Nagini, Maliz, and I stood in front of Aria in the throne room, having an audience with her to discuss why we were in Amethyst Empire in the first place. Charity stood next to Aria's throne as not only her Knight but Royal Bodyguard. She watched over the conversation between the four of us.
"So you're saying you came here because of some Rogue Shrine Maiden who stole St. Goken's Sacred Relic? Hmm...I do remember seeing it on the news earlier. We've been dealing with our own issues regarding The Fallen though," Aria said, crossing one leg over the other.
I rose and eyebrow, tilting my head. "Like what? They don't seem to have affected your kingdom much?"
"Well, it's not an issue that's going to only affect my kingdom, but St. Goken as a whole. Have you heard of the stories of the tale of Dark Lords? Y'know, the Queens of Rebirth?" Aria asked, tilting her head.
I glanced at Maliz and she shrugged her shoulders. We looked over at Nagini, who seemed to have heard of these Dark Lords that Aria spoke of. Nagini opened her eyes, taking a seat on her floating device and hummed.
"I know exactly what you're talking about, Princess. The Dark Lords are World Destroyers, they have been around for centuries just as I have. There are currently nine of them. But why are you worried about them? They've been sealed away by us Rulers an entire century ago when they reached Earth," Nagini said, tapping her green claws against the floating device she sat on.
"Well, you dumb Rulers sealed one of them away in St. Goken! In fact you sealed four Dark Lords in Exzodia! The Fallen have gained new members as you know, but they were tasked with Unsealing the Dark Lords!" Aria exclaimed, crossing her arms as she glanced at Nagini.
"Hey now, we did what was needed. Those Dark Lords were no joke. They can't be killed because they have Rebirth, and each time they Rebirth, they grow stronger and stronger. The only way we could defeat them is by sealing them away," Nagini retorted nearly immediately, raising an eyebrow.
"We gave the Four Masters their relics to guard with their lives, to make sure the Dark Lords aren't revived. If those Masters can't do the one thing we told them to do, maybe they deserve to have the Dark Lords destroy their land," Nagini added, continuing to tap her green claws against the floating device.
I glanced between Nagini and Aria, crossing my arms. "So why are these Dark Lords so dangerous besides their ability to Rebirth and being World Destroyers in general?"
"The Dark Lords have a special property. They can summon monsters to aid them in battle, corrupt Heroes, have access to Forbidden Skills and Abilities, can use almost any Relic they want to their advantage. Those women are Apostles to Terminus himself just as the Rulers are Apostles to Henosis, the Hero of Origin," Nagini explained, glancing at me, her eyes faintly glowing.
"These Dark Lords have existed since the beginning of time. We only managed to trap the third generation of Dark Lords in time instead of killing them. The only way a Dark Lord truly dies is if they are struck down by the Hero of Origin...or if they reproduce since giving birth to a child not only transfers their powers to the offspring but also uses up all of their energy in to process," Nagini added.
I nodded, closing my eyes and began to rack my brain about if I've really heard about the Dark Lords somewhere. 'Hey, Tyrant..'
"Yes?" The Tyrant responded, my Crest of Conquest faintly glowing.
'Since you're the first Eternal Emperor of Conquest, you have to have heard of the Dark Lords right?' I asked mentally, genuinely curious about the Dark Lords.
"Ahh, those women. The Dark Lords have the potential of becoming stronger than what Old World Chaos used to be. They not only get stronger the more Heroes they kill, but they also get stronger through Death. They can't truly die, but I have killed the first generation of Dark Lords before," The Tyrant said.
I paused for a moment, placing my hands in my pockets. Hearing that information, something clicked in my mind. 'Are you....Henosis?'
The Tyrant chuckled softly. "I am Henosis, son of Nymphira and Terminus, one of the Four Eternal Emperors, and the previous Hero of Origin."
With that information, I opened my eyes and noticed I was in a mindscape surrounded by beautiful white clouds. I looked around and noticed The Tyranr Avatar, Henosis, standing in front of me. Sephora appeared next to me, glancing at me with a smile. I was finally able to meet my predecessor face to face.
Henosis had a striking, ethereal appearance with long, flowing blonde hair that catches the light. A halo hovers above their head, signifying their divine nature. He was clad in ornate, shining armor that covers their body, providing protection while also highlighting their status as a divine warrior. The armor was intricately designed with golden accents and patterns, adding to the majestic and sacred look.
Large, white wings extended from his back, further emphasizing his angelic nature. The wings are depicted in a way that made Henosis look powerful yet graceful, as if they were capable of both flight and combat.
"Henosis," I said in awe, my gaze unable to leave his.
"August Eyica, we don't have much time to speak as I don't want to take too much time from the impending storm that's building up. I want to tell you this...as you are now, you won't be strong enough to defeat the Dark Lords on your own, even in your strongest form," Henosis said, crossing his arms as he looked down at me.
"How strong are they really?" I asked.
"They are strong enough to destroy an entire Realm if they grew to that type of strength. Right now, they are only capable of destroying Worlds but it takes them about 20 Days to do so," Sephora answered, holding her arms under her chest. "If they were to be revived right now, we would have only 20 Days to defeat them before they destroy Earth as we know it."
I grumbled softly, scratching the back of my head with a soft sigh. "What the hell..? So they are planetary in strength right now huh. I'm not even that strong right now...The Fallen are really doing whatever they can."
Henosis uncrossed his arms then smiled at me, summoning his sword. The sword began to hover up and float toward me, gently landing in my hands. I looked at the large, ornate sword with a spectacle of awe and admiration. The sword emanated light, indicating its divine power and the sword's readiness for battle.
"That blade is called Origin Blade. It's one of the strongest Divine Weapons of all time and is very helpful if you wish to deal with The Fallen and Dark Lords should the time come," Henosis said, smiling at me.
I nodded, looking up at Henosis. "Thank you, Henosis."
"Also, August, you are the new Hero of Origin. I don't want you to just follow the same path I took. I want you to forge your own path, be the hero you want to be. All I can do is guide you along your journey," He added, closing his eyes then a bright light began to shine.
I covered my eyes from the brightly light then as the light began to dim, I lowered my arm and noticed I was back in the real world. I heard Nagini and Aria still discussing the matters regarding The Fallen and the Dark Lords. I looked at Maliz, who seemed to be bored.
"Alright, I'm sure have all the information we need. We should be going now. We still have to report to Misao about what we found, or in this case, didn't find," Nagini said, hopping off her floating device.
Aria nodded then glanced at Charity before turning her attention back to us. "One more thing. I'm sure you'll be needing extra hands, so take Charity with you. Her abilities as the Aquarius Zodiac Knight should come in handy."
Charity looked a bit surprised, quickly glancing at Aria. "Are you sure, Lady Aria? Are you sure you'll be okay alone?"
Aria giggled softly, looking at Charity. "It isn't like I'm some defenseless Princess, Charity. I'll be fine, but you have a purpose outside of standing by my side 24/7. Go define your life...have fun out there. The kingdom is always here when you want to come back."
Charity smiled at Aria, bowing toward her before making her way toward the three of us. She turned to face Aria once more. "I'll be sure to make you proud, Lady Aria."
"I know you will," Aria chuckled softly, humming proudly.
With that, the four of us began to make our way out of the throne room and left the palace. We began to embark in our long journey back to St. Goken Academy, discussing with each other about what we just talked about. The prospect of the Dark Lords returning was a bit frightening but we could deal with them together.
[Notice: Dual Zodiac Arts now available (Leo x Aquarius)!]
[Current Compatibility with Charity/Althea: 5%]
[Dual Zodiac Arts (Leo x Aquarius): Regal Cosmic Storm!]
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April, Heifer, and Liao Ru traversed around the Pisces Kingdom, the East Aquamarine Kingdom, admiring the tranquil location. The Pisces Kingdom, or the East Aquamarine Kingdom, rested gracefully along the eastern shores of theSt. Goken District, where the waves kiss the golden sands and the horizon melts into a dreamy palette of aquamarine and coral. This enchanting realm was a sanctuary of harmony, where the ebb and flow of the tides mirror the rhythm of life and magic thrives in every drop of water.
The kingdom was characterized by its breathtaking coastal landscapes, where cliffs adorned with vibrant sea flora rise abruptly from the shoreline, creating a stunning contrast against the shimmering waters. Towering palm trees swayed gently in the warm sea breeze, their fronds creating a natural canopy under which colorful markets pulse with life. The air is filled with the melodic whispers of the ocean, mingling with the laughter of its inhabitants and the aroma of exotic spices wafting from bustling food stalls.
At the heart of the Pisces Kingdom laid the Coral Citadel, a majestic structure crafted from iridescent coral and luminescent shells, rising majestically from the depths of the sea. The Citadel served as both a royal palace and a center of knowledge, where the wise rulers of the kingdom, a council of seers and sages, guide their people with insights gleaned from the depths of the ocean and the stars above. The halls of the Coral Citadel were adorned with intricate mosaics depicting the history of the kingdom, celebrating the bond between its people and the sea.
The citizens of the Pisces Kingdom were known for their deep connection to the water and their ability to harness the magic of the tides. Skilled artisans create breathtaking works of art from sea glass and shells, while fishermen and women navigate the waters with an innate understanding of the currents. Festivals abound, celebrating the bounty of the sea with vibrant parades, spectacular dances, and rituals honoring the ocean deities who bless their shores.
"Wow, this place is so beautiful...it almost makes me want to stay here for a while..." April said, a breathless sigh escaping her lips as she wandered around.
Heifer looked around as well, following behind April, her cloak flowing with the gentle breeze. "As much as I hate detours, I could get used to this. It's not half bad."
Liao Ru chuckled softly, her gaze shifting around her surroundings. "The Pisces Kingdom has always been rather peaceful. They always seem to stay in their own lane and don't really bother others. They aren't known to be confrontational or problematic."
As the three wandered around, they paused as they heard a soft melody echoing around the beach area. Their curiosity got the better of them and they followed the sounds to the source. They noticed a woman sitting on a rock, humming and singing to herself while watching over the two large koi fish.
"Hey, she has Zodiac Energy.." April said, her gaze lingering on the woman singing.
"She has to be the Pisces Zodiac Knight," Heifer nodded, studying her appearance.
The woman was a vibrant and cheerful mermaid, with a colorful and lively appearance. She has long, flowing blonde hair styled in pigtails, with pink and purple highlights that add a playful touch. Her hair is adorned with seashells and flowers, enhancing her oceanic theme. Her eyes are large and sparkling, with a captivating purple hue that matches the overall color scheme.
She wore a mermaid top made of pink and purple shells, decorated with frills and a bow, adding a cute and feminine touch. Her mermaid tail was beautifully scaled in shades of pink, purple, and blue, creating a shimmering, iridescent effect that is both magical and visually appealing.
She wore a choker with a pale blue gemstone with the Pisces Sigil within, adding elegance and a hint of mysticism to her look. Her hair accessories included a pink seashell and a decorative item that resembles a small pink creature, adding a whimsical element to her appearance.
Liao Ru began to make her way to the woman, slightly leaning to the side to catch her attention. Once she got it, she waved at her with a warm smile. "Hey, Coral, do you have a moment?"
The woman smiled at Liao Ru, her gaze shifting to behind her and meeting the gazes of April and Heifer. She sensed their Zodiac Energy as well, her glance meeting Liao Ru's once more. "Mhm~ I have a moment."
April and Heifer joined Liao Ru and looked at Coral, curious about her and if she was a Zodiac Knight or Princess. The three gathered around Coral and began to engage in conversation with her.
"Coral, before I begin with my questions, meet April and Heifer. They are the Aries and Taurus Zodiac Knights respectively. April, Heifer, meet Coral. She's not only the Pisces Zodiac Knight but also the Princess of East Aquamarine," Liao Ru introduced, giving the three a warm, gentle smile.
"Wow, Coral!~ You're so beautiful! I've never seen a mermaid before," April giggled, admiring how Coral looks and her innate beauty.
Coral giggled softly, watching as April admired her. "Thank you, April. You look very pretty as well~ It's nice to meet you and Heifer."
Liao Ru hummed happily, smiling at their interactions. "Alright, we don't want to take too much time from you so I'll make this quick. We are looking for this girl."
Coral looked at the wanted poster Liao Ru showed her with the picture of Maiken upon it, her eyes slightly widening. "Oh no...what happened to Miko Maiken?"
"Apparently she was corrupted by a Fallen Legend named Macaria and she stole the 3rd Sacred Arms: Baikal. We need to find her before she finds The Fallen. We can't allow any Sacred Arms to reach the corrupt hands of the dark forces. We can't have a Shangqui Incident happening in Exzodia," Liao Ru explained, rolling the poster back up and placing it in her pocket.
"Any idea where she might've gone or have you seen her walk by?" Liao Ru asked, crossing her arms.
"I just saw her pass by the Kingdom earlier with the Sacred Arms. I didn't know she actually stole it. I'm not too caught up on the news admittedly. I know where she is, we can catch her as she's still in the Pisces Area of St. Goken. I believe she's in the path to Garnet Dynasty, the Capricorn Kingdom," Coral said, shifting her mermaid tail into human legs then stood up.
"That would be a huge help. Thank you, Coral," Liao Ru nodded, smiling at Coral.
Coral nodded then began to lead April, Heifer, and Liao Ru toward Maiken's last known location. Their steps were filled with urgency and haste, the four of them planning to reach Maiken before crossing the border between Pisces and Capricorn.
The four made it to the outskirts and noticed a woman walking along a path with Baikal sheathed at her side. Liao Ru also noticed the woman, looking at the wanted poster then looked back at the figure ahead.
"Maiken!" Coral called out, her voice reaching out to the woman ahead.
The woman stopped in her tracks, hearing her name being called. She turned around and glanced at Coral and the others. "Hmph...Coral and two Zodiac Knights.."
Maiken was a woman who exuded strength, confidence, and a fierce warrior spirit. She had long, wild pink hair that was tied up in a high ponytail, giving her a dynamic and powerful look. Her hair was voluminous and spiked, suggesting a rebellious and strong-willed personality.
She was dressed in a distinctive outfit that blends traditional and modern elements. Maiken wore a kimono-style robe with a bold design featuring black and white patterns, along with red accents. The robe is open at the chest, revealing a black top underneath. She also wore a wide red sash tied around her waist, adding a pop of color and highlighting her waist.
She was equipped with a katana, which she holds bottom of it confidently in her right hand. The katana was sheathed, and the hilt was intricately designed, indicating her skill and experience as a warrior. She also wore an eye patch, fingerless gloves, and sandals, which enhance her readiness for combat.
April studied Maiken's appearance, noticing she only had one arm and the other sleeve flowed smoothly in the breeze. "This is Maiken...what happened to her arm?"
"According to Misao, her arm was severed off in a battle against Ashina due to Maiken not wanting to fall in line with the Way of the Maiden. While Ashina resembles the Grace and Diplomacy of a Shrine Maiden, Maiken inherits the traits of a Dark Miko, Rebellious and Ruthless," Liao Ru explained.
Maiken stared at the four and scoffed at them, her left eye glowing faintly. "If you're here to try to bring me back to St. Goken, I'm not returning to that soft academy. I'm going to do my own thing, gain more power than following the ways of a dumb Shrine Maiden even if it means taking the Sacred Arms to The Fallen to gain my power. I will get my revenge upon Ashina one way or another."
"Maiken, you don't need to do this! You can get stronger without The Fallen! If you go down this path and give that Sacred Arms to The Fallen, you'll be committing an unforgivable sin and become Fallen yourself!" Coral exclaimed, trying to get through to Maiken.
Maiken listened to Coral then closed her eye, lowering her head. "I know that already. I never wanted to become a Shrine Maiden. I've always just wanted to be a warrior like my father, but no...my mother forced me into this line of business. Now I've lost an arm, but all of this will change.."
Maiken's aura surrounded her body, an arm made from her energy forming inside her left sleeve. She got into her stance then looked at Liao Ru and the others. "Try to stop me if you dare, but be warned that I will strike you down."
'Hm...her aura isn't fully corrupted, so there is some hope of redemption within her. If they can get through to her, I could probably try to chalk down the severity of punishment she would receive. Best case scenario, she just gets thrown in jail for a minimum of six months. Worst case...she gets sealed away by the Talisman of Banishment,' Liao Ru thought, stepping over to the side.
"I'm gonna let you three handle this one. I will only step in when necessary," Liao Ru said, leaning against a tree.
April readied herself for battle, stepping forward then adjusted her glove covering her Crest of War. She smirked at Maiken, getting into her stance. "Alright, ladies. Let's show her what we all can do.."
Heifer and Coral nodded, getting into their stances. Maiken watched us then scoffed lightly, readying herself for battle against the April, Coral, and Heifer.