Fantasy Hunter's Moon: The Sin & Sentence [IC] [CLOSED]

[Infab]

"I just want to help my people, Cassiel, but I am not going to wait a second longer; not when the blood of not one, but two icons is still fresh on my sword. So I need guns, lots of them, and lots of ammunition too. Once I have enough to arm the people of Tehom, then our uprising against Thorgran may truly begin."

"...I understand, Leakhena. I'll see that a shipment of weapons, ammunition, and supplies are brought to you. Give me a moment to check with Grand Inquisitor Armstrong and Lady Rebecca." he said, before turning about. He then summoned a portal, and quickly stepped through it. Vanishing from the room. It wasn't but minute or two before Cassiel reappeared, giving Leakhena and Zebulon a nod. "Armstrong is beginning the paperwork on acquiring the shipment. It should arrive within the next few days via train. Lady Rebecca will see to it that it is delivered to a staging area outside Eternis. From there, you can bring it to the Abyss any way you see fit."

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"So what are your plans now? You didn't stay in the Abyss, you aren't dead..." asked Cassandra, as she stepped into the Armory. Riberta lifted up a claymore, looking it over. "...I'm going to wait." she responded, forcing Cassandra to raise an eyebrow. "Wait? For what?"

Riberta glanced to her. "...For the obvious. Sazak, the Icons, Taranoch. That binding keeping them down there isn't going to stay up for very long." she stated, before looking back to the claymore. "Ahhh...Yes, they'll eventually break the binding." muttered Cassandra, as she herself began to look over the equipment in the room.

"...While I wait, I'll see if any of my clan is still alive. If not, then...I guess I'll be doing things solo." added Riberta. Eventually, she turned about, setting the claymore on a table she had cleared off for the most part. The only other equipment sitting on the table with it was a set of old looking armor. It looked as if it had been dug up out of the Archives, a set of armor that looked like it originated from Nivarden or western Tsavania. Runes and other markings were inscribed upon the plating, which was fitted to the armor with leather straps and buckles. The helmet, strangely, looked more Daristeinian in nature. They also featured rather large horns, like a bull. It honestly reminded Cassandra a bit of the Abyssal armor that Riberta had been wearing in the Abyss, which she had removed and handed off to Tariun's soldier before she left.

Cassandra eyed the armor for a few moments, before turning about and looking to the weapons on the racks. "...How long do you think it will be before Taranoch decides to break the binding?" she asked, as she stopped in front of a rather well crafted sabre. Riberta shrugged. "...A month or two. He has to settle the chaos we caused first. If Tariun doesn't bring a full-scale civil war to his doorstep first."

Cassandra nodded, taking the sabre from the wall and twirling it about. "...Well, that's how much time we have to prepare, then."

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"It's good to see you again, mademoiselle Witlock."

And a moment later, Valeria had dropped down low enough to hug Theodore. Doing almost the same thing she had with Camille. Undite sighed, standing next to them as she allowed Valeria to hug the short scholar.

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Elsewhere...

Tariun's Fortress
The Northern Abyss


"...Here is your map." said Tariun, as she handed over a rolled up scroll to Ethraeil. "On it, we've marked the safest path for you to the Canyon of Titans. From there, you're on your own. We don't know what else may be living there now, but we do have confirmation that the Runeforger is living there...My scout barely made it back." Around her, demons were looking over other maps of the area around them, searching for new locations in the event they had to move the fortress or discovering other left over locations from the old days of the Kingdom. There were also battle maps laid out, with locations marked for strikes and others marked for proper recruiting or for outposts.

Activity had picked up inside the fortress, with demons moving about. Planning new attacks on the Icons and their territories, as well as direct strikes against Taranoch. Xager's wounds had been mended finally, as had Azathor's. Necrosis was difficult to deal with, especially from Sazak's blade. Supplies were being brought in from sources in the Mortal Realm, acquired by Tariun and gathered by her personnel.

As Tariun spoke to Ethraeil in her 'war room', Xager decided to check in on Mariette. Mainly to see how she was adapting to being a demon. It's always a difficult process at first. Developing natural magical abilities, the art of natural levitation, the sensitivity to iron objects, and so on. There was also the general appearance changes which were always difficult to adapt to. The horns, eyes, claws...some even sprouted wings sometimes.

Xager knocked on the door to Mariette's room, before folding her arms behind her back as she often did. "Mariette? It is me. Xager. Checking in on you."

 

[Breadman]

While he expected the hug, Theodore didn't expect to get so emotional himself over it. The weight had finally started to set in fully. The short man embraced Valeria as well as he tried to calm her, while fighting back tears of his own. Muttering 'It's alright' and 'It's not your fault' over and over again almost mechanically.

Sara stood near them, but keeping a distance. Looking around, she noticed that Cassandra had gone somewhere. The young inquisitor couldn't help but wonder where the pureblood had run off to.

 

[joshuadim]

Ethraeil unrolled the scroll, looking upon its contents to see what the path would be like and studied it intently before rolling it back and storing it for safekeeping. "Thank you." he simply stated to Tariun before crossing his arms, "Do you know if there has been any word regarding my lieutenants? Any sightings?" he then asked, "I would prefer to not travel alone." But before he could get an actual answer, Azathor entered the room having overheard the conversation and shook his head. "You can't be serious about actually going there, are you?" he asked Ethraeil, "That place is... few dare to go there for good reason. And the Runeforger, I've heard stories about him. None all too pretty either."

"That is none of your concern."

"Like hell like it isnt!" Azathor quickly cut in, "You're going off on some wild chase while the rest of us are fighting here! And then you're just going to leave like this? Did my help mean nothing to you after all that I've done?" He then looked at Tariun in bewilderment: "Are you seriously going to let him?"

 

[K0mori]

Mariette answered the door quickly, as she had with Ethraeil. While she hadn't known Xager personally for very long, she could easily recognize the lieutenant's powerful aura apart from the many demons bustling about the hidden stronghold. It had been three days since she arrived at this place. The first day had gone by in a blur; she had bathed and retired to her quarters in fresh clothing almost immediately, and slept for over ten hours. Upon waking, a dark depression settled upon her. Her friends, wherever they were in the mortal realm, had only been there for a few hours. The joy of reuniting with their loved ones, of walking under a familiar sky, among safe and welcoming surroundings, the world she knew and loved... that joy would still be fresh for them.

Would it have been possible to defeat Kellea, Ralvas, and Azgon, had Mariette not worn the armor and accepted the corruption of her soul? And if victory were still possible, would it have come at the cost of another life, beyond noble Venextos? Her recollection of the battles themselves were hazy, as the servant's influence had left her intoxicated, but she remembered Vincent was on death's door by the end of their final struggle. Cassandra had taken a heavy beating from Azgon, and Riberta had almost burned her arms off in the battle against Ralvas. There was no telling what greater sacrifices would have been required had Mariette not surrendered her soul. But that fact on its own didn't stop her from wishing it had been someone else who had to stay behind.

She returned to thinking of what drove her to take her own life to begin with: a lack of trust in her ability to resist temptation. While others often tried to reassure her that her damnation was unjust, and that her past mistakes could be overcome with future acts, she also knew that present good decisions did not guarantee salvation. Cassandra wasn't bound by these sorts of moral quandaries, it seemed. She had tried hard to get Mariette to ignore her past tendencies, and had very nearly succeeded. But in the end, it was Mariette who won: Cassandra wasn't just returning to the Abyss to be with her. She was returning because it was the correct thing to do.

Mariette just hoped that Cass would stay true to her word.

In the end, Mariette got exactly what she wanted, as bittersweet as it could be: she would no longer have to fear her greatest weakness. She hadn't conquered it, but rather embraced it- but in doing so, she trapped it in a realm apart from humanity forever. And here, as she had already made mortal enemies with the only figures which might lead her to a destructive path again, she concluded that all would be well... someday. For now, she would be awash in jealousy and sadness, so intense they nearly prevented her from even confronting the details of her new lease on life.

By the third day, she was beginning to grow used to it. Her appearance was new, for the first time in centuries. Now when she looked into a mirror, she saw her golden irises, shining out from dark, cavernous eyes which mesmerized her. Her hair had changed in color to be silvery, almost blue. At first she had believed it to be the armor's effect, but when it did not revert after the servant was killed, she realized it was simply the corruption at work. Her sweeping, majestic horns gave her a proud and powerful appearance, but they were also very awkward indoors and every time she caught them on a doorframe, she wanted to hide in shame.

She was faster and stronger than an ordinary vampire. With the proper blood in her system, she could even fight toe to toe with Cassandra. Had Tariun not told Cass what to do when they were gathered at the Abyssal gate, Mariette might have very well killed her. She didn't like to contemplate that scenario, but it did reveal the vast improvement in capability. However, she also remembered that Azgon had only failed to rip her to pieces thanks to her servant's efforts. Without the cursed armor, Mariette would be highly vulnerable. She would need to seek out a new solution.

"Mariette? It is me. Xager. Checking in on you."

"Bonjour, Xager," she said with a weak smile. "I'm still coming to terms with it all. I have decided to explore magic today... I have little to say except that I feel like a novice again. I have not lost a step when it comes to the incantations and casting with blood, of course. It is the same as it has always been. But now it feels strange to me, as if my magic is far away, when it should not be. Or perhaps I now sense how close it can be, how intimate, and now my past methods feel inadequate."

She looked down at her hand. "I created fire with ease, when I felt strong. I wonder what else I can create. Perhaps I can learn to recreate the illusions and other hexes from that grimoire without the use of blood. Maybe without the grimoire at all. We shall see, I suppose." Then, she looked up with a question. "How soon will it be, before I can rejoin the fight?"

 

[Infab]

Xager nodded, as she stepped into the room and stood at its center in almost a militaristic stance. "You will grow far stronger, able to channel magic and perform spells without the need of substances or spell books. You may perhaps choose an elemental doctrine to follow, or follow the ways of the blood demon, or master the shadows and control shadow demons. That path is particularly difficult, and only a select few in history have been able to do so. You may even become a master sorceress like Taranoch's advisor Mazgith, in time." stated the demon lieutenant. "As you grow in power, you will learn to create portals like Tariun and I can. You can already levitate, as most demon mages can. That particular trait you will discover soon enough. As for your fire abilities, clear your mind and focus on manifesting it. Start small, spawning flames on your fingertips. Then, work your way up to fireballs. Be careful, however. As you are just starting out, the fireballs may be difficult to control."

"How soon will it be, before I can rejoin the fight?"

Xager glanced over to Mariette. "Lady Tariun believes that you should practice a bit more with your magical abilities, first. A few more days at the most. Then, she wishes for you to go with Azathor and his forces. I will check in on you every so often to see how your magical abilities are progressing. Once you have decided what path you wish to follow as a demon mage, let me know, and I will seek out the proper documentation and information to help you along."

She then turned to face Mariette. "...Is there anything you wish to know? I am happy to answer, or try and answer, any other questions you may have. Regardless of the subject."

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"Are you seriously going to let him?"

"...We made a deal, so yes. I have to let him." responded Tariun, her head turning a bit to look at Azathor. "And it may be for the best. If he finds the Runeforger, perhaps he may make our jobs easier here. We need to figure out a proper way to slay more Icons and Taranoch without just slinging numbers at them."

She then looked to Ethraeil once again. "We have spotted a few of your lieutenants in Wrath territory. We are attempting to get in contact with them, but it has been difficult with the breakdown of things with Azgon's absence. The same is happening in the land of Pride. We expect Taranoch to step in and restore order in those territories in the next few weeks."

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Eventually, Valeria released Theodore, at the behest of Undite. She needed to calm her down, and it wasn't going to happen if she was latching on to her old Inquiry associates. She pulled her away to the side, sitting her down in a pew and talking softly to her to calm her. Vincent had moved over to where Cassiel, Leakhena, and Zebulon were. Listening in on what Leakhena was requesting of the Church. Soon, Cassandra reappeared in the Cathedral, walking up the steps with a new sabre hanging from her hip. It seemed to be one of the enchanted ones from the Armory, made to combat various types of supernaturals and used by some members of the now disbanded Velin's Order. She was also dressed like a traditional Inquisitor again, wearing a cloak that wrapped around her as well as an inquisitor's hat. She walked past Camille, strolling down the Cathedral aisle until she arrived where Theodore and Sara were.

"Greetings, short one." stated Cassandra, as she peered down at Theodore. She then glanced to Sara. "...And who might you be, madame?"

 

[joshuadim]

Azathor balled his hands into fists in anger before turning to Ethraeil. "Fuck you." he said to the Lich King before storming off. Ethraeil didn't give off any cues as to whether or not such words hurt him as he simply nodded to Tariun and made his way to leave Tariun's fortress and make his way to where the Runeforger resided. As he left, he marched without reprieve while following the map as best as he could. Lichdom, for as much as he despised himself for it, did have its benefits in that he could move without need of rest. It was going to be a long haul to get where he needed to go, but should what he sought be there it would be worth it tenfold. And so he marched into the wastes alone, searching for the one being that could give him the power he needs with nothing but his wits and his will... and the blood of a king upon his own blade.

 

[Dmaster]

Camille sighed as Valeria let her go, partially because the hug was incredibly tight but also because of the hurricane of emotions. Though the huntress tried to be as reserved as possible in such matters, even she had her limits. The huntress was perceptive enough to notice Cassandra pass by her, to which she merely glared angrily at her before looking to where Valeria went off to. While her former leader started to talk to what appeared to be a distraught Theodore next, Hudson took a few cautious steps toward his wife as he continued to look rather nervous. "You're still pissed at me, I take it." he starts bluntly.

"Depending on your next words I may end up even more pissed." she replied in her thick accent, purposefully dropping it somewhat to mimic Hudson's vocabulary.

"Right, look - I'm sorry. You really didn't want me to go on this mission, I know that but I felt like I just... had to." Hudson says, gesturing about as he was having trouble expressing how he felt about the whole affair. "It's no question that you're the best thing that's happened to me in... well, I can't even remember the last good thing that's happened to me. After all I've done, I just felt... undeserving."

"So venturing into the very Abyss on the whim of a goddess who cared not for your own survival was your way of earning me? What utter ridiculousness." Camille shot back, finally turning to him as she crossed her arms over her chest. "You told me all of your struggles, every ghost of your past that so violently haunts you. Yet in the end I still chose to be with you because you have never stopped trying to make things right. You're a man of conviction, and you try to keep it safe from monsters as I do."

Hudson nodded his head slowly, not quite sure where she was going with this considering she was calling him an idiot in one breath and complimenting him in the next. "... I try to, at least." he said with a sigh. "So you're not that upset with me then?"

"No, I'm furious with you. I let you go because I felt like I had no other choice, that no matter what I said to you it would just bounce off of your hard head." she replied, shutting her eyes before taking a deep breath. "I felt... betrayed? We are supposed to be a team, Hudson. You and I are meant to take care of one another, watch each other when no one else will. There are battles we fought that we could have never managed alone. Yet as soon as you find a noble cause to stake your heart on and likely die for, you drop everything and leave without a second thought..."

The hunter bowed his head slightly. "I didn't want you going with me, it would have been too dange-"

"Bullshit." Camille interrupted. "I would have managed myself fine, you know I don't slow you down at all. You're better off with me than only having your clumsy self in the thick of things."

"I wasn't alone, I had a team." Hudson replied sternly.

"Of convicts, sinners, and worse, oui. I'm certain that you were quite trusting of them and had no worry of them stabbing you in your sleep."

"Of course I was worried! And you being there would mean I would have to worry about the same happening to you too!" he said to try and defend himself. "Even then, the Abyssal gate only lets sinners in and I didn't know if - "

"You think me absolved of sin, Hudson? Do you think I do not have done anything I regret? Who knows if the gates would have locked me out?" Camille interrupts yet again.

He shook his head from side to side. "Better to leave it a mystery than have you come all that way just to possibly stay behind on the surface." Hudson muttered.

"Hmph... That is rather typical of you, treating me as if I am frail. Making decisions for me rather than even considering that you would have been safer with me, and I safer with you." the huntress replied, glaring at him.

Hudson pinched the bridge of his nose in slight exasperation. "You're right - I said I was sorry, at this point I am just trying to explain to you why I did what I thought was right. I've made many mistakes Cam, I didn't want you being killed on a suicide mission to be one of them."

"So you thought to make me a widow would be less of a mistake?"

He took a deep breath of his own. "For a time, yes. I thought you deserved better than me. There are men far more noble or skilled than myself out there, I thought you would be okay." Camille started to look furious as he said that, but Hudson continued. "But when I was down there, ready to die and finally atone for all I've done, the shadow demon that was going to kill me mentioned how he would hurt you and the kids next. I couldn't let that happen... I realized that you're the reason to keep going, to start committing to getting myself out and alive rather than dying down there like an idiotic martyr. Even at the start there wasn't a moment that went by where I didn't miss you."

Camille's icy expression gradually melted, and Hudson stepped forward to put a hand on her shoulder that moved down to the small of her back. "We are a team, and whatever comes next we'll do it together. I promise." The two stared into one another's eyes for a moment before they finally leaned in for a kiss, the huntress looking a bit teary eyed after the fact as they embraced each other.

"Then... I suppose I can forgive you. This time." Camille finally said, a slight smirk on her face.

"Hah, killed two Icons, survived the Abyss... and managed to come back without my wife stabbing my throat. Maybe we're entering The Age of Miracles." Hudson replied, grinning.

"Your sense of humor is godawful."

 

[Damian0358]

Xiaòzhou listened closely as Leakhena explained to Cassiel what they were planning on doing, and smiled when Cassiel confirmed for them a shipment of what they needed. He placed his hands on her and Zebulon's shoulders.

"Leakhena, I remember when you were among those whom advocated to not destroy the crops, and instead hoping to distribute them to the people. I know you care greatly for your people! You two have great ambitions, and a just cause to take action against those who prevent true peace among them! Genuinely, I wish you two the best of luck!" he said, giving the two a wide grin.

 

[ANIMAL MOTHER]

"Armstrong is beginning the paperwork on acquiring the shipment. It should arrive within the next few days via train. Lady Rebecca will see to it that it is delivered to a staging area outside Eternis. From there, you can bring it to the Abyss any way you see fit."

A smile steadily forms on Leakhena's face, and is soon accompanied by a short burst of joyful laughter. "Oh, thank you! Thank you, Cassiel!" she says, barely able to contain her excitement. "I'll never forget this, you know?"

"Though there is one other thing I feel very important to discuss while we are still present together." Zebulon decides to chime in. He also pulls out the checkered scarf around his neck and shows it off to Cassiel, to Takato, and to Vincent. "This that we wear around our necks is called a 'krama'. It's what our movement will use to distinguish ourselves from the others. Now you may see demons roam around collecting further supplies of ammunition, rifles, other sorts of weaponry, and even armor occasionally from now on. If they are wearing one of these, then they are one of ours. Please, don't hurt them. We've got enough problems going forward as is."

The scarf goes back around his neck, though he lifts a finger as he remembers something else.

"Oh, and if you still are not sure that they're one of ours, ask them who wrote the Hora'a. The only answer you should accept is a 'Mr. Za'am'."

 

[Breadman]

"Take care of yourself, Valeria." Theodore quietly told her as her grip released "You've been through enough." Now that he was released, the scholar let out a heavy sigh. He would have enough time to regain his composure to turn and see Cassandra had come back. It seemed like she disappeared into the armory to restock. "Hello to you too." answering her was the politest thing he could do right now. Though the pureblood's attention was now towards his colleague rather to him.

"Inquisitor Sara Reed, madam." Her tone was more official than Theodore's "Lady Valin's first new inquisitor, but that has no administrative bearing. I'm just the first one to sign up. Ser Royland the third is the one in charge." She gave Cassandra a proper look over her new gear, noting the exquisite blade she's wielding "Would it be too presumptuous to assume you would be joining our ranks? Even with the bad blood between you and the former Order, you are owed a clean slate and chance."

 

[Infab]

"Would it be too presumptuous to assume you would be joining our ranks? Even with the bad blood between you and the former Order, you are owed a clean slate and chance."

Cassandra couldn't help but chuckle, but shook her head afterwards. "No chance of that ever happening, Inquisitor Reed. There's far more than just a little bad blood between me and the Vigilant Order. And it goes a long way back." she said, folding her arms and resting against one of the pews. "You see...I first joined the Inquisition back during the Age of Darkness. During one of those little...pauses in the chaos. I was the daughter of one Jack L. Bainbridge, of House Bainbridge. Our house has disappeared from most records, I assure you, but the Church catalogues former royalty and rulers of Atraca. They'll be in there if you search hard enough."

"I joined the Inquisition after a conversation with a handsome gentleman by the name of David Fletcher. He was a senior inquisitor at the time, and should be in the records as well. I fell in love with the man during my training...and we spent quite a lot of time together. Anyway, after two years of training, I finally proved myself worthy of Inquisitor status. I was assigned to a Senior Inquisitor named Elliott Baxter. Stout fellow, good with a crossbow but not much else. I and a handful of other inquisitors were sent with Baxter to investigate vampire sightings in an old fort on the border of Atraca and Tsavania. Fort Calliwell. We went in armed to the teeth...but everyone was still slaughtered. There were so many of them...too many. And I was left alive as a plaything. They'd let me escape, run off into the woods of the highlands...before hunting me down after dark and dragging me back to that gods forsaken place."

"...They tortured me. Sometimes used me as a blood bag. And nobody came. The Inquisition, the Church...David...Nobody. Eventually...I snapped. I asked them to turn me. To make me a vampire. So they did...and after I had become one...I slaughtered them all in their sleep. And then I left. Months had passed, and I didn't even know it. My adopted sister had died during child birth. My father? Slit his own throat. I looked for David, and when I found him...I professed my love to him. I asked him to join me...to become a vampire like me so that we could be together forever....but he said no. And treated me like I was a monster. So I became one...and killed him. Ripped him to pieces. Afterwards, I spent the next few hundred years roaming Adonia. Playing the part of vampire mercenary for horrible people. Killing members of the Inquisition and Church for sport. And then, I met Duke Ashwood...who introduced me to Sazak. The rest is history."

She glanced to Theodore again, before looking back to Sara. "...The old Inquisition and Church left me for dead, and in turn...helped to create a monster. And I am a monster in the fullest definition of the word. What I have done throughout the past few hundred years cannot be forgiven or wiped away. There is no clean slate for me, only one that is blackened with my misdeeds...but at least I can fit a nice diamond or something to the slate with my actions while I'm here. Kill Sazak, and perhaps Taranoch. Fix the flow of time...as well as everything else. And then I go home to be with Mariette."

She then sighed. "I hope the new Inquisition and Church learns from its mistakes with people like you and whomever else are at the helm. Also...what happened to Grand Inquisitor Armstrong? Isn't he still around? I thought he'd be leading the new Inquisition. And that...Living Saint lady."

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Vincent and Cassiel nodded in response to Zebulon's statements. "Understood. We'll inform the Inquisition and other Church members of the krama's and such." stated Cassiel. "Anything we can do to help turn the tide in the Abyss against Taranoch and his Icons." said Vincent.

 

[Breadman]

Sara listened intently as Cassandra recounted the details of her downfall. The inquisitor occasionally glanced to Theodore to see if there was anything conflicting with other what they know. The scholar didn't object to anything. He didn't need to. Everything Cassandra said was the truth exactly as she wrote it in her diary. Unless she planned for someone to find it and be led astray by a convoluted and detailed story like that for some long-term ruse, a scenario he found highly doubtful.

''We're currently in the process of fixing what we can. We cannot turn back time and do right by you. If anything your story proves that the Order was decaying for longer than we thought. A group of inquisitors disappearing should have been a call for action."

"You probably saw a lot of that decay while down in the armory yourself." Theodore chimed in. "Too many chapters like yours in the archives."

"As for the Grand inquisitor, he got his office moved once Velin came back. Still as strong as the stories say he is. I prefer him to Ser Royland personally, but I can't influence who I directly answer to. Only request a transfer once my job is done."

"The living saint's appearance was a shock to many of us to say the least." Theodore continued, glancing to see if Valeria was in earshot. He didn't know if she was aware of Rebecca's return or how she would react once she hears it "Rebecca Witlock is the reason Sazak was so infatuated with getting to Valeria." He tried to be careful with his words "A battle even we archivists knew nothing about, but maybe you heard more, given your time in the Abyss."

 

[ANIMAL MOTHER]

"Anything we can do to help turn the tide in the Abyss against Taranoch and his Icons."

Leakhena nods in agreement with him. “And anything helps since we don’t have much to begin with. Right now it’s just me, Zebulon here, and a few others rallied fully against Thorgran. But mark my words, when those rifles come, that fat fuck doesn’t have a clue about the fire we will light under his ass-“ A tap on her shoulder and a shake of the head from Zebulon interrupts her.

“Please, not in a church.”

Meekly, she covers her mouth. “...Pardon my Escarian. Anyway, we should get going. I’ll be at my other home just across the border gathering other things until that train comes. Takato, Cassiel, Vincent... Thank you, each of you, for helping us. I owe you big when all this is over.” With her request for aid approved by the church, the both of them give a parting bow to the three as there’s nothing else they need, and the matters are indeed urgent after all. Zebulon walks off to the door although suddenly, Leakhena stops. Sensing something wrong, he turns around just to see her sulk back towards the three of them.

She looks back at them with an expression that screams remorse and shame. “... I-I almost forgot. There’s just one more thing... and I-... it’s something just as personal...” Anxiously, she rubs her forehead while trying to figure out how she’ll explain it. “Vincent, you know already. But... Cassiel, I don’t think you do. My followers... they’re not the only ones I’m hoping you look out for... but my son as well.” Sweat forms on her face, and her posture becomes noticeably more unstable. “Y-You see, I... I gave birth to a son years ago... b-but I couldn’t... I-I d-didn’t want him. H-He l-l-looked s-so much like K-Karlel...”

Right before she can fall apart again any more, Zebulon swiftly moves in and wraps his arms around her in a hug. Leakhena tries breathing slowly and carefully to collect herself.

“I don’t care if he’s fighting for Taranoch or not, but if you see him, p-please... just promise you’ll bring him to me...”

 

[Infab]

"A battle even we archivists knew nothing about, but maybe you heard more, given your time in the Abyss."

Cassandra glanced over to where Valeria was with Undite, before speaking in a quieter tone. "Yes. I know of the battle both from when I was around in the Age of Darkness as well as while I was in the Abyss. Sazak was defeated in one-on-one combat by Rebecca. Its how he got that nasty scar on his female vessel...well, he used to have it on his female vessel. He destroyed his own vessel in a rage while we escaped the Abyss."

"The Templars fought each of the Icons, defeating them and banishing them to the Abyss. A ritual was performed afterwards, casting Taranoch into the Abyss as well as binding him and all of demon kind there. The artifacts were used as the focal points for the bindings. Break one, you break the binding. Its why Taranoch is gathering the artifacts. He wants them all in his possession so he can use the remaining ones against the world after he breaks one of them....Sazak and Ralvas liked to talk about the idea together."

She glanced to Valeria again, before continuing. "...Sazak hates the entire Witlock bloodline because of Rebecca. He kept Valeria locked in a dark prison cell in a necropolis in the Abyss, and would visit her to torture her over the course of thirty Abyssal years... She needs serious help to get past what he did to her."

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“I don’t care if he’s fighting for Taranoch or not, but if you see him, p-please... just promise you’ll bring him to me...”

Cassiel smiled and nodded. "...I shall search high and low for him, Leakhena. You have my word. If I should find him, I shall bring him directly to you, if at all possible. If not, I'll bring you to him." he replied. Vincent spoke as well. "I'll help him look. You can count on it."

 

[Breadman]

"That explains why the mission required them to find the artifacts." Sara made a conclusion "I wonder what the death of two Icons would mean for the bindings. Magic tethering is very tricky from what I've read."

"Beyond our paygrade I'm afraid." Theodore spoke, once again he glanced to Valeria "I'm more concerned for her more than anything." Turning to Cassandra before he continued "Tortured for decades by some mad demon over his wounded pride. I can't even begin to imagine the damage he inflicted on her. Where would one even begin the healing?"

 

[Dmaster]

Hudson and Camille soon made their approach, looking to at least discuss things with Theodore and his coworker for a little bit before they returned for home. Though the huntress did not look very thrilled at all to be so close to Cassandra, and she made that known by keeping her eyes on the pureblood even as she greeted Theodore. "Bonjour monsieur Boivin. And to you too, Sara. Apologies I didn't properly greet the both of you earlier." she says, Hudson standing to her side with his arms crossed.

"She was too busy kicking the shit out of me." he chimed in, getting her to adjust her glare to him for a few moments.

"Ah, oui - this is my husband Hudson. Do not pay much mind to his complaints, he'll stop whining if you ignore them." Camille warned before moving on. "What brings you to the Grand Cathedral? Have you made some progress on those investigations you were on when we last spoke?"

 

[ANIMAL MOTHER]

"...I shall search high and low for him, Leakhena. You have my word. If I should find him, I shall bring him directly to you, if at all possible. If not, I'll bring you to him."

"I'll help him look. You can count on it."

Their promises to be watchful for her son bring out perhaps the warmest smile either Takato or Vincent have seen from her yet, and if they recall their little tour of her home, it almost makes her look just as bright as she did in that old portrait of hers.

"I... I'll never forget this... I promise. I don't even know how I'll repay you..." she sheepishly responds. "But hey, when this is all over, I'm throwing us all a party."

 

[Breadman]

"Officially we are here on business, madam. Which is half-true." Sara spoke first. "I'll leave the actual reason to Theodore, while I do the official part. Please excuse me." Taking a piece of parchment out of her pocket, the inquisitor turned towards the staircase and descended down the steps.

"It's good to see you again Camille and a pleasure to meet you too monsieur Hudson." Theodore spoke a bit more relaxed "I wanted to come to check on Valeria and to find out about Henderson's fate." He looked to the hunter for a moment "I apologize if he was too much at times." Back to Camille "The investigations regarding the other scholars are nearly done. Now I need to make a list of replacements to recommend to the knight commander. Speaking of, the weapon investigation Royland saddled us with hit a snag as certain key suspects have gone underground, but the other inquisitors assigned to assist us have eased the workload." He sighed "In other words, same as ever."

While the others were talking, Sara went down the steps. Making a turn she entered the archivist wing. She quickly walked past the libraries and scroll repositories, right towards the head archivist's office. Locked as expected and no key. Fortunately she had the key from Ludwig, taken when he was arrested by order of Velin. The room was tightly ordered and neatly kept. Almost spotless. 'A spotless room means either someone is obsessed or they're hiding something.' was the advice of her tutor. He would have no idea how right he was. Checking the parchment again, she started to rummage through the desk and drawers, until she found what she was looking for. A switch hidden in the very back. Pulling it caused the bookcase to move, revealing a repository.

Inside she found a plethora of items. Books, trinkets, grizzly trophies and more. Instruments used for all sorts of foul magic, right under their nose the whole time. Would have likely been hidden for longer had one of the other inquisitors not happen to chance something in the former head archivist's diary. A code. Going through more documents revealed a twisted manifest meant for anyone who could decipher it. But it also pointed to something that was of great interest to her personally.

"There you are." She said as she saw the artifact in front of her. Ludwig was a twisted man. He wanted to continue Theodore and Henderson's work when that wasn't possible anymore. To do that, he would need the mind of the person who originated that twisted idea. Lady Lynch. Her family's greatest shame. A mad pureblood intent on creating an army of hybrids under her command. Now just a head remained after Henderson was done with her. Still intact and free of decay, preserved in what can only be described as some ornate metal and glass box. Nothing more than a grizzly trophy a madman wanted to communicate with using the necromantic knowledge of another. "Wonder if you can hear me in that state?" She looked at her relative's slack face through the glass walls of the box. "I hope not. That would mean you're not alive in there. Subjected to untold pain and suffering all this time." Looking around, she found found something to cover the box and hide the ghastly contents. "Come, let's see you get a proper burial." Taking a final look of the room full of artifacts she spoke again "Far away from this place."

 

[Damian0358]

Xiaòzhou smiled as Loque began departing turned into slight shock as she abruptly revealed to them that she apparently had a son! Though he glanced at Vincent when she mentioned having told him this, he largely kept his eyes on her as he thought on it. Without delving into his own feelings as a child without his parents, he recalled when he learned of the rejection of Imperial-era infant laws in the post-Darkness era of Upper Redonia, within which infants were treated more akin to a resource to grow and serve the army, the farm, the enterprises and the treasury, and how an infant could be rejected by a family out of necessity for older family members, thus allowing ancestral glorification. Things had changed much since, with communal solutions to deal with abandoned children, though much remains the same even despite the Dou's proliferation.

"Make that three," Xiaòzhou added his voice to the other two professing their help in finding her son. He could only hope that he shared his mother's sentiments.

He smiled cheerily in response to seeing Loque smile as brightly as she had back home. He scratched his head in response to her sheepishness and proclamation that she'd been throwing them a part after all this. He hasn't been to many parties, but he was glad to hear it.

"M-May we hope for when we are all past this!"

 

[joshuadim]

The Canyon of Titans
A few abyssal weeks later...

Ethraeil gazed upon the nearly barren landscape of the canyon that he had been led to by Tariun's map. Like most of the wastes he had been traversing, there wasn't much here apart from the rocks that formed the ground and the dust that blew about from the wind. Yet at the center of the canyon, far off in the distance, he saw what appeared to be the decaying and abandoned buildings of a city. At some point perhaps it served as a bustling and proud city within this place, yet that history was long forgotten by what appeared to be the rest of the Abyss as it was noticeably quiet and without much of what one could consider to be city life.

As Ethraeil marched onwards to the city, he dispatched of several hostile creatures that attempted to attack him as he drained their life-force out of their bodies and left withered husks in his wake. He didn't bother paying much attention to any of these things as he made it to the large bridge that connected the city to the rest of the canyon and entered the city itself. He was no stranger to cities devoid of life, but the silence here was something else. Unlike in the rest of the canyon and wastes, the city itself didn't even have any of the creatures he had encountered on his way and the only thing he heard apart from the wind and movement of smaller street signs was his own footsteps.

He remarked on the city for some time, trying to gain some bearing as to where he was supposed to go or even if this was where he was supposed to be in the canyon. Tariun had said they had confirmed the Runeforger was here, yet there seemed to be absolutely nothing here. Had she been wrong? This growing doubt grew as he advanced further into the city with nothing accompanying him but his own thoughts as he peered to alleys and buildings everywhere for any indication of life here. Yet nothing seemed to appear at all after a few hours of searching. Perhaps this had been one large waste of time and Tariun had either been wrong or misled him for some reason out here.

He entered the city center like he did a few times before during his search before sitting down on an abandoned bench and resting his sword on his legs. He peered down to see hid own reflection on the metal that hadn't been stained with Taranoch's blood and observed for quite some time. Plenty of thoughts went through his head in regards of what to do as he pondered the point of having even travelled all this way. But then he felt it, not as an aura but rather as a sheer presence within the city itself as a powerful gust of wind trailed into the city center and around Ethraeil for a moment before dispersing. Something had made its presence known.

 

[K0mori]

Xager glanced over to Mariette. "Lady Tariun believes that you should practice a bit more with your magical abilities, first. A few more days at the most. Then, she wishes for you to go with Azathor and his forces. I will check in on you every so often to see how your magical abilities are progressing. Once you have decided what path you wish to follow as a demon mage, let me know, and I will seek out the proper documentation and information to help you along."

She then turned to face Mariette. "...Is there anything you wish to know? I am happy to answer, or try and answer, any other questions you may have. Regardless of the subject."

"I have a few questions. In fact, I have more than a few," Mariette replied, sullenly. "I must admit, when I escaped from Sazak's palace, freedom alone was all I cared about. But, I must admit that I began to dream of returning to my former life, and all of the luxuries that came with it. I was a noble, and a wealthy business woman. I had a large estate and spent much of my time socializing with other gens de la nuit... While It's clear to me that my old life will remain in the past, it has been thirty years since I have even dared of keeping personal possessions. I miss having things, as petty as that might sound. But I have no idea where to begin; I have no money, and nothing to trade. And I don't wish to become some sort of pirate, pillaging the weak and less fortunate.

"Mes dieux, I'm getting ahead of myself," she said, rubbing her eyes. "I suppose I should start with what I need- armor. Azgon nearly ripped me in two when we fought, and it was only the armor I stole from the necropolis that kept me together. It's still a mystery to me... Why did wearing that armor turn me into a raving lunatic? Vixas told me that the Icon who wore it before me was rather well-regarded. I thought I had control of the servant which possessed it, but I suppose it truly had me under some sort of spell. Regardless, if I am to fight as I did before, I will need to find or have made armor which can protect me, preferably one which won't drive me mad," she quipped.

"As for other needs... I am at a loss. I have been improvising since my escape, and relying on others to guide me. I don't know what I need, or where to get it, so perhaps you can tell me. And then- we'll see about this rebellion. I know of Tariun, and I know what she represents. I know that the rightful order of things in the Abyss has been disrupted by Taranoch for longer than I have been alive, and we seek to restore that order. But, other than Azathor, I don't know much about the rebellion. I was able to gleam a bit from Sazak and Ralvas, when they used to speak about it in the parlor, but, well... I know less than your enemies do, let's say. Who are the commanders? Where are the battles happening?

"What is the plan?" Mariette hesitated a moment, having realized that she was quite simply burying Xager with questions. "Je suis désolé à ce sujet," she muttered. "I only have two more questions. I would like to know more about blood demons. You mentioned them earlier. My captivity has prevented me from exploring particular subjects, and that is one I have never quite gotten a clear explanation about. What is the distinction? And lastly - I promise - if there are supplies coming and going from the mortal realm, as I have heard, would be it possible to send a message, perhaps a letter?"

The final question, Xager realized purely from the timber of Mariette's voice, was very near to the witch's heart.

 

[ANIMAL MOTHER]

"M-May we hope for when we are all past this!"

"If not here, then in the Nether for sure." sarcastically remarks Zebulon. His quip is met with a tilt of the head and a frown from Leakhena.

She also speaks up with one final word. "Hopefully not, but we need to get going now. As I've said we'll be in my home just a short while east of here across the border. We're going to be gathering 'other' things that will aid us. Just ask for 'Loque's vineyard' if you're lost." Another bow's given to the each of them as she begins to depart, for real this time. "Farwell for now you three. And please try to survive, will you? It won't be much fun celebrating by myself." Zebulon also gives a bow and the both of them exit the cathedral; Leakhena barely able to contain her excitement at the thoughts of finally getting her own insurrection against Thorgran underway. Cassiel said it'd take a few days for the train full of everything she needs to get here, and those days will be the absolute longest of her life. Right now, back in the Abyss, no one in the land of gluttony suspects a thing about what she's going to do. All she has managed to do so far in the week it's been down there is free several people that were captive and awaiting execution. Pramond Singh, and several other Redonian friends or associates of her parents are now in hiding within the barely guarded village of Bathalom, waiting for the order to strike back. Hopefully they're still just as safe as she's left them. And hopefully, the poison crippling Thorgran won't wear off any time soon...

After enduring the uneventful train ride back across Escaria and making their way to Leakhena's manor there, the first thing the two decide to do is warn every one of her servants; about the impending doom, about the Abyss, about what Taranoch is going to unleash as a result of her failure to confiscate the artifacts. She tells them to go to their families, to take whatever they need to protect their loved ones, or fortify the manor should they stay there. These maids and servants had to cater towards every single whim Leakhena ever demanded for years, so this is the least she could do for them for having to put up with her salacious, morbid, greedy, lecherous, and homicidal desires. However, hoping to save the lives of her staff isn't the only reason they're here; Leakhena had something else in mind as well. All the crates of her (far) stronger wines and liquors come out and are assembled onto whatever wagons she didn't give to her servants. For a long time she's had a hard time finding someone who will buy these from her since nobody save for, coincidentally enough, demons could stomach liquor that strong. But now they'll be used for more incendiary purposes.

The gathering of the rifles and now the gathering of firebombs; the only remaining step is the gathering of people for her cause. That will be the easiest step by itself, as her people are already willing to fight back, but they need something to fight back with. Soon, thanks to the Church, they will soon have it.

They just need to hold on for a few more days...

 

[Dmaster]

"Nice to meet you too." Hudson said with a nod. The scholar was a lot shorter in person than he imagined her would be, not even Camille's stories about the Inquiry could do such a pint-sized stature justice. Despite that he at least possessed the sense not to make mention of such things in Theodore's presence. From his experience short Escarian men had quite a temper on them, though he wasn't sure why. Perhaps it was some kind of complex or something? "Henderson? Hm, no he wasn't too much trouble. Aside from willingly turning himself into a demon. Not like he came back with us up here so I hardly cared."

"Good that you've made progress..." Camille responded with a slight twist of her lips, wanting to ask Theodore yet another question. "Far be it from me to criticize another's outburst, but did I hear you shouting about something earlier? What was that about?" the huntress asked, far too curious to leave well enough alone. Discussing anything else instead of acknowledging the horrendous pureblood nearby was her main goal at this point.

 

[Infab]

Xager nodded along as Mariette spoke, taking in the questions posed to her. Most, if not all of them, were easy enough to answer. And she'd take the time to answer them all. "We will help you get started back on the road to having your own things. Unlike the current administration of the Abyss, we value personal freedoms and choice. And your old life is not entirely gone, you know. One day, you may seek to return to the Mortal Realm. Either to visit or stay a while like Lady Tariun and I often do. As you recall, Lady Tariun owns an inn among other things there. And she still runs it while she's there. At the moment, one of my subordinates is currently overseeing its function while Lady Tariun is down here. That means, should you wish, you may return to your vineyards and the Escarian countryside to check in on things or spend some quality time there. In order for that to happen, you will either need to acquire a vessel, or acquire a lodestone so that you may revert back to your own original form. You will appear human, and be free to do what you wish. However, unless enchanted by an Icon, your lodestone will have a limited charge. Meaning you will have to return to the Abyss after some time to recharge it. I can see about acquiring one for you in the future, should you wish."

"For now, we will give you the essentials. Food, board, currency, clothing, and so on. We can also acquire things from the Mortal Realm, should you wish...and yes, you may send messages and letters there. I am sure you would like to keep in contact with your lover...I know I would." she continued. She then shifted to the next question. "Yes, you will need new armor and clothes...there will be a wrath demon and lust demon that come by later today. They will take your measurements, and likely get your input on the sorts of clothes and undergarments you prefer. The wrath demon will suggest armors and such for you, and we will have our forgemaster craft something to suit you. The same goes for weapons."

"...As for why your previous armor, gathered from the necropolis, drove you mad...it is because its previous owner was an Icon whom never took it off. They weren't a regular vampire like yourself. The armor, or rather the servant within it, had been sitting alone in that krypt for countless years. Formerly, it had been glued to its previous owner and had no fear of being discarded. With you, it had that fear. So, it grew aggressive and corrupted you at an accelerated rate. It did not want you to leave the Abyss, and leave it behind, so it quite literally dug its roots into you. And drove you mad. Cassandra's move with the estoc, piercing the small face on the armor, destroyed the servant within and set you free."

"Now...as for what you need to know or do, I've already said. You are primarily a magic user. Until things are over and settled here, you need to learn to use and control your budding magical abilities. Work with Azathor, and continue to bring about chaos and disruption to the Abyssal territories. Keep in contact with me, Tariun, and your lover in the Mortal Realm. Push to take down the Icons and Taranoch, and make this rebellion succesful."

"Now, since you are curious about the rebellion and resistance, I will lay out the general structure of things and what is going on. Tariun is ultimately the leader of the rebellion against Taranoch. I am her second in command, and there are a handful of demons beneath me whom are scattered about the central territories, overseeing our operations. We have numerous other demons under our command, acting as spies or general foot soldiers. Carrying out operations and disrupting the flow of things, or feeding us information on the Icon's actions or on Taranoch himself. Azathor is one of the commanders directly beneath me. He commands his own forces, but is primarily active in sabotaging Sazak or making strikes against Taranoch's forces. He also is attempting to get Astraal, Sazak's loyal firstborn, alone and convince him to abandon his father...but that so far has proven rather difficult. Sazak keeps Astraal rather close these days."

"We have fortresses scattered across the Central Territories, in secluded underground locations. We use portals to primarily move between them, and the fortresses are masked using Tariun's magic. It allows us to make rapid guerilla strikes, and retreat quickly. Currently, you are in our primary facility, in the Northern Abyssal Wastes. You have been through this area, if I remember correctly. Do not wander away from the fortress if you go above ground."

"As we speak, there are currently three large scale operations ongoing. Covert strikes against Sekath's forces, using spies planted in Kenrakt where Sekath has lust demons trained to master their healing powers. If we deal with that, we cut their supply of medical professionals even more. The second operation is in the land of Greed, destroying Keggoth's grand collections and the railroads she uses to bring more collectable items to her palace. We are also rescuing some of our captured operatives from her...'living collections'. Your friends were spared having to witness such things. As for the third operation, it is currently ongoing and will likely be for a long while. We are attempting to locate any information on Mazgith and where she may be holding the god artifacts. Obviously those have the highest priority. Smaller operations include building a new outpost in the capital of the Hollowlands, and pushing for continuing chaos and destruction in the lands of Pride and Wrath. We are also attempting to regain a proper foothold in the land of Gluttony, as its Icon has been hunting anyone and everyone whom might have helped your friends. Which has lead to some of our people getting caught and killed...or worse."

She then looked to the vials of blood Mariette had stored in her room. "I guess the final question I have yet to answer is what a blood demon is. Blood demons are demons who specialize in manipulating and controlling blood, or finding other uses for it. Our top recruiter, Annen...whom was a Wrath demon previously before becoming a Demon of Vainglory prior to joining us...is a blood demon. Blood demons can tell if someone is lying through tasting their blood...really they can tell a lot about someone that way. They can also use blood as a weapon, or create portals with blood. They can do other things too, such as manipulate your blood while it is inside your body, forcing you to do as they wish. That is considered master level blood demon magic, however."

 

[Breadman]

"I was...reacting to the news Vincent gave me." Theodore tried to summarize it as best he could. He didn't know if he wanted to even repeat it, but maybe he should. Camille was a skilled vampire hunter and the head of her own guild now. Her husband had just come back from the Abyss and was part of the expedition. Ever Cassandra might know something. At least some clue as to what could be keeping her there.

"My wife is in the Abyss. According to Vincent, she's there because her killer, the vampire Pierre Aliker, is still alive. I thought I had killed him when I brought an entire building on top of all of us, but fate had decided to make a fool out of me." He sighed "I don't know why that's the case or how those years have effected her in that blasted realm. I don't even know where to begin my search. It was so long ago, the trails have gone cold."