[IC] Re: Zero: The High Council

[Letter Bee]

Flame Brooks

A spike of fear rose in the back of Flame's mind at the maid's words; did Gris Art Fortye mean to pursue Ashton? Did he actually have a lead on his boyfriend? Flame kept his face blank, hiding his thoughts from the maid as he said, "I'll be going to the magic show, then. I would like to see it - And Mr. Fortye - later on. Thank you for your time."

And with that, Flame walked off to the docks, doing his best to keep his fear at the back of his head until he found out the full picture. There was nothing good about jumping to conclusions, after all. Who knows, perhaps the magic show was good...

Ashton Andrews

In response to Belrigger's words, Ashton mused over whether to tell the truth, before he said, "No, there was no trouble in the Market District, but..." Ashton was well aware of the sensitivity of his position and the importance of his next words, "But there were surprises."

Surprises, like Alistair's recent revelations. They had less time than they thought, and it would not do to alienate potential allies. So Ashton followed up with, "Tell me, Mr. Belrigger, if you were told that this city was in danger - more than it is already - what will you do? Will you help protect it, abandon it, or join with the danger? You don't look like you'd do the latter two."

An earlier revelation than expected, but Ashton knew Belrigger responded best to a measure of honesty, that what differentiated a Hero of Guile from a liar and a cheat was the ability to tell the truth even when it was dangerous. Profitable, yes, but still dangerous. And right now, Ashton needed true allies among the natives.

Taking a leap of faith, the boy de-transformed in the middle of Belrigger and his pupils, in order to give them an advantage should they turn hostile and they knew it. His next words were, "I'm facing you in a position of physical and magical weakness in order to show you guys that I mean no harm, either to you or this city. But I still need your help."

[BrokenPromise]

The Docks

"Oh my?" Mistress Vertti’s raised an eyebrow, and the other soon followed."Is it pulling very hard?" She reached for the fishing rod. "Do you need help?" But the next tug was strong enough to pull Grisaia to his feet .Mistress Vertti nearly fell forward, but was able to get her hands on the bow before tumbling over the edge. "It’s a big one!" She reached for a fishing spear on the side of the boat. It wasn’t big or heavy, but it was more than enough for most fish. "Don’t let it get away, Grisaia! That’s dinner!" She looked over the edge, waiting for the fish to show itself.

---

Golden quarter

”Nothing to eat, and none of these clothes look like they’ll fit me. But wait, what’s this? Is this a vorpal blade? I’d trade a foxy grandma hat for that…”

[Crusader Lord]

Aerith Hastings

-Main Road, Intersection between Docks/Suttling's Basin/Golden Quarter-

The Big Reunion

Resets: 5

Deaths: 4

---

"Elder Sibling has me on work today."

Wait a second here-...ah. Chieko had been offering to go with the bandits before. It seemed that had worked out so far, from the sound of things, for Chieko. Though happy the other girl was still alive, the dark-haired girl herself lightly frowned at the words. So this "Elder Sibling", who was either Fritzi or not Fritzi for all she knew, was sending Chieko to get something and bring it back? Probably something valuable, she felt, but at the same time concerning enough as it was with all that was going on.

They were both on a timed schedule, her own being unknown for now and Chieko having to be back by noon. And it wasn't like they had any idea who was going to die and cause everything to reset either this time around. Not like Chieko's pauses were giving her any faith in things working out well if she didn't complete this mission. Likewise, Aerith felt that the looming army literally just beyond the walls in the forest were the biggest threat of them all, but...last time she had tried to force things it had gone badly with Chieko.

She had to show some faith in the girl, perhaps, to get faith in return.

"Hmm...maybe i can help with your mission? At least if i can, as what i can do now having some advantages i believe.

I don't want to mess things up, though, but...i want to help you out as well,"

Aerith spoke calmly, but she still bit her lower lip lightly after speaking to Chieko again. She'd looked the girl dead in the eyes when speaking to her, even, to show she was being genuine about this. It was an awkward topic, at least for her to speak about in these sudden circumstances, but she trusted Chieko. The other girl was one of the few she did trust here, at least, in terms of people or demihumans.

Not paying attention to hear comments on the Vorpal Blade in her crates, however, Alistair's words finally clicked in Aerith's mind.

"Wait....where is Hiro?" Aerith spoke, her words a bit more cautious and wary as she slowly looked over to Alistair.

She has a sinking feeling, with how the other boy had talked about Hiro. More than anything, she hoped her fears from that time hadn't been proven true. She hoped the large man was just around the corner, working at a shop in secret or something.

Hiro was to strong to...to die, right? Right?!

@Rune_Alchemist@FamishedPants@BrokenPromise

[Tenma Tendo]

location: Vertti Household
tag(s): Mistress Vertti @BrokenPromise
mention(s):

Concentration zeroed in on the ever so taut fishing line in his possession, so much so he almost didn't hear nor did he respond to the other, too focused on keep whatever fish was pulling on the line with him. He did look over however when another hand found its way onto his fishing rod.
"I don't think th--" Never given a chance to finish what he was saying, Grisaia was hoisted up to his feet, ears drooping at how tense he was feeling. "Mistress, please be careful." Despite struggling pretty terribly with reeling this fish in, Grisaia still had the right mind to watch out for Vertti. A part of his mind even wanted to call on Anubis to help them out, but that wouldn't be fair. Plus, catching your own food made it taste a million times better...or so the Mistress would tell him.

"Oka, okay, I won't just make sure you get it!" The blonde called out informally to the Mistress. He was never the type to speak in such a manner, let alone raise his voice to anyone, but whenever he did, it really meant he was into it.

A sharp gasp left the rabbit's lips as he tugged back, muscles flexing under his button up, and a teal colored...creature became more visible through the water. Hopefully this was really a fish or else...

---

_{current outfit || tag(s): Mie @Rune_Alchemist, Mirt @Zelosse, ??? @BrokenPromise}

Before she could process any more the situation unfolding in front of her, the semi fitted dress was placed in her hands.
"Wh-Wha..." Unable to hide her confusion, Eiko looked almost like a wide-eyed child who had to choose between her parents. She was shooed away immediately after, the dove only looking back to make sure that Mie was sure about being left alone with those two people. They all seemed to know each other, and it really wasn't any of her business, but the fox had been so nice to her...Eiko couldn't live with herself if something happened to the other...

It would explain why the fellow dove Demi-Human kept herself perched on the top of the merchant's abode, eavesdropping in case things got ugly. Wings folded delicately behind her as he landed like a feather above roof, all the activities Eiko had been assigned to for the day left her train of thought as she hoped to listen in on and make sure Mie was truly safe.

[Rune_Alchemist]

~Chieko Okawa~

Main Road
Death count: 1
Reset Count: 4
@Crusader Lord

---

She wanted to help?...maybe. Maybe it she could. Chieko did like Aerith, even if she had basically screwed everything up back at the clinic. She wasn't sure how she could help, but...well, actually. Maybe she couldn't. It wasn't that she didn't trust Aerith, it was that this job didn't require more than one person. Probably. If they both showed up at the Vertti estate, it'd seem more suspicious than a single person.

Her thoughts were interrupted when Aerith mentioned Hiro.

that's right she...she...didn't see what happened.

"Hiro..." Anger began boiling in the pit of her stomach as her hands balled into fists. "...didn't make it." Did she blame herself for it? Possibly. Maybe if she had been faster to react, or had managed to successfully pull of getting the bandits to take only her. Maybe if she actually had that stupid clairvoyance gift. "After...after you left, Ahston tried to force a reset." She turned her eyes away from Aerith, grinding her teeth together. "...Hiro didn't...didn't come back..." There was a bit more than that - like them meeting Talus again and the 'lovers' - she honestly really wanted to see them again.

"But I don't have time to mourn." Was she just trying to be tough? Probably. She fixed Aerith with a serious expression. "I must find a way out of my predicament as well as ensure these bandits don't achieve their goals. Ah, such is the lamentable tragedy of a hero bound by darkness." Tilting her head to the side with a small smile, she continued. "But fear not, this hero shall see to the saving of everyone, be it cult or bandits!...but uhm, I mean," She chuckled nervously. "...but uhm, if you want to help a hero shouldn't turn it down..."

Fritzi hadn't said that she couldn't ask for help so it was probably fine.

Mie Yukima

@Tenma Tendo@BrokenPromise@Zelosse
Golden Quarter
Deaths: N/A

---

"Heh! Foxy grandma hat?" Mie laughed lightly as Eiko left the wagon. "Well if you want to give me her back after I sold her all those years ago, by all means~" She grinned, sauntering over to the man. "But you have quite the good eye there, friend! I do not believe its the Vorpal Blade you speak of, but it's certainly a special blade. Forged by quite a skilled blacksmith! I was told it'd never fail, break, or even never lose its sharpness." She cast a glance back over to Mirt.

"If all you're doing is paying for services rendered, just leave the money there, I'll get it later. I have another customer to see too, hmm? If you're here because you were enthralled with my charm," She grinned. "Too bad. Not interested in crotchety old men. Now get off my wagon."

[Zelosse]

Location: Nobles district, Safehouse
Interaction: @letter bee

The three champions kept composure along with their Master, Belrigger didn't blink or move in the slightest at Asthons report and subsequent transformation. That the boy was telling the truth, if missing details, was clear and that did much to ease his often frightful temper. Words of war were being uttered here and all Belrigger had to go on was a report from Mithril about the venture outdoors and a few descriptions of the people Asthon had talked to.

People he had neglected to mention.

Belriggers face was stern as he crossed both arns over his chest. "You neglect to mention more. You need the support of my guards, my brothers in arms, and choose to lead with but a half truth?" Mithril, having stepped forward, placed the rolled parchment into his masters hand. They gave a sad half nod to Ashton before taking up their place in the line.
At the door, the soldiers of the house were stepping into the doorway in two lines. Each was armed and ready for a fight but remained stock still. They waited for orders, and did so without expression.

"It is only through the intervention of the gods that be that you were allowed into this place, my home and heart, but doubts arise on your very first test. You spoke with two men, one tied to a noble of some standing and the other with ties likely to the man who nearly brought me down no more than a week ago." He continued, sliding the piece of parchment forward. It detailed every action Asthon had taken since leaving Belriggers dwellings but did not cover anything they had said. "You are talented with the sword, beyond my wildedt imagination, but your words are sour with threats. You reek of treachery in the making, but is it ambition or genuine good will that you feel."

While he had not heard the words spoken, Belrigger had a suspicious streak to him. The topic of what he would do if the city was threatened had been answered solely by his unwillingness to address it in the first place. This city and its nobility had wronged him, wounded his pride, and stripped him of a lifetime of deeds to claim. "I trained you to be one of my best. I, no, we," He gestured to his champions behind him. "Trust you to fight for something.." there was a struggle happening here. Something in his heart and mind that could not settle on a course of action. "But I cannot trust lives of good men to you without good reason. Not for the home I love that wronged me. So I encourage you to be honest with me here and now, boy. Why should I fight."

---

Location: Golden Quarter, Mies cart.
Interactions: @Rune_Alchemist@BrokenPromise

Mirt shook his head. This was supposed to be a simple meet and greet, pay the lady, and march on his merry way. When the shadow of someone of titanic size fell over him, he had turned to witness the thing that did so. The sight was further muddled as it took of its cloak. This was something worse than a very tall person it was outright a monster! The only thing stopping him from attacking it outright was that it had made no discernible move to aggression. Mie seemed equally unphased.

Gaining his composure back with a puff of his chest, Mies retort caught his words in his throat and turned them to a brief cough. Levity in the face of this thing was insanity, but it was just the place Mirt and Anyon wanted to be.

"No, no. You're much too energetic for my old bones. I'd sooner try to bed a mountain lion than a fox with fangs like yours. I've come to pay ypu, apologize, and make ourselves of some use.." His eyes wandered to the bigger problem in the cart. "If it's all the same we would like to offer you assistance for a while. We can discuss this after you have concluded your.." At a loss for proper description, he merely waved im the direction of the person. "Business. We will be outside." He left it unsaid that should there be a scuffle, Anyon and Mirt would act to aid her in an instant. For now they both tool their leave but did not wander far.

[Letter Bee]

Ashton Andrews

The moment of truth had come earlier than expected, but Ashton was relieved not to find himself unprepared. Far from it. When confronted by a stormy Belrigger, the young man didn't posture, didn't boast. Instead, he took a deep breath and read over the paper, making sure that Mithril had overlooked no details. Then he faced the man and his pupils, before bowing to the Gladiator Master.

Getting up, he finally gave his reply, "The people I met were people I failed to protect; they came with me from a far away land, and suffer under the same curse, a curse that locks what we can safely say about its nature while giving us some knowledge of things better left forsaken."

A sigh, "As for specific details, the redhead tied to the Noble Gris Art Fortye is Flame Brooks, my other half and the love of my life despite the disapproval of society. And the other man, the one with 'ties' to your enemy, is Alistair Archibald, and he is an apprentice of the Vasilis family and closely tied to Mono. Nevertheless, he has seen fit to give me important information."

He looked at Belrigger, looking him in the eye briefly but careful to shift his gaze just before it was taken as a challenge. "There is a new form of the Witch Cult in this place, one called The High Council. They have made artificial replicas of the infamous Witches of Sin through unknown means, and those duplicates have a plan for Priestella."

Ashton's lips pursed, "And said plan will not be anything good for this city, or those who live in it." He was tempted to make a gesture, to stretch his hand and arm out over the table. But that would be too much. "My own group, despite my blunders, despite the fact that I was tricked into killing one of them whom I cherished as a friend, is the best chance to stop these Replicae."

Another pause to let the words register in Bellrigger and Co's minds. "And my plan was simple - Bring you and the authorities into conflict, then lure a third faction in to force you and said authorities into a truce and alliance against said third faction. Candidates for the forces we are luring in are either the Demihuman Liberation Front - The Bandits - or the High Council itself as the curse placed on our group's words makes us interesting to them and their objects of worship."

Now was the time to look Belrigger in the eye. "Before you get up and smash my head with a maul for that last revelation, there's one thing I want you to know: I am determined to see this through, Master. I've gone through pain, I've gone through the mistrust of others, I've gone through grief and finally, I've felt shame, guilt, and failure. I will take the opportunity that stands before me to atone for my sin, to save my friends and this city, and if you wish to stop me, at least do me the honor of doing so in a proper duel."

He clenched his fists, transforming once more into his 'Magical Boy' form. "I am ready to fight for what I believe in, Master!"

[FamishedPants]

with Chieko "El Gran Chuunni" Okawa and Aerith "INSERT HUMOROUS NICKNAME THAT IS GOOGLE TRANSLATED HERE" Hastings

---

"Cultists, you say? Well, I'm not surprised."

The other two seemed to be on the same page as him, at least as far as knowing that there was impending danger to the city. But one of them did not seem to be taking the news as seriously as they should. Perhaps she was under the impression that they had time to spare? Such assumptions, in Alistair's opinion, would only lead them to ruin. But he wasn't here to argue with them. No, quite the opposite. He had a gut feeling they'd only make it through this by cooperating, perhaps brought on by the string of events that transpired when they arrived in this strange land. Alistair's goal now was to get a solid grasp on both what had happened, as well as to preemptively prepare for what would happen. And in this pursuit, he would need to ally himself with both of these girls, as well as the other two, if they had any chance of getting through unscathed.

But with the topic changing to something much less palpable, it was obvious that there were gaps that needed to be filled. Though truth be told, he didn't recall seeing Aerith in that brief time spent alongside the witches, and it was rather obvious she was probably not privy to the events that took place there, either. For whatever reason, it seemed she was not there for arguably the most important event of their short time here. "You mean to say you didn't know? Then I think we should take a moment to catch you up, Aerith." Alistair was about to, perhaps a bit too bluntly, fill Aerith in on perhaps the worst part of the whole ordeal, but luckily, Chieko had done so in a way that was much kinder than he could have. That said, she said something that caused Alistair to reflect on the fact he wasn't in the know on everything that happened, either. He could probably use a bit of teaching as well.

Alistair glanced at Chieko. "I believe the best path for us all to take is to at least be caught up and cooperative before an incident of that magnitude occurs. So, if you're busy with a job, then lets get it done and speak at the same time." he personally invited himself to be a part of whatever it was she was doing. It didn't seem like it would be up for debate, either. "Besides, it doesn't sound like you're living off of charity and goodwill. Whatever crowd you've fallen in with isn't too bad, I hope?"

It was difficult to tell if his words were driven by sympathy for a soul bound by the same string of fate that his was, or if it was merely born of selfish concern that something could potentially affect him.

Either way, he offered those words, and then switched his focus once again to Aerith, as he had an inquiry. "I admit that I was never given a clear picture on what you guys faced while I was with the Captain. But I imagine what you guys went through wasn't exactly pleasant. This all said, I'm curious as to that choice of wording. We've long since past the stage of being uncomfortable with the notion of death between us, yes?" he looked at both of the girls, his potential allies, and then curiously asked. "What does 'left' in this context mean, then?"

[BrokenPromise]

The Docks

Grisaia was able to muscle the fish just high enough in the water to give Vertti a clear shot. "You’re doing good!" It took Verttia moment to steel herself. But once her confidence came, she fired a bolt at the fish. It struck her target without entirely passing through it. That was a desirable outcome, because it meant that the fish had to deal with not only a sizable wound, but the bolt acted as an anchor to slow down their prey. There a rope attached to it, which meant Vertti could help pull it in."I think it’s too big for the ice chest, so let’s just paddle back to the dock!" Mistress Vertti was so excited that she took one of the ores and paddled with Grisaia. This was hardly the work of two expert fisherman. While the fish was large for them (and the boat) there were probably bigger things in the water that better, stronger fisherman could get. But as an outing for two people who didn’t spend much time doing fun things together,

It was great.

Once they got back to the dock, a few workers from Vertti’s boat maintenance crew were there to help pull the fish out of the water. "Please take this to the mansion as fast as possible."

”Of course.”

"Oh! And send Aer out this way if she hasn’t leaft the mansion yet."

”The bodyguard, right? I can handle that.”

With a nod, the two parted ways. "I believe the magic show should be starting soon. If we’re quick, we may even be able to find a good spot to watch it."

---

Golden quarter

The giant turned the sword over in his hand. ”Oh come now Mie. I expect you to lie convincingly, but not something as blatant as that!” He ran his thumb across the flat of the sword. ”No weapon is indestructible, though I’m unsure if I should feel angry because you lied to me, or gushy because you did it out of respect for your sister’s craftsmanship.” The man set the sword aside with a chuckle. He then folded his legs together and sat down. Even when sitting on the floor, he towered over Mie. ”I’m leaning towards getting angry though~” His smile persisted. “You told me that you were capable of getting rid of Mistress Vertti, yet she is still drawing breath.” He placed his hands on his knees. ”You didn’t fall in love with them did you? Seeing that kind woman nurture her adopted son,understanding the struggles of being an aristocrat who helps the poor and broken. never receiving any praise regardless of how hard she works.” He wiped a mock tear away from his eye. ”That must be it, because the alternative is that you aren’t taking me seriously. Surely it’s not that.”

---

Thot circle Main Road

Most spirits had a way of hiding in plain sight. Some turned into animals or faded away, but Odessa’s method was less flashy but equally unorthodox. She had the ability to vanish entirely from sight just by walking behind Alistair. The second she vanished behind his back, she was gone. And she could appear just as suddenly, like she was standing just out of sight the whole time.

Shortly after stepping around Alistair, Odessa walked in front of him and looked up into his eyes. She was short enough that she didn’t obstruct Alistair’s view of the other two girls, barring her horns. "I know you don’t like being interrupted, but make sure you keep your distance from that girl." She pointed at Aerith without looking. "There’s something off about her color. It’s like your blue was a week ago, but much, much worse." She stuck her thumb in her mouth. A nervous tick, and one that proved nigh impossible to break.

[DELETED7282737]

Aki

location:
Docks
@Crusader Lord

As Aki went up in her peptalk het gaze slowly drew upwards to Aerith her face. Aerith was softly ruffling the girl's hair taking her off guard at the same time. Aki noticed the woman her face being equal to a person she knew. At the discovery of Aerith being Aerith she reached out before her and softly dropped her head against Aerith her chest, Aki softly nuzzled against Aerith.

"Aeri-chan! I thought you already left. It feels nice to see you again Aeri-chan."

The girl flashed a bright smile up at Aerith feeling quite happy to see her after all this time. Aki tool a few steps back tilting her chest forward as she intertwined her hands behind her back.

"I'm looking forward to seeing you and your friend at my show later! I'll make sure to make it extra special now you come as well!"

Aki felt a surge of joy at having Aerith watch her show and smiled even more brightly. She jumped and headed back a little more as she waved her hand through the sky back at Aerith.

"I'll see you soon again onee-chan!!"

Aki quickly went on to preparing her show for her wide audience, it was almost time after all.

A short time later she was frozen in place before her small stage. It housed a tightrope on only half a meter height. A small piece of carpet for acrobatic stunts and various other props that helped her in her acts. Aki was at the exact pose she had to start with. It was only waiting on the bell right now.

The clock bell rang relieving Aki of her pained muscles of standing in the crane stance for way too long. She extended her arms out and raised her voice to attract as many people as she could.

“The great show of Aki the great is staaaaarting!”

She pointed both her hands in front of her and moved them up and down a few times as to ready herself. Her arms moved down one last time as she exhaled and swiftly raised them up doing a backflip landing on both hands. Her oversized pants immediately sunk down her legs as she was standing on both hands, hair drooping over the ground as she walked a little on both of her hands. She brightly smiled at the few people that were looking. Aki moved one hand into the air straining her others.

“Tada~!”

She kept her balance quite good but she couldn't last forever. Aki moved back down onto the ground raising her arms up into the air in showy manner of her amazing stunt. Her next trick immediately started, Aki raised her arms up and faced to the side of the crowd. She took a soft step following up in a handstand. Her legs moved on immediately returning her to her legs again doing a flick flack. She immediately did a backward flick flack again on one hand back to her feet with a somersault. She flashed a quick smiled as she twisted her body around.

Aki jumped onto a upside down tub to give herself some height and kicked herself up into the air doing another backward Salto while twisting her body mid air. She landed safely and heavily panted with her hands still up into the air. She gave a glinstering smile, it was the first time she fully completed those moves after all this time of training. It was not lacking nor stiff. It was a perfect performance. She bowed and raised her voice once more while grabbing a small tin can filled with water.

“Welcome to my wonderful show people of the docks! I will be entertaining you today so if you like the performance please leave something to spare in this hat of mine!”

She passed her favorite newspaper boy style hat onto the ground in front of the crowd and continued.

“For my next performance I will be doing magic tricks so keep watching!!”

Aki took a small time to recover her stamina.

[Rune_Alchemist]

~Chieko Okawa~

Main Road
Death count: 1
Reset Count: 4
@Crusader Lord@FamishedPants

---

Chieko's eyes widened slightly at Alistair's question. Of course he'd ask why Aerith left...but it wasn't her place to answer, was it? She looked over to Aerith, but quickly turned her gaze back to the street. No, no it wasn't. Instead she focused on what Alistair had asked. He seemed to want to help as well. Was it a good idea? She was fine with possibly one other person helping, and if she was to be honest...Alistair would probably be better here. Aerith...well...

"B-bwhu?" The rather sudden appearance of Odessa caught Chieko off guard, causing her to reflexively step backwards and take a defensive stance. What...what was that? "I don't know what your acquaintance is, but tell her to make sense when speaking." What she did understand though, was that something was off about Aerith, but she didn't have time to contemplate that.

"Fine, this Hero will accept all the help you are offering." Chieko replied. "But we should get moving. The more we stand still the more evil schemers move forward." Chieko began walking in the direction of the Vertti residence, letting the two of them decide what they would want to do from here. She'd discuss what she was doing on the way if they followed.

Mie Yukima

@Tenma Tendo@BrokenPromise@Zelosse
Golden Quarter
Deaths: N/A

---

Haha.

As the giant sat, Mie took a seat of her own nearby on a table. Leaning back slightly, one hand pulled out a bowl sitting on a nearby shelf. The other, pulled out a jug of strong smelling Alcohol. Likely some stuff from Kararagi.

"I'm surprised you think anyone would take you seriously, vomit hair." Mie laughed in a good natured manner as she poured some alcohol into the bowl. "You look like a jester exploded all over the carcass of a rabid mutt." She finished pouring the drink, setting the jug on the counter and handling the bowl from the bottom, lifting it to her lips. Turning her head up, she took a long drink of the beverage, before reclining back lightly, fixing the large man with a relaxed, playful smile.

"But yes, mistress Vertti." Mie replied with a light chuckle. "A saint isn't she? And a longtime customer of yours truly, fufu. Most people do indeed like her. The little rabbit certainly does. Who can blame him? Her massive...intellect and money would make any poor little rabbit swoon." She took another sip of the drink, her other hand reaching behind her head, seemingly scratching it lightly.
"...and I absolutely hate it."

plunk

With one swift, careless motion she brought her hand to rest on her knee. Something whizzed by the giants head, embedding itself into the far wall of the wagon. A throwing knife. The fox sat the bowl carelessly on the table. The playful and amused tone had vanished, and had been replaced with a deep scowl.

"Don't even joke about love, you rotting skinned bastard." The fox's tail swished back and forth in irritation. "Love? I don't have the capacity for it. If I could I'd kill her right in front of Grisaia and watch the little rabbit die of shock. I bet the look on his face would be priceless. In fact I'd do it over and over and over again if I could. Just to torture the poor little rabbit." Why was he here though? Had they not smoothed things over? Or did he simply not care for their explanations? Bah, it didn't matter. "...unfortunately someone ratted me out. I don't know who. Not only did Vertti go into hiding, she knew it was me coming for her. That'll make it harder...but not impossible."

[Tenma Tendo]

location: Docks
tag(s): Mistress Vertti @BrokenPromise
mention(s):

A faint growl came out the rabbit's mouth as he gave one final pull to set the creature up for the Mistress to handle. The short words of encouragement went a long way as Grisaia managed to hold the fish up long enough for the Mistress to strike. The rabbit found himself relaxing when the fish stopped retaliating and let itself be wrung in by the both of them. A hand went up to wipe his forehead before he found himself looking back at the Mistress.

"Right." A smile found its way to Grisaia's normally neutral face as he helped bring the boat back to land. Just seeing the Mistress so happy and lively was enough to make him feel good too. Especially with everything that happened before, it felt nice to do something fun without much of a care in the world.

It didn't take long to get to the docks where the maintenance crew took care of the fish and would be dropping it off at the mansion. Almost on instinct, Grisaia telepathically messaged Adhara to let her know to be expecting the fish in due time; he knew how the water spirit could be when she's left out of any loop...letting her know now saved Grisaia hours upon hours of needless whining.

The blonde resisted the urge to tilt his head when the Mistress wanted to summon Aer to join them. It wasn't like he had a problem with it, but was just curious. It eventually clicked with what the woman had to say next.
"Of course. If we leave now, there shouldn't be a large crowd yet." He hummed, glancing at the pocket watch he pulled out while using his other hand roll his sleeves back down. "We'd best be on our way." He added as he let the Mistress lead the way since she had better knowledge of where the magic show actually was.

---

_{current outfit || tag(s): Mie @Rune_Alchemist, Mirt @Zelosse, ??? @BrokenPromise}

What started out as idle chitchat, or at least what Eiko thought was idle chitchat, quickly devolved into a cacophony of words and sentences she never expected to be put together in such a way. Was this really the same Mie she was talking to not even minutes ago? How could she even say something so cruel to a woman who wants nothing but the best for Demi-Humans? Of course, Eiko herself only knew about the Mistress and Grisaia from events and public prayers she was asked to lead, but that was more than enough to know that the woman didn't deserve to die.

Did Mie even have the potential to hurt someone like that? She seemed too small and frail...maybe looks really were deceiving. It sill leaves open the question of why though? Why did that large man want Mie to do these terrible deeds?

More than aware that she's listening into something that really shouldn't be her business, Eiko slowly floated off the top of the wagon and began her trek to the Vertti household. Vertti already knew she was being targeted it seemed, but she'd rather hear from the woman herself on the matter. She needed to be protected at all costs, especially if another attempt was going to be made on her life.

Clutching tightly to the blue dress still in her possession, Eiko flew down the streets, her body hovering only a few feet above the heads of those passing by and merchants.

[Zelosse]

Belrigger tapped his fingers on the marble table as he digested the words. Surely everything said just now was a fanciful delusion or some other folly of a lie to lure him from hiding but there was a nagging doubt in his usual confident demeanor. A child brought from the heavens.. Could they be trusted to speak truth when it did not suit them? Surely the attempt at a lie was expected, and the guards poised at every way out were nothing compared to the boys skill.
Skill that Belrigger had trusted himself to give, freely.

"I will not presume to say i understand. It has been a long time since there was a cause that could rouse me from my place. My people. My home. All that you see is all there is left, and you will put your faith in the testament of a curse you cannot explain."

Rising from his seat as he stretched his arms and neck, Belrigger descended the stairs with heavy footfalls. Unarmored, unarmed, and unquestionably dangerous, he took to the floor just a few feet from Asthon and stared down at the boy with a mixture of pride and shame, as to what was uncertain.

"Every emotion you feel is a candle guttering in the wind when compared to my shame. Ths city abandoned me, Asthon. It took what I held with honor and dragged it through the mud, erased my deeds, and destroyed my name. Fighting for what you believe.." He almost spat those words, such eas his apparent disgust. "You have at least earned a warriors chance."

This city could burn to cinders and Belrigger, former Knight Captain, wouldn't have even bothered to piss on its ashes. The rulers and nobles were corrupted and dishonorable, destined to destroy their own holdings through arrogance. But his heart would not allow the idea of witches doing the job for them. Against such a foe, the Master of the Arena would die in defiance before facing his final judgement.
It would take a stronger leader than him to save this city.

"You will be rememberer, Ashton Brooks. Your name will be carved in the hearts and minds of every person who witnessed your defeat today."

Charging ahead, Belrigger bellowed a warcry as he rushed to crush the boys skull with a heavy right, coming in with a furious uppercut from his left. The strikes were devilishly fast for a man of his size as he threw an endless wave of strikes to test Ashtons defense.

[Letter Bee]

Flame Brooks

Flame watched Aki's magic show, entranced by the sight. For a brief moment, the potential peril of Chiyo was forgotten, same for Gris potentially wanting Ashton and perhaps himself dead. That moment passed as Flame grit his teeth, choosing to remove his focus on Aki and instead scan the audience for anything suspicious. Members of the Demihuman Bandits, secret Witch-Cultists, and of course, Gris and Chiyo, Flame watched for all of them.

If Mistress Vertti and Grisaia were already approaching, Flame will notice the latter's rabbit ears, and out of curiosity, move closer to them. But not so close that he'd attract their attention or suspicion, he hoped.

Ashton Andrews

Ever since his humiliation by Fritzi, ever since he had seen her flash-stepping, and ever since he had received his new power, Ashton knew this: He can copy what the Fox-girl can do. So as Bellrigger started his attacks, Ashton supercharged himself with Yang Magic and darted behind the Gladiator Master in order to avoid a frontal assault. Then, he counterattacked, at Belrigger's back and shoulders with his own flurry of dagger strikes.

He didn't want to kill the man, but Ashton knew that the Gladiator Master can take it. If the boy did not hold back, then he died yet again and this time resets were uncertain.

As Belrigger presumably parried or avoided the dagger strikes, hopefully turning around to do so, Ashton kicked at his midsection with suprisingly strong force, or if Belrigger hadn't turned around, the small of his back. The boy would then draw back, covering himself with another flurry of dagger strikes to avoid Belrigger grabbing his leg. He was not going to let the Gladiator Master get one blow in - One single major injury was enough to dispel the ideal form, and if that happened, it'd be the end of him.

A smile as he tried to find a moment to say some words, "I have much to live for. I am not giving up on meeting those I love again."

[Crusader Lord]

Aerith Hastings

-Main Road, Intersection between Docks/Suttling's Basin/Golden Quarter-

Thot Circle: Catching Up

Resets: 5

Deaths: 4

---

Aerith's eyes seemed to zone out as Chieko relayed the bad news to her, as the bomb of realization finally dropped into her mind and sunk to the bottom of her gut. She knew Ashton had tried to get her and himself before to kill each other to force a reset. She'd refused for reasons back then, though later had....given into that despair and done exactly that. And that throb of that pain, that despair itself even, seemed to rear up a bit within her chest again as thoughts of the past entered her mind. Without thinking, Aerith's hand came up to clutch around where her own heart was, and only out of the corner of her eyes did she see Chieko clenching her hands as well.

Hiro was dead. The man who she had Chieko had arrived with, who had been a big help and she'd died alongside several times, was dead. The one who had been last to die the first time...was now the only one not returning this latest time. Aerith internally cursed at herself a bit, briefly indulging in the self-loathing and familiar pain from before. If she had not fallen into despair, perhaps Hiro would still be here. Maybe if she'd been able to stop Chieko, or at least had lingered around a minute or two more, she could have stopped the boy.

Aerith did her best to pull back into her composure she tried to put on a smile, though it wasn't going to fool anyone at this point. It hurt, a lot. In fact, it made her even more glad to have found Chieko alive. But it all...felt like a mess as well, like a big sloppy mess. She'd tried to save Chieko's life, after Chieko tried to save theirs, and it had felt like all the blame was directed at her personally.

And...were they truly right, in hindsight?

'It was all your fault, you know? Little clingy bitch who can't let someone decide for themselves, right? She even tried to save you, and you decided to kill yourself! A pathetic excuse for a human being is all you are!'

That was what her own mind had berated her with, and worse, over and over again among other things. The world had told her to up and disappear so long ago, coming here had been a blessing in disguise. A hell, however, was all that seemed to have awaited her in the process.

A hell of constant death, seemingly inevitable dying, and chaos among those of them from Earth. People not willing to listen, feelings of wanting to get back at those assassins, it...to the culminating event that had led to Hiro's death.

But...no!

No, this was not a good train of thought to have. This wasn't right. Joy had saved her from despair, even if in a way that perhaps abused Aerith's own low and desperate position to Joy's benefit. But she had saved her that day in part at least, even if via a deal with another witch who's powers had done the heavy lifting (she wanted to talk to that one witch if she could too). She was alive for one reason or another, and needed to make use of it! Melancholy had given her perspective as well, giving her a drive to find the answers to all of this. She didn't care if she had to talk to the gods of this world too to figure it out.

More than this, she owed herself and Chieko (at least in her mind) to do her best to live and not just give up on things. She had felt the sting of pain and injury, the hell of her former home, the taste of poison in her veins, and the despair that would make one want to give up all hope at least once. She had to persevere, right? It was the only way forward, the only thing that made sense when she thought about it all.

That...that was the only way she ever got anywhere before as well. So she would find that happy ending, even if it took everything she had to get there!

But as Alistair spoke to her, Aerith snapped a bit out of her thoughts and looked back over to the boy. It was nice to see his face as well, if she were to be honest, though his words stung back at her prior train of thought as he left off with a question. She most earnestly agreed that they needed to communicate, or 'catch each other up' as it were, if they wanted to try to avoid 'that' again. She wasn't the most keen to speak up about it...but she'd just been thinking about it, at least, and whilst the pain hurt it also made the talking perhaps a little easier.

"We went to the Clinic, and Quill was intent on getting Hiro alone. Chieko spoke up before i could claiming to be a 'clairvoyant' the bandits thought us to be, then trying to save us by going alone with the bandits.

I...after seeing her die the first time, after all the times i had died again before then and seen others die, i panicked. I didn't want to see her die, or go off on what seemed like a death sentence. I was called out then, and...my plan failed. Completely.

Then I...I...I tried to kill myself. I felt like trash, like i couldn't help protect anyone, and only ever got in the way.

That is the short of what happened in the city, after that...well, i'd like to hear what all of you went through then first. If that is ok."

The dark-haired girl tried to speak where only Alistair could hear, though the chances Chieko might have heard it were very high as well. Not much space they had for private conversations, anywho, when trying to keep it private. But she had avoided mentioning lord talus, and the resurrecting, or any of those things. At least, to try to avoid Aki or any other nearby innocents like being harmed...again. She and Ashton had learned that much the hard way, at least, and she didn't want to risk this right now.

Though Odessa's sudden appearance spooked Aerith a little, causing her to jump back for a few seconds before she settled down. The horned captain's words, however, did seem to make sense to the dark-haired girl. She'd slept with a witch for who knew how long, and gained a power of sorts that...well it nature wasn't very 'light' as far as she understood it. It was like instinct, perhaps, to get that kind of feeling about herself.

"I mean Alistair, yourself, and Chieko no harm. That much i can assure you, and i am actually here to help however i can," Aerith said to Odessa, attempting to be cordial with the other female with a few brief words.

Turning to Chieko again, as the other girl spoke about any who wanted to help to come with her, Aerith felt a smile come to her face. Small, but it was a real smile at least. Chieko wasn't pushing her away, and she was happy for it. Perhaps her and the chunni girl didn't fully agree on things before...and maybe still not about that stuff from back then for all she knew....but that wasn't a reason to leave each other in the dirt. Frankly, she was just glad to be able to help to boot. At least have a chance, anywho.

Waving to Alistair to come, at least if he was able to now that this strange horned girl was here, Aerith then began to jog off a little to catch up with Chieko and walk alongside her. She could maybe make the excuse, if the cultists attacked soon, that she was trying to get intel. But more so, she was intent on helping Chieko and hoping there was a solution to this.

Unless the bandits were witch cultists, which for all she knew was a big possibility, then perhhaps...this city could be saved. Maybe. Just maybe. Even if it took a few resets.

@Rune_Alchemist@BrokenPromise@FamishedPants

[FamishedPants]

---

Alistair Archibald was generally perceived to be a benevolent and tolerant man, but there were around three things that he absolutely could not stand. He hated people who would attempt to halt his march. Impeding his progress was tantamount to attacking him, and he did not simply stand by while people did that. Second, he refused to allow people to insult him. He was a prideful man and for good reason: he excelled in just about anything he had ever set his mind too. To verbally attack your superiors, well, only a fool would do so.

But as much as he loathed those two things, the last one earned his ire far easier and stronger than both of those ever could.

Lastly, Alistair Archibald despised weak, cowardly people. Being a man who can respect hard work and dedication, he inversely believes those who do not even try, who run from adversity out of cowardice, and who surrender without exhausting all alternatives... are worthless. It goes without saying that an actual attempt at suicide would be the greatest act of what he perceives to be 'weak' and 'cowardly' behavior. Even the thought of it caused his mood to sour.

Given this information about him, it is unlikely to be a surprise that he did not enjoy Aerith's story. In fact, you could argue the exact opposite, as Alistair's features clearly expressed disdain for Aerith, and a distinct lack of sympathy for her story. Though only for the time it took for someone to blink, as perhaps realizing how obvious it was, he glanced away briefly and returned with a neutral expression. And following that, he spoke in a rather neutral tone. "I see. That must have been rough." he said. "Yet so long as we play things smart and don't give up, we should always have a means to move forward." he seemed to emphasize the bit about not giving up, but otherwise it would almost seem like he was encouraging her.

No, I cannot erupt here. I must control myself. Yes, when has ire earned me anything but another reset?

Truth be told, hearing Aerith's woes had done nothing but put her quite high on Alistair's shit list. It pissed him off more so than usual because it felt like a direct insult to him and even everyone else trying to survive this hellish world to simply give up like that. This world, however, had caused him to mature, if only a little bit. He could see that there was no particular benefit to acting on feelings right now. He had a goal, and he was going to accomplish it, even despite this.

Eventually, his spirit appeared.

Had Odessa came out and said anything else, her appearance may have been a good thing, at least pertaining to Alistair's mood. He likely would have been able to focus on being irritated at something else, at least. But she mentioned the color of Aerith's mana being worse than his own a week ago. There was really only one thing that could mean, as far as Alistair was concerned. It did not have any positive effect on his opinion towards her. But he would be civil, ignore this contempt for now, and focus on learning and planning out their next move. That was the most important thing right now.

"Is it really that difficult to understand?" he asked Chieko rather genuinely when she seemed confused at Odessa's way of speaking. He'd become rather fluent in Odessa-speak in the past weeks, to the point where he'd forgotten how stumped he was at first. "She was referring to the color of Aerith's mana." He turned his gaze to Aerith as he continued speaking. "You've been keeping interesting company, haven't you?"

As Aerith assured Odessa that she meant no harm, Alistair nodded to the spirit and gave her a pat on the head. Without looking up, he replied, "No cause for worry there. Given the circumstances, I find it very difficult to believe that you would harm us." his choice of wording her seemed rather deliberate. Noticing that Chieko was departing, Alistair thanked Odessa for the information, and then follow the two girls.

Catching up to the two, he spoke again. "Recalling it now... I suppose I've been living life in luxury compared to the rest of you. I merely suffered through a short interrogation and then went on a date with Captain Crunch." he told them. "There was someone whom I could speak freely about things we normally couldn't speak about and who is not a part of our group. A third party, it seemed. They had some interesting things to speak about, but I do not think it wise to go into any further detail out here, so I'll save the specifics for later."

[BrokenPromise]

The Docks

"Hmmmm." Mistress Vertti turned a coin in her hand. "She certainly has charisma. Grisaia, let me know if you think I’m over rewarding her performance, haha!"

Flame would not notice any suspicious faces or movements in the crowd. Nor would he see anyone familiar to him, not Gris or Chiyo. Around the crowd however was another story. It looked like the city’s guards were starting to assemble for something. They were giving each other hand signals and moving about quickly. Something was afoot.

---

Golden quarter, Mie Pie’s Crib.

The giant’s grin only widened as Mie went on about how she despised love. He even let out a chuckle when she mocked his appearance. If Mie didn’t entirely lose her mind to her tantrum, she might have noticed that the coin she was playing with earlier was now being flicked back and forth between Talus’s hands. ”Well, you should take your employer seriously. They are the ones paying you, and the ones you have to answer to if you fail. You were contracted for Mistress Vertti, and you have failed to fulfill the contract. In your line of work, a contract is the most precious type of promise you can make.” He flicked the coin towards her. The man never frowned, but he wasn’t smiling right now. ”You’re inadequate, sloppy, and weak. You’ve failed to kill a noble who has no combat training and nothing in terms of bodyguards. I can understand the difficulty in tracking her down, which is why the reward on the contract was so high, but she has been in her mansion for an entire week now, breathing and whatever else living people do. And you’re still looking for some security breach in your system?” The smile returned to his face. ”We’re both professionals, so I’ll just skip to the interesting part. You’ve got one more chance, and you’re going to get one doozy of an opportunity along with it. A distraction of grand proportions! There’s going to be a siege from the cultists!” He pulled a set of cultist’s clothes and set it in front of Mie. ”If you wear these, they’ll hardly pay you any mind. But I’m sure the siege is going to send Vertti scurrying back to her home. You know the layout of the place, I’m sure it’ll be easy for you. If there’s one draw back to all this, it’s that you don’t have much time to prepare.” Mie could hear the sound of steel meeting steel just outside her wagon.

---

Thot Trot On the way to Vertti’s house.

"Alistairrrrrrrrrrr." Odessa had to walk backwards in front of the haughty young man in order to look into his eyes, as per the ridiculous rules of the contract they formed. "Your blue is getting cloudy just by hanging around her!" She had surprisingly good agility, as her dopey demeanor was more befitting of someone clumsy. "I’m sure she’s nice but you can’t walk so close to her! Uguu~"

Eiko would come flying down the road towards the group, filling out the rest of Chadster’s harem. But all of them would stop as soon as they noticed yet another girl, this one tall, muscular, and dressed like a soldier.

Captain crunch came running down the road towards Alistair. ”Thank goodness you’re all right.” She sighed, but the fact that she had her sword drawn didn’t make everyone else feel at ease. ”Alistair, I’m not sure who you’re travaling with right now. But all of you… teleported… people… we need to hide you all immediately. The guards saw some cultists outside the gates and they’re equipped with-”

A loud crash could be heard as cultists ran up and down every backstreet nearby. ”It’s getting worse with every passing second. We’re evacuating everyone to the noble district for a last stand. Get there as soon as you can! This is no place for civilians!”

[Letter Bee]

Flame Brooks

Flame noticed the guards' 'suspicious' behavior just in time for a loud voice to echo across the area, and people dressed in sterotypical Cultist clothing flooding the streets, killing and maiming as they went. As the guards presumably helped everyone evacuate, Flame directly attacked the Witch-Cultists to buy them time to get to safety.

"Goa!" he shouted, sweeping his right hand at a group of enemies to project a whip of searing fire, one that should hopefully scatter or even kill the opposing band. He then proclaimed himself, "My name is Flame Brooks, currently sworn to the Art Fortye Household! Come at me and burn!"

A grin - He had always seen such proclamations work in Anime. As the Cultists presumably converged on him, drawn by his actions and taunt, Flame launched two wide cones of fire from his hands, throwing off the aim of any ranged attackers while scorching those of the enemy who were foolish enough to be drawn into melee.

Then he withdrew before the next onslaught came, trying to follow the fleeing guards and civilians towards where they were evacuating, pausing only to throw more fireballs at any Cultist who tried to follow them. So the climax of this little epic is approaching, he thought. Time to make Lord Talus pay for everything he did to Ashton, me, and everybody else he cursed to land in this place!

Flame knew that mere days ago, he'd have been too cynical to do what he was doing, too selfish. But although he was still the latter, his selfishness had grown to include more than just him and Ashton's well-being. No, he had grown to like everyone else after his own fashion, even Aerith and that mean girl Chieko. He had learned to care about more people than just his family.

Ashton, I love you, he thought, Now and forever. But I can love other things too, in different ways. Is this what growth feels like? How growing up feels? If so, I have nothing to fear.

"All those with Magic!" he shouted, "Rally to me at the rear of the crowds! Cover the other civilians' evacuation!"

[Tenma Tendo]

location: Docks
tag(s): Mistress Vertti @BrokenPromise, Flame @Letter Bee
mention(s): Aki

The magic show was pretty entertaining if you asked Grisaia. The performer was cute and exuded an energy that make it pretty hard to dislike what she was trying to do. His attention was split between the Mistress, the show itself, and a pair of eyes focused on him particularly. The rabbit didn't bother giving them the time of day. Plus, people tended to stare at him for the most mundane of things...

"I agree, she's very bright. I'm sure whatever you decide will be suffi...cient." The boy frowned, placing a hand on the small of Vertti's back; something he'd only do when something was...off. Even Anubis seemed to notice as the white haired Spirit materialized beside him, brows knit in concentration. Grisaia looked back for a moment, crystal eyes narrowing at the guards shuffling around the crowd trying to enjoy the magic show.

Adhara. The thought passed his mind and the Spirit appeared seconds after, standing next to the Mistress.
"You better have a good--" The statement barely left her mouth before all hell broke loose. Cultists came in the hundreds, overpowering the mostly defenseless crowd.

"Stay by my side. Please." Grisaia whispered to the Mistress among the chaos before turning to face the onslaught of enemies. Most would think that keeping the Mistress with him was a dangerous idea, but he'd argue the contrary.

She was most certainly the safest she could ever be with him.

Before the rabbit nor his Spirits had a chance to do anything, they were caught off guard a whip of above average controlled fire magic going towards their enemies. It was that kid that was staring at him before...Flame Brooks, he announced. And he was affiliated with Gris? Eyebrows arched at the chances, Grisaia watched as he seemed to have things under control. This guy was strong for sure, but using magic all willy-nilly before everyone was fully able to evacuate was probably not the best idea to handle this.

Grisaia backed up with the Mistress, Anubis and Adhara flanking his sides. He waited for when the first wave of Cultists ceased before making his move.
"Anubis, Adhara, make a dam." He commanded, holding both hands up in the process. He's been storing up magic for the past week or so for this turn of events. Hopefully, it would be worth it.

Both nodding at the order, the two spirits followed in suit, holding their hand up in front of them.
"Huma!"
"Ur Dona!" The two shouted in unison, two giant walls erected between the Cultists and the Grisaia, water filling up the space in between said walls. It was no doubt that these people would be able to get through this obstacle, but hopefully the thickness of the walls as well as the magically charged water would be enough to slow them down.

"This way, Mistress." Grisaia wasted no time grabbing the woman's hand gently before breaking out into a jog in order to catch up with the others. Once he was close enough, Grisaia focused his attention onto Flame. "Pardon me, but were you telling the truth regarding the Art Fortye Household? If so, then one of us should take the front of this crowd with the guards and make sure nothing does wrong. My spirits can flank the sides."

---

_{current outfit || tag(s): Aerith @Crusader Lord, Chieko @Rune_Alchemist, Alistair @FamishedPants, Odessa @BrokenPromise}

Quiet pants left the chestnut girl's mouth as she pushed her wings a bit harder than normal to get to her destination. She probably would've made it too, in like five minutes or so, had it not been for the very imposing woman with a sword out in the open. Eiko tried to stop herself, but she only managed to slow down a little bit before bumping right into one of the girls, it being Chieko, that also seemed to stop because of this soldier.

Wrapping her arms around the other in hopes of not knocking down them both to the ground, Eiko looked up at other girl, still hugging her.
"Oh, I-I'm sorry! I didn't meant to--" A loud crash reverberated in the young girl's ears, making her jump out of surprise. Wh-What was going on?

Tears threatened to fall once she caught sight of them being swarmed by Cultists. A hand immediately went for the staff on her person, but she simply held the device close to her, unsure of what she should do; what she could do. Her attention moved to Chieko for a moment, wonder if she was going to try and run like the soldier said or stay and fight like the dove's nerves were screaming for herself to do. Her emerald glance eventually looked to the others as well to what their actions would be, hoping there was some consensus before she tried anything.

[Rune_Alchemist]

~Chieko Okawa~

Main Road
Death count: 1
Reset Count: 4
@Crusader Lord@FamishedPants@BrokenPromise

---

Color of mana? What was he on about? Chieko didn't have a clue, but it seemed important. It seemed like Aerith's was...bad or something? The Japanese girl frowned. Seemed like Alistair also had some training in his route. She'd have inquired further, but before she could take few more steps, the familiar face of Captain Crunch and Eiko showed up. Well...familiar to her. They probably didn't recognize her at all.

"E-eiko!?" Chieko's face was momentarily a shade of red as the small girl seemed to hug her.

"-huh?!" A loud crash bought Chieko out of her own thoughts. Cultists? Last stand? Chieko inhaled sharply. She was supposed to be finding that thing for Elder Sibling, but given the circumstances...well, they could go to hell. These cultist were obviously the bad guys, and she a hero. She couldn't let them run amok. If Fritzi had a problem with it...well, she'd deal with that when the time came. Still, she was worried about Quill and Chiyo. Well, they could probably handle themselves, but she had grown to like both of them. Especially Quill's tsundere-ness.

"A final stand, huh?!" Chieko was merely putting on her usual confident face when faced with a situation she found scary or intimidating. "Fighting cultists and saving the lives of civilians! What more could a hero ask for!" Turning to Crunch, she smirked. "I can handle myself, Captain." She replied sternly, reaching under her cloak and pulling out the long, thick reinforced club she had taken to wielding as a weapon. It certainly wasn't pretty looking, but from the way she held it it was obvious she knew how to use it.

"Aerith! Alistair! Change of plans! We help save people."

Mie Yukima

@BrokenPromise
Golden Quarter
Deaths: N/A

---

"Ahahaha....Quite demanding, aren't you. You should relax more. Maybe that skin of yours wouldn't be so putrid." Still, what he was saying was correct. She had failed. The owl was supposed to try and smooth things over, but it seems like things hadn't gone so well. Wait - where had he gotten that coin from? For the briefest of instants, Mie was terrified...but the moment had passed just as quickly as it came. She listened to his proposition, not a single emotion betrayed on her features.

"What can I say? I could care less about your evaluation of me. I could kill you before you could even blink." No, she knew she couldn't. Whoever this man was, sent off so many red flags off that if she wasn't forced to be around him, she'd have already made a swift exit. "...but this proposition of yours is quite acceptable." One of her ears flicked, picking up the sound of fighting outside. She heard it so many times. Made her lips curl into a frown. She hated that noise. "She won't live past the end of the day." Mie picked up the clothes, beginning to change into the cultists outfit, not particularly caring if he left or not. She didn't care about such things too much.

Throwing Knives. Poison. Tanto. A length of rope. Her backup blade, disguised as a simple hair ornament...and her mask.

Swiftly, Mie exited her cart and made her way to the Vertti's residence, ignoring the fighting as best she could, taking all the short cuts and roof hopping that she could. She'd enter from the second floor. Shouldn't be any problems...though the chances of Vertti hiring a guard of some sort since their last scuffle was high. She'd need to deal with that before Vertti showed back up.