Before you stand the lone door of the temple, a rather heavy looking thing by the look of it, carved in stone without any kind of decoration beside the lone grip, by the look of it you’ll probably have to pull it sideway.

But you aren’t entirely resolved to do that just yet, right now only silence remain beside the sound of rustling leaves, the light breeze feel comfortable.

In there, Ame-no-Uzume is performing something of extreme importance, to the point of her showing weakness that was previously hidden earlier today; you know that Corruption is something you can deal with, for Hadraniel called you a Consumer.

Your eyes drifts toward the sword in your hand, where the Shrine world of the Hero exist, you can’t help but feel happy that she is out of it for now, at your side, even if she’s still slightly panting and sweating, her armor of pale blue is striking in the scenery of autumn. As she notice your gaze, she give you a serious nod, the confidence and trust coming from the link seem almost unnatural, you only know her for a few hours now.

Athena and Sylphis are both sitting near the door, making themselves comfortable in lighter clothes, the lizardwoman only armed by a longsword while the mantis need only her scythe. Both of them are waiting as well, for you to make a decision, they trust you and will respect your choice, but they will not be able to accompany you in the temple due to their duties.

The only one that will do so is the angel.

You let out a small breath.

How do you proceed, Siegfried Shieffer?

>>18551172
Ergh...we've lurched from one mistake to the other today. We cut ourselves out of the webbing and alarmed the ladies we are linked to.
We handed over the stone, without even making sure of the identity of the person, against the advice of Hadraniel.

And now, this.

Alright, I'm for opening the door, and slipping inside. I only hope that this is the right choice.

>>18551320
Let's do this.

>>18551320

Think we should wait for more input?

>>18551359
Give it 10 more minutes.
And if you could, please add the link to this thread in your twitter. It'll make it easier for other people to join, especially if they're coming in via smartphone.

No guts no... well, bodily functions, I guess.
ONWARDS, TO FLUFFY TAILS

3 choices for entering the temple, I'll start to write after eating.

Just wanted to take my time with this particuliar one because its just as important as choosing to trust Tsukiyomi or not during this day morning.

>>18551434
Man, we are just blindly rushing into everything. It's burned us twice already, maybe it'll burn us a third time.

>>18551478
Third time's the charred hand?

>>18551478
What do you suggest we do?

>>18551546
Trust in the Queen and let her complete the ritual as normal?
Ask Athena and Sylphis if the Queen has been steadily getting worse, her Corruption seemingly unaffected by the purification ritual or not.

You aren’t sure how much time you let pass as you face the door with your eyes closed, searching deep inside yourself to make the correct decision.

On one hand, there is action, entering the temple and help however you can, the Queen of the island for you genuinely care about her and your talent… even a Hero of age past –even one with blocked out memories- said that your capacity were beyond her knowledge, could the same be said of the Queen? Is she trying to protect you, while you may very well be the key to something that stress her out to such an incredible amount?

Why did she had you come to her side, on an island seemingly more than a country away?

On the other hand, indecision and inaction can lead to the worse outcome imaginable, for if the good men do nothing, evil and tragedy strive, but acting with the best of intentions can lead to bad results, you are a mage, analyzing the situation is something expected of you.

‘’Athena, Sylphis’’

You look at the duo, the taller knight nod with a serene smile that is unlike any face you ever remember making her make, while the mantis stay as stoic as ever, much more emotionless that she was on the road.

‘’I will provide assistance, even against the wish of the Queen.’’

The three of you spend some time simply looking at each other, but it’s easy to see, and feel, that they trust you completely and you have to admit to feeling moved by such a display, trusting someone on that level is… especially for Athena who is someone with such fierce loyalty…

‘’Best of luck, Siggy’’

The two speak in unison, and then the angel gives you a grave nod.
>cont

With both hand on the handle, you slide the heavy door that rumble with protest, the inside of the temple look just as desolate as the outside, old and decrepit with various constructions of old stones in need of cleaning and, in the center of the room illuminated by torches, stand Yuria whose hands and spiders legs are ready to strike, you see that she seem to be holding papers with various words written on them, but she simply stare at you, too amazed to speak.

The angel close the door in a grunt and the last light of the sun disappear.

>>18551572

Will unrule the last post if this is the consensus

>>18551667
I suppose we could have asked the two about the Queen's condition, before and after the purification ritual, in previous years. If the ritual has been losing effectiveness, we go in.
If it's always worked before, and just as well, my vote is to stay outside.

>>18551757
Agreed.

"We've made our choice, we must live with it" I say.

>>18551757

You think back on the words of Athena on your way to this temple, you’ve asked, of course, about the effectiveness of the ritual and, if there was any drop in the Queen ability, and of course about the Queen apparent corruption, all vital information’s that a simple retainer like Athena or Sylphis may very well not have, but you don’t have any other options.

‘’The Queen… Ame-no-Uzume always took corruption within her body near this day, it weighs heavily on her for certain but she always forged on, but I did notice that she seemed to be slowly… she seemed to have a bit of a harder time to handle it this year, as if she’s fearing for something?’’

‘’Siggy’’

That Mantis spoke

‘’The ritual always took place at dawn as far as I can remember; the Queen used her magic to have us come here, in a process unknown to me, but… Ame-no-Uzume is known as the Goddess of Dawn’’

Surprisingly, Hadraniel made a comment

‘’The ritual must have been effective for the land, for on each First of Spring I had pilgrims come that allowed me to sense for corruptions, and I would always give favor to the Queen, even if I stayed stubborn in my isolation’’

>>18551859
Okay, so the ritual DOES cleanse away the Corruption, but it seemed to be losing effectiveness, especially this time.

Okay, we go in.

"Yuria. This Hadraniel, the Angel and Hero that the Queen has requested aid and protection from. Though I know Ame-no-Uzume requested that I not interfere, I cannot stand by while a means of assisting her is still within my capability."

>>18551903

Hm I might have worded the informations wrongs

The rituals were always effective, its just that this year is an anomaly for it did not place at the same time of day and even before, the Queen showed small chinks in her armor as she dealt with her burden

>>18551927
Okay. But that's still cause for concern, and I stand by
>>18551903

"Yuria. This Hadraniel, the Angel and Hero that the Queen has requested aid and protection from’’

The Hero grab her spear in one hand and let it point to the air, showing that she wasn’t hostile or trying to intimidate.

‘’You…’’

The Monster doesn’t let down her guard, however she does put the large piece of papers – written in words that seem like symbols- back down, however her various legs clicks and resonate as she eyes your duo.

‘’I know Ame-no-Uzume requested that I not interfere, I cannot stand by while a means of assisting her is still within my capability."

You voice your sincere intention while looking at her, slowly walking in her direction while she glare daggers at you.

‘’I do not know your relation to the Queen, but she certainly did not inform me of such possibility, the ritual may be taking place later than usual… but… How can you, a young mage, help the Goddess of Dawn?’’

She wasn’t exactly hostile, Hadraniel was keeping her distance, Yuria was obviously on guard, but it seems that your various actions earlier today manage to make her trust you quite a bit, wish is a bit strange?

Or not, for you trust easily as well.

>>18552096
"Because I can consume Corruption, without being corrupted."

Kind of a big deal to be saying this, though.
Might want everyone to make sure they're okay with it before saying it.

‘’Yuria’’

Your voice is strong, if not severe, the taller spider woman is looking straight at you and, somehow, you feel like she wants to trust you.

‘’I have the ability to consume Corruption, sucking it out and making it disappear without any side effect, and I can’t help but think, no I want, to be of use and ease the burden of Ame-no-Uzume’’

The spider stay collected, however her gaze quickly fly toward the angel, then back to you.

‘’ To say such a thing…’’

She slowly walks toward you, and you notice she was standing on a small platform.

‘’Maybe that might be why the Queen took the time of Dawn to have you come, she’s… handling herself best she can, but’’

Yuria look down and let out a frustrated sigh

‘’I hate not being able to do anything! Siegfried, promise to take responsibility, the Queen gave you amnesty, while you have no authority you are still free to do whatever you please. You are not allowed ANY failure’’

She ball a fist for emphasis as she glare at you with an incredibly fierce spirit.

‘’I cannot allow the angel to proceed’’

But maybe you can say otherwise.

>>18552258
"Please Yuria. Hadraniel has watched over these lands at the request of your Queen. Do you truly believe she would spurn such a responsibility, such a bond, now when Ame no Uzumi is in need of aid?"

>>18552258
"Hadraniel is my shield. She has already proved to have much more discerning eyes than mine, and the will to use them. At the Queen's behest, I sought her, and now she fights by my side. She stays with me."

"Hadraniel is my shield’’

Your voice is commanding and strong, you feel that if Yuria delay you more, you may very well be too late. The angel, however, shoots you a glance, while Yuria look at the sword in your hand.

‘’Hadraniel has watched over these lands at the request of your Queen’’

Yuria is taking her duty above everything, even if it means being left in ignorance, she will trust the judgment of her leader for the good of the people, there no doubt that she has a great amount of faith in the Queen, but you think that her dedication for the land may very well be greater.

‘’Siegfried’’

Hadraniel interrupt, she’s walking toward now while placing her spear down.

‘’Your request may very well be violating the most precious of traditions, I will follow you if such is your wish, but please try to understand Yuria plight’’

You remember, last week, in a bath, enjoying the company of a prude blonde and an outgoing minotaurus.

>’’I will not let myself be bound by the common sense of this world’’

‘’I do not wish to antagonize you, My Lady, forgive me. But Hadraniel wish no harm.’’

Yuria is trembling slightly

‘’Promise me that… whatever endeavor you are attempting, you will not fail.’’

Her voice is faltering.

>>18552497
"I promise. I will succeed. I will take the Queen's corruption, as I have wished to since the start."

"Do not worry, Yuyu. In this, I can be trusted."

>>18551164
If I fail, fear not, I will gladly give myself to your mercy.

"I promise. I will succeed. I will take the Queen's corruption, as I have wished to since the start."

You allow yourself to relax, finally walking near the woman who doesn’t look at you, she’s probably feeling like she’s betraying the trust of Ame, however your sincere voice is, you hope, of some comfort.

"Do not worry, Yuyu. In this, I can be trusted."

Your rather broad smile, and her grimace, manages to wear off some of the tension

‘’I’ll make sure to cover you in more webbing next time’’

Then she walks away from the platform that immediately shows a small elevation, a trap door.

‘’It remains unsealed for as long as someone is in… the sacred chamber.’’

As you peer inside, the ladder goes down from a rather good length, with the destination lit by adjacent lamp, from here you can see another one of the door similar to the entry.

‘’The handle retreat back into the stone when the Queen leave the area’’

Yuria wish you the best of luck, the angel literally jump down while you climb.

The very moment your foot land on the polished porcelain floor, you feel an incredible magic that manage to double you over while chanting that was previously absent can be heard, and seem to have been going on for quite a while. Hadraniel is, of course, at your support in a flash, but her eyes are peering into the door, the link tells you clearly of fear.

‘’Siegfried, I feel… an impression, this might… end badly’’

The angel has proven herself to be quite sharp. But her eyes are slightly unfocused, as if she's looking at something... ''something'' is the only way to describe it.

>>18552707
"What do you see, Hadraniel?"

>>18552726

Her armor is warm, it’s strange, it’s made of bluish metal but it’s… comfortable and warm.

The magic is strong, you won’t be able to move without her support and yet she, herself, is able to move under this immense pressure, her wings stand tall and proud, she face you, but look away.

‘’Nothing, it is, an impression. You promised to help the queen, Siegfried, I…do not back down’’

>>18552707
Perhaps it would be better to leave the queen be.

>>18552750
Move forward, and place hands on door.

>>18552754
We can't back down now. We've made a promise.

>>18552750
Forward!

TO THE FLUFFY TAILS

>>18552831
That was a bad and derp filled occasion.
The fluffy tail nearly doomed us all.

>>18552754
We are committed to this course of action, regardless of how it might end.

>>18552844

Nothing bad happened from touching the tails... right? the spider girl was pissed i think but that was it. no?

>>18552754
too late, man.

‘’A promise is something you strive to accomplish with all the might you can muster, isn’t it, Hadraniel?’’

‘’I believe… that nothing is more important than keeping your word, Siegfried’’

You take a deep, deep breath, your heart thumping at the anticipation; the magic weighing on your shoulder is enough to slow you down to a crawl, if you were to enter Focus…

On hand on the handle, soon you see and feel the protective embrace of your shield that, also, put a hand near the object, the two of you pull without complaint.

And the words previously kept at bay, muffled by the door, assail you.

Music and words, both combining into something of… of madness, or maybe violence? The song of the Queen was a peaceful and spirited one, but here the wail of a banshee is unleashed, yet nothing betray of anything supernatural, the floor is of a pristine porcelain, the room is small for the road directly after the door lead to a small pool, where you see Ame-no-Uzume, her back to you.

But you can’t identify much else, you let out a small, pained breath as your knees buckles, the angel move forward and, without a single word of complaint and slam the door shot in one hand, while supporting your entire body.

The song continues, assailing you mercilessly and shattering any kind of concentration, yet the room is peaceful beside a small amount of blackish fume.

>cont

‘’Aah! Ame!’’

You grunt, but the voice is choked, the angel press onward, sweat pouring down her face as she sluggishly walk while you cannot force any kind of strength in your limbs

‘’This is not corruption’’

The angel says the wail and music of Banshee assailing your consciousness.

You…

[] Let your consciousness flee, if this isn’t corruption…

[] Trust the angel, conserve your strength

[] Grab the Queen attention, face the onslaught head on

[] Custom, write your action

>I did not do those choices often, if they feel out of place, please say so.

>>18552963
[x] Trust the angel, conserve your strength

Face it head on.

>>18552963
BE A MAN!
BE THE HERO AME DESERVES!
>[X] Grab the Queen attention, face the onslaught head on

[x] Trust the angel, conserve your strength

Be the monster and the hero the Monsters do not and deserve!
>Bring the onslaught, I will eat your soul and crave for more when I'm finished

>>18552963
>[X] Let your consciousness flee, if this isn’t corruption…

>>18552963
What is the probable result of us entering Focus?

>>18553039

Very likely that such an enclosed space and so much magic will overload your sense with information, you won't exactly die, but being knocked out cold is the most likely scenario

>>18553048
woops, meant to post
[x] Trust the angel, conserve your strength

rolled 1 = 1

Hmm, need a tie breaker for trusting or facing.

rolling for result

rolled 5 = 5

[] Trust the angel, conserve your strength

‘’Worry not, I am your shield’’

And saying so, one of her wings comes to your exposed side, the wailing, the music, the assault on your sense and consciousness…

None of it is lethal or malevolent, the angel inches forward; the small distance to the pool is a godsend, the only reason why your endeavor would succeed.

‘’Goddess of Dawn!’’

So scream Hadraniel, you bite your lisp, endure, making certain the help she’s providing won’t go to waste. You see slimish, purple mixture slowly forming near Hadraniel ankle, staining her beautiful robe and leaving stain on the floor, yet her speed never falter.

‘’Cease your aggression!’’

And then she jump, a flap of her wings, she push you rudely and with force face first in the small pool when you knock your forehead rather bad, leaving stunned, but you collect yourself and look back, as the noise intensify, the angel in her beautiful armor of blue crimple on her knees, grunt, cough, regurgitate, yet still manage to force herself up, defying the full might of the Goddess?

And then, as quickly as the chant appeared, silence.

The angel loses footing and fall, her heavy, ragged breathing, her confused and utterly exhausted state through the link…

She’s grabbing desperately on her consciousness, her eyes fixed on you.

Hero of old indeed.

‘’Siegfried…’’

The queen voice is hoarse; emotions threatening to spill out, as you look at her you notice three things.
>cont

First, Ame-no-Uzume is in the nude

Two, Her whole body is covered in black tattoos forming symbols upon symbols, masking almost completely her fair, pale skin, the only thing without such a touch are her 9 white tails.

Three, while she’s still not facing you and only looking forward, you see what look like an elevated floor with the end of a…scaled tail? The queen tails on the left mask the body

‘’Why…again…’’

One of her hand ball in a fist.

‘’Leave, now, you talent cannot accomplish anything’’

But emotions crack her voice.

>Noko fucking up and posting on the front page
>Shame

>>18553273
"If my presence gives you comfort, I've accomplished something."

>>18553273
"My Lady, I cannot stand by and watch as others suffer. Even at risk of failure, even at the cost of my own life, I must go forward. I promised to aid you, and I will do whatever is necessary to fulfill that promise."

You breathe in several time, the previous aggression a few seconds ago already out of your mind, the angel isn’t recuperating any faster, but your eyes are on the Queen, her back straight, proud…

"My Lady, I cannot stand by and watch as others suffer, if I can give you comfort…’’

You still have energy and strength, your voice carry conviction, Hadraniel truly did something amazing in support yourself like that, and the song you went through was utterly exhausting.

‘’I know, I know that all too well…’’

It feels as if she’s crumbling before your eyes, she’s probably not able to face you.

‘’Even at risk of failure, even at the cost of my own life, I mu-‘’

‘’DON’T SPEAK LIKE THAT’’

The outburst immediately shut you up, even mouth open, the queen face, covered in tattoos that almost make her a different person, her bright, golden, beautiful eyes are glowing with tears, her teeth are trembling as softly clacks together as, and it seems, her barriers are on the verge of completely breaking.

‘’You’re here... to satisfy your curiosity, Siegfried, and now… now! You are witnessing… one of my worst sins.’’

She stands up, her naked self, the tattoos, it gives… mixed impression.

But then, on a small, round, elevated platform free of the water coming up to your waist is…

Long hairs of pale purples, two antenna similar to wooden branches on the side of her heads, large kimono concealing her form while her lower half is one of a long, serpentine body, you even spy fur on the upside and also, at her side, two large arms even more monstrous in nature than Athena clawed fingers.

‘’Corruption cannot be consumed, I must evacuate it in a proper container, and the dragon Orochi… is more than adequate’’

‘’Tha-… no, its’’

The angel voice quiet down as she look at the form, her feelings are… mixed, exhaustion masking everything else.

‘’If she were to wake with that amount of corruption… Siegfried, please, leave. I will still need your service, but… I can’t… I don’t.’’

She let out a breath, a pained one where she tries to contain tears.

‘’Just leave me to my burden’’

So say the Inari, who look so incredibly fragile.

>>18553542
>Transferring corruption to a dragon
Welp, this will end well

>>18553542
What would happen if we did try to take her corruption?

>>18553542
"No. It was your burden. Not anymore. Now it is mine. If I have to claim it by force, so be it, but I won't let you torture yourself anymore."

>>18553542
Hug her.

>>18553582

Who knows? Maybe the Queen does, maybe not, Hadraniel did say your ability is unique

>>18553607
>hug her
>she's completely naked

IAMABSOLUTELYOKAYWITHTHIS

>>18553607
this while saiyan
>>18553584

>>18553607
>Hug her
She is on the verge of losing control of the barriers she set up.
This is a terrible idea

The queen is keeping her distance, right now; she’s approaching the sleeping dragon, her steps carrying her away from you as water splash, you hear some clicking in the background as the angel try to stand, looking in your direction, she doesn’t seem desperate however so you don’t think she’s trying to tell you something.

"No. It was your burden.’’

As you retrace the path of the queen, your voice resonate in this small, sacred chamber, and the queen keep her back to you, one hand goes to her forehead, rubbing it.

‘’Why…this knowledge eludes me…’’

‘’Not anymore. Now it is mine.’’

She doesn’t grace you with a look; she’s simply looking at the sleeping, corrupted dragon, her various tails swinging like a beautiful, wounded, flower.

‘’Siegfried’’

The queen voice escape her, her ears fall flat on her heads, your proximity is making you very aware of the state of her body.

‘’If I have to claim it by force, so be it, but I won't let you torture yourself anymore."

You allow your arms to reach out, to touch her… but the queen give a yelp and jump toward the platform.

‘’DON’T!’’

She face you now, not minding her complete nudity at all, tears continue to fall down as her expression is one of panic and confusion.

‘’I don’t know! I don’t KNOW! I should but I don’t! WHY!’’

She put her hands on her hairs, grabbing hairs; the tattoos seem to be… moving.

‘’I need... all of it is evacuated, but I hate… I hate to put her through this…’’

You feel a strong emotion coming from the angel, she seem both startled and confused.

‘’I need… there so much more to do… I don’t want everything to come crumpling down now! Siegfried your hunger, don’t I don’t KNOW!’’

Ame-no-Uzume seems to be going hysterical? At the mention of your hunter, your ‘’Consummation’’… you feel it activate, against you will, wanting to satiate itself on the strongest source.

rolled 80 = 80

punch our hunger in the snout to establish superiority
"Fluffytails. You can rest now. Give me your burden to carry, for I have claimed it as my own. I here-by release you of it."
dice is hunger punching

>>18553929
And then hug her.

>>18554075
If you want rape, you can just up an' say it, y'know.

We're all adults here.
I hope.

>>18554085
It's more of a chase, everything will be fine sort of hug.

>>18553859
>satiate itself on the strongest source.
If the dragon has been the vessel for the Corruption for years, it should be the strongest source right now, right?
Would drawing out that much Corruption wake the dragon?

Your jaw tighten as that second nature of yours is starting to crawl back from some unseen pit, while it did help you save the life of a young woman, it also became nearly uncontrollable when you were in Hadraniel domain and you started to consume the very existence of the shrine world, but you NEED it right now, for it is the very thing that will allow you to cure, to… to help this, no your queen, who seem to be growing increasingly mad with worry, all for your own sake, over..

Over something that you can’t possibly know? Perhaps, the corruption is playing trick with her head?

You look at the palm of your hand; the hunger is being reeled back in control, doing it us much, much easier than when you were back in the shrine world.

‘’My Queen’’

Your palm reach her, her face… tears are falling, nothing but worry, the only emotion visible, her tattoos are still present, she hasn’t released anything yet has she?

You look at the dragon, the corruption in her… how immense must it be?

‘’Your burden is mine to carry, I do not know the reason why you had me come, but I here-by say.’’

‘’Siegfried Shieffer of the northern land release you from your burden’’

The Queen, is she convinced? She has stopped resisting; the angel far back is using her spear for support.

She’s trying to say something, there’s worry coming from the link but right now…

You need to consume this corruption. Eat. Satiate. Amounts that make the succubus you killed seem like nothing but a speck of dust.

Consume the Goddess of Dawn corruption? Or turn your attention to the dragon Orochi?

Yet in the back of your mind, somehow, a voice

Alien, but its yours?

Nonono its not a voice, its a simple tought.

>Please, young man, do not make a mistake.

>>18554204
Well, obviously we need to Consume both sources of Corruption.
But which one should we deal with first? Ame or Orochi?
Ame is the one currently awake, and is under the strain of an overflow of Corruption.
But Orochi, while asleep, has years of Corruption built up.

If only there was a clue as to which choice is the right one.
Can Hadraniel, who seemed to have some inkling of our power, tell us which source of Corruption we should cleanse first?

>>18554204
If it helps her, it is no mistake.
if need be we shall be the lash to our dresden

>>18554204
Ame.
We can't let her go now, she's done too much for us.

>>18554263

You'd need to leave the Queen side for this and walk toward the angel, but she is recovering, maybe a shout will prompt her to talk

>>18554204
>inb4 the correct option was to resist the urge to consume
seriously, this seems like a bad idea seeing as we do not know fully what the consequences are

>>18554293
Voting to see what Hadraniel suggests in this situation.

‘’SIEGFRIIIIIED’’

Your attention snaps to the angel, your trance, you were just about to consume what ail the emotional Inari.

The amount of distress in the angel is alarming, she’s trying to stand despite her complete exhaustion, but your hunger…. Your will.

The Queen is waiting, the Queen is crying.

A goddess need help, the Goddess trust you completely, she regained some composure.

But the angel seems scared. No she's terrified

‘’I COMMAND YOU TO STOP’’

So say your shield, the one supposed to always be by your side and support you.

Aah but Ame… those tattoos, that corruption..

You head feel so incredibly light, it feel like you are, literally, at a cross.

>’’Today is a day with a sad fate’’

You heard those words this morning from a Youko.

[] Consume
[] Stop

>>18554379
>[X] Consume

We must become the destroyer, the eater of sin.
The world needs our talent, or else it would not have spawned it.

>>18554379
STOP.
Hadraniel was right about the lilum. Maybe she's right about this.

>>18554379
[x] STOP

>>18554379
It's not like we didn't know what we were getting into.

[] Consume

second guessing now, of all times?
let us hear what she has to say.

>>18554379
STOP.

>>18554379
[x] Stop
If we don't trust our companions what sort of person are we?

>>18554379
>[X] Consume

We have eaten the shadow. We have eaten the light.
This hunger is a part of us. Are we to deny who we are?
Every second we delay endangers Ame, and the world, further...
It's time to feed from her corruption - embrace the dark.
Devour it.
To save her, and everyone else.

>>18554379
Stop.

Consume

Hesitation.

The hunger falter, you step back, the queen almost serene face now show surprise, but she seems... almost broken, no.
NO!

Someone as precious as her must not be allowed to carry such burdens!

But the panic, yet the incredibly warm emotions, coming from the angel, it stop you in place, her exhausted form charge toward you, her wings carrying her as Focus is the sole reason of her movements, she close on you in a second.
Her arms circle themselves near your neck, with force, she pull and the two of you fall in a splash, sacred water soaking you even more.

‘’My qu—aa!’’

Focus exit the angel who start trembling in pain, you feel… wetness on the back of your head.

‘’Accomplish your ritual while… I hold him!’’

A cough, more pressure.

The queen is dazed, she stayed in full corruption for so long, but then, moved entirely by determination, she crouch near the dragon, the Inari tails swing as a heartwarming chorus start, but you feel too dazed to listen, even if it feels you with a strange peaceful feeling.

‘’You…aa! You are too weak!’’

The angel struggle, tremble, she has clearly no strength left; she’s using you for support now.

What… just happened?

>>18554547
I'm guessing it was something to do with the lilim and our stone that was stolen.
Perhaps it gives them some link to us through which they can mess with us.

>>18554547
What indeed.

I guess we just watch what's happening.

Still dazed, you look at the queen who crouches to the point almost kissing the inert dragon, her back to you mask almost the whole scene, but you see the various tattoos on her person, the symbols staining her… move, every single drawing start serpentine, confused, movements on her body as, you sense, she pour an absolutely staggering amount of corruption right in the dragon who gobble it all up, no difficulty, a transfer as clean as when you cured the Lady of Crosswalk.

The song is so gentle… so, so gentle… chorus that cradle you, soft instrument, everything created by the Queen who is now completely naked, the angel on your back is.. Not saying a single thing as you watch, confused, amazed.
Something incredibly important just happened here.

The monster magic continue the resonate in the room, you feel your consciousness drift slightly but then you notice, Ame in on her knees, not facing you, while she keep the marvelous song going through casting.

How do you proceed?

>>18554651
Wait and watch

>>18554651
Put a hand on her shoulder and watch.

>>18554689
I'm pretty sure the angel could stop us from moving towards Ame, even as weak as she now is.

The Queen –now completely naked- let out a sigh, her tails help her keeping some form of modesty, however she never stop the gentle song and, as you watch her, you can hear her asking the sleeping, beautiful form of the dragon, forgiveness.

And yet she’s trying to keep her tears, this whole event was quite emotionally charged and someone who had that amount of corruption, without going mad with lust or something worse, you can almost see her breaking, some sobs escape her, but she doesn’t want to ruin the song.

The angel resting on your back is unmoving, when you look back at her, your breath stop: blood is trickling down her face, her mouth, her arms… but fortunately the amount is small, the water near the two of you is barely stained, but her unconscious, bleeding form strike you right at the heart: did she just… no she couldn’t have burned herself out, you feel her through the link.

A thought drift toward you, perhaps you feel too fatalistic right now, but you can’t help but wonder.

Did you make everything worse?

>Hate to say I called it
Not really much we can do right now. I suppose we will have to run damage control once the ritual is over.

>>18554762
Prop Hadraniel up against a wall for now.
Wait for Ame to finish singing.

Then the queen eyes are on you, perhaps she finally managed to gain back some resolve for she stand and, ignoring her nudity, walk in the water, making her way toward you slowly, even with the magnificent body at your front you can’t help but look in her eyes, full of emotions, seemingly about to erupt.

She’s really hanging in there.

And then there a slight burst of magic, a word that seemingly scream shame, the song cease and the Queen is clothed in an unnatural kimono seemingly caught in an eternal breeze. She crouch down toward your sitting form, one of her hand goes toward the angel, not minding the blood, while her other hands rest on your cheek.

‘’Thank you for surviving past this day, Siegfried’’

You have the impression. No, you are certain that, right now, the queen wants to cry, but she’s keeping a front.

‘’Your shield need rest, Siegfried…’’

She stops talking as her voice break, but given how collected she is, Hadraniel life must not be in danger.

‘’Let’s go back’’

Her voice still lack spirit, right now, the queen is still as fragile as she was.

rolled 77 = 77

>>18554923

We're alone right now, none of her retainers in sight.

Hold her. "It's alright to let it out. It'll do you good to do so."

>>18554944
Second. Hadraniel is unconscious, and there's no one else here but us.

For a few moments you say nothing, you simply hold Hadraniel up and find yourself very surprised: She barely weight more than a child, even with armor and spear, she does not appear to have a peaceful sleep, her wings, large and deployed, make her look like a wooden bird…

However once you reach the porcelain floor free of water, you gently lay your Shield down.

‘’Ame’’

Her name, cut short, but her name. The Queen stop, close her eye and say nothing.

‘’You are allowed to cry’’

Rulers are people as well, however, as you expected, the queen shake her head.

‘’You do not deserve my burden, especially since you cannot know it’’

She walks, hugging herself, her tails swinging in a way that can be described as sad.

‘’I forgot something… I shouldn’t with the corruption, you did not had to… suffer so, nor should you be victim of my selfishness’’

You aren’t exactly certain what she’s saying, but the queen is being stubborn.

>taking a break of about 20 minutes, one more important event before we can put the First of Spring behind us.

>>18555022
>implying this is something that can be put behind
"That's a little late, isn't it? I already claimed it as mine. Though if you wish, I might consider giving it back if I could snuggle your beautiful tails again."

>>18555022
>one more important event
Our companions forming a lynch mob over the torrent of emotions they likely felt through the link? And the fact that we may have nearly made things worse?

>>18555050
What is peoples obsession with the damn tails?
Am I the only one who sees it as out of character?

>>18555070
No.

rolled 35 = 35

>>18555022

>hnnnngh

"Not if I ask to make it mine as well."

Hug her from behind and just hold her for awhile.


>>18555070

'Fluffy tail' itself came from Fate/Extra's Caster, I believe. But those tails have charmed a good number of MCs across various games.

>>18555070
No you're not. And after the pranks that we pulled with the queen earlier and the meeting Inara, I don't think we want to give athena and the others more reason to lynch us.

"Not if I ask to make it mine as well."

The queen stop, you see her arm coming near her eyes as she wipe dampness, however the crack in the armor is fatal, perhaps it was simply all she needed, or maybe you are her weakness? You never, ever, asked her why she made you come to this island on this very important day.

You sneak a glance at Hadraniel, her previously bloody exterior is not stainless, but you aren’t certain if it’s due to angel constitution or the Queen magic.

‘’Why are you… always’’

Her voice break, this woman… did she knew you in the past?
Still you can’t help yourself, you care, that you’re instinct, nay, your nature.

The time spent in the ritual room lengthened when the Queen started, she didn’t do anything but stand as tears fell and, when you closed proximity with her, she grabbed you and lost balance, ending up with you forced to sit as she forced her head on your bosom, and cried.

She kept apologizing, saying repeating that she was sorry, something simply spelling your name through choke of emotions as you could only stare at her head, putting on hand on it and caressing her flat ears, she kept saying that she ‘’failed’’, kept asking forgiveness for her sin, her weakness.

You never asked one damn thing, you simply let her go and expunge these bad feelings from her body and mind, you may have no idea what she may be saying or what could possibly have been traumatic enough to put her in such a state, but if she isn’t going to tell you when you won’t pry, the Queen keep going for a long time…

And in the end you had to transport the two women out of the chamber and up the ladder.

>cont

And then you got chewed out by Athena and Yuria while Sylphis kept stalking you in a very, very, intimidating way, the various intense feelings transported from you almost make them panic and burst in the temple, but, once again, nobody asked any questions.

There a better time for those after all.

With the shrine sword in your hand and the quiet group at your front, you wonder if now, might be a good time to sleep..

Or perhaps you could enjoy some time alone, in the garden, wasn’t there an archery range there?

Giving it a bump, also thread archived with one of my famous typo, fuck me

>>18555391
It's been an interesting day. Getting some time with Athena and Sylphis would be a good idea. After that, we can sleep.

But first, do either Yuria or the Queen know anything about the Lilim?

>>18555391
Maybe some time alone is what we need. We need to really think about what we did today. Because as interesting as it was to lurch from one crisis to another like a drunken sailor, it wasn't exactly a good feeling.

>>18555391

Amy is in no condition to help with fidning the perp.

Ask yuyu for help. She should know and be able to mobilize resources to help with the search.

Damn. This is running today? I need to catch up.

>>18555561
Agreed

‘’Yuria, could I ask you something? Earlier today there was a rather…’’
Your voice lack vigor today has been one hell of a day, the spider woman nod at you, Athena and Sylphis have already been sent, each carrying one of the exhausted woman.
‘’We do not have much to spare in term of shadow agents competent enough to track down such a foe, and we can’t spare Garrett for tomorrow is a day he must attend, but I have send scouts and messengers’’
You blink at her, a bit stupefied

‘’While you were down there, Athena filled me in so I went to work, you promised me, after all’’

You let out a heavy, content sigh, these people have it together.

That they do…

‘’You are free to leave, Siegfried, I’ll trust you’ll find adequate lodging, the castle is rather empty on this important, happy day’’

Can the queen ever catch a break you wonder?

Making your way to the archery range, you lost yourself gloriously and had to ask a servant for guide, you don’t really know why you gravitated toward this area, but it feels… like home.

Oh right, now you remember.

>cont

Before joining the college, in your youth, your mother became your mentor for archery; it was the activity the two of you could practice together and it was something she enjoyed greatly.

‘’Only the target, Siegfried, look, Focus, there is only that, the world and its distraction do not exist. The bow, the arrow, your position, the target, aims true’’

She was a rather grave individual during this exercise, but you never manage to be her equal.

Sitting on the polished floor, bows of various sizes, you see that most of them are for competition instead of a true combat style like the one your mother mastered and tried to pass on.

‘’A peculiar man’’

As you turn to the voice, you see that it’s the woman you’ve been thinking about, coming from the entrance, in her bright red robe.

>>18555749
"Please do not wear that form. Assume another form, if you will not show me your true one, but please do not wear that visage."

>>18555749

Do we recognise her?

>>18555794

As far as you can tell, its your mother

>>18555749

Pick up a bow and nock an arrow.

"You are not her, show your true face lest I loose this shaft into that falsw visage."

"Please do not wear that form.’’

Your rub your face, fighting back some tears as the memories from your mother flood back, how she would mischievously prank some of the soldier, how she helped you fire your first arrow (and how worried she was after you snapped the rope on your ear), she’s the one that forced you to make one of the most important decision of your life and now, now you’ve made some, this very day, that were rivaling in importance.

‘’Assume another form, if you will not show me your true one, but please do not wear that visage."

You sneak a peek; you see her, one hand held on her chest, face looking downcast as her long brown hair stay still in the very light breeze of the archery range.

‘’I cannot, not for now, for I wish to show you something, you who have struggled for so long’’

That voice… its calm, soothing, mother like, but not like the one that belonged to your kin, the woman approach, you feel… magic?

Or at ease? She is not bewitching, not hypnotizing, she put you at ease, and she seem to be radiating kindness.

‘’You have kindled hope today’’

You remember when you existed Hadraniel shrine world; you saw, very briefly, an image of your mother.

‘’You have avoided a sad fate today, Siegfried’’

Her voice, gentle like a breeze, its making you safe, she approach and sit at your side.

Her voice…

>Please, young man, do not make a mistake.

So that was her?

How?

‘’I am sorry, for my intervention will cause an inevitable crisis, but I did not have the heart to watch tragedy again, I wanted to help that young, struggling lady…’’

Then her hand caresses your face, gentle, oh so very, very.

‘’Who?’’

You hear you voice, repeating as if a thousand time, yet it isn’t disorienting.

‘’Who is the one that you care most? Siegfried? Those around you are your strength, but might there be one that kindle the flame with a stronger…fuel?’’

[] Athena
[] Sylphis
[] Hadraniel
[] Goddess of Dawn, Ame-no-Uzume
[] Goddess of night, Tsukiyomi
[] The Missing one, Avina
[] The lost one, Mana Shieffer
[] All of them

>>18556047
[x] All of them

"I will not choose between them. They are all dear to me, and I cannot bear to see them suffer."

>>18556047

For siggy I guess it would be avina?

Thought I'd rather choose all. Can't leave that queen alone.

>>18556047
[X] All of them
Is there really any other choice?

>>18556100
I personally agree with you but I imagine majority will want all.

>>18556154
We don't remember avina.
We remember that we knew her, not why she was important, otherwise I would agree with you.

>>18556047
[x] All of them

>>18556047
[x] All of them, of course.
As greedy as it may sound, it seems like we care about all of them. Sure, some of them have been with us longer, and they each have a different place in Sigfried's heart. But the point is we've lost too many people already, and we're tired of it.

All of them is a copout.

We were driven by our memories of Avina for so long. I vote for her, the girl from our youth who doesn't exist.

‘’There is no choice to make’’

Your own honesty and strength surprise you, but when you look into the eyes of that shade of your mother, lying is impossible, the wound of her loss hurt and ache, but right now, maybe, it’s something driving you onward.

‘’I will fight and die for each and every single one of them’’

No favorite, these persons…

Why do you feel so strongly for them?

Can there be an explanation other than ‘’It’s what I feel?’’ The link tells no lie, Athena and Sylphis care deeply for you and while you’ve known Hadraniel for a few hours, she…

She’s the reason why you’ve avoided this sad fate. And only thank to the queen do you know her, yet you encountered her thank to Tsukiyomi.

Who also managed to keep one very precious alive so she could say her goodbye.

And yet the hole in your memories aches, that person wearing the visage of the Yukionna…

‘’Siegfried. Your existence is, so incredibly unique, right now on the last hours of the first of Spring…’’

‘’Look’’

You are half-blind, your vision is filled with white and gray making identifying colors impossible, while structure are more detailed but only to another, brief degree, you see some vegetation, uproots trees, crater, corpse…?

‘’Tsukiyomi!’’

This is your voice, angered, wounded, sad. Defeated

It is hard to identify anything in this blinded state, but thankfully the form, the human form, walk in front of you, while at his back… there is a monster, fox ears, long tails… aah, it’s the Youko isn’t it?.

‘’Are you ready to struggle, Siegfried Shieffer?’’

Her voice is cracking, she is sad, the emotions is raw.

‘’No price is heavy enough’’

That is your retort, the mix of negative emotions make it incredibly hard to listen too.

‘’My power may be one of a God, but… I wish that you succeed, even if you know fully well that I am using you’’

The mother of the Queen is emotional, but you see yourself shaking a fist, prompting her to accomplish her task.

‘’Sleep well, Siegfried, and know that nobody is beyond saving, but others wishes to save you as well.’’

The voice of this impersonator is so soothing.

>Yep, today is the end of the first of Spring, success!
>and now I have to ask, are we ready to put this day behind us? Or would you guys be willing to go through a side story taking place with Leila as protagonist? Today wasn’t eventful only for Siegfried, after all, but he still got the biggest volume.

>>18556347
Would you be running the side story now?

>>18556347
Side story sounds interesting.

>>18556405

I'm way too tired for doing it now, simply asking for input, beside I need to plan it better than the skeleton I've got in my head

Also is it me or is suptg not getitng al lthe message of the thread?

>>18556432
It updates every two hours.
Resubmit the thread to the archive and it will grab everything.

>>18556453

Won't I need to delete the first archived thread for that?

>>18556468
Resubmiting to the archive makes it recheck the thread for posts, it won't change the tags or the name given

>saying an embarrassing thing

Anyway take two.

I'll be working on the side story since it seem to have a good reception, as for when I'll try to stick with my usual day of Friday or saturday, with 4-5 pm as my usual hour.

I'll also post on twitter when appropriate, here's the link https://twitter.com/#!/TaleOfMonsters