Crimson Rebellion

Location: Inferno, Depths of the Unknown

Having landed in the true domain of Inferno, Raizo and his companions began traversing the seemingly endless expanse of grassy plains as the innumerable doors loomed above their heads. With Altair leading the way forward, they see various amalgamations of strange creatures freely roaming through the skies and running across the fields. Skeletal dogs, gigantic centipedes, one-eyed bulbous creatures, draconian parasites with floating mandibles and razor sharp teeth and more dominated this place. Some took sight of the party and glanced for a moment before moving forward.

"These creatures are…definitely the stuff of nightmares. Are we not in any danger by lingering in their domain?" Raizo asked, having raised a brow over why it felt like so many of their stares were directed his way.

"Even the most ancient creatures here would not bother attacking us. The Forerunners–or Primordial Demons–are not mere beasts. Some of them are genius schemers and manipulators that seek greater truths rather than bloodshed; others are embodiments of foundational fears within the Collective Unconscious and operate within their own Primum Mobile. We may be foreigners here, but I am quite certain that our combined aura alone staves them away," Altair explained.

"How do you know so much about all of these weird concepts?" Raizo pondered, astonished by the wealth of wisdom she showcased.

"I am someone who has lived on the 'Outside' of your world; an echo that is not inherently tied to this story or any other narrative relating to this odyssey. In fact, I belong to no one individual story. Your world is but one of many stories that populate the great canvas of God…or…excuse me, I forgot to use the proper terms.

Yours is but one of many Story Worlds that populate the White Page known as the Archaeus created by Akasha. Each Story World having a Root to which all of the boundless Omniverses therein arise from. Unlike you and your world who had the Goddess-Above-All as its sole writer and creator force, I was born from the pen of a creator who passed away leaving me as one whose narrative persisted unwritten…" she explained as a brief rush of memories overtook her. Within it, the visage of a teenage girl with thin-rimmed glasses and long dark hair filled her mind.

"Many things happened; a tale of revenge and redemption against the world that betrayed my creator. In the end, I was able to find her again. Yet… that doesn't matter now. What matters is stopping the Abyss Order from reaching other Story Worlds."

"Wow!" BB observed from afar, "You know Raizo-senpai, your story must be truly magnificent for attracting all these wonderful women to you. I mean, damn…look at the party we got going on here. You got an outsider in military dress, a muscled-out Tengu Ruler, and then there's me. Of course I'll always be the one true Kouhai though. Back me up on this one, Akame-chan! You're his protective older sister after all!"

"I'm not getting in the middle of this. Also Raizo, when was the last time you had a decent meal? You're starting to look skinny again. Here, have some jerky," Akame observed thus ignoring BB's quest for reinforcement.

"Er…Aka-neesan…is this really the time to be worrying about such things?" Raizo remarked with a wry smile.

"Such a colorful bunch. Though BB, I do believe your stance as being a 'kouhai' is rather erroneous considering you are technically older than Raizo-san," Altair expressed, which made the purple-haired female pause for a moment.

"W-Well that's besides the point!"

The group came to an area that appeared like a massive pit in the middle of the landscape. As they loomed over the edge, a barrage of different energies evaporated from its midst. There were various avian entities flying over the expanse as they appeared like ants crawling across a picnic blanket further accentuating the magnitude of the size.

"So…now what?" Raizo asked even though given the aura in the air, he had an idea what was about to come next.

"We go down," Altair remarked before casting herself over the edge in that next moment.

"Well…that's one way to exit the stage," Shelbee remarked.

"Meh, not the first time we've done crazy stunts," Akame shrugged before following after.

"Finally, something not completely boring," Sivanah chuckled as she jumped over the edge.

"Senpai, carry me!" the ever enthusiastic 'kouhai' expressed before she leapt in Raizo's arms which caught him off guard before taking the two over the edge.

A few moments later the party found themselves whisked to an area of rolling hills and flowers with mysterious ruins of ancient stone littered about. As Raizo's eyes adjusted to the new area, he noted the vast growth of whimsical shrubs and unattended greenery along with a series of descending stones wrapped like a sprawling staircase that beckoned the party to head down.

"Come along, we still have a ways to go," Altair suggested as she elected to lead and press forward to the unknown destination.

Spiraling corridors leading down toward a chasm that felt like an endless abyss, the party continued to press forward. They would navigate down the spiraling steps until they happened across an area of floating land masses connected by vine-roped bridges sustained by unknown celestial energies.

"This reminds of home a bit," Sivanah passively observed before electing to take the initiative to cross ahead of the party unbothered by the long fall that threatened below. After the floating chain came a maze of dark caverns which seemed like it would throw the heroes off their path.

"Hang on a sec, I got this," Shelbee remarked before pushing up her trademark glasses.

"It would be easier if you followed me, but this is rather amusing as your instincts are serving you well. By all means," Altair chuckled, believing in the party's skillset.

The adventure was one possessed by a myriad of sights as the Journey to the Center of the Earth vibe was one that seemed like it may last for sufficient time. Walking, climbing and jumping from various structures strained the atmosphere a bit with the party so Raizo just felt the need to break up the silence to some degree.

"So…I've been meaning to ask, Sheele…er…BB…or…" 

"Just call me whatever feels natural, Senpai. I'll answer to you regardless~" the lavender haired beauty remarked.

"Right…so B, um…what exactly happened to you? The last time I saw you was during our battle with Sakinah. After that, you just disappeared."

"Yeah well…when you decide to betray someone as ridiculously OP as Sakinah, you kinda need to watch your back for a time. That lady had contingency plan after contingency plan and her cooperating with the likes of Arayashiki made for a deadly duo. Plus, I needed to make sure there were no lingering curses or effects from being brought into play as 'Famine'. After isolating myself within my own pocket dimension, I felt sick for a time, but eventually whatever ailments I had subsided. I also had to play babysitter for a certain murderous lunatic too. That was fun…" BB sighed.

"Talking about Esdeath?" Raizo inquired with a head tilt.

"Yup, that's the one. I had to get her to reevaluate her life a bit. I may or may not have shot her up with some serum so she wouldn't go nuts. Then again, she knew that would be a losing battle so I had to help her come to terms with herself. But anyway, most of the time we just trained and trained. There was a point where we had to show up in your world to help out Adena handling some issues. But that's a story best left to the characters who took part in it."

"I see…so basically you have just been…goofing off in your own unique way waiting for a moment to make yourself useful?" Sivanah just randomly inputs.

"W-Well…" BB stammered with a shy look.

"In her defense, it's not like we had any reason to truly trust her like she was one of the family given the unique composition she possesses," Akame inserted some space for her recovery.

"It feels like it's been longer since I've seen you, Aka-nee. How have you been?" Raizo redirected.

"Heh…yeah, it has been quite some time, hasn't it? Well…to say that I've been on a journey of my own design is to say the least. I needed time to grow within myself and become who I need to be…greater than any iteration of myself than before. I had to see our world, meet new faces and gain new experiences. I managed to master every technique that all versions of my other selves contained as well as master all of Arayashiki's powers. That was fun.

Then I got involved on the world stage. I traveled to the island nation of Wakoku, then eventually got involved with a little spat involving Hikari and her brood. Plus I spent some time with Inari in Mercury as well. There's quite a lot to unpack though. I will say this: When you eventually return home, the world you knew is not even remotely the same as you left it. Things have changed on a grander scale and you have a part to play to ensure we can bring it into balance, Raizo."

"Wait…why me? I'm just…one guy."

"Your name has been the subject of many conversations across many lands amongst many people. Just because you have been absent, does not mean that your deeds have not left some sort of impact. There is a lot of unfinished business prepared for you when we get home. And a new player on the board that will require your direct attention in the form of a nation you may or may not have heard of," Akame warned.

"We are about to enter the final layers, but something is coming," the military princess pointed out.

An unknown source of pressure shuddered the immediate area causing the current rocky crag that the party was traversing to quake. The group had no clue what was going on until they looked up collectively to see a crack appear in the sky. A strident train of flame and thunder erupted from the sky as two figures descended upon them before ultimately skidding to a dead halt and dropping to the surface with grace. There, as the dust settled, two distinctive beauties appeared.

"Adena? Vesta? Is that…really you?" Raizo gasped in disbelief as he thought his eyes were betraying him.

"Eh, I knew it was gonna be a matter of time," Akame shrugged.

Hearing the cluster of voices recognize their presence, the two turned their gazes towards the group but locked in on one particular individual.

"Oh shit…" the Stormbringer gulped. Then before he even found himself a chance to move, the duo rushed his position in an instant before putting the man's back against a wall.

"Hey babe, long time no see. Looks like someone's been workin' out. You trying to impress me?" Adena smirked devilishly as she placed her hand against the wall and leaned in whilst tipping his chin up towards her gaze.

"Raizo-kun, your hair has gotten significantly longer. It suits you, but I hope you don't mind if I pull it just a little to tell you this," Vesta said as she grabbed Raizo's hair and tugged his head towards her.

"I've missed you so much. Seeing your face just makes me want to ruin you~" she whispered in his ear before she elected to steal a march and attack his lips ravenously. The Tempest overpowered her counterpart with little difficulty at all as she poured her passion and longing into that kiss. The intense harmony of their lips lasted a staggering 30 seconds which felt much longer for the speedsters. She backed away as the strands of saliva snapped between their lips, heat glistening in her eyes as she looked him over.

"Alright, stop being a selfish bitch and share the goods…damn thundercunt," Adena sizzled with irritation before turning Raizo to her direction.

"Jumping from one Hell into another is always worth it, as long as I find you in the end," she said before taking her share of the prize. 

She pressed one of her hands against his cheek while relishing in the taste of his lips. Then she persisted to lean closer against him as her body grinded against his, the fullness of her breasts compressing against the surface of his broad chest. The fiery princess even went as far as to wrap her leg around his waist to reel him in which inadvertently caused Raizo to balance himself by leaning one hand against the wall, while the other went and rested on the curvature of her rear.

"The nerve of these two…just dropping in and stealing a march! Oh hell no!" BB remarked before she marched over towards the trio. She abruptly cut in and gently nudged Adena out of the way. Then, unapologetically, she decided to take her chance and smother Raizo with her breasts for a moment before stealing his lips for her own use.

"What the hell?! Bitch, you must seriously want to be reduced to ash," Adena gritted her teeth and growled with subtle anger as her territory was invaded.

"Hmph, you snooze you lose, Addy. You know how popular Raizo is. We have to seize the moment where we can. That being said, I don't like the idea of someone else joining in on this fun," Vesta expressed.

"Since you two decided to take advantage, I might as well refill on my Senpai energy as well," BB declared after separating from the man.

"L-Ladies…p-please," Raizo tried to calm them down as he went to gather his thoughts. He felt his face burning up from embarrassment; but he also felt something else burrowed within him. It was a hidden joy over the circumstances that just occurred, and a small part of him wanted a little more.

"Sivanah…did you give Raizo a crash course of the side effects over becoming a 'Tengu? The mental side of things," Altair inquired from afar.

"Ah…the enhanced senses that stem from emotions and the primal nature associated therein? Not even remotely…I figured his tsundere nature would keep that in-check. If he found out that his emotions were ramped up with the need to follow through on his honest desires or intentions, it might just break his character a little bit. However, I'm sure he'll be fine," Sivanah shrugged as she proceeded to approach their position. She cracked her knuckles and silently closed the gap before politely and unceremoniously chopping each of the women on the back of the head.

"Alright you horny, little bitches…why don't we tone down the desperation gauge and focus on the task at hand?" the Great Tengu remarked in a brief grunt.

"Ow…what the fuck? Who are you?" Adena rubbed her head before turning her attention to the Tengu Queen whom stood significantly taller than her.

"Yeah…that was awfully heavy handed…" Vesta sighed heavily.

"Mou…I just wanted to get in on the fun too, Siva-sama…" BB pouted.

"Addy, Vesta, this is the woman I was tasked with visiting. She is Kiichi Hogen, but her true name is…"

"Alright pup, I can introduce myself. We don't need a 20 page dossier going over my identity considering all the shit I do behind the scenes," Sivanah interjected before focusing on Adena for a moment.

"My name is Sivanah Ashvi…you fought my older sister, Sakinah. Nice to meet you," she introduced which caused the duo of Adena and Vesta to tense up.

"Relax, I'm not anything like her. Besides, we weren't exactly close. Now answer me this, how the hell did you and your friend here come all the way down to the depths of Inferno without knowing anything about the Tao?"

"Huh? I don't know jack about 'Ao or whatever it was you just said, but I sensed Raizo and blasted my way down here with Vesta in tow," the fiery redhead answered briefly.

"Interesting…" Siva pondered for a moment as she reflected on Adena's answer.

It took a hybrid of men and Primordial god like Raizo to endure secret training and a near death experience through the Vaitarani to overcome his doubts and awaken an understanding of the Way. Someone like Adena, who seemed to be free of hesitation, had a strangely high potential to be able to intuitively attain a connection to the Tao without possessing any inherent knowledge or philosophical understanding of it.

"What a damn monster…there is no way you are human, is there?" Sivanah had ultimately concluded.

Altair elected to join in the conversation by sliding over towards Vesta's position. She stood there and silently observed the girl for a moment before the Tempest turned and took note of her.

"Um…hello there. Have we met before?" Vesta inquired with a raised brow.

"No, we have not. I am the guide along this version, an Outsider who has finally decided to look inward. My name is Altair," the Foreigner introduced herself with a subtle bow.

"Vesta Arashi, a pleasure."

"The pleasure is all mine. I must say, I find it interesting how much we resemble one another."

"Hmm…now that you think about it, we do share similar features no?"

The two pressed their hands to their chins and tilted their heads from side to side like a perfect reflection, proceeding to follow up with a series of gestures as if politely mocking one another.

"Tell me, did you bully Raizo when you first met him?" Vesta asked.

"I may have teased him a little. I'm sure when I touched his cheek, his heart skipped a beat. But nothing as extreme as what you did," Altair answered.

"That boy…I swear, redheads, older women, or sister-like aura are just his weaknesses. He knows it, but won't admit to it."

"Or he just has exquisite taste. Then again, we all know that honesty towards the opposite sex is a far cry from his nature. Hence why we adore his tsundere attitude."

The two chuckled for a small bit before the Military Princess continued to speak.

"A Stormbringer to match the original in battle and in love, what a lovely story you have written so far. I've truly enjoyed seeing you develop, especially your relationship with him," she expressed as she cast a glance over towards Raizo.

"You seem awfully interested in my man. Are you trying to get your share too?" Vesta proposed with innate curiosity and playfulness in her voice.

"And what would be the problem in that? I mean…after all, aren't you facing competition from multiple angles?" Altair casually pointed towards Adena and BB, then a slight nod towards Reina's position as well.

"Adena, I can manage to deal with; and…Kimiko, there is absolutely no choice. The rest? Well…someone is going to lose eventually."

"Perhaps, but who is to say what the future holds?" Altair silently smiled before the air of banter was abruptly cut.

"Let's focus, people. Cut the bullshit and let's get a move on. The road to Hell is paved with good intentions," Sivanah clapped her hands together to get the women to calm down. Adena, Vesta, and BB all collectively focused on Sivanah's position with their gazes simultaneously sharing the same thought:

"What the hell is her problem?"

"Let's not get things confused, we need to keep moving. There's domains at risk."

The group continued their solitary march with Altair leading, followed by Raizo who was flanked by Sivanah. It was like she was guarding the boy from the insatiable trio of Adena, Vesta and BB, all of whom were grumbling to themselves in their own ways about wanting to walk with the Crusader while Akame just shook her head thus bringing up the rear.

After a period of time, the entourage of heroes arrived at a great chasm that contained a massive luminescent green whirlpool of mystical energy spiraling down to parts unknown. However, in the darkness that was the center of this pit emanated a single sparkle. Upon closer inspection, the sparkle was a pearl-like orb that possessed all power within the realm. Reinforcing its importance were branches that safeguarded its position sprawling about in a myriad of directions serving as the anchor of this domain's heaven and earth.

"So…Raizo, you got a plan on how exactly you're gonna take control of that?" Akame asked while folding her arms over her chest in awe of the sight below.

"That core is connected to countless worlds and eras beyond the scope of my own knowledge. I knew the seat of Inferno possessed great authority, but this is outside my expectations. Regardless, no demon, no matter how ancient, has survived touching that orb. The last to hold its power was Tartarus before he was ultimately defeated," Sivanah explained.

"Basically what you're hinting at is that as the reincarnation of Satanael, I have the potential to hold that authority like my 'brother' did," Raizo nodded whilst throwing up quotation marks around his relation statement.

"Well…no time like the present then."

Before the Crusader could make his move, the group found themselves consumed by a cloud of darkness that sucked them within the confines of a pocket dimension. Their surroundings changed as the walls around them were painted with kaleidoscopic canvases of various shrines from different cultures and pantheons. Gods and Monsters of all different faiths and mythologies were smeared across the murals in a confusing nightmare that blurred reality and fiction alike.

Amidst all of this distortion came an amorphous swarm of flies with deep yellow orbs for eyes. The group could hardly make sense of what was going on, but considering the stakes, there was no way that taking the orb was going to be simple. The creature displayed sentience as its vision was turned towards Sivanah as a soft chuckle wafted from it.

"How rich is it for the Great Kurama Tengu, Kiichi Hogen, to make an advent into Hell and attempt to claim its authority after being sworn to guard its secrets for millennia…" the beast sarcastically chastised.

"The situation has changed. Nothing is like it was generations ago. I'm sure you've sensed what is occurring outside of this realm. If not for this last resort, Hell will eventually fall to the likes of Perdition," Sivanah responded with firm resolve.

"Who the hell is this guy?" Raizo murmured towards the Tengu Mother.

"He's a Forerunner Devil…and someone who possesses a great influence over Inferno; one of which greatly outclasses both Lucifer and Goetia alike."

The mysterious entity's gaze settled on Raizo before its beckoning, foreboding voice bellowed out.

"So this is the child who slew Baal and played a part in bringing about Yahweh's fall by the gaze of the All-Mother…"

"Yahweh?" Raizo's eyebrows furrowed, then he recalled the face of an old adversary in that moment, "You mean the Architect? I take it you knew him or something?"

A haughty, rumbling laughter came from the creature before it relinquished a response.

"Knew him? The Primordials exist on a plane far removed from gods as you understand them. The Architect, or 'Yahweh' as I call him, is but one fragment—one emanation of a much larger existence. These entities can become the flashpoint for countless avatars or extensions of themselves, both intentionally and by the very nature of their being. The Architect who designed this world... yes, he left behind echoes of himself, even after his return to the source."

A sudden shimmer flickered across the Devil's eyes as it continued on imparting wisdom of ancient knowledge upon the boy as well as those who were its audience.

"From Izunia, the Shem HaMephorash—the 72 names of God—came Yahweh, Allah, Elohim, and countless others. Humans, in their limited understanding, formed tribes around mere shadows of the greater being. They failed to see the broader picture. But, there was one who saw beyond. 

The 'Son of God,' illuminated by the All-Mother's wisdom, sent into the world by the lingering goodness within the Architect. He saved humanity, and in doing so, transcended, becoming the Aspect of the Defiant Wolf through resurrection. Perhaps, Raizo, that is why Izunia targeted you so fervently. You share in the same destiny—one shaped by defiance of fate itself. Curious, isn't it?"

The Crusader merely kept an unreadable demeanor, however, his eyes conveyed a flash of sharpness in them at the mention of 'destiny'. A darker edge fueled the Forerunner's voice as he continued his history lesson.

"Long before Yeshua, Izunia's legacy was already felt by the Collective Unconscious of the ancient world. Baal, a title meaning 'Lord' or 'Master', was worshiped across the ancient Near East. He was a god of storms, fertility, and war. But humanity's Unconscious rejected him in time, thus demonizing him. They remade him in their fear, transforming him into the demon god you met. However his true essence was seeped in even greater darkness and thus that part of Baal became...me."

The air grew stale, an awkward stillness wafted over the warped dimension as the creature's true name lingered in the air waiting to be said; a poison that almost seemed taboo to state. However, the Great Kurama Tengu was bold enough to say it.

"Beelzebub, the Lord of Flies," Sivanah finished the Forerunner's thought, cutting through that tension.

Raizo crossed his arms, his posture relaxed but his confidence was unmistakable.

"Sheesh, you like to talk, huh? Maybe get to the point before I fall asleep. I have a feeling I know exactly how this ends," the Stormbringer flashed a smirk, showcasing newfound strength and confidence that radiated deep from within.

Beelezebub's laughter rumbled once more, but this time, it was quieter…almost contemplative.

"Oh we shall see, Raizo. The end is never as simple as one expects."

Ancient insects that composed the Forerunner's being scattered about and surrounded the group of heroes, encircling them within a trap. They began to create ethereal threads that began to eat away the strength of those contained therein.

"What the hell is this?" Adena remarked, feeling the embers within her grow unstable as her hair color started to fade from a brilliant red to a dull chestnut color.

"I won't let this…happen to me again…" Vesta tried to resist as sparks of lightning from her body started to crackle outward but quickly dissolved.

"Oh dear…this isn't the type of bondage play I'm into," BB wittily expressed as she also felt the draining effects.

"Hmph…such a pitiful child," Sivanah said without mercy.

"After I take the powers of all of you here, I will be able to attain the absolute authority of hell and defeat Perdition. Then I shall achieve what rightfully belongs to me! I will become the king of both the divine and demonic worlds!" Beelzebub declared with maniacal laughter.

"Interesting," Altair nodded, "That would certainly make for a tantalizing read. Unfortunately, you are not the protagonist of this story."

The Military Princess stepped ahead of the group as a brilliant mixture of silver, blue and crimson lashed out from her body. She extends her right arm out and pulls out and black and brown tommy gun while spawning an elegant, curved cutlass with a golden guard and red handle. She crosses the two weapons over like she was about to play violin before she unleashes her power.

"Third Movement of the Cosmos - Representation Exposition."

Upon utterance, she transformed the flies surrounding the party into nothingness which caused Beezlebub's true form to be revealed. He was nothing but a shell of a scrawny insect with six arms, two of which appeared broken. Half-sculpted wings protruded from his back as his head with bulbous yellow eyes and a grotesque mouth dripping acidic saliva appeared.

"Ninth Movement of the Cosmos - Fate Restoration."

Altair followed up with a finisher that effectively deleted the plot point that introduced him. Although the information and the experience of being around the Forerunner remained, the threat of his presence and the realm he sucked the party into were instantaneously erased. As a result, the group found themselves standing by the whirlpool once again where the jewel awaited them.

"Now that the distraction has been eliminated, the time has come," Altair expressed eloquently before she conducted a simple melody that instantaneously generated a stairway that led straight towards the center of the abyss.

"Go forth, Son of Mercer, the Crusader of the Untold Future; do what you must in order to open the path to the destiny that awaits you." Their silver-haired guide announced with her ever-so cold yet hertfelt enthusiasm.

Raizo looked at each one of his comrades one after another. After getting reaffirming nods from each of them, he takes a deep breath before making his way towards the center of the abyss. As he made his way further down, he felt an unknown presence reach out and patted him on the shoulder. It felt all too familiar which made him smile again as he continued his journey forward.

The orb that represented the essence of Hell was there before his eyes in no time. He slowly inched his way closer. Then, he carefully reached out and touched the surface of the jewel which caused everything to fade to white.