Exodus Files: Gates of Hell.

Chapter 8: GUILDMATES! UNITE!

Gates descended from the skies. As his foot touched the ground, the floor caved in. "Prepare our army, we will start the siege within three days" Gates commands as he walk towards his secret lair. His men were trembling, and saluted him as he enters the room "WHERE IS AKI?" he fiercely asked, the ruby in his chest started to glow again "Don't worry, my Lord, I've retrieved her." Archobos arrived, that was accompanied by the wind's ranging blows. "She gave me a hard time, but it was all worth it." the Trigerstryfe reported as he shoved Aki "So, have you met him?" Archobos added as he brush up his hair. 

"Yes. His Human form is much weaker than I expected." Gates replied as he sat on his throne. Ikezubo emerged from a small puddle of water while his Torturkian companion kicked the door, sending it flying. "My sincerest apologies, Lord Lyonheart, we have failed to capture the Tenshi. The monk Ramiro foiled our plans." the Aquorion knelt down, as he shamefully delivered his news. Gates just stared blankly at Ikezubo. "Son, stand up. You have done well." Guk was surprised "But we have failed." The Tortukian was about to continue but was immediately interrupted " You have alarmed Netherea, and even reducing their forces greatly. We will have the Tenshi soon, do not fear" Gates then stood up and move towards Aki "As long as we have the key, everything will be alright." the Phoenixid gave Gates the cold shoulder. 

The Pinkdevil's party arrived at Netherea. The whole place was a wreck, it was twice as horrifying as the Sky Palace was. Niv approached a wounded soldier "What happened here?" the soldier was quiet for a moment but was able to gather his courage "The Mergers attacked. We were outnumbered, and was not able to defend the kingdom." Niv shook his head "It's okay, you do not have to worry. Now, get some rest and we will take care of the rest." 

As they surveyed the place, Kaito found something. He picked it up and gave it to his superior "Aquorion's scale?" Doer was confused. "They are natives of Atlantica, which is thousands of miles away from here." Niv then remembered and asked another wounded guard "Have you seen Zai? Where's my sister?" the monster just shooked his head. "ZAI! WHERE ARE YOU!" the prince called out. Zai ran to Niv and hugged him tightly "ONI-CHAN! I was worried..." Reech then appeared alongside Niv's 'guests' "These are Ramiro and Orange, they helped us defeat the Mergers. They came from the future to help us." Niv was about to react but was totally overpowered by his sister's tight hug.

The following morning, Niv called everyone for a meeting in one of the castle's prison. Everyone was patiently waiting for the Oni. Doer was still wondering why there is an Aquorion scale in the kingdom. Aquorions are peaceful creatures. Calm and kind in nature, these sea monsters chose to stay away from the world above. Niv enters the room with bitter mood. "So, what's the catch, Niv?" Reech immediately asked, he was standing in the corner and was smoking a stick of cigarette. The Oni didn't answered. "Why held this meeting here in this disgusting dump?" Shahvi complained as he touches the moss-filled walls. "Okay, while the castle is being fixed, we are not safe from Mergers spies. Anyway, we have faced Gates in Sky Palace and received information that they will attack Dao Lung City. Basing from what we have seen, they will leave no survivors." Niv relayed to his teammates. "Key died during this encounter, let's not waste his sacrifice. It seems that Gates' power is fire, blasting it from the crystal engraved in his chestplate." Niv continued while he stared at allies seriously. 

"We also have information about their men. We have faced two of Gates' minions, one is an Aquorion, the other, a Torturkian." Ramiro shared, while sitting in the corner calmly "But Aquorions never leave their homeland. Are you sure about this?" Mistu was confused. The Sith then showed the scale to everyone. As they observed, he started to explain "This one is different. Unlike his brethren, he seem to be roaming the lands more." Ramiro then checked the scale and agreed "This is drier than usual."

Orange butts in "Wait, haven't you noticed that when they introduced themselves they included some kinda title?" Niv then recalled "You're right, Orange, tell me about these Mergers you faced, what did they called themselves?" the Werewolf scratched his head, trying to recall the events yesterday "Valiant Sea Dragon and Black Knight Tortoise" the monk answered and added "Their armors, or better known as 'Panoplías' are actually based from the four celestial guardians." Hoffelton inquired "Aren't they all dead?" Ramiro shooked his head "No. They are still alive and hiding. They were attacked by Gates to obtain their blood and infused it with the armors. Maybe partial, but we are facing the guardians' powers." 

"You know a lot about this 'Panoplía', Mr. Monk." Mitsu said, his eyes were reflecting his doubt of Ramiro's true color "Worry not, Mr. Knight. I WAS a member of the Mergers in my own time line, and quit to save your sorry asses." Ramiro quickly answered, and walked towards Mitsu. The two glared at each other. "Okay, that's enough, you two... We are here to plan our next move. He may be a member of the Mergers, but he went here just to help us, Mitsu." Niv interrupted, and focused Ramiro "Now, tell us what else do you know about this?" Ramiro looked at Niv, immediately replying "You and Doer died in my present time. Gates was successful in destroying the Balance Nature Wall. It was horrendous. Before proceeding here I have visited myself of this era to be warned, and left the group months ago." Niv and Doer were shocked of what they've heard. "So Niv and I will play a crucial part in the future. We better be careful." Doer spoke calmly "And if you dudes are dead, there won't be a Guild that will fight the Dark Lord" Orange added.

"What is this Guild that you are talking about?" Mitsu queried "You see, I have little knowledge of it but when I became a Werewolf you guys recruited me in our Guild. As far as I can remember, you guys were the pillar of it." Orange answered promptly. "Meh, Guildmates or not, we should all be ready. The whole world is countin' on us!" Niv encouraging his troop. "GUILDMATES! UNITE!" Orange cheerful yelled. Everyone was clueless. Niv simpered and joined the Werewolf, and fistbumped the new found friend, "Come on guys..." he looked at everyone "Guildmates?" Mitsu, Doer and Reech stared at each other, and accompanied their friends. In unison they shouted "GUILDMATES! UNITE!" 

Dao Lung City. The home of the Shu Tong Wei faction and the entertainment capital of the Eastern regions of Netherplains. It was a rainy afternoon, but the Merchants were still eager to sell, refusing to leave their stalls even if they get wet. The streets were covered by people, their umbrellas looked like a sea of colors. A girl was trying to squeeze in the busy crowd "Excuse Me...Excuse...Sorry" she said repeatedly while she searched her way out of the busy street. As soon as she saw an opening, she hurried. The young maiden was weary and troubled.

She walked boundless. She searched endlessly. Finally, she reached an old Magic Shop. She knocked on the door hastily "Is anybody home? Sensei? Hello?" she then viewed each corner, carefully observing if someone followed her. An elderly Wizard opened the door "Quick! Inside, my child." as the girl entered the shop, she removed her hood. Her Violet eyes illuminated in the dim room "Sensei, thank goodness you're here." said the girl in relief "I've heard what happened to your squad, dear, I am really sorry." said the Wizard while offering the girl a piece of bread and a glass of water "My apologies, my diet only consists of bread and wine." she shook her head and replied "It's okay, Sensei, I am grateful just to see you" the old monster sat down and patted the young girl's head "I AM grateful you are alive, Sora."