January 14th had arrived, the Day of Fates, the duo of Justice and Death had returned from the Forest. Knob tilting to the side, the door was pushed open, and the electric Priestess tightened her grip, arms draping around the Detective Prince. Holding the blonde tightly in his limbs, August took another step forward, with an irritated groan and throwing his sisters onto the couch. Their minds in a coma, the Reaper rubbed his wrist with a slight annoyance audible on his face, the Crow pushing his rival on the shoulder. No time was needed to be wasted, that was the mindset they needed to be in, Detective Karlo then slid out a cellular device from the pouch of his trench coat. Revealing a flat cyan azure screen, a satellite levitating above that area so it could analyze the area,
"Look closer, Rivera,"
The mechanical doors spreading wide gradually, revealing the trio of trains ready to push forward onto the tracks. However, that wasn't what August was supposed to be staring at, it was the faint appearance of a man with long flowing black hair standing at the peak of that base. Confirmed to be none other than Kuno himself, readying himself to collect his lost treasure. Pocketing the technology once more, August rubbed his eyes with his thumb and middle fingers, head bobbing side to side at his ally. This was it, he could tell from the way chills ran up his spine, how Celine pushed Azazel out of his vision so she could take his place... placing her hands on his cheeks so she could stare into his heterochromatic orbs of sight. That look in her eyes, it was one of hope, hope for his future, and the smile furthered it- sending him to nod, and his eyelids momentarily shut over his pupils. Just like before, the World returned to normal, and Azazel was back to where he was before,
"We have to move- fast. Your father and some of the others will be heading with us. I'll be waiting at the roof, Rivera..."
As he began to exit the bedroom he'd pulled August into, Azazel shed himself of the trench coat surrounding his chest so he could put on another outfit. Staring at a fancy suit and tie he'd been debating on wearing ever since the beginning of this journey, with its white tie reflecting the radiation of the sun shining onto his eyes- Karlo bit his lower lip. About to take hold of the suit vest, shirtless, August tapped his friend's shoulder with a darkened tendril, causing him to turn around at a slow pace,
"Wow... you seriously work out-"
"What do you want, Rivera?"
"Oh! Yeah, here, I got this for you after Mei went crazy,"
Turning around to walk to the right side of his bed, Death bent over and revealed a blue bag with a shopping logo on it. Launching it from his palms, it landed and fell over on the twin bed beside Rivera's. Digging through it, he would find a 'Detective' trench coat that was the same shade of light brown some on TV wore. A sort of elegant cliche, if you will,
"I'd figured you'd want something like that, you usually just wear the same trench coat I got, so I just did that for you, instead. I doubt you like 'copying me' anyway, heh... so yeah, you put that on and I'll go and get ready too,"
Stepping forward so he could forcefully grab the hand of his Detective rival, August did a quick shake before exiting through the door and cracking his knuckle with his index finger. Left alone in the darkness, the right side of the room illuminated by the leaking of the sun's rays, Azazel Karlo did a double-take. Sorrowfully taking a glance at the door his... his friend had used as an exit, and then to the gift he'd been given. Relieving the anguish, the screaming, the hatred he'd felt just days prior, dawning the Crow mask multiple times in the name of blood. Attempting to manipulate events to satiate his greed, hating someone who'd gone through a horrifying trauma- it all came down to this. And the one thing that mattered through it all was this. Remembering Kuno, the Government, America, the only thing that he could make out that gave him some sort of happiness or ecstasy was his mother. How she sacrificed her love, like a blind idiot, just for her son... he felt her presence hovering around him, eyes shooting to the floor, a gentle breath of relaxation exited his lungs. The Day had come.
Popping a button into a hole, the Emperor cleared his throat and adjusted his tie, before softer extremities took over to handle the movement he'd been doing. Gently pushing it up tightly, Cecilia turned him around so she could continue buttoning the attire so the center of the suit vest was partially invisible. His eyes examined her face, a lone tear streamed down her left cheek and wet the carpeted floor. Hands pressing up against her cheeks, wiping the stray liquid that'd emerged from her eyelid- Ben stared into his wife's eyes,
"This won't be like what happened to my mother. I'm more powerful than I was then, I can protect him... trust me on this, babe,"
In the abyss of her soul, the woman did want to believe him, but there was nothing, no promises that could make her feel that way. Their son standing at the entrance, speaking with his aunt and uncle, voices inaudible- his life was at risk. Not JUST August, but their daughters would have been inches away from the chills of death if they'd have acted wrong by one. singular. step. The Emperor gave a kiss on her forehead, holding up her hand, handing her the ring he'd promised to keep on no matter what. Extremities closing around the jewelry, it was enclosed around her hand, and before she could say anything else, their lips touched... and the journey began.
Stepping out from the room he was previously inside, the Justice finished touching up the remainder of buttons on the light brunet jacket, clearing his throat. Spotting the Speedster Priestess talking with her godson, the Reaper's pick of the Detective quickly caused Death to step forward and flick something out of his right pants pocket,
"Uh, what the hell are you doing--?"
"What does it look like?"
One more gift was the very spectacles that August Rivera had been prescribed with when he was 14-years-old, surrounded by a darkened tint of black, Azazel was confused. Watching his ally exit the Resort with his family, he tilted his head while the wind slowly seeped through the bottom and blew the mop of black hair surrounding his head back. Smiling at his rival for a brief moment, Detective Karlo held the glasses in his hands, feeling the warmth of a friend's love for but a moment- then pushing one foot forward... the day went on. While his head turned to the side, the Demiurge sensed their presence together, the rumbling of a train audible as his head slipped forward to see the abundance of wheels moving forward continuously at a rapid pace.
A warp-gate spat them on the roof of the hidden base, the Emperor stepping forward with his artificial intelligent android beside him, witnessing the trains slowly push themselves out. Wheels turning, the vehicle built up speed ever so slowly, leaning over the edge, it was only a matter of time before the wind was pushed onto their faces. Turning to Artemis, her head shook without even turning to her Father, normal eyes with a brown coloration fading to a rosy shade. Attempting to check the cameras, she failed miserably, and Ben stood up, having formed a plan,
"Alright, this is a pretty basic plan-"
"Before you say something stupid like we split up in threes to the different trains- I have another plan,"
Interjected the Detective, pulling out C4 explosives from his attached to the strap around his anatomy, the Emperor chuckled and covered his mouth with his fist. Biting on his knuckles, the Reaper gave a pat on the back to his Justice rival. While his father recognized the formulation immediately, there needed to be a mutual understanding between everyone else so they could pull this off flawlessly,
"You both knew that, by the time we got here, Kuno'd already have gotten onto the trains. Splitting up like a horror movie group cliche would lead us to be picked off, the only reason we stand a chance against him is together. Destroying the tracks of each train would make sure he won't be able to hide, and hopefully- we'll also be able to find the Key before he does,"
A swift explanation of the orchestration led the Requiem Emperor to hold a proud smile on his face, with his older brother patting the CEO on the back. Taking the soft 'hits', Jason took a final swig of the cigar he was smoking at the time, inhaling, and then finally exhaling the aerosol he'd taken into his lungs. Dropping it to the floor, the flames were discarded, and the plan began without hesitation. It went like this:
Three trains were going on three individual tracks, side by side, before leaving to head to different bases due to the orders placed. One on the far left, in the middle, and the far right. As stated before, the Key was presumed to be on the far right, so that is where both the Detective and Reaper went as a pair. The middle was Ben and Artemis, feeling that they needed to keep a close watch on them while they set the explosives, and finally, on the left, was Jason and Ella.
Starting with the duo Speedsters, their trails of lightning- crimson red and a light azure had darkened over time. And the darker something gets, the faster it's traveling, thanks to the phenomenon known as blueshift. Technically, El would always be faster than her vampiric counterpart running beside her thanks to her natural speed and the electricity coursing through her. Discharging off of her joints, knees picking up rapidly, Jay caught a glimpse at her dejected expression for a brief point, head hung. The locomotive was quick, not extremely quick, but it was moving at insane speeds for someone of their caliber, which was... odd. So, they sure as hell had time to talk before they reached their goal and pushed themselves beyond,
"You okay, Ellie?"
Realizing she was being talked to- that they were being left behind by the very thing they were chasing, her feet jumping up rapidly, aura engulfing her figure,
"I'm fine, Jay. Just a little worried about Azazel... don't wanna lose him like I lost... like I lost Ryder,"
That was all he needed to know, together, they were able to jump onto the peak of the collective train car. Unsheathing his Ketsueki from the straight cover, a sun reflecting against the metal, he flipped onto the pathway. Cutting through an enslaved guard for the company, head tumbling off of his shoulders, using his locked-in fingerprint recognition to get into the interior. Just like that, he'd been riddled with bullets, RATATATATATATATATATATATATATATAT! Blood squishing out from every angle of his body, chest, head, arms, legs, crotch... everything, Jason groaned while Ella was now visible behind her friend. Her shortness obvious now, the guards collectively clicked on their rifles and unfortunately, they were out of ammo.
Bodies scattered through the right side of the train cars, beeping echoing through the transporting carrier belonging to the explosives planted on the wheels, the former Bountyhunter cracked his neck into place. Weakly standing, employing the aid of the Ketsueki's metal edge to have all bullets squeeze out of his flesh, tapping against the mineral platform on the same level as his soles. Whispering irritatedly,
"I hate my life.."
The surrogate mother of the Detective had the left/backside of the train covered with C4, that much was clear, now it was his turn to deal with the front leading to the conductor. As soon as he entered the other carriage to his right, he was met with a strong left hook that fractured that side of his skull and sent his face to meet a glass window. Blood splattering onto that surface, the Justice groaned, casually rolling his eyes as he sliced off the limb that'd been coming for the rear of his skull. Spinning around so he could dig his nails into the wall he'd been pinned against, the creature snarled in confusion as it gazed at its lost limb, stepping back- before being dropkicked in the chest. No bones were heard snapping or breaking, it was just a loud thud that had echoed from the attack. About to throw another, Jason's eyes widened, and he'd cut off the head of an incoming attacker that'd charged through the windows. Suddenly jumping up as a defense, he panted heavily and kept his breaths ragged instinctively.
Now on the ceiling, the former Vampire of Justice watched in disgust as the creature, same as the one before, the new one with a more feminine shape- stood up from collapsing onto the metal floor. With no head.
Unnaturally, though it had been stated seconds ago that these species had no bones to break, the one with wings perking out of what you could call it's back'... had twisted back. 360 degrees, joints snapping, bones breaking, hands spinning as they cracked and pushed themselves back in place. Facing the vampire attached to the ceiling, a new head regrew from simple golden veins that popped out from the socket of where the skull should be. Building together a new head with no features, all Jason could say was,
"Holy shit..."
If this- 'THING' was able to regrow a complex of all things, there would be no way to kill it... not easily, that is. Ripping the detonator out of his back pocket, he charged through the two golden monsters, running straight into his Priestess counterpart. Tightly digging his nails into her arm so they could phase jump through a window, shards scattering onto the desert's sand, Beep!
A series of intense explosions were set off, causing the train to derail and burn to a crisp as the creatures were buried in the rubble and items being transported. Jason and Ella, meanwhile, while being pushed back by the fire and force of the blast, were kept safe. Or rather, El was kept safe as Jay just took all the sharp shards of broken metal into his back once they flew from the destroyed locomotive. Ruby thick fluids oozing from the machinations of his soft skin, Ella's wandering hands ripped out the remnants of metal. Giving her savior a gentle kiss on the cheek, the eldest Rivera sat up while she stood... and catching an odd sight that was occurring on the engine-powered vehicle on the middle track.
Blood flew from the insides of the Emperor's mouth, decorating the walls of the train, raising his right limb to block a singular punch. Defending currently, the spirit hand took form and sliced off the golden opponent's extremities with a flat palm, seemingly harmless- though holding limitless Requiem energy that could destroy nearly anything. Stepping back in confusion, the crates of wood holding the mineral he'd 'discovered' levitated from their hold, forming together to create a supercharged energy rifle. Turning up the dial, the barrel radiating with a snowy illuminated hue, Ben's Requiem aura enveloped his limbs, his chest, everything. Artemis, having been choked by another arm that had popped out from the rear of the golden entity, was able to use her right arm. A rocket launcher lifted from her wrist, thankfully made of the same material, blowing a hole straight in the side of the train. Bursting out, destroying the invisible air that had crawled its way into the confined location, the ball of energy created a giant hole in the chest of this otherworldly thing. Curving the trajectory of the ball, it was thrown right out the hole Artie had made.
The duo of synthetic and authentic absorbed the fresh air coursing through the train, the latter of which, Artemis, readying to fly out of the hole so she could meet up with August and Azazel. The explosives were set, they were good to go- so the jets that pushed out from the android's soles propelled her upward. Sifting the dry ground and the rocky monuments crafted by Mother Nature, jets carried her to collect her Father from the railroad cart he was inside, believing the outside world to be safe for now. Seconds after she reached out her hand, a crackle of lightning encased her in a cage she was unable to break free of, shortcircuiting her body, she screamed out in pain like a human experiencing agony. Thrown to the left, the android's synthetic figure bounced off of the plain of light brown coloration, dirt was thrown into the air, rocks scattering as the artificial being landed on her back. Systems malfunctioning joints disabled, she was unable to move as the golden creatures' wings retracted into their spines.
About to jump and aid his brother and long-time friend, a prediction came to the center of his mind. The seconds that had been going at the usual quickened pace had shifted as time's flow was abruptly eradicated, and the Emperor could spot another one of those... things crashing into the wall behind him. Trying to attack him, the CEO still had some tricks up his sleeve as he walked around the space of time as it was blown away. Soul cased in a white aura of warmth and determination, his hand raised, time beginning to renew its general progress. It was easy, he would slice off the head of this thing and disintegrate it to nothing... but while the skipping of time had ceased abruptly, Ben was punched in the chest by an extending arm. An arm that had been stretched out from the left side of the being's head, and sent him deeper into the cart. Spitting out blood onto his palms... he stared quizzically at the fluids, How could they make him bleed? About to charge and easily rid himself of this otherworldly nuisance, the same Angel-like being with a golden light encasing its features broke his left cheekbone. Sending him through the wall of the railroad section, heading towards the ground for his skin to peel off, Rivera attempted to transport him out of this situation- however, he was too late.
A lengthy block of ice emerged from the sands of the desert to send him upward, piercing through the transparent skies, before lightning struck him back to the floor. Until another, more muscular Angel manifested from the plasma and punched the Requiem Emperor right across the face. All four were in the same circle the moment Ben had landed with his brother, offspring, and friend. Steam rising from his charred anatomy, life energy replaced the destroyed organs before his heart's beating could halt... and the Emperor began to stand. The same with Jason and Ella beside him, all Artemis could do at the moment was deliberately go into motion. The platform below her as a holding ground for her to use as something to support her perching upward.
As God descended from Heaven to judge mankind when Noah set sail across the Earth in his Ark, the Elite Angels of Above followed their Father's motion from millennia prior. Their wings spreading like birds, the one who stood before them all was the 'Celestial Scribe', donning his signature golden armor that protected his chest. Snowy-white hair flowing in the chilly winds, as spikes protruding out of the side of his suit, a yellow halo illuminating the peak of his guarded skull. This was the 'Muscular Angel' that had directly punched Ben and emerged from the lightning.
Following that was the first Archangel that had attacked the Vampiric Bountyhunter. He held out his hand for a wooden bow composed entirely of light, and sure enough, it manifested. This was Uriel, he was different from his superior Angel, in one way, he had the same silky smooth white hair that rested over each of his shoulders- and the same armor. Though, this time, it was tinted silver. He had six wings poking out of the metal, and now, there was no halo. The arrow directed entirely at Jason Rivera, Uriel held an emotionless expression on his face.
The feminine Angel was Gabriel, short red hair with a halo over her head, a top piece of silver armor that protected her breasts, stretching out to her arms. Gloving her hands, then leaving her stomach as an open space for 'attacks', then a sort of metal skirt that also served as armor. The same tint as her Archangel brother's, the suit of the protective coating was silver. These wings, at the top, had protective silver over the edges of all four. She just stood, smiling as she listened to her eldest brother begin to address all four of these 'mortals,'
The one that had directly charged at Ben, also being the same one who was shot by his pulse of energy- was Michael. Infamous for his flaming sword and pure white wings, his armor was the 'fanciest' if you can call it that, with intricate designs and ancient writing scattered at the edges. His hair was also red like Gabriel's, instead, it was parted in the middle and pushed back so it wasn't resting along his shoulders. In his right hand, what defended him was a shield made of a brown sort of bronze metal,
"Halt, mortals! Interfering with a Son of God's orchestrations shall gift you a swift, painful demise at Heaven's might. Though we might be equal in numbers, you should not think of our powers as such. Make your choice now! If you continue along this path- the consequences will not work out in your favor. Choose now!"
His voice reminded Ben's of the Aether, deep, disgusting, full of himself- shame for Jason, that redhead female looked sort of attractive. Though that seemed to be for another time, Metatron recognizing the look in the look in their eyes- it was nothing short of bravery, determination, and ambition. The very phenomenon the Author's Crawling Chaos had perished from a decade ago, the Celestial Scribe needn't further push his sight... instead, a spark of lightning traveled from the tip of his finger. Snapping Artemis back to reality as she jumped up, rejuvenated, powerful... and determined,
"Let us begin,"
Index and thumbs digging into the eyeballs of the guard he'd slaughtered, gore pouring out in a thick square-like stream from his throat, the Detective cackled. The thud of the man's lifeless carcass collapsing on the floor, tongue out from the insides of his mouth caused him to chuckle a bit louder, then being pulled by his rival- a flood of visions overwhelmed his cerebellum. A scream of agony, hate, and anguish unleashed from the depths of his soul, the duo of red and blue auras he'd been hiding for most of this trip unleashing in a flurry of attacks. Tendrils from the demonic blood swirling through his veins popping from his back, tearing off the metal belonging to the engine-powered machine they were traveling on. Jumping back in surprise, the Reaper's consciousness was filled with thoughts of how to save his friend... but that would be stupid, as he spun around, he noticed a rectangular metal box. Though anything could truly be held within there, August was sure, the Key's location was enclosed within that mineral.
The way the discovered mineral peeled back like nanotechnology crawling off of someone's limbs, collected with the way the Key hovered with its majestic capabilities into the air... the young Rivera couldn't help but marvel in the artifact's beauty. Watching it glide to stay in his flat palms, his heterochromatic orbs started to shift color as he experienced a horrible occurrence in the complexities of his organs. They started to rumble and shake as the blood was replaced with a Hellish replacement. But, as he started to change internally- a fist to the side of his head sent him flying out of the bank of ore protecting the remains of this artifact.
Launching him to the side so he'd collapse and fall through cushioned seats for those who wanted a break from guarding, August spat out blood as he felt his superhuman nature revert to normality. Hand on his temples, shaking through his blurry vision, he could make out the distinct image of his tormentor, the Demiurge in the guise of the fallen Scientist Kuno. Without any blood for this demonic heirloom to infuse him with, it just... levitated, manipulating the air around it to stay in that space. A chaotic tendril, courtesy of his fallen brother from decades past, cracked through his skin and lifted Rivera so he'd be pinned against the wall. The clutter of chairs pinned by metal torn as the Deity stepped forward, legs on back and front sharpening as they lost their thick exterior to aim at Karlo writhing in pain.
Shaking like joints that'd been shattered, holding tightly onto the last bit of humanity they had left, Azazel began to calm as he realized... while Kuno had his left flat palm on the chest of his rival, the other held the demonic bygone. Biting his lip for but a moment, he pushed out blood from his lip and gargled it around- meanwhile, Abaddon had no words for his white-haired Rivera grand-nephew. Instead, a flimsy push, that'd looked to hold no power or strength- destroyed a wall of minerals carved together to protect this locomotive and sent August flying backward. Passing by poles, barely dodging them as he tilted his body to the right in the air, his vision turned black... and he passed out.
"I'd always known you were a little brat, Karlo. Just like your father; useless garbage that never amounted to anything! It's fitting I kill your body now, maybe then your soul will actually do some work with dear ol Dad in HEAVEN!"
Just as his skin was about to be burnt and penetrated by floating edged pieces of metal, the Detective stifled out a chuckle. His Lovecraftian-like tentacles that'd popped out unnaturally had slowly cracked apart, creating a metamorphosis of light and darkness together as a singular sharpened red wing BROKE OUT from his rear. Just like that, as he rose from a demon ascending from Hell, he revealed the bygone of another realm... obeying his command and defying the laws of physics. Clasping his hand around it as Kuno screamed in anger, he fell back as the God manifested a portal to create itself behind his former subordinate, and land a clean strike on the left side of his skull.
Smashing through the ceiling they'd arrived through, Azazel couldn't help but cackle as he'd fallen, groaning and turning as he pointed his singular finger at his attacker. Blasting a beam of Taykr energy at the Being, sending It back a few meters, and revealing Its true form. Realizing the rail he'd been thrown against had been melting as It leaned against it, the Aether let out a distorted maniacal chuckle of psychopathy. Launching upward to throw a flurry of repeated punches, Karlo copied these same movements at a continuous pace, matching the god's swiftness and erupting several sonic booms. BOOM, BOOM, BOOM! Though that was just the shorter version, as the Detective punched in the throat of the Urge, and had one of his signature chains pierce his throat. Momentarily levitating with his demonic projection to kick his opponent in the chest rapidly, sending the Aether in the chest rapidly,
"MUDADADADADAGH!!"
Having dealt with enough of these senseless games, chunks of the upper level were torn off, partly exposing the azure bright sky in all its glory. Simply closing Its fist, the galaxy being had the segments of the scraper crash onto Azazel's anatomy. Clasping palms together, he unlocked them once more so a lengthed version of his katana from the fight with the Reaper could emerge, radiating with a darkened shadow-like coloration surrounding the metal. Seconds away from being crushed, the Crow of Despair awakened as he sliced through everything, and rose from the ashes of his former self. Soul surrounded by his somber red and black aura that engulfed his figure, spreading around his soul, Azazel shined in the late sun,
"I am no longer your puppet... I'll send you back to Hell, BACK WHERE YOU BELONG, YOU PATHETIC EXCUSE OF A LIVING CREATURE!"
Radiating extremities preventing the blade from slashing through what could be called Its 'head', a kick to the right array of ribs sent Karlo through some walls to the left side. His back tumbling and cracking, bones breaking as he still held his katana in his hand, back against a window that continued to break with the pressure of invisible fingers. Revealing thyself, the golden Angel-like body of Raphael began to lift his enemy's sword from his hands as it began to take on a differentiated pure form. Stepping dramatically through the puddles of blood left by destroyed mortals, the Demiurge began to reach Its former slave, hand pushing out; ready to absorb remnants of Lucifer... It's slain brother's power.
SHINK! Tilting his head back in a concerted manner, the Aether snarled in irritation as the future was being changed. Not to Its favor... the very provocation It'd be attempting to rid Itself of moments ago by smashing him through a metal wall had reared his ugly head out from his predetermined destiny. Having regained consciousness and his body using its instincts, the sharp end of a light tendril had pierced the mineral of the train's rear, August Rivera was back in the game. Stepping back, the window to the present in another location closed behind It, and the Aether crossed its limbs to watch the execution of Azazel Karlo. That was when something odd had been noticed by this... Malevolent Being, he hadn't been holding the Key, in either his left or right hand. Same with the pockets, his mouth, there was no way he could've hidden it. With a swift turn, Abaddon Kuno's form returned as he smashed through the present, while Raphael turned to be decapitated, having been distracted. Reattaching his shattered wrist, the Crow let out a gentle grunt as he felt it snap back into place, and felt the shift of a structure as the Empire State Building began to crumble.
With no regard for the innocents about to be slain, the Crow snarled and returned to Texas, a fiery portal from Hell manifesting to bring him to his desired location. Unfortunately, on the same level where Kuno and Karlo had been fighting previously, the Amara Couple laid dead with their eyes open. Blood spreading behind them, they held their hands while they died together, and death embraced them warmly. As the Grim Reaper reeled back, collecting their souls, offering them to his brother, the Temple Guardian, Uraku and Death turned their heads as they felt the pull of the Reaper's next victim.
Lifting the Elden bygone from the metal platform, August stood determined as it floated amongst his flat palm, though to anyone like his father, sisters, or friends, he was holding it... but it wasn't him. Celine had taken control for but a moment, manipulating every cell, every single stream of blood that was flowing throughout her lover so he wouldn't be corrupted. Extending out his free hand, fingers digging into the artificial galaxy-flowing figure of the Aether, It snarled as It felt the sting of pain. An adrift soul wandering about, pushing through the barrier It had created... if It didn't react quick enough, It would perish; there was no doubt about that. About to simply chop off the hand that held the Key as it was about to collapse and lay flat in the palm of the Reaper, a direct blow to the center of Its figure sent It flying to the left. Then, August regaining control, though he was able to knee the Demiurge in the chin, his enemy had taken control of his wandering limb.
Yanking him through the destroyed chamber, they freefell together to the ground, with the Reaper on top. A tendril slipping out his wrist, forming with a darkened one to combine as it glistened in the sun's radiation- he sharpened its form and ready to slice the Aether in twain. Blocking the blow with Its right arm, the metal dug into Its shoulder and galaxy-like snowy fluids burst out of Its limb. Grunting as It felt the swell of anguish burst through Its anatomy, 'Kuno's' foot rose to deck Rivera in the right of his ribs. Another arm suddenly used the remainder of ore that acted as a wall to Rivera's left, to break that part of his skull, and send him flying into the other moving train. However, that was only Its plan, not accounting for the resilience of the human race in the eyes of this 'thing' as August used another of his tendrils to hook unto Kuno's universal style. Stars shining off of the Reaper's ivory-colored locks, a direct punch fueled with whatever energy Celine could siphon from the other side was caught. That same energy being absorbed within Its figure fueled with tenacity as It then threw August beneath him to the tracks below so he could be caught underneath the engine... the Aether watched as Rivera stuck out a hand for but a moment.
And then, unfortunately- being crushed under the weight of the train, as the guise of Dr. Kuno returned in a spread of skin and false clothing; he landed onto the dry ground. The circle of fire imprisoning his nephews and his allies grew stronger as they fought, the train Kuno walked through derailing as the remaining passengers died a painful demise. Tilting to the right, it collided with the other and halted their movement altogether, seeing through the shield of flames to witness his Father's Elite destroying the nuisances who'd killed his brother.
The Emperor landed onto the ground from the spinning kicks he'd thrown at the golden angels that threw themselves at him, rolling out of the way from a sword originating from Michael's sword hand. Uppercutting him so his chin would fly to the side, then sticking his fist through the chest of this otherworldly 'thing', Ben turned to face the remaining Angel. Just then, his girthy fingers snuck around the throat of the young mortal, so naive as Eve was all those years ago. Raising his right hand, Metatron sliced through the shoulder of The Requiem Emperor. And as he stepped back with a massive wound, Rivera snarled out angrily, disappearing to a white afterimage of himself, then reappearing to dig his flat fingers into the rear of the Archangel Michael. Instantly slaughtering that Messenger of God, his material form faded to a golden luminosity and returned to Heaven above. Raising his right hand, cracking his fingers, he readied to battle the remainder of the three Archangels.
Rising from his position on his back, the former Bountyhunter flipped back, unsheathing his sword and slicing through the arm of the golden Archangel. Then kicking him in the shin so he'd fall to his knees, Uriel collapsed with a soft mutter as he called to his Lord, unleashing a duo of arrows that swiftly flew through Jason's knees. While he fell through mid-air, a foot cleanly kicked Jay. With his grip still strong, Jason Rivera chanted beneath his breath as he awakened a newfound strength he'd been hiding for decades. And as his mortal vessel was sliced in half, the Vampire reattached as he flew past Gabriel, lengthening his katana and decapitating the once-great Angel warrior. His crimson aura faded as he slid across the devoid of water platform, panting heavily, a sort-of... happy smirk spread across his lips. Until Gabriel's wandering boot stepped into his brains, lifting the matter of that important organ, the Archangel tilted her head to stare at the Priestess and her AI companion. Using her shield of wings to protect her mortal vessel, Gabriel swiftly flew from the bullets piercing the metal shielding those pure levitators. Ella ran forward, lightning threw off of her shoulders as she readied her hand to slice through her flesh, however, the Archangel had thrown a metal projectile to enter the body of the Priestess. The world slowed as she used this flying weapon as a stepping stone to propel her further, kneeing her Heavenly rival in the nose. Losing her balance around the air, Gabriel's hands were blasted off by a plasma cannon, then through the chest. Before she would fall, Gabriel then threw a duo of metal feathers- then her head was sliced off, tumbling to the side, her tongue stuck out as she giggled like her demon sister above. Fading to golden light, Gabriel faded to nothing, and Ella and Artemis... suddenly fell unconscious, and the blame belonged to nobody but Metatron. Abruptly, his golden orbs of sight were replaced with a violet coloration reminiscent of the Emperor's elder sister, causing the Celestial Scribe to kneel,
"Watch, my nephew... as an Angel rises from the clouds shedding Heaven's golden glow, and rules over the World they knew. I never understood Father's love for His pathetic offspring, humans, not a simple-minded creation, He made sure to include that in your so-called DNA. And because of that addition to your genetic code, you, my grand-nephew, and Karlo's bastard have remained a thorn in my side for too long. Now, watch, Benjamin Rivera, as I emerge from this useless chrysalis a LEADER! I WILL PROVE MYSELF TO MY FATHER AND SHOW HIM... THE TRUTH!"
The fire spreading like a door opening its sides to reveal the hidden interior is shielded, Metatron followed the given commands he was given. Foot pinning the Emperor to the ground, Yaldaboath rose from the dirt of Hell, seemingly wielding the Key in his hands... as it glistened with the hue of Hell itself- ready to pierce his cacoon- the sharp edge ENTERED!!
And what occurred... was nothing. Odd, it was like there was nothing there at all because what Abaddon Kuno had felt was the heat of his fingers against his chest. Skeleton peeling away, he watched the event of the Key fading away to nothing, the bloodied Azazel Karlo laying in a pool of his blood. Slowly cackling with remnants of his intact vocal cords, the Detective slid over and stuck up the middle finger at his former... his former DEMON. It was an alternate universe equivalent, not the one that belonged to this Universe's Hell, and because of that fact, the Key to Hell was in the hands of someone else. Falling to his knees, Kuno watched the dust clear as he finished his pained screams of hatred for his past slave. Inhaling the fresh air, August Rivera rose from his kneeling position, covered with bruises and blood, cuts all over his body... clothing cut. And in his right hand, of all things; was the Key to Hell.
"You... dropped this,"
Raising the relic from its hung fixture, it unleashed a swarm of whitened energy purified by his singular touch combined with Celine's soul... as Kuno stepped forward, he was pushed back. Piercing his chest with the Key, a new form unleashed itself as a wave of newly-made Requiem energy created a crater. Now in the air, August Rivera underwent an intense transformation as his old self had seemingly perished. Celine staring from the Void, tears in her eyes, Azazel couldn't help but put a thumbs up to his rival. Rising his fist to the air, the Requiem Reaper was born from the ashes of Death.
"You... pathetic... little... Requiem abomination..."
"I don't need to hold back anymore, don't I? Yaldaboath Demiurge..."
The way he spoke that name, sent chills down the spine of the Reaper's father. Dripping with hatred, oozing with despair, wounds now healed and strength having reverted to normal... the Emperor snapped the neck of the Scribe with his tendril courtesy of his now-deceased Uncle.
Ribs reattaching, bones snapping back into place, Azazel Karlo stood from his bloodied place... cracking his neck. A bone snapped as August landed onto the floor, with his Father warping to the left of his offspring, Azazel dashed with his newly-gifted demonic wing and descended to stand beside his rival,
"I'll make you... just a memory. Yaldaboath..."
Zooming forward, the trio descended upon the Demiurge together, as August's consciousness was transported to the Void- he was met face to face with his reason to keep ongoing. Celine Pierce, her white hair pushed by the wind, kept warm by her clothes, his head turned to see her innocent face. A single tear dropped from the corner of her right eyelid, as her lips parted, the news he received was nothing short of amazing. As they embraced for the final time, their souls parting, at last, August and Celine were finally together.
"I always keep my promises... I'll come back to you. Don't forget,"
"I never do,"
The edge of a sword was sharp enough to cut through even the air as Azazel spun the weapon, sending it ahead as it pierced even the hardened skin of the Demiurge. Screaming out as Its attack was interrupted, Karlo cackled maniacally as he kicked at the side of Kuno's face sending him to the side momentarily. Falling to the ground, the Emperor jumped out of stopped time, kicking It while down, the Aether was sent flying into the air via the blow to his center. Sent deeper through the clouds, Ben Rivera emerged, soaring out from a slice in skipped time, knowing how far Kuno'd traveled in the time he'd destroyed. A simple swipe from his flat palm had cut off both of his arms, his spirit disconnecting, as usual, it punched through the hide Kuno called Its 'skin'. Just as his knuckles had decayed everything hiding the Aether's true form, Kuno snarled in anger as his neck was snapped and turned around. Grabbed by extended tendrils, the shadows engulfed the Requiem Reaper as he stood there apathetically with no look of empathy. CRACCKK! Breaking his pointer's knuckle with his thumb, his duo of heterochromatic eyes remained as they stabbed Kuno's pride. Tendrils dragging the creature to him, they reverted to his shoulders so the pressure the Aether held in Its anatomy could shatter the Earth's integrity. A root lengthed beneath Its figure, sending It upward and further shattering Its pathetic persona, August reached out his fist so Abaddon Kuno could halt his continuous movement. Extending out his extremities so the tips could glisten in the sunlight, Augustus Rivera spoke out... to this False God,
"Go back to where you should stay... in my memories,"
Stretching him out so his vessel could shatter and crack, the pain traveling through Abaddon Kuno's armor sent It through Hell, and returning, all It could say out loud so August could hear was a promise,
"I will... never become a memory..."
And just like that, Ben Rivera and Azazel Karlo watched as Abaddon Kuno's soul laid to rest. The latter Crow sheathing his sword, the grip clacked against the cover and a breath of relief emerged from the depths of his lungs. Suddenly... THUD!
Finger rising as further than the sun, shadowed by its radiation, his soul vanished as they were collected behind their backs. Just like that, a mother could feel her son was gone, mouth gaping wide, a tear hit the carpet. Holding her face- could she truly be whole again? Cecilia Lane collapsed to the floor, sobbing somberly as she felt the truth enter her veins, the light shining onto her face- his body was collected, preventing the dust from gathering and immersing him. His sisters were left without their third part, his cousin was left without the only thing that counted as her sibling... and his best friends lost their brother, too. None of them would know about the past, what happened that day, on January 14th, 2037. The very assassin that was sent to kill Augustus Rivera in the beginning, Azazel Karlo, the Crow of Justice, carried his friend... no, his BEST friend to his family. Though, ironically, he was always with it.
And his father? Squeezing his fists, the tips of his fingers digging into his palms, the Emperor couldn't help but scream. And who could blame him? The very thing, the one person he'd seen himself in beside his daughters, the one that would carry on his legacy was gone.
Being carried by the Detective Crow of Justice; Azazel Karlo back to his hometown of Paris, August Rivera, the newly awakened Requiem Reaper... was gone. Dead.
The World; Memento Mori - FIN.