Fantasy That Time the Demon Lord Killed our Party Leader: Ic

[Nessi]

Life is Worth Living

Nergal

Mortals have always been little pathetic things, and Nergal knew this better than anyone.

They all had short, insignificant lives, and constantly fought amongst themselves for things that didn’t really matter. Even the dragons, a species made in the great mothers image, were nothing more rats that scurried around in caves.
Nergal was born from the filth and depravity that existed in all mortals, and when he first opened his eyes, he understood that his purpose was to snuff out the existence of every last one of those little little shits.

Yet every time he descended from the heavens, and spread diseases intended to wipe them out for good, they always resisted, found ways to adapt and overcome his plagues.


Now, Nergal’s gaze was fixated on Arrian, who held the spear of yet another filthy mortal made god. He went to lift his weapons to block the incoming attacks, but found his movement restricted by chains of pure mercury, courtesy of Nohea.
“Mortals may be weak, and our lives are mere drops in the bucket compared to gods, but that’s where our strength lies! Every precious second matters to us, and we’ll do anything to protect the little time we’re blessed with!” a familiar voice yelled in Nergal’s head. “Even when I’m long gone, there’ll be someone to stop you, a mortal brave enough to put you down no matter the era!”

Nergal knew that he was looking at Arrian, but what he saw was not the rugged hero’s face, but rather the color of their soul. It shined brightly, with a golden luster that reminded the plague god of the only mortal to have ever bested him in combat one on one, the only other being to have a soul that shined like gold.

The Eternal King Paimon.

There was no cry of pain nor roar of defiance when the Gae Bolg pierced through Nergal’s body, heart and all. His golden lion mace and rotten sword clang to the ground, as his entire body began to crumble into ashes. There would be no second chances for him, the only thing that awaited him in heaven was a swift death.
Nergal tried to think of something to say, a putrid insult or a curse he could place upon one of the heroes before his vessel faded, but nothing came. Instead, he simply looked down, and let himself embrace death.


In a single moment, the Well went from a cacophony of noise, to complete and utter silence. All that remained of the plague god was his weapons, and a putrid green gem that glowed softly in a pile of ash.

 

[CasualTea]

Hjartasorrow

Rohen Fuyuumi, "The Mad Orca"

Interactions: Nessi LazyDaze Worthlessplebian

Mentions: N/A

As Rohen stood ready to land the final strike, she just watched something totally unreal. Aaxir seriously just confessed his love for Eleanor, a human? She couldn't believe all the sweet words Aaxir was saying, especially to that form. And then the most ridiculous thing just happened. Aaxir actually took Rohen's pure sarcasm as real advice and kissed the being he was holding so dear. She was flabbergasted. Completely gobsmacked. It was so ridiculous that it actually... broke her into laughing. "Aha..?! Ahahahaha..!! What the fuck?! Aaxir, you--" Immediately, she had to stop as she saw Hajun reaching out to Aaxir. "Aaxir, move!" She raised her blade quickly in order to finish off the demon but halted when he seemed to plunge his fist into his chest. Something was going on. Was Eleanor still alive in there then?

She stood there in silence waiting for something to happen. Just what the Hell was going on with that thing? Some sort of internal struggle? Is Hajun just trying a new way to attack them without them knowing? Were they being duped? That was until the body burst into some kind of negative energy that made Rohen have to resist its force. It was almost as if she could be blown away from it, but she held firm. Once it was over, a figure stood in front of them. It was Hajun. Wait a minute, that's not right. No this was different. They looked similar, in terms of demonic characteristics but the form and figure... Seemed the opposite. It was a woman. A very sharp contrast from what she had just battled before. But the most important thing about her that she could pick out was that she didn't seem to be a threat. If anything, she felt familiar. Someone close. Someone she knew. There was a sense of familiarity about her that caused Rohen to hesitate from raising her blade once more. It was actually calling to her, screaming at her to put her blade down. That she needn't fight anymore.

Then the being spoke. She spoke Aaxir's name with a voice that rang all too familiar in Rohen's ear. And the way they talked, the words they used... This was Eleanor.

From what she could gander from her new appearance, she was no longer just a human. She was something else. Probably an effect caused by that wretched demon Hajun. Perhaps she is now a demon? But it was still Eleanor. There was no denying it. This was the person whom they wanted to save in the first place. Someone Rohen failed to realize in her blind fit of rage just a minute ago. Who was now crying on the ground they stood on. She sighed before looking off to her side at Tiberius who was also ready to strike. "Tiberius, my friend." She called out, almost exhaustedly. "...Stand down. We're done." She let out a long exhale as she stood at ease and sheathed her sword. The audible sound of the blade brushing against the sheath's walls before ending with a metallic clang at the hilt was all that filled this ambient silence. Just like that, Rohen's adrenaline, her rage and bloodlust; all of it had died leaving her conflicted and a sore throat. Her sharp and focused eyes that were once filled with rage and commitment softened and dulled, looking upon Eleanor's new form with a bitter acceptance.

Was it because Eleanor was now a demon that she pitied her? Or was she hurting that she almost just killed one of their allies, especially one she considered a friend? The display of weakness Eleanor was showing in this exact moment felt genuine which made her heart sink, and yet there was nothing she could do. There was nobody to lash out at or anything she could do to cope with this feeling. She hated it yet she had to accept the new reality. There was a silence in the Well, other than Eleanor's faint but frightened breathing from whatever she thought was going to come. She knew she told Aaxir that she'd strike should Hajun regain his footing. But all that stood before her was a newly born demon, leaving herself completely defenseless and was willing to receive death at the hands of her fellow comrades if she still considers them as such.

She soon took a step closer to the two and hit Aaxir's shoulder lightly as to get his attention. "You take care of her, Aaxir." She spoke. "She's your responsibility now. I was only here for Hajun." She then walked away from the group to go clear her head. Although she didn't know her for long, the scene of Yi Nuo's death weighed heavily on her. Especially with its uncanny resemblance to Arlux's, it reopened many wounds. Tiamat kept silent throughout the whole ordeal and allowed Rohen to organize her thoughts so she can reel herself back in. It was something only Rohen could do by herself, though Tiamat felt that Rohen should consult with another member to share in their troubles. She leaned against a nearby wall and crossed her arms, letting out a sigh as she closed her eyes to... meditate. To take inventory of her thoughts. To silently grieve once more for a fallen ally whose name will be another addition to what she would have to commit to memory.

Even so, she could still feel that Tiamat had something to say, yet she was keeping it from her. "...Spill." She said. "...You're fine with sparing her?" Tiamat asked. As a deity, she could understand that there were responsibilities of the divine that they must uphold. Ridding the world of demons is essentially engraved into every other living species' minds as they walk upon this floating ball in the universe. It was quite common to view demons in a negative light and must be avoided and rejected. But the demon that was in front of her was different. They were a former comrade and apparently, a love interest of another. To Rohen, she only had one reason to draw her blade. To kill Hajun. But now that he was gone, so was the reason. There was also another thing that weighed on her. "Eleanor seems sane enough, she knows what she did. But whether or not she truly wants to meet God isn't up to me." Tiamat wasn't physically there, but if she were, she would have squinted and given one of the most confused expressions Rohen could imagine. "Is this another one of those things... You humans say to express death?" Rohen just offered a shrug before she continued. "Anyway, I feel the one who should take her there should be the one who is more intimate."

"...You mean--" "That damned dragon." "I know you despise him because of that encounter but even for you that's..." "If anyone should walk Eleanor down the aisle of death, it should be someone whom she has feelings for. You heard it too, right? He wouldn't say such sweet nothings like that especially if it was one sided. It sounded like an answer to one's question. If I'm right then that means Eleanor had taken a liking to the dragon for some reason." "...You should retire and be a matchmaker after the war." Tiamat joked, seemingly trying to uplift Rohen's spirit a tad bit. It worked though. Rohen did crack a scoff and a smirk. "Let the two figure it out. If the dragon-shit can't handle it, he can always call me back and he'll have to owe me two times. I know you'll help me conjure up the resolve to do that if it should, right?" She asked even though she knew the answer. But even then, she still wanted assurance from her patron.

"...Certainly, child."

 

[Nessi]

Emil/Sacrifice

Broken Cycle

As the dust settled, and both the presence of both Nergal and Hajun faded into nothingness, the heroes finally felt the cold grasp of exhaustion hit their bodies, many of them crumbling to the ground. What they had done was a feat only a handful of mortals had accomplished, they beat a god in combat.

Nohea, amazed that he was still alive, crumbled to the floor, blood leaking from his eyes as a consequence of having pushed his body to the limit. His shaky hands reached to his side, attempting to retrieve a much needed mana potion, however it immediately slipped out of his hands once he tried to lift the ornate glass bottle to his lips.
The glass bottle did not shatter though, instead it had been caught by a large, tanned hand that belonged to none other than the Eternal King, freed from his stone prison. Without saying a word, Paimon lifted the glass bottle to Nohea’s lips, and ensured that the chief of the isles got every last drop.
“How was your nap? I’m sure it was nice to get to watch a fight without participating.” Nohea remarked with a measly chuckle.
“About as well as you can imagine…do you know where Eleanor is?” Paimon asked.
“It’s hard not to know where she is, after all a few moments ago her possessed body was tossing the heroes aside like children. You’ll find her outside on one of the platforms, but brace yourself, she’s changed.” Nohea explained.

Paimon nodded, and quickly rushed out of the entrance, and through strength alone, leapt to where Eleanor was, his heart sinking as he witnessed her new form. The moment his feet hit the ground, Eleanor turned, and when they both locked eyes it was as if they were exchanging 1000 words without speaking a single one.

“Paimon, I-”
“It’s not your fault, Eleanor.” Paimon interrupted, taking a step closer to Eleanor. “You are not to blame for what occurred here, I am the one to blame.”
“But I’m a monster now! You’re just coming here to finish off this evil once and for all!” Eleanor shouted.
Paimon merely shook his head, a soft smile forming on his face. “You might have grown a pair of horns, and gotten a little taller…but you are no monster, and my affection for you has not dwindled even a little.” Paimon said.
The Eternal king stepped in to embrace his hero, to finally end this cycle of hatred, death and revenge once and for all and close the book that was the 3d demon kings existence.

Instead, Paimon was hit with a blast of energy that sent him flying in a matter of seconds. Before he could fly off the platform, a wall would suddenly shoot from the ground, catching him, but simultaneously knocking the wind from his lungs.
The culprit of the sudden attack appeared at first to be from Rohen, but quickly it became apparent that the mad orca was not to blame for the blast, but rather a watery hand that was jutting out of her metal arm.
“That is a dangerous game to play, too dangerous even by your standards Paimon.” A voice only familiar to Rohen announced.
Water began to flow profusely from Rohen’s metal arm, gathering towards the center of the platform. The water began to mold itself, shape itself, until what stood at the center was a woman whose hair flowed and sparkled like the universe itself, and whose eyes were covered by a sort of mask. Immediately, all the heroes saw their patron gods manifest and kneeled towards the being before them.

For the first time in eons, Tiamat had manifested herself into the mortal realm.

The all mother lifted her hand, and immediately bound Eleanor to the ground with chains made purely of water.
“Stop.” Tiamat commanded. All Heroes and gods who were within earshot lost their ability to move their limbs. Eleanor strained her neck against the chain pulling it down, and locked her eyes unto Tiamat, a whirlwind of emotions flowing through her body.
“You all have fought long and hard, and in the end triumphed against evil. However, I cannot allow Eleanor to live, or what's left of her.” Tiamat announced. “Demons were a naturally violent race that knew nothing but death and dest-”

Liar.

“They scarred the lands, fighting anything that came in their path fo-”

Liar.

“I tried to find peace with demons, to negotiate with them, and in return they slaughtered my children in co-”


Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.Liar.

Those words replayed endlessly as memories began to flash in Eleanor's head, each one contradicting every statement that came out of Tiamat's mouth.
“You’re a Liar.” Eleanor said bluntly, causing Tiamant to completely stop talking.
“Look for yourselves, the powers of the 3rd demon king have corrupted her through and through. You’re a danger to yourself, and those around you Eleanor. This is the only way.” Tiamat said somberly.
“That might work on the others, but you know I won’t believe you for a second.” Eleanor growled.
Tiamat lifted her hand, once more, and 4 spears of water formed above Eleanor, and immediately began to fly towards her vital points.
Eleanor closed her eyes, and braced for what was to come.

And yet, instead of death, Eleanor heard the crack of a whip, followed by someone landing in front of her. She opened her eyes, and was taken aback at who had come to her rescue.

The god of truth and justice, Veritas.

“Son, stand aside.” Tiamat ordered, manifesting 3 more spears over her head.
Veritas flinched slightly, but did not falter. “Mother, this farce of yours has gone on long enough. You can end this pointless cycle right now. Come forth, and tell the truth of what happened, the truth about demons, the tru-”
Tiamat fired her spears off, and once more Veritas used his blade to deflect all 3 of the projectiles.
“You know you can’t beat me, either you move or you die.” Tiamat stated.
Veritas raised his blade, and closed his eyes, taking a long, deep breath. “By the power invested in me as the god of truth and justice, I have seen your crimes, and have reached a verdict. The genocide of the demon race, the manipulation of the memories of other gods, there is only one punishment for you now.” Veritas declared. His golden robes were enveloped by a dark purple glow, and now, the god of justice wore what could only be described as the black garb of the executioner.

“Death.”

Veritas was the first to go on the offensive, dashing in and thrusting his blade towards Tiamat’s throat.
Tiamat dodged the attack, but was forced to block the whip strike that followed immediately after.
“The demon race were never born evil, they came into existence from the excess energy left behind from the various beasts amongst the stars that El slayed.” Veritas said in between the cracks of his whips.
Tiamat continued to play on the defensive, evading attack and conjuring barriers of water when needed. “Are you going to continue your meaningless rant, or is there a point you’d wish to reach?” Tiamat groaned. With a single swipe of her hand, the ground below Veritas shot upwards quickly, launching him into the air. She then clenched her fist, and rock and debris flew toward the god of justice in an attempt to crush him.
Veritas brought his blade back into one, and cut up the debris as it flew at him. “All of your creations, everything that stems from you, must follow your orders. But demons were the only race exempt from your control, and that made you scared. You tried to ask them to willingly come under your dominion, and when they rejected your offer you waged war against them.” Veritas revealed. His blade once more turned into a whip, and it quickly wrapped itself around a sizable rock, before launching it at Tiamat. “You had us kill so many of them, they chose to flee to the safety of the underworld, where Pluto promised them safety so long as they remained within the confines of his realm…but that wasn’t good enough for you. So you offered them a chance at peace, lured out the 2nd demon king baal and had Pele murder him in front of his own brother, as well as any remaining demons that came to witness the making of history. And to ensure that nobody would question your decisions, you altered everyone's memories, and wiped the existence of the demon race from the minds of mortals and gods alike. You’re actions and abuse of power are what made the 3rd demon king what he was, the blood on his hands stains yours a-”

“SILENCE!” Tiamat roared, her mighty voice shaking the well violently. Her next attack had no build up, nor could the coalescence of mana even be faintly detected. It came like lightning, and in a blink of an eye, Veritas’s sword arm, left foot and right eye were blown off, causing him to immediately fall to the ground.
Tiamat approached Veritas, a watery blade forming in her hand. “I told you that you couldn’t beat me.” she reminded, lifting her sword high above her head.
Veritas stared at Tiamat, breathing heavily as golden blood dripped from his wounds. Despite his wounds, his face was not one filled with the fear of death, but rather it was his same, calm expression, like everything was going according to plan. “Something my daughter taught me is that misdirection is a powerful weapon.” Veritas croaked. Then, for the first time in a long time, since the birth of his daughter, Veritas did something extremely out of character.

A faint smile crept on his face.

“I didn’t need to beat you. I just needed to awaken the memories dormant in my brothers and sisters. Good luck.” Veritas revealed.
As if on queue, a golden beam of light would crash into Tiamat, and knock her two platforms away. This wasn’t a spell however, it was a furious Inanna, tightly gripping her scepter. She charged forward once again, switching from her scepter to the unbreakable scimitar.
“Stop!” Tiamat commanded, but Inanna’s blade still slammed into her, launching her farther than she had gone before.
“Go to hell!” Inanna roared, charging at Tiamat for the 3rd time.
Tiamat lifted her hand to cast a spell, but both her hands were pinned to a wall via golden daggers.
In mid air, Inanna brandished her strongest weapon, the realm destroying axe, and heaved it above her head.

Inanna slammed down upon Tiamat, but stopped her axe when it was merely inches away from Tiamat.
“Mercy isn’t your specialty.” Tiamat jeered.
“This isn’t mercy.” Inanna spat back, lifting her axe away from Tiamat. “We have a job to do…but after? You’ll atone for your sins one way or another, Tiamat.”

 

[Beann]

Suzuki Kaida

‘A touching moment.’ Inari Okami mused as the goddess witnessed the interaction between Aaxir and Hajun — or Eleanor. Kaida watched silently, her large tails swishing as she remained in her divine synchronization, waiting just like Rohen and Tiberius to see if things would go awry. Luckily for the group, Eleanor remained strong, signaling the end to the Hajun and Nergal encounter. The kitsune returned to her original form, letting out a small sigh of relief as she sheathed her katana. Exhaustion washed over her and she was just about ready to drop to her knees before another commotion erupted. She caught a brief image of Eleanor's patron god being sent off the platform by a strong burst of water. Her attention shifted to the culprit and her eyebrows furrowed at the sight of Rohen, or rather, Tiamat, as the goddess took form.

Panic quickly set in as Kaida realized she could not move, only observe. The sight of Inari Okami kneeling down to Tiamat was unsettling, considering her own goddess was fairly stubborn. The question as to why Tiamat had decided to take form was quickly answered as the goddess explained to the heroes that Eleanor mustn't be left alive. Kaida’s muscles tensed as she looked over to her friend chained down before Tiamat, as if she had done wrong to be put on trial before them all. She spoke about demons and their destructive and violent nature, insisting that Eleanor must not be made an exception. Has her friend been corrupted? The change in her form was apparent but as was the moment she and Aaxir shared. There was no deceit or ulterior motives.

Eleanor was Eleanor.

Unfortunately, it would seem as Tiamat had no intention of delivering a fair and just trial, leaving all of them to watch as the goddess sent forth spears of execution. Kaida closed her eyes, not wanting to witness the death of her friend. However, the crack of a whip and the sound of another voice forced her to open her eyes once more. The kitsune watched as Veritas stood against the all mother, unraveling the truth in which they were all kept from. Tiamat was at fault and it seemed that was the general consensus as she watched Inanna attack the goddess as well. Veritas was right. Death was the only suitable punishment for such crimes. Kaida continued to watch, expecting the goddess of war to finish her off but to her surprise, she backed off.

“What…?” Kaida muttered in disapproval. “So we are just… going to ignore this? Come back to it another time?” Inari Okami looked over at her chosen, her eyebrows furrowing as she offered the young kitsune a look that clearly said: ‘cease!’ However, all the information that was presented to them came together like pieces of a puzzle and Kaida was furious. “So many died because of you…” She looked at the all mother with disdain. “It wasn’t just demons. So many of us —! Your creations! So many of us died because of you! And for what? Because you couldn’t have your way?”

The kitsune looked around at the rest of her companions, hoping they would share the same sentiment as her. “Arlux is dead. Yī Nuò is dead. We nearly lost Eleanor and Tiberius! There shouldn’t be an after or later — she should pay NOW!”

 

[Worthlessplebian]

Tiberius Helvian, Longinus

He stood. More still than the slumped form of their foe, spear in hand, waiting for Aaxir's desperate plea to blossom or wither. A silent sentinel — pitch as the starless, moonless depths of the longest night — whose vigil seemed to stand unimpeded for longer eons. Only the dark, loveless shroud cascading from his shoulders shifted, wafting gently, unconcerned by wind or pull. Not even the howls of exhaustion tugged at his limbs, taut muscles burning, rejuvenated by mystics and Will alike. He wondered nowt, only watching the motionless figure that had paraded about in Eleanor's half-morphed body as though the slit of his black helm, a pale ivory flame flitting about, was burning a hole through it. Then it twitched. The gladiator shifted swifter than a shuddering heart's half-beat. He had raised his shield, his spear, fingers flexing. His heart quieted, the tattoo blaring in his ears died to a whisper-almost mute. His night-besieged eyes focused solely on the resting form. Then he felt it before he heard it. A violent wave of vile malevolence blasted from the mercurial daemon, sending palls of dust from marble, smothering the sounds of the Heroes, battering against Tiberius' shield, cracking like a metallic whip through the air.

He heard her form changed: bones grating as they lengthened beneath her tight, pale skin; muscles and tendons snapping, reknit anew. Abruptly, it was over. The coronal ring of malice was expelled around them, but as it faded, Tiberius swore he heard a shriek, lingering, dying in the echo of the tide. Of revenge denied, of calamity cursed and brought to heel, of fury doused.

The gladiator blinked, groaning as his shoulders rolled, muscles aching. From the ashen coil, she rose. Her form towering. Wicked horns, darker than the deepest seas, protruding 'neath the flowing rivulets of her gray hair, her skin festooned with jagged scales of obsidian lustre, a thick pronged-tail batted at the ground once, flattening the trailing dust. The similarities, however, shone brighter because of the differences. But her eyes, gleaming with unholy potency, were twisted with grief. Not of deed enacted, but of a bleaker portent to come, recognition flared like a forest aflame.

He heard Rohen speak, the Mad Orca's words hanging perilously in the battle-riven air. Tiberius' helm shifted, glancing at the mercenary. "No." His arms fell to his sides, but did not loosen. He did not relent. "It isn't." Tiberius cautioned, voice cold and hard, dull and tired, low and slow. The butt of his spear tapped the ground, a blunt thud echoing after the metallic clang of a sheathing sword. What awaits them, he does not know, but Tiberius feels a teeth-itching scratch in his skull, scraping as though with rusted claws the length of arms. Somehow, it felt familiar. And that knowledge galled him.

He peered over his shoulder as the Eternal King paced over to ensconce Eleanor in a warming embrace, one to dispel the worries plaguing her mind. Until he saw Rohen's metal prosthesis jut up, creaking in the silence. Tiberius spun, arm reeled back to toss his divine spear at the distending prosthetic. But he couldn't, his body seized beneath an intangible force, an unending instance of his act. And he knew who caused this.

A pillar of energy erupted towards Paimon, sending him hurtling through the air. The water from her limb surged forward, flowing into the centre, bulging and assuming a form fine-hewn by the right of her divinity. Locks gleaming in the wan light as if hundreds of white stars condensed into thinnest threads. The revulsion in her obscured eyes not inscrutable by the mask she affected. Though he had never seen her, he knew her identity. Tiamat, The Shaper and Farer, the Mistress of the Firmament Sea. His muscles yanked at his jaw, twitched in his arm. Still, he could not move, could not struggle. And with a single utterance, his arrested form was deadened completely. And in this accursed Well, the gladiator saw the Goddess take form, kneeling in the presence of her Mother. His eyes wheeled down as the shadows that clung to the corners, crooks, crevices, and arches of the Well coalesced, drawing into a figure before him. Her hair had been wild, unconstrained in the space around her, flowing endlessly, tortuous onto and out of itself. But gone were the soft lights, glittering inbetwixt the coiling threads, gone was the radiance that once bathed him — in its place, only a silver sadness that illuminated, but never warmed. She did not look at him. But still, he quested for her thoughts. "Qin." He called once. She never turned.

The grievous atrocity was being carried out, a perfect portrayal of injustice conducted and performed within Tiamat's court by the monarch, above the Gods, herself. However, heralded by the crack of whip against stone, a gavel against blessed oak came the God of Justice and unveiled the barbarity shrouded eons ago. Tiberius appreciated the intervention, but soon his mind was plagued by the echo of Parzival's memory ringing in his mind. One of the certainties in Tiamat's creations had been this incessant need for slaughter — the sins of the parent inherited by the offspring. Veritas fell, but the shroud that pervaded over the Gods' mind had been torn and the Goddess of War rectified that unjustness. Her great axe hovered like a silent, primeval beast, jaws clamped around the throat of its victim, before it was dragged back by Inanna herself.

The gladiator was released, the force which halted him undone. He paced to Qin, kneeling down beside her. Her gaze remained fixed, unmoved by the chaos around her. Though Tiberius' gaze lingered, he did not stare, instead turning towards the Mother of Seas.

"You knew." He did not ask, it was never a question.

"Yes." She replied, her thoughts slashed with regret like a dread spectre hanging above her. Her hands tightened, knuckles pressing into the Well's roughened marble. "I always did." She went on, the soothing melody that rang in her voice like a hymnal bell, the voice that flowed like poetry sung was now stilted, resounding like a groaning death knell. Tiberius' gaze wheeled down, setting down the spear beside her. "It has hounded me all these centuries. A God's recollection can be accursedly infallible, though some could choose to forget. I could not. Never that." Her tone a mournful gale winnowing in his mind. "There is no atonement for that inaction, even if it kept them safe." His arm reached slowly, warping through her splayed hair, gently coiling around her. He felt the chill of her skin through the sleeve of black metal on his armour. "Why did you stop me before?" They both spoke, words mirroring in their minds, anticipated. "It saved you." "It was my life to give." "Is it?" She gestured. Tiberius knew where she pointed without following her gesture, but before he rose, he saw Polux's thudding footfalls behind him. He half-turned at the dreadnaught, head inclining, his armour had been sullen and dirtied by the rigours of a fetid battle. The gladiator nodded and went up.

He walked slowly over to Kaida, her sentiments ringing true. Tiberius placed a hand on her shoulder, motion as gentle as the first speck of snow caressing the earth. "Breathe with me." He suggested, measuring his breath to a calm, leveled rhythm before stepping beside her fully. "For the ramifications of her deeds, the sentence must be absolute." Tiberius agreed, his voice unwavering, clear in the depth of the chamber, but not loud. A well-measured tone that filled the silence. "She cannot be spared, if she is, she will threaten all. Not only us, who stood with Eleanor here, but those who now remember the truth of her acts. Imprisonment, poetic irony notwithstanding, is no guarantee for such a will. And as for our sworn duty, its matters should be left to us, as you had your belief in us." His arm rounded, passing over the Heroes, his friends and allies. "Provide a reason, beyond the Conquest outside these walls, as to why the verdict should be delayed." He requested. And suddenly, through the flint-iron grit of his discipline, Tiberius felt how utterly mad this predicament had come to be and his role in it.

Interactions: Nessi (the Gods), Beann (Kaida), CasualTea (Rohen).
Mentions: Eleanor.

 

[Dawnsx]

Nelumba

Nel was sad. Nel was happy! And sad.

Sad, because Granny is dead.

Nel saw it coming though. Despite the powers granted by Divine Fusion, Nel had found herself unable to interject in the duel between Yi Nuo and Hajun. She watched grimly from the air as the duo clashed.

Granny was super duper strong. But Hajun was super duper duper strong. Nel had guessed that Granny wouldn’t be able to win by herself. So she was sad, but not particularly surprised, when Hajun tossed Granny’s lifeless body down the hole like litter into a waste bin. It was just Granny’s time to go join Arlux on the other side.

But Nel was happy! Because Arrian got Nergal real good, and Eleanor and Aaxir smooched and defeated the baddie with the power of love like in those picture books with happy endings! And she was back to normal but not really but alive!

But sad, because Eleanor’s new look didn’t really fit her vision of a champion of kindness, love and life. Nothing against demons, really! Nel wasn’t racist or anything, but the champions had an image to maintain! Eleanor’s new washboard abs didn’t really cut it.

And above all, Nel was tired.

Because duh, who wouldn’t be after fighting the Demon King?

Dropping to the ground, Nel and Shiva peeled apart as the effects of Divine Fusion wore off. Shiva stood majestically as ever, and even dusted himself off with a look of disgust like he was trying to get rid of Nel-cooties. She didn’t have the energy to be offended anymore, so she laid on her back and breathed a sigh of relief now that everything was over…

Boy, she must be really tired, because she couldn’t move at all!

…But wait. Why were there fighty sounds? Nel tried to take a look, but it felt like someone was holding her head in place, and she could only stare straight up.

And there were a bunch of unfamiliar voices talking about the demon race and genocide. It was a bit confusing when Nel couldn’t see who was speaking, but she got the gist. One of the gods killed all the demons because she couldn’t get them to do what she said.

Nel frowned.

Lycoris also got gutted because she wouldn’t obey.

The guy who’d mugged them all those years ago was all like, “Just gimme your money and I’ll let you live!”

And Lycoris was a fierce gal and said, “No thank you!”

And the mugger didn’t like hearing no for an answer, so in went the knife, and out came the blood.

Nel sat up abruptly as the invisible force holding her down dissipated. Her eyes spotted Shiva first, and he looked mad. Not the face-snarling, teeth-baring kinda mad like she made him sometimes. But he was completely still and he didn’t actually have an angry face on at all, but she just could tell he was super pissed.

It wasn’t hard to guess why. Shiva mentioned to her, just once, that some of his kids died fighting the demons.

Still, he didn’t make any moves to execute Tiamat.

“You’re a big baby!” Nel announced, resting her hands on her hips. “Getting mad and throwing a tantrum because the demons didn’t do what you wanted? That’s what babies do! Wow, for an old lady, you act like an entitled toddler!”

She cocked her head at Tibby. “There’s no reason why the verdict should be delayed! This is high time we perform champion duties!”

With that, she formed a blade of water and chucked it at Tiamat’s neck.

 

[Zariel]

Gáe Bolg struck true, piercing the Plague God's heart as Arrian bounded off of Azaera, high into the air, and launched the divine weapon at his target.

And just like that, after much strife, their foe's form crumbled into a pile of foul ash. It was over.

Yet, even in their victory, the moment of respite was fleeting. The winds shifted, a sudden, oppressive force weighing upon them. Even Azaera felt the spines lining her back tense, her amethyst eyes narrowing at the unseen presence that loomed.

Without hesitation, Azaera took flight, her serpentine form swimming through the sky. The sense of a familiar power guided her toward the source. As she neared, she could see them—Inanna, locked in combat with another, one whose presence made Azaera roar in defiance.

Is that... Tiamat?! Why has she appeared?!

The Goddess of War sent The Great Mother careening through several platforms with a brutal strike. She held her mighty axe poised at Tiamat’s throat, its edge shimmering with magic capable of obliterating anything it touched.

And yet, she hesitated.

Inanna’s expression remained steeled, but she did not strike. Instead, she withdrew her weapon.

The black dragoness landed with a thunderous impact beside her goddess and the Allmother, her enormous ophidian form twisting and coiling as she encircled them both. A sudden, sharp sting snapped her attention—a small blade of water, likely aimed at Tiamat but striking her instead, sending a dull ache through her dark scales. Azaera hissed but dismissed the attack, for now, recognising it as the impetuous act of another god or champion.

She turned to Inanna, a silent exchange passing between them. Inanna’s nod was slight but resolute. Through their link, she telepathically conveyed the revelation granted by Veritas, a concealed truth that had ignited the fury of the gods. Azaera’s glare drifted downward, locking onto Tiamat. For a fleeting moment, memories surged forth—visions of fire, betrayal, chains that bound her, and the unrelenting wrath that had driven her once.

She understood the rage of the demons. She understood the thirst for vengeance. It was the same for her. The dragons, too, were hunted by the other mortal races. She had been shackled, deceived, and enslaved, her mighty strength used as a tool by lesser beings. And when she finally broke free, she made them pay. She tore through their ranks, incinerated them, mauled them, devoured them, reduced their fortresses to cinders, made them understand the suffering they had inflicted.

The hatred had never ceased. Not for years. Even now, part of it lingers, like a scar, unable to completely heal.

It was a cycle, one that could only be broken if both sides chose to forgive.

But that would never happen.

With a voice that carried the weight of her authority and acquired sentiments, she addressed the other heroes and gods.

“Stand down,” she began. “Our journey has not reached its end just yet. If final victory is what we seek, we will require the Allmother’s power to achieve it.... It is true... she must answer for her sins... But her day of reckoning is not yet upon us. For now, we shall postpone judgment.”

Inanna, though every fibre of her being screamed for vengeance, nodded in agreement, taking her stance between Tiamat and the rest. Azaera's maw also started simmering with dark fire, a warning to the rest that she was prepared to fight should they persist.

The fate of the world had yet to be decided, and their war was far from over.

AZAERA​

 

[LazyDaze]

What fuels me? It isn't mo

AAXIR THE RED

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What fuels me? It isn't motivation as much as it is a birthright. I was born with this responsibility. From the lowly demons feeding on darkness, and even that so called hero Arlux. It is our birthright to guide them all. After all, we are the only ones that can touch the heavens.

***
​

Time stood still. Fear, hope, faith raged within Aaxir's body; the weight of it all enough to crush him completely. Aaxir couldn't help but think that this would be where Pele would admonish him harshly in some attempt to motivate him, but now there was only the loud silence of his thoughts. In reality it was mere moment before a massive wave of energy emitted from Eleanor. Every instinct was telling Aaxir to move away, but he fought against it, squeezing tighter and tighter until finally the storm within became a clear sky, acceptance. Whatever the result, Aaxir would be prepared. It felt as if one could feel the world itself turn in that moment, but then it passed, for it was only a moment.

A great wave of energy burst forth threatening to blow all away. Aaxir's body told him to flee, attack, defend...but Aaxir held on tighter because he knew..

"Eleanor!"

The light faded, the dust had settled and all that was left was Aaxir In his kneeled position, and the demon. Aaxir found himself looking up at Eleanor, viewing her soul through her eyes. Perhaps it was the fact that Hajun had usurped her body, or that she was on the brink of death, but Aaxir couldn't help but think that she was beautiful. In whatever form, Eleanor had returned to them. She had won. It was over.

“I-...Aaxir. I’m sorry, this was the only way I could end him once and for all," Was all she could say before collapsing. Aaxir was quick to catch her and bring her in close.

"Shut up," Aaxir said, pulling Eleanor into his chest. "...I knew you wouldn't lose," Aaxir said while holding back his own tears. Aaxir wished he could savor this moment, but he knew the implications of what transpired; however, after overcoming so many obstacles Aaxir wouldn't let it end here. The two would rise to their feet and Aaxir would feel a tap on his shoulder from none other than Rohen claiming she was only there for Hajun and to take care of Eleanor. Aaxir only nodded in response; he was still uneasy. His eyes darted around as if he were a corned animal no longer able to distinguish friend from foe. Would everyone be okay with this outcome? The gods? Paimon was next to enter, Aaxir gripped his Obsidian blade, but Paimon seemed to barely have any reaction to Eleanor's change at all. Aaxir's grip loosened; maybe he was worried for nothing-

Then it happened. Without warning Paimon was blast away by none other than Rohen. No, it was someone else...The universe, ubiquitous terror wrapped into a single contradictory and terrifying form that commanded even more reverence than Golroth. Aaxir was frozen even before Tiamat asserted her control. It was as if he was witnessing and feeling "existence" all at once. The true presence of god. "Tiamat," Aaxir growled under his breath. Even saying her name was enough to make his scales burn with fury. The so-called creator, mother of all and progenitor of the world and a symbol that many dragons worship as their direct ancestor. Upon her arrival the other gods appeared, kneeling down to this...farce, this coward. Even-

"Pele," Aaxir said in surprise. To see that haughty, boisterous, and confident goddess kneeling to Tiamat was surreal in the worst way. He could only imagine this was the sickness that Pele saw in him through his desperation against Hajun. She didn't make eye contact with Aaxir, nor did she acknowledge Eleanor. If he didn't know any better the goddess before him was merely a shell impersonating the great Tutu Pele. That was when Eleanor spoke against the accusations made by Tiamat, but before one could even process what she had said Tiamat prepared her swift execution.

So, this was it? The entire Pantheon was in agreement with what was going to happen. Now, after all this, she wants to manifest now and take Eleanor away. Hell no. An assortment of curses flashed across Aaxir's frenzied mind that was already racing for a solution.

Move​

A step, a finger, even a hair, Aaxir just wanted to be given a chance no matter how small to resist. If he had to, he would fight every last god here. It was all hopeless, it truly felt as if Eleanor's path was destined for oblivion and that hope was only there to magnify the grief, but once again her judgement was forestalled this time in the form of Veritas. Of all the gods to oppose Tiamat, Aaxir wouldn't have guessed him. He spoke, echoing some of the things that Eleanor had said earlier. Honestly, from Eleanor's new form, Hajun and Nergal's defeat, Tiamat's manifestation and now this, Aaxir was having a difficult time really understanding the implications of it all. Then Veritas did something that sent even the nastiest tingle down Aaxir's spine...Veritas smiled. Chaos followed. Heroes and gods alike chastised the great Mother. Some threatened to bestow upon her the same fate she had intended for Eleanor. The war goddess brutally attacked in a blinding rage, stopping just short of killing her and Aaxir found himself able to move again, yet...unable to act. Pele continued to kneel; however, her eyes were now open, and she was unusually quiet in all this. When Azarea arrived and championed the voice of reason Pele stood up, her fists clinched while her eyes looked to be shimmering glass on the verge of shattering. The memories...they all came rushing back. The battles in which Tutu Pele willingly took to the front lines. Demon kind including children mercilessly wiped out under her command. The invasions upon heaven and the battles against the enemy as a result. The blood of her own mother, Haumea, staining her arms after Hajun, the demon she had failed to kill, had brutally slain her. A solitary burning tear tracked down the left side of Pele's face, within...the plethora of emotions she attempted to contain.

"O' Great Mother...............................................I will kill you. You manipulative bitch..."

Before Aaxir could say anything, Pele's eyes went completely white as the earth beneath the heroes shook violently and clouds formed overhead with roaring thunder as she floated upwards from the ground shouting incoherently. To mere mortals it would only sound like roaring thunder, tremors, or a raging volcano; however, the gods would be able to clearly hear the curses, pain, and unbridled rage in the words Pele spoke.

"I have now deemed your role superfluous! By the judgement of Veritas, I am claiming authority to commence your destruction! Allowing you to exist a second further is a stain upon the entire Pantheon and the history of the world! Burn, be torn asunder, and may your memory be ripped and torn all the same.....DIE AND BE FORGOTTEN!

Aaxir then rushed beside Azarea holding a hand up to Pele, speaking telepathically.

"..Tutu Pele..."

"Aaxir...Why are you standing in my way."

"...Listen I want to kill Tiamat...as much as you do. Maybe more."

"Then move mortal..."

"..Pfft Mortal?...I'm the one who is going to change the world, remember..."

"Aaxir..."

"Remember why you chose me Pele. It was for this. For this very reason...give me a chance to show you the world I'll create. I'm not finished yet. We're not finished."

Aaxir shielded himself as the thunder overhead surged violently, reaching a peak before subsiding along with the tremors. The glowing cracks in the ground cooled and Pele harmlessly floated down to Aaxir. She was now inches from his face, locking eyes with him for a time before smiling ever so slightly. "You really do want to kill her as bad as me...what's stopping you..."

"....I need to be better...I want to be better," Aaxir said digging his nails into his hands as he glanced at Eleanor, quoting the speech she gave after their battle with Parzival. "R-remember we need to be better than them," Aaxir said shakily to the party of heroes unsure of his words. Maybe that made them all the more important. He wasn't someone who liked to give grand speeches, nor was he even sure if he fully believed what he was saying but wasn't that the entire point of change? Stumbling over yourself and falling forward. "I'm probably not the one to say this. I mean I would love nothing more than to behead this coward...even before now I hated Tiamat...and my hand is shaking at the opportunity to slay her once and for all...but like Azarea said we're not done....umm what am I trying to say...

Aaxir couldn't help but feel as if he was messing it all up, but he took a deep breath and recollected himself. "What I'm saying is...I'm going to forge my own path gods and goddesses be damned. They're why we're in this mess in the first place. I....I can't tell any of you how to live or what path to take, but I know...rather, I feel that if I build the future on top of this vengeance, I'll regret it...later." Aaxir remembered the many cautionary tales along the way. Everyone has a reason for living life their way, but he wasn't naive. Life wasn't a fairy tale and death wasn't something you could avoid. "That said...I won't let them have their way...that I can promise..."

Aaxir said the last part staring directly at Tiamat his uncertainty and fears vanishing for that moment.

Pele stood beside her hero, folding her arms and closing her eyes fearing that looking at Tiamat would reignite her fury, but for now she would trust in the hero that she had chosen. The hero that had always claimed he would change the world.

 

[CasualTea]

Qual

Rohen Fuyuumi, "The Mad Orca"

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Mentions: Worthlessplebian LazyDaze Zariel Nessi Dawnsx Beann Nano

Rohen was finally able to rest. She closed her eyes and waited on the word of her comrades before they began moving again. To finally do what they came here to do. Arm themselves with the relics and resume preparations for the fight against Tiryan. It was supposed to be that simple. It was not.

Of course, Tiamat would agree to Rohen's request to support her and give her the resolve to finish off Eleanor if things went south with her new demonic form. Tiamat gave Rohen her word. She felt like she couldn't have wished for a better deity to have found and selected her as their champion and use their powers of the divine. Especially after the fusion they had just awhile ago, when Rohen seemed to be in awe of such a divine form, such power. Mana overflowing. It was unreal. Something a mortal like her should be grateful to possess as part of her arsenal. So imagine her face when she witnessed Tiamat, manifesting herself in the physical mortal realm... After having attacking Paimon and declaring the execution of Eleanor.

Her immediate response was to take to a combat stance because she felt Hell would just break loose and it wasn't caused by the demons. No, it'll be caused by the Gods themselves. She only realized just how much authority and how high up in the hierarchy that Tiamat was compared to everyone else. They kneeled before her. So she figured that they were all going to move to execute Eleanor, right? Wrong. Veritas began speaking and it sent a chill down Rohen's spine. Tiamat, slaughtering an entire race just because they refused to be ruled by her. It didn't help that they were also peaceful at first. The act was no better than a dictator, a title wielded by someone whom this party was meant to defeat. Whom she was contracted to kill.

Then the power flew, Veritas and Tiamat engaged in battle among themselves and Rohen couldn't help but think of the possible outcomes of this. If Veritas succeeded and Tiamat dies, then what happens to her? Does she remain Godless? How is she supposed to keep up with the rest? But if Tiamat wins the encounter and kills Veritas, what of Enthy? In fact, what of the other party members? How will they see her then? Just when the battle was finally coming to a close, it was just an opening for another much more war-oriented Goddess to take the fight: Innana. After the few strikes, it was already certain. Tiamat was already losing and it seems that the outcome of Tiamat dying here was extremely likely.

But that doesn't mean Rohen can watch this comfortably. She was still human. She had every right to be concerningly shocked. "...Wait." She muttered. Of course it wouldn't be heard. Inanna was just about to land the final strike and kill a Goddess. She took a step forth and extended her right hand. "No no, wait...!!" She called out but stopped herself when she realized Innana was going to let her live. She's... She's not going to die. Not yet. What a relief........... Why?

Why was she relieved? Why... Did her body move on her own? She looked at her trembling hand, made of flesh and retracted it clenching into a fist to stop it from shaking. She looked around hoping nobody would notice her pleading for the life of her Goddess. It was then where she began to hear the reactions of her party members; Tiberius, Nel. Especially, Kaida. She was right. A lot of lives were lost in this war and they lost many of their comrades. All because of Tiamat. Even Azaera showed up, a dragon, making her presence known with a loud thunderous boom. Her punishment, her death, should be paid out right now. So she should just let the water blade thrown by Nel, hit its mark. Right?

In quick movement Rohen intercepted the blade, holding its form using her steel hand, freezing it and crushing it. The ice shards that resulted shattered and fell to the ground with audible impact. Perhaps it was thanks to Azaera that Rohen was able to easily get back to her senses. She looked forth towards everyone else and saw a very angry Tutu Pele. Without word, she gripped the handle of her dao and started readying herself to do combat with a Goddess. Even if it meant certain death. It wasn't until Aaxir stood in front of her, ending up between the two and began to... be the voice of reason out of the duo. As he was able to quell her anger, Rohen didn't think she would feel relieved nor saved all because of a person she hated. She... owes him too.

It was like a weight lifted off from her chest and she could finally breathe again. But she was still in deep waters and the pressure was still present. She looked at the ice shard, a product of freezing Nel's water blade before discarding it off to the side. Its audible tink against the ground seemed to give some clarity to Rohen's mind as she began to come up with words. This is her patron, her savior. She should have a word in this. "As much as it would make me biased to say this, we cannot kill her here. Not yet." She spoke, making sure she was heard. "I still need her to help you complete a mission. Unless you've all forgotten that I exist? That I am only here because of her?" She turned towards her and extended her left arm, opening her palm. She spoke once more, her expression becoming more firm. "As you've saved me and given me a second chance in life, I won't question your motives. Just like you pulled me from the depths of death, I will accept you the same way as before."

With that, Tiamat gave an audible sigh before letting herself dematerialize and rest once more within Rohen's arm. However, when she settled in, she was met with the brutal torrent of Rohen's emotions, thoughts and memories. Just as Tiamat lied, she too had lied as well. Now an element in their relationship was missing. How could it not after what Rohen just heard? Such a betrayal should never be forgotten especially in mere seconds. She wasn't ready to forgive and it wasn't seem like that moment where she can will come any time soon. She was already swayed by the words of her comrades who seeks Tiamat's punishment. "You're also a liar..." Tiamat spoke telepathically into Rohen's mind. She physically looked at her arm and gave out a sigh. "I'd also be lying if I said I wasn't disgusted that we have our similarities. But yours... I can't call them pure." Rohen admitted back.

"Even so, you wouldn't have to be causing this self-torment if you didn't value me to fill a hole that your--"

Rohen's expression quickly scowled. "If topic of my mother even escapes you, I will personally discard this arm into the void!" She threatened audibly out of rage.

There was a loud silence then. She sighed before letting her arm down by her side. Tiamat didn't say another word. "...Just as I have drowned in an ocean, you may drown in mine." She soon later scoffed before chuckling a bit. "But you're probably used to that, 'O Great Mother." She said mockingly with venom in her words before looking at the rest of the party members. She tried hard to smile but it failed. There was no way she can try to mask herself with the Mad Orca this time. She knew there was a very large resentment towards Tiamat now. Not just from Aaxir or the unconfirmed affirmations of the other members who shared dragon blood, but from everyone else. From her comrades and their patrons too. At this point she definitely felt like an outcast. Just as it was like before. She outcasted herself for the sake of keeping her identity a secret. Perhaps this was the reason the contract was formed in the first place. Maybe she knew what would happen.

She shook her head before speaking. "Do you lot wanna move forward with our purpose being here? Or do you want to keep looking at me?" She asked but with a rather low and depressed tone. There was nothing else she could say. They bore their clear hatred for Tiamat but she was no longer here, only the one she selected as her champion.

 

[DSLIX]

Chrome Van Der Linde

@Midrick Nessi
CasualTea
Chrome helping Nohea keep Nergal in position dives and rolls away seeing Arrian launch off Azaera’s back and with perfect form launch Gae Bolg straight through Nergal, impaling the plague god. Chrome rolls and lays on his back just in time to see the defeated expression on Nergal’s face before watching Nergal turn to dust a few feet away from him with a smile creeping up on his face as he says out loud for Arrian to hear. “Now that was a damn good throw.“ Chrome sits up noticing the green gem glowing in the pile of ash and pulls a glove out of his pocket to pick it up, wrap the glove over the gem and put it back in his back for later as from what he can hear it seems Hajun had been defeated as well hearing and seeing Paimon return and damn Chrome never thought I’d be happy to see that man. Seeing Paimon help Nohea and El-HOLY SHIT WHO IS THAT. Chrome saw Eleanor and immediately started scratching his chin. He felt the same malicious energy that Hajun had but the flow and intensity of the energy were unmistakably Eleanor’s. Chrome quickly comes to the conclusion that due to the almost complete possession of Eleanor, Hajun even though he lost managed to transform El into a demon due to him leaving remnants of his power in her soul. One of our party members possessed by a demon only to defeat it and become one herself. An unfortunate circumstance but one that can be overlooked. Chrome was quickly proven wrong though seeing Paimon get blown away from Eleanor and he quickly jumps up and starts rushing over to the scene as he watched Tiamat slowly manifest. Hanuman quickly manifested in front of Chrome stopping him by having Chrome collide into him. Chrome is knocked back for a second before catching himself and immediately retaliating with a haymaker so fast it makes sounds like a canon as it collides into Hanuman’s abdomen where Hanuman stiffens his muscles and endures the blow before grabbing Chrome’s hand and putting it down before turning around to kneel towards Tiamat saying calmly to Chrome “Calm yourself, that’s the universe’s mother there. If she so wished she could kill you with a mean glare.“ Chrome clinched his fists and grit his teeth as he felt an unnatural anger building up inside himself from the absurdity of the situation. Hearing Tiamat’s words, seeing the gods wordlessly obey, and listen to this unreasonable and sudden decree to execute Eleanor after everything we just sacrificed to save her. Chrome then noticed another thing that he hadn’t noticed before but G-mom was nowhere to be found, no heartbeat, no scent, not even a weapon left behind. He searched for her throughout the dying chaos and was simply met with nothing but the saddened and bruised expressions of his allies. Chrome felt his mind slipping into a berserk-like anger until he saw Veritas intervened and both saved Eleanor while trying to serve Justice to the one who had wronged so many before. Though as Chrome hears the truth of the matter it hits him like the most ironic and funniest joke ever as he can can’t help but laugh at the lies being revealed. He adorns a wicked smirk as he notices his allies frustration and how the openly express their desire for justice. He can’t help but step up to grab Hanuman’s shoulder and pull the man up to look at his patron gods face. Chrome flinched for a moment as a rage as hot as his own burned in Hanuman’s eyes. Betrayal, Guilt, and a strong sense of regret suddenly hit Chrome but it’s not his own feelings as he recognized this sensation to know this was Hanuman’s feelings. Hanuman softens his expression as he says to Chrome “Do not gaze at me like that. For I did not know the sins she made me commit, an now that weight holds the heaviest on my heart. I did not wish to participate at first but when she fabricated about my brethren being killed and the other wrongdoings caused and clouded my mind with all this unrighteous hatred. Believing that Tiamat’s words were righteous, I did not hesitate to use my limitless strength to make every demon bow or break. While she whispered in my ear encouraging the brutality and praising my strength throughout it all.“ Chrome just slaps Hanuman’s huge chest with an audible smacking noise saying “I don’t expect you to hesitate ya damned ape. I’m not here judging you now, I’m here to see if you’ve found your reason. You were fooled by someone who you call Mother, that’s bound to hurt. Now parents aren’t perfect but I was raised by a mostly single mother and one thing my mother said she wished every mother would do with their children. Is to create a foundation of truth and respect to communicate the things others might not like or accept. Tiamat is no mother she is simply an old goddess who’s grown to bitter to enjoy anything outside of her control.“ Hanuman just looks at Chrome half shocked and half amused by his words as he’s never heard a mortal be so bold. He cracks a grin back at Chrome and pats his back hard enough for Chrome to get pushed up slightly. Chrome quickly moves out the way of Hanuman feeling his back sting from that first pat before turning back and facing the God of War as she walks away from Tiamat opening his mouth to speak but is shocked when Azaera quickly comes to defend her patron god’s words. A rebellious urge growing in his chest but he simply watches Tutu Pele have her outburst, before he suddenly thinks of Rohen and concern becomes etched on his face as he looks over to his fellow or-comrade looking conflicted but ready to fight if need be. Seeing Rohen unnerved expression and hearing her anxious heartbeat as she stands ready makes Chrome’s expression soften almost immediately as his sense of empathy makes him feel guilty for even feeling such bloodlust towards something connected to her. The patience he had lost now found and a warm and inviting expression adorns Chrome’s face as he approaches Rohen the words exchanged between her and everybody else falling deaf on Chrome ears as he didn’t really care for killing Tiamat now anymore. Eventually he finds himself standing toe to toe with Rohen as she suggest to move on in a subtle but hurt tone, and his smile merely grows as he grabs her chin to make her eyes meet his as he says in a calm and cool tone “From the view I have right now. I think I’ll stare at you a little longer.“ Chrome embraces Rohen gently before leaning down to whisper in her ear “You are not alone so please don’t push yourself away from us. Do not let the rocks thrown at Tiamat sit at your feet and weigh you down because I will never leave you to be or suffer alone. Don’t you dare try to hold this burden by yourself. What you can’t handle I will so if it’s ever too much just come see me, I’ll make it all better again.“ As Chrome speaks he slowly raises back up to his full height to start stroking Rohen’s head enjoying the embrace more than he’ll care to admit. His grip on her unwavering and immovable but his words, expression, and way he embraces her is as gentle and genuine as it could get.

 

[Bloody_Death]

KAI NAKAYAMA

The flow of battle was looking to be even more chaotic than the pair of plagued gods running amok together with Eleanor's body. Working along his patron god as they focused on repelling the nasty nasties, as Wanga says, from their party members and getting infected. All while keeping a second, and perhaps even more important of a focus...knowing his party members, on any injuries done. Prioritizing the very life-threatening ones and then just numbing the pain of the less life-threatening injuries. For Kai, his biggest enemy, after the actual enemy, was his own mana reserves.

A resistance buff here. A mega heal there. A minor heal somewhere else. To avoid what happened back with fighting Morgana he needed to be a bit more stingy with his mana so he can keep standing longer. At least until he's finally able to improve his stamina and reserves. Or experiment in more spells. But all of that can be thought of later. Eyes trailed after his party members every second of the fight. Keeping a mental note in his head of everything that was going on. It really was. A long and exhausting battle

Things went from bad to worse to terrible to not that bad to really terrible and then finally looking good again. Leading to what finally seemed to be the conclusion of a hard fought battle.

With Nergal and Hajun fading away from sight and Ele returning to more or less normal again, the air felt still for once. His chest heaving and ears buzzing from the sudden lack of combat happening around him. His hair was half out of his ponytail and his robes are all twisted and rumpled. But he wasn't done. He just needed a break. Slumping to the ground as he tried to catch his breath. Ugh! He needed a drink...but he was fine. This wasn't as bad as before. He was tired, but he wasn't dizzy or on the verge of blacking out. He was fine. But others weren't. He'd get up in a second and-

"I can't believe you do this everyday. Jeez! I haven't worked this long since...yeahhh." No need for Wanga to think about how long it has been since that. Because that would make him look bad. And he didn't want that. The pair of healers only rested for a few moments. Kai closing his eyes for a moment while Wanga kinda laid around before suddenly getting up. Helping his chosen hero with his crazy hair day by retying it for him before tugging him up. "That's five minutes. The quicker we do this, the quicker we can go back to the garden."

"You're right." For once, the two were on the same page about this. Lazing around in the garden sounded really nice right now. But, like always, someone always had different plans.

The sudden attack to Paimon startled them both. Stunned with, eyes shooting to the origin of the attack. It couldn't have been Rohen...because why would she do that!? And they would be right. As the mother of all gods suddenly manifested in front of them. Kai suddenly felt stiff as he heard Tiamat's command. He wasn't sure how to describe how this felt. Like he was paralyzed? Or chained? He couldn't even struggle if he tried! Wanga on the other hand...looked very tense. Basically watching his mother punt his baby brother across the battlefield.

Eleanor was the one who was actually chained, though. About to be executed as they were all forced to watch. Did this goddess even hear what she was saying!? Eleanor hasn't even done anything, there was no reason she deserved to be cut down after fighting so hard to live!?

The fight between Tiamat and Veritas was shocking in a lot of ways. The truth of their history...all the fighting and death all stemmed from a control freak who didn't get put in their place long ago! Kai was wide awake now. The truth of the history, how could someone target an entire race just because they felt like it? How vile do you have to be!? After slightly recovering from his fit of rage, he noticed that Wanga looked especially anxious as Veritas got sliced up into bits.

When the lazy god finally shook off the lingering effects of Tiamat's command, he was zooming over to the green god. "Veritas...! You're in pieces!" He exclaimed as he got to work. The pain of the severed limbs would vanish in an instant as he started. The limbs of the god regrowing right before their very eyes in a matter of seconds. He soon handed him a piece of candy. Similar to a doctor to a child before making his way over to Paimon. He took those hits like a champ! A very in pain champ. "Don't worry, little buddy. I'll get you up...everything's going to be fine..." Wanga...didn't look too convinced about that. The carefree god looked very conflicted at this moment. Reflecting, but not outright enraged like some of the others. He just wasn't sure what he could even do or say about all of this. But he was trying to not let it show too much. Healing the other god up and also offering him a piece of candy for being such a good patient!

Kai, on the other hand. Was on the verge. Verge of what? Everything. It was just a lot to process. What was the point of all of this? There are no villains in this world. It can never be as black and white as that, so how could they just believe them!? He fists clenched and the gaze that was sent over to the mother of all gods was one of pure disgust. He couldn't speak. Not without the use of vulgarity that no one should have to hear. He just looked away and shook his head. He had things to do. Azaera's teeth weren't gonna fix themselves. Kai cast his usual flowing water, but it was a bit different from normal. Instead of moving like flowing streams of water...it was condensing into a ball into his hand. Kai seemed to question what was happening, or only half a second before deciding he didn't care. Winding up the shot before launching the orb of water. Smacking her straight in the mouth! Almost like a homing missile as it began healing at the rotted teething her mouth.

Okay. Deep breaths. Find your inner peace...okay! He calm. Enough. He's kinda stiff but is walking over to Rohen and Chrome. "Are you two holding up alright? Both physically and mentally?" He asked...eyes flickering to them both to take in what they might be feeling at the moment before patting their shoulders! Or Chrome's arm, since he's not reaching that high.

---

Interactions: CasualTea (Rohen) || DSLIX (Chromie) || Zariel (azaera)

Mentions: Probably everyone else

 

[Nano]

Succession of Light

Enthyskana Rhoda and Guo Yi Nuo

A loud splash shook the waters that had just begun to settle from the rubble that had sunk into its dark depths. Gelid moisture bit into Enthy’s skin as her wings failed to halt her descent into the abyss before she was pulled under the surface of the pool of water awaiting at the bottom of the once seemingly endless pit Hajun had discarded Yi Nuo into like garbage. Fortunately, she’d had the foresight to soften her fall right as she caught the moon elf’s body, and the two had been spared experiencing what it was like to fall directly onto solid cobble.

It felt as if an eternity had passed since Enthy dove past Hajun into the pit, yet her mind didn’t spare another second questioning how much time had truly elapsed. Heart pounding and pressure mounting within her ribcage despite the dragon not daring to inhale, she shakily whispered a small “illuminate” to bring forth a modest ball of light to bathe Guo Yi Nuo’s body in a soft glow. Her body was horribly broken. Flesh was falling off the bone from Nergal’s rot in some places, while others were covered in the grievous evidence of her final stand against a king among demons. Not even the waters of the well were capable of cleansing even a small percent of the wounds and grime covering her body.

“Baihu!”

Enthy said, this time with more insistence.

“Baihu, you need to answer me. Please.”

However, no matter how many times she called for the white tiger who’d accompanied the moon elf on the hero’s long journey, only the echo of the young dragon’s begging accompanied her.

A sour taste built up in the back of her throat as the corners of her eyes grew warm, yet the only moisture dotting her face was a light mist from her inelegant landing in the well water. Sucking in a deep breath, Enthy gently laid her head upon Yi Nuo’s chest. She shut her eyes tightly, desperately hoping to hear a faint heartbeat or feel the rise and fall of her breath. Yet no matter how long she searched for the smallest trace of life in the moon elf’s body, the corpse she refused to release remained limp within her embrace.

“Lord Veritas,”

Enthy called out to her god, her personal promise to never refer to him by that title forgotten in her moment of weakness.

“Phoenix can fix this, right? What do I need to offer her? What do I need to do? Just tell me anything…”

Yet the deity judged her with nothing but silence, perhaps deigning her pitiful begging to be beneath him to answer.

The dragon’s cold fingers, stiff from the vice grip they’d subjected Yi Nuo’s garments to, twitched in agitation. Slowly, anger pierced through the numb silence, and Enthy began to shake. She had once reached for his hand, believing him to be the rock she could rely on to keep her steady. However, he never gave her a straight answer, even during the moments when she needed it most rather than another one of his insufferable lessons. And what now? Was exacting his judgement upon a demon so important? Perhaps she didn’t understand, and she believed that she never would. Her justice seemed so far detached from how he viewed the world with that gaze that remained so unfeeling toward the toiling of insignificant mortals. If this journey only gave her more things to hate, she wished he’d never bothered to “save” her that day.

She desired to weep, but only her vision shook as the bottled up bitterness continued to propagate without any sign of allowing for a cathartic release.

For a moment, Enthy sat in the cold, watery abyss, with the sound of her breath serving as the only sound to break the silence. Slowly, the light the young dragon conjured forth dimmed, until there was nothing but darkness to embrace the poor dragon.

And then, there was a flicker of light.

It was small, a tiny spark that quickly faded away, but soon another came, and one after that. Sparks began to fly from Yi Nuo’s heart, and slowly, her corpse began to float out of Enthy’s grasp, hovering a few meters above the water. Sparks began to flow like water, until a small, but constant flame formed over the old moon elf’s heart. The flame grew in size and brightness, eventually covering the body completely, and becoming so bright that Enthy had to shield her eyes.

Eventually, the fire began to subside, and the light dimmed down to a soft, orange glow. Before Enthy could open her eyes, strong hands lifted her out of the water, followed by a voice she could never forget.

“Come now, you’re too big to be throwing temper tantrums, Enthyskana.”

Yi Nuo scolded.
Visually, Yi Nuo looked completely different. Her face was younger, both her eyes were back, a golden mark rested on her forehead, and fiery wings now sprouted from her back, slowly flapping to keep her and Enthy out of the water.
Yet the way Yi Nuo looked and smiled at Enthy made it immediately clear that this was her beloved grandmother, the one who helped pull her out of the darkness once before.

Yi Nuo embraced Enthy, the heat emanating from her body drying the young dragon off quickly.

“I’m sorry I left you, little one. But I’m here now.”

she said softly.
Yi Nuo kept a firm hold on Enthy, and with a single, strong flap from her wings, the pair shot upwards, a fiery light cutting through the darkness. Flying higher and higher, until they burst forth from the abyss in a fiery display.

Vermillion flames began to rain down on the party, but instead of burning, these flames soothed not only the injured, but their spirits as well.
Yi Nuo landed directly in the center of the commotion, her wings folding into her back and disappearing.

“What’s wrong, it looks as if you’ve all seen a ghost.”

Yi Nuo said with a hearty laugh.

Clear ruby and citrine slowly dimmed as the flicker of the moon elf’s wings died down. From the entirety of their exchange to their ascension from the dark pit that had once become Guo Yi Nuo’s resting place, the young dragon’s eyes had silently remained transfixed upon her radiant figure. She never looked away—refused to—as if fearing the maws of death would take her away once more. Without releasing the tight grip upon Yi Nuo’s arms, she forced her gaze to follow the moon elf’s, scanning the tense faces of each hero and god until her mismatched eyes landed upon the figure of the deity she’d just cursed out with such anger and vitriol.

“What on Veita…”

Enthy exhaled sharply in shock. A not insignificant amount of time had passed since she’d abandoned the battlefield in pursuit of Baihu’s hero, but what could have possibly transpired within that time to begin explaining the scene she saw unfolding before her? Some of the heroes were posed almost protectively by the side of the demon she presumed was Eleanor, as if there was an imminent threat to her life in the small arena. At a glance, hostility towards demons and their ilk were expected, yet the party’s animosity seemed targeted at something—rather someone else.

Then, there was Veritas, the God of Truth and Justice.

Finally releasing Guo Yi Nuo from her clutches, Enthy rushed to her patron’s side with a face painted sheet white. In their almost four years together, she’d never seen him so prone. So pathetic. The god had always been the one to witness her toil in the mud from his lofty perch, always pristine and dignified regardless of how dire the circumstances seemed. Yet there he laid, barely a single limb to his name as Wanga did his best to fix the patchwork of a god.

Remaining ignorant of the cause of both Veritas’s state and the tension in the room, the young dragon crashed down into a kneel by the god’s side. Hesitantly, one hand shakily reached out to touch upon his shoulder only to flinch away before a single fingertip could be wet by his bloodied sleeve.

“Was it worth all this?”

Enthy asked, tone verging on sarcasm when she’d initially meant to sound more concerned. The hand that had attempted to reach for him was now being cradled within the grasp of her opposite hand. “After all those empty promises, were you going to abandon me too?”

The god trained his gaze upon the young dragon, breaths labored but eyes still hosting the same resolute light they always held. Only this time, she felt as if they held an uncharacteristic undertone of kindness.

“It is my sacred duty to preside over the truth. The demons needed it, and so did that girl.”

Enthy’s grip on her wrist tightened, but she kept herself from prying further. As much as she desired to interrogate him on what this so-called truth was, she didn’t hate him enough to force an individual injured to such a horrifying extent to exert themselves.