Chapter 108: Honorary Cardinal
"I guess I'm just gonna rock with just a single pair of shorts." Ricky muttered, picking up his shorts that had survived the aftermath of Rachael.
Walking out of the room while rubbing his bare stomach, Ricky realized that he could really go for some bacon and eggs then wondered if this castle even had a kitchen.
'No, they have to have a kitchen, right?' Ricky thought, trying to convince himself there had to be some kind of weird kitchen hidden around the castle as he started walking around, checking every corner.
However, it didn't take long for Ricky to realize he was completely and utterly lost while searching for the kitchen.
"Alright, so I've found like eighteen bathrooms but zero kitchens, got it." Ricky muttered to himself, shrugging as if it made any sense as he couldn't help but laugh at how absurd his own words sounded.
"And now I'm on my third staircase, why do you even need more than one staircase?" Ricky seemingly complained, spreading out his arms while talking to himself in a passive aggressive way since he was literally starved.
"Is that-"
"Chores, just the man I wanted to see," Ricky called out, spotting him as he walked down the winding gothic staircase.
Chores was anxiously pacing back and forth at the side, clearly lost in thought and not even paying attention to his words.
Ricky raised an eyebrow, continuing down the stairs, but Chores didn't acknowledge him as he kept pacing, lost in his own world.
Finally, Ricky reached him, standing right in front of the nervous man before speaking up.
"Boo!" Ricky suddenly appeared next to Chores, who was lost in his own thoughts.
The sudden presence made Chores jump, his entire body flinching as he stumbled backward, eyes wide with shock.
"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!" Ricky laughed in a maniacal tone, watching Chores grab his chest and take another two steps back before letting out a sigh.
"Slick, you scared me." Chores heaved out, taking a second to collect his thoughts while Ricky laughed at the side.
"What's up man, why are you pacing around as if waiting for your STD results after going no condom in a stripper?" Ricky slung his shoulder around Chores, patting his chest as the gentle giant gave him a weird look.
"A stripper-what, no I just-"
Sigh
"Slick, sorry I've been so busy but with moving my workshop and all, then with going back to New York it's just a lot." Chores sighed out, side eyeing Ricky while wanting to say something but closing his mouth again.
"Funny enough, that's actually what I wanted to talk to you about." Ricky said, his tone casual but carrying an underlying weight as Chores immediately felt his stomach churn, a sense of unease settling in.
The thing that scared Chores the most was being thrown away; discarded like an old, useless tool.
It was why he had secluded himself for so long, why he'd worked tirelessly to prove his worth.
He had to make himself indispensable, always hovering in the background, anticipating every need, trying to anticipate what was expected of him before anyone could voice it.
He'd spent so much time making sure he was useful that he'd convinced himself that if he wasn't, there would be nothing left for him.
No place.
No purpose.
But now, standing there in front of Ricky, Chores felt all that work, all that effort, unraveling with each word that came out of Ricky's mouth.
It was a suffocating weight in his chest, like the ground was slowly crumbling beneath him.
For a brief moment, he questioned whether everything he had done to earn his place meant anything at all.
What if it was never enough?
What if Ricky had already decided he was expendable, just like everyone else who he had ever tossed aside?
Chores stomach twisted, and he forced himself to swallow the lump in his throat, but it didn't help.
His hands were clammy, and his mind raced, desperately searching for a way to turn the conversation around before it turned into something he couldn't undo.
"I want to form a manufacturing company that makes household wares and commodities, but more than that, I want you to come work for me." Ricky said, his tone firm and straightforward with a wide smile, showing that he wasn't going to toss aside him aside and instead pull him even closer to his inner circle.
But to Chores, the words didn't land the way they were intended and instead, they felt like a distant echo, warped by the noise in his mind as his brain struggled to make sense of it, as if his ears had betrayed him.
"Slick, I swear I won't hold you back so please-what?" Chores' eyes squinted in confusion, his expression unreadable as he tried to make sense of Ricky's words.
"I want you to come work for a company I'm going to start. What were you thinking?" Ricky repeated again, his words hanging in the air, cutting through any doubts or lingering fears in Chores mind.
Chores, still caught off guard, shook his head and ran a hand through his hair, the movement slow and unsure.
"N-Nothing, sorry."
"It's alright, man." Ricky said, his tone softening with a low humble chuckle.
"I know it's a big adjustment, especially since you've been my muscle until now. But after seeing how well you handled things with the alchemists, I'd really like you to come work with me at my future company." Ricky gestured, his eyes scanning Chores with a mixture of appreciation and anticipation, watching as the gentle giant stood speechless, at a loss for words.
"I know how much time you've put into creating, and I admire the lengths you've gone to." Ricky said, his shoulders lifting in a casual shrug.
"I just want to see how far you can take this talent, how far we can take this." Ricky let the words hang in the air, aware of the potential to build something that could dominate the market with all the items in his inventory.
Chores couldn't help but offer a small smile in response, the possibility of something bigger starting to sink in.
"I-I'm thankful, truly." Chores stammered, bowing his head as Ricky chuckled softly, reaching out to tap him on the shoulder.
"Actually, now that you're here, I've got some blueprints. I'd like you to look over and see how feasible they are for construction. Wait, hold on a second." Ricky paused, then moved toward his storage.
The mist around him swirled as he entered, reappearing moments later with a single blueprint in hand.
Ricky handed it to Chores, who took it delicately, his eyes widening as he examined the intricate details.
"This is a-"
"Reusable steel-insulated mugs." Ricky said with a conspiratorial grin, almost proud of the fact.
"Don't tell anyone, but this is the kind of product we're going to sell once I patent it, when we get back to the States." Ricky tapped the blueprint, a knowing smirk crossing his face as he was already picturing how he'd get filthy rich off this blueprint scanner and the items in his inventory.
Ricky had spent countless hours pondering the venture he would pursue, his mind running through endless possibilities.
After much deliberation, he finally settled on producing high end commodities as he had access to so many advanced designs, products far beyond what this era's technology could comprehend, and he knew just how valuable they would be.
But before moving forward, Ricky wanted to patent each one, ensuring they were protected.
More than that, though, he needed to be certain he could fully trust Chores with the idea, especially with something so potentially lucrative.
"I'll guard it with my life and although my workshop is currently being condensed by the warlocks, I can get back to you in two-no, one week." Chores hurriedly said, and Ricky nodded, holding up a thumbs up.
"Alright, I'm expecting good things, Chores. Don't let me down." Ricky said as he walked away, forming a gate with a wave of his hand before stepping through it.
"I swear Slick, I won't."
Meanwhile In the Vatican,
Ricky stepped through the portal, clad in his Black Knight attire, ready to claim his long-awaited honorary title.
"R-Black Knight!" Father Sebastian, who had been calmly combing his hair, leapt to his feet in shock as Ricky quite literally trespassed into his room.
"Oh, come on, Father, you can call me Slick or Ricky." Ricky said with a light hearted chuckle, walking up to the priest as Father Sebastian chuckled warmly as they shook hands.
"On behalf of the church, I'd like to thank you, first and foremost, not only for defeating that horrid Dracula but also for freeing Abraham." Father Sebastian said, his smile tinged with sadness. Ricky's own smile faltered slightly in response.
"I know he wasn't the most noble person but-"
Sniff
Father Sebastian's expression faltered, his hand trembling as it moved to his side since despite his cheerful words, the pain of losing Abraham, his closest friend, was undeniable.
"I know father, I honestly don't hold anything against Abraham." Ricky looked with an unreadable expression, watching him slowly regain himself.
"I'm just going to miss stealing his flasks," Ricky joked, earning a small chuckle from Father Sebastian despite the heaviness in the air.
"You know, I met Abraham during my missionary trip to Romania," Father Sebastian said, letting out a light sigh before turning back to Ricky.
"Before, the Van Helsings were a very closed-off family, rarely interacting with the church. But after the massacre, Abraham was left with only one surviving family member." Father Sebastian said with a knowing smile, revealing that he had been aware all along.
"Rachael, I know." Ricky rubbed his forehead, the headache returning as the holy man chuckled.
"Yes, well, Abraham found my missionary group after traveling four days through a storm, all while carrying the barely breathing Rachael," Father Sebastian said, his smile tinged with deeper sorrow. Ricky gazed at him in silence for a moment before letting out a heavy sigh.
"Then you healed him and you became best friends-" Ricky sped up the conversation but Father Sebastion laughed heartily.
"No, actually, Abraham tried to rob our caravan and ended up stealing one of the decorative carriages, with me still in it." Father Sebastian admitted, a faint chuckle escaping as the memory surfaced.
"It was only after he punched me in the face that he allowed me to try and heal the young child, which I managed to do before a better remedy finally appeared." Father Sebastion counted with a wry smile.
"But even then, to save Rachael's magic and life, I had to fracture his son's implanted core even further to not only save Rachael's core but his life." Father Sebastian said quietly, his voice heavy with the memory, as Ricky frowned in understanding.
"About that, how did Abraham even survive after having his heart ripped out? I mean, how is that even possible?" Ricky asked curiously, recalling the large scar he had seen on Abraham's chest long ago.
"It shouldn't have been possible," Father Sebastian replied quietly, remembering that stormy day as Abraham endured so much pain that day yet still crawled away alive.
"He should've died, but he didn't or couldn't for that matter. Abraham knew he couldn't leave that poor child alone, and I revered him for the courage to press on despite everything." Father Sebastion let out a sad chuckle, knowing that Abraham would no longer show up out of blue, and all the shenanigans he would be dragged into.
"I suppose that is why he followed me back to the church after realizing he could no longer possess magic." Father Sebastion lamented, recalling how Abraham had originally decided to learn holy magic in the first place.
"He always said he came to the Vatican to learn and control holy magic, but I think he was really searching for answers, trying to understand why God had to be so cruel." Father Sebastion's voice softened, reflecting the weight of Abraham's unspoken struggle.
"The Pope and I at the time agreed to keep Rachael's existence a secret, and then it all played out until now." Father Sebastian said, turning back to Ricky, who was still reeling from how much he hadn't known about Abraham.
"I see."
"Well, if you do, don't feel so down since he might have said all those things and pretended not to care, but Abraham truly saw himself in you." Father Sebastion said, offering a comforting smile.
"I think that's why he was always so hard on you," Father Sebastion continued, his voice softening.
"He didn't want you to become him, but a better version." Father Sebastion words hung in the air, leaving Ricky silent as he sat at the table, processing the weight of them.
"Um, Father, when am I going to be awarded my honorary priesthood?" Ricky asked, changing the subject. Father Sebastion smiled warmly at the question.
"I will call forth a meeting and uphold not only the promise for the Vatican to publicly acknowledge mutants as God's children, but then award you the title." Father Sebastion said, gesturing toward Ricky, who nodded in response.
"The matter might take some time to arrange, so until then, you will be provided your own room to dwell in until the crowning ceremony," Father Sebastian instructed as Ricky, slightly annoyed by the delay, nodded but couldn't hide his impatience with how long the proceedings would take.
However, Ricky readily agreed and was shown to the room where Abraham had helped stabilize his core all those years ago.
Ricky didn't take Alexander or Garfield for company, as they still wanted to see the sights of Transylvania with Asterion, leaving him alone with his thoughts even with the Ebony Blade sheathed at his side.
Though the sword had once whispered constant temptations of deceit, after they had settled their differences, Ricky had learned that the Ebony Blade actually relished the serenity of silence.
To begin a conversation, it was Ricky who had to make the effort, proving that even the darkest of weapons could find peace in stillness.
'Screw it,' Ricky muttered, bored out of his mind as he opened his storage and returned with a bottle of Hell Wine and Dracula's Diary, ready to pass the time in his own way.
"Let's see his deepest secrets and make fun of him, shall we?"
Over the course of two days, Ricky read through Dracula's ventures and deepest inner thoughts, which led to multiple painful revelations.
The first major one came when Abraham had accidentally revealed Dracula's existence to the world.
But instead of quelling the chaos that followed, Dracula had seized the opportunity, exploiting it for his own gain.
Diary Entry: August 9, 1898
Tonight has brought a revelation that transcends mere fortune. In a turn of events that I can only attribute to the whims of fate rather than any deliberate strategy, Abraham Van Helsing has inadvertently strengthened my position within the vampire community in a manner I could not have orchestrated myself.
The clumsy disclosure of my existence through that work of fiction, in a way that I can only assume was meant to strike terror into the hearts of humans and unite them against a perceived threat, has instead had an unforeseen consequence. Van Helsing's revelation was not the carefully crafted stratagem I had anticipated. Rather, it was a haphazard attempt to expose and contain me, one that has only served to reinforce my standing among vampires.
The notoriety I have gained from this work being published has drawn me deeper into the gaze of the Vampire community. The very public display of our enmity with Van Helsing has, rather than diminishing me, elevated my status, transforming me into a symbol of resilience and defiance. Rather than isolating me from the vampire community and causing opposition towards me, Van Helsing's actions have galvanized their support. My name, once whispered in hushed tones within the community as a passing Vampiric leader, is now a rallying cry against the oppressive regime of humanity. I have unknowingly become a figurehead for those who see in me not merely a threat, but a potent symbol of resistance against the encroaching human world.
The revelation of our feud has created a spectacle that vampires now find both compelling and advantageous. They have seen the human attempts to subdue me and recognized, perhaps with a tinge of reverence, the strength it must take to withstand such relentless pursuit. Instead of being diminished, my reputation has been elevated. I am now viewed not just as a predator but as a paragon of vampire resilience and power.
This unforeseen turn of events has resulted in a groundswell of support. Vampires are flocking to my cause and my sect, aligning themselves with me not out of necessity but out of a newfound sense of shared identity and purpose. The chaos Van Helsing intended to unleash has, by some quirk of fate, become the very instrument through which I consolidate more power.
I must acknowledge the irony of it all. Van Helsing's misguided attempt to reveal my existence has only served to fortify my position. It is a testament to the unpredictable nature of power and influence. I find myself now at the helm of a strengthened alliance, with the very conflict he sought to exploit becoming the foundation of my ascent.
This development requires careful management. While I relish the fortuitous shift in dynamics, I must be astute in navigating this new reality. The opportunity before me is vast, and I intend to seize it with both hands, ensuring that the advantage granted to me is not squandered but rather used to further my own ends.
In the grand theater of our conflict, it appears that fate itself has taken a hand. Van Helsing's blunder has paved the way for my greater ascendancy. The stage is set, and the role I now play has been unexpectedly elevated. I will use this moment to its fullest, shaping it to secure my position and extend my influence.
—Dracula
Ricky was taken aback, his mind struggling to reconcile the revelation as he had always believed Dracula to be the central figure of the vampire community, only to discover that the truth was far from what he had imagined.
In fact, between 1700 and 1800, Dracula was deposed by the majority of his own kind.
It became such a growing problem that some vampires, eager to distance themselves from his rule, actively sought out those loyal to him and killed them.
However, with Abraham's accidental revelation, Dracula seized this misfortune as an opportunity to strengthen his position within the community, using the public's attention to his advantage.
The idea and image of a vampire had unknowingly become inseparable from Dracula; one could not utter the name without thinking of him first.
The fear that brewed from this revelation was expertly twisted by Dracula into a human scheme, fueling widespread panic among the vampires.
In turn, Dracula reinforced his position, using the fear to solidify his dominance within the community.
At that moment, Ricky found himself wondering if being honored as the Ricky Luciano was more meaningful than being recognized as the Black Knight.
While he was being rewarded for his actions under the mantle of the Black Knight, it didn't mean he had to accept the honor solely for that title.
It was then that Ricky began to contemplate who he truly wanted Ricky Luciano to be.
For the past three years, he had been so focused on being the identity of the Black Knight that he hadn't given much thought to the real man behind the mask.
After reaching a daring idea, Ricky waited since Father Sebastian usually checked up on him, never leaving him to feel truly alone or isolated.
Knock
"Hello Rick-" Father Sebastian began, but before he could finish, the door swung open and he was yanked inside by Ricky.
"Father, change of plans, I have a favor to ask," Ricky said, grabbing Father Sebastian with an excited grin as the priest tilted his head, intrigued.
"How may I assist you?"
Next day,
Inside the holy grounds of the Vatican, a cheering crowd gathered, the air buzzing with excitement.
The Vatican was about to anoint its first-ever honorary cardinal, a move that sent waves of gossip rippling through the crowd.
The announcement had come as a shock, such a position had never been awarded in the church before, especially to someone who had not undergone the traditional rites and confinements required of a member of the clergy.
In a special room, Ricky stood, his eyes absorbed in the words of Dracula, who unknowingly had become his life coach when it came to managing a community.
Ricky, a mutant, understood the stigma he faced, much like Dracula's own experience with vampires.
At first, this diary had been nothing more than a book, a curiosity, but now it had transformed into something holy, an invaluable guide for Ricky to study and learn from.
Right now, Ricky was wearing a cardinal's uniform, but unlike usual, there was no trace of his Black Knight attire.
'Ricky, are you sure this is a good idea?' The Ebony Blade's voice echoed with skepticism, but Ricky simply shook his head, his gaze fixed on the book in his hands as he pointed toward it, a quiet determination in his eyes.
"Dracula was able to attach the entire vampire community to his very name after having his identity revealed to the world," Ricky said, his voice steady as he tapped the diary.
"And I know it's arrogant, but I want to do the same. I want to make my name synonymous with the term mutant so I can just come in and hold the power over these crazy weirdo's who have lived for centuries." Ricky revealed the real reason behind all of this, knowing how funny it would be if the term and identity for mutant was attached to a fledgling like him.
It was so common for mutants to hide in the shadows, much like vampires, that Ricky didn't think it was all that crazy to imagine he could pull off the same feat Dracula had.
After all, there were mutants out there who had likely amassed more power, more wealth, and more connections, just like Dracula had, considering there were vampires far older than him.
Yet, despite all that, Dracula stood above them all, a symbol of dominance and defiance.
If he could do it, why couldn't Ricky?
"I don't want to hide the fact that I, Ricky Luciano, someone who holds the 'devil's power,' am instead one of God's children, recognized as the first mutant by the Church." Ricky revealed, his voice unwavering as he shared his true intentions with a wide sleazy smile.
The Ebony Blade fell silent for a moment, as if weighing his words, before it finally dawned on him.
Ricky wasn't just seeking power or recognition; he was aiming to reshape how the world saw mutants, to turn the stigma into a symbol of divine purpose that was solely led by him.
Throughout his time on Earth, the Ebony Blade had encountered those labeled as 'mutants,' but it never paid them much attention, viewing them as mere insects compared to its own vast power.
They were nothing to concern themselves with but Ricky, in his pursuit, wanted something far more ambitious.
He didn't just want to shine a light on himself, he wanted it to be a holy light, a divine acknowledgment of his existence.
Ricky had sought the Church's backing, forming a recognition of his claim to being a mutant, and, unknowingly, a position as the first mutant to be publicly accepted, marking a turning point in both his life and the history of mutants.
Effectively, Ricky was on the cusp of rewriting history, sending ripples through the world so powerful that he could no longer be ignored.
But this time, he was ready.
Confident in his abilities and the path he had carved for himself, he was prepared to make an impact, one that would reverberate through every corner of the globe, setting the stage for his grand return to New York.
The stage was set, and Ricky Luciano, the man behind the Black Knight, was poised to become a figure of monumental change.
"Then why am I here?" Alexander asked, his voice tinged with confusion as he stood confused at the side.
Ricky had swiped him from his slumber and transported him to this mysterious place, leaving him unsure of what was going on.
"You're the most important part Alexander." Ricky said, flashing a wide smile as Alexander raised his eyebrows, clearly confused by the sudden revelation.
"Really?"
"Ricky, are you ready?" Father Sebastion opened the door and peaked in, a little worried about this plan.
"Ready as I'll ever be." Ricky said, turning to Father Sebastian with a thumbs up as Alexander, still greatly confused, glanced between the two, trying to make sense of the situation.
Meanwhile at the balcony of the pope,
The crowd gathered below the Vatican erupted in jubilant cheers as Pope Pius emerged onto the balcony, his serene presence commanding the attention of thousands.
He extended his hand in a blessing, and the fervor of the crowd gradually subsided as he lowered his arm, the collective excitement waning to a hushed anticipation.
Tap
Tap
"Ahem."
The Pope adjusted the microphone, a soft click echoing through the air and with a deep breath, he cleared his throat, a warm smile spreading across his face.
"For a long time, a particular individual has resided within the Church." Pope Pius began, his voice resonant and steady.
"He is a man who has devoted himself not only to God but to the highest values of humanity." Pope Pius continued, his soothing words pressing into the ears of each and every single one of these people before him.
"Yet, when he first came to us, he was burdened with doubt. Labeled a devil, he sought solace in the holy city, questioning whether he was truly a child of Satan or a child of God." The Pope's gaze softened, a shadow of sadness flickering across his features.
The crowd listened intently, the Pope's words carrying a weight of deep empathy as they saw the heartfelt pain from this holy man's words and slowly held their breath.
"It broke my heart to witness his struggle. No one with such profound faith should ever have to question their place in the divine." Pope Pius grabbed his fist, looking towards all of these people who slowly nodded along with him.
"I asked him, 'What makes you different from the common man?' And he answered clearly, 'I am a mutant, I posses what they all call the Devil's Powers.'" Pope Pius paused, the emotion evident in his eyes as if waiting for the crowd's reaction.
A collective gasp rippled through the crowd, the significance of his revelation sinking in, murmurs spiraling throughout the massive group of people before they quieted to let Pope Pius continue.
"I was taken aback, much like you all right now. I had heard tales of mutants being associated with the devil and in truth, I was worried." Pope Pius placed his hands on his heart, recognizing the fear they all might be feeling and letting each one of these people feel seen.
"But that night, while reflecting on my own thoughts, I received a vision from God. In that vision, not only did I see the whole choir of heaven, but I also saw the mutants. Those same beings, once thought to be of the devil, were embraced in God's magnificent choir." Pope Pius held up his hands, the cloudy sky parting at his gesture as the rays of the sun shine down onto his holy being.
"It was then I understood, mutants are indeed God's children." Pope Pius' voice held a note of solemn conviction as all of them were taken aback by the grandiose display since his holy form could not be denied, especially by mere peasants like them.
"Though skepticism remained, this man's unwavering faith and perseverance proved his devotion not only to me, not only to God, but to the entire Vatican." Pope Pius spread out his arms, his robes flailing ever so gently in the wind.
"Today." Pope Pius continued, his tone proud and unwavering.
"I stand before you not only to affirm that mutants are God's children but also to introduce you to the young man who made this revelation possible." Pope Pius then gestured to his side with a man walking out.
"Ricky Luciano."
As the name echoed through the radio broadcast, a murmur of astonishment swept through the crowd.
The mystery surrounding the exile of the so-called 'Prince of Brooklyn' was unveiled to the public within New York as all the die-hard Catholics were listening.
The mobsters, who had always regarded mutants with disdain, were particularly dismayed, realizing that the very reason for Ricky's banishment had been overturned.
This revelation signaled a monumental shift, one that would reverberate through the underworld.
Ricky Luciano was making a return.
The crowd's cheers crescendoed as Ricky appeared on the balcony, bowing respectfully to Pope Pius and kissing his ring as the Pope's approving gaze met him.
"Well done, my boy. The Vatican has high expectations of you." Pope Pius said, his words a clear message to Ricky, who nodded in acknowledgment before stepping up to the microphone.
'Dual link activate.' Ricky's voice echoed in Alexander's mind, the connection instantaneous.
Alexander, with a scowl, felt his form begin to merge with Ricky's, the shift both strange and unfamiliar.
As the process unfolded, the two became one, their powers intertwining, each feeling the other's presence more keenly than ever before.
'You dare-'
Ding
[Duel Link: Activated for 8 minutes]
Ricky Luciano stepped up to the microphone, his presence commanding attention as the crowd below fell silent, hanging on his every word.
The sunlight glinted off his determined expression, and he took a deep breath before speaking.
There was a clear reason Ricky wanted to activate the dual link, but the main reason was simple yet crucial: the skill Alexander possessed.
For the next eight minutes, Ricky would tap into that power, using it to its fullest potential.
(Legendary Skill) (Mastery) Speeches: Alexander's oratory skills are legendary. He can inspire and motivate armies, sway public opinion, and manipulate adversaries with his powerful and persuasive speeches, turning the tide of battles and negotiations alike.
"Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, and people of all walks of life."
"Today marks a momentous occasion, not just for myself, but for every individual who has ever been judged, ostracized, or misunderstood. Not just as a mutant, but as a person. But right now, I stand before you not merely as Ricky Luciano, but as a representative of a community that has long been marginalized and misunderstood, mutants." Ricky had a warm smile on his face, gesturing towards the masses who clearly showed fear and unease towards him.
"For too long, we have been labeled as 'freaks' as beings to be feared and shunned. Our powers, which we did not choose, have been misconstrued as a mark of darkness, a sign of our supposed affiliation with malevolence. But I am here today to tell you that this perception is not just flawed, it is fundamentally wrong." Ricky gripped his fist before lightly releasing them, his calm exterior showing that he was hateful towards these fearful people, but forgiving.
"We are not defined by the extraordinary abilities we possess but by our actions, our values, and our integrity. Just as any person has the capacity for greatness or malevolence, so too do we. Our powers are not our identity; our character is." Ricky lectured, acknowledging that they too were allowed to make mistakes just like any man or woman could.
"Mutants have always sought to find our place in a world that has often turned its back on us. We have faced scorn and exclusion, not because of who we are, but because of who others have chosen to believe we are. But today, we embrace our truth with pride and resolve. We are not the devils of the story; we are also a part of God's choir." Ricky showed that they weren't better than these people before him, but deserving a place by their side, to be seen as equal and not greater or less.
"With every challenge we face, we grow stronger. Not just as mutants but as people. With every prejudice we overcome, we become more resilient. Not just as mutants but as people. We are not here to beg for acceptance nor do we demand any sort of respect or equality. But instead, ask that all of you let us show that we are not only capable of coexisting with the rest of humanity but that we enrich it in ways unimaginable, that we are a part of humanity." Ricky voiced towered, showing that one small difference didn't make him any less human than them.
"We come to you, I come to you with a message of hope, of unity, and of an unwavering belief that we can and will make a difference. We ask not for your pity, but for your understanding. We ask not for your charity, but for your consideration." Ricky appealed to these people below them, speaking to them not as an enemy, but as someone they could merely talk to.
"And to every mutant who has ever felt alone, I want you to know that it doesn't have to be that case anymore. You are part of a community, God's community, one that stands strong, that fights for justice, and that will not be silenced. Our time is now, and we will seize it with courage and dignity, to stand proudly in God's choir." Ricky assured those mutants watching him in the shadows, the little boys and girls looking up towards him as long regarded waste in the alleyways.
"Together, let us forge a new path, a path where our differences are celebrated, where our identity isn't sought by our label, and where every individual is judged by the content of their character and not by their abilities in which they wield." Ricky words spoke with pride, gazing towards the crowd that was stung into silence.
"Thank you."
Ricky poured every ounce of his heart into his speech, channeling Alexander's legendary skill with a precision that captivated everyone before him.
His words flowed with such confidence and conviction that they seemed to resonate deep within the souls of those listening.
Each sentence carried an undeniable power, stirring the crowd into a collective sense of awe. The audience was spellbound, hanging on every word, and as the final phrase left his lips, a thunderous applause erupted.
It was more than a reaction; it was a recognition of the man before them, a force too undeniable to ignore.
Of course, not everyone would welcome this sudden shift, but it didn't matter, Ricky knew his purpose was clear.
Ricky was set on winning over not only the majority of the Catholic faith but also drawing out the mutants who had long hidden in the shadows.
The ripple of his announcement quickly spread throughout the mutant community, eyes now fixed firmly on Ricky.
Everyone was watching, waiting to see if his words held weight, if his actions were genuine.
Among them, a particular blue-skinned figure, one whose interest in Ricky's move had been piqued, kept a close watch, curious to see whether he would truly follow through on his bold promises or falter under the weight of them.
"I guess the cub isn't a cub after all, but a tiger," Raven said with a sly smile, her voice laced with amusement as she chuckled to herself.
Standing amidst the chaos, her eyes swept over the multiple lifeless bodies strewn around her.
The scene was almost effortless, a testament to the power she wielded.
She swayed gracefully through the room, her confidence radiating, leaving behind the carnage as she exited, unbothered, as if it were just another day in her world.
"Marvelous speech, Ricky, marvelous!" Father Sebastion exclaimed, his voice filled with pride.
Father Sebastion immediately pulled Ricky into a heartfelt hug, unable to contain his admiration for the young man.
Ricky chuckled, a modest smile tugging at his lips, though the praise clearly pleased him as he returned the hug with a nod, grateful for the support.
"I'm proud of you, Ricky," Father Sebastion suddenly proclaimed, his voice filled with a deep sincerity.
Ricky was taken aback for a moment, his usual confidence faltering as he processed the weight of the words.
It wasn't often that someone expressed such genuine pride in him, and for a brief second, he allowed himself to feel the full impact of Father Sebastion's words.
"Uh, what-"
"I mean, from the first day I met you, you've gone through so much, yet you've persevered," Father Sebastion continued, his eyes softening with understanding.
"I could see that aching hole within you, that emptiness you carried. But now, I know for sure, you've come out the other side of the tunnel, even stronger than before." Father Sebastion's words hung in the air, a quiet affirmation of Ricky's growth.
Ricky stood still, taking in the weight of Father Sebastion's praise, a rare and powerful acknowledgment that reached deeper than any accolade.
"Ricky, from the bottom of my heart, I want you to know that all your efforts from now, the sacrifices you had to undertake, were all worth it to see the man you've become before me." Father Sebastion's words were raw, sincere, and they cut through the air like a blessing.
Ricky couldn't help but laugh instinctively, a nervous chuckle escaping him as if the weight of the words were almost too much.
"Oh come on Father, you're gonna make me tear up." Ricky laughed out, only for Father Sebastion to look to the side and smile
"There are actually two people who want to thank you personally." Father Sebastion gestured to the side, Ricky's eyes turning to the side and widening.
"G-Greetings, Black Knight." Carla stammered, her cheeks flushed as she bowed slightly as a small child with black hair clung to her dress, peering shyly at Ricky.
"Greetings." The child echoed, his voice soft but clear.
Unlike his mother, he didn't bow, but instead looked up at Ricky with wide, curious eyes, as if trying to place why this man resembled him so closely.
"Greetings." Ricky bent down to the child's level, repeating the words with a warm smile and a gentle wave as the child giggled, his curiosity growing as he studied Ricky's face.
"I Au-" The child, after laughing heartily, wanted to tell this man his name but Ricky beat him to the punch.
"Augustine, I know." Ricky and the child's eyes widened in surprise, the boy's face breaking into a laugh at his own expression being mirrored.
Augustine's delighted giggles filled the air as he pointed at Ricky, amused by his surprised expression.
"How know?" Augustine asked, tilting his head cutely as Ricky rubbed his chin for a long time.
"How do I know your name?" Ricky seemingly asked, rubbing his chin and purposely prolonging his actions, becoming this child's spectacle as Carla smiled warmly at the interaction.
"Because it says it right here." Ricky pointed, pressing his finger down onto Augustine's shirt as the child naively looked down.
Then, with a soft flick, he brought it up into the child's nose as Augustine flinched before covering his face.
"Hehehehehehe!" Augustine's child's laughter flowed out, clearly finding it funny while waddling up to Ricky.
"Your name here." Augustine chuckled madly, giving away the joke but even still, Ricky looked down.
"Where-ow~" Ricky played along, looking around as Augustine slowly brought up his finger and repeated his gesture and flicked Ricky's nose.
"Hehehehehehehe!" Augustine laughed after seeing Ricky cover his nose, only for the man to pick him up as Augstuine continued to laugh harder.
Sigh
"But it hurts my feelings that you don't know who I am." Ricky sighed, showing a glimpse of sadness as Augustine tapped face.
"You funny man." Augustine chuckled and Ricky nodded his head, agreeing with the young three year olds evaluation.
"I also like to think of myself as a funny man, thank you for noticing." Ricky smiled at Augustine who patted his chin with a smile.
"You're welcome." Augustine showed a toothy smile, Ricky looking at him for a while since he didn't know how to say it.
"Augustine."
"Yes, funny man?"
The two interactions were playful, Ricky looking at Augustine who now regarded him as 'funny man'.
"I am your father." Ricky said in a deep and serious voice, but Augustine shook his head.
"No, Black Knight my father." Augustine tapped Ricky's cheek, shaking his head only for Ricky to raise his eyebrow.
"I'm not the Black Knight?" Ricky asked, seemingly questioning his own identity as Austine nodded.
"Yes, Black Knight is knight and swing sword like this." Augustine then swung his fist in the air, showing how the Black Knight would swing his sword.
"You wanna see something cool?" Ricky asked Augstine, the young child obviously nodding his head fiercely.
"Yeah!"
Then in the next moment, to Augustine's starry eyes, the transformation was nothing short of magical.
Ricky slowly shifted, his Black Knight attire materializing around him, the dark fabric settling seamlessly into place.
With one hand, he gently cradled the young child, and with the other, he held the Ebony Blade, its dark edge gleaming in the light.
The child's gaze was wide with awe, mesmerized by the sight of the formidable figure before him.
Then as if copying the child's motion earlier, he swung the sword as Augustine's mouth was held open before Ricky looked at him.
"How was it, did I swing my sword right?" Ricky asked Augustine, who was currently hopping up and down in his hold.
"YEAH, YEAH!" Augustine clapped his hands, his eyes sparkling like the milky way.
"Oh thank god, I thought I messed it up." Ricky exaggerated his sigh, only to receive a tap on his chin again.
"Bad, no say lord in vain." Augustine frowned, tapping his chin repeatedly as Ricky understood.
"Oh, sorry." Ricky apologized to Augustine who then smiled again, patting his shoulder.
"I forgive." Augustine said, his voice filled with unexpected grace as he looked up at Ricky.
"Ricky, would you care to spend one last night before departing? The Vatican has prepared various gifts for you but they still need to be sorted." Father Sebastion asked as Ricky thought about it before his sleazy eyes landed on Carla blushing at the side.
"You know what, I think I could spare one night." Ricky turned his smile towards Father Sebastion who smiled warmly.
It wasn't strange to say that Father Sebastion had taken on the role of Godfather to Augustine in the time he had been within the vatican.
However, Father Sebastion truly did wish for Ricky to spend more time with him since he knew how much the little Augustine regarded the tales of the Black Knight.
For the remainder of the day, Ricky wandered the familiar grounds of the Vatican, but with a new sense of wonder that was carried in his arms.
Augustine eagerly pointed out all the things that caught his eye; statues, gardens, and hidden corners that only a child's imagination could bring to life.
Ricky followed along, taking in the joy of seeing the world through Augustine's bright, curious gaze.
Ricky couldn't help but smile as Augustine, with boundless energy and excitement, tugged him through the garden.
The child's enthusiasm was contagious as he led Ricky to all his favorite hide-and-seek spots; each nook and cranny marked with the laughter of countless games.
Augustine's sense of adventure reminded Ricky of simpler times, when the world felt vast and full of endless possibilities.
The garden, with its twists and turns, became a playground, and for a moment, Ricky played along as if he was just another kid, lost in the joy of the game with his son.
"Augustine, dear, it's time for bed!" Carla yelled out towards the garden, knowing that Augustine was there since that was his favorite place to play.
"B-B-But-"
"No buts, it's past your bedtime." Carla lectured Augustine who popped out of a nearby bush, pouting and kicking a nearby pebble.
"Fine~" Augustine whined, following his mother with Ricky jumping down from the ledge.
"That's cheating!" Augustine turned back, seeing Ricky was on the roof this whole time.
"Woah, woah, you never said I couldn't hide on the roof." Ricky crossed his arms, lecturing Augstuine who frowned but then smiled.
"I want you to tuck me in." Augustine suddenly rushed over to Ricky, wrapping around Ricky's leg while giggling as he was lifted up.
"Alright, but listen to your mother and wash up or whatever you do to get ready for bed." Ricky gave his condition, Augustine immediately releasing his leg and rushing to follow Carla who couldn't even look him in the eye.
Augustine bounced on the bed with infectious laughter, his small body lifting into the air with every giggle before settling back down with a soft thud.
Carla stood at the side, smiling fondly at the sight of her son's carefree joy.
Ricky leaned back against the wall beside the bed, watching the child with a quiet amusement.
"Alright you know Dracula, the evil vampire?" Ricky asked Augustine who jerked his head up and down.
"I'm going to tell you the story about how I kicked his butt-" Ricky then went on to explain in slightly poor detail about his fight with Dracula but even then, Augustine listened to the entire story.
All the ups and downs, all the cliffhangers that Ricky prolonged until his eyes wearily closed shut and he dozed off.
Caressing his black hair, Ricky looked at the sleeping Augustine for a long time until he stood up.
Carla stood just outside the door in her nun attire, a gentle presence that seemed to blend seamlessly with the sacred atmosphere of the Vatican.
Ever since becoming an honorary lady of the church, she had embraced her new role with quiet dignity, all while continuing in raising the Black Knight's bloodline.
"Oh my sweet Carla, did I make you wait long~" Ricky appeared behind Carla, his silky voice caressing her ear which made her shiver.
Ricky's eyes were completely sleazy at this point, running his hands up her leg and under her nun attire which completely turned him on.
"I wanted to talk to you about something." Ricky began, his voice low as he leaned in, resting his chin on her shoulder.
"I can't bring you with me right now, not with New York about to be a mess. You're safer here and wanted to get to know what you've been up to since I left." Ricky's hand gently trailed up her leg, the touch slow and deliberate.
Carla's blush deepened with each subtle graze of his fingers, her breath catching slightly as she fought to maintain composure.
The air between them thickened, charged with unspoken tension, but Ricky's words remained steady, even as his presence seemed to pull her closer.
"But talking with words doesn't seem enough to make up for all that time, don't you think?" Ricky asked, his finger lightly grazing against her motherly folds, before slipping in.
"Y-Yes~"
Author's Note: Next chap will be the last of Volume 2 and the Q&A will be posted as well.