Gate One: The Liberation And Enslavement Of Self [Temple Of Sinners Arc]

A hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his freedom.

This simple phrase ran circles in the mind of one Desmond Hayden, the soldier turned king embracing the burst of new energy upon entering into this new realm of possibility. The soft grass being flattened under the soles of his sandals, the air it's self holding an almost overwhelming smell of floral ascents akin to a fresh meadow. It had been some time since Hayden could honestly say he felt such a calming yet potent feeling rush into his system- a ting in his chest bringing old memories to the surface.

The vision of a young male who's skin bore no marks of war, who's bronze skin shined in a field that was almost too perfect to be considered apart of the mortal realm. The soft laugh of a woman, who's voice could only be compared to the literal angelic tone of God. Soft breeze whistling through open fingers, warm sun beating over the flesh of mortals. Sorrow and remorse had not been born yet, in that world at that time- only happiness was found.

The almost brief stupor Hayden was in was broken at the voice of Nizhuan and Liu explaining themselves and what to do for the male, his mouth opening briefly as if to speak before shutting. Instead like a dog being led to water he would allow himself to be guided before eventually taking a seat between the two woman, his legs crossing as his hands resting in his lap. A brief smile passing over the lips of the man, his shoulders straightening a bit as he took in their information.

"I guess if I am serious I best follow your instructions, eh?"

The male chided in a gentle tone almost as if the world was affecting him in a new degree. He was trying to steel himself but eventually decided that it was better to allow this place to flow in him, through him, and around him. It was why the male was able to stay focused despite the ever present rush of resurfaced memories and emotions.

The calloused hands of Desmond Hayden would extend each seeking to grasp one of Nizhuan's and Liu's. The hardened hands of Desmond Hayden where not akin to hammers or pick axes as one might think, but instead they where more like aged trees. Behind the hard bark which was his skin held years upon years of growth and damage, which eventually healed over to craft the tools of his trade: War.

Yet, all this would be thrown away in an instant as his mind would cast aside all distractions. He trusted the two females enough to know that if they spoke he should listen, just as they advised him in affairs of state and global relations- now he trusted them to advise him on this spiritual harmony which was sought. So as the cascade of colors began to emerge from them he would allow his soul and mind to be completely engulfed in the wave of energy.

The shades of crimson and olive would pour over Hayden as his own energy began to harmonize, the multitude of hollow, shinigami, death matter, and Vastimian energy all morphing and merge. Normally, this would prove a daunting task for a mortal or immortal such as Hayden but he had long surpassed those limitations which where granted to lesser men. His focus was far too sharpened to be lost in this wave of emotion and energy, his will too strong to be shattered under the forceful nature of his life, and his refined skill much to experienced to lose control. Thus, the shades of an unique rainbow would glow from his body rising as he allowed these energy to bare witness to Liu and Nizhuan- just as he did with Cirno.

However, this felt so much more personal- so much growth and experience had happened since that meeting. Even through Cirno set him on his current path with vigor and resolve, it was eventually his own ambitions and thirst for a legacy which allowed him to achieve what he wished. But all that would pale as he opened the flood gates, as he allowed Nizhuan and Liu control to show him these new found concepts.

"I am ready. Liu Xīnshén, Nìzhuan Zhōuqí, bare yourself to my being."

Both Nizhuan and Liu would take note of how hardened and rigid the hands of Hayden were when each of them held one another's hand. It was an interesting contrast to them when compared to their own supple and tender flesh. As, despite being creatures of hell, the bodies of both of these demons still kept their youthful plasticity. So it was something to note, but it would not distract them from what their task was: instilling the methods of visual meditation within the being of Hayden.

"Very well then. We'll begin."

With each of their eyes now closed, Liu and Nizhuan both focused on projecting themselves into the spiritual world of Hayden. At this time they would begin to start the process harmonizing their yin and yang essence as one whole being. Therefore, The Vizard was going to feel a large shot of turbulent, yet tranquil energy being shot forth into his essence. This was the wild energy that compromised the devil before him; even in her most scattered and incomplete parts.

Yet, for now, the depths of how far that went would not be revealed. Instead, they were focused on inserting themselves into his spiritual world and beginning the process of cultivating that place before descending down the dim road of just who they were.

So it is why the two of them first arrived in what appeared to be a black void. There was no light in this space. The only source of illumination that could be found was the blood energy of Liu which radiated from her body, and the plum sense of demonic aura which flowed out of Nizhuan's own essence. With these clusters of powers united as one, they found quite this to be quite the pleasing sight to view. As they could mold this inner world into whatever they desired now that found themselves in this devoid place.

Hence -- they could begin their work.

"Relax. Breathe. Focus."

Those words uttered from Nizhuan, while Liu took over the next course of words to follow.

"Visualize what you believe your inner world to me and I will liberate that vision within yourself, your soul and your whole being."

Following that focused train of thought, The Devil of Liberation would then begin to breathe in and out slowly.

One inhale.

One exhale.

One inhale.

One exhale.

Over and over this would loop until she sat in the lotus position, synchronized herself with Hayden's body and prepared herself for the trying task to come.

"And I will constrain any instabilities that come from this. Give me all of the strong mental images~"

With Nizhuan taking the reigns, an explosion of fiery power radiated throughout his inner world and Nizhuan was more than confident that she'd restrain anything that would come her way. That was the path of subjugation and she'd not allow herself to be easily swayed from that road.

"NOW BEGIN!"

That wasn't a request. That was a command from the two of them. The training could not progress further without Hayden's role in this meditative session.