Chapter 38
Battles of the Four Archangels: Desperation

In the heat of the desert, the remnants of the Four Horsemen of Apocalypse's stronghold now laid in ruined. Ness and the gang had done a number in Scarab while rescuing Mike. It seems that the recent attacks on the world's major cities were in an attempt to probably find a new stronghold since this one seemed completely abandoned. It was obvious now why the Four Horsemen of Apocalypse had probably established a base right at the pyramid, to find the two weapons of light rumored to lay there.

Since some of the locations in Scarab are on this map, but the problem is either this map we already had is too small or something is here that we aren't seeing." Jeff knew the map was definitely of Scarab since he could see Dungeon Man on the map that Mike's computer printed out, meaning the map was very recent. It seemed to be taken from a satellite that had a nice resolution for him to make that out. Then, it dawned on him, "Guys, I know why we have no clue where this is. This is a topographical map as you Ness that showed the general region of Scarab and then marked where the weapons were. "I don't remember any of this being on our map of Scarab" Jeff said after close investigation of the map. "This is Scarab since some of the locations in Scarab are on this map, but the problem is either this map we already had is too small or something is here that we aren't seeing." Jeff knew the map was definitely of Scarab since he could see Dungeon Man on the map that Mike's computer printed out, meaning the map was very recent. It seemed to be taken from a satellite that had a nice resolution for him to make that out. Then, it dawned on him, "Guys, I know why we have no clue where this is. This is a topographical map as you can see. What if the photos used to construct this map were purely of a topographical nature."

"What does that mean Jeff? Get to the point" said Casie getting frustrated mainly because the sun and heat were starting to take their toll on her.

"Well Scarab, oddly enough, is a desert surrounded by ocean. This here is the Scarab we know right now. There are several small islands surrounding the main region before leading into the Deep Darkness about five hundred miles south of here. Well if I'm right then, many of these areas are completely submerged underwater. Meaning one of these islands must be where we have to go. If I'm reading this right, then we should go here" Jeff explained as he pulled out his pen that he kept on him to do calculations for fixing parts and put a 'X' on the spot where they should be heading.

"One problem Jeff, that's about fifty miles south of here if I'm scaling this right, we'll die first before ever making it there" said Casie really getting frustrated as the heat was still taking its toll on her, especially her temper.

"Not once Poo gets here, remember Casie, that Poo now knows light warp. That should make the journey simpler once he gets back" Paula replied as she could she Casie really suffering from the heat. "Ness, you better heal her. It looks like she maybe coming down with some sunstroke from this insane heat."

"Already on it, Psi Healing Alpha." Ness' usual simple cure for sunstroke helped Casie out somewhat. At least her temper went down.

"Thanks Ness."

"No problem. Poo should be arriving here momentarily once he's dropped Tom and Dave off at the Deep Darkness" said Ness as Poo arrived about two minutes later using teleport.

"Have we figured out where to go yet, and god it's hot here" said Poo once he arrived.

"Yeah, and we need light warp to get there. Look" said Jeff as he was showing Poo the map and how he and Paula had figured out the scale. The location was an island fifty miles away from Scarab. First, they had to tackle the distance problem in the Hell-like heat. Second, there was a nice strip of water separating the island from the mainland which no of them could swim, since it seemed to be at least three miles wide.

"Alright, light warp should do the trick then, especially since I know what direction to head in. Psi light warp Beta" Poo spoke calmly as everyone disappear with the classic flash of light. A few seconds later they were on the island.

The island was even more desolate than Scarab itself. It was hotter, drier, and with not one sign of life besides the Chosen Four and Casie. "This is where two of the four most powerful weapons ever made are suppose lie. Good Lord help us" said Paula to herself as everyone's faces turned grim as they saw no way to locate the weapons or even find them.

"I guess we better start looking guys" Ness said. "What better place to deter people or anyone from looking than here? A normal person would expect a shrine or something to look for here" Ness thought to himself as everyone started to find something that would stand out somewhat. A half hour later everyone was starting to feel the effects of the blazing heat. Dehydration was starting to quickly set in as it felt like an oven. It was so hot that sweat would evaporate right off the body the second it came up. Soon the wind started to kick up blowing sand everywhere getting into everyone's eyes impairing sight.

"I can't do this anymore" Casie weakly spoke as she collapsed right to the ground, face first.

"Casie!" screamed Poo as he ran up with what remaining energy he had to see if she was alright. "Come on, you have to get up."

"I can't. Just leave me here. If one of you tries to drag me along I'll only be slowing you down. Just let me sleep for a while and maybe I'll catch up. Anyways you four are Chosen Ones, if we encounter something, I'll just be in the slap!" Poo was tried of Casie's nonsense. Whether if it was from the heat or not he couldn't stand it. He wasn't going to just let Casie lie there and possibly die, this time for real. He already felt that pain once. Never again did he want to feel it again.

"Come on, we're going with you or we leave this place now" all of a sudden the wind stopped blowing and the temperature dropped dramatically to a very comfortable sixty something.

"This is getting too weird. Why did it do that all of a sudden? There's no logical explanation for this" Jeff thought to himself as he knew something was definitely up. What it was? He didn't have a clue.

"Well, that's at least bearable now. Weird, but bearable none the less" Ness said to himself as he was just waiting for an explanation for what just happened.

"I see you have made it this far. Many have, none have survived" said a voice. Everyone heard it, but was so surprised that they did not notice it.

"The time of reckoning has arrived for this world" said another.

"Guys, did you just hear something?" Paula said thinking she just heard something distant but definitely distinct.

"No, I'll keep my ears open though" Ness spoke in relief as he was finally starting to cool off as a gentle breeze passed by everyone. It felt like everyone just went from Hell to Heaven.

"Brother, I do not think they realize what is going on here. They are just relaxing right now. All others have been on guard when we have done this" said the first voice.

"Yes, but these five are of a different breed. Do you think they might be the ones?" said the second.

"Maybe, why don't we have some fun then, Isaac?' said the first.

"Sounds like a good idea. No one has come here for about fifty years. I've been bored these fifty years, so let's do it, Ishmael" said Isaac.

After two minutes of relaxing Casie started to be able to move again as Ness and Poo helped heal some of her exhaustion from the heat, she, like everyone else, knew something was amiss. Only she could feel it. "Guys, I hope your in for a fight."

"Why Casie? I don't feel anything" said Poo.

Paula eyes opened up from a sudden shock. "She's right. I had a feeling that I heard something before. It was definitely two voices. Now, I feel a very strong presence. It's not that of the Four Horsemen of Apocalypse but it's even worse then those four" Paula sternly spoke as she started to reach for her new Rune Frying Pan.

"I still don't sense anything" said Poo.

"I'm surprised. You seem to be the most discipline of the five yet you can't sense us. How pathetic..." said the first voice, Ishmael’s.

"Who said that?!" Jeff shouted into the distance to his right.

"I did" a figure appear in the direction Jeff shouted. "Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Ishmael. Directly behind you is my brother Isaac" Ishmael explained as Isaac appeared directly behind everyone. Ishmael was about six foot with brown hair and deep blue eyes. He looked like a heartthrob as he was extremely muscular with his shirt off and only white pants as his clothing. Isaac was the same in most ways with the exceptions that his hair was midnight black and was slightly shorter than Ishmael.

"I'm surprised that we even showed ourselves to you humans. We haven't shown ourselves to anyone in three hundred years. We thought it the last honorable thing to do before we kill you five. After, the destroyers of Giygas and Godan even need to be honored by us" Isaac said with a grin on his face.

"Look, I don't know who you are or what you are but we don't want any trouble. We just want to find the weapons of light rumored to be here" said Ness as he courageous started to step towards Isaac.

"That just gives us all the more reason to kill you then. Well, we shouldn't say kill. Let us say test you to see if you're worthy of the weapons of light. The reason we say kill though is the basic point that no human has ever made it pass our one test alive. I think you five shouldn't be any different. We do sense a remarkable power within you five, that we do. We also know of your great deeds, but the weapons of light are a completely different territory" Isaac started.

"These weapons were planned out and created for one sole purpose, to help the Four Horsemen of Light destroy the Four Horsemen of Apocalypse. The creator of the weapons you seek sent four great protectors to guard the weapons of any intruder from ever taking them or finding them. Protectors who surpass the Four Horsemen of Apocalypse in power" Ishmael continued.

"So, the creator of the weapons sent the two sons of Abraham to protect them. I have no doubt then you two are a force to be dealt with" said Paula, interrupting Ishmael.

"We were only named after them, little girl. You see, my brother and I were the two greatest warriors of our time. We were self-taught in magic in every form. We never used our powers to hurt but only to help. If we had to kill to protect, we would. That's why we don't have a problem killing intruders of this sacred ground. If the weapons were to fall in the wrong hands, the results could be disastrous. Especially if those hands were those of a Horseman of Apocalypse" Ishmael continued after quickly correcting Paula.

"What is this test you want us to complete then" Jeff said as he wiped off his glasses so he could see better.

"We need to determine if the two of you who are supposed to be horsemen are actually worthy of that title. If you can beat the two of us in battle we will endow the Horsemen of Courage and Wisdom with their weapons. It is no easy task and the fastest way to determine if you are worthy. One more thing you should know about us as well" said Ishmael as he nodded to his brother. As flash of light soon appeared at that instant.

"I'm not one for cursing but, oh shit!" Poo screamed in horror as he saw why the flash had taken place. Isaac and Ishmael had just revealed their true forms. They were archangels and very powerful looking ones at that. Their muscle mass had increased by twenty percent and their wingspan was a massive ten feet of each of their eight wings. With having archangels on both sides, chances for winning a fight seemed hopeless.

"Casie, get your staff out now! We need to show the proof that we are Horsemen and I think the crests might be the best way to do it without getting killed" said Ness as he took off his hat to show his crest and Casie pulled out her staff to show hers.

"You honestly think those markings prove anything. They could have easily have been forged or stolen from the real Horsemen. Granted you might have destroyed two of the Horsemen of Apocalypse amongst your friends but that doesn't mean you are Horsemen!" yelled Isaac as charged forward. An instant later he gave Jeff a soft punch to the gut which sent Jeff reeling knocking him out in one shot. Meaning using the Gamma Gun for one shot kills was completely useless.

"Crap! They just took Jeff out in one shot" Casie thought to herself as she could not even see Isaac's movements.

"Pathetic, how do you expect to survive when we just took out one of you in a single strike" Isaac laughed as he took to the air. A loud metallic clang was heard shortly after-wards as everybody turned around and saw Ness had hit Ishmael with his Gusty Bat.

"How did that boy see me coming? He was distracted by his fallen comrade for one moment and then the next turns around and hits me with that club weapon! I should have been able to take him out as well!" Ishmael thought to himself as he gripped his torso. It was the first time he had ever felt pain in hundreds of years and the sensation shocked him.

"Guys, don't be distracted. They mean business here and they will take any opening that they can possibly get" Ness said as he tightly gripped the bat in his right hand. Ishmael soon put his hands together and started to concentrate.

Casie's eyes went wide open as she knew exactly what he was doing. "Paula! We need a psychic shield and now!" she screamed as she braced for the impact of what was about to come. Paula quickly cast Psi shield Omega and braced herself.

"Psi Titan Omega!" Ishmael screamed as he was using Casie own technique. He used the energy shock wave to try and take everyone out. The attack hit Paula's psychic power shield neutralizing the attack and the shield. Oddly enough the attack wasn't deflected as it should have been, since it was a psychic power shield meant to deflect attacks.

"Casie that should have deflected! Are their any properties that Titan has that you haven't told us?!" Poo screamed he barely dodged a punch from Isaac. He quickly pulled out his sword of kings to slash Isaac but Isaac quickly dodged and fired and energy blast straight at Poo hitting him dead on. Poo quickly rose to his feet and cast Psi Starstorm Omega. He hit Isaac and it at least made a scratch on Isaac.

Ness remembered back to his conversation with Mike two nights beforehand. "Titan's main ability is that it has infinite versatility. A master of the technique can do anything that attack." Those were Mike's words to describe Casie's main Psi power.

A few seconds later Paula cast Psi Freeze Omega on Ishmael and temporarily solidified him. Seeing her chance, she used Thunder Omega on Ishmael hitting him with everything she could muster into thunder. Ishmael just got up post-attack and smiled, unscathed. Right then, Ishmael just simply flapped his wings and created a wind strong enough to blow sand everywhere, blinding everyone. He and Isaac then took it upon themselves to pummel Casie as much as they could while she was blinded.

"Psi Flash Omega!" Casie screamed from her ongoing beating as she used flash to try and at least handicap the two archangels. It had no effect on them as she thought it would, but worth the shot. Ishmael saw his chance for a full blown punch on Casie. Once he hit her he felt and extremely sharp pain. Not only did it feel like his attack had been cut in half, but it had caused him the same amount of damage as it did Casie. He then saw the reason why, someone had cast a power shield of light onto Casie right before his strike.

"Now, leave her alone!" a voice screamed as it proceed to hit Ishmael with a strong kick and then tried to cut one of his wings.

Poo felt his sword crack slightly once it struck Ishmael’s wing. As he could not see because of the sand in his eyes, he felt it enough to draw back slightly as he felt a tremendous pressure on his back that sent him airborne. "Enough of this! Mirror!" Poo was using his ability that could have him take the form of any opponent he could visualize. He chose to try and take Isaac's form before he got hit again. It worked like a charm.

"What the..." said Isaac as he now saw a perfect copy of himself in everyway standing right in front of him.

"Who are you?" said Ishmael.

"Poo, Crown Prince of Dalaam. A student of the Mu discipline and loyal servant of Ness Rowen. I will no longer allow you two to hamper our quest any further. The fate of the world is at stake and yet all you two want to do is fight and kill those who even come close to here. We did not want to fight but we want to save this world. Why you want to fight us is completely beyond me. Ness and Casie on several occasions have proven themselves to be Horsemen and yet you still doubt them. Those two would give their lives to protect this world and you even know of their great deeds and yet you deny them the respect of the title they have so rightfully deserved and earned. If you want to fight your fight is with me now. I swear on my life I will use this form to defeat you so this world can survive!" Poo answered and declared as he slowly walked towards Ishmael with determination and his hazel eyes having a cold stare that could leave anyone shaking in fear. Ishmael took a step back as he now knew what he and his brother were up against. A person who could mimic their forms and probably their powers and strength as well. This would be a fight after all.

Isaac try to charge from behind but Poo, in Isaac's form, just threw his elbow back right into Isaac's face as Isaac drew back a few feet from just the pure power of Poo's right elbow. Ishmael started to chant something as Poo knew it was a spell. Poo quickly took to skies to try and attack aerially. Poo quickly chanted something and created a forward shock wave straight towards Ishmael as Ishmael finished his chant. Light suddenly came up as a five pointed star and guarded Ishmael from the blast as Poo tried fire based magic next. He wrapped it around his arm like Mike and Ness would do with dragon to enhance his physical power. Poo dove down and hit Ishmael hard right through his barrier as Ishmael quickly countered with a sharp kick to the head and an energy blast. "This magic stuff is more complicated than I thought. They might still have the advantage over me if I can't use this power correctly" Poo thought to himself as he saw Isaac chanting. Because Poo had a knowledge of Isaac's powers, he started counter chanting to keep the spell from working. Ishmael quickly came from behind and touch Poo and sent a tremendous amount of electricity through Poo's body and broke Poo counter chant. Shortly, an energy barrier was cast around Poo that he could not get out of no matter what he tried. Fire, wind, ice, lightning, water, and earth magic were all rendered useless as Poo saw the seal below his feet now. He dropped his archangel form seeing that his own powers might be his only hope.

"Honestly Poo, did you think that we did not know how to defeat ourselves" said Isaac as he grinned victoriously.

"Psi Starstorm Omega!"

"Poo! It won't work!" Casie screamed as she tried to stop Poo. It was too late though. Poo own attack had hit the barrier and started to come back and hit Poo. Since the barrier was not allowing the energy from Poo's attack to escape and dissipate, the barrier repeatedly deflected Poo's attack right back at him. In under one minute he was out cold like Jeff was.

"What a sad ending to this warrior. He actually put up a fight even stealing your form Isaac. I think we'll let him live for now" Ishmael commented as he turned his head towards the last three standing. Ness, Paula, and Casie were in shock as even Poo was defeated swiftly even when he copied Isaac's form and powers. Ness stood up from his knelled position that he had taken to rest while Poo fought. He had a weird smile on his face.

"You know, I didn't think he would win against you two. I'm just surprised he went down so quickly, same with Jeff. Poo was right in what he said. There is no reason for all of this. We shouldn't be fighting but trying to save this world. I gave everything I had to save this world once before and I will do it again. Now, let's see if you two can defeat two Horsemen instead of their friends" said Ness as his right hand started to have a white flame appear around it as he grabbed he bat and clenched it hard with his right hand.

"I've never seen Ness do that before" Paula thought to herself as she started to stand taking out her Rune Frying Pan.

"You honestly think you will be able to defeat us after we beat two of your allies so quickly. I'm starting to think you five are intruders with how sloppy your fighting has been" said Isaac and he started to float slightly with his wings making slight movements to keep him in the air. A slight wind took the back of Paula as he and his brother started to see which one of three to take on first.

"These archangels were toying with them and I know it. Guys, they will go all out on the three of us. Isaac and Ishmael were just having fun clearing out the two weakest among the five of us so they could get serious" Casie whispered to Ness and Paula as their backs were towards each others backs so this way neither of the two archangels could sneak up on them.

"You sure" said Paula.

"Positive, think about what Ness did as an archangel beforehand back at the pyramid a few days back. The speed at which he and the other archangels eliminated those starmen was insane. Just think about that for a second and now think about the power these two have been using against us so far" Casie explained.

Paula didn't even need to think for one second as only one thought could cross her mind, "May God have mercy on us."

Chapter 39
Battles of the Four Archangels: Horsemen of Light?

"Well boy, do you actually think that white flame your summoning will help you?" Ishmael grinned as he seemed to have taken Ness as his next target.

"I actually do. Come and attack me if you dare" Ness challenged as he brought his right hand out white flame and all and put his hand up motioning for Ishmael to bring it on. Ishmael charged as fast as he could but Ness quickly dodged with amazing speed. Ishmael kept trying to hit Ness as Isaac could only watch in amazement at the human's speed while he dodged. Ness' dodging beforehand had always been sharp and sloppy. His movements were now liquid like in flow as he now only looked like a blur while he moved.

"Paula, I think it's time we attack Isaac while he seems to be off his guard" Casie said getting Paula's attention back. She pulled out her staff and started spinning it to pick up some speed for an attack.

"I think we should as well" said Paula gripping her Rune Frying Pan.

Isaac could not stop being amazed at that boy's speed. He did not look that fast at all and yet he was dodging Ishmael’s hits like they were nothing at all. He was not even trying to attack, just dodging. Isaac soon felt something hit him and hard which stunned him slightly. He turned back to see a black-haired girl spinning a very long staff at extremely high speeds. "Looks these three won't be as easy!" Isaac thought as he turned around and hit the blonde girl with water magic sending her flying backwards before she could hit him with her weapon.

"Not bad, he didn't even need to chant" Paula thought to herself as she got up. She started to build up energy in her hands as Isaac started chanting what seemed like something powerful. Casie saw his feet on the ground and saw her chance.

"Psi Earthquake Omega!" Casie screamed as she aid the palm of her left hand the sand as she started sending energy shockwaves through the ground making it tremble.

Paula started to feel the earthquake as she realized that Casie was the one responsible for the earthquake back in Belle Vernon. That would explain its perfect timing. Any ground water underneath the sand started to rise up quickly as Casie started to break her concentration quickly. "That should be enough for later" she thought as she started spinning her staff again.

"What was that for" Isaac wondered as he turned to look at Casie for one second. That was a mistake as an energy beam quickly hit Isaac in the back. Paula's energy beam to be exact. She had used the energy she built up to create an energy blast enough to shock Isaac but that was about it.

"Darn, I put a lot into blast. I think I should stick to Psi right now since that didn't phase him" Paula thought as the wheels started turning for her next plan of attack.

Ishmael was not having any luck either as Ness would not relent in his dodging. After about five minutes Ness dodged a punch that Ishmael put slightly too much that threw him off balance. Ness quickly wound up and struck Ishmael right in the solarplexes as it gave Ness enough time to attack. "Psi Rockin' Omega!" Ness yelled as he fired his most powerful Psi ability straight at Ishmael making direct contact.

"Damn! That hurt..." Ishmael started to think as he did not have any more time to regain his thoughts as Ness, just for good measure, did four more Rockin's. Each one more powerful than the last, and Ness still had that white flame going around his right arm.

"Now for the kicker! Psi Dragon Omega!" Ness howled as the white flame shot straight from his arm like a continuous flame of a flamethrower hitting Ishmael dead on. Ness seemed to, in an extremely short amount of time, varied Mike's Dragon Omega into something much more lethal and better suited for Ness' energy class. "I swear if he comes out unscathed for that I'll have to use Saint. I have enough energy flowing now to do it at one-hundred percent this time, and I won't have a choice."

Ness didn't need to wait long to see that Ishmael had used an energy barrier to block that last attack. Plus the five Rockin's that had hit Ishmael seemed to have not made a scratch on him. This did not look good for Ness. "I see now. That white flame was the side-effect of you using an attack not of your energy class, so it modified itself to allow sacrifice some of the basics of the original form of the technique while allowing for new which meant for you enhanced speed while having that flame going while not activating the attack. Allowing you to use other attack such as the psychokinetic energy blast you fired five times. Now, let me show you how it's done" said Ishmael as he started to concentrate.

"I don't know what he going to do but I'm not going to let him do it. Since he's still, Saint might be too extreme. After all he's an archangel, they might not attack him. This should do nicely, Courage Ray!" Ness said to himself as he screamed the final clause. The same attack he used to defeat Giygas in Siberia was being used again only this time in a more potent form. Ishmael gave a small grin as he stood up from the kneeling position Ness had left him in before.

"Holy magic, ultimate class! God's Breath!" Ishmael screamed as he let loose an blast of magic with seemingly equivalent power to Ness' Fate. The wind spawned from the shear force of Ishmael’s blast was at that of a category three hurricane. Once it struck Ness' ray it quickly equalized it neutralizing both beams. "Not bad boy, I must admit that was quite spectacular. That might have stunned me if it would have hit, since none of my barriers would have been able to even come close to stopping that thing" Ishmael complimented Ness on the power of that last blast.

"Same to you, I didn't think you were going to do that. I'm glad I did what I did now instead of using another Fate. I would have never been able to withstand such a ferocious attack" Ness complimented right back. Ness started to concentrate on doing a lifeup gamma to fully restore his energy since he was so extremely worn out physically. "Time for round two" Ness thought as he gripped his Gusty Bat once again.

Casie and Paula were not having that much luck against Isaac either. After a series of tandem attacks using their weapons, Isaac just shook them off like they were nothing and it was like he was not even trying to dodge. "Okay, I don't think physical attacks are going to work. Should we try our powers now?" Paula was breathing heavily as she spoke to Casie. Casie wasn't fairing any better as her grip started to loosen up on her staff as its spin started to slow.

"No matter what you do you will not defeat me" Isaac grinned as he took a fighting stance.

"Psi Flare Omega!"

"Psi Titan Omega!"

Casie and Paula quickly screamed the names of their ultimate Psi powers and use them. Paula trapped Isaac in the super high heats of Flare and once the red light had enveloped Isaac Casie unleashed an energy blast using Titan at full power. The force of the ensuing explosion generated gale force winds and kick up enough sand that neither Paula or Casie could see. Casie soon felt a fist right in her stomach as Isaac once again seemed to be affected by such a powerful techniques. "Don't you get it. I'm an archangel, an immortal servant of God. Brought down here to protect the weapons of light. You’re going to have to do better than that to defeat me." Isaac picked up the falling Casie by her long black hair and lifted her up effortlessly as he spoke. "It is a shame really. I sensed such great power in you three yet none of you have started to put up a fight yet. I know you can tap into the power of the Fates, so why do not use them little girl?"

"Because I'm too close to use it" Casie thought as she started to cringe in fear of what Isaac was about to do.

"What can I do? Casie is about to be annihilated from this fight if I don't something soon. What do I have that could get Isaac to at least loosen up his grip?" Paula thought hard trying to come up with something. She couldn't use Polaris as it would wear her out and she did not even know it would affect Isaac at all. She did have one trick still up her sleeve, but that would be for later as it was too risky when Casie was so close to Isaac.

"Well, you going to do anything" Isaac stated as he started to chant something. He was going to use some sort of magic an it was going to be a big spell.

"Here's my chance" Casie quickly used both feet to push away from Isaac while he still had a grip on her hair as she put her palms side-by-side and pointed them down at and angle towards the ground. "If I get fried as well, it will be worth it" she thought as she started to draw a ton of energy from around her right into her palms. "Quantum Flash!" screamed with all her might as she let loose her Fate. Everything was clear to Paula now. Casie had used earthquake to raise the ground water enough so that she could use it like a mirror. She was increasing the already lethal candelesance of her Quantum Flash, which could vaporize a target caught in the direct blow, was now like being very close to a star the light was so bright. Isaac loosen his grip from the shock from Casie's attack and Casie flew backwards hitting the desert sand and hard. Paula was blown far away enough that the shield she cast right before Casie's attack was able to hold. Casie grinned as she knew not even an archangel could withstand such an attack without at least getting somewhat fried. Once the dust cleared, she was right. Isaac had wounds all over his body and a nice part of his body was charcoal black, including his wings.

"Not bad, you almost had enough on that to take me out in one shot" Isaac said as he was staggering to stand up. "But still, I'm immortal" he said as his wounds started to quickly heal.

"I don't care even if you are immortal. You can still wear out and that's what we will do to you if your not careful" Casie said as she stood back up.

"Fine then, I guess I'll end this one now then" Isaac said as he started to make certain motions while chanting. Casie stepped back as she knew enough about magic class powers that only using an endowed item with chanting and certain motion could create a more powerful spell. She went right for her best attack. "Psi Titan..." she never got to finish the phrase.

"God's hammer!" Isaac screamed as a massive amount of energy came from the sky and struck Casie dead on. That attack only lasted seven second but it was enough to take out Casie who now laid unconscious battered and bruise. Casie looked like she had a few broken bones and maybe a few internal injuries, nothing lethal though. She was tougher than that, otherwise she might be dead.

"Casie, you put up a good fight. Now time for me to finish what you started" Paula thought to herself as she unsnapped the bottom of both her gloves and flung them right off. She gave Isaac a cold stare as she knew what she had to do to end this fight.

"Casie!" Ness screamed as he looked back to see what was going on. Ness quickly took a shot to the head and was slightly dazed as he looked back at Ishmael. It seems the two were matched in strength as both of the two had the same amount of bruises on them. Both had been using their healing powers as well, and the fight the two were having was of an epic scale. The two were no longer using powers only punches, kicks, and baseball bat swings against each other. The two were quickly developing a respect for one another as they seemed to be completely equal overall.

"I'm surprised. No person has ever given me this much of a fight before. Not even Isaac has pushed me like this before. This is what I've been wanting for so long" Ishmael smiled as he knew Ness was definitely strong enough to take him. He was absolutely amazed by Ness' power and where it came from. Whatever he was tapping into, it was enough to match him. Maybe today he and his brother could return to the Heavens after five-hundred years of guarding the sacred weapons after all.

"I'm glad to see you happy. Now it's time to finish this. Saint!" Ness immediately went for his ultimate Fate at one hundred percent of its normal power. He quickly grew into his archangel form as the archangels were beginning to descend from the Heavens.

"This is what he wanted to use before. With that Fate, I see he's a guardian of the earth. Now I see how he was able to tap into so much power but, this is an easy Fate to defeat" Ishmael said to himself as he saw ten archangel in front of him plus Ness, making it eleven archangels to defeat.

"Alright, light him up!" Ness yelled as the archangels started to charge straight at Ishmael. Right as the ten were about to make their strike against Ishmael, all ten were hit by a wave of energy that sent all ten back to the Heavens. "What in the world happened. They should have finished you off!"

"It was too simple. A spell to send all targeted beings from other worlds back to where they came. I did not need to fight them. I just needed a way to send them back. When I lived on this world, it was prefect for casting away demons and any other foreign object back to where they came. In this case, it tipped the scales in my favor once again!" Ishmael explained as he was prepared to strike again. "Now since you used a power to attack so shall I!" Ishmael screamed as he started to chant. Ness suddenly felt dizzy and soon he reverted back to his human form. Ishmael was chanting something that was causing this and Ness knew it. Ness covered his ears to try and stop the affects of his chanting but it was no use. It was draining the life straight from Ness. Ishmael only left enough to for Ness to be conscious for a while.

"What...did you...do to...me?" Ness whispered as he tried to get up but could not.

"A life drain spell, it is my best magic as it sucks the energy out of you temporarily and leaves it outside of your body while you slowly recover. Until then, your going to be fast asleep" Ishmael said as Ness lost consciousness and was out cold. It would be a while before he could wake up again. Ishmael now looked towards Paula who had been starring down Isaac for awhile now. Only she stood in between them and the fate of the weapons of light.

Chapter 40
Battles of the Four Archangels: Final Destiny

"How much of a chance do you think you actually have? Face it, this fight is over. Four out of five of you have already been beaten. Leave now and we might let you live" Isaac said to Paula as Paula had a cold stare on her face. A very determined stare that could pierce the heart and make it stop.

"I'm not leaving. If we fail this world will end anyhow, it's not like the choice has been presented to me. I wouldn't run anyhow. Let's just say you haven't seen anything yet" Paula firmly said back to Isaac. Most would be shaking at this point because they knew their death was coming soon, but Paula would not even flinch. She seemed stone cold. She was not the person that a someone would come and talk to for comfort. Need a hug because something bad happened. A kiss on a scratch to make it feel better. This what Paula usually was. She was as gentle as a teddy bear. Now, she was like a rose with some serious thorns.

"I guess you want to die then. I gave you a chance. You chose your own fate girl!" Isaac screamed as he formed a sword in his right hand and went airborne. He was going to end this fight right here and now. Paula was worn out and alone. The odds were definitely against her. The only relaxing part of everything that was happening was the comforting breeze to Paula's back. As Isaac came down with his sword, a lock of blonde hair fell slowly to the ground. Then blood came pouring down as a ferocious scream was let loose. As Ishmael watched could not believe what was happening right before his eyes.

"You've had enough then" said a voice as everything went silent, and a body hit the ground.

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"Brother! What did you do to him?!" Ishmael screamed as he saw his brother's body blackened completely from head to toe with the exception of the blood dripping from his body. Paula only cringed at the awful sight she just created. Ashamed that she ever had to that to anyone or anything, a tear flowed down her cheek to show her remorse.

"That was close, I must admit. He made some contact with that sword. It would have been over in one shot if he made full contact" Paula tossed her hair aside from the left side of her neck to show a scratch with blood still coming out, but only slightly. Nothing compared to what Paula did to Isaac. "It's a Fate called Final Destiny. It aligns my spirit with Famore. I guess you know who that is" Paula started to explain to Ishmael.

"The angel of the light, also known as... as... as... the angel of trail."

"Right, meaning when I use that Fate I touch someone and concentrate. I look into their heart and see if they have any purity in them. If they do, it will only try to purge someone's soul straight to Hell, but won't succeed. Depending on how well they can take it, they will be badly hurt. In your brother's case, completely disabled until he can heal himself. I've known this technique for some time now, I just never wanted to use it. No one ever deserves to suffer that type of pain, no one" Paula finished as she looked at Ishmael.

"I see. That's why he went down so quickly. I guess I'll finish you off then. After all, you don't seem to have any power left to do another Fate" Ishmael said as he formed a sword in his hand as well. Ready to finish the job his brother started. He started to swing his sword for the scratch on Paula's neck.

He soon felt a tremendous pain in his gut as he looked to see a boy with black hair and a red cap to have made contact with a club-like weapon. "Not today Ishmael! You even her harm one hair on her and I will destroy right now! You didn't take enough to keep me out that long and some quick lifeup and healing revived me once I woke up! I'm surprised that Paula has such an ability but not shocked. This is the day you will lose as well!" as Ness increased the pressure to Ishmael’s body with the swing of his Gusty Bat. Ishmael tried to keep moving forward and kept trying to swing his sword but he couldn't move his arm from the pain Ness was applying. Ishmael soon let up on his charge and Ness gave Ishmael one final swing. Ness hit a home run, literally, as Ness put every bit of strength he had into one shot, not to mention Paula enhancing Ness' strength with Psi Offense up, and completely shattered the Gusty Bat into dust. It was and incredible hit which had actually knocked out Ishmael once he hit the ground, and traveled fifty feet on the ground leaving a nice trail in the sand. They had passed the test. The test to Ness, Paula, Casie, Jeff, and Poo had seemed meaningless. They had no need to fight. They were forced to fight. Now for the reason they came, the weapons of light that were there.

"Paula, I'm going to heal everybody up. Just give me one second" Ness said as he came out of the warm arms of his girlfriend and started to revive Jeff, Casie, and Poo. Once conscious again, everyone started to contemplate on how to receive the weapons.

"Now what guys?" Jeff asked as he looked the field that just had an epic battle take place on it. Besides the two bodies lying on the ground, and no one would ever know what had just happened. "Good" Jeff thought.

"I don't know. These two are going to be out for a while. I guess we need to find the weapons ourselves" as Ness finished his sentence Ishmael started to come around and started to stand. Everyone took a step back as Jeff reach for his gun.

"Don't you dare move anymore! I swear if you attack us again I will fry your ass right now! Just let us get weapons for Ness and Casie and leave peacefully. I think there are some thing more important in this world than some test!" Jeff screamed as loud as he could while his hand was shaking in fear at the sight of Ishmael getting right back up.

"You need not worry. I will not fight anymore. It will be easier for you two Horsemen to receive your weapons if Isaac and I help you" Ishmael spoke as he was breathing heavily from Ness' final strike. "I sorry about your weapon Ness. I'm sorry about this fight but orders are orders."

"Why should we trust you?!" Paula said as she drew closer to Ness.

"I'm the only one who can allow anyone possession of the weapon that belongs to the Horsemen of Courage. I would guess that to be you Ness. Isaac will give you yours Casie. Well, once he recovers. I must admit little girl. I did not think any human could tap into Famore's power. I'm quite impressed. Ness, just close your eyes and visualize the weapon you used to defeat me in your hands once again" Ishmael stated as Ness closed his eyes. He started to imagine the Gusty Bat's incredible power in his hands. Its light weight, its strength, its feel, and its very essence were the only things on his mind. He started to feel a tingling sensation on his back but he paid no attention to it as he just kept concentrating. The other four standing there were just watching in pure amazement of the sight in front of them. A silver-colored liquid seemed to be traveling up his back into his hands and taking the form of his Gusty Bat. The only words that were spoken were by Jeff, "We do have a chance after all."

Ness opened his eyes when he felt confident the time was right. As he looked at his two outstretched hands, they were no longer empty. In his hands was now a weapon that felt like it was a part of him now. It had the same form of his Gusty Bat, but he felt a wholeness that he never felt before. He motioned for Paula to step back to test the weapon's power. He took swing and a gale wind was the result. It looked like a sandstorm was taking place before their eyes as everyone was amazed that Ness had just done that by swinging into the wind. "What is this? How did it get here?" Ness spoke as he was completely amazed by what he had just been given. Jeff quickly told Ness of how it got there, and then Ishmael took over the explanation.

"It is called the blood of courage. The reason is it a liquid metal that flows near you or around you in its liquid state. Once you concentrate your mental energies on a form for the liquid to take, it will quickly take that form. It does not have to look just like that as you can see. It can be a shield, gauntlet, or anything that your mind can see. Use it wisely" as Ishmael explained the basic of Ness' new weapon, Isaac's wings in all their spectacular glory started to move and shed the black ash on them back to their glittering white. As he started to get up, the ash and wounds on his body started to crumble like a mask as he was restored to his former glory.

"I guess won't receive my weapon, since I didn't defeat Isaac. Paula you deserve the weapon, since you struck the final blow. I failed in my duty as the horsemen of Wisdom" Casie spoke as she started to walk away with a tear in her eye. It seemed to her whoever had defeated the angel was the true Horsemen of Wisdom, not the one who barely survived. She had to think things through to see if she wanted to continue after disgracing herself in her own eyes.

"Casie, you survived God's Hammer. That was the best magic I could use and yet your still alive. No living being has ever withstood that before. Only a Horseman could have survived such power. You more than deserve this, you earned the right to hold it." Isaac said as he summoned something to his hand and put it straight into the ground. Casie turned around and saw a staff that was about seven feet long and was tipped at the ends. It had the same engraving as her old one but this one was done right in the metal without any gold plating or anything. It was perfectly crafted to fit into her hands like a glove. She walked over to pick it up as she felt a massive amount of knowledge go into her brain. History of the earth, an encyclopedic knowledge of Psi, and a tremendous potential to learn more about her art and to understand herself all came rushing to her brain. She started to spin her staff just to get the feel for it as she noticed that it was much lighter than before.

"Let me just test something here. Psi Fire Omega!" Casie had never been able to use Fire before at any level. Now she was able to cast it like Paula. The true power of that staff could only be measured in its effect on Casie's powers, not its attack power.

"It is called the extension of wisdom. You can already see the meaning the name I see. You should have a better Psi arsenal to use against the Four Horsemen of Apocalypse now, Ness, and Casie. We wish you the best." Isaac finish as he and his brother ascended to the heavens, after completing their five hundred year duty.

"Well, where do we go now?" Poo asked.

"The Deep Darkness Poo, Tom and Dave don't have teleportation power so that should be where we head first. We should probably check and see if they made it through the Darkness successfully. We'll just hang back for a while a think and celebrate for a while. Two down and two to go" Jeff said as he put away his Gamma Gun and went over to congratulate Casie and Ness on receiving the weapons that could tip the scales in this war.