One chained up within the depths of hell. The other dragged into the heavenly cell. Another festering within the body of the Fallen Angel. Found within the wastes of Alt Signia, the withering flower had been dragged from his landing spot and dragged to who-knows-where in chains. His body on the floor, unable to conjure the energy to move much. A warrior, a black sheep who spent days after days slaughtering his enemies beyond the frontline, taken down by a shockwave and a shining light. He had failed, but another opportunity was on the horizon.

He wasn't with the confines of Hell nor within the filth of the Machina homestead, yet he was in a limiting space, one where he could not move nor use his family to move closer to his target.

But he wasn't going to be here forever. Whether or not they favoured him, he was too valuable of an asset to keep locked up, and Flos knew that. All he needs to do, is be patient.

"It's not how all of the Machina act," Bonesword spoke up after Helena decided to spit on the name of the side he was fighting on. In a sense, Bonesword found it quite ironic that out of all the Machina representation, he, a demon, was being the most civil in this situation. He hated that, and he hated that because of Wolf's actions, he was close to losing his only real chance of a friend he didn't have to fight in the war every other week. It was frustrating, to say the least.

The skeleton's voice echoed through the very realm that was nothing. "If I may apologize for the rude..." Bonesword glared at Wolf as he paused. "... actions of my fellow Machina. They're both a bit weary of the nature of this place, and the... um... nature of what you're doing. This place is just one big illusion after all. That being said..." Bonesword paused again, his sword being sheathed in his hilt along his belt.

"I'm not gonna leave this place. I still have a certain ghost in Heaven that I'm trying to get back with after my own failures, and while the idea of a world in my own image is nice, it wouldn't be the same without her. The real her. Not to mention, I have a pet project still brewing here, and if it's going to be ready, I might have to go back and monitor it. Even without those things, Hyperion is my home. I've been treated with some form of hospitality by those who just see me as another person, and I still have to pay my tab at the bar for breaking a table last week, even though it was totally Firefly's fault."

Bonesword began walking toward the Nexus portal, his plants and summons being dispelled at his will. "All of you that want to defect from your sides, if the Machina won't treat you with any respect, you have my word as an ex-necromancer that I will treat you respectfully, unless you've earned my disrespect. If any of you need to find me, I'll be on the outskirts of Hyperion, doing some botany."

"Oh, but before I go, Helena?" Bonesword turned around in front of the portal, his back against it slightly.

"Don't call me bonehead." The skeleton raised his hand, flipping up his middle finger at Helena as he fell backwards into the portal, a dark smirk appearing on his skull.

---

Bonesword reappeared near his home in Hyperion, his back against the ground. He stood up from his arrival and walked towards the house, noticing a small package on the faded welcome mat. He had to get that replaced soon, but that would come later. Right now, he was really excited for what was in the package.

His exo-shield, expertly-crafted by his gearsmith in Hyperion, with a small note attached to it. The skeleton walked inside and gently placed his package on his table, making sure that he could see the note while he opened his delivery. Bonesword read the letter aloud as he tore through the cardboard with a tiny sword letter opener. The only Christmas present he's ever received.

"Sorry this took a bit longer than expected. You've always come to me for when you've needed swords, and despite your meager paycheck of being a soldier, you've managed to pay the bill and even tip every time. I figured that this would be a suitable 'thank you', even though it came late due to my lack of appropriate parts. KC-00032 shut down and kept my material flow from arriving on time. Still, I hope you enjoy it thoroughly."

It wasn't much trouble to be a good customer when you never bought food. The majority of Bonesword's paycheck went to pots and swords, to be frank. In any case, the skeleton equipped his new and shiny shield to his waist, feeling a very lightweight shield wash over him as he moved to his backroom. It was nice to finally be armored for once, but he would definitely need power to back up his newly acquired armor.

It was time to do some botany, and possibly find a way to send a letter to Abigail.

Henry shook his head, after that whole heroic speech Endian was willing to fuck it just for honesty? He shook his head and began to rein in his aura once more up until Lucille spoke up, trying to start drama. "It's so weird, you're telling nothing but the truth for once in your miserable life yet I want nothing more than to tear your head off and give it to my dogs as a chew toy. I think it's how fucking smug you sound." Henry was about to attack Lucille, but stopped himself when he saw most everyone else putting away their weapons. "I suggest you sleep with one eye open Lucille, otherwise you may wake up and find that I've stolen your crown and your life." He sheathed his sword and stopped imposing his pressure upon everyone.

Helena spoke up and announced that it was time to choose. Leave the Nexus, let the leaders fight their war and instead seek freedom. Or return, learn the truth behind everything and maybe gain the knowledge to stop the endless cycle of war. Henry looked over everyone and saw the best and worst of all factions, how they made their choices. Two demons who justed wanted love, outside stimuli to make themselves better. A queen who sought only to sow the seeds of doubt and mistrust into everyone's minds. A skeleton who fell for an angel, a love that was never meant to be. A powerless angel, empowered by technology and humanity yet shunned by her own kind, forced to betray everyone lest they get to close to her. A cowboy spirit who just wanted to bring peace to the Nexus. A stubborn dragon, her belief so set that she cannot see how cruel her leader is. A weapon given life, yet somehow willing to ignore her base programming and try to forge alliances with her enemies. A man who only believes in survival of the fittest, confident that given enough time and corpses that his faction was bound to win. A slime with qualities of Demons, Angels, and Machina.

And finally himself, a greedy prince who wanted freedom more than all the riches in the multiverse. But not just his freedom, he wanted true freedom, the likes of which could not be obtained by simply leaving the Nexus. "I want to leave the Nexus temporarily. Just for long enough to search for more power. Is that possible Helena?"

Honestly, Lucille could have cared less about any of the events going on. Helena had made her case and, as she had promised, was giving them each a chance to leave the Nexus. Not like that meant very much for the Black Goat but at least she was comforted with the knowledge that she was the best liar in the room, not Helena. Bonesword was gone now, having made his piece heard, and she had a feeling neither Wolf or Endian would be happy about his thoughts on their motives; of course, that was just her take on things.

“Why haven’t you been muzzled yet?” was all she said to Henry, yawning in her hand. The demon was nothing more than a brat, hardly worth her time; whether he chose to stay or wanted to crawl back to serving her was beyond her recognition of caring. Frankly, everyone here was beginning to bore her and it gave her no rush to pick one portal or the other. It was only by some miracle then that something did come along to sway her choice. That something was music.

Loud, blaring, obnoxious ass music that tumbled out of the portal leading back to the Nexus. She didn’t know that it was being played on speaker from the returned, albeit, former king’s alien star ship. Nor did she know that it was so loud, all the Nexus could faintly hear it, from the Heavens to Hyperion. And Hell. Especially Hell. Hearing that jingle was enough to make up her mind indefinitely for the time being.

“Keep your offer,” she said to Helena, snatching Luci’s wrist in her hand and pulling her with her. Whether she wanted it or not, the Black Goat was not going to hear any lip from the slime. There was always a way to escape the Nexus in some way, but there was only one Hell. Lucille dragged her daughter with her into the second portal, arriving back in Hell’s Throne Room to see a startled Rufus carrying luggage. “What are you doing in my kingdom Rufus,” Lucille said, crossing her arms and staring him down.

Endian was unphased by Luceille's and Helena's jeers. Of course they would see her words and think they were treachery; but they were exactly the type who'd twist people's words into a corruption of the truth. "Of course the Queen of Hell would have no understanding of honestly and loyalty. Without a doubt, my interests lies for the greater good of the Machina. All the more reason I wish to pursue peace with Heaven and Hell, instead of this constant war that we have been so accustomed too." Endian looked towards Lucille with a flat, mechnical gaze, yet the spirit inside of her was growing more fervent for the Maqchina. "How many leaders have Hell gone through? What have each of them succeeded at so far? Compare that to the Machina. We saved the Queen's Treasure from your clutches, acquired the bounty of Rutharia from Alt Signia, and even defended our homes from both Heaven and Hell while our Queen graces her people with a grand concert to ease our worries. When was the last time that the Deva held any celebrations for her warriors, or for the Ruler of Hell rewarding her soldiers?"

Endian then turned towards Helena, who's words implicated that Endian was somehow suppose to be representing the whole of the Nexus. A lofty dream perhaps, but certainly not one that she'd fulfill. An honor like that should go to someone else. "I offer the Machina as the best solution for everyone in the Nexus to the best of my knowledge. Of course the perfect solution requires the cooperation of Heaven and Hell, two factions of whom I regretfully admit, I'm not in good communications with. What I know of the two I have only seen in battle. The great warriors of destruction they send, like Juno and Zeruel, or mighty agents of chaos such as Henry and Victoire. Thus my knowledge of both sides are limited only to some of their most powerful and vicious, yet I see the potential for something greater beyond mere violence and warfare. Henry," Endian looked over to the silver-eyed lord of greed. "Your ambitions have granted you immense power that is rightfully feared, even among our own top warriors. Ever battle I come to I do my best to seek you out, knowing that you alone could change the course of battle if left alone. But even so I can sense there's more to you than your unparalleled might. An ambition needed to change the Nexus to something greater, rather than simply perpetuate this constant cycle of no progress."

Endian soon turned her attention back to Helena when Wolf dispelled of magic, or tried to at least. She accused the Machina of treachery when Endian scoffed at this. "You accuse us of treachery, when this entire time you've employed trickery and misdirection in order for us to succumb to our own fears and question our loyalty? You may delude yourself into think you're granted us some sort of 'mercy' by stopping that clock, but it doesn't change that in the end you intended to get rid of us from the beginning. Even if your powers are true, even if what you promise is not a lie, you're still asking us to abandon the people we've fought and died for over countless eras and centuries. To weaker our factions by running away." Grafdakka braced his body, his Reality Breaker now ready to launch. Endian herself was fully healed though it won't last with the damage over time and whatever other offensive attack Helena throws at them.

"My message for unity is still true. I want what is best for the Machina. And what's best for them is if I can take in any one, be it demon or angel, to join us and make the Machina better for everyone in the Nexus. A paradise for those who are ambitious as well as those who simply seek to live out a peaceful immortality. If I sound ignorant to you that is because I have never had a chance to speak to a demon or angel about what the best course of action would be. Now would be the time to correct that."

@thewizardguy@Banana@KoL@The 42nd Gecko@floodtalon

---

Fran could hardly move as Suparna embraced her. It was her words that made the succubus paralyzed. Fran wished she knew what to say. Normally she could make up quips on the fly to entice her prey with wordplay. But in this instance Fran's mind just went completely blank. Suparna couldn't be with Fran because of how Fran is. This confused her, yet at the same time Fran had an idea of what Suparna meant. The demon was selfish of course; even though Fran had no real aspirations she always pulled Suparna along with whatever zanny scheme she had, without really paying the living swarm much mind. Of course it all boiled back down to Fran's own selfishness and ignorance about others. So even if Fran wanted Suparna back, even if she had the perfect thing to say in this situation, Fran knew her Sweet Lolita had to go.

"... Okay."

When Suparna finally let Fran go, the succubus stood up. She had a lot of think about right now and frankly, she was done with all this nonsense. She dismissed her illusions, including the illusion of Titanica, and looked at the other demons. Endian was ranting about the Machina, Henry was at the end of his rope, and Lucille was of course apathetic to the whole situation. Normally this wouldn't bother Fran. She never cared about others anyways. But from this point on she wanted to change, which meant paying more attention to the people around her. Fran had toadied herself up to Henry because he was strong, but he too was selfish like Fran was. Lucille was the new Leader of Hell, but only because no one was strong enough to dethrone her. She did not have the same amount of loyalty rulers like Rufus had garnered. Her daughter, Luci, was more appealing simply because she acted like an innocent young girl. Though anyone with that much power in hell was certainly anything but.

Ultimately, Fran would have to stay with Hell for now. She didn't like what Endian was trying to sell, and Fran doubts that the Heavens would accept the demon as she was. Picking up her axe Fran walked towards the portal that would lead back to the Nexus, stopping only once to look back at Suparna. Fran wasn't sure when she'd ever see her again. Whether it'd be on the battlefield or in bed. But Fran made a promise to herself that the next time they meet, Fran would be better than what she was now. Someone smarter, stronger, and more importantly, considerate of those she cares for.

Shortly after Lucille herself went through the portal Fran followed, and was equally surprised to see Rufus back in Hell. She had figured that the former King of Hell couldn't have been missing so easily, however were Fran normally would waste no time trying to jump on his loins, this Fran simply bowed to him continued looking a bit confused. "Lord Rufus. This is an unexpected surprise. Enjoy your time off?" Fran did slowly back away towards the throne room's entrance. While Fran should stay here and see what the former King Rufus was doing, she also imagined that things were about to get catastrophically violent, and Fran really had no time for that sort of thing.

@TheWindel@Lonewolf685

The murderous muppet finally respawned in Hell's throne room, a new stitch appearing over his midsection as he looked over at Fran, Lucille, Luci, and... was that Rufus? The Frog never got to meet Rufus, but he was afraid of what was going to happen should he witness this event. The Frog weighed his options. He could either take a side for the cruel queen of the Black Goat, or he could take the side of the previous king of Rufus.

"... yeah no, this isn't Lipton. Someone please come find me when this new power-struggle ends." The Frog began walking out of his room, trying to remember what exactly that one robot said as he was bleeding out in Helena's Colosseum, trapped within the confines of that bag. A revolution, was it? Seemed pretty tempting considering Hell was nothing more than a domain full of arrogant gods trying to take control. Ghelgath, Henry, Ira, Lucille, Rufus, the list continued to Frog's knowledge, and he honestly didn't care much for it.

But what use would the army have of him, anyway?

As most the members of Hell came trudging back to the castle, both the Ice Lich and the Phantom Horseman were still within the castle corridors. Both blatantly didn't enter the chaotic battlefield that was within the Chaos Dungeon and perhaps it was better that they didn't. Ghelgath didn't go due to his intense dislike towards Lucille. The recent two leaders, both Lucille and the previous Ira, haven't impressed him in the slightest. He'll eventually join another battle, but for now, he'll just lie lazily on the couch doing... well nothing. Meanwhile, Mephilius was still recovering from the offensive failure that was the Machina Foundry. He doesn't remember why exactly they failed, as he forgot about the late Artoria and how he was transformed into Mephilia, but regardless he does remember that he, Henry, and Fran were basically forced to get out or something something.... erased from existence.

Whatever that mean't.

So now they are here just lying about, with Ghelgath watching Demon TV and Mephilius cooks up some Hell-Steak that he acquired sometime ago after killing a Hellcow that was rampaging in the back of the castle. Delicious. As they continue doing their thing, they suddenly hear the faint muffling of rock music coming from seemingly nowhere. The Lich was the first to hear it and groans as he looks over his shoulder at the Hell Knight.

"Daaaaamnit," he groans loudly, "Mephilius did you leave the stereo on again? I can hear your music from miles away."

Mephilius pauses as he quietly listens to the music being played in the background.

"I didn't for once." he answers frankly, shaking his head, "Whatever is making that noise is~"

He pauses again as he slowly hears the music slowly getting louder... and louder... and louder. His right eyebrow raises up curiously as he places the pan down and turns off the gas stove.

"It's coming this way."

Ghelgath listens and also realizes that the music is getting louder, followed by the sound of burning jet fuel. Was it a Machina invasion force? He jumps up from the couch as his fists glow blue in cold winter energy. As the two enter Hell's throne room, they hear a large crash as if a building was getting demolished, followed by the sounds of engines deactivating.

"Shit! The hell is that?!" Ghelgath asks as he regains his footing from the initial shockwave that rippled through the entire castle.

The two burst out from the large gates to find a giant spaceship having landed right in front of the castle. The Lich's eyes grew to the size of dinner plates while the Knight only raised an eye of curiousness. The ship almost looked like something out of Star Wars... something from Legends that is. Did its hyperspace jump malfunction and crash land itself here? Regardless, as the two watch the landing pad open, they'll be greeted to a very familiar face carrying luggage from the ship.

Ghelgath gasps as he grins like a little boy in a candy shop.

"SPANK MY CHILLY ASS, ITS MOTHERFUCKIN' RUFUS! OUR BOY IS BACK!"

The Lich was about to run up and give the old ruler a nice big hug, until he heard a voice that almost killed the mood just as it spoke the first word...

“What are you doing in my kingdom Rufus,” Lucille said, crossing her arms and staring him down.

Ghelgath's grin turned into an ugly frown. He turns slowly as he sees the "queen" along with the rest of Hell's forces return from the dungeon. Well... most of them at least. Looks like Henry seems to be missing. He must've died and respawned... he should be here shortly.

"YOUR Kingdom?" he responds back to her defyingly, "HA! You think. Isn't it obvious on what's going on here? He's taking back his RIGHTFUL place as the TRUE leader of Hell! The one true leader we DESERVE!"

He points at Lucille while standing by his idol.

"In other words... YO ASS IS FIRED!"

Meanwhile, Mephilius stands on the sidelines as he watches possible shit going down.

---

Two bright spark light up as Zeruel wakes up in the dark and empty Laguna council room. He slowly turns his body left to right as he examines where he is. Is he back in Heaven? He uses his tendrils to touch the desk that was in front of him. He taps on the wall and then the floor. Did the Oblivion dungeon not anchor his soul into the god forsaken hellhole of abomination? It seemed to be that way. He soon realizes that he was back in his human form and that no other Laguna Angel was present inside. It would've been humiliating if he respawned right in the middle of those Angels. It was his second battle since declaring war and he has failed again. Well... failing isn't exactly the right answer. He didn't necessarily fail. But that short little "victory" against the awakened beast definitely wouldn't be counted by the rest of the council. Heresy would surely assume because of it.

For now though, he can white lie to them and keep his power in control. However, he needs to find ways to achieve victory, otherwise his opponents will surely attempt to take his life...

---

Once everyone left the Chaotic Dungeon, the whole battlefield went silent. It was a chilling silence, almost as if it was unatural. All that remained was rubble and debris, especially the giant pile that was located near the middle of the entire field. However, that silence wouldn't last. The very top of the pile began to seemingly move on its own, with rocks and large boulders slowly sliding off the mound. Suddenly, a hand can be seen, followed by the rest of the body raise from the peak. A low growl can be heard emiting from it as well.

To think that Titanica can be simply crushed by mere boulders and rocky debris is a completely false accusation that is criminally insane as it is heresy. Zeruel's attempt in restraining and trapping her was a futile attempt. Sure she was trapped for a short period of time, but clearly it was not long enough. As the gijinka rises from the rocky debris, one can notice that she's back in her regular human form. She didn't seem to be even injured, minus the black dust and minor bruising on her face and body. The only difference was that she's probably way more angry and wrathful than ever before.

The Titanica that the others saw earlier was merely a construct projected by Fran. Once she stopped, that illusion quickly disintegrated into dusty bits. In a way, it provided good cover for the gijinka... at least for the meantime. Whether Helena would catch on to this trick or not yet doesn't matter at this point. As she looks around, she notices that nobody was around. She is alone here. Heaving her body out of the pile, she slowly walks down the hill and wonders across the barren wasteland.

After what seemed for almost an eternity of walking around, she eventually found a portal that still happened to be active. Entering it, she finds herself back within the Nexus mainland. She's quickly getting more and more involved with this little conflict at hand. Clearly she will not stand for this bickering of factions.

Order will be restored to the Nexus... one way or another.

---

Despite their little "demotion", Karizawa's TEP organization was still in effect. They were still able to secure their backup base that was deep within the depths of the main HQ. Of course, they'll probably be visited more by Endian and the Mecha Maid Twins and will have to obey every order given by them, but they still hold a decent amount of independent power. With Unit-T having a more-or-less successful test, they've decided to give it some upgrades to help combat opponents easier, especially when against the Vassals. Of course, more testing is required to make her the ultimate vassal-eliminating machine, but perhaps it'll soon be ready to be on par with these titanic god-like beings.

As Karizawa sits at his white desk looking at the footage, Doctor Tobayashi enters the room and approaches him silently.

"So..." she starts rather nonchalantly, "She's finally at large once again."

"Indeed." Karizawa responds, slowly looking at the doctor, "We didn't anticipate that she'd actually attract her out of her deep slumber this early and quick."

"I already told you," the scientist responds with a sigh and in a slightly more annoyed tone, "It was a possibility that she'd be attracted to Unit-T. It was low, but a possibility nonetheless. Now we've unleashed one of the most powerful vassals in their disposal... and way ahead schedule. Not to mention that the Foundry lab was invaded by a vassal as well so now even those Vassals have a whiff at what we are cooking up."

Karizawa remained silent for a moment before replying.

"They will be addressed in due time. Yes, our time has been cut down to virtually being nonexistent, but we can still win provided we take the right measures and precautions."

"You do realize, the Vassals are basically the strongest recorded beings in the Nexus right? Even with the weapon upgrades we've installed into Unit-T, we'll need some god-killing weapons in order to efficiently and quickly kill any of them. Even Titanica. The mech's armor can withstand blows here and there but a long slug-fest may be dangerous to her... and our pilot."

Karizawa pauses for a minute, thinking about Tina and her safety. Tobayashi was mostly true in her sense. They need more advanced weapons in order to actually stand a fighting chance and actually kill them.

"I know Tobayashi..." he responds with his head down, "I know..."

Another pause enters quickly before Tobayashi bows and heads out of the room, leaving Karizawa alone in his office.

Rufus had thought he made a suitably audacious entrance, even if his landing had been a bit off course and dropped him off straight at his own castle. No real bother, just meant he wouldn't have to carry his luggage as far to get back in the throne, though this would prove rather difficult when confronted by his replacement. He held no belief that the throne would remain idle in his absence and a good chunk of his thoughts went towards what fresh horror he'd unleash on the sap sitting on his couch, only to find it all a moot point when Lucille entered through a portal to literally Nowhere.

"Green hair? Check. Plaid skirt? Check. Great chest? Check. Slime kid? Check....Well shit." Rufus rattled off without much thought, dropping his suitcases on the floor as he approached warily. "We haven't met, but I'm going to hazard a guess and say you're the infamous Lucille. I really did not expect you of all people to take my throne, and you even brought your successor to the throne. Ehehehe, that just makes this all the more complicated, doesn't it?"

"Sooooo, i see you replaced my couch with an actual throne. Not a bad choice, though now I'm going to have to dumpster diving to put a new one beside that golden high chain. You don't mind sharing the space, do you?"

The Black Goat's expression didn't dilute from the unamused glare, though to Rufus' safety she crossed her arms, ensuring there would be no parasol stabbing today. Yet. "If you're smart enough to see there's new management, then you shouldn't be dumb enough to come back Rufus. Or were you expecting to blow up the first person you saw sitting in your place," she said, flicking her gaze over to Ghelgath kissing up to the former King of Hell. She didn't need to look around to sense more demons filling up the throne room, no doubt having returned from Where Nothing Gathers; she wasn't too surprised to find Fran returned among their ranks after all. Along with her were Mephilius and even Frog for a brief moment before the puppet made the wise decision of backing off until things blew over. "And you came back here because....?"

"Got it in one, Goat-chan, and it looks to me that you beat me to ousting whatever lesser demon tried to take the throne. Oh, were they one of those ponces who wear capes and make grand speeches? I just love hitting them!" He said, flinging his hand back to send his own majestic garments whirling in a display of flagrant gravitas that just so happened to coincide with the entrance of his treacherous demons fresh from the battlefield. Almost immediately he was showered with praise and adulation...from an Ice demon he couldn't very well recall. He audibly gulped as said demon took up the unbidden job of being Rufus' hype man and rather gratingly tried to goad the goat into violence. "One moment please."

With a snap the ground beneath Ghelgath turned into a portal, dropping him out of the throne room and into the grand kitchens of the palace. More specifically, into an oven large enough to bake a Machina tank, and it had long since heated up to it's highest setting.

"Much better. Hear me, my sycophantic supporters. Your king has returned from his honeymoon and was totes ready to lead you onwards into glorious victory...then I saw Lucille was here," He said, finger pointed to the seaweed head, "And realized that's not even worth the effort. Seriously, she'd shove a broom handle up my ass and mop the floor with me if we did this fairly, so she's free to keep her throne. I'm just throwing a couch next to it and moving back in. Get that? Or do I need to see how many demons get maid into Mince Meat pie today? Cause the Mrs just loves her some fresh meat, I'll tell you now~"

Lucille watched the spectacle evenly, even raising an eye slightly as Ghelgath was unceremoniously dumped out of everyone's sights and into the conveniently-placed oven waiting for him. She had a feeling who was responsible for that but didn't pay it too much mind. "I'm impressed Messenger. It seems you're not nearly as annoying to negotiate with as I thought you'd be," she mused, not bothering to care for what the other demons' reactions. "Well, you've managed to far not to piss me off more than I usually am. Perhaps something a bit more filling can be arranged," she said, waiting for Rufus' next reply and flair.

Seeing as the ultimate sadistic creature had to yet to try and introduce his head with the floor beneath her boot, Rufus considered this a rather successful return. So far. "I'll accept the compliment for what it is. How about we do as Demons do and work out a little deal. Having been out of the loop for awhile I can't be certain, but I don't imagine you much care for dealing with our subjects....eccentricities, on a daily basis. Perhaps we should go from Monarchy to Oligarchy and divide up the responsibility? Not like we have any reason to power play each other besides shits and giggles anyhow."

"Excuse me?!?"

Before Lucille could give a proper answer, the air's temperature spiked up significantly. It took most of her will not to roll her eyes, but she did turn to the side to witness a dark portal being opened into the throne room. Who else would appear but the first Queen of Hell, Ira, stepping out with malice and hate radiating behind her mask; one didn't need to see her face to make certain of the rage that was there. "If you think you can just waltz back into Hell and claim it as your own then you have another thing coming, your majesty," she snarled at Rufus, already unsheathing her blade and holding it out to him.

"I thought you were kicked off the throne," Lucille said, adjusting her gaze to be placed on the Arch Demon now. "Well, well, is there any more people who would want to share the spoils of ruling this dirt heap? Please, by all means, let your voices be heard loud and clear," she said, words oozing with sardonic nature.

"Woah."

"Okay, Lucille I know by reputation and work, but who are you? I didn't really bother memorizing all the arch demons trying to throw their weight around beneath me." Rufus gave Ira a dull look, till a flash of recognition came as he cringed at her edgy visage. "Oh shit, you're Hildr's father! Haha, man, that must be soooo embarrassing having the biggest whore inside and outside babylon. Is it true every albino is somehow related to her? It feels like that is true."

"Woaah."

Just as Ira had cut Lucille off, he cared not for what the arch demon said, and instead opened a portal above her head for an instant, loosing the frigid waters from the deepest depths of Ruthria onto her head as though to rub literal salt into her wounded pride. "But yeah, anyone else want to try associating with us? And before you ask, Yes. That was a rhetorical question and I will kindly show you the inside of Juno's stomach if you answer in the affirmative."

"Woah...."

"Why you son of a bitch," Ira seethed, the water quickly evaporating from her steaming form. Yet all the anger in the world was shortly put on hold when Rufus finished his speech, eyes narrowing behind her mask. "What...are you actually proposing an alliance of which to rule Hell? Were you not the one who set those rules in place? To rule Hell only as a singular entity?"

"Woah!"

"And look how good that turned out," Lucille muttered, this time committing to rolling her eyes.

"Woah, woah, woah, woah, woah!" came the obnoxious and irritating voice of a million cats screeching in protest. Ira had a feeling who it belonged to but Lucille knew quite well what it was. A nuisance and pariah only fitting for the- "Dun, dun, dun! Super Trash is here!" said the girl who had plopped onto Rufus' shoulders out of nowhere. "Woah, woah, you guys are totes making a Legion of Evil? You can't make that without me, the Super Trash of Delinquency, oh ho!" Seeing the girl alone made Lucille twitch an eye and almost consider walking out at that moment. Almost.

Contrary to the reaction of any sane being with an ounce of decency, Rufus sported a broad smile that only grew with the pitch of an approaching bandicoot, till a shark toothed blonde landed on his shoulders with a glorious declaration. "Ah, I was wondering where you'd gone off to. Everyone, say hello to the light of my life, Dana."

"Though perhaps not Legion of Evil. We're powerful, but I'd hate to piss off the Lawyers down here in Hell. Hmm, The Reagents of Chaos? Lords of Discord? A Gardener, a Evanescence CD in the Flesh, and the Goat? So many choices..."

"Ooh, ooh, how about the Axis of Evil! It's the perfect flair of threatening and super edgy," Dana put in, making every effort she could to knock Rufus off balance. Ira glared as she always did at the suggestion while Lucille was left wondering what had just happened. Was it literally that easy to make an alliance? Did Hell have four leaders now? "And I even fixed the throne problem. Ta dah!" Dana said, pointing to the back of the room to reveal four fresh new thrones for Hell's newfound government; two on each side of a wide couch. "Quickest dethroning ever, oh ho!"

"Indeed it was." Unperturbed by Dana's rocking, he hefted her off of his shoulders by her tight rear and held her like a child would a stuffed animal, arms crossed across her chest when they fell upon the couch in the center. "Behold, denizens of Hell, for you are under new governance, new to the whole of the Nexus in fact!" The entire ceiling before the thrones opened up and poured out confetti and balloons, with a banner proudly proclaiming 'IT'S A PUPPY!' in big blocky letters. "Oh damn, I was saving that banner for Victoire. Or Deva. Could go either way there. Oh well, start rejoicing for your new leaders!"

Ira and Lucille, as confused as ever, didn't see much a reason to go against this new proclamation. Such as it were then that both women sat in their respective thrones, the birth of a new reign of horror and debauchery commencing. "....what are you idiots still standing around here for? Get back to work," she hissed to the fools who had stuck around to watch this living madness in person.

"This... this went better than expected." The Frog didn't leave the throne room before Ira stormed in and caused even more chaos, and after that roast session with everyone kissing eachother's ass, Hell had switched up to being governed by an oligarchy... because it needed Ira AND Lucille leading the demons. Great.

The Frog wasn't too fond of it, but he kept his mouth shut out of fear that he'd end up being screwed like Ghelgath was, instead he just walked over to the empty throne of Hell and calmly sat down beside it, entertaining himself with his hands, humming Kokomo the entire time as he watched the new oligarchy have a casual conversation about ruling. At this point, he'd've been fine ruling Hell on his own, the Frog, and while he's sure that everyone else would pitch a fit, he probably would've done a decent job at it because unlike it's previous rulers, he's weaksauce.

But that didn't happen, so the Frog continued entertaining himself.

---

Journal Entry 2:

Why didn't I learn that I could do this earlier? This is handy! Botany is going at an alarming pace, despite me working on multiple plants at the same time. I'd write them all down in depth but that'd leave me here forever, so I'm just gonna write them down quickly, I'll probably catalogue them later.

There's the Mockrose, the one that's causing most of my grief. It's supposed to act similar to Victoire's own roses, but right now... it only spreads around the ground. I have no idea how to fix that.

Then there's the Pikebloom. This one... it's growing it's thorns way too big. I could scratch someone's back with them, they're that large. It'd be nice if they were this long and a lot thinner, but right now... not happening.

Bloodfeeder moss... I don't have any blood to test it with. On the plus side, it does thrive on alcohol for the time being. If I can get it to like blood, then we're in for a good treat.

The Mineshrooms don't explode. Yeah, I dunno what to do about that.

Lastly, there is one plant that is ready for use. Freshmint. I found some of it in my batch of flower soldiers when I was going to swarm Helena, and to my surprise, it was a simple creation. It releases pollen in an area around it that clears those in said area of ailments. At least, that's what I think it does, as it relaxes me when I'm in the area. The freshmint, unsurprisingly, grow in area of influence the more plants there are bundled around eachother. Pretty neat.

I sent Abigail a letter a while ago, although I'm not sure if she'd get it quickly due to how the postal service works. It's hit-or-miss, and unfortunately, it has to cross faction boundaries for it to work. Maybe she'll see reason and come back, though. This is an opportunity to rekindle our relationship, and DAMMIT I WANT TO TAKE THAT CHANCE!

End of entry. Going to try a-- A large mark of ink runs off the page as Bonesword is surprised by the sudden explosion of a Mineshroom.

>NEW PLANT - FRESHMINT

---

Abigail had returned from her day at the market, browsing and perusing for any sort of thing that caught her eye. Nothing really did aside from a sword that looked strikingly similar to an uncolored Shroomblade. It gave her a slight bit of hope, but then she saw that the shopkeeper had actual flesh, and she lost her hope... that was, until she saw a letter at her doorstep.

One written by a man with the initials "B. S."

"Hey Abby,

I know you probably didn't expect something like... this, more or less you expected me in person, but I wanted to tell you something that gave me hope.

Endian, the pilot of Grafdakka, is trying to recruit able-bodied soldiers for some kind of rebellion. They can be from the depths of Hell, the slums of the Machina, or most importantly, the reaches from Heaven.

I'm joining up. I wanted to tell you in case you wanted to know.

Brock."

A wide smile appeared over her face as she floated back out into the market hastily, looking for any sort of bag that she could readily afford. She truly had hope for the first time that she had been a soldier of Heaven, and she was looking forward to reuniting with her lover.

That's all she cared about, really.

---

... what just happened? The last thing that Eve could remember was sparring a bit with Syphax, but then the world... did she black out?

"Glad to see you're finally awake."

Eve turned her head to face Syphax, attempting to sit up as she did so, but she fell right back onto the bed as she realized there was rope around her wrists and ankles.

"Honestly, Syphax? Not right now, I'm not feeling up to it."

"I know. Those are for my own safety."

"... wait what? What happened?"

"We were sparring a few hours ago, having a good time. Then I got you in the ribs with one of my swords, and... you changed."

"Changed how?"

Syphax took a deep breath as he raised his shirt, showing a severe burn wound under it. "You turned into a phoenix or something and went absolutely crazy. It was like you were a fireball of pure chaos and destruction. You hospitalized four other harpies, too..." Syphax lowered his shirt as he continued on, putting his hand on Eve's leg. "You eventually burned out, collapsing on the ground unconscious. I carried you back here and tied you up before I drank one of those healing potions..."

"Sorry..."

"Hey, don't apologize. I'm still a bit sore, but you made me realize something. You made me realize that those harpies out there have a lot to learn, both in combat and in running away. You, though, you're different. I trust you on the field, but I think I'm going to stay behind here for a while and take your job, training these recruits up to be like you and me."

"Seriously?! Do you know what the hell you're getting into?"

"Somewhat, but hey, someone has to stay around and give the other nations a good fight, and if I'm here training, I'd trust the girl that ignited both my life and my chest."

"... and your di-"

"That too, but until then..." Syphax rolled onto the bed and laid beside Eve before finishing his sentence. "We can relax a bit together."

The two harpies laid there in silence before the both of them dozed off, ropes still attached to Eve.

---

Lillian was taking a break from working on Epsilon, which hadn't really been much more than just some much-needed maintenance, and she was finally doing something she really enjoyed - alchemy.

As Lillian ground up some ingredients for a certain potion that would double as cooking oil, she let her mind wander about for what she could try and do. There honestly wasn't much going on in Hyperion right now that interested her. Everyone had been doing their own things for this battle, and now that she had some free time, she didn't know what to make of the situation. Alchemy was what she normally did, but she didn't know if she could really test anything out on herself right now, and with the lack of experimentation going on, potions were starting to bore her. Finally, an idea popped into her head after a few minutes of thinking, but to make sure, she had to ask Epsilon for a second opinion.

"Epsilon, y'listening?"

> Yes, Miss Kolof.

"D'ya have internet support? I need t'search somethin' up, but I'm occupato, compadre."

> What would you like to search?

"Search if there's a way t'receive lessons from Hohenheim 'bout alchemy. I wanna see if I can learn from someone as talented as her."

> Searching, please provide time for results to appear.

"Thank 'ya bud."

"Neat, well, guess I'm out." Miyu had said all she had to say, and then walked away from the eternal war that was the Nexus. Somewhat ironic that she only achieved her true potential moments before she left the only place she would ever need it, never to return.

Somewhere, off in the vast multiverse, there was an unimportant angel who built robots, tinkering away with her curiosity, until the end found her.

"In other words... YO ASS IS~!"

Yet just before the last word can be said, Ghelgath suddenly finds the ground below him vanish. Within an instant he finds himself falling through the portal that Rufus placed underneath him to cease his inadequate bickering. Only two seconds past before he finds his face smack into the floor of Hell's Kitchen... which actually would be the best case scenario. Because he finds himself teleported into a huge oven that's already been heated to its maximum heat level! Screams of pure agony can be heard all the way to the throne room as he desperately attempts to get out.

Mephilius facepalms in embarrassment. Of course Ghelgath would act so aggressively. In fact, from the looks of things, he must've wanted to start a revolution with Rufus against Lucille, probably in an attempt to defecate on the latter figuratively speaking. Of course, thankfully for the former, he didn't seem like he wanted that to happen, so Ghelgath might've actually deserved that. After all, they've already had enough fighting anyways. The knight listens in on the chat regarding the two leaders, later adding a third with Ira's introduction and then a fourth with Rufus' wife named @TheWindel Dana. Mephilius didn't recall him having a wife from before... when did that happen? At first, things did indeed start to get a little hot, but only then did Rufus issue a compromise that would silence their bickering for power...

He will kick out the old monarchial government and replace it with a three-man oligarchy.

Their response...?

They took it surprisingly well. They looked more confused then anything, but nonetheless they seemed to agree with it. And while everyone else may have different feelings, everyone can all agree that today marks a new day in the history of Hell. No more will the power struggles for absolute power be born every other day. Thus does Hell stand united, the first time in a very, VERY long time. Mephilius is curious in how this will all work. His opinion on the whole event is mostly neutral, but is overall glad that Rufus has returned and brought order to this chaotic realm. While he hasn't been around him for long periods of time, he agrees that Rufus is indeed a good leader. Compared to the Queens, he's more fair and logical, compared to the snobby Lucille and the hot-tempered Ira. However, maybe through time, they may change.

As everyone begins to celebrate in the throne room, Mephilius takes his leave as he silently walks towards the kitchen, the same one where Ghelgath would be cooked alive. He arrives to smell the burning smoke coming from the oven. No more screams can be heard, as they've died a while back. The Hell Knight simply opens the hatch to the oven, suddenly revealing a desperate ice demon crawl out while panting immensely. The stench of burnt flesh ripples through Mephilius' nostrils as he takes a look at the main course. Ghelgath's entire body was severely severely burnt to a blackened crisp, the pale light-blue skin being replaced with severe burns and flaky, dried up skin. He was moaning weakly, yet attempted to try and retrieve something from his pocket while trying to fight back the burning pain.

Tumbling from his pocket was a round icy object... the Ice Heart no doubt. He would've most certainly died if it weren't for the heart, which can be considered either a good... or an extremely terrible outcome. The Hell Knight inspects it as he picks it up for a closer look. The ice demon below him gives out a gurgled moan to catch his attention.

"IIIIIII... neeeeeeeeed th-at, Meeeeeephiliusssss..." Ghelgath weakly blurts out like a patty on the sizzler, "Brrrrring... it... h-hereeeee... f-for me to... touch..."

The knight seemed to contemplate this decision at first before actually giving it to him. The heart rolls towards its master, stopping once hitting his arm. Ghelgath grabs it with both hands gingerly as he closes his eyes. His entire hand soon gets covered in ice, followed by his arms, face, and entire body. The healing process was extremely painful, with the ice lich chattering in pain as the deep cold freezes and ultimately heals the hot burns. Within sometime, he eventually gets completely healed, with no sign of the frozen heart to be seen. He gasps spastically as he gathers his breath and gets on his knees.

"Ughhh..." Ghelgath groans as he checks his skin for any more burnt spots, "The hell was that for? Was Rufus in a grumpy mood or something?"

Mephilius squats down as he begins explaining to the ice demon the entire situation.

"No." he answers bluntly, "He wasn't. Not quite. But what he had in mind regarding the last two leaders didn't quite agree with yours."

The Lich's attention spiked back at the knight as he looks at him.

"W-Waddya mean, Mephy?" he asks curiously.

Mephilius then explains the entire situation to him, only leading with an angry, steaming-hot face coming from the lich.

"IS HE FUCKING NUTS?!" he roars loudly as he smashes the ground, "THEY'RE GARBAGE! THEY DON'T DESERVE A CHANCE TO RULE! WHAT MAKES HIM THINK THEY CAN WORK TOGETHER?!"

"Shhhhhhhh..." the knight hushes in an attempt to calm him down, "You're acting like a child. Clearly they were the ones behaving like mature negotiating adults in that instance, not you."

Ghelgath simply chuffs at that response almost as if he was a child himself.

"We may have our own individual thoughts regarding this new change," Mephilius explains, "But you ought to be glad that Rufus is back to bring peace and order to the chaos of Hell. I'm rather sick of participating in these coup d'etats to the point that I simply didn't care myself. Rufus' idea, while not new in its own right, is something Hell needed for a long time. If you don't like that idea, you should at least just be glad he's back... not like he probably cares."

The ice demon glares coldly at Mephilius before getting up.

"Perhaps..." he hisses as he gets onto his feet, "Maybe I should get used to it... but mark my words Mephilius, if this fails... if those two bitches try to attain absolute power... I'm going to kill them both."

"Is it another empty threat?" asks the knight nonchalantly, "Or something you think you can keep? Either way, I suggest you should be careful with what you do."

There was a silent pause in between the two demons. Ghelgath was the first to break eye contact as he walks away like an angsty teen. These past few days were certainly not his best... but can they get better? Regardless, as the lich walks away, the Hell Knight stands in place for a few seconds, looking at the ground, before moving on himself. He then decides to take a lonely walk down the one place he usually walks to...

The Hell Dungeons...

And one certain froggy, follows him, unknowingly to Mephilius...

---

Mephilius quietly walks down Hell's dungeons, listening to the sobbing and cries for help echo throughout the hall. One might not assume that this is a peaceful adventure into one of the most violent and noisiest part of the castle, but for a sadistic person like the Hell Knight, it didn't matter to him. He often does like to see the pitiful screams and moans of suffering coming from these poor and pitiful fools...

Little does he know that a certain froggy is trailing him close behind.

Frog was following closely behind Mephilius as soon as he saw that he left the throne room. The best perk about being a muppet was that you were largely silent. He crept behind the door as he listened in on Ghelgath and Mephilius talk about this oligarchy. To his unsurprise, Ghelgath reacted completely like an 11 year old that listened to Evanescence, while Mephilius reacted calmly. Why were these two guys 'friends'? They seemed like they hated each other. Maybe it was because Mephilius had something to gain with Ghelgath's false idea that Mephilius liked him? He wanted to ask, but he was still kind of interested in what Mephilius could do.

That took the two to the dungeon.

The Frog stayed behind a good couple of meters as he followed Meph, surprised he still managed to evade his death for this long. He guessed that's why he survived being found by anyone in Heaven for so long when he tried to infiltrate then. He was eventually found by Diana, which kind of su-"ACK!"

A nearby prisoner swiped at the small puppet, both blowing his cover and causing him to panic slightly. If Mephilius didn't know the Frog was behind him... well... he should know then.

His breathing was controlled, his eyesight sharpening, and his concentration was restoring. He kept his composure despite being chained up to a wall in an incredibly uncomfortable way, and he awaited an opportunity to become of use.

An audible sound caught the Flower's attention; his shrouded eyes focused towards the direction of the event.

Him, he thought to himself, restraining himself to ensure he doesn't drown within the madness of the prisoners around him, succumbed to the fear that Mephilius cultivated over their years. He heard of the creature, but had never seen him in action. He kept his composure, and observed the commotion.

“See you, cowgirl.” Omega tipped his hat to Miyu as she finally got what she wanted, a way out.

As for the others, while he expected some backlash from his ideals, Omega wasn’t expecting everyone to assume he was joining Endian and her merry band of misfits. Though to be fair, he did just say he was going to team up with her earlier. Either way he figured he would clear the air and make one last statement before stepping back into the Nexus.

“Pardon me, folks. I guess I wasn’t clear enough. I ain’t joining this coalition, especially if the end goal is just Machina dominance anyway. But the fact we’ve been able to work together, no matter how briefly, means we’re willing to set aside our differences, and that is the first step towards a peaceful resolution. I’m not saying it’ll all happen now. Hell, I’ll probably be shooting at half of ya next time we meet. But the seeds are planted and the lines are open. Don’t be surprised if one of these days we’re solving things sitting at a table rather than mindlessly slaughtering each other.”

Saying all he could, Omega stepped through the portal that took him back to the war torn world he called home.

---

Seeing all his attacks ineffective, Wolf growled, “This isn’t over, vampire.” With that that, he simply waved everyone off and walked through the Nexus portal. He had no time for these talks of peace for or against. As far as he was concerned there was still a war to be fought and they wouldn’t get anyway sitting in a nowhere place.

Taking it upon himself to report back to Eos, the portal dropped Wolf off right in her throne room where he quickly dropped to a knee “Forgive the intrusion, my queen, but I assumed you would want to know that we have returned from the Oblivion Dungeon. Unfortunately, we were unable to defeat Helena or any of the other factions. As appointed leader of this mission, I accept full and total responsibility for our failure and await any punishment you deem necessary.”

@KoL

Hyperion was a city that never slept, but that didn't mean it couldn't provide luxury accommodations for those that did. Lounging supine on the balcony of a woefully overpriced hotel, it's panoramic views muddled by the incessant lights and rumbling of the city sprawling before it, Hildr still took the time to bask in the neon glow for some time away from the demands of Queen Eos and- more importantly- the shitty faction she was supposed to be aligned with. "I swear if I had to deal with the nation of primadonas for one more second I was going to scream. Jormangand this, battle that. By the Jester's tighty whiteys it is insufferable."

Catching the beginning of a rant brewing she took up the glass beside her and downed it's contents in the first drought, exhaling with a deep, lingering air of satisfaction. It was best to try not to think of those things, and just enjoy Eos' dominion while she could. It came as something of a boon then when a knock at the door reached her ears and she bounded inside to answer. "Sigurn, did you bring the pizza~?"

Only to open the door and find a radiant- in the literal sense- angel standing unabashedly in the hall. "....what the fuck, Iona?" Evidently, the Angel of Ash did not take kindly to such language in her presence and were Hildr not a neccesity she would have been singed in place by the glare Iona gave her. She saw no effort to tone down her light show or to even dial it back; rather, it only intensified the more she did scowl. There was no worry of her sudden visit being disturbed though; not even Hoho was stupid enough to cross Iona on the mark of duty and in the middle of her work.

"You have much explaining to do to the Imperator, Elder Valkyrie," Iona said testily.

Clearly the Angel of Ash has no interest for anonymity but that wasn't a sentiment shared by the Valkyrie. Consorting with the enemy was par for the course, but her present interests laid more in lounging on verandas and not being reprogrammed in a VR suite to ensure her loyalty for the fourth time that month. "I should be saying that to you."

Grabbing the feminine glowstick by the collar, Hildr pulled her into the hotel room and slammed the door shut behind her, sliding the curtains shut immediately after. "Okay, so why are you wasting your time coming down here? Heaven shouldn't be falling apart without me so quickly, or has Juno snuck into the granaries and left Celestia on the verge of starvation? Again."

Hildr's answer came in the form of a slam to the nearest wall, the perpetrator uncaring if it broke a nose or not. Iona's scowl held its mark and as if gravity had been turned around, the Valkyrie would find herself held there in place by the brilliance of Iona's light. "That is for laying your hands on me," she said evenly, already opening up a portal with her other hand. "As for the reasons, consider yourself unworthy of laying ear to them. Know only that I am bringing you back under the highest authority. You may either come willingly or I will move you by force. Your choices are clear, Valkyrie."

"That's not good enough." Hildr said, tone somewhat nasal with the broken noise and all, a tone quickly rectified when she snapped the cartiledge into place with her unrestricted hands. "How about you try getting a bit more diplomatic, 'cause the way I see it, it's either you better have a silver tongue or I'm going to use my silver eyes to make this annoying enough to ruin your day."

"The way I hear, Heaven has been just fine without me. What, does Deva get her dog slobber covered panties in a twist when every angel isn't in line? What a petty use of your talents." She chided as her eyes took on a mismatched sheen of silver and gold while adopting a grin that conveyed she'd enjoy being the cause of Iona's migraines if things went south. It was a grin that was matched only by Iona's expression of apathy before she backed down with a sigh. Hildr would find her body unpinned to the wall and it looked as if Iona was giving up.

"....alright fine. We do this your way."

A hand slammed through Hildr's skull, having phased through and clenched against the material that could be called a brain. Iona watched silently as Hildr's second guest made her appearance obvious, rising from the ground like a maddened spirit of the afterlife. No amount of turning or twisting would wrench the grip in Hildr's skull, not unless she wanted the attack to do lasting damage. "Do not damage her," Iona said to her partner, eyes flicking over to the twitching shape of Harley.

"It's been a reeeeeeal long day Hildr. I don't think I need to tell you how much this kind of thing can put stress," Harley said, digging her nails into Hildr's brain. "Now you can be a good bitch and heed the orders of those above you....or I can make this very, very delicate for both of us-well look at that. What's this I see in your mind? Looks like...some blonde bimbo. Oh, and there's a mini her too! Gee, you know, if you won't listen to reason, I bet they'd just love to have a visit from ME," Harley said, slamming Hildr to kneel while she spoke directly into the Valkyrie's ear. And although she couldn't see it, the glee in Harley's tone was all the proof needed that the monochrome girl wanted any reason to go and mess up someone else's life.

There was a thrill of excitement when her body was taken by the grip of her brain, the sort of inhuman violation she attributed to the ministrations of the only goddess she deemed worthy of worship, yet this hope was dashed when it became apparent Iona had called upon another Vassal for aid. "Really Iona? I know you loyalists stick together, but you could have just as easily called for the Eel or-"

Her endeavors to keep up the conversation as usual were curtailed with the rooting around within her mind, and ghastly promises that brought a flicker of horror to her eyes- And then the horror turned to unabashed glee. "You'd do that?! Then what the fuck are we doing here?! Hurry up and get me back there so I can see my damn Wife already! Oh, and Dana too. Hehe, I can't wait to see the looks on their faces."

Harley only stared down at the head she was currently rummaging around in, taking Hildr's words into account. Raising her free arm, a card began to manifest in her palm and she made the motion of sticking it into Hildr's head- "That's enough," Iona said, grabbing Hildr by her collar and yanking her away from Harley's grip. By the vacant stare in Harley's gaze she had a feeling of what was about to happen just now. "I said no damaging her-" Iona attempted to say, cut off by the same unblinking stare given to her, the card still floating in Harley's palm. "...we're leaving now," Iona announced, dragging Hildr with her and walking into the portal once more.

Whether Harley cared to join or was up to her, but it would have been ideal if the monochrome girl had taken the long way round. Indeed, the portal had long since closed in on itself by the time Harley was brought back to her surroundings, the card dissipating in her hand. "........" Stoic in face, she gave the run down apartment room one last look over before slowly fading out of sight, sinking into the ground back into her own toils and machinations. Maybe she would go torture an Eel later just for fun.

She had put on a confident poker face but that Iona needed to reprimand the chaotic Vassal sent far less pleasant vibrations through her bones, and Hildr made no attempt to free herself from the callous grasp of Iona till they were back in the land of holy blowhards. "I'm going to presume whatever monochrome back there was doing, it was going to make me miss Archorus' interrogations, wasn't it?"

Seeing as she was home, for better or for worse, she freed herself of Iona's grasp and crossed her arms expectantly. "Know what? Never mind. Don't want to know cause dollars to donuts she'll just do it herself when you look away next time. How about you get to summoning those family and friends now and I'll get out of your hair." To that, Iona said nothing and merely teleported away; no doubt to go take care of other business, leaving Hildr to herself in the halls of Heaven.

"Well, I guess that I'm out of here as well," Diana said as she turned towards the portal leading back to the Nexus. "Let's go, Suparna, I don't know about that Machina but I don't want to stay around here when this dimension collapses," she added, after taking a look at the huge cracks that began to line the celestial abode of Helena's dimension.

"Also, we have to get a room for you there in Celestia. It shouldn't be that hard with the sudden increase in vacancies," Diana smiled as she guided the other girl by the hand. "Do you have any particular preference? I'm more or less sure that we could get you a very good one that belonged to a musician that vanished a while ago. Unless you don't care for loud neighbors, then I can probably arrange some place close to the Harpies," the dragon girl made a momentary pause before skittering closer and whispering in Suparna's ear, "Don't tell anyone I have said this, but if you pick the last, you can have as many fresh eggs as you ever want..."

"Anyway, this shall be great. Just wait until I show you the lots of cool things that we can do on Celestia," Diana said excitedly as the two of them crossed the portal.
Helena gazed towards Miyu as she made the decision to leave the Nexus, before turning her gaze back around to answer Henry's question. "It's not my intention to deceive any of you, thus I'll say it in the most direct way possible. What I'm offering you is a one-way journey. It's about as hard to force your way into the Nexus than it's to break out of it. Unless you do anything that catches the eye of the powers that run it, you'll likely not be able to return using only your power. Ever," she said.

"Oh, but if you are going to do any reconsiderations, do them quickly. It's not like I can hold this space forever," Helena added.

The vampire seemed to have completely disregarded both Endian's claim and Bonesword's empty threats. Nevertheless, she raised an eyebrow when Grafdakka began to charge his attack once more. "Is there any reason for you to insist on this? Neither you defeating me, nor I killing you, will prove anything. Why do you even want to keep fighting? Is it pride, loyalty, or is it because you can't stomach the fact that you were the architect of your own plan's demise?"

"You can keep fighting if you want, that's none of my business. Just don't expect me to stick around after I'm done with my job."

"Talking about that, I have only one more thing to do," Helena said as she got back to her feet. Helena touched the clock tower, infusing it with her power, granting her voice the ability to reach the whole Nexus at once. It was one final trick after which Helena would have to leave, in order to let things cool down for a bit.

"Hear me inhabitants of the Nexus. My name is Helena, a being that traveled to your world from beyond the boundaries that limit you. I came here to offer you the chance one-time chance to leave this reality if you are discontent with your current ways. All you have to do is raise a hand to the skies and accept my offer. I cannot guarantee a way for you to come back, you are going to take a one-way trip if you choose to leave. This is your only chance of ever doing something like this and find out what lays beyond the cosmic horizon, but it's also an eternal good bye from your home world. Think of what you want and reply now for I cannot keep the way open for more than one minute."

After Helena said her piece, the flames of the clock began to flicker again, the final two of them marked exactly the one minute the beings all around the Nexus had to consider Helena's offering.

She turned her back to Endian as well as any other beings still standing in her dimension and walked away without saying a word, dissolving into the oblivion from where she came. The fate of the Nexus was their own right now, Helena did all she had to, or could, do.

As Mephilius begins to turn a corner, he suddenly hears a panicked yelp coming from behind him, along with an aggressive growl from one of the prisoners. The Hell Knight stops and turns around to see the green Frog following him to his surprise. What was he doing here following him?

"Oh," he speaks calmly as he puts his hand by the corner wall, "Fancy seeing you here my little green friend. How long have you been following me?"

Regardless of what answer the frog would give, probably being in a nervous and/or terrifying panic mode, Mephilius simply shrugs at whatever response he gives out.

"Doesn't matter now." he answers blatantly, "You are welcome to walk with me if you want. I'm just taking a stroll down here while listening to the cries of the damned."

With that, Mephilus turns the corner and continues walking down the hallway. He looks at the prisoners that were locked up in the cages live savage dogs. Some were clawing at the bars, attempting their foolish attempt to rip the Knight limb from limb. Others are either found curled up in a ball at the far end of the cage, muttering incoherent noises as they succumb to madness or crying on their hands and knees. Both sides were rather entertaining to say the least. On one hand the knight basically taunts at those who want to rip his guts out, but can't, while also taking pleasure to hear the weeping of the week. Yet his facial features never change to show it... at least not in public.

Then he hears a random feminine voice reach out through his head... or no, that voice is actually being publicly announced through the entire Nexus. Mephilius takes a pause to listen to what is revealed to be Helena's voice before it vanished completely. A way out of the Nexus? This time of day being the only chance to leave and say an eternal goodbye to the Nexus as a whole? What may lay outside the boundaries of this realm...?

Before he can think about it anymore, the Frog verbally told the voice to go to sleep. Mephilius' train of thought came back down to Earth as he easily shakes the mental thought out of line. He's going to have to deny that offer. Even if he wanted too, he doesn't even think anything can be good out there. Not about what horrid creatures may lay beyond... but the fact that it may feel disappointing once he reached there. He's lived in the Nexus for slightly over 1200 years and has indeed seen his home realm rise, fall, and back again from the ashes. For normal people, it would be unbearable, but for Mephilius... he doesn't mind or care, as revealed in his previous conversation with Ghelgath. Besides, maybe one day someone will invent or conjure up a spell for anyone to leave the Nexus and into the world beyond. It may take years, decades, centuries, millennia, thousands of years or more... but it didn't matter to the Hell Knight.

He's staying right here... at least for now, either to his death, or once when someone invents public travel between realms. With that being said, Mephilius continues walking down the hallway, looking at the prisoners without compassion or emotion.

By the time he reached the middle section of the row, he then catches the eye of one particular figure. Inside the cage, chained to the floor, was a large robed figure. It's hood prohibited the knight to see the character's face, but he can tell by the aura and the wings also chained to the ground, that he is an angel. A plaque can be seen on the top of the cage, reading the name "THE FLOWER OF DEATH". Mephilius was quick to recognize who it was.

Sabium Flos. Frontline Captain of Heaven's Guard. "The Flower Of Death" as the legends proclaim him as.

The demon had never seen the angel in person, given he usually stays in his own castle mansion during the war, but he has heard legends here and there about his existence. However he got caught is a mystery to him, but nonetheless pleasing... enough. The man didn't seem to show any signs of madness, though its expected given that he's an experienced captain. Still it was rather disappointing. He inspects him for a little while longer before speaking to him.

"You've seemed to make yourself comfortable here." he states insouciantly to the Angel, looking at the plaque for another second, "Hmm... You're the Flower of Death. I've heard much about you during my absence... and now I see you here, your petals withering away with the rest of the lot. Tsk... a shame to see such potential being wasted here..."

"Following you, is what I'm doing. I have nothing better to do." The Frog wasn't going to pussyfoot around this, he was following Mephilius for no particular reason. He had no real home in Hell, he'd been roaming since the start of his life, and he didn't have any musical instruments on him to play so he couldn't do that... well... he had the gun. Can you play the gun?

The Frog wanted to play the gun.

Nevermind that, there were more pressing matters to attend to, such as Flos. The Flower of Death, as the plaque on his cage read. Mephilius explained that Flos was one of Heaven's finer fighters, which was pretty respectable since there was that one harpy chick that broke through that one silver dome.

Then Helena resounded, and the Frog quickly answered with a stoic "Go to bed Helena." He wasn't interested in leaving until he found out what happened to that one person, but there wasn't a real way to find out in Hell... maybe someone else knew.

Back to Flos, the Frog started thinking about what Mephilius said, how there was wasted potential with this Flower of Death, and a sudden idea popped in Frog's head. What if Flos put the Frog on, the Frog delivered him to Ghelgath, and war commenced in Hell? That'd be a FUN way to be entertained! Alas, that's probably not for the best right now, but maybe later... right now, the Frog stayed silent as he stared at Flos.

It appeared that Mephilius had taken notice of the black-winged angel, although the companion seemed to be less dismissive toned. Flos looked at the demon in the eyes, and simply tilted his head slightly as the screams of madness continued echoing in the area.

An unnerving smile appeared on the Flower's hooded face, as the prisoner simply said "then you would've known that I've seen and experienced worse conditions than this basic setup."

The set up, was, indeed basic. Chains, bounds, and a time of waiting. For some their minds would break at the prospect alone, but others like himself were more hardened. It didn't surprise him that the broken minded were either erratic with the offer presented to all, or mindlessly pitching their hands in the air out of mercy. Whether or not it was towards Helena or Mephilius was up for debate, one that was unimportant.

Flos weighed his options quick. On one hand the fight was all he knew and was now being given the option to essentially abandon it. On the other hand, there was the opportunity to finally see him again. His brother, his comrade, his brother in arms could take the option and the two would finally see each other...but.

Flos kept his eyes locked to the demon cretin in front of him, his hand not raising an inch.