Archangel of the Heavenly Yard

Hello. I'm Animak3000 and I used to be the most awesome admin of The Evillious Chronicles Wikia. Welcome to my personal blog. Here you can listen to me ramble on about the latest stuff of my life, Akuno-P works, and other stuff worth mentioning. It is also where my newest fiction, "Ishirai: A Lost People", is being written. Enjoy and don't let the Master of the Graveyard eat you on the way in.

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What should’ve happened in Sofia the First: The Mystic Isles

You know what they should’ve done during this episode to make this particular moment even better? It’s a bit of a stretch but I’ll tell you what!

In this episode, we get a brief appearance of an island called the Isle of Memories.

Here’s what should’ve happened: Sofia would take Amber to the Isle of Memories to show Amber how much good she had done, a typical sweet thing for Sofia to do to cheer her sister up. But then, Amber would point to a specific memory she doesn’t recall, a memory to her surprise Sofia recognizes: The entirety of the Curse of Princess Ivy, the first time Amber became jealous of Sofia’s amulet, the moment when Amber’s envious actions caused a great deal of pain. And most importantly, it is the moment Amber sacrifices herself to save Sofia from a spell targeted at Sofia, her shining moment of one-hundred percent complete selflessness before it was taken from her by a FREAKING MIND WIPE.

Sofia would try her very best to explain to Amber about these events and convince Amber that this kind of goodness still resonates in her. Amber would be very confused and maybe doubtful by all this but she would at least trust Sofia’s word alone and even though what she had seen may or may not had happened in her mind, Amber would find the strength to make that possibility a reality.

EVERYTHING FROM THE TOTALLY POLARIZED CURSE OF PRINCESS IVY WOULD’VE BEEN SOMEWHAT VINDICATED IF THEY JUST DO THAT TWIST. MAKE THIS HAPPEN.

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New chapter is up.

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...I did no justice for Germaine here. XP

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There are times in which I cried at my own work. This chapter...is one of those times. T_T

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......Riliane becomes a badass. In my opinion, this...has got to be the best chapter I’ve written so far.

Feel free to leave a review!

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...Not particularly proud on the quality of this chapter. But hey. It’s a precursor.

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...Am I doing good so far? Feel free to leave a review and help me to do better! :)

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New chapter is up. Surprise surprise.

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New chapter is up.

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Okay seriously. Now I need to take a break.

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New chapter is out. WHAT. ALREADY.

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Hey Evillious fans. I’m back with another fanfiction in such a long time. Enjoy this new series!

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......

...Let me explain. I was playing “fault milestone one” and the game enabled steam achievements. I got the sociopath achievement just by setting my clock 2 hours ahead. But when I went to turn the clock back, THIS HAPPENED. 

THE GAME WANTS ME DEAD. IT KNOWS THAT I HAVE CHEATED DEATH. IT WANTS TO KILL ME AT ANY COST. I NEED TO BURN MY LAPTOP IN A BONFIRE AND SCATTER THE ASHES INTO THE RIVER.

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Exodus: Epilogue

~Anima~

As I started to take my clothes off, I examined my whole body for any sign of change. No such luck, it has been several years and still nothing has changed at all. It is certainly a price to pay after being awakened from an incomplete cloning, never being able to reach the splender of a grown woman in full bloom...but I suppose eternal youthfulness isn’t bad either.

After I put on my swimsuit, I went over to the pool to bathe. I looked down at my reflection in the water as I began to reflect on what had happened after the great exodus from Earth.

Inanna and Ereshkigal, the two sisters who once were bitter enemies, now have become best friends as they should have been. Both of them agreed to spend some quality time together before the two of them went off on their separate ways.

Inanna took the flying city, Uruk, and renamed it as High Uruk. From there she established herself as the ruler of the sky. Her promiscuity is still evident, typical of the Queen of Heaven.

Ereshkigal left to carve her own kingdom in the underground caverns which she named Deep Uruk. The sisterly rivalry started up again but instead of crossing weapons against each other, they worked to dignify their respective kingdoms in hopes of outshining one another.

Some people feel that their newly mended sisterly bond won’t last very long, given their nature. But I have faith that no matter what, our experiences had taught them much.

Megan continued to serve Ereshkigal faithfully, all while spending time with Beatrice whenever time allowed. However, one time she disappeared for three months without warning. She wouldn’t say what had happened during that time...

Cade and Beatrice worked together to found the first city in the new world, modeling it after the Purebloods’ former home, Seitokuken. Some of us teased that they might have a thing going on between them but they denied it...I think. The terms Pureblood and Halfblood were now things of the past. There is only Ishirai.

Dave left our company and started exploring the vastness of the new world, chronicling his journey in songs. His singing, however, still leaves to be desired.

Zophar worked hard to develop new technologies for the new world until apparently he was reported to be killed in an accident. We all grieved for him for he was an inspiration to us all.

Marcus and Reiya...I don’t know where their paths went but rumor has it that Marcus died somewhere far away and that Reiya had been reduced to nothing but ash. Some say that Marcus eventually pursued a relationship with Queen Ereshkigal. Whatever the case, nobody saw either of the father-daughter pair again. He did say that it is best for everyone. At the very least, Marcus had finally gotten the peace he had fought so hard for.

Sylvia eventually got over her sister Alyssa’s loss and she took up residence in the frozen mountains. She refused to communicate with any of us but I assume that Ereshkigal has a lot of work for her to do.

Speaking of Alyssa, we never heard from her or from Wayne, or Veena. Inanna still mourned for Veena but I reassured her, letting her know that because of her Veena can turn into anything. Inanna acknowledges, hoping that one day Veena will come back.

As for me, well...

“Hey, little missy~.” Cooed a voice.

I then rolled my eyes while smirking. “Watch it, Dave. Remember the age of the lady you’re talking to.”

“What? Do Original years plus Clone years don’t count??” Dave gave off a silly smile. “Ah well. Dirk would’ve come up with a much worse pickup line.” He then sat down at the pool’s edge, right near me. “...But let me just say that you look pretty today. You’re like a mermaid~.”

“Oh stop that~...” I blushed faintly.

“Still...” Dave went on. “...This is a bit of an odd location for well...a library.”

“Heh. Yeah I can see that.” I nodded. As her priestess, Inanna charged me with recording the history of the Ishirai and keeping it safe so that all that sorrow happening on Earth won’t repeat itself. It is a rather tedious job so Inanna created a massive...water complex to help me relax. Beatrice and Cade would often visit me for fun and games as well.

“It certainly is peaceful...” Dave let out a sigh.

“Yes...Yes it is.” I slowly nodded. “We could spend eternity here...in this paradise.”

“Can we...?” Dave asked a weird question. “...How long do you think this paradise will last?”

“......A, Are you okay, Dave? You’re scaring me a little...”

“Huh? Oh sorry. I just...have the strangest feeling that something crazy might happen...”

“...We were all victims of crazy things, weren’t we?” I nodded. “...But this time, there is one thing we have now that will help us endure anything.”

“Hmmm? And what’s that?”

“......We are a family now. We have become a family, all of us. We stood united for the first time against the darkness. As long as we have each other, we will prevail...even if it takes millennia to come together.”

Dave stared at me, not in a lecherous way but in amazement. He then smiled. “That’s...very sweet.”

“Thank you.” I grinned, happy that my words did some good.

“Oh that reminds me...” Dave then pulled out from behind...a new spankin’ guitar. “Wanna hear a song~?”

“Uh...”

“Hey! Don’t worry! I’ve improved in my singing!” Dave looked offended. “Come on, Annie, you have been writing the books for so long, your wrists might as well fall off. At least let me serenade you. I did travel this far...”

“...Ah very well.” I smiled softly as I sunk deeper into the water. With glee, Dave started strumming his guitar while I slowly closed my eyes, letting myself relax. Dave’s song flowed into my ears...

“♪We met one magic summer day  A dream came true and blew away  For as our love began to grow  The time had come for me to go Now all that I'm living for  Is to come back to you once more

Lovely lady of Arcadia Promise you will wait for me In your arms I found my Shangri-La And it's where I long to be Lost in love eternally

I feel alone among the crowds And sunny skies are filled with clouds I miss your kiss and you embrace The tempting smile that lights your face And just as long as we're a part The same old song will haunt my heart

Lovely lady of Arcadia When these lonely days are through I will stay and pray Arcadia Shall be paradise for two Paradise for me and you

Shall be paradise for two Paradise for me and you♪”

Arcadia. Our home.

[animak3000]

Exodus: Chapter 30

~Ereshkigal – Thousands of Years Ago~

“No...No no no NO! WHERE IS SHE?!” I started panicking, trying to have a grasp on what had happened.

I then demanded an audience with my grandfather, Enki. After what might have been ages, Enki finally showed up in Irkalla. “What is the urgency, my dear grandchild?”

“WHAT IS THE URGENCY?! I’LL TELL YOU WHAT THE URGENCY IS! MY SISTER IS GONE!!” I shouted. “Is...Is there anything you can do to bring her back?!”

“I’m afraid not. What you had done to your sister cannot be reversed. The only way to restore her, if only partially, falls to the hands of her people.”

“Her...people??”

Enki then pulled out a tablet from his robe. It is...a ‘Me’. “This was stolen from me by Inanna...” Enki explained. “And according to this, only her people will be able to procure a certain mortal body for her to inhabit. Unfortunately, this also has the secondary effect of having Nergal accomplish the same thing. But...”

“...But what...?”

“...You don’t care about what happens to your sister, do you? Why this...sudden change of heart?”

I looked at Enki with an annoyed look. “Don’t get me wrong, grandfather. I loathe my sister. I hate how she has gotten everything while I had nothing but...this... THIS DUMP FOR A KINGDOM!” In my fury, I kicked a skull which happened to be lying on the ground next to me. “...Grandfather... Why didn’t you come to rescue me...from this miserable existence...? Why...?”

“Believe me, my sweet Ereshkigal, I tried everything I could to rescue you from the great dragon. But once you are bound to Irkalla, it will never let you leave...” Enki spoke softly to me. “...I sense that our time in this world is coming to an end. Soon we, the Anunnaki, will depart this world forever.”

“...What...??” I looked surprised. “Y...You’re all leaving?! But...What about me?! Am...Am I...going to be alone?! Y, You...You can’t leave me like this!!” I clung to Enki, almost begging.

“I...apologize, Ereshkigal. The will of the allfather cannot be undone...” Enki said solemnly. “...I’m afraid you will be stuck here in Irkalla for a long while...but that doesn’t mean that you will be alone.”

“No...NO!!!” I shook my head, refusing to acknowledge this. But... “...Wait...What do you mean by ‘a long while’? What do you mean ‘not alone’?!”

“I suspect that Inanna’s people...have a large role to play in the years to come. Also...humanity can surprise even gods.” Enki then held up the ‘Me’...and sent it flying away. “I am sending this to the place where only your sister can possibly find it. Nergal must not be allowed to come to power again.”

~Inanna~

“...Wh...Where are we...?” Megan muttered. We are all in the middle of a vast desert.

“We...are where Uruk once stood.” I explained. “If Grandfather is clever enough, the Tablet should be here.”

“W, What are we supposed to do...?” Cade asked.

I then pointed at the ground. “...We start digging.”

“...Pardon?” Marcus’ eyebrows went up.

“We. Start. Digging.” I repeated. “Uruk had been rebuilt many times over and over throughout the centuries. Newer buildings were built over older ones.”

“So...Somewhere down there... The Tablet might be in the oldest layer, correct?” Zophar asked.

“Now you’re catching on. I believe that is the case.” I nodded.

“Um, Inanna...?” Dave interrupted. “Not that your plan is good or not, some of us are not...well...”

I know. Some of us are still trying to cope with their losses. “...I know. When any of you are ready, help dig the Tablet. With Miqut and...Nergal out of the way, I believe we have all the time we need... Now...if you’ll excuse me, I need to catch my breath...” I then left the others to be alone, sitting down on one of the rocks. Ereshkigal, knowing very well that I’m not feeling well, followed and sat with me.

“......Inanna.”

“E, Eh? What?”

“......Wayne, Alyssa, Dirk... It wasn’t your fault, you know? To be honest, I don’t know if raising this...’Rick’ person from the dead was a good idea at all but Marcus insisted...”

“......I...” I struggled to think of words. “......If only I were just...one step ahead... I could have saved them too...”

“Inanna, I sent them to fight the Sebitti. If anything, it should be my fault...”

“Maybe...but they chose to fight anyway...or stalled them so that others can escape...” I let out a big sigh. “I just...I just wish I could’ve done more for them!!”

“You have.” Ereshkigal then held me. “This...self-sacrifice thing going on... They most certainly got it from you.”

“...Perhaps...” I then gave Ereshkigal a light hug. “You...certainly gotten used to physical contact more, haven’t you?”

“...Let’s just say...I hate being touched by anyone else other than you.”

“Ehehe...” I giggled softly. I then stared off at the evening sky. “...Ah! The stars... They’ve shining early, aren’t they~?”

Ereshkigal looked mystified at the night sky. “...I...haven’t seen stars...in so long...”

Hearing Ereshkigal’s lonesome voice just made me want to hug Ereshkigal even more. “They’re so beautiful, aren’t they?”

“Yeah...”

“Oh! Ereshkigal! Look look!” I then pointed towards a constellation in the sky. “There it is! There...he is.”

“H, He...?” Ereshkigal looked confused. “What do you mean ‘he’??”

“Oh don’t you know? That...is your husband, your true husband.”

Ereshkigal’s jaw dropped. She can see it now, the constellation shining in the evening. It...is the Bull. “......G......G......” She struggled to make out that name.

“Yes, dear sister. That’s him...” I whispered calmly into her ear. “That......is Gugalanna.”

“Guga...lanna...”

“After so much has happened... I never thought that he is still there...or at the very least, still remembered...for days to come...”

“H...Hh...!”

I can see that Ereshkigal is starting to cry. Just seeing her cry like that really tugs at my heartstrings. I hugged Ereshkigal even tighter. “......I...I’m sorry...Ereshkigal...for everything...”

“I know... I know...” Ereshkigal sobbed.

“Ereshkigal... Once I...Once we have the Tablet...... Let’s go visit him.”

“Y......Yes...... Let’s.”

~Cade~

“I can’t believe Dirk is...gone...” I murmured. When Dirk was with us, he always was quite the joker, always trying to score with a woman. That kind of...optimism helped us distract ourselves from cruel reality. “It’s sad to know that after all that happened, he still won’t get his dream...”

Beatrice looked like she had been struck hard. Anima was doing her best to heal up Beatrice’s arm. “He...was a brave warrior...”

“Yeah. Sorry you had to see all that...” Dave muttered, fiddling around with his ruined guitar.

Beatrice shook her head. “Even so...he still asked me to go out with him...”

“Huh? Same ol’ Dirk...” Anima smiled bitterly. “......And...what did you say?”

“Not much......but...” Beatrice wiped her eyes. “...at least I let him die happy...”

I patted Beatrice’s back gently and faced everyone. “I just want to say...that although I recruited him for my own selfish purposes... His dedication to all of us is something worthy of remembering.”

“For all women everywhere.” Dave nodded. Everyone stared at him. “...What? It’s definitely something he would say.”

We all paused...but then smiled. “...For all women everywhere.”

~Sylvia~

I sat alone, away from everyone. I just...couldn’t believe it all. Alyssa...My sister... She’s gone... Gone off to fight against a creature that she knows she can’t beat. It’s just not fair! My sister is gone while Inanna and Ereshkigal are together, Beatrice and-

“...I assume you don’t want to see me, do you?”

I was startled by the sudden soft yet sweet voice. I looked up, expecting the person talking to me to be Beatrice. But it was Megan. “M...Megan...! Wha...You can hear my thoughts?! ...N, No I... I didn’t mean it that way...”

Megan sighed and turned away. “I, I’ll leave you alone if you wan-“

“No Megan! I...” I stammered, not wanting to sound like a horrible person. “...I’m just...really sad right now...”

Megan slowly nodded. “Yeah I get that... I’m...sorry about Alyssa...but you know...” She then sat down with me. “...From what I’ve read from your mind...there isn’t any indication that she is really gone.”

“R, Really gone?!” I grew indignant. “Even if she is possibly still alive, how can she even survive against...w, well, everyone in this world?! It’s impossible! How can you be so optimistic?!”

Megan shrugged as she made little sketches in the sand with her finger. “...I guess everyone’s optimism is infectious. There were times in which I wanted to give up, abandon all hope...and that’s the problem with having older siblings.”

“P, Problem...?”

“...They’re always meddlesome~.” I smiled a little. “...They put their younger siblings first.”

“Huu...” I sighed. “I just wish Sis could be with me!!”

“Sylvia...”

I just couldn’t take it anymore. I clung to Megan and wept bitterly. “A...Alys...sa...!!”

Megan just sat there, her posture firm. “...I may not be your sister...but at least I can keep you warm.” With a single finger gesture, a flame started right near our feet. “...Since we are going to serving Ereshkigal, I hope I can get along with you.”

I stared at the fire before me. It was hot, strong, filled with...determination, just like Alyssa’s flame. “...Thank you, Megan.”

~Veena~

Marcus, Zophar, and Reiya watched as I shapeshifted into a wombat and started digging. As I dug a big enough pit, Reiya then jumped in to assist me. After a while of digging, I looked up to see...Marcus and Zophar still standing there. “...Hey. Aren’t you going to help us out?”

“With what? We’ve got no tools!” Marcus exclaimed.

“I could try and create some digging equipment but all there is around here is sand and...more sand.” Zophar shrugged.

“Ugh...Then get Beatrice already!” I huffed.

“Right...” Zophar then walked away to find Beatrice.

Marcus then sat down, cross-legged, while continuing to watch me and Reiya dig. “......You know, in a way, it all started with us two meeting for the first time.”

“...Pardon?” I looked up from my digging.

“You know, the day when I was just a trash collector and then you attacked me while in panther form...”

“...Huh. I guess it did.” I laughed uncomfortably. “...You’re not still mad about it, are you?”

“Naw I got over it.” Marcus muttered. “...So uh...What are you going to be doing in the new world we’re going to be in?”

“Hmm...? Whatever Inanna wants me to do. Anything from being her bodyguard, her friend, her lover-“

“EEUUGH...” Marcus shivered.

“W, What?! Do you have something against-“

“N, No.” He quickly interrupted. “It just reminded me of...that. Usually, normal people would LOCK THE DOOR.”

“...Oh. Ehehe~. I guess Inanna and I should’ve~.” I fidgeted nervously.

“Daddy? Veena? What are you talking about?” Reiya cocked her head in confusion.

““WHOA!!! R, REIYA!!”” Marcus and I completely forgot that Reiya is here with us.

“...Are you two-”

“N, NO!” I got flustered as I shoved Reiya out of the dig site. “How about you go and take a break!!” Reiya looked at the two of us innocently, still confused, and went away.

“............PFFT~.”

“W, What?! What’s so funny?!?” I shapeshifted back into my human form, pouting at Marcus.

“Oh this is pretty much funny, really~.” Marcus laughed a little. “...It’s...fun I haven’t had in quite a while.”

“...Huh.” I crawled out of the dig site and sat down with Marcus, worn out from all that work. “What about you? What are you going to do in the new world?”

“Me? Well......I...do not know, really...” Marcus stared at the ground. “I’ve been working hard for so long just to have some peace and quiet with Reiya. I...honestly don’t know where to begin.”

“S, Seriously??” I looked surprised. “You’ve busted your back a lot to escape this world so that you don’t have to deal with fancy powers and trigger-happy gods and yet you don’t know what to do in the new world?!”

“Yup...I guess I got lost in my objectivity...as I always have been.” Marcus muttered. “...I heard from Ereshkigal that this is because of my link with Reiya. I feel responsible for Reiya...so I have to protect her from everyone, even if it means doing...morally wrong things. Ereshkigal does know how to sever that link...but I refused. I was too obsessed with protecting her...that I failed to keep my promise to save everyone... I did promise...but I failed...”

“Oh...I see.” I nodded slowly. “So...why didn’t you let Ereshkigal sever your link?”

“Because l will lose that objectivity...and that has kept me alive.”

“...Well...you won’t need that once we are all safe in the new world.” I then placed my hand on his shoulder. “Marcus, in the new world, living is going to be a whole lot more fun than surviving.”

“......Yeah. Yeah sure. I’ll ask Ereshkigal then.” He then got up and jumped into the dig site.

“M, Marcus?? What are you doing?”

“Helping you out. You’re not going to dig through this earth all by yourself.”

“Um, but Marcus, you said it yourself that you don’t have any digging tools...”

“Ah screw that! If my ability to manipulate probability has taught me, it is to expect the impossi-“

*CRUMBLE*

The ground under Marcus suddenly gave way, sending him down into the depths. “WHOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

“MARCUS!!!” I cried out.

“It’s alright! I got him!” I looked to the side to see Beatrice pointing her hand towards the hole, holding Marcus up with her telekinesis.

“............SERIOUSLY! WHAT ARE THE ODDS!?” Marcus yelled in disbelief.

~Helio~

I clutched my head, trying to keep my mind under control.

“Do not resist, worm. Your body shall be my vessel and soon I will have my revenge against Inanna.” Nergal’s voice echoed.

No. You won’t.

“W...What...? What is this?! Why can’t I control you?!?”

Reactive Adaptation, Nergal. Surely you are aware of this, aren’t you? I have been controlling minds while you were adrift in your cradle of power. Now...your time is over. Your forces are mine to command and you...are nothing.

“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!”

Nergal’s voice...slowly but surely...became...nothing.

~Inanna~

“...Quite an impressive fall there~.” I grinned as Beatrice pulled Marcus out.

“Ah shut up.” Marcus grumbled. He then gazed down at the hole he fell through. “...Is this it?”

“Yes...Yes it is.” I nodded. I then turned to Ereshkigal. “...Shall we?”

Ereshkigal nodded. “Sure.” The two of us were then lowered down the hole, into the darkness. Ereshkigal lit up a fire from the palm of her hand, bringing light to this place. “...Inanna? Are you okay? You look like you’ve been struck with an epiphany.”

“These ruins, Ereshkigal...I recognize them...” I slowly touched the ancient walls of the cave. “This place...this is Eanna...”

“Eanna...” Ereshkigal tilted her head. “Wasn’t this...”

“...This was my...earthly home.” I whispered.

“Your home??” Ereshkigal’s face lit up with interest.

“Yes...I, I wish you here with me back then...” I traced the walls with my fingers in reminiscence. “Temples of pure gold and stone towering above Uruk, hallways stretching from the courtyard to the Great Hall, pools of water relaxing enough to send your soul to heaven, it was so wonderful...”

Ereshkigal listened attentively...and smiled warmly. “...Well, you can still show me your beautiful home...once we find the Tablet.”

I nodded while searching the ground. “I think it’s somewhere right about...Oh here! Look look!” I immediately knelt down and brushed the dust off a flat object lying on the floor. “There it is.”

“Th...The Tablet...” Ereshkigal whispered. It is a golden tablet, with words written in cuneiform. “...You know, when Grandfather said to me that he is sending the Tablet where only you can find it, the ground wasn’t what I had in mind.”

I rolled my eyes. “Well, he is an old coot. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have gotten away with getting him drunk and stealing it in the first place.”

“Heh. I can see that.” Ereshkigal smirked. We finally have it, the thing that created the Ishirai in the first place. With it, I have the power to create many things at will. “Now, let’s go to Utopia, as you have promised.”

“Oh yes!” I got pumped up. I then stretched my hand over the ground. “BEHOLD, THE SEAT OF MY POWER!” I proclaimed loudly, with pride. “THE SHINING JEWEL OF SUMER, BORN TO BRING ORDER TO CHAOS, I COMMAND: RISE, URUK!!!” The ground shook from below us, the Tablet half in my hand glowing brightly once more. Ereshkigal watched in amazement as the crumbling walls of stone turned to pillars of gold, the dirt under our feet sweeping away to reveal floors of pure stone. This wasn’t merely redecoration.

~Marcus~

We suddenly felt massive earthquakes from under the earth, knocking us off our feet. “What the hell is going on down there?!” I yelled.

“I don’t know!! You think I know the answers?!” Zophar shouted back.

“I, Inanna and Ereshkigal are still down there!” Veena cried. “We gotta save them!”

“N, No wait! Something is...!!” Beatrice pointed towards beyond the dig site. Something is jutting out of the sand: A...A golden ziggurat-like structure emerging from the sand, followed by many ancient structures, if anyone can even call them ancient for they look as if they are recently built. And then...it feels like we were being lifted up by the ground as well, as we are no longer sitting atop of sand...but what feels like roads.

“H, Hey Cade! Megan! Fly some distance and see what’s going on!!” Dave called out.

“Got it!” Megan and Cade did so. When they had achieved some considerable distance...

“...Um guys...?” Cade sweatdropped.

“W, What?! What’s going on!?” Sylvia cried out.

Megan was the first to break the ice. “......You’re all on a...hovering city.”

“F, Flying city??” Reiya looked startled.

“Right you are~.” Said a voice. We all turned to see a confident Inanna. “...This is because I made it hover. And with this, we will leave and journey to another world! See, Marcus~? I’m keeping my end of our bargain!”

“W, Whoa...” Even I couldn’t believe it myself. “...W, Wait a minute. How are we supposed to breathe in the vacuum of space?!”

“Already taken care of!” Inanna smirked. “I’ve created a protective layer surrounding the city. Now, are we all ready to leave~?”

“NOT SO FAST!” Shouted a voice. We all turned to...an innumerable force of undead surrounding us. At the head of the horde was......none other than Helio, backed up by his minions and...remaining Sebitti!? “YOU ARE NOT GOING ANYWHERE!”

“Wha...Nergal!!” Inanna gritted her teeth.

“How did that noob survive?!” I exclaimed.

“Oh you think that Nergal is here~? Well, not anymore! Nergal consciousness...is under my control, completely!” Helio shouted.

“Wh...What...?” Ereshkigal looked shocked. “That’s...That’s not possible...”

“Through sheer will alone, I conquered death itself! And now, I am in command of all Irkalla! And now, this...is the beginning of my revenge against all of you!”

“Ah crap, not this again...” Megan groaned. “Will you get over it?! You’re making Nergal a lot more tolerable than yourself!”

“GET OVER IT!? I WILL NEVER GET OVER IT!! Megan, you and your band of rogues had disrupted my plans to reunite our peoples together!! The Purebloods must all die for their crimes!! And you, especially you, VEENA, shall pay for double-crossing me! I should’ve killed you when I had the chance!! I will-”

“Ugh, I have no time for this...!” Inanna then pulled out what appears to be a golden sheet. Is...Is that the Tablet? “Time to leave!” And with that, Uruk began to rise up to the sky.

“HEY! I’M NOT FINISHED YET!!!” Helio then unleashed a massive bolt of lightning towards Inanna, striking her right in the heart.

“UGGAAAA!!!!” Inanna cried out as she flew off Uruk and hit the ground below.

~Veena~

No...NO!!! “I, Inanna!!!” I cried out.

“INANNA!!!!!” Ereshkigal screamed. “OH THAT IS IT!! I’M KICKING HIS A-“

“No, no your majesty! Let me handle this!” I stopped Ereshkigal before she can leave.

“What ar...Get out of my way!” Ereshkigal shouted at me.

“I’ll do this! Trust me, I have a bone to pick with this guy! I have been meaning to rip this guy limb from limb for a long time and I am going to do just that! Let me at him!”

Ereshkigal looked furious...but she relented after seeing my determined face. “F, Fine!!”

“Thank you.” I then shapeshifted into my argentavis form and flew into the sky, turning to Megan and Cade. “Guys, get Inanna for me!”

“You got it!” Cade called while Megan nodded.

“A, And tell Inanna...D, Don’t come back for me.”

“W, What?!” Megan exclaimed. “What are you doing?!?”

“Don’t worry, Megan. Just tell her: Don’t come back for me. I will return to you.” I dove down towards the ground and landed right on the sand. Helio was there, right in front of me.

“Haha. HAHAHAHA! You dare to stand in my way, once more?!” Helio laughed. “There is no way you can possibly match against my might alone! I can just mind control you right here, right now!”

“...No you won’t.” I shook my head, looking smug. “If you’re struggling to keep Nergal under control, then there’s no way you can possibly mind control me, is there?”

“Hmph! Even so, numbers makes all the difference and no shapeshifting power is going to stop me from achieving my revenge!!!”

“...You really are a sad person.” I scoffed. “Clinging onto revenge as if it is your only purpose in life. You really disgust me. Revenge is something that screws everyone up, whether you are a Pureblood, Halfblood, or even a god. Once this cycle of revenge starts, it becomes hard to even end it until everything has crumbled to dust. You come into this world empty and you continue to exist...empty. That’s why I am so going to make you suffer.”

“HEH! You can’t kill me! Otherwise, you will release Nergal as well!”

“Didn’t you hear me? I said I am going to make you suffer. You are undead, aren’t you? Well, after I rip your arms and legs off, I’m going to bury you so deep that even Irkalla wouldn’t go that far. You can’t cry for help nor can you even dig yourself out. You will remain there, consumed by your desire for revenge and once your mind breaks, I’d reckon the pain you will have suffered by then will not equal to the amount of suffering Nergal will bring upon you once he takes control of your soul once more.”

“Y...............You’re...bluffing...!” Helio looks genuinely freaked out. “G......Get away from me!!!”

I took a quick glance to make sure Megan and Cade are bringing Inanna back to Uruk. Sure enough, they have. As Uruk started flying away, I can see that it is moving towards the constellation, Taurus. An idea sprung to mind on what form I should take. My eyes started glowing. “I’ll show you, Helio. I’ll show you what vengeance looks like.” A sandstorm started brewing all around me...

~Inanna~

“U, Ugh...” That blast of lightning followed by my big fall could’ve done some real damage but after I regained consciousness I can see that Anima had been healing me.

“There you are! Good as new!” Anima gave me a thumbs-up.

“Oh thank the allfather you are alright!!” Ereshkigal hugged me.

“W, What happened...? Are we...under attack??” I quickly got up.

“Veena...Veena is still down there!” Dave called out.

“What?!” I scrambled over to the edge of the city. I looked down towards the Earth to see...a sandstorm, a massive sandstorm enveloping the whole undead army. Emerging from the storm was... “U, Um...Ereshkigal...? You might wanna take a look at this...”

Ereshkigal raised an eyebrow. She then walked over to my side and stared down. “...B...By my blood... It...It can’t be...”

We both couldn’t deny it. What should have been Veena......It was...

......The Bull of Heaven.

It slowly gazed up towards Uruk, its eyes staring directly at us. With a slight nod to the two of us, it then faced the undead horde, its hooves thundering across the desert. The Bull of Heaven charged, with no expectation of survival, just like...

“There’s no way Veena can... I’m going down to get her!” I prepared to open a portal.

“Sorry, your majesty.” Cade grasped my arm.

“L, Let me go!! I’m not going to abandon her alone down there!! We’ve lost Dirk, we’ve lost Alyssa, and we’ve lost Wayne!! I am NOT going to lose Veena too!!!” I shouted, trying to break free.

“Veena wanted this...” Megan spoke solemnly. “She said and I quote, ‘Don’t come back for me. I will return to you’.”

“V, Veena...!” I couldn’t believe what I’m hearing. She will return to me!? When will that be?! How can she?!? “I...” I could only watch as Uruk continued to fly higher and higher into the sky, the ongoing battle just out of sight.

“...Don’t worry, Inanna. Veena is a tough cookie. She has proven it many times.” Marcus murmured. “She’ll find a way. She always does.”

“It’s...It’s just...” I slumped down on the ground. “It’s just that...she was my very first friend...” Everyone else fell silent. They all then gathered around me and sat down. It feels that they feel my pain too. Ereshkigal seems to be hit the most.

“......Gugalanna......” She whispered. “......I was able to see you...one last time...”

We all drifted through the sea of stars for quite a while. We didn’t even bother checking how many minutes had passed. All that we know is that we are approaching the Bull constellation, towards a cluster of seven stars.

“......Guys! Look there!” Cade called out. We all gather to see what Cade had spotted. It was a new world, a world filled with lush vegetation, mountainous regions, a polar ice cap, and plenty of water. From the looks of it, the world is...uninhabited, ripe for picking.

“......Is this...Utopia...?” Reiya asked.

“It looks way better than Earth!” Dave grinned.

“We’ll be able to have a fresh start here, a place where we don’t have to hide anymore.” Beatrice smiled.

“It’s...a shame that some people can’t be here with us to share it...” Sylvia sighed. She was excited about this but at the same time she still felt gloomy.

“Mmm...but I don’t think the others left behind want us to live our new lives in shame.” Megan placed her hand on Sylvia’s shoulder. “Who knows? We might even see them again, even if only in dreams...”

“Earth is merely a part of our painful past.” Anima mused. “We need to start thinking about the future, here in Utopia.”

“...Although I am going to miss the fancy technology.” Zophar muttered. “Looks like I’m gonna have to do things from stratch.”

“You may not have to.” Marcus turned to me. “...After all, Inanna has the power in her hand, right?”

“Eh? Y, Yeah...I have the power.” Yes I can do whatever I want with this world. Yet... “...Here. I prefer I let you have it.” I offered the Tablet to Ereshkigal.

“Wha...? M, Me??” Ereshkigal looked hesitant. “W, Why? Isn’t this yours??”

“The last time I had this kind of power, I created a whole mess of things and I tore a rift between you and me. I don’t want history to repeat itself. My friendship...My sisterly bond with you...is way more important than power.” I placed the Tablet in Ereshkigal’s hands.

“......” Ereshkigal stared at the Tablet...and shook her head. “...I’m...flattered you took me into consideration... I thank you, sister but...the last time I had power, I used it to banish you from your body. I...I can’t let that happen again. So...to make sure, why don’t we share it?” She then...broke the Tablet in two. “This power...will be ours. Ours alone.”

“Ereshkigal...” I grinned as I took one of the halves of the Tablet. “...Thank you~.”

“You’re welcome~.” Ereshkigal smiled back.

“I guess...all that is left to do...is to name our new home. We can’t just keep calling this place Utopia all the time. That’s not very original...”

Zophar then spoke up, “How about we call it, PLANET MICHAEL!?”

“............Why?” Beatrice just had to ask.

“...First you named an AC-130 gunship ‘Steve’, now you want to call this place, ‘Michael’?!”

“W, WHAT? I really wanted to play that MMO that had gone vaporware!”

Silliness aside, I pondered for a moment...and then turned to Marcus. “How about you decide, Marcus?”

“...Wait, what?”

“It was your dream, originally, to find a new world to live in. Your dream became our dream. It is only fitting...that you be the one to come up with a name.”

Marcus looked humble. “Th...Thanks, Inanna...”

I grinned. “Just don’t think of a stupid name, you hear me?”

Marcus smirked as he then started thinking long and hard for a good name...

[animak3000]

Exodus: Chapter 29

~Megan~

Cade and I flew into the skies to find the first of the Sebitti, Bel Uri. “Look! Over there!” Cade pointed towards a giant dog-like creature, recklessly charging through the streets. “Damn. That thing is going to tear apart everything...” He then pulled out his baseball bat. “You ready~?”

“Um yes but...” I stared at Cade’s bat. “......You really think that...thing is going to hurt him?”

“...Well, no. But if Ereshkigal’s information is correct, then Bel Uri isn’t going to be smart.” And with that, Cade started flying towards Bel Uri. He then struck its head as hard as he could.

“RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH!” Bel Uri raged as it tried to bite at Cade. Now it is chasing after Cade.

“Come on, Megan! We gotta lure it away from the battle!”

“Gotcha!” Now I get what Cade is going at. Just when Bel Uri was about to catch up to Cade, I launched a massive fireball at it. “HEY! OVER HERE, DUMBASS!”

“RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH!” Now it is going after me. Unfortunately, I was much slower than Cade in terms of flying. Luckily, before I’m its dinner, Cade struck Bel Uri once more.

“HA! OVER HERE!”

“RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH!” The beast roared. Is that all it can say?

“CADE! This is going nowhere! I have an idea! Can you lure Bel Uri to the harbor?!”

“I, I can try!” Cade sweatdropped.

“I’ll be back with someone! I promise!” I then flew around the city, searching for that one person.

“M, Megan!” Dave called out to me. “Is something wrong?”

“...Perfect.” I swooped down, grabbed Dave by the torso, and flew him into the air.

“WHOA WHOA WHOA! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?”

“Dave, listen to me. I need you to sing.”

~Cade~

This is just ridiculous. With a mad beast on my tail, what kind of plan does Megan have in store? I finally arrived at the harbor, my eyes searching for any sign of Megan. But she was nowhere in sight. “Aw shucks.” I muttered as Bel Uri caught up to me. “...Megan, if you’re out there, I could use some help right about no-“

“HEY SUCKER!” Shouted a voice that was amplified a hundred times. Bel Uri immediately turned to the voice and there, standing at the harbor, was Dave. Looking absolutely nervous, Dave pulled out his guitar and...began to sing.

~Dave~

“♪Jeongsukhae boijiman nol ttaen noneun yeoja! Ittaeda sipeumyeon mukkeotdeon meori puneun yeoja! Garyeotjiman wenmanhan nochulboda yahan yeoja! Geureon gamgakjeogin yeoja!

Naneun sanai! Jeomjanha boijiman nol ttaen noneun sanai! Ttaega doemyeon wanjeon michyeobeorineun sanai! Geunyukboda sasangi ultungbultunghan sanai! Geureon sanai!

Areumdawo sarangseureowo! Geurae neo, hey! Geurae baro neo, hey!

Areumdawo sarangseureowo Geurae neo, hey! Geurae baro neo, hey!

Jigeumbuteo gal dekkaji gabolkka!!♪”

~Cade~

“RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH!” Now Bel Uri is even angrier as it charged at full speed towards Dave with a blind rage.

“EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK!!!!!!!!!” Dave was about to run away but it may be too late for him. Suddenly, Megan snatched Dave off the ground just in time before Bel Uri could trample him and the beast quickly found itself charging into the water...and drowning.

“Th...That was close...” Megan gasped for breath as she lowered Dave down.

“Y, You okay, Megan?” I touched down to the ground beside Megan.

“Yeah...Yeah I think so...” Megan nodded.

“IS SHE GOING TO BE OKAY!? WHAT ABOUT ME?! I ALMOST GOT KILLED!!!” Dave protested.

“Mhm. But it was totally worth it.” Megan smiled.

“HUUUUUUGH...” Dave sighed heavily. “...I didn’t even get to the good part of the song...”

“...Um, no. Trust me. We don’t need to hear the good par-“ Suddenly, a distant rumbling came from the water. “Wh...What?”

We all stared at the water where Bel Uri fell in. Megan looked horrified. “...Uh oh.”

~Beatrice~

Dirk and I ran through the streets, looking for the beast named Muttabriqu while dispatching through waves of undead.

“If...If this is our last day on Earth, I just want you to know that it’s nice to meet you...” Dirk muttered.

“Wh, What are you talking about, Dirk? You’re going to be fine!” I reassured him, slightly perturbed that someone like him would say something gloomy like that.

“I’m not finished. It’s nice to meet...a beautiful woman such as you~.”

“......Really now?” I looked unamused. “You’re flirting with me at a time like this?!”

“Come on! I want to have at least one woman apprecia-“ Before Dirk could go on, a massive creature with a thousand blades dropped down right in front of us. “JEEPERS!”

“WAHAHAHA!” The creature shrieked. “YOU MUST SOME FREAK IF YOU ARE ABLE TO GET PASS TIRID! ALTHOUGH WE’LL HAVE TO SEE IF YOU CAN GET PASS ME! I WILL GIVE YOU ONE WORD OF WARNING AND THEN BE SILENT! NOT A SINGLE PERSON IN THE PAST HAS ESCAPED MY WHIP-LIKE SLASH ATTACK WITH ITS LONG REACH! I’M MUTTABRIQU THE THIRD SEBITTI! WHEN I WAS IN MESOPOTAMIA I WENT BY THE NICKNAME OF ‘FLASHES OF LIGH-“

*Grip*

“HURK!!!”

I immediately froze Muttabriqu with my telekinesis. “Dirk! Get him! Finish him off!”

“W, Well! That was easy!!” Dirk shrugged as he prepared to drive his spear into Muttabriqu. But before he could...

“RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH!” A loud roar sounded from the other side of the street. I looked over to see...Megan, Cade, and Dave being chased by a gigantic hound. That must be Bel Uri.

“GET OUT OF THE WAY!!!” They all screamed.

“W, WHOA!!” I instantly grabbed Dirk and pulled him away while still holding Muttabriqu where it is. The trio quickly split up, with Cade carrying Dave away and Megan flying upward. Bel Uri still blindly charged, tackling Muttabriqu.

“GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” Muttabriqu was sent flying but due the fact that I was still holding onto Muttabriqu at the time before I could let go, my arm felt extremely pulled.

“A, AAAAGH!!!” I immediately grasped my arm.

“B, Beatrice!” Dirk stared at my arm in shock. “Y, You okay?!”

“I...I hope so...” I winced in pain. “S, Sorry. It...looks like I’m out...”

“FOOL!!!!!” Muttabriqu got up and slashed Bel Uri in the face. “YOU LET THEM SLIP AWAY!!! FIND THEM AND KILL THEM!!!”

“RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!” Bel Uri growled and ran off to find the others. Hopefully they will survive this...

Dirk readied his spear. “Go, Beatrice. Get to Anima! I’ve got this!” He then ran out to meet Muttabriqu.

“W, Wait!!” I called out. But given my current state, I’ve got no choice but to retreat for now...

~Veena~

“Wayne? You said you wanted a challenge. This will be your biggest yet...” Wayne and I stood together as we faced the massive ape creature: Rabishu. Wayne cracked his knuckles and ran towards the creature. I then shapeshifted into my argentavis form and flew into the sky.

“SHAAAAAAAAAAAA!” Rabishu roared as it started punching the ground, sending shockwaves throughout the city and leveling buildings. It is the sort of tactic that Wayne would use to disorient his opponents, knocking them down. But Wayne was smarter than this. Wayne jumped at just the right timing and struck Rabishu right in the face. Seriously. Does he even need my help at all?

“...!” Wayne’s eyes suddenly went wide. Rabishu didn’t even flinch. Instead, it immediately sent one of its giant fists into Wayne, sending him flying into one of the buildings.

“OH THAT is just it!!” I dove down and struck at Rabishu with my mighty talons. Rabishu merely shrugged it off and attempted to strike at me. I tried to dodge by flying away but... “UGAA!!” ...its fist had plunged right into my side. The pain was just excruciating!! If Rabishu had hit any harder, I would’ve died right there! I fell towards the ground, my strength started leaving me as I involuntarily shapeshifted back to my human form. Am...Am I going to die like this? Not being able to do anything...?

“...Hmph.” Wayne had punched out of the building he was in and rushed in to catch me before I could hit the pavement. He then lowered me gently on the sidewalk and faced the monster head-on.

“W...Wait...” I reached out weakly. “Don’t... Yo...You’ll die...”

“......I cannot do that.” Wayne murmured.

“B, But...” I protested.

“This...is a true challenge, one I have never experienced before.” Wayne said boldly. “This fight, this combat...is mine.”

“Aaah...” How could I not see it? Wayne...is just Wayne. He fights because he thrives to fight. That is the sole purpose of his being...since the day the Purebloods came. He doesn’t care if he lives or dies in the end. The thrill of combat...was too precious for him to pass up. He is...a true blood knight and given a taste of true power, why run away? All I can do...is just watch.

~Alyssa~

“Well, Sylvia? Ready for round two~?” I smiled at Sylvia as we rushed through the ranks of undead, slicing and shooting as we ran.

“Y...You’re treating this whole thing like a game...??” Sylvia looked surprised.

“I was just trying to lighten the mood, that’s all!” I shrugged as I sliced off the head of an approaching undead.

“U, Um, sure...!” Sylvia murmured as she shot an undead in the head with an arrow.

“You are persistence is commendable...but it shall be for naught!” Boomed a voice. We turned to see the flaming salamander, Tirid, once again, summoning several molten giants.

“Sylvia, do you thing!” I shouted. Sylvia nodded and drew an arrow, aimed her bow at Tirid, imbued the arrow with ice, and let it loose.

“Fool! That trick doesn’t work on me anymore!” Tirid then opened its mouth and unleashed a fire stream at the arrow, burning it to a crisp.

“...Dang. I was hoping it would.” I muttered. I then readied my sword.

“Wha...” Sylvia was shocked. “If...If I can’t do a thing... How can we even beat Tirid??”

“I, I don’t know...” I admitted while gritting my teeth. “We gotta think of something...!”

~Inanna~

I walked through the streets alone, effortlessly blasting through the undead ranks. The sooner I find Miqut and deal with it, the better. “Aha~.” I grinned as I found my prey.

“HSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS...” Miqut, the insectoid creature hissed.

I then fired my energy beams at Miqut, hoping for this combat to be over in an instant. But then the beams bounced right off its shell. “Oh come on!! Deflective Armor?! Really now?!?” I made a fuss.

“YOU DID NOT THINK WE WOULD EASILY LEAVE MIQUT ALONE, DID YOU?” A voice seethed. “HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!” ...Okay the laughter is unnecessary.

I turned to meet face to face with someone else. I narrowed my eyes. “...Saghulhaza. We meet again. Nergal still pulling your strings?”

“SILENCE, FALSE QUEEN OF HEAVEN! YOUR REIGN HAS ENDED!” Saghulhaza hissed. The chief speaker then raised her hands and several of her ‘eyes’ appeared behind her. Saghulhaza has the ability to fire beams of energy from her many ‘eyes’. Fortunately, I also have that kind of ability so we are equally matched. Without hesitation, Saghulhaza fired her beams of energy at me.

“Is that all you got?!” I fired my energy beams at Saghulhaza. Whatever I can’t dodge, I instantly created small portals to redirect the beams right back at her.

“MIQUT!! DEFEND!!” Saghulhaza yelled. Miqut stood in between me and her, taking my attacks without suffering any damage.

“Oh this is just ridiculous!!” I growled.

“I beg to differ.” Said a familiar voice. I then suddenly I felt a sharp pain coursing through my body.

“RGGGGGGHHH!!!” I crumpled down, turning my head to whoever attacked me. Sure enough, it was Helio. By the gods I would love to see this guy grounded to dust. Right beside him is Samael, and Abel.

“You are weak...and gods must be strong.” Helio smirked.

“Who the hell are you to decide what gods should be?” Just then, a massive blast of fire was launched at the group.

“GACK!” Helio and friends struggled to put out the fire burning on them. I looked over to see Ereshkigal standing there.

“Ereshkigal!!” I exclaimed. Ereshkigal smiled as she helped me up.

“...Ereshkigal. We meet once more.” Said a sinister voice. Coming up behind Helio’s group...was Nergal.

“...Nergal.” Ereshkigal growled. “You always seem to be surrounded by your cronies every time I see you. How about you actually fight like a man?”

“So narrow-minded. Let me ask you this: Why do you continue to fight us when there is no hope of winning in the end? All things die in the end. No matter how long you prolong life, in the end, death conquers all. You may fight, you may flee, but it is only a matter of when. Soon, everyone you cherish...will belong...to me.”

“......You’re right...” I murmured. “...It’s hopeless. I...I give up.”

“I, Inanna!?” Ereshkigal looked surprised.

“Ho? You have finally accepted the inevitability~?” Nergal looked amused.

“...Yes...Yes I admit it. What’s the point in fighting death? Eventually death wins in the end. It’s only a matter of time, even if it takes eons...” I muttered...but then I faced Nergal with determination. “...But the one question I have left for you is this: Why fight at all?”

“What do you mean?” Nergal asked suspiciously.

“I mean, if death conquers everything in the end, then why the hell are you even fighting in the first place? You don’t have to send a massive army of undead just to wipe out everyone! You can just wait eons for every single person to die! That’s the whole reality of this world! So why do you even......” I then smirked. “......No. Don’t tell me. I know exactly why.”

Nergal looked even more confused. “What...What are you getting at?”

“Let me quote you for a moment: ‘Monster? Don’t be foolish. You think yourself higher than me? I am not the one who delights myself in lust at the expense of others, without a care in the world. I am not the one who leveled an entire mountain out of a superiority complex. I am neither the one who stole the Mes from my grandfather nor seized the allfather’s temple nor sent Gugalanna to his death out of pitiful childish ambition. But you were. You...were more famous for your transgressions than I could ever hope to be.’ Well, Nergal. My eyes have never been clearer. You...were jealous.”

“Jealous?”

“Yes. Jealous. You envied all the power I wielded, the land I controlled, and the pleasures I enjoyed. It must have been hell for you to be stuck with my older sister for a wife when you could’ve had me, one of the most powerful goddesses ever known to exist. But you...you had nothing...but dead things. Don’t you see? This isn’t about this death crap. This is about you. Ruling Irkalla wasn’t enough for you. You want the world, everything I held.”

“A, Absurd...!”

“But Ereshkigal and I stopped you right in your tracks. And now you want revenge, petty revenge. Well, allow me to say this to you: Get over it. It’s been thousands of years and you still at this? What a crybaby you turned out to be. I would say the same thing for my sister...” I then took Ereshkigal’s hand. “...but we...we have grown up. We have learned to look over our past mistakes...because we are family. We are a...terribly flawed family, but we had a lot of fun over the past few days.” Ereshkigal looked a bit startled...but then she smiled at me. “But as for you, allow me to quote another person I now have respect for: ‘Anyone who manages to keep a grudge like that for thousands of years is a f***ing idiot.’ So there you have it. Ereshkigal, our people, and I will be leaving this world. You can have it. Go ahead and conquer the world as you always wanted...but in the end, death conquers all...and you will be the ruler...of nothing...with no one to prove that you are possibly higher than me.”

“You............You dare have the nerve of speaking this to me?!” Nergal seethed.

“Yup. It’s called a distraction.” I winked at Ereshkigal. With a devious grin on her face, Ereshkigal immediately created a magic circle underneath Miqut. A massive inferno then erupted from under the earth, consuming Miqut.

“HHHHHHHHIIIIIIIIIISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!” Miqut cried out. Soon, there was nothing left.

“FOOOOOOOOOL!!!!!!!” Saghulhaza then fired her energy beams at us. I quickly opened a portal for Ereshkigal and me to pass through.

“Come on! Let’s get outta here!” I yelled. Without hesitation, the two of us passed through while Nergal’s angrily shouted orders.

“STOP THEM!!!! KILL THEM!!!! KILL THEM ALL!!!!!!”

I then closed the portal behind us and faced Ereshkigal. “Whew! I never thought that worked!”

“......Inanna...” Ereshkigal whispered.

“H, Huh? What is it?”

Ereshkigal then made her biggest smile ever. “You......are so amazing!”

“Aww, come on~!” I giggled. “I didn’t do much~!” Just then, I saw someone...come out from a glass window of a nearby store. It was Reiya.

“Eris!” Reiya ran up to Ereshkigal. “Daddy is ready!”

“He is??” Ereshkigal’s eyes went wide. She then turned to me. “Come on, Inanna. Pull everyone back to base. We’ve accomplished what needed to do.”

“Got it!” I nodded. “Let’s go and find everybody! Hopefully they have survived...”

~Alyssa~

“...Sylvia...” I muttered as several molten giants began to surround us. “...Get out of here.”

“W, What?” Sylvia looked alarmed, as if she has figured out what I am going to do. “

“You heard me! Get out of here! There’s nothing more you can do! I’ll hold them off!”

“B, But, sis!”

“I can’t bear to see you die before my eyes again!” I shouted as I shoved Sylvia away. “GO!!!”

Sylvia hesitated but with tears in her eyes, she ran away.

“You were a fool to think you can face me alone...” Tirid spoke. “...But rejoice, swordswoman, for if you fail, your fate will not be what Nergal has in store for you.”

...Well, at least that’s comforting. I gripped my sword, ready to face the flaming salamander one last time...

~Veena~

It was then a portal opened up in front of me and out of it appeared Inanna and Ereshkigal. “Y, Your majesties!!” I called out.

“V, Veena!” Inanna rushed up to me and held me up. “Are you okay?!”

“O, OWW!!” I winced in pain.

“O, OH! S, Sorry!!” Inanna can see that my side has been badly hurt. She then turned to Wayne on the other side. “Oi! Wayne! It’s time for you to retreat!”

“...No.” Wayne said simply.

“NO!?” Inanna grew exasperated. “This is an order from your quee-“

“L, Leave him be...” I muttered. “...He’s just...weird.”

Inanna narrowed her eyes. She really didn’t want to leave him alone but this guy doesn’t seem to be budging anytime soon. With time of the essence, Inanna handed me over to Ereshkigal. “...Look after Veena for a moment, please?”

“S, Sure...” Ereshkigal nodded as she held me in her arms.

Inanna then marched up to Wayne, who is staring at Rabishu. “...You really want to take this guy on, do you?”

“......That...is my only wish.”

“...I’d figure that much. Stubborn to the end...even if I try to stop you...” Inanna sighed and held out a hand for Wayne. “...At least let me give you my blessing...” Wayne looked at Inanna’s hand for a moment. Then he grasped it. A light started emanating from their held hands. As the light dissipated, Inanna let go and turned away. “......Good luck...” She murmured and opened a portal. “Come on, Ereshkigal. Let’s find your sukkal.”

~Beatrice~

As I ran back to the casino, I find myself torn between finding Anima and helping Dirk. I looked back to see Dirk struggle against Muttabriqu. Muttabriqu’s attacks appear to be increasing in speed at a rapid rate, gradually forcing Dirk to defend more and more until he can only just...run. But even running is futile as Muttabriqu began to start chasing Dirk, increasing in speed. This creature...is a predator.

“No effing way.” I immediately ran back towards the duelists. Even with an injured arm, I have to do something! I can’t just abandon someone to fend by himself...just like what I did with Megan! When I reached the battle, Dirk was already bleeding from head to toe, slashed by Muttabriqu’s blades.

“He...Heh...” Even so, Dirk just had a bloody grin on his face. “...Is...Is that all you got?!”

“SSSSSSSSSHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!” Muttabriqu was about to stab Dirk right in the chest. But its blade halted, mere millimeters of the target. “WHAT IS THIS?! WHY CAN’T I MOVE?!?” It roared. It then turned towards me.

“DIRK!! NOW!!” I screamed as I held Muttabriqu’s arm in place. Dirk quickly got the hint and with every single ounce of strength left, he leaped into the air and drove his spear down towards Muttabriqu’s face.

“NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!” Muttabriqu shrieked as it swung its remaining free arm in desperation. Dirk’s spear plunged down and pierced into its head all the way through. “KAAAA-“ Muttabriqu paused...and fell down.

“...Y......You did it...” I whispered. “...You did it!!”

“Y, Yeah...” Dirk then lost the strength to stand up.

“D, Dirk!!” I ran up to catch him before he hits the ground...but then something absolutely horrifying caught my eye. Dirk...was completely sawed in half at the abdomen. “A...AaAaa...” I immediately covered my mouth, appalled.

“......S...Sorry, Bea...trice......L...Looks like I’m...out... At...At least you’re safe......”

“D, Dirk...!!!!” I cradled what’s left of Dirk in my arms. “No no no no!!”

“...Hey...Beatrice...”

“D, Don’t say anything! I, I’ll...!!” I’ll what? Take him to Anima? Can she even reattach limbs?

“......Will you......go out with me...?”

“W......WHAT?!” My eyes went wide in shock. “H, How can you think of such a thing at a time like this?!”

“...It’s a good time as any......” Dirk murmured, his eyes starting to stare off into space. “...I...just...want to...hang out...with a girl......at least......once......”

“Y, Y, You will...!!” I sobbed, struggling horribly to keep my tears from falling. “Y, You’ll...f, find a nice girl...t, to hang out with...a, and...w, who knows...? M, Maybe you both will g, get married......and have n, nice, l, loving, f, f, family...!”

“......T...That will...be nice......” Dirk whispered. “............What......about......you......”

“Eh...?” I wiped my tears from my face and took a deep breath. “......Ye......Yes......sure......I’ll go out......with you......”

“............I’m......hap......py......” A tiny smile formed on Dirk’s face. “............For...... all...... girls...... ev...ry......wher............”

Silence.

Footsteps then sounded. I slowly looked over to see...Reiya. She must have come to pick me up. Reiya must have seen it all, given the traumatized look on her face.

“......R, Rei...ya...” I whimpered, my arms reaching out to her, desperate for some comfort.

“B...Beat Rice...” Without hesitation, Reiya ran up and hugged me. We both cried together, feeling very lost.

~Megan~

“Wow, this guy just won’t let up!” I grumbled as we flew through the streets with Bel Uri right behind us, the beast continuing to mow down anything in its path. I continued to pour down fire onto the beast, but it was just relentless.

“It’s like this guy can’t feel pain at all!” Cade shouted, still keeping a firm grip on Dave as he soared through the streets.

“......Well, there’s only one thing to do.” Dave then took hold of his guitar...and struck Cade in the wrists.

“Ack!!” Cade immediately let go of Dave. Dave then fell down, into the waiting jaws of the beast!

“D, DAVE!!!!” I cried. I watched in sheer despair as Dave is quickly gobbled up by Bel Uri.

“N, NOOOO!!!” Cade screamed.

“RAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWR-“ Bel Uri immediately stopped in its tracks.

“W, What...?” “H, Huh??” Cade and I stopped right there, wondering what is going on. Bel Uri started wobbling, stretching, looking all funny and distorted. Then......

~Dave~

“♪AS I GO! REMEMBER ALL THE SIMPLE THINGS YOU KNOW! MY MIND IS JUST A CRUTCH AND I STILL HOPE! THAT YOU WILL MISS ME WHEN I’M GONE! THIS IS THE LAST SONG!!!!!♪”

~Megan~

*KABOOM!*

We both couldn’t believe it. The sound was so intense that Bel Uri’s molecular bonds vibrating apart, its flesh and bones being shredded. The beast then fell down, dead.

“...Whoa...” Cade blinked. “...That was...really intelligent! Holy crap!”

“D, Dave...?” I looked worried. What...happened to Dave...? There...was no indication that Dave possibly survived. Just then, a massive horde of undead, including some people we immediately recognize, started swarming the area with greater ferocity, preventing us from possibly retrieving Dave...if he even was still alive. “C, Cade!! Let’s get out of here!!”

“Wh, What about Dave?!” Cade cried out.

“G, Guys!!” called out a voice. Cade and I turned immediately towards the dead beast. Out from its mouth...was a slimy Dave.

“YOU GOTTA BE KIDDING ME!” I exclaimed. “NO WAY CAN ANYONE SURVIVE THAT!”

“H...Help...!!!” Dave waved, looking absolutely disgusted. Cade immediately swooped in and nabbed Dave while all of us scrambled to get out of here.

~Marcus~

“Is everything all set?” I asked Zophar as he was tinkering with several contraptions.

“...We’ve got a problem.” Zophar muttered. “Nergal’s forces have already done considerable damage. This...thing needs to be fired manually.”

“...That’s not really a problem.” I shrugged.

“I, It’s not??” Zophar’s eyebrows went up.

“Yup. We just need to await the arrival of the others.”

Sure enough, a portal then opened right near us and out popped Inanna, Ereshkigal, and Veena. Coming from the front door was Megan, Cade, Dave, Beatrice, Reiya, and Sylvia. Anima was there to greet them all.

“You’re all safe!” Anima looked at the battle-worn group. “...Wait. Where’s...”

“...Wayne wanted to stay behind...” Inanna murmured.

“Dirk is...dead.” Beatrice sobbed, much to Megan, Cade, and Dave’s dismay.

“Sis...” Sylvia stammered. “Sis is...!”

“Nergal and his forces are right behind us!” Ereshkigal interrupted. “They will be here at any moment!”

I frowned...and shook my head, my emotions be damned. “...Inanna. Time to go.” Inanna looked sorrowful...but with great reluctance, she opened up a portal. Everyone started to go through it while Ereshkigal and I stayed behind for just one more moment. “...Ereshkigal, it’s time.”

~Nergal~

As I arrived inside the glass building where Inanna and her pathetic people were hiding in, I found no one else here...except for a dark-skinned man. “...Another of Inanna’s pawns?”

“WRONG! I am the deliverer of the innocent, I am the gavel that brings justice, I am......THE COBALT SPIDER!!!”

“......Who?” I had a questioning glance.

“Once I pull this lever, I will have Carrie back!!!” The...’Cobalt Spider’ proclaimed as he had his hand on a lever with a note attached to it, which says:

Pull this lever to have Carrie back. Trust me. It works.

“HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!” He then pulled the lever.

A voice then echoed in the room. “Thank you for activating the self-destruct sequence. Up yours, Nergal.”

“INAAAAAAANAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

*KAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMMMM*

~Helio~

......I don’t hear him. I don’t hear his voice anymore. I looked over to my fellow comrades, Samael and Abel. Both of them felt that a great weight had been lifted from their shoulders. We all saw it. Nergal and his undead army invaded a casino where Inanna and her followers taken refuge in. The building then...exploded in a fiery ball that almost consumed us. Nergal......Although he was a god, he was possessing a mortal body. Which means...

...We...are free.

But a few seconds later, “U, UUuuuUGH!!!” I grasped my head. I felt as if someone is trying to invade my mind.

“......A cheap trick...A mistake that will soon be rectified!!!!!” Nergal’s voice...his consciousness...

[animak3000]

Exodus: Chapter 28

~Inanna~

We all gathered around the lounge area for a strategy meeting. Ereshkigal started speaking about Nergal’s forces in full detail. “Nergal’s undead can be easily dealt with and I’m pretty sure you all know how to deal with some of Nergal’s newest recruits.”

“Way too many times...” Cade muttered.

“Which leaves us with the Sebitti. They are Nergal’s mightiest followers but if we delegate and be cunning, I believe they can be defeated. Miqut is our primary target since it is Nergal’s only means of getting around places fast. Once Miqut is dead, we can easily make a break for the Tablet.”

“What about the others like that flying serpent and the flaming salamander?” Beatrice asked.

“We, of course, don’t need to worry about Sidana since I killed it. We are all familiar with Tirid so I’ll quickly go over the other four: Bel Uri, “Lord of the Roof”, is a giant dog struck with madness. It is the epitome of rage but it can’t fight aerial opponents. Megan and Cade, you should be able to take him on with no problem.”

“Understood.” Megan nodded.

“Heh. Just like old times, huh Megan?” Cade grinned. Megan rolled her eyes.

“Next up, Muttabriqu, "Flashes of Lightning". Muttabriqu wields many blades and attacks with lightning speed, if his name hasn’t already given it away. Dirk, try and outspeed it. Beatrice, try and slow it down.”

“Looks like it’s you and me, baby~!” Dirk winked at Beatrice.

“Can I have a different partner? Like, now?” Beatrice protested.

I ignored Beatrice, much to her chagrin. “Next, Rabishu, "The Croucher". It is a giant ape that can level anything with just its fists. Veena and Wayne will take him.”

“You betcha!” Veena pumped her fist up while Wayne nodded slowly.

“Lastly, Saghulhaza. "Upholder of Evil" and the chief speaker of the Sebitti. She primarily fires energy attacks so...”

“Allow me.” I interrupted.

“E, Excuse me?” Ereshkigal looked perplexed.

“I’m saying, let me take on Saghulhaza~. A battle with energy attacks should be left to me.”

“W...Well, if you are feeling up to it, be my guest.” Ereshkigal muttered. “Alyssa and Sylvia, I’m leaving you two to deal with Tirid. Dave will provide support to anyone who needs it.”

“Good! Now, about the rest of you...” I glanced towards the MILITANT members: Marcus, Zophar, Anima, and Reiya. “I’m leaving...whatever plan Marcus had concocted to all of you.”

“Got it.” Marcus turned to Reiya. “Reiya, if you don’t mind, I want you to be the messenger to Inanna. Keep them updated about our status.”

“Umu.” Reiya nodded with eyes filled with determination.

“If anyone of you needs immediate healing, come to me for assistance.” Anima spoke up.

“Reiya, a moment...” Zophar knelt down to Reiya’s height and started attaching something to the back of her head. “I’ve upgraded my psychic shield. Thanks to Ereshkigal’s info, it should be able to deflect any intrusions into your mind.”

“Thank you.” Reiya smiled.

“Okay then!” I clapped my hands. “Let me remind you all, we kill off Miqut first, then we implement Phase 2, and finally we are off to Uruk to find the Tablet! It’s time that we finish this once and for al-“

*KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK*

Everyone turned towards the front door.

“Hold on. I’ll get it.” Zophar walked up towards the door and opened it slightly.

“THIS IS THE SAPPORO POLICE! YOU’RE ALL UNDER ARREST FOR WANTON DESTRUCTION!” Shouted a voice. “COME OUT QUIETLY AND WITH YOUR HANDS IN THE AIR!”

“......Inanna?” Zophar turned back to me. “...We’ve got a problem.”

~Nergal~

“NERGAL. MIQUT IS READY TO SHIFT THE ISLAND ON YOUR COMMAND.” Saghulhaza reported.

“Good. Has Tirid come back yet?”

“YES...”

“Send him in.”

Saghulhaza bowed as she stepped aside. Tirid approached me silently. “Nergal, I know of the Queen of Heaven’s plans.”

“Then speak.”

“She intends...to leave this world. She said that she will construct a way to another realm and bring forth Utopia.”

“...Leave this world? Bring forth Utopia? Preposterous.” I scoffed. “No such power has ever existed for millennia......unless......”

“NERGAL??” Saghulhaza hissed.

“Signal Miqut. Begin the invasion. However, dispatch a force to the west through the tunnels. I have a strange feeling about Inanna’s intentions...”

~Inanna~

Grumbling, I stomped over to the front door to meet the humans. “Whadaya want, mortal?”

“You have a lot to answer for!” The human in charge of a whole army behind him snapped. “Now come with me quietly now or we’ll open fire!”

I rolled my eyes. “...Then fire, puny human. But know this: It will be the biggest mistake you will ever make, especially when-“ Just then, we all felt sudden tremors coming from under our feet.

“Wh, What is that?!” Zophar cried out.

Cade then rushed out of the door. “I’ll check it out!” He then started flying into the sky.

The humans out there had begun to aim their weapons at Cade. I quickly aimed my scepter at them. “DON’T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT.” I growled between my teeth.

Thankfully, they didn’t. Cade stared out towards wherever the tremors are coming from. He then dove down next to me. “...Sakhalin. The whole island... It’s moving toward us!!”

“It’s beginning... Nergal is launching his invasion!” I then turned to the humans. “What’s more important to you?! Trying to arrest us who mean you no harm or defending yourselves against the enemies of all who live?! Decide!”

After a tense moment, the humans finally lowered their weapons. The human in charge spoke up. “Why should we trust you?!”

“You don’t have to. But we are your only chance, buddy.” I signaled to Ereshkigal and the rest of the Ishirai to come out. “Now if you’ll excuse us, we have a final battle to win here.”

~Marcus~

While everyone was leaving, Ereshkigal stayed behind with me, Reiya, and Anima. Zophar went away to make preparations.

“The...The tremors...They’ve stopped.” Anima whispered.

“Umu...” Reiya nodded. The girls were watching outside while I sat at the bar with Ereshkigal. I still need Ereshkigal to accomplish something before she heads out.

“...So...what exactly convinced you to help Inanna again?” Ereshkigal asked.

“Don’t get me wrong. Inanna did wrong...but at least she has the will to admit it...and try to fix it.”

“Do you...have a grudge against gods?”

“Well...I wouldn’t say grudge. But gods throughout history always wreaked havoc for stupid reasons...”

“Well, not every god. Put yourself in my shoes. I had suffered a lot because of what gods can do. All I ever had was clay for bread and muddy water for beer...”

I stared at Ereshkigal for a moment. Then I grabbed a glass and poured out frothy liquid from one of the kegs. “...Well, you’re having a beer with me.”

“Now? Right now? Before we all hell breaks loose?”

“Yup. Aren’t you a little curious?”

Ereshkigal stared at the glass for a moment. Then she smiled. “You know, you should let Reiya drink. Child or not, I believe she’s old enough for just one sip~.”

“Heh. You might think.” I scoffed. No way in hell am I letting Reiya have a sip...at least until she is twenty-one.

Ereshkigal giggled a bit while taking a sip from my glass. Her face did brighten up after swallowing. “......Marcus, I’ve been thinking about your problem, the life-sharing link between you and Reiya...and I believe I have a solution.”

“Hmm? You do?”

“I can sever the link Anima made between you two. Reiya will crumble to dust but I can raise her back from the dead. You two can be together without having this burden upon you. What do you say?”

I looked interested for a moment. But then I shook my head. “...Sorry...but no.”

“N, No??” Ereshkigal looked perplexed. “Why not?? I’m giving you a chance! Marcus, your life-sharing with Reiya is costing you your emotions! Sooner or later, you are going to be...”

“I don’t care.” I shook my head yet again.

“Why!?” Ereshkigal raised her voice.

My emotions...My morality...They are slowly disappearing, aren’t they? It all started with my fight with Rick after Carrie died. It continued with me shooting Valentina without even considering a chance to save her. I snapped at Anima for a moment. And all my conflicts with Inanna...followed by me swearing at Ereshkigal for chewing Inanna out. It just keeps getting worse. Yet... “This...is a burden I’ll gladly bear for my daughter. Reiya and I are connected. As long as I live, Reiya lives. But if that connection is severed, I’ll risk having Reiya die. I have a responsibility for her. I...have to be the one to protect her. I want us to be together.”

Ereshkigal frowned. “It won’t do your daughter any good if you gradually become someone with no heart at all.”

“Tell me, Ereshkigal. Have you ever...had any children?”

Ereshkigal looked puzzled. “Wha...? I...did have a few children...”

“Now, if your children died before your eyes, how would you feel?”

“......I would...feel very sad......but this doesn-“

“Ereshkigal, as hard as it is for you to understand, if I die, at least I will be together with Reiya... Being together...is better than having one of us live and feel the pain of losing the other.”

Now Ereshkigal looked even more annoyed...but even so, I can see that she is at least a tiny bit moved. She then sighed deeply. “Aaah you really are a piece of work, aren’t you? Huu...whatever. I swear I going to make sure both of you make it out alive...”

...Huh? Ereshkigal said something weird for a moment there...

“Now, if we are all done here...” Ereshkigal set down her glass. “What is it you need me for?”

“Oh right, the plan. As I’ve told you before, I need an idiot to accomplish this...but not right now.”

“What are you getting at?”

I gestured her to come close to me. Ereshkigal was confused but she did so. The two of us are all alone with each other...but even so, I just had to whisper it to her ear...just in case.