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

[Viper Actual]

Seriphine bowed her head slightly in response to Loque. There wasn't much more to be said, especially in regards to her own people. If anything the burden of knowledge still made her feel sick.

When Inari offered her food Seriphine narrowed her eyes before cautiously accepting. To her surprise it- whatever it was- tasted pretty good. She nodded towards the Kitsune and thanked her with a low voice.

As Loque spoke up once again Seriphine shook her head. "No, no you were not. If anything I was the cause of our problems. I should've shown more restraint..."

 

[Breadman]

The ride from the penis palace was absolutely boring. Henderson only managed to distract him for a little while eating the leg he had torn off the succubus before their escape for only a few minutes. The meat was alright, but the marrow was not worth the effort to get to. The rest of the ride however? Pure boredom. Maybe next time he should try to start some conversation with the rest, because they sure weren't going to do it.

The opportunity to stretch his legs was a welcome one. He paced around a bit to get a good look at their surroundings. Looked like any other part of the Abyss so far. This one was not obsessed with phallic imagery at least.

"So...Kassidy was it?" He crossed his arms behind his back and slightly leaned forward "How weird is this part of the Abyss? From the short newspaper articles it seems like this place should be barely held together, what with it being envy and all. Should we keep a close eye on what we carry in our pockets?"

 

[ANIMAL MOTHER]

"No, no you were not. If anything I was the cause of our problems. I should've shown more restraint..."

Loque wouldn’t have disagreed had this conversation happened earlier during their journey in the Abyss back when she was still proud and haughty, but she knows well she shouldn’t say anything since she herself also attacked Thelyra the same time Seriphine did. Plus, the elf’s trying to make amends so there’s no need for any sort of hostilities right now.

“Well it doesn’t matter... Thelyra’s dead. She can’t hurt anyone anymore...” There’s a certain type of weight in her words.

A different bottle is produced from her bag. It’s not the powder bottle this time but an extremely elaborate looking wine bottle complete with decorated labeling and design. A set of small metal cups are also taken out. She holds it out and shows it off to the other two with her.

“Care for some? It’s my own personal label.”

 

[SniperComZero]

Gwen stepped off of the truck with a notable stiffness to her movements. She'd hardly spoken a word during their journey to the bordering lands-- and certainly not to anyone else. She'd been curled up in her seat, staring a hole into the truckbed, interlaced with the occasional sob.

The elf's eyes were glassy, and her joints stiff and sore for being in that position for so long. It took her a few minutes to realize just how the world looked. It was so... different. Artificial, even. Even the air seemed that way, and it disquieted her even more than she'd already been in the past day with learning of just what happened to her race. Not helped by the execution of her former... what she'd hesitate to call 'friend'. How she wanted to be called 'Grand Succubus', even for a few moments. Wanting more, and more, without ever really thinking of what it truly entails. It presented her a perfect microcosm of exactly why she was in this situation in the first place... aside from how she ended up in this time. That still remained to her a mystery.

[YOUR FAULT.] The phrase had handily etched itself into her mind ever since she'd left the burning building. Honestly, she hoped it would collapse, and take that entire damned city with it-- "If any o' y'all need toppin' off...as in healin'...just ask."

Staring daggers straight towards the lust demon, another phrase seared itself into her mind. [...HER FAULT.]

A pained breath escaped Gwen's throat, as she gave Kassidy the widest berth possible, in order to inspect the local flora, which had her most intrigued... and provided ample distraction for her.

 

[Infab]

Vincent quietly watched, sitting sideways on the driver's seat of the truck. Sagath's territory was certainly odd, with its off coloring and features. Being the land of envy, it was likely that she tried to change her territory to mimic that of the other Icons. It wouldn't be surprising if they saw locations or objects from other territories here, but imperfect copies of them. And the envy demons would likely try to steal their equipment, or kill them for it. It'd likely be the same in the territory of Greed.

He glanced over to the tree where Loque had wandered off too, and noticed that Seriphine and Inari had joined her. It was good to see that they were trying to help her. Wallowing alone in misery wasn't a good thing. Ever. And he still needed to talk to her about his outburst when Hudson left...and apologize for not helping her directly through all of this. Managing a group of people like this was rather difficult, as usually he had ever only worked with one or two other people. Not a cluster, and certainly not with someone like Hudson.

He saw Gwen walk around Kassidy, avoiding her in a wide arc, in order to look at some of the local flora. She needed to speak with her, especially after what had happened back in the tower. He slipped out of the truck, quickly walk across the grass past Kassidy to where Gwen was. "...I'm sorry you had to see all of that back at the palace." he said, as he walked up next to her. "...I can't imagine how hard it must be to take in that knowledge."

Meanwhile, Kassidy nodded and gave Takato a smile. "Sure thing, Oni." she replied, before raising her hands. She moved them about, making odd circular motions, before a pinkish smoke formed between them. She then breathed it in, and slowly exhaled it out of her mouth towards Takato. As Takato breathed it in, he felt better than he had in years. "There ya go." she said, giving him a thumbs up. She then turned her attention to Henderson. "Yeah, watch yer pockets. Envy demons will try 'n steal yer stuff, or kill ya for it. Greed demons do the same shit." she said, putting her hands on her hips again. "This place is kind o' a knockoff o' all the other territories. Sagath herself likes ta try and mimic the other Icons, and her land ain't any different. Ya might see things here ya seen in other realms, but they just ain't right. Imperfections or just plain wrong."

She noticed the look Gwen had given her, and felt pretty bad. Not all lust demons were the same. Some were just doing what they could to live in this place, like her. She didn't destroy Gwen's race. That was someone long before her. She sighed, before looking back to Takato and Henderson. "...Do I at least have yer trust now?...If I don't, I'll continue ta prove myself ta y'all. I'm here to help y'all."

 

[Breadman]

"Suppose she would have crooked cock buildings" Henderson was bemused for a second before Kassidy asked her own question "My dear, you should know that we don't have unquestionable trust towards demons, even for the odd one next to me." He tilted his head towards Takato "However we are not dimwitted as the companions that left the group earlier and recognize the need for an alliance in this place in order to achieve our goals." He raised one hand as if to show her something "As long as this hand isn't trying to wrap itself around your delicate neck to snap it, you know you're doing fine by us."

 

[Damian0358]

Takato felt rejuvenated, in a fashion he hadn't anticipated. It almost reminded him of the days when his master was still alive... his master... once more, he thought of him. Before he could continue that thought process however, Kassidy spoke up once more speaking about what envy and greed demons do. He didn't exactly have any valuables with him, so he wouldn't anticipate someone to be so envious to him as to thief him. Greed? He'll have to see.

Nodding to her remarks about the land, she looked over to their side, likely at someone, before sighing. Someone must've looked at her questionably. Hearing her question, Henderson got his remark in first. He largely nodded, though he tilted his head towards him questionably hearing that 'odd one' comment. Was it because he was an oni? He didn't expect that remark at all. But with his response concluded in a threatening example, he spoke up.

"Having partaken in the battle hours prior, there is little doubt so far on my end. One wishing to be traitorous wouldn't be going to the lengths you have so far. My trust in you is even greater than the trust in a.... select other," he said, shifting his eyes towards where Inari is, "within this party. But as Henderson says, to achieve our goals, an alliance is needed, and to put differences aside."

As Takato said so, he turned his head towards the group near the tree, of Loque, Seriphine and Inari. He had been overhearing some of the conversation, and it seemed that the demoness was still not feeling her best. He was interested in joining, to raise their spirits hopefully.

 

[Emperor Sagan]

"Burden? You? Pfah, very not! Burden is more like... sack of grain, with holes! And worms and maggots," Inari said. "Or maybe like clown man, Hudson. He burden. Too much clown, not enough funny. Very bad clown."

When Loque brought out the cups, Inari took one and waited eagerly for a drink. "Ah, how kind, I like drink. What drink is it? Sweet, maybe spicy? Fancy water?" The kitsune was in fairly high spirits after her nap, despite her continued misgivings about not procuring a demon captive, but such things can't be helped. She did note Takato sending a glance her way and she returned his look with a toothy, wide-eyed grin.

 

[ANIMAL MOTHER]

"Ah, how kind, I like drink. What drink is it? Sweet, maybe spicy? Fancy water?"

"It's... wine. It's just wine." Loque tilts the lavish looking bottle, filling Inari's cup with its wine. "...It's from my own personal vineyard back home. Speaking of Hudson... I wonder if he's dead yet..."

She bows her head a little, looking just as dejected as usual. "... He better be."

 

[SniperComZero]

"...I'm sorry you had to see all of that back at the palace... I can't imagine how hard it must be to take in that knowledge."

"Oh, you're sorry. Très bon. I supposes that fixes it all, no?" It wasn't hard to tell how facetious that the glossy-eyed princess was being. "...Let me ask you, Vincent. If I had... never seen it. Would you have ever deigned to tell me? Or would you simply have left me in the dark about the true weight of what exactly has happened, eh?" Without even looking at him, a tuft of grass was being clenched tight in her fist. "Judging by how well you've led this little group so far? I would be surprised if it had ever crossed your mind."

 

[Infab]

"Judging by how well you've led this little group so far? I would be surprised if it had ever crossed your mind."

Vincent remained silent for a few moments, gazing down at the grass. Finally, he spoke. "...I would have told you, Gwen." he said simply.

 

[SniperComZero]

Gwen barely turned her head towards their 'leader', silence speaking a thousand words for her. "...I'm sure."

Finally, however, she stood herself back up, a parting glance towards the landscape before turning her sunken-in gaze towards Vincent. "...So, why are we here?"

 

[Viper Actual]

Seriphine nodded. "Agreed and with any luck her foul legacy will wither and crumble in the wake of her death."
When Inari spoke Seriphine, not knowing what a 'clown' was, raised an eyebrow and was about to ask the Kitsune about said title when Loque offered something to drink.

Wine had been a luxury in her time and mostly found within the Realm of Men among the more wealthier citizens and lords. Seriphine preferred the taste of honey-brewed mead much more though in this case she would make an exception.

"It would be rude of me to decline such a gift," she said while raising one of the vessels.

Once Loque filled it Seriphine nodded and sipped from the glass. It was a unique taste, one she was not used. She looked at Loque and bowed her head. "Thank you, Loque."

Glancing at Vincent and Gwen, Seriphine couldn't help but notice the state of disarray that her younger kin was currently experiencing. I feel it as well.

Then, there was something else. Envy. Secretly hoped- no, yearned- for Vincent to speak with her instead. She wanted to learn more of the man. Perhaps he would find joy or comfort that some members of his party trying their best to find common ground?

Seriphine emptied her glass and thanked Loque once more. She gestured towards the bundled up cloth as a reminder before excusing herself.

Approaching Vincent and Gwen she could just make out Gwen's cold response and the question that followed.

"That," said Seriphine, "I'm sure we will find out shortly." She made a curt nod towards Vincent, her eyes speaking more than a thousand words. Right now however one question was more obvious than the others:

Is everything alright?

 

[Infab]

Vincent looked to Seriphine as she approached, taking note of the look in her eyes. "Yeah, we'll likely find out shortly. You know how Xager appears randomly." he replied, glancing to Gwen. He stepped away, leaving Gwen alone since that seemed to be what she wanted. After what she discovered back at the palace, it was probably best for the time being. He moved over to where Seriphine was, glancing towards where Loque and Inari were still sitting. "How are you holding up?" he asked, when his gaze returned to Seriphine.

Meanwhile, Kassidy nodded at both Takato and Henderson. "Well...hopefully I can prove I'm one of tha good ones to yer elven friend." she said, motioning towards Gwen with her thumb.

 

[Breadman]

"Oh I'm sure the elves are moping about the humiliating circumstances of their race's end." A smile creeped across Henderson's face "So proud and yet so humiliated. Fate has a dark sense of humor."

"Unless you're one of the demons that partook in that rape and pillage, I don't think they should hold it against you. Isn't that what the church preaches?" The brute scratched his chin as he tried to remember those memories of his past. Back when he was weak. The associated memories of the time filled him with disgust, but he didn't show it. "Judge someone for their own sins? Something like that."

 

[Damian0358]

"...if there's anything proven so far within this party, it is that, unless the given individual maintains within themself an extreme prejudice, action and time is what confirms their opinion of the other, whether swaying it or not. Gwenaelle joined mid-combat, and thus is not as experienced with you. These things, they take time," Takato added his thoughts after Henderson make his remarks, adding a nod and a smile to the end. And with that, he bowed and stepped away.

Turning to face the group near the tree, he noted Seriphine had moved, and had begun speaking with Vincent. Approaching Inari and Loque, he gave the two a nod: "...are you two doing better?"

 

[ANIMAL MOTHER]

Loque doesn’t answer as she looks back at him. The gnarled look on her disgusting face should tell Takato enough of how she feels. She does wave the bottle at him though, hoping he’d keep her company as he she treats him to her own stock.

 

[Damian0358]

If Loque's head being in her hands throughout the entire ride didn't confirm to Takato that she didn't seem better, then her expression confirmed it to him. Briefly exhibiting a frown, he brought his face back to neutrality as he raised his hand and decided against having a drink.

"Thank you for the offer, but decline, I must," he stated, as he seemingly ignored Inari's presence, "...is there anything you need at this time?"

 

[Emperor Sagan]

Inari chuckled at Takato's denial of the drink, which was a fairly decent beverage that was, to her, a little on the sour side in an unfamiliar way, but she'd drink just about anything. She took another swig from the cup and stepped beside Takato, putting one arm over his shoulder and gesturing her cup at his chest as she pointed at him. "I remember new joke! I put your language letters together and think - Takato monk, yes? And silly little smelly animal is monkey, right? But I call Takato a monky instead!" she chuckled again, her own amusement as esoteric as ever. "And monky don't drink like people, so maybe he need pool to sip from."

 

[ANIMAL MOTHER]

"...is there anything you need at this time?"

Loque looks off into the distance, then at her surroundings, then at Inari, and then finally back at Takato.

"I don't know... A way home?"

 

[Damian0358]

Takato just glanced at Inari briefly, unsure whether she had become intoxicated or if she was just being her usual self, before looking back at Loque. He wasn't sure how he could answer that need without troubling her further, but he was going to try something.

"...home," he repeated that word, as he tried to get Inari's arm off his shoulder, "Your needs may not be satisfied by mine answer, but... is that truly what you need?"

 

[Emperor Sagan]

"Hey, home is good place, yes that is so," Inari nods, holding firmly onto Takato. She wasn't drunk and he got that sense when she offered another sparkling grin - she was doing this without dancing to the tune of intoxication. "Loque, maybe you want visit my home? Is very nice place, Kowareta. Pretty land, pretty people. Like me!"

 

[ANIMAL MOTHER]

"Your needs may not be satisfied by mine answer, but... is that truly what you need?"

Loque's grimace turns into an even harsher looking scowl.

"I am not in the mood for this, Takato." To calm her nerves, she fills her own cup with the wine and drinks from it as well as lighting up yet another cigarette.

"Loque, maybe you want visit my home? Is very nice place, Kowareta. Pretty land, pretty people. Like me!"

Her scowl doesn't change. If there's one thing she couldn't stand in the mortal realm, it's Redonians. The inevitable cultural clashes were ones she often dreaded whenever she met any, only intensified further when they couldn't understand her talking to them in either Atracan or Escarian. She's still yet to meet one that didn't strike a nerve with her yet. She would never go to their homeland.

She's definitely considering it now.

"...Do you know the way there from here, Inari?" she says, somewhat mockingly.

 

[Emperor Sagan]

"The way home? Hmm..." She considered it for a moment, trying to retrace their steps in her mind. By necessity and experience, she was a fairly decent navigator. Kowareta was full of mountains and luscious forests, rolling planes and gentle hillsides. The coasts could be peaceful, with numerous little inlets snaking their way into the nearest farmlands. She had been marching armies and warbands up and through the territory for centuries - and she still didn't know every nook and cranny there was. Still, she had a fair grasp of the landscape, and could navigate her way to just about anywhere so long as she had a reference of where she was. A river or mountain range, for example, or a particular city.

The Abyss wasn't so hard to backtrack in her mind, except, of course, for all the transit they had done by vehicle. Not only the truck they had, but the locomotive engine. She had no idea how far or what direction these things had traveled in. If it had been a journey entirely by foot she would have been confident enough to backtrack her way all the way back to the Abyssal door. As it was, there were significant gaps that needed to be filled in.

"... no! But why that matter?"

 

[Damian0358]

Hearing Inari's response, for ever a brief moment, caused Takato's face to share the same expression as that as Loque's. Ignoring her once more, he responded to Loque, with a stoic yet paternal look;

"...it cannot be denied that your experience within this realm is far greater than mine. And even discounting those, it cannot be said your experiences so far were... entirely positive," he commented with a sorrow expression, "but to return home... would it truly resolve the emotions you feel? I, I may not know what they are, and how deep they go, but with everything you've seen, and now know of the circumstances, could you truly return and even feign ignorance of what has occurred?

"To ask these questions now rather than later can only be beneficiary, no matter one's mood..."