~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Chronicle Fifteen - the RE-incarnation of Seraphiel ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ The 'super-city' Aryahm. It was the most technologically advanced place on Earth. And the second most technologically advanced city in the Ashurian Empire, following after the paradise called Meshezabel. If that space city was the heaven of earthly advancement, then Aryahm had to be classified as the hell. This city was ridden with the bitter product of human stagnation, like a fruit gone overly ripe. Some people used to call Aryahm 'the child of humanity's demise'. But others didn't tend to enjoy hearing such a thing about the city. Because in most cases it was the one place on Earth where the lifestyle of the Sermo age could be enjoyed. This city had the needs of anyone born in that era. The access to public computers, paved streets constantly run over by wheel-less hover cars, buses, skyscrapers, train systems, underground railways. The buildings were made of imposing steel polished off and protected by mixtures of chemicals to prevent rusting. Three million people lived it its walls. Making it the most densely populated city in the world. The only city left that could stand against its old Sermo counterparts. Because of its stationing on the thin bridge of land between the countries of Northern Horan and Areopagus (the remains of Europe) it had a limitless water supply which was purified by the many underground waterworks stations. To some this was seen as the highest point of mankind's work in the Anthropos Era. Those were the opinions of the Ashurians who had built and designed the city to their own specifications. But to the people who lived on the other side of Aryahm's spectrum, those who were not immediately put into profit by the city's global magnetism and stellar development; life was far different. Aryahm was seen as a cage to those people. The steel buildings of pride billowed out thick pillars of smoke that hung in the air like shadows. Those clouds overhung certain parts of the city so thickly that it seemed like night most of the time. Those who had no talents in life, no redeeming features, were forced to either join the army and die fighting in other lands, or live in the kind of poverty that would have outshined the 19th Century of the Sermo period by far. Certain sections of the city were specifically designated to the poor. Most townsfolk referred to them as Meta Ghettos. The people living inside them were seen to be no more than scum; who could only be classed into two categories. Ones that wanted to be saved and so worked hard to be elevated in standing, or ones that accepted the hopelessness of the situation and indulged themselves in the most dulling and lecherous ways possible. The latter was more likely than the former. The only lucrative way of life for a man living in a Meta Ghetto was to sell drugs or human body parts for bio-technological use. The only way for a woman to make good money was to prostitute herself, bouncing from brothels to whorehouses. The kind of places that Ashurian diplomats in any echelon of the spectrum would come to fulfil their sick desires. To forsake either of those strategies in life whilst existing in a Meta Ghetto would probably lead to a short life. One ended either by murder (most likely by those who would seek your bodily organs), sickness (there was no free health care in the Meta Ghettos) or of hunger (and there was no steady food supply either). This was Aryahm. It was the grim place that Yumi, Tomoko, Fahlem and Terry now found themselves inside of. The four outsiders dressed themselves inside four brown cloaks to obscure their bodily features. After what happened at the St. Mary's Base, Fahlem had decided that the Ashurians would have put out an profile for each of them. Thankfully Skye had stayed up half the night programming fake ID Cards for them to pass through the many checkpoints on. Now that the Ragnarok System was back online, getting through any checkpoints without an ID Card was virtually impossible without force. The four had gathered together at a small steel house on the very edge of the city walls. It was an old hideout of Terry's when he had lived in Aryahm before deserting the army. Small in all, but it did have the one thing that they needed right now. And that was a computer terminal. The Kamiyashiki was hovering about a mile south of the city. Fahlem, Tomoko and Terry had taken the same jeep used at St. Mary's to make it this far. Only stopping to enter into the underground water pipes that ran in skeleton-like format under the city streets. Those pipes were big enough for Meta Suits to walk in. And so Yumi had come into the city via the Oriax which was now lying in wait for her in the sewers below the Terry's old hideout. After spending a half hour or so at the hideout with Yumi and Tomoko; Terry and Fahlem left for the Command Central. That was around twenty minutes ago. Though the headquarters of the Schutzenreich was buried in the middle of Aryahm, about three miles away from the hideout; there were trains that could take them into Command Central's district at any time. By now they were likely to have reached the walls of the base itself. Yumi and Tomoko were therefore left alone inside Terry's hideout. And the majority of that time alone was spent in silence. Yumi sat by the wooden desk of the computer terminal and busied herself with making the preparations necessarily to upload her Counter Demon Wall. Tomoko stood at the far wall, looking out through the blackened window into the hustle and bustle of the city streets. It was an awkward air between them. One that Tomoko resented with a passion. But she knew that this silence and awkwardness between the two of them was her own making. By kissing Yumi yesterday, Tomoko had changed the nature of their quick relationship almost instantaneously. No ignorance could be feigned about it. They both knew what this was about. And yet Tomoko was the only one of them who was willing to make an effort in fixing it. "How long are you gonna ignore me?" Tomoko questioned. Yumi was typing on the keyboard when she said, "...I'm not." "See, that's one of four things I've noticed about you, Yumi. One, you're insecure. Two, you're fragile. Three, you're constantly burying your head in the sand. And four, you're a crappy liar." "...What... do you want from me?" The Japanese girl asked. "Just tell me what's on your mind," Tomoko urged, "My God, it was a kiss. It's not like I threw a dagger at your face or something. How hard can it be to express your feelings about it?" Yumi kept on typing. "...I'm... busy right now." "Yeah, you keep telling yourself that." "Don't you want to find Lune?" Yumi prodded, stopping the actions of her hands on the keyboard, "Don't you think that preventing the Novus Deus birth is more important than..." Tomoko crossed her arms over her chest. "...Than... what? Than what? C'mon, speak already, Yumi. I'm not quite as weak-hearted as you seem to think. Or maybe you're just comparing me to yourself." "...Just leave it..." Yumi whispered, "...I... can't..." "What is it, Yumi? What do you want to say to me? Look, if you want me to apologize for making you uncomfortable then I'm sorry. Maybe I misread the signs. Whatever. I didn't mean to-" Yumi lowered her head. "It's not... that. I like you... Tomoko. I really do, I... just met you, but... that's the way... I..." "So then what's your problem?" "...I've never... been like that with someone. At least not... willingly. Not in the way that... I always dreamed of. And back in my own time there was... someone I cared about. She didn't feel the same way about me... and she betrayed me. That was over 6000 years ago... but I still remember it like it was... yesterday. I still have feelings for her... and when you kissed me... it was like... for a moment... that... I... suppose I could put it all behind me. But as much as I like you, Tomoko... I still..." Tomoko chuckled grimly. "...You're still hot for this dead chick. Right?" "..." Yumi said nothing in reply to that. But the tension in her eyes spoke greatly about what she was thinking. "...I get it. You like me but you're not ready to let go yet. I can deal with that. I'm not some little girl anymore. So don't worry about it. It's fine." Yumi looked over at Tomoko. "...You don't sound fine..." "Yeah, well..." The captain of the Kamiyashiki looked away, "...I'm not gonna pretend that I'm not a little disappointed, either." Once that was said Yumi turned back to the computer screen. When she did she bit her lip with guilt. Tomoko was one of the few positive things about the Sermo period. The last thing she wanted to do was hurt her. But Yumi couldn't lie about what she was feeling, either. Chizu Yagata had been her first love. It was an unrequited love, certainly, one that was centred around a fictional woman, 'Chizuru Matsubana', the disguise of Chizu. But that didn't make it any less real in Yumi's heart and mind. And those feelings couldn't just vanish overnight. Even though Chizu had died thousands of years ago, Yumi's memories of those times were clear as rock. Therefore it was impossible to simply cast aside everything and just start something new with Tomoko. No matter how much either of them wanted it. But the former Eros couldn't think of that now. And she knew that she had to concentrate on the task at hand. Finding out Lune's location. Once the computer was online and Yumi had access to the A.M.N (Aryahm Military Network) she went to work. First she slotted the disk with the Counter Demon Wall program into the CD-Drive and activated it from the onset. Instantly her fingers touched the keyboard again and Yumi opened a screen which led to Central Data Banks of Metatron. With the Counter Demon Wall in play, the Security Demons of the Aryahm Military Network could not pick up on her incursion. And more importantly, it blocked the Ragnarok System's own Security Demons for a three minute period. Yumi soon hacked her way through the system, using her software to surpass the many firewalls blocking intrusion. Until finally she was able to observe the now lesser-protected files of Aryahm Military, those inside of the Central Data Banks of the Aryahm super-computer, Metatron. Tomoko walked up to Yumi and rested an elbow on her chair. "How much time do you have left." Yumi's fingers tapped the keys as fast as possible without error. "At least a minute and a half. That's plenty of time." And so it was. It took a lot of scrolling and code-breaking in such a short period, but eventually Yumi found a data file that had been uploaded into the Central Data Banks more than six hours ago. One that spoke of the details of Lune's personal details, capture, re-capture, as well as her current location inside of Command Central. Tomoko peered over Yumi's shoulder and saw; NAME: LUNE WHITE - THE EROS - AGE: 17 YEARS, 11 MONTHS SEX: FEMALE RACE: EROS/HUMANOID HEIGHT: 5'9" WEIGHT: 145 LBS PLACE OF BIRTH: THE ISLANDS OF BAAN DATE OF BIRTH: UNKNOWN BIO-RHYTHM: 69-3 PSYCHO BORDERS: UNKNOWN QI-LEVEL (UNSYNCHRONISED): 1,340 QI-LEVEL (SYNCHRONISED): UNKNOWN WEAPON CAPABILITIES: NONE TRAINING: NONE FAMILY MEMBERS: DECEASED HOLDING POINT: CELL 19, BLOCK 2-F, CONTROL CENTRAL Yumi smiled a little at that. "...Cell 19, Block 2-F. That's where they are holding Lune. Now we just need to get this information to Terry and Doctor Fahlem." "Gotcha," Tomoko tapped a button on the earmuff-sized receiver over her left ear, "Hey. Terry? Are you reading this?" A muffled, static-ridden voice replied into Tomoko's ear through that same receiver. "...I... hear... you... boss... speak... up..." "Alright, I'll keep this brief. Lune is locked up inside Cell number nineteen of something called Block 2-F. You got that?" "...Got... ya..." Tomoko nodded with a sigh of relief. "...Okay. Over and out." With that, Yumi quickly logged out of the Central Data Banks as well as the Aryahm Military Network. The Counter Demon Wall's range of effect was now void. The white-haired teen stood up from the desk of Terry's hideout and turned to Tomoko. "You should leave now," Yumi said, "...I'll have to cause a distraction at the frontal walls of Command Central to give the others enough cover to find Lune." Tomoko removed the receiver from her ear. "...I'm not... gonna start being all romantic and fearful now... but... just be careful, okay?" Yumi nodded. "...I will. You should return to the Kamiyashiki now. That way you won't be caught up in the battle. I'll see you later, Tomoko." And she wasted no time in leaving after that. Yumi jogged out of the small metal home and outside, leaving Tomoko to ruminate with her thoughts. The hacker ran around the building and over to a trapdoor fixed into the strong ground. The same one she had come up from. Yumi strained and lifted the trap door upwards, giving her access into the waterways again. While Yumi was doing that, Tomoko ran outside and jumped into the driving seat of the jeep. She quickly fixed her key into the ignition and revved up her transport, its engine chugging with life. Tomoko pressed her foot into the accelerator gave a turn of the wheel, switching gears. The jeep drove out into the main road, cutting into the down moving traffic. Then when she started driving back towards the city limits, Tomoko heard a huge rumbling sound. One follow by a gigantic eruption to stone and fire. The Oriax burst from the street floor, tossing cars away and provoking the many sounds of crushed steel, broken glass, rumbling stone and tooting car horns. The gigantic Meta Suit leered over the smaller buildings below it, with the Kaiser Halberd locked within the grip of its left hand. Soon enough the Oriax took flight, bursting into the smog-like air of Aryahm and darting towards the city centre. That suit would provide one hell of a distraction. ...Though it didn't stop Tomoko from worrying as she drove away in the opposite direction. "...Please be careful... Yumi." ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Cell 16, Block 1-F. One of many sections and cells inside of the building known as Command Central. And it was also the cell that this generation's Eros, Lune White, was now residing. It was much like her old cell inside the South Shidou Investigative Research Department. It was very small, boxed in, and had absolutely no windows. The cell contained only the minimum things needed for a prisoner. A wash basin, a toilet and a lumpy bed. Lune sat on top of that bed with her hands still bound together by handcuffs. Her legs were drawn up into her chest and she wrapped her arms around them as best she could with the handcuffs on. Lune's head lulled into the egg-like shape she had position she had put herself into. Though she did not feel very comfortable or happy here, she could at least calm herself in fact that she was not being treated with any violence. Even the seemingly violent Aratia de Toscana had been considerate of Lune to a certain extent. And Lune found herself thinking of her. Aratia seemed so close-hearted and yet so wild, in a strange sort of way. But Lune could see through that shell. It was one of the reasons she felt herself to be so calm in a situation like this. Though the effect that meeting Aratia had was not planned for her. The third member of the Shinjinkai had delivered her to this place in the early morning. Once they arrived in Command Central Lune was given to the care of guards. Those guards were the same ones who brought here down to this cell. And Lune had been waiting here ever since. The Eros did not know why she was part of this whole affair, she didn't know why she was in captivity. But being in these conditions for most of her life gave her a sort of half-jaded, half-subservient ease in accepting them. This had been Lune's life for so long... it was only natural for her to cope this well. Then while she found herself thinking of Aratia, the door to the right of Lune started to open. It shifted to one side and a female scientist walked in. She was flanked by around three guards but they remained outside. When the automatic door closed once more behind her, the woman spoke. "Lune White? That's your name, is it not?" Lune gave a small nod. "Yes. That's me. Who... are you?" "My name is Diana Magnus Katrianna," She replied, "I am the leader of a scientific team called the Ministry of Metaphysical and Biotechnological Neo-Eugenic Research. We operate out of Aryahm, the city you are now in. I am honoured to meet you." "Honoured to meet me?" Lune wondered. Diana smiled that cold smile of hers. "Yes. You may or may not realize it but you are a very important person to us. You have a power inside you that escapes even me. But your role is a great deal more imperative..." "What do you mean?" "I suppose no one has gone out of their way to explain your significance. So would you like me to tell you this myself?" Asked the Katrianna woman. Lune bobbed her head again as a silent yes. Diana pushed her glasses up the bridge of her nose and said, "Around 12,000 years ago an organism descended to the world from space. We call it Novus Deus and my superiors think of it as a god. This god gave birth to a new organism which soon divided itself to become the ancestors of human beings. Then a certain woman did something. She tried to take all information to herself. In a way this act brought about the death of the god that came from space. And when that god died it split itself asunder. The two halves of that god became humans. Those two people and all of their descendants are called Eros and Thanatos. Roughly every century and a half they have to 'sleep' together and give birth to a child. That child will be the new god. Until now none of the Eros and Thanatos throughout history have been able to produce a child worthy enough for that. But you are different. You are an Eros. One which is pure. One that shall truly give birth to the new Novus Deus." Lune's eyes widened. "...Eros... God...?" "You will probably take all of this in as a shock. But I assure you, I speak the truth. I understand that recently you have met a girl named Yumi. Yumi Mishima? She was once an Eros. She was the one fated by destiny to produce a Novus Deus. But because we interfered in that process, destiny was re-written. So now the duty falls to you. Although we are interfering once again... there is no doubt that you shall spawn a new god." Lune looked away. "...I don't... understand..." "I will not expect you to," Diana stated, "you have been poorly educated by the operatives at the South Shidou Investigative Research Station. I blame myself for this. Because I know that I should have taken you into my own care to properly prepare you for your fated task. But such a thing is normally held to scorn by our... superiors. The father of Yumi Mishima was killed because of that same desire." "Why are you doing this?" Asked the Eros, "This is wrong." Diana widened her smile. "...Yes. For man to interfere in the wheels of time and fate is probably the mark of our own impurity. But we are no more than the guides to the future. Whether we interceded or not, it would have made no great difference to your destiny. You WILL give birth to the Novus Deus. There is simply no avoiding it." "Is this... what you've locked me up for?" "Yes. This is your one and only use," Claimed Diana, "to give birth to a so-called god. You should know however that your friends are making moves to rescue you." Lune blinked. "Yumi and the others?" "Yes. They will be here soon. That girl, Yumi Mishima... she will play her role to its fullest today. And thus stage five of my plans now begins..." ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ "So. Once again the Shinjinkai are together..." Aratia, Ryoufei, and Onaba, the three greatest Meta Suit pilots of the military behemoth that was known as the Schutzenreich; stood together in a circle with their right fists outstretched. The three shades of their skin colour reflected their ethnicity. And their action showed off their unity. Of all the military divisions that worked on the Earth Sphere, Meta Suit-based ones were always the most feared. And the most feared team of pilots in terms of Meta Suits had to be the Shinjinkai. They were known the world over for their success in battle; be it through conquest of a country or the suppression of rebels in the Ashurian Empire. And their conceited attitude towards themselves showed that same thing. The room that they were in was their personal room. One for recreational purposes while working in Aryahm. It was no more than usual in design. The tall metal pillars that supported ceiling were framed with pictures and wall scrolls, as were the walls. It had a computer terminal, a television set, a separate bathroom with a built-in Jacuzzi, bright carpeting and mounted on the walls alongside certain pictures were old relic weapons, like muskets and bayonets from the Sermo era. This was the place that the Shinjinkai came to relax in as a unit. Aratia, Ryoufei, and Onaba stepped back from their circle of form and relaxed. Aratia plopped down on the black leather couch and spread her arms out, crossing one of her legs over the other. Ryoufei went over to a small side bar and removed three crystalline glasses. He took out a bottle of champagne (made in North Horan) and poured some of it into those three glasses. He then put the bottle down and took the glasses over to Onaba and Aratia. Each member of the Shinjinkai took a glass and held it up in unison, each of them stating; "For the grace of unity, the eternal prosperity of the Ashurian Empire and for the completion we seek in the eyes of our sovereign, Queen Ashura, the Shinjinkai shall arise to do down all those who would stand in the way of God's will." Aratia took a sip of her wine. "...It's nice to see this place hasn't changed. The St. Mary's Base was abysmal. Not to mention that facility in South Shidou. Finally I feel like I can unwind..." "I heard that a rebel soldier attacked the St. Mary's Base." Onaba said. "Yeah," The blonde woman confirmed, "I think it's that same guy who Commander K”hler's grandson ran off with. I thought that both of them would have been dead by now, but... I suppose one of them still lives." "And did you take care of him, Aratia?" Ryoufei drank some wine before continuing, "Rats should die before they have a chance to breed." Aratia frowned. "Meh. I downed his suit, but that was all. I should have finished him off but once I figured out where that Lune White girl was I had to re-capture her, the little bitch. What does the Council Electorate even want with her?" "That's not for us to say," Onaba mumbled, "we only need to think of our orders. So what did you see of that suit? That Oriax? I have been told that the one known as Yumi Mishima now has it in her possession." Aratia again scowled. "That old hunk of junk? It was-" And once again Aratia found herself cut off by an alarm. One that was quite familiar to her. "Warning. This base is under attack. All members of the Shinjinkai please proceed to the Meta Suit hanger. Warning. This base is under attack. All members of the Shinjinkai please proceed to the Meta Suit hanger. Warning. This base is under attack. All members of the Shinjinkai please proceed to the Meta Suit hanger. Warning. This base is under attack. All members of the Shinjinkai please proceed to the Meta Suit hanger." Aratia, Onaba and Ryoufei stood up in shock at the siren. Something was attacking the base? ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ The siren's red flash went off. And the chant that came from the speakers was loud enough to fill the corridors of Command Central. Two people happened to be running down a specific corridor of Block 2-F. Those ones were Doctor Geist Fahlem and Terry Hennig. The two ran down the hallway with the echo of their footsteps drowned out by the repeated mantra of the siren. "Warning. This base is under attack. All members of the Shinjinkai please proceed to the Meta Suit hanger. Warning. This base is under attack. All members of the Shinjinkai please proceed to the Meta Suit hanger." They turned a corner in the middle of their run and came into another section of Block 2-F. Yumi's distraction outside was causing more than a lot of damage up above. The shockwaves of which could be felt even here. Their current position was at the furthest end of the base, towards the northern point of its cross-like shape. Skye had downloaded the layout of the base thanks to the Counter Demon Wall programs that Yumi had created. So he was able to give Terry and Fahlem a new understanding of the current arrangement of the structure. Which was a good thing because the design of Command Central had changed a lot since Terry had last been there. Much to his own surprise. When the pair of them ran down the corridor which was lined with doors to cells on this block, four guards were standing in their way just a short distance down. Guard #2 piped up. "Intruders! Stop!" As they ran, Terry and Fahlem nodded to each other to signify their response to this little development. They rushed at the guards at a faster rate and readied themselves. Fahlem unsheathed his katana from its sheath in his stride and slashed at Guard #4. The blade hacked through the black armour-clothing and cut into the younger man stomach. He gargled on his own blood and dropped to the ground, while Fahlem turned to Guard #3 and performed a single half-moon cut. One that slashed through the guarded shoulder and into the nerve centre of the lungs. He choked on his own blood while falling down, his blood and muscle staining Fahlem's sword. Terry flung himself straight at Guard #2 with a powerful punch to the face. With all his muscle-enhanced strength Terry's punch cracked the plastic-glass of the guard's helmet and rammed into the nose. Blood gushed from it and screams rent the air. Guard #2 slouched to the ground whimpering and coughing. Then Terry threw one of his lethal kicks into the stomach of Guard #1 and winded the taller man effortlessly. His body skidded backwards and slammed into the wall from the force, creating a shallow crater mark in it. With the guards defeated, Fahlem wiped the blood from his sword and sheathed it. "We need to keep moving." "Right!" They continued the run down the corridors and corners towards the cell that would be holding Lune. Eventually they reached the one that Tomoko and Yumi had told them of. Cell 19. Both fighters stopped and caught their breath when they finally reached Lune's cell. Fahlem acted wordlessly and pressed his palm against the computerized control panel that secured the lock on the automatic door. He closed his eyes and focused his energies, his improved Ishtar Qi, and then concentrated that same energy through the panel in a compressed burst. The plastic of the panel imploded. And a small wisp of smoke rose from it. With the control panel shorted out, the automatic door opened. Fahlem and Terry quickly rushed into the room to rescue Lune. But when they entered the room was pitch black. Then suddenly the door became active and shut closed again, locking them inside this dark room, which was obviously bigger than a basic holding chamber. "What the hell's going on?!" Terry shouted, "Lune, are you here?!" The lights suddenly flashed on. And the true layout of the room was shone to both Terry and Fahlem. It was a composed laboratory. The white walls, the three heavily-wired computers, and the tables mounted with beakers full of chemicals, tripods, design sketches and data statistics all indicated to it. The east wall of the lab was concealed by a long black veil with the phrase 'into the next millennium' stitched on it. Then a familiar woman walked into view from the right. Diana Katrianna. "You won't find her here," She said, "This is Cell 19 of Block 2-F. The one you are looking for is in Cell 16 of Block 1-F." Terry grit his teeth. "Damnit. Did Yumi get the wrong information?" Diana smiled at him. "Oh, she thought it to be accurate, alright. But you see I changed the records pertaining to Lune's location in the Central Data Banks of Metatron. Just to lead you here. I thought it might be more of a convenience for me to keep the Eros out of your hands for now. I cannot be sure of the steps you will take in order to assure the prevention of the birth of the Novus Deus." "You set us up?!" Questioned Terry. "Not quite, TH-C4. Not quite." Terry's face twisted with a scowl when Diana referred to him as 'TH-C4', not knowing what she meant by that. But Fahlem was the one with the most immediate question. "Diana. I know that you are planning something with the Oriax and the Novus Deus. What are you up to? What are you trying to accomplish?" Diana lowered her cold smile and turned her head to the side. When she did she found herself staring at a table. Not so much the table but the thing that was on it. The scientist strode up to the table and picked up something on it. A framed photograph of herself by a cabin in a forest. Standing next to her in that picture was a slightly older male and a young girl. Diana stared at it warmly. "Isn't it funny how well our most treasured memories engrave themselves to our minds? Human beings spend years pursuing trivial happiness by the aid of money... yet when we all look back upon our memories... the ones that mean the most to us... such worldly possessions seem... almost insignificant. For some people letting go of those memories is just... far too hard a feat. And so we dance upon the prospect of reclaiming the times at which such memories were realities. Such greed forces us to make choices that we would have thought better of beforehand... but that ever remains to keep moving. That is how the human animal exists today. With the distant spectre of our glorious past hanging over us like a shadow... a constant reminder of the life that was denied to us as a result of that same kind of greed. That alone is the proof of our unworthiness. And yet I will tap into that same greed to obtain my happiness. And those who provide me with such... the seeds of my memories." Fahlem narrowed his eyes. "What are you getting at?" "...Doctor Fahlem," Diana brought down the picture, "...you and I have known each other for quite a while. Could you truly have forgotten the reason I am still alive? As well as mistake the very impetus for my ambitions?" The older man still couldn't see what she was talking about. "...What are your plans, Diana? Why are you doing all this?" Diana put down the picture and got a grip on herself. "...My truest will is no more than resurrection of my daughter Rachel and my husband John." "...Now I see..." It was entering Fahlem's mind, "so THAT was why you had the Oriax excavated. You are planning on provoking the re-incarnation ahead of schedule, is that it?" Diana resumed her indifferent smile. "So you have finally figured it out. And now you know my reasons. I was once a Protocolian scientist named Emma James. These were the days before I was a scientist of such high standing, the days of Sermo, 6000 years ago. From my earliest days I had been fascinated by nano-technology. And I devoted myself so wholly to the subject that I became no more than a shy introvert. Until he came... John... my husband and still to this day, my only love. In meeting him I began to understand my folly and he brought me out of the cage I had unknowingly created for myself. So when I found myself pregnant with his child, you could not imagine the pride that I felt. To be starting a family with the man I love and the daughter I would cherish eternally. It was the beginning of the happiest period of my life. The point at which my most beloved memories were formed. But all periods of happiness and peace are followed by equally tragic ones. And so it was for us. You see my husband was an archaeologist. Whilst conducting a dig on some underground ruins in the former Nigeria, he uncovered an ancient parchment. That parchment was the Scroll of Sariel. It spoke of a creature with tremendous power. One that would supposedly 'extract the power of sin' and kill God. When the discovery of thus scroll was leaked to Protocol, they ordered my John to destroy it. To erase its existence. He refused, knowing that this was far too significant of a discovery for him to just abandon. So in a fit of retaliation, the Protocolians murdered my daughter." Fahlem's eyes saddened. "...Diana..." "There was no mercy," Uttered the cold scientist, "an eight-year-old with absolutely no connection to the scenario whatsoever was slaughtered like an animal. Rachel's arms were broken from their sockets. Her eyes were gouged out. Her stomach had been sliced open and her heart was removed from her ribcage. And that heart was mailed to John as a declaration of intent. My perfect world crashed around my eyes. Never before had I seen or heard of such brutality. And my heartbreak was added to when two of my husband's partners had discovered that John hung himself from grief. From then on I devoted myself fully to my research. I made a copy of the Scroll of Sariel and then burned the original, to appease the Protocolian leaders. Then began work on my only goal in life. The restoration of my family. My original plan was to create clone bodies for both Rachel and John. However John possessed a rare blood-group that could not be melded with animal DNA to produce a clone. Therefore the same applied to Rachel, despite the attenuation of that aspect of her blood thanks to my own. When I learned that I gave up all hope. Until I re-read the Scroll of Sariel. It spoke of Seraphiel. It was destined to re-incarnate itself to the world. And the one behind that act would be granted with any wish within the parameters of Seraphiel's power. The resurrection of my family shall be that wish." "Diana!" Fahlem yelled, "There is FAR more to that 'wish' than that! You do not understand!" Diana crossed her arms. "Oh I believe I do. The time has finally come. The TRUE God of this planet shall rise up from the imprisonment that you placed up it, Doctor Fahlem. And when it does... Rachel and John shall be returned to me. My memories will become reality." "You're wrong, Diana," Fahlem suggested, "Seraphiel will not see the light of day. I swore to my people that that would not happen. And Yumi will not use Transmutation." "She will not have a choice in the matter," Diana affirmed, "not when HE arrives." Fahlem's eyes enlarged. "You mean Deathcatcher...?" Diana nodded to the doctor. "He is already on his way. And when the Angel of Death descends upon Aryahm it will begin. My 6000-year wish shall be realized." Terry was confused about all this. But no more so than what she had said of the time at which her story took place. "Wait a minute! 6000 years ago? I know that Yumi was preserved and that Fahlem's an Ishtar. But how the hell did YOU survive for that long?" "Sharp as a tack," Diana commented, "at least for a soldier. Let me show you this... method." The brown-haired woman walked over to the black veil that was covering the far wall. She grabbed a hold of a rope that dangled from it. Then pulled that rope down. Revealing what behind it. Fahlem and Terry both gasped when they saw a huge tank of life-sustaining liquid. And inside that liquid were more then twenty naked bodies, floating in stasis. And all of those bodies were exactly identical to Diana. From the brown hair to the green eyes, and from the pale skin to the rosy pink lips. Every single one of those lifeless bodies was an exact replica of the current Diana. "...These are all my fruits of immortality," Diana said, "after the Divine Cataclysm, Emma James went into seclusion and prepared herself for the coming resurrection of Seraphiel. She soon changed her name to 'Diana Katrianna' and realized that the resurrection would come long after her death. So she made clones of herself. Hundreds of them. Each one lacking a mind of its own. Diana then made a digitised copy of her own memories and placed them inside a nano-size chip. And when her body began to deteriorate she freed one of her clones and implanted a copy of that chip into their brains. That process was replicated over and over again to maintain the woman that is both Diana Katrianna and Emma James to this day. That is my fate. I am the 783rd clone of Diana Katrianna. And I will be the one to see the rebirth of both Seraphiel and my family." Terry was stunned. "...Oh... my... God..." "...Why are you so surprised, TH-C4?" Asked Diana, "Oh that's right. You have no understanding of your true nature, have you?" "What does that mean? Why do you keep calling me TH-C4?" Diana smirked. "...Have you ever wondered about your REAL origins? I think you will be most interested to know..." ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Bits of destroyed Meta Suits now lay in the streets surrounding Command Central, the very heart of the dark city of Aryahm. Smoke and flame rose from those pieces. And the people nearby either stared in horror or ran away in fear as more of those pieces starting falling down on the area from above. Each of those Meta Suit parts were the remains of those wiped out by the Oriax. And the Oriax was now hovering high over the city, before Command Central itself. The front walls of the compound had been smashed through. The twenty-metre thick wall was nothing to the Oriax and it had taken its wrath down on the building itself. Over 85% of the lower point of Command Central had been obliterated already. Flames roared from the points of destruction. And jagged, loose rubble littered the stone grounds around them. The steel buildings that were built around the layout of Command Central was glowing from the illumination that was provided by those flames. And the smoke from them joined the smoke that came from the chimneys of the Meta Ghettos. The Oriax floated above as three Stolas Marionettes came charging its way. They were much like the Baals from Yumi's time period. But different in that they were larger and bulkier. The hide legs of the Stolas Marionettes were thick and fully formed into thrusters, forgoing the shape of feet. On their shoulders were large beam cannons that could only be mounted in that position. And just like the Baals of the Sermo era, this machines were unmanned. The three Stolas types flew up from one of the ground-level hangers of Command Central, towards the Oriax. Yumi's Meta Suit pulled up the Kaiser Halberd and activated its Disruptor Expansion Sword Mode (D.E.S.M). The hub-shaped covering over the front of the blade slid back all the way to reveal the full length of the blade. And now that the Elohim Program was running in full unison with the Soul Gear Engine of the Oriax, it could harness the magnified power of Yumi's Qi. The long blade of the Kaiser Halberd started to crackle and sizzle with bright emerald Qi force. The Oriax jetted downwards on its thrusters to meet with Stolas #1 with the charged Kaiser Halberd in hand. With a two-handed grip it slashed through the steel body of the Marionette, chopping it into two, flying through the flames of the following explosion. The Oriax performed a second slash on Stolas #2, one that cut through the machine just as easily as it did with the first. The Oriax zoomed back from the flames of that and lowered the Kaiser Halberd. When the final Stolas chased it upwards, the Oriax opened its free palm, its left, and the metal in its parted to unleash it Gatlings. A hail of bullets were fired on Stolas #3. Each one buried itself inside the light brown armour and the process was repeated until it blew up. With the destruction of Stolas #3, the Oriax retracted its Gatling and clenched a fist. Yumi, inside the watery dimensional cockpit, sighed. She didn't like killing and fighting anymore than she had done before. But her new powers as an Ishtar at least removed her fear of it. "The Kaiser Halberd is charged to 65% of its maximum power in the Disruptor Expansion Sword Mode. I can't use the Disruptor Rail Gun here because it might harm too many people if I do... but this should be enough to see me through for at least another three hours. But I'll fight for as long as it takes to save Lune." Then a separate doorway into a Meta Suit hanger of Command Central parted for the release of three Meta Suits. This was the suit hanger of the Shinjinkai. One of the suits to fly out was the black-armoured Hanuman. The Meta Suit that belonged to Aratia de Toscana. The second and third were identical to the Hanuman aside from the colour of their armour. The second suit was the green and white-armoured Fafnir (piloted by Onaba) and the blue-armoured Sabnock (piloted by Ryoufei). All three Meta Suits of the Shinjinkai flew up to the same air level as the Oriax and squared off with it. Yumi mused when she saw them. "...Hmm. Those three suits... I know that black one from the St. Mary's Base. But the other two... it's weird. In some ways they look just like the old Bishamon did." Ryoufei smirked from his cockpit. "...Is this the 6000-year old beast we were warned of? That outdated relic?" "...No matter," Onaba said from his Fafnir, "we shall destroy it." Aratia giggled devilishly. "Heh, heh, heh! You got that right, Onaba! Lets show this bitch why the Shinjinkai is the most feared team EVER!" The Hanuman, the Fafnir and the Sabnock all split off thereafter. The three suits manipulated the Bishamon-style thrusters and moved themselves into a triangular position that surrounded the Oriax. With the Hanuman to its front, the Fafnir to its rear left and the Sabnock to its rear right. They all pulled back their weapons and gathered energy into them from their Qi Generators. The Energy Naginata of the Hanuman glowed a bright blue. The Energy Broadsword of the Sabnock shone a deep yellow. And finally the Energy Axe of the Fafnir brimmed with a fiery orange. Their Qi-addled weapons reached their maximum charge and all three Meta Suits slashed at the Oriax in the centre of their attack pattern, conjuring the kinetic force and raw Qi into projectile-like Long Range Slashes. The Oriax was knocked forwards with power by the first blow. Then knocked back by the second. And struck forward again by the third. Each one did a bit of damage, albeit small. The Oriax instantly raised its free arm and aimed in the direction of the Hanuman. Its palm opened and its Palm Gatlings shot out another chain of rapid fire bullets. The Hanuman vaulted up with its thrusters and darted above the bullet fire. Not a single one landed. Then from behind the Oriax came the Sabnock. Its clunky Japanese-armoured shoulder rammed into the back of the Oriax and forced it forwards again. Fafnir then flew in swiftly landed a punishing blow to the head of Yumi's mecha with its Energy Axe. The Oriax flew downwards and steadied itself. Then the three Shinjinkai suits re-assumed their previous formation. Aratia chuckled. "Oh man! What did I tell that Katrianna bitch? It's just an old piece of junk! I can't believe I unleashed my Hanuman on something this pathetic!" "Hmm..." Onaba sneered, "Maybe I over-estimated it...?" "There is no longer a need for that. Now we can just dispose of it and take the judgment of those arrogant scientific white-coats down a peg or two." Claimed Ryoufei. In the cockpit of her Oriax, Yumi wiped the blood that dripped from her skull. She forgot that any damage that the Oriax suffers, she would suffer too. "...I can't allow myself to be defeated here. I'll have to fight seriously from now on. Or Lune and the others will be in danger..." The three Meta Suits of the Shinjinkai started to gather up the energy necessary to perform their Triangular Formation Long Range Slash Combo against the Oriax again. The sizzling of their weapons returned to the fold and they prepared themselves. The Oriax flapped its long feathered wings backwards and awaited the attack. This time Yumi was prepared herself. The first Long Range Slash came from the Sabnock. The Oriax used split second speed and soared upwards by both its wings and its thrusters. Then it sped ahead on that same speed. With the Kaiser Halberd at the ready it performed a following slash to counter the previous one. That slash cut off the head of the Sabnock. Then the Meta Suit exploded, blowing its pilot Ryoufei into oblivion. "R-Ryoufei..." Aratia was stunned, "YOU BITCH!" The Oriax flew back on its wings and fired its Gatling Palm at the Fafnir. It was an action that came so fast the Fafnir couldn't defend against it by mounting a Qi Barrier. The armoured machine's Energy Axe was knocked from its fist quickly. Then Yumi's mecha flew forwards at it. Rather than use the Kaiser Halberd it energized the Gauntlet Blade and stabbed the Qi force manipulation into the chest of the Fafnir. Oil was hurled into the air when the Oriax carved up the Fafnir's mechanical innards and ripped out the Gauntlet Blade. The white suit then flew away while the Fafnir was blown into nothing more than scrap metal. Onaba was killed. Hanuman was alone. But its pilot was becoming more and more incensed by the deaths of her comrades. "...I'll kill you... I'll kill you... I'll kill you... I'll kill you... I'll kill you... I'll kill you... I'll kill you...I'll kill you... I'll kill you...I'LL KILL YOU!" The Oriax faced off with the Hanuman once again for confrontation. But before the black mecha could even begin its attack on the 6000-year old suit, a chain of rapid fire shots came down from above and struck the Hanuman ruthlessly. Yumi could here Aratia screaming as she was taken out of the air and blow down to the ground level of Command Central. The Hanuman crashed into the surface, killing a few people below it and smashing the part of the wall it had landed on. It had not be destroyed and Aratia was still alive... but Hanuman was out of commission. Yumi was taken by surprise at that. The head of the Oriax cranked upwards to see who it was that had shot down Aratia's suit. In the blackened skies above Aryahm floated an amethyst-polished Meta Suit with its metallic arms crossed. The same suit that had flew into the heart of Meshezabel and activated the Elymus Drive. That same act triggered the Divine Cataclysm. The nightmare that ripped apart the world and began the Anthropos Era. It was the same suit that had single-handedly destroyed the nation of Xu and provoked the Jaankang Parliament to assassinate Tomoko's Father. That suit was known as the Diablos. Yumi was mesmerized when she saw it. Bright sapphire Qi burned around its body with vigour. The very air around those flames were warped. It gave this Meta Suit a far more intimidating air than even Yumi could have imagined possible. And when she looked at the readings from her control panel, she could see that this suit was running on a Qi-Level of 59,000. This suit was nearly twice as powerful as the Raum of Freeman Ronove. She had never seen it before... but Yumi could not shake this unmistakable feeling of nostalgia she felt from the pilot's Qi. Who was that? The pilot of the Diablos called out to Yumi from his suit. "...Do not lower yourself by battling the weak, Yumi Mishima. In the holy name of Queen Ashura... I shall be your opponent. I shall rend thy body in two and I shall drink thy very soul. Thy bones shall be scattered into the winds and I shall quash thy heart in my own fist." Yumi asked the question herself. "...Who... are you...?" "I am the Angel of Destruction," He replied, "I am Deathcatcher." A chill ran down Yumi's spine. Now she knew exactly who was piloting that suit. The same man she had met in the Sermo era. The man who had ended it. "...Rain...?" ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ "What the hell are you talking about!?" Yelled Terry, "Why do you keep calling me TH-C4? What the hell does that mean?!" Diana smiled at him, removing her glasses from her face. "So tense for one so young... in no obvious manner of speaking. To put it simply... you are nothing more than a product of war." "...What...?" "You know of Project Sohei, do you not?" Asked the older woman. Terry growled. "...Yeah. It was a plan by your people to harness the true strength of normal humans and transform them into the ultimate soldiers. So what?" "Hmph," Diana smiled once again, "that was the cover story. The thing that we at the Ministry of Metaphysical and Biotechnological Neo-Eugenic Research used to protect the image of our work from those who might wish to rebel. In reality the Sohei Project was a plan to create the ultimate army of biologically engineered human-weapons." Terry's heart slowed. "...W-what...?" "That's the truth. There is a shortage of labour on this planet. Ever since the Divine Cataclysm the birth rate of the world itself has been steadily slipping. Though the Ashurian Empire has long maintained every possible advantage over the Earthlings in terms of military equipment... our overall numbers are far smaller than those of the land dwellers. So do you see what this whole affair really is? All members of the Schutzenreich are genetic duplicates of exceptional warriors from bygone eras. You yourself are a clone of a man who lived in the final days of the Sermo Period. A man that Yumi once knew. Terry Hennig. You, TH-C4, are a clone of that man." "N-no..." Terry was shocked so badly that his voice was shaking, "...this just... can't be... I remember... my parents..." Diana shook her head. "You've never had parents. In fact you have only been released from stasis for a year. The memories that you have are just fabrications I designed to induce the impression of a traditional life. In reality you are nothing more than a tool of war. After the Divine Cataclysm I tracked down all information I could on the cause. I learned of the battle between New Protocol and the Holy Protocol Army in space. And I soon learned of the outstanding talents of one individual in that battle. Terry Hennig. His mother and uncle were already profoundly involved in Protocolian life. Thankfully his Meta Suit was thrown to Earth after the battle. Then two years ago our group's search of the great soldiers of the past led us to the original's Meta Suit. We dug it up and used the most minute of DNA samples to produce you. But because the sample was so small... we had a great deal of effort in producing clones of that same man. You were the only successful bi-product of that experiment. But even so... your Bio-Rhythm is completely unstable. Deterioration will take place in less than a year." Terry's blank eyes showed his horror. "...I'm a clone? And the rest of the... Schutzenreich...?" "They are clones of other individuals," Diana answered, "the only Schutzenreich member who is not a clone of anyone else is Aratia de Toscana. She was the first biologically engineered product I created for purposes of war. However I used my ovum for her... so... in most respects you should consider her to be my daughter. But developing a soldier from such a form is extremely costly. And considering Aratia's current lack of self-control... I think it was quite sensible for us to continue our research and production through the art of cloning." "...This can't be right..." Mumbled the blonde clone. "Oh, but it is. The Sohei Project was one of my biggest works. It was given to me as an order by Commander Gustav K”hler. Of course I never programmed you to fall in love with his grandson, but... that was a welcomed result. Because it showed to me that conformity in the mind of a biologically engineered soldier has a low probability ratio. Thus came the remodelling of the Marionettes..." Diana walked over to one of her other tables and placed her hand on a circular metal oval. On it were the printed words 'Stolas'. "Do you see this, TH-C4? This is the AI pod for the Stolas Marionettes. The machines that operate without pilots. Now take a good look..." The scientist pressed a button on its underside which flipped open the upper casing. Fahlem and Terry gazed at it. But then scowled when they saw what was inside. The fleshy pink ridges of a human brain, linked to a snake-like mesh of wires. "...This is the true form of the Marionette AI. The internal core consists of the replicated cerebral cortex of an average Schutzenreich soldier. These AI-Brains are hardwired into both Metatron and the Ragnarok System. And they are all implanted with DNA from an Ashtar. In this sense... they are the true legacy of the Sohei Project. You are flawed, TH-C4. The fact that you can feel such emotions as love is proof of that. These brain caskets might not seem to be much... but they fulfil the role of a soldier to a far greater degree than a clone like you ever could. But considering that I myself am only a clone of the real Diana Katrianna... I can sympathise with the confusions you might be experiencing." Terry was literally aghast. "...What... gives you the right... to do things... like this... what gives you the right...?" "I am a scientist," Said Diana, "I do not make bones with the morality and ethics of a person blinded by their own lack of curiosity. I merely discover and do as I am commanded to. However... I have always had my own agenda. And you will see it take shape soon. The Stolas Marionettes will soon become an army owed only to Seraphiel." Fahlem interjected. "...Diana. I do not pretend to understand the depths of your suffering. But you do not understand everything about Seraphiel. It is far more powerful than any of us could understand. Such a thing cannot be controlled." "And yet you attempted to do so 6000 years ago, when you placed the Seraphiel nucleus into the Oriax, did you not?" "...I am paying for my mistakes everyday," Fahlem said solemnly, "...I pay with my tears and the agony in my heart. But that is why I seek to end this all now! I wish to make amends for my crimes!" "You are too late," Diana stated, "and my plan is already reaching its end. Deep below this base is a secret testing ground. Inside that testing ground is the Meta Suit I have developed for Seraphiel's Incarnation. That mecha is the Apocryphal." Geist blinked. "...Apocryphal...?" "Yes. The ultimate Meta Suit. My plan was simple. To provide the ultimate body - Apocryphal - and the ultimate weapon - the Counter Kaiser Halberd - for the true God, to supply him with an army - the Stolas Marionettes - ready to be levied, and to induce the final thing that shall provoke its birth - the re-awakening of Demiurge - into the world. Once Seraphiel is reborn to all that I have prepared for it, it shall grant me with the one wish I have worked so hard for. The resurrection of Rachel and John. My beloved ones." Terry's eyes flamed. "You did ALL this just to revive two dead people?! You cloned yourself, engineered weapons, built Meta Suits, constructed brain-boxes; all so you could have one shred of happiness back?! Do you know how many people have suffered for this?! All for TWO people!?" Diana remained firm. "The value of my daughter and husband outweigh the whole world in my eyes. My love for them will transcend time, morality and God." "...You're insane!" Terry yelled, "You're in-fucking-sane! You've been playing all of us from the beginning!" Fahlem gripped his fist. "What has become of you, Diana!? And how can you be so sure that Yumi will even restore the Oriax to its true form!?" "She has no choice," Claimed the cloned scientist, "Deathcatcher is already here. And if she wants anyone within a ten mile radius from Command Central to survive long enough to see tomorrow... she will have to use the Transmutation. The stage is finally set for the Rebirth of the Slayer of God..." ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Yumi couldn't believe it. It was him. Though Rain's voice had changed a lot, no longer possessing such fear and now marked fervour and strength, she was sure that it was him. Just as Fahlem had said to her. The Oriax floated just a short distance below the Diablos in the cloudy skies over the city of Aryahm. Aratia and her Hanuman Meta Suit had been downed. And now Deathcatcher himself had appeared from nowhere. Yumi pleaded with him. "Rain, please listen to me! I know what you did! But I also know that the Triad of the Inquisition interfered with you! I can see that from the way you're talking! You sound just like Freeman did! But his fate doesn't have to be the same for you or me! It's not too late to fight their control!" "...Control?" Deathcatcher mimicked, "What control? No one ever has a complete control over anything else. What I did I did as an act of my own free will. I slaughtered millions of lives in the name of God and I will do so again if need be. That is my destiny. The destiny that providence offered to the one who was fated to become the Catcher of Death. Meaningless words like your own will do nothing to sway my course." Yumi tilted her head downwards. "...Rain... how could you... did you miss Edwina and her family that much... so much so that you would make everyone else feel that pain?" Deathcatcher remained silent after hearing Edwina's name. "...Did you kill all those people for that?" Yumi kept on, "because of what you felt for her? Because of what you couldn't say to her? Rain, you're not the only one that feels that way. I know... that same pain. I'm struggling with it now. Clinging to a life I don't want by means of a power I didn't ask for and a fate I didn't deserve. I understand what you went through, now. Maybe I would not have been able to then but I do now! Please, Rain, stop this! Turn back into that sweet boy I spoke with in Green Cloud!" Deathcatcher sneered behind his mouthpiece. "...Prepare yourself." "...You won't listen, will you?" The hacker sighed, "Fine! I'll break their hold over you, Rain! I'll stop the Triad from doing this to you!" The Oriax acted swiftly and darted upwards into the skies towards the Diablos. That purple Meta Suit uncrossed its large arms and spread apart the wing-like devises at its shoulders. The Oriax opened its free hand and fired off its Palm Gatling. The long turret extended from that hand and proceeded to offload hundreds of bullets in the Diablos' direction. There was a momentary stillness. Then a spherical Qi Barrier enfolded the suit with all its sapphire energy. The bullets hit the shield repeatedly but could not break into it; only create minor ripples that spread from the point of shooting onwards. The Oriax quickly retracted its Palm Gatling from action and zoomed upwards again to attack at a closer distance. It was going to be impossible to beat the Diablos with just bullets. But Yumi felt that the Disruptor Extension Sword Mode of her weapon would be enough to make Rain see sense. The energy running through the Kaiser Halberd started to flicker once again, the Qi Generator running in tandem with Yumi's thoughts and the Elohim Program. Just as the Oriax flew up and slashed in the Diablos direction. With the kind of speed that Yumi had never seen before from a Meta Suit other than her own, the Diablos darted around that slash, with a movement so fast it seemed to be nothing more than a blur. The Diablos circled the Oriax once more and stopped behind it. Quickly the white suit turned around and slashed again with the Kaiser Halberd. The Diablos' body leaned back with more of that blur movement and let the blade swing over its torso. The Oriax swung its weapon around into a two-handed grip and then cut downwards. But before it could even land a blow the Diablos vanished. The Kaiser Halberd hit nothing but air and Yumi was left speechless. "Where did it go?!" She asked. Both she and the Oriax felt that first hand when the Diablos came rushing in from the right. It extended its spiked fist and punched the Oriax across its 'face' A hard blow that sent shockwaves of force throughout the mecha and its circuits. Metal clashed with metal but flesh too suffered. Yumi cried out, feeling the pain of her suit first hand. Blood dripped in a cool line down from her cheek in fact. The pain receptors of the Oriax were just as active as ever. The Oriax flew backwards to escape a further blow, flapping its wings behind it. Once it had gained some distance from the super-fast Diablos, Yumi took the moment to wipe the blood from her face. "Blast," She expressed, "...I don't want to hurt Rain. But I can't use any other weapons on him. If I use the SU-Wave it might injure the people of Aryahm, too. Maybe if I use the Disruptor Rail Gun and aim it fully at the Diablos then I can slow its movements down. Yes... that's it." The Oriax soon lifted the Kaiser Halberd into place. The Elohim Program perceived the pattern of Yumi's thoughts and the twin-hub casing of the blast shifted forwards to surround the blade from either side without closing around it. This was the position for the Disruptor Rain Gun Mode. Streaks of black lightning force coursed up and down the blade while the Kaiser Halberd drew in energy for the blast. And moments afterwards a huge beam wave of pure negative force exploded from the blade. That black wave streamed across the grim skies of Aryahm and engulfed the air around the Diablos in a consuming pattern. The cry of the energy rumbled throughout the air and echoed across the city, spreading its sonic waves outwardly. The Diablos was caught in the middle of that, swallowed up in a cloud of smoke which crackled and smouldered with bolts of black lightning running up and down it. When the beam subsided the Oriax pulled down the Kaiser Halberd and reverted it back into normal mode; the hub-like casing closing down on the blade to conceal it once more. It was then that Yumi stared at her video screen to see the damage. Or rather the lack of it. Once the clouds of smoke and the streaks of lightning surrounded them started to dissolve, the Diablos was revealed again. Around its body was another azure Qi Barrier. And the Meta Suit inside of that barrier was totally unharmed. Yumi's mouth was left wide open. "Impossible!" "...Hmph," Deathcatcher's eyes hardened, "You are relying far too much on that new weapon of yours. You think that could ever be a substitute for your true power? Is this the force that destroyed the last Thanatos of the Sermo Era? Why do you hide your suit's true self?" "Are you talking about Demiurge?!" Yumi questioned. "Correct." "I won't! I won't use that again!" Deathcatcher snarled. "...You cannot defeat me without it. You know that. It was only because of that ability that you were able to destroy the Raum and its pilot. And you know as well as I do that my powers far transcend that of Freeman Ronove. You are experiencing that for yourself now. So shirk the manacles of restraint. Open yourself to your suit's true form and show me your ultimate power." "I can't!" Yumi cried. "...Very well." The Diablos subsequently un-crossed its metallic arms and aimed its arm down at the city of Aryahm. Yumi's heart leapt into her mouth. "W-what are you doing?!" "...If you refuse to show me your true strength willingly..." Deathcatcher began, "then I shall demolish everything that is currently below us." "That's a lie! You wouldn't do that! Those people there are Ashurians! They are loyal to Ashura! This city itself is an Ashurian possession! You would never destroy it!" "Ashurians?" Said Deathcatcher, derisively, "Do you really believe that the holy people of Meshezabel are of the same stock as these land-dwelling scum? This city was created specifically as an operational outpost for the Schutzenreich. And no more. While it may possess technology that can be classed at a similar level to that of Meshezabel... its people are no more to us than livestock. This city itself is infested with sin. An insubstantial and claustrophobic settlement for depravity and covetousness. Once the Novus Deus is reborn; all such colonies of decadence will be torn asunder. To devastate this municipality now would be no more than an aid to God." "Rain! Stop it! Leave these people out of it!" Shouted the hacker. The world murderer formerly known as Rain Harland snorted at that. "If you have the means to stop me, then do so." There was a tremendous anxiety in Yumi's heart. If Deathcatcher was not stopped now then he would ruin all of Aryahm. Millions of people were down there. Including Fahlem, Terry and Lune. And Tomoko probably hadn't gotten back to the Kamiyashiki yet. But at the same time she had made a promise not to use the Demiurge form again. In the end she had no choice in the matter. There was no way Yumi could allow Deathcatcher to do to Aryahm what he did to Xu and the Sermo Period civilization. It was a risk she just had to take. Yumi took a deep breath and tapped the code Q5F6XS97HI into the control panel. Instantaneously the Oriax responded. The video screen in front of her was rapidly filled with the phrase 'De Mundo'. One which repeated over and over again. From that panel snaked out the wires of the program, attaching themselves to Yumi's arms, neck and temple. A thin gelatinous liquid surged from those cables and into Yumi's bloodstream once again. The girl remembered the pain she felt the last time and it was the same this time. Her screams filled the cockpit and were heard by Deathcatcher inside his own. The process had begun. The former Rain crossed the arms of his Meta Suit, retracting its arm. Yumi had initiated the Transmutation ability of the Oriax. And now the Oriax was evolving into its truest form. The machine's mouthpiece broke open and the wide jaws opened to call out a scream. One that ran out in sync with the screams of Yumi inside its cockpit. The colour of the armour itself began to morph as if doused in a colouring bleach. Tones of purple and silver ran into the armour. From the back of the Oriax, six more wings sprouted vibrantly. Those wings were born of Yumi's Qi force, purified to give its energy the tint of cerulean. A huge tremor of force spread outwardly throughout the air as the new form of the Oriax flapped its wings. Those force waves blew past the Diablos and smashed into the grounds below, packing the force of a full-contact punch. The people standing up in Aryahm were blown off their feet. The windows that felt the shockwaves within their immediate radius of a mile were shattered. And so was formed the terrific instrument of destruction that had slaughtered the Raum Meta Suit. Demiurge. Deathcatcher smiled under his chin mask. "...So. At last you show yourself to me. Your true self." Demiurge pushed its eight wings back, raising its head and screaming into the skies with that bestial cry. But soon after it became clear that more was happening inside the suit. Demiurge clawed and gnashed at its chest with its hands, is if something was trying to break free. It bellowed out more of its terrible and frightening screams. Then a huge golden light burst out from the Demiurge. That insanely bright light shone across the entire city. Anyone out of doors at that point would have had to close their eyes from the staggering brightness that was now emanating from the Oriax's true form. That eruption of glorious luminosity could be seen as far away as the Kamiyashiki. Skye, Suzuhara and Neela picked up tremendous readings from it. And through the video screen of the ship's bridge, that light could be seen flawlessly. The stone ground directly beneath the sky-hovering Demiurge started to crack. It shattered into itself like the erosion of ice to an ice pick. While in the centre of that maelstrom of light, the Demiurge continued to scream and thrash. The Diablos hovered there for a moment. Then it flew off in a backwards motion, watching the reaction of Demiurge take place. Once those ministrations reached their zenith, something started to phase out of the chest plate of the Demiurge. An entity that appeared to be no more than a naked teenage boy, with a long flowing locks of gold hair. The ethereal golden light that shone from Demiurge was now shining from that boy. And soon the light itself faded into the heart of the being that had dragged itself from the body of Demiurge. The teenage boy with the long golden hair was now left hovering in the air, his torso still brimming with an intense golden aura. Throughout all of this, somehow, Yumi had managed to retain her consciousness. Her body was surrounded in her silver Qi flames and her skin was covered in blue veins, the cables of the panel still linked with her flesh. But she could now open her eyes and see what was happening. She could see the golden-haired boy floating in the air. And she felt a twinge of familiarity inside her heart when she did. This was Seraphiel Incarnate. Though his lips parted with speech, his words could only be heard in the ears of Yumi. "...My dearest friend..." Yumi was gob smacked. "Who... what... are you...?" "I have no name," Said Seraphiel Incarnate, "a name exists as more than a simple mark of distinction to someone of my kind. A name should be a representation of the feelings and emotions that a person undergoes when they address that entity." "...I feel... as... though I've heard of that before..." Seraphiel Incarnate nodded. "You have. We spent 6000 years together. I delved into your mind and you did with mine. I felt your pain... and I did all that I could to comfort you. Until the time in which you would be awakened to fulfil your destiny. I have removed all memories of those years we spent in the world of our own making, The Void. I wanted you to experience the rest of your life without the restraints of such memories. It broke my heart to do so... if such a being as myself can possess a heart. If I did not have such a thing upon my conception... then I greatly suspect that it was given to me as a result of your influence, Yumi. For that gift, I thank you." "...But... what are you?" Asked Yumi once more. "I am the humanoid incarnation of a being that transcends time itself. You people of the world have chosen to regard me as 'Seraphiel'. If it will make it easier for you to understand what I say to you then please consider me as such. You see in each planet of the universe there is an internal force that comprises the existence of that same planet. From the very beginning of a planet's life this force matures into a singular cogent being. The role of that being is to guide, guard and nourish the planet with its power. And those organisms are the Messiahs. And I am the Messiah of planet Earth." Yumi blinked. "...M-Messiah...?" "Yes," Confirmed Seraphiel Incarnate, "our given roles as Messiahs are to purify and protect the worlds we were spawned from. However... there will be events or circumstances that not even the Messiahs can contain. One such event occurred on this planet. A global geological catastrophe many years ago caused my imprisonment inside the Earth's core. Stopping me from guiding the world. And when Hashabnah detected no signature Messiah from this planet, it came down to Earth to take on that role." "Hashabnah?" "That which you call Novus Deus. That also is a Messiah. It hailed from another planet which had been devastated by an uncontrollable climate disturbance. And so it came here. However. The fate of the Earth can only be decided by the Messiah that oversees it. Therefore my given duty is to vanquish it. And to vanquish all those upon the Earth who have descended from it " Yumi's throat quivered. "...You mean people... humanity..." "I have no choice," Said the boy with the golden aura, "...it is a fate that has been pre-written into the mind and soul of every Messiah. A practice that has maintained since the dawn of time. What I do... I do with a heavy heart... yet my will is bound to that same fate." "...Why?" Yumi asked, "Why?" The sadness in Seraphiel Incarnate's eyes were apparent. "I am sorry, Yumi. I do not wish to kill you. You are the brightest star of them all. So I will forgo our confrontation for the time being. If you still wish to stop the genocide that I shall cleave... you will have three days to do so. Farewell, my dearest friend." In that instant, Seraphiel Incarnate spread out his arms. His head tilted back and his eyes closed. His body began to glow brighter with that golden Qi force of his. And these actions seemed to have an effect on the world beneath him. On ground level, the stone floor that framed itself around Command Central continued to crack. There was a sudden rumbling that came from the major point of those cracks. Then a Meta Suit burst up from the ground. That suit was Apocryphal. Yumi watched as the suit arose with tremendous speed until it stood behind Seraphiel Incarnate, floating in an aura that was almost identical to that of its future pilot. Apocryphal's armour was a gold-tinted titanium, polished up nicely. The form of the body was jagged and angular, but also with a dominating air to it. From its back extended eight metallic proportions. Like thin limbs. Each of those limbs opened and sprouted a wing of golden light, each of them more than 300 metres in length. And in the hand of the Apocryphal was the Counter Kaiser Halberd. Identical to Yumi's own; except it was made of a gold casing rather than white. And when Yumi saw that she knew that Diana Katrianna was behind this suit. Seraphiel Incarnate pulled up its fist up and the ground down below started to react again. The floor around Command Central ruptured in hundreds of places and hundreds of Stolas Marionettes leapt up from the rubble. They zoomed into the air under the horsepower of their thrusters and joined the Apocryphal. An army of Marionettes were now orbiting the golden-haired boy who had shared in Yumi's consciousness. Seraphiel Incarnate moved backwards through the air towards the Apocryphal. The stomach doors into the cockpit parted for the God of the Earth. He entered and the Apocryphal itself was re-activated. Its jade eyes brightened with life and the azure-coloured exhaust of its wing thrusters kick-started. Soon afterwards Apocryphal darted off into the skies with its army flagging behind it. And Yumi was left inside the Demiurge with a look of confusion and utter sadness in her heart. Another great tragedy was about to unfold. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Messiah Series FAQ ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ 1. Timeline 2. Main Characters 3. Minor Characters 4. Organizations 5. Locations/Buildings 6. Meta Suits 7. Details ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ 1. Timeline ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ (Pre-Bythos) 2,000,000,000 BC: The Messiah of Earth, Seraphiel, gains its own consciousness and awakens from the core of the Earth. 1,400,000,000 BC: Due to an instability, Seraphiel is re-sealed inside of the planet. (Bythos) 12,000 BC: Novus Deus/Hashabnah's home world, Hanan, is destroyed. 12,000 BC: The events of the Seven Keys. Novus Deus/Hashabnah descends on the world and it creates the Bio-System. The Bio-System shatters and becomes the precursors of humanity. A woman caused the breakdown of the Interlink, killing Novus Deus and spawning the soon-to-die Astaroth. The Astaroth casts its Seed across the world. (Nous Period) ? AD: The Triad of the Inquisition are born. 1853 AD: Geshem, the small dimensional nation, is conceived by the Triad. Bahaman is anointed as its overseer. (Sermo) 2005 AD: The Great War takes place. 2021 AD: The Triad of the Inquisition begin to construct the organization that will one day come to be known as Protocol. 2043 AD: Construction begins on Meshezabel, the Ragnarok System and the Elymus Drive. 2075 AD: Protocol discovers the Ancient Ruins and the Tablets of Destiny. 2149 AD: The Oriax and Raum Meta Suits are completed. 2151 AD: Geist Fahlem begins work on the three Gods of Wrath (Diablos, Vassago and Mammon). 2152 AD: John James discovers the Scroll of Sariel. 2153 AD (January): Yumi Mishima escapes the Meta City of Tokyo and flees to the ocean city of EDEN with the Oriax and Chrysalis. EDEN is attacked by the Divine Blade and Yumi is recaptured. 2153 AD (February): Yumi and Freeman initiate the Reunion. It fails and a Vulnus Deus is born. Chrysalis attacks Ix Nos Babel to retrieve her and the Triad of the Inquisition order Commander Celaph to use the AM-Cannon on the planet. All three shots are prevented by the Oriax and thus the process into the Anthropos era is delayed. 2153 AD (March): Protocol divides itself into two factions. The Holy Empire of Protocol (loyal to the Triad of the Inquisition and its new leader, Princess Ashura) and New Protocol (led by Celaph). 2153 AD (August): Freeman Ronove attacks the village of Green Cloud and provokes the transformation of Rain into Deathcatcher. The Holy Empire of Protocol ascend the North American Sky Cord. Chrysalis joins forces with New Protocol and initiates battle with the Divine Blade in space. Yumi Mishima activates the Demiurge form of the Oriax, and kills Freeman Ronove/The Raum. Her body assumes a second Divine Hibernation. Deathcatcher flies to space and activates the Elymus Drive. This triggers the Divine Cataclysm. (Anthropos) 2 PC: Protocol renames itself as the Ashurian Empire and starts building a new race of people on Meshezabel with its nanomachine factories. Princess Ashura becomes Queen Ashura. 230 PC: Geshem declares its autonomy from the Ashurian Empire. 5940 PC: Aryahm is completed. 5942 PC: The Xu-Canaan War begins. It ends when Deathcatcher destroys the Xuian civilization. 5980 PC: The Sohei Project begins. (Synesis) ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ 2. Main Characters ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Yumi Mishima The last 'Eros' of Sermo period and the main character of the Messiah Series. Her adoptive father, Katsuragi Mishima, who was a member of Protocol, found her embryo with his investigative team in 2135. She was then raised and studied at a research facility until the age of eight when her Qi exploded to life during an attack on her father, killing both assailants. This event caused Yumi much personal distress and caused her lapse into a coma. When she awoke, five years later at the age of thirteen, she had lost all memory of her life before that age. She was then shunted to Meta-Tokyo where she lived alone until the age of 18 (though she was always under the observation of Protocol). She attended college alongside Chizuru/Chizu Yagata (who made a point of spying on Yumi for the purpose of documenting her development). Eventually she and 'Chizuru' were confronted by agents of Protocol, ones which Yumi killed. This caused her to override a small portion of the biological lock placed on her powers by her father, and allowed her to pilot the Oriax which took her out of Meta Tokyo. After meeting with Terry Hennig and the crew of the Leviathan, Yumi was recaptured by Protocol, and labour was forcibly induced on her. It gave birth only to another Vulnus Deus, but triggered off Divine Hibernation around Yumi. When she escaped her Qi, she attained the level of Demi-Gnosis and deflected three blasts from the AM-Cannon, which in turn prolonged the Sermo Period. Shortly after the Great Schism, Yumi officially joined ranks with Chrysalis and was challenged by Freeman Ronove in the village of Green Cloud. Yumi accepted that challenge and faced him on the ice of Antarctica. The Oriax was greatly damaged in that fight, until Yumi was prompted to use its ability of Transmutation. This transformed the suit into its 'true form', Demiurge. After the destruction of the Raum and the killing of Freeman, Yumi underwent a second Divine Hibernation and both she and Demiurge were swallowed up in it. 6000 years later she was freed from her Qi sphere when the Ashurian Empire excavated the Oriax. She soon after escaped into the new world and journeyed to retrieve the Oriax. This path led her to Aryahm where she was confronted by Deathcatcher. To stop him from causing another great tragedy she used the derider once more to unlock the Demiurge form of the Oriax once more, thus causing the reincarnation of Seraphiel. Yumi has tremendous Qi. When pushed to an absolute limit she can warp time and space, so a biological lock was placed on her to retrain most of her abilities (which was later broken). Due to her exposure to violence at such a young age, she is introverted and softly spoken, without being shy. Though Divine Hibernation did much to give her confidence, her feelings for Chizu still linger and hurt her. Name: Yumi Mishima Nicknames: Eros, the First Star, De Mundo Race: Humanoid descendant of Novus Deus (Eros) Age: (in looks) (in actuality) Place of Birth: ? Nationality: Japanese Family Members: Dr. Katsuragi Mishima (dead) Eye Colour: Blue Hair Colour: White Affiliations: Chrysalis, Former Protocol Likes: Chizu, Computers, Hacking, Sunsets, Sophia, Terry Dislikes: Chizu, Blood Hobby: Computer Hacking Meta Suit: Oriax Terry Hennig (original) A young man who has a laidback, careless, humoured, vain personality and is a bit of a ladies man. When he was a child, his parents were killed when his runaway uncle, Waltrech Hennig (General Naam) disguised an attack Terry's village of Eberbach as a training exercise. Terry swore revenge for it and thus joined Chrysalis. He was then posted to gain information on Yumi, and developed feelings for her along the way. When she was recaptured by Protocol, Terry led a single handed attack on Ix Nos Babel, one that would have gotten him killed; if not for the Asmodeus. Eventually he discovered the truth about what happened in his past (and that his mother, Lilith, was forced to become one with the Asmodeus suit) and killed General Naam in the field of battle. After the Great Schism he helped battle Holy Protocol in space, but was unable to stop Deathcatcher from using the Elymus Drive. Shortly after the Divine Cataclysm his Meta Suit was damaged and it crash-landed on the Earth, killing him. Name: Terry Hennig Nicknames: None Race: Human Age: 21 Place of Birth: Eberbach, Germany Nationality: German (half-American, half-German by blood) Family Members: Lilith (Mother), Heinrich (Father), Naam (Uncle) Eye Colour: Blue Hair Colour: Blonde Affiliations: Chrysalis Likes: Women, Cards, Bishamon, Yumi Dislikes: Freeman, Chizu, Naam, Protocol, people who misuse power Hobby: Playing Cards Meta Suit: Bishamon M-2 Chizu Yagata/Chizuru Matsubana A young woman whose parents were murdered when she was a child. She then sought revenge and it was given to her when a member of the Protocol council adopted her and gave her training in gun handling. She took her revenge on the killer and thereafter became a spy for Protocol as a trade off for the training that Chizuru got. She was sent to keep an eye on Yumi, and thus fed information to Celaph (her leader and fianc‚e) about the girl and the location of EDEN. She later joined New Protocol as a result of the Great Schism. Chizu was then killed during the Divine Cataclysm. Name: Chizu Yagata Nicknames: Chizuru Matsubana Race: Human Age: 18 Place of Birth: Meta Tokyo, Japan Nationality: Japanese Family Members: None Eye Colour: Black Hair Colour: Black Affiliations: Protocol (New) Likes: Celaph, Shortbread Dislikes: Assassinations Hobby: Marksmanship Meta Suit: None Rain Harland/Deathcatcher An Ashtar who lived in the American village of Green Cloud. Quiet and respectful, but also very lonely, he protected the village in his outdated Meta Suit, Syoga. His only friend was a stable girl named Edwina, who he had feelings for. When Edwina and her family were gunned down by Freeman and the Raum, the trauma Rain underwent produced a Divine Hibernation. From which the Triad altered his mind and transformed him into a cold and ruthless killer known as Deathcatcher. Shortly afterwards, Deathcatcher piloted his Diablos Meta Suit and flew into the heart of Meshezabel, activating the Elymus Drive. This action caused the Divine Cataclysm, which ruined the Sermo period civilization and paved the way for the Anthropos era. His purpose now is to serve as a knight for Ashura and the Triad of the Inquisition. He has done that for the past 6000 years, and he flew down to Aryahm in the Diablos to meet with Yumi. Provoking the Oriax's transformation into Demiurge and thus the reincarnation of Seraphiel. Once a kind and shy young man, he has become cold, dark and inhuman. Name: Rain Harland Nicknames: Deathcatcher, De Anima, the Second Star Race: Ashtar Age: 19 (in looks) Place of Birth: Green Cloud, Texas, North America Nationality: North American Family Members: None Eye Colour: Red (formerly blue) Hair Colour: Silver Affiliations: Protocol (Holy) Likes: Memories of Edwina Dislikes: ? Hobby: None Meta Suit: Syoga (first), Diablos (current) Freeman Ronove The last 'Thanatos' of the Sermo generation. He was a normal young man until he was kidnapped and brainwashed by Protocol from the French village he grew up in at the age of 15. His mind was then wiped to remove all memory of this, but this caused a mental collapse within him and Freeman became mildly insane. After impregnating Yumi he was summoned to the Hall of Garatia, and selected to become pilot of the Raum. However the Triad soon rethought this and used him only to produce a second Divine Hibernation within Yumi. And after he attacked the village of Green Cloud, as commanded, he was confronted by Yumi and the Oriax. Freeman and the Raum were then both destroyed. A man with severe mental disturbance, in his time of life, his level of Qi rivalled that of Yumi. Name: Freeman Ronove Nicknames: Thanatos Race: Descendant of the Novus Deus Age: 18 Place of Birth: ? Nationality: French Family Members: None Eye Colour: Black Hair Colour: Smog green Affiliations: Protocol (Holy) Likes: Eros, Future, Bloodshed Dislikes: Eros, the Triad of the Inquisition, his impurity Hobby: None Meta Suit: Raum The Triad of the Inquisition - See Organizations, Protocol Naam/Waltrech Hennig The former leader of the mobile Meta Suit army of Protocol, known as Divine Blade. He was haughty and proud, and commanded much respect from his subordinates. He was also the man whose training in the outside world killed the people of his old village. Including his brother. The only survivor being his nephew, Terry Hennig, and his step sister, Lilith Hennig (who he loved). Naam took her to Ix Nos Babel and demanded that they save Lilith's life, which caused her to be placed in the life support module of the Asmodeus. He was killed by Terry in the Battle of Ix Nos Babel. Name: Waltrech Hennig Nicknames: Naam Race: Human Age: 43 Place of Birth: Eberbach, Germany Nationality: German Family Members: Terry (Nephew), Heinrich (Brother-dead), Lilith (Step Sister) Eye Colour: Black Hair Colour: Grey Affiliations: Former Protocol Likes: Bahamut, Lilith Dislikes: Cowards Hobby: None Meta Suit: Bahamut Geist Fahlem/Shugo Yamamoto Formerly the Japanese scientist who worked alongside Dr. Katsuragi, Fahlem was an Ashtar who gained favour with the Triad of the Inquisition for his high Qi level and brilliant intellect. After the death of Dr. Mishima, he implanted nanomachines into his blood so that he could extend his life. He also underwent plastic surgery to change himself, and thus became the man known as Geist Fahlem. Fahlem was then selected by the Triad to act as the helper of Bahaman, Keeper of the Source. Since then his loyalties have remained with Bahaman. Geist was instrumental in the production of the Oriax, as well as the Three Gods of Wrath and Meshezabel, as well as the Ragnarok System. He gained Complete Gnosis and became an Ishtar, and also participated in the monitoring of Princess Ashura from the earliest age. After much time working for the Ashurian Empire, he decided that he had to atone for his crimes, and thus fully joined forces with Caliph Bahaman and the nation of Geshem. When Yumi was freed from the ice 6000 years after the destruction of the world, he journeyed with her to Aryahm, where Seraphiel's reincarnation took place. A knowledgeable and kind man, he carries a strong sense of duty to Geshem as well as a sadness for his crimes. Name: Shugo Yamamoto Nicknames: Geist Fahlem Race: Ishtar Age: 29 (in looks) Place of Birth: Japan Nationality: Japanese Family Members: None Eye Colour: Black Hair Colour: Black Affiliations: Protocol (Holy), Bahaman, Geshem Likes: His 'children', Discovery Dislikes: Outright Injustice Hobby: Reading Meta Suit: None (as yet) Queen Ashura/Leah Cloud The former notional head of the Holy Empire of Protocol and the subordinate of the Triad of the Inquisition. She was once a normal girl in Meta Cardiff until the Triad of the Inquisition kidnapped her and brainwashed her mind, injecting her with nanomachines to prolong her life. Thus she became Princess Ashura and led the HEoP during the Great Schism. After the Divine Cataclysm, Ashura was crowed 'Queen' and set up court in the space city of Meshezabel. Her personality is regal, calm and knowing. She is also an Ashtar. As one of the Three Stars, she has a destiny that reverberates through the ages. Name: Leah Cloud Nicknames: Princess Ashura, Queen Ashura Race: Ashtar Age: 23 (in looks) Place of Birth: Meta Cardiff, Wales Nationality: Welsh Family Members: None Eye Colour: Green Hair Colour: Brown Affiliations: Protocol (Holy) Likes: Leena, Nature, Wind Dislikes: Violence Hobby: None Meta Suit: None Aratia de Toscana The ace pilot of Schutzenreich and one of the Shinjinkai Team. She was the first and most successful product of the Sohei Project, and was created with the ovum of Diana Katrianna, head scientist of the experiment at the time. Aratia's memory of such creation was wiped out and her mind was re-written (to make her believe that she was adopted) and because of this she believes that she is a pure-blooded, 'natural' Meshezablian. She's posted in Aryahm to oversee production of the ultimate Meta Suit but her mission will change once Yumi is awake. Her personality is flirty, bloodthirsty and devious, but she has a good heart deep down inside. Name: Aratia de Toscana Nicknames: None Race: Humanoid Age: 20 Place of Birth: ? Nationality: ? Family Members: Diana (Mother) Eye Colour: Blonde Hair Colour: Blue Affiliations: The Ashurian Empire Likes: Bloodshed, Good Battles, Women, Drinking, Cursing, Lazing around Dislikes: Boring Things Hobby: Drinking Meta Suit: Hanuman Terry Hennig/TH-C4 A clone of Terry Hennig, one produced 20 years ago by the Ministry's Sohei Project. He was the forth (and at this point, the only successful) clone of Terry, possessing all of his looks and Meta Suit piloting talent. When he was introduced into Schutzenreich he was given the Bishamon M-4 as a mark of his new rank. However, he has none of the original Terry Hennig's memories. He left the group after a disagreement with its leader, Gustav Kohler. A confident and outgoing young man, he is presently in a relationship with the hacker Skye Kohler. Though a clone with none of the original's memories, Terry 2 shares many personality traits with him. Name: Terry Hennig Nicknames: TH-C4 Race: Humanoid Age: 21 (in looks) 1 (in years) Place of Birth: ? Nationality: None Family Members: None Eye Colour: Blue Hair Colour: Blonde Affiliations: Tomoko's Crew Likes: Skye, Cards, Bishamon Dislikes: The Ashurian Empire Hobby: Playing Cards Meta Suit: Bishamon M-4 Tomoko Minaba A Jaankang woman with a strong sense of justice and direction. Her father was a high ranking member of Jaankang politics until Aryahmite forces took political control over the region. Her father, Yoshinori Minaba, was the only one who dared to resist and so he was assassinated five years ago. Tomoko stole the battleship Kamiyashiki and decided to become is a bounty hunter, opposing Meshezablian rule. After meeting Yumi she finds herself falling in love with her. Name: Tomoko Minaba Nicknames: None Race: Human Age: 19 Place of Birth: Jaankang Nationality: Jaankese Family Members: Father (dead) Eye Colour: Brown Hair Colour: Black Affiliations: Her Crew Likes: Yumi, Parties, the Kamiyashiki Dislikes: The Ashurian Empire Hobby: None Meta Suit: None Lune White A woman who showed abnormal Qi qualities from birth. She was sent to the Meshezabel for processing at the age of 5. Thus she grew up as a puppet for Ashurian Empire. She is an eager girl, very curious and full of wonder. Though she can become confused quite easily. She is the Eros of this generation. Name: Lune White Nicknames: Eros Race: Age: 17 Place of Birth: The Island of Baan Nationality: Xuian Family Members: None Eye Colour: Blue Hair Colour: Green Affiliations: None Likes: ? Dislikes: Anger Hobby: None Meta Suit: None Seraphiel Incarnate The humanoid reincarnation of the Seraphiel Messiah. His fate is not written on the Tablets of Destiny and because of this; the possibility of it gaining an incarnation is a big issue to the Ashurian Empire. Once Yumi unlocked the power of Demiurge for a second time, Seraphiel Incarnate was born unto the world for the first time in millennia. He merged with the Meta Suit Apocryphal and took command of the Stolas-Marionettes that Diana had constructed for him. His will now is only to destroy humanity and the Novus Deus, to re-assume his position as Messiah of the Earth. Name: ? Nicknames: Seraphiel Incarnate Race: Messiah Age: ? Place of Birth: ? Nationality: ? Family Members: None Eye Colour: Gold Hair Colour: Gold Affiliations: None Likes: Yumi Dislikes: ? Hobby: None Meta Suit: Apocryphal Diana Katrianna The mastermind behind the Sohei Project and the 'mother' of Aratia. Diana (back then Emma) was a scientist in early Protocol days. Her husband was archaeologist who found a parchment on Seraphiel during a dig. It was the Scroll of Sariel. It said that Seraphiel was destined to extract the 'power of sin' and kill God. When this was discovered by the Triad, they had the couple's daughter, Rachel, killed. Emma's husband hung himself in grief. Emma then went about looking for ways to bring them back. She learned of nanotechnology and created hundreds of bodies for herself. Then downloaded her memories into a mini-disc which could be plugged into her brain (which she would do every time one of her bodies weakened to keep herself alive). Bringing back Rachel and her husband was impossible because they possessed a rare blood group that could not be replicated. Eventually she learned that Seraphiel had the power to restore life, and so devoted herself to reviving its force. She underwent plastic surgery and renamed herself 'Diana'. She later (after the Divine Cataclysm) learned that Seraphiel would incarnate itself once more so prepared herself for that time by joining the Ashurian Empire and participating/starting the Sohei Project. She has now created the ultimate vessel for Seraphiel Incarnate, Apocryphal, so that it would bring back both Rachel and her husband and destroy the Triad of the Inquisition (she also developed the innards of the modern marionette systems, which are nanotechnological replicas of brains). Diana developed the Hanuman, Sabnock and Fafnir Meta Suits as well as the core of the Marionettes. Age 28. Name: Emma James Nicknames: Diana Katrianna Race: Humanoid Age: 6023 Place of Birth: England (originally) Nationality: English (originally) Family Members: Daughter (Rachel), Husband (John) Eye Colour: Green Hair Colour: Brown Affiliations: The Ashurian Empire, the Former Protocol, the Holy Empire of Protocol Likes: Science, Memories Dislikes: The Triad of the Inquisition Hobby: None Meta Suit: None ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ 3. Minor Characters ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Lilith Hennig: The mother of Terry. After General Naam's attack, Lilith was killed along with her husband. But Naam (who loved her) would not let her go. So took her corpse and gave it to the research team in Ix Nos Babel to revive her. They then implanted her with Vulnus Deus cells and she was revived, but was unable to sustain her own life. So they hooked her up to a machine body. And that body was of the most powerful Meta Suit of all. Asmodeus. Lilith fused with the Asmodeus and then escaped Ix Nos Babel. Now she follows the activities of Terry, and because of its cloaking powers, it cannot be detected by Protocol. Age ?. Bahaman: He is referred to as the 'Keeper of the Source'. He is the Caliph of a small alternate dimension called Geshem, which was created by the Triad of the Inquisition 300 years before Deathcatcher's destruction of the world. Bahaman was one of only a few people who constructed a nation there, though Geist Fahlem was made to be his helper. Geshem now has a population of 2000 and a private military. Bahaman was made leader of the nation, but broke all immediate ties with the Triad of the Inquisition and retained his nation's own autonomy. Bahaman is protector of the Source Gate. His life is extended by a life-support machine. Princess Ashura also happens to be one of his descendants. Age 6300+. Skye K”hler: A hacker and the grandson of Gustav K”hler. He was due to be enlisted in the Schutzenreich, when he met with Terry. They fell in love and thus had to escape before they were torn apart. Because Skye was not trained, he has absolutely no fighting experience. By personality he is quiet and mistrusting of women, and is very protective of Terry. An Aryahmite. Age 18. Long Wu Quan: A Shengese scientist and martial artist, he works in a Shidou research lab which is about free Yumi Mishima and Demiurge from the ice. He is actually a spy for the gang. He was a scientist in Shengong until he saw the evil and cruelty of Meshezablian rule (his family was murdered by them). Thus he joined the group. He is old friends with Geist Fahlem. Long Wu's personality is cold, uncaring, and straight-laced. Age 31. Cecelia Faye Beatrix: The leader of Chrysalis and the granddaughter of Father Bartholomeus. She and her group operate out of their giant airship, Leviathan. She was the one who brought Terry Hennig into Chrysalis A smart but cold woman, Beatrix was engaged to the young Major of the Chrysalis, Sophia. Beatrix was killed during the Divine Cataclysm. Age 31. Sophia Mariette: Sophia was a Major in Chrysalis. A talented hacker and subordinate, she was once in a relationship with Cecelia Faye Beatrix. Their relationship ended when they were both killed during the Divine Cataclysm. Age 22. Katsuragi Mishima: A very talented scientist who took Yumi under his wing. When his family died in a fire, he named Yumi after his biological daughter, and raised her as his own. To underplay Yumi's significance, he placed a biological lock on her powers. But when this became common knowledge, the Triad of the Inquisition ordered Dr. Mishima's death. Age 46. Father Bartholomeus: Grandfather of Beatrix, leader of EDEN and the Ark of the Luria; he was killed during the Divine Cataclysm. Age 80+. William Ank Celaph: Former Tactical Commander of the Japanese division of the Protocol military forces (after the death of the previous Japanese-blood one). He commissioned the attack on EDEN and had direct contact with the Triad of the Inquisition. He has a sort of unspoken rivalry with Beatrix. He also has romantic feelings for Chizu (being that she is at present, under his command). After the Great Schism he took control over New Protocol but was unable to prevent Deathcatcher's destruction of the world. Age 29. Selena Fol: The leader of the Divine Blade (following the death of General Naam). Her sister is Leena. She is headstrong while her sister is quiet. Her Meta Suit called Morax. Both she and her suit were destroyed in space by Terry. Age 18. Leena Fol: The subordinate and lover of Princess Ashura. Her sister is Selena. She is calm and peaceful while her sister is fierce. Leena was killed by Fahlem to help Ashura attain Gnosis. Age 18. Kraepelin: A Swiss pilot who joined the Divine Blade for glory. He is credited with the capture of the Oriax during the Battle of EDEN. Because of this he was promoted and given the custom Meta Suit Eon. Both he and the Eon were later killed in the Battle of Ix Nos Babel by Yumi and the Oriax. Age Steed: A black Canadian pilot with a fiery passion. He was killed by Yumi and the Oriax during the Battle of EDEN. Ry: A wise Welsh pilot in the Divine Blade. He was killed by Yumi and the Oriax during the Battle of EDEN. Aria: A young woman from Australia with no remorse. She was killed by Yumi and the Oriax during the Battle of EDEN. Vice Whitfield: A citizen of EDEN with control over its military forces. Edwina Saffron: Rain's love interest, daughter of Kurt and Bella. She loved Rain dearly, but couldn't admit it. She was killed by Freeman in Green Cloud. Age 18. Bella Saffron: The mother of Edwina and wife of Kurt. She was killed by Freeman. Age 43. Kurt Saffron: The father of Edwina and husband of Bella. He was killed by Freeman. Age 42. Onaba Soren: A member of the Shinjinkai. A cold Aryahmite who pilots the Fafnir suit. He is killed by the Oriax during Yumi's attack on Command Central. Age 29. Ryoufei Tachibana: Another member of the Shinjinkai. He is a half-Shengese half-Aryahmite. More cheerful than Onaba and more serious that Aratia, he pilots the Sabnock Meta Suit. He is killed by the Oriax during Yumi's attack on Command Central. Age 26. Gustav K”hler: The leader of the Schutzenreich and a master tactician. His young grandson is Skye, though he possess no love for the boy. A ruthless man. Age 57. Kaiser Veitshied Xirau IX: The leader of the Canaanite nation, the one nation that does not hold any ties to the Ashurian Empire. Age 49. Neela: Helmswoman of the Kamiyashiki. Suzuhara: Helmsman of the Kamiyashiki. Doctor Alec Mien: The head scientist of the St. Mary's Base. Rachel & John James: The daughter and husband of Diana Katrianna. John was an archaeologist and when he discovered the Scroll of Sariel and refused to destroy it, Rachel was killed in replay. John hung himself in his grief. Brining them back is Diana's sole purpose in life. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ 4. Organizations ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Protocol Protocol was a scientific/political/religious organization that acted as a global government on Earth during the latter half of the Sermo Period. Protocol and its followers regard the original Novus Deus to be its God, and all its incarnations through the years its 'offspring'. The HQ of Protocol is a tower in the Arctic island of Kyoga called Ix Nos Babel. The three original leaders of Protocol were the Triad of the Inquisition. Protocol are behind many scientific discoveries and inventions. They created the Meta Suit (most glaring being Oriax, Raum, The Three Gods of Wrath, etc), the Ragnarok System, Meshezabel, the AM-Cannon, the Elymus Drive, and so on. They were also the ones to unearth the Tablets of Destiny, resurrecting the old tales of Novus Deus. The group remains as the most influential organization of all Five Ages. - New Protocol: A faction created as a result of the Great Schism. It was led by William Ank Celaph and those loyal to him when he decided to break away from the cruelty of the Triad of the Inquisition. As a military force it had one major army to its name, the New Protocol Meta Suit Division (NPMSD) which was almost wiped out in the battle in moon's orbit. Shortly after the Divine Cataclysm, the members of New Protocol were rounded up and killed, thus quashing the faction. - Holy Empire of Protocol: The other half of Protocol, created as a result of the Great Schism. It consisted of those who remained loyal to the Triad of the Inquisition and those who saw that life had to be prepared in the right way for the coming of the Novus Deus. The group's figurehead leader was Princess Ashura, but in truth it was commanded by the Triad of the Inquisition. Once the Divine Cataclysm was instigated on the world by Deathcatcher, it became the dominant power on earth (but eventually forsook the name 'Protocol'). - The Upper Council: A group of representatives from each country of the world before the Divine Cataclysm. Though they appeared to be a solid government, they were no more than a puppet show for Protocol to display its democracy. A fact that is shown when the Upper Council disintegrates after the Great Schism. - The Triad of the Inquisition: The alliance formed between the Three Wise Men; Aherg, Ein, and Karahi. Though born in the Nous Period, they didn't excerpt any control over the world until the Sermo era, when they single-handedly created the Protocol organization. Because of their Demi-Gnosis state (which is significantly different from those of others) they cannot sustain their own existences in the natural world. So they created their own private dimension from which they can guide their interests. Because of this, the Triad has a representative perform their will for them (with Princess Ashura and Celaph being prime examples of that). - The Divine Blade: The military force which was the primary division of the Holy Protocol Army both before and after the Great Schism. Its power was feared for years because of its many talented Meta Suit pilots. The Divine Blade's main Meta Suit for use was the Amon (which was supported by Allocers, Baals, Zagans, as well as custom suits like the Bahamut, the Morax and the Eon). Its leader was General Naam, who later succeeded by Selena Fol. Members of the Divine Blade include General Naam, Selena, Kraepelin, Steed, Aria, Ry, etc. Chrysalis A small but influential militia which was created to both defend EDEN and free the citizens of the Meta Cities in the Sermo era. Its leader was Cecelia Faye Beatrix, and it operated out of the giant battleship Leviathan. Its Meta Suit troops consisted of Uvalls, Gusions and the custom suits Oriax and Bishamon/Bishamon M-2. Some of its members were Beatrix, Sophia, Yumi and Terry. The Ashurian Empire That which Protocol became after the Divine Cataclysm took place. The Ashurian Empire, headed by Queen Ashura and the Triad of the Inquisition, began creating its own race to populate Meshezabel and then worked on expanding its military force. After establishing themselves in space, the Ashurians then turned to the Earth and is now spreading its influence across the planet. Members of the Ashurian Empire are numerous, including Ashura, Aherg, Ein and Karahi, Deathcatcher, Aratia de Toscana, Doctor Mien, Geist Fahlem, Long Wu Quan, Onaba, Ryoufei, Gustav K”hler, Diana Katrianna, etc. - Ministry of Metaphysical and Biotechnological Neo-Eugenic Research: The scientific team that Diana Katrianna heads in Aryahm. They were behind the Sohei Project, the Stolas-marionettes, Apocryphal, the Kaiser Halberd and the Counter Kaiser Halberd, as well as the duty of maintaining the Gospel Template and the Ragnarok System. - The Templar Sages: The first half of the Ashurian Empire's army. This operates from Meshezabel and acts as its primary defence. Though Deathcatcher's control over the army is informal, he is considered to be its commander. The Templar Sages consist mainly of Meta Suits. - The Schutzenreich: This is the second half of the army of the Ashurian Empire. Its station is primarily on Earth and so it is seen as the most powerful Earth-bound military ever. It consists mainly of Meta Suits. - The Shinjinkai: The name for the three most skilled pilots in the Schutzenreich, Aratia, Ryoufei and Onaba. Because of their status they are given special treatment wherever they go. - Council Electorate: The descendants of the Upper Council, and those who supplement Queen Ashura's rule with their guidance. They make the smaller decisions that neither the Triad nor Queen Ashura concern themselves with. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ 5. Locations/Buildings ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ (Pre Cataclysm) Ix Nos Babel The former HQ of the Protocol organization. It is a gigantic tower built on Kyoga Island in the Arctic Circle. It has a height of over 23 kilometres and a width of 0.6 kilometres. Ix Nos Babel was constructed over the site of the Ancient Ruins, so that the excavations of the Ancient Ruins could continue unabated. After the Great Cataclysm, it became no more than a very large research facility. Temple of Tlazolteotl The temporary home of Princess Ashura and her followers during the Great Schism. Shinrai Building The outpost of Protocol affairs in Japanese society. It was the same place where Celaph was stationed to oversee the capture of Yumi Mishima and the destruction of the Chrysalis, during the Sermo period. - Ochiai Underground Research Facility: A underground laboratory complex beneath the Shinrai building. Many experiments took place there, including the production of the Oriax (and thus the sealing of Seraphiel). During the Sermo era it was seen as the hub of scientific discovery, even over Ix Nos Babel. The Sky Cords Four gigantic tower-like structures designed to allow transport into space. The four Sky Cords were the North American, South American, West European and the East Asian. A few more were due to be commissioned but they was scraped when the Meshezabel project was abandoned by Protocol. Green Cloud A small American village within the state of Texas, one which was raided by Freeman and the Raum. It was thereafter destroyed during the Divine Cataclysm. It was the hometown of Deathcatcher. EDEN The enormous metal city created in the sea. It created by Father Bartholomeus and his followers during the latter Sermo era. It was an outpost for people who did not want to live under Protocol's rule, and the base of operations for Chrysalis. It was briefly captured by Protocol but was then later released by Celaph. In the Divine Cataclysm it was destroyed. At its height, EDEN housed over 950,000 people. Ancient Ruins A very large temple under the Arctic, created by the ancient humans during the early Nous period. Inside its halls rested the Tablets of Destiny. Kyoga Island An artificial island in the Arctic Circle created in the Sermo Period after the discovery of the Ancient Ruins. Ix Nos Babel rests upon it and it was once protected by three lines of defence (which were destroyed by Bishamon M-2 and the Asmodeus). The Lunar Station The only recognized space outpost for the Protocol organization during the Sermo era. It holds the AM-Cannon. The Hall of Garatia This is the mini-dimension that the Triad of the Inquisition created and operate from. The Mouth of the Shenlong A base for the Chrysalis group in the Gobi Desert. (Post Cataclysm) Meshezabel A large space-city that was created over a ninety year period by Protocol. It was abandoned by Protocol at the command of the Upper Council after so many people died to build it, just when it was 92% complete. Meshezabel was then left to float in the Moon's orbit. Its people, numbering at 1.2 million, are all the future forms of human beings and are descendants of the nanotechnologically manufactured race (Homo Perdignus). Thus they are an essentially peaceful people, oblivious to the suffering of the surface worlders. It is the seat of the Ashurian Empire and though controlled by Queen Ashura; the highest authority is the Triad of the Inquisition. It's protected by Deathcatcher and the second half of the Divine Army of the Ashurian Empire, the Templar Sages. It contains factories of nanomachine technology as well as the Elymus Drive. It is big enough to house more than 2 million people. Horan (South/North/West/East) A Large east-central grassland region. It is not a formal nation but a land covered with sparse and separated villages. The closest thing it has to a city is the village of Troas. Canaan A desert nation; held to scorn by the world. This is because it pays no homage to Meshezabel or Aryahm. It joined forces with its neighbouring country, Xu, and waged war on Aryahm 32 years ago. When Xu was destroyed, Kaiser Veitshied Xirau III surrendered and abdicated the throne, leaving it to his son. Canaan now lives in fear of attack. Its people are slaves, experimented on and exploited. Its major city is Azgad. Xu/The Islands of Baan Formerly the nation of Xu. When it joined forces with Canaan and started a three-year long war, it ended when Deathcatcher was commissioned by Aryahmese officials to take care of the situation. Deathcatcher destroyed the state ruthlessly, transforming it into a clump of islands known as Baan. Though it is no longer recognized as a nation, people still live there and burn with hatred for the Ashurian Empire. St. Mary's Base An Ashurian base in Western Horan, built with an underground sea-port for access to the ocean via the Tarawa River. It is where the Kaiser Halberd was constructed. The Forests of Seth A large set of forests that stretch out for miles around the South Horan landscape. South Shidou Investigative Research Station A research facility in the South Horan ice flats which took on the responsibility of guarding Lune White and excavating the Oriax. Command Central/Control Central The main base of the Ashurian Empire on Earth's surface, located in the super city Aryahm. The Schutzenreich operate out of it and run Ashurian affairs from there. Aryahm A city-sized nation built below Meshezabel. It's almost as technologically advanced as Meshezabel, but its people are still seen as a lower class. Potentially it acts as a gateway/way station between Meshezabel and the Earth. Though it is not an autonomous nation it's seen by surface people as such. Jaankang Former Japan. An Asiatic nation wishing to break from the grip of Shengese power Shengong An Asiatic nation to the east. It was one of the first nations to sell out to the Ashurian Empire once the strength of Aryahm was revealed. It is ruled by a council which is in the pocket of the Ashurian Empire. Its major city is Kyurai. Shidou Iceland region to the far south (former Antarctica). Like Horan it has no national recognition. Geshem An alternate dimension world that was created by the Triad of the Inquisition 300 years before Deathcatcher destroyed the old world. Its ruled by Caliph Bahaman, the keeper of the source. It eventually broke its ties with the Ashurian Empire but is neutral in standing. Though it has a population of only 2000+, it has a very powerful military and thus is considered a possible threat to the Ashurians. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ 6. Meta Suits ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Oriax (Pilot: Yumi) The Oriax is one of the most powerful Meta Suits ever created. It was originally designed as a counterpart to the Raum, but gained its own priority in the eyes of Protocol. When the entity Seraphiel was discovered in the Ancient Ruins, it was imprisoned inside of the Oriax, giving it great powers that far surpassed Meta Suits of that time. However they saw that that power was too great, and so placed restraints on Seraphiel, weakening the Oriax in power. Geist Fahlem, one of the men behind the creation of the Oriax, programmed a derider into the systems of the machine in case the pilot (who he knew would be Yumi) ever needed the full power of the suit. Because the Soul Gear Engine works in tantamount with Seraphiel, the inner creature's power can be manipulated without it gaining full control over the suit. But this is only a temporary solution. When Seraphiel's powers are unleashed (Transmutation) the suit takes on a form known as Demiurge. When smaller portions of Seraphiel's powers are used, the suit is called Meta Oriax. (Weapons) - Gauntlet Blade (360 cm long, an energy blade of Qi in elite Combat Meta Suits) - Kaiser Halberd (Abilities) - Qi Barrier (Energy Shields) - Zero Gravity Movement (Flight) - Alters body temperature to suit certain environments (Components) - Qi Generator - Soul Gear Engine - Derider - Wave/Anti-Wave Generator (produces sound waves/counters sound waves) (Attacks) - Gatling Gun Palm - SU-Wave (Sonic attack produced from the Wave/Anti-Wave Generator) - Jupiter Maelstrom (High-Powered blast of Qi from the chest power generator) - Transmutation (Evolution into Meta Oriax/Demiurge) - Damage Regeneration (After Demiurge Transmutation) - Bio-molecular Whip (After Demiurge Transmutation) Bishamon M-2 (Pilot: Terry) The Meta Suit of Terry Hennig, and a creation of the Chrysalis Group. It was overhauled after the Battle of EDEN to become the Bishamon M-2, with increased speed and power. (Weapons) - Energy Katana (Chargeable) (Abilities) - Zero Gravity Movement (Flight) (Components) - Qi Generator (Skills/Attacks) - Shoulder Plate Gatlings - Wrist Cannon (Via Qi-Generator) - Long Range Slash (Via Energy Katana) Raum (Destroyed) - (Pilot: Freeman) The counterpart Meta Suit to the Oriax, piloted by Freeman. It was destroyed by Demiurge in Antarctica, killing Freeman as well. (Weapons) - Gauntlet Blade (360 cm long, an energy blade of Qi) (Abilities) - Zero Gravity Movement (Flight) - Qi Barrier (Energy Shields) - Alters body temperature to suit certain environments - Wave/Anti-Wave Generator (produces sound waves/counters sound waves) (Components) - Qi Generator (Skills/Attacks) - Gatling Gun Palm - SU-Wave (Sonic attack produced from the Wave/Anti-Wave Generator) - Jupiter Maelstrom (High-Powered blast of Qi from the chest power generator) Asmodeus (Pilot: Lilith) The suit that Lilith's living corpse inhabits. It was created in Ix Nos Babel as the prototype of Meta Suits that run on pilots who are biotechnologically linked to the machine. However this proved dangerous when the creators realized that they could not control Lilith. The project was scraped and only attempted again once (with the Oriax and Seraphiel, following a similar principle). The status of the Asmodeus is unknown since the Battle of Ix Nos Babel. (Weapons) - Gauntlet Blade (380 cm long, un-curved) (Abilities) - Zero Gravity Movement (Flight) - Qi Wave Shield (Components) - Qi Generator (Skills/Attacks) - Genocide Orb - Long Range Slash (Via Gauntlet Blade) - Cloaking Ability/Stealth Shield Diablos (Pilot: Deathcatcher) One of the 'Three Gods of Wrath' created by Geist Fahlem for the Triad of the Inquisition. It is piloted by Deathcatcher and is considered one of the greatest suits of all time. (Weapons) - Energy Whip (Via Qi-Generator) (Abilities) - Zero Gravity Movement (Flight) - Qi Barrier (Components) - Qi Generator - Soul Gear Engine - Wave/Anti-Wave Generator (produces sound waves/counters sound waves) (Skills/Attacks) - Head Gatlings - SU-Wave (Sonic attack produced from the Wave/Anti-Wave Generator) - Saturn Phase Blast (High-Powered blast of Qi from the chest power generator) - Jupiter Maelstrom Omega (Super-Powerful blast used when linked with Elymus Drive) - Transmutation (Evolution into Meta Diablos) Eon (Destroyed) - (Pilot: Kraepelin) The custom-built Meta Suit of Kraepelin, given to him upon his upgrade to Captain rank. It was destroyed by the Oriax in the Battle of Ix Nos Babel. (Weapons) - Flamethrower Rifle (Abilities) - Zero Gravity Movement (Flight) (Skills/Attacks) - NONE Orobas (Pilot: Celaph) An average custom model Meta Suit built for Celaph. (Weapons) - Shoulder Rocket Launcher (Abilities) - Zero Gravity Movement (Flight) (Skills/Attacks) - Head Gatlings Bahamut (Destroyed) - (Pilot: General Naam) The custom-built Meta Suit of General Naam. It was destroyed by the Bishamon M-2 in the Battle of Ix Nos Babel, resulting in the death of General Naam. (Weapons) - Bahamut Broadsword - Bahamut Circular Shield (Abilities) - Zero Gravity Movement (Flight) (Skills/Attacks) - NONE Morax (Destroyed) - (Pilot: Selena) An average custom model Meta Suit built for Selena. It was wasted by Bishamon M-2 during the Battle for the Lunar Station. (Weapons) - Beam Rifle (Abilities) - Zero Gravity Movement (Flight) (Skills/Attacks) - Wrist Gatlings Syoga (Destroyed) - (Pilot: Rain) A weak construction model Meta Suit used in combat by Rain/Deathcatcher to protect the village of Green Cloud. It was destroyed by Freeman during his attack. (Weapons) - NONE (Abilities) - Zero Gravity Movement (Flight) (Skills/Attacks) - Wrist Gatlings Bishamon M-4 (Pilot: Terry 2) The first of the four Meta Suits that Diana Katrianna created as replicas of the original Bishamon. This happens to be the most powerful. It was given to Terry Hennig's clone shortly before he left the Schutzenreich. (Weapons) - Energy Katana (Chargeable) (Abilities) - Zero Gravity Movement (Flight) (Components) - Qi Generator (Skills/Attacks) - Shoulder Plate Gatlings - Wrist Cannon (Via Qi-Generator) - Long Range Slash (Via Energy Katana) Belial (Pilot: Geist Fahlem) A Meta Suit that Fahlem built for himself in Geshem. (Weapons) - NONE (Martial Arts) (Abilities) - Zero Gravity Movement (Flight) - Qi Barrier (Components) - Qi Generator (Skills/Attacks) - Qi Force Ball - Qi Force Beam Hanuman (Pilot: Aratia) A Meta Suit replicated of the Bishamon M-2 and handed to Ryoufei as a symbol of status. It was created by Diana Katrianna and severely damaged by the Diablos in Aryahm. (Weapons) - Energy Naginata (Chargeable) (Abilities) - Zero Gravity Movement (Flight) - Qi Barrier (Components) - Qi Generator (Skills/Attacks) - Head Gatlings - Long Range Slash (Via Energy Naginata) Fafnir (Destroyed) (Pilot: Onaba) A Meta Suit replicated of the Bishamon M-2 and handed to Onaba as a symbol of status. It was created by Diana Katrianna and destroyed by the Oriax in Aryahm. (Weapons) - Energy Axe (Chargeable) (Abilities) - Zero Gravity Movement (Flight) (Components) - Qi Generator (Skills/Attacks) - Shoulder Gatlings - Long Range Slash (Via Energy Katana) Sabnock (Destroyed) (Pilot: Ryoufei) A Meta Suit replicated of the Bishamon M-2 and handed to Ryoufei as a symbol of status. It was created by Diana Katrianna and destroyed by the Oriax in Aryahm. (Weapons) - Energy Sword (Chargeable) (Abilities) - Zero Gravity Movement (Flight) (Components) - Qi Generator (Skills/Attacks) - Head Gatlings - Long Range Slash (Via Energy Naginata) Apocryphal (Pilot: Seraphiel Incarnate) The Meta Suit created by Diana Katrianna for Seraphiel's Incarnation. Its defining feature are its eight golden wings. It is the most powerful Meta Suit ever, transcending even the Oriax/Demiurge and the Diablos. (Weapons) - Gauntlet Blade (360 cm long) - Counter Kaiser Halberd (Abilities) - Qi Barrier - Zero Gravity Movement (Flight) - Alters body temperature to suit certain environments - Wave/Anti-Wave Generator (produces sound waves/counters sound waves) (Components) - Qi Generator - Soul Gear Engine (Skills/Attacks) - Gatling Gun Palm - SU-Wave (Sonic attack produced from the Wave/Anti-Wave Generator) - Jupiter Maelstrom (High-Powered blast of Qi from the chest power generator) - Damage Regeneration Vassago (Pilot -) One of the 'Three Gods of Wrath' created by Geist Fahlem for the Triad of the Inquisition. It currently has no pilot. (Weapons) - (Abilities) - Zero Gravity Movement (Flight) (Components) - Qi Generator (Skills/Attacks) - Mammon (Pilot -) One of the 'Three Gods of Wrath' created by Geist Fahlem for the Triad of the Inquisition. It currently has no pilot. (Weapons) - (Abilities) - Zero Gravity Movement (Flight) (Components) - Qi Generator (Skills/Attacks) - ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ 7. Details ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Astaroth The 'Original Evil' or the 'First Devil'. The Astaroth was a manifestation of the evil that took shape because of the Second Sin. Though it committed no overall horrors in its time of life, it is seen by the ancient humans as a sinful and vile force. When the Astaroth and the Novus Deus met, it triggered the death (some might say self-destruction) of the Astaroth, which then divided itself into two forms. The legacy of the Astaroth hangs darkly over the world. - Corpse of the Astaroth: The body of the Astaroth, one of its forms after death. It was buried under the ice of the Antarctic and remains there now. - Heart of the Astaroth: One of the forms that Astaroth's remains took upon its death. This is the soul of the monster. The Heart of the Astaroth retains the mind of its former self, and it theorized its own revival. In a bid to do this, it created the Seed of the Astaroth. The Heart then remained on either as a non-corporeal force; one that offers power to Ashtars and impure members of the Novus Deus bloodline. - Seed of the Astaroth: The 'Seed' of the Astaroth is the name for the spores it released in a bid to plot its own resurrection. These seeds were embedded in select members of ancient humanity and were passed down their bloodlines until the seed fused with their DNA. The modern day descendants of people infected by the Seed of the Astaroth are called Ashtars. - Ashtars: The name for a descendant of a human infected by the Seed of the Astaroth. They have the ability to become synonymous with the Heart of the Astaroth. - Divine Hibernation/Periodic Phase Sealing Phenomenon: This is the result of an Ashtar whose achieved symbiosis with the Heart of the Astaroth. They will seal themselves inside a Qi egg for a brief period of time. If they do it when their powers reach a maximum then they will hibernate for an extended period of time. Divine Hibernation can only occur once the user undergoes a serious mental surge. - Demi-Gnosis: The first level of Gnosis. Once a person undergoes Divine Hibernation, they are given all new powers which can range from increased Qi level to an extended lifespan of even a new level of wisdom and perception. However the level of Demi-Gnosis is still seen as an 'incomplete' one. - Complete Gnosis: The maximum level of Gnosis. One becomes enhanced in almost every possible way. For example, only Ishtars, those who attained Complete Gnosis, are able to leap between dimensions without internal ushering from the dimension's creative or managerial source (I.e. The Triad of the Inquisition, Bahaman). Only a few people have ever reached this level, the two most noteworthy being Geist Fahlem and Ashura. - Ishtars: A name given to Ashtars who attain Complete Gnosis. Novus Deus/Hashabnah The original organism that descended from space to the world and breathed new life into it. Though both Protocolians and Ashurians call it 'Novus Deus' its true name is Hashabnah. It is a Messiah whose planet was destroyed by climate-changes and geological instability. When its sensed that Earth was lacking a Messiah (Seraphiel being imprisoned at that time) it came down to the planet to give it new life. It is the centre point of the entire Messiah Series scenario. No one besides Seraphiel Incarnate knows the Novus Deus' true origins or what it looks like, but its importance and legacy shines through each era. It gave birth to the Bio-System and oversaw life for the brief time of the Seven Keys, until the Second Sin was committed. This provoked the death of the Novus Deus. Upon its death the Novus Deus' corpse was divided into two forms known as the Eros and Thanatos. They are destined to mate every 148 years for the revival of the Novus Deus, until the bloodline is rendered 'pure' and a successful birth takes place. - Eros and Thanatos: The two life forms created from the remains of the Novus Deus after its death. They start out as embryonic forms that remain in stasis for 130 years. After which they begin to develop. On their eighteenth birthday, they are destined to mate. A birth is almost instantaneous; however if the bloodline is still impure, a fake god or Vulnus Deus will be born. The Vulnus Deus will soon afterwards crumble and then turn into two embryos, which will evolve into the next Eros and Thanatos of the following generation. This cycle will continue until a Novus Deus is born. Eros and Thanatos, although not Ashtars, have the power to achieve Gnosis (if their bloodline is still impure). - Vulnus Deus: An imperfect God, one created by the Eros and Thanatos after mating. It will then break itself down into the embryonic forms of the future Eros and Thanatos. Seraphiel The true Messiah of the Earth, Seraphiel is an entity that took shape in the planet more than 2,000,000,000 years ago, long before either Novus Deus or Astaroth came about. It was sealed inside the Earth's core during a climate disruption and thus imprisoned in stasis until its energy was awoken by the birth of the Novus Deus. It took another 6000+ years for it to be discovered by Protocolian scientists. They then compressed its existence and placed it inside the Oriax. When the Oriax's Demiurge form was activated in the battle with Freeman and the Raum, the Seraphiel regained its consciousness. It remained inside the Oriax, waiting until it was strong enough to gain an incarnation. Its will now is only to destroy humanity and the Novus Deus Bio-System The original organism to be spawned from the first Novus Deus. It was alike a biological computer, with an insatiable need to assimilate information. Eventually, once it gained the knowledge to do so, its form divided into smaller beings which are now known as mankind. Interlink The psychological connection that existed between the minds of humanity after it separated from the Bio-System form. It allowed data to be interchanged and shared between everyone. When one woman tried to monopolize this data for herself, it resulted in the destruction of the Interlink, causing the subsequent death of the Novus Deus. Qi The life-force of all living things. Everything that exists possesses it to a certain degree, but it is stronger in some than most (like Ashura, Rain/Deathcatcher, Yumi, Freeman, etc). Meta Suits Gigantic mechanical/bio-mechanical suits of armour used in either battle or construction. There are three types of Meta Suits; construction, military, and marionette. Military-grade Meta Suits come under many types, all of which come under one of two categories, mass-production (Zagan, Amon, Uvall) or custom (Oriax, Bahamut). Certain combat suits are built with Qi Generators, allowing the power of the user to enhanced the capabilities of the suit itself. The Tablets of Destiny Ancient tablets written by the old race of humans, the first to originate from the Novus Deus. The tablets detail the events after the birth and death of the Novus Deus, and the prophesies that the ancients had about the future. They were discovered in 2103 within the Ancient Ruins, 28 years after the Ancient Ruins had been exposed by Protocolian submarines. There are eighty-six discovered tablets, and two of the tablets happen to be; - Sepher Yetzirah: Which deals with the prophecy of the Five Ages. - Asch Metzereph: Which details the Astaroth and its overall legacy, as well as the legend of the Three Stars. The Seven Keys This is the term used to describe the final seven days of the Bythos Period, the time between the arrival of the Novus Deus and its death. The Five Ages/Second Cycle A concept of the Sepher Yetzirah tablet, one that believes that the world will be subject to five overall ages, varying in length. This will only take place if the 41st Union between Eros and Thanatos (the final union of the Sermo period) is unsuccessful. These ages are; - 1. Bythos: The time from the beginning of the universe to the Seven Keys. - 2. Nous: Everything from the Seven Keys up to 2005. - 3. Sermo: Everything from 2005 to 2153. - 4. Anthropos: From 2153 onward, following Deathcatcher's destruction of the world. - 5. Synesis: The age at which Novus Deus returns to the world after successful conception between an Eros and Thanatos (yet to be decided). Ragnarok System A gigantic computer structure created by Protocol at the same time as they created Meshezabel. It runs on four smaller ones (Genesis, Leviticus, Deuteronomy and Exodus) connected together. The Ragnarok System was originally created for the mass-production of Marionettes, as a way to control marionettes all over the globe in one place. However this changed after the Grand Cataclysm, and the Ragnarok System was thereafter used to control and monitor computers all over the world. It takes a special hacker or scientist to program something that cannot be controlled or detected by the Ragnarok System. When Meta Suits are linked to the Ragnarok System, it manipulates brain waves to improve the performance of the pilots. The Elymus Drive A key component of the many defences of Meshezabel. It amplifies force projections from cannons and Meta Suits and scrambles their power into billions of separated beams which attack multiple points over a specific area. This was the same machine that Deathcatcher used, in conjunction with the Diablos, to destroy both the nation of Xu and the Sermo period civilization (thus ushering in the Anthropos era). The Second Sin When the Interlink was destroyed by a single person, this was the name that was given to the act. It is the first overall evil act, and the energy created from that act resulted in the birth of the Astaroth. It is called the 'Second Sin' because Sermo period philosophers held it in the same regard as the Original Sin (Eve). The Great War The nuclear war that began with conflict between Iran and America, which then spilt out over the world until it became a fully fledged battle between the West and the Middle East. This war killed many people on Earth and is seen as the first great event of the Sermo Period. Ark of the Luria The denomination of Christianity that was created by Father Bartholomeus when he retreated from secular life to life on EDEN. It teaches peace and unity. The Great Schism The name for the divide of the Protocol organization and the subsequent war between the two factions that formed as a result (New Protocol - led by Celaph, and the Holy Empire of Protocol - led by Princess Ashura and the Triad of the Inquisition). The Great Schism ended when the Divine Cataclysm took place. The Divine Cataclysm One of many names given to the event that ended the Sermo period and hailed the beginning of the Anthropos era. Deathcatcher and his Meta Suit, the Diablos, entered Meshezabel and activated the Elymus Drive, destroying the Sermo civilization and killing over two billion people. Soul Gear Engine When an operating system and Qi Generator of a certain Meta Suit are linked together, they become known as a Soul Gear Engine. The existence of a Soul Gear Engine in a Meta Suit allows for better control over the Qi-flow of the body and generator. Spectral Circuit Another name for the operating system of a Meta Suit. Derider An invention of Geist Fahlem's. It is a program which has the ability to override other programs designed into Meta Suits and computer systems. Security Demon Randomly coded security programs to detect criminal activity in a computer server. Counter Demon Wall A program created by Yumi to disguise downloading from a Security Demon. Gospel Template The uniform name for the interconnected computers and electronic systems which come under the jurisdiction of the Ragnarok System. Examples of things which run under the Gospel Template are Tigris, Metatron, the Initiative Trigger, etc. Initiative Trigger The name for the computer program which the Marionettes run on via the Ragnarok System. Elohim Program The program that operates the Kaiser Halberds. Chuggers Meta Suit-like bipedal machines used for construction and excavation. Katarium The chemical name for hardened Qi energy. The Cradle of the Second Genesis Another name for the world created by the Divine Cataclysm. Xu-Canaan War The war that the nations of Xu and Canaan fought against the Ashurian Empire. It came to a head when Deathcatcher destroyed Xu, transforming it into the Islands of Baan. It was the only great resistance to Ashurian rule. Bio Rhythm A name for the effort by which the body operates with Qi energy. Psycho Borders The name for mental strength. Kaiser Halberd/Counter Kaiser Halberd Also known as Wechselhaft Zerst”rung Klinge Gewehr (Variable Destruction Blade Rifle), these are two weapons created as replicas of the Arrow of Seraphiel. The formal plans for them were developed by Diana Katrianna but their making took place in the St. Mary's Base and Command Central. The Kaiser Halberds have two modes of being. - Disruptor Expansion Sword Mode: The Kaiser Halberd's casing opens all the way transforming it into a sword-shaped state. - Disruptor Rail Gun Mode: The projectile attack of the Kaiser Halberds. The casing moves back half way and alters itself into a Rail Gun. Its energy is extremely potent. The Arrow of Seraphiel The legendary weapon of Seraphiel, a spear which was said to transform into a bolt of light to smite the enemies of the Earth. In the Scroll of Sariel it is stated that the Arrow of Seraphiel will take on many forms until the time comes for it to be wielded by the Incarnation. Metatron The super-computer of Aryahm/Command Central and a key component of the Gospel Template. The Central Data Banks of the city are stored in it, which monitors deaths, births, the influx of immigrants, crime levels, etc. The Source The 'Source' is the gateway into the domain of Seraphiel that was uncovered in 2143 AD. It was sealed inside the domain that Bahaman rules, Geshem, by the Triad of the Inquisition (it was placed there when it seemed that there was no other way to keep Seraphiel from returning) after they discovered the Scroll of Sariel. Tigris The super-computer of the South Shidou Investigative Research Station that acts as a part of the Gospel Template. Scroll of Sariel An ancient scroll documenting the legacy of Seraphiel and prophesising its reincarnation into the world. It was discovered by John James in the Sermo era and later fell into the hands of Diana Katrianna, who made a copy of it and destroyed the original. The Sohei Project A project formulated by Diana and Gustav K”hler, but for different purposes. The general view was that it was a plan to create a super-trained army out of the Schutzenreich by using muscle enhancers and chemical/mental treatments. However Diana and the Ministry of Metaphysical and Biotechnological Neo-Eugenic Research did more than that for the Sohei Project. They cloned ancient warriors of the old ears and re-wrote the memories of those clones to mask that fact. The Ministry then went on to make genetic copies of the brains of average Meta Suit pilots for the Stolas Marionettes. In reality, the Sohei Project was an undercover means of Diana researching into and producing an army for Seraphiel's Incarnation. Messiahs All-powerful creatures spawned from the core of planets to act as overseers. Novus Deus/Hashabnah and Seraphiel are both Messiahs. The Three Stars A prophecy of the Asch Metzereph tablet. It states that three people or 'stars' known as De Caelo (on the heavens), De Anima (on the soul), and De Mundo (on the world) will guide the world through the Anthropos era. The three stars are Yumi (who is De Mundo), Ashura (who is De Caelo) and Deathcatcher (who is De Anima). The nature by which the three will 'guide' the world is unknown. The Offerings It was theorized by the Triad of the Inquisition that each of the middle generations of the world (Nous, Anthropos and Sermo) would have to supplement the spirit of the Novus Deus with 'offerings' of penance through bloodshed to bring about the Synesis period. Those supposed offerings are; - The First Offering: The First World War (Nous) - The Second Offering: The Divine Cataclysm (Sermo) - The Third Offering: Yet to be decided (Anthropos)
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