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>>47624129

“Easy there, easy,” a soft voice murmurs to you, as someone helps to lift you upright, “Wake up Ira... Damn it, wake up already!” As the voice grows hard and irritated, you finally crack open your lonesome eye. As your mind returns to the present moment, you feel cold water around your legs, and a terrible ache in your chest.

You're awake, you grunt, you're wide awake.

“Good,” Soma sighs, taking a careful pace away from you as you stand, “I heard shouting... I thought I was too late...”

You're fine, you assure her, you've had worse. There was the time you caught a knife in the guts for one thing, and then there was the eye thing. You could go on, but you decide against it. Instead, you ask about the battle up above – how did it turn out?

“When I left, we had broken their backs,” Soma explains, “Something happened, I don't know what. All of a sudden, their attack just... faltered. Like every one of them had been stunned for a brief moment, the exact same moment. If it hadn't been for that, I might not be here right now. I mean, a lot of the soldiers didn't make it as it is – they were on the front line, protecting the rest of us with their lives.” She falls silent at that, her face grim. “I've had my problems with the military before, but seeing them like that...”

As she talks, more to herself than to you, you begin to fumble through the water and find the Ascetic's carcass. Lifting it from the water, you dump it on the stone path by the side of the tunnel. What was it that Mandragora said, so long ago? Something about not leaving garbage in someone's garden.

Well, that applies now. You'll take the body up and burn it. Really, it's more than the bastard deserved. Then, as you pick up the head, an idea comes to mind. Maybe you won't burn it – not straight away, at least.

“Are you taking-” Soma begins as you start to drag the body away, “Okay, you're taking it with you. Okay. Wait up!”

>>47624141

Soma is able to guide you back through the tunnels, through tight corridors and wide hallways, until you reach the entrance. All the time she leads you forwards, the only sound is that of the Ascetic's body scraping across the stone tiles. It's only when the stairs up are in sight that she finally speaks up.

“Okay, stop!” she pleads, putting herself between you and the stairs, “Why are you taking that with us?”

It's simple, you explain, you might be able to get some answers out of him.

“Ira, he's dead,” Soma says slowly, pausing before pointing at the corse, “Ira, you cut his head off.”

Still, you shrug, you've got your methods. Nodens taught you a little trick that might come in handy...

“Sure, why not?” she sighs, “Okay, look... I don't know what you're going to do to that thing, but you should do it somewhere private. Somewhere quiet. If you had other plans...”

Maybe you do. In the aftermath of such a bloody affair, you'll have a lot of catching up to do. Is there anywhere you should start, you ask Soma, has anyone been asking after you?

“Well, I'm sure Ra and the Emperor would like to know the situation,” Soma says, “But, personally... I'd start with the hospital. There were a lot of wounded men and women. Friends, you know?”

As is so often the way.

>Find a private place to investigate the Ascetic's corpse
>Visit the wounded
>Find Ra and explain the situation
>Other

>>47624153
>Find a private place to investigate the Ascetic's corpse
Let's get this done so we don't have to keep carrying a head around.

>>47624153
>Find a private place to investigate the Ascetic's corpse

>>47624153
>>Visit the wounded
We have a lot of healing spells to unload before devoting the rest of our mental capacity on the Ascetic and likely passing out beside him

>>47624221
Nodens' spell has never tired us out. It's just a quick vision.

>>47624153
>>Find a private place to investigate the Ascetic's corpse
Sooner we get rid of this head the better.

>>47624243
we're at half health, about to unload all our healing spells, and we're going to get as much as we can out of the Ascetic.

This is going to be exhausting.

>>47624266
I don't know where you are assuming we are going to pass out from using spells. The only one that gave issues at all in this quest is Web.

>>47624299
The repeated descriptions about how taxing spells are in general, and the fact that this is the most spells we've ever cast before resting, particularly after an adrenaline-filled fight that included taking some injuries and dragging a heavy, muscular body through a good bit of water and a lot more road?

>>47624332
Okay but do you really think Moloch is going to keep having us pass out when we try to do things? Man likes his pacing too much to waste time on pointless things. These aren't trap options anon, it's just what you want to do first.

Whatever I guess we'll see eh?

>>47624141
It seems like Ascetic's berserkers were stunned by Song of Discord... But we didn't fight for that long after using it. Certainly not long enough for Soma to use the opportunity, then decide that the enemy is broken, then go looking for us in the tunnels.

>>47624380
we'd be basically done with most of the important activities for Ira anyway. We'd "miss" whatever stuff was in store between Lapis, Sho, and Miura, but at the same time it's a useful plot device to timeskip a tad. A person can't reasonably be EVERYWHERE.

You'll visit them, you assure Soma, but later. When you're not carrying a severed head around, cradled in your arms. Somehow, you suspect it might send the wrong message, dragging the Ascetic's body into whatever makeshift hospital they've put together. You'll find somewhere nice and private, and then you'll see what secrets still lurk within this cursed skull.

“Well,” Soma pauses, “Okay. You might have a hard job finding a quiet space upstairs though. With all the civilians there, it's a pretty tight squeeze. We're going to start moving them out now, once we're certain that there isn't any dangers left out there, but it'll take time. They're scared, you know? Right now, most of them are perfectly happy staying here – it's comforting, I guess.”

The soldiers outside might have something to do with that, you suggest.

“There... aren't that many left,” Soma replies, a brittle smile, weary and regretful, touching her lips, “But still. Better than nothing. If you wanted somewhere private...”

Then these tunnels might be the best place, you guess, very well. Setting the Ascetic's corpse down, you sit next to it and stare, for what seems like a long time, into his glassy, dead eyes. In truth, you're not looking forwards to this, to what you might learn from him. Nevertheless, this too is your duty.

“I'll give you two some time alone,” Soma offers, awkwardly, “But I won't go far. Shout if you need me.”

Murmuring your thanks, you begin to pat down the Ascetic's body, looking for anything that might offer answers. With his chest bare, there are only a few places to hide anything, and a pouch strapped to his waist offers you a prize. Dull, yet still curiously radiant, in the dim light of these tunnels, the flat crystal lens catches your eye, captivating you and urging to a familiar, possessive mania. Holding it close to your heart for a moment, you slide the lens into your own pocket.

Now. The interesting part.

[1/2]

>>47624439
We absolutely have to be around when Sho speaks to Lapis, or he'll fuck it up.

>>47624472
Both of them could fuck it up. Lapis doesn't talk to many people.

>>47624472
But that's what makes this fun!

But there is reason that we SHOULDN'T interfere. There are essentially the representatives of the land, and each is expected to do something like goddamn talking without needing a nanny.

We'll see when we get there.

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>>47624442

Laying your palm upon the Ascetic's shaven scalp, you inwardly shudder a little at the clammy feel of his skin. Rot and decay seem to be rushing to claim his flesh faster than normal, as if nature itself is trying to purge the cadaver. Even so, you've got time enough before it succumbs to dissolution. Taking a series of long, slow breaths, you prepare yourself for whatever you might find. Then, calling upon Nodens' magic, you let the gloomy tunnels fade away.

A different kind of gloom rises up to meet you. Grainy and strained, like an oil painting faded by the long years, you start to make out details of the room around you. Lushly decorated, with unreadable books lining the walls. In one shadowy corner, you catch a glimpse of white flesh – the Ascetic himself, but in a curiously intangible form. No physical body, you realise, but a spectre, a projection of his will.

“You say the Emperor will travel?” the Ascetic's phantom presence murmurs, “He will brave the dangerous roads, just to tighten his grip on these lands?”

There must be someone else here, the person you've been looking for – the traitor. Yet, your vision refuses to show anything but the darkened corner, and the Ascetic himself. With nothing else to focus on, you study what you can see of the room. You've only seen one place with this kind of decoration – the Imperial palace.

Then, the traitor speaks.

“The roads are indeed dangerous,” the cold, predatory voice of General Takino slips into your mind like a poisoned dagger, “Now more than ever.”

“Then, we have a deal?” the Ascetic hisses, “His route, his plans... you'll give them to me?”

“On one condition,” Takino stresses, “You can take the east – I don't give a damn about it. The west, the capital... that's mine.”

“I think I can agree to that,” the sorcerer purrs, “Now, shall we talk strategy?”

As a curse bubbles up within you, the vision fades to grey.

[2/3]

>>47624546
I think we all knew, just needed confirmation.

>>47624546
timefortheira.jpg

>>47624546

When reality returns, Soma is leaning against the tunnel wall, a meagre few paces away. She watches you with a mixture of concern and fear.

“You were muttering,” she tells you, “Cursing under your breath, it sounded like. Whatever you learned, it sounded like bad news. Not what you wanted to hear?”

Not what you wanted to hear, you agree numbly, but what you needed to know.

“Huh,” Soma frowns, “That sounds vague. Deliberately so, or is this something I'm better off not knowing about?”

Remaining silent for now, you consider what you've just learned. Takino – cruel, ambitious Takino. With Hirohito send to reclaim the Stone of the South-West, he was the highest ranking military officer left in the capital. The perfect man to step in and take control, in other words, if the Emperor should die. Strong leadership would be essential during such times – it would be chaos otherwise. It makes perfect sense. Was the Ascetic the one to find Takino, or had Takino somehow reached out to the sorcerer?

You'll get those answers later, ripping them from Takino's mind if you have to.

“Ira?” Soma asks, “Are you... well?”

Perfectly fine, you tell her, perfectly fine. Now...

>Take me to see the Emperor, now
>Can you show me to the wounded?
>I know who tried to have the Emperor killed. It was Takino all along
>Other

>>47624630
>I have someone to kill, but that will wait.
>Can you show me to the wounded?

>>47624630
>Take me to see the Emperor, now
Takino might do a follow-up assassination attempt if desperate.

>>47624630
>>Can you show me to the wounded?

>>47624662
No he wouldn't. To much risk. If Ascetic failed he could just claim innocence since to his knowledge only him and Ascetic know about their collision.

>>47624680
>collision
Collusion.*

>>47624630
>Can you show me to the wounded?

“Are you sure?” she presses, “I mean...”

You've got someone you need to kill, you tell her politely, that's all. Now, can she show you to the wounded? You'd like to think about something else for a while, and that would be the perfect thing to take your mind off... your recent discovery.

Soma stares at you, fear winning out over concern for control of her expression, before finally clearing her throat. “I see,” she lies, “I'll take you there straight away. You'll forgive me if I don't join you. I'm afraid I don't quite have the stomach for spending too long in such places.”

Few people do. It's the smell, you've found – blood, but with the cutting undertone of harsh medicines. She doesn't need to accompany you for long, you assure her. In fact, you'd rather have her sticking close to the Emperor. The immediate danger might have passed, but that's no reason to abandon all caution.

“Sure, I can do that,” smiling a little, Soma leads you towards the stairs, “Oh, but there's a room marked out for the recent dead. I imagine they wouldn't complain about one extra body.”

It's a while before you see anyone else, so you're able to stash the Ascetic's corpse with a minimum of fuss. Even the grim crow of a priest tending to the dead accepts the new body with little more than a nod – after all, it's hardly the first corpse he's seen today. With your burden cast aside, you spot a flash of white hair among the dead. Laid out upon a stone slab is Paracelius, his body cold and grey.

“I... didn't know how to tell you,” Soma apologises, “You were still sleeping when they found the body. They say he didn't suffer, he wouldn't have known about it. His neck was broken – a clean break, from behind most likely.”

True enough, you reply quietly as you examine Paracelius' unusually calm features, he looks like he's found peace. Maybe that's what he was hoping to find when he came here.

[1/2]

>>47624888
you drunk old fool

>>47624888
Could we even save him?

>>47624925
It seemed like he wanted to pass away here anyways, though I think it was supposed to be in battle as opposed to falling into a hole and getting neck snapped.

>>47624940

We couldn't. By the time Jin told us about the house, he was already down in the tunnels. There was no way we could have made it in time.

>>47624964
So he only existed as a character to die?

>>47624981
lotta old wanderers, and not nearly enough decent apprentices.

>>47624981

Not explicitly. I didn't have a clear purpose in mind for him, or Jin and Oba. As the story went on, I felt it was the most suitable outcome. Perhaps that isn't the best word.

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>>47624888

As Soma awkwardly retreats, you say a quick prayer over Paracelius' body. You weren't exactly close, but he still deserves to be treated with respect. In a way, he helped to lead you right to the Ascetic. That alone is worth remembering.

Leaving the sepulchral room behind, you follow the lingering smell of blood to the makeshift hospital, bracing yourself for the worst. The chorus of groans that rushes to meet you isn't as bad as you feared, but it's far worse than you could have hoped. Wounded men lie on simple beds, staining the white sheets with blood and battlefield dirt. Doctors, harried but still clinging to their composure, move up and down the rows. As you cast your eye across the hospital, you spot a familiar face. Sitting up in bed, his features pale and drawn, Koa notices your gaze and puts on a brave face.

Not a very convincing one, mind, but you appreciate the effort.

Koa's arm, his right one, is in a sling, and several small cuts decorate his young face. As you take a seat by his bed, he slurs out a greeting.

“Gave me a drink of something,” he tells you slowly, “Doesn't hurt at all.”

Really, you reply with a forced smile, maybe you should get some of that for yourself.

“Might be a good idea,” Koa yawns, “Hey... you didn't see her anywhere, did you? Soma?”

You've seen in, you confirm, why?

“We couldn't find her, when the fighting stopped,” the apprentice explains, “Not to accuse her of nothing, but it looks like she ran, first chance she got. I mean, I don't blame her, but...”

>Never mind her. Are you okay?
>What about the others?
>You can rest now. The worst has passed
>I wanted to ask you something... (Write in)
>Other

>>47625069
>Never mind her. Are you okay?
"I got Ascetic by the way."
>What about the others?
>I wanted to ask you something... (Write in)
What happened from your perspective?

Then
>You can rest now. The worst has passed

>>47625069
>She went to find me, and here I am.
>Did you see any NEW faces among the soldiers? I'd prefer if I didn't have to thwart any more layers of deception, it's rather bothersome.
>Can you point me to the worst patients?

>>47625069
>Never mind her. Are you okay?
>What about the others?
>You can rest now. The worst has passed

>>47625069
>What about the others?
>You can rest now. The worst has passed
>She went looking for me, i found the Ascetic, fought him and killed him in the tunnels.

Never mind Soma, you say as you shake your head, how is he doing? It's something of a foolish question, given that the boy is lying in a hospital bed, but you feel the need to ask it anyway.

“They say it's broken, that's all,” Koa remarks, shrugging his shoulders slightly to indicate his arm, “I won't be fighting any duels for a while, but they say it'll heal. Might be, the old man can do one better when we get back home. Shame about my face though...”

Some women like scars, you tell him with a shrug of your own, it might win him a few fans.

“Guess we'll have to see about that,” this time, Koa manages a genuine grin, “I figure I got off lightly, considering.”

What was it like, you ask, the battle?

“Loud. Hectic. Truth be told, I don't remember too much of it,” Koa shakes his head, swaying slightly as his drugged mind struggles to maintain a sense of balance, “There was a bomb, I think. Soren wanted to go check it out, but we stopped him leaving. The way I see it, that was what they wanted – splitting us up, catching us with our pants down.” He chuckles a little at the image, but the laugh dies quickly as he recalls the battle in full. He's seen combat before, you know that much, but the memories are still fresh enough to hurt.

Take it slow, you suggest, and if he doesn't feel like talking...

“No, I mean, I'm okay,” Koa takes a slow, shuddering breath, “I guess the worst of it was how they just threw themselves at us. No fear, no hesitation. We shot at them, but most of the first volley missed. I guess the soldiers, the new guys, were expecting them to fight like... like soldiers. Not beasts. By the time they were ready for a second volley, they were just about on us. That's... about as much as I can remember, fighting up close. No, there was something I do remember – they all paused for a moment, all at once. Gave us the time to regroup, to push them back.”

[1/2]

>>47625391

Just as Soma said. It would have given her a good chance to slip away, that all too brief lull in the combat. The question is, was she running to find you, or just running? Who was hurt the worst, you ask Koa, can he direct you to them?

“Oba got hit pretty bad, I think,” Koa frowns as he tries to think, “He's still not woken up. It's better that way, the doctors say. Jin got his arm cut open, right down to the bone, but that shouldn't turn bad or anything. Oh, there was the woman, Miura's bodyguard. I don't think she was hurt too badly, but she looked pretty rough. She's not here, though, so I guess she's safe. Jin and Oba, they should be down...” Fumbling to point with his left hand, Koa twists his body and waves a hand down the hallway.

Down that way, you finish, you get the idea.

“Hey, Soma, I mean...” Koa asks, unwilling to let the issue drop.

She left to go looking, you tell him, to go looking for you. You were down in the devotional tunnels, chasing after the Ascetic. Good news, you add, you got the bastard. He's as dead as they come.

“Thank the gods,” he breathes, slumping back in bed, “I guess it's over.”

Not yet, you tell him as you think about Takino's treachery, it's not over yet. Has there been any new arrivals, you ask, any faces he doesn't recognise? New soldiers, perhaps, or anyone to appear suspicious.

“New faces? No, I don't think so,” Koa pauses as he searches his memory, “No, I'm sure of it. Soren talked about sending for fresh troops, what with all the losses and all, but it's way too soon for them to have arrived.”

That's good. One less thing to worry about. If word of the Emperor's survival has reached Takino, he hasn't made his next move – yet.

>Check up on Jin and Oba
>Find the Emperor and explain the situation
>Ask Koa another question... (Write in)
>Other

>>47625473
>Check up on Jin and Oba

>>47625473
>Find the Emperor and explain the situation

>>47625473
>>Check up on Jin and Oba
Panacea Oba and Gift of the Soil Jin real quick

Then
>Find the Emperor and explain the situation

>>47625473
>>Check up on Jin and Oba


>>47625505
Gift of the soil is Ira only anon, and we used it in the fight.

>>47625531
>Gift of the soil is Ira only anon, and we used it in the fight.

We used it on that Bandit a long time ago and we did not use it in the fight.

We used Wrath -> Porcelain Skin -> Teleport -> As the Mountains

The worst has passed, you tell Koa as you rise, he should rest for now. You'll check on Jin and Oba, and then you'll bring the news to the Emperor. Wishing him well one last time, you head down the corridor he indicated and keep your eye open for any sign of the pair. If you can find one of them, the other won't be far away. Wanderers tend to be the solitary type, but there are always exceptions. Jin and Oba – a quick mind and a strong body – make an excellent team.

You find them in a more private room, one that keeps them apart from the noise and activity of the main area. The sort of room you might move a dying man to, so that he might pass with dignity. You hope that that grim possibility is the worst case scenario. Oba lies upon the bed, much of his head wrapped in a thick layer of clean, white linen. He breathes slowly, calmly, but that is the only sign of life that can be seen. Sitting in the nearby chair, Jin snores lightly. Save for the bandage wrapped around his upper arm, he seems well enough. Unharmed, at least.

Pacing lightly around the bed, you tilt Oba's head to the side. It's hard to tell beneath the bandage, but there almost seems to be a dip in the line of his skull, like an egg that has started to crack. You wince at the thought, of what kind of injury might lie beneath that gauze.

“He got lucky,” Jin says quietly, opening one eye to regard you, “The beast had two weapons, a cudgel and a hatchet. If he hadn't used the club...”

Oba might not still be here, you finish.

“Exactly so,” Jin nods, “Still... it might not make much of a difference, in the long term.”

>It he passes, it'll be peaceful
>I might be able to help him. No guarantees though
>In the battle, did you see Soma?
>Other

>>47625790
>>I might be able to help him. No guarantees though
Give Panacea a shot.

>In the battle, did you see Soma?

>>47625790
>>I might be able to help him. No guarantees though
Panacea

>In the battle, did you see Soma?

>>47625790
>I might be able to help him. No guarantees though
>In the battle, did you see Soma?
Wasn't she tossing all of her grenades?

>>47625790
>>I might be able to help him. No guarantees though
>In the battle, did you see Soma?

You might be able to help him, you offer cautiously, but you can't guarantee anything.

“Some magic, I presume?” Jin grimaces, “And to think, I had the chance to learn a thing or two about healing. I never thought I'd need something like that – arrogant, wouldn't you say?” He sighs heavily, bitter regret clouding his sallow face. “Do whatever you can. If nothing comes of it, then nothing comes of it. We both accepted the risks when we came here.” Although his words are cold, the slight tremor in Jin's voice tell the truth of it – he's retreating, putting as much distance as he can between himself and the rest of the world.

Not the best coping measure around, but it's better than lashing out.

Focussing your thoughts on better things, on thoughts of healing and respite, you press your hands to Oba's cheeks. His skin is cool, just barely colder than that of a living thing. Closing your eyes, you consider what he has sacrificed, what he offered up in pursuit of peace. It's time that the gods gave something back, returning some of the blood he shed for them. The magic that swells within you feels like countless steel pins, gathering in the tips of your fingers and flowing into the comatose man. Slowly, a touch of colour returns to his cheeks, and that tiny warmth he had been missing – the warmth of a living being – eases back into him.

He coughs – just once, but that's enough to get Jin standing bolt upright.

“Thank the gods!” Jin gasps, “Oba? Oba, can you hear me?”

“Shut up,” Oba slurs, “I'm tired. Let me get some damn rest...”

“Rest?” Jin hesitates, “You're not going to die on me, are you?”

“If that's what it takes to get a little peace and quiet,” the wounded man grunts.

Come on, you tell Jin, give him some room. You had something you wanted to ask him, anyway. Taking Jin by the arm, you steer the unresisting man away from the bed. All the while, he keeps looking back to Oba.

[1/2]

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>>47626028

During the battle, you ask Jin, did he see Soma anywhere?

“Who? Oh, her,” still distracted, Jin nods. Clenching his eyes shut for a moment, he finally focusses on you, “Sorry, sorry. I'm just... I saw her, yes. She was shooting, and doing... something. I don't know what she was throwing – bombs of some kind, perhaps – but none of those beasts strayed too close to her. That's why I was able to reach her first, to warn her about the devotional tunnels. I didn't have a chance to see her after that, the fighting got too thick. When the enemies started to ease off, she was gone.” As he finishes talking, Jin looks back to Oba, clearly fighting the urge to return to his friend's side.

Go on, you tell him, that's all you wanted to know.

“Thank you,” he tells you, his voice hushed and grateful, “Thank you, Ira.”

Waving him away – you don't want to get bogged down in long, extravagant displays of gratitude – you make your excuses and leave. You need to go see the Emperor, and Ra. They need to know the situation. At least, they need to know that the Ascetic is dead. As for the other matter, the matter of the traitor...

Well, you'll decide what to do when you see Ra. That opportunity comes sooner rather than later, as you leave Oba's secluded room and practically walk straight into the old advisor. When he sees you, alive and well, he lets out a sigh of relief.

“I was afraid I might find you among the wounded,” Ra begins, with a faint, ironic smile, “But I suppose I can accept this. Alive and well, I see.”

Alive, you tell him as you touch your aching ribs, that's all you can say for sure.

“Hmm,” Ra's smile drops away, “Walk with me, Ira. I wanted to speak with you – and so does the Emperor.”

Lead on, you tell him. As Ra leads you away from the crowded hospital, you consider what to tell him.

>Tell him about the Ascetic
>Tell him about the traitor Takino
>Stay silent and see what Ra has to say
>Other

>>47626256
>Stay silent and see what Ra has to say

>>47626256
>>Stay silent and see what Ra has to say
And then warn about Takino.

>>47626256
>>Stay silent and see what Ra has to say

>>47626256
>Stay silent and see what Ra has to say
Let's wait til we get we are with the Emperor too before we give the news.

It takes Ra a long time to find his tongue. He fishes a small flask out of his pocket and takes a swig from it – you smell strong alcohol – before finally speaking up. “There were seven of them. Seven,” pausing, he nods back towards the makeshift hospital, “Nearly two dozen men dead, most of them soldiers. There were a number of civilians caught in the crossfire, but the majority of the townspeople made it into the temple in time. All in all, we must consider ourselves as getting off lightly.” He takes another pull from his flask, then holds it out to you.

After a moment of hesitation – temptation, really – you shake your head. What did he want to talk about, you ask, was it something to do with the battle?

“Not directly, no,” Ra shakes his head, “But Sho - the Emperor, I should say – is... concerned. He witnessed the whole thing, even though it put him in danger. I fear the past few days have scarred him deeply – and perhaps that's for the best.”

It might teach him some responsibility, you ask, is that it?

“Exactly so,” nodding, Ra grimaces a little, “It's harsh, I know, but this might be the opportunity we need. If the Emperor can be taught a lesson from this, some good may still come out of this trip.”

He might be right there, you admit as Ra leads you along the temple corridors, the rest of the trip is going ahead then?

“It is. Now more than ever, the Emperor is determined to see this through to the end,” Ra manages a small smile, “It's traditional, to take a girl to the place of her birth before asking for her hand in marriage. That, more than anything else, seems to be keeping the Emperor from giving up and going home.”

That boy needs to sort his priorities out, you mutter darkly.

[1/2]

>>47626564
7? didn't we say that there was 8 of those still alive?

>>47626589
1 died earlier fighting soldiers before the main attack.

>>47626589
Soldiers killed one before the fight proper.

>>47626602
>>47626605
Oh yeah, forgot about him

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>>47626564

As you arrive at a set of imposing double doors, Ra takes your arm to stop you from entering.

“As I said, the Emperor is in a particularly vulnerable state right now. I urge you to choose your words carefully,” Ra lets his hand drop away from your arm, “I'll be honest with you, Ira – this time, I trust your judgement more than I trust my own. It's been a long time since I knew the ins and outs of that boy's mind, and it's time I accepted that. As an advisor, I know when it's time to seek advice of my own.”

You'll do your best, you assure Ra, you'll try and think of the right thing to say.

“That's all I can ask,” the old man nods, pushing open the door and ushering you in. Sitting before a great fireplace, warming himself by the dancing flames, Sho doesn't look around at the sound of your entrance. He doesn't even look up when Ra clears his throat. As the old advisor retreats to a respectful distance, you cross the room and sit by the fire, at the boy's side. Then, at long last, he speaks.

“I saw the battle,” Sho says quietly, “I know, it was a foolish risk. Still, I had to – I owed it to those men through there. The injured. The dead.”

You remain silent for a moment longer, waiting for him to continue.

“I saw those... things that attacked us. Properly, I mean. It's like you said, isn't it? I had a hand in making them what they were,” he closes his eyes, his voice grave. This is the first time you've seen him act like a leader, you realise, showing the responsibility that his position demands. “I wanted to put the future in the hands of men, but all I did is create those monsters. Those weren't men. Tell me, and tell me honestly...”

Another pause.

“Was it my fault?” Sho asks, “All of this... has it been my fault?”

>It has. You need to accept that
>You're not to blame for this
>You had a part to play, as did we all
>It's not too late to start putting things right
>Other

>>47626702
>>You had a part to play, as did we all
Ambition is good, but you need to think it through, this is why you see old men hesitates and being slow to decides things, we "knows" that you have to deal with the aftermath of that ambition, young men such as you don't get that until they've become older and/or have that fact rubbed in their faces like you are at this moment

>>47626702
>It's not too late to start putting things right
>But imply with the tone that yes, it's his fault.
He doesn't know that Selene's prophecies can be a load of bull, so I fear telling him everything straignt away could make him fatalistic and suicidal.

>>47626702
>>You had a part to play, as did we all
>>It's not too late to start putting things right
while the return of the arts that create those things is a consequences of his actions he must remember that there were other factors included and that is not too late for him to do his part on preventing that something like this ever happens again

>>47626702
>You had a part to play, as did we all
>It's not too late to start putting things right

Ambition is all well and good, but those who fails to reckon the effects of their actions before doing them. A real leader keeps his eyes open and listens for things. Being reckless, being arrogant, attacking a solitary goal to the detriment of all else, that can and WILL ruin all you wish to achieve. A man must take responsibility for his actions, A leader even more so. Heavy is the hand that bears the ring.

>>47626702
>You had a part to play, as did we all
>It's not too late to start putting things right
>Other
"Sho would you like to hear my story? My perspective as I traveled throughout Tenngaru doing my best to fix things as best I can?"

Pretty much tell him what we've seen throughout the quest. Oppression of the military that led to things like Sparna, that led to people joining up with Seer's cult. The manipulations of Seer. How the cultists broke up after hearing about Seer's crimes. How the military tried to kill Aya for reporting about Sparna. Sho's disregard of the traditions of his people with his railroad that led to more unrest. Everything that compounded to this moment.

"My best advice to you is to keep doing what you are doing now. Go out and learn about the people you are ruling. Understand them. The true way to bring about stability and happiness isn't how big your army is or by ruling with fear, as fear has a way to boiling into anger as we have seen. It's by keeping your people content. As long as they are content with their lot in life there is no reason to rebel or generate unrest."

>>47626702
>You had a part to play, as did we all
This entire situation from our view, was not one where no one party was clean. Both sides fed on one another for their own reasons. The cultists used great tragedies to rally their forces and in return the more militant factions used the push back to get more soldiers. Excuses were used on all sides, but at the end of the day, it has been a war where seemingly noble intentions on both sides were corrupted.
>It's not too late to start putting things right
However, there is a way to make amends. Learn from this. Use your mind along with your body. Use the sword only when words fail. Build bridges.. or in this case, tunnels with the gods to help nurture the lands together. You are the emperor, but the emperor's strength is his people. ALL of his people. Don't forget their sacrifices and their toils.

(bit heavy, but something for the others to work with and maybe peicemeal something better)

He had a part to play, you tell him, but so did you all. Man and god alike have all poured their poison into this land over the years – more years than you can even imagine – and it was only a matter of time before things came to a head. One of the greatest factors in that was, yes, him and his ambition.

Sho takes the words like a closed fist, almost flinching back from firm tone. He rallies quickly, however, forcing himself to meet your eye. “My ambition?” he asks.

There's nothing wrong with ambition, you explain, but it must be tempered with caution and foresight. Arrogance, recklessness, obsession with one goal... those have all brought the land to this point, to the brink of ruin. He knows what you're talking about, doesn't he?

“The railroad,” Sho manages a frail, bitter laugh, “Of course.”

Not just that, you argue, but every obsession. The Seer's unwavering fear of the future, the Mentor's insistence on remaining detached. His military, and their ever-tightening grip on the land. This refusal to bend, to find compromise, has led them all to the brink of destruction. As each side was pushed, they pushed back harder. Whatever noble intentions they might have once had were lost, crushed beneath the weight of their refusal to bow and accept change.

For his part in this, you finish, he needs to take responsibility – and that means doing whatever he can to put things right.

“Is that even possible?” the boy murmurs, “What I saw out there, that fury... can that really be put right?”

It's not too late to start, you tell him softly, he's already started down the right path. Seeing the things he's seen, meeting the people he rules over, those experiences give him the perspective he'll need to rule – and not to rule through fear. If he wants stability and peace, he needs to rule over a content people.

[1/2]

>>47627107

Sho is silent for a long time, staring into the flickering fire as he considers your words. What does he see in those flames, you wonder, the future that he nearly delivered upon this land?

“Compromise,” he says eventually, tasting the word like a man sampling fine wine, “That's something I'll need to accept, isn't it? You know, Ira, I think I know what a man who cannot compromise looks like... those beasts out there. You can't negotiate with that, you can't turn it around with a pretty speech or the threat of violence. If the refusal to bend, to work together, is what leads to those things...”

Hesitating, he falls silent. All you can hear is the crackling of burning wood. Holding your breath for a second, you remember Ra, lingering just within earshot. He would stepped in by now, you decide, if you'd made a terrible mess of this.

“Well, I won't lower myself to the level of a beast,” Sho decides, a new resolve – somehow mature, different from the stubbornness of a child – entering his voice, “I'll start with Lapis. We'll talk, the dragon and I, and we'll draw a path for the future together. Then... then we can start afresh.”

Glancing away for a second, your eye flicks across to Ra. He looks like he's about to burst into applause.

“Thank you, Ira,” Sho nods, “I'm glad I recognised your potential. Looks like I make some good decisions after all, wouldn't you say?”

You think back to the traitor Takino, now holding the capital in his grip. Maybe he does make some good decisions – but he makes some terrible ones as well.

“Well, Ira, if you don't mind, I have a meeting to prepare for,” Sho, all business once again, decides, “It's not every day that I get to meet a god.”

>Leave Sho to prepare himself
>Warn them both about Takino
>Bring them news of the Ascetic's death
>Ask some questions... (Write in)
>Other

>>47627107
>responsibility
It's like shoveling shit with a broken shovel, we all have to do it lest our shitpit overflow, back then he was tossing his shit all around him without a care of who got hit, now that he got a few shovels down his back he's starting to wonder how to make it so it doesn't happen again.
>though in your case, you've got the deepest shitpit, sucks to be you.

>>47627283
"Sorry just a couple more things. It's really important."
>Warn them both about Takino
>Bring them news of the Ascetic's death

>>47627283
>Bring them news of the Ascetic's death
>Warn them both about Takino

>>47627283
>>Warn them both about Takino
>>Bring them news of the Ascetic's death

>>47627283
>Bring them news of the Ascetic's death
>Leave Sho to prepare himself

>>47627283
>>Bring them news of the Ascetic's death
and using a spell we recovered from Nodens
>Warn them both about Takino

Before the Emperor can get too deeply involved with patting himself on the back, you clear your throat to make sure that both him and Ra are listening. There are a few small matters you need to tell them, you announce, and then you'll leave them to prepare themselves.

“Go on then,” Sho nods, a confident smile playing around his lips. It seems hard to believe that he was as weary and broken as an old man just a few moments ago. Whatever other flaws he might have, Sho can certainly recover quickly.

The leader of these assassins, you tell, is dead. You killed him yourself, in the devotional tunnels beneath the town. Whatever else the future holds, you won't need to fear another attack from that particular villain.

“That's excellent news!” the Emperor declares, clapping his hands together, “Really, very good timing Ira. It's not too late to enjoy the last of my travels. I had feared that having so many soldiers around would spoil the mood when I... ah...” He hesitates, dark colour rising up in his cheeks. “Well, grand news indeed,” clearing his throat, Sho makes a token attempt at maturity, “I can only hope that his dark knowledge died with him. Those creatures he used... they should never have existed.”

“But it's too early to relax,” Ra suggests, “Is it not?”

Exactly right, you say as you nod to him, there is another danger. A traitor within the Imperial palace, one who worked with the Ascetic to have the Emperor killed. It might be that he now controls the capital, his own troops replacing those loyal to Hirohito and the Emperor.

The traitor, you announce, is Takino.

“Takino...” Sho hisses the name out through clenched teeth, “That ingrate. How dare he? I thought he knew his place...”

[1/2]

>>47627611
As already stated, ambition, it can make men do terrible/stupid shit.

>>47627611

“The question, then, is what we should do about this,” Ra steps in smoothly, taking control of the conversation before Sho can get carried away, “Although I did not know of his ambitions, I'm not particularly surprised by them, either. Yet... Takino is well respected in the capital, after he led the defence. If he made a bid for power, he would likely find good support among the people. Among the military, certainly.”

Meaning that it might not be easy to remove him from power, you deduce, if he gets secure.

“But I have Hirohito, and his forces,” Sho says slowly, “They should be enough to retake the capital. Only... I don't want this to devolve into civil war. I want Takino's head – I won't lie about that – but his death is the only one I want. The idea of throwing my soldiers at his leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Tell me, Ira, do you think he knows that we know?”

Impossible, you decide, unless he can pluck the secrets from your mind.

“So, if I was to act naturally, he might never suspect a thing,” the Emperor thinks to himself, “That gives me... us... room to manoeuvrer. We have time to decide our next move.”

“There may still be further attempts on your life,” Ra advises, “Although, Garuna might be the safest place for us right now. Ironic, really. Once we're back in the capital, though, I fear the worst.”

“Perhaps I'll send him a letter,” the boy thinks aloud as he stands, “Give him a chance to surrender peacefully. Tell me, Ira – what would you do, if you were in my position?”

>I'd kill him myself
>Send the letter – he deserves a chance to surrender
>I'd wait for him to make a mistake
>It's really not my place to say
>Other

>>47627740
>I'd wait for him to make a mistake
>>Other
"He doesn't know that we know that he was involved in this plot. When you reach the capital act like nothing is wrong and he should let you into the Capital no problem unless he goes completely overt about his ploys and bars you entry. Use that time to turn the soldiers and people around to your side or subtly get Hirohito's men inside the capital. Take a page out of Ascetic's book and dress Hirohito's soldiers like civilians if need be."

"There is also Aya's newspaper if you want to reach out to the public with anything."

>>47627740
>>47627812
this

>>47627740
..why not use the news against him? It is quite obvious that he's trying to secure himself, and if news about the various deeds he's done along with being a traitor reached the people, that would really soften him up politically. Could use Ra's connections along with some well placed men to make sure word is spread. Then we march in, big heroes like with everyone and the emperor. Could even use dragon's command to get them to back off.

Of course, we would need to time this right, and be damn smart about it, but that is a possibility. After all, the people should know the truth.

>>47627833
As you said timing is everything. If we do it too early he'll turtle up in the Capital and impose a dictatorship/marshal law/etc. We gotta get in there before or as the traitor news starts to come across.

>>47627740
We can make an excuse that because of the recent attacks on Sho's life we want extra men in the Capital for protection and that's why Hirohito and most of his men are coming back.

If you were in the Emperor's position, and Takino had betrayed you, what would you have done?

Bite his ear off, probably. As satisfying as that might be, under the circumstances, it's hardly a helpful suggestion.

You'd wait, you tell the Emperor, and let him make a mistake. Since he doesn't know that you've learned of his schemes, he should keep up the act of being loyal. Once the Emperor has returned to the capital, he can start planning against Takino. Getting Hirohito's men into the palace would be a good start – in the guise of civilians, if need be – as would swaying Takino's forces back to his side. Also, Ra raises the possibility that public opinion could be a deciding factor. You might just be able to help with that.

“Really?” Sho raises a delicate eyebrow, “A man of the people, are we?”

You've got a friend in the press, you reply calmly, they could bring news of Takino's treachery to far more people than you ever could. With a little help from Ra's network of contacts, you could turn the people of the city against Takino. Then, when you return with Hirohito's troops, you'll be welcomed as a hero.

“I like this plan!” a wide grin touches Sho's face, wiping away the anger that had been brewing there, “Don't you like it, Ra?”

One thing to consider, you're quick to point out, timing is crucial to this. If he shows his hand too early, it would force Takino to act. It could turn a scheme into an overt coup. Then, things could get bloody. For now, it's best to wait and approach the situation with care, with delicacy.

“I can only agree,” Ra nods, “I'll think on this matter. Should I come up with any additional suggestions, I'll mention them. Now...”

Right, you nod, it's time for them to get ready. Time for the Emperor and the Azure Dragon to come face to face.

You'll leave them to it.

[1/2]

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>>47628085

“You mean I've got to wade through there?” Sho complains, looking down at the deep waters leading to Lapis' lair, “I've got to trudge through that like a peasant?”

“It's to teach humility,” Holm says, with an admirable degree of patience. At his side, his hands are clenched into tight fists. “I told you this,” he adds tersely, “Have you forgotten already?”

“Fine!” the Emperor, richly dressed in formal robes, sighs, “I suppose it's just water. Just... cold water. It can't hurt.” Sighing again, as if walking through some water was the greatest hardship he had ever faced, Sho delicately lowers one foot into the water and gives a theatrical wince. As Holm fumes, cursing silently, Sho glances across to you and winks.

The little shit is just playing the fool, trying to needle Holm and take some of the grim formality out of the atmosphere. Grimacing at his attitude, you step down into the water and follow the Emperor as he wades up the dark tunnel. The water seems lower than before, calmer – as if Lapis was beckoning you onwards, eagerly anticipating this meeting. As you walk, you consider what Ra told you.

You're here to observe, to mediate between the two of them and to ward against any dangers that might arise. This time, you're not the one setting the terms. At most, you can offer advice and explanations – with a little luck, that's more than you enough.

Worst case scenario, you'll need to stop the pair from killing each other.

Lapis, the Azure Dragon, is already waiting for you when you arrive. He floats through the air, drifting in lazy circles and twisting his head so that his eyes never leave the Emperor. It is with a note of distinct discomfort that you realise Lapis' jaws are just large enough to swallow the Emperor whole.

“Bow,” Lapis growls, his voice harder than you've ever heard it. This time, it's Sho's turn to clench his fists and fight back his frustration.

[2/3]

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>>47628300
>“Fine!” the Emperor, richly dressed in formal robes, sighs, “I suppose it's just water. Just... cold water. It can't hurt.” Sighing again, as if walking through some water was the greatest hardship he had ever faced, Sho delicately lowers one foot into the water and gives a theatrical wince. As Holm fumes, cursing silently, Sho glances across to you and winks.
Sho you cheeky fucking nigger

>>47628300
>Sho glances across to you and winks.
You cheeky little cunt

>>47628300

Slowly, without needing any prompting, Sho lowers himself to one knee and bows his head. His fine robes, delicate silk edged with golden lace, float out into the water around him. Through that clear water, you see a tremor run through him, his wounded pride straining against the indignity. Has he ever needed to bow before, you wonder, to either man or god?

“I had no desire to see war or bloodshed return to my lands,” Lapis growls, “And yet it followed you here, Emperor of men. As I had prepared myself to make peace, you brought war to these waters. Do you have anything to say, child?”

You hold your breath, waiting with growing tension for the Emperor to speak, to answer the accusation.

“I take responsibility for these acts,” Sho says, his voice as hard as steel, “For every life that has been lost here, I accept your blame. For every act of destruction that has occurred here, I accept your blame. For the actions that have brought us to this point... I accept your blame.”

Silence. Glancing across, you meet Ra's eyes. He looks, quite frankly, just as amazed as you feel.

“Then rise, Emperor of men,” this time, Lapis makes that sound like an honourable title, “Rise, and we can talk. We have much to discuss, you and I...”

“Yes,” Sho replies, rising to his feet, “We do indeed.”

“You wish to encircle this land with bands of iron and steel,” the dragon growls, “To place every corner of the land within your grasp. While the gods are bound to their lands, you would flaunt all boundaries and restrictions, wearing your arrogance as a robe... is that correct?”

That's harsh. You hadn't expected Lapis to be so hostile, to come out and pick a fight with the young Emperor. It could be that this is all some test, but... perhaps not. How much blood has been spilled today? Enough to awaken a great anger within the Azure Dragon?

>Remain silent
>Raise an objection... (Write in)
>Other

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>>47628354
>>47628426

>>47628524
>Remain silent
I believe Sho can defend himself if need be. Rationally too. Wouldn't have said that months ago.

>>47628524
>Remain silent
Let's see how he takes the first hurdle.

>>47628546
Soma get out

>>47628524
>>Remain silent
try to catch Lapis gaze to get what he is trying to do

>>47628524
>Stay silent, but neutral to both sides.
No point in objecting, but let him talk, offering support if facts need to be checked. This is going to be the hardest part for him since while the railroad can be used for good, it started off with bad intentions.

No, you can't step in now. This is Sho's time to step up and be a leader. If you take over now, after he's done little more than clear the first hurdle, he'll never have a chance. So, studying Lapis in an attempt to gauge his intent – although, how do you read a dragon's expression? - you hold your tongue and wait for Sho to respond to the attack.

“Once, you might have been correct,” Sho replies, that hard tone lingering in his voice, “But not any more. Make no mistake, dragon, I wish to see this railroad constructed... but I don't want to build it over your bones. I want to unite this land, to bring people from all corners together, so that no man may huddle away and fear a distant enemy. As long as I am the ruler of my city, and not my land, there will always be division. So yes, I want to cross this land as no god ever has – but I want all men to share that privilege. As men spread across the land, so too will their faith. Perhaps then, you gods can roam further afield.”

You're... not sure if that's how it works. In fact, you're pretty sure that it doesn't work that way.

Still, you can't deny that it made a good impression on the dragon, who can only continue his graceful flight in a kind of stunned silence.

“Now tell me, dragon,” Sho presses, his voice softening, “Can we work together on this, or are you determined to oppose me at all turns? I did not come here to command you, or to be given commands – I want us to talk, to come to an agreement. So... name your terms, dragon, and I shall name mine in turn.”

Without pausing in his flight, Lapis glances across at you. In those inhuman eyes, you fancy you see a kind of humour, the foolish light of someone who came prepared for a fight only to be met with words of peace. Perhaps that's why Lapis takes so long to speak – he's simply baffled by Sho's newfound attitude.

Frankly, he isn't the only one.

[1/2]

>>47628890

“To the northernmost part of my lands, there lies a bridge,” Lapis says slowly, “An old thing, built when I was young. Even now, I remember how I raged against it. Men had no right to cross my river with such ease. I wanted them to thank me, to praise my name every time they crossed my waters and kept their lives. Yet, in time... they came to praise me regardless, blessing their bridge in my name.”

“We're not here to discuss history, dragon,” Sho points out, “Name your terms.”

“That bridge is destroyed now, blasted apart by the same men who sought to end your life,” Lapis continues, as if the boy had never spoken at all, “It is then, that I realised something – it wounded me, this act of destruction, as if they had brought destruction to my temple. That old bridge itself became a shrine to my name.”

“And you blame me for its destruction,” Sho lowers his head, “Then... what can I do to make it right?”

“You will build me another bridge,” Lapis replies simply, “One that will stand the test of time. One that men will bless for the safe passage it offers them. If that means carrying a great engine upon it... perhaps, in time, I can accept that.”

As he realises what Lapis is saying to him, Sho's expression brightens. With barely contained excitement, he turns to you and Ra. “Well?” he whispers, “Reasonable terms, would you not say?”

>You won't get anything better than that. Go for it
>You're really prepared to make this deal?
>Did you mean what you said, all that stuff about bringing people together?
>If I may make a suggestion... (Write in)
>Other

>>47629047
>Did you mean what you said, all that stuff about bringing people together?

By the way, if the road is circular don't we need two bridges?

>>47629047
>Did you mean what you said, all that stuff about bringing people together?
>You won't get anything better than that. Go for it
>If I may make a suggestion... (Write in)
"I don't know much about how the train operates, but we should have measures in place to keep pollution from the train as it crosses over out of the river."

>>47629086
Could make a bridge that'd allow two way crossing.

>>47629047
>You won't get anything better than that. Go for it
>Did you mean what you said, all that stuff about bringing people together?

>>47629047
>Did you mean what you said, all that stuff about bringing people together?
>You won't get anything better than that. Go for it

>>47629147
That's not very circular.

>>47629246
If I remember Moloch's old map, the proposed railroad was just a line that went through the top of Tenngaru.

So no, as of right now it's not supposed to be circular.

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>>47629246
>>47629306

>It is circular, yes, with two bridges. This is something I'll address in the post, however.
>Excuse the old map, it's pretty rough!

>>47629373
>>47629246
Oh I totally forgot about the line on the Trade Road. My bad.

>>47629373
Wow. Does the Dragon River flow under the mountains?

>>47629433

>Partially, it flows through caves and natural tunnels, some running underneath the central mountains. The southern half of the river is also bolstered by water coming down from the mountains themselves.

When he spoke of bringing people together and uniting the land, you ask quietly, did he really mean that?

“I meant it,” Sho nods firmly, “You've felt it, haven't you, that sense that the capital is a whole other world from the rest of Tenngaru? If men can travel freely, perhaps there needn't be so much suspicion between our two cities. Besides... if a man has family in both cities, both Tenn and Garuna, then his heart belongs to those two cities as well. That's something I've come to realise rather recently, to appreciate in a way I never thought I would.”

Miura, you think to yourself, has done wonders for this boy. If his words were genuine, you say aloud, then you can only encourage him to make this deal. There's just one question you've got in mind – won't he need two bridges, both north and south of the central mountains? It's not much of a circle, otherwise.

“That was part of the original plan, yes,” Ra explains, “However, the southern bridge crosses an area with far less population. To date, we've had no objections to its construction, no threats to destroy it. Not something that could be said about the northern bridge. I'm given to understand that the southern section of the river is not regarded with quite the same reverence. The southern lands, in general, have always been viewed with some suspicion – I'm not quite sure why.”

You think of Makai, that blasted wasteland, and shudder. You might have an idea. To Lapis, you repeat your question – there would need to be a second bridge, a southern bridge, to complete the railroad. Is that something he can accept?

“I will tolerate this,” Lapis agrees, “As you have whispered, my southern waters are not nearly as sacred. I taste ash in them, bitter and dark. Do with them what you will.”

[1/2]

>>47629581

“Excellent!” Sho claps his hands together, the sound sharp and clear within this cavern, “Then, I thank you, Lord Lapis, for your permission. I assure you, I will not sour the friendship we have established here today. But now, I fear I must take my leave. It has been a very long day for us mere humans, and we are all growing tired.”

“Then take your leave as you desire, Emperor of men,” Lapis rumbles, “Lead a virtuous life, and glory will find you. But remember this – a bridge, improperly built, is nothing compared with an unstoppable river.”

Sho bows again, this time without being urged, and then turns to leave. As he heads down towards the entrance, you catch up to him. You're not sure how this train is going to work, you tell him quietly, but you have one suggestion. He should be very careful about it, now that he has Lapis' blessing. Any filth of pollution that finds its way to the Dragon River can only strain their relationship – and he does not want to make an enemy of the Azure Dragon.

“Rightly said,” the boy agrees, “I have no desire to ruin our relationship quite so soon. Rest assured, Ira, I shall not take this opportunity for granted.” Smiling broadly – an open, innocent kind of smile – he faces the mouth of the tunnel and laughs to himself.

What, you ask, is so funny?

“I see the light at the end of the tunnel,” he jokes, “You know, Ira, I think things are going to work out.”

As you look ahead, you find yourself agreeing with him. He might actually be right there. Things might just work out.

>I think I'll end things here for today. Next thread on Tuesday, and I'll stick around for a while in case of any questions!

>>47629717
Thanks for running Moloch.

Next stop Nameless Temple?

>>47629717
Thanks for running!

>>47629717
Is Ra internally screaming with joy?

>>47629821
It could be Garuna

>>47629821
>>47629942

That's the next stop on the tour, yes. It's going to be a pretty informal visit, just to strengthen the "bonds of friendship" between the capital and the Nameless Temple. After that, the grand tour goes to Garuna

>>47629906

Absolutely. This is the first time Sho has really acted like an Emperor, and it might just mark a turning point in the current situation. Although, Ra is a little upset at how much it took to get Sho to shape up. Desperate times, though!

>>47629974
A good think for Ra to do now would be to talk about the 1st Emperor, Sho's father right? But the man he was before he became the emperor, if he wasn't total scum of course.

>>47630030
>Did I ever told you about..., he was a good friend.jpg

>>47629974
So when did Ira go from 'Funny old Wanderer at my party' to someone that Sho really respects and whose opinions have a lot of weight?

>>47629974
You think Ra is going to spill the beans ever about being Miura's father.

>>47630072

At about the same time Ira talked straight to him. It's not that Sho values Ira's opinion above all others, but Ira is one of the few people to give him the blunt, honest answer rather than trying to weasel around with what he wants to hear.
Sho MIGHT also be pretty desperate for a father figure. That might have something to do with it

>>47630103

Probably not!

>>47630030

It might certainly start to repair the rifts in their relationship. I think Ra and Sho could do with speaking to each other as two people, without rank or politics getting in the way. It's something they don't often get the chance to do.

>>47630211
>Sho MIGHT also be pretty desperate for a father figure.
Ra and Hirohito not cutting it anymore? Blunt Ira taking the lead?

>>47630368

I think Ra burned that bridge a while ago, and Hirohito hasn't made himself very popular either - he doesn't think much of Miura, and he's not shy of mentioning it!

>>47630432
>he doesn't think much of Miura
Why not? Doesn't like anything religious?

>>47630488

That's definitely a part of it - Hirohito doesn't have much respect for the gods - but he also saw her as a distraction that Sho really didn't need. Not while the possibility of a war was looming overhead, at least.
In Hirohito's eyes, an Emperor needs to be strong, not swooning over some teenage girl!

>>47630536
How is Ishida and Miura doing? If she is lucky this will be the last crazy attack Miura will be in for a long time.

>>47630584

Miura was kept very safe during the attack, Ra made sure of that. Even so, she isn't doing so great - she was already rattled from the first attack, and this one was even worse. Now that the Ascetic is done, however, she might be able to relax a little.
Ishida wasn't in the thick of the fighting, but she still took a few scrapes and cuts. She's pretty mad about things, though - she blames Sho, of course, for dragging Miura into such a dangerous situation.

>>47630633
Ishida is never going to get along with Sho due to her uh feelings toward Miura huh?

>>47630671

She might warm up to him eventually, should the relationship prove to be a lasting one, but I can't imagine they'll ever be friends. Even so though, she's enough of a professional to put aside her personal feelings and do the job she's been given.

>>47630734
So why is Seer in Pharos's temple?

I thought he had more conviction in his goal than to just run away like that. At a glance he didn't seem like some that feared death.

Deep down is he still a selfish sorcerer bitch?

>>47630851

This is skipping ahead a little, so I'll put this in spoiler tags:
In the Seer's eyes, he's retreating to a place that nobody can follow - so he thinks - so that he can lick his wounds and plan his next move. He wouldn't say that he's given up, or abandoned his cause, just that he's biding his time. After all, he's got plenty of that.
That said, there might be a small part of him that realises how badly he's fucked up, and doesn't want to be around to deal with the consequences

>>47630953
Kala sad Sho manned up? Is the abomination eyeing anything currently?

>>47631015
>Is the abomination eyeing anything currently?
Probably Ira's delicious magic.

>>47631041
And if Moloch is right other parts of hi too. Surprised she hasn't gotten the Howa glare yet.

>>47631015

Well, at least Kala got one pretty cool battle out of it, but the future isn't looking good for her. Still, you never know - depending on how the Takino situation plays out, she might get one last offering of blood!
The abomination is, currently, biding its time. All things have their appointed moments, and hers is rapidly approaching!

>>47631173
>Well, at least Kala got one pretty cool battle out of it, but the future isn't looking good for her.

On the other hand if we can close this out with minimal bloodshed and keep it that way that duality thing Ira was talking about might see the light of day and that has to interest her a tiny bit.

>>47631173
Has Howa felt the need to glare across time and space yet?

>>47631233

I'd say it probably would interest her, even if she might not admit it.
I imagine Kala as the sort of person who once tried for nobility, but long since abandoned those aspirations. Now, she's content - most of the time - with being a blood-drunk savage.

>>47631301

Sometimes, she wakes up at night and gives the void her most vicious glare. She doesn't quite know why - maybe one day, she'll figure it out.

>>47631367
So, did the whole pantheon of gods we know of watched the fight? Lapis, having the shit happening right on his doorstep ough to have 1st row seat. What did he/they think?

>>47631425

I wouldn't say they were watching it, exactly, but they were aware of it and the outcome. The general feeling is one of relief - the gods are tied to the land, so a war would do them no favours either, Kala as the exception. Still, it's a matter of degrees - the less human gods like Panoptes were less emotionally involved. Those that are closer to humans, like Maia or Hyacinth, were a lot more interested in the outcome.

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>>47631553
>like Maia or Hyacinth, were a lot more interested in the outcome.
>They may or may have not been heard cheering and waiving a foam finger with "Ira #1" written on it

>>47631662
Maia did give some commentary during the fight.

>>47631553
So Selene expecting our visit now?

>>47631730

Any day now. She certainly won't be surprised when we show up, at least - a perk of the job! The fact that she could have alerted her priests to our plan, but hasn't, would suggest that she wants us to come and speak, face to face.

>>47631836
Is the Maia the only god based of an actual human? In Tenngaru at least, I'm sure there were some in Makai back when it wasn't dead. Would she be considered the most 'human-like' of the gods? Certainly acted like it.

>>47632058

As a god, she's based off the perception of a human - the stories told about her. Even so, that makes her the closest god to humanity. Even the small gods like Mandragora or Hyacinth have a bit of nature in them, but Maia is practically human in mindset.

But, yes, as far as gods that I've written up notes for or thought about, Maia is the only one based off a real human.

>>47632104
When Devil Summoner was ending you already had this quest primed and ready it seemed.

Now that Sleeping Gods is almost over do you have something else primed or are you taking a break?

>>47632387

I have something new prepared - I'd say it's pretty much ready to run, actually - but I'm considering taking a short break. If I did, I can't see it being a very long one though, a week at most.

>>47632454
Any kind of theme or genre?

>>47632499

I'd very tenuously call it dieselpunk, as a kind of style. For an overall theme, I'd say "Hunting" - I'm expecting it to be a bit heavier of combat than Sleeping Gods was. It'll probably end up fairly similar in style, however - shorter arcs that connect to a greater whole. At least, that's how I imagine it now - it could end up very different when it comes to running it!

>>47632625
giant monster/demon hunting?

>>47632687

Monsters, mainly - beasts in particular. Whales are going to play a fairly large role, but they're not quite the same as real life whales.
I won't lie, I'm taking some pretty heavy inspiration from Dishonored and Bloodborne. Hopefully, it won't turn out too derivative.

>>47632811
>heavy inspiration from Dishonored and Bloodborne
Ohohoo! Now this is something I like!

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>>47632811
>Dishonored whales.

Ever read some of the lore on those guys? Spooky stuff.

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>>47632861

Well, Bloodborne is probably one of my favourite games, so I'm pretty hyped about drawing inspiration from it.

>>47632886

I found a lot of Dishonored to be quite unsettling, it always seemed to hint at greater things. The whales were definitely a part of that. I found some, I think, concept art from one of the Dishonored games that really spooked me

>>47633037
You ever play the Daud DLC in Dishonored? Shit was great and you get a close up with one of those whales.

>>47633272

I have it, yes, but I'm yet to actually play it. Heard good things, though.
I'm pretty bad at stealth games - and games in general!

>>47633339
You can't be too bad if you've been beating Bloodborne and Dark Souls.

You uh have beaten them right?

>>47633441

I have beaten those ones, yes, so I would say you've got a point. Stealth games, though I find to be uniquely stressful. Very satisfying when I can achieve something in them, though.

In either case, I should get some sleep. Next thread on Tuesday, and thanks again to everyone who contributed today!

>>47633586
G'Night Moloch. Just go ham in Dishonored and pretend your Mia blinking around everywhere.

>>47629047
>That old bridge itself became a shrine to my name
compromise get