Chains of Corruption

Astrid creates her blade of energy and you draw your sword. You both charge and meet in the center of the deck, swords clashing as you attack and parry each others blows. The pace gradually quickens until you and Astrid are moving as fast as you can. Energy begins to crackle violently around you two as your swords rapidly crash together over and over.

"You're even better than last time! How about... this!" Astrid says as she changes her attack pattern.

Now she leans forward slightly and thrusts her blade towards you and then instantly retracts it. She stabs hundreds of times into the air so fast you can hardly see it, as she keeps inching closer to you. You hold your blade tightly and begin to parry Astrid's attacks as fast as you can. You try to dodge the ones you aren't fast enough to block, but some end up hitting you anyway. When they hit you, Astrid's attacks seem to have force behind them, but they aren't cutting into your armor, almost as if she's pulling her punches just before they hit.

Eventually she relents and proudly says, "Eh, you still need some practice, I got you a few times."

You sigh and say, "If you wanna spar, give me a little warning next time."

Astrid frowns and says, "You think the demons are gonna give you a heads up every time they attack? You have to be prepared for anything."

You shake your head and say, "Well can you at least teach me something before you go attacking me next time?"

"I did teach you something before we began." Astrid says sarcastically. "Well, you wanna learn? Then get over here."

Astrid begins attacking like the demons do, but very slowly, and she explains how they react and how to best counter them. She goes step by step and is very detailed, especially when it comes to how to kill them.

After a few more hours, C.C. finds you and says, "So this is where you were, figures. You missed breakfast but I made you two some lunch, so take a break."

You and Astrid continue to talk about combat strategies as you eat the sandwiches C.C. has prepared.

After eating, Astrid says, "What else? Oh, do you know how to use magic for defense?"

You shake your head and say, "Not really, I've only used it to attack."

Astrid channels her energy and a thin, transparent purple layer covers her skin. "Now go ahead, try it out, don't be shy."

You nod and swing your sword at her torso, but it just bounces off without leaving a mark.

"It holds up better against physical attacks, but if you put enough energy into it..." Astrid pauses and lets more of her energy flow into her barrier until it is clearly visible. "It can protect you against magic as well, although it's always better to avoid being hit by magic all together if possible. Go ahead, just don't put a whole bunch of energy into it."

You ready fire magic and shoot the flames towards Astrid, but they bounce off almost like it was water splashing off a surface.

"See, something like this could mean the difference between life and death out there. There are some limitations with every kind of magic, but for the most part, you're only limited by your own determination. Keep practicing, even if you don't exactly know what you're doing, trial and error is the best way to learn." Astrid explains. She releases her energy and says, "I'm going to go get more food, I'm still hungry. You want to come?"

You shake your head and say, "I think I'm going to keep training for a while."

Astrid nods and leaves as you walk back out to the railing and look and the landscape racing by underneath the ship. You wonder if you can create a barrier, like Priscilla did on the Elysium, but decide to try Astrid's version instead. You spend the rest of the day practicing what you've learned and when C.C. calls you for dinner, you feel tired. Eating a hearty meal gives you a second wind though, and after you finish, you resume your training. Later on, Farah comes out onto the deck to smoke and stands beside you.

Your barrier flickers and then disappears and you say, "I think I used up all of my energy, I feel exhausted."

You hang your arms over the railing and Farah says, "Well I can't use magic, so I wouldn't know, but you do look pretty tired."

She takes a long drag and then hands you her pipe. You stand back up and take a drag, noticing it tastes different this time.

"I wanted to thank you for sending aid to the townspeople. I'm sure you saved a lot of lives. By the way, what's in here?" You say, handing the pipe back to Farah.

She laughs and says, "Something I picked up in the black market back in Cyldell. Don't worry, it's nothing bad, it just calms your nerves and relaxes you, and the best part? It doesn't turn you into a sex addicted slut."

You laugh and it's true you feel more relaxed and figure this is probably like weed back home.

Farah hands you the pipe again and as you take it you say, "You know, if Gwen were here, I would probably be having fun doing all of this, but instead I feel guilty." You take another hit and pass the pipe back to Farah before saying, "I really hope she's alright after all this time."

Farah pats you on the back and says, "We're in the home stretch now, there's no use worrying about it. We'll find out soon enough."

"I guess you're right." You reply.

Farah laughs and says, "Of course I am, I'm the captain! Now go get some rest, captain's orders. We should be arriving in Valen by morning."

You two share another laugh before you take her advice and head to your room. You find Kira asleep on your pillow again, but using all of your magic really drains you, and you just crawl into bed beside her. Sleep comes quickly and you dream of rescuing Gwen.

Chapter 28: Calm Before The Storm

Farah's voice rings out over the intercom early in the morning, "Rise and shine people! Valen City is in sight, we should be landing in about fifteen minutes."

You stretch out and Kira yawns saying, "Is it morning already?"

You get dressed and head out onto the deck with Kira. Astrid, C.C. and Priscilla are already outside, looking towards the city growing ever closer. You are relieved to see lush greenery and familiar landmarks replace the endless sea of sand.

"Ahh, finally back home!" Kira says excitedly.

"You know, I've never been to Valen City before." Priscilla says.

Astrid replies, "Me either. I wonder how it compares to Ardent City?"

You step over to the railing and say, "It's peaceful, for the most part. If I didn't have somewhere to go back to, I would probably settle down there myself."

Astrid folds her arms and says, "Sounds boring."

"I don't know, having a nice, quiet place to research sounds lovely to me." Priscilla replies.

Kira taps you on the shoulder and says, "Should we introduce them to Vivienne?"

You think for a moment and say, "I suppose so, we need to come up with a plan to infiltrate the island anyways, maybe she would have an idea."

The Ashstep begins to slow down and in a few minutes, it lands on a small hill just outside Valen City.

You hear Farah's voice on the intercom again, "Valen City isn't set up to accommodate airships, so this is as close as we can get. Mika, please report to the bridge before you head out."

You wonder what this is about as you make your way to the bridge. You open the door and see the entire the crew saluting you.

"What's going on?" You say hesitantly.

Farah makes her way past a few crewmen and says, "Everything is riding on you now. Everyone wanted to show their support, we can't fight with you, but they all want you to succeed from the bottom of their hearts. We got a report from the relief ship I sent out to Ardent City. They need backup, but the only ship in range is the Ashstep. I want to go with you and see this through, but I can't leave my men out there to die after I told them to stay behind."

You shake your head and say, "You've helped me more than you know, trust me. You go help your crew, we'll take care of the rest."

Farah steps forward and wraps her arms around you tightly while saying, "Be careful out there, and after all this is over, I'm buying you a drink!"

You laugh with Farah before you make your way down to the cargo hold and exit the ship. From here, you can see the spot where you first arrived in Thanos. You realize this is the calm before the storm, as things will be much worse once you reach the island. When everyone is ready, you walk the short distance to the front gates as the Ashstep lifts off. As you pass through the gates into the city, you notice the guards keeping a close eye on you at all times. Maybe it's because you're walking around with a demon.

"So what's the plan?" Priscilla says.

"Kira and I have a friend in the city, she said she wouldn't fight the demons but even so, she's a master hunter and she might have an idea as to how we can get onto the island unnoticed." You reply.

Astrid thinks for a moment before she says, "A surprise attack, huh? Not really my style, but I suppose charging in through the front door would be pretty stupid."

"Yeah, I doubt we will go unnoticed for very long, but if we could avoid a fight while we're crossing the ocean, it would help a lot." You say.

Priscilla adds, "Yes, in the open water, only Kira and C.C. would be able to effectively fight, the rest of us would be easy targets for the flying demons."

"So where is this friend of yours?" C.C. asks.

"Come on! I'll show you!" Kira says as she begins gliding through the streets.

You arrive at Vivienne's home, but there is no answer when you knock.

"Hmm, maybe she's at the bar?" Kira suggests, so you make your way over to the tavern.

As you walk in, the laughter and cheering immediately stops and everyone stares at you. You look around, unsure of what is happening, until a familiar face greets you.

Lenore, the centaur weapons dealer trots up and says, "Well, if it isn't my favorite customer. Fancy seeing you here, miss demon slayer."

You notice people are huddling together whispering among themselves, throwing you an occasional glance.

One of the patrons, a goat man, come up and says, "Umm... excuse me but, everyone would like to know, are you really her? Are you Mara's champion? The one that killed all those demons in Ardent City?"

Shit, how did word spread so quickly? Well, there's do point trying to deny it now.

"Uh, yeah that's me, but I didn't do it alone. These people all risked their lives fighting the demons with me." You say as you point towards your companions.

Another round of whispers and stares travels around the room until someone says, "But that one is a demon, why are you traveling with her?"

Astrid looks angry but you say, "Yes, she is a demon, but she has also saved my life. I can vouch for her intentions."

The people look around and then someone says, "If it's good enough for the champion, it's good enough for me. Welcome to Valen City! What's your name?"

Astrid hesitantly states her name and the man says, "Well then Astrid, how about a drink? First round's on me!"

Astrid lightens up and follows the man to the bar as your companions get comfortable.

Lenore looks to you and says, "Oh, by the way, about Lilith. She's doing a great job and even got a small house recently. I helped pay for it, but she deserves it, she's such a hard worker. Thanks for bringing her to me, my business is booming now!" Lenore laughs and invites you to the bar.

You sit down and have a look around, but you don't see Vivienne anywhere. Oh well, she didn't want to fight anyways, maybe it's better not to get her involved further.

"I don't see Vivienne, but maybe that's for the best." You say to your companions.

"You said she didn't want to fight, right? Then let's just come up with something on our own." Priscilla says confidently.

Astrid suggests waiting for Farah to return and using her airship.

"That would take too long, and besides, if demons attack Ardent City again, she's the only one that can protect those people." You reply.

The bartender comes up and offers your group a free round of drinks. You decline, deep in thought, but Astrid and Priscilla take him up on his offer.

"Perhaps there is a way." Priscilla says after taking a long drink from her mug.

"What did you have in mind?" You ask.

Priscilla looks at each member of your group and says, "All of us have different strengths and weaknesses, but if we work together, like we did against Necros, I think we can pull it off."

C.C. seems intrigued and says, "Well, don't keep us waiting."

Priscilla smiles and says, "I am skilled in illusions, meaning I could conceal us from sight on our voyage to the island. I can't do anything about the water though, it will still look like something is moving along the surface. If we cross in the dead of night however, it would be harder for the demons to detect it. The flying demons patrol the waters at night, but that's where C.C. comes in. She can use her magic to distract any demons that come too close, and if for some reason they find us, it's up to Mika and Astrid to take them out before they can alert the others."

"What about me?" Kira asks.

Priscilla looks to her and says, "You will have a different, but equally important task. Mika's skills would be put to better use helping us cross the ocean. You and Hakon however, would be able to easily fly across the water and catch up."

"Priscilla's right, it would have to be me or you, and I think you are the best person for the job. We need Hakon's strength if we want to beat the demons." You say reassuringly.

Kira perks up and says, "Ok then! Just leave it to me!"

"Why don't you get going Kira? By the time you and Hakon are leaving the mountain, we should be on our way as well." Priscilla says.

Kira nods and flies out of the tavern with a determined look on her face.

"So who's this Hakon guy anyway?" Astrid asks.

"He's an ice deity, a very powerful one. He's the one who suggested that I seek you out." You reply.

"We'll see who's stronger once we get to the island." Astrid says with a smile.

You give her a serious look and say, "We're only going to have one chance, after everything Iliya has done, there's no way we're getting off that island unless she's dead. There isn't any room for showing off or testing each others strength. We work together, or we die, it's that simple."

Your words bring a sobering reminder that this could be where your life ends. Your group looks like they are wondering if they will succeed.

You say, "A lot of people have died so that we could make it this far. There's no way I could turn back now and have all those deaths be in vain. I'm going to see this through to the end and make Iliya pay for every minute she's held Gwen captive."

"Yeah, I have some unfinished business with Iliya myself." Astrid remarks.

C.C. says, "Me too! She's been messing with my business for too long!"

"I for one, am interested in the black slime, perhaps if I study it, I could reverse its effects." Priscilla says.

It seems your determination has rekindled everyone's own personal motives.

As you wonder what the final battle will be like, you hear someone say, "By the gods, it's you!"

Before you can see who it is, they wrap their arms around you and embrace you tightly. They let go of you and after turning around you see Vivienne.

She has tears in her eyes as she says, "I've felt horrible after hearing that you were fighting in Ardent City, like I sent you out to your death alone. I'm so sorry."

You smile and say, "It's ok, you helped me out when I first came here and I appreciate it. You don't owe me anything Vivienne."

The slender elf reaches out and hugs you again while saying, "No, you're wrong. I was so scared of the demons, I thought they couldn't be stopped, but look what you've done."

You look around the room and hear a few different people talking about what they're going to do when you finally get rid of the demons.

"You brought hope to people that had already given up. You made me realize that I have to overcome this fear, and I would be grateful if you would let me fight by your side." Vivienne says with resolve.

You are surprised at her change of heart and say, "Of course, we can use all the help we can get. Priscilla, can you fit Vivienne into your plan?"

Priscilla thinks and then says, "If C.C. hovers above the boat, I suppose we would all fit. What are your talents Vivienne?"

Vivienne smiles and says, "My eyesight and hearing are well above average and on top of that, I can imbue a small amount of energy into my arrows."

Priscilla says, "Good, then you can help Mika and Astrid."

You explain the plan to Vivienne who says, "Alright, I think that could work. So we're leaving at midnight then?"

You nod and she says, "Well, I have to go pick up my bow, care to join me Mika?"

You agree and leave your companions at the bar as you follow Vivienne to her house.

"You seem to have made a lot of friends." Vivienne says as she opens the door.

"Yeah, they all have their own reasons for being here, but I'm lucky that they agreed to come." You say.

Vivienne shakes her head and says, "Luck has nothing to do with it. Just like me, I think they see something in you, and they want to follow you and find out what is drawing them to you." Vivienne picks up her bow and quiver while saying, "You've accomplished more than anyone has in just a few weeks. It's no surprise that they want to be by your side."

"I guess so, but I'm only human. I might have these powers now, but I was a normal person before. I don't know if I will be able to defeat Iliya, but I don't have any other choice, so I'm going to put everything I have into it." You respond.

Vivienne smiles and says, "That's what I mean. You instill a sense of courage and when people see your unbreakable will, they have no choice but to heed your words."

You feel a little bit better, but at the same time, you feel the pressure of being the only one with the power to stop Iliya.

"You don't have to worry, everyone is going to make sure you are reunited with Gwen, then we can deal with Iliya." Vivienne says with a smile.

Her words are comforting, although it is still a little strange for her of all people to be eager to jump into the fight. As Vivienne locks up, you see another familiar face walking down the street, or rather, slithering.

"Hey how's it going Lilith?" You say and when she notices you, she comes slithering over.

"Hi Mika! I didn't know you were back in town. I'm doing great, thanks to you and miss Lenore." Lilith says happily.

You smile and say, "That's good, I'm glad you're adjusting well to life in the city."

Lilith nods and says, "Yeah, people were scared at first, but miss Lenore told everyone she talked to about how helpful I was and people started treating me like a normal person."

You put your hand on the snake girl's shoulder and say, "You are a normal person Lilith, regardless of how you look. You just want to live, there's nothing wrong with that."

Lilith smiles and says, "At first I wasn't sure how things would turn out, but I'm so happy now and it's all because you saw me as a person and not some snake monster. I've been saving up a little and I bought something to thank you, in case I ever saw you again. My house isn't far, would you come with me?"

You agree and the three of you walk down an alley before you come to another street. Lilith leads you to a quaint little house along the city wall.

She stops outside and says, "Here it is, my very own home! Come in."

Lilith opens the door and waves you and Vivienne in. The interior is pretty bare, but she did just move in and said she spent her money on a gift for you.

Vivienne follows your lead and tries to be supportive and says, "I love your house Lilith, it's so cozy. If you ever need some new clothes to go with your new place, let me know, a friend of Mika's is a friend of mine."