Redemption

Redemption is the ninth chapter and fifth psychological chapter of Descendants of Calamity. It begins the third and final part of the Descendants of Calamity, introducing a pivotal event in the series. It is the first chapter to feature the conflict type of Man vs Self. It is December of 1943, Erwin Hollenfeuer continued hiding himself after his brother's death and his defeat in Heilbronn. Ashamed, he fears showing his face to society, hiding in Mannheim under a new identity for four months. As snow fell, the Descendants of Calamity search for him while another problem awakens itself.
== Story ==
=== Chapter 9:1 - Confederates ===
==== Chapter 9:1:1 - The Final Sentinel Gathering ====
The news of Simoun's betrayal reaches the highest of echelons, the Sentinels are yet again summoned to discuss their upcoming pivotal decisions regarding the current state of the war, which they are losing. Yet again, the marbled floor reveals itself within the golden fog. Remendado is summoned into the Doomspire, yet, the stench feels different. As the environment crumbles, ready to rise the pillars, a looming presence consumes everyone. Yet, he retains his structure and poise. The pillars rise, as the remaining three Sentinels elevate in the Doomspire, alongside another replacement. 
The replacement seemed as if it was sitting, as Remendado looked closer, he noticed that it was a corpse. It was in uniform of a Waffen SS commandant. Unbeknownst to them, Adolf was at his peak paranoia, a condition that resiliently weakened and weakened as the war continued to rage. As their pillars peaked, they meet each other with speechless gazes as Adolf Hitler reveals himself to the crowd.
Hitler: "This is unprecedented."
Gomer: "What is, fuhrer?"
The looming presence continues to grow, as the ground subtly rumbles out of nowhere. Hitler is seemingly paranoid, something they only ocassionally witness.
Remendado: "Had the old man lost his mind?"
Melone: "No, I suspect something more grand than that."
The rumbling intensifies, it being felt by everyone as the sounds of metal screeching louden whilst the men retain their calm and attentive stances. Soon enough, monstrous roars vibrate beneath them.
Hitler: "It is here."
???: "I entrusted my legacy onto what I thought was worthy."
The spire illuminates, akin to a momentary flash, followed by mighty roars of different sound. 
Hitler: "My fuhrer... You have been asleep ever since the oust..."
Much to the shock of the Sentinels, the leader of the Socialist Confederacy had awakened after years of slumber. Unsurprisingly, he is one of the most formidable people in the entire world. Though, in reality, he is undead, in fact, one of the first. He appears to be a regular German fellow from the Great War, dressed and groomed like a monarch. 
Fuhrer: "Shame. For years, I entrusted my legacy on the finest Military in the world. Yet, I had to find out that I was mistaken."
==== Chapter 9:1:2 - The Fuhrer ====
Hitler: "It is unacceptable, and as such, we will redeem ourselves."
Erronzein: "Do not bullshit me, for years, I have been skeptical of you. What I wanted was a proper country, not a genocidal dictatorship."
Hitler: "Your empathy is lackluster, Fuhrer. The truth is that the Jews are the real cause of this incompetence, always protesting us and always condemning the truth."
Erronzein: "You are not one to determine who I am, your condescendence is unfathomable. Even I was unaware of your petty revenge against something so small. Shut your god damn mouth and sit down. You are not one to lead the country."
Despite Hitler's disapproval, he feared his death. For years, Hitler had wanted to achieve his Machiavellian status as the Fuhrer and leader of a reorganized Germany. His ambitions were crushed, however. In truth, he wanted the trust of Erronzein for his own benefit and not because he saw him as a companion. As such, he tempered his urge to argue against the man in the high castle, as he knew that he would die if he were to answer against him, especially if he delivers in a wrong tone.
Erronzein turns to the Sentinels, the marks on his face grow whilst the roars grow louder below. The ground shakes with anger, as Erronzein reprimands the Sentinels.
Surprisingly, there was the true strongest Sentinel. One that practices witchcraft akin to Serene Ziegler. Lexonomicon, or the Vengeful Caster is Erronzein's enforcer, commonly following his beliefs in honor and true politics. Yet, he holds a darker truth that no one is sure of. 
Lexonomicon: "What you aren't certain of is scripting. A common yet potent craft in manifesting and attracting your desires. With this pen, I can write a prophecy to my desire, in a case, where it can be our victory and our enemies' defeat. However, I take note of how unpredictable it is, as I cannot mention specific names, otherwise it will not work. Rather, I will write novel, and each character and event will particularly represent a future I prophesize."
As powerful as Serene, Lexonomicon is able to use his craft to write the future. A rather cunning yet unpredictable ability. It can either lead to their goal or to their disorder.
Erronzein: "Yet, understand that I do not yearn for tears and blood. What I want is victory. Our conquest started with the urge to spread the truth of the Hollenfeuers and extinguish capitalist kleptocracy. Ever since then, I worked and shed blood, tears and honor to achieve the positions I've. Just when the public was suspicious with my age, I falsified my death and entrusted it to Hitler. As such, I summoned my vessels to oversee activity and to act as if they were my children or successors. Now, he has built killing machines, palaces of terror and chambers of fear. And you are all supporting it. We are given this power not by our predecessors, but the faith of the present. We are the ones that provide light, but also the ones to blind the optimistic."
Hitler: "Fuhrer, your desires are impossible without blood. If I were to remain a pacifist, the oppositions will continue to oppose. If one educated servant were to live and reinstate our ideas, our fires will be quenched. In truth, the people arrested and persecuted for their betrayal of the nation are ones that doubt us. Indefinitely, they contribute to continuous questioning of our ideas."
Erronzein: "No matter how much blood and tears you shed, it will be futile. The blood you wasted were the seeds of our future. The idealistic socialist future of peace and order. Now, you have wiped the nation and swept every servant to help our cause. Every man you employ as a soldier and every family you destroy, no matter what, there is no defending it. You are the cause of the nation's downfall."
Hitler was furious, still denying the truth. In fact, he was ready to debate with Erronzein. Yet, conscious of his place he kept his words to himself.
Erronzein: "The poor stay poor while the rich get richer. The mute remain silent and the ignorant remain deaf. The oppression I once wanted to cleanse remains in our motherland. Yet, what are you doing seeding the massacres and extinguishing bloodlines? If we acted earlier, this wouldn't have happened. If we weren't sloths, we would have scored victory. If we worked properly, human rights will be equal. The faith you all lack and the morality you all threw away disgusts me. Sleazy men in power, doing the littlest things they can and calling it work. Shame. Useless. Replaceable. We were once winning, yet, we lost more and more cities and territory, even the strongest encampments and major cities like Nuremberg."
Erronzein's skin hardens, as he awakens his true form. With all their might, the dragons ascend the Doomspire and release almighty roars that rumble the face of the earth. As his skin hardens, his facial hair lengthens, his hair turns into a firepit and he is encased in molten armor. He has awakened.
==== Chapter 9:1:3 - Lexonomicon ====
After the meeting concludes, Lexonomicon enters his private lounge in the spire. His room, consisting of gothic design and dark palettes, along with a plethora of books, serves as his magical nest. Within his hands, he holds his magic journal, the Lexonomicon, his namesake. As such, he begins writing about his desires for the war and the truth he wants to create. 
As a warlock, he is a soldier who uses witchcraft and magic to suit his needs. He is one of the most obscure people in the entire nation. His upbringing was unpleasant, having had experienced enough oppression and abuse from his peers and people around him. His current motivations are to reform the country and to educate the people. In this way, he believes that the social lack of equity will dissipate.
"I was young, and I was an experiment. I belonged to a family of five with my parents and two siblings, I am the middle child. My older brother was an ambitious writer, and I inherited his desires as he was persecuted for his rebellious spirit during the period of Martial Law. Though, my past was concerning. I was an experiment, meaning, my parents tested their methods on me to find out the correct way of treating children who are more sensitive. As such, every mistake they make was a learning process for my soon-to-be younger sister. Essentially, I was an object. When I was young, many people courted me. They admired my supreme looks and myself in general. I took pride in it, yet, I was uncomfortable. I've rejected people left and right, but it never stopped. Every month, I gain a new feeler and admirer, and I am forced to reject them. It hurts that I am the source of pain of others. Yet, that wasn't the worst. Occasionally, I am harassed and assaulted. Even by my own relatives. I live with resentment for these perverts and those who treat the weak unfairly, with that, I want to extinguish them, even if it means being a backstabbing twat."
As Lexonomicon had finished rethinking his past, he finally started writing his desires. He wrote, "Ultimo Adios", a poem implying the "Ultimate Goodbye", possibly in relation to how he wants the heretics to fuck off. As the ink dries on the first stanza, suddenly, another warlock enters his room, wearing a pointy hat and concealed in a robe.
Lexonomicon stands up from his seat and turns around, expecting it to be the Fuhrer, who he was expecting. Yet, much to his surprise, it is his host, a potent witch capable of multitudes of spells and magic. Six radiant eyes glow in the shadows of its hood, as it takes off the hood to reveal the truth. Serene Ziegler had visited Lexonomicon. Upon noticing, he bows down as if he was her servant and Serene briefs him;
Serene: "Lexonomicon, my vessel. You have built a reputation among the ranks of these Sentinels. Through your actions and magic, you aroused the attention of the Fuhrer. With this, use your power wisely. Write a future fulfilling OUR desire. A true society of peace, even if it means having to submit in order to dominate. Do not let morality take hold of you, for it is the biggest mistake of our formidable enemies."
Lexonomicon: "Yet, what had happened to our threats? Had Panzer already died?"
Serene: "His death lead to your creation. Through his blood, tears and honor, your soul was created. Within a week, I replaced him effortlessly."
Lexonomicon: "Yet, how was I created?"
Serene: "Ezekiel possessed your ability, yet it remained asleep. When I entrusted him with my will and guidance, I had partial control of his conscience and potency. I discovered the great power he upheld. After his death, I collected his blood given by Remendado. I injected it with myself. As such, without having kinetic arts or being undead, I was able to separate you from me. You are a vessel, in fact, a manifestation of myself."
In truth, Serene is a two-faced person. Despite appearing to be compassionate and kindhearted, in reality, she is resentful and selfish. Ezekiel's former love for her fueled her hate for people, as it reminded her of her past admirers. Despite how much someone wanted to try and heal her, she refused. Since, she always believes that she can do things on her own and ignores the advice of others, which led her to a dark path. A sorrowful road, she took due to her ignorance and condescendence. She avoided all sorts of accountability, excusing herself with the reasoning of her clumsy youth. Yet, she can only run away from her problems.
Lexonomicon: "Essentially, he was a tool?"
Serene: "Emotional ignorance leads to dumb mistakes. His heart was too heavy."
Lexonomicon: "Of all things to do, you threw him away despite his care?"
Serene: "He's problematic, too much problems source from him."
Lexonomicon: "Yet he never turned his back on you as you wept."
Serene: "Too much of a liability, yet a beneficial asset."
=== Chapter 9:2 - Forgiveness ===
==== Chapter 9:2:1 - Winter Period ====
Snow started falling. Weeks before the Final Sentinel gathering, Erwin Hollenfeuer's façade was revealed to the All-Stars. The Descendants of Calamity were explicitly warned and informed of his existence. As such, only the highest ranks and the elites were fully informed of it, while it remained a rumor. A pioneer column was created, under the leadership of Frieda Muller herself. A three month investigation underwent in efforts to locate and find Erwin. Thankfully, before the blizzards, they were able to locate him in Mannheim. As such, the pioneer column patrolled and looked all over Mannheim during the occupation. 
The pioneers make their way into the forests of Mannheim, Frieda is determined to find Erwin. After a week of searching, they were able to locate an isolated cabin. Upon entering, Frieda and the pioneers find the pins given to Erwin by Ezekiel. She remembered the sentimental value of them, the triangle and the circle pins represent the complete opposite and contrast of the brothers, yet also serve as a memento of remembrance. 
As they exit the house, Erwin finds himself surrounded by the pioneers, as Frieda steps forward.
Frieda: "I've been looking for you, Erwin."
Erwin: "I'm better than what Simoun was. I can't be arrested like this."
Frieda: "We aren't here to arrest you, but to speak to you."
Erwin: "I know that you aren't, yet keep in mind of who I was and can be."
Touched by his speech, Frieda remains silent. Moved by his speech, the pioneers clap yet Erwin orders them to stop.
Erwin: "A murderer should not be celebrated. I ran away from my punishment and my sentence. I am a heretic and a filibuster."
Pioneer: "Yet you are a man who had taken full accountability for your mistakes. It is a rare occurrence."
Erwin: "It is my responsibility, to accept that I was evil and to only move forward from that point."
Pioneer 2: "The moral obligations he had failed to do broke him. As such, some will remain unforgiving."
Erwin: "What I sought was to be celebrated, what I now seek is redemption, to move on from my lowest point."
Pioneer 3: "Well, you can talk the talk. Now, it is time to speak to Felix."
As Erwin surrenders himself to the pioneers, they are met with shock as to how easy he goes down. Never had those soldiers met anyone who take full account of their mistakes and crime. Despite his irredeemable and absolutely brutal actions, he earns the respect of his former comrades. Not through bloodshed but through honorable responsibility. As they march through the snowy forests, a jeep carrying Felix Heisenberg parks in front of them.
Pioneer: "Here he is."
Pioneer 3: "He was supposed to be waiting at camp, why is he here all of the sudden?"
As Felix gets off his vehicle, he remains silent as Erwin walks before him, from there, Erwin salutes as Felix returns it.
Frieda: "How about the revelation? How will his identity be revealed?"
Felix: "We'll tread lightly first. It starts with you pioneers. It will start off as rumors, and when he is deployed, the news will come out. In that way, it is obvious that we aren't just performing a publicity stunt, and in the same way, out of respect for Erwin. This way, there will be no possible conspiracies and evidences to conclude or say that Erwin is Simoun, since their respective appearances are months apart. Recently, we had discovered a concentration camp, and it can seem as if Erwin was a prisoner there."
Pioneer: "I see, so his survival will begin as a rumor?"
Felix: "Precisely. Though, your trucks are waiting for you pioneers, Erwin will ride my jeepney."
Frieda: "Yes, sir. We'll head out."
Frieda gathers the pioneers as she and Erwin stare each other for 10 seconds before leaving each other yet again. Their respective vehicles lead them back to Heilbronn. 
==== Chapter 9:2:2 - The ride to Heilbronn ====
The jeepney transports both Felix and Erwin back home. On their way, Erwin notices significant sights caused by the war.
As they reach the main road going to Heilbronn, multiple Socialist confederates march unarmed under the escort of Confederates. He sees that these are surrendered Confederates who lost the morale to fight. As he observes the faces, multitudes of them are young men. The sight of aged and old men are scarce, with them only being a few officers and majors. He concludes that most officers ran off to escape imprisonment. 
Then, they reach a captured village. He observes multiple dead bodies of soldiers from both sides and impoverished civilians. Most of the people are cold, and the corpses are devoured by the snow. A lot of civilians have also been lined up and killed. The sheer tyranny and war crimes committed, regardless of both sides were repulsive, yet Erwin knows he cannot do anything about it.
Before reaching Heilbronn, they reach a town that seems happy, yet feels odd. The main sights are that of soldiers around the town square and barely any civilian wandering around the town. If so, they are either children playing and beggars begging. But, by now, Erwin does nothing but think to himself of the irredeemable things he and the Socialists did. Either way, again, he is powerless against it. Germany will remain as a diminished and detrimental country.
==== Chapter 9:2:3 - Tomb of Heroes ====
As Erwin returns to Heilbronn, he is taken to a grand cemetery where multitudes of Soldiers are buried. Thousands of graves and statues of great soldiers lost in the war lie here, from both sides. It is resented by the Confederates, some generals and colonels hating it believing that Socialists and Federalists don't belong to the same graveyard. Nonetheless, Erwin exits the vehicle along with two guardians from the Prussian Spear to escort him to Lieutenant Germany, who wishes to speak with him.
As they reach the peaceful garden, still having a few green grasses with not much snow, Erwin and Lieutenant Germany spot each other. LTG waits under a tree as Erwin approaches him, before standing and saluting LTG who returns it.
LTG: "Erwin, I am not angered by you."
Erwin: "Colonel, I owe not an apology, but my life."
LTG: "It is hard to know what you should give after everything, right?"
Erwin: "I remain guilty, yet, I am aware it is something I should accept, Colonel."
LTG: "You are rational, once was emotional but was broken by anger and hate."
Erwin: "Precisely, Colonel. I fell to darkness and allowed temptation to get the better of me, Colonel."
LTG: "Erwin, you don't always have to see me as a Colonel. I am your Uncle."
Erwin finally stops retaining his professional tone, as he makes eye contact with the Colonel.
LTG: "In truth, yes, you were a tyrant. Communities and multitudes suffered under your wrath and anger. However, you are past that. I've heard you attempted to liberate yourself from these chains of sin. Now, you found virtues and peace in a way that I cannot say. I was once in that place too, Erwin."
==== Chapter 9:2:4 - A glimpse to a wise man's past ====
"In truth, I have rarely been honest at that point of my life. I saw nothing but myself, because I believed that I already lost everything. I was a pusher and financier of drugs. I enforced a gigantic drug operation that hurt and killed others. I did it because I liked it and I made money off of it. I was a criminal, yet I was young. I had no reason of getting myself into these vices other than for money and notoriety. Hence, why I keep my name a secret that only few people, most dead, know. Obviously, I was also a tyrant. I killed people if they chose not to comply and I had to kill those who fled from this "game". I can never forget these dark memories. It consumes me whole, especially when my organization was finally collapsed through a violent gang war."
"I am past that, and I accepted it, thus, I redeemed myself by ignoring that past and leaving it. Hence, why we contrast and are similar to one another, as if you are a younger version of me, Erwin. I want you to realize how much you mean to me and how this is my chance to prevent myself from making the same mistakes. I want to guide you to a better and brighter future, Erwin. You are me, and I want to treat you the way I should have treated myself. That's all. I'll light up a path for you to take, and all you should do is follow it."
Erwin was touched by Lieutenant Germany's story. Though, he couldn't hold back his emotions. As their meeting concludes, he hugs his uncle and understands what he needs to do next: Redemption.
=== Chapter 9:3 - Acceptance ===
==== Chapter 9:3:1 - Grandieoffizier ====
Within the cemetery, the president Grimm Klinge alongside the human vessel of the Ghost Man pay their respects to the fallen All-Stars and heroes of the war. Regardless of their nativity, they salute both the buried Confederates and Federalists. They walk around the cemetery, talking about the stories of each individual they salute. Eventually, they reach the tombs of the All-Stars. They reminisce of the fine fighting force that slowly wanes as the war rages. They discuss the fallen All-Stars, Heinrich and Dellion alongside honorable mentions. They are surrounded by Descendants of Calamity and Honor Guards that serve as sentinels to protect them from any threat.
Grimm: "Both these valiant servicemen were motivated by love and compassion. Yet, their lives were taken away by evil."
Ghost Man: "Despite the depressing truth, they taxed their own lives to lighten our dark destiny."
Grimm: "However, their losses could have been avoided easily if this war didn't happen in the first place."
Ghost Man: "What is there can we regular people do about that issue? No matter what, resentment, hate, prejudice and anger will continue to grow. Among all the powerful people in the world, all the presidents, leaders, emperors and dictators have their own sentiments. They always act irresponsibly, forgetting their true duties as servicemen and kings of countries and kingdoms. Driven by emotion, they allow millions to die under their rule. Shameless runts and false gods."
As the two share their bitter sentiments about war and disapproval, Erwin enters their presence. As Grimm notices, he tips his hat and takes it off before leaving the area with two guards escorting him. Erwin salutes Ghost Man's vessel as it responds with a salute as well. Shortly after, the Ghost Man speaks.
Ghost Man: "Simoun Lombardi."
Erwin: "That is not who I am anymore."
Ghost Man: "79 people have died under your power, are you aware? In fact, a lot of them are buried here, including Dellion, who is just a few feet away."
Erwin remains silent, not knowing how to respond.
Ghost Man: "Luckily, you are influential. If we were to reveal your reality, then the country will fall under turmoil."
Erwin: "Where is Nikolas?"
Ghost Man: "He is in Heilbronn, awaiting the festival tonight."
Erwin: "Is he wary of me?"
Ghost Man: "He's rather hostile to you and condemns your ideologies and actions. As I've said before, you broke his trust, yet he still accepts you as family. Now, disperse and recollect because you'll be deployed soon."
Erwin nods and salutes the Grandieoffizier before leaving promptly to the town of Heilbronn to find Nikolas while he waits for the festival.
==== Chapter 9:3:2 - Heilbronn Wine Festival ====
As the sun sets, multiple shops and markets open for the upcoming festival. Unfortunately for Erwin, Nikolas is nowhere to be found. He sits down by a market to indulge in delicacies and wine served by citizens of Heilbronn. Cheerful dancing, marching and singing ensues all over the town. Meanwhile, the soldiers also join in the festivity, rejoicing and celebrating their victories whilst looking forward to the fall of the Confederacy.
As Erwin sits in solitude planning to find Nikolas yet again, Frieda joins him in dining.
Frieda: "Why are you alone? Why had you not contacted me?"
Erwin: "I doubt that I even deserve accompaniment. Yet, I'll appreciate yours."
Frieda sits down in front of Erwin, without anything to eat.
Erwin: "Do you want anything? Perhaps steak?"
Frieda: "I've already eaten."
A moment of silence between the two ensues.
Erwin: "Frieda, you're willing to watch me eat here knowing my truth?"
Frieda: "Well, I know that if you really care about someone, you have to accept them, right?"
Erwin: "I don't understand. How is a man of absolute moral repulsion worthy of empathy?"
Frieda: "Believe me, it isn't your fault you felt that way. You were once driven by truth and noble desires, but was consumed by temptation caused by anger and resentment."
Erwin: "I was obligated to save you, other than that, I wanted to."
Frieda: "Look at it this way, you're broken the same way I am. The events that unfolded were pivotal to our respective lives. Yet, I had faith that you were alive in a way. I had faith that there is still this one microscopic possibility of your existence. Even if it wasn't the way I wanted it to be, it still came."
Erwin: "What is your point, Frieda?"
Frieda: "Erwin, you have done so much. I care about you. There is something I sense despite the things that have happened. There is still this virtue that remains asleep inside of you. I have faith that you will move on from this darkness."
Erwin looks down as he finishes his food.
Erwin: "Thanks, I guess?"
Frieda stands up and asks Erwin to follow her, he nods as he follows her as they enter the building and walk the flights of stairs.
==== Chapter 9:3:3 - Orange and Green ====
They walk up the stairs, and make it to the final story of the building. Frieda leads Erwin to the balcony as he recognizes this was the balcony where he began developing feelings for her. They look over the lit up city and the festivities it holds. Once, it was in ruins, but now the citizens enjoy happiness after they rebuilt their hometown. Fireworks fly into the sky as both watch in awe of the peace they never felt in years, their eyes light up respectively. 
They feel the cold breeze of the night as they feel each other's presence. At that point, Erwin was happy, all his pain went away when he was with his love. Frieda felt the same, he loved spending time with him. No matter what, he loved him for who he was, and still had faith in his redemption. Erwin started to shiver from the cold, as Frieda notices. Ignoring the nervousness, Frieda acts based on her will;
Frieda: "Your hands are shaking... Let me hold one, okay?"
Frieda holds Erwin's hand which promptly and gradually stops the shaking, afterwards, they continue to feel each other's presence.
Frieda: "No matter what you say, I always have faith in you, Erwin. You are a kind soul trapped in the devil's mask. You only need someone to help you. And that will be me and your family, Erwin."
Erwin tears up, yet hides his tears to preserve his dignity. For all of his life, his contact with women were scarce, and he was especially wary of them upon hearing Ezekiel's experiences. But now, he doesn't doubt it, he feels the passion. The fires of love warm their cold hearts. They finally unite, feeling the passion they've been holding in each other for so long. On December 8th, 1943, they finally show their true feelings.
Erwin: "Frieda, ever since I met you, you were different, really. From the others, you stood out like a bright star in a constellation."
Frieda: "Quit it with those words... Just tell me..."
As Erwin inhales and prepares the ultimate statement, he utters it solemnly from his mouth;
Erwin: "I love you, Frieda."
A spark of happiness enters Frieda's soul filled with optimism as he finally said it. Passionately, Frieda replies;
Frieda: "I love you too, Erwin."
They face each other, as they know hold both their hands. The fireworks continue to whistle, whir and explode. As they look into each other's eyes, their fingers intertwine. Their passion grows stronger as they start to caress each other's bodies. Inching closer and closer, their lips intertwine, their eyes close. Romantically, they kiss as if they were getting married. The passion grows ever so slightly as their kisses grow more aggressive. They feel each other completely, and it fills up their hollow hearts. Finally, they feel the love that they yearned mutually.
As they slightly groan out of pleasure from their kisses, their lust and love only grows. Lost for adjectives, it is extremely sensual for both of them. They continue to caress each other as they stimulate their lips. Eventually, their kiss then included tongue to add to the heat of the situation. It is incredibly new for both, yet it felt so good and irresistible. Both ignore the sanctity of the situation and the entire war, as they focus on their desires and love for one another. After five minutes of intense kissing, they pull away and look at each other momentarily.
Erwin: "Not here... There are available rooms in this inn, right?"
Frieda: "Yes... I already have one reserved for us..."
Erwin: "Alright, let's continue there, I guess... Though, don't be surprised... This is my first time."
Frieda: "I'll lead the way, Amor."
Both head into their reserved room to spend the night together.
==== Chapter 9:3:4 - Clarity ====
Midnight as Frieda is asleep in their room, Erwin stays awake to cool off after their romantic moment. He thinks to himself of his achievements, practically boasting to himself under his breath whilst his Amor sleeps. Though, it made him think to himself briefly; particularly, questioning his life and the righteousness of what he has right now and what he's been doing. 
Hallucination Ezekiel: "What struggles have you faced to receive this love? One that I've yearned for my life and died for? The ones that I thought loved me turned out to be deceiving whores. You sit here, not minding the massacres and brutalities you've done and enjoy feeling the lips of another woman? What can you say about yourself, Erwin?"
Erwin began to hallucinate, seeing Ezekiel, Nikolas, Claude, Friederich, Vigor and his old comrades and band members everywhere he looks. As such, he keeps a low profile to prevent waking Frieda up. Though, he continuously thought to himself.
"Despite that these are all in my head, I still cannot forgive myself. Despite the counsel and support I receive, I am stuck in the image of a Diablo. All the people I've killed had hidden feelings and purposes. Their potential was hindered due to my thirst for vengeance and what I believed to be the good cause. To think of it, from my brother's words, I began innocent but faced the darkest of the world. It consumed me. I myself spread the darkness from there. Though, I believe that I can still be lit. That maybe Frieda is the torch to light up this heavy feeling of darkness inside of me."
"Maybe I can still prove myself. Forget the past, perhaps as it doesn't define me."
=== Chapter 9:4 - Crisis ===
==== Chapter 9:4:1 - En Route to Camp Nurau ====
The next morning, Frieda and Erwin get ready together to return to their duties as soldiers. They button their uniforms, zip their pants, buckle their boots and equip their webbings. As snow fell, the color palette of the uniforms adapt; now, they are white instead of the smock dark green akin to gray. They look at each other one last time to say their last vows of love as they gently kiss each other's lips.
Frieda: "Amor, once this war is over, we'll live somewhere far away from urban setting. Somewhere peaceful and full of greenery, Erwin."
Erwin: "I will fulfill that promise of ours, to have a ring around each other's fingers. Forever, I'll be yours."
Frieda: "Your benevolent words feel so different, Erwin. I love it."
Erwin: "Though, let's focus on winning the war for now, alright? I'll use my earnings for our stability."
The megaphone announces that Erwin is being summoned by Ghost Man alongside a new pioneer column for a mission. Erwin looks at Frieda one last time, as the tips of their fingers touch before they go their separate ways for now.
Erwin arrives back in Heilbronn castle, being recognized by a few. By now, he is a star in the townsfolk's rumors as people now have noticed that he is still alive. Careless, he politely enters the courtroom that Ghost Man summoned him to. As he enters, he sees Nikolas, who he makes eye contact it but is shortly broken as his cousin looks away. 10 pioneers, 3 of them as elites are also present. Ghost Man's ghost vessel is at the end of the courtroom, as it hovers above its pot. All of them group up into a shoulder-to-shoulder formation as Ghost Man briefs them of their next mission.
Ghost Man: "Your leader, Zacharias wasn't able to make it today, so I'll speak on his behalf. The Prussian Spear alongside the Army Infantry located multiple settlements called concentration camps around the south. The saboteurs launched an espionage to locate more camps around Germany, and there are shockingly a lot more than 20. The western city of Nuremberg is known to have one, and I am sending you elites to liberate it. Stuttgart is currently under heavy fire from us and will be captured in a few days. Erwin and Nikolas will be your Commanding Officers. You'll all be transported to the FOB nearby Nuremberg and will be dispatched on the mission ASAP. Dismissed."
All: "Yes, sir."
Afterwards, Ghost Man retracts into his pot. Erwin orders the pioneers to meet up by the transportation depot once they ready their equipment as they comply to the order. Nikolas just nods and leaves but Erwin doesn't pursue. He knows for a fact that Nikolas is disappointed or enraged by him but all he really cares about is that he is okay and alive.
==== Chapter 9:4:2 - Silent Sympathy ====
En route to Nuremberg, the pioneers are currently hiding from an upcoming patrol of a tank and infantry. They are concealed within the foliage and snow, waiting for the convoy to pass them. A man equips his Panzerfaust or Tank Fist, a rocket propelled gun to put the upcoming tank out of commission. Erwin signals them to conceal and hide as the first columns of confederates pass through. The pioneer's machine gun sets up its nest and cocks its gun, ready to fire, locked and loaded. Nikolas readies his kinetic art and gradually freezes the air to make the air thinner and lower awareness of his enemies.
As the tank passes the rocketeer, he fires to the rear of the tank, penetrating the armor and blowing up the engine. The fire reaches the insides of the tank, completely tearing up the ammunition inside causing a large explosion that destroys the tank completely. The machine gun opens fire and mows down the confederates. Before they knew it, they won their ambush as the remaining survivors retreat from where they came from. The pioneers complete their side-quest, embarking to follow the trail to Nuremberg. The might of the pioneers are unmatched, with them having a complete advantage due to Nikolas' ability, showing their formidable power during the winter.
As they march, they stumble upon a small house manned with a machine gun. Erwin notices that a squad of Prussian Spear mercenaries are about to attack. He quickly orders his rocketeer to destroy the gunner's nest as he complies. The remaining confederates who are notably young raise their arms in a surrender. Erwin stands out as he and his men aim their guns at them. The Prussian Spear mercenaries secure the area as they detain the captured men. Erwin orders the Prussian Spearmen:
Erwin: "For now, relocate and take care of these prisoners. An FOB is nearby. Strip them off of any intelligence and weapons. Two of my men will escort you there. Do not hurt these men, they've fought enough."
They all submit to his sudden charisma as they follow his orders. Erwin and his remaining men continue their march toward their destination.
==== Chapter 9:4:3 - Death camp ====
As they march near the camp, a confederate nest watches over them to prepare to ambush them. Erwin and the rest of the pioneers don't notice. Their footsteps grow louder for the confederates before a pioneer notices them. They open fire. They injure 1 of the men and kill another. Erwin and his squad returns fire while Nikolas attempts to flank the enemy position with another pioneer. The crossfire ensues as Erwin shoots an incendiary bullet and annihilate 3 confederates with fire. 
Nikolas reaches the high ground and extinguishes the fire and suppresses the rest of the pioneers. Shortly after, Erwin's remaining squad begin to push into the position before the gunner managed to open fire again. As they lie down suppressed, one pioneer runs out with a grenade in hand. As Nikolas returns the fire and suppresses the remaining confederates, the pioneer jumps into the hole and suicide bombs the nest, leaving only 5 men remaining that run out of morale and surrender. Erwin orders his remaining men to strip the prisoners off of their weapons as he takes a breather.
As only Nikolas, Erwin and 3 pioneers remain, they inch closer to the camp as they find a vantage point to observe the camp. Erwin orders the 3 other pioneers to watch the camp as Nikolas and Erwin secure their flanks. Now that both are alone, Nikolas is visibly irritated and bothered by Erwin's presence. However, he chooses to go with him anyways. 
They continue to oversee their flanks as the pioneers assess the encampment. Erwin and Nikolas had shared eye contact a couple of times but continuously avoided each other's attention. It is clear that there is some bitterness in this awkward situation. For Nikolas to be next to his brotherly cousin, who turned out to be one of the most notorious killers and a great enemy. For Erwin, it is a shameful state. Knowing the truth he hid and the obscene actions performed. Mustering every bit of his courage, Erwin spoke;
Erwin: "Nikolas, talk to me. We can't pretend to be strangers."
Nikolas: "How can I act so casual around a man responsible for massacres?"
Erwin: "I repented and I am ashamed. I carry the guilt with today, yet there is nothing we can do."
Nikolas: "Can I still even respect you? You've broken my trust, and unfortunately, haven't shattered any other's trust. Simoun's identity remains concealed. We've always thought that he was one person, and was the one responsible for your death. Surprisingly, he wasn't. He was you. For a year, you were remembered as a valiant hero and was thought to be dead. But that was far from the truth. You were a killer, a remarkable one. Ultimately, disgusting, with all of your deception and falsehood. How can I even trust you?"
Erwin: "Say what you want, but it is immovable. I was once a disgusting being. But now, I am motivated to change. What's left is to accept or to reject. Now, you can choose."
Nikolas: "In truth, we are the problem. We are the ones who enlighten the darkness of the people, but are also responsible for blinding them. A lot of us continue to meddle with power and to submit to temptation. I am sick of that truth. That there will always be corruption no matter how righteous one can be. I want a world of perfection and morality, one of peace and no wars. But if the high and mighty continue to be stubborn, it is impossible."
Erwin: "What is it that you are trying to say?"
Their passive-aggressive exchange was cut short when one of the pioneers signal them to traverse into the camp. Erwin is reassured that friendly forces had already overran the encampment. Supposedly, they were supposed to see Codex within the perimeter and capture or kill him. But it is already impossible as the area was already captured by a few other squads.
==== Chapter 9:4:4 - Atrocities of the Reich ====
The pioneers and their leaders descend to the fenceposts of the camp. It is all made from barbed wire and lashed with rust and poison. They see multiple prisoners in striped uniforms come out of their barracks. Upon closer look, they are malnourished, bruised, dirty and emotionless. Their eyes are empty, but simultaneously expressive. The pain rendered them numb, the sorrow being hidden behind their blank faces.
The guilt of the mercenaries were impeccable. As more prisoners come out to stare at them, some rejoice but some stay silent. Erwin stopped hesitating, raising his hand to order one of his men to cut the wires, as they comply. With the pliers dismantling the barbed wires, the prisoners are set free. Some hesitate to walk out, while only a few run away. The soldiers move into the perimeter, seeing lifeless bodies everywhere, seeing crying children, seeing couples cry over their dead loved one and other atrocious sites. Nikolas sheds a tear as his eyes well up completely from this sight. Meanwhile, Erwin's stomach and heart aches, teeth clenching and tears to run down but he manages to compose it.
Erwin, Nikolas and the pioneers wander around the camp to be separated by the large crowds of prisoners. The tortured cry tears of joy, hugging their saviors and the soldiers that freed them. As they look around, it is completely abandoned. The prisoners were purposefully left to die. No guards, no sentinels nor wardens. Some have been lined up and killed, some tied up to fences and some hung.
==== Chapter 9:5:4 - Bittersweet ====
As Erwin walks further into the encampment, the disorder was slowly solved as evacuation came into the perimeter. Multitudes of prisoners were being treated and some being transported. He comes across a prisoner cradling another man who seems to be dying. Erwin looks at them and was curious of the encampment. With no Codex to be found, he asks about the missing commandant, and the prisoner replies.
Prisoner: "Colonel Codex had committed suicide just this morning. Apparently, his superiors found out about his incompetence in the field, and he was to be hung to death. He instead took the easy way out. It served as the catalyst of why this camp was abandoned."
Erwin: "Abandoned? Your captors retreated to save themselves from us? They left you alone?"
Prisoner: "We weren't just left. Most of the remaining Jews were exterminated. Some were lined up and shot at by the firing squad. Some were raped. It was an entire atrocity. I can't find myself recovering from this. But, at this point there is nothing we can do. It remains in the past and I don't want to run away from it. I will remember it. It will serve as a lesson for the future generations. I hope you understand, Officer."
Erwin: "There are no words to describe this. It is inhumane. But, we will help you out of this."
Prisoner: "I remain hopeful. Despite this collateral damages, I want to recover. I believe it starts with forgiveness. Despite the atrocities, some are forced to do it. Some are angered. Some have no other choice. I empathize with the evil, because seeing evil leads you to do good."
Erwin heard this man's words, akin to the advisory and counsel of Lieutenant Germany. 
Erwin: "If I may ask, what happened? Why were you brought here?"
=== Chapter 10:0 - The Tidal waves of Vengeance (Preview) ===
Ghost Man stands at the Tombs of Heroes alone. Despite the cold, he only wears his suit and uniform of formality. He walks to the tomb of Ezekiel Hollenfeuer, observing the print of his face on the tombstone. He caresses the tombstone and hugs it for a small while. In a clear sense, it seems that he is attached to the former All-Star, perhaps relating to him as a close relative.
Ghost Man: "We've not learned from the history of suffering. War and corruption, a sickness erased with black ink. No matter what we do, it remains. Families suffer unimaginable heartache and drastic amounts of lives to be taken. While the catalysts of war do nothing but talk. To the point that some become vigilant and rebellious, killing for their personal gain and resentment. Now, seeing many great people die and be remembered through a tombstone, I take it upon myself that it is my responsibility to end the war I've started."
The truth is revealed, Ghost Man is the Calamity. He was the true progenitor of Kinetic Arts, as he created the phenomenon alongside Erronzein, who seeks revenge for lacking credit. Now, he wants to stop the quarrel and quench the fires he started. He believes in his descendants success, knowing that he created the true Descendants of Calamity and Disastrous chaos.
After a while, Felix walks to Kalamitat, to inform him of Zacharias and a new mission.
Felix: "Sir, Zacharias and the Hydrokinetic All-Star are en-route to their destination. We've tracked down Serene Ziegler. She is a double-agent. Zacharias and Sirius have been sent to capture or kill her."
Kalamitat Hollenfeuer: "Good, ensure their destruction. Serene Ziegler has to be executed, her wrath, resentment and witchery will prove detrimental to human society."