>>41267350

Within the short span of a single blink you find yourself standing in the center of the abandoned market for the first time in over a month. A light snow in the pale blue light of the morning greets you. The cold wind bites at the exposed parts of your face.

“That insufferable…” You sigh to yourself as you find yourself transported to exactly where you had intended to go.

The snow-covered ground crunches underfoot as you take in the sight of the market. Decorated stands remain largely untouched by all besides nature, fear keeping away all but the bravest.

Heavy footfalls in the distance and a distinct pungent odor of other realm beasts makes you curious just how much was opened with that ritual.

You grunt in annoyance as your armored foot steps into something that produces a meaty squelch.

Even the bravest meet their end eventually, you only lament that your foot had to meet them as well.

You turn to the distance where the winter-covered wilderness you saw in your dream begins. The snowy scenery brings back
memories of your youth. You turn back to the direction of your old home. Perhaps before moving on to find Izu, a visit can be made to see what was left behind?

Regardless, you’d like to get moving. You’re not in the mood to stomp around in the snow with some unknown beasts.

>Head toward your old home.

>Head toward the wilderness.

>Write in.

>>41267379

>Head toward the wilderness.

>>41267435
Welcome, welcome!

Going with the one vote to get the run started.

>Writing~

>>41267549

What was left behind, was left behind for a reason. Besides, seeing the poor state of your house now would only make you lament that there’s nobody else around to clean it.

You invoke a small and relatively calm flame in the palm of your hand. Whether or not whatever beasts that are lurking around are attracted to its light, you really don’t care. This flame is to warm yourself.

~

After a long time of walking, the tree line separating the wilderness and the town has long since disappeared behind you, and you find yourself surrounding by seemingly endless white and dulled green.

As a child, you remember running through the towering growths with Matthias without a care of getting lost or hurt. The two of you were invincible…until you weren’t.

You swear if that idiot let himself get killed…

You laugh at the foolish thoughts of imagined punishments, the vapor of your breathe clear as day in front of your face, and the sound of your raucous laughter echoing through the trees would scare even those two foolhardy children.

The sight of tall and thin tree collapsing in the distance ceases your laughter immediately. The quiet air sits heavily around you as you strain to pick up any noises from that direction. You’re caught slightly off-guard as suddenly a low and guttural roar echoes back to greet you.

You snuff your fire, so long as you don’t bump directly into whatever creature is lurking there, your armor should be able to let you pass undetected.

Your footsteps are reduced to almost faint crunches as you proceed forward at a slowed pace. Recent events have taught you not to underestimate any potential enemies, at least until you know where and how numerous they are.

[1/2]

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>>41268241

The new sound of rushed footsteps and heavy breathing stop you once again. The sounds are followed by the heavy thuds of giant limbs rushing to meet its prey.

In the briefest of moments you see a blur of a heavily dressed small person rushing through the trees, immediately followed by two snow covered beasts, both the size of very large men.

The small person loses his or her footing and tumbles to the ground. Immediately his head turns to see the positions of the beasts closing in behind him. You’re greeted with the sight of two fiercely indignant hazel eyes. The boy is positively outraged that they would even consider pursuing him as food.

The hazel are entire unfamiliar, as well as the mess of dark brown hair on top of his head. But the gentle shape of his young and mischievous face is something you’ll always remember.

It’s Izu.

The two white beasts slow down as they close in, and Izu rises to his feet to greet them.

>Help him.

>Continue watching.

>Write in.

>>41268270
>Continue watching.
But be ready to turn them to seal them if Izu needs help. All he needs to say is the word.

>>41268270
>>Help him.

Rolled 2 (1d2)

>>41268310
>>41268312
Rolling to break the tie and then writing the winner.

>>41268414
damn I'm late
for some reason I couldn't find the thread on my phone :(

>>41268704
No problem, you're here now.

>>41268270
seconding >>41268310

I'm late! Was doing life! Hello! Missed you!

>>41269069
Life always requires doing, but I'm glad you made it!

>>41268414

There is absolutely no way that you are going to trek through the snow for hours only to find the person you were looking for has been eaten.

You immediately teleport to the creature bringing up the rear, the warmth exuding from his body stings your eyes, but you find yourself instinctively wrapping the beast in a swirl of flames. While you make sure the flames do their work, you give the turning creatures a mighty kick to its sensitive groin.

It screeches angrily in your face, viscous spit splattering on your face and armor. Immediately you beckon your flame to move on from its first target, and a sudden bolt of blue travels between your legs to impact directly into the howling creature’s mouth.
The sharp odor of burning fur and your heavy breathing waft around you as you collect yourself. Cold weather combat is much more exhausting than you ever had anticipated.

“I could’ve handled them on my own.” A young voice announces moodily, without the slightest bit of restraint.

You wipe the saliva from your face with a smile. “I’m sure you could’ve.”

Given what you know your apprentice to be capable of, you wouldn’t bet on it, but with the fact that you don’t feel the slightest bit of self-doubt from him makes you think otherwise.

Izu laughs and rubs the back of his head. “Well…maybe not.”

You say nothing, just enjoying the long missed sound of his laughter. Not that you’re ever going to let him know tha-…

“You stop grinning at me like that this instant.” You chastise him mentally.

“You’ve gotten stronger, Sophia.” A coy voice announces from your side.

So much for not showing your hand.

[1/2]

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762 KB JPG

>>41269214

“Marissa.” You state simply as you stare at your second apprentice. “Good to see that you’re well.”

“Thank you.” She responds unusually awkwardly.

Another tense moment passes between you two.

“Let’s head back.” Izu announces suddenly as he grabs your hand. “It’s freezing out here today.”

~

The three of you walk with only Izu endlessly reporting small unimportant details of his past month. His small hand warm in your own, and you can’t help but notice that he’s gotten noticeably taller since the last time you saw him.

“There!” Izu points toward the distant clearing.

A small humble cabin sticking out in the middle of endless wilderness greets you. The light of a small flame visible from the window, giving promise of warmth and comfort.

“Marissa found it for us. It’s far away enough from the monsters that we hardly ever get bothered, but close enough to the market in case we need supplies.” Izu informs you enthusiastically.

Marissa has done well to take care of the both of them it seems; and here they both are now, healthy and at least for Izu's case, happy.

>Thank her for it.

>Continue walking.

>Write in

>>41269253
>>Thank her for it.
>Warn her more or less about what was said about her powers. usurper played both of us with those gifts.

>>41269253
>Praise her for it

>>41269295
Are you the Marissa fag?

>>41269253
seconding >>41269295


>>41269309
No that's me. Though I feel like I'm not alone.

>>41269309
....no. I consider praise to be beneath thanks. She did what was required, at least for herself. And she can take care of herself, which is good.

>>41269253
>>Thank her for it.

>>41269289
Will work the second part in somewhere.
>>41269295
>>41269318
>>41269372
Sophia-level mixed thanks and praise.

>Writing

>>41269450

You sigh heavily, watching your breath ascend into the air. “You did a good job taking care of yourself, and…you did very well taking care of Izu even though you didn’t have to. So, thank you.”

You turn to see Marissa staring at you in disbelief, her mouth slightly agape.

The both of you quickly revert back to your usual way of carrying yourself, but not without a few brief, and uncharacteristically shy words from Marissa. “You don’t have to thank me…”

Izu laughs merrily at your discomfort.

The little miserable punk, it’s his fault you have to lower yourself like that.

“Well, show me in.” You tug roughly on the boy’s hand. “I don’t feel like dying to the cold.”

~

The interior of the cabin in just as humble as its exterior, only two cots, a chair, a few small drawers and boxes, and a large fireplace decorate the inside.

You take the chair as the three of you sit around the fireplace to warm your limbs. After a few minutes, you feel comfortable enough to open up your cloak, exposing the face of your armor.

Both Izu and Marissa stare at the dark metal in their own forms of amazement. Izu being bold enough to tug at the many laces wrapping around your limbs.
The both give their opinion in unison.

“Looks awesome!”

“Looks terrifying.”

You can’t help but revel in both their words, even if Marissa’s wouldn’t be seen as traditionally good.

Izu pokes and prods at your body and armor as he continues to inform you what he’s been up to. It seems that they were moving from house to house until just two weeks ago when Marissa discovered the cabin. Dyeing his hair and finding colored contacts before they left was his idea.

Once he finishes, another moment of silence falls over the three of you, but this one feels quite a bit more peaceful as you watch the brown haired boy, engrossed in one of his books.

[1/2]

>>41270290

“Izu.” Marissa states suddenly. “Would you mind playing outside for a bit? I have some things I want to discuss with Sophia.”

He turns immediately to you.

You also have a few things you wish to discuss with Marissa, and perhaps it’d be better to give her a bit of privacy for them. And it’s not like he’s not going to get the jist of what was said just from your mind.

“Awww man.” He closes his book and heads outside.

After making sure the boy is out of earshot, you begin. “We were used.”

“Yeah…” Marissa rubs her eyes in frustration.

You continue, staring deep into the fire. “Your powers are completely yours to use now. But keep in mind they only ever existed to secure The Empress’s freedom.”

“Too good to be true…” She leans back against the cot. “But they’re all I have now.”

“It’s just for your information.” You respond, glibly.

She nods in acceptance and thinks in silence for a few moments. “Are you really serving that…woman?”

A dangerous truth that’s only privy to a few other than yourself. Is it worth the risk to tell her the truth on this matter? Why is she asking in the first place?

>”I am.”

>”It appears that way.”

>”For now.”

>”Never truly.”

>Write in.

>>41270324
>"Why are you asking Marissa? Haven't I always had a plan to see myself and my friends through?"

>>41270324
>>”For now.”

>>41270324
>”For now. It's not like I had much of a choice at the time, and I feel it's the best place for me to prepare to take her down.”

Rolled 3 (1d3)

>>41270429
>>41270467
>>41270531
All three of these would have varying results for the future, so rolling to break the tie.

>Writing the winner

>>41270566
O lawd, does she have spies? Is she spying on us? pls no

>>41270324
>”I am.”
We keep up appearances at all times, no sense in showing our hand now.

>>41270531
You do realize That if the usurper can scry on us or have spies we're dead right?

>>41270566
fuck

>>41270588
Something to that effect, hence mum's the bloody word, but noooooooooooooooooooooooooo.

>>41270624
why didn't you outvote me
this is all your fault

>>41270654
I was the first write in anon.

>>41270324
>>”It appears that way.”

>>41270682
You should have written in something better so I backed it instead of doing my own. You've let us all down.

Really gotta stop rolling for votes.

No one but the one person who suggested it wants that.

>>41270703
Anon I can't fix stupid.
Straight up saying in an unsecure area you're going to betray her is stupid.

>>41270706
No one but the singular people who took the other options wanted them either.

>>41270735
everyone hated that option. The other options are varying ways of saying the same thing.

>>41270726
>Anon I can't fix stupid.
Well you definitely can't with that attitude.

>>41270748
Doesn't look like that to me! 2 and 3 are more similar than 2 and 1. 3 just comes out and admits what 2 hints at.

>>41270779
>Well you definitely can't with that attitude.
Anon when has a debate on 4chan ever ended with someone changing their minds? You have a better chance of winning the lottery.

>>41270811
I've seen it a fair number of times. Maybe 10-20% of the time? I've had my mind changed a few times personally, so it definitely can happen.

>>41270853
In time to fix a 10 minute vote?

>>41270887
As long as the replies are quick enough yeah.

>>41270940
You're taking roughly 3 minutes to reply to me and Auri's voters are notoriously slow. Time to embrace bad end number 3.

>>41270979
I mean, 3 minutes is plenty for a 10 minute vote. And bad end for this? To me right now you sound like one of those jokers. "Oh we only rolled a 19 instead of a 20? GG we lose quest over."

>>41271032
The usurper already doesn't trust us. She hears this? We're dead, she will kill us before we're ready to take her.

>>41271063
>Implying she doesn't already know we're planning this.

>>41271082
Difference between suspicsion (which means you spy on someone to find out) and knowing (nuking said someone)

>>41270566

“For now.” You stare at the fire, almost completely lost in thought. “I didn’t have a choice at the time, and it’s the best place for me to meet my goals.”

“And just what would those be?” Marissa asks staring in the same direction as you.

“Whatever I want.” You respond flatly.

“Do you mean to take her down?” She presses, her interest in the question clear.

You give her a curious look, while you don’t go out and say it directly, you certainly don’t stop her from assuming.

She settles back down. “At least you have a place where you belong…” She tightly wraps her knees with her arms. “And someone that cares for you.” She looks toward the door, bitterly.

“I’m sure in some way, Izu cares about you.” Your voice, clearly hesitant.

She shakes her head. “Even with the worst of those men I used to know, there was some small shred of affection. He’s different, it’s like all his actions toward me are some sort of stage play. Empty politeness, like…never mind.”

That boy has always been quite the anomaly. His sheer existence has always been a puzzling question and now more than ever you’re beginning to ask yourself if he’s actually his own person, or merely an extension of your own will.

But if he were an extension of your own will, wouldn’t you be able to look into his mind as clearly as he does into yours?

“You’re so lucky.” Marissa continues on, emptily and bitterly. “To have someone that loves you that much.” She buries her head into her legs. “I want to leave this place.” She mumbles and then turns to you with anger in her eyes.. “I want to be alone.”

How inconvenient. An unexpected break-down and you might just have to bring back a certain young boy with you to the palace. You can’t help but feel like you’re being pushed to a planned end, but what end? And by whom?

You stand from your chair and stare at your apprentice.

>Say nothing, head to your next assignment with Izu.

>Write in.

>>41271267
>"Get Izu somewhere safe before you leave to be alone. I think that desire will wear itself out rather quickly."

>>41271267
>If you want me to take him, you're going to have to be more upfront about it.

>So, have you been improving yourself, apprentice?

>>41271267
Sigh and sit next to her and stroke her back. No words.

I don't care for her personally but I get what she means and feel that we should at least be a little nice, at least for all of Marissa's support in the past.

Besides, I'd rather stay on good terms with her when we are in trouble.

Concerning Izu, I'm still on the fence of taking him back with us, so I could go for leaving him a little longer or taking him back with us.

>>41271267
Marissa, I consider you a friend, but I'm not going to put you or him in danger by being here. Additionally that loneliness you feel? That's the price of power, Mines forcing me to work for and further the ends of a woman I'd love to rip to shreds with my own hands. All power has such a price. Maybe if you held back on using your powers so often, you'd find someone who truly loves you for you, and not for the powers that force them too.

>>41271384
I'm not opposed to being nice, but that's just creepy.

Including pieces of everything but ultimately: Attempt to talk her down and try to get her to hold on to Izu for a bit longer.

>Writing~

>>41271401
Nigga we both girls and that's a sign of comfort/friendship. Which is kinda things she's saying she doesn't have but wishes she does.

'Sides, early in the quest we randomly molested her and that went off fine.

>>41271491
That was some time ago, lotss of things have changed

>>41271491
>Nigga we both girls and that's a sign of comfort/friendship
No, patting on the back is a sign of comfort and friendship. Stroking is not. Especially not sitting next to her and stroking her silently. That is creepy as fuck. Why do you want to touch her anyway? She said she wants to be alone. Who interprets that as a request for physical contact? It's both stupid and out of character.

>'Sides, early in the quest we randomly molested her and that went off fine.
No, we molested Ellie, and it only happened once, by yurifags who hopefully have long since been driven off. Back then it might not have been out of character, but by now it definitely is.

>>41271542
I know, just saying that we've done weird/creepy and that isn't weird/creepy.

>>41271584
>No, we molested Ellie
Correct, but did also Marissa
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/archive/38200786/#p38205486

I feel like an r9k fag now, yeah it does seem creepy as fuck when you say it like that. I'm wrong, you're right.

>>41271267
offer to bring marissa with us. We could use an underling to aid us. And if something does happen to her then oh well not to much lost.

>>41271782
Need her to guard Izu. Also Usurper would detain her immediately for a hold on us.

>>41271694
Oh shit we did. You're right about that too.

>>41270811
CHECK IT OUT. MINDS HAVE BEEN CHANGED.

>>41271782
What part of "I want to be alone" don't you understand? And losing her would be a pretty big loss. I get that you hate her but don't be dumb.

>>41271831
Im still not entirely convinced she really wants to be alone but I can't think of anything other than cheap words of comfort.

>>41271487

Considering the fact that you’re still unsure about bringing Izu back to the palace with you, calming Marissa down would likely be to your own benefit.

“The loneliness that you feel is result of many things, Marissa. This incredibly uncaring world we grew up in, this past month, and the power that you have; good and bad these things affect us in ways we can’t even perceive.” You sit back down in the chair.

She hasn’t told you to get out yet, so that’s a good sign. Time to really sell it.

“I think that desire of yours will wear itself out rather quickly, but it might come back again. Who knows?” You lean back into a comfortable position. “Those transient desires are just part of being human. If you want something, you’re going to have to be more upfront about it, as yourself.”

A long silence passes by with no more words being exchanged. Well, you don’t seem the harm in having tried to calm her down with a few carefully chosen words.
“You’re not human.” Her voice oozes those words into the quiet air.

You stifle a laugh. “I’m not, am I?” You shake your head. “I forget sometimes.”

She wipes her face. “I’m sure many people forget to realize that as well.” She slowly rises to her feet, heads toward the window, and stares toward the sky. “You should stay here for the night, there’s a storm coming.”

~

“Really? An entire town of people with just sixty soldiers?” Izu gazes up at you from the ground as you relax on his cot.

The wind outside howls menacingly, causing the windows to rattle in response. The heavy clouds have all completely darkened the afternoon sky. The world around the cabin is lost to the snow.
You grin mildly at the boy’s fascination with your work. “The town wasn’t too big, but that’s right.”

His expression turns heavy with thought. “I wonder where The Empress will put me to work…”

A very unusual chill passes through your body at the thought.

>”You’d be my apprentice.”

>”You’re never going to work for The Empress.”

>Write in.

>>41272136
>>”You’d be my apprentice.”
>>”You’re never going to work for The Empress.”
Both. You're my apprentice. and as such i will never allow the Empress to attach herself to you.

>>41272136
>Izu She'd hold you hostage to try and ensure my loyalty, or she'd just kill you for resembling the man who flummoxed her at the moment of her victory.

>>41272136
>”You’re never going to work for The Usurper.”

So just pointing out.

The guy who created Izu was rambling about him being the reincarnation of his former king. The king who just so happens to be our father. Claiming that they looked identical. Our father also was the one who directly opposed The Empress. Best not to let them meet.

>>41272173
>>41272136
This

>>41272173
This with a bit of >>41272183

>>41272136
>>41272173
ill second this

>>41272173
>>41272195
>>41272206
>>41272210
>>41272223
Both with a dash of
>>41272183

>Writing~

Very interestingly put.

>>41272136
>”You’d be my apprentice.”

Maybe we should get Ellie and Laurent to hook up with these two?

>>41272401
relationships don't magically make everything better, anon.

>>41272467
No shit, but it's a safe place for them all to be. And Ellie and Marissa can study together. We could give them the necromancy tome or the one on sealing and teleportation. Let them git gud in our absence.

>>41272253

You turn and look into his emerald eyes. “She’d hold you hostage to ensure my loyalty, or she’d simply kill you for how much you resemble my father.” You idly run your hand through the Izu’s hair. “But you’re my apprentice, and as such I will never allow The Empress to get her hands on you.”

“But…” He grabs your hand with both of his and simply holds on top of his head. “I don’t think she wanted him dead.” He continues with a glint in his eyes.” If she really, reaaally wanted him dead, wouldn’t she have just leveled Impel Palace?”

“Maybe she wanted the palace intact for her reign?” You suggest.

He begins to play with your fingers. “I don’t think that’s what she really wanted.” He shrugs and leans back toward Marissa.” Is dinner ready?”

“You guessed it.” Marissa responds cheerfully. “You did a good job catching those rabbits today.”

He grins at you. “I learned how from a survival manual.” He rushes off to get his and your food.

You sit up and stretch in response. A few moments later you’re presented with a small plate of slightly overcooked stringy meat.

It’s most certainly not the worst thing you’ve ever eaten, remembering those times before you got yourself dedicated cooks.

“Thank you, Marissa.” Izu smiles as he settles down next to you.

“You’re welcome.” She responds with only the faintest touch of sadness in her voice as she settles down on the cot across from you two.

A nostalgic feeling comes over you as the three of you begin to dig in, and for a brief moment you forget about your current position.

“Reminds you of simpler times, doesn’t it?” Marissa puts words to what you’re all thinking.

“Those weren’t exactly simple times.” You say and are met with laughter from both of your apprentices.

“But, I still miss them.” Marissa states.

Izu swallows his food before speaking. “Me too.”
“…”
You shovel quite bit of food in your mouth and stare toward the window. The howling wind reminding you of the work needing to be done tomorrow.

~

>>41272778
Okay, that's where I'm going to end it for tonight. I want to thank everyone that played today! As always, if you have any questions or comments, please feel free to post them in the thread, and I will do my best to respond to them.

If not, then I wish you the best and a good day/night!

>(Twitter)
https://twitter.com/QM_Auri

>>41272799
thx 4 runin budi gud thred

We should tell Izu to be nicer to Marissa so she can fill her affection quota or w/e she was whining about.

Maybe tell her to stop digging so hard at him for affection and he'll give some naturally?

>>41272799
Thanks for running.

Didn't Griever say she wanted him to takes his wings/feathers?

>>41272879
You're very welcome! Marissa problem isn't that Izu isn't being nice or affectionate, it's that his actions seem scripted.
>>41272880
You're also very welcome! She wanted the feathers of Caelumnites to use as catalysts, whether or not she wanted your father for that reason too, is unknown.

>>41272950
we had visions/ memories of our birth mother right? Starting to worry she knows exactly who/what we are and wants to use us as a blood sacrifice to break the seal.

>>41272970
You do indeed have vague memories of your birth mother.

>>41272982
We never went in depth did we?. No similarities to anyone we know?

>>41272950
I guess we should remind her that he's a homunculus and not a person.

And also a homunculus of us so that makes it even worse.

>>41273034
Since they are memories from when Sophia was about 3-4, we never went in depth. No similarities in voice, since that's what you mostly remember.
>>41273070
You're not technically people either, but that's just being technical.

>>41272950
Is Marissa even a human at this point?

>>41273127
Tough call, but I suppose it comes down to individual definitions of what a human is, since it's so vague.

>>41273127
I think so, she's been given additional powers but she's still human.

>>41273155
I was just asking because it's pretty hypocrital for her to call Sophia inhuman.

>>41273268
Not really. She's definitely more human that us, especially in the context of that statement.

>>41273268
The statement is highly ambiguous, so I'm glad you're thinking about it.

With that, I'll be heading out. I had a lot of fun. Until next time!

We should leave her with some parting words about how as our apprentice we expect her to be improving herself and her powers while we're away.