by Heretic God
An extremely long title emerged from Yuri's lips.
That said, Godou recalled that he had heard it somewhere before. Godou recalled the event from the murky depths of his memory.
Erica did mention before that all mages across Europe were in hiding, and although he felt that was simply absurd, there was also a sense of awe.
She also said that Japan would certainly also have its own mages' associations.
The difference was that, unlike Europe, because mages in Japan were organized, monitored and directed closely by the government, the average citizen simply didn't know of their existence.
The name of that association, if he remembered correctly, was…
"The History Compilation Committee, yes, I've heard of them before."
"They are a secret organization, controlling and manipulating gathered information by means of mages and spiritualists. It comprises the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, the National Diet Library, the Imperial Household Agency, the Religious Affairs Agency, the Metropolitan Police department among other influential organizations. People like me, miko with spiritual ability or agents of the gods, have been pressed into aiding their efforts."
Magic, Sorcery, Divine Aid —— infinite numbers of strange powers and confusing abilities.
All these matters are not considered part of 'proper history' in Japan.
The Committee was founded in order to preserve the desired attitude amongst the population, and thus became the 'History Compilation Committee'. At least, that was how Erica explained it.
"It was also on the Committee's orders that I meet you here today, Kusanagi-san — so that I could confirm whether you really were a Campione. It was also because we study at the same school, and that I am good friends with Shizuka."
"You're also a victim, huh…"
Having heard this, Godou began to sympathize with Yuri.
Perhaps it was because of the impression he received from the carefree attitude of the Latin mages, he felt that Yuri, who was filled with custom, to be a pitiable sight. For this, if nothing else, he should maintain a positive relationship with the Committee.
Having decided on this, Godou took out the Gorgoneion from his bag.
A crest on a dull black rock, the engraving of a woman with snakes for hair —— the moment Yuri saw it, she was so stunned she couldn't say anything.
"So this thing really is very dangerous, huh?"
"I'm afraid so— it has a very, very ancient seal of a godhead impressed therein. A serpent god, the mark of the great serpent… No, it likely has an even older root, the helix seal of the encircling Earth Mother ——"
Yuri closed her eyes and said this.
"Although it is only my intuition, I believe this seal came from North Africa. Egypt, Numidia[1E 6]… I'm not sure why, but my heart tells me those countries are most likely."
"Your heart tells you? A friend of mine calls this the Gorgoneion, do you know about it, Mariya?"
"No— I know almost nothing about the gods of Europa or Africa. I only relied on my clairvoyance and intuition to somewhat 'feel' it out, and then said it."
But what she just said was exactly the same as what Erica divulged.
Godou was deeply impressed.
Whatever it was, Mariya's spiritual ability was definitely an extremely accurate intuition.
Of course, she could simply be telling a big, fat lie, but Godou wasn't prepared to doubt the girl, who was speaking so solemnly and with such a sincere gaze.
—— Although the mention of Africa was certainly startling.
The Gorgons, Medusa etcetera – weren't they Greek myths? Well, the hero Perseus did save a gorgeous beauty called Andromeda, and she was said to be a princess of Ethiopia. So what she said did make sense…
"Kusanagi-san, I'd like to ask you a question."
Godou, who had sunk into a deep pondering, was suddenly jerked out by Yuri's sudden question.
"This is obviously a tool for a [Heretic God]— as a Campione, there is no way you could have not noticed it, is that correct?"
"Well, you're correct. Yes… This thing is something troublesome after all…"
"If you knew that, why bring it here! Do you want to invite some apocalyptic god into Tokyo! What do you take the safety of this country's citizens for?!"
A sudden ringing voice, out of the blue.
Just as he was nodding, a thunderbolt like declaration struck him.
Godou once again closely examined Yuri – her confident beauty, until just now still most virtuous in composure and elegance, yet now so alluring in her daring.
She was awe-inspiring, and Godou subconsciously drew back.
"Well, I, err, was also worried about this, but there should be no problem, right? The goddess who wants this thing is all the way back there. For her, I think that she probably doesn't even know the name and place called Japan."
"'There should be no problem?'… Please do not create unnecessary dangers for us. Having read your investigatory report, I immediately realized that Kusanagi-san is extremely uncaring about other people and their property."
Yuri bored through him with a chilling gaze, and Godou stepped back two paces.
This was bad.
Any argument with her was going to end terribly for him.
Godou knew by instinct that his personality was quite possibly the worst match with hers —— to Godou, she was a completely different sort of 'ultimate boss' from Erica!
Yuri may have also discovered this same thing…
Now her previous 'advice' was becoming more like an all-out attack!
"With great power comes great responsibility. And because of this, don't you think that you're being very irresponsible, Kusanagi-san? Unable to withstand your lover's request, you brought this unknown, dangerous object back to Japan ——"
"Lover? Wha, Who are you referring to?"
"There's no use acting dumb, this investigatory folio states it very plainly."
Yuri said while taking out a giant folder.
—— Erica Blandelli, a member of the mages' organization [Copper Black Cross], 16 years of age. Height: 164 centimeters. Three sizes: 86,57,88. Kusanagi Godou's lover.
Listening to her detailed narration of these personal details, Godou was overwhelmed by a sense of despair.
"Mariya, all these horrible things about me are not true— they're all fabrications, false reports. At least listen to my explanation, please?"
"I don't know why you could call them 'fabrications'— are you still trying to trick me when the facts are all here? Using the power of a Tyrant to do what you want to women, have you no sense of shame?"
"What do you mean by 'do what you want'?! it's the complete opposite! I'm the one who's being played with!"
"Oh! I never knew that Kusanagi-san was someone who pushed all the blame onto women— I'm beginning to understand even more as to just how despicable a man you are —— Stop your constant attempts at lying now!"
Yuri's face lit up in a smile, but it was only skin deep.
'She's a raksha.' – Godou was completely sure of this point.
If female rakshas really existed, they would all have a smile just like Yuri's. That icy beauty and that mask-like smile.
Godou was browbeaten by the indescribable power that she wielded, and couldn't help but retreat.
…And then he saw.
Fast footsteps which were already hurrying in this direction carried a very familiar silhouette towards him.
Wait, wait, wait, why are you even here?
"If you're thinking of continuing to bully my Godou, can I please ask you to stop? The only person that can love him, torment him, or treat him like a toy, is me, the [Diavolo Rosso]. That is a right given only to me, he isn't someone who you can play around with when you feel like it, you know?"
This woman couldn't be here at this place – and let's not even mention that hearing her voice now should be nigh impossible.
What th
e dumbstruck Godou saw, was the girl that they just mentioned —— Erica Blandelli.
Part 2
Dressed in a red themed outfit and with golden long hair, she was alluringly beautiful; Erica's looks gave the impression of opulent royalty.
However, it wasn't that alone which attracted the eye.
Her most noticeable aspect was probably the elegant aura which she exuded from each hair of her body.
Someone self-proclaimed as naturally drawing all attention and could not be tamed now faced another who could be said to have a great sense of self-respect. The two girls were in a state of perfect equilibrium, and Erica's face broke into a smile of sheer aggressiveness.
"What's wrong, Godou? Why do you look like someone Medusa stared at?"
Erica spoke so sweetly her tone could probably melt gold.
But facing something that should make any man feel pleased, Godou just sighed.
"That's because someone I thought couldn't appear actually did. Geez, this is Tokyo, not Milan— you obviously didn't just come for a chat, so why are you here?"
"Why? You can be so thick sometimes, Godou. If a girl from a far off country took such a long and painful journey, it can only be to meet her lover, isn't it?"
Erica stepped closer to Godou.
She wore a black sleeveless top with a scarlet woolen sweater, paired with a pair of denim jeans.
This modern, turn-of-the-century dressed maiden appeared in an ancient shrine.
Obviously, the two shouldn't match, but he didn't feel any sense of incongruity; probably because, no matter where Erica went, she was the star of any event.
"Come closer, Godou. Wherever and whenever, the only place you can be is by my side."
Erica spoke while intertwining her hand with Godou's, and pulled him towards her.
"What, what are you doing? Suddenly appearing like this, and even doing something so shameless…"
"So what? You know very well what's going on between Godou and I, right? Disturbing a lover's reunion is something that only an insensitive girl would do."
Facing the raging Yuri, Erica flippantly shot back.
'Oi, stop saying things that will cause misunderstandings!' – Would be what Godou would like to say, but he suddenly felt a chill go down his spine. Yuri's mask-like smile would strike fear in anyone.
"This is a hallowed sanctuary for one to propitiate the gods. May I ask both of you to respect the sanctity of this shrine, and to refrain from such disgraceful and shameless acts —— Erica-san and Kusanagi-san. Are you listening to me?"
"Yeah, yeah, that's right, Erica, we should listen to Mariya and do as she asks— even you won't play around in a temple, right?"
But the customs of the two Japanese teenagers were brushed aside with a smile from Erica.
"'Play around', huh? But it's the same in Japan and Italy— when a couple recognizes their love for each other in a holy place, it's just like going through a wedding, right?"
"This isn't a wedding event! Stop kidding me!"
More to the point, this whole conversation was happening in Japanese.
Erica's Japanese grammar and pronunciation were impeccable. Erica – and other accomplished sorcerers – probably learned languages the same way Godou learned Italian— through magic, they could learn many languages in a short period of time.
More importantly, because Godou and Erica were speaking in Japanese, Yuri was therefore also able to understand what they just said.
—— Actually, no, even if they were speaking another language, the result would have still been the same.
Yuri's eyes were terrifying; her gaze was ice cold and felt as though killing intent was emanating from them.
To be specific, her gaze was directed specifically at Godou's left arm. That is, the part of his body which a certain Italian maiden was hugging tightly and rubbing gently with her chest.
"Kusanagi-san, could you remove yourself from this shrine? I have fully comprehended the true depths of your lasciviousness, and have nothing more to say to you."
"Wait, wait a minute, Mariya! Give me a minute to shut this fellow up."
Godou gravely turned to face the unexpected gatecrasher, then spoke:
"Erica, if you keep being silly I'm really going to get angry— please try to be serious."
"Ahh, at least you've finally turned serious. So different from your previous puppy-dog-like expression – Un, that's more like my Godou."
The smiling Erica let go of Godou.
That rascal probably came here to help him; but even so, Godou wished that she chose another method to do it… That was probably asking for the impossible, but he still grumbled about it.
"I just mentioned to Mariya how you gave me the Gorgoneion. Did you come to Japan because of this?"
"Smart boy! For that, I'll give you an 'A'— but actually, I was chasing the person that came here first, and so flew to Japan."
"The person that came here first… who is it?"
'I shouldn't ask who. That answer obviously isn't going to be good.' –
Although that was what his intuition told him, Godou still asked very timidly.
Yuri's pale, bloodless face made him very concerned; it couldn't be that her spiritual strength told her that it boded ill…
"Of course it's a [Heretic God]!"
"Of course!"
As Erica spoke, Yuri also sighed and said the same.
His bad feelings were realized, and Godou's mood became even worse.
"How did it chase after the Gorgoneion from Rome? I never said anything about where I was going."
To that question, Erica could only shrug her shoulders.
'Well, humans will never fathom the methods of the gods' – was probably what she meant.
"To be honest, that was probably my fault. I was too optimistic, for the gods, crossing over seas and oceans are as easy as talking… Forget it, since it's already here; focus on how you can force it to retreat."
"Don't talk like it's not your problem. You're the main accomplice in bringing the god here."
"Umm, where is the [Heretic Deity] right now? And its name. What would the exalted one's name be?"
Erica nodded at Godou, the expression on her face saying 'all right, all right, I get it' – and then turned to face Yuri.
"I heard your conversation earlier. You seem to have a spiritual sight— that's perfect right now. Please divine the name of the deity that is approaching."
"Divine it? Do you mean oracular prophecy? Can she do something like that?"
"Probably, we currently hold the Gorgoneion, and someone who personally met the Goddess – Godou – is also present. As long as the diviner is a proper Sibyl, it can be accomplished."
It makes a great difference whether one knows the true name of the divinity one is about to face.
Although Godou had no real experience in this area, he had already learnt the importance of knowing a deity's name.
"… And that's how it is, so could you please help us? Ah, of course this whole disaster is our fault, and I know it is very mean of us to ask for your aid, but still— please help us."
Godou words were completely sincere, and he bowed as he spoke.
Of course, it was all done towards the hime-miko Yuri.
Surprised, she looked like she was about to say something, but finally just sighed deeply.
"It's not like I have a choice, do I? I'll just have to try it, please pass me that stone; and Kusanagi-san, please stretch out your hand. You've met that [Heretic Goddess] before, what was your opinion of her?"
Yuri's left hand held the Gorgoneion, her right held Godou's hand, and murmured something softly.
Then she closed her eyes, and began to speak extremely solemnly.
With this serious and grave atmosphere permeating, Godou naturally grew anxious, and his whole body stiffened in the anticipation.
"I believe… is the night. I am unsure exactly what sort of goddess she is, but I feel that she is a deity of the
night."
A mother goddess, a snake, a Gorgoneion, Medusa.
So far, all that Godou had heard were key words defining her.
None of them had elicited an instinctive response from Godou. The goddess whom he met in Rome may very well have been a member of the night; her words he felt certain.
"The night… eyes like obsidian, a silver haired, youthful goddess… no, not youthful, rather a goddess stripped of her age and her divine position… hence she is young… hence she is [Heretical]…"
Yuri was muttering out loud details about the goddess which no one had told her.
So this was the power of spiritual insight… Godou was deeply impressed – it was almost as good as omniscience.
"And her divine name is… That is, the name of the [Heretic Goddess] is —— eh!?"
Yuri suddenly opened her eyes in amazement, but was completely silent.
Godou and Erica looked at each other. If she was that shocked, did that mean that someone of apocalyptic proportions had arrived?
"What did you see? Who is it? Could it be a name that even you know?"
"Ye, Yes… But there must be some mistake somewhere. Because, well… this goddess should be an enemy of Gorgons… of all serpentine deities; even I know that much about her."
"A god–head that even a Japanese miko knows… well, what is her name?"
Erica pressed on with her questioning.
Her current piercing gaze had no trace of her previous playfulness.
"She is Athena. The goddess that Kusanagi-san met, the goddess that has arrived in Japan, her name is Athena. But that is impossible, isn't it…?"
Medusa, the devil with snakes for hair, the one whose one look could turn others to stone.
And the hero who subdued her, Perseus.
And the one who shielded him, who guided him, was the goddess who stood for wisdom and war – Athena. At least, that was what Greek myths said…
Why such a dangerous Goddess appeared, was something Godou just couldn't figure out.
Part 3
Poseidon, the ruler of seas and tempests was her mortal enemy.
Well, the Greek stories had it as such.
That truth was this Athena did not hate the seas, as the seas and the lands were both an intrinsic part of the qualities which were stripped from her, and the source of her existence.
