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>>321045
Last Time on Hero Guardian Quest: In Team 2’s attempt to complete their mission, a team member lost his life, causing a rift in the team. A month passed by behind the safety of the barrier, and while the rift between Lin and her Vice-Captain, Jin, was somewhat healed, they were soon thrust into the assault on the Main Human Encampment in the North. There Lin came face to face with the Grim Knight and fought the hardest battle in her life so far.
With victory came both cheers and respect, but also heavy questions with answers that now risks triggering a very real and deep-rooted fear among the Guardians...

____
The creaking and heavy sound of a closing oak door ruse you back to life from a dreamless sleep. Your muscles are sore after sleeping in a poorly makeshift bed and your mind is yet numb from the awakening, but you can still feel the iron shackles around your wrists. You’ve been sitting in this cell for three days and nights with shackles and chains holding you in place in a bed behind bars of Oakheart, the strongest and scarcest kind of wood in all forest realms. Except, of course, for whatever magical wood the World Tree is made out of.

Can’t very well cut that sacred Being down to contain a ‘brat’ like yours truly.

You awoke here a few days ago after passing out in the middle of the crowd’s cheering. The exhaustion of the fight and possibly the usage of your own new power must have hit you harder than you expected it to. No one has come to see you since you woke up in here, until now. There’s a wooden corner right outside your cell which must be connected to a small hallway leading to a door. The exit and entrance of this room. The same door that just opened and closed a few seconds ago.

The first face you spot coming around the corner leaves you…

>Irritated.
>Relieved.
>Curious.

>>321052
Relieved

>>321052
>>Curious.

Hey Awoo.

>>321052
>Relieved.

>>321052
>Curious
Knew it wasn't going to be a simple return.

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>>321061
Hey buddy!

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>321060
>>321063
1

>>321061
>>321065
2

Rolling for choice!

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>>321052
… curious.

A stranger stands before you with a face far removed from your memories, the oakheart bars being the only thing separating you. He stares at you with a neutral expression. You can’t seem to gauge whether it’s a look filled with disgust or if it’s a gaze born from some morbid curiosity of his own making. Nevertheless, your own curiosity only grows while your alert mind rests easy at the sight of who follows the stranger. Rushi.

“Raubtier.” He addresses you with a nod. The name makes more sense now given your new appearance, but the name still irks you in some deep, subconscious places. “I will assume the ones keeping you hasn’t had the courtesy to inform you of what’s going to happen in a few hours?” A questioning statement that you shake your head to. You’re oblivious to anything anyone has in store for you or what has happened during the three days you’ve been ‘detained’. Your Leader sighs loudly before placing himself next to the stranger in front of your cell.

“In just a few short hours, the three Guardian Branches will decide what we will do with you.” He reveals, sparking irritation on your end.

“Do with me?!” You growl at him. The thought of others controlling your fate sickens you. Rushi remains collected and meets your hostile gaze with an authoritative tone.

“I am not your enemy, Raubtier. Never forget that.” You force yourself to manually breathe in and out as you calm down, “The Blood Guardians have matched the Tree Guardians notion with one of our own. We will propose that you will be given to us permanently, to be used as a weapon against Humanity and the Red Flower.”

“And what does the Tree Guardians want with me?” You interrupt what he’s about to say next.

“Execution. They want you dead and your body examined.” The Stranger finally gives voice to his character. It has a soft, but piercing feel to it. Like someone who is holding back a massive wave of emotions, both positive and negative ones. At least it’s not as monotone as those Red Flower wielding humans from beyond the barrier. His voice aside, the news strike you hard.

“Execution?! What?! Why do they want me dead?!” You shout out in shock and frustration at both of them. You killed the infamous Grim Knight and drove off whatever possessed him! You should be welcomed home as a damn Hero, not as a traitor!

>Continued

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>>321256

“Everyone saw what happened to your body, Raubtier.” Rushi explains, motioning towards your formerly missing arm and leg, “We saw how a small spark of Red Flower coursed out from your body and created new limbs out of thin air for you. It didn’t take long for that kind of information to reach the ears of the Realm Guardians and then the Tree Guardians.”

“S-so what?” You try to defend yourself stubbornly, catching yourself stammering in the process.

“The Tree Guardians and more than half of the Realm Guardians think you are a spy or an assassin. ‘The first Awoo to be turned over to the Human side.’ It’s a stupid notion, but it has attracted a lot of attention and support over the past few days. The least I could do was to turn it from an outright execution to a trial.” Rushi has a grim look upon his exterior, but the stranger remains ever expressionless.

There’s so many questions you’d like to ask, but there’s something you need to know before anything else.

>Who’s the stranger?
>What’s the plan?
>How is your team doing?
>Write-in.

>>321262
>Who’s the stranger?

>>321262
Who's the stranger?

Don't start discussing plans and personal details in front of someone we don't trust

>>321262
>>Who’s the stranger?

>>321270
>>321276
>>321280
Ending the vote!
The Stranger's identity must be revealed.

Writing.

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>>321262
>Who’s the Stranger?

Nodding towards the Awoo who is yet a stranger to you, you give voice to your first question.

“Who is he?” A question which turns Rushi’s gaze over to the stranger at his side. He continues to scan your face for something unknown to you. Is he waiting for a reaction? For your patience to run out? Whatever it is, you’ll never know.

“I am a Guardian. My name is unimportant, but by the end of this trial it will be my responsibility to do one out of two things: I will either be the one to unshackle your bonds and hand you over to the Blood Guardians…” He trails off, his hand reaching out to one of the oakheart bars. As easy as if it was a twig, he bends the middle part of the bar with one hand before bending it back in place again, “... or I will be the one to execute you and present your body to the Tree Guardians.”

An uneasy silence falls over the room and your mind. He will either be your liberator or your executioner. This stranger is strong, possibly stronger than the Grim Knight.

You can’t help but wonder what kind of Guardian he is, for he doesn’t wear the traditional casual garbs of any of the three Guardian Branches. Instead, he wears white robes strung tight around his waist, just above his elbows, and surprisingly enough, also around his chest area. Three red lines trail from the flowing bottoms of the robes to the firmly attached end of them by his throat. Rushi has his Guardian Weapon with him, albeit sheathed, but the Stranger appears to be unarmed, unless you consider his strength to be a weapon in its own right.

With your question answered with as much info as you can get at this time, you decide to move onto the next one.

>What’s the plan?
>How is your team doing?
>Write-in.

>>321363
How's the team doing?

You care about them AND it shows empathy?

>>321363
>How is your team doing?

>>321363
>What’s the plan?

>>321371
>>321375
>>321377
Vote ended!

Writing!

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>>321363
>How is your team doing?

“And my team?” You continue your inquiry. Rushi takes point on this one.

“They’re currently detained in one of our barracks.”

“For what?” You spit out poisonously back at him. It doesn’t faze him.

“The Tree Guardians are trying to make it look like they knew what or who you are from the very start. At best they will be seen as invalid witness testimony and at worst, perpetrators to whatever non-existing crime they think you could possibly commit. They won’t be attending the trial.”

“But they’re alright?”

“Yes.” The answer relieves you of any worries you previously had. Some good news at last.

“Now, to the reason why we’re here right now.” Rushi finally gets on with it, “In the trial, we’ll need a Guardian to take the stand. He or she will be questioned by both sides in front of everyone to see and hear. We need someone close to you that can assure everyone who is still in doubt that it would be in everyone’s best interest if you’re treated as a weapon rather than a dangerous beast that needs to be put down. Do you understand?” It leaves you stunned for a moment, thinking, but you eventually nod when he asks you again.

“Good. Do you have anyone like that or will you leave it up to me?”

>Pick someone that can attest to your skill and determination. (Chao)
>Pick someone that can attest to your kindness and loyalty. (Ming)
>Let Rushi decide.
>Pick someone else. (Who?)

>>321618
>Pick someone that can attest to your kindness and loyalty. (Ming)

>>321618
>Pick someone that can attest to your kindness and loyalty. (Ming)

>>321618
>>Pick someone that can attest to your kindness and loyalty. (Ming)

>>321618
>>Let Rushi decide.

>>321659
My logic for this- Ming is nice, but she's timid. They might accuse her of being blackmailed or threatened into speaking positively. Or worse yet, a co-conspirator.

That plus the fact that she hasn't seen you in a bit might cause the Tree Guardians to consider her compromised or otherwise irrelevant testimony.

>>321669
true hmmm but Cho could be turned agest us and/ or be a dick couse we got my power then him

>>321669
but ming can tell them that eve thow she naver kewn we had this for so long we wre still nice to her and did good things/ naver hurting anyone it was all the otehr peopel that treated us liek shit and we naver gave out to anger and all that

>>321641
>>321643
>>321656
>>321659
Ming is your go-to choice.

Writing momentarily. How's the Thursday treating everyone?

>>321763
well its friday for me

>>321763
op are you still alive? its be bit
dont tell me you have been found gulit?

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>>321618
>Pick someone that can attest to your kindness and loyalty.

“If I had to choose, Ming would be the most helpful.” You admit, although it feels wrong to put her in such a spot, but she knows you better than anyone. For 3 years, the two of you were tight as sisters. If she overcomes her timid nature, she can definitely convince everyone that you’re not as dangerous to your own kind as the Tree Guardians would have everyone believe.

“Ming?” Rushi muse, trying to figure out where he has heard the name before.

“She’s part of the Realm Guardians.” You help him along and lightning strikes for the Blood Guardian Leader.

“If she’s a Realm Guardian, they might have already gotten to her. Are you sure you want her to testify for you?”

“Yes. I trust her with my life.” You press the point and Rushi caves, agreeing to bringing Ming onboard the team to save your fur. With the scene for the trial set, all you can do is wait for the appointed time for your fate to be decided.

____

Breathe in. Breathe out. Watch the creature freeze before it thinks it’s safe and continues to savor the taste of the wet grass. Pull out an arrow from the quiver, place it just above the grip of the bow, feather held firmly by the point. Nock it, aim, hold your breath, and pray to the Fire.

Forgive me.

Release. The arrow flies in a straight line, hitting hard and true. The beast lets out a scream and whimpers as it tries to get away, only to fall a few meters away. Usually it takes around 3 arrows to fell such a magnificent beast, but if there’s one thing you’re proud and certain of, it’s your perfect aim. You kneel before the felled creature, paying your respects to it and thanking it for feeding you and a lot of men and women tonight.

>Continued

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>>323691

“You actually got it!” A voice interrupts the quiet moment between a Hunter and his prey. Throwing a glance backwards reveals three other hunters approaching the scene through the thick scores of the forest. “Didn’t think we’d catch up to it at the rate we were going.” The same man continues, pushing the woman jokingly.

“I tripped, alright? Let it go already!” She defends herself with an ever present irritated tone. You’re inclined to agree, but you’re not too keen on joining the banter while you and the other quiet man prepares to lift the dead beast between your shoulders. It’s not the most practical way to transport a kill of this size, but no one wants something sentient to be able to follow a trail back to where they’re stationed.

You’ve been hunting this beast for a few hours, ever since first light to be more precise. You will probably spend the rest of the day preparing it so nothing goes to waste, but it feels nice to get out in nature again after spending three years training at some military camp in the middle of nowhere down south. Here in the north-western part of the lands that used to be hidden behind a magical wall, it doesn’t feel like summer, but it sure as hell isn’t winter either. The trees have a mix of autumn leaves and green, fresh ones.

“Aiguo?” The female voice finally awakes you from your thoughts. “Are you listening?” You’re still not used to how she quickly change from an irritated voice to a sweet tone when talking with you of all people. You know her intentions, but is it proper to get involved with someone like that when anyone of you could be dead come morning? Suffice to say, you still have reservations towards it, even if it’s awfully tempting sometimes. She never makes it easy for you.

“I’m sorry, Jiao. I wasn’t.” You throw a glance to the side, catching her walking next to you, almost practically leaning against your arm. The other two men are stifling their laughter, not in any hurry to be beaten bloody by Jiao.

“Like I said, I was wondering if you have some time for me once we get back?” Her smile warms you something fierce, but you have plans to prepare your prey. However, maybe it’s okay to hand the duties over to someone else for once while you entertain Jiao?

>Absolutely. [Politely accept]
>No, I’m sorry. I need to prepare my kill for tonight, Jiao. [Politely decline]
>For you? Always. [Accept and flirt]
>No. [Refuse]

>>323699
>For you? Always. [Accept and flirt]

>>323699
>>Absolutely. [Politely accept]

>>323699
>Absolutely. [Politely accept]

>>323699
>gotta prepare the carcass

>>323699
>For you? Always. [Accept and flirt]

>>323699
>Absolutely. [Politely accept]

>>323699
>No. [Refuse]

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>>323707
>>324505
Accept and flirt.

>>324542
Refuse.

>>324479
Prepare the kill.

>>323806
>>323883
>>324540
Politely accept.

Writing!

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>>323699
>Politely accept

“If you insist.” You’re still uncertain whether or not you should push for something more ‘solid’ between the two of you, but there’s no harm humoring her and enjoying some time being courted. It’s mostly your ego talking though.

“I do!” She giggles and charges ahead of the two men carrying the carcass. The second she’s out of earshot and sight, you immediately feel a jab in your left ribs. If you hadn’t gotten used to this kind of domestic violence already, you would have dropped the carcass and crashed to the forest floor. The two other men finally let go of their stifling laughter, but not too loud just in case. One of them laughs louder than the other nonetheless.

“So you’re finally going claim her, mate?” The one not carrying the carcass jest between hunters. He’s grey-haired and the oldest of this bunch, but surprisingly enough he’s also the most childish as well. You haven’t given it much thought, but maybe one day you’ll ask him why.

“Carcass?” The often quiet, and tallest man holding the other end of the carcass shoots back at you. A man of few words, but great actions. He’s still young, no more than 2-3 winters older than yourself, but he has this authoritative aura. If anything, he’s the father figure of the group. You didn’t assume that role when the four of you got jumbled together. You prefer to coordinate your own hunt instead of several different ones.

“Yeah, I’d appreciate it if you could take care of the carcass. Thank you.” You reply, giving the hint of a weak smile. He nods in response and the journey onward continues.

____

“I’ll be right back!” Jiao calls out to you just before she runs off when the group reached the flat hill past the two first bridges. This entire town of sorts is an amazing sight. Several flat hills connected to each other, one higher than the other and at every flat hill from after the fourth bridge in has a village of its own atop it. After the fourth bridge there’s four villages leading up to the highest hill and to the side there’s another village on a lower flat hill - where the slaves and some of the lower soldiers live.

Luckily, you’re good enough of a shot to live in the first village on this side of the hills. However, you didn’t find yourself in one of the villages. Only two bridges in was one of the larger guard posts and where most of the butchers and other craftsmen for this lower region worked.

>Continued

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>>324790

The old man and the ‘father’ hoisted the carcass over their shoulders and left for one of the butcher’s shops to have it skinned and prepared for the feast tonight. You’re left standing there, awaiting Jiao’s return. However, waiting on the ground has never been your forte, so you quickly find yourself up in one of the empty towers. You can see where you’re supposed to be waiting for her from up here and a lot more.
Although you’re curious what Jiao has in store for you, something by the entrance to these flat hills catch the attention of your eagle eyes.

A company of leather clad men and women have arrived past the first bridge by horses and they’re still riding ever onward. All the guards are staring down into the dirt as the company pass them by. You don’t recognize a single one of them, but they all have unusually white hair that reminds you of the Awoo, but there’s no tail or ears there. They stop past the second bridge and more than half the company dismount from their steeds. You count up to 30 of them. They all wear the exact same garb, with the exact white hair, and those weird masks attached to their shoulders. You haven’t seen or heard of them before, but something tells you that something’s about to happen...

>Watch the Company and wait for Jiao from afar.
>Go seek out Jiao. You don’t want her near this company of ‘soldiers’.
>Seek out the other two hunters from the group. Ask them if they know anything about these new arrivals.
>Confront the company on your own and ask around for bits and pieces of info.
>Write-in.

>>324792
>>Watch the Company and wait for Jiao from afar.

>>324792
>Go seek out Jiao. You don’t want her near this company of ‘soldiers’.

>>324792
Watch the company

>>324792
>stay watching

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>>324793
>>324799
>>324802
>>324803
Ending the vote!

Just called for my first bite of food today, so I'll be back in 10-15 minutes to continue writing.

>>324815
you lie!!!

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>>324792
>Watch the Company and wait for Jiao from afar.

The Hunter’s best decision is to wait and watch his prey patiently until the right moment arrives. Creating your own moment puts the entire hunt in jeopardy. Patience is the greatest virtue among Hunters, and contrary to common belief, it’s not something everyone of this profession and lifestyle possess. So you remain vigil and watch the company of so-called ‘soldiers’ as some dismount while others remain atop their horses. Like a pack of wolves, they stick together. No one leaves the group and they don’t scatter.

That means the alpha is still around and hasn’t allowed anyone to leave.

You catch the sight of two men talking in the forefront of the assembled group of white haired strangers. They look fairly familiar to each other on a deeper level than brothers-in-arms. Like siblings. Even with your eagle eyes you can’t see enough to determine if your assumption is right, but your eyes spot something else though: Jiao is heading back to where she left you.

With great ease, you slide down one of the three ladders leading up and down the tower and jog over to her. You slow down once you get close to the unknown company, not in any particular hurry to startle them or draw attention to yourself. However, when you pass them by their eyes look empty and they’re staring at each other and the ground without blinking. A chill runs down your spine. It feels as though you just saw a pack of dead humans still walking this good earth.

“Hmph.” You make fun of yourself for considering such a silly fantasy.

Just before Jiao reach your earshot, you pass by the two men you saw earlier discussing something off to the side. You can’t make up what they’re saying, but one thing’s for sure: They’re siblings. Twins to be more exact. One of them has a smug expression written all over his face and the other has a more cold and focused gaze. You know in your heart that you wouldn’t be able to stand the former of the two brothers.

“Where are you coming from? Did you wait long?” Jiao asks upon reaching you, throwing a glance at the Company behind you and in front of her. “Who are they?”

>”No one. Let’s go.”
>Propose that she asks them herself. You’re not that interested.
>Ask them yourself.Your curiosity cannot be ignored. You’re both humans after all, right? Not enemies.
>Write-in.

>>324976
>>”No one that we want to know. Let’s go.”

>>324976
>”No one that we want to know. Let’s go.”

>>324976
No one

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Next session in 3 hours and 20 minutes. See you then.

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>>324976
>Leave

“No one. Let’s go.” You urge Jiao along, to which she reluctantly follows before shifting gear and wraps an arm around yours as the two leave the company of strangers behind. You give her the reins once you’re far enough away from the shady company. She strings you along, even leading you so far as to pass by the next two bridges filled with people of different ages going further up and back down. Women with baskets coming home from the market, children playing with toys and running about, elderly couples taking a walk, and guards patrolling lazily.

The fresh smell of pork pie, mead, and roasted, salted fish hits you square in the face when you reach the village you live in atop one of the flat hills. It’s usually not this lively, but the atmosphere is different with the impending feast tonight.

“So what do you want to do?” Jiao asks, squeezing your arm affectionately. You stop in your tracks, throwing her a questioning glance.

“Didn’t you have something planned?”

“No~” She smiles innocently, locking eyes with you, “I just wanna spend time with you!”

>What do you want to do?

>>325893
Go up to the highest hill and look at the view

>>325893
Get some drinks

>>325893
Go up high, view the sunset, hold hands

>>325893
>>325989
I like it

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>>325989
>view the sunset
It's only a few hours after first light, possibly noon at this point.

>>325893
>>326020
ok then:
>Go up to the highest hill and look at the view

>>326020
WE ARE GOING TO SIT ON THIS HILL, HOLDING HANDS, UNTIL THERE IS A SUNSET

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>>325980
>>325988
>>325989
>>326000
>>326039
>>326053
A-all right.

Writing.

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>>325893
>Travel to the highest hill and take in the view with Jiao.

An idea that never really struck you before hit home while looking into the eyes of the girl holding tightly onto your arm. Without saying a word, you brought Jiao to one of the nearby stables. The Horsekeeper still owes you a solid one after you helped him through a night drunkenness, so borrowing a horse comes cheap to you. However, the two of you have to share a single horse, but Jiao doesn’t complain when she mounts the horse behind you, wrapping her arms around your stomach and chest. This position felt weird, but you tell yourself it can’t be helped before all three of you set out.

The roads leading up to the top hill becomes less and less populated the further up you go. Some people from the other villages along the way throw weird looks in your general direction, questioning quietly where you’re heading looking like you do. You’re still wearing your gruffy outfit, with bow and a full quiver hanging onto your back. Is Jiao uncomfortable back there? You can’t tell and she haven’t said a word during the entire ride.

An hour has already passed by the time the horse reaches the last peak before the very top of all these hills combined. However, you’re forced to slow down in the ride when a couple of armored and armed men meet your approach, hands in the air. You haven’t ever been this far up, so your curiosity is as piqued as Jiao’s upon stopping.

“What is your business past this point… Hunters?” The man standing before you appears to be the Captain of this bunch of maybe 15 guards populating the small outpost on the road leading to the highest peak. He looks to be in his forties and like one of those guardsmen that take their duties far too seriously. You probably shouldn’t jest about it, being a patriot yourself, but some of these men can play hardball for no good reason.

>Continued

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>>326178

“Me and my…” You trail off, throwing a look back at Jiao, “companion wishes to see the peak. We didn’t know there would be a roadblock all the way up here though.” You point out, nodding at the encampment behind the Captain with a smile. He’s not impressed or humored.

“Without proper papers and reasons for visiting the peak, I will have to ask you to ride back down again, Hunter.”

“And if we refuse?” Jiao chimes in gleefully, without a care in the world to her voice. She probably doesn’t want to agitate a peaceful situation, but she does so nonetheless. One of her leading character qualities. The other five guards behind the Captain raise their weapons slightly, hands tightening around the grip of their blades, halberds, and spears. You even spot three guards with crossbows in the camp, but they’re oblivious as to what’s happening between their Captain and two strangers on a horse.

>Excuse yourselves and leave. It was a long shot and you failed.
>Try to come up with a lie. Can’t be too hard to fool these guys, right? (Like what?)
>Challenge the Guard-Captain to something. (A Riddle or a non-lethal duel) - Who knows? Guards might like games...
>Write-in.

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>>326183
>>Excuse yourselves and leave. It was a long shot and you failed.

>>326183
>Try to come up with a lie. Can’t be too hard to fool these guys, right? (Like what?)

There's, uh... a dangerous beast up there.

>>326183

>Excuse yourselves and leave. It was a long shot and you failed.

Let's go to the second highest hill instead!

>>326236
>>326245
>>326333
Vote has ended.

Writing.

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>>326183
>Excuse yourselves and leave.

There’s no point dragging this out. You don’t have the proper papers, no lie can get you past them after you already told them your intentions and Jiao’s comment, and you don’t want to risk enraging them more by issuing a challenge. A waste of time. Maybe you can get a great view from the other village just down below instead?

“Excuse us, we will take our leave.” You break the tense silence as you’re about to turn your horse around.

“Leaving so soon?” You suddenly hear a voice over the trotting sound of hooves behind you. To your left one of the twins appear next to you atop a horse of his own, a smug smirk across his features and a glint of madness in his eyes, “I thought something fun was just about to start.” He continues, his smirk shifting into a full on grin. There’s something wrong with this one, is the first thought that hit you. Before you can reply, another trotting horse breaks speed to your right, its rider sitting further away from you than his twin.

“What seems to be the problem, Guards-Captain Ghil?” The other white-haired man dressed in a black, boiled leather suit with a white mask attached to its shoulder and a hint of red in his eyes from this distance spoke. He carries himself with more dignity and maturity than his brother. However, there’s something about him that sits wrong with you. You remember the first time you saw a rattler curled up in your path during a hunt. This Human doesn’t look like a rattler, but you still can’t help but think ‘Snake’.

“These two are trying to sneak their way up to the peak.” Captain Ghil reports dutifully as he and his men salute the respectable twin brother. He nods at the Captain before riding onward, ignoring you completely. The other brother is more inclined to help, to your own and the Captain’s surprise.

“The Hunter and his girl has my leave to visit the peak. What could two ‘humans’ do, really?” You didn’t like the way he changed his tone when referring to you and Jiao as humans, but you shrugged it off. No point creating problems when he was nice enough to help you out.

“Gratitude.” Both you and Jiao thank him and he nods before riding off, clearly remember that he has more pressing matters than two hunters. The Guards-Captain sneer at you while his guards move aside when you ride past them up the beaten path to the top. Once you reach it you’re met with a large village covering the entirety of the flat hill, with some of the houses inching awfully close to the circular edge. Despite not having the same populace as the other villages down below, there was still life buzzing here in response to the incoming feast tonight.

>Continued

>>326606

In the middle of the village there’s a huge, smoking bonfire right in front of a bigger house fit for a king. On the opposite side of the big house, just next to the path you came up from, there’s a watchtower of wood reaching for the sky. Oddly enough, you even spot craftsman shops around the village as well, opposite to how it’s done down below where all of them are gathered at the second outpost before the first village. Weird.

Eventually you spot a small outcrop of hill-cliffside to the side of the King-sized house. A perfect spot for some alone time and sightseeing.

>Go to the hill-cliffside.
>Explore something in the village. (What specifically?)
>Write-in.

>>326611
>Go to the hill-cliffside.

>>326611
>go to the hill cliffside

>>326611
>>Go to the hill-cliffside.
dis going to be good, sexy time on the cliffside

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>>326611
>Go to the Hill-Cliffside

Without further ado, you decide to lead Jiao over to the cliffside jutting out from the hill. You considered it at first, but there’s no need to go on a whole explorative expedition through this village. Most of the things they have up here, they also have down there as well, only fancier and possibly more high quality. Point is, there’s nothing new for you here.

Jiao follows suit eagerly, curious as to what they two of you are going to do. After rounding the corner of a house that blocked most of the view, the many miles of landscape is revealed to you upon stepping out on the cliff. For hundreds and thousands of yards there’s woods and forests and mountains in every direction. In the very far distance you spot the World Tree at the core of the Forest, towering above the others. If you narrow your gaze, you can almost swear you can spot something sitting in its branches. The magical wall protecting the remaining two Forest Realms are as invisible now to the naked eye as they were yesterday and the day after that and all the days since they came to be.

“So…” Jiao breaks the silence, forcing your eyes upon her instead of the landscape. She seems more interested in you than the actual view. “What do you want to do here?” Her voice is suddenly very meek and shy, which draws you in just as much as it makes you want to restrain your own actions and words for the next couple of seconds. Her eyes is glistening. She smells like a spring flower. Her grip is soft and firm at the same time. Her lips are ever so inviting.

Do you really want anything from her? Is this really a wise decision, or does wisdom not belong in this situation and a part of the choice at all? You wouldn’t mind getting attached to someone, it might even help you through some tough times, but if you do and then lose her…

It would be the end of me...

“Aiguo?” She almost whispers, squeezing your arms while looking intently into your eyes. Will you take this leap of faith or will you save yourself from a possible pain that will destroy you?

>Take a leap of faith.
>Resist and reject.

>>327946
>>Resist and reject.

>>327946
>Take a leap of faith

>>327946
>Take a leap of faith.

>>327946
>Resist and reject.

>>327946
Well we didn't ride all the way up here to just deny her now. Better to have loved once and lost than to never love.

If losing her turns us into smirking fire mask man... fuck it i don't care.

>>327946
>Take a leap of faith.

>>327946
>Resist and reject

I mean not necessarily reject but tell her why we think it might not be a good idea. Relationships are about understanding one another anyways.

>>327946
>>Take a leap of faith.

>>327946
>Take a leap of faith.

>Take a leap of faith.

DO IT

>>327946
Wait, I think I'm misreading. What are we voting on?

>>328659
if we get a gf

>>328664
If Aiguu gets a gf.

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>>327946
>Take a leap of faith

You might come to regret this, but you’re tired of worrying and restraining yourself when it comes to relationships. You might even become stronger and more resolved for it. Hopefully Jiao understands that you can’t give her the life so many other men promise their women. You won’t buy a house and settle down. You won’t father children. You won’t stay in the same place for more than 6 months.

Yours is the fate of a bloody death on some battlefield, far removed from thought and present time. You made peace with that knowledge 2 years into your stay at the military camp down south. You will die for your country, simple as that. Could you father children and settle down as some hunter/archer of a single village? Possibly, but your thrill doesn’t come from battles or hunting great beasts out in the wild, or even creating a family for that matter. It comes from exploring, seeing new things, experiencing marvelous wonders never seen by Human eyes before.

With this knowledge in mind, you still take this leap of faith, praying to the Fire and everything beyond it that this deep connection you’re making with another Human won’t end the way you imagine it will.

Jiao watch your every move with great anxiety when you break free from her grip on your arms, trying to figure out what you will do next. With one hand on her lower back and the other caressing her cheek, all her worries melt away in a split-second and her eyes slowly close while her arms embrace your wide back. Your lips meet for the very first time.

Fresh apples.

>Continued

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>>328695
____

The large wooden doors are pushed open and the company enter the giant room filled with lights and others. In front of you there’s a straight path heading to a platform elevated from the rest of the ground, connected to the path by stairs. On the right and the left there’s countless individuals and groups gathered together to watch the next scene unfold. With as straight a back as you can muster, you make your way down the walkway heading for the platform. You can hear whispers all around you, but not the words spoken. Glaring daggers dig into your flesh from all directions.

Upon reaching the platform, your chains are attached to another wooden pole - made out of oakheart no doubt - and you’re brought down to your knees in front of the three sides and the crowd behind you. To your left you spot Rushi and a mix of his Blood Guardians from both the Ichigo Company and the Kenshin Company, accompanied by some Realm Guardians. Rushi nods at you confidently. A confidence you don’t share at the moment.
Both Ming and Chao stands among them. You can’t see his face clearly from here, but Chao looks angry. He might be your rival and you’re his, but none of the two wishes death upon the other.

To your right you spot the same Awoo with the bushy and long eyebrows you laid your eyes upon on the graduation ceremony. Tao, High-Captain of the Tree Guardians. He’s standing among his many peers and a good chunk of Realm Guardians as well. He knows you’re looking at him, but he isn’t even acknowledging your existence.

Surprisingly enough, Lei, the Commander of the Realm Guardians, remains missing from the trial.

Then suddenly every single Guardian in the room stands in salute - even Ming and Chao - when something strange enters the room and takes its place in front of you, below the platform. It looks like a tree, but more humanoid! With legs and feet it walks and with arms and hands it holds its palm up to stop the salute. Its eyes are black and hollow, but its voice commands respect no matter what you may think of it.

“Guardian Lin, also known as ‘Raubtier’.” It addresses you with a hand motion that gives way to a creaking sound before they find their rest behind its back. “Give voice before trial begins, or be silenced until trial ends.”

Is there anything you want or can say in your defense at this point?

>Say nothing.
>Say something. (What do you wanna say? Write-in.)

>>328698
> "Everything I am, everything I have done...has been for the Awoo. Always."

Something like that. Nothing too flowery, just direct, strong, to the point.

>>328698
>>Say nothing.
>I Hope TreeGirls are cuter.

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I'm going to give this vote an hour because of potential write-ins and late comers. I apologize to those who are already here and waiting and ask for your patience. Thank you!

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>>328717
i could be down for this
but we coudl also add some thing like i saved us, i killed the grim knight and what powers that was inside of him at the time, i won the battle for us when all you have done is hide and die, and this is how you repay me just becouse i did something you didnt know about or liked, are you giveing me shit for the past x amount of years when have i ever turned on you? everything i have done is to become the stongest Awoo Garden and save us from the humans and all you can thik about is killing me just become im differnt from you im Ling( fuck forgot how to spell her name) aka Raubtier
but mybe not so up herslf idk
but i know i would be fucking pissed off at this liek for fucks suck i just killed one of the worse emamy we have atm and now you want to kill me ungratfully assholes, didnt seem to mind when i was fighting the bad guy

>>328783
Lin always struck me as more a 'silent rage' type. I've no doubt she's pissed, but she wouldn't be vocal about it and swearing.

>>328811
was so close,
yer the swearing was just me talking out of roleplay,
still i think she should make some sort of stament to could make the relise how much of an asshoel they have/are bening for treating us liek this

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>>328717
>>328721
>>328783
All right.

Roll for Social/Diplomacy
Roll me 3d10
Best of 3
DC: 9

Rolled 7, 8, 1 = 16 (3d10)

>>328968
WELP

Rolled 1, 3, 6 = 10 (3d10)

>>328968
I guess no bonuses here for this one. We can only hope.

>>328968
I dunno where the option tab is on this app, can't roll

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>>329019
Sounds tough. I'm sure someone else will take a chance at making this a successful roll.

>>329010
>I guess no bonuses here for this one.
You're short one [+] in the Social Stat and the Captain perk is only if you're rolling for something with a fellow team member of your Guardian Team. This is to convince the opposing side and defend yourself.

You have one last roll to make it. One last chance.

Rolled 1, 1, 6 = 8 (3d10)

>>328968

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>>328975
>>329010
>>329034
And the trial continues.

Writing shortly.

>>329034
We almost self destroyed there

Rolled 1, 1, 3 = 5 (3d10)

>>328968

>>329050
Please stop, you are killing me

Rolled 7, 5, 2 = 14 (3d10)

>>329032
omg i leave you guys along ffs

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>>328698

Silence falls over the giant room like moonlight over the forest come the night. All eyes are set upon you, some out of pity, others from the pressure and tension, but most in disgust and fear. What can you say to turn their heads? What words must be said to dig up the seeds of mistrust that has been planted in their minds? Is it even possible?

I haven’t gotten this far without trying my best!

You clear your throat, staring straight at the unbudged humanoid tree in front of you, just below the platform.

“Everything I am, and everything I have done… has been for the World Tree. For the Creatures of the Forest. For the Great Horned Owl. For the Awoo. Always.” Your words are met with nods from the Blood Guardian’s side and soft scoffs and disapproving gazes from the Tree Guardians. The Humanoid tree remains unfazed by what’s been said and done, as if it’s still waiting for you to speak.

“The accused has spoken and her voice has been received.” It’s voice eventually illuminates the room once more. It feels otherworldly in a sense. As if it’s not its true voice. Not knowing much about this or it, you force those assumptions aside for now.

“The Blood Guardians have been chosen to begin this trial to determine the fate of one, Guardian Lin. Proceed.” It waves up to the platform where you’ve been forced to your knees. In front of everyone to see, both Rushi and Ming find their way up to where you are. They place themselves in front of you.

“Introductions.” The Humanoid Tree continues. Rushi takes point as a leader should.

“Guardian Rushi, Leader of the Blood Guardians and its four companies. I have held Guardianship for 30 years.” It finally strikes you just how old Rushi is. He looks to be in his mid 20’s, but he’s already in his late 40’s. Something of a rarity and an achievement in its own right if you’re a Blood Guardian.

Everyone’s gaze falls upon the timid and shy Awoo standing opposite to Rushi. She’s rolling her thumbs nervously while trying to find her voice.

“I’m, um, Ming. I h-have been-- I MEAN, I have held G-Guardianship for, um, a month, I t-think? Yes. A month.” There’s a short quiet moment before her eyes lit up again, “Oh! And I’m Realm Guardian. A R-realm guardian.” Suffice to say, she’s not one for big crowds staring down at her. Under different circumstances you’d think it’s cute and make fun of her for it, but those circumstances are far removed from your current predicament.

“Guardian Rushi and Guardian Ming. Your presence have been acknowledges. Proceed.”

Rushi shifts from the Humanoid Tree to Ming, ready to help Lin as best he can.

>Ease Ming into it. Get her used to it, even it’s a waste of time.
>Strike hard and fast. There’s no time to play coy with this girl, even if you promised Raubtier otherwise. You have little time and the other side needs to be convinced.
>Write-in suggestion on approach.

>>329161
>>Ease Ming into it. Get her used to it, even it’s a waste of time.

>>329161
>>Strike hard and fast. There’s no time to play coy with this girl, even if you promised Raubtier otherwise. You have little time and the other side needs to be convinced.

>>329161

>Ease Ming into it. Get her used to it, even it’s a waste of time.

>>329161
>Ease Ming into it. Get her used to it, even it’s a waste of time.

>>329162
>>329164
>>329178
>>329181
Going easy on Ming. Gotcha.

Writing.

>>329162
>>329178
>>329181
You realize they can and likely will keep pressuring her, so we're wasting time and boring the people we need to convince into not listening, yes?

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This fucking update is killing me. I'm going out for a walk and some fresh air. I'll be back in a few. Discuss shit or leave the thread in pure, fucking silence. Up to you.

>>329387
Take your time

>>329387
Take all the time you need mate. The quality is worth it.

>>329224
To be fair, if we barged right in with questions she could become more frazzled and we could he labeled as agressive. Its kind of a lose/lose in the eyes of the court. If it means getting a more confident Ming, I will allow it.

If this were any other quest, I feel, with slightly less aggressive humans and slight more independent/selfish protagonists, I could see us being all, 'Well, fuck you too. You thought I was a traitor? Well, I wasn't until you started being shitboots."

Obviously this would've happened AFTER we'd hauled ass.

And obviously we're not doing that, nor do I feel we're capable of doing so. Just saying from what I've seen in other quests.

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>>329161
>Ease Ming into it.

The two Guardians found themselves face-to-face in front of all kinds of eyes from all three branches up on the platform. The pressure is on for all involved parties. Rushi can’t fail and watch one of the greatest weapons for the Blood Guardians against Humanity be executed. Ming can’t let herself be the cause of her best friend’s death. She would never recover from the loss. And you, well you just don’t want to die and stick it to the idiots and cowards that assume too much.

Despite his inclinations to start off aggressively, Rushi makes the decision to follow Raubtier’s advice and the promise he made to her. Instead of his usual approach, a change was necessary given the circumstances and who the witness is.

“Guardian Ming.” Rushi set about to start the trial properly, but his incoming speech was cut off quickly.

“YES!” Ming isn’t ready to be addressed and yelps at the notion of more attention coming her way. She quickly calms down and tries to regain her composure as Rushi continues to do his best to not rile her up or touch her conversational pressure points.

“Ming. How long have you known Guardian Lin?”

“E-ever since o-our childhood. We, um, lived in the same village.”

“And how were your relationship to her prior to the fall of the first barrier?”

“We were part, um, part of the same class as Sensei. We w-were training to b-become guardians together.”

“And after the fall of the first barrier?”

“We became best friends.” Ming smiles meekly in your direction. You return her smile with one of your own to support her.

“You told the Guardians at the scene after you woke up that you fell unconscious before the fall of the barrier. How did this happen and how did you get past the second barrier, into safety, if you were unconscious all throughout the… incident.” Rushi doesn’t like to refer to it so lightly, but there’s no point blowing it up when that’s not what the trial is about.

“W-well, um, me and Sensei went to see the others after we had all gotten o-our Guardian weapons. They were by the v-valley, playing with t-them. All I remember is that when we a-arrived, Sensei saw something in the s-sky before the rest of us and, well, he pushed me and G-guardian Chao into the n-nearby forest. That’s when I fell unconscious. C-chao told me his blade accidently cut a jack in my head when he dropped it.” - She explains softly - “BUT it wasn’t his fault. I, um, can be very clumsy sometimes.” She offers a weak smile in Chao’s direction, but he’s gone from angry to brooding. He’s still pissed over this trial, but the memories leaking out for him is making him melancholic.

>Continued

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>>330240
Ming continues to answer the next question.

“I was, um, told that Chao carried me from the valley to our village and then out from that Forest Realm.”

“I see, and did Guardian Chao ever mention anyone else’s involvement?” Rushi is pushing towards his goal.

“Y-yes. Chao told m-me that one of the Elders wanted to… to leave me behind because of m-my injuries.” Ming was on the verge of crying, strong emotions that she had kept buried up until now swelling forth, “But Lin saved me. She refused to listen! She helped Chao save my, my life!” A murmur explodes through the Tree and Realm Guardian’s side of the crowd as Ming sprints past Rushi and embraces you in a hug down on her own knees.

You can barely understand what she’s saying through her strong sobbing, but you catch the occasional “Thank you” and “I’m sorry”. You want to embrace her back, but the chains holds your arms in check. Eventually a pair of Realm Guardians have to ascend the platform and wrestle her from you and put her back in front of Rushi. The ‘interrogation’ wasn’t over after all. Rushi was untouched by all the sentimentals.

“Guardian Ming, how would you describe Guardian Lin?” Silence fell over the room again as everyone awaited the young Awoo’s answer. She took a deep breath to regain herself after crying so hard into her friend’s shoulder.

“Kindhearted and loyal. She’s one of the strongest Guardians I know and the one most true to her words.” The murmur took place once more among the Tree and Realm Guardians. An annoyance, yet a good sign. A commotion that the humanoid tree made no attempt to stop. It’s more tranquil and neutral than you had expected from the ‘judge’ of this trial. From the very beginning you assumed a Guardian would be the judge, or the very least a Creature of the Forest whose race you recognized.

“After hearing the testimony of this young Awoo, I urge you all to reconsider your stance in this trial, my fellow Guardians.” Rushi commence with his ending statements, pointing a finger straight at you, “Raubtier is a dangerous beast. A predator! This is true, and we cannot change that, but what we can change is how she’s used. Either we’ll put her down and waste a perfectly good and loyal Guardian or we’ll use her as a weapon against the Humanity. Let her prove her loyalty and usefulness to us now more than ever by pitting her against Humans. Don’t let this turn you against your own kind. If anything, that’s exactly what the Humans want us to do!”

>Continued

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>>330246

And followed by applause from the Blood Guardians and some Realm Guardians from both sides, Rushi and Ming leaves the stage. You’re surprised Ming isn’t staying for the Tree Guardian’s questions, but apparently they don’t want to question her.

“Gratitude, Guardian Rushi and Guardian Ming. Your voice has been received.” The Humanoid Tree finally gives way to its melodic voice, motioning towards the Tree Guardian side for its next words, “The Tree Guardians may have the next word in the trial to determine the fate of one, Guardian Lin. Proceed.”

It’s High-Captain Tao’s turn. The Awoo of average size and bushy, long eyebrows soon find his way up to the stage, alone. He bows deeply to the Humanoid Tree before it asks him to introduce himself.

“Guardian Tao, High-Captain of the prestigious Tree Guardians. I have, of course, held my title for 15 years and I have held Guardianship for 40 years.” He has a raspy voice filled with arrogance and a swelling, justifiable pride. He carries himself differently than the ten years younger Rushi - More dignified and overly gracious in his stride and complexion.

“Guardian Tao. Your presence have been acknowledged. Proceed.”

“May I speak with the prisoner?” Tao immediately shoots his first question that will be the first of many.

“Your request has been accepted, Guardian Tao. The prisoner may speak, but it is her free will to deny you her words. Proceed.” And with that, High-Captain Tao shifts his attention over to you, his red and deceitful eyes burrowing into your very skin.

“Raubtier.” He starts to approach you until he stands but a meter away from you, towering above your knelt status. “Tell us. What are you?”

>Remain silent and vigil. He will have no answers from you.
>Tell him the whole truth.
>Tell him a certain version of the truth. (What do you leave out?)
>Outright lie to him.

>>330253
>Tell him the whole truth.
We should ask him why his eyes are red.

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>>330313
>We should ask him why his eyes are red.
What?

>>330331
>his red and deceitful eyes burrowing into your very skin.

isn't that not common in awoos?

>>330338
>>321045
>the red-eyed Awoo Race.
I'd say it's pretty common...

>>330313
You do realize that red eyes are common amongst awoo, right?

Can I get a cliff notes version of what we do know, right now? I feel like Lin only knows so much anyways.

>>330351
>Can I get a cliff notes version of what we do know, right now? I feel like Lin only knows so much anyways.
I'd give it to you if I had one...
I'll have to make one sooner rather than later. For now, Lin mostly just know what anyone who has read from thread 1-7 knows, with some added stuff here and there.

I'll make a cliff note version for you eventually.

>>330374
Then I guess the only thing I can think of is telling the truth, as far as we're aware. I mean, if we are to be truly honest we don't really know the hows or whys, only some basic whats, which is something I'm sure the court is wanting to know.

>>330253
>>Tell him the whole truth.
but at the same time we dont really know that much as it is, i just hope they dont try to cut us up to find out more.
we are an Awoo just like you

>>330428
also i hope that they dont try to pull a winter sloder on us, keepign u locked up and only releasing us when they wont something killed

>>330434
That sounds like it's the best case scenario as it stands...

>>330696
hmm they better give us some mags then or something

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>>330313
>>330409
>>330428
The whole truth it is.

I'll get to writing in a few hours. Either before or after I've had lunch with a relative.

>>331474
Maybe talk about how we would have cut our arms off to prevent the "parasite" but our guardian blade remained calm and silent as if there was no threat

>>331730
dont give them ideas man
but yer the guardian blade didnt do anythign it also changed with us

I'm back and I'll start writing.

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>>332459
wellcome back

>>332459
also this quest has been put up in a quest rec trend on this page, congrates mate
>>331980

>>332459
man im going to have to pass out now its 1 am here il look fawd to reading how it turns out

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>>332480

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>>330253
>The whole truth

The question strikes you as odd, implicating that you’re something else than what you’re claiming to be. Maybe that’s the truth, but you won’t believe in it.

“I’m Awoo.” You answer him defiantly, staring him down as best you can from where you’re kneeling. You hear mocking laughs from the Tree Guardians on the row to your right. Tao, on the other hand, is not as easily amused or fazed.

“Everything we’ve seen and can see has been to the contrary: Your appearance is not albino or a mutation from birth. It has changed three times along with your Guardian Blade!” He reveals to the crowd, news that gives way to yet another wave of murmurs and even raised voices, but you ignore them as best you can as the High-Captain continues. “Not only that, but there’s several eyewitnesses from the Ichigo Company that has revealed to us what happened during your duel with the Grim Knight.” Tao shoots a glare over at Rushi. The Blood Guardian Leader must have tried to pass a report of the battle by without including what he had seen happen to you when you were close to dying. “This… thing regenerated its limbs out from nowhere upon the battlefield! The Red Flower came out from its body and restored its limbs! This monster carries the Red Flower within it and must therefore be executed!”

“I’m NOT a Monster!” You finally lose it and scream at the High-Captain, pulling violently in your chains. Not a second passes before you feel a strong hand on your shoulder. The very same hand belonging to the stranger from before. He came out of nowhere, but Tao wasn’t surprised to see him up here as well. You quickly notice that your outburst scared the crap out of many on the right row.

“Then what are you?” His question isn’t about who you think you are. It’s a question deserving the tale behind how the current you came to be. After a full minute’s worth of thinking, a sigh escapes your lips as your body ease up from the previous tension and emotional release.

>Continued

>>332624

His question is prompting you to tell him the truth, and nothing but the truth. It’s time. You’ve tried to hide it for so long, but after what happened between you and the Grim Knight or whatever that was possessing him, you can no longer keep it to yourself. And so, to the heavy silence that has befallen the room, you start to re-tell the entire tale from the moment the village was attacked where Ai died and pieces of the Red Flower found their way into your body to your transformation 3 years later. You touch the subject of the dream you experienced during the Spiritual trial where you heard that cruel voice, the same voice you heard while crossing the barrier and the one that came from whatever being that took control of the Grim Knight.

You continue to tell them in detail about the graduation ceremony, the change you experienced throughout the night, your initiation to the Blood Guardians, and your first mission with your team as their captain. You weave the story of your mission as best you can, from scouting out the Main Human Encampment in the North, Heim’s outburst, the events that transpired in the cave, and even the second fight with the Grim Knight where Kun lost his life to the real monster of this tale. You even include the quarrel you had with Jin. You’re certain that he hasn’t let it go just yet, so sooner or later you’ll have to deal with the consequences.

When your story reaches the assault on the northern main encampment, your words become heavy. You recount the fighting as best you can, from the battle you had with the fire wielding individuals in the forest where your Guardian Blade broke to reaching the camp itself. The part where you commenced your duel with the Grim Knight and how he transformed raised a few eyebrows, especially Tao’s.
Leaving nothing out, every detail counts. You were about to lose when the Red Flower within you spoke with you clearly and helped restore both body and blade. You wouldn’t have won without the Red Flower inside of you. You wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for that Red Flower.

The end of your tale is followed by a quiet crowd trying to melt everything you’ve told them. Tao is of course the first to break the fragile silence.

>Continued

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>>332625

“You have willfully brought the Red Flower past the barrier, into our homes and sanctuaries…!” He looks absolutely furious and he’s spitting out his words at this point. His previous grace and well-mannered speech is all but gone. “I should ki--” His words are interrupted by a troubled crowd giving voice to their surprised shock. An Awoo has leaped onto the stage and before you can get a clear view of who it is, you feel a punch crashing into your face at full speed and strength. It feels as though your jaw is about to break when you feel another punch come swinging from the right, then left, then right, and then it ends with a knee into the left side of your face. During this entire one-sided fight you hear gasps from the crowd, but over them all you hear the screams of Ming.

With your body slumped down, a hand grabs your fur by the roots and holds your head and face up for everyone to see. It’s a bloody pulp, barely recognizable anymore as your face.

“If she’s a monster, then we can control her.” The familiar voice comes from the person standing next to you. It’s definitely not the stranger, “She will be useful to us and the second she becomes useless or goes against us, I will kill her myself.” - Chao. It’s Chao who just beat the shit out of you and is making his case to everyone. Your vision is blurry, but you still spot Tao glancing back at the Humanoid Tree whom has risen to the platform.

“Gratitude, Guardian. Your voice has been accepted.” It speaks and High-Captain Tao sighs in defeat before leaving the stage, still fuming and fists clenched. Chao let’s go of your fur and the stranger releases you from your bonds and from the oakheart pole. What happened next is a blur because you fell unconscious.

However, when you wake up next you’ll know full well that you’ve survived the Trial!

____

End of this thread! Thanks for playing and participating! Twitter is up top, I will archive the thread! I'm around for a while to answer questions, receive feedback/comments etc. about my QMing and the quest as a whole.
The Next thread will be on the 5th, after the 4th of July.

Thank you!

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>>332629
Reminds me of something...

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>>332657
I d-don't know what y-you're t-talking about, anon!

So, yeah, Lin's now the Winter Soldier. Or a one-Awoo Suicide Squad, whichever. Congrats.
Not really, that sucks and I don't like it.
So are we staying with Lin for her first mission as a damned soul, or are you moving to someone else and making Lin an NPC?

>>332666
Don't assume too much at once and you might find yourself pleasantly surprised. Lin will continue to be the main focus point though.

>>332671
dat sounds like sum NON-PESSIMIST talk.

We ain't much appreciative of that sorta speakin' round 'ere.

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>>332683

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>>332702

So. Random question.

If Lin was a fighting game character, what do you think would best fit her as a theme? What about Ming? Or others?

My opinions:
Lin: Pre-Flower: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hvlcxa_NvjM

Post-Flower: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APvJHV57pTM

Ming: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxO7v5dSOVE&t=1049s

I don't really have anyone else, I'm afraid.

>>332728
Can't say I'm very versed in fighting games and their themes, but these ones actually sound pretty good!

I'm more of a person that slaps inspirational fantasy music in the background for characters and scenes.

For the assault on the Northern Main Encampment, I listened a lot to this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCphHGMxAAA

>>332629
Solid stuff Awoo. I mean yeah, the paralells are familiar, but I am very much enjoying what I see.

The fallout is going to be really fun. From Chao, Heim, Ming, Mei, Jin, et. All.

Can't wait for the next session. See you soon.

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>>332754
Thanks a lot! See you next thread!

>>332759
damm son shits going to get hard
thanks