It take several moment for the disorientation to disappear and your shaking mind to settle somewhat as the memories of the past encounter stay fresh in your mind, but mostly the vision you had when Hadraniel sent you out of her domain is lingering in your mind like a profound mark.

Why would you have a vision of your fair mother as your consciousness weakened for a few seconds, she is dead and probably buried by now yet her ghost still linger?
Chasing away such thoughts, you look around your immediate area and see that you find yourself in a rather small chamber with an open window where various trees are colored in orange and green while losing leaves, perfect picture of autumn and you can’t help but feel slightly alarmed out by the anachronistic ‘’First of Spring’’ on this day.

Or maybe it’s the fact that your whole body is roped tightly in a small, tight cocoon of spider webs, only your feet can be moved reliably and its only by squirming and crawling that displacing your person on the large bed is possible, still the webs are soft and comfortable but a bit too sturdy to break by your average strength alone.

At least you find yourself alone in your room, the closest sharp object is the sword that previously belonged to Athena resting on the unique table, your link tell you that both the knight and the mantis seem to be doing… something?

Although you feel relief washing over you like a wave, probably that the separation from your link was sent by them as well.

But right now how do you get out of this situation?

>>18529328
We haven't lost our ability to cast magic, have we?
Can we form an ice knife and cut ourselves free?

>>18529344

Of course, nothing is lost. You're just roped tightly

Better stop exhausting yourself, and it would be in everyone best interest to not be seen in this position, however mages are rather resourceful lot and you have your share of experience, although you can’t sense magic in your vicinity and entering Focus would reveal your talent to anyone sensible, Zipangu is a friendly enough place to reveal such thing.

And so you enter Focus, feeling the familiar weight of magic on your body and, without delay, cast a sharp knife of ice that tear through the fabric like butter and you soon free yourself of your constraint, only to be somewhat destabilized by a sudden rush of concern coming from 3 different point of view and, in a flash of white that force your eyes closed for a second, stand the angel with whom you’ve talked previously, spear raised while looking around her with the intense gaze of one ready for combat, her wings flapping gently and allowing her to stay in the air.

But then she simply looks at you, for there is clearly no menace in the room.

‘’…Are you all right?’’

Her tone is rather hoarse, seem like she jumped to conclusion

>>18529442
"Yes, quite alright, my Lady. I apologize for unduly concerning you, as you can see I was not in danger."

"Yes, quite alright, my Lady. I apologize for unduly concerning you, as you can see I was not in danger."

Your tone is as smooth and firm as ever, however her eyes are clearly on the remain of the spider webs, then your knife of ice, the angel say nothing and stay still, the link tell you of some confusion, also you feel some relief and a good deal of curiosity coming from Sylphis and Athena who may very well be closing in.

So you let go of Focus, the knife in your hand disperse as the energy allowing it to exist vanish, then you get out from the bed and dust yourself off.

Hadraniel is holding her spear upright, and then finally voice her concern.

‘’ For you to wake up in such position, I advise you to keep my sword on your person at all time, Siegfried’’

The angel doesn’t allow any rebuttal, her form become thinner, drained of colors and a small amount of white powders escape her wings as her presence disappear and return to her sword.

Well, that was something, wasn’t it?

How should you proceed?

>>18529512
Take the sword, and exit the room, going towards Athena and Sylphis. May as well meet them halfway.

Shaking your head, you grab the sword that is, thankfully, in its scabbard and since you lack the proper belt you are forced to keep it in one hand, so you resolve yourself to grab it by the blade.

You’re not exactly trained in the use of such weapons.

Somehow, you feel the gaze of the angel on your person, grabbing the sword and the presence of the link might allow some communication even if she, herself, isn’t present although exchanging words is impossible, as you walk down the hallway the angel seem to be watching over your emotions and intentions so much that you can’t help but feel uncomfortable.

As you walk, you feel Athena actually going away from you, while Sylphis is closing in and as you round a corner, the smaller mantis is looking in your direction, arms somewhat crossed (the retracted scythes being difficult to allow such operation), looking bored and eyeing your sword before nodding.

‘’Any plans?’’

So she ask, you can’t help but feel concerned that Athena isn’t with her but this place is home after all, no need for the two of them to constantly shadow each other’s.

>>18529594
If I remember right we made a deal with the queen. So maybe act on that.

>>18529594
As I recall, we were tasked by Ami to leave that offering for the Angel. Of course, things didn't turn out as planned.

Better go and find her, and tell her what happened.

"Yes, Sylphis. Could you please lead me to where Lady Ame is, currently? I must tell her of the results of my errand."

"Yes, Sylphis. Could you please lead me to where Lady Ame is, currently? I must tell her of the results of my errand."

The Mantis doesn’t exactly show any emotion, and she also doesn’t seem to be having anything according to the link, however she nod at you without saying anything and start leading you through the hallways, starting by retreading some old grounds by going directly back the way you came.
She’s completely silent on the way, concentrating solely on the way there, the previous mischievousness she showed while part of the Queen prank is gone, and in this oppressive silence you start to recognize some of the hallways and soon find yourself in front of the double wooden door of the throne room with a woman exiting, or a monster in this case due to the cat ears and general feline demeanor about her.

She doesn’t seem to be seeing the two of you, a sigh escape her as she voice

‘’Queen is stressed out…’’

Brief bump

>>18529689
"Ah, is the Queen in a foul mood, then, miss?"

"Ah, is the Queen in a foul mood, then, miss?"

The concerned snap to attention and look at you in surprise, then smile has her tail sway back and forth before settling down.

‘’Hmm, well today is a very important day for her and everyone on the island know it, I think it’s pretty safe to assume the other two clans do anyway, at least mine does. She’s not allowing herself any rest, I kind of want to help her but I’m just an envoy, buuh… I hope everything goes well…’’

The cat lady distance herself from the double doors and walk toward you, you look to your left and frown: Sylphis has disappeared.

‘’I’d love to spend the festival here, especially with a new male! Alas I must return… booh booh.. .’’

So she complain and walk away, leaving you alone to look at the closed throne room, you gaze shifting to the sword where a small rush of confidence reaffirm your resolve, the angel is watching after all.

How do you wish to approach the queen?

>>18529842
Enter the throne room, resolute and with a straight back. Explain to her what exactly happened, but that we were able to secure the Angel's cooperation, and that she now watches from within the sword.

Discarding both Sylphis escape and that feline person from your mind, you allow yourself a sigh as you try to imagine the mood of the Queen, if she is indeed under a great deal of stress then you must be at your very best, you haven’t exactly resolved the situation like she would have expected… but at least there an angel watching over you, her gaze and confidence giving you the strength you need.
Stand tall and proud, you open the door and announce.

‘’My Queen, Siegfried Shieffer has returned’’

Minding your tone, you walk toward her, the whole throne room is entirely empty of anyone, and even Yuria is absent. The Queen smile and nod, nothing seems to show that she’s in a bad mood, actually quite the contrary; she’s the same as when you accepted her request.

And then she masks a cough.

You kneel once you get to her level, and with a clear voice you resume the events in the shrine world, the Queen listen in silence.

‘’Rise, Siegfried’’

You obey and look at her bright, golden eyes.

‘’For an Hero of age past, regaining the will to be active again is more than I could possibly ask for, and for her to be your shield satisfy me personally’’

You keep all your emotions in check, but you can’t help but wonder: Did she send you there to gain yet another bodyguard? Sylphis actions earlier, somehow when you say her she seemed to be… a bit out of character.

The queen put one of her hand on your shoulder, and then nod at you.

‘’Siegfried, I thank you dearly for your actions, however I ask you for nothing now, I must prepare for the ritual of cleansing. Please, enjoy this day, I’m certain there some people here you’d like to spend leisure time with’’

>>18530033
"I'd like to spend some time with you"

>>18530033
"My Queen, please, do not push yourself too much. Nor forget what I can do to help."

On the one hand, we know we can suck out corruption, but on the other hand, our knowledge of how Monsters and Corruption works is kind of limited. We could accidentally do more harm than good if we suck out too much.

‘’If I may speak without reserve, Ame, I would like to spend leisure time with you.’’

The Queen close her eyes then put a hand on her chest, near her heart, she doesn’t say nor do anything else and her face stay serene, if not happy, but you can’t help but feel concerned for her.

But then she shakes her head.

‘’I must start very soon, Siegfried, I need to get rid of this corruption, I had some last minutes affair to take care of before secluding myself and… doing my duty.’’

Her hand reaches one of yours and she squeeze it lightly before letting go.

‘’I thank you for your concern, but I-I…’’

She stop as she stutter, turning around as she rub her forehead with the hand that touched yours.

‘’Please, Siegfried’’

>>18530216
"As you command, Ame. But please, allow me to help you, I shall not be far."

I suppose we should take our leave, and track down Sylphis, and Athena.

>>18530216
"Everything will be fine. Let's be togeather for a while."

>>18530301
I agree with this.

>>18530320
There's got to be a reason she doesn't want us to deal with her corruption. We should leave.

"As you command, Ame. But please, allow me to help you, I shall not be far."

You stay still for a moment, watching the back of the smaller woman, you remember when you saw her this morning, someone solid, strong who deserve the title of Queen, she was almost majestic but now?

She seem fragile, she doesn’t face you, she doesn’t place a rebuttal, she only present her back to you as her numerous tails sway, covering most of her body, irregular coughing forcing a strain that would almost shatter her.

There an intense emotion of empathy within you, one that is felt by three other people, the angel is the one whom proximity is closest, thus her confidence and concern is giving you no small amount of strength.

As you walk outside the throne room, you give the queen a last look, her back is still presented to you however you see one of her arms, the hand is balled in a fist, and then you remember what the feline said earlier.

The Queen is under no small amount of stress indeed.

As you exit, you look at the sword, and then feel the link of Sylphis and Athena, part of you wonder, right now. Maybe you should go against the wish of the Queen? Sometime helping someone means going against what they want, she promised to let you help as well.

Or maybe you should simply spend leisure time?

What are you to do, mage?

>>18530398
She may be trying to protect us. Which is uneassary. The'll be no harm.

>>18530414
Find Athena. There are things we need to discuss. Also, be on the lookout for Yuyu.

>>18530424
My concern isn't about us coming to harm. It's about us harming her.
As a Youko, part of her magic is fueld by Corruption. We drain too much of it from her, and we could seriously hurt her.

That being said, INH, you've made me start second-guessing myself.
Maybe we SHOULD help Ame against her wishes.

But first, we should find Athena. Before we do something we might regret, we should find out what this purification ceremony is about, and what it entails. We need to get information from her before we can decide on the right course of action.

>>18530457

Ame-noUzume is a Inari, the Youko is her mother, Tsukiyomi.

Here is the Inari profile.

>>18530457
Agreed. Something seems off about this whole thing.

>>18530479
>>18530457

So then consensus is trying to find out more information on this ritual in order to help the Queen even if she said to leave it alone?

>>18530471
Wait, she has to give the corruption to a man? Through sex?

This may be something we have to be concerned about.

>>18530494
Yes.

>>18530494
I believe so.
I don't think it in our character to leave a suffering person alone.

>>18530501

Think of those profile to be propaganda of the church

There some truth there, but alot of it is made to look bad (ie, sex)

>>18530517
>church propaganda
>says every monster wants sex

DAMN.
Are the Church REALLY that desperate to make the peasantry defect?

>>18530527

The very real threat of getting chased down by your fellow tend to keep people in line, beside, there some incompetance in that large organisation

You let a brief sight.

This empathy of yours is strong, very strong. You only saw the Queen this morning, yet you obeyed her commands and never doubted her words or wishes, she asked for you and send bodyguard to get you as well as have her kin have you transported to her, yet you can’t feel any bad emotions even if she hasn’t revealed anything, not even her intention.

You look at the sword, by simply following her will, you’ve awakened an Hero of age past and gained a shield, her confident and quiet gaze hover over your soul, the link is barely a few hours old, but its strength rival that of Athena and Sylphis.

You can’t help but ask yourself, are you naïve? It’s not wrong to care for the suffering of others, but to act on it like you did in your travels, the simple need to see something bad gone without the need of reward, a strong empathy that drive you onward as you witness the struggling of others…

The queen, you want to help her, dearly, that need, that feeling is almost overwhelming, you feel anger that she must suffer so, you feel sad that someone like her must go through something that, at the very least, is enough to almost break her barrier.

The Queen need help, you can’t simply sit by and watch.
But who could know about the ritual? Hadraniel is out; she stayed a recluse in her shrine, then Sylphis… She’ll be hard to locate, it doesn’t seem like she want to talk to anyone.

(cont)

‘’What do you wish of me, milord?’’

You had several servant searches for Athena, it took about an hour for her to come to the courtyard of the castle. The knight seems distant, her side has a sword different from the one you now hold but she’s looking at you and doesn’t seem to mind the fact that you have what was previously hers.

She seem also… distant, as if she’s forcing herself to not feel anything nor show emotion, the link is a complete wall, and your puzzlement is mirrored by Hadraniel.

>>18530662
"First, Athena, I wish to apologize. I have been distant recently, caught up in my own concerns. Even though we are now in your homeland, I have not spent much time with either of you. I wish to rectify that now."

>>18530662
"Walk with me awhile, won't you?"
Lead her to where we can speak privately and away from people.
"I'd like to speak candidly, Athena. Have I done something to trouble you or Sylphis? I admit that ever since we arrived, I have been caught up things and haven't been able to spend time with you two, and I wish to make up for my thoughtlessness."

"Walk with me awhile, won't you?"

You gesture toward the autumnal forest, there aren’t many monsters in the area and as soon as you find yourself in nature, you and Athena are completely alone amongst the trees. The two of you walked in silence and she stop walking when you do, a small breeze make her ponytail lightly wave in the air, her clothes are much more comfortable looking than the armor she traveled with and you can see much more of the scales of her arms, even some of her feet.

"I'd like to speak candidly, Athena. Have I done something to trouble you or Sylphis?’’

A small smile perk her lisp as she lightly shakes her head to affirm her negation, her relaxed state is… lovely to look at.

‘’I thank you for your concern, Siegfried, but here is the home of me and Sylphis, but… we aren’t member of the queen clan, even if both her and me wish dearly, however Sylphis is in a much more dire situation than mine, so we both try to live with the stress.’’

You soak the information’s, you can’t help this nagging feeling, even if she’s smiling now, Athena seems…. Sad?

‘’I have been caught up things and haven't been able to spend time with you two, and I wish to make up for my thoughtlessness."

You say in one breath, a small laugh escape the lizardwoman who quickly stop herself and put a hand on her sword, before a small, content sigh escape her.
>cont

‘’I thank you for your concern, I did not ask what business the Queen would want with an amnesiac, even if I care it is not my place to know unless she deem it so, but both me and Sylphis know that what you have to do with her must be vital, so there is no hard feelings, beside, we share a link…’’

She trail off.

‘’Today is the First of Spring, a day of celebration, one that I usually spend with Sylphis, Do you… have plans?’’

Her back is turned to you, the link is telling enough of her embarrassment

>>18530789
"Only that I wish to spend the day with you and Sylphis, Athena."

>>18530789
"No plans. I am at the service of the queen, and a spider may be stalking me, but no plans."

rolled 31 = 31

>>18530789

"Not really, no. So what do you and Sylphy usually do on this day?"

"No plans. I am at the service of the queen, and a spider may be stalking me, but no plans.''

You’re not very good with jokes, but still allowing yourself to relax with someone who saved your life in pretty much every single one of your hostile encounter is a good thing, a very good one.

Athena turn to you with one eye closed, rubbing the back of her head, seem like she’s bothered by that statement.

‘’Please don’t bully Yuria too much, would you?’’

‘’Yuyu is good company’’

There a silence as the knight repeat ‘’Yuyu’’ after you.

She manages to stifle her laugh.

You look at the sword in your hand, where an angel reside, away from the world, you’d like it if she could get out and live, like you said to her back then.

This is not the time to get sidetracked

‘’So what do you and Sylphis usually do on this day?"

Athena looks at you while putting one of her clawed finger on her chin, reminiscing slightly.

‘’It depend, really, the forest is off limit to outsiders so we usually tend to be here, sometime we wait for the Queen to finish her ritual near the temple, but we don’t celebrate much. It did happen for Ame-no-Uzume to barge in with alcohol when the ritual went well however’’

>>18530897
"Is it forbidden for you to tell me what this ritual entails?"

>>18530897
"Oh? What is this ritual that the Queen performs?
"Should we wait at the temple with some wine ready, then?"

"Is it forbidden for you to tell me what this ritual entails?"

That what you really want to know, although simply talking with Athena is more than rewarding enough, you resolved yourself to do something for the Queen, even if she doesn’t agree to it.

After all, you can eat corruption

Athena, however, looks down and closes her eyes, and for a moment you think that it is a secret she cannot tell you.

‘’I do not know myself, it is a ritual made in enclosed space with only her most trusted aide, Yuria, as company. It is magical in nature, that much I am certain, but I cannot answer your question, for the knowledge elude me.’’

That what you were expecting, the Queen is a person of many secret.

"Should we wait at the temple with some wine ready, then?"

You say with a smile, Athena give you a small, mocking laugh as she walk to your side and press herself on the tree next to you.

‘’I’m fairly certain you cannot hold your liquor, milord’’

The discussion then quiet down, both of you simply enjoying the silence and each other’s presence, your mind at ease and your heart thumping slightly.

How do you proceed? Perhaps there is more information to be gained, but the ritual may be soon as well, the sky is of the most brilliant of orange, Dusk is settling in.

>>18531008
Maybe we should go to the temple. For one, since Athena and Sylphis tended to wait for the Queen there, we might find Sylphis. And two, we will be close by in case Ame needs our help.

rolled 13 = 13

>>18531029

Sounds good. We'll be close enough should help be required.

‘’Then, Athena, Would you give me the pleasure of yours and Sylphis company while we wait for the queen to accomplish her precious ritual?’’

The Lizardwoman stay silent, her head hanging back, letting her brown hair flow as you feel a small myriad of emotions, but then, perhaps because she knew of her prying, she jump slightly and turn around with a small, precious smile on her lips while her expression made your heart jump.

‘’If such is your wish, I would certainly not deny you our company, I will go fetch Sylphis’’

So the relaxed knight say, she walk at a brisk pace while her scaled tail swing slightly.

Well, maybe this is for the best?

Except that your train of thought is interrupted rudely, in your pocket, you feel a slight, sudden pulse of magic.

That magic stone you picked up at the college is acting up.

>>18531139

Forgot mah trip

>>18531139
Pick it up and hold it in our hand.

rolled 88 = 88

>>18531139

Acting up, how?

Take it out and examine it. It might be reacting to the surroundings.

Making certain of your solitude, you pick up the stone and examine it.

Small, spherical, the magic in it seem to be pumping, spreading in a very small arc around your palm that doesn’t even seem to go past your torso.

Why did it suddenly activate? However, you hear some crushing of leaves and, suddenly, the angel Hadraniel come out of hiding in a shower of white powder, very different from the sudden flash in the closed room.

‘’Siegfried? You are very alarmed, something is amiss?’’

But then you see someone hiding near the nearby tree, all you can see is some dark, blue hairs as the silhouette fidget and the stone continue pumping rhythmically.

rolled 41 = 41

>>18531231

"This stone seems to have reacted to some stimuli. Exactly what I'm not sure."

Turn to the silhouette.

"Don't be afraid, I won't hurt you. Will you show yourself?"

>>18531276
Second.

>>18531276
Third.

"This stone seems to have reacted to some stimuli. Exactly what I'm not sure."

You hold the stone near the angel who frown while examining it.

‘’Hmm, magic is pulsing out of it, I cannot say I have ever seen a phenomenon similar to this…’’

However she stop talking as behind you, Athena emerge with a hand on her sword, and stay utterly speechless when she face the angel who, very simply, nod at her.

Well that was to be expected, your sudden change of emotions must have puzzled her a great deal, however you look at the hiding, shy form near a tree a few meters from you, you can’t help but have a sense of… familiarity.

"Don't be afraid, I won't hurt you. Will you show yourself?"

Athena stay silent, even alarmed and confused, she simply keep her distance and look at what you are looking, maybe a group together would scare that hiding person?

‘’Who could ever be afraid of you, Siggy?’’

The voice leaves you speechless, the feeling of familiarity… déjà vue? Its strong, unsettling, the woman hiding near the tree reveal herself.

Long, dark blue hairs ending near her ankle bright golden eyes and fair skin, each time a breath escape her lisp there is cold fume, sometime the soil beneath her feet freeze over.

This person…

This person!

You almost crumble as your mind overheat, the angel supporting you and looking at the embarrassed woman, concern washing over the link, alarm coming from Athena.

You’ve seen that person before.

And in your hand, the stone continue its pump of magic.

rolled 13 = 13

>>18531378

Climb to our feet and start walking towards her.

"You...who... I... I know you but I don't... Who are you?"

>>18531378
"I..I know you...?"
Regain our composure.
"I am sorry, m'lady. I must apologize, for while I recall that we have met, the particulars elude me. You have me at a disadvantage; you know my name, but I, not yours. May I know your name?"

"I..I know you...?"

You look at her, she’s a bit small, her eyes speak mischievous amusement, and concern and something… warm? The angel at your side who is supporting you tighten her grip, looking at this sudden intruder that managing to rock you to your core, Hadraniel is watchful and careful and stop you from walking toward her.

Athena has a hand on her forehead, the link telling you of a pain similar to yours, you also sense the sudden concern of Sylphis who must be well on her way over here now.

This woman, each time she breathe out, a cold fume escape her… cold, her eyes are warm…

You take a deep, deep breath.

‘’Hadraniel, I am good’’

‘’I wish not leave your side, Siegfried, I cannot identify her due to your knowledge of my circumstance, but I am wary.’’

You shake your head and walk toward the monster, leaving a small distance with the angel who accompanies you, Athena also does but seems to be covering the rear.

"I am sorry, m'lady. I must apologize, for while I recall that we have met, the particulars elude me’’

Her gaze fall on the ground and her eyes close, but her smile stay, she stays silent and simply waits.

‘’You have me at a disadvantage; you know my name, but I, not yours. May I know your name?"

‘’You remembered most of your life but most of the most important things were robbed or stayed hidden, Siggy… there not much time, and I am very sorry to say that. But there is something I must ask, please hear me’’

>cont

She make a small bow

‘’This stone, Siggy… please, lend. No I shall not lie, I need you to give it to me’’

A frown come from the angel, while Athena seem to be swayed by emotions and wish to grant the request of this illusive, cold natured lady.

‘’I advise you not too, Siegfried.’’

Hadraniel glare at the woman, a hand on her spear, and the Yukioona fidget, clearly intimidated.

rolled 89 = 89

>>18531553

"Hadraniel, why? Why would you advise so?"

>>18531553
"Why do you need it? What does it mean to you?"

The stone pump again, magic being projected on your body, as rhythmical as a heart.

You turn to the angel

"Hadraniel, why? Why would you advise so?"

Your voice is strong, almost cold and clearly accusing.

You care about that person standing there, the angel bow her head slightly.

‘’Someone comes out of woodwork to claim an artifact you possess, I cannot condone it, but if it is your wish…. I am your shield, after all’’

Athena walks to your side, looking at the person who gives her a small, knowing smile.

‘’Siegfried, I’ve seen that mons-… that person before’’

A rather large amount of empathy come from her, is the knight softer than you?

You look at the woman who walks toward you, slowly, however her form seem to be… getting smaller?

"Why do you need it? What does it mean to you?"

The lady of Snow stop, eye Athena spear, then softly say.

‘’Life’’

>>18531611
Yours or another?

>>18531611
Cup the stone, then hand it to her.
"That I my time with you must have affected me greatly, that even when I have forgotten so much, that I still remembered you."

rolled 81 = 81

>>18531611

Siggy would not easily let someone else die. Not even if it meant losing an artifact he clearly cherished.

Give it to her.

>>18531633

She places a hand on her chest.

‘’Mine’’

The pump from the stone, its magic, seem to be softening, you can clearly feel it.

‘’I ask for your trust, Siegfried.’’

The angel takes a deep breath and shakes her head.

‘’I cannot trust this person’’

>>18531667
Give her the stone.

>>18531667
"I can."

>>18531688
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5k8KYp0aaJY

rolled 17 = 17

Don't do it!

Give it to her.

‘’Hadraniel’’

You take a step toward the smaller Yukioona, your voice carrying the authority of a king.

‘’I trust her’’

And that is what is most important, the angel frown and nod, however her brilliant eyes are on the woman and unwavering.

‘’I wish that I could remember my time with you, but for such emotions to batter my defenses when I first laid eyes on you…’’

You extend your hand and gently place the pink stone in her palm, a small burst of magic.

‘’Take good care of it, and come back to me’’

‘’Thank you dearly’’

She smile, her eyes are open, a beautiful yellow…

And then Hadraniel enter Focus.

>cont

Monsters are not supposed to be able to do something like this, but angels are unique creature in that regard, while the Hero is crippled in her way of casting, she can emulate the talent of humanity rather well, but it comes at quite a severe cost of efforts.

Each and every one of her veins glow of the most pure of white and in a battle cry with a burst of magic, her wings flaps as she charge, spear ahead, right toward the Yukioona

‘’STOP’’

So scream Athena who can only destabilize the angel with a glancing blow of her arm, the powerful charge of the angel lose speed slightly and, as you look confused, you hear her whisper.

‘’Thank you dearly, Siegfried Shieffer’’

You hear a strong word of magic and… and before the spear of the angel can skewer the girl, she disappears.

Leaving nothing but a stain of blackish liquid.

Corruption.

>>18531795
Is it something that will disappear on its own? If not, dispose of it.

"Hadraniel, please explain yourself. Why did you attack her, when I told you that I trusted her?"

>>18531795
Uh oh.
Was that not who we thought it was?

Athena was acting dazed and the holy angel was freaked out by her. should have been obvious but .... damn you, Siegfried and your trusting nature.

rolled 81 = 81

>>18531865

And damn our meta knowledge and hopes of reviving Avina.

Good show, INH.

>>18531865
It seems to have helped us more than it's gotten us into trouble.

You don’t let the excitement get the better of you, the angel is past the stain but your hunger already activates and, crouching, you hover your hand over it and concentrate, then absorb.

Absorb…

As the corruptions enter your body and your endless hunger consumes it, somehow the effort is…

‘’Siegfried!’’

Eating corruption, you have to do it! It’s what makes you such a precious individual, is it not? How can such a small stain… you haven’t done it in a while, as you concentrate, Athena crouch nearby and put a hand on your shoulder, you gain back lost confidence and soon, that stain is good for good, eaten and you stand up.

The angel Hadraniel is using her spear for support as sweat pour down from her body, her armor glistening in the fair, dusk sun, out of breath and seemingly unable to stand by her own effort, her almost crumpled form seem to be giving the image of a broken knight, she already let go of Focus.

‘’You are not… to be blamed, Siegfried, if only I had my abilities, the fault is mine’’

Athena help you up, looking at you, then the Angel, you also notice that you’ve let the sword fall on the floor.

‘’Are you… Siegfried, the ritual will be soon, but, that girl, the stone, I mean what was going on?’’

>If my quality is dropping ,say so

That aside, lets track that bitch down and make her pay for deceiving us

rolled 77 = 77

>>18531935

"I I don't really know... I think... I know her? And that stone is... somehow... related as well..."

>Its still good INH.

Assure Hadraniel it wasn't her fault but ours and apologize for not trusting her.

have her return to her sword so she dosen't tax herself

>>18531935
"Do you think I'm too trusting, Athena? Well, I suppose it doesn't matter much at the moment. The deed is done."

"Hadraniel, you have my thanks. Don't overtax yourself. I should have been more suspicious, and you are not to blame for my own actions. The shield does not share the fault of the soldier."

"Let us find Sylphis and return. It's getting late."

>>18531935
"No, no, the fault is mine alone Hadraniel. I chose to disregard your counsel. Please do not over-exert yourself.
"I do not know. Her form...I knew that face, that voice. But it may not have been who I felt it was."

For now, we should probably go to the temple and wait for the ritual.

You let some time past, allowing you to better let go of this ‘’second state’’ that is eerily similar to Focus when you want to… eat.

The angel is still recovering, the very small time she was in Focus exhausted her that much, a little more and she might have overcharged her nerves.

"Do you think I'm too trusting, Athena? Well, I suppose it doesn't matter much at the moment. The deed is done."

Your voice is hoarse and heavy sarcasm and self-hatred. You have been utterly deceived and lost…

‘’Siegfried…’’

The knight at your side, you don’t need help to stand but she supports you anyway, if only to give comfort through proximity.

"Hadraniel, you have my thanks. Don't overtax yourself’’

You look at her, still taking deep breaths, she returns your gaze, hers much more solid than your own, and of that you are certain.

‘’I should have been more suspicious, and you are not to blame for my own actions. The shield does not share the fault of the soldier."

‘’Siegfried…’’

>cont

You look down, shaking your heard and avoiding making a grimace, frustration, hatred toward your foolishness…

‘’Your trusting nature is your most endearing trait, Siegfried.’’

The angel walks to you, putting a hand on your shoulder, then turn her gaze toward Athena.

‘’Wouldn’t you say so as well, Young Knight? Or perhaps you should be called his Sword?’’

Athena blink and immediately look –and walk- away, leaving you to stand by yourself, she take a deep breath.

‘’Well, I guess…’’

Hadraniel close her eyes, but reopen them, meeting your gaze with steel.

‘’Angels were to be the antithesis of Monsters, when I entered Focus I was able to identify the creature deceiving you, I shouldn’t have waited, but I did not jump to conclusion… Siegfried, the one who stole your stone, might have been a Lilim.’’

And then you hear the crushing of leaves as Sylphis enter and, watching your trio, simply give a dumbfounded stare.

>sorry for the tiny pic, but couldn't find anything better

rolled 38 = 38

>>18532113

>heres a larger one
>also:
>http://danbooru.donmai.us/pool/show/2206

"Could you tell where she disappeared to? I must make amends. I cannot leave that stone with her."

>>18532131
Agreed, but only if it won't put more strain on Hadraniel. If she attempts to go into Focus again, she'll likely burn out her nervous system.

Athena walk toward the Mantis who seem to be slightly panting, given the sweat present on her she most likely ran quite a distance, it’s probable that the lizardwoman is going to fill her in on recent events.

"Could you tell where she disappeared to? I must make amends. I cannot leave that stone with her."

So you say as you walk toward the angel and try to help her up a bit, you spy a faint blush on the fair maiden face, the link is telling her shyness to your proximity.

‘’She is probably on the island, but as to identify where she is? That is… I do not know, I cannot say I have ever seen such a skillful display of… traveling magic amongst monsters and human alike, we’ll probably have to comb the entire island’’

And then she stops talking as Sylphis walk up to you and pat your head, her emotionless stare peering into you.

‘’Poor boy, poor boy…’’

What is she trying to do here?

>>18532227
Make sure this actually is Sylphis.

A Lilim wouldn't be able to fake a link, right?

>>18532249

You give her a glare, as you, silently, identify your link with the Mantis, making certain that she wouldn’t deceive you. Her touch is small, soft, caring; her emotions betray concern even as she’s trying to keep her wall

Part of you wants to punch yourself: Why would you doubt her very existence and your link? Sylphis is here, not entirely herself maybe but you shouldn’t doubt her like that. Right?

The trio of women all simultaneously expresses silent concern at this sudden self-hatred, look like you’ve complicated things more than you should have.

>cloudflare error
>rage.png

Hug the mantis woman!

>>18532270
Hugs for everyone

>>18532262
>Remember that every time you see cloudflare, it's 4chan's problem. Cloudflare is just a backup.

"Sorry about that. It seems that even when I try to be cautious I go overboard."

Explain what happened to Sylphis. Then suggest we get to the temple. It appears we're going to need help to track the Lilim, anyway.

>>18532262
"I'm sorry to cause you concern, my ladies. It's simply that, I seem to be able to do nothing but make mistakes today. First, causing everyone alarm when I woke up, then with handing over the stone to a Lilim, and now...whenever I DO try to be cautious, I seem to only make things worse for myself.
"Thank you, Sylphis, for trying to cheer me up."

Then hug all three, and suggest going to the temple.
If a lilim is around, we should make sure that the ritual goes off without a hitch.

rolled 5 = 5

>>18532227

lol Sylphis.

Let her go at it for awhile. Just a short while.

Then grab the hand on our head and thank her.

"The queen might have some idea on how to locate such an interloper. Athena, how long will the ritual take? It would not be good for me to be running amok with no sense of direction."

$5 Lilim's going after the queen thanks to the stone

And then you embrace the smaller Mantis, which startle her to no end. She’s small, solid, warm, an overall lovely person both physically and psychologically, yes… she’s Sylphis, your important companion, an extended part of you, her heart is thumping fiercely and her emotions seem to be raging as you let her go, her face red up to her ears as voice fail her and she tried to flee, only to be stopped by the Knight who’s amused stare is the only thing saving her from teasing.

‘’Unfair…’’

So grumble the Mantis, but you’ve been really unfair to her in a much more important way.

"I'm sorry to cause you concern, my ladies. It's simply that, I seem to be able to do nothing but make mistakes today’’
You let out another sighs, today has been quite a day hasn’t it? Learning of your mother death, encountering the Queen, making a Link with an Angel and now… this.

And it’s not over yet.

You recall the words of Tsukiyomi

>‘’Today is a day with a sad fate’’

For you? For the people around you? Both?

‘’Athena, how long will the ritual take? It would not be good for me to be running amok with no sense of direction."

You steel your resolve, even if your ego is wounded by losing something so precious, you mustn’t brood and sulk.

‘’It has likely already started, the preparations at the very least, shall we proceed to the temple?’’

Hadraniel let out a tired breath, but stay silent.

>>18532316

I love those pictures, they're so adorable

>>18532375
"Yes. If you'll accompany me, ladies - You don't know how lost I'd be without you."

rolled 56 = 56

>>18532375

Forgive my rudeness, some belated introductions are in order. Athena, Slyphis, this is Hadraniel, one of the first heroes."

"Hadraniel, are you alright, is something the matter?"

>>18532389

The puchimasu's are miracles of the galaxy.

>>18532419
Seconding this.
They haven't been introduced, and Hadraniel looks pretty out of it.

You nod at her, and she gives you a smile while taking the lead, before suddenly turning, hands behind her back.

‘’Ah, we don’t have time for wine, so until we have a chance to truly drink together, I will assume that you cannot hold your drinks, milord’’

What? Why? You give her a dumbfounded stare of your own but the knight happily walk ahead, then you do and the group become compact with everyone walking at the same speed.

‘’Forgive my rudeness; some belated introductions are in order. Athena, Sylphis, this is Hadraniel, one of the first heroes."

The concerned bow her head, spear in one hand, eyes closed, while the others two stare at her without any animosity.

‘’It is an honor the meet the other two persons that the man I have chosen as anchor share a Link with.’’

‘’Siegfried is a very greedy man’’

Sylphis remark force you to glare at her

‘’Am I now?’’

‘’Yes’’

These exchanges continues along the way, the sky darken visibly when you reach the temple after, at most, a 30 minutes march. Hadraniel didn’t return in the sword so you didn’t pry, thus she walk a bit around the area, the temple is a simple rectangular building in the forest with a closed stone door, magic is very perceptible in the area but not as oppressive as it was back in the college.

Athena and Sylphis both sit near the door while you stand here; soon the angel is lost form sight as she continues her investigation.

How do you proceed? It seem like the two monsters are making themselves comfortable…

>>18532527
Place hand against door. Has the ritual begun?

>>18532527
Examine the building and the door, make sure that there's no signs of forced entry or damage to the structure that the lilim might use to get inside.

You let out a fatigued breath has today is finally starting to take its toll on you, but you quickly start to imitate the angel and try to look for any possible entry point beside the door, but after a venture of around 10 minutes you and the Hero turn up nothing but the old, borings rocks forming the temple that must be no bigger than a single room, absolutely nothing is decorated, one could very easily mistake this as some old, abandoned, decrepit building serving no purpose.

Coming back in front of the door, Athena voice a small concern as you put your hand on the door, the angel taking place at your right, using her spear for support.

‘’Are you planning to enter, Siegfried?’’

The tone of the lizardwoman is not hostile, simply curious.

‘’I cannot stop you due to your relation with the Queen, but I cannot follow you either.’’

rolled 56 = 56

>>18532639

"...Ame didn't want me interfering for some reason. I shall just have to trust her."

>>18532639
"Why can't you follow me?"

>>18532639
"No, I...Ame asked me to not intervene. I can only hope that I am not making another mistake by doing as she requested."

‘’What is preventing you form accompanying me?’’

Your hand on the door, you look at Sylphis and Athena who seem to be speaking of one mind

She averts her head from your gaze, and simply looks at the deep, autumnal forest around your group.

‘’I cannot go against the wishes of the Queen, and as a resident of this land, I am subservient to the one that can best heal it.’’

Sylphis perk up, placing a medium sized pouch right on the lap of her friend, prompting a grunt of protest.

‘’We can’t cure corruption, but you can, beside you are a young male, that kind of make you diplomatically immune’’

Hadraniel is staring at the door, likely deep in thought, her instinct is amazing, and maybe she’ll come up with something?

>I’ll be ending it here gents, but I think I maybe have enough material for a session tomorrow. There been talk about a twitter last thread, would you guys be okay with one?

rolled 98 = 98

>>18532746

>Twitter

All my yes. At least we'll know if say you had to call a session off.

>>18532746
>twitter
I think it would be useful for players to know when you're going to run, and letting people know if you need to cancel.
Also, it makes it easier to get to the thread if you put a link to the new thread in a twitter.

And it's good for times like this, when you end up running a second session the next day.

>>18532793
>>18532780

https://twitter.com/#!/TaleOfMonsters

Howdy, just made it, can't say I'm used to the thing but I'll use that exclusively for quest. Thank for tonight