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"Science develops best when its concepts and conclusions are integrated into the broader human culture and its concerns for ultimate meaning and value. Scientists cannot, therefore, hold themselves entirely aloof from the sorts of issues dealt with by philosophers and theologians. By devoting to these issues something of the energy and care they give to their research in science, they can help others realize more fully the human potentialities of their discoveries. They can also come to appreciate for themselves that these discoveries cannot be a genuine substitute for knowledge of the truly ultimate. Science can purify religion from error and superstition; religion can purify science from idolatry and false absolutes. Each can draw the other into a wider world, a world in which both can flourish."
— Pope John Paul II, Letter to the Rev. George V. Coyne, S.J., Director of the Vatican Observatory, 1 June 1988
Not recommended for people under 14-years old. Distrubing images, frightening scenes, suggestive reference, flashy images and violent contents. You have been warned. We are not responsible for any negative reaction.
Three days after the apparent death of Maria Arzonia and the ascension of Michael Langdon as the new Pope of Vatican, a new battlefield of the World War III was set once the conspiracy of Langdon Orphans came to light. However, the Russian Orthodox Church, now in temporarily league with the remnants of decent Catholics, had discovered that some mysterious girl had suddenly appeared on the street, turned out, it was Maria Arzonia who was supposed to be dead...
In the meantime, Helene Hawthorn, one of the many estranged members of the Order of Flourish, had discovered that a particularly secret member of the Langdon Orphans began to surface, and that member's secret identity brought back one of Helene's worst fear about the Period of Tribulations ever.
Between the nasty storm of war and blood, Helene began to move on to her new mission and formed an alliance to the then leaderless Catholic Rebels, whilst Maria was recovered by the anti-Langdon forces as well. Entwining her fate to such a battle, Maria eventually decided to follow her road of atonement and joined the Catholic Rebels, when the fate made her life and Helene's life intertwined...
Soon, they will face same enemies and will meet each other once more... in the battlefield of London.
Recap - Narration by Carl[]
- Carl: Good days, my listeners? There's been a long time since we meet each other, right? Hmm, you're looking utterly... dumbfounded. I'd wager you had forget about whoever I am, right? It doesn't matter. My name isn't important. All you need to know is that I'm eternally condemned by God with this brand named Firenza Junior. I'm 27 this year, but you thought I sounded like an eighty-year-old man?
- Carl: Yes, sure I am. My vocal cord was broken after the fire when I cried. I lost my voice. I'm never able to sing again. It's been a year... a year since we meet. I thought to let Maria Arzonia to finish this recap, but she gave me the chance, because this is my own story. Ah, anyway, dear reader, have your tea. Let's review our story lest you forget about it, shall we?
- Carl: London, the place where I was born, the place where once the heart of this all-mighty British Empire beats, no longer lives up to its ancestry's glory. Yes, I'm talking about all the wars, conflicts and corruption this city witnessed since Tudors still maintains.
- Carl: It all began when Carissa raised that coup and attempted to seize Her Majesty's throne and dethrone the Prime Minister. I used my power to defeat her, but she remained at large. I had no time to waste waiting for champagne and cheers from my friends and people I once loved, even I eagared to do so. I set out to hunt her down, and I wanted to know one thing: Why did she call me cousin?
- Carl: Although, as I expected due to what my foster father saw, London was no longer what it once was. England no longer serves as the world's anchor, or maybe it never was, ever since it became an ally to the American government, but still... I once had faith in people, or at very least in my comrades. When I returned with victory and pride, I think no one will call me weak or a freak! I just... want to be with them, with the same vibe.
- Carl: Nevertheless, betrayal is a witch always haunting my entire career, and it torn my world apart. My once close friends, it turned out they never liked me... They deserted me... and stole my glory! Eventually, my faith towards God completely waned. God is a tyrant, benefiting those who are disloyal and condemning these who are honest. That woman... managed to break me with this cruel reality!
- Carl: I once thought to myself when I was taken to that woman... a witch named Melancholia... "Did I do things wrong? I did nothing wrong. I may be a demon if you name it, but I honestly tried to help everyone." However, turned out it never was my fault. It was out of prejudice. Why can't anyone see my genuine feeling beyond my ugliness and my freakish power?! Now I know why. THEY JUST WISH IT!
- Carl: My only wrongdoing is my foolishness and once idealism, blinding me from such obvious truth and mistakes. Curses, whenever I thought about my days in the dungeon, all I felt was nothing but a pure sense of harrowing grief... until SHE came. My savior. Noelle Bor. The sister of my best friend.
- Carl: Then, fate brought me in front of Maria Arzonia, the Angel of Flame, and maybe you've already heard about her before. We'd been in a frosty partnership early day on, despite I knew she also rescued me. Yes, I hated her once, due to serious distrust. I had a sense that I met her before, and that encounter wasn't positive... I mean, who would believe that a former Mafusa Gangster, who was converted into a KnightWalker Cyborg, had revived just three days after she was dead? Besides, who would believe such a person had become God's messenger and can walk on the water?
- Carl: That is Maria Arzonia. No matter if you love her or hate her, her revival as a Spirit Guide marked the start of her thirst to find ally to fight Michael Langdon. One demeaning truth about her, something she later admitted and eventually worn out, was that she had a poor judgement on character, especially on the likes of Esther Blanchett and Mary Spencer, two of Langdon's and Melancholia's puppets known as the Langdon Orphans. She knows nothing on war or politics. That is the truth.
- Carl: Her poor judgement and her desire to enforce justice, as I expected, had bit her really hard. However, there was more than that, something more than... dissatisfaction. After suffering from enemy attack, my mind became clearer... and I remembered... Maria Arzonia killed my parents. That's when my doubt had turned... into rage. I never realized that I had a part of Moloch inside me until then.
- Carl: That rage drove me into madness... and I forgot nothing about my rampage. What I do remember, however, is that Esther Blanchett... was really a spy sent by Langdon. I had nowhere else to go... until Cain Knightlord took me in and said he could control the demon inside me, making it more closer to myself. I offered my assistance to the Langdon Orphans, but only I and Cain know that I have another agenda to serve on all of them.
- Carl: That's when I evolved to become stronger. That foolish boy who believed in stupid idealism had vanished, for good. Now, I want nothing but to use my own power, so that those who wronged people like me would pay. They will learn the truth hidden beneath themselves that they intended to hide away for a long, long time. No more delusions, no more lying to themselves. I didn't join the Langdon Orphans without purpose.
- Carl: I was once always loyal to those who claimed I was a traitor, until THEY betrayed ME. Now, my only loyalty was towards humanity, and I wanted do what was right to stick everyone together and face the naked truth, the threat from the KnightWalker Family. No innocent will be harmed, since we're equipped with cures. Once I'm done with those treacherous and ungrateful wimps, as I thought to myself, they're the NEXT. They're also pests of society, and I want them die.
- Carl: I'm not a patient of Stockholm syndrome. In addition, I was more than eagared to make Arzonia pay for killing my parents and a dozen of innocent men. That's the only thing I could talk about now. Ah... it's been a long day now. I hope you to read more about my story... Who knows when would be the next time we meet? Actually, I'm not even alive anymore...
- Carl: You don't need to excuse me on this, but I'm merely a heap of slags abandoned from a smelter full of molten "irony". None of us are pure. Purity never exists. We all have blood shedding on our hands. If killing is a sin, very well, we are all sinned in this hellish war... because that's what makes us soldiers. Cheerio, my friend.
Where do we belong, where did we go wrong
If there's nothing here, why are we still here?
Where do we belong, where did we go wrong
If there's nothing here, why are we still here?
It's another time, it's another day
Numbers they are new, but it's all the same
Running from yourself, it will never change
If you try you could die
Give us a little love, give us a little love
We never had enough, we never had enough
Give us a little love, give us a little love
We never had enough, we never had enough
Pour it in a cup, try to drink it up
Pour it in a well, you can go to hell
We'll get it on the way
Ah ah ah ah ah
Ah ah ah ah ah ah ah ah
Huh huh
Where do we belong, where did we go wrong
If there's nothing here, why are we still here?
Where do we belong, where did we go wrong
If there's nothing here, why are we still here?
Leave it by it's pain, leave it all alone
If I never turn, I will never grow
Keep the door ajar when I'm coming home
I will try, can't you see I'm trying
Give us a little love, give us a little love
We never had enough, we never had enough
Give us a little love, give us a little love
We never had enough, we never had enough
There is Yang for Yin. There is light for wherever there has darkness. When the Russian Orthodox Church, the then-leaderless Catholic Rebels and... Helene Hawthorn struck their deal one month ago, not long after Michael Langdon's ascension to papacy, no one would ever expect that someone who was reported to be dead would return back once more... and they need to make sure she is with her own failsafe.
In the meantime, Helene and the Merry Melody members could not locate their target, and Helene was at odds with the priority over a specific target she attempted to apprehend before everything was too late. However, once Helene received a call from Father Hugue, she realized that things might have a turn...
Part 1 - Reborn[]
1 month ago
3 Days Before Carl's Rescue
0:00 AM
France
Arles
Street
After the ascension of Michael Langdon, as well as the revelation that he is the mastermind behind every events nearby, the entire situation gone worse for all of the Catholic countries around Europe.
Maria Arzonia's existence was soon be forgotten and erased from the memories of those who never encountered her or knew who she was. Amongst the media, she was merely branded as a Knightwalker Cyborg and former member of the cruel Mafusa Gang, and no one would recognize her to be a tragic victim.
Only one man lived to witness the truth: Acqua of the Back. After the ascension of Michael, Acqua left Rome immediately to avoid his own capture by Ultimate Despair members and Langdon Orphans, that slowly revealing themselves from the backstage. He arrived at Russia and revealed the situation to Krans Romа́n Tsarskiy, the young patriarch that is in the same age with Maria.
Soon, because of such a shared threat, Patriarch Krans agreed to create a league with Acqua, alongside other fugitives that became victims of Michael but was rescued in time. The Russian Resistance, currently led by the Eastern Orthodox Church had been searching for allies in France, while those Catholic fugitives had formed the Catholic Rebels, but at the time it was leaderless and loose.
Under the night sky, Duchess Astarothshe Asran was leading a group of Easter Orthodox clergies on street. At first, they did not try to take action in France... until someone in France had asked them to find a mysterious fugitive within the street of Arles, the town where the great Dutch painter, Vincent van Gogh, once resided during his tragic life.
Their target is a girl that was known as Guinevere, and the request was spoken out by a mysterious lady that only calls herself as the Ringmistress. The Ringmistress only asked two people for help; Duchess Asran, and Father Hugue de Watteu. However, while Duchess Asran proved herself to be a determined assistant, Father Hugue remained much more passive, in favor of thinking about how to defend the fugitives away from Langdon's forces.
However, According to the Ringmistress, this Guinevere is exactly an assassin of Pope Michael, so Asran took it seriously since she knew this was another enemy from the KnightWalker Alliance and its allies. How come did the Ringmistress knew about it still remained unknown as of now, and the so-called Ringmistress is still another anonymous person in Duchess Asran's cognition.
While she was searching, Duchess Asran had remained contact with her leader, Patriarch Krans, who is levelheaded and quick-minded in spite of his age. He was contacting Asran all along.
Krans: [Duchess Asran, is there any enemy there?]
Asran sniffed and turned around, frustrated. She held a photo inside her hand, and the photo was provided by the Ringmistress, claimed to be given by another unfortunate soul.
Asran: The street is nearly empty. There's only a few passer-by that has no mana or special ability of themselves whatsoever. It was apparent that the KnightWalker Alliance had called for a curfew, and we had to hide our own presence to avoid detection of hostile forces.
"...................................."
Krans: [I see.]
Asran narrowed her gaze and let out a tired sigh.
Asran: It was all because of that Sister Vasilisa, who trusted the words of Abel Nightroad, with the latter claimed that Guinevere, or whoever the hell she is, must be apprehended as soon as possible. Alas... I never saw him to be so scared, but are you really sure we're gonna put our trust in him? A Catholic fugitive?
Krans nodded confidently, at the other side of the transmission.
Krans: [Yes. This is the war of survival, and all of our difference must be put aside. You know Abel for years, and since he genuinely tries to help us, then we must take our points seriously.]
Then, Krans made a rather childish giggle.
Krans: [Admit it, Duchess of Kiev. You're not straightforward enough to say you accept his assistance.]
Asran: Why, you... (=_=)
Before Asran could complain about Krans' joke, all of a sudden, she heard a loud crash two blocks away. Balancing herself from such a quake, Asran suddenly gasped and saw smokes and flames that appeared nearby.
Asran: What...
Asran turned to the crashing site and ran like wind. She immediately rushed towards the scene, where admist the chaos and mess, a slender and dusty figure crawled herself out from the hole, after clutching on the road...
5 minutes later
Crash site
When Duchess Asran arrived at the crash site, she was forced to hide herself away from the crowd. She immediately discovered a number of inquisitors at the scene. She gulped when she saw a emotionless and stern face admist the crowd... Duo Iqus, one of the Inquisitors of the Catholic Church that, according to some Catholic fugitives, had underwent the KnightWalker Family's construct into a Cyborg for empowerment, at the cost of his emotions.
Duo Iqus looked at the hole on the ground and yet, he found nobody there. He just sternly looked around, where a dark and deep alley was nearby. Duo was confused and considered to walk into the alley.
Just then, a call had come out of the phone of Duo, who immediately answered it. He narrowed his gaze and took a deep breath, speaking in a cold, emotionless and vacant voice.
Duo: Let's recede. We must gather ourselves into Rome since our men had captured Carl Robinson in Italian Alps. All of the Inquisitors must return and leave from their duties.
Papal knights: Yes, sir.
Duo and other papal knights immediately disappeared, and Asran watched as they teleported themselves away. Asran let out a breath of relief and rushed to the scene. She clutched herself to get a closer observation at the crater left by the mysterious crash, but found something unnerving to her. It was with divine power, and the crater was extremely hot, with a shallow pond of lava still existing in the hole.
Asran: Was it me or it was an asteroid?
- ???: Ayuda... Sálvame yo, por favor... (Help... Save me, please...)
Asran: Wait... I think I heard someone crying...
Asran heard the whisper for a long range due to her own vampiristic nature with enhanced hearing, with physiology of bats. She carefully slipped forward and looked into the dark street.
Asran: Now I can hear it... It's a girl, speaking in... Italian? Romanian? Portuguese?
While reporting to the Patriarch, Duchess Asran still moved forward and heard the whisper more clearly.
Asran: Or... Spanish... Wait, she said more... She said... That's a name.
When Asran came to a conclusion that the mysterious girl was speaking in Spanish, she spoke in a rather firm and confident words with no questions. Then, she listened the calling more carefully... before she widened her eyes in shock.
Asran: She says her name, I supposed. Your Holiness... her first name... but...
Asran whimpered the name out to Krans, and even the latter widened his eyes in shock.
Asran: But I thought she was already dead.
Krans: [You mean... but is this possible?]
Asran furrowed her eyebrows. Even Krans seemed to be uncertain of this mysterious girl, who was obviously calling for help. However, anything could be possible since Asran had witnessed many things happened from the past and present.
Krans: [Just don't let your guard down, and proceed.]
Krans's words made Asran sighed in relief. After all, she was not a woman who was incapable of guarding herself.
Asran: Just wish me luck.
Asran then quickly took actions and paced towards an alley not far away.
Asran: (think) * Is this possible? Is that really her? *
Half a minute later
3 meters away
Alley
Asran was embittered when she approached the location, as she believed that she heard the girl's name when the latter was self-mumbling. However, Asran knew that Maria was rather a common first name. She would not take it seriously if it wasn't the person that first crossed her mind.
After all, having a surname like Arzonia was never common, much less for some sort of a war criminal as well as a KnightWalker Cyborg. If it was truly "that" Maria, Asran had to make sure that strict countermeasures would be deployed, in order to keep everyone safe here. She believed she was wrong, since the news of Maria Arzonia's self-detonation already spreaded within the fugitives, and not many of them were caring about her death.
Nevertheless, the more Asran had paced forward, the more nervous she had become. She felt some kind of divine energy emitted from the area, though she herself never felt pleasant about this, due to being a former Sabbat Clan vampire in her true form. However, one thing was for certain... when she finally got to see the person, a tall, lean and slender figure crawling out from the hole and shivered in terror.
- ???: Finally, someone is here... B-Bonsoir, pardon moi...
The girl spoke in broken French with Spanish accent, but it was very apparent that she was trying to made her own words more fluent, and Asran immediately approached the girl.
Asran: Just speak English. What happened?
The girl was kept coughing blood and was in a bad condition somehow, utterly weak and exhausted. Asran looked closer and felt that she somehow saw this girl before, not meeting her, but saw her on a newspaper...
???: I... had a fall from the sky, about as high as the cruising altitude... What is this place, by the way? I supposed I'm in French or Belgium since I heard people speaking French here...
Asran furrowed her eyebrows once again, this time in distraught.
Asran: This is Arles, France... However, what human could survive a fall like that, my dear? Your dad is Zeus or somebody?
Asran gazed upon the girl as the latter sighed and didn't actually took the sarcasm lightly.
???: Perhaps not, though I know he had messed with several women before, including my mother, and... * cough *
Asran: Oh, I wasn't mean it...
The girl's state was worsen, and Asran tried to hug her tightly. Suddenly, the girl's body started to glimmer with holy light for an instance, which was so hot that as soon as Asran's finger reached her body, she flinched in pain. The mysterious girl widened her eyes and stared at Asran, worried.
Asran: You - you're not a human... You're a holy spirit, but why...
Whilst Asran was mumbling, the blond girl shook her head and tried to regain her sense. Now, all she tried to do was trying to remember what had happened before such a heavy impact. Asran then picked up a pair of gloves from her pocket.
Asran: Wait a second...
Wearing her glove on, Asran then raised her hand and took a deep breath, putting her hand on Maria's forehead, but Maria didn't mind it anyway.
Asran: I think I might know you...
Asran then took a deep breath and slowly, clearly and confidently spoke out the name she saw many times on the recent newspapers.
Asran spoke in a confident voice, though she looked at Maria with doubt. Judging by her instinct, that person was supposed to be Maria Arzonia, who was said to have killed herself during the London Battle. Only ONE person knew about the truth; Acqua of the Back, who was the only close witness of Maria's final hour.
Asran: Impossible!
Asran gritted her teeth as Maria gasped in shock as soon as Asran spoke out her name, and she widened her eyes, looking at the woman with confusion.
Maria: You... know my name?
Asran: You just made the front page three days earlier, girl, and now you're still here. Tell me. Just how and why you're here.
Maria widened her eyes as Asran bluntly narrowed her gaze and asked whatever she wanted to ask.
Asran: You can trust me. I'm Duchess of Kiev. I'm not gonna send you to Eckidina KnightWalker or anyone else associated with the KnightWalker Alliance, at all. I give you my word, Arzonia.
Maria clenched her chest and started to shiver. She closed her eyes and sighed. She was now looking at her own injury.
Maria: Well, well, it looks like this new body has not develop its immunity to the outside impact, yet... but I'll tell you how and why.
Maria closed her eyes and her mind flashed back to the last battle in London, where she became a Cyborg of KnightWalkers, where she tried to murder Acqua of the Back, where she regained her memory, where she sacrificed herself...
Maria: Yes, I killed myself... but surprisingly, I went back to Heaven and... I saw my mother's soul there. I thought it was all an illusion before I saw God himself, and then I realized I was in Heaven...
Maria then clenched her wounds and suddenly, tears started to drip down her cheeks as she could never control herself... not because of her physical pain, but because of her emotional feelings.
Maria: But then Lord said to me that I had some unfinished missions, like atoning my sins, fixing someone's misery and stopping an enemy, whose name was told by Him... and then I came back, first trying to help that red-haired girl and now, I was here after a turbulence. I know it sounds far-fetched but...
Asran: I believe you, dear.
Asran proved herself to be a proper listener as she listened Maria word by word. She then wiped Maria's tears and comforted her in her arms, like a mother caressing her child.
Asran: So God made you back to life, and judging from your status and holy aura, you were reincarnated into an angel, an angel for real, Maria.
Maria looked up at Asran in surprise, and now she started to regain her own sense and her mind turned much clearer from the chaos.
Maria: You mean, you believe me?
Asran: My instinct never fails me.
Maria then sighed in relief and wiped her tears, now stopped trembling and became much calmer.
Maria: Thank you... Sorry, I was far too messed up seconds before, and forgive me if I made a shameful fool out of myself.
Asran: There's nothing to be undignified. I'll take you to safety.
Asran then helped Maria to stand up and carried her on her back, going towards the end of the corridor. Just then, Maria remembered something and immediately reminded Asran as well.
Maria: By the way, if you're really on my side, please promise me... that you will take down one person.
Maria narrowed her gaze as Asran stopped by the side of the pavement.
- Maria: His name is Michael Langdon.
Asran widened her eyes in surprise... but then she smiled in relief.
Asran: I will take him down... because he is OUR enemy after all.
Maria was curious about the word "our". However, before she could ask more, she felt pain in her head and became unconcious once more.
It was still a peaceful day for Merry Melody Circus, that went on its constant tour around the world for charity, considering there were so many people around the world that are suffering. They decided to raise fund through their performance and donate money to the places suffered from the war.
The circus members did not use animals for their performance, and they had provided free ice cream and desserts for tourists who paid zero euro of ticket fee. As a result, they remained popular in the community they joined.
Boy 1: Hey! There it is! An ice cream truck!
Girl 1: Yeah, I recognize that ringing! That truck has free ice cream for tourists!
The children crowded around a large white ice cream truck that just stopped near circus tents. Instead of lining up, they flooded in front of the truck, as their parents were behind them.
Boy 1: I want one chocolate flavored ice cream, please!
Boy 2: Please, one scoop of coffee for me!
Girl 1: I need strawberry!
The children shouted together and it was unsurprising for ordinary people what flavor they wanted. Their parents immediately dragged them back.
Boy 1's mother: My dear, the clerks would be confused when all of your demands flooded towards them.
Girl 1's Mother: Yeah, one by one.
One of the boys lifted his head to look at his mother, feebly.
Boy 1: But mom...
???: No need to be worried, kids, ladies and gentlemen.
As the children and their respective parents were chatting, they heard the glass window opened. Then, they saw a young female clown, with silver hair and blue dress as well as a pair of butterfly wings decorated on her back. She smiled friendly to the customers and handed ice cream towards each of the children.
???: Here, line up. One scoop per day and your heat goes away~ Two scoops per day may be too much for you to sustain~
The children lined up as the young woman sung an improvised sone and slowly presented the ice creams towards kids in proper order, after handing out three completed ice cream cones with different flavor.
???: Here's your chocolate flavor, here's your coffee flavor, and here, my young lady, your strawberry flavor... Monseiur, Madame, may I be in your service? It's still hot here, huh?
The woman handed the snow cones and other kinds of frozen treats to the guests, for free, while chatting to the parents for weather in a friendly smile. She demeaned no price to pay for the ice cream, especially when they joined the audience of the performance.
???: Thank you for watching our show. The next stage will be presented in five minutes, friends. Have a nice trip.
The young clerk of this ice cream truck sent out the last of the ice cream of the current line up, and the young woman turned around and began preparing for a lot more ice cream cones for customers yet to come.
In the meantime, she brushed off sweat with her hanker chef and scooped balls of ice cream into cones.
???: Aw, good grief...
The young woman turned around, sighed with a smile before slowly lifting her butterfly wings, which was revealed to be real wings instead of decorations. Yes, this young woman is Beatrice Bergamot, one of the top tier-members of Merry Melody circus and the second-in-command of its ringleader, Helene Hawthorn.
Beatrice knew that it was only a matter of time before the next group of tourist to arrive and eat free ice cream. No matter how people out there might say, she is always acting generous towards people who watched their show for pure charity purposes. She then closed the window and hanged a "close" sign on it.
Helene: Beatrice?
The voice of Helene Hawthorn, accompanied from the knock on the truck door, drew Beatrice's attention. Beatrice immediately opened the door and saw Helene outside the door. Helene Hawthorn dressed up sharply today, with her large hat on her head, also in her signature mask and purple suit, with a ruby choker on her neck.
Beatrice: Oh, Helene? Welcome.
Beatrice and Helene hugged together warmly and then they separated.
Helene: Thanks. Do you still have ice cream left? I've kind of feeling like... overheated.
Beatrice: Sure, what flavor do you need?
Beatrice stepped aside and allowed Helene's entry.
Helene: Well, one scoop of strawberry, please. It reminds me of Selina.
Beatrice nodded smilingly and went for the kitchen, preparing strawberry ice cream for both of them and put two scoops inside a bowl. She sent Helene to the outside and they wandered in the charity fair, watching people running and smiling at each other as well as other entertainments. They then sat on the grass and looked at the blue sky.
Helene: So nice to see them so happy... It's so nostalgic for me when my mom is still around. Even after thirty years I've left Sleepy Hollow, I can still find similarities around the world, particularly over the topic of joy. I only pray they will be shielded under our protection... but I guess things will go downhill after I read this.
With her smile turned into a face of sadness, Helene then handed a folded newspaper to Beatrice, who unfolded the newspaper, watching the news.
Beatrice: Bishop Michael Langdon had ascended into the Pope... and became an ally to the KnightWalkers?
Helene: Just like Sonia Nevermind... just a week ago. Yesterday, a group of Swiss guards had surveyed our circus, led by a woman with brown hair and pale skin. However, they found nothing strange in my house, and they considered us non-hostile, for now.
Helene looked around and narrowed her gaze, as she saw people running on the field and chatting to each other. She looked down on her hands.
Helene: Sometimes, the longer you lived, the more you can forget. After the demise of Moloch, we left Sleepy Hollow and began to forget many things around us... until today. The threat towards Sleepy Hollow may still endured, even when Moloch is perished.
Beatrice: Really?
Curiously, Beatrice looked around, listening to Helene commenting on all of the recent news and situations. Helene nodded at Beatrice's inquiry.
Helene: I eventually came to understand who Michael Langdon was, and how he came to know our organization's existence, particularly when you connected John Dee's Grand Grimoire, the traveler's spell, and the recent event connected to the Catholic Church's disgraced management. There is no pedophile priests this time, only one hidden fiend.
Helene clenched her fist and closed her eyes angrily. She had some blurry impression over the name of "Michael Langdon," but she didn't know why. There had been so many years that passed from the previous Period of Tribulations as well as Moloch's demise, and Helene forgot many things within the town except those whom she really cared about. She even left the shadow of La Gloton, as much as she could, behind, since the killer already perished.
Helene: With the Euro Tunnel's explosion, chances of us leaving France is dim, but we must leave here as soon as possible. They must be heading towards us. If my speculation is right, then Michael Langdon is probably the agent from Hell that once attempted to meddle with the Order's holy mission within Sleepy Hollow. I don't know how or why, but apparently it has some connection towards him.
Beatrice finished her ice cream, but Helene's ice cream was melting. She didn't take one single scoop.
Beatrice: However, we still have people from Catholic Church, those who became outcasts because of Michael's actions. Thanks to them, we had survived to this day.
Helene nodded calmly.
Helene: Yeah, it's been a privileged with their help. However, they cannot shield all of us forever, and our partnership is, and should be, mutual. As a result, I think it's better to leave this city and return back to Arles for more solutions. After all, we're still inside enemy's territory. Beatrice, believe me. Gaining a false identity for us hasn't been so easy, and I guess our spy work is really rocky.
Helene finally started to eat her ice cream and... liquefied cream in her bowl, with a glimpse of smile on her face. However, that smile soon dissipated. Helene had been drenched into a worried expression, and so had Beatrice.
Beatrice: Yeah, I know. Fortunately, according to Alfonso, we're having renewed information that our own enemy, Eckidina KnightWalker, had somehow locked her up in her own mansion. I don't know how or why, but it's our chance to retreat from Paris before the KnightWalker Family's army could check out our identity. Fortunately, this is the last day of our tour in Paris for now.
Helene: Good job, Beatrice. Where're the others? Those that are currently spared?
Just as Helene wondered where the others had go, she caught sight of a figure whom she immediately recognized who he was. He was a tall man wearing silver armor costume, with spiky green hair and a flag on his shoulder. He had approached Beatrice and Helene with a confident smile.
Alfonso: Mistress. Ms. Bergamot.
Helene: Alfonso? What is it?
This young green-haired man is Alfonso Aloe, a first-tier member in the circus of Merry Melody and a lower member from the Order of Flourish, serving as a performer of the show.
Alfonso: It's the preparation, mistress, since we now have completed the preparation for retreat, and when the performance is over, we'll leave. According to Baccarat, this is our final part, and we had raised enough money for funds towards people that suffered from the disaster and war.
Helene: Good. I guess the situation is dire now, and we need to halt this until everything was solved. By the way, keep a guard on those tourists in case there is a spy.
Alfonso nodded and left. Helene narrowed her face in a grim expression, as she returned to check on the newspaper, of which its headline had announced Michael's rise over the papacy and clenched her fists, remembering her loved one, Baccarat blueberry.
Helene: There really is at least one maniac on the loose, and we must stick together.
Helene's Flashback[]
Three days ago
United Kingdom
North Ireland
Belfast
Merry Melody routine
Sitting inside the tent, there was someone reading the recent newspaper about the civil war that was once raised in London, with the treason of the second Princess Carissa, who became a spy of the KnightWalker Family after getting recruited by a mysterious person, speculated to be the very same assailant that caused the theft of Grand Grimoire within the city of Vatican.
Then, the person spotted a name on it: Maria Arzonia.
Helene: Hmm... Well... Um...................
The was a spotlight that opened on the person's head. It was Helene, now inside a tent and dressed up like a man, while wearing a fake mustache on her own face. The news was about the presumed appearance of Maria Arzonia in the war, serving as a Cyborg. However, after an explosion, she had gone fully missing and was declared dead.
Helene: (think) * So the bloodline of Arzonia Family dies today. For those wretched criminals, good riddance. But, as for this girl... *
Before Helene finished her thoughts, she suddenly fell pain in her head. She immediately took some pills and washed them down with a glass of water. The lips of Helene left marks on the edge of the glass, but the point was, she wore no lipsticks.
Helene: Aw, forget it.
Deciding to leave Maria Arzonia's current whereabouts aside, Helene soon rubbed her lips with her hanker chef and continued to read the news. She then saw the news about Michael Langdon becoming the Pope of the Catholic Church, and joined the KnightWalker Alliance.
Helene: Hmm?
Helene spotted the name of "Michael Langdon" and furrowed her brows in distraught. She already had suspicion these days when she heard about the news with his presence, including the times when he was hailed as a hero who saved the day from a terrorist attack caused by Junko Enoshima. She sniffed precariously and then gulped.
Helene: What next? About the fugitives...
Helene then read more reports, which all contained the very recent news that centered around the conspiracy within the Catholic Church.
There were some conspiracy theorists who deduced that the Catholic Church tended to recreate medieval age and reach worldwide domination, judging from the militant that they deployed. Nonetheless, Helene was more concerned with the fugitives that was still on the run. Carissa had escaped, somehow, with shards of the broken Curtana Sword.
In the meantime, the British government had revealed that the princess was defeated by unknown force of power. Helene had knew what it was.
Particularly during the civil war, Helene already sensed some power of demonic curse inside London, thanks to her Croatoan Spawns that were connected to her sensation.
To keep an eye on the worldwide situation, Helene used the power of Supreme Croatoan Virus to transform objects into living things, making them disguised among humanity and served as her spy. However, those monsters was caught in flame and destroyed, cutting off their mental communication with their creator. Nevertheless, Helene still gathered the information she wanted.
It was a young man in his twenties, with black and white hair, as well as pale skin. Helene sensed something was wrong with him, something that was familiar, and uncanny. Still, he managed to save the day, and Helene believed he should at least get some honorable mention. Much to her sullen, however, she could not spot any mention on this list. No one mentioned anything about this young man.
Helene: Maybe I was wrong... Maybe he just don't want any attention.
Helene once theorized it was because of prejudice, but thinking about herself, maybe this young man did not want any fame. She could only wish he could live a happier life, even though she still wondered what kind of power he harnessed. Helene barely knew this man... whom the others called as Carl Robinson.
Helene: Time to leave this place...
Just then, Helene heard a knock on the door of the tent. Helene was confused with the mysterious guest who would visit her. Helene then opened the door very carefully.
Helene: Hello? Who is this?
Nowadays[]
Helene ended her flashback abruptly and opened her eyes. Beatrice also fell into thoughts.
Beatrice: Miss? You still didn't ask who went for help to you that night, three days ago, which led us to become allies of those fugitives.
Helene: All in good time, Beatrice, I'll tell you. For now, I can only inform you that it was another unfortunate soul.
When she finished her recalling, Helene's smartphone rang suddenly. Seeing the "name" on the screen, it was the call from Father Hugue de Watteau. She then took her smartphone and began the contact.
Helene: Father Hugue?
Helene went silent for a moment and then, she clenched her fists, nervously.
Helene: What? Impossible. It has been three days since... Maybe "she" had survived that ordeal?
"............................................."
Helene: Oh, oh, I see. I believe that now. She has the same feeling I had... but mine was much shorter and much less painful.
Utterly baffled by what Helene was referring about to whoever on the other side of the call, Beatrice only watched as Helene walked around and raised her hand to wave them in the air.
Helene: Yeah, Father Hugue, the paprika is ready. I know you wanna prank that man named "Matt Slaughter" or whoever he is so bitterly! Turned out, a clergy can be petty as well! Oui, I know! Farewell!
Helene immediately cut the call. On the screen of the phone, Beatrice spotted the alias given to this so-called Father Hugue - "Monseiur Hilarious".
Beatrice: Pff...
Beatrice nearly couldn't held her laugh and had to puff herself to keep a straight face with it. Helene turned around to see Beatrice's reaction.
Helene: What's so drolly?
Beatrice: N-nothing!
Beatrice waved her hand as she tried to control herself. Helplessly, Helene put her smartphone back into her pockets.
Helene: Well, that was... a companion to the person who arrived to visit me. We used alias between each other and pretended we didn't know each other. It was my idea, and I never told them whom I really came from just like we once said before we left...
Beatrice: Yes, I understand that.
Helene then raised her head and looked at the bright sky in concern. By far, the sky was bright, but... who knows there won't be any crisis breaking out in the next second? However, Helene needed to take a look over what Father Hugue had informed her, quietly and slowly.
Helene: I need to be absent by now. Those members from the so-called "Catholic Rebels" had found someone who was reportedly dead for three days, now coming back to life. Please stay guard on any intruder that was suspicious. Don't let any malicious and unscrupulous individuals to enter our tent, period.
Hearing that there were someone coming back to life, Beatrice clenched her fists and then, she made a frustrated facepalm which sent her own thoughts into Helene's nerves.
Beatrice: (mental communication) [He... he must come from the town we were born. In a way, within Sleepy Hollow, no one stays dead until they were killed for a second time.]
Helene: (mental communication) [I know, but this is different from what you said, Beatrice. First of all, that person was NOT from Sleepy Hollow. Second... that's a "she." Third, the person matched the appearance with someone just declared to be dead in London.]
Beatrice and Helene then stared at each other for a while.
- Beatrice: I think I know what happened...
Act 2 - New Mission (flashback)[]
Helene was invited by Father Hugue to check on the condition of Maria Arzonia, who was resurrected somehow. Maria began to endure nightmares around her death and about Eckidina's manipulations, whilst she had a sudden growth spurt and physical reformation into a new form. After discovering that it WAS Maria Arzonia, Father Hugue allowed Helene to make new dress and informed her about the plans of Michael Langdon as well as their need for someone to help.
Discovering that her archenemy was still out there, Maria accepted the offer in order to stop him. Helene the made Maria a new dress and armor, before informing her something harrowing. Turned out, Maria was not the only Arzonia that still remained. In the meantime, Father Hugue always rejected Helene's attempt to search for a fifth Arzonia she claimed to have existed...
Part 1 - New Form[]
10 minutes later
Barcelona
Hugue's House
Helene: Are you sure that's Maria Arzonia?
Hugue: Make no mistake. We identified her with her appearance on photo, as well as other sort of examination.
Helene: Are you sure she is all right? I heard she was in a messy mind, like her brain being, well, mushed...
Sleepy on her bed with a white pajama, Maria laid unconscious on the bed and started to hear some strange voice.
Maria: (My brain...)
Maria's eyebrows trembled and she clenched the quilt that covered her. Something unpleasant was coming inside her head.
???: Resurrection is not an easy task. Losing yourself is a common thing. Trust me. I had the experience once, and unfortunately it wasn't pleasant. Let's wish her good luck then.
It was spoken by a third voice, but it was neither the voice of Helene nor Hugue. In fact, it was a woman speaking in a queenly tone.
Maria: (Yes... I remembered I was revived, but to what cause?)
Maria continued to whimper as Helene stood up from her stool. She was talking to Hugue and another blond woman with large white coat. The woman was tall and mildly plump, but still a beauty no less, wearing a large golden crown on her head.
Helene: I'll prepare some new dress for her. I heard her physiology undergoes some rapid change, though not as dramatic as I thought it would be. I believed she aged at least 3 years.
???: I suppose that's because she's still in adolescence. No matter, you can finish your task. Me and Father Hugue had something else to say.
Helene nodded her head and turned around, walking into a room with spinning wheel and several costumes. In the meantime, the woman turned around to face Father Hugue.
???: I thank you for giving me and my family a shelter, Father Hugue... and others. We're now starving and I cannot find enough food to feed my children. They're all rather gluttonous.
Hugue: I understand, Kristen... or so you named yourself. I know you have another name, and I'm not allow to speak that.
The woman named Kristen clenched her fists and peeked at Maria, with pure sympathy.
Kristen: Can you believe it? Abused by three heartless brother for four years? I guess she did a nice jobs burned those maggots down. That's all family requires, right? Bond, not blood. Sad things is that Eckidina messed her head up...
"......................................"
Maria: Eckidina...
Kristen's word was interrupted by Maria's sudden mumble. Everyone began to take a look at Maria, who continued to mumble and groan, as if she was having a horrid nightmare that never ended.
Maria: Mmmh....
All of a sudden, Maria's face and turned feverish and began moaning, sweating and shaking with muscle spasm. She was now having a mixture of nightmare together, alongside the moments before her previous death, as well as the process of herself being reconstructed into a KnightWalker Cyborg...Helene noticed Maria's strange behavior and was surprised.
Helene: Look! She's still alive.
People gathered around Maria as Helene began to check on Maria's pulse. In five seconds, she furrowed her eyebrows.
Helene: This is strange, however... Her pulse is beating, but in a rather... peculiar way.
Kristen: Was it Supreme Croatoan?
Helene's reaction immediately drew Kristen's interest. She asked about the Croatoan Virus, particularly the Supreme Croatoan, due to Helene is a host with no symptom, and the latter was once brought back to life because of it, thus she had gained much more lifespan and aged much slower than normal humans. In spite of this, Helene shook her head before letting out her signature smug smirk.
Helene: It's more interesting than that. The Supreme Croatoan's power of resurrection actually triggers a new chain of evolution for its host... and yet this is not evolution, but magical empowerment... Man, I'm melting...
However, Helene's words stopped when she felt she could no longer held Maria's wrist... because it was becoming unbearably heated and for some reason, she can feel it growing. Helene then left her bare hand away from Maria, leaving drips of purple paint on her wrist. Droplets of paints began to drop from Helene's hand like melting snow, and she took a hanker chef to rub her fingertips, slowing regenerating afterwards.
Helene: Her body temperature is to the point of feverish... and I can sense something is pumping into her blood and bones, something that is a powerful mixture between growth hormone, magical power and heat. In addition, through my vision, I find her pituitary gland had enlarged twice than usual and became increasingly activated. Thus, this conclusion I have drawn is that... If my transformation and slowed down my aging...
A string of strange noises had came from Maria's body, not from her mouth, but from her bones (cracking sounds) and pajamas (sounds of fabric ripping). Then, Helene's conclusion began to showcase when she heard these noises.
Helene: ... then HER transformation accelerates it. Her new cells' generation is now speeding up... and outmatched the dying speed of old cells.
Helene took a deep gasp and immediately turned to Father Hugue and other male members of the Catholic fugitives.
Helene: All of the men please leave. This is now a "girls only" process of diagnosis. I...
Maria: AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!
Before Helene could finish, Maria suddenly wide opened her eyes and let out a ear piercing screech that interrupted everyone and forced Father Hugue and others scrambled themselves out of the room. The glass window began to shake because of such a scream, and neither Helene nor Kristen was able to held back such.
Helene: MER*E! WHAT THE HELL!
It was a very few time Helene actually swore because she was always in a droll, energetic, passionate and sophisticated artist persona, but that unexpected scream really drove her to the edge. However, Helene immediately realized her use of language and tried to apologize to Kristen, who was looking at her in surprise.
Helene: Well, pardon my French.
Kristen: It's indeed a French word... but what are we doing now?
Helene: Grab her feet and ankles. We need to stabilize her as much as possible, or there may be an explosion!
Gulped, Kristen then grabbed Maria's feet and firmly pushed them on her bed. Helene immediately casted a spell and summoned three tiny tentacles around her arms, before plucking it into her head. Kristen was shocked by Helene, as she thought Helene was about to do something malicious on this unconscious girl.
Kristen: Wait, what're you doing?
Helene: Eat away her bad dreams. I can sense her mind become affected by traumas!
Helene's tentacles started to turn black as Helene sucked the nightmare out of Maria's brain. Maria's scream became dimmer and much more bearable, before it slowly turned itself into a soft but still painful moan.
Helene: This won't erase her memory, but will ease her mental pain temporarily. However, as for her physical pain...
Helene and Kristen then slowly looked at Maria's body... and got a surprise that they overlooked while stopping her scream. Maria's body was lengthening steadily, as her leg began to lengthen like growing trees. Her body became much more toned and slender in the process. Kristen also felt Maria's bare feet expanding quickly inside her palms, with her toes wriggling like spasm from being electrocuted. Maria's soles started to rival Kristen's large hands in size. Then, Kristen pushed Maria's ankle on the bed to take control on her.
Kristen: I see. Growing pains. I'm no stranger with it.
Trying to maintain Maria's sudden abnormal condition, Kristen and Helene let out a sigh in sheer distraught, while Helene's Napoleon Complex itself began to take effect, albeit briefly.
Helene: (think) * Good dear, why am I always seeing others whopping taller while I'm stuck in this petite size? If I can take some height, half a feet at least, from Selina for myself, then both me and her will be less troubled. *
However, Helene knew there was no time for being jealous, and being jealous was not Helene's main objective after all. Helene started to check on the conditions of Maria and nodded to Kristen.
Helene: Stabilized.
Both of them let out a sigh of relief, and Kristen felt Maria's feet grew much slower, knowing her sudden growth spurt began to slow down. Maria also turned less feverish and more docile, sleeping like a baby. Kristen looked at Maria with expressions like a doting mother. Now, Maria's form turned into more adult-like and less childish. Thankfully, the process didn't end up in an explosion like a balloon.
Kristen: I can see what she had become now. A Spirit Guide. This is peculiar
Helene looked at Kristen in surprise, before the latter kissed Maria gently on the forehead.
Kristen: Sweet dreams. Now, we must leave.
Helene: After you.
Kristen stood up and walked out of the room, with Helene following her, but she briefly turned around to look at Maria again, who was now lying on the bed, with her feet reaching the edge and her pajama seemed smaller.
Helene: .............................
Helene had a thought of someone else before she turned around and closed the door, leaving Maria alone in the room.
Part 1.5 - Discussion[]
10 minutes later
Father Hugue's room
The office room of Father Hugue, situated inside his hideout, wasn't far from the room that Maria was kept. Helene, with a heavy heart, arrived into the room as she followed Kristen's lofty and broad figure. Father Hugue looked out of the sky and impatiently mumbled something.
Hugue: (mummer) How did it happen? How did it happen? I can't believe it at all... I...
Stop nagging to himself around, Hugue irrationally turned around and saw the figures of Helene and Kristen standing behind him side by side. He took a deep breath and controlled his temper.
Hugue: What... happened?
Turning nervous, Kristen and Helene leered at each other precariously, and it was Helene first to reply.
Helene: It was a Spirit... a Spirit Guide, Father Hugue.
Following that, it was silence that lasted five seconds, before Hugue managed to clear up words he was about to say.
Hugue: Ah, I knew it. A Spirit Guide, huh? I always knew she had became such a... being.
Hearing Helene's words, Hugue seemed to be unfazed by such revelation at all, but Helene still spotted disbelief upon his facial expressions, even for a very little glimpse, because of her sensitivity towards change of emotions.
As a result, people can never lie to her or hide their emotions away, and this power managed to enhance ever since Helene's fateful duel with Gladius Grapefruit, the arch-enemy of her mother, who attempted to hide everything according to La Gloton's agenda away from Sleepy Hollow's citizens and placed them underneath his control. Still, Helene had no intention to break it to Hugue that he was a bad liar in front of her.
Helene: I don't understand. I've never meet a Spirit Guide ever since my departure with... a nun named Sister Mary Eunice, who revealed that she had became a Spirit Guide due to... her personal past.
Kristen: I agree. Could it be that the same history repeated, that this time, it was Maria Arzonia's turn to get revived by God?
Kristen nodded as her prove to Helene's description and approve her theory. By far, Sister Mary Eunice, one of the few Spirit Guide they had know about, had ended her mission and returned to the Paradise after she used up all her power for the now-disbanded Team Witness, in order to stop the long-dead demon king, Moloch, and his world domination.
Helene: Maybe. If Arzonia is also brought back by God as a Spirit Guide, there MUST be a reason behind it.
A droplet of sweat came from Kristen's cheek.
Kristen: Sister Mary Eunice claimed she tried to atone from what she did through demonic possessions, and maybe this time, Arzonia is revived in the same reason?
Listening to these two ladies' discussions, Father Hugue silently sat back on his chair and wandered his eyes out of the window, into the cloudy and dark night sky, without stars. Moments later, he let out a sigh with grief after he managed to accumulate the information and absorbed it as much as he could.
Hugue: That's very rare for humans - even the canonized Saint, to be revived as Holy Spirits, particularly the Holy Spirits with missions to guide others and help others to endure a nasty peril.
Kristen: So, what're we gonna do with it? Her situation is still unstable. I don't think she is able to answer our questions until the next morning.
Helene: No matter.
Maintaining her usual composure, but without smiling this time, Helene slowly clenched her fists. She then held a photo of Maria in the past in her hand, before she thought about what Maria looked like now, much more refined and matured, like the statue of Venus in Louvre (in Helene's perspective), only with arms.
Helene: As soon as she gets up... I need to tell her something about her own siblings. There's still unfinished business between them, even with three of the FIVE are dead, and... Maria ought to know everything about THAT WOMAN before it's far too late.
Helene's words made Father Hugue and Kristen all looked up, staring at Helene in surprise. Helene merely stared at her own hand in nothing but sheer determination.
Hugue: Excuse me?
Helene: I'll take care of her this night, as I don't always need to sleep. I'll also propose some decent cloth for her, since that's my job, mes amiss. She had a huge growth spurt just then and really grew out of her outfit. Then, I'll tell her the next morning what we're about to--
Helene stood up and walked to the door. She went straight for Maria, but Father Hugue stood up in hurry.
Hugue: Do as you please, just under one little condition - Don't tell her ANYTHING about her sister. Maria Arzonia can still be dangerous.
Helene stopped and turned her head around, staring at Father Hugue maliciously. Malice might be a strong word, but it was the only proper word to describe Helene's stare thus far.
Helene: Why not? Isn't that why I came here for your assistance?
"........................................"
Hugue: Just be patient. Do you know how dangerous to be in touch with someone back to the life? Especially someone who assisted a serial arson as well as the murder of several people, huh? Besides, that other Arzonia is currently nowhere to find and is another potential time bomb at its worst. We don't want more irrational thinking.
Kristen walked to Helene and stood by her side as Hugue continued.
Hugue: Remember, one of our causalities are a devoted papal knight. She can STILL be dangerous and ferocious like other Arzonias, like other goons from the Mafusa Gang.
Helene: Yes, but...
Hugue interrupted Helene before she could finish her pledge once more.
Hugue: Excuse me, but... As you know, all descendants of the House of Arzonia has their problems in their head, particularly their problems with intermittent explosive disorder... that lasted from generations to generations. You don't know how much of a latent but volatile problem we're dealing with, even with her Spirit Guide status of which I never grasped the reason of her gaining this form.
Helene still attempted to argue as she grew more and more impatient.
Helene: But... this discovery will lead us back to the root of such disorder, giving us a chance to chop it down for good. I guess I find the darkest presence behind the Arzonia Family's crime, not Aki Honda or Michael Langdon, but something much older, much more sinister. Maria Arzonia may provide some information on this lost sister of hers. Hence, Father, we can--
Hugue: Helene, don't be so droll. This is serious.
H
Helene stopped speaking when Hugue angrily staring at her, apparently annoyed by her persistence. Nodding to Father Hugue's statement, Kristen gently petted Helene's shoulder like a mother to her sad daughter.
Kristen: He's right, Helene. According to recent investigation, Maria Arzonia has a bad relationships to her family except probably her mother, the late Felisa Arzonia (nee Rodriguez). Before we can make sure that Maria Arzonia is docile like Sister Mary Eunice, we cannot risk ourselves since she's still potentially dangerous. We may inform her later, but only after we can finally trust in her.
Helene took a deep breath and let out a sigh.
Helene: Right, uh, I guess I'll pertain my opinion thus far and follow your suggestion. Excuse me.
Helene then walked out of Hugue's room and left, with her words full of regret and displeasure.
Helene: Still, remember, I won't give up until I dig that fugitive out. I may tolerate myself for losing my job as a museum curator, but I cannot lose my friend again.
As soon as she finished her exclamation, Helene disappeared into the dark and silent hallway like a ghost. Hugue and Kristen looked at each other, unease.
Kristen: Are you sure about keeping this as a secret forever from Maria? I mean, we already saw a dead body... and recognized the M.O. in general from those members of that vampire clan, you know what it is.
Hugue shook his head and bit his lips.
Hugue: Michael Langdon is our only problem. You said you and your friends had confronted him before, in 2016... so why he had resurfaced in 2036?
Kristen sat beside Hugue and started to think about her past encounter... with the Anti-Christ and his army. She soon had an unsettling theory about this.
Kristen: Maybe it was quite the opposite. He might be someone from the 2030s instead of 2010s.
Hugue: Hmm?
Kristen cleared her throat as Hugue seemed to be baffled by her theory.
Kristen: I'll put it in this way... His power was originated in 2030s, after he rise as the Catholic Pope three days ago, and... somehow returned back in time to 2010s so that he could change the history, allowing Moloch to win the war after striking a deal to be his right-hand. I believe it has something to do with the Grand Grimoire.
His action really did loads of damage... just like the war he is waging right here, right now...
Kristen began to rub her sweat as she continued her guess. Thinking about her meaning in the context, and finally realizing what she was on about, Hugue's face became unsettled as well. Both of them had drawn the same thing, same conclusion.
Kristen: ... which means...
Hugue: We must stop him as soon as possible, before the history repeats.
Neither of them was thinking about Helene's proposal now. Michael Langdon is the only priority. However, neither of them would know one day, they shall regret for not heeding Helene's warning...
The Next Day[]
Next Day
9:00 AM
Maria's Temporary Bedroom
Looking her own face inside the mirror, Maria's mood was calmer than yesterday when she had a nightmare of frenzy. Maria sighed as she slowly remembered her new face and shape, the shape where God Himself granted her when she had saw him in the paradise...
Maria: So... this is me...
When she first revived, she still looked like her own former self, much younger, but now, she saw a refined and matured frame inside the mirror, much taller and leaner, albeit still skinny and with flat chest. Maria already heard Father Hugue spoke about the Catholic Rebels and Michael Langdon's agenda... in a safety distance.
Father Hugue Watteau stood not so close beside Maria, keeping a distance of six feet between her, due to still fearing she had potential threat. Kristen stood next to her, whilst Helene hid herself outside the door, peeking into the scene with discreet. However, her lie-detection ability granted by her Supreme Croatoan Virus was activating, so that she could detect if Maria was telling the truth or not.
Hugue: Ms. Arzonia... we already figured out your condition. Somehow, our Lord worked in his own mysterious way to bring you back... not purely in flesh and blood, but as a Spirit Guide, a rare chance. As a result, we now need an explanation to that.
Kristen: You already said that. It's twice now.
Interrupting Hugue's explanation to Maria, Kristen sarcastically leered at Hugue in a deadpan expression, pointing out he already repeated the words once again now. Hugue glared at her instantly after he heard it.
Hugue: In case she forget, so shut up... (voice turned weak)
Kristen: Hey, you...
Maria: Heh... Heh-heh...
Hugue and Kristen's argument were interrupted by a string of sad chuckle from Maria, who put the mirror on her knee and chuckled bitterly. Her voice had pitched much lower than the time when she was still alive, as a pure human.
Maria: Ahahahahaha... You're all dumbfounded, right? You're all baffled, are you not? You must have thought... Just why in the world would someone like me to be returned back to this world as a Spirit Guide, am I right? Ahahahaha... Ahahaha...
With a mixture of emotions, not knowing if she should be rejoiced or feel sad, Maria clenched her knees as she trembled and sobbed while still cackling sadly. Kristen and Hugue looked at each other to prepare for defense. Maria, however, slowly calmed herself down.
Maria: Explanation?
She slowly looked up into the eyes of Hugue and Kristen, but with more vacancy instead of aggressiveness. Helene, who secretly overlooked the scene, clenched her fist and bit her napkins when she felt some emotional turbulence within Maria and her mind.
Maria: Did you say "Explanation"? Again? Ahh... Curses. I don't even know how, when ore where this universe would end... much less giving you a perfect explanation. Yes, I met God Himself, and I confessed. I thought I'd never go to the stairways towards Heaven, but... He didn't blame me, but those who had coerced me, for whatever I was forced to did, for whatever I became.
Anxiously, Maria then picked up a newspaper about Michael Langdon's recent ascension towards papacy, as well as the revelation of him becoming colluded with Mafusa Gang, the KnightWalker Family, the Novosic Kingdom and the Ultimate Despair. Rage began to gather in her tearful eyes, as Maria slowly wiped her tears away...
Maria: If you really NEED an explanation, THIS will be suffice. Basically, I am just like you, all of you here. I share your mutual hatred and fear towards THIS man, Michael Langdon, but not just for revenge. He went far beyond ruining my life, and I'm here to stop Langdon and all of those that works with him, including Eckidina KnightWalker. Whilst I suffered in that shabby and wet hovel, these bastards added pepper in the spice by using me for their petty bidding and motivations, and now THEY had won. I... I know I'm also a killer, and you don't trust in me.
(Taking a deep breath)
Maria: However, I refuse to accept that those masterminds of war are still out there, raging war and riots to take control over the speech, using terrorists and misguided protesters as their tools to turn everything into disorder... I was weak back then, so I had to obey. I was a coward back then. Now, I refuse to follow the KnightWalkers any longer. It's time to let them pay, starting with my brothers... and ended up with the whole KnightWalker Alliance out and out.
Maria took a deep breath and restored her composure. She looked at everyone, now completely calming her mood down. Her face became much more tender and much less aggressive.
Maria: I remembered all I have gone through before my death, being a mere mindless tool for someone else, being a kicking bag for some sort of abusers that pushed me with moral kidnapping. In addition, for those sins that I had committed, those crimes that could have condemned me for all eternity... I will atone them as I now have a ... second... chance.
Maria finally released all of the pressure inside her and calmed herself down. Hugue and Kristen looked at each other, and they looked at Helene, who started to freak out when they noticed her. Hugue made a "hush" gesture to her, and Helene made a sign language at them.
Helene: [Her feelings are real. She really tries to help us and the humanity to fight for survival. She tries to atone for her sins.]
Hugue nodded after knowing what Helene was on about. Then, he nodded with a smile at Maria.
Hugue: Good, you're in. Nevertheless, you need to contribute to prove it to us so that we can really believe in you. That is the only request.
Maria looked down on her knees and nodded calmly. She then removed her quilt and tried to walk down from the bed.
Maria: Thank you. Ah... It's good to be alive. Now, allow me to...
Kristen: Excuse me, hold on a second...
Kristen interrupted Maria when the latter uncovered her quilt. Maria was shocked when she first get to take a look at her legs, which she could feel once more. They became longer than she had expected, and now her pajama became shorter than yesterday, leaving half of her bare thighs outside. Maria immediately covered her bare legs once again.
Maria: W-what happened to me?
Kristen: That's what I'm about to tell you... Your clothes no longer fits, because... You grew.
Maria looked at Kristen in blank surprise, as the latter shrugged her shoulders, embarrassed.
- Kristen: It's so strange that you rapidly grew two inches in one night. My conpound eyes can't make it wrong in calculations.
Maria: C-compound eyes?
Maria showed no more shocked reaction in how this woman Kristen had noticed her height. Instead, she was curious at the compound eyes that Kristen mentioned.
Maria: I heard that insects has compound eyes, but you seemed to be a human, like me.
Kristen merely shrugged her shoulder and waved her hand.
Kristen: That's for another day. You don't need to know.
Kristen then stood up and made a yawn, not focusing on Maria anymore. Instead, she turned around and looked at Hugue.
Kristen: Aw, thank you for coming to see me, Father de Watteau. Thanks for protecting my family and my friends from the STAR LABS. I'll move from this house for tomorrow... This girl has come back from the death out of, um, your God's grace, and I guess it's time to summon your brethren from the Catholic renegades.
Kristen then started to flip her hair in an aloof manner. It was apparent that Kristen never believed in the biblical God, judging from her word, so she was never a part of Catholic Church or any other Christianity Church. Curtsying politely, Kristen swiftly dropped a large money back.
Kristen: I pay twice of my monthly rent, Father. Buy this girl some foods. I assume she is hungry, and no girls can resist sweets.
Kristen then handed some candy and put it inside Maria's palm. Maria slightly looked up and saw Kristen with her aloof face.
Kristen: I don't know if Almighty is throwing you away or trying to put a test on you, since every Gods could be cruel sometimes, but He let you land... for something greater, and you must take care of yourself... the Angel of Flame.
Maria heard Kristen mentioned the "Angel of Flame" and immediately reacted in confusion. However, before she could ask more, Kristen made a finger snap and dissipated into golden mist, with bees suddenly appeared and flew out of the door. Maria couldn't help herself from shivering in mild disgust. Like many other girls, Maria was no fan of many insects, even if they were bees that were normally harmless to human. Butterflies might be one of the few exceptions, though.
Maria: Oh, she really is composed by insects... How bizarre.
Really, thinking about someone composed by insect swarm would make anyone get sick at the moment, but Maria tried to resist her disgust by taking a look at the candy in her hand.
Maria: But at least she sounds so much like a human... By the way, who is she exactly?
Hugue: One day, you'll learn, my child. Now, I have something for you.
Chewing on the candy, Maria looked at Father Hugue, who were sitting beside a large pot and pouring some sticky liquid into the bowl in front of him.
Maria: Wait a minute... Is it some, you know, some ingredient?
Hugue: Yup, it's chili oil... You'll get this when you grind chili and oil together.
Maria narrowed her eyes, baffled but curious.
Maria: Really? Well, I'm rather neutral on spicy food, Father.
Hugue: That's okay. I need you to take it... and some paprika... or you want to leave the bed?
Maria's expression became saddened when she thought about walking. She slowly removed a bit of her quilt, while keeping discreet. She looked at Father Hugue, who were focusing on grinding paprika. She start looking at her own legs, discovering there were still scorched marks on them, but they soon faded. Maria also noticed that pajama trousers seemed too short, her feet seemed to get bigger, and immediately she remembered Kristen's words.
Maria: * She said I grew two inches... Looks like my little growth spurts shall never leave me alone... How dreadful. *
Maria sighed in lament. Kristen was right, she grew taller than her original human form, when she was 1.68m. Now, she was about 1.72m. However, this was not the only point. Maria was rather surprised that she could actually feel her legs.
Maria: (think) * Now, what if I walk... *
Maria then looked up again and started to move her feet slowly and carefully, then suddenly, much to her delight, she soon discovered that she could walk again. In fact, when she was still a Cyborg, Maria was injured and disabled by the explosion so much that Eckidina KnightWalker's minions implanted device in her spine.
Maria: (think) * Very well, I can walk. I can walk again... I can walk again... *
Trying to adjust her reformed body, Maria then carefully moved herself from the bed and picked up her shoes beside her. However, things got embarrassed for Maria when she discovered no matter how hard she tried, she could never put her foot into the shoe. Instead, she only felt hurts.
Maria: (think) * Ouch. *
Pulling her foot out of her original size 9 shoe, Maria stared at her feet further and wriggled her toes, realized that her feet had fully outgrown her shoes. For a girl that pursuits modesty, nothing would be more embarrassed than that.
Maria: (think) * Oh, great. I'm the "luckiest" person alive. I'm now alive and have no formal dress to wear, and some priest just come here to say I'm gonna have my revenge. This is so embarrassing... to only wear pajama, walk barefoot and fight a war. So, here's another pair of shoes for the poor children. *
Maria put down her shoe and closed her eyes. Whenever she grew out of some outfits, she would donate them or send them to neighboring children that are too poor to but clothes for themselves. Hugue already finished his chili oil and walked towards the kitchen, preparing to cook. He didn't look at Maria but started to deduce what took her so long.
Hugue: I could see you having problems adjusting your new appearance. That's growing pain, perhaps. It does sound awful, but I already called some skilled tailors and they will make dress and shoes enough for you to wear.
Maria: Oh, um...
Hearing Hugue's words, Maria widened her eyes and gasped. She was so surprised and delighted that she forgot how to speak English completely.
Maria: G-gracias.
Maria spoke Spanish nervously as she gave her thanks to Father Hugue, and the priest smiled and continued to cook pasta.
Maria: So how exactly does the other Guide Spirits adjust their new life after all?
Maria looked at her hand and then, narrowing her eyes, she started to cast a spell... one of many spells which she heard several times prior to her painful but sacred transformation into a Guide Spirit.
Maria: .....................
Then, suddenly, Maria saw a fire ball lifted from her hand, appeared out of nowhere and illuminate the room. When Maria clenched her fist, the fire was gone. Maria's surprised expression soon became smile.
Maria: How amazing... To turn the power that killed me into my own power... Such a delight that God's fire shall always surrounding me...
However, when Maria mentioned fire, she suddenly snapped into some illusions and paused her words. Her mind went back into several instant flashbacks all of a sudden. Maria saw burning towns and crying people, before she saw herself lifting a gun and pointing at a pair of couple as they awaited for death...
Maria: Ugh...
It was a horrid nightmare that Maria tried to forget... the very first time she killed innocent civilians... even if they asked her to kill them. Still her hands was still tainted by their blood, and all the blood her following victims shredded when she unwillingly and unwittingly killed them. However, a kill is a kill, and she cannot go back. Maria stopped thinking about the event and sighed in grief. Hugue's words pulled her out of her thoughts.
Hugue: I guess this is fate, since you must have unfinished business to fix. Therefore, God sent you back to Earth. They said that heavenly souls of humans shall return back to mortal realm if they have unfinished tasks, and I guess it's time to finish yours.
After comforting Maria, Hugue then gave Maria a photo to her and she picked it up from his hand, before she sharpened her eyes looking at it closely. It was a photo of Carl Robinson. She started to have doubts and began to mumble.
Maria: I... I believe I saw this face before...
Hugue: Hmm?
What Maria was mumbling about made Hugue confused, but Maria quickly took a deep breath and closed her eyes.
Maria: Um, hmm, I can't remember... I'll seek out maybe later.
Suspecting that she might hiding or remembering something, Hugue narrowed his eyes and leered at Maria in confusion. However, there seemed to be no trace that Maria would uncover her full memory.
Hugue: You might seek it out very soon if you really met her before, because this man... is connected to our next rescue mission.
Maria: What?
Maria widened her eyes and looked into the eyes of Hugue in surprise.
Maria: Who is he?
Hugue: His name is Carl Robinson, a corporal at British Royal Air Force... and a supposed war hero who helped in stopping the recent civil war in London. However, this Robinson somehow went missing after he tracked down the renegade Second Princess of the United Kingdom, Carissa, back in Rome.
Bitterly reacted at the word "London," Maria stared at the photo once more.
Maria: London...
Hugue: He was presumed to be dead and was claimed by the House of Lords as such, but the Church of England contacted us and said he was under custody of the current Pope, Michael Langdon, believing he was no such person that would yield so easily.
Returning the photo back to him, Maria clenched her fists and looked at Hugue in his eyes sternly.
Maria: I know what Michael Langdon did to me and to many others, but I don't think I'm a hero, not even I should be. I only acted as first a member from Mafusa Gang and then a savage Cyborg working for Eckidina KnightWalker. If I'm returned to destroy Michael, then I shall slain him alone. Why did you hail me as a hero?
Maria's stern attitude only exchanged a chuckle from the sword priest, much to Maria's surprise. Hugue smiled calmly at Maria's doubts, and he gently petted her head like petting a tamed cat.
Hugue: It all thanks to Acqua of the Back. He told us everything. He is the only one of the few who I can trust.
Maria's lips started to tremble when she heard about the name of Acqua, the only one who witnessed her final heroic moments. Ironically, she tried to kill him and many others whilst under Eckidina's manipulation all along.
Hugue: We trusted the wrong person and gave the Church to the wrong hands. That liar killed my friends and deceived the whole world, letting you to take the fall. Many people believe that you're a villain, but we don't. It's the time to prove yourself, and it's not just revenge. Other enemies are here in this world, and what we need to do is to stop them. No matter how you hated Michael, don't forget that Eckidina and the KnightWalker Family is another threat. We need to take them down, of course, but for the sake of humanity, not to be regardless of innocent lives.
Maria remembered the day she departed with Vento of the Front and vowed to eliminate every evil aspects of the KnightWalker Alliance in order to bring an end to this war.
Maria: Yes, I know that... Don't worry. I won't let everything ends. If you really want me to lead this rebel, I'll accept, expect don't treat me as a leader. I'm just a voice on this field like you and many others.
Just as Maria was speaking, the door opened as soon as she and Hugue heard a doorbell. Maria and Hugue looked at the door and saw a young woman walked in.
???: Father Hugue, here I am. Is there a guest who needs a new outfit?
The young woman soon started to transform herself into another appearance, wearing pink blouse and pants, along with a pair of boots. She was also wearing a large hat. However, what made Maria curious... was the mask on her face.
Hugue: That's the taylor I'm telling you about.
Much to Maria's surprise, Hugue smiled and stood up, walked towards the female tailor who wore her mask, introducing her.
Hugue: Ms. Arzonia, allow me to introduce you to... Mademoiselle Helene Hawthorn.
Helene waved her hand at a surprised Maria and smiled sweetly.
Helene: Good morning.
Part 2 - New Outfits[]
5 hours later
Changing Room
During the process of making new dress and armor, the masked taylor carefully measured Maria's height, chest, waist and recorded them, before she drew her design on the sketch and quickly got on working. Helene peeked at the room and only found her Croatoan puppets and assistants inside, without any personnel of the Catholic Rebels.
She and her other colleagues (or more exactly, some humanoid Helene had created with paints) did both drawing and sewing work together and Maria watched with surprise. Maria was now wearing a pair of slippers (but without socks) and her pajamas, and the slippers seemed a bit small for her, causing her toes and heels to reach out their edge.
Helene: The dress will be based on Victorian style, just like you asked. Your only request is to make it changeable at your free will... and so that's it. Now, I need to make a measure at your shoe sizes. Now, please sit, and allow me to carry your foot to my knees.
Allowing Maria to sit down, Helene then sat in front of Maria and got ready to measure Maria's bare feet with her tape measure, starting with the left foot. Maria had a pair of large and slender feet, with long toes and pale complexion, and even her soles are pale. They were too big even for an adult woman. Even Maria herself was in disbelief that days earlier, they were slight smaller.
Actually, it was not easy for Helene. Maria's feet are so large and slender, that each of those feet are nearly three times as big as a hand of Helene. A petite lady like Helene, with both of her little hands, took herself for almost ten seconds to carry one foot to the midair. Seeing this, n spite of her difficulties, Maria immediately lifted her foot and put it on Helene's knees.
Helene: Well, merci. It's so kind of you.
Maria: Uh, are my feet too big for you to carry?
Helene: Nah, it was nothing. I can manage. Hmm... I see, your shoe size, in EU standards, is 42. Fortunately, haha, I'm prepared for that.
Helene chuckled nonchalantly as she started to measure Maria's foot, but then, her face turned more sullen.
Helene: By the way, Ms. Arzonia...
Maria had noticed some change in tone within Helene's words. Although she was still speaking with a mischievous tone, Helene' sounded much deeper and more serious than seconds before. Helene then looked around and found nobody was there.
Helene: Father Hugue isn't here, huh?
Maria looked around and found that blonde man was absent. She shook her head. Helene nodded as she wrote note on her paper.
Helene: Good. I need to ask you about something. I'm glad that he left us in private, so that I'll inform you without letting him knowing what I'm about to tell you.
Maria: If that's not about my experience in London, I'll comply.
Helene then measured the width of Maria's foot.
Helene: Don't get mad... It's about your family. Are you really sure... that you're currently the last Arzonia in this world?
As she wrote her measurement on the aforementioned note, Helene felt Maria's toes began to wiggle in her palm. It was all of a sudden, that Helene stopped. She nervously stared at Maria, whose face went down. It was apparent that Maria's mood took a turn to the worst.
Helene: I mean, your brothers are dead, and you're... resurrected and the rest is history, but... Do you have other siblings like those three terrorists? Like... a sister?
Maria widened her eyes and stared at Helene, who began to rub her hair with a embarrassed smile. She immediately tried to act droll and tried to change topics while rubbing Maria's left sole nervously.
Helene: I'll take it back if that bothers you or you don't have one. I just... I have a sister, though not by blood. I tell you this, I envy her stature. She is a temperament lady in more ways than one...
Maria: Excuse me...
Maria raised her hand and interrupted Helene. Helene then stared at Maria and moved her hands away from Maria's foot. Maria pulled her left foot away and slipped it back into her slipper.
Helene: Oui?
Helene's face turned serious once she noticed fear and anger in Maria's eyes.
Maria: You're right. I have a sister... or, more precisely, I had a sister. However, I'm not gonna talk about her now, signorina. Why wouldn't you inform Father Hugue about it?
Helene: I tried, on the first day I joined his faction. He said that the priority was to defend innocent people from the KnightWalker Family and the faction of Michael Langdon instead of just looking for a Mafusa Gang fugitive.
Maria's eyes narrowed as soon as she heard Helene mentioning the terms of the KnightWalkers, Michael Langdon and Mafusa Gang.
Helene: He's such a wreck on the priority. Do you know what he's ignorant and disregarding at? That woman is a member of all three of them. He's hopeless, but YOU should take notice on this.
Helene sent her measurements on Maria to one of her homunculus minion, that started to sew with clothes and picked boots and socks for Maria inside a suitcase that was, apparently, bigger on the inside like a TARDIS. Helene then stood up from her chair, clenching her fists.
Helene: Your order will be ready in one hour at least, my guest of honor. I'll look for information about your estranged... "former" sister after we're done here. However, believe me. If you meet that woman one day, don't be cocky. She's no that easy to comprehend.
Maria: Really?
Helene nodded as she started to paint her blueprint on her sketchbook.
Helene: Really-really. In addition, if you meet others from this so-called Catholic Rebels, remember to remind them about Guinevere, if you can remember. That Father Hugue is not an intentionally wicked person, but in times he might be utterly annoying and underwhelming in processing things.
Helene looked at the window and it was raining outside. The sky was gray and gloomy, just like Helene's mood. She was worrying, because three days ago, her visitor had brought her bad news, creating a moment of truth that Helene had been afraid of for nearly two decades.
Helene: One day, you might need my help, but I hope you'll focus on your mission. Just be wary about the fact that you're not the last Arzonia living in this world.
Maria: But...
Helene then turned around as Maria stumbled herself to pace towards Helene, standing behind Helene. Helene helped her to get balanced. For Maria, her undersized slippers were enough to make her hard to walk.
Maria: Where did you learn about Guinevere!?
(Guinevere... Huh, that's her name.)
Helene bit her lips.
- Helene: From someone she had killed.
1 hour later...
After Maria is dressed...
Maria: So... how do I look?
Equipped with dress and polished armor, with brand new boots and a pair of hat, Maria finally had a new form. Her body now glowed in golden light. Helene took a look with admiration.
Helene: Incroyable.
"Incroyable" is the French form of "incredible". Helene looked at the polished armor and dress. Maria then took a look at the painting of the armor not far away.
Maria: I think you're incredible, not me. Your own ability... is like magic, and your dress is... such masterpiece.
Helene giggled and pushed up her hat. She just used her ability to make the dress and armor on her painting come out alive.
Helene: Stop self-loathing. The outfit can only shine when it's worn by a true beauty, Ms. Arzonia Do you know how beautiful you are? You're making me jealous.
Though bluntly showing that she was jealous of Maria's armor and clothing, Maria was quite annoyed at her.
Maria: No, and I still don't get it. How do I make people be convinced if I'm in charge of this mission?
Helene stood up from her chair and pushed her chair away like some old habit.
Helene: Well, at least you convinced me.
Maria: I'm not. It's your work that appeased you.
Helene: Listen, senorita...
Helene walked closer at Maria and petted her arm very gently.
Helene: I have many works besides a tailor, and each of them has their standards, strict and firm. Remember, I only design clothes to fit their wearer's personality and ability. These clothes are completely fire-proof as they were made with special materials, and you can also change them at your will so that you can take different form and disguise, avoiding you to be discovered by your sworn enemies and keeping you & your friends safe. Besides, if you need comestics, I can do make up for you here.
Hearing this, Maria shook her palm at Helene and awkwardly smiled.
Maria: No, no, I prefer no make-up, at least for now. This is not a formal situation, you know.
Helene: Right, now let me show you something.
Helene then walked towards Maria and politely took her hand, leading Maria towards a large mirror. The mirror now reflected Maria's face and suit somehow. Maria was a bit of nervous when she saw herself in the mirror, now in an another form, taller, prettier, more graceful and more matured.
Helene: This mirror is specially made. It can reflect the souls of dead people that ordinary cannot see, and a Spirit Guide is no exception... but here's the point.
Helene surveyed her table and skimmed through the cosmetics and make-up, but she only stopped skimming when she saw a newspaper. She took the newspaper and gave her, as her smile soon faded away.
Helene: Take a look yourself, please. The man who made you painful made the front page, Arzonia, leaving you here... You told us to stop Michael Langdon, and your wish already came true. Fortunately for all of us, there're people stood against them.
Maria then took a look at the headline, seeing the news of Michael Langdon becoming the Pope and signed a cooperation contract with the KnightWalker Alliance. Helene's head lowed down.
Helene: I have no connection to either Catholic Church or the renegades Father Hugue talked about. I'm not even a Catholic, but I believe in my own Messiah. About my connection to those rebels, I merely saved some of them and provided them disguise and make-up, so that they could escape. However, some of them were falling into the KnightWalker Alliance's control, or more precisely, Langdon's control.
Maria: Yes... I know him... He did this to me...
Wrathfully clenching the news paper in her hand, Maria looked at the face of the man who wore the papal attire, standing in front of St. Peter's Ballisca and making speeches. However, she calmed herself down and set the newspaper back. The last thing she wanted was to make her newfound power lose control and burn down the attic. Maria then took a look at Helene as she started to lament something.
Maria: So you're a sponsor?
Helene: I'm one of many lost souls like you, and I only live for selling my humble handiwork. This is the way how I survive in such place, where culture is destroyed and history is forgotten.
As Helene started to lament, Maria immediately grabbed the money bag from her pocket. It was Father Hugue's spared money from Kristen's rent.
Helene: As you're special, you owe me no penny. This suit is yours, for free. I won't ask for payment from religious people especially poor souls like you...
Helene's voice was interrupted by a knock of table, with coins jingle altogether. Maria handed the money bag to Helene.
Helene: Quoi? (What?)
So surprised Helene was that she spourted French all of a sudden. After staring at Maria for several seconds, Helene looked at Maria in shock, and Maria merely stared at her with calmness.
Maria: I won't ask for owing people debts, senorita. Here's 1,000 Euros, miss. Thank you for your design. I like your artistic taste.
Helene looked at the money bag and closed her eyes, accepting Maria's offer. However, all of a sudden, she felt her heart began to get painful.
Helene: Now, if you excuse me...
Clenching her chest, Helene turned around and opened her drawers. Maria saw a huge amount of capsule within it.
Maria: This is...
Helene: This is not for you, but for myself... I'm haunted by side effects of my power source since I'm not perfect...
Clenching her chest, Helene took two capsules and gulped them down her through, while drinking a cup of water to wash them down. Helene then stopped clenching her chest slowly after she took her medicine.
Helene: Ah, that's better. These days, I'm also becoming a walking medicine pot.
Helene then snapped her finger and all of a sudden, Maria's dress changed once again, this time it was no armor. It became a fine dress of Victorian style with large sleeves and puffy skirt, and Maria now looked more like a princess instead of a warrior.
Helene: By the way, this is your... um, "non-battle mode" if you will name it. If you feel the armor too heavy, you can have THIS instead.
Listening to Helene's description, Maria looked at herself the mirror once more... and let out a smile.
Maria: Nice work. Thank you. I like it. It's such an honor to meet you, Miss... I'm sorry but what's your name again?
Maria didn't continue. She had forgot of the name of this tailor, painter, or perhaps more precisely, this artist. Helene smiled and bowed at Maria in a graceful manner.
Helene: That's okay. I'm Helene Hawthorn. Anytime, Marie, the honor is all mine.
Maria was bit of confused that Helene somehow called her Marie, which unbeknowest to her, is a French variant to Mary, while Maria is a Latin variant. Even so, Maria didn't protest.
Helene: So, it's not early. Father Hugue will meet you at the courtyard, and I'll continue my journey, but I'm sure that one day, I'll meet you again one day... and I'll need your help. Just take my advice inside your heart... Don't underestimate your estranged sister.
Maria smiled and shook hand with Helene, and two minutes later, Helene packed her tools and cosmetics into her large suitcase.
Helene: Au revoir.
Helene turned around and walked out of the room, followed by her assistance. Maria took a look at the grandfather clock not far away. It was 1:00 PM, and she needed to see Father Hugue, the one who informed her about the Catholic Rebels.
Maria: Catholic Rebels...... How intriguing
Part 3 - New Destiny[]
10 minutes later
Courtyard
After leaving the room, Helene went to the courtyard and began feeding pigeons by her side as they gathered and took the bird food from her.
Helene: Father Hugue...
Helene slowly stood up when she finished the pigeons' feeding. She adored those little birds very much, but at first, she had to gain answer from Father Hugue for an answer she believed he had hidden.
Helene: Let's get back to the problems yesterday. Is there anything else to invite me here besides looking after a girl who just revived herself before making her some garments? This isn't your style, Father.
Father Hugue narrowed his gaze and bit his lips, as soon as he turned around at Helene.
Hugue: I failed to understand what you mean.
Helene: Stop lying to me.
Helene walked closer to Hugue and looked straight into his gaze. She spotted a tiny glimpse from Father Hugue's eye movements.
Helene: You're lying. You called me upon here is not just for this Arzonia... but also the other one.
Filled with anger, Helene's pupils turned polychromatic at Hugue as she handed him a paperwork. Helene narrowed her gaze at him and bit her lips.
Helene: I had discovered Maria's mentality is currently unstable, merely because of her recent resurrection, just like I was when I had my first taste of Supreme Croatoan Virus. You know I'm the only SCV host you can reach by far, and you invite me to check upon her with my psyche. Still, you hides something that you want to avoid Maria from knowing it, because of her current instablized mind.
Helene: Three days ago... Someone... or some zombie, formerly a man, who was severely injured and frenzied, nearly attacked me in my house. The man stumbled himself into the floor after I stabbed him, and he only spoke about an implication that there's one more Arzonia still out there, not Maria, not the Brothers, but there is a fifth one still out there. It was that thing which worries me.
It was the same man who knocked on the door of Helene's house before she left when Maria Arzonia was declared to be dead. The man was greatly injured and in his last breath, he spoke the aforementioned warning to Helene, in his final breath.
Helene: He died soon afterwards. I had managed to gather some files after I robbed a stronghold of Mafusa Gang members, before I came here to find you fugitives for help. When I heard about your call for help, I though you dug into the root of the problem. However, you just put aside the main problem of this lunatic, who had killed one man that died in front of me, in favor of flattering me by making me to do my kniting job!
Hugue took a deep breath as he saw Helene angrily complaints the problems in front of him.
Hugue: It's not your problem. Stay away from this, Helene, since we'll gonna handle this situation.
Helene: I'm sure it is. It's ALL OF OUR PROBLEM. Someone killed my own guest and spilled the blood in my gallery! This is not the first time I have ever meet such a situation, but I refuse to yield this time! Maria still has no idea that this Arzonia - this woman - is outside and killing people for unknown reasons, and you have told me to keep it as a secret?
Hugue stared straight into Helene's eyes.
Hugue: Just do your work as a camouflage maker, and we'll take care of this woman! However, she seemed to be much less a threat than those three male Arzonias, since she never seemed to do that kind of damage. The priority is Michael Langdon, and leave this task of capturing this young girl to me.
Helene clenched her fists when she saw Hugue's nonchalant attitude towards this female Arzonia that is the fifth Arzonia came to know to her, with much less publicity than the Arzonia Brothers. Helene palmed her face in dismay and disappointment.
Helene: I hope you can make it, but if you don't take it seriously, one day it will become just another La Gloton case all in all. However, don't you dare to interfere if I'm doing my own investigation. Good day to you.
Helene's body turned blurry and fog-like as she let herself to become partially vaporized into a foam of chromatic particles. Those particles was taken away by the wind. Father Hugue stumbled back onto the floor and let out a sigh, biting his lips in sadness and guilt.
Hugue: I.. I'm sorry, Helene...
Just then, Hugue heard footsteps coming from behind and turned around, while making a smile upon his face.
Hugue: Here you are, my dear. You look brilliant.
Hugue immediately threw away Helene's negative feedback away and opened his arms at Maria, who just arrived with her new garments. Not accustomed to such greeting, Maria stepped aside and Hugue slipped on the ground.
Maria: I'm sorry, Father Hugue, but would you PLEASE control your own impulse?
Hugue immediately turned around and rubbed his head with an apologetic smile on his face.
Hugue: Uh, sorry, there won't be next time.
Maria let out a sigh and shook her head helplessly.
Maria: That's all right.
Maria thought about Helene's word of not to mention Guinevere to anyone else in order not to cause suspicion over the Catholic Rebels' current executives, as they cared more about Michael Langdon instead of Guinevere. A mere thug is truly nothing compared to a world-dominating threat, but Helene's opinion was quite the opposite, for some reason.
Hugue: Arzonia... Are you feeling better now? It seems that you're much better than an hour ago.
Maria: Thanks for your concern, Father. I just reconsidered your request and here's my opinion about it.
Hugue nodded in satisfaction and waved his hand.
Hugue: Proceed.
Hugue then went to a table and picked up a plate of biscuits. Maria took a heavy breath and let out a sigh of relief. Immediately afterwards, she narrowed her gaze and looked at Hugue. The later had just served the plate of biscuits on the table. Maria gave him a smile.
Maria: Thanks, mister.
Maria did not have the biscuit immediately and picked up a cup of hot coffee by her side, taking a sip and turning into a stern expression.
Maria: From your description, Michael Langdon is that mysterious thief who conspired with that Eckidina KnightWalker and turned everyone all around us woeful, is that so?
Hugue: Because that is.
Hugue's word made Maria turned much angrier. The cup of coffee itself started to tremble inside her hands. She narrowed her gaze and carefully placed the cup back onto the table.
Maria: I knew it...
Hugue: Now, tell me everything you think about. Begin from the beginning.
Maria sniffed in agony and her mind wandered back into the process of herself being driven back to the Earth after her arrival into Paradise. It was actually, well, some manner to a fallen angel, but Maria knew it was different. The God she believed in, whose name is Spectra (although Maria kept the name as her own secret), had reforged her body and sent her back to the Earth... because of the threat of this Anti-Christ, children of Satan sent to destroy the world.
Maria: When my brothers escaped back to Madrid when that Aki Honda, or whoever she is, was killed, they told me that some girl with flaming red hair and freaky power had finished her off, but they always believed that Aki is merely receded, and she will return. I find their words tiresome, just some deluded self-deception. On that day, however, whilst Aki did not come back from her death, Misogi Kumagawa came there... alongside Mikan Tsumiki, who is formerly a familiar to myself.
Maria took a bite of a biscuit to calm herself down, and it became apparent Hugue narrowed his gaze when he heard Mikan Tsumiki's name, alongside the name of Misogi "KnightWalker" Kumagawa...
Hugue allowed Maria to continue. He bit his lips as he listened to her talking, or more precisely, confessing about how Sonia Nevermind gained a new companion, about how she was coerced by her own brothers to attack facilities, about how she stole artifacts used for their immoral agendas, about how she was manipulated into troubles, about how she was saved by Vento of the Front, and about how she failed to escape until she had to finish her brothers off... without remorse.
Maria: ... When I attempted to finish off all those scums on streets that Eckidina KnightWalker had hired, that hooded man arrived...
Hugue: Hmm?
Hugue began to feel concern about the "hooded man" Maria just mentioned.
Hugue: Excuse me, one moment. I thought you mentioned a hooded man just now?
Maria nodded and looked at him. Her eyes were red and it was apparent she was holding herself from burst out crying.
Maria: Because I did. On one moment, however, I saw his eyes beneath that mask... The eyes of Michael Langdon, green and snake-like. I can still recognize that pair of eyes even if it changes color. I can assure you.
Father Hugue gulped and sat back down on his chair, with his worst fear was confirmed inside his mind.
Hugue: I need to sit down...
Father Hugue then bit his lips and rubbed his palms anxiously. He had now eventually proved that Michael Langdon was their so-called Unknown Grand Grimoire Figure, instead of Terra of the Left that they alleged.
Hugue: Now, let's skip the part of London and tell me. Without offense, but, uh... If you really was thrown down from Paradise as you proclaimed... what did you see or feel in this process? You don't have to answer me if that process takes only one day to, um, fall.
Maria: Very well.
Maria calmed herself down and slowly wiped off her tears in a sigh. She was really grateful that at least, Hugue did not ask her to remember her torturous memory within the KnightWalker Family's facility.
Maria: I had traveled somewhere across the world, space and time in a messy turbulance... before I was thrown into a void of space and saw her being trapped by Michael Langdon.
Hugue: Who?
Maria: Whom they called... the "Red-Haired Demon". The one who killed Aki Honda. Katarina Couteau is her name.
Father Hugue gasped in surprise when she heard Maria mentioned the name of Katarina Couteau as Maria clenched her fists.
Maria: Killing Aki Honda actually didn't stop the madness from the likes of my brothers completely, but her efforts of nullifying the Mafusa Gang's horrid actions in Asia is enough to earn my gratefulness. Or else, who knows how many innocent blood would spill? That's when I decide to return her my favor.
Maria then closed her eyes and had her reminiscent halted for real.
Maria: That's all I remember before I lost my consciousness, even though it might be a dream or illusion. The next thing I know is that I lied inside a French alley and saw you guys after I wake up. That's all for now.
It was like the end of one job interview. Hugue put his pen and notebook back. He was taking notes for recording Maria's testimony, and now he believed he gained whatever he wanted to confirm. He and Maria stared at each other as Hugue began to relent from his cautious expression.
Hugue: I see. So, God gave you a second chance to return back to this world in order to seek out and destroy that mastermind who fooled us all, in order to stop him from destroying the world. However, as you know, there's still a lot of people who doesn't share the same opinion with you.
Much to Maria's surprise, Father Hugue then went into his casual mode and began shuffling a set of playing card. Nonetheless, he still spoke in a harsh and stern tone.
Hugue: Remember, some of them even still hate you for what you did, even with sympathetic reason. You killed one of our best elites, even by accident. So, what would you do if you want to atone for this? Not everyone would forgive you for the evil you once committed.
Even without a blink, Maria immediately replied with Hugue's answer.
Maria: So what? I was running out if choice back then, but now... I want to be a good person, a fighter for righteousness and life. I was stuck in a false family and their miserable hovel for too long, and now I need to help those in need, particularly my... true family.
Hugue: Now, here's the vibe.
Father Hugue blinked as he threw two cards at Maria. Maria caught it between her fingers and took a cautious look. A Queen of Hearts and an Ace of Hearts. Seeing those cards for a few moments, Maria narrowed her gaze and bit her lips, as Father Hugue nodded at her, smiling.
Maria: I lost my heart back then... Now, I want it back. I don't need anyone to tell me whatever to do now, because I'm tired at being just a puppet. If that man named Michael Langdon...
Maria placed the cards back on the table, and Hugue recollected the card into the decks.
Maria: No, if that fiend named Michael Langdon attempts to scar the world and everything I'm relying about, then I'll let him pay, alongside Eckidina KnightWalker, her allies and her goons.
Hugue narrowed his gaze and thought about how Michael Langdon first met him in Rome. Really, it never had any sign that Michael Langdon had a problem. In fact, Michael never acted painfully to the church bells like normal demons, nor did he was affected by the crucifix. However, probably it was because he had sustained such torments due to his special power. No matter how and why, it was a heartbreaking thing to know Michael was such a fiend.
Maria: Those cards....
Maria spotted the cards inside the hand of Hugue, who cryptically stared at her with a smile on his face.
Hugue: Those were your belongings, probably a gift from an old friend of yours. We already saw your room were full of hidden papers that drew with imaginary friends and family. You even thought about piecing together with a new family like playing cards, while you play Queen of Hearts, because that's your favorite face card, right?
Maria: Uh, I...
Hugue: You also imagined a faction you organized to fight Aki Honda, and it was separated into four sub-factions according to the four suits of playing cards themselves, huh? Quite an imaginary.
Maria widened her eyes and looked at Father Hugue with alert and surprise, but the latter merely chuckled.
Maria: T-that was just a childish... imaginary! I didn't try to...
Hugue: Don't worry, my dear. That's understandable, knowing you were the daughter of a murderous criminal and sister to three thugs that are both abusive and dangerous.
Hugue stopped chuckling and became serious once more. He went closer to Maria, but not too close since he still maintained politeness towards her, even though she was like a fugitive giving herself in, no matter seen from whose perspective.
Hugue: Anyone would try to flee and get free from such pain, but fleeing and imagining things doesn't solve any problem at all. If you want to make family and friend, now it's the time to prove yourself that you can help us... and stop him. You have made your point quite clearly if not specifically, but all we need to see is proof, and that proof is provided by a task you need to finish as a test...
Hugue sighed and shrugged his shoulder as Maria silently listened to his own opinion, with her determined gaze retained. Now, she was thinking about what to do next in her plans to face such an upcoming test.
Hugue: Once you find the true meaning of a family, once you meet the right and worthy people to be bonded with, then your wish will be realized. Still, it needs efforts, if that is what you wish.
Hearing this, Maria nodded with confidence.
Maria: Yes, it is. No matter how this Catholic Rebels will become, no matter if anyone will forgive me for what I did, all I'm going to do is what I should do... or what I should have done. I won't run away or become a puppet anymore. Now... what is your task?
Hugue took a photo and placed it in front of Maria.
Hugue: Does this ring a bell to you?
Maria narrowed her gaze and spotted the photo. It showed the face a young and fearsome-looking Englishman in his twenties, with bleached hair, half black and half silver, and a pair of brown eyes. The man was wearing a hat and a uniform of British Royal Air Force.
Maria: Hmm... I must have met him somewhere, in London, when I was...
Maria halted for a bit and realized when and where she might have seen this man. However, that brought back her worst memory as she clenched her fists. In three seconds, she began to mutter with remorse.
Maria: ... when I was under Eckidina KnightWalker's control and killed a couple of innocent people. I saw him once, but he never noticed me. We just passed each other.
Hugue nodded in surprise when he saw Maria dared to spoke out her crimes, with regrets. However, he wasted no time to explain.
Hugue: Yes, you might have seen him if your memory is correct. Anyway, this young man is Coporal Carl Robinson from Royal Air Force, who originally participated in the battle against Carissa and her renegade faction. He had some kind of immense magic power, and was now on his way to capture Carissa in Italy. Currently, it was rumored that he had surrendered himself to Michael Langdon and deserted his comrade just a day ago.
Sullen, Hugue gulped at first and then, he showed Maria another letter and a photo of a white-haired woman. It was Melancholia, Michael's second-in-command.
Hugue: Nonetheless, here's the deal. The Church of England and some other comrades of Mr. Robinson had contacted the fugitives that they discovered evidence that Carl never deserted his comrades, but instead, he was captured. They asked us to make a rendezvous in Italy after they rescue him.
Maria took a closer look at Melancholia's photo, and somehow, she felt chill on her spine when she gazed into Melancholia's eyes... as if the photo was alive. Hugue continued his introduction.
Hugue: Despite this, I don't believe they alone can achieve such, even though our Sister Noelle Bor was on her way, but the square of Vatican and other places was guarded by the inquisitors, most notably this woman on the photo, who was rumored to be an evil fairy named Melancholia.
Maria clenched her fist when she heard Melancholia's name and species.
Maria: Melancholia, huh? I read about a book once, written by former police and later renowned fantasy writer, Frank Irving... In that book, well, she is described a remnant of the perished demon king Moloch's army, and somehow went missing after the previous so-called... well, the Period of Tribulations ended. I thought it was a work of fiction at the time when I was a child, since the book was written as a fiction itself.
Hugue nodded with his smile once more.
Hugue: That is a dramatization of truth, but still it's true after all. It looks like Melancholia is a remaining demon from the Period of Tribulation, and with your power, you can help us to defend our comrades... and defy her. She is now Michael's right-hand or so it seems. The choice is yours, and there is no salary besides our trust, so are you...
Before Hugue could finish, Maria immediately grabbed the photos of Melancholia and Carl in her hand, as Hugue watched in surprise.
Maria: It sounds like this man named Carl Robinson was captured by remnants from a powerful demon king. There must be a reason that we're yet to know. I'm in, but I'll not stop on just saving this Robinson. I'll dig further into the reasons, so that we can gain a key to defeat Michael... and the KnightWalker Family behind his back.
Hugue: Well, I like your moxy, though I still have one tiny little favor. After that, I suggest you to pay visit to Knight Parcival's grave. There's someone there waiting for your arrival.
Ignoring Maria's confusion. Hugue shrugged his shoulder again in satisfaction, but then he picked a bottle of chilli and some paprika from his pocket. He then handed Maria one more photo, which was a young man a few years older than Maria, with short black hair and stern look.
Hugue: When you meet this man named Matt Butcher there, put chili oil in a cup of water to test him. He'll be there if he's really a man of his word, but you can test him in my stead in order to find out if he was trustworthy or not. If that is an yes, please recruit him to our faction. We also need his help, Arzonia.
This time, it was Maria's turn to be surprised. However, she was not impressed, only baffled. She didn't grasp Hugue's point to use a prank as a test to prove a man's trustworthiness, a man she barely knew or met. She sensed familiar feeling from the man's face, but it was still a photo, not the man in the flesh, so she didn't get the reason to do so to a probably stranger.
Maria: Wait a minute.
Maria narrowed her gaze as soon as she saw Hugue acted much wilder and tried to escape.
Maria: Is it a part to test my trustworthiness by pulling a prank to someone we barely know?
Hugue gulped nervously. His cool attitude and voice began to crack.
Hugue: Uh, well, that's also for personal reason. You see, I actually know this man. I owed him 5 pounds worth of ink pen and dragged this debt for far too long, since I cannot find a new one. He kept pushing me for breaking his old pen by accident. Therefore, I'll give him a lesson and... I won't let him know, since he has the key to my privacy. He said he will spill it out to the community if I don't return him a new pen.
Maria: HOLD ON A SECOND!
Maria gasped as her face turned pale.
Maria: What is it? A top secret? Your embarrassed past? Your diary? If he really is such a bully of him, then I'll do you a favor.
Hugue: Well, not that much, but it's still important...
Hugue looked around and leaned to Maria, staring at his side to assure there was no people there.
Hugue: So don't tell anyone else. It was the score of my fourth grade's math test. Gosh, I only had scored 86 out of 100. So embarrassing...
Maria was shocked and enraged by Hugue's revelation of his little secret. She immediately transformed into her angel form because of the shock and rage.
- Maria: ONLY!?!?
A sudden explosion occured when Maria started her complaints. They both turned around and looked at the explosion in shock.
Hugue: What happened?
Hugue looked at Maria, who tried to step back in embarrassment.
- Maria: I DIDN'T DO IT!
* The Rest is For Your Imagination. Don't worry. That's not Maria's work, only the consequence of a passenby smoking near some gas tank. *
Act 3 - So the Stories Goes...[]
After returning back to her tent, Helene contemplated about her next move whilst thinking about the event days ago, about how Helene started to know about Guinevere Arzonia and her devastating ability. However, when Guinevere invaded the tent of Merry Melody for their members' equipment, Helene and her friends soon met the greatest peril they had met ever since that fatal day 16 years ago.
Maria paid visit to Knight Parcifal's tomb, where she encountered Acqua of the Back there. She revealed her new objective to him and the two made an agreement to work by each others' side.
Meanwhile, Magilou, who was still wandering around at the time, escorted a mysterious guest to the base of both Russian Resistance and Catholic Rebels. This visitor had her own agenda... and her own enemy.
Part 1 - Guinevere Arzonia[]
1 hour later
France
Arles
Merry Melody
After returning back to her tent at night, in frustration, Helene walked in circle again and again, accumulating her next arrangement counts in her mind before it became unbearable for her. She slowly started to grow more and more paranoid and befuddled.
Beatrice stood beside Helene and watched as she walked in circle.
Beatrice: Is it appropriate, my lady, to walk around like that? I bet you'll dig out a ditch with your feet by dawn.
Helene: I just don't get it.
Helene stopped walking and scrambled her own hair, messing it up. She seemed so full of anxiety that she could not sleep well, just like the person she saw as her big sister when the latter was frustrated.
Helene: When we were younger, Beatrice, we had problems warning the authority about the devil beneath our plainsight and just watched as those tiny problems became insufferable. Now, I see the funny side of it. Those... those authorities are the same, incorrigible beyond repair.
As Beatrice tried to approached her rampant little lady, Helene knocked her fist on the pillar and bit her nails eagarly. It was clear that she was losing her temper.
Helene: I know Hugue de Watteau is a carefree man, but that doesn't mean he can overlook any spark of darkness or act so cocky! I'm fed up with such person. (mumbling) Oh, dear, why did that revived girl earned such a partner in work to beat Langdon down? He'll ruin her.
Helene tried hard to control her inner darkness from breaching out of her own mind - the Croatoan Virus, that beast that still filled inside her heart, giving her power at the cost of one half of her sanity.
Helene: Does anyone else know what I saw at the Catholic Rebel's base?
Beatrice: No, my lady.
Beatrice felt relieved when she was assured that Helene cooled herself down. It was made clear that Helene's control over her viral body was improving. Helene nodded in satisfaction and smiled.
Helene: When I approached the Catholic Rebels after that fateful night, I thought they would help me out with the problem. I don't hate them, mostly, but Father Hugue's attitude really pushed me towards my edge. Now, I believe that other Arzonia - not Maria Arzonia, but someone else - is a pivotal minion of Michael Langdon. If Guinevere was only a small Mafusa Gang member, I will not be so distraught.
Helene's forced smile soon disappeared and looked at the window. Beatrice and other Merry Melody members became worried.
Beatrice: But the arrival of that unexpected guest had... had confirmed one of our worst fears... ever.
Everyone then started to recall what happened three days ago when a guest had visited Helene.
Flashbacks - Continuing Helene's Flashback in Act 1[]
As soon as she heard a knock on the door, Helene immediately opened the door as she was baffled and confused by such visit.
Helene: Sorry, but we've booked up. If you need more tickets---
Before she could finish her apologies, Helene's words were interrupted by a loud scream outside, and she saw a man started to lunge forward, straight towards her in seconds.
Man: AARGH!!! KILL ME! PLEASE KILL ME!
The most horrid point was that the man was badly injured, and his face was disfigured, with pale blue skin and fanged mouth, as his eyes and tongues sticking out. He acted like a vampiristic zombie. His presence shocked Helene and she dodged away.
Helene: What the...
Helene immediately dodged the man and raised her silver rapier, before she struck through the zombie from the heart, head and torso, leaving hundreds of holes on him in less than five seconds. Helene acted in a quick and agile move thanks to her petite figure and skilled agility. The zombie screamed in his pain and dropped on the ground, screeching but dying.
Helene: Hmm...
Helene immediately checked the dying zombie, as he slowly started to dying.
Man: What have I done to displease you... Lady Guinevere... ARZONIA? What makes you forsaken me... Lord Vykos!?
As the zombie swallowed his dying breath and died, Helene felt pain in her spine, as if she was struck by an electric shock all of a sudden. What made her even more shocked was the mentioning of...
Helene: Impossible!
Enraged and anxious, Helene immediately grabbed the zombie's arm and checked his body all over. She eventually saw a burnt mark of the House of Arzonia immediately after that, on the man's arm. She became so nervous that she started to sprinkle rhymes once more; her most iconic habit.
Helene: Argh... There's a fifth Arzonia out there? What a warfare. And... did he mentioned...
Unable to continue, Helene immediately got unnerved by the mentioning of Guinevere Arzonia, and she clenched her fist. Soon, the zombie had reduced into sand and laid on her hands, her thighs and her knees. However, Helene felt nothing but coldness. She felt her blood frozen when she continued to think about the name that man had repeated. Vykos.
Helene: It cannot be...
As Helene contemplated about the situation, a string of footsteps quickly started to approach her, which scared her again.
Beatrice: Helene! Are you all right!?
Not knowing it was Beatrice who arrived, Helene stood up and turned her rapier from behind, just in time Beatrice approaching her. However, Beatrice stopped running in time.
Beatrice: Whoa! It's me! What is this?
Helene widened her eyes when she saw Beatrice in front of her, and she began to withdraw her rapier.
Helene: Oh... sorry, Beatrice. I thought it was another zombie coming to get us.
Beatrich: Okay, Helene, I'm just here to inform you that we gets the new reservation from a celebrity who is Dutch.
Helene: Forget that Dutch. There is no time to rush. We need to retreat before we get mushed.
Beatrice: Just what on Earth you're talking ABOUT?
Ever since their departure from Sleepy Hollow, Beatrice hardly saw Helene had become so lost in composure before. It was like some kind of the greatest fear in her memory about to return. Their conversation were more like rapping by far.
Helene: There's a zombie who came here to SHOUT. He tried to attack me and torn my brain OUT! That's what I'm all ABOUT! Sadly now he is dust to dust and my evidence had went OUT. If you still have any DOUBT, the name he mentioned would ring you a BELL and you'll know how I FELT!
Beatrice shook her head in a sigh. However, Helene immediately realized she was overreacting once more and began to whimper.
Helene: Sorry, Beatrice... My old habit dies hard.
Beatrice: That's okay, you can tell me later or write on a CARD... Oh, man, I'm also affected.
Beatrice and Helene then looked at the pile of sand with concern, and the latter sighed in sadness.
Helene: To put it short, I was nearly attacked by a zombie, who whimpered the name of a possible fifth Arzonia who never appeared in public... while mentioning Vykos in the process.
Beatrice: What? Vykos?
Narrowing her gaze, Beatrice took a nervous deep breath when she heard the name Vykos. Sascha Vykos, the androgynus leader of Sabbat Clan of vampires, was supposed to be eliminated during the Period of Tribulations, but now... There is someone who mentioned their name again.
Helene: We need to leave this place for now, as soon as we can. Tell that client that we met with an accident and call off the reservation. Besides... make sure to make an investigation on Guinevere Arzonia next day.
Beatrice: Understood. I will.
There is no need for Beatrice to ask further. The name Arzonia and Vykos were enough to make her realize just why Helene was so horrified.
Beatrice: By the way, what's the dinner today? Something sweet to eat?
Helene nodded as she calmed herself down, before she handed Beatrice two large beets.
Helene: Yes, salad made of beet.
(- Carl: [narrator] Alas, rhymes again...)
Nowadays[]
Alfonso and Bubbly leaned on a column as their remembrance of that startling event had arrived back. Michael Langdon had deployed himself a dreadful and deadly assassin to kill, and the assassin was somehow related to Vykos. She even killed her minions with her only survivor had zombiefied and was sent to their tent to attack. In spite of this, just how and why did that Guinevere know who Helene was? They all knew the answer.
Helene: Hmm........
Helene clenched her fists in deep melancholy. She had already discovered that the victim was a novice of the Order of Flourish. However, considering they all had secret identity, they should not be discovered by a mere assassin, unless that Guinevere hid some frightening ability that everyone was never aware of. It was the reason that Helene was determined to make other allied faction to take this Guinevere Arzonia seriously.
Helene: Good Lord. I ought to have found that scorpion-like lady for help. At least, many of the Chinese do things better and more efficient. That "scorpion", as she herself proclaims, sees life much more vital than anything else.
Helene was mentioning a Chinese friend she once made during the Team Witness' travel in China, but by far, she and that "scorpion-like lady" had not be in contact for many years.
Beatrice: We can discuss about the "Scorpion" later, my lady, but I'm sure she's fine. Anyway, now have nowhere else to go.
Beatrice: ... which means we need to use magic to teleport, and that will risk our true identity being exposed.
Helene walked in circle once more and slammed her face intensely.
Helene: Agreed, guys. If my doubt on Guinevere's true nature is genuinely confirmed, we will be in a great, GREAT peril if we don't take it seriously. I must make a contact on the nuns of Anglican Church and warn them about this. They might have methods to escort us away from here, the faster, the better.
Helene then turned around and reached the telephone, before she made a call. After dialing numbers again and again, she anxiously waited for the news.
Helene: Come on, come on...
The dial somehow didn't work, and the phone remained silent. Vexed, Helene dropped the telephone on the table and screamed aloud, realizing something had happened.
Helene: Curses! CHECK OUT THE WIRE POLES!
Helene and her minions rushed out of the tent, only to find the wire poles beside it had been sabotaged, with broken wires lying on the ground. The generator was also broke down.
Helene: What in the world...
Horrified, Helene and her friends were in disbelief. Someone else had detected their hideout and broke down their circus' generator in a matter of seconds and without being noticed by anyone, leading to a blackout. The only light in the tent was candlelight.
Helene: Watch out!
As if she discovered something went wrong, Helene turned back to the tent as soon as she shouted, only to discovered that it suddenly bursted into flames. She bit her lips in shock and anger.
Helene: Heck, they're here.
Helene clenched her fists and widened her gaze to look around.
Helene: You bastard! Show yourself, whoever you are!
All of a sudden, Helene then detected some point-blank range attack near her and began morphing into a shape like octopus to block the attack against her. The mysterious intruder was blocked back and revealed her form underneath the moonlight.
Helene: (gasped) You...
Helene saw a young woman with bleached hair and carried two swords, standing under the moon. The woman was slightly taller than Helene, although not as the insane extent of Selina or much less Maria.
Noticeably, that intruder has a lean figure and a sharp chin, with a pair of similarly sharp and lean blue eyes just like Maria's eyes, but with much more malevolence shot from them.
Helene's eyes started to glow red when she sense such malevolence. She bit her purple glove and was clearly livid.
Helene: Why, you... Nearly hurting my precious friends? Sabotaging my neighborhood? Intruding my turf without any invitation? Breaking my stage? How rude.
Trying to maintain her composure and polite nature, Helene pushed down her wrath and prepared for her attack.
Helene: Tell me, mademoiselle, which do you prefer to become, a wax statue or a stone mural? Your choice. I can also make your skin a nice and broad canvas if you require other reservations.
???: That would be nice, but...
The intruder merely held a photo in her hand, and Helene widened her eyes in horror when she saw the photo. It was the photo of Baccarat Blueberry.
Helene: What?
???: ... I'm not here for the art, young lady. I'm here for your rings, and now I have one.
The intruder let out a wicked smile as she lifted her hand, revealing a large blue ring on her index finger, with its sapphire shaped like a piece of snowflake. Every member of Merry Melody were stunned in horror and rage. Helene widened her eyes and shook her fist in fury.
???: Oh, by the way, we're carrying its original owner to England, into our hidden device from London. There will something special waiting for him.
Helene: So you... you're...
Helene gritted her teeth as the intruder laughed loudly and threw away her cloak, before drawing out her sword.
- Guinevere: Yes! I am Guinevere Arzonia!
Part 2 - Maria & Acqua[]
Meanwhile...
Ukraine
Kiev
Knight Parcival's Tomb (Temporarily)
While Maria was coerced by her brothers and unwillingly joined their plan, she had killed several people out of her own free will, and she showed regret for all of them. During her previous action with her brothers, Maria accidentally killed a holy knight, named Parcival, who attempted to apprehend her.
This pushed her towards the cover of the wanted poster subsequently, and she became chased after, not long before Vento of the Front and Kyouko Kirigiri, who was one of the most renowned Ultimate Detectives in the world, revealed that she was nothing but a pawn and accidentally killed Parcival, not murdered. However, there were still people holding grudge towards it.
Maria knew that she still had someone to see, since she had several people's blood on her hands. She hardly remembered those people's identity and barely knew their name, but she had remembered that some of them included a couple in the fire, and a knight from Catholic Church's milliant.
She walked carefully into a graveyard, where several deceased victims of Michael Langdon and his minions were temporarily buried, most of them died of the incidents made by Carissa's riot, the Ultimate Despair and Eckidina's own subordinates, all under Michael's manipulation so that he could take over the Catholic Church and then destroy the world.
Maria: (think) * I have a feeling of that man nearby... *
As soon as Maria approached the garveyard, she looked around at the gray and gloomy graveyard, gulped. She then turned around to take a look over a large white tombstone. The name Parcival Romani was written upon it. She saw the short epithet upon the stone, which made her widen her eyes in shock.
Maria: It... it was...
???: Don't move.
Before she could think it over, Maria heard a deep and calm voice behind her.
Maria: Yes, sir.
Maria complied when she raised her hand. A tall and broad man with brown hair, dressed in white shirt and blue jeans, stood behind Maria, holding a large sword that was surrounded with blue aura. Maria felt chill upon her back.
Acqua: Turn around... Maria Arzonia.
Slowly and gently, Maria turned around carefully and remained her hands on her head, calmly stared at the man in front of her. It was Acqua of the Back, a former member of the God's Right Hand and a Catholic priest who once served as a mercenary for the English Royal Family.
Maria: Long time no see, Father Acqua. Three days has been now, and I suppose we both wasted our tears?
Acqua: Quit with the gibberish. Tell me, why are you here? When they told me that you was reborn once more, I didn't buy it, so I decided to find you and check it out.
Maria closed her eyes in a peaceful look. It was apparent that Acqua managed to recognize Maria, even with her new appearance and new dress.
Maria: I'm sorry for what happened to you... and this knight, but I know apologies can't settle anything.
Acqua: You're right. It can't.
Acqua slowly drew back his sword and stared at Maria with alert. Maria slowly put her hand down.
Acqua: Your brothers are dead people now, and Aki Honda is another dead person, but you've been their accomplice. Whatever that happened on you couldn't excuse you from killing many people. If it wasn't Eckidina who brainwashed you, I could've kill you once again on the sight!
Acqua then turned around to take a look at the tomb of Parcival. Ashamed at the core, Maria clenched her fist tightly and closed her eyes.
Acqua: We once planned to bury him in Rome, but considering that the church now surrendered to the KnightWalkers, we have nowhere else to go but to ally with Russian Orthodox Church, here. I should've know it was him who planned all of this.
Maria: So, you're with these... Catholic Rebels?
Acqua narrowed his gaze and sternly turned to Maria, which made her utterly timid and nervous.
Acqua: Catholic Rebels? Yes, this is founded by Catholic Magicians that got cast out by the current papacy and attempts to free it from the control of the KnightWalker Alliance. Michael Langdon is still alive, and now... he's at war with us.
Acqua closed his eyes and began reminiscent about the whole scene.
Acqua: A young man under the Royal Air Force's service defeated former Princess Carissa and ended the Civil War, but the former Second Princess was rescued by something mysterious when she was under the custody. We deduce that the mysterious being is an affiliate to Eckidina KnightWalker, and Carissa might currently resides in Rome. I still don't know why she raised such a coup, since she acted possibly... beyond mind control. I know that young man. His name was Carl Robinson, and he was sent to Italy, hoping to find her.
Acqua then opened a newspaper, with the cover writing about Carl Robinson had deserted his team members and betrayed them, before he was killed off by the Papal Knights. As we learned later, it was fabricated.
Acqua: He never did return, and his closest comrade, subordinate and friend named Matt Butcher, a very young officer probably a bit older than you, had contacted me and the Royal Family, hoping to find him back, unscathed.
Maria lightly touched her own chin and thought about the words given by Father Hugue some time ago.
Maria: I see... Father Hugue mentioned that to you. As for the man named Matt Butcher, I had a feeling of knowing him, and I don't know why. Father Hugue asked me to look for him, since rumors has it that he is now a part of some secret mission now.
Maria shrugged her shoulder and smirked sadly, revealing the red peppers that were clanged tightly inside her gloved palms. Acqua then placed flowers in front of Parcival's tomb.
Maria: And... he gave me red peppers and some chili sauce to prank that Matt when I reached him, just because of some, uh, petty reasons, huh. I'd rather consume them myself instead of pranking him.
Acqua sighed and turned around, turning away from the tombstone.
Acqua: Nah, he's just that kind of a troll. Just ignore him. By the way, I assume that the secret mission he is on about... is saving Carl Robinson. We already had been planning to reveal Carl's innocence, but as of today, I guess no one is gonna believe it, particularly in an age when the royalty's fame dropped into icy holes.
Shaking her head with a sigh, Maria put the peppers into her pocket and closed her eyes.
Maria: I'll keep these for now, and I'll see if I can use it to test Matt if he is reliable. My method can be stupid, but I need to make sure if he has a good first impression to be capable. Nevertheless, it is I who will consume them while playing as a fool. By the way, how is the others? Those nuns that tried to capture me?
After a moment of silence, Acqua looked around and started to walk away from the grave.
Acqua: Follow me, Ms. Arzonia. Here's something I need to tell you.
Maria steadily followed Acqua as he led her to the gate, as he slowly and calmly told Maria about the recent events. Maria patiently listened to him.
Acqua: You know, there're still people in our rebels... that had a bone to pick with you, like the nuns from Agnese Forces, because you were a Mafusa Gang member... a former one, by no doubt. Even though you sacrificed yourself to prevent a catastrophe - something I told them to persuade them, there're still people in London blaming you
'Maria and Acqua then reached the gate of the graveyard.
Acqua: However, some other people believes that our organization needs a face, a person that can represent us and unite us, as well as helping every faction in the side of Anti-KnightWalkers in general. It took me a long time to persuade them, because you're the closest one who met Michael Langdon, the real Michael Langdon, face-to-face. Your relationship with Vento of the Front also helped.
Maria stopped walking when Acqua mentioned the name, Vento of the Front.
Maria: Godmother Vento? Where is she?
Acqua: She went missing after your alleged death within Madrid, blaming us for unable to rescue you and take you back. I should have act sooner to put you under custody at the time, before that monster can reach you... and all of us. If you want to recant, like you said, just try it yourself, and never get involved with the KnightWalker Family's war crime, ever again.
Maria bit her lips listening to Acqua's words, thinking about Vento and then, started nodding her head.
Maria: Michael Langdon...
Maria then turned around to face the graveyard and then the gloomy sky. It would start to rain soon, and Maria fell into thoughts.
Maria: Vento deeply cares about me. She raised me after my mother passed away. It's my fault she's gone missing, and I'll mend it by myself. Father Acqua, I know an oral apology is useless when I killed someone, and thus I give myself in towards this war... I'll help you guys, and more people around the world, to save the world from those wretched KnightWalkers.
Maria's hand turned red hot as she continued her angry speech.
Maria: They will pay for this, every last one of them. SHE will pay for this the hardest, that Eckidina. I swear it.
Maria turned around at Acqua and began to walk once more, with fire burning inside her eyes. Her hands' color became normal once more but her rage still maintained.
Maria: I'll find Matt Butcher, as well as Carl Robinson, as soon as possible. Don't tell anyone else about my arrangement, and I'll meet you in Russian Resistance's base. Pretend that you saw me for the first time, in mind and words, if you can. Please don't inform Princess Villian until the good time comes.
Acqua opted for Maria's suggestion with a slight flash of smirk on his face, but it maintained for just one second and became stern again. He was not expect that Maria discovered his secret past with Princes Villian, but he chose to keep silent on it.
Acqua: Just don't forget your action or ignore your past. From this day forward, while we may have difference in the past, we share the same enemy, and now... we must stick together.
Maria's reaction was firm and clear.
Maria: I know.
Part 3 - Secret Visitor[]
10 minutes later
Kiev
Russian Resistance Base
Temporary Camp for Agnese Force
Near the gate
Magilou: Check... and mate. What would you say about this, Olivia?
Sitting on the bench witjin a park, Magilou pressed the white queen piece near the black king and called the end of this game, with her face smiling like a little trickster. Another young woman with blond hair and braid, wearing a large hat, just stared at the chess board for five seconds, before shrugged her shoulder with a giggle.
Olivia: Well... good game.
The girl named Olivia accepted her defeat quite happily, and she shook hand with Magilou with a friendly smile. She stood up from the chair and watched the spot where the temporary camp of Russian Resistance situated. Olivia's smile then dissipated.
Olivia: Um, it's been a nice game with you, Ms. Magilou. It looks like we're now here, into my terminal in this city.
Magilou: So, you've got some words to say to the Patriarch of Russia? Uh, I don't think he's gonna accept your offer.
Magilou shrugged her shoulder and stood up, slowly stretching her arms and bounced up and down cheerfully. She then grabbed her newspaper and looked at the news on the paper today.
Magilou: There has been news report that Maria Arzonia's corpse went missing after her own, uh, previously... possible suicide in London, whilst Carl Robinson was presumed to be dead or imprisoned by the Catholic Church after his rumored act of desertion. Yeah, I knew about them, not... everything, but I daresay a lot. I don't blame the sorrow of the former, and I don't trust rumors about the latter, either.
Olivia: Yes, for sure.
Olivia nodded and picked up some photos from her pocket. She saw the faces of her friends, the renegades of Lunar Coven, and narrowed her gaze. Most of them were dead by now, including her brother. Those renegades quit becoming the tools of an amoral and unscrupulous man, a trash of society, who used them and abused their own power for his own gain to fill his jealousy. Olivia put the photos slowly back to her pockets
Olivia: However, others believed they were guilty... To me, they're just like I was, like we... Lunar Coven were, created to serve a coward and sent back five years before we joined Ms. Cordelia's school, in order change the future of his downfall.
Magilou watched the setting sun falling down and sighed.
Olivia: Look at what it brought us here and now, only three of us had survived in the end, whilst the rest were either eliminated by Moloch, or met their own downfall. Now, we're the US government's top suspect and FBI's top fugitive, and I lost contact with Bella last week, though I know she is safe with Lady Kristen.
Magilou: But it still gave you a chance to look for HER, right?
Magilou winked at Olivia and raised her eyebrows. Olivia was, at first, baffled at Magilou's comments. Then, Olivia realized what Magilou meant as soon as the latter continued her comments. Clearly, she was talking about another enemy that Olivia became hellbent on searching, just like how Helene became utterly persistent on searching for Guinevere.
Magilou: I mean, that earliest fugitive of yours, being rescued by a demon. You did say she escaped even before your so-called Lunar Coven itself took form, didn't you? You also said that she had presumably become a even greater threat instead of find her redemption, am I right?
Olivia nodded and smirked bitterly. She realized how much of an irony that she had to search for someone who escaped the recruitment of Lunar Coven, but had returned to destroy everything, instead of finding herself peace? What kind of demon had took her and corrupted her?
Olivia: Yes, I did... and she's here, in Europe. Somehow... I can feel her presence. I have a bad feeling that she's still out there, and she is at the side of our worst enemies thus far.
Olivia looked at her watch. It was four o'clock. Olivia stared at the setting sun as she slowly dropped her lifted wrist.
Olivia: Hmm, there's still an hour left. Sister Lucia and Sister Angele told me to meet them at the gate around five. They'll have an appointment with me as we agreed, as soon as I had information surrounding an unknown member from the Langdon Orphans... It's kind of important for all of us.
Magilou closed her eyes and felt the winter breeze coming towards her. She then shook her head helplessly.
Magilou: Hmm, Michael Langdon's ascension had caused many of us to face important and imminent problems. The search for solutions need us to drop prejudice, which isn't easy.
The nuns of the Agnese Forces were formerly at the service of the Catholic Church, but Michael Langdon's ascension and alliance with the KnightWalker Family had forced them out and joined the Church of England. Now, they were also helping the Russian Orthodox Church against the army of Michael's invasion.
Magilou: Anyway, I need to be on my move. I'll return back to this place for a while to see if you have a progress. I'm still on my journey, but as a witch, I can teleport myself to wherever I want. It's time for us to depart.. Olivia Oleander.
Olivia made a cryptic smile at Magilou and shook her hand.
Olivia: I understand, Ms. Magilou. Thanks for salvaging me in the Black Sea when my boat got capsized there during my investigation. The storm is coming more frequent quite lately.
Turning around as she seperated herself from Magilou, Olivia then walked towards the base slowly and steadily.
Olivia: However, the next time you see me, I assure you that you'll not recognize me at first, since I'm gonna make myself a disguise to wear. It can benefit my actions.
Olivia's word made Magilou widened her eyes in curiosity, as the former started to chuckle lightheartedly.
Magilou: I won't recognize you next time?
Olivia: You won't. I bet you won't. Find me if you dare.
"........................................."
Magilou: I will.
Smiled, Magilou turned around and summoned her broom, ready to take off. Hearing this reply, Olivia Oleander, one of the former spiritual successors of the long-disbanded Order of the Blood Moon, smiled once again and slowly touched the purple rose on her chest. She was immune to toxin itself, and this bloom of purple rose was granted by one woman as a proof of servitude... and that woman called herself Kristen Kiwifruit.
Deep inside her secret hideout, in a place where hardly anyone would know, Kristen lied on her bed and was having a nap. Her bed was covered with a bunch of bloomed white lilies, and it was confusing since it made her looked like as if she was lying dead during her funeral. However, her belly had swifted up and down, meaning she was still breathing.
Currently, Kristen was hiding in this secret hideout with her family, composed by one husband and many children she had with him. She now had a sigh of perpetual physiology of queen bee, like her insectoid pupils and an ability to give birth to more offspring after one single childbearing, mostly in the forms of fraternal embryos. Some months after leaving Sleepy Hollow with her husband, Crow Faux, while in pregnancy, she had gave birth to a group of sextuplet at once, four girls and two boys.
By far, she is the matriarch of a HUGE family. Crow and Kristen had children more than anyone else in the Order of Flourish. To develop her family even further, Kristen gave birth quite frequently. After merely five more childbirth in the following ten years, she now had twenty children by her side, and they were ALL born from fraternal multiple birth. Because she could stay young forever due to her immortality, Kristen's fertility was believed to have no bounds at all...
Eventually, Kristen's monstrous fecundity had made Selina Strawberry so terrified that she began to worried about Kristen's condition after so many childbearing. Under Selina's suggestion, Kristen decided not to conceive any children in the next five years, knowing she already gone weary. All of her children are human beings with special abilities inherited from each or both sides of their parents. By far, they were helping their parents as well as their family, and thus this big family was so far still functional. Her friends always joked that Kristen had gave birth to a witch coven and, as long as she will, she can even give birth to an army, something Kristen herself had personally considered as a huge compliment.
Kristen: ...........
Awakening from her slumber, Kristen slowly opened her eyes and took a deep breath. She had not been conceiving any children for a year,, but this did not bother her. Much to Selina and Crow's relief, Kristen had made stern but reasonable rules for her children in order to prevent a lethal dread each large family would face: the conflict between siblings. Her family now fully functioned as a beehive.
"Ring... Ring... Ring..."
This was the right time when the telephone in her house rang. Kristen went for the telephone and sat on her chair beside it. She immediately answered the call in wonder. Who would call her in such a nick of time, after she had examined a curiously resurrected Maria Arzonia?
Kristen: Who's this?
The caller was a girl with a calm and serious tone of speaking.
Olivia: (phone) [Is this Kiwifruit? This is Oleander. Finally, I get a phone. Is Ronald and Bella okay?]
Gasped, Kristen narrowed her gaze immediately after hearing the voice of Olivia Oleander. She was assured that Olivia would give her a call as soon as she had some new information.
In Kristen's point of view, Olivia kept three seconds of silence, and in response, she whispered to Kristen in a deep voice. Kristen knew that Olivia was making assurance to herself that no one pried into their conversation. She then made an announcement on the information as quick as possible.
Olivia: (phone) [I've already set up a plan to infiltrate the Catholic Rebels in order to confuse the terrorism organization behind Carissa's coup... who called themselves as "Orphans". They had borrowed the technology of Novosic Kingdom in order to produce new weapons for brainwashing. Carissa had started her coup for a reason, and now we need to help them in order to help ourselves. I'm now sure that this is Michael Langdon's doing. Some of those "Orphans" also assisted Terra of the Left, a Catholic Church member and formerly fugitive, to assassinate the previous pope. I suppose Michael must have something to do with them, considering now Terra was abruptly pardoned by current papacy.]
Kristen: I see. So, what do you propose?
Kristen sipped black tea from her cup.
Olivia: (phone) [I had just swap my identity with one of their fugitive nuns. Albeit temporarily.]
"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Kristen: You what!?
Kristen was utterly shocked that Olivia made such a proposal of her next step, so hard that she dropped her teacup on her lap, where the hot tea spilled on it. The cup rolled itself on the floor, fortunately not breaking apart, but Kristen felt pain on her thighs.
Kristen: Eeeeeeeeeeeeee...
Olivia: (phone) [What's the matter, milady?]
Kristen held her pain back and fetched a towel to rub her thigh. Fortunately, she was not injured. She stood up from her chair and began to clean the floor as quick as possible, all the while she continued her contact.
Kristen: No, nothing, Oleander... It was a mere accident... Anyway, you say you had swapped identity with a nun from those fugitives? You haven't even discuss with me about it!
Olivia took a deep breath and nervously sighed.
Olivia: (phone) [Listen, Kristen. This is important. According to a little bird in my group, Baccarat Blueberry went missing, rumored to have captured by someone else.]
Kristen: What?
Kristen narrowed her gaze and bit her lips. She already heard rumors of Merry Melody being attacked... and she never thought about it was true.
Olivia: (phone) [I need to take a new identity to find out what the Langdon Orphans - that's what I called them - were on about with Baccarat. By far, only disguising as one of the members in those fugitive can assure myself that I can proceed with my arrangements.]
Kristen: What about the original nun? I mean, the one you've swapped identity with?
Olivia: (phone) [She is fine, so far. She's currently in another mission within London to seek out any information behind Carissa's conspiracy, her current whereabouts and her usurp to the throne. Don't worry. This is not the first time I've even take risk to use others' identity, and I will never turn my back on humanity as a whole.]
Kristen began to calm herself down. She actually believed Olivia since she knew her ability as a spy and her master-of-disguise ability. However, she had one tiny problem still existed...
Kristen: Well, I believe in your loyalty, and I believe in your brain, but what I don't believe in... is your method. Remember, be soft and subtle. Don't expose your sadistic streak, and don't be the next Helene Hawthorn!
(- Helene: Hello?)
Olivia: You can count on me. Farewell.
Olivia ended the call, and Kristen put the telephone back to its place.
Kristen: Maybe I'll acquire myself a smartphone.
???: Mother!
Just then, the door opened when a teenage girl stumbled herself into the room. She looked very much like Kristen, standing tall and straight with long blond hair, an hourglass figure, a large white hat and white dress.
Kristen: Francisca?
Francisca is Kristen's eldest daughter, being the first one to born from the first sextuplet Kristen bore, seconds before her sisters and two brothers. Amongst her nineteen other siblings, no one shared so much of resemblance to Kristen much like their big sister. Francisca was just like a clone of her mother, if not a bit shorter and more timid than her. While Kristen is a loving and fair mother, no one would doubt that Francisca is arguably Kristen's favorite child, because she had inherited her mother's intelligence more than her younger siblings.
Francisca: Mommy, what happened?
Kristen smiled at her daughter and petted her shoulder.
Kristen: Just an accident, Francisca. I'm all right. How's the school today?
Francisca: Just fine, like always... only people in my class always asked me where my mother was. They only saw father for a few time when he visited our school, but they never saw you. I can only say my mother is always busy in all kinds of social affairs and jobs. My classmates, as well as their parents, were curious about you and wanted to meet you. They all wanted to know about the mother of some one who did wonderfully in the chemistry exams.
Hearing the words of Francisca, Kristen sighed helplessly and looked on the ground. Then, she took a look at her ring. There were two rings on her fingers, one was her wedding ring, and the other...
Kristen: Francisca... I can't do it. It's been sixteen years I've isolated inside this area, being in touch to nobody except those I was close with. You know my life's experience, but you don't know how much pain I've endured during my life.
Francisca: I know you're still a human, mother, and those parents shall appreciate if you can join their party next month.
Kristen looked at herself in the mirror and sighed. It was apparent that after giving loads and loads of childbirths, Kristen's face and stature was affected, and she seemed pale and distraught. Her skin was mildly dehydrated, and her face had wrinkles. Her mood seemed to make such skin condition even worse. No wonder why Selina had to make her stop expecting children.
Kristen: You see myself as a human, but deep down I'm nothing but a monster. For a monster, there will be hunters, including those power hungry people trying to hunt us down... That's why we keep challenged our own limits by giving birth to you and your younger siblings, as well as creating more spawns of myself to keep ourselves guarded. I felt I need someone to believe in and depend on, and they must be my own... What do you think if they knew about your mother to actually be a monster who can transform and live forever? A ruthless creature that can eternally produce eggs and give birth to children unlimitedly? Not to mention that I have this ring.
Kristen's face give out a glimmer of horror to her daughter, who actually flinched out of fear. Never did she see her mother so dismayed.
Francisca: W-what happened?
Kristen: One of my best friends is now captured... and now I guess I need to take actions. You just pretend that I'm still out for work - though there's no pretend now. I'm working on a mission for real.
After one second of pause, Kristen sighed and smiled at her daughter, before petting her head.
Kristen: By the way, Francesca, I heard about you going on well with your classmates. That's what I lacked about when I was in your age, my dear... Use your intelligence to help your friends and siblings in need, and don't be hubristic over any accomplishments. Hubris is my greatest weakness, and I don't want my children to be as constantly arrogant as I am.
Francisca nodded and was relieved. She winked to her mother mischievously with a smile.
Francesca: I understand, mommy.
Kristen: Good. Now, why don't you join daddy, as well as your brothers and sisters? It's the first day of winter vacation after all.
Francesca hopped away happily like a little bunny. Kristen sat back on her chair and looked out of the window.
Kristen: The storm is coming above all of us... I must prevent any harm as much as possible. I now understand how you felt... Crane.
Act 4 - Epilogue[]
Part 1 - (nowadays)[]
1 month later
London
River Thames
Hugue: Of course Maria never really blew themselves up, and the explosion were just a gas station explosion, because of accident. We never took the blame, but still we went into hiding. We soon retreated to Belgium and began to gather more rebels, and that's why the AX remnants contacted the Patriarch of Russia.
Hugue then looked at Vaclav, who merely stared at him with dead fish eyes, pretty snarky.
Vaclav: Well, you mean that YOU were the one who told Maria Arzonia about the Catholic Rebels... and persuaded her to become its leader, meet Matt Butcher, save Carl Robinson AND eat paprika in front of Butcher.
Hugue: I wanted to make her feed paprika to Matt, but who knows when she fed herself with it instead? I think that's intentional.
Smirked in a snarky manner, Vaclav then struck a pose, one hand on his waist and the other waving an imaginary cigarette.
Vaclav: You're such a duper. You just dupe her into making a card-themed new family and join a renegade, but still, nice work.
Hugue: Huh, laugh at me as you like, but I need to tell you that from that day, I somehow lost contact of that tailor... until now.
Hearing this, Vaclav stopped smirking. Hugue's words made Vaclav widened his eyes in surprise.
Hugue: That tailor, according to Noelle Bor and the other witnesses... recently appeared in Ukraine... before she disappeared. It was said that she is now in here, right inside London. There were also a girl who fought against her, along with the guests from the Witch Cult... Anyway, this is a long story.
Valnir silently hear about how Hugue described the whole situation, before he heard there was a girl who fought against the tailor.
Valnir: W-wait a moment, you said there were a... a girl who fought the tailor? Do you know who she was?
Hugue: She claimed to be one of the Langdon Orphans, and yet people all said she was not on the possible candidates of Langdon Orphans' member list. Our list is incomplete.
Before Hugue could finish, Valnir immediately walked forward and stared at him.
Valnir: We mustn't stay here. If the girl was "her" and she was within London, causing the tailor to arrive, we'll die at the girl hand if we stay here for one single minute!
Panicked, Valnir immediately grabbed Hugue's hand and dragged him away.
Hugue: Why? What happened?
Valnir: There's another ARZONIA FAMILY member you don't know—from the OLD Arzonia Family! The House of Arzonia. She is Michael and Melacholia's trump card assassin, and if we meet her here --
Before Valnir could finish what happened, Hugue let out a scream all of a sudden and dropped on the ground, with his shoulder being impaled by one of the fingers on a large red claw.
???: You think I'm gonna leave you both here free? You two is about to be judged.
Valnir gasped as he saw Hugue, burnt and mumbled, dropped on the ground and tried to struggle.
Valnir: This voice...
Valnir turned around and gasped in horror. He saw a tall man with red hair and cloth, standing in front of them both and sharpened his gaze maliciously. It was none other than Fiamma of the Right.
Fiamma: Gentlemen, where're you going? I waited so much for your arrival in London, so that I can get you both!
Hugue & Valnir: Fiamma!
Before Hugue and Valnir could finish, they felt their head got bumped. They soon rolled their eyes and trembled in pain, befor their sight went bluury. They soon fell into complete oblivion, and they only heard Fiamma's arrogant gloat and laugh bombarding their eardrums.
- Fiamma: This is justice. This is whatever you deserve!
In the streets of Vatican City, a shadowy figure jumped from roof to another nearby roof. It was a female figure who was wearing a white mask. After a leap after another, she finally landed herself not far away from the door. Then, the woman immediately take out an empty straw and put a needle inside it. She saw two guards guarding at the door. Then, she breath into the straw and blew out a needle.
The needle then hit the neck one of the two guard at the door and he immediately shook and fell on the ground, becoming unconscious. The another guard was startled and alarmed, but before he could react, the masked woman shot another guard, putting him into sleep as well.
Noelle Bor: I am coming, Carl...
The masked Noelle Bor immediately take out a long rope and threw the rope towards the structure above and the rope tied on a gargoyle immediately. The masked woman then took another leap, and she leaped on the wall, carefully climbing it...
Maria: Impressive...
From a castle tower not far away, approximately 200 meters or so, a person stood at the tip of its top and slowly watched Noelle climbing. Looking at Noelle, Maria Arzonia sternly glared around and sensed something dark deep within the city of Vanitan. She has just finished her prank with Matt Butcher, like Father Hugue said, and now she saw his determination to save his friends. She was now here to help him and Noelle, his own sister who had became a nun, to rescue Carl and fulfill all of their goals.
Beneath the tower, several soldiers of the Church lied on the ground, with their armors being scorched. Their corpse had shown some sinister sign of twisted humanoid, indicating that they were no long human. All of them were archers. Maria sighed as she knew those soldiers were, once, human beings. However, they were merely beasts, because of that sinister mastermind who called himself Pope.
Maria had finished those archers off so that Noelle Bor, whom she believed was here with the same goal, would rescue Carl Robinson much easier. Teleporting herself into the square, Maria could felt the altercation that erupted deep inside the castle, inside the army, as Maria watched the mysterious woman, now unmasked scrammed herself away from the papal knights, whilst accompanying a tall and broad young man with partially bleached hair.
Maria spotted the man with bleached hair... and she took a deep breath. That must be Carl Robinson... Somehow, she spotted anger, distress and horror when Carl just rushed passed her.
All in one instance, Carl made a surprised stare at Maria in the moment when he noticed her. Maria leered at Carl precariously as well. Somehow, his eyes shot fear into her heart, and she was confused. She barely knew the man, but he acted as if he recognized her already.
Carl and Noelle Bor immediately rushed out of the square. Noelle did not notice Maria, nor did the soldiers when they started the chase. She knew she would be dead again and again if she recklessly stormed into Michael Langdon's base, but she knew at least she could help her potential league members out. Looking at the army running to Noelle, Maria stood in the wind and smiled, as she raised her hand with a sphere of flame inside it.
Knowing it would be a war, Maria calmly accepted. God had gave her the second chance to atone and fight, and now she must never waste it.
- Maria: (narrator) * Bring it on, Michael. This isn't personal. This is for the greater righteousness. Make no mistake. I'll make you pay for playing everyone like puppets in your game! Remember, you have created you own nemesis... and she's coming for you. *
In Memory of All of Those We've Lost in COVID-19 Pandemic
To be continued...
Ending - A Dangerous Mind[]
A Dangerous Mind - Within Temptation - Lyrics
Lyrics[]
I'm searching for answers
'cause something is not right.
I follow the signs,
I'm close to the fire.
I fear that soon you'll reveal
Your dangerous mind.
[Chorus:]
It's in your eyes, what's on your mind.
I fear your smile and the promise inside.
It's in your eyes, what's on your mind.
I fear your presence, I'm frozen inside.
I'm searching for answers
Not questioned before.
The curse of awareness,
There's no peace of mind.
As your true colours show
A dangerous sign.
[Chorus 2:]
It's in your eyes, what's on your mind.
I see the truth that you've buried inside.
It's in your eyes, what's on your mind.
There is no mercy just anger I find.
I find.
I just have know, while I still have time.
Do I have to run, or hide away from you?
[Chorus 2]
It's in your eyes, what's on your mind.
I see the truth that you've buried inside.
It's in your eyes, what's on your mind.
There is no mercy just anger I find.
I find.
Afterwords[]
From Officer: This is such a long time between the last episode of Firenza Junior and this one. This is practically a prequel that explained what happened between Maria's resurrection and Carl's capture, as well as the motive behind Helene's involvement with the Catholic Rebels. The further episodes of London Arc will be ready as soon as possible.
This episode has some cut contents I later reconsidered to be added in later episodes to leave the impact coming stronger instead of serving as a dull surprise. Remember, this is a prequel episode and thus is shorter than most of the episodes thus far. However, It also explains several stuffs and will start a recton and some events that would last in the entire London Arc. SEVERAL PARTS OF THE FIRST FIVE EPISODES WOULD BE RECONNECTED AND REVISED. That's the only thing I can leak about...
Eventually, it's good to be back. I hope everyone is fine and I hope we can endure such a time like this, together.
From CIS: Another character from LOTM: WoSH is ready. See: Scarlet Scorpion, a homage character to the 1978 film, Five Deadly Venoms, produced in Hong Kong, now a Special Administritive Region of China (then still occupied by the United Kingdom until 1997). The said film is one of the most notable Chinese cult film with martial art theme. In addition, this said character will be presented as the first Chinese character (with Chinese nationality and citizenship) in LOTM: WoSH, only all in good time. Beware of spoilers.
From Sirin: Our next episode of LOTM: Sword of Kings, The Purge (Part 2) will reveal how the Order of Flourish scattered around the world, and how Helene and her friends began to travel around the world.
My Advice with COVID-19[]
Currently, our world is in a real-life situation of danger. The global outbreak of COVID-19. I know it's been a great hardship for all of us in the world during such situation, a global pandemic. During such a situation, all we need to do is to take care of ourselves, be patient and rational in this pandemic. Wearing surgical masks, reducing outdoors activities and washing hands are necessary, even for a healthy person, and entertainments on Internet is always a good substitute.
Above all, stay calm and rational, and DON'T BELIEVE IN ANY CONSPIRACY THEORY ABOUT THE VIRUS. Some restriction are necessary for the sake of our safety. After all, life is more important than ANYTHING else.
In the end, I wish all of us will be fine, and may all of those casualties rest in peace. My salute to every hardworking medical workers that contributes to confront the disease.
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