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

[Viper Actual]

Galina shook Velin's hand firmly. At the back of her mind she had plenty of doubts but if she could somehow help out and work towards a solution then she would. "If this joint force of yours becomes a reality I would very much like to help out," she said with a brief glance towards Aleister.
At the same time she was happy that the meeting would take place in Red Gorge. Even if she didn't get to meet Jakob there was always the chance of encountering someone else she knew.

 

[Breadman]

Theodore exited the school and made a sharp turn towards the detective agency. Whatever else he had on the agenda for today had to wait. The idea that Ludwig or that inquisitor would just stop was naive. That man's ego wouldn't let him. Not when he thinks he's close. Whatever his next move was, it had to be carefully considered. Another thing worried him. What exactly was in that box? The question lingered in his head up until he turned the corner and collided with something. He couldn't see because whatever it was, was shorter than even him. He looked down and noticed it was the goblin working at the detective agency.

"Volog, watch where you're going." He said while helping the creature stand up "Why the rush?"

 

[EdwardDewey98]

Volog dusted himself before giving Theodore an apologetic look. "I am sorry, mister Bovine, but Jessica wanted to come get you so we could celebrate! Velin is going to stop the purges! All thanks to Red Gorge!" People all over the town were still talking about the event, some even using it as a badge of pride. Now Red Gorge was known as the town who stopped the Inquisition and the Goddess herself. "Is everything alright, mister Bovine?" asked the goblin with a meek tone.

Meanwhile, at the agency, both Lucy and Jessica were surprised to see Rosanna in the flesh. She was one of the people that Jakob spoke fondly of, and it was clear that both became great friends during their adventure in Grimtham. Lucy's eyes widened as she looked up at Rose. "Dad used to tell me great things about you!" she claimed while giving her a little curtsy. "Yup, my brother used to talk a lot about ya, and some of the others. Sometimes I felt he cared more about you or the countess than me." Jessica said in a joking tone. "If Jakob saw you right now, he'd probably give you the biggest hug you could imagine..."

 

[Breadman]

Stopping the purges? Did she grow a conscious? Now what did that mean for the inquisitors? Not just those in town, but the whole organization. Things were getting more complicated now.

"I'm fine, Volog." Theodore gave a weary answer. He couldn't hide the thoughts going through his head right now "I was on my way to the agency for some other matters. Please, lead the way."

 

[Infab]

Rosanna nodded. "Yeah, I know. He's the really friendly type. I ain't much different." she replied. Hearing Jessica mention the countess made her grin fade a bit. After a few moments, she glanced back to the building they were in front of. "I've...been busy, so to speak. Runnin' errands and doin' some work for a friend. Sorry I haven't been in touch or anything." she said, removing her hat and running a hand through her dirty blond hair before putting it back on. "So how's things here in Red Gorge? I heard about the incidents with Velin's Order, and Velin herself. Mighty brave of y'all to stand up to a goddess like that...especially with the power she's got."

------
​

Undite soon gave her speech to the citizens of Nocturne, explaining the details of what was going on. The ceasing of the purges, the disbanding of Velin's Order, the arresting or eliminations of any zealots that would still seek to kill those of the supernatural variety. She also stated Velin's change of heart, and the goddess' plans to speak with every national leader on the continent to guarantee full rights for every peaceful supernatural being as well as the recognition of Nocturne as a sovereign state. She requested that for things to work, peace must be kept. Those of the supernatural would need to cast aside their hostilities against humanity, just as humanity would need to cast aside its hostilities. It would be a cooperative effort, and she firmly believed that harmony could be achieved. But it would need work. Lots of work.

Afterwards, she gave her full blessing to the nation of Nocturne, and even her personal services to those that should need it in the island nation. She would soon return inside the building, venturing back up to where Velin, Aleister, Galina, and Dominique were waiting. "Well...we should get going." said Undite, still with a worried expression on her face. Velin smiled. "Don't worry so much, Dominique. We can bring about peace. Like you said out there, it just takes work."

Velin looked back to Aleister. "...See you soon, Aleister." she said simply, before glancing to Galina. "And you'd be more than welcome on a joint task force...should it come to fruition." she stated, regarding Galina's earlier statements. A moment later, a portal opened in the room, and Velin motioned her friend towards it. Undite looked to Aleister, and gave him a smile. "...If you should need me, Aleister...I'll be in Eternis."

Then, she and Velin both walked through the portal. Which closed quietly and quickly behind them.

 

[EdwardDewey98]

A cocky grin appeared on Jessicas face when Rosanna mentioned the Goddess. "Right, we did!" She let out a chuckle before explaining further. "Only that we didn't! Sure we stood up against her but she could have easily killed us... Fuckin' bitch would razed the entire place. Even the children and the elderly would have been killed, but Goddess Undite got in there just in time." As Jess ended explaining, from around the corner came Volog. As usual, pestering Theodore with questions about alchemy. But he stopped talking when he saw Jessica and the others standing in front of the agency. Jessica looked over her shoulder, and gave Theo a smile before stepping aside to let Rosanna look at the scholar. "Hey there, little handsome guy...An ol' friend of yours and Jakob came to visit." Lucy sat on the hitch rail, looking at both Theo and Rosanna with a smile.

 

[Breadman]

"No, if you use basilisk oil with poppy extract, the only thing you're going to do is get high off of the results. The smoke is called dream portal for a reason." Theodore answered yet another question Volog raised. Little bugger was planning something. He stopped when he saw Rosanna.

"Rose! Mon amie! I can't believe it."

 

[Infab]

Rosanna grinned wide, walking towards Theo. "Theo! Its been a while!" she said, as she soon scooped him up into a hug. The ease in how she did it showed her dullahan strength quite clearly. She hugged him for a few moments, before setting him back down. "How've you been? Coming up with more concoctions to help out the locals or somethin'? Still workin' for the Church?" she said, her hands resting on her hips.

 

[ANIMAL MOTHER]

Two large loaves of bread, various different fruits, stolen Escarian art supplies that the island’s resident black market merchants had no use for, and other assorted items are shaking in the Nun’s bags as she walks away from the market, a little surprised she was able to find anything at all to buy this day for the orphans. Though earning enough money to purchase them was the easy part. The challenge arises in getting back to the church; preferably without getting robbed along the way. The long, winding road all the way up the mountain side to the church from the colony would normally take the breath out of anyone not used to hiking. The Nun has been up and down this road however and is quite used to the long trek upwards to the cliff her orphanage rests on. That still isn't the hard part either, it’s having to stomach the grisly sight it’s become that is. Several yards away from the church, also on the mountain top, is the Warder’s stronghold; surrounded in tagged stone walls topped with barbed wire and covered with machine gun nests and weapon emplacements pointing downward at the colony. It used to be the barracks and armory of the prison guards until they took it over roughly a decade ago. They too take the very same path to get to their base of operations from the colony and have turned it into an execution yard of sorts. They know they’re dreaded among the inmates and would absolutely like to keep it that way. The hanging bodies of those they've killed dangle above the Nun, impaled on sticks, hung by the neck from poles, or nailed to the rocks as a show of intimidation to anyone who thinks they’re brave enough to attack them in their own home, but also to frighten anyone who thinks about leaving the colony by showing what happens to those that are caught trying to escape using the only way out.

She keeps her head bowed until she finally arrives at the wooden door of the church, opening it and closing it shut behind her as quick as she can in case she was trailed. A sigh of relief is exhaled as she stares towards the stone statue of Undite at the back of the church, way past the rows of wooden pews. She’s safe now. Though as she walks down the aisle towards the back, she can’t help but remember the times when this simple-looking church used to look better. The stone floor was shiny and mopped often, the wooden beams were polished, and the stained glass windows were clear as day. Now everything is weathered and dusty. She’d clean it herself, and tries to sometimes with what she has, but it’s (rather unsurprisingly) difficult to find cleaning supplies in a place like this. In any case, she’s still happy to live inside it instead of the bedbug ridden inns, brothels, and cell blocks below. The sound of her boots clicking against the floor causes a disturbance from elsewhere within the church. She’s not alone here, and whatever else was inside now knows she’s here too. From a stairway off to the side, the railing starts to rumble and shake as the loud noises of storming footsteps grows louder and louder until a dozen children come rushing down towards her with smiling faces and arms ready to embrace her. They surround her, some hugging her while others were jumping up and down trying to get her attention. She set her heavy bags down and returns the collective hug they gave her, a warm tear drips down her eyes and a smile forms on her face as her orphans lovingly welcome her back home.

It’s moments like this that remind her of why she willingly stays here. Being with these kids she’s rescued; it moves her heart so much that it almost makes it seem like living in Caraborough isn’t as awful as it really is.

Almost.

 

[Breadman]

"I've been...fine." Theodore responded. "Working with the detective agency and teaching at the school has kept me busy. As for the church..." He looked over his shoulder. Paranoia, but with those two in town, it might be the right thing to do. "I left after Velin came back. The self-righteous bitch would be the end of us all if she kept going. But my departure wasn't as clean as I hoped." He looked over to Jessica "We need to talk about that. There's trouble."

 

[EdwardDewey98]

Jessica looked down at Theodore. There was a bit concern in his tone, unnusual for a man like him. "What's the matter handsome?" asked Jessica, while crossing her arms. "Never seen you this worried. What spooked ya?" As Theodore was about to speak, Lucy poked Rosanna's hand. "Dad told me that you were going to play with me. Is that true?" She asked with a big smile on her face, unaware of the serious conversation between the adults.

 

[Breadman]

"Two problems. One inquisitor and one archivist." Theodore started "The archivist is Ludwig Egner. Former colleague of mine. A ruthless man with very questionable ethics. They want something from me, something I rather not get put to paper. Trying to figure out a good way to get them out of town without too much trouble. I know they're not here on official business, but it's still delicate."

 

[Infab]

Rosanna listened to Theodore, before glancing down to Lucy. She smiled and squatted down. "Sure, sugar! We'll have lots of fun! I need to take care of a few things first, though!" she replied, grinning at Lucy as she looked up at her from beneath the brim of her cowboy hat. She then looked back to Theodore. "If they're botherin' you, I can take care of 'em. I've dealt with enough of both them and the other Order guys since Grimtham." she said, before standing back up. "I can have 'em hogtied and out of here in no time."

 

[Emperor Sagan]

Once returned to his office, Aleister cradled his head in his hands as he sat back at his desk. Undite's speech had been gone well. Very well, actually, as she had more or less stilled the fervor of their fighting spirit in a single afternoon. If anyone could have done it, it was her. He had noticed some look on with uncertainly in the crowd and he sympathized with them. The entire situation didn't feel entirely... right. But for now, it was their course of action, and they had to stay the course. Still, he couldn't help but feel forced into it as he considered it all. Undite had led Velin here. That much was clear. His hand was forced. Either die with everyone else or give in. It was miserable.

A servant knocked at the door and was granted entry by Dominique. They carried in a small tray with a cup of tea and coffee - for Galina - and a slim glass bottle with a pinched neck filled with a rich, crimson liquid. Two glass tumblers were present, and Dominique poured the blood into both. "Funny, isn't it?" He said as the silence continued. "Undite. Same name as me. Dominique. Must be a sign or something."

Wearily, Aleister slid the glass towards him and took a short sip, leaving a small scarlet mark on his upper lip. "... a sign for what?"

"That its a good name?" While it didn't earn a laugh, it did get a small, half-amused snort, which to Dominique was good enough. Aleister remained quiet as he twirled his glass around on the desk, swishing the contents around to the very top, watching it slowly drift its way down the sides.

"Mmm... Red Gorge. I suppose before too long we'll be down that way," Aleister murmured. "Too hot. Too sunny. Too bright. A terrible pick. But I suppose if the others of the old inquiry are down there, there is little choice. I sure as hell am not going to Eternis. We'll need a full delegation."

"Of course, master. I'm sure the orders will be vying to see who gets to go with you. Perhaps some from each?"

"Its a diplomatic mission, Dominique, not an invasion. A dozen or so will suffice. Including a ship. They aren't on the coast, unfortunately, but it will do well to have one - aside from the fact its the only way to get there," he explained with another prolonged sigh. After a moment, he reached into his desk for some stationary, and he began scribbling away. "What are those, master?"

"Letters. Always letters. We have to uphold our end of the bargain. Everyone on the continent will be standing down - but the underground passage shall remain open to those who need it."

 

[EdwardDewey98]

"Yay!" Lucy was overjoyed, know she'd have a new person to play with. Especially someone her father talked so fondly of. She then ran up to Volog and began to bully the goblin, while the others continued their conversation. Jessica nodded at Rosanna's suggestion. "Ya'know how we deal with 'em Inquisitors 'round here, Theo. Should you need help, ya'know the whole town would jump at the opportunity." She leaned a bit close to Rose. "We don't like 'em Velin followers much. Last time they showed up, they were too afraid of fighting us."

 

[Breadman]

"Tempting, but I have to decline. They're still members of the order and carry a weight. If you were to force them out without a good reason, they can view that as a act of aggression and I want to deny Ludwig that satisfaction for the town's sake." Theodore looked back to Jessica "But we can do something else. Have your best detective keep an eye on them while I work on discrediting him. We cut his support from the Church, we can kick him out."

 

[Infab]

"We don't like 'em Velin followers much. Last time they showed up, they were too afraid of fighting us."

Rosanna glanced to Jessica. "Those were the more 'all talk, no bite' kind." she responded. "I've fought and killed the other type." Her eyes shifted to their dullahan black for a moment, then back to normal.

She then looked back to Theodore. "Besides, not all Inquisitors are bad. Some are just misguided, or stuck in a position they can't get out of...Valeria comes to mind."

Then Theodore spoke, and Rosanna simply nodded in response.

---
​

In the back of the church of Caraborough, near the stone statue of Undite, a crackling noise started to emit seemingly from nowhere. Then, there was a bright flash of light, and a large square portal formed. Like a doorway, it seemed to peer into another building. What seemed to be a study or so inside of a stone cathedral. But through the portal stepped Undite, as well as a taller one-eyed woman of amazon build. Velin. As soon as Velin stepped through, the portal shut and vanished. Both Undite and Velin looked about, taking in their surroundings inside the church. "...Dusty." said Velin simply, while Undite smiled. "Its...still here, after all these years."

 

[EdwardDewey98]

"Hm... alright. You both know better than me in that matter. We might have kicked Velin's Inquisitors out before, but never an archivist." She looked back at the agency, thinking who would be a good detective for the job. It didn't took her long to come with an answer. "Raymond. Old dog knows even more than Jakob. I'm sure he can handle it." Theodore might have never worked with Detective Raymond directly, but he heard of the other veteran detective in the agency. An old southern man clad in black clothes and of a deep voice. One of the best detectives and hunters the agency had.

Volog tried to interject while fighting back against Lucy, who was pulling his ears. "W-why I can't be assigned to this case!" Jessica looked down at the Goblin with a smile. "Cuz you ain't a smart cookie, Volog. Don't get me wrong, you know a lot about magic. But that don't make you a true detective." Volog pouted a bit before getting pushed to the ground by Lucy.

Jessica then looked at both Theodore and Rosanna with a big smile on her face. "Well, we got a small party going on inside. Celebrate that we don't have to fear getting in a shootout or sword fight with Inquisitors. Wanna come in? O'Toole made his special moonshine! Best thing you'll ever have in your life. It'll kick ya off your boots!"

 

[ANIMAL MOTHER]

The bright flash made by the two goddesses entering was near blinding for the poor Nun and the children that were gathered around her; the darkness of the interior only served to intensify it further. Without even thinking, she gently pushes the children behind her just in case whatever it was manifesting at the back was something a little less divine. As she rubs her watery eyes underneath the veil covering her face, she gets a better look at what or who in particular stands before her. The sight of them two makes her gasp in shock and drop down to her knees onto the hard stone floor, the children emitting gasps of their own as well.

Her goddess, her idol, Undite really does remember her. And it seems she's brought a friend too, someone the Nun doesn't recognize.

"L-L-Lady Un-Undite!" She's trembling so much from anxiety that she has to practically force the words out from her throat. Immediately she tries dusting off her dirty coat and habit in a feeble effort to look somewhat presentable before her goddess. Meanwhile the children behind her get on their knees too, and begin to pray quietly.

 

[Infab]

Rosanna chuckled. "Not much affects me. Anyway, gotta finish up an errand. I'll be back in a bit to drink with y'all." she said, motioning towards the graveyard before walking off. "Be back in a bit, Lucy!' she said aloud, giving her a small wave as she walked away. She strolled across the street, tipping her hat to the occasional passerby, as she moved towards and into the cemetery. Passing through the gate, she walked up the hill to see the lone grave digger talking with a cowboy resting against a headstone. Just the two she was looking for.

---
​

Undite looked to the nun, and smiled warmly. Velin, meanwhile, looked to the children. So many of them. All orphans. Her expression softened greatly, as it reminded her of what she had been all those years ago. Undite stepped forwards, looking over the children as well as the nun. "Sister Ratka! Its so wonderful to see you again!" she said, opening her arms for a hug. Velin quietly moved to the side, kneeling down and waving at the children to try and get their attention. A smile adorning her face. "Greetings, little ones." she said.

 

[ANIMAL MOTHER]

"Sister Ratka! Its so wonderful to see you again!"

After living in the closest thing there is to an absolute hell there is in the mortal realm for a decade, a hug from anyone is perhaps the greatest thing that can be given to her right now, let alone one from Undite herself. Ratka hobbles herself upward using one of the pews as support, and wraps herself around Undite after a stunned second of silence, almost knocking her over. Her tears run down her shoulder.

"M-My Lady... You are... you are h-here..."

"Greetings, little ones."

Some of the children greet her back, a little confused. "Hello...?" some of them say. "...Are you a friend?" a little girl asks.

 

[Infab]

"M-My Lady... You are... you are h-here..."

"Yes, sister...I'm here." said Undite, hugging the nun back. It had been what seemed like an eternity since she had seen Ratka. Undite's warmth was felt once again, her mere touch cleansing and healing the body. "I'm sorry for not returning sooner...I was seeking out something that I've realized doesn't exist."

"Hello...?" some of them say. "...Are you a friend?" a little girl asks.

Velin nodded. "Yes, dear child. I'm a friend." she said, resting on her knees on the floor. "My name is Velin...but you can call me Josefina if you wish. What are your names?"

 

[Breadman]

"O'Toole, huh?" Theodore's mood lightened up a bit "Might have to join in then. Lead on!"

 

[ANIMAL MOTHER]

"I'm sorry for not returning sooner...I was seeking out something that I've realized doesn't exist."

"It does not matter... You came to see me again... That's... that's what counts." Ratka's thick Tsavanian accent making her nearly unintelligible. She finally lets go as she doesn't want to choke Undite to death. "Life here has been so awful..."

"My name is Velin...but you can call me Josefina if you wish. What are your names?"

Before any of the children could answer, Ratka's head snaps towards Velin's direction. So that's who she is. And she knows there's only one reason why Velin would make an appearance in a place nearly drowning in non-humans.

"Y-YOU!" she exclaims.

Her motherly instincts kick in and again without hesitation she grabs one of the children in particular and hides him behind her habit. "No, NO! P-Please! They're just children!!"

The child's red eyes peek back at Velin curiously.

 

[Infab]

Velin looked up at Ratka, shaking her head rapidly and waving her hands in front of her. "N-No no, its nothing like that! I'm not here to hurt anyone!" she said, looking between the children and Ratka. Undite spoke up for her friend. "Its okay, sister. She won't harm anyone. Especially not the children...she's changed." she said, looking to Velin.