Crimson Rebellion

Location: Unknown

"Huh?" Raizo gasped as his eyes flashed open. His breathing was noticeably escalated for a brief moment after he took hold of the mysterious orb just moments ago.

"What is this place?"

The Crusader scanned his surroundings and found himself engulfed in a seascape canvas of deep shades of blue. Feeling his body noticeably heavier, the youth felt like he was trying to fight through an endless sea of water. This visage was rather familiar to himself, yet foreign at the same time. In a sudden turn, he found himself walking atop the endless sea of blue; but the clothes he wore were not saturated from being immersed in water.

"This is the Vaitarani, right? No…this feels similar, yet different. This must be where it flows through and beyond the horizon of Hell…"

His assumption would be a correct one. He stood at the point where the authority of the true underworld was nestled and now a path towards the core was laid bare. That was his true destination that he sought at this point in his journey. As a result, he followed the path laid before him which was decorated by the path of the living waters coursing like a river. As he persisted with his march, he felt an unknown pressure wash over him.

"Remember your training, you got this," Raizo remarked as he closed his eyes and took in a deep breath. He quieted his mind and emptied his consciousness of all unnecessary thoughts thereby seeking the answer beyond himself. At this point, a calm and observant presence bearing a subtle, yet fierce power was watching over him from afar. The aura reminded him of Sivanah, but there was another portion that felt familiar to him.

"Why does part of this aura also feel similar to my own?" he thought in confusion before squashing it so he could maintain his concentration.

"I know you're there. Just show yourself already," Raizo called out in an emboldened tone. Catching his attention was a solitary peach floating on the surface of the river. The Crusader went to reach for it when it exploded in a cloud of smoke causing him to jump back. Standing in the center of that disturbance was a tall, built male.

The figure strode into the domain with an air of quiet power, his presence was impossible to ignore. His jet-black hair cascaded over his broad shoulders in wild, untamed waves, framing a face set in stern confidence. Deep, crimson eyes gleamed with an intensity that seemed to pierce through all who dared to meet his gaze. His skin, rich and dark, emphasized the hard contours of his muscular frame; each movement revealing the raw strength beneath his well-fitted black shirt.

He wore a pristine white coat with golden trim along the hemmed edges, a burning-like crimson sigil decorated along the bottom train of the fabric. This was in stark contrast to the rest of his outfit which contained dark red trousers and black slip-on shoes. Around his neck which covered the center of his pectoral area was a radiant golden chain that held a dazzling pendant; a star-shaped piece centered with a blood-red ruby that emanated a faint glow as if holding onto an ancient legacy. His entire being promoted dominance, exuding a presence that commanded respect and wariness. Golden earrings hung from his lobes as the shimmer of light glinted like the unspoken promises of revelations that would follow in his wake.

"This guy isn't ordinary by any means. I mean hell…he feels like the definition of divinity; something that carries so much pressure that it's like he's from the outside…a voyager between worlds. Every step he's taking right now is so measured. It's like he's carrying the weight of untold strength and knowledge that goes even further beyond what I've managed to grasp so far…" Raizo analyzed internally; but rather than try to drag on the awkward silence, he went ahead and spoke first.

"Who are you?"

The stranger merely raised a finger and shook it.

"I have but a moment to guide you here. Even for a Bodhisattva, there are limits to stepping beyond…-never mind that. You may call me Jizo Hogen for the time being," he elegantly replied.

"Jizo Hogen…eh?" Raizo pondered for the name which reminded him distinctly of Sivanah's Tengu pseudonym–Kiichi Hogen.

"Come…the window is fast-closing and we have not the faintest moment to spare," Jizo advised as he proceeded to escort Raizo through the waters.

As the duo walked along the beaten path, there was a heavy silence that wafted between them. For Raizo, he had many questions as to attempt to ascertain the identity of this man and inquire as to why he would help a stranger like the Crusader. However, the man knew that there was a strong likelihood that his questions would be evaded. Just then as a certain stretch of time passed, the river they followed began to spiral out of view and jut into a myriad of crazy turns before their surroundings changed.

In an explosive array of color, the subspace transformed once more into a massive array of color and forms. It was almost as if they were lifted to the outside veils of the cosmos as blots of colors shaped like nebulae and coursing rivers of divine energy spiraled about like multitudes of hues splashed across a blank canvas creating abstract art. This shape carried the weight of many sources of life-like energy; however, the properties of four distinct presences were keenly splayed out:

The golden energies of light that blanketed the areas above represented the conceptual definition of True Heaven–Elysium. A deep sea of insidious, emerald green whose malevolent nature and intensity represented that of True Hell–Inferno. Then there were crimson pools of red-like substances seeping out of a multitude of areas like gashes in flesh; yet as cruel as it seemed, the ancient legacy of the Ryu-jin could be perceived; this was the Lifeblood. Last but not least, there were the swirling whirlpools of aqua and cerulean shades of blue which flowed endlessly between all of these and more; that was the Vaitarani.

"I don't understand…I can't even grasp a destination anymore," Raizo gazed ahead, trying to focus on the main objective as his low voice took on an air of caution.

Jizo Hogen merely lifted a solitary finger, shaking it once before speaking in a gentle, yet commanding tone, "The destination is not what matters. This point is the nexus of all journeys, fa– Raizo. You must let go of all thoughts of arrival and let the lost wisdom of the underworld guide you to your purpose…your destiny."

"Destiny, huh?" Raizo's voice softened with reflection, "You're right…I spent so long running from it, thinking I could escape. But running only guaranteed emptiness–like a machine's hollow call, unable to comprehend its deeper purpose. HER dream, it's the ideal path–the Unknowable Future. Freedom lies in shaping my journey, reaching that end on my terms. Purpose is…elusive, isn't it? Hard to hold onto."

Jizo nodded as a faint smile tugged at his lips, "My master, as harsh as he was, once said: 'Nothing in this world is difficult, except our thinking makes it so. Where there is true will, there is always a way.'

You understand that, don't you, Raizo? The things you will achieve, the paths you will carve, they are woven into a grand story; a tale only Raizo Arashi-Mercer could live. Such is the gift God has placed within you, a gift to this world."

Raizo absorbed Jizo Hogen's words, carrying them within himself to digest within his mind and his heart as he walked the path set before him. Each step he took until his destination allowed him to immerse himself deeper into that wisdom culminating with everything else he has learned so far in this great journey. Then, his destination came to the forefront of his sights; not one of stone and soil, but simply a glowing orb suspended in the air which pulsated with the authority of the true underworld. Every pulse beckoned him, calling him to reach out and claim it.

The Stormbringer, without any further hesitation, reached out and touched the orb. As his sense of touch comprehended the surface of the sphere, feelings not of pain but enlightenment occurred as a wellspring of knowledge poured into him. His life unraveled before his eyes–snapshots of all the experiences, highs, lows, triumphs, defeats, revelations and clarity throughout his 20 years of living that brought him to this point were laid bare. However, it wasn't just his life that he beheld, there were also those who held this ancient authority; each thread woven into the fabric compiling his own.

A lumbering giant engulfed in black and red armor; eyes that beget the concept of hatred and avarice burning with destructive intent and conquest lingered in the backdrop. The identity of the gruesome beast was none other than the Great Tartarus, the fierce and unyielding Sovereign of Purgatory whose lifespan stretched for generations uncontested.

Before him was a man emblazoned with the mark of the Obsidian Wolf. He stood tall with his olive skin and flowing, wild hair and eyes as deep as the earth itself. Emboldened amidst the trenches of Hell, and bathed in a light that seemed not of this world, the mysterious warrior was someone that Raizo could not identify. However, he could still feel the searing power of Akasha coursing through the man's veins.

Suddenly, as if sucked through a vacuum, Raizo awoke.

The underworld was nowhere to be seen; instead, he found himself seated within an old, decrepit metro car whose gears and wheels sounded like they were grinding against rusted metal hurtling through the vastness of the universe. Silence permeated the atmosphere within the train otherwise as if the hum of the motion from the transport was the cosmos' chosen melody. Raizo sat on one of the worn benches, his mind still reeling from the visions when he realized he was not alone. He turned to discover the man from his vision–the one blessed by the Obsidian Wolf–sat quietly; his presence was peaceful, but unshakably powerful.

Before him, standing tall and resolute, was a familiar face; one he held dear. It was none other than the current Aspect of the Defiant Wolf–Assana Demiyah. Her eyes glinted with the same fire Raizo knew from their previous encounters; her posture strong, yet watchful.

The train continued surging forward through the stars and with it, Raizo felt the weight of his newfound knowledge settling within him; a power as old as the underworld itself now drumming in his core. Raizo's gaze shifted around the dimly lit car adjusting to the strange, ethereal atmosphere.

"This place is…" he murmured, as his understanding gradually caught up to the situation unfolding before him. The man from his vision spoke in a calm, knowing voice; his words carrying a deep sense of peace.

"This is your own inner world…a sacred space. Those blessed by God may reach a stage of enlightenment where it becomes possible to commune with others across the ages who share that same divine purpose."

Raizo blinked a few times, having observed the stranger's disposition. It was at that moment that the identity of the man came to him as the realization settled in.

"You're that Yeshua guy that Beelzebub mentioned, aren't you?"

The man's eyes softened, a serene smile crossed his lips, "I am."

The gentle, yet wise individual turned to Raizo; his gaze deep and unwavering, yet filled with a love that seemed boundless. One filled with unconditional hope, kindness and peace.

"You've come far, Raizo. To make it here is no small feat. Many lose their way long before reaching this point. But you…" he paused, a look of pride evident in his eyes, "You remained steadfast. And so, I congratulate you. Your journey is just beginning, but already, you have proven yourself worthy of the gifts bestowed upon you."

The Crusader felt his chest tighten for a moment, the weight of those words assailing him, but not in a burdensome way. Rather, it was as if they carried a soft promise, a sacred assurance filling his heart with hope.

"Know this," Yeshua continued, his voice soft but resolute.

"So long as you remain true to God, the All-Mother, you will be blessed with virtues beyond what you can yet comprehend. Her love and grace will guide you, even in your darkest moments. But remember, it is not just the power you wield that defines you–it is the purity of your heart, your compassion for others, and your unyielding faith."

Raizo's chest tightened more, he could feel his eyes beginning to sting as tears slowly began to well-up from an overwhelming sense of fulfillment. Yeshua's words struck something deep within him, a truth he had always known but struggled to fully grasp.

"Peace, I give unto you. My perfect peace do I give you; not as the world gives. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let yourself be afraid. You shall carry my Will within you," Yeshua instilled, his tone becoming more solemn.

"Just as Assana has done. You have seen what she represents, and like her, you will walk this path with strength and wisdom. But know this, Raizo–there will come a day when you will go beyond even what we have sought. You will surpass those who came before you, not by ambition or power, but by design of a greater plan. When that time comes, you will be ready."

Speechless before the pressure of this unparalleled wisdom and revelation, Raizo's eyes flickered to Assana. The blue-haired warrior stood quietly yet powerfully before him; then his focus shifted back to the wise sage. He nodded slowly in agreement, understanding the gravity of this moment.

"Carry these virtues, Raizo," Yeshua added, his hand resting lightly on the Stormbringer's shoulder, "For in the end, it is not power that defines you. It is love, faith, and the unwavering pursuit of truth and good that will shape your destiny."

The Child of Light turned his attention towards Assana as if seeking her words to follow suit after so much was dumped on him. Sensing her moment, she finally spoke her mind.

"Raizo, there is something you need to know. That man you know as Janitor…or 'Pariah', he is battling Perdition as we speak. Acedia is now on her way to kill him with a strengthened authority. You have to stop her and then face Perdition."

"I will, don't worry about that much. But…what of the Aspects of Akasha? Isn't it time you guys stepped in?" the Stormbringer asked innocently.

"Things are different this time," she eluded, "The Aspects can only interfere directly in matters Akasha wishes for us to face. She believes that as you are now, the path beyond Samsara is yours to make."

"I see…" Raizo nodded; however, he did not fall into despair or even the slightest dismay. Instead, he felt reassured in her answer more than anything. He stood up from his seat and was about to walk past Assana towards the exit door.

"Watch me."

Yeshua looked over to Raizo as he saw the youth standing tall, an aura of unparalleled determination, focus, and clarity washing over his entire body. The Prophet knew that the boy had become a man; and that a new wolf was ready to emerge from the pack. The Stormbringer felt the metro quake under the influence of the wellspring of a new revelation stirring inside him. Yeshua, having seen this, made one final observation.

"A good man has the Word deeply implanted in his heart. That man…he is the one who will break Samsara after all."

"I know...I've always known; since I was a child actually. After all, you were the one who shared the vision of his greatness with me before my earthly demise," Assana concurred.

The doors within the metro slid open as Raizo passed through into the light.