"So, they're preparing to face against our rulers directly..." Bathory asked, as she watched another compartment open, revealing Solomon's and Shady's training. She watched as the books went flying whilst the Biblical Sorcerer tried to strike, utilizing the Three Horseman to close the Shadow in and slam him across the jaw with his book, letting it reach such a gargantuan size. Such an attack would push Bathory back, watching her body fly over to the other side, another compartment opening to reveal Zazel against his Angelic self, projectiles of both properties raining in spades.
As she tried to defend herself from such an onslaught, the weaponry and winds making it harder to prepare, she would hear a voice. More specifically, one in Solomon's quadrant. "WHY ARE YOU MY MIRROR, ANYWAY!? YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO BE A PART OF ME! NOT THE OPPOSITE!!"
Such anger was met with the Shadow's laughter, as he'd bounce his body back up and moved the books back in place, effortlessly dodging each weapon's attack. "Oh C'mon now, Lame-mon! You never put the pieces together that we are one and the same? It's the perfect chance to-"
"No, SERIOUSLY. Why!? When I found the book and saw you, I accepted it as my consequences. My reprimands for trying to disobey my parents! WHY ARE YOU MY SUPPOSED 'OTHER SELF'!? THAT DOESN'T MAKE ANY SENSE!!"
A sigh escaped from the Shadow's mouth as it expanded, arms made to grab at the horses to drag them to its abyss. "Solomon. You remember those times, yeah? When I raised you? Up until we found a proper guardian worth watching you over?" The Shadow asked, making the boy pause his attack as he tried to understand what he meant. He was somewhat surprised that the living Shadow was actually being serious for once. Bathory, meanwhile, felt a bit embarrassed, thinking she's intruding on personal business. "There was a promise I made to that man a long while back. If at any point he was gone, I have to take over. Yet, when I tried to, I wasn't able. Synoni. The Hotel. The Chapel. The Island. It was all you. You made yourself improve, growing in each step, showing that whatever was holding you back wouldn't be needed. You proved to not just me, but to him, that you can handle whatever is thrown by yourself. As a father figure... I can't help but be proud. It means all the other times where I can be involved be more special. It means I can actually exist on the same footing, watching your progress."
"We are opposites solely because you have outgrown me."
Solomon's eyes widened upon hearing such an assessment. It made sense to him, now. His half was made not because of any stark differences, but because of what Shady is. He's a shadow. He's stagnant. He always attaches himself onto those that stand tall. Solomon can't help but look down, struggling to find the words to even respond back. "It's earth-shattering, isn't it?" Shady added, as the shadow bent itself over, looming the boy from above, the arms embracing him in a hug. "When the Codex Gigas becomes open, the very antithesis becomes materialized, being the 'Devil' you always hate. When you opened the book, I simply became that 'worse' trait: The one that believes you can push on."
At the same time, Zazel would also reach his own euphoria, his own enlightenment. From the injuries he sustained, he always remained in the same side, looking up at his angelic counterpart. He started to see why heaven and hell are forever intertwined. Not just because they are enemies, but because they are the result of the human heart. One that aches and would take revenge on whatever is wronged. Another that breathes and finds forgiveness, despite being damaged. He doesn't say a word, nor even take a stance with his sigil, as he looked directly at the Angel's eyes. Just as the room went quiet, the Angel spoke. "Azael. Angel of Strength." he uttered.
He can understand him. In one sentence, he understood why those believed him to be a 'dark angel.' They were one of the same, just with different motives.
"Zazel. Zazel Cal'cul." The Demon replied back, as he'd prepare his markings for one more strike. Simultaneously, Solomon prepared his own spells, more specifically in a new spell made from the holy texts themselves.
"Tower..... Of....."
"God."
KRA-COOOMM!!!!
A massive pummel to both the mirrors and to Bathory itself, with Rubix already watching and opening a crater-like compartment to eject the woman out, the wounds knocking her straight down, the atmosphere damaging further. Mawkin would be quick on rushing to his mother's aid, using the straw to scatter and act as makeshift bandages to cover her wounds. "MOM!! YOU ALRIGHT!!?" He cried out.
Yet, Bathory merely smiled as she'd be tended, her body wearily rising, as she'd be face to face with the living cube, watching it pulse and prepare to attack back. "Never better... I must say, our youth is truly wonderful. You, my son, have a lot to do if you wish to rise to the very top." She'd comment, as she'd see off of the compartments all four of them pushing themselves to the limit, seeing each one develop, whether it was mentally or physically, their body straining themselves as they kept on.
"We need to retreat NOW. You're burned head to toe, Mom! Where's your umbrella!? What happened to-"
"Do not worry about me, my beloved dear." She'd pat her son on his shoulder, a soft caress, calming him. "If I can still stand, and if I can still breathe, I can still live. You do not need to worry about me. I know what I signed myself for..." She'd make her way towards the box, seeing it begin to open up, spikes of energy being let out, the children finally reaching to a proper peak. "...My dear. We may have indeed found our answer." she'd mumble, her mind adrift as Tsukiya would step down, with Envy now properly sober.
"Alright. It's out of my system. You want to die here, or you want to get out?" Envy would ask, his energy rejuvenated as the tar on his body began to solidify and take a different shape, claws that aimed to destroy both the straw and the blood left behind.
"Can I take a third option? To linger a little bit more until they come out?" Bathory pointed at the monster as she spoke, prompting the two to turn around.
"...You're just as curious, huh?"
"While in retrospect, It should be obvious to kill the living shape to see if I can wipe out all four at once, I can't help but ponder if they may assist us."
"...You want them to kill Sozo?"
"To give him that peace of mind. Yes. That is a conversation, however, for another time." She'd ready her blood as she stared back at the living waste, her hands balled up. "Do make sure I remember this one."