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

[ANIMAL MOTHER]

"Left with Hudson and the others, yes. Why? I don't know his reason. Would have been nice if he told us."

“...”

Of course. Of course the fancy talk he gave her about unity through all the struggles and challenges they’ll face was just bull shit if he was so eagerly willing to split this soon. Though deep down, Loque should’ve expected it after what happened earlier. Still, that’s another person she can’t trust anymore. Guess it’s just something she’ll have to accept being stuck inside, a painful cycle where she foolishly trusts someone, and they break it shortly after.

“... G o o d f o r h i m.”

"I'm...sorry about earlier. Hudson was being so thick headed, and I just snapped."

She doesn’t respond beyond bowing her head a little.

 

[Doomevil]

Senya shook her head talking to Vincent, "You did what everyone would have done. I'm not surprised it came down to this, but it happened." She laid her forearms on her lap, slouched in a moment to rest until they got to the capital. "Were both orders always like this in history?"

 

[Infab]

Vincent nodded slightly. "Velin's Order was the first...well, not really the first. They were inspired by an ancient order long ago that did the same thing. Hunt the monsters that prey on mankind. Velin's Order, however, were zealots. Hardliners whom broke the law often and killed whatever Velin told them to. When the chuch was founded, they formed their own Order, known as the Vigilant Order. The Vigilant Order drew a lot of members away from Velin's Order, those that were more forgiving and attempted to do what was right. Those that didn't blindly follow the goddess's wrathful ways." He glanced back. "A schism occured in the Order, really. And soon Velin's Order slipped into the shadows while the Vigilant Order would go on to defeat Taranoch and bind him to the Abyss."

 

[Dmaster]

Hudson smirked softly at Riberta's explanation, the words stirring some odd sense of nostalgia in the hunter. "Fair. At least we found something we both can agree on." he declared, though his slightly warm expression would soon fade. The mention of Jakob following him got Hudson rather solemn at the thought now that his ire was simmering down.

"If it comes down to it; keep him alive rather than me. He's got a kid that needs him back home."

 

[Doomevil]

She listened to Vincent's brief history when it came down to both orders and why their methods were completely opposite to each other. The City of Valencia also had its share of people who never agreed on anything, starting a civil war between Florentina and the City. "And now here we are, trying to prevent that very thing from happening. I heard Velin is the only active god around the continent. What happened to the other gods?" She asked.

 

[Infab]

Vincent shrugged. "From what I know, the Grimtham inquiry lead by Valeria encountered Undite and Gyasis in the flesh. Adona has been spotted about, and Thiasis was spotted in the highlands somewhere. Velin mainly has been the only one with a full public presence." He paused for a moment, thinking back to the rumors and reports he had read over during the past three years. "...Some say the current cycle of gods is ending. That the gods will soon depart, and new ones will take their place. I don't know how much of that is really true, but this is probably the worst time for that to happen."

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Riberta grunted. "Both of you are gonna live. You have children to go home to, and I'll make damn sure you get back to them."

 

[Doomevil]

"It seems to me the Church and the Orders have been falling on hard times for many years judging by your wording." She noted and definitely gave some thought about the mission. The effect laid out by Sazak certainly placed the entire Church on edge once Senya met Velin. Her religion had a similar tale when it came to the Dragon Gods. "I'm not one to question a contract, but because of recent circumstances I have to ask now, did Velin expect this mission to turn out so poorly considering who is on this group? Or was."

 

[ANIMAL MOTHER]

"I'm not one to question a contract, but because of recent circumstances I have to ask now, did Velin expect this mission to turn out so poorly considering who is on this group? Or was."

“Oh... she knew. She wants us all to die... or worse.” responds Loque, still as monotone and lifeless.

 

[Emperor Sagan]

Inari stretched her legs out fully once the truck got moving. One immediate benefit - leg room. Lots of leg room. She propped one arm up on the rear latch and watched the landscape pass by as they sped along, the deserters growing smaller in the distance by the second. There was no doubt to her that they were dead men walking. If she had the money, she'd wager they wouldn't make it out of wrath's territory alive. Maybe Riberta - that woman seemed nearly impossible to kill, but the others had no chance. They were only alive now because of the actions of the others in the group keeping them that way. How many ronin had wandered off into the forests and mountain passes thinking they were too good for their warband? Plenty. It was often amusing to find their bodies strung up on the roadside as warnings from the brigands or other warbands in the area.

She glanced over towards Loque, who was sounding miserable as usual. There weren't enough smiles in the group, or laughter for that matter. Far too dreary for her taste. She reached into her knapsack, partially listening to Senya and Vincent talk about Atracan history or something, and she pulled out a small bag of cashews and pecans. She raised her arm to pelt Loque with it, but paused, and tossed it underhand gently.

"You like little child. Eat. Eat, eat, eat. You need food, or warm body, or money, or something. Eat and feel best."

She placed her knapsack away. "And that Velin. God lady? Who care if she knew this. She not do job herself. Who care her knowledge. We do job, we do job good, and finish job. Is all to journey. No big deal. Maybe slow, maybe dangerous, maybe rough," she said, shrugging. "If so, then okay. It is as happens. Maybe without sad clowns and idiots we do even better."

 

[Doomevil]

Senya turned to Inari, "I can't argue with that unfortunately. With no supplies, no transportation, I don't know why they went out there in the first place. I agreed with Hudson when it came down to the insurrection but splitting from the group with our brute and healer, doesn't help our chances." The Warden said. After Inari commented they could do better without them Senya soon replied, "You could be right. We'll just have to see once we get to the capital. The objective hasn't changed, there's no reason to quit this far now."

 

[Damian0358]

Hearing Kassidy's suggestion, Takato did as told and masked the auras of those that stayed with the mission, himself included, before boarding it once more. Sitting within, it seemed strange how, in the past two days, they had reduced in size, yet death was not the reason for it.

Takato remained quiet, observing what the others were doing instead - Loque seemed to have become destitute, Vincent spoke of church history, and Senya and Inari made their remarks. Takato noted that Vincent, Senya and Wesley are now seemingly the only proper humans left here. He wondered about Vincent's explanation for why Venextos left, and whether it was the best idea to leave out how he had 'meddled with fate' and how that in turn might be connected to Jakob. Considering Loque's earlier reactions, and her subsequent talks with Venextos, not mentioning it might bite them later, in the same vein that Inari's reluctance to speak about Kioshi brought about a big reaction.

 

[EdwardDewey98]

Jakob was quiet at first, until Riberta began to talk him. He snapped back from whatever thoughts he had. "Hm? Easy there, old girl. You might be the alpha, but I ain' doing this because of some lycan hierarchy." He looked behind to see Venextos actually flying a few feet away from them. He gave the crow a little smile before looking back at Riberta. "...I simply do not trust Tariun's cause. Not because I don't trust her or other demons in the path of redemption, but I think her rebellion will fail. I just want to find Valeria and take her out of this damn place."

Both Riberta and Hudson began talking with each other, and for a small moment there was a small glimpse of comradery between them. Making Jakob smile, until he heard them talking about him. "...Ya'all realize I'm like... right behind you right? I know what I'm doing and why I am here. You might charging blinding towards Sazaks keep, but I do have a bit of a plan..." He looked back at Venextos. "...One that might actually work!"

 

[joshuadim]

Venextos swooped by closer to the ground before transforming back to his normal form, causing a few raven feathers to fly about from him as he did so. "Yes. Rather than a suicidal charge into not one, but two armies, you'll have a better chance another way."

 

[Dmaster]

The hunter could only shake his head as Jakob remained adamant on coming along with them, though it was fortunate that Riberta would do her best to keep him alive. However if both of them would be in peril, he hoped that she would choose the detective over him.

"Who said anything about charging into armies or the keep?" Hudson piped up, shaking his head as he kept on shuffling through the wastes. "Once we know where we're going we can plan out a route and think on a way to get things done that is if Jakob's doesn't have any chance of working, at least."

 

[EdwardDewey98]

Jakob looked at Hudson as he mentioned he had a plan. "I assumed you wanted to go out fighting demons, but I guess I was wrong then!" he said with a slight smile. "The first part of my plan ain't simple but it's better than nothing, I was thinking we could go find Ethraeil and his army of undead. We don't know where they are but based on what Tariun said he must be around Azgon's territory." he then looked back at Venextos "I'm sure Venny here has a way to track those ol' bones." Ge then sighed "...the problem comes afterwards, we need to find Sazak's palace and then create a plan to enter that damn place. I imagine he'll have an impressive army waiting for us... but you seem to have an idea Hudson, what's on your mind?"

 

[Dmaster]

Hudson nodded his head slowly in consideration of what Jakob proposed. He had heard of Ethraeil and given that they both had the goal of assaulting Sazak's palace they would see benefit to working together. "First, I need a lay of the land. A map or at least landmarks to figure out where his palace is." was what he began with, continuing to shuffle along. "I'm certain Sazak has several ways into his palace, and we could sneak in without issue once we've figured them out. Trouble is getting through the two armies that stand in our way."

"If Ethraeil and his forces can run through Azgon's army, they can tie up Sazak's men while we proceed with killing him and rescuing Valeria. If he doesn't agree to help, well, I guess we're gonna have to learn to lay low to avoid getting trampled by those armies."

 

[joshuadim]

"I don't think it will be as simple as that, but it's a start." Venextos commented. "We will have to head to the warfront in the south then."

 

[Doomevil]

Senya turned to Loque who hasn't been herself lately. Now she was concerned, especially when she barked at Hudson. "You okay, Loque?"

 

[ANIMAL MOTHER]

"You like little child. Eat. Eat, eat, eat. You need food, or warm body, or money, or something. Eat and feel best."

The bag of nuts falls onto her lap, prompting her to stare at it blankly without eating it.

"You okay, Loque?"

It takes a while for Loque to rear her head towards Senya. "... I'm... fine..."

Clearly she isn't.

 

[Doomevil]

The Warden tilted her head in concern, perhaps it was best to leave her alone for the ride until they get to the capital. If only she had a cigarette to give her but she didn't like to smoke.

 

[Dmaster]

"South it is, then." Hudson said as he continued to traverse those bleak plains, looking skyward to see if there was any way to discern their direction at this moment. With the odd skies of the Abyss jt was proving difficult.

 

[Infab]

Back in the mortal realm, in the grand cathedral in Eternis...

"She's been locked inside her office since her return, Lady Undite." stated Cassiel, as he walked alongside the goddess. Through the central hall they moved, walking by priests and patrons of the church whom stared at the goddess. A second goddess had returned to them! She smiled and greeted each of them with a nod as she walked, glancing only to Cassiel as he mentioned Velin's current status. "Has she spoken to anyone?" she asked, worried for her friend's mental state. Cassiel shook his head. "No one. Not even the Grand Inquisitor." he replied, before tilting his head. "...What did you even say to her, my lady? She was on the warpath..."

"...I stopped her from making a grave mistake." softly replied Undite. They reached the podium where the priests usually gave their sermons, turning left and moving towards the secluded staircase at the back of the church. When they reached the bottom of the steps, Undite paused. She looked to Cassiel, whom stopped, and simply motioned back to the church's center. "Please...fetch me a jug of wine. And two glasses." she requested. Cassiel smiled and nodded. "As you wish, Lady Undite." he replied, before turning and walking away.

She watched him depart, before turning back to the stairs and beginning her ascent. As she climbed, she passed a few other church members, as well as a member of the Vigilant Order, whom all bowed towards her. She greeted them as she did the others, and it wasn't long before she reached the Grand Inquisitor's office. Which Velin had turned into her own personal sanctuary. The door was locked, as Cassiel had said, so Undite simply tapped on the door gently with her knuckles. "...Josefina, its me. Please, let me in." said Undite, as she gazed down at the door knob. Waiting for her friend.

There was silence for a full minute, before movement on the other side could be heard. Footsteps approaching the door. And then, three clicks. Unlocked. The door knob twisted, and the door was pulled inward, but only far enough to open the door a crack. Undite pushed it inward, stepping inside, and paused when she saw the state of the room itself. It was an utter wreck. The desk was smashed, chairs were broken, the stained glass had been shattered, curtains and tapestries on the wall had been torn or ripped off. Velin's armor had been thrown in a corner of the room, in a pile instead of neatly arranged like one would expect. Her bastard sword was shoved halfway into the stone wall, appearing to have been thrown with immense strength.

Velin herself sat on the floor, next to the shattered desk. Her face in her hands as her elbows pressed against her knees. Velin rarely took her armor off, appearing to treat it almost like a second skin. To shelter and cover the real her. Velin was a tall, muscular woman, really. Covered in extensive scars from several hundred years of combat. Her black hair was no longer in a bun, let down and scattered about in a mess. She wore a simple grey shirt, and what appeared to be black trousers. There were no shoes or boots, her bare feet flat on the stone floor of the room as she sat there.

As Undite stood there, Velin finally looked up at her. Her one good blue eye locked onto Undite. She had been crying for a while now. "Shut the door, Dominique." she simply said.

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Back in the Abyss, deep in Sekath's territory...

It wasn't long before the group had to stop to allow Kassidy into the truck. The small settlements scattered across the surprisingly grassy and tree speckled landscape were filled with demons of various types. But in particular were the large numbers of lust demons. Succubi and Incubi, just as Kassidy had said. Most of them were immensely attractive, and often had one or two slaves following them about. Some were humans, others were demons they had just happened to have taken prisoner. As they drove along the main road heading through the territory towards the capital, Kassidy spoke up again. "Hope y'all are good actors or somethin'. Some might try and talk to ya. Just act like yer fawnin' all over me or somethin'. If they try and seduce ya, fight it as best ya can till I can step in. Get me?" she said, glancing back to the group in the truck bed. She looked to Inari afterwards. "I know yer lot's mostly immune to our charms and such. So act like yer willin' ta follow me 'round. They'll be watchin' you the most."

After another day of driving, they would eventually begin to reach a rather urbanized area of the territory. Actual streets, with multi-story buildings. Street lamps. Brothels and stores scattered about. And all the while, lust demons walking the streets alone or with their entranced captors. "Welcome to the outskirts, y'all." said Kassidy, as she motioned about with a hand. "We're in outer Naraka now."

And soon they would see inner Naraka. It looked much like a modern Atrican city, really, with a massive palace right at the center. Sekath's palace. Numerous buildings surrounded it, and a multitude of demons wandered about. "Now ya see why we gotta do what we're doin'?" asked Kassidy. Vincent was wide eyed, looking about at the vast city around them. "Good gods, this place is larger than Eternis." he muttered.

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Elsewhere, back in Azgon's territory...

Hudson's group would find themselves walking for several miles, a day passing as they walked the barren landscape south. Deeper into Azgon's territory. Encounters with wrath demons and the occasional lost hollow were splotchy, resulting in quick but intense battles for the wrath demons or simple executions for the hollows. But soon, they found themselves been visited by a familiar face. "So you decided to fuck yourselves over. Smart." said a voice from behind. They would glance back to find Xager standing there, with a few crates of supplies. "I knew you would." she muttered, before stepping back and patting the crates she had with her.

Riberta gave her a look. "I thought Tariun wasn't helping us anymore?" she asked, turning to face her. Xager's piercing eyes moved to Hudson. "She isn't. But consider this a kindness." said Xager, "Inside these crates is food and ammo. And a map of the Abyss with notable locations. If you're so stupid as to want to do this with the few numbers you have, go right ahead. But this should at least give you a chance so you don't starve to death out here in the wastes."

 

[EdwardDewey98]

Jakob turned around quickly when he heard Xager's voice behind them. He aimed his shotgun at her for a few moments, before realizing she was there with good intentions. The thought of Tariun's main henchwoman taking revenge on those who hurt her boss crossed his mind, but he was glad to see he was mistaken. "This was unexpected but... thank you Xager. I'm glad to see you." He got a bit closer to the demon, but not close enough to test her good will. "...Tell Tariun I apologize. I wish I could have worded myself better and... please, if you see the others later, tell them to take care and be careful on their mission, alright?"

 

[Doomevil]

Senya stared in awe of the massive city the demons had for themselves, to see all this industrialization unlike back home. It's very daunting for her. She couldn't help herself despite Kassidy's warnings to play an act around demon civilians. One mistake, and they were finished. So in a way, they had to trust Kassidy on this one.

 

[Emperor Sagan]

Inari continued to watch the scenery from outside the back of the truck, eying both the changing landscape and the demonic denizens they were starting to come across. So these were the lands of the incubi and succubi. As she had thought, they didn't look too bad. Rather, some looked a little appetizing, but she was here to be a follower and not a conqueror. Something of a shame. The kitsune had always been rather small in number, their villages and towns mostly concealed and isolated, with others living spread out across the land often in disguise. Would they have created such a large and fine city if they all lived together? Difficult to say. Perhaps that was something she should add to the list of things she must accomplish, after she purges Kowareta of those who wronged her.

With little to do at the moment, she continues to leer out the back of the truck at the people who pass by, smirking.