Pixie and a Priest against the World 6

>>1412056
>The sun beats down on you.
>It's rays are harsh.
>Sweat drips down your forehead as you trek through the harsh desert landscape.
>Allison gets close to you whispering.
>"I've changed my mind Anon, can we go back?"
"W-what? We've barely started!"
>"I know but, I've just remembered, I hate the heat."
"It's a little late for that don't you think?"
>She snickers a bit.
>"Well, I mean, it would take a lot of supplies to get us all through the desert."
"Oh come on, you're really going to take the troops and leave us here?"
>She chuckles maliciously.
>"Annnnd I've found my out.. Try not to die in the desert my precious brother."
>Fouella grabs her by the ear.
>"As much as I dislike you, we need the troops in case we get into trouble."
>Veronica speaks,
>"That's right, we're marching into unknown territory, you can't just run off when we need you!"
>Allison sighs,
>"It was worth a shot."
-
You spend the first night under a rock formation, it's pretty big, but some of the men and women have to sleep out under the stars.
>The cold wind blows through the night.
>Allison sighs with delight.
>"Now this is more like it. Oh, and look at that, those stars are something else huh? If I had a guy, this would be a pretty romantic spot to take him."
>You look up.
>"Wow, yeah.. You don't see stars like that back in Fauland."
>Veronica becomes human sized snuggling against you.
>"It really is romantic isn't it?"
>Fouella appears on your other shoulder.
>"It certainly is romantic, isn't it Anon?"
"Uh, well, it certainly is pretty."
>Fouella speaks,
>"I think it's pretty too Anon."
>"What would a demon know about pretty things? Demons are ugly just like you."
>"I don't need to hear that from the talking canary. Just be a good little girl and give Anon his power boost."
>Veronica growls
>"Oh, I'm just a canary am I?"
>"My mistake. I should have called you a flying battery. Or a floating Inn."
>"At least I can heal you witch! What can you do? Sin people to death? You're a bad influence on him."
>They both get up.
>Veronica uses her magic on Fouella and anchors her to the ground.
>"Ngh.. What did you do?"
>Her feet look like they're becoming roots.
>"You're about to become a nice little tree for the lovely desert scenery we have here!"
>"Oh yeah?"
>Fouella squints hard and suddenly Veronica is lit on fire.
>"Ah! Ah! Help!"
>Allison speaks,
>"Stop drop and roll!"
>She does so.
>Allison parks a seat next to you.
"Enjoying the show?"
>"Immensely. Go on, fight to the death for my brothers affection fufufu.."
>You sigh.
"Alright, that's enough, come on, break it up."
>They reluctantly comply. Veronica removes her curse from Fouella.
>You decide to go to sleep alone.
>But Allison sleeps next to you again.
>"Thanks for the headpats the other day Anon."
"Why must you incite chaos?"
>"Relax, I'm just trying to enjoy myself."
"At the expense of others as usual."
>"I love you little brother."
"I love you too big sis."

>>1412060
>Another day goes on through the hot scorching desert.
>Rations are starting to get low already.
"Alright people, we gotta ease up on the rations, we're already getting pretty low here."
>Fouella speaks.
>"I can always feed on sin if my food consumption is a problem."
"It isn't, I'd rather have you eat normal food than sin. I'd let you have mine before I allowed you to go hungry like that."
>"Anon.."
>Allison speaks,
>"Say, what's that over there?"
>Buzzards are encircling something.
>From the back one of the men says,
>"Is it edible?"
>You all go closer to inspect.
>"It's a little girl.
>Allison shoulder nudges you.
>"I call dibs on the legs."
>You give her a look of disapproval.
>Her skin is tan..
>You feel her pulse.
>Shes alive.
"Quickly, I need water!"
>Someone hands you a canteen and you force her upright to drink.
>She coughs as the water spills all over her.
>She seems dazed.
>You decide to pick her up and take her with you for now.
----------
>It's the next night out under the stars.
>The girl is awake.
"What's your name?"
>She seems frightened.
>Allison speaks,
>"Don't be scared, Anon is a nice person. He won't harm you I promise."
>She looks down.
>"M-my name is Catori."
"Catori huh?"
>"You.. You don't look like people from Orexas.. Are you foriegners?"
"Yeah, it's a long story.. But basically we just wanna know whats out here."
>Allison smiles,
>"Think of us as, explorers. Do you know about the Malformed? I've been curious as to why I haven't seen any out this way."
>She twiddles her thumbs.
>"Well, I think it's because they wouldn't have very much to eat.. And it would take a long time for them to cross the desert."
"What do you mean? Are there more of you somewhere? Are you the last one? If you're far away, how did you get all the way out here?"
>She shows you claw marks on her side.
>"A big monster carried me away. I think it was trying to take me to a place they call the Malformed Curtain. But he died before he got back."
>Allison speaks,
>"Couldn't take the heat then? Wonder why he didn't eat you?"
>Fouella speaks,
>"It was probably a mission from the Malformed to capture one of the townsfolk and learn about them through.. Interrogation."
"Well, in any case, it looks like you outlasted him. If I may ask, what IS out there?"
>"Towns. Lots of towns."
"Fantastic! Tell us more!"
>"Feed me first. I'm hungry."
>Fouella speaks,
>"Pretty audacious for a little girl out here all by herself."
>Allison snickers,
>"You're one to talk."
>You give her some food.
>She eats it.
>"Mmm.. It's different. Ok, well."
>You lean in with baited breath.
>"There are lots of towns. Sometimes, we get along. Sometimes, we don't get along."
>Fouella speaks.
>"The amount of detail, it's like I'm really there."
"Shush Fouella, please continue Catori."

>>1412062
>"Well, the one where I'm from is called Rowtag. We're a native tribe with all sorts of traditions way back from when the ancient hero and the Lady Saints of Virtue were around."
"W-what? You people know about that too?"
>"Sis knows more about it than me. That's just what she told me."
>Allison speaks,
>"Interesting. You mentioned other towns too?"
>"Mercyville is a town next door. They got the only green land here in Orexas. It's very mountainy and stuff, sometimes sis takes us there to buy herbs and medicine. It's sort of a witch town. They practice lots of arcane magics. It's super cool when they have festivals and stuff."
>Veronica speaks,
>"Sounds pleasant."
>"And, well, the last town is Rustlers Settlement. They're rough and tumble cowboys who like to stir things up.. They got a whole bunch of fancy gizmos and gadgets, but some of the people there aren't very nice."
"Sounds like an interesting mix of people."
>Allison speaks.
>"Doesn't sound like people the church approves of."
>Veronica speaks,
>"The church doesn't approve of anyone, so that isn't saying much."
------------
>It's another day in the scorching hot desert.
>Allison speaks.
>"I can't do it, it's over for me Anon.. Bury me somewhere.. Cold.."
>You sigh.
"You're fine. You've been complaining this whole trip and nothing has happened but you getting a little tan."
>She grabs your face.
>"I'M GETTING TAN? Nooo my precious skin! I'm roasting alive!"
>Fouella speaks.
>"I haven't been able to wear my sweater and now everyone can see how skinny I am.. I too am not fond of this heat."
>"S-see?! She agrees with me at least."
>Veronica speaks,
>"It doesn't really bother me, honestly I'd take this over the cold anyday. Did you guys even remember how cold Tairmora was? I nearly became a Pixiesicle!"
"Ugh.. Will you people quit complaining? You're only making it worse."
>"Lord Anonymous, I think we're out of water.."
"Oh.. Fantastic."
>Allison chuckles.
>"See, even you hate it."
"Let's just find a riverbank or something and see if we can't find someway to replenish our water supply."

>>1412064
>You go the entire day without seeing a single drop of water.
>Everyone goes to bed thirsty.
-----------
>The next morning you run across a river.
>Everyone takes the time to gather water and then bathe the filth off themselves.
>You included are relieved to have found a river to clean yourself.
>You're alone in a secluded part of the river to bathe.
"Finally.. The Lord has blessed us with reprieve."
>Suddenly someone grabs you and pulls you under the water.
>You struggle and fight pulling up.
>Allison with a smug face has risen up behind you.
>She seems to be in the nude.
"A-allison?"
>She splashes you.
>"Gotcha!"
>You sigh.
"What are you doing here? I'm trying to bathe in peace."
>"What's the matter? Afraid to be nude in the water with a beautiful woman?"
"D-don't make this awkward, anyhow we used to bathe together all the time when we were kids. Its not like it's something I haven't seen before."
>"Poo. You're no fun."
"Sometimes I think I'm the only person taking this mission seriously."
>"You aren't."
>She seems to have a serious expression.
>"Honestly, I've been worried about it too. I think, this is just helping me cope you know?"
"At least it's a somewhat valid excuse.. I worry about you sometimes sis."
>She wades over to you hugging you.
>Her breasts pressing against your chest.
"S-sister.."
>She laughs whispering,
>"Want me to wash your back?"
>You splash her.
"Go cool off. I think the heat is getting to you."
>"What no love? You can wash mine if you want."
"Allison please, must you behave so provocatively toward your brother?"
>"If we weren't brother and sister, would you consider it though?"
>You feel the blood rush to your cheeks.
"O-of course not.. Why would you ask such a lewd question.."
>"Oh.. I see."
"You're so weird sometimes, geez."
----------
>Night falls and you sleep under the stars once more.

>>1412067
>Another scorching desert day has come.
>Everyone is weary from the journey.
>Suddenly Catori speaks,
>"I recognize these rocks, we're getting close! Rowtag is just a little further!"
>Allison hugs the kid speaking.
>"Oh thank God! I was beginning to think we'd never see civilization again."
>Fouella speaks,
>"To think I gave up being an Agent for this."
"Well, maybe they would have sent you somewhere hot like that one Malformed Catori mentioned."
>Veronica chuckles.
>"Theres no escape for you after all."
>Fouella sighs.
>You journey further till you see the Native village of Rowtag with it's wood pillar barriers inlaid with some kind of net pattern with feathers on it.
>You see the Indian guards with their feather headdresses and facepaint.
>"Stop pale faces."
>One of the guards recognizes Catori.
>"I-its Catori! Thank goodness! We thought you were gone for good! Your sister Chief Tallula will be so pleased to hear of your return."

>>1412069
>You're all sitting around a big bonfire.
>A young woman chief with tan skin, black hair, and green eyes sits next to you.
>"You saved my sister! I cannot thank you all enough."
"I-it was nothing."
>"Please, in our village, it is customary to pace the peace-pipe when meeting new friends."
>She takes a puff on it.
>Then she passes it to you.
>You reluctantly try to take a puff but end up coughing and wheezing.
>You pass it to Allison.
>"You're pale foreigner. And those clothes make you look like you're a priest."
"Yeah, we're uh.. Sort of from the church you could say."
>"Wonderful! Say, did your Chiefs ever get our parcel?"
"Uh.. I think so. So your sister says there are no Malformed that come around here?"
>"Dreamcatchers stop them from entering, and also allow us to have pleasant dreams every night."
>Allison coughs as she passes the peace pipe to Fouella.
>"Whew Chief, that's some strong stuff."
>Tallula smiles.
"So uh, your sister said your ancestors sort of knew the hero and the Lady saints of virtue?"
>"Yes. Long ago our tribe was approached by the hero. He was a pale face and an outsider, but he proved himself when he fought the Malformed and saved our tribe. We honored him by allowing him to take part in our sacred ritual."
"Sacred ritual?"
>She nods.
>"Before someone becomes a part of the tribe, or as part of a coming of age for a young person here. We send them off into the wilderness to wander for several days in our sacred forest land till they find their spirit animal."
"S-spirit animal?"
>"The spirit animal represents you. And when you pass it, you will gain the ability to turn into that animal."
>Allison laughs.
>"Lady, I think you've been hitting that peace pipe a little too hard. Did you just say 'turn into an animal'?"
>She clears her throat.
>She suddenly transforms into a giant bear.
>You all gasp.
>She reverts back.
>Her clothes seem to be intact as they were.
"Wow, that's truly remarkable."
>"When you pass, you will have a tattoo as mark of friendship, and trust."
"Hmm. So when the hero did this, what did he become?"
>"The hero, he became an eagle, soaring gloriously across the skies."
"T-thats amazing!"
>"We don't normally offer this, but considering you did save my sister, I would allow you personally to take this test."
"Me?"
>"Certainly. Is that something you're interested in?"
"And.. All of you people that are of age, you can all shift into animals?"
>"Yes. It can be very useful."

To hell with your heretic magic you red faced shapeshifting injun freak.

I would love to have the honor of partaking in your sacred ritual.

What animal will you be?

>>1412072
I would love to have the honor of partaking in your sacred ritual.

A Serpent, honestly its only fitting if you know about the Garden of Eden and how things are going.

>>1412072
>I would love to have the honor of partaking in your sacred ritual.
Which one fits the image of a priest or the holy lore best? Serpent, owl, something else?

>>1412072
Actually changing my vote here >>1412074 about the serpent.

Anything in this related to being holy or a messager of god or anything of that sort? a Serpent is fine too, Just wondering if there is one better. Cause Winged humans are already a thing.

>>1412072
Pray, open the scripture at "random" and look for something animal related.

>inb4 it's the legion swines

>>1412074
>>1412080
>>1412108
>>1412128
"I would love to have the honor of partaking in your sacred ritual."
-------------
>Your troops and friends are being cared for while you're beginning to take and ingest some er, questionable things.
"H-hey, I thought Catori said the only green area here was Mercyville?"
>"She must have forgotten about our sacred grounds, as she has not undergone the test herself."
"O-oh, I see. What are these things you're having me take?"
>"Spiritual preparation."
"Oh.. Well ok then. Should I begin a prayer as well or-"
>"You will be fine with these preparations alone."
"Ok. Well, wait what am I doing again?"
>"You are to go into the woods, and search far and wide for your spirit animal."
"Heh, what, just look around for it? How will I know when I find it?"
>"You will know."
"So where do I go? What path will I take?"
"Follow your heart, and go the path your heart wishes to follow, if you persevere, you will find your spirit."

>>1412261
>And so you're sent out into the woods at night.
>You feel rather intoxicated.
>You see the trees of the woods, much unlike the desert you walked through to get here.
>It's beautiful, so beautiful.
>You stumble through the trees..
>Its kinda hard to see in the dark.
>Suddenly the trees begin to glow.
>You feel your heart pumping quickly.
>Every breath feels like 2.
>The trees are alive, you can see their energy glowing through it like the neon signs of Cydasis.
>You can feel the spiritual importance of his place, see it visualized with bright neon colors everywhere.
>The spiritual preparations have awakened your senses.
>You come down the hill of trees.
>You see a bird fly by, and you can see the life pumping through it.
>But you know that it isn't your spirit animal.
>You look up at the stars.
>It's like you're looking out into the universe at heavens grand design.
>Sweat beads down your forehead as you feel so blessed to have witnessed it.
>Looking back down the trees have such a lustrous glow as the colors change slowly to vibrant rainbow pastels.

File: Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah.jpg (136KB, 707x900px) Image search: [Google]

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>>1412262
>This beauty in nature, and in every living thing.
>You see deer feasting upon the grass, ducks floating on the lake, a fox passing by.
>All of them are in their own little world.
>Just like you are.
>You walk around the lake.
>Each animal has a thing it eats, a thing it does every day, and a place it sleeps.
>Their instinct and inherent design guides them.
>It isn't out of malice, but to keep on living.
>You begin to climb a mountain.
>If Malformed are born out of our sin, then it is we, who pervert the nature with our own desire.
>Then the Malformed consume us, and so, our desires literally consume us..
>The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.
>We must help the Malformed comprehend the true nature of the world.
>Lend a hand to pull them out of the darkness and into light.
>Don't let them be animals of nature, but help them to be wise and appreciate it just the same.
>This climb is hard, but you don't feel fatigued.
>Something is driving you toward this, you can feel it.
>Eventually you reach the top.
>And you are on top of a great plateau which overlooks the great forest and lake.
>It's quite possibly the most beautiful thing you've ever seen as a slight wind blows.
>You feel a great sense of pride knowing you're here.
>Knowing you pushed yourself to this point, and that when you come back your friends are waiting.
>And you will lead them.
>You feel the power of this place fill up in your chest and stomach.
>Feeling the desire to shout, to scream at the top of your lungs.
>So that every man, woman, beast and child can hear you.
>No, more than a shout..
>You roar as loud as you can at the top of this plateau.
>You feel the wind fly through your hair.
>Your hair growing longer and thicker.
>You feel the power and strength coarse through your muscles.
>Your teeth to rend flesh.
>You roar again as your voice echoes through the whole of the forest.
>The lion, which is mightiest among beasts and does not turn back before any, and you are that lion.
>In the lords name, you will lead your pride to victory.

>>1412264
>You return and are given a tattoo on your shoulder.
>Allison speaks.
>"A lion huh? And not just any lion, a big glorious white lion. I would have expected nothing less."
"I get the feeling my magic is awakened in that state. Like my claws and teeth are like the light I use in battle. And I can run super fast now."
>Allison speaks.
>"Y-you'll give your big sis a ride won't you? I don't wanna walk all the way back."
>Fouella speaks.
>"It is fitting of you, I am proud."
>Veronica speaks,
>"I share Fouellas sentiment."
----------
>You sleep in a tent sort of thing overnight.
>When you awaken you accidentally yawn like a lion.

What is it that you will do?

>>1412265
>Try and get used to being in a lion form while ensuring the others are not having any sucidal thoughts and check in on Clarity if given the chance.
>Let the others have a turn riding you?
>Ask about the cowboy? Town and the one of greens as well to see what they both fully have to offer, and inform the Leader of the Tribe what they 'higher ups' actually thought of her gifts as a sign of trust.

>>1412265
give a sermon

ha ha, time for syncretism!

>>1412269
>>1412298
>You decide to start the morning off with a little jog in your lion form.
>Your speed is incredible as you take a run through the desert.
>Feeling so wild and free is invigorating!
>You run back.
The others are waiting for you back at the entrance of Rowtag.
>Allison and the others have a smug grin.
>"Anooooon.."
"Huh?"
>"You'll let us all have a ride won't you?"
>You nod.
>They seem to have acquired a horse saddle and girdle and strap it to you.
"Ugh, how humiliating."
>Allison grins.
>"High ho lion-o!"
>She kicks your side.
>You run quickly though the desert.
>She holds on tight.
>"YAAAHOOO! Now this is what I'm talking about! Now why the heck didn't we just bring horses to cross the desert?"
"Ungh, we didn't have any money for horses.."
>"You'd think the church would have compensated you, you know, financially?"
"I think the church has bigger issues on it's hands right now."
>Allison sighs.
>"Maybe we can get horses from the people of Rowtag then.. Or that is, maybe you can since you're one of them now."
-----
>You give everyone else a chance to ride you.
>Then you return to Chief Tallula.
>"I saw you run this morning. Your lion form is certainly impressive. Congrats again on passing the test."
"Thank you.. I should let you know what our people, truly thought of your gifts."
>"Oh? Did they like them?"
You grimace.
"They called them worthless trinkets, the items of a heretic."
>She frowns.
>"Oh.. I see."
"I'm sorry."
>"Long ago, we were allies with your church. But when the Malformed began multiplying, suddenly relationships waned. And we ended up getting blamed. I suppose I had hoped to ease the tensions by giving them some valuables and an offering to open trade. But we never heard back."
"You seem to know a lot about it."
>"It's all been passed down for generations.. In fact, we know of the witch Colony over in Mercyville. It was founded after the hero saved some witches from being burned for simply being witches by the hero and his new saintly order. Since then the surviving witches honored the hero founding a village based on the surviving magics.. Forgive me, but this is all I know of their relations. I'm sure they will have much more to say on the matter."
"Can you write a letter letting them know of our arrival? What about horses for my immediate friends?"
>"I.. Suppose we can make those accommodations. You are our friend after all right?"
>She offers her hand.
>You shake it.
"Of course. You have my thanks great Chief."
>She smiles.

>>1415821
>You travel over to the witch colony showing them the letter.
>They all have huge pointy hats, and most seem to be young and beautiful.
>You're shown into the luxurious looking lodge where the Mayor resides.
>The chief also has tan skin, black hair, and pretty green eyes.
>Her figure is.. Curvaceous.. Voluptuous..
>Fouella slaps the back of your head.
>You blush and the others look at you with disapproval.
>"Welcome travelers, name is Amity.. I see.. So this letter tells me you're priests, but not exactly with the church in the strictest sense. I can see you've earned Tallulas trust, but I'd like it if you explained your situation a bit clearer to me."
"Of course."
>You give her the cliffnotes version of the things that happened on your journey.
>"Quite a tale. You're rather adventurous to come out here on your own.. And passing their test no less.. Tell me, did you ever finish that cross tattoo?"
"Uh.. Well not really."
>"I can finish it for you."
"W-what? Really?"
>"Sure. I know all about the tattoos. Our founder Patience was very close with the hero and the lady saints. Patience often spoke of the hero being enraptured by her gorgeous looks."
"I-i'm sure those tales were a bit exaggerated, never the less, it's wonderful that you have this knowledge about the tattoo."
>"Oh we have more knowledge than that. I can see you have the book. Well we have our own books. And our own magics."
>Allison beams.
>"I-is it possible for someone like me to learn these magics too?"
>Amity grins.
>"Not from a priest."
"So.. What will you have us do to earn these things?"
>"I can sense you have a Malformed agent with you. It's curious that you do."
>You stand in shock.
"H-how did-"
>"I didn't sense even an ounce of malice. Trained witches see auras. It's a different color based on the nature of the person and the nature surrounding them. For priests it's usually white, for warriors red or orange, and Fouella seems mostly white with only slight tinges of grey."
>Fouella speaks.
>"I didn't mean to deceive you."
>"I understand why you didn't immediately reveal yourself. Though the church often speaks ill of the Malformed, we have documented scant cases where Malformed had a mind that wasn't entirely animal and possessed a capacity for good. I'm sure you can imagine how popular that theory was with the church."
"Wait, didn't you say the hero was friends with your founder Patience?"
>"According to legend, the hero disappeared. Patience said he was a traveler from another world like our own. An ordinary boy with no exceptional qualities and often irrational under stress. Still, he possessed seemingly otherworldly knowledge from a source he called "Gods Guidance" which gave him all the answers he needed to solve problems."
"Impossible.. Our side speaks of him possessing Gods Guidance too. But you're not merely suggesting he was some run of the mill guy are you?"

>>1415822
>"That's exactly it. The church trumps him up as being some mystical Godlike figure. But we have several books from Patience, his close friend which speak of him as a good-hearted but still rather lacking in terms of typical hero-like qualities. Still, I will always respect him for saving Patience, the towns, and of course assembling the lady saints of virtue to form a new priestly order to replace the far more barbaric order preceding it."
"S-so.. The hero was just an ordinary guy after all."
>Allison puts her hand on your shoulder.
>"He still seems like a pretty cool guy like Amity said. I wouldn't worry about it."
"Anyhow.. This task-"
>"Since you have Fouella, a Malformed, this task will be very simple."
>Fouella raises an eyebrow.
>"Oh really?"
>"In the forest is an area with sin plants. We cultivated them long ago using some forbidden magics. They are edible without a sinful side-effect. However, they haven't been in bloom for some time. We often have to go out of our way to capture a Malformed and bring it back so that it will make the plants bloom. But if she touches it, it they should begin to bloom on their own."
>Fouella looks down.
>"Just like the sin trees I planted.."
>Amity speaks.
>"Something wrong?"
>Fouella looks to you.
"I-its ok.. As long as the fruits aren't harmful."
>"Alright. If Anon says it's ok. I'll do it."
------
>You follow her into the woods where she lays her hands upon the plants. One by one they bloom into colorful fruits, meats and other things.
>Amitys expression widens.
>"Fantastic! We will have a bountiful harvest this year. You have my thanks."

File: winged white lion.jpg (361KB, 1200x655px) Image search: [Google]

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>>1415823
>And so, you go through the painful process of getting the final portion of your cross tattoo finished.
>"From your story so far Anon, I'd say you're every bit like the hero you idolize. You have nothing to be ashamed of."
"But.. I have so many sinful impulses.. And I'm a priest.."
>"Those impulses make us human. All have sinned right? To try and overturn that seems like it would be against the will of God wouldn't it?"
"So.. You know scripture too?"
>"Of course. It's a nice little read if you don't take it too seriously. I of course also practice my own religion and my own magic."
"You mentioned magic, but what does that entail?"
>"In dealing with the Malformed, we too produce our own holy water in our own special way. However, we use this in tandem with our elemental magic. Making our water arcane magic powerful. We also use holy fire obtained and kept burning from sacred sites. We keep a piece of each alive within our pentacles to take with us anywhere."
>She pulls off her necklace handing it to you.
"A pentagram huh? So you're all satanists."
>She groans.
>"No, it's a pentacle representing the 5 natural elements, spirit, air, earth, water and fire. We of course can use all of these elements, and they're enhanced with holy attributes due to our pentacles."
"Such.. Such things are.."
>"Heresy?"
>You grimace as she continues your tattoo.
>"It's not the first time I've heard it.. To you, we must seem evil huh?"
"I.. I don't think you're evil.. It's just all so surprising to me. I thought only priests could make things like holy water."
>"We use silver and say a sacred chant. It seems to work the same. The hero requested it of Patience when access to Holy water by a trustworthy priest was hard to come by."
>You gasp.
"It's just so hard to believe everything I've been taught has been so misguided."
>"Don't feel too bad.. I can tell you're not a bad person. You have a pure aura. And righteous vibes. It's pretty rare to see someone like that these days."
"Uh.. So what color is yours then? Your Aura?"
>"It's usually green with a tinge of red. It signifies a balance, and growth, a love for nature. But also passion."
"Thats.. Quite a deep insight."
>"It can be if you know how to read them.
-----------
>After the tattoo is finished, you feel something pull and tug at your back.
>It hurts immensely, suddenly, massive angel wings sprout from your back.
>The pain triggers you into lion form accidentaly, by which you see your lion form has also aquired these wings.
>Allison opens the door.
>"Hey whats going on in here? Is it my turn to learn magic?"
>She stares at you for a moment.
>"Oh hey that's pretty cool Anon."

What will you do now?"

>>1415824
"Yes it is..."

Contemplate on our newfound feature. Head out, fly up, find some suitable spot and meditate and pray.

Sure, we can give our friends a ride later, but first it's time for some prayers and introspection. There is a purpose behind this.

>>1415824
>go and pray after thanking the witch leader.
>once done, study everything they have on the first guy, including there magic. It will be useful in the days to come.

Thanks for running QM honestly do enjoy this quest

>>1415906
>>1416129
"Yes it is, thank you Amity. You don't mind if I take some books with me to read on my own for a while do you?"
>"Try not to lose them."
"I won't."
>You decide to leave Allison behind and go for a little flight.
-------------
>You're up on the top of a mountain after flying there.
>You've taken some books with you.
"Oh Lord. Verily I've been mislead. Help me to remain steadfast in my convictions in the wake of these revelations.."
>You sit there thinking about everything..
>You stretch out your wings.
>Just like your superiors, you posses the wings.
>Does everyone who has a cross have wings?
>If so, why didn't Allison get wings?
>Such things confuse you.
>Never the less, your wings will make your journey far easier no doubt.
>You decide to open up the first book.
>A Journey with a Hero.
>'When I met the hero, he was 24 and had come from another world. He said arrived along with Summer, a girl also of another world with no prior relations. When he initially arrived I had not met him yet. And he was thrown into a forest, and shortly after encountered and battled a Malformed for the first time using nothing but sticks and rocks. He nearly died due to his inexperience. But he and Summer triumphed because they fashioned a large sling between two trees and slayed the monster with a large rock to the head.'
>Could this be true?
>'He entered a town nearby where he met the Mayor of an all female town. Summer had Angel wings and this feature was uncommon for the time. Thinking quickly the hero told everyone she was an angel, as those who practiced magic were regularly burned at the stake or hung. It was there they met Trinity Adams. The mayor of the town with a mysterious book. She had been using the book for evil purposes and using the Malformed as assassins to kill anyone she didn't like. She had brainwashed the rest using forbidden magic. She planned to offer Summer as a tribute to control all the Malformed, but her plan failed, and the hero saved her before the ritual was complete.'
>You gasp. It's just like the ritual you read about.
>'After the hero reversed the brainwashing on the townswomen, the townsfolk turned on her and planned to burn her at the stake. But the hero and Summer took pity on her and said it was a divine edict that she be spared.'
>You continue to read.

>>1418694
>'Trinitys father had held this book previously. And I learned that her father Abraham Adams was responsible for unleashing the Malformed. At the time, the town had suffered immense pillaging from raiders and bandits. Abraham, a church going man, decided against his better judgment to use a forbidden book to summon creatures to defend the town from evil. This was done by sacrificing many children in a dark ritual. For the benefit of humanity. This page containing the ritual used to create the Malformed in the first place was destroyed. But it has not gotten rid of the Malformed. Other knowledge in the book concerning how one can control them is being re-written into a new book for future generations to use at their discretion. I hope they do not misuse the knowledge.'
>You read more.
'Anon had woken from his sleep. And I had decided to bathe by the river. He saw me nude, and succumbed to his emotions. Wrapping his arms around me, he kissed me, and felt along the curvature of my body. Along my breasts, and ass and-"
>P-perhaps it's best to skip this part, lets see..
>You turn the page.
>'He spread apart my legs and began to use his tongue to-'
>Gah, this is smut!
"Phew.. Well, that's enough reading of that."

>>1418698
>You're in the Alpine lodge with Amity.
>She's smoking a pipe dressed scantily and sitting on the couch next to you.
"So, this Trinity person, whatever happened to her?"
>"She was left to lead the new order after the Hero and Summer returned to their worlds."
>You gasp.
"But she seemed like such an awful person."
>"Trinity felt bad about the legacy her father left behind, and owned up to the wickedness of the book. Her knowledge proved useful and she helped immensely to cull the threat. She could use wires to manipulate the Malformed and that knowledge was added into the book."
"Thats.."
>"It can't have been easy for her.. Knowing her father was the one who unwittingly doomed the world to darkness."
"So his was the 'original sin' then.."
>"The church wouldn't have told you. If word got out that one of the founders of the new church was also the one responsible for the Malformed.."
"Right.. I suppose that wouldn't have looked very good."
>"I wouldn't mind opening a trade with them. But they'd have to be the ones to make a move. You told me earlier that Tallulas trade deal was ignored."
"I think the issue might be the distance.. We had to travel such a long ways by foot. It'd be madness to think that such a massive distance, especially when the Malformed are a huge wall of opposition which directly block a path from Orexas to Fauland.
>"You know, theres a train that runs from here to Rustlers Settlement."
>You gasp.
"They brought back the lost technology?"
>"Somehow they managed to stop fighting each other long enough to get a railway built. But in theory, if they could build a railway up into Tairmora.. Well, it wouldn't be a direct route. But it would be a start."
"I see. We may have to go check it out."
>"Also, your men, what will you do with them?"
"Eh?"
>"Not that it's my business. But we don't really have room to house them."
"I should probably come up with a plan. They've been very patient in following us, and we've done little to provide for them."

What will you do?

>>1418702
>see if we can't find out what jobs they can do and spread them out between all these places.

>try to get a message to one of the priests we know aren't with the crazy madman about this knowledge.

>find out where the malformed were summed and ask our local agent what she knows about it.

>head to who build the old technology
Seems more like a disease now

>>1418702
Is there a place to found a settlement in the area?

>>1418734
>>1419440
>You discuss with Fouella the things you've learned.
>"I suppose if this page within that book did exist, you could summon more Malformed with human sacrifices. I'm sure the mass would love to get it's hands on something like that."
"That's not a pleasant thought. They're almost like a disease that just keeps getting worse. No offense Fouella."
>"For a book like that to exist. There must have been a writer. A writer who knew the darkness of humanity could be used against itself."
"Sounds like only Lucifer himself could have written something that diabolical."
>"So I suppose that's all we are then.. A plague upon humanity. A mindless mass meant to crush and destroy everything in it's path."
"Fouella come on. I know all Malformed aren't like that.."
>"From a young age, we're wired to sin. And the elders around us reinforce that belief. If you aren't committing sin, it means you aren't gaining strength and attaining your true potential. It's seen as a foolish decision. A weak human ideology that will only hold you back."
"To a group that prizes strength, sin, and your inherrent nature. I suppose those things are like a creed to you. A code that you all sobliminally follow. Just like.."
>"What?"
"Just like us.. Only the reverse."
>"It's true though. We Malformed are polar opposites of the humans. We only gain power through defiling the things you hold sacred and using your own sin against you."
"And we humans purge anything deemed as sinful or heretical. Gaining power through conviction and purity to our ideals. Is there no balance we can come to? Must we be at ends with each other?"
>"What choice do we have? Humans and Malformed are harmful to each other."
"You're right.. What can we possibly do? We're just a priest, an agent, a Pixie and a human."
--------
>You decide to meet up with your men.
>They seem to be fraternizing with the witch locals.
>"Oh, great liberator Anon, what keeps you at this hour?"
"I'd like to call everyone to order if that's possible."
>"Very well, I'm sure we can get everyone rounded up."
>A few minutes later you've gathered them.
"Well.. I know we've traveled a great distance together. You people have suffered greatly and yet I can hardly provide anything for you."
>A woman with her baby comes up to you.
>"Your sister saved us from that hellish bible imprisonment. We're really in your debt."
>"Yeah Anon, you're a good priest. And you've brought us here! It's a major improvement from being tortured by the Malformed!"
>It hits you.
>One side of your men was tortured by the Malformed, and the other side tortured by the humans.
>Neither side can accommodate them..
"Neither the humans or Malformed of Fauland can offer you respite. But perhaps we can find some odd jobs for you to do here.. Everyone come forward and tell us what your talents are, and see if they can't be put to work around the town."
>Some of them have worried looks on their faces.
>Despite everything this is all you can do.

>>1422837
>You're down by a small pond in the woods.
>You're holding the cross.
"Clarity, what should I do?"
>"About what?"
"I have these people. These refugees from Hausterien and Iyaval. I can't do anything for them.. I earned the spirit animal of the lion, which is supposed to be some great leader. But I can't lead anything."
>"Anon, you mustn't be so hard on yourself. Right now, I can imagine you feel lonely. You're fighting against the whole world right now. The Malformed on one end, and our church on the other."
"Speaking of the church, how are things there?"
>"I've.. I've made excuses as to why I haven't taken the treatment. As far as I can tell the treatment seems effective. Whereas the sin in the city was mild before, it doesn't feel like anything anymore. No sin at all. I have also heard less chatter within the halls. Less vibrancy.."
"Sounds like the lonely one is you."
>"I've tried calling out to my supporters, but I just can't convince them that anything I have planned is better than Xactors plan.. And it's true.. Right now we need every weapon in our arsenal to fight back the Malformed."
>You grimace.
------
>You return to town.
>Veronica is flying around.
>"Oh there you are Anon."
"What's going on?"
>"Theres something I want to show you, follow me."

>>1422838
>Veronica leads you deep into the woods.
>Near the base of a great tree is a hole.
>Veronica uses her magic to shrink you.
>You're down at the base of the tree with her.
"Y-you can shrink people?"
>"Only for a little while. And it uses up a lot of my power."
"Hmm."
>You enter into the hole with her.
>There are Pixies flying around here.
>It's a little village in the tree.
>A pixie in a long ruffled dress comes up to you.
>"Hello, my name is Seleh the Mayor of Durisville, Veronica spoke of you. She said you saved her and her sister from certain doom. Veronica also says she's from a hidden band of pixies deep in Tairmora. And you're a priest from Fauland right?"
"Technically yes. I've been wondering, why is it we don't see Pixies in Fauland?"
>"The wars on both sides, they were either used as weapons or crushed in the conflict. There used to be many Pixies in Fauland back when the world was still free from the Malformed.. But here we are, in our little nook.. Please, join us for tea."
>She leads you up the tree to a quaint little room.
>There is a window which you can see out of from inside the tree.
>You sit in one of the chairs.
>There are many small human objects here which seem large to you now.
"Do you take things from humans?"
>Seleh pours your tea into a little wood cup.
>"Sometimes. Although the witch-folk here are friendly and respect nature. We've never had a problem with them. They keep our existence safe from those in Rustlers settlement."
"Rustlers Settlement must be every bit as bad as we hear it is."
>"There are pillagers, and outlaws which constantly keep the town in a state of fear."

>>1422839
>You sip the tea.
"At least I hear they built a railway."
>Veronica seems sad.
"Something wrong?"
>"It's just.. I left Chelsea back in Tairmora. Without Joshua there, I imagine she went back to our village. I just hope its still safe enough or if they had to move it."
"Will she be able to find it if they did?"
>"We can sense each other within a reasonable distance. She might stumble upon them, although I hope she doesn't get careless when she travels.. I shouldn't have left her in Joshuas hands.. I should have kept a closer eye on her.. I thought what we were doing was important, I just.. I got complacent.. I'm a terrible sister."
>You put your hand on her shoulder.
"I'm sure Chelsea is fine. We should go visit her after we're done here in Orexas."
>"You.. You would want to?"
"Of course. I would love to return to your home with you."
>"It's a very cozy place. Our magic makes it warm and hospitable. We eat fruits and sweets and drink alcohol till we can't see straight anymore!"
"S-sounds fun."
>"It is.. We also have plenty of books for you to read. All about our culture and customs.. Did you know we harvest spider silk to use in our clothes?"
"I didn't."
>"See! It'll be fun."
"Yeah, I'd love to."
>The mayor clears her throat.
>"I-i mean your village is lovely too."
>"It's fine.. Its nice to see that a human so close with a kinsman of ours."
"You have a very lovely home. So the humans let you take these things?"
>"We traded. We help them gather herbs, they give us human goods in return. And from what I hear, they use those herbs to trade with the People down in Rustlers Settlement for cotton, and meat, and other things."
"Sounds like a beneficial system for everyone."
>"It is. We like the witch humans in our forest, they're very kind."
"If.. Only everyone could get along like this.. We wouldn't have the wars."
>"War is unavoidable. In a sense. The war has kept us safe. With the Malformed wall, the humans from Fauland won't venture out here. And the Malformed are too focused trying to kill those humans to worry about any of the small fry on the other side. As much as they clash, it's allowed us to live in peace."
"There should be more peace.."
>"In an Ideal world, maybe there would be. But me as the Mayor of this little town, I have few complaints."
"An ideal world huh?"

>>1422840
>It's the next morning at the train station.
"So, you won't be coming with us, huh Allison?"
>"Hey, someone has to keep an eye on these refugees you just let loose here. Plus, I've got magic training type stuff to do here. With you getting your whole spirit animal thing, and some shiny new wings to go on top of that, I've got some serious catching up to do."
"Speaking of wings, why is it that you don't have them? I mean, you have the tattoo."
>"The man who gave it to me told me that the wings were unlocked through trials. The tattoo will suppress the desire to sin, but it won't walk on your own two feet."
"So.. Is this treatment that Xactor is giving just a more advanced tattoo?"
>"I imagine he figured out a way to fully awaken its sin sealing desires. Anyhow, I gotta go, later bro."
>She waves, and you wave back as you, Veronica and Fouella board the train.
-
>You're sitting on the train.
>Veronica sits on your shoulder.
>You watch as the scenery passes by the train window.
"Hundreds of years and the lost technology returns.. Imagine if we had an interconnecting railway for citizens to use."
>"If nothing else, maybe they'll start loaning out tanks for transportation."
"T-thats probably not a good idea."
>Veronica kicks her feet back and forth on your shoulder.
>"Maybe you could motivate them to build the railway? Surely if anyone could manage that, it's you."
"Surely you jest.. I couldn't manage a group of refugees who idolize me. How would I be able to convince regular townsfolk to build it?"
>Fouella speaks,
>"If you want, I can absorb all the sin in the area, and possess them to build the railway for you."
>Something about the way she says that sends a chill up your spine.
"I-i'd rather not.."
>Veronica speaks,
>"I could power up your light so much that you could blow away half of their town."
>You sigh.
"Let's try to think of ideas that DON'T involve mass possession or destruction."
>Veronica speaks,
>"Well, surely theres something people in Rustlers Settlement want. Maybe if we can find out what that is, we can get them to work."
"Hopefully we can find out what that is."
--------
>A day and night goes by on the train before you reach your destination.
>You disembark in a brand new town.
>There are tons of dusty wood buildings. Including at least one you can visibly discern is a church.

What is it that you will do?

>>1422841
>head for the church with our gang, try not too start a fight and keep note of every one

>>1422841
>Head for that church
>Check the time
>hope it isn't high noon

>>1426515
I would seriously laugh at that