THE UNITY SERIES | Intuition: A Zombies Story

[The Meh 98]

Hello, CoDz.

 

So, it's almost weird that about a week ago I posted Citadel. Not to gush about it or anything, but that has got to be one of the best, most involved, cinematic and overall great map I've done in a long time... but again, I'm basically gushing here, and it makes me sound overzealous.

 

Anyways, that's not why I'm posting this. I've just released Citadel, and the oddity here is that I'm already posting something in The Unity Series. Odd, right?

 

Not entirely, actually. The reality of the matter is that, with the project that would come after Citadel, I just didn't feel that the map concept for it would work as a... well, a map. Henceforth, I decided that it would be best that I take the next particular portion of The Unity Series story and take it to literary form. Essentially an actual cohesive (but not 500 pages long) story.

The idea, within itself, is risky, I know. But I have the courage to go ahead and just do it... and, in retrospective to it, perhaps it won't fail and fall through like... certain projects... yeah, talking to you, Chains of Humanity.

...not that I didn't like writing Chains of Humanity. I just thought that it got boring, and people would get bored reading it.

 

Anyways, since I'm speaking of Chains of Humanity, I may as well mention that Intuition will be written like I wrote multi-chapter arcs for Chains of Humanity... which, for those who wouldn't know what I mean... I basically make the initial OP and have a Table of Contents at the top for each chapter, then update it as time goes on with an update to the post through a reply, that is basically the next chapter of the story itself. I found that method of chapter progression to work well. In the case for chapters after it... well, we'll have to see what becomes of it.

 

I'm doing something very risky by changing how I have created The Unity Series since the beginning... sort of... but I hope that everybody that's read my maps before understands that and still appreciates it for what it is.
...that, and those that do read it should prepare themselves, because the next two maps after it are very ambitious - and risky - for what they are. They're also the last two in the series, so... yeah. You guys know me - I like to go out with a bang. (Literal or not? You decide!)

 

Anyways, I would hate to drone on longer about the inner mechanisms of this - I tend to leave the whole "inner mechanisms of stuff" thing for The Unity Series' narrative anyways... since that's what I love to do.

 

The Table of Contents will be below.

With that... I wish you well.

 

Per aspera ad astra,
-The Meh

 

----------------------------

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

 

Preface: "Auras Incertum" (literally, you just read it)

Prologue: "Drift"
Chapter 1: "The Pillars of Creation"
Chapter 2: "Will"
Chapter 3: "Training Fodder"
Chapter 4: "Fear of The Epsilon"
Chapter 5: "Eye on the Darkness"
Chapter 6: "Convergence"
Chapter 7: "Preparation of Prospect"
Chapter 8: "Branches"
Epilogue: "Conversations With Yourself"

 

 

Intuition: "L'edizione Prospettiva"

(basically the same as Director's Cut - this will be on the main Unity Series post as well when it comes out)

[The Meh 98]

Before I post the Prologue, I figure I should state a particular fact:

This is canon to The Unity Series story. I figured that would be... well, very obvious... but still.

In any case, 'Intuition" is the events following Citadel, to which precede the next map. This pretty much ties together everything and everything pretty much will make sense as it goes along. Large-scale... just think of it as "Chapter IV" of The Unity Series. (Speaking of... I honestly have GOT to fix up the titles of each post to reflect that. Will do soon enough.

 

Anyways, shouldn't be too long now. Per aspera ad astra!

-The Meh

[The Meh 98]

Alright, well, I should be complacent. I apologize HEAVILY for my radiosilence in regards towards Intuition. It certainly was not intentional.

 

Honestly, I've been rather busy... in real life. Yep, I have a life, how shocking. Mostly has to do with wrapping up school and getting ready for Graduation. While I'm at the last end of all of it, there is still a lot I will be doing, so... I can't say for certain I can be around too much for that.

 

Not to mention, I use a school laptop right now, and I have to hand this in around the upcoming week. So, that factors in as well.

 

But, no worries. I want to deliver something good before I fall back into silence.

...however long my radiosilence to come will last.

Could be a while...

 

Sorry to be a downer.

Anyways, I'm going to try to get some of Intuition out soon. I want to give a timeframe of "in the next few days", but I don't want to make any empty promises if I cannot find the time. So... yeah. Just keep an eye out for it - I'll do my best to get it out for those that still follow this.

 

Per aspera ad astra,

-The Meh

Edited May 13, 2017 by The Meh

[The Meh 98]

UPDATE (10/17/17):

 

It's been a while since I posted in regards to progress on Intuition - with fair reason, given - and I feel I should justify a couple of changes:

 

       1.) I'm considering changing chapter names. This may not stick, but I'm saying this now so I can give myself that lenience to actually do it.

       2.) I'm still writing. I've been busy. I know where this is going to go, but I need free time. Whereas, I'm not exactly getting that.

       3.) Chances are, I'll be posting this either all at once, or it will all be done and I'll post it over time.

 

I already feel at a disservice enough for not getting something out sooner, though, so... maybe I can give you guys something soon. Stay frosty?

[The Meh 98]

 

Prologue: “Drift”

 

The trial. The test. The gateway. The fire and brimstone. The darkness. The fall. The blinding white light.

All pass by as memories between the crew. The revelation of their fate has borne its seeds within them, and they know that. Gliding through the ebb and flow of space, they recollect on the events preceding them.

 

Before the journey through the Citadel, Adam had faced his own form of regret. He had wished that he could have chosen a different path in life, that he could have just told his family that he did not want to follow in their military idealism, yet he could not muster this courage. In trial, he realized his lack of courage was not without reason… and yet, just the same, a part of him felt he could have told them off.
Adam comes back to reality, hearing the flapping sounds of his and his group’s angelic Wings, which, compared to the Citadel’s, were flesh and bone. Looking to his right hand, he looks over the bull, Taurus, that now is embedded as a mark in his skin. To his left, he sees Jeanne, looking back to the stars that flow like stones in the water down below them. In this, he realizes that this was the fate that was set before him. He was always meant to carry on this torch, this lifestyle. He was meant to be a pure embodiment of the human strengths, and bravery. Not for the future of his family name, but for the entirety of Earth. It is this notion that he holds dearest. With his newfound confidence, he glides forward.

 

Jeanne watches as Adam flies past her, catching up to the Prophets’ close trail. An elegance grows as she feels the heavy weightlessness around her. She remembers the visions that beset her mind and wrought her inner pain. In her recollection, she saw herself throw away the lifestyle she wanted to adopt, realizing the will within her. She understands that, confided in her, she has the power to move worlds… renew them, maybe. The Eye of Horus, imprinted to her hand, stares back at her as she glances at its intense effervescence. Waving her hand around, she sees each forceful push around it. Slightly, and yet so beautiful in person. Looking ahead, Jeanne sees Adam conversing with one of the Prophets… the one they call Thomas. Jeanne then decides to glide ahead.

 

Vladimir and Alex both had been attempting to converse throughout the entirety of flight, yet the sheer feeling of flight itself had taken them. Flying to the others, Alex audibly can be heard, enjoying himself as he spins across the stars. Vladimir, sticking slightly further back, chuckles at Alex’s excitement.

 

The group then soon stops. The Prophets stare forward at the nebulae that is the Pillars of Creation.

 

Vladimir looks, in awe. “I… it’s-”

Thomas interjects. “More beautiful in person?”

Vladimir nods.

Thomas chuckles at the response. “Yes, we thought so too. “He” picked quite the surreal location to hide away from outside forces.”

 

Jeanne floats forward slightly. “You guys keep saying “He”. Not that I don’t admire this innate sense of confusion, but do you mind telling us who “He” may be?”

 

A momentary silence, and then the Prophets begin to laugh.

“Oh, you are something, Jeanne,” Stacey says, “but you should know.”

 

The Angels look to each other, all of which are confused. David, seeing this, interjects. “Maybe you don’t exactly see it the way we do… look at the Pillars again.”

 

The Angels look to the Pillars, and are shocked to find the Pillars are something more. An almost splendorous marble temple, larger than life, appears amid the view of the Pillars behind it. Almost immediately after this, they seem to find themselves at the large doorway into its depths.

 

The Prophets had disappeared from their sight, and the Angels were worried on what to do next. Then, the door ahead creaks open, and… Vincent, in a corporeal form, pops his head outside of it.

 

“Well, don’t just stand there! Welcome… to the Pillars of Creation!”

 

//

[The Meh 98]

 

Chapter 1: “The Pillars of Creation”

 

[WRITER’S NOTE: This is a disclaimer about something that I should probably mention before I see anything said about it… so, figuring out Latin for these kinds of things can be bad at times. Considering the use of Latin heavily within the corridors of the Pillars, I figure I should warn that I’m not entirely positive of its accuracy. Else than that, though... enjoy the chapter. I'll elaborate more on this issue in a comment after this is posted.]

 

===================

 

The Angels find themselves awestruck by the architecture before them. Marble columns make up the infrastructure of the expansive hallway before them, the ground below shining from its red and beige hues and patterns and the ceiling seeming to be almost infinite in its height. Small trees, bushes and ferns dot the area surrounding the large marble pillars, with stone benches and fountains lining the walls to their sides. The area itself feels almost reminiscent of Greek and Roman architecture, but they know it to be so much more than that.

 

Four hallways dot the walls beside them, two on each side, with names above them - “Lux Hortus”, “Ramus Potestatem”, “Gratia Somnium”, and “Vapor Serenitatem”, - likely regarding certain areas around the actual place. Perhaps, the most ominous of which, would be the one in direct sight of them, titled “Sanctum Dei”. Below this room’s title, it also says, “Per aspera ad astra, nos vivere et spirare hic vi aeterne in quibus et nos texant.”

 

“It’s quite something, isn’t it?” Stacey starts, appearing instantly in front of them, her usual hazel hue - akin to the other Prophets - now absent, leaving her to a human form. “I assume you have many questions.”

 

Obligant to her words, Alex slowly steps forward. Glancing just about everywhere at once, noting everything around, he begins to speak. “I… think it would be safe to assume we all are wondering how this place is even possible,” Alex says, glancing to the others, who nod in approval of his words, “So… yeah. How exactly does this place… exist?”

 

Stacey smirks, chuckling somewhat under her breath.

“To be honest, I was assuming you would ask something… different… ah, doesn’t matter. If you want the more simplistic explanation… you are standing in a plane that rests itself within a barrier between existence and non-existence.” Stacey begins to slowly twist herself in a circle, waving her hands to show the area around them. ”The Pillars act almost like a doorway - the actual plane itself is more of a… mosaic, perhaps. Imagine, if you may, a cup of sugar, diluted into water. Its form changes when reaching that which causes it to recreate itself.”

 

Stacey faces the Angels again, staring deep into their inquisitive eyes. “Humans don’t know this place - they can’t comprehend it. All of us, though? We have essentially transcended, and therefore travel between is simple. You see that which the brighter universe cannot, and that makes you very special in its will.”

 

Jeanne interjects. “How are we special, though? You could have likely picked anyone else in our place -”

 

“- and yet nobody would have done exactly what you have.” Stacey continues from this statement. “I find it fascinating that you don’t already see it, Jeanne! You would have loved it any other way, I’m certain. You would have probably been content with your death, but the universe would not have been. The universe kept calling you, all of you, telling you, urging you to move forward. It cannot live without the gears that make it as special as it is. Listen to the universe, listen to it cry out for solace! The universe needs you… and, we searched for you, for a very… VERY… long time. So… at best, I believe you should look at this in retrospect… think on your words and actions.”

 

Stacey turns around, walking further towards Sanctum Dei. Vincent appears next, at a column behind them. “Don’t let her get to you too much. As true as her statement was, it wasn’t supposed to be as abrasive as it was.” Vincent smirks. “She’s just… worried, is all.”

 

Vincent walks ahead, then waves his hands over, urging them to follow. “Well, I don’t see any reason we should keep “Him” waiting too long. Follow me, alright? You need to meet “Him”.”

 

Standing at the door of Sanctum Dei, Vincent tries to open the door, only to find it unmoved. Relatively agitated, Vincent knocks. “Hey! Thomas, what’s the deal? This door’s never locked!”

 

An echo of Thomas’s voice reaches through the corridor. “Yeah, sorry! That’d be Stacey. Just a bit of a security measure on her part, I suppose… it’ll just be a minute.”

 

Vincent shrugs. “Ah, hell. Well, take your time then, Thomas. Believe me - we’ve got all day.”

 

Vincent looks to the Angels, showing a condescending smile after a moment’s notice. “Great stuff, right? Not exactly sure why Stacey’s concerned, if I’m to be honest with you… although, she pretty much is what keeps the group together and working well, for us. She’s had the most time with “Him”, getting to know the most on the dangers to come. She knows more about the future than she lets off, but… in any case, I’m sure it’s for a good reason.”

 

Vincent glances towards Adam, who is farther behind the rest of the group, looking around the room. “Hey, Adam, what’s your deal? Still in awe of this place or something?”

 

Adam turns. “What? Oh, yeah… for a place that doesn’t exist, it certainly looks accommodating.”

 

Vincent grins. “Ha! Yeah. If you think that’s impressive, you should see the Gardens, down the hallway labeled Lux Hortus. Pretty amazing stuff. Also, Vapor Serenitatem might be to your interest, but… I’ll leave that up to you.”

 

A screeching sound shouts through the corridor, as the doors to Sanctum Dei begin opening.

 

“Ah, took long enough.” Vincent states, turning towards the entrance. “Great stuff, Thomas, thanks! Anywho…”

Vincent turns, quickly, and with a smile, looks to the Angels as the end of the hallway ahead of them begins to shine with a bright light.

 

“Welcome to Sanctum Dei, the birthplace of all causality, the epicenter of all creation! Follow me - it’s time you meet your maker.”

 

//

[The Meh 98]

So, I said I would go to talk about that Writer's Note a bit, from Chapter 1, and I intend to do so now.

 

Basically, what happened was that I went to get these Latin words/phrases stitched together... and, given my lack of expertise on the matter, and no other website at my disposal, Google Translate was my only real option. Most of the parts that are in Latin do work, and are pretty much 90% in translation, but, I'm not entirely sure at the same time. The line below "Sanctum Dei" is the worst of it and probably won't translate correct, as the exact translation I want for it just isn't there. I ended up fragmenting it into parts so it would work, and it seemed so sloppy.

 

For sensible and understandable purposes, I'll translate the Latin for you. Or, I'll give you what I have in terms of it, and show what the original wording was for it. This will be in "L'edizione Prospettiva" as well in the form of the usual comments, but... I'll leave the judgement calls to you guys.

 

Lux Hortus - "Light Garden". I can't exactly tell you its purpose past it being a "garden". It will be important later, so... yeah, moving on.

 

Ramus Potestatem - "Power Branch", or, if you will "Branch of Power". Intended to be a training room, and will be coming up as important in the next couple of chapters.

 

Gratia Somnium - "Grace Dream". Sounds odd, I get it. It's essentially like a "bedroom" of sorts. A resting area. Even they need time to rest.

 

Vapor Serenitatem - "Steam Serenity". While also a type of relaxation area (for obvious reasons, aka hot springs and such), this area is essentially their bathing area. (Nope, they can't wish their dirtiness away and it be gone like that.

 

Sanctum Dei - "Holy God". This actually translates 100% correctly.

 

And...

 

"Per aspera ad astra, nos vivere et spirare hic vi aeterne in quibus et nos texant." -  "Through hardships to the stars, we live and breathe this eternal force in which we weave."

Yeah, that phrase had the most issues, indeed. Anywho, that's all I have to say on the matter. I'll try to post more of this soon. Per aspera ad astra.

[The Meh 98]

Chapter 2: “Will”

 

The Entity shines bright in the center of Sanctum Dei, in all its curvatures and brilliance. Stacey paces around it, a stern yet disturbed face plastered onto her. “We have all been through a lot… and we need to be ready…”

 

...and yet the proportions of the universe are nought enough for your understanding, Stacey.

 

Stacey, sulking slightly, sits and looks to the ground at her feet. “But… I need to know more… I need to know why.”

 

To understand the world is to understand yourself. Whether or not you choose to believe you understand yourself is arbitrary to the correlated goals you desire, yes, but you must understand why your search for foresight is a form of suffering, no matter how you decide to placate or juxtapose its meaning.

 

Stacey feels the Entity pulse. “...I just… I worry for our safety.”

 

I know. Frankly, this is the constant of the universe… but, you knew this already. So… why must you seek your safety for the future if the betterment of that future lies in the present? Each step you take is right, no matter how wrong it feels. Embrace the shake, and you will prosper.

 

Complacent, Stacey nods. Soon after, she hears footsteps - Vincent must be leading them here. She stands. “The Angels are coming… so, uh… yeah. Do your thing. Don’t showboat.”

 

Stacey feels the Entity gleam a sort of humored light. When do I ever?

 

Stacey grins while phasing to another place in the Pillars. As she leaves, she looks to the Entity. “You’d be surprised.” With that, she is gone, as Vincent, Thomas, and the Angels enter the room from the dim-lit hallway.

 

Vincent senses that Stacey was here before they were. Not sure how to respond, he shrugs and quickly mutters to himself. “Stacey… you really need to give yourself time to let go…”

 

Vincent turns towards the Angels, who all appear to be distracted by the Entity. “Don’t go looking too long,” he says, as they adjust their sight to Vincent. “You’ll go blind.”

The room is silent. Thomas, at the corner of the door, grins a little, but doesn’t make a sound.

 

Vincent adjust his posture. “Heh… right. Well, this is what you are here for, guys. This… is the Entity. The sole remnant of creation, left behind from eons and eons of Cycles past to protect the universe. A little preachy sounding, but… it’s true.”

 

Vincent looks to the Entity. “Not much for introductions, I know. Speak to them. They’ll want to hear you.”

 

After a moment of silence, the Angels become aware of an irregular breeze surrounding the room. A bit like the Entity is… breathing. Not very long after this insight, the Entity speaks.

 

I’ve… been expecting to meet with you for what feels like ages now… they did right to locate you. Ah, yes… I can see the breath of eternity in your hearts. You are indeed who we are looking for.

 

Adam looks to the Entity, with a face wrought of awe and slight confusion. “So… what do you expect of us?”

 

The Entity chuckles. There is a lot I expect, but it is arbitrary. No, what is important is that you are here. Now what comes is an understanding. You must learn to harness your newfound powers, and the Prophets will help you along that journey itself…

 

Thomas moves closer to the Angels. “Yeah… we’ve got a lot of stuff to teach you, and with no time to lose. Honestly, we should-”

 

The Entity attempts to interject Thomas. Now hold on, Thomas…

Thomas retorts, with a slight twinge in his eyes. “No, Entity. I’m sorry, I am, but you know how important they are. They need to be ready. We’ve got no time… what time we had left was spent a long time ago.”

 

A silence enters the room, as if all the oxygen in the room was stripped. Then, the Entity speaks.

 

I understand. You four, you want to protect that which you hold dear. You want to live in solace knowing your cause was as just as it always has been. But look at what we’re dealing with. You aren’t questioning if they accept this path, nor are you showing them it in a way that is correct. You work a man to the bone and all he’ll want to do is start a war. Believe me. I should know.

 

Thomas stands silent, looking towards the Entity. He then turns his head away, looking to the ground, feeling shame.

 

Now, you’ve all been through a lot. I get that. You should know, that no matter how wrong I make Thomas sound, his virtue is just. We are running out of time. There is a chain of events that, inevitably, will be set in motion. We - all of us - need to be ready to see to it that these events are avoided. The fate of all reality is at stake. That being said… you deserve some rest. Give it a night. You will begin your training when you wake. Be ready, and rest well. You need it.

 

Thomas stands tall once more. “...yeah, you’re right. I’ll, uh… I’ll show you guys around a bit, then, help familiarize you to the place. It’s nicer than it looks, really.”

 

As they begin to walk away, the Entity speaks.

...and, Thomas?

Thomas looks up to the Entity.

 

Leave Jeanne here for a moment. I want to talk to her in private.

 

Thomas nods, and looks to Jeanne, who has a look of confusion painted to her face. Adam, close behind, almost looks the same way, but perhaps… in a more worried fashion.

 

“You better listen to him. The Entity’s not exactly a huge fan of waiting.”

 

Thomas, with the rest of the group in tow, walks down the corridor, Adam looking to Jeanne with a look of slight concern, one that she reciprocates before turning towards the Entity.

 

He’s a noble one, that Thomas… always looking towards the future, preparing and arming to make it the better, but always missing the present when it’s the most important. The Entity chuckles. It can be amusing sometimes, really.

 

A short silence persists until the Entity, somewhat sternly, continues.

So… I imagine you’re taking all this in and have… a few particular questions.

 

Jeanne nods.

 

Yeah… I wouldn’t really mind you asking them, truly. But… I think you, of all of them, understand more that those aren’t questions that have answers you’re truly seeking. No… there’s something else.

 

Jeanne stares to the Entity. “I don’t think I understand.”

 

The Entity scoffs. Honestly, I don’t really expect you to believe you understand… not yet. There’s a lot of things you have left to learn… but I see that there’s more in you than that. Another lesson to be learned. A small spark needed to light your heart on fire. If Stacey coming here before me is any sort of implication, I’d assume that’s what you’re thinking about so heavily. What she means. She’s a passionate one, that girl.

 

“You act for the Universe.” Jeanne stands, positioned in a state of apprehension and nobility. “You probably speak for it too. You know what it says. Can you tell me?”

 

The Entity hums…

...that is for you to seek. There is a voice inside, yes… but perhaps, maybe that voice isn’t so far away. It’s been with you for a long time now… it would be best to learn how to respond. Yes… I am certain you will find your way.

 

A wave of air moves to the corridor, as if the Entity means to motion Jeanne in its direction.

 

Now, I’d prefer to not keep you waiting. You all will have a chance to talk with me again, certainly so. For now… just relax. Go catch up with them.

 

Jeanne motions towards the corridor, and begins to walk away, as the Entity recollects.

 

Oh… she will see.

 

//

[The Meh 98]

UPDATE (6/25/2018): It's been a while. Honestly, it has. There's been bouts of busy work, bouts of writer's block, and bouts of... simply, stalling, that went through getting to this point. But I'm glad to finally be able to openly announce that I've completed Intuition. Fully.

 

I know, I'm surprised too!

 

Work's going into tweaking other chapters, and we're still looking into other matters regarding it. But, I'm just glad to come forward and tell you guys.

 

I'll be posting the next few chapters over the coming days. Be ready. It's gonna be good.

 

...or, well, as good as I can make it. Good's just an opinion of matter, and I'm not gonna argue if you don't think my word's good...

...maybe.

 

 

All jokes aside... I'm posting the next chapter soon. The chapters after it will come shortly after. Prepare to receive, as one would say.

aaaaaaa I'm so excited

[The Meh 98]

Chapter 3: "Training Fodder"

 

Visions of a deathly scene mask the room. Blood soaks the walls, caressing them like it was meant to be there. Bodies litter the area surrounding the Angels, whom are caked in sweat and stained with the abhorrence of their surroundings. While Alex and Adam are holding guns against their sides, Vladimir and Jeanne both hold out their swords. A silence casts itself across the room, as the four of them take a breath, and quickly brush away the blood from their faces, and some weapons alike. Thomas, on a land mass floating beside them, sits, watching. “Good. You’re doing good. But there are dangers that of which are unknown to you. We have control of one… and we want to see how you act towards it. Go!”

 

At that notion, a green portal opens, as a writhing mass of tentacles reach out from its mass. A large, hulking beast, three heads adorning it, spawns from it, as the Angels back up away from it.

 

The beast walks forth, and Adam acts without hesitation, commanding the group. “Jeanne, Vladimir, get behind it. Alex, go up to get a vantage point. You know the signal. I’ll lead it, go!”

 

Alex, losing not a single moment, uses his Wings to fly to a landmass adjacent to that of the one Thomas sits at. Jeanne and Vladimir use their Wings to jump over the beast, getting behind it, as they use their swords to attempt to pierce its skin. Adam, meanwhile, shoots towards the body of the beast. All of which, to their shock, does nothing to phase the beast, as the swords don’t pierce the skin and the bullets do nothing.

 

“Adam!”, Jeanne yells to Adam. “Nothing’s working! The body can’t be-”

 

Adam intejects. “Keep trying! It’s gotta have something we can-”

 

Having been distracted, the beast lurches forward and hits Adam, sending him flying. He lands, writhing as the pain spikes through his back.

Jeanne screams. “ADAM!”

 

The beast comes forward, closer to Adam. It kneels down, and Adam looks to it, seeing its rows of teeth between its every head, before it bellows out an unholy screech, then lurches forward.

 

But before either the beast or Adam can react, Jeanne lurches forward, slashing the leftmost and middle head of the beast, popping them open. Adam quickly moves, and, at the sight of this, makes his move. “Alex! The weakness is the head! Make the shot!”

 

Alex looks to the beast, now distracted, writhing in the pain, as it bellows a loud, painful shriek towards the group, now aside Vladimir. A perfect shot for Alex to make. He grins, before saying a closing thought. “Looks like we’ve come to a head.”

 

Alex shoots, piercing the beast’s last head. The beast lingers, dazed, as it falls slowly to the ground, dissipating into a green mist. The room then changes.

 

Thomas comes forward, as the lights of Ramus Potestatem flicker back, and the room returns to a basic form. “Great work. Simply great. I… honestly can’t talk it down any. You guys have learned a lot, and so quickly.”

 

Vincent appears, aside Thomas. “Pah. They were good. But they’re not ready.”

 

The Angels look to Vincent with confusion, as Adam speaks from this. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

 

Vincent grins, almost chuckling under his breath. “You guys work together very well, but you don’t act upon it fast enough.”

 

He points to Adam. “You let yourself become distracted, and the beast used that to its advantage. Not to mention the fact that, after all the strategy that you’ve built, you pushed yourself to that weakness, you pushed yourself towards that beast getting the opening shot.”

 

He motions to Jeanne and Vladimir. “Not everything can be accomplished through brute force.” He motions to Alex. “Not everything can be seen through the highest vantage.”

He then comes back to Adam. “Do you understand?”

 

Adam looks to the ground, opening his hands, revealing them to be dirtied, and bloodied. “...I do.”

 

Thomas comes back in. “Vincent’s right… for once.” To that, Thomas sees Vincent smirk, but does not move to comment from that. “You all have done well, but you have more to learn. You must understand, being built to these quick-thinking strategies will require a cunning, an abject understanding of the fields you find yourselves on. It will take time… but you will understand.”

 

David appears, only to whisper something to Thomas and Vincent. Vincent, at hearing this, phases out of the area, whereas Thomas motions as though meaning to say that he will meet with him momentarily, before David phases out as well.

 

Thomas returns to look at the Angels. “You guys have earned some rest, for today. Any further questions for us?”

 

A silence creeps up, and Thomas looks away. “I… know you guys are concerned, still. Confused. The fact that we can conjure up these same horrors for you to fight against, for training, is very much understandable. That power itself comes from the Entity’s will. But these same powers will be found from the Epsilon. These same horrors will find themselves on that doorstep.”

 

The Angels stand, still silent. Thomas looks down. “I… know that… this is all still new. Believe me, I don’t get used to being in my position in all this for a second. None of us do. We’re all still human, after all, dealing with a matter that is… so much bigger than us. Believe me, I get it.”

 

Thomas conjures up a cigarette, lighting it with a flame put forth from his thumb, before walking to the side, walking around the Angels. “The day that these machinations come for us won’t end without loss, without sacrifice. But we need to be ready. I’m not asking you to put aside your thoughts, I’m not asking you to forget all that you have went through. But I am asking you… to understand. The most powerful thoughts in all of the universe come from that of understanding. If anything… dwell on these thoughts. But let not those thoughts, those fears, consume you. Let them power you.”

 

Adam motions to Thomas. “What… if those thoughts lead us to a road we don’t want to go down?”

 

Thomas chuckles. “Then who are you to not challenge that road?”

 

He then disappears, and the Angels leave Ramus Potestatem. Vladimir and Alex lead ahead of Jeanne and Adam, talking amongst themselves, while Jeanne and Adam simply look to each other, both unsure of their intentions. Adam then speaks up to Vladimir and Alex, now standing outside of Ramus Potestatem. “Alex, Vladimir… you guys go on ahead. Talk among yourselves, and what-not. I… need to talk to Jeanne.”

 

Vladimir and Alex nod, both leaving them. Jeanne turns to Adam, confused, as Adam speaks. “We need to find a place to talk. Follow me.”

 

The two of them then motion towards Lux Hortus.

 

//