>>43613768

You continue. "The King...?"

"The King..." She carefully weighs your words. "He's in the antechamber on the left side of the hall. Whether or not you can find him..."

"But he's there?" You press.

"That is what I said." She replies curtly.

…

"And you choose to give up this information so easily?" You lean toward, voicing your suspicion.

She nods to acknowledge your words, carefully stands, finds a small watering pail, and methodically begins tending to the budding plants. "I knew it would come to this the moment I learned that you were still alive." She listens carefully to the water seeping into the dark soil. "What you and very few others have is a product of bygone and chaotic age.” She moves on to the next plant. “Then, it could be applied toward a single goal and help everyone, now, you all pull in your own directions. Those lost or unwilling to choose a side are torn apart in the process." She straightens herself out. “However, all these things will come to stabilize, getting in the way of that is simply foolhardy.” She sets the watering pail down.

You rise from the seat as she confidently approaches you. “Your actions have been absolutely reprehensible, and any sensible inhabitant of this realm would hate you with every fiber of their being.” She quickly reaches for your hand. “But I simply can’t. I just can’t, Sophia. So…” She looks toward the extensive hallway. “Be careful with what you’ll find, bitter flames are surrounded by their own noxious smoke.”

She pushes you into the hall without another word.

You step forward now on your own will, and there only remains the first destination.

>The antechamber on the left of the hall.

>The cloister at the end of the hall.

>>43613820
>>The antechamber on the left of the hall.

>>43613820
>The antechamber on the left of the hall.
I feel so ashamed.

>>43613820
>The antechamber on the left of the hall.
>>43613870
We're only in the middle of the shamecoaster.

Hello and welcome back to another thread, everyone!

>>43613829
>>43613870
>>43613894
A visit first...

>Writing~

File: matt3.jpg (156 KB, 800x800)

156 KB JPG

>>43613953

You turn back to the small patio to make sure that the woman is making good on her word, and find to your satisfaction that she remains sitting, simply listening to the rolling waves.

The long hall of white marble echoes your steps into the expansive unknown. The flames of the many torches and chandeliers lining the hall all flicker wildly, as if trying to distance themselves from you. But, beyond the emptiness: birds sing, the wind blows rhythmically across the sea, and the calls of the people of the city can be heard very faintly.

You stand before the two grand doors on the left side of the hall, their handles coated with dust, except for where the marks of slender fingers can be made out. With one small breath, you tightly grasp the gold rods, and pull the mighty doors open.

The light inside is dim, but your eyes quickly adjust. A small circular window in the roof illuminates a single figure sitting in the center of the room. The man wears a heavy white cloak and dark ornate armor, which covers the entirety of his skin. He sits motionless upon a sheer white throne fit for a king.

[1/2]

>>43614497

His head reacts and twists upon you entering. “Who’s there?” His raspy and gravelly voice heavy with suspicion.

You step forward, the doors shut behind you, and all the noise of the outside world is completely blocked off.

A laugh. A harsh, unpleasant laugh resounds through the small chamber, and bounces into your ears. “What took you so long?” Matthias asks.

“It’s nice to see you as well, Matthias.” You laugh lightly, ignoring his tone.

“Right, right.” He shakes his head. “It’s been a while and you’ve been busy…” His whispers are sharp upon the air. “But I’ve heard news about all your exploits.”

“They’ve all likely been exaggerated and warped by the time they reach all the way over here.” You answer calmly, still trying to placate him.

“I’m aware how gossip and rumors work.” He answers. “So let’s hear it from you. Tell me, have you been well…?” A very subtle hint of spite colors his voice.

Sounds like he already knows the answer, but what is he really asking here?

>Write in.

>>43614521
I've gained power and done everything in my power to learn what The Usurper is after and how to stop her. So on that front I am well, but the rest? Living in a nest of vipers and playing a part does nothing for god for your mind, even willingly endured. How have you been my friend?

>>43614521
>"I've never been better."

>>43614669
Going with the single vote this time.

>Writing~

>>43614688
I can add this, in a way...

I knew i was forgetting something, but ill probably miss the next vote.
>>43614705
The pieces are almost in place, both what the usurper needs and what we need to take her down.

Honestly, I'm not a fan of ruling, i only need what is necessary to stop her.

>>43614690

You sigh. “I’ve gained a substantial amount of power while working under The Empress, and with that, the pieces are almost in place to stop her. But in all this time living in a nest of vipers and painstakingly playing a part? I’ve never been better.” You grin slightly.

“A snake should comfortable among other snakes.” He adds quietly, still thinking over your words.

There’s that other nickname of yours. “I thought I was a witch?” You retort.

He sighs, but doesn’t respond.

“So, to return the question, how have you been?” You carefully ask.

Matthias snickers quietly before returning silent. His head slumps down to look toward his body. In a sudden movement, he slams his right hand down upon the throne, sending a sharp ringing throughout the antechamber, and popping off a metal arm. With his left hand, he reaches for his right leg and yanks it from his body, then throws to your feet. A moment later he does the same with his left foot.

“You have that knowledge now, don’t you?” He responds, emptily. “Don’t you…”

You carefully retrieve all of his strewn false parts, and hold them in your arms. The slight warmth to them quickly fade.

Is this all there is here? Is it too late?

“Why are you here?” He asks almost inaudibly.

Something that couldn’t be avoided, but you’ll certainly keep trying.

[1/2]

>>43615238

“To finally see how my friend after so long.” You answer, flatly.

“Why are you here?” He repeats, louder.

“To greedily explore and learn all there is about the final inner realm.” You answer quickly.

“Why are you here?!” He leans forward the best he can.

“I’ve given you an answer, so there’s no need to keep asking the same question.” You step forward, undaunted by his demeanor.

“WHY ARE YOU HERE?!” He shouts with voice dripping with hate.

You simply shake your head, causing him to repeat himself even louder, sending a dizzying cacophony of raw anger bouncing inside the chamber.

“There’s no going back if I give you the answer. So stop asking, you idiot!” You shout back into the mask covering his face.

A tense moment hangs over the two of you, before Matthias finally speaks again. “Why are you here, Sophia?” His voice cracks with sadness.

>Write in.

>>43615256
"I'm here to kill the one you love."
We know it and he knows it. Get the truth out in the open.

>>43615256
>"I need your army."

>>43615256
Because I need to fight Aya to get control of her army and kill the Usurper. I don't want to kill her since you are or were my friend. I was hoping to talk to you at long last and maybe talk her out of fighting me. After this is over i'll be too busy fixing what the Usurper broke anyways and she'll still control this place, provided she doesn't commit suicide by flame like Marissa did. I am sorry you got wounded because I couldn't stop what happened, I would rather you and Aya not get hurt now. Honestly you and Izu are the two most important people left to me.

>>43615302
>>43615312
>>43615319
Synthesizing.

>Writing

>>43615414

You always tried your best to be honest with him.

“I need your army.” You finally respond with heavy voice. “I need to fight Aya to get control of that army, and then to be rid of The Empress. I don’t want to kill her, but if it comes down to it, I most certainly will.” You let those words hang before continuing. “I honestly did come here wanting to see you, Matthias. You still are my friend, and because of that I don’t want you to be hurt any more than you have been already. But, in the end, you and I both know who I am.”

“That’s it then? That’s the truth…” His words are directed quietly inward.

That’s all that matters.

“Aya will never give up the army to you, so leave.” He motions toward the door.

“This isn’t going to be a matter of choice.” You reply.

“It’s always a matter of choice!” He shouts back. “You’ve always chosen yourself in the end, and now you want to destroy my family? I will not let you!” He quickly swipes at you with his left hand in an attempt to grab you, but you deftly evade with sheer instinct.

“I protect the ones I care about!” He lunges forward towards you, a dark red flame burning in his left hand, but once again, you’re just out of reach. He stumbles feebly to the floor, scars on his severed limbs open and begin to leak out blood.

“Stop, Matthias.” You state, stepping back from him.

[1/2]

>>43615941

“I will not!” He pulls himself forward as quickly as he can with his left. His fingernails peel back as he scratches against the marble floor for all the speed he can muster.

Yet again, he swipes at you, trying to damage your legs. You dodge, and his mask slips off, revealing an unrecognizable face of hideously taut and scarred skin, missing all the normal features, except for two sorrow-filled eyes.

“Matthias, stop! Please!” You drop the false limbs and beg, not wanting to witness this anymore.

“I will not.” He states still crawling after you, aggravating his wound to open even further.

Enough, there’s other things that need to be finished, so stop wasting your time here.

“EITHER LEAVE US ALONE, OR GIVE ME THE FUCKING RESPECT OF A FIGHT!” He shouts at you, tears streaming from his eyes.

There’s nothing left here.

>Seal him immobile, patch his wounds, and move on.

>Write in.

>>43615970
>Seal him immobile, patch his wounds, and move on.
It all comes tumbling down.

>>43615970
>>Seal him immobile, patch his wounds, and move on.
I'll try to go easy on her. I hope she sees reason. The Usurper has powers that make mine look paltry in comparison. After all this is said and done maybe Izu can heal some of what you lost. In fact if Aya would let me summon him he might be able to save her life when the fight is over. No matter how this all turns out Matthias you've ben a good friend, I'm sorry I couldn't be a better one.

>>43615992
>>43616047
Ending it.

>Writing.

>>43616106

Without wasting any more time, you seal Matthias completely immobile, and then approach his body.

“I hope for the both of us that Aya sees reason.” You turn to his wounds and do your best to patch them up. Izu would do a better job healing them, it’s unfortunate that Matthias’s injuries are beyond the scope of what Izu can heal.

You finish and head toward the doors. “You’ve been a good friend, Matthias. Thank you for everything.”

As the doors open before you, a cool wind rushes past your face, and all the beautiful sounds of the city return to you once again.

You silently walk toward the end of the hall, and then suddenly hear laughing in the deep parts of your mind.

“That was quite the humorous entertainment.” The fragment of The Dreamer laughs derisively. “It almost makes it worth being your temporary prisoner.”

“Another stain that can talk.” You respond to it. “What I found more humorous was your attempt to fool me.”

The laughing ceases. “You are the stain, a temporary one because of your mortality. I’ll be quiet for now, wouldn’t want to ruin the performance.”

The fragment quiets down just as you ascend a long flight of stairs, and exit the interior of the hall for the exterior of the cloister. You walk along the small stone path, enclosing the long stretch of verdant grass. A single figure, dressed in a light frame of gold armor, stands in the center of the grass, staring up at the small tower above. This small opening of land is highest point of the city besides that small tower.

[1/2]

>>43616786

Once you finally step onto the grass, Aya turns and acknowledges you in the same way you would acknowledge a rotting fruit.

“The snake finally makes her way over here. After we had gone through all the trouble of organizing a hunt for it.” She muses to herself.

You sigh quietly, feeling the aura of revulsion radiate toward you. It’s probably best that you don’t bring up what happened with Matthias.

“I’m here to take the throne from you.” You report frankly, ignoring her words.

“Taking after your master?” She mocks. “You don’t have the blood for it.”

You invoke your flame, which, as if spurred on by the very air, hisses with caustic fury. “Trust me, I do.”

Aya steps back from your flame, as a small squad of castle guard rushes into the cloister, and Aya waves them back.

“This one is mine to kill.” Aya informs the guards, who all remain, intent on watching.

You do your best not to laugh at that remark, you’ve more than prepared for this fight. “You won’t win. Forfeit the throne, and everyone is happier for it than the certain alternative.”

She scoffs as if your remark could not have been any more ridiculous. “I will not!”

That’s something you’ve heard enough for one day.

She seems more willing to fight, but maybe that subject you have been avoiding is just what might make her submit.

>"You're more than capable of living as a happy family with Matthias if you just stand aside. Your death isn't my ultimate goal, but I won't hesitate if it comes to that."

>Write in.

>>43616840
>>"You're more than capable of living as a happy family with Matthias if you just stand aside. Your death isn't my ultimate goal, but I won't hesitate if it comes to that."
"Don't worry, I care more about stopping The Ursurper than anything else."

>>43616840
I dont even want the throne, i just want your army to kill the usurper. I, as the one with the highest claim for the throne, will abdicate it.

>>43616840
Aya, cousin, I don't want to kill you, hell I don't even really want to rule this place. Maybe once I did, but now? pfeh. I just want her stopped. I know how but I NEED the army in addition to the one in Impel. She's released monsters sealed since before our grandfathers were born, and has them bound into herself. She's stronger than the both of us put together. After she's dead I'll be far far far too busy fixing everything she broke to care what happens here. You want the throne? As long as I have the army, you can keep it. You're more suited to it than I am. If you refuse me? We will fight and you will lose. I've touched the first flame, you can't win. Aya see reason, Marissa attacked me to force her own death, I don't want my best friend's wife to do the same.

>>43616840
Mention hpw izus made some progress as a healer

>>43616840
>"You're more than capable of living as a happy family with Matthias if you just stand aside. Your death isn't my ultimate goal, but I wont hesitate if I comes to that."

>>43616840
Announce who our parents were, so the guards don't step in once we start winning

>>43616840
Is it possible to teach the first flame?

>>43616866
>>43616935
Going with this appeal and adding in parts of the other write-ins as appropriate.

>>43616893
Controlling the throne means controlling the army, and we have the 2nd highest claim. Aya has the 1st, and is ruler, so we're only second to her in blood. But flames are what really count...

>>43616956
That sort of thing can't be taught, unfortunately.

>Writing~

>>43616988
>Controlling the throne means controlling the army, and we have the 2nd highest claim. Aya has the 1st, and is ruler, so we're only second to her in blood.
the point stands, we just want the army, and if we don't get it, the Usurper is going to release everything and destroy all the realms. If Aya does not move out, all will be lost. If not us, give it to Ali, at least SHE is trying to do something about Usurper.

>But flames are what really count...
epilogue, Aya's child inherits the first flame

>>43616988

You’re not sure whether trying to talk her down will expend more energy, but you’ll at the very least give it a try. “I don’t want the throne, Aya, it’s only a necessity for controlling the army, which I will use to help kill The Empress.”

Your words obviously catch her off guard, but she does her best not to show any signs of it.

You continue. “Once I get what I want, you can have your throne and army back, you’re more suited for ruling, and my goals are beyond that now. So, you’re more than capable of living as a happy family with Matthias, if you just stand aside.” You state with utter graveness. “Your death isn’t my ultimate goal, but I won’t hesitate if it comes to that.”

“Your goals have led to more than enough death as it is, and you expect me as a ruler to simply tell my people, those whose families you’ve torn apart, those whose lives you’ve ruined immeasurably, and those who died trying to stop you; you expect me to force them to give in to your commands? I will not.” She stands taller than she has ever in her life. “I love my family most of all, and I will not force them to look upon a coward. I will not hesitate as my father did, and I will not fail to protect them again.”

You spread corruption throughout your flame, and goad it to rise higher and higher. “You can’t win, and by fighting me, you doom more than yourself.” You point toward her abdomen. “I’ve said my piece. If you’re willing to be a heroic fool, and sacrifice both your lives, then so be it. I’m waiting.”

That’s all you have left, if she’s still willing to fight, then hopefully there’s a way to successfully end it without killing her.

[1/?]

>>43617701

Shards of hot orange flame race toward you suddenly, and you’re forced to send a wave of your own flame to stop them. You manage to incinerate all of them, but one that cuts into your upper arm.

Aya advances around your flame with stunning speed, using small surges of flame to propel herself forward, the grass scorches as she approaches you from a low angle.

She’s after your legs.

You quickly unleash a torrent of acidic flame in front of you, forcing her upwards where she’s intent on attacking your chest.

A mistake.

You’re enveloped in an armor of grey and hideous heat. Aya does her best to evade, but her shoulder slams directly into it, burning even her. You turn back and notice that the extreme heat of your flame begins to singe your cloak, but eventually the flames go out. Seems it won’t allow itself to burn so easily.

She falls back, and you don’t relent. You unleash a chain of explosions to pursue her, and she surrounds herself in her barrier. Your flames rage on, smacking into the exterior of the barrier, cracking it more and more.

Time to show who truly is the strongest Pyromancer.

You shape your flame into the visage of a grey snake, which repeatedly assaults the strong barrier with a disgusting hissing noise, sending pitch black smoke soaring into the air, and begins to paint the sky a deep orange color.

Suddenly she relinquishes her barrier, just as your flame was poised to strike again, but now your flame wraps around her as she makes it her own.

You invoke as much corruption as you can manage, causing Aya to recoil away from it. The most she can manage now is to push it away from her as she advances once again.

[2/3]

>>43617721

You move to snuff the flame, but find that they're no longer under your control. But given, how desperately Aya tries to keep it from advancing back onto her, she’s hardly faring any better. All she can do is advance toward you, and hope that the flame will chose you as a more appropriate target.

You feel your hands tingling as she advances, all you need to do is get your hands on the flames and you can force them back. It will all be over soon after.

In a blink of an eye she’s upon you, and you invoke your flame to force the wild flames back. The wild flame seeks a new target, and you can feel that it’s identified two. Aya, and her child. Depending on where you direct it, Aya will have a decent chance of surviving the fight, but it will certainly cost her, perhaps too much…Then an idea so violently repugnant strikes you, that you hardly wish to give it words.

>Direct the flame toward Aya.

>Direct the flame toward Aya’s child.

>Direct the flame toward Aya, and then sacrifice your cloak to snuff the flames.

>>43617738
>>Direct the flame toward Aya, and then sacrifice your cloak to snuff the flames.

>>43617738
>>Direct the flame toward Aya, and then sacrifice your cloak to snuff the flames.

>>43617738
oh god
we can't lose the cloak, but even we aren't that bad
>Direct the flame toward Aya.

>>43617738
>>Direct the flame toward Aya, and then sacrifice your cloak to snuff the flames.
We were serious.

>>43617738
>>Direct the flame toward Aya, and then sacrifice your cloak to snuff the flames.
We've come about as far as we're able to

>>43617738
Why didn't you just fucking listen aya? Fuuuuuck
>Direct the flame toward Aya, and then sacrifice your cloak to snuff the flames.

Why would you guys sacrifice our level up item for someone who hates us? You know she's going to keep hating us, right? This isn't going to magically make her no longer want us dead.

>>43617748
>>43617753
>>43617760
>>43617781
>>43617811
So long, old companion.

>Writing~

>>43617838
She can hate us all she wants, but we won. She has to yield. If Ali comes through we'll get the last level up we need to deal with the Usurper, If she doesn't it's all moot anyways. She can lead the army and inspire the people better than we can anyways.

>>43617866
I don't think she'll be obeying us personally, just that we took the throne. She'll probably be too injured after this anyway.

Well I have to sleep anyway.

>>43617842
thx 4 runin budi gud thred

>>43617897
You're very welcome, and good night!

File: aya.jpg (177 KB, 736x1000)

177 KB JPG

>>43617842

The only reason you’re even considering this, is because of that old debt you owe Matthias for not allowing you to wallow in your sadness as a child. You’re even now, you ungrateful lovers.

The wild flames are pushed toward Aya’s body, and she crumples to the ground instantly, writhing in pain. In hardly a second later, you’ve already wrapped her burning body underneath your cloak, and you desperately clutch the writhing body, mainly to keep your own arms from withdrawing.

By the time your cloak has absorbed the last of the flames, hardly a small portion remains of it. Aya’s torso and arms suffer from serious burns, and her face and neck have been burned slightly, but as she passes out from the pain, you’re still confident that she will live.

You turn to the guards who witnessed your fight. “You, bring someone to help her! And you! Bring all the leaders of your army here, now.” You order harshly.

They look confused for only a moment before realizing what just transpired, and then they all run off to carry out your orders.

You sigh as you clutch the remnants of your cloak. You turn to Aya’s unconscious form. “I always knew I’d win, even back then…”

~

>>43618053
Okay, that's where I'm going to end it for tonight. It certainly was interesting catching up with old friends, and I want to thank everyone that played today. As always, if you have any questions or comments, please feel free to post them in the thread, and I will do my best to respond to them.

If not, then I wish you a good day/night, and hope to see you again next time!

>(Twitter)
https://twitter.com/QM_Auri

>>43618086
The kid ok? Matthias here what's going on? How bad are the wounds? Izu follow us in? Azalie realize we've betrayed her yet? We feel any magic on what's left of the cloak?

>>43618152
Her child is perfectly fine, Matthias most likely didn't hear what happened as those doors to his chamber are quite thick. She's going to have some permanent scarring, and will be in a decent amount of pain for a few days, but other than that, she will be fine. Izu did not follow you in, as you left when he was asleep. This particular question is a very good one. And if there's anything left within the fabric, it would be very minuscule.

>>43618086
Thanks for running auri!

>>43618203
You're very welcome!

>>43618188
If there is any left could we learn it or repair it? How bad would the scaring be? How'd Matt get so fucked up? Given Justinian is a flesh crater could she repair the damage?

>>43618236
Unfortunately, learning from it or repairing it is far beyond you or anyone you know, as it involves very extensive knowledge of enchantments. Hard to say on that, maybe on a scale from 1-10, a 5 or 6, bad, but not terrible. Matthias was attacked by the surging flesh that helped summon Azalie, it would've killed him had, Aya not intervened. This is a question that I would have to think about, but given the right materials, and perhaps fresh parts, I think it could be possible.

>>43618305
Where is our bodyguard fleshgolem thing right now?

>>43618354
Back in Impel, mainly because you knew that this was going to be a Pyromancy battle.

>>43618305
Grievermillion hear about this soon? Is he going to be bringing Ellie to us? We have enough time to get the human army to join too? Our seal on ip Suran still in place in Azalie's head?

>>43618380
figured, just curious.

So when it comes with us will it just be hulking over our shoulder or does it have a way to stay out of sight?

>>43618390
You're more likely to have made it back before news reaches Grievermillion. What you want to do with Ellie will certainly come up soon. That is unlikely, but it's also a very good question for maybe not so apparent reasons. Your hidden object in Azalie's mind has been doing work all this time.

>>43618400
Like all flesh soldiers, it's capable of burrowing.

>>43618053
Oooh missed it. Ah well. None of them commented on the dagger/grandad or the uncle?

>>43618445
Realized we should have visited camp when we had spare time. Chosen one the dreamer?

>>43618445
Lost the cloak, but i think it was worth it. Do the fragments need flesh vessels, or would things like the cloak or hairpin work?

>>43618449
It's only the older warriors and the children of the old king that would recognize that's his blade. I wrote about Nahldol indirectly, but maybe it would have been better to mention him by name.

>>43618479
That's a very interesting question, and one that will likely be answered very soon.

>>43618497
I would say through only the use of your sealing powers, an inanimate object will only provide a temporary vessel for a fragment. If you want it to be more permanent, then some more knowledge of enchanting would be required.

>>43618533
Kyraen aesil have an enchanter?

>>43618559
Or impel for that matter

>>43618445
Tentative idea

Choose an appropriate target, say a nearby mountain, and carve into it with pyromancy into a monument. A testament of our powers to those who did not witness the fight, practicing new fire tricks that usurper has not yet seen, and working out frustrations from losing the goddamn cloak.

>>43618559

Almost certainly, but as to whether or not they're up to the level you'd need them to be is something I'm going to have to consider.

>>43618572
Now this is a very different question entirely...

With that, I'll be stepping out for the night. Until next time!

>>43618591
Given how the sky looks after your battle, most everyone will know something has happened in the castle and will seek out just what that was. But, I do like the idea of practicing new techniques and general venting of frustrations. Maybe if time permits.

Okay, with that, I'll really be stepping out now.

>>43618617
To be honest, this was the best way to go about the whole duel. She was right about looking like a coward, and we really did need to beat her in a way where she doesn't willingly surrender.

The only way that could have gone better would be if we specced so much into pyromancy that even the first flame bends fully to Sophia's will. Or did some strange seal/teleport shenanigans.