"Mars, we have arrived."
The female inquisitor looked up at her companion, Hector. He held the lantern in his right hand aloft, the shadows cast by the flame seeming to fuse with his pitch black robe. In his left hand he carried a wicked curved dagger with the eye that symbolized their organization on the hilt. He took a step into the circular chamber at the end of the secret passage, "This is where the Heretic escaped through."
Mars' grip on her own dagger tightened. She did what she could to hold back the anger that was pushing her to rush into the room, find what they were looking for, and then track the Heretic down. Instead, she followed after Hector as he moved his lantern from left to right.
Not even a day had passed since the Heretic arrived, and already everything had gone wrong. Just yesterday she and Hector presided over a fully functional branch of the Order in this "Neutral City". So confident were they that it could handle the Heretic, they left her testing and subsequent judgment to the Public Leaders of this Branch. In the meantime, they went to study the area where the bright light from the night before originated. While they hadn't found much outside of the charred bodies of Mamono and some strange substances in the ground, they did believe there may be something to it all. They were going to return to headquarters and collaborate their findings with other Agents.
Instead, they returned to a broken home.
"You look over there, I'll check here. Go counter-clockwise from my position," Hector pointed towards the western part of the circular area while he headed towards the east. Mars was already moving and made it to her position within seconds.
The leaders had been decimated. The fallout from Fransica's death had far reaching consequences. Many of the Agents, Hero and mortal, saw her as a motherly figure. Her constant trips to the barracks, altars, and library to speak with whoever needed a shoulder to cry on added to that image. The fact that she was blessed by the Chief God herself only cemented in everyone's mind that she was a special existence. Someone who only came along once in a lifetime.
And now that someone was dead.
To say the event hurt morale would be an understatement. The funeral hadn't even begun and already there was talk of people deserting over that fact alone.
Then there was Viola. She hadn't died, but in some ways Mars and others saw that as a worse fate. She was confined to her room in a comatose state. Her arms and legs refused to move no matter how much she seemingly willed them to. Her face was stuck in a constant state of horror, mouth hanging open at some unseen threat.
To make matters worse her body still...functioned to put it nicely. And since she couldn't "take care" of such things by herself, at least three scribes had to be near her side at all times to "help her" when she needed it. And she was aware the entire time. Her would eyes constantly move towards any sound or movement that got close.
And then there was the Traitor Galoran. Made leader by nature of being the only Priest left standing, the old man quickly attempted to minimize the rift that had been driven into the church. He called for unity and peace in the face of such horrible events happening during this trying time. Calling upon, not just the Chief God, but all of the Gods to help guide them to a better tomorrow.
The bold, empty words of a traitor attempting to fix the mess he made. The fact that he hadn't been killed the moment the Heretic had escaped was an insult to the Order's very nature.
Unfortunately, that did not stop him from tricking everyone into staying. But it did little to mend the wound created among the Heroes. They were no longer united under a singular purpose. While not openly stated, their original want to stand together for the Order and its goals had been replaced by selfish individual ideals. These led to the creation of two "Factions" among the Heroes.
One still believed in the Heretic's vile powers. They wished to find her once more and seek her help in "curing" Mamono they foolishly believed could be saved. Despite this belief, they had chosen to remain with this branch rather than go and seek their "savior" themselves. Likely because they had very little resources to actually accomplish their goals without the backing of the Order. The parasites.
Another was filled with those who still remembered their original purpose and with who their true loyalties lay. They had seen the truth and wanted to find the Heretic to bring her to justice. To put an end to any and all horror she has or will inflict upon the land. Their presence was the only assurance she and Hector had that there was still hope for this branch, Vinvers, and their plans.
The ones who did not identify with either group were inconsequential. They would be dealt with at a later date. Until then...
She crouched down and began looking for something, anything they could use to track their target. While they could simply go through the exit to chase after her, there was always the chance she could lose them in the large city of Vinvers. They needed someway to find her no matter where she hid or how far she ran.
Because they wouldn't let her get away.
This whole mess was their mistake. And they would rectify it.
"Mars, here."
The female Inquisitor got up and made her way to her companion. She found him crouching next to a strange patch of ground. There were black marks across the floor that traveled all the way to the stairs.
"What are these?" Hector ran his dagger through the dark marks, careful to avoid touching it, "They look familiar..."
Mars narrowed her eyes, "These...these are the same as the ones we found in the camp."
"In front of the grave marker. And according to the Traitor Galoran," Hector spat on the ground, shame filling him from having to even speak to that man, "the Heretic was the culprit behind it."
"Which means she came back," Mars started to look around the room. She suddenly became very conscious of the fact that the only light came from Hector's lantern, "But then...where is she? She must have left some foot-"
"Inquisitors."
The two Agents of the Order were quick to place their backs against each other. They began to slowly walk in a circle while their eyes roamed the dark room. Mars was the first to speak, "Who are you? Show yourself!"
"Wait...that voice...the Heretic!" Hector's teeth grit as he tightened his hold on his dagger, "So, you have returned."
"Only to deal with an important matter. And I am impressed you managed to memorize the sound of my voice. We did not spend that much time together," the Huntress' voice carried genuine pride in it as she spoke.
"Any praise from you is condemnation to us!" Mars shouted to the darkness, "Now reveal yourself! Face your judgment."
"I think not," the Huntress' voice seemed to come from all around the two Inquisitors. Never once did it stay in one place, but neither they could hear any footsteps, "I have little reason to subject myself to whatever punishment you believe I deserve. Instead, I shall ask you a question. When I fought here, there was a Heroine that I knocked into a wall. That was an accident. I was...not in the correct frame of mind and put too much strength into my strike. How is she?"
"Why do you care, cur? Your actions have damaged our institution far beyond a single person," Hector said while holding his lantern aloft and swinging it through the air. The light cast by the flame illuminated much, including the aforementioned indent where Shelly once lay.
"Any damage done was of your group's own doing. Your Priestess was the one who decided to call for a man's death, despite the fact that his crime had been absolved before her very eyes. And your Heroes were the ones who decided to follow her rather than defy a clearly wrong order-"
"Shut up!" Mars shot out from the formation towards a corner where she thought the Huntress was. Her dagger swung out in an arch...only to ding off the black stone walls. Ignoring the shocks running through her arm, she backed up until she was with Hector once again, "You have no right to speak of our Order in such a way, nor to decide what is right and wrong!"
"Maybe so, but all have the right to criticize those in power should they prove themselves inadequate or unjust. And you have more than proven that," the Huntress was silent for a minute, "Now I shall ask again, what happened to the Heroine?"
The two Inquisitors stayed quiet. They shared a look, nodded to each other, then Hector spoke, "She's dead. Your attack was so sudden and draining, that she was unable to use any power to soften the impact. Her spine was broken on contact with the wall and...she'll be buried with Fransica later today."
Silence.
"I see," the Huntress' tone was filled with remorse, "that is...unfortunate."
"Unfortunate? That is all you have to say," Mars' fists began to tremble, "You kill not one, but two of our own and all you can say is "unfortunate"?!"
"What else am I to say!?" the yell caused the two Inquisitors to flinch, "That I did not know that would happen? That I didn't mean for it to happen? All true! But there isn't anything I can do about it. Not now. Save for mourn her death, and try to do better next time."
"There will not be a next time," Hector said while holding up his dagger, "You will not leave here alive."
The Huntress ignored his words. Instead she inquired, "What of Viola? I trust she regrets her decision to hunt me?"
"She can't even do that! Whatever you did to her has removed her ability to even move her arms and legs! You monster!" Mars was quick to reply, launching another attack at where she thought the Huntress was. Again, all she did was hit the wall.
"Hmm. I see. Perhaps that was too far, but I can't say she did not deserve it," the Huntress held little regret in her tone. She went silent for a few moments. Then she spoke once more, "It is about time I began to leave. But I have one last query for the two of you. Do you intend to chase me as well? Even should I leave Vinvers and never return? Even if I were to promise to leave the Order to its own devices for the rest of time? Would you still hunt me?"
The Inquisitors didn't even need a moment to consider their answer.
"Yes," Hector was quick to reply.
"And not just you. Everyone who has ever met you," Mars continued, "Not a single person tainted by your presence can be allowed to exist. Lest your death inspire them to actions that will harm the Order."
"Does this include Spencer and Valarie Holden?"
The two Inquisitors nodded. Hector spoke, "It is a shame. Both of them had the makings of great Heroes. But your influence has infected them. Thus we cannot allow them to live."
Silence.
"So be it."
Mars and Hector didn't feel the Huntress' blades piercing their chests until they were already on the floor.
Mars gasped as she fell to her knees. She placed her left hand on the hole in her chest in a futile attempt to slow the bleeding. Breathing was becoming harder, meaning the Heretic had pierced her lung. With the strength she had left she cried out and turned to slash at her enemy with her dagger. She heard the sound of a blade slicing through flesh. Then she felt pain as her hand flew off her arm.
She resisted the urge to cry out as she fell to the floor. She gagged as blood flew up her esophagus and freely flowed down her lips. She tried to call out to Hector, but saw his lantern smashed on the ground. What remained of the flames illuminated his last expression: a face twisted into a surprised gasp.
"You still live. Impressive," Mars' vision began to go dark, stopping her from fully observing the Heretic as she crouched next to her, "But, I'm afraid this is the end. Understand that if you had not chased me, none of this would've happened."
"I...I'll...kill...you...," Mars forced out even as her heart beat slowed down.
"No. I don't believe you will," the Heretic stood up. Then Mars felt something pierce her back.
Then everything went black.
----------------------------------------
It was taking every single patient bone in Galoran's body to not tell the two Heroes sitting in front of him to shut the fuck up and leave him alone.
He closed his eyes and sighed while leaning back in his chair. He secretly hoped that when he opened them, the two Heroes would be gone.
...No such luck.
"Once again, you two," he said in as calm a tone as he could manage, "I do not believe we can afford to send any of our Agents, Hero or not, out for any reason even after the funeral rites have been given."
Ralga, a young girl who had only joined their branch two months ago, tilted her head to the side. Her cropped copper hair bobbed with her as she moved, "And I understand that. Thus why my fellows and I are willing to wait until everything is ready. It is Halt his ilk that wish to act rashly to fulfill their ridiculous goals."
Halt, an equally young boy, snorted at the girl's words. He steepled his calloused hands together, while turning his elongated, smiling face towards Ralga, "How very like you, Ralga. Say that my comrades are ones who wish to act rashly to distract from your own flaws. We all know that if given the opportunity, your group would rush out of the church and tear the streets apart to accomplish their goals."
"No. We would not," Ralga turns her rounded amber eyes onto her opponent, "After all, we still believe in the original tenants of the Order. And while this city is filled with monster filth, it is also filled with lost lambs who must be returned to our light."
"And I agree," Halt shrugs his arms, his casual jerkin bunching up around his lithe body, "Because, contrary to what you may think, we too follow the Order's tenants. We just know that there is a now a way to bring that light you speak of to far more people. Including those thought lost forever."
Ralga's eye twitched as she forced a smile, "Need I remind you that 'way' you speak of is responsible for-"
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"The deaths of Priestess Fransica and Shelly, and Priestess Viola's condition," Halt interrupts, his smile now gone, "You don't have to remind me. But, even so, what I said remains true."
"Then are you saying willing to excuse the actions of a murderer?"
"Are you saying you'll let such an important asset like that slip away without even considering the advantages?"
"Children," Galoran's stern voice stopped the two's bickering before it could turn into another shouting match. He shook his head, "As I thought, it is too soon to come to accord. Both of you are dismissed until the funerals are over. May the Gods grace your steps."
"And yours, Head Priest Galoran," the two spoke in unison before getting up and heading towards the door. Ralga made sure to bump into Halt on the way out, the door closing on the young boy's scowling face. Once he was sure they were gone, Galoran let his head hit the desk with a thump. Sweat dripped down his brow as his face twisted in frustration.
He knew this would happen. He had anticipated it ever since Cynthia revealed her power during the trial. That when everything was said and done, it would be next to impossible to get the Branch's Heroes and otherwise on the same page. But he figured it could be done. Especially after he saw how Cynthia didn't kill anyone on her way out. Speaking with the Heroes after the strange woman had gotten away, he had learned that at least a third of them had followed Viola because they thought Cynthia was dangerous. That she would hurt them, their friends, or worse should she be allowed to go free. If he could've shown them that she hadn't seriously harmed a single one of them, he might've had an easier time convincing them to put aside their arms, even if Viola was still in play.
He let out a frustrated and tired sigh while lifting up his head. His hand idly went to a fresh wrinkle that had appeared on his face within this day alone.
But as he had learned in his long life, things never turned out the way you wanted.
Fransica's death was bad enough. While he believed the explanation given by Spencer and Valarie, most didn't. And learning that Selina had indeed been the one to kill the Priestess had only strengthened the thought of her being a dangerous rogue. Shelly's death cemented it. Truthfully, the only thing stopping Ralga's Faction from storming out the doors to the church was Viola still living and his promise to imprison Cynthia should she ever return.
And if he did that, Halt's Faction would probably break her out. And see him as a traitor.
Galoran let out a sad chuckle. What a horrible dilemma he found himself in. His eyes wandered down to one of the drawers in his wooden desk. He looked at it for a few moments, then opened it up to pull out a couple of papers.
One was a meticulously drawn map of Vinvers. Across its page were circles marking the barracks of the City Guard and homes of known Mamono sympathizers. Another were the names of said sympathizers and their full schedules for day and night. Finally, there was a page filled with code phrases meant to be used to disguise their plan for when it was time to enact it.
All in his handwriting.
Galoran looked at the papers for a few minutes. Then he got up from his desk, walked over to one of the lit candles in his room. After a moment's hesitation, held the papers over the flame.
The fire quickly began to eat away at the documents.
As he watched the plan that he had created to bring Vinvers into the fold go up in smoke, he felt a strange mixture of two emotions.
The first was shame. Shame at how he was burning away work that had cost him money, relationships, and years of his life. Something that he taken had pride in making and was always looking forward to enacting. To bring the Order's justice and will upon this so called "peaceful city".
On the other, though, was relief. As, for the first time in a long time, he knew that there was a better way. A way that didn't require the deaths of thousands. A way that, if harnessed, could give them the advantage they needed in this battle. And most importantly, a way for them to win the war while keeping humanity safe.
As the last of the papers disappeared into the red hot flames, Galoran looked at his hand. Then he turned to the single window in his quarters that looked out over Vinvers.
Now, he just had to find the person that held that which bring them down the right path.
The path to victory.
----------------------------------------
"What?!" Jillea exclaimed to the Guard Captain.
"You heard me," the traitor Guard Captain of Vinvers turned to the tan, white haired succubus after stepping through the brush that obscured their hiding space outside the city gate, "Take Riza and Micheal and head to Lescaite. Let Lady Druella know what happened here, then find some place to rest."
The succubus' hands curled into angry fists, "No, no, no no, I am not leaving! Not after everything that's happened!"
"And what, pray tell, do you plan to do? You're a single succubus in a Neutral City. The Guards are used to dealing with you're kind. Not to mention there are plenty of Mamono among their ranks that are willing to bring you down to defend their peaceful lives. And don't even get me started on the Heroes of the Order."
"I'm not going after any of them," Jillea stepped up to the Guard Captain, an angry expression etched on her face, "I'm only after one...monster and one monster alone."
"You mean the black clothed stranger that destroyed the camp," it wasn't a question. The Captain sighed and shook their head, hood keeping their features hidden, "That is a foolish decision. She managed to kill an entire camp filled with Succubi, Orcs, and a High Orc with the blessings of two Gods. What chance do you have of defeating her?"
"I don't need to defeat her. I just need to capture her," Jillea's expression changed to one of sinsister glee, "Powerful as she is, she's still just one person. With enough numbers I can take her to our allies in the City. Then we can take our sweet time figuring out how to get around whatever makes her so strong, and turn her to our side."
"That wouldn't work."
"How do you know?!"
"Because of a few things I learned while I was in the City. I talked to a couple of contacts I still have in this Order Branch and discovered just who we're dealing with. Her name is Cynthia, Cynthia Albion, and when she was brought to the Order they commanded her to kill a former scribe and his monsterized wife. Instead, she somehow managed to demonsterize the wife."
Jillea gasped in shock. She immediately wanted to say that the Guard Captain was lying...but she knew they weren't. She had known them long enough to know that. But if what she's saying is true...
"Then that's all the more reason to stop her here!" Jillea stomped her foot with renewed resolve, "She's not just an anomaly, she's complete anathema to our kind! If she's allowed to roam free, who knows what she could do? We need to let our allies know and rally them to take her down."
Jillea felt a righteous hope well up in her...but it was quickly quashed by the Guard Captain's next words, "We don't have allies anymore."
Jillea looked at the Guard Captain with wide, confused eyes, "What...what are you saying?"
"My contacts tried to communicate with our other infiltrators. The destruction of the camp has sent most of them into hiding. They say they'll keep trying to undermine Vinvers from within...but none of them are willing to do anything overt right now. Which likely includes dedicating resources to capturing a single woman at the behest of a succubus who is supposed to be in the dungeons."
"But...but what about the Order's plans? Doesn't this mean that...all those Mamono," she looked towards the city, her anger replaced with worry for her fellow Mamono.
"Actually," the Guard Captain crossed their arms and shrugged, "We don't have to worry about that either." At the succubus' befuddlement, the Captain explained, "According to my contact, Cynthia caused quite a ruckus among this Branch of the Order. To the point that they won't be able to form a united front against anyone for a good amount of time. Which means that the purge likely won't come to pass."
Jillea didn't respond. She just stared at her comrade with her jaw almos touching the forest floor beneath them.
The Guard Captain nodded, "Yeah, that was my reaction, too. Either way, now you see why you're not needed here."
"But...but I can't. I still need-"
"Forget about some petty revenge," the Guard Captain's voice was stern, "If you go after Cynthia now, you'll only accomplish getting yourself killed. Do you really think that's what everyone else would've wanted? To see you throw your life away while they watched it happen, unable to tell you stop? Not to mention your own responsibilities."
As if on que, the two heard twin, oragsmic moans echo from deeper in the brush. Jillea felt a heat suffuse her body as she imagined what Riza was doing to Micheal. The moment they had left the city, Jillea gave the girl the Succubus Nostrum they had recovered from where they kept their clothes and items. Riza wasted no time drinking down the entire potion while pushing Micheal deeper into their hiding spot to consumate their new union. She had no doubt the two of them were enjoying themselves right this second.
"That girl's gonna become a succubus pretty soon," the Guard Captain nodded in the direction of the moans, "With a husband of her own. And they're gonna need someone to guide them to a place where they can live peacefully. I've got to stay and keep watch over Vinvers, meaning that someone's gotta be you. And who knows? Maybe you'll find that special someone, too."
"Do...But...Can I really?" Jillea questioned. The Guard Captain could tell her resolve was wavering. The facts staring her in the face were starting to wear it down. All it would take is one more push.
"Jillea. Don't go throwing your life away until after you've actually lived it."
That did it. Jillea's ears, wings, and tail perked up at the Captain's words. She stood there for a bit longer...then turned and started to fast walk towards the sound of lovemaking nearby. The Guard Captain waited until they couldn't hear the footfalls anymore. Then they turned and heading back towards the City.
"Well, Cynthia Albion," they said to no one in particular while walking towards the gate, "You managed to save Vinvers from both the Mamono and the Order...for now. In another time, I'd probably try to track you down and shake your hand. Thank you for helping our fair city. But right now, while I may not know where you are, I do know one thing."
As the Captain walked through the gate without being hassled, light glinted off the ring on their right hand. An azure gem placed into the ring's socket shined in the mid-morning light.
"When we finally meet, it will be as enemies."
Then they disappeared into the city of Vinvers.
----------------------------------------
At the sound of the door opening, Felix's hand quickly went to the knife on his hip. He relaxed in his seat as the Huntress walked through the door to their room.
"Lady Cynthia! You're back," he said to his savior, forcing back the anxiety her current attire made him feel. The combination of "feathers" hanging from its back and the long white "nose" added a menace to the outfit that spoke to some level of primal fear within him. The shining short blade held in her right hand didn't help matters.
She kept the mask on as she made her way over to his position, "Hello, Felix. How is your wife?"
Felix bit his lip and turned his attention back to the bed in front of him, "Still asleep. But she's breathing and her heartbeat sounds fine."
Selina stared down at the unconscious woman, now able to get a better look at her features with everything calmed down. Straight purple hair hung around rounded cheeks with a matching nose. A calm, peaceful expression lay on her face while her chest rose and fell with her slow breaths. Her husband placed a hand on her head, making her shift underneath the covers of her bed. Her lips curled into a small smile that was soon matched by Felix.
Selina felt relief well up in her heart. When she heard what happened to Viola and Shelly, she was afraid something may have gone wrong with Tina. She just hadn't noticed it yet. Thankfully, things still seemed to be fine.
The doors had led them to a secret base fully stocked with weapons, food, and clothing. The three of them had remained only as long as they dared. They were well aware that staying in a base of those who wished them harm was a horrible idea, and made to leave after gathering what supplies they needed (and the Huntress applying at least three Blood Vials in secret to heal her wounds). Which mostly consisted of easily portable foodstuffs (mostly for Felix and Tina), proper attire for Tina, and three long brown cloaks in case they needed to sneak out of the city. Once they had that and were certain no one was following them, they made their way to "The Unusual".
It took a bit of convincing to get Howard to not ask too many questions about their situation, but the Innkeeper had acquiesced...so long as they made sure not to bring any trouble to his Inn.
Which the death of the two Inquisitors should accomplish...hopefully. Truth be told, the Huntress had not expected to see the two Order Agents in the passage when she returned. She had come back to burn away all the blood she had left behind. She had worn the Crowfeather Garb to help her hide among the shadows of the city. While she wasn't being chased by Vinvers itself, she didn't wish to draw any attention to them at this point. There was no telling what the Order would do now when taking her prior actions into account. The garb proved to be a boon when the two Inquisitors arrived in the circular chamber. It let her blend into the shadows and keep the two from spotting her long enough to allow her to pierce them with her Blade Of Mercy. She had taken care of the blood on her weapon before leaving the passage once more...and wrapping the bodies up before leaving them in the same room they kept Fransica and Shelly's bodies.
That had taken her until mid-morning but it was better than leaving them to be discovered later. And it would cut down on the time it would take the Order to perform Funeral Rites.
It was the least she could do for them.
She and Felix were silent for a time. The only sound in the room came from Tina's slow breathing. Then Felix broke the silence, "Do you think she'll wake up?"
"Yes," Selina said evenly.
"How long do you think it will take?"
"I am...unsure. I have done this once before to a girl who was on the verge of becoming a Mamono. According to an associate of mine, she would make a full recovery two days after the initial event. But since Tina was fully transformed...," she let the statement hang in the air.
Felix slowly nodded. His worries weren't gone, but were eased a bit, "Is there a way to speed the process?"
"Not unless we can find someone who can perform a Mana Transfer on someone who's unconscious. And the last person I know of who was able to do that was a Hero of the Order."
The two went silent again. Then Felix asked, "Why?"
Selina turned her head to look at the man, "Why what?"
"Why did you help us? Why do you keep helping us? We're complete strangers to you. Yet, you've made an enemy of what will soon be the entire Order. They are the most powerful human kingdom outside of Zipangu. They have eyes and ears everywhere save the most remote places in the land."
He turned to look up at the Huntress, his eyes filled with hope, confusion, and curiosity, "You've made an enemy of that. All for us. Why? We're...we're not special. We're just...we're just traitors."
His savior was quiet. Quiet for long enough that Felix thought about taking back his words. But just as he was about to, the Huntress spoke, "First, never call yourselves traitors again, Felix. You were presented with a difficult choice between duty and family. And while you may regret your choice, it was one you made and must live with."
The Huntress crossed her arms as Felix locked his eyes on her. She continued, "Second, part of what I did was to test the Order myself. I have...experience with an organization extremely similar to it. And that experience was not a favorable one. I wanted to see if they would react in a sensible way when confronted with a power such as mine."
She shook her head with a sigh, "Needless to say, they failed spectacularly. The Heroes simply did whatever their superiors told them to, while said superiors began to in-fight over how they should deal with me."
"Then, I guess that means you see the entire Order as...a failure?"
"Not exactly. I am certain there are people among their ranks that are actually worthwhile. People who wish to make a real difference and ensure humanity can survive this time of strife. However, it is likely they are either too jaded to speak up, silenced the moment they do, or not given positions to make needed changes. Thus allowing the worst parts of the Order to do as they please. Change must come from the inside if the Order was to become more benevolent."
"Oh, I see," it was all Felix could really say. While he understood what Cynthia meant, the idea of it happening was too far-fetched to him. He had experienced how horrible the Order could be first hand, after all. In the face of that, it was difficult to believe change could come that easily. He shrugged, "Well, I'm glad that we provided an opportunity for you to-"
"And third," the Huntress interrupted while placing a hand on Felix's shoulder. While her mask may have hidden it, Felix could've sworn she was smiling at him, "I wanted to help you two. I wanted to use my abilities and skills to make two people who deserve to be happy, happy. Is that so wrong?"
Felix felt his cheeks heat up. He coughed multiple times while his mind tried to find the right words to say, "I...um...I guess not. Th-thank you then. I...I don't think I'll ever be able to repay you."
"You do not need to," the Huntress let her hand drop before moving towards the door, "Get some rest and make sure the door is locked. When I come back, we'll begin making preparations to leave."
"Where are you going now?"
"To take care of one last piece of business," the Huntress said. Then she walked out the door, closed it behind her, and waited until she heard Felix lock it.
She took in a deep breath before heading towards the Inn's exit. All that was left now was to find Luca and speak with him. Then she could finally leave Vinvers. She told Howard she would be back soon and walked out the door. Once she was outside, she noticed someone standing right across the street from the Inn. They began to approach her after she closed the door behind her.
It didn't take long for the Huntress to realize the "person" was actually a Mamono. And this one, somehow, managed to be the strangest one she had ever seen. She wore a strange white and blue outfit that reminded her of the servants of nobles she would sometimes see while searching for scraps when she was a little girl. Her hair was the same bright blue and...wait...those weren't clothes.
That was her skin.
The Huntress felt her tension rise. All the other citizens disappeared as she felt all her focus lock onto this single Mamono. She could make out more features as the creature got closer. Dark blue and white skin, a smooth sinister looking face that somehow gave off an aura of submissiveness. She had arms but no legs. Instead there was just a mass of tendrils and some type of sludge that pulled her along the ground.
The most distressing part was that all along her body were black holes filled with a multitude of yellow eyes.
Eyes that reminded her of horrible, horrible things.
Her grip on the Blade Of Mercy tightened. The Mamono stopped ten feet away from the Huntress. She was tall enough to actually meet the Huntress' eyes with her own. They were the same as the ones across her body. Yellow dots in pitch black irises. The two stared each other down for what felt like an hour.
Then, before Selina could ask what the Mamono wanted, the Monster turned her slime like bottom half into legs, and dropped to one knee. She bowed her head in respect towards the Huntress. Then she spoke in a melodious voice that, to the Huntress, sounded like millions speaking in concert, "Fair Lady Of The Moon, Mistress of those bound to the Tranquil Dream, Companion of She Who Soothes Those Who Live Beyond the Veil, I bid you greetings. I am Brixi, but am called Bri among the denizens of this world. My Master, Lord Luca Dejure, request your presence."
...
"What?!" the Huntress' yelled out loud in total, abject confusion.