jeudi 20 août 2015
Days passed. We were now approaching the end of summer. On Earth, the
people of Crossheaven were making the preparation for the Final Day of the
Festival, where the Gods were supposed to send the souls back into the
Afterworld. But many among the civilians were intrigued and also worried. For a
few weeks, Only some Gods were passing through the great door to watch over the
civilians and they had trouble fighting all the Reapers that were coming in the
town
In the Afterworld, The Castle of Gods remained silent; the Gods were
doing their daily deeds in a deathly hush. Gradis was watching over them from
the top of the highest tower. His skin was white like the one of a dead body,
his eyes became white and his lips were black. Nobody could talk to him, he
didn't want to be bothered by the others, even by its own sister. In front of
the others, she was playing the tough God. Helping them and reassuring them
about the state of the God of souls but once she was all alone, she was crying.
She was begging her sister to came back to help them. But the troops she sent
to find her came back empty-handed.
It was the same for the army that her brother created. They were meant
to find Clara and her assistant to send them for trial. The official reason?
High trahison. The real one ? Nobody could tell.
A Giant blue tree was set in the middle of a forest. It was 4 or 5 times
higher and bigger than the others. Inside of it, there was a little city.
Nobody knew about its existence. It was populated with humans, gods and even
souls. It was a haven of peace. But one day, as the people were celebrating the
anniversary of the city, a beast attacked it. It was a Reaper who had the
appearance of a giant dinosaur, with very long teeth. It didn't have any skin
or flesh it was made of bones and its tail was as big as a giant. Some gods
tried to fight it but they were no match. It destroyed numerous buildings and
houses, and now it cornered some humans and souls against a wall. But it was
surprised by a purple light that hit its head. The monster spun and saw a
person standing behind him. She was wearing a black hat and a long black
jacket, but not longs enough to hide her black boots. Because of the hat, the
Reaper couldn't see her face. Since it wasn't a smart one, it listened to its
most basic instincts and charged to destroy that mysterious opponent. The
stranger pointed one finger at the beast, which was now really close to her. A
mysterious light glowed from her finger and it was quickly followed by a purple
line, traversing the entire town. It went through the Reaper's head, which was
stopped. The line disappeared and left a hole in the Reaper's skull, which was
now lifeless. It was killed by the strange move. It exploded and the particles
joined the stranger's body.
The souls, the gods and the humans that were hidden got out of their
hideout and came to see their strange savior. Some of them could see him but
the others couldn't. The savior removed
his hat, revealing the long purples hairs of Clara. Above her head there was a
big 10,000 and she had watchful eyes. Quentin, who was hiding behind the
counter of a bar, ran to be next to her. He was breathless. He tried to say :
Q – Wow … You've beaten him really hard !
Cl – Yeah … I didn't want to get his hopes too high.
Q – Yeah … You're kind you know.
Cl – I'm a merciful Goddess!
Clara decided to travel around the world to discover it. She and Quentin,
during those few weeks, went through different things. They met monsters, souls
and travelers. They discovered landscapes that no one could have imagined, like
the Upside Down Mountain or The Rainbow garden. They saved several lives, and
those many people started to worship Clara. She became quite popular … well
that was her opinion but it was enough to make feel her happy. Quentin, on his
side, was quite melancholic, because he didn't find the answers to his
questions. So he gave up on them, and he decided to start from nothing.
An old man approached the gathering of people, who were arguing about
the reality of their savior. He calmed the mob with his loud voice, sign of his
wisdom:
? – She's real but some of you can't see her because you don't believe
in her.
The mob stopped right away and they were all staring at him, waiting for
his words. He coughed a bit and declared :
? – If you want to see her … Believe in the one who saved you.
The people listened to him as if he was the one who was always right.
And suddenly, the counter above the Goddess became crazy. The number was
growing at a fast rate. Clara and Quentin were astonished. The mysterious old
man was smiling, he claimed :
? – That's what being a god is all about. Gaining believers. They're our
strength !
The civilians were surrounding our two heroes, waiting to gain their
attention. Clara was staring at the old man. She saw him before but she
couldn't remember where. He expressed :
? – You're searching who I am right ?
Cl – How do you …
? – I know everything.
Quentin clung to Clara and murmured :
Q – Oh God … He's a … HE'S AN ALIEN !!! HE CAN READ IN OUR MIND ! WE'RE
FUCKED !!
Cl – He's just a God.
Q – He's … What ?
? – I'm Firion. God of Destiny.
Q – Wow …
Cl – Straightaway … He's putting his balls on the table.
F – And I met you a long time ago. Before my self-exil.
Q – Self-Exil ?
Cl – Yeah I remember now … He was the adviser of my Father. After his
Death, He left the castle because he couldn’t bear his power. Knowing when your
friends are going to die … It's a curse, not a power.
F – Indeed. Thanks for saving our town.
Cl – Yeah … But in my memories you were a strong individual so why
didn't you …. Yeah forget about it.
F – You already know the answer.
Q – Can someone give me a proper explanation?
F – There is no need.
The Old God looked at Clara. He observed her from head to toe, he
giggled a bit and declared :
F – He would have been so proud of you. You've grown up into a beautiful
person.
Cl – Oh … You know … It didn't …
F – Oh you saved so many souls in your life. Thanks to you, many
families were able to be together. You're exactly what your father predicted. A
god helping others.
Cl – But nobody knows me on Earth … excluded that little child I saved a
while ago.
F – Don't worry. It'll come. You know … In the beginning, your father
was like you. He was a clumsy one and he couldn't properly fight a Reaper. They
wanted to ban him from the afterworld and then … He revealed himself to be one
of the strongest we ever had.
Cl – why ?
F – When he saved your mom.
Cl – I don't remember her …
Q – Like me …
F – She was … a shining light in the afterworld. She wasn't a goddess,
she was the Great Priest who was supposed to assure the link between earthlings
and gods; Well she did way more than that. Ah … It was such a great time.
Cl – Yeah …
F – Can you come with me ? I need to talk to you.
Cl – Okay.
Q – In movies, following an old man always ends up as a …
Cl – Shut up !!
Gradis was still in his tower. It was midnight. He looked at the clock.
Blood was flowing from his eyes. He opened the bay window and went to the
balcony. He scanned the area that the Gods sworn to always protect. Now, he was
its ruler, he was holding it in his hand. He released its black flames, which
formed three portals in the Garden. The
Gods enjoying the view of the stars were startled by it and they immediately
called someone. Gradis went back to his room while whispering :
Gra – At dawn .. It begun.
When the sun set. They were a dozens of Gods, along with Death and
Kratos. All of a sudden, The portal get bigger. Black thunders were escaping
from it. A god came closer to it despite the warnings of Death. A giant blade
made of bones got out of it and stabbed the God in the stomach. Two Reapers went through the two other
portals and they were followed by others. It was an invasion. Kratos used his
power to call his army, they came out from the castle and so the clash began.
The White Castle was surrounded by Reapers. The Gods were dying. A huge
battlefield was set in the garden, which were stained by blood. Gradis was at
the door. He walked in the middle of the battle. The surviving Gods were
looking at him, and some of them were protecting him. But strangely, the
reapers weren't trying to hurt time. He stopped, and a dozens of tentacles got
out from his back. They stabbed several Gods and threw them far away in the
forest. Death was shocked. Her brother was no more. He shouted, with his arms
wide opened :
K – Katarsis is back ! Finally !! I found the good body !!! Now …Once
the land is mine … She will come and everything will be over !
Death clenched her fists and charged at her brother who was now The Lord
Reaper. His eyes were grey and the grass was dying around him. The power
clashed and they now surrounded by a big black orb.
Cl – What ?
Clara and Quentin were in the house of Firion. He was calmly drinking a
cup of tea. His house was full of pictures of ancient times. He met a lot of important
people that made Earth's history. Quentin asked :
Q – It is Pele ?
Cl – That's not the most important thing !! You're saying the castle is
under attack !?
T – No … It was attacked. It has fallen under the hands of the Reapers two
days ago.
Q – Oh no …
Clara couldn't say a word. Her world was falling apart. After a few
seconds, she finally questioned:
Cl – How did it happen?
F – Your brother was controlled by Katarsis, who wasn't dead apparently.
He was the one leading them, hiding in the shadow.
Q – But … How …
F – He split his soul in two parts; one was waiting in his body, which
must be badly injured, and the other went in the search for a new body. He
tried with the Almighty God, Tranos, but since you defeated him …
Cl – So that's why …
F – Yeah … That's why. He hasn't woken up since that day. And the half
part that ran away for the body took over your brother's body, and it gradually
swallowed its old self, to become the leading personality.
Cl – No … It can't be …
F – He's seeking the World Stone, or to be more precise it's energy to
reactive the portal.
Cl – But it's impossible! The energy is lost.
F – He might have found a way to retrieve it …
Q – Tell us !! You know about it right ? You know everything.
Firion glanced at the soul. He cogitated during seconds that seems
hours, and he finally answered:
F – I don't know.
Q – Wow that was unexpected.
F – I can't. The stone's energy is blocking my power. I can't see a
thing.
Quentin looked at the Goddess. Her hand was shaking. She stopped it with
her other hand and she declared :
Cl – We must … save them.
F – You can't do it alone …. Unless ..
Cl – No.
F – Why ? It's the only way ?
Q – What is he talking about ?
Cl – You don't need to know.
F – Of course he needs to. Clara's scythe is containing the ¾ of her
power.
Q – Wait what ?
Cl – That's the only way we found to help me control my power. In theory
now I should be able to control it by now … In theory.
F – So that …
They heard an explosion followed by the screams of the inhabitants.
Firion and Clara glared at each other. They stood up and she got out of the
house. They were giants holes in the tree which falling down. Reapers were
everywhere and they were eating anything they could reach. The city was in
despair. Clara drew her scythe. She heard footsteps behind her, she turned her
head and saw something she wished wasn't real. In front of her, there was her
sister. Death had a dark skin, empty eyes and she had strange spams. She
declared, her voice being a mix between a high pitched and low pitched tone :
Death – It's good to see you there my dear Clara.
Cl – what are you doing here … Why ?
Death – I … I'm looking for something that you steal from us.
Cl – What are you talking about ?
Death – Where is … Quentin ?
Clara didn't answer. She knew Death wasn't there just to have a cup of
tea with Quentin. She was looking for something that Quentin had. She replied :
Cl – I won't tell you.
Death – So … After abandoning us … You won't help us. I knew you were
the worst but still …
I'm so disappointed in you. Like Gradis after all.
Cl – It's not Death that is talking right now … It's Katarsis right ?
Death's eyes became grey. She had an evil smile and a malefic energy was
exuding from her. She responded :
D – You're quite sharp ! It's been a while young lady ! You've grown up
to be more like your father.
Cl - …
D – You surely need to know that your sister is in total distress
because of you. She begging for help … but you're powerless now.
Cl - …
D – Why are you quiet now ? Well it doesn't matter. I'm not here for you
today, I've already found a good body. It's really convenient to have so many
worshippers. It wasn't useful for your brother since he didn't have any power
but for me, it's expanding my strength to a whole new level. But let's forget
about that. Today I'm here for that boy. To think that he was the World Stone …
The world is so little, isn't it ?
Cl – If you say so.
D – You knew about it right ? Nevermind … I'm sick of this. Let's move
on.
Death showed at Clara to look behind her. There were a dozens of Reapers
and they were holding Quentin, who was screaming at Clara to help him, and one
of them was holding Firion by his neck. Clara immediately tried to use her
scythe but Death was faster, and used her power to summon several Dark Souls,
which immobilized Clara. She had trouble breathing, and she felt the coldness
of the souls on every inch of her skin. Death, feeling victorious, mocked her :
Death – What a pity …. Unable to control those souls … It's convenient
to have access to the body's memories. Don't you think ? It can teach you many
things … like the weakness of your family.
Cl – Let them go !!! They've nothing to do with this !!
Death –Of course he does. But for the old one …. I totally agree … Guys
!
Firion looked at Clara. He had the expression of someone who knew what
was going to happen. He smiled, as if it was no big deal, and he closed his
eyes. The Reaper strengthened his clinch on Firion. Clara and Quentin begged
the Reaper to stop, but he didn't listen and the noise of the broken neck
resonated in the whole area. The Reaper threw the corpse of Firion against the
wall, as if it was garbage. Clara's eyes were translating her distress. She
couldn't help him. Death, or Katarsis to be more precise, did exactly what he
wanted to, breaking the Guardian of souls. He declared after opening a black
portal behind him :
Death – It's time for me to go … But I'm not totally an evil guy. I'll
leave your sister here to die with you.
He lifted his arm and from his shadow, a hundred of dark souls appeared
and spread inside the town. They flew and they all dashed at the bark of the
tree. And once they hit it, they all exploded at the same time, making a
lugubrious melody. The tree was falling apart; it was just a matter of time
before the inhabitants were buried by it. Death picked up a knife from her pocket;
she glared at Clara who was ordering her to stop. She had a creepy smile, and
she finally stabbed herself with the knife, right into the stomach. As she put
out the blade from her body, black flames escaped from her body and went
through the portal, accompanied by a devil laugh. The Repears followed their
chief, taking Quentin with them, who was begging for Clara to help him. The
portal finally closed itself.
Clara was empty inside. Her mind was in total distress. She couldn't
think straight. She was surrounded by corpses of humans and gods, or remains of
souls. Around her, parts of the tree were falling, crushing houses and
monuments of the town. Death, whose personality was back, cried and mumbled,
her voice full of sadness :
D – I'm sorry Clara … I wasn't able to do a thing … I was powerless … He
did horrible things while you were away … He killed so many people … I didn't
do anything to stop him … And I hurt you … I don't deserve to live anymore … I
can't even free you from my own curse …
Clara wasn't listening. Because of her, something horrible was going to
happen to Quentin. Was he going to kill him ? Torture him ? Devour him ? She
didn't know. And her sister was dying in front of her. She had to help him ?
But how ? How ? She can't even move. That's was always like that. Finally she
was going to die here. It's easy to give up. She gave up.
You're not giving up right ?
A younger Clara was sitting in front of the reserved waterfall. Her dad
came to sit next to her. They stayed silent a little while and after hoping to
heard a word from her, he resolved himself to say :
? – You know … It's no big deal if you can't control it.
Cl – But what if I don't ? I might be never able …
? – What are you saying ? Of course you'll be able to. You're my
daughter. You just need something to protect. Like me.
Cl – What was it daddy ?
? – Oh … Something that was worth putting my life on the line.
Cl – LIKE HELL I'M GOING TO GIVE UP !!
Clara face became marked by her resolve and her determination. Giant
purple flames burst from her body. It was so big that it enveloped the city. It
destroyed the falling pieces of the tree and it healed every injured people in
the city. Death's wound was gone and she had her power back. She looked at
Clara. Her sister's body was made of purple flames and her scythe was now made
full of energy, it was twice or three time bigger than her previous one. Death was at first afraid, because she
thought her sister wouldn't be able to control that huge amount of power. But
she felt the flames. They were warm, full of hopes. Giant wings appeared in
Clara's back. She turned her face towards her sister and softly said :
Cl – Thanks for being my sister. This time, I'm going to take care of
things on my own !!
Clara jumped out form the tree, so she didn't hear what her sister was
saying. Once in the sky, she saw a big black cloud far away in the horizon, and
she flew at high speed in its direction. She was creating a huge blast of air
while flying, shaking the tree, dispersing the clouds and terrifying the
animals. Every Soul reaper was destroyed own her way, being burned by her
purple flames.
Quentin was in front of the arch. Clara's house was destroyed and
Philister was lying on the ground, with his heart removed from his body. Katarsis
was next to him. There was no remnant of Gradis body. It was Katarsis property.
He had a dark skin and long white black hairs. His eyes were grey and his
fingers were claw-like. He had ten tentacles in his back, and black energy was
permanently coming from him. He announced :
K – Finally Earth … I'm coming back … I will eat you … You'll be all
mine … Thanks to you.
Q – You think I will help you so easily ?!
K – But I don't need your approval.
Q - .. Yeah but Clara will …
K – She will save you ! For the power of friendship !!! Huhuhuhu.
Q – You're freaking me out right now.
K – You make me sick ! Why do you think she will come to save you ? a
Worthless soul like you ?
Q – What …
K – You don't even know who you are. You're a burden. She doesn't need
you. She can goes on alone. You were just a toy for her.
Q - …
K – That's what I was expecting. You're just a poor child who is lost.
Too bad right ? you won't miss to anybody. Let's begin.
2 two souls reapers lifted Quentin. Katarsis came closer to the door and
he pointed it with is arm. He recited a chant in an old language. It was the
Reaper's Old Chant. It summoned an old altar made of black stone. The reapers laid
Quentin on it. He tried to escape but he was held against it by an unknown
force. Katarsis walked next to the soul. He touched his body with his fingers.
He cut a bit of his blue skin, and instead of blood, a green energy escaped
from the wound. Katarsis was overwhelmed by an insane happiness. He finally
found it. The World stone wasn't lost. Quentin was the World stone all this
time. He clapped his hands hysterically and he yelled :
K – Let's the show begin !!!!
He touched the heart of Quentin. Suddenly, a terrible pain went through
his body. This pain was so unbearable that's he couldn't the spasms of his
body. The green energy was coming from his body and was piled up inside the
arch, reactivating it. It was as if life was coming out from his body. At this
moment, he had flashes of his past life. He remembered everything. He saw his
family, his friends, and he saw how he died. He knew he made a mistake. It was
a stupidity, he knew it. He wished he could say sorry to his family, but it was
too late. His vision was going blurry. He wanted to close his eyes. He thought
:
Q – Is this the end for me ? I wonder …
Clara was walking in the little town before the area of the castle. It
was destroyed. Kids used to play here. They were festivals in this place. Now
it was covered by corpses of dead warriors and reapers. She walked among them.
Her flames put the dead at peace, even the Reapers. The corpses gradually disappeared
from the area and it became a ghost city. She looked at the castle; it was
corrupted by the darkness of the Reapers. Dark souls were flying around it. She
released purples birds made of energy from her right hand. They flew to the
castle and they purified the corrupted souls. They retrieved their natural
blue. When she arrived into the garden of the Castle, she noticed that
waterfall was frozen and the flowers were burned. The two phoenixes were gone
and the sun was now just a piece of rock floating in the sky. It wasn't the
peaceful area she used to know. She didn't look any longer at the citadel of
her childhood. Half of the towers were destructed and a black miasma was
invading it. She directly walked towards her old house. On her way, she thought
of what she would have found. Was he alive ? She wanted to protect this world,
this boy, her family.
She finally arrived. Her house was no longer her. She saw an army of
Reapers, they were looking at the arch which was opened. Its green energy was
enlightening the land. Philister's corpse was lying against the floor. She touched
him and his soul was put at peace. Then She noticed him. He was here.
Motionless. She didn't feel his energy. All the reapers turned to her, and they
dashed at her. In one movement, she killed them all. She moved to the altar.
She touched his face. He didn't react. Her face was overcome with sadness. She
whispered :
Cl – I'm sorry … Even in the afterlife … it wasn't a happy life for you.
I should have protected you. I'm … You were my …
She took his hand. The mark was still here. She caressed it and thought:
Cl – Bound to be together … the God and his first one … Indeed Dad … The
1st one is always the most important.
The mark started to glow. Clara put it back in place. Clara said :
Cl – I'll be back later.
She marched to the Arch. She put her hand in it. She felt coldness,
hatred. It was the final fight. Everything would end here. She was ready to put
her on the line. She went through to the portal.
Katarsis was glaring at the city of Crossheaven. He felt it. He was able
to harm humans now, as back then. They were happily waiting for Gradis to come.
But instead they would get Katarsis. He was thrilled. He was harshly able to
control her sadistic joy. He wanted to kill, eat. He called his subordinates to
pass through it. Nothing happened. He called a second time. Still nothing. It
annoyed him. He was about to summon them a last time but a giant purple flash
surprised him. She survived it. She survived twice. Her and her annoying
purples hairs. She was blazing, enveloped by her purple flames. Deep down, he
wanted to fight her, he wanted her to be alive. He greeted her with a :
K – You've managed to outlast. I'm happily surprised. I suppose it's the
time when we kill each other right?
She was looking at him. Through him. He was disrupted by her cold
glance. For the first time in his lifetime, he knew that he could lose against
her. She replied :
Cl – Only you will die. You'll pay for everything you've done. You've
destroyed so many families, people, cities. I won't forgive. It's for my
father, my family, my people, the souls. It's the duty of the Guardian of
Souls.
Clara drew her scythe and she intensified her flames. Katarsis increased
his black flames and shouted :
K – Then Guardian let's see who's the best. As the Lord Reaper, I will
end you !!!!
Katarsis unleashed his tentacles which rushed towards Clara. At a
tremendous speed, she cut one; two; three. Each one that tried to hurt, she cut
it. She dodged the ones she couldn't slice. She teleported next to The Reaper
and attempted to behead him. He bent down, and countered with a high kick.
Clara took right in the face. She was knocked out for a few seconds. It was
long enough for Katarsis to use this opening. He made signs with his hands and
a giant pillar of black energy crushed her against the ground. Homewer, she managed
to resist and to stop it just before hitting the floor. She repelled it with
her power, but she was defenless against The reaper's new offensive. He charged
her with all his tentacules, one of them scratched the right arm of Clara.
Another her left leg. She responded by a giant slash with her scythe. It cut
Katarsis' right leg. The Guardian thought she had took the upper hand on her
opponent, but when she saw him sniggering, so that's he wouldn't be that easy.
The reaper's severed leg started to glow and it procured a giant explosion,
blowing the whole area.
The civilians in Crossheaven heard it and show the giant blast of fire
far away. Panic spread wildly among them and the priest had trouble containing
them.
Katarsis remarked the growing mob hysteria. He barked at the giant puff
of smoke :
K – do you hear them ? they're scared !!! they know what I'm going to do
! So Guardian … Where is your bravery from earlier ?
Cl – Just behind you.
K – Wha …
She hit him with all her strength. His skull cracked at several places
and he was flung like a ball hit by a bat. He was like a rock which was making
ricochet on the water, except it was on the ground for him. He ended against
the mountain. He destroyed in his fall a good part of it. He rapidly lifted up.
He was angry, really angry. His pride was hurt. Even Clara's father hadn't been
able to hit him that hard. He must go all out to fight her. He pierced through
his heart with his hand. Clara's was surprised and thought he was given up, but
it was totally the opposite.
Katarsis was revealing his true form. The one that only the first
supreme God of Earth saw. He became a giant monster, as high as the mountain.
His whole body was sewed on several parts. He had four arms and a giant mask
made of bones, only showing his mouth and his eyes. Clara was shaking. She was
facing the real Lord Reaper, he wasn't just for show. He smiled, with his sharp
teeth and exclaimed, with a voice that could be heard at 10Km :
K – Have you lost your confidence Guardian ? Let's see if you're really
the one you pretended to be.
The seams on his body opened, and a thousand of tentacules spread on
Clara. She sliced so many of them, but the more she was cutting, the more of
them he was sending to her. One of the tentacules managed to catch her hand,
another her leg. And after a while she was completely restrained by them.
Katarsis moved an eye, and all the tentacles pressed Clara against the floor.
One time. Two times. She was coughing blood. Katarsis came closer to her, and
hit her with his fist. Her whole body was broke by the strength of the Reaper.
He stopped after a hundred of hits. Clara was badly injured. She lost her flame
armor and she could barely move her fingers. Katarsis expressed his disappointment
:
K – I thought you would entertain me more than that … Looks like it's
time to finish you off.
Cl – No …
K – Say hello to your dad for me.
The reaper widely opened his mouth, and black energy started to
accumulate in order to form a black orb. Suddenly, Clara heard a familiar voice
:
? – Don't give up ! Please !!!!
Clara, with her remaining strength, moved her head on the right and she
saw Quentin, who passed the portal. He was fine. She was happy. He yelled :
Q – Fight back Clara ! Don't die please !! I survived thanks to you so
you've to live ! Please !
Cl – I can't … I'm empty … Like you … Ahah …
Katarsis' ball was getting bigger and bigger. Quentin knew he didn't
have that much time left. There must be a way to save her. He couldn't think
straight. All of a sudden, a sentence that said Firion came back to him :
F - That's what being a god is all about. Gaining believers. They're our
strength !
Quentin knew what he had to do. Warning the citizens about Clara's
existence. But it was impossible for him, since he was too far from them. He
had to find a way. Katarsis was almost ready to unleash his energy on Clara,
who was already waiting her death. Suddenly, when he believed that everything
was over, he heard a voice in his head.
? – Leave it to me. I'm taking care of it.
Q – Death ?
? – Try to gain some time.
Quentin looked at Katarsis. He pondered a few seconds and he finally
cried :
Q – Hey !! Dickhead !
Katarsis replied :
K – If you believe I'll fall for something like that, you're really an
idiot.
Quentin thought harder. He had to find something that would really annoys
the Reaper. The idea came like a flash. He took a deep breath and then he
yelled :
Q – HEY MISTER HENTAI !!! AREN'T YOU SICK OF SEXUALY ASSAULTING YOUNG
GIRLS WITH YOUR TENTACLES ?!!
The Reaper stopped his gathering of energy. It was the worst that
someone could say to him. He turned at Quentin, and when our hero saw his face,
he knew he was in a very bad shape.
Death was on the top of the Church. She ordered the mob to calm down.
Nobody listened. She tried a second time. Still no response. She then blared :
D – SHUT THE FUCK UP GODAMNIT !
The mob stopped. Death retook her composure and then explained :
D – Dear worshippers. I've got something to tell you. We lied to you.
A feeling of interrogation and surprise scattered among the citizens.
Death started again :
D – Gradis and I weren't the one who protected you during all those
years. It was our sister, the Guardian of Souls who did it. We couldn't tell
you because she had to remain a secret for your sake. But now she risking her
life to protect us, and she needs your support, so that's why I'm revealing her
existence. Please believe in her.
The crowd remained silent. And then someone replied :
? – What proves us that you're not lying again ? You've almost abandoned
us and now you're asking to believe in some God we don't know ? go to hell !
The mob started to shout insults at Clara and the priest. Some of them
were throwing stuff at her. She was deeply hurt by this. She thought that
humans we're all the same. Ungrateful beings. And because of that their world
was doomed. She wanted to make excuses to Quentin for her failure. However, a
loud "Stop" interrupted the farce. A young man stepped out from the
crowd. It was the mayor of the town. He asked :
? – Does she has purple hairs ?
D – Yes.
He turned towards his people and claimed :
? – She's real ! she saved my grand-dad's soul when I was a child.
Another voice said :
? – I saw her too ! She protected my dead child who was attacked by a
reaper.
A lot of people were manifesting themselves from the crowd, to tell how
they were saved by the Guardian of souls. Death statement about humans changed,
some of them are not that bad after all. The movement spread like the flue.
Everyone started to believe in her. It was now up to her.
Katarsis knocked out Quentin against a tree and then he went to finish
off Clara. She was still on the ground. She was thinking about meeting her dad
and what she could say to him. Her counter appeared in front of her. Was it
because she was dying? For her surprise, the number started to increase, at a
tremendous speed. For Katarsis, his counter appeared too since he was in the
body of Gradis. He saw his number dropping quickly. For him it had no effect
since the population of Crossheaven was not a big part of his worshippers. But
for Clara, it was her revival. She regained her energy and her power was
strongly increased, so powerfully that her flames were spreading til the town. Its
inhabitants started to see the one that protected them, guided their dead and
assure their peace.
Katarsis wasn't impressed. He mocked her :
K – So you want to get beaten again ? You're a masochist.
Cl – Not this time. Now it's my time to kick your ass.
Clara disappeared and reappeared just in front of Katarsis, who was too
slow to react. Clara took her scythe and she made a hundred of cuts in just on
swig of her weapon. The Reaper was screaming because of the pain, but he
directly riposted with his tentacles. This time, The Guardian didn't used her
scythe but her flames and she burned them all, so that Katarsis would need more
time to restore them. The Monster tried to crush her with his hands but she
dodged and as a payback, she hit him in the stomach. It made him spilt saliva.
Because of the strength of the kick, he was pushed several meters. Now full of
rage, he gathered his full power and he threw a giant blast of black energy at
the Goddess. She didn't even condescend to move, and she simply blocked with
her bare hand. Katarsis was shocked, he found his equal. No. He finally found
someone stronger than him. Clara took her scythe and declared :
Cl – It's time for your judgment, Lord Reaper Katarsis.
She accumulated energy in it. The monster didn't want to stay without
doing anything, so he created four blades made of black energy; and he ran
towards Clara. The Goddess was now pepared, and the two opponents struck at the
same time. Once it was done, they were motionless for a little while, and the
blades of Katarsis exploded. He fall on the ground, with know a giant cut on
his body. Clara remained without any scratch.
She flew to be next to him and she asked :
Cl – Any last words ?
K – I'm not done yet !!
Katarsis body exploded and all his tentacles went to the city, to
exterminate it. Clara immediately reacted by covering the city with a mantel
made of her own energy. The tentacles couldn't pass through it, but it was
sucking up all her energy. She looked at Katarsis with some victorious eyes but
he was smiling. She was wondering why. He laughed :
K – You really thought I would only attack those punks ?
The Guardian understood it right away. Tentacles were rushing at Quentin,
who was still unconscious. She had to save him, like he previously did for her,
but she had no energy left, and she couldn't diminish the mantel or the
tentacles would went through it. She wasn't many options let.
Quentin felt a drop of an unknown liquid falling on his head. He slowly
opened his eyes. Clara was in front of him, and her body was stabbed by a dozen
of tentacles. Blood was flowing from her mouth and she was barely keeping her
balance. The Soul touched his friend's face and was screaming :
Q – No ! No !! NO !! NOO ! Why !! you didn't have to … Why did you ..
Cl – Because I don't like being indebted to someone … And I can't let
you die once again …
Q – But I'm just a soul … I'm not worth it ! I'm selfish !!!
Cl – Because of the way of died ? … Don't .. Make me joke. It doesn't ..
matter how "cough" how you died … you didn't deserve it ….
Q – How did you …
Cl – When you were on the altar …. When
I touched your hand … I saw your memories … Cherish them Quentin … And
created some news. Now you can meet them … Talk to them. Reassure them.
Q – No you can't leave me right now ! We haven't fully discovered the
afterworld together. We must get you a bigger shrine right ?
Clara and Quentin were both crying. She held his hand and replied :
Cl – Sorry … But this time … It's really the end for me …
Q – why you … Why … I'm so sorry … I'm sorry … Why did you have to
protect … Please forgive me … Why I'm causing all this pain. I don't want to
lose you …
Clara suddenly saw her younger self crying in front her dying father.
She took what was left of her remaining strength and she touched the chest of
Quentin. She looked straight in his eyes and said :
Cl – It's not your fault, Little weird soul. That's life. I won't leave
you alone. I'll always remain next to you.
Q – How ... ?
Cl – Because … I'll be your strength.
Q – What do you ..
Clara's body started to fade away. Quentin started to held her and he
begged her to stay with him. She whispered at his ear :
Cl – … those few weeks by your
side where the happiest of my life … thanks for everything … I will really miss
you.
And then Clara's body disappeared. Quentin tried to catch the particles
but it was meaningless. He fall on his knees and he screamed as loud as he
could, his cry being full of sadness and despair. Katarsis was laughing like he
never did and he was repeatedly saying that he killed The Guardian of Souls,
that she died like her fucking father. In the town, the mob was crying and
Death passed out because of what happened.
Quentin was hitting the ground and was questioning why she had to die.
Why not him ? He was just a soul, not a powerful and amazing being like her.
Why did she save him ?
He suddenly noticed something floating in front of him. It was a little
purple orb. A voice escaped from it :
? – Don't give up.
Q – what ..
? – She did it for you. Don't waste it. She'll always be with you.
Q – Who are you ?
? – I'm yours if you want to take me. If you don't I'll disappear, along
with her.
Q – Will I be able to repay my debt to her ?
? – Of course. We'll do it together.
Q – Then … I'm willing to do it.
? – Okay so first worshipper of the Guardian of Souls, RECLAIM YOUR
POWER !
Katarsis, who knew what was going to happen, threw his tentacles at our
hero. The Soul, caught the orb, and it created a huge light. Katarsis was
blinded by it and his tentacles, for some reason, were burned by something
uknown. When he recovered his sight, he was in front of something he wished
didn't happened.
Quentin's body was now the same as he was when he died and it was
recovered by purple flames and his hairs were made of flames, and were as long
as those of Clara. He had 2 scythes. A new one, purple and with a very long
blade, and the one Clara had. Katarsis was feeling the pressure of the newborn
God. He stood up and said :
K – You never give up right ?
Q – Someone told me to so I'm still fighting.
K – Looks like I've to use my full power.
The Lord Reapers lifted his four arms and created a giant orb full of
black flames. It was twice his own size. He laughed and exclaimed :
K – I will take you down with this and I will create a new world !
that's not a problem for me ! Die !!!!
Katarsis threw the orb. As it was falling on the city, it was sucking up
everything, trees, rocks, houses. The Reaper was glanced at our hero, and he
proudly shouted :
K – what are you going to do ? useless Soul ?
q – Simply my duty.
K – What ?
The last thing that Katarsis saw was Quentin with Clara smiling next to
him. The God then swig both his scythe. The blue one destroyed the giant ball
as if it was a bubble, and the purple one created a giant slash. Katarsis
couldn't dodge it. He was cut in half. And then he disappeared in a giant
explosion, accompanied by a giant scream of pain.
Quentin stared at the Arch. He destroyed it in one swing, and the green
energy went back in his body. He then observed the blue scythe. The spirit of
Clara appeared in front of him, she was smiling. He cried again and said :
Q – Thank you … I'll promise you'll be proud of me.
She waved at him and then she disappeared. Our hero looked at the sky.
Death ran to him, and she fall into his arms. Then they went to where Katarsis
was struck down, and they saw a body lying on the floor. It was Gradis. They
ran to his side but it was too late. He was dying. He asked with his last
breath :
Gra – Don't you think she'll be able to forgive me one day for what one
day ?
Quentin replied :
Q – She never held a grudge against you for that. You can rest in peace.
Gra – Thanks …
He disappeared. He and Death made two little tombs in the middle of the
battlefield. He asked her :
Q – What are you going to do ?
D – Rebuild everything. It won't be easy. I'm not sure I'll be strong
enough. And you ?
Q – I … think she would like me to help you.
D – Are you sure ? you can travel around the world you know. You can met
with your family.
Q – No … I want to rebuild the afterworld like they wanted it to be. At
their image. And for my family … I'll met them later.
Quentin and Death went back to the city. He was welcomed as a hero but
he quickly left into the afterworld, followed by Death.
Two years later. It was the beginning of a new Soul's festival. At the
center of the square, in front of the Church, there was a statue depicting
Clara, the Guardian of Souls, and her brother, Gradis, The God of Souls.
The town became a real metropolis and it became three times bigger than
two years ago. A huge crowd was waiting for it to begin. The priest opened the
door, and a hooded person got out from it. It was Death.
She went to the stage followed by the priest, and she pronounced a
little speech:
Death – Welcome Dear citizens to the new edition of the Soul Festival. I
hope you'll enjoy it since it's the first one since two years ago. Many things
happened, the afterworld was quite shaken by those events but thanks to the
will of a certain man, it was able to retain its past glory. But he'll be the
best one to talk about. So let's welcome, Quentin, The Guardian of worlds.
Nobody came. Death asked one of the priest :
D – Where is he ?
Cl – We didn't find him.
D – that damn brat …
In a land near the city, there was a man sat in front of two tombs. He
was driking a lime diabolo while looking at one of them. He put his bottle back
in his back, he touched the tomb and said :
? –You should have seen it … The castle is two times bigger and about
the house … I made it exactly like you've built it … It retained its past gloy
… Oh it's time ! Well then … Looks like I've to go.
He then jumped and flew to the city. Next to the tomb there was a purple
scythe and a little flower with a skull in it. On the tomb there was an image
of a purple haired girl and of a little soul smiling together, like they always
did together.
Guardian of Souls
End.
Theme :
Cough Syrup – Young the giant.
Outcast – Obadiah Parker.
Ce texte est un hommage à mon cousin décédé quelques semaines plus tôt dans un accident de voiture. J'espère que la vie est plus facile pour lui maintenant qu'il est le nouveau Gardien de ce monde.
