Hunters of Terra Dolor (Role Playing Section)

[Dahlexpert]

Part 3

Taydar stepped forward. "I've seen enough. You have learned more forgiveness then you once had. I will allow your reincarnation. Please... give your last goodbyes.

Alice let go of Tecunte and stood up and walked to Grimora." I'm gonna miss you so much, pleas take care of that little girl of yours make sure she becomes a proper goddess."

Grimora hugged her friend, shedding a few tears. "I will. I promise. She'll be just like her aunt Alice."

"Don't make her too much like me, after all I ended up down here." Alice hugged Grimora back and patted her head." I truly will miss you Grimora and thank you for everything." Alice let go of Grimora and looked at Seclevar.

He sniffled and wiped his eyes. "I'll... be watching you. Try and make sure you stay out of trouble, you know?"

"You know you can't after all I don't know what i'm gonna be when I get my second chance." Tears started to fall down Alice face as she embraced Seclevar, and passionately kissed him." But know that I will always love you and pleas if you can." Alice held his arm." Please take care of our child if you can."

He nodded. "She'll be someone who will remind me of our good times everyday. I... I love you, Alice."

“I love you too Seclavar always.” Alice hugged Seclavar and kissed him on his cheek, she then let him go and walked to the god of death.” Alright I’m ready.”

He held out his hand, and everything went white. It took Alice a moment to realize she was in an all white room, so white it was almost blinding. "Hello, child." Alice turn, and a beautiful, quite tall woman in white and red with the appearance of a Light Elf stepped forwards on bare feet. "I am Ledono, Goddess of Creation. I will be guiding you to your reincarnated form. Please..." She waved her hand to a white, comfortable looking couch. "Lie down."

Alice being a vampire didn’t like the color of the room, she had to put her arm over her eyes just to see the couch.” You know having a all white room, doesn’t go well for vampires.” Alice said finding the couch and sitting in it.

"Well, to be honest, I don't get many vampires here. But..." The goddess snapped her fingers. The room was splashed with colors, brown desks, red and black furnature, patterned walls. It almost looked like an office for a business man or psychiatrist now. "Is that better on the eyes?"

“That’s Just perfect,” so the I gotta question. Why are you making my new body? I mean don’t you hate me or something?”

"Hate you?" Ledono tilted her head slightly. "Why would I hate you?"

"Well i'm pretty sure most of the gods hate me, after all the destruction I've done and the people I've killed and all the city I've burned and putting Terra in terminal."

Ledono shrugged. "It is not my place to hate. Such hate breeds destruction, and that is my sister's department. Besides, your destruction leads to new creation." She giggled lightly. "Speaking of my sister, I'm sure she is a fan of your work."

"I bet she probable was it's a shame I never worked with her, damn I probable should have reached out to her. But hay can I ask for a favor before i'm reborn? My people my Norscans, how are they what are they currently doing right now?" Alice said in a worried tone.

Ledono nodded. "I believe they are doing okay. As far as raiders go at any rate."

"Well there Alive and are doing well that's all I needed, Ok so what happens now do I close my eyes or something. Walk into the void my body disperses what?"

Ledon smiled. "Just lay back and close your eyes. It will be over quickly and painlessly."

"Well then at least this death would be painless." Alice did what she was told and layed down and closed her eyes ." Wow I've had a pitiful life until I made Norsca and escaped my pitiful home, you want to know why I don't regret what I did?" Alice asked the goddess of creation.

Ledono placed her hands on the sides of Alice's head. Alice started to feel lightheaded and floaty, like she was in a dream. "Please, tell me my dear."

"If I regretted what I did then that would mean I enjoyed all the horrible things I did. All the killing the cites ive burned. If I thought for a second that what I was doing would not help my people that would mean I accepted being a monster."

Ledono nodded gently. "And even after all the carnage and death, you still want to know that you did some good. That the persona of a monster you used to frighten your enemies was not the real you."

"Of course not, I had to play the roll of a monster so people could get of there high horses and there ass and do something.

Ledon smiled. "In that, you succeeded." He smile faded as Alice consciousness grew weaker. "Your next life won't be easy. Seek out the familiar, even if anything familiar will be faint. And try and avoid violence if you can. Prove that you had the right to come back. I know you can do it."

"Humm, Of course my life wound be easy, when has it ever been. All I can say is that I will try and not be my old self again but I have no idea how my continuous would be though, I will try to be nice in my new body though.

Ledono said something more, but it was lost to Alice. Everything faded. Thoughts. Memories. Cares. Worries. All was taken away, though before her mind went completely blank, she could feel her warmest memories of friends and loved ones still hidden away in the back of her mind.

When she opened her eyes again, a man and a woman were smiling down at her. "It's a girl," someone said, and the pair hugged and kissed and looked down at the baby with the utmost love and happiness fir their new daughter.

 

[Frostlich1228 (Alt)]

Frostlich1228: "The Lonely Queen of Blood."

Lanathel slowly made her way through the darkened Halls of her castle, the walls shooting up far above with the intermitten pillars curving at the ceiling. Stained glass windows, mostly dark reds and earthy greys, blacks, and whites, reflected their light down into the hall.

The Blood Queen walked, the Castle quiet, quieter than it had been in centuries, perhaps a millennia. Without the council and each of their houses servants, vassals, guards, and family walking the halls, it felt like a hollow shadow of what it used to be. Like herself, after the death of her daughters. Even Alice, as she thought of the innocent child she had failed, not the terrible monster she had become. The Monster that waged a bloody war against her own people and the world, masquerading it in the name of saving the Vampire people. It was now teetering on a edge.

The kingdoms she had worked during the battle with Alice were wary of the people of Draculesti, eager to pounce at a moments notice, their armies rested just outside the gates of the city, boxing them in. They had lost many Brothers, Sisters, Sons, Daughters and Fathers in that battle, she could remember the blood running through the streets like after the rain on an Autumn morning. All killed in nightmarish ways, by the bite of a Vampire, Cleaved in half or raped by thralls, eyes gouged out by harpies, young men crushed inside their own armor like tin cans under the weapons of the Giants. While the War had really only lasted a few battles, those battles were of a scale the old General hadn't seen since the Nocturnum Wars, the War that had made her the War Hero she was today. It was not a hard to understand tenseness, it was not hard to understand why they had found it easy to put the fact that Draculesti had fought alongside them to the back of their minds.

Her footsteps echoed throughout the lonely hall, bouncing and reverberating off the Gothic Architecture that was the signature style of the Vampires for centuries. Her head turned, finally seeing a servant still cleaning and sorting out one of the rooms of the council members. They locked eyes for a brief moment, the young woman almost frozen by the sadness in Lanathel's gaze; managing only a bow before her eyes shot away from her and back down at her work mopping the dust off the dark marble floors.

She had been working nearly without rest trying to beg, and plead, and almost prostrate herself before the leaders of the other countries, trying to assure them that such a tragedy wouldn't happen again. They were paying a significant amount of gold in War Reparations, helping to repair the damage to the capital of Helvan and to the countryside caused by Alice and the Seven, decorated heros of the Vampire People in their own right.

People wanted the remaining members dead, to be strung up for killing so many, it took a large number of political favors just to ensure that the mind controlled Seven could be returned to her custody and pardoned. However, such a pardon was clearly a straining point on Lanathel's diplomatic talks with the other leaders.

They didn't care that they were under the control of Alice, they still wanted them to pay for their crimes. Lanathel, however, just didn't have the heart to let any more of them die, there was already too much death.

Such a razor thin line... So tenous... One wrong step and they could wipe Draculesti off the face of Terra, and the Vampire people with it. Many losses were counted on their side, many Vampires counted among the piles of bodies. They were too weak to pose any threat, too weak to defend themselves any longer.

Memories from the end of the Nocturnum War flashed in her head, it was a similar situation that charged the Elders to lock themselves away within their own walls. She was right back where she had been three hundred years ago. All the convincing, and trust building and all the efforts she had made the last three hundred years... And she was right back where she started...

But now she was alone...

The Vampire Queen. The Blood Queen...

The Lonely Queen of the Vampires, that was a name that had been circling around in taverns and in poetry. She turned her head to stare out one of the many windows. It wasn't a misnomer. Leave it to bards and singers to get to the real truth of things...

But she couldn't do the same thing the Elders had done, else all this would likely happen all over again. She had to be better, do something with this new position, anything but that... She would keep the gates open, even blockaded in as they were, even if it meant they could all be butchered at any moment. This cycle wouldn't continue. One way or another.

Perhaps a Queen was what they needed, perhaps the aristocracy was what was to blame... Perhaps in some sick way... Alice won.

That thought made her want to vomit. She hated the woman. Hated her with a burning passion. She hated more that she felt that she was partially responsible for her creation. She hated Alice the monster... And mourned Alice, her Daughter...

She would make sure, in whatever pit she was rotting in now, she wouldn't have the satisfaction of winning, even if she never knew what had transpired after her death. Lanathel would make sure her sick dream never became a reality.

She also wouldn't give Alice the satisfaction of turning her into a copy of herself, infecting her with her blind hatred. She would teach the Vampire people to live with the humans, to live peacefully. Sternly and powerfully, if nessicary. She would repair their reputation even if it took all of her remaining life, and that of her descendants if she had to. She would show her people that monsters like Alice would not be tolerated in any capacity, and if any more sprung up... They would face the same fate as the Raiders of Norsca...

"My Queen." A Guard in Full Dark Regalia called out to her from behind, cracking the silence of the Castle. "Today's Executions are beginning. More of the Norsca Raiders as you requested."

"Good. How many do we have left in the dungeon?" She asked, half looking back.

"If we continue one every day as you instructed? A month and a halfs worth." He answered simply.

"After the execution, fetch me Rumi and Marlee." Lanathel commanded. "I need to see if they're ready to return to their work."

"Yes Ma'am. Would you like an escort to the Gallows?"

A moment of silence. "I would... Lead the way..."

"Yes My Queen..." He bowed.

She had to find an outlet for this hatred and wrath inside of her. Luckily... There were familiar vermin still out there... And she wouldn't rest until she had the heads of the rest of the Norsca Raiders decorating her throne room. She refused to exist on the same planet as the filth that butchered her daughter...

 

[Dahlexpert]

The fallowing is done by Dhalexpert&ZombieSplitter53
A vampires long redemption

Two months ago
Helvan/Norsca
Serendella Ranch
Several miles south of the capital

"Olivia!" Jane called upstairs from the kitchen. "Olivia Serendella! Did you finish gathering those eggs?"

A blond light Elf wearing overalls came out of her room. " Yes mom I got plenty of eggs, I gotta say these raiders even if they are raiders. There not bad at all, no protection money open fields I even started training with one of them."

"Oh, don't let your father here that." Her mother stepped out of thw kitchen. "You know what he thinks about an honest day's living. Raiders and bandits don't exactly stand for that."

"Well I would take these guys over the city guards, you remember how they were treating us before the over taxing the foul mouthing taking things from us. At least these guys respect us, and my trainer isn't bad nether. I think her name is Satako"

"You always have been something of a Tomboy, training with your father's swords and bows when he wasn't around." Jane leaned against the wall. "You think what this Alice women has promised is true? That they'll free all the slaves in the country?"

"Well there doing a damn good job of it so far, I've never see so many light Elves around. I mean that weren't in cages. So by the looks of it she's keeping her word, huh funny isn't it a group of raider care more about us than our own countrymen."

"Yes, it is funny..." Jane shook her head. "But watch your language. Save the cursing for you father." She looked towards the door. "Where is your father anyway...?"

“I don’t know probably bringing in the cows or something, you want me to go check on him?”

"Please do. I hope he hasn't..." There was a commotion outside, and the sound of Olivia's father yelling. "Mitchell?" Jane ran to the door and threw it open, rushing outside. There were several men out there, two restraining the Light Elf who was cursing up a storm.

"Hay what the fuck are you bastards doing out here, what are you doing to my father you jackasses!" Olivia yelled.

One of the men turned around and held up a hand. He was a tall, lanky man, his entire body covered. He wore a cross between a gas mask and a plague doctor's mask. "Please, my dear. No need for such profanity. My name is Alagor. I work directly under Alice Valentine, and I've come to bring you a great opportunity."

"And what kind of opportunity is this, what does Alice want with a bunch of farmers. Does she need me to fight for her or something because I can do that but why do you need my family?!"

Alagor slowly walked forward. "It is pretty simple, my dear. I have experiments to run. Important experiments for the betterment of both your kind and vampires." He waved his hand, adding, "Mostly vampires I admit. But Alice says I can not experiment on the Light Elves in the capital. It arouses to much suspicion. And so... I am here, obtaining my test subjects some distance away."

"You can't take him!" Jane rushed to her husband, only to be grabbed by a third Raider.

"Actually, I'm looking for two subjects," Alagor noted.

"What type of experiment is this, what do you plan on doing to my family!"

"Why... turn them into vampires, my dear." Alagor smiled at Olivia under his mask. "Wouldn't that be wonderful?"

"That's not possible, we light Elves are immune to vamperism. Now I ask again let my parent's go!" Olivia shouted.

Alagor shrugged. "Well, there is a good chance your parents will simply... well, die. But you know what they say about eggs and omlettes. Now... are you going to give us trouble?" He snapped his fingers, and four of the raiders rushed Olivia.

Olivia quickly went into the house and ran to her room she quickly grabbed her bow, and pointed it at the door waiting for the raiders to come in.

One poked her head inside, a mean looking woman with a scar over her eye. "Little pig, little pig. Come out to plaaaaay..."

And arrow went close to her eye." Stay away from me if you come any closer to me Satako will have your heads for this you fucking monsters!"

The three remaining raiders laughed. "Who do you think she works for? She works for Alice, you little twit!" He motioned for the other two to go around the back. "Alagor was given permission to be here. Now, lay down your bow, and we'll only rough you up a little bit."

The door opened and Olivia came charging out, and rove and arrow into to the woman eye and kicked another in the groin. "I am Satako student, if she finds out that you assaulted me she will have your heads. She said as she started to run out the house.

As she ran out the back door, one of the men grabbed her by the hair. "Then 'e jus 'ave ta make sure she dont find out, eh?"

"Really." A voice said to the side of them. "Because from what i'm looking at, I see four of my morrons attacking one of my recruits." Satako said on her horse.

The man immediately let Olivia go and backed away. "Miss Satako... please. I waz jus follin Master Alagor's orders..."

"Really because last time I check, Alagor doesn't give orders to soldiers!" Satako looked at Olivia and picked her up." I recommend that you idiots just start running because you will be training till your arms fall off!"

As the raiders ran Satako looked down at Olivia." Come on now we need to make you stronger so you can hold your own, and learn to survive out here." I don't know what Alagor plans on doing with your family, but I will talk to Alice about it now than let's go and get you stronger."

Olivia never saw her parents again. She was sure Satako would keep her word and talk to Alice, so what happened? Did Alice not listen to her? Did the incoming armies muddle things up? All Olivia knew was Satako supposedly died in the final assault, as did Alice, and all that was found in the castle lab was bodies. Her parents were likely dead.

Three Months Later

Miles and miles away from the capital, a nobleman rode his horse through the countryside. In order to satisfy the Light Elves holding the royal family hostage, slavery had to be abolished throughout the country. It was a slow process however, and not everyone heard the news.

This nobleman, Charles Montgomery Allan III, had heard the news. It was why he was taking the two slaves tied to a rope and trailing behind his horse down this back rode. His estate was quite some distance away from the capital, and it would take years for him to have to free his slaves as long as he paid off the right people and the inspectors. Maybe decades.

He reached back and yanked on the rope, almost making the pair, a man and a woman in practically rags, nearly trip. "Come along. Don't doddle. If we do not reach the next town by sunset, neither of you get to eat." He laughed haughtily. He was a rich old miser. He didn't plan to feed them today either way.

A woman with black light armor and a hood walked past, she had a bow and arrow on her back and a short sword to her waist.” Excuse me sir but didn’t you hear, slavery was abolished here. So why do you have those light Elves like that?” The woman asked.

"Hmm?" He smiled. "Simple my dear. Because I am rich enough to not care about such a silly law change. Now, run along."



“Ou because this is a toll road, pay me and I forgot what I saw her saw. Three hundred gold coins.”

"Three... three hundred gold! Are you out of your mind?!" The noble turned up his nose. "I won't pay."

"Ok let me put it this way." The mysterious woman pointed her bow at the man." Here's what your gonna do, you’re gonna get off your horse and give me everything you have do you understand?"

"O-oh, my..." The pudgy man quickly dismounted, nearly stumbling as he did. "Y-you know... I have reconsidered." He pulled out a small pouch and held it out. "Th-three hundred is more then fair of a toll..."

 

[Dahlexpert]

Part 2

The woman put her bow down." Thank you for your patronage." The woman said smiling under her mask, she than pulled the arrow back and shot it in the man’s skull. She then pulled her hood down revealing that she was a light Elf, she than took the pudgy mans cloths rings and saw that he had more money on him. She looked at the two light elves and used her short sword to break the rope, as she got on the noble mans horse she looked at the two light elves and tossed them some gold." Best head east, or south I don't care where just be careful."

"Thank you!" The man said, both bowing their heads. "Thank you so much!" They both ran off towards the south, waving back at the woman gratefully.

The woman than headed west riding on her new horse heading towards Bevland, on the way she sold the rich mans cloths for a good bit of coin bit kept his rings as a personal prize. She was heading towards a small village in Bevland till they saw a small group of people assaulting something.

"Leave me alone!" a young woman covered head to toe in protective clothing pushed away from one, but was grabbed by another.

He pulled her sleave up, and her arm started to burn and bubble in the sunlight. "Whoa, no way! The bitch really is a blood sucker!"

"Think you can just go wherever you like now that your door is open?" A third man asked. "We should have turned our armies towards your home after that Helvan business. Maybe... we should make an example out of you..."

"Do so and you will be dead man!" The group looked at a woman in black light armor and a hood and mask. She got off her horse and grabbed the woman bringing her into shade, and pulled her slaves down.

"What are you doing?" the leader of the small gang asked, stepping forward. "Don't you know what that is? It's a fucking vampire. My brother-in-law died fighting those vampires in Helvan."

"Ou boohoo your brother-in-law died, he joined the army he was gonna die anyway. Why take it out on a vampire that did nothing to you. When the actual person responsible is dead."

"Don't you see?" Another of the man stepped forward. "It's all a conspiracy, lady. It wasn't just one vampire, it was all of them! They're mind controlling are leaders! We gotta kill them all before they take over the world!"

“Wow you’re making me Question why Alice didn’t kill all of you

"Look... how about this." The leader drew a sword, as did the rest of his group. "There are five of us and one of you. Good enough reason to PISS OFF?!"

The woman raised an eyebrow helped the Vampire on her horse.” Hay I got a better Idea, hows about I take this Vampire and you all can go back to inbreeding.” The woman started to pull a small bag out of a pouch.

The five men slowly circled in. "P-please," the vampire said. "I'm not worth it..."

“Ou I know you’re not, but I’m sure you’ll pay me back somehow.” The woman threw the bag down and a cloud of smoke came out, she quickly got on her horse and left with the vampire.

"Whoa!" The vampire held o her tightly. "That was a neat trick. I... I'm Lilith, by the way. Lilith Va... I mean, you can call me Lilith or Lily."

“Olivia and that was my last smoke bomb, you had better be worth this.”

Lilith frowned sadly, not sure if she was. She kept quiet all the way to the next village.

Olivia got off her horse and told Lilith to do the same.” Alright now than before we go anywhere are you a wanted criminal if so what for?”

Lilith shook her head. "Criminal yes. Wanted no. I was excommunicated from my home for treason. I... I-I killed some people that I felt were hurting the vampire race, but they were important to the current vampire queen. I chose this punishment because I knew it would be hard." She shrugged. "I knew I might die out here. But... if that's what happens, it's what I deserve."

Well I won’t let you die, you will work for me.”

"Work... for you?" Lilith started to protest before she remembered all the jobs she had been turned down. "You don't mind... working with a vampire. Most people don't even give me a second thought when they find out what I am."

“Well considering my former leader was a vampire and killed the bastard that kidnapped my parents and she freed me. I don’t mind.

"Wait... you used to serve under Alice Valentine?" Lilith took a step back. What if she recognizes me?

“Don’t get me wrong I hate Alice even if she averaged my parents death, she’s the one that allowed them to be experimented. So Vampires killed my family but freed them to, so I may hat Alice but not all vampires.”

Wonder if she would hate Alice's sister too... "Okay. I hope you don't want me to work for you because of how strong vampires are. I mean... I used to be really strong." She pointed to a spot over her left breast. "But part of my exile was a magic brand that limits my power. It gets weaker every day, but will take a hundred years to fully go away. Right now, I'm probably no stronger then you are, with limited powers."

“Well if you’re lucky we won’t be fighting much, because I’m a thief. I steal from the richest people in Terra and give to people I think needs it most, or at least that’s the plan anyway.”

"The plan?" Lilith tilted her head. "That mean you haven't been at it for long?"

“No because my home was recently sacked, so I’m working on this plan.”

"I see. Well..." Lilith placed her hands behind her head. "Thief wasn't exactly the job I was hoping to get, but I've tried every legitimate job I could think of, so... I guess you have a... partner? Employee? Um... servant?"

“A partner who just so happens to be a vampire, besides I already have a place to rob. See I killed this rich fat slob, so I plan on robbing his estate and freeing the light Elves there.”

"Oh? I see..." Lilith poked her fingers together. "If possible, can we... avoid... killing?"

“If we can help it Sure, besides if we do kill we’re going have to drag the bodies somewhere. And I really don’t feel like doing that, we just gotta knock out the guards steal a few desirable jewels some coins.” Olivia looked Lilith over.” Perhaps some new clothes for you and free any light Elf we see, hopefully they had a kid for your sake.”

Lilith looked down at herself. "I guess I... did assume the wrong choice of clothing when leaving. Our information is centuries out of date, after all." She shrugged. "Oh, many of my powers are sealed away, but I can still do this." She shrank down, and where Lilith had been standing was a golden blonde fox. "Will this help?"

Olivia looked stunned at the transformation." Huh that helps sure, but um I thought Vampiers can only turn into bats not other animals?"

Lilith transformed back. "Normally, some can transform into wolves as well. But with my current power, a small fox is the best I can do. Still, pretty handy for a thief, right?"

"That it is, you can probable look around the outside and get a lay of the land. Now as for me I'm going get a look of the interior by doing my thing, now were gonna need some supplies we need a kart to hold all the stuff. I need some smoke bombs a lock pick which I can make and something blunt to knock people out with."

"Something blunt... oh!" Lilith reached into her bag and pulled out a retractable constable baton. "Will this do? I brought iit with me. I... figured I needed some weapon to defend myself without killing anyone."

"This will do nicely actually so on the topic of food because best talk about this now than later, you Lilith how are we going to handle the hole blood thing with you?"

Lilith rubbed the back of her neck. "Because of the diminished power, I need less blood then usual. But I still need blood. I... I-I..." She looked away in shame. "I've had to survive by feeding on rats so far..."

“Ou by the gods that is pathetic.” Olivia rolled up her sleves and stuck her arm out.” Come on get it over with.”

"Are... a-are you sure?" Lilith gave the arm like a thirsty woman in a desert.

Olivia rolled her eyes.” Yes! Now will you quit staring and just drive.”

Lilith rushed forward, sinking her teeth in the wrist and drinking liberally.

Olivia flinched at the bite, but left Lilith be. After two minutes Olivia started to get woozy.” Alright Lili That’s enough.”

"Hmm?" Olivia released her, licking the blood off her lips. "Mmm..." Her legs wobbled, and she fell to the ground, holding her groin.

"Ugh geese woman how much of my blood did you drink woman?" Olivia held on to here head.

"S-sorry. It's... been a while." She reached into her bag and offered a bar that smelled of fruit to her. "Here. Eat this."

Olivia took the bar and bit into it."Ugh thanks for that, I might need some water as well.Do you mind taking me on my horse so we could head west so we could scout out our targets."

Lilith nodded. She lifted the Light Elf on her back and carried her to the horse, helping her up and climbing behind her. The vampire woman was incredibly flushed and shaking a bit.

"Lilith for the love of the gods don't feel guilty, your a vampire you need blood you can't be starving yourself like this." Olivia said in a weak tone of voice.

"Huh? O-oh, no, I... w-when some vampires drink, they tend to get a bit.. e-exited." Lilith swallowed. "Y-you know... like... a-aroused..."

"Please tell me that drinking my blood turned you on in some way, and that you haven't drunk people blood in a very long time and that's the idea."

Lilith nodded. "Yeah. That's the idea."

 

[Dahlexpert]

Part 3

“Ugh you know I wonder if Alice had that problem, I mean she would drink ocean of blood for the battlefields. So the raiders mentioned. Are you gonna be alright?”

Lilith nodded and smiled. "We just teamed up and you're already worried about me. Thanks."

"Well your my partner after all, besides we both have nothing and no home to go to. So all we have is each other, guess it's best I start worrying now than later."

Lilith's smile widened. "Well, partner... we have slaves to free and a mansion to raid. Let's go."

"Right i'll just be sleeping wake me when we get there, because I still need to recover." Olivia closed her eyes and rested on Lilith shoulders.

Lilith chuckled and took the horse's reins, heading in the direction of the estate Olivia had mentioned.

After several days the two finally arrived the mansion. It looked more like a castle than an actual Home.” Wow, so that’s the place huh, its goanna take several days to scout the place.”

"Well, no time like the present." Lilith jumped off the horse. "I'll scout around the outside. Get a good lay of the land and what we're dealing with. No one will look twice at a little fox."

“You do that, I’m gonna get a better view from the inside see what rooms are worth loot into and avoided. And to snatch me some little goody’s that people won’t notice.” Olivia put her sword on the horse, and grabbed two daggers and the blunt weapon Lilith gave her. She also changed into a set maid's outfit to disguise herself.

Meanwhile, Lilith turned into a fox and took several passes around the manor. Besides having to avoid the pair of angry dogs, it was smooth sailing for her. She went back to the horse every now and then to draw a map and update it with anything new she found.

Olivia had another challenge of her sneaking through the house undetected, making sure people didn’t see her face. She went room to room stealing small jewelry and coins that were laying around, she also did some maid work to keep the suspicion down. After two hours she found were the light Elves were being kept, they were under the house in a giant basement chained to the walls. The sigh reminded her of going through Alagor lab, once outside Olivia looked like she was having a panic attack.

Lilith walked up to her after a minute, quickly transform to her humanoid for and placing a hand on the woman's shoulder. "Are you okay?"

“Yeah... Yeah I’m fine just Um need to get myself right in the head, Ugh so did you find anything?”

Lilith held out the map. "I made this! It shows the whole grounds, along with possible patrol routes for guards, the location of the dogs, and possible entry points."

"That's good I also found several rooms, some with good valuables and Also were they keep there light Elf slaves." Olivia looked the map over and pointed to the left side of the house." There's a basement right there they are keeping a good hundred or more down there."

"A hundred just being kept there?" Lilith rubbed her chin. "They wouldn't need that many on standby, or be able to affordably feed them, unless... the head of this house hold is... or was, as the case may be, running an underground slave selling circuit. It would also explain all the extra guards. We stumbled upon something big. Maybe... we should alert the local authorities?"

Olivia put her hand up." Don't bother the laws just recently changed, and i'm sure guards won't be thrilled to save Light Elves. Also they can easily buy them off and make them forget what they heard and saw and come lock us up, so we need to save them ourselves."

Lilith nodded. "Alright... I'm in. What should we do first?"

"First we need to get in, now when everyone is asleep I can pick the lock and get in the front door. But if they are gonna sell them off like you think they are, this might get more violent then I want it to be, so if there is a auction on Light Elves I saw a sky line in on the roof we can enter that way steal some valuables and wait for the auction to start. House should be busy by then."

"And while everyone's eyes are busy on the auction, we can knock out the guards watching our escape route." Lilith sounded excited. "Then swoop in, fight off a few goons while the Light Elves escape, and run away with our loot."

“Keep it down, yes that’s the plan but do you mind not shouting the plan so half of Terra could hear it!”

Lilith covered her mouth. "Sorry," she whispered. "I guess I got over excited..."

“Yeah I know just make sure it doesn’t happen again, last thing we need is a roaming guard hearing this.”

Lilith nodded. "So... tonight?"

"No whenever this auction is we hit than, until that happens we keep scouting out the place. If the auction is tonight then we hit than alright."

The pair didn't have to wait long. Good thing too, as some of the items Olivia took were starting to be noticed as missing. The day after then, the auctions started. The slaves were taken out of their storage in droves, set up in the main lobby of the manir with what looked like the eldest son of the house hosting it. His three sisters sat at the side of the room in fancy dress, watching as people bid on living people like they were objects.

Olivia and Lilith came through the skyline, since the entrance was to crowded with people." Alright so let's get our coins, some valuables and then we free those slaves. And try not to get emotional."

Lilith rolled her eyes. "Yeah yeah. You take the same advice. I know this is hard for you, seeing your people like this. Just remember that we're here to save them." She transformed into a fox. "And don't let the quest for shiny things make you forget that saving the people is more important. It... is to me, anyway."

Olivia rolled her eyes and put a mask on to cover her face, Olivia went into one room stealing earrings jewels necklaces. As she moved to another room she took a mini statue, some coins and plenty of silver items." Ou this is quiet the haul, but remember Olivia i'm also here for the slaves."

Lilith took care of the more dangerous rooms, able to slip in easier as a small fox. She hauled off all she could carry to the horse hidden outside, as well as occasionally grabbing some things from Olivia to bring out so the Light Elf could carry more. They got out with a small fortune, even if the items would sell for considerably less than they were worth.

Lilith heard a small whistle coming from one of the windows and saw that it was Olivia.she dropped what she had let to Lilith." I'm going to free the slaves now, best you get to them and free them. I'm gonna cause a distraction."

Lilith softly shouted, "Okay." She rush the stolen loot back to the horse and made her way back to the manor, waiting for the distraction.

“Ok now than what will make for a good distraction?” Olivia pulled out two bags she had on her.” Well time to test out these babies.” Olivia lit the sparks on the bags and dropped them, when the bags fell smoke came out of them as well as firecrackers.

People started to yell and scream, civilians and auctioneers running out while the guards draw weapons and ran in. Lilith slipped in among the smoke, her eyes allowing her to see better then the humans. She stealthily snatched the keys from a guard and got to work unlocking cuffs. "Run for it," she whispered as she freed the slaves.

Olivia moved among the smoke, and quickly went into a room waiting for the noise to die down." Ok so those smoke with firecrackers worked perfectly, now hopefully Lilith will free the slaves." Olivia slowly pulled out the heavy paton Lilith gave her as she waited for the smoke to clear.

When it finally did, more then half the slaves were freed. All eyes turned to Olivia, and the guards didn't ask questions. It was a dozen to one, and they all came charging at once.

Olivia quickly ran up the stairs as the guards fallowed her, Olivia jumped off the side of the stairs and fired two arrows at the guards. Once she landed she ran away from the guarded by going to another room." Ok think Olivia I might think of something to Give Lilith more time."

A guard ran in front of her from around the corner. Caught off guard, he raised his sword to swing at her.

Olivia quickly used her dagger and plunged it into the guards throat and kicked him to the side." Alright quickly think Olivia got to hide somewhere, Hum" Olivia Puled out another one of her smokes bombs and threw it to the opposite of her and quickly made her way into one of the rooms, and opened the window but hid in a closet.

"Quickly! After her!" Most of the guards ran out towards the smoke bomb while three stayed behind to search the rooms.

One of the guards saw that the window was open in the room that Olivia was in and went to tell the other guards that Olivia escaped outside and the guards went outside looking for Olivia. She came out of the closet and looked around." Ok now than I wonder how Lilith is doing." She leaves the room and made her way to the basement." How are things down here?"

"Everyone on the show room is gone, and I just have these three left," Lilith told her.

"That's enough!" The three sisters stood in the doorway, one with a foil, one with a rapier, and one with a saber. "Prepare to die, fowl theives."

 

[Dahlexpert]

Part 4

"Remember," Lilith whispered. "No killing if you can avoid it."

“Yea no promises.” Olivia turned around and fired an arrow into one of the sisters thighs.” But nothing was said about crippling.”

She cried out in pain as the other two charged forward. The pair were fast, rapid swing keeping Olivia dodging. The third sister broke off the arrow but Lilith ran over to keep her busy, using a pair of daggers to parry her attacks.

“Hay come on now, I’m just taking a few items for you all. Tell you what stop this and I won’t mention your slave trade here.” Olivia continued to dogging the attacks.

"We don't have a slave trade because of you!" The first woman yelled angrily.

"Do you know how much you have cost us!" shouted the second. "You've ruined us! We'll kill you!"

“Well you’re right about that, and I’m sure dear daddy would be disappointed, or he would be if he was around.” Olivia said while thrusting her sword into one of them.

"You bitch!" the other cried out, bursting into tears and trying to stab Olivia.

"No killing," Lilith said as a reminder, stabing the third sister in the hand and punching her hard in the head until she was unconcious.

Olivia grunted and dodged the second sisters attack and used the heavy baton Lilith gave her to hit her in the side of her head knocking her out. As for the first sisters Olivia plunged her sword into her leg and used the baton to knock her out as well.” Ugh it would have been simpler to just kill them.”

"Yeah... but it's better for your soul not to." Lilith walked over. "You did really good. How did... I do?"

"You did alright, still wish we could have killed them because it's what they deserve." Olivia sighed."But this is fine, we did take a lot from them now we just gotta sell it all to someone." Olivia looked at the remaining light Elves." Come along you all we can't stay here for long."

The pair led the Light Elves out the back, knocking a few guards out along the way. Once they were back to the horse, Lilith said, "We sure got a lot of loot. You mentioned helping others with it?"

"If we can there are a few light Elves that can use money after all they have no money so I could probable help them with some of the money we make so they can leave here."

Lilith smiled and nodded. "You know... beneath that rough, edgy exterior is a really nice person, huh?"

"Well you can't judge a book by it's cover, just because someone seems angry at something doesn't mean they are. Well it's a fifty fifty toss on that one."

Lilith jumped on the horse and offered Olivia a hand. "Come on. Let's go cash in our winnings... partner."

Olivia grabbed Lilith hand and got on the horse as well." Yea I need a nap, what an exhausting night." Olivia layed her head on Lilith shoulders.

Lilith chuckled and took the reigns, trotting away from their first job as partners.

 

[Insane Darkness]

Insane Darkness presents...
Just a Casual Shopping Day

The wind was strong as it passed through the crowds surrounding the nearby shops. A small duckling seemingly teleported between them, a child-like smile on her face at the beautiful wares. Occasionally, she’d knock into someone and quickly apologize before continuing her destructive but enjoyment-inducing habits.

One of those people happened to be Zodiak, who was gazing at some armor by the entrance of a shop that he could hide underneath his classic all-black clothing, imbued with a sort of magic bouncing effect. His eyebrows shot up not only at the price, but also at the Duck Thrope nearly making him fall over.

“Oops… Sorry!” Faith quickly exclaimed with an undertone of regret. As she looked up to see who she make impact with, her eyes sparkled with familiarity. “Well, fancy meeting you here.”

“That should be my line.” Zodiak commented, looking down to the much shorter duck. “What are you up to, Faith the Mischievous?”

“‘Mischievous’ isn’t exactly the correct word choice. I prefer the term ‘Intelligence used in very specific ways’.” She adjusted her glasses, a smaller smile present on her face so as to not make her seem too immature. “And I was just browsing, seeing if there was anything worth spending money on.”

Zodiak leaned down to whisper in the duck’s ear. “Well, everything here is relatively pretty. Just, don’t expect to be able to actually buy anything. These prices are rather ridiculous.”

“I’m sure they’re not that-- OH MY--”

“SHHH!” Zodiak hissed, covering Faith’s mouth.

Once Faith’s eyebrows had slowly moved back to their resting position, Zodiak removed his hand. “How can they possibly charge people that much for a bracelet?... This is blatant theft of money right here!” Faith whispered.

“I agree. Let’s take a look at this shop. They seem to be more into swords than armor pieces.” Zodiak suggested, pointing a finger to the shop in question.

“Just from here, I can tell how ornate these weapons are. And I still have my glasses on.” Faith adjusted her seemingly more clumsy glasses once again as she spoke with a tinge of awe.

“Well, ornate weapons are also the most annoying to clean. The blood and mud of injury and travel can really gunk up in hard-to-reach places.”

Faith made two pathetic attempts at coughing, before muttering, “Phrasing…” under her breath.

“Oh shush, you.” Zodiak glared down at Faith, but couldn’t help from letting a small smile crack through his stoic expression.

As the two of them were about to enter the shop, a flash of color sparked Faith’s interest from the corner of her eye. Quickly, she grabbed Zodiak’s arm and pulled him towards the source, keeping in mind how she usually felt when Titania ever did the same to her and tried her best to prevent any upchuck of… well, upchuck.

As the sorceress stopped at a small clearing between the crowds of people, she let her light magic filter through her hand to unease any nausea that may have plagued her shopping buddy.

“Wha-what are you doing? I thought we were going to the shop with the swords and the things?”

“Well, something over here caught my eye. Specifically, this dress. It’s very similar to something I’ve seen Titania wear. And…” Faith tilted her head back and forth, trying to visualize a similar three-dimensional space to what the manikin would be taking up from behind the glass. “These dimensions don’t seem… too far off. Though, the design doesn’t really match the colors. Shame. I thought that maybe she would enjoy something like this. And, on second thought… Her bust is a little…” Faith’s inquisitive expression melted to a somewhat saddened one as she looked down at her own bust, squishing her boobs together for a moment.

“Faith!” Zodiak exclaimed, grabbing her wrists and pulling them away from her body. “That is incredibly unlady-like!”

“What?! Can a girl not be disappointed in her own dimensions?” Faith’s irritation with her own body was very present, as her hands were clenched and her face showed no signs that she was in a good mood anymore.

“I’m not saying you can’t. I’m saying that… you shouldn’t be…”

“I mean, tell me before I become sixty and my boobs start sagging.”

Zodiak let out a sigh before releasing her arms. “It’s… whatever.” He put his head in his hand.

Faith turned and walked into the shop, her expression a much more neutral one. Zodiak trudged along behind her, glad that he didn’t have to explain what she did but unsure of the awkwardness that it caused.

It wasn’t long before, inevitably, Faith’s evaluative personality resurfaced. “Ooh, Titania might like this one… though it seems a little… short?... Hmm, this one could work… though the pink is way too unappealing...”

Zodiak took one glance at the underwear section of the store and immediately retreated to the entrance to stare at the ceiling.

“This purple looks rather nice. But, she is going through her ‘edgy phase’, not that it’s something I don’t understand. Maybe…” Faith turned. “I should be looking at the darker section?”

“Is there anything I could help you find, miss?” A friendly lady strolled up to Faith without her realizing it, nearly scaring the duck out of her robes. “Uh-um… Sure.”

 

[Insane Darkness]

Insane Darkness presents...
Just a Casual Shopping Day part 2

Zodiak looked from the doorway to Faith’s location, as he heard an unfamiliar voice coming from where Faith was browsing. A woman stood next to the duck, an unparallelled smile on her face radiating with beauty and kindness, as well as some clothing that accentuated her… ‘gifts’. A quick glance at the lady’s ‘gifts’ caused Zodiak to just as quickly look away, slightly blushing.

“I’m sorry. Did I startle you? It’s a habit I can’t seem to overcome.”

The lady seemed beside herself with worry, before Faith quickly responded to her. “A little. I’ll be fine.” Faith tried to give the lady a reassuring smile, but a pair of the lady’s ‘gifts’ were somewhat blocking her view.

“Oh, damn these scales… Always blending in with everything…”

“So, you’re a Chameleon Thrope?” Faith asked, tilting her head slightly, both out of curiosity and to actually have the ability to see the lady’s face.

“Yeah! It’s also my first week here, though it’s been a little jarring. I’ve never scared so many people before… I’m hoping they don’t start thinking I’m some kind of monster…”

“You might just need to calm down a bit.” Zodiak interjected, walking over with the sound of his boots echoing through the floorboards in a weirdly pleasant way.

“I… suppose I do get a little stressed out before talking to customers. Maybe… I need some kind of medication?...”

“Here.” Faith held out a little bag that looked like nothing special, like it could’ve been picked off the ground but was at least clean enough to have been just resting on some blades of grass. “Just take one of these every day. You’ll be energized and totally prepared to face the world head-on, as well as sell things to your customers.” She dropped the bag in the lady’s hands, a neutral expression contrasting her kind gesture. “I had the same issues that you’re facing. Now, it’s not so bad.” Faith shrugged.

The lady took a look inside the bag and what she saw changed her curious expression to a happier one. “Thank you. I’ll do that starting tomorrow. Now, what was it that you were looking for?”

---

As the two of them exited the shop, a happy Chameleon Thrope waving from the doorway, Zodiak started up a conversation.

“Faith.”

“Yes?”

“What exactly did you give that lady?” Zodiak raised an eyebrow as he looked down at the duck.

“Just some placeboes. The seeds themselves have a sort of energy-boosting effect, but they’re not as magical as improving your confidence to talk to people. That kind of thing has to be imbued to you through magic or self-taught. And, let’s just say that I don’t think I can imbue people with magic forever. Those seeds are pretty common, so I can just get some more. I was going to research them, but I suppose even this is a sort of ‘research’.”

“Sometimes, you scare me.”

“Well, such is life.”

“That’s foreboding.”

“Oh, don’t worry. I have no interest in studying Humans. Apparently, there was a time when the human body was explored quite in-depth. I have to say, even I was surprised at the level of detail. The author of that book sure was something… Can’t remember their name though…”

“So… What did you buy?” Zodiak made his best attempt at changing the topic, which Faith seemed to follow along with without issue.

“Some boots for Titania, a white and green dress for myself, and some kind of sun protection for the magically inept and those who don’t wear hats.”

“But you aren’t magically inept.” Zodiak pointed out, confused.

“Exactly. That’s why they’re for you.”

“Why get me something?”

“Because you don’t wear hats. I kind of figured that you might not want me to get you a hat. So, I got you some glasses that would actually work for something you might have problems with.”

“Getting blinded by the sun?”

“Well, what will you do if you are getting attacked in broad daylight and the sun is in the worst spot?”

“Okay, you have a point.” Zodiak conceded.

“Good. I have many points. And all of them are good points. So, take it.” She removed the glasses from her new bag given by the store and handed them to Zodiak, who took them and put them on.

“Oh, and they’re black. I thought it would fit you nicely but… wow.”

“‘Wow’? What do you mean? Are you saying it looks bad? You bought these for me, and you think they’re bad?”

“Nonono… quite the opposite, really. They add a level of… mysteriousness.”

“Oh, great. A reason to become more social. Now I know why you gave these to me.”

“Hey! I socialize! Occasionally…”

“More like you never leave your room unless you’re going to the library or shopping, apparently.” Zodiak mumbled.

“Come on, Zodiak the Ungrateful. Let’s head back to the manor.” Faith started running towards the manor, slightly faster than what Zodiak was capable of.

“That nickname better not stick!” Zodiak called after her, clearly unhappy about his own nickname.

 

[Dahlexpert]

The fallowing is done by Dhlexpert&Frostlitch1228

Havebrook manor

After everything that’s been happening to Character to Esmeralda and now a sucbus haunting him to hunting the cult. Character is slowly going mad especially with the succubus haunting his dreams.

Meanwhile Magdalene and her family had finished moving everything out of their rooms and up to Aetherium. She'd check in on them in a bit, she had to stay down at Havenbrook to help Mina with the preparations for a rescue attempt, she would stand idly by while Esmeralda was captured.

As Character was finish cleaning up Esmeralda library, he would walk past Mag his shoulder bumping into her.

She stopped, looking back at Charter, not sure if she should say anything. He was clearly mad. He probably had a right to be. Even after what Methos told her, she still felt guilty in her hard, but before she could stop herself, she said out loud. "I'm s-sorry..."

Character kept his head to the ground and said.” You’re sorry is that all you can say, do you have any notion of what you’ve done?”

"Yes. I do. But I was being controlled by that servant of his. She made me think things I normally wouldn't think. She made me want things I wouldn't want. Esmeralda is one of my best friends." The Sheep Girl tried to reason with him.

Really she was your friend.” Character turned around and when Mags saw his eyes it looked like Character hasn’t slept in weeks.” Then tell me why shouldn’t be beating your head in right now?”

"I just told you. I wasn't in my right mind." Mags took in a big breath. "I wouldn't have done that if that monster hadn't been controlling me."

“Really so you have no will of your own is that it or is your mind that weak.”

Mags' eyebrows lowered, staring with a glimmer of anger at his words. "And what do you think insulting me will do? I'm working my hardest to find her and bring her back."

“Really because I taken out and burned I lost count of the cultist, and there high preast.” Character rubbed his eyes.” Look I’m tired so just tell me what happened to you for you to lose your mind?”

She wanted to retort and counter, but she bit her tongue. "I was taking care of her... Like I had been doing most days since we got her back. One day she asked me to come look at a book with her. Why would I be suspicious of that? But when I did... My head felt fuzzy after a few moments... Like... My thoughts were all soupy... I... I remember thinking then that maybe Esmeralda wasn't happy there... That maybe I should help her leave..."

The Bard lowered her head. "It felt like someone was convincing me without me knowing. I really believed it... Up until Methos and Jay helped take the magic anyway... Then all those thoughts were just gone... And all I felt was guilt..."

Character felt something over his shoulder.” Aw Look at her, she looks like she could use confert. The succubus said trying to hypnotize him.

Character shook his head trying to resist her.” Hum so something was controlling you, Fine then if it was one of Hastur minions then that I could believe.”

"I want to get her back more than anything. I'm working with Methos to try go get the other Orginal Gods to help us, but it's slow going." Magdalene told him, allowing herself to calm down.

Aw you hear that there all trying there best ain’t that cute, and then there’s you Character you who’s questioning if he should help her or not. The succubus started to laugh.

Character pulled out his sword and slashed we’re the succubus was, but to Mag it looked like Character was swinging at nothing.

Mags immediately looked concerned, raising her hands up in front of her chest. "Charter? Are... Are you okay?"

“No I’m just seeing things, I haven’t slept in weeks. I gotta monster currently haunting me, and toying with me.”

"What.. Kind of monster?" The Sheep stepped forward, hands still raised.

"Succubus, damn woman she's been taunting me for weeks hell every time I go into town she tries to make me do things to woman and treys to make me unfaithful to Esmerelda."

She raised an eyebrow, wasn't he already? Did they make up? Mags shook her head. "Is she... Actually in your head, or is she controlling you from somewhere else?"

The succubus appeared behind Mags. "Aw if only she knew how often I teas you boy."

"She around she's not in my head she just appears around me around towns and other woman, this thing is trying to well make me her damn pet."

"Well. That's not a healthy relationship." Mags joked slightly before returning to her serious expression. "So, she's manipulating you from somewhere else? Interesting... That means we'll have to find her then..."

"Well considering she's around here right now, she's not that hard to find. See only I can see her since she's invisible to anyone else, it's what they do. Now unless you interest her you can't see her."

"So she's... Invisible?" Mags questioned, stretching her arm out in front of her to see if she could feel anything, just in case.

Mags then tripped and fell on her but.” Does that explains it, she above you and was laughing at you just waving at nothing.”

"Heh. Well. She can laugh all she wants. Because she just gave me exactly what I wanted to know." The Sheep twisted some of her wool around her finger as she stood up. "Playing the naive little girl I used to be is pretty easy."

The succubus looked at Mags as she floated above her smiling at the sheep Throphen. Now what are you trying to do little sheepy, trying to trap me is that's what going through your head."

"So. She's watching right now, right?" Mags smirked over at Charter.

"Yes in fact she's curious what your trying to do right now, honestly I've never seen her like this. At least when she's not tormenting me in my dreams."

"Good. Let me show her what she's dealing with." The Thrope closed her eyes and after a few seconds blackness filled the hall, everything around them obscured by a wall of shadow.

“Well this is interesting.” A voice came from above them.” Net trick little sheep who tough it to you?”

"I Did." A voice spoke out, a large, faceless, goatlike Creature clawing out from the shadows. "I am Baphomet. And I can feel your presence little demon..."

“Ou can you now.” The succubus dropped to the ground reveling herself.” Well I have to say you’re one prastent little sheep.”

 

[Dahlexpert]

Part 2

"Oh, I can do a lot more. Me and Baphomet here can change the fabric of the world like it was a dream." Magdalene glanced up at her companion Nightgaunt. "So. Here is what I'm offering. Leave Charter and Havenbrook alone, or you're really not going to like what happens next."

The succubus started to chuckle.” So you think you got me is that it, I’m a succubus honey it’s my job to haunt the dreams of others. And as for him I’ve had my eyes on him for quite sometime, after all you All aren’t looking at him.” The succubus floated to Character and looked at him.” Look at him so defeated, so depressed and lost, you think you’re gonna change that?”

"Well. Getting rid of you is a start. He has enough problems already." Mags pressured. "So. I'll say this only one more time. Either you leave now or I'll have to do something very, very bad to you."



“And how exactly are you and your friend there gonna make me leave?”

"You asked for it." Mags nodded over at Baphomet, the Nightgaunt almost chuckling. The Particles in the Air suddenly stopped, almost frozen in time inside of this small space, the Dream Creature manipulating space to grow bigger and bigger until it seemed to be the size of a mountain, leering down at the speck of a Demon Woman.

Baphomet lifted up a single clawed finger, gigantic in its own right, raising it over the Succubus as if it was about to squish her like a bug. "Such an insignificant little thing... You walk like you're so high and mighty... Little does the tiny Demon yet know... There are much more powerful things in the world than you... Ah to be so innocent... So cute..."

The succubus was surprisingly strong able to hold the nightgaunts giant finger in place, she then used her wings to fly up and laugh.” Ou such a cute trick, but let me get serious.” She pulled out a whip, and used it on Baphoment Leaving a giant gash on its back.

The gash bled but pretty much healed over instantly. He chuckled. "I'll let you have a few shots for free. You're in my world now after all."

“Ou is that right and do you really think you can beat me?” She said as she whipped him again.

It healed over again, the Gigantic Creature growing even more massive and yawning in response. "I did have an itch there. Thank you."

“You are very annoying you know that, but if I can’t hurt you I can hurt them.” The succubus flapped her wings and looked at Character.” Ou Character Please harm that sheep.”
Character could feel the succubus trying to take over his mind.

Baphomet looked down, unbeknownst to the Demon, Mags wasn't actually concious right now, she was essentially sleeping standing up, her eyes closed. He wouldn't allow that, raising a large dark energy cage around the Hound Master Hunter just to be sure. "She gave you a chance. Either leave now. Or be destroyed. There are no other options."

"Ou you don't know how we succubus are do you, if she's asleep then that means I can get to her were called dream eaters for a reason. I can claim her mind and use her against her. The succubus said changing into smoke and entering Mag head.

However, when she did... Nothing changed... All that changed was that Mags and Charter were now gone...

She heard a grim chuckle behind her, "What's wrong? You look confused."

"What what's going on here, I should be seeing your dreams your nightmares why am I still in this area with nothing changed?!"

"Because you... Little Demon... Fell right for my trap..." He laughed, the world shifting and spiralling around her. Baphomet shrunk down, reaching his claw out and tearing a hole in mid air, behind the hole was an infinite dimension of mixing colors and shapes, other Nightgaunts flying about in this space to and fro. "All I had to do is scare you enough. Frighten you enough. Or otherwise get you to try to come into Magdalene's Mind."

Baphomet appeared in front of her suddenly as she felt her limbs stiff up and fail to move. "You see... I can only act out there for a limited amount of time... But I live here... In her mind... And it is here I am most powerful... You stepped into the dragon's den little Demon..."

The succubus started to get angry and started to throw fire balls at the nightgaunt." Damn it i'm the dream eater i'm a succubus I will not be done in by some lower monster!"

"Lower? We are the Masters of Dreams... We are servants of the Goddess the Rules this place in it's entirety..." He told her, holding of his hand and snapping his fingers, the fireballs just poofing out of thin air. "And I have lived here... For decades... I control every aspect of this space... Here, I am a God."

The Nightgaunts behind the portal began to take notice of the Demon, floating towards the portal as they sensed the intruder. "I warned you... We warned you... Behind you is the mindscape... An Endless plane of My Kind... It stretches on forever in all directions... If you survive millions more creatures just like me... And if you don't get lost forever... And if you somehow find a way out before Methos notices you... Maybe you'll learn from this mistake... Maybe..."

The succubus looked at the mindscape and for the first time ever she looked terrified ans she flew away from it, but she couldn't escape. But before it engolped her she yelled. "Alright I'll leave Charter Alone I will leave you people be just don't put me in that horrid place!"

"Oh? Really?" He asked as he looked out at the ever growing group of Nightgaunts on the other side of the tear, reaching out their long, gangly arms to try and grab her as they came closer. "Are you sure about that? I'm not convinced yet."

"I said I would leave him be damn you I'll never mess with Charter or your damn sheep pet again, just keep that abyss of monster away from me!" She said panicking.

"Well... We have already been more than generous... But... Magdalene wouldn't want me to kill an opponent who has surrendered..." He stretched his arm over and picked her up by her neck like a toy. "Very well. I'll let you go. But I know you now. Heed this lesson and tell whatever fiend you call a Master the mercy that Havenbrook showed you. If you try anything again, you'll see just how much of a Monster I truly am..."

"Fine but know this I'm not the only succubus looking at him, were attracted to men that are depressed. And a man like that with the way he is I recommend you do something with him and try helping him." The succubus said while going through a portal to hell.

"Useful advice. You may be off now. And remember, if you come back..." He pointed back towards the tear without looking, the curiousity of the Nightgaunts still there as they stared through, but they had now ceased their attempts to reach out at her.

As the succubus left. Charter layed on the ground his eyes closed until he open them and started to stand up." Is she gone, can I finally catch some sleep again?"

Mags blinked, having been asleep too. "I think so... Baphomet told me the plan worked... I don't think she'll be coming back and if she does well... I have other tricks."

"Good thank you for the help you two." Charter stood up and started to head up the stairs." Thanks i'm gonna go get some sleep thank you for you help." Charter said falling to a knee.

"Want us to walk you to your room?" She asked, still seeming concerned.

Charter waved his hand." No I'll be fine i'll manage on my own, I can make it up the stairs go to my room and then go back to hunting the cult again. Thank you for your help."

"Of course. You're my friend." Mags nodded, telling him before turning. "I'll see you in the morning."

 

[Dahlexpert]

The fallowing is done by Dhalexpert&ZombieSplitter53
Messing with a young mage mind
Fairavan

Elma was in her quarters with a new pile of spell books, after her and Dimitri had lunch together the two became much closer. Though Elma was oblivious to his attempts at flirting, she enjoyed herself.” Hum so many spells so much knowledge with so little time. I’ve learned quite a lot coming here, and learned so many new spells I’m sure with all this we can get Esmeralda back!”

Dimitri poked his head inside the room. "Hello, Elma. I, um... brought some hot chocolate. I figured you've been working so hard that you deserve a break."

“Thank you.” Elma put her book down and grabbed the mug, taking a sip from it.” This is delicious thank you for this Dimitri.” Elma said smiling at him.

He smiled back. "I... I made it myself. Old family recipe. I, uh, used to live in Lustania, and it gets mighty cold down there. Hot chocolate is a godsend."

“My brothers girlfriend lives in Lusitania, I’ve been thinking about giving there some time just out of curiosity.”

"Yeah?" Dimitri shrugged. "I, um... I-I could... ahem, go with you, you know? Show you all the good spots... make sure your time there is as fun as it could be."

“Hum if I do go down there it will be too help then, they have been getting a lot of form slaves lately. And I’m sure the may need to expand, I heard that mos of that land is covered in ice and snow.”

Dimitri nodded. "The hardest land to work with is the tundras. Frozen in the winter, bogs in the summer. They need a lot of work, since a lot of the freed slaves in Helvan aren't willing to stick around, which has caused Helvan's economy to drop like a rock..."

"Good that country deserves what they get, hum I may need to go down there as some point and hopefully help them out in one way or another." Elma said taking another sip of her hot chocolate."

Dimitri smiled warmly. "It... it is very nice to find a human so concerned with the rights of Light Elves, you know? It is... refreshing."

"Well i'm from Mirandia and everyone has rights even Light Elves, so when I left home it's weird that Light Elves don't have rights. Say why don't we get lunch I could use a break."

"Yeah? Sure! I mean... s-sure." Dimitri quickly finished his drink and stood up. "I know this place not far from here that has the best Elluviana food you'll have outside the actual country if you're interested."

"I wouldn't mind that at all." Elma put her book down and headed with Dimitri." So what do you have to escort me today, a wagon?"

He smiled slightly. "Actually, since you're a guest of honor, I was... able to convince them to let me use an automobile. Have you ever been in one?"

"No I never have, I was hopping for a walk but driving in a automobile that's something I've never been in before. I thought they didn't trust you with one before."

Dimitri cleared his throat. "I, um... I might have used the fact that they're trying to impress you to... convince them you'd like to try a vehicle. S-sorry. I should have run that by you first."

Elma rolled her eyes."It's fine I haven't used my family name in some time,I forgot just how far I could get with it, but let's try and not wreck it i'm sure it's extremely expensive so let's take care of it."

The vehicle in question was a sleek, silver machine, long in the frint for the oversized engine and made to fit two with a small trunk space in the front. Dimitri held the passenger door open for Elma then got into the driver seat. A bead of sweat rolled down his brow as he placed a small, magical keystone in its place to start it, the vehicle rumbling a bit but otherwise smooth and quiet. Dimitri looked nervous as her pulled away from the Institute, obviously afraid of even scratching the machine.

"Ah such a wonderful thing of engineering and magic, my this thing will be the way of the future.I have to admit this thing is very nice. So then Dimitri tell me more about yourself you didn't mention most of yourself during our last lunch."

"M-myself?" The man shrugged. "I... I was just more interested in you. I'm... kinda boring. What did you want to know?"

"Anything were you born here, what do your parents do have you improved on your alchemy since we talked. Something or another would do for me I'm just curios is all."

Dimitri smiled. "Well, I'm from a rural town in Lustania. A nowhere town named Grinichburg. My parents are farmers, as was I until I came here to... well, try and make something of myself. I admit, I hadn't gotten far with my magical studies until... well, until you came and motivated me. Since you arrived, I've doubled down on my studies. Just the other day, in fact, I perfected a recipe for paralysis relief that had been giving me some trouble."

Elma smiled. “That’s wonderful to hear, your relay starting to remind me of my friend. She also left home to try and make something of herself but it didn't work out but she became a librarian at our guild and our leader relayed on her for many things."

"Yeah? Well, I'm glad to hear that." His smile faded a bit. "Is that the... same friend you need to rescue?"

Elma smile also faded. “Yes it is she was... Is a good person and me and my brother will get her back from that vile bastard god, and when I’m done with him everything will be back to normal hopefully."

"Well, if there is any way I can help, I will. After all, I would love to meet this person you care about so much."

Dimitri pulled next to the street, looking relieved to be out of the vehicle and free from that responsibility for the moment. He pointed at a restaurant two buildings down. "There it is. I, um... wonder if you would allow me to treat you... maybe?"

"If you want to I’m fine with it, I promise that I will not eat that much or by anything expensive." As Elma got out the car she saw something in the corner of her eye of a person with a weird robe, but she brushed it off.

Dimitri glanced at her as they walked to the proper building. "Everything okay? You seemed distracted for a second there."

Elma had a nasty look on her face but shook her head and smiled." Yea.. Yea I’m fine, let's um just enjoy this little lunch break then it's back to work for the both of us."

The pair were seated right away and looked over their menus. After ordering, they chatted for a while, sharing stories of their childhood and laughing. All the while, Elma had the feeling in the back of her mind that something was off.

The waitress returned with their food, placing Dimitri's down first. "And for the young lady, our house special." On the plate she placed in front of Elma were several purple tentacles and blinking eye balls, one of the tentacles reaching up for her.

Elma quickly made a small barrier to block the tentacle."Ou your funny I see, I got a joke to." Elam used mixed her light and fire magic in both her hands one hitting the waitress the other hit the food."

Dimitri jumped to his feet. "E-Elma, what are you doing?!" He dropped to the ground, helping the waitress put the fire out of her dress. On the table sat the burned remains of a dish of grilled chicken and rice pilaf, not tentacles or eyeballs to be found. It had been an illusion.

Elma eyes twitched.” Sorry about that, she’ll be fine. That fire doesn’t burn people, it only harms undead. I need to get out here.” Elma left the restaurant and walked the streets.

"Elma, wait!" Dimitri quickly left some coins, quite a bit more then he had planned to spend to cover the damages, and ran out after her. "Elma! W-what happened? I'm sorry if I... did something to make you angry..."

“It’s not your fault there’s a certain false god messing with me right now hens why I did what I did.”

"Well, don't run off on me!" Dimitri caught up to her and grabbed her wrist. "Let me help you!"

Elma shrugged him off her.” You can’t this is a corrupted false god I’m dealing with, if any thing clear the street for me so no one gets hurt.

 

[Dahlexpert]

Part 2

"Oh, what's wrong, little Elma?" A woman was leaning against a wall just ahead of them, a tall Elf with long, black hair. "Don't tell me such a simple trick has you that scared."

Elma eyes widen as she recognized the voice.” Get going Dimitri... Now!” Dimitri did what he was asked and ran to the streets.” Es is that you.” Elma said with her head down.

"It is... in a manner of speaking." She stepped away from the wall. "Master Hastur doesn't want me captured again, so I am speaking to you through this illusion. But it is me speaking." She frowned. "And it is me telling you to back off before you get hurt."

Elma turned around and looked at Esmeralda corrupted form.” Hum well I guess some parts of you are still normal, you still got that barrier in your belly you know the one protecting your baby from that corruption?”

Es rubbed her belly. "You can sense that through the illusion, huh? You really have become stronger. No wonder the master sees you as a threat. A threat he will deal with if you don't stop challenging him."

“Hay it’s not my fault he started this. You know Es Character miss you, and no one seen him in weeks since you left him.”

"Pft." Es flipped her hair back. "Typical. If he really cared about me, he would be working with you guys instead of running off on his own. Probably looking to score with my other sister..."

“Es I don’t think you get it, he’s slaughtering Hastur fallows because he feels like it. When you left of your own free will Character was devastated, he thought things were working between you two again and you abandoned him. When I last got a letter from him he said that a succubus was haunting him.”

Es looked away. "Is... is he okay?"

“I don’t know Es, I don’t know how Characters doing. Part of him wants to give up on you, but he’s still looking for you Es and he and I will get you back.”

Es turned towards her again. "Well, there is a simple solution! Just join me! Why can't you see you're on the wrong side?!"

“I’m on the wrong side huh, tell me Es did your lordship tell you who helped me in our last battle. You know since they trust you and all.”

"Um... no. He doesn't tell me... anything I don't need to know."

“Really because you wanna know who helped me with that false god of your, it was your brother Es he’s still alive and kicking.”

"My brother? No... no, you're lying! I killed him myself when..." Es looked away again. "Why did I... kill him again?"

“Ou he’s alive, and let me prove it.” Elma cleared her throat.” You’re brothers name is Diamanté and from what he told me, he was trying to rescue you but you confused him for a cultist because Hastur used his illusion magic on you to make you think he was a cultist. Your brother says you’re not good at aiming at vital areas.”

"That..." Esmeralda held her head. "Th-that doesn't matter! I... you're just trying to confuse me! Hastur... he is going to make me the queen of all the mortals! You... you can be by my side, Elma..."

“Es there lying to you you’re a tool to them, the moment you have that baby and it’s not corrupted they will kill you.” Elma slowly moves to Esmeralda illusion.” Es your brother is alive your sister miss you Character is slowly wanting to leave you behind because part of him thinks you’re to far gone. Come home to us Es were your real family this cult will kill you the second you give them what they want from you.” Elma pleaded.

Es looked at her. "Elma, I.... I-I..." Her image slowly started to fade.

“Es!” Elma reached out but the illusion faded, and she could feel a overwhelming power around her.” Well you took your sweet time didn’t you?”

"I just wanted to give you two your moment." A little boy walked over from behind her, his arms behind his head. "You should be thanking me for the reunion."

"Really a child that's the best you can d, you honestly that taking the form of a child is gonna make me feel sympathy for you or something?"

"Nah, I just thought this form would make you relax more." Hastur smiled. "She's right, you know? You really should join us.'

"Never, I know what you are. You will destroy my world and enslave those that remain, I will never join that we will get Esmerelda back and stop you and as long as that barrier in Es stomach holds you can't do anything."

"Ah, yes... the barrier. Shame about that." Hastur grinned. "It won't be lasting much longer I'm afraid."

"No it won’t, because i'm not breaking it any time soon and you have no means of breaking it."

"If you say so," he said sinisterly. "Hey... why don't I make a deal with you."

"I don't make deals with monsters, now I have my own deal leave now or I will make you leave."

"Oh, but you'll like my deal. Either come with me and remove the barrier willingly, or force me to remove it myself. The catch? Esmeralda's life. Force me to do it myself and she dies the moment my father is born."

"Your bluffing, the moment that Es gives birth to that child you will kill her and her child for whoever your father is. I'm not stupid." Elma said confident that will happen.

"Well, that is up for debate. You sure? If you say no, Esmeralda dies, and it'll be your fault."

"Really, why don't you bring her hear then. Your afraid that shell run off after what I told her, or do you think I can fight you off enough were I force you to fall back again. But that would imply that your scared of a human."

"Arrogant wench." Hastur opened his arms. "Go ahead and try it. I dear you to attack me. See if it goes so well this time."

"Aw it seems that i'm getting under your skin, you know before you killed the man I help break free from you he was going on about how the gods were once human. So does that make you a child who throws temper tantrums?"

"He was talking about your gods!" The boy pointed at Elma. "Hold your tongue! I am a true god, not some wannabe god, an angel posing as a god after their goddess left!"

"I don't care what you are you gonna bring Esmerelda here or not!"

Hastur grinned. "No... you won't. No more deals. You will die. She will die. Everyone you know and love will die, and I... will... laugh."

"Ou really because I see me taking Es back from you, you failing and my gods killing you. And with that being said." Elma used her light fire magic on Hastur.

Dimitri suddenly grabbed her arm from behind. "Don't!"

The boy fell to his knees, his voice that of an ordinary child, and started to cry.

Elma recalled her attack having the flames disappeare.” Damn Hastur And his mind games, I need to work on countering illusion magic, and why are you still here?”

Dimitri flinched at that. "I-I'm sorry. I just... wanted to help. Then I saw you yelling at this child and about to attack him..."

“There was no ordinary child here, just more mind games being played on me.” Elma made two healing orbs and placed them on her head.

Dimitri lowered his head. "I... I am sorry I went against your wishes. I will understand if you wish to report me. Would you like me to drive you back to the institute now?"

“I’m not mad I know you have good intentions just I saw that bastard god, and he’s currently messing with me.”

Dimitri nodded, and placed a hand on her shoulder. "He... he's probably messing with you because... he's afraid. He tries to get under your skin to prevent you from getting under his. Soon, you'll be strong enough to destroy him. I'm sure of it."

“That could be true, but I can’t help but think I should have taken his deal.”

Dimitri quickly shook his head. "Whatever the deal was, I'm sure it wouldn't have been worth it, and that's assuming he even kept up his end of the bargain. Don't doubt yourself."

“I’m not, I’m worried for my friend. If he breaks my barrier I have on her she could die from it.”

Dimitri sighed, but gave her a small smile. "All the reason for you to continue to get stronger, right?"

“Look this will get dangerous and I’m not a typical “Master” if you wanna leave I don’t blame you.

The Light Elf quickly shook his head. "I'm not going anywhere. What you need now is support, and what kind of man would I be if I abandoned you now?"

“Am smart one, but thank you for sticking with me through this. Come along I have a lot to apologize for then we can get back to lunch.”

Dimitri nodded, walking back towards the restaurant with her.

 

[Insane Darkness]

Insane Darkness and Black0ut present...
Mistakes Have Been Made

Sancros held his child with an arm of light, his staff in his natural hand. He waited, knowing his tiny apprentice would soon arrive at the training grounds.

A duck flew over the roof, carrying a bundle of clothes behind it. At noticing the Light Elf, she let out a quack, dropping quickly and transforming back to her humanoid form before hitting the ground silently with a wave of dust under her feet and her head crooked with confusion as she stared at Jay.

“Hey, Shorty.” Sancros started, his skin waxy and his eyes sunken. “Was hoping you'd arrive.

Faith pushed Jay lightly with wind at his center of gravity, jokingly yet firmly. “Shush, you. You look like shit.”

“Depression and a loss of part of my sanity are the cause… you know, typical minor things.” He returned, his tone self-deprecating but somewhat serious at the same time.

“And you still want to train me? When you should be looking after yourself and… Jasmine.” Faith's expression changed with her realization that she came to, that he was expending all of his energy for the sake of his child. “Ah, that makes more sense.” she muttered to herself.

“Would you like to repeat that, tiny?” Sancros asked, some water messing her hair.

“Nothing, you big softy...” she grumbled, closing her eyes to prevent any water to enter her eyes.

“So… does that mean I have to call you short for a week, in public, in front of people? I must admit: That sounds fun.” He threatened light-heartedly, his smile not quite reaching his eye, which instead held an immense sadness to it.

“I would prefer you didn't…” she answered, sounding a little irritated with the consistent name-calling about her height.

“You make it too easy for people to get under your skin, my apprentice. You must learn to become calmer with such things.” He started out, his face and voice serious. “Or… you will be influenced and controlled by another.”

“Well, that's what happens when you're a Duck Thrope…” She faked a saddened tone with an underlying implication of sarcasm.

He leaned down to gently bonk her head with his staff. “No, that's what happens when you're a bit of a shit and you have so many insecurities.” He countered, rolling his eye.

One of her hands moved up to the contact point, rubbing the spot as Faith herself glared up at Jay. “You totally love to pick on me, don't you?”

“I do to some extent.” He admitted, the staff floating up as he placed a hand on her head to heal any damage present. “But I also strive to make you stronger than me. You have the aptitude and the expertise, not to mention the studious nature to be far better than I'll ever become. So, as a price for knowing that, I tease you whenever I can, my short and adorable apprentice.”

Faith's cheeks puffed out in irritation. “I'm unsure whether to take that as encouragement, an insult, or a compliment…” she muttered to herself, backing up and out of the range of Jay’s arm reach.

“Take it as all three… after all, you do have a test with me today… but I can put it aside for tomorrow if you wish to talk instead.” He replied, shrugging.

“A test? Is that why you were waiting for me here like a stalker?”

“A stalker? I think you must be dreaming if you even think I am close to such a thing.” Sancros replied, his tone and face making him sound offended. An orb appeared over his head showing a smile. “Should I be serious with this test?”

“If I'm dreaming while you test me, you might end up killing me.” she countered, raising an eyebrow.

“Only mildly mauled.” He shrugged, taking a couple steps forward. “I have yet to show you my staff fighting, and that is only when I don't think you'll die quickly from an advanced spell of mine.” He gently patted her head, his eyes staring not into hers, but his child’s.

“Okay…” she mumbled to herself, unsure of how to respond.

“Once I put Jasmine in a crib of light magic, you and I can begin. Best you check your weapons and fear while I put her down.” He started as he began trudging over to the tree that had started him down his current path.

Faith unsheathed her sword, looking it over before returning it to its sheath. She glanced over her robes at the pouch of throwing knives, giving them a once-over before closing the pouch. She held a clenched hand in front of her, watching it glow brightly as she aimed to control the relatively untapped power that swelled within her, matching the capabilities of her wind magic. Her other hand was held out beside her, blowing wind through her hair to calm her nerves.

A crib formed and Jasmine was placed inside, the light magic object rocking gently. Sancros turned to look at his apprentice, his face cold. A watery whip launched forward from his hands, while his staff flew at breakneck speeds, as he approached her with slow, methodical steps.

A shield of throwing knives blocked the staff’s movement as Faith's own steps mimicked his. A blast of light shot forth from the duck’s hand, pulverizing the whip and threatening to go through him.

The staff reversed, coming back to block the blow as dozens of tiny water snakes appeared near Faith, a couple biting into her legs. “With this test, you can die. You best try to kill me if you hope to live through it.” Sancros said quietly, his Light magic arm slowly raising up to point at her.

A massive explosion shot Faith upwards, obliterating any semblance of water snakes where there were any. Her throwing knives followed behind her in a spiral pattern, ultimately floating behind her to look like giant metal angel wings. She stopped ascending to look at her mentor, her relaxed attitude having shifted to something more tense and sincere. “Have it your way.” she muttered, her voice low in pitch.

An intense beam of light shot out of his hand nicking her cheek, before it dispelled. “Are you getting cocky? Because showing off with fake wings seems like it.” A vicious torrent of water formed around her trying to rend her flesh but was held off by her shields. “Better. But can you withstand this?” His staff flew up, a shield of water pushing it forward while a water orb sat atop it.

An explosion came from within her shields, bigger than any other she'd made. While she made a dramatic show, she abused the air within Jay’s own shields to rip his clothing to shreds.

Water formed around him, blocking the abusing wind from harming him further. The staff finally reached her, slightly off course as the orb on top elongated to stab into her chest.

Faith grimaced as her knives surrounded her, pushing herself roughly to one side of the sphere it created. It tore at her clothing, but her small stature saved her from any true damage. “Was that all you had?” she asked, her body still reeling from the realization that she could have died.

The staff threw itself into the knives, the conjured water orb disappearing as a ball of flame show forth trying to burn her skin. “Less talking, more surviving.”

Faith smiled as she dashed towards the ground, splitting her knives to allow her escape. The air inside Jay’s lungs suddenly shot out of his body, her magic spell activated by his voice.

The Light Elf's skin began to peel off as the water formed around him disappeared. A Great Beast of Corruption formed where the staff was, easily the size of half the manor. It's tail swung downwards with lethal intent as a clawed and gnarled hand made of light and water slashed at her.

 

[Insane Darkness]

Mistakes Have Been Made pt. 2

Faith quickly transformed into a duck, blasting herself away at full speed using both her magics, letting out a fearful quack that was heard a second after she actually quacked.

The beast moved faster than it should have, it's massive hand closing around her. A dim light orb appeared in front of her. Let me breathe or this runs rampant… it spelled quickly.

Surrender, her own magic demanded, spelled out in front of his eye. Her wings flapped as fast as they could, ultimately failing to keep up with her speed, so she just dove down out of the sky as quickly as her fragile body allowed, a shockwave appearing around her that even impressed her.

The corruption closed, singing the edges of her wings. I told you, this has a chance… be happy I'm breaking my own rules for you… The Light orb spelled as it began to dim even further, signaling the Light Elf’s consciousness fading.

She started spinning, feeling the corruption spread across her wing. She quickly ripped the corrupted part off of her body with wind, feeling blood trail behind her once she actually made contact with the ground. She knew that, if she hesitated for even a moment, she wouldn't be able to dig through the ground, so she didn't hesitate and dove straight into it. The dirt parted by her raging winds and let her through as the tail swung the ground behind her.

Sancros gasped for air, as the corruption beast detached its tail, letting it pool into the hole.

Faith closed her eyes, feeling the corruption growing closer. An explosion of wind exploded from beneath the ground she had yet to reach, pushing her back once she had done so. She allowed air back into Jay’s lungs as she transformed back, her body pushing through the waves upon waves of corruption around her. Her white robes rose off the ground a little in front of Jay, signifying her surrender.

The Light Elf’s face was exposed once more, his jaw bone visible as well as some muscles. The corruption beast let out a whimper before disappearing with a gentle pulse from his staff, which floated down to him.

Faith’s body ragdolled in the air high above her crater, the corruption on her body slowly disappearing as she reached her peak. Her body slowly floated down and towards Jay, Faith wincing with the feeling of losing her mana, of which she wasn't used to, and the multitude of broken bones she had just given herself.

“Might need… mana to… heal us… both.” Sancros managed to say, his voice riddled with pain.

Faith's body landed on the ground, raspy breaths echoing from within her chest. Her clothes gently floated on top of her to protect her decency, too weak to get off the ground once more to actually put them on.

He crawled slowly trying not to irritate any of his wounds before his hand latched onto hers. “Pass the energy you use to fly to me.” He said, his tendons in his mouth snapping once he finished.

Faith let out an inhuman screech of pain, her entire body tensing at the movement of her hand Jay caused. Once the pain adapted to Jay’s hand, it started glowing with the transfer of mana.

Her bones began to heal as did some minor wounds that bled. “Aaah oooo ohhh kaa?” he asked tiredly.

Faith put no effort into speaking and continued to try and breathe, her breaths becoming more labored even with the healing.

“Aaah oooo maaaa?” He asked as her least damaged bones became completely healed, her major ones taking more time.

Faith raised the hand underneath Jay’s, wincing with the effort. As soon as she got it out from underneath it, she raised it to his face, using the mana she had kept to repair his mouth. She opened her eyes to see a swiss cheese version of Jay, but her hand refused to stop glowing even after she placed it on top of his to continue the mana transfer.

“Don't heal me... you'll make yourself lose too much mana.” He murmured in protest, his face calm and serene, save for his worried eye that contradicted his look.

“You… didn't… so…” Faith held her breath, feeling a cough rise from within her chest and not wanting to hurt herself more. Once she expelled the air she held within her when she felt the urge to cough disappear, she continued. “I… did…” She made a pathetic attempt at a smile, returning her gaze to the cloudy sky above before closing her eyes again.

“Don't do it again… I'd rather take the brunt of my own lesson than you.” He continued, sensing her most grievous bone damage was nearly healed. He reached under her and lifted her up. A sudden snap of muscle in his leg nearly dropped him to the ground, but he kept standing, even walking. “You are not allowed to nearly get yourself killed… understand?” His voice was hard as was everything but his eye, which seemed to betray all of his emotions for what he really felt.

An arm wrapped around Jay’s neck, weak but lesser than before. She looked into his eye as her hand continued to glow in defiance of Jay’s wishes. “No… chance…” she croaked, a weak smile on her face as she attempted to heal his snapped muscle and seal the holes where arteries were exposed.

“Stop.” Edan said quietly, as her bones were finally mended. An arm of light gently brushed her hair, as his eye seemed to grow sad. “Let me take care of you, okay? Just rest your eyes and heal…”

Faith ignored him, her eyes growing stern. “Don't let Jasmine… end up like… me…” she demanded, refusing to look anywhere but at Jay.

“I'll keep her safe. But… what do you mean? You're already a sweet girl, if a bit sassy. You're smart, generous, and you have a way that makes people pay attention.” He countered, his eye becoming more gentle.

Faith closed her eyes lazily. “You know… what I meant…”

“You sure? I believe you might be wrong about that…”

“I'm disrespectful and cocky all the time, I'm not incredibly nice to you, and I got myself injured beyond belief.” Faith answered, quieter than before so she could say what was on her mind without restraint. “Don't let Jasmine become what I have become…”

He set her on the ground as gently as he could, the treeline nearly in front of him. He sighed. “You are disrespectful because I taught you it was okay. You're not really cocky, more of a showoff, and you got hurt because your teacher is a strict asshole. She'd be fine, growing up with an older ‘sister’ like you.” He started as he began to slide her clothes onto her properly.

“Spare me your self-deprecation. It doesn't make me feel any better…” she muttered to herself, raising her arms up so that the robes could slide onto her body properly. “I'm almost scared of how effectively you can dress me…” she commented, raising an eyebrow once she opened one of her eyes to look at him.

“Not the first time I dressed a girl, Faith. Slave talents can carry over once we're free.” He replied, poking her bill as he got her bra on.

“That can't be the only reason.” Faith hinted but didn't press further.

“Oh? And what other reason could I have for my skill?” He asked, sliding her underwear on. “Please, I'd love to know what your teenage mind is thinking right now…”

“You'll find out when Jasmine becomes my age.” Faith stuck out her tongue.

“Oh dear… that'll be a horrifying experience.” He murmured, poking her bill again. He picked her up, cradling her as the crib of light floated forward next to them. “And if you stick that tongue out again, I'll have to find you a boy that'll… enjoy ‘dating’ you.”

“I've given up on that kind of thing. My duck bill is too invasive to be attractive, my legs are orange and my feathers on my wrist are definitely not a turn on.” Faith listed, her tone less joyful and more sincere.

 

[Insane Darkness]

Mistakes Have Been Made pt. 3

“That does explain why some guys at the Manor want to screw you. Twenty some odd people are blind if they consider you attractive.” He replied, his sarcasm dripping off of every single word.

Faith moved closer to Jay’s ear. “It's the glasses fetish. They want to spray their semen all over them.” she whispered.

“True, some of them were interested in the glasses. I could repeat what some of them said about you… keep in mind it is very lewd.” He rolled his eye at her attempt to embarrass him.

“Some of them want to impregnate a fragile little girl who will most likely die from the birthing process. Others are probably looking for a one night stand. And then there are the kinky boys who have fetishes that should not be made public. Can't say I'm too terribly glad to have secret admirers, let alone the fact that they're perverted secret admirers.”

“Given that despite your petite frame, you're a badass, and attractive, girl? Why wouldn't they want you? Furthermore, not all of them are perverts… some are too shy, believing you are too good for them, others are afraid to ask you, thinking you might take offense. After all, you haven't tried to date anyone…”

“I'm okay with staying single forever while trailing around a bunch of little boys too scared to ask me out.” Faith shrugged.

“Then I will set you up with a man, if you will not try to date.” He whispered back, a small light appearing in his cavernous lack of an eye. “Might make you hate me… might even get a romantic gentleman to try to date you…”

“A man straight out of a fairy tale.” Faith pretended to swoon, before her expression shifted into disgust.

“We do exist… we just don't have that many members.” He replied, raising an eyebrow. “And if I find a young man who wants you, who's like that, you're telling me you wouldn't want him?”

“Can't generalize everyone. Who knows?” Faith shrugged.

“So, you will date someone if I force you…” Sancros got a vicious smile on his face. “challenge accepted, my student.”

“I think we need to focus on… actually getting to the manor.” Faith tried to change the subject, unwilling to comment on what Jay had said.

“You're right… got to start finding potential suitors.” Sancros continued walking, finally coming out of the treeline with Faith in his arms. Some Hunters eyed him with a glare, some muttering under their breath at the sight of Faith’s battered body.

Faith sighed, mustering up all of her energy to walk on the ground. She faked a smile at each one of them, an underlying presence of irritation noticeable if one looked into her eyes or at her twitching eyelid. “I’m fine. Seriously. Thank you for healing my wounds from the crash-landing out there, Jay. If you weren't there… I wouldn't know what I would do.” She gave him a hug, wincing at the pain it caused, before continuing to walk towards the manor with Jay.

Jay kept a passive face, his lips not moving as he whispered to her. “You know, you don't have to protect me from them. Let them say what they want, it doesn't bother me in the slightest… and… I do deserve a bit of their anger. You're injured because of me…”

“Do I need to fall over right now to make this more convincing?” she asked between her teeth, her eyebrow raising to show her irritation.

“I… well. I doubt that it would be a very soft landing. Nor would you not scream out in pain for doing so. I could just carry you again.” He offered, tilting his head to peer at her. “Besides… you can beat the shit out of me later. Again, I will deserve it.”

“I wish you’d have some more self-worth.” Faith noted, a tinge of sadness present in her tone.

“Slaves never do and freed slaves rarely do. It is why I am logical; if I were not, I’d break down and cry. This… facet of myself is all that keeps me up and unbroken… and rarely, when I do risk my entire state of mind, which is sheer foolishness, I talk how I used to be… full of life, friendly to everyone and full of compassion and love for those I care about. As you… as you can guess, too many ‘friends’ have damaged me.” He explained quietly, his eyes showing a brief glimpse of the enormous amount of pain he carried.

“I said, ‘I wish’.” the Duck mumbled as they entered the guild, her tone even sadder and defensive.

“And I wish that I did not have a burning hatred for the humans and elves in Helvan. Yet… I do. Wishes are not stable things, and rarely work, for the Immortals of this world are fickle and do not care about most mortals, or do so as a means to ‘play’ with us.” His eye grew darker as he smiled. Then he shrugged and the look quickly faded. “But my bitterness is not what we’re talking about. You’re young, hopeful and you can achieve a great many things. One day, you may become as powerful as the Gods themselves with your magical power.”

“Well, I was hopeful before reality stopped hiding under the covers.” Faith grimly stated, glancing over her shoulder. “And your flattery is appreciated, but highly unnecessary.”

“And you talking as though you are wizened and logical is appreciated and highly unnecessary. You are a grown woman but you need not speak like me.” He grumbled, muttering under his breath, “I preferred when you were being sassy…”

“I can be sassy and realistic. It was much easier when I’d only had to run away from my father. However, one cannot keep a terribly optimistic outlook when you start understanding the world around you instead of being in your own bubble of ignorance. Although, I prefer the knowledge over the ignorance, so I have no real reason to complain.” Faith shrugged.

“Ah, but with that knowledge comes some comfort: Not everything is written in stone. Compare yourself to when you first arrived: You were a scared child with no actual talent to speak of, and would likely die from the weakest of monsters. In other words, incapable of becoming a great and powerful mage, let alone a decent fighter. Now take a look at you now: You have me convinced that you will be far stronger than me and one day, even my strongest of spells will not even harm you. Your spellsword style of combat will actually make you an efficient warrior, not to mention your physical gains now, Ms. Four Pack.”

“If I actually get a four pack, I am never going to willingly show you…” Faith muttered, a little creeped out by the nickname. “And while you might be correct in some respects, your flattery is still unnecessary. Your ‘foresight’ that you may or may not possess should probably get fixed before you tell Sylvie something that will make her faint, like that you’ll have 23 kids.” A hint of a smile played on her lips during her last sentence.

“Right… perhaps I should shout to the whole manor what you think your suitors will do... “ He fired back chuckling before he shook his head. “Besides… Jasmine is the only child I can have… after Sylvie did her ritual. Was honestly hoping to have a son as well, but sometimes life is not so generous. You'll probably find a guy who'll make you happier than sin, and maybe he'll tame your unending sassiness.”

“I prefer the term, ‘unyielding’, Mr. Sancros. Also, I would like to formally apologize for my out-of-line remark. T’was meant only in jest, I swear. And happiness, my dear friend? Goodness me, I haven’t thought that a man could give me such a simple yet… lucious present.” Faith spoke and waved her hand around like she was an older and proper lady, a glint in her eye and the corners of her mouth threatening to ruin her act with a laugh or a smile. “I suppose we’ll see, if or possibly even when the time comes.”

Sancros laughed ruffling her hair with a hand of light. “You’re such a goofball… come on, let’s get you to the doctors. They’ll probably yell at me, but… it’ll give you an interesting show to watch.”

“What? Not proud of your bang-up job at healing me?” Faith made an attempt at floating like usual, but instead nearly tripped, catching herself at the last possible moment without using her mana.

“Well… that depends on whether or not you’ll limp tomorrow. You do limp, nope. If you don’t, then I am at least a decent mage.” Sancros explained before looking down at her. “I figure your Mother might impale me with several objects if she were to see you right now.”

“As long as I have some mana back, I can block maybe… 17?... 18?... Even while prone? Eh, we’ll see.” Faith shrugged, flashing a friendly face up at the taller Light Elf.

“Oh joy… more missing body parts… what a fun time I’ll have in the future.” He rolled his eyes, his voice dry with sarcasm.

 

[Black0ut]

Black0ut & Dahlexpert
Resolving the Past

A blur seemed to flicker by a familiar camp as the owner barreled at the ones who brought her to such an icy rage. She eventually slowed down once she approached their outer perimeter of guards. "Hello. I don't suppose you'll give me directions to your leaders, will you?"

“What the Hell, where did you come from!?” The Norsca asked in shock.

"I run faster than you can see or react to." Titania deadpanned, rolling her eyes, even though her mask hid her eyes. "So. Mind escorting me to your leaders, or should I just run there and you get to explain why I didn't arrive with you?"

“Rot in Hell you damn freak!” The guard guickly used his knife and thrusted it into Titania side.

Titania tilted her head before laughing. "So... that's your response. Let me show you my daggers." With that, all three of her daggers plunged into him; Two into his arms and one into his side. "Do you really want me to kill you? Because if you do, I'll just eat you until only your bones are left." Fuck! This... is why I just kill the guards... Titania thought grumpily, doing her best to hide her pain from her voice or from any of her movements.

“I am loyal to my family you freak women I will never betray Crixus Lorica And Wulfric. So go ahead and kill me and you will learn nothing from me.”

"Freak woman? That's the best insult you have? Seriously, someone needs to teach you how to insult others... Anyways, you are being stupid. If I wanted to kill your leaders, would I stop to talk to you or would I have just killed you first then went off to find your Lorica, Wulfric, and Crixus?" She countered, sighing as she lifted him up. "I'm going to take you to your camp and they can fix you up. Stab me again and I will kill you. As a Hunter who hasn't taken a contract on your band, please don't make me consider killing all your friends..."

As Titania took the guard into the camp, she saw just how quickly the Norscans replenished. The camp took most of the forest with hundreds of Thropes and Ophidian walking around the camp, she also saw giant monsters and harpys walking around the area as well as a giant.

"Anybody mind taking this guy? He kinda attacked me so I stabbed him nonlethally." She called out, cracking her neck.

"Anybody mind taking this guy? He kinda attacked me so I stabbed him nonlethally." She called out, cracking her neck.

As Titania dropped the guard the people she was looking for came out of there tent.” What the hell do you want woman.” Lorica yelled out.

"From you? To shut the fuck up. From your friends who actually have the sense to evaluate a situation before speaking? To talk, and if things go well, just a simple duel. If not..." Titania disappeared, but continued talking. "I kill fifty people of yours and leave. Maybe the Giant you have as he seems familiar."

“Cowardly woman we are on a mission here, we don’t have the time for low grade scum we’re on a mission here we don’t have time to deal with your petty vengeance.”

"Wow... you're fucking dense. I'm a demigod. That means I can kill you before you blink, yet all I'm asking is for a duel with one of you. Besides..." Titania reappeared behind the three. "This is highly personal, after all. Alice killed someone very close to me. And while you fled your home, I fought to keep order. Shut your mouth before I start killing your troops." Titania backed away into the tent gesturing for them to follow. "Now, Crixus and Wulfric, would you kindly come and sit with me while we talk the specifics of our duel? Surely, you wouldn't want me to kill hundreds of your men over something as simple as a non-lethal duel?"

The three leaders looked at each other and Lorica looked at everyone.” If were out of our tent with in five minutes tell the former slaves to run to Korra, I may hate that woman but if this a trap tell her to wait at the shipyard for Scarlet.” One if her men nodded there head and ran off.” Come into our tent then.”

"Alright." Titania said simply, following them in but standing somewhat out of weapon range. "So, here's the deal: I do want to kill you guys for what you did. However, my girlfriend's ghost is what's holding me back. Pick among you who is either your most involved with the siege of Helvan, or your best fighter. Whoever it is will fight me to first yield. Any questions?"

Crixus looked at the woman. "I remember you, you were at our castle during our fight. We should kill you as well for taking our leader, but Ranseca told us not to go after your guild as long as you don't come after us. However if you do kill one of us during this not only will we kill you, we will go after your entire guild just so you know what's on the line here."

"I'm not representing Havenbrook. I am representing a bitter woman who lost her love. And need I remind you, I spared everyone I fought, where as you killed. If I wanted to be an asshole, I could have killed many of your people before you could even identify who I am. Instead of taking lives, I'm being nice. I decided a duel without us killing one another to be fair. And, just so you understand, Alice croney, I seek a duel with all of you eventually." Titania relaxed, as she slid her mask down to show her icy cold stare. "So... will you all swallow your collective prides or should I start killing your Norscans?"

Crixus looked at Titania and looked at his friends."Wulfric when was the last time you had a good and proper fight?"

"It's been a while Crixus, I don't mind fighting her. I could use the practice any way."

"There woman that's your opponent, go seek your worthless revenge."

Titania's eyes seemed to become very feral as she regarded Lorica. "Be happy I have self-control. If I didn't... well, I am a predator Thrope and I haven't had the luxury of ripping apart an arrogant bitch like you." Turning her attention back to Wulfric, she clipped her mask to the side of her armor and offered him a smile.

"Wulfric, Good luck to you in our duel. May your blade strike true and your spirit endure." She said confidently, before closing her eyes, waiting for Lorica to be stupid enough to attack her.

Titania could hear what seemed to be a tigers roar come from behind her, when she turned around the woman that looked human a second ago was in fact a tiger Thrope. But Wulfric put his hand on her cheats. "Down din mamma, she hasn't harmed any of your pets, or your men. For now go take care of the former slaves I will take care of this."

Lorica started to growl and she left the tent grabbing her weapons and getting on her worg and went north.

"Good Gods... she needs to get laid." Titania grumbled, before raising an eyebrow at Wulfric. "She always such a bitch, or does she just hate Wolf Thropes?"

"She's a pack mother, Lorica take cares of most of the children, the slaves we freed and the people we captured. She feeds them gives them water and take care of all those around her, and when someone comes around and threatens them or hurts them she becomes more like a savage. Hell us coming here was her idea, she wanted us to help the resistance her and free her kind."

Titania nodded. "Say hi to Korra and Bethany for me... and... expect no trouble from me beyond the duels. Just leave Themosa better than you left it, okay?" She asked softly, some of her blood dripping down the side of her armor.

"You best get that wound treated, I don't want no complaining that I beat you because you were hurt earlier. Now as for this country no promises we work for the goddess of destruction, through what were doing i'm sure the goddess of creation would be pleased to change this place."

Titania looked down at her side, reaching over to where her daggers were only to grasp at empty air. "It's not that bad... I got run through and shot before, so a scratch like this means I'll be fine." She replied, shrugging as she unsheathed her longsword and held the blade out for Wulfric to examine.

"Flameveil here can light things on fire and keeps burning despite it's blade not touching you anymore. I promised not to kill you, so I won't fight you with it's full capacities, okay?"

"Fine i'll be sure not to rip the head off your shoulders, or cut your precious legs off so you don't use that speed of yours. Which reminds me are you gonna be using that speed of yours?"

"In most fights, I would. But you're not a demigod nor do you have some secret powers that could counter mine. So... no, I don't think I will, save if I think one of your blows will kill me. Should I do so, you'll win." Titania answered, shrugging as best eyes went cold. "For Lorica, however, the sword will be on fire and I will not restrain my speed."

"Leave my friend out of this, more then likely she's gone hunting to feed the people in the camp. I doubt she will show up here and try anything." Wulfric said while looking at his hammer and shield.

"I meant for when I duel her. I plan on dueling all of you. I like you and you seem honorable, so I'm restricting myself from fighting you dirty. Lorica pissed me off, so I will be not so nice when I fight her. But that's for later." Titania started, holding her blade up with one hand on the grip, her other hand on a rusty shortsword. "Are you ready to begin?"

 

[Black0ut]

Resolving the Past, pt.2

"Alright then." Wulfric got into position." Alright HavenBrook dog come and get me!"

Titania partially transformed, her eyes gaining a feral look to them. The Thrope stayed out of range of Wulfric's hammer, using her longsword to swipe at him, testing his defenses.

The mountain of a man used his massive shield to block the attacks he then used his hammer hitting the wolf Thrope side.

Titania winced as it struck her weakened side, but used it as a means to slash overhead with her longsword, while her shortsword sliced open his side.

Wulfric didn’t even flinch but he did drop his hammer and grabbed Titania by har neck and head butted her repeatedly and he choked her.

Titania's vision darkened and splotches started forming. She knew she wouldn't win with how it was going. She kicked it at him, one leg shining at his stomach, the other his balls. While she struggled to breath, she undid her gauntlet, planning on using her claws to rip up his face.

Wulfric feel to the ground he moved his head but some of Titania claws nicked his face and noise, he smiled at her and licked some of the blood. He then grabbed his hammer and swung wildly.

The Thrope took a hit to one of her arms and felt the bones snap from the blow. Titania cried out in pain but backed up, her legendary longsword held in her good hand as she looked for an opening to force her weapon through and wound him.

When she thought she saw an opening Wulfric blocked her attack with his shield and kicked her stomach.” Best known this wolf, I learned what In the pits of Haven!” He said still swinging his hammer.

Titania dodged back as she opened her mouth, revealing sharp, glittering teeth. "Be careful... hurt me too much and I just might have to take a bite out of you, you delectable morsel."

“Come and try you wouldn’t be the first thing to bit me in my life.” Wulfric swung him hammer hoping to finish her off.

Titania rolled to the side, letting her damaged arm get grazed by the hammer. Thinking quickly, she thrusted her sword at the center of his chest while simultaneously kicking at his shield. Please let this work…

Wulfric stumbled back but used the momentum to swing his hammer hitting Titania ribs before falling on his back, coughing up blood.” That was a good move there, desperate but good.”

A burst of blood came out of her mouth as she stumbled back. "Y... yield... now..." She coughed out, pointing her sword at him.

Titania could hear Wulfric chuckleing Until he start laughing, he started to stand up and pulled her sword out of his chest.” As much as I wanna Keep going, and I can I don’t think you could keep this up the way you are. So for your sake I yelled.” He said tossing her sword to the side.

Titania's eyes flared up with cold fury before they calmed down. "You're right, of course. When not using my speed, fire sword, or even my daggers... You'd win." She cracked her neck and disappeared. "But that's only on a martial level. Combine the other perks I have, many do not stand a chance. Wulfric... keep being an honourable bastard... but stay out of Serasam and Bevland. I wouldn't be happy if I had to kill you." Reappearing behind him, she hugged him with her good arm.

Wulfric patted her head.” Well try that’s all I can say.” Suddenly a roar could be heard All around them, Lorica road on one of them as she looked at her comrade and Titania.

The wolf's smile faded as she blurred her sword already in hand. "I wouldn't attack me right now... I'm hurt and that means I'll do whatever needs doing to survive. That means," Titania's blade suddenly bursted into flames, "cutting you into pieces. So take a breath and stay put, kitty."

Lorica chuckled at Titania and got off her worg, she then walked forward and grabbed Wulfric and put him on one of the worgs and told it to run.

Titania raised an eyebrow as she put her mask back on. "Cute. So... are we going to fight, or are you going to just stand there? Because if so, I will happily do that."

Lorica ignored Titania and tossed a red bottle.” Drink it’s no fun fighting a wounded animal.”

"First, are we fighting as animals or Humans?" Titania asked, starving her sword down and placing the bottle on its hilt.

“Depends you’re gonna that speed of your in ether area?”

"Well, that depends if you want death on the table, Kitty."

“I’m told not to kill you, and like we told you earlier doggy. You kill us and your guild will burn to the ground.”


"You do realize I have friends in Serasam nobility and Bevland nobility, right? Killing me means not only do two countries hunt you down in this civil war you're in, but Hunter Guilds will team up for your bounties. Kitty, that means you'll be fucked. Those armies are still ready to slaughter you." Titania replied, laughing coldly at her opponent. "So stop threatening me with that. As for your question... I can beat the shit out of you really fast with my skill, speed and flaming weapon. Animal forms, you have advantage, but I can't promise that we won't give into our animalistic instincts."

“Doggy you were at that battle, you saw how those nobles badly beat us. And keep thinking you have the advantage, fighting the cocky is so fun.”

"And who killed Alice off, hmm? You did a very shitty job of group combat. Five of the Seven, beaten. Alice killed. One death on our side. Oh, and an immortal being that was barely repulsed by a wraith that you do not have now. If I was cocky, I would have killed all of the leaders and started a war." Titania replied, taking the top off the bottle and tilting her mask to down the contents.

Lorica laughed at Titania “ou it’s funny seeing people that don’t get us. Have you ever consider your not the good people here.”

"You do realize that I'm a resistance fighter too, right? Why when I learned that you guys were helping Korra, I backed off from wanting to hurt you too bad. But yeah, I have. Still a bit better than you. I don't destroy towns."

“We destroy towns as both strategy, and please our god. She’s long overdue for a fallowing, so we destroy towns for her. Now quit talking and drink the potion so we can fight already it’s been a while since I had a good scrapping.”

"Already did. I'm going to have to talk to Great Aunt Bir about you guys." Titania started shedding her armor, dropping it on the ground as she partially shifted, allowing her a brief moment where nothing showed before shifting into her wolf form. She howled up at the sky, her silver white fur almost glistening from the moonlight.

“Ou were letting our beast sides have fun huh, I knew I liked you.” Lorica hair grew longer and her armor also fell to the ground, as Lorica body shifted into a tiger.

The wolf eyed the tiger, trying to see if she could spring forward and nip the tiger. Finding no such opportunities, she waited for the tiger to attack so she could nip at her.

The tiger looked at the wolf, as she packed back and forth. Finally the tiger rushed forward and started to use its claws against the wolf.

Titania skirted towards the right, the tigers claws merely grazing her legs. The wolf bit at the tiger's side, imminent on taking a piece of Lorica.

Lorica roared and bit the wolf back and used her strength to drag the wolf off her and tossed it to the side.

The silver wolf got back up, nearly stumbling due to her wound. Growling, she jumped at Lorica's back, intending on attacking where the tiger couldn't defend easily.

As she bit into Lorica she rolled to her side hoping to get Titania off her, Titania was still biting Lorica Until Lorica claws swiped Titania side leaving a deep wound.

Titania yelped before she raked Lorica with her own claws, only three of them could rake the tiger since Lorica had rolled over on to her.

While the attack didn’t do much to Lorica she did get off Titania and sinked her teeth into her neck, hoping to strangle her pray til she couldn’t move.

Titania went deathly still for a moment as she knew Lorica had the means to kill her in her animal form. Lolling her tongue out in surrender as she gently pushed her paw on the tiger's throat, Titania mentally resolved to beat the shit out of Lorica in her Human form.

Lorica surprisingly let her go, and roared triumphantly. She then transformed back into her regular form and stretched.” Ah it feels good getting a decent fight, hay you still alive?”

Titania transformed back as well. "Yeah... I'm a bit hard to kill even when I'm an animal. You had me but if I slashed your throat with my claw we'd both be dead." Titania replied in a raspy voice, her throat still bearing Lorica's puncture marks. "Did you really have to bite my neck? A simple press of your teeth would've sufficed."

Lorica smiled showing her fangs.” Hay what can I say I can hardly contain my urges when I’m excited and having fun, besides we need to get you back to my camp. The shamans ther could heal you right up.”

The wolf began putting her armor back on, some mild groans of pain escaping out of her. "Thanks -ow- but no thanks. You haven't given me -fuck, that hurts- any reason to trust you. So, how do I know you won't try to kill me when we see your shamans?

 

[Black0ut]

Resolving the Past, pt.3

“If I wanted to kill you I wouldn’t have let you go when I was biting on your neck.” Lorica picked up Titania and put her on one of the worgs.” Now shut up, I’m talking you back to my camp.” Lorica lightly kicked the wolf and they started riding into camp.

"Well, this way it looks less bad if you kill me with shamans. You could say you tried to save me but failed." Titania countered, blurring her form as she prepared to jump off. "Which begs the question: what will you do should I refuse and try to leave?"

“I will drag your stupid ass there no matter what, if you try and jump know I will pick you up and put you back and drag you back to my camp whether you like it or not.”

"Keep in mind that I can disappear from sight because I move faster than people can see. I doubt you could catch me." Titania replied, her voice distorted. She slowed down, giving Lorica a frown. "Like I told your friends, you're so wound-up with tension that you're kind of an asshole. You should fuck someone so you're not bitchy all the time."

"Ou kiss my ass and shut up back there before I change my mind and drop you here, and watch you bleed out!"

"See? You're being bitchy. Go fuck one of your marauders and maybe you'll be nicer."

"Piss off, I will lay with no one that is not worth my time. Besides You would be mad too if everyone you know and cared for was dying around you and you lost your home before the winter, isn't that why your here?"

"No. Originally, I was going to kill you all for what Alice did: Taking the only woman who mattered to me. The one who gave my life meaning. I even had a ring for her." Titania said quietly, her cold rage building up. "I gave up my birthright to love freely. My home was wherever the woman I loved was. So, no. I think I have a right to be far angrier than you. Far angrier and far more cruel. You know an inkling of the pain I have, nothing more or less."

"Whatever, no matter what your going to my camp were we can heal you and fix your neck and so you could leave and go back home."

Titania stopped arguing, too tired to keep going with this irritating woman. She figured that if the woman was too untrustworthy, she could rip out her throat with her teeth.

As they kept riding they made it back to the camp Lorica went right to the shamans camp, but not before a small human child came running to her. Mama your back, who's the woman on your mount."

"Sh'es a fool, that needs healing. Lorica took Titania off her worg and carried her to the shamans." Hay I got someone that needs help." Lorica put Titania on the table.

"Ou she's pretty banged up, you did a number on her. The shaman looked at Wulfric."Seems like your growing soft Wulfric."

"Shut it damn you."

"Look just help her, son were going hunting i'm sure we could use some more meat we also need to check on the herbs." Lorica left the tent leaving Lorica to the shamans.

"To be fair, a wolf doesn't beat a tiger in the wild." Titania grumbled, noting all the wounds she had accrued from her fight with Lorica with a groan.

"Ugh huh." The shaman went to his shelf and grepped a jar of green liquid, and poured some onto a cloth and wrapped it around Titania neck. The rest of the liquid he pored onto her body, to Titania shock her wounds started to slowly heal." There you go lady this will help you out, well at least get rid of any infections that you possible had over time your wounds should heal just don't do anything stupid."

"Kind of a necessary thing, doing stupid things. Usually pays well as a Hunter." Titania quipped, disappearing as she put her mask on. "And what defines stupid? Surely using powers that are natural to me isn't very stupid, right?"

The shaman looked surprised as Titania disappeared.” What the We’re... where did you go, please your still hurt you need time to heal.”

"I'm right next to you. I'm just moving too fast for you to see." Titania replied, poking the shaman to let them know where she was. "And I can take a lot of damage. I'm... mostly fine. Thank you for healing me."

"If your gonna be fine then I suggest you leave and go back home, this is not a place for people like you. Use your speed to get out and don't tell anyone were here."

"Definitely not a place for me... I kill people and monsters. Kinda would be bad if I decided I like you guys better as paychecks than friends." Titania started, before remembering her lost weaponry. "Before I go, a man should've come in with three daggers in him. I'd like those back."

The shaman went to his table and grabbed the three daggers and put them on the ground.” There now take your weapons and leave.”

Titania chuckled, reappearing as she retook her daggers. "You know, you're all too uptight. Live a little... outside of the marauding you all do. Oh... and tell Lorica that our little scrap was not my duel with her. It's where I use both my speed and my weapon while it's on fire." The Thrope blurred as she began to disappear, groaning at her wounds before making her way back home.

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

Frostlich1228 & ZombieSplitter53
Resentment and Side Shifting

It was late at night in the city of the Gods high above the ocean. Methos stood in the Room of Peering Hawk, desperately searching for Mags' mother. It was tough going, however. Other mortals were easy enough to search for, but Thropes changed so much after their transformation, and everyone in Mags' family was a different animal. This made pinning down someone, even one related to them, difficult. I didn't help that Mags was a Thrope and her mother was human.

She wouldn't stop, however. Methos wouldn't give up until she found the woman or was sure she couldn't be found.

Suddenly she heard a familiar voice from behind, devious in it's quality. "Looking for something are you Methos?"

Methos' eyes widened in shock. "How... dare you come to our home? Give me one good reason why I shouldn't rip you apart for what you did to my love?"

The battered and worn Illithid floated lightly, still quite damaged after her encounter with Havenbrook, the most obvious being her leg. "Because I need your help..."

Methos turned, and let out a grim laugh. "My help. Are you out of your mind?"

"Well. Somehow after everything I did, I still think you are the most rational one." Xelia explained, looking off to the side.

"Flattery will get you no where... but it does catch my attention." Methos folded her arms. "Speak, creature, while I have my patience."

"I need to free Esmeralda and give her a safe place." The Eldritch Spawn sighed. "Hastur has changed his plans. He aims to kill her. He means to break his word to me."

"His word?" Methos laughed. "If you ever thought that slimy squid face ever had the honor to keep his word... but what do you care? Isn't Esmeralda just a tool in your plan?"

"Remind yourself that I would've been butchered along with my people if he had not saved me... Butchered by your fellow Gods." Xelia snapped back at her before quieting her tone. "I... He..."

She sighed, "He is the only family I have ever had. Until Esmeralda..."

Methos frowned and sighed, leaning back against the pool of water. "So... why don't you just ask him not to kill her. Surely, if anyone could appeal to any humanity he might have, it's you."

"Do you not think this was the first thing I did? I attempted to appeal to him but my centuries of loyal Service isn't even worth the life of a single girl." Xelitha'qha shook her head slowly. "I have always wondered... Were the God's right about my kind? Were we simply born monsters? Or was that the doing of the Old Ones? Were we capable of love?"

The Illithid chuckled, "It started as just an experiment... To see if even I could have a Daughter... I never thought it would truly go this far... To make me question my loyalty to the man that raised me and saved me from death. To make me willing to put myself in such mortal danger."

Methos gave her a sympathetic look, which was surprising. "I wasn't on the side that wanted the extermination of your people. But I was in the minority. The gods were afraid that, with your incredible ability to grow exponentially stronger, any one of you could become another Hastur. I know that doesn't mean much now... but I am sorry for that."

"Well... Only a thousand years for an apology but there it is..." Xelitha'qha sighed, nodding. "I didn't mean for your Magdalene to get hurt. I offered Havenbrook everything in exchange for them to give me Esmeralda, but they refused. I got desperate. I wanted my daughter back. Her mission was simply to escort Esmeralda into the forest and leave, I didn't think they would do so much damage to her."

Methos nodded. "Tell me... how do I know this isn't a trick? After all this time, you of all people know how devious Hastur is."

"You don't." Xelia told her. "I wouldn't buy this speel if I were you. But it's my only real option."

The Atrophied Woman paused. "What if I... Offer you something in return?"

The Dream Goddess folded her arms. "I'm listening."

"I could help you find whoever it is you seem to be looking for." She motioned towards the tablet in the center. "I have thousands of spys in my network with a direct link to me."

Methos rubbed her chin. "Alright. But I am looking for three people as it so happens. Two of them I am having quite a hard time pinning down, either because they are no longer on this planet... or someone like you is shielding them from our sight. You happen to know who I'm talking about. If I am informed correctly, you attempted to seduce another pair of Esmeralda's friends to serve the man you now turn on by blackmailing them with the two I speak of. Ring a bell?"

"You mean the Engineers parents." Xelia rolled her eyes. "She could've had them for free. Yet she had to be so self righteous... All I wanted was Esmeralda."

The Illithid sighed yet again. "I acquired them decades ago. The fact they are her parents was merely a coincidence that I exploited. But I'm willing to trade them for your help."

Methos nodded. "It is a good thing she was so "self-righteous", as you say, or she would likely never forgive herself for handing ever the woman that even you now are trying to save from Hastur." Methos stepped forward. "But enough of my preaching. I am sure you don't have any liking for the gods, so my speeches fall on deaf ears. Tell me... what can you do to help us."

"I know Hasturs plans and his wily ways. Not to mention I could help you find this other person." She looked up, her bandages glowing slightly green. "But I deal with you. Not the other Gods."

"Well to be fear, I doubt the other gods would want to deal with you. Though... it will be hard to do this if we have no allies. And if I was found out... considering my history..." Methos tapped her foot on the ground. "We will need to include at least one other Goddess. How do you feel about Ledono?"

"The Goddess of Creation? Why would she help?" Xelia questioned.

Methos shook her head. "We are not all selfish and solely self serving, you know? Ledono is one of the best examples of that. She was the most vocal against the destruction of your people, begging for an entire race not to be wiped out, but... we were out voted three to five..."

"I suppose that makes sense. Although, according to the gods, we were nothing more than destructive monsters. Did she not believe that, or was she merely for the conserving of life in any form?" The Lanky Creature asked.

"A little of both. She wish to conserve life, but she also believed that you had more potential for good then the others believed. Well..." Methos looked away. "Most of the others. I believe it was cowardice that won that day. It is the same fear that lost us the majestic Golden Hind."

"Very well. I'll agree to meet with her." She nodded.

 

[ZombieSplitter53]

Methos nodded. "Best do it now while the others are asleep." She moved over to the door. "Follow me and... and stay in the shadows if someone comes by."

"If I'm good at anything. One of them would be staying unseen." Xelitha'qha flipped up her hood.

The pair moved silently through the city. As usual, the air was thick and warm from the incredible pressure. Methos looked back after walking for a while, wondering how such a fragile looking being like Xelia was handling it.

The Illithid was familiar with the high atmosphere of Aetherium, not as much through experience, but though study. As Methos looked, she seemed to be completely fine, however once the Goddess looked over, she saw a extremely extremely faint green outline around her, like some kind of force field.

Methos smiled lightly, and opened the door to one of the buildings. "I don't have to tell you to be on your best behavior do I?" she asked.

The Illithid let out an audible sigh. "Very well..."

"Ledono?" Methos called out as she stepped in. "Are you still up?"

Entering an all white room, The Goddess of Creation looked up from a large book. "Methos. It is nice to see you up and about. What can I do for you?"

The dream goddess hesitated for a moment. "I have someone a bit... unusual for you to meet. Please... don't freak out."

The Atrophied and lanky woman floated inside, her green cloak only showing the front of her bandaged up head. "I don't believe we've had the pleasure."

Ledono gasped, rising from her chair. "You... y-you're a... a... I can't believe it..."

"A what? There are many endings to that sentence." Xelia stated.

Ledono let out a small laugh. "A-a Illithid! A living, breathing... I-I never thought I'd see... this is amazing!"

Xelia chuckled. "Is it? Well. We aren't all gone."

"No, I can see that. But it is so hard to find you." Ledon waved her hand. "Come. Let me have a look at you. You... seem to be injured..."

"I am..." She tilted her head slightly, feeling somewhat as though she was being talked to like a pet. "What? Do you plan on fixing it?"

Ledono looked where her leg would have been. "I can... if you'll allow it. I know your people have no love for the gods. Why should you...?"

"Well. While I appreciate that sentiment. It would look rather suspicious if I was suddenly better..." Xelitha'qha glanced over at Methos.

Methos nodded. "Unfortunately."

"Suspicious?" Ledono frowned. "Oh, I see. You are the Illithid minion of Hastur, aren't you? This is a very dangerous place for you to be."

"I'm well aware. You could say I'm a little desperate at the moment." She explained truthfully. "And Minion is quite the dorogatory descriptor."

"Yes, of course. My apologies." Ledono bowed her head.

Methos stepped forward and explained the situation. She was unable to hide her worry over the deal, its validity and the risk with the other gods, but was completely truthful.

When she was finished, Ledono smiled at Xelia. "So you truly care about her, huh?"

"Yes... It was meant to be an experiment... To see if I could have a family... If I could have a daughter..." She nodded. "I'm still not sure if I can... But I want to... I love her..."

Ledono rubbed her chin. "Still... the other gods might find out about this. If they do, the fact that you simply want Esmeralda's safety might make them doubt your loyalty. I... I don't like it, but perhaps we should come up with a more... nefarious reason. Something that would fit with their egos."

"Ah yes... Pander to their cruelty... That could work, but If I do that, what stops then from killing me after all this is done? They've done much worse under the auspices of stamping out 'evil'." Xelia pointed out to her.

Ledono shook her head. "They can not break a formal oath. Besides..." She smiled. "What would be the point of killing one of you when thousands more will exist."

Xelia's expression dropped. "What do you mean?"

"Well, as I said, simply wanting to save Esmeralda is too small for them to believe you are sincere. So what if the deal was you help us stop Hastur and his plans. If that happens, you'll get your wish to save Esmeralda anyway. And in exchange, we... restore you people to their former glory. Thousands of them, instead of what must be at most a dozen or two hiding away from the gods."

"Three." Xelia corrected. "There are three of us. I know. I spent much of my life looking."

Ledono lowered her gaze. "I am so sorry. I know nothing I can say or do will make up for the loneliness and loss you have suffered. But, perhaps... this small gesture will help?"

"We'll see. I suppose. But Methos informed me that you had been outvoted before? Do you really think they see Hastur as enough of a threat to change that stance? They rarely have before." The Illithid asked, stepping forward towards the Goddess.

"That depends." Ledono frowned deeply. "Is he really trying to bring his father into this world?"

"As far as I know. Yes. And I know much. I know he is very close." Xelia nodded slowly.

"Oh, dear." Ledono shook her head. "Then the gods will definitely work with you. Yog-Sothoth is the strongest of the Old Ones. Who can say what he will do with the mortals should he be released, but he will certainly wipe out the gods. They will make many an unwelcome deal to prevent that from happening."

Xelitha'qha, the most trusted of Hastur, reached up and gripped the bandages covering her eyes as she pulled them down. There revealed a single large eye with grey whites and brightly glowing sickly green Iris; something Ledono knew was a very unique trait among Illithid. It almost seemed like it was looking into their hearts and souls, piercing them to their core. "If you can assure Esmeralda's safety, then I agree. But only if. I will not betray Hastur only for Xia'tar to kill Esmeralda himself, whether to prevent it from ever happening again or to tie up loose ends. Do you understand?"

Ledono and Methos exchanged a glance, nodding. "Agreed," said the former.

"You have my sincere word." Ledono extended her hand. "No harm will come to her, or to you."

She hesitated for a moment before slowly reaching her hand out, grasping the Goddess of Creation's. "Very well..."