† Phase IX †

 

 

"So... what's your story? Why did you suddenly asked for our help?" Jessica asked as she looks at both Seunghyun and Taeyang. The two girls were sitting besides Hyuk Sung at the back of the jeep. "We needed your knowledge regarding magic lore and alchemy." Seunghyun answered. "Why? Is it for the demons? Are you planning on igniting a war against them?" Taeyeon asked.

 

Sooyoung, Hyuk Sung and Soon Kyung were also eager to know as to why the Order suddenly was brought up. They knew about the Order but it was only basic and was always regarded as just a made-up story. Taeyang was silent because he was taking back his strength for he hadn't completely recovered after summoning one of his most powerful purifications earlier that day. Seunghyun was quiet but he means to answer every question. "We don’t intend to ignite any war. We need your knowledge in deciphering something that is written in Eibon's language." He said.

 

Taeyeon's eyes widened. "Do you guys perhaps possess Eibon's paper works? The Calculations of Eibon's magic? His stones, mechanisms and amulet recipes?" She asked eagerly. "Yes we have but only two volumes. I believe, Belphegor, possesses the first four of those scripts which is the reason he was able to create the Gray Matter." Seunghyun said.

 

It was then concluded that Seunghyun, Jessica and Taeyeon's conversation is mostly technical and alien to Hyuk Sung, Soon Kyung and Sooyoung's understandings. They kept on hearing random words and names which they haven't heard before. "What's Eibon's calculation? What is Gray Matter?" Hyuk Sung asked clearly ignorant. Jessica looked at him and smiled. "Eibon is one of the most famous names written in the history of magic lore. Every one of us had studied his basic calculations of how to bend reality with magic." She said. "Oh so he is like a great teacher of magic?" Hyuk Sung asked. "Well... you can say that or better yet you can say that he is like a scientist that made a huge discovery in the field of magic and alchemy." Taeyeon said.

 

"And what is the Gray Matter?" Sooyoung butted in, curious. Taeyang turned to her. "The Gray Matter is a magical stone that is said to amplify a certain type of power based on desires. It is an evil artifact that symbolizes darkness and also the one that helped Belphegor accomplish his goal. It hammered apocalypse onto us." He said.

 

"So Belphegor did create the Gray Matter." Jessica finalized whilst thinking deeply. For all of them, the creation of Gray Matter is something that is way out of their hands. Similar to the creation of the Philosopher's stone which signifies miraculous humanly discovery mainly by the person known as Nicholas Flamel, the Gray Matter is a magical artifact that possesses extreme power and also malice.

 

There had been some number of magical stones that were made and reside in deep hidings upon Earth. Some of which were the Philosopher's Stone for Alchemy; the Magnetic Earth stone, said to be located at the Earth's core, which is said to hold Earth together as one whole piece and the darkness stone: Gray Matter.

 

The Philosopher's stone is considered manmade while the Earth stone is made by the angels and Gray Matter, as of present, had been made by the demons.

 

"Is it somewhat similar to Solomon's conjuration amulet?" Sooyoung asked. "If yes then maybe YoonA and I might have a good start to catch up with what you guys are talking about." She said for she actually has no idea about the topic from behind the jeep.

 

"You can say that... But then we ourselves might be having some difficulty in understanding Eibon's calculations. It may take time." Taeyeon said. "We'll have to talk it out well once we arrived at the Sanctuary. How was the Citadel of the Workers?" Jessica asked.

 

"The citadel is still standing strong. Vatican created this powerful barrier that prevents demons from entering." Sooyoung said.

 

They all knew that underneath the Vatican City, is a large and deep sanctuary where the Catholic Church's secret organization: Opus Dei resides. Known as the "Citadel of the Workers", it houses the secret group that has focused on witnessing unrealistic events, miraculous occurrences and many others. The Citadel of the Workers also houses the main base of the Goetian society where the Knights hold their large meetings and other events that usually happens in extreme rarity.

 

"If I remember correctly the St. Peter's Basilica is reinforcing its barrier. The Gregorian monks are strengthening the Holy Choir." Jessica said. "We mustn't waste time... the stone is getting stronger by the hour." Seunghyun stated. "But analyzing Eibon's language is far more difficult than Flamel's languages in alchemy. Eibon's language scope extends to reality bending and magic imbedding." Taeyeon explained.

 

By now the jeep is far from the crash site and continues on until a site of a bridge can be seen.

 

"We are near. I trust that YoonA and the others had already returned." Sooyoung said. "Wait." Taeyang tilted his head up towards Seunghyun and the two witches. "I think I know someone who can help us." He said.

 

Seunghyun caught up immediately with Taeyang's thinking as the others, except Sooyoung, wore bewildered looks. "You're going to confront him? Are you sure he will suffice?" Seunghyun asked...

 

† Ω †

 

YoonA's convoy had emerged through the bridge a few hours earlier than Sooyoung's. They continued towards two wrecked building leaning and pointing towards each other as if forming an archway. The ruined infrastructure, despite its unbalanced state, stands strong as if a power holds it in place. It was actually made as a line of defense and guarded by the Opus Dei's priest and acolyte soldiers.

 

"Thank God!! We're saved!!" Some old women and men muttered in relief as they took notice of the large stone made cathedral that stood slightly scathed yet well barricaded, a few miles from them. "I think we’re near the sanctuary now." Yuri said. Tiffany looked through the truck's window and saw the church's growing size as an indication that they are in fact near. "We are. Thank goodness." Tiffany said as she turned back to them and hugged them. "We're safe now." She smiled. Seohyun smiled whilst Yuri nodded.

 

It has been long for them to feel extreme relief ever since the occurrence of the frightful day. They had been on constant hidings and have never been given the luxury to relax without warily turning to their backs. Arriving at the refuge has somehow relaxed their mindsets. But one thing is still amiss. Taeyang, the person who saved them and took care of them... he still wasn't with them... he is still in the outside world of danger. This thought is still evident within the three girl's minds therefore not completing their relief.

 

"I wonder how Taeyang-oppa is now." Seohyun asked them. "I'm sure he's fine, Seohyunnie. Taeyang-oppa is strong... he'll be back before the day ends." Tiffany assured hugging Seohyun in a relaxing manner as her eyes met with Yuri's who wore an expression of uncertainty. "Is there something wrong, Yuri?" Tiffany asked.

 

Yuri was troubled for the feeling that she felt when Taeyang parted ways from them never left. Her feeling of eminent events that may happen outside the safe sanctuary is still strong and is bothering her for some time. "I don’t know... I am having a bad feeling." She confessed. Seohyun looked at her as same with Tiffany their eyes containing concern towards their companion. "Something isn't right... I don't know." Yuri said shaking her head as if waving off the troubles in her mind.

 

"Unnie..." Seohyun frowned. Tiffany was also worried for her friend. "Let's pray that nothing bad will happen. We have to put our faith in Taeyang-oppa and to God." She said. "Fany-unnie's right. We mustn't lose hope." Seohyun supported. Yuri turned to them and smiled as then the truck came to a soft halt.

 

"We're here finally..." YoonA got out from her motorcycle and was greeted by the archbishop of the Cathedral accompanied by some acolyte monks. "My lady, I see that you have returned safely." The Roman Archbishop, Arthur Staniel, said with a warm smile. "Where is Miss Sooyoung?" He inquired looking around in hopes of finding the Goetian Knight's partner. YoonA turned to the truck were some acolyte monks assisted the refugees and leading them to the Cathedral's sanctuary. "She'll come back, something unexpected occurred and she insisted to take a scout somewhere before we return." She said. "Is it related to the explosion earlier?" Archbishop Arthur inquired. YoonA nodded.

 

"We don't need to worry, Archbishop. She has strong company with her." She smiled assuring. "If that is so then we'll wait for them until they arrived." The Archbishop agreed then bid his excuse as he returns to the Cathedral. YoonA remained looking at the truck and her eyes landed towards the three girls that accompanied Taeyang.

 

Yuri met YoonA's eyes and a quick scene of memory emerged from her mind. A scene concerning a heavily wounded figure armed with a giant crossbow facing a giant serpent creature, plenty of lifeless bodies scattered among the ground as she stood proudly and undaunted by the overwhelming menace of the creature despite the weakness she is experiencing. Yuri flinched against the weird piercing headache the moment she re-witnessed the dream-like scene.

 

YoonA smiled at them and decided to approach them. "Hello, how are you?" YoonA greeted with a smile. Yuri smiled. "Hello, thank you for helping us, my name is Tiffany." Tiffany answered. "I am Seohyun." The maknae followed. YoonA then turned to Yuri who eyed her mysteriously. Yuri jerked once she met eyes with YoonA. "I-I'm Yuri, nice to meet you." She said.

 

"Nice to meet you too... My name is Im YoonA, you're the Solar King's friends right?" She asked. The three turned to her confused. "I-If you're referring to Taeyang-oppa, yes we are." Seohyun smiled respectfully. YoonA smiled as well. "Don’t worry he'll comeback. He is the powerful Sun King after all. Come, you must be tired and hungry, I'll lead you to the sanctuary." YoonA insisted as she led them to the Cathedral. The three girls smiled and followed the Knight's humble gesture.

 

† Ω †

 

"We have to plan it well first, Youngbae. He isn't the type to listen to anyone." Seunghyun informed. "I know but we have to try still. Only he has information about Belphegor's knowledge." Taeyang insisted.

 

"It might be risky... By the way, Sooyoung-sshi, does the cathedral have a hidden laboratory?" Taeyeon asked. Sooyoung took a peak at the rear-view mirror. "I don't think the sanctuary possesses a room for alchemists but we can provide you your private quarters." She answered. "I think Myeongdong Cathedral's sanctuary also has a library filled with ancient scriptures." She said.

 

"I see... I'll have to start the research as soon as we set foot on the Cathedral's premises." Taeyeon said.

 

As they finalized their initial actions, silence emerged without any sign of awkwardness. They were all in their thoughts analyzing and possibly formulating little plans of their own. Hyuk Sung, Soon Kyung and Sooyoung were quiet as well as they focus on their surroundings.

 

As they take a left turn in an intersection just before reaching a small bridge, a figure took notice of their presences. Grinning as if able to find something worth a pay, he carefully take note of their route as to acquire information of their destination. "Lord Mammon will be pleased." He murmured before disappearing from the dark shadows.

 

  † Ω †

 

G-Dragon and Daesung had used their short lived luxury of filling their stomach and decided to continue their venture. They were walking in calm silence without the need to be wary of any enemies. Ever since before the descending of the demons until the present, no one has ever taken them down, not one... neither creature nor men alike. Boredom seems to fill their minds as the night creeps along the sky and darkness rules the land.

 

"Another long walk without amusement..." G-Dragon scowled not amused. "Great, just what we need, Dae." G-Dragon said sarcastically. Daesung remained silent and just then his nose began wrinkling upon the presence of a strange scent. "Wait, Hyung. I smell something." He said.

 

G-Dragon turned to his younger companion eyeing him with his questioning stare. "I smell gas... burning gas. Wait... there are scents belonging to some men as well... also Sulfur and ammonia... and Gun powder as well." Daesung said as he turned to his right now with his hearing in accurate works. "Engines are running furiously and approaching our direction." He said. "Oh? Some mercenary perhaps?" G-Dragon asked feigning interest.

 

The sounds turned louder... enough for even G-Dragon to hear. "They're heading that way." Daesung turned to an unscathed small infrastructure a few miles in the north east. "I know that turf." G-Dragon said as if finally gaining interest at a small building with large lights emerging. "Then I remembered." G-Dragon smirked. "Why not try our luck with the mafia lord named Victory?" He suggested.

 

"Are you sure?" Daesung asked. "Why not? Even though I am an Angel-born, it doesn't mean that I get criticism or racism from those demon punks. I used to cut off their tongue or their head before they can even mumble an insult." G-Dragon answered spinning his sheathed sword with one hand. "Well... I hope we get to find what we're looking for in there." Daesung said.

 

"They say that he is an undefeated monster. I wanna prove it with my sword." G-Dragon grinned. "Let's go." He finalized before they went towards their new destination.

 

[~†-----TBC----+~] † Ω † [~+-----TBC----†~]