Syphax Gallus Aquilus

Syphax, not usually one for the cold, had elected to wait for someone else to show up before he adventured into the ice maze. It would certainly cost him some time due to just how susceptible to freezing temperatures he really was, but he was of the mind of covering more ground in a group. He could absolutely fly directly to the next elevator and begin the final fight alone, but that would've probably ended with him dead on the floor, which he wasn't too keen on doing in the castle of the Alchemist. Scary stuff, and some of them were already committed to the dungeon.

The harpy brushed these unpleasant thoughts away as another elevator dinged nearby, prompting the monster to draw his sword in preparation for a fight. Just as he peaked around the corner, leaning on it because of his lame right leg, the world around him warped and he was suddenly in an arena replaced a frozen gauntlet. Unready for the change, he promptly fell on his ass and decided to stay there while things were calm.

"Toss me one of those stones to me and Tartys, we're both a little crippled... heh, they're pretty good, I'll give 'em that." Lighthearted as always, he pushed aside the event from his trip in the elevator and focused on the current moment, holding out a hand to catch a Thunderstone from his companion. In the process of this, he realized just how big of an advantage they had at the moment, and they could probably get away with dropping a few cards on the demons given the chance, but the risk was one card still in the deck that could be a free victory for whoever it was directed at. He bit his lip at the eerie silence, every instinct in him telling him that something was about to happen. "Hey Hohenheim, how many cards are left in that tarot deck? And which ones, if you're feeling genero-" His question was answered by a massive gale hit the chamber.

Today was full of surprises for the warrior, his own domain included. Though, now would be a good time to live up to his title, and that's just what he did. Syphax flared his wings open just as the winds hit him, lifting him up high into the arena and giving him perfect vantage for what was going on. This newcomer, dressed in what was likely tough and flexible armor, was easily identifiable as the famed boss they were supposed to fight in this room, and was likely responsible for the cyclone filling the room. Unbeknownst to her, she had given one of the toughest air combatants in the war the advantage. Simply gliding on the winds, he held his sword firmly in his right hand while circling. "If the Alchemist brought you in just for us, I expect a good fight!" And so the bird tipped in, Featherweight held parallel to him and close to his chest, a high-speed strike in an attempt to run the boss through.

"Serious as ever, Nyx.." Zyata looked away before complementing her words with a roll of the eyes in response to Nyx, ~Man, she's all business all the time. I'm gonna figure out a way to crack her shell someday.~

"Well, fuck, we were in a perfectly good room full of prey, and now there's no one here. Was this the be bored to death card? Why would you make up a death maze and then teleport everyone to an empty room." Zyata hadn't paid much attention to the rules, seeing she had been summoned after they had been explained.

Then, as a new challenger arrived, Zyata smiled, took her weapons, and was promptly thrown in the air spinning around the room and smacking into walls.



@TheWindel@Flamelord

Tartys

Snagging the Thunderstone out of the air as it was passed to her, Tartys let out a sigh as she felt the power rush through her. Her hand curled, the surge of energy bringing her a mental clarity that she had lacked thus far. She was the one who wanted peace, to return to her life, yet she kept holding herself back from employing her full magic. She was the one who kept handicapping herself, crippling her own ability and not doing what needed to be done to ensure that they finally won and get what she wanted. Better to have taken her harp then, if she was going to act in such a way.

Her fist tightened in determination as her gaze hardened. Yes, if she was going to fight then she would have to fight. No holding back, no regrets. Magic blossomed and raced along her body, all major wounds fading away and her wing restored to full functionality. It took a chunk out, but with the boost from the Thunderstone it wasn't that bad on her.

About that time their opponent appeared, a woman with long blond hair that kicked up a surprising amount of wind. newly healed wings folded in to resist the blowing air as the woman announced her willingness to engage in the challenge, and the fight began in earnest. It wasn't enough to stop her from being thrown off her feet though, and she quickly reacted to keep from being slammed down as she took shaky flight. With how strong the wind was she could only be carried along, and hope that she didn't hit something too painful.

Flying with her wings fully spread was impossible, so she held them close as she did her best to try and stab relatively stable. At least the others were managing, and with a quick burst of power she cast out a spell towards Syphax. He would find himself embraced in a momentary glow before it settled in, creating a visible haze around him that would serve to obscure his exact position, a 'blink' of sorts. It wasn't major scale magic, but it might make the difference in personal combat.

Meanwhile Nyx treated Zyata's comment with all the seriousness it deserved. She had tried so far, and it wouldn't be so easy to get her to change her mood. Certainly not here, in this particular situation. Soon enough they had other things to worry about as the wind tossed them all, or rather most of them. Nyx quickly adapted, gunblade spinning and firing as she attempted to use it as propulsion. Sots would be sent winging towards their opponent as Nyx tried to get past her.

In the meanwhile Tartys did the same, ready with her magic to assist those who needed it as she fought the wind. Thy just had to beat this boss and it would all be over. Whatever she had to do to make that happen, she was ready.

@The 42nd Gecko@Mega Birb@TheWindel@KoL@Lucius Cypher

With the announcement of the next card, Omega was instantly teleported from the elevator to the final floor with his angelic allies. ”Now why can’t we get luck like this during a real battle?” He stated as all of them realized the good fortune they were having.

There was one piece of bad news however, and that was their current state. Omega didn’t think he’d make it to the final boss in full health, but he along with a few of the others weren’t looking too good to say the least. ”Hey, Dora. If you wouldn’t mind tossing me one of them thunder stones as well it’d be much appreciated.” Hopefully Syphax was onto something having the injured take the stones.

Grabbing the stone as it was tossed to him Omega had little time to examine it before their challenger arrived. She wasted little time creating a near hurricane in the middle of the arena lifting most of the angels up and spinning them around. Omega, on the other hand, stayed firmly on the ground despite the powerful winds. ”Did someone open a window? I’m feeling a small draft in here.” he said pretending to shudder as if he were cold.

The time for joking passed once the others began their attacks on the boss. Omega drew his guns and began firing at the warrior while running the opposite direction of the wind hoping it would make it slightly harder to predict the attacks that way.

@The 42nd Gecko@Mega Birb@TheWindel@KoL@Lucius Cypher@Flamelord

---

Seeing one of his most powerful attacks coming back at him, Balrog raised his arms to block as much of it as he could. Though he heard the blast, he felt none of it. Dropping his guard the demon realized too late it was a distraction and that his opponent had illuded him. ”COWARD! COME BACK AND FIGHT!” Balrog roared in anger shaking the lobby.

He soon learned she wasn’t the only one. Looking to spill angel blood to make up for the one he lost, Balrog found that none of the angels remained. It was now only the demons and Machina left on this floor. Well, angels or not, Balrog wanted to kill something, so the Machina would have to do even if they were in the middle of a trial or whatever. Locking on to the targets Balrog readied a shit load of missiles to obliterate the Machina, only to be stopped by Fran who told him to hold off with promises of a better fight if he did.

”Better than Machina?...Fine.” Balrog disengaged his rockets and instead walked to one of the elevator doors waiting for it’s return. If the fighting was done on this floor, then he had no business remaining.

@Lucius Cypher

The battles throughout Hohenheim's laboratory were beginning to dim down with the introduction of the third round as well as the Angels of Heaven continued streak of luck.

Henry would find that two of the vats closest to him broke all of a sudden, releasing a spray of cryogenic liquid all over the corridor. In a second the liquid coagulated and formed the shape of a hulking creature of frigid ice, ready to smash him to frozen bits.

Those who were left at the lobby would have to wait little before all three of the elevators returned, after being ridden of passengers on the upper floor. However, while they waited, some people seemed to have forgotten the rules of the game, despite Hohenheim having reminded them more than once. Well then, the Alchemist of Genesis was never known as a being that enjoys repeating herself, despite regarding her own voice as the most harmonious melody ever conceived.



"Well, well, it seems that someone is trying to be a crooked nail sticking out, huh? You think yourself smart, chunk of sentient scrap metal? Such a shame you aren't, hehehe." With a snap of her fingers Hohenheim teleported Dora away from the chamber now booming with the deafening sound of the sweeping winds summoned by the recently arrived boss, straight to one of her containment cells, safely fastened by energy shackles. "I hope you en joy your stay, because I know I'll, hehehe!" The Alchemist's laugh echoed through her castle as she mocked the living weapon, licking her lips at the prospect of what she could do with Dora.



"So be it, then." Iona closed her eyes for a moment, taking the time to consider Shizuka's plea for her allies before letting them go. "I'll accept the pleas of your ally, you are free to go under my judgment."

"However, you are going to imprisoned for your interference, demon. Your judgment and condemnation for the numerous sins you have committed shall take place in the court of Heavens." With a wave of her hand Iona dispelled the illusion Fran cast over her, destroying the attacking doppelganger in the process. Before the succubus could try to resist, or even blink, she would find herself transported to the wards of Celestia, where she would wait judgment by the hands of the Divine Imperator of the Heavens, while being subjected to a long and excruciating purification ritual.

"For one that lives of sins as dire as yourself, this shall be a fitting atonement." Iona's voice echoed inside of Fran's head as the archangel's chains of light shackled her to a hallowed circle, around of with other angels recited prayers and holy passages, singing the praises of Heaven. To make sure that the succubus wouldn't try anything, a chastity belt of consecrated silver, doused in Celestia's purest holy water was placed on her.

This would serve as a reminder that Iona is one of the few beings on the Nexus that takes her duty seriously.



"Your assistance was appreciated, Commander." Was the only thing to leave Ni-Mu's lips as she was freed by Iona, immediately dashing for the starboard elevator and boarding, while none of the remainder Demons (Balrog and Gelgath) would have a chance to take it.



"Iona is down there too. Hoho got a big party going, don't you think?" Juno replied to the recently arrived boss, which she seemed to be somewhat acquainted of, before readying her sword for the fight that was about to ensue.

"You all can go ahead, I'll keep Windy here." Juno offered herself to be the Angel's living shield, after all the faster they were done, the faster she would have that all-paid dinner Hoho promised her. Only one person needed to stay behind to fight the 'boss', after all. To deal with the tornado and allow her allies to escape safely, Juno used her powers to create a tunnel of void space, bereft of any air to be made in wind, that lead straight into the portal at the other side of the room.

It was just a matter of whether the other Angels would take it or not, now. Certainly it looked like the best choice to leave their brute behind so that everyone else could escape.

---

@Lmpkio @Grombus @Banana @floodtalon @The 42nd Gecko @Mega Birb @Awesomoman64 @Ryonara @Flamelord @Lucius Cypher @Lonewolf685 @TheWindel.

Henry Pearl Avaritia The 2nd

---

Henry walked through the cold maze when a few containers near him exploded, something flying out of them forming into a monster of frozen ice. Henry yawned and jumped back lightly as a sub-zero fist smashed into the ground where he had just been standing. "Geez, I feel like the cold is making me sleepy. Does this guy have a name?" Henry dropped his sword and pulled out his pair of SMGs, the Cadaverous Callers. He pulled the triggers and they began to spray a mass amount of incendiary bullets at the ice monster.

It was honestly one of his best ideas ever to swipe these from the Machina after the last battle. He had detoured to a Machina inhabited world after the battlw at the Forfe to steal technology from them and to hone his skills with the Silver Eyes he had been blessed with. It had been quite a long day filled with him getting filled with bullets and the slaughtering of many machines. But it had paid off, he found a great pair of SMGs that only he had. He made sure of that last part, burning down the facility so nobody could get the blueprints for the guns.

Henry soon noted that the monster wasn't dead yet, it was actually angry now and was being quite rude. Shiva (Henry felt like it needed a name besides Ice Monster) swung at him again and Henry jumped in the air, opening a Gate below him to give himself something to land on. As Henry landed on what appeared to be a human corpse, he clicked a few switches on the sides of the Cadaverous Callers and switched to flamethrower mode. This was what made the guns truly special. Unlimited. Flamethrower. Fuel. He cackled as he melted Shiva with a torrent of flames, jumping off the corpse and returning it to his Gate as he landed on the ground. "Hey Hohenheim, can I get a card for the Demons?"

---

The skeleton fell to the ground with a heavy thud, and said two words to Iona while slowly climbing up from the position he was in. "Thank you." He had his pants wet with whiskey, and his sword was beside him. He smiled as he grabbed his sword and finally stood, ignoring the obvious wetness covering his trousers. Despite his entire existence being unnatural and the fact that he, a demon, was passed judgement by someone as holy as Iona. It gave him a sense of encouragement to continue, despite all odds. The Angelic force was already at the final trial, but with the Machina now freed from their judgement, it would only prove that the group had a tough time ahead of them, but even with that they could -- and would -- prevail over this.

Bonesword watched as Ni-Mu darted towards an elevator, trying to take one before the remainder of the combatants could, and she had succeeded. The current situation was dire, but the odds could be tipped if there was a good roll for the Machina to get a card for. The real question though was if the other Machina would be fine with Bonesword trying to draw another card. Before he drew his scimitar, he spoke to the other Machina. "We may need to call upon another card in order to have a chance with this. I'm gonna try and defend those elevators for us to be able to get into them, you guys can draw the card and ride up." The skeleton had begun to call for any sort of help from a Bloody Harvest as he dashed towards the elevators, diving his Shroomblade into Balrog's body with blistering speed, and a green light enveloping the blade. Several pumpkins had sprouted up around the room, and Bonesword had been determined to keep Balrog at bay for the other Machina. He wanted them to continue more than himself, so if he had to lose this challenge to get the others into the running for victory, he would.

@Flamelord@KoL@Ryonara@Awesomoman64

The airlifted warrior raised an eye at the group of Angels before her. If this was the best Heaven could offer her than it was no wonder why they had been dragged into this pitiful and, quite frankly, useless little war. But if they wanted to try and best her winds, then that was fine by her. With narrowed eyes, she raised herself higher and let the storm continue to increase in ferocity.

One of the warriors, an Angel with impressive wings, sought to charge at her head first with blade at the ready. Grinning darkly to the challenge, she twirled about to the side with the winds as her ally, eyes glimmering. “I see right through your magic,” she hissed, eyesight penetrating the haze around her opponent; Syphax might have been a skilled combatant in the air, but these winds were her domain and the boss made that fact very known. Still, she appreciated a good fight.

“Can you tame these storms Angel?” she asked, grabbing the end of Syphax’s ankle as he zipped past her thanks to her dodge. Assuming her grip was true, she’d toss him in some random direction in the efforts to slam him against a wall. And given these speeds coupled with his own velocity, it was doubtful he’d make it without some wounds of such.

As that opponent was taken down, the boss grinned to see the Amazon summons also be swept into the massive storm. Some of them were holding on though and she frowned, already annoyed by their tenacity. The Angel casting her assist magic for example was starting to be a pain along with that ghost cowboy.

With a wave of her arm, small and thin strands of wind began to circle the boss’ form. Each bullet fired at her would be deflected by the winds and send hurtling right back at their origin. “Enough of this!” the boss cried, raising back their arm and lashing forward to direct a cut right through the wind and towards her enemies. Because it was pure air itself, the attack would be invisible to only the most trained of eyes and the most potent of senses.

“My name is not Windy!” the boss said with a glare right at Juno. She had heard quite enough of the giant grape’s commentary and directed an especially large wind slash towards her. She would have done more had she not spent a moment to gasp when the tunnel made of pure void was manifested. “Y-You can’t just do that!”

---

Tatiana Lorenz

It was probably best for all involved that Tatiana was in her drug induced state, if only for the sole virtue of the fact that her lack of clear thinking meant that the suicidal action she planned to go through with wasn't actually possible in the first place. She might have burned herself a bit in the process, but it was hardly a lethal, much less a debilitating wound. Really it was just kinda annoying.

The next thing to be immediately noticed, however, was them all being released for some reason that she couldn't fathom, and she basically ignored Fran vanishing as a result of the angel getting pissy at her talking. Yet the drug remained, albeit weakening, and in it she found an answer. Clearly they thought that they had won, that they had converted her to their will and were expecting her to complete the mission! That was why the robot that was formerly Ni-Mu had gone straight for the elevator and boarded it!

Well if they thought that that was going to happen, she would not allow them to delude themselves. If someone had to take a stand against this insidious alliance, it would have to be her. Thrusters fired as she carried herself upwards, no longer struggling but now driven by intent purpose. Perhaps she could not finish this challenge on her own, but she would not allow the insidious alliance to gain any more boons than it may have already.

Faux Ni-Mu might be already gone, but the others still remained. That would have to be good enough. Funnels perked back to life from where they had fallen, taking to the sky as she aimed her laser rifle and fired at Shizuka without hesitation. The funnels would add to that, tracking to predict hr movements and so make sure that their fire was adjusted accordingly. Tatiana would then go on the move herself, sweeping about to rain down bolts from every direction as sh fired at her former teammates. Needless to say, things had gotten a bit sidetracked again.

@Banana@KoL@Awesomoman64@Ryonara

---

Tartys

The fight began in earnest even if they did lose Dora, Omega opening fire while Tartys continued to provide magical support. Following on her illusion trick for Syphax was a more physical buff, a magical barrier that would serve to absorb some physical damage, which she added to everyone else. when she managed to get sight of them in her semi-controlled flight. She was getting more of a hang of it, and for now she continued to provide what magical assistance she was able.

Of course before they could get very far Juno had interceded to basically solve the entire fight for them, though she could be glad that it wasn't a solution as actively harmful to their side as it was to the enemy. Nyx did as she had to, adding her own gunfire and being thrown about enough to avoid most of the gunshots as they returned back to where she had been moments before. Pretty nice, though there was quite a bit of skill involved.

It was also those flips, and keen reflexes, which allowed her to barely dodge the incoming wave attack. Tartys was not so fortunate though, being struck around her lower torso. "Gah!" The pain flared as she was sent spinning, Temporarily stunned. With the aid of her barrier though she was able to fight it off and use a bit more magic, her wings glowing golden as she shot forward with a burst of speed, and quickly hit the void area created by Juno as she moved for the waiting door. Past their opponent, and towards the exit and the end of this fight. She just hoped the door was unlocked.

It was a bit harder for Nyx to do it, and she ended up with an impromptu technique of 'bouncing off the top of the void tunnel with the assistance of her gunscythe, since she couldn't fly and all. It was difficult, compared to th norm, but the challenge was welcome as she followed after her ally. It seemed they were on the road to success.

@TheWindel@KoL@Awesomoman64@The 42nd Gecko@Mega Birb

Shizuka was relieved when her allies were freed, but that relief was cut short when Titania of all people started firing on her. Shizuka took two shots, which fortunately her armor had taken, before materializing her energy shield once more. ”Dammit Titania, I don’t have time for this!” Shizuka quickly slipped on her sister’s Stalker Cloak and vanished from sight. While her shield was still up Shizuka made a beeline straight towards the elevator, closing it and going up. She wished she could have stayed and helped Bonesword or snap Titania out of it, but she had already wasted precious time convincing Iona to free them.

The next stage had demons, Shizuka knew this much. She’d have to work with Ni-Mu to get through here, and frankly the ex-angel didn’t really care for the newcomer. She obviously wasn’t made to take orders that’s for certain. But Shizuka was also aware that like Bastion, she’s likely one of Eos’s personal creations, which meant she had great power. Shizuka would just have to get used to the thought that Ni-Mu was more or less a commander in all but rank and act accordingly.

Meanwhile Hibiki was slightly glad that Shizuka managed to free her team though she did think that Shizuka had wasted time with sentimentality. They were racing against the clock and Shizuka could have used that time to run into an elevator instead of trying to save everyone else. They need to be able to fight their own personal demons. Hibiki had a tinge of disappointment that her sister kept relying on others for strength. There was a reason Hibiki wasn’t participating in this battle alongside her. If she keeps up this sort of thinking, Shizuka would never be stronger and be too dependent on others to protect her.

As for the battle raging on the next floor Hibiki noticed that one of the angels were gone. That reminded her that one of the rules of this tower and Hibiki smirked. She had nothing against the angel, but she was glad to see at least one of them eliminated by this challenge. The one summoned to fight the angels did pique Hibiki’s interest. Apparently she had some personal history with Juno, which made some sense. Hibiki doubted anyone who was strong enough to face Juno wouldn’t know who she is. "Oh? And who’s this fine specimen you found, mistress?” Hibiki asked as she replenished Hohenheim’s tea and cookies.

@Flamelord@KoL@Banana

Out of nowhere, this unnamed combatant, dubbed Windy by Juno, dodged to the side of Syphax's strike. In truth, he wasn't totally surprised at this, a rush like that was easy to predict, even with Tartys' magic surrounding him. What caught him off guard was the hand closing around his ankle and redirecting his flight towards a wall. And towards the wall he went, flaring his wings to catch the cyclone once again and avoid a damaging collision. By the time he slowed enough to do this, he was already at the wall, forced to plant his bad leg on the surface and pause while he winced, setting and kicking off with his good leg once again to get back onto the turbulence.

The first thing he noticed, or rather sensed, once airborne and moving again was the strands of wind circling the woman, a threat to anyone without the keen senses the harpy possessed. And such, he was quick to drop low to the ground and begin another run at the boss that had caused this hurricane, this time going in for a wide swing. Rather than do anything fancy and stick around for what would surely be a great fight, he wasn't at one could call full strength due to the two spears that had been stabbed into his leg earlier. So whether or not he cut this boss-like character in two, he flew into the void Juno had created to escape. "I'd stay and give you a fight for the ages, but I'm at the disadvantage! Shanked leg!" He rolled over in his flight as he spoke and gave the girl a salute, and a thumbs up to Juno. With that, he turned back over and pushed open the doors to the chamber of Hohenheim.

The first thing he did in the room of the Alchemist was light down on the floor, letting himself fall onto his back again before sitting up and giving her a wave. "Hohenheim, the Alchemist, whatever you wanna go by, Deva sends her regards. I would bow, but I can't stand without making a wind tunnel right now." In place of this bow, he offered a polite nod before pulling his wings in, the knee of his good leg getting pulled up to his chest.

Despite all the angels combined efforts, it seemed this was yet another enemy who outclassed the merry band of heroes. All attacks were either ineffective or were reflected, including Omega’s bullets one of which caught him in the shoulder and knocked him to the ground. ”Grrr. This ain’t working, we need a new plan!” He yelled to the others as he picked himself up. Just as the words left him, Juno created a void they could all escape through while she dealt with not Windy. ”That’ll do.”

With most of the team injured, or captured in Dora’s case, they really didn’t have another option. Going as fast as he could with his injuries, Omega made it to the void and up to the portal before turning to Juno. ”You better win this fight, Juno. Wouldn’t feel right if you didn’t get yer dinner after helping us all this way.” With that he stepped through the portal and into Hohenheim's chamber.

With his allies around him, Omega asked them,”So that woman out there. She seemed awful defensive about that ‘Widny’ nickname. How much you wanna bet her real name actually is like Wendy or something?”

@Mega Birb@TheWindel@KoL@Flamelord

---

It was clear Fran’s plan had failed when Iona teleported her away most likely to be imprisoned. That left Balrog against the remaining Machina, and the Machina against themselves apparently. With no hope of an alliance and their own turning on them, Balrog took advantage of the chaos and charged at the Machina only to be intercepted by Bonesword.

The skeleton struck a hard blow on Balrog driving his blade deep into the demon’s body. Letting out a howl of pain Balrog quickly grabbed the skeleton and ripped him away before tossing him across the lobby. ”Foolish pile of bones. Balrog will crush you to dust!” aiming his machine gun arm Balrog opened fire upon Bonesword paying no attention to the other two Machina that had snuck past to the elevators, nor the pumpkins that had began to grow.

@Banana

---

Bonesword chuckled as he stood up from the collision of him with the wall, watching as Balrog had charged the group of Machina, which once had Shizuka in it, however it was a late bargain as she had absconded shortly beforehand. He wasn't chuckling that Balrog was shot at by Tatiana. Oh hell no. He was chuckling that he had been able to make the rush for an elevator because Balrog threw him towards them. With that, he had a few pumpkins climb on top of eachother to create a shield as he climbed in the final elevator that was open and closed it, sending him off to the next layer the castle.

Meanwhile, Balrog would be pleased to find out that he would be surrounded by a horde of angry pumpkins, a few of them were destroyed from the defense, but he wasn't able to have them all destroyed at the moment. Tatiana would be glad to see them too, as they were swarming underneath her like fire ants.

In the elevator, Bonesword held his skeletal hand over his shoulder, which had no arm due to the impact of him and the wall that he had been recently thrown into. He made it into the elevators, sure, but he only had one arm at this point. He just had to hope that he could get to Hohenheim soon...

@KoL@Awesomoman64@Flamelord

Tartys

It was a quick trip as she swept past the fighting duo of Juno and her opponent, joined by the others at the same tim. Through the door and then through the portal beyond that, and she would find herself in Hohenheim's throne room along with everyone else who had come through, her other angel comrades. It looked like Syphax had taken some injuries along the way though, unfortunately.

"Let me help you with that," she muttered aloud as her hands glowed with light before casting it towards Syphax. Where it fell he would start to feel better as his wounds healed themselves, though she would not interfere if Hohenheim did much the same thing to help heal him too. SHe had the feeling that it might happen, given who they were currently meeting with.

Once that had terminated she would face their host, bowing respectfully with weapon held to the side. "Divine greetings," she said as she rose once again. "You have quite the interesting castle here.

@Awesomoman64@Mega Birb@TheWindel@KoL

---

Tatiana Lorenz

Tatiana grit her teeth as Shizuka barely managed to escape the hail of gunfire as she vanished from sight under a cloak while she was recalibrating to try and locate it. By the tme she had managed to do so, however, Shizuka was basically in the elevator and would no longer be on this floor. With Ni-My having already departed, she reoriented and fired just in time to watch Bonesword tak his leave in a dramatic fashion.

"You've got to be kidding me," she huffed as she was left on the floor with Balrog. There was nothing to do except wait for the elevators to return, but she wasn't just going to sit back and allow this demon to finish its run in the trial if she could. She might not have won, but she could mitigate the victory that the alliance would enjoy.

Reorienting, she targeted the big demon as she brought her funnels winging about. "Okay big boy, show me what you've got." Flying over, she took potshots at Balrog to draw his attention away, even as her funnels zipped in from the sides to shoot at his back. She was going to fight until the elevators were back, and then she was out of here.

@Ryonara@Banana@Awesomoman64

_{Collaborating efforts from @TheWindel}


After a long exhausting day of doing nothing, Zak cast his cares away, along with the end of a fishing line into a calm and quiet lake. The water gently rippled around him as he reclined against a gnarled old stump jutting from the grassy knoll near the edge of a sparkling lake among the clouds and palaces of heaven. The looming shadow of a straw hat fell over the upper half of his gaze, hiding Zak's eyes from the light of day while he absently and occasionally tugged at the unresponsive line. Finally, after several minutes of inactivity, Zak yawned, and set the fishing pole in his lap, letting the line drift aimlessly against the subtle current. He briefly pondered how to this day, after many millennia, not a single fish has been snagged on his line. It made him contemplate if there were even any fish in this water...or in any of the lakes or rivers of heaven. However, the thought passed as quickly as it came, for likely the millionth time as his consciousness slowly began to blur away, fading into the realms of his dreams. There he laid, motionless yet seemingly focused on task at hand. None would be the wiser of his dozing, unless they got any closer than several feet...or within audible range of his subtle snoring.

But it looked like something or someone would answer his silent request because soon enough the sound of light splashing could be heard from the lake in front of him. It wasn't anything too violent and closer inspection would reveal a single fish swimming about in the clear water. That was funny; just a moment ago the lake had been silent, almost peaceful and serene. But this one fish, although desired, was now disrupting the flow in a huge way. It continued to swim about, kicking up a few drops of water onto Zak with mighty swaps of its tail.

The sensation of water running down Zak's face brought him out of his snooze, yanking his attention down to the water that splashed and babbled below. His gaze peered down, meeting with the wavering reflection of himself on the dancing surface of the water. His eyelids fluttered as moisture sprayed into the air, peppering his visage with droplets of water. Through the ripples and foam, it he finally made eye contact with the source of the noise. Many centuries of contemplation and unanswered questions suddenly flooded to mind as Zak jumped up, wrestling with the fishing pole between his legs as he struggled to get a firm grip on it. Then he realized the aquatic creature wasn't snagged on the line. "...Wait...huh?" He was sure it flailed and struggled due to being painfully snagged on the end of his fishhook. But as he drew in the line, it became clear the creature wasn't at all caught. After a few more moments of confusion, Zak set down his fishing pole and leaned in to get a closer look. If it had been a shark, it would have taken his head off as he brought his face within inches of the waters surface, staring intently into the depths at the strange 'fish' or at least in it's direction.

It was all the distraction needed for the hand from behind to push him forward, shoving his face into the water. No doubt he would gasp and splutter at the crude prank enacted upon him. Even the fish was gone, as if its purpose of tricking the young man had been accomplished and so its existence faded away. The soft of soft giggling would fill Zak's ears and standing in the spot he had occupied just moments ago was a grinning girl. Her snickering continued with great mirth and she waved happily at the man who had taken an involuntary swim.

Water splashed into the air as Zak went plummeting into the rippling depths of the lake. He only managed a very brief and sharp yelp before his voice was muffled by gurgling. The shock of the frigid water nearly sent Zak jumping into the air, but only his head emerged from below the surface, sputtering water from his mouth and nose as he spun around, looking for the culprit. He made futile attempts to wipe the water away from his face but it was replaced with more water which streamed down from his soaked red hair. Finally, Zak managed to cough away the last of the water that had rushed into his lungs before finally focusing on the fair looking woman who stood atop the knoll next to his fishing line, giggling mischievously as she admired her work. "Dammit! Do ye know what ye've just done?!?!" asked the exasperated man as he feebly clambered his way out of the water. "Hundreds...no....thousands o' years..." he growled between sputtering coughs and gasps for air before continuing. "...and not a single fish. Not a bloody one!!" Fire burned in Zak's eyes as he looked up at the girl, towering over his soaked and collapsed body. "Finally....Ah find one...and you...you...." His fist slammed the ground. "YOU SCARED IT AWAY'!" Zak turned and frantically began digging away at the water, clawing at the surface as if rummaging through rubbish for treasure. "Now Ah'll never find it again! Tha one fish in heaven! Ah'll be a legend among legends!" At this point, he seemed to be completely ignoring the girl as he desperately searched through the shallow waters at the lakes edge.

"A legend among legends? Now why would you wanna be something lame like that Mister?" the girl asked, still snickering to herself. It was clear that he cherished the fish like it was his own flesh and blood or something like that. She wondered if she should burst his bubble now or wait till later....eh. Might as well do it now and see how he'd handle it. So the girl crouched down beside the edge of the lake and watched him dig around its murky depths like a fool. "Hey, hey, did ya like the little joke I made? You must have loved it since you actually thought there was a fish in Heaven. Pretty cool prank, right?"-"Wait a minute!" Interjected Zak, still somewhat oblivious to the girl. "There it is! Ah see it!" Without a single moment of hesitation, Zak dove forward, back into the water with a massive splash, disappearing beneath the surface as his silhouette became one with the murky depths. The sudden action sprayed water into the air and over the girl before she could finish her question. Several moments passed as the water fell silents and the ripples that danced across the surface calmed. It wasn't clear at this point if Zak was still searching for the mythical heaven fish, or actually caught on something below.

"....I don't think he found the fish," the girl mused to herself, watching as he dove in headfirst like an agent sent from Heaven. Oh wait....in any case, she continued ot watch the ripples move about before finally settling into a serene state. The lake wasn't that deep, right? It shouldn't have been, not when it was so close to shore. "Hey, hey Mister, did you drown? Guess you'll be a legend of something after all. The legend of the moron who drowned himself over a fish," the girl said with another smirking snicker. Something brilliant bean to emanate from below the depths. Through the dreary waters, the girl could see a small, bright orange and yellow oblong form flailing back and forth. The sight was unclear, clouded by plumes of murk and mud kicked up from the floor of the lake. It almost looked like golden scales, refracting the few rays of sunlight the pierced the gloomy water. A few bubbled rose up, popping at the surface as the blurry silhouettes below wrestled to and fro. The girl saw all this and raised an eye. So he had found a fish after all? Or maybe he was just wrestling with some kind of lake monster. Either option would work but the latter would have been especially funny. So with a shrug she reached forward to poke one of the golden things popping up from the surface of the water.

Breaching the surface through the golden blur, came a hand which took a hold of the girls as she reached forward to prod the water. She felt a moist but firm grip clench around her wrist, quickly yanking her forward, drawing her toward the frigid depths. Amidst the rush of splashing water, she could see her own wrist clasped in Zak's right hand and a...'fish?'...in the other. Upon his face, he wore a grin to match the girls just before she had shoved him in. "Gotcha!" He gargled, still submerged as he attempted to pull the girl in with him.

"So you really did catch a fish. And you caught a second one. You really are good at fishing Mister," said the girl smoothly, standing a good feet away from the lake's shore. What Zak had caught in his hand was not her wrist but rather another wriggling fish, one that was rather violent in its writhing. It danced in his hands before jumping against his face, tail and scales slapping about. This distraction caused the other one, the golden specimen, to slip out of his hands once more. A plop in the water indicated the escape of not one but both fish, each of them zipping past his legs and darting a good distance away.

The girl's laughter once again met his ears and this time she held a sorry grin. "Man, you just don't have the best of luck Mister, do you? Well...I'm feeling a bit sorry for you so I suppose I can make it up to you in some way. As long as you don't get any funny ideas," the girl said with a taunting grin, mismatched eyes winking. "Actually...there's a battle going on right now between the Factions. Why are you out here playing with fish? You got some sort of weird fetish or something?"

Once again Zak pulled himself up out of the water and onto the grass at the girls feet, soaked and breathless. He raised a finger to speak, but only managed to sputter a stream of water onto the ground as his lungs emptied. Having invested a bit too much time into trying to re-prank a prankster, he had momentarily forgot the necessity for breath. As she continued on asking about his involvement in the conflict, or lack there of, Zak rose up as if too answer, gasped for air, then face planted back onto the ground. Finally, after several defeated moments, Zak pushed himself up onto his hands and knees. "Okay....Nobody gets tha better o' me like that...cept fer tha boss lady....who tha hell are you?" He asked between desperate breaths suspect of foul play.

"Now, now, you didn't even answer my quesition Zak! It's a bit rude to skip over a girl's curiosities like that, right?" the Mismatched Girl said. She walked around his wet form in a small circle, humming as she did so and eyeing him up. "An eye for an eye...is that what they say? You answer my question and maybe I'll answer yours."

Drawing a hand across his face to try and wipe away some of the water that ran down his somewhat sullen visage, Zak looked up, breathing raggedly. "But...Ah like both mah eyes..." He coughed a bit but his breaths began to normalize. "...And Ah don't like playin' other peoples games...specially when those people have completely unknown omnipotent powers..." he said half referring to the entity known as Hoenheim with a slight sneer as he forebodingly looked toward the girl.

To that, the Mismatched Girl shrugged. "So someone's a rebel. Don't like following the rules huh? Well...but you've done so well to follow my rules. What makes me so different than that old hag?" the Mismatched Girl said, still snickering and winking. "Anyway, I guess a deal's a deal. I'm...hmm...guess I'm no one. And I don't really wanna be anyone either!"

Zak raised an eyebrow to this. "That makes total and complete sense. Ah understand everythin' now...." responded the soaked angel in a satirical tone. "Well nice to make yer acquaintance wee strange nobody lass...but somethin' tells me ye didn't only come here to push angels into lakes and make ironic jokes." He paused, sitting up slightly as his strength returned to him. "Unless Ah've finally lost it and ye'r just tha manifestations o' mah madness made flesh and come to torment me..." He reached a hand out towards the girls ankle, prodding to see if she was in fact a physical object.

"I like to think I'm the latter. Makes it more interesting for me," the Mismatched Girl said, unfazed even as he grabbed for her ankle. "Oh yes, you'll find that I'm plenty real Zak. But I'm not here just to make a conversation with you. I came here...to you right now...knowing you'd be here...to have fun!" she said, nodding and grinning all the more. "And I know you like to have fun, right? Betcha get bored all the time; why else do you fish in a lake with no fish? Or maybe you're just mad? Maybe, maybe...but I can make you mad with fun."

Such a strange offer from such a strange girl did indeed perk Zak's interest. But he remained skeptical for many reasons. "Ah guess that depends on yer concept o' fun." He said, still subtly gripping the girls ankle. "Ah'm not so sure how for this idea o' 'fun' Ah am...if it's me that ends up wet." Her grinning unnerved him slightly. "What exactly are ye intending....what does it have to do with me....and what do ah get out o' it? Other than whatever yer possibly contorted version o' 'fun' is...Ah'm sure it's not patty cake." asked Zak, mustering a feeble chuckle under his breath.

"No. No it's not. But I'm sure it'll be worthwhile for you. What am I intending? That's classified. What does it have to to with you? Nothing really; you just look bored and I happened to drop by. And what do you get out of it? Hmm....well I guess you keep breathing? That's gotta be worth something, right?" the Mismatched Girl said, smile curving up into a knowing smirk. "But that's not enough for you, right? Well...how about this Zak. What would you like me to give you in exchange for my brand of fun?"

It felt a lot like the deal one makes to sell their soul. Everything about this girl or entity or whatever she was brought a sense of both fear and curiosity to Zak. Whatever it was though, even though she failed to acknowledge it, Zak knew she had to have chosen him for a reason. Then again it wouldn't be the first time his luck ends him up smack dab in the middle of a shit storm. The subtle threat in her words didn't help in this line of thinking. The fact she even dared to threaten an angel meant she couldn't have been just any normal entity. Normal being relevant in a realm of angels and demons. Still, not knowing who or what she was, he had no real idea of what to ask for, or what she was capable of. Other than pulling pranks. He glossed over her inquiry for a moment to make one of his own. "...What did ye mean by ye don't want to be anyone?"

"It's as I said. I'm just a nobody. You don't see me spouting around my name so freely, do you? But I know who you are Zak. I guess to me...you're just a little more interesting than the rest. Heh," the Mismatched Girl answered, as if she couldn't think of anything more fitting to see. She raised an eye as she looked down on him, noting that he was beginning to dry up a little. "You gonna keep fondling my ankle all day? It's starting to get old. You're lucky you didn't get me wet," she said, snicker all the same.

"Then that's what Ah want." Interjected Zak as the girl spoke of his grip on her ankle. He smiled looking, looking down at the ground briefly before looking back at the mysterious girl. "Ah'll play yer game. Ah'll be tha piece ye need fer this round o' chess...but yer name. That's all ah want. Somethin' to know ye by." His grip tightened slightly. "Somethin' to bind ye by...to yer word o' course." He figured she could turn him down as easily as he could turn her down. At least he assumed so. But he also figured she must have needed him for something. "Ah'll embrace yer brand o' fun if ye embrace mine..." He still seemed slightly unnerved as he spoke...but the slightest confidence never left his voice.

The Mismatched Girl blinked, caught off guard by his willingness and devotion. She spent a good moment simply staring down at him with a neutral expression before her lips curved upwards into that familiar grin he was used to by now. "Someone seems desperate to get to know me. But yes, I suppose that's only fair. I'm nobody, and frankly, I don't want to be anybody...but if I had to be someone, I'd just be a fool. A clown in someone's court. A cute little Harlequin who does what she's told and acts when she wants...yeah, I think that fits. Go ahead and call me that," she said, wriggling her ankle in his grip. "I told you what you wanted to hear. Now tell me what I want to hear. An eye for an eye."

A muddled expression crossed Zak's face as the girl came up with Harlequin. "So ye really don't have an actual name huh? Ah guess that'll have to do fer now. Alreit then 'Harlequin'...an eye fer an eye...just as ye said. Ah accept yer offer." Zak removed his hand from Harlequin's ankle and in its place he left a bright shackle of golden white flames. The shackle linked to a chain of ethereal flames that fed out of Zak's wrist as he drew backward, standing to his feet suddenly. The other end of the chain ended in another shackle, which he fastened to his wrist. A name seared into the brim of the shackle in dark red flames reading 'Zachariah.' The one opposite, on the girls ankle read the name 'Harlequin'. The shackles blazed brightly for several moments before dissipating into nothingness, leaving small red tattoo like symbols in their place. "There ye go. We're even. Our fates are tied together Harly, tha nobody lass. Ah assume ye aren't tha most innocent o' beings. An eye fer an eye...here's hoping ye live by that mantra...because if ye ever take more than an eye fer an eye...you'll bloody burn." In hindsight he had no idea if this being was effected by fate or by the judgement of holy fire, but it was the final card up his sleeve for maintaining at least the slimmest sliver of control over this unexpected situation. A burst of flame and hot hair blew through Zak's clothes, cleansing the fabric of dampness before quickly dissipating into the air in a small plume of steam. He looked at the girl, sternly for a moment, before becoming somewhat oblivious as he scratched his head and somehow procured a substance tightly rolled up in a piece of rice paper from the innards of his coat pocket. "So uh.....now what? Time fer tea er whatever a wee mysterious lass like yerself does?" asked Zak finally as he brought the paper roll to his lips and singed the end with a glowing hot fingertip, sending white smoke billowing into the air.

Harley looked down, not really surprised at the binding contract taking place. She figured the Angel would do something like this, and she snickered to herself. Seems even Heaven's best could be tempted with the idea of power and knowledge at their grip. "Sure, sure. I'll burn the moment I try to pull a fast one on you Mister. That's usually how these contracts work, right?" Harley said, watching Zach return to a relatively dry state thanks to his power. To the question, Harley merely shrugged. "You entertain me, duh? Or did you think I would just let you go back to fishing? Maybe if you participate in the next battle...heh, heh, I might do something for you in exchange. You know, eye for eye?"

Zak kicked the makeshift fishing pole into the water. "Oh...o' course. Ah should have known." Spoke the angel through a wry expression. "Always comes down to fightin' with you lot. Never a mysterious entity with an offer o' peace and prosperity." Smoke escaped Zak's lungs as he spoke. He wasn't all too happy with the idea of getting involved in any form of battle. However a deal was a deal. "Fair'nuf then...and in tha meantime?" Asked the somewhat irked angel. "In the meantime? Try not to die," Harley giggled, image fading away from the Angel's sight. As if she was a phantom, she would be gone from the side of the lake and leaving Zak to his own thoughts and machinations. No doubt this was the beginning of a very interesting relationship.

And so the arduous crawl through the labyrinthine halls of the Alchemist's castle comes to an end. Even though the cost was high for some, Hohenheim's sadistic thirst for knowledge had been settled for the time being.

As a sign of the Alchemist's good will, a boon would be granted to the representatives of the former Triumvirate, as well as to the Valiant Angels of Heaven, who were literally guided by the hand of Fate through all the hardships. However, only those who completed the challenge would be awarded as such, for those few who failed to heed Hohenheim's words, a long time of being played as her new test subjects would serve as a remainder to not do so again in the future.

With all said and done, some would return home to lick their wounds and some to sing praises. The important part was that for the time being everyone would be able to bask in some much needed reprieve.

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@Lmpkio @Banana @floodtalon @The 42nd Gecko @Mega Birb @Awesomoman64 @Ryonara @Flamelord @Lucius Cypher @Lonewolf685 @TheWindel @Inner Demon

For all intents and purposes, Ghelgath still fought through the trials of Hohenheim. He was lucky to have survived through them, but alas he was far from the first to finish. But the prizes didn't quite matter to him anymore. He just simply wanted to experience combat again. Then again, he was rather rusty in these combat missions. It'll have to take him sometime before he can adjust to the thirst of battle. Perhaps another mission will grant him a more viable result. As he returns to his Ice Castle in the coldest regions of Hell's Tartarus, he begins to brood in his castle hence more. There, he awaits for an actual mission. One that can turn the tide of this War...

---

Zeruel did not participate in the Games the Alchemist of Genesis provided. And why did he need to? He did not need to receive anything from a simple insignificant game. It did not even serve with the whole war going on. As the Leader of the Hierarchy, he had much more important matters to deal with. Even if he did participate, the fact was he knew he'd win anyways. He'd overpower at least most of the competition if not all of them. But alas, he refused. Let any side gain their reward. It did not matter if the Angels, Demons, or even Humans received it. In the end, he will triumph over them all. He won't show himself this time, but he'll have to assume direct control eventually. He resides in the darkness of his palace, observing the world as is, ready to take part in any necessary major conflict...

---

The skeleton man walked into the room that had Hohenheim residing in it, his sword covered in the blood of... well... he didn't even completely know at that point. He had entered the room alone, having conquered the challenge of Hohenheim (although he didn't finish it the quickest out of the bunch) and with his arm missing similarly. His uniform was stained with a crimson color, and his pant leg was torn clean off, revealing the bolted-together skeleton leg from the previous battle and his face-off with Fran. Despite everything, Bonesword stood in front of the powerful alchemist Hohenheim, and he lowered to his knee.

"Hohenheim. Alchemist of limitless power. Even though I was not able to make it to here first, I have fought away at everything you have thrown at me and my comrades in this castle, and I have arrived here to ask of you an award fitting for an old soul like me." The skeleton had his voice incredibly proper when speaking to the alchemist, being very chivalrous so he wouldn't get on the bad side of Hohenheim. He knew that if he had made it to the end of the challenge, he would be awarded with something that he desired, which would've been his long lost lover if he had made it to her first. Alas, he didn't, but he did have something else on his mind. "I ask of you, Hohenheim the Alchemist, to gift me a new sword. One to be wielded by one as unnatural as I, as sturdy as the castle that houses you, and as cold as the heart of the demon that took my love from me."

The skeleton remained on his knee as he waited for a response from Hohenheim, his soul calmly resting.

@KoL

Shizuka made it up to Hohenheim's room at last, shortly after Bonesword. She knew that at this point the angels had won: she saw their battleground before and couldn’t imagine what they faced. However Shizuka was certain that Hibiki did, and sure enough her sister was standing by Hohenheim's side, stoic and graceful. ”Shizuka.” The blue-haired maid stood as still as stone. She could tell in Hibiki’s voice that she was disappointed and Shizuka knew why. Stuttering Shizuka tried to speak but she was cut off by Hibiki, her words as sharp as a blade.

”You’re too soft Shizuka. That humility will kill you one day. The whole reason I stayed up here was so I could see what you could do. But instead you wasted precious time trying to free the others so they could save you.” These words hurt Shizuka deeply. She would have never had made it this far if she didn’t work alongside Hibiki. As if reading her mind, Hibiki spoke again. ”You’ve grown too dependant on others, or being someone’s support. Did you not lift the restrictions so I wouldn’t have to worry about you? So you’d be an independant warrior?”

Shizuka wanted to get a word in and interrupted Hibiki. ”You don’t think I could have seriously taken on both the angels and demons alone, do you? We’ve always worked in teams sis, a-and I was just falling back to my training-” ”Excuses. I did not give you my equipment so you could face them head on. This mission doesn’t require us to take on any of our enemies, just reaching Hohenheim. You could have activated the cloak the moment you got into the room and flew right into an elevator. Even on the next level you weren’t required to fight any of Hohenheim’s monsters, and you could have just used the drones to repair any damage to their tanks if they were about to break free. Even the last guardian wasn’t an enemy you needed to fight, just avoid. Never once did you have to rely on anyone or fight anyone. You made that choice. And you choose poorly.”

The spirit was nearly heart-broken. Why was her sister being so cruel? What did Hohenheim do to Hibiki? An anger welled up inside her as Shizuka glared at Hohenheim, but Hibiki intercepted her gaze as she walked up to Shizuka and made her look into Hibiki’s eyes. ”You have no one to blame but yourself Shizuka. When we get back home we will need extensive training.” Leaning closer to her sister Hibiki whispered into her ear. ”You’re too sweet, sis. One day I won’t be able to keep up with you. You need to be stronger. Stronger than me.”

Frozen, Shizuka wasn’t sure how to react to Hibiki’s words. They were harsh, but she was giving Shizuka much needed critiquing. Shizuka didn’t want to be the harden person Hibiki was suggesting however. She was fighting to save lives, not to throw more away. But looking at her sister Shizuka knew that being able to ignore the humanity in others and see them only as either an enemy or an asset was exactly what Hibiki wanted Shizuka to be able to do. Normally she never had to do that before because she had Hibiki made those sort of hard decisions for her. Funny how easily Shizuka could accept these things when Hibiki was the one doing it. But Shizuka still needed time to process all of this and come to a decision. Taking her silence as acceptance Hibiki stood by her sister’s side and bowed towards Hohenheim.

”Thank you for being a gracious host, Master Hohenheim. With your permission I wish to return to the Machina of Men and continue to serve them.” Of course Hibiki was going to do that regardless if Hohenheim allowed her or not, but it was a courtesy for Hibiki to ask anyways. The fact that she hasn’t been tortured or overtly harassed by the alchemist was something Hibiki was grateful for.

As the two waited for Hohenheim’s reply Shizuka blurted out. ”Ho-Hohen, I mean, Master Hohenheim.” Shizuka retracted the helmet around her head to reveal her face, which was exactly like Hibiki’s but with blue hair. She dared not to look directly at the alchemist knowing that she was overstepping her lines trying to ask Hohenheim something. Like Bonesword, Shizuka wasn’t the first to arrive and frankly only made it as far as she did thanks to everyone else helping her. But taking Hibiki’s words to heart, Shizuka wanted to get stronger. By any means nessisary.

”I know it is… Presumptuous for me to ask you of this… But I want to become stronger. I failed to meet your challenge because of my own weakness, but if you could somehow unlock my strength, I will be indebted to you.” Shizuka stood up straight but looked directly ahead, not quite staring at Hohenheim but having her within eyesight. Hibiki stood next to her sister, the both of them still as stone. They both feared for the same thing: that Shizuka was asking for something she doesn’t deserve, and paying for it with something she can’t afford. If there was one thing that both the sisters knew, it was that making deals with any higher power, be it angels, demons, or machines, can and will end badly. And Hohenheim was a wild card of her own class.

@KoL

The Expedition of the Alchemist’s Castle had come to an end. No doubt the forces of the three Factions were more than ready to leave the mad hellhole that was the living labyrinth. Except for a few unfortunate souls, each of them had been spared a fate far worse than death. The might of Heaven had been reward bountifully for their efforts in this last conflict while the Machina were probably being scolded by High Queen Eos for their questionable performance.

But even an icy glare from the Machina Queen would have been infinitely better than the chaos that was Hell right now. King Rufus had left without much warning, let alone foreshadowing. Nothing but sticky note taped to the Throne of Hell with some rather rude parting words. Naturally, every demon ever was fighting for that throne, practically turning the fiery fields of Hell into a civil war zone; more than usual anyway.

However, most the key players to Hell’s cause had been dispatched to Hohenheim’s Castle and thus, left the Throne up for those with power and ambition. It must have been to no one’s surprise then to find a rather powerful demon settling on the Throne of Hell when they arrived back from their departure. By now most of Hell had grown accustomed to their new ruler and for good reason.

The monster known as Ira was hardly someone to be messed with, even by Rufus’ standards. Every demon was required to visit her chambers at least once to wish her good will and swear their loyalty to her. This of course included the numbers of demons arriving back home. And so Ira waited in patience, silent and staring down any who dared to so much as raise their heads in her presence. Long live the Queen.

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