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(Alright everyone I'd like to state that this isn't my story. It's written entirely by Zerrex Narrius. The entire 1100 page epic can be downloaded at Epiphany. Please direct all praise to Zerrex and not me. Alright this series is markes as extreme, if ya are under 18/21 GTFO yadda yadda yadda, NOW on with the show.)

(This last part is 125 pages long.)

The Drakkaren snorted at this... and then he stared in horror as two massive, terrible figures slowly walked out of the large, concrete building behind it, swallowing slowly. They were immense, armored behemoths, the full-plate mail that covered their lumbering bodies made of serrated, heavy silver alloy, stretched chain mesh visible beneath the heavy outer shell of the armor, and their legs were bowed slightly under the weight of their own enormous, hunched upper forms. Both of them held massive weapons in their huge hands: one had an enormous executioner's axe, and the other held a deadly, flanged great mace. Both also wore helms, serrated and plated in the same style as their armor and with small, dove-like wings jutting upwards from either side, covering their muzzles and features entirely and leaving only hooded sockets for eyes from which glowed terrible, emotionless white light.

Holy Dervishes... and Zerrex cursed under his breath before he readied himself... and then looked up in surprise at a growing whistling before a heavy compartment crashed to the ground on top of one of the Dervishes, crushing it into the dirt and knocking the Metatron flying backwards before the other Dervish took this as a sign to attack, moving with terrible, surprising speed as it cocked its huge axe back before Zerrex seized Blackheart's handle and swung forwards just as it lashed a decapitating slice towards his neck, the weapons clanging loudly in midair before the Dervish staggered backwards, the only sounds coming from the clunks and rattles of its armor as it spun the axe neatly in one hand to try and lash out with a second lightning-fast slash.

Zerrex ducked under this, then winced and brought the flat of Blackheart up like a shield when it jabbed at him, the creature's gauntlet mashing into the sword with enough force to send the reptile skidding backwards before the Dervish leapt forwards again... and Zerrex leapt straight upwards as it tried to slam the axe down into him, the weapon just scratching past the reptile in midair before the Drakkaren slashed savagely downwards and cut its helm and the skull of the sixteen-foot behemoth beneath into two, sending the Dervish staggering backwards before it slowly, creakily began to raise its weapon, even as the broken helm fell away and revealed its severed features.

It was emotionless and hairless, once perhaps canine but now the skin stretched so tightly it was hard to tell, white light slowly fading from its eyes as brain matter and blood gushed out from its halved head... and then it finally fell forwards on its knees before collapsing onto its cut-in-half face with a twitch just as the second compartment was thrown open and Cherry and Priest staggered out... and there was a loud thud as ahead, a third set of compartments crashed to the ground, landing almost on top of each other and Priest cursing at this before the gathered looked up in shock as one of the drop-ships slowly fell towards a huge silo in the distance, chunks of flaming debris raining down from it before it crashed and went up in a massive explosion as immense Gold Dragons and snarling gryphon mounts flew by overhead, Zerrex looking up with a sharp curse... and then he glanced to the side to see Soul and Naganen emerging, the reptile ordering as his eyes worriedly watched Cindy and Hope and Missy pushing out of the piled compartments in the distance: "Everyone, get the portals together, we like don't have a lot of time before-"

"Multiple hostiles detected on rapid approach, northbound. Recommendation: prepare for enemy engagement." Soul interrupted calmly, and Zerrex cursed, feeling desperate, before Soul added: "Secondary data analysis confirms energy signatures of angels. Estimation: twenty."

"Enforcers, defensive position!" Zerrex shouted, throwing a fist in the air, and the enormous Dragokkaren that were quickly gathering all around them saluted sharply and then ran towards the road, several dropping to one knee and looking through the scopes attached to their weapons, scanning the areas ahead as others seized abandoned carts, ripped doors off buildings, and several even managed to lift one of the fallen compartments between them with snarling grunts of effort, beginning to quickly erect a defensive barricade as Zerrex let out a wheeze of relief: they were more than capable of looking out for themselves, which would save him a lot of time and effort ordering them around.

The reptile turned his attention to Missy as she approached, and he could see Cindy ripping the doors off compartments in the distance as Hope began to pull out the containers for the portals. The Benevolent skidded to a halt in front of him, and Zerrex pointed to the line of Dragokkaren, saying quickly: "Help them out, enemies are approaching from that direction... they could use a sniper keeping an eye on things."

"Gotcha, Biggs." Missy nodded quickly, heading past him, and then Zerrex glanced towards Priest... but he and Cherry were already running down an alley towards another fallen compartment faintly-visible against a large, cracked cement building, and Zerrex grimaced as he looked back and forth. Ancient wooden structures and large but squat cement factories, smokestacks here and there standing out of them, and this large road that cut through the industrial area...

"We were off target by roughly two kilometers. This is the outer edge of Beggar's Crossing." Soul said calmly before Zerrex could ask, and the reptile shook his head a bit before the female turned and walked towards the shattered window... and as if it was nothing, she simply grabbed the bottom wall and ripped it down, walking inside and saying clearly: "Initiating retrieval."

"Naganen, stay here. I'm going to help Soul grab some of the portal rings." Zerrex said quietly to his son, and the Naganatine nodded up at his father, still looking breathless before the Drakkaren reached out and squeezed his shoulder, looking into his eyes quietly. "Try and see if you can sense anyone approaching, any hostile energies at all. I don't want us getting ambushed here, even if Soul says the only enemies are nor-"

A massive explosion went up in the distance, and the reptile looked up in sharp surprise before a second blast went up... and Soul emerged a moment later from the interior of the house as a Dragokkaren looked up from the defensive group, then leapt towards a nearby building and quickly scaled the smooth walls with surprising grace, yanking himself onto the roofs to scout ahead as Soul said quietly: "Unknown subjects detected. Analysis of blast indicates strong presence of purification and presence of common improvised explosive materials detectable in residue. Estimated distance from explosion: seven hundred meters."

"Rebels, maybe?" Zerrex glanced towards Soul, and she nodded before heading back inside as Zerrex hesitated a moment... then shook his head and followed her into the dingy, dark atmosphere of the room beyond, the lizard muttering under his breath: "Makes sense... we're causing a mess so they set stuff off. Might help us, too..."

The Drakkaren reached up as Soul yanked a large, flat casing out of a dented and scratched compartment, and the lizard took it and quickly pulled it outside, where Naganen was looking back and forth worriedly, pacing a bit. Zerrex frowned a bit at this, and then the Naganatine shook his head, saying nervously: "Something... something's wrong, Dad... I can feel it. I can feel it in my bones, in my soul..."

Zerrex grimaced a little, looking nervously at his son as Naganen breathed hard... and then he said quietly: "Then let's hurry up and assemble this ring, okay? Whatever's wrong, whatever's going on, it'll be easier to deal with when we're-"

"But why aren't we being attacked? Why aren't the enemies Soul sensed moving forwards?" Naganen asked uneasily, and Zerrex frowned a bit at this even as he let the flat container drop forwards, looking down as he realized the male was right: a Metatron and two Dervishes was a pretty weak first line of defense, even if the enemy was being distracted by whatever had just been blown to hell. "I dunno, Dad... there's..."

The Drakkaren only nodded silently, however, even as he dropped to a kneel and replied quietly: "I know. You're right. But we can't stop now... there's no turning back, no running away. We need to get these portals open and hope for the best, and have faith that no matter what happens... we'll be able to handle it."

He reached down, carefully grasping the top of the casing and pulling it backwards to reveal the large, metallic ring inside and a set of steel extenders, and Naganen nodded quietly as he pulled these extra bars quickly out before he grasped the ring and pulled it upwards with a grunt as Zerrex slid the cover back upwards and locked it into place at the base of the ring once it stood at ninety degrees, the casing now a solid base. The ring was perhaps eight feet in diameter... but Zerrex and Naganen were able to carefully lift the top half of the ring from the bottom half and then attach the extenders, the ring becoming more of a stretched, rounded rectangle that now stood at almost double its original height, demonic crystal glowing inside the extender rods and making the entire ring vibrate, runes pulsing slowly over the edges of the portal.

The Drakkaren glanced to Naganen as Soul dragged another portal casing out, and Naganen nodded quietly before he took a slow breath, raising his hands and concentrating... and white energy sparked inside the portal ring sizzling out of existence. The male frowned a bit... and then Zerrex cursed as he felt a distinct tingling burning over his scales, and a laugh echoed through the air.

Zerrex snarled upwards as the sky above darkened... and then an enormous projection of Job appeared, the bust image of the Naganatine floating overhead and looking down at them with a scowl as he said coldly: "You played right into my hands... like I expected, you always have to do everything yourself, you always have to be part of the first wave. Of course I knew you'd land here, at Beggar's Crossing... it was left purposefully undefended, but now a full army is assembling at your back, and you have no escape. Your ships have been destroyed by the Flying Guard and just to ensure there's no pesky interference, I've had Beggar's Crossing encircled with a giant warding circle. You can't escape, and now I'll have my armies kill you. Hell will undoubtedly attack Heaven in outrage the moment I have the Prophets drop the vortex block, leading to a bloody war... a terrible but necessary sacrifice that will allow me to again instill order in this universe."

"You're so far gone... what happened to you, Job?" Naganen asked quietly, and Job's eyes sharpened as they looked down with a snarl at the Naganatine, who stepped forwards past Zerrex, his fear and paleness lost as sadness, not anger, glimmered in his eyes, his arms opening as he said softly: "Come on, enough. Let's talk about this. There's still time to fix everything... we don't have to fight."

"No, you don't. What you have to do is die." Job said disgustedly, leaning back as he glared down at them balefully... and then he frowned in the sky, the projection leaning forwards as if to get a better view as he snapped: "What? Impossible!"

Zerrex frowned as he felt it too... and a moment later, reality trembled violently before a massive Gateway opened behind the Drakkaren, and Job's eyes widened in horror as he leaned back, Eratosthenes and Celeste walking through this before the Librarian pointed up at Job and spat: "What's wrong, Lord God? Did you forget that your pathetic parlor tricks are nothing compared to the magic of the First Gods?"

"No, no!" Job shouted furiously, and then he turned and snarled, in a language Zerrex was horrified to realize was the same as that of the Guardians: "Ancient servants, destroy them in the name of Creation!"

The illusion flickered out of being... and Gateways ripped open throughout the area, Strange Beasts of all shape and size ripping through and charging towards them as Soul said sharply: "Hostile presences once more on approach, northbound!"

"It's okay. Mom's coming." Naganen said gently, as Zerrex snarled and reached up for his sword... and then he frowned a bit as Naganen carefully grasped his forearm and pulled him off the street and out of the way of the Gateway as Celeste and Eratosthenes quickly stepped to the sides of the immense white rift as well... and a moment later, reality quaked before Ancalagon ripped through the Gateway with a roar from all three of the immense dracolich's heads, Sin standing on the creature's back with Anathema's bone armor locked over her body and her undead sister obviously in control as she cackled, her arms spread wide and little Sammy bristling on her shoulder as the Vipers that had been running down the path towards him tried to skid to a halt with shrieks before the Terror's massive jaws lunged towards, ripping into Strange Beasts and crushing them in its huge teeth as other heads breathed elemental destruction over the battlefield.

Zerrex winced a bit... and then his eyes widened as more skeletons ripped out of the Gateway: undead hydras, smaller but equally-terrifying skeletal dragons, shambling revenants and grinning bone-warriors carrying rusted weaponry. The army of the dead surged into Heaven as Anathema Sin leapt off Ancalagon's back as it plowed into a Leviathan and tackled it to the ground before ripping its arms and head off with powerful bites from all three jaws, sending up a gory explosion of electrified blood as the fused Naganatine screamed in fury to the skies above: "Oh brother Job, your sister's coming to give you a hug!"

Ahead, Cindy cursed as she seized a Viper that pounced towards her by the chest and slung it backwards with a snarl... before she simply stared in shock as an undead hydra plowed into it, its skeletal jaws greedily ripping through the creature and carrying it backwards as it howled in agony before it was torn almost in half, and the Strange Beast went up in a powerful explosion that didn't even make the stampeding, skeletal hydra stagger as it simply barreled forwards and trampled a Phase Hound that attempted too late to leap out of the way.

The female winced a bit as she staggered out of the way of the stampede, Hope leaning backwards beside her in shock... and then she turned as the ranks went from undead war-beasts to undead warriors, turning and working her way quickly back through the crowd as the massive Gateway continued to shimmer violently, rejoining her father as Priest and Cherry did the same, Celeste and the Librarian standing nearby as the Great Mother said quietly: "I did not wish to stand by and do nothing. Eratosthenes and I decided we would attempt to open a Great Gateway. It worked better than anticipated."

Eratosthenes grunted, then looked up as Vivien stormed through the Gateway, huge battle axe on her shoulder, and with her came the other High Thrones, included in their ranks now Desire, as she held herself with Lily's regal presence, her mother's massive Smiting Rod in her hands... and then the Gateway fizzled violently, and Error's eyes snapped immediately up to a Chanter standing on a nearby rooftop before Celeste said quietly: "Goodbye."

The Chanter glowed before it simply exploded into chunks of blood and gore, Zerrex wincing at the bloody neon rain that fell around them before Naganen looked towards Mercy and Vivien, raising his hand and saying quickly: "There's a ward, but... but if we work together, we might be able to break it. Mercy, can you take off your collar, we need to amplify the spell..."

Vivien looked at Zerrex quickly, and when the Drakkaren nodded, she said quietly: "Very well. The Royal Guards have begun to march through but admittedly it would be much better if we could use the portal rings... I imagine holding this Gateway open must be taxing."

"It drains our energies less than you would think." Celeste said softly, and then she glanced up as platoons of Royal Guards marched by, quickly beginning to flood their way through the area, spreading throughout Beggar's Crossing as she said softly: "Reckless and fearless and courageous. I am impressed with them. They march into an impossible battle... but they do not stop pressing forwards."

Vivien grunted as she turned towards Naganen as Mercy pulled her collar open, and then she reached her hands out... and Naganen took one and Vivien the other before Naganen began to murmur, and the females looked surprised before they followed his lead as Zerrex stepped back, grimacing and looking up as more of his Disciples began to flood through the portal amidst the Royal Guards... and then he staggered back in surprise, the others looking up in shock as well as a bright pillar of light erupted upwards and became like liquid as it shot towards the sky, then splashed back down in a translucent shockwave that tore through the area, light rippling past them and making Zerrex's scales tingle... before reality around them rumbled and the spiritual pressure immediately began to lighten, Naganen wheezing a bit as he smiled awkwardly and dropped their hands, Vivien and Mercy both looking at him before the High Queen said slowly: "That was Archmage level magic, Naganen... where did you learn to focus Purification like that, to destroy physical wards?"

"It was more of a pulse of energy than anything else... push hard enough against anything and... it breaks." Naganen said lamely as he blushed a bit... and then Zerrex reached up and grasped his shoulder, and the Naganatine blushed a bit and looked at him quietly: "Besides, Dad's right. We need to focus on what's going on here... although now we should be able to open vortexes, at least temporarily. I don't know how long it'll last, though..."

"Then we follow the lead our Royal Guards and undead army has made in Heaven's defenses to a larger area to summon forth the rest of our allies. Celeste, Librarian, will you two be alright here with a contingent of protectors, continuing to maintain this rift?"

The two Strange Beasts nodded, and Zerrex smiled a little at them, Celeste looking back with her strange, distant affection and Error giving a slow smile to the Drakkaren... and then the reptile turned ahead and winced when Anathema Sin shouted down at him from the rooftop ahead, beckoning wildly: "Come on, come on, I'm eager to attack! I can sense angels assembling ahead, it won't be long before they try to portal in and surround us here!"

Zerrex grunted, and then he looked back and forth to the gathered group and grinned slightly: everyone, from Naganen to Vivien, looked ready to do their part, and the Drakkaren nodded firmly. "You heard her. Let's move forwards!"

With that, the Drakkaren turned and ran down the side of the road, past marching Royal Guards, and Vivien quickly caught up to one side of him with a grin, her dark battle armor glinting in Heaven's bright sunlight as Amiglion, Selena, Mercy, and Desire followed quickly behind them... and behind the High Thrones, came many others: friends and Disciples who had come through the Gateway, and the seven others Zerrex had made the initial attack with, as the team of Dragokkaren continued to calmly hold their position and Strange Beasts stood by the Gateway, other Royal Guards quickly beginning to take up defensive positions as well, as they had been trained and ordered to do.

Anathema Sin laughed as she ran along the rooftops, Sammy hissing on her shoulder before a Phase Hound appeared in front of her... and without slowing down, she dealt a devastating kick to its face, sending it flying through the air with a yelp before her claws glowed purple as she leapt forwards and ripped her metallic, bone-plated hands through the creature, shredding it in halves and grinning darkly as it fell in two pieces and exploded. On the ground, the other Strange Beasts already lay dying and dead... and then she leapt off the last large concrete building to crash to the road and land in a kneel before wending her way through a platoon of Royal Guards to join the others, saying clearly to Zerrex: "I want to enjoy his death, Zerrex. I want to drink down his suffering. Sister and I both... we are very, very angry."

"We have to take him alive first, make him confess what he's done." Vivien said quietly, and then she grimaced and skidded to a halt with the others as they reached the edge of Beggar's Crossing and looked out onto the Great Road... but the enormous, dirt expanse was covered in ashes, and Royal Guards and undead creature were both locked in combat with Knights, Paladins, Dervishes, and Strange Beasts, the fields to either side splattered with blood and burn marks, unnatural flames here and there and once-beautiful statues that had stood sentinel marred and blackened and laying in broken rubble as blood bubbled out of the marble stone. "This will do."

Vivien walked forwards, Naganen, Mercy and Amiglion stepping up beside her, and the four leaned forwards as they rose their hands... and white energy shocked through the area before spiraling, black and white rifts slowly ripped open in reality, four massive tunnels forming and demonic soldiers, Disciples, and others streaming out of these, including Dragokkaren and Dragon Warriors and other members of Zerrex's personal guard. They wasted no time in charging towards the nearest opponents, Sacrifices with scythes and massive cleavers grinning and their eyes burning in anticipation of new scars and agony as they lashed their weapons into monsters three times their size, Dragon Warriors thundering into combat against Dervishes that wielded weapons with just as much power and skill, Knights of Heaven falling back as Royal Guards of Elysium sprinted fearlessly into combat.

Zerrex began to step forwards... and then Anathema Sin seized his shoulder, saying quietly: "Sister and I feel we don't have the luxury of time. We shall pursue you on foot, portalling distances whenever we feel we're in a pocket where the powers of the Prophets or Metatrons have faltered for whatever reason, but you must go ahead of us. You must stop Job... the passage of time is ruthless, and the passing of every minute is another that he can use to sway those in Heaven who are opposed to his thoughts and ideas. You must stop our lost brother."

With that, Anathema Sin flicked her arm out, and Sammy skittered down it, running a short distance ahead before he chirped, then growled and snarled as his slowly began to grow and expand, bones thickening and lengthening, becoming slightly darker as his high hisses became guttural roars until he was some ten feet long... and Zerrex both grinned and winced at the idea as Vivien said coldly: "She's right. But we won't be far behind... the Great Road is a long, straight stretch, and while we'll have to deal with defenders on the ground, we have toys of our own on the way."

"I'll go with Zerrex, too. He'll need support, there are other beasts in the air." Cindy said quietly, and then she leaned forwards and closed her eyes as her body expanded slightly and became metallic, before glowing wings of white energy, angelic and flowing and radiant with light, tore out of her back, and Zerrex looked at her quietly before she smiled grimly at him. "I'm not going to lose you, Daddy. Not ever again."

"It's a good idea, Zerrex." Cherry said softly, and the Drakkaren looked at her with surprise before she grinned and saluted sharply. "I trust you, Zerrex. I trust you with my life, my love, my soul. You're my Captain and Commander and my Master and my God, and I am and always will be your second, and your darkness. Take Cindy with you, we'll shadow you from the ground with the others."

"Alright. You're right, we have to move fast." Zerrex said quietly, gazing back and forth over his Disciples, his family, his friends... and then he leapt onto Sammy's back, and the dragon growled eagerly as the amber flames in his eyes glowed before the reptile leaned forwards and looked over his shoulder with a grim smile. "I expect you to follow behind close, though..."

"Oh, don't worry." Cherry glanced over at Vivien as the Celestial Devil's eyes glowed. "I told Vivien all about how we won against Heaven last time... I think we're going to end up using the same tactics once our friends get here. You just make sure we don't reach the Senate Building before you do."

Zerrex snorted at this, and then he looked ahead and nudged Sammy's ribs with his heels as he grasped tightly into his collarbone, and the skeletal dragon threw his head back and roared before leaping into the air as thick white webbing formed between the bones of his wings, flapping the appendages awkwardly before he tilted his body upwards and shot into the air with surprising speed, and Cindy hesitated, then turned and grabbed Cherry, yanking her forwards and kissing her roughly and passionately for a moment as the muscular female's eyes widened in shock before Cindy stepped back and said quietly: "I love you. I'll protect Daddy."

Then she turned and leapt into the air, and Cherry grinned widely as she slowly rubbed the back of her wrist across her lips, rumbling: "Ain't that everyone's dream, having a good guy to go home to and a good girl to fight for. Vivien, what's your orders?"

"Help clear the area while we wait for our vehicles to make their way through." Vivien replied calmly, and Cherry and Priest both exchanged grins before they both leapt off into the fray, and without bothering to look, the Celestial Devil gestured to Selena, Desire, and the others. "Go ahead."

A good portion of the group shot away as Vivien stood calmly, Naganen, Mercy and Hope remaining beside her before she looked up sharply as several dragons shot overhead, followed by the large gryphon mounts, and she gritted her teeth, muttering: "Watch yourself, Zerrex..."

The Drakkaren was racing through the skies upon Sammy's back, Cindy easily keeping pace with him before she snarled as a blue fireball shot by, half-spinning around to see a large, long-necked Gold Dragon racing behind them, its jaws snapping greedily towards them as it drew closer and closer, two Knights in white armor on its back: one of them was unsteadily trying to aim his crossbow, but the bolt of light went wild as the bestial dragon lunged again with a snarl, biting at Sammy's tail... and the skeletal dragon glanced over its shoulder with a hiss before it swung its bony tail back, then lashed the large, morning-star-like head on the end of it into the Gold Dragon's face, knocking the large reptile backwards with a squeal of pain as one of its horns shattered and the spikes upon the sphere of bone ripped into an eye, the Dragon spiraling downwards as it bucked both the riders from its back.

Other Gold Dragons were gaining on them from behind, however, as well as smaller, sleeker gryphons: these latter beasts had the heads and enormous wings of eagles, with quadrupedal bodies of lions and thick, shaggy manes, heavy saddles over their backs and their eyes almost glowing as they screamed war cries as they shot towards them. Paladins leaned forwards over them, in lightweight versions of their golden armor, many of them with bolas in their hands and golden swords or enormous war hammers hanging from the saddles before one flung its weighted weapon forwards, the bola singing through the air as the heavy white spheres at either end of the thick chain glowed... and Cindy lunged behind her father's back, shooting by in a flash and catching the bola before slinging it back at the Paladin, and it snapped tight around his throat, knocking him backwards with a gargle and sending him flying off his steed as the gryphon veered to the side and crashed into a Gold Dragon, the two clawing at each other as the riders on its back were sent flying before the aerial beasts tangled and plummeted from the skies together.

Then, at either side of them, gryphon riders ripped out of the clouds, one of them hurling a silver net towards Cindy, and the female's eyes widened before she shrieked as it crashed over her, her wings of energy sizzling and tearing through the links even as it sealed itself around her body and sent her rolling backwards, and Zerrex shouted his daughter's name as he looked over his shoulder in horror before the rider on the other side of him swung his hammer hard into the reptile's right arm and the gryphon threw itself bodily against Sammy, the bone dragon snarling as its wings stuttered on the air.

Zerrex snarled, then swung his right arm out as the Paladin began to draw his hammer back again, and he slapped the rider's weapon from its grips before the reptile seized him by the limb, the Paladin looking surprised before Zerrex half-turned and flung him to the other side. He yelled, flailing his limbs as he shot through the air and crashed into the other rider and gryphon, clawing madly for purchase at it as the other Paladin flailed his arms before his gryphon shrieked as its wing was ripped into by the falling Paladin's desperate hands, and it veered out of control towards the ground below.

Sammy lunged upwards as the other gryphon tried to continue its attack even without the rider, but it passed uselessly beneath the bone dragon before Sammy's fore- and hind-claws descended, ripping swathes through its shoulders, flanks, and back and kicking it savagely backwards into the face of one of the pursuing Gold Dragons. The flying reptile was stunned by the heavy body of the gryphon smashing against it, rearing backwards as one of the Angelic Knights fell with a yell and the other seized into the neck of the dragon, clinging to it for dear life before the golden-scaled beast lazily hovered in midair, looking back and forth as if confused.

Zerrex glanced over his shoulder and snorted at this, realizing the mounts were less-than-efficiently trained... and then he grinned even as another gryphon joined the two Gold Dragons still pursuing him, before wincing when one of the Dragons leaned forwards and spat a blue fireball towards him... but the reptile slapped this away, making the Armor of Naganis sizzle before he glared at it as his eyes glowed green, and the Gold Dragon growled as it resisted for a moment... then it simply went insane, thrashing back and forth in midair and howling and roaring as it lashed and tore wildly at the Gold Dragon beside it as it bucked its riders off its back.

The other Dragon shrieked, shoving back with its claws before it gargled when the maddened ally's jaws settled on its throat, and the two dropped like stones together towards the Great Road below, crashing in a hail of bodies into a barricade being slowly erected by Angelic Knights and sending chunks of steel and wood flying in all directions. Following them, three of the Knights that had been riding on top of the aerial steeds crashed to the ground a moment later with sickening crunches... the last had been unfortunate enough to be dragged beneath the body of its mount and crushed.

One of the Knights slowly began to peel himself off the ground, gasping hard, one of the angel's wings limp and broken as blood spilled through the crevices of his armor... and then the maddened dragon slowly tore itself away from the other dead beast with a snarl, and its jaws lashed out, biting savagely into the leg of the broken Knight and lifting him into the air with a scream before it snapped its head to the side and threw the angel into another section of barricade, sending him crashing through it as sandbags toppled from the wooden structure and splinters flew in every direction as it tipped slowly, and then the Gold Dragon staggered to its feet and roared, breathing blue flames over the Great Road and settling the barricades and barriers into flame even as Paladins ran forwards to neutralize the massive beast as it howled and thrashed back and forth.

Spears sank into its chest, ripping through its ribs as it shrieked and staggered backwards... and then it flopped forwards, dead, as one of the Paladins yanked his weapon free and the others simply stepped nervously away, grasping at the hilts of the swords sheathed at their side... and then angels looked up in shock as yells rose up before a barricade exploded into shrapnel, angels flying in all directions as Ancalagon and several bone dragons stormed forwards with roars, Anathema Sin once more riding the great beast's back as she laughed... and riding behind her, several upon skeletal steeds and the others in buggies and jeeps covered in black metal plating and burning demonic runes, warriors of Elysium followed, Missy whooping as she leaned over a gatling gun mounted on top of one of the latter vehicles, leaning over it opening fire as Lone twisted the wheel of the vehicle rapidly, Vampire cackling beside him as he leaned out of the window with a shotgun and blasted a volley of iron slugs into the unlucky face of a gaping angelic knight.

Then Mahihko shot by with a yelp, riding on the back of a skeletal hydra, his rifle on his back and his black uniform clinging tight to his slender frame as he rode with the stampede, then winced when his hydra trampled an angel that was too slow to get out of the way as Lone drove quickly up through the back beside him, the wolf leaning out and tossing his lever-action shotgun to the smaller lupine as he shouted: "Remember what Vivien said!"

Mahihko nodded quickly, and the wolves broke apart, Mahihko riding ahead as Anathema Sin ran up to the top of Ancalagon's center head, raising her arms as her body glowed with terrible power... and the eyes of the dead dragons and gryphons snapped open, the corpses slowly rising to their feet as jaws of the dragons gaped and acidic drool dripped from their maws, steam floating slowly up from their scales, spears still sticking out of the chest of one of the mighty beasts as it threw its head back with a roar... and a Paladin looked back in shock before the dragon's jaws snapped down and tore through his face, ripping his head completely from his shoulders and sending him spilling backwards in a bloody spray.

Spike tore down the road in a buggy, grimacing as he spun the wheel rapidly as a Paladin charged towards the small, lightly-armored vehicle with a snarl, and the Craven skidded around in a one-eighty as he drew his handgun and leaned backwards, firing several silver bullets into the angel's kneecaps. The Paladin immediately staggered, flailing its arms as it fell forwards and smashed the underside of its muzzle against the back wall of the cart-like vehicle, stunning itself... and then Spike shifted into reverse and slammed his foot on the gas pedal, the vehicle's tires squealing and kicking up dirt before it shot overtop the Paladin with a crunch, crushing it into the ground and knocking most of the fight from it before the wolf rapidly worked the gearshift and twisted the wheel, spinning back around and shooting towards one of the heavier barricades further down the road, ignoring Angelic Knights shooting at him with arrows and bolts of light from bows and crossbows as he leaned down to dig out an explosive charge.

He turned the wheel quickly as he activated the large, disc-shaped bomb in his hand, sharply turning even as he skidded towards the wall, and he tossed the explosive out almost absently before gunning the engine and shooting away from the barricade... and as one of the Knights yelled in victory, another leaned dumbly over the wall to stare down at the small, beeping device stuck to it before it exploded in a devastating blast, obliterating the wall and sending angels flying in all directions with howls of agony.

Mahihko's hydra almost crashed into another section of the large barricade that had been erected, the wolf cursing as he rose the small shotgun and fired a blast into the chest of a Paladin sprinting towards him even as he channeled his powers down the weapon as well, and electrically-charged pellets smashed into the armor-plated chest of the tall Paladin, the angel stumbling backwards with a curse before Mahihko aimed the shotgun upwards and fired a second blast directly into the air, the pellets leaving a long streaking trail behind them, before he kicked the sides of his hydra, sending it charging away... and, at the rear of the battlefield, Vivien looked up at the flare of electricity that shot through the air before she shouted: "Fire!"

Beside her, a massive artillery cannon covered in cables and demonic runes hissed as energy sparked along the barrel... and then it fired a large black sphere, dark lightning sparking over this as it sailed through the air towards where the flare had come up from, crashing down into the wall... and going up in a massive torrent of dark energy and black flame that obliterated the barricade and everything surrounding it, dark lightning sparking back and forth through the blackened crater left behind as Mahihko charged back towards where Lone had parked the jeep, Missy snarling on the back of the vehicle as the gatling gun whirred and snarled, bullets exploding out in a steady, murderous stream into the ranks of angels around them, focusing on the larger and much-more-dangerous Paladins over the white-armored Knights.

Then Mahihko squealed as a fireball slammed into his hydra from the side, thrown by a Metatron, and the skeleton exploded into fragments beneath him, sending him flying through the air... and Lone cursed as he kicked the door open before leaping outwards with a snarl, reaching a hand towards the smaller wolf as the little lupine slung a hand out towards him... and they crashed into each other in midair, their bodies becoming like liquid light as they melded together and dropped to the ground as one entity with an athletic frame, dressed in Lone's vest and jeans but with Mahihko's hoops on a belt at its sides and the lever action shotgun dangling from its hand, eyes glowing silver for a moment and ram's horns twisting out the sides of its skull as it flexed slowly. Its body was a mixture of the two, and the collar around its neck possessed a white-and-black yin-yang symbol that glowed like its irises before it turned towards the Metatron, channeling electricity down the shotgun and firing three short volleys towards the angel.

The first blast knocked it staggering backwards and sent sparks flying as the electrified rounds bounced off its facemask, but the second and third were deflected by a translucent half-dome of light, as it said in a cold voice: "Chancellor Naganis has ordered the neutralization of all demonic forces. Do not resist."

"Suck on this!" the combined wolf roared back as it rose its other hand into the air, and a blast of lightning ripped down from the skies and smashed into its back, sending the Metatron flying forwards before the mixed-wolf rose one large paw and kicked it savagely in the stomach, knocking it to a kneel before he snarled and shoved the shotgun against the back of its neck behind the mask, pulling the trigger and blowing apart its upper spine in a hail of blood and bone matter. The Metatron finally collapsed, and the lupine known as Mahone shook its head quickly before Vampire whistled at him from the jeep, shouting: "Hey, come on, we don't got all day! We don't wanna be late, do we?"

Mahone grinned as he ran towards the jeep, leaping back into it and slamming the door shut as he tossed the shotgun to Vampire and started the engine of the vehicle just as a volley of black spheres flew overhead to crash into the already-damaged barrier... and the eruptions of dark energy almost completely annihilated the wall, leaving nothing but smoking, burnt and shallow craters in the Great Road as Cherry and Priest shot by on armored motorcycles, the female's eyes burning with glee as she shot past a Paladin that snarled at her... then turned and stared as a massive war transport with a gigantic, scythe-like plow on the front ripped towards him, the vehicle still lugging a trailer that carried a jeep and two unused motorcycles as it tore through the battlefield, Huck cackling behind the wheel of this and Mengele sitting beside him, the dire wolf tinkering absently with something and looking unimpressed even as the enormous, plow crushed the Paladin into the ground and Huck leaned on the horn with a gleeful yell.

Other war transports - armor plated, covered in spikes and often with massive plows that acted as both shield as well as battering rams - were slowly lugging enormous mortar cannon forwards, and now Combat Armors were striding forwards through the battlefield as well, Dragokkaren and pilots in grey uniforms in many of these, all simple models with large, electrified blades at the end of one arm and machine guns on the other, armor plating enhanced with demonic runes over their bodies.

Their march was brutal and hard, armored demonic transports that walked upon eight long, segmented legs like massive spiders carrying spherical, almost-impenetrable bodies, inside which sat Naganen, Marina, Mercy, and others. Marina's eyes glowed with psychic power as she watched the battle inside her mind from countless eyes, smiling coldly as every now and then her irises flicked to the side... and although none of the others sitting with her could see it, they knew that every time her eyes moved, an enemy was killed outside the safety of their transport, as weapons were ripped from hands to bite into the skulls and chests of their owners, as brains were crushed inside skulls, as hearts exploded from sudden bursts of uncontrollable terror and adrenaline.

Vivien herself rode upon an immense, demonic wyrm, the drake covered in steel-like black scales and breathing smog as its red eyes glowed, the reigns attached to a spiked collar around the creature's neck as acid dripped from its fangs. Her facemask was sealed shut over her features, her battle axe hanging from one hand as she looked ahead while one of the four-legged, low-built demon-mount's claws slowly ground an Angelic Knight's skull into the ground before crushing helm and head like a tomato as its spike-layered tail snapped back and forth, and then Vivien pointed ahead as she ordered in demonic: "To the head of the pack, Vladimir!"

The drake hissed and nodded, then lunged forwards into a surprisingly-fast sprint, Vivien holding herself high in the saddle as the armor plates and thick mesh that covered the upper body, limbs, neck, and skull of the beast jangled with its quick movements, and as a Paladin began to turn towards them, Vivien slashed her axe hard upwards and outwards as she shot by, decapitating it and sending the angel collapsing to its knees in a spray of blood, before she whirled the heavy weapon over her head as the wyrm reared back with a snarl as several angelic knights charged forwards with spears before it roared and unleashed and blast of black, poisonous smoke over the aggressors... and a moment later, only one of the knights stumbled out of the cloud, screaming as his flesh literally melted off his bones and his armor rapidly rusted and decayed, the cloud of gaseous acid vanishing rapidly before the demonic mount leapt over the rotten remains of the other Knights and continued to charge forwards.

Zerrex was still airborne ahead of the group... and Cindy had rejoined him now, flying side-by-side with him again. She had been dragged almost all the way to the ground before becoming ethereal and simply letting the netting pass through her, but had ended up in a short tangle with two Gold Dragons herself... but she was none the worse for wear except for a few minor rips in her clothes, her glowing wings carrying her easily beside her father before she cursed under her breath: the Senate Building was visible in the distance now, but between them and it floated not only roughly a dozen gryphons with Paladin riders, but also several enormous, black islands, almost perfectly spherical and with large silver railings standing out of them and spikes jutting from their tops, electricity shooting back and forth between these before Sammy reared back with a howl of surprise as white energy built into a sphere above one of the islands before it shot towards them.

Zerrex winced... and then Cindy shot in front of him, bringing an arm up across her body and cursing as the holy energy bounced off her metallic scales as they glowed ,the orb flying upwards and exploding in a sizzle of energy... and then the other islands began to glow as well, and the Purification in the air increased, forming an almost-solid wall of white energy as the Paladins rose crossbows and fired bolts of light through this, Cindy bringing her hands up and creating a solid wall in defense as Sammy hovered slowly.

The Drakkaren cursed as he looked over his shoulder: more Gold Dragons were coming towards them, they didn't have a lot of time... before he looked to the side in surprise and Cindy flinched in shock as a rift opened and Maria slowly rose up out of it, the Broken's chains floating around her as she said softly: "I saw the energy in the air from the battlefield... I thought I could give you a hand."

"I know you're strong and all, Maria... but how do you plan to get past that? Those floating islands are generating a hell of a lot of energy and I don't think we have the time to break through their defenses and fight them one-by-one." Zerrex replied with a frown, and Maria only smiled before she slowly turned towards the islands, her body thrumming with power as she slowly rose her arms.

"With a symphony." she said quietly, bowing her head forwards... and then Zerrex stared in shock as he began to move and flick her hands as if directing a mighty orchestra, and powerful, massive explosions of Unworld energy began to rip through the air along the defensive line the angels had set up, battering against the holy barrier and sparking past it in immense bolts of dark lightning and waves of black fire, explosions thundering through the air in a terrible and powerful harmony that echoed violently through the skies as gryphons were sent hurtling downwards like black comets, Paladins exploded into bloody rain consumed in dark fire, and the islands began to crack and rumble as energy violently sparked around them, slowly beginning to fall from the sky.

One of the floating islands shattered in half, exploding in a powerful shockwave that sent enormous chunks of stone hailing down into the ranks of a gathered army of angels below, and Sammy reared back again in shock as the defensive wall of holy energy flickered violently out as more of the islands began to slowly collapse, Maria hovering backwards and breathing hard as Zerrex stared at her with amazement: not just because of the sheer power backing the attack, but because it had been one of the signature abilities of Camus, and one of his most devastating. "Maria, I..."

"I think I need to get some rest... but that should clear the path for you, Grandfather. The others will arrive soon, and Cindy is strong enough to handle the rest." Marina replied tiredly, as a rift slowly opened beneath her feet, and she sank downwards into this as she smiled lovingly over at him, saying softly: "I'll be waiting for you to come back, alive..."

"I'm... I'm not gonna die." Zerrex reaffirmed his promise quietly, and Cindy nodded as she allowed the wall of energy to drop in front of her, the two looking forwards before Zerrex gritted his teeth and leaned ahead... but then Sammy's flight halted as Cindy flew in front of him and turned around, and the reptile frowned a bit, asking quietly: "What is it?"

"Look, Daddy... it's a straight path to the Senate Building from here, there's little defenses, Job is waiting for you... and you have to go and face him and his Purifier, his murderer." Cindy said quietly, meeting his eyes... and then she looked past him, saying coldly: "I'll stop the uninvited guests from interrupting your chat with them."

Zerrex glanced over his shoulder towards the approaching Gold Dragons, then he turned back around to argue... and Cindy grasped his shoulders and kissed him quietly for a moment, silencing him before she met his eyes and said sharply: "Remember your promise. Sammy, go!"

Cindy reached down and slapped the flank of the skeletal dragon, and Sammy roared as he shot forwards, Zerrex cursing and reaching back towards his daughter... but Cindy only smiled faintly and waved to him slowly before she slowly turned back around, breathing quietly as she faced towards the fast-approaching five Gold Dragons, Knights on the back aiming at her with their crossbows... then snarled and rose her hands, shouting furiously as blue energy sizzled over her body and her wings of energy glowed brightly: "I am not afraid!"

The five Gold Dragons swept down with the force of a hurricane... and Cindy met them like a mighty, towering mountain, a dragon's jaws lunging downwards only to meet her gloved first and be sent rocketing backwards as she slashed a wing of white energy out like a blade into the chest of another, blood exploding from the wound as it screamed and flew backwards as a tail lashed across her back and buffeted her to the side before another dragon crashed headlong into it, sending her shooting downwards... but Cindy caught herself in mid-fall and launched back into the sky, her wings flapping hard and sending her rushing upwards as a sphere of energy formed in her hand.

She flung this downwards as a dragon opened its maw, and the glowing orb flew between its jaws and exploded in a massive blast of energy that dissolved its head, the creature's wings flapping weakly once before it began to fall towards the ground, one of the riders lunging free... and Cindy shot down like a rocket even as other Gold Dragons bit and clawed at her, ripping her clothes and sending up sparks before she collided in a savage ram with the airborne angel, sending it shooting downwards like a meteor as its wings snapped out of place and it rocketed down to crash into the ground far below with a sickening crunch.

The snarling, metallic female half-spun as another dragon lunged at her, her foot whipping out and the heel crushing in its cheekbone, sending its head lashing to the side as it howled and its thick body continued to launch forwards... and Cindy caught the massive beast in her arms, sinking a little lower as her claws sank into its broad form before her wings flapped powerfully as she began to spin, yanking the creature slowly around, then faster, and faster, into a blurring whirl as the riders were thrown free and the dragon howled miserably... and then Cindy suddenly halted as she threw it hard into another Gold Dragon, the creature colliding like a truck with the other beast and knocking them both backwards before Cindy vanished from the spot and reappeared on the other side of the tangled mess of dragons, seizing one of the startled beasts by the back and diving towards the ground, shoving them both downwards in a tangle of draconic mount as the angels trapped on the back of the other beast howled in terror before Cindy shoved downwards and arched her back to shoot back into the air, a massive comet made of thrashing dragons crashing loudly down into the ground as shocked angels pointed skywards and fired bolts and arrows of light at her as she shot back into the air, heading straight towards another dragon as it dove at her.

This time Cindy smashed her fists down into the muzzle of the dragon, knocking its head down in a burst of blood as she half-flipped overtop it and slammed both her feet out over its back to crash into the Angelic Knight on top of the mount, the warrior screaming in agony as he was sent flying backwards, bowling his friend over and off the back of the beast as he sailed through thin air... and then Cindy reached down and seized the tail of the dragon before it could shoot entirely by, half-spinning and roaring as she yanked it back into the air, the tail ripping off the dragon as it flipped skywards with a squeal of agony to crash into the last surviving member of the group, knocking it backwards just as it spat a blast of blue flame that went wild before the tailless dragon half-fell and then quickly scrambled away through the air, awkwardly fleeing the battle as its wings flapped madly.

Then the Knights on top of the dragon simply screamed and leapt off it as Cindy's eyes burned with fury before she lunged upwards as the dragon dove and reared back to snatch at her with its claws, and she dropped low before her fists slammed into its stomach, ripping holes through its body as if she was striking with a spiked hammer and not merely her gloved hands, the dragon screaming as it its wings stuttered wildly and tried to carry it backwards before Cindy shot upwards, wrapping her arms around its neck before she jackknifed its shoulders and twisted hard to snap it loudly, the dragon's eyes bulging as it vomited fire and blood, its body going limp... and Cindy half-rolled in midair on her side, her wings of energy leaving large burn-marks against its body before she flung the beast downwards, and Angelic knights scattered in all directions before the corpse of the Gold Dragon smashed down and Cindy dropped from the air to crash-land on top of it in a kneel, arching her back and roaring as the metal over her body glowed and her frame expanded, becoming masculine and terrifying as her wings flapped violently and burned radiantly, roaring: "Who's next?"

Holy Dervishes ran forwards from either side... and Cindy leapt towards the nearest, now easily as tall as the towering warrior and slamming a fist into the ground to shatter the earth, cracks ripping through the Great Road and stumbling the creature before she reached up and seized the handle of its axe, her knee driving into its chest before she slammed the pole of the weapon upwards into its helmeted head, knocking it staggering as she cocked the axe back, paused for a moment as it flailed its arms... and then lashed out with a savage grin, slicing the Dervish in front of her in half and letting the axe snap hard outwards to the side to sink into the body of the other Dervish as well, the armored holy warrior halting immediately with the war axe halfway buried through it... and Cindy released the weapon, turning towards the emotionless giant as she balled her hand into a fist before smashing once, twice, thrice into its face, knocking it to a kneel before she seized the back of its head and drove her metallic knee into its head, crushing its features to a pulp and sending it slowly falling backwards.

She breathed hard as Dervishes, Paladins and Knights surrounded her, Metatrons here and there in the crowd preparing spells as ripples travelled through the Purification-heavy air. Cindy's eyes flickered back and forth as she snarled... and then she looked up in dumb shock as Cherry shot over the barrier on her motorcycle with a loud cackle, grinning savagely as she shouted cheerfully: "Say hello to my little friend!"

Ancalagon smashed through the wall behind her, the three-headed skeletal dragon roaring and sending massive blasts of flame, cold, and acidic gas rushing over the gathered group of soldiers, ripping terrible swathes of elemental destruction of the Great Road as Anathema Sin walked fearlessly into the battleground, Sin's metallic hands burning with terrible purple energy before she flexed one slowly and whispered: "As terrible as the darkness that envelopes the moon, no shell shall protect your soul, now we cast you to your doom..."

Then she glanced up irritably as the dracolich stormed forwards and a Dervish managed to slip past... but in a moment, Justice ran past her and slammed a fist forwards, knocking the emotionless giant backwards as her serrated tentacles lashed outwards like blades and tore through the creature's chest one after another, knocking it onto its back and pinning it for a moment as it shuddered and died before they tore free, and the Naganatine couldn't help but grin over her shoulder as she asked playfully: "Really, isn't that in bad taste? Poems written for Mephistopheles, imagining his conquering of Heaven..."

"Yes, but now it is Zerrex, who carries our First Father's soul and energies inside him, that attacks Heaven itself... the irony calls for at least a little black comedy." Anathema Sin replied easily, and then she flicked her wrist out, and a wand of bone appeared in it before she casually held this up, and it transformed into a massive, serrated sword, the fused Naganatine leaning forwards and licking hungrily along this. "Deacon Justice... since Lord Zerrex is not here... will you give sister and myself permission to vent our terrible hungers?"

"I would encourage it, sisters, as my eyes see the true battle is about to begin." Justice said softly, even as other Disciples and warriors began to arrive amidst the flood of Royal Guards, undead warriors, and soldiers of Elysium... and Anathema Sin glanced up before she snarled as massive Gateways ripped open in an almost-solid line, a small army of Phase Hounds and Vipers lunging out of these and charging towards them, trampling terrified Angelic Knights and knocking over surprised Paladins as a line of Leviathans and Viper Aegis followed at a slower, colder pace... and last, came a smaller but far-more-terrifying group: Elites, guarding Chanters and Songstresses.

Gateways snapped closed even as above, Heaven's skies slowly began to darken, Purification rippling around the enormous dome of the Senate Building... and a moment later, vortexes opened, cloaked figures emerged and terrible, ghostly white shades of angels began to rise out of the ground, pulsing and translucent... before their calm features seemed to melt, black sockets bursting open in their skulls for eyes as they hissed and snarled, the mindless Host floating through the ranks of terrified angels as several Knights fell backwards, whimpering, and others simply fled the battlefield despite the monstrous army that had begun to emerge in the wide, expansive fields around the Senate Building... and all along the sides of the Great Road, aiming to box the army of Elysium in.

Vivien snarled as she yanked her mount to a halt near the head of the gathered Elysium forces that were now quickly assuming defensive positions in the battle's pause, and then she thrusted her battle axe in the air with a roar, bright light shining from the blade of the weapon and making the closer Host draw quickly backwards, hissing, as she shouted: "We fear no one! I am the High Queen Vivien, and here the forces of Hell and the mortal world have united to face down a traitor and a murderer and a monster!"

"Kill the bitch." a Metatron ordered coldly, and Dervishes stormed forwards as Paladins shakily began to follow, as Vipers roared and Phase Hounds blinked in and out of existence as they lunged eagerly into battle... and Vivien only smiled grimly, bowing her head forwards as the gathered warriors, friends, and family behind her prepared to meet the coming onslaught.

And, in front of the Senate Building, Sammy landed at the stone steps and Zerrex leapt off his back, looking up with a snarl... and surprised when he saw there were no guards. No Dervishes, no Strange Beasts, no nothing... and the reptile shook his head grimly as he looked at the imposing statues of angels, the darkness above beckoning to him even as he hesitantly looked over his shoulder... and then he patted Sammy's bony muzzle, looking at the now-dragon as it whimpered a bit before he said quietly, as his eyes roved towards where the battlefield had been chosen by both Elysium and Heaven, where Dervishes, Strange Beasts, and other terrible creatures clashed: "Go and help the others. They need it. And this is the last time I'm going to say this... I'm going to be okay. I'm going to come back alive."

Sammy looked up into his eyes, the large bone dragon nuzzling him quietly and then leaping up to half hug him with his forelegs, and Zerrex hugged his pet, his friend, fiercely back... then he stepped back and shouted, pointing towards the battleground: "Go!"

Sammy roared in response and turned to charge towards the war zone... and Zerrex watched, shaking his head silently: for at least fifty feet around the Senate Building, there was a bubble inside which no monster fought, no enemy attacked, as if it was a coldly-neutral zone amidst the chaos... and the reptile knew he was expected as he finally turned towards the steps and walked quietly up them, striding into the Senate Building as Blackheart sizzled over his back and the Armor of Naganis trembled against his body.

The Drakkaren stepped into the circular amphitheater, now well-lit by several incandescent orbs that floated silently above, covered in Enochian runes and projecting various images around Heaven and the battlefield outside. Every seat was empty, and the only figures that stood were Job, his back turned as he musingly watched one screen... and the cloaked murderer, who was shivering in anticipation, his breathing hot and heavy as his shadow-covered fingers twitched eagerly, whispering: "He's here, he's here, he's here he's here he's here he's-here-he's-here-here-here-here-here!"

He threw his head back and laughed insanely as Job turned slowly around, surveying Zerrex calmly, his robes fluttering quietly around him as Zerrex looked at him silently, at the scorn in his eyes, and beneath that, the infinite fear... and the Drakkaren felt his anger ebbing away, closing his eyes as he bowed his head forwards and asked softly: "I just want to know why, Job. Why all this? You're a politician... at least, that's what I thought you were. I understand politics can be underhanded, but never... never like this. You realize what you've done, right? You've created a second divide in Heaven..."

"It doesn't matter." Job said quietly, and then he reached out and touched the murderer's arm, and the cloaked figure went from giggling to still and silent as the Naganatine walked forwards a few steps, his eyes bitter and cold as he looked down with a snarl, hand clenching into a fist. "Look at me. I was the first Metatron... I was the Advisor to Lord God. I loved him... so very dearly, as my father... as my patron... as my... my mentor. He taught me so much... and I always respected him, have always striven to be more in his image...

"But for some reason... he did not choose me to be an Archangel. He pulled others closer to him, a... a childish god and a monstrous half-breed!" Job spat, shaking his head in disgust as he clenched his hands into fists. "It's their fault he died! Lord, who trusted Kailot, who did nothing when Lucifer voiced his suspicions about the new advisor to God, he let Narrius slither his way close and let Narrius kill him like a feral, rabid dog in the street! And Lucifer... Lucifer, who cozied his way up to God and then instigated all these... these rule-breaking, rule-bending ideas, an agent of chaos with half-assed plans! Had we had more time, God would have come up with a better idea than Hell... but he pushed it on him, Lucifer pushed it on him and sent him spiraling down into that dark, brooding depression!"

Job shook his head with disgust, gesturing violently as he continued sharply: "All I ever wanted to do was instill order in Heaven, the order that was meant to be... the only order that could make sense, Heaven over Hell, Eternity the seat of Dominion over the rest of the worlds! This was the throne of Lord God... do you truly not understand that? He was here. This was his home. This was his fortress, his palace, his castle, his base, his... his seat of power, and all serve Him! Devils, demons, mortals, angels, everything in between, all serve Him!

"So in his place I tried to instill order. During the Endless Conflict, I was the one who created the Dervishes, and helped fortify the Gates of Heaven against attack. I was the one who gave the order to shut down the portals connecting Heaven and Hell despite namby-pamby Lord constantly spewing his shit about making friends and trying to heal old bonds, and Lucifer's whining that it would only worsen the situation and the conflicts... I have always striven to put Heaven, my beautiful Heaven, my wonderful Paradise, first, and to honor the memory of my Patron, my Lord God... and then you... you, the worst of all, came along...

"You united Hell... you dared, you worthless dreg, you dared to bring Hell... to the level of Heaven. You dared to assault Heaven... and while I cannot be saddened by the loss of Narrius, you invaded my home with your demons, killed countless forsaken angels that could have been transformed back to their blessed state had we been given time... but you're a murderer. You murdered half of Heaven." Job turned away, pacing back and forth, snarling in fury. "And then you made yourself an ally. Started trade routes. Disturbed the sacred balance... how dare you think you're good enough, strong enough, righteous enough to decide whether or not the worlds should be connected! God decided long ago that the worlds must be kept separate... and what do you do? You defile his beliefs! You ruined them!"

"Naganis wanted to walk among mortals, not to rule over them!" Zerrex shouted angrily in return, leaning forwards... and yet part of him felt desperate to make Job understand, to try and reason still with the maddened, bitter, and so-deeply-agonized Naganatine. "Job, listen-"

"No! I am not one of the Archangels, to be swayed by your words!" Job shouted back, and the murderer twitched behind him, rasping loudly. "Do you understand how hard it was for me to keep Heaven as well as Hell separate from the mortal plane for all the years I did? Do you understand the difficulty of controlling entire dimensions... of course you don't, you decided that oh no, we can all be friends... and it is your fault that Athéos found us! Had the dimensions never been connected... had you not started 'free trade' and other monstrous bullshit that went against Lord God's words, Athéos never would have been drawn here by the energies you were unwittingly sending through space... it is all your fault that the planes became planets, because you constantly and willfully disturbed the balance between the dimensions... vortexes are not meant to be permanent into the physical world, and every time you travelled back and forth with your pathetic friends and family so you could re-experience the life you lost or let some poor sap who can't let go of Mommy and Daddy visit with his dead parents - disturbing the Cycle, I might add, the Cycle set in place countless eons ago by the First Gods themselves, the Cycle that Lord God and Thanatos both respected - you added another stitch that pulled the fabric of our realities tighter!"

Job breathed hard, then he hissed: "And then, worst of all... you stole Lord God's very soul. I don't care how you say it happened... I don't care if you tell me that Lord God Himself gave you his blessing, like so many of the other Naganatine believe... I don't care. You stole the essence, the strength, and the love of my father from me... you stole the one thing I had been hoping for, that Lord God would one day return to Heaven, to set things right and restore balance and order to the worlds, to once more set Heaven and Hell apart, to seal the portals and rifts you've left open and to drag the exiles back to Heaven and send the traitors back to Hell where they belong. Demons are bathed in sin and darkness... angels are pure of heart and good. We are separate for a reason, but you... have defied all logic, mixing and matching whatever you please, doing irreparable harm to the universe, to Lord God's plans and hopes and dreams! Dreams that will never be fulfilled because you stole my mentor's soul and killed him, greedily making all his energies your own! You power-hungry tyrant, how could you? How could you?"

Job shivered and hugged himself, clenching his eyes shut and bowing his head forwards as he trembled violently... and Zerrex shook his head slowly, saying softly as he silently touched his own chest. "On my body I wear armor made from Naganis himself. In my heart beats the emotions of Naganis. In my soul, I can sometimes almost feel him, reaching up to me, whispering to me, telling me things and sharing secrets with me... and every day, I wish it had been the opposite that had happened, Job. I do. I wish I had died. So much would be better... if I was dead, and Naganis was in my place. I can't say I ever knew him as well as you did, or cared for him the way you did... I can't say that I'm religious, or that I believe the things you do. But I do love him too. I hate myself, but I love the pieces of Naganis inside me and now, outside me. I wear his armor, because these remains... are not Naganis. They are pieces of a broken shell, but a shell so beautiful and pure that not even Thegragon herself could corrupt them, and I am honored and yet unworthy to wear this... yet the armor chose me. Naganis... chose me for something." Zerrex looked down at a hand silently, flexing it slowly as a tear fell down his cheek, whispering: "But if I could safely give my powers away, I would. Yet I can't... I have to use it to protect those I love. I have... responsibilities, not just privilege. I have... things I have to do, promises I have to keep.

"If you truly loved Naganis, Job... why are you doing this? Destroying his Heaven... trying to destroy me." Zerrex shook his head slowly, looking down and murmuring softly: "Why do you hate us all so much?"

"Because you took Lord God from me." Job looked up with a snarl, breathing hard as he glared furiously across at the Drakkaren. "Don't patronize me or lie to me. You've had many chances to change these events... to pursue a different outcome, to give up his strength and his power. You've had all the chances in the world to be a better person... and never once have you taken them. You continue to push your arrogant beliefs that Hell is somehow on par with Heaven, that... that we should all be friends, intermingling in the world! Demons are monsters, there is no such things as redemption... and if you truly loved Lord God... you would never have turned him into a monster, never have pursued even greater power through Inversion, you never would have created that foul beast you call Negative! You betrayed his beliefs and defiled his very soul, transformed him into nothing but a lunatic! Killing God and stealing his powers wasn't enough... you had to go a step further and take even more from me!"

Zerrex looked down, not even knowing what to say in response to this as he closed his eyes, and then finally said weakly: "We... we all make mistakes."

Job looked at him incredulously... and then true rage burned in his face as he screamed: "'We all make mistakes?' That's your excuse? You... insolent whelp! You foolish fucking monster!"

"Let me destroy him now, now, now!" the cloaked figure chittered, and then it screamed when Job reached out and slapped it hard across the muzzle, the monster immediately bowing and raising its hands in submission as it whispered: "Please?"

Job snarled... and Zerrex gritted his teeth as he straightened and reached back to grasp the handle of his sword, saying quietly: "I don't want it to come to this, Job. That thing, whatever you've made, has to die, but don't make me kill you too."

"Oh, you really think you can handle me? And this creation of mine is no mere 'thing,' Zerrex... he is a Purifier, of the highest caliber. He is a perfect creation... designed to destroy you, based upon millennia of research." Job said coldly, snarling over at Zerrex before he grinned callously, bitterness flashing in his eyes. "I suppose I should be thanking you, really... it's because of you that I was able to start collecting the information and genetic data I did. Because of you that I was able to gain access to many interesting devices from the mortal world... because of you that I was able to manipulate fools like Luther, Melody, and that idiot Rangi into working for me and gathering materials, letting me move undetected in the dark.

"Yes, I had to sacrifice much. But there were also many shortcuts I could take, and many ways to test and value my data. I was on the brink of this for centuries, Zerrex... but it was only after you desecrated Lord God's memories that I decided to act." Job said coldly, snarling across at the Drakkaren as he clenched a hand into a fist. "Originally, these designs were only to build creatures that were capable of defending Heaven should you ever decide to attack us... monsters, yes, but monsters that obey and protect... although our first attempts were spectacular failures, all except for the one being who could handle our experimentation..."

"Sephire..." Zerrex's eyes widened in horror, and then he leaned forwards as Job laughed harshly. "You were behind that project?"

"With full backing of the Council." Job snorted, then added cruelly: "It figures, the one creature who survives is the single one I can't use for further projects... but while Lord's whore of a wife proved... uncontrollable, we still were able to perfect a crucial method of mixing mortal cybernetics with Enochian magic. She is stronger than she ever was, which... has proven a liability to my plans... but it also permitted me to better build even more powerful Purifiers. Purifiers I decided to model after your own family and friends and enemies and betrayers."

He stopped, then added darkly: "And although I was forced to abandon the floating laboratory I had built under the Council's name, thanks to the snooping of the Archangels... and although you moved the remains of the laboratory on me and damaged some valuable genetic data... there were many other places for me to build an army. Gutted factories that once produced the Forbidden Fruit that Narrius used to poison Heaven... abandoned laboratories hidden away from the rest of Paradise... and of course, places on the mortal realm, and facilities that belonged to Luther and Melody, who made useful pawns until Melody ran away and Luther began to have second thoughts about what we were doing."

Job halted, then he shook his head and whispered: "And sadder still... Epoch. My brother... but a betrayer, turning on the Council at a crucial juncture, before I could even share with him my glorious vision... showing me that unlike Warden, he did not have the courage or the strength or the conviction to be a member of the reclaimed Paradise I have been working towards for so many years. He played a part nonetheless, though... helping to turn your attention to other creatures. Helping me set the trap that I thought would finally kill you... although in a way, I'm glad it didn't. It's so much more fitting that you die here, in Heaven... and that now I can take that armor from your body for myself.

"I will become Lord God, in memory of the one I served. I will rule Heaven... and I will show the world that Hell is nothing more than a land of savage beasts and sin. Again, all will be as it should: the sinners will go to Hell to die and rot and suffer for all eternity, and Heaven will be a place of glory for those brave and loving souls who have earned their place here." Job threw his arms open, looking up at the ceiling... and for all the lunacy in his eyes, for all the conviction, he still looked lost, and broken, and pitiable. "I will drain you of every last bit of your energies, for only I, the last true Naganatine who had not betrayed Lord God's memory, am the best inheritor of my father's strength, of my patron's powers."

Zerrex shook his head slowly, and then Job looked towards the cloaked figure and said quietly: "My New Angel, my Perfect, my Destroyer. Remove your cloak."

The murderer laughed wildly... and then it dragged its claws slowly down its own chest before it reached up and pushed its hood back... and Zerrex snarled in disgust at what he saw, rearing back in shock. The monster had his features, except they were mangled and gnarled, lips pulled back in a permanent, twisted grin up its muzzle and eyes a horrible, murky green with too-large irises and animalistic, slit-like pupils, ragged, unkempt white hair spilling over a face covered in surgical scars. Its teeth were metallic and silver in blackened gums, and its scales seemed almost to pulsate and glow as it glared at him in a way that was both lustful and hateful at the same time.

It tore at the cloak, tearing it free from its body and tossing it backwards as it laughed wildly, and then it looked up with burning eyes: its body was larger than Zerrex's bulky and powerful and covered in ugly white scar tissue over thick musculature that throbbed slowly and unnaturally as it leaned forwards with a hiss, its long-fingered hands writhing before it cackled and bucked violently, and Zerrex snarled as wings ripped out of its back in a spray of greenish ooze, Job only standing coldly beside it as no less than three pairs of massive wings ripped from its body: an upper, enormous set of radiant ivory wings that rippled and glowed with white energy, a middle pair that were made of silvery steel, golden lines pulsing through them like neon lights in straight-line patterns as the large, spade-shapes scales shivered, and a lower pair that were black as night, dark feathers and black ash streaming off them as it straightened its back and laughed wildly, throwing its arms out to the sides as the wings fluttered and flapped.

A thick metal plate covered its groin, and other larger steel plates stuck out from its body here and there at almost random, each of these surrounded by surgical scars: larger shackles of metal surrounded its lower limbs, Enochian runes glowing over the vambraces of steel and the shin-guards scarred and dented above large, taloned metallic feet that ended in hooked claws. Its tail snapped back and forth violently, made entirely of large, blocky pieces of segmented steel... and then it thrusted a hand towards the sky, and a massive, monstrous cleaver appeared in it, the handle red and black steel, the blade a brilliant and yet terrible gold and white, black smoke floating slowly up off of it as Job said coldly: "Yes. It's fitting that Perfect destroys you. He is made with every slice of genetic data I could salvage from your family... countless strings and cells and genes, amplifying his synthetic biochemistry to the nth degree, granting him your own distinct godlike powers, making him invulnerable and indestructible. He is the most powerful and versatile weapon I have."

"No wonder they found a bastardized version of my energy signature left behind..." Zerrex snarled as Perfect slammed the cleaver down into the floor, cracking it as the massive, eight-foot blade bounced hard against it, the twenty-inch handle clutched tight in one of Perfect's hands as the monster grinned savagely at him, and the Drakkaren set himself slowly as he said darkly: "But I'm not afraid. I refuse to be afraid, Job. And I will put a stop to this monster, and to you."

"Oh, I know you'll try... but I highly doubt it." Job said softly, shaking his head slowly before he gestured towards the floating images of the battle. "After all, I control all of Heaven now. The Archangels have been branded traitors, and you've played right into my hands: while I did not expect the Holy Inquisitor to turn on me like he did, seeking answers... torturing him out of his mind, pretending to drop a few key pieces of information, and then allowing him to 'escape' was an easy way to draw to you to me, and as I expected, it did. Go ahead and kill me: Warden will become the new leader of the Council and rally Heaven against you, starting a new Endless Conflict between Heaven and Hell. Kill him, and another will take his place. And another, and another. Even if I die, my plans still cannot be stopped... the order that should be will be returned to the world, and to further ensure this, I have an army of recombinants and Strange Beasts eager to do my bidding and continue my work, with orders to obey the current Chancellor and Regent of Heaven."

He gazed coldly across at Zerrex, saying softly: "It's checkmate, Zerrex. You've walked into my trap. You've sealed your own fate. Nothing can stop me now... and you cannot destroy Perfect. You see, he's not like the other recombinants... because inside Perfect, I infused one additional thing to secure his power, to make him undefeatable, even by you and the powers that reside within you. A gift given to me by a Strange Beast who thought I could revive the one she loved most in all the world. The broken pieces of Destruction's soul."

Perfect threw his head back and screamed laughter... and Zerrex shook his head in horror, looking across at the recombinant and whispering: "You... you put parts of a First God... inside that... that thing?"

"I will do anything and everything necessary to save my patron, and to see his plans through to completion. I will do everything it takes to become the next Lord God, and failing that, to see you destroyed and your life in ruins." Job's voice was bitter and terrible, and Zerrex closed his eyes and shook his head slowly before the Naganatine turned his eyes to Perfect, the recombinant's grin growing wider as Job ordered callously: "Rip him apart but take him alive. And do not annihilate the armor. Break it into pieces if you have to but I want both it and Zerrex intact... and then I want to watch him suffer while the rest of his family dies before we drain him. After that... you can use him as your personal toy and do with him as you please."

"My energies, right?" Zerrex looked up with a snarl, and then he focused, locking onto Perfect's energy signature and then thrusting a hand sharply forwards with a snarl. "Guess what I can do?"

Perfect began to glow brightly, looking down at himself with a squeal of surprise... and then his scales became blue energy before shattering into pieces, and Zerrex stared in horror and shock as the thing that remained behind staggered backwards and Job grinned sickeningly. Beneath Perfect's organic shell, there was terrible, complex machinery and black-and-purple bones with ugly, leather-like webbing between them, cables pulsing and twitching like living serpents as blue energy sparked back and forth, the creature's eyes turning into glowing red orbs, its skull black metal, its limbs covered in cables and steel, its body terrifying as huge and terrible crystals and ugly, unnatural organs pulsed beneath ribs that trembled and moved of their own accord like opening-and-closing teeth... and then it grinned savagely as it rolled its shoulders slowly before its outer body quickly began to fill back in, energy glowing over it and scales growing rapidly back into place as Job said mockingly: "You didn't think I would overlook such a simple vulnerability, did you? Oh no... Perfect is not at all as simple as the other Purifiers. He is the ultimate triumph, godlike power infused into an invulnerable body with a transforming outer layer of energy maintained by nanomachines and the power cores inside him. He is indestructible, beyond the power of any god, built for two things, survival and destruction... and now he is going to destroy you."

"Yes, yes, yes, yes-yes-yes, time to die, Zerrex Narrius!" Perfect screamed, then he thrusted his own hand forwards as his red eyes turned poison-green again, and Zerrex was slammed backwards by a massive blast of pure force, unable to even react as it crashed into him and sent him smashing through an enormous pillar, chunks of stone and marble flying in all directions as he crashed onto his back and skidded backwards over the ground outside the Senate Building, coughing blood and rolling violently to stare stupidly out at the battlefield beyond.

He heard insane laughter, but it was muted, as he watched his friends and allies fighting... and Zerrex breathed hard as he slowly forced himself up to his feet, staggering a bit and turning slowly around as trembles ran through his body, the Armor of Naganis shuddering against him before clenching tight as if it was reaffirming itself, and Zerrex straightened with a snarl as he faced towards Perfect as the monster walked out of the Senate Building, its eyes glowing as it threw its head back and shoulders its enormous cleaver, wings flapping behind it as it shrieked gleefully: "What a wonderful day for a funeral!"

Behind Zerrex, the gathered forces battled viciously: Vivien led them, her enormous axe slashing back and forth through Dervishes and Strange Beasts as blood ran down from the wounds she had taken, armor dented and scratched but her body glowing with power and conviction, determined to win... and she snarled as a Viper charged towards her before spinning her long-handled battle axe rapidly at her side as it began to glow brighter and brighter with golden energy, before she leapt forwards as the Viper lunged, slashing the massive weapon downwards and severing it into right-and-left halves, both heads looking stupefied as she passed between the bisected body of the Strange Beast before it exploded, the Celestial Devil landing with a curse in an awkward kneel before she threw her head back and shouted: "We need to push them back! Unleash the full power of Elysium!"

Selena glanced up at this, then she snarled as she smashed a Dervish backwards before she threw her arms out with a roar, a massive column of magma erupting around her body and spilling out over the enemies around her, driving them back... and when it fell, the Passion had unleashed her full Personification, her entire body covered in solid black armor, more than doubled in size and with gargantuan, rake-like claws on her hands and obsidian spikes standing out of her arms, elbows and shoulders, huge, terrible horns curling up from either side of her head and her enormous jaws dripping lava as black eyes with red pupils glared savagely outwards, dark red veins pulsing through the hardened metal covering her red scales as her spiked tail lashed back and forth... and when a Paladin charged towards her, she leaned forwards with a roar, red flames erupting from her jaws and sending the angel staggering backwards with a scream even as his flesh was charred completely away from his body, leaving only melting armor and a charred skeleton behind as even the ethereal Host were driven back by the might of her unholy flames.

Cindy, already enormous, caught a Dervish's hammer in her gloved hands, snarling as blood ran from several large gashed in her body before she screamed when a second Dervish slammed a n axe into her back, sinking into the scales and knocking her to her knees as she struggled to keep the hammerhead held back from crushing her skull. The Dervish began to draw the axe back as the second warrior leaned harder down into his hammer... only for Daria, in her terrible, monstrous transformed state, to leap on the axe-wielding Dervish's back, her claws ripping through its shoulders as her skull-face leaned over it and vomited a stream of acid directly over the face of the emotionless giant, and it staggered backwards and then collapsed as Daria snarled and shoved it to the ground, and Cindy roared as her muscles flexed and she threw the hammerhead upwards, stumbling the second Dervish before she leapt forwards and slammed a fist across its body, sending it flying backwards to crash in a broken heap some twenty feet away.

A moment later, an explosion went up across the battlefield as one of the jeeps was destroyed by an Elite, and Cherry howled in pain as she was thrown backwards by the blast, cursing and arching her back to catch herself in a handspring and shove herself backwards to land in a kneel, feet skidding against the ground and breathing raggedly. Her armor had been shattered by a powerful spell, and her body trembled as blood dripped from her nostrils and mouth, looking up with a shiver as an Elite slowly began to walk towards her... and then she snarled and grabbed the vial of corruption from her belt, popping it open and guzzling it, then cursing as black veins immediately spread through her scales... before she winced when she realized it wasn't enough even as her wounds slowly began to heal, standing up and drawing her chain whip off her belt in one hand and the Great Diviner in the other as she shouted: "Come on, then, motherfucker!"

The Elite snarled at her, then charged forwards, spinning its massive axes at its side before it leapt forwards... and when Cherry slung the Great Diviner at it, it easily brought one axe up to block as it chopped the other outwards... but Cherry slipped to the side, the creature's weapon slamming into the ground before the Strange Beast lashed the other axe outwards in a hard slap, but the female lunged backwards out of the way as she yanked to the side on the Great Diviner's chain, and it snapped around and caught on the back of the enormous Strange Beast's neck, lashing immediately upwards before the sword sank through its eye as it glowed violent white.

It howled in agony, snapping its head to the side even as it chopped both axes down one after the other, trying mindlessly to crush the female as she leapt backwards before snapping the Cherry Cutter outwards, the whip wrapping quickly around the neck of one of its golden axes before she roared as she yanked hard back, and the axe was torn out of its hand as it staggered with a hiss, bringing its other axe back... but Cherry only grinned savagely as she spun around, dragging the whip and the axe still caught in its links in a wide circle before snapping her weapon forwards, and the golden weapon tore through the air in a wide crescent to bite into the Strange Beast's skull, making it scream in shock and stagger instead of swing, its body twitching violently before Cherry roared as she hauled roughly backwards on the Great Diviner.

The sword ripped free from its eye and tore against its skull, sending out a splatter of gore and making the creature half-spin around so its back faced towards her, and Cherry immediately ran up this as she snapped the chain of the Great Diviner, sword returning to her hand with supernatural speed before she kicked hard off its upper back as it tried to lunge backwards to force her away... and she sailed high into the air, flipping slowly backwards as she spun the double-edged gladius in her hand before catching it so the point aimed to the ground, drawing it back above her head... and then she stabbed fiercely downwards as she fell back towards the Elite, the sword ripping through its upper back and burying into its Symposium before the creature screamed and then exploded, Cherry howling in agony as she was thrown backwards, Great Diviner and chain whip lashing through the air like metal ribbons beside her before she crashed down and rolled several times, half-tangling in her own weapons as she cursed in pain.

She slowly sat up... and stared at the sight of Hope, who had consumed her own vial... and was now creating enormous spears of darkness that she sent crashing through Phase Hounds and Paladins as she fought with a snarl, her body glowing blackly as her eyes radiated energy, leaving a trail of dark smog behind herself wherever she walked. Cherry's mouth began to water, breathing hungrily as she crawled weakly up to her feet, and then she dropped her whip and let the Great Diviner bounce and dangle from her arm as charged stupidly through the battle towards the female, ducking with a wince beneath a Dervish's wild swing before Priest - his body glowing with power, his size slightly increased and his muscles bulging so strongly they had ripped his thermal suit, an aura of light glowing around his frame - tackled the Dervish backwards and slammed punches that shook the very earth and sent both lightning and fire coursing through the holy warrior again and again into it chest.

Then Cherry wrapped her arms around Hope and she rasped a quick: 'Sorry' before she leaned forwards and greedily bit down into the female's neck... and the doe hissed in surprise more than pain, half-reaching back to grab Cherry's head... and then she only gave a trembling, almost pleasured sigh as Cherry's hands stroked over her body and her own fingers rubbed soothingly along the muscular female's skull even as her teeth sank deeper, grinding her jaws against the doe's throat as black corruption, not blood, spurted into her mouth and slid down the female's body... and even as she smiled dreamily, Hope rose a hand, a volley of black cones forming and firing themselves in violent rhythm into a Phase Hound that tried to charge, each spike ripping a massive chunk of flesh from its body and leaving black flames coursing over its form.

And then Cherry ripped her jaws back with a groan, her eyes closed as her scales turned dead black for a moment, and her eyes became obsidian as she stared towards Heaven's sky... before the color returned to her body as she threw her arms out with a roar as her frame rippled, black flames exploding over her form before her musculature and height increased rapidly, blood bursting from her body as blades of metal ripped out of her arms and her fins became serrated steel, more spikes and larger, crescent-shaped blades tearing from her back as her jaws became larger, her teeth became fangs, her body grew and warped.

A moment later, the dark flames over her form died down as she towered over the battle with a snarl, thirty feet tall and masculine more than feminine, large breasts still protruding from her frame but covered in dark steel. Then her head snapped forwards with a hiss, and the scales over her face became black alloy as well, forming a terrible mask as teeth tore out of the sides of it to bite into her own upper jaw, but Cherry's mouth only dropped open as if in pleasure at the pain, breathing black smoke as a forked tongue slithered out of her jaws. She looked down at her hands with a dark grin: they had transformed into dark steel gauntlets, and she could feel the spikes and blades that lined her back jutting fiercely outwards as her legs flexed, further metal plates standing out of these... and the upper portion of her tail was further layered with segmented, flexible obsidian metal, spikes jutting all down this to a massive, deadly hook.

Then she snarled as a Paladin slammed a mace into her shin, but her armor deflected most of the damage before she reached down and crushed him beneath one hand like he was a toy... and then she roared at a Viper that charged towards her before leaning forwards and breathing a dark, thick gas over it that rolled along the battlefield, and the Vipers and Angels caught in the cloud screamed as black vines began to rip out of their bodies, growing rapidly and sprouting poisonous thorns as Cherry grinned darkly, then flexed her body as she looked at the large, fin-like blades standing out of her forearms. Then she snapped one of her limbs backwards, and these blades ripped through the body of a Dervish before she swung her arm out and forwards, almost sawing him in half as she whispered: "So much power... so much power!"

She laughed, clenching her hands tight, the Diviner laying on the ground and abandoned now, the manacle split open before she reached up and touched the collar that had grown with her, still tight around her neck... and then she whispered: "And it is all meaningless without my Master... so I fight for him. I live for him, I die for him... and soon, you will too."

Then she grinned savagely as she leaned forwards before spitting out several dark spheres... and a moment later, these trembled before snapping apart, hissing, multi-legged parasites with enormous jaws and twisting, segmented bodies running in all directions before one of these leapt up and seized a Viper that was locked in combat with Missy, her sword ripping swathes along it as she ducked quickly back and forth beneath its swings, and then the golden retriever leapt backwards with a shriek as the Viper screamed suddenly as the parasite ripped into its side, ignoring the neon electricity sparking at it before it forced its way inside.

The Strange Beast clawed at itself, and then it screamed again before its eyes began to turn dead black as vines ripped out of the wound and spread along its form... and more, larger, sicker black vines tore from its frame, with silvery thorns that leaked purple poison. Ivy spilled out of its jaws as it fell to a kneel... and then it gave a dark, low roar as more vines spread along its form, lashing back and forth as black roses began to bloom over many of them, and then it grinned as it stood up and walked past Missy to seize another Viper, the Strange Beast looking surprised before the infected Viper's vines lashed around it and it dragged it forwards to vomit corruption over the monster's face, eagerly attempting to spread its manipulative disease.

Missy grimaced... and then she turned around with a wince as a Dervish charged towards her, raising her sword despite the terror that ripped through her being, her body already tired and wounded... but in a flash, Tinman was in front of her, the badger's hands snapping several long lengths of silver string out that he threw in front of him, and they formed rapidly into a net that launched forwards and seized the Dervish's huge body, knocking it backwards before the badger winced as he stomped hard against the ground, and spikes of metal ripped out of the earth in a line through the Dervish's body, and several Hosts descended greedily on the pinned creature before he turned and said quickly: "Head back towards the barrier, it's safer-"

An axe smashed into Tinny's side, and the badger gargled as he staggered weakly, Missy's eyes widening as she staggered backwards... and then the Paladin yanked the axe backwards before slamming it down into the badger's back, cutting off one of his wings and sending him crashing downwards with a whimper as the Paladin snarled, his golden armor glinting before he drew the axe back again... and Missy leapt forwards with a scream, her sword slashing outwards and cutting the pole of the executioner's axe in half before she stabbed the weapon forwards and upwards through the Paladin's stomach, and he gargled before her eyes glowed as she tore the blade backwards and to the side, disemboweling the Paladin.

The male staggered backwards with a groan, falling to his knees as he grabbed at his guts as they spilled from the wound... and then Missy stabbed savagely upwards through the unarmored underside of his jaw, her red eye glowing as she hissed: "I'd kill you a thousand times if I could. I'd kill you ten thousand times, you fucking son of a bitch."

Then she tore the sword back, and the Paladin fell lifelessly forwards before she turned around as the glow faded, running to the badger... and a moment later, White was at his side as well, his eyes widened, his mouth trembling as he dropped beside his son, half-lifting him in his arms... and Tinny smiled faintly up at his father, reaching out to touch his chest before he whispered: "I love you, Dad. I... never blamed you..."

And then Tinman slumped silently... and White shook his head in denial, tears leaking down his cheeks before he closed his eyes tightly as he hugged the angel's body fiercely against his stomach as his son died in his arms, his form slowly beginning to glow before it turned to dust and motes of light... and then White looked up silently, staring past Missy as the golden retriever trembled, before a furious snarl slowly spread across White's face as a Viper Aegis began to charge towards them...

And White stood up with a raw roar, shoving his hand out, and the Aegis's own armor crushed it before White snapped his hand to the side, the metal shield ripping free of its arm as it exploded and spinning in a violent hurricane through the ranks of foes, cutting Dervishes in half and ripping through other Strange Beasts before White drew his massive revolver in his other hand and half-turned, firing round after round after round off that slammed home into the skulls of angels and Paladins, knocking them flying backwards before he half-turned as a Phase Hound charged towards him, punting it savagely and sending it flying with a scream before he slammed his metal fist into the ground, and a shockwave ripped through the area, knocking Missy over with a shriek and sending enemies and friends staggering before White punched both hands into the ground with a yell, and metal and white beams of light exploded upwards from the earth beneath the feet of Dervishes and Strange Beasts and Paladins and the Host, ripping through their forms and the lasers of light annihilating the ethereal, terrible spirits and exploding physical bodies as he howled: "Not again, not again, not again!"

Silven appeared a moment later beside White, seizing him firmly as the badger began to draw his hands back... and White crumpled again him, expressionless, lost, as a white dome flickered around the two, shielding them from the battle as the Naganatine silently hugged his friend... and Missy gritted her teeth, then looked up in surprise as Raze and Sephire landed on either side of her: the black-scaled Drakkaren had several large gashes down his bare chest, but was breathing hard, visibly excited despite the fury in his eyes... and Sephire was grinning callously, her eyes glowing and her mask off, Storm King Face held tightly in one hand, her armor damaged and muscles flexing powerfully as she said coldly: "Not gonna let a single one of these fucking bastards live. Not even after we stop them. Not even after they give up."

"Let's kill them all." Raze shoved a hand out towards a Paladin that charged towards him, and the angel gargled as he was hefted into the air before the godling simply clenched his fist shut, and the angel's body visibly twisted and crushed in on itself as he said darkly: "No mercy. No mercy for any of them."

"No mercy for us, either." Sephire whispered, and then she leapt forwards and smashed a Phase Hound away, her eyes glowing as she flicked a hand out and sent a volley of metallic daggers rocketing through the air, slamming into the stomach of a Leviathan and knocking it backwards with a gurgle before she charged towards it and leapt upwards, Enochian runes glowing all along the blade of her sword before she half-spun with a savage slash that ripped it in half and sent blood exploding backwards in a tsunami before lightning sparked along its body and gore and it exploded in a massive shockwave... and Sephire landed, unhindered by it or the neon electricity that sparked over her body before she threw her head back with a snarl, and energy visibly sparked along her form before her eyes began to glow as she said ruthlessly: "Killing is what we do, after all. We're angels. We're gods."

She charged forwards, wristblades snapping outwards on her arms before she slammed her fist into the stomach of a Viper, sinking the long blades through its body as Storm King Face lashed out behind herself in a wide, crescent cut that sent an angel flying backwards, before she roared as she lashed the sword across one of the necks of a Viper, severing a head as it screamed and the other set of jaws bit down towards her... and Sephire's eyes glowed with hate and fury, energy cracking through the air before the Viper's head simply exploded as it was sent crashing upwards, and she threw her arms out with a snarl, a blast of force knocking the Strange Beast into the air before she shoved her sword upwards, and blue lightning exploded from the skies, hammering into the creature again and again and supercharging its body before it exploded in a massive shockwave of electricity and energy that hailed down through ally and enemy alike, pelting everyone around them with shards of energy as Sephire threw her head back and laughed, even as shrapnel tore bloody gashes across her face.

Ancalagon roared as it slammed through ranks of angels, and behind it, Anathema Sin smiled coldly before she leapt forwards, landing in an open field in the battle zone, before she looked up with a snarl as a Songstress began to sing, the song focusing on her and making her tremble and feel weak... before a second voice rose up, Sabnock walking forwards, her voice majestic and powerful and filled with strength and emotion, her battle armor untarnished as she strode forwards and loaded an arrow into her bow, firing a blue streak of ice into the face of the Songstress and making it stagger with a grimace, mouth shutting as bells began to sound throughout the area in tune with Sabnock's powerful song.

And as she strode forwards, she fired arrow after arrow into the body of the Songstress, knocking it back step-by-step-by-step as it began to scream instead of sing as ice rapidly grew along its frame, until it was a frozen statue... and the wolverine simply swung her bow hard into this as she reached the creature, shattering the Songstress into countless pieces before she threw her head back as she reached the end of her melody.

Yet throughout the battlefield, bells continued to ring powerfully... and a moment later, Amiglion leapt into the air, his scythe, Grim War, held tightly in his hands, the black metal pole and enormous, deadly blade glowing before he swung it downwards into the ground... and a circle of runes glowed around him as Amiglion lowered his head and shouted a sharp incantation before a vortex ripped open above his head... and a moment later a tall, robed figure stepped out of this, the raven-headed Reaper holding not a scythe, but instead an enormous bell in one scaly golden hand and a large sphere of clear crystal in the other as she looked back and forth coldly, tightly-tied black robes flowing over its form before she nodded and said in a cold, clear voice as her small dark eyes flashed. "The terms you present are acceptable, your reasoning is sound... and I must bow to the will of the one Thanatos respected most. I shall honor the requests of yourself, Judge Sabnock, and Lady Anathema."

A Strange Beast charged towards the enormous Reaper... and the raven merely looked at it before she clicked her black beak, and no less than five silver-masked Reapers appeared out of thin air around it in bursts of dark smoke, their cloaks floating around their hovering, ghost-like bodies as their all-too-solid scythes whickered out and slammed into the Viper Aegis from all sides, rippling as the white crescent blades passed through their armor and ripped into their bodies... and the Viper hissed weakly, looking back and forth before it simply slumped, a faint spark of neon passing over its form as it turned grey as it was completely drained of energy.

Other Reapers began to appear throughout the area, drawn first to the soulless, terrible Dervishes, as other vortexes ripped open and immense Great Reapers carrying enormous bells began to appear as well, and they began to ring these powerfully, driving back the Host that had begun to spread through the battlefield, feeding off the energy of the fallen and wounded on both sides as well as clamping onto living beings.

The terrible spirits were driven back by the ringing bells, shrieking... and Anathema Sin laughed loudly as she looked back and forth with a savage grin, her eyes burning before she threw her arms back and screamed, as a Gateway opened and several Chanters carrying staves and strange metal symbols appeared: "Sister, we have guests! Let's play with them!"

Then her head snapped to the side, and Sin said in a terrible, guttural voice: "No. I'm done playing games, sister. They've made me hungry. They've made me excited. And they've made me so very angry..."

And then the Naganatine leaned forwards with an insane grin, her violet eye glowing as the flames in socket flared up, covering almost the entire metallic side of her face in amber light as her dress and corset tore as her body expanded, her tail snapping back and forth before it rapidly lengthened and thickened as her arms became enormous and powerful, muscular and godlike as she fell forwards, her legs snapping backwards so her metallic feet could fuse into her now body-tail as her shoulders rapidly broadened... and the bones covering her grew as well as Anathema gasped and moaned loudly even as Sin snarled and hissed, her horns curling into enormous branches as her jaws widened and enlarged, her features becoming terrifying as the bone mask melded deeper into her face and spikes ripping out of her back as a large, deadly blade snapped out of the end of her immense body tail and her metallic hands became huge, steel talons, before she grinned savagely as she rose one of these and it became almost liquid as it transformed into an immense, crescent blade... before she straightened slowly, a bone breastplate covering her thirty foot tall upper body, her snake-like lower half immeasurable, the coils powerful and trembling as her huge, skeletal wings spread wide, blue flames burning brightly between them as she leaned forwards with a roar at the Chanters that immediately faced the immense threat, one of them shouting a spell and thrusting the staff at her to send a massive shockwave of lightning outwards... but Sin only grinned widely as her body glowed and the spell bounced off her uselessly, whispering: "I want their very souls Anathema."

Then she lunged forwards with a laugh, even as the other Chanters shouted spells, fireballs and massive spears of ice flinging into her body and either shattering uselessly against her or bouncing off as she rushed forwards with terrifying speed, then she slashed the massive axe-hand down through one, sending up an enormous explosion before it became a terrible claw again, and she seized the other two Chanters before they could run, lifting them to her muzzle and greedily dropping them into her jaws before she bit down, chewing hungrily as neon blood and electricity sparked out of her jaws even as the very energies of the Strange Beasts were ripped from their bodies, floating and semi translucent, screaming as they tried to claw their way out of the massive maw of the demonic Naganatine but instead were drawn back into her throat and pulled down inside of her.

Anathema Sin grinned darkly... and then she hissed as two Metatrons turned towards her and rose their hands, massive purple chains beginning to bind her before she swung an arm out almost irritably, shattering the magical bonds and making one of the Metatrons flinch even as the other began to prepare a spell... and then Sin's enormous tail whickered out and slammed down into it, the blade on the end of it both crushing and cutting through the creature before she leaned down as her violet eye glowed powerfully, and the second Metatron began to glow with purple light before it was simply torn into pieces by a psychokinetic blast, the immense female throwing her head back with a savage laugh.

And yet more Gateways were opening to let Strange Beasts pour into the battlefield, and more reinforcements were flooding the area: angels, and now white-plated golems and cloaked, monstrous figures as well. For every creature they killed and drove back, others took its place, slaughtering Dragokkaren warriors, mortal and demons soldiers, even Dragon Warriors falling... and then Vivien looked up in surprise as a vortex opened, and not demons of Elysium, but instead demons of Eslovius charged out, yelling war cries in their own language as they leapt into battle, shark warriors snarling as blunt weapons and fists were deflected off their rubbery hides and even blades found little purchase, Eslovian mages casting powerful spells that sent pillars of ice and water erupting through the war zone, and archers firing barbed and poisoned arrows into the ranks of Strange Beasts and angels, Paladins clutching at their stomachs and falling to their knees to vomit miserably as cramps ripped through them and paralysis spread slowly through their bodies.

And in the wide, strangely-safe area around the Senate Building, Zerrex clashed with Perfect even as he felt the psychic pain of many of his Disciples, even as he felt rage and hate, love and loss, sorrow and pain behind him... and in front of him was only madness, as Perfect screamed and lashed back and forth with his sword, his swings crude but fast and impossibly strong as Zerrex swung Blackheart hard in retaliation, deflecting each of the attacks before he leapt away, then cursed when Perfect screamed at him and blasted him with a telekinetic shock before he shoved a hand towards the Drakkaren and unleashed a powerful, unfocused cone of dark energy.

Zerrex cursed and half-turned, raising one arm as a shield of ivory spread out of his arm, glowing white and protecting him from the battering flames of darkness, and then the shield shrank back into his him as Perfect charged forwards, and Zerrex forced himself to wait calmly for a moment before he slid smoothly forwards when Perfect began to cock his sword back, and the reptile rammed the pommel of his sword hard into the creature's stomach, making it wheeze before he swung the hilt and his hands hard upwards to smash under the creature's muzzle, causing it to gag and stagger backwards, arms flailing as it dropped its golden sword, and Zerrex stepped forwards with a roar as he put all his strength behind one savage, wild diagonal swing.

It tore upwards across Perfect's chest, sending him crashing backwards with a screech as energy, green ooze, and red blood exploded from the wound, and the monster arched weakly through the air before it flipped suddenly and caught itself with its six enormous wings, settling slowly back down to the ground and snarling in fury before it shrieked: "Impotent fucking pest! Let's see how you like this, then!"

It drew its hands back, dark lightning sparking along its arms before it began to laugh insanely, and then it began to claw wildly at the air, sending blasts of dark energy erupting towards the Drakkaren as Zerrex winced and snarled, swinging Blackheart hard forwards as the blade glowed white and knocking two of the dark fireballs away before one smashed into his chest and exploded, sending him skidding backwards and his sword flying from his hand before he crossed his arms over his chest defensively as a fourth blast smashed into him and sent him staggering, cracking the bone vambraces before he created a wall of blue energy in front of himself.

Several more blasts exploded uselessly against this as the reptile poured his energy into it, leaning forwards and shoving his hands against the wall to further support it as the bone armor repaired itself... and then Zerrex stared as the last of the flames rolled over the shield before he realized that Perfect was gone... and then he screamed when he felt his own sword cut into his lower back, Perfect suddenly behind him as energy sizzled up and down the blade, his hands tightly locked into the hilt even as Blackheart trembled violently and blue energy sizzled against the monstrosity's hands, blood dripping from them but the creature unfettered as it whispered: "Are you scared yet, Zerrex Narrius? Because you should be. I have every power you do... in fact, every power from almost every person in your family... and all of them are backed by the essence of raw, furious Destruction, with a capital D. In a way, this is a clash of brother against brother... and do you remember who won last time?"

Then Perfect yanked Blackheart back before swinging savagely out with the flat of the sword, knocking Zerrex flying forwards through his own shield, shattering it into shards and blue motes as he howled in agony, flailing his limbs before Perfect tossed Blackheart aside and shrieked: "You can't win against me!"

He clenched a hand into a fist, and a blast of golden light erupted in thin air beneath the Drakkaren, sending him flying upwards with a howl of agony before Perfect snapped his hand upwards, and electricity blasted over the reptile's frame, making him snarl in agony before a fiery explosion burst through the air around him, sending him crashing to the side now, helpless to do anything but cover his face and try to protect himself from the worst of the damage as he curled up, a powerful wind striking him and sending him flying all the faster into a spiked and bladed ice wall that formed in midair, shattering through it with a gargle before another explosion of dark energy pounded into the lizard, sending him flying straight down... and Perfect laughed, leaping upwards and slamming his fist into Zerrex's chest, the reptile vomiting blood over the monstrosity as he shot upwards and flipped wildly through the air as he felt his ribs shatter and the armor plating over his body crack apart, staring mindlessly into the air before he slowly rolled over at the apex of his flight, staring weakly upwards... and time seemed to freeze as he saw Negative floating overtop him, the Inversion snarling and reaching a hand down as he said quickly and coldly: "Tell the armor you want to Invert and let me in, Zerrex! It's your only hope!"

"Destruction against Destruction... that didn't go so well last time." Zerrex said softly, looking silently upwards as he floated in timelessness, feeling warm blood on his muzzle, feeling the bone armor sparking against him... and when Negative looked at him almost pleadingly, the reptile closed his eyes and asked quietly: "Why do you care?"

"Because if you die, I die. And because it isn't time for you to die quite yet." Negative retorted, and then he glared in frustration at the Drakkaren before he closed his eyes tightly when Zerrex looked up at him tiredly. "I... please."

"That's the magic word." Zerrex smiled a little... and then time returned to its normal flow, and the reptile was falling again, spinning wildly as vertigo tore at his senses before he threw his arms out and gyrated his body, regaining control of his flight as he clenched his eyes shut and concentrated, sending the plea throughout his mind and body and soul, telling the armor what he wanted...

And when he crashed to the ground, the reptile felt a sizzle burst over his frame before a shockwave of dark energy erupted from his form, and when the Drakkaren stood with a snarl, the bone armor had transformed: the scale-leather had darkened and the bones had taken on a terrible, ghastly luminescence, with Naganis's skull now resting across his chest, terrible dark light glowing in the sockets and the horns curled tightly back and upwards along either side of his masculine breast and over his shoulders... and his own skull-mask was fused over his face, his eyes glowing ruby but the reptile feeling in total control of himself as black spikes ripped their way out through the bone full plate, the Drakkaren clenching his hands into fists as his height expanded slightly and he examined himself clinically, coldly... before his eyes settled on Perfect as the creature pointed at him and grasped its face in its other hand, screaming laughter. "W-What a joke! You are not destruction... I am Destruction! You are but a copycat Inversion, a weakling freak of nature, a-"

Zerrex vanished from the spot and reappeared in front of Perfect, slamming his right fist into its muzzle and knocking it flying backwards with a gagging sound, and the reptile glared balefully down at the recombinant as he spat: "Watch who you call names, maggot. Besides, you're the one who's nothing but a science project gone wrong, the lapdog and pet to a pathetic, deviant mind."

And then the reptile gritted his teeth, his muscles bulging, his body almost glowing as he felt the armor feeding him more power, more energy... and his eyes widened as a twisted grin spread over his muzzle, realizing that it was doing exactly what Blight's body had done: culling Purification from the atmosphere and turning it into the dark energy that powered his Inverted state, the Drakkaren's eyes glowing as he felt both the mala around his neck and the very armor filling him with strength also stabilizing his mind, even as Negative said coldly inside him: Let us see who is the stronger now.

And with that, Zerrex charged forwards, grinning darkly as Perfect snarled and leapt up to his feet, throwing waves of dark energy at him... but the Inverted Drakkaren only laughed as his body immediately absorbed them before black lightning sparked along his arms as he leapt forwards, seizing the creature by the throat and slamming it down onto its back as he began to throttle it while sending waves of powerful dark lightning ripping into its body, the monster screaming as the Drakkaren shouted furiously: "Pathetic! Mindless, pathetic prey!"

His grin spread wider... and then Perfect slammed a knee up into his lower back, making him curse and lean forwards before the recombinant's skull smashed into the Drakkaren's muzzle, knocking his head back with a curse... and a moment later, he stared in dumb surprise as the creature brought back both feet... but then the reptile vanished from the spot as Perfect kicked outwards, instead hitting nothing but air as it squawked and flopped uselessly against the ground before Zerrex reappeared standing beside it with one foot raised.

He stomped savagely down into its face, shattering its muzzle as it screamed, then laughed darkly as he stomped down again and again, at the same time flicking his other hand out to send spikes of dark energy ripping up through the creature's form as he crushed its features to mangled mush... and then Perfect seized his ankle and yanked hard on it, dragging Zerrex to the ground before the faceless, broken recombinant rolled, ignoring the spikes and the terrible damage done to its skull as it jerked Zerrex through the air and smashed him down onto his front, the reptile grunting in pain before he screamed when blades of crystal tore upwards from the ground and ripped through his body, struggling weakly for a moment before he managed to shove his hands against the ground... but before he could push himself free, Perfect snarled, and the spikes of crystal became tall, terrible spires that hefted the reptile's impaled body high into the air, the Inverted god gargling as Perfect hissed: "So arrogant... so foolish..."

He seized the reptile's ankles, then yanked him hard backwards, Zerrex screaming in agony as he was torn free of the crystal spikes as several of them snapped off in his body and one simply ripped through his side before he was flipped over and smashed down into the ground by the ankles, and then Perfect snarled as he spun with the Drakkaren, hefting him into the air and smashing him through the broken crystal spikes, making him howl in agony again before he threw the lizard hard. Zerrex crashed to the ground some thirty feet away, gargling and rolling as the chunks of crystal slowly popped out of his bone armor before it began to regenerate... but the reptile could still feel the wounds as he clutched tightly at himself, eyes shut as he whispered: "God... damn..."

And Perfect, meanwhile, had healed completely, his eyes insane and burning as he grinned savagely at the reptile before beginning to stride quickly towards him... and Zerrex snarled as he hauled himself to his feet before he snapped his hands out, blades of bone extending from both forearms before the Drakkaren charged towards him, eyes blazing. Perfect, however, only screamed laughter at this sight before he easily blocked a slash with his forearm, ignoring the deep cut it dug and the spurt of blood as he seized the reptile's other wrist in his hand and then slammed his head forwards into Zerrex's, knocking the reptile backwards with a wince before he drove his knee uselessly upwards into Perfect's armored groin.

It didn't even make him tremble as Perfect simply shoved him backwards, laughing insanely... and then Zerrex stabbed fiercely upwards, one of the blades ripping through his jaws and piercing out the back of his skull, Perfect gargling for a moment... and then his eyes blazed with fury, and he threw a fist hard forwards into Zerrex's chest, shattering the armor and sending him staggering backwards before the creature snarled and lunged forwards, his fists crashing into the reptile's body, not allowing him to move or even strike back at all as he was driven backwards by blow after blow after blow before Perfect tackled him and drove him to the ground, then Zerrex screamed in agony as he seized the bone mask melded to his features and tore it slowly off, scales ripping and strands of flesh bursting apart as blood exploded from his face, the Drakkaren slamming and tearing his blades against Perfect's stomach but the creature barely seeming fazed by the attacks even as the weapons ripped through his body, whispering teasingly: "I like this, I like this, a memento for me..."

Then he snarled and slammed the skull mask down into Zerrex's own face, knocking him senseless and sprawling before he leapt backwards and drove his foot hard into the reptile's groin, and the reptile felt something pop as he shrieked in agony before Perfect laughed wildly, shoving the bone mask over his own face as he jumped on top of Zerrex and began to stomp his feet wildly up and down over his bone armor, cracking and crushing it, doing terrible damage along the armor to the Inverted reptile as he tried to swing a blade up... and Perfect's foot lashed out and stomped down on his arm, cracking it and breaking the forearm almost in half as it bent a terrible, awkward angle, the reptile howling before Perfect drew his hands back with a screaming giggle as white energy gathered in both hands, and then he whispered: "Goodnight, goodnight."

He shoved both hands down, and Zerrex screamed in agony as pure energy tore over his face, burning his scales rapidly away, blinding his eyes, making him shriek as his flesh bubbled and bone was revealed, his hair bursting into flames and charring quickly away where it was touched by the terrible blast... and then Perfect leapt backwards off him and shrieked laughter, Zerrex's bone mask still unevenly locked over his own face as he danced back and forth... then he snarled and turned around, hissing: "No, stop that!"

Zerrex was slowly sitting up, his face slowly regenerating, half bone and burning flesh, half healed, the scars throbbing and standing out prominently as blood spilled from them, one eye gone but the other slowly turning emerald even as his body trembled and lost its Inversion, the Armor of Naganis cracked and hanging in broken pieces against his chest as he whispered: "I... am going to stop you..."

"No, no you won't!" Perfect shrieked, and he flicked his wrist, a spear of silver forming before it shot forwards and ripped through Zerrex's chest, and the Drakkaren gagged hard, eyes bulging, as he clawed weakly at the javelin buried through his body before it simply exploded, sending him crashing limply backwards, the bone armor over his upper body shattering into pieces that tinkled down in all directions as Perfect laughed... then snarled again as Zerrex tremblingly sat up, rasping for breath, a bloody hole in his chest, his ribs visible and his pulsing heart shivering as blood burst from it even as it slowly repaired itself, webs of flesh and ivy spreading over the skull-side of his face as hair sprung it clumps from his head.

"C-Can't... let... you ruin this... ruin Heaven..." Zerrex whispered, blood dripping from his jaws as he felt invisible hands grasping at him, supporting, as he slowly began to stand up... and Perfect snarled in rage before he turned around, storming away to pick up his massive, golden cleaver as Zerrex breathed hard, watching as the recombinant approached, his eyes glowing with rage as he hefted the massive golden sword, and Zerrex smiled weakly, closing his eyes and trying to think of what he could even do...

A blast of golden light shot past him and smashed into the creature as it began to cock the sword back, knocking the cleaver flying from its hands as it shrieked and crashed onto its back, the huge weapon twinkling in the air as it sailed backwards before crashing to the ground beside it as the skull mask flew from its stupefied face... and Zerrex looked over his shoulder in shock as Epiphany slowly approached, her eyes cold and narrowed, and Naganen followed behind her, the Naganatine running quickly to his father with a wince, his thermal suit spotted with blood and scratches and the young male pale, but otherwise healthy as he whispered: "Oh shit, Dad... I... here, I'll heal you..."

"And I'm going to play with our friend here." Epiphany said softly, studying the recombinant curiously as it snarled in rage and picked up its massive cleaver, breathing furiously as she murmured: "Ooh, yes... you may actually prove interesting..."

"Get out of my way, both of you!" Perfect raged, and then he created a sphere of darkness before flinging it at Epiphany... and he stared in shock when she only batted it away with the back of her hand before favoring him with a patronizing smile. Immediately, Perfect's eyes widened, and then a look of utter hate flooded his features before he charged forwards with a scream, raising his cleaver-

Epiphany glared at him as her eyes glowed, and a blast of psychic force knocked the creature flying backwards before the female flicked her wrist upwards with a dark grin, and a tall spire of black stone ripped out of the ground behind the creature, Perfect shrieking as he collided against this... before it toppled slowly forwards on top of him, crushing him beneath its weight. But the female was far from done, throwing her head back and laughing as she stomped the ground, the earth beneath Perfect cracking apart as steam and dark smoke vomited up from it, the recombinant shrieking before vents of magma ripped open and splashed outwards, the black spire trapping the beast rocking violently back and forth before it exploded upwards in a hail of shrapnel, and Perfect tore out of this, his body smoldering and burning and his eyes filled with fury as he leapt towards the surprised female and slashed his sword hard down into her.

Epiphany was sent down on her back, her stitched vest ripping open and dangling, a large, black gash torn across her shoulder as she bounced once and skidded backwards before Perfect snarled and stepped forwards, thrusting the weapon out... and then it simply halted, reality rippling around Perfect as he froze in place and Epiphany's eyes slowly opened as she smiled and stood carefully up, rolling her head on her shoulders and wiping absently at herself as the wound healed, before she tore her vest free and tossed it aside as she studied the frozen-in-time creature, reality around it distorted and broken as she murmured: "Maybe you will be a challenge after all... I'm so excited..."

And then she shoved a hand outwards, and a massive blast of force struck into Perfect as reality returned to normal around him, and yet he only staggered backwards a few feet as the concussive shockwave made the air itself vibrate in a loud whine and he screamed as something inside his body shattered, his scales ripping and fizzing in and out of reality before Epiphany grinned darkly as she reached her hands back, and an enormous, deadly bardiche formed in her hands before she stepped forwards and swung this into Perfect hard enough to send him flying limply through the air to crash into the foundation of the Senate Building, the brick shattering like glass with his impact.

Epiphany laughed as she let the butt of the pole-arm rest against the ground: the eight-foot pole was jet black, with a single golden ring around the bottom, and the enormous, crescent-shaped blade was at least six feet across, made of glimmering crystal and edged in silver, with golden patterning along the flat and a cruel black spike atop the wide crystal base securing it to the alloy staff. It radiated malignant and magnificent energy, glowing faintly with power before she threw her head back and laughed as Perfect launched himself upwards with a shriek of fury, his wings propelling him towards her... and then she grinned darkly and pounced forwards, swinging the bardiche suddenly, sharply downwards and crushing Perfect out of the air and down into the ground as blood and dark ooze exploded upwards from the terrible wound she tore in his back.

The creature screamed, then shoved its hands against the ground, and a pillar of dark energy exploded upwards around Epiphany, knocking her backwards with a shriek before Perfect leapt through the black flames and tackled her backwards, sword and bardiche both falling from their grips as he shoved her backwards, his hands glowing with dark energy as he began to lay into the females face with savage punches from one hand, the other throttling her and shaking her violently to slam her skull back against the ground again and again as the earth beneath her cracked and dark flames and blue energy sparked violently over her form and through the air around them, Naganen and Zerrex only able to watch with horror before Epiphany threw her head back and screamed...

And a moment later, a gigantic fist smashed into Perfect and sent him flying backwards as Equinox appeared out of thin air, his shackles still clamped around his arms and chains dangling from them... and then a moment later, the runes over them pulsed weakly before they cracked apart and fell away in pieces, and Equinox walked calmly, emotionlessly forwards as Epiphany hopped to her feet with a snarl, wiping at her bloody muzzle as she screamed: "I was just playing! Now I'm going to fucking kill you!"

Powerful, terrible energy radiated from Epiphany's body as she snarled and kicked her bardiche up to one hand as she walked forwards beside the twenty foot, silent behemoth: the brother and bodyguard she had created, as Perfect crawled slowly backwards, shaking his head as the recombinant looked back and forth at the two, rasping hard as blood dripped from his mouth before Epiphany grinned darkly and flicked her hand upwards, and chains and black ivy ripped out of the ground. Perfect screamed, leaping upwards and evading these as they grasped at him... and Equinox's hand lashed out, lightning fast, catching Perfect by the ankle and spinning around to lash him savagely down into the ground before he dropped a knee onto his spine, shattering it and making Perfect vomit blood as he clawed uselessly at the ground before Equinox reached down and seized one of the upper wings of energy... and it became physical as a wave of blue force rushed down Equinox's arm before the giant creature simply tore the wing off, and Equinox screamed before Epiphany danced around her brother and slammed her bardiche into his other wing, her eyes glowing with fury and energy as she laughed savagely. "Oh you're a fun playmate now, we just need to teach you manners!"

Perfect lashed a foot into Equinox's shin, knocking him backwards with a grunt, and then he turned around with a scream, lashing a hand out and sending a wave of dark energy exploding upwards... but Equinox simply ignored the black flames as he reached out and seized Perfect's skull, yanking him upwards and then slamming him face-first into the ground once, twice, thrice, snapping his body like a wet towel each time before he stepped firmly on the back of his neck and reached down to rip two more wings off, Perfect screaming... and then his shrieks reached a whole new level as Epiphany's bardiche slammed downwards and cut off one of his lower legs, the creature howling in agony before the female rasped: "What's this, what's this?"

She grinned savagely as she leaned down, her fingers becoming metal tipped with needles of bone before she savagely stabbed this into Perfect's side... and the creature screamed before Epiphany's jaws fell open in a look of intense bliss as her eyes slid closed, and she whispered: "Oh Equinox... he's got a powerful, powerful, powerful spirit inside of him... I want him I want him I want him..."

"Yes, sister." Equinox said tonelessly, and then he reached down and rolled Perfect over before he slammed a fist down as Perfect flinched... but instead he struck the ground, and a rift ripped open around them, transforming into a swirling black maelstrom that began to slowly drag them downwards.

Perfect shrieked at this, trying to claw his way upwards... and Epiphany spun the bardiche around before she slammed it savagely down through his stomach with a grin, locking him into place as Equinox stood silent sentinel and Epiphany threw her head back and laughed, Perfect screaming in denial and pain and terror... and then black energy exploded upwards in a gush around them, and they were simply gone as it turned into dark smoke.

Zerrex could only tremble, and not in the pain: his body had healed during the confrontation with Naganen's help, and he could barely believe what he'd seen. Not only had Epiphany destroyed Perfect with ease... she had clearly, thoroughly enjoyed it. It made him terrified of what she was capable of, given the circumstances... and then he gritted his teeth, shoving these thoughts aside as he hauled himself to his feet, the bone armor over his body trembling before it slowly transformed into simple, scale-leather clothing as he stood up and staggered forwards before Naganen grabbed him and supported him, saying quickly: "Dad, wait, can't we-"

"No, this ends now, this... ends here." Zerrex shook his head, grunting and straightening as he gritted his teeth, reaching up to touch the raw, throbbing side of his face... and then he smiled weakly at his son as Naganen looked at him with concern, saying quietly: "Go on, I'm strong enough to take on Job."

"No, I'm coming with you." Naganen said quietly... and Zerrex looked at him for a few moments before he nodded slowly, and the male smiled faintly at his father before the Drakkaren turned and strode weakly forwards, reaching down to pick up his sword and gritting his teeth as he hefted Blackheart upwards... but as he lifted the sword, he felt new energy pouring into him from the blade as it sparked quietly as if in apology.

The two strode slowly towards the Senate Building as the battle behind them raged furiously on, and yet they could barely hear it, as if they had entered another world, another time... and then Zerrex grimaced in disgust when the Senate Building's defenses activated, a forcefield of energy bursting into being and blocking access to the amphitheater.

"Seriously?" Naganen looked faintly amused at most, vocalizing the exact thoughts of the reptile at the moment, shaking his head slowly before he closed his eyes and put his hands together, and Zerrex looked at him curiously before he stared as Naganen simply drew his hands apart as they glowed with energy, and in front of them, the shielding protecting the Senate Building sparked before a wide hole ripped in the wall of energy, the edges ripping faintly. "After you, Dad."

Zerrex gaped a bit... and then he turned and carefully walked forwards into the Senate Building, shaking his head with a faint smile before his eyes locked on Job, who was staring in horror at them before he pointed and screamed: "Get back! Get away from me, you monsters! This can't be happening, it can't be!"

"Give up Job, it's over." Zerrex said tiredly, as Naganen walked up beside him... and then Job snarled before thrusting a hand towards him, and cracks ripped through the Drakkaren's chest before a golden glow slowly began to build over his body, the reptile collapsing to his knees with a gargle as a waterfall of blood exploded out of his body as he clawed weakly at himself, Naganen looking horrified.

"Fine, I'll just kill you... just like my sister Sin, magic has always been a talent of mine!" Job snarled, twisting his hand slowly, and Zerrex howled in agony as blood exploded out of his jaws, falling forwards as Blackheart clattered to the ground and a twisted grin spread along Job's face. "And I know your energy signature, and have mastered working with it and utilizing it to my advantage... so I am going to burn every particle making up your body apart and cast you forever into the disassociation! I will not let the likes of you-"

"That's enough, Job." Naganen said softly, stepping in front of Zerrex... and the Drakkaren twitched, then shivered weakly as a ring of white appeared around him, sending up a translucent shield as Job cursed, his hands bursting into golden flame for a moment before they puffed quickly out. "I won't let you hurt Zerrex like this. There's no need for this... you've made a mistake. You've made... a terrible, terrible mistake, and done an awful thing. These people-"

"They are not people!" Job screamed, looking furious as he pointed towards Naganen, hissing: "You are not 'people!' And mortals, mortals especially, are not people! It's their fault, their... their endless begging to God, their endless need for this or that, their endless fucking whining, the idea that they themselves were so important and necessary and unable to look past their egos for one goddamn moment, it was them, they killed God! Not Narrius... Narrius was only an instrument... if God had not been so beaten down all the time, so worried and made frail by his guilt over them, so pained by his inability to help them all... he would have easily survived, stopped Narrius's treachery. But no. No, Susie wants a boyfriend and Timmy wants a bike and Mary wants Jenny to die and Jenny wants Mary to be her best friend and Gale wants his daddy to live while Daddy prays every fucking day for that little twelve year old girl to walk alone to the store once so he can rape her and a thousand other fucking things! Don't you get it? God believed in mortals... and when mortals figured out there was a God above, they decided that he was only there to provide for them and them alone. And just like Hell, I want to instill order to put them in their place. To teach them all, they are not people and they are not worthy of respect until they earn it! Religions used to speak of a wrathful God to keep their people in check... now, now I'll show them what the Fear of God truly is!"

Naganen only shook his head quietly, saying softly: "You're so lost, Job. You're so... sad and confused. Yes, Naganis was God... but he wasn't all-important either. He mattered as much to this universe as you, or me, or all those souls out there. As all the other people in the world... he was important to us, but he is unimportant, like even the First Gods were unimportant, once this universe got itself going." Naganen spread his arms quietly, saying kindly: "Don't let it come to this, Job. I don't want to hurt you."

"Arrogant little shit." Job snarled, and then he created a ball of fire and threw it hard at Naganen... but the Naganatine only smiled as he reached up a hand and caught it, then clenched it tightly in both hands... and when he opened his palms, beautiful red birds flew into the air, chirping and singing as Job staggered back in surprise, flinching away from them as if terrified. "What? No!"

He snarled, stomping hard against the ground, and the earth shattered and ripped towards Naganen, the floor violently beginning to collapse inwards... and the young male only smiled as he put his hands behind his back and slid his foot along the floor, and a moment later they were standing on polished marble instead of broken cement, Job leaping backwards with a curse before he created a sphere of light in one hand and the other sparked with electricity, yelling in rage as he fired a beam of golden energy towards Naganen and released a powerful lightning bolt at the same time... and Naganen rose his hands and flicked his wrists upwards, and the beams twisted sharply in the same direction before arching over each other and transforming into a beautiful, vibrant rainbow that floated above him for a moment before dissipating.

"Host! Defend your master!" Job screamed... and Naganen frowned a bit before dead spirits slowly began to rise up through the ground, the male sighing softly before he frowned, and then tears rose in his eyes as he saw Tinman among them, ghostly and terrible, snarling as he floated forwards with his hands raised and curled into claws...

And Naganen walked quietly towards the Host, fearless, leaving his father in the protective circle as the young male's hands swept out almost absently as he passed other spirits, and they exploded backwards in puffs of ash and light as white energy began to gather in his hands, before he smiled faintly at the Host shaped like Tinman as it lunged towards him... then simply halted when Naganen gazed at him, before its features slowly took on Tinny's old, gentle looks as it settled to its knees Naganen whispered: "Now, you of all people don't deserve this. I'm sure the Reapers will be mad at me later but... that's okay."

And even as other Host floated ominously around them, Naganen cupped the white sphere of spirit energy in his hands before blowing forwards, and it washed over the Host like ashes and dust, making him sparkle as he arched his back and closed his eyes before fading from sight... and on the battlefield, where White was arguing furiously with the enormous, raven Reaper, the creature suddenly looked sharply at the sphere in its hand before it said coldly: "Enough, White Phoenix. I will not bring your son back for you, no matter how you threaten me... but it seems another has heard your prayers."

White looked up sharply at this... and then Kavelis, God of Death that now headed the Reapers, flicked a wrist... and a white portal appeared in the sky before Tinny dropped out of it and landed with a squeak on the ground before he sat up, naked and embarrassed, smaller and more slender than he used to be as White gaped at the sight of his son... and Kavelis said softly, as she studied her orb curiously: "A Miracle has been granted and your son has returned as a mortal. Only rare Gods have the power to perform Miracles... this is most interesting indeed."

And back inside the amphitheatre, every image over the projections showed Tinny's return to life as Job looked back and forth, shrieking in terror as the Host floated almost hesitantly around the amphitheater before he pointed wildly at Naganis, screaming: "Rip out his soul, rip out his soul!"

"I'm sorry, I don't have enough strength to restore the rest of you... but all of you have my blessing. Please go back to sleep, okay?" Naganen said softly, and then he lowered his head and recited a quiet prayer, and golden light exploded through the area, the Host sighing softly as their translucent bodies became solid, their features smoothing out... and slowly, they sank down into the ground as Zerrex felt tears leaking down his face at the glory and the beauty of the sight.

And outside, the Host engaged in battle, glowed and bucked suddenly, their faces becoming serene before they too began to sink slowly downwards, making warriors on both sides hesitate and look back and forth before all eyes turned to the glowing wonder of the Senate Building.

Inside, the light slowly faded as the shielding around the building flickered slowly out of existence, and Job looked back and forth as Naganen smiled kindly to him, saying gently: "Let's stop this, Job, okay? Just come with me. Please. Before this gets any worse."

"I... then I'll... never! I'll see you set in stone like Justice once was, arrogant youth! Even you can't survive the Curse of Mephistopheles!" Job shrieked, and then he shoved a palm towards Naganen as the youth looked surprised before a wave of force exploded over him, knocking him backwards... and a moment later, stone raced violently up over the Naganatine as he only gave Job a sorrowful look, petrified entirely in rock, frozen in stone as Zerrex howled a denial and scrambled to his feet as the protective circle faded out around him.

For a few moments, there was only silence... and then Job laughed, crazed, lunatic, as Zerrex trembled and walked towards his son, frozen in stone before he reached out and touched it, feeling how it was still warm, staring at the perfect detail, the saddened look on his son's face, before he snarled at Job as the Naganatine said ruthlessly: "And I modified the curse over the years... there's no escape this time, like there was with Justice. He'll be frozen forever... I think he'll make an excellent decoration for my new throne room."

"You son of a bitch, turn him back!" Zerrex snarled furiously, turning towards Job... and then he howled in agony when Job thrusted his hand forwards, cracks ripping through his body again and falling to his knees as Job grinned callously, his hand glowing with light.

"Poor, deluded godling." Job said softly... and then he frowned a bit, his eyes flicking upwards as the statue rattled, frowning and whispering: "No, that-"

Cracks of light spread along the stone, and then it simply shattered into pieces like a shell, and Naganen crossed his arms as he looked across at Job and said softly: "I'm... I'm so disappointed in you, Job. Tampering with the natural Cycle, hurting others and even... even stooping to using such terrible, awful magic that caused... the tragedy all those years ago... haven't you learned anything?"

"N-n-no... no... not even Sin, not... not... not even... you'd... no!" Job staggered backwards, shaking his head in terror before his eyes widened in horrified realization, and he turned pale before screaming in horror and spinning around, tripping on his own robes and falling, then clawing violently back to his feet as he shrieked: "No, no, no, no, no!"

He fled, half-falling down the steps of the rear of the Senate Building, looking as if he'd seen a ghost as Zerrex grunted and slowly straightened, grasping at his side before Naganen grabbed him and steadied him gently, feeling energy flooding through him as Zerrex looked into his son's eyes, and his son smiled faintly before, studying each other before the reptile whispered: "Naganis..."

"In some ways, yes. In other ways, no. We can talk about it later, Dad... but first we have to stop Job before he hurts anyone else." Naganen said gently, and Zerrex stared at him for a moment longer before the leather armor against his body tightened as if in insistence, and the reptile smiled weakly, his mind reeling before he stumbled towards the exit, stopping only to scoop his sword up with a grunt.

Job was already sprinting down a long, paved pathway, looking as terrified as if the Unworld itself were rising up behind him to consume him... and then he skidded to a halt with a scream as a bloody, snarling Lucifer and a Lord whose face was strangely devoid of emotion dropped down in front of him, half-falling backwards before the wolf side of Lucifer's face twitched upwards in a grin, pointing a massive half-black-half white greatsword with a silver hilt towards Job as he rasped: "Next time, send more Strange Beasts."

The Naganatine scrambled backwards, then he threw a hand out as Lucifer leapt forwards and blasted the Archangel with a beam of golden light, the half-wolf, half-Dragokkaren cursing as he flew backwards through the air and half-flipped to crash awkwardly down on his stomach with a wince, and a snarl of rage spread over Lord's face as his own golden sword appeared in a burst of bright light in his hand, easily deflecting another blast of light from the Naganatine before Job spun around and scrambled to his feet to flee back towards the Senate Building even as Naganen and Zerrex readied themselves...

And Lord leapt forwards with a furious growl and stabbed his sword through Job's back, stepping rapidly forwards and ripping it to the hilt through the Naganatine, scooping him upwards so his feet kicked at the ground as the blade glowed violently with energy, and Zerrex's eyes widened in shock as Lord twisted and ripped his sword to the side, almost cutting Job in half as his intestines and organs and several shattered ribs flew out of the huge flap that tore up off his body, Job's hands weakly raising in the air as horror and surprise spread over his own face, his feet managing to keep himself upright as he staggered a few steps forwards.

The flat of Lord's massive blade smashed across the body of the Naganatine in a violent slap as a savage grin spread over the god's features, his eyes glowing with murderous intent as the Naganatine spun around before Lord's huge hand seized his skull, lifting him into the air and snapping him fiercely down into the ground, his body ripping sickeningly as more gore sprayed from his almost bisected form before Lord lifted him above his head as golden lightning sizzled along his arm... and then he simply growled as he shoved his hand forwards, and a cone of dazzling golden light and flame exploded outwards, washing over Job's upper body and skull as he screamed in agony his legs kicking weakly and tail flopping back and forth before Lord simply dropped him... and all that was left was a smoldering skeleton, the skull crushed and burnt, broken and damaged bones falling around the mutilated Naganatine before it finally collapsed... and Lord rose a foot and crushed the remains of the skeleton, twisting his heel slowly as the still-whole legs twitched once, shreds of robes fluttering around the corpse.

Lucifer slowly walked up behind the Archangel as Zerrex stared in shock, and Lord looked up at him coldly for a few moments before the other Archangel grasped his shoulder... and the god calmed slowly, then looked almost ashamed of himself as Zerrex and Naganen slowly made their way down the path, the Drakkaren saying finally: "I'm glad you guys are okay. But Job... he..."

"I know, I know, I... I'm sorry. I... lost my temper." Lord murmured, looking away, and then he rubbed at his head and smiled faintly. "We'll fix it. We'll fix everything."

Zerrex looked up at him for a moment, then he nodded slowly... before wincing as a roar sounded in the distance, and the Archangels spun around with snarls, readying their weapons. Elites and Viper Aegis and Strange Beasts of all shape and size were charging towards them, rapidly closing in, and the reptile cursed, wondering if they were coming to avenge their leader or under someone else's control or just gone wild now, and he began to raise Blackheart even as he felt his energy dwindling-

A figure shoved its way rudely between them, Zerrex's arms pinwheeling as he fell to a kneel and Naganen wincing in surprise as the equine laughed, dancing back and forth from foot-to-foot before it spun around with a warm smile, and Theophilius bowed to them as Lord gaped and Lucifer stared a little, the Broken taking his hat off and saying kindly: "Hello all! What an honor, what a pleasure, what a delight to meet you kind folk here... Archangels of Heaven, that must be such a chore, but you two do it well!"

"Theophilius, what..." Zerrex winced as the Broken leaned forwards and pushed a finger against his lips, and then the horse leapt backwards and put his hat back on his head... before he smiled softly and clasped his hands in front of himself with another respectful half-bow.

"I've thought a lot about you. What you're doing, what you said... and I talked to Maria-not-Serviteur in the Unworld for a little while, while she was recuperating down there. I was very interested to hear what had happened... and very, very saddened." Theophilius halted, and then he glanced over his shoulder at the approaching Strange Beasts, and he smiled in a strange, soft way as he whispered: "So I'm here to bring a little joy back to the party. I'm here to make up for what's happened... and to risk it all, because I think I understand now why risks must be taken. Because if you never risk anything, you're risking your entire life for a meaningless gambit with no reward."

Then Theophilius spun around and bowed towards the Strange Beasts even as they drew closer, an eager Elite pulling away from the crowd with a snarl as it rose one of its massive axes... and with a flick of his fingers against the brim, Theophilius knocked his hat off his head and let it smoothly roll down his shoulder to catch it in his hand, catching it in front of himself and raising his other hand high to waggle his fingers before he shoved his arm down into his hat, then pulled out a bouquet of white flowers.

He smiled brightly at these, tossing his hat into the air, and it flipped several times before neatly landing back on his head as the Broken took the bouquet of flowers into both hands and inhaled deeply... and then he let out a soft sigh before leaning forwards as the Elite drew within thirty feet, and he blew soft on the flowers... and they burst upwards, countless white blossoms and petals flying through the air and raining from the sky, a breeze whipping past and catching them, carrying them far and wide in an enormous, spreading spiral.

The Elite roared as it lunged... and then skidded to a sudden, stupefied halt, staring down at Theophilius as the Broken blushed and half-covered his face, abashedly holding up a single flower... and slowly, the Elite put its sword down as the others watched in amazement, before the Strange Beast reached quietly forwards and took the flower, tiny in its hands... and it sniffed it quietly before leaning slowly backwards as it dropped its other sword, holding the flower tightly but gently.

Throughout the battlefield, Strange Beasts looked up sharply as flower petals floated through the air around them, quietly and enticingly floating by as they pushed themselves away from the battleground, ignoring or only pushing away those who still tried to attack them as the Phase Hounds simply vanished, the creatures drawn behind the back of the Senate Building as Gateways opened and more Strange Beasts poured in, Zerrex staring in awe at the gathering beings before the Elite studied Theophilius as the Broken finally looked up at him silently, taking his hat off and holding it between his hands as the Elite asked quietly but clearly, Zerrex able to understand the simple question: "Why?"

And Theophilius smiled awkwardly as he looked down, studying the ground for a few moments before he looked back up and whispered in the same language: "I'm so sorry. The others... are so very sorry. Were... so very sorry. We were trying to protect you... and when you came back, I... I was scared. I'm a coward... hiding behind my laws and rules and dictum... but I'm here now, and I'm here to help make everything better. To help find solutions. To help guide you... because it seems that if I'm not around, you poor, poor souls have a habit of falling in with the wrong crowd."

The Elite hung its head shamefully, and other Strange Beasts looked back and forth before a Songstress stepped out of the crowd, saying anxiously: "But we were told by an Advisor that you had abandoned us... we were so scared, and lost! What about the betrayers, the Great Mother and the Librarian?"

At her words, however, another Gateway opened... and rumbles went through the gathered crowd as Eratosthenes and Celeste emerged, the Librarian wincing and looking back and forth as Celeste only smiled lovingly at the Broken, who gazed over at them and said kindly: "Librarian, old friend. Will you please explain to the gathered that you are not a betrayer?"

"But I am." Eratosthenes said quietly, closing his eyes and bowing his head forwards... and Theophilius tilted his head curiously before the Librarian looked up and said clearly: "And so are all of you. We have all been betrayers... because we have all been deceived. Lord God, the Advisor, was not what he said he was. He was not an Avatar, he was not an Advisor, he was not a God, and what he knew of the First Gods he stole from our reliquaries and from his personal knowledge of a... a noble god he once worked for, many years ago. We are all betrayers... because we were lied to. Because we were deceived: in simple terms, he did not tell us the truth."

"Why would anyone do that? That... that can't be!" rasped a Viper, and Zerrex looked up in dumb surprise at the fact that the creature could talk as its other head looked worriedly back and forth, before it asked nervously: "Then... can... can we trust anything?"

"We can trust each other... but only if we do not allow the deceptions of the enemy to pull us apart. There is no more need for it, anyway... the enemy is fallen... and a First God has returned. A First God who protected us from a plight that I have seen in another's mind worse than anything you can imagine, my family. A plight that cost him his life and almost his soul... but he is still a First God, and we are still Guardians." Eratosthenes said clearly and firmly, and Strange Beasts looked back and forth apprehensively before Error walked in front of the Broken and dropped to a kneel, bowing his head and whispering: "My only request... is that you allow me to keep my name. With this name... I have learned very much. I have learned about mortals and demons and angels, and I have learned about truth and lies. I have learned about heroes, and failures, and monsters, and I have learned that your closest friends can come from your enemies."

Eratosthenes smiled faintly past Theophilius at Zerrex... and Zerrex smiled back a bit, relaxing slowly before Theophilius nodded, reaching down and patting Error's head awkwardly, making the Librarian wince. "Names all around then! As I am now Theophilius... we shall give ourselves names to help us in our new journey, our new learning. But... this is not our home anymore. Not this world, not the mortal planet you naughty children have been attacking, not Hell. Nor the Center of the Universe... but there are many planets out there. Many worlds... many places to watch over, many places to enjoy, many places to make our own."

The Broken stepped backwards with a smile, clasping his hands together and closing his eyes... and then he nodded firmly, saying clearly: "My friends. My family. There is much to discuss, and stories to tell, but not here... for now, let us find a quiet place to go and find ourselves again. A quiet place where we can discern what to do next... a quiet place, where... where I can make up for the wrongs I have done you all." Theophilius halted, and then he turned curiously towards Celeste as she bowed her head, and he said softly: "What is this? This... I didn't expect."

"I have come to respect and see Zerrex Narrius as the reincarnation of Creation. I have come to care about him. I would like to stay with him." the Great Mother said softly, and Zerrex blushed before the Strange Beast closed her eyes with a faint smile as a tear leaked down her cheek, as she whispered: "You are so kind, to think such... but my place is here with you. The others will be fine without me, I... only wish to stay by Creation's side, as I once did, long ago."

Theophilius looked at her curiously, and then he smiled softly and nodded, saying after a moment: "Very well then. I understand... and I can respect that. And Zerrex, although I do not need to ask, asking is the formal and proper thing to do in such a situation as this, and therefore I must ask: will you permit the sweet Celeste, Great Mother of many children, to stay with you?"

"If that is what she really wants... I'd be honored to have her company." Zerrex replied quietly, as Lord and Lucifer both looked at him with surprise at the language the Drakkaren spoke... but Naganen only smiled softly, reaching up to squeeze his father's shoulder gently before the reptile gazed down at his son, then returned his eyes to Celeste, adding quietly: "Although there's better candidates for Creation than me around here, too."

Theophilius laughed at this, and then he grinned over at the Librarian as Eratosthenes stood up, asking teasingly: "And what about you, old friend, old chum? Have you grown so fond and attached to Zerrex that next you'll ask to stay here with him?"

"I think I'm better suited to coming with you, Lord Order, much as I enjoy Zerrex's... company." Eratosthenes said mildly, making a distasteful face towards the Drakkaren... but he was smiling a little nonetheless as he added quietly: "I would... appreciate being permitted to visit now and then. Of course, mainly to further my research but... to... to visit."

He cleared his throat, looking awkwardly away as he crossed his arms, but Zerrex smiled softly, touched by the sentiment as Order gazed affectionately at the Strange Beast. "Librarian, you always did make many mistakes... and yet nonetheless, you also always did catch on the fastest to the newest games, the newest information, the newest crafts. I can think of nothing more suitable. You have my permission and my blessing."

He paused, then gazed up as the last of the flower petals began to settle through the air, tilting his head back with a sigh and inhaling deeply as he murmured: "Moon lilies. They were always my favorite flower back home... Life created them, but for some reason... I always adored them. They came across as special to me somehow... but some things are just that way, right?

"Well, I've dallied here long enough." Theophilius smiled and turned around, bowing politely to the four as he said calmly, smoothly switching languages to Enochian so Lucifer and Lord could understand as well: "It seems that I have a most exceptional dinner party to go and prepare, and much tea must be boiled and many scones consumed! If you'll allow me to bid you good day, then I shall bid you good day and leave: if you shall not, then I shall wish the worst of ill fortunate upon you in a manner most joking and leave anyway." The Broken clapped his hands together, and Zerrex smiled a little before he looked up in surprise as Lucifer chuckled, even though Lord still only looked perplexed and frustrated.

Then Theophilius winked over to the Librarian, and Eratosthenes held a hand up, creating a Gateway. When the fellow Guardians hesitated, however, he only smiled faintly at them before saying softly: "I led you here in hatred and foolishness and folly. Let me lead you out of this place now, and complete the journey: this portal will take us back to an abandoned world we passed through, where we may talk and be alone at least. A handful of you may proceed first, and I shall follow, before the others come... and a handful may stay behind, to ensure that Order follows as well. Acceptable terms? Either way, we will be at your mercy... I am weakened from the battle, and Order is not the First God he once was. But show rationality and reason instead of the primal, heretic violence you have been committing, my brethren. At least listen to our stories and our explanations, and we will bring as many witnesses as you like forwards to help with them."

"I'll be glad to explain as well." Zerrex offered, raising a hand... and Theophilius gazed at him affectionately and Error rolled his eyes and muttered something about meddling, which made the Drakkaren huff and glower. "Hey, just saying."

"Fine, fine. But later." Eratosthenes said dryly, and then he glanced up as several Viper Aegis walked forwards. They stopped, looming over him... then slowly nodded, and the Librarian nodded back as they walked through the shimmering Gateway before he followed, and Chanters and other Strange Beasts began to pour steadily into the tunnel in a great, immense exodus. It was an incredible sight... and the terribleness, the xenomorphic qualities of the creatures were lost as they piled nervously through, many looking unsure, Phase Hounds whimpering and pawing at the ground, Elites with their heads bowed and Leviathans walking quietly and slowly. They moved steadily and calmly... and Zerrex glanced up quietly as instead of Strange Beasts, demons and angels, gods and Eslovians and others began to fill in the area around them watching with awe as the creatures slowly but surely flooded into the tunnel through reality.

Zerrex gazed towards Theophilius as the Broken half-walked, half-skipped towards him, clicking his heels together and saying warmly: "It's strange, it's so strange! I feel so scared... and yet so alive, so happy, so enthusiastic, and it has been so very nice to meet you and to talk with you. We must ensure that we do it again in the future under happier circumstances... assuming, of course, I am not killed to make up for the sins I have committed, executed in a most terrible manner by my own bodyguards."

"Stop worrying." Zerrex punched the male lightly in the arm, and the Broken whined loudly and grabbed at this, pouting before the reptile rolled his eyes and said tiredly: "Oh, bite me. I got my ass kicked six ways to Sunday today, you can't imagine the agony I'm in."

"Yes, yes, but you're built for that sort of thing, just like Creation never stayed down without a fight either, for all his love and kindness." Theophilius smiled at him, and then the equine took off his hat and bowed deeply as the last of the Strange Beasts slipped through the Gateway, leaving only two Elites... and the Broken gazed up at them before he turned his eyes back to Zerrex, saying in a softer voice: "I wish you well on your journey, Zerrex Narrius. I know you still have far to go... but I have a feeling you'll find your way, one way or another. I know that there is much to be done: Heaven and Hell must settle the terrible damages done between them, the mortal world must be soothed, and the dead must be put to rest... not to mention your own... personal problem. But I feel... it will all be settled soon. Ten years too many you've put up with this, after all... but now I must go, so I shall bid you adieu."

Theophilius bowed deeply, and then he turned towards the Elites before raising his fists as if to be handcuffed... and when they just looked at him, confused, he sighed a bit and instead reached up to settle his hat on his head before bounding towards the Gateway and through it, and the Elites followed him slowly. The last paused, looking down at the flower it was still holding, and then gazing back and forth over the group... and finally, it held the flower out to Celeste, who smiled softly and took it, the two gazing at each other before she said kindly: "I was not born with the ability to love my children. But I am happy to see you learning and growing. Perhaps in time I will grow to understand love in its entirety."

The Elite nodded to her again, and then it walked into the Gateway and vanished... and the rift in reality slowly closed as Zerrex took a slow breath and relaxed, and silence but for the chirping of a flock of red birds that flew out from the Senate Building filled the air, and Zerrex smiled faintly up at Heaven's sunlit skies.

News of Job's death spread fast throughout Heaven... and news of Job's betrayal spread even faster, although at first not many angels seemed to know what to believe. Some rallied and demanded action, some blamed Elysium for the entirety of events, some simply wanted to live out their lives in Paradise and complained that they shouldn't be involved... and for a week, Heaven tottered back and forth uneasily, as Lord and Lucifer worked slowly through talking to all manner of officials and the Heavenly Council was temporarily disbanded.

Warden had been found hiding out with a group of Dervishes: not that they did him any good, since the Dervishes were programmed to obey Job, not Warden. As they were doing with all the Dervishes now, they were carted off to a medical facility and given carefully-monitored doses of Hell's corruption: in the right amounts, it neutralized some of the purification that ran through their bodies, and returned them to a slightly more-normal, if vapid, state. They could think a little clearer for themselves instead of being constantly blinded by Heaven's 'light' and 'purity,' and were no longer as numb to sensation... but their minds were still permanently damaged by the overexposure to purification and the terrible tortures that created Dervishes in the first place.

Warden had been thrown into a private solitary confinement cell to await interrogation and possibly trial... and all he did was silently play the guitar they had allowed him to have, fingers dragging back and forth along the strings. At one point, Zerrex had gone to visit him, to find out if Job had any other schemes laying in wait, and he had brought Justice and Sin with him... and although at first he hadn't been willing to talk, Justice had glared, cracked her knuckles, and Warden had broken down into tears and begged for forgiveness as he'd revealed every last detail of Job's demented scheme.

The genetic laboratories they already knew about and were being shut down, as were the factories that had been remodeled to house purification and corruption vats that had allowed Job to create his army of demons and angels from 'easy targets' he had ordered Luther to use his vast resources to lure in. They had also known that Job had used Narrius's Forbidden Fruit concoction as part of his formula for building New Angel recombinants... and Zerrex was very, very glad that they had gotten Warden to reveal this information to them so that Heaven's authorities could shut the facility down, with a little aid from Elysium's Royal Guard and some eager to help Disciples. It was more an alliance-building exercise than anything else, at the end of the day: the facilities weren't heavily guarded, and very few recombinants had escaped the battle... and those that did didn't seem to adjust very well to trying to think and act on their own, making them very, very easy to track down and destroy.

They had also discovered that Aera Cura's blood had been used to create the Host: part of the forbidden ritual required a large amount of a god's vital essence, and Job had figure it was easier to kill Aera Cura and drain all her blood than it was to have either captured the demigoddess or just taken some of the crimson fluid from her. After their initial creation, the Host had been self-producing: after feeding off the life force of a dying body, the spirit of that creature was transformed into another energy-hungry, ethereal being like they were.

But all the Host had been banished from Heaven, and they were able to destroy Job's personal laboratory and the equipment he'd used to make the creatures, as well as design the genetic blueprints for recombinants and the white-armored golems. Many of these last, at least, had shut down the moment Job had died... and when the Strange Beasts had fled, the Host had vanished, and the golems had turned themselves off, most of the Paladins had lost their holy conviction and had given up the battle despite their legendary strength and fearlessness... but it was understandable. They had been fighting against an immense combined force, a united front that even while it was being flanked and surrounded, was almost indomitable... and their own allies had ended up being monsters and terrible creatures thought to be forbidden in Heaven, severely shaking their faith in what they were doing.

Now, many of the surviving Paladins that had been in the battle were quietly trying to atone for what had happened. They had been humbled, and held no grudges, no hatred in their hearts... and it honored Zerrex, and he thought it honored those who had suffered and died. Countless soldiers, many Royal Guards, most of the Dragon Warriors and Dragokkaren; Sacrifices had sacrificed themselves, Beasts had fallen... although Zerrex wasn't going to complain. Tinman had died, but been reborn mortal: and only a few others had been killed in the conflict that had already claimed so many other lives.

Sadly, among those, was Soul: she had been killed fighting down an Elite, protecting a weakened Mercy... but the Drakkaren wasn't allowing himself to be too sad for this. To Soul, her body had been hardware, even if she had possessed a soul... and Zerrex would put her body to rest... but as if she had willed herself to be reborn, they had discovered an inexplicable blue sphere of crystal inside of her... and Zerrex firmly believed that this was Soul's very soul, that it contained whatever made her, her... and Mengele had greedily snatched it away from him the moment the wolf had gotten the chance and declared that whether or not Zerrex agreed, he was going to reconstitute Soul's body into something she truly deserved, and the reptile had grumbled under his breath but then hesitantly, finally, agreed. She deserved it, after all... and the blurry lines of right and wrong in life and death grew even blurrier when the way she had been brought into the world was considered.

Last, but not least, Zerrex had found Epiphany and Equinox outside the little cottage in front of Sin's Tower when he'd finally been able to return to Heaven, Epiphany smiling lovingly at her emotionless-seeming brother as they bounced a rubber ball back and forth between them. There was no sign that Epiphany even remembered the battle, or what she had done... except for the terrible, enormous bardiche that still radiated malice, buried into the ground behind her. Zerrex had just watched them quietly, not knowing what to do or say, hands in his pockets and sweet-smelling salve made from various Hez'Rannan plants still fragrant on his scales. So finally, he had just walked forwards and sat down, waiting to see what they'd say, and all Epiphany had asked was if her brother could stay outside and play for a little while before going home, and he'd quietly agreed.

Now, days later, Equinox was still outside Baroque Prison, and Zerrex honestly didn't know what else he could really do with him. It was obvious by now that no matter what they did, if Equinox didn't want to be in his cell, he would not be in his cell... and after seeing the power and bloodlust of Epiphany, he was worried about her mental state, especially if she really had ripped something out of Perfect. But he was beginning to settle now that he had been able to spend some time with her and talk to her about it, expressing his worries, and she had been honest about what had happened and admitted with a blush that she had perhaps gotten a little... overexcited, but she had only wanted to protect her Daddy. And then she had hugged him... and Zerrex had been soothed by that, hugging his beautiful little girl tightly, tightly back.

He had also had a curious talk with Naganen... and while the young male had been awkward, fidgeting a lot and embarrassed by it, he had admittedly quietly that he had memories he couldn't explain, feelings and thoughts and other things. He had looked at Zerrex quietly with a blush, and then lowered his head and murmured embarrassedly that he didn't want to lose or give up what he had, though... he didn't want to be thought of as anything more than the son of Zerrex and Anathema... he only wanted to be a part of the family, to walk amongst mortals, to live the dream he'd been given a chance to achieve... a dream that was and wasn't his, a dream that he felt he would have anyway, no matter who he really was at heart.

The Drakkaren had smiled at this, then nodded and reached out to playfully run a hand through Naganen's mane, making him laugh... and now, Zerrex sat quietly on the couch with his son resting against his side, his head against his chest as he slept quietly and clinging to one of the Drakkaren's strong arms, and the reptile smiled a little at how adorable he was. And yet he was so strong, so brave and so pure... so much more deserving of his powers than his father was... and Zerrex was so honored by the bond he shared with this child.

The last week had been rough as hell, but it wasn't half as difficult as the times that had come before nonetheless: There had been pain, and sorrow, sure, but for the first time in a long time, there had been the relief of knowing that the worst of their problems had been dealt with: now, all Zerrex needed to do was deal with one last threat that at this moment was silent in Zerrex's mind, brooding and dark and thoughtful.

But Zerrex couldn't help but wonder sometimes if Negative was truly a threat, or, if in his own way, the Inversion was doing what he thought was right too: for all his talk of evil and hating the universe, after all, he always came through at the last moment, albeit bitterly and grudgingly. It was like there was a part of Negative that even he himself didn't understand, compelling him to do things in service to the very world he claimed to seek to corrupt... and the Drakkaren shook his head a bit at these thoughts before he glanced up as Naganen's eyes flickered tiredly open, and his son smiled up at him softly, saying quietly: "I hope you aren't thinking too much, Dad."

"I hope my thoughts weren't what woke you up." Zerrex replied with a bit of a smile, and then he reached down and nudged his son gently, asking quietly: "How are you feeling? I know this... this has been a long few days, and I know there must be a lot going through your head right now, kiddo..."

"I dunno." Naganen halted, looking down musingly as he rubbed absently at his face. "Honestly, I can think of worse days and worse things that have happened. I mean... no matter how tough it gets some days, dealing with... the emotions and the strain, the people we've lost and who have been scarred and traumatized and who have lived through the experience and yet were changed by it... well... we got off lucky, really, didn't we? And it's over now. Job is dead, Heaven's slowly getting back in order, Lucifer and Lord are once more in their rightful place, and no one's dying. We're still being careful and playing things safe but... it's over."

Zerrex slowly nodded, and then Naganen smiled faintly as he glanced down, saying softly: "Well... it's almost over. There's still one more thing we have to do, one more bit of business for us to deal with, isn't there?"

"Putting our lost loved ones to rest." Zerrex said softly, glancing down thoughtfully... and then he nodded slowly, murmuring quietly: "Yeah, that's right. Are you... ready for the funeral, Naganen? There are... many coffins to face in Acheron. Including your brother's."

"Darren... I wish I could bring him back, too." Naganen closed his eyes and curled quietly against his father's body, hands clutching against him before he looked up with a faint smile. "I'm so sorry I can't give you that, Dad. I'm so sorry I can't bring back everyone who has been lost in the conflict."

The Drakkaren glanced down, then he shook his head slowly and said quietly: "You brought back Tinny, despite everything. You saved the life of a friend from slaughter on the battlefield... and that's more than I was able to do for you, or many others, Naganen. I am endlessly impressed but your powers... and even more, your purity in using them only for the best reasons, the best purposes. You're... I admire you. And I'm so proud of you."

He hugged him tightly against his body, and the Naganatine laughed a little, blushing even as he hugged his father tightly back and buried his head against his chest, murmuring: "It was only luck and a matter of circumstance... and without you and mother raising me, I would be an entirely different person. I might have used these powers for terrible things... but you and Mom always loved me, always protected me, always kept me on the right back."

"I think Anathema and I only had a little to do with how you turned out, Naganen. You're... just too good." Zerrex smiled a little, stroking gently under his son's muzzle as he gazed at him with a quiet laugh before he shook his head a little, murmuring quietly as the Naganatine blushed: "You're a truly good, a truly devoted son. A true inheritor of Naganis's powers... although here I thought even Gods of Creation couldn't bring back the dead willy-nilly."

"You just can't get over that, can you?" Naganen looked more embarrassed than prideful, but he smiled faintly: overjoyed not by his own strength, but by his father's respect and admiration as he glanced down and said softly: "I just took spiritual energies from the bodies of the Host... then used those to fuse strength and vitality back into Mr. Pettigrew's tarnished spirit and... sent his soul back to his physical form. I... I'm sorry I wasn't able to bring him back as an angel, but... mortal bodies are less difficult to form, less difficult to work with, even from divine materials. He's not a homunculus, of course, I wouldn't... turn him into that. More like... more like what Dr. Mengele is. A soul body."

He stopped, then looked down, continuing quietly: "I... I think my powers... you know how we were talking about your memories of the First Gods, comparing them to my... fuzzy instincts, the thoughts that go through my mind sometimes, the... weird little compulsions I get now and then? It... I was thinking about it, and I don't want to bother you at all bringing this subject up, but I was thinking a lot about when you were telling me about when Creation Inverted."

Zerrex looked curiously at his son as Naganen looked at him with a mix of embarrassment and concern and thoughtfulness, and when Zerrex gestured at him to continue, he looked both gladdened and relieved, nodding a few times and continuing awkwardly: "The... powers Naganis himself had weren't just... First Godly, they stemmed over more than pure Creation... he created and maintained nature and life and so many other things, many incredible feats of power... and the... Inversion he became, the stuff in his blood and body... part of its skill was the fact it could evolve itself, right? Is it possible... that maybe he absorbed the powers of Life when he attacked her as an Inversion?"

The Drakkaren looked at him with surprise, then he frowned a bit, the memories surfacing unheeded in his mind, making him both shiver a little even as he tried to think about it distantly... and then he simply nodded slowly, murmuring quietly: "It's... it's certainly a possibility, anyway. Negative adapts... evolves... changes and grows. And you have a point... I've brought... back a few rare people, but... we all know the story of what had happened when I tried to bring Felicity back from the dead."

Naganen smiled up at him a bit, saying quietly: "Yeah, but... I think you just need to grow into your powers. I was born with mine, after all, and I've always had them, to one extent or another. You were a mortal once... and a demon afterwards; to have become a god after all of that, I can only imagine how frustrating it's been for you to have to re-master a whole new way of living on top of coming back from the dead, having to regain your memories, and the countless other things that have happened in your life, Dad. You lived in one set way for many, many years... and now all that's changed on you, again and again. It's very understandable that even now, you haven't been entirely able to master these abilities of yours. They've been changing all the time, after all... and while dynamics are nice..."

"Yeah, not having time to adjust to them is a bitch." Zerrex smiled a little, and then he leaned back and patted his son on the back, saying quietly: "Anyway, kiddo. I guess it's time for us to get up and... and go pay our respects. By now, I'm sure the others are anxious, too."

Naganen nodded slowly... and within two hours, people began to gather in Acheron for the funeral as Zerrex oversaw the last of the funerary stage's setup, watching as not only the spiderweb curtain was hung, but bouquets of black roses and white lilies were strung throughout it... one flower for every one of those that had fallen, as a token of his thanks, as a gesture of his goodwill. Black and white flowers filled the curtain in beautiful and yet solemn patterning, and then were carefully spread along the ground when they ran out of room in the curtain: the lives of many soldiers had been lost, after all. And while Zerrex normally wouldn't go out of his way to hold special rites for troops that died, knowing it was a family's place to honor their dead in the way they preferred, among other things... they hadn't died just to stop Heaven from starting a new Endless Conflict. They had died to help him in a very personal, very meaningful way. They had died not only as soldiers, but as honored warriors who went beyond patriotism and beyond the call of duty.

The funeral wasn't for several more hours, officially... and yet already many friends and family had gathered. The last to arrive - yet still half an hour early - was Vivien, with Amiglion and Sabnock... but even the High Queen and the Judge of Death had quietly delegated their duties to others for today, so they could be here for this final sendoff.

Earth and Zerrex stood side-by-side on the stage, looking out over the masses: not only friends and family and Disciples, but Dragokkaren strange and well-known, distant relatives, and those that wished to honor the dead in the traditions of Hez'Ranna and Acheron. The reptile quietly laced his hands behind his back before he looked up towards the tall rooftop of one of the residential buildings, and saw both Eratosthenes and Theophilius standing there, the Broken with his hat held in his hands and a faint smile on his face, Error merely looking down with his arms crossed, quiet and contemplative.

Zerrex nodded to them slightly - not enough to draw attention towards them, more than enough to acknowledge their presence - and then he turned his eyes back outwards over the gathered group and said quietly: "My friends. My family. Those I have not yet met and those who I know better than I know myself... we are gathered to commemorate the passing of our loved ones into the next life. We have mourned their loss... but now we are here to celebrate their life. We will speak their names as they are laid to rest... but we will not allow ourselves to drown in sorrow. Instead, we will honor their memory and remember, most of all, who they were when they were alive, and how fortunate we all were to know and share with them everything we did."

The Drakkaren closed his eyes, and then he said quietly: "And they will always have my eternal gratitude. Not just my friends and family... but the people who fought to put an end to the scheming of Job and the lunacy that led to the creation of the recombinants. The people who died protecting others, not for kin and country, but given the choice, they chose to rise up and fight to save lives, even if they were lives they themselves barely knew. I do not honor a corpse... but I do honor the memory and the spirit of who they were when they were alive. I will not degrade or defile what they did with post-mortem awards and medals that can mean nothing to them and turn their acts into materialistic vanities... but I will say thank you, and from the bottom of my heart."

Zerrex half-turned, reaching out and silently stroking overtop a coffin, and then he closed his eyes and said softly: "Earth shall lead us in the First Lull, to help the spirits of the dead rest. Earth, please go ahead."

"Thank you, Lord Zerrex." Earth said quietly, and then she closed her eyes and bowed her head forwards, speaking softly in Hez'Rannan: "The time has come for the children of the Earth to rest, warmed by life's Fire, kissed by Air, soothed by Water. Do not fear, for the ground is soft, and where you go now there are no beasts to bite you, nor shades to beguile you. Where you go now, there will always be challenge, you shall never be tired, and you do not need fear for what you leave behind: the rivers flow eternal, the sky shall breathe upon the earth, flames will still burn and the mountains will stand forever tall, testament to the timelessness of our world. The world that will continue to give back to your people as they give back to it; chieftain, shaman, warrior, gatherer, or too young to have earned your title, your people will still be safe and secure, will still continue their journeys without you. But they shall bless you, and keep you safe in memory, so you will never have to leave their hearts, so you may always watch over them... but now, it is time for you to lay your head to sleep.

"Nature takes back her own, and the Judgment Cross is unbroken." Earth closed her eyes, and then she and Zerrex exchanged silent looks before the female began to speak again, murmuring: "Darren Narrius, lay down your head, and close your eyes. Francis Delacroix, lay down your head, and close your eyes. Jeannine Wulfe, lay down your head, and close your eyes. Travis Balthazar, lay down your head, and close your eyes..."

The list went on and on, Earth reciting the name of every person who had died from the terrible secret war, Disciple, friend, family member, warrior, or other. Her voice was steady and strong, even as her eyes almost glowed with her sorrow and hidden regret... and Zerrex only stood quietly, looking at her, listening to every name, silently promising every one of them he'd cherish his family all the more, and that he would work all the harder now to keep everyone he could safe and secure.

When the list came to an end, Zerrex leaned forwards and closed his eyes as he spoke a long eulogy dedicated to those lost, and allowed others to come up, share their memories and thoughts, and honor the dead in their own ways. And countless people did, all of them wanting to express their thoughts in some way or another, sharing memories, stories, poems, and so much else with everyone gathered.

Earth gave the Second Lull after this, a blessing to ease the dead into sleep... and then together, she and Zerrex had given the Third Lull, the final, softly-spoken words that in Hez'Ranna's ancient traditions were used to help the spirit and soul move on and make peace with the world and themselves, putting them quietly to rest. And after this, the Drakkaren had said a few last closing words, looking back and forth and smiling faintly over the crowd, his voice soft, his eyes a little distant. "It is sad... and we have lost much... but we must move forwards with our lives. We must not hesitate, and we must not allow guilt to bite us, or despair to overwhelm us. We must remember they gave their lives... so we could continue to live. They died defending us so we could continue to celebrate, every day, the meanings and joys that life gives us. So let us remember them. Let us honor their passing... but let us also live as we always have, and pursue all of the joys and glories life has to offer, without regret. Thank you all for coming and being here. And now... as we close the funeral... let us put our dead to rest, and grant them true freedom into the next life."

Zerrex and Earth silently left the stage as two Dragokkaren approached either end of it, holding up torches that burned low and quiet and smokeless. They touched these quietly to the wooden platform, and flames spread rapidly over it, lilies and black roses bursting apart as flames licked at the coffins and spread quickly up them as Zerrex quietly slipped his hands into his pockets, staring at the inferno as he stood with his back to his family... and then Marina silently hugged him around the waist from one side and Epiphany embraced him from the other, the latter whispering: "It's so sad and beautiful, all at once..."

And Zerrex couldn't help but nod in agreement as he stared quietly into the pyre, feeling a whirl of emotions spilling through his body as the gathered group silently watched the coffins, urns, and great stage burn, flower petals and ashes floating silently through the air above.

The first few days after the funeral were the most difficult: Zerrex spent a lot of time with Selena, who every now and then broke down into rage or tears and had to be comforted as she was hit hard by the loss of Aluinnia. But by the fourth day after the funeral, the Passion had taken to quietly wearing a locket around her neck with Aluinnia's picture in it, and she had seemed remarkably better, but had still spent most of her time with Zerrex instead of doing her duties as a High Throne.

Not that Vivien minded: the High Queen was able to relax slightly after she sent an envoy to Eslovius, thanking them for their cooperation, and they had offered further aid, obviously trying to show they were attempting to make up for past misfortunes. Although most of Eslovius was still... prickly... as a culture, they were much-more-cooperative without their lunatic Emperor running things.

Desire had politely declined taking on her mother's throne, smiling embarrassedly and murmuring that she was an Iuratus, not a ruler... and so the current vacancy was being temporarily filled by Driz. The being of dark energy spent most of his time looking sulky, although he did most of what he was asked and was very good at keeping the Council in line. And Sin sat in for Selena most of the time, the kind, quiet Naganatine taking up the duties with finesse and grace and only needing to occasionally check with Mercy or Amiglion about the slightly-different rules and regulations from when she herself had originally been one of the High Thrones.

But for the most part, Elysium was settling itself down: no big speeches were needed, as stories of what had happened between Heaven and Hell passed through the nation far and wide. The defeat of the murderer had caused a lull, a peace that before, Zerrex had taken for granted... but now he felt truly relaxed, and was truly able to appreciate the serenity of not having anything to do, of not having anyone bothering him, of not having the fates of lives hanging in the balance, waiting for him to destroy or save them.

Zerrex sat quietly back on the couch in one of the dens of the Ravenlight Estate, Ambrosia snuggled peacefully against his side, her fingers toying along his chest as she smiled to herself, and Zerrex gazed down at her affectionately before he reached up and softly touched the collar now around her neck: after the last battle - where she had truly distinguished herself fighting alongside Serenity and Desire with courage and honor, acting as a team player instead of her old, arrogant rogue self - Serenity had finally relented... and Ambrosia had been permitted to become Disciple and Iuratus. A collar of beautiful, diamond-studded platinum with an apple-shaped crystal clasp rested around her neck, and she curled herself a little closer against him, her athletic, vainly-beautiful form snuggling tighter into her father's chest. She was a little taller now, a little more defined in build, breasts a bit bigger and body almost glowing, the scars that had been on her skull healed as if she had never once had horns at all.

Sabnock had approved in her quiet way, and then informed Zerrex that Disciples and Iuratus were safeguarded from many of the laws of Hell by certain clauses in the criminal code, especially those who belonged to a god outside Elysium's jurisdiction anyway... and Zerrex had smiled softly at this, realizing what it meant. Ambrosia would be spending a lot of years training and making up for what she did... but she didn't have to go back to prison now, and admittedly, Zerrex was glad for this. She had proven herself in his eyes... and the reptile closed his own emerald irises as he squeezed her silently close before they both looked up in surprise as the door was shoved open, and Vivien leaned through it, dressed in simple mortal clothing. "There you are."

"There... you are." Zerrex replied lamely, looking up at her in dumb surprise, and the female rolled her eyes a bit before the reptile asked curiously: "What the hell are you doing here? Shouldn't you be out deciding the fate of the world or something?"

Vivien grumbled under her breath, and then she gestured at him mildly, saying quietly: "If I remember right, you made a promise to me that we could have a little talk if you came back alive... and you did. Come on, we can make it a little date, I got us reservations at Chez Collins. Mortal food, like you like... to loosen the tongue."

"Ha, tongue." Zerrex said dumbly, and Ambrosia snorted against his chest before the reptile sighed and stood up, grunting and cracking his back loudly before he smiled a bit down at the newly-made Iuratus, reaching down and stroking her face quietly. "Go do your chores, Ambrosia, and then report to Serenity. I'm sure she'll have something for you to do."

"Alright, Dad, I will." Ambrosia stood with a smile and bow, and then Zerrex cleared his throat and held his hand out... and the female blushed a bit before she pulled his wallet out of her pocket and held it out with a lame grin. "Old habits die hard. I just wanted to see if I could get away with it."

"Please stop stealing things from me. Go steal things from Cherry." Zerrex replied mildly, and Ambrosia shivered and made a face at this thought, the male grunting in agreement and muttering: "Good point, her things are gross. Anyway, Vivien, before I encourage my daughter's kleptomania any further, let's go. Just don't expect me to pay for dinner."

"We're splitting the check." Vivien said sourly, and Zerrex glared at her, the female rolling her eyes before she flicked her wrist and created a white portal, and the Drakkaren grumbled under his breath before he followed her through this. They stepped out a moment later in a beautiful grassy welcome area surrounded by tall iron fencing, a road behind them and a stone path to their right leading towards a large, open gate guarded by two Wrath demons in black sunglasses and pristine suits.

"Name?" one of the Wrath demons glared down at Vivien as they approached, and when she glared back, he slowly shrank backwards as he realized who he was speaking to as his partner covered his muzzle to suppress a sudden fit of stupid laughter. Zerrex snorted in amusement himself, and then he followed Vivien cheerfully through the gates and into a large, open courtyard, looking back and forth as they walked past bushes that had been cut into various shapes and beautiful ivory statues, then turned past a water fountain as they headed towards a large, black table beneath a tall overhang.

A Greed demon in a mortal suit was already waiting for them, bowing deeply as they approached before he stepped backwards and quickly pulled one of the plush chairs out for Vivien, and the female sat down as Zerrex grunted and yanked his own out, sitting in it and rubbing his hands together absently as the grey-skinned demon stepped back and announced calmly: "Good day, sir and madam. As always, it is an honor to be in your company. Your Highness, what would you request first?"

"The usual. Lobster, shrimp, and a side salad... and a cup of blackberry tea, one cream, two sugar." Vivien replied mildly, and then she glanced over at Zerrex as he looked back and forth curiously over the wide courtyard, at the vibrant grasses and beautiful flowers. "Zerrex?"

"Oh, right, I'll have a double cheeseburger, fries, and uh... large... do you have Frost cola? Well. Any kind of cola will do." Zerrex glanced up with a dumb grin, and the Greed demon looked almost insulted, his mouth curling in distaste at the reptile's request. "Oh, and a side order of onion rings."

"I... of course." the demon said sourly, and then he turned and walked away as Zerrex looked over at Vivien with amusement, who was gazing at him with both entertainment and exasperation in her eyes.

"Hey, it's mortal food, right? It's not my fault that I'm a fast-food munchies kind of person half the time and you're all... cultured and royal and crap. You shouldn't bring me to places like this when you know I'm going to ask for the kid's menu." Zerrex said mildly, gesturing around at the beautiful lawn, before the reptile softened as he leaned back a bit and gazed out again, saying quietly: "Although you still went and reserved a private spot for us, away from everything. I appreciate you doing that."

"And I appreciate you being yourself despite everything. I like that." Vivien replied quietly, and there was silence for a few moments before she glanced down and rubbed at one of her legs slowly beneath the table, before she gazed up at him and said softly: "So we made it, huh? How... how are you feeling lately, Zerrex? I know that despite everything, despite this all being over... you still have a lot to contend with."

The Drakkaren only smiled awkwardly at this, however, rubbing the back of his head slowly and glancing away as he replied quietly: "Yeah, but... not as much as you'd think. I know you've been busy yourself... talking things out with Eslovius, dealing with Heaven and sending communications out around Elysium to let other people know what's going on... then again, I guess we've all been busy, haven't we?"

She nodded a little, looking down, then glancing up with a smile as the waiter returned, balancing a silver tray on one hand and lowering it to pass a cup filled with tea to Vivien before putting down a teapot and a small bowl of sugar and cream packets on her side of the table, and then he slid a large glass filled with black-colored cola to Zerrex, large, differently-shaped ice cubes floating in this and a bright red straw sticking out of it.

Zerrex rose this to his muzzle, making a loud slurping sound as he sipped through the straw, and the Greed Demon repressed a shudder as he turned and walked haughtily away with the silver tray before Vivien glanced up at the Drakkaren and said softly: "As High Queen, I am expected to produce an heir and find a suitable candidate to serve... not beside me, perhaps, but in concert with me, as an Advisor. With no real regal status... a marriage likely done more as one of convenience than as one for any other reason."

"You better not be getting at what I think you're getting at." Zerrex said slowly, looking up at her distrustfully... but when Vivien smiled a little, the Drakkaren leaned a bit and rose a hand, saying flatly: "I already have-"

"Oh stop it." Vivien said softly, and Zerrex blushed a bit and glanced down, somehow humbled more by the quiet sincerity in her voice than when she yelled at him furiously for hours on end. "You're a god that's more than ten million years old, living in Elysium's polygamous culture, and you follow beliefs structured around both Hez'Rannan culture and Hell's ancient traditions. And for all the children and family you've had... how many have you lost in all these conflicts? How many still stand today?"

Vivien reached out and silently touched the back of Zerrex's hand, and he glanced up at her with surprise as she said quietly: "I was an Abbess, but that's not to say I didn't have my share of sex. I've had multiple suitors or... boyfriends, I suppose you'd call them in mortal lingo, at once, and there was nothing wrong with that for me, a high-standing member of the Holy Order. But I was not allowed to have a child, nor was I allowed to get married. It would have... complicated things unnecessarily.

"Now I can. And yes, I have suitors, and people who are interested in me... but from being exposed not just to you, but to your son, Firenze..." Vivien glanced down, and Zerrex followed her eyes down as well as he allowed their fingers to slowly slide together, quietly holding her hand in his own. "I... started to see things differently. Firenze... was so wonderful. So kind... as good-hearted as Naganen, as courageous as you, as wise as Sabnock. After all, even if many were scared of him... many others fought to try and gain his attentions, because of the status and privilege it would give him. And some of these were very powerful demons, very well-established, very old... and yet he... he chose to spend his free time with me so often..."

Vivien closed her eyes, bowing her head forwards... and then she looked up with a smile, gazing into Zerrex's eyes quietly. "He learned a lot from you. He learned all about not sacrificing your morals for the easy route, about not taking the easy path, about not giving up what you believe in. About never lowering yourself for another... and about love, and romance, and things that enchanted me... no matter how much I treated them like they were ludicrous at the time.

"I like you, Zerrex. I care about you. And we make a good team." Vivien glanced down quietly, saying softly: "You were a good ruler, and I feel comfortable with you at my side. The things we fought and went through together made me realize that, and made me realize not only your value to myself, but to Hell, to these worlds. You're irresponsible and crude and brash, but you give your all for what has to be done, and you fight to protect people and do what is right... and, cruel as this is to say, your existence, your presence, keeps many terrible things at bay and has helped reshape the destinies of creatures thought to be evil for the longest time."

"Sometimes... I think people just need second chances." Zerrex replied quietly, glancing down and smiling faintly... and then he shook his head slowly, murmuring: "I don't want to be High King, or anything like that, though. I can't stand the thought of that much power at my disposal... or worse, of being capable of moving behind the scenes if I wish, controlling the outcome of events throughout Elysium. It's too much power for me to handle... and it would be unsafe in my hands. As it is, ruling Acheron is too much for me... I leave Earth in charge of that. She does a good job in my name... I... people seem to forget that the ten million years I spent as High King was a punishment. Every day, fearing I would become Narrius... every day, agonizing over the smallest decisions despite how much I ran away from it, every day... scared that power would consume me."

The female studied him quietly, and then the Celestial Devil squeezed his hand slowly as she said softly: "There's much time to decide things and much to talk about. I... I also don't... want to ruin things between us. If we go forwards with this... I want to ensure that we can remain friends, and not... business partners in a marriage of convenience." She looked across at him silently, and Zerrex looked at her with surprise before she smiled a little. "I understand that you didn't grow up in Hell's culture, and that... it can be hard to assuage your beliefs. But you really do need to... to lighten up."

"Shut... up." Zerrex replied embarrassedly, and then he squeezed her hand when she tried to pull away, the female glancing up with a surprised smile before he said softly: "To be honest... I never really thought you liked me all that much."

Vivien only smiled at this, however, shaking her head slowly before she replied quietly: "I think that's more of an insult to your intelligence than to mine, Zerrex."

The Drakkaren grumbled at her a bit, and finally, their hands slid apart before they both sat back, simply looking at each other curiously, studying one another's faces before Vivien smiled again and added easily: "Besides, yesterday I was talking to Desire... well... Lily, I suppose was the one in control..." She stopped suddenly, then blushed embarrassedly, asking hesitantly: "It's... it doesn't bother you, does it?"

"They're fused, big whoop." Zerrex said blandly, and Vivien slowly closed her eyes with a pained expression before the Drakkaren smiled a little, saying quietly: "After my own personal experiences with Heartstones and fusion of two souls into one body... I can say with confidence that it's... it's not hard for me to not only be thankful that Lily is still alive, in a sense... but also that I'm able to look at this as... she's just off on a temporary hiatus right now. One day, she'll be strong enough that we can pull her Heartstone from Desire's body without killing either of them, and then restore Lily's physical form. She'll be weak and tired and cranky for... maybe years, but she'll still be back. I... I can even joke about this. So it doesn't bother me, no. It's... a little hard sometimes, thinking about how I can't spend time with Lily as I like whenever I want... but they're both alive when they easily could have both died." Zerrex halted, shaking his head slowly. "I'm thankful every day that they survived, even if it means for now... Lily's not physically around."

Vivien nodded slowly, then she glanced up as their waiter approached with a wide silver tray balanced on one hand, and then he pulled a covered platter off this and removed the top, revealing the steaming, beautifully-laid out dish of lobster almost too large to be natural, along with a bowl of shrimp and several much-smaller tubs of dipping sauce, and a salad smothered in dressing before he said calmly: "Your Highness, as you requested. And... sir..."

He turned, pulling a large, porcelain plate off the silver tray and sliding it almost distastefully towards Zerrex, an enormous hamburger on this along with a large pile of salted fries and a collection of onion rings next to this, and the Drakkaren grinned and raised his glass to the waiter, who turned up his nose at him and then stalked off. The reptile picked up one of the onion rings and tossed it into his mouth, chewing with relish and Vivien sighed and shook her head slowly, gazing at him with faint entertainment before she continued dryly as she pushed things around on her platter to pick up a large clamp to crack the shell of the lobster with: "Anyway. Lily was telling me about all the other suitors who rejected you."

"Oh Gods, please don't talk about that." Zerrex slapped at his forehead, and Vivien grinned at him wryly as the reptile muttered: "Can we please go back to focusing on the many Disciples and intimates I have instead of the people who turned me down?"

"No." Vivien said mildly, and she loudly crunched part of the tail with the device, Zerrex wincing at this sound even as he picked up a handful of fries and shoved them into his muzzle, chewing disconsolately. "So there was one, named... what was it, Patricia?"

"Patti. Of course you're going to bring up Patti." Zerrex looked disgusted and flopped backwards in the chair as Vivien laughed. "She thought I'd be her little boy-toy. When I tried to make decisions, it was a goddamn nightmare. The whining and the puling and the... ugh. I'm glad she dumped me."

"Lily told me she dumped you because you bit her in the boob while on a carriage ride. I just wanted to confirm this was the truth because it sounds incredibly stupid even for you." Vivien said mildly, and Zerrex cleared his throat and looked away awkwardly.

She didn't say anything, however, only looking at him amusedly before the reptile mumbled and said finally: "Well, I figured out pretty fast we weren't compatible. And since I knew that if I told her to go away she'd... you know, wreck my entire house and possibly my face due to her control issues... I decided to go with what the sitcoms all teach us is a bad idea and get her to dump me." He paused, then said mildly: "The boob-bite was spur of the moment inspiration. I decided to be 'affectionate' while we were on this stupid goddamn ride through some old park one day and leaned over and. Bit her in the breast. A little. A little harder than I intended but... she was not a fan of me doing that in public, much less me drawing blood. Needless to say when I confessed an irrational longing to chew on things she dumped me and ran off to some other poor bastard."

"You big coward." Vivien was smiling amusedly despite herself, however, then she said next: "Helga."

"I should have known from the start that things were going to go badly. Just like this date." Zerrex muttered, and then he shook his head and deflected with a question of his own: "Why are we discussing my relationship history all of a sudden?"

"I'm curious. Furthermore, it helps me figure you out a bit better... and I think it helps you realize that you are not as lucky in love as you think you are, considering how long ten million years are and how many times you've ended up parting on less-than-pleasant terms with people." the Celestial Devil replied mildly, picking up a broken claw and using her knife to scoop the meat out of the inside of this, and then she popped it into her mouth and chewed slowly.

The Drakkaren grumbled to himself, then he said dryly: "You know how sometimes you see something and you really, really want it, even though you know right from the start it's going to go horribly wrong? Helga was like that. Oh, there was nothing wrong with her, she was perfect for me: very tall, very powerful body, not so big in the breasts department and goddamn thick, but in a way that uh... well. Turned me on." Zerrex looked embarrassed, but Vivien only smiled and motioned for him to go on, not seeming to mind either the details or the reptile's odd preferences, and, strangely, this made Zerrex suddenly feel a world better about things, as he smiled at her and then continued in a calmer, easier voice: "She was a Gorgon, a Royal Guard, one of the higher-ranking ones... and while I'm not exactly good at approaching people or anything, she saw me looking at her, and she eventually came over to me.

"We hit it off well. Everything was great. She didn't mind my lifestyle, and we shared a lot of interests, all that." He paused, then added mildly: "And then I found out she had a boyfriend already when said boyfriend kicked in the door to the Ravenlight Estate. And of course he was a Wrath demon, so... that ended badly. And it only got worse when I beat him up and Helga showed up and cursed me out for kicking her boyfriend's ass and she left and I never saw her again."

He cleared his throat, then looked down at his hamburger before picking it up and taking a bite out of it... and Vivien smiled at him again before she said softly: "I had a boyfriend like that. Thought he was a real player... very charming, very eloquent, but he spent more time working on his abs than his mind. He thought he was being very subtle sneaking around behind the backs of the five girls he was dating and treating as 'his only lady' and didn't seem to realize there were a lot of dead giveaways... and finally, I'd had enough of his games and sent him away... only for one of the stupider girls to come after me and try to bitch about how I'd broken his heart and all this nonsense, actually defending the selfish jerk."

"I've dated more than one girl at once before." Zerrex said lamely, and Vivien smiled at him with amusement before he added helpfully: "They all knew about each other, though."

"And that's what makes the difference. I have no problem that he was seeing other people. My problem was that he was lying about it and telling me I was 'special' to him when he spent more time looking at the mirror than he did at my face." Vivien replied, and then she reached across the table and grasped one of the reptile's onion rings, making him grumble as she tossed this into her mouth, chewed slowly, and then sipped thoughtfully at her tea. "Interesting."

Zerrex grumbled... and for the next hour, the two continued to converse about old flames and past relationships, both enjoying the discussion despite the awkward subject matter. Vivien had eventually left to go and request dessert, and when she had returned, she had grabbed her chair and carried it over to Zerrex's side of the table, then sat down beside him and allowed herself to lean against him as he'd wrapped an arm around her... and it had felt comfortable and natural as they rested together, him with his cola, her with her tea.

Dessert was quiet and good, blueberry pie and chocolate cake... and afterwards, they had paid the bill - Zerrex refused to leave a tip for the waiter, making Vivien roll her eyes - and then walked through a portal together to emerge into the Ravenlight Estate... but when Zerrex had looked at her awkwardly, she had simply raised a finger to his mouth and pressed it firmly against his lips, saying mildly: "Don't ruin this. Let's just end this date as a success here and with this, and you can think about what I said."

She leaned up quietly, and Zerrex met her mouth and they kissed for a soft moment before Vivien had left... and the reptile had watched her walk to the doors of the Ravenlight Estate with a faint smile before Sabnock said calmly from behind him: "It almost makes me jealous."

Zerrex squawked and leapt forwards, flailing his arms and staggering wildly around in a circle to stare at her... and the wolverine merely looked at him calmly and curiously, her pocketwatch in her hand and thumb rubbing slowly back and forth over the surface of it... but there was a slight smile in her eyes as she surveyed him and the Drakkaren grabbed at his chest with a wheeze, muttering: "Please don't do that."

"Where are your daughters? Cindy, Cherry, and Marina?" Sabnock asked curiously, and Zerrex glanced up for a moment, rubbing at his head thoughtfully.

"They're... oh, oh right, yeah. They and the wolves took Jessica to the mortal world. They're going to explore Baskin's Grove, then go on a hike through the forest. They invited me along but... I thought I'd give them some time to adjust with each other, and Jessica and I... we're getting along, but I don't want to push things by making her spend a night in a cramped tent with me and her daughter while Cherry probably tries to do naughty things to both of us in the dark." Zerrex replied lamely, and Sabnock nodded after a moment before the reptile gazed over her with a bit of a frown as he realized she wasn't wearing her tie or suit jacket, only dress pants and a silk shirt: for Sabnock, it was surprisingly-casual wear. "Are you okay?"

"Yes, thank you for asking." The wolverine studied him, and then she smiled a little before she tucked the pocketwatch into her pocket, the silver chain glimmering, hooked securely to the black leather belt around her waist before she gazed up at him, studying him and saying calmly: "I merely decided to take the following two weeks off work. To allow myself a reprieve, and to help High Queen Vivien catch up on things if I am needed... but mostly because there have been many changes in my life as of recently, and I feel that I require... some time in which I can explore these other faucets of my personality."

The Drakkaren looked at her dumbly, amazed by the admission that she had taken a vacation... and then he shook his head slowly before she added quietly: "As a side note, there is a matter of which I would like to discuss with you. We each have three favors to ask the other, and I wish to honor my end of the bargain if you feel that it is acceptable timing. I do not wish to rush you, however."

"No rush, Sabnock, I'm... touched you were serious about that." Zerrex said softly, and then he smiled a little at her before he reached up and squeezed her shoulder. "First off, I want you to promise to allow me to cuddle you more after sex. I like the feeling of you in my arms."

"Accepted." Sabnock nodded to him, and then she said softly: "I have become interested in learning Acheron's rules, religion and laws in a deeper manner than I am currently aware of. When my next sabbatical from my duties as Judge arises, I would like the opportunity to study there, and to immerse myself in that culture. It may not be for years, but I shall schedule it as soon as possible so we are aware of the approaching date if you agree to this."

Zerrex smiled a bit, saying mildly: "You really... don't have to use up one of your favors for that, Sabnock, that's something I'd be honored to have you do anyway..."

"I insist." Sabnock gazed up at him with a small smile, and Zerrex reached up and stroked the wolverine's face gently, nodding, and she nodded back, saying quietly: "Excellent. My second favor is more personal and I will not blame you if you require time to think about it. You may possess the ability to heal my scarred womb, Zerrex. If you can do this, then I wish to have a child with you. It is the highest honor a concubine can achieve, and it is the... greatest thing, I could give you in return for all you have done for me."

The Drakkaren stared at her with surprise, and Sabnock said softly: "And in that, I ask also my third favor: I do not wish to become a servant in submission as many of your others are, but to maintain my standing and duties as concubine, as an advisor and independent in a sense... but I do not mind the idea of being linked to you. If it is possible, I wish to secure my link to you by becoming a Disciple, but while maintaining the status and honor of my position as concubine... but this would allow me to embrace new freedoms, I feel... and... in a way, it would honor what my late husband always urged me to do. Experience life..."

She reached up and touched her own chest quietly, saying softly: "In a way I am asking for unfair advantage, but I am ready to take on extra responsibilities and further earn my keep as well. Nor do I wish to wear a collar, but... I am not adverse to another symbol of my dedication to you. Please do not think I wish to sound entirely independent from you, or as if I am superior to the others... it is only that I have come to care about you very much, and I already feel like I lean on you too heavily."

And Sabnock's voice broke with the last few words, looking up as tears filled her eyes, and Zerrex quietly shushed her and embraced her close against his chest, and she hugged him tightly, shoving herself against him and digging her fingers into his back as she whispered: "Such feelings scare me. I do not wish to become a burden to you. I do not wish to only feed off of you. I want to ensure that every day I give you back what you have shared with me. I am an ancient Ice Devil, unused to genuine affection... you are very similar to Galleon, and I do not wish to only use you for the emotions you bring forth in me."

Zerrex held her in his strong arms, gazing down at her softly before he leaned down and quietly kissed her forehead, and she closed her eyes, breathing a little hard before the Drakkaren smiled faintly and said quietly: "I would be glad to honor those promises. It would be all my pleasure, Sabnock..." He stopped, then reached up and stroked her face silently, saying quietly as he met her eyes: "I know what it's like... to feel the confusion of when that hole in your heart is filled - temporarily or forever - by someone else. But you're not using me. For many years we've been close... and getting closer. Before... before Galleon passed, we were... getting closer, weren't we?"

Sabnock looked up at him quietly, and then she closed her eyes and simply nestled her head forwards against his broad chest, murmuring: "We were, yes... I agree that we were, Lord Zerrex. It's... strange and confusing to me, but we were." She stopped, then frowned a bit when the Drakkaren smiled softly and cupped her cheek in one hand, the other arm staying locked tightly around her waist. "What is it?"

"I love you." Zerrex said softly, and Sabnock blushed a little even as she smiled, looking suddenly like the shy young girl she had once been... and the Drakkaren laughed a bit before he kissed her forehead and said quietly: "Come on now. You still owe me two favors."

At this, the wolverine tilted her head curiously... and ten minutes later, she was frowning in disgust, her composure recovered even if her silk shirt was a little untidy, a video game controller in her hand and Zerrex grinning widely as they sat inside one of the insulated room of the Ravenlight Estate where a bevy of electronic mortal delights was set up, the large, flat-screen television resting against the wall displaying a childish, cartoony game as Sabnock muttered: "I do not understand this. This is ridiculous."

"We work together to save the princess from the castle, what's to understand?" Zerrex said reasonably, and he carefully ignored the vile look the wolverine shot him, instead explaining: "When a bad guy runs at you, you press the X button to swing your sword."

"This is a waste of time and my abilities." Sabnock said moodily, and Zerrex couldn't help but grin at how utterly contemptible Sabnock looked even as she hesitantly attempted to follow Zerrex's instructions, using one of her fingers to slowly, gently depress one of the buttons on the controller... and then frowning as the small, blue character on screen swung its little sword back and forth. "Preposterous. I do not enjoy this. This is a mortal child's pastime, much akin to imaginary friends or pop-up books, simply prescribed unto a visual medium for the attention deficit."

"I know, it's awesome!" Zerrex said cheerfully, and Sabnock shot him another moody look as the air around her began to distinctly ripple as her body emanated waves of cold, and Zerrex winced back a bit before he said pointedly: "You promised. You made me promise to much bigger things. And you know what? Once upon a time, I thought video games were stupid too. Hell, I still think they're stupid. I'm a closet nerd, ashamed of my own obsession with them... but don't just look at it from the viewpoint of logical contempt.

"Look at what they represent. Freedom, while teaching about moral choices, telling stories - often in childish tones like this one, sure - but stories that often change based on the choices you make. They represent... a world where anything truly is possible, and... you can always save and reset if you screw up somewhere." Zerrex smiled a little, and Sabnock looked at him curiously, her expression smoothing out somewhat. "A world where you have... extra lives if you fall off a cliff and die, a world where... if something's too tough, you can often just dumb down the difficulty to make everything easier. A world with answers and solutions to all the puzzles... I wish I could live in a world like that."

Zerrex closed his eyes, leaning forwards a bit... and then he cleared his throat and shook his head, looking up embarrassedly as Sabnock said quietly: "Innocent. I understand a little more why we would always find you, hiding out and playing one of your silly games. They provided you with an escape from reality... and more than that, an escape into a reality you yourself have often wished to be part of, correct?"

"Yeah. I... I can admit that to you." Zerrex said softly, glancing up towards the screen as he ran ahead, and a small black knight ran out from the other side of the screen, the Drakkaren quickly tapping the attack button twice to slice his sword back and forth across it and send it crashing backwards with a squeal. "See, I just killed him. But it doesn't matter, because he's just a collection of pixels. I wish my real enemies were just... pixels and data. Not... living, breathing beings, with their own thoughts and feelings and reasons for what they do..."

Zerrex shook his head a bit as he looked down quietly, and the two played the simple, cartoony video game for a little while, Sabnock looking confused if anything by the graphics and frowning a bit as she nonetheless tried hard to keep up, and the Drakkaren spending too much time thinking and not enough time squashing black knights, and he finally turned the game console off with a grumble of: "Can't focus, sorry."

"Perhaps we shall do it again sometime, then." Sabnock said quietly, and Zerrex looked at her with surprise as the wolverine shrugged a bit, looking at him thoughtfully. "It was... neither enjoyable nor unpleasant. It is like when Galleon first took me windsurfing... although I admit that with my questioning I also ruined that first experience with him as well."

The Drakkaren only smiled softly, however, reaching out and touching her face as he said quietly: "You didn't ruin anything, Sabnock. Anyway, I have one more favor to ask you..." He paused, looking down thoughtfully, and when Sabnock tilted her head the reptile finally glanced up and asked curiously: "Do you think you could teach Naganen the art of singing like you do? You've seen his magical aptitude... and... I dunno, it's a weird question, I know."

"I would be glad to try. Why Naganen and not Epiphany, however? Your daughter is very powerful, and with her abilities it would be easy for her to learn such a skill." Sabnock said softly, and Zerrex smiled a bit and glanced up at her, and the wolverine nodded slowly after a moment, saying quietly: "No, you're right... you do not have to explain this to me. I forgot that Epiphany is not yet an adult... and in her half-child, half-mature state, she has already demonstrated a tendency to take certain things too far. Naganen is mature enough to handle the emotional stress involved in singing from the soul and invoking the ancient powers they do.

"Yet nonetheless, I admit I am curious; why would you have me teach him this?" Sabnock questioned, tilting her head before she asked calmly: "Do you expect me to die soon?"

Zerrex stared at her... and then he realized she was joking, which just made him gape all the more before he reached up and rubbed at his face as the wolverine only continued to look at him curiously, and the reptile mumbled: "You're... creepy. But... I think... I've come to realize that Naganen is very capable of not only handling himself well and making his own decisions, he's... almost ready to be seen as an adult, and to take on adult responsibilities. Your songs are beautiful, Sabnock, and they are powerful, and I feel like you express your soul with them as you call down the magic you do..." Sabnock gave the faintest blush at this, and Zerrex smiled softly at her. "And Naganen's soul is very pure. I think he could do well with such abilities... that he would handle himself well. I can only imagine what those songs could do in the wrong hands or even just in the hands of someone who couldn't control the emotions involved and it's why I was hesitant to ask at first."

Sabnock nodded slowly, looking down and rubbing at the underside of her muzzle before she said softly: "Then may I suggest we treat this as his rite of passage towards adulthood? If he proves himself capable of handling a verse of the Toll of the Bells, I shall be glad to have a student to pass my knowledge down to. And if he is able to master the song at such a young age, it would demonstrate not only what a prodigy he is but also that he, perhaps, is set to become the next High Throne of Elysium."

Zerrex smiled a little at this thought, looking up for a moment before he glanced down... but before he could even ask the question, Sabnock said softly: "I know you would never lightheartedly ask me such an immense favor without sufficient reasoning or necessity backing it, even with our mutual promises... and I am somehow certain that in this situation, you have both. It is important for Naganen to understand how strong he is and what he is capable of, if he does not already, and learning an art will not only boost his confidence but give him a non-violent method of hindering and halting enemy aggression. The more I think of this, the more I enjoy it... also because the songs are also an ancient and traditional way for Reapers and Reaper-kin to pass on stories and histories. My father... broke Reaper law when he taught me the songs, but he said that sometimes, protecting your family and passing on your heritage and history is more important than the oldest of laws."

Sabnock quieted, and then she smiled a little and rubbed at her face slowly. "Yes. Yes, Naganen shall be my student. I shall teach him to sing, and I shall teach him the songs of the Reapers. Somehow... I think even Thanatos himself would have approved..."

Zerrex nodded slowly, and then the two embraced tightly for a moment before pulling apart, the wolverine gazing up at him quietly as she said softly: "Three promises. We have made strange promises to one another, Zerrex. I seek to have something I never was able to secure with Galleon and you seek to have me teach a child who has already gained the respect and admiration of most of Elysium ancient powers of Reaper origin. I seek to be further empowered while securing my place at your side as esteemed concubine, and you... wish for me to play video games with you."

Sabnock shook her head slightly as Zerrex laughed a bit, and then she gazed up at him, studying him silently for a few moments before nodding slowly and murmuring quietly: "The sensations you give me are both strange and powerful ones. We do not always go neatly hand-in-hand, and yet we fit together... as Galleon and I fit together. I have changed my mind, Zerrex: I will wear a collar if necessary to join the ranks of your Disciples."

Zerrex smiled softly at this, then he reached up and touched Sabnock's lips, saying quietly: "The only thing that's truly necessary is an honest wish... and I know you have that, Sabnock. You are my concubine... and having you at my side as a friend is worth more to me than having you as a servant. I don't want you to simply be in submission to me... part of the reason I enjoy your company so much is because you don't hesitate to give me your advice on something, to counsel me, and to teach me. I'm a god, sure, and powerful, and I've been around the block a few times... but you, Sabnock... you're wiser than I'll ever be, and lived more years than I can imagine."

Sabnock only gave a small smile at this, saying quietly: "And I have learned that it does not matter the quantity of the years you live... but rather, it is their qualities that determine everything about you. From whether or not you are an adult to whether or not you have lived a full life... for I have met many demons as old as I am and yet foolish, and we have both encountered creatures older still that you yourself have greater knowledge, strength, and wisdom than. It is not our years that matter... years are only a measurement. It is what we do with the time that we have been allotted that truly matters in our lives."

Zerrex nodded slowly, and then Sabnock quietly pulled away and bowed her head to him respectfully, saying quietly: "Will you permit me to leave for the moment, Lord Zerrex? I wish to visit Galleon's grave and... tell him my plans for the future." She paused, then smiled faintly as her eyes flicked to the video game console and the television, saying softly: "A mortal concept I found... endearing, many years ago, and became fond of. It comforts me, and I do not understand why... yet I continue to do it. But I would like to do this, before we proceed."

"Of course, Sabnock. I should be here... you know how to find me." Zerrex paused, then he flicked his hand outwards and created a bouquet of black roses, saying softly: "Here. It's a small gesture but... you're supposed to bring flowers to the grave, right?"

"It is a kind enough gesture, Lord Zerrex. I am sure Galleon would be pleased by it." the wolverine replied softly, taking the flowers and gazing at him for a few moments before she gave one of her small smiles and nodded slowly. The Drakkaren nodded back after a moment, and then the Ice Devil turned and left through the heavy door, and the reptile watched as this slid slowly back closed, the electronics in the room fizzing quietly before the door hissed tightly shut.

The reptile rubbed at the back of his head after a moment, and then he lowered his muzzle forwards before nodding a bit with a grunt and turning around to walk back towards the game system. For an hour or so, he amused himself, reveling in the comfort of being alone; part of what made it so nice, however, was the fact that Zerrex knew he wasn't really alone. With a snap of his fingers he could have any of his Disciples join him here, or by just leaving the room he could go wandering to see the various faces in the Estate... friends and family both who stayed here, since the mansion had more than enough room for a large amount of people.

The Drakkaren sighed a bit as he finally turned the system off, then headed quietly out of the shielded den room, closing the door tight behind him so no electromagnetism would slither its way in and screw up the sensitive electronics kept inside before he frowned a bit and walked down the hallway as he sensed something unusual. Not hostile, just something that wasn't usually here... and as the reptile stepped quietly through a set of open double doors and onto a long marble walkway that crossed overtop an immense ballroom, his eyes set on the hulking figure of Equinox.

The male was standing, staring at several of the pictures that sat inside a glass case resting against the back wall, and Zerrex quietly let his hands travel along the outer railing of the walkway before he almost-hesitantly approached the giant, who was stroking his hands against the glass as if trying to touch the pictures... and he looked down quietly when Zerrex approached, the male saying softly: "Father, why are people trapped inside there?"

And the Drakkaren looked up at him softly before he gazed towards the photographs of Lily, Selena, Sin... wedding-day pictures and anniversary photos and others of his wives - and grumbling husband Raze - that dotted the wall behind the glass... and Zerrex smiled faintly before he carefully grasped the handle of the unlocked case and pulled it open, then he reached out and lifted one of the pictures quietly out by its wooden frame, staring down at the image of Lily in her flowing white dress, a laurel wreath over her head, which was thrown back, laughing in mid-spin in the fields...

Zerrex shook himself out of the reverie, and then he smiled a little, turning to hand it to Equinox as he said softly: "Be gentle. But it's only a picture, Equinox... a photograph, it's called, or just a photo. It's like a painting, or a drawing... but mortal technology can take an image and... paste it somehow, I dunno how, onto a special paper. I think it has to do with electrons, but... I'd be lying if I said I had any idea how it worked. I just know you point a camera at something, click it, and there you go."

Zerrex mimicked this gesture awkwardly with his hands, raising an imaginary camera and miming pressing a button... and Equinox, in his serious, almost-emotionless way, repeated the action, almost hitting himself in the face with the photo, and Zerrex couldn't help but smile and laugh before the giant looked down at the picture in his hands and he studied it for a few moments before saying quietly: "I like this. It is nice."

"We'll get you some photos for... for your room, Equinox. We don't have to return you to that cell... at least, not if you behave." Zerrex said softly, and Equinox nodded silently even as the Drakkaren knew that the giant could hear the undertone in his thoughts: it wasn't Equinox Zerrex was worried about behaving, after all. "Where's your sister?"

"Playing with friends. She said I would scare them, so she is playing with them herself. Children from the family. Cousins and kin." Equinox said softly, and he studied Zerrex for a few moments as the Drakkaren looked up at him softly, glad and saddened at the same time. "I wish I could play too."

"Come on then, Equinox. Let's go outside and I'll play with you." Zerrex offered his hand, and the giant looked at him for a few moments before he almost hesitantly took it, his huge fingers gentle as they closed around the reptile's, and the Drakkaren smiled softly as he nodded slowly to him before pulling him quietly through the Ravenlight Estate, the giant toddling behind him like an oversized child.

They left the Ravenlight Estate to head out into the rear yard, and Zerrex easily created a large ball of natural rubber, squeezing it thoughtfully between his hands before tossing it to Equinox, who caught it and studied it... and then the reptile had yelped and ducked when Equinox had tried to throw it back and sent it flying like a missile at the Drakkaren's head. It had shot far past him across the field to smack a large, surly black-furred minotaur who looked after the on-site gun ranges in the back of the head, knocking him sprawling and unconscious, and Zerrex had winced and covered his muzzle even as Equinox had said softly: "I apologize."

"It's okay, Equinox, I just hope you didn't kill Targin." Zerrex peered at the very large, burly male - a Megataur and not a minotaur, technically, but the only real differences were the size and the fact that Megataurs were the middle stage between minotaur and Gigataur - and then the reptile sighed in relief as Targin twitched and groaned loudly enough to be heard from where they were. "Uh... good. He's alive. Let's. Let's run away."

Equinox only tilted his head curiously as Zerrex carefully grasped the giant's forearm and steered him carefully further out towards the fields behind the Estate, and then he created another ball, made it clear that Equinox should throw a little softer, and they tossed this back and forth for a little while.

The giant didn't smile, didn't show much emotion... but Zerrex could feel it, and even with just the simple game, he began to visibly relax. The Drakkaren didn't know what to suggest next, however, since he was afraid that if they tried to play tag, Equinox would accidentally squish him... and then the reptile looked up thoughtfully, asking curiously: "How much do you know about sports, Equinox?"

"What are 'sports?'" Equinox tilted his head, and that was a definite answer for the Drakkaren as he smiled amusedly before dropping the ball and kicking it back and forth as he snapped his fingers, and goals made of ivy ripped out of either side of the field at a short distance, the male looking back and forth at these netted archways of plant life before he asked quietly: "What are these?"

"Goals, for a sport we're going to play called Irenic soccer. Well, football in the rest of the world, but Ire just has to be different... anyway, it's not my favorite, but it is non-contact and as long as you don't kick the ball too hard we should have fun with it." Zerrex replied softly, and then he smiled as he kicked the ball towards Equinox, who looked down almost hesitantly before he reached down towards it... and the reptile quickly shook his head, saying quickly: "No, for this game, you only use your feet, not your hands."

Equinox looked almost worried as he straightened and gave the ball an experimental little punt... and when it rolled a few feet, he said quietly: "I don't know, Father. This seems very strange."

"Trust me." Zerrex said softly, walking forwards, and then he winked as he carefully slid a foot under the ball and hoofed it into the air, before bouncing it carefully on his head several times, then tilting his head forwards so it rolled down his muzzle before he tilted this back upwards, and the ball balanced precariously on his nose for a moment as he held his arms out to either side with a grin... and Equinox only stared at him, making the Drakkaren roll his eyes in soft entertainment as he let the ball drop down into his hands and caught it, saying softly: "Okay Equinox. Here's how this works."

He explained and demonstrated the rules a few times, and let Equinox learn to move the ball around with his feet: the giant stumbled a little here and there, but his enormous strides let him move the ball easily, and he was very careful to control himself, looking almost worried at first as his feet kicked the sphere along... and yet slowly but surely he began to get the hang of it nonetheless, and Zerrex thought he was even enjoying himself before they played a light one-on-one scrimmage against each other.

It was enjoyable... and admittedly, part of the enjoyment came from the fact that while Equinox tried hard, he never grew frustrated when Zerrex scored or took the lead. He didn't seem to care whether he was winning or losing... he only cared that he was playing the game and that they were both trying hard, and the only times he seemed to grow nervous or anxious was when Zerrex purposefully slowed down a little too much to try and let his son catch up. Experimentally, the Drakkaren later tried to compete his hardest, easily maneuvering around the male from the middle of the field and booting a goal within seconds... and yet if anything, Equinox had seemed glad for it. He didn't care whether he won or lost... but he wanted them both to do their very best, even if that meant Zerrex would dominate the match.

But Equinox learned fast: twenty minutes in, as Zerrex was heading down the field, Equinox suddenly stole the ball from him with a hook of his foot before he'd booted it straight up into the air and slammed his head into it, sending it flying past the Drakkaren as he'd gaped and rolling straight into the goal. Equinox was learning on the spot, adapting and thinking around the Drakkaren's skill and strategy... and admittedly, it made the game all the more enjoyable when the giant began to quickly gain on the long lead the reptile had taken.

Of course, it all ended a little abruptly when Equinox had suddenly slammed his foot into the ball and Zerrex had winced as it had shot past him, ripping through the back of the goal and flying like a cannonball across the field... and then a window had loudly shattered, and Zerrex had winced before a portal had opened and Anathema had stormed through, Sin wincing as she tried to wipe bits of broken glass off her sister as the undead Naganatine stomped after the Drakkaren and shouted threats and insults to him.

When she had eventually calmed down, the reptile had explained what he had been doing... and Anathema had moodily surveyed Equinox for a few moments before sighing tiredly when Sin had suggested shyly that they should help. The undead female had grumbled for a few minutes about lowering herself to the level of children, and then finally agreed to try playing a game or two, as long as it didn't involve anything too childish or stupid.

Mostly out of spite, Zerrex suggested Anathema play a game of Irenic Football with Equinox if she was so tough, and she had agreed with a glower despite not knowing what she was agreeing to... and the Drakkaren had pulled Equinox aside, muttered to him that the goal was to stop the other person from reaching the end of the field by any means necessary and then watched as Sin had nervously tried to dissuade Anathema before sighing and letting her play.

Anathema had shot off like a rocket, charging with the ball clutched against her, grinning widely... and Equinox had then punched her so hard her head had flown across the field with a stupefied expression before it had landed and bounced several times as her body had dropped the ball and staggered dumbly back and forth ,arms flailing. Zerrex had fallen over laughing as Equinox had picked the ball up and calmly made his way to Anathema's end-zone as Sin had flitted anxiously around the field, looking for her sister's head... and when she had finally returned with this to set it back on Anathema's shoulders, she had mumbled dumbly that maybe she should just shut up and listen for once as her eyes had rolled beneath the broken skull-mask covering her face, head a little lopsided as Zerrex had amiably agreed.

Together, they tried other mortal sports and pastimes... as well as a few demonic games, such as Threading: a magic-involved sport that Sin excelled at and Anathema couldn't do at all, involving lacing different spells together to make complex patterns and music, scoring points for maintaining the pattern and for interrupting your partner's flow.

So while Anathema childishly stomped the earth and jumped up and down, looking embarrassed as she barely made the grass around her ripple, Sin had three enormous black roses made from obsidian plates of stone, swirling ivy, and rays of bright light that shone up between the petals swirling around her like liquid, the rumbling of the earth and the ringing of the light emerging between the vibrating plates making a beautiful harmony as she stood in the exact center of it all. Zerrex laughed and clapped to watch this, and Anathema looked moody before she had finally cheated by yanking one of her arms off and throwing it at Sin, knocking the Naganatine staggering with surprise into one of her own rose-patterns and causing the entire thing to grind to a halt before she had looked sourly at her sister, who had simply whistled with one hand behind her head as the other arm had carefully come crawling back towards her.

It was a good way to spend several hours... and Zerrex had been surprised to look up from a game of Frisbee to see Sabnock watching them with a soft smile, and she had simply gestured for them to continue... so they had played for a little while longer, and then the Drakkaren had approached and grinned a little as he'd asked mischievously: "Say, Sabnock. Do you think you could make an ice rink for us?"

Hockey was an old favorite of Zerrex's: and despite the fact that it was a heavy contact sport, the fact that no one else could properly skate played to his advantage as the reptile weaved circles around them. Sin was standing in her dress with metal blades sticking out of her feet that she precariously balanced on until the reptile playfully shoved her backwards into one of the large banks of snow Sabnock had formed around the heavy rectangular ring, and then the Drakkaren simply plowed Anathema over as she had slowly tried to skate forwards with a horrible look on her face that turned to a glare and huff when she was sent skidding over the ice on her front, and then he had circled several times around Equinox before teasingly pushing his son backwards, and Equinox had looked a little lost and confused as he slid backwards in the skates Zerrex had made for him before he'd tripped over the snowbank and landed heavily in a burst of white fluff.

Zerrex had laughed, grinning as he'd continued to skate easily in the simple skates he'd created out of thin air for himself... and then Sabnock hip-checked him from the side and sent him careening into a snowbank, and the Drakkaren had flopped face-first down into it as the wolverine had smiled amusedly, skates of ice over her feet as the lizard had shoved his head out of the bank and glared at her.

The Drakkaren had known that Sabnock could skate: what he learned a little late, as Sin refereed the match of Anathema and Sabnock against Zerrex and Equinox, was that Sabnock was not a figure-skater like he'd expected, but had played Ice Butterfly when she had been younger: a demonic version of hockey that involved an overzealous use of magic and required finesse and control. It was not hard for the wolverine to adapt to the mortal version of the sport, however, and she very quickly made Zerrex miserable: she was faster, hit him with precision, and as aggressive on the rink as she was in the courtroom.

And she laughed: she smiled openly, she laughed warmly every time she knocked Zerrex - or even gigantic Equinox - flying into a snowbank or, at one point, sent Zerrex skidding wildly across the rink until he'd mashed comically into one of the ice posts that marked the goal, his arms snapping upwards with a gargle. It almost made the entire grueling session that they lost 13-2 worth it... but what did that was when Zerrex managed to finally check her from behind and send her careening into her of the snowbanks with a curse before he'd gleefully skated away and leapt off the ice to escape to safety.

When they finished, Equinox seemed pleased and happy, and although he had wandered wordlessly off, Zerrex felt like it had all been successful, and he had been feeling... accepted, perhaps was the word the reptile was looking for. Anathema, Sin, Sabnock, and Zerrex had been left sitting around together quietly in the field, discussing things on and off, Anathema staring curiously every now and then at the wolverine before Sabnock had finally announced softly: "I am ready to fully-embrace my duties and position as concubine at any moment now, Lord Zerrex. I have had more than sufficient time to prepare... and as it seems you... you already bring things out in me that many others do not."

Sabnock blushed a little, rubbing awkwardly at her face... and Zerrex smiled amusedly over at her, saying mildly: "So tell me about this Ice Butterfly again."

"Zerrex." Anathema said dryly, and the reptile groaned and rolled his eyes, grabbing at his forehead. "Stop stalling, you big ass. You can ask her about her glory days again later."

"Shut up, Annie. No one likes you. Or your face." Zerrex retorted, and Anathema grumbled at him before she tore her head off and threw it at him, and the lizard winced and batted it away, Anathema's body jerking backwards as she yelped before catching her own head quickly and fitting it back on her shoulders with a moody look. "Anyway, shouldn't you two be with Justice?"

"The Deacon is currently aiding Amiglion at this moment." Sin replied softly, nodding and smiling a little over at the Drakkaren, and then she glanced curiously over at Anathema when her sister shoved at her. "What is it?"

"I think he was politely telling us to go away." Anathema said mildly, and Sin blushed a bit before the two Naganatine looked at Zerrex, who shook his head with an amused smile. "So is that a yes or a no?"

"Well... Sabnock, do... do you really want to do this here?" Zerrex asked awkwardly, gesturing around the open fields... and the wolverine nodded at him, only giving a small smile in return before the reptile said softly: "Alright then. In that case, you two can stay if you like... I'll leave that choice up to you."

"Then we shall give you privacy. Or at least, the little privacy to be found here." Sin said softly, and Anathema grunted as the two stood up, Zerrex standing as well... and the sisters hugged him firmly, the reptile kissing the forehead of one, then the other and earning smiles in return. "Take good care of her, Lord Zerrex."

Anathema grunted in agreement, and then Sin opened a portal and the two quietly left. The Drakkaren shook his head a bit again, then he turned towards Sabnock, who was still seated, gazing up at him... and the reptile leaned down and grasped her shoulders, looking into her eyes and saying quietly: "Are you sure you want this?"

"Yes, I do, Zerrex. As sure as I was I'd be happy with Galleon. As sure as I am of my love of my parents." Sabnock replied calmly, gazing into his eyes as she reached a hand up and squeezed his wrist slowly. "I am ready. I would like to think I even have my late husband's approval. Now please, Lord Zerrex. Let us not hesitate, nor dally any longer."

"You know it's not just that easy. The process is different for everyone." Zerrex said amusedly, and then he quietly pulled the wolverine up to her feet before he grasped her hips quietly and leaned down to kiss her softly, and she met his mouth as her eyes fluttered closed, their mouths quietly working together in return.

And slowly, a ripple seemed to travel through her body as he squeezed her closer against his frame, breathing into her jaws... and a moment later, she stumbled backwards, eyes closed and grasping at her forehead, looking surprised... and then gazing thoughtfully down at the backs of her hands as she murmured: "I don't... I do feel different, but I don't seem..."

Zerrex studied her as she frowned a bit... and then he smiled a little, stepping forwards and stroking under her chin, and she cocked her head curiously as she gazed up at him and he said quietly: "You look younger..." He paused as she blushed a little, smiling up at him... and then the reptile grinned a bit, adding mildly: "And it seems like all those layers of ice keeping you from making proper facial expressions have melted away, too."

Now Sabnock looked at him sourly, and he couldn't help but laugh before she shoved him backwards... then blushed a bit as she looked down at her hands with surprise, saying softly: "Wait... yes. Yes, that is part of it... I don't... seem to be thinking as naturally in advance any longer. I do not feel worries about every little detail rising in my mind, and it feels more... simple... to smile."

She reached up and rubbed over her face slowly, and Zerrex gazed at her quietly as she looked at him for a few moments, then her hands traced slowly down to her stomach, and she flushed a bit as she asked hesitantly: "What about... how... how will we know?"

"Oh, I can think of a way to test that." Zerrex grinned as he leaned down and leered at her, and Sabnock gave him a half-amused look, shaking her head slightly before he reached out and cupped her face quietly, asking curiously: "Do you feel... any different abilities? Usually my Disciples inherit a power or two from me... after all, it's not the outer changes that matter. It's what's inside..."

Sabnock looked up at him thoughtfully... and then she frowned a bit before she flicked her wrist out to the side, concentrating... and thick, blue-and-white vines that radiated frost ripped out of the earth, twisting and writhing slowly, visibly alive and yet terribly cold. Zerrex looked at these with surprise as she said softly, gazing down at her hand: "Yes. I see... mixing cold and organic earth together... fascinating, Lord Zerrex. I shall not waste these abilities. I shall do everything I can to serve at your side, and to do my job well."

She gazed up at him with a soft smile, and Zerrex gazed back down affectionately, reaching up and touching her face as he murmured: "I never imagined we'd be here."

"I think... when I first volunteered to become your concubine, I had inklings of affection for you even then. I simply never permitted myself to pursue them." Sabnock replied softly, studying him for a few moments... and then she smiled a little before nodding slowly. "Yes. Even then, I am sure of it. Thank you, Zerrex. You are giving me more than you realize. This means more to me than I can express."

"It means a world to me as well, Sabnock... I only wish that... I could give you back Galleon, too. I... I know I can't replace him, and I don't plan on trying to." Zerrex replied quietly, and Sabnock's gaze softened before she hugged him tightly around the waist, and the Drakkaren hugged her firmly in return. "But I do love you."

"As I do you, Zerrex Narrius. I know that even though you share your love with many of us... they are not easy words to earn from you." Sabnock murmured softly, resting her head against his chest as she added quietly: "May I ask, though... what you suggest for me to tattoo myself with?"

"Something... nice?" Zerrex said lamely, and then he winced when she looked up at him flatly. "I dunno. Vines and black roses seem to be the in thing. You'll have to ask Marina when she gets back, she and Mercy are the ones who keep track of everyone's tattoos and what they all mean."

Sabnock nodded... and then she smiled and rested her head against his chest, closing her eyes, and Zerrex simply held her in the field as vines of ivy and living snow twisted together and grew slowly through the grasses around them, intertwined and comfortable for all the differences they shared.

The Drakkaren rubbed absently at the underside of his muzzle: another three days had passed since Sabnock had become a Disciple, and not much had happened of note. He had spent some time with Equinox, some time with Epiphany, and some time with many of his other Disciples... and Jessica had come to ask quiet permission if she could stay here at the Ravenlight Estate, permanently, so she could be close to her daughter.

The reptile had been surprised by this: above, the Heavenly Council was being rebuilt from the ground-up, with new members replacing the corrupt politicians, Silven the new Chancellor and Lord and Lucifer careful to work with him and oversee the Senate. Laws were being changed and adapted, and Job's files were being sorted through - countless years of diary entries, information, and reasoning that was both logical and bitter - to help adjust and throw out old laws of Heaven that did nothing for Paradise but make it seem arrogant and distant.

So it wasn't like it would be difficult for Jessica to move back to Heaven, where she would be plenty safe - especially right now, as Lucifer and Lord had increased the presence of both officers as well as tightened security throughout Heaven, just in case Job had left a nasty surprise or two in case his plans had fallen apart - and comfortable and able to see Cindy as regularly as she wanted, with the portals between Heaven and Hell being reopened... but it wasn't just proximity Jessica wanted. He sensed that she liked it here a little more than she wanted to admit... and that she felt safe here. Then again, the mansion was a huge place... and filled with large, friendly demons who would quickly kick the hell out of any intruder that tried to break in. No pun intended.

Zerrex smiled a little; he had been more than glad to honor Jessica's request, and had even hired two servants for her from the agency he used, to help guide her around the mansion while she got more used to the layout and to fetch things for her while she was adjusting from being a guest to a possible permanent resident. Cindy was overjoyed to have her mother close by... and even Cherry hadn't been entirely displeased by the prospects, seeing Cindy's happiness and likely thinking of her own failed relationship with her mother.

Cherry herself was doing well: she could transform herself as she wished, and corruption flowed freely through her veins now... but it hadn't changed her otherwise. She was his darkness... but she was still grinning, adolescent-acting Cherry, whining whenever things didn't go her way, abusing her supernatural powers just to show off, and now occasionally spitting out horrible life-forms just so she didn't have to get up to fetch the remote control for the TV. The parasites were at least short-lived without a host... although Mahihko had apparently screamed the first time he'd seen one and beaten it into a pulp with a piece of firewood while Lone had yelled about attacking monsters and almost burnt down their campsite shooting lightning wildly in all directions.

When Cindy had found out what had happened, she had tied the three of them up and hung them upside down from a tree... and Cherry, ever the abuser of her powers and not one to learn her lessons, had spat a parasite out... and it had landed on Cindy's face. This had resulted in Cindy yanking the three out of the tree, only for her to tie a heavy rock to Cherry's feet and fling her into the nearby lake.

But Zerrex was admittedly glad the worst part of the whole thing was the fact that Cherry now made crude jokes about having a 'mouth-vagina' and took a very twisted, sick pleasure in her newfound and horrible ability. The Drakkaren muttered that he was never, ever letting her 'mouth-vagina' near his 'crotch-penis' again and then she had giggled stupidly about his 'dick-tongue' and they had shared stupid laughter until Cindy had slammed their heads together, still in a grouchy mood after the camping fiasco.

Everyone was doing well, though: Hope, the only other person who had been distinctly-affected by his corruption, spent a lot of her time with Mary and Mercy, learning more about Elysium's culture and fascinated with stories about Zerrex and his past, and in return she spent a lot of time teaching them about the Silver Wind clan. She looked forwards to finding out what would happen to her brother... but with Heaven in disarray and thus unable to process and place newcomers as quickly and souls taking longer to find their way to Paradise or Hell, she said she was willing to be patient and had faith that she would see Zane again, someday.

Then Zerrex looked up curiously from his wandering through the Ravenlight Estate to see Sabnock, the female walking towards him with a calm but broad smile on her face, the sleeves of the simple white blouse over her plain, sky-blue top rolled up, silk pants and black loafers pristine and yet... somehow a world more casual than she had been before. Her small horns glinted as her now-expressive features studied him for a moment, and then she smiled again as she glanced embarrassedly down at her exposed, smooth stomach... and Zerrex gazed down as well, gazing affectionately at the tattoo she had gotten that covered much of her front.

On the blue side of her body, green ivy laced with black roses twisted... and on the gold side of her body, white vines with beautiful red roses grew, in a spiderweb pattern... and the tattoo was designed so that the flowers formed a distinct pattern of runes invisible to the naked eye, but if you knew just where to look, you could clearly see Zerrex's name, written in old demonic script... and then the reptile's eyes settled on the beautifully-carved rose made of black-diamond that sat upon a silver ring pierced in the wolverine's navel, the exact point where the eyes had to be drawn to see the patterning. "You look like the young teenager you never were."

"I think Galleon would be proud of me. This is what he always strove to try and make me understand, after all." Sabnock said softly, looking down at the back of her hand thoughtfully before she looked up at him with a bit of a smile. "Although you know Thoth was horrified when he saw me like this, and White was very surprised... although he, at least, tries to understand. Thoth, however, was all too eager to run and gossip to the other Justices and Judges and law council. I believe I've lost some of my reputation... but the damage is allayed by the fact I simply remind them I am serving as your concubine and thus a different dress code is now required. I have learned to use the law in many ways... and the abuse of eccentric loopholes is the first trick any competent lawyer learns."

"I still can't believe you got a belly ring instead of a collar." Zerrex said mildly, and he reached up to absently play with his mala... and Sabnock smiled softly as she automatically touched the sapphire prayer beads that were wrapped tightly around her wrist. "I also can't believe you talked me into starting the process of making a set of these for every one of my Disciples. And here I was dumb enough to think you'd be like my other Disciples, snuggly but you'd otherwise continue to do your own thing."

"I will continue to fulfill my duties as a Judge in time, but I still have vacation days left and I plan to use them to accelerate processes that long ago should have been started. Your Disciples are still mainly an informal group... I wish to give them a more-formal standing and to better foster teamwork and reaffirm the bonds between them and you." She softened, adding gently: "And you and they both deserve that, after everything we've lost."

Zerrex hesitated... then he nodded slowly before he automatically walked forwards and fell in pace beside her as she turned around, the Drakkaren putting his hands behind his back as he said mildly: "Just realize that when I gave Cherry her set of prayer beads, she tried to eat them. I spent twenty goddamn minutes digging them out of her gullet because she broke the string and the beads got lodged all the way down to her stomach."

"Yes, but Miss Cherry's dedication to you is exceptional, we all feel it. And she has given herself to you in a way precious few others have." Sabnock replied softly, glancing over at him measuringly. "I'm not pretending that even now I can understand her entirely, her motivations or her passions or her... eccentricities... but I do understand her better."

"So where is everyone?" Zerrex asked mildly, glancing down at the wolverine curiously, and Sabnock only gave him an amused look as they stepped out into the main hall of the Ravenlight Estate and walked towards the doors, the Drakkaren gesturing around and saying dryly: "I might not be a genius, Sabnock, but I can notice pretty well when about fifty people are missing in action. Also, Driz was looking for Priest, pissed as hell because he apparently skipped out on tuning up a power generator this morning. Since Raven and Priest are still childishly bickering right now I can't say I'm entirely surprised, but nonetheless. Oh, and Vivien was bitching, too, since she's been left alone with the Council, Ixin, and Thor and she's having trouble babysitting them all with only Amiglion present."

"Take us to Hez'Ranna, Lord Zerrex, we shall go and find them in Acheron." Sabnock replied calmly, and Zerrex looked at her with surprise before she simply shrugged. "I see no point in lying about what's going on. They have a surprise party planned for you. A celebration: I believe Earth called it a... resurgence?"

"Oh, a celebration of life, yeah... traditionally done after a funeral. It's pretty much just a big party, that's a very good way to put it, actually..." Zerrex paused meditatively. "Even the Dragokkaren feel sad when they lose someone, after all, however their culture might look at death and dying... this is... to remind us we're all still alive, that we can all still enjoy the pleasures life brings us, and stuff like that."

The wolverine nodded as they stepped outside the mansion, and then Zerrex smiled as he reached out and grasped her shoulder... and a moment later, the two vanished from the spot before reappearing in the jungles of Hez'Ranna. Sabnock looked unfettered as the Drakkaren glanced back and forth, and then he glanced at her curiously as she said softly: "You're demonstrating better control these days over your powers. I'm glad to see it. If I may ask, though... about Negative..."

"He's... receded." Zerrex hesitated, reaching out to stroke a hand down a tree, and then he bowed his head forwards before glancing over his shoulder at her, comfortable enough to confess: "I tried to talk to him the other day. Tried to pull him out... went so far as to even attempt partial Inversion when I couldn't feel his presence, since that often draws him forwards whether he wants to be there or not. And for the first time ever... I felt the Inversion resisting me. Like my body didn't want to change, and like something inside my body didn't want me to change. It was a very strange, very alien sensation, Sabnock... like nothing I could describe. Usually I can at least transform my demonic arm when necessary, it's the easiest thing to change because it's already... different, metamorphic... but this time..."

He halted, looking down thoughtfully as Sabnock only continued to survey him measuringly, and then the Drakkaren said quietly: "It feels like Negative was hurt. And like more than it was just his pride that was injured... I dunno, Perfect did a number on me, and... it felt like Negative wasn't the biggest fan of what Epiphany did to Perfect in retaliation. He's a riddle, Sabnock. And much as I love riddles, I really, really suck at them, too."

"It is interesting. I shall ask Ashcroft Ixin and several other contacts to research into this phenomenon... Inversion sickness, after all, does not merely go away." Sabnock paused, then she gestured to him as she walked towards the sound of flowing water, saying mildly: "But I suppose we shouldn't pursue difficult topics before a party, either."

"Can I look at your stomach some more?" Zerrex asked dumbly, and Sabnock sighed a little, rolling her eyes before she smiled a little when the Drakkaren leapt up beside her, smiling down at her in return. "But you're right. And you know what? For once, I'm not worried. I have faith that I can deal with whatever Negative throws at me now. That no matter what... things are going to work out, one way or the other."

"We've earned that." Sabnock agreed softly, and Zerrex smiled down at her as she smiled back up at him as they stepped out into a small glade, the wolverine glancing up curiously as they passed several large, hairy Draybeasts that looked at them quizzically as they walked by, one of them grunting... but Zerrex only rose a hand to them with a smile, and it seemed to calm the creatures as the demon and the reptile walked towards a wide, flowing stream.

Sabnock stepped in first, glancing down and then diving forwards and vanishing through the water... and Zerrex shook his head with amusement at how smoothly and assuredly she moved before diving forwards himself, feeling the rush of vertigo before he emerged in the pool inside of Acheron. He could see Dragokkaren working calmly below... but the reptile's eyes were immediately drawn towards the east with surprise as his eyes spotted a new addition to the city that floated slightly higher than the rest of the dimension, a large, hanging wooden bridge attached to this second island, and enormous sconces that contained brilliantly-burning blue bonfires floating on top of glimmering crystal atolls that hovered through the air.

"Earth constructed it, I believe, for the purpose of this gathering." Sabnock said calmly, and Zerrex nodded to her before the two made their way down the steps and walked around the square, keeping pace with each other as they passed Dragon Warriors, Dragokkaren, and Sacrifices that had decided to stay in the beauty of Acheron, where they were as accepted and respected as they were within the confines of the Cloister. "You have an interest in a particular kind of person, and I do not speak of their exterior."

Zerrex smiled a bit over at the female, saying quietly: "But don't we all? We all play favorites, we all have things we like and dislike, we all are... looking for something. To replace what we've lost... to fill in the blanks, to..."

"Oh, stop materializing love. I didn't mean to switch sides of the debate with you." Sabnock was smiling nonetheless, however, looking up at him with amusement as the Drakkaren grinned back down at her. "You frustrate me. And yet I enjoy that quality. After witnessing how you interact with Lady Cherry, I think you understand that feeling well."

"Too damn well." Zerrex replied amusedly, and then he shook his head a bit as they walked towards a large archway, and the reptile looked up in surprise as he saw it was guarded not by Dragokkaren or even Dragon Warriors, but by the corrupted Strange Beasts that Cherry called with strange affection: 'Plague Bearers.'

Covered in black roses and pulsing, thorny vines, and with other mutations slowly beginning to stand out of their bodies, like spikes of bone and blades of metal, they were terrifying... but humble and servile to their new masters, black, glowing eyes closing as they both bowed deeply to Zerrex as he approached. They served any and every whim of Cherry... and as Cherry served him despite how often it seemed she spent undermining him, they followed his every will and command. The power of the female's parasites and the manipulation it gave her over others was truly terrifying... and yet Zerrex had to admit, he was glad that it was on their side, as they walked between the Plague Bearers and onto the hanging wooden bridge that sloped slightly upwards to the floating island, the timbers that made it up wide and heavy and fresh, supported by thick vine rope that was tightly laced to heavy struts and tied into the support network of spiderweb silk and silver cabling overhead.

Zerrex looked back and forth curiously as they approached the island: it was impossible to see much of what awaited them beyond, thanks to the massive, trellised golden gates that guarded it and the high walls of yellow stone that surrounded it... but from what the reptile could see, it was enormous and round, vaguely shaped like a flat-topped top except for the huge jut of what was likely a temple or perhaps simply a set of steps leading up to a high overseer's walkway that half-encircled the area. The Drakkaren rubbed absently at the underside of his muzzle as he looked up at this, a large, golden throne and piles of plush-red cushions just visible past the top of the barrier enclosing the island, resting against the tapestry-lined rear wall of the walkway... and then the Gates were pulled open by two huge Dragon Warriors in loincloths before they bowed their heads respectfully, and the reptile whistled to himself as he stepped onto the island and finally got a good look around it.

Most of it was wide, flat and open, layered with golden tiles that were patterned with beautiful white tribal designs... and huge pillars over which grew immense vines and thick ivy laced with roses towered up towards the sky, the shortest some thirty feet high and thicker than a car, the largest maybe fifteen feet more than that, and none of them the exact same height... and past these pillars, gardens filled with Hez'Rannan plants and large trees grew, birds singing in many of these and other native beasts of Hez'Ranna crawling their way slowly through them, casting shadows over the wide, circular plaza in an enormous semicircle.

The steps of the viewing area that bridged into the plaza were wide and flat, and at the edge of either side of the enormous staircase, bowls and braziers burned with sapphire flames, crystalline gemstones glimmering inside of these and twinkling enticingly, gorgeously, glowing different hues in the supernatural fire. Sabnock bowed towards the steps, and Zerrex smiled at her before he walked through the plaza, making his way slowly and carefully up the twenty or so wide, steep stairs to the plateau at the top to gaze rapturously back and forth.

It was like an enclosed viewing stage, with a huge, silver and platinum throne with crystalline armrests and a comfortable, cushioned seat, elegant in its design, very large, very wide... too big, in fact, for him to sit in it at the size he was now. The reptile laughed a little at this, reaching out to touch the arm of the beautiful, ornate chair quietly... and then his eyes roved slowly over the back wall, at the tapestries depicting Acheron in all its beauty and glory and various holy symbols of Hez'Ranna, such as the Judgment Cross... and all across the ground, heavy ruby-colored pillows with golden tassels were strewn, many the size of small beds, and the Drakkaren brought a booted foot forwards to test one of these and feeling that it was soft, and likely as comfortable as the throne was.

Then Zerrex turned around... and he was somehow unsurprised to see Earth standing on the steps, her cloak floating around her body, clothed only in her vambraces, collar, and the coronet of roses on her head... and as the Drakkaren's eyes slipped past her, he smiled in amusement at the sight of many, if not all, of his other Disciples standing naked... not to mention other friends and family gathered in the plaza, as Earth said softly: "We wanted to help ease your mind, Lord Zerrex... and this was the best way we could think of how to do so. Let us help you... let us please you... let us worship you... let us love you. You spend so much time ashamed or hiding from who you are, from your own culture. Embrace it with us, here and now."

"If it had been anyone but Sabnock, I would have been expecting this a little more." Zerrex replied amusedly, and then he sighed a bit before he glanced towards the throne as he slowly peeled his shirt off, too humbled and touched by the gesture to argue... and then he glanced in surprise at Earth as she stepped forwards and quietly touched his back, gazing at him affectionately.

"Go ahead, Lord Zerrex. Show us your strength. Let us revel in your power... you are a god, and I know you fear in many ways your abilities, you do not need to fear or hold back in Acheron. This is your dimension, and we are here to do as you please. We are here to bear witness to your strength..." Earth stroked a finger silently down his chest, and the reptile's body all but sizzled with energy as he breathed hard, meeting her eyes with his own as she smiled softly. "Reality here bends to your will, quakes at your thought alone. There is no need for modesty here."

Finally, Zerrex nodded slowly... and then he closed his eyes and tilted his head back, a sizzle of energy sparking over his body... and a moment later, he had more than doubled in height, his pants simply gone and leaving him naked, massive member flaccid but enormous as he slowly sat back in the throne that now perfectly fit his frame, his prayer beads increased in size with him and all-but-glowing with energy as he rested slowly back in the throne as his hair automatically braided itself into a ponytail behind him as the reptile's eyes glowed emerald, and he surveyed those down the steps as he said quietly: "Then there is no need for any of us to hold back from who we are... no need for any of us to pretend we are anything different. Yes... let's indulge, Earth. For once, I think you caught me in the right mood."

And beside him, the demoness smiled and then licked her lips slowly before she gazed out over those below as energy crackled along her body before she called clearly: "Let our celebration begin... and begin first, with the adoration of our master, and our god, our father and our beloved!"

Zerrex laced his fingers together as the powerful muscles covering his huge form flexed and he sat slowly back, watching as people began to walk up the steps towards him, naked bodies, anxious forms, demons and godlings and angels and everything in between, and Zerrex's eyes widened as he saw among them even Dragokkaren, turning his almost-glowing eyes to Earth as she smiled in an almost-teasing way and glanced away, saying easily: "There are many devout to you... and many who pursue you, who would die for a chance to meet you... and even more, to spend time with you like this, in physical worship of a god of fertility..."

"Earth, you naughty thing you... but as my High Priestess, I think that means you get the pleasure of first contact..." Zerrex said softly, reaching a hand out and seizing the female by the shoulder before dragging her slowly in front of him, and she flushed even as she looked excited at this prospect, the male's huge hands grasping her hips as he gazed adoringly and lustfully down into her eyes, his legs spread slightly, double the height of the female and thick with powerful muscle, his shaft like a colossal, restless serpent that was sunning itself upon the boulders of his two enormous testicles as he grinned down at her and licked his own muzzle slowly. "So go ahead. Worship your God, Earth... worship the one you've chosen for yourself as Master and dedicated this little gathering to..."

"Only if you allow those others I've brought as guests before you to aid me, Lord Zerrex... you are far too much for me to take all to myself... far too powerful for one person alone to sing the praises of..." Earth whispered in return, and Zerrex grinned slightly, licking at his own muzzle slowly before he nodded with a hungry growl, and Earth smiled slightly as she leaned forwards and nuzzled against his massive, chiseled abdominals, the nearly twenty foot tall Drakkaren's massive muscles thickening slightly, growing even larger as his shaft begin to steadily pulse its way towards full, godlike erection as he leaned back in the comfortable throne with his legs spread as she whispered: "Thank you, oh generous god..."

Without bothering to look up, she rose a hand and flicked her wrist forwards... and Dragokkaren approached out of the crowd, powerful, muscular males almost as large as Zerrex was, with monstrous, throbbing members of their own - most of them already erect, members that were several feet long and larger pulsating powerfully, often already gleaming with pre - and beautiful females with tall frames, large breasts, and visible, chiseled muscle of their own walked forwards. Five males, five females, all of them perfect specimens of Hez'Rannan culture, powerful and attractive... and their mouths kissed slowly at his arms, their hands stroked wonderingly over his musculature, their bodies emanated their desire as they whispered to him in their own language and a lucky two leaned down to kiss and nuzzle and lick slowly along the male's massive member, as Earth's hands worked worshipfully over the girthy black flesh, working it slowly to full, immense erection as she mouthed and teased it and ground her form against it as it bulged slowly upwards, upwards, upwards.

Finally, it stood at its full, towering size, no less than eighty inches, thick beads of pre dripping slowly along the massive obsidian pillar that Earth's tongue slowly curled beneath and pulled into her jaws to drink down like the sweetest of nectars, as the other Dragokkaren continued to adoringly kiss and massage along the male's massive frame as Zerrex only leaned back in his throne and grinned in distinct bliss... and then Earth slowly pulled herself forwards, stepping on the seat, then the arms of the throne as she turned herself around with a switch of her hips and Zerrex growled in pleasure, watching as she gyrated her hips as she ground herself down against his massive cock, letting the thick head grind through her legs as she rocked her hips forwards against the jet-black tower with a soft gasp of pleasure, then rolled herself slowly upwards so the huge head was positioned at her tiny but greedy sex, her sweet juices already dripping down the enormous shaft as she whispered: "I wish to face towards them all... so that they can witness your effect on me, my God, my strong, invincible master..."

"Yes, Earth... I wouldn't have it any other way." Zerrex murmured, squeezing slowly into her hips... and then he pulled downwards as he thrusted upwards, and Earth threw her head back with a long cry of delight as the immense member speared upwards into her, the first foot or so sinking deep into her stretched body before the Drakkaren slowly, slowly dragged her down his massive shaft, stretching her wider and larger as his fingers sank into her hips and he gritted his teeth in pleasure, massive biceps flexing with godlike size and power as Dragokkaren massaged along his arms and moaned and nuzzled against them wonderingly, others kissing over his abs, stroking along his chest, nuzzling against his legs and feet... and now, teasing his testicles and the humongous base of his shaft, tongues sliding, teeth nibbling, muzzles grinding greedily forwards as the reptile dragged Earth further, further, further down his member until he could go no deeper, her legs spread wide, her hands back against his groin, her hips rocking hard as she gasped and moaned and her juices dripped down onto the faces of the Dragokkaren below.

The reptile wasted no time, grinning in delight as he began to thrust rapidly up into her, and Earth rode him as best she could, screaming in delight, giving full, shameless voice to her cries as her hips rocked firmly and her eyes rolled in her head, her body shivering in ecstasy as she pushed herself back against him and her hands clutched against his muscles, the Dragokkaren now not only teasing Zerrex's body, but kissing along her stomach, nuzzling and mouthing her breasts, dragging their tongues deliciously and tantalizingly up along the thrusting shaft and over the flexing sex of the female as it clenched against the enormous, pillar-sized cock pounding up into her frame.

Zerrex's eyes roved hungrily, greedily, over the crowd that was watching them, enjoying the power he felt, loving the way they stared at him so hungrily, so excitedly, as he was worshipped by these mighty Dragokkaren, as he took Earth savagely, his member thrusting into her... and he drew it out, taking his time even with the speed and power of his movements, making her scream and beg as the Dragokkaren worshipped him... until finally, the reptile threw his head back with a roar, and his seed exploded upwards into the female as the Dragokkaren beneath her eagerly pushed their faces upwards as the reptile thrusted with savage force, his movements fiercely rapid, massive ropes of seed exploding over and over into the female, filling her up, making her bulging body stretch all the further, and squirting in thick waterfalls out of her tightly-flexing sex.

She screamed again in ecstasy at the feeling of gallons of the god of fertility's seed spraying into her, the Dragokkaren lucky enough to be beneath the Dragokkaren grinding muzzles and faces against her body and the Drakkaren's massive sex to slather themselves in the load spraying free as their hands eagerly massaged along his testicles and legs and their mouths licked and worked along the base of his shaft, as other Dragokkaren worshippers leaned across the reptile's leg in hopes of catching even a little of the seed spraying out of the female's sex as the last continued to kiss and grind and massage over the god's muscular, massive frame... and finally, the Drakkaren's thrusted slowed after an indeterminable period of time, and he growled in pleasure as he slowly and easily dragged Earth upwards and free from his monstrous shaft, his member squelching free from her sex with a thick wash of juices that splashed over the Dragokkaren worshippers beneath him and splattered along his legs and testicles and stone, the males and females both groaning in the glory of his load before the reptile lowered Earth forwards, her flexing, stretched sex trembling and dripping with her nectar and his fluids as he said hungrily: "Go. Sip my bounty from the chalice of your High Priestess."

The Dragokkaren were all too eager to oblige, leaning forwards and grasping Earth's inner legs as they pushed their muzzles against her sex and drank some of the leaking fluids, the demigoddess moaning softly as their tongues twisted into her and her hips rocked, sending more of the mix of fluid squirting down her passage... and after all ten had taken their taste, the Drakkaren gently set Earth down and allowed both her and the worshippers to slowly lap at his shaft until it was almost entirely clean but for the fresh beads of pre leaking down the male's monstrous, still-erect member, as he leaned back in the throne, his eyes glowing and the beads around his neck pulsating faintly with their own life, their own energy.

He felt powerful. He felt truly godlike, for the first time in many years, and he felt the strength and lusts of all gathered only further feeding his own as his muscles flexed and a thin sheen of sweat covered his body, adding to the gleam of his scales and the definition of his strength... and he leaned on one fist with a wide grin, drawing his eyes hungrily over the gathered as the Dragokkaren worshippers receded and Earth sat to the side of the throne, gasping and flushed and ecstatic, before the reptile's eyes locked on his Iuratus as they walked forwards, and he grinned in delight, licking his lips slowly at this sight. "Serenity... what a surprise."

The female stood with only the faintest of blushes, her scarred body naked as the other Iuratus, and somehow appealing despite the sumptuous and perfect frame of Daria and the almost-vain beauty of Ambrosia... and she walked slowly forwards, saying in a surprisingly-eager voice: "Iuratus... live to serve, Daddy. We live to serve our Master's every need... is that not right, my fellow Iuratus?"

Mist and Shine nodded, the twins holding hands and their identical bodies slightly pressed together at one side to gaze teasingly up at Zerrex, who grinned at this show... and then over at Desire, who slowly brushed her blonde mane out enticingly, body almost glowing as Ambrosia and Daria both reached forwards and rested a hand on Serenity's hips, sliding up closer behind her... and then Serenity's eyes closed, her breath catching in her throat as Ambrosia's free hand slid between her legs and two fingers visibly slid into the wetness of her sex, and Daria's other hand played across her sensitive front over her scars as she kissed the side of her neck, and Serenity whispered: "I am the Captain of your Iuratus, Zerrex. Let me please you next..."

"Yes, Serenity. I agree... come to me..." The Drakkaren's eyes all but glowed as Serenity approached hungrily, pulling away from the others as the Drakkaren half-lidded his eyes before he reached down and grasped the female's shoulder as she stopped in front of his enormous shaft, saying teasingly: "First... show me you've made up with your sister."

Serenity nodded, then turned towards Ambrosia as she eagerly stepped ahead... and immediately, their mouths locked together in slow, delicious hunger, grinding their forms together as the scarred female's hands sought Ambrosia's large breasts, teasing them slowly as her sister's hands rubbed down her sides to cup into her buttocks, pulling her hips close as their bodies ground together, their tongues twisting and mouths working sloppily and lustfully before they pulled slowly back... and then Zerrex reached down and grasped Serenity's hips tightly, making her flush as she was lifted easily by her father's strong arms as the reptile growled teasingly: "Iuratus, for my pleasure... please your Captain while her body pleases me..."

The females nodded lustfully, and Serenity moaned quietly, curling herself backwards a bit as she kicked her legs lightly at the feeling of the reptile's massive shaft grinding teasingly up between her buttocks and along her back, rubbing against the base of her tail before he slowly moved her higher upwards, his eyes glowing with eagerness and anticipation as he positioned the head of his shaft gently not at her leaking, dripping sex, but instead pushed up between her firm buttocks, against her tight rosebud as she whispered: "Oh Daddy... y-you'll stretch me so much... but I want it all, I want every inch inside me..."

"And that's exactly what you're going to get." Zerrex whispered beside her, as Mist and Shine slowly crawled up onto either side of the reptile's wide lap, each straddling a leg as they slipped themselves against his broad chest with half-lidded eyes... and then Serenity threw her head back, screaming in both bliss and agony as the Drakkaren suddenly rammed his shaft upwards as he yanked her downwards, forcing more than half of his gargantuan shaft into her in one massive, powerful thrust before he roared, his muscles flexing and bulging, as he slammed upwards again and yanked her downwards, blood bursting from the impossibly-stretched, tight rear of the Iuratus as her legs kicked wildly and her eyes bulged, another scream bursting from her jaws as he tore her all the way down with a groan of bones and flesh as he slammed into her to the very hilt of his colossal girth.

She shrieked, her sex releasing a squirt of its juices in reflex as both of her passages clenched hard, her eyes clenching shut as she ground herself back against him... and then Mist and Shine's hands rubbed along her chiseled stomach as their heads leaned forwards to teasingly mouth the scarred bosom of the female, making her gasp as they threw her arms around their shoulders, the twins working in easy concert as Serenity's hips bucked... before her eyes rolled in her head as Zerrex looked down with a hungry grin as Ambrosia buried her muzzle forwards greedily between Serenity's legs, Desire kneeling beside her as Daria stooped slightly and leaned forwards to massage her hands along the female's body as her mouth kissed and licked up the stomach and over the chest of the female, occasionally sharing short, sweet kisses with either of the twins, nipping at her neck, and meeting Serenity's moaning jaws to mouth her slowly and firmly, the Iuratus Captain's eyes rolling with bliss and pleasure, agony and ecstasy as Zerrex began to bounce her easily up and down his enormous cock that was buried so deliciously, so tightly, into her clenching, flexing rear.

He moved her slowly but firmly up and down, breathing hungrily, grinding his muscular chest forwards against her back, letting her feel his power as his eyes glowed with hunger... and the other females worked their mouths and hands and bodies against Serenity's form in delicious tandem and rhythm, Zerrex breathing hard as he leaned over them, gazing eagerly down at the show his Iuratus were putting on and feeling the emotions, the sensations, the raw arousal and pleasure emanating off his beautiful female servants and companions.

The reptile's thrusts picked up slightly in pace, and in response, so did the workings of the females against her, Mist and Shine nuzzling and teasing the sides of her neck, nibbling her in sensitive places, their hands stroking easily along her frame in synchronization with the movements of Daria, who murmured soft affections to the female as her tongue trailed along scales and scars, met her mouth in playful and teasing and slow kisses, stroked beneath Serenity's collar to make her shiver. And Ambrosia and Desire took turns between her legs, every so often meeting one another's muzzle in hungry and passionate kisses as their hands travelled over one another and along Serenity's frame as every now and then, Daria's slender body ground against one female or the other.

Their forms moved together beautifully, vociferously, as Zerrex's thrusts gradually increased in power and speed, and tears not of pain but of sheer ecstasy and sexual euphoria dripped down Serenity's face, almost-sobbing gasps coming from her muzzle as she was nearly overwhelmed by the sexual delight pulsating through her being. Their tangled bodies moved powerfully as Zerrex growled in pleasure, the sights, the sounds, the sensations making his pleasure rise steadily and eagerly through his body as his shaft began to slam fiercer upwards into Serenity's frame, making her athletic body vibrate slightly as she moaned and cried out weakly with every hard thrust of the reptile's enormous length into her form, begging with her wordless cries for more, almost tortured by the ecstasy that was burning steadily higher and higher through her body.

Zerrex gritted his teeth in pleasure as his huge member slammed upwards into her over and over again, feeling a heat growing in his frame, feeling his huge obsidian girth hardening further and further inside of her as the other females seemed to sense his oncoming orgasm. Between her legs, Ambrosia and Desire were already almost coated in Serenity's sweet nectar, and yet still they continued to milk her for more, kissing her sex, teasing along her labia, nipping at her sensitive lips and her inner thighs as muzzles pushed forwards at her stretched vagina and their tongues twisted deep into her passage, invading and swirling through every nook and cranny as Mist and Shine ground the wet, aroused lips between their legs against the male's strong thighs as they continued to hungrily and greedily mouth Serenity's body, teasing her in every sense and shape and way that they could.

And finally, what felt like after an hour of bliss and a longer, immeasurable eternity to Serenity, Zerrex threw his head back with a roar, his godlike body flexing with massive, powerful muscle, his immense girth ripping and slamming up into her again, again, and again as he released enormous volleys of seed that burst out of her tight, ravaged ass in thick streams, the Drakkaren snarling like a feral beast as he clutched her back against his chiseled, massive chest and his member slammed into her stretched form over and over, Serenity shrieking and rocking, legs kicking and hips bucking, as she orgasmed with the power and delight of the reptile's climax... and then a second, stronger release ripped through her body as her father continued to piston into her with a snarl for endless minutes, screaming in almost disbelieving ecstasy at both the virility of the male... and the sheer wonderment of the pleasure tearing through her.

When it ended, Zerrex slowly, slowly hefted her upwards as the other Iuratus leaned away from her, gazing hungrily at their master... and the Drakkaren grinned slowly as he pulled her free and a gush of his seed burst out of her, spilling down his massive member and over his lap and chest and legs, splattering over the ground as she rocked her hips and moaned, shivering and flushed and beyond embarrassment, almost insane with the pleasure she had experienced... and Zerrex carefully, slowly set Serenity down as his Iuratus looked up at him hungrily, eagerly, and the Drakkaren sat back in his throne, spreading his legs and letting his muscular, flexed arms rest against the arms of the huge chair, his member monstrous, a throbbing, still-hard, still-eager pillar as he said softly: "Go ahead, my servants. Clean both myself and your Captain."

And they were eager to oblige: as Mist and Shine and Desire first cleaned their master, dragging their bodies and rubbing their faces against him, stroking over him, smearing his spent seed on themselves only so they could then lick his load slowly from one-another's scales, Daria and Ambrosia slowly cleaned Serenity: Daria kissing her, working teasingly along her front as they pushed her to rest on all fours, and Ambrosia behind her, tongue dragging slowly up between her stretched cheeks, Serenity moaning and bucking her hips weakly as seed streamed out of her and rolled down her scales still, gasping as Ambrosia's tongue swirled gently along her torn rosebud and drank down blood and juices and her father's load from her sister's devastated rear.

Then they switched when half done, letting Ambrosia and Daria finish cleaning off their Master - and one another's bodies - as Mist, Shine, and Desire took care of the last of Serenity's exhausted form, Zerrex enjoying the show and the pleasure as it finished and they drew aside even as they gazed up at him eagerly... and next to come forwards was Cherry, Cindy, and Marina, his girls gazing up at him hungrily... and Cherry grinning widely, her body powerful and muscular, increased in size and power, breasts huge and a dripping wetness leaking down her legs from her sex... but a massive shaft almost as large as Zerrex's pulsing slowly in front of her and two enormous testicles dangling almost to her knees as she looked at Cindy and rumbled: "I got an idea, Boss. You can have one... I'll have the other... and we'll really get this party started in earnest."

Zerrex licked his lips slowly as Cindy half-lidded her eyes, breathing hard, her muscles flexing and bare breasts moving a bit with every breath, black-fleshed nipples and sex gleaming quietly with sweat and her sweet nectar as Marina walked slowly towards her father, half his size but fearless and eager as she gazed up at him lustfully... and the Drakkaren god grinned before he looked out over the others and called clearly: "Yes, you've all done enough watching for now, anyway... now indulge yourselves, each other... and rest assured, I have plenty for you all..."

The Drakkaren's body rippled with barely-contained power as energy sparked over him, feeling horrendously aroused still, the animal inside him that was usually repressed allowed free and allowed to revel in his full might, his full godlike power as he gazed down at Marina, and she gazed hungrily back up at him, licking her lips slowly as her eyes glowed... and images assailed the reptile's mind, of her in chains, of her beaten and bruised, of her used and violated in every was possible, of her at every mercy of her father... and only ever screaming for more, no matter what he did to her, no matter what she was subjected to, as she whispered: "I am yours..."

"You are mine." Zerrex reached down and grasped her hips, pulling her slowly upwards, letting her body drag slowly along his shaft as she moaned and weakly bucked her hips with a deep flush as an orgasm almost immediately tore through her body, her frame emanating arousal and desire and already tormented and tortured by the hungry, rampant emotions of all present as if she had already spent the entire night being teased and delighted by countless eager males... and Zerrex grinned as he slowly pulled her head back before kissing her hungrily, jaws almost locking of hers as drool slid along her maw, his tongue thickly invading her muzzle, forcing down to her throat as she moaned and ground herself forwards in complete, ecstatic submission, hips bucking fiercely against his shaft as her juices leaked down the humongous member and her breasts ground against it, arms clutching the massive cock... and then the Drakkaren slowly dragged her upwards as she began to pant harder, eyes glowing, eager and trembling, until the head of his shaft was positioned at the lips of her dripping sex.

Cindy, meanwhile, was fiercely kissing Cherry even as she was dominated by the massive, powerfully-muscled hermaphrodite, her claws sinking into Cindy's scales as muscle ground against muscle, breasts against breasts, and Cindy almost sat on top of the gargantuan, throbbing seventy-plus inches of her lover's colossal cock... and then she groaned as Cherry pulled back, only to bite savagely against Cindy's neck for a moment with an almost-feral growl before she whispered hungrily: "Oh, the only thing that gets me off more than the thought of fucking you senseless is Zerrex fucking you senseless..."

"Then shut up and do it if you've got the balls." Cindy growled up at her, and Cherry grinned and snarled at the same time, her eyes burning with hunger as a bit of blood dripped from the bite-mark in Cindy's neck as the female grinned savagely up at the hermaphrodite before she almost tore herself free, staggering backwards and then spinning around to lower her back and raise her hips and tail, and Cherry growled hungrily as the female's wet sex was presented to her in all its beautiful, dripping glory. "I need it Cherry, give it to me, stop making me wait..."

"Oh yeah..." the hermaphrodite stroked her enormous, girthy member before she looked up and grinned widely as Marina screamed in delight as she was finally pierced into, rocking her hips hard downwards as Zerrex thrusted upwards, body bouncing and stretching visibly on the reptile's massive member as their matching emerald eyes both glowed with lust, Cherry and Cindy forgetting one another to watch with eagerness, with burning arousal, as Marina was forced down, down, down, every inch, every foot, of the titanic member until she shrieked in triumph as it hilted into her, defying reality with the sheer size stuffed into her slender body... and then Zerrex seized her hips and shoved her forwards as he leaned slightly out of the throne, his muscular body flexing, irradiating energy and power as he bent her so she was supported almost solely by the monstrous member impaled into her and the hands gripping into her hips as her pelvic bones groaned loudly and her legs did their best to wrap around her father's waist, as Zerrex looked up at them and growled: "Do you two need and invitation?"

And Cindy and Cherry both moved forwards at the same time, Cindy almost leaping overtop Marina with her legs spread to either side of her daughter and sister's face, and Cherry seizing the back of Cindy's head to smash her face into the steel-hard wall of the male Drakkaren's chest as she thrusted forwards with a savage roar, forcing her colossal member into Cindy's tight, wet sex, blood and wetness splattering down over Marina's face as Cindy and Marina both shrieked in almost one voice, Cindy's head crushed against her father's abs as Cherry's massive member thrusted with raw, savage force, deeper, deeper, deeper...

Then Zerrex looked up in surprise as Cherry gasped at the feeling of strong hands clutching her hips... and a throbbing, enormous length grinding up along her back, before Priest said hungrily: "I couldn't resist showing my bro how to please Momma properly..."

Priest's huge body flexed with muscles, his enormous, black shaft a tower of sixty inches... and Markus, standing beside him, even thicker with muscle and twelve feet tall... but his member was at least as large as Priest's a powerful, girthy pillar as he grinned a bit, his arms crossed over his chest as he watched the red-scaled male Dragokkaren drag his hips back, then position the humongous, thick head of his cock at Cherry's tight, dripping sex before he simply slammed forwards, and the movement rocked through Cherry and made her grind and thrust savagely into Cindy, who shrieked as her face was crushed harder against Zerrex's chest even as her muzzle sought to lean downwards and mouth at Marina's clitoris and the base of her father's massive member as Marina reached up to seize into her mother's buttocks and rocked her hips and whole body eagerly upwards, mother and daughter's forms grinding firmly, delicious together as Zerrex felt his pleasure only intensify as he watched Priest seize Cherry's shoulders and then begin a powerful, rapid thrusting immediately, his huge testicles smashing again and again and again into Cherry's legs and her own massive testicles as he groaned, huge muscles grinding forwards against his mother's own powerful, thick-muscled frame. "You gotta... be rough with her... ain't that right, you goddamn bitch?"

"Fuck, yeah..." Cherry groaned in response, and she grinned savagely as she arched her back and began to thrust fiercely, almost carelessly, into Cindy as she leaned forwards slightly to better be able to throw her weight back and forth, slamming her thick buttocks and working her hips back against her son's massive member as she shoved her huge cock forwards to bury into Cindy's gripping sex again and again, sending splatters of wetness and her huge testicles slamming forwards again and again into Marina's face as she greedily nuzzled upwards against her mother's stretched sex as her father slammed powerful, more-controlled thrusts into her from behind ,feeling Cindy's tongue dragging hungrily along the penetrated labia of her daughter and the base of her father's cock and up along his chiseled abdominals.

The rough, hard rhythm continued along the group as Markus sat back, breathing hard, a wall of titanic, flexing Dragokkaren muscle with his immense, obsidian girth in one hand, stroking it slowly and leisurely as he watched and thick, massive droplets of pre that size of basketballs spilled down it to splatter to the ground... and then Priest suddenly stepped backwards and yanked free, and Cherry shrieked, slamming forwards to the hilt into Cindy, making her slam her head against Zerrex and cry out in ecstasy and pain as well as Zerrex continued his easy, strong thrusts, uninterrupted as he grinned at them and watched as Priest stepped back and Markus stepped forwards, positioning his member at his mother's stretched sex as she almost whimpered, panting hungrily and looking over her shoulder as the Dragokkaren said calmly and teasingly to his brother: "Now, unlike you, I have a wife... and know how to use my muscles for more than just pounding away."

And slowly, teasingly, Markus pushed inch-by-inch into Cherry, making her cry out and moan as she gave shivering, short bucks into Cindy, who gasped and shuddered as her legs kicked and her body clenched, groaning in delight as she shoved forwards against Zerrex and licked along his abdominals and at the base of his member as he continued to pound firmly in and out of Marina's stretched body, blood dripping from his claws sinking into her hips as her juices streamed in an almost steady flow from her ravaged vagina, her eyes rolling in pleasure as her face was buried in Cherry's massive testicles as the hermaphrodite rasped: "F-Fuck, Markus, Momma needs it now oh... oh you bastard... g-g-g-god..."

Markus gyrated his hips, hands sliding slowly along the thick sides of the female before they grasped into her breasts, teasingly rubbing the huge swells together and playing slowly with them as he leaned forwards and licked slowly along her spine, tasting her sweat as her chiseled back flexed powerfully against his tongue, ridges and valleys of muscles pushing upwards as his massive, strong body ground forwards against her as the reptile's enormous cock ground slowly, slowly, into her soaking, dripping passage, until his testicles slapped quietly against the hermaphrodites and he was fully hilted inside her stretched body... and then he began to thrust in a powerful, controlled rhythm that made his massive member grind against the walls of her sex with every screw-like movement, making Cherry shriek in bliss as Priest growled and watched as his brother deftly manipulated their mother's pleasure, his own huge cock throbbing powerfully as he stroked it slowly, delighted nonetheless by the show even as Cherry began to thrust savagely into Cindy to make her hips rock violently back against her son's movements in response as she screamed her bliss to the skies.

Markus and Priest took turns, trading back and forth, their shafts soaked quickly with Cherry's juices even as the hermaphrodite fought to held out as long as she could, her body slightly-transformed from sheer passion, drooling in bliss, covered in sweat and flexing, massive muscle as her cock bulged inside Cindy and slammed fiercely into her over and over again. The females caught between hermaphrodite and male had both already orgasmed several times over, saturated in sexual juices and bliss as Zerrex grinned in hungry delight, loving the show... and then Markus and Priest grinned at each other before they both suddenly hefted one of Cherry's legs from either side, knocking the hermaphrodite off balance for a moment... and then the two sixty inch, impossibly-thick cocks slammed against her stretched sex at the same time, fighting for dominance at first before they forced their way both into her passage, ripping into her body, making her bulge obscenely as her abs almost separated from the sheer girth being forced up into her as she threw her head back with a shriek of shock and pain and bliss as a total of more than ten feet of massive cock combined ripped up into her sex, both brothers groaning in ecstasy as their huge members ground together and they both wrapped their arms around Cherry, supporting their mother as she bucked fiercely, wildly in the thralls of bliss in their grips, slamming herself again and again and again into Cindy's stretched passage as she shrieked in surprise and bliss as her thick body stretched, as her muscles bulged, as her passage clenched, as her pelvic bones cracked, as both shafts ripped into her...

And behind her, the two leaned forwards, brother and brother's jaws meeting in a hungry, passionate kiss behind their mother as they both thrusted in rough time with one another, massive cocks grinding together inside the wet tightness of Cherry's passage as tears of pain and bliss dripped down the female's cheeks as her jaws fell stupidly open, and she thrusted hard as best she could into Cindy's sex even as the hermaphrodites legs were forced off far to either side and she was left almost immobilized in the air by the colossal girths inside of her.

A moment later, Cherry's orgasm came in a violent flood that erupted down her passage, splattering both Priest and Markus with her juice as their kiss broke, Markus grunting and Priest groaning as he leaned against the flexing back of his mother, and seed erupted from the hermaphrodite's massive member in a thick flow that exploded into Cindy's sex as she slammed back and forth with incoherent yells of bliss, leaning forwards to dig her claws into Cindy's sides and yanking her back and forth with every movement, making the female's breasts bounce wildly and savagely as she cried out, face buried against her father's chest as Cherry's hot load burst into her over and over in a massive, steady flow.

It spilled out, splashing over Marina's face, soaking her features in it as Cherry's testicles pounded against her skull, making her shriek with delight and pleasure as she clenched as hard as she could against her father, thrusting her hips roughly, her own climax striking... and Zerrex, lost in the bliss, felt their emotions, their lusts, their pleasures, and he threw his head back with a roar as it was too much to keep a hold on any further, letting his own orgasm rise furiously through his system as he smashed thrusts powerfully forwards, crashing against Cindy like a truck and ramming his gargantuan member again, again, again, into Marina's passage... before he suddenly grinned savagely as he yanked her back and suddenly sat back in his throne even as he grasped his huge member, letting Marina tumble to the ground as Cindy fell forwards as well, falling and rolling forwards to tear free from Cherry's cock with a shriek as the Drakkaren grasped his own huge member and stroked it rapidly in the tight grips of his fingers, grinning down at the two as seed exploded out of Cindy's stretched sex and Cherry howled as her cock bounced in the air, sending large ropes of her load jetting out over her own body and spilling over the ground in front of them, splattering on both Cindy and Marina's backs as they looked up at Zerrex as he said hungrily: "Here, my daughters. Be baptized by your God!"

"Yes, yes, yes! This is what I want, give it to me, give it to me!" Marina screamed eagerly, leaning backwards as Zerrex stood up, towering over them both, a wall of massive muscle and power as he aimed his massive member down at them, then she gasped as Cindy grabbed her before yanking her daughter into a fierce kiss, the two almost clawing at each other as their bodies ground together, and in the background, Priest seized his mother's huge shaft, milking even more seed from her as they leaned her backwards to further, deeper thrust their gargantuan cocks up into her, Cherry shrieking even as she kissed Markus hungrily, her hips bucking wildly as a waterfall of her fluids spilled out of her and her cock sent thick geysers of seed into the air.

And then Zerrex roared again as his orgasm peaked, and he sent his first, enormous flood of load exploding out over Marina and Cindy in a huge jet, soaking them with only the first blast as they continued to kiss greedily before they both turned towards him with mouths hanging open and bodies raised to be bathed by him... and burst after burst followed this, huge volleys that coated the females' forms in their father's essence, in the seed of the god they loved and worshipped and adored, as Zerrex roared again in pleasure that sent tingles through all of Acheron as he continued to pump gallons of his seed out over them, the thick volleys carrying far back, Cherry's body bursting with passion, with undeniable pleasure, with wanting whenever seed splattered on her as Markus and Priest were both also splattered with their father's load, both feeling like their father's virility was burning into their veins at every touch of it as more of the seed exploded down the steps and out towards the pavilion.

Finally, Zerrex began to slow... and then he sat slowly back with a sigh of contentment as his orgasm ended minutes and minutes later, grinning in pleasure as Marina and Cindy lay, soaked and bathed in his white seed as it bubbled a bit over their bodies, thick pools of load over them... and a river of it flowing down the steps to the plaza below, as Marina slowly rolled onto her stomach and dragged her tongue through the pond of load around her, greedily licking much of it up and then leaning back to rub her hands along her body as she whispered: "Oh thank you, Daddy... oh... thank you... my Father..."

Her eyes glowed with love and ecstasy and lust and passion as Cindy sat up... and behind them, Cherry had been freed of the fierce double penetration... but only because now the hermaphrodite was on her knees, hungrily stroking both Markus and Priest in either large hand, her sons groaning in pleasure as she bobbed her head up and down one huge shaft, and then the other greedily milking them both.

And Zerrex grinned, knowing that this would continue for many hours... and it did. He was pleasured in some way by every Disciple, from Mahihko and Lone as they ground against him and shared him between their eager muzzles, stretching their jaws as wide as they could for their Daddy, their Master's cock to tear down their throats, to even Sabnock, who flushed only slightly as she rode Zerrex, her eyes clenched shut as he moved her easily up and down his huge length before flooding her womb with his seed as Earth kissed along Zerrex's legs and Daria ground herself into his testicles and others only stared in eager hunger at the show.

When it ended, it was impossible to describe: seed, sexual fluids, and even blood was splattered throughout the area, and people lay in heaps, tired and sore and used up... and massive vines had grown all along the wall and even down the steps, a side-effect of Zerrex's affiliation. The Drakkaren himself was a little embarrassed: who knew how much time they'd spent like that, after all? And even worse... now he was standing here in the pavilion, fifty feet tall, looming over everyone and with his body flexing with godlike power, his shaft finally flaccid, and yet he was still aroused, still hungry for more, even though so many lay worn out around him, including even Selena, who had round after round after round of sex with him and many others... and then Earth walked up beside him, touching his leg, and Zerrex glanced down at her before she smiled at him radiantly.

He leaned down, gently picking her up, and she said softly as he held her up by his face: "Your lusts become our lusts, Zerrex... you should not be ashamed of what you have done, and who you are, when we admire you... when we, in a sense, share much of the same with you. Especially sexual hungers..." She halted, then smiled at him again, leaning forwards and whispering: "The others... have asked me to ask if you'll give us a show of power. Of your true power... of your true self."

Zerrex hesitated, glancing down embarrassedly... and then Earth said quietly, reaching out to stroke the god's massive muzzle: "Perhaps it will help you work off your own urges, that I still feel strong inside you... and it will answer a curiosity about yourself, and now it is safe, correct? Negative is receded... and we..." She stopped, then looked at him quietly. "I... would love to see your true strength. Just what you are fully capable of... especially here in Acheron. Even a glimpse of it alone... a glimpse of who you are. We do not ask that you take on your Ascended Form as you once were forced to against Camus... only that... what was Cherry's phrase? 'Give us our money shot.' I do not know what it means."

"Knowing Cherry she's hoping for both meanings." Zerrex muttered under his breath, and then he sighed a bit and looked at Earth hesitantly before he gazed down, realizing that many people were picking themselves up, cleansing themselves, and looking up at him curiously... and so finally, he nodded hesitantly, saying quietly: "Okay, I... okay. But just this once, you hear me? And only because this is a special occasion."

Earth smiled at him warmly, and then Zerrex carefully set her down and rolled his shoulders, grumbling a little under his breath before he said softly: "Fine, fine... I guess... this can't hurt too much. Besides, I've never really figured out the extent of what I can do, not after... not after what happened with Camus. I was so strong then, even before then, and then I know I lost much of that even though I gained the Inversion's powers... I wonder how much of that has returned?"

Zerrex looked down thoughtfully as he slowly examined his fingers, then he shook his head quickly and closed his eyes, vanishing from the spot. A moment later he reappeared outside the walls of Acheron, floating silently above the nothing below and gazing towards the ceiling of the sky above as he looked down at his hands for a moment, then said softly: "Anything I will is possible..."

The reptile spread his arms and let his back arch as he floated outside the immense city... and a moment later, his head tilted forwards and his glowing-green eyes opened as reality rippled around him, looking down now at a city that to him was only the size of a model set to the Drakkaren now... and he crossed his arms thoughtfully as he gazed down at a city he could now easily lift in both hands if he wished, his sharp eyes roving slowly over staring, awestruck Dragokkaren and Disciples before he murmured: "I have never cared for the way this city hangs in the air by itself... for Thegragon's lack of vision..."

He slowly held both his hands out, closing his eyes as he floated backwards slightly, immense, moon-sized form flexing slowly... and then reality distorted, rippling slowly, before waves of blue energy exploded upwards around the enormous floating islands that comprised the city, the sapphire bonfires that hovered around the area trembling and whiffing out as blue energy crept over them and along them... and a moment later, the energy began to solidify, becoming thick vines and rock, soil and grasses, as trees began to rip up out of thin air, root systems forming in huge, gnarled spiderwebs as soil and rock and ground spilled upwards.

Zerrex floated slowly backwards as the earth expanded around Acheron, and then his weightless immensity hovered upwards, sexless and yet emanating masculine presence, masculine power, as energy sparked and glowed over his body, his eyes still glowing like twin emerald suns as he flicked his hands out to either side and the ground spiraled outwards further and further beneath him, the city now surrounded by massive jungle and forest, before Zerrex suddenly swung a fist upwards... and he struck against the sky like it was a physical thing, cracks tearing through the red ceiling before Zerrex struck a second time... and the sky shattered like glass, pieces of the ephemeral ceiling above hailing down like broken shards of a crimson mirror, bursting apart as they fell and turning into a twinkling rain of red motes... and what was left behind, was both swirling red but also a beautiful, deep velvet curtain in which unknown constellations twinkled, as if the reptile had created a half-veiled window into foreign space beyond.

The god hovered upwards as the sky swirled behind him, long red streaks that streamed slowly in an eternal spiral over the starlight-laced black... and then he spread his arms slowly, and birds erupted from the trees that now surrounded Acheron as if they had always been there, as other creatures formed in sparks and glows of energy, reality rippling as Zerrex arched his back slowly... and then he clenched his eyes shut as he curled slightly up from where the colossal god hovered slowly over Acheron below, before his emerald irises opened... and he smiled slowly even as he felt reality around him rippling powerfully, even as he felt his body change slightly: his scales taking on a faint glow, his hair becoming like solid tendrils as it streamed down his back, the faint image of wings flickering in and out of reality behind him as sparks of energy travelled along his body and reached a hand up to stroke musingly under his muzzle. Yes, he was supreme in this dimension... he understood that now all the better, and his will was unquestioned, his subjects bowed and worshipped him and admired, envied, and loved his strength... and he could make every one of them into anything he wanted. From the most powerful below to the weakest, he could transform them, make them better, and send them out into the universe to do whatever he pleased from here, from his home in Acheron, a dimension that was endless with his powers backing it... and he slowly tilted his head back to gaze up at the ceiling above as his eyes glowed, thinking of what he would love to do with them all...

And then he frowned a bit as a tiny voice whispered up to him: "The road to hell is paved with good intentions... is that not a saying from your mortal world?"

Zerrex glanced to the side curiously to see Celeste standing at the edge of one of his immense shoulders, small, almost insignificant... but the sight of her brought his sanity back, and he closed his eyes, reaching a hand up to touch his forehead... and a moment later, the reptile flickered out of reality and left Celeste standing alone on a metal platform that formed beneath her feet, floating silently in the air before Zerrex reformed atop it... but he was back to his normal size, clothed only in his jeans as he rubbed at his face slowly and murmured: "I almost went too far."

"The key word is almost, Zerrex Narrius. As we know... even Creation... was sometimes a victim of his own power." Celeste said quietly, glancing down... and the Drakkaren looked up, studying her slowly, before she smiled a little at him and said quietly: "You have spread life and creation throughout Acheron and done good things, however. I am sorry if I went against your will, but you seemed..."

"Yeah, I know. I know now, I mean, I... yeah." Zerrex smiled awkwardly at her, rubbing slowly at his face before he sighed and shook his head slowly, saying quietly: "I can't even blame my Inversion, or Negative, or anything like that this time... I've always had a difficulty with power. With control. I always want to see my vision implemented, and spread my power... I always... I always want more, Celeste. I try and hide it and often I do well, but..."

Celeste walked forwards and silently hugged him, and Zerrex hugged her tightly back, resting his head against the Strange Beast's bare bosom before she whispered: "Come back, your friends and family await you. They adore and trust you."

"And that's why it hurts so bad sometimes, really... they trust me so much, put so much faith in my ability to control myself... but they... they wouldn't fight me if I turned..." Zerrex halted as Celeste studied him, and he looked back at her, asking quietly: "What if I tried to change you? What if I tried to hurt you, or ordered you to do something awful?"

"I have accepted you as the rightful inheritor of Creation's strength. I have chosen to stay with you, and for many reasons." Celeste paused, studying him slowly for a few moments as he looked at her quietly, and she said softly: "I would not resist you. I believe you know this. But my purpose is to serve Creation... and I always loved him. I am not a warrior... every time I have fought, I have fought because it was your will to defend others. If one day you become what you call 'evil' or 'wrong,' I shall continue to serve you. I shall not falter. But I do not believe you will permanently Invert. Your will is powerful and you have striven hard to control yourself, to learn about yourself, to adapt. When you stumble, I and many others will be there to help you back up. We will not allow you to give up everything you have worked for over a stumble or a misstep. We would only follow you into darkness if you chose to walk there yourself."

Zerrex looked up at her, strangely comforted by this... and then he nodded slowly before smiling a little as she flicked her wrist and opened a Gateway, and the reptile followed her through to step carefully back into the plaza... where Cherry immediately hugged him fiercely, saying warmly: "And that is why we call you a god!"

The Drakkaren only blushed a bit even as others congratulated him, admired him, hugged him and looked at him with envy, awe, and happiness... and then Missy approached as Zerrex sat under a tree with his wives gathered comfortably around him, in her jeans but shirtless - many others were still naked, although a few people had gotten dressed - and she studied him for a few moments thoughtfully before asking finally, as Zerrex looked up at her curiously: "So exactly what the hell are you, Biggs? I ain't never imagined you could actually do shit like that before... hell, you told me all those legends were a lie!"

"They are lies." Zerrex said mildly, and then he reached out and poked one of her bare breasts, making her blush a little. "Boobies."

She slapped at him and glared, and Zerrex laughed before Sin - dressed in her corset but only black panties instead of her long shirt, curled comfortably against Zerrex's side - glanced up and said kindly: "I would be more than glad to explain..."

"Go for it." Zerrex invited, nodding to her with a smile as Selena rested against his other side with her head in his lap and her eyes closed, a smile on the Passion's face even as she played silently with her locket, naked... and across her stomach lay Desire, her body and features slightly changed, slightly reflecting Lily a little more. On the other side, Cindy and Cherry were curled up together but both gazing lovingly at Zerrex... and behind him, between the tree he was sitting beneath and his broad back, Anathema was almost shyly curled up, mostly-hidden from the world with her arms around his neck and her head over his shoulder.

Others gathered as Sin looked up towards Missy: Raze and Sephire - the latter naked, the former in his own tight jeans - sat down next to Desire and Selena, and Priest and Markus joined their mother, the older brother wrapping his arms around Cherry's neck and pulling her close as if he was her overprotective boyfriend instead of her son, as Cherry reached out and took one of Markus's hands with a soft smile. Daria sat next to Cindy, quietly sprawling herself into her lap, naked and smiling lovingly... and others joined the circle as Zerrex blushed, even as Sin brushed herself carefully off before sitting up a bit and gesturing for Missy to come closer.

Missy blushed a little, but then she gathered her courage before walking forwards... and Sin guided her carefully to Zerrex's lap, leaning forwards and kissing the side of her neck, making the golden retriever flush before the so-quiet-seeming Naganatine leaned forwards, subtly controlling the situation as she almost sandwiched Missy between their bodies, forcing her back against the male's broad chest with only a single arm that draped across her and making Zerrex and Sin the only people in the world to her despite everyone that was gathered, as the Naganatine explained in a gentle voice despite the sultry fire in her eyes: "The first and easiest definition is that Lord Zerrex is a God of Fertility and Energy. He has inherited vast powers... and as you have heard, he has powers of creation inherited from the First God of the same name.

"Like many demons, Zerrex can control the appearance of his outer form to a point. The body he stays in is the body he had while mortal..." Sin gestured towards the reptile, and when Missy glanced awkwardly backwards, the Naganatine leaned forwards and kissed the golden retriever quickly on the cheek, making her blush deeper in surprise before the demoness continued, as if nothing had happened: "Zerrex also has inside him the strength and abilities of the Goddess Thegragon, who first ruled Acheron, who created this dimension as her stronghold. That, combined with his immense reserve of energy and willpower, as well as his inherited strengths from other gods, is why he is able to create such vast effects in this dimension.

"That is not to say Zerrex is limited in the physical universe: in Hez'Ranna, his powers are still immense and formidable, but even outside his own territory he is very capable and powerful. Zerrex, however, holds back... and often worries and fears what his powers will lead him to do." Sin gazed at him softly, saying quietly: "He needs to have more confidence in himself. But he is capable of altering his size, creating life and inorganic objects, manipulating energy and absorbing other energy signatures... including the very souls and life essences of others. He is also capable of creating Disciples, as you have witnessed, and binding souls... again, permitted by both the abilities he has inherited and his control of raw energy."

Missy blushed a bit as one of Sin's hands trailed down her body, and then she squirmed awkwardly as Zerrex's fingers squeezed into her hips before she asked hesitantly: "But... weren't you a demon once?"

"Yeah, I was... but even then, I had the ability to control energy. I absorbed... I absorbed quite a few souls over the years, and I'm not entirely proud of that." Zerrex said quietly, glancing down embarrassedly. "Their souls mixed with mine, bonded, and then were absorbed into my energies... I gained the powers of Thegragon to an extent that way. And then, against Athéos... when he died, I passed through his energies on my way to... to dying. I took in his raw energies that had composed him... I absorbed all his strengths. And Naganis... rebuilt me. The thought is that I had bonded somewhat with Athéos's energies while in the Nothingness, and when Naganis pulled me free, he... he gave me a lot of his own energies, which were the energies of Creation, reborn, with his powers... and that, Athéos, and Thegragon... and of course the fact that when I was a demon, I was a Split Incarnation of Lust and Wrath..."

Zerrex closed his eyes a bit, smiling faintly. "I'm very, very powerful. I don't like to admit that. I don't like to seem that way. I am what I am, but..." Zerrex shook his head a little, and then he glanced towards Sin, and she smiled softly. "I just want to be seen as me. Not as a God. Not as a 'greater being.' I am no more important to this universe than anything else, after all..."

Missy snorted at this, shaking her head a little... and then she frowned and asked quietly: "So that Inversion then... is that part of the God-thing? I ain't never been totally clear on that, even after seeing you and after... you know..."

She rubbed embarrassedly at her stomach, and Zerrex smiled a little and looked at the Naganatine, and Sin nodded before saying softly: "Once, Zerrex was forced to break his Vows to battle a... a very powerful opponent named Camus. All Gods have Vows, or 'rules' that they cannot bend or break: they are inherent, usually the opposite of what a God is compelled to do or rule over. Zerrex is compelled to Create, and to Protect; he adheres to a distinct code of honor and discipline. If a God's Vows are broken by themselves or through the interference of another, then they often Invert: the most common example is a God of Beauty that is terribly scarred: they often invert, becoming twisted versions of their former selves, determined to make the rest of the world suffer and be as ugly as they are and feel.

"However, an Inversion is not entirely dissimilar to its origins: Negative, as we call Zerrex's Inversion, is a God of Destruction but not raw, pure obliteration. Instead, he often seeks to corrupt, and uses organic life itself as a means of creating further havoc and suffering, instead of mechanical means or the pure opposite. Inversions are warped versions of their former selves, and everything about them often changes... even if they can still hold the same things very dear to them."

Sin looked softly at Zerrex, who gazed back quietly, and then he glanced down at Missy as the female looked up at him curiously, saying softly: "When I'm Inverted, as long as I don't allow my emotions to go too rampant, I can control myself. I also have a collar and some other gear that I can put on to help control myself further... although the biggest obvious changes are both the fact that I begin to generate the toxic Corruption in that form and my control over energy actually intensifies enough for me to be able to control even dark energy. As... normally, I'm strong, but a lot of my abilities are defensive in nature and designed to protect others or fight an opponent down but... not destroy them utterly. Negative, well. My Inverted form is good for mass-mayhem and outright killing, or warping something to take complete, outright control of it."

The Drakkaren fell silent, and Missy nodded slowly before Sin added softly: "And Negative himself manifests as a real entity at times, although often visible only to Lord Zerrex and few others. Negative is... we are still not entirely sure. But it has to do with the fact that Zerrex has other souls inside of him... which means that Negative is likely an entirely different person, although it is embarrassing to admit it was... several years before we started believing Zerrex's word that it wasn't simply an alternate personality."

Sin blushed a little, and Missy nodded again, seeming to have less trouble believing this for some reason than with anything else as she frowned a little and bit her lip, before she looked up at Zerrex, asking quietly: "How strong are you? What... what can you do?"

"A lot." Zerrex said simply, and when Missy headbutted him, the reptile grunted before looking at her awkwardly, rubbing the back of his head slowly. "It's... I dunno. A lot of my abilities I don't use as much anymore, but I do still have them. I just have no reason to put them to use with my control over energy and my ability to create objects... and for all my power to control the earth and organic life at will, well. I still suck ass at magic, and I can shoop between worlds but I still can't create a stupid vortex by myself."

Zerrex paused for a moment ,then he grinned a bit as he held his left arm up, and several large, black-fleshed tentacles twisted out of it, before large, bone-like thorns pushed themselves out along the lines of flesh, and the Drakkaren said mildly: "A lot of stuff from my days as a demon I can still do... and some of it is even supercharged now, like my ability to Dominate others." He paused as the tentacles retracted slowly back into his arm, the bony thorns sliding back into the flesh as they pulled slowly into his scales. "But I'm far from invincible. I have material affinities and vulnerabilities... and mortals who know how to put things like that to use can even kill me if I'm not careful or underestimate them. Yes, I have immense powers. But a lot of the time it's like... I'm still just like a soldier on a battlefield in the biggest combat armor ever, except there's no front to it. So I scare everyone and I seem unbeatable and all-powerful... but if one guy gets a lucky shot from even his handgun, I'm going to bleed out all over the place and die horribly."

The Drakkaren grinned lamely at this, and Sin sighed a little as Missy shook her head with a faint smile before she turned around in his lap, cupping his face... and only blushing slightly when Sin slipped behind her and the Naganatine's hands slid around to cup the golden retriever's bust, Sin nuzzling the side of her neck slowly as her long tail flicked back and forth. "That's why you have Disciples, right? To protect you. I learned about 'em some from your scary-ass daughter with the scars."

"Serenity's a good girl, even if she... well... is a little mean sometimes." Zerrex glanced up, unsurprised to see the Iuratus Captain herself... but instead of being dressed in her usual golden plates, she was instead wearing a simple loincloth and wrap around her nonexistent breasts, Ambrosia sitting on one side of her, the sisters resting together and Serenity looking relaxed for the first time in many, many days. Vampire's head was in her lap, the massive black wolf naked and content-looking, breathing softly as her hand affectionately stroked along one of his powerful biceps... and the two other wolves were curled up with their unofficial brother, Lone smiling a bit as he rested back against Vampire's abs, Mahihko cuddling against Lone's side as he clutched Vampire's hand tightly in both his own.

"You're a strange one, Biggs, I gotta say... but I guess I kinda like that." Missy closed her eyes, sliding herself a bit closer against his chest as she murmured softly: "I'm glad I got to know you so good. I like this time with you. I feel good with your family here... and well, maybe I feel like I fit in here, too. I'd... I'd really like to fit in here."

"You already do." Zerrex said softly, holding her a bit closer as Sin smiled tenderly, and then the Drakkaren smiled a little as he glanced up, looking back and forth over the group and letting himself simply bask in the affection and attention a he cradled the red-and-green eyed female tightly in his powerful arms.

Over the course of the week and a half that followed, Zerrex kept himself busy: now that Acheron had been expanded, the city sitting comfortably atop an immense floating jungle that was miles and miles wide and filled with strange and magnificent creatures, Dragokkaren and Disciples were both exploring it and enjoying the beauty of the dimension's strange nature. Zerrex himself wandered through it a little, unsurprised by the fact none of the animals were either scared or hostile towards him... and as he'd petted a Draybeast quietly as the large, shaggy-furred animal rumbled softly, he'd wondered if he was able to create life outside of Acheron... if these were even real creatures ,or only Simulacrum of a sort... false souls, like androids based upon images and facts about real things, scarily-similar in some ways to the recombinants they had spent so long embattled with.

But he was too busy to think too much on it: the Drakkaren was given an order from Vivien to go about the duties he had been excused from while the crisis had loomed, partially as a way to satisfy the mortal world's curiosity about the rumors going around about Heaven, Hell, and murderers... and so the reptile had grumbled, but with Naganen and Mercy in tow, had travelled through colonies across the world, meeting with various people, getting status reports, sharing news from Elysium with interested parties on diplomatic visits. Naganen and Mercy thankfully did most of the work, while Zerrex just sat around and looked important... and in a few cities, ran off to visit old friends, sharing coffee with a black-scaled dragoness and grumbling as she'd wiggled the story of what had happened out of him, and curiously trying to find a panther named Julian... but he had seemingly vanished, and Zerrex only hoped that he was okay.

During a stay at a hotel near what had used to be Northern Ire and was now, once again, part of the country that had once forsaken it, Zerrex had heard a tapping at his window... and he'd been stupefied to find a Primordial standing on his balcony, wearing a long dress and with ivy hair flowing from her black-furred skull, large triangular ears perked and eyes wide and smiling. Nature: chaotic, but unlike the rest of her 'family,' as she called them, she was friendly and existed only to create and nurture, not to destroy.

Nature had bounced through his hotel room, growing ivy over the walls and small trees, chattering cheerfully away about this and that and how she was helping the world reclaim ancient mortal cities and doing her best to hide from all the nasty mortal technologies that were spreading through the world again, and Zerrex could only stare at her dumbly as he thought about how well she'd probably get along with Theophilius. Not that he minded entirely... she was a friend, crazy or not, and he admittedly liked seeing how she was doing on the rare occasion she showed up out of nowhere.

She had bounded out as suddenly as she'd come, leaving Zerrex in a room that was overgrown with vegetation... and the reptile had grumbled a little, but cleaned things up... and for the few days he was in Ire, Nature showed up every night... and then somehow showed up twice while he was out in Lailland, acting as if it was no big deal she had apparently crossed the ocean somehow and cheerfully bounding around his room again.

When Zerrex returned to Elysium, he found that Vivien had added two Eslovians to the High Council, but that things were still going well: Sin, Amiglion, Selena, and Mercy sat upon the High Thrones, Vivien was High Queen, the Council ran efficiently, and friends and family were all accounted for still, with no signs that there was anything left to worry about, with no murderer terrorizing them and no major wars or catastrophes looming over their heads, no Old God incursions, and no more funerals to attend.

Huck had sent a message from Hez'Ranna, saying that it would likely only be a few more months before Cinderella and Prometheus were reborn, and he admitted that for once he shared Mengele's excitement: he was no fan of playing god with genetics, but they had died in such an unfair way when they had been built instead of born in the first place, that even he would be glad when they were back... assuming they would be able to adjust to life again, and that they wouldn't be overloaded from the emotional memories being fed into their minds and the knowledge of what had occurred in their previous life.

Mengele was also working hard on building a body for Soul, still showing his odd affection for her, the recombinant that had become a person... and High King Pagan Churchill had officially announced his retirement, and that his son Fidel Churchill would be assuming the throne. Zerrex had gone to the party with his core family and Serenity, Mist and Shine, and they had all talked about old times, reminiscing about the good and bad with Albatross, Churchill, Huck, and others that had been around in those times long past.

When he had returned to Elysium, he had found little time to rest - although as always, he found time to goof off with Cherry and others - and then he'd ended up going out on another few awkward dates with Vivien. They had dinners out, they enjoyed walks together, they relaxed and discussed work and friends and old memories and lost loves... and slowly, they were getting more and more comfortable with each other.

Likewise, Sabnock was growing more comfortable with him and with openly showing how much she cared about him, even if she spent a lot of time working or trying to better organize his Disciples. Disciples that now included Missy in the ranks... and now the golden retriever wore a collar made of silver proudly, with a black stud on one side, a diamond stud on the other, and a large, square golden clasp that sat in the center, decorated with the symbol of Elysium. The moment she had become a Disciple, the changes that had been slowly going through her body had accelerated... and now she possessed one beautiful wing of ivory composed of glowing feathers and tendrils of energy, and a black, demonic wing of stretched leather and thick, spade-like scales that glimmered like steel. But her body was still covered in golden fur... although she had grown larger, a little more muscular, and her hair had turned from blonde to ivory.

Her eyes still glowed red and green, and she demonstrated both demonic and angelic powers: she could utilize holy and blessed objects without harming herself, but she could also create blasts of dark energy now, as well as use abilities like Dominate and Lust on opponents, and even create tentacles down which she could channel dark energy and holy lightning. She was quickly becoming very powerful... and her physical strength was already enough she was able to keep up with the others in weight exercises and grappling. She needed a lot of training... but she was already shaping up to be a powerful addition to his network of Disciples, and she grew more dedicated to their ideals every day.

Missy had wanted to go home and visit her Momma and Poppa, and Zerrex had let her... and despite her changes, she had been welcomed by them. It had been a short visit, but an enjoyable one, Zerrex, Missy, Rebecca and the Reverend talking and sharing stories... and then they had parted ways, but Missy had promised to come back soon, and the Drakkaren had been glad for it.

Yet one of the things that stood out most over the past more than a week, was when Zerrex had been humming absently to himself as he'd sorted through books in the library, Cindy and Cherry visiting with Jessica, Marina off with Celeste, the wolves helping Priest and everyone else doing their duties, leaving Zerrex to while away time until Vivien needed him... and Naganen had come to him, blushing a bit, and it had apparently taken him most of the ten days to work up the courage to ask hesitantly about the party in Acheron.

He'd heard plenty of stories: Daria had teased him with explicit details - Zerrex had admittedly chuckled a little himself at how beet red Naganen had turned as Daria had whispered stories into his ear while they'd been sitting in the den together, until the Naganatine had fled the room - and Epiphany had also shared the events, since she'd been in attendance herself... and gotten quite a bit of her father's affections, not to mention enjoyed herself with both Anathema and Sin. So Zerrex had looked with amusement at his son, then gestured for him to sit down at one of the wide tables as he'd set a stack of books aside, and they had sat side-by-side and talked about it.

It wasn't that Naganen was any stranger to the concept of sex or the indulgent, sexualized cultures of both Hez'Ranna and Elysium, but it was a subject he was shy about, and the Drakkaren often wondered if Naganen had even ever kissed someone for that matter. Daria loved to tease and flirt with him, but she never actively pressured him... even though the reptile could see how much the newt adored little Naganen, perhaps as much as she cared for Cindy. And it wasn't like he would have any shortage of suitors, either... charismatic, handsome, strong, wise, and already an ambassador-in-training for Elysium, a godling in his own right. If he wanted to, Zerrex was pretty sure that Naganen could have more suitors after him than Zerrex ever had... but he was shy, and he was quiet, and humble, and when pressured, usually mumbled that he just wasn't interested in sex or relationships.

So it was an odd question, and Zerrex had explained what they had done, why they had done it, and gone into detail about not just the culture but the idea behind it even though he didn't have to, half-feeling like he was justifying himself... and when he'd stopped, Naganen had curiously looked at him before reaching out to take his father's hand, lacing their fingers together slowly and squeezing it as his other hand had travelled up his arm and he'd said softly: "I think I'm ready, Dad. I trust you. I love you and respect you. Will you... teach me?"

Zerrex had looked down into his son's naïve, generous eyes, surprised and blushing a bit, wanting to argue or stumble... but the look on his face, so innocent and yet obviously knowing what he was asking, so loving, so humble, so worried and scared of rejection as he felt Naganen's emotions almost shivering against him... and then he had simply nodded a little, and quietly picked his son up... and Naganen had blushed and smiled but gladly closed his eyes and curled against his father's powerful body as he'd carried him out of the library and to a private room.

They unclothed each other gradually... and then kissed softly, and Zerrex laid Naganen back on the bed, moving slowly so as not to frighten or scare him, and they gently, slowly made love. It was not simply sex... it was so much more with his beloved, young son who came to him first for advice, first for love, who gave his virginity and his innocence up to him to find out whether or not he was truly ready for more... and Zerrex shared everything he could with him, until he lay with Naganen naked and curled against his chest, eyes closed, blissful and quiet as he stroked over the Drakkaren's chest and said shyly: "I chose you because... I knew it would end like this. You comforting me, and holding me... and that you'd be so kind to me, and wouldn't rush me. I chose you first because I respect you and adore you, Dad, and I know you'll never betray me or make my faith in you waver. I chose you because I wanted my first time to always, in my mind, be one of my best times. I chose you because I knew I'd look up in your eyes because you wouldn't judge me... and because I want to be more like you. I want to grow up to be like you, Dad... I'm scared and shy and worried about what people will think of me and what I should do all the time, and I know you sometimes feel the same way, but the difference is you go ahead with things anyway... and you always know what to do or say, and I envy that. Even when you don't know, you lower your head and shove forwards... thank you. Thank you for being my father. Thank you for showing me today what love and sex are. Thank you for sharing yourself with me physically. I know I'm not a full adult yet, not nearly. Not physically, not mentally, not emotionally, despite what people say and think and feel about me, despite the fact that I'm learning so much, developing so much..."

He closed his eyes, then wrapped his arms tighter around his father's neck, snuggling closer as Zerrex smiled softly and held him back on the bed, breathing softly as Naganen whispered: "One day I'll be more like you, Dad. Physically and mentally... but I'll always respect and admire you. I'll always love you and look up to you. You're my Father. I don't want that to ever change."

"It never will." Zerrex murmured quietly in return, pulling Naganen closer... and for a while, they had only rested together silently. Eventually, Naganen had finally pulled away to put on his boxers and his robes, blushing a bit as Zerrex had simply watched him with a soft smile... and then Naganen had hesitantly come over and leaned down to share a quiet, chaste peck on the lips with his father, and the Drakkaren had laughed a little before he smiled and said mildly: "Go hang out with Daria some more. Indulge that physical side of yours, try and experiment a little."

"I..." Naganen frowned a bit, and Zerrex wondered if he'd said something wrong before the Naganatine turned beet red as he turned towards the door, yelling in an embarrassed voice: "Mom, no! You weren't watching, were you?"

There was an awkward silence... and then the door slightly creaked open, and Naganen turned even brighter red as both Cherry and Anathema peered their heads in, Cherry grinning widely and Anathema blushing a bit even as she retorted: "No, I wasn't watching. I was just... well... I heard something and... I thought..."

"We were watching, it was hot, I want to rape you long time now." Cherry said cheerfully, and Naganen squeaked before he opened a white portal behind himself and shot through it, vanishing as Zerrex slapped his forehead before Cherry kicked the door open with a cackle and walked inside, grinning cheerfully as she rested her hands on her hips... before squawking when Anathema tackled her back and pinned her against the ground, flailing her arms wildly: "It was just a joke!"

"He's sensitive, you bitch!" Anathema growled and punched Cherry in the back of the head, making her yelp before she grumbled and glowered up at Zerrex... but when Zerrex simply glared at her, she winced and shrank back, muttering: "Okay so... we shouldn't have spied. I was... I mean... I was just worried, and Cherry was... staring at something, so we... investigated." She looked lamely up at the Drakkaren, rubbing at the back of her head before she finally smiled a little as even Cherry looked abashed, crossing her arms under her head and smiling almost pleadingly. "Please don't be mad."

"Yeah, don't be mad, Boss. We'll... fix it. Somehow." Cherry said dumbly, and then she held up a finger and added brightly: "It was really hot! He's a damn sexy little thing!"

Zerrex glared at her, and Cherry cleared her throat and made a zipping motion across her muzzle when Anathema rubbed embarrassedly at her face... and then the Drakkaren rolled his eyes and slipped off the bed, grumbling a bit as he grabbed up his boxers and pants and said dryly: "Then please, fix it. I really don't want Naganen to go back to being pretty much asexual, and not just for my benefit. I don't want him to miss out on what life has to offer."

"Sex?" Cherry said dumbly, looking up as Zerrex slipped into his clothes, and the Drakkaren rolled his eyes.

"Relationships, Cherry. Healthy ones, unlike yours and mine." Zerrex paused, then shoved his foot against Cherry's face, but she replied by licking slowly up the sole of it and Zerrex yelped and drew his foot back, shaking it out as Cherry giggled stupidly. "You're gross."

Cherry grunted agreeably, and then Anathema and the hermaphrodite both stood up before the three looked at each other, the two examining him as Zerrex now blushed a bit... and then he glanced away awkward as the masculine female asked softly: "How are you holding up otherwise, though? I bet this was a welcome break but... I know you've been worrying and shit again."

Zerrex nodded a little after a moment, saying quietly: "Yeah. Both about my own power... as well as Negative. He's still missing... last time this happened, he came back with a vengeance. I also still can't Invert... and I haven't been wearing my mala or the Armor of Naganis or anything. I even put it down in the Deep Temple, with the Spear of the Conquerors and the other fancy stuff I've collected over the years and want to keep ultra-safe."

"Lo, and sealed down in the depths of darkness, in the ribs of the earth, in the heart of the pyramid, sits the Altar Devotion, inside the Eternal Cage." Anathema murmured softly, and Cherry and Zerrex both smiled a little as they looked at her before she gazed up at the Drakkaren and nodded slowly. "It's a safe place for it for now, although I do wish you'd wear it more often. It... it suits you."

"Thanks." Zerrex said quietly, and then he smiled a little. "Maybe after I know it's fixed, I will. I'll at least take it out of there... it doesn't need to be kept under lock and key like some of the things down there. I just don't want it disturbed while it repairs itself."

The others nodded... and then Zerrex glanced up before he shook his head a bit, saying quietly: "Anyway. You two go about your business. I'm going to head back towards the library, do some more research on Inversions, and finish cleaning it up and sorting it out."

They both nodded, then stepped forwards and traded quiet kisses with him before turning and leaving... and Zerrex watched them go before he absently rubbed at his bare chest, murmuring softly: "Negative... you didn't like what just happened, did you?"

There was only silence, however... but Zerrex had felt it. His physical affection, his contact with Naganen... Negative had been silently watching, and had been upset by it for some reason. The Drakkaren shook his head a little, and then he walked quietly out of the room, heading back towards the library as he mused a bit... before looking up in surprise as he saw Epiphany striding towards him, the female smiling softly, her stitched-on vest of scales stretching quietly against her form as she reached her hands out.

Zerrex gently took them, gazing into her eyes, and she studied him for a few moments before asking softly: "Daddy... do you trust me?"

"I... of course I do. You know I do." Zerrex said softly, and Epiphany only gazed into his eyes for a moment longer with her own bright emerald irises, before she nodded slowly... and then smiled and closed her eyes when the Drakkaren leaned forwards and kissed her forehead as he gave her fingers an empathetic squeeze. "What is it, Epiphany?"

"I may have found a way to free you from your burdens, Father... but it is dangerous." Epiphany said quietly, opening her eyes to gaze at him silently, and Zerrex looked down at her with surprise before she smiled a little. "I know I'm only a child. I know I'm very young... but I still... think I know what to do. I am not vulnerable to your burden's powers... and even though he hurts you, every day... even though right now I know you're... scared and worried that he's going to leap up and tear you apart... I... would like to try and help you. Let me help you. We'll go to a safe place..."

"Tell me what you want to do, first." Zerrex said slowly, and Epiphany nodded quietly as she gazed up at him with a soft smile, which reassured the Drakkaren even as he felt something in his mind twist in apprehension... yet he wasn't sure if it was really part of him that was suddenly anxious, or something else.

"It's very simple. As he's a different entity existing inside of you... he can be forced out by someone who can contact his energy signature, who can... touch him, so to speak, and then we can get rid of him. Together." Epiphany replied quietly, her voice sending a chill down Zerrex's spine. "The others have experienced both Corruption, have been touched by both of the souls that reside inside this body... but unlike them, I was born, created, by both of the beings inside of you, my beloved Father. I can sense and contact both sides of you... and I have none of the vulnerabilities your other Disciples do."

Zerrex nodded slowly, hesitating, and he looked down and murmured: "We should... get someone else then, maybe. Daria, or Maria... others who are immune to the effects of Corruption..."

But Epiphany only shook her head quietly, saying softly: "Trust me, please, Daddy. I... I don't want to risk them getting hurt if something goes wrong. I can stand the thought of being injured myself... but I am powerful, and you know I am powerful. I can summon Equinox if things truly become disastrous... but what happens if you begin to wrestle with yourself? To turn on the others, or worse... you tell them to turn on each other?"

Zerrex closed his eyes tightly, remembering all too well the devastating effects Negative was capable of having, the way he could turn his family and friends into animals and monsters if he wanted to... and then he swallowed slowly. It felt... dangerous, and underhanded, and anxiety trembled through the reptile's system... but he finally nodded slowly as he thought of the advantages. He trusted Epiphany with his life, and she gazed up at him with honesty in her eyes, wanting to help, confident in herself, love for her father emanating from her emotions... and Zerrex sighed softly as he muttered: "I don't like this."

"I don't either. But you're suffering... and I'm scared too. Every time... there is a silence, it's followed by something terrible happening. By that thing in your... rising up, hurting you. It is cunning and ruthless and seems unstoppable... but I can stop it. I know I can." Epiphany whispered, reaching up to touch his face... and Zerrex nodded finally again, the female smiling up at him tenderly: "Alright. Come Father. Let us go to the Deep Temple. It's safest there..."

Zerrex nodded once more, closing his eyes and concentrating... and the two vanished to reappear in the outer room, the massive vault door standing open and the darkness beyond beckoning them as the Drakkaren cursed and felt something writhe in his head... and Epiphany murmured: "He's threatened. It's okay. We just have to push forwards... I can numb the pain if you want."

"No, this way I know what's going on, at least... gods above, I hope he hasn't been gathering his strength for this..." Zerrex muttered, grasping his skull quietly as they walked forwards and over the threshold... and behind them, the enormous vault door slammed shut, Zerrex looking sharply over his shoulder and Epiphany wincing a little as spirits silently roved through the buildings of the damned city around them, the blue flames guttering and darkening as the Drakkaren muttered: "Goddamn you Negative, it didn't have to come to this..."

Epiphany wrapped an arm around his waist, guiding him forwards towards the Deep Temple, walking down the streets as Zerrex felt a distinct whispering in his mind, senseless and dangerous, as silhouettes lurked in the shadows around them and spirits stared mindlessly, emotionlessly, out of the windows of the stone buildings... and then the Drakkaren winced a bit again, grasping at his skull as a pain went through it as they reached the steps of the Temple, and Epiphany whispered: "Almost there, Daddy. Just a little further."

They made their way slowly upwards, Epiphany half-supporting him, gazing at him worriedly and lovingly as they made their way to the top... but instead of guiding him to his throne, they walked carefully around to the back of the pyramid, where a second set of steps led down to a half-hidden platform on the rear side of the immense building. Zerrex grimaced as he stepped down onto this, glancing at a door made of Dragokkaren bone and black roses... but Epiphany reached out and opened this carefully for him, saying encouragingly: "You're doing well Daddy."

Zerrex smiled faintly at her, and she kissed his cheek as he passed before stepping after him into the dark passageway, throwing the door closed... and as they made their way slowly into the narrow but tall corridor beyond, Epiphany murmured: "I'm sorry this is so sudden. But I knew... I knew the moment I started to tell you this... he would rise up in your mind. He would hurt you... and worse... I... I felt... how scared you were of me after what happened with that monster, that murderer. I'm so sorry I reacted the way I did..."

"No, I'm sorry, Epiphany. I forgot... you were my daughter for a moment, I guess. I... I forgot how vicious I can be myself." Zerrex said quietly, and Epiphany hugged him fiercely from behind, trembling, holding him in place for a moment as the reptile straightened... and then he groaned and cursed, grabbing at his skull as agony flared through it and he felt a shiver travel through his form. "Goddammit..."

"It's okay. It's going to be okay." Epiphany carefully pushed him forwards, and they made their way deep, down the twisting passageway, until they reached a heavy platinum portcullis that Zerrex glared at as he felt pain shoot through his system, and this rumbled before slowly rising, and the two walked through the archway to enter the expansive hall of the Eternal Cage, a place that housed the most powerful artifacts of Zerrex's collection and his darkest secrets and memories.

The cement floor was covered by a dark red carpet, and pillars were evenly spaced around the room, half-buried against the walls, and stretching up to support the heavy ceiling overhead, from which hung a multitude of glowing orbs that sparkled with small gemstones laid over them in constellation-like patterns. They cast unnatural starlight over the room, bathing everything in a faintly-silver glow, making the weapons and other objects that rested around the area seem to glimmer faintly... and the enormous altar that sat alone in the rear center of the room seem to pulsate slowly.

It was massive, dark stone with a framework of Dragokkaren bones and bordered around the top with dozens of skulls of Drakkai, thick, thorny vines crawling and throbbing slowly over the length of it, black roses blooming from the ten foot wide, rectangular slab. Sitting along the top of it were candles of red and black, all of them burning eternally with blue flames, and three bowls: one was filled with blood, one was filled with water, and one was filled with boiling corruption. The Altar Devotion, as Anathema had called it... and around it, etched into the ground, burned a protective ward of runes written in the language of the First Gods, carved by Negative himself. This Altar was important to both Zerrex and Negative, after all... it was an anchor for them, and it was what gave the Deep Temple such unnatural presence and power, filled it with such terrible energies and shielded it from almost any outside force that wanted to tamper with either it or the Cloister.

Around the room, sitting on pedestals and display racks all evenly spaced throughout the area, were a variety of other objects of great and terrible power, all of them encircled by other guardian wards that could only be crossed by Zerrex or one of his Disciples: here, the Spear of the Conquerors, given officially to Zerrex from Heaven years ago, but long after he'd first wielded the holy weapon to destroy Crow, his monstrous first son... and there, a black grail inside which bubbled terrible, bright red blood, streams of it constantly leaking down the sides of the unholy chalice but turning to smoke before they could drop from it. The Taste of Death... a terrible tool that transformed whoever drank from it into a monster of terrible power... but made them into an obedient slave to the will of the person whose blood they drank from the cup.

Other objects against the back wall: three of five living swords, sitting together silently in a large rack that held them in a standing position upon the bottoms of their metal scabbards, one whispering sadly, one hissing the moment Zerrex's eyes drew over it, one screaming with laughter at the sounds its brethren made, the long, single-edged blades otherwise tall and almost identical in their black sheaths... and there, Epiphany's terrible bardiche, the enormous, crystal-bladed weapon humming silently, blade touching the ground and held in place by a heavy rack that cradled it in its clamps.

And to the other side... the Armor of Naganis, fully repaired and standing silently upon a platform, glimmering as it seemed to breathe slowly, and resting atop another pedestal, sitting on a golden cushion, was a beautiful crystalline ball that almost begged to be touched... and yet trapped inside it were countless souls of Dragokkaren. Another heirloom of Thegragon's reign, found buried in the rubble of Acheron... the Worship of the Devout. It could absorb a person's life force and their very soul, to then be converted into whatever the user desired... and as Earth had explained, her eyes closed and expression pained with the memories of her former mistress, the Goddess had been fond of using it to steal the lives of her own followers for an occasional snack, in so many words.

Zerrex shivered a bit... and then Epiphany quietly took one of his hands, leading him silently towards the Altar and saying quietly: "This is a nexus point, this anchor holds both your essence and the essence of the unwelcome invader inside of your body. You can call him here, making him come forward... and then together, we can put a stop to him." She stopped, hesitated, then hugged him fiercely, whispering: "I love you, Daddy. No matter what happens... don't worry about me, okay? Protect yourself first. Fight for yourself first. It's you he's going to come after... you he's going to try and hurt the most."

Zerrex nodded slowly, and then he glanced down at Devotion, at his Altar... and Epiphany smiled faintly, gesturing towards it and saying quietly: "Just... just put your hands on it and... pray, may be the right word. I... I think you'll know what to do when it comes to it."

The Drakkaren looked at her... and then he reached out and touched her face quietly, saying softly: "Thank you, Epiphany. I'm... I'm going to try it, then." He halted, then turned slowly forwards and closed his eyes, taking a slow breath and leaning down to rest his hands silently on either side of the Altar, and he closed his eyes as he felt powerful energies surging up through the terrible stone anchor, shivering a bit even as his form filled with strength.

Then he was standing in a black room, with Negative standing across from him, light spilling in from a single window half-covered by a broken blind. Negative was staring out of this, his hands behind his back, his red eyes glowing... and then he shook his head slowly before he looked at Zerrex, saying coldly: "You shouldn't have come. You should not have done this. You should not have forced me to fight."

"We don't have to fight. I'll tell Epiphany not to hurt you if you come out..." Zerrex said softly, and Negative frowned at him slowly as the Drakkaren smiled a little, half-raising his hands... and then dropping them with a sigh as he said softly: "I honestly... would prefer to work things out somehow, one way or another... can't we find a solution instead of destroying each other?"

"No." Negative said softly, but he sounded almost saddened now as he shook his head slowly, murmuring quietly: "Zerrex Narrius... you're a threat to me, whatever you say, whatever you act like. I don't trust you, and you don't fool me. I've seen inside you... and you are more terrible than I could ever be. I, at least, am straightforward... you... you smile on the outside, but no one ever knows what you're thinking or feeling. Very few are truly close to you... not simply because of your desire to 'protect' others from your true self, but because you, too, do not trust easily. I know that perhaps... I would be safe. You would not kill or maim or harm me if you gave me your word... but where would I be without your body? I do not need your body to survive... but it was never just about your body.

"Look at what you have. Friends, family, devotion, love, strength, companionship... and I have nothing." Negative clenched a hand into a fist, closing his eyes tightly. "Yet from inside you, I have developed an entire kingdom of my own. I have built, and built, and built... and now there is an empire that I rule through you. Acheron is mine. Elysium is mine. Your family is my family..."

"This... Negative..." Zerrex looked at him, dumbstruck... and then he reached up and grasped at his head slowly, whispering: "You're... you're so much sadder than I realized. I... I'm so sorry for you... I honestly am. You take on the form of my Inversion but just what are you really? You're like my dark shadow... the part of me that longs for everything it can't have..."

"I am you and yet not you... I'm someone who lost everything he believed in long ago." Negative said quietly, and then his eyes glowed red as he murmured: "But I plan to get it all back."

Zerrex frowned a bit... and then he screamed in agony as something tore into his back, reality flickering around him as he fell forwards over the altar, knocking bowls and candles flying off it and making dark lightning crackle violently outwards as energy pulsed through the air, blood exploding from his body as he stared in horror at the sight of Negative grinning at him... and beside him, Epiphany stood, face emotionless, her hands tightly clenched on the handle of her bardiche, the enormous crystal blade buried into Zerrex's back as she whispered: "Die, interloper. You are not welcome here. You stole everything from my Father."

"E-Epiphany... I... I'm your Dad, look at me... Negative, he's..." Zerrex coughed blood, then he howled in agony as Epiphany ripped the weapon back, the huge blade tearing free of his back and leaving a grisly, mangled wound that spat black blood and blue energy into the air, streams of crimson flooding down the Drakkaren's back as he rasped fiercely for breath and scrabbled weakly against the altar, eyes rolling in his head.

"You are not my Father, Zerrex Narrius. You are nothing and no one to me." Epiphany replied cruelly, her face darkening in a snarl as her emerald eyes glowed, red cracks shining through the irises as she gestured towards Negative, who was grinning callously. "You never loved me like Daddy did! You never protected me from the nightmares like my Father did... you never gave to me everything he did, you are not my hero or who I love. You are a monster that has hurt him, and stolen from him what he would have shared with you willingly... he is ancient, and powerful, and is the only reason you survived many of these battles these last ten years, and yet still... still, you refuse him. You refute him. You fight him... and now we have had no choice but to put an end to you and your treachery. I shall kill you, Zerrex. I shall kill you in my Father's name, and we shall feast upon your very soul and your body will be his..."

Epiphany began to raise her bardiche, her eyes turning pure red as her grin became maddened, laughing insanely as she rose the weapon... and Zerrex threw himself hard to the side, Epiphany' weapon missing his neck and instead biting into the surface of the altar, and she screamed as black lightning exploded out of the stone and sizzled violently along her form before she was blown backwards, crashing into one of the cement walls as the bardiche clanged loudly off the stone and fell to the ground beside her.

Zerrex gargled... then screamed in agony when Negative seized him by the hair and yanked him to his feet, the creature snarling as he drew his bone claw back as dark lightning sizzled over it and he whispered: "Looks like I'll have the pleasure of killing you myself... besides, the less we mark up your body, the better, right?"

The Drakkaren, however, only grinned painfully, and Negative frowned a bit before Zerrex shouted clearly: "Lockdown!"

Negative snarled as the portcullis slammed shut and the warding runes glowed... and then he looked down and realized stupidly he was standing on the runes surrounding the altar before walls of white light shot upwards from the wards, and Negative screamed in agony as he was almost bisected, his body become incorporeal black flames as he staggered backwards, flickering in and out of reality before simply vanishing. Zerrex snarled as he landed, then gasped in agony as the huge cut on his back flexed and blood dripped from the wound before he looked over his shoulder with a wince to see Epiphany standing up and snarling as she yanked her bardiche up to her hands... and the Drakkaren immediately shoved his hand into the holy energy, eyes clenching shut as it surged down his arm and over his body, rapidly restoring his strength as the wound glowed white before sealing shut.

Epiphany sprinted towards him with a scream... and Zerrex stepped sideways as he yanked against the wall of holy energy, and a long, glowing white crescent blade of light was pulled free before he stepped forwards and threw this hard at Epiphany. It crashed into her chest and exploded, and she was sent skidding backwards as her vest was burnt away... but little other damage was done as her eyes glowed ruby, shrieking: "I'll kill you for hurting my Daddy!"

"I am your Father, Epiphany!" Zerrex roared back, and then he snarled when Epiphany slammed the blade of the bardiche into the ground, sending a massive tsunami of metal and rock ripping out of the floor and shooting towards him... and a burst of inexplicable, incoherent rage tore through the Drakkaren as he simply brought his hands up and then snapped them out to either side, and the wave of rock and steel tore in half straight down the middle before hardening into two immense, curved spires, Epiphany staring at this before Zerrex shoved both hands forwards, and the massive spikes of stone and metal shot down towards the female.

They crashed into her, knocking her backwards and burying her beneath an avalanche of shrapnel and rubble... and then Negative appeared in front of Zerrex's eyes, and the Inversion tore his bone claw across the reptile's face, sending up a burst of dark energy and blood as the reptile howled in agony and staggered to the side before he ducked under another swing from Negative and then slammed his fist into the creature's stomach... and it gurgled in shock at the power of impact, the bone armor cracking over its body before Zerrex's fist glowed with energy as he snarled: "I have had enough!"

He slammed his left fist upwards in an uppercut that glowed white and sparked blue, and Negative's head was almost torn from his shoulders as he was slammed limply into the air, bursting apart into fragments of darkness that pattered uselessly off the ceiling... and then the mound of rock and steel covering Epiphany exploded as she leapt upwards out of it with a crazed laugh, swinging the bardiche around and slamming it downwards towards Zerrex... but he brought his right arm quickly up, scales burning off as the silvery metal beneath rapidly expanded and glowed faintly blue, and her weapon was repelled even as the reptile's forearm was crunched inwards slightly, the lizard hissing in pain as he staggered backwards before an elegant blade sprung from his wrist.

Epiphany stepped forwards, swinging her bardiche in a crude, savage slash as the crystal head of the weapon exploded into golden flames, the pole-arm leaving a streak of fire behind it as Zerrex leapt backwards, then nimbly jumped forwards and punched outwards, thrusting the blade towards her chest... and the silvery weapon only tore a scratch across the ivory shell protecting her upper organs, Zerrex's eyes widening in shock as the blade was instead bent backwards before Epiphany screamed at him as she leaned forwards, jaw dropping open and a thick spray of black, terrible acid exploding outwards, charring the Drakkaren's scales as he howled in agony before he was slammed away by a telekinetic blast... and Negative appeared behind the lizard before he could strike the wall, lacing his fists together and slamming a tomahawk savagely down into the back of the lizard's neck, sending him crashing down to the ground before Negative vanished in puff of black smoke as the reptile bounced once... then screamed as Epiphany scooped him up with the burning flat of the bardiche to slam him back against the wall before she stabbed forwards with the tip of the blade, thrusting the top of the crescent through his upper shoulder and burying the large, black spike into his chest as he gargled in agony, pinned against the wall, and the female's eyes burning with wrath as she flicked a hand outwards: ice rapidly spread upwards over the Drakkaren's legs to hold him in place before she grinned insanely as she flicked her other hand and the frost transformed into hardened diamond, the reptile's lower body immobilized and imprisoned completely.

"You can't stop me. You couldn't even stop Perfect and he was a toy compared to me... my Father made me so I am invincible, unstoppable. I cannot be killed, I cannot be hurt, I do not feel pain... and I will thrive on your agony." Epiphany reached a claw up as it burned with purple energy, before slowly ripping through Zerrex's chest... and the reptile howled in pain as black, terrible scours were left behind, his scales melting and warping as pus and blood gushed from the wound, his right hand clenching against the wall, trying to shove his upper body free as he rose his left hand and punched her hard in the face... and Epiphany barely flinched, only grinning as her glowing red eyes burned brighter, rasping: "Weak. Pathetic. I've absorbed traits from every member of your family and yourself. I am beyond any god, beyond anyone you have at your disposal. No one can save you. I only obey, I only love, my Daddy... and I hate you. I've hated you my entire life... you're nothing to me, you're worthless, and I'm going to break you..."

Epiphany snarled as she drew a fist back, black energy erupting down it... and then the diamond surrounding Zerrex's legs reverberated violently, and she looked down with a frown for a moment before it exploded upwards, transforming into a storm of white birds that battered by her, making her scream as she flailed wildly and staggered backwards, shocked by what had happened... and Zerrex immediately took the chance, reaching up and seizing the crystal blade of the bardiche buried through his body as he braced himself against the wall with his feet, and then he howled in pain and effort as he shoved forwards and ripped the blade free as he shoved himself off the wall, landing in a staggering and tearing the weapon from his chest in a thick spray of blood.

His mind reeled, but his hands moved on instinct even as his vision blurred faintly as the birds shot back and forth wildly and Epiphany lunged forwards... and Zerrex tossed the weapon upwards, catching it by the pole and stepping towards her as he slammed the huge pole-arm outwards... and Epiphany realized a little too late what was happening before it smashed into her, sending her rocketing across the room to bounce off the glowing shielding of white energy surrounding one of the pedestals, screaming in agony as she was electrified against it for a moment, ivory lightning exploding up and down her body before a shockwave erupted from her and she flopped bonelessly to the side. She crashed to the ground, body smoldering and rolling a few times as Zerrex panted hard, tossing the bardiche down to the ground... and the Drakkaren looked up with shock to see Naganen standing in the archway, the young god breathing hard.

"Dad, are you okay? Oh God, what's happening?" he asked breathlessly, looking terrified, as he ran towards his father... and then Zerrex's eyes widened in horror as tentacles covered in terrible thorns lashed outwards and wrapped around the Naganatine, Naganen screaming in pain and horror as they ripped through his body and sent up bursts of blood before he was torn off his feet and towards where Epiphany was kneeling, her bone mask cracked and body smoldering and an insane grin on her face, the thick tentacles extending from her raised arm.

The male was snapped back against the wall, bouncing off it as the tentacles tore free... and then Epiphany stepped forwards and lashed a glowing claw across Naganen's throat, sending out a spray of crimson blood as his eyes widened in horror, grasping at his neck as he fell to his knees with a weak gargle, covered in lacerations and wounds that seemed minor compared to the grisly rip in his neck... and Zerrex screamed in denial as Epiphany grinned and began to draw her hand back-

She was fiercely slapped away by a bony claw, looking stupefied as she flew across the room to crash into the ground and skid on her back... and Negative caught Naganen as he began to fall, the Inversion shaking his head wildly, staring in horror with agony in his ruby eyes as he whispered: "No, no, this... this wasn't supposed to happen, no... Naganen, Naganen, no..."

Negative snarled, tears in his eyes as he rose his bony arm, the needle snapping out of it as Zerrex lethargically began to walk forwards... and then he plunged this into the Naganatine's chest, but Naganen only twitched and moaned weakly, dark energy surging across his form before Negative howled in pain as his bone spike was violently ejected and holy energy surged across his body, making him spark and smolder for a moment as his outline became blurry, and Epiphany slowly walked towards his back like a zombie, her arms outstretched as she whispered in a trembling voice: "D-Daddy?"

"Get away from me, get away from him!" Negative roared over his shoulder at her, and he lashed a hand outwards, sending a blast of force crashing into Epiphany and sending her flying across the room to bounce off the wall with a grunt of shock before she fell to her knees, staring weakly at Negative as Zerrex continued to slowly stumble towards them, the whole scene seeming surreal, out of focus, as Negative stood up, tears leaking from the Inversion's eyes as he screamed: "You are not my daughter! You are a monster, that is all you are, a monster! A broken toy, just like every other recombinant... a useless freak of nature, a worthless beast that can't even follow orders! You weren't supposed to hurt anyone... you weren't supposed to hurt him, you were only supposed to stop Zerrex, kill him if you had to, but only Zerrex... not... not... I told you to protect him!"

"He was coming between me and you D-D-Daddy... d-don't yell at m-me..." Epiphany began to cry loudly, covering her face, and Negative snarled towards her as she shrank slowly back into the corner of the room, crying harder. "I'm sorry, I'm s-s-sorry!"

"Zerrex, I... Zerrex, my energies are incompatible with his... you have to save him!" Negative shouted angrily, as Zerrex dropped to his knees by his son and pulled his still-warm body silently close, and then Negative reached forwards and slapped the Drakkaren hard across the face, the reptile's head twisting to the side as he clenched his eyes shut, then blinked and looked at the Inversion as Negative seized his shoulders, snarling: "Save him. You have to save him. Save him, please..."

"No... they both should die..." Epiphany whispered, looking up... and insanity glimmered in her red eyes as tears dripped down her cheeks, still hitching and sobbing even as she began to crawl forwards, every now and then a sob becoming a broken laugh as she clawed against the ground. "I'll kill them both, then you'll only have me to love..."

Negative's eyes widened in horror at this, a tremble ripping through his body... and Zerrex slowly, distantly, stroked his son's cheek, murmuring: "I can't save him with Epiphany coming after me, Negative. I don't know if I can save him at all..." He closed his eyes, saying softly: "Maybe I shouldn't save him. Maybe I should let him die, just to see you suffer."

It made him feel sick to say it, to even bluff it... but Negative immediately fell backwards in terror, his dark scales paling before he snarled and rasped: "I'll... I'll tell you anything, I'll do anything! I'll... if we work together we can stop Epiphany, just please save my son!"

That made Zerrex look up sharply... but Negative had already turned away and leapt towards Epiphany, shoving the female firmly backwards even as she screamed and tried to push around him, yet never rose her fists to him, never tried to actively fight the creature she called Father even as he grappled her, slung her to the ground, lashed his claws across her... and Zerrex cursed under his breath before he hugged Naganen fiercely against his body... but the Naganatine only whimpered and gave a weak smile as Zerrex poured his energies forwards into the male, the bubbling wound in his throat sparking as it began to shut, as the Drakkaren poured his strength into his son... then whispered: "I'm sorry."

"I understand..." Naganen rasped... and then he closed his eyes and vanished from the spot as Zerrex concentrated... before the Drakkaren snarled in fury, punching the ground hard. He only hoped that Naganen would be safe now, somewhere outside of the Deep Temple... and then the reptile lunged to his feet, charging not towards where Negative was trying to pin Epiphany as she shrieked in fury, but instead towards one of the columns of white energy.

The Drakkaren leapt into it, feeling holy power rip across his body and cursing under his breath even as it further energized him... and the moment he collided with the Armor of Naganis on the other side, it immediately wrapped around him in a maelstrom before filling him with power and energy as the Drakkaren tore back out of pillar, the Armor crackling with the pure energy that coursed over it before Epiphany was slammed backwards by Negative as the male snarled, and Zerrex said coldly: "You never, ever toy with the affections of a talented child, Negative. I told you again and again we could work this all out."

Negative gritted his teeth at this, and then Epiphany snarled as she snapped her hand out, her bardiche flying across the room to her hands as the blade exploded into black flames and golden energy coursed across her body, the female screaming: "Why are you working with him now, Daddy? Why have you turned against me! I loved you, I always loved you... you... I... I'll kill you both!" She began to laugh insanely. "I'll kill you all, I'll kill the entire universe! I'll destroy, destroy, destroy until no one is left and no one can hurt me anymore! I'll peel your spirits from your bodies, I'll make myself into the most powerful being in the universe... I'll never be alone because all will love me and worship me!"

Epiphany screamed towards the ceiling, and the pillars of holy energy sparked violently before the warding runes shattered, and instead of white light, black flame erupted up from them, coursing over the walls and the pedestals as Zerrex cursed and staggered to the side, the altar burning for a moment before it greedily absorbed the dark fire... and Negative said quietly: "We can't kill her... but we can bind her down. I'll give you my powers and help but... that weapon cuts into spirit as well as the body. She can easily kill us both with it."

"Good. I want you to die." Zerrex said coldly, and Negative closed his eyes tightly as Epiphany went from laughing to suddenly sobbing, her body going limp, the weapon hanging from her hand. "Life is not a toy. You made her... you pretended to love her... you turned her into a monster, and then shoved her away when she turned out to be uncontrollable."

"Zerrex, you can do and say whatever the fuck you want to me later, for now we need to bind her down." Negative snarled, and then he stepped towards Zerrex and touched the bony armor, wincing... and Zerrex gritted his teeth in pain as his right arm trembled, then warped as the Armor of Naganis pulled away from it and it transformed from steel to bone, the reptile looking down with a grimace as rippled passed through the armor and he felt it partially transforming, the scale-leather turning black in places... before the Drakkaren growled as Epiphany's features became emotionless and she took the bardiche into both hands. "She has absorbed the essence of Destruction, on top of everything else. Take that weapon from her, bind her down, and cut off her fucking head. It's the only thing that will slow her down so we can work on killing her."

"I'm so sorry, Epiphany. I'm sorry it has to come to this." Zerrex said quietly, as he readied himself... but Epiphany's eyes were only staring mindlessly at Negative now, and the Drakkaren gritted his teeth as Negative only stared back, then winced.

Epiphany screamed and charged forwards, raising her bardiche high... and Negative snarled as black swords appeared around him, shooting violently forwards... but they only bounced uselessly off her body, bursting apart into black flames as she chopped her axe savagely downwards. Negative leapt backwards, barely evading the attack as the tip of it nicked his shoulder, sending up a burst of dark smoke... and as Epiphany began to lunge forwards with an insane grin, Zerrex stepped up beside her and slammed his ivory fist into her stomach, knocking her backwards with a gargle several paces before Negative threw a blast of dark energy into her face that exploded into a noxious cloud of black smoke.

It clung to her like a living thing, and Epiphany shrieked in fury as she swung her bardiche back and forth, the air around her crackling before lightning exploded back and forth around her body in wide arches and twists, Zerrex staggering quickly backwards as he created a shield of energy over one arm, blocking the visible streaks of electricity with this as Negative simply vanished... and then the female's eyes glowed like red beacons through the cloud before it tore itself apart, and she threw a hand out towards Zerrex with a hiss.

The reptile howled in agony, back arching, as he felt cracks ripping along his body as his form glowed brightly for a few moments, then he fell to his knees and vomited blood and chunks of gore, his energies partially disassociated as he twitched a few times and Epiphany charged forwards with a maddened laugh before she swung her bardiche around and chopped it downwards towards Zerrex... and Negative leapt in front of the reptile, his arms raised above his head in an X, and the blade slammed into these, almost cutting through them and forcing them down, the bardiche biting savagely into his collarbone as he howled in agony before Epiphany ground the weapon downwards and forced him to his knees, black smoke floating up off Negative's form as he sizzled in and out of existence as tears leaked from the female's eyes and she screamed: "I loved you, Daddy! I loved you and you betrayed me D-D-Daddy... D-Daddy!"

Then Negative simply sparked out of existence, and she staggered forwards as her bardiche swung downwards to chop into the ground in front of Zerrex as the reptile gritted his teeth, his emerald eyes glaring into the ruby insanity of Epiphany's... and then the Drakkaren lunged forwards, slamming his right fist into Epiphany's muzzle, and she shrieked as she was knocked staggering backwards, her eyes bulging in shock and pain as her bone mask further cracked, her hands knocked loose from the bardiche as she pinwheeled her arms for balance... then howled when Zerrex vanished from the spot and reappeared beside her to slam both feet into her chest, sending her crashing backwards onto the altar before the Drakkaren snapped his hands upwards as she lay spread-eagled and stupefied over it.

A massive torrent of black, white, and blue energy ripped upwards from the slab, carrying Epiphany towards the ceiling with a scream before she crashed into it, held there for a moment by the force of the spiraling pillar... and then it sparked apart into motes, and Epiphany fell with a gasp, half-rolling in the air to crash down onto her stomach on top of the altar, her arms splayed outwards, and Zerrex snapped his hand upwards even as blood sprayed from his muzzle at the overexertion of his powers. Immediately, thorny vines lashed upwards and wrapped around all four of her limbs, seizing and binding them, yanking them down so she was forced to bend over the altar and stretched as if on a rack, the female screaming in fury and agony, yanking at them... and then Zerrex clenched his bone fist shut, and the thorny vines transformed into ivy-laced, black chains that tightened savagely and painfully around her arms and legs.

She shrieked... and Zerrex leapt forwards with a raw yell, staggering and yanking the bardiche out of the ground, dragging it with a scream of what was almost denial against the ground before he pulled it over his head in a wide arc even as Epiphany continued to try to free herself, before she looked up too late, her eyes widening... and then the bardiche descended, and her head was severed neatly from her shoulders in a single, powerful slice, black and red blood exploding out from her neck as her eyes looked up at him stupidly, skull bouncing with a clank and meaty thud against the ground as her collar flew from the stump of her neck, strap severed and the obsidian gemstone shattering as it bounced against the floor.

It rolled slowly to the side... and her jaws fell open, gasping slowly and weakly, her eyes flickering ruby as they opened and closed... and then she smiled slowly, ruthlessly, looking up at Zerrex as she whispered: "You can't kill me... you don't know how to kill me..."

Zerrex snarled in fury, in pain, in despair... and then he revolved the bardiche before slamming it down through the female's back, making her body bounce as dark energy shocked up the blade from the altar and sizzled up and down the handle as the black flames around the room burned and roiled slowly, and he rasped: "Maybe not. But I'm going to find out Epiphany... Gods, how did it all come to this? Why? Why, goddammit? I am your Father, have been more a father to you than Negative ever was!"

"Don't you judge me! Don't you judge my Daddy, he'll come to his senses when I kill you, you'll see, you'll see!" she screamed back at him, her head flopping against the ground as blood dripped from the neck, and then she threw her head back and laughed, shrieking: "And if he doesn't, I'll kill him and make him part of me forever! I'll never be alone, not ever, not ever, not ever!"

She screamed laughter to the skies... and Zerrex closed his eyes before he walked forwards as he created a box of black metal in his hand, then used his other hand to carve a series of runes over the sides of it quickly and crudely, leaving glowing scars in the metal that glowed with his energy as he said quietly: "Goodbye, Epiphany. Goodbye."

He yanked the lid of the metal box back on the sliding hinge, then reached down and picked up Epiphany's head even as she continued to laugh and sob at the same time before dropping it in with a look of contempt, disgust, and pain... and then he slammed the top of it closed and tossed the box down in the puddle of blood, her screams and sounds of hatred and pain now silenced even as her body writhed slowly under the bindings of the chains and the bardiche buried in her back, caught against his altar, paralyzed... and Zerrex could only find the strength to silently walk to the wall beside the archway leading inside and slump down, staring uselessly at the maddened, headless form of his insane daughter.

Anathema was crushed by what had happened with Epiphany: she spent much of her time trembling in the arms of Sin or Zerrex... but it was made even worse when the Drakkaren had sat down with Marina and Celeste to forcefully contact Negative and find out what they had to do to put a stop to Epiphany. To kill her if necessary... and sadly, it seemed that it was. She was too powerful, too insane, too full of hate... and the entire Deep Temple had been warped by her madness, the spirits there becoming violent, blood running through the streets and buildings crumbling, black and blue flames burning across the pyramid and the entire city of the now-truly damned.

Negative, for once, was compliant: as they stood in the white space of the Drakkaren's mind, Zerrex flanked by his snarling daughter and the cold and contemptible Celeste, the Inversion stood with his head hung, bleeding black energy from several wounds across his body as he whispered: "Yes. Epiphany... is my daughter. She does not understand how she was truly born... all she really knows is that it was from my seed she was created. She has always been able to see me... has always been receptive to my presence, even when I hid myself from you, Zerrex. I told her... lies. I told her... things. I wanted her to be mine, but I wanted more for her to be my greatest weapon against you. And she was so powerful...

"I decided to model her after your daughter Marina." Negative looked coldly at the psychic, who only narrowed her eyes balefully, even as Zerrex rose an arm to prevent her from lashing out and possibly killing the already-wounded Inversion: before they could do that, they needed information, after all, on how to put a stop to Epiphany. On why he was doing what she was, on how she was... so impossibly strong, so close to invulnerable. "Servile, affectionate, believing in you as her master, as her god, going to any and all lengths for you no matter what happened or how you treated her or even if you rejected her. I thought I bred these qualities into Epiphany. I gave her false memories, and I told her that I was the one acting through your body, that you... were the invader in my mind. She is a child, for all her power: to her, my word was everything. It didn't matter that I look like this or you look like you. A simple, short lie, or simply not telling her anything, letting her make up her own reasons... I could have told her that the sky was blue because it was made of water and she would have tried to go swimming in it."

"I would like to kill you." Celeste said softly, and Negative only grinned coldly... then his grin slowly faded as his bone arm cracked slowly, and he looked down at this as the Strange Beast said softly: "Do not underestimate me. You have not had time to heal or regain your strength. I can do much to you before you will be destroyed... and being what you are, there is no guarantee you will not come back. I should not have to explain why in this scenario that would be a problem for you, however."

Negative winced and looked away, and then Zerrex asked coldly: "How do we stop her? How... how do we kill her? I don't want to but Negative, you have no idea what you've done. Do you know how angry she is? Do you have any idea at all how a child works, how their emotions can so quickly lead to terrible, terrible things?"

The Inversion only looked away... and then it choked as Marina rose a hand and clenched her fist, cracks ripping through Negative's bone armor as she snarled: "You answer my father right now you piece of shit or I'll show you how fucking dedicated I am to him by carving it on the inside of your chest!"

"Marina, enough." Zerrex said quietly, and Marina closed her eyes and dropped him, Negative falling to his knees with a gasp and a gargle, trembling hard as the reptile asked quietly: "Why haven't you run away, Negative? Why aren't you hiding? Normally psychics can't see you or hurt you so badly... did Epiphany hurt you that much?"

"Where do I have to go?" Negative asked weakly, and there was more than physical agony in his voice as he closed his red eyes, clawing slowly into the ground. "Yes, I could run... but what good would it do? I require a host to gather my energies... and I am anchored to your body. My other sanctuaries were Epiphany and Equinox... I could hide inside them, and no one would ever be the wiser. Obviously this is no longer a possibility."

Zerrex shook his head slowly, and then Negative lowered his head forwards, saying quietly: "I thought one day... Epiphany would be powerful enough to not only kill you... but to remove your soul from your body, rendering you a hollow vessel. A vessel I could invade... and then I would have taken your place. Regained everything... I lost. That I wanted... and not only that, I could further spread my empire, my power. Acheron, the mortal world, Elysium... I would create new and terrible life, dedicated to me, throughout it, with Epiphany as my sword, shield, and armor, together... together forever with her..."

He shook his head weakly, laughing faintly as he sat back on his haunches. "Is it so surprising that evil dreams of much of the same as good? That what I want, whatever my affiliation with right or wrong, is similar to what you want? Power... is just another means to gain attention and affection. Even if I want to destroy and corrupt... a world without people in it is just vast emptiness... like the disassociation or the Nothingness..."

He glanced up, then said coldly: "Equinox is the key, you see. Epiphany doesn't just use him to store genetic information, hasn't simply created a mindless, massive weapon that will defend her to the death if she calls upon it - which, the moment she gets her head back on her shoulders, she likely will - but she has torn her very soul from her own body and fused this into Equinox. Equinox contains Epiphany's vital essence, Equinox shields and enfolds Epiphany's soul and strength. She cannot be killed until he is killed... when he dies, her energies will be forced to fly back to her body, rendering her vulnerable, with no other place to hide her spirit... and she will lose one of her greatest sources of strength. Without Equinox, her genetic structure will become unstable, and she will no longer have access to some of her powers. Do you understand how they play off each other? When both are alive, they are almost invulnerable. They exist in perfect synchronization and balance, each maintaining the other's very existence. But Equinox can be killed. Cut off his head, stop his heart, tear holes through him until he stops moving. Kill Equinox. Epiphany will lose her strength... and she can be destroyed the same way you'd kill anything else."

Zerrex nodded slowly, looking down silently... and then he gazed up and said quietly: "I'm going to have to kill you Negative. You've done too much harm now. I've given you too many chances... and every one, you've thrown back in my face. And now, you're going to make me kill my own son... a son who's done nothing wrong, who only wanted to protect his sister."

"He's only a homunculus, he has no real emotions." Negative said disgustedly, and Zerrex laughed shortly, making the creature frown in disgust. "What?"

"And Naganen was born from Anathema, who manipulated the Cycle to basically pull him out of her right after our energies mixed together. He was made almost the same way that Epiphany made Equinox. Are you really going to tell me that it's impossible that Equinox has a mind and heart and soul of his own?" Zerrex asked sharply, and Negative looked at him silently, then glanced away. "And why. Tell me why you care so much about Naganen. Why did you call him your son?"

"I think you already know why, Zerrex. But since it seems in my best interest to hold back at least something, I'm going to wait until after you take care of Equinox before I share that particular piece of information with you." Negative replied coldly, and then he vanished in a crackle of dark energy as Marina and Celeste both looked sharply back and forth, the Inversion's voice echoing around them as he said quietly: "Don't worry, I won't be very far away... just far enough that I won't have your psychic friends breathing down my neck. I know I cannot escape you forever... but for now, I'll watch and wait with this death sentence looming over my head."

Zerrex shook his head slowly... and then he simply nodded with a grimace, and a moment later, he was sitting once more in a den in the Ravenlight Estate, Marina and Celeste on either side of him at the table, Cherry and Cindy watching silently, and Sin, Justice, and Anathema seated on the couch, Anathema looking at him anxiously as she asked nervously: "Can... what do we do? Zerrex, our... our daughter..."

"Our daughter was warped by Negative... we... have to kill Equinox to drain her powers and then... put an end to her." Zerrex closed his eyes, lowering his head forwards... and Anathema covered her muzzle, trembling hard, before Sin silently hugged her from the side, closing her eyes as Zerrex looked silently at the ground. "Where... is Equinox?"

"Zerrex, no... you... oh no..." Anathema whispered, shivering, and then she gritted her teeth and looked down as Justice silently squeezed her shoulder and Sin hugged her tightly, before she murmured weakly: "Then I'll go too. I... I have to go too. I have to do this. I can't... I mean... I just..."

She closed her eyes and shook her head, then snarled as tears leaked from her eyes, grabbing at her facemask. "Why does it hurt so fucking much..."

"Because the loss of a child is never easy... no matter who old or young, no matter who they are, no matter what they've done in life. Not when you're a mother who cares for her child... and you were always more the mother of Epiphany than I ever was, Anathema." Sin murmured softly, as Justice silently massaged Anathema's other shoulder. "I understand all too well, after the loss of my children, after the death of Aether..."

"This is different, Epiphany isn't evil, she's... she's confused! She's been tricked and distorted by that bastard Negative..." Anathema snarled, but Sin only hugged her again, and the undead Naganatine trembled before slumping against her sister and whispering: "Zerrex, you can't go alone... Equinox and Epiphany are too powerful, too dangerous, and I need to be there... we need to do it as quickly and kindly as possible..."

The Drakkaren nodded slowly, knowing better than to argue, and Cherry said quietly: "You got your group right here, Annie. All of us together should be able to do it... especially here on home turf. Is he still in the Ravenlight Estate?"

"He should be, unless he's run... but I don't think he has. I don't think he's made a single sound, caused a single disturbance." Zerrex said quietly, and the others nodded slowly before Zerrex closed his eyes and stood up, breathing softly as he muttered: "Alright. Gather your things together, everyone... Anathema, do you need time?"

"No. But sister..." Anathema glanced at Sin, and Sin nodded before the undead Naganatine became skeletal, then twisted silently over her sibling's body, bones parting and gently clamping into her body as Sin hugged herself fiercely... and then the flames in her metallic socket turned amber as Anathema's voice whispered from her muzzle: "We must be swift. We must be merciless. We must not hesitate."

Zerrex closed his eyes, then he silently left the den room with Cherry and Cindy on either side of him, Marina, Celeste and Justice staying behind with Anathema Sin. Their preparations together and apart were done in smooth silence, the Drakkaren's eyes cold and sorrowful: Cindy, in simple clothes and heavy gauntlets, Cherry with the Great Diviner sheathed on her hip and manacled tightly around her arm, Zerrex in his plain black clothes and Blackheart glimmering over his back.

They met Justice, Anathema Sin, Marina, and Celeste in the main hall: Justice had her hand on her fused sibling's shoulder, and Anathema Sin was breathing hard, torn between regret and anger, as Marina silently gazed at her father with concern and sympathy... and Celeste only studied the group, a little distant, yet not without sadness of her own. She did not love her children... but Zerrex thought she understood all the same how deep the loss of a child could hurt.

Without needing to speak, they fell into line with Zerrex and Anathema Sin leading the group, the others following behind as they walked through the Ravenlight Estate. The people they passed stepped out of their way respectfully and silently, likely with some idea of what was going on as they made their way towards the upper rooms, up flights of stairs and down corridors that seemed endless at first, and yet always felt too short, time passing too quickly as Zerrex trembled a bit, his heart thudding in his chest, until he looked up sharply at the sound of childlike laughter... and beside him, Anathema Sin clutched her chest as tears spilled from her eye and she whispered: "I c-c-can't..."

"Stay here, Annie, then... I'll go, and talk to him first." Zerrex said softly, reaching up and squeezing her shoulder slowly, and she looked down in shame and fear and anguish as she began to sob silently, Justice rubbing her back slowly as the Drakkaren closed his eyes, then quietly walked forwards to the doorway of the room they had only so recently restructured to be Equinox's, a sad smile painting his face as he leaned through it.

Equinox, the giant, Epiphany's brother and protector, sat quietly, his face distant and almost expressionless... and yet he seemed happy, as he sat with his legs sprawled out and a large train toy in his hand. He had built a city of wooden blocks across a large play-mat with images of animals and toys and buildings across it, and Mahihko was giggling as he drove a cute little pink toy car along this with his hand, large paws kicking in the air, skirt hiked up around him. Lone, meanwhile, was trying to get an RC car to work... and all around Equinox's room, there were toys and childlike figures and picture books... and Zerrex felt like crying even as he put on the strongest voice he could and said quietly: "Wolves, I have to talk to Equinox alone for a minute, okay? Could you please leave?"

"Dad, what's wrong?" Lone looked up with a bit of a frown, and Mahihko sat up, gazing with concern towards his father that deepened at the sight of Zerrex, when the Drakkaren only closed his eyes and shook his head silently. Both wolves quietly climbed to their feet... and Zerrex didn't have the heart to tell them, was too afraid he was going to start crying if he spoke, to say a single word, as Lone asked quietly: "What is it?"

"Daddy..." Mahihko trembled a little, studying his father... and when Zerrex only shook his head again and gestured for them to go, the wolves looked with worry at one another before they both silently nodded, taking each other's hands and leaving quietly... and Zerrex silently closed the door behind them before he faced towards Equinox.

Equinox was contentedly running his train back and forth along the play-mat, and then he looked up silently as Zerrex said in a quiet, weak voice: "Son... my son, Equinox... Epiphany, she... I..."

"I understand, Father. You're here to kill me." Equinox said softly and calmly, and Zerrex swallowed hard, staring at the giant as he quietly put the train aside, then stood up slowly... and the reptile sensed no malice, no evil intent, nothing but calmness and a strange, sad happiness as the giant took a single step forwards, then bent creakily down and reached out to quietly hug Zerrex. "I understand. I will not fight."

"Equinox... I... why? Can't... isn't there some other way?" Zerrex whispered, even as he reached up to clutch his son's powerful body tightly... and then Equinox slowly drew back and studied him silently as Zerrex gazed up at him, trembling a little, the reptile breathing harder as he felt tears in his eyes. "Is there... I... I mean..."

"I hear Epiphany's screams in my mind. She begs for me to help her... I will not. I am hers... and she is mine... but she has lost her mind. She is very sad, Father. She has forgotten who truly loved her, Father. I have not." Equinox looked down at Zerrex, and slowly, rustily, he smiled. "I love my Father. You are my Father. You have given me good memories. Epiphany will hurt Father if she continues to exist... and I am her life-source, her source of strength. Epiphany never treated me with the love you have... Father loves me."

"Father loves you so fucking much..." Zerrex lowered his head, dropping his face in his hand as a tremble rolled through him, tears dripping down his face, his lips trembling as a harsh sob escaped his muzzle, and then he looked up with teary eyes as he whispered, even as he grasped Blackheart's handle. "I don't... I don't know if I can do this... oh Gods, this is so wrong, is... can't... please, isn't there some other way?"

"Do not cry, Father." Equinox reached quietly out, patting Zerrex on the head slowly before he said softly: "I only want to help. My death will help you, more than my life will. I love you Father, and I love Mother, too. Goodbye."

And with that, Equinox simply closed his eyes... and slowly, his body began to dissolve, even as Zerrex stared in horror and shock, black flames spreading upwards from his legs as the giant tilted his head back silently to stare towards the ceiling, arms spreading out to either side even as they too began to burn... and Zerrex leapt forwards with a raw yell, grabbing uselessly at his son, but he only passed through his body in a burst of ashes, falling to the ground and knocking toys and blocks sprawling as Equinox whispered: "Thank you..."

And Zerrex could only stare over his shoulder, tears streaming freely down his face, as Equinox's skull-mask fell to the ground through a cloud of black smoke and a swirl of ashes, a dark cloud lingering for a moment before it was simply swept away as Zerrex turned and crawled towards this, crying hard as he picked up the mask in trembling hands, staring down at it as tears freely dripped down his face before he threw his head back with an incoherent scream of pain and loss.

Zerrex sobbed as he hugged the facemask close, rocking with it, feeling Equinox's energies slowly dissipating from the air and knowing he was dead, knowing he was gone forever as he clutched the mask against his chest... and finally, Zerrex stood slowly up, trudging towards the door and trembling weakly to open it and find the others gathered outside. Cherry and Cindy, the wolves clinging to them and teary-eyed, Marina, as she too cried quietly in sorrow for her father... Celeste, staring silently, and Justice, who had her eyes closed and head bowed, as Anathema Sin stepped forwards, trembling... and Zerrex quietly held the mask out to her.

She took it, staring down at it... then whispered: "Equinox... Mommy is sorry... she never got to say goodbye. That she hesitated at the last moment..." She silently hugged this tight against her chest, closing her eyes tightly and clutching it close as she rocked slowly on the spot, trembling violently. "I'll never hesitate again, Zerrex. I'll never hesitate again..."

Zerrex only nodded mutely, and then he closed his eyes and lowered his head forwards... and Celeste studied him for a few long moments before he looked up at her and said tiredly, rubbing slowly at his face: "I need to go... and think. Epiphany should be weakened now... and the chains will keep her bound. I need to have a conversation with Negative and I want to do it in the one place I know I'll be alone... will you... can you..."

"Of course, Zerrex Narrius. I think the others understand." Celeste said softly, and she flicked her wrist, creating a Gateway even as Cherry looked apprehensively at the Drakkaren, but when Zerrex gave her a weak smile as tears streamed down his features, she only nodded slowly as Mahihko clutched her all the tighter, burying his face against her and trembling hard. "Do not strain yourself."

The Drakkaren only looked mutely down and nodded slowly... and then he silently walked towards the Gateway and passed through it. He wanted to be with Anathema, he wanted to be there for everyone... but first, first he needed to think, and feel things out... and in order to do that, he needed to be alone, with only Negative for company.

Zerrex emerged into the Center of the Universe, the Gateway closing behind him as he walked slowly forwards and looked quietly back and forth, his eyes tired and sore as he wiped tears from his muzzle, his mouth hanging open as he breathed hard in and out... and he smiled weakly as he silently approached the statue of Camus, sitting down beside it and reaching a hand out to gently touch his forearm as he whispered: "Hello, old friend. It's that time again... not just a time of betrayal, but the time of the worst loss... of when I've been pitched against the people I care about in battle. Not a friend this time, but my daughter, Epiphany... I've told you a lot about her... and Equinox, my son... just died. I don't know if I killed him or he did... I only know that I told him he had to die, in so many words, and he... he died."

Zerrex trembled a bit, dropping his face into his hand as he clutched at his white hair, Blackheart gleaming silently on his back... and then the reptile looked up and said tiredly: "You saved my life. Naganis... saved my life. So many others have saved my life and worked for me... and I don't know if it's because they love me more than I deserve... or hate me justifiably. I have done terrible things... and I live selfishly, even when I try not to. Even now... I could be there, comforting Anathema Sin at least a little..."

"That is not selfish, Zerrex..." murmured a voice, and the Drakkaren looked silently up to watch as Negative walked quietly, tiredly, in front of him, the Inversion still bleeding and wounded... but the Drakkaren had neither sympathy nor hatred in his heart now for him. He was too depressed, felt too weakened by what had happened, his heart hurting indescribably in his chest... and then Negative sighed softly as he shook his head slowly, saying quietly: "Maybe I am more you than I thought. Maybe I fought so hard to get away from you... because I feared how much of you was inside me, just as I was inside you. But it's too late now, you'll get your wish... I shall die."

"Negative, I don't care anymore. I'm too tired to care... and I'm good at being bitter but I'm no good at holding grudges. I can hate someone forever for the stupidest goddamn things, and yet all but my worst enemies, the people who have really... earned my loathing, I seem to always be able to turn the other cheek. Maybe it's a sign of weakness. Maybe it's a lack of conviction. Or maybe it's because I know that a lot of people have given me second and third and fourth chances I don't deserve too..." Zerrex closed his eyes, lowering his head forwards and saying quietly: "You're too sad for me to hold hate against, Negative. I look at you, and see pieces of my old self, I see someone who puts on a raw, vicious tough act to convince the world he hates it... when he only really wants to be a part of it."

Negative looked down quietly... and then he smiled weakly, his ruby eyes silent as he murmured: "Maybe you're right. Maybe when you dig deep enough into even the worst of creatures... we're still only just people, we're still only trying to satisfy primal urges and our tormented psychology." The Inversion rubbed slowly at his face, then he walked forwards and silently sat beside Zerrex, before grunting in pain as one of his bone plates fell off, bouncing off his leg and hitting the ground to turn to smoke, and Zerrex frowned a bit before the creature shook its head slowly. "I am dying, I told you. I have been outside your body for too long, and spiritually, I have been too damaged. Death will only come in a matter of time, even for a creature such as myself: even I have a soul, and my soul is slowly deteriorating."

Zerrex nodded a bit, rubbing at the back of his own head awkwardly, and Negative muttered: "Save your pity and do not tell me you wish you could help. I don't want your help. I don't... deserve your help. Besides, you have questions... and I can only answer them if you ask them in the first place."

The Drakkaren only nodded a little at this, and then he asked quietly: "Naganen. You care about him-"

"As my son, yes. You know who and what I am, I refuse to spell it out any further than it's already been." Negative said disgustedly, and then he halted and looked down, lacing his fingers together and saying quietly: "But how... how could anyone not admire him, Zerrex? Even I, raw hatred and passion and corruption... admire him. So pure that not even I could taint him, so wise and young and strong... I look at him, and wish to be him. But unlike most of the things I wish to be I don't want to destroy him so I am not reminded of my failings. Rather, I want to protect him... Epiphany... was supposed to be his protector."

"Screwed that one right up, didn't you?" Zerrex muttered despite himself, and Negative only sighed and looked down, seeming embarrassed, before the Drakkaren asked slowly: "And... Equinox... I..."

"I was wrong. Equinox... was more alive than Epiphany. And in the end, he died of his own free will, to protect you. Nothing is more telling of what makes a person than their will to give up everything to save another." Negative laced his fingers with his bone claws silently, then he cursed as one of the latter snapped off and tumbled to the ground, glancing down at his ivory hand with disgust as smoke steamed up from it. "It seems I'm losing cohesion a little faster than I thought..."

Zerrex glanced at him quietly, and then he shook his head slowly before Negative said softly: "Epiphany must be stopped, however, Zerrex. You cannot falter in this course. She will be even more deranged now that Equinox is dead... and whether or not her powers have become unstable, whether or not she will lose access to the genetic data that was stored in Equinox and she is now more vulnerable... she will still be very powerful. And very difficult to kill."

The Drakkaren closed his eyes, bowing his head forwards and murmuring: "I don't want to kill my own daughter, Negative..."

"I am not your daughter." rasped a voice... and Zerrex and Negative both looked up in horror to see Epiphany herself was standing nearby, a twisted grin on her face, broken chains hanging from her limbs. Her scales had become ugly and grayish, melted here and there over her form, and her bone mask was cracked, head lopsided on her shoulders and held on by ugly stitching and thick strands of ugly, pinkish flesh.

Her bardiche ground slowly against the floor as she stepped forwards, and Zerrex leapt to his feet with a snarl, yanking his sword off his back, mind instantly sharpening even as Negative only stared wordlessly, and then Epiphany looked at her father and whispered: "Everything's going to be okay now, right, Daddy? I'll kill him, that's what you w-wanted, right? If I kill Zerrex... you'll love me again. We'll be together again... D-Daddy... Daddy... Daddy..."

She clutched at her skull, and her ruby eyes shimmered brightly, flickering back and forth between crimson and bright green before she staggered back and forth, and then she screamed towards the ground: "No, Negative is my Daddy and he hates me! But I can make him love me... Zerrex is the interloper and he must die!"

The Drakkaren winced... and Negative cursed before he stood shakily up... then looked towards the male in surprise as Zerrex stepped in front of him and said quietly: "Go away, Negative. You're hurt and I can't protect you and myself at the same time from her. I don't need to be able to feel emotions to tell her mind is broken... there's no telling what she'll do. I just know you don't have to die yet."

Negative stared silently at the Drakkaren's back... and then he closed his eyes and vanished in a crackle of dark energy, and Epiphany threw her head back with a scream of anguish and hatred as she spread her arms wide and yanked her bardiche into the air, and then she slammed it savagely down into the ground in front of her, cracking the floor of the dome before she grinned insanely across at Zerrex and rasped: "Are you going to run some more? I'll follow you from the Center of the Universe to its very ends if I have to! I will never stop hunting you... I will kill you, I will destroy you, and your energies will make me whole again... your... death will... D-D-Daddy..."

She grabbed at her head, snarling, then she shivered violently before shrieking wild laughter towards the ceiling, the six statues of the First Gods reverberating with energy before Epiphany dragged her bardiche upwards, sending sparks flying over the stone floor as she seized the handle tightly in both hands and screamed: "You will die, you will die, you will die!"

"No, Epiphany, this has gone far enough. I was hoping for a different solution... but if there isn't one, then so be it." Zerrex replied quietly, grasping the handle of his sword and yanking it free from his back, bowing his head forwards as his eyes narrowed coldly, his body flexing as he felt his scales becoming metallic and energy sizzling over his form. "I'll kill you myself."

Epiphany snarled, then charged towards him, her head bobbing slightly with every movement, blood dripping down from her weakly-attached neck as she drew her bardiche back, the enormous, crystalline blade bursting into black flames... and Zerrex snarled as he stepped forwards and swung Blackheart hard outwards as it glowed with white energy, the blades smashing and biting together before Epiphany was knocked staggering backwards with a shriek by the sheer power behind Zerrex's attack before the Drakkaren quickly swung a leg up and smashed a foot into the darkened-ivory shell protecting her innards.

She staggered backwards, fumbling her weapon, and the reptile pressed the advantage to slam his sword hard down into the pole of the bardiche, knocking it out of her grasp before he slapped her across the face with the flat of the blade, making her scream as her neck tore slightly even as fleshy tendrils, black string, and ugly, fetid ivy ripped up around her neck, hooking into flesh and scale to try and yank it back down into place, and even as her eyes began to glow as psychic waves rippled around her, the Drakkaren swept Blackheart around in a wide swing above his head before lashing the blade down into her ankle, knocking her foot out from under her as her limbs flailed and she toppled onto her back.

The Drakkaren stepped forwards and swung his sword downwards... and then the reptile snarled as he felt waves of telekinetic force tear into him, his body flexing and trembling as Blackheart bore down into invisible force, metallic scales vibrating as Epiphany glared up at him, and then screamed, and sonic waves crashed into the reptile's body and sent him flying backwards, crashing into one of the pillars along the outer edge of the area, cursing as Blackheart snapped to the side and he felt his wrist bend painfully, cracks spreading through the cylindrical support of stone he had struck.

Energy sparked over his body as he looked up sharply, snarling as Epiphany lunged to her feet and ran towards him with her arms outstretched, black and purple flames burning around her claws as she shrieked... and as Zerrex fell forwards, he twisted his body slightly, cocking his heavy sword back before he stepped forwards into a rough, unskilled swing at waist level that hewed into Epiphany's side, sending up a burst of bone fragments as she was sent flying across the floor to crash to the ground and roll behind another statue, Zerrex wincing as his arm snapped upwards before he managed to steady himself, breathing hard. He had put all his force into the swing... and then he howled in agony as his body burst into blue flames and cracks began to spread along his form, Epiphany rasping: "You're strong, Daddy... but I'm even stronger. I'm stronger than you'll ever be... and you have such a tremendous flaw..."

Zerrex staggered weakly forwards as he vomited blood, feeling his own energies streaming out of his scales as the cracks spread further over his limbs, his body trembling as Blackheart sparked in his grip before the reptile dropped to his knees and punched the ground... and cracks rippled through the floor before the statues resonated violently, the disharmonious energy that filled them crackling and shocking through the air, making Zerrex curse as it nipped against his scales and left char-marks over his body, but Epiphany screamed in agony from where she was hidden, her concentration interrupted before she suddenly shot out from around the other side of the area, screaming: "Why won't you just die?"

A sphere of golden energy formed in her hand, and she threw it hard at the Drakkaren... but Zerrex only winced as he deflected it with Blackheart's flat before he snarled as he concentrated, and his body began to expand, the Drakkaren becoming desperate enough to try and gain the advantage by unleashing his full power in his true body... but Epiphany grinned insanely, and then flicked her wrists, and green ivy exploded upwards from the ground around the Drakkaren before transforming into heavy, burning-black chains, and Zerrex howled in agony as these lashed back and forth over his form even as black metal armor formed over his chest and his muscles grew and bulged, torn into by the heavy chains as they burned with dark energy and Epiphany screamed: "What's wrong? Can't handle what you did to me?"

She grinned wickedly as Zerrex's head lashed back and forth, hissing in agony, unable to transform or even move as the chains wrapped wildly around his body in crazed crisscrossing patterns tightened further and anchored him in a standing position as they hooked themselves into the ground, and his sword fell from his hand as Epiphany staggered towards him, licking her lips slowly. The male was helpless, trapped in the Chains of the Dead God... and she rasped eagerly: "Yes... almost unbreakable bindings, the specialty of creatures of destructive influence... and I have absorbed Destruction himself. You are mine now, Zerrex. My toy, to do with as I please... those chains will hold you for more than long enough for me to begin ripping your energies from your body..."

She halted, then trembled, breathing rapid and hard in and out for a moment before she suddenly turned and staggered off to seize her bardiche, lifting it up and stroking over the blade slowly with one hand even as golden lightning sizzled over it, the crystalline cutting edge beginning to glow and vibrate faintly as she whispered: "But first I'll weaken you some more... hurt you some more... to make sure you can't do anything to me..."

Zerrex struggled weakly against the links, feeling his wings trying to push out of his back as energy sparked uselessly over his body, the black metal that now covered his body cracking under the pressure the chains were putting him under, his emerald eyes glowing faintly as he shifted back and forth and felt the metal links pulsating against him like they were alive, sapping his strength as they boiled with dark energy, reality around him rippling... and then he screamed in agony when Epiphany swung her bardiche hard into his side, his back arching as he flexed uselessly, his claws ripping against his own thighs as Epiphany grinned at him, the weapon buried into his ribs and golden lightning shocking over his body before she yanked backwards as she twisted the weapon, and a thick, grisly flap of flesh and scale was torn from the lizard's form even as several of the chains snapped, the female rasping: "Yes."

She swung the bardiche around, and Zerrex barely managed to twist his body slightly as he tilted his head to the side, the blade chopping down and missing his muzzle but instead burying into his collarbone and chest, several more chains snapping as golden flame exploded upwards and lightning sizzled over the reptile's body, the lizard howling in denial and anguish as blood burst from the terrible wound, his body flexing as his black armor was shattered and bare flesh beneath was covered in terrible, hideous burns, his eyes rolling in his head as cracks spread through his frame and his hair burst into fire... and Epiphany laughed wildly as she tore the bardiche backwards even as the chains around the Drakkaren snapped into pieces, the lizard's arms flailing wide, uselessly clawing at the air as he gargled in pain and agony and despair...

Epiphany stepped forwards and slapped the flat of the huge bardiche fiercely across his body, sending him flying backwards to crash into the back of the statue of Creation, disharmonious energy immediately exploding outwards, making him violently convulse as it ripped across his body, the lizard screaming in pain and unable to synchronize his energy signature with it, and then Epiphany, lunatic, laughing, insane, stepped forwards in the moment before Zerrex could fall free, slamming her bardiche forwards, burying the blade into Zerrex's skull and ripping down his face, almost slicing his muzzle in half as blood exploded upwards and his limbs snapped upwards like the broken limbs of marionette driven by a maddened puppeteer, one eye exploding in the socket in a burst of gore and blood and as the other snapped shut-

Birds sang quietly, and the reptile felt warmth on his face that wasn't from blood even as the reptile yelled wordlessly and grabbed his head, eyes tightly closed... and then, slowly, they opened, and he looked dumbly up to stare back and forth. He was sitting atop a large, rolling hill in a beautiful, open meadow, and evergreen trees dotted the edges of the field and animals were quietly feeding here and there in the grasses, as birds flew overhead and careless clouds rolled by in the blue sky above, the shining, warm sun gazing down upon him...

And Zerrex himself sat quietly on a picnic blanket, the reptile looking downwards to stare at a bottle of champagne that sat in ice next to a single wineglass, and beside that, was a large cup filled with cola. A picnic basket lay closed nearby, and the reptile breathed slowly as his eyes travelled back and forth, a faint breeze rustling though the grasses... and then a figure quietly stepped up beside him and sat down, resting a hand on his shoulder, and Zerrex turned to stare stupidly, his features growing slack, his eyes widening and a tremble running through his jaw as he whispered: "Allie..."

Allie smiled at him softly: to him, there was no one more beautiful, there was no one more worthy of his love and devotion. For her, he would have given up everything else in life, and gladly, as he trembled and turned towards her to face her silently... and she gazed back quietly, her body dressed in simple black clothes with an old harness overtop, shapely form clutched tight by the fabric. Strong and beautiful: she had been an actress who had never gotten past one-time character roles, living in a crappy apartment... but she had always taken care of herself despite her dreaminess, always watching what she ate, always exercising, always... always smiling...

Her green scales - the faintest tinge of hidden purple glimmering, visible only in bright light, like a secret, beautiful treasure - were lustrous, and her eyes were blue, bright, perfect... the most wonderful color in the world, so exceptional they made the sky jealous, so deep they made the oceans seem like shallow puddles. She offered her hand, and Zerrex took it, marveling over her, breathing quietly, before she reached her other hand up and touched his chest: bare, his body mortal again, her fingers stroking over his scars as she said softly: "You've gotten a little ugly. Why is it that any time I'm not around you get beaten up?"

"I forget to take care of myself without you. And you haven't been around for a long time." Zerrex closed his eyes, bowing his head forwards as he squeezed her hand fiercely, his other hand reaching forwards to silently stroke along one of the vambraces over her arm: a beautiful, decorative bracelet of gold that covered the entire forearm, with a large, oval-shaped ruby in it. These covered either arm... and around her neck hung a choker, with another shaped crimson gemstone in the same stylized golden backing. His engagement gift to her... as well as the beautiful ring around her finger of silver and diamond. "Alisha... I've missed you so much..."

"You never use my full name anymore... and you know that... we don't have much time together." Allie said softly, and Zerrex nodded silently, even as a tear trickled down his cheek... but she reached up and stroked it away, saying in a quiet but scolding voice: "Now stop that. We had our time together, big guy. And I promise you, I'm always going to be with you. I loved you. I still love you. And I'm here... always here." Allie quietly touched his chest, tapping his breast silently with one finger as he looked down at her softly, even as tears leaked down his cheeks. "I'm in your heart, in your soul. I'm in your blood and your brain and your body. I'm part of you... just like you... you were part of me. We were soulmates."

Memories came back; lovemaking, laughing, sharing champagne in bed, smiling, grocery shopping, simple things and complex things, and dreams of marriage and eloping and starting a family together someplace safe and warm... and Zerrex closed his eyes and leaned down, shoving his face against her neck as she reached up and wrapped her arms around him tightly, holding him comfortingly down close even as she murmured: "But that's why you have to take care of yourself. I'm part of you. Letting yourself get beaten up, not exploring and enjoying life, trying to hold back out of guilt... that's just as bad as if you were going on a crazy hedonistic self-destruct spiral, or don't you get that? I'm happy you've found others who care about you. I would have loved to meet them... I would have loved to be part of your family. I would have loved to have held hands with you and watched the skies from Elysium... I would have loved to sat beside you, husband and wife together, surrounded by a vast family in Hell. I dreamed of spending a lifetime with you in Hez'Ranna... and even though those dreams are all gone now... you can still live them. You can still enjoy life. Goddammit, I order you to enjoy life... even if you can't help but keep me around, even if you can't let me go... remember what I want for you. Remember that I love you, so fucking much... and I... I want you to be happy. To do what makes you happy... and that the only reason you've never been able to find me outside, is because I'm inside you.

"But that means you have to stop Epiphany. You can't let yourself get beaten up, you can't hold back, you can't keep getting hurt." Allie grasped his shoulders, pushing him back and meeting his eyes even as Zerrex trembled and reached up to wipe childishly at his face with the back of his wrist, staring at her silently as she smiled faintly at him. "Fuck, look at you. Such a mess... Zerrex, I swear to God..."

She reached down, pulling a handkerchief out of her pocket and wiping gently but lovingly at his face, clearing away the tears... and then he whispered softly, as he grasped her sides quietly: "I love you, Allie. You're... why I protect the world. I have friends and family, but I'll never forget you... I may never be able to get over the pain of losing you. But I'll always remember your wishes... and I'll never, ever, be without you and I'll never dishonor your memory. I love you."

"I love you too, Zerrex. You're the reason I was happy when I was alive. And you're the reason I'm here now, and happy now." Allie reached up and touched his face gently, then she leaned forwards, and they kissed softly for a few moments, tears sliding down the cheeks of both Drakkaren as they pushed closer together, before she drew back, then smiled faintly as she leaned forwards, her eyes almost glowing with pride and sadness and love and joy as she kissed his cheek and whispered fiercely: "Go kick her ass."

She vanished into motes of energy as around him, the world cracked apart and slowly dissolved into whiteness, the reptile hugging himself fiercely, his eyes clenching shut... and when he opened them, the pain was back, the Tether was back, the world was back, and energy was surging through his system as he lay back against the statue of Creation... and Epiphany was back, screaming and laughing as she began to draw her bardiche back...

The Drakkaren threw his head back with a raw cry, his pain, his frustration, his longing, his sorrows and his dedication ripping through the air, making reality itself vibrate and the statues of the First Gods quake as blue arcs of energy crackled over the lizard's body, and Epiphany was sent flying backwards with a scream of shock, landing in a kneel and skidding to a halt as her bardiche dragged against the ground, snarling and looking up as Zerrex crashed to the ground, his body powerful and masculine, fifteen feet tall and covered in rippling muscle that was armored by black alloy that had grown over his body, enormous, metallic wings that were strangely flexible flapping once behind him as his hair almost floated behind his head. His metallic arm had grown almost too large for his body, flexing powerfully, covered in serrated steel plates as his eyes glowed emerald, and two large, powerful tentacles had torn from his lower back, these snapping back and forth before they wrapped tightly around his waist like belts, heavy, leaf-shaped alloy armor falling over his hips and groin as his legs snapped from their normal stance back to powerful unguligrade form, his clothing and boots tearing as his toeclaws became immense talons.

As he stood, alloy covered his flesh-and-blood arm and plated and protected his shins, and then patterning etched itself over the metal covering his body in white: symbols of roses, of Acheron, of Elysium, of everything the reptile had dedicated himself to, as he lowered his head forwards, spiked pauldrons of black metal forming over his shoulders and further spikes pushing out along his spike to the end of a tail that lengthened slightly as serrated black metal covered it, hooks pushing out near the end and a deadly spade jutting from the tip as the reptile rose his metallic arm, saying coldly: "I won't hold back anymore, Epiphany. I have too much at stake. Too much to lose. This is your last chance to surrender."

Epiphany only shrieked in derision, however, screaming: "Gods don't scare me! Gods cower and tremble before me... so what? You think your true strength intimidates me? You are nothing, nothing! If anything... I can only devastate you all the more now!"

She grinned widely as her eyes glowed, and cracks spread throughout Zerrex's body as the reptile winced... and then she stared in shock and she whispered: "What... I don't... I don't recognize this second energy source... what's blocking it? Why can't I hurt you?"

"You wouldn't understand." Zerrex spat, and then he charged forwards as Epiphany's eyes widened before she began to bring back her bardiche, but it was too little, too late, and Zerrex's fist slammed into her face and knocked her skidding backwards before the Drakkaren vanished from the spot and reappeared behind her, his enormous, metallic claw scooping upwards under her head and yanking her into the air to toss her hard upwards, her neck stretching obscenely as she shrieked in shock before Zerrex leapt up after her as he flicked his left hand out, and Blackheart spun into the air, flying immediately back to his grip as the sword glowed white with energy.

Epiphany spun around, lashing her bardiche outwards in a wild swing that caught Zerrex in the face and knocked him to the side, blood spurting from the wound as he cursed before his wings flapped powerfully, launching him backwards as Epiphany slashed outwards with the pole-arm as she fell, barely missing him before she crashed to the ground and then screamed, raising her hand into the air... and lightning sparked violently down from the ceiling, crashing into the reptile as he covered his head with his metallic arm, cursing as powerful bolts of electricity smashed into his form again and again and battered him downwards before Epiphany leaned forwards with another scream, and the ground beneath the reptile exploded upwards as a pillar of flame tore up around him, chunks of stone and metal flying through the air and beginning to whirl around the incandescent pillar in a powerful hurricane of shrapnel that launched violently into it as Epiphany laughed insanely as bolts of lightning exploded wildly down into the inferno.

The flames vanished into smoke as sizzles crackled through the air... and then Epiphany's eyes widened as she saw Zerrex standing, his size decreased slightly and a spherical shield of energy around him, his body burnt and the shielding cracked but stable before it sparked out of existence as blood dripped along the Drakkaren's face, the reptile snarling: "No matter how goddamn strong you are, Epiphany, you're still just a child! A goddamn greedy, self-absorbed, stupid child!"

Epiphany's eyes widened in rage, and then she screamed at him as she charged forwards, her bardiche crackling with golden lightning as it burst into black flames, and Zerrex only stood, waiting, watching as she cocked it back and then swung savagely forwards... and the Drakkaren leapt immediately up over the wild swing and kicked off her shoulder, knocking her staggering forwards and sending her almost tripping over her own weapon as she snarled at him before Zerrex spun around and dropped like a stone as he chopped savagely downwards, slicing into her collarbone and shoulder and making her scream in anguish and pain as she dropped to her knees, blood and black ooze squirting upwards before Zerrex slammed his foot into her back, knocking her rolling forwards before she leapt up and spun around in a circle... only for the Drakkaren to immediately be there, slamming his foot into her neck hard enough to slam her back against the wall with a gargle, her eyes widened in horror as she hung by her damaged neck, feet kicking wildly at the air and her bardiche falling from her hands as they clawed weakly at Zerrex's foot before he swung Blackheart around in a deadly arc that smashed straight down between her horns and shattered her skull-mask in half.

Broken pieces of bone flew in all directions as blood spurted from the wound, revealing Epiphany's tormented features as she screamed in agony and rage, and the Drakkaren was battered backwards by a wave of telekinetic force, flipping at the last moment with a snarl before he looked up too late as spears of ice formed in the air and shot towards him, crashing into his body and battering him backwards with a curse before Epiphany lashed a sphere of dark energy at him with a shriek, falling forwards into the hard throw, and the reptile's eyes widened before he brought one of his metallic wings up to shield himself with it.

It struck his wing, then went up in a massive explosion of fire and black energy, Zerrex sent flying across the room to crash into a pillar at the edge of the Tether, his wing completely shattered and demolished, chunks of steel and burn marks scoured over his body... and then he snarled in fury, his eyes glowing emerald as he leapt to his feet before his gaze sharpened as Epiphany weakly climbed to her own, blood bursting from her muzzle and her neck, her wounds not healing as she stumbled forwards, looking stupefied... and Zerrex dropped into a sprint even as she tried to claw her bardiche up, her energy reserves gone, her strength failing, and then she screamed when the Drakkaren plowed into her in a fierce shoulder charge that sent her crashing into the wall again, bouncing off it and falling forwards before Zerrex swept Blackheart upwards under her chin, smashing her into the air before the reptile vanished from the spot and reappeared behind her, slashing savagely downwards into her back and cracking her spine, ripping a gouge through her scales as she flew bonelessly to the side.

The Drakkaren appeared in front of her again and slapped her fiercely with Blackheart's flat, knocking her flying backwards before he snarled as he vanished one last time, reappearing behind her with his sword on his back, seizing her by the back of the skull and driving towards the ground with her to smash her face-first into the floor with a roar, her horns shattering, her body convulsing limply, her eyes bulging and glowing with crimson light as her features went slack... and then spikes of bone erupted through the ground around her, and Zerrex was knocked backwards with a curse, staggering weakly as Epiphany lay in a broken crater in the floor, dark energy crackling back and forth between the bony blades and cones that surrounded her... before she gave a low, rough laugh.

The female rasped for breath as she slowly picked herself up, her features twisted by an insane grin, her eyes glowing in her skull as chunks of bone fell from her body along with black ooze and blood... and she straightened, back cracking, features broken and distorted by madness more than her wounds as she looked across at him and rasped: "Yes... maybe I've overestimated my power... but you're starting to flag too. And unlike you... I can keep hitting you. I can keep hurting you... and you'll die.

"But you can't kill me. My organic shell... doesn't matter. It's only a shell." Epiphany knocked against the broken ivory casing over her heart, twitching once, grinning insanely as she licked her slips slowly, blood dripping from her jaws. "I absorbed the strength of the First God Destruction... and you cannot simply destroy Destruction. That was what made me move against you... that, and the fact that every recombinant you fought... I touched the remains of. I gathered energies from every member of your family, every monster you battled, every Strange Beast, every friend and foe... Daddy will love me so much when he realizes how strong I am... when he realizes that Equinox was only one of many layers of defense. You can't kill me. My soul is shielded by a thousand layers of invulnerable protection. I was born dead, and you've already killed me a second time, even a third. But I don't stay dead. I am invincible."

Epiphany spread her arms slowly, laughing insanely... and then Zerrex snarled before he flexed his metallic arm, and it became bone instead of steel, his fingers transforming into ivory claws before the white needle shot from his wrist and sparked with dark energy as the reptile said coldly: "We'll see just how invulnerable you are, Epiphany."

"Come and kill me again then, Zerrex. Come and kill me again and again. When you eventually can't kill me anymore, I'll kill you." Epiphany whispered, licking her lips slowly as her eyes glowed feverishly. "I'm eager to die."

The Drakkaren snarled, then he ran forwards even as Epiphany threw her head back and laughed, gesturing upwards and making the blades and spikes of bone rip out of the ground before they launched towards the reptile, and Zerrex cursed as he was battered by these, raising his arms and trying to charge through the hailstorm before he was sent staggering... and then Epiphany was in front of him, the female reaching her hands down with a scream and a wild laugh as they burned with dark energy, her entire body radiating terrible malice-

A ghostly blue hand shot out and smashed into Epiphany's muzzle, knocking her backwards with a shriek of shock, landing on her feet and staggering... and floating beside him, her form translucent and blue, Allie snarled. Zerrex looked at her with shock... and then he grinned slowly before Epiphany rubbed at her muzzle slowly, the two facing him as she whispered: "What... what happened? A trick? I can't see... show yourself! Daddy, Daddy, are you betraying me again?"

"Let's take her down." Zerrex said coldly... and he and Allie both ran forwards, Epiphany snarling before she screamed in fury, sending out a blast of force that knocked Zerrex staggering... but Allie continued, unhindered, leaping past Epiphany and smashing a fist into her back, and Epiphany staggered forwards with a gurgle before she spun around, lashing a claw uselessly out in the direction the attack had come from, but Allie had already smoothly dropped to a crouch and hooked her leg out, sweeping Epiphany's feet from beneath her and knocking her into the air before Zerrex lunged forwards and slammed a fist down into her in a hammer blow, knocking the malicious female to the ground with a shriek of agony.

Her body bounced once, and Zerrex immediately seized Epiphany by the ankle, throwing her hard across the room as Allie vanished, then reappeared behind her, feet braced against a pillar as she drove her elbow hard down into the side of Epiphany's neck, knocking her to the ground on her front in a sprawl... and then she grinned and landed beside the stunned female as Zerrex ran forwards, dark energy sparking along his ivory arm as Epiphany began to slowly crawl to her feet before Allie slammed a foot up under her chin, knocking her head back and sending her reeling backwards... and then Zerrex slammed his right fist in a savage, short hook into the bone shell protecting Epiphany's inner organs, and the ivory needle tore through the cage to pierce into the creature's beating heart.

Epiphany screamed in agony, her body arching as Zerrex lifted her into the air on his fist, snarling as the female writhed as dark lightning exploded down her and corruption flooded into her heart and through her veins, black ooze pumping out of her neck and dripping down every wound on her body as she curled around Zerrex's fist, drool falling from her jaws and her eyes bulging and then clenching shut as she fell limp... and then she laughed slowly and weakly, snarling and grinning insanely as the corruption began to harden in her wounds, healing her, energy crackling over her form as she rasped: "Did you really think that my Daddy's corruption the very stuff that makes me up, would hurt me?"

"Not at all... I just needed something to grip." Zerrex replied coldly, and Epiphany looked confused for a moment before the needle retracted as Zerrex tore his right hand forwards, and Epiphany's eyes bulged, her back arching as she screamed, the reptile's arm passing through her broken shell with a ripple of distortion, blue and black lightning travelling over her body before the Drakkaren seized the familiar energy of the corruption that hadn't just spread through her veins, but through her very spirit, her very life essence, and then he stepped backwards with a snarl and pulled with both muscle and his own energies.

The light went out of Epiphany's eyes as if a switch had been flicked, and her body collapsed bonelessly to the ground as her spirit, her soul, run-through with glowing black lines, was ripped out of her body in a blue glow, the shape of the female flailing uselessly in the grips of Zerrex's strong bone fingers, screaming wordlessly down at him as she writhed back and forth, the Drakkaren easily holding onto her with a snarl before he held his left hand out, a blue sphere forming in this. Epiphany stared for a moment in shock, and then she screamed silently as the lizard swung this savagely upwards to smash it into her face, an explosion of sapphire ripping across her features and making her body convulse before the lizard spun around and threw her limp spirit hard backwards.

She flew through the air, crashing into the energized stone of a statue... and Zerrex tore Blackheart off his back in his left hand to fling the sword towards her, and it sparked with blue energy as it flew like an immense dart, slicing through the air with a sizzle and then tearing through Epiphany's body and halfway through the statue, the translucent blue shape of the female screaming in agony as she arched back against the leaned-forwards statue of Zerrex that stared silently down into the black pool, a bit of rubble and red, red blood spilling slowly from the effigy's chest as if it too were alive. And Zerrex himself breathed hard as Epiphany squirmed uselessly, pinned by the sword, unable to move or fight, a large portion of her skull blown away and her features torn by the blast of energy as she writhed and screamed and sobbed silently.

Zerrex looked back and forth, but Allie was gone... and the reptile closed his eyes, whispering a thank-you to her before he stepped forwards, grasping the hilt of his sword... and the blade sparked with blue energy, making Epiphany convulse again as she shrieked silently in torment before the Drakkaren gritted his teeth and shoved it hard downwards, the black hilt pressing against the translucent soul's stomach as the blade turned white and tore through the stone statue, leaving Epiphany pinned like a bug by the weapon that contained his energies. The Drakkaren looked at her with contempt and pity, her soul trembling, staring brokenly up at him, and then Zerrex flexed his bony fist as he glared at her ruthlessly... and then Negative said softly: "Enough. It's over."

Zerrex looked up in surprise to see Negative walking quietly towards him... and the Inversion shook his head slowly, murmuring quietly: "She has been defeated and destroyed... the soul is not as tough as the body, and now, exposed to the air here, in this place... it won't be long before she dies, like me. I have a request, Zerrex... not just for you, though..."

Negative looked at the Drakkaren god for a moment, and then he turned towards Epiphany as she went limp, trembling and staring up at him, tears of energy leaking down the translucent being's cheeks as he reached forwards and quietly caressed her face, and he whispered: "I'm sorry. Come, my daughter. We've caused enough trouble... but you know what? We don't need anything but each other, isn't that right?"

Epiphany trembled, then smiled as her eyes filled with brightness, nodding and shivering even as her body flickered weakly... and then Negative cupped her face in his hands even as his own form roiled with black smoke, before he looked silently over his shoulder and said quietly: "Zerrex. Let us go. Let my daughter and I... let us take one small, short journey into the universe together. Instead of executing us, let us leave in silence..."

Zerrex hesitated... and then Negative bowed his head as Epiphany's soul looked up pleadingly, suddenly humble, suddenly no longer violent, only begging as her trembling hand reached up and grasped Negative's arm... and Zerrex looked silently at the two before the Inversion slowly reached up and grasped the bone-mask that hid his features, closing his ruby eyes as he pulled this off and tossed it away, and it became black smoke as his face was revealed.

It was scarred and terrible... and yet weathered with sorrows and pain more than marred by destruction. In them, Zerrex saw both his own features and those of Naganis, warped and ground together. The Drakkaren studied him, and Negative looked back quietly before the Drakkaren closed his eyes and bowed his head forwards, saying softly: "There is darkness in all our souls, isn't there? Even the brightest people can become... something else."

"I am Naganis, and I am you. I am Athéos, and I am Thegragon. Most of all, I am what was left over of the Corruption that overtook Creation years and years ago, housed and kept docile inside Naganis... fused with his memories, with his beliefs. Yet it was not I who warped Naganis... it was Naganis who warped me, with the purity of his beliefs and strength. He made me... soft." Negative looked disgusted and yet entertained at the same time, glancing away. "I am like primal evolution that was taught about art, and poetry, and philosophy by the gentlest of souls. My nature and my nurture struggle... I wish to destroy and corrupt and empower, and yet part of me... was always questioning it.

"And you, too. You were weaker than Naganis... but you were strong. I could only change you so much, stretch you so far... and you would always go back to who you were. You taught me, too, that we can choose our destinies... that even I, Negative, could be a positive force in the universe." Negative halted, and then he looked silently towards his daughter. "I am the sentience in evolution, I am the ghost in the machine. But I am going to die now, and I will never come back. In your blood will still flow corruption and the ever-evolving chimera cells, as the First Gods called them... but I will be gone, taking with me all my aggressions, passions, and manipulations. You... will be responsible for what happens from now on. I will no longer take the fall for what you do should you choose to Invert. And yes, my death will not cure your need for Inversion... but it will soothe it. You are a broken god, a God who struggles to maintain vows that are already shattered, and thus one who will be eternally tipping back and forth between one side of the scales and the others, all-powerful and yet... terribly flawed, terribly vulnerable.

"Now let me go, and let me take my daughter. I love her. I believe that I absorbed these emotions and traits from yourself and Naganis..." Negative halted, looking down silently, then he looked towards her as he reached a hand out almost hesitantly... and Epiphany quietly took it, smiling radiantly at her father. "Let us go, so we can die together."

Zerrex stepped forwards, grasping the handle of his sword, closing his eyes... and then he silently yanked it back, ripping it free from the translucent shape's shell, and Epiphany gasped, her body arching and flickering violently for a moment before it solidified, and she shivered a little as she hugged herself quietly... then silently, slid down the back of the statue to settle her feet against the ground. She and Negative stood, holding hands as they looked at Zerrex, and Epiphany's corpse lay behind her... and then Negative frowned as Epiphany glanced towards him hesitantly, before he nodded slowly and said quietly: "Yes. Of course, my daughter. Zerrex Narrius, Epiphany is sorry for what she did. She wishes to make one small gesture of kindness to you before she leaves."

Zerrex nodded silently as he placed Blackheart on his back, watching as the glowing blue spirit floated into the air, gazing down at him silently for a moment... and then she floated slowly backwards, reaching a hand out as she passed one of the statues of the First Gods, powerful arcs of energy crackling off it that gathered into a small, glowing sphere in her hand before she began to dive back and forth in a beautiful, complex pattern, gathering energies from the other statues as Zerrex watched silently, and Negative murmured: "You see, my son... your son... Naganen, was right. When Creation attacked Life, he absorbed her genetic qualities... I... absorbed her genetic traits. Much of Life's power I put into Epiphany, which is how she was able to survive so much, why she was so hardy, why she had such power to manipulate genetics. She had the energies of three First Gods inside her... two passed on through me, and Destruction's shards of soul, that will dissipate with our demise.

"Yet only now I see it's not her power that I should have admired and fostered. It was power that maddened her, inexplicable powers she couldn't control, with only her child's experiences, her child's mind. It was... I should have loved her for her. For who she is... but I was jealous of you, who had everything I had almost gained once... who I wanted to replace." Negative glanced at him thoughtfully, and then he shook his head and only looked up silently as Epiphany glided past them silently, a sphere of pulsing white gathered in her hands, like a miniature star.

Then she reached down, pulling part of her own energies from her body, adding it to this... and she breathed quietly on it, and the twinkling sphere floated slowly from her hands and spiraled through the air before settling quietly down into Epiphany's limp corpse, and the dead body twitched one before shivering... and falling still again. Yet Zerrex could feel energy crawling slowly through it, gathering inside of it... and then Epiphany silently floated past him, the soul touching down beside Negative and taking her father's hand shyly again before Negative glanced up at Zerrex and said curtly: "Leave. Let us being our last journey in peace."

"Thank you, Negative. Thank you, Epiphany. I wish you both luck, with whatever happens." Zerrex said quietly, looking slowly from one to the other, and they both gazed at him silently before Zerrex turned away and reached down to carefully pick up the warm body of the girl, devastated and wounded, yet now alive in his arms, energy crackling slowly through it. Then Zerrex glanced over his shoulder, and he saw Epiphany and Negative standing at the far edge of the Tether, holding hands silently, blue smoke streaming slowly up from one and black darkness from the other as they both began to slowly dissolve, the streams of smoke twisting slowly in a rising helix as bits and pieces of the dying souls fell away, even as their hands stayed solid and firm and locked tightly, tightly together.

The Drakkaren glanced down as the girl in his arms stirred, and her eyes flickered open slowly... and she blinked quietly before gazing up at him as Blackheart sparked along his back, before she whispered, her green irises flickering faintly with recognition: "Daddy? I... I had the most awful nightmare... where are we..."

"Shh. It's over now." Zerrex said softly, and he leaned down to silently kiss her forehead, gazing at her quietly as he walked slowly towards the edge of the Tether, and she nodded quietly and curled up in his arms as the reptile gazed at her, then out into the starlit, beautiful space surrounding the Center of the Universe as on the other side of the platform, a translucent blue soul and a black shape curled together tightly as they slowly faded away into nothing but motes and twists and arcs of energy that curled silently like star-crossed comets together, vanishing slowly into the deep, unknowable depths of space on a final journey of father and daughter.

Epilogue: Heaven's Heart

Zerrex smiled a little as he glanced down at Naganen, who was snoozing quietly on his chest: Naganen, now physically a full adult, his body strong and handsome, towering ten feet tall and with powerful arms and legs and a taut chest through which flexed firm abs when he tensed his body. He was wearing only his red boxers, with white hearts and circles dotting them... and then male smacked his lips slowly before he smiled embarrassedly up at Zerrex as he sat up slightly, asking querulously: "Is it time to go already?"

The Drakkaren nodded, and the male yawned a bit as he sat up and stretched, rubbing absently at one large horn before he blushed a little... then smiled awkwardly as he only held a hand out, and a long, scale-leather cloak wisped towards him through the air, sliding rapidly around his body and forming into a beautiful robe of purples and black with ivory shoulder plates as he said awkwardly: "If you... ever want this back, Dad..."

"You deserve it, Naganen. You earned it." Zerrex said softly, and Naganen blushed a bit before the Drakkaren stood up, bare-chested and with his black jeans, obsidian mala, and nanotech armlet on, the reptile reaching down to poke absently at this, and a moment later nanites spread over his body and formed rapidly into a black t-shirt as the Drakkaren glanced slowly over him with a smile. "Besides, it suits you more than me."

Naganen blushed a bit again, rubbing a hand through his tall black Mohawk as he said embarrassedly: "I think it only obeys me so much because you tell it to..."

But Zerrex only smiled amusedly at this, shaking his head a bit before Naganen added quietly: "I'm... I'm glad it does, though. It's nice to have, and makes me feel comforted when I wear it... and... I appreciate it a lot. I'm... I'm glad you think I deserve this, Dad, but still... what I want most is to be more like you."

The two looked at each other warmly, and Naganen blushed a little as he reached up to touch at a scar over his throat... but it was only a nervous gesture, and not a self-conscious one. Naganen was almost glad for it, in fact... much of what he'd become and gained - the ability to change his size, his increased strength and stamina, his muscular, powerful physique - was likely in part due to the fact Zerrex had pushed so much energy into him to save his life... although those were only physical changes. Learning to be a little less shy and a little freer was taking more time... even if now Naganen was on-and-off dating Daria, and working on being a little more indulgent in the physical pleasures of life. "I love you Dad."

"I love you too, kiddo, I do." Zerrex laughed warmly, and he traded a tight hug with his son before he winked at him as he wrapped his arm around him and they simply vanished from the spot to reappear a moment later in the fields behind the Ravenlight Estate, near where several large, wooden tables had been set up and servants were busily running back and forth, portals opening and closing as they brought food out to the table, Cecilia instructing and leading them as her Iuratus fluttered around, straightening chairs and organizing the plates of food.

Cherry, Cindy, Mahihko, and Lone were already here, tossing a Frisbee between them with laughter and smiles, Cherry glancing up with a grin and a wave towards Zerrex as an overexcited Mahihko almost knocked Lone over with his own wild waving, and behind them, Marina rolled her eyes with a warm smile at their antics as she painted the scene easily on an easel, Maria laying on the ground beside her and looking almost dreamily up at the psychic, admiring her beauty, her talent, and her dedication to her father and her work.

Sitting at one of the tables, Sin, Justice, and Desire were clustered around Sabnock, who looked a little disgruntled as she almost nervously held her baby away from them, and Zerrex and Naganen approached her, the wolverine looking up in relief as she mumbled: "Lord Zerrex. I'm... very glad to see you."

"You too, Sabnock." Zerrex glanced over her with a warm smile, eyes flicking along the female's body: she was wearing long shorts and a simple white top that showed off the tattoo on her belly. In her arms, she was cradling a small bundle that looked much more like the wolverine than it did Zerrex, wrapped up in a black blanket as Desire cooed and gazed warmly down at the ashen-furred baby: Galleon Junior. When Zerrex held his arms out, Sabnock passed him up to him with a soft smile. "Hey there, little guy."

He leaned down and kissed his son's forehead softly, and the wolverine baby stirred and mumbled softly as Sin smiled radiantly up at him and Justice leaned on her sister with a grin, asking mildly: "So when do I get to have a kid with you, finally? I've been joking about it for most of these years but now I'm getting jealous."

"Go away." Zerrex said absently, and he glanced up as a portal opened, ignoring Justice's loud laughter as Galleon Jr. grumbled in his arms, the reptile mumbling: "I agree, she's a poop-head."

Through the portal came Ambrosia, Serenity, Daria, Missy, and Mist and Shine, and Ambrosia grinned warmly and rose a hand to her father with a delighted look in her green and emerald eyes. All along her arms, she had tattooed black roses and symbols of Hez'Ranna, to show her dedication to her father... while Missy, meanwhile, had tattooed a large black rose on her chest, with vines that scrawled along her breasts and curled around them enticingly, her collar gleaming proudly on her neck.

And others, too, were here: in the background, Zerrex could see Loki loitering and grumbling, looking both pleased to have been invited and irritated to actually be here, with Thor standing nearby and laughing loudly as Gilgamesh looked back and forth, awkwardly staring at Cindy... and nearby, Dray and Terrance were helping waiters and servants set out food and Hez'Rannan delicacies that Huck was already picking through, his bashful Daius lover Hans beside him and Albatross chatting amiably with him. Sephire and Carmen were talking animatedly at another table, and Raze had his arms crossed and was looking moodily back and forth, but then he blushed a bit when Mary approached him with a smile and a small potted plant, and he took it with an embarrassed mumble.

Zerrex gazed affectionately over them all as other Disciples and family members came in, and Naganen shyly waved at Daria as she strode towards them, then slipped between the two, wrapping her arms around father and son as she made a kissing motion towards Cindy, who shook her head with a grin as Cherry immediately huffed and crossed her arms jealously... then squawked when Vampire tackled her from behind and began to plant kisses all over the back of her head, making Cindy snort in amusement, then outright laugh when Mahihko and Lone tackled Cherry as well and also began covering her in kisses, the hermaphrodite's arms flailing wildly.

The male Drakkaren couldn't help but laugh as well at this, shaking his head... and then, on the other side of the table, a Gateway opened and Celeste walked out of it with a soft smile and a new collar around her neck made of black platinum laced with ivy and studded with green crystal. Earth strode beside her, and then the two females bowed quietly to the side as a third figure walked through, tall and beautiful, her scales gleaming black and purple, maybe nine feet tall now and with bone-mask of white over her features. Thicker stitches were faintly-visible over scar tissue that webbed outwards from beneath the black leather collar around her neck, in which sat a beautiful green gemstone, and upon which was written in ancient Hez'Rannan, one word on either side of the rounded emerald inset into it: Daughter Beloved.

Epiphany's eyes were warm and green as she carried an enormous cake towards the table, a happy blush tingeing her cheeks, the bikini of skulls held on by black leather covering her large breasts and groin clacking quietly as her vest stretched over her strange body. She gazed lovingly back and forth as Mercy ran up to her delightedly, speaking rapidly in sign language and with her eyes, and Epiphany laughed brightly before she urged: "Slow down, I can't understand you!"

Mercy smiled warmly as Epiphany set the enormous cake down on the table, and Zerrex walked towards this... then yelped and leapt backwards as part of it exploded outwards as Sammy leapt free from the cake with a screech, Galleon Jr. startling awake in his arms, but then only grumpily whimpering once before curling towards his father as Zerrex glared down at him as others laughed... then stared in shock as Anathema exploded out of the cake, sending chunks of frosting hailing down in all directions as eyes from all around stared in shock, several birthday candles stuck to the top of her skull and somehow still lit as the amber flames in her sockets burned mischievously and she spread her skeletal arms wide as flesh and organs filled in, exclaiming: "Surprise!"

Zerrex groaned and dropped his head back...and Anathema threw her head back and laughed brazenly as Epiphany covered her muzzle with a giggle and looked adoringly at her father. And the Drakkaren smiled back, knowing that she and his other children were his greatest gifts of all on this birthday, as Selena grinned amusedly at him and leaned in to lick frosting sloppily off the reptile's muzzle as others joined them at the table, Driz and Priest and Markus smiling and laughing together, Silven and Amiglion looking at their sister with amusement.

Then a deeply-blushing Vivien walked up to sit on the table in front of Zerrex, the Celestial Devil winking down at him as she said amusedly: "I got you some of those Eslovian fireworks you like. Just don't set them off inside the Ravenlight Estate again, okay? If we ever get married, I'd like to be able to take that from you in the eventual divorce."

"Oh go to... someplace... other than Hell." Zerrex finished lamely, and people laughed as Vivien leaned down, and she and Zerrex shared a quick, chaste kiss before the reptile leaned back in his chair, gazing warmly around himself.

Yes, he had lost much: but now, friends and family were all around him, here to celebrate him, here to share joy and love and laughter with him as well as support him during his sorrows and doubts. And as he rocked Galleon in his arms, his wives, concubines, Disciples, friends, and so many others gathered around him, Zerrex gazed lovingly at Epiphany as she gazed affectionately back, smiling and cherishing her father's attention as Celeste rubbed a hand down her back and Anathema leapt off the table to gently dab at her daughter's muzzle and Jessica came forwards with Cindy to help start laying gifts out along the table.

Epiphany was weaker than she had once been now... far weaker, in fact. But that didn't matter... what mattered was that she was here, she loved him, and the memories in her mind that the other-Epiphany, the Negative's-daughter Epiphany, had brought back were of the good times she and Zerrex had spent together... of how much her father had loved her, taken care of her, and treated her always with kindness. This Epiphany was his true daughter... and powerful or not, she would always be his beloved daughter, his little girl... just like sons and daughters would always be sons and daughters to him, no matter how they grew up or what they did with their lives, and how his friends and family would always be friends and family, from Carmen and Cherry to Vivien and Sabnock and everyone in between.

And Zerrex smiled, basking in the glow of affection and attention, indulging in the love with his baby boy Galleon Jr. held in his arms, splattered with cake as Celeste and Sabnock began to sing together as if on cue, and he closed his eyes as inside of him, he heard a soft, loving voice whisper in powerful emotions that reached the depths of his soul over even the melody and warmth that spilled from all around him: I'll always be with you.

_ _

_ _

Nothing is without a purpose:

Pain makes pleasure brighter,

Sorrow makes our joys worth more.

No matter how you fight it, love always finds a way.

_ _

Zerrex Narrius

_ July 4th, 2011-September 16th, 2011_