I sat at the desk in my hotel room, staring at Leo's Mask. I felt someone's hands on my shoulders. I looked back and noticed Usagi. She smiled at me and began to do my hair. I looked back at the mask and sighed softly.
"I know you're still sad...and I am too, but you can't lose hope. Don't put your walls back up after letting them down again..." Usagi said as she combed through my hair.
"It's hard not to when you've lost the one person who actually loved you...My father never loved me, but Leo did. I no longer have my mom nor my dad...I am all alone in this accursed world...I've finally opened my eyes in this trash world..." I said and closed my eyes.
Usagi listened to me and kept combing my hair.
"What more can I do to prevent even more loss? What good will come from trying my hardest just to lose everyone I love..? Why must I be chosen for a cursed path? Why am I to follow the Hell that Nexus went down? He lost everything and yet..." I said then grunted as I placed my hand on my chest.
"I don't know why you were chosen either..." Usagi said then set down the comb then wrapped her arms around me. "But Leo...told me that you will save everyone. Right now...you are the most important person in this world. Look around you, Claudio...You have everyone, everyone believes in you."
Something felt so familiar about Usagi...her presence felt similar to Mom's presence. I couldn't help but to break down and let myself to become vulnerable once again.
"They need you...You are something that Leo couldn't become. A Hero...Life has ups and downs, trust me...I know. You are never alone..." Usagi said and held me tightly.
I stayed silent.
Usagi let me go and rubbed my shoulders gently. "I'll be right back...I want to make you look beautiful when you go to the ball. East Spring and West Spring still need their Savior..."
I listened as Usagi walked away and grit my teeth. "Everyone needs me. When am I not needed now...?"
"Open your eyes..."
I opened my eyes and noticed I was sitting in a white void. I looked around and noticed a man walking toward me. His long silver hair flowed with the null winds that flowed through the void. His silver eyes shined as he stared at me. A golden serpent calmly slithered around his body then hissed.
"Nexus..?" I said softly.
Nexus crossed his arms and stared at me. He tilted his head upwards and lowered his arms. "You wish to know why you're chosen..? I think it's time I show you The Truth."
Nexus held his hand out to the side then he warped us to a memory I kept hidden in the deepest parts of my soul. We both watched my younger self sitting in front of my original mother.
"Mama...I know my father did this to you. I went through everything. If you can hear me, I want you to know that I will avenge you. I will make him pay for using you...and using me." My younger self said then walked toward my original mother, grabbing her cold hands.
"I will make him pay the ultimate price...No matter what, I will protect my other Mom and send that man to his rightful place in Hell..." My younger self said.
I watched and noticed my original mother's hands slightly twitch and my eyes widened.
"She isn't dead. She's paralyzed. She's in a comatose state because of her constant energy drain. And you knew this which is why you visited her every day after finding her original body. You deliberately ignored that fact because you knew if Luke found out she was still alive he would finish her off." Nexus said.
I watched as we were warped to the next memory. I watched my younger self walk into an empty church. I noticed a Nun standing at the front of the cross. She seemed to have been waiting for my younger self, but she didn't look like any Nun.
"That woman that stood before you at this very moment...That was Lilith herself in the flesh, but you knew that didn't you?" Nexus said.
My younger self looked Lilith in the eyes and glared. "I came like you wanted me to...I got your message. Tell God that I want the power to kill my father. Tell Him that no matter what He says, nothing is going to stop me from avenging my mom. No matter the trials He throws at me...I will exact my revenge.."
Lilith looked down at me and smiled. She laughed softly and held her arms. "Is that what you truly want?"
"Do these eyes let you know what I want? I don't care what I have to go through! I don't care anymore, the more I look at her...The more I talk to her, the more she lets me know that she wants him dead as well! Enough is enough...I won't let my mom be used anymore!" My younger self exclaimed.
"Everyone who is being used by that man, by Luke Rose, I will save them all by sending him back to the depths of Hell from whence he came. So are you going to keep pestering me by asking me am I sure, because I've never been more sure about anything in my life." My younger self said.
Lilith shrugged and smirked. "Well...my husband needs a new vessel as he's watched Luke ruin this world single handedly. If he agrees to become your vessel, this cross behind me will shine."
I looked at the cross and waited. The cross soon began to shine brightly and I grunted softly in awe.
"You were chosen because you chose to take on that responsibility yourself. No one coached you into it...Now wake up and open your eyes to Reality. You've forgotten it because Luke manipulated your memories, but enough is now enough." Nexus said then warped up back to the White Void.
I looked at Nexus and looked down then closed my eyes.
"Claudio...This is your calling. I'm not gonna sit here and say you can't be sad because when I lost everything dear to me, I even took time to be sad...but you can't be sad forever. You are holding yourself back. I watched your rage...the angels sang once they witnessed your Wrath, your Pain." Nexus said then closed his eyes.
I looked up and looked at Nexus.
"Between Heaven and Earth, Between the Light and the Darkness, Between a Deity and a Human, you are a Savior and an Avenger." Nexus said then opened his eyes and held his hand toward me.
I felt something inside me awaken and looked at my markings on my arm then noticed a second marking appear on my left arm. The marking shined and formed into the Pride Symbol.
"I am The Angel, The Demon, and The Human of Heaven. I am the knot that ties everything together. I am the Deity that controls the Nexus Point. I am the Light and the Darkness. I am the God of Seraphs, the Son of Yascha. I am all that Luke wished he was...I Am Nexus. Take my ultimate Blessings...and become the man you said you'd become." Nexus said.
I watched as Nexus walked away. "Nexus."
Nexus stopped walking and looked back.
"Grant me one wish." I said.
"State your wish." Nexus said.
I took a deep breath and exhaled softly. "Allow me to access The Trinity. I have the power of an Alpha Angel, a Nexus Angel, and now an Omega Angel. It's only fair as the future Ruler of Seraph City, that I am granted The Trinity."
Nexus stared at me then smirked. "I like you, so I'll do as you wish only in turn that you succeed in your goal."
"I will." I said.
Nexus nodded and walked away.
I closed my eyes and grunted as I felt Usagi shaking me.
"Claudio! Wake up!" Usagi called out to me.
I opened my eyes and grunted softly, looking up at Usagi. "Usagi..."
"You're going to be late! You need to get ready!" Usagi said.
I looked at the time and quickly got up. "How long was I out for..?!"
"A few hours! The ball has already started!" Usagi warned.
I hurried off to get ready and grabbed the mask off the table. "Shit..! Okay I'm going! Dearie, let's go!"
Dearie looked at me then unplugged herself and quickly flew after me.
_______________________
Cecilia nervously sipped on her drink and looked at her watch. 'Where is he..?!'
"I don't think he's coming..." Verin said and held her arms.
"No just wait a few more minutes..! He's gonna show up!" Cecilia said then looked around, seeing her sister and her bodyguard walking toward her. "Crap...!"
"Well, Cecilia...Where's your dear Savior? You talked a big game about him earlier, so I'm sure he's here, just hiding?" Cecilia's sister said.
"Listen, Ashera, he's gonna be here! His dad was just announced dead yesterday, he's probably just taking some time to recover but he'll be here!" Cecilia said.
Ashera crossed her arms and rose an eyebrow. She looked around and watched the crowd of people interact with each other. "When you mentioned it was Claudio, I was pretty excited to finally see him again. You were always the lucky one between us. Why did you have to be the one to stay with mom while I was stuck with the deadbeat dad?"
Cecilia stared at Ashera and grunted softly. "I-I don't know..."
Ashera looked back at Cecilia then lowered her arms. "I've held that grudge against you...You didn't deserve the better life while I was left to suffer! But that's what happens when you're left in a miserable life of misfortune, that's why after this ball...I will destroy East Spring and take my rightful place on the new throne."
Verin glared at Ashera and was about to go on the defensive, but noticed Ashera's bodyguard go on the defensive as well. "Kasula...control your Princess before I control her for you..."
Kasula smirked at Verin then her eyes shined. "There's nothing about her that needs to be controlled. Besides there no way for you to defeat us...Your magic can barely hold a candle to our Mastered Martial Arts..."
Verin glared at Kasula then summoned her katana. "Would you like to test that theory..?"
"Oh I've been itching for a fight...I want you to make a move right now..." Kasula said then dark energy surrounded her hands.
The four of them noticed the doors open then looked at the doors. They noticed a figure in a black cloak walk inside the building. The figure took their hood off and revealed it was Lotus then Xali walked inside after him.
Addis and Aria noticed them as well and became alert. Aria placed her hand on the handle of her sword then Addis stopped her.
Lotus looked around and noticed I wasn't there. "Well...I guess this will be a piece of cake."
Everyone stared at Lotus and Xali then noticed Ryan walk inside as well. He immediately noticed Elma and Chassie then glared at them as he knew they had betrayed Suxen as well.
_________________________________
I quickly flew toward the palace the ball was taking place in. I sensed dark energy coming from the direction I was headed then looked down noticing Rapunzel and Jabril taking down the horde of Rose Reapers that began to plauge the city.
"What the...What the hell is going on..?" I asked.
"We need to help them!" Dearie said.
"Right." I nodded then propelled myself toward Rapunzel and Jabril.
Rapunzel took down another Rose Reaper and grunted as a new one spawned. "Where the hell are these bastards coming from?!"
Jabril took down two Rose Reapers at once then saw more was spawning in. "They knew we were coming here! At this rate, we won't make it in time!"
A group of Rose Reapers surrounded the two and were closing in on them then Rapunzel noticed all of them disappear one by one. She looked surprised and noticed that I appeared in front of them.
"Claudio...!" Rapunzel said with hope in her voice.
My eyes shined as I stared at the new Rose Reapers spawning in. "Long time no see."
Jabril sensed my energy was much stronger than the last time we met. "He's different..."
"You two go ahead. I'll deal with these. I know Lotus and the others are at the ball right now. Go hold them off! I'll be there in a moment." I said.
Rapunzel stared at me then smiled. "Right. Jabril, let's go!"
Jabril watched Rapunzel fly off quickly then flew after her. "Good luck!"
I stood up straight then grabbed my mask. "Luck...I don't need luck. Not anymore.."
I put on my mask then a surge of black aura surrounded my body and fused with my silver aura. I manifested my wings then my eyes shined gold behind my mask. Dearie manifested her Halo then her eyes shined as well.
The Rose Reapers let out their monstrous cry then rushed toward me. I stopped time and vanished, striking each Rose Reaper with a barrage of strikes then time resumed. The Rose Reapers cried out and disappeared after taking the barrage of attacks then I rushed forward.
"Angels, hear my voice and play your trumpets! Give me your strength!" I called out.
The clouds shined gold then two trumpets sounded off. The Deep Sea Angel and the Angel of Nature responded to my call and provided me with their power. A blue green halo formed over my head then I began to summon waves of water to wash away the Rose Reapers that rushed toward me.
"Dearie, do it!" I commanded.
Dearie created Live Decoys of myself then they rushed toward the next few hordes of Rose Reapers. Dearie scanned me then copied my Wall of Protection and summoned multiple magic circles while charging a Laser Blast.
"Go!" I bellowed.
Dearie bellowed and fired her Laser Blast at the magic circles then they began to bounce off the magic circles and scattered into multiple smaller lasers, striking the next horde, killing them.
We made our way past the next few hordes then I sensed an attack to the left of me and dodged the attack. I noticed dark spikes protruding from the ground then dodged them and noticed a figure in a black cloak land on the top of an 18 wheeler. The figure took their hood off, revealing themselves to be a woman I've never seen before.
"Alert, She is a Darling. A powerful one at that." Dearie said.
[Name: Nior Gersemi]
[Age: 22]
[VIP Level: 15]
[Birthday: February 10th]
[Occupation: Member of The Anti]
[Hobbies: Spending time in gardens, Strolls in nature, Finding ways to escape The Anti]
[Price: $10,000]
Nior was an insanely beautiful woman with tanned skin, golden eyes, long brown hair, and a buxom figure. She wore a black and white kimono underneath her black cloak and wielded two katanas.
"Claudio Angels! I have finally found you! Leo Reigns is now dead, and you're next!" Nior said then pointed one of her katanas at me. "Make our lives easy and surrender now, or face the Wrath of God!"
"God..?" I asked then chuckled softly. "So now he's using His name as if he's become one...That bastardous man dares to call himself God? And you willingly listen to his words as if they are absolute? What a sad existence you live."
Nior glared at me and lowered her katana. "You dare to disrespect me..?"
I held my hand up then a black orb of energy formed in my hand then purple lightning crackled around it. I formed a True Light Blast and fused the two together and a smirk formed on my face.
Nior looked surprised and felt the incredible energy my attack began to produce. 'What the hell is that..?'
"Let's see if you can withstand this..." I said then stomped my foot on the ground. "Calamity Blast!"
I hurled the Calamity Blast toward Nior and it travelled her at high speeds. I noticed Nior prepared to dodge the attack then stopped time. I flew toward Nior and appeared behind her then kicked her back. I resumed time then Nior flew into the Calamity Blast, colliding with it. The Calamity Blast exploded and I blocked my face from the smoke and debris with a smirk on my face.
Nior began to fall to the ground then recovered and landed on her feet. 'What the hell was that..?!'
"Don't relax yet!" I bellowed as I was above Nior.
Nior looked up and dodged my attack and slid backwards. She dashed toward me and slashed at me, but I dodged it flawlessly then dodged her spinning kick then chuckled coldly.
"Try and keep up.." I said.
Nior groaned as invisible forces began to strike her body. I walked toward her while my afterimages began striking her body then appeared in front of her, striking her with a knee attack. Nior groaned as she crashed through a building and rolled on the ground. She grunted as she felt a vine wrap around her ankle and yelled as she was dragged back toward me.
I pressed a Calamity Discharge against her stomach, blasting her upwards to the sky. I flew up after her and appeared above her, striking her back down with a powerful double axe handle. Nior groaned loudly and crashed onto the ground, leaving behind a smoke cloud from the impact.
Nior slowly got up and grunted in pain. She stood up and wobbled, nearly losing her balance. 'He's too fast...and too strong..! How is he—Wait those markings on his left arm...'
I landed in front of Nior and stood up straight. I held my hand out at her and Nior braced herself. I snapped my fingers then circles of light shined on the ground. Nior looked down and grunted as she dodged the Holy Lances being shot up from the circles of light. She felt a Light Decoy grapple her from behind then shine brightly. She cried out in pain as the decoy exploded.
I took off my mask then exhaled. I opened my eyes then my aura disappeared. "You should've thought twice before challenging...As I am now, you stood no chance against me.."
Nior slowly tried to stand up then grunted as chains of light kept her on the ground. She looked up at me then felt two of my fingers press against her forehead.
"Now you will be saved..." I said then sensed another attack and dodged it. I looked over from where the attack came from and noticed a familiar face.
"Well, it's been a while... Claudio." The figure said and smirked.
"Vance..." I said and glared at him.