As I was getting dressed, the same card that appeared earlier emerged from the creature's chest, oddly looking cleaner than before. Along with it, numerous white orbs materialized.
It shone brightly yellow, adorned with white images of three stars, and below them, the number seventeen was displayed.
The card gracefully flew into my body.
I stood confused, trying to make sense of what just happen, a figure of light emerged from the beast's corpse.
"Hello, chosen one. I ponder how much time has passed since I last witnessed the World harboured within a human. If this is true, then I fear the long-anticipated festival is about to commence," declared the figure of light.
What just happened, and why am I unable to speak?
The voice was strikingly similar to one I heard outside the Gate, saying, "Forgive me, Chosen One, but no existing organisms may communicate with the Keepers of Fate. Heed my warning: The World and Judgment have embarked on a battle against The Devil and Death. This battle will decide the fate of our world." With a single snap of its fingers, the entire realm transformed.
Transforming from a barren hellscape to a green wasteland, the night sky was a canvas of stars, casting their glow and illuminating the darkness below.
"The day between the fourteenth and sixteenth is when our realms can finally connect. On those days, some of your people bring gifts to my siblings, seeking blessings, despite the repercussions that will come on the celebration day. Chosen one, 24 cards are scattered across the world, and each month two will manifest somewhere on Earth. You and Judgement must gather as many cards as possible before the festival; otherwise, the world will face another disaster as punishment. But I trust that you will prevail this time... Messiah." With a flick of its finger, a white flash ensued, and I was suddenly outside.
"Wait what the hell?" How did it know who my abilities and what festival.
And someone known as Judgement was destined to be my partner. "So many—" Suddenly, a barrage of images from that dream with the cage flooded my mind. The shadowy figure flung a card into my chest, resembling the one that had merged with my body earlier.
It couldn't be a coincidence...right?
Perhaps I'm delving too deeply into this, and it might have a simple explanation. However, the figure did mention something significant: if there are two cards located somewhere across the world. Does this imply that, at this very moment, someone else is raiding another White Gate?
...
"Death and the Devil huh. Just how much are you involved? Shoto." I wonder to myself but made the decision to regroup with the others.
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(Ten minutes later)
"Calm down, Scarlet. Angel will—" Molly was speaking to the distressed Ruby, who was pacing back and forth.
Once everyone noticed their blue eye angel walking down the tunnel with a mask in his hand and a smile that shines through the dark.
The bright atmosphere not only return but it was radiant. Ruby ran towards me after removing her mask revealing her cheerful smile.
Her eyes were puffy, and red. Was somebody worry about little old me.
She ran into my embrace, holding me in a tight hug, and without hesitation, she planted a kiss brimming with passion and love. We almost forgot that we were being watched.
Once she pulled back, "You know how to make a girl worry," she uttered, striving to hold back her tears once more.
"Sorry about that; the creature inside proved to be dangerous. However, I intend to keep my promise," I said, maintaining my hold around her waist.
We froze for a moment before realizing our teammates were observing us. "Let's continue this later," I murmured into her ear before slipping on my mask.
Ruby ended the hug and playfully claimed my left arm as her prize, declaring, "I will be using this," as she slipped her mask back on.
We walked back to the others where we received the following response, "My drinking buddy has arrived. / I told you that he was okay. / Good to see Angel." From all three teammates.
"I'm happy to report that I had successfully seal the Gate and also have some new information that's worth talking about once we have our next meeting." I mentioned.
Molly cheerfully presented the laptop she had been clutching. "You're not the only one with information," she declared. "Scarlet secured a worker's laptop for us. I'll examine it once I'm home and let you all know if I discover anything of value."
Our second operation was a success with no important casualties.
I glanced over at Zero, who was jotting down notes in his journal. "Did you learn anything important, Zero?" I inquired.
He responded by shyly brushing his hair aside, "Storm and Scarlet taught me lot about how they fight and deal with different situations. But I will be honest, I kind of wish I could have seen yours." He mentioned.
I shifted my focus to Molly, who said, "My powers failed when I attempted to peer into the White Gate. We were clueless about your actions, which led to Scarlet—" She was cut off as Peter materialized behind me, draping his arm around my neck.
"This one here was like, 'You better keep your promise, or I'll never forgive you,'" Peter said, clearly trying to provoke her, which resulted in a gun being pointed at his chin.
Peter knew what to do; he moved away from her and hid outside the tunnel. "OH KRIST! DON'T YOU WANT TO GO ICE SKATING?" he continued, oblivious to Ruby's growing embarrassment.
She gracefully released my arm, her body enveloped in a gentle blue aura. "YOU OLD BASTARD!" she yelled, chasing after him and firing a barrage of bullets at Peter.
Molly displayed their antics on a screen for everyone to see and enjoy. "Angel, if you're available today, could you assist me with my research on the monsters that invaded the hospital recently? Your input would be greatly appreciated," Molly proposed.
Well, there won't be any available Gates in the city for a while, so my schedule is open.
"Sure, I'm open for some research. You don't mind if Zero tags along since he witnessed a few things in the hospital." I asked
Molly turned to Zero, "It's a lot of theory and research. If you are not going to-" before Molly could finish up her sentence.
"I don't mind. I was actually going to ask if I could tag along and try to make myself useful." Zero sounded very happy to be included.
"It looks like we have a plan. Molly, just tell us where you would like to meet," I said.
"Sure, I think it's time to leave before the GEA notice something is off." Said Molly.
I nodded in agreement and slowly made my way outside to go retrieve my wife.
I removed my mask and gazed at the moon, whispering to myself, "Walker, your best friend has finally found where he belongs. I hope Nathan is doing well."