Resurrection arc 15

Kaizo walks through the corridor of his spaceship. Everything is ready. The army, the weapon, the spaceships. All he needs to do now is execute the plan. He found Suhani, still tampering with the main holo table.

"So, you finally decide to show up," said Suhani.

She approached Kaizo. "You're here to finally put an end to this tag game. Or are you still too scared to make a move?" she said with a stern tone.

"You want to raid the Umbran? Now's the time," said Kaizo.

Meanwhile, Ardyn led an Umbran army with spaceships and headed toward the dark planet.

"Come along now. The rise of the dead is nigh. Tis time we visit her majesty's throne in which she lies asleep," said Ardyn.

Some spaceships begin to ascend. But before they could go through the atmosphere, one of their ships got shot.

Ardyn looked at the attackers. An army of angels flies in formation. Adnachiel led the army.

"Go. I will lead the army and deal with the Umbrans," said Adnachiel.

Valerius nodded. He flies away looking for Kaizo.

"Oh look. A perfect gift for her majesty's return. Angels corpses!" Ardyn sneered. "Ready to battle!!!" he ordered.

The umbran mages lifted their guns. They begin shooting the angels. Using technology and dark magic, the Umbrans came to the angels with surprises. The angels begin to scatter. Swinging their holy sword and slaying the Umbrans.

Few angels got their wings shot as they got close to one of the spaceships.

"Hahahaha. Well. Apparently, the guns he gave us can kill angels," Ardyn laughed.

While the angels are distracted, the apostles are already on their way to the dark planet.

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"Do you think it's ok to leave Fang on Earth?" Suhani asked as she followed Kaizo strode through the ship.

"We don't have time. Your power alone should do. We must depart. NOW!" said Kaizo. "Lahap, is everything ready?" he asked as soon as he arrived in the cockpit.

"Yes, Captain."

Kaizo looked at his beeping comm. Fang is trying to contact him. Kaizo coldly turns down Fang's call and blocks him. "Start the engine!" he ordered.

"Yes, Captain!"

Leaving Fang behind, they immediately depart to the dark planet.

Fang, who watched Kaizo's spaceship depart, tried to communicate with the ship.

"Captain, where are you going?! Hello? Can anyone hear me?" Fang asks through his comm. But no one replied. He spins his mind. He decided to send a message to Maskmana.

"Admiral, it's me. Kaizo's spaceship has left Earth. I am left behind on Earth. I can't contact any of my crew members," said Fang.

Now, all he can do is wait.

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The battle between the angels and the Umbran is fierce. Though the angels have their wings and holy power, the Umbran managed to fight back. They made up for their lack with the alien technology Kaizo prepared for them.

"How's this possible?!! They have weapons to harm angels." one of the angels muttered.

"It must be the space ranger. He brought power from outside this world," said Adnachiel.

"Adnachiel!" Valerius called as he flew towards him. "I can't find Kaizo. He's not here," he said.

"Neither can I find any of the Apostles," Zivon adds.

"Something is strange," said Valerius.

"Hmm.. where are they?" Adnachiel wondered.

They scour the battlefield as they try to figure out the Umbran's plan.

"Their goal is to resurrect the demon. Think. What would they need to raise a demon?" said Adnachiel.

"The last time I checked, Kaizo had the crown," said Zivon. "But where could he bring the crown?".

Valerius is silent for a moment. "...the dark planet," he said abruptly.

They both looked at him.

"I have a hunch, Kaizo is going to the dark planet, where it ends… her throne," said Valerius.

"Go get Verchiel. Head for the dark planet immediately. We'll catch up," said Adnachiel.

Valerius nodded. Followed by Zivon, they return to Valhalla. --------------------------------------------------------------

Racing with time, Kaizo's spaceship soars through space at full speed. As soon as they land on the dark planet, Kaizo heads to the castle.

"Where are the Umbrans? Where are we going?" Suhani asked.

"To the castle, where a demon I know died," said Kaizo.

"So they're trying to get a demon?"

"Yes."

Suddenly, a monster jumps and blocks their way. It gritted its teeth and snarled. Black liquid drops from its mouth.

Suhani gasps. "What is that?"

"What's left of the Demon Lord," said Kaizo. He pulled out his sword. Suhani and Lahap followed his steps and fought through the monsters.

Suddenly, a light beam shoots out to the sky from the castle's main tower.

"We don't have much time. They have already begun the ritual!" said Kaizo as he gazed at the light. He turned to Suhani. "Rise your pace!"

Suhani fought harder. Trying to beat the monsters as fast as she can.

Quickly enough, they reach the castle and immediately rush to the throne room.

Kaizo broke through the door and saw the apostles had already finished their preparations. A magic circle, circles the throne seat. The circle emits the light beam that pierces through the tower. The light they saw outside.

"Finally. You've arrived," said Adamalech. He looked at Suhani. "Is she the one?"

"...yes," Kaizo replied.

Suhani looked around. "The apostles. Wait, what's this? I thought they needed sacrifices for their ritual. Where's the sacrifice?"

Kaizo looked at Suhani. "You are," he abruptly replied.

His words and grim voice struck Suhani like piercing ice. "What…?" she softly muttered.

Kaizo attacked Suhani. He binds her hand with his energy power and drags her to the throne seat.

"No! Wait! What are you doing?!" Suhani yelled. She began to panic. "Stop!"

Kaizo threw her onto the throne seat and tied her to it.

"What's the meaning of this?! You betrayed us!" said Suhani. She looked at Lahap. "Please. This isn't right!" she begged.

But Lahap stayed silent. As promised, he is going to follow Kaizo through.

"The plan works well," said Kaizo. "While the angels are busy waging war with the Umbran on earth, we take you here as a sacrifice to raise the Queen of death."

"You really believe that nonsense?! Don't be ridiculous."

"That nonsense… is the love of my life," said Kaizo as he glared at Suhani.

It all makes sense to Suhani now.

Kaizo wants Axion back. And whether or not Kaizo is brainwashed, he's going to kill her now.

"You can't bring her back. Wake up! She's dead!"

"Well she's not exactly a living to begin with," said Kaizo. "She's part demon. And I'm getting her back."

Kaizo stepped out of the circle and stood behind the apostles. The apostles, standing behind the magic sigil circling the throne, begin to start chanting. But before they could even chant half of the spell, Valerius barges in.

"STOP!" Valerius yelled.

Three angels. The same angels that chased her, are now back.

"Kaizo, stop this madness!"

Kaizo glared at Valerius. He pulled his sword.

"Don't do this. You'll regret it," said Valerius. Trying to get Kaizo into his senses.

"The only one who will regret… is you," said Kaizo. Both he and Lahap run towards the angels and fight.

While they're having a fierce battle, the apostles try their best to finish the spell. It's a battle of time.

Will Valerius be able to stop the spell before it finishes?

A three-to-one battle is a bit tight. But Kaizo managed to keep both Valerius and Verchiel at bay while Lahap fought Zivon.

"Keep him busy," said Verchiel.

Valerius nodded.

Verchiel steps back and prepares a spell. Kaizo tried to stop him. But just like Kaizo protecting the apostles from getting their spell interrupted, Valerius protects Verchiel.

Light surrounds Verchiel. With powerful holy words, Verchiel stretched out his hands.

Suddenly, Maskmana barges through the door. Along with a combined army of several planets. A few other personnel who know Axion. Ramenman, Rum, Fang, Albi, and even the prince of Sveratis are also present.

Apparently, after getting a call from Fang, Maskmana assembles a team and goes to the dark planet.

"Suhani!" Fang yelled as soon as he caught sight of her.

But before they can assess the situation, Verchiel is ready. A white magic circle appears in front of Verchiel and he shoots a white beam at the throne.

"NOOOO!" Fang yelled.

A loud explosion threw the apostles away. Smoke and dust cover the throne seat. They all looked at the throne, expecting to see which one would come out. Suhani, Axion or a dead body.

As the smoke dissipates, a figure begins to appear.

Axion stands tall in her black kingly suit and an obsidian crown adorns her head.

Her appearance left all that present speechless. She opened her eyes and looked around. Her eyes piercing, the gaze of the Demon Queen. So high and confident.

"By the grace of the Gods, it's really her," Albi muttered.

She suddenly throws an imp's corpse to the floor. It's the dwarf demon who has been whispering to Kaizo.

"How silly of Alastor. He thinks he can use a small imp to lure people into using my work to summon him. Suppose after years of my absence, some need a reminder of who's Queen," said Axion as she looked at the imp with a demeaning gaze.

The apostles looked at her in awe.

"It worked! The spell worked! Oh great Queen of the dead, the deathless mother. We beseech you to the grace of our lord…"

"Spare me your prayers! '' said Axion, cutting the apostles abruptly. "Alastor is not coming. He is no King. Never was and never will. Had it not been because we're lacking employees in hell, I would have him beheaded just like his little imp."

"What…? I don't understand…" said one of the Apostles.

"To put it simply, I am the one who reigns the Underworld now. The Underworld has no King. Only Queen," said Axion menacingly. She turned to Kaizo with an enchanting gaze and took a few steps forward with a smile. A rather sinister one.

"Hello, Kaizo. We meet again," said Axion.

Her voice is clear. Still as alluring as he remembers. Kaizo looked at her with a yearning gaze.

"Axion. You're here. I've finally found you…." he muttered as he took a few steps closer. His eyes filled with longing.

"Yes. You've indeed found me … at the cost of the life of others," said Axion.

"Everything I give. Everything I've done, it's all for you," said Kaizo.

Axion gives a soft smile.

Valerius raises his sword.

"Ah… brother. Here to pierce me again?" Axion sarcastically asked.

"Impossible! How could this be? The holy sword was forged to kill you," said Verchiel.

"The sword was forged to kill demons. But I am a part demon. As unbelievable as it is, I am part human, among other things," said Axion. "Your sword may kill the demon part of me. But my human soul returns to the land of the dead, like many other souls."

"Nonsense, you have no soul," said Verchiel.

"And yet, here I am. Gifted by the God of death himself to exist once again as a Queen of the dead," said Axion as she spread her arms. "Unless you angels are too racist to believe anything I said despite it being the truth."

"But that spell isn't complete. Even if it brought you to the land of the living, you shouldn't be alive," said Zivon. "What are you now?"

Axion looked at Zivon with a judging look. "Well, someone has been doing his homework. I never remember you as someone who studies and is smart," Axion mocked.

"It doesn't matter what you are. Valerius killed you once. He can kill you again!" said Verhchiel.

"Oh, I won't be so sure…." said Axion as she looked at Valerius with a scornful smile.

Verchiel looked at Valerius. Valerius had his sword up. But hesitation can be seen very clearly on his face.

"Valerius, what are you doing? We need to finish this," said Verchiel.

Valerius nervously took glances between Verchiel and Axion.

What if this isn't right?

What if Kaizo is right?

Doubt filled Valerius.

"I don't understand… where's Suhani?" said Fang.

Axion looked at Fang.

"You see, Zivon is right. Even if the spell managed to bring me back to the world of the living, I wouldn't be alive. I would be a shade. More physically solid than a ghost but less so than a living body. That's why a… vessel is needed," said Axion. "I need to borrow this body to be able to interact with the living."

"You're using Suhani's body to live," said Fang.

"That is correct," said Axion.

"You're possessing the body of an innocent woman. Axion, return the body to its rightful owner," said Maskmana. "This isn't you."

"No," Axion bluntly answered.

"Evil witch! You're stealing the life of an innocent girl. We won't let you go," said Verchiel.

"But if you kill me now, not only will you kill Suhani, but the scourge of this planet will spread throughout the galaxy," said Axion.

"Sometimes, sacrifices must be made," said Verchiel as he raises his sword.

Axion scoffs. "Hypocrite."

Verchiel lunged at Axion.

"NOOO!" Fang yelled. He runs toward Verchiel and stopped him.

"Move!"

"If you kill her, Suhani will die!" said Fang.

Verchiel swings his sword toward Fang. He's determined to stop Axion.

Following Verchiel, Zivon rush toward Axion. But Lahap takes him as his opponent.

Kaizo stood still, watching Valerius who was still silent in doubt.

Will he fight? Will he retreat? Kaizo carefully keeps Valerius in check.

Axion raises her hand high and begins to chant a spell. Dark smoke circles the throne again. The magic circle beneath the throne turned black.

"What is she doing?" Maskmana asked.

"I don't know. But it's dark magic," Vion answered.

"What do we do now? Do we save her or do we stop her?" Ramenman asked.

"We need to stop whatever spell she's using," said Maskmana.

"How are you so sure?" Albi asked.

"I have a bad feeling about this spell," said Maskmana.

Albi and Prince Sveratis looked at each other. To kill the woman they've fallen in love with is far too harsh of a destiny.

Both Albi and the prince draw their sword and runs toward Axion. But the Apostles fight them. Ramenman and Rum decide to join the fight. At any rate, they need to stop the apostles first.

"Vion, help me with that spell that you taught me," said Maskmana.

Vion nodded.

Maskmana has never tried magic before. But Vion has magic. Together, they start to chant a spell.

War breaks in the throne room as Axion's magic stretch throughout the castle and spread around the planet.

"One spell. Just one spell and it's over," Axion thought to herself.

Pulled by the surge of magic, the monsters and beasts on the dark planet heard her calls. All the monsters who have escaped were hypnotized and forced to return to the dark planet. Monsters circle the castle like a storm. Few winged beasts barge through the windows and trashed the throne room.

"She's calling all the monsters!" said Vion.

Maskmana stayed focused. He watched as some monsters begin to swarm the castle.

Axion looked at Maskmana. They both exchanged stares. He can feel Axion is planning something through her gaze.

A magic circle glowed beneath Maskmana's feet. Vion stands behind him. Giving all the support he can.

Axion slowly pulled her hand down. She whispers words of Enochian. She kneeled and slam the stone floor with her hand. A surge of magic sweep through the floor before the magic circle beneath her shoots out a ray of light through the castle's tower. Her magic slowly spreads, making a giant dome of shield, covering the entire planet.

"She's trying to isolate the planet again," Maskmana thought to himself.

Lines of fire begin to lit, following the pattern of the magic circle beneath the throne, carving a seal of magic that will once again trap the monsters of the dark planet. As the magic circle finishes, the light begins to disperse. Axion looked at Maskmana.

From her eyes, he knew right away that Axion doesn't intend to stay.

A powerful blast of magic explodes from Axion's direction. Everyone stopped fighting and looked around.

"She's sealing the planet again," Albi mumbled. "She's trying to help," he said to Prince Sveratis full of hope.

The Prince looked at Axion.

Maybe it doesn't have to end this way. Maybe they can still save her.

Axion's action left everyone wondering. What is she planning?

Axion slowly stands up. She looked at her hands which slowly transform into Suhani's hands.

"This body is almost at its limit," Axion thought to herself. Blood slowly drips from her nose. She looked at those that were present in her throne room.

Kaizo looked at her with a concerned look.

The apostles, though they're the highest mages of the Umbran, are no match to the space rangers. Not surprising since the Apostles are not fighters nor are they skilled magicians.

The angels raise their swords, ready to continue the fight. And so are the others.

"She took an innocent woman. We must stop her!" said Verchiel.

"She stopped what you can't stop! The monsters! She sealed the monsters again and now the galaxy is a safer place," Kaizo object.

"At the cost of an innocent!"

"You're the one who said it yourself. Sometimes… sacrifice must be made," said Kaizo.

"You let her take a life today, she will take more later," said Verchiel.

"Only if you're on her way," Kaizo replied.

Verchiel glances around. "What about you? The rest of you. Aren't you heroes? Are you going to sit by watching her using someone else's body?"

They went silent. The team that came with Maskmana is divided between those who want to stop Axion and those who want to save her.

"If she's gone, the monsters will go out and run amok again. We won't be able to stop them. The destruction!" said Kaizo.

Fang clenched his fist. He suddenly runs towards Axion.

"I can't accept this!" he thought to himself.

Kaizo jump in front of Fang, parrying his attack to protect Axion. They stared at each other.

"This isn't fair! Just like you want to be with her, I want to be with Suhani," said Fang.

The two begin to fight each other.

Valerius grips his sword tightly. He uses this chance to attack Axion.

But suddenly, a bright light came from Maskmana's direction. They all looked to find Maskmana has finished a spell.

Feeling the force, Axion is pulled outside of Suhani's body. A smoke engulfed Suhani for a moment before it fly towards Maskmana.

Suhani falls to her knee. Fang hurriedly runs to her.

Kaizo watched Maskmana who still holding the spell. Shortly later, Axion reemerged from the magic circle that Maskmana's made. This time with a solid demon body. A black string appears on her chest and it connects to Maskmana's hand. Axion can feel herself absorbing Maskmana's power to sustain her existence. She looked up at him.

"He told you my summoning spell," Axion murmured,

Before they came here, Maskmana learned a spell from Vion. A summoning spell… with her name. A spell specifically to summon her and make a pact with her.

"I thought I already rid this spell from the world," Axion mumbled.

Maskmana and Axion stared at each other. As if telling him to carry on, Axion's gaze goes through Maskmana's eyes.

"Go on… you know the words…."

Maskmana cut his palm and let a few drops of blood fall into the magic circle. He slowly muttered the last verse of the spell.

Gvaern Ichaer

Saov Vhóel

Rhena Vhóel

Voleth meir

"… I beseech you… I bind thee, take me, and do my bidding. Forge the pact and serve me to my last," Maskmana softly muttered.

The string glows and it binds tightly to her heart and Maskmana's hand.

"… so mote it be…." Axion muttered.

As soon as they said the last word of the spell, the magi circle turned dim.

"What… what did you do?" Kaizo asked.

"It's a demon summoning spell, specifically for her," said Maskmana. "In exchange for granting my wish, she will have my soul when I die."

Kaizo looked at them in disbelief.

"She's now bound to me," said Maskmana firmly.

"Well, that's a bummer. Being sealed into a corporate contract for life. Well, your life," said Axion as she stands up and pat the dust away from her suit. "Since Maskmana is the one who summons me, he is now my master. Until the day he died and I reap his soul, I must serve him and do whatever he wants."

"Look at the bright side. As far as I know, I'm a pretty good employer," said Maskmana.

"What did you wish for?" Kaizo asked.

"… for her to stay," said Maskmana.

Kaizo went silent.

Maskmana turned to the angels. "The girl is safe. And Axion managed to seal this planet again. Spare her your death sentence," said Maskmana.

"What she did is commendable. But that doesn't mean she can leave without paying for her past sin," said Verchiel.

"Well, we can't afford to let loose an army of monsters again. The Dark planet needs a queen. A vessel to keep its power in check," said Prince Sveratis. "The intergalactic alliance will not simply let you kill her."

"Letting her be will put a far greater risk."

"I will be responsible for that," said Maskmana. "Now that we are bound by blood contract, she will do as I say."

Verchiel was silent for a moment. He looked at Maskmana with judging eyes before he exchange glances with Valerius.

Valerius sheath his sword.

"Valerius…." said Verchiel.

Valerius looked at both Maskmana and Axion.

"…very well. I will leave her in your hands," said Valerius.

The three angels sheath their swords and left in peace.

Rum runs toward Axion and hugged her. Her eyes were teary.

"Axion. I missed you," said Rum as she sniffles on Axion's shoulder.

"I know. I missed you too. I'm sorry I've gone too long," said Axion.

"I can't believe my eyes. You really raise from the dead," said Ramenman.

"More like half-dead but yeah," Axion laughed.

"It's good to see you, my lady," said Albi as he take her hand and stole a kiss on her hand.

Axion smiled. She turned to Suhani.

Suhani leaned on Fang. She could barely stand on her own. Blood still dripping from her nose. Having Axion uses her power to seal the planet has worn her off.

"I'm sorry, for dragging you in this," said Axion.

Suhani nodded. "…all's well that ends well."

Kaizo steps closer to Axion. They held each other's hands. Now that she gets a closer look, she can see the weariness on his face.

"Life must've been harsh to you," said Axion as she look closely at his face.

"It's harsh only when you're not here," said Kaizo.

Axion smiled and slowly shook her head. "You reckless captain…."

Kaizo pulled her into his arms and hold her tightly. He's never felt this way before. This time, his feelings reach Axion properly. Because Axion holds him back.

"Well, now it's all settled. Let's go home. And this time, all of us get to go home," said Maskmana.

"Yes, Admiral!" said Kaizo's team in unison.

Riding the spaceship that they came with, the three angels left the dark planet and were on their way to return to Terra.

Valerius is lost in thought as he gazes upon the stars. Deep down, he knows he can't beat Axion.

Back then when he pierced her heart, he knew it wasn't because he was strong. But because Axion purposely let him stab her. To stop the fight that her friends were fighting outside.

To think she's willing to give her life and see how she's loved by many, maybe she does have a chance to be forgiven.

Then again, is it her that needs to be forgiven? Is it not Valerius' fault that she turned out like this?

"Are you sure you're okay with letting her go?" Verchiel ask as he approached Valerius.

"…yes," Valerius replied. "Think of it as my way to pay her back for neglecting her when we were younger."

Verchiel chuckled. "Don't you think you're still neglecting her by handing her to someone else's care?"

"It's the least I could do. Since I can't give her the care that she deserves."