Earthwalker Gorgon: Ochs.
Good! He is one of the individuals Hades has been waiting for. However, this is only the beginning; two Magic Stars are still resonating, with Ochs being the first to return. Hades, calm and composed, remains steady as he awaits the arrival of the second.
Ochs stands silently behind the two gods, fulfilling his role as a guardian.
"Big brother?!"
"Elder brother! Where are you?"
Three days passed, and upon hearing the familiar voice, Ochs felt a rare surge of emotion, confusion mixed with longing. His sister was here.
Hades spoke indifferently: "Ochs, go meet your sister. If you wish, you can accompany her until the end of her days."
"Lord Hades!" Ochs knelt on one knee, his expression serious. "As a warrior of the Underworld, I cannot make such a choice. However, I do want to say goodbye to her."
"Go," Hades replied calmly.
"Yes!" Ochs expressed his gratitude, bowing again before cautiously retreating. Though he was a warrior of the Underworld, he was still deeply attached to his sister.
Keres, observing this exchange, asked softly, "Hades, Ochs' sister is also among the chosen fighters of the Underworld, isn't she?"
Keres remained unaware of the full extent of the Magic Stars' significance, a contract binding them to Hades.
Hades replied lightly, "Whether she becomes a fighter depends on Ochs' choice. The gears of fate are turning, and their paths are intertwined."
"Yes," Keres acknowledged, bowing in respect. As the goddess of fate, she understood there was much yet to learn.
A girl with long white hair, appearing around fourteen or fifteen, hesitated, her eyes wide with uncertainty. Clad in a dark purple combat suit, she could not see Ochs' face, but she instinctively recognized him as her brother.
"Earthwalker Gorgon: Ochs!" he declared. "I serve as a warrior of the Underworld under Lord Hades!"
"Wait!" the girl cried, tears streaming down her face. "Big brother, are you abandoning me? You don't want me anymore, do you?"
Ochs halted, the words he had prepared evaporating in the face of her sorrow. His loyalty to Hades was unwavering, but witnessing his sister's distress pierced his heart.
"..."
"Elder brother!" she cried again, wiping her tears. "I know you've made your choice. This is what's best for you, right? Can you hug me one last time?"
"Chris…" he whispered her name, stepping forward. The Gorgon armor dissipated, allowing him to embrace her gently.
Their bond was palpable, filled with pure emotion. Though they faced separation, Chris wished to support her brother. As a younger sister, she understood that respect was paramount.
After a long moment, Chris released Ochs, a quiet smile on her lips. "Big brother, I know this is the last time we can be together, but I'm happy. Go on! As a warrior of Lord Hades, protecting him is your duty."
Her words were filled with admiration. She clasped her hands, expressing her respect. "Master Hades gave you a new life. I hope you embrace it and never look back."
Ochs felt the weight of her kindness and said softly, "Chris! I'm sorry! Master Hades said I could be with you until you passed, but…"
"Enough!" Chris interjected, her voice steady. "Big brother, how old are you now? You can't act like a child! As Lord Hades's fighter, it's your duty. I'll be waiting for you. You will come back, right?"
Tilting her head with a playful smile, Chris's innocence shone through. Ochs nodded, feeling a surge of determination. He had to forge ahead, without looking back.
However, as Ochs turned, he caught a glimpse of Chris's fading smile. "Big brother, can I really leave with you?"
Ochs paused, the weight of her words resonating within him. His heightened senses, a gift from becoming a warrior, allowed him to catch her whisper. Strengthened by her faith, he stepped forward resolutely.
"See Lord Hades!"
"See Lord Hades!" Chris exclaimed, kneeling before Hades, trembling with fear. "Master Hades, please don't punish my brother!"
Hades regarded her calmly. "Chris, are you willing to accompany your brother forever?"
"I am!" she replied without hesitation. "No matter the cost!"
"Very well," Hades nodded. A Magic Star transformed into a dark purple skull, grinning eerily as it merged with Chris.
"Ah!" she gasped, floating slightly as Ochs knelt in silence, feeling the weight of his failure.
Hades declared, "Ochs, you will be confined within the Magic Star for three thousand years. You cannot see Chris during this time. This is your punishment."
"Yes, Lord Hades," Ochs replied, tears spilling down his cheeks.
"Thank you, Lord Hades!" he added, bowing deeply.
Keres summoned the Gate of the Underworld. Ochs paid his respects once more before stepping through, returning to the Underworld.
As Chris completed her transformation, she donned a striking dark purple combat outfit resembling fish scales.
"Daystar Satus: Chris!" she proclaimed, kneeling. "See Lord Hades!"
"Um," Hades responded, observing her. "Chris, return to the Window Army."
"Thank you, Lord Hades!" Chris expressed, her devotion evident. She understood the gravity of the punishment, but those three thousand years felt fleeting to her, especially for a bond so strong.
Stepping through the Gate of the Underworld, Chris left, while Hades and Keres remained on the hillside, reflecting on the intertwining fates of warriors and the sacrifices they made