Night without stars
The rain has stopped.
Yet the wind entering through the window carries a strange aroma.
Roses and blood.
Sheena stands near the window, clutching her now larger belly.
Protective spells surround her, but the vibrations of a new magic make her tense.
Outside, a faint rumble of thunder hangs in the air, as if the weather itself is waiting for the approaching moment; this creates an ominous atmosphere that grips her, and each heartbeat of Sheena resonates with the cold air creeping in, enveloping her entire body in a foreboding sense of impending doom.
"Not Lamia."
"This... is older. Stronger."
A shadow of red and purple envelops the room.
The atmosphere grows heavy, like a sky collapsing without a sound.
In the corner of the room, dim light reveals moving shadows, as if invisible beings are preparing to fight against one another; they inhale the tension that has built; the walls tremble, echoing terrifying whispers that remind them no one is free from the watchful eyes of gods and demons, asserting that every action is recorded by a greater power that governs their fates.
From the darkness of that magic, a female figure emerges at the center of Sheena's protective circle.
Her skin was pale like cracked marble, with a dim red light emanating from its fissures, as if her flesh bore the wounds of ancient times.
Long, dark red hair glimmered like a night adorned with dead stars.
A black dress wrapped around her slender body, embellished with glyph patterns in the shape of chains binding wilted roses and obsidian; ancient tattoos of the Chains of Zeheroth glowed faintly on her chest and shoulders, serving as symbols of binding will and the weight of her purpose.
A pair of obsidian horns elegantly curved from her temples, golden veins pulsing within, resonating in harmony with the world's heartbeat.
The vibrational energy between Asmodeous and Michael intensified, manifesting like two inseparable forces; the air around them grew increasingly suffocating, as if the atmosphere itself prepared to explode, while the whispering winds against Sheena's face served as a stark reminder that the decisions made tonight would lead to consequences far beyond their lifetimes and reality as they knew it.
His eyes: shimmering violet, with a vertical pupil and ancient magical circles spinning slowly. The fire of obsession and destruction lurked within his gaze.
The aura emanating from him carried the scents of burning roses and the incense of betrayed loyalty.
Around them, the walls of the room began to tremble, as if responding to the magical pressure building between the two forces. A whispering wind filled the air, echoing with ancient, haunting murmurs, reminding them of the consequences of the impending battle.
Asmodeous.
Princess Desire. The Binder of Obsession and Destruction.
"Sheena Elyndra."
"Your time is up."
"Surrender the will you carry. Or I will take it."
Sheena gripped her magic staff.
The protective circle of Willcraft glowed softly beneath her feet.
Her cascading hair shimmered like morning dew, adding depth to the beauty and tension of the situation; in an instant, magic beams radiated from her staff, depicting gleaming dolphins leaping over waves, preparing to face the upcoming storm, showcasing the strength and courage that resided within Sheena.
"I will not surrender my child."
"Not even if you are Desire herself."
Asmodeous smiled faintly, but behind that smile lay the weight of ancient despair.
"I admire your courage."
"But the will you carry will destroy the old world."
"And if the old world is destroyed... I will be destroyed as well."
"I cannot allow that."
The surrounding universe exhaled, with flickering lights creating the illusion of shadowy figures enveloping the arena; it revealed a war lost between binders and lovers, instilling palpable tension; each clattering sound reminded them that the decisions they made would have unavoidable consequences, reverberating not only for themselves but also for the world around them.
Before Asmodeous could move, golden white light filled the room.
The sound of heavenly bells echoed.
Michael appeared.
His hair was blonde like flames, and his white armor edged in gold enveloped his graceful and strong body.
Softly, white flaming wings unfurled from his back.
In his right hand was the Flame of Aegis, a long sword of blue fire, symbolizing his divine mandate and burning resolve.
A strong wind blew, lifting dust and small debris around them, creating an electric tension that filled the room. The rumble seemed to whisper that an inevitable confrontation was near.
"I will not let you touch that new will, Asmodeous."
Asmodeous smiled, full of meaning. His face was surrounded by dark shadows, as if the darkness itself was alive and flowing around him, signaling a threatening power. An aura of doom emanated from his figure, causing the temperature in the room to drop and chilling to the bone.
Each heartbeat resonated loudly in Michael's ears, indicating the pressing need for a swift decision as the gravity of the moment bore down on him.
"Michael, the Angel of Judgment. Finally, you reveal yourself."
Michael stepped forward, positioning himself between Sheena and Asmodeous. Each of his steps echoed like the sound of bells, signaling an unyielding determination. The room trembled, creating an invisible vibration that made his heart race, as if it were connected to the impending disaster.
"The child conceived by Sheena is a human choice."
"A choice that neither the old world nor the new world has the right to dictate."
Time seemed to stop, and for a brief moment, Michael could feel the presence of all beings that had ever existed, the whispers of the universe supporting his existence at this critical moment. The flames around him blazed brighter, responding to his resolve to fight for the future that the child represented.
Asmodeous chuckled softly, but his tone was bitter.
"Choice?"
"There is no choice when the world is about to collapse under a will that cannot be devoured or controlled."
"You know that, Michael. When a new will is born, the order will change."
"Heaven and Hell will lose their power."
The atmosphere was charged with tension, as if the sky above them trembled with an invisible threat. A dark shadow enveloped Asmodeous, forming a terrifying silhouette that sent a chilling sensation creeping over Michael's skin. The evening breeze carried the scent of sulfur, signaling the power behind the magic that was about to be unleashed.
Michael raised his sword.
"That is the price to be paid to keep humanity's freedom alive."
Michael's heartbeat quickened; with each movement, he felt time slow, the world around him heavy with expectation, as if the pulse of fiery energy around them awaited the next clash in this high-stakes battle.
Asmodeous raised his hand.
"Flame of Devouring Desire."
The purple flames roared to life, forming claws of will that surged toward Sheena, each claw radiating a blinding light that seemed to bite into the darkness, creating an illusion of sharp curves that threatened, signaling that Asmodeous's will sought to seize everything, including that which was most precious to Sheena.
The roaring flames battling the darkness of the room created a haunting silhouette around Michael and Sheena, as if two worlds were caught in a destructive struggle.
Michael leaped forward.
He felt the strength building within him, flowing like lava ready to erupt. Each step brought both hope and fear, traversing the line between courage and panic.
"Purifying Flame: Scorch of Judgement!"
His sword emitted heavenly blue flames, slicing through the claws.
The impact of the fire generated shockwaves that toppled the stone pillars in the room. The roar of crashing stones filled the air, creating a thick cloud of dust that enveloped the battlefield.
DUARRR! The explosion echoed, shaking every corner of the room, as if proclaiming a warning of the impending destruction.
Asmodeous unleashed his next spell:
"Consuming Touch: Crave of the Forsaken."
Two massive hands of will formed in the air, attempting to grasp Michael. Each finger appeared like shards of dark mist, trembling with the awakening of dark power.
Michael whispered:
"Noctis Fulgur: Spear of Celestial Reckoning!"
A blue flame spear was created and shot forth, shattering the hands reaching for him. An explosion of white light engulfed the dark, producing a terrifying echo that reverberated throughout the room, as if time momentarily froze with every eye focused on their battle.
Asmodeous swung both of his arms.
A purple-gold magic circle appeared on the floor:
A purple-gold magic circle appeared on the floor, its intricate design symbolizing the binding forces of will and desire that linked the two realms.
Thick smoke enveloped the area around them, the scent of sulfur mingling with sweat, creating a chilling atmosphere. Michael unfurled his wings:
"Eterna Pyra: Flame Barrier of Sanctity!"
A blue fire circle appeared beneath Sheena's feet, creating a heavenly barrier. The warmth from the flames spread, offering an almost comforting sensation amid the oppressive tension in the air.
Waves of energy slammed against the stone walls. The walls trembled, emitting a rumbling sound as if they felt every thud of the unleashed magic.
Windows shattered, sending glimmering shards of glass flying like stars falling from the night sky; the night sky above the castle shimmered in vivid violet and blue, creating a surreal reflection of the conflict below, evoking a sense of desperation and loss, as time appeared to be caught in a trap, each second laden with desire and fear.
The clash of Desire and Divine wills unfolded in the midst of the human realm.
Asmodeous furrowed his brow, his jaw tightening as he sensed the pressure of energy surrounding him. He observed Michael, relying on his sharp awareness to read his opponent's intentions. The rumbling sounds of battle created a chaotic melody that resonated within their souls.
"You protect her too fiercely, Michael."
Michael shot a piercing glare, his eyes radiating unwavering determination.
"Because I understand something that demons cannot comprehend."
"I understand that the will of humanity, even when perilous, is their right to fight for; a right that cannot be seized or ignored by anyone, not even those considered higher powers."
Asmodeous retorted, a cynical smile tracing his lips:
"And I understand that human will often becomes the seed of destruction."
"I bear no ill will toward Sheena. But I will not allow that child to bring catastrophe."
Asmodeous summoned his highest spell; the magical voice quivered as if the very earth shook with the released power, signaling that a greater threat was approaching, one that could not be ignored by anyone present.
"Desiderium Cataclysm: Maw of Fated Desire."
A massive magic circle enveloped the ceiling of the room,
forming a jaw of will that spiraled like the Ninth Stomach Beelzebub,
yet filled with symbols of desire and obsession that had consumed hundreds of ages. The scent of sulfur blended with magical energy, creating a grim atmosphere that gnawed at every sense.
Michael responded, his determined voice filling the room:
"Ascension Pyra: Judgement Day Flame!"
His wings spread wide.
A blue-white flame formed a pillar of light that pierced the roof, connecting earth and sky.
Below the pillar of light, gusts of wind roared, shaking the palace windows that already trembled. It was as if the universe also felt the burning tension between the two opposing forces.
Both forces erupted upon contact.
DUARRRR!
The entire palace shook.
The crown of the sky above Elysvarre shattered, with fragments of clouds falling like shards of glass, depicting the fragility of reality amidst this battle.
The sky above Elysvarre transformed into a battlefield of will, with bolts of lightning tearing through the darkness, creating a terrifying shadow that lurked.
Sheena knelt, hands clutching her belly tightly, shielding her child with the last remnants of her Willcraft, while her heartbeat pounded like thunder, each pulse radiating a desperate desire to protect, even as the tightening grip of fear surrounded her.
Michael turned quickly.
"Sheena, hold on!"
In his peripheral vision, Michael glimpsed Asmodeous, a majestic and terrifying figure, standing amidst fire and will. The cunning gaze flickered amid an overwhelming aura of impending rage.
Asmodeous whispered:
"I do not wish to kill you."
But I will strip away that will... if necessary, even if it means facing you in an inevitable and brutal battle for power and control over the very essence of existence.
His heavy voice thundered like a storm, piercing the void between them. In that darkness, Asmodeous exuded a wisdom laced with threat, raising the hair on the back of one's neck.
Fire and the will of Desire clashed once more.
Sparks flew in all directions, striking the walls of the castle and painting irregular glowing patterns; the air filled with the acrid scent of burning sulfur, creating an atmosphere thick with tension and evoking an unavoidable sense of awe as the battle raged on around them.