JACENDER

So... warm. he thought, floating inside a fiery darkness. He felt himself pull towards the heat, sinking deeper into its reaches bit by bit.

I want to stay…

As he became submerged, a flaring burn chilled his veins and ran throughout his body, electrifying his nerves. His naked dreamscape quickly became engulfed with striking flames.

"CHILD!" something boomed. The voice’s bass shook Jace’s mind, somehow heightening the heat flowing through him. It felt like it was coming closer as it continued. "CHILD OF DESTINY, MAKE YOUR CHOICE!"

Jacender flinched, trying to claw upwards and escape whatever was approaching. “W-What's happening?!"

The heat seared the skin off his feet and disintegrated his flesh, leaving only his melting bones in a mere instant.

"MAKE! YOUR! CHOICE!"

"What do you mean?!" Jace shrieked. His pained roar reverberated, fading his body into nothingness along with his ashen body.

"MAKE! YOUR! CHOICE!"

-------🅰🆂🅷🅵🅸🅴🅻🅳-------

THE OUTSIDE WORLD

Jace screamed, jumping awake in a cold sweat. "Wh... What was that?"

He grabbed his chest and slowed his breathing. Calm down… It was just a dream. he told himself. "Ugh,"

His eyes darted up ahead and landed on the shadowy outline of a young boy sitting next to a campfire. He stared into it, unmoving as the crackling flames flickered in his red eyes. A small stack of thick wood was piled by his side.

"Aleximus." Jace realized.

His brother turned to look at him, his eyes different from how they'd last been. They looked somber -- cold.

"You're finally awake, huh?" Aleximus responded, snapping a branch in half and throwing it into the fire. "About time. It's been almost two weeks."

A pang of pain shot through Jace’s furrowed brow. He gripped his forehead and thought back to before he was knocked unconscious. “Two weeks?”

He remembered being blasted into the waterfall and impaled by the rocks. He remembered Hatagi and the way he had uncaringly gouged out his stomach. “Aleximus, what–” He looked around, panic filling his voice.

“H-Hey…” he gulped shakily. "Where's Anna? A-And Uncle Matsuda?"

Aleximus picked up another piece of wood and fed it to the flame. "You know, we're gonna need some more fuel if we want to cook dinner tomorrow. The Ashtree wood comes in handy 'cause it doesn't burn, but we’re gonna need to be smart with resources."

A dark swirl circled within his pupils. “Hey! Don’t ignore me!” Jace urged, leaning forward. "What happened?! After I went out, what happened?!"

"I found tracks that lead to a small ravine just a mile or two away from here," Aleximus continued, ignoring him. "It probably belonged to a deer or something. If we go, we'll be able to find some clean water and food."

Jace scrambled to his feet. "Hey! I told you not to ignore me! Are you deaf?!"

Aleximus paused and pulled something out of his pocket. It was smaller than the previous pieces of kindling. He held it over the fire and chucked it in. "We need to pack supplies and keep moving. Do you under–"

CR~ACK!

Jacender's fist flew across Aleximus's face, sending him tumbling over. His face was that of unbridled rage. “WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU?!” he roared, mounting him immediately. He raised his fist and grabbed onto his collar with his other hand.

“Let me go, Jace.”

There was blood leaking from his lips, but Aleximus was unfazed. He couldn’t be bothered to fight back. “I won’t!” Jace spat, tightening his grip. Aleximus exhaled and turned his head to the fire. More specifically -- what sat at the very top of the burning wood. It was the object he had thrown in seconds before; Something he had been contemplating whether or not to let go of.

Anna’s Swallowtail headpiece.

It was blackened now due to her disintegrating body having mixed with Aleximus’s blood. Not to mention the charring it suffered in the fire made it almost unrecognizable; At least to someone who had never seen it before. But Jace had seen it before. And if what he feared was true, then Aleximus throwing the only piece of their sister they had left, served only to increase his anger.

Aleximus's eyes met his again. He looked as if he was studying his face. It looked blaming and ready to lash out. He had held those feelings a few weeks prior but came to terms with it all. Aleximus knew that the Eclipse guild was to blame for what happened. Because of that, he couldn’t find a reason to fight with Jace. He had no anger for his brother; There was no point.

With that understanding, he smirked softly and did his best to stifle a laugh. "You think that's funny?" Jace snarled, punching him in the mouth. Aleximus withstood the punch and slowly raised his head with his brother’s fist in tow.

"No," he grunted, keeping their eyes locked. Jace was caught by surprise. His brother was pushing him back physically, even if it wasn’t by much. Shocked, he jumped up and pulled away.

Aleximus wiped his lip and stood. "After everything that happened, do you really think something can be done about it now? And by you? Ha, give me a break Jace.”

His voice was emotionless and chilling. “They’re gone. There, now you know. But it won’t change anything.”

Jacender’s lips quivered. "N-No! You're lying, you've gotta be!"

Aleximus looked away as his brother fought back tears. He pointed into the fire. “Those flames are the truth. And this darkness around us is reality. Wake up, Jace. You can’t survive if you’re living in denial.”

He waited for a moment but Jacender didn’t respond. "I SAID WAKE UP, YOU IDIOT!" he roared. “They’re gone! They’ll never come back! Just like mom and dad! It’s over!” He spat as he spoke, thrusting his arms out to illustrate his point. “You didn’t save her! Uncle Matsuda didn’t save her! And I…”

He stopped, letting his hands fall to his sides. Tears welled slowly but he looked away. "I couldn't save her."

He fell to his knees and dug his fingers into the gravel underneath him. "I couldn't," he whispered. “I’m sorry… I’m sorry…”

Jace bit his lip as a tear rolled down his cheek. The news about their family was sad, yes, but it was his brother’s emotional state that had broken him. He couldn’t stand to see Aleximus in such a way. His twin, who had always displayed so much confidence and carried himself with steady grace, had crumpled before him, wallowing in a pain that no one would ever understand.

Jace tightened his fist and took a stand before him. "Aleximus."

-------🅰🆂🅷🅵🅸🅴🅻🅳-------

CHURCH OF GABRIEL: PUNISHMENT FORCE

Matsuda Onix was chained on a cross affixed to the center of a strange stage. Each of his limbs were punctured with incredibly long nails that restricted his movement.

A see-through spherical cage of golden energy held him captive and assured his containment. Below him, a congregation of white-robed figures in hoods had gathered. They muttered silent prayers ominously.

"Easy now," someone behind the stage spoke. "Those are Holy Nails, Mr. Reaper. They’re sort of new, you see. Made a few years ago by our science division. The more Sanctum Energy you use, the tighter the binding gets ❤️."

"Holy Nails, huh?” Matsuda coughed. “So these were made while I was away. They’re quite effective. I can’t move at all.”

The man behind the stage was hidden behind the curtains but Matsuda recognized his voice. He was the man who had attacked him in the Axis.

“Not effective?” The man smirked. “You’ve got guts to lie in the Lord’s house. Even from behind this cage, I can feel the energy you’re emitting. Ignoring the cross and nails, had our Parishioners not been keeping you at bay with this Sohar energy sphere, you would have gotten out quite a while ago.”

Matsuda sighed and lowered his head. "So you saw through that, huh? You’re not half bad yourself, kid.”

Nero crossed his arms and sank deeper into the shadows. “You flatter me. Though the fact that someone who's been out of commission for so long can still produce this much power? Haha…”

CL~UD

The door behind the Parishoners opened and momentarily, all the hooded figures kneeled.

A group of five entered, all wearing similar white robes to the Parishioners. However, their outfits were stylized and placed on a different area of each of their bodies, was a white eye with a flaming torch as its pupil. It had six wings affixed to it.

The woman leading the group gave off an aloof, non-caring aura. Her look was that of a royal: raw and condescending. The mane of a dead white lion rested over her shoulder, wrapping around her neck like a scarf. Her chest was outfitted with a silver breastplate that accented her black leather pants. Behind her was a timid, silver-haired girl holding a plate with a cup atop it.

"Interesting," the woman said, approaching the stage. "I had heard Nero had found something interesting but it's just a dull old man." She turned to the men behind her. One was bald with fair, muscular skin. His white robe parted near the middle, showing off his well-defined core. “Do you know anything about this Jackie?” she asked.

"Not sure, Ms. Minerva.” Jackie shrugged. “I wasn’t briefed at all about this but it seems that sir Damian and sir Richard weren’t called. If they’re away, then his holiness must want to keep this hushed up." He pointed to the tall man on his left who cursed as he fussed with his uneven bangs.

"Do you know what’s happening Oscar?”

"Huh?" Oscar groaned. “How the fuck would I know?”

A hand grabbed Oscar’s shoulder and pressed down warningly. He turned around, his eyes meeting the stern gaze of a thinly bearded middle-aged man. He had on rustic red and black leather clothing beneath his robe. At his side was a sharpened longsword.

“Watch your mouth, Bishop Oboni,” he warned. The air became thick with tension as energy slowly seeped out of his body. “I will not warn you again of that. This is hallowed ground.”

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Oscar looked at him incredulously and cracked his knuckles. "Sorry, you want to run that by me again? I think you said something about liking your teeth, and I’d hate to mess that up for you. And you’d do well to stop calling me by my last name, you old fart."

Matsuda’s eyes narrowed apprehensively. These people had an uneasy air to them. They were strong, that much was for certain.

As if reading his mind, Nero, from behind the curtains chuckled. “Right, you were in hiding for over a decade weren’t you? You weren’t around when the new Bishops were appointed.”

“New what?!” Matsuda gasped, looking back at them with disbelief. “You… You people are planning to start again, aren’t you?! Didn’t you learn your lesson last time?”

Now, the Bishops had stopped arguing amongst themselves and focused their attention entirely on Matsuda. One stepped forward.

“It’s been a while, old friend.” the middle-aged man beamed. “I see you’ve been keeping well, eh?”

Astonished, Matsuda couldn’t help but allow a smile to appear on his lips. "Leonard! My, my, I didn’t expect to find you–”

“--Active?” Leonard interrupted.

“...Alive,” Matsuda said after a pause.

Leonard scoffed and rubbed his nose with his index finger. “Yes, I managed. Over half of my body was destroyed that night but his holiness saved me -- made me whole again. I was the only one who could be.”

Matsuda nodded. “Well, as unfortunate as these circumstances are, I can’t say it's been a pleasure to see you again, Leonard. What has it been? Eleven years? Your beard’s coming in faster than mine."

Leonard smirked, amused by the exchange. "Twelve. It's quite a bother to maintain, though. Not worth the hassle."

"Oi, oi, oi!” Minerva interrupted, clasping her hands together. “This isn’t some reunion. That's a prisoner so dangerous that five Bishops were called to keep guard over him. I want to know why.”

“This man,” Leonard spoke. “Is Illawood’s Reaper himself, Matsuda Onix. A figurehead who assisted in the Hanako faction’s rise to power and facilitated the escape of the Cursed Sinner from the church many years ago.”

“Wait," Minerva’s eyes widened. "You mean that old guy right there is the Reaper? Legends say he’s almost as strong as a Paragon."

"Indeed," Jackie added. "They also say he massacred thousands during the Eden Search, earning him the nickname his fearsome moniker.”

Oscar took the opportunity to chime in and laughed haughtily. “Hey old man,” He smirked, eyeing Leonard. “You may have been named the Butcher Of Xorcin, but this guy probably has more kills than even you, right? Thats embarrassing! He looks like a gust of wind could knock him over."

A flash of annoyance flashed across Matsuda’s twitching eyes. "If you take these chains off, you can see for yourself how frail I can be, kiddo."

"Calm yourself, Bishop Oboni,” Leonard warned. “This man's power is formidable. He's not an opponent to be taken lightly."

"Interesting! Let’s put that to the test then, shall we?!" the Bishop sniggered, throwing his cloak to the side and readying his hand for a fight.

DWO~OM

An oppressive force buckled Oscar’s knees, forcing him on his knees. "Wha--!"

He desperately looked around for the source, his spine caving underneath the weight of it all. The other Bishops had similarly assumed a kneeling stance of reverence. It was clear why.

"Bishop Oboni," an older voice rang from across the room. "Allowing a bound heretic to unsettle you is unfitting for a man of your… Standing."

An elderly man enrobed in a golden and white robe stood by the door. On his face, he sported a crooked pair of spectacles. A few loose strands of blond hair fell slickly down his forehead.

"Y-Your holiness!" Oscar whimpered, prostrating himself further. He averted his gaze out of respect but sweated nervously.

In the man’s hands was a staff of two intertwining creatures: A white dove and a bronze serpent. Both were conjoined to a shining purple gemstone. In his hands, he held a thin golden-white book.

Matsuda identified him immediately. “Jeremiah…”

The pope smiled, approaching his bound prisoner calmly. "My friends, rise," he commanded cheerfully. The Bishops slowly stood and assumed their positions, forming a horizontal line.

“Why, is this not an auspicious day?” Jeremiah asked them. The Parishioners had stopped chanting which caused the sphere of energy around Matsuda to dissipate. He could escape now, but he hesitated.

“Yes, your holiness!” the congregation chanted. “Praise our Lord!”

Matsuda gritted his teeth with anger. They let the Sohar fall. So, they think that it doesn’t matter if I try to escape or not? Ha… Matsuda chuckled to himself and clenched his fists. He knew it could only mean one thing for them to take such a risk. They all had absolute faith that their pope could handle Matsuda if it came down to it.

“What’s wrong?” Jeremiah smiled, his back still turned to him. “Don’t want to escape?”

A low growl escaped Matsuda’s throat. “No, that isn’t it.” Jeremiah chuckled dryly. He turned towards him and raised his arms.

“The truth is, that you have realized that it would be foolhardy, haven’t you? That is a given, sinner. For the Lord’s power is absolute in matters of justice. You will not escape us like the last time. I won’t allow it.”

Matsuda couldn’t retort. There were too many enemies and he had exhausted most of his power earlier. He also knew that Nero and Leonard themselves could probably match his strength should he choose to fight back; Not to mention the other Bishops. His options weren’t ideal.

“Well, I must confess, it brings me much joy to have finally caught one of you.” the pope whispered, standing on the stage. “Speaking of,” Matsuda grumbled. “How are Malik and Ivan? I hope you haven’t reneged on the deal.”

The pope’s glasses shone darkly as he fixed them. “Your friends are safe -- protected by the Dei Verbum. Though I fear that will not last for much longer.”

“Wha– What are you talking about?” Matsuda scowled.

“I’d suggest that instead of worrying about others that you focus more on yourself.”

Jeremiah turned back to his followers. "Our lord has rewarded our patience through these humiliating years. After a decade, we've finally ensnared one of the heretics who betrayed us years ago! This will be the start of many changes coming to this continent. Soon, the others shall face justice, and when the day of our Lord arrives…"

He pumped his walking stick into the air, making it shine brightly with golden energy.

“THIS WORLD SHALL BE RINSED ANEW BY THE GREAT FLOOD!”

"YES, YOUR HOLINESS! the Parishoners chanted.

"GENESIS!"

"GENESIS!"

The worshippers fanatically shouted, repeating the word “Genesis” again and again. The Bishops, however, were silent. They understood what came next for Matsuda.

"Betrayed?” Matsuda spat angrily. “Don't make me laugh! You people turned your back on the Commonwealth Coalition, not us! It was you who exploited us for your own gains!"

Matsuda became more animated as he shouted, pressing against the chains despite the nails burrowing into his flesh. “The deaths of millions are on your hand, you demon! What happened in Verglas is on you–”

A sharp cough erupted from Matsuda's throat. Behind him, he could hear Nero snicker.

"Ah, that's the Illodium." Jeremiah chuckled, turning back towards him. “We couldn’t use large amounts or else our own Sanctum Energy would be negated, however, our science division found ways to insert it into the bloodstream and cut off Sanctum Essence absorption.”

“...The nails…” Matsuda groaned, eyeing his bindings with a newfound understanding. The pope clapped his hands together. “Correct. I recommend you don’t get too worked up. Continuing to tempt by Bishops with devilish words might end up choking you." he threatened.

"What do you want from me, Jeremiah? Why am I still alive?!" Matsuda yelled.

FWA~THOOM

Jeremiah pointed his cane at Matsuda’s chest, lighting its tip once more with Sanctum Energy. "I know of the children.”

Fear flashed across Matsuda’s face. His breathing quickened, becoming shaky as he inhaled. “What are you–”

“Don’t try to lie. Bishop Ceasar has confirmed their existence. I am also aware of what they have with them. And you must know that I cannot allow them to keep it with their lives intact.”

“Though I didn’t see them,” Nero spoke from behind the stage. “I heard you call out one of their names during their escape.”

Matsuda’s blood ran cold as Jeremiah continued.

“Aleximus. How old is the child? Ten? Eleven? Why he can’t be older than twelve? To use the Codex as sustenance for an Axis was genius indeed. We would have never found you had your children not given you away."

"You'll never find them! They're gone!" Matsuda panicked.

The beam of golden energy became brighter as the pope pushed it closer to Matsuda’s skin.

“Tell me, Matsuda, do you think your Aleximus can safely navigate this new world? A world you have failed to prepare him for? How much longer do you think they can evade us? Do you really think that child will last long without Sanctum Energy?”

As the attack grew brighter, Jeremiah's lips pursed, becoming a condescending smirk that no one other than the prisoner could see.

"You bast--" Matsuda began, pressing against his chains.

"I don’t think so!" Jeremiah interjected with a dark tone. The dove on the staff became imbued with life and suddenly shot out of the staff, sinking its beak into Matsuda’s chest. Its venom spread throughout his bloodstream in mere moments.

"Our Lord’s kingdom embraces all. His sinners shall be welcome and judged with love so they shall know kindness onto others as he has bequeathed onto them."

Matsuda’s skin began pruning and turned several shades darker. "A-Ah--" he choked, trying to grab at his throat. Sadly, the chains around his arm restricted his movement and dug deeper still into his body.

"You of the meek will be guided and culled by the waves of Genesis, for only in its crashing torrents will you find the reward of our Lord's mercy."

The followers behind Jeremiah chanted along, darkly singing “Genesis, Genesis!”

Matsuda's arm moved without his control and started to twist roughly. His bone broke through his cracked skin as his arm folded in on itself.

The chains around him tightened, resulting in a swift spillage of crimson blood.

"May the barren hate of man be stripped and exposed, left naked like a fawn separated from its herd. Our Lord will be your shepherd, guiding you meek sinners towards the light.”

The darkness had fully engulfed Matsuda's entire body. His eyes became bloodshot as the bird retreated back into the staff.

They all watched as violent energy possessed Matsuda’s body, causing him to writhe in agony. Jeremiah simply smiled as he fixed his glasses again.

“The day of armageddon will soon arrive. That, I promise. The gates will fall and he shall descend once more to lead us."

The Bishops had now joined the Parishioners in shouting “Genesis”, growing louder with every chant. Jeremiah watched them with jovial eyes and laughed softly.

"Amen."

[Lord Of Justice]