>>41951401

After Marco, escaping with his life after promising never to harm you again, left in search of his own daughter, you had climbed out of that deep underground lab with Carnby. Your fist still ached a little from when you had punched him, but that little pain seemed like nothing compared with the weight that had settled on your shoulders. If Carnby shares your blood, then he might have been the one to offer Ankou, the guardian of the dead, his life in exchange to save yours. The clock might be ticking down on Carnby's life, and that's not something you can just ignore.

You've got so much you want to ask him, but you're not even sure where to start. Some small part of you wants to just ignore this whole thing, cramming it into the back of your mind and getting on with the daily struggle. Running away from your problems – maybe that's something that runs in the family.

>How did you meet my mother?
>Why did you leave us? How old was I when you left?
>All this time, why didn't you say something?
>Whose side are you on, anyway?
>Other

>>41951415
>>All this time, why didn't you say something?
>Why did you leave us? How old was I when you left?

>>41951415
>Why did you leave us? How old was I when you left?
>All this time, why didn't you say something?
>Whose side are you on, anyway?

>>41951415
>How did you meet my mother?
>Why weren't you with Mom when all THIS happened? You were just cooped up in your study.
>>Whose side are you on, anyway?

>>41951652
>>41952003
>>41952028

Maybe you should start at the beginning, or at least as close to the beginning as you can get. How did Carnby even meet your mother? You're not expecting some great whirlwind romance or anything but it might be nice to start with an east question. No sense in hurling a load of accusations at Carnby right off the bat.

“We met... hmm, it must have been at university,” Carnby sits down on one of the stone steps outside the computing building and gaze wistfully up at the angry red sky. It's a strange pose, and one that makes him look much younger, like the lovestruck student he must have been once, “You're probably going to be disappointed to hear this, but there isn't much to tell. We had several of the same classes and got talking. Things just sort of... built from there.”

Huh. You weren't expecting much, but Carnby's right. You're still disappointed. Well, he's had his chance to warm up – now for the serious issues.

>>41952139

Why, you ask, did he leave your mother, leave both of you? How old had you been when he walked out? You don't have any memory of him from when you were growing up, so it must have been pretty early. And why did he leave? Was there someone else, or could he just not handle the responsibility?

“That's... not an easy question to answer,” Carnby hesitates, “Truth be told, your mother and I... we were never “together” really. We never married and, well, I'm not even sure if you could say we were going out. We shared an apartment, but that's about as official as it got. That's why, when I left...”

What, you snap, what about when he left?

“You hadn't actually been born yet,” Carnby answers, wincing in anticipation, “There was a job offer abroad, and I'd been expecting Lydia to come with me. She didn't want to leave here, and... we argued. That was it really – I didn't see her for a few years, and when I came back, you had been born.”

Oh, so that's how it is. Running out on a pregnant woman. Classy. What about when he came back, then, didn't he put two and two together?

“Lydia and I, I think we both knew,” Carnby admits, “But we never confirmed anything. There was never a paternity test or anything official, anything that would have proved it, but there wasn't anyone else it could have been.” He shrugs, a surprisingly weary gesture. “Neither of us knew what to do – I didn't want to be shut out completely, but I wasn't... ready for becoming a father.”

He wasn't ready – that's cute. You can't imagine your mother was ready, but she didn't have much of a choice, did she?

>>41952151

“Alright, I deserve that one,” Carnby admits, “But, believe it or not, this was your mother's decision as well. We both agreed, I was better as a teacher than as a father. I might not have been there as a parent, but I was always there when you needed help at school, wasn't I?”

Well yeah, he's got a point there. Whenever you had gotten yourself in trouble, Carnby had always been there to smooth out the worst of the problems. If it hadn't been for him, your permanent record would have been a lot more colourful than it ended up being. Not that paperwork matters now, though...

All that stuff, that ancient history, you wanted to know. You wouldn't have been happy until your curiosity had been sated but ultimately, it doesn't matter now. What matters is the here and now, and that's what you really want to ask. Whose side is Carnby on, anyway? Was he working towards causing this apocalypse?

“I was involved with working on the software, that's all,” Carnby shoots back defensively, “I thought I was doing real innovation, I never knew what was going to happen until it was too late to prevent anything.” Then, bitterly, he laughs. “Too late? I could have been born one hundred years ago and it would have been too late to prevent anything. If you believe what the New Way claim, this world around us has been in the making for centuries.”

So when he learned what was about to happen?

“Yes, that's when I tried to smuggle out a copy of the DevilSP app, so I could spread it amongst those I... I wanted to protect. I didn't do very well, did I?”

He's not wrong. What about your mother? While Carnby was busy hiding in his study, pretending everything was going to be okay, she was... was...

Wait.

You met a priest, just as you were leaving Ankou's domain. He said, in his own words, “Your mother still walks the earth”. Perhaps...

>Mention the priest to Carnby
>Keep that to yourself

>>41952166
>>Mention the priest to Carnby
It's vague as hell and could mean anything but its something.


(Watch her be like Marco)

>>41952166
>Perhaps...
perhaps she's a fucking ZOMBIE

but we need to confirm that, so

>Mention the priest to Carnby

>>41952166
>Mention the priest to Carnby

>>41952201
>>41952204
>>41952403

Haltingly, not quite sure how much of what you're about to tell him will make sense, you try to explain your strange encounter to Carnby. His reaction is far from what you expect.

“I'm sorry, could you tell me again, where did you meet this priest?” he asks, looking at you with mingled concern and unease.

In a cave, you explain lamely. Actually, in a confession box just off a cave. And the cave, you reiterate, was the afterlife. Or, at least, the entrance to the afterlife. An awkward silence descends over the pair of you as Carnby chews his bottom lip. Finally, he speaks up.

“You were dead? I thought... a coma?” he sounds incredulous, amazed at what he's hearing. You're not exactly comfortable either, especially with all the questions this new revelation raises.

So, he didn't know? In that case, he couldn't exactly trade his life away to Ankou, could he? Taking the bull by the horns, you ask him directly – did he offer to sacrifice his life to save yours?

“No, I did not,” Carnby puts his hand on his chin and thinks hard, “So, if it had to be a relative to offer their life...”

Then the priest must have been correct, right? Your mother must still be out there somewhere – even if she's the one with the sword dangling over her head. Maybe, just maybe, you can find her before that happens. Even if it's just for a few days, a few hours even, you want to see her one last time. The thought hits you surprisingly hard, reminding you that your wounds are still raw. This time, you force yourself to push the feelings down – getting morose won't help anyone. You need to move on, to do something productive.

But what?

>Go back to the court of the fair folk
>Go to the hospital and settle up with Forneus
>Explore the city some more

>>41952473
>Go back to the court of the fair folk

Let's see if Cass wants to go. We might need her and Archangel to have a talk. Make sure that she knows that HE follows HER will.

>>41952473
>Is there anything we should take from here? Computers, generators, spare phones with DevilSP, supplies, USBs, papers and pens,....?

>>41952520
but yeah, we need to get Cass up to speed before she goes even more crazy LAW, and work out how to fight with two demons at the same time.
>go back

I bet the Mom's at the Cathedral, broing it up with some cultists who kindly taught her how to do the ritual.

>>41952520
>>41952561

First, you make sure – and then double sure – that there's nothing Carnby needs to take from the computer lab. It looked like there was a lot of stuff down there, most of it fixed to the ground, and you'd rather not make another trip out here. You're sure that Troll could carry some of those computers, though you're less sure that they'd be of any use after being ripped from the ground. Carnby thinks for a worryingly long time before announcing that he has everything he needs back at the court.

That's good then. You want to get back and talk with Cassandra about her angel friend. It's something you've been meaning to do for a long time, but there's always been something else getting in the way. Now, no excuses, you're going to sit her down and work through this problem together. You don't realise that you were thinking out loud until Carnby asks for an explanation. It feels like an invasion of privacy – like talking about confidential medical records or something – but you slowly explain the issue to Carnby. She could use another demon – angel, sorry – but one that's less murderous. Carnby's answer isn't what you expect.

“I could try a summoning,” he offers, “I might be able to call up a demon she can use. I can't guarantee it'll be anything particularly powerful, but that might be for the best.”

It's an interesting offer, but...

>Alright, we'll try that
>Can you summon something that isn't an angel? Something nice?
>I don't think so.

>>41952815
>Can you summon something that isn't an angel? Something nice?

Something a less...'self righteous'. I swear if she had someone like Undine and would talk to it even though it's pagan it would do her some good.

>>41952815
>>Can you summon something that isn't an angel? Something nice?

>>41952815
>>Can you summon something that isn't an angel? Something nice?

Mite b cool

InB4 summoning Mara by mistake

>>41952876
>>41953320
>>41953321

It's an interesting idea, but you've got a question for Carnby. Can he summon something... nice? Something that isn't an angel, but isn't some kind of slavering monster either? Undine would be the best example to use – she's useful and helpful, but also nice enough that you can sit down and have a conversation with her. What's more, she's never – repeat, never – tried to slaughter a club full of people for some imagined slight against God's Law. That's kind of a bonus.

“I understand what you're asking,” Carnby begins, with a rather serious look on his face, “But ultimately, it's Cassandra who'd decide what kind of demon I'd call up. If she wants an angel – and, yes, I don't doubt that she would ask for one – than I can't just not summon it. It's not fair on her.”

Well yes, okay, you kind of see his point. It's just, you don't think throwing more angels onto the pile is going to help much. Earlier, you suggested she try finding a “harmless” angel, but you're increasingly sceptical of such a thing existing. Maybe she needs to focus on controlling the angel she has right now, before she thinks about getting another one.

“Look, Amelia, I know you're doing this with the best of intentions, but I think Cassandra should be the one to decide this,” folding his arms, Carnby scolds you with his best teacher voice, “For now, I'll let the matter lie. Tell her about my offer or don't, but I'll ask her myself eventually.”

Well damn, that doesn't leave you with many options.

>Tell Cassandra about Carnby's offer
>Tell Cassandra to focus on Archangel for now
>Let Cassandra decide for herself

>>41953456
>Let Cassandra decide for herself
It's what free will is all about.

>>41953456
>Let Cassandra decide for herself

One day, one day we'll have Cassandra graduate from Amelia's School of Being Proactive and Thinking for Yourself.

Hopefully.

>>41953500
>>41953519

No, Carnby's right. You should let Cassandra make this decision herself. There's a fine line between not wanting her to make a bad decision and trying to control her, and you don't want to cross that line. The worst thing is, you're pretty sure you could talk her into doing more or less anything that wasn't openly blasphemous. That's a whole other line, though, and one that you're even less willing to cross. Less willing to even approach – that's not the kind of person you are.

So, you agree with Carnby. He can bring the subject up if he wants – you won't get in his way. The professor nods gratefully, but doesn't say much more after that. You swap the occasional word as you make the walk back to the court, mainly announcing that the way ahead is clear or some other passing comment about the streets you're walking down, but nothing of any real substance. Awkwardly trying to ignore each other as best as possible – it looks like you're starting to become a
real family at last.

Thankfully, mercifully, the court approaches and you waste little time in retreating to your separate rooms. Yours is empty when you arrive, but before you can decide what to do – take a little nap, perhaps – Cassandra returns with a tray covered in little ceramic dishes. Your stomach grumbles at the sight of the food, reminding you that for the past few days, you've been snacking solely on cans of scavenged food and whatever else you can find.

“How was your, uh, business?” Cassandra asks, kindly overlooking the fact that you snag a good portion of her meal.

Business was good, you tell her through a full mouth, everything went well.

“I've been thinking,” Cassandra begins before you can elaborate, “I'm going to summon Archangel again. Just... not here.”

>>41953941

That sounds like a good idea, you offer. You can't really imagine what God's warrior would do if Cassandra summoned it in an entire kingdom full of pagan spirits, but you can't see it ending well. So, where does she plan on doing it?

“That church we found yesterday,” the girl tells you. You remember the one – it was in a pretty poor state last time you saw it, vandalised by Cernunnos' rampaging army. “It's pretty far from here,” Cassandra continues, “So if anything goes wrong...”

Right, yeah. You're a little surprised that she had the exact same idea you had, but you're glad as well. She saw a risk, and compensated for it. It's a good idea, you repeat as you sit down on your bed and start getting comfortable, but you don't really see...

“I was wondering if you'd come with me,” Cassandra says before you can finish your sentence. Somehow, you were expecting this. True, it's probably better not to go walking the streets alone – that was true for London BEFORE the apocalypse though – but you're not really sure how much help you'd be in dealing with Archangel. “Moral support?” Cassandra offers when you tell her that, an embarrassed little smile on her face.

It sounds like it might be a hassle, but this isn't the worst thing that could have happened. You wanted to try this sooner or later – and the sooner the better. Besides, you might be able to swing this to your advantage. If Cassandra learns to control Archangel, you might be able to use her help against Forneus.

>Sure, let's go
>Okay, but only if you come somewhere with me after
>I don't think so

>>41953972
>Sure, let's go
No strings attached.

If she wants to help us with Forneus, her choice.

>>41953972
>Sure, let's go

>>41953972
>Sure, let's go

>>41954002
>>41954009
>>41954030

Sure thing, you tell her, as you heave yourself up off the bed. When you're done here, you'll ask her about taking on Forneus, but you're not going to attach strings to this. It's good enough for you that she's willing to do this for herself. So, you ask her as you get ready to head out again, does Cassandra have a plan for this, or is she just playing it by ear?

“Well, ah,” Cassandra hesitates, rubbing a hand through her short hair and laughing nervously. Okay, so she doesn't have a plan. That's fine – your plans never seem to work out so well, so maybe you should try improvising for a change. “I'm going to remind Archangel of who's in charge. He's a servant of God, yes, but God sent him to my side. That's got to mean something.”

She's going to sit an angel of the Lord down and give it a good scolding? You're actually pretty impressed by the girl's sudden burst of resolve, but you'll be even more impressed if she can actually pull it off without stammering or choking on her own words.

“It sounds a little arrogant, I know,” the devout girl admits, with that same awkward smile, “Pride comes before a fall, but I'll be careful. I learned my lesson last time – this is not a power to take lightly.”

You think back to when you were working for Forneus, walking around the city with a giggling Undine riding atop your shoulders. Sure thing Cassandra, you agree, no frivolity here. Not even the slightest hint of mirth. Nope. Maybe you should get going, before one of you cracks a smile and ruins everything for everyone.

“I don't think you're being serious,” Cassandra scolds you gently, the corners of her mouth twitching with the effort of holding back a grin.

Really?

File: Archangel.png (975 KB, 1068x1254)

975 KB PNG

>>41954345

Compared to your journey with Carnby, the trip you make to Cassandra's chosen church is far more enjoyable. You chat along the way, swapping old stories from school and bemoaning the plans you once held for the future – or lack of plans, in your case. It's strange, you thought that talking about the past would be depressing, but you got a certain nostalgic pleasure from the memories. Perhaps it's because you're not brooding on the past – you're savouring it.

“Here we are,” Cassandra announces, stopping outside the broken church and taking her phone out. She's attached a little charm to it, you notice, a tiny crucifix that mirrors the one she wears around her neck. A good luck charm, perhaps. “Are you ready?”

Sliding a hand into your pocket, you grip your own phone. By now, you're reasonably sure you could summon Ripper in an instant if you'd need to. You're ready, you tell her with a firm nod. You don't ask if she's nervous – the charm dangling from her phone is dancing with the trembling of her hands.

“Archangel,” she murmurs, “Come to me, come Archangel!” As you watch, fascinated and a little afraid, a beam of golden light flashes down from the sky and strikes the ground, bathing you in a warm light. Somewhere, faint like it was coming from a great distance, you hear a choir singing some hymn in no human tongue. Then the moment ends and the light fades, leaving the floating form of Archangel. The armoured figure looks around, scanning the area, before sinking to his knee in front of Cassandra.

“Child of God,” the angel rumbles, “What is your command?”

“You're asking for my orders?” Cassandra tries to keep the incredulity out of her voice, but to no great success, “You'd follow my orders?”

“Of course,” Archangel replies, “God's voice speaks to you, and through you, He speaks to me.”

Cassandra turns to you, confusion obvious on her face. You shrug back.

>See? It's easy
>I still don't trust it.

>>41954534
>>See? It's easy
Just be clear and concise about what you want.

>>41954534
>See? It's easy

>>41954572
>>41954601

See? It's easy, you tell Cassandra, it's just like training a dog. You've just got to be strict, and very clear about what you want. Of course, you're not saying you should rub his nose in it if he makes a mess on the carpet or anything – if nothing else, you really don't want to see that thing rubbing itself with demon blood, or whatever. As you meander on, Archangel turns to look at you and freezes, hand straying to the sword at his side.

Ah, yes. This might be a problem. Does he smell the demons you're holding in storage, or is it some deeper moral taint that has drawn the angel's ire. True, you've been fairly lax with your faith lately, and you MIGHT have associated with various pagan gods, but that's not worthy of a death sentence, is it?

“Stand down!” Cassandra snaps suddenly, angry colour rising high in her cheeks as she scolds the demon, “Stand down, I said!”

There's a long silence as Archangel stares you down, before he finally takes his hand from his sword. “Understood,” he rumbles, looking back to Cassandra and dropping back into a submissive kneel.

“You see that?” Cassandra squeals with delight – seemingly unconcerned that a few moments ago her angel was looking ready to cut you in half. “You're right, it IS easy!”

Sure you saw that, you mutter nervously. That's, uh, that's some real good work there Cassandra. Maybe you should think about putting it away now, though, you're getting a little spooked.

“Huh, you think so?” Cassandra tentatively touches Archangel's bowed head, “He's following my orders this time, isn't he?”

Maybe so, but you're not sure if that'll last. Paranoia, maybe, but you're not one to gamble with your life. Didn't Leon warn you about this, back in the day?

>Ask Cassandra if she wants to head to the hospital
>Go to the hospital alone
>Go back to the court with Cassandra

>>41954948
>Ask Cassandra if she wants to head to the hospital

>>41954948
>>Ask Cassandra if she wants to head to the hospital
Maybe tell Archangel that we are Cassandra's ally.

>>41954972
>>41955026

Hey buddy, you announce, stooping down in front of the kneeling Archangel. You're with Cassandra, okay? You're her friend, so that means he doesn't get to cut your head off, got it? You wait for a long time for an answer, but nothing comes. Sighing angrily, you glance up to Cassandra.

“Amelia's right,” Cassandra tells Archangel, “She's on our side so, uh, be nice. No... no beheading, or anything like that.” There is another long pause as Archangel processes her words, but eventually the angel speaks.

“Understood,” he says, although you're sure you can hear a hint of reluctance in his grinding voice.

Well, you're glad that everyone is on the same page. Now, you stand up straight and look to Cassandra, you've got some business back at the hospital. Visiting an old friend, you could say. The other girl thinks about that for a long time, her brow furrowed as if she can't quite believe what you're saying.

“Forneus?” she asks, “You're going back there to, what, fight him?”

Not unless he forces you to, you admit, you're actually there after a certain item that Forneus has in his collection. Of course, you're pretty sure that the demon king won't just hand over his precious relics to anyone who comes around asking. That's why, if Cassandra feels up to it, you'd appreciate having her around to watch your back.

“That sounds like a good cause,” Cassandra nods in appreciation – you certainly recall that she didn't like being under Forneus' thumb any more than you did – before taking a step away from Archangel and returning the angel to her storage. “I'll fight with you. From now on, I'm going to start pulling my own weight!”

Excellent, you give her a relieved smile, although part of that relief – you have to admit – was because you don't have her angel staring you down. Without the fear of having his glowing eyes burning into your back, you lead the way back to Forneus' lair.

>>41955401
Doesn't Pixie have more information for us?

File: Eligor.jpg (893 KB, 1920x2644)

893 KB JPG

>>41955401

The hospital looks a lot worse than you remember it. Burned and shabby looking, with blackened stains creeping across what was once a pristine white surface. Although there's nobody around now, it looks like up until recently the building had been under siege. Making your way to the front entrance, you see clusters of corpses dotted about. Mainly those snake-like soldiers that you had seen fighting in defence of the Hellfire Club, but with a few stranger things mixed in.

Blocking the entrance – and, apparently, the source of all this carnage – Eligor stands impassively. It's strange seeing the demonic knight again, especially with the sorry state he is now in. His armour is dented and cracked, blackened by fire and whatever else the armies have thrown at him. Yet the general still stands, blocking the way to Forneus. Without any other way in, you tentatively approach the armoured demon and return the weary salute he offers you.

“Hail, brave champions,” Eligor sneers, his words dripping with tired sarcasm, “So you've finally returned from the field of battle. Pray, tell me of your noble deeds.”

Yeah, okay. You're not sure if you were expecting politeness, but even this torrent of sulky bitterness seems too much. It's not entirely blameless – you DID flee from battle, after all, even without all that double agent business. But, the strange thing is, there's little in the way of hostility about Eligor's manner. A kind of stubborn pride, maybe, but nothing that suggests defeat. Maybe, just maybe, you can talk him down.

>What happened to your army?
>Why are you still here?
>Ask him to let you inside – you have no grudge with him
>Just attack (choose two demons)

>>41955583
>>Why are you still here?
>>Ask him to let you inside – you have no grudge with him

>>41955583
>Why are you still here?
>>Ask him to let you inside – you have no grudge with him

>>41955583
>Why are you still here?
>Ask him to let you inside – you have no grudge with him
>We ran into Alice we decided Forneus was not doing enough for us to die.

>>41955623
>>41955671
>>41955682

“I swore an oath to defend my king,” Eligor says slowly – you're struck by how old he sounds, compared with just a few days ago. He had so much fire and vigour then, but now he sounds like he might collapse into dust at any moment. “So many of my “loyal soldiers” have forgotten those oaths and abandoned him, but I remember.”

Well technically you never swore an oath to Forneus, you remark, so you had no reason to fight a doomed battle. It WAS doomed, you add before Eligor can say anything else, when Alice woke up, the battle could only end one way. You weren't going to throw your life away for Forneus' pride. What about him, you ask, has Forneus really earned this level of devotion?

No matter. You have business with Forneus, you tell the weary guard, can he let you past? You have no desire to fight him, but you will if he forces your hand.

“I cannot stand aside,” Eligor states, with real regret in his voice, “Do you see these corpses around us? They brought the same offer – stand aside, so that they can put my king to the sword. One day they will succeed, but until the day that I have no life left in my body, I shall defend this door.” A slow, self-deprecating laugh slips out from under Eligor's visor, “What else can an old soldier do with their life?”

Honestly, you really don't want to fight him. The slain demons around you are a testament to the general's skill with that lance of his, and you're not so keen on chancing your luck. Then again, he seems stubborn enough that you could spend all day arguing with him.

>Attack (choose two demons)
>There's room for an old soldier in my army
>Stand aside, you broken old man. You're no use to anyone
>Other

>>41955878
honestly all we want is the spear of Cu
Cuhlain, we would rather avoid Forneus all told.
also
>There's room for an old soldier in my army

>>41955878
>There's room for an old soldier in my army
I can promise I won't throw us into unwinnable battles.

>>41955949
>>41956111

There's always room for an old soldier in your army, you tell the demon. You can't guarantee him glory and bloodshed, but you wouldn't let him rot away like this, protecting a king that won't lift a finger to save himself. You're not even here for Forneus, you argue, you're just here to take back something that isn't his. Some ancient fairy artefact, you were told.

“Forneus will never surrender his treasure,” Eligor grumbles, “He hoards trinkets and tokens, but throws away the lives of his followers.”

And that's something you promise not to do, you swear to the demon, you won't throw your soldiers into futile battles for the sake of arrogance. Your words do seem to make an impact on Eligor, sending the demon into a thoughtful silence.

“I swore an oath to protect my king,” he admits, “But... Forneus is not worthy of the title. He is king of nothing but ashes and regret. You, human, have spirit. I knew that from the moment we met and perhaps you were the first one to see Forneus' downfall coming. Yes human, I shall pledge my lance to your service. With that, I offer a warning. If you're after Forneus' treasure, you'll need to get to the basement.”

The basement, right. You think back to the hospital – the only way of getting to the basement is through the emergency staircase in the foyer. That means...

“Yes, Forneus stands between you and your prize,” Eligor nods sagely, “I fear a conflict is inevitable.”

>Obtained Eligor

>Consult with Pixie about the treasure
>Enter the hospital

>>41956273
>Consult with Pixie about the treasure

I wonder what Cass thinks about every time she turns around we are convincing demons to join us.

First Undine, then Valk, now Eligor.

>>41956273
>Consult with Pixie about the treasure

>>41956273
>Consult with Pixie about the treasure

File: PixieSMT3.jpg (266 KB, 1720x2084)

266 KB JPG

>>41956306
>>41956311
>>41956340

Taking your phone out, you summon the Pixie that Oberon and Titania gifted you. They claimed that she would be able to help with this task, both in searching for the treasure and fighting Forneus. The little fairy appears in front of you in a flash of light, fixing you with an exaggerated scowl and pout.

“I can't believe you keep an Undine in there!” she spits angrily, “Honestly, this place is really going downhill!”

Hey watch it you, you say and point a finger at Pixie, Undine's earned her keep many times over, but she's the new girl here. If she wants to impress you, she'd better tell you everything she knows about this spear thing.

“Gae Bolg,” Pixie rolls her eyes, “It's kind of a big deal among fairies, and it's in there. I can smell it from here. Legends say it can kill anything that's living in a single strike, but those are just, you know, stories. It's in pretty bad shape though – it stinks of rust and stuff.”

So it's useless? Broken?

“Eh, we can fix it,” Pixie shrugs, “No worries. We've gotta get past that big lug in there first though.”

Forneus, huh? You're not convinced he's all that tough behind all that bluster, but Undine was pretty clear when she warned you about him. Still, any advice for him?

“I'll give him a few jolts,” Pixie nods confidently, “That'll teach him not to take things that don't belong to him. Other than that, um...” she hovers in place for a moment as she thinks, “Just have someone hit him really hard, that's all. C'mon, don't give me that look, it'll be easy!”

Right. Easy. Sure. Eligor, you ask to your other demon, are you willing to do this?

“I should tender my resignation in person,” the knight growls, traces of his old enthusiasm creeping back, “Perhaps this way I can get some small compensation for all the lives lost to this madman.”

Sounds good, you agree as you head towards the hospital doors.

File: Forneus.jpg (326 KB, 2112x1728)

326 KB JPG

>>41956725

“YOU!” Forneus' voice booms out seconds after you enter the foyer. You expect a torrent of abuse, then, mixed with obscene threats and whatever else Forneus is capable of throwing at you. What he says next, though: “At long last, you have returned to me! I thought you dead, my champion!”

He... what? He's still calling you that, is this some strange joke? But... no. You look up into Forneus' eyes and see a bright, dancing madness within them. Paranoia and delusions of grandeur war in those eyes, tugging at the demon king's wild emotions.

“So many have betrayed me, there are spies lurking everywhere,” Forneus swishes through the air, gliding in twitchy circles, “Those damned fairies conspire against me, they seek to steal from me! ME! They hold me responsible, because they cannot keep their own toys safe. Fools!” A mad chuckle escapes him, “When I recruit a new army, I shall rule this city once more! I shall be a king in exile no longer!”

Okay, so he's completely lost it. Forneus seemed erratic before, prone to mutilating his minions for the smallest of reasons, but this is far beyond that. This is... utter delusion. You're about to say something – anything – when Forneus roars in sudden rage.

“What is THAT?” he bellows, “That rodent, that flying rat, that piece of trash! You dare bring that HERE?”

“You big meanie!” Pixie shouts back, her voice quiet and thin compared with the giant demon, “You're the only piece of trash around here!”

“This insult cannot stand!” the demon king howls, and you feel the air grow cold around you. So much for trying to talk your way past him...

Pixie:
>Focus on healing
>Use lightning magic

Eligor:
>Defend Pixie
>Attack directly.

>>41956911
>Use lightning magic
>Defend Pixie

If he gets stunned have Eligor 'hit him really hard'.

>>41956911
>Use lightning magic
>Defend Pixie

>>41956911
>Use lightning magic
>Defend Pixie

>>41956940
>>41956979
>>41956985

You can feel ice forming across the ground in a thin layer and smile bitterly. So this was how Marco felt, you mutter to yourself as you pull free from the clinging grip and start to direct your demons with short bursts of thought. It's easier now, establishing a mental connection with your minions, and they both respond right away. Pixie's plan seemed sound – she hangs back and pounds Forneus with her magic while Eligor keeps up defence. As for Cassandra... well, she'll do her own thing.

>Please roll 2D100 – the first for Pixie, the second Eligor. I'll take the highest of the first three

Rolled 3, 72 = 75 (2d100)

>>41957094

Rolled 83, 72 = 155 (2d100)

>>41957094
Ride the lightning.

Rolled 51, 76 = 127 (2d100)

>>41957094

Rolled 100 (1d100)

>>41957234
>>41957286

With the ice crystals rising up around the hooves of his steed, Eligor stands firm as Forneus charges forwards, his bellowing roar dropping down to a surprisingly low growl. Seen from so close up, Forneus looks truly massive, big enough to crush you and your party without much effort, or swallowing you in a single vast gulp. Yet Pixie holds back until the last minute, sparks playing around her hands before finally launching a bolt of blinding lightning at Forneus.

She was aiming for his throat, that much was obvious, but the blow doesn't land exactly where she aims, instead blasting into the supple flesh by Forneus' cheek. One of the demon king's strange whiskers, fleshy tendrils that waved in no mortal wind, is blasted clean away from his face leaving a bloody crater in his flesh. It's that crater that Eligor aims for, thrusting forwards with his lance. The strike is perfectly timed, skewering right through Forneus' face and bursting free from the other side of his head in a spray of blood.

Roaring, howling in agony, Forneus pulls up from his lunatic dive, the lance still pinned through him. Eligor is pulled from his steed, sent tumbling down to the rapidly dissipating skin of ice hard enough that he shatters the crystals. Then, magical power gathering around his remaining whisker, Forneus vomits his last remaining power at you and your demons.

>Roll 1D100, highest of the first 3

Rolled 7 (1d100)

>>41957455
>100
fuck

Rolled 70 (1d100)

>>41957455
Holy shit Cass

Rolled 56 (1d100)

>>41957455

>>41957455
Rrreeeeeally hoping that dice roll was for Cassie.

>>41957529

It's too much. The ice, what you can only call a wall of crushing cold, more bitter than anything Undine has ever been able to summon, washes over you. It's impossible to think clearly, to send any kind of order to your demons as thousands of needles plunge into your legs and crawl up your body. From his prone position, Eligor screams as the white mist covers his body. Even Pixie isn't safe, as spires of ice coil up from the ground to ensnare her. You can't even move, your muscles failing to respond to even the simplest of commands.

With such a potent blast of magic gripping your body, it's little wonder that you start to feel your thoughts slow, switches in your mind flicking one by one to the off position. Summoning all your energy, you draw in a painful breath – even the air feels like it's freezing, filled with shards of crystal – and yell to Cassandra. You're not even sure what you yelled – a warning, perhaps, or a plea for help. Maybe it wasn't even a word, just some scream of panicked agony. Whatever it is, it gets her attention.

For the second time today, you hear that heavenly choir and feel a sudden blessed warmth upon your skin. Forcing your eyes open, you see Cassandra sprawled out beneath Forneus, flat on her front from throwing herself out of the way of the magic. Above her, drawing his flaming sword, Archangel hurls himself up towards Forneus. Flashing out, his blade cuts deep into the demon king, cutting a bellow of pain short as the demon's life is snuffed out. Only then does the ice gripping your body start to crack and melt, washed away by the hot blood spilling out of Forneus' slowly sinking body.

Silence. Eligor has vanished, his icon on your smartphone dark and lifeless, while Pixie is barely breathing. You can barely feel your legs, save for a tingling pain in your toes. You're... alive? You're still alive!

>>41957770
Aw damn it, poor Eligor.
Summon Undine, we need that magic touch of healing for Pixie.

>>41957770

“Amelia?” Cassandra gasps, panting heavily, “Say something Amelia! Talk to me, please!”

That hurt, you moan, that really hurt! You have to force the words out through cracked lips, but the words do come. That sudden realisation - you're talking, you'll be able to walk soon, and you've beaten Forneus – comes in a sudden rush of rasping laughter, even as Cassandra staggers over to lift you to your feet. She looks like something out of a horror movie, painted red with Forneus' blood, but you think she's never looked better.

“Thank God,” Cassandra sighs, pulling you first to your feet and then into a desperate hug. She's trembling, a mixture of cold and fear sending deep shivers through her body, and your clothes are going to be ruined by all that blood, but you appreciate the human contact nonetheless.

Easy there, you groan as you gently push her away from your aching body, you're okay. A hug, though? You smile painfully. That's not like her.

“I... I was worried!” Cassandra wails, punching you lightly on the shoulder, “I thought you were dying, I thought we were all dying!”

You might have died, you murmur to yourself, if you hadn't taken Cassandra along...

“I don't want to think about it,” the other girl mutters, “Let's just go home, okay? Get what you need, and let's go.”

You're not going to disagree with that. Luckily, Pixie is just conscious enough to send a wave of healing magic through the both of you, bringing new strength to your limbs and a freshness to your thoughts. The basement, you tell yourself as you limp to the emergency stairs. Hopefully Forneus doesn't have too crap cluttering up the place.

>>41957998

This is bullshit.

“Did you ever see that Indiana Jones film?” Cassandra asks in a frustrated voice, “The one with the big warehouse at the end?”

It's not quite a warehouse, but there's certainly a lot of boxes here. Large ones, small ones, boxes upon boxes upon boxes, all stacked without any sense of reason. Just the sight of it makes you want to give up and go home. Don't be stupid, you tell yourself stubbornly, that'll just mean everything was for nothing. Instead, you give Pixie – currently propped up on your shoulder like a stuffed parrot – a little shake and ask for directions.

“Uh, what?” the little fairy slurs, before taking a deep sniff, “Ahead of you. End of the row, then turn left.”

Okay, you mutter, following her directions to a particularly large stack of boxes. Please say it's at the top, you plead, don't say it's at the bottom, don't you dare say it's-

“S'at the bottom. Below that big box,” Pixie takes another deep breath and shudders, “There's a casket in there. Don't open it.”

Yeah yeah, you've heard that before. Then you pause. What's in THIS one, you ask, and why did Forneus have so many damn coffins?

“It's full of beast eyes,” Pixie giggles, “Ignore it, it's nothing. Gae Bolg is at the bottom.”

Bullshit, you repeat as you look around for something to lift the stack of boxes with. Eventually, with little patience left, you just summon Troll and have him do the heavy lifting. As Pixie said, hidden beneath an ominous looking coffin is a thin wooden box. Inside is... a few shards of withered wood and a rusted scrap of metal?

“That's it,” Pixie nods, “That's Gae Bolg.”

This is bullshit.

>I'll finish here tonight and pick up on Friday. I'll lurk for a while if there's any questions.

>>41958156
So Gae Bolg is broken to fuck. How is Cass doing? Eligor going to recover? We going to get side-swiped again?

>>41958156
>“It's full of beast eyes,”
Ahahahaha. Bullshit indeed.

Thanks for the run boss.

>>41958183

Cass is covered in blood and a little freaked out, but otherwise okay. Better than Amelia, probably! Eligor will recover, but he won't be usable for a while. What do you mean by side-swiped though?

>>41958156
repair, sure, totally not RECONSTRUCT

>>41958156
we need to loot the artifacts

>>41958240
Yes we got the relic

Someone else yoinks it.

>>41958261

You'd have to be pretty foolish to steal a box of worthless crap like this!

>>41958311
That's not a no.

>>41958324
I do not want to risk opening up a Mot anon.