I woke up the next day and held my head. I looked around and noticed my head in Nagini's lap. I looked up at her and noticed her still asleep. I slowly sat up and she sensed me then opened her eyes. She looked at me then rubbed her eyes.
"Good morning..." Nagini yawned and stretched.
"Where...are we?" I asked.
"We are in Ra-to's Pyramid. She allowed us to rest up here and she used her power to heal us. We have a long day prepared ahead for us." Nagini said then stood up and summoned her floating platform then sat down on it, crossing one leg over the other.
I looked at her then felt her stroke my chin. I closed my eyes and blushed then held her hand. "Nagini..."
Nagini looked at me and smiled then watched me closely. I looked at her and looked away. I couldn't explain why my heart raced for her but it was a good feeling. I let go of her hand then held her cheeks.
"Why..? Why do I feel this way around you..? I..can't explain it." I said then let go of her. "I feel so safe around you...and you always protect me and know when I'm okay and when I'm not.."
"You're my Lab Rat..~ Of course I'm gonna know everything about you from your vitality to your location..~ I don't want to lose you so that's why I'm gonna keep you as close to me as possible..~" Nagini smiled.
I looked at her then nodded and let go of her. "We should go meet up with the others."
Nagini nodded then we left the room then headed to the location of the others. They were sitting at a table along with Ra-to, enjoying breakfast.
"Good morning." I waved.
"Good morning, Hisu." Liao Ru smiled at me.
"Good morning." Ataraxia smiled.
"Morning." Raiden greeted.
"Morning." Mona impersonated Raiden.
"Ahhh~ What a purrrfect morning!~ Well I gotta scurry-"
"You aren't going anywhere, pussycat." Nagini said as her green aura trapped Pryniau. "You're gonna contribute something to this war. You are a Guardian so that means you just protect this universe just like everyone else."
"Come on, Boss Lady...I am barely on par with someone like Mona and you expect me to fight against Fallen?" Pryniau whined.
"A bit of training won't hurt none." Liao Ru said.
"So how's the progress going? How many keys do you all have?" Ra-to asked.
"Two. The Keys of Anubis and Bastet." Nagini said as she sat down.
"Only two huh..? Progress looking pretty slow huh?" Ra-to smiled and crossed her arms.
"Very." Ataraxia said. "But that's only because we keep running into the Fallen and some other adversaries...I guess it could go quicker if we all split up into two different teams."
"But there are seven of us. One team will have an extra member." Raiden said.
"I beg to differ." A woman's voice said as she appeared via magic circle.
We looked at the woman and she looked at us. She had long rose gold hair that was tied into a low ponytail. Her hair curled at the tips and extended past her shoulders. She also had small elf ears. On the left side of her hair was a large hair clip with a Ruler's Gem attached to it. She wore a white top and black shorts with long black stockings and black boots. She also wore a white, black, and gold cape around her waste.
"Olympia." Nagini said with slight distaste.
"If it isn't the Snake. How am I still the traitor when you're the one who early doomed Humanity because of your science, Miss Ruler of Science." Olympia said then walked forward.
"Oh and we aren't gonna talk about how you could've stopped Fallan a long time ago in the Old World. You're the fucking Ruler of Ascension and that power rivals Fallan's own. You allowed her to grow stronger to the point we needed to use the Key of Totality to kill her. You even openly stated that it was your fault for not dealing the final blow. Do you know how much we could've avoided if you had just killed her?!" Nagini glared.
"Well I'm here now to right those wrongs. As the second leader of the Infinity Council, I'll be sure to help in every way I can to take down Fallan once and for all." Olympia said.
Nagini looked at her and closed her eyes. "Hmph."
"Since there are eight members, we can split into...four groups of two." Ataraxia said.
"I'm gonna take the furball just so she doesn't run away and anger any divine creatures by stealing something and selling it." Nagini sat then used her aura to pick Pryniau up and drag her along.
"Nya!!! I can walk on my own!" Pryniau whined.
"I'm taking Mona...because I don't necessarily trust anyone with her yet.." Ataraxia said.
"I guess I'll take Hi-" Liao started before being interrupted.
"No, I'll take Hisumi. I've heard good stories about her and I want to see for myself how true they are." Olympia said.
"O-Okay, guess I'm stuck with you." Liao Ru said to Raiden.
"Seems like it." Raiden shrugged.
I looked at Olympia and noticed how she was looking at me then blushed. I looked left and right then took a step back. "Ahh..shall we head off?"
"We shall~" Olympia smiled.
We headed off and left the pyramid. As we walked together, I couldn't help but notice how close Olympia was walking to me. I held my arms and lowered my head a bit.
"So...The traitor huh?" I started.
"I wouldn't say I am a traitor. More like mistakes were made, but I'm here to make all that better with the help of someone who was able to take Qiao Zhi's place in the council. You know it was hard trying to find another Number I after his untimely betrayal. I also hear that you're known as a Super Ruler." Olympia smiled.
"Super Ruler?" I asked and looked at Olympia.
"Yeah. You're the only one in History to wield the power of two Demigods. You've become so important, Fallan has ordered you be eliminated first because of your Will. You hold the power to become the strongest Ruler because of your special energy. While I was in the Infinity Realm trying to find answers on what your situation is...I read in Nagini's catalog that you can harness the power of more than one Gem. Something like that would kill any other person but for some reason...your energy is special enough to withstand more than one Gem." Olympia said.
I looked at her in shock then looked ahead. "But why..? This only fuels the idea that I am the key needed to end this war...I don't want to be the key anymore. I just want to be seen like everyone else."
"You can't. You're the Guardian of the New Era. The Guardian of the New Start. With your power, you can help this universe reach a new start. A New Beginning. A New Era. We need you as much as you need us. Without you, we wouldn't be standing here for as long as we are. Fallan is scared of you. Hence why she isn't attacking directly. She's afraid of awakening your true power." Olympia said.
"I'd have to ask Nagini about this hidden power within me...Seems like she knows more about me than I know about me.." I sighed. I looked ahead and stopped walking then noticed a singular Fallen appear in front of us.
Olympia looked at the Fallen as well then summoned her bow. She squinted a bit and noticed the Fallen looked oddly similar to Misao. "Misao..?"
I looked surprised and looked at the Fallen again. It did look like Misao. I had a flashback then gripped my chest and stepped back. "Impossible...I sealed her away...She can't be back.."
More Fallen appeared and I looked up then noticed them. Olympia looked around and noticed the swarm of Fallen. She grunted and prepared her bow.
"There's so many...The numbers have increased. Hisumi, disregard your emotions and focus on the battle.." Olympia said and looked back at me.
I looked at Olympia then looked at the Fallen. I unsheathed my katanas then nodded. We rushed into battle and began to defeat the Fallen one by one. I looked at the Fallen that looked like Misao and noticed she was just standing there. I grunted as I dodged an attack then stepped back. The Fallen began to surround me and charged at me at one. I bellowed and transformed into my Ruler Form, using my aura to blow the Fallen away.
The Fallen that looked like Misao began moving. She began to take out the Fallen and I looked surprised. Olympia watched as well and looked surprised as well. The Fallen Aura around Misao began to shatter off her. She vanished then reappeared and sheathed her katana then a barrage of slashes struck the Fallen and defeated them.
I looked at Misao and noticed her new appearance. Her hair was the same pink except it was down this time. She had fox ears and a small fox tail. Her outfit was completely different. She wore a white tank top with black one legged pants. Her left leg was exposed and she wore a long white and blue stocking. She also wore black and blue heels. She wore a black and blue jacket over her white top.
"Number VI! You scared the heck out of me! I thought you were a Fallen!" Olympia sighed in relief.
"My apologies...when I returned from my slumber, I had to blend in with the Fallen because of the fact that Fallan knows we have come back." Misao said. She looked at me and walked over to me. "Hisumi.."
I looked at her then tears formed in my eyes. I hugged her quickly and Misao smiled then hugged back. Misao held my head and ran her fingers through my hair. I kept hugging her for a bit longer before letting her go. Misao let me go as well.
Misua appeared beside me and looked at Misao. "You've taken on your Frozen Sakura battlesuit. Any reason for this sudden change?"
"Well, just wanted to go back to the old me. This is the battlesuit I wore when I first joined and it is currently my strongest form so.." Misao smiled then pet Misua's head.
We noticed more Fallen being summoned. We looked around us and the second wave of Fallen had more numbers than the first one and felt stronger.
"Well well...what a reunion!" A woman laughed.
We looked up and noticed a woman in the air. She had long white hair with blood red eyes. She wore a tight black dress with a black cape over her dress. Her demon wings flapped and she smirked at us.
"A Punishing Flames member...That's Kassandra..she's still alive..? I thought we killed all of them." Olympia said.
"Apparently some went into hiding a while ago. Now they show their faces as they are backed up by the Fallen." Misao said then got in her battle stance.
"Fallen. Strike Hisumi down!" Kassandra commanded then snapped her fingers.
I readied myself then glared. I began to strike the Fallen and noticed they were more durable. I bellowed and awakened my Raijin Eyes then began to strike the Fallen down in one blow. Misao and Olympia helped defeat the Fallen. Kassandra watched and summoned multiple dark arrows. One Fallen punched my face and sent me flying and I groaned. I landed on my feet and panted then growled softly. I dashed forward and prepared to slice the Fallen in half then a dark arrow struck my leg, causing me to fall on the ground. I grunted softly and slowly stood up. I looked up and noticed a barrage of dark arrows flying towards me. I bellowed and summoned a lightning barrier around me to block the arrows.
"Once you're dead, I'll take that Gem from your body and harness that power for myself!" Kassandra laughed.
"Hisumi!" Misao yelled then grunted as the Fallen had a tight hold on her.
"Let me go..!" Olympia grunted and tried to escape the Fallen's hold.
The barrier began to crack as the wave of arrows didn't stop. I grunted and yelled then my barrier shattered. The wave of arrows hit me and I grunted then fell to my knees. Kassandra sent one last arrow flying through my head then I looked surprised and fell on the ground.
"Hisumi!" Misao yelled.
Everything began to fade to black and my Gem slowly stopped shining. I closed my eyes slowly and soon there was darkness.
"Hisumi." A voice called out to me. "Hisumi!"
I heard the voice scream my name then opened my eyes. I was floating in water and noticed I was in the Spirit World. I noticed Aermyth looming over me and sat up quickly.
"Aermyth!" I said surprised then stood up, looking at her.
"Oh so you don't recognize me? Ha! Some Successor!" A woman said.
I looked back and noticed Fulgur then smiled at her. "Come on how can I forget you? You basically caused my friends so much stress."
Fulgur smiled then crossed her arms then looked at the sky. "Let's start off by saying, you were killed, but you aren't completely dead. I am keeping you alive for as long as possible with the help of Misua as well."
"I know that much, but how is Aermyth here? Didn't she die?" I asked and walked over to Aermyth and rubbed her head.
"She's here because she's gonna completely sacrifice herself to help you completely awaken your full power. This is no longer a save your world situation. Fallan is planning to take down the Human Realm itself. You're fighting to save the Universe." Fulgur said.
I looked at Aermyth then felt her nudge me.
"You and her will become one. You will acquired Lokia's Overlord Core. The Core of Drakes. She might be known as the Overlord of Deceit but she's known more as the Overlord of Dragons since she herself was a dragon. After this takes place...Aermyth will completely die and become a part of you." Fulgur said.
"But...I don't want her to die. I love Aermyth. She's..." I started and held Aermyth's head.
Aermyth looked at me then sensed my sadness.
"This is necessary for your survival and the sake of the Universe. With her help, you'll unlock 100% of your power. Your True Will be awakened. Aermyth will always be a part of you." Fulgur said.
I looked at Fulgur then at Aermyth. I sighed and closed my eyes. "What will happen to you?"
"I'll still be around. After all I am the Ruler of the Skies and a Guardian. I can't truly die." Fulgur smiled.
I nodded and looked at Aermyth one last time. "I guess...this is goodbye for good huh.."
Aermyth nodded sadly and gave a sad cry.
I smiled and placed my hand on her snout. "Me too...but look at it this way...we will always be together. Forever."
Aermyth looked at me and looked happy then I returned to reality.
"Why isn't this Gem Extraction tool working?! She's dead! It's supposed to work 100% of the time!" Kassandra groaned then felt a spike in energy.
I opened my eyes then my draconic aura surged and pushed Kassandra away. She grunted and covered her face as my surged wildly. I stood up and my hair covered my eyes. Misao and Olympia watched in shock as they also felt a spike in energy from me.
"What is going on..?! How are you still alive?!" Kassandra yelled.
I bellowed then roared loudly as my transformation and awakening occured. Kassandra grunted and covered her face from the sand that was being picked up by my energy. My horns protruded from my head and my aura grew more powerful. Aermyth's power began to combine with my Ruler Form.
"1,624...1,892...1,912...!" Olympia grunted as she watched in shock.
"2,280...She's S Rank!" Misao said in shock then her eyes widened.
My transformation finished and I stopped roaring then looked at Kassandra seriously. She looked at me in terror and took a step back.
"F-Fallen! Strike her down!" She commanded.
The Fallen charged at me and I stared at Kassandra. I walked ahead then my aura surrounded me and formed a draconic exoskeleton. The dragon claws swiped at the Fallen, killing them in one hit. I kept walking toward Kassandra and she stepped back quickly and panicked.
"What is this power..?! Is this the power Fallan warned me about..? Why did it activate now..?! How did she obtain it?!" Kassandra panicked then screamed and summoned multiple dark arrows and shot them at me.
My aura deflected the arrows then I vanished and appeared in front of Kassandra then my eyes shined brightly. I thrusted my arm through her chest and ripped her heart out of her body. She grunted and blood came from her mouth then she immediately went limp. I dropped her heart and took my arm from her body. I let her fall and watched the Fallen disappear.
Misao looked surprised and noticed Misua appear beside her. "What is that power..?"
"That's the power of Aermyth becoming one with her. She now holds a Gem and Two Cores within her. Fallan sensed Aermyth within her and feared this awakening because now Hisumi is virtually unstoppable. Sadly she can't awaken this form at will like she can with her Ruler Form but when this form is activated...this Ryu Ruler Form...nothing can stop her because not only does she obtain boosts from her Ruler Form, but she's also gaining power from the Draconic Awakening." Misua explained.
"This is the power I was telling her about...she might not be on terms of Nagini yet, but once she gains 100% mastery of this form and her Ruler...she will become probably as strong as Nagini.." Olympia said.
I reverted to normal then looked at my hands. I touched my head and still felt my horns. They didn't go away as it was probably a side effect of now being part dragon now. I calmed down and closed my eyes. I opened them back up and looked at Misao and Olympia. They looked at me then smiled and I nodded, smiling back. We decided to continue towards the next Pyramid to pursue the next Uprising Goddess, Sobek.