“There… The front line should hold now.” Arsalan rolled out his shoulders as he finally relaxed after fighting all the enemies. It was so cool how he managed to get all his guild members to work with him and handle a large number of dead enemies.
“I’m impressed! Things weren’t looking good a minute ago, but you really turned the fight around.” Kengo looked impressed with how Arsalan handled the situation that was looking so bad and out of control. I guess Arsalan was held in high regard for a good reason.
“Heh. The Aoyama Guild prides itself on organized assaults! All I did was simply bring forth the power they innately possess. From there, I only had to seize the tide of battle and utilize the momentum to our advantage.” I was kind of impressed by how wise Arsalan words sounded. I still couldn’t get over my first impression of him after all. He was so easygoing and didn’t really seem that serious but I guess the older you get the harder it is to make you uneasy, I guess?
“Seize the tide of battle, huh? Well said, old man.” Kengo bumps his shoulder into Arsalan as he gives him the usual smirk of his. I guess they are getting along, in some weird way, I think?
“In any case, we have more urgent matters to attend to. We must stop that Exception as soon as possible.” Arsalan's expression grew serious as he looked at the raging Exception who was still causing more undead enemies to appear. We really had to take care of that since there will be a limit to how much we can keep fighting these endless enemies who can just be brought back again and again.
“The Aoyama Guild is also familiar with Exceptions, then?” Shiro noted that Arsalan seemed rather familiar with Exceptions and he also knew what would have happened if Ryota Sacred Artifact were to clash against Zabaniyya Sacred Artifact.
“Of course we are young cub. Just as we know the outcome their appearances lead to. As far as I know, there’s at least one area in Adachi Ward in Eastern Tokyo that was destroyed by an Exception. All of the parties involved perished, so the App was forced to quit and the Exception vanished. As a result, none of the damage done in the App was reversed when it shut down. To make things worse, the Sacred Artifacts used weren’t even particularly powerful. Stray Transients have since swarmed the area, turning it into a dangerous slum.” Arsalan's expression grew upset as he told us this.
“Hang on, I’ve never heard anything about the App wiping out a place like that.” Kengo's expression was confused as he tried to process what he just heard. I was also confused, he didn’t hear about this? I looked over at Shiro and he seems to have a look of understanding on his face.
“Wait… I did hear about an incident on the news. They said a bomb went off in Adachi Ward. Could that have been…?” From what Shiro is saying I am assuming there must have been a cover-up story or something like that. So that means the App has to be known by other people or no..? I am getting a headache thinking so hard!
“Regardless of what was reported on the news, these are the facts. Listen up, cub. We cannot allow the same thing to happen to Aoyama or Shibuya.” Arsalan told us this with a stern expression and I notice that an angel Transient was walking over to Arsalan, it was the nether angel. “Lord Arsalan, the battle has come to a temporary impasse. We have reinforced the entrance to the Aoyama Cemetery. I also have some news to report.”
“Good work driving them back. That was a dire situation. And what of the news?” Arsalan motions for the angel to continue. “We’ve secured Lady Gabriel. She is under protection and currently standing by with the rear guard. In addition, the Exception continues to create undead and has begun to move. If it continues on its current course, it will exit the cemetery.”
“Very well. Remain in pursuit and keep me updated on its current location. We cannot allow it to roam the city as it pleases.” Arsalan nodded to himself as he told the angel Transient this.
“We have also located the boy who generated the Exception. He is currently surrounded by the undead.” As soon as I heard the angel Transient I quickly got closer to him and put my hands on his shoulders.
“You mean Ryota! Is he okay?! Where is he?! I can’t be right now!”I asked them a bunch of questions but I let go of them as I tried to locate Ryota. I was so worried about him being by himself and surrounded by enemies. He is not the fighting type!
“We must stay calm, Masato! However, if he’s surrounded…” Shiro put a hand on my shoulder and I tried to calm down but I couldn’t feel okay knowing that he was surrounded by enemies! I had the strong urge to run around looking for him.
“He is safe for now. He is under the protection of Lady Maria.” The angel Transient told me this and I felt better knowing Ryota wasn’t by himself. I knew Maria could protect him but I still didn’t like the fact they are surrounded by enemies.
“Maria?! When did she regroup with Ryota?” Shiro seemed surprised that Maria was with Ryota. I mean it was a bit crazy and we lost sight of everyone. But it was so nice that Maria managed to join up with Ryota again.
“Regardless, it is only a matter of time. Lady Maria alone cannot hold them back for long. We shall organize a unit immediately and set out to aid them.” The angel Transient said this seriously and I couldn’t help but notice… Do they seem way nicer? They don’t have that stuck-up attitude anymore. Make him rather attractive in my opinion.
“You guys… have changed. I can see it in your eyes.” It seems like Kengo also noticed that the angel Transient was different as well. Kengo may not be the brightest but he is good at noticing things.
“Lord Arsalan has shown us the error of our ways. You have saved us and our leaders, and we will repay your kindness.” The angel Transient lowered his head towards us in a bow before turning back to face Arsalan. “And finally, about the missing Lord Zabaniyya… He has not yet been located. So far we have been unable to find him anywhere”
“What? You’re telling me you can’t find a guy who’s less subtle than a firework display?” Arsalan seems shocked that Zabaniyya couldn’t be found, I mean he is basically on fire so he shouldn’t be that hard to find. I mean I would assume so.
“Unfortunately, no… However, we continue to search by land and sky.” The angel Transient told Arsalan this with a serious expression and his hand covering his heart.
“If I’m correct, becoming an Exception should cause the power of his Rule to flow into him, turning him berserk.” Arsalan's expression was serious as he rubbed a hand under his chin, thinking deeply about something.
“We’ve seen that happen before to a Transient in Ikebukuro,” Shiro spoke up and I couldn’t help but remember what happened to Oniwaka. He was totally out of control.
“Wait, so what happened to Oniwaka could be happening to Zabaniyya too?” Kengo had a frown on his face when he realized that as well. Seeing how hard it was to fight Oniwaka before I can’t help but think how difficult it will be to fight Zabaniyya. I mean he was holding back when he fought Kengo before and now he is totally out of control at the moment.
“In any case, if he’s no longer in our territory, that may mean he’s crossed battle lines. If so, we would have to face both the summoned Exception and a berserk Zabaniyya. We must be prepared. I will leave you in command. Have the wounded retreat to safety. We must not allow any more undead to exit Aoyama Cemetery. As for the undead who have already crawled away, organize a unit to hunt down every one of them. I will be joining Masato to rescue Maria and the boy. Stay on guard. Once you deem it safe enough, bring Gabriel to the front lines and have Hati be her guard.” Arsalan was suddenly giving off such a mature air that I almost forgot how he was when we first met. I guess this is the reason why he is held in such high regard, he knows how to think under tense situations.
“Yes, sir. I will pray for your safe return… All of you.” The angel Transient was going to leave to do what Arsalan ordered but stopped to look back at us. His expression was serious and he lowered his head towards us.
“I realize I have no right to say this, but I must abide my shame and request… If you find Lord Zabaniyya, please bring him back safely. For this, we will gladly act as your shields and spears. We have been far too dependent on him. We relied on him and placed too heavy a burden on his shoulders. I have come to this realization at last… Only now that he is gone and we are embroiled in a crisis. I wish to apologize to him, and to all of you, as well.” The angel Transient said this and I couldn’t help but notice his voice crack a bit as he said this to us. The air grew heavy and I couldn’t help but lighten it.
“Finally chatting me up, eh?” I couldn’t help but throw a wink his way and the angel Transient raised his head to look at me before giving me a small smile.“Yes… Indeed. How strange… I find talking with you somewhat pleasant.”
“Well, while we can’t make any promises, but Zabaniyya is tough as nails. He should be fine.” Kengo patted the angel Transient on their shoulder with a huge grin on his face.
“Haha, very true. He is very strong indeed.” The angel Transient let out a chuckle as his expression grew soft.
“Besides, I would’ve brought him back anyway. I haven’t had a chance to beat him yet!” Kengo pumped his fist with a look in his eyes I couldn’t help but shake my head. Even though Zabaniyya is a strong opponent, Kengo still wants to fight them until he finally wins. He is so stubborn, what a cute trait of his.
Somewhere Else In The Aoyama Cemetery...
“My briars, I command you to bind my brethren who have been ensnared by these ephemeral souls!” The thorny briars extending out from Maria’s Sacred Artifact entwine with the zombies’ legs and bind them where they stand.
“Ryota! Ryota, answer me! Please!” Maria looked back at Ryota who had a vacant expression on his face like he couldn’t hear her at all. He was on the ground, not looking at Maria who was calling out to him. “It’s… my fault. I…”
“Ryota, you haven’t done anything wrong! So, please! Stand up!” Maria was having a hard time fighting against the zombies and trying to comfort Ryota. While Maria's attention wasn’t on the zombies in front of her, a zombie managed to land a hit on her causing a scream of pain to escape her mouth.
The horde of zombies presses forward, forcing Maria and Ryota to stumble back and fall. The zombies advance upon Ryota who lays motionless on the ground.
“Ryota! Haa… Haa… Forgive me, everyone… If only you could have continued to rest here undisturbed… But I cannot allow you to stand in our way.” Maria’s briars surround Ryota protectively. “I will not give in! Let us see who shall be victorious!”
While Maria was working hard to protect Ryota, he was currently lost in his head. He couldn’t stop the tears that kept falling down his face. He felt so useless…
‘I screwed up… again. Why am I like this? Why do I always get carried away? I have such a mysterious power, one that no one else has. A power that allows me to be with my friends. I wanted to prove myself and show everyone that I’m their equal. But… I failed. I don’t know what happened, but it turned into a disaster. I’ve really done it now. Am I going to be left all alone again? Anything but that…’
Ryota felt like he was sinking into the darkness, unable to see the light. He could only blame himself as he blocked out everything. He didn’t want to acknowledge his failures, he just wanted to hide away from them.
“Ryota! Open your eyes, please!” Maria kept calling out to Ryota as she kept fighting the zombies that were surrounding them. When it felt like she was going to get overwhelmed by them, she heard fast footsteps coming her way.
Back With Masato...
“Ryota! Wake up! Ryota!” Shiro called out to the dull, teary-eyed Ryota who was just on the ground, not bothering to move.
“You’re not hurt that badly! Get your lazy ass up, Ryota!” Kengo shouted to Ryota but he still didn’t seem to react to anyone calling out to him.
“Ryota!” I called out to him also as I fought through the zombies so I could get closer to him. I didn’t know why he was like this but I had to help my friend out.
“H-Huh? I… Masato? Guys…” Ryota finally seemed to wake up from the daze he was in, looking at me first before looking at everyone else that was nearby.
“You are finally awake.” An angel Transient nodded his head toward Ryota as he took care of some zombies that were getting way too close.
“Huh? An angel? What’s going on?” Ryota blinked his eyes as he looked at the angel in confusion. I guess this was understandable because we were fighting them before and now they are helping us out.
“We came to save you and Maria with the help of the angels from Aoyama,” Shiro told this to the confused Ryota. He blinked his eyes for a few seconds before giving us a big smile. “Oh… No fair! You all became buddies when I wasn’t even there!”
“Huh? Buddies? That’s what you’re worried about? After everything that’s happened?” Kengo's eyebrow raised as he looked at Ryota with a confused frown on his face.
“You should thank Maria, Ryota. She protected you the entire time with her Sacred Artifact.” Shiro nodded toward Maria with a serious look on his face.
“Of course… Thank you, Maria.” Ryota looked toward Maria with a smile on his face still but I couldn’t help but notice how forceful it was. I was really worried about Ryota and wanted to speak to him but we were currently dealing with a lot of enemies so I couldn’t really have a personal talk with him.
“Ryota? Um, are you hurt?” Maria was looking at Ryota with a concerned look on her face. I guess she noticed how strange Ryota was acting as well. But Ryota just shook his head at her with a smile still on his face. “No, I’m fine. As usual.”
“Now, if you will excuse me, I shall return to my unit.” The angel Transient that helped us out bowed towards Arsalan who also showed up before he left to help out his other guild members with the zombie's enemies.
“Very well. Stay vigilant.” After nodding towards the angel Transient he turned toward us with a frown on his face. “It seems Zabaniyya is still missing. How is it that we haven’t seen even a glimpse of him, despite infiltrating enemy territory? In some ways, a berserk Zabaniyya is even more dangerous than the Exception from that Chalice.”
“Now, now! Don’t worry about that blockhead! I’ve already escorted him to his destination!” Out of nowhere, Nyarlathotep appeared with that usual crazy smile on his face. It grew quiet for a while as everyone looked at him stunned.
“Nyarl?!” I should have known that he must have taken Zabaniyya somewhere. He is usually the reason something is happening! I mean he can teleport for goodness sake.
“Ah, if it isn’t Nyarlathotep! Haha, you seem to be doing well.” Arsalan laughed as he gave a huge smile to Nyarlathotep and I can’t help but look at him in confusion, Arsalan really is too easygoing…
“Th-That’s all you have to say?! He’s the one who imprisoned you!” Shiro seems shocked that Arsalan didn’t have a negative attitude toward Nyarlathotep. I thought he would be a bit angry but he is so chill…
“What’s in the past is in the past. More importantly… What did you mean by that, Nyarlathotep? Where have you taken Zabaniyya? What is this destination of which you speak?” Arsalan grew serious as he asked Nyarlathotep where Zabaniyya was at the moment.
“Isn’t it obvious, sport? A peaceful place where all you annoying do-gooders can’t bother him, of course! Get my drift? Right now he’s like a naked blade that could cut anyone who gets too close. F’n hilarious, that guy! He’s a spitfire, or, should I say, Hellfire, here to purify all us sinners! He’s a real bomb with legs, and he’s on the loose! If he sees a sinner, he can’t help but burn ‘em! If he sees a criminal, he can’t help but punish ‘em!” Nyarlathotep's expression looked like an excited child as he told us this and I really couldn’t understand the way he thinks. It's like his mind is somewhere else…
“I mean, is anyone really free of sin when you stop to think about it? Being alive is practically a sin in and of itself! Y’know, he might even be a bigger problem than that zombie maker. Once he gets all fired up, he’s not stopping until all of Tokyo is reduced to a flaming pile of salt, just like Sodom and Gomorrah! So I took the opportunity to escort him somewhere he can’t burn us all to cinders before he got outta hand.” Nyarlathotep told us this with a smile on his face.
“W-Wait, Nyarl. So what’s gonna happen to Zabaniyya?” Ryota had a concerned look on his face as he asked Nyarlathotep this. I was also worried about what would happen to him as well.
“I also want to know. What happens to a Rule that’s gone out of control?” Shiro chimes in as well, he was probably remembering the incident where Oniwaka burned himself out at the Underground Colosseum.
“Are you really gonna ask me that, baby? How gauche! If there’s no one else to burn, then the only thing left to burn is yourself! He seems to think he’s the biggest sinner there is, so I’m sure he’ll burn up like a moth in a flame! A martyr perpetually burning his own body and soul… How pathetic. He’s really not our type. He’s probably fighting the zombies that escape the cemetery all by himself, burning all the while. C’est tragique! It must be so painful, so horrible, that death would be a welcome release! And it’s all thanks to you, Mr. Philanthropist!” Nyarlathotep pointed at Ryota while giving him a wink and Ryota's face grew pale and he started to tear up again.
“It’s my fault…?! Then, when I… he really…” I was concerned by how pale Ryota was turning and the fact he was starting to shake. I glare at Nyarlathotep once I realize he did this on purpose. “Stop picking on Ryota or else I will kick you in the dick!”
“I would never! I’m wounded that you would even suggest such a thing!” Nyarlathotep put a hand over his heart as he moved his body in a way so I couldn’t kick him in the dick. I was glaring at him still as I got in front of Ryota, to protect him from Nyarlathotep nonsense.
“Lemme set the record straight. I don’t wanna make anyone miserable, ya dig? Although I don’t not want that, either! All I want is to make wishes come true! Yes, everyone’s deepest desires… With a bit of added spice, of course! I just wanna see the real you, not those fake fronts you put up. As the rock stars say, it’s important to be true to yourself!” Nyarlathotep made finger guns at us as he gave us a wink.
“Then I ask that you hear this old man’s wish as well, Nyarlathotep. Take me to Zabaniyya.” Arsalan asked Nyarlathotep this with a stern expression and Nyarlathotep gave him back an exaggerated questioning look.“Oh! Question! And what will you do if I take you there?”
“I can’t leave my beloved pupil all alone. I must do what I can to save him.” Arsalan's expression grew sad as he told Nyarlathotep this.
“Now young man, are you pullin’ my leg? You mean to tell me that’s your truest wish? I’m sure it hasn’t escaped you but you can’t save him; not a radiant savior like you. The brighter you shine, the deeper he falls into darkness! Because we both know that he doesn’t want to be forgiven by you.” Nyarlathotep narrows his eyes and stares at Arsalan.
“You are merciless in pointing out this old man’s shortcomings. This is why I can’t bring myself to hate you.” Arsalan shook his head, a smile on his face from hearing Nyarlathotep's harsh response.
“No need to be embarrassed, young ancient! You see, collectively we’ve lived a thousand lives! We may look all young and supple, but we’ve got a thousand times more life experience than our appearance would suggest. Hahahaha!” Nyarlathotep's expression brightened up like a little kid as he said this.
“I’ll go, Nyarl. Take me to Zabaniyya.” I noticed how Ryota was still looking upset about what Nyarlathotep said about Zabaniyya suffering so I decided to just handle the situation. I don’t know if I will be able to do something but I really didn’t want him to suffer like that.
“What?! No, it is too dangerous, cub!” Arsalan looked at me with a surprised expression but I was only focusing on Nyarlathotep whose expression seemed to get really excited at my suggestion.
“Masato?!” I could hear Maria's surprised voice as well and I could hear someone put a hand on my shoulder. “What are you saying?! Masato!” It seems like Shiro was the one who put a hand on my shoulder as I continued to stare down Nyarlathotep.
“So cool! I love it! The height of hubris! I’ve been waiting for that reckless bravery to rear its head!” Nyarlathotep's weird hand's tails were moving excitedly behind him as he continued to look at me with an excited expression.
“Young cub, why do you wish to save Zabaniyya? No, more importantly… Do you truly think you can stop him? Now that there is nothing to restrain him, he is incredibly powerful. Even more powerful than I! You may be more suited than I to face him, but his fists have been honed to harm others. And you would be gravely mistaken that he will be the same Zabaniyya you have known. He now exists in a state of mindless violence, with no sense of reason to hold him back. A fate worse than death may await you.” Arsalan told me this with a serious voice and I looked back at him for a few seconds before smiling at him.
“I’ll just have to try my best. Maybe I will surprise you guys.” I told him this with a smile still on my face even though on the inside I was really nervous.
“But why? Aren’t you afraid, Masato? How… can you be so strong? It’s all my fault that Zabaniyya ended up like this!” Ryota was shaking as he told me this and I stopped smiling once I saw him crying again. I walked over to him and placed a hand on his head.
“I can’t stand to see you cry, Ryota.” I ruffle his hair, a soft look in my eyes. After doing that I took my hand off his head as he looked at me with a shocked and upset expression. “Why… Why are you…? Masato! Why are you always so…?”
“Hahaha! Such recklessness! I like it, young cub! Then allow me to assist by keeping our other problem at bay!” Arsalan let out a laugh as he slapped me on the back with his big hand. I had a hard time making sure not to fall to the ground because of the heavy way that appeared on my back for a second.
“All right, then let’s get outta here! Hold on to your hats!” Nyarlathotep grabbed me by my arm and pulled me close to him. I tried not to acknowledge the fact of how nice his body was now that I was closer to him.
“W-Wait! Take me with…” Ryota tried to join me but stopped when Nyarlathotep shook his head, his tongue peeking out of his mouth showing his refusal. “Sorry! This supercar only seats two!”
“Now, then… Are you all strapped in? Here we go! Don’t fall off now, baby! Yeeeeeeeeehaaaaaaaaw!” A light surrounded both me and Nyarlathotep as he went to take me where Zabaniyya was. I held on tightly to him, feeling uneasy teleporting for the first time. Before I was fully gone I thought I could hear Ryota's voice call out to me softly but I really couldn’t confirm it with the bright light currently surrounding me at the moment.
??? Location
Zabaniyya stands inside a church. Wave after wave of zombies push forward and are incinerated by the flames of Purgatory. The countless undead were once his brethren. They forge on, seeming to search for a place where they once belonged… and Zabaniyya immolates them all without mercy.
He doesn’t know if it’s right to torment the dead to protect the living. He simply acts as divine law commands. The commandments of the Aoyama Guild require it. That is what the majority desires. That is what he has always told himself. He looks back at the path he had walked, never acting upon his own will or his own desires.
He used to tell himself he did it to make others happy. Through his sacrifice, someone else could live in contentment. In truth, he simply gave up thinking. He simply pushed the responsibility onto others. He has come to this conclusion now, at last, after seeing the state of Tokyo with his own two eyes.
When did he choose the wrong path? Where did he go wrong? He has hurt far too many before ever finding answers to such questions. One such as himself cannot seek salvation. He cannot hope to be forgiven.
Just as the overflowing Rule floods within and Zabaniyya prepares to let go of his remaining self-control... The church doors swing open.
With Masato...
I am standing at the front of the church as I look at the berserk Zabaniyya. His eyes lock with mine and I slowly raised my Sword, getting ready to fight him. “Zabaniyya… I’ve come to save you.”
Zabaniyya didn’t give me a reply, only a berserk shout before getting flames to appear on his fingers. I tighten my hold on my Sword before running toward him.
