the city, there was also someone investigating cases and ran all over the entire Europe. Kyouko Kirigiri was there as well.
Pripyat
Ukraine
8:00AM
Rain was pouring down from the gloomy sky, and drizzles made someone sad when it came to some sort of barren place like Pripyat, which became a ghost town since the accident occurred at a nuclear power plant not far away.
Vasilisa, one of the highest officials in the Russian Orthodox Church, was looking the outside scene through the glass window with a frown on her face.
Vasilisa: Even after so many years, the rain here still has nuclear radiations...
As the rain started, Vasilisa looked at the abandoned plant of the infamous Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant. Beside her, Acqua of the Back was looking at the cloudy sky as well.
Vasilisa: The world seemed different after the outburst of the war... begins after the battle of LibertyCity 3 years ago. Then, the world is filled with criminals and insane jackals. Now, because of King Hamdo, the place of Ukraine can hardly fall into peace.
Acqua looked at Vasilisa with some mild curiosity. He sensed that Vasilisa had tears in her eyes.
Acqua: Your family lived here?
Vasilisa: Yes, I am an Ukrainian. My family lived in the city of Pripyat before the tragedy occured. My great grandfather was one of those firefighters who died in Chernobyl.
While speaking, Vasilisa sadly chuckled before wiping her tears from her cheeks.
Coat of Arms of Pripyat
Vasilisa: It was terrible. Our family had to leave this place after the accident, and now this city was like some sort of ghost city. Now, many people in Eastern Europe were still under those shadows of nuclear radiations, and now this war had made this country's situation even worse.
Acqua immediately scoffed and looked aside.
Acqua: Not if I am here. I recently hanged several members of the New USSR and Mafusa Gang. Believe me, in a time like this, I had to do this. They tried to escape the law, but they cannot escape justice. When Maria Arzonia died in front of me, I sworn to carry on her legacy and make things right in this world.
Vasilisa nodded and bit her lips. She fell into thoughts as well as a long time of silence. Then, she spoke out.
Vasilisa: Recently, I had discovered that Ultimate Detective, Kyouko Kirigiri, was around the entire Europe, and she apparently had worked with you to investigate the serial attack on the former pope and the pope candidates.
Acqua lowered his head and sighed. Kyouko Kirigiri, one of the most well-known detectives in the world, seemed to be vanished and she was not been heard for many days.
Even so, Acqua still believed that Kyouko was always there, helping people in need.
Acqua: I wonder where she is now. I really miss her. She helped me a lot... but that's for another time. I am heading towards Warsaw. Reports had that there was a robbery let by Terra of the Left. They stole an oil tank and went missing. I need to find it as soon as possible.
Hearing this, Vasilisa then looked at Acqua with a cryptic smile on her face.
Vasilisa: Then, what would you do after stopping Terra from committing possibly another attack?
Turning his head without any hesitation, Acqua looked at the smiling Vasilisa silently with his face as stoic as a stone. Then, he spoke.
Acqua: I will continue to fight in Eastern Europe until one day I will head back West.
Hearing this, Vasilisa was mildly surprised. Acqua then turned away from Vasilisa, ready to leave.Vasilisa, however, was not a woman who would be easily giving up. She immediately stood up and walked to Acqua, yelling to him as he start walking out from this small house.
Vasilisa: Wait a minute, please!
Hearing this, Acqua immediately stopped walking and did not respond. Vasilisa looked at Acqua with some curiosity.
Vasilisa: You still want to return back to West? Why?
Acqua did not turned back, but he responded what Vasilisa had just asked him.
Acqua: I must find out why did Michael who was once kind and gentle... had become one with some kind of people who betrayed their vow. I will seek my way to find out why.
Vasilisa: There is no need. The answer is clear.
Acqua was surprised as he turned to Vasilisa.
Vasilisa: Some people fight against monsters not because they are good, but because they want to be one with those monsters as well.
Vasilisa leaned forward towards Acqua with a rather sad smile on her face.
Vasilisa: We all know that this works for someone like Kureto Hīragi, who is thirst for power. The KnightWalker Funeral Parlor should never fall if someone like Hiragi never took control.
Knowing what became of the KnightWalker Funeral Parlor years ago, Acqua of the Back nodded before he went to the door not far away, preparing to leave the house.
Acqua: I know, and that is why I have to stop him. I will set out to clear more people like King Hamdo and Eckidina KnightWalker who were piece of trashes that do not deserve to live. Fiamma is right. The real monsters now lie right in front of us.
While Acqua was speaking, he went out of the house.
Vasilisa: Godspeed.
Shortly afterwards, Vasilisa did not spoke more. She merely turned her head and looked out of the window, looking at the abandoned plant of Chernobyl.
Vasilisa: (narrator) There are some people in this world who only wants to see the world burn. They initiated multiple, simultaneous terrorist attacks and war crimes around the globe. They made no declarations and issued no demands. They only spread pain and destruction in the name of pain of destruction. They want chaos for chaos' sake.
- Vasilisa: What we want to do is eliminate them.
Poland
Warsaw
12:00 AM
At Warsaw, the headline news had spread with a group combined with the minor members of Mafusa Gang and Ultimate Despair, led by Terra of the Left, had robbed a bay and stole a large oil tank truck. Immediately, the police went on to search for the tank truck. Pope Michael Langdon did not comment on this attack.
During this time, the stolen oil tank truck was parked under a large bridge. A Mafusa Gang member was guarding beside the truck. Celestia, Shinya and Sumeriko were inside the truck as Terra stood by the truck, looking at the road with a telescope.
Terra: I spy with my little eyes, looking something for that is a...
Just then, a school bus appeared in Terra's sight, and Terra grinned while putting his telescope down.
- Terra: ... School bus.
On the school bus, there are more than 20 students heading towards an annual school sports fair. The cheerleaders were screaming and yelling in excitement.
Cheerleading team: Score, Warsaw, score! We want more! Hit 'em where it hurts and knock 'em to the floor! OHHHHHHHHHHH!!!
The school buss passed by the parked tank truck as Celestia clapped her hand with excitement.
Celestia: YAY, WARSAW!
Terra jumped on the stairs and leaned himself on the door while holding an iron bar on the truck. He pointed at the truck as the Mafusa Gang guard went on the truck as well.Then, Shinya drove the oil truck right towards the stadium. As the bus stopped in the stadium's parking lot, the oil truck blocked its way and the people on the truck all went down. Terra was holding a gun in his hand as he bounced himself towards the bus. Then, he knocked the door of the bus as the students on the bus start screaming in horror.
Five minutes later
Warsaw Police Department
At this time, the entire police department was investigating the case about that missing tank truck, and Kyouko Kirigiri who had just arrived there, was helping in the case. Due to Kyouko's fame and high reliability, the Polish police immediately allowed her to investigate the case.
Just as Kyouko was viewing files in front of her table, a police officer headed towards her.
Police officer: We found the sight of that stolen truck, at the PEG Narodowy! Terra of the Left was on it!
"PEG Narodowy" was the official name for National Stadium of Warsaw ever since 2015. Hearing this news, Kyouko immediately took actions and went towards the place alongside a team of Warsaw police.
Warsaw National Stadium
On the school bus
The dense cloud start building above the National Stadium, and it looked like that a rainstorm was coming. Meanwhile, on the school bus, Sumeriko and Shinya started to cuff the students - as well as the driver - on their seats. The driver's seat was currently empty.
The students tried to resist, but some of them were punched and threatened. Terra walked in the aile of the bus, swinging his gun and threatening to them.
Terra: I want you all to know; this was a very difficult decision for us. It was between you and a senior citizen bingo party.
While Terra was threatening the students, Shinya was pulling the pipe out of the oil truck.
Terra: In the end, we decide to skew a little younger. Youth won the day. Sorry.
The bus was full of crying noise and many schoolgirls were crying. Terra, however, was grinning sadistically as if he was doing a comedy talk show. Then, he hopped to the door as Shinya went closer to the bus with the pipe.
Shinya: Give me an "O"!
No one responded Terra, and the students were still crying and screaming. Terra got impatient and so he fired a shot at the top and shouted.
Terra: I say, give me an "O"!
Students were too afraid to resist, so they immediately responded as Shinya handed the pipe to Celestia, and Celestia went onto the car. Some Mafusa Gang members were guarding the bus.
Students: "O"...
Terra: Give me an "N"!
Students: "N"...
Terra: Give me another "O"...
Students: "O"...
Then, Celestia gave Terra the pipe. Terra sadistically smiled to his victims as Shinya, Sumeriko and Celestia left the bus.
Terra: What does that spell? ... "Oh, no."
After that, Terra opened the pipe and sprayed the gasoline on the head of every students. The students start screaming and crying in mass panic. Terra then pointed at the ceiling as the gasoline start pouring down in a form of fountain due to being blocked by the metallic ceiling.
Then, Terra went down from the bus as Shinya hopped and hopped with her excitement sky rocketed.
Shinya: Do it! Do it! Do it!
Terra then showed his lighter which he had previously hidden in his pocket.
Terra: Ready? OKAY!
The students on the bus started to scream and cry even harder in sheer horror. Terra tried to alight the bus, but sadly for him, the lighter would not work. Terra was so frustrated that he threw the lighter away.
Terra: This is so embarrassing...
Terra immediately went on the bus once again to face the feared students.
Terra: Anyone got a light?
The students cried and screamed in wild terror. No one dared to answer him. Just then, that Mafusa Gang member picked another lighter out from his pocket. That Mafusa Gang member was some mentally unstable guy abducted by Terra and coerced to do his work.
Mafusa Remnant: I do. I got...
Just as the gangster tried to handed the lighter to Terra, they heard sirens closing in. Then, several police car arrived. Kyouko went down the lead car wan ran towards Terra. Terra grinned as he prepared to attack the police
Terra: Stand your ground, my friends. They won't shoot at a bus.
Then, Shinya and Sumeriko immediately fired shots at the police car. Shinya then raised her arm to fan the wind, and a wave of dust blew across the police team. Kyouko lowered her head as the visibility started to became weaker.
Kyouko: Hold your fire! Hold your fire!
Just then, the police officer got shot by Shinya as he tried to shoot Shinya down. Another shot was fired at Kyouko before she immediately dived herself behind the car door so that the bullet would be block. Soon, as the crossfire continued, the visibility was restored to normal.
Seeing this chance, Terra put his thumb and index finger in his mouth and whistled.
Terra: Sumeriko, Celestia, get the truck started! We're gonna blow this barbecue!
Sumeriko and Celestia immediately went to the truck. Kyouko then went out of her cover and ran towards Terra with her gun. Then, Terra summoned a piece of rock to hit Kyouko, but it missed. Kyouko hid herself behind another car in the parking lot.
Terra: Just come out, detective. I saw you! Don't worry. I will not kill you!
Terra then grabbed a rifle beside him and fired the shots at Kyouko, but Kyouko did not show her head. She was waiting for the chance to fight back, and soon... the chance had come.
???: Surrender now, Terra!
Terra heard the voice and looked around, but then he got a punch at the face. Terra got a nosebleed and he brushed the blood of his nose immediately.
Terra: What happened?
As Terra tried to figure out the situation, Shinya was beaten down at once, with a scream. Terra immediately saw the man who had attacked Shinya. It was Acqua of the Back. Terra grinned wickedly as Acqua turned back and looked at him angrily.
Terra: Hello, old friend.
However, just as Acqua was about to attack Terra, Shinya behind him immediately stood up and then she drew a knife from her pocket. Fortunately, as Acqua managed to interrupt the crossfire, Kyouko went out of her cover and shot at Shinya's arm. Shinya dropped her knife but then her grinning face turned to Kyouko.However, Acqua seized the chance and kicked Shinya. Shinya fell on the ground. Acqua then ran towards Kyouko. Fortunately, neither of them was harmed.
Acqua: Do I miss any chance to punch someone?
Kyouko: No, maybe a little bit too early.
Acqua and Kyouko looked at each other and smiled. They haven't seen each other for quite a long time. Seeing Acqua's presence in the scene, Terra of the Left looked at Shinya. Shinya, however, looked at Kyouko as she stood up, and her arm was regenerated due to her Cyborg status.
Shinya: There is a way towards the Heaven, but you won't follow it. There is no door in front of the Hell, but you just want to get in. Fine, "Ms. Detective", as you wished!
Looking at Kyouko as she glared at her, Shinya bit her lips as she raised his hand, shouting out...
Shinya: LIGHT 'EM UP!!!
Then, the Mafusa Gang member crouched before the bus and started to light up the gasoline. Terra went on the truck, and Shinya & Sumeriko started it, but Shinya grabbed the pipe and then she sprayed more gasoline at the bus and the cars parking beside, all the time while laughing madly.
Shinya: HAHAHAHA!!! OH, HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
Shinya then jump on the truck while holding the pipe, laughing all the way. The people within the bus screamed aloud and continued to scream as the truck went away. Kyouko wasted no time to attack the Mafusa gangster and knocked his lighter on the ground.
However, the lighter immediately ignited the gasoline at the scene. Seeing this, Kyouko punched the gangster, subdued him and took him to Acqua. Then, she wasted no time going on the bus and drove the bus on her own, leaving the fire behind as far as she could.
Just as Kyouko drove the bus away from the gasoline as quick as she could, an enormous explosion occured from behind and Kyouko immediately stopped the bus. Fortunately, no one on the car was harmed.
Kyouko: Is everyone okay?
Kyouko turned back her head and was relieved to see all of the victims were now safe. Just then, as the students' crying was about to faded, the rain itself start pouring down.
Five minutes later, the firefighters arrived to put off the remaining fire. Kyouko cuffed the Mafusa Gang member on his left wrist and cuffed the same cuff on her right wrist. Then, she an pulled the man towards the police car, but the man did not resist. Acqua was pushing the Mafusa remnant from behind.
Kyouko: Now, I got you! Tell me why on Earth are you doing this!
Mafusa Remnant: Please, detective, I was coerced, abducted and coerced.
Acqua: By whom?
Mafusa Remnant: EVERYONE ABOVE ME! The Church, the Ultimate Despair, Sasha, the Pope himself... and of course, the entire KnightWalker Family! In this course of war, no one is actually safe!
Acqua and Kyouko did not want to waste time on this, so Kyouko demanded a straight answer almost immediately.
Kyouko: What is your purpose for this riot, anyway?
Mafusa Remnant: You think it's just a riot? It is a distraction made by His Holiness. We will distract others to ambush a place.
Hearing this, Kyouko's eyes widened. She realized the situation was getting worse and she immediately asked.
Kyouko: Where?
Mafusa Remnant: If I have to tell you, you must wager that I would never---
Before the Mafusa Gang remnant could answer, a large and sharp iron dart had struck on the man's neck, piercing it all of a sudden. As the man fell dying on the ground, Kyouko immediately uncuffed herself and hid herself behind a car.Then, theyy immediately went to look at a building beside her, the place where the dart apparently came from. No more darts came from the place to attack people anymore.
Acqua: (think) *Wasn't that... she?*
On that building, Sister Paula glared at the scene with a sneering expression before she put the remaining darts back into her box and left instantly.
Act 2 - Water of Life (3-2 days ago)[]
3 days ago[]
Ukraine
Pripyat
Russian Resistance Base
1:40 PM
After the attack in Poland
Patriarch Krans' speech to Russian Resistance[]
Krans: In the past, we ignored the advice of the public, followed the suggestions of a few people and were unable to undo our choice. As for how tragic the situation was, I suppose everyone knows it better than I do. Regarding this historical error, we can't make any excuses.
Krans: At least what I can do is to end all these abnormal situations as soon as possible, and let the world regain the peace that it should have had.
Krans: Before all of these end, we shall be punished.
Krans: So before that, please give me some time.
Krans: A minority may be unhappy with this result, and may feel that putting down our arms isn't what we should do. However, I want everyone to calm down and think: what were we fighting for? If it's to fight for our family, our friends, our lovers, all the people that are important to us, this is the time, the moment to get all of 'these'. Continuing to fight on will only cause you to lose 'these'.
Krans: The thing that made us recognize this were the actions of everyone on the battlefield.
Krans: Facing the supernatural disaster near the end of the war, we chose a 'correct' move that's way above us, helping everyone, enemies and allies, without any difference. I believe that we can accept this ending.
Krans: From now on, I declare that all fighting will cease. I hope for everyone to agree with this decision, and will be recorded for a future peaceful world to see.
Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church
Krans R. Tsarski
After the speech is over[]
Krans R. Tsarskiy
The young patriarch walked himself from the stage, and after ten seconds of silence, a thunderous clap had spread. The patriarch had just encouraged people to bring peace upon this world, but unlike the late Pope Matthai Reese, this 13-year-old young man was not pessimistic about the future. He believed that the war must be stopped and peace will reign.
After coming down the stage, the clergies of Eastern Orthodox Church immediately picked him up right in front of him. Despite being a child, Krans has the diplomatic, political, and charismatic skills to be a Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church. However, as he is a child, he still has childish qualities, which most often times rises up to the surface when it comes with the antics of his subordinates Misha and Vasilisa. In fact, Vasilisa calls him "pure" and does the dirty work for him to preserve it.
Vasilisa was the first to help the patriarch. Suddenly, she caught the patriarch coughing.
Vasilisa: Your Holiness, are you all right?
Patriarch Krans kept coughing and eventually, he sighed. There was blood on his hand. Vasilisa looked at the patriarch with the tears in her eyes. She tried to smile at him as a sign of encouragement, but she found her smile unnatural so she stopped. The Patriarch then stopped coughing blood bit by bit.
Krans: The environment itself was going bad... *cough* Our planet is facing its doom. What is worse, I can imagine what will happen to us when the new pope signed his treaty... to join the KnightWalker Family. I am worried about Acqua of the Back as well. I fear that he won't make it back from Poland. 60 years ago, there was a nuclear meltdown in Chernobyl....
Before he could finish, the patriarch began to cough once again. Vasilisa immediately went on comforting the patriarch. She helped the patriarch to sit himself on a bench beside him. The patriarch looked at the ruins of Chernobyl far away from him.
Krans: 60 years later, there are numerous nuclear war all around the world. The race of human beings is reducing itself... or more precisely, WE are reducing the kin of OURSELVES.
Just as the patriarch was speaking, Vasilisa looked at the abandoned ruins of Chernobyl and sighed as well. Just then, they heard a female voice appeared behind him.
???: The leader of Necessarius is here!
The two turned their head and turned back. They saw two people, one is a young girl with red nun's habit, and one is a man with black robes and long red hair.
Man: Oh, well, it seemed that I am not here too late, right? The archbishop herself is always accurate on time. I am glad that I took her advice.
Patriarch Krans struggled himself to get up. Recently, he was severely sick, possibly due to the radiations as well the pollution.
Krans: Ah, finally, Stiyl Magnus... You are finally here.
Standing in front of him was the leader of the Necessarius, a sub-faction within the Anglican Church. The man named Stiyl Magnus bowed in front of the Patriarch and spoke gently. His cigarette was holding in his hand.
Stiyl: I am sorry of being so late, Your Holiness, but we were searching for Carl Robinson who went to Rome for chasing Carissa, but we found no trace of him. I suspect that he was abducted. Just then, Archbishop Laura demanded me to search for your help. Then, this Sister... Sister Misha... came to me, saying you need my help. Then, I followed her to see you.
Sister Misha Kreutzev is an operative of Annihilatus, an organization of the Russian Orthodox Church that specializes in the hunting down of spirits that are not supposed to exist, with Vasilisa as its leader. She is the nun standing beside Stiyl.
Hearing this, Patriarch Krans sighed and looked at Stiyl calmly.
Krans: I am seeking help and backup from Anglican Church. It is easier say than done to end this war and keep it in peace, so we need help from every forces that can be united. However, would you please tell me why your Archbishop seeks my help?
Stiyl: Yes, Your Holiness... It was Corporal Matt Butcher, who had found out that his sister - a nun from Catholic Church - was brainwashed by Aleister Crowley to become their unwitting pawn. He heard that the Russian Orthodox Church had Water of Life that could save them, so he advised our Church to seek for your help.
Hearing this, the patriarch then walked himself in circle while lowered his head, falling into thoughts, and then he looked at Styil before he stopped.
Krans: Stiyl, in a time like this, we can provide the Water of Life. It can only be provided in critical times, and it is the most critical time for us ever. However, are you sure that this will eventually save Matt's sister?
Stiyl nodded his head.
Stiyl: Maybe we can undo what Aleister Crowley do to them. It was our last hope and eventually, if we failed... then we have to kill our formerly potential allies. Then, Carl Robinson may not be saved.
Krans felt his heart hurt when he heard "formerly", and then he bit his lips.
Krans: I agree. I think God is giving us more chances to win this war with the least causalities.
Unbeknownst to the patriarch, Stiyl or the Eastern Christians, there was a telescope observing beside them maliciously... as the patriarch continued.
Krans: Here is some good news from Sephiria Arks KnightWalker. She told us that Chronos Empire had two new member. One is Adam Frankenstein and another called herself the Bride. The two people were fighting in China, in a valiant way. We will unite with them when situation needed, and soon together, we will reclaim Russia. The fight must end, otherwise all those sacrifices will be utter meaningless. All we left in the world will be blood and cadavers.
Vasilisa and Misha looked at each other and then they nodded stoically. A smile appeared on her face.
Vasilisa: I know that. Your Holiness, I will manage to help those people back into their own personality, releasing them from Michael's control. Then, we shall end this in the right way forever.
The patriarch put his hand on the shoulders of Vasilisa.
Krans: The only antidote that may cease Crowley's brainwashing lies within the precious Water of Life. I have a vast containing under the basement, hiding away from radiations. I will show them to you.
At the scene far away, Noelle Bor and Katherine Sforza (both still under brainwashing at that time) were lurking behind a tree. Finishing his supervision, Crowley threw away his telescope away from his hand. Then, he raised his hand. Behind him, a horde of magical Catholic knights revealed themselves and rushed towards the scene.
Above them, a bomber started to flew towards them and bombed the place. The patriarch and other immediately bowed down and avoid the bombs. Fortunately, no one was hurt.
Then, the patriarch looked aside and saw Sforza and Noelle running towards them. Others did not see the people clearly, though.
Krans: The AX? What are they doing here?
Krans saw Sforza's eyes and was shocked that the Cardinal's eyes had turned into something lifeless. It was like something had erased her soul and made her into an empty shell. Krans then turned to Vasilisa immediately, shouting.
Krans: Vasilisa, take Mr. Magnus to the Water of Life!
Vasilisa: But Your Holiness...
Before Vasilisa could answer, several Eastern Christians arrived and escorted Vasilisa, Misha and Stiyl away. Krans narrowed his eyes and immediately went into battle stance. Suddenly, Stiyl saw Noelle within the place and his eyes widened.
Stiyl: Patriarch, that nun in white habit was Corporal Matt's own sister!
The patriarch immediately observed Noelle as she raised her staff and hit him, but she missed. The patriarch managed to control his own situation by activating one of his most formidable magic power; the Spell of Seven Deadly Sins.
The Patriarch then changed his appearance into a more and more demonic form with grayish horn as well as a black robes. His enemies walked back by his formidable appearance, and even the Patriarch himself seemed to be displeased.
Krans: Even if I hate this appearance as if I am a true devil, I need to fight with it! Now, today is for...
A large circle dial had appeared on the stage, divided in seven parts in a shape of fans, each of them occupied 1/7 of the whole circle. Each part has a different color and the colors were from rainbows. On each fan, there are dates written on each of them, from Monday to Sunday. Each part represent a sin and a different ability.
Then, the arrow on the dial started to spin rapidly until it pointed at one of the colors. At this time, seven shadows in different colors started to casted on the ground.
Then, the arrow pointed itself on Monday as it stopped spinning.
Monday - Gluttony
The orange shadow started to take form while the other six shadows faded away. A large metallic mouth with sharp teeth (in the color of orange) appeared in front of him, and he immediately placed the metal mouth on his face.
Krans: Class begins!
Room of Water of Life
5 minutes later
As the battle on the ground continued, Vasilisa had already led everyone into a basement. They walked downstairs all the way into the basement. Then, Vasilisa opened the door and led them into a room. The room had several fountains with different size within it, glowing in shining blue lights. Vasililsa pointed at the fountain as she was holding a glass bottle in her hand.
Vasilisa: Now, behold the Water of Life.
Stiyl: Magnificent...
Everyone who first took a look at the Water of Life shall be amazed since it was some kind of holy water that was unspoiled and pure, able to cease the power of some sort of mind-control. Vasilisa then immediately went to the middle of the fountain and took a glass bottle full of it. The bottle was large and it contained enough water to purify two Catholic priestesses.
Stiyl looked at Vasilisa with a smile before she haded the bottle to him. Misha was very happy about this.
Misha: Now, if we catch up with the Patriarch in time, we can save him. Everything will be all right from now on!
However, Stiyl looked at Misha as he put a cigarette in his mouth but was yet to ignite it. His smile faded.
Stiyl: I don't think so. I doubt if there is going to become troubling if...
Before finishing his talk, a dark presence not far away had appeared, and it made everyone stopped their footsteps.
???: Good evening, my dear but foolish friends. Do you all miss me? I miss all of you!
A wicked giggle echoed in the room and Vasilisa went looking around with shock.
Vasilisa: Don't you tell me it is her...
As Vasilisa was panicked, a devilish shadow stared to surface from the darkness in front of them. It was a young woman with white uniform as well as pale hair. She wickedly grinned at them. It was Shinya Banba, coming all the way from Poland.
Shinya: The trip was tiring so I came here before sundown, but it is worthy to try. Now, hand me that bottle of water, now.
She the threw a knife at Vasilisa, who immediately dodged it. Then, Shinya grabbed the bottle from Stiyl when he was distracted by his shock, and then she hopped at the stairway before putting the bottle carefully in her bag.
Vasilisa was horrified and she immediately shouted out in sheer anger.
Vasilisa: WHO SAID THERE WAS GOING TO BE ALRIGHT? AND WHO SAID THERE WAS GOING TO BECOME TROUBLING!?
Misha: Not me.
Stiyl: Not me, either.
Vasilisa glared at the two like she was saying, "I will talk to you guys about that later." Then, she faced Shinya.
Vasilisa: Shinya, why are you here?
Shinya shrugged her shoulder as if she never tried to respond or answer the question.
Shinya: Oh, it was simply a long trip after I made that distraction in Warsaw. Without Acqua of the Back, I bet there is no one here is going to protect you!
Shinya then laughed maniacally, but Stiyl went angry. He then threw several rune cards at Shinya, and Shinya dodged it with great speed. The cards of Stiyl burst into flames as they landed on the ground.
Annoyed, Shinya immediately drew her knife and leaped towards Stiyl. However, Vasilisa immediately summoned several thin strings that tied on her finger and tied the arms and hand of Shinya.
Vasilisa: Don't you ever come closer to him!
Vasilisa smiled at Shinya as if she had already won, but the next thing had made her jaw opened.
Despite stopped due to the strings, Shinya grins wickedly as she clicked on a red button on her knife, and it immediately turned into a shape of letter "L", now looking like some sort of boomerang.
Shinya then threw the boomerang, and everyone watched it flew in a trail of circle, cutting all of the strings that tied Shinya, before Shinya managed to catch it without getting harmed. Then, the knife itself returned back to normal shape.
Vasilisa: What on Earth... ?
Vasilisa could not believe her eyes, but then, as Shinya charged at Stiyl once again, Stiyl immediately raised his hand. A beam of flame started to take form within his hand. Then, the beam itself had turned into a shape of a large sword.
Stiyl: Vasilisa, run! You take the Water of Life to the Patriarch!
Vasilisa then saw Stiyl's attack before she nodded and went upstairs. Now, holding his flamming sword, Stiyl looked at Shinya with no fear in his eyes.
Stiyl: One of the five great elements from which the world is constructed. The great flame of the beginning. It is a light of blessing that raises life and a light of judgment that punishes evil. It is overflowing with calm blessings and with freezing misfortune that destroys cold darkness. Its name is fire and its role is the sword. Be manifested and become the power that eats into my body!
Suddenly, as Stiyl casting the spell, he threw the fiery sword above him and it immediately expanded into a 10-feet-tall humanoid monster that was surrounded with flame, and the fire monster was glaring at Shinya. Stiyl looked at Shinya who was charging at him with scoff.
Stiyl: I wonder if you can take this! Now, die!
The fire monster roared and started to attack Shinya with its fist, as others were trying to escape the fight in order to escort the bottle filled with Water of Life. They went upstairs but Shinya immediately saw them so she stopped right in front the fiery monster.
Shinya: Oh, wait a minute.
Shinya then threw a rock from her pocket and it hit the head of Vasilisa, but Vasilisa went forward without getting hurt as she immediately punched the face of Shinya, and Shinya immediately slashed the shoulder of Vasilisa. Injured, Vasilisa immediately stepped back and covered her wound.
Shinya: Oh, you've got a little fight in you. I like that.
???: Then, you're gonna love me!
'Shinya turned back and felt that a purple mist was formed, and then, a vine came out from the ground and punched Shinya down, but she got up in less than 10 seconds.
Shinya: What happened?
Shinya glared around and was shocked to see a red-haired woman dressed in green. The woman walked out from the purple mist and smiled at her. Then, she took bag of Shinya, which the bottle filled with Water of Life was inside it, almost instantly. Fortunately, the bottle was not broken.
???: You are not the only one who arrived after a long way trip. I, too, arrived here after departed from China in order to aid the Patriarch. Now, you are under arrest.
Shinya the grabbed the collar of the woman in green as she tried to slash her throat.
Shinya: Don't you ever pretend to be so nice and sophisticated in front of me! I know who you are, Poison Ivy, and this time you just crossed my line!
However, the woman in green cloth raised her hand as a long and thick vine broke into the wall and immediately tied the waist of Shinya. That woman in green was indeed Poison Ivy.
Poison Ivy: The plants hate you who dare to cross their mommy.
Stiyl saw this and immediately withdrew from the battle, letting the fire monster to disappear. Just then, a woman with long hair came down from the stairs. It was none other than Kanzaki Kaori.
Kaori: Stiyl! Are you guys all right?
Stiyl waved his hand and smiled at her. Behind Kaori, there was several nuns from Agnese Forces as well, led by Agnese Sanctis and Sister Lucia.
Lucia: Ah, at least we are not here too late.
For now, before the English Civil War's ending, the Agnese Forces, realized what was happening in the City of Vatican despite not knowing Michael Langdon's role in it at that time, had allied themselves with Anglican Church as an temporary truce between them since the KnightWalker Alliance is a much bigger threat to them.However, as soon as they arrived at the scene, they immediately saw Misha standing not far away. They saw her nun's habit and were very surprised and curious.
Lucia: Wait, "what" is that?
The nuns immediately gathered around Misha and started to discuss about her dress, making Misha quite shocked, embarrassed and displeased by all this.
Kaori, Ivy, Stiyl and Vasilisa looked at this scene and were all unamused. They had an enormous drop of sweat hanging above their head. Suddenly, Kaori had noticed one important thing.
SHINYA ESCAPED!
Kaori: Everyone?
Trying to tell everyone the shocking news, Kaori was so surprised to see everyone was pointing and discussing about Sister Misha's habit behind her, in an awfully scornful attitude... despite in different ways to describe it.
Orsolas Aquinas: Sorry, but I really mind this kind of weird dressing, Sister Misha.
Kaori: Oh, no, wait...
Lucia and Agnese looked at each other while discussing.
Lucia: Gah, this is dreadful and strange. I wonder if her head was accidentally crushed by a closing door when she was a kid.
Kaori: Guys, come on...
Everyone chose to ignore Kaori, however.
Angnese: Yeah, she must suffered from an accident, causing her being so silly that she could not even wear her dress right. However, instead of the door stuff, I prefer this - She might had her head kicked by a donkey.
Kaori: No, no...
Angelene frowned bitterly as she looked at Misha.
Angese: I never see any normal individual had the nerve to wear such a dress.
Kaori: You are missing the point.
Caterina started her sarcasm mode.
Caterina: What a freak. No one can wear such an unorthodox dress like this in such an Orthodox Church.
Hearing all those silly jokes filled with sarcasm, Misha felt greatly humiliated by this and she closed her eyes and grabbed her thigh. She really fed up with it. People all ignored Kaori's words, making Kaori not happy, either.
Misha: God! It was never my fault, okay?
Yelling in dismay, Misha lowered her head and was angry.
The nuns of Agnese Forces had made her feel embarrassed. In fact, that strange habit was made by Vasilisa who encouraged her to wear it just a few days ago.
Kaori: HEY! YOU GUYS! SHINYA ESCAPED! STOP OR I'LL FIRE---AH!
Fortunately, Kaori immediately stopped this by yelling to everyone. Soon, everyone went quiet and got frightened. They all looked at the place where Shinya was tied by vines.
Lucia: How did she ever escaped?
Agnese: Teleportation, I assume...
Everyone looked at each other with dismay in their eyes and Kaori lowered her head. Now, no one had their mind in teasing Misha's own habit, as it was not important compared to Shinya's disappearance. Kaori immediately crossed her arms and sighed.
Kaori: Huh, we let her get away once again... Now, go on, discuss her dress!
No one dared to respond her.
Kaori: Now, we were like letting a boiled duck to fly away! Fatal mistake! Guys, come on. It is not the right time for us to discuss someone's wearing. Now, I was wondering if Shinya's sudden retreat was a evil plot all along.
The nuns all looked at her, and then they stopped pointing at Misha's dress, much to the latter's relief. Agnese Sanctis first stood out and speak.
Agnese: I agree, and perhaps we must go to save the Patriarch and find Shinya instead of wasting time in here. Since the current pope is becoming more and more vicious and unpredicable, anything can happen.
As Agnese was talking, she immediately went on upstairs with her eyes narrowed. She held her Lotus staff even tighter as her face was wearing a confident smile on it, showing her confidence.
Agnese: As the leader of the Agnese Force, I won't be here to waste anytime. Kaori is right. We must hurry.
Then, the remaining nuns looked at Agnese going on and followed Agnese's footstep, followed by Kaori, Vasilsa and Misha. Poison Ivy and Stiyl was at the back of the row.
Poison Ivy: Wait for me!
Poison Ivy immediately went to follow them, but then when she noticed that Stiyl was standing there still while looking at him, she was so surprised that she immediately turned back.
Poison Ivy: Why, you...
All of a sudden, Poison Ivy's eyes immediately matched with the eyes of Stiyl, and then she felt her heart was beating. Trying to control her silly feelings, Ivy immediately asked.
Poison Ivy: Hey, Magnus, why are you still here? There is no time. Are you liking the place to the point that you want to leave?
With a poker face, Stiyl calmly stretched his palm to Ivy, meaning he wanted something from her.
Stiyl: No, at first you must hand me the bottle with the Water of Life.
Hearing this, Poison Ivy was surprised and blushed. Then, that Gotham siren mischievously ran away.
Poison Ivy: I won't! Catch me if you can!
Stiyl was mildly annoyed and then he immediately chased her, yelling at her from behind.
Stiyl: Woman! Hey, give me that!
Russian Resistance Base
As the fight on the ground continued, the Catholic Church's intruders began to fell into disadvantages when the Patriarch turned into a demonic form that was such a shocking and unexpected presence.
What was more, in such a form with a monstrous mouth, the Patriarch had ate and crushed every single weapons and attacks coming from the Holy Knights of Catholic Church, whether it would be arrows, darts or bombs.
Some Holy Knights were in such a fright and they started to retreat, but Caridinal Sforza and Sister Noelle were still fighting the Patriarch.
Krans: Get off my friends! I won't let you hurt them ever again!
Despite being someone who had hated fighting and prefer peace, Patriarch Krans fought with all his might in order to protect his friends. Cardinal Sforza looked at the Patriarch with awe.
Sforza: (think) Such a formidable, deadly and bodacious skill... This is the Spell of Seven Deadly Sins?
Sforza narrowed her eyes and stopped attack. The Patriarch also stopped and looked at her.
Krans: Listen to me, Sforza! You are not suppose to be someone like that! If you give yourself in, I promise I won't kill you.
Sforza bit her lips and then she picked a small green bottle, so small that it was only in the size of her thumb. Then, Sforza immediately put the bottle in the dart and threw the bottle towards the Patriarch. The Patriarch immediately went forward before ate the dart that hid the small bottle.
Krans: You still want to resist? Impossible. No matter what your attack is, I shall eat every last one of them!
Hearing this, Sforza scoffed in scorn and then she spoke something. It was the Patriarch to be surprise after that.
Sforza: Unfortunately, Patriarch Krans, you have lost. That dart contained a bullet-sized bottle which was the gift from the Pope, containing poison that would be evaporated once the bottle was opened. The poison shall kill you in three minutes after I opened the bottle by pushing this button.
The Patriarch's eyes widened in shock as Sforza looked at him indifferently. She then revealed a remote with one red button on it. Noelle's face expression immediately changed.
Sforza: What are you going to do, then? You think the toxin inside you will be harmless for you, right? Otherwise, is there anything in that metal mouth that can keep you unharmed from the attack?
Sforza's question was another one with sarcasm, and the Patriarch became very embarrassed. Noelle was even more panicked and she went forward.
Krans: Uh, yes and no...
Noelle: Well, that...
Before Noelle could finish, Sforza ignored her and pushed down the button.
Sforza: If even you don't know about this, well, Patriarch Krans, you can have a try on it.
Then, the Patriarch heard a bang inside his body and he felt pain in his guts. He immediately covered his stomach in pain. Ignoring Noelle beside her, Sforza looked at the Patriarch struggling and she continued her words.
Sforza: That was the first attack from this new weapon, and you still got three minutes to live.
Noelle: I want to tell you... that...
Krans: Three minutes? That's enough!
While Krans was speaking, the chromatic dial appeared behind Krans once again and spun once more. Six other shadows returned back under the Patriarch's feet. Sforza observed at him with surprise.
Sforza: Hmm? That dial seemed different...
Soon enough, the chosen color was red and its morrow day that represented was Sunday.
Krans: That's it!
The orange shadow soon faded and the red shadow started to appear, as the iron jaw on the face of the Patriarch was replaced by a red semi-eyepatch that covered the right eye of the Patriarch.
Sunday - Lust
Seeing this, Sforza was panicked and shocked. Her face turned redder due to shock.
Sforza: What are you doing!? This is not going to end well! This is madness!
Patriarch Krans immediately yelled to Sfroza.
Krans: Enough from this nonsense, Catholic! This kind of power is different from all we think it might be. It will make a twist! All this power in this spell shall be powerful, revered, excited and make a great difference to the entire story.
Noelle: Wait a minute! I...
Then, the dial spun once more, and it interrupted what Noelle tried to say, but Sforza then noticed the red mark on the dial disappeared.
Sforza: The red mark disappeared... which means the power you had chose shall not be chosen once again after you activated this power, right?
Krans: Correct, and the disappeared color shall reappear in the next day. Or in another words, after activating Lust, I shall use any power I want in just one day. I can choose a day to gain its power.
Sforza scoffed deviously after hearing this.
Sforza: A day? Never forget about the poison inside you, since you have less than one minute left to live.
Krans: Huh, never mind. I will live on once I activated... this.
A red beam had came out of the red eyepatch on the Patriarch's right eye and it hit the dial. It then turned wholly purple, and a large word "Saturday" was on it
Saturday - Pride
The face of the Patriarch changed again. The red eyepatch which covered his right eye disappeared, and it was soon replaced by a purple eyepatch which covered his left eye. Then, a dome formed with blue patterns had surrounded the battlefield.Just then, people who went for the Water of Life had came out of the basement. Kaori was holding a bottle of Water of Life as she looked up, seeing the demon form of the Patriarch.
Kaori: What is that?
People were all shocked to see the Patriarch in his demon form, but he did not saw them at all. In his new form, he seemed to have a personality change as well, being easily aroused in the battle.
Krans: This is my favorite power - Pride! I shall use it to ignore everything harsh, including fate, danger and anything that would stop me from bringing peace to this world! Now, in a time like this, I shall ignore the gas within that bullet-sized bottle!
Sforza heard this and she started to turn more and more worried. Krans laughed out loudly until suddenly, he held his chest and turned paler and paler. He seemed to be suffocated, much to his friends' shock.
Krans: What... what happened? Had I not ignored that gas...?
The Patriarch's demon form then suddenly disappeared as he was suffering due to his Pride power. Then, he immediately fell on the ground and passed out. Vasilisa was panicked and she then ran towards him.
Vasilisa: Your Holiness!
Vasilisa went towards the Patriarch and cradled him in her arms, and others were gathering beside her.
Vasilisa: Aw, I told you to stay away from the Spell of Seven Deadly Sin! Why don't you listen to me?
Sforza did not continue her attack as she was surprised by the event as well, but then, she heard Noelle was speaking to her behind her.
Noelle: Your Eminence, forgive me, but I need to say something. I opened the box contained our supply early this morning to have a check, and then I found the bullet-sized bottle. At first, I thought it was perfume and so I opened it to have a careful smell. I was curious since you never used perfume. Then, I smelled nothing. After that, I closed the lit before placing it back to the box.
Sforza: You...
Hearing this, Sforza was shocked and angry. She started to rant at Noelle.
Sforza: You idiot! Why did you not say it earlier?
Noelle: I tried during that battle after you said that bottle was filled with toxin, but no one listen to me!
Sforza: So you already know it was not a bottle of perfume, right? That is a kind of toxic gas that would be easily evaporated! Usually, you shot it inside your target before you open it with a remote, so that the gas shall expand in your target! WHEN YOU OPEN THAT BOTTLE SO RASHLY, IT WILL BE FILLED WITH NOTHING BUT AIR ITSELF!
Suddenly, Sforza's eyes widened when she spoke "air itself", and she turned her head, looking at the Patriarch who had just regained consciousness thanks to his friends' saving in time.
Sforza: So... he ignored air itself, wasn't he?
Just then, a sprinkle of water started to pour down from the left and Sforza stopped looking at the Patriarch. Both she and Noelle were now wet. Sforza started to kneel on the ground in pain as her body began to release white smokes. Noelle was having the same reaction as well. Both of them were so shocked that they could not speak a word at all.
Beside them, Poison Ivy was holding the bottle filled with Water of Life with a weird smile. Sforza was still struggling as Noelle lost her consciousness. Ivy looked at them with a sacartic smile.
Poison Ivy: Polly, want some drink?
Before Poison Ivy could finish her sarcastic tease, Cardinal Sforza covered her stomach with her hand and started to vomit blood from her mouth. She immediately covered her mouth with her hand. This greatly shocked Ivy who was looking at her moaning.
Sforza: The disease... the pain... no... Not that dreadful CROTOAN VIRUS...
Sforza coughed more and more bitterly and her hand were tainted red with her blood. Shocked, Poison Ivy immediately turned at others who were still taking care of the Patriarch.
Poison Ivy: Guys, there are some more people who needed help from us!
Poison Ivy became more and more worried when she heard the word "Croatoan". Hearing her call for help, Stiyl immediately led everyone went to Sforza who were still coughing.
Stiyl: What happened?
Poison Ivy shook her head in confusion.
Poison Ivy: I don't know. She was fine before I spray the Water of Life on her. It seemed to have effects on removing the brainwashing, but I never expected that things will become like this. I have no idea. I did not do anything.
As Ivy was speaking, more and more people gathered around Sforza, who became weaker. Poison Ivy bit her own lips as she looked at Sforza.
Poison Ivy: We must save her in time.
Vasilisa was shocked to hear that, and her gaze widened.
Vasilisa: Are you kidding me? This woman almost kill the Patriarch.
Hearing this, Poison Ivy glared at her angrily.
Poison Ivy: But not on her own free will, thank you for your reminding. I think she is not dangerous now. The Water of Life works.
Stiyl lowered his head as he started to check Sforza. Ivy then put on a green hood before she stood up.
Poison Ivy: What a harsh winter in here.
Stiyl went to take a look as Sforza lost her consciousness. He checked her pulse, finding her still alive. Then, Stiyl checked Noelle's pulse, and Noelle was still alive as well, only in comatose.
Stiyl: Mission accomplished.
Stiyl then started to pray after closing his eyes. Then, he stood up and look at Kaori.
Stiyl: What shall we do then?
Kaori shrugged her shoulders, but Ivy turned to them and gave an idea.
Poison Ivy: Please return back to London and tell the Archbishop & Matt Butcher about what was happening in this place. Allow me and the Patriarch to deal with them.
Stiyl then stood up and looked at Ivy.
Stiyl: We are grateful for your help, Ivy. Good luck.
Stiyl then went away, and the Anglican clergies followed them as well. They soon disappeared into the mist. There were only Krans, Ivy, Misha and Vasilisa who were looking at the unconscious Noelle and Sforza.
Misha: So, what are we gonna do to them?
Patriarch's room
10 minutes later
During his days in Patriarch in Ukraine, the Patriarch was staying within a temporary office that was already abandoned for many years. He used magic to block the radiations as much as he could.
Poison Ivy took a cup of tea made with herbs as well as heated Water of Life to make Sforza drink it. Sforza drunk the tea and her face started to became redder.
Sforza: I am feeling much better now. Thank you, Dr. Isley.
Poison Ivy: Please, just call me Ivy.
Poison Ivy looked at Sforza with a sigh. Sforza was now sitting in a large chair and lowered her head. She put her hand on her cheek and was apparently stressed out.
Poison Ivy: Cardina Sforza, is there anything you knew about your disease? As a former doctor, maybe I can find some cure to this.
Sforza: Ivy...
Sforza shook her head as she trembled in pain. The pain was still inside her despite it was weaker than minutes before.
Sforza: There is no cure. My disease is somewhat like a family disease. No one exactly knows what sort of illness it is, and neither do I.
Sforza then started to cough once again and the Patriarch immediately patted her back.
Krans: Now, now...
Sforza then stopped coughing and looked at the Patriarch. Fortunately for her, she was not coughing blood this time, much to Krans and Ivy's relief
Sforza: How was Noelle? Is she okay?
Krans: She is in another room. Vasilisa and Misha were now taking care of her. She is fine.
Sforza sighed and smiled sadly as she went on explaining her disease, much to her listener's shock.
Sforza: This disease... has no cure. It is swallowing me bit by bit ever since I was small, and as the days passed, my body became more and more painful. The brainwashing of Crowley made me forgot the pain, but in fact, it was still there. This kind of plague... its virus has many varieties, but we all called it "Croatoan". This virus had no cure and would never be cured in 100%. Sometimes it is deadly, sometimes it is torturous. It had took the life of my parents and my brother, but I thought they were lucky. For me, death itself shall be a gift... and for now I never earned it.
Poison Ivy then thought for a bit and widened her eyes.
Poison Ivy: As far as I know, there is perhaps only one creature that would spread this kind of virus... even though I am not sure about it.
Krans: You mean...
Poison Ivy nodded as she was giving a startling conclusion.
Poison Ivy: Yes, the Horseman of Pestilence, also known as Conquest... One of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.
Hearing this, the Patriarch was utterly surprised.
Krans: Really?
Poison Ivy: I know this sounds crazy. However, one thing is possible - The current pope was working with them... or he worked with at least one of them; Death.
With a sad face, Kathrine Sforza then looked at the ceiling and sighed helplessly. She then closed her eyes.
Sforza: I met him, years ago in Rome. I first saw him as a kind, sweet and benevolent figure and therefore I endorsed him as the Pope. However, when he showed himself right on the Holy Seat, I felt I was looking at a stranger whenever I looked at him, looking at his eyes. His eyes were no longer green. Now, they were inhumanely red, showing a color of blood and fire.
While speaking and confessing her feelings, Sforza's face turned extremely pale and frail. All of her ten fingers was shaking, and it was obvious that she was feared.
Sforza: There was nothing left in him; no reason, no conscience, no understanding; and even the most rudimentary sense of life or death, of good or evil, right or wrong His face was once warm and smiling like white roses, but now it became cold, menacing and malicious like thorns. I spent three days trying to reach him but then I decide that I need to overthrow him when because I realized that what was living behind Michael's eyes was purely and simply... evil.
Poison Ivy and Krans looked at each other with surprise, and they turned back to Sforza once again.
Poison Ivy: So you suspected that the current pope was evil already.
Sforza: Yes, but I was later brainwashed by Crowley right before the coronation. He knew that I sensed something was wrong when Michael returned back to St. Peter's Ballisca. I do not understand... Is he born to be like this?
The patriarch did not answer this. Instead, he presented a big bottle of Water of Life before handed to her.
Krans: Ah, anyway, I think this might help you out. Find a chance to spray this on Michael or let him drink it when he was severely weakened, and if he was as you thought, this water shall do nothing but making him regain his power. Therefore, you must do it carefully. Use it when you are sure that Aleister brainwashed him... like he brainwashed you.
While the Patriarch was speaking and handing the bottle to Sforza, Poison Ivy put her dark green hood on as she wore a cryptic smile.
Poison Ivy: Yes... that is a great idea. By the way, does the Patriarch ever believe that the Pope was brainwashed?
The Patriarch turned to Poison Ivy, with a face mildly offended. Cardinal Sforza put the glass carefully into a bag. Ivy was still speaking.
Poison Ivy: Well, he never believes it, and that is why he raised army to fight against the Catholic Church so hard... Am I right?
The patriarch turned to Poison Ivy as he glared at her.
Krans: Ms. Isley, I have not get any moods to play with your sarcasm. However, you are either with me, or you are against me. If you are against me, and then I have no choice but make you into jail.
Ivy looked at Patriarch Krans calmly as the latter's lips shook in anger, but then he started to cool himself down.
Krans: You are right, Ivy. I suspect Michael's true loyalty all along ever since he coronated himself and allowed the Catholic Church to become one with the KnightWalker Alliance. At that time, I believed that those deathly chaos - including the missing of the Grand Grimoire - was brought by him.
The patriarch was referring to that serial tragedies orchestrated and/or executed by a hooded man who stole the Grand Grimoire from the Catholic Church, and soon this man was known to many as the "Unknown Grand Grimoire Figure".
Poison Ivy: I see.
Poison Ivy knew this man's true identity very well, but she continued to smile cryptically since she found it funny to hide secrets and make suspension.
Sforza: Do you know who that mysterious man is?
Poison Ivy: I can't tell, since this is so fun.
Looking at this strange woman, Sforza and Krans could never figure out what Poison Ivy was planning, but even so, considering a fact that she was also a victim of the KnightWalker Family, she would be an ally. However, Krans suspected that Ivy was hiding something, and she was enjoying in hiding it.
Then, Ivy's face turned serious once again from her darkly humorous smile.
Poison Ivy: I think this is all for now. You are right about Michael Langdon. He IS a monster born to be evil, and I once confronted him... It was a terrible nightmare fuel that even I would never remind myself of it ever again.
Poison Ivy then walked forward before she bypassed Cardinal Sforza. She did not look at Sforza but she was talking to her.
Poison Ivy: Be careful, Cardinal Sforza. Find Katarina Couteau immediately if one day you can, and you will organize a resistance using your minion. You may not use that water on Michael, but you can use it on your brethren in the AX. You are in charge of the AX, don't you?
Cardinal Sforza bit her lips.
Sforza: Yes, I am.
Hearing this, Ivy smiled again, but just a little bit.
Poison Ivy: Very well, and the key to Michael Langdon's downfall lies in the hand of yours.
Ivy then walked towards the door, and as she left the Patriarch's office, she calmly spoke something before she disappeared.
Poison Ivy: However, Your Holiness, please be careful. When you think you can bring peace in this world forever, you are digging a grave for yourself... as a martyr... unless you never underestimate Michael.
Poison Ivy then left, and the patriarch did not chase her. He only fell into thoughts.
Sforza: The Patriarch, farewell...
Sforza then bowed to the Patriarch before she left the room. She then found Noelle and they both headed towards London. After almost two days of ride on a plane to avoid Michael's supervision, they arrived at London. Then, they managed to collect the remaining pieces of Maria Arzonia's armor. They cannot find her corpses, so they secretly and humbly buried Maria in a local cemetery.
2 days ago[]
Spain
Madrid Palace
5:30 AM
After the conflicts in Poland and Ukraine, Michael Langdon went towards Madrid, the place where Maria Arzonia and her brothers were born. He walked into the palace of Madrid and looked at the barren ruins around him. A group of 3 cardinals including Aleister Crowley were behind him.
Michael: That is pathetic. All it remained after so many years is this. However, it is suitable for this forsaken world that is at the brink of chaos...
Right after the coronation, Michael managed to take over the administration of Spain itself. Since Madrid was inside a state of anarchy after the Spanish Prime Minister's death at Johan Liebert's hand, the nation of Spain was now officially just another "province" of the state of Vatican itself.
One of the cardinals, Cardinal Antonio Borgia looked around and spoke to Michael as he walked beside him with a flattering smile. He was a young cardinal with the same age as Michael.
Prior to his career as a cleric, Borgia attended the University of Cologne where he excelled as an academic, becoming a top student in his class and earning seven doctorates by the age of 24.
Unlike the other cardinals, Borgia's demeanor is not typical for a person of his station in the Catholic Church. Some individuals regard him as cheerful in any situation.
Borgia: Your Holiness, I heard that La Folia Rihavein was the lost princess of Aldegyr Kingdom, as you know.
Michael: Yes, I know, Cardinal Borgia, and so what?
Michael sat himself on a chair as Cardinal Borgia continued his words.
Borgia: I suggest to capture La Folia and send her to Aldegyr Kingdom. The current princess will be pleased, so pleased that she would join our force. Then, together, we can reunite the entire world.
Hearing Cardinal Borgia's words, Michael thought for a bit but eventually, he shook his head as if he did not fancy the idea. Cardinal Borgia's smile slowly faded.
Michael: No, it is not the best time. We need to wait for the response of Aldegyr Kingdom after that, and I don't think it will go on well.
To everyone's surprise, Michael then looked at the sky with some sort of worried face. It surprised Cardinal Borgia since he thought Michael will be glad to invite Kanon. However, he then saw Michael's face. Michael was heavily sweated and his face went pale.
Katarina, while in Sleepy Hollow
Then, Cardinal Borgia realized that he had made a big mistake. During those days across the entire Europe building his plans, Michael was very tired. To make things worse, he eventually got injured due to Katarina Couteau's final blow in their previous battle.
Then, Michael should have some time to have a rest and recover. Michael could reach Spain but he would hardly made it to Aldegyr, which was too far north. Michael should take more rest inside Vatican until he could finally recover.
Then, Michael's eyes narrowed as if he did not care about the cooperation with Aldegyr Kingdom at all. He then continued his words.
Michael: However, as I deep down into this investigation, I had found out that Aldegyr Kingdom was corrupt in the core. Its current Princess, Kanon Rihavein, sneered at humanity and had no rule on herself at all.
Michael then closed his eyes.
Michael: She is selfish, in my mind. Even if we handed La Folia to her, I think it won't be the outcome we had think about.
Just as Michael was talking, someone had immediately opened the door and interrupted the Pope's analysis.
???: Your Holiness, news from---
It was a tall, armored knight with long blue hair and a serious face. He was a knight from Neo Inquisition, and he was nearly two meters tall, towering everyone in the hall (including the pope himself). The knight looked at Michael as the former glared at him. Then, the knight himself began to feel a bit of panic.
???: Oh, sorry, Your Holiness, I should have knocked the door...
Michael: Never mind, Brother Petros Orsini. Tell me the news.
The knight named Petros Orsini, also known as il Ruinante or the Knight of Destruction, is the Chief of the Neo Inquisition. As an inquisitor, he is addressed as Brother Petros. He is shown to be rather violent with an intense hatred for vampires, and extremely dedicated to the pope, although he is not beyond showing reason or compassion.
Petros went towards Michael and whispered to him.
Petros: Your Holiness, news from Aldegyr Kingdom. Rumors had that some mysterious teenage girl was inside Aldegyr Kingdom few minutes ago, and I suspect that she is the girl named Aryana Westcott you've been looking for.
To everyone by surprise, Michael was a bit of stressed when he heard the name "Aryana Westcott", and then he immediately narrowed his eyes.
Michael: Aryana Westcott? She is in Aldegyr? No way, not so close.
Michael put his hand on his chin and started to think thoughtfully. His eyes kept wandering, and it was clear that he was worried.
Petros: What is going on, Your Holiness? Why are you worried about a teenage girl?
Michael: She is not a teenager at all.
Michael clenched his fist as the air surrounded him had frozen in entire silence...
Michael: There are rumors that some sort of Neo-Nazi organization was secretly helping the KnightWalker Alliance.
Petros: Hmm?
Michael: After my coronation, I've been studying many things, including this mysterious woman as soon as I find out that she was on Earth. I do not know everything about her, but one thing is certain. She is not someone who would like to be underestimated, period.
Hearing this, Cardinal Borgia quickly walked forward and asked.
Borgia: Why is that?
Michael sighed as he swayed his finger, and then a demonic hologram appeared in front of everyone. It was a Nazi flag with the black swastika on it. Michael looked at it with no expression on his face, but other clergies were in such a fright.
Michael: More than 90 years had past since the death of Adolf Hitler himself. However, those ideology is not that easy to kill. No matter how and why did some sort of Nazi organization formed from other space, it could only explained one thing - Someone is looking at us in this war. They may be some sort of beings that we can never comprehend with our mind.
Then, Michael turned to the frightened clergies with a gruesome smile.
Michael: As far as I know, Nazis always sneered at the Catholic Church and I won't ever expected that they will help us. I am just feeling curious who their master is. Even so, the time will come when we take our full strike. All we need to do is waiting, and during this time, we will take our enemy nations one by one - like this, Spain. I think Esther will be this nations' queen, and we will coronate her in Vatican three days later!
Having the new monarchy of Spain announced, people beside Michael then clapped their hand as the Nazi flag itself disappeared from the midair. Michael then calmed himself down.
Michael: Now, where were we? I said we need someone to negotiate with Aldegyr Kingdom... but we don't need to wait for the outcome. La Folia will die as soon as she fell into the hands of her sister. There is no doubt. At least, we will get rid of one of our most threatening threats.
Michael then looked at Petros. Petros was very dedicated to the pope and he immediately looked at him with respect. For now, Petros had served three popes in all. However, he was not pleased with the peaceful policy of Matthai Reese, the late former pope.
Michael: How was Sister Paula? Did she exterminated that Mafusa Gang member?
Pietro: Yes, she did, as you requested.
Paula Souwauski, also known as Sister Paula and codenamed Lady of Death, is a member of the Neo Inquisition. She is the second-in-command of Brother Petros. Sister Paula was one of the most fearsome figure in Catholic Church even before Michael's coronation.
In contrast to the more violent Brother Petros, Sister Paula was cold-hearted and calm. She would assassinate anyone as long as the pope requested to do so. She never mind whom she served, and she only cared about her assassination mission so that she will gain relief and enjoyment from killing.
Hearing the news, Michael was very satisfied since he knew that the dead Mafusa Gang member was abducted and coerced by the Church to assist Terra, Shinya, Celestia and Sumeriko in their actions, and it will be dangerous if he dared to expose some information to someone clever like Kyouko Kirigiri.
Michael: Very well, very well. Kyouko Kirigiri and Acqua of the Back are both at Poland, and I think the attack in Ukraine will be going on well if no one dared to interfere us.
However, Michael then gruesomely grinned once again and covered his face.
Michael: You see, the thing is funnier and funnier. We have been fooled all along, haven't we? Someone is behind the war, right?
The sudden turn of atmosphere around the hall made the clergies stunned in surprise. However, being curious about what the pope will continue in the following times, they went on concentrating themselves and listen to Michael's words. No one dared to go asleep.
Michael: Do you ever think of this? How was La Folia escaped from her own home country? She may deeply despise her life as a princess, yes, but how can a young girl just go to a city in Japan from a nation in Northern Europe?
Nobody answered, and Michael had answered it himself.
Michael:Someone... or something... must caused her escape, not for saving her, but for a desire in manipulating her. It is so interesting, and if I was not bothered by this wretched injury, I would like to meet this man or "thing" in person. I know he exist. I just do not know his name.
Chuckled sadly, Michael then scoffed as he looked at the sky. With a serious look, he then looked at the clergies.
Michael: Who cares? After all, we are all people who were chosen by fate itself. Humanity are made to be like computer programs. They shall function in the type their creator, superior or whatever...
As if he was feeling tired, Michael closed his eyes and continued.
Michael: That is how the New World Order came from. That is how Illuminati itself take its form, I believe. We are all puppets on the strings. However, they do not know that I don't need any strings. I shall be the one with puppeteers, and I shall one day dismantle this seemly stabilized order and create my own glory... before finishing the things that woman had started, once and for all.
The clergies were frightened to hear Michael's words that saying humans are mere puppets. However, they dared not interrupt him since Michael's word was referring to a realistic problem the entire humanity is going to face.
Michael: I hope you all shall be aware to that battle in Ward Walker 24 three years ago. I felt those Black Demons' power, and then I began to find my own ambition due to that mysterious black-haired woman. Her death is only just a beginning of all this mess, my friends. After we win the war, however, the world shall be push towards the brink of chaos, but I shall rewrite the history. We will remake the Church's medieval glory... before we take over the entire universe and find out what was happening outside this planet. God's honest truth.
Ward Walker 24
Michael smiled calmly all along while he was speaking, and then many people looked at each other with dismay. The black-haired woman named Scathach was the one behind the events centered around the infamous Tech of the End as well as the current shape of humanity itself.
Michael: I know what happened to her in the Battle of War Walker 24. That blue-haired lady warrior had defeated her. Azul Jissele... or more precisely, Yona Lindray, is on my list of targets as well. She once attended that so-called KnightWalker Funeral Parlor before its untimely collapse. No one, even me, shall understand the power deep inside her completely.
Slowly speaking the words one by one, Michael felt that he was regaining his power while analyzing the things which eventually triggered the war. When Michael was thinking and/or gathering information, his power shall be recovered. If he stopped thinking one day, he will behaved like an empty shell... and of course, that could not possibly happen at all.
Michael: Azul Jissele... will one day be my own prey... when I have a chance.
Suddenly, a bird's squeak could be heard far away, but it was not from a crow or a duck. It was from some large bird like a eagle. It immediately drew everyone's attention, especially Caridnal Borgia.
Borgia: Ah, my good messenger is back.
Just as he was speaking, Cadinal Borgia watched as a large brown hawk appeared, flying itself into the barren hall and landed on the shoulder of Cardinal Borgia. It was none other than the pet hawk of Cadinal Borgia himself, being his messenger.
Cardinal Borgia started to pet his hawk as he looked at it.
Borgia: What is going on in Chernobyl?
Cardinal Borgia had a special talent that was born to have - to understand all of the bird's language and can converse with birds of all kinds. The hawk itself start to "whisper" to its master. The cardinal's expression turned from surprise to doubt before he began to feel panicked.Having a unnerving feelings, Michael noticed this, and he immediately stood up from the chair.
Michael: What did it say?
Frightened, Borgia looked at Pope Michael while sweating intensely because of his feelings of nervous.
Borgia: Your Holiness, it brought bad news... Our attack in Chernobyl failed due to Poison Ivy's sudden interfering, and Cardinal Sforza and Sister Noelle were both captured by the Patriarch.
People around started to feel intense after hearing all of this bad news, while Michael remained his cool somehow.
Michael: Even if Poison Ivy joined the Patriarch and the Russian Resistance, there was no possibility that she could overthrow our plan. Is there something else that happened?
As Michael questioned Cardinal Borgia was still sweating as he turned more and more nervous.
Borgia: Yes, there is. As far as I know, the Anglican Church itself set its moves, and Laura Stuart sent Stiyl Magnus to help the Russian Orthodox Church. What is more, both Cardinal Sforza and Sister Noelle were sprayed by something called the Water of Life...
Hearing the phrase "Water of Life" all of a sudden, Michael's calm expression immediately turned into panic.
Michael: Water of Life?
Cardinal Borgia nodded as he felt that Michael himself was turning mentally unstable. That made him scared.
Borgia: Y-yes, sir...
During the time after becoming the pope till now, Michael's mental state was turning more and more unstable. He could be bright as one sunny day in one second... and in the next second, he would turned stormy and violent unexpectedly.
Borgia: The two became wet and was put into deep coma. Then, the Patriarch had kept them imprisoned. I do not know what would they do to them since that is what I know.
Michael lowered his head and put his hand on his chin. His face turned pale and sweats like waterfall started to fall from his forehead.
Michael: Water of Life... That would be a great problem... I must think of my dear Melancholia... among others... if the situation needed.
The cardinals except Borgia all looked at the pope with confusion since they did not know what the Water of Life was since it was only kept in Russian Orthodox Church.
Cardinal: What is the Water of Life?
Michael angrily looked at the cardinal and pretended that he did not know what it was. In fact, exposing the real effects of the Water of Life will cause panic in those clergies and made them doubt their own will.
Michael: How should I know? I have never been to Russia before!
Refusing to answer the question, Michael then lowered his head as the cardinals all went quiet after being rebuked.
Michael: (think) * That is not good... If I am not wrong, the Water of Life shall erase my brainwashing effects and undo what I am done. Sforza and Noelle shall betray me. I must call Melancholia if...*
Suddenly, Michael had just calm down as if the storm had itself disappeared all of a sudden. All it remained was peace once again.
Michael: (think) * No, maybe later, and I never need them. Even if they foil my plan, I will come up with a new one to fix this.*
Michael then stood up as he gathered Aleister Crowley, Brother Petros and Cardinal Borgia in front of him.
Michael: The Patriarch is not the first priority, and I will one day take him down. However, the first priority was concerning Carl Robinson, the son of the infamous Duke Firenza.
Michael then narrowed his eyes in malice. The three loyal minions looked at him with respect.
Michael: I shall put my trust in you three, and during me and Mother Superior's project on this "Firenza Junior", you must shun the entire City of Vatican. No one shall enter until I finish my project. Slaughter anyone who dare to interfere my own plan. Anyone of you who failed me shall be punished severely very soon. Capisce?
The trio then bowed at the pope deeply to show their own respect.
Borgia: As you wished, Your Holiness.
Crowley: Consider it done.
Petros: No one dare to cross you, I promise.
Having relieved, Michael then sat back into his seat with a face full of feigned concern.
However, soon enough, as he covered his mouth with his hand in order to hide an evil grin he had just let out, his true nature started to resurface. Fortunately, no one had saw what happened on him. Now, unknown to others, Michael was sadistically smirking like a total psychopath.
- Michael: Hmm... closer and closer to my most cherished wish... Yeah, I know, and I will never give up. With the blood of Firenza Junior, it will soon be clear that I will eventually gain the most of those profits in this forsaken world.
Poland
Warsaw
7:00 PM
The night had fell on the streets of Warsaw, and the crisis within the Eastern Europe was upgraded. After some time of driving, Kyouko returned to her hotel in Warsaw and decided to leave for... somewhere else. However, before that, she decided that she should check on her e-mail first.
Acqua was currently on his way back to Ukraine when he received a call for help by Vasilisa, but he would later find out that the situation was already calmed down. More than that, he would be delighted to know that they had new allies.
For some time, the smoke still filled the air after the firefighter put off the fire in front of the stadium. Fortunately, other than that deceased Mafusa Gang member, no one was actually killed or injured. However, Kyouko knew that this attack will cause mass panic, and those students may be traumatized throughout the rest of their lives and might never be recovered from those seconds from disaster. It was exactly what Michael Langdon wanted.
Some days ago, just before their return from the world of Sleepy Hollow, Sonia Nevermind had reminded her of a e-mail letter. Then, Kyouko went to open her laptop.
Kyouko: Sonia, now let's see what are you playing with me...
Kyouko opened her laptop and connected to the wi-fi in the hotel. Then, she quickly opened the e-mail of hers.
Kyouko: A new mail?
She was right. Kyouko had received a new e-mail with a file attached on it. Then, she noticed that it was Sonia who sent her this. Kyouko did not waste any time on thinking why Sonia managed to get her e-mail adress, and there was no need to do that.
All she needed to do is to open it and checked the file, and Kyouko believed that Sonia would never put a file with some computer virus inside the mail.
Then, after viewing the file, Kyouko's face turned pale in surprise. Her eyes blinked as she fell into thoughts.
Kyouko: Hmm... it really surprised me... the location and information of LN-666 Project...
Meanwhile, Tanaka returned back to the Novosic Kingdom and his eyes widened in terror. Sonia immediately went towards him and asked him.
Sonia: What happened?
Tanaka looked at Sonia and told her what happened.
Tanaka: You are right. Michael is a maniac.
Sonia: Don't worry. I will take that maniac down as soon as we have a chance. Maybe tomorrow, I will burn Vatican to the ground and crush Michael under a tank!
Tanaka: No, that is exactly what he wants.
Sonia: What!?
Sonia was unexpected to this.
Tanaka: He was making a gigantic sea monster with dead people and planned to unleash it on Earth one day so that he could flood the world. Then, no one will survive.
Sonia: What? Did you kill him?
Tanaka: I tried, believe me, but Michael was well-prepared. He set another plan - If either of he or an assistant of his was killed, the monster will be hatched prematurely. It is now almost 80% matured!
Hearing this, Sonia was shocked and her face went purple. She never expected that Michael set this plan. She could not imagine what will happen when a sea monster made from dead people's flesh roamed the land.
Peko and Fuyuhiko, who were there as well, were both shocked and they finally realized what Michael's "beast from the sea" referred to. They both seemed very frightened hearing about Michael's secret weapon.
Sonia: That much? Oh, curse that fiend... He wasn't joking about raising Hell.
Fuyuhiko: HOW COULD HE!? AHHHHHHH!!!
Peko: Master...
Tanaka: Fortunately, he promised that he won't make it to attack us unless we crossed him. However, we must be careful of him.
Hearing this, Sonia was a bit of relaxed. She lowered her head.
Sonia: Then, fine, we'd better leave him alone. He is some lucky one. By the way, Tanaka, why don't you go to outside and have a rest, please? Peko, Fuyuhiko, you two can go to Japan to set more actions. I have some more work to do.
Tanaka nodded as he walked away. Peko & Fuyuhiko were both out of the place and went to Japan for more secret actions, and both of them were discussing Michael Langdon and expressed fear, hatred and disgust.
Sonia then started to change into her princess dress, and then she wore her crown on her head. She looked out of the window and saw the holy knights of Michael had arrived in Novosic Kingdom's streets and start their construction of facilities. Sonia clenched her fist and spoke to herself in an sarcastic tone.
Sonia: At least he kept his words on this... yet I will one day let that heretic pay. However, that is not the first priority.
Sonia then went to her computer and opened it. She opened her e-mail and sent some information about LN-666 Project to Kyouko as her gratitude in working together.
Sonia: I wonder where she is now, but I am sure she is still alive, and I am glad of it. Here is my gratitude to you, Kyouko.
Reality[]
With a look of surprise, Kyouko immediately closed her laptop and put it back to her bag, and then she went out of the room after having everything packed. She was now very confident that with this advanced information Sonia provided - no matter what she was planning - it will definitely help her to take Eckidina KnightWalker down.
Kyouko: Thank for your surprise, Sonia. Now, it is time for the Ultimate Detectives to strike back for the greatest mystery they have ever encountered,
Kyouko then drove her car away... to somewhere where she could take an airplane and went back into Tenguu City, in order to reunite with her colleagues.
Before that, she phone to someone on the car, very briefly, saying...
- Kyouko: *phone* Yes, it's me. Now, case reopened.
Act 3 - Esther's Coronation (1 day ago)[]
Esther's Nightmare[]
Esther Blanchett had a dream... or more likely, a horrid nightmare.
A pitch black hole, surrounded by several shattered planets, was devouring everything in the universe.
Esther: What was happening? Where am I?
Esther tried to talk, tried to speak, but somehow she could not. She was now plunged into some sort of body horror and could not move at all.
Esther: My God... HELP ME! SOMEBODY HELP ME OUT!
Esther cried loud but she could not see anyone coming for help. However, she heard screaming everywhere as some purple light appeared far away. It was an enormous black hole, sucking every planets beside it into the void of blackness.Esther was so scared that she immediately panicked. She looked around in sheer horror, but then she heard screaming everywhere.
It was very obvious that the screaming came from those planets that were sucked by the black hole itself. The black hole started tearing the planets apart, sucking their fragments into it until nothing remained.
Esther was scared, very scared.
Esther: WHAT AM I DOING HERE? I AM HERE MYSTERIOUSLY... FOR WHAT!?
???: FOR "WHAT"?
A deep and devious voice occurred in the background as if there was someone hiding in that place.
Esther: Who?
Hearing this mysterious voice echoed in the place, Esther was terrified, so terrified that she almost even forgot how to breath. She looked around in panic, and then she saw the place was surrounded with void of dark purple.
???: YOU ARE HERE FOR WITNESSING MY OWN CHERISHED WISH COMING TRUE... AS WELL AS THE END OF THIS WORLD. GOOD EVENING, ESTHER BLANCHETT.
All around the shivering red-haired nun, numerous black and dark purple particles floated in midair and eventually, those particles started to fuse together. To Esther's horror, a towering figure of shadow that spread hatred and sadism from outside had stood in front of her. Esther start cowering in fear.
Esther: Who... who are you?
The "man" or the "thing" standing in front of her was none other than The Fallen's Essence, the foremost mastermind in the World War III who manipulated all of the evil events during this tragedy.
The Fallen: Who am I? This is not important, Esther. The most important thing is this - Are you ready for your utter demise?
Tears began falling down the cheeks of Esther as she looked at the Fallen's Essence. The Fallen's Essence now took form as an armored humanoid figure with golden helmet and a staff.
Esther: You are the Devil, aren't you?
The Fallen's Essence looked at Esther and did not show any sign of emotions.
The Fallen: Only if you think I am, but I need to tell you that I am not the Devil himself. I am a harbinger of demise himself.
Finishing his diabolical speech, the Fallen's Essence then pushed Esther further. Behind Esther, another black hole was formed, and a inhumanely green light was formed at the Fallen's own staff.
Esther: Oh, no, please, don't do this!
Coweing in fear, Esther felt that she was falling and falling, and she tried to stretch her arms and grab anything that could help her away from the black hole behind her. However, all she could grab was air itself that was filled with purple smokes.
The Fallen: Sweet dreams.
After he spoke that word with full menace, the eyes of the Fallen's Essence turned red immediately, and he let out an grin before he turned into a black void of darkness. Despite his body being fade away, the gruesome smile of the Fallen's Essence took almost 20 seconds to finally faded away... and it sealed itself in the mind of Esther.
Esther: NO! PLEASE! SOMEBODY HELP ME! I DON'T WANT TO DIE LIKE THIS! PLEASE! WHERE ARE YOU? WHY WON'T YOU ANSWER ME?! PLEASE!
As Esther cried and cried for mercy, the Fallen's Essence disappeared into the void, and Esther was falling deeper towards the black hole that was about to devour her...
- Esther: Please! No! NO!!!
Reality[]
Vatican
St. Peter's Ballisca
Two days after Michael's coronation
One day before the spin-off's beginning
6:00 AM
Esther: AHHHH!!!
Esther screamed in horror before she got up in fear, founding herself crawling on a large coffin. She shivered in horror and looked at the name of the coffin. Now, this 20-year-old young girl was wearing in a white Catholic habit.
Abel I Blanchett
The King of Spain
Esther: F-father... and mother...
In an instant panic, Esther immediately stepped back and saw the coffin right in front of her, and she turned back to see the door was opened somehow.
Starting to pray, Esther shivered in terror and fear before she started to cry in dismay, but then she felt that a hand was putting on her shoulder.
???: You started sleepwalking again, sister.
Esther turned her head back and saw a tall young lady with a military hat like Napoleon Bonaparte and wearing military suit. She looked at Esther with a soft look.
Esther: Oh, Mary Spencer? My dear sister.
Mary Spencer, the elder half-sister of Esther and the illegitimate child of the late King Abel, had hugged Esther in her arms, comforting and petting her.
Mary Spencer: It is time for your coronation, my dear sister. Aren't you happy about it?
Hearing this, Esther closed her eyes and shivered in tears. She sighed sadly.
Esther: I am not sure. I felt that my father's throne was accursed ever since his death. In a time like this, I am afraid of returning to my nation. I do not know if...
Mary Spencer: Sister?
Immediately, Mary Spencer interrupted Esther's words an the latter looked at her.
Mary Spencer: I am the oldest sister, but because my mother was not the queen, I could never ascend to the throne. Therefore, it is up to you to choose. According to His Holiness, the path you were heading towards shall end the war and bring victory to the Church and the Spainish Kingdom. If one day we reclaimed our honor, then no one shall defeat us.
Esther nodded and lowered her head. Mary Spencer hugged her sister tighter. The two siblings are the two of the few people who was not brainwashed by Aleister Crowley since Pope Michael had use on them.
Ten years ago, they became the adopted siblings (as well as children of some sort) of Michael after their former Queen of Spain mysteriously hanged herself. Esther became a nun while Mary Spencer was later promoted into the admiral of the new Spanish Navy. Mary Spencer was known as "Bloody Mary" due to her strong will as well as, of course, cruelty.
However, the sisters were both loyal to Michael and were both grateful to him, seeing him not just a brother, but a fathering figure.Esther soon calmed down and told Mary about everything she dreamed, and then Mary sighed.
Mary Spencer: This is only a dream, Esther. This is just a dream. The world won't come to an end.
In fact, the world is about to be ended. The two tragic siblings had only a few idea of what the world was like during the World War III since they had became recluses in Rome for quite a long time.
However, by using orphans in Rome as her spies, Mary Spencer still tried to contact the outside world, and all she could get was rumors.However, Mary then spoke some rumors she had just received which would finally come true in the next few days, unfortunately. It was related to Princess Kanon Rihavein... and her lost sister.
Mary Spencer: However, I am worried about La Folia Rihavein since her life is currently at risk. I have some minions who brought me a news, noting that the leaders of Peace Foundation are trying to get La Folia back to the kingdom of hers - Aldegyr Kingdom.
While Mary was speaking, Esther looked up at her sister and was curious. She was aware that La Folia Rihavein due to the widespread of the recent news, revealing that the lost princess of Aldegyr was currently in Tenguu City, Japan.
However, she had no idea what will become of La Folia after she reunited with her family. She only knew that La Folia had a sister named Kanon, but not many details she had knew.
Mary Spencer: What is more, I heard two of the leaders, Jin Kisaragi and Saeko Busujima, are heading towards Tenguu City, trying to capture La Folia back to her own home country. I assume that they wanted to gain the support from Aldegyr Kingdom, but... *sigh* Face it, they shall never make it.
Hearing this, Esther was confused, since she had no idea "what" Kanon really was beneath her nature.
Esther: Why not? I hope Kanon will be happy to reunite with her sister and help us to wind the war. I know His Holiness joined the KnightWalkers because it was the last resort, but he will find a chance to take them down.
Esther was like that. She never thought of the worst part, not because she could not figure it out, but because she never wanted to think into that way. Being a more matured lady, Mary Spencer shook her head and sighed since she knew what may happen next on this tragic princess.
Mary Spencer: That is useless. Recently, His Holiness had studied through Kanon Rihavein's own psychological state and he realized that she was nothing but a misanthropes.
Esther was unexpected to this.
Esther: What do you mean?
Mary Spencer: You don't know Kanon as much as I do. She will only trying to let her sister dead so that she will gain the full authority to ascend to the throne of Aldegyr Kingdom. His Holiness was rather feel sorry for those pathetic movements made by Peace Foundation. He would rather consider Sonia Nevermind as a benevolent queen than consider Kanon as a prefect future ruler, I believe.
Hearing her sister's words, Esther's eyes widened in sheer surprise and her lips start to tremble. Mary Spencer's words had really shocked her.
Esther: You mean... Saeko and Jin...
Mary Spencer nodded in agreement.
Mary Spencer: Yes, even if they got La Folia, they do all for SU's sake and all for nothing. They are in it but they are like losing in fogs. However, we as audience to this comedic show were knowing quite well that all of this shall be futile. Therefore, His Holiness had undo the most wanted on La Folia Rihavein and silently allowed her home country to deal with her. Now, the fate of La Folia is at the hands of her own sister.
Just then, a purple-haired woman with dark red nun's habit went into the room, looking at the two sisters with some sort of egotistic look. It was Sister Paula.
Paula: Admiral Spencer, it is time to send the princess to coronation. His Holiness was waiting for you two's presence.
Mary Spencer did not answer since she disliked Sister Paula. However, Esther had no grudge towards Paula, and she immediately went forward.
Esther: How was His Holiness? I heard he was not very well.
Paula sighed helplessly with a sad face. She then spoke something that made Esther shocked.
Paula: His Holiness was injured and stressed due to a fight with Katarina Couteau, who was supposed to be his friend. She back-stabbed him and weakened him, and thus he could barely go far away. When he came back from Spain, he was not very well. Fortunately, he could coronate you in Vatican since he was turning better.
Katarina Couteau
All the while listening to Paula's words (of course it was an ironic lie that reversed the truth), Esther immediately clenched her fist and was both furious and shocked. She trusted Michael very much and she believed him and his minions in any ways. Then, Paula managed to make Katarina unknowingly became an enemy of Esther.
Esther: You mean Katarina Couteau betrayed the Church?
Paula: Indeed she did. The Red Haired Demon, from now on, shall be your sworn enemy!
Before Paula could finish her words, Mary immediately went towards Paula and berated at her.
Mary Spencer: You say the Red Haired Demon betrayed the Church? Is there any evidence to support your theory?
Hearing this, Paula was silent and immediately bellowed at Mary angrily.
Paula: Who has that kind of power that can rip someone's flesh from bones? Who has that kind of power to break one of our most powerful mages in the Church into a state that could barely walk without a crutch?
Paula was speaking in a quick speed so that Mary could hardly cut it off.
Mary Spencer: But...
Paula: -- Who has that kind of power that slaughtered an entire squad of Mafusa Gang before tearing Aki Honda apart? It is the Red Haired Demon, as we all know it for so many years! Therefore, don't you ever look at me with that expression as if I am a liar, period!
(- Narrator: Ain't you a liar already? =_= |||)
Mary Spencer angrily glared at Paula and did not responded. Paula then showed a small box from her pocket and put it on the table.
Paula: Anyway, Admiral Spencer, I am sorry for my attitude. By the way, this box contained a gift given by His Holiness, and you may take a look.
Paula then opened the box and showed it to Mary. Mary walked forward and took a closer observe carefully. She saw a small black parang in a shape of crescent.
Mary Spencer: This is His Holiness' present... for me?
Paula nodded with a smile as she went to a crying Esther to comfort her.
Paula: It is a precious ancient artifact made in Eastern Roman Empire, or Byzantine Empire, in 10th century, and according to Cardinal Aleister Crowley, this artifact was brought by a strange hooded man to him and he kept it in control.
Hearing the phrase "hooded man", Mary Spencer had a large drop of sweat appearing on her cheek. Her face turned more and more nervous.
Mary Spencer: A "hooded man"? Wasn't he that unknown man who had stole the Grand Grimoire from the City of Vatican?
For Mary Spencer and many others, the true identity of the "Unknown Grand Grimoire Figure" was still shrouded in mystery. However, Mary had no idea that the real hooded man was now sitting right on the Holy Seat itself.
Mary: Am I right?
Paula shook her head as Mary turned more and more nervous. Then, she started to pet Esther while speaking more softly.
Paula: Not everyone had a hood, but hood is for everyone to wear. I hope you may understand my meaning. This hooded figure is not "that" hooded figure. Don't make me tell you for a second time.
(- Narrator: In fact, we had seen this parang before in The Corbin Files. Please, let us rewind the event.)
After leaving Sonia's palace, the Unknown Grand Grimoire Figure immediately teleported himself to a mysterious place, where he saw a white-haired man, dressed in green, was standing upside down and surrounded by orange lights.
Unknown: Aleister Crowley?
The man named Aleister Crowley noticed at the Unknown Figure. He was a renowned sorcerer and former Catholic Church member until he quit magic side to pursuit science and technology in order to build his own heresy, so he was considered a heathen by the whole Christian order.
Crowley was also an important member of the heretic organization known as the Golden Dawn, a evil reincarnation of the Hermetic Order of Golden Dawn.
Crowley: Who are you?
The Unknown Figure unmasked himself and revealed himself to be none other than... Michael Langdon.
Michael: Happy Thanksgiving. Who do you think I am?
Crowley: Ah... yes, there has been a while since we met last time. Happy Thanksgiving. Where is the parang I needed?
Michael masked himself once again.
Michael: I've brought it, Aleister.
Michael then gave Aleister the knife which Arzonia Brothers had stolen from Warehouse-888.
Crowley then observed the knife carefully with sheer interest and even obsession.
Crowley: Yes, it is. After Moloch's defeat, this knife was locked in Corbin's archive and more than six months later, Erza Mills gave it to someone who will later participate the Peace Foundation via Ichabod's instruction to make its evil away... and the blade was then under their protection. Even though its power no longer existed ever since Moloch's demise, it is... (sliced his own palm and see the bleeding) It is still so sharp. I will try restoring its power and Eckidina KnightWalker will be pleased. Thank you.
Crowley smiled to Michael diabolically and the latter smiled back.
Michael: They can hide this from anyone but not from me. I had learned this thanks to my travel to Purgatory.
Nowdays[]
Mary Spencer then slowly picked up the knife and looked at it carefully, as she narrowed her eyes. Suddenly, she heard some kind of whispers as if they are within her head.
She was feeling unnerved intensely...
Voice 1: [Get your own throne, and depose your sister.]
Voice 2: [This throne is supposed to be reserved just for you, since you are the eldest.]
Voice 3: [Only fools shall abandon the great chance lying in front of them.]
Starting to get panicked, Mary Spencer tried to resist this, but then, she felt that the voice became louder and louder, and it turned into roar.
Voice 1: [GET YOUR OWN THRONE NOW! DEPOSE YOUR SISTER!]
Voice 2: [THIS THRONE IS YOURS! YOU ARE THE ELDEST!]
Voice 3: [FOOL! WHY ARE YOU TRYING TO MAKE YOUR LAST CHANCE SLIP AWAY!?]
Soon enough, sometime more terrifying happened as Mary continued to struggled...
Voice 1: [THE THRONE IS MINE! NOT MY SISTER'S!]
Voice 2: [I AM THE ELDEST! I DESERVE TO BE THE QUEEN!]
Voice 3: [I AM STUPID! I MUST FIND A WAY TO BECOME THE TRUE HEIR!]
Just then, she started to fell into deep illusions.
Illusions[]
Suddenly, Mary felt an invisible power had dragged her into a place far away. It was feel like being dragged for 3,000 kilometers in almost ten seconds... and then, she opened her eyes.
Her eyes were now filled with fear and surprise.
Mary Spencer: Where am... I?
She found herself inside a white place, and no one was beside her. Mary was terrified, so terrified that her body started shaking.
Then, Mary crossed her arms and crouched herself on the ground, trembling in sheer coldness coming from her spines.
???: Mary? Mary?
An old, frail female voice had came from somewhere not far away from Mary. Standing up and turned around, Mary reacted at this and then she immediately went towards the place, where she found a frail old woman lying on the ground.
???: Mary Spencer, my dear... Please come here. Please. I beg you.
Mary was surprised and so she walked closer to the woman, and she was surprised to find that it was her birth mother. The old woman tried to touch Mary's cheek with her hand, but she was too weak to do so.
Mary Spencer: Mother?
Mary immediately went forward and went closer to the dying old lady, and the old woman looked at Mary as a large drop of tear flowed down her cheek.
Mary Spencer: Mother? Is that you?
Mary's mother: It was good to see you again, my dear daughter, even after my death...
Mary could not believe what was happening in front of her eyes.
Mary Spencer: What do you mean? W-why are you here?
Mary's mother spoke something that was nearly as whispering.
Mary's mother: You should have know why I was dying in here. The late queen herself poisoned me so that she would take over me. In fact, it was I who would become the wife of your father, and therefore you should be the new Queen of Spain. However, that devious harpy had torn us apart. She is dead now, and it serves her right.
Hardly believing the news, Mary's eyes widened in shock and then, as she looked up unknowingly (as if some sort of invisible force drove her to do so), she saw an illusion with her wearing the robes and the crown of Spain, becoming the queen of the nation.
Mary's mother then continued to speak as Mary looked at her own illusion. As she was speaking, the frail old lady was turning blackened and terrifying-looking.
Mary's mother: Therefore, you are the true rightful heir of your father. The pope should coronate you instead of your sister.
Then, the old woman looked at the knife which Mary was still holding.
Mary's mother: Now, use the knife the pope himself presented to you, and slay your sister that man-eating harpy had gave birth. Reclaim your own throne from her, and expose the whole truth.
Clenching her fist, Mary Spencer shivered in a mixed emotions full of anger, pain and sorrow. She knew that she and her sister were good friends as well as family by blood, and she found it unbelievable to kill Esther for what the deceased queen had done to her mother.
Mary: What if I say "no"?
At this time, Mary was still unknowingly holding the knife which Michael gave her right in her hand. Just then, the knife itself melted into a mass of black slime and covered the wrist of Mary.
Feeling the scorching pain, Mary then saw what happened on her hand, and she tried to got rid of the knife, but the knife itself won't do so.
Mary's mother: DO THIS OR YOU ARE NOT MY DAUGHTER---AAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!
Then, the face of Mary's mother had a horrendous twist until it was absolutely deformed into a hideous face of a hag with a gruesome grinning. She opened her mouth and it was filled with sharpened teeth. Mary was so terrified but she could not move at all.
- Mary: YOU ARE NOT MY MOTHER!
Then, without any response, the hag clawed herself upon Mary all of a sudden, striking her nails inside Mary as the latter went ranting in sheer horror...
Mary: HELP! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!
Reality[]
Mary Spencer awoken in quite a shock and she immediately felt herself being pushed by another invisible force from the back of her. Then, she immediately shook her head before she drooped her knife on the tableShe was now safe. She had no claw marks on her body, and her wrist was never attached to the strange knife she had just wielded. In fact, she almost gave in to her inner darkness.
Like a dead woman, Mary looked at the empty box with a look that was emotionless and cold. Just then, Sister Paula pat her shoulder from behind...
Mary: Oh!
Mary was so terrified by her horrible experience within her own illusions, so she shouted out when Paula patted her. She had to turn her head.
Mary: Don't you ever again scaring me like that!
Paula was confused and she removed her hand from Mary.
Paula: It was seemed that I was caring the wrong person. Is that what you mean?
Paula then moved her head and looked at the box, smiling like some sort of devious witch.
Paula: I forgot to remind you that you should not touch that blade unless absolutely necessary. However, as you dropped it on the table, then put it back to its box.
Paula then put the blade in the box. As she was wearing a pair of gloves, Paula was not influenced at all. Then, Paula closed the box. Mary calmed herself down and looked at Paula with a relentless look
Mary: Don't you think I will be grateful for your actions. You are still an unforgivable killer with bloodlust.
Sister Paula ignored Mary's menacing threats and smiled.
Paula: That's none of your business. Now, Mary, you should take our nice princess to the coronation.
Mary Spencer looked at Esther who had stopped crying. Then, she bit her lips as the voice continued to echo inside her head, and she then walked beside Esther, whispering to her.
Mary: Esther, please give me an honest answer...
Esther: Huh?
Mary: Did your mother ever told me about the death of MY mother?
Esther looked at her elder sister naively.
Esther: Yes, she told me that your mother had caught a sudden heart attack and passed away peacefully.
Mary looked at Esther with a pitiful look. She was hesitate to ask about the truth, but she then thought that it was obvious that Esther did not know the whole thing at all.
Mary: (think) * She is innocent. Oh, what am I worried about?*
Then, Mary put Esther's hand in her own hand.
Mary: I will take you to change your dress. You should wear the dress of a queen, from now on, in order to match your crown...
Mary was behaving unnaturally as Esther looked at her with sheer confusion. Esther blinked her eyes and sighed.
Esther: What is wrong, sister? You don't look so good.
Realizing her weird behavior, Mary then immediately blinked her eye before started smiling at Esther.
Mary: It's nothing. I am fine.
Sister Paula was looking at the clock above them and then she narrowed her eyes.
Paula: Now, you two, stop that. You can converse with each other after the coronation, and we should not keep His Holiness waiting.
With a mild anger, Mary walked to Paula while biting her own lips, whispering to her.
Mary: Tell me honestly, what is going on with that mysterious knife?
Paula looked at Mary with a poker face, and the air itself was filled with tension. She did not speak at all until ten seconds later, when she looked away.
Paula: Why don't you ask Cardinal Aleister about all this, huh? I am enough talking with you, my dear. Go, and I will come after you.
Seeing the attitude of refusal from Paula, Mary was very displeased, and she then lead Esther to change her dress.
Mary: Esther, let us go. We are wasting our precious time.
Mary and Esther went away as Paula herself looked at the coffin of the late Spanish King, and then, Paula scoffed in sheer scorn. Then, she lowered her head and said her weird prayers. She would be enraged when her prayers was interrupted.
Paula: Kill the men. Kill the women. Kill the children. Kill the infants. The cattle and the sheep, and the camels and the donkeys, kill, kill, kill. Amen.
Suddenly, there was a crow which landed on the window started to squeak, and it interrupted Paula's prayers. She immediately stood up and bellowed with anger. She had now releasing her anger due to Mary Spencer's actions... all on that crow. She bellowed in sheer rage, but fortunately for her, no one heard her ranting.
- Paula: Is there anyone here who can breath? Make this crow to get the heck out of here!!!
St. Peter's Ballisca
Papal throne room
30 minutes later
The papal throne room, the heart of the Vatican government.
The papal throne room was furnished once again after that debacle which caused by Terra of the Left. Only happening days ago, that debacle tragically took the life of the former pope, Matthai Reese. Now, its own consequences was so terrifying that it was, for now, still haunting the City of Vatican.However, when people reached the hall, they shall feel nothing but a feelings of awe. Their negative and passive emotions shall fades. That was the feeling of Esther right after she reached the throne room.
The Holy Seat was placed at the front and center. The pope himself was sitting in his chair, looking at Esther with a gentle smile. Started to feel warmth within her, Esther forgot all those troubles she had experienced in her nightmare just half an hour ago.
Now, Esther was escorted by Mary Spencer beside her, accompanied by Sister Paula not far behind her, and walked step by step gently towards the pope in front of her.
Michael saw Esther before he stood up and walked aside. He then waited beside his throne as Esther came closer and closer, with her head lowered. The cardinals were standing at the respective sides of the throne, waiting for the new queen's arrival. Esther's heart was beating quickly despite her face remained emotionless.
Esther: (think) Finally, I can return back to my dearest motherland...
For Esther, this was the most important day in her entire life. She knew that after she became the queen of Spain, she would return to Madrid when she was born, and she was determined to rule this country with benevolence.
For ten years, Esther was in the position as a nun in the Catholic Church and accompanied Michael as well as Melancholia all the way to Rome. Eventually, Michael fulfilled what he had promised to her - help her to return to her homeland. As she reached the pope, Esther knelt in front of him with full of respect.As Esther knelt in front of him, Michael then looked up to make an announcement. His announcement caused a wave of thunderous applause.
Michael: Here I am, all the citizens of Vatican. In this glamorous hour, I, as the pope, am honored to coronate a new queen of Spain who will lead her kingdom from distress to happiness!
Esther looked down on the ground instead of looking at Michael with confusion. Then, Michael placed the crown of Spain in his hand. She stopped wondering how came that her sister actions became so weird.
Esther: Your Holiness, I was surprised that... one day before, I was a nun of the Catholic Church, but now I am the Queen of Spain.
The crowd beside her applauded as Esther whispered her monologue to Michael. With a look full of mercy, Michael smiled to Esther and looked at her in the eyes.
Michael: Oh, Esther, can't you understand? This is God's will. You are destined to be the new Queen of Spain, and now please, accept the crown.
Holding his papal staff, Michael stood up from the holy seat as Esther knelt in front of the pope with full of respect. Esther knew it was Michael who adopted him and treated her as his daughter, and then she was loyal to him.
Michael: Your name...
Esther: Esther Blanchett, Your Holiness.
While speaking, Esther looked at Michael with full of respect. Deep down, she was worried about the pope's condition. However, to her relief, Michael was absolutely fine.
Michael: Esther Blanchett, I, the Pope of the Catholic Church, now coronate you as the new Queen of Spain.
A golden light had shone upon Esther once Michael finished his words, and Esther stood up, looking at Michael with gratefulness. For more than ten years of waiting, she could finally return back to her own country and rule the kingdom as its queen.
Esther: Your Holiness... Thank you.
When Michael finally placed the crown on her head, Esther was shivering in gratefulness and she could only speak two simple words to express it. Micheal smiled at Esther, and his smile was very gentle in Esther's eye, like a father.
Michael: Esther, when I met you on the street 10 years ago, I was really sad to know that your father died at the hand of Johan Liebert and his Aurozia Terrorists. However, me and the Mother Superior had found you, so now you are one in my family.
Michael then looked at Esther gently.
Michael: When your heartless mother tried to abandon you, everyone else would have left you to die in a time like this, and you can rely on me in this city, the one who treated you as my own child.
Pink pedals were falling within the hall of St. Peter's Ballisca, and Esther nodded with a calm expression.
Esther: Your Holiness, I am grateful to meet you. Thank you for making my kingdom back to my hand, and I swear that I will make my country a peaceful one, without war.
While nodding and smiling, Michael then walked at the middle of the hall and looked at his minions, loudly saying in a strong voice...
Michael: Citizens! From this day on, I repeat... You have your new Queen of the Spanish Monarchy!
Numerous people clapped and cheered for the new Queen of Spain's ascension. Tears began to fall down Esther's cheeks as she lowered her head humbly and gratefully.
Franchesco Medici: All hail Queen Esther of Spain, First of Her Name, the Daughter of Brightness, the Lady of Saints. Long May She Reign.
All: LONG MAY SHE REIGN!
The Catholic clergies all yelled and the bell start ringing throughout the whole church. Esther looked around and saw people's applause. Now, she was no longer a nun. She was now a Queen.
The scene was so peaceful and beautiful... until Michael lowered his head and started to cry. Brother Petros immediately walked closer to Michael...
Petros: Your Holiness? What happened? Are you all right?
Michael: Brother Petros... I...
Michael looked up, and then his eyes started to swirl before the entire palace started to turn from white to red, like blood flooded the place all of a sudden. The clergies presented in the coronation all had sadistic smile on their face... all but Queen Esther Blanchett herself.
Esther: Your Holiness? Are you...
Sister Paula: Please come with me, My dear Queen.
The expression of Esther had changed into confusion all of a sudden... before Sister Paula and Mary Spencer escorted her away.
Michael: Brother Petros, I am well. I never doubt your loyalty. You gave me such a nice time full of sheer fun and happiness.
All the while wearing a twisted smile on his face, Michael looked at the brutish knight before placing his hand on his shoulder.
Michael: Queen Esther is the royal blood of Spain, and her ascension shall be canonical. I give you this mission because I trust in you. Now, if anyone dare to speak ill of the new Queen of Spain, you will attack his village and slaughter everyone in his family and neighborhood for treason.
Moved by Michael's words of "trust" and "benevolence", Petros immediately knelt in front of Michael, behaving like a loyal dog to his vicious master.
Petros: Oh, brilliant and magnificent Pope Michael, most merciful of all the...
Michael shook his head with a "gentle" smile.
Michael: That's nothing. Now, there are some special guest named "Carl Robinson" in the cell blocks. Would you like to torture him if he refused to lead us to Britain?
Petros: Yes, sure, the torture is my strong suit. Consider it done.
Petros bowed to Michael and walked away. Michael grinned like a psychopath while watching him left.
Michael: Fiamma, what about the Star of Bethelem device? When would it put into use?
Fiamma walked towards Michael before bowing to him. His eyes showed symptom of Despair Disease that brainwashed him.
Fiamma: Soon enough, Your Holiness, when one day the forces of the KnightWalker Family, Global Pact Defense, Godom Empire, Chronos Empire, Novosic Kingdom, Anglican Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, Peace Foundation and many others start to become weak after the war eat themselves, we will pull the trigger.
Hearing this and satisfied, Michael then turned back with a confident smile, and then he seated back on his seat.
Michael: That will be wonderful, right? Now, I have super weapons and armies from air, land and sea. It is only the matter of time to pull the trigger.
After that, Michael then looked at his own chest before placing his hand on its chest. The bullet wound was still there after he was shot down in the place of Sleepy Hollow.
Michael: *think* It was this wretched injury. I must stay in Vatican and have a rest. However, Katarina Couteau, the one who made me like this... you will pay.
Thinking of this, a wicked and psychopathic smile started to surface on Michael's face. He covered his face with his palm in time, so no one could see that evil grin.
In fact, Esther had no idea that her mother was killed by... none other by Michael himself, who drove her to hang herself while jumping from a floor. Then, Michael found the young Esther while pretending to be innocent. He manipulated her life for ten years, making her a pawn for him to take over Spain. What is more, Esther had no idea of Michael's murderer instinct at all.
- Michael: *think* One day you will pay, Katarina. I am coming for you and your friends.
Act 4 (final) - Masked Woman (Nowadays)[]
Vatican
Neo Inquisition Base
Three days after Michael's coronation
The Papal State of Vatican was no longer the same as soon as the new Pope sat on the Holy Seat.
Melancholia sat in her office with a smile on her face. She looked at the town from the window calmly.
Melancholia: I have been such a fool, Your Holiness. Too humble I am to become the new Mother Superior. Sometimes, when you have more power in your hand, you have more duty. Rome is so beautiful.
Then, she turned back and walked swiftly towards her table. She smiled like a normal teenager instead of a deranged psychopath.
Melancholia: I have to say that I owe you more than one. This place is full of sacred scent and happiness. I am proud to be here assisting your great ambition. I... want to say...
Melancholia had her mouth wide opened as she tried to speak out the words, "I love you", that she wanted to say, but she could not. In sheer frustration, Melancholia punched her thigh.
Melancholia: Darn it! Why am I still struggling in this relationship? Is there any possibility to avoid this tension?
???: I know your feeling is true, you don't have to tell.
Suddenly, a dark voice had occurred behind Melancholia. Melancholia turned back and saw Michael looking at her with a cigarette in his mouth... or in fact, unknown to her, it was her own delusion of Michael. This "Michael" was wearing black cloak and a dark hat. His presence made Melancholia surprised.
Melancholia: Michael? I thought you never smoke cigarette.
After their last meeting, Michael had placed a soul fragment of his inside Melancholia's mind in order to make her fall into delusions. In fact, for now, the real Michael was inside the St. Peter's Ballisca.
"Michael": I seldom smokes, but since I faced pressure, I began to use it as a way to relax. I know it may cause trouble if you smoke too much.
Hearing this, Melancholia's expression turned from surprise into smile. She was waiting for the day for her to make a difference. Now, the blood of Firenza Junior had been stored in Neo Inquisition's basement, and the sample was contained in ten syringes.
One day ago, the Pope had just ordered Melancholia to interrogate Carl to make him betray his Anglican friends. Then, she would attack the Eastern Orthodox Church in Eastern Europe before heading towards Aldegyr Kingdom to deal with Kanon Rihavein, helping her to capture La Folia Rihavein, the kingdom's missing princess.
Melancholia: So, why are you here? Are you...
"Michael": I am here to tell you that I am arranging a new schedule. During your mission, I will join you in the flesh and help you if necessary. By the way, I will protect you in the Eastern Europe. No one will ever harm you.
Melancholia immediately smiled with her tears nearly falling down.
Melancholia: Thank you, Michael. I really, really appreciate that if...
Just then, the door opened. Melancholia turned back after brushing her tears away, as "Michael" faded behind her. It was several inquisitor guards.
Guard: Reverend Mother, that Firenza Junior is there to wait for the trial.
All of a sudden, Melancholia smiled wickedly as if she became a deranged psychopath in just one second. The kind and loving smile, which was in contrast to her current expression, had fade.
Melancholia: Tell Cardinal di Medici. I want him in the torture chamber, alive.
Neo Inqusition Prison
Carl's cellroom
5 minutes later
Sitting inside his jailhouse, Carl Robinson covered his head in sheer pain and horror. He could not imagine how shocked he was when he heard that he was the son of the infamous Duke Firenza of England, as he always thought that his father was that kind and loving man who was killed in action.
He could now do nothing but to pray. Michael had took his blood and made him to fall weakened. Carl spent day and night in the cell, and he could not know how he had spent in the cell once after the Inquisitors sent him back.
20 minutes? 20 hours? Maybe 20 days? In a place with no watch or clock, it was absolutely impossible to deduce time accurately.However, whenever Carl closed his eyes, he could see a violent and gory scene. Duke Firenza was killed with sheer brutality. A woman dressed in black robes was looking at the bloody corpse while wearing a harsh face. She was looking at the man whom she butchered with cold blood. Carl also saw child was crying on the ground beside the body.
Suddenly, Carl felt that his body started to move and then, somehow he himself replaced the child and looked at the corpse. Pointing at the corpse calmly, the woman then turned to look him, while speaking in a cold tone.
Pandora: Now, let us say hello to our new "toy", Carl.
Carl shivered in horror as he awakened from the horrible nightmare. He started to breath intensely.
Carl: It is just a dream. It is just a dream. It will be all right... It will be all right.
Suddenly, the cell door had opened and Carl shivered in horror. He had to cover his eyes to avoid the light coming into the cell block.
Carl: AH! What happened?
Carl tried to held back the feelings of pain in his eyes, and when he could finally see, he saw an elderly cardinal was standing at the door. The cardinal scornfully looked at Carl as the latter struggled himself to stand up.
???: No, you are not all right. The boy with his father accursed shall carry the curse all his life... unless he join us to purge the world's heathens.
The elderly cardinal walked into Carl and look at him. To the horror of Carl, no emotions occurred on his face.
Carl: I do not understand why people are endorsing the KnightWalker Family like you shall become the members of Catholic Church, but one day I will terminate all of you and save the entire Church from this dreadful circumstances!
Fracesco grabbed the collar of Carl and looked him with menace. He then start push a chained Carl from behind with threatening words.
Francesco: You should know that you messed up with the wrong people, Firenza Junior. The wrong people. My minions and colleagues will not be so merciful to you, Carl. They are the Fangs of the Vatican.Our organization is the organization that was determined to purge the heathens and opponents, and root out all the Vatican-Oppositions since ancient time.
When Francesco was speaking, his eyes did not left from Carl's face. He was looking at the young man with scorn and malice as if the boy was nothing but a worm. At this time, Carl was shocked by his heinous and sinister appearance.
Carl: I thought the Inquisition was defunct so many years ago... because the former popes thought it was no longer right.
Francesco shook his head in disappointment.
Francesco: That is wrong. Time has changed. In fact, the remaining spirits of the old Inquisition remained in our veins, and once this whole environment approved them to thrive, they shall thrive... to deal with people like you.
While Francesco was talking, all of a sudden, Carl was hallucinated as before, and in those hallucination, he saw all kinds of torture devices that used in medieval era, including the iron maiden.
Francesco: I feel that our new Pope is truly unpredictable. Days ago, he promoted that Katherine Sforza as a cardinal, and then he made that strange woman named Melancholia to become the Mother Superior. Then, he did not ask me on coronating the new Queen of Spain. Well, you think I am happier when you complained about your petty situation? That's so ridiculous.
An abrupt angry stare came out of the evil cardinal's eyes as if those women he mentioned had taken away some of the power he deserved. Carl was pushed by Franchesco who had scolding his bitter rivals all along.
Francesco: I do not like those women who had always been there telling me what I should do, but since it is the Pope's decision. I have to accept. No order came from Pope Michael will be considered as a sin.
Then, after finishing the words, Francesco opened an iron door as he kicked Carl into the room. Carl fell on the ground and turned back to see the evil cardinal.
Carl: Why are you doing this to me?
Instead of gently responding the question, Francesco only looked at Carl with a scornful look.
Francesco: Why, you ask? You forgot to ask the right question. You forgot to ask if I am a dreadful tyrant!
Carl tried to attack the cardinal, but suddenly, two strong holy knights held him down on the ground. Then, Francesco looked at Carl with no emotion on his face.
Francesco: I'm afraid, I am. All the things I am doing is to torment you.
Carl: NO! DAMN YOU, LET GO OF ME! You false Catholic!
Yelling and swearing like an angry soldier, Carl start to struggle but it proved to be fruitless. The two carried the young man to a chair and tied him up. Finally, a eye of satisfaction occurred on the face of Francesco.
Francesco: This isn't happening to you for a reason, well one reason: I enjoy it!
Francesco then closed the door and immediately went out of the room, leaving Carl in the room, lowering his head before he heard a voice talking to him.
???: Feeling depressed, young man?
Hearing the voice, Carl slowly looked up and looked at the person who was talking to him, face to face, sitting right in front of him with a scornful face and a wicked grin.
- Melancolia: Never be afraid. You are not getting out.
Vatican Square
In front of the Department of Neo Inquisition
In the streets of Vatican City, a shadowy figure jumped from roof to another nearby roof. It was a female figure who was wearing a white mask. After a leap after another, she finally landed herself not far away from the door. Then, the woman immediately take out an empty straw and put a needle inside it. She saw two guards guarding at the door. Then, she breath into the straw and blew out a needle.
The needle then hit the neck one of the two guard at the door and he immediately shook and fell on the ground, becoming unconscious. The another guard was startled and alarmed, but before he could react, the masked woman shot another guard, putting him into sleep as well.
Woman: I am coming, Carl...
The masked woman immediately take out a long rope and threw the rope towards the structure above and the rope tied on a gargoyle immediately. The masked woman then took another leap, and she leaped on the wall, carefully climbing it...
Melancholia's Office
3 minutes later
At this time, there were some horrid atmosphere in Melancholia's office. Carl was deeply tied on a chair, and then he started to struggle desperately. His cheeks had bruises since the guard kept beating him on his face, and soon his face had turned into something like a tomato.
Melancholia: TALK! I KNOW YOU ARE NOT A MUTE!
Melancholia sat on her chair, glaring at Carl who was now tied on another chair in front of her and suffered from torture. She then let out a cold and malicious grin.
Melancholia: So this is what you really got? Not so tough after your blood was taken, right? Mr. Robinson, never mind, you can meet your father in Hell.
Seemly enjoying such a torture, Melancholia kept humiliating Carl as she narrowed her eyes. She was holding her sword but she would not like to kill Carl with it. She still needed him to give her information he wanted.
Melancholia: Alright, Carl... Shall I call you Carl?
Carl: At least I am a man who was about to die, and so you can call me whatever you want except that so-called "Firenza Junior" thing.
Carl bit his teeth as he angrily glared at Melancholia, and Melancholia nodded her head with a smile. She was now smiling like some sort of troll. She became more gentle though it was just a mask.
Melancholia: Very well, Carl, and I am sincerely sorry for, um, for this torture. I hope I can do something to fix it as long as you give us the information we needed. Tell me what you felt.
Carl: Reverend Mother, to be honest, I hold no information in my hand. I came here to find Carissa myself, and then you all arrested me. I just don't understand why things will become like this. I am like having a torturous nightmare.
Carl bit his lips and tried to held his feelings, but tears kept dropping down through his cheeks. Melancholia sighed while still looking at him.
Melancholia: Grieving is an individual process with a universal goal: the truest examination of the meaning of life and the meaning of its end.
Carl shook his head with a sigh.
Carl: I know what the life means. We've existed for a hundred thousand years. In that time, a hundred billion human lives have beginnings and ends.
Melancholia: A hundred billion lives haven't impact yours, but clearly Duke Firenza's life has, and you seemed surprised by that.
After that, Melancholia then took a look at Carl and narrowed her eyes. She was, in fact, teasing him.
Melancholia: You see, I had lost my family and friends as well, and so I know your feelings. However, I have now found my true destiny whereas you are still wandering on the ocean, trying to find a lighthouse. Now, Carl, if you want to be alive, then please allow me to be your friend. Tell me, where are your friends and allies in the Church of England.
Carl looked at Melancholia with an expression of scorn, and then he started to chuckle sadly. Melancholia's face went pale and frowned in dissatisfaction.
Melancholia: What is the meaning of this?
Carl: I am someone who is going to die, anyway. How can you ever let a dead man talk? I refuse to speak.
Melancholia sighed helplessly and covered her eyes. At this time, the masked woman on her rope had climbed nearer to the gargoyle. When she saw Carl through the window behind Melancholia, she immediately stopped. The guards were putting their eyes on Carl and did not see her, and neither did Melancolia could see her.
Melancholia: After all this time, we could have been friends. Time is passing, and my patience is running out.
Melancholia did not see the masked woman behind her were swinging the rope and tried to break in. She was only looking at Carl as her face turned more and more menacing. The two guards immediately punched Carl as if they had received some sort of orders, and blood began to come out from Carl's lips.
Melancholia: Now, I gave you a chance to redemption but you just throw it all away. So, you choose to die here? Very well.
Melancholia then stood up after drawing her sword, and she was too concentrated on Carl that she did not realized that the glass window behind her was breaking. The guards was too concentrated on beating Carl to notice if anyone was trying to break in.
Melancholia: You deny the good cop, so here is the bad cop.
Just as Melancholia tried to stab through the chest of Carl, the masked woman immediately kicked through the glass. The glass immediately shattered in pieces, and the woman jumped into the middle of the office, hearing the noise of shattering glass, Melancholia and those two guards had finally noticed the masked woman.
Melancholia: Desecrator!
Melancholia tried to attack the masked woman but when the latter reached Carl, she immediately dropped a smoker and filled the entire room with smoke. Then, as the guards and Melancholia lost their direction, the masked woman immediately untied Carl and helped him to get up.
Masked woman: Now, we must hurry up. We can't stay here any longer.
After saving Carl, the mysterious woman with her mask immediately busted out of the cell door with magic while escorting Carl. Struggling to get up, Melancholia stumbled herself to the gate of the cell door.
Melancholia: The prisoner is escaping! GUARDS, STOP THEM!
Heeding their superior's order, several Inquisition guards rushed out to do their actions. The masked woman pulled Carl while running in the tunnel. Leading several knights, Melancholia was chasing them behind.
Melancholia: You escaping mice! You can run, but you can't hide!
Carl was confused by all of the scene as he looked at the mysterious hooded woman.
Carl: Who are you?
The masked woman did not answer Carl's question. She just kept running towards the exit in front of her. However, when she arrived 50 meters away from the exit, she saw some more holy knights were coming towards them. The woman and Carl had to stop and soon they found themselves in a crossroad.
Woman: We are surrounded...
In front of them and behind them, there were holy knights on both sides. Melancholia and her guards stopped chasing them and walked closer to the two. Carl's eyes widened in horror as he realized that he and his savior were surrounded.
Carl: They are about to trap us here... We are indeed surrounded!
The masked woman immediately turned to the right and saw a door. The door had no guards.
Woman: THIS WAY!
Turning to the left, she immediately led Carl towards the door, followed by Melancholia and her minions.
Melancholia: No hiding anymore. This is where you two are going to die!
Stopped chasing with her minions, Melancholia raised her hand and put on a magic mask herself. Then, she casted a spell and start summoning several masks of all patterns. The masks were glowing in purple aura. Those masks floated at the air.
Melancholia: You two are going to regret this!
Melancolia's masks then stormed towards the running prisoners, and they started to get closer and closer. They went faster than any knights did.
Carl: Behind us! We are not gonna make it!
Woman: Not today!
At this time, the woman had reached the door, and once she and Carl went into the door. They closed the door in time as those faces were about to attack them.Right after the door was closed, a loud crash could be heard on the door, shaking it bitterly as the masked woman locked the door up. Carl heard the noise and realized that the masks were hitting the door.
The masked woman saw a window in the room - or more precisely, its only window. Meanwhile, Carl saw some sacks full of sand as well as boxes nearby.
Carl: Aw, perfect, and what are we going to do? That madwoman will break through the door and this is it! She and the new Pope, they both... they both are insane!
The masked woman walked towards the window and bit her lips. It was clear that they were in a very high place and it will be full of risk if they jumped out of the place. Carl was carrying the sacks and boxes to the door.
Woman: Oh, St. Maria Arzonia, the Redeemed One, what should I do?
Carl pushed the boxes and the sacks on the door. The masked woman covered her heart as the bellow of the evil Melancholia occurred outside.
Melancholia: Darn it! I will slice them to pieces!
Then, a noise of cutting could be heard. It was clear that Melancholia was cutting the door.
Holy knight: Reverend Mother, what if they escaped and found the Patriarch for help?
Melancholia: I know where the Patriarch and his men are, and I will tell the Pope about this. By dawn, he will attack them with a thousand man and avenge me for this humiliation!
Just at this time, the Masked woman saw a cart full of straw right beside the building. She immediately shouted to Carl.
Woman: Carl! There are a cart full of straws under it!
Then, the masked woman and Carl immediately jumped out and then fell into the cart, safely and luckily. They then made their head out of the straws to breath.
Woman: Thank God...
Just then, she heard Melancholia shouting at her and Carl from above.
Melancholia: There you are! DON'T GET AWAY SO EASY!
Woman: You think that is easy?
The masked woman looked up and made funny face to Melancholia. Enraged, Melancholia immediately turned back to her men.
Melancholia: It looks like we have no need to inform His Holiness. I will hunt them down myself! Those wretch! I will have their HEADS!
Meanwhile, on the cart, Carl sighed in relief after he happily smiled.
Carl: Thank goodness, we are okay!
Then, the woman immediately took off her mask and look at Carl, revealing herself to be Noelle Bor.
Carl: Who are you?
Noelle: I am Matt Butcher's own sister. Carl, please. Now, we must hurry, and my brother will be expecting us not far away!
The masked woman - or more precisely, Noelle Bor - immediately put on her mask once again. She went out of the cart and escape with Carl. Both of them ran like quick wind.
Melancholia and her minions tried to catch up but they could not, and Melancolia bumped her fist on the ground. Then, she stood up and tried to chase once again.
Melancholia: Darn it all... STOP!
Suddenly, Melancholia stopped chasing covered her head due to a sudden pain. Her mind was filled with the scenes from the past all of a sudden. Those bad memories of her friends being killed by Moloch in front of her started to haunt her all of a sudden. The scene were so horrible that she did not want to relive, ever.
Melancholia: Uh, no, not again... Those bad memories... Not again...
The holy knight immediately stopped following their superior in order to take care of Melancholia, buying Noelle and Carl some time to escape. Almost like immediately, the two escapees went out of their utmost danger.
Meanwhile, not far away, Michael Langdon stood at the top of St. Peter's Ballisca. His eyes were both red, inhumanely red. Those eyes had no love or compassion, only hatred.
Michael: Noelle Bor betrayed me... How interesting. They can run, but they can't hide.
CIS Productions Presents...
A Legends of Multi-Universe Spin-Off...
LOTM: Witnesses of Sleepy Hollow Spin-Off
Firenza Junior
By Officer Candy Apple
Episode 0.5 of Season 2
Suggest to read together with Death Arc
Episode 1 - The Start
To be continued...
Endings - DESPAIR[]
【MissP】DESPAIR「MACARON -- Dangan Ronpa Inspired」
In the Next Episode of this Spin-Off...[]
Just as they were arguing, a young man with black hair and white coat had arrived at the place. He stood near the three people, and they all turned to look at him. The young man was wielding a long sword.
???: Apologies, Archbishop. I am late.
Laura stopped looking at Villian before she turned to the young man with the sword.
Laura: Oh, finally, Matt Butcher, I was turning impatient. What too you so long?
The young man was none other than Matt Butcher, and he was the best friend of Carl as well as one of the many notable participants of theEnglishCivilWaroccured just some time ago. Recently, after Michael's coronation as the Pope, Carl immediately retired from the air force to become a vigilante in order to hit crime and the KnightWalker Family.
After some time of research, Matt had gathered plenty of information about the possibility of Fallen Catholic Church's next move. He had found a letter in Terra of the Left's only known resident situated in Folkenstone. The letter was from an anonymous person, but Matt saw the words "Grand Grimoire" on it. Therefore, Matt deduced that the writer was the real Unknown Grand Grimoire Figure, the same man who was responsible for many events that stirred with elections and papal conclave in Vatican.
This has proved that Matt's suspicion was real. He always suspected that Terra was not the Unknown Grand Grimoire Figure, but was impersonating him.
So far, despite those information, Matt could not figure out what Michael was planning to do. After the capture of Carl, Matt was in great distraught for not being heard from his best friend in several days.
Just at this time, Matt was called by Archbishop Laura to the Tower of London, the same place where Maria Arzonia sacrificed herself. Now, Matt was looking at the Archbishop very nervously.
Matt: Archbishop... I am sorry. I was gathering tons and tons of information to seek out the true identity of the real Unknown Grand Grimoire Figure... and I have some news to tell.
Hearing this, Laura remained indifferent, but Villian was very curious that her eyes widened. Her face could be described as "(O o O)".
Villian: You found the man who drove my sister into insanity, right?
Matt shrugged his shoulder in embarrassment.
Matt: Not really, but I suspected that there were some people else within or out the Catholic Church - other than Terra of the Left - might be the hooded man. It could be Aleister Crowley, Aureolus Izzard, Izuru Kamukura. The person could also be Princess Sonia Nevermind if the person was female. I also suspect that Michael Langdon himself is the man we are looking for...
Stiyl immediately interrupted him. Matt had just said the truth unknowingly, that the Unknown Figure was indeed Michael Langdon. However, Stiyl denied Matt harshly.
Stiyl: You mean Michael Langdon himself? He turned into an insane and outrageous dictator, yes, but he could never be the Unknown Figure since as we all knew, he was in every part of Europe organizing for some help. Many had seen him, and that would be an obvious alibi for him.
Matt bit his lips and really try to prove this point.
Matt: But how could this man go quiet all of a sudden after Micheal's co--
Matt tried to say the word "coronation", but he saw Laura's eyes full of warning were looking at him. Then, Matt had to stop with reluctance.
Laura's eyes were so cold and vacant that even a fearsome beast like lion would fear it, not to mention a mere human soldier who had no superpower at all. Laura then closed her eyes.
Laura: Aw, looks like we have dispute here. I hate dispute. I only hope Carl would be safe and sound since now we need a plan to save him, not just discussing about someone who come and go without any signs.
Hearing this, Matt's eyes widened in horror and then he was so shocked that he left standing on the ground like a stone.
Matt: You... mean...
Scoffed, Laura glared at Matt with full of scorn. She then calmly revealed an viridian envelope from her pocket. A wax seal was on the envelope, with a crest of the Holy See.
Laura: You finally realized what really matters me. Now, take a look at this.
Matt grabbed the envelope and opened it with haste. Villian and Stiyl were both surprised as well. They gathered beside Matt, who was standing at the middle of them, reading the letter.
Dear Archbishop Laura
The false popes had died out. Pietro Yogdis were now under my surveillance.
Vatican is mine now, come and see. Carissa is my own minion now and I will make the Queen of Britain. Tell her frail mother as well as her sisters that one day she will be back.
Your war hero, Carl Robinson, was currently held captive in my dungeon. If you want him back, come and get him. I will place him in a fine cage. I will parade him on the street, so that the whole world can see him.
Read to this part, Matt and Villian were both shocked and they looked at each other.
Matt: Carl... is alive?
Villian: I don't think so. We must figure out a good way as fast as possible.
Then, turning his attention back to the letter, Matt continued to read it with his hands shaking in horror.
Do not worry. I think he will be a very useful tool so I will make him perfected. Tell Matt Butcher that if he did not come for Carl in three days, I will kill Carl alongside Matt's sister. Come and see.
This is only between you and me. Secretly, I made my army to conquer the Kingdom of Spain. Come and see.
By the way, Esther Blanchett, one of my most trusted minions, had became its Queen, and I conronate her myself. She will make the Kingdom of Spain join my forces. Come and see.
Now, after so much word to say, I want the United Kingdom bow before me. I want Princess Villian back. If you and your colleagues disobeyed, you will ultimately know what I am capable of.
I will kill all of your clergy of England and purge the entire London in blood. I will stir the feud between English and Irish before taking Belfast under our control. I will rise hate above you all. No one like someone who will kill women, children or infants, and I never intend to fill my hand with blood. Therefore, you obey or you die. There is no middle ground.
Michael Langdon
Pope of the Catholic Church
Then, in a fit of rage, Matt angrily torn the paper apart all of a sudden.
Matt: WHAT AN ARROGANT FREAK!
Afterwords[]
From Officer: This episode marks the start of the Firenza Junior spin-off, which will conclude many of the unresolved events occurred after The Corbin Files. Coming next will be the release of the premiere of Death Arc, which will be the DE FACTO premiere of the entire season 2, consisting two stories. In season 2, I will like to have some different way of storytelling.
This spin-off is canonical to LOTM: Sword of Kings AA Final - Eckidina Arc. It will explain many things happened during a period of time between Angel Sub Arc and CM-Unit Sub Arc.
From CIS: Those two aforementioned story arcs continued some unfinished business of The Corbin Files and had mild connections. Please do not read them separately.
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