Graded [Alvheim Ruins] Dungeon Crawl Ho! - Remnant of Ancient Ambition

[EMIYAman]

Spoiler: The Beginning

Mentions: Individual Beetlebuggo LadyOfStars

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The group had gathered together at the entrance, ready to make their descent. Cephus prepared himself breathing in deep the cave mouth seemingly beckoning him closer. He took a brief moment looking at the forms of the people he would be trusting with his life. Admittedly the Elven woman with the massive golem fascinated him to no end. He'd heard of such magitech constructs in other nations which flew in the face of Ryken paltry by comparison magitech, but to see it first hand was another thing entirely. His gaze lingered on the woman a bit longer and not just cause she was beautiful. But he knew the deal which had bene struck with her in exchange for her aid. He was a little frustrated with having to potentially part with some items they may find, but the opportunity to have someone who appreciated the craftmanship of the Alvs was a good enough trade. Then he looked to the rather exotic member of his retinue. Cephus was somewhat sure the figure with those majestic tails was a man but from what he could see he was quite good looking for one. His clothing was exotic and while he had never seen such cloth before a senior of his had mentioned the lands to the far east and their alien culture and style. Was he from there? Though the many bandages and slight twitches of pain concerned him. Could he even protect him in that state? Well, it wasn't his place to judge and these two had been sought out for him so they must be good. Though he didn't see much of a weapon on either of them not even a knife...

Soft words from the man broke him out of his musings. Somewhat embarrassed at being lost in thought like that he turned to the two intent on give some sort of call to action. "A-alright then now that we are sufficiently prepared we'll begin the debriefing. This journey may be a long one for all we know we'll be down there for days at a time, I've packed enough food to keep us going a maximum of two. After that we will have to leave no matter what got it?" Neither of them even seemed to be paying him any mind their gazes locked firmly on the entrance. He couldn't help but feel somewhat ashamed to feel like he's speaking aloud for no reason but there was procedure to follow. "This site has great historical value as such I ask that refrain from damaging it to the best of your ability unless absolutely necessary. Any artifacts found are property of the Ryken Archeological Society at my discretion." He looked to the Elf. "Save certain special cases... So if you wish to take something from the site you must notify an appointed member of the R.A.S. that being me. Having gone through the mandated words he moved onto the more personal. "I'll be trusting you guys with my life we have no idea what could be in there or how dangerous it is. So lets work together for the good pulling lost history out of the shadows. Having said that I, Cephus Simon declare this expedition, begin!" With a nod he turned and marched through the cave with his escort in tow.

Spoiler: To Enter Whats Sealed

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They descended into the depths, it wasn't bright but the cave was sparsely lit by crystals along the walls. Cephus kept his hand on the side of the wall keeping his bearings as per his training. He hefted the sack upon his back and kept an even pace. He didn't look back to check on his companion but by the uneven sounds of footsteps they were following close behind, though for the life of him he could swear he almost heard another softer set of footfalls. But, he ignored it in favor of the destination. As the continued their trek a light in the distance grew brighter. It was a glaring light compared to the dark of the rest of the cave and shined so bright you couldn't make out what the source of it was. Eventually it became so bright Cephus covered his eyes yet continued forward until his eyes adjusted and then widened as he beheld the true beginning of the expedition and a marvel which had even more in store.

​

The cave had all of a sudden disappeared in favor of this orderly man made room. Cephus looked back only to be met with a white wall of metal. They had walked through the cave into a light and all of a sudden they were here? Despite knowing this was the "ruin" of an ancient civilization he couldn't reconcile that notion with the scenery before him. Nothin here could be called a ruin and industrial stark light the smooth sheen of metal and glyphs suspended in the air painted the picture of a very active place. "This, is amazing." He spoke these words with a clear sense of awe. He dropped his pack to the floor shedding the weight before unceremoniously examining the area around him. Noting the strange raised windows that only reflected his face back at him. He wasn't sure the point of tine angled windows which showed nothing but he examined them all the same. Then he took in the cylinders throughout the room placed at an angle and up against each wall. Glass allowed one to look inside and the general shape made Cephus think it was big enough to hold a person. They were all empty save one which was filled with some strange liquid which was too thick to see through though if he strained his eyes he could make out a humanoid figure within. Wait. Was there a person in here? And were they, alive? Surely they would drown in there but what if they weren't what if a spell or something had sustained them within this cylinder!? As he pondered this his mind roaring with theories a mechanical whir sounded out. A series of beeps in a odd yet purposeful sequence rang out in the room before the liquid within the pod he was looking into began to drain. With widened eyes and a sudden remembrance of his escort he scrambled back and behind them looking out at the pod.

The liquid continued to drain for what could have been a few seconds or an eternity, to Cephus at least. Immediately after the pod swung open and a fog rolled out of it briefly obscuring vision. Then a figure placed their hand upon the side of the pod before pushing themselves out. The figure was a short dark skinned girl with horns upon her head and a reptilian tail. One other glaring feature though, she was naked. Though her body possessed no sex characteristics. It was just, smooth... She opened her eyes regarding all of them with a impassive face. Then glyphs in a strange script appeared around her before coating her in light and quickly fading away revealing abnormal attire. She tapped the newly appeared staff in her hand upon to ground almost as if testing it. The bizarre being looked to them all. She then spoke in a melodic language the words flowing like song mixed with sounds seemingly impossible to make. She waits for a bit then seemingly realizes she can't be understood. She then rapidly switched between multiple languages at fast speeds searching for one that fit, before one became recognizable It was the language spoken in the Ryke but a seemingly older dialect. "Thou might not but be guests" Sensing recognition she continued. "I Ouro, welcome the four of thou to the masters personal workshop" with that she turned and walked over to the large metal door before a magic circle with the same glyphs from before manifested over her hand she made a series of motions and the door opened, she beckoned them over. "Thou may all make course with me" Cephus was stunned but managed to pull himself from behind Mitsunari he made to follow then stopped. Did she say four? He turned to assess their numbers before noticing a small pink ball with stubs akin to arms and legs. "WHAT THE HELL IS THAT!?" He pointed to the creature who was most certainly not meant to be here in utter confusion and fear. Ouro stood slightly ahead of them watching with a blank expression and a tilt of her head. "Fascinating Creature."

 

[EMIYAman]

Spoiler: Questions

Mentions: LadyOfStars Individual lXlGamemaster


Ouro studied the pink creature a bit before she was seemingly content with what she saw, and turned her gaze to Mitsunari. Her face did not change from its impassive appearance. Yet there was a look in her eye a twinkle of something. Most would not notice this but someone skilled in reading others like Mitsunari would notice an almost imperceptible look of satisfaction at his question. Then it was gone. She tapped her staff on the ground as if in thought for a second while her eyes stayed glued to Mitsunaris. "I am a creation of The Master. I was the first success in his experiment to give life to a artificial body through an artificial soul. My form is a combination of the genome of multiple different species, thou may think of me as a Chimaera if thou art familiar with the concept." Her tail flicked from side to side like it was trying to show itself off. "The Master is the creator of this facility and the greatest genius ever to exist within the Alvian race, and most likely the world. He tasked me with being the administrator of this workshop as well as a guide for guests." To the side Cephus listened intently but also gaped wondering why no one was gonna bring up the small pink monstrosity they had a stalker on his expedition. "I guess I'll just add it to the report; wish I'd brought a Zoologist" He mumbled to himself. Ouro once again tapped her staff on the ground as if to bring attention to herself. "I would ask that thou honored guests follow me. There will be time to make inquires during the tour." With nary a word more she turned walking up to a closed large doorway upon which a holographic keypad appeared. She typed into it for about 20 seconds before the door actually opened. Then walked through expecting them to follow.

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They came out into an open area with doors all around. Terminals and other such devices were all around the room. But perhaps the most eye catching of all was a number of windows which showed a spacious ecosystem with all manner of plant and animal life below them. Cephus marveled at this his eyes wide as his mind tried to understand how such a thing could exist this deep underground. Ouro gestured with her staff to the large room before them. "This is the Atria, from here thou may travel to most of the wings of the facility." The group could see identifiers in glowing glyphs over each door which glowed and rearranged themselves till they resembled words. Hephaestus, Helios, Thanatos, Ares, Demeter and two unmarked doors one of them stood out from the clear level of security around it as the door had various seals and locks upon it. The other was a small doorway akin in size of a door one may find in their home and had no clear way of opening it. In her polite but dispassionate voice she continued "From here we shall-" Then she stopped suddenly and completely not a movement or sound left her and her eyes seemed to see nothing. This went on for almost a minute. Cephus who had been absorbed into the room and taking samples of anything not bolted to the floor (which was very little) looked over her in worry unsure of what to do. "Um, Ouro? Still there?" He got close examining her face trying to ascertain the problem. "I am still operational." Her head turned looking him in the eye rather close to him. Cephus eyes widened but managed to reign in the yelp on the tip of his tongue. "What was that about?" Ouro turned fully to address them all. "Apologies I have just received a report on a recent acquisition. It is a convenient opportunity to show thou the main functionality of this facility." She gestured with her staff to the door labeled Thanatos. "The study and processing of the Soul." Then she made to guide them through the door.

Thanatos Chamber

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Lothric would awake to find himself in unfamiliar surroundings within a large complex device. Magitech drones were all around him but retreated when he awoke. Three approached and attempted to subdue him with sleep spells and a enchanted cable, but failed to incapacitate him. The drones upon realizing he could not be neutralized unlethally began to charge mana cannons and approached threateningly. Soon after he could hear voices approach. "This room is where souls are harvested from captured wildlife. We use them to both conduct experiments and power the facility, hence the continued functionality of The Masters Workshop." The group entered the room. "The device should be in the proce- oh my." She looked on at the scene within the chamber a small dragon contained within and drones attempting to kill it. She turned to group. "Normally they are incapacitated for the process, this is quite abnormal. Its been some time since we've had a dragon soul. Though... are all dragons of this era that small? Cepheus stood the side of her looking on at the device and dragon within it. Seems any trace of shock in him had already been spent by now. While he did seem interested in the process he looked conflicted about the state of the dragon unsure if he should do something. With a heavy sigh he looked to his escort and a reluctant glance at the pink thing. "I'm sorry for asking this of you but could you help that creature it doesn't feel right watching a living being let alone a dragon having it's soul ripped out." With a worried glance he looks to Ouro "Would we be in breach of any rules should we destroy those machines?" She tilted her head as she considered his words. "We are not in so dire need of new samples that we would annihilate guests over minor resources." With that Cepheus nodded to his team (+1) a pleading look in his eye.

 

[EMIYAman]

Spoiler: Conflict and Mysteries

Interaction: Individual LadyOfStars Beetlebuggo lXlGamemaster Etymarchen

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The drones closed in on Lothric intent on neutralizing him for Thanatos to activate. A cosmic energy radiates from the dragon for a brief moment stunning the drones into inaction as they try to process the new data variables. Ouros eyes narrowed slightly as the data was processed and sent to her. The dragon seeing his opportunity charges one smashing it against the wall breaking the fragile components within from the shock of the impact destroying it. As two others fly over to attack, they are intercepted by Mitsunaris Fox Fire. The mystical fire strikes the two of them causing them to melt slightly as they fell out of the air. The last of the drones is taken out as TMK lands a punch upon it, spreading his otherworldly corruption. Causing portions to just fade away until it too is destroyed. The room is quiet with only the whirring of distant machinery and the hum of Thanatos breaking the silence. As the high from the battle winds down somewhat anticlimactically, Ouro looks upon the dragon and in a rare display of emotion has a smile upon her face though it is an arrogant one. Then it fades just as quick as it formed.

Cephus is stunned somewhat he had expected more, the drones seemed advanced and he expected the defenses of such a place as this to be far more robust and dangerous. He knelt inspecting the remains of one. Ouro turned to regard Astrid the women probing her for information. She met her scrutinizing gaze. "I am the administrator of this facility thou art correct. All data, and changes within the facility converge through me. I also make the many decisions regarding logistics and the allocation of resources in the Masters absence. However, I have absolutely no authority over the autonomous units in this facility. The Master only allowed himself to order and reprogram them. I am unsure if this is because he did not trust me with them or he merely enjoyed working on them personally." Ouro appeared hesitant at those last words. Moving on to Astrids next question. "The drones collect samples from outside the facility periodically just enough to keep the reactor running in low power mode. Now that the facility has officially fully awakened with your groups arrival they needed to gather more souls to keep this place running on a skeleton crew. They phase out of the Workshop to the outside then transition back in with their sample incapacitated for Thanatos to harvest. I have never considered this chambers name. When I was created it was already Thanatos and was named personally by the Master, I am unaware of what inspired him to name the chamber thus." At this Ouro turned away from Astrid her face out of view she seemed almost melancholic. "Thou art mistaken about one thing however. I am not the highest power within this facility." She said no more. Cephus yelled out a ways away from them, the ruined frame of the drone ripped open to view the inner mechanisms. "Ms. Naréssyr could I ask for your help. I have some knowledge but mine is most likely incomparable to your own, I would very much appreciate your expertise on this machine!"

A few moments later a red flash and an alarm echoed throughout the room. Spaces opened up along the walls and two bipedal constructs stepped out from either side. They appeared almost partly finished a complex array of machinery, servos and wires completely out in the open. With only a basic frame upon the head with green glowing eyes. The machines settled into a boxing fighting stance, one of them rocketed forward with surprising speed delivering a haymaker upon Lothric launching him back a couple feet. While the other grabbed TMK in a vice grip and threw him across the room. The Code Essence only able to do brief superficial damage. Cephus crawled away from the drone before sprinting behind Asrid and Ouro. These machines were stronger, faster and more sophisticated than the drones. The Workshop was starting to bring its full force to bear. "The Achilles Units, they are rather fast shock troopers meant for quickly dispatching combatants. However in an effort to mass produce them and keep cost of production down their armor frame was never completed making them rather fragile as a result. The Master was often frustrated when having to consider funds in regard to his projects." Ouro informed them impassively.

 

[EMIYAman]

Spoiler: Conflict and Mysteries 2 Magitech Boogaloo

Interaction: Individual LadyOfStars Beetlebuggo lXlGamemaster

The battle had begun in earnest. The Achilles Unit closest to the dragon Lothric, which had been the one to strike him was suddenly accosted by the dragon who had recovered from the its attack. True to Ouros words the Achilles reacted quickly as the dragon charged it the Achilles blocked much of its momentum by catching its weight into its arms almost like a sumo wrestler. Even still the claws of Lothric drew close and cut some gouges into it before it grappled the dragon lifting it over it head and slamming Lothric behind it into the ground. The force behind the blow had been strong so strong the Achilles was partially damaged now sporting some sparking parts but otherwise appeared fully functional. It hopped upon the dragon straddling its torso and began to pummel its head with a string of blows knocking Lothrics head left to right over and over.

While Lothrics own battle with the first Achilles Unit was ongoing the second was engaging Mitsunari. Soon after it had thrown the small pink otherworldly creature TMK it had turned its gaze to the fox. As TMK was out of its range the nearest combatant took priority. With the same burst of speed that had allowed them to take the advantage the Achilles Unit rushed straight forward fist raised intent to crush Mitsunari. However, the unit had prioritized the speed of its attack and so when Mistsunari had quickly prepared his own the Achilles was ill equipped to dodge in time. Taking the full brunt of his Screeching Barrage the electric bolts slammed headfirst into the machine. the force of its movement followed by the force of Mitsunaris attacked launched it in the opposite direction causing it to land on its back. It tried to get up but the powerful electricity had damaged its circuitry the energy behind the spell burning and destroying some of its components beyond repair. With staggering twitches it raised itself back up obviously struggling with the movement. It tried to steady itself using its arms but the left one simply ceased functioning entirely. It examined its arm briefly then raised itself fully back up with one of its fist in a fighting stance. It locked its eyes with Mitsunari and approached, while it was still quick, its speed had dropped considerably. Despite that its strength was still enough to kill, and with the objective to do just that the Achilles made to once again try and pulverize Mitsunari.

Standing along the sidelines watching the fight develop was Ouro. Her eyes darted side to side rapidly taking in the movements of the Achilles Units and the responses from the Mitsunari, Lothric and TMK. While she appeared to be stock still her mind was quite active taking in vast amounts of data from both the Achilles Units and the rest of the facility. As an artificial lifeform her ability to multitask and process information was beyond what a normal organism could achieve. Close by was Cephus who was watching the fight develop with worry in his eyes. He had been hopeful at least upon seeing the effectiveness of Mitsunaris attack but the fact that the machine was still goin and the other one was beating the dragon into the ground his hope for the situation was fading. He briefly wondered what would happen to him should they fail, and shuddered at the thought. He knew there would be some dangers, or at least he felt he had but he was just a student an Archeologist! How could he be expected to just risk his life like this? He was caught off guard by the sound of Astrids voice. She was hunched over the drone examining it. She was still going to take a look even in these conditions? Cephus' eyes narrowed in concentration as he took a deep breath and archeologist must be ready to perform his duty even if danger. If Ms.Narrésyr could remain calm then so could he! With careful steps he got closer listening to her interpretation. As he moved even closer to get a better look he blushed as he felt like he was truly just noticing how beautiful she was, shaking himself free of such thoughts he examined the drone. He understood some of what she was saying but a lot of it was outside his expertise. "I see, so it seems despite the cornerstone of this place being Soul research the creations within do not all posses souls. Maybe its a difference of quality? This drone must be much cheaper to manufacture than say a being like Ouro. In that case this construct must draw power from souls yet does not house one, and all its kind share the same... what did you call it a 'network'?" At this Cephus stopped, chewing on the word trying to gleam its meaning. "So I guess this network they all share must connect them together and provides them with energy. Fascinating, while Magitech Engineering was not my subject even I can tell that while some of the processes are familiar to current practices, the Alvians Magitech is just far more developed and sophisticated. Such things as this drone probably won't exist within Ryke for the next couple hundred years. I could see the Duchy having the technology earlier though." He put a hand to his chin in thought as he considered the potential of the technology stored within this place. "Thank you Ms.Narrésyr you're knowledge on the matter is greatly valued." Cephus turned his gaze back onto the battle the previous worry which had been palpable upon him was noticeably gone. When it came to Cephus, busying his mind with work always calmed him down allowing him to focus. Seemingly lost in thought however, Cephus looked to Ouro as she impassively watched the battle. His face was pensive as if considering something. He sidled up to Astrid trying to keep his voice quiet. "I saw you and Ouro speaking for some time, so you must have some idea of her so far right? What do you think of her? I feel her behavior is rather unusual, and I know I'm saying that about a artificial life-form residing within a thousand year old laboratory and thats already a strange situation. Yet I can't shake this feeling of something being off about her." Cephus shook his head almost as if he didn't quite believe what he was saying. "Sorry, that was a weird thing to ask huh?"

 

[EMIYAman]

Spoiler: Anima Drive

Interaction: LadyOfStars Beetlebuggo Individual lXlGamemaster

​

The Achilles attacking Mitsunari drew near even with its shuddering steps and limp arm. As it raised it fists to in order to kill the intruder within Thanatos, a pink blob filled it sensors. With it damaged from Mitsunaris magical attack the Achilles had lost track of TMK and had not noticed it prepare to attack. The construct stopped itself on a dime trying to counter the pink creature. Fist met fist in a violent clash ringing out throughout the chamber. Its fist shook under the strain as its frame could no longer output the same force as before, then the exotic miasma emanating from TMK spread to the Achilles and slowly but surely ate away at the last of the components keeping its arm functional. Once a key portion of the module was consumed the limb simply dropped just as limp as the other. The construct seemed almost surprised as it assessed the damage to its chassis. With no way to repair itself and half of its systems malfunctioning or simply destroyed it could barely move. Then the spell Mitsunari had been preparing blasted the Achilles with no nearly enough distance to avoid the attack. The construct took one last look at them with its flickering green eyes before the attack slammed into it slagging most of its head. It fell to its knees then to the ground TMK's Code Essence steadily consuming the destroyed shell to nothing.

A ways away the other Achilles was battling the Lothric. As it grappled and punched the dragon with punch after punch, the dragon gained the upper hand. Dodging the last of its punches the dragon hooked its teeth into its arm before knocking it down from its position over him. The dragon plunged its claw into the Achilles' neck taking full advantage of the opportunity. Striking a key part of the Achilles circuitry the machines bright green eyes suddenly blinked out and it slumped to the side falling off the dragons body. The chamber was silent for but a moment then the other Achilles unit was slain by the combined effort of Mitsunari and TMK. The moment it ceased functioning, a whine could be heard building up from the slumped body of the first then in stood up, fast. The sound grew louder and louder until the sound permeated the entire room. Then it was released in a shockwave causing them all to stumble. Achilles was bathed in crimson light.

​

Suddenly Achilles moved, from the side of the dragon it shifted seemingly disappearing. A brief moment later it appeared directly next to Mitsunari then bashed him directly in the skull, it cracks, launching him a several feet through the air. In a flash it moved again though this time after images could be seen left in its wake. It attacked TMK moving much faster than it had before, Achilles kicked it hard causing him to fly through the air towards Lothric. It stood before them imposing in its power which seemed to emanate from the machine in waves. Along with a crimson light clinging to its metal frame and its green eyes blazing.

Ouro spoke up once again tapping her staff rapidly upon the ground with her tail swishing back and forth. "Interesting, by the time I slept that was still in the prototype phase and mostly theoretical." Ouro gazed upon the Achilles' crimson form her eyes twinkling. "Dear Guests, what you see before you is the Anima Drive. A Soul Reactor similar to Helios, yet smaller lies within the Achilles Unit. Normally its just for semi-perpetual power generation, but a fascinating idea came to the Master concerning the potential power limits of souls." She adopted a pensive look as if recalling information and reciting it. "While souls alone are incredibly potent sources of energy likely the greatest in the world. They have a limit to how much they may supply and to what. Not to mention the costs and complexities within proper application of them, however when pushed a certain way a soul may enter a sort of metaphorical fight or flight response. The soul for a brief amount of time outputs energy triple of what it was before at the cost of the owners life force leading to direct damage to the soul. This phenomenon is rare however and most beings cannot induce this state on their own without immediately deteriorating. We refer to this state of increased output as 'Soul Burst'. With the Anima Drive, we can artificially induce this state through any construct connected to Helios and fitted with an Anima Drive. Impressive isn't it? The Master is truly an unparalleled mind." A ghost of an expression appeared upon Ouros face like she had said something funny. "There will be a five minute time limit before the strain rips Achilles apart, it would be in your best interest to survive until then dear Guests."

 

[EMIYAman]

Spoiler: Anima Drive

Interaction: Individual LadyOfStars lXlGamemaster Beetlebuggo


Ouro gazed at the crimson light of Achilles two emotions of joy and contempt seemed to war upon her expression for a moment. She blinked, then turned to regard Astrid. "A corridor? I see so you intend to escape Achilles and wait out the Soul Bursts limit. Very well then." She makes a sweeping gesture with her staff a blue holographic display mingled with magical circles appeared. She idly tapped upon it seemingly in no rush but her hand moved incredibly quick. "Thanatos has only one exit usable by humanoid life forms, but the current security levels have it sealed until the intruders within are destroyed. However this facility is complex, incredibly so, its modular state has changed a fair bit since The Master last was here." Off to the side of the main exit a thin staircase appeared going down the width of it was just barely enough to run but it would be uncomfortable. "That route leads straight to Ares where weapons manufactured here are stored. If you make your way there and use what you find within, when the Achilles eventually catches up you should be able to hold it off well enough for the Soul Burst to reach its operational capacity." Ahead of Ouro, Cephus and Astrid the Achilles was not remaining idle.

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When Lothric moved to escape the Achilles in a surprisingly cruel display dashed over to Mitsunari hoisted him by his leg and threw him at incredible speed towards the retreating Lothric. Cephus stared mouth agape as the fox man sailed through the air and collided with the dragon. "Ouro is there anything you can do!? At this rate we won't even have the time to get away!" Ouro blinked. "If that is what my dear Guest desires." She stepped forward and pointed her staff the same holographic displays from before appeared but this time they circled around her rapidly as a purple light shone from the tip of her staff. With a swift movement she pointed her staff downwards and a square of deep purple appeared at Achilles' location. A pressure seemed to press down on the Achilles making it movements seem incredibly laborious. Despite this it still moved steadily towards the group. "You may now make your way to Ares. Achilles will be free from my magic in thirty seconds." Cephus blinked briefly in surprise but noticed the tenseness in Ouro's face as she maintained her spell. "Uh right. Lets go!" He did his best to help Mitsunari up and turned to the dragon. "You seem of the very intelligent variety of dragon so if you can understand me I suggest we hurry!" He ran for the staircase. The tunnel growing darker and darker in as it went down save for dim lights along the walls.

 

[EMIYAman]

Interaction: LadyOfStars

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As the expedition team began their escape the Achilles took notice and pushed itself to leave Ouros restraint field. Its power and speed once again grew. It took another shuddering step yet this one was easier than the last, while this increase in power had shaved off another minute on its time limit it would also escape within ten seconds more than enough time to kill the team. From his pained prone position Mitsunari raised himself from the ground the attacks from the Achilles having damaged his bandages till they were loose and hanging revealing the raw burned flesh underneath. With a deep painful breath he expelled a torrent of flame at the Achilles. While the fire was not enough to damage it as the Soul Bursts crimson light seemed to shield it the ground it walked on heated rapidly and melted. In mere moments it solidified once the fire spell ceased revealing the robot had it's feet partially welded to the floor once again slowing it's advance, but not for long...

Mitsunari Suffers From Concussion: All abilities not on cooldown now are, abilities already on cooldown are unaffected.

 

[EMIYAman]

Spoiler: Ares

Interactions: Individual LadyOfStars Beetlebuggo lXlGamemaster

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The expedition team makes their way down the stairs, with Cephus surprisingly enough taking point doing his best to support Mitsunari. As they leave Thanatos the narrow corridor they had entered from shuts behind them. The stairway is cast into darkness, shortly after dim lights turn on lighting up the path ahead. They run as fast as they can the norrow passageway leading to being arranged in a line. After almost a minute of running and not sure if they are any closer to their goal. They hear a band sound out behind them. Then another and another the sound of metal impacting against metal. Cephus doesn't speak but his breath hitches in his throat as he realize the Achilles was trying break its way through the shut passage to get to them. At this point there was still 4 minutes on the clock. More than enough time for it to kill them. After a few more moments of loud banging in the distance, it goes quiet. Then a screeching sound rings out, followed by the laborious sound of metal groaning. It was bending the metal apart. Cephus in grim curiosity looks behind his shoulder past the group following behind.

​

Its there, with its glowing green eyes blazing in the dark it sees them. Cephus quickly turns his head back around and speed ups as much as he can muster. They have to make distance between them and it, they just have to keep going Ares was surely close! These thoughts raced through his head. As he pushed himself more than he had ever done before, he raised and then brought his foot down and on the next step only met empty space. Before he realized what was going on he already fell through the hole followed by the rest of the group not seeing it in the near perfect dark. Some took it better than others.

Ares Armament Storage

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Landing in a heap they found themselves in a storage area for mechs. They had fell in from a square hole in the ceiling which closed itself upon their arrival. Cephus looked around from his position on the floor. What did Ouro have in mind when she sent them here, she said there would be things they could use to fight off the Achilles but where? "So this is why Hestia bade me to allow a path from Thanatos to my domain?" A voice sounded out all around them echoing throughout the area. Then cubes of light coalesced in front of them forming a shape. A man appeared before them, with long flowing hair emerging from a fierce helmet with a red plume coming out of the top. He was clad in gold armor an a flowing cape of crimson. His arms were crossed as he regarded them all with uncaring gaze. Cephus merely gaped in surprise unsure what they were dealing with, and why Ouro had sent them to a place that contained this man within it. And, who was Hestia? "Listen well intruders. I am Ares, The Masters 'Sovereign Of War' I possess the supreme duty of overseeing all weapons and armaments within this facility some of which could annihilate whole cities in moments. From the smallest blade to the apocalypse makers I hold dominion over them all." From above them a loud bang echoes out followed by more, the Achilles had caught up. The ceiling soon give way and the robot was standing among them, it immediately moved to attack and came within an inch of caving in Astrid's skull. Then the being that had called itself "Ares" raised a hand as if issuing a command. The Achilles stops on a dime and goes stiff the lights of its eyes going out and the crimson glow of the Soul Burst disappearing entirely. "That will only last a few minutes, not even I Ares have control over the constructs of this facility. That power solely belongs to The Master. Now, convince me I should honor Hestia's wish rather than just kill you now."

 

[EMIYAman]

Spoiler: Ares

Interactions: Individual LadyOfStars Beetlebuggo lXlGamemaster

---

Ares looked down upon them his arrogance palpable. His eyes narrowed as he heard Lothrics words. From the side of him Cephus audibly gulped a bead of sweat running down his face, clearly stressed. Ares unfurled his arms and stepped forward a couple paces closer to the dragon. For a moment he said nothing merely looked down upon him. Then he raised his hand, a red holographic screen appearing in front of it similar to Ouros. He tapped upon it while placing a hand upon the chin of his helmet. Seemingly deliberating something before coming to a realization. "You, are not from this realm are you dragon?" He gazed upon a series of gauges and data upon the screen. "These magical readings are only found in meteorites and Astrologists, but not at this purity. Its faint, weak even but this can't possible come from this planet." With a wave of his hand the screen disappeared and Ares seemed to regard Lothric with new eyes. Though he certainly wasn't any less arrogant his gaze was at least less outright dismissive.

"To answer your question, foreign dragon. Make no mistake, you were taken to this facility as fuel your permission was irrelevant. And if Thanatos had its way your soul would be powering this facility at full operational capacity for over three decades. Though Thanatos is not like me or Hestia I am sure it feels remorse at losing such high quality energy." Ares seemed amused with himself over that. He then splayed his arms out gesturing to the entire group. "In regards to these 'guests' I know not of such things. My direct authority is of War and War alone. What Hestia does with the rest of the facility and her 'guests' are her duty not mine. After all you think The Master would allow just any investor or Council member to wander into here? Of course not, that's why when The Master is not here its my judgment which allows anyone to enter my domain. So in essence I am treating you lot with the respect you deserve..." He once again raised a hand issuing an unheard command. Turrets came out from all along the walls and ceiling. "Try again."

Soon after TMK in all his eldritch roundness spoke up. Ares regarded him in a similar manner to Lothric. In a similar motion to before he pulled up a holographic screen in an attempt to gather data on the strange being but a mote of Code Essence flickered over and destabilized it forcing Ares to dematerialize it early. His eyes snapped to TMK and narrowed dangerously. "You. You are not meant to be. Those readings are comparable to one other being in this facilities archives and you are not it. You call them researchers? How ridiculous this facility would not allow you in for such trivial reasons how did you even get in here, and who is this 'Ouro'? There is no one with that name in this facility." Ares was growing more aggressive and frustrated. Just when it seemed like he would kill them all and be done with it Mitsunari roused in his debilitated state causing Ares to pause as he looked upon his pathetic form. With as sigh he brought his arm down slowly and the turrets retreated back into their spaces. He looked to Cephus who flinched at his gaze. "Boy, who are you and what is your purpose within this group?" Cephus gaped a bit but took a few deep breaths before meeting Ares eyes albeit with slightly shaking knees. "I am Cephus, an Archeologist tasked with exploring this facility for historical posterity and documenting what I can of Alvian society and culture from this place." As he spoke he seemed to gain more confidence most likely because he was speaking of something close to home. Ares looked down upon him as he has since the beginning but he didn't seem overtly hostile. "You are weak boy pathetically so, but at least you had the gall to look me in the eye. Alright then, I will make an exception for now. You will all tell me of your personal reason for being here and what you hope to gain from this facility, as well as who this 'Ouro' is then I will consider aiding you. Worry not we have time until Achilles reactivates."

 

[EMIYAman]

Spoiler: Ares

Interactions: Individual LadyOfStars Beetlebuggo lXlGamemaster

---

Ares listened to them with surprising patience. He was a man of his word and as such would give them the respect necessary. He gave each a penetrating stare as they gave their motivations. Each different from the last. Ares once again crossed his arms in the haughty fashion he had from the moment they met. But, the dismissive disdain he had shown for their very presence was gone. Replaced by an almost sagely countenance. "Foreign dragon, if you continue to struggle alongside these mortals you are sure to find your way to safety. But, take heed this place has changed drastically in these last centuries if you would survive you must steel yourself." Then at the stirrings of Mitsunari he inclined his head to look upon him and spoke to him as well. "Fox of the east, I see you are not yet a corpse. If you seek it you are sure to find the knowledge you seek here. However, those eyes of yours are ones I know well, I've seen mortals much like you before. You see all this, and even the world as something you can beat. Even now in this pathetic and feeble state you believe you can win." Ares chuckled lightly. "Perhaps you can, that will of yours is certainly one of your strongest weapons. But I'm sure that stubborn foolishness has laid you low before. I suggest you learn the lesson that pain is trying to teach you." Upon hearing his words pertaining to Ouro he only let out a grunt, which was quite difficult to gauge the meaning of. He turned to Astrid, scrutinizing the woman. "Elf, it seems you are wise enough to give me the proper respect even if your words are empty. If The Master were to see you in this place he would certainly be bragging about it for decades." Ares seemed to look through her as if he was seeing something far away. "The Alvians were cousins of the Elves so to speak, they were both quite close in genetic makeup. The Elves stuck to their ancestral homes and traditions unlike the Alvians however, and they had always been looked down upon for that. They were judged to be a lesser species. But The Master always thought the Elves could bring unique perspective to his research if they ever chose too." He seemed wistful as he spoke. "I can see the same desire for knowledge that The Master once had. Those like you search for the truth for the sake of it alone, right and wrong are nonfactors. I'm sure you won't be disappointed with this facility by the time you leave." Finally he turned to TMK glaring down at the creature, but in the way one might consider a particularly difficult math problem. "Void spawn, I know not where you come from only what you bear a likeness too, and that being is one you would not ever hope to meet. This is a place of research and learning. While The Master considered it his personal workshop; 'the truth must not exist within a vacuum' he believed in that. So take your writings if you deign to it matters not, so long as you do not take what does not belong to you. If you too are searching for knowledge, then you must have some value."

With that he addressed that which had bothered him since they had brought it to his attentions. "This being, 'Ouro'. You claim in your limited understanding that you believe her to be Hestia my fellow Sovereign. Maybe to you this would be the logical conclusion, but you do not know Hestia Sovereign of Hearth. She would never take a different name her love and pride for The Master is too great. Her name is one she was granted, for her to claim another may as well be to deny her very being." He said this like it was an immutable fact. "However while you were speaking I ran a diagnostic, while my dominion lies in this place alone I have access to some basic systems and besides yourselves there is only one other living being within the facility though I have no visual on them. That can only be Hestia she would not leave not of her own free will, and killing her is more difficult that most would think..." He grew silent for a moment seeming almost disturbed. "There is something amiss a variable I am not aware of."

At this Cephus speaks up, a bit nervous but with surprising force. "I'm not sure about Hestia I can't tell you for certain whether who we met was her or not only what we know. But, Ouro did seem... off at times. Her emotions seemed inconsistent as well as her words. I don't have any proof just a hunch. But assume Ouro is Hestia for a moment. Do you have any idea why she may be like that?"

Ares pondered his words. "No, nothing I am aware of could point to this behavior from her. But while she was my fellow Sovereign our contact was limited. It is the reason I was prepared to kill you. The Hestia I knew would never contact me if she could help it, for her to do so must mean the situation was abnormal. But this being was able to copy her IFF Code that should be impossible..."

 

[EMIYAman]

Spoiler: To Seek The Truth Through Force

Interactions: Individual LadyOfStars Beetlebuggo lXlGamemaster

---

Ares appeared lost in thought as if he was battling some unseen enemy which existed only in his mind. The matter of Ouro and Hestia truly perturbed the being. Cephus too was at a loss, he hadn't known what to fully expect upon entering the this place but it has quickly become something which boggled the mind utterly in its complexity. He heard the dragon speak to him and while somewhat frightened of the creature he returned its words. "Thats my guess too, for whatever reason Ares doesn't think it possible but its the only explanation based on what he's told us right? Someway somehow Hestia must have changed or been replaced with someone else. Though I can't help but wonder who is correct? Do we believe that everything Ares thinks is correct or only what little Ouro has told us?" It was confusing to be sure and far more than he had bargained for, but Cephus would be lying if he didn't find some grim excitement from all this as despite the dangers this place was truly awe inspiring. Then the Achilles twitched the lights upon it growing in intensity as it powered back up.

​

Ares raised its head from it deep thought. "If this is the case, then I have no need of threats." He made a gesture of him sweeping his hand to the side and a large mechanical fist appeared from a portal grabbing the Achilles in its crushing grip before retreating back. Cephus stared wide eyed at what had just happened. Ares addressed this shock. "Achilles was a way to invigorate you to give me the information I seek; the threat of impending death is a strong incentive." With the same gesture as before Ares materialized his crimson screens and input commands into them. The sound of servos whirring to life reached the expedition team to their side they would see a compartment open with various weapons imbedded within. "I see no reason to kill you now, and as I am ill equipped to deal with the matter I shall leave it to you as you see fit. Take what you desire from this weapons locker but no more than three. Know that this is a great exception for me to grant the weapons I hold dominion over. I only ask that you seek the truth as to this Ouro and Hestia matter as I believe you will find it tied to your own survival within this facility. Walk south of this position..." as he said this a set of lights lit up along the ceiling to guide them. "And you shall find yourselves in the Atria, I know not how but you may find clues as to the truth there. I may be an Artificial Intelligence granted the flame of life by The Master but my nature does not allow me to leave this place of my own power. May you be swift of foot and your battles bring you only glory, this is all Ares may grant." With that he disappeared into motes of crimson light leaving the team alone.

Spoiler: Weapons Locker

Magitech Knife


Magitech Rifle


Magitech Chakram


Magitech Sword


Magitech Handcannon(Not explosive sorry)


Magitech Gunblade

 

[EMIYAman]

Spoiler: Return to Path

Mentions: LadyOfStars Individual lXlGamemaster Beetlebuggo

---

Atria

​

Once the group left Ares' Wing they found themselves back in the hub area Ouro had first taken them. Though this time the room was empty and only the sound of mechanical whirs, the beeps of computers, and the ecology beyond the viewing area met them. From where they entered the group could see the door which had led to Thanatos' Chamber had been sealed off by a large bulkhead. Besides Thanatos the doors to Hephaestus, Helios, and Demeter seemed unchanged. As well as two unmarked doors. One of which was large and covered in bolts, seals both physical and magical in nature, and other various ways to keep a person out. While the other was a smaller doorway unremarkable in its look and construction.

Cephus made a few slow steps from the entrance they emerged from, before sitting on the ground taking slow deep breaths. "That was the most stressed I've been in my entire life and I used to be a student at Ryken Academy." While definitely under some distress Cephus seemed almost excited. He turned to look back at the dragon Lothric "I guess this is the first time you've seen this place, but Ouro... or Hestia, whatever, called it the 'Atria' apparently you can travel all over the ruin from here. We found you in there." He raised a slightly shaky hand pointing to the now sealed Thanatos door. "And from over there we-" He stopped stunned and blinking owlishly, the large gate they had entered through was gone. Nothing was there except smooth metal. Cephus shot to his feet with a start surprise evident upon his face. "It's gone!" He went up to it examining the wall both panic and fascination in his eyes. "But how..." Suddenly the large door which was thoroughly locked and sealed, made a strange muffled sound which seemed to come from beyond the door. Then the metal bars which locked it away receded, yet the rest of the security measures remained, and the sound ceased.

A little distance from the expedition group a small drone similar to the ones which had taken Lothric peeked out from behind a console.



(Please specify which weapons each of you took if any at all make sure its only the 3 unless you're feeling up to the consequences. From here you guys can take a more open approach to where you want to go and how you want to handle things but there is an overarching plot that will be progressing either way.)

 

[EMIYAman]

Spoiler: Fork in the Road

Mentions: LadyOfStars Individual lXlGamemaster Beetlebuggo

---

As the group discussed amongst themselves their next course of action Cephus couldn't help but listen intently to his companions. He had already been impressed by Mitsunaris powerful grasp of magic despite his obvious injuries. He had been instrumental in dispatching the Achilles until one of them had forced them on the run. Ms.Narrésyr's intelligence was apparent in every word she spoke and she seemed to posses a unique perspective on every situation they came across that Cephus would be hard pressed to imitate. These were already special individuals in his eyes, and despite how things had turned out, far better company than anyone he would have commissioned from the Adventurers Guild. Yet, here they were continuing to surprise him with their knowledge and experience.

"Amazing! I hadn't taken you or Mitsunari for scholars of theology. I can only imagine where you picked up the information pertaining to these ancient gods." He addressed Astrid and Mitsunari having over heard the both of them. "While I am young compared to my seniors I'm one of the foremost experts on the Alvian culture, and never before have these god come up." His previous panic at being seemingly trapped was forgotten in lieu of his passions for history. He pulled out a notebook from his travel pack, before pausing as he looked into it realizing something. "We've been down here some time and we haven't eaten! If we end up separated or worse, and we don't have the energy to go on from lack of nutrition..." He blanched at the thought then pulled out various travel foods he had brought for the expedition from fruit, nuts, jerky, and cheese. He detached the large water canteen opened it up and poured some water down his throat before passing it to Mitsunari. "So where did you learn of these old gods? It seems the Alvian who built this place held them in some reverence to use their namesake for his 'Sovereigns'. Hm, the Alvians were known for their pride in their own creations and intellect so maybe 'The Master' as they call him named his 'Sovereigns' after god as an testament to his abilities?" Cephus was both speaking to them and not, throwing ideas and questions out loud while writing intensively in his notebook.

Once the group was finished eating and resting Cephus finally closed his notebook and stored it away. "So, it seems we are trapped within this facility for the time being. And our guide Ouro is both under suspicion and absent. Our only other options appear to be these doors which lead to what we can only assume are other Sovereigns." He rapped his finger upon his knee and pursed his lips. He listed to the round pink thing TMK whos tag along on this expedition still puzzled him. "Your Idea isn't a bad one, but based on what we can assume of these beings and the divinities they allude to I would say we seek out Demeter. She seems like she would be the most docile and potentially willing to help our biggest concern isn't just escape but a lack of understanding, there is a lot about this place we still don't know. And if we remedy that we may not only find a way out but find out the truth of this place. Why it was built, who 'The Master' is, the identity of Hestia, advanced Soul Magic and who knows what else." Cephus found himself growing impassioned again which surprised even him as his fear of death had not waned in the slightest. "Besides Hephaestus' domain may end up being the most dangerous as if it based off a god of craftmanship then the constructs within will no doubt be advanced and numerous, and just two almost killed us." He shuddered at the memory of the Achilles, its blazing eyes seared into his mind. Cephus took a moment to compose himself before looking to the rest of the viewpoint on the matter.

 

[EMIYAman]

Spoiler: Demeter

Mentions: LadyOfStars Individual lXlGamemaster Beetlebuggo Dante Verren

---

After a brief discussion the eclectic expedition team had managed to reach a consensus. Demeter would be their next Sovereign, and if they could have any say about it their last. Even Cephus who had been so excited for the exploration was wearing thin with brief bursts of passion for his field the only thing keeping him together. Though a lunch surrounded by others was quite morale boosting. He had to stifle a chuckle upon seeing the stoic and threatening dragon eating a whole block of cheese, it was surprisingly cute. "So it seems we have our next move." He looked to the rest of the team nodding his head at them, preparing for whatever strange and otherworldly danger they would encounter next. Together they came upon the door and bring their eyes to it would see the Alvian script rearrange itself into the Ryken Common, whatever Ouro had done within the room was still in effect.

With a start Cephus who surprisingly lead the charge realized he had never opened one of these doors before Ouro had guided them till now. He looked upon the panel contraption next to it. The lights and markins upon it even with his knowledge were unintelligible. The only thing he could recognize upon it were numbers. twenty eight, four thousand nine hundred, and seventy six. What they meant Cephus couldn't hazard to guess, to him they seemed both too specific and random at the same time. Reasoning the most probable answer was probably the right one he placed his hand upon the panel, and after a light went down along the panel and over his hand. The doors opened into a scene he was not expecting.

Demeters Great Arboretum: Hercynia ​

Upon entering the group finds themselves immediately surrounded by a narrow corridor of trees with a bright light illuminating the distance. The door behind them shut and while it maintained its place looking behind them they would be able to notice the door seemed attached to nothing. There was no wall or partition which would prove they had just crossed over from another room in fact they could even circle and go around the door as it merely stood up on its own and seemingly lead back to the Atria. Behind them were trees so dense and numerous that moving through them appeared impossible, the only pathway was forward. Cephus was stunned for seemingly the tenth time in a row, he had readied himself for some grand and incrdibly advanced display of the Alvians capabilities but this was further still beyond his imagining. "I uh... suppose we should head further in?" Together the group traveled forward the light growing brighter and brighter until it washed over them blinding them for but a moment. Opening his eyes Cephus took in the sight before him. "Oh dear..."

​

​

Elsewhere...

A drone of The Masters Workshop surveyed the wilderness surrounding the entrance to the facility. Cloaked from sight it appeared the same as the drones which had taken Lothric and collected souls for Thanatos to harvest. Though while it did seem the similar this drone had a different purpose. As it floated along its route a quiet hum being the only trace of its passing it almost ran into a figure. Stopping on a dime and moving out of the way it allowed the figure to pass, but used its sensors to scan it. Everything seemed routine up until it reacted at the presence of "something" it found within the figure. It blinked blue lights seemingly as a signal before launching a beam at the unsuspecting being. The figure would find itself surrounded in a harsh bright light before disappearing from view. Having completed its objective the drone returned to its patrol.

The now teleported Gawain found himself accosted by the bright rays of the sun, surrounded by an incredibly lush array of nature and seemingly cradled by soft grass he would look up to notice a person standing over him and looking down upon him. An expression of pure curiosity, and gentleness met his own. "Are you alright, dear unrooted?"

​

 

[EMIYAman]

Spoiler: Demeter

Mentions: Dante Verren

---

The woman gazed at Gawain with bright eyes, tilting her head as she considered him. She stepped closer to him and where her foot fell the land around it grew just a bit more vibrant and the plants seemed to stretch so as to meet her presence. The woman grew close to him looking into the empty pits and bone which had once held life. Her hands reached up and her fingers gently placed themselves upon his cheek bones. Upon her touch Gawain would feel a strange yet familiar energy fill him invigorating him. He would identify it as the warmth he had lost, that which he had once possessed in his previous life. She seemed to scrutinize him looking upon Gawain with both pity and curiosity. "You are so cold, never before has life felt so distant to me." Then her eyes lit up in a simple expression of content. "Ah, but your light is dazzling. It reminds me of that which nurtured us in the past." Seemingly growing more aware of herself she breaks out of her slight melancholy.

"Apologies, it has been long since I met an Unrooted. I've been told your kind do not like being touched." She backs away, her lips parting and her eyes widening slightly for a moment. "Oh right! The Master would chastise me for my rudeness." She placed a hand to her chest and offered a kindly smile. "I am Demeter granted both my name and my title as the 'Sovereign of Nature' by The Master. It is a pleasure to meet you, dear Unrooted Gawain." With introductions done she told him in a tone one might inform a child who asks an obvious question. "You are the Unrooted, and we..." She gestured to the nature which surrounded her from the plants, flowers, grass and all kinds of fauna. "are the Rooted." Gawain now more aware of his surroundings would find himself noticing he was under a great tree.

​

​

And the canopy which surrounded the outskirts of that tree and seemed to stretch on to infinity opened up before it. Revealing the sky above. And hanging in the sky was not the great ball of flame which brightened up the world, but an orb black which still somehow seemed to emit light despite its darkness.

​

 

[EMIYAman]

Spoiler: Demeter

Mentions: Dante Verren Beetlebuggo Individual LadyOfStars lXlGamemaster

---

Demeter lit up with joy bringing her hands together and smiling. "How wonderful! I am so used to touching my children you see so its hard to break the habit. I am overjoyed to know I have brought you no offense." And just as she said she appeared genuinely and purely happy. She was quite frank and appeared to possess no inclination to hide her emotions. Demeter seemed both mature and childish in her mannerisms. "Thank you for your kind words dear Unrooted. You are a good person, I can feel it. As to where we are however..." She once again stepped into his personal space, then looked to the ground while tapping her foot. There was silence for a time then a rumble and Gawain found the place where they were standing rapidly rising into the air. A trunk was growing directly from the ground and pushing them up on a platform.

They went high until they were above the canopy of trees. Until Gawain could see the sky stretched out before him. Demeter pointed to a point in the distance seemingly unimportant until you looked closely, and saw that it looked as if there were clear holes in the sky. But looking closer still revealed they weren't holes they were glass, they were windows in which to look into the place they were in. Demeter spoke aloud as they regarded the far off windows through which bits of machinery could be made out. "This is The Masters Grand Arboretum, and my domain. Hercynia. That is, what he told me..." Her expression became complicated but melancholy was evident upon it. They then began to descend back down, but right before they did Gawain would notice a spot in the distance where the trees seemed darker and almost foreboding in appearance.

Once they reached the ground the trunk vanished into the earth. "I do not know who or what brought you here, all I know is this forest. What goes on outside it, is outside the reach of my roots. I can promise you that it was not me that brought you here, but occasionally The Masters cold creations come here to collect portions of my Rooted. One of them may have brought you here." Demeter appeared unsure and genuinely sorry for his predicament. Until a sound reminiscent of wind chimes and chittering could be heard from the the great tree. Demeter seemed to physically brighten. She grabbed Gawain's arm with her hands. "I beg of you accompany me. You must meet my children they are a rather curious sort I'm sure they'd love to meet you." As she brought him below the boughs of the great tree. Small figures started to make themselves known peeking out from the branches and leaves.



Fairies dozens upon dozens of them flitted down and around the pair. Each were unique with some resembling insects while others seemed almost made of leaves themselves. They moved in various patterns with some getting close and seemed to be boldest, while others hung back or clung to Demeter while gazing at the skeleton. "No need to be afraid children, this is Unrooted Gawain his touch is cold but his song is warm." Demeter's words seemed to assuage most of their fears. In the midst of her children she seemed to be radiant in her happiness.

"Mother, you are far too trusting."
"Unrooted are dangerous y'know~?"

Two new voices made themselves known. One subdued and soft yet cold like ice. While the other was energetic and loud, but possessed an undercurrent of danger. Two other fairies descended not from the tree but emerged from the shade of the forest. Both wielding spears made from strange looking bark; they both stood at a bit less than five feet. Towering over their sisters but still noticeably smaller than Gawain.



The two fairies quite distinct from one another approached from the forest. Their spears covered in the blood and innards of some creature. The green one glared at Gawain with obvious distrust. While the one in orange shot him a mischievous smirk and gripped her spear tighter. "Chartres, Chartí! I am so happy to see you two today. I hope you didn't get into too much danger while you were gone." Demeter had a smile on her face but it was undercut by a worried look. She walked up to the two fairies fretting over them and checking for wounds. Which the fairies acquiesced to with obvious blushes on their face, embarrassed at their mothers worry over them. Once she was satisfied there were no risks to their health Demeter's face became stern. "Unrooted Gawain is a guest and has only been polite to your mother, besides this poor Unrooted came upon our forest by accident, he is at no fault." The two who had appeared with such hostility were quickly admonished and reduced to scolded children in Demeters presence.

"B-but mother..."
"That Unrooted looks similar to the dead creatures that come from the Dark Forest. He's too dangerous to be allowed to stay here."

The orange fairy Chartres was more reluctant to speak up, but Chartí was far more bold in her words. Even if a glare from Demeter was enough to shut her up. "No buts! Our situation with The Dark Forest has nothing to do with this Unrooted man." She turned to Gawain. "I apologize for my children they are very protective of me, I am their mother and home after all." She had a look one face which seemed to say "what can you do?" speaking of the fairies as if they were particularly delinquent kids.

Elsewhere...

Spoiler: That Which The Light Does Not Touch

​

Cephus walked through a patch of bushes finding his leg nicked by thorns. "Dammit..." There journey through the forest had started off well enough but soon they found themselves well and truly lost it was a wonder they had all managed to stay together. To ensure to himself this remained true Cephus turned around to his compatriots and found that while tired they were all accounted for. He still couldn't guess as to how they ended up in this situation. They hand only wandered for a few minutes at most before the forest grew dark suddenly and when they tried to double back it had only gotten worse. Now it had been over two hours and it seemed they would be trapped in the forest at this rate. He callout to the rest of the group "Hey, uh, Lothric buddy don't suspect you can smell us a way out can you?" When they had entered the other domains save Thanatos they had been met with the Sovereign and if nothing else they saw the "hand" of Thanatos at least. But, neither of those had been this expansive and bizarre. In all this time they hadn't seen hide nor hair of anyone that could be Demeter. He once again looked behind him to gauge how Mitsunari was holding up. The Fox Man was intelligent and a powerful mage, but he had been injured long before they came here and further still while they had been exploring. Its felt like this place had it out for him in particular at times. "Alright guys, we aren't getting anywhere at this rate lets just pack up and try again in the morning." Left unsaid was if morning ever came. Cephus wasn't sure if by the time they woke up their would be any light. He stopped on the spot and finding a spot with less foliage started took off his pack and started to set up camp. Unfortunately he didn't have any tents but he did bring blankets though not nearly enough or big enough to cover everyone. He eyed Lothric.

Some time later the group was situated waiting out the clock and gaining some of their energy back. Cephus was well on his way to dozing off. When a laugh like the ringing of bells echoes out around them. Immediately rousing from his drowsiness Cephus sprung to his feet, the general craziness of this place has since trained him to be alert. He swept his gaze from side to side but it was too dark to note anything. He stayed quiet but tapped who he could awake if they were asleep but kept quiet so as not alert whatever was out there.

"Hmph, you foolish Unrooted run around the place every which way with out any consideration for others don't you?"

Realizing where the sound was coming from Cephus and the group would cast their gaze above them. And locking eyes with a fairy about four feet or more in height floating above and looking down upon them a smirk upon her face.

"Salutations, Unrooted. I am Demeter Sovereign of Nature, the one whos domain you've been traipsing about in a desultory fashion. I couldn't suffer your display much longer so I've decided to aid you, how grateful you all must be."

​

 

[EMIYAman]

Spoiler: A Heart Called Family Ripped in Two

Mentions: Dante Verren

---

Even under the strict chiding of their mother, the fairies made their dislike of Gawain apparent. Glaring at him from behind Demeter whenever she wasn't looking. Chartres even stuck her tongue out at him. The lesser fairies circled the group watching their conversation with interest as well as some trepidation. At Gawains attempt to mollify Demeter she rounded on him with a firm look. "You need not defend them, they were out of line being so rude to you!" She turned back to face her daughters, prompting Chartres to quickly hide a rather rude gesture she had directed at Gawain. "I swear I thought I raised you girls better than that, has all that time spent fighting reduced your manners to nothing!" They shriveled under her gaze, but the tension died when Gawain presented his sword as a compromise. Demeter pouted and looked like she wanted to tell him it was unnecessary, but the two fairies spoke up first.

"Ah, yes that would be the right thing to do!"
"It is an important safety precaution." The green fairy Chartí hefted a book seemingly crafted from leaves and bark. The sword upon the ground floated into the air then dissolved into motes of light which settled within her book. "We will return your sword Unrooted..." She emphasized the title, like a curse. "When you leave mothers presence, hopefully for good." The twin fairies seemed rather pleased with themselves now. However, at Gawains question pertaining to The Dark Forest the mood dimmed considerable. "Didn't mother say it had nothing to do with you Unrooted? Why don't you stop meddling in the affairs of our home." She seemed uncomfortable with the topic, lashing out at Gawain for bringing it up. "That is not what I meant and you know it Chartí, enough of that. If... he desires to know of our plight then he has that right." Despite her words even Demeter seemed uncomfortable as if she would prefer not to mention it at all. She took a deep breath before gazing into Gawains hollow eyes. "The Dark Forest is a dark and vile thing, a twisted shade that has taken root in our Hercynia." Demeter spoke with thinly veiled distaste. Her eyes were downcast showing a sadness as well. "We do not know how it appeared in our home, but we do know that it is the very opposite of what we nurture and protect. Its trees are dark and swallow the light, horrible creatures of death are birthed within its depths. And the very forest itself hungers for the lives of those that enter it." Demeter turned her gaze to look at the great tree they stood under. "Its growth was slow at first almost unnoticeable but in the last two hundred years its overtaken almost a quarter of my domain, and my daughters and I can only seem to slow it down. At first me and my children thought it could be contained and destroyed. Indeed it seemed that would be the case, but my..." Her words tapered off and her mouth began to quiver. "but m-my..." She tried again to force out the words but was unable to do so. Tears began to fall down her cheeks. Golden dew which shined as it fell, but its beauty was undercut by deep sorrow. Demeters hands went up to her face and she wept. The twin fairies held their mother as she fell to her knees, pain at seeing her misery evident upon their faces. The rest of the fairies which had been circling them appeared dejected as well their once excited flight now a dull hover. It was if the entire forest felt Demeters pain.

Then Chartres while holding her mother began to speak her dislike for Gawain seemingly vanished in the situation. "One of our sisters, Persephone, was the one to plant The Dark Forest in Hercynia. She was one of the first to have budded from mother back when she was little more than a sapling. Her betrayal hurt mother greatly." She stroked the hair of the dejected Demeter. The roles of the two practically reversed. "There used to be more of us Arch Fairies, like me and my sister. Our task was to protect and guide the forest as the strongest of our kind. And Persephone was the greatest of us, kind, clever, powerful and possessing such love for mother we could only admire. One day, she disappeared and despite our best efforts we could not find her for many moons. When we thought her lost she returned though this time she was changed gone were the qualities which we had admired replaced with a wicked ambition and twisted desire. She sought to kill and usurp mother, so mad was she that she said she was doing it 'for mothers sake'!" She spat these words her eyebrows knit together as her face morphed into one of anger. "Somehow she planted the evil seed which gave rise to The Dark Forest and planned to use it to take over mother authority. Then we Arch Fairies mustered ourselves against her. Only one of us is born every century save for me and my sister, but we were powerful, and with ten of us we journeyed into the forest to kill Persephone!" Her anger drained from her face leaving only a cold mournful gaze. "It was too easy, we should have realized this but we were too confident. We managed to reach the heart of that vile forest only to be ambushed from all sides by scores of monsters. Persephone had played us. Each and every one of our siblings died save for us. She killed them all, even... our only brother." That appeared to be Chartres' limit as she too began to weep.

At her sisters sorrow Chartí regarded Gawain. "Our siblings died protecting us, the weakest of them. They all loved mother dearly and lost their lives to protect her from Persephone's madness." She then swept her arm across her face wiping away the liquid that threatened to fall from her face but she remained stoic. She turned a resolute gaze to Gawain. "That is why you must not stay here. This is a family matter, Persephone would see us and you slain without a second thought. We will fight for mother to the end, but you have no place here Unrooted. You and that vile Master should just leave us be!" Her voice raised until she yelled at him. The resentment upon her face seemed forced, and was more akin to a plea. She struggled to reign in her emotions but did. "I... apologize for our rudeness Unrooted. But we must tend to mother, night will fall soon. You may sleep here, mother will protect you from any beast."

​

Elsewhere...

Spoiler: That Which The Light Does Not Touch

LadyOfStars Beetlebuggo Individual lXlGamemaster

---

​

The fairy who called herself Demeter floated in the air, with an aura of both grace and condescension. A smirk was ever present upon her face. Cephus stared up at her his voice caught in his throat. She wasn't as imposing as Ares, but... something about her made him profoundly uncomfortable. He gulped and licked his lips keeping his eyes locked on Demeter. "Um, S-Sovereign Demeter ma'am. We are explorers and historians we mean your forest no harm. I apologize for how we have conducted ourselves in your domain but we are rather lost so your aid is greatly appreciated." Cephus had almost been killed by Ares on a whim and Thanatos saw fit to consume their souls and nothing else. He would gladly be as humble as possible and boot lick as much as was necessary to survive this place. The fairy cast her gaze to him as if she was only now noticing he existed. She locked eyes with him and he froze seemingly paralyzed by her gaze. Then she broke out into a laugh, a deep and haughty one not unlike an arrogant aristocrat.

"What a droll Unrooted! Truly, why you make me want to keep you with me for my amusement." Cephus paled at her words. While the others were rousing from sleep or otherwise. One of them, Astrid, was the first to get up appearing as if she hadn't slept at all. She stepped through the brush her eyes on the floating being, she appeared apprehensive as to the fairies words. And indeed when she spoke she voiced as such. Her words were well mannered enough on their own seeming merely informative or probing, but the accusation within in them was not lost to Cephus and neither to the one calling itself Demeter. She turned in the air to face Astrid crossing her arms her grin growing wider but her countenance radiated danger. "Do tell Unrooted, is it customary among your people to barge into others homes and say such nasty things? As an Elf you should have connection to the Fae I would think your kind would be more mindful of their manners..." Her eyes narrowed as she stared at Astrid. Then the fairy did a complete one eighty her seemingly threatening visage replaced with a more casual if arrogant one. "You Unrooted are such silly things. I know not what you speak of. I am a Sovereign this is true. And I am aware other 'Sovereigns' exist, but they mean nothing to me as I do not know them. Though I must admit I am surprised to know my name has apparently reached outside this place. Though how they portray me is most garish I must say." She spoke as if she was chastising Astrid for mistaking the obvious, or like one may speak to a particularly "special" child. "Besides outside of my domain I have only met with my 'Master'." Her expression grew rapturous as she spoke of him.

Then like before she performed a reversal her previous expression and atmosphere shifting on a dime. Now she regarded Mitsunari and TMK when they arose speaking of escaping the forest, having seemingly forgotten about Astrid entirely. She tilted her head her smirk still present. "You Unrooted wish to leave? What bizarre creatures you are, spending all that time and effort stomping around only to leave. Very well." She flew meaningfully in a direction Cephus could only guess was maybe east, his compass went wonky here. "You lot were practically travelling in circles for some time. At the rate you were going you would have died in here." She spoke all this with a light and cheery tone as if discussing the days weather. "Follow me and you shall find your way out, next time around I won't be aiding you however." She floated off and Cephus got himself together, and weary of being in this dark forest any longer made to follow after her. He turned back to the group "She is strange, but also our only lead. We can ask questions of her on the way then go on to the next Sovereign with this all behind us." He spoke to the group but he looked intently to Astrid understanding her distrust but also not wanting to get blown to pieces by a god-like being. As they made their way through the dark forest following after the fae, unbeknownst to them, a golden hued drone followed directly above them flying over the canopy of trees.

 

[EMIYAman]

Spoiler: Journey From Home

Mentions: Dante Verren

---

The light began to fade, the orb in the sky slowly growing dimmer. Chartí instructed Gawain he could sleep if need be, though when informed it was unnecessary for him she appeared unsurprised. "I see, so a being devoid of life would have no need for such things." She spoke as if she was making an observation, but the distaste for his kind was noticeable. Despite, somewhat unwillingly, telling Gawain of their family sorrow she was still more than willing to jab at him when she could. The scars from the pain she had felt at its retelling were still apparent, and she would not let Gawain off for bringing it up so easily. Her eyes widened however when Gawain requested his sword back, she knew what he was going to do. "I..." Before she could fully respond Demeter stirred.

She had recovered from her grief as much as possible in that moment. Letting out an exclamation when she heard Gawain. "Please do not go to that place! There is no reason to burden yourself with my problem. It's because I failed my children that this happened, you don't have to suffer for my mistake! I-If I had been better..." Demeter once again seemed on the verge of tears and the ones she had already spilt had yet to dry. The thought of the kind Gawain going into danger because of her, was something her gentle soul couldn't take. "Hmph, what a troublesome Unrooted." Chartí said appearing exasperated. Demeter turned in indignant surprise ready to lecture her daughter despite her current state, but Chartí continued. "A fool such as him would no doubt get himself torn to shreds out there." She spoke as if irritated with a annoying person, but there was a twinkle in her eye that said something else entirely. "I'll return your sword Gawain, but I will have to accompany you. I cannot allow a dead one to wander through our forest unattended, after all who knows what you could be up to." She raised her book, the pages flipping rapidly before suddenly stopping. Motes of light coalesced into Gawains sword floating before him in the air. Demeter was stunned. It was then that Chartres made her own demand. "Then I'll go as well! I can't leave you alone with h-" Chartí cast an unyielding look to her sister. "No, someone has to stay here to protect mother and our siblings. And as the eldest..." "By five minutes!" "I'm ordering you to do so." Chartí looked to her incredulous sister with a small smile. "Look forward to my return." Chartres seemed like she wanted to argue but stifled her words giving her sister an intent nod.

Demeter stepped forward now closer to the two of them. Her eyebrows were furrowed showing her worry for the two of them. Her lips parted as if she wanted to urge them otherwise, but no words escaped her. She took a deep breath and wiped her eyes. "Be careful, return here at the first sign of danger got it? Don't face anything you can't handle." She mentioned nothing of Persephone. Chartres then chimed up from the side of her mother. "And nothing better happen to Chartí or else Unrooted!" She held her spear in her hands as a threatening gesture, but the pout on her face was closer to a childs indignance. Chartí seemed amused at her sister, then turned to Gawain. "Let us go." With that they began their journey to The Dark Forest with the quiet but willful fairy leading the way.

 

[EMIYAman]

Spoiler: Domain of Fae

Mentions: Dante Verren

---

​

The Undead Knight and the Loyal Fairy trekked through Demeters domain. The mystical woods stretching out all around them echoing with the sound of creatures both mundane and exotic. The light from the dark star in the sky had dimmed considerably, but it continued to give off something akin to moonlight. That along with the natural luminescence of the magical fauna served to light the way for the pair. Along their path to the shadowed grove Gawain would spot various wild animals, some he would be familiar with. From rabbits, foxes, squirrels and deer. To the fantastical, wolves seemingly crafted from leaves, serpents whos scales shined like jewels, a bear that had white swirling markings all along its fur, and even a six eyed elk. Who oddly enough Chartí had curtsied too respectfully, the elk made no movement or gesture a normal person could recognize as it even understanding her act. But, it eyed them before continuing along its way and Chartí had simply moved along.

The route they took was suitably bizarre. To Gawain it would seem as if they had traveled in circles, winding paths and even doubled back a couple times. But the scenery around them was steadily changing even when he was sure they would find themselves back where they started. Yet Chartí seemed wholly sure of herself, traveling through the woods as if she knew every nook and cranny. Her gaze remained ever forward sparing nary a glance to Gawain. This went on throughout their well over two hour trek which made for a rather awkward atmosphere. Then while walking ahead of him she stopped. She held her position for a moment before audibly sighing and turning around to face him. "There is something I feel I must tell you before we reach that vile place. It doesn't necessarily concern me, but should you leave this place alive, you will no doubt find this relevant to you." She gathered herself. "I did not want to nor could I mention this in the presence of mother, but first know that the great tree which is the center of our forest is known as a 'Fae Tree' and we Fairies sprout from it. However that tree, and mother, are one and the same. The body you saw is merely an extension of her will she had crafted at the behest of that 'Master'." She spoke that title as if she were chewing on something particularly foul. "The tree or rather mother, is a bridge between the world of the Fae and the Mortal one. And we fairies posses a kind of instinctual knowledge of fairy kind and the world we live in. Normally mother would as well, however something changed her. Based on what she has told us, when she was but a sprout in the land of the elves there was an event which destroyed her home. Elves are known for cultivating Fae Trees, and live in harmony with the spirit within. Mothers sudden unrooting led to changes in her from the norm, normally a Fae Trees connection to the land allows her to draw knowledge from previous or even still living Fae Trees. It is a passing down of the memories of their mothers, their song." Her face took on a complicated expression one of both uncertainty and pity. "Wherever we are, we are not connected to the rest of the world. As mother has remained ignorant of the knowledge of her forebears. I saw that she showed you the space above the trees, and the unnatural sun which lights the sky. That thing does not belong in the natural world, even if it is allowing us to survive. Artificial creations even come here periodically collecting some of our natural bounty." She took a deep breath collecting her thoughts once again. "The Master saved her, that is what mother says. Then brought her here to grow in safety with the condition that he may be allowed to make use of her natural bounty. But I don't trust him or this place. I am unsure if that man still live or not it has been many years, but no doubt in my mind that he is not nearly as kind as mother would like to believe. If we are able to deal with my sister, or you simply escape from this place keep what I told you in mind." Chartí then cast a cold glare to him. "Don't think I'm looking out for you this is for mothers sake, thats all." A melancholic expression then fell upon her face "She... is lonely. And for some reason she seems to like you. So, you being here has made her smile again, so I'm just paying you back." With that she turned around and continued the last march of their journey a faint blush upon her cheeks.

Spoiler: The Dark Forest

​

Over time Gawain would notice the sounds of the forest, which had echoed out all around him until they were just background noise, suddenly went quiet. Not even the trees shifted in the wind anymore, it was utterly silent. Ahead of him Chartí narrowed her eyes in an intense expression and stopped at the edge of a line of trees. Coming up behind her Gawain would walk through the canopy into a clearing. What he found was a border, and open line stretching forward by about one hundred feet of just nothing. Not even grass just a dark dirt. Further still beyond that he saw The Dark Forest. Its trees far more gnarled and oppressive than the ones behind him. Within he could make out nothing but darkness barely able to see even a few feet beyond the line of trees. "Prepare yourself, from now on we will be in Persephone's domain. The creatures which stalk those woods are evil in every sense, but they are crafty. No doubt the moment we enter they will know it. Remain on guard at all times." Chartí spoke this resolutely like a hardened soldier, but the spear in her grasp shook ever so slightly. As she made for the forest entrance they could hear faint shouting, and pin pricks of different colored lights in the distance. Chartí's eyes widened "Someone is in there!? Persephone must already have them, make haste!"

Spoiler: The Mad Night

LadyOfStars Beetlebuggo Individual lXlGamemaster

---

The expedition team followed in the wake of the fairy. She floated idly in the air a trail of purple fairy dust falling from her. The group was tense, even Cephus could feel it. He had urged to others to give Demeter the benefit of the doubt, but he was finding even himself suspicious of her. It wasn't even a question of if she was lying as to her identity. But more what she could or would do to them. He eyed the others noticing them grouping together, they were wary. The fairy was quiet but seemed... "cheery" was the best word he could apply to her but even that felt inaccurate. He coughed into his hand trying to get her attention. "Sovereign Demeter, could I ask you a question?" The fairy turned her gaze meeting his eyes, a trace of amusement ever present. "I suppose, what would you inquire of me?." Cephus swallowed, bringing up the courage to talk to a being that could probably reduce him to a fine mist. "Your, 'Master' who you spoke of earlier could you tell us what he was like?" The grin upon her face grew wider almost unnaturally so. "My Master is a beautiful soul. A kind man who guided me and granted me my role as well as my name. He gave his love to me, and I love him in turn." The fairy was swooning floating back and forth seemingly overwhelmed with emotion. "He is an unapparelled genius, unlike the rest of you Unrooted he understands me. It is because of him alone that I exist, that my forest lives, that I have a wonderful purpose. Ah, I still remember his voice, his touch, his words they compel me inexorably they fill my mind..." Despite the fact that she was still talking Cephus felt like she could hardly remember they were there, lost as she was. Some of what she said fit what Ares and Ouro said about him but other than his incredible capability as a magitech scientist they knew nothing.

He sighed under his breath. Asking about him seemed a dead end that would yield nothing useful. Though Demeters apparent fanaticism for him was somewhat telling. Had that come about naturally? Because of something The Master had done, or was something else going on? "I see, he certainly sounds like an amazing man. Truly. But, could you perhaps tell us about the over Sovereigns like Helios?" He hoped she wasn't the type to get defensive over not giving her "love" the proper deferential treatment even when just spoken. But if she couldn't give much on him then information on the remaining Sovereigns may help them find a way out of this place. The fairy lost all enthusiasm from before now flippantly speaking like she didn't particularly care about the subject. "Like I said I haven't made any contact with these other Sovereigns, but I do know of Helios. The Sovereign of Light I don't know what he looks like nor do I care, but I know he's watching." Cephus blinked confused. "He's, watching?" The group came upon an opening in the canopy that allowed a view into the sky the fairy stopped to look back at him. Then looked up. He followed her eyes and beheld the thing in the sky.

​

He gaped at the black hole which hung in the sky. It gave off light yet none reached the forest and its core was dark. "That is Helios, he provides the light which allows the forest to grow, other than that I know not what his purpose is." She began to move again. Cephus continued to stare entranced by the alien thing which filled up the sky. He knew they were still in the facility but he hadn't considered where the light of the forest was coming from. But now he's been told it comes from a Sovereign? But how, can that be? What magics or technology could allow something like an artificial star or whatever that was to exist? He tore his gaze away. Returning to the situation at hand. "Sovereign Demeter how much longer till we reach the exit?" The fairy stopped on a dime then not facing him. "A ways further still, you all traveled rather deep into my forest after all." Cephus stared at her. "I see..." Something was definitely not right.

They walked for a brief moment longer. Before a monotone voice spoke up, though this one didn't belong to Demeter. "The Sovereign of Nature, Demeter. Logs indicate her as a kindly and gentle nature spirit. That of a Fae Tree, from which fairies are born. She is a natural mother of the earth; her connection to the land is strong. As her very presence enhances its ley lines. Such a description, does not align with you or your realm Persephone." A figure emerged from the trees its height similar to the fairy before them. Though her dress was far different appearing much more artificial. Sporting magitech and lacking of anything resembling nature. Cephus could only guess it was another fairy though this one had more in common with Ares than with the fairy it had called Persephone. Though if what she was saying is true. Then whoever this fairy they were following is, she certainty isn't the Sovereign. The fairy now revealed as Persephone had the same expression as before. But now her eyes were set in an intense glare at the other fairy. "You just had to get in my way, a thorn in my side for centuries. Fine then, I'll move my schedule ahead just for you!" With a wild grin she raised an arm a dark flame materializing in it. At the same time growls could be heard all around the group and several creatures emerged from the shadows of the trees. Persephone having cast away any pretenses of good intentions, made a damning order. "Kill them!" The horrible monsters rounded on both the group and the fairy seven in total. One released a blood curdling roar then pounced at Cephus. He screamed in terror, before a blue beam of light reduced the monster into chunks leaving six alive. The fairy which had confronted Persephone had killed it, two white and black drones now orbiting her. Persephone's eyes narrowed, her anger was palpable. She threw a blast of the dark fire in her hand at the magitech fairy but she dodged out the way. "Titania!" With her yell the dark forest soon gleamed with the light of dark magic and laser fire. Though that left the party at the creatures mercy. Now emboldened by the lack of the obvious threat they came closer unto them animalistic hunger and a desire to kill driving them.

Spoiler: Asterism Emerges

It was at that moment a golden hued drone broke through the tree line. It scanned the party quickly before zeroing in on Astrid it flew up to her. Then spoke to her. "Ms.Narrésyr, it seems you left something rather precious behind. I felt it prudent to return it to its rightful owner." The voice which came out the machine was calm and polite, it seemed to find the situation humorous. The drone then shot out a beam of golden light. The light broke upon contact with the air forming something akin to strings which weaved together in the air into a shape. The shape grew bigger and bigger until it dwarfed them all. Until they were faced with a great mechanical giant. One Astrid knew well. The drone just as quickly as it came. disappeared. Flying above the trees and out of sight. Having been held back long enough the creatures of bone began their attack. One aiming to kill each of them while two were zeroed in on Astrid possessing no fear for the giant in front of her.

​

 

[EMIYAman]

Spoiler: Brave The Dark

LadyOfStars Beetlebuggo Individual lXlGamemaster Dante Verren

---

​

The onslaught from the dark creatures of the forest had truly begun. And no sooner than it had, one was already dead. Astrid invigorated at the sight of her creation Asterism climbed inside swiftly bringing its heel down upon one of the monsters. The creature while cunning and viscous far more than any predator in the natural world still had the mind of an animal. It could barely comprehend the thing before it, only stiff in surprise as its body was eclipsed by Asterisms boot. It was able to let out a slight yelp before its body was thoroughly crushed becoming a black smear upon the ground. The corpse soon began to dissolve into black ash. The other dark creatures quickly noticed the death of one of them. Now noting the threat of the metal giant they gave Astrid a wide berth but continued their assault upon the others.

The brief lull from the creatures reassessment of the Asterism as a threat was enough for Lothric to suddenly pounce on one taking it by surprise. The creature reacted quickly biting and clawing back at Lothric cutting shallowly but numerously across his torso and neck. The two tussled in a ball rolling around as they charged and bit at each other roaring all the while. Lothrics own claws sunk deeper than the creatures but the wounds he was inflicting were healing slowly but surely. The creature would last long if a decisive blow was not dealt. Another made for Mitsunari bounding towards him, the fox man acted quickly. Launching bolts of electricity at the beast. They struck true, the creatures body smoking and pus boiling. However it was not dead merely slowed. It had been halted by the attack but was getting up surprisingly fast. It constitution resistant to the lightnings power. It hissed at him as its body healed a black ichor leaking from its mouth. Next to Astrid was TMK who was engaged in his own fight. He pink ball threw the Chakram in its hand at the monster which threatened him. The circular blade sailed through the air, and missed cleaving through a tree instead before embedding itself in another one. The creatures head followed the Chakram, then turned back to face TMK a long black tongue hanging form its mouth as it stalked towards him. One of the beasts that was originally going for Astrid had run from her. And upon seeing the vulnerable TMK joined its brethren.

Both of them beared down on the pink voidling. TMK would hear a sound he could only identify as the creaking of wood. Before suddenly, tendrils of bark would emerge from the ground hoisting one of the creatures into the air. They struggled and roared but it proved fruitless. From behind him a small girl clothed in white and greens reminiscent of nature appeared wielding a spear of white bark. She help a book seemingly crafted from natural bounty of the forest itself. It glowed in her hands as she held it aloft. Her face was impassive but her eyes were intense in their fury. She made no showing if even knowing he was there she merely walked up to the creature before impaling one through the skull. Coating her face in its black blood which slowly dissolved into ash. The surviving monster growls but is cowed at the sight of her. "Repulsive creatures aren't they? An instrument of Persephone's taint which dares to invade mothers domain." The fairy Chartí spoke out loud but not to TMK, her eyes were on a figure which had followed her. A cloaked knight wielding sword and shield, Gawain. Deeper within the forest the other fairy and Persephone clashed a sonic boom echoed out followed by a flash of light from their attacks. Chartí's eyes narrowed. "That must be her." Her voice was laced with thinly veiled vitriol and as frigid as ice. "But who is she fighting, a servant of that man?" She turned to Gawain. "We mustn't waste this opportunity. Let us be rid of these vile beasts, then... we kill Persephone." While most of the dark creatures were being dealt with by the group close to a dozen began to emerge from the forest, serving to overwhelm them if they weren't quick enough. Now bolder with the increase in their numbers the creatures attacked Asterism together, jumping upon the mech and clawing at it trying to find some vulnerability with which to kill it.

 

[EMIYAman]

Spoiler: Brave The Dark 2

LadyOfStars Beetlebuggo Individual lXlGamemaster Dante Verren

---

​

The monsters began to surge from the depths of the dark forest. Growing steadily in number. Despite this the expedition team fought valiantly. Adapting to the monsters hardy constitution. None more so than Astrid within the fearsome Asterism, while the dark creatures threw themselves at it none could pierce its armor. Claws scraped off and teeth broke upon her. With her blade many a foe were cut down unable to regenerate from its fatal strikes. The rest of the team each struggled far more than it. Yet they were still unbroken, and with the arrival of two newcomers aiding them in battle the outcome was hopeful.

Cephus ducked under a branch as he scrambled to stay close to Asterism without being crushed. The arrival of the giant construct was surprising, and he had no idea how Astrid had managed it but he wasn't going to look a gift horse in the mouth. "Agh!" He yelled out as the remains of black creature with a head resembling the skull of some kind of deer or elk landed next to him. He was lucky in that none of the monsters had made for him yet focusing on the others. But he would admit that this feeling of uselessness was a harsh one. All he could do was stay alive and avoid getting in the others way. He wasn't a fighter Cephus knew that, but he would do what he could for those who had joined him in his selfish quest. He could manage that much. Everyone needed a medic after all.

A fair distance from Asterism deadly dance was Lothric. The dragons opponent a particularly hardy monster of the Dark Forest hissed up at him in the sky, but it could do nothing to hurt him. The dragon swifty plunged down from the air towards the beast a large sharply ended branch held like a spear in its claws. The monster tensed its body and while animalistic in its intelligence it still had some natural combat capabilities. Yet Lothrics sudden descent was quick it tried to compensate and leap out of the way but before it could make the full distance it was struck. While not fatal the wood pierced fully through its malleable body. The improvised weapon continued through thanks to Lothrics momentum burying itself deep into the ground. After a brief roar of pain the creature started to thrash violently, but the thick branch had impaled it to the ground and it could not be removed easily. Its black flesh bubbled surged around the wound but only served to embed the branch further in. As the flesh tried to weave itself back together, but was unable to. It was not dead but it would do nothing to anyone in its current state. Leaving Lothric unimpeded as he swooped back into the air.

Mitsunari was locked in a battle of his own, and his own adversary was proving quite resistant to his electric elemental magic. While its muscles twitch it seemed barely the worse for wear. The burned tissue cause by the powerful current simple healed and it seemed to possess neither a heart nor a brain with which to damage. Summoning up his more powerful magic the scarred fox raised his arm, and following it came a dark cloud suddenly forming above them. The creature gazed up at the cloud sensing some kind of danger. With no frame of reference for what was about to occur the beast could only charge for Mitsunari. It was then that he brought his hand down, and immediately after lightning course through the sky crashing into the beast. This one a far greater power than his last attack. The black flesh of the creature bubbled and frothed before bursting off the body in black splotches. Whatever they were made from it seemed more liquid than solid. As its flesh boiled it writhed still trying to drag its way over to Mitsunari and kill him. Then its leg exploded as its black mud like ichor burst from the heat generated from the sustained lightning strikes. Then with one final weak gargling roar it fully exploded leaving behind only its skull like head. A portion of its liquid body splashing across Mitsunari but leaving him unmolested. The ichor soon began to turn to ash and blow away.

Elsewhere Gawain and Charti worked surprisingly well together. The latter weaving through the dark creatures like a skilled dancer whos wake left only death. Any weakness in her form was covered by Gawain who made short work of anything that came near. His sword and shield style proving a difficult obstacle to surmount. With his great strength his sword cleaved through his opponents with barely any resistance though his stabs for far less effective than his slashes, but that is where Charti came in with magic and spear. The two together even contested Asterism in the number of creatures they dispatched. Nearby TMK was facing off the remaining monster. His chakram was imbedded in a tree past the creature, but he wielded by knife and code essence. The monster seeing the pink creature general rounded ness, bright color and size saw it as easy prey. It lunged at TMK aiming to rake its claws across his body. Then Charti after having taken out the last of the creatures in their proximity threw her spear through the air. It pierced straight threw the creature splitting it in two the pieces falling before TMK. The spear held in the air for a moment before flying back into the Arch Fae's hand. She looked down at the pink creature. Her visage as of ice. "Strange Unrooted, but... cute." With that she went back into battle. Most of the monsters now huddled around Asterism.

Suddenly from the depths of the forest the sounds of magic and energy blasts reached a crescendo. Before two figures exploded from the trees. Persephone herself crashed through multiple trees from some great blow. Despite this however she seemed fine, and a wide grin remained across her face. "Your efforts are most amusing Titania, but ultimately meaningless! With the favor I have been granted I may never die!" A blue light flashed through the air colliding with Persephone who formed a magical shield to intercept it. The other fairy who Persephone had called Titania emerged from the trees. Her hand held out in front of her, while a drone floated next to her charging up another shot. Saying nothing in response, with only an empty stare meeting her. Persephone's smile widened almost unnaturally, and despite it she seemed to be growing angry. Then she blinked owlishly as she beheld the expedition team in the midst of their struggle. "Huh? You lot aren't dead yet, strange truly strange. Thats not right not right at all." With a pout and a tilt of her head she spoke as if confused by an inconvenience. Then she raised an arm and a black flame sprung to existence in it. Titania's impassive mask was cracked ever so slightly as her eyes widened a fraction before she fired another energy blast at Persephone, but it too was met by another shield. She was too late. The dark flame in Persephone's hand exploded into multiple balls before racing through the forest into the dark. There was silence for a time. A lull seemed to suffuse the battlefield as even the creatures paused. Then simultaneously they all collapsed into black mud, which then flowed quickly into the forest. A rumble then began to grow with the creaking and breaking of trees being heard. Then a great fist appeared from the dark of the forest.

Spoiler: Dark Forest Guardian

A large figure stepped out into view. Standing at least three feet taller than Asterism. It's body was formed from the black bark of the forest trees, and the black mud which formed the monsters flesh held it together. With the loud creaking of wood it came before them all casting its head from side to side observing them. Then it let out a loud roar a combination of a bestial growl and the sound of wood being crushed. "Enjoy my gift." With those words a puddle of mud formed beneath her feet which Persephone sank into. Disappearing from view. Titania turned to the The Dark Forests latest abomination. The drones at her side charging their magitech cannons, she prepared to engage. The giant monster gazed at Asterism first then ran forward launching its fist into the mechs head.

 

[EMIYAman]

Spoiler: Dark Forest Guardian

LadyOfStars Beetlebuggo Individual lXlGamemaster Dante Verren

---

The moment the giant of wood, and mud attacked Asterism it was grappled by the surprisingly quick mech. Its massive fist was simply blocked by the arms and metal of Astrids creation. With only a slight groan of the armor holding against the attack. Then in a swift movement the mech clasped the giants arm in its own, then following up with a elbow strike. Asterism moved with a grace only seen in martial artists. Now unable to move from its position the Guardian of the Dark Forest took the elbow to the face, hard. The material making up its head cracking and splintering off from the sudden strike. It struggled trying to rip its arm free, but the strength of Asterism was just enough to keep it in place. Motivated by its mission to kill the intruders the Guardian continued to press the attack even from its disadvantageous position. As Asterism attacked it, the Guardian retaliated. Using its other fist to strike the mech on the side of its torso, again and again. Each hit would not be enough to damage its armor. But with each successive strike the chassis of Asterism would grow more and more warped. If Astrid stayed in this position even the armor of her creation would eventually cave.

Lothric for his part swooped through the air falling upon the Guardians head. Exasperating the damage Asterism had done upon it but not able to land any sort of fatal blow. Luckily for the dragon it was distracted by Astrid so it would not strike at him anytime soon. Mitsunari in his worn state disengaged from the battle sticking to the outskirts of the giants skirmish. He would find himself unmolested, for once. At the guardians feet Gawain would engage with the Guardian as best he could with his enchanted blade. The skeletal knight found his blade sank into the "flesh" of the giant surprisingly easy encountering only minute resistance. The poison upon his blade however, if it had any effect at all the Guardian did not show it. All the while the fairy duo of Charti and Titania weaved through the air around the giant. The latter her energy spent in her fight with Persephone could only fire weaker blasts at the Guardian, though they did gouge out a chunk of its armor they were just to small to do much more than surface damage. The other fairy launched a variety of magic both nature and light. Vines, spikes of bark and other supernatural growths struck at the Guardian. Trying to either injure or impair its movement but it was too strong to be stuck in her magic for long. Only the might of Asterism seemed to truly hold it back.

Near Gawains position was TMK who had retrieved his weapons and made for his allies. Though the pink ball would be intercepted by the reappearance of the golden drone who suddenly appeared before him from the top of the tree line. Though for TMK this would be his first encounter with it. "Apologies little voidling, but your part in this play must come to an end. Your existence is a variable the stage simply can't accommodate. Worry not for your allies, they are no longer any of your concern." The voice with its amicable yet dismissive words reached TMK. Then a golden beam shot from the drone encasing TMK before he dissolved into strings of gold light that disappeared from the facilities space. He would then find himself appearing in a field under a lone tree, but would find neither hide nor hair of where he had once been.

 

[EMIYAman]

Spoiler: Dark Forest Guardian 2

LadyOfStars Individual lXlGamemaster Dante Verren

---

The battle with the vile giant had begun to rage in earnest. The various members of the party each contributed to the battle playing off their unique strengths save for Mitsunari who had grown more than wary of the machinations which surrounded them. Astrid continued to grapple with the guardian of the forest within her great machine. Despite the damage her Asterism would sustain she pressed her advantage driving her blade into the arm of the guardian. While the strike would not be enough to sever the forearm of the giant it was more than sufficient to cut away most of the mud and wood which connected it to the rest of its body. A portion of the limb now hung loosely remaining attached just barely but was no rendered useless. The black mud which made up most of the guardians body began to slowly try and knit it self back together but the process was slow going. The elf was no done yet however, as she brought the guardian down and with the aide of its momentum drove Asterisms knee into its head. The wood visibly cracked and shattered one of its eye holes went out completely. The light that was its eye faded. Seemingly spurred on by the damage it took the guardian let out a piercing roar. Though it had no mouth the sound radiated out anyway, twisted and unsettling as it was.

With its great strength it rammed its fist into Asterism chassis even harder than before growing stronger in its primal rage. Perhaps due to luck or even a structural weakness the cockpit Astrid lay in was suddenly dented in. The metal slightly enclosing Astrid from the side caving in and bearing quite uncomfortably into her torso. A educated guess would tell Astrid most of the uncomfortable sensation came from a now slightly broken rib. Though not life threatening, it would be painful.

Below the two titans was Gawain, who had been rather unsettled by noticing the sudden way in which his brief companion had been whisked away so easily. Yet he centered his mind on the battle and had formulated a clever plan. He called out to the dragon Lothric above them as well as his comrades. He then drove him and his shield into the guardian legs causing it to love its footing as the limb gave under the weight it could no longer support. Stunned from the blow it tried to raise itself up but instead hung limply in Asterisms hold its attack upon it now ceased. The fairies who had been taking pot shots to little effect now saw the opportunity and doubled down on their attacks trying for a fatal blow. Lothric took up his preferred method of deling with the denizens of the Dark Forest and raised a large branch from the ground before flying with it up into the air and diving back down to impale the guardian. The notion of a branch no matter how exotic being effective against the monsters which spawned from the forest was laughable at best. Yet it seemed fate or just plain old physics was on the dragons side. The guardians shattered head was the target and the branch impaling it with all the force which could be mustered by the dragon exasperated its wounds. The head finally broke open revealing the light coming from its eyes had stemmed from a shining core. Who's presence was immediately noticed upon the battlefield.

The fairy Charti's eyes widened upon seeing it realizing its importance. Though unfortunately for them the whatever animated the guardian was just as privy to this weakness as the mud worked overtime the head rapidly reforming and closing faster than any of its other wounds. Seeing time was of the essence Charti looked to the strange fairy at her side. The two couldn't be anymore different from looks down to the way they fought and held themselves. Yet in this moment they were perfectly in sync. Hefting her tome Charti summoned great vines of green which grabbed the guardian and forcing its head to remain open contesting the regeneration of the black mud. And at her side the fairy Titania had her twin drones spin rapidly in a small circle in front of her. With her arm stretched out a ball of energy formed, the drones circled around it faster and faster. As it shrunk in size but grew more intense in its light. Finally just as the mud was getting through Chartis binding the orb reached its zenith. With a cold expression Titania thrust her palm out the light in it shot out in a concentrated beam. The beam struck the orb and as it did the ball began to crack. Titania's eyes narrowed ever so slightly as she sustained the powerful laser until the ball suddenly gave blasting apart. A shock wave shot out from its destruction knocking Lothric out the air for a moment and causing everyone else to stumble. While the mech Asterism rumbled violently for a moment before a quiet suffused the battlefield once more. As soon as its core was destroyed the guardian bubbled and broke apart fading away into a black ash.

The fairies raised themselves off the ground Charti breathing panting while the other merely watched as the guardian disappeared. Cephus too got up from his own fall soaking in the aftermath of the battle. Their wounds were fortunately minimal for the most part but this was all indeed quite stressful. Titania turned her wings of light emanating from her back. "Where do you think you are going?" Before she could take off however Charti was before her still winded, but her will was unbroken as she glared at the other fairy. Titania paused as she looked back at the other he face just as empty as it had been in battle. Her expression seemed even more frigid than the one Charti usually wore. "To take the life of Persephone." She spoke this with absolute certainty not allowing anything to challenge it. "I do not know who you are, no doubt a Fae perverted by that man into whatever you are now, but I will be the one to kill Persephone. I will not allow you to get in the way of what my family deserves..." These were the grim words of someone enveloped in revenge. Charti wanted Persephone's life for herself in direct conflict with the desires of Titania. The two stared at each other tension growing thicker by the second. "Hey there! I wanted to thank you both, if you hadn't appeared who knows what would have happened to us." Cephus emerged a grin on his face as he showed his gratitude to the two four foot tall fae. The young man gave a small wave to Gawain showing his gratefulness for his help as well. The two fairies stared at him both expressing their own form of incredulousness. Under her breath Charti muttered something rather unkindly about "Unrooted". While Titania blinked at Cephus. Her drones both tilting to the side at him. Extricating himself from the situation he ran up to the expedition team. Bringing his medical supplies out of his backpack. "Everyone all right!? Lets rally up I'll patch up who I can, and I guess figure out whats going on this time..." He heavily sighed at the last part. Noticing Asterisms prone and slightly damaged form he called out. "Ms. Narrésyr you ok!? I'll uh try to get you out!"

 

[EMIYAman]

Spoiler: Imposed Beckon

LadyOfStars Individual lXlGamemaster Dante Verren

---

The group slowly but surely wind down from the battle. Tending to wounds and taking a breather, the constant fighting against the vile forests inhabitants now having fell into a lull. Cephus stood next to Lothric bandaging his wounds, while most were superficial and would not cause any lasting harm the dragons sheer size even if smaller than its average kin made the sheer amount of medical supplies consumed far more than Cephus had anticipated. He fretted over the dragon any fear or uncertainty at its presence having long since disappeared. He nodded to Gawain as he passed and spoke with Lothric the young man taking in the presence of the Undead in stride.

Where the two Arch Fae stood, one glaring and the other blankly staring a tension was brewing. The sudden appearance of the other Fairy had been overlooked in favor of the battle, but now that the issue could be addressed Charti was quite disturbed at her presence. An unknown Fairy of such power within the Dark Forest could only be trouble, is what she thought. The fact that the whole situation with Persephone to be a rather personal matter only made her more emotional. Before the normally calm Charti could launch into a tirade they were approached by Gawain. The two looked up at the Undead Knight. The glare of Charti seemed to vaporize their height difference while the other merely watched the drones which dogged her emoting far more than she. At Gawains words she crossed her arms and appeared to do battle within herself. Before taking a deep breath to calm herself. "I... suppose you are correct Persephone will not fall so easily and with her help our chances are all the better. I'll do it for mother." The Fairy acquiesced to his wise council though she didn't like it. She shot a look at the other Fairy. "I will be watching you, any Fae touched by 'that' man can only be trouble for us." She appeared suitably assuaged but the lack of trust was apparent. The direness of the situation was enough to egg her on however. The Fairy enveloped in Magitech spoke up. "My designation is Titania. I will accept your aide in killing Persephone; I have dealt her insufficient damage in our previous engagements. Additional combatants appear necessary." Looking up to Gawain Titania gave a slight bow of her head. Her drones circled swiftly around her before performing a maneuver as if to show the Fairy off to the Knight.

Chartis eyes narrowed, but her attention was drawn elsewhere as Mitsunari approached. The Fox man appearing rather exotic to the Fae. At his request for an escape she looked displeased then resigned. "Unfortunately, you Unrooted came much to deep into the Dark Forest to leave of your own power. Many years ago I may have been able to escort you out on my own, but now that Persephone is this powerful and the forest this prolific that is no longer the case. Fairies such as myself can manage our way out thanks to our mother Demeter but you Unrooted are trapped until either the forests consumes you, or Persephone lies dead." Her expression was cold sparing no pity for their plight. "This forest is a parasite with nary an equal, you could wander for the rest of your days and be no closer to escape. The very trees themselves conspire against the natural world." Her declaration was grim, and spelt an unavoidable confrontation, much to Mitsunaris chagrin.

After he finished dressing the wounds of his compatriot, Cephus made his way to Asterism. He looked on in awe at the Mech for a moment admiring its form. He then climbed upon it with some difficulty going up to the head and looking around for any sort of opening. "Ms.Narrésyr are you alright! Ms.Narrésyr!?" He yelled trying to get her to hear him and unsure if she could. Despite how scary intense she was Cephus had taken a liking to the intelligent elf, in part cause she was really pretty, but respect as well! "Dammit, how the hell do you open this thing?"

In the distance the forest around them groaned with the sound of wood being stretched and shifted, it was almost akin to a wail. Titania perked up. "My sensors indicate multiple organisms coalescing onto a single location." Her gaze was locked onto a far off point. Where her gaze fell the trees had moved forming a sort of arch and opening a pathway for them all, leading deeper into the forest. "Persephone no doubt, she's leading us to her. A confrontation with her is your only hope of leaving this forest with your lives. You Unrooted have no other options." Charti spoke aloud to them all. Her words on their own were rather cruel, yet she did not seem to say them out of malice. But out of a foreboding necessity, and fear. Far off in the dark Persephone laid in wait for her victims. Staring up at a large black and red mass a grin stretched wide across her face. "Soon so very soon. Then, I will save mother..."

​

 

[EMIYAman]

Spoiler: Dark Heart

LadyOfStars Individual lXlGamemaster Dante Verren

---

​

Deep within the bowels of The Dark Forest lay its harbinger, Persephone. The fairy sported a maniacal grin that didn't reach her eyes. Which stared listlessly at the pulsating mass an eerie red glowing from within its depths. Her gaze was locked firmly onto it. It undulated as if in response to her presence. "Its alright, soon so very soon. The time will come for you." She placed her hand upon it, and the black mud which formed it wrapped itself slightly around her limb. "Ah I see. You are hungry, poor thing..." Persephone ran her hand along it caressing it, the mud rippling wherever it fell. "It has been long has it not? My errant siblings were a great feast but not enough." The fairy gained a thoughtful look seemingly lost in her mind. Until she suddenly straightened and raised her hand. The mud underneath her wriggled and formed itself into a reflective liquid. Upon it appeared the expedition team along with Charti, Gawain, and Titania. Persephone watched as they recovered from their battle with the guardian. She looked at them as if seeing them for the first time. Then her eyes locked onto one of them. Her smirk returned to her face.

While Cephus stood upon Asterism doing what he could to check on Astrid he was met by Gawain. "Oh, yeah thanks the help would be great." At his offer Cephus awkwardly thanks him, but his face hardens at his suggestion to leave Astrid within. "I get it I do, but look at this." He gestures to the warped metal on the mechs torso. "We've heard nothing from Ms.Narrésyr since that thing was killed. Who knows what happened to her in there?! She could be unconscious, hurt, or worse! We can't just leave her. Even if we end up having to fight that... thing." He threw out his arm gesturing in the direction of the pathway that had opened up in the trees. His expression was one of uncertainty and fear. "I appreciate the words sir knight, but I'm not risking it. These people with me have been charged with my protection, but I too have a responsibility to them." The young archeologist returned to his examination of the mechs chasis searching for some way in. But inside he knew it was unlikely and he could only hope Astrid was alright.

Unknown to them all was a shadow traveling along the ground. Blending in with the dim forest it was practically invisible. The shadow came up behind Cephus. Then it rose from the ground into the form of Persephone. She floated behind him before wrapping her hands around his neck. Stiffening up from the contact Cephus's eyes darted around he could see everyone from where he stood, so the person behind him... "My how caring of you boy. I feel much the same. Responsibility, its such a pretty burden is it not?" At her words Cephus' heart beat even faster. The others would notice her presence and voice quickly. Charti and Titania raising their weapons. Chartis spear sailed threw the air towards Persephone while Titanias drones flanked her and fired energy blasts. Unfortunately, or perhaps not, their attacks missed. The fairy dodged out of the way traveling through her mud bringing Cephus along with her. Emerging a second later Cephus began to cough and hacked up black ichor from his mouth he appeared shaken and trembled in Persephone's grip. "How boorishly violent, what would mother Demeter say?" Charti's normally calm expression contorts into an abject rage. "My mothers name doesn't belong in that putrid mouth traitor!" She brings up her book the pages flipping rapidly as great lances of Fae wood form around her and launch themselves at Persephone. Just like before each strike was proven futile as she dodged each one. By the end of Charti's assualt Cephus appeared on the verge on blacking out. His eyes were half open and the ichor flowed out of his mouth. "Poor boy look what you've done to him." Persephone stroked his cheek but her smirk showed she felt no pity for his plight. Looking to the group a manic smile split across her face. "I'll be taking my leave then. Though don't worry we'll be meeting again very shortly. Right?" Her words hung in the air leaving a grim reminder as to both their own survival and Cephus'. Then she fell back into the mud disappearing into the ground though this time she remained gone. Soon after beyond the path of trees a dim red glow could be seen.