Resolution Ascension (IV)

It's true, no one knows for sure the reason for the birth of the Spiritist. There have been several theories about it, and one of them is that indeed both these and the invaders share several coincidences. What could it be? Is there some hidden meaning? Something that would make me lose faith in my existence when I know the answer?

"You're wrong" said a voice that gripped my hand tightly and stood beside me.

"Maria?"

She had stopped hiding to look this guy in the face, demonstrating a determined tone and attitude.

"This light that was born in my chest is not to hurt others. My power to heal is due to the love I feel for this Earth and for the beings that live on it, there is no way we can become killing machines. Asriel has the ability to achieve anything he sets his mind to, his incredible courage has saved me on countless occasions, I believe in him, that together we will achieve a happy ending!"

... wow, how pathetic I feel now. When I'm losing my way she's always there to remind me of the obvious.

"That's right, it's like my precious companion has said. Whatever you say we won't be fooled by your words"

"Oh beings corrupted by the curse, you need not fear. My task is to deal with the cleansing of this land, and as my lord instructs me I will purify your souls by death"

"Is that what your stupid god has told you?"

"Poor people, you are not to blame for being so ignorant. Don't worry, there's nothing to worry about anymore"

The old man placed that tool he had on his left wrist as he slowly walked towards us, the blood began to slowly gush out.

That reminds me of what Lavos did, I think I have an idea of what it can do.

"Maria, something's coming. Back up"

"Okay!"

"My name is Dimitri, the high priest of the new dawn sect. Fear not, I will not be long. Soon all your sufferings, regrets and worries will be over. I will pray that your next life will be better than this one"

A red drop fell on his leg, which illuminated some strange tattoos he had. Those symbols began to glow and then he suddenly stepped forward.

"What the!?"

He's fast! So fast that I barely had time to react, draw my katana and parry his attack. Despite his advanced age, that was an extremely unexpected move.

"Mmm?" he exclaimed and jumped back a couple of meters at the same speed.

Lavos didn't show any kind of physical ability, he just relied on his tools to summon creatures and buy time. These are the abilities that got him kicked out of his tribe?

"Are you alright Asriel?"

"Yes, I managed to block his blow. Stay back, after all the fight is inevitable"

"I, it seems so" she said sadly.

I'm sure she didn't want this encounter to end this way, but it's the only option we have if we want to survive.

"What kind of power is that? It's different from the others... it can't be, you're..."

The tool in his hand was broken and then it shattered after a few seconds, I think the collision with my sword was enough to do it.

"You lost your weapon, you could surrender now while you still can. If you promise not to hurt anyone else, I might consider letting you live"

I doubt my speech will be of any use, however if possible I would like to avoid having to face him.

I still can't forget the feeling I had when I killed Victor. The emptiness inside me, the weight of the responsibility of eliminating his future, those memories are still fresh in my mind.

"Ha... haha..."

Apparently that was enough to activate the trigger of this subject's extreme madness.

"What's so funny?!"

Lowering his gaze that laughter increased as time passed.

Opening a brooch on his cloak he exposed its contents. A bunch of small weapons, objects of various shapes and gems were hanging from within. On his arms he also had strange markings similar to those on his legs.

"I never thought the gods would give me the opportunity to eliminate a fallen angel! It's quite a blessing! Thank you very much my lord, this sacrifice to you will be very special. You, poor soul... no, demon of chaos. Be proud that I will be the one to lead you to the light!"

"You're crazy! Who would do that!?"

The old man took some kind of knife with his right hand and with the other a couple of colored stones and threw them at me. I managed to cut one, but the other exploded in my face and blinded me instantly.

"Ahh, my eyes!"

Is that like a blinding grenade? Everything around me was cloudy, few tears started to flow down my cheeks.

Not knowing what to do I panicked and the rest of my senses dulled, as a result I ended up stumbling.

At that moment I heard something running towards me, by inertia I used my sword to try to defend myself from what was coming.