Following the Ambush on Heaven, everything on Earth had been changed, and since the Emperor had left to lead the Attack- right now, he, along with his blood brother and sister were escorted by soldiers. Ben leading forward with Madi and Jason to the left and right respectively, inches away from the door leading into the court. Camera shutters clicking so the blinding flashes would hit their eyes, the leading brother held no reservations to the light as the wooden doors barged right open. Followed by the soldiers, the entrance shut behind them with the Pardoned Detective and his Requiem ally visible in a corner of darkness. The white-haired heterochromatic leaning against a wall as Karlo peeked out for but a moment to gaze at the paparazzi hoarding the Former Headmaster for questions as he passed by, the Fool pulled back so he could be hidden with his old friend. Commenting softly, face-to-face with August, the latter of the duo staring down at the marbled floor reflecting his radiating pupils. All the while he seemed to be not listening to whatever his partner was stating, doing all sorts of actions like staring at his fingernails, whistling annoyingly like a child, and kicking the wall to his side,
"Don't you think his plan is a little insane? After everything he and I have worked so hard for, to make this place a better place by cooperating with President Parkki. He goes and does this-"
"It's time, wait and see. They're just as guilty as the Angels of Heaven, corrupt and twisted, only parading as righteous creatures for the people's security. And freedom. That was always their goal, and yet, those ideals are opposing one another. Come on, we have to go,"
Patting his arm, the duo of brooding and smug idiot strutted side by side with one another, one of them taller by just a few inches. That being Azazel, just barely towering over his younger partner standing at 6"4 with August standing at 6"2 himself. The Reaper obliviously waving at those yelling questions, sticking up the middle finger to some and even whispering a degrading swear to some. The Detective shook at his childish behavior, scoffing at his doings and as the door spread open, there they sat. Members of Congress sat on a higher pedestal, older men and women probably around 50 or a bit more on the age scale glaring down at these... gods. Sticking out his arms, wrists against one another, August felt the tightening of cuffs attach and embed themselves over his joints. Escorted over to a seat beside his father, the expression of Humanity's Savior never changed, forever holding that smug grin over his lips. This was juxtaposed to the expression of his father to his left while the son sat at the far right, emotionless and unwavering with any sort of feeling of happiness or hope. His brother and sister behind him in the row to the right behind August, they too, were cuffed. Though not by cuffs but by a glowing collar that prohibited their superhuman movements. All that was left was the Final Requiem, none other than him.
Alexander Amara and Rosalyn Karlo had easily and knowingly fled the dorms they were previously confined to in the Academy, together, they sang into mics in a bar. Surrounded by warm lightning, the owner, seen to be none other than the wife of the Empress, lightly laughing at their stupidity. Wiping at the bar, as the duo of best friends sung karaoke together, there sat their friends. Whitney taking a sip from the drink he'd ordered with Ed to his right, the latter of the men seen speaking with Bella as the purple-eyed Myers disappointedly gazed up at them on the stage. Rubbing his eyes and facepalming at them, Alex and Rosalyn, at the same time, harmonized so they'd loudly announce,
"Zankoku na tenshi no tēze!"
Though the words in this foreign language were garbled and broken up, Whitney shaking his head, knowing their pronunciation and otherwise was all messed up. Covering his face with his palm, his extremities slid down from the upper portion of his features to cover the sliding smile over his lips. Their heads against one another as the two best friends sang into mics, the sung that played was the opening for the popular anime series, "Neon Genesis Evangelion," properly named, "A Cruel Angel's Thesis." Eyes close as they poured their heart and soul out into these words, Myers rose from his seat so he could chat with the owner and former homeroom teacher of theirs. Seen leaning over the bar as she stared upon her two-star students singing in unison, The Hunger slid his bottom over a seat. Then spinning around so they could be facing the same thing, none of them, neither pupil nor instructor needed to say anything. Their feet were heard thudding against the very ceiling to the peak of their heads, Riley sliding her palms together against each other, the woman's softened voice informing the young man of a vague tale from a past he knew not of,
"Did you know why I have two first names? Prob'ly not... well I'll tell ya. Samantha means 'told by God' since it's a name from the Bible and Riley means... 'luxurious or carefree existence.' Heh, I guess it fits me rather well, doesn't it?"
There was so much mystery swirling around this lady's body, oozing off a mysterious aura around her entire soul, he'd sensed that no one had ever asked her. It was as if she was silently begging, pulling him closer inch by inch so he could ask this woman...
"Whatever happened to your mother?"
The smile that slid over her lips was an indicator of that, for over twenty years she'd been holding so much in, and with the future, she'd been told of- she knew everything. There would no new world for them to live in, all that remained was the end ahead. Heaven was far beyond their reach, and whatever that seemed peaceful appeared as if it were just a dream, at this point. What laid beyond, this was the cost. The Emperor had a plan, he wasn't just a crazy mass murderer for the sake of being one. He orchestrated everything, from the very start, and she agreed with it,
"She... was foolish,"
At that moment, the world around her seemed to go slower, with every newer movement... everything was gradual. The look in her eyes held nothing but darkness, and as they cuffed her, bones cracking as the metal gripped against her hands, she was ready. The glass windows were destroyed, the tear gas thrown right in alerting Major Arcana and the teacher to their presence, this was the end. The end of life as they knew it, and all they laid beyond, as Alexander walked with his younger best friend by his side- their teenage years would be filled. With torture.
With everyone gathered in one location, the time of waiting would be over, Alex now at the far left of the Emperor in the middle. Those behind them in rows, like cattle, controlled so that they wouldn't do anything wrong or move in a direction these tyrants didn't like. For reference, the only ones who matter, are Jason and Madisyn Rivera, in the row closest to their nephew's back. And furthest away, the Reaper's closest ally, held a rifle over his shoulder to the right of the door- because Azazel Karlo was an active member of the police force acting on behalf of the Paris Police Force, he was given special privileges. He'd proved to those people he was a loyal enforcer of the Government, and he was personally given his younger sister so she'd stand by his side. Usually, she'd shiver and cower in fear for what would happen, but now, she stood and smiled. Arms crossed over her chest, she was given a power-prohibiting collar over her throat so she wouldn't scream or mind control anyone with her voice.
Alex looking bored as ever with his palm against his left cheek, drooling mindlessly on the wooden desk reflecting his tanned face. Ben with his arms stretched out over the material of this furniture so they wouldn't suspect he was doing anything irrational. And finally, Alex, extremities interlocked with one another as his chin rested on top of them, seen raising a white eyebrow to mock these so-called high-ranking officials in front of him. The very same that allowed Kuno's mad presence to rise in power, with every new step he took, torturing and tormenting others for the sake of the Author's Will.
At this moment, with everyone in the same room, the Investigative Congressional Hearing had commenced. Alexander Amara. August Rivera. Benjamin Rivera. All would be asked a series of questions to determine the cause and origin, and though all of them would be questioned, the way the hearing began spelled it out. Most of the questions would be aimed at the Emperor, the cameras beginning to roll, his azure pupils staring right into the lenses for but a moment. His attention back to the judge to his front, the interrogating inquiries began to fill his head,
"Headmaster Rivera, when did you first decide to commence the attack on Heaven and slaughter its population?"
"July 22nd, 2052. I was shown a future when I touched my student's arm, and from that point onward, I decided to launch the Attack. First, I invaded Heaven's Elite Guard and infiltrate their military using my Father's name he used when he was on Earth,"
The scribbling of a pen hitting and writing out the words on a paper was heard, more clicks from the camera entering his ears. Mumblings coming from the jury and otherwise entering the super-humans hearing organs so they'd look around together in confusion. Ben held no reservations, only a determined look as his fingers tapped against the wooden table below him. Another inquiry flew right into the trio's ears, this time, directed exactly at the one to the Emperor's right. His very own son.
"Mr. Rivera, after you returned from your time in the Temple with your Grandfather, were you informed of the same future as your father?"
Seeing no point in falsely answering this interrogation, August stretched his arms to the air so his bones could get some leg room into the air above. His voice strained as he answered, he whistled over to the Detective, hands covering the rear of his white-haired mop of strands. Leaning back in the chair so the front legs would be pushed higher into the air, The Requiem Savior nonchalantly announced,
"I was informed the second I got there about 18 years ago following my false death. Dear old Papa showed me exactly what the future had in store for me,"
More clicks from the camera echoed out as the button was pushed to take those photos of their faces. Alex searching around then twisting his waist creating a spark in the air as he made eye contact with none other than his Hermit lover. Seated respectfully with her hands pushed down on her thighs covered by jeans, the second their eyes connected, all the anxiety washed away. And she was met with nothing but comfort and relief, glancing at Rose beside the former sonic ability teacher, she sent him a thumbs up. Which was also accompanied by a loving smile that showed her cute dimples in each direction on her cheeks. Taking these females' looks as a way to fuel the determination inside of him, he faced forward once more. And just as he'd thought, the third question was aimed right at Alexander himself,
"Mr. Amara, when you were given the form for the Academy by Rosalyn Karlo, did you know that the Headmaster was secretly recruiting the students to fight for him in the coming battle against Heaven?"
Seeing as lying any further would sink him into an even deeper hole than wanted, Alex laid his hands over the table. Raising his palms so the court or anyone here didn't think he was going to attempt something, Amara truthfully replied to the inquiry simply with,
"Nope. Wasn't informed, and when that information was divulged to me, I complied. I knew it was for the sake of humanity,"
At that moment, the third question had been answered without interruption, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Abruptly, however, Azazel put his pointer and middle fingers to his earpiece, listening to a transmission. The words were garbled together, if you were a regular bystander then you wouldn't be able to understand what was about to occur. Random numbers were spoken into his ear from the messy broadcast, each new one spelling out a brand new word for him to decipher. Having the information in his grasp, The Detective tapped his sister on the shoulder. The smaller ginger, realizing what this meant, slid closer to her big brother as her arms went to cover her ears.
When given these types of interviews; the interviewer and the interviewee are given bottles of water so they can stay hydrated. Likely not to have their throat clog up when they're asked any nerve-racking questions. His throat itchy, the Star Student representing the Justice Arcana reached out for the bottle. But why now of all the times? He was just asked a question and didn't move an inch, why of all times would his throat be scratchy. This was an observation made by August, his eyes closely examining and searching the movements of these older men and women. Gazing upon their movements as the liquids sloshed down the throats of these elders, the hovering words of the False Mad Doctor echoed in his mind,
"There is an authoritative force leading them forward, manipulating their ideals and 'striving for their best interests,'"
Kuno used the example of when you clapped at a movie theatre, at first you'd be scared to do it but then someone stronger and braver comes along. And you don't have to worry because that other person did it for you, and you can just blend right in with the crowd. And the catalyst for this was the way the judge effortlessly and thirstily gulped down the fluid-like contents of the container. Following that it was the rest of his comrades, even some of the jury, and even Alex attempted to take a swig. August or even Genesis and Azazel wouldn't allow something like this to happen, so The Reaper whispered over to his protege. Winking and mouthing one word,
"Don't,"
Which was all it took for Alex to slam the water down, a gust of wind flowing through pushed open windows. Everyone's hair moving with the flow of the invisible air, Jason exhaled sharply and leaned back in his seat. Thankfully his arms were free so he could just bite his nails and watch endlessly at the ongoing hearing, his baby sister glancing at him. Without even a word to spare, Ben knew the signal from the second this hearing had commenced. All of this was broadcast not only all over the Americas but the rest of the world as well, their words translated endlessly and live.
People were waiting for the strongest man in the world to publicly answer more questions designed to keep him in line. There was no doubt that if he answered with a reply none of them liked they'd cut it out and replace it with something else. If there was any time to act, it'd be right here, and right now. Parting his lips and announcing freely for everyone to hear him,
"My name is Ben Rivera, and I'm the second strongest man in the multiverse. I am the descendant of those warriors who fought against the demons in the Ancient War. 400,000 years ago, when Lucifer fell from the clouds of Heaven, he created the strongest army known to man. In retaliation, to counteract the demons' strength. Unfortunately, when they were able to destroy the monsters, they pushed them back into Hell. Leaving Lucifer there with them, and the Requiem warriors of the past were slaughtered without mercy, just because they were just as powerful as the Children of God and the Author Himself. You see, Requiems are made from the blood of the Children of God. I was born with that blood, as was my son. Though, I am weaker because of my half-human DNA. I am, without a doubt, smarter, however. Furthermore, if you believe that you can hold some of the strongest creatures in the multiverse using some baseless collars and cuffs, then you're sadly mistaken. What you've just drunken is my brother's blood, but just his blood. In 2013, my brother bit into Lucifer's neck and sucked some of his blood into his fangs. He's part of the demon now, and thereby, his blood can morph any corrupted human into a monstrous demon. It wasn't just infected here, though, before I left, most of the bottled water in New York City had been replaced with Jason's blood. And with just one scream..."
Jason's feet pushed him into an upright position, smirking brightly with a mischievous look in his eyes and raising his arms. The tip of his familiar, the Ketsueki blade, obeyed his neuron's commands and sliced the collars. Electricity circuiting out from the device, Azazel threw his body over Rose to block her ears. The Emperor leaned back in his chair stretching out his feet, hands against the table's edge.
BANG! BANG! RATATATATATATATAT! With rifle and pistol fire alike entering the atmosphere, a blue streak of lightning bursting in through the front door. Though her anatomy was invisible in the intricacies of this electrical energy, Jason's left iris was seen sliding across the smoothness of his fleshy eyeball, spotting her blonde hair. Moving with the wind she created as she swiftly ran around to catch every single incoming projectile, The Thunderous Priestess slid back into view, sparks of azure lightning seen vibrating all over her limbs before she exhaled sharply. Glancing at her godson, August smirked at her to which El responded with that same look on her face. Pressing her lips against his cheek, the blonde ruffled his snowy mop of hair in the slowed world of her speedster time. Speeding around the courthouse so she could escort everyone needed outside, all that remained was Ben with his son beside him. Alex grunting at the cuffs around his wrists were sliced off by Azazel's hand, he threw his hand and rubbed it gradually. Rose running over to her friend with Hazel following the ginger, the redheaded Lovers, and the golden-locked Hermit throwing themselves onto the Justice so he could be swarmed with two girls.
His cheerful laughter echoing from behind the rest of the crowd, Ella was seen embracing her adopted son and daughter in her arms. The voice of her friend came barging in as Madi turned to the voice as well, Mei in her hold,
"Oi! Emma and Genesis managed to capture the traitors! Ben and everyone can handle this shit, let's go,"
As Miller demanded this, some of the group went over to deal with the traitors who'd disagreed with the Emperor's scheme. Including his own son, Beau, Mei, Hazel, Sunni, Bella, and Kelsey. Who, on a side note, is The Empress of Light's wife just using her maiden name. The remaining stood with the Alpha group, Rose, Azazel, Alex, Whitney, Edward, Ella, Madisyn, and the other three inside.
Back inside, with no one left but the innocent civilians of the jury, the officials, and the three superhumans- there the black-haired Hunter of Justice stood. Proudly and determined with his arms raised the Reaper threw back his chair and readied to stand tall in front of his uncle. Waving his hands around informing everyone of the coming chaos,
"Alright, we should all shut the fuck up and keep calm. We all know that I could kill every single one of you in less than a second, so how about... we all... scream!"
The Reaper cackled loudly into the air as he rose his arms higher and higher, his left emerald pupil overtaken by the bloodlust crimson shade of red. His uncle's vampiric fangs illuminating with the blood of the Demon King, the tips of his extremities pointed in toward his palm. Announcing flashily so the red electricity of his chaos technique would go accompanied with the continuous BOOMS of rapid-firing thunder. Unhinging his jaw from the bottom portion of his skull, Jason couldn't hold it in anymore. Ben's skeleton was decomposed down so only his flesh and skeleton would be visible for about half a second before he vanished. And just like that, the most monstrous beast-like roar emerged and threw itself out from the depths of the Demonic Vampire's throat,
"WRAGGHHHHHHHHHAHAGHHHHHH!!!"
The sound road imaging out from the cry had destroyed the very ceiling so a bolt of lightning would destroy the roof of the establishment. The gust of wind sending the onlookers from outside back a considerable distance, widened by the life energy of Golden Wind had caught the group from behind. The Emperor reforming his bony and skeleton structure from the ground up as he popped back into existence to the front of his followers, Madi ran over to her younger sibling, worriedly asking,
"Are they okay?"
Ben turned stuck out his palm swiftly, pushing out his two fingers and a thumb so the fireball would halt at the infinity between. The circle of flames split in twain to burn at the sides of his face, burning at the long strands of his hair mimicking the style of his father. Grunting annoyingly, time stopping so he could catch the two balls of fire and squish them in his palms. Aimed both for the faces of some of his comrades, Azazel for the right and Rose on the left- Rivera exhaled. That tightening feeling in the heart of his chest, blood squeezed out from the sides of his mouth, Ella catching her ex in her arms. Coughing continuously, the Emperor's heavy breaths were slow and ragged, the Empress inquired of her sibling,
"What's up with you?"
"My term... this body of mine is human, for almost 60 years it's been good. But I'm not my father. I'm not as strong as my son... motherfucker-!"
Clicking her tongue, Madi looked at her palm for a split second, lifting her relative's body so she could take him to his house. Glancing at Ella so she could take over control of this group, the sister left with her baby brother so his wife could tend to his internal injuries. The Priestess took a step forward about to barge in through the front entrance of the courthouse before another explosion came right at their faces. Singing some of the hair off her face, Azazel slid in front of his adopted mother catching the tiny pieces of debris aimed for his face. Thanking her son with a silent pat on the shoulder, the next sight was as if bees were swarming out from an abandoned hive. Their wings flapping as they soared into the sky, seen as though unnatural monsters with their flesh inside out, their grey beards hanging off from their chins and otherwise.
Whitney held a softened expression as he gazed up at them, remembering a time where he was chained down by his hatred of this oppressed race. He should've just channeled that anger into something better like slaughtering his girl's father, maybe that way she would've gotten with him sooner, and he would've felt that freedom... the nirvana of the chains freed around his wrist. Myers and the others witnessed as the otherworldly creatures landed on the stairway up to the destroyed courthouse, waves of flames radiating out from that point of impact as they crushed the platform to their feet. Toenails sharpened to the point they acted as claws for their feet, blood from the organs they coughed up drooling out of the corners of their mouths.
Jason slid out, boots destroyed as the bolt of lightning peeked out from the thunderous clouds, and there materialized the Requiem Reaper. The gust of wind from the energy sent his mop of hair back for a moment in time, August stretched into the air. Commenting to the group to his front,
"Now... let's kill those higher-up pieces of garbage,"
The future held nothing but pain, time was always continuously flowing, and right now- was the present.
His hand pushed out from the rubble as he grabbed onto the air heated with the exponential burning of the plasma. His flesh rebuilding around the galactic interior of his body, Uraku groaned at the sight around him, the thudding of his angelic sister echoing into his ears. Kneeling beside him, the Guardian of the Temple with Commander Angel gazed at the destruction around them- her pale fingers staying over his shoulder. Uraku and Charmeine knew this is what Heaven deserved for sacrificing the number of innocents in the world for humanity's Happiness. And yet, none of them could take this standing down. Revenge for Heaven would come crashing down unto the humans like never before.
Synopsis for Chapter 31 of Heaven's Repent - On Earth, the Requiem Reaper with his group goes to Washington to take over the Government properly to slaughter the President so a new way could be instated with the Emperor as Ruler. However, a surprise counterattack is thrown right back at them amid the chaos as they march to rebuild this old world.
Next Chapter - Orderly Chaos