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750644 No. 750644 ID: 65a774

“Soon, the twin moons will gaze upon us, heralding the dawn of a new age… our new age. An age of prosperity, wealth and delight, a golden age! Even us, those that have walked the path to hell itself, might still witness this new earthly paradise and be embraced by its warmth. But first with must remove these shackle of sins and forgive ourselves, thus be reborn as new. A second chance to choose another path… in a world that does not need sin anymore to become better than- wait, what is- WHAT IN THE FIVE NAMES IS THAT!?”

-Sermon of the Archbishop- “Dawn of the golden age”

“BLARGURGLA!”

-Roars of an Abomination- “Feasting on a guard”


Discussion: http://tgchan.org/kusaba/questdis/res/92354.html
Wiki and previous threads: http://tgchan.org/wiki/Strange_Bedfellows
Expand all images
>>
No. 750645 ID: 65a774
File 147537018794.png - (44.59KB , 686x526 , 2.png )
750645

:BriannahSB: Wow, they didn’t spare any expenses on these balcony booths, did they?

>You have a magical curse that makes you, and apparently anyone near you, supernaturally bad at cooking. Agree that this needs research.
…while you can’t deny your cooking is lethal, Bri was just messing with you. The sandwich didn’t actually catch on fire.

:BriannahSB: We’re so ‘igh up it’s ‘ard to even see the action down there… so it must be equally ‘ard to see us, no?

> .... You wouldn't have some powerful latent magic inside of you that is only triggered by experiencing the elaboration of food either by you or by someone close to you, right?
If you had magical compatibilities, the University would have found them by now. You had regular checks for magical talent when you were young, after all.

:BriannahSB: Oh, I bet yah can do all kind of naughty things up ‘ere without anyone else noticing…

>NOW the archbishop's plans appear more ambiguous, opening the possibility that Belseth's not-so-hypotheticals pertained to things that already happened.
What is she up to...? Is she manipulating things or not?

:BriannahSB: Like playing cards if the trial goes stale… or reading a book. Maybe I should send someone to fetch me book, eh?

>Anyway... Is that... Krotos...? I guess that's something that is happening right now... So that means... Your late brother is actually "alive" and may be powerful, and probably dangerous and possibly mad?
That… thing… Krotos… it can’t be. It was so… twisted… so… so… wrong. Its rabid screeching sounded like the screams of a thousand tormented souls… yet… your brothers was in there somewhere… you heard him… … …big bro?

:BriannahSB: Heh, if we ‘ad body doubles we might even get away with not even attending the- …Wait, are yah even listening to me?

>Wait, are you still in the vision?
No, it’s over… you’re back in the grand hall, waiting for the trial to start. It just happened in a flash… and left with only a headache as evidence. Ow...

:BriannahSB: Kronos? Are yah alright? Yah seem a bit… shaken? It’s the trial, isn’t? Seeing ye own blood like this… eh?
>>
No. 750648 ID: 6612fa

>>750645
"trial. psh no, no."
"that dress just makes me want to rip it off you and i can't stop imagining the sound of it and you as I ravish you on a balcony where it's so hard for others to see us unless they really pay attention... and with the noise I was imagining you making I'm sure they would try"
>>
No. 750660 ID: 5ab89b

>so it must be equally ‘ard to see us, no?
Right, watch your back for assassins.
>What is she up to...? Is she manipulating things or not?
We'll ask Belseth either after the trial or tonight.
>Seeing ye own blood like this… eh?
...You have no idea.

So what does it look like? I'm assuming your seating means you won't be participating as a witness? Recognize anyone else in the room?
>>
No. 750663 ID: 893948

>>750644
lol

>>750645
Wow, Briannah sure loves to flaunt her flat chest like it actually matters. Remind her that she's still the fiancée of a backup prince and that if Kira dies you're going to ditch the castle and take up your lifelong ambition as a hedge trimmer. In which you will forge artistic marvels through the beauty of shooting trees with fire ammo until they reach the shape you so udderly desire. Which is Briannah's ass.

Okay but back to more important matters-
>>750571
*beat* WAS THAT THE BEAST?! ARE YOU @#$%ING SERIOUS?! THAT'S our target?! Whelp, Kronos is screwed. Should we try to get him to a dimensional portal that might open for no apparent reason or help him write his last will and testament for EVERYONE on this rock? (See Nan Quest for more details)
>>
No. 750669 ID: 91ee5f

Why do I have this terrible feeling that waiting for the date with Bel to talk to him is too late? Maybe we should push the talk to immediately after the trial? Hopefully we can catch him to have a talk with him.

Actually can you see who's here from where you're sitting? Specifically where your sister, Thalia, Bel, and any other important people are sitting.

Make a comment on how even though you think you could get away with something, it's best that you don't and that you both need to pay attention. Make sure you compliment your wife on her dress and how you like the way it makes her ass look. :3

And while you're waiting for them to bring your brother in, tell Bri that you really hope they took away his mustache because he was really attached to that thing and it kinda annoyed you on how he just would not shut the fuck up about the damn thing and seeing him without it would be doing everyone a favor to not have to stare at the ugly thing!

Did you tell Bri about what you saw in your vision when she was joking about the butter spontaneously catching fire? If you did, then tell her that's what's troubling you. If you didn't tell her, then give a short summarization and then tell her that's what's troubling you.
>>
No. 750674 ID: 398fe1

>>750645
>twisted
Oh, did your brother's soul merge with a bunch of other damned souls and create some hellish amalgamation composed of the rotting corpses and bones of criminals thrown into the pit of hell?

I think you should immediately send someone to check on the church. Maybe find the queen and talk to her about her dreams. If they are related to this we might be able to get her to take immediate action to secure the tombs.
>>
No. 750810 ID: 65a774
File 147543999731.png - (40.22KB , 686x526 , 3.png )
750810

>Right, watch your back for assassins.
The entrance to the booth is heavily guarded, the only other way in is to climb through the grand hall and Sisah is here to keep an eye on you. You should be pretty safe…
>Wow, Briannah sure loves to flaunt her flat chest like it actually matters.
Flaunt her chest? You’re pretty sure she isn’t flaunting her chest… she’s clearly flaunting the other end of her, though.
>So what does it look like? I'm assuming your seating means you won't be participating as a witness?
You’re not going to be a witness, no. You’re mostly here because you’re the prince and this is a trial concerning the crown.
>I think you should immediately send someone to check on the church.
And they will listen to your warnings because…?
>Recognize anyone else in the room?
Kira is sitting on her throne right at the end of it… with this council of 21 surrounding her. You can recognize some familiar faces among them, including Belseth. The archbishop herself, or at least a body double of her, are performing some sort of blessing in the middle of the hall and… you think you can see Thalia directing soldiers and guards around on the far side of the hall? Oh, and apparently they are leading your brother into the chamber right now… and… he’s… heavily bound and confined to a chair? You didn’t think they would need to… but… he’s trashing around like a mad man… is he even sane anymore?
>Maybe find the queen and talk to her about her dreams.
She will probably be way to busy all day to even consider talking about something as “minor” as a bad dream…
>We'll ask Belseth either after the trial or tonight.
Seeing as his in the trial council, it will be hard to get a hold of him right after all this is done. They will still have duties to complete even after the initial trial is over. If you’re unlucky, he’ll be busy right until your “date” with him…
>Did you tell Bri about what you saw in your vision when she was joking about the butter spontaneously catching fire?
You didn’t get this vision before lunch; you got it just a moment ago. So no, you clearly haven’t had the time to say anything to her yet.


>If you didn't tell her, then give a short summarization and then tell her that's what's troubling you.
:BriannahSB: Eh? A vision? This time of ye… brother? Hmm… can’t say I recognize the description yah gave me. Hmm… I do ‘ope it was just something yah ate and that there isn’t some monstrous creature gunning for ye sisters ‘ead, eh? Still… maybe we could warn the guards to be prepared? Just in case?
>Make a comment on how even though you think you could get away with something, its best that you don't and that you both need to pay attention.
:BriannahSB: To what? It’s almost a given that ‘e’ll be found guilty, especially considering that ‘e seems to ‘ave already snapped! Just look at those blood shot eyes and that froth filled beak. Oh, and the evidence against ‘im dwarfs the palace in size, eh? No, I’m pretty sure this will just become a boring tirade of rules and laws before ‘e is judged guilty.
>Make sure you compliment your wife on her dress and how you like the way it makes her ass look.
:BriannahSB: Aw, ‘ow sweet… yah can’t get enough of my quite shapely rump, can yah? Yah ‘now, when I was saying we could do something naughty, I didn’t mean it in such a… explicit way, eh?

Bri leans down on the balcony railings while “accidently” brining up her rear end quite close to your face… she’s even lifting up her tail to make the most of the view.

:BriannahSB: I was thinking more in line of a card game… but if yah really want to… well…
:KronosSB: Um…
:BriannahSB: Tell me again, what do yah think of the dress, eh?
:KronosSB: …I… it… that dress… I just want rip it off and ravish you right here on the balcony so hard that everyone in the whole hall will… will… g-gods, where did that come from!?
:BriannahSB: Kronos! For shame~

Dammit, why are you suddenly so… so… it’s like someone have lit a fire on your crotch and you need to… to… it’s like when you drank that fertility potion earlier today… but ten times worse! What is going on with you!?
>>
No. 750812 ID: 8cb228

Immediately tell her you think you might not be in your right mind, possibly some sort of magic effect, and you need medical/magical attention.
>>
No. 750814 ID: 398fe1

>>750810
Xuv is fucking with you.

You have two choices: 1, try to ignore it and watch the trial, or 2, get out and take out your frustrations on someone available (maybe the painter? or Briannah could leave with you)

Well okay there's the third choice of doing sexual acts in public, in a courtroom no less, but seriously you are the prince you should behave better than that.
>>
No. 750818 ID: 5ab89b

>Just look at those blood shot eyes and that froth filled beak.
hmm, perhaps the nightmares have been doing work on him too?... do birds even produce saliva?
>I was thinking more in line of a card game…
If that's the truth I'll eat my toes.
>it’s like when you drank that fertility potion earlier today… but ten times worse!
The food. She put something in the food.
>>
No. 750846 ID: 6612fa

>>750810
the aftereffects of that truth rune is still in effect so i will be more candid for a while
>>
No. 750876 ID: 398fe1

>>750818
Whoa let's not jump to any conclusions about the food. I mean you can ask if she put something in there, but only to completely eliminate the possibility.
>>
No. 750885 ID: 91ee5f

>>750876
Yes, this. It's most likely Xuv and not Bri.
>>
No. 750888 ID: 6612fa

>>750885
sure its not just the truth rune?
>>
No. 750895 ID: 91ee5f

>>750888
Duh. It a truth rune, not a make you horny rune! Even Sisah cleared it with her magic eye!
>>
No. 750897 ID: 6612fa

>>750895
what i meant was are you sure it's not the after effects of the truth rune making us speak more honestly... and to be honest kronos is horny all the time anyway. he is just a bit more reserved.
>>
No. 750902 ID: 91ee5f

>>750897
If that's true, then this would've happened during lunch with Bri earlier. The trial was set for somewhere around 2 o'clock (I think), and when we finished with the whole truth rune thing, it was only 10 o’clock. So at least 4 hours should've been more than enough time for any "left over magic" from the truth rune to already run its course and be gone.

Besides, if you were paying attention, you'd know that's not how the truth rune works. It only makes you speak more honest because whoever activated the rune would be able to call you out on any lies you told, which is why that guy in the mask needed to be present. Without him, both Thalia and Kronos would've been able to lie to each other and neither of them would've known the difference.

So again, no, it's not the truth rune.
>>
No. 750905 ID: 6612fa

>>750902
yeah but that "torturer" mentioned side effects
which from the way he talked sounded like it left him in a state of constant honesty
>>
No. 750932 ID: 65a774
File 147552694512.png - (34.82KB , 686x526 , 4.png )
750932

>The food. She put something in the food.
That would be a horrible breach in trust between you and you trust her more than that… still… can’t hurt to ask?
>hmm, perhaps the nightmares have been doing work on him too?
Who… or whatever is down there isn’t your brother any longer. It’s possible whatever is behind these nightmares are behind his... sudden lack of sanity…
>...do birds even produce saliva?
Err… do they? Maybe? Varkians produce saliva, but we also have teeth and tongues… wait, some birds have tongues as well, don’t they? …and there are some birds with teeth like… things inside their beaks? What was the question again?

>Immediately tell her you think you might not be in your right mind, possibly some sort of magic effect, and you need medical/magical attention.
:BriannahSB: Hrrn? Magic effect? ‘ow do yah feel, exactly?
:KronosSB: It’s like… l-like… the fertility potion but ten times worse!
:BriannahSB: Really? Are yah sure yah took the right amount of it?
:KronosSB: Y-yes? I mean… I think so?
:BriannahSB: Because that sound like an overdose of it… don’t worry, it isn’t dangerous.
:KronosSB: H-how long will it last?
:BriannahSB: Oh, a few ‘ours… or until ye ‘ave a nice and big orgasm, eh?
>I mean you can ask if she put something in there, but only to completely eliminate the possibility.
:KronosSB: …do y-you… do you think there might have been something in the food that did this?
:BriannahSB: In the food? No, then I would be affected too, wouldn’t I? After all, I drank that fertility potion as well. It ‘as to be something else…
>Xuv is fucking with you.
:BriannahSB: Ah… yes, ‘er again… hmm… actually, maybe it’s a side effect? She did give yah some kind of blessing so we would be able to ‘ave children, no? What if the fertility potion is being affected by that?
>The aftereffects of that truth rune are still in effect so I will be more candid for a while…
:BriannahSB: …I’m pretty sure those runes doesn’t make yah say lewd comments out loud, love.
>but that "torturer" mentioned side effects…
:BriannahSB: Hmm… isn’t that side effect just for the torturer, though? I do believe they start ‘aving problems keeping their snouts shut after a while…
>You were thinking more in line of a card game? If that's the truth I'll eat my toes...
:BriannahSB: Well, dig in then! As much as I love sex, it’s not the only thing on my mind, dove. It was just a few ‘ours ago we went at it, after all.

>You have two choices: 1, try to ignore it and watch the trial…
:BriannahSB: Yah really think yah can do it?
:KronosSB: Ugh… I… what are they even saying? It’s hard to hear…
:BriannahSB: I’m pretty sure they are rambling up the crimes ‘e will be judged for. Hmm, maybe yah want something else to keep yah mind of ye… thing, eh? A game of cards, maybe? A book?
>2, get out and take out your frustrations on someone available…
:BriannahSB: Well, as much as I want to ‘elp, one of us need to stay ‘ere to keep up appearances. Can’t let them think we skipped ye brother’s trail just for a quickie, eh? As long as I’m present I’m sure they won’t even notice yah are gone. As for someone else available… Sisah is right ‘ere, no?
:SisahSB: I’m here to protect and serve, sir…
:BriannahSB: Oh, and yah still ‘ave the painters ‘at! She isn’t ‘ere and I bet she would be delighted if the prince took the time to give ‘er a private visit, eh? “Just” to return ‘er ‘eadwear, of course... other than that… I guess yah can always just try taking a cold shower and go solo…? Not sure if yah will get enough of an release but…
>Well okay there's the third choice of doing sexual acts in public, in a courtroom no less, but seriously you are the prince you should behave better than that.
:BriannahSB: Indeed, we should keep our pants on while where ‘ere, at least. I mean, if yah’re really desperate I can give yah… eh… I mean, as much as I like public sex, let’s keep it to smaller audiences, eh? Doing it in front of the queen will irate more people than it’s worth…
>>
No. 750936 ID: 398fe1

>>750932
It's looking like you'll want to go find the painter, then. Sisah would be more convenient and she IS pretty sexy and all but I think it's more important to keep her fully functional as a bodyguard right now since we're fairly sure something is about to go down. Can't tire her out, or keep her indisposed for long.

Tell Briannah it's looking like you'll both have two people on the side today after all, if Belseth's date isn't interrupted by an undead invasion.
>>
No. 750941 ID: 91ee5f

>…I’m pretty sure those runes doesn’t make yah say lewd comments out loud, love.
>Hmm… isn’t that side effect just for the torturer, though? I do believe they start ‘aving problems keeping their snouts shut after a while…
Yeah, I fucking called it! I knew it wasn't the truth rune!

>Really? Are yah sure yah took the right amount of it?
>Because that sound like an overdose of it…
Let's find out, shall we? Ask Bri to tell you how much is the right amount and then tell her how much you took. If you took the right amount, then it's probably Xuv.

Unless.....the "right amount" she's talking about is for Sakkilians and that same amount is considered an overdose for Varkians.
>>
No. 750985 ID: f7db10

>you trust her more than that
Your own brother is being put on trial for murder as you speak and you're going to talk about trust?
>Are yah sure yah took the right amount of it?
When, this morning? Why would it suddenly kick in again out of nowhere half a day later when it already did this morning? at increased potency at that?
>She did give yah some kind of blessing so we would be able to ‘ave children, no?
Which might mean Xuv's trying to make a move. Don't let her use you again.

try that antidote, you should still have one dose remaining. Find somewhere more private to pour ice on your junk and throw up, but no matter what be quick, there's no way this trial will be uneventful.
>>
No. 751009 ID: 4cc846

she's quite a bit bigger than you, maybe you got a incorrect dosage because it wasn't calculated for your weight?
>>
No. 751012 ID: 094652

How many kings have had affairs with painters? I don't know, but you already @#$%ed your bodyguard so why not branch out? Briannah is turned on by polygamy anyway.
>>
No. 751131 ID: 0bca95

Okay, as much as you'd like to tap dat abdomen, there are multiple serious issues with going to Zela to resolve your predicament. First and foremost, it feels really wrong that you'd make your first time with Zela basically using her out of sexual desperation to relieve yourself. She's so cute and innocent and starstruck with you, so you abusing that to satisfy yourself is wrong. She deserves better than that, and you should act better than that. You're not going to let yourself turn into yet another in a long line of lecherous princes throughout history who think of their own sexual desires first. She deserves a proper time with you where you give her a wonderful time, and not you hammering into her like a woodpecker for five minutes just to get your rocks off. And multiply this sentiment by a hundred if she's actually a virgin. You don't know if it's different with Hiver gals, but a Vark gal's first time is often more painful than pleasurable. So you going to town on her like a rutting hog for her first time is going to painful, leave a nasty memory, and really hurt her opinion of you.

Now, after that top issue, there's the one of Xuv maybe making able to breed across species. You don't know how you'd be able to convince Zela to wear a contraceptive charm, or if it'd even work if you did convince her. She's likely too inexperienced to know how to give proper oral or a handjob, and even as starstruck as she is she's not going to do anal the first time with you, leaving you without other options. The prospect of siring Vark-Hiver hybrids, and bastard ones at that, should be a terrifying enough idea to stop you.

Next issue up, is the matter of crossing the palace to get to Zela. With what's going on with your loins it's going to look to anyone who sees you, and there will be people who see you, like you're trying to smuggle a large sausage in your trousers and utterly failing at it. And then you don't know just where Zela is. She's most likely with the royal painter, but if she isn't there then you're stuck trying to track her down across the palace. And if she is there, then you have to face the royal painter to get her away from her duties, all while sporting a raging redwood in your pants. But even if you did get Zela away, it's inevitable you're going to get spotted with her by someone, likely multiple someones, including credible witnesses, and the gossip that you ducked out of Karas' trial to screw the painter's apprentice is going to shoot across the palace in a flash. When Kira finds out, she's going to be disappointed that you couldn't make it even fifteen minutes into such an important function as this. But worse, when Belseth hears it he's going to think less of you. That you're succumbing to Bri's influence and turning into another of her. And for General Thalia it'll just confirm in her mind that you're just yet another lustful prince that can't keep his dick in his pants, lowering her opinion of you even lower.

So, in summary: Don't fuck the cute Hiver gal now because you will end up regretting it.

Right now it looks like your best option for adequate release that doesn't risk more than minor regrets, drawing attention or getting a irate, or royal, audience, is with Sisah. Bri'll have to stay behind to keep up appearances and possibly cover for you. Now, you just have to get away from here without looking like you're going to do what you're going to do with Sisah. You already look a bit ill from how much you're sweating, so it should be a simple matter to hunch over a bit like you're having bowel trouble and then bee-line for the nearest lavatory. Sisah'll clear anyone else in there out, station a couple guards up and down the hall to shoo anyone else who comes along away, lock the door, and then you two can get down to business. Just make it quick, bite down on a rolled up jacket sleeve or towel to muffle your cries, remember to thoroughly clean up your mess and yourselves afterwards, and flush to keep up appearances.

Also, you should try to remember to find out soon the whole story of how Karas lost his eye to Sakkilians, since it seems to have been the pivotal event that broke his mind and set him on the course to where he is today. Maybe Sisah or Bri knows the full story.
>>
No. 751134 ID: 398fe1

>>751131
Many of the problems with Zela could be solved by having a messenger fetch her. Also, the moral issues could be solved by simply explaining the problem to her instead of directly attempting seduction (which would probably be unneeded anyway)
>>
No. 751152 ID: ea2bfa

Or, maybe, we could just keep it in our pants for once? I mean, considering all the lamenting we do about "Oh gosh my unending sexual appetites have made me do something terrible AGAIN" maybe we could try some self-control for once?
>>
No. 751532 ID: 5b58c5

Now is not the time to be skirt chasing. No matter how valid your need may be, nobody's going to approve of you running off to get some action. And don't think for a minute that nobody will know either, you know how well secrets are kept around here.
>>
No. 751533 ID: 398fe1

I think we've established that Kronos cannot just sit there.
>>
No. 751534 ID: ea2bfa

Then get a book or something. Now's the perfect time to practice some restraint. Seriously.
>>
No. 751544 ID: 398fe1

>>751534
I don't think magically induced superboners are good practice for the real thing.
>>
No. 751631 ID: 65a774
File 147577759944.png - (34.92KB , 686x526 , 5.png )
751631

>Your own brother is being put on trial for murder as you speak and you're going to talk about trust?
Just the more reason to find others that you can put your trust in. Being paranoid about the wrong people will only make things worse!
>Try that antidote; you should still have one dose remaining.
It’s too late for that. The potion is already in your system and puking will only make things… worse.
>Briannah is turned on by polygamy anyway.
You’re pretty sure Bri’s loose morals are the least of your problems right now.

>Let's find out, shall we? Ask Bri to tell you how much are the right amount and then tell her how much you took.
:BriannahSB: Hrrn? For yah weight? No idea. Yah did follow the instructions, right?
:KronosSB: I think so… but maybe there’s a difference because I’m a Varkian?
:BriannahSB: It shouldn’t matter what species yah are… except if yah were and Serpent. They need to take a bit less than normal… or an Uredo, who generally need their own sets of potions… and fertility potions don’t really ‘ave anything to work with when it comes to plants… at least, that’s what the instructions says.
>Why would it suddenly kick in again out of nowhere half a day later when it already did this morning? At increased potency at that?
:BriannahSB: Not only does it make ye little soldiers more potent, it also make the “training” of them quicker. Thus, taking too much will make yah pent up extremely fast… and maybe even painfully so.
:KronosSB: Painfully? Wait, there isn’t any harmful by effect, are there!?
:SisahSB: The worst that can happen is some minor lingering pains, but nothing permanent. Trust me on this; I do have firsthand experience with overdosing on fertility potions.


>It's looking like you'll want to go find the painter, then.
…the painter... Zela… that adorable demure… those cute glasses of hers… those long legs… and huge abdomen. Gods, it almost hurts how much you want her right now…
>Okay, as much as you'd like to tap dat abdomen, there are multiple serious issues with going to Zela to resolve your predicament.
Ngg… but… she’s…
>There's the one of Xuv maybe making able to breed across species. You don't know how you'd be able to convince Zela to wear a contraceptive charm, or if it'd even work if you did convince her.
You don’t want children… not bastard ones…
>Also, the moral issues could be solved by simply explaining the problem to her instead of directly attempting seduction.
…yet… you can convince her to protect herself? She would believe you… and… you can just… end it somewhere else? You’ve been fantasizing about those glasses of hers… how they would look covered in your… your…
>Next issue up, is the matter of crossing the palace to get to Zela. Don't think for a minute that nobody will see you and you know how well secrets are kept around here.
Ngg… you don’t… want them to believe you’re just… just some lecherous prince…
>Many of the problems with Zela could be solved by having a messenger fetch her.
But… you can send her a message? Bri’s studio… it’s close by… there couldn’t be a lot of people around either… and no one would think twice of her entering it, as long as both of you don’t get there at the same time…
>It feels really wrong that you'd make your first time with Zela basically using her out of sexual desperation to relieve yourself. She's so cute and innocent and starstruck with you.
…you… you… you can’t… she deserves better… she deserves more. You can’t just use her, no… you can’t… not like this…
>Don't fuck the cute Hiver gal now because you will end up regretting it.
Dammit brain, don’t use the words “Fuck the cute Hiver gal”, it’s just making things worse!

>Right now it looks like your best option for adequate release that doesn't risk more than minor regrets, drawing attention or getting an irate, or royal, audience, is with Sisah.
Sisah… she’s… that snake like body of hers is attractive and… you never had the chance to actually… be the one who… who…
>Sisah would be more convenient and she IS pretty sexy and all but I think it's more important to keep her fully functional as a bodyguard right now since we're fairly sure something is about to go down.
D-dammit! She needs to protect you! Something might happen soon and she… she needs to be ready.

>Or, maybe, we could just keep it in our pants for once?
:KronosSB: I… I can’t… I need to get this under c-control… to constrain myself.
:BriannahSB: Yah sure yah can ‘andle it?
:KronosSB: I… I must try… d-dammit… ice? Do we have any ice?
:SisahSB: There’s an ice bucket on the snack and drink cart, why do you ask?
>Pour ice on your junk.
:KronosSB: G-gah!
:BriannahSB: Feeling better?
:KronosSB: N-no… now I’m just cold too… and this bucket is kind of hard against my… my… ngg…
>Find out the whole story of how Karas lost his eye to Sakkilians, since it seems to have been the pivotal event that broke his mind and set him on the course to where he is today. Maybe Sisah or Bri knows the full story.
:BriannahSB: Wait, yah actually want to ‘ear about that right now? With ye predicament?
:KronosSB: I need something to k-keep my mind of… things…
:BriannahSB: If yah say so… let’s see… it was after the war… and… um…
:SisahSB: Your brother had a hand in taking care of orphans from the war, Sakkilian once to be precise. He had the grand temple take some in, to feed, teach and care for them. But… some of them misbehaved and they locked them in a makeshift cell in the basement.
:BriannahSB: Oh, I ‘eard that ye brother was furious about that and that ‘e personally went there to set them free again…
:SisahSB: As for what happens then… well, I’ve heard that at first the children didn’t even react to his presence… then they simply went rabid and attacked everyone there like crazed beasts. They had no choice but to cut them down, but in the struggle your brother lost his eye.
:BriannahSB: They say they can still hear him wake up screaming every night since then. Not impossible, considering ‘ow traumatizing something like that must be.
:SisahSB: I’m going to guess ever since then he hasn’t been able to look at Sakkilians the same way again.

:BrinnahSB: So… did it ‘elp? Are yah feeling… “better”?
:KronosSB: No… not really… but at least it can’t get any… I didn’t just say that!
:XuvSB: So much desire…
:KronosSB: Oh, the gods have damned me…
>>
No. 751632 ID: 65a774
File 147577760933.png - (31.44KB , 686x526 , 6.png )
751632

:XuvSB: Ah…Kronos… are you feeling alright? You seems a bit tense.
:KronosSB: Wha- you’re the one who did this to me?
:XuvSB: I did? *sniff* No… I don’t… is that some kind of fertility magic? Why would you need that? I’ve already made you as fertile as you can be.
:KronosSB: So… you didn’t do this?
:XuvSB: Why would I? I have better things to do with my limited powers. *Sniff* Mmm, but does smell good… all those desires…
:KronosSB: W-what do you want!?
:XuvSB: Oh… I was just coming by to tell you that I kept my word. Your father lives, no? If it wasn’t for me… well…
:KronosSB: B-but didn’t you say he would die of liver failure and not a h-heart attack!?
:XuvSB: No, I said… I… wait, did I? Dammit, Xuv, stop jumping to conclusions. All I saw in the fate threads were that he would die thanks to his drinking this morning. So… his drinking led to weak heart?
:KronosSB: …or people that should have saved him was scared away by his drinking…
:XuvSB: So I saved his life…as part of our deal… now, feed me more… *sniff* Mff… so many desires… you are consumed by them! I need to feed on them! Let me feed on them! Just close your eyes and let me feed… Everything you ever wanted… I need to feed those desires… I need to… let me… please…

>Which might mean Xuv's trying to make a move. Don't let her use you again.
She is definitely trying to do something…
>>
No. 751633 ID: 398fe1

>>751632
Time for another deal. Tell her you will let her feed on you ONLY if she helps you fight Krotos. If she can't do anything about him, then ask her to end her own life.

If she won't do that either, then no deal.
>>
No. 751657 ID: ea2bfa

For the love of all that is holy, DON'T. Remember when you did it the first time, and you basically completely regretted it and lamented about how you were a terrible person?

Or, yknow, you could just prove what some of us are saying about you and fuck the deity again, therefore proving you have no pattern recognition and don't actually care about being a good person as long as it means you get to orgasm.
>>
No. 751662 ID: 398fe1

>>751657
Well gee, wasn't the problem last time that we didn't ask Bri first? We can do that now.
>>
No. 751663 ID: ea2bfa

>>751662
I think the incest also proved a problem. And the fact that we're empowering an evil rape goddess. Yknow, generally speaking I think there were a few issues we had to deal with.
>>
No. 751667 ID: 77f422

>>751632
On one hand, we really wanted to not do this.
On the other, she seemed to have saved your father and she was polite.
>>
No. 751670 ID: 398fe1

>>751663
>evil rape goddess
Now that's just not true.

Also the incest was fake.
>>
No. 751671 ID: eaa1c0

>Being paranoid about the wrong people will only make things worse!
When has that ever happened? Where is all this faith in your fellows coming from, anyway?
> you don’t… want them to believe you’re just… just some lecherous prince…
Believe, or know?
>simply went rabid
That's not simple at all! Rabies doesn't come from nowhere!

>>751663
Also he woke up with blue balls, which means feeding Xuv isn't a solution to the problem at all and may even make it worse. Also he isn't her damn sex toy. Also Kronos is going to develop stong character if it short-dicks every debauchee on the planet.
>>
No. 751684 ID: 398fe1

>>751671
>Also he woke up with blue balls
Shit, you're right. Xuv would have to offer us something very very nice to take the deal this time.
>>
No. 751688 ID: 91ee5f

>>751662
No we can't ask Bri. Every time Xuv shows up, the world around Kronos is frozen because this is all happening in his mind. That means he can't interact with anyone or anything. Kronos is on his own until Xuv decides to go away.
>>
No. 751697 ID: 6612fa

>>751632
try and trick her, she is clearly a confused failed god.
"but we just did, the 2nd time was almost as glorious as the first. it was so satisfying for you, i wont be able to function if we do it again and you were so satisfied."
>>
No. 751778 ID: 65a774
File 147588085168.png - (34.85KB , 686x526 , 7.png )
751778

>She seemed to have saved your father.
Are you even sure about that? For all you know she might have caused the heart attack in the first place! Even if she didn’t, it was payment for the first time she… you let your desires get the better of you.
>She was polite.
Because saying please makes everything better…
>Where is all this faith in your fellows coming from, anyway?
… … …you’re not sure, actually… you guess you must have faith in something, as you have none in yourself?
>That's not simple at all! Rabies doesn't come from nowhere!
You’re pretty sure she meant that they became mad and aggressive… of course, you don’t just go mad and become aggressive either…


>But we just did, the 2nd time was-
:XuvSB: DO YOU THINK OF ME AS A FOOL, LITTLE PRINCE!? I would advise you from mocking me, as I finally have enough power TO FEAST UPON THE PITIFUL THING YOU CALL SOUL! Do not dare go behind my back, or I’ll throw you away like the PUPPET YOU ARE, PRINCE! You might still be my best option, but others have appeared…
>For the love of all that is holy, DON'T. Remember when you did it the first time, and you basically completely regretted it and lamented about how you were a terrible person?

>And the fact that we're empowering an evil rape goddess.

>Also he woke up with blue balls, which means feeding Xuv isn't a solution to the problem at all and may even make it worse.

:XuvSB: So… feed me your-
:KronosSB: NO!
:XuvSB: …what?
:KronosSB: I will not feed your sick desires any longer! I am not your toy!
:XuvSB: HA! What a lark! Do you really think you can deny me?
:KronosSB: Yes! I can! Right now!
:XuvSB: I can fulfill every little desire you have ev-
:KronosSB: My wife can fulfill any desire I will ever have! Every desire I want to fulfill!
:XuvSB: Oh? And the Painter? Zena? …and Belseth? …and… Thalia?
:KronosSB: They are not a wicked creature like you! No, I’m putting my foot down; I will not feed you anything!
:XuvSB: …But I c-
:KronosSB: No, no more debate. Bring it up again and I’ll fling you across the room!
:XuvSB: Hmfp… then… how about a deal? I’m sure you have something you need that I can provide?
:KronosSB: A deal?

>Tell her you will let her feed on you ONLY if she helps you fight and defeat Krotos.
:XuvSB: Krotos? He is dead, gone, nothing but bones by now! How do you fight something that is already dead!? No, I can’t help you fight your pretend enemies.
>If she can't do anything about him, then ask her to end her own life.
:XuvSB: AH!~ E-end myself!? I c-c-can’t just… ah… I can’t… I s-s-still have s-so… so much t-to… ah… do… to do… I AM ENDLESS, I CAN’T… nngggg…. I can’t… I CAN’T END! AHHhhh… I can’t… even if… not b-by… myself… but y-you… ah… you could… y-you… c-c-consume… m-me? Ah~ s-so… so w-wrong… y-yet… NO! I AM XUV! GOD OF DEATH! GOD OF LOVE! GOD OF… d-desire? Argh! Stop it! Stop being silly! I am endless! I can’t end!
:KronosSB: …so… you can’t-

:XuvSB: WAIT! …wait… what… what is that feeling? I… I’m down there as well?
:KronosSB: Down…? What do you mean down there?
:XuvSB: Bound and gagged, so much hatred but… but… I’m not… I’m behind the ornate door… watching it from six eyes… waiting… so much… hatred?
:KronosSB: Ornate door? You mean the ki- the queen’s entrance? Also, Bound and… wait, are you saying you’re sitting right in front of my sister, the Queen?
:XuvSB: I see… the throne… and… so much hatred… so much hatred for the one sitting on it…
:KronosSB: Wait… you’re seeing things through my brother’s eye?
:XuvSB: Thousands of eyes watching… thousands of mouths screaming… A lucid dream… it’s… I’m… I’m dreaming again… I… I…
:KronosSB: …dreaming?
:XuvSB: Huh? What were we talking about again?
:KronosSB: …you don’t remember what you just said?
:XuvSB: Hmm? I said that you should stop being silly! I can’t end! I’m endless! I AM A GOD! THE GOD OF GODS! I AM THE BEGINNING AND THE END! No, no more debating that… I am endless…
>>
No. 751781 ID: 398fe1

>>751778
We have to go. Immediately. Grab your gun, set it to fire, leave via the nearest exit then find the queen's door Xuv mentioned and bring guards and Sisah and Briannah. What you want to do is ambush it while it's at the door, before it goes in. ...wait, is time actually frozen or is the freeze just in your head? Can you move around and reach that location? If so then you will have to kill it alone, with the fire shot.

...ahhh, of course, I figured out another thing. Part of Xuv's corpse is in the amalgamation of souls and bones. That's how it's able to walk about and escape the prison- it has part of a god's power.
>>
No. 751817 ID: 0451e4

>of course, you don’t just go mad and become aggressive either…
That has me thinking, what if both of your brothers weren't acting of their own cognizance? What if there's some outside force that either took over or affected your eldest brother, and after he died, now it's latched on to Karas? I mean, Krotos was a brilliant general, right? at least good enough that attempting such a messy Coup d'état as he did would be drastically out of character, both morally and in methodology. Then, however many years later, Karas has the exact same MO; goes from principled and intelligent to a complete ham-fisted megalomaniac with no concept of collateral damage, and the same very specific hangup over harming you. I think, in both cases, it was somebody else behind the wheel.

>you guess you must have faith in something, as you have none in yourself?
Not that you're a saint, but compared to the murderers and sadists that seem to be ubiquitous around here?... I thought I'd be the last person on the planet to say this, but assuming you follow through with standing up to Xuv, you deserve much more credit than you're giving yourself. Especially compared to a lot of others.


>>751781
Kronos is in no condition for any kind of combat. Thalia has the floor, alert her. I'm concerned about 'watching it from six eyes'- which side of the door are these eyes on? Look around, especially among the 21- is anybody giving the queen or the door the death glare?
>>
No. 751836 ID: 0bca95

>>751817
>That has me thinking, what if both of your brothers weren't acting of their own cognizance? What if there's some outside force that either took over or affected your eldest brother, and after he died, now it's latched on to Karas?
Perhaps it's all the souls trapped in the Catacombs of the Godless/Soul Kiln. The souls of traitors, dangerous violent criminals and falsely accused that were thrown down there by the Kingdom, the Temple and the Old Empire balled up into a amalgam of vengeance, hatred, rage and envy. That'd explain why the monstrosity sounded like a thousand howling voices to Kronos, and why Xuv is seeing through a thousand eyes from Karas. Though, I doubt they had the power to possess before, but extended periods in proximity to the Catacombs may have allowed them to influence a person. That might be what happened to Krotos. And those Sakkilian orphans, they were imprisoned below the Temple, likely close to the Catacombs. And Karas was kept in a safe room underground, so if that room was close to the Catacombs too, that may explain the state he's in now. And his contact with the tainted orphans may have also infected his dreams, giving him the night terrors that kept waking him up. But the effect on all of them was much more serious than with Krotos, so something would have to have increased the effect of the Catacombs... Perhaps what the Archbishop is doing inadvertently empowered the souls trapped in the Catacombs. Maybe the bursts of raw magic were getting absorbed by the souls trapped in the Catacomb/Soul Kiln. Or maybe the process that turned the dead patch in the garden live again is the same or similar to the one the earth elemental did that also warped it somewhat, and the warping effect is being dumped into the Catacombs. Or it could be something else entirely, or a combination of things. But it seems like it wasn't until after the Archbishop's plans were being put into motion that this shit started happening.

Oh, and Krotos possibly being the core of the "soul amalgam" could be explained by the way certain undead who died with very strong feelings or drives retaining at least part of their minds when they rise back up. If Krotos rose as that kind of undead, he would have had the most coherent and strongest personality of all the souls down there, giving direction to them all. Though, it's also possible that the visions Kronos had that we think were of Krotos was actually of Karas being possessed by the Catacomb souls. But if that was the case it wouldn't have reacted the way it did when it felt Kronos watching, since Karas now hates Kronos' guts.

>>751781
>...ahhh, of course, I figured out another thing. Part of Xuv's corpse is in the amalgamation of souls and bones.
That Xuv is somehow linked to the imprisoned Catacomb/Soul Kiln souls makes so much sense. And if Xuv is linked to the "soul amalgam" then that would mean it would get some of any power she gets. And it seems like it wasn't until after Xuv got her first real bit of power in ages from Tim, when he summoned her, that things started to get weird with her. And then she got more power from visiting Tim in his dreams, and from her invasion of Kronos' dreams last night, and if she's linked with the "soul amalgam" then she got some power when Tim tried to summon her last night. That Tim ended up in a nightmare with the monstrosity just backs up this theory more. And that Xuv is seeing through Karas and some other being gives even more credence to the theory. And also it wasn't until Xuv got more power that suddenly people started getting portentous nightmares like Thalia's. But if this is true, it also means that Kronos definitely should not give into Xuv because any power drawn from his desires by her would also end up powering the monstrosity as well. And it may also mean that anyone who potentially consumes Xuv would also end up connected to the Catacomb souls unless the link to them was severed somehow. Oh, and on top of that it'd mean any link Xuv has to a child of Kronos and Briannah would also be tainted by the Catacomb souls, so that'll have to be dealt with in some way as well.
>>
No. 751840 ID: 398fe1

>>751817
>Kronos is in no condition for any kind of combat.
He's got a boner and can't keep his mind off sex, that's all. He is not physically handicapped, and I imagine the adrenaline rush from coming face to face with a monster intent on murdering his sister would help his ability to fight.
>Thalia has the floor, alert her
Just how are we supposed to do that? Start raving like a madman about how your brother came back to life and is trying to kill her? Nobody's gonna believe anything we say until the monster shows up and by then it might be too late!
>six eyes
The abomination has six eyes, or is made up of three people, or she's including the "bound and gagged" person (Karas) along with herself and the abomination/herself fused with the abomination. It's looking FROM BEHIND THE DOOR, and waiting. That's explicitly stated. The monster is behind the door.


On a different topic... Karas' story makes me wonder if the children were poisoned or otherwise not of sound mind when they attacked him. If we could somehow give him proof of that, it might make him repent, since his hatred would be founded on a falsehood. Not that he should be set free, since he still made those decisions himself, but it might spare him the death penalty if that happened.
>>
No. 751843 ID: 0451e4

>>751840
Karas only has one eye. Also, Xuv says whatever it is is waiting, so I'd say we have time.
>>
No. 751849 ID: 0bca95

>>751840
>The abomination has six eyes, or is made up of three people, or she's including the "bound and gagged" person (Karas) along with herself and the abomination/herself fused with the abomination.
Or it's a Serpens with two missing eyes that's been possessed by the abomination. Serpens have eight eyes, after all. Or it's three people with binocular vision, or six each with a missing eye, or two Uredo, since Uredo have three eyes. And there may be more ways it could technically be six eyes as well, but until Kronos gets his eye on who or whatever it is he won't know for sure.

And thinking of interpreting visions, Kronos should ask Xuv exactly what she saw in the threads of fate as the causes of death for Kira and Karas. She jumped to conclusions with Kronos' father, so it's quite possible she got the other two wrong as well. It might even be the death from stress is Karas' fate rather than Kira's, since Karas looks like he may just have a stroke down there. Which if that was the case, the abuse of food one would be Kira's. Possibly it'd be from stress eating, but with how open to interpretation these are it could be anything. "Abusing" food could even include choking to death on a grape if you stretch the definition enough.

>>751843
Yeah, that's true Karas has only one eye, but we can't be so sure about how much time we have. We also don't want to cause any kind of commotion that'd cause Kira's bodyguards to execute a evacuation plan for her 'cause it's most likely they'd guide her to safety right back through the ornate monarch's door, straight into the arms of whatever is back there. So something like faking that Kronos has been poisoned, calling out that there's an assassin in the rafters, or getting Sisah to yell out whatever codeword the bodyguards have for evacuating the court will not work. Kira has to exit the hall via another door than the ornate one.

Also, there's a possible risk from Karas to Kira. If he has been possessed by something or it's using him as a channel, then he might get the strength from it to break his bonds, project magic, or some other danger to Kira. Thus, he might end up being the source of danger Thalia's saw in her dream.
>>
No. 751852 ID: 398fe1

...I wonder if Xuv would back off if she knew she was giving the abomination power?
>>
No. 752188 ID: 109c73

Her mind is fragmented. You are not her only pawn
>>
No. 752208 ID: f3e14f

We should try the whole 0retending to be frozen in time with everyone else next to she appears just to see what happens
>>
No. 752222 ID: 5869b3

>>751849
I was thinking send a guard with a note or something once the time stop ends.
>>
No. 752513 ID: 65a774
File 147621675398.png - (41.74KB , 686x526 , 8.png )
752513

>We should try the whole pretending to be frozen in time with everyone else next to she appears just to see what happens.
Considering that she tends to appear out of nowhere and scare the shit out of you… well…
>Not that you're a saint, but compared to the murderers and sadists that seem to be ubiquitous around here?
Yes, because it’s hard to get over a bar embedded in the ground… who are you kidding, you’ll probably still trip over it.
>That has me thinking, what if both of your brothers weren't acting of their own cognizance? What if there's some outside force that either took over or affected your eldest brother, and after he died, now it's latched on to Karas?
That’s… seeing Karas sudden mood swings… oh gods…
>Perhaps it's all the souls trapped in the Catacombs of the Godless/Soul Kiln. The souls of traitors, dangerous violent criminals and falsely accused.
…if they can possess people then… then… how are we even supposed to protect ourselves from something like that!?
>I figured out another thing. Part of Xuv's corpse is in the amalgamation of souls and bones. That's how it's able to walk about and escape the prison- it has part of a god's power.
This is just getting worse and worse!
>Oh, and Krotos possibly being the core of the "soul amalgam" could be explained by the way certain undead who died with very strong feelings or drives retaining at least part of their minds when they rise back up.
Oh gods! That’s… wait… but… strong willed people that dies becomes… what if… Xuv isn’t actually… she’s undead? What if this isn’t Xuv, but just her undead corpse walking around?
>Her mind is fragmented. You are not her only pawn.
For all we know there might be another Xuv down there! If this is just her corpse… is it possible her soul is somewhere else?
>Look around, especially among the 21- is anybody giving the queen or the door the death glare?
Not the queen, no… a lot of them are giving your brother the death glare though. So much for an unbiased judgement…


>Kronos should ask Xuv exactly what she saw in the threads of fate as the causes of death for Kira and Karas.
:XuvSB: Hrrn? What I saw? Well… let’s see… for your brother I saw one of those… candy thingies? At least that paper thing around it?
:KronosSB: So he’ll die of diabetes?
:XuvSB: Dia what now?
:KronosSB: …or wait, didn’t they say they found candy wrappers on several murder scenes? Oh gods, it saw the trial! He’ll be sentence to death because of the candies! And my sister? What about Kira?
:XuvSB: Saw her collapsing over several piles of papers, old and worn out.
:KronosSB: …so… she’ll work herself to death…
>...I wonder if Xuv would back off if she knew she was giving the abomination power?
:XuvSB: What are you blabbering on about?
:KronosSB: There is something else in play here, something that might be syphoning powers from you.
:XuvSB: BAH! Stop talking nonsense! Stealing from the very gods!? Preposterous! I’m not going to stand here listening to your inane accusations. No, if you won’t feed me… I was only coming by to tell you I kept my part of the deal… and I expect you to keep yours tonight.
:KronosSB: Wait, what do yo- GAHH! AAH…
*Crash*
:SisahSB: Watch the ice bucket!
:KronosSB: H-HOLY….
:BriannahSB: Are yah alright!?
:KronosSB: I… I…ah… gods… I wasn’t…
:SisahSB: Is it that bad? Should I call for medical aid?
:KronosSB: No, it’s just… it caught me b-by surprise, that’s a-all…
:BriannahSB: …surprise?
:KronosSB: Oh, I… Xuv came and talking t-to me again… I guess her time s-stop thing she does m-made me feel less… well… Oh! Right! S-she gave me a warning! Something is about to h-happen!

>We have to go. Immediately. Grab your gun, set it to fire, leave via the nearest exit.
:SisahSB: Whoa, calm down. You’re not going anywhere.
:KronosSB: But-
:BriannahSB: She’s right, yah’re not in any shape to go into danger.
>Thalia has the floor, alert her.
:BriannahSB: Seeing as she’s staring right at us, that wouldn’t be a problem. That is, unless yah ‘ave a lot of details to share?
>I was thinking send a guard with a note or something once the time stop ends.
:BriannahSB: Ah, I can send Doxan! ‘e’ll get down there quickly… and can ‘elp with whatever is down there. So, what’s the message?
:KronosSB: I… l-let me write a quick note.
>Also, there's a possible risk from Karas to Kira.
:BriannahSB: Karas? Not only is ‘e bound and gagged, ‘e got a lot of magical restrains on ‘im as well… and the throne is well protected as well.

:KronosSB: Wait, Thalia is staring at us? D-did we make a scene?
:BriannahSB: A small one, yes… luckily, people are more interested in the trial.
:KronosSB: Oh… good…
:ChroniclerSB: It will be written that the youngest prince had a bit of an emotional breakdown watching his own brother be sentenced to death.
:KronosSB: Wha-
>>
No. 752514 ID: 65a774
File 147621676581.png - (31.88KB , 686x526 , 9.png )
752514

:KronosSB: Oh… the chronicler…
:ChroniclerSB: Of course. This is an event that will be remembered for thousands of years and need to be written. History books do keep the memories alive, don’t they? Oh, and I wanted to tell you I’ve decided on a name on your book… “Strange bedfellows”, as you suggested. It really does work on more than one level, no? So thank you for that suggestion. Now… what’s next? Is your epic getting interesting?
:KronosSB: …interesting?
:ChroniclerSB: I can feel it… my siblings have dreamed up something interesting. I do hope you choose a path that will end with a proper ending, don’t want to the book to suddenly end, no?
:BriannahSB: So yah’re not ‘ere to share a bunch of really vague advice?
:ChroniclerSB: Well, if you have any questions… Oh! And I forgot to ask, how do you want the cover to look like? Something epic? Something symbolic? Hmm?
:KronosSB: …is this really the time for this?
>>
No. 752534 ID: 600c27

What was Xuv talking about when she said 'my end of the deal'? Is, or was, something affecting my brothers? Will it affect me? What is the archbishop planing and what will come of it? What would be the collateral damage if the old man destroys the soul kiln? Did this morning's efforts 'take'? Is there an ending to this story that doesn't involve mad gods eventually destroying the world?
>It will be written that the youngest prince had a bit of an emotional breakdown watching his own brother be sentenced to death.
...Is there any way to affect the sentencing?
>>
No. 752553 ID: 600c27

I almost forgot- who poisoned the guard outside the crypts? Why did my sister have Qelba framed when she already had evidence against my brother, and why wasn't he protected by any guards? What was he going to tell me?

>who are you kidding, you’ll probably still trip over it.
Maybe, but not this time.
>>
No. 752558 ID: 6612fa

>>752514
this guy never answers with anything about the present or the future so lets focus all our questions on the past tense

what was the thing i see in my visions and was it in the throne room a few seconds ago?

also we should ask him what he would do for varkdike bar.
maybe we can bribe him.
>>
No. 752559 ID: 6612fa

>>752558
you can't bargain with the future, all you can do it prepare... the past on the other hand as long as your willing to drown it in coin and some strategically placed fire you can changes it's mind to suit your needs, within the limits of common knowledge.
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No. 752560 ID: 398fe1

>>752558
Gah, you're right. We can only ask about the past.

>>752514
Well we know if Xuv's prediction holds true then the abomination won't be able to kill your sister. However, other lives are at stake. Basically everyone else in here could be killed by that thing.

Ask if Xuv actually saved your father's life. Also ask if giving her power aided the abomination. If not, ask if giving her power was a bad idea or not.
>>
No. 752576 ID: 5628cf

Impose Briannah's giant ass over a silhouette of Kronos staring in horror.
>>
No. 752683 ID: 65a774
File 147629363389.png - (83.61KB , 686x526 , 10.png )
752683

>Impose Briannah's giant ass over a silhouette of Kronos staring in horror.
This isn’t the time for face sitting! Also, that kind of activities should only be performed in the privacy of your own apartment… … …and “horror” might be wrong emotion…

>Ask if Xuv actually saved your father's life.
:ChroniclerSB: There are many paths we can take. Xuv made you father walk down one that is longer than the one he was on.
>Also ask if giving her power aided the abomination. If not, ask if giving her power was a bad idea or not.
:ChroniclerSB: There are always consequences. Some good, some bad. Who am I to judge which path is the proper one?
>What was Xuv talking about when she said 'my end of the deal'?
:ChroniclerSB: How should I know? You’re the one who struck a deal with her?

>...Is there any way to affect the sentencing?
:ChroniclerSB: There are always other paths… though, you might not like the price they require… or where they end.
>Is, or was, something affecting my brothers?
:ChroniclerSB: A better question would be… is it affecting them… or are they affecting it?
>Will it affect me?
:ChroniclerSB: It hasn’t already?
>what was the thing I see in my visions?
:ChroniclerSB: A nightmare can take many forms. Some are more personal than others…
>and was it in the throne room a few seconds ago?
:ChroniclerSB: It’s everywhere were fear is bred. In the dark corners of the palace, in the ill lit cellars below it, in the lonely nights and even in the edge of your vision. Fear sustains it and fear drives it. Do not let your fears consume you like it did with your brothers!

>What is the archbishop planning and what will come of it?
:ChroniclerSB: “Those that think themselves queen but are mere pawns,
are doomed to walk the path their king has drawn.
Her master demands a feast for a god,
who can tell if it will work or if it’s flawed?”
>What would be the collateral damage if the old man destroys the soul kiln?
:ChroniclerSB: *Shrug* I am the past, not future.
>Is there an ending to this story that doesn't involve mad gods eventually destroying the world?
:ChroniclerSB: “Let me tell you a tale of three brothers, born in a poor, starving hamlet, who once met a genie of great powers. It promised all three that it would empower them with endless potential, but warned them that there is always a price. If they ever welcomed death everything they’ve done before wouldn’t happen, except for the final embrace of their own end. The first brother, selfish and egoistical, used the powers to only please himself. The finest wine, the finest food, the finest women, all soon was in his grasp. But for every glass he drank the wine became more sour, for every plate he ate the food become staler, for everyone he bed his desires were harder to please. In the end, it seems that the man who had everything had nothing, and out of boredom he welcomed death’s embrace. The second brother, altruistic and kind, tried to use his powers to help those in need and make the world paradise for all. At first, it worked, and he was beloved by all. But as time passed, the consequences of his action became harsher and harsher, but still he was beloved by all. The harder he tired, the worse it got and soon the very world burned, cleansed of life thanks to his actions… and he was still beloved by all. In the end, out of despair, the second brother chooses to embrace death as well. “In the end, both your brothers only got death” the genie said “do you still want to take my promise”? The last brother, wise and patient, accepted the promise, but moments later gave back all the powers the genie has bestowed upon him. “Do you not wish to be a god?” the genie asked. “No, I’ve already gotten everything I wanted” the last brother answered, as he took his two brothers in hand and walked back to the rich and well-fed hamlet they were born in.”

>who poisoned the guard outside the crypts?
:ChroniclerSB: There are others who has a stake in this. Only time will tell if you will meet them or not.
>Why did my sister have Qelba framed when she already had evidence against my brother?
:ChroniclerSB: It’s impossible to complete a puzzle without all the pieces. In this case, she knew were the pieces where, she just didn’t have a way to reach them.
>and why wasn't he protected by any guards?
:ChroniclerSB: Sometimes, a pawn is placed where a rook was needed.
>What was he going to tell me?
:ChroniclerSB: That, young prince, is lost to history. Only Qelba knew… so that secret died with him.

>Maybe we can bribe him.
:ChroniclerSB: I simply am what has happen. There is no way to change me.
>Did this morning's efforts 'take'?
:ChroniclerSB: Hmm… no, they did not.
:BriannahSB: So… is it even possible for us too…?
:ChroniclerSB: The path you walk will have children laughs in it, have no doubt.
:BriannahSB: Well… that means we need to take it up a notch, eh Kronos?
>>
No. 752700 ID: 600c27

Oh fuck, he's speaking in poetry again.

> You’re the one who struck a deal with her?
Yeah, past tense.
> though, you might not like the price they require… or where they end.
Well than give me a damn roadmap and I'll make my own decision. I know there are more paths than 'world destroyed by lunatic' and 'world destroyed by people who thought they were helping'.
>Let me tell you a tale of three brothers...
First sounds like Xuv, second sounds like Belseth. Question is, who's the third? Since we know we should relinquish power, could it be you? Sounds like a good enough way to deal with that energy buildup everybody's worried about, we can give it to the old man willingly without a catastrophic explosion.

> Well… that means we need to take it up a notch, eh Kronos?
As soon as he gets back, Belseth is going to disguise himself as you and we're going to make ourselves scarce for an hour.
>>
No. 752764 ID: df5537

>>752700
>As soon as he gets back, Belseth is going to disguise himself as you and we're going to make ourselves scarce for an hour.
Uh... What? This suggestion doesn't make sense. Belseth was and is currently down below taking part in the court proceedings as a member of the council of 21 deciding Karas' fate. He won't be coming up here. Did you happen to get his name mixed up with Doxan?

However, even substituting Doxan into your suggestion won't work because Doxan's a Sakkilian, and as skilled as he is at disguise, he can't fake being a Vark. Besides, it's Bri's presence that folks down there will take to indicate Kronos is still up here, since she's so large they can see her clearly.

And it also won't work if your suggestion was actually for Doxan to disguise himself as Briannah. She's a great deal taller and wider than him, so it'd be noticed even down there. He also, as far as we know, only has the magical means to disguise his face and head, not his clothes, so he wouldn't have Bri's dress either.
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No. 752774 ID: 91ee5f

>“Those that think themselves queen but are mere pawns, are doomed to walk the path their king has drawn. Her master demands a feast for a god, who can tell if it will work or if it’s flawed?”
The archbishop isn't calling the shots?!

Wait.....I think I've figured it out! The archbishop's master doesn't have a physical form and must've made promises of "making the world a better place" to her. And the ritual is a way to turn Bel into a vessel! That way, whoever it is will possess Bel and will then turn him into an evil god!

>The path you walk will have children laughs in it, have no doubt.
>Well… that means we need to take it up a notch, eh Kronos?
But, he didn't say that it would be our biological children, he just said children. I'm willing to try again, but.....if it still doesn't take by the time we fix whatever the fuck is going on, we might need to consider adoption. Also, I say "when we fix things" and not "if we fix things", because I'm confident we will fix things.

Here's a question for you, Chronicler: "Where is the immortality symbol that the Old Man wanted me to destroy?" And if that doesn't work, then I'll try asking this way: "Where was the immortality symbol placed and who put it there?"

>>752700
>As soon as he gets back, Belseth is going to disguise himself as you and we're going to make ourselves scarce for an hour.
That doesn't make any sense! No!
>>
No. 752782 ID: cbb7cd

>>752764
You're right, I meant Doxan. Again.
>>
No. 753038 ID: 65a774
File 147646808169.png - (17.45KB , 686x526 , 11.png )
753038

>Oh fuck, he's speaking in poetry again.
At least it’s easier to decipher than some of its other bullshit…
>First sounds like Xuv, second sounds like Belseth. Question is, who's the third? Since we know we should relinquish power, could it be you?
Going by the general message of the story, it would seem that it wants you to be the third one.
>The archbishop's master doesn't have a physical form and must've made promises of "making the world a better place" to her. And the ritual is a way to turn Bel into a vessel! That way, whoever it is will possess Bel and will then turn him into an evil god!
Well, crap… it’s starting to sound more and more that Belseth is being set up… or even if he isn’t, whatever it is that is manipulating everything will probably just seize the gods’ powers for itself.


>Well than give me a damn roadmap and I'll make my own decision.
:ChroniclerSB: You know I cannot do that. All I can tell you is that trying to change his fate will only make things worse. Your brother is already lost, Kronos… both of them are, remember that.
>But, he didn't say that it would be our biological children, he just said children.
:ChroniclerSB: The path you walk right now will lead to biological ones. All you have to do is… persist to the end.
:BriannahSB: So… Xuv’s “blessing” will work?
:ChroniclerSB: …indeed it will.
>Where is the immortality symbol that the Old Man wanted me to destroy?
:ChroniclerSB: In the deepest of reaches, in a chamber of fallen gods, you will find it where you stand as you witness the ascension of a mad god.
:KronosSB: …so, it’s in the chamber with the gods?
:ChroniclerSB: It is where this story will end. Hidden in the catacombs along with the corpses of the very gods.
>The archbishop isn't calling the shots?!
:ChroniclerSB: The Archbishop is a leader of power. She have the loyalty and servitude of many, thus she have many paths to decide. But, there is a simple question with a complex answer; “How did she find something that has been hidden from creation itself for thousands of years”?

>As soon as he gets back, Doxan is going to disguise himself as you and we're going to make ourselves scarce for an hour.
:BriannahSB: Hrrn? Is this really the best time for that? I mean, sure, the trial is mostly just droning on by now… the defense is trying their best to prove anyone could ‘ave eaten that kind of candy and… that’s… rrrreally interesting? Wait, what was the point I was trying to make again? Oh, right, the threat! We still don’t ‘now if that’s solved or not.
:KronosSB: But if it is… no one would miss us sneaking away to our room for a while so you can sit on my fac- ergh, I mean… where did that come from?
:BriannahSB: Heh… really? Well, if that’s what yah want… still, there are some problems with ye plan.
:ChroniclerSB: Err… should I leave? This sounds like a private conversation…
>However, even substituting Doxan into your suggestion won't work because Doxan's a Sakkilian, and as skilled as he is at disguise, he can't fake being a Vark.
:BriannahSB: ‘e could disguise himself like me instead then? Though, I’m sure we can get a guard or servant that will look enough like yah on a distance.
:KronosSB: But… what if they talk about it?
:BriannahSB: There is no way we can leave without someone seeing us do it. That’s just the way it is, eh?
>She's a great deal taller and wider than him, so it'd be noticed even down there. He also, as far as we know, only has the magical means to disguise his face and head, not his clothes, so he wouldn't have Bri's dress either.
:BriannahSB: Well, then we simply give ‘im the dress? We aren’t planning to use it after all, heh… as for girt and size… Doxan is a master at disguises, ‘e can deal with that ‘imself. Especially when there’s such a distance to take into consideration.

:DoxanSB: Mistress?
:BriannahSB: Speak of the wyvern. Got anything to report, Doxan?
:DoxanSB: Thalia personally checked on the royal entrance as soon as she got ye message. We didn’t find anything but a few working servants and the like; but, to be on the safe side, she chased them all away before cycling all the guards as well as adding a few extra ones. Whatever it was we were looking for is gone now, master.
:KronosSB: So… crises averted or…?
:BriannahSB: Well, if it is… do yah still want to stick with the plan or are we staying ‘ere, listening to this sleep aid?
:ChroniclerSB: …um… so we’re done here? There wasn’t anything else?
>>
No. 753047 ID: 59d696

Cover art.
>>
No. 753054 ID: 6b2e04

>…indeed it will.
Alright, what's the catch?
>Well, then we simply give ‘im the dress?
Shan't subject him to that. Something tells me we should stay and see how this plays out. At least try to pay attention.
> …um… so we’re done here? There wasn’t anything else?
What, you don't want to watch the trial of the century? Good seats right here. As for cover art, go for a Regicide metaphor. Capital R regicide, like the board game.
>>
No. 753055 ID: 398fe1

I feel as though we should at least make sure Karas is given a proper burial(burned to ash), and not thrown in the soul prison to become part of whatever monster is lurking in there.

Even if we have to intercept his body and burn it personally.
What's the timetable for that, by the way?
>>
No. 753081 ID: 398fe1

...you know, he's been more forthcoming than usual on matters of the future. What's up with that?
>>
No. 753213 ID: 65a774
File 147664284298.png - (61.31KB , 686x526 , 12.png )
753213

>I feel as though we should at least make sure Karas is given a proper burial(burned to ash), and not thrown in the soul prison to become part of whatever monster is lurking in there.
That’s definitely something you need to vouch for. Sadly, it’s the council of 21 that will decide his final fate, and you can’t really discuss it with them under the trial, can you? Maybe you can talk to your sister right after this?
>What's the timetable for that, by the way?
It all depends on what the council decides. Maybe they will spare him a quick death and burn his body? Maybe they will torture him first? Maybe they will throw him down into the catacombs still alive? …or maybe he’ll just be imprisoned for life, but you doubt that…

>What, you don't want to watch the trial of the century? Good seats right here.
:ChroniclerSB: Ah, good seats or not, I can’t actually watch anything. I simply know everything that has happen, that’s all. So, even if you can’t see me here, I will know what has happened.
>Alright, what's the catch?
:ChroniclerSB: The catch? Well, the catch you have to worry about is that if you don’t deal with Xuv soon, the only thing you will give birth to is a mad god who will consume the flesh of your wife.
:BriannahSB: Err… that’s… we really need to kick Xuv’s arse then!
>As for cover art, go for a Regicide metaphor. Capital R regicide, like the board game.
:ChroniclerSB: Hmm… that might work, yeah… which would make Kronos the King? …and Bri the Queen? Hmm…
:BriannahSB: Of course I’m the queen! I’m the one who kicks the most arse around ‘ere!
> ...you know, he's been more forthcoming than usual on matters of the future. What's up with that?
:ChroniclerSB: Oh, I have? Well, most of your questions could be answered with knowledge of the past and… err… you’re right, I’ve said too much. I really should keep my mouth in check from now on.
:BriannahSB: …actually, why are yah even answering our questions? Yah said it yeself, yah shouldn’t try to change the future, eh?
:ChroniclerSB: Err… well… I admit, I’ve been giving you answers that… um… might make this a better story? I mean… um… it wouldn’t be fun story if Kronos here went and died in the middle of it, would it? The whole thing would kind of just grind to a halt and then… just end badly. Not really a great story, is it? Either way, if you need me, I’ll be… well, anywhere something is happening. See you soon.

>Shan't subject Doxan to that.
:DoxanSB: If the mistress and master wishes for me to wear a dress, then I will do so. It’s not the first time I’ve worn something like that, master. I’m ‘ere to serve ye every whim, after all.
>Something tells me we should stay and see how this plays out.
…alright, fine… you’re doing this… you’re doing your duty as a prince. No distractions!

>At least try to pay attention.
The trial goes on and your brothers defense does put up a fight, but in the end it doesn’t seem they had a chance… mostly because Karas is acting more like a wild beast than an innocent man...
>>
No. 753214 ID: 65a774
File 147664285159.png - (17.45KB , 686x526 , 13.png )
753214

…and the verdict is in… he will be executed. Though, they have yet to decide the exact means he will face his fate or what will happen to his remains. Karas doesn’t seem to even notice what is happening around him, instead in the last moments of the trial he managed to find you and has since then stared like a madman right at you. Even when they led him away, he was staring at you with pure hatred and rage…

:BriannahSB: So… it’s four o’clock, eh? When was the dinner with Belseth?
:KronosSB: Um… did we even decide on a time?
:BriannahSB: Either way, it’s time to get ready for it? Unless yah ‘ave something else that needs to be done?

Do I? I still have the painter’s hat in my pocket… and I probably need to talk to either Thalia or my sister… or both… but do you need to do that right now? You rather rest your mind for a bit… the only thing you know for sure is that you’ll probably be late if you try to do everything.
>>
No. 753225 ID: 398fe1

>>753214
...that's the same eye that the abomination had. He's fully possessed, probably.

First thing's first. Talk to your sister and tell her it's important that Karas gets a proper burial. Heck, it might even be a good idea to do that for all those sentenced to death from here on. No more trapped souls, please.

After that I suppose you should get ready for the date. If you have time you could return the painter's hat, but it's also possible to send a messenger to do that.
>>
No. 753234 ID: 0eed7a

>mostly because Karas is acting more like a wild beast than an innocent man...
Is he saying anything articulate?
>…and the verdict is in… he will be executed.
Any idea who voted how? That could make dinner awkward.
> Unless yah ‘ave something else that needs to be done?
Yeah, your wife. You can return the hat later, and there's no rest for the wicked.

First, mingle with everyone else. Something tells me "It will be written that the youngest prince had a bit of an emotional breakdown" means that you can successfully pass off your actual 'condition' as shock. Tuck your 'gun' into your waistband or something and see if you cant gather up Thalia to talk to your sister about your concerns about the church. If people aren't lingering in and around the courtroom, prioritize finding your sister. How's it look like she's taking the news?
>>
No. 753235 ID: 094652

Okay.

Your brother is infected, AND he's on death row for conspiracy and murder. He's too great a threat to try and save.

I'm more worried about what happens when he dies. If we're dealing with a Beast-type virus, that infestation might spread to the executioner. Then we'd have to shoot the executioner in the face. That would not go well.

You could hire your own assassin squad to target the executioner and make it look like you were trying to save your brother, but they might take initiative and kill the executioner ahead of schedule, and either way you'd lose reputation for murdering a soldier. Convincing your sister to change the sentence to life might work, but the infestation might grow and he could break loose.

I suggest you find a nice, quiet wasteland far away from the castle and throw exorcism rituals at his ass until he dies from purification stress overload. You could hire the priests from the church, have them witness the horror, make a few of them realize what rotten fruits their grand master plan will unleash and convince them to join your side. The rest you can write off as a loss. Of their heads.
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No. 753260 ID: 398fe1

>>753235
What is a Beast-type virus?
>>
No. 753370 ID: 55ad9c

>>753234
>...means that you can successfully pass off your actual 'condition' as shock. Tuck your 'gun' into your waistband or something...
It's pretty certain Kronos won't have to contend with hiding the 'condition' of his 'gun.' Back shortly after noon, right after the trial started, Briannah said that the fertility potion effects would wear off in a few hours. (See >>750932) It's four 'o clock now so it should have worn off completely, or at least close enough to completely that Kronos can keep from erecting another trouser tent as long as he doesn't focus on lewd thoughts.

>>753260
I dunno. My guess is it's either a reference to a Windows Trojan horse virus from circa 2004, which I doubt, or one for the Beast bio-mech virus from the game Homeworld: Cataclysm. Thing is, the latter was very aggressive about spreading and didn't wait to jump to a nearby new host until its current host died. That doesn't fit how Kome described its behavior here so I don't know what was meant by a "Beast-type" virus.
>>
No. 753377 ID: 55ad9c

Yes, you would rather rest your mind for a bit, but you know that time is not on your side here and you don't have the luxury to put things off until you're feeling better because then important things won't get done or vital info shared. You just can't afford to be that carefree, irresponsible, and, frankly, aimless prince you were for so long any more.

Right now is not the time to return Zela's beret. There's more important things that should be dealt with right now. And frankly, after this trial, you're also not in the mood to face such a cute starstruck gal. You'll have a servant take her beret back, along with a note from you. Write down that you're sorry you didn't return her beret sooner and you wish it could have been in person, but you got caught up in events and time got away from you before you could and then you had to be at the trial. Add that you look forward to the next time you see her, and that it'll probably be tomorrow morning in the studio.

Go round up Thalia and then Kira. You, Bri, and them need to talk. But before you do get down to the heavy issues, take Kira somewhere private and secure. Somewhere where you and her can be alone, without Sisah or bodyguards. Some place where she'll can safely drop her queenly front and be just your sister for a little bit. Then give her a close hug and soothing words, because after all that's happened so far today, she has to desperately need some comforting. ...And frankly, you need some comforting too.

Unfortunately, you two won't have much time for hugs and comforting before you'll have to bring Thalia and Bri in to talk about serious matters. Like informing Kira about what you told Thalia already, along with Thalia's dream, Tim's nightmare from the ritual, what you heard when you touched the earth elemental, and so on, also asking Kira what her bad dreams these last few days have been.
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No. 753858 ID: 65a774
File 147689490675.png - (60.02KB , 686x526 , 14.png )
753858

>...that's the same eye that the abomination had. He's fully possessed, probably.
Gods… he really is gone…
>He's too great a threat to try and save.
Is there even anything left to save?
>Is he saying anything articulate?
The one time they removed the muzzle from him he simply snarled and tried to bite his own defense attorney.
>Any idea who voted how? That could make dinner awkward.
It was anonymous so you have no idea who voted for what… or what they even could vote for.
>I'm more worried about what happens when he dies. If we're dealing with a Beast-type virus, that infestation might spread to the executioner.
You’re not sure what is actually wrong with him, but it doesn’t seem to transfer at death. Otherwise, all the guards he had with him when he met with those children would be infected as well. So far, the only thing you have to go on are the catacombs… everyone who’s been acting strange has been close to them, haven’t they?
>If you have time you could return the painter's hat, but it's also possible to send a messenger to do that.
You’d rather see her in person, but you guess you don’t have the time for that, do you?
>Tuck your 'gun' into your waistband or something.
Your “gun” isn’t loaded anymore. While you still feel a bit… “excited”, watching the trial did keep your mind of it long enough for you to calm down.


>Go round up Thalia and then Kira. You, Bri, and them need to talk.
:CainSB: Sir? I’m sorry to say, but both parties had to decline. General Thalia is busy with security and her men, but she did say that she should have time to talk to you if you came by her office personally. Your sister, on the other hand, has locked herself in her room, requesting that she will not be disturbed unless its something critical…
:KronosSB: …then I guess I’ll-
:CainSB: But she did make an exception for you, sir. In fact, when she heard you were looking for her, she requested that you, and only you, would pay her a visit.
:KronosSB: Oh…
>Prioritize finding your sister.
:KronosSB: Then I guess I’ll go see my sister then…
:BriannahSB: I’ll see if I can talk to Thalia.



When you arrive in your sister chamber, you find her looking into a newly lit fire with dead, tired eyes. Nearby on a table you spot a bottle of wine, opened just a few minutes ago yet it’s already half empty… and seeing that there aren’t any glasses around at all either…

:KiraSB: …brother…
:KronosSB: Sis… are you alright?
:KiraSB: … … …You wanted to see me?
:KronosSB: …err… oh, well…
>Tell her it's important that Karas ge-
:KiraSB: Don’t mention that name! No, I’m not going to talk about him anymore. Whatever fate awaits him is not in my hands anymore.
:KronosSB: But-
:KiraSB: As your queen, I order you to not mention that name again in my presence, do you understand?
:KronosSB: But-
:KiraSB: DO YOU UNDERSTAND!?
:KronosSB: …I understand…
:KiraSB: Good… now, was there anything else?
:KronosSB: …err… th-
:KiraSB: Then let me ask you… ask you a favor, Kronos. An important favor… which might decide the future of this kingdom. Do you understand how important what I’m about to ask you is?
:KronosSB: …yes?
:KiraSB: It’s… about our blood line. It needs to be passed on… an heir of pure blood to take the crown. I hate to ask you to go behind your soon to be wife’s back and… commit adultery… but I’m sure she will understand if you explained it to her.
:KronosSB: …wait, are you implying…
:KiraSB: Our kingdom needs an heir to the crown, brother, one of our blood.

>Give her a close hug and soothing words, because after all that's happened so far today, she has to desperately need some comforting. ...And frankly, you need some comforting too.
…she seems so… angry and serious right now. Is this really the best time for hugs?
>>
No. 753876 ID: 91ee5f

>Don’t mention that name! No, I’m not going to talk about him anymore. Whatever fate awaits him is not in my hands anymore.
>As your queen, I order you to not mention that name again in my presence, do you understand?
>DO YOU UNDERSTAND!?
I don't care if she's the queen and your sister, that's an order you can't obey because this is important! You need to do something that'll make her shut up and listen! And I know what you need to do.

You need to do something that she knows you'll never do in front of her. You need to yell at her, throw a chair, break the wine bottle, or something you never normally do because if you, the quiet brother, do something like that, that'll let her know that it's important! And if she tries to interrupt you, then raise your voice loud enough to be heard!

Don't forget to mention her dreams and then talk about your brother, not the currently crazy one, the dead brother. And explain the ritual with Bel and the church and everything else that's important.
>>
No. 753881 ID: 094652

The plight of the king: when their own reasoning betrays them, and the path to success is clear for everyone but them.

She has turned her back on living ashes, laid her skin bare to the portals of hell. Do not push her further or she will press their blades to her neck just to convince herself they do not exist. Instead, try to convince her that there's someone hiding in the ashes; tighten security in a way that covers the bases.

As for heirs, tell her you were considering a polygamous relationship anyway - hell, Briannah was planning to screw her painting instructors! But if your sister doesn't bake her own bun buns, you're going to cook your kids at your own pace. Unless she's sterile, in which case you'd like help courting Elete.
>>
No. 753883 ID: 810263

>Whatever fate awaits him is not in my hands anymore.
Looks like we'll have to deal with it ourselves. Might make for good casus belli to have a public beef with the church, should it come to that.

Maybe we've been hanging around Bri too much, but I don't like what she's implying. In addition to what your mother would think, you won't do some emotionless, hollow act, especially not while she's drunk. Also not when Bri and Thalia might be on the way. Might want to keep her separated from that bottle while you're at it.

>Is this really the best time for hugs?
It might be the only time for a while.

Forget any business for the time being, she looks like she'd have a breakdown if you bring her any more shit to do. Remind her what you said about taking it easy. Has she even been sleeping?
>>
No. 753906 ID: 398fe1

>>753858
Tell her you'll take care of it. You will father an heir, one way or another. Also, uh, she doesn't need to worry about you going behind Bri's back. She's okay with sharing other people.

What's stopping Kira from getting pregnant herself, though? Is she sterile?
>>
No. 753995 ID: 6612fa

>>753858
didn't bri say she would allow it only if she got to watch/participate
>>
No. 753996 ID: 3b7192

Oh shit, she's asking you to fuck her.
>>
No. 754001 ID: a3246c

>>753996
Possibly- but let's not assume and end up looking like a pervert.
>>
No. 754002 ID: f562b1

> I hate to ask you to go behind your soon to be wife’s back and… commit adultery… but I’m sure she will understand if you explained it to her.
>Our kingdom needs an heir to the crown, brother, one of our blood.
She must have been quite stressed to forget:
>Kira: I would suggest that you talked to your wife about it, she has just as much say on this as you, don’t she?
>Briannah: …I always wanted to ‘ave a child of my own…
Of course, she would still prefer one born of both of you, but "until a means is found, she'll probably be happy to have any."
>>
No. 754004 ID: 20e2dc

Make sure she's not implying what us voices are. Something along the lines of:

"Surely you don't mean the two of us, right?"
>>
No. 754035 ID: 595d54

Okay, so far she's just asking us to commit adultery and impregnate a woman of our species.

"Bri has said she's fine with threesomes, so if you have the mother in mind, I can go set something up with her."
>>
No. 754041 ID: 01134a

>>753858
If she is asking you to impregnat her then said yes this is a dark fantasy of yours.
>>
No. 754043 ID: 91ee5f

>>754041
NO, WE'RE NOT DOING THAT!!!!! D-:<
>>
No. 754053 ID: c910e8

Tell your sister that she will have to listen to you before anything can be decided.

First of all, I don't think this is the best time for her to be considering that, with all the stress, work and intriges, she seems to be about to snap, and you can't have that. Why is she so interested on having an heir like that right now? Does she fear for her life?

Also, Briannah probably won't be bothered by this idea, she may be interested in joining to be exact, (and you can't be cruel enough to leave her out of this, can you?). Even so, I think we should tell her about this before anything, the same way she did.

And lastly, You can't have your sister simply doing this as it were just a duty, she is way too hard on herself, perhaps this is your chance to make her relax, maybe even enjoy it, even if it is just a tiny bit, and you are probably going to need Briannah's help for that.

My oppinion is that you don't accept her offer, not right now at least.
>>
No. 754054 ID: 398fe1

Oh and since she's not letting you discuss it, you're probably going to have to handle it yourself. Cain may be able to send a message to the executioner telling them that the body will not be dumped in the crypt like other traitors, but will instead be cremated.
>>
No. 754175 ID: 55ad9c

>>754054
Unfortunately, with the Bri-height list of charges Karas has been convicted of, getting him a proper cremation is going to be impossible even with Kronos throwing all his personal resources into it. Karas' trial is so high profile and diplomatically important that everybody involved in handling Karas, his execution, and dealing with his body afterwards, is almost certainly going to be both chosen from the most trustworthy to the crown and also under extra scrutiny so no screw-ups happen. There's no way Kronos can make sure Karas' body is cremated... Well, short of drawing his Singing Dragon pistol and using it to immolate the corpse immediately after the execution, but obviously the fallout from that would be catastrophic for him.

However, there is another option that might work. All is needed is for Karas' body to not get dumped into the Catacombs of the Godless/Soul Kiln, right? Well, there's plenty of other places in the world to ignominiously dispose of a traitor's body. Having the body dismembered and the parts secretly buried in multiple graves far, far apart from each other would be one. Another would be taking the corpse out into the Serene Sea, sealed it into a hole-drilled barrel along with lead weights and throw it overboard. Simply put, there are other ways than the traditional one to deal with a high traitor's body and still have it be acceptably punishing.
>>
No. 754359 ID: 6612fa

>>753858
would you please elaborate because there are two possibilities I can see you implying.
and in both cases i think it might be premature to make a decision this big, this soon after such a... loss.
>>
No. 754709 ID: 65a774
File 147717550895.png - (38.35KB , 686x526 , 15.png )
754709

>You need to yell at her, throw a chair, break the wine bottle, or something!
Because having a childish tantrum will convince her… sure…
>Oh shit, she's asking you to fuck her.
She isn’t… she can’t be… oh gods…
>If she is asking you to impregnate her then say yes this is a dark fantasy of yours.
What!? No! You’re not going to… to… you’re not… but… argh… freaking fertility potion! Why does the universe hate me so!?
>Perhaps this is your chance to make her relax, maybe even enjoy it, even if it is just a tiny bit, and you are probably going to need Briannah's help for that.
…yeah, this might be for the best… after all, a part of- NO! You’re not… no, just… no… She doesn’t mean it like that!
>Maybe we've been hanging around Bri too much…
Not only Bri, but Xuv! She’s the one who… who… you don’t even want to think about this anymore! Purge the mind of unclean thoughts! PURGE IT!
>Didn't bri say she would allow it only if she got to watch/participate?
She said she wanted to know who I slept with, that’s all. She did say it was okay for you to be with the painter, even if she didn’t want to take part of it, remember?
>Bri and Thalia might be on the way.
The queen has told the guard to not accept any visitors… so even if they were-

:KiraSB: KRONOS HELIOS MEDIEAN THE SECOND!
:KronosSB: Huh? What?
:KiraSB: Are you even listening to me!? What did I just say!?
:KronosSB: Err… Kingdom needs an heir?
:KiraSB: *Sigh* Forget it…

>It might be the only time for hugs for a while.
:KiraSB: Wha- what are you…?
:KronosSB: Sis… please… calm down for a moment. Come here.
:KiraSB: Kronos, this is not the time for… for… K-Kronos…
:KronosSB: Kira, just relax for a moment…
:KriaSB: Brother… I can’t… b-brother…

You can feel her suddenly relaxing in your arms, returning your embrace as she almost collapses on you as her legs gives away for a second. ...wait, is she crying!?

:KiraSB: S-sorry… I… I lost my composure for a moment t-there…


>Remind her what you said about taking it easy.
:KiraSB: I… I can’t… there is so much that needs to be done… so much weight to carry on my shoulders… they need me…
>Has she even been sleeping? You heard she has had nightmares.
:KiraSB: …I… I’ve had some bad dreams, yes, and I admit I might not have the best of nights but don’t worry… I get enough sleep.
:KronosSB: …and what have you dreamt about?
:KiraSB: I rather not… talk about it…

>Would you please elaborate on the heir thing…?
:KiraSB: Elaborate? I want you to find a proper surrogate mother to sire an heir.
:KronosSB: Oh, thank gods…
:KiraSB: …wait, what did y-
:KronosSB: Forget about it!
>What's stopping Kira from getting pregnant herself, though?
:KiraSB: Oh, father never… of course he didn’t, I told him not to. I… was born sterile, brother… and that’s probably why I’m asexual as well. So, with our… our… with you being my only sibling, it falls to you to keep our bloodline flowing.
>Briannah probably won't be bothered by this idea, she may be interested in joining to be exact…
:KiraSB: Yes… I thoughts so… I’ve heard… things about that lady…
>Tell her you'll take care of it. You will father an heir, one way or another.
:KiraSB: Do you need to find aid finding a suitable surrogate?
:KronosSB: If I do, can we at least wait to after the marriage?
:KiraSB: Ah, yes, of course… just… if you find someone, please choose someone of proper… breeding. A noble lady or someone of a proper position, like a general or a councilman… woman… If our bloodline is to continue, are rather not see it done by a common courtesan or servant.
:KronosSB: Don’t worry about it Kira, I got it under wraps.
:KiraSB: I hope you got your “gun” under wraps, yes…

>Might want to keep her separated from that bottle while you're at it.
:KiraSB: Oh that… don’t worry yourself about it. I just needed something to… dull my senses for a moment after what happen today.
:KronosSB: Just don’t make a habit of it.
:KiraSB: I’m not planning on making a habit of sentencing my own brothers to their death, no… twice is already two time to many…
>I don't care if she's the queen and your sister, that's an order you can't obey because this is important!
:KiraSB: …I already told you, it’s out of my hands now. I’m not the one who will decide his fate…
>All is needed is for Karas' body to not get dumped into the Catacombs of the Godless/Soul Kiln, right? Well, there's plenty of other places in the world to ignominiously dispose of a traitor's body.
:KiraSB: …Catacombs of the godless? I guess I can forbid them from throwing him down there… after all, we don’t want to give the temples expedition more undead to deal with, do we? I’ll see what I can do, brother, I promise you that much.
>>
No. 754717 ID: 398fe1

>>754709
>temples expedition
What's this? That's the first time we've heard of that. I wonder if that simply refers to them finding the burial chamber of the gods, and keeping it secure. Tell her you would very much like to help with the expedition.

Also, it's possible that you could help your sister live longer (and happier) by keeping her company more often, and helping her with paperwork or whatever things you're not likely to screw up or get too involved with.
>>
No. 754734 ID: 91ee5f

>Because having a childish tantrum will convince her… sure…
How selfish of you, caring only about yourself instead of caring about spreading IMPORTANT INFORMATION THAT COULD SAVE SOMEONE'S LIFE. It's only childish if you do it for childish reasons and last time I checked, spreading IMPORTANT INFORMATION is NOT a childish reason. If you do it to force someone to give you their undivided attention so that you can TELL THEM SOME VERY IMPORTANT INFORMATION then it's not childish. So next time, when you're unable to just hug it out, think about doing that. Unless you want something important to fall on deaf ears and someone gets killed because you were worried about looking like a child instead of worrying about keeping someone alive. Just a thought.

>I rather not… talk about it…
Try describing the monster she sees in her dreams and when she asks, "How did you know?!" just explain that she's not the only one having the exact same dreams, who you think the monster is, and then tell her the importance of talking about her dream. And then explain that this is the reason your other bother's body shouldn't be thrown in the catacombs, he could come back like that monster in her dreams.

>I hope you got your “gun” under wraps, yes…
Speaking of your "gun", I really hope you're not awkwardly poking your sister with it right now. If you are and she asks why, tell her that it was an overdose of one of Bri's "special potions" for "bedroom activities".

>temple's expedition
This is important, ask her to please elaborate!
>>
No. 754756 ID: c4e08f

> there is so much that needs to be done… so much weight to carry on my shoulders… they need me…
I've said it once before, she's got to learn to delegate. People might need her, but she needs people too. Does she have enough good advisors? Too many? Any people who can go out and get stuff done, make decisions of their own cognizance? I dunno, someone to take dictation for her?
> I rather not… talk about it…
I know it's disturbing, but they've been going around. Some creature on or about a throne, correct?
> I hope you got your “gun” under wraps, yes…
You know I'm a straight shooter.
>>
No. 754760 ID: 398fe1

>>754734
Holy shit calm down.

Throwing shit and breaking shit *is* pretty much the definition of a childish tantrum.
>>
No. 754784 ID: 094652

> Kira is sterile
There is SO much I'd like you to do about this, but we can't risk any experiments with The Beast. After this is over, maybe Xuv could stab Kira in the pussy a few times and fix whatever's broken? Knowing Xuvie though, she would probably set Kira's minimum lust to like 80% complete @#$%tard or something...

> Choose someone proper
Elete, I suppose. Or you could go to town and just @#$% EVERY GIRL IN A FIVE MILE RADIUS. Then you'd give your bastard children magical sigils and some Phones(TM) to track them, and force them into a war to the death okay brain stop thinking stupid

But seriously, how about you let Briannah date and @#$% the everloving ^&*( out of every suitoress that dares stare at you and only breed the ones who can stand up to the spouse? Screw nobility ratings, you want a girl whose spine can hold up to their rack! Erm, I mean you want a girl who has the skills to back up her looks. Yes.

I mean, they'll basically raise the kid their way and leave you out, you at least want an heir who isn't a total retard. Or polite / kind / badass enough to play with Ms. Tyrannosaurus Rex Man.
>>
No. 754787 ID: 398fe1

If we actually need a surrogate mother, General Thalia seems like the only choice. We don't even know who Elete is.
>>
No. 754856 ID: 8cb228

Think, very carefully, about who has the social/political/economic standing to be appropriate, and also is visibly healthy (see: not one of the inbred nobles and is beautiful in the sense of 'beauty is an indicator of health') and whose family seems to produce people without many health or mental or physical issues. Who do you know that would be suitable based on entirely rational and pragmatic criteria?
>>
No. 754919 ID: 65a774
File 147725733752.png - (37.43KB , 686x526 , 16.png )
754919

>Speaking of your "gun", I really hope you're not awkwardly poking your sister with it right now.
Your gun is currently unloaded, thankfully. Even if that damn potion is making things hard...
>After this is over, maybe Xuv could stab Kira in the pussy a few times and fix whatever's broken?
Yeah, no… you’re going to keep her as far away from your sister as possible. Xuv’s a complete psycho, remember!?
>Screw nobility ratings, you want a girl whose spine can hold up to their rack! Erm, I mean you want a girl who has the skills to back up her looks. Yes.
Yes, you definitely want a lady with a nice rack- you mean, track record when it comes to… pretty much everything?
>Elete, I suppose.
You barely know her… the real her, you mean. Who is she even? A high ranking temple agent? A low ranking one? The Archbishop herself?
>If we actually need a surrogate mother, General Thalia seems like the only choice.
The only time you’ve talked to her she left while being rather annoyed with you… but she did look rather cute when she was frustrated…
>You could go to town and just @#$% EVERY GIRL IN A FIVE MILE RADIUS.
…you’re not sure if it’s just that fertility potion talking but… holding a giant breeding orgy suddenly sounds really amazing…
>But seriously, how about you let Briannah date and @#$% the ever-loving ^&*( out of every suitoress that dares stare at you and only breed the ones who can stand up to the spouse?
Hmm… but would that actually leave those suitable or just those that are mad enough to stand her? Wait, why are you even-
>Think, very carefully, about who has the social/political/economic standing to be appropriate, and also is visibly healthy.
Bri! You’re trying to sire an heir with Bri! No one else! Not yet, at least! If Xuv’s blessing doesn’t work then… after the wedding, you’ll start thinking about finding a surrogate, okay?


>You know I'm a straight shooter.
:KiraSB: That’s what I’m afraid of…
>It's possible that you could help your sister live longer (and happier) by keeping her company more often.
:KiraSB: Sadly, as much as I like to spend more time with family, my schedule is rather packed.
:KronosSB: Then make more time!
:KiraSB: It’s not that simple…
>And helping her with paperwork or whatever things you're not likely to screw up or get too involved with.
:KiraSB: You really think I’m not already getting help with the more trivial things?

>Try describing the monster she sees in her dreams.
:KiraSB: Monster? What are you talking about? There’s no monster in my dreams. No, my nightmares are a bit more… tied to reality than that.
>Just explain that she's not the only one having the exact same dreams.
:KiraSB: Really? Are you suggesting that someone is manipulating dreams? If that’s the truth, then we need to take action as soon as possible. Do you have any idea whom might be behind it?
:KronosSB: I… have a farfetched theory, yes. But until I can find something a bit more solid, let just say that it’s one of the reasons I don’t want my brother thrown down into the catacombs.

>This is important; ask her to please elaborate on these expeditions!
:KiraSB: After the war, they started sending armed expeditions down into those catacombs you were talking about to search for lost knowledge and old relics. So far they’ve actually found a lot of old trinkets and artifacts down there, though most of them are only worth anything in a historical sense or scientific. There was this magic battery they found that might be used to… ah, no matter. But yes, they regularly send people down there nowadays.
>Tell her you would very much like to help with the expedition.
:KiraSB: What!? No! It’s too dangerous! Those catacombs are still filled with all kind of traps, undead and other magical creatures! Not everyone who venture down there returns, you know!
>I've said it once before, she's got to learn to delegate. People might need her, but she needs people too.
:KiraSB: I try to… but it’s just… there too few people I can trust. Either they lack the competence… or have their own agenda that would be harmful to the nation. No, I… I need to do this alone.
:KronosSB: But you clearly can’t-
:KiraSB: Can or cannot, it doesn’t matter in the end anyway…
:KronosSB: …Kira? What are you-
:KiraSB: I always did envy you, brother, growing up so protected from the outside world.
:KronosSB: …protected? Is there something I’m missing?
:KiraSB: Have you been out in the city recently? Have you been outside the richer districts, among the common man? Surrounded by the mass famine and disease?
:KronosSB: …people are starving?
:KiraSB: We’re just a husk now… we’ve fallen so far from our former glory. We don’t have the manpower… we don’t have the food… we don’t have the resources. We barely have the men to guard the borders, all the while bandits, beast and undead are ravaging our lands. We’ve even lost what made us such a great nation once, as the way west have been blocked by the dynasty. No, there’s no one left that can save us now, is there?
:KronosSB: Sis… please…
:KiraSB: Our only hope is miracle… I hate to admit it, but I’ve even tried visiting the five alters of the gods… and I knelt before them begging for aid…

…you can feel her tightening her grip around you, hugging you even closer than before.

:KiraSB: …but in the end, it seems even the gods have abandoned us.
>>
No. 754922 ID: 398fe1

>>754919
Tell her the truth about the gods, and how the church is planning to make a new one.

If what she says is true, maybe... maybe you do need a new god. It needs to be done with care, however.
>>
No. 754938 ID: e3597b

>There was this magic battery they found that might be used to… ah, no matter.
are you sure it's no matter?

Did we already tell her that the gods are dead? Is the church keeping it a secret from her, or is she trying to keep a secret from us?
>>
No. 754953 ID: 094652

> Surrounded by the mass famine and disease
That explains all the fanatics.

> No hope
"Bull^&*(. Look at all the guns, the scholars, the technology. You subconsciously reject the solutions because they involve compromising your personal values. As long as you have major assets, there's a way to use them. Doesn't mean we have to, doesn't mean you can deny they exist.

Worst case scenario, you can sacrifice some of your people to the Sakkilians for food and medicine. That's far down the list, but don't you DARE say it's worse than unleashing an eldritch monstrosity that could devour our world and then CONTINUE to the heavens for the main course. Just brainstorm some ideas and we'll see if we need to get there, but don't say it's hopeless and throw our armory to @#$%ing cultists."
>>
No. 754964 ID: 6612fa

>>754919
surprised she hasn't noticed your erection, maybe you need to hug her harder.

we could offer to do some of the face front stuff after all the people love us for capturing a murdering noble and being generous with money/food we could easily take up some domestic affairs so she could focus on the more important ones.
>>
No. 755063 ID: c1ba17

>>754919
Platonic cheek kiss

Possibly leak the surface knowledge that the church may be fixing that

Also reminder that the past has heavily hinted the resultant good fob the creation will be a mad god.

Let alone the fact we'd be pissing off life.
>>
No. 755069 ID: 91ee5f

>There was this magic battery they found that might be used to…ah, no matter.
That's not good. Maybe you should explain things to her? At least, try to word it so that it sounds like you read it in multiple books instead of only having visions and dreams being your only source of information.

You might have to say that you think the church is about to repeat the same mistakes that the old destroyed empire made in the past. Only this time, the world won't be able to recover and it really will be the end of everything.

> …but in the end, it seems even the gods have abandoned us.
it's pretty hard to abandon something when they're too dead to do any abandoning.

All of this is going to be extremely hard to explain and convince her that you're not also going crazy.
>>
No. 755108 ID: f562b1

>…but in the end, it seems even the gods have abandoned us.
"Wonder if that has to do with what my dreams told me... I dreamt that the five gods were killed, and a sixth, forgotten one, was trapped in the catacombs."
>>
No. 755288 ID: a7e3a5

> You really think I’m not already getting help with the more trivial things?
Man I don't know. I just want to help- if all you want me to do is keep my head out of trouble, that's fine, but if you need help, just say it.
>I always did envy you, brother, growing up so protected from the outside world.
It's not as great as you'd think, especially when everything is going wrong and everybody is scrambling to do something and all I can do is sit on my thumbs.
>…people are starving?
yeah, weren't there enough animals being eaten whole that Belseth had to put out a decree literally just yesterday? and wasn't that one of the reasons we had an alliance, the Sakkilians had the military and we had the resources? Is this entire divisive mess just posturing?
>>
No. 755515 ID: 65a774
File 147750752359.png - (26.12KB , 686x526 , 17.png )
755515

>If what she says is true, maybe... maybe you do need a new god.
While we might need a miracle, we don’t need some life consuming mad god. If we want a miracle we need to be careful, don’t we?


>Platonic cheek kiss
*Kiss*
:KiraSB: Heh, now take it easy, brother, or people might start talking. Our family line does have a known history of… less than stellar sibling relationships, doesn’t it?
>We could offer to do some of the face front stuff after all the people love us.
:KiraSB: The common people love you because they don’t know you personally… besides, those that have any actually say in matters dislike you, don’t they?
>if all you want me to do is keep my head out of trouble, that's fine, but if you need help, just say it.
:KiraSB: …I’ll keep in touch, brother, and I’ll tell you if I ever need anything. But do try to keep your head out of trouble, alright? …and after what I’ve heard about Briannah, another parts as well.
>It's not as great as you'd think, especially when everything is going wrong and everybody is scrambling to do something and all I can do is sit on my thumbs.
:KiraSB: …it’s not great being the one who fumbles after straws in desperation either, brother…
>Weren't there enough animals being eaten whole that Belseth had to put out a decree literally just yesterday?
:KiraSB: Indeed, we have had lots of problems with the Sakkilian soldiers stealing food from the outlining farms but we believe we finally started getting enough discipline and food out there on our own to-
:KronosSB: Actually, I meant right here in the palace.
:KiraSB: Oh, that… well, it’s a given the palace would have a surplus of food. The problem isn’t that there isn’t enough food, but that it’s owned by the already powerful. The war left those less fortunate already without coin or work to pay for it, ensuring most of the food never feed those that desire it the most.

>Tell her the truth about the gods. They are already dead.
:KiraSB: …wait, how do you- did Belseth tell you this? Yes, we have found the corpses of some powerful beings that had similar forms to the five we worship, but does it actually mean there aren’t any gods? These beings have been dead since the fall of the old empire, yet the five has led us through both dark and great times after its fall, no? Without the gods’ wisdom, how would we have ever created this great kingdom from the beginning?
>how the church is planning to make a new one.
:KiraSB: They are planning of channeling the magic from the corpses to try create a bit of a “miracle” for the kingdom, yes, but create a god? You can’t just throw a bunch of magic into someone and hope it will make them powerful! But… if that’s what you believe, maybe I should have another talk with the Archbishop…
>You might have to say that you think the church is about to repeat the same mistakes that the old destroyed empire made in the past.
:KiraSB: While I admit we have less knowledge about what happen back then than I’m comfortable with, we’re running out of time. Sometimes risks are necessary.

It’s starting to get late… if you’re going to get ready for the dinner with Belseth you’ll need to get back to your apartment soon…

:KiraSB: And you still haven’t told me how you know all this!
:KronosSB: Err… well…
:KiraSB: And don’t tell it’s some “prophetic” dreams or such nonsense. Who told you this? Have you been spying to the temple?
>>
No. 755526 ID: 398fe1

>>755515
The Archbishop outright told you that they were going to create a new god, and tried to convince you it was a good idea.
As for the gods being dead, first off tell her that you are not crazy, you have confirmed it's not just hallucinations. Briannah can see the same things you can. Some of the things you've been seeing that other people can't is a personification of the past, and the personification of the cycle of life. Both have said that the gods are dead, except for one, who is trapped and mad and has no influence.

This great kingdom was created by mortals alone. Mortals can solve its problems. If starvation is being caused by the rich hoarding the food, then we force the rich to stop doing that. Aren't the farmers partially to blame there? They're letting the rich buy up all of the food supply. If the farmers would ensure there is enough food set aside to sell to the poor, then the poor would not starve. If the poor cannot AFFORD the food they need then we can set up soup kitchens in the worst off areas to give out free food to those who need it.
>>
No. 755527 ID: ebb9cb

>…and after what I’ve heard about Briannah, another parts as well.
So... keep my head out of trouble, then? and what have you heard that has you so worried?
>but does it actually mean there aren’t any gods?
That's exactly what Belseth, who I feel obliged to mention is the Archbishop's trusted confidant, was bemoaning in a inebriated stupor, yes. And in case you're skeptical, he confirmed it while sober.
>Without the gods’ wisdom, how would we have ever created this great kingdom from the beginning?
Wisdom outlasts death. Are you sure the church wasn't just preserving their relevance? Who were you praying to if you knew this already?
>You can’t just throw a bunch of magic into someone and hope it will make them powerful!
Why not, exactly? is it irresponsible? Because I think the situation is desperate enough that some people wouldn't care. 'some risks are necessary', so they say.
>Sometimes risks are necessary.
This isn't a risk, it's what will happen if they succeed. The mana river, the river of souls, will dry up. That's ignoring what an all-powerful and unchecked being will get up to before then. Any good intentions are worthless under a bad plan.

> And you still haven’t told me how you know all this!
Don't get snippy at me, you're the one who told me they only found 'trinkets' down there. I don't appreciate the secrecy, not from you or the archbishop, so don't make me out to be the bad guy because I'm not satisfied by comfortable lies. And no, I learned none of this by sending spies (that's technically true, we only learned about the extent of the excavation and the three entrances from Doxan). Belseth is gabby enough on his own, and I got some privileged conversations from an elemental. And yes, some prophetic dreams were involved. Don't scoff, Belseth predicted I'd loose my eye in one.
>maybe I should have another talk with the Archbishop…
Ask her where she found those "historical artifacts", or who taught her how to make "a bit of a miracle". And if she knows why this stuff was locked away in such an inhospitable catacomb in the first place. And, if you want to put up the illusion of omniscience and catch her off guard, I can tell you that the phrase “Those that seek what they wish for will find only punishment, while those that seek salvation will find what they deserve.” is written near either the bodies of the gods or the soul cradle. That's the name for that battery, by the way.

I need to talk to Belseth, to try and convince him to back out.
>>
No. 755530 ID: 398fe1

>>755527
>The mana river, the river of souls, will dry up.
I'd like to point out that this will not happen merely because a god exists. After all, Xuv still exists and the river of souls has recovered. The problem was the afterlife that was created-- it hoarded souls, keeping them from returning to the river and being reincarnated. The river of souls is powered by the reincarnation process. The catacombs are doing the same thing, just much slower since less people are being thrown in.

A new god in itself is not a problem. The problem is that the god might go nuts due to the unconventional creation process, or they might decide to create an afterlife again which would cause the world to crack.
>>
No. 755532 ID: ebb9cb

>>755530
Not existing, but doing any kind of god-like magic will need souls. We suspect that instead of using power directly from the soul river, which will make people explode now, the new god will feed on the souls of the dying. As souls are used up regenerating people's eyes and such, less souls go to the river to reincarnate, and the global population drops until there's nobody left to feed on. Xuv hasn't had this effect because she's been wasting away in confinement for not even she knows how long. Of course, an afterlife wouldn't help.
>>
No. 755534 ID: 398fe1

>>755532
Xuv gained energy by feeding on Kronos' desire. Whatever new god is created would have a similar way of feeding off of worshippers' emotions or whatever. Gods have domains for a reason, you know.
>>
No. 755537 ID: 91ee5f

>>755515
>Yes, we have found the corpses of some powerful beings that had similar forms to the five we worship
YOU KNEW?!?! Damnit, Kira! You just told me that they only found "old trinkets and artifacts down there" and you told me there wouldn't be anymore secrets between us!

>You can’t just throw a bunch of magic into someone and hope it will make them powerful!
Oh, they're not planning to throw magic onto someone, they want someone to consume the gods' bodies in the hopes that that someone will be able to better absorb the gods' powers. And they're going to have Belseth do it. The only reason they need him is because they heard of a Sakilian's ability to be able to consume large amounts. I'm going to try and convince Belseth to not go through with this because I believe that this is a ritual that'll turn him into a vessel, which will allow him to be possessed by.....something that'll turn him into an evil god!

>It’s starting to get late… if you’re going to get ready for the dinner with Belseth you’ll need to get back to your apartment soon…
Speaking of Belseth, I have made plans to have dinner with him, so I must be leaving. Come find me when you're ready to stop lying to me and actually tell me the truth. Goodbye, sister.

Hey, Kronos, when you get ready for your date, I suggest you bring your gun, the one Bri gave you, and make sure it's loaded. I have a feeling that something might happen and you need to be prepared, just in case.
>>
No. 755541 ID: 6612fa

>>755515
just sigh warily and tell her you met death and he sent you on a mission to stop it or he will take our life.
true enough
>>
No. 755542 ID: 398fe1

>>755541
Not really. The agreement was that if Kronos stopped it, Life would remove the "blessing of immortality" Xuv gave him. The problem with the blessing is that this civilization isn't advanced enough to keep Kronos' body from decaying, so it would be a terrible fate in the long run.
>>
No. 755543 ID: 094652

> Surplus of food in the upper class
Doesn't take a genius to figure out that someone orchestrated this, if only in response to the war. My question is, why hasn't the upper class enslaved the lower class with promises of food yet? Maybe they just want to see the poor starve to death, but there's too large an opportunity here; to build a fascist army out of a few table scraps.

Or maybe the church is organizing a monopoly of forging loyal fanatics / mana sacrifices from desperate homeless.

> Corpses of powerful beings that fit the description of the gods, but they can't be
Do you realize you're throwing swine before pearls? Corpses like this are priceless archaeological artifacts, not just for their research material but for helping mortals keep control of their own history! If you let the church hold onto them they'll write their own mythos around it and convolute the truth so that the masses believe whatever makes them stronger! Stop letting them chew on the corpses of gods!

> But if the gods were dead then how could we build this once-great kingdom
From the strength, intelligence, and perseverance of genius pariahs whose motives and techniques have LONG been forgotten. Kira, a kingdom is made from a vast swarm of mortals, built from various agendas each conflicting or collaborating, sometimes simultaneously, over a long series of ages including essential technological breakthroughs and multiple inexcusable crimes, but most importantly the perseverance to continue as a civilization! This country has earned its glory in courage and innovation and mass-murder and you have no right to throw all these untold acts aside as if they meant nothing and say "a god did it"!

> You can’t just throw a bunch of magic into someone and hope it will make them powerful!
I'd be surprised if nobody was stupid enough to try.

> And how do you know all this
The usual, really. Mad science, drunken escapades, eavesdropping on secret communications between various powerful entities throughout the palace (some of whom are now dead), a funny priestess (who I'd like to bang), new connections in the Sakkilian military and church (Bri and Bel), my butler's a Black-Ops captain (you knew that, right?), and some advice from insane-sounding mysterious passerbys that appear and vanish throughout the palace. Nothing a better prince couldn't find.
>>
No. 755585 ID: 241e41

>>755515
So, the food crisis isn't from a famine per se, but from the nobles hoarding it, and the commoners not being able to afford it due to a lack of employment?

The job shortage should be fixable with some creativity. We're recovering from a devastating war; there should be lots of opportunities for rebuilding homes and infrastructure, or even expanding into new and underdeveloped areas. We could establish more farms and work on the issue from two sides at once. We could also start up some public works projects, like, say, scientific research into prosthetics; sure, the actual researchers would need a proper education, but they'll still need people for things like cleaning and lab assistance. We might even be able to afford a system of public charity, just to keep people from starving while the the nation gets back on its feet.

Then there's the other side of the problem: the wealth isn't in our hands, it's in the hands of the upper class. They're not likely to be feeling too charitable, and imposing heavier taxes on the wealthy or some other "take from the rich and give to the poor" scheme would mean more resentment in an already unstable nation. So we'll have to convince them to part with their riches willingly, and if they were inclined to do that then there wouldn't be a crisis. Perhaps we could make it a matter of public image. If the peasants start to feel like the nobles are responsible for their strife, then the nobles will have good reasons to want to save face, and we can give them a chance to do that by supporting public service projects. It would also be a good way for them to show their loyalty to the crown; after the recent round of conspiracies, betrayals, and assassination attempts, anyone with power will want to make it clear that they won't be the next traitor. All we have to do is discreetly introduce the idea to a few of the more loyal and understanding nobles, and pretty soon everyone will want to prove that they're just as committed to helping the nation rebuild. And if we could get some of the Sakkilians in on it, even better! It'll help smooth over tensions between us, and no one will want to look less loyal than the foreigners! We'll just need to be discreet about it; if we appear too overtly threatening or demanding, it will increase the strife between us and the nobles.

...Well, it's a work in progress. Does it sound doable?

>>755526
Briannah's visions are a very personal and private matter for her. However we decide to respond to our sister's suspicions, we shouldn't reveal our wife's secret. If we say anything about that subject, we can say that we've spoken to others who have seen the exact same things at the same time, so we know it isn't all in our head.
>>
No. 755606 ID: 398fe1

>>755585
We might be able to use the magical prosthetic research as a way to get money. Say, encourage nobles to donate by saying those who donate large sums will have free/early access to said advanced/safer prosthetics, and we could even tout it as a way to attain immortality. Like, just keep replacing failing parts with artificial ones.
>>
No. 755633 ID: db055c

>>755515
Partly balseth, partly dreams that align too much with reality and turn out to be right.

But really you know I'm not the spying type. Who would spy for me? My head servant Cain?
>>
No. 755634 ID: f562b1

>Without the gods’ wisdom, how would we have ever created this great kingdom from the beginning?
Wise men and women, of course. Perhaps some other gods did step in to give their own advice, but you'd be surprised the intelligence that can come from those of us with two feet on the ground.
>Who told you this? Have you been spying to the temple?
Tell her about the book Garden gave you, how it mentions a sixth god... and how you've spoken with her.
>>
No. 755635 ID: 8cb228

Under no circumstances should you reveal your wife's secret!
>>
No. 755639 ID: 398fe1

>>755635
What secret do you mean? That she can see magic shit?
>>
No. 755644 ID: 91ee5f

>>755639
Yes, that secret. She got really pissed off when we told Belseth, so I'm pretty sure she wouldn't like it if we told someone else.
>>
No. 755650 ID: 398fe1

>>755644
Oh alright Kronos will have to be vague about it then, and say that he verified it but not say how.
>>
No. 755661 ID: 55ad9c

>>755542
It's also the only encounter Kronos had with a personifications of a aspect of the world that had actual, otherwise inexplicable, physical effect observed by another, and which can back at least a part of his story. That's because when Old Man Life was ripping Kronos' soul out and Kronos collapsed, Sisah ran up and caught Kronos. When she did she said Kronos felt "so cold" (>>/questarch/697451,) and after he woke up she said he was "deadly cold" (>>/questarch/698510.) This means Kronos' body temperature fell far faster and farther than it should have been possible on a warm summer afternoon, especially within the one or two minutes he was out. This Sisah could attest to, and she's not known for making shit up, imagining things, or being a fool or a loon.

>>755527
>And yes, some prophetic dreams were involved. Don't scoff, Belseth predicted I'd loose my eye in one.
But Belseth's dream vision didn't foretell Kronos would lose an eye. Bel's vision was of Kronos being attacked by a robed figure, then falling off a balcony with a dagger through his heart. (>>/questarch/701215) It was because of that warning Kronos wore his underarmor to the meeting with Karas, which protected him from a knife to the lung and another to the heart from the assassin. (>>/questarch/704244) So Belseth's vision saved Kronos' life.

>>755532
Yes, souls would be needed, but they aren't used up in the process because they're only carriers of magical energy. When something dies its soul passes beyond the Veil where it is re-energized before flowing back into the world and reborn. So they'd only want to keep the soul around for as long as they could wring magic out of it, then let it loose when it finally dies. That's how it worked with Soul Cradles.

This is what makes the artificial afterlives constructed by the gods - or, to be more accurate, the god-like beings that are worshiped as gods but actually aren't - a double whammy when it came to the flow of souls. Not only did they take souls out of the cycle, they also had to require an absolutely massive quantity of magic to keep running. Magic that was drawn out of fresh souls placed in Soul Cradles, or those thrown into the Soul Kiln. And the more souls that went into the afterlives, the more magic was needed to keep them going. So when the flow of refreshed souls started to slow, fewer, and then no more, souls could be admitted to the afterlives. But after that, when the River of Souls ebbed even more, it's likely that the souls in the afterlives were taken out and used as fuel to keep their world running a bit longer, or to power bunkers for the "gods" to ride it out. But in the end, it wasn't enough to weather the River of Souls drying up.
>>
No. 755668 ID: 398fe1

...come to think of it, if the church now has a powerful magic battery, maybe it could be used to boost food production? I mean, we know that earth elementals eat necrotic energy to grow plants. Could we copy that magical process to make farms far more efficient?

Heck, why hasn't someone put crops where the wild growth is in the "garden"? Seems like a no-brainer.
>>
No. 755732 ID: 55ad9c

>>755668
Nobody has thought to plant crops there 'cause up 'till this year it was a inexplicable dead spot in the garden. It's also a palace garden, not a vegetable garden. It's meant to be pretty, not productive. Of course, that attitude could change for just one plot, but then that runs into the problem of the plants potentially harboring residual raw magic within them. It'd be a travesty if folks who ate food grown there got cancer or nasty mutations from it.

However, there could be merit to using the earth elementals' ability to boost crop yields. Unfortunately, it'd most likely take a unacceptably long time to study the ability to reproduce it independent of the elemental, if it's even possible to. But in the mean time, perhaps the new earth elementals could be put to work in the fields. Dig some of 'em up from the garden and let them loose on a farm to see what they do. There's still the matter of there only being a dozen or so of new ones of them about, but all they need is strong raw magic to reproduce, same as what the garden earth elemental was exposed to for months.

Kronos should tell Kira how the old garden earth elemental reproduced, most likely because what the Archbishop is doing raised the level of ambient magic high enough for that. Then tell her what the new earth elemental that was taken to Tim did to a dead, dried out mushroom, and what effect it had on itself. And then he'll tell her what he heard when he touched this new earth elemental, and that those were most likely memories carried over from the old earth elemental.
>>
No. 756657 ID: 65a774
File 147811553608.png - (32.70KB , 686x526 , 18.png )
756657

>Why hasn't someone put crops where the wild growth is in the "garden"?
Because we found out about it just a day or two ago, we have no idea what’s actually causing it or how long it will last… and that’s not considering how dangerous it might be, either for the crops or the farmers… Besides, the royal garden is for being serene and beautiful, not growing potatoes.
>I'd like to point out that this will not happen merely because a god exists. After all, Xuv still exists and the river of souls has recovered.
She is still not at her full power, is she though?
>Xuv gained energy by feeding on Kronos' desire. Whatever new god is created would have a similar way of feeding off of worshippers' emotions or whatever…
…she did, didn’t she? Is it possible to use emotion to power that kind of magic? Hmm… if it is… this whole creating a god plan might actually be doable?


>So... keep my head out of trouble, then? and what have you heard that has you so worried?
:KiraSB: She’s known to be… rather wild and willing when it comes to the bedroom. I’ve heard everything from her tying people up to her eating them alive and whole… though that is clearly make believe, no? Either way, I rather not have you hospitalized for a broken pelvis or some such.
>Don't get snippy at me, you're the one who told me they only found 'trinkets' down there.
:KiraSB: My apologies, brother, but do understand. This is strictly under need to know basis, which you aren’t part of, sadly. The less that know about this, the better… and as you’re not supposed to have anything to do with this…
>You know I'm not the spying type. Who would spy for me? My head servant Cain?
:KiraSB: …I can’t tell if you’re being sarcastic or just ignorant. Just so you know, Cain works for me just as much as he does for you, brother. I still don’t understand why both our father and Cain himself insist on still being your manservant. His abilities would be better used elsewhere…
>I'd be surprised if nobody was stupid enough to try and throw a bunch of magic into someone.
:KiraSB: Which is why I don’t believe it will work. If it did, someone would have done it already, at least on a smaller scale. After all, more magic will only make things even more unstable and chaotic.

>The Archbishop outright told you that they were going to create a new god, and tried to convince you it was a good idea.
:KiraSB: Did she really? In those exact words?
:KronosSB: …err… well… she said she was going to do miracles… and heal both my and Bri’s wounds… so…
:KiraSB: She didn’t actually say anything about a new god?
:KronosSB: Not exactly…
>Belseth is gabby enough on his own…
:KiraSB: Really? Then I’ll have to start consider him a security risk, then…
>and I got some privileged conversations from an elemental.
:KiraSB: …it spoke to you? The one Tim is taking care off?
:KronosSB: The old one in the garden spoke to me… the new born one showed me a vision of the old ones memories.
>And yes, some prophetic dreams were involved. Don't scoff, Belseth predicted I'd lose my eye in one.
:KiraSB: Did he really?
:KronosSB: Well… he predicted that I would be thrown off a balcony with a dagger in the heart… so when I wore my mythril armor protecting my heart the dagger ended up in my eye instead. But heart or eye, his prediction did save my life.
:KiraSB: Hmmm… I’ve heard that his supposed visions should show the future, yes… so maybe… still, all these visions of yours are hard to believe… But I guess I’ll take them into consideration for your sake, brother. After all, you’re the one who will rip out my heart and feast upon it for power when you ascend, aren’t you?
:KronosSB: …what did you just say?
:KiraSB: I said I’ll assume that these visions of yours bear some truth in them, brother, that’s the least I can do for you.
>>
No. 756658 ID: 65a774
File 147811554955.png - (67.51KB , 686x526 , 19.png )
756658

>When she talks to the Archbishop, tell her to ask her where she found those "historical artifacts", or who taught her how to make "a bit of a miracle".
:KiraSB: I’m pretty sure they were found in the catacombs. There is still a lot of the old world buried down there, as they didn’t seem to have the time to tidy up after themselves.
>And if she knows why this stuff was locked away in such an inhospitable catacomb in the first place.
:KiraSB: Locked up… or simply forgotten? But I will ask a few questions to her, yes…

>Doesn't take a genius to figure out that someone orchestrated this, if only in response to the war.
:KiraSB: Orchestrated might be the wrong word, but they clearly did jump on the opportunity for more power and wealth, have no doubt about that.
>My question is, why hasn't the upper class enslaved the lower class with promises of food yet?
:KiraSB: You don’t think they’ve tried? Even now, some of them are bold enough to suggest that legalize slavery of our own people is the “solution” to all this… but as long as I’m here, I’ll see to it that our people are free. Yet… if nothing changes soon…
>If starvation is being caused by the rich hoarding the food, then we force the rich to stop doing that.
:KiraSB: How, exactly? If we force them, they will revolt… if we ask them, they will find excuses… and with the path west blocked we won’t have the gold to buy it either.
>Aren't the farmers partially to blame there? They're letting the rich buy up all of the food supply.
:KiraSB: You believe they own their own land? A deal with the devil your grandfather made might still affect you, no?

>Kronos should tell Kira how the old garden earth elemental reproduced, then tell her what the new earth elemental that was taken to Tim did to a dead, dried out mushroom, and what effect it had on itself.
:KiraSB: Really? Hmmm… this is interesting. I need to converse with Tim about this… to see if there are any reliable uses for this.
>...come to think of it, if the church now has a powerful magic battery, maybe it could be used to boost food production?
:KiraSB: We’re still trying to find the proper use for it. Be it for something more mundane as food production or… a weapon, if needed, we still need some more time to research it properly.
>The job shortage should be fixable with some creativity. We're recovering from a devastating war; there should be lots of opportunities for rebuilding homes and infrastructure.
:KiraSB: It would be as simple as that, yes, but our coffers are dwindling. The trade fleet our… former brother constructed won’t be bringing the gold we need for a nationwide project like that. No, as long as the way west is held by the dynasty, we simply can’t trade and earn gold the way we used too.
>Then there's the other side of the problem: the wealth isn't in our hands, it's in the hands of the upper class. Perhaps we could make it a matter of public image. It would also be a good way for them to show their loyalty to the crown; after the recent round of conspiracies, betrayals, and assassination attempts, anyone with power will want to make it clear that they won't be the next traitor. All we have to do is discreetly introduce the idea to a few of the more loyal and understanding nobles.
:KiraSB: That… that… actually… that does sound feasible. If we can “convince” them it was their idea in the first place… yes… this might work. Thank you, Kronos, I really did need some fresh ideas like that.

>That's exactly what Belseth, who I feel obliged to mention is the Archbishop's trusted confidant, was bemoaning, yes.
:KiraSB: Say what he will, we still don’t know what, exactly, all this actually mean, do we?
>Who were you praying to if you knew this already?
:KiraSB: The only thing more terrifying than a tyrant is loneliness. I can’t believe that we would be completely alone here… that there isn’t some grander plan for all of us… that our existence actually has a meaning and is not just a random chance. Even if the gods we might believe in were false… I still believe there is someone out there listening to our prayers…
>Wise men and women, of course. You'd be surprised the intelligence that can come from those of us with two feet on the ground.
:KiraSB: Hmm… maybe I should give more faith to us mortals instead of the gods? Ah… no, I don’t have time think about faith right now, do I?

>I have made plans to have dinner with Belseth, so I must be leaving.
:KiraSB: Ah, yes, of course… we all have things to do, don’t we? Do take care, brother… and have a pleasant evening.
:KronosSB: Goodbye sis…



…well, here you are… looking at that smug grin in the mirror again… you never did like mirrors, did you? Cain finally found some new clothes for you, it seems. It’s… different, but is it appropriate? Maybe you should just wear your old duds… but then… you do want this date to be special, no? Speaking of that… should you bring something? Candy? …or flowers? …or something else? …and how should you start it? By warning him as soon as possible about what the Archbishop is doing? That might ruin the whole evening… but then again, he deserves to know, doesn’t it? …but he also deserve a perfect night… Argh, dammit Kronos, stop staring with that smug grin already.

>Hey, Kronos, when you get ready for your date, I suggest you bring your gun, the one Bri gave you, and make sure it's loaded.
You’ve had it on you all day… loaded and ready.
>>
No. 756661 ID: 094652

>>756657
... Well, who wasn't creeped out by that hallucination?

"TRIPLE THE GUARD, KIRA. LET THEM WATCH WHILE YOU SHOWER."

> I still believe there is someone out there listening to our prayers…
"Would you believe he's on meth and loves to personally strangle people's souls for fun? Because that's the highest vision I got in my occult experiments."

Catch up with Kira again, this time in public and with your wife.
>>
No. 756662 ID: 398fe1

>>756658
Wear the fancy clothes. Bring flowers. Get the serious discussion out of the way before the date, because you can't be sure it won't be interrupted by some outside drama, robbing you of the chance.
>>
No. 756665 ID: 91ee5f

>>756658
>Reflection has a smug grin, but Kronos is frowning.
When your reflection isn't copying you, there's only one thing to do: GET THE FUCK AWAY FROM THE MIRROR!!!!! MOVE BEFORE YOUR REFLECTION TRIES TO GRAB YOU OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT!!!!!

>>756662
Also, do this.
>>
No. 756669 ID: 398fe1

Don't overreact to the mirror. It's just a hallucination. The thing in the crypt is trying to make you afraid, to make you do something rash out of fear. Control yourself, keep in mind the Historian's warning.
>>
No. 756683 ID: 85aad2

> and as you’re not supposed to have anything to do with this…
nnnnoo, the archbishop came to me and said I had to popularize this 'plan' with the masses and I'd get my eye back. Archbishop's definitely keeping secrets from you.
> After all, more magic will only make things even more unstable and chaotic.
...And you still think the Archbishop has a good plan?
>we still don’t know what, exactly, all this actually mean, do we?
In what possible way can 'the gods are all dead' be misinterpreted? And if that's what you believe, why aren't you asking questions?

>It’s… different, but is it appropriate?
It makes your arms look a bit short, and in my opinion the red clashes with your feathers. Otherwise, very dapper.

Candy may be in poor taste, what with the trial. People will talk if you bring flowers. Has he seen the elemental yet? If not, say you have a secret you want to show him. It'll make a nice route into talking about the danger in the archbishop's plans after dinner. During dinner, he's probably going to let something slip about the trial or the archbishop's plans, so stay on that.

Are... you quite sure you're grinning? ...your eyes aren't grey.
>>
No. 756724 ID: 4569ad

Kronos, I think you should know that you are definitely not smirking. I'd call what you're doing more of a glower, your reflection on the other hand. I'd take a seat with some haste in case you have another incident like the one with the cologne.

As far as warning Belseth, Unless a good segue presents itself to bring it up, I'd save it for when the evening is winding down.
>>
No. 756859 ID: 65a774
File 147820820083.png - (65.81KB , 686x526 , 20.png )
756859

>Catch up with Kira again sometime, this time in public and with your wife.
She would need some time to take it easy with family, yeah… it would do her good…
>In my opinion the red clashes with your feathers. Otherwise, very dapper.
Hmm… the red and blue doesn’t mix, no… but Cain did choose these for a reason…

>Kronos, I think you should know that you are definitely not smirking. I'd call what you're doing more of a glower, your reflection on the other hand…

:KronosSB: Sisah… did the mirror just move in weird ways?
:SisahSB: The only thing that difference that mirror from the rest is the stylish looking prince in it, sir. Nothing to worry about, as it’s mimicking you perfectly.
:KronosSB: …I hope you’re right about that…
>Don't overreact to the mirror. It's just a hallucination.
…yeah, it got to be… it’s just in your head… like last time…
>The thing in the crypt is trying to make you afraid, to make you do something rash out of fear.
Is it even that thing or just the stress? You’re not even sure anymore… but what you’re sure of is that you won’t let fear dictate who you are.

>Bring flowers.
Flowers… yeah, he definitely deserves flowers… a bouquet of roses perhaps?
>People will talk if you bring flowers.
Then let them talk! You like him, dammit, and you’re not going to hide that fact!
>Has he seen the elemental yet? If not, say you have a secret you want to show him.
You’re pretty sure the elemental isn’t common knowledge yet… and you don’t think Tim will appreciate you dragging people to see it at these hours either.
>As far as warning Belseth, Unless a good segue presents itself to bring it up, I'd save it for when the evening is winding down.
…right, let’s have a pleasant evening first and foremost… those heavier things can wait… there’s no rush, is there?



:KronosSB: Knock knock? Anyone here?
:BelsethSB: Oh, Kronos! I… my apologies, but I’m still getting ready in the bathroom. The council meeting was running a bit late.
:KronosSB: Don’t fret. I’m in no hurry.
:BelsethSB: I’m almost done in here… so… I wanted to ask you... just for tonight, can we just leave everything else behind here and… let it just be about us two? To just let everything else not matter but us?
:KronosSB: …well…
:BelsethSB: …still… as much as I want to… there is still the ankwark in the room. I… I need to ask you a question before we leave all our worries here… about your brothers trial.
:KronosSB: ...I guess now is as good as time as any…
:BelsethSB: It’s about his punishment… the reason why it took so long is because we… couldn’t find one we all agreed on and… as I didn’t vote at all… well… see, I will probably be the tiebreaker tomorrow for all this...
:KronosSB: …so you want me to help you which punishment to choose…
:BelsethSB: You are his brother… you do deserve as much…
:KronosSB: …what is it a tie between?
:BelsethSB: It’s between the traditional Risavian punishment for traitors of the crown and… err… the traditional imperial way…

The traditional Risavian way… that probably means he will be tortured, then flayed alive and his body desecrated before being thrown into the Catacombs of the godless…

:KronosSB: What is the traditional Imperial way?
:BelsethSB: To be killed and eaten by the imperial seat... or in this case, the crown family… that is to say… um… Briannah as she’s the only one in your family that’s… you know…
:KronosSB: What is it with you guys and eating people!?
:BelsethSB: Sorry…

Why do you always get a Morton’s fork in these situations? Neither of those options is rather trilling to choose from… 
>>
No. 756860 ID: 398fe1

>>756859
I don't like either of those options... ask if the second method of execution would be public. If not, you can conspire with Briannah and burn him to ash instead of him being consumed (we don't want to risk the madness spreading to her, and she wouldn't want to eat him anyway).

If it's a public killing and eating thing, then defy the court and execute him yourself during "one last visit before he's executed". Ice shot to the head, then burned to ash with your flame shot.
>>
No. 756863 ID: 4569ad

I don't know, this is a terrible conflict of interests. We shouldn't be involved in the decision of the punishment of our own brother. We've already convinced Kira to forbid them from throwing him into the catacombs. It just wouldn't be right for us to interfere further.
>>
No. 756866 ID: 91ee5f

>>756859
Whatever's possessing your brother, you do not want that to be inside of your wife!

.....no! Not that kind of "inside your wife"! Go away dirty thoughts! Ah, damnit, now you've got an awkward boner that you need to hide.

>>756860
That sounds like a good idea, but if it is a private eating thing, everyone's going to question if Bri actually did it when her belly doesn't look Varkian sized. Maybe we can get away with it if the body "mysteriously burst into flames and was burnt to ash" when we were cooking it for Bri to eat? Ugh, don't throw up, don't throw up...!

We already talked to queen sister about not throwing the body down there, so maybe she'll let Kronos burn the body after doing the Risavian method?

>What do?
Well, since Bel said let's leave everything here, I guess that's the segue we're looking for to start talking about this stuff. Let's just keep it to a minimum and only explain why our brother is acting the way he is and, because of that, why both methods of execution are bad ideas.
>>
No. 756875 ID: 398fe1

>>756866
>her belly
Well she could eat something else of a similar size. Or a lot of regular food.

...wait, hang on, since we got the Queen to promise she wouldn't throw his corpse into the crypt, maybe we should just go with the Risavian execution, and trust her to leave out the final step. Wouldn't have to do anything sneaky or outright defy the court, in that case.
>>
No. 756879 ID: b3498e

>Neither of those options is rather trilling to choose from… 
If there's no other option, You may have to give him a suicide pill yourself. Can't just shoot him, you need to have plausible deniability.
>What is it with you guys and eating people!?
Nnnot sure you have room to judge, there, chief. I'd ask 'what is it with you guys and skinning people?'

Can't you just shoot him? He's a mad dog, not an enemy of the state. Neither of those options are acceptable. If there's no other choice, go Risavian. Your sister promised she wouldn't let him be dumped in the catacombs, so there's a chance she might interfere further. and your brother would go even madder at the thought of being eaten by a Sakkilian. Can't force Bri to break her promise either.
>>
No. 756888 ID: 6612fa

>>756859
i thought being eaten was a great honor in their traditions because it ensures they live on inside the people that eat them.... why would they honor their traitors as such since this is an imperial custom.
>>
No. 756890 ID: 3373e2

Just kill him and get it over with, a swift gunshot to the head will do, then just either use your gun on the Fire/Flamethrower Setting or burn the body as we don't want it to come back to haunt us, Literally and Mentally.
>>
No. 756891 ID: 4569ad

Whoa, I thought it was bad enough we might be considering interfering with the jury, but are we actually considering going so far as to murder a death row inmate? Didn't Kira tell us to keep ourselves out of trouble? Killing death row inmates and starting huge scandals is literally the opposite of staying out of trouble.
>>
No. 756915 ID: 05c962

Both ideas are terrible! We don't need two brothers as shambling eldritch abominations and neither do we need what ever the fuck is going on with your brother to have anything to do with your wife OR husbando
also >>756888

so cant he just be burned alive and have his ashes thrown into a latrine or something?
>>
No. 756918 ID: 094652

I vote on the following execution:

Beast Trap. Sadistic, effective, and if we are dealing with a Beast-type, this method should quarantine the infection before it can spread to the executioner.

Find Karas' most trusted confidant, someone who was so intertwined with him that they HAVE to be in on his schemes and thus also a traitor by default. They get a katana, Karas gets a deadman's switch that is connected to a strapped-on knife belt that will ritually stab him in the form of a ritual circle, which you can figure out. Classic seppuku. Then you stand up and shoot the confidant in the face.

Seeing as how you're executing a mindless infected, I don't think you need to care about the ethics. Just put on a horror show and make the public realize just how hard you'll crush the ants below you when pushed off a ledge.
>>
No. 756919 ID: 91ee5f

>>756918
Whatever joke you're trying to make, no one's getting it because we have no idea what you mean by "Beast-type".
>>
No. 756920 ID: 55ad9c

>>756915
>so cant he just be burned alive and have his ashes thrown into a latrine or something?

Any kind of cremation is out because the proper Risavian way for a Vark's worldly remains to be dealt with is to burn them on a pyre, along with the possessions that were on them when they died. Even if his ashes are thrown down a cesspit afterwards, the act of cremating him would still be showing too much respect for such a high traitor. That just won't fly for the council of judgment. It'll be hard enough for them to swallow Kira forbidding Karas' body being thrown into the Catacombs of the Godless. Anything more and they'll balk for sure.

However, there's plenty of other ways to deal with Karas' body than either burning it or throwing it into the Catacombs. Burying it, either in the middle of nowhere or at sea, in whole or in parts, comes to mind as the simplest, cleanest option. Or perhaps modify the Imperial way of things and instead throw him to another large hungry carnivorous animal to be devoured. Like a wyvern or somesuch. Could be even while he's still alive. That way would mean Bri could keep her promise to not eat anybody else, as well as keep whatever darkness has possessed Karas from getting into her.

...On another point, there is one possible issue with Kira forbidding Karas' body be thrown into the Catacombs. Once the council hears that decree, there's a chance some of the members voting for the Risavian way will switch because they'll view it with Kira's restriction as too watered down a fate for Karas. Hell, even one member switching their vote to Imperial will swing it, no matter what Belseth votes. That means there's going to have to be a better alternative for them to choose or it'll go for the Imperial way.

Kronos should tell Belseth now about his request of Kira that Karas' body not be thrown into the Catacombs and that she promised to uphold it. She'll probably tell the council in the morning. Kronos should also voice his concern that upon hearing this one or more of the votes for the Risavian way will switch, tipping it to the Imperial way, which he doesn't want either. So, is there a third way?
>>
No. 756922 ID: 91ee5f

>>756920
>instead throw him to another large hungry carnivorous animal to be devoured. Like a wyvern or somesuch.
Sure, letting whatever darkness that has possessed Karas posses a wyvern is a much better idea. -_-;;
>>
No. 756926 ID: 398fe1

>>756920
If the body is not burnt or consumed or otherwise broken down in short over, it can rise from the grave and start walking around. Because apparently ambient life magic just does that. We don't have to give him a PROPER funeral. Just destroying the corpse would be enough. Maybe it could be destroyed by shredding it? Chopping it up into little bits? Stripping the flesh off the bone to be buried as compost, then grinding up the bones?
>>
No. 756927 ID: 55ad9c

>>756922
A wyvern that suddenly and inexplicably goes 'rabid' can be killed without complications, unlike the daughter of the Empress who's betrothal to Prince Kronos a vital alliance hinges on. Besides, it doesn't have to be a wyvern. Could be any other large carnivore. It'd actually be preferable to not be a wyvern, instead being something that's incapable of flight. That'd make it easier to deal with afterwards in case of trouble.
>>
No. 756929 ID: 55ad9c

>>756926
As far as I see, burial is an acceptable means of preventing a corpse from rising as undead. If it wasn't then Kronos' father wouldn't have said that Krotos' fate was to be buried in a unmarked grave in the middle of nowhere, even if it wasn't true in the end. Likewise, Briannah wouldn't have said she would send her father's remains back home to be buried.
>>
No. 756930 ID: 4569ad

>>756929
I thought burial alone wasn't enough, and that was why Varkian tradition involved cremation, and Sakillian tradition involves digesting the corpse. It should be fine as long as the corpse is destroyed and the soul isn't forced to linger in some way such as by throwing it into the catacombs. Not really sure if the soul can possess someone who eats the corpse. We have no way to confirm or deny such a possibility.
>>
No. 756945 ID: 55ad9c

You already know the what the traditional Risavian way of punishing a high traitor entails, but you don't know the details and limits on the Imperial way. There might be ways to work the rules of the Imperial way to limit or eliminate possible risks to Briannah. Question Belseth for more details on it.

Ask if there's traditional ways the Imperial seat would have to use to kill the traitor or if there's no restriction and it's the seat's choice. Also ask if it has to be a public execution or if that's at the seat's discretion. If there's no restriction, then it's possible to execute Karas' without him knowing it's at Sakkilian's hands. Have him bound, blindfolded and ears plugged, then Bri takes his head off in one sword swing.

Next ask if the traitor has to be eaten in public, how soon they have to be eaten after their execution, and if the Imperial seat has to eat as much of the traitor as they can in a sitting or if it can be spread out. Also ask if the traitor could be butchered if they have to be eaten raw. Your line of thinking here is that Emperors and Empresses were rarely as big as Bri, so they couldn't eat a traitor in one go and would have to spread it out. And even if they could eat one in one go, they probably wouldn't want to be stuck bedridden for days while they digest. They'd be accustomed to having their meals cooked and may not want to eat the traitor raw. This means that if Karas could be butchered, eating him spread out and also cooked into dishes, that would spread out the effect it might have on Bri to eat him. That may mean the effects wouldn't take hold because they aren't would be concentrated enough, but if you do notice a change in her behavior from it you'd be able to stop her before it gets worse. Also, if it's spread out it's possible the danger of whatever is possessing Karas will have been dealt with before the risk of it getting into Bri by eating him becomes a problem.

There's also another potential risk point with the Risavian way before Karas is even thrown into the Catacombs. The torture and possibly the flaying will occur in the dungeons, which are underground, closer to the Catacombs. Even just being in proximity to the Catacombs while he generates all that pain and anger could flow back into the Catacombs and bring forth something. Or something could follow the emotions up into Karas.
>>
No. 757031 ID: 6612fa

>>756859
i thought the imperial form of execution would be something like feeding the traitor to a pack of wild dogs alive. dishonors his memory by ensuring he lives on in a mangy filthy animal. as well as being torture
>>
No. 757047 ID: 55ad9c

When Belseth steps out of the bathroom, mentally brace yourself for any hallucinations, visions or other sensory shenanigans that might be going on around him. With the way things have been going, it's even odds there will be some. Just be ready for them and act like you would if they weren't there.
>>
No. 757208 ID: 65a774
File 147847177345.png - (46.35KB , 686x526 , 21.png )
757208

>As far as I see, burial is an acceptable means of preventing a corpse from rising as undead.
A burial in itself isn’t enough. It needs to be a proper grave blessed by a priest or the like, unless you just opt to be cremated instead. That’s the safest bet, really.
>I'd ask 'what is it with you guys and skinning people?'
Hey! That’s both traditional and… err… not letting anything… go… to… waste? Drat, it really shows what you think about it when you can’t even win an argument with yourself about it…
>Defy the court and execute him yourself during "one last visit before he's executed". Ice shot to the head, then burned to ash with your flame shot.
…that would solve the problem… but…
>I thought it was bad enough we might be considering interfering with the jury, but are we actually considering going so far as to murder a death row inmate? Didn't Kira tell us to keep ourselves out of trouble?
Yeah, that will definitely have negative repercussions. Like being arrested, for example…
>Just put on a horror show and make the public realize just how hard you'll crush the ants below you when pushed off a ledge.
Because showing that you’re just as mad as your brother will go over so well…
>You can conspire with Briannah and burn him to ash instead of him being consumed.
…and having her fake eat him? Hmm… that can work…
>Everyone's going to question if Bri actually did it when her belly doesn't look Varkian sized.
Seeing as Bri is special in her ability to… eat… you have to assume that they aren’t expecting her to eat him whole or even in one sitting.
>Your sister promised she wouldn't let him be dumped in the catacombs, so there's a chance she might interfere further.
She did, didn’t she? You should trust her to go through with it as well.


>I don't know, this is a terrible conflict of interests. We shouldn't be involved in the decision of the punishment of our own brother.
:BelsethSB: Well… if you think so… I mean, he has already been found guilty… but if you don’t want to-
:KronosSB: No, I… I need to take some responsibility for this… even if I don’t want to.
>I thought being eaten was a great honor in their traditions because it ensures they live on inside the people that eat them...
:BelsethSB: Well… yes… kind of… it’s more complex than that. Eating things like the heart, brain or lungs and the like is a way to pass on the strengths of that person to those still alive, while the rest of the body, bar some muscles, are to be buried so the spirit can use it to gain access to the ancestral lands. Now, there are some variants of this… like being buried untouched, so to take your whole body on the journey beyond, even if it is considered selfish and disgraceful to do so, or being completely eaten, so to live on completely in those you gave your body too and enter the ancestral lands with them when they expire.
:KronosSB: And this punishment is…?
:BelsethSB: It’s the way of disgrace, where your shell is consumed to bar you from moving on while the parts containing your spirit, that is to say your heart or brain and the like, is left to rot and decay, thus ensuring that your spirit will never find the ancestral lands and that your very being is erased from this world. Having the imperial seat do the feasting is more symbolic than anything… or just to soothe their personal vendetta.
>I thought the imperial form of execution would be something like feeding the traitor to a pack of wild dogs alive. Dishonors his memory by ensuring he lives on in a mangy filthy animal. As well as being torture.
:BelsethSB: Well, there is a punishments like that, yes, but many animals have their own ways of being honorable and majestic, no? I mean, it’s not uncommon for Sakkilian to gift part of their bodies to domesticated animals after death. Like giving your heart to your favorite raptor mount or the like…

>Ask if the second method of execution would be public.
:BelsethSB: Err… the killing blow, yes, the butchering, cooking and eating of him? No.
>Question Belseth for more details on it. Raw? Everything in one go? Smaller dishes?
:BelsethSB: Originally, the… “meal” would be tied down and still alive when the family started feasting on them… but nowadays most people rather not eat things raw… so they are often made into several smaller dishes, to be eaten over the course of some time instead.
>Can’t he just be burned alive and have his ashes thrown into a latrine or something?
:BelsethSB: I’m pretty sure most people want to see him punished more than that. That man has not only killed many, but some of the blame why things are so bad right now can be put on him. You were listening on the trial, correct?
:KronosSB: I… tried to, yes…
>Kronos should tell Belseth now about his request of Kira that Karas' body not be thrown into the Catacombs and that she promised to uphold it.
:BelsethSB: Really? That’s… why would she agree to that? And if that is the case… that might break the tie without me… or maybe not, who knows? Still… what could I vote for?
>Can't force Bri to break her promise either.
:KronosSB: …Risavia…
:BelsethSB: …if that what you want…
>Explain why our brother is acting the way he is and, because of that, why both methods of execution are bad ideas.
:BelsethSB: Wait, are you telling me there’s some kind of evil magic down in the catacombs? That is also powerful enough to… to… argh, you know what, forget it. This was supposed to be a night about us, not… evil magic conundrums. No, let’s revisit this topic later, alright? But for now, forget about it… and everything else… and just focus on us?
:KronosSB: …alright… about us.

>When Belseth steps out of the bathroom, mentally brace yourself for any hallucinations, visions or other sensory shenanigans that might be going on around him.
:BelsethSB: My apologies for taking so long but… I’m not entirely happy with the clothes I bought… they are a bit on the… oh, you’ll see…

…right, time to mentally prepare for the worst… like seeing him as a rotting corpse or something…

:BelsethSB: So, ready to… head… y-yah brought flowers? To me? That’s… I’ve never ‘ad anyone bring me flowers before…
:KronosSB:

...you’re not sure if what you’re seeing is real or not anymore…
>>
No. 757209 ID: 094652

Give me a minute to stop laughing.
>>
No. 757211 ID: b4bd12

>>757208
All the same, compliment him.
Tell him he's struck a perfect balance between drop-dead sexy and to-die-for cute.
>>
No. 757212 ID: 3373e2

Well then, this is... something.
Hand him the flowers maybe and compliment him?
>>
No. 757214 ID: 4854ef

Compliment him! While a bit off the cuff it's certainly a nice outfit, if a bit off for you. He did dress himself up all nice for you specifically. He also seems a bit touched by the flower gesture as well.
>>
No. 757217 ID: 461c97

>I’m pretty sure most people want to see him punished more than that.
Is this justice, or revenge?
>…if that what you want…
It's not that, trust me. But you're right, I shouldn't be getting into this.

Give him the flowers. Tell me, do you recognize the tattoo?
>>
No. 757218 ID: 398fe1

>>757208
Well now, he's looking cute. Definitely trying to look feminine for you, I'd say.
>>
No. 757219 ID: 6612fa

>>757208
well at least we know whos is going to be the power bottom in this relationship with clothes like that.
>>
No. 757220 ID: 90f3c0

Is it normal for male Sakkilians to dress up like that? If not, it's really not necessary for him to dress more feminine to attract you.

But compliment him regardless, he's clearly put a lot of effort into his outfit.
>>
No. 757222 ID: 993761

Well... He looks way different when he is not wearing those robes he always use... Although I expected more tattoos... So... Kronos, are your pants feeling a bit smaller right now?

>y-yah brought flowers? To me? That’s… I’ve never ‘ad anyone bring me flowers before…
I knew that a steak was a better idea!

Anyway, What's his plan for the dinner?
>>
No. 757234 ID: 91ee5f

>>757208
Stare at him, blink a few times, rub your eye, and look again.

If it's not an illusion and he's actually wearing that, just compliment him.

Then ask what he had in mind for dinner.

>>757222
>I knew that a steak was a better idea!
Should Kronos say this out loud as a joke? Because this sounds like something that would be funny to say to Bel as a joke. Let's say this out loud to Bel as a joke! XD
>>
No. 757238 ID: 4569ad

The little tail wag looks extremely adorable. Having trouble with one thing. Does the part of the paint on his forehead look a little different than it did the last time we saw it? If it is then it is most unfortunate that we lack the cultural context to interpret the meaning of the change.
>>
No. 757257 ID: 55ad9c

>>757222
>>757234
>I knew that a steak was a better idea!
>Should Kronos say this out loud as a joke? Because this sounds like something that would be funny to say to Bel as a joke. Let's say this out loud to Bel as a joke! XD
No, Kronos should not. Do you have any idea how insulting it would be to even try to joke that Bel would prefer the gift of a bloody steak over a bouquet of roses? It would sound like the kind of joke that a old Vark with, shall we say, less than nice opinions of Sakkilians would say. And on top of that, don't you see how touched Belseth is by Kronos giving him this bouquet? He's so emotionally moved his Empire accent has come out! To make a joke like this one now would knock the mood into the floor. So, to repeat, it is not funny and Kronos should not say it.

>Anyway, What's his plan for the dinner?
>Then ask what he had in mind for dinner.
Dinner's already been arranged for by Cain. Kronos asked him to do so early this morning, before leaving to meet with Briannah. (>>/questarch/742443) Kronos could still ask Bel what he imagined this dinner would look like, just to see how close Cain got to Bel's thoughts. Odds are, it'll be spot on, as usual.

>>757238
>Does the part of the paint on his forehead look a little different than it did the last time we saw it? If it is then it is most unfortunate that we lack the cultural context to interpret the meaning of the change.
Yes, it is different from before. Last time it was a generic symbol for luck, as Belseth said when Kronos asked about it back in >>/questarch/733080. And Briannah added, in rather crude language, that the most common symbols mean, to paraphrase, "looking to get laid," "looking for a lasting relationship," and "already in a lasting relationship."

With how Bel acts around Kronos, I'd lean a bit towards it being the middle one, but I wouldn't bet on it. How about Kronos just comments that he noticed the symbol is different this time and asks Belseth what this one means. That'll clear it up, at least until he gets a book on the subject.
>>
No. 757263 ID: 26fdf6

Welp looks like we're skipping dinner and heading straight for desert, or at the very least you're going to have a hard time concentrating on dinner.
I wonder if those gloves are latex?
>>
No. 757266 ID: 91ee5f

>>757257
>No, Kronos should not. Do you have any idea how insulting it would be to even try to joke that Bel would prefer the gift of a bloody steak over a bouquet of roses?
Well, you don't know if Bel has a good sense of humor and actually wouldn't mind a joke like that. But, I guess you're right, it's better to be safe and not say anything about it.
>>
No. 757268 ID: 55ad9c

Oh, it's real, all right. It's just that you never imagined Belseth would be wearing a dress and not a suit on this date, did you? ...And that, on seeing him wearing one, that you would feel quite a bit more than okay with it. He looks gorgeous, doesn't he?

After a moment of vaguely awed silence step closer to Bel with a smile on your face, gently present the bouquet of roses to him and say he looks stunning. Like you couldn't even imagine before how wonderful he'd look right now. Say you have a hard time thinking of what he's not entirely happy about with his outfit. That and what it'd be a bit on the what side of.

>So, ready to… head… y-yah brought flowers? To me? That’s… I’ve never ‘ad anyone bring me flowers before…
He's so moved by you bringing him a bouquet of roses that he stuttered and his accent came out. You didn't expect it'd be quite so emotional for him, but even more that he never had a date bring him flowers. Say that you're perplexed and slightly shocked that no date ever brought him flowers before. It seems nearly unconscionable at least a few wouldn't have. Could he say why they didn't?

>That man has not only killed many, but some of the blame why things are so bad right now can be put on him.
A bit sheepishly say that you know he doesn't want this intruding on your evening together, but you'd like to know who could get you a copy of the crimes Karas committed and the evidence of them. Say your thoughts were... distracted during the trial. You couldn't focus most of it and you missed much. You want- No, you need to know how heinous his acts were. You're also curious just how much Karas' actions have had in how bad things are now, and the whens of what he did. (You're wondering how fast his terrible anti-Sakkilian behavior ramped up after the incident with the Sakkilian orphans. Whether it was a sharp or gradual increase.)

Offer your arm to Belseth and proceed to dinner with him arm-in-arm... Er... You did remember to ask Cain where dinner would be, did you? It's probably not in your apartment since Bri will be there "playing" with Doxan. Hearing that going on nearby would not be what you'd want as the background ambiance for a romantic dinner.

Mention that you noticed, back when you were standing outside his quarters before your first meeting, that he has a rather nice singing voice. You could tell it even through the wood of the door. Say you'd like to hear him sing again sometime.
>>
No. 757621 ID: 65a774
File 147872484310.png - (53.69KB , 686x526 , 22.png )
757621

>After a moment of vaguely awed silence step closer to Bel with a smile on your face, gently present the bouquet of roses to him and say he looks stunning.
:BelsethSB: …y-yah really think so? I… I was afraid it was a bit… much, actually…
>Tell him he's struck a perfect balance between drop-dead sexy and to-die-for cute.
:BelsethSB: C-cute!? …well, I can do cute, if that’s what yah want… but I was ‘opi- *cough* hoping for the sexy part myself~
>The little tail wag looks extremely adorable.
:BelsethSB: You think so? Then I guess you’ll have to try and make it wag all night long, eh? Hehe…
>Say that you're perplexed and slightly shocked that no date ever brought him flowers before.
:BelsethSB: Oh… that… well… I’ve not really been on many… date dates… and… um… Sakkilian males don’t give other males flowers very often, either. But don’t you worry about that. I do love the flowers, I really do!
>Is it normal for male Sakkilians to dress up like that?
:BelsethSB: EH? Oh, I guess it’s a bit of a culture clash. I wasn’t expecting to see you like that either but… yes, it is. I’ll have you know, this is the newest summer fashion in the empire for aspiring males like me! Only the best for the best, after all.
>Comment that the symbol his forehead is different this time and asks what this one means.
:BelsethSB: Oh, you noticed. Well, I believe my sister told you what the other symbols meant, so I’m sure you can guess which this one is?
:KronosSB: Hmm… it’s not the good luck one, that’s for sure… and it’s probably not the “already taken” one… which leaves “I’m looking for a relationship” and-
:BelsethSB: -and “I want you to fuck me so hard my sister will hear it”.
:KronosSB: Err… *Gulp*
:BelsethSB: I’m sure you can guess which one by the end of tonight this is~

>Is this justice, or revenge?
:BelsethSB: It’s a thin edge to balance on between those too… but it seems there might be more bloodlust involved than we like to admit…
>A bit sheepishly say that you know he doesn't want this intruding on your evening together, but you'd like to know who could get you a copy of the crimes Karas-
:BelsethSB: Didn’t we say we would leave that behind, eh? Also, I’m pretty sure I’m not the one to ask for any copies of anything, Kronos.
>Ask what he had in mind for dinner.
:BelsethSB: Oh, I did some planning with that manservant of yours… Cain, was it? I told him to find something under the stars but still private and safe from the elements, so he said that the old observatory tower make the perfect spot.
:KronosSB: The observatory tower? Isn’t that thing filled with only cobwebs and dust?
:BelsethSB: Well, I’m sure he’ll taken care of it.
>Offer your arm to Belseth and proceed to dinner with him arm-in-arm.
:BelsethSB: While I appreciate the gesture I… um… need to grab my robe first…
:KronosSB: Your robe? Why?
:BelsethSB: Well… the halls get a bit chilly… especially when wearing this and… um…
:KronosSB:
:BelesthSB: …fine, the Archbishop told me to meditate tonight… alone… so I rather not have the whole place talking about us going on a date, alright? So… just while we walk to the dinner I’ll be a normal priest, if you don’t mind?
:KronosSB: …I won’t mind, no.




:BelsethSB: -and for dinner, the finest Varkian sausages your royal hands can get their hands on!
:CainSB: With a side of-
:BelsethSB: It’s the meat that’s important, not the rest!
:KronosSB: …sausages?
:BelsethSB: By the five, I do live Sausages… *Sniff* mmm… just smell them… ah…

…you guess Cain has had this old tower cleaned up… it’s a bit on the empty side, but being surrounded by a glass dome showing the night sky makes up for it.


>I expected more tattoos.
Yeah, for someone that was supposedly running out of scales to tattoo he really isn’t that covered by ink… I bet it was just an excuse to put ink on his junk…
Also, forgot to draw some tattoos… wops…
>I knew that a steak was a better idea!
Let’s not tease the sharp teethed carnivore that is probably lusting for some fresh Varkian sausage tonight, alright?
>You never imagined Belseth would be wearing a dress and not a suit on this date, did you?
You’re pretty sure that’s not actually a dress… it’s more of a… err… tunic? Or something? …he is wearing pants at least?
>I wonder if those gloves are latex?
They are made out of silk. Soft and lean silk…

>So... Kronos, are your pants feeling a bit smaller right now?
With the fertility potion doing its work, your already blue balls and Belseth looking like that… yeah, it takes effort not to show of your sausage to the whole world.
>well at least we know who’s is going to be the power bottom in this relationship with clothes like that.
Especially with thoughts like that! Dammit, keep it in check at least until after dinner!
>Welp looks like we're skipping dinner and heading straight for desert…
Argh, you want to just jump him, tear away those clothes with your bare teeth and start feasting on his succulent flesh!
>>
No. 757622 ID: 65a774
File 147872486335.png - (40.59KB , 686x526 , 23.png )
757622

It’s over so quick. In a singular motion you grab your knife, dash towards him and slash his throat. As he start slumping over the table, chocking on his own blood, the only thing in his eyes is confusion. He was never able to even register what you’ve done before his life left him… a shame, really… you would have enjoyed hearing him squeal, wouldn’t you? To hear him beg for his life… his sister’s life… all those he loved… but no… it was over quick. One single motion and his life is at an end… nothing now but food for your hunger.
>>
No. 757624 ID: 65a774
File 147872490232.png - (36.70KB , 686x526 , 24.png )
757624

Then the only thing left is to gut him like the disgusting pig he is and start devouring his entrails. The fool told you how to despoil his corpse. Heart, lungs, liver… everything important will decay and rot will the rest will be consumed. His soul will suffer like the rest, as the endless nightmare will consume the world when the twin moons are full. But you know this already, don’t you Kronos… it’s your fault, isn’t it? …you fed her… you fed us… you found us… it’s all your fault. The war… the famine… the world crumbles around you and it’s all your fault. Do you really believe Belseth will be the only one who will suffer from your disgusting existence? Your father… sister… brothers… even your mother… they all suffer because of you. It’s all your fault. You did this… as the twin moons rises, you will see the consequences what you’ve done...

It’s all your fault…

:BelsethSB: Kronos?
>>
No. 757625 ID: 65a774
File 147872491238.png - (53.32KB , 686x526 , 25.png )
757625

:KronosSB: Huh?
:BelsethSB: You were a bit lost in thoughts there for a moment?
:KronosSB: Err… I was? I mean… um…
:BelsethSB: A coin for your thoughts? You were rather deep in them a moment ago, after all.
>>
No. 757626 ID: 094652

"I have an infection."
>>
No. 757627 ID: 398fe1

>>757625
Those visions from the crypt are getting worse. Well, Belseth is well informed about the Church's plans and their research. I think it's time to spill the beans before things go horribly wrong. Tell him you contacted Xuv and she fed on your desire which in turn fed the trapped souls in the crypt, and they're invading your mind, giving you terrible visions.
>>
No. 757631 ID: 91ee5f

Explain what you just saw in your vision and tell him what the voices said to you, especially the "full twin moons" thing, which seems to be very important.

Then start crying and tell him that you're so happy that didn't actually happen, but at the same time, you're so scared about getting a vision like that and you're extremely upset because this is ruining the date!
>>
No. 757634 ID: 4d09eb

Say, do you know if an eclipse is coming up soon, or when the next full moons are gonna be? Cuz that may be the day when shit goes down hard if you can't fix this mess on time. Also, you probably didn't notice, but Cain seemed to be enjoying what you were doing in that vision.

But nevermind all that for now, just tell Belseth it was a brainfart or something. This night is just for the two of you and you just can't tak your mind off the fact that he's dressed and prettied up in a way that says 'I won't be able rest tonight until I've had forty or fifty dicks in my mouth need a man tonight.'
>>
No. 757635 ID: 98b0f4

On the plus side, there goes your boner. On the negative side, their goes your appetite.

> A coin for your thoughts? You were rather deep in them a moment ago, after all.
Although that happens a lot, I pretty sure this time it was a vision... They're getting worse. Look, I know you want me to leave this behind, but I've noticed a kind of theme with my brothers that has me worried. What with the power hunger and insanity. That plus what the Archbishop is digging up, it doesn't bode well.
>>
No. 757638 ID: 4569ad

You know I'm starting to think if we don't deal with these visions you're going to end up like your brothers which just lead me to wonder if they faced similar nightmarish visions too before they lost it and tried to betray everyone.
>>
No. 757643 ID: 6612fa

>>757625
tell him you are being plagued by some disturbing visions you don't want to talk about and ruin the night with, lets just continue the date...
i wonder if cain wants to make this a threeway with how he wont leave.
is cain bi or gay... should we have seduced him... he is the closest friend we have ever had. maybe he has always wanted more and us just screwing everyone around us is hurting him. clearly our sister offered him a better job than to play manservant to a rich lazy playboy with misplaced hopes of being the batman of this world
>>
No. 757664 ID: 8cb228

Mention the only reason you are giving him such a 'heavy' comment on such a happy night, when he asked you to leave it later, is for safety. Your hallucinations are vivid and intrusive, and you don't want to accidentally harm yourself or others due to an overactive startle reflex if you are prodded or something during one of your space out moments, so he should mind that if he sees you like that.
>>
No. 757673 ID: f562b1

>A coin for your thoughts?
Just nightmares brought on by stress. While it may help to talk them out... I'd prefer to focus on us right now.
>>
No. 757680 ID: 9eeee1

>Argh, you want to just jump him, tear away those clothes with your bare teeth and start feasting on his succulent flesh!
Nothing like a throat full of lizard wang am I right!
>tail wag
and while that's happening up front he can put that tail to good use down below.

>It’s all your fault…
Fuck off Kro Kro we're busy getting more lizard ass then you.

>A coin for your thoughts?
Take me take me now!
>>
No. 757728 ID: 65a774
File 147881373683.png - (26.25KB , 686x526 , 26.png )
757728

>On the plus side, there goes your boner.
While it did deliver a mighty blow to your libido, you can still feel the fertility potion doing its work and ensuring that it might make a comeback if given the chance.
>On the negative side, their goes your appetite.
…actually, that vision made you realize just how starved you are… and that’s terrifying.

>I wonder if Cain wants to make this a three-way with how he won’t leave.
But if he leaves, who will serve us dinner? And seeing as Sisah is looming over you wouldn’t it be a four-way? Geez, speaking of Sisah, she is not happy that you’re sitting in the middle of a glass dome…
>Is Cain bi or gay?
…actually, you have no idea. You’ve never seen him interested in anyone…
>Should we have seduced him?
What? No! Not only is he your friend, but he’s one of the people you grew up with the most. He’s more of a brother to you than your real brothers... oh, and there’s also the whole deal with you being completely unattracted by him.

>Do you know if an eclipse is coming up soon, or when the next full moons are gonna be?
You haven’t heard about any eclipses anytime soon, but the twin moons will be full… sometime next week? It happens twice or thrice a year, and if you remember your magic theory correctly, magic become a bit stronger but more chaotic at the time.
>You probably didn't notice, but Cain seemed to be enjoying what you were doing in that vision.
Wait, Cain was in the vision?
>You know I'm starting to think if we don't deal with these visions you're going to end up like your brothers which just lead me to wonder if they faced similar nightmarish visions too before they lost it and tried to betray everyone.
Gods… we need to do something about them. Why are they suddenly coming back like this? Didn’t you find a way to suppress them?


>Tell him you are being plagued by some disturbing visions you don't want to talk about and ruin the night with, let’s just continue the date...
:BelsethSB: Visons? This sound serious! What were they about? I mean, if you’re going to worry about them all night anyway…
:KronosSB: …well…
>Explain what you just saw in your vision and tell him what the voices said to you, especially the "full twin moons" thing…
:BelsethSB: Full twin moons, eh? Really? The date of the full moons is coming up and that’s when… but what does that have to do with this? Ah, probably nothing. But speaking of ill dreams, I have been plagued by them myself as of late too… but I can’t for the love of me remember what they were about. Hopefully it’s just all this stress going around and not something worse…
:KronosSB: …you seem awfully chipper for just hearing that I had a vision in where I ate you…
:BelsethSB: Well, it’s normal to fantasize about eating parts of someone you care for or look up too… you want to gain their strengths and keep their memory going, after all. Hell, I’m sure most guys have fantasized about getting into the gut of some pretty lady more than once… err… wait, that’s just Sakkilians that does that, isn’t it?
:KronosSB: That, and I’m pretty sure this intrusive vision don’t count as fantasize!
:BelsethSB: And… that… yes… err… never mind…
>While it may help to talk them out... I'd prefer to focus on us right now.
:BelsethSB: Right, right… lets drop this about odd visions… and eating… I mean, everything but eating dinner. Speaking of dinner, do you have any more sausages? Mine seems to have disappeared “mysteriously”.
:CainSB: Ah, of course sir. Coming right up.



:BelsethSB: -but when a mind doesn’t know itself, is it not flawed? When the mind is flawed, the man is flawed, thus what the man make must also be flawed?
:KronosSB: Even a broken man can make wonders, can’t they? Just look on the painters of old. Those that are remembered today were mostly mad in one way or another.
:BelsethSB: Hmm… I guess creativity would breed in deranged mind, wouldn’t it? Now… did you have another serving of sausages for me, Cain?
:CainSB: …I’m terribly sorry, sir, but it seems that I’ve run out. The chefs saw it only necessary to cook for… five servings, sir…
:BelsethSB: Ah, that’s a shame… wait, five? Really? Oh, my apologies, Kronos, but when you get food this good you can’t resist gorging a bit, can you, eh?
:KronosSB: err… right…
:CainSB: Now, do excuse me as I see to these dishes.

…you have to say, watching Belseth consume enough sausages to feed a family was… intriguing. You’re pretty sure most people would have exploded by now… or at least have one hell of a tummy ache…


>Nothing like a throat full of lizard wang am I right!?
Argh, with thoughts like that…
>and while that's happening up front he can put that tail to good use down below.
…it’s starting to get harder to control…
>Fuck off Kro Kro we're busy getting more lizard ass then you.
…that damn potion Bri gave you… last time you ever drink one of those damn fertility potions!
>Take me take me now!
Gah, you have to really consecrate to not get a- oh gods, there’s suddenly something stroking your thigh!

:BelsethSB: Well… I for one really enjoyed dinner… so… want to snuggle up under the night sky? Your little Cain was helpful enough to supply us with a sofa. It’s a bit on the small side but should be big enough for us two.
:KronosSB: That d-ng?

You can feel his foot starting to get dangerously close to your more private regions.

:BelsethSB: Or… we can head back to my room for some tea… and dessert? Hmmm?
>>
No. 757729 ID: 094652

Tell him that the only way you'll become his 8!+(# is IF he gets Kira pregnant.
>>
No. 757734 ID: 398fe1

>>757728
>…you have to say, watching Belseth consume enough sausages to feed a family was… intriguing. You’re pretty sure most people would have exploded by now… or at least have one hell of a tummy ache…
Well if the notion that he'll be consuming all five god-corpses is true, he might be training his stomach for it. And/or have an enchantment to enhance digestion.

Yes to the bedroom. Claim that ass for the glory of the Empire!

>>757729
wow
>>
No. 757737 ID: 73c2ee

FEED HIM YOUR SAUSAGE.
>>
No. 757739 ID: 456a1b

>You’re pretty sure most people would have exploded by now… or at least have one hell of a tummy ache…
Jeez Belseth, hasn't the archbishop been feeding you? Well I guess it's not her responsibility, but still.

Sounds like we're headed to his place before Sisah gets any saltier.
>>
No. 757751 ID: 91ee5f

>The chefs saw it only necessary to cook for… five servings, sir…
>five servings, sir…
> five
Why do I have this terrible feeling that the "chefs" were actually some guys from the church and they just snuck in the corpses of the five gods into Belseth's food?

And the fact that the fertility potion is lasting way too long, makes me think that the whole dragon and phoenix thing that Xuv predicted is just her way of trying get you two to fuck and give her more power.

Maybe having sex with Bel isn't a good thing to do right now? But.....that'll just hurt Bel if we tell him that!

But, if we are going to do it, then can we go to Bel's room? I just don't think we should do it here in the observatory. After that vision with the bloody twin moons, going somewhere we can't see the moons sounds like a good idea.

Kronos might need to help Bel walk after he ate that much. Just, try not to stare at how bloated his belly looks.....or how easily that could be you in there.....*shudder*
>>
No. 757752 ID: 3373e2

Maybe Belseth has a sausage that he can feed you~
>>
No. 757759 ID: 65a774
File 147882600568.png - (22.20KB , 686x526 , 27.png )
757759

>Tell him that the only way you'll become his 8!+(# is IF he gets Kira pregnant.
…that is wrong on so many levels, both morally and biologically…
>Claim that ass for the glory of the Empire!
…you mean the kingdom, right? He’s the one who might claim your ass for the empire if anything.

>Jeez Belseth, hasn't the archbishop been feeding you?
:BelsethSB: Ah, as I said, my apologies. But when the food is this good I can’t resist to store some extra food, you know.
:KronosSB: Is it normal for a Sakkilian to eat that much?
:BelsethSB: Ah? Oh, right, after the war and the propaganda I shouldn’t be surprised that you don’t know our biology perfectly… to be honest; there are still things that surprise me about you Varkian as well. See, we can eat a bit extra to digest later. It’s not as efficient as just eating normal meals, but it will allow me to skip lunch tomorrow… and… err… dinner probably.
>Yes to the bedroom.
:KronosSB: So… this dessert you mentioned sounded intriguing…
:BelsethSB: Oh, I’m sure yah’re going to love it~

Going by how Belseth tail almost tips over two different vases thanks to wagging so hard, he really seem exited to share this dessert with you… that, and that he’s almost dragging you back to his room.

>Kronos might need to help Bel walk after he ate that much.
It doesn’t seem like he needs help… in fact, he’s probably more energetic than you’ve ever seen before.
>Just, try not to stare at how bloated his belly looks...
Huh… it’s actually noticeable, even if it is just a few centimeters? His usually flat front has suddenly a small, slightly round tummy.
>Or how easily that could be you in there.
There’s no way you’ll fit in there… Belseth is way too small for that. Bri, on the other hand… after what she did with that melon she would- ARGH! Stop thinking about that! Dammit!


>Sounds like we're headed to his place before Sisah gets any saltier.
Luckily, Sisah decides that it’s for the best that she stand guard out in the corridor, outside Belseth’s room… after she’s secured it, of course. As soon as she closes the door behind her, you can feel Belseth’s hands on your hips, his tail hugging your legs and his irregular breath on your neck.

:BelsethSB: Nng… oh, ‘ow I’ve been longing f-for this moment… y-ye smell… y-ye taste… *ah*… ‘ow d-do yah… do yah w-want to do this? Do yah w-want me too… or do yah rather… *ah*... i-it doesn’t m-matter to me… I… I’m up f-for either… ng… w-wait… wait… a-are we… rushing this? Are we going a bit fast? It feels like we’re… rushing t-things…

You feel his grip tighten before he humps your back a few times, poking you with what you can only guess is his “sausage”

:BelsethSB: B-but… *ah* …I… I really want… need… t-this…


>FEED HIM YOUR SAUSAGE.
>Maybe Belseth has a sausage that he can feed you~
…it seems that both options are available…
>>
No. 757765 ID: 2169b1

...maybe you are rushing this? I mean, just give it a bit of thought before going straight to pound town, but at least consider it.
>>
No. 757769 ID: 7b7ab3

Fuck the green out of him!
>>
No. 757773 ID: 094652

Play One Fat Finger Fillet.

With guns.

Literally.

As in, shoot your actual flintlock pistol at his dick.
>>
No. 757774 ID: 456a1b

>>757773
Fun for the whole family

I dunno what you'll do to slow down, but when you're done, quietly whisper in his ear that you've been on fertility drugs all day. Then Toss him on the bed and give him a lot more than 5 servings.
>>
No. 757775 ID: 595d54

>>757773
Eeehhhh, 3/10 trying too hard.

I can't actually remember why we're having sex with this guy at all, but sure, I guess, let's have multiple rounds and do both.
>>
No. 757785 ID: 91ee5f

>…that is wrong on so many levels, both morally and biologically…
This coming from the guy that's also trying to do the biologically impossible with Bri. But I guess we can let that slide, seeing as you and Bri has Xuv's magic to thank for any sorta success.

Hey, what's with the dotted line on Bel's tongue? Don't tell me he got a tattoo there! I wonder what that one is supposed to symbolize? Might as well ask him about it before you get too occupied doing something else.
>>
No. 757789 ID: 55ad9c

>>757785
>Hey, what's with the dotted line on Bel's tongue?
That's just the crease that runs down the middle of his tongue. All Sakkilians probably have the same kind of crease since there was one shown down the length of Bri's tongue, back when she so explicitly demonstrated what she could do with it using a banana. (See >>/questarch/716711)
>>
No. 757823 ID: 17b144

Before you two ravish each others bodies pull him in close and give him a deep passionate kiss.
We need him to see that we really care about him, that he's not just a fun gay romp for when ever you feel in the mood.

>>757785
connect the dots.
>>
No. 757832 ID: 456a1b

Wait, I've been thinking- this isn't much like him, and more like... somebody else. What did Xuv mean about a promise tonight?
>>
No. 757837 ID: 91ee5f

>>757832
This! So much this!
>>
No. 757931 ID: 65a774
File 147891382187.png - (21.34KB , 686x526 , 28.png )
757931

>This coming from the guy that's also trying to do the biologically impossible with Bri.
To be fair, there’s a mad god involved when it comes to that instance.
>I can't actually remember why we're having sex with this guy at all.
…because he’s cute? …and you like him? …and you’re attracted to him? …and you feel all tingly just by being near him? …and this damn fertility potion has been making you horny as hell all day and you can’t take it anymore!?
>Before you two ravish each other’s bodies pull him in close and give him a deep passionate kiss.
You turn around and almost shove Belseth into the wall before leaning in close and giving him a deep passionate kiss. You can feel him melt in your hands as he returns the favor; all the while both of you are grinding your bodies together. Two body part in particular, in fact, whom are both screaming for attention right now.

>Quietly whisper in his ear that you've been on an overdose of fertility drugs all day.
:BelsethSB: Huh… why would…
:KronosSB: Bri…
:BelsethSB: Oh, of course… so you’ve been…
:KronosSB: It’s been driving me mad all day… and now… now…
:BelsethSB: And now… I’m here… mmm… I’ll help…
:KronosSB: Now I’m going to rip those cute clothes of your back with my bare teeth and then toss you on the bed so I can give you a lot more than just five servings!
:BelsethSB: Heh…do you really think you can handle that?
:KronosSB: Is that a challenge?
:BelsethSB: Maybe?
>Fuck the green out of him!
Fuck taking it slow! You grab him by the arms and ready yourself to-

>Wait, I've been thinking- this isn't much like him, and more like... somebody else. What did Xuv mean about a promise tonight?
… … …
…oh…
…oh gods…
…what if… she can… xuv can…
…xuv can possess people?
What if Xuv can possess people and feed of their… desires…
…what if… she has already gotten to… to… Bri… the fertility potion… was it all her?
Is she manipulating everything to get you to feed-
No! You can’t be this paranoid! You can’t assume everything is Xuv’s crazy plans! She can’t possess people! She can’t… … …can she?

:BelsethSB: Ah… w-what’s… what’s wrong? Why d-did you stop?
:KronosSB: I… I just…
>>
No. 757932 ID: 65a774
File 147891383480.png - (17.22KB , 686x526 , 29.png )
757932

Your thoughts are interrupted by a heavy pounding on the door.

:NonSB: Lord Belseth? Are you in there?
:BelsethSB: Shit, Hera? What is she- dammit!
:NonSB: The Archbishop need to see you immediately. It is of the utmost importance.
:BelsethSB: Dammit, I promised him I was going to meditate alone today…
:NonSB: She said it’s about the dawn.
:BelsethSB: Dawn!? Oh… I… I really need to talk to her then and… and…
:NonSB: …is there someone else in there? Belseth?
:BelsethSB: Dammit! Just… hide! I don’t want to- Just g-give me a second to get decent! I’ll be right out! I really don’t want them to see me like this with you. Not now!
:NonSB: …You two*Insert* after he’s *incomprehensible* search it *mumbling* no one is in *here* and empty… and who the hell is that Serpent that’s hanging around back there?
>>
No. 757933 ID: 398fe1

>>757932
I just heard them say they're going to search the room. Hiding won't work.

Use your authority as the Price to make them go away.
>>
No. 757934 ID: 595d54

>>757933
That doesn't really solve the problem. One, relations between the main church and the monarchy of a kingdom tend to be strained, power plays and so on. Two, we presumably don't want to be caught in this particular situation.

Sneak out of a window.
>>
No. 757935 ID: a4cb94

>Huh… why would…
No idiot, you were supposed to take charge before he could react.
>You can’t assume everything is Xuv’s crazy plans!
I have yet to hear a good reason as to why paranoia is unjustified and optimism is.
>She can’t possess people!
She can possess Belseth. That's the entire point of the ascension or whatever it's called.

You're fleet of foot and... Let's call it 'unencumbered'. You should have no problem hiding someplace higher up that guards in armor won't be able to check. Bring your gun just in case, I don't like it when people speak in hushed tones.
>>
No. 757936 ID: a4cb94

>…because he’s cute? …and you like him? …and you’re attracted to him?
Also, I recall you denying all of this vehemently.
>>
No. 757939 ID: 91ee5f

>>757932
I hope this isn't the ritual to turn him into a god! We still haven't had a chance to talk to him out of it!

Tell, Bel to wipe those markings off of his face. If he doesn't want to be caught, then I'm sure he doesn't want to be seen with those on his face!

>>757935
>You're fleet of foot and... Let's call it 'unencumbered'. You should have no problem hiding someplace higher up that guards in armor won't be able to check. Bring your gun just in case, I don't like it when people speak in hushed tones.
All of this!
>>
No. 757941 ID: 398fe1

>>757935
>That's the entire point of the ascension or whatever it's called.
No, it's not. The ritual, or at least what we think it is, involves consuming (part of?) the corpses of the gods to gain their power. It does not involve being possessed by Xuv.

There's no indication Xuv can do that. If she could, don't you think she would be interfering directly with what she perceives to be her rival's plans? She would not need Kronos' help if she could do that! IN ADDITION, she is explicitly trying to avoid Belseth's attention. I can't think of anything more attention-grabbing than possession, short of manifesting directly in front of him.
>>
No. 757943 ID: a4cb94

>>>757941
>It does not involve being possessed by Xuv.
That's what the archbishop thinks the plan is. She's probably being deceived, either by Xuv or someone else, either of which have their own plans. Also, I doubt Xuv has to fully possess anyone to use them as a conduit to gather whatever it is that powers magic these days.
Also, Xuv is so crazy and impulsive she can barely hold a conversation. I wouldn't put anything past her.
>>
No. 757944 ID: 55ad9c

>>757935
>You're fleet of foot and... Let's call it 'unencumbered'. You should have no problem hiding someplace higher up that guards in armor won't be able to check.
Where the hell higher up?! This is Belseth's quarters, not Kronos' apartment! A prince's apartment may have tall enough ceilings with equally tall and deep furniture, or furniture with high facades on front, for Kronos to possibly hide on top of from the view below. However, this is not a prince's apartment, it's one fit for a priest. It's almost assuredly much, much more humble and small. Any wardrobe or bookcase here will be not a whole lot taller than a person, and without large adornment on the front to hide. So where the hell else could Kronos hide? Under the bed, in the wardrobe or behind a curtain? Those are the first places they'd look. Where does that leave? Nowhere, that's where.

We also don't know of the two that Hera is speaking to are armored guards or just Temple followers, so don't assume that.

>Bring your gun just in case, I don't like it when people speak in hushed tones.
And if Kronos is caught, do you have any idea how bad the repercussions there would be for the prince threatening Temple members? And how much worse they would be if he took shots at them? And if he actually hit one or both? And how much worse than that if he killed one or both? The first would be a political mess, and from that on it would be escalating political catastrophes! Ones that assuredly would find Kronos arrested and confined until a trial, which would effectively doom him and everyone else.

The only courses of action for Kronos I can think of is to climb out the window and either down to the ground, into an adjacent open window, or just cling to the outside wall and wait for the Temple members to finish their search and leave. I'd be in favor of just clinging to the outsidewall out of sight since Kronos hasn't gotten a chance to practice climbing since he lost his eye to learn to compensate for his lack of depth perception. However, if the ground is only a floor or less down he can try it since if he falls he could still land without harm. Though, before going out the window he should take a peek outside at the ground, rooftops and opposite windows to see if anyone is watching. And when he goes out, he or Belseth should close, but not latch, the window behind him.
>>
No. 757945 ID: a4cb94

>>757944

Yeah, you don't know any of that. Belseth's a royal guest, not a cloistered monk, we haven't seen his furnishings. A bookcase or wardrobe would be fine if there's enough cover. Also, climbing out the window and staying on the roof fits those criteria perfectly.
>do you have any idea how bad the repercussions there would be for the prince threatening Temple members?
Nothing as bad as what happens when Kronos is caught unarmed. Or what happens when they turn out to be impostors. Or they're taking Belseth somewhere by force.
>>
No. 757946 ID: 91ee5f

>>757944
I'd say hang on the outside because Sisah will have a hissy fit if Kronos leaves without her.
>>
No. 757983 ID: 1e59af

>who the hell is that Serpent that’s hanging around back there?
Gods dammit Sisah!

NO fuck all everyone who's talking about hiding and fuck these temple shits! We're getting sweet Bel tail and that's final.
Have him bluff his way out, like say he can't go anywhere now as he is expecting the prince in not to long hence why one of his bodyguards has been sent ahead and is positioned nearby. That ought to scare them off for a bit.
And well they're off talking to their superiors we can pop our head out an tell Sisah to do her job or just tell her to keep anyone away.
>>
No. 757988 ID: 55ad9c

>>757939
>I hope this isn't the ritual to turn him into a god! We still haven't had a chance to talk to him out of it!
Yes, I hope so too. And curse those horny fool suggesters above who forgot Kronos had a serious mission here and just wanted to get him to get laid!

>>757941
>The ritual, or at least what we think it is, involves consuming (part of?) the corpses of the gods to gain their power.
After what Belseth said about what organs the Sakkilians eat from the dead in their customs, I suspect there's some truth to them containing the person's strenghts and only those parts are the ones Belseth would be eating. So, that'd be the brain, heart, lungs, and possibly the liver and some particular muscles. Those would be small enough together that it'd be theoretically possible for him to eat all of them from the fallen Five in one go.

>IN ADDITION, she is explicitly trying to avoid Belseth's attention.
Xuv is? I don't remember that. Where did you read it?

>>757943
>Also, I doubt Xuv has to fully possess anyone to use them as a conduit to gather whatever it is that powers magic these days.
I concur. She likely couldn't gather power from people's lust and desire before Kronos' actions gave her enough power to reach outside her prison. Now she's likely slipping into peoples dreams like she did with Tim, fulfilling their sexual desires in the dream and feeding on the act. However, that doesn't rule out that she can possibly possess people. We don't know the full extent of what her powers were when she was free. If she builds up enough power now there's a definite chance she could possess someone remotely, most likely while they're asleep and she's in their dream.

But there's also another fact that raises the odds that Xuv could possess someone: She's somehow connected to the... nightmare abomination that Kronos saw in his visions, and that Tim saw after doing Xuv's ritual the last time. And from Karas we know it can potentially possess people, so it's also a possibility that ability would extend back through the connection to Xuv.

But even if Xuv can't possess people right now, it's possible that she's at least having a subconscious mental influence on people up here by now, making them feel more... randy. At least in their dreams. Kronos will have to remember to ask Cain to discreetly inquire about if folks have been having unusually intense or vivid dreams lately, either terrifying nightmares or... erotic ones.

>>757945
>Yeah, you don't know any of that. Belseth's a royal guest, not a cloistered monk, we haven't seen his furnishings. A bookcase or wardrobe would be fine if there's enough cover.
Okay, you're right, we don't know how well furnished his quarters are or how those furnishing are laid out. Some might be placed diagonally in corners, leaving a void to hide in if Kronos hangs off the top to keep his feet out of view. And there might be other perfectly good hiding spots Bel could suggest. But we also don't know how thorough these Temple folks are. They might be very diligent about searching the place top to bottom, or they might not. Asking Belseth if he has any idea how thorough they'd be would be prudent.

>Also, climbing out the window and staying on the roof fits those criteria perfectly.
That only possibly works if Belseth's quarters are on the top floor. It also raises the issue of how Kronos could get up there without making a racket clambering over the gutters or how serious a risk there is in him trying to climb over the eaves which stick out from the wall. He'd be a heck of a long way up from the ground, trying to negotiate the overhang of the roof. That's more risk than I'd be comfortable putting him in.

>Nothing as bad as what happens when Kronos is caught unarmed.
Well, good thing Kronos hasn't been unarmed when he's gone out ever since that first assassination attempt at the firing range. His pistol (or pistols, I'm not sure if he has both Krotos' gun and the Singing Dragon) is securely in a holster under his jacket right now.

>Or what happens when they turn out to be impostors. Or they're taking Belseth somewhere by force.
Belseth recognized the voice of one of them, Hera, so it's unlikely they're impostors. And if they do try to take Belseth by force, Sisah is right there to lay the smack down on them if they try anything.

>>757983
Did you even read this update and the previous ones? Because if you did you'd see Belseth wants Kronos to hide because the Archbishop wanted Belseth to be meditating all evening after the trial was over, not going on dinner dates or even meeting with anyone. Belseth isn't going to announce that prince Kronos is coming over because that'd admit he went against his superior's wishes. Besides, these Temple folks aren't going to go away just because Bel says the prince is coming over. They have apparently urgent orders from the Archbishop to bring Bel into a meeting with her and they're not going to shirk their duty. At best they'd just wait around outside until Kronos shows, and at worse they'll pick up that Bel is bluffing and want to come in immediately. Bel isn't a very good liar from what we've seen, so odds are it'll be the latter.

Also, there's not the all too real possibility lingering in the air that Xuv would draw power from any sexual encounters Kronos has. Xuv has a connection to him, so it's pretty fair odds when he fulfills sexual desire she'll draw power from it. How wide the channel is, if there is one and how much she draws is unknown, but risking feeding her any more in any way would be foolish. And it'd be doubly reckless because the terrible nightmare abomination Kronos has seen in his visions is also connected to Xuv, drawing power from her. Feeding her is the same as feeding it.
>>
No. 757989 ID: 398fe1

>>757988
>Xuv is? I don't remember that. Where did you read it?
She thinks Belseth is the pawn of Illasia and told Kronos to keep him out of the ritual.
>>
No. 757990 ID: 55ad9c

Quickly whisper to Bel and ask if he heard Hera telling two other, presumably Temple, people to search his quarters for anybody else, why the heck they'd search the place and why they're so intent on him being alone, and where you could possibly hide in here where they would most likely miss. Glance around for possible hiding spots while you ask this.

Whisper that he's going to have to get rid of any sign he's been on a dinner date before the place is searched. You'll take the bouquet of roses and keep them with yourself (even if you have to hold them in your beak so your hands are free, if the situation calls for it.) Better than trying to hide them elsewhere, since they might be found and not you. This way if you're found the jig's up anyway, so it doesn't matter if you're holding the flowers too.

Start throwing your clothes back on as quietly as you can, ask Bel if the dressy outfit he wore tonight would possibly give him away if found by those two. 'Cause if so you'll hide it for him before you hide (or slip out the window) yourself. You'd even roll it up and take it with you if no hiding spot in here is acceptable. Also point out that he's still wearing his face paint and offer to sneakily get him a damp washcloth from the bathroom while he dresses to wipe it off. You move pretty damn silently, so those three outside won't hear you at all.

Unfortunately, there's no way to hide that bump of food in Bel's usually flat stomach, but with his robes on it's unlikely they'll notice unless they're really looking for it... Actually, now that you think about it, him pigging out on sausages might have just saved everything. If the Archbishop is acting to move up her plans, then Bel may not be able to eat all the parts of the fallen Five tonight, putting the plans off 'till at least tomorrow. It's a damn shame you didn't realize you could have delayed the Archbishop by just presenting Bel with a feast of all the foods he likes and letting him stuff himself; He does seem to overeat if it's something he doesn't have usually, doesn't he? ...You might even be able to still do this tomorrow, assuming the Archbishop isn't moving up the ritual plans to tonight and it's found out Bel overate. Something to keep in mind for later.

Thinking on what might have caused the Archbishop to want to call a unscheduled meeting with Belseth, the most likely reason is because Kira just got done meeting with the Archbishop. Kira asking rather uncomfortable and probing questions about the Archbishop's plans might have spurred the Archbishop into action. She might be moving her timetable up, or she might be bringing Bel in to grill him about how much he's let slip.

>…because he’s cute? …and you like him? …and you’re attracted to him? …and you feel all tingly just by being near him?
But how can you know these are your own thoughts and desires? Xuv has already admitted she could alter your mind, moving your love for Bri ahead of your fear of Sakkilians, and that was back when she had naught but the very dregs of her power. Now that she has more, she could be manipulating your mind, accentuating the many lusts and desires you harbored, and amplifying your feelings of attraction. It may not even be a conscious act on Xuv's part, but just because you have a conduit to her, and what seeps through it is changing you. But the truly terrifying thing is that if Xuv had the power and wanted to, she could potentially remake your psyche as she sees fit.

>What if Xuv can possess people and feed of their… desires…
Right now, almost certainly no. Back when she had her full powers, probably, given how much of a colossal sex fiend she is. But right now, if she's getting any power from other people it's most likely from invading their dreams while they're sleeping. That'd be the easiest way for her to do so from where she is while she's still weak.

...Which brings up the connection she has with the abomination you saw in your vision, and how it's likely been what's been giving people nightmares lately. Perhaps it is also gathering power from emotion, in its case terror through its nightmares, similar to a god. So that raises the question of whether it's another god trapped in the Soul Kiln, imprisoned like Xuv was, a split personality of Xuv, making them technically the same entity, or some entity formed from the untold thousands of souls trapped in the Soul Kiln, compressed down over millenniums, and which has seeped into Xuv over the centuries.

>…what if… she has already gotten to… to… Bri… the fertility potion… was it all her?
Er, no, Xuv didn't get to Bri, at least not then. If anyone, it's you that Xuv got to. Remember that it was you that brought up to Bri the possibility that once Xuv was dead that the inter-species fertility magic she placed on you would die with her, and that you wanted to try to conceive this morning. And then you also suggested you and Bri take measures to increase the fertility of each of you. And Bri had just the thing on hand for that, but it probably was because it also makes guys able to go as long as she needs them to, not because Xuv whispered in her ear to get some.

In hindsight, that whole escapade was horrendously reckless, even knowing what you knew at the time about the risk from Xuv by conceiving a child with Bri. For all you knew, and know, as soon as you two successfully conceive Xuv'll fully possess Bri, devouring her soul in the process. But you just got caught up in Bri's desire for a child, and your desire as well to be a father with her, and you threw all caution to the wind. It's damn lucky that you two didn't conceive despite all the alchemical assistance... Or maybe it wasn't luck. Because by all odds, with both you and Bri taking fertility potions on top of what Xuv did, Bri should have gotten not just pregnant but multiply pregnant. Maybe it was intervention from a higher power that loaded the dice against it. And if it was, it was most likely Chronicler because it doesn't want your story to suddenly and unsatisfactorily end. ...It's really rather disheartening that you were only saved from your terribly reckless foolishness and horniness because a personification of a fundamental aspect of the world is watching out for you. It feels rather depressing you're so colossally foolish you need a cosmic Cain to save you from totally fucking up everything forever.

>Is she manipulating everything to get you to feed-
No, she doesn't need to manipulate everything to get you to feed her. She just needs to manipulate and prod you in just the right ways and you do the rest. You're already terribly attractive to damn near everyone, and you were already swamped in deep lusts and desires for so many in myriad ways, whether you admitted them or not. She just had to inflame those desires, amplify them and bring them to the surface. Once there, you'd do the rest on your own.

Unfortunately, the upshot of this little realization is that if you wish to keep from feeding Xuv, and by extension the nightmarish beast connected to her, you can't have sex with anyone until Xuv, and the nighmare beast, are both dead for sure. Granted, Xuv and the nightmare abomination are likely drawing power from other sources now, but your connection to Xuv probably is stronger and thus more power can be gleaned from you. So this means for the time being you're stuck with do-it-yourself-ing to relieve how pent up and horny you are. Thankfully you have the pick of the contents of Bri's "toy" chest to choose from to help with that. Sure to be something, or combination of somethings, in there to give you the orgasm you need, eh? Heh.

>No! You can’t be this paranoid! You can’t assume everything is Xuv’s crazy plans! She can’t possess people! She can’t… … …can she?
Well, she almost certainly couldn't when you first met her, but now, with a bit more power, you can't be sure. Probably not or she wouldn't still be dealing with you to do her whim, rather than assuming direct control of you. ...But you do know of an entity that can possess people: The nightmare abomination you saw in your visions. The one that took Karas. And you're pretty certain it's linked to Xuv somehow. So there's a possibility Xuv could draw on that thing's ability and worm her way into somebody's body, same as happened with Karas... Or that perhaps she can take control of one already possessed by nightmare beast.
>>
No. 758019 ID: 91ee5f

>>757990
>Start throwing your clothes back on as quietly as you can
I don't think they had a chance to get undressed, so they're both still fully clothed.
>>
No. 758044 ID: 55ad9c

>>758019
Take another look at the images in the update. The outline of feathers is visible on Kronos' shoulders, meaning he's taken off at least his jacket and shirt. There's also no sign of the skirt-like part of Belseth's dressy outfit on his legs, meaning at least that part has been removed. That Kronos says he'll rip Bel's cute clothes off with his bare teeth indicates Bel still has most of his outfit on, so technically they both aren't fully clothed. This means Kronos will have to pull back on whatever he's taken off, and Belseth'll have to strip whatever he's wearing to throw on his priest robes before leaving.
>>
No. 759039 ID: 65a774
File 147930533891.png - (19.57KB , 686x526 , 30.png )
759039

>I hope this isn't the ritual to turn him into a god!
You get the feeling there’s no way they can rush something like that this way. In fact, if you’ve ever learned anything from stories, it’s that things like that needs to be done on special occasions… like the day when the twin moons are full, when magic is at its strongest. Of course, you can be wrong…
>After what Belseth said about what organs the Sakkilians eat from the dead in their customs, I suspect there's some truth to them containing the person's strengths and only those parts are the ones Belseth would be eating.
Then it would mean he wouldn’t be eating them whole… only eating their… dammit, you really could read up on what parts exactly they usually eat.
>Actually, now that you think about it, him pigging out on sausages might have just saved everything. If the Archbishop is acting to move up her plans, then Bel may not be able to eat all the parts of the fallen Five tonight, putting the plans off 'till at least tomorrow.
So… if you keep having him gorge himself on food… the ritual might be postponed indefinitely? Of course, you’re pretty sure they’ll grow wise on your plan after the first time the ritual is interrupted…
>Thinking on what might have caused the Archbishop to want to call a unscheduled meeting with Belseth, the most likely reason is because Kira just got done meeting with the Archbishop.
…so maybe it isn’t the ritual but… maybe it’s about how Bel have been letting things slip instead?
>Belseth recognized the voice of one of them, Hera, so it's unlikely they're impostors.
They are definitely of the church if Belseth recognized them… and if they aren’t; you have Sisah here to help you beat them down, don’t you?

>You should have no problem hiding someplace higher up that guards in armor won't be able to check.
Except that there isn’t anything high enough to hide on. Belseth guest room is rather humble for a room in the palace, and is thus rather short to the ceiling… and short in furniture as well.
>Use your authority as the Price to make them go away.
Belseth didn’t want them to see you with him… you better respect his wishes.
>Also, I recall you denying all of this vehemently.
Well, people can change, can’t they? …and… err… maybe you’re not in your right mind right now what with the… potion and… um…
>Take the bouquet of roses and keep them with yourself.
…it seems like Bel forgot the roses at the observatory in his rush to get here…
>Start throwing your clothes back on as quietly as you can.
Luckily, you’re still wearing your pants… and Bel barely had time to take of anything either.


>Have him bluff his way out.
:BelsethSB: Wha- no! If the Archbishop needs to see me I can’t… even if I want I can’t… I need to go see him, alright!?
>Tell Bel to wipe those markings off of his face.
:BelsethSB: Don’t worry, my mask will cover them up. Besides, most people don’t know what these markings symbolize anyway.
>Ask Bel if the dressy outfit he wore tonight would possibly give him away if found by those two.
:BelsethSB: I can wear what I want, can’t I? I don’t see any reason to why they-
:NonSB: Lord Belseth?
:BelsethSB: Just give me a second! I’m getting dressed!
>Quickly whisper to Bel and ask if he heard Hera telling two other, presumably Temple, people to search his quarters for anybody else, why the heck they'd search the place and why they're so intent on him being alone?
:BelsethSB: Wait, they did? Why would they… I have to ask them why they would want to search my quarters. They’ve never done anything like this before!
:NonSB: Belseth?
:BelsethSB: Yes, yes, I’m coming.

>Sneak out of a window.
There is only one window here, and that’s the rather small bathroom one. It’s designed to be too small for most people, but with your lean and light frame it wouldn’t be a problem getting through it.
>Before going out the window he should take a peek outside at the ground, rooftops and opposite windows to see if anyone is watching.
It’s a rather small “alleyway” out there. You’re not sure exactly where in palace courtyards it is, but going by the large pile of boxes on the ground and small windows, it’s some smaller servant entrance? Either way, there’s no one in sight so the coast is clear.
>I'd say hang on the outside because Sisah will have a hissy fit if Kronos leaves without her.
As soon as you’re outside, Belseth opens the door and let what you presume temple priests into his room.

:BelsethSB: What is the meaning of this? Why do you need to search through my room?
:NonSB: My apologies, lord, but it’s the orders we’ve been given. The Archbishop is suspecting that there is a spy in our mist so we need to take some extra precautions.
:BelsethSB: A spy?
:NonSB: Someone has been leaking information about the… “project”. Now, if you’ll come with me. You two, search the room… both for people and any kind of spying magic. We can’t be too careful!

…well, it seems that Belseth room will be occupied for a while… luckily, his room is only on the second floor, so it’s easy to get down to the ground from here.
>>
No. 759040 ID: 65a774
File 147930535273.png - (28.24KB , 686x526 , 31.png )
759040

Well… here you are… in a cramped, box filled alleyway between two wings of the palace. Only you… these boxes… and your thoughts…

>She would not need Kronos' help if she could do that!
Yes, she wouldn’t be able to… to… but… you’ve already helped her, haven’t you? You’ve already… fed her…
>She likely couldn't gather power from people's lust and desire before Kronos' actions gave her enough power to reach outside her prison.
And now… now she can… because you… you… oh gods… you’re such and idiot!
>She's likely slipping into people’s dreams like she did with Tim, fulfilling their sexual desires in the dream and feeding on the act.
And growing stronger and stronger… until this mad death god can escape her prison and… and… whatever she’ll do it won’t be good, will it?
>Xuv is so crazy and impulsive she can barely hold a conversation. I wouldn't put anything past her.
She might unmake the world… recreated it in her own image… where everyone is just pleasure slaves to her will… forever and ever…
>But even if Xuv can't possess people right now, it's possible that she's at least having a subconscious mental influence on people up here by now, making them feel more... randy.
But… if she’s… then… is that’s why you’re feeling so… has she been in your head this whole time making you more and more… gods…

>But how can you know these are your own thoughts and desires? Xuv has already admitted she could alter your mind.
You… you don’t know anymore. What if these aren’t your thoughts? What if Xuv has already taken over? What if you’re already in her thrall!?
>No, she doesn't need to manipulate everything to get you to feed her. She just needs to manipulate and prod you in just the right ways and you do the rest.
…which she has already done. You’re already under her spell… it’s already too late. Kronos is already dead… you’re just some husk walking around being manipulated by Xuv…
>The truly terrifying thing is that if Xuv had the power and wanted to, she could potentially remake your psyche as she sees fit.
…what if she already has? You’ve changed so much… to much…
>Xuv would draw power from any sexual encounters Kronos has. Xuv has a connection to him, so it's pretty fair odds when he fulfills sexual desire she'll draw power from it.
…she’s remade you into her slave… so you can feed her desires with your own… she’s the reason why so many around you are attracted to you… why you’re suddenly attracted to so many… she want you to feed her… gods… you can never again have sex, can you? It will feed her… and free her…

>For all you knew, and know, as soon as you two successfully conceive Xuv'll fully possess Bri, devouring her soul in the process.
…she will, won’t she… she will eat her… and you… and feast on the rest of the world afterwards. You’re nothing but food for her in the end.
>It's damn lucky that you two didn't conceive despite all the alchemical assistance... Or maybe it wasn't luck. Maybe it was intervention from a higher power that loaded the dice against it.
…gods… not only is Xuv manipulating you… but there are others as well? Does anything you do anymore matter?
>It feels rather depressing you're so colossally foolish you need a cosmic Cain to save you from totally fucking up everything forever.
You can’t do anything right… can you…?
>But you do know of an entity that can possess people: The nightmare abomination you saw in your visions. The one that took Karas. And you're pretty certain it's linked to Xuv somehow.
…and you’ve been feeding it… you’re the reason why Karas is… is like he is… you’re the one who… who… gods… everything is your fault, isn’t it!?
>I have yet to hear a good reason as to why paranoia is unjustified and optimism is.
Becouse you… you have to… trust… but… no, there isn’t any reasons anymore… everyone is out to get you, aren’t they? How many times have your life already been on the line? You can’t trust anyone any more… Bri… Belseth… Kira… they all have their own agendas and don’t care for you. You can’t even trust yourself, can you? Your thoughts and feelings are being manipulated by Xuv, aren’t they? You’re nothing…
>>
No. 759041 ID: 65a774
File 147930537273.png - (50.18KB , 686x526 , 32.png )
759041

>Xuv has already changed who you are; she has already completely destroyed who you once were.
…you’ve changed so much the last few days, haven’t you? Are you even the same person anymore?
>Remember how you once feared the Sakkilians? How you had nightmares about them every night? Yet now you’re romantically involved with not only one, but two of them!
But they are… not… why are you feeling… why…?
>And one of them is nothing short of a monster! She is lying to you, manipulating you, using you. She’s even eating people whole, for the gods’ sake!
…she’s not… she might not have said the whole truth at times but… but… she might have lied… and… used you… and… and… she might…
>You saw how much she liked it… how much she desired it. When she grows bored of you, you’ll be next…
…she might even hurt you… kill you… consume you… yet… why aren’t you… why aren’t you afraid of her? Have Xuv really warped your mind that much?

>And if not her, then Xuv will consume your soul when she is done with you… with the rest of our family. She will eat us all, Kronos, all because of your idiocy!
You’re such a fool… why did you ever even talk to Xuv? She’s a horrible monster… yet… you can’t help but… but…
>There’s only one way to make sure she never escapes her prisons, isn’t there? Only one way to end this.
…there’s only one way… to make sure she never… wait…

>It’s to flay your skin from your bones, to rip you apart and let your entrails flow, to break your neck and finally end the threat that is you, little brother…
…wait… brother? Why are you referring to yourself as…
>…or shall I say, traitor. After all… this is all your fault…
…these aren’t your thoughts, are they?
>>
No. 759042 ID: aabc74

>>759041
>…these aren’t your thoughts, are they?
Decidedly not. Look out behind you!
>>
No. 759043 ID: 910380

Yeah, I'm going to advise you not to turn around. Maybe just uncover your eye and run in a generally straight ahead direction. It'll probably be easier for Slissa to find you if you're out in the open anyway. Just try not to look too panicked while you run ahead which is why I'm just going to state one more time not to turn around.
>>
No. 759045 ID: 91ee5f

Kronos, stop!

You're doubting yourself! All of your fears and paranoia are feeding the monster that is your brother! You're going to end up like him if you keep going like this!

>…these aren’t your thoughts, are they?
No, they're your brother's thoughts!
>>
No. 759047 ID: f56366

CRAP YOUR PANTS.

Crap. Your. Pants.

Throw your ^&*( at the spooky zombie Vark.
>>
No. 759048 ID: 665ed8

Kronos, stop doubting yourself and fucking RUN! Get out into the open and pray your bodyguard can find you and ground you back into what is real
>>
No. 759049 ID: fceae5

>>759047
>Kome: Literal Shit Poster
>>
No. 759068 ID: 4f6908

>>759041
Snap out of it, don't let your own thoughts and feelings get twisted up by the monster that might be right behind you.
anyway get ye gone with all the speed of a bullet!
oh yeah also might be an idea to arm yourself as you move.
>>
No. 759077 ID: 398fe1

>>759040
The baby will be fine so long as it isn't born before Xuv is dead. The Chronicler confirmed this for us. Also just having sex isn't going to feed Xuv, she outright said that physical relief does nothing for her. She has to do it in your dreams. Having sex with your wife is recommended and good.

>>759041
It's your undead brother fucking with your head. Discard paranoia and fear. Take drastic action only on confirmed evidence. Take reasonable precautions to prevent possible bad outcomes, but do not make assumptions that interfere with your daily life. Remember who your allies are. Trust them. Do not trust yourself.

It is very unlikely that the monster is physically there, so don't shoot it or anything. Get away from it, sure, but don't open fire until you confirm from someone else that it exists. Also yell for Sisah! This is the kind of shit that she should be dealing with.
>>
No. 759088 ID: c57f6b

RUN!
>>
No. 759089 ID: 19d1ee

Remain calm. Even if the danger is real- which it is not, it's a hallucination- fear is a choice. You know the thing feeds on fear. Remember how nobody actually wants you dead? Not Xuv, Not any member of your family, not the Archbishop. So stay calm and stay hidden. Don't run or you'll be spotted. In the meantime, try to eavesdrop on Belseth's room.

>…these aren’t your thoughts, are they?
Tell the voice you hear it, you're on to it, and it doesn't control you. Repeat it like a mantra if you need to, just stay hidden.
>>
No. 759093 ID: 19d1ee

>How you had nightmares about them every night?
Also, I thought you said your nightmare a few nights ago was out of the ordinary?
>…she might even hurt you… kill you…
She might not be a good person by any metric, but she's not very ambitious either. No threat from her other than your regularly scheduled battle of the sexes.
>>
No. 759332 ID: 65a774
File 147940600823.png - (75.06KB , 686x526 , 33.png )
759332

>Kronos, stop! You're doubting yourself! All of your fears and paranoia are feeding the monster that is your brother! You're going to end up like him if you keep going like this!
…y-yeah… y-you’re right! That’s why you couldn’t let fear and paranoia take control of you! With will feed that… thing. It feeds on it… and you rather not become a full course meal for it.
>The baby will be fine so long as it isn't born before Xuv is dead. The Chronicler confirmed this for us.
Right… right… you must take care of Xuv… Xuv must… she must die… for real. It’s what she wants, isn’t it? To finally end?
>Also just having sex isn't going to feed Xuv, she outright said that physical relief does nothing for her. She has to do it in your dreams.
…Then you can still take care of this… this damn potion business. You probably need to… or else she might use it to her advantage in your dreams tonight…
>Remember who your allies are. Trust them. Do not trust yourself.
How can you trust your allies when you can’t trust yourself remembering who they are? Still… you’re going to need help, you can’t do this alone… you need people you can trust…
>Try to eavesdrop on Belseth's room.
Even if the window was open, it’s on the second floor. The only way you’ll hear anything is if you climb back up there and open the window.


>No, they're your brother's thoughts!
Wait, brother’s? How can his thoughts be-
>Yeah, I'm going to advise you not to turn around.
… … …knowing yourself, you know there’s no way in hell that you aren’t going to turn around when you hear something like that. What’s behind you anyw-
:NightmaresSB: YOUR BONES WILL BE CRUSHED UNDERNEAT MY ENLDESS RAGE FOR YOU!
:KronosSB: (OH GODS!? WHAT THE FU-)
>Remain calm. Even if the danger is real- which it is not, it's a hallucination- fear is a choi-
BY THE GODS, YOU’RE GOING TO DIE!!?

>Fucking RUN!
Almost tripping over your own feet, you start sprinting as fast as you can towards the first opening you see.

:NightmaresSB: Traitor… you’re the one who’s at fault here…

You can hear the creature starting to move behind you, its enormous weight seemingly shifting over the creaking wooden boxes.
>CRAP YOUR PANTS.
Your dinner has yet been digested enough for you to do that.

:NightmaresSB: This is all your fault! You sold us out! All of us! You’re the reason why I am like this!

The boxes behind you are destroyed as the beast start charging towards you, spraying wooden splinters all over your back and the alley’s walls.
>oh yeah also might be an idea to arm yourself as you move.
You try to draw your gun while you sprint, but you’ve never been good at drawing this thing while moving.

:NightmaresSB: MY HATRED FOR YOU KNOW NO BOUNDS! YOU CANNOT RUN FROM ME, BROTHER!

You feel its fetid breath on your neck, as well as its icy cold appendages reaching out for your throat.
>Also yell for Sisah! This is the kind of shit that she should be dealing with.
You try to scream, but the only thing escaping your dry throat is light whimper.

:NightmaresSB: LOOK AT ME! LOOK! YOU DID THIS TO ME! YOU! THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT! YOURS!

No matter how hard you run, it doesn’t seem like you can ever escape this dark filled alleyway. The monster has finally reached you, and you can feel your life leaving you as its tentacles starts to strang-
>>
No. 759333 ID: 65a774
File 147940602156.png - (52.53KB , 686x526 , 34.png )
759333

:KronosSB: Urk!?
:ZelaSB: -Off!?
>>
No. 759334 ID: 65a774
File 147940602972.png - (35.28KB , 686x526 , 35.png )
759334

Suddenly you find yourself on the ground with a face full of… chitin? Your sudden stop would have given the beast ample time to catch up, yet… it’s nowhere to be seen. Even the boxes you heard being crushed behind you are back to their “pristine” shape you saw them in before it attacked. Was it really all in your head? It has to have been… yet… those icy cold tentacles felt so real when they started to try and choke the life out of-

:ZelaSB: Ack! I-I’m s-sorry! I didn’t see you c-coming around the corner! I-I d-didn’t mean to… to… p-p-p-p-pr-prince… k-k-k-k… oh… oh gosh…
:KronosSB: Urgh…? Wait, Zela…?
:ZelaSB: OH GOSH! I’M SORRY! I DIDN’T… I… oh… oh gosh… s-sorry… I’m s-s-sorry… I… gosh… oh… s-s-sorry… s-s-s-s… g-gosh… s-s-sorry… sssss… oh…
>>
No. 759343 ID: 4854ef

Well, we found Zela.. Time to offer to return her cute little cap back to her, apologize for running into her, and remember that the potion is still working in your restless loins, and she's a very cute, nervous, and very attracted to you mantid.
>>
No. 759345 ID: 66014d

Hugs for bugs.
>>
No. 759353 ID: 97a12d

>>759334
giggle with not a bit of mania in relief, might as well get it out your system

joke about running into her here or something, return hat after you get over your little ghost chase
>>
No. 759359 ID: 398fe1

>>759334
It was in your head, but you might have died anyway had someone not snapped you out of it.

Anyway, it looks like you aren't having sex with Belseth so take this opportunity and proposition the painter.
>>
No. 759363 ID: 910380

Yeah, remember how real it felt when Xuv started choking you in your dream? This isn't the first time something that wasn't really happening started to really hurt. That's the whole reason I told you not to turn around.

Now we've crashed into the painter in a blind panic. Tell her you were just out for a walk and something spooked you, so you were just getting out into the open just in case.

Hey can you identify the voice. It called you brother, but did it sound like Krotos or Karas, or does it have some terrifying amalgamation of a thousand voices screaming in unison? We know why Karas would call you a traitor, but we don't have any idea why Krotos would.
>>
No. 759404 ID: fda1f2

I told you it was a hallucination you twit. What did I say about feeding it your fear? It's probably not even your bother, it's just trying to get a reaction from you.

Come on you boor, Help the woman up and offer your apologies, you really need to watch where you're fleeing to.... Say, Zela, purely hypothetical here, How abnormal is it for somebody to go from primal terror and hatred to attraction to another person over a matter of days? Twice?

Oh by the way, You can have your hat back. I'd add in something flirtatious about how you'd like her to teach Bri about painting, and then you could teach her about something else, but I think all that's a little uncertain at this point.
>>
No. 759617 ID: 55ad9c

Hug Zela tight, as if she was the only thing keeping the darkness at bay. Lay there and hug her through rasping breath and shaking, until the adrenaline runs out and your heart isn't in your throat and the fear passes. Just hug her and feel that she's real and that you're safe. And when you can speak again, apologize for running into her, though you're glad it was her you did. Then get up and offer your hand to help her up. Tell her you saw a terrifying visage of a screaming nightmare being and fled, only to collide with her, breaking the vision.

It's a shame that you had a servant return Zela's beret earlier. If you hadn't you could have offered it to her now with an apology for not returning it earlier. ...Ah, but you changed outfits, so even if you didn't sent the beret to her earlier it likely wouldn't have been transfered anyway so you still wouldn't have it. Ah, well. Anyway, ask her if she got her beret back and apologize for not bringing it in person. Your schedule kinda got away from you today.

Offer her apologies for speaking to her so crudely this morning and flustering her so badly. You were under the influence of an accidental excess of alchemy at the time (no need to say what kind) and it caused you to be rather more candid and forward than usual. Though, you admit the feelings are still there, just not so... amplified.

Oh, ask Zela if she could sketch what you saw if you described her through it. You'd have to go where her supplies are, either the studio or her room, though. It would give you something to show to others who have had nightmares to compare. Actually, before you show it to others you could have Zela sketch what they describe they saw, then compare the sketches. That way there's no risk of them just repeating what your sketch is. A commonality between them will provide some evidence their nightmares are connected.

Ask Zela if she would accompany you for awhile. (You're still unnerved by what happened, and having someone real by your side feels safer.) Then you should head back into the wing you climbed out of and creep up to the end of the hall outside Belseth's quarters. Hopefully you'll get there before the Temple priests are done searching Belseth's quarters so you can get Sisah's attention, reunite and leave.

>…Then you can still take care of this… this damn potion business. You probably need to… or else she might use it to her advantage in your dreams tonight…
Then there's Briannah, or Sisah, or your old standby of a hired courtesan, or even do-it-yourself if you have no other choice. But you should take pause and real thought before considering Zela. She's so starstruck by you, it feels like it'd be taking advantage to lay with her just to relieve how pent up you are. She deserves better from you than a quick tumble in the sheets... Though, for all you know, she might want that. You don't know her, let alone her sexual desires and fantasies. Her fantasy might be to be carried off and "ravaged" by a handsome prince, for all you know. ...She was terribly aroused when you were so forward this morning, after all. Ah, but don't let your loins get away with you. You don't know what she wants and you won't push her in any way.

>How can you trust your allies when you can’t trust yourself remembering who they are? Still… you’re going to need help, you can’t do this alone… you need people you can trust…
Yes, you do need people you can trust, and you have them whether you remember them or not. Cain, who's loyalty is above all others and who's watched out for you for almost all your life. Sisah, who will guard your life with all her body and soul. Briannah, your brave emerald dragon, who does love you no matter how much you question it and will bring no harm to you. Kira, who loves her equally brilliant and foolish brother and would be your ally if not for the Archbishop's likely deception. Bring her solid proof of the Archbishop's duplicity, show her the true plan and how it'll go wrong, and you'll have an ally that can put the Archbishop in her place. And there are so many more than just them. Your kindness and generosity and caring for others has left a wake of trust and good will you aren't even aware of. So know this, know you're not alone and take solace in it.

And this discord you feel in your mind is what makes this Nightmare Beast so insidious and dangerous. It wears down trust. It raises paranoia and fear. It sows self-loathing and despair. It inflames rage and vengeance. And in those acts it breaks down the unity and cooperation that could challenge it. Whether it does this by coherent thought or mad instinct does not matter, for if not seen and countered the result is the same: The Beast ascends and the world is engulfed in eternal nightmare and torment. But now you know how it works. Now you can identify how it worms its way into your mind. The dark thoughts it cultivates to entangle and engulf, and to drag itself into your mind. And with that knowledge, you can protect yourself.

...And there's something else you didn't put together until now. The terrifying nightmares you've had nearly every night since your mother's murder, and this terrible darkness that seeps into the sleeping mind and forms nightmares. That feeds on fear and terror. That it could very well be because of it that you had those nightmares every night. That it could have been this Beast twisting in the depths that tormented you every night, replaying that horrifying event in your sleeping mind. This thought fills you with even more determination to see the end of the nightmarish abomination.

But this also brings to mind other times the Nightmare may have shown itself. When you passed out and hit your head, the vision you had was so vivid and painful. It feels like it could have come from the Nightmare. And then there was that vision on your balcony when you were with Bri before the dinner where you presented the wedding bracelet to her. The one where you shot her in the leg and she fell off to her death and you felt a glee that was not yours. Then the times you misheard people, like when you heard Bri saying she'd like to eat Kira. This entity has been touching your mind earlier and more than you've thought. How much, you don't know.

But from this you realize that it wasn't just your actions that gave this Nightmare the power to do what it's doing. It's been at work before you ever met Xuv. Long before, and on many more people. That it was scraping bits of power from the nightmares of those above. From their pain and terror and fear. And that it had enough to whisper the right secrets into the Archbishop's ear, and to read her desires and beliefs to tell her just what she wanted to hear to reach the Nightmare's ends. And that it was from the Nightmare's gathered power and it's connection to Xuv that she was even able to reach you when you were near-death and do what she did to you. So it wasn't you that gave this beast the means to reach out and gather power because it already had it. ...And in a way, your foolishness giving it more could be a boon because now it's revealing itself to others. If not for that it could have slipped under the surface until the Archbishop's ritual, upon which it would have taken the godly power and that'd be the end of everything. But what its done has given you something to point at to raise the alarm and rally allies.

>MY HATRED FOR YOU KNOW NO BOUNDS! YOU CANNOT RUN FROM ME, BROTHER!
>LOOK AT ME! LOOK! YOU DID THIS TO ME! YOU! THIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT! YOURS!
This reminds you of what Xuv said. Replace "brother" with "sister" and it sounds rather like how Xuv was screaming hatred about Illasia. About how Illasia turned Xuv's glorious beauty into an equally hideous visage. And yet, you've caught pieces of Xuv longing for Illasia, as if Xuv was of two minds. You think that that is more sign this beastly nightmare entity has worked its way into Xuv's psyche, likely over centuries. It was just so slowly that Xuv never realized, and it's effected her so much by now she likely isn't even close to who she was when she was imprisoned.

>Was it really all in your head? It has to have been… yet… those icy cold tentacles felt so real when they started to try and choke the life out of-
But just because it's in your head doesn't mean it can't maim or kill you. Remember what it felt like when Old Man Life was ripping your soul out, or how Xuv choked you in your dream. This nightmare being is a threat to your mind and soul, which is just as much, if not more, a danger than if it was to your body alone.
>>
No. 759886 ID: 65a774
File 147950131564.png - (40.77KB , 686x526 , 36.png )
759886

>I told you it was a hallucination you twit. What did I say about feeding it your fear?
Hallucinating or not, seeing that thing right behind you was terrifying. After all, a courageous man still feels fear; only a mad man does not.
>It was in your head, but you might have died anyway had someone not snapped you out of it.
If not by its choking the life out of you, then by sheer shock, yes.
>That's the whole reason I told you not to turn around.
You know all too well that you’ve never been able to resist it when someone says it like that.
>Hey can you identify the voice. It called you brother, but did it sound like Krotos or Karas, or does it have some terrifying amalgamation of a thousand voices screaming in unison?
It was a thousand voices screaming in rage and pain at once, yet… somewhere in there… you’re pretty sure you heard Karas scream for your head as well…
>How abnormal is it for somebody to go from primal terror and hatred to attraction to another person over a matter of days? Twice?
You’re pretty sure it’s abnormal enough that the question doesn’t even need to be asked in the first place.

>This discord you feel in your mind is what makes this Nightmare Beast so insidious and dangerous. It wears down trust. It raises paranoia and fear.
It destroys relations and breaks down alliances… then, when divided it will consume us all. No, we cannot let that happen…
>Yes, you do need people you can trust, and you have them whether you remember them or not. Cain, Sisah, Briannah and Kira. So know this, know you're not alone and take solace in it.
Yes… you have people you can trust… people that care for you. You’re not alone… no matter how much it feels like it. They will be there in your darkest moment… you can feel it.
>And with that knowledge, you can protect yourself.
It will try to control you with fear and paranoia… but with knowing your friends and family is there for you… it will protect you from it.
>The terrifying nightmares you've had nearly every night since your mother's murder, and this terrible darkness that seeps into the sleeping mind and forms nightmares. That feeds on fear and terror. That it could very well be because of it that you had those nightmares every night.
For how long has this been going on? For how long has it been manipulating us?
>You realize that it wasn't just your actions that gave this Nightmare the power to do what it's doing. It's been at work before you ever met Xuv. Long before, and on many more people.
It wasn’t just you… no… everything wasn’t your fault. This goes beyond any mistakes you might have made… far beyond anything you’ve done.
>This thought fills you with even more determination to see the end of the nightmarish abomination.
You refuse to let this go on for any longer!

>Tell her you saw a terrifying visage of a screaming nightmare being.
No, you’ll just sound like a mad man. You can’t just tell everyone what you’ve seen. Only those that you trust will... trust you. Those that are close… those that can help.
>Remember that the potion is still working in your restless loins, and she's a very cute, nervous, and very attracted to you mantid.
…her form is beautiful, isn’t it? Oh, you can almost feel it already… her trembling form under your hands… her cute moans as the pace increases… her incoherent screams as she reaches her peak. Oh gods, how you want to paint those glasses of hers with… with… no… you can’t…
>She deserves better from you than a quick tumble in the sheets...
You already went through this once already… she deserves more. She’s not just some quick conquest for a horny noble… no… someone like her deserve more… you need to give her more…
>Though, for all you know, she might want that. Her fantasy might be to be carried off and "ravaged" by a handsome prince, for all you know.
Yet… maybe it is what she lust for? Argh, only if you could read her desire! Dammit, Kronos, stop thinking with your little head for a moment and focus!


>Hug Zela tight, as if she was the only thing keeping the darkness at bay.
:ZelaSB: H-hey-w-wha-b-b-bu-I-I-I-ghjshn… gh?
>Come on you boor, Help the woman up and offer your apologies.
After getting off her and apologizing profusely for your clumsiness, you give her your hand to help her up. She seems to hesitate for a long moment before accepting it with a trembling claw.

:ZelaSB: T-t-t-thank y-y… y-you… N-no, I… I should b-be the one t-t-t… t-to… a-apologize as… I… um… ran headlong right into someone so handso- I MEAN… err… hah… haha… um… hah? Oh gosh…
>Joke about running into her here or something.
:ZelaSB: *Giggle* Oh, y-you’re right, we d-did… err… we… um… did r-run into… each… other…
>Tell her you were just out for a walk and something spooked you, so you were just getting out into the open just in case.
:ZelaSB: S-spooked y-you!? Oh… I… h-hope it wasn’t a-anything… um… anything… oh… oh gosh…
:KronosSB: Speaking of which, why are you out at time like this?
:ZelaSB: T-time like… i-it’s only j-just after eight? Err… A-actually I was… looking f-for… oh gosh… my h-hat… and… err… tea? …TEABAGS! I got some tea bags that… err… haha… um… I… err… was going to boil in my room and… maybe you want a cup to- I MEAN… err… I mean… haha… the P-prince drinking tea with… m-me… hah… oh gosh… I didn’t m-mean it… l-l-like that… hah…
>Time to offer to return her cute little cap back to her.
:KronosSB: Your hat? Actually, you dropped it when you were at the studio. I have it right here, in my… err… in the pocket of my other jacket, right. I was going to send it to you but… it seems like I forgot about it?
:ZelaSB: Oh… oh it’s… it’s n-nothing to… w-worry… err… I can take it t-tomorrow… it’s… n-no rush…
>Oh, ask Zela if she could sketch something you’ve seen if you described her through it.
:ZelaSB: Eh? Sketch from d-description? I’ve n-never tried before but… I c-can… try? I mean, I’ll need the tools that’s in my room too- NO WAIT, I MEAN THE STUDIO! HAHA! HA… not… my… r-room… oh gosh… I mean… I do have the tools in m-my room but… err… the p-prince… in my room… oh gosh… oh gosh oh gosh oh gosh…
>Ask Zela if she would accompany you for a while.
:ZelaSB: W-w-w-w-w-w-w-w-WHAT!? Y-you want m-me t-t-t-t-to… oh gosh… I… I MEAN, OF COURSE! HAHA! OF… course… I’ll… a-accompany you… err…
>Offer her apologies for speaking to her so crudely this morning and flustering her so badly.
:ZelaSB: OH! OH… oh… oh… of course… y-you were just joking… o-of c-course… oh gosh… of course he was… stupid girl…

Zela visibly sag after growing quiet for a moment, seemingly being drained by all of her normal energy. For a few long seconds she holds this pose, until she notice you once again and spring to life as if nothing has happen. Did your apology really d-

:SisahSB: Ah, there you are. I’m glad I was able to find you, sir.
:KronosSB: Sisah? How did you…?
:SisahSB: “Lord” Belseth managed to give me a hint on his way out… and I did check his room before the priests arrived didn’t I? Wasn’t too hard to put one and one together. Now… seeing as your original plans for tonight didn’t pan out… where to next, sir? Back to your apartment?
>>
No. 759902 ID: 32b708

>No, you’ll just sound like a mad man.
Never stopped you before...

>“Lord” Belseth managed to give me a hint on his way out…
What else did you hear? Where is he going and why? Also, why the air quotes?
>Back to your apartment?
I believe so, I need to retrieve Zela's hat. Perhaps she'd like to stay for a while?
>>
No. 759914 ID: 9f1d02

Well it is only right of us to go and retrieve the ladies hat, and seeing as she has already agreed to accompany us, she might as well come with us back to our apartment no?
Also she mentioned tea, splendid.
>>
No. 759949 ID: 4854ef

Seems she really does want to be ravaged by you in some form, for someone without facial expressions she practically wears her emotions on her sleeve. That and it's obvious she thinks she misread you and depressed visibly at such.

..Actually you are coming back to your apartment with two lovely ladies in tow, say while you were being crude you actually do appreciate her form, and that if she is actually into it.. I suppose having an enjoyable evening with Sisah and Zela would improve moods all around eh?
>>
No. 759964 ID: 91ee5f

No, Kronos. No sexing the pretty Mantis girl. You might accidentally get her magically pregnant instead of Bri! And then Bri will kill you for having a magic kid with someone that isn't her! And then eat your dead body according to the traditional Imperial way of execution, which would include not eating your heart or brain and the like, which will be left to rot and decay, thus ensuring that your spirit will never find the ancestral lands and that your very being is erased from this world.

You don't want that, do you?

Wait, what if Xuv's blessing also works on others of the same sex as you? If it works like that, then you really dodged a bullet by not sexing Bel! .....nah, that's too ridiculous! That couldn't happen at all.....right?
>>
No. 759978 ID: 8cb228

Alright. So she wanted to believe that you weren't joking, and believed you weren't and is very sad that you apparently were joking.

Okay, without good communication, this could get really bad, real quick. It's time to pause and actually communicate, and also listen to what she says.

So, using as much courtesy and charm as you can, try to figure out how to clearly say the following points to her, but feel free to tweak the details and phrasing:

"Zela. To be completely honest, it's... not exactly completely a joke. I do find you very attractive, and I could see a future where I am spending quite a bit of enjoyable time around you, doing all sorts of interesting things. However, whatever fantasy you have in your head of who and what I am, the reality is more complex. I am going through a lot of drama in my life right now, including a lot of darkness. I would be glad to spend some time with you, get to know you as a person, and then whatever happens, we do together with both eyes open; a simple fling would be cruel to the both of us. Maybe we can have some calming herbal tea sometime together? We both seem to startle easy, and getting to know one another in a way where our frayed nerves can be soothed, would I think be best for us both. That way we can talk as two real people, enjoying each others company as we get to know one another. What do you think?"
>>
No. 759982 ID: 398fe1

Flirt with pretty Mantis girl at least. Remember you can always count on Sisah to help you out if Zela is too... delicate for your current needs.
>>
No. 760043 ID: 55ad9c

Oh, dear. You didn't mean what you said the way Zela took it. You didn't mean it that way at all! She thinks what you said this morning was all a lie; A cruel joke on your part she was too stupid to see! Oh, gods, you feel like a first class heel right now. You need to rectify this immediately.

Tell Sisah you'll be a minute, then ask Zela to step aside with you. Look into her eyes and tell her that you badly misspoke in your apology for this morning. What you said then was not a lie nor a cruel joke at her expense. You would never stoop so low as to do such a vile thing. What you wanted to apologize for was being so forward. A prince should speak better than that to a fine lady such as her. ...That said, the sentiment you expressed then was true, if somewhat too direct and unvarnished, and it is still true. Take her hand and say you would very much like to be with and come to know such a lovely lady as her, if she would grant you the privilege.

As for where to go, head back to your apartment to give Zela back her beret and ask if she would come in to have a proper cup of soothing tea with you. One made by a true master of the art of tea. And you two can sit on the balcony and relax and talk. Oh, and you think you might still have the pad and drawing supplies from when you were taking painting lessons stashed in a cupboard or drawer somewhere in your apartment, so she could sketch for you. Cain would know where they are if they're still around.

>If not by its choking the life out of you, then by sheer shock, yes.
Oh, gods. You just realized that it could have been this Nightmare that brought about your father's heart attack. After all, he might be the target of Karas' rage as well, and through it gave your father terrifying nightmares. Ones so prolonged and terrible your father's heart couldn't take the fright.

>It was a thousand voices screaming in rage and pain at once, yet… somewhere in there… you’re pretty sure you heard Karas scream for your head as well…
So Krotos' voice was not among the cacophony? Or maybe it was there, buried beneath the howling of the other tormented souls. You can only hope it's the former, and that Krotos is not part of the ball of mad vengeance Karas is. ...Though this does raise the question of who all those other voices were. How could there be thousands of souls condemned to the Catacombs who would have such desire to exact vengeance on you for what happened to them? You didn't cause what happened to them.

>Yet… maybe it is what she lust for? Argh, only if you could read her desire!
How much you wanna bet the next time you meet Xuv she'll try to offer you her services in this regard, in exchange for milking your desires yet again? ...Or maybe even offer to give you the power to read other's desires. Their lusts and passions. And not just the sexual ones, but all of them. Everything they want that drives them. You know Xuv can read a person's every desire like a open book. It's how she knew you wish deep down to be a hero, and how much you wish to protect your family. And that is how she knew what to say to sway you to her whim. If you could read others the same, then think of how much good you could do. How many nobles you could convince with arguments. How many you could swing with fulfilling their desires, or coerce with blackmail. ...But, as ever, the price for such power would be too high. You will not give in to Xuv again. ...And theoretically using such a power on others like she did on you just feels dirty.

>>759964
>You might accidentally get her magically pregnant instead of Bri!
Yes, this is a definite risk given Xuv's blessing is in play. And it'll be with any female of any species... Well, maybe not Serpens females, since they have the extra step of needing a unfertilized ovale's egg popped into them first. But with any others vaginal sex without a contraceptive charm is right out. And that'll make any possible sex with Zela tricky, since she's probably not going to go for anything beyond "plain vanilla" sex.

>And then Bri will kill you for having a magic kid with someone that isn't her!
Er... No, she wouldn't. From what Bri's said, it seems like she wouldn't mind if Kronos sired bastards. Heck, from what she said it's like she expects princes to spread their seed like a tornado that hit a granary, though that attitude is probably due to her own history. But this doesn't mean Kronos should feel free to plant his seed willy-nilly. He's not going to be one of those kinds of princes that seem to show up far too often in Risavian history. ...That's probably the historical reason why Kronos' father gave him the proverbial keys to the bordello when Kronos came of age. And probably did the same for Karas and Krotos too.

>Wait, what if Xuv's blessing also works on others of the same sex as you? If it works like that, then you really dodged a bullet by not sexing Bel! .....nah, that's too ridiculous! That couldn't happen at all.....right?
From what Xuv said when Kronos told her Belseth was 100% gay and wouldn't ever take a Highborn/Vark wife, it could be possible if Xuv had the power to do so. However, it sounded like Xuv was thinking she'd perform a magical sex change on Bel. It'd probably take much more magic power than that to allow him to procreate without changing sex. ...Well, without overt physical changes, at least. Anyway, it's probably a moot option for Xuv 'cause by the time she could do that from within her prison she'd likely have enough power to escape or at least take other, easier, routes to help her escape.

...Actually, thinking about Xuv's blessing, the time when it'd be most likely Kronos and Briannah could conceive would be during the twin full moons, when magic is at its peak and whatever Xuv did has the most juice to work with. Probably not the coming twin full moons, given the situation, but the next one. That is, if they haven't already conceived in the interim by sheer quantity of attempts.
>>
No. 760044 ID: 66014d

ARE YOU GOING TO STOP THOSE PRIESTS OR DO I HAVE TO SHOUT "MARINATED OVARIES" IN YOUR EAR REPEATEDLY?
>>
No. 760050 ID: 398fe1

>pregnancy risk
Xuv only wants Kronos to breed a child with a Dragon. That means he only needs to worry about Belseth and Briannah. Also other Varkians I guess but it doesn't seem like there's any he's likely to bed.
>>
No. 760053 ID: 55ad9c

>>760050
>Xuv only wants Kronos to breed a child with a Dragon. That means he only needs to worry about Belseth and Briannah.
Yes, Xuv does want the Dragon to breed with a Vark, but the change she made to Kronos to allow him to interbreed may not be that selective of who he can conceive with. ...Actually, now that I think back, Xuv originally blessed Kronos to be able to interbreed with Briannah as a gift to her, since Xuv sensed how much Bri wanted a child. At the time Xuv wasn't planning on Kronos being the one to breed with the Dragon, thinking it'd be Belseth with a lady Vark that'd sire the offspring she wanted. ...And thinking more, it seems fairly likely that Xuv only blessed Kronos to be able to interbreed with Sakkilians, just because it would take less power and effort than making him able to interbreed with every species. Still, it's not something Kronos should bank on.
>>
No. 760125 ID: 65a774
File 147958022073.png - (36.95KB , 686x526 , 37.png )
760125

>ARE YOU GOING TO STOP THOSE PRIESTS!?
How would you stop them? You can’t just walk up to them and introduce them to your right hand, can you? And even if you could, Belseth doesn’t want you to stop them… and you’re not even sure if you want to stop them either! We have no idea what they are actually doing after all.
>Never stopped you before...
Well, it will now… problem is, you’re not sure which head it is that’s stopping it…
>Also she mentioned tea, splendid.
She mentioned teabags… as in, nearly flavorless water. No, you rather have some real tea, boiled on fresh leaves, thank you very much. …but, if she is offering…
>Oh, and you think you might still have the pad and drawing supplies from when you were taking painting lessons stashed in a cupboard or drawer somewhere in your apartment.
The only thing you have in your apartment is a few pencils and a notepad.

>Seems she really does want to be ravaged by you in some form.
And some part of you really wants to ravage her as well… but still…
>for someone without facial expressions she practically wears her emotions on her sleeve.
While her eyes are nearly completely stoic, her mandibles, antennas and the rest of her body aren’t. Still, you’ve yet to learn how to read all those completely.
>…Actually you are coming back to your apartment with two lovely ladies in tow, I suppose having an enjoyable evening with Sisah and Zela would improve moods all around eh?
Huh, you haven’t thought about it yet but… Sisah is here as well, isn’t she? And it would be rather interesting if she joined… making it a threesome… and… wait… but Bri is probably in the apartment right now… so a foursome? …and she’s probably playing with Doxan like she said she would… so… fivesome? Err… okay, this is getting a bit out of hand. Maybe brining a sweet girl like Zela here back to all that might be bit… extreme?
>No, Kronos. No sexing the pretty Mantis girl. You might accidentally get her magically pregnant instead of Bri!
Not if she wears protection… and you make sure to pull out in time… of course, in the shape you’re currently in, both those two options might not be the most reliable of choices…
>From what Bri's said, it seems like she wouldn't mind if Kronos sired bastards. Heck, from what she said it's like she expects princes to spread their seed like a tornado that hit a granary, though that attitude is probably due to her own history.
Wasn’t she being sarcastic when she said that? …of course, it wouldn’t be surprising if she actually meant it… Still, going around siring children all willy-nilly isn’t really something you want to do.
>Now that I think back, Xuv originally blessed Kronos to be able to interbreed with Briannah as a gift to her, since Xuv sensed how much Bri wanted a child. It seems fairly likely that Xuv only blessed Kronos to be able to interbreed with Sakkilians, just because it would take less power and effort.
Yeah… that’s probably it. You don’t need to worry about Zela… still… safety first, right?
>The time when it'd be most likely Kronos and Briannah could conceive would be during the twin full moons, when magic is at its peak and whatever Xuv did has the most juice to work with.
...that would be the time, yes… but also the time when everything here will finally go down too…
>Wait, what if Xuv's blessing also works on others of the same sex as you?
If she was able to bend reality that much, she might as well have just put a baby in Bri from the start.


>What else did you hear? Where is he going and why?
:SisahSB: They said that they were heading to the grand temple. The only other thing I heard was that Belseth’s “meditation” had gone out the window, sir.
>Also, why the air quotes?
:SisahSB: Because Belseth is not a lord, no matter how much those priest liked calling him that?

>Look into her eyes and tell her that you badly misspoke in your apology for this morning. What you said then was neither a lie nor a cruel joke at her expense.
:ZelaSB: Eh!? B-but… if-if… y-y-y-y-you didn’t… but… oh gosh… y-you didn’t… t-then…
>What you wanted to apologize for was being so forward. A prince should speak better than that to a fine lady such as her.
:ZelaSB: F-fine? L-lady? I’m a f-fine… err…
>I do find you very attractive, and I could see a future where I am spending quite a bit of enjoyable time around you, doing all sorts of interesting things.
:ZelaSB: OH GOSH! I… I can’t… I-I don’t…oh gosh… oh gosh oh gosh… ghhnn… hghgnm?
:KronosSB: ...Zela, are you alright?
:ZelaSB: Jghgkgntnnnnntttg?

You knew Hivers should point their abdomen forwards, but you’ve never seen one try to hide behind it. Is she just very agile or is this normal? And seeing how she’s reacting to all this, taking her back to the apartment for a front row seat to whatever Bri is doing to Doxan might be a bit much for her… in fact, this might be a bit… much… she’s hyperventilating a bit much right now and… err… she’s not about to faint, is she?

:ZelaSB: *GASP* *AHH* *GASP* *AAH*
>>
No. 760129 ID: bfa535

>>760125
Zela. Zela! Relax! Take it easy. We can't have any fun if you pass out on us.
>>
No. 760141 ID: 398fe1

>>760125
Uh. Tell her to calm down and breathe slowly.
>>
No. 760144 ID: 91ee5f

If she's about to pass out, the gentlemanly thing to do would be to catch her when she falls. But, that might not be a good idea, since she's bigger than you. You might accidentally get squished if you try to catch her! How embarrassing would that be? Everyone would talk about how, "Prince Kronos died by being squished by a fainting maiden Hiver, who was overcome by the prince's charms. He was too charming for his own good."

.....ok, maybe that won't happen, but still, you're gonna get hurt if you try to catch her if she faints!
>>
No. 760149 ID: 65a774
File 147958616632.png - (21.61KB , 686x526 , 38.png )
760149

>If she's about to pass out, the gentlemanly thing to do would be to catch her when she falls.
Right, time to move in and-
>But, that might not be a good idea, since she's bigger than you. You might accidentally get squished if you try to catch her! How embarrassing would that be?
Err...

:KronosSB: Sisah, help me keep her stable.
:SisahSB: Of course, sir.

>Zela. Zela! Relax! Take it easy.
:ZelaSB: *Gasp* ah… ah… I-I’m f-fine… I’m… f-f-fine…
>We can't have any fun if you pass out on us.
:ZelaSB: OH GOSH!
:KronosSB: Easy..
:ZelaSB: I… I-I just… n-need to s-sit down for a moment… s-somewhere m-m-more private…

Well, there isn’t anywhere to sit down around here, is there? The question is, should you really take her back to your apartment like this? What with Bri and Doxan being there and all… or should you head somewhere else?
>>
No. 760155 ID: 398fe1

>>760149
Sisah's room!
>>
No. 760162 ID: 32b708

You could just go in your room first to smooth things over, but Zela's place would work fine. It'd also gets you a nice alibi for the night, so Belseth won't have to face how ashamed he is of you.
>>
No. 760166 ID: 01134a

>>760149
Zela room
>>
No. 760171 ID: 4854ef

Either Sisah's or her place, Bri maaay be a bit much.
>>
No. 760174 ID: 8cb228

"Look, we both are prone to anxiety and startling easily, right? Let's have some soothing tea and just spend time talking sometime, see if we can get over that."
>>
No. 760187 ID: 65a774
File 147959475928.png - (21.35KB , 686x526 , 39.png )
760187

>Belseth won't have to face how ashamed he is of you.
Ashamed of you? Was he really? Wasn’t it just because he promised to meditate, not… because he was… ashamed… but… what if he was? What if- argh, stop thinking thoughts like that, dammit! Not right now at least!
>Bri maaay be a bit much.
And seeing as she doesn’t like Hivers, Zela might be bit much for her as well.
>Sisah's room!
Doesn’t Sisah’s room consist of a big tub of water and nothing else? Doesn’t seem like the best place to drink a cup of tea in.

>Zela's place would work fine.
:ZelaSB: Err… so… h-here we a-are? Oh gosh… t-the prince… in my room? I’ve dreamed about this so-I MEAN HAHA… hah… err…

Zela’s room is rather small, simple and sparse with furniture. There’s a plain bed in the corner, next to a large dresser. On the other side of the room there is a small kitchen like area with a tiny oven and cool box to store food in, and in the center of the room there is a wooden table with two chairs, one for Varkians and one for Hivers… or Serpents… or Uredo...

:ZelaSB: It’s not m-much b-but… m-m-make yourself at… h-home? I mean, it’s not a-actually m-my real home b-but… err… I’m j-just staying h-here w-while w-working for… for… you?
>Let's have some soothing tea and just spend time talking
:ZelaSB: Oh…OH! Right! TEA! I almost forgot! HAHA! …hah… err… ha? Um… I’ll just… p-put the kettle on the… oven… err… and… let it b-boil?

After putting the kettle on a heat rune, Zela gesture for you and Sisah to take the chairs while herself sits down on the bed.

:ZelaSB: S-so… um… w-w-what do y-you… w-want to… um… talk a-about?
:SisahSB: Sir, should I keep guard outside? Do you want some privacy for this?
:ZelaSB: P-priv- w-why w-would… err…
:SisahSB: Ah… I did not mean it that way, ma’am…
>>
No. 760189 ID: 398fe1

Man, the silhouettes started before the sex scene. Drawing Zela must be annoying.

>>760187
Maybe in a little while, Sisah. Make a sweep of the room first.

First thing's first, let's get her to sketch that nightmare monster. It won't spoil the mood for her since she has no reason to be afraid of it, and Kronos literally cannot stop his boner so it won't matter for him.

Make some small talk in the meantime, ask her about her work if you haven't already. Does she have trouble finding certain pigments or other art supplies?
>>
No. 760191 ID: 4854ef

Actually she did seem calmer when she's discussing Art, something familair for her to focus on and hopefully we can get her mind off her hardcore crush.

..Though of course considering she also wants to sketch you nude, she might be hoping for that as well.
>>
No. 760201 ID: 32b708

>Ashamed of you? Was he really?
He could have thrown on his clothes and brought out a Regicide board or something as an alibi, but instead he had you climb out a window. I'm not saying that that's the only explanation, but why couldn't he even be seen in the same room as you?

>Ah… I did not mean it that way, ma’am…
I'm quite sure. You're right though, you'd better keep watch over the hall.

So Zella, you're an art student, correct? Is there a particular idiom that you like or excel at? Or one you'd like to try?
>>
No. 760210 ID: 6612fa

>>760187
sisah that depends very much on our finely thoraxed host, she has got us in her den and she very well like for both of us to stay and enjoy the festivities she has planned or she may just want me all to herself... though there is the other option where she wants you all to herself, i shouldn't just assume I will get to stay.
wink at the blushing and eager arthropod
>>
No. 760211 ID: 6612fa

>>760189
do the nightmare thing later the poor thing is so eager it might make her go insane in ant-icipation of the bird dick not to mention drawing things while horny will throw off the picture anyway
>>
No. 760221 ID: 91ee5f

>>760201
>but why couldn't he even be seen in the same room as you?
It was already explained by Bel himself that the Archbishop wanted him to meditate by himself all night, meaning no visitors or distractions or anything like that. Bel wasn't ashamed of Kronos, he just didn't want to get caught not doing what the Archbishop told him to do.
>>
No. 760223 ID: 55ad9c

>>760201
>I'm not saying that that's the only explanation, but why couldn't he even be seen in the same room as you?
It was because the Archbishop had ordered Belseth to meditate after the trial was over and instead he went out on a dinner date with Kronos before bringing him back to his quarters for sex. Belseth didn't want the Archbishop to find that out. And we can be pretty sure he was supposed to meditate because Sisah overheard the priests who searched his room say he was supposed to be meditating.

>>760210
Oh, please don't say this. It's like something Bri would say, far too lewd and forward for the likes of a delicate blossom like Zela. Hearing this she might panic and flee like she did before, or hyperventilate and pass out.

>>760211
Really, is there such a rush? It would be better to go slow given how anxious and inexperienced Zela is. Give her something to focus on other than Kronos for a bit so she can get a little more used to his presence. And even though the both of them are horny, Kronos still will be able to tell if she's sketching the nightmare right.
>>
No. 760289 ID: 8cb228

JUST talk. Leave the sensual stuff for later. She needs to get used to you! Stay in smalltalk, be charming. Talk about beautiful art, beautiful sunsets, favorite teas, favorite flowers, favorite things to do in town, etc. etc.

That's the point of smalltalk! To say safe things to one another, as a sort of easy way to bond.
>>
No. 760306 ID: 55ad9c

Tell Sisah that you would like some privacy with the lady. After all, as the saying goes, two's company but three's a crowd, giving Zela a slightly flirtatious look as you say it. Oh, that is, after Sisah does her usual precautionary sweep, of course. You quite doubt there are assassins lurking about in Zela's drawers, but better to be safe about such things.

Take a close seat next to Zela and tell her you'd like to talk about her. You want to hear a bit of her story. Like where such a cute lady hails from and how she came to be the apprentice to the royal painter. What brought her to pursue her art, and what she enjoys about it. What brings her joy and what she dreams of doing. But you'd also ask what she'd wish to talk about. What would she wish to know of you?

And other than that, be charming. Tell her funny stories from your life in the palace. Like the time you were practicing watercolors and put your drinking water cup right next to the one for the brush. The one that looked identical. And exactly what you'd expect to happen happened when you weren't paying enough attention.

Ask her if she has a portfolio of her works here you could look at. Or even just some examples she's proud of. ...Perhaps any nudes among them, so you'd have a idea how well she'll do painting Bri, or you.

And ask her to sketch what you saw, explaining to her that its from this vivid recurring nightmare you've been having recently. Sit close next to her as you describe it, brushing against her arm as you point out any changes that you want in the sketch. She'll be all atwitter with your touch.

You couldn't get Zela a bouquet of roses, but if the rose in your jacket's lapel still looks good you can slip it out and offer it to her. A lovely rose for a lovely lady, you could say with a charming smile as she takes it. And you'll also pour a bit of water into a glass for her to put the rose in to keep.

And when the tea is ready, graciously accept it and remember to hold your expression and not grimace as you drink it. It is all Zela has to offer and it'd be terribly impolite if you did. Shame you didn't think to swing by your apartment to bring some proper tea, along with Cain to prepare it. That would have been a right treat for Zela, and you could have gotten her beret on the way too. Ah, well.

Later on, when you're sure Zela is comfortable with you, ask her with a sly smile what she dreamed of involving the prince in her room. Because her dream could become a reality this evening.

>Ashamed of you? Was he really? Wasn’t it just because he promised to meditate, not… because he was… ashamed… but… what if he was?
No, it was because he was breaking his promise to the Archbishop to meditate. You can be pretty sure of that because Sisah overheard the priests saying Belseth's meditation had gone out the window. ...Though that's a interesting choice of phrase considering how you left his quarters. And Sisah put air quotes around "meditation," didn't she? Why? You'll have to ask her later, when you're not with Zela. But, thinking about it, it might be the Archbishop already knew about Belseth's plans with you. He's key to her plans, so you'd figure he's being watched by her people. So she might sent Hera and those priests to Belseth's quarters to interrupt you two before you got into bed. Which if that was what she did, would mean she's likely giving Belseth a stern talking-to about getting romantically involved with you, or anyone else, at this time. Goddammit. All you can do now is wait and see if it was that.
>>
No. 760376 ID: 65a774
File 147966967791.png - (26.63KB , 686x526 , 40.png )
760376

>No, it was because he was breaking his promise to the Archbishop to meditate.
Right… that has to be it… that’s what he said, didn’t he? …right…
>You can be pretty sure of that because Sisah overheard the priests saying Belseth's meditation had gone out the window.
You’re pretty sure it was Belseth who said that, not the priests. It’s probably how Sisah was clued in that you escaped through the window in the first place.
>The poor thing is so eager it might make her go insane in ant-icipation of the bird dick.
Well, you’re going insane yourself, but you still feel like you need to take this a bit slow. Rushing things will only leave both of you dissatisfied.
>JUST talk. Leave the sensual stuff for later. She needs to get used to you!
…yeah, if she’s going to last more than a few seconds… besides, I want to know her a little bit better. Right now she’s just cute and nothing else…


>Sisah, that depends very much on our finely thoraxed host.
:ZelaSB: W-wha- err… I mean… I… don’t… know? W-what do y-you think?
>Then tell Sisah that you would like some privacy with the la-
:ZelaSB: NO! WAIT! I MEAN… err… I mean, if s-she leaves, who’ll s-stop y-you from taking advantage of little old me, eh? Haha… hah… err… I mean… that’s not… I… um… that was j-just a joke and… what I mean is… people… might… talk? Err... or… um… s-stay?
:SisahSB: Well, if that what you want, ma’am.
:ZelaSB: Oh gosh… j-just take it easy Zela… I c-can’t… not alone… w-with h-him…
:SisahSB: Are you alright, ma’am?
:ZelaSB: oh… err… it’s nothing… it’s just… sometimes I let my m-mandibles run before my brain and… and… s-sorry for t-that…

>So Zella, you're an art student, correct?
:ZelaSB: YES! I mean… no! …err… yes? Kind of? I’m not actually an s-s-student anymore but… err… I’m an apprentice?
>Is there a particular idiom that you like or excel at? Or one you'd like to try?
:ZelaSB: Well… err… My master and I are mostly paint thing that actually depict… err… things… so… um… I mean, that’s what I’m best at and… um… I’ve always wanted to be good at making really surreal stuff but… eh…
>Does she have trouble finding certain pigments or other art supplies?
:ZelaSB: Oh, no, not at all. My master is the royal painter after all… so he has a lot of connection and money to get pretty much anything.
>Talk about beautiful art.
:KronosSB: -and the center piece, the one depicting the last charge of the battle, is my favorite. It’s just so… heroic and inspiring to look at.
:ZelaSB: Oh, it is, isn’t it? Paulina and her art was actually a real inspiration for me when I was younger. I could just look at those painting for ages when we came and visited the capital.
>beautiful sunsets.
:KronosSB: -nothing really beats watching it set over the harbor, looking out over it from the high spire of the palace.
:ZelaSB: That sound so romantic… I always wanted to paint a beautiful sunset… maybe you can show me it sometime? Err… not like a d-date or… um… I didn’t… heh… err…
>Favorite teas.
:KronosSB: -freshly exported from the other side of the serene sea. You really need to taste it one day, as it is an experience worth having.
:ZelaSB: Oh, it sounds lovely… I, on the other hand, don’t really have a… um… favorite tea type. Most of them taste kind of the same too me… but I’ve ever only had cheaper teabags and not actually leaves that you… err… speaking of tea, it looks like it’s done.
:SisahSB: I’ll get it for you, no need to get up, ma’am.
:ZelaSB: Why, thank you.

Nearly tasteless, nearly aromaless and a bitter aftertaste… you almost prefer water to this.

:ZelaSB: So… what do you think? It’s probably not up to par with what you’re used to but…
:KronosSB: Oh, it’s good… maybe just missing a spot of sugar…
>Favorite things to do in town.
:ZelaSB: Well, as I said I always loved visiting the galleries when we came here while I was young. As for now… hmm… I don’t know. There’s just so much to do here… so much culture and happenings…
>Favorite flowers.
:ZelaSB: Hmm… It might be a bit of a cliché, but I’ve always loved roses… it’s just something so romantic about them…
>If the rose in your jacket's lapel still looks good you can slip it out and offer it to her.
:ZelaSB: W-wha- y-you w-w-want to… g-give t-this to… m-m-me?
:KronosSB: A lovely rose for a lovely lady.
:ZelaSB: Oh… oh gosh… I… I don’t know what… t-to… to say… I… I love it…
>Ask her if she has a portfolio of her works here you could look at. Or even just some examples she's proud of.
:ZelaSB: …eh? What did you- OH! Oh… err… no, sorry, I… I don’t have anything like that on me… s-sorry…
>>
No. 760377 ID: 65a774
File 147966968876.png - (26.70KB , 686x526 , 41.png )
760377

>Let's get her to sketch that nightmare monster.
:ZelaSB: You want me to sketch something you saw in a… nightmare? I guess I can try?
:KronosSB: ...you don’t happen to have had any nightmare yourself, have you?
:ZelaSB: Oh? Oh… err… no, actually but… um… I’ve heard some people complaining about around the palace… I guess all the stress with the Empire visiting is getting to people…
:KronosSB: I guess it is.
>Sit close next to her as you describe it, brushing against her arm as you point out any changes that you want in the sketch. She'll be all atwitter with your touch.
You guide her as best you can as she draws the beast you saw in your visions. You take care to brush against her as often as you can, at first she instinctively pulls away but as time goes on she seems more and more forward, even seemingly deliberately brushing against you herself and putting her hand on your tight for a moment before continuing drawing.

:KronosSB: …and… that’s it…
:ZelaSB: You saw this thing in your dreams? It look terrifying…
:KronosSB: …it was…
:ZelaSB: Hmm… but what’s with all the mouths? It got mouths everywhere… are you… afraid of mouths?
:KronosSB: …I’m pretty sure I’m not, no.
>>
No. 760378 ID: 65a774
File 147966969872.png - (24.22KB , 686x526 , 42.png )
760378

>You want to hear a bit of her story. Like where such a cute lady hails from and how she came to be the apprentice to the royal painter.
:ZelaSB: I’m from a merchant family that lives in one of the smaller town outside the capital. My mother was able to save up enough coin to let me attend an art academy in the capital for my studies and… well, one day I ran right into my master, literally, and apparently he liked my art enough to take my as an apprentice as soon as I was done with my studies.
>But you'd also ask what she'd wish to talk about. What would she wish to know of you?
:ZelaSB: A-ask you… err… do y-you really… w-want me to… ask… you?
:KronosSB: How about this, for every question I ask of you, you can ask one of me?
:ZelaSB: Oh… that sounds fair… then… how about you, what’s your story?
:KronosSB: I was born a prince, lived in the palace all my life and now I’m getting married to a lovely woman.
:ZelaSB: Oh… oh right…
>What brought her to pursue her art, and what she enjoys about it.
:ZelaSB: I don’t know… I’ve always liked paintings… and I’ve always liked capturing moments… making them perfect. That’s it, really… hmm… as for a question about you… your soon to be wife… I… I couldn’t be asking this but… no… no I couldn’t.
:KronosSB: I love her, if that’s what you’re asking.
:ZelaSB: … …oh.
:KronosSB: But we’ve agreed to have an open relationship. After all, there’s more people that you can fall in love with then just one person.
:ZelaSB: Oh?
>What brings her joy and what she dreams of doing.
:ZelaSB: Oh, I do love to paint… and listen to music… and reading a good book… taking in cultures, you know. As for dreams… well, excluding the one where I’m a princess, I’ve always wanted to be a master painter… and… err… I’m on my way to become one, I guess? How about you, what do you dream of doing?
:KronosSB: … … …I don’t know, actually… I guess I want to make things better… to just remove everything bad in the world… and making sure the war never happened. As for something else I dream of… I… I don’t know…
:ZelaSB: …I’m sure you can make the world a better place, Kronos… in fact, I know you’ve already done so… at least for one person…
>Later on, when you're sure Zela is comfortable with you, ask her with a sly smile what she dreamed of involving the prince in her room.
:ZelaSB: W-wha- No, I c-can’t… I didn’t… err…
:KronosSB: Now, now, it can’t be that bad.
:ZelaSB: It’s… I can’t t-tell you… it’s… embarrassing… and… not fit for… a prince to know…
:KronosSB: Then how about this, you can ask me the most embarrassing, not fit for a prince question first, before you tell me of your dream.
:ZelaSB: I… I… um… you w-want me to… I can… ask… a-a-anything?
:KronosSB: You can ask about anything you want, yes.
:ZelaSB: But… I… um… then… err… … …

:ZelaSB: …H-have you ever sucked off a big cock and who wa-eeeeeeeeeHAHAHA- I MEAN… err… not…
:KronosSB: W-wha-
:ZelaSB: NO! THAT’S NOT- I DIDN’T MEAN TO SAY THAT! I WAS JUST… just… thinking… t-thinking out… loud? Dammit, Zela, you really blew it this time! ARGH!![/small ] I… I c-c-c-can’t… I… I need t-to h-head back t-to my… [small]room?

…you have to admit, you weren’t expecting that kind of question. 
>>
No. 760379 ID: 4854ef

Well, be honest and point to Sisah.
>>
No. 760383 ID: 6612fa

>>760379
yep
do this
and if at all possible make it into a threeway.
I pegged this girl as being a bigger perv than bri but just ashamed of herself, things are starting to point in my conclusion and i hope it continues that way and we start to hear the most horrific perversions slip between those mandibles.
>>
No. 760388 ID: 398fe1

>>760379
Well I mean Kronos should probably ask if it would offend her to say, first. Though phrasing it to keep it a mystery until he answered, like "Hey Sisah you know about my romantic entanglements, do you think they'd be offended if I answered that?"
>>
No. 760389 ID: 4854ef

>>760388
Why would she be? We know she's from a very promiscuous culture that has no shame for such acts, we even know they use sexuality to relax and are very open about such, she's only more prudent because she knows such things are frowned upon here.
>>
No. 760390 ID: 8cb228

Say that there is a male in your life, and you can meet him at some point. As far as what you two have done together so far, what you plan on doing, and who he is, you dare not say anything that he would disapprove of being told. After all, if erotic things done in groups are potentially on the horizon, it wouldn't do to cause drama between the potential participants, would it?

That said, if there is anything that you can safely say without causing problems or drama in the vein of what she was asking, tell it.
>>
No. 760392 ID: 5b58c5

...Yaoi fangirls, jeez. I'd Swear her to secrecy before telling her about who you were with right before you bumped into her, but she really does have a tendency to blurt things out. Might wanna tease her on that point. Maybe not name names but say what you did?

>>760379
I don't recall, was oral involved?
>>
No. 760395 ID: 8cb228

She blurts out things she doesn't want to, so I'd be wary of telling her anything any of your partners wouldn't want her to know, even with swearing to secrecy. I think the counter offer of 'if you get to know me well enough, I expect you to also get to know and hopefully befriend my partners, and yes everyone who is my partner knows about all the others, with all the potential opportunities that entails, but it isn't my choice on describing what I do with them, they have a say about when and how that information goes out too.'

Actually, now that you think about it, do any of your partners NOT know about one or more of the others?
>>
No. 760407 ID: 65a774
File 147968033837.png - (32.41KB , 686x526 , 43.png )
760407

>I pegged this girl as being a bigger perv than bri but just ashamed of herself, things are starting to point in my conclusion.
While she’s definitely less innocent that it appears, being a bigger perv than Bri is a clear hyperbole.
>...Yaoi fangirls, jeez.
That’s at least something she has in common with Bri.
>Well I mean Kronos should probably ask if it would offend Sisah to say, first.
You’re pretty sure you won’t be able to offend Sisah with something like this even if you tried to. Being known as “having fucked the prince” is probably a badge of honor in her culture.
>She blurts out things she doesn't want to, so I'd be wary of telling her anything any of your partners wouldn't want her to know, even with swearing to secrecy.
Right… everything concerning not Sisah will be kept on the down low.
>Actually, now that you think about it, do any of your partners NOT know about one or more of the others?
Well… let’s see… everyone know about Bri, Only Zela don’t know about Belseth and Belseth don’t know about Zela. As for Sisah… she’s more of a friend with benefits deal… or bodyguard with benefits. At least, that’s what you think she want it to be, at least.


>Say that there is a male in your life.
:ZelaSB: W-w-wha- y-y-you do!? Oh… I… d-d-didn’t actually… I-I was j-just fantasizing and… didn’t… oh… is h-he… is he c-cute…?
:KronosSB: He is.
:ZelaSB: Oh gosh… oh… h-have you two… k-k-kissed?
:KronosSB: Yes?
:ZelaSB: Oh gosh… oh gosh… I… ah… I really w-wanted to… see that… ah… s-s-so… m-m-my q-q-q-q… q-q-q…
:KronosSB: No, we haven’t done anything like that yet.
:ZelaSB: …oh…
:KronosSB: But… well…
>Well, be honest and point to Sisah.
:ZelaSB: …Eh? …oh…OH… you t-two… you’ve… oh… oh gosh! You’ve actually… y-you’ve…
:KronosSB: We’ve… ah… done it… yes…
:ZelaSB: A-a-a-and… h-h-have y-y-you… t-t-t-taken h-h-her… err…
:KronosSB: Err… well…
:SisahSB: I’ve had the honor to fill his cute tush with a whole batch eggs, yes.
:ZelaSB: Oh gosh… oh… … …gosh…



:ZelaSB: …c-c-c-c-can y-y-you… c-c-can y-you… oh gosh… I can’t believe I’m a-about too… f-f-focus Zela… f-f-ocus… s-s-s-show me…? …err… b-b-blow… b-blow… can y-you g-g-give… h-h-her a… a… um… oh gosh…
>and if at all possible make it into a threeway.
…it’s starting to look mora and more that it is going that way, yes…
>>
No. 760411 ID: 6612fa

>>760407
just deadpan look at sisha and ask "do you want to, it has been awhile, and while I'm not that good at it maybe you can give pointers."
maybe ask sisha what she wants in exchange for the 'show'.
>>
No. 760414 ID: 1e1842

>>760407
Wow. Hivers don't have tails to wag and yet Zela is wagging her abdomen in place of a tail. Although, I guess abdomens count as tails, if you think of them as being really fat tails.
>>
No. 760416 ID: 910380

>>760414
Can we instead imagine them as fat asses? Look at that bug twerk with excitement.

Ask Slissa if she's in the mood for some fun as casually as you can. Then if you go for it tell Zela to make sure she gets in nice and close to see every.single.detail.
>>
No. 760421 ID: 398fe1

>>760407
Ask Sisah if she's up to it.
>>
No. 760426 ID: 5b58c5

Get a little handsy. is she sure she just wants to watch?
>>
No. 760492 ID: 55ad9c

Oh, my... You didn't know that Hivers could shake their abdomens like Zela is right now. Gods, if she vibrates any harder with anticipation, she'll shake the whole damn bed apart on her own!

Look up at Zela and say that while you're up for it, it's Sisah's call on if she's willing and ready. Has she had enough time to "reload" since she last "fired?" And is she willing to have a quite inexperienced Vark performing oral on her ovipositor? After all, you've only had, in grand total, one session of fellatio instruction under Briannah's tutelage, and only on a artificial phallus. Is Sisah willing to let you continue your practice using her real one, with her guidance?

When you stand up, brush the back of your hand against Zela's shaking abdomen and say that you'll endeavor to put on a fine show for the lady. Then get into a position with Sisah where your good eye can glance at Zela's reaction, and Zela has a nice, clear view of the proceedings. Slowly slip Sisah's skirt drape off, then go nice and slow, both to draw out how arousing this is for Zela, and because you're not experienced and need Sisah's guidance. ...In fact, if it would help Sisah to hold your head to guide you, she has your permission to. And remember to always be ready to swallow.

>…it’s starting to look mora and more that it is going that way, yes…
But if you give Sisah a BJ, her ovipositor is going to be spent for the duration, reducing her options for participation. Oral is obviously not on the table, and you don't have the stuff on hand to prep for anal... Wait, do Serpens even have anuses? They eat, drink and breathe through pores on their skin, so do they also... Excrete...? Okay, bad thought! Bad thoughts for now! You'll look it up later! That leaves only using her hands, which, if you're focusing on Zela personally, won't have anywhere to go. ...Well, anywhere that won't cause you to go off prematurely, given how pent up you are from that damn potion. And besides, it won't matter unless Zela says, or clearly hints, she wants to try a threesome, so it's ultimately up to her.

>While she’s definitely less innocent that it appears, being a bigger perv than Bri is a clear hyperbole.
True, it is total hyperbole; The only one who's a bigger perv than Bri is Xuv. But doesn't it always seem to be that those of an artistic bent have a more pervy mind than most? Or perhaps it's just that they have the means and skill to possibly bring it out into the world for others to see more than others. ...In fact, on that note, you'd bet Zela has a little stash of pornographic sketches and drawings she's made hidden somewhere in here. Hm... You have to wonder how many involve you. Or Kira. Or... Krotos. ...Or Karas... ...Now you question whether you'd look at them if given the opportunity, with that risk of what you might see in them.

>Being known as “having fucked the prince” is probably a badge of honor in her culture.
>I’ve had the honor to fill his cute tush with a whole batch eggs, yes.
You're pretty sure you heard a tone of pride in Sisah's voice when she said that, so you're probably right about it being at least somewhat prestigious for Serpens. Makes you wonder how many of your royal kin, both male and female, have been "badges" for Serpens in the years since Risavia allied with the Isles.

>>760411
>maybe ask sisha what she wants in exchange for the 'show'.
She's a Serpens, so she'd likely do this for free. Heck, since they don't have mouths, getting oral is probably a not so common experience for them, so this could be a bit of a treat for her. That is, assuming inexperienced Kronos performs adequately and doesn't botch things.
>>
No. 760525 ID: 65a774
File 147975607812.png - (31.33KB , 686x526 , 44.png )
760525

>Is she willing to have a quite inexperienced Vark performing oral on her ovipositor?
Seeing that she was yesterday, you’re pretty sure she will be now too… of course; you had Bri guiding you last time… but still.
>Wait, do Serpens even have anuses?
They have one right under their sexual organ, last time you checked.
>you'd bet Zela has a little stash of pornographic sketches and drawings she's made hidden somewhere in here. Hm... You have to wonder how many involve you.
Hmm… maybe you should “accidently” take a look for them?
>Or Kira. Or... Krotos. ...Or Karas... ...Now you question whether you'd look at them if given the opportunity, with that risk of what you might see in them.
… … …or maybe not.
>You're pretty sure you heard a tone of pride in Sisah's voice when she said that, so you're probably right about it being at least somewhat prestigious for Serpens. Makes you wonder how many of your royal kin, both male and female, have been "badges" for Serpens in the years since Risavia allied with the Isles.
…you know, it wouldn’t be surprising… wait, what if poppa has been… oh gods, you don’t want to think about it!


>Ask Sisah if she's in the mood for some fun as casually as you can.
:SisahSB: Do you actually need to ask? As long as we’re somewhere safe I’m always in the mood for some fun.
>Has she had enough time to "reload" since she last "fired?"
:SisahSB: I’ve had full day to recover, sir, don’t worry about me. And even if I run out ammunition, I can still use the cannon.
>But if you give Sisah a BJ, her ovipositor is going to be spent for the duration, reducing her options for participation.
:SisahSB: Sir, I’m confident that I can fire my cannon more than once tonight. Even if I might need a few minutes breather…
>Maybe ask Sisha what she wants in exchange for the 'show'.
:SisahSB: …a royal blowjob would be enough of an exchange, don’t you worry, sir.
>Is she sure she just wants to watch?
:ZelaSB: Eh? …err… I mean… I… I r-rather… a-at first… then… oh… oh gosh… I-I’m g-g-going t-to lose m-my virginity t-to… t-to a… a… prince… oh gosh…
>When you stand up, brush the back of your hand against Zela's shaking abdomen and say that you'll endeavor to put on a fine show for the lady.
:ZelaSB: O-oh… oh gosh…
>>
No. 760526 ID: 65a774
File 147975609109.png - (29.12KB , 686x526 , 45.png )
760526

>Then get into a position with Sisah where your good eye can glance at Zela's reaction, and Zela has a nice, clear view of the proceedings.
:ZelaSB: o-oh gosh…
:SisahSB: I have to admit, I’ve always loved the sight of a cute boy on their knees in front of me.
>...In fact, if it would help Sisah to hold your head to guide you, she has your permission to.
:SisahSB: Don’t worry, sir… I’ll make sure you do this right…
>And remember to always be ready to swallow.
…wait, how are you supposed too… her eggs are rather big and… err…

>Slowly slip Sisah's skirt drape off, then go ni-
Suddenly, you can hear someone ringing the emergency bell. Sisah immediately releases her grip on you before backing off and readjusting her shirt, seemingly ready for action in less than a few seconds. Then the amplified voice of your guard captain is heard through the servant quarters.

:NonSB: Attention! This is an emergency! Everyone is to calmly and orderly leave their rooms as soon as possible. This is not a drill! You have five minutes to comply. I repeat, this is an emergency. Please leave your rooms. Do remain calm. This is not a drill.
:SisahSB: Hmm? What is going on?
:ZelaSB: …d-dammit…

…oh, the gods have FUCKING DAMNED YOU TO AN ETERNITY OF HELL!!!
>>
No. 760535 ID: b8d388

Well, fuck.
Time to leave.
>>
No. 760541 ID: 4a9cf2

Man, it's like that fertility potion was laced with some sort of powerful curse. You just cannot find get away from the interruptions, can you?

Well, we can't just ignore this potential emergency. Do as the guard captain has instructed.
>>
No. 760542 ID: 398fe1

Wait, you have five minutes. Can you get off in that time?
>>
No. 760544 ID: 65a774
File 147976431991.png - (58.56KB , 686x526 , 46.png )
760544

>Well, fuck.
Fuck indeed!
>Man, it's like that fertility potion was laced with some sort of powerful curse. You just cannot find get away from the interruptions, can you?
Apparently it’s the curse of blue balls, as you’re pretty sure by now they’ve actually gone from white to actual blue in color!
>Wait, you have five minutes. Can you get off in that time?
…you can probably get off in 30 seconds by now… but… nggg… you can’t let Zela down like that, can you? Dammit, you’re going to have to take the arrow for her on this one…


>Well, we can't just ignore this potential emergency. Do as the guard captain has instructed.
:NonSB: Everyone, please remain calm. We need to make a quick search of- Prince Kronos!? What are you doing here?
:KronosSB: I-
:NonSB: No matter. You pay me enough to not care about that, my lordship. But… you need to get back to your apartment as soon as you can.
:SisahSB: Has something happened?
:NonSB: The whole palace is on lock down right now, so we need everyone to head back to their quarter so we can make a complete sweep of it. That includes you, Prince Kronos.
:ZelaSB: W-wait… w-what’s going on?
:NonSB: Hmm? You’re not… ah, you’re the painter, correct? As a non-regular, we’ll need to ask you a few extra questions later. Please remain outside your room and keep calm.
:ZelaSB: Eh?
>>
No. 760547 ID: 398fe1

>>760544
Okay time for the obvious question. Did Krotos escape? If he did, then he'll be coming for you, and/or your wife. You'll want an armed escort, and check your room before you go inside. Though you will want to knock first.
>>
No. 760548 ID: bcbcf4

>voice of your guard captain
You mean the guard captain, or are there multiple?

Zela I regret to depart on this note, but fear not, I will return your hat.

Captain, What is going on. Is It my brother? is it my sister?
>>
No. 760551 ID: c1ba17
760551

>>760544
We could ask to bring her along to the apartment.

Excuse being she found entertain us wow we wait it the emergency if it is a lock down.
>>
No. 760553 ID: 4a9cf2

If they have managed to actually turn from white to blue we may need to check in with a doctor. There could be some dangerous side effects of mixing fertility potions with god fertility blessings that no one would know about.

Tell the guard you've been discussing the commission for the past several minutes in her room. If there's something to question her about that's recent then you should probably be questioned as well. I think Zela will find that kind of dashing even if she does still get questioned.
>>
No. 760575 ID: 6612fa

>>760553
i think we should ask if she could come with us as we want to continue our conversation after all this hub bub is over with.
>>
No. 760612 ID: 55ad9c

>>760547
>Okay time for the obvious question. Did Krotos escape?
Wrong brother. It's Karas that's the one who was on trial and sentenced to death, and who is currently possessed by the Nightmare. Krotos was the brother who was killed in secret three years ago for high treason, but is also a national hero for his ingenious actions then ending the war with the Empire.

>>760551
>Excuse being she found entertain us wow we wait it the emergency if it is a lock down.
...What? This sentence makes no sense. What are you trying to say here?

>>760553
>If they have managed to actually turn from white to blue we may need to check in with a doctor.
Kronos isn't being literal here. It's just a saying for being pent up. His balls haven't actually turned blue. And he said they're white probably 'cause his feathers down there are white. Hm... This may confirm male Varks have external testicles, and not internal like birds, reptiles and Sakkilians have. I've been wondering about that anatomical question for a bit so nice to clear it up.

>Tell the guard you've been discussing the commission for the past several minutes in her room.
The guard captain isn't going to believe that for a second, and she already said Kronos pays her enough not to care, and to not tell, about whatever she thinks he's doing in here. He doesn't need to lie to cover for himself or Zela.
>>
No. 760613 ID: 398fe1

>>760612
>Karas, not Krotos
Oh, right.

As for why Krotos' voice wasn't in the Nightmare, I think I know why. His soul never got trapped in the crypt, because he was buried in an unmarked grave. The monster has always been a random amalgamate of hate-filled trapped souls, and only recently did it subsume Karas.

I suppose this means we still don't know who summoned Xuv that one time. Can't be Krotos since his soul has moved on.
>>
No. 760676 ID: 55ad9c

>>760613
>His soul never got trapped in the crypt, because he was buried in an unmarked grave.
That's what Kronos' father said, but he might have lied to save Kronos the anguish of knowing his brother was thrown into the Catacomb of the Godless to become let another shambling undead. But we don't know if his father told the truth or not. ...But Sisah would know. She said she was part of the party who tracked down Krotos and executed him. She'd know if his body was buried or brought back to Risavia. However, now is not the time to ask her; It's a royal family secret, after all. But next chance Kronos gets Sisah in private, he should ask her, just to clear it up.

>I suppose this means we still don't know who summoned Xuv that one time.
When Kronos asked Chronicler about who summoned Xuv then, Chronicler said "but there was one last player, whose hand was still unseen. In the darkness it sat, simply watching and hardly playing, waiting for the perfect board to appear." (>>/questarch/729817) From what Chronicler said and what's happened since then, I'm thinking now there may be a third powerful entity down in the Catacombs along with Xuv and the Nightmare amalgam. A entity that holds knowledge from the time of the Old Empire and has been very strategically slipping it out to mortals to prepare its "perfect board." The summoning of Xuv could have been by a person who it slipped the ritual to in visions or dreams. The Rune of Eternity getting into Belseth's dreams could have been from it. And how the Archbishop knew how to traverse the Catacombs to the chamber deep within containing the Five's corpses could have come from this unknown entity. But this is just my speculation on it, so it could be something entirely different.
>>
No. 760682 ID: 55ad9c

At this point you're not going to even speculate at what might have called for a total palace lock down and sweep. The list of possibilities you can think of is too long, and the list of possibilities you can't think of is far longer, and with the way things are going it's more likely to be from the latter list than the former. You're just going to ask your guard captain what called for all this, and if she doesn't know then ask who does know, as well as who called down the order for all this. You can send a request to them asking what the hell is going on. And if it's something she can't say in front of Zela, then you, her and Sisah can step into Zela's room for a moment to speak in private.

You might be able to continue on with Zela in your apartment. By now Bri and Doxan are probably finished with each other, and if not then you could encourage them to finish up quick. Possibly by burning one of your favors. You need to go to your apartment first and work out how it'd go with Bri, though. Tell Zela you would like her to come to your apartment to continue, if she wants to, but you need to check what's going on there and talk with Briannah first. If it's okay to come, you'll send one of your personal guards to escort her to your apartment. Glance to your guard captain and ask if it would be fine given there's a lock down. You'll also ask the captain to question Zela first so she won't be tied up waiting for that. And say to Zela that in case we can't continue tonight, you promise you and Sisah'll come finish what was interrupted soon.

Before you leave, step back into Zela's room and make sure to fold up the sketch she made and pocket it. You'll need it later to show to anybody else who has had nightmares recently. ...And tell the guard captain you're going to ask her a direct and odd question: Has she been having strange or recurring nightmares recently? If she has, show her the sketch and ask if she saw this creature in them. If she has seen that entity, tell her you need to talk with her later.

At this point you're starting to have suspicions that a higher power is cockblocking you. The Archbishop calling Belseth away right as you two were about to get it on you could consider bad luck, but a sudden emergency interrupting you just as you were about to start going down on Sisah starts to feel like something is up. Might be Fate, Xuv, the Nightmare, some other powerful being you don't know about, or it may just be seeing patterns in coincidence. But then again, you have to wonder if it's to keep you from doing something that'll fuck things up, or to keep you from fucking, which will fuck things up. To fuck or not to fuck, that is the question. ...And you just don't know! The only thing you know is thinking about this shit gives you a fucking headache and a intense desire to kick the Universe in the balls for all this bullshit!
>>
No. 760732 ID: 65a774
File 147983746001.png - (28.93KB , 686x526 , 47.png )
760732

>Make sure to fold up the sketch she made and pocket it.
You pocketed it as soon as she was done with it.
>If they have managed to actually turn from white to blue we may need to check in with a doctor.
If this continues, it almost feels like you’ll need a doctor, yes.
>At this point you're starting to have suspicions that a higher power is cockblocking you.
There’s definitely something out there that loves to see you suffer! Be it some over-god or the universe itself, it loves the suffering.
>...And you just don't know who! The only thing you know is thinking about this shit gives you a fucking headache and an intense desire to kick the Universe in the balls for all this bullshit!
Fuck you, whoever is out there!
Well, fuck you too!

>Next chance Kronos gets Sisah in private, he should ask her about Krotos.
You definitely need to know what actually happened back then. You have to remember to ask her later.
>I'm thinking now there may be a third powerful entity down in the Catacombs along with Xuv and the Nightmare amalgam. A entity that holds knowledge from the time of the Old Empire and has been very strategically slipping it out to mortals to prepare its "perfect board."
Gods… are there even worse things down there now? Don’t you have enough to deal with already? The universe truly does hate you, doesn’t it?


>Captain, What is going on. Is it my brother? Is it my sister?
:NonSB: I’m sorry, sir, but I lack some of the details to really tell you what’s going on… and I definitely couldn’t be talking about it here. If you really want to know, I can try to send someone up to your room later, though with how things are looking right now, I can promise we will have time to do it today. Things are a bit... chaotic right now.
>Who called down the order for all this.
:NonSB: The queen, of course… and the lord of the guard.

>We could ask to bring her along to the apartment.
:NonSB: I am sorry, sir, but everyone need to stay where they are for now. Especially concerning those that doesn’t usually live in the palace.
>If there's something to question her about that's recent then you should probably be questioned as well.
:NonSB: No, sir, you don’t. You need to get back to the safety of your apartment.
:ZelaSB: Oh gosh…
>You'll also ask the captain to question Zela first so she won't be tied up waiting for that.
:NonSB: Sorry, sir, but I’m not the one in charge of that, but I’ll see what I can do.
>If it's okay to come, you'll send one of your personal guards to escort her to your apartment.
:NonSB: …sorry once again sir, but… ah… the queen has ordered a mass curfew that will begin in about an hour, sir, and it includes everyone, even you. If we aren’t done here with her by then she won’t be allowed to leave… and if she is done before that, she’ll need to stay the night with you if you really want her to come over. Sorry again, sir…
:KronosSB: If she is done before that and want to see me, send someone to escort her to me.
:NonSB: Of course, sir.
>And say to Zela that in case we can't continue tonight, you promise you and Sisah'll come finish what was interrupted soon.
:ZelaSB: Oh… oh gosh… I… I’m l-looking… gosh…
>Zela I regret to depart on this note, but fear not, I will return your hat.
:ZelaSB: Eh? …OH! Oh… my hat… I… I almost forgot about it…
>...And tell the guard captain you're going to ask her a direct and odd question: Has she been having strange or recurring nightmares recently?
:NonSB: Nightmares? No, sir, I can’t say I have. I’ve had a bit of a troubling sleep ever since those two… attacked you, but no nightmares, sir.


>You'll want an armed escort, and check your room before you go inside.
You get a few extra guards to escort you back to your apartment, which seems to be even more heavily guarded than usual. Entering, you’re greeted by Briannah in a bathrobe, enjoying a cup of tea.

:BriannahSB: Eh? Kronos? Back already? Didn’t the date go well, dove?
:KronosSB: It went… okay, love. Now, the real question is… weren’t you going to have some… fun with Doxan?
:BriannahSB: Ah… well, see… I was able to take an ‘our or two with ‘im, but I got a guest, eh?
:KronosSB: …that would explain the third teacup. Who was it?
:BriannahSB: Oh, it was just General Thalia… she wanted to talk about some things… and she was rather interested in Doxan… in ‘ow disciplined ‘e is, eh?
:KronosSB: …interested in… Doxan? Wait…
>>
No. 760733 ID: 65a774
File 147983747347.png - (33.51KB , 686x526 , 48.png )
760733

:ThaliaSB: Briannah, you wouldn’t happen to have some lubricant I could… could… P-Prince K-Kronos!? What are you- but she said- I didn’t think-
:BriannahSB: Well, she wanted to see ‘is discipline in action, so I let ‘er borrow ‘im for the night, eh?
:ThaliaSB: T-this is not what it looks like!
:BriannahSB: This is exactly what it looks like! She loves to “discipline” bad boys and Doxan is the perfect bad boy to “discipline”! Mostly because ‘e really love being “disciplined”, heh.
:KronosSB: …I’m surprised you didn’t join them…
:BriannahSB: Well, yah didn’t want me to sleep around all willy-nilly, no? So, I won’t. Lending out my toys on the other ‘and isn’t sleeping around, is it? Hehe…
:ThaliaSB: Gods… give me strength…
>>
No. 760735 ID: 4a9cf2

You know what, just toss her some lube and tell her to have fun. It's probably best that you let her out of here as fast as possible, so you can get some quality time with your betrothed. Plus, I bet it'll leave her wondering just what long game we're playing with her.
>>
No. 760738 ID: f562b1

>Gods… give me strength…
General, what you do in your free time is your own choice. Be it for the fun or for the studies does not matter to me.
...And believe me when I say this most certainly isn't something unusual from what I've seen in the past few days. Thought everybody else would be the ones sheltered but apparently I was.
>>
No. 760751 ID: a48bd8

>The queen, of course… and the lord of the guard.
That means your sister is okay, I think.
>Back already?
Didn't you hear? Everything's on lockdown. Curfew in one hour, so I dunno, Thalia, might want to... budget your time? Also, some church goons dragged your brother to the Grand temple. In other, completely unrelated news, I got cockblocked twice and need you right fucking now- wait fuck the captain said they'd send somebody up to explain what happened it's going to happen again goddammit.

> T-this is not what it looks like!
Why is literally everyone like this? Even those couple of servants who witnessed that thing I cant immediately recall were flirting. There's not a person in this building who doesn't have sex on the brain. It's so visceral, vulgar and uninhibited there's no way it can be normal. Hell, the violence in this place is just the same, it's like somebody's been dying every day. The only exceptions I can think of are Cain and your sister.
>>
No. 760756 ID: 2169b1

>>760751
>Discussion of how everyone's fucking and/or dying

I blame Xuv.
>>
No. 760759 ID: 6612fa

>>760733
i am laughing at this turn of events.
smile *if your beak is able too*
and just say "I'm glad you took my advice and found some stress relief, i think she keeps it in the trunk over there, i wont say a word to anyone just enjoy yourself. if you have time later we need to talk though."
>>
No. 760761 ID: 398fe1

>>760733
Okay, be straight with your fiance. You are still pent up and need release. Please.
>>
No. 760762 ID: 6612fa

>>760751
>> cain and your sister
>> CAIN AND YOUR SISTER
so this is the special missions the queen gives to your butler.
good for them
>>
No. 760764 ID: 6612fa

>>760756
blame requires fault... the word i think you were looking for the word "thank".
>>
No. 760765 ID: 6612fa

>>760751
don't tell thalia about the curfew get her to play around for an hour with doxan and then tell her so she has to stay the night. lol
>>
No. 760769 ID: 91ee5f

>>760732
>Fuck you, whoever is out there!
>Well, fuck you too!
I've seen George of the Jungle, so I know where this is going. Kronos, don't argue with the Narrator (Kaktus)!

>Eh? Kronos? Back already? Didn’t the date go well, dove?
It went just perfect, other than the fact that Bel was supposed to be meditating and some priests came by to make sure he was doing that, so I had to sneak out the window so that he wouldn't get in trouble with the Archbishop.

When you get sone privacy with Bri, you might want to tell her about that vision you had, where you killed and ate Bel according to the traditional Imperial way of execution. And add in how terrified you were when that vision ended.

>>760733
.....wait.....is that.....a bulge on her crotch? Uh, did one of Bri's borrowed "toys" happen to include a potion that gives her a dick?

Uh...maaaaybe you should ask Thalia and Bri if they heard the announcement? There's a curfew in 1 hour, soooo Thalia miiight want to go back in there and finish what she was doing.
>>
No. 760770 ID: a48bd8

>>760765
No.
>>760764
Fuck no.
>>760762
Sweet weeping Jesus and Mary NO.
>>
No. 760777 ID: 2169b1

Just remember Kronos, you can drink to forget this ever happened LATER. For now, just let them know about curfew and pray you don't see anything you can't unsee.
>>
No. 760780 ID: ce37f2

You could invoke a temporary Acupuncturmartial Law: due to sexually-transmitted diseases, anyone who fucks or assaults someone will have their testicles / clitoris penetrated with

SCREWS.

No exceptions.
>>
No. 760784 ID: e53541

>>760780
Don't mention any of this in front of the mistress and the Gimp, please.
>>
No. 760792 ID: bbb22a

I believe we currently have two choices.

1) Don't tell here about the emergency curfew. She can have fun with Doxan, while you and Bri have fun ending with all of you having fun together. Then she will be mildly upset that she has to spend the night.

2) Tell her about the emergency. She will swear, get changed into her uniform and leave. If we ain't getting a happy ending then it seems no one is.

5) Same as option two but we have fun with Bri and Dox. We may be saving our first male in ass experience for Bel but we can still get a taste of lizard and any excuse to practice BJs with a beak, and just thing of what Bri could be doing to your other end.

^) this is more then 2.

12-4) am bad at count.
>>
No. 761139 ID: 65a774
File 148000720925.png - (75.00KB , 686x526 , 49.png )
761139

>Just remember Kronos, you can drink to forget this ever happened LATER.
Wait, why would you want to forget this? This isn’t really something you want to bleach the brain for… now, if that was your sister on the other hand… or father… *shudder*
>Don't tell Thalia about the curfew get her to play around for an hour with Doxan and then tell her so she has to stay the night.
…tempting… for more than one reason, depending on which of your heads you ask…
>Why is literally everyone like this? Even those couples of servants who witnessed that thing I can’t immediately recall were flirting. There's not a person in this building who doesn't have sex on the brain. It's so visceral, vulgar and uninhibited there's no way it can be normal.
…you’re right; you knew that there were intrigues here in the palace, but never like this! It’s like someone is- oh gods, it’s Xuv… her very presence drives people crazy, isn’t it? Dammit…
>Everyone except for your Sister and Cain.
Well… neither of them seemed interested in it in the first place…
>So this is the special missions the queen gives to your butler.
…for some reason, you can’t even imagen those two together. It just seems so implausible.
>The word I think you were looking for is "thank".
…while a part of you want to thank Xuv for this, the implications are just too much, isn’t it?


>General, what you do in your free time is your own choice.
:ThaliaSB: Of course it is. Now, I hope you understand that you’ll need to keep that little beak of yours shut about this, don’t you? I would be rather… cross if I heard people starting to talk about this.
:KronosSB: Ah, yes, of course… I’ll keep it our little secret.
>I'm glad you took my advice and found some stress relief; I think she keeps it in the trunk over there.
:ThaliaSB: You know, I really should do without your smug face when you say things like that.
:KronosSB: Smug? Me?
:ThaliaSB: And as for stress, it seems your arrival ruined any relief I was about to get.
>if you have time later we need to talk though.
:ThaliaSB: I’ve already spoken with your wife about the trial, but if there is anything else it can wait for tomorrow, can’t it? I’m not really in the mood to have any kind of discussion with you.

>It went just perfect, other than the fact that Bel was supposed to be meditating and some priests came by to make sure he was doing that, so I had to sneak out the window so that he wouldn't get in trouble with the Archbishop.
:BriannahSB: Hrrn? Really? Ha, that means ‘e really likes yah, eh? ‘e usually follows the Archbishop orders to the letter. If he was willing to go behind ‘is back for a date then… well, ‘e really wanted that date, eh?
>I got cockblocked twice and need you right fucking now, Bri.
:BriannahSB: Really? So that potion really did a job on yah?
:ThaliaSB: Potion?
:BriannahSB: ‘e overdosed on a fertility potion today. Probably been ‘orny like bull all day... and apparently being teased by this arse of a universe as well, eh?
:ThaliaSB: Really? Well, then I could definitely take my leave before this get any more awkward.
:BriannahSB: Or you can join us for some “stress relief”, eh?
:ThaliaSB: Oh please, like I would sleep with this annoying loser…
:BriannahSB: And “punishing” ‘im?
:ThaliaSB: …then again, I would feel good to wipe off that smug smile he usually gets…
:BriannahSB: So what do yah say, ‘un? Want to be tied up by us gals for the night?
:ThaliaSB: Don’t worry, I won’t hurt you… too much.
:BriannahSB: Or maybe yah want to tie ‘er up instead? To “punish” ‘er for the sheer arrogance to talk to a prince like that, eh?
:ThaliaSB: What are you two whispering about?
:BriannahSB: Oh, just what we’re going to do to ‘im… and that maybe Sisah wants to join too?
:SisahSB: I’m sorry, ma’am, but with everything that’s going on right now, I don’t have time to be distracted from my guard duty.
:ThaliaSB: Now, this is rather sudden… maybe it’s better if I just took my leave anyway?
>>
No. 761140 ID: 65a774
File 148000722685.png - (34.07KB , 686x526 , 50.png )
761140

>Didn't you hear? Everything's on lockdown. Curfew in one hour, so I dunno, Thalia, might want to... budget your time?
:ThaliaSB: Huh? A lockdown? Curfew? What are you talking about?
:KronosSB: Didn’t you hear the emergency bell?
:BriannahSB: That’s what that was!?
:ThaliaSB: Hmm… well, better let the guard handle this then. If they needed me, they would have come to me already.
:BriannahSB: Are yah sure they ‘aven’t just forgotten about yah again?
:ThaliaSB: Wh- I- THAT WAS ONE TIME! Ugh… but yes, it’s the guards duty to sort out whatever-
:BriannahSB: *Gasp* ‘ow scandalous! General Thalia isn’t doing her duties so she can ‘ave more time with the Prince~
:ThaliaSB: That not- I’m not- Argh, gods, I don’t ‘now who annoys me more, you or the Prince.
:BriannahSB: Hehe, I’m just teasing yah.
:ThaliaSB: Still… I could probably leave if there’s a curfew coming up.
:BriannahSB: Aw… and leave the Prince ‘ere unspanked?
:ThaliaSB: …you know, I’m starting to wish I could tie you up instead…
:BriannahSB: Oh, please. Like yah can tie me up and spank my glorious arse on ye lonesome? I’m just too much woman to ‘andly for little old yah.
:ThaliaSB: We’ll see about that…

>.....wait.....is that.....a bulge on her crotch?
:KronosSB:
:ThaliaSB: …why are you staring like that?
:KronosSB: …you didn’t by any chance borrow some potions or something from Bri, did you?
:ThaliaSB: Potions? No, I didn’t borrow anything from your wife, potions or not.
:BriannahSB: You borrowed Doxan, didn’t yah?
:ThaliaSB: I’m pretty sure you can’t borrow a person, general. I asked him if he wanted to join me and he said yes. You don’t own him, do you? After all, it was he who didn’t want to leave your apartment, just in case, isn’t it? Believe me, I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for that request…
:BriannahSB: alright, alright, fair point… but I just like saying that I’m lending ‘im out to yah.
:ThaliaSB: I do hope he agrees, because I’d hate to see you abuse your own men.
:BriannahSB: Oh, don’t worry, ‘e loves being pushed around a bit. As long as you don’t go past ‘is limit, eh Kronos? … … …Kronos? Are yah there?
…There’s definitely a obvious bulge between her legs… and if it isn’t Bri’s potion then… does that mean she normally have a-

:BriannahSB: Kronos! Stop daydreaming about girls already! Yah got two right ‘ere for the taking, after all!
:ThaliaSB: That’s still up for debate, Briannah…
>>
No. 761148 ID: f562b1

>and if it isn’t Bri’s potion then… does that mean she normally have a-
Not necessarily. Maybe she got a potion from Doxan, or had her own. Maybe it's a toy she's got, or a cup for protection from... something. That one seems unlikely, but that's still a few other possibilities.
>>
No. 761150 ID: 309d35

Reminder that the guard captain did say somebody was going to be sent up to explain what's happening, and you're going to be interrupted a third time- actually wait, ask Sisah to take down what he says and send him away, that'll solve it.
>Or maybe yah want to tie ‘er up instead?
She does have one hell of a mouth on her, who the hell does she think she is?
>…you know, I’m starting to wish I could tie you up instead…
Might also be fun, she did mention it couldn't be done while Thalia was working alone...

Okay, operation double backstab. We'll tell Thalia we'll help her tie up Bri, and while We're running interference with a deep kiss so Thalia can preform the ambush, ask Bri which one of her potions can incapacitate a person. Then, we trick Thalia into drinking said potion and tie her up too. Thalia can wear that protective rune as a ball gag if she needs it, and we can toss Thalia on top of bri so they can glower at each other the whole time.
>>
No. 761152 ID: b1b4f3

>>761140
Tell Thalia you are up for butt stuff if that's what she's into, and anything that happens here will not leave the room.
>>
No. 761153 ID: 2cae31

Let the ladies(?) do stuff to you.
>>
No. 761155 ID: 309d35

>>761150
Wait, Enlist Sisah for help too. She can help you identify the potions and lend extra muscle. Bribe her with time with Doxan.
>>
No. 761163 ID: b1b4f3

>>761155
I disagree. Sisah needs to do her job.
>>
No. 761166 ID: 309d35

>>761163
You're right, nix the bribery then- or maybe bribe her with something else?
>>
No. 761219 ID: 55ad9c

>>761150
>Reminder that the guard captain did say somebody was going to be sent up to explain what's happening, and you're going to be interrupted a third time- actually wait, ask Sisah to take down what he says and send him away, that'll solve it.
That'll work, but there's also the issue of the possibility that Zela will end up coming over if her questioning is finished in time. Continuing what Kronos started with her will be nigh impossible with Briannah, Thalia, and Doxan around. Plus Thalia isn't going to want yet another person seeing that she's a BDSM mistress.

>...ask Bri which one of her potions can incapacitate a person. Then, we trick Thalia into drinking said potion and tie her up too.
Oh, hell no! You never, ever trick people into taking sedatives or paralytics, especially for the purpose of sex! That's non-consensual, which would mean it's rape! It'd also destroy what little trust Thalia has with Kronos and make her furious at him. She'd be screaming bloody murder as soon as she could scream again, bringing every guard in within earshot! But it probably wouldn't get that far since Bri would stop Kronos as soon as he asked such a thing, saddening her that her hubby would even think of doing such a thing. Why the hell would you think this is acceptable?!

And it's also frankly insulting that you'd think that Briannah would have a roofie potion among her alchemical repertoire. She may be a sex fiend but she doesn't stoop so low as to drug people and rape them! She's not some lust monster!
>>
No. 761230 ID: 16ae3e

Don't take your eyes off the package. It will be your doom.
>>
No. 761235 ID: 6612fa

>>761140
weren't we cock blocked 3 times, if you are counting that whole trial situation
>>
No. 761236 ID: 309d35

>>761219
Well than help me come up with something more acceptable to your fragile morality so Kronos can work off this overdose without needing to obey the whims of some dominatrix wannabe who wants to make him suffer further.
>She's not some lust monster!
We're talking about the same person, right? The one who eats people, has viewed the majority of her partners as pieces of meat and her bodyguard as her personal property?
>>
No. 761237 ID: 6612fa

>>761140
well our sister has tasked us with producing an heir with a general... thalia's the only one we know... wonder when we can bring this up with her
>>
No. 761355 ID: 65a774
File 148009999206.png - (33.61KB , 686x526 , 51.png )
761355

>Weren't we cock blocked 3 times, if you are counting that whole trial situation.
Which makes this whole thing even worse! You’re starting to get desperate here!
>Not necessarily. Maybe she got a potion from Doxan, or had her own. Maybe it's a toy she's got or a cup for protection from... something.
Or maybe that’s the way she is. Either way, you couldn’t judge… thought it would be good to know before you started… doing things.
>Our sister has tasked us with producing an heir with a general... thalia's the only one we know...
Well, that might be hard if she isn’t… um… capable.

>Let the ladies(?) do stuff to you.
Ladies or not, you apparently haven’t cared for such details before and you are definitely not doing it now in the state you currently are in.
>She does have one hell of a mouth on her, who the hell does she think she is?
She does have an attitude, doesn’t she? Really, it would feel real good “tame” her a bit…
>Okay, operation double backstab. We'll tell Thalia we'll help her tie up Bri, and while she’s busy with that we ambush Bri.
Heh… why have one helpless bound lady when you can have two? Hmm…
>We can toss Thalia on top of Bri so they can glower at each other the whole time.
Oh gods… that sounds like a plan…

>Wait, Enlist Sisah for help too.
…she just said she needed to keep focus in case something happens.
>Ask Bri which one of her potions can incapacitate a person.
…what? Why would she even- you’re not going to force yourself on anyone! That’s just wrong.
>So Kronos can work off this overdose without needing to obey the whims of some dominatrix wannabe who wants to make him suffer further.
You’re both adults, you can just communicate between each other what you actually want. After all, you’re pretty sure even the both of you wouldn’t actually be able to overpower Bri, at least without anyone getting hurt, but we can still tie her up if we get her consent… just as Thalia must give her consent before you tie her up too. Let’s not stoop down on such a low level as drugging people, alright?
>Reminder that the guard captain did say somebody was going to be sent up to explain what's happening, and you're going to be interrupted a third time…
…crap. Of course it will! She said it might not happen tonight but with your luck… fuck…
>But there's also the issue of the possibility that Zela will end up coming over if her questioning is finished in time.
…double crap. Dammit, you just… just have to gamble, don’t you? You can’t take this damn… gods damn it, you can’t take it anymore! You need release!
>Actually wait, ask Sisah to take down what he says and send him away, that'll solve it.
:SisahSB: Of course sir… and if our… other guest comes?
:KronosSB: Then we deal with that when it happens.


>Tell Thalia you are up for butt stuff if that's what she's into.
:ThaliaSB: I’m still consider if we’re even… even… … …you know what, screw it. You only live once and you’re a freaking Prince. Fine, I’ll join you two for tonight.
:BriannahSB: Oh, what a pleasant surprise guest, eh Kronos?
>And anything that happens here will not leave the room.
:ThaliaSB: That goes both ways, you understand?
>Don't take your eyes off the package. It will be your doom.
:ThaliaSB: …and why do you keep staring at me like-

Seemingly for the first time, Thalia realize what, exactly, she is wearing and how much of her… packet it actually show off. She quickly tries to cover herself up, even if it is a rather half-hearted attempt.

:ThaliaSB: O-oh right, before we actually… I could tell that… ah… well, see… I wasn’t born a woman, Prince.
:BriannahSB: She got a dick.
:ThaliaSB: HEY! That’s… ugh… that’s the gist of it, yes.
:KronosSB: …so you were a man? Did you get magical help to… ah… find another form you’re comfortable with?
:ThaliaSB: That’s it, yes. So… now you know.
:BriannahSB: I still don’t know why yah ‘aven’t gone through it completely.
:ThaliaSB: Several reasons, actually. Not only is it expensive, but it’s also dangerous… not to mention a full permanent transformation isn’t really… perfect yet, either.
:BriannahSB: Oh… but I’m sure there’s another reason as well, isn’t there, eh?
:ThaliaSB: Well… I also love seeing cute boys on their knees in front of me worshipping my huge cock like the goddess it is…

>Tie Bri up.
:KronosSB: Now, while she is distracted, let’s ambush Bri and-
:ThaliaSB: Okay, let’s put this in the clear before we start any roleplaying stuff, alright? Who exactly is tying who up? The Prince wanted to tie you up, General, is that alright?
:BriannahSB: Oh, of course! Can’t wait to be “punished” for my naughty behavior~
:ThaliaSB: Right… and Prince Kronos?
>Tie Thalia up.
:ThaliaSB: Eh? You want to… tie me up?
:KronosSB: As Bri just put it, I want to “punish” you for that naughty mouth of yours, “general”.
:ThaliaSB: … … …while I would rather do it the other way around, I guess I’m the guest here. Fine, I’ll got get the stuff. But just as you know, I won’t go down without a “fight”, Prince… also, the safe word is “banana”, everyone got that?

:KronosSB: Wait, did you two feel that?
:BriannahSB: Feel what?
:KronosSB: …dammit… ten… nine… eight…
:ThaliaSB: Why are you counting?
:KronosSB: -four… three… two… on-
>>
No. 761357 ID: 65a774
File 148010000379.png - (15.68KB , 686x526 , 52.png )
761357

*BLAM!*
:XarrinSB: General Briannah! The Queen has requested- err… am I interrupting anything?
:BriannahSB: Ah, I do hope you aren’t, MAJOR Xarrin…
:XarrinSB: Err… o-of course… *Cough* General Briannah… and General Thalia, the Queen has requested that you report to her at once. No excuses.
:ThaliaSB: …well then, I guess that was an abrupt end to this…
:BriannahSB: Give us a minute or two to get ready.
:XarrinSB: Ah, of course, of course…
:ThaliaSB: Dammit, where did I put my pants…?
:BriannahSB: I’ll untie Doxan. We’ll probably need him soon.

The two ladies hurry around in the apartment, and in what seems to be just seconds they are already on their way out the door. Briannah gives you a quick kiss before departing with a sad wave on her tail.

:BriannahSB: Sorry, dove, not tonight it seems.
>>
No. 761358 ID: 65a774
File 148010001261.png - (19.47KB , 686x526 , 53.png )
761358




:KronosSB: FUCK!
:KronosSB: WHY!?
:KronosSB: WHY DO YOU HATE ME SO!
:KronosSB: WHAT HAVE I EVER DONE TO-
:KronosSB: OH GODS!
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No. 761361 ID: 65a774
File 148010002153.png - (18.84KB , 686x526 , 54.png )
761361

:KronosSB: NOW I HAVE HOT TEA ALL OVER MY PANTS TO!
:KronosSB: FUCK!
:KronosSB: WHY!?
:SisahSB: Because your erratic flailing hit a full teacup?
:KronosSB: That’s not… argh! DAMMIT! I NEED… I NEED… SISAH!
:SisahSB: Sir, with all due respect, unless it’s a real emergency I need to be on guard.
:KronosSB: Dammit… I… what am I supposed to do now!?
:SisahSB: Calm down a bit, sir?
:KronosSB: Oh, sure, that will help… of course it will… ugh…
:SisahSB: Or you can just stare at the door and wish for someone that can solve all your problems coming through it?
:KronosSB: Wish for- oh, like that will work… argh… no, sorry, Sisah, I’m just a bit… mad right now. I’ll calm down a bit… and make a damn wish… fine…

…right, first thing first, you got tea everywhere right now… second, OH GODS YOU NEED TO GET OFF!

Below in the finely crafted link lies a poll of what exactly Kronos wishes for, so please make use of it. Will something actually come out of it? Who knows!? (The answer is probably yes.)
http://www.strawpoll.me/11730923
There’s also another poll in the dis thread that needs your love. Please pay it a visit as well. Oh, and do keep posting suggestions here as well, even if you did visit the poll.
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No. 761371 ID: 1adbed

Are you just utterly incapable of masturbating or something?
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No. 761382 ID: 309d35

i told you about listening to your wife man, i told you dog

>Or you can just stare at the door and wish for someone that can solve all your problems coming through it?
You can be a real ass sometimes, you know that Sisah? I still don't even know what ODing on this shit will do to me.

Drink 'till you get whisky dick, and shoot at things outside your window. Also, be wary of whoever just shows up at your door because you wished upon a star as much as you'd be wary of anyone else's sudden appearance, E.G. Xuv.
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No. 761383 ID: edc55f

As OD'd as he is on fertility effects I doubt normal masturbation will be effective. Plus, he's had access to paid professionals for the last seven years; he might be just a tad out of practice.
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No. 761386 ID: 0198a0

This is a test Kronos.
Can you contain your baser urges or will you be ended by them.
Steel your mind and fight through!
Lets see you grit those teeth!
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No. 761387 ID: 094652

Everyone. Lunch. Now.

No changing clothes, just go to lunch.
>>
No. 761390 ID: 309d35

>>761386
It feels more like a prank, given how little concern anybody has for Kronos' condition.
>>
No. 761566 ID: 55ad9c

For the record, I did vote in the poll. I'm writing this as if from the perspective of Kronos who doesn't have that meta knowledge. I hope that parts of it will be useful for Kaktus to use in fleshing out the scene, if he wishes to.

You'll wish for whoever you wish for, but you're not going to stand around and wait for it to come true. At this point you're going to take matters into your own hands to deal with this, starting with a little thing you know you can do.

Start stripping off your tea soaked clothes, down to your skivvies if need be, and fold them over to put the tea soaked parts inside so they don't drip more. Ask Sisah to ring the servants call bell while you do, or do it yourself if you're closer. Then tell her that you know she said her job is not to give you emotional support, but you'd figured she'd have a bit of empathy for someone who accidentally overdosed on fertility potion given she'd experienced ODing on it as well. Can she think of what it feels like to have not gotten off for two-thirds of a day while under its effect? But you figure she thinks you're needlessly restricting yourself and you should just have a wank or bang one of your servants, right? Well, you have strong standards about not doing the latter, okay... But you've passed the point on trying the former. Tell her that if anyone arrives who can better help with your situation, come get you in your shower; At this point, you don't give a damn about Sisah seeing you like you'll be. Then put the wad of tea soaked clothes on the floor to be collected, if a servant hasn't already arrived, and ask Sisah to step into your room with you to secure it before she takes her station. (Balcony doors, windows, drawing curtains, etc.) And at least with this little choice and action you'll have made things a bit easier for your servants than stomping off in a huff leaving spilled tea on the rug and tea soaked clothes in the hamper to stain.

And as long as you have Sisah alone, you may as well ask her directly if Krotos' body is actually buried out in the middle of nowhere and wasn't thrown down into the Catacombs. May as well tick that off your to-do list while you know you can and clear it up.

>>761383
>As OD'd as he is on fertility effects I doubt normal masturbation will be effective.
You do remember Bri said it'd take a strong orgasm to make a dent in the effects, so normal masturbation may not work. You can still try, but don't pin your hopes on it. But thankfully, you have full access to Briannah's chest 'o toys to help you. And if anyone does come along to help, then you'll have the toys out and ready to go. And if she's locked it, you have your lockpicks; She'd probably consider this a sufficient sexual emergency for you to use them here. ...And while you're in there, read the directions on that goddamn fertility potion and see if its a concentrated formula or something strange. Did you actually drink too much, or was it formulated for Sakkilians and Bri didn't take that into account. Then pick out a suitably-sized vibrating dildo with a flared base for your rear, whatever vibrates that can go over your cock that catches your eye, and a bottle of lube. And for fuck's sake, when you use them in the shower, lean your back against the wall when you do. The last thing you need is to have your legs buckle, causing you to fall over and knock yourself out on a valve handle or something else equally unlucky and stupid.

Now that you don't have Thalia and Bri in front of you and can think a bit clearer, it's actually a good thing you didn't go through with binding and domming them both. You have no experience with being a dom and learning how to be a acceptable one in your lust addled state would be too much. It'd leave them, and Doxan too, because he's there as well, disappointed. A better idea would have been to play Thalia's "apprentice," learning the ropes (heh) from her and still giving her in-character to swat your butt for being out of line. She'd be much happier, and it'd be a better experience for everyone else. And you could bring your personal knowledge of Bri to Thalia as well, like that Bri's really ticklish.

But you also have to wonder about how easy you went along with this BDSM stuff when only two nights ago you were uneasy about either you or Bri being dominant when you first made love. That you wanted to be as equals in bed. You even talked with Bri the following morning about that. Maybe it's just the alchemy, and maybe it's also Xuv's influence seeping up from below too, but you were really receptive to Bri's suggestions there. ...And shouldn't she remember you weren't into dom-sub stuff? Why was she cajoling you and Thalia into it? You're going to have to talk with Bri later about that.

>Wait, did you two feel that?
Well, good to know the expanded sense of the magical and occult Xuv gave you now also senses misfortune coming. That'll come in handy, if it's half reliable.

>>761386
You're saying Kronos should just go to sleep and meet Xuv in the dream in the state he's in?! Oh, no, no, no. Kronos might have a chance to resist Xuv's temptations at his normal level of horniness, but in its double-turbo-ultra alchemically boosted state it'd be like him trying to hold back the tide with his bare hands. And on top of feeding her when he caves, he'd still have a gigantic case of blue balls afterwards, if his soul isn't eaten by her on a whim. So that idea of Kronos being "tested" can go straight to Hell and be fucked sideways by Xuv.

>>761382
>Drink 'till you get whisky dick, and shoot at things outside your window.
While booze is known to inhibit getting a erection, it won't do anything about the raging horniness Kronos is feeling. And he'd be considered even more of a loon if he started shooting the garden planters. A menace as well, since he can't aim for shit with one eye.

>Also, be wary of whoever just shows up at your door because you wished upon a star as much as you'd be wary of anyone else's sudden appearance, E.G. Xuv.
Seriously, if Xuv shows up on his doorstep then it's already over and done with and there's nothing Kronos can do to stop her. So how about not giving him worries he can't do anything about if it did happen and risk bringing the goddamn Nightmare back into his mind, m'kay.
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No. 761592 ID: 44a5d7

>>761361
Fuck teapot
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No. 761664 ID: 65a774
File 148020002339.png - (17.76KB , 686x526 , 55.png )
761664

>Fuck teapot.
If you mean literally, then no as it doesn’t have the right holes and is full of hot tea. Of you mean it figuratively, then yes, fuck that fucking thing! Fuck…
>Drink 'till you get whisky dick, and shoot at things outside your window.
You really don’t feel like drinking right now… and shooting things while drunk would not make anything better… ever…
>Everyone. Lunch. Now.
It’s nighttime! Who eats lunch in the middle of the night!?
>Be wary of whoever just shows up at your door because you wished upon a star as much as you'd be wary of anyone else's sudden appearance.
Of course, you won’t accept anyone who doesn’t have a reason to come here… but everyone that you might wish for have one, don’t they?
>This is a test Kronos. Let’s see you grit those teeth!
If this is a test than you’re failing it badly! Gods, at this rate you won’t be able to say no to anyone anymore! …fuck, and Xuv is going to be waiting for you when you fall asleep, isn’t she? Dammit… you need to do something about this…
>Are you just utterly incapable of masturbating or something?
…you haven’t actually done that since… since… gods, you can’t remember anymore. You’ve always had courtesans to help you ever since you started really having these kinds of feelings. And now with the curfew coming up you can’t call for one them… so it seems you’ll just have to go solo this time.


>You can be a real ass sometimes, you know that Sisah? I still don't even know what ODing on this shit will do to me.
:SisahSB: …well, am I sorry sir, but things are rather stressful right now. My main duty is to protect your life, not to make sure you’re comfortable. So, until I’m completely certain that you are not in danger right now, I will not abandon my duties, sir. Now, if everything is secure on the other hand… and if you don’t find another way to satisfy your urges I guess I can help you, but until then... sorry sir. Oh, but don’t worry, I’m certain that you can’t get any lethal or lasting effects from ODing on a potion like that.
>Tell her that if anyone arrives who can better help with your situation, come get you in your shower.
:SisahSB: Of course sir.
>And as long as you have Sisah alone, you may as well ask her directly if Krotos' body is actually buried out in the middle of nowhere and wasn't thrown down into the Catacombs.
:SisahSB: …is this really the time for that?
:KronosSB:
:SisahSB: …right, fine. I’m not supposed to tell you this, king’s orders, but I wasn’t sent to kill your brother, I was sent to capture him.
:KronosSB: Capture him? For what?
:SisahSB: His trial, of course. This isn’t the first time your sister has sentence one of her own brother to their death.
:KronosSB: …so he was executed here… and then his body was dropped in the catacombs?
:SisahSB: …he wasn’t executed, he was still alive when they threw him down there.
:KronosSB: …w-what!? So you mean… he can still be…
:SisahSB: They injected him with a lethal dose of poison before they threw him down there, one that would melt his very flesh within a few days. If he wasn’t killed the things down there, the poison or starvation definitely did him in.
:KronosSB: …gods…
:SisahSB: Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to check on the security of this apartment.


>Start stripping off your tea soaked clothes, down to your skivvies if need be, and fold them over to put the tea soaked parts inside so they don't drip more.
Right, you need to get these clothes off before they stain… you better call a servant to take care of this… as well as the carpet.
>But thankfully, you have full access to Briannah's chest 'o toys to help you.
You got tea drying up in your feathers in places that you rather not have it dry up, so you definitely need a shower before doing anything else. Pillaging Briannah’s booty can wait until after you’ve cleaned this mess off.
>You do remember Bri said it'd take a strong orgasm to make a dent in the effects, so normal masturbation may not work. You can still try, but don't pin your hopes on it.
The water rejuvenate you from your ordeals, yet… no matter how hard you try, you can’t satisfy yourself like this. Your thoughts keep going to the wrong places… to the trial… to the nightmare… to your brothers… no, you’re mind is too unfocused, even when addled with this lust poison. You’ll need something to keep your mind on the right track if you ever want to have release. At least you was able to get all the tea out of your feathers…
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No. 761665 ID: 65a774
File 148020003705.png - (68.94KB , 686x526 , 56.png )
761665

>Now that you don't have Thalia and Bri in front of you and can think a bit clearer, it's actually a good thing you didn't go through with binding and domming them both. You have no experience with being a dom and learning how to be an acceptable one in your lust addled state would be too much.
You’re right, you were definitely not thinking with your right head… yet… you really want to try, it just sounds so… so… exiting, doesn’t it?
>A better idea would have been to play Thalia's "apprentice," learning the ropes (heh) from her and still giving her in-character to swat your butt for being out of line. She'd be much happier, and it'd be a better experience for everyone else.
…maybe… if the opportunity present itself again, then just maybe…
>But you also have to wonder about how easy you went along with this BDSM stuff when only two nights ago you were uneasy about either you or Bri being dominant when you first made love.
While you’ve never tried something like that before, you’re not completely averse to doing so. The main reason you felt unease with it last time was because it was your first time with the lady that you’ll spend the rest of your life with. You wanted that night to be special… and emotional.
>And shouldn't she remember you weren't into dom-sub stuff? Why was she cajoling you and Thalia into it? You're going to have to talk with Bri later about that.
Either she forgot or she’s just trying the waters. You don’t think she would actually try to force you to do something you wouldn’t want to do… no completely, at least.


>Access Bri’s chest. And if she's locked it, you have your lock picks; She'd probably consider this a sufficient sexual emergency for you to use them here.
Right… it was an easy lock to pick… yet, seeing all the smaller locks inside the chest and the “do not touch” sign… maybe she don’t want you too rummage through her stuff?
>...And while you're in there, read the directions on that goddamn fertility potion and see if it’s a concentrated formula or something strange.
You find the fertility potion on the left and with it a small booklet with instructions. Rereading the dosage table you find that you took the exact amount that… wait… you read this thing wrong. Oh… no wonder you’re so… you accidently took a dosage meant for someone twice your weight… well, fuck.

So… should you really go through her stuff? …maybe sneak a peek at something else she has here? …or should you just relock the chest and forget about this?

Also, the voting from last update is still going, including the one in the dis thread, for those that haven’t visited them yet.
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No. 761666 ID: ff10db

> They injected him with a lethal dose of poison before they threw him down there, one that would melt his very flesh within a few days. If he wasn’t killed the things down there, the poison or starvation definitely did him in.
And here the Vark kingdom still wonders why it's cursed...

>>761665
Place the book somewhere in the open, get a few guards around it. Then rummage through everything else because apparently they're up for grabs. Talk about the conquest diary later.
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No. 761667 ID: 309d35

> you accidently took a dosage meant for someone twice your weight…
You accidentally, or was a double dose provided to you?

What's listed as 'do not touch', is it a book or a box or what? Look for some kind of counter-agent. If there's nothing there, I think I see some tasteful nudes you could borrow. Read what's in clear view without riffling through anything for now...

...Does that helmet look familiar to you? Similar to something you saw a long, long time ago? Check the other side to see if there's a metal plate covering the eye. I think we may need to have a talk. I also see a drawing of something equally terrifying but not from the distant past underneath it.
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No. 761673 ID: b41152

If you can pick the lock on the notebook labeled "Notes", you should try to read it (she didn't mark it as "do not touch" so she can't complain). It might reveal some of the things she's keeping secret from you.

>More potions

Jackpot. Drink at least three of them.
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No. 761683 ID: b1b4f3

>>761665
Some porn should help you get off. Don't mess with anything that has more locks on it.
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No. 761684 ID: b412df

Unless any of that's porn or a antidote to the potion, then there isn't anything that can help you here. Don't pry, it's rude.
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No. 761691 ID: 309d35

Actually, I'll change my vote to look through everything. Nobody trusts you with anything anyway, why not hive them a reason and get something to show for it?
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No. 761758 ID: 309d35

By the way, do you have anything in your room you'd rather people not snoop through?
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No. 761765 ID: b1b4f3

>>761691
What about his relationship with Bri? Shouldn't he take that into account here?
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No. 761781 ID: 309d35

>>761765
If you think blind trust is what the situation calls for, have at it.
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No. 761824 ID: 55ad9c

Goddamit. In your desperate and lust addled mental state when you opened Briannah's chest you forgot that there's more to her and her history than being a sex fiend. She's the empress' daughter. A Imperial general. A painter. A soldier. A tragic orphan, last of her bloodline. And a clandestine collaborator with your sister. That and more. Much more. So of course her personal traveling chest isn't going to be packed full of just sex toys and potions. What is in here is what Bri considers most important to bring with her to wherever she goes. Cherished keepsakes and trophies. Vital and personal documents. And among them, there will be secrets. Imperial secrets, like correspondence with the Empress. And personal secrets, ranging from small up to the kind she doesn't share with anyone but those she trusts most, if at all. So take care in what you choose to read, move or take here, for it will have consequences.

However, considering that she put a note under the lock band on that compartment warning you off, she must have expected you to break into her chest at some point. That means if she had anything she really wants to keep secret from you outside that compartment before, she'll have put it into there already. Which means what's left outside isn't quite so bad... Though you think you might be trying to justify poking through more than you could explain as hunting for a way to relieve your horniness. Also consider the locked notebook as much off-limits as the locked container, despite not having a "no trespass" note on it. A locked book implies Bri doesn't want you to read them, so abide by that.

Before you go any further with the contents of Bri's chest, pore over the fertility potion booklet. Maybe you'll find a way to counter its effects in there which you could use in case you can't get off on your own. Look for how long it'll last for if you don't get off, what to do if you can't get off despite its effects, and what to do in case of a massive overdose (since that's the case most likely to call for methods other than just screwing until it wears out.) Also see if the booklet lists any medicines, potions, foods, or drinks that shouldn't be taken with or under the effects of the fertility potion due to interacting with it and either altering its effects, strengthening them, or, the one you hope for, weakening them. If there are any that cause the last one, then maybe your servants have what you need on hand already or can get it before the curfew drops. Same for if the OD directions call for a particular treatment. At least then you'll have a backup if you can't get off otherwise.

Also look over what selection of potions Bri has, in case anything stands out as helpful in your situation. Even if there's nothing that'll help more than the lube, you'll at least know what's available to try at some point you're with Bri again.

Alright, at this point read everything that's out in the open. Whatever is in those three columns in that writing tray thing. The text visible on the documents under the notebook, including the signature and identifying the seal. You can also flip up what parts of the documents are sticking out from under the notebook to read the ones under them, as long as you don't shift the notebook or documents. You don't want to move anything more than what can be explained by you wanting to get at that nude drawing.

Next, carefully pick the helmet up and put it on the locked container's lid after looking it over. Now, it may look similar to the one worn by the Sakkilian in your recurring nightmare, but don't read too much into that. The Imperial army probably uses the same or similar designs across all their helmets. Even if it has a plate over the left eye, don't get freaked out. It'd be common practice to add a plate if the wearer is missing a eye on that side, so it may just be a coincidence the Sakkilia in your nightmare is missing a left eye... Okay, maybe not. It's a nightmare, not a clear memory of the event. Parts can shift and change over time. But can you remember if that Sakkilian's helmet has always been that way in your nightmare? ...Actually, is this helmet even big enough for Bri's head? And is the bump-out in the back the right size and shape for Bri's... Um... Frills? Spikes? What are those things on the back of her head called, anyway? Anyway, this helmet might be Bri's father's, or it might be a memento from a fellow soldier she keeps for sentimental reasons.

The drawing in the lower left you already know the subject of. You don't remember describing what the nightmarish beast looked like to Bri, or to anybody else when you were around, so this drawing must have come from someone else's description. Maybe Bri saw it in her sleep and drew it, or drew it from another's description. Tim or Thalia, possibly. Unfortunately, the odds for you it'll be dated with a note of who it came from are next to nil. Does the style and skill level of the drawing match Bri's or not?

Next up is the nude drawing, and what might be more nudes under it. Read the speech bubble on the top one, then flip it up to see what's on the one below, and then the one below that, before lifting the writing tray to pull them out. You do note that Bri couldn't have drawn this nude of herself, even using a mirror, so somebody else had to have done it. The style and skill level doesn't look like hers, does it?

>>761691
>Actually, I'll change my vote to look through everything. Nobody trusts you with anything anyway, why not hive them a reason and get something to show for it?
Okay, that's not true. At least, not any more. First off, Sisah just trusted Kronos with knowledge the king told her not to share. Second, Briannah trusted Kronos with the fact that she was working in collaboration with Kira to take down Karas, trusting that he wouldn't blab. Which he hasn't. So it'd destroy her trust in Kronos if he picked all the locks and went through everything in her chest.
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No. 761864 ID: 1ab216

There are no sex toys here to help us thus making this entire thing a waste of time. Good, waste more time by going through the contents of this box of wonder-horrors.
There appears to be a sketch of the same monster you saw, if so this proves that it wasn't just in your head and that the monster is probably real and may be the cause behind all this emergency/everyone being called away business. Panic
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No. 761870 ID: 309d35

>Okay, that's not true. At least, not any more.
Getting sloppy or being backed into a corner isn't the same thing as trust, but fine- she probably has better anti-tampering measures than a weakly-worded note in there.
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No. 761883 ID: 109c73

Poke the padlock out of spite.
>>
No. 761922 ID: 55ad9c

I'm going to alter my suggestion in >>761824 a bit. Kronos should keep to reading just the documents that are visible without moving anything other than the helmet, or taking the nude drawing. That means no flipping the documents in the stack under the notebook up to read the documents lower in the stack.

>>761864
>There are no sex toys here to help us...
Which raises the question of where did Bri get the toy she used on Kronos' butt when she and him were with Sisah. Kronos, you remember where she got that one from? 'Cause you could really use it right now. And where'd Bri get that buttplug from that you wanted her to wear today as well? From in her chest or elsewhere? 'Cause if she got her toys from her chest, and you're not seeing them, that means they're in the locked compartment. And that may explain the "XXX" painted at the top, along with the extra message warning Doxan off. She doesn't want anybody using her toys without her permission, which makes sense. They are quite personal items you don't want anybody else using without you knowing, right? Which means, if that is where her sex toys are, Kronos will be in the market for ones of his own so he doesn't have to rely on Bri being around to share. ...Actually, doesn't he still have that toy from his "experimental" phase hidden around here somewhere?
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No. 761938 ID: 65a774
File 148028221782.png - (68.49KB , 686x526 , 57.png )
761938

>And here the Vark kingdom still wonders why it's cursed...
You’re pretty sure you’re not cursed… just in a bad place, that’s all.
>Nobody trusts you with anything anyway, why not give them a reason and get something to show for it?
Isn’t this the exact reason why you’re not trusted? Because you keep fucking with things you have nothing to do with?

>Before you go any further with the contents of Bri's chest, pore over the fertility potion booklet.
…dammit, there really nothing here about your current predicament but a warning that a OD, while not dangerous, can bring great discomfort.
>You accidentally, or was a double dose provided to you?
You’re the one who measured the dosage and drank it, so it’s all on you, even if you really want to blame someone else for it.
>Also look over what selection of potions Bri has, in case anything stands out as helpful in your situation.
Let’s see… virility, fertility, endurance, temporary sex change, “backdoor cleaning”, lube… analgesic against phantom pains? Calming potions? Sleep aid? Huh… … …wait, anti-depressant? Why does she have a large bottle for… is she depressed?
>Jackpot. Drink at least three of them.
…that’s a sure way to get sent to the doctor if you’ve ever heard one.

>What's listed as 'do not touch', is it a book or a box or what?
It’s a box… a large one at that, too.
>Where'd Bri get that buttplug from that you wanted her to wear today?
She did retrieve it from this chest, didn’t she? That means that anything lewd she got would be in the locked box marked XXX, right? Hmm… you didn’t see her retrieve a key so… is the key in here somewhere?
>Poke the padlock out of spite.
HA! Take that, stupid padlock!
>...Does that helmet look familiar to you?
It looks like some kind of officer helmet, doesn’t it? Not one of high ranking, but enough to be above the common soldier. By the size of it, it is probably Bri’s… or some other Sakkilian lady.
>Now, it may look similar to the one worn by the Sakkilian in your recurring nightmare, but don't read too much into that.
While there are some similarities, it’s definitely not the same kind of helmet. The one you saw back… then… back when… when… that one didn’t have anything covering the snout of the soldier. So no, it’s not the same helmet. Besides, Bri would have been… what, five? Six years old?
>If you can pick the lock on the notebook labeled "Notes", you should try to read it. It might reveal some of the things she's keeping secret from you.
…there are dates written on the brim of the note books… are they some kind of dairies? Those things would definitely be your best bet to find out any secrets she is keeping from you but…
>A locked book implies Bri doesn't want you to read them, so abide by that.
…do you really want to break her trust that much?

>Alright, at this point read everything that's out in the open.
…most of it is just some legal documents stamped with the imperial seal. Mostly about the marriage and stuff… boring stuff.
>The drawing in the lower left you already know the subject of.
At first, you think you see a sketch of the nightmare, just like the one Zela drew, but when you take a closer look, it’s actually… …you? No, wait, that’s… your brother? That’s Krotots… killing Sakkilians… while having a face resembling of the nightmare beast you’ve met. One of the pictures has the text “She said draw my nightmares. Like this will help…” on it.

>Next up is the nude drawing, and what might be more nudes under it.
There is indeed some sketch with more lewd content here as well. Mostly depicting who you believe is Doxan in different poses, but some of them also have a Sakkilian lady with a similar build as Briannah.
>Read the speech bubble on the top one.
…”Rawr!”… very enlightening.
>You do note that Bri couldn't have drawn this nude of herself, even using a mirror, so somebody else had to have done it.
Why would she have simple sketches someone else drew in her chest? It’s more probable that she simply drew them from memory… or simple from her own self-image. In fact, they lack enough details that it might not even be Bri on those sketches. Either way, even if simple, this will help greatly with you current predicament.
>...Actually, doesn't he still have that toy from his "experimental" phase hidden around here somewhere?
…You could have, yes… but… where did you put it, again? Didn’t you hide it-

:SisahSB: Sorry to interrupt, sir, but you have a guest.
:KronosSB: Oh?
:SisahSB: Don’t worry, I’ve searched her for any weapons and the like and she is clean. Should I let her in? I guess it was prudent to ask seeing that you’re just in your bathrobe…
:KronosSB: …who is it?
:SisahSB: The lady you invited up here? Zela? The painter?
:ZelaSB: H-hello? I… um… just wanted t-t-to… err… m-m-maybe I could just… j-just… um… the c-curfew is on in j-just a few… minutes… so… um… m-maybe I could just l-leave I… I’m s-s-sorry I… d-disturbed you…
:SisahSB: So… I couldn’t invite her in then?
:KronosSB: No, wait… err…
>>
No. 761943 ID: 7d8168

Take a minute to clean up... by which I mean hide the evidence of snooping. Then let her in. I mean, no reason not to, right?
>>
No. 761944 ID: 47160d

>>761943
Seconding this but with the addition of hiding your uh... "situation" don't want to scare the poor girl away
>>
No. 761945 ID: df1c0c

She has antidepressants and someone told her drawing her nightmares may help. It sounds like fighting your brother messed her up more than just physically, and she saw a psychologist. If that is what it is then there's nothing peculiar about it at all.

Anyway, enough snooping. Put all that stuff away and find Zella's hat. Make sure to give it to her before you forget, or another interruption occurs.
>>
No. 761947 ID: 35584e

>>761938
any chance that other sakkilian lady lady is the empress? surely not...
anyways pack Bri's things up and put them away before you let Zela in
>>
No. 761953 ID: 6612fa

>>761938
let her in
it would be most delicious to have bri walk in on you plowing her
>>
No. 761954 ID: 991591

>Isn’t this the exact reason why you’re not trusted? Because you keep fucking with things you have nothing to do with?
When have the things you've been fucking around with not concerned you?

I don't recall inviting her, but we shan't turn her away in our mutual time of need. Hide your shame, all of it, and then let her in.
>>
No. 761960 ID: 398fe1

>>761938
Put all the stuff back in the box, and pick it back locked. Then let Zela in and you can continue from where you left off. I assume Sisah is capable of doing her job while receiving a blowjob.
>>
No. 761994 ID: b662d6

If you can, Write "OK" on Briannah's note about you not touching that box, if you only touch the note, she can't be angry about it right?

Look like it's time for her drawing sesson! She will get to draw you while you get to draw her too!

Also, remember to give back her hat once everything is done, unless she "losses" it again and has to come back to search for it on another time.
>>
No. 762026 ID: 9d4cd2

Dammit! The problem is that us and Sisah were supposed to put on a show for her. Zela deserves more then to be used as a fuck to help alleviate our predicament, ever if it is several fucks over the course of the whole night, ravaging her over and over and over.
Can we order a guard or two to stand watch outside our door to relieve Sisah so we can 'relieve' Sisah?
>>
No. 762050 ID: 65a774
File 148035531091.png - (70.19KB , 686x526 , 58.png )
762050

>She has antidepressants and someone told her drawing her nightmares may help. It sounds like fighting your brother messed her up more than just physically, and she saw a psychologist.
That definitely what it looks like, yes. She’s more troubled then you thought, isn’t she…?
>If that is what it is then there's nothing peculiar about it at all.
Peculiar or not, it still means you need to be a bit more careful around her. You don’t want to make her state of mind worse, do you?
>any chance that other Sakkilian lady is the empress? surely not...
Considering the Empress is her mother… no, it can’t be. Besides, you’re pretty sure the Empress is a lot more thin and lean than that.
>If you can, Write "OK" on Briannah's note about you not touching that box.
…tempting… but you must resist… for now.
>When have the things you've been fucking around with not concerned you?
Well, there was the ball we had last year… you really just wanted to help but… um… and then there was that one time at that large dinner your father threw, the one where the Ankwark got stuck in the chandelier… oh, and when you accidently insulted that ambassador from the Sto Helit Plains. How would you have known that what you’ve learned of his native language was an insult?

>It would be most delicious to have Bri walk in on you plowing her.
…with your luck, she’ll come in right as things started to get good, Zela here would panic and it would end with no one getting laid at all!
>Zela deserves more then to be used as a fuck to help alleviate our predicament, ever if it is several fucks over the course of the whole night, ravaging her over and over and over.
…but when you put it like that… argh, you just want to plow her until she’s a mother!
>I don't recall inviting her.
…you did invite her… more than once. In fact, you told your guard captain to escort her here if she decided to come!
>Hide your uh... "situation", don't want to scare the poor girl away.
Your “situation” is currently under control… luckily, as it’s hard to hide it wearing a bathrobe.
>Put all the stuff back in the box, and pick it back locked.
Everything is back where it should be and you can simply trigger the lock from the inside before closing the chest. There, as if it was never touched!


>Then let her in. I mean, no reason not to, right?
:KronosSB: Zela, please wait, of course you’re invited to my humble abode.
:SisahSB: Humble?
:ZelaSB: Oh… um… oh… gosh… err… g-g-greetings a-again… p-prince… err… gosh… y-you wanted t-to… err…
:KronosSB: Ah, so you were able to make it! Splendid! I’ve been looking forward to continue our conversation.
:ZelaSB: Err… I’ve… eh… um… oh gosh… I… I… err...
:KronosSB: …and the bag? Did you bring anything?
:ZelaSB: …eh? The bag!? Oh! Right! It’s just… err… t-things?
:SisahSB: It’s the essentials for a “private” night with-
:ZelaSB: HAHAhah… hah… err… I mean… it’s not… I’m not… I d-didn’t… err…
:KronosSB: Zela, please, do calm down. We’re all adults here, aren’t we?
:ZelaSB: Oh… err… y-yes… yes… of course.
>Remember to give back her hat once everything is done.
:ZelaSB: My hat? Oh right, my hat! Err… no need to give it to me just yet, as it’s not like I’m going to wear it when we… we… HAHA! I mean… no… err… I didn’t… hah… um… oh gosh…
>You can continue from where you left off.
:SisahSB: …is that really a good idea, sir?
:KronosSB: I assume you’re is capable of doing your job while receiving a blowjob.
:SisahSB: And I’m assuming that I cannot.
:ZelaSB: Aw… y-you’re not… not… aw…
>Can we order a guard or two to stand watch outside our door to relieve Sisah so we can 'relieve' Sisah?
:SisahSB: There is already half a dozen guards out there… and another half a dozen on the balcony. Still… I can’t shake the feeling that we aren’t completely secure. So if you don’t mind…
:ZelaSB: Dammit, Zela… w-why did you get your hopes up…
:SisahSB: …then again… you know what, here’s my deal. If you want my help to put on a show, you’ll have to give something a bit more than just a blowjob, alright?
:ZelaSB: OH GOSH!? Y-y-y-you’re g-g-going t-t-to… h-h-h-his… b-b-butt… oh gosh oh gosh oh gosh…
:SisahSB: But first give me fifteen minutes to set some things up, while you can go and prepare yourself and “clean up” a bit back there. Or do you really want to keep that lovely lady waiting for your touch? …yet, I don’t know… it feels like I’m missing something here… that I need to be focused…

Seeing how the poll went, there will probably be some NSFW content in the next update, so be warned.
>>
No. 762055 ID: 2169b1

Okay, your reproductive organs are probably gonna lynch me for this, but do not fuck the Sisah. The only thing worse than blue balls is fucking dying, and something tells me the latter is a significant risk all of a sudden.
>>
No. 762056 ID: c1ba17

>>762050
I'd trust the instincts of a professional...
>>
No. 762067 ID: f09104

You're right. Trust her instincts. She's obviously noticed something subconsciously wrong, but has not figured out what it is her subconscious mind noticed. She needs to do her job.
>>
No. 762068 ID: d1bf72

Really? A hot pink bath robe?

I'll trust you on this one, Sisah. Can you think of any other points of entry? Do you trust the guards outside and on the balcony?

Any word on what's happening outside?
>>
No. 762069 ID: 398fe1

>>762050
Tell Sisah she's right. The current security emergency requires her attentiveness.
>>
No. 762083 ID: 9d4cd2

There are no guards inside our room and surely the best place for a bodyguard to be is as close to their ward as possible?
Just be sure to watch the beak if Sisah needs to pull out quick.
Also I was under the impression that she was going to fill your belly from the front this time.
>>
No. 762084 ID: 398fe1

...is there any way we can find out what's wrong? Maybe get Cain to tell you?
>>
No. 762093 ID: 65d507

>>762050
It's doxan. We all forgot about him. After Thalia left no one untied him so he broke loose and is now in spy mode he saw you break into bri's stuff and is now watching everything tell sis to look for him
>>
No. 762094 ID: 65d507

>>762050
... wait... she is an adult right. Not an 11 year old girl equivalent of a hiver. How do they age do the go is she a full adult in appearance only. Don't be a pedo
>>
No. 762099 ID: 65a774
File 148037705472.png - (22.21KB , 686x526 , 59.png )
762099

>Okay, your reproductive organs are probably gonna lynch me for this, but do not fuck the Sisah.
…fffffffffffffffff-
>Really? A hot pink bath robe?
Hey! Pink is a fabulous color! Don’t diss the pink duds!
>I was under the impression that she was going to fill your belly from the front this time.
Well, apparently she has a preference for filling it from the back.
>...is there any way we can find out what's wrong? Maybe get Cain to tell you?
...actually, where is Cain? You haven’t seen him since… dinner?
>... wait... she is an adult right.
She’s 19, almost 20. So, she’s a bit more than three years younger than you. That’s still proper, right?


>There are no guards inside our room and surely the best place for a bodyguard to be is as close to their ward as possible?
:SisahSB: I rather make sure no one get into the apartment at all, sir. Now, with all due respect…
>Trust her instincts. She's obviously noticed something subconsciously wrong, but has not figured out what it is her subconscious mind noticed. She needs to do her job.
:SisahSB: Thank you sir. Then I’ll leave you two alone. I have wards to double check and empower…
>Can you think of any other points of entry? Do you trust the guards outside and on the balcony?
:SisahSB: Don’t worry about that sir, just enjoy the evening with your new lady.
>Any word on what's happening outside?
:SisahSB: Not yet, sir.
>It's doxan. We all forgot about him.
:SisahSB: Doxan went with your wife, so he can’t be here sir. Now, please, I have work to do. Enjoy the evening and let me worry about what’s happening for now, alright?
:KronosSB: Alright…


:ZelaSB: S-so… um…
:KronosSB: Well… I guess I won’t be putting on that show for-
:ZelaSB: If you won’t suck her cock, can I suck yours inst- I MEAN- Err… HAHA? Hah… err… I didn’t… um…
:KronosSB: …if the lady desire a salty treat from the prince, I have no choice but to comply, do I?
:ZelaSB: Oh… oh gosh… err… l-let me j-just… g-g-get… out of t-these… um… i-i-is it w-warm in h-h-here…
:KronosSB: It’s about to get a lot hotter, let me tell you… wait, do you have some kind of protection?
:ZelaSB: Eh? …err… y-yeah, I h-have a p-protection charm in m-my bag? Err… d-d-do w-w-we really… err…
:KronosSB: Better safe than sorry, right?
:ZelaSB: O-of course… j-just… um… let me… err…
:KronosSB: Now, Zela, just relax… and let things come naturally to you, alright?
:ZelaSB: Right…
>>
No. 762100 ID: 65a774
File 148037706936.png - (83.00KB , 686x526 , 60.png )
762100

(Warning, very NSFW image.)
>>
No. 762101 ID: 65a774
File 148037707854.png - (56.33KB , 686x526 , 61.png )
762101

(Warning, very NSFW image… again.)

And now you know the drawback of having larger partners. Zela, as soon as she got lost in her own lust, easily overpowered you and took charge… which make pulling out in time more difficult.

:ZelaSB: *Ah* oh gosh *Ah* *Ah* *Ah* nnggg *Ah* *Ah*
:KronosSB: G-GODS I… I’m almost… nngg… Zela… g-get…
:ZelaSB: *Ah* KRONOS *Ah* *Ah* OH GODS! *Ah*
:KronosSB: I-I need t-to... pull o-out… Z-Zela… p-pleaMMMFF!
:ZelaSB: MMFF!! *AH!* Oh… oh… oh gosh…
:KronosSB: …gods…



:BriannahSB: …really, I’m gone for two hours and you’re already plowing the painter? And you complain that I think too much about sex!
:KronosSB: BRI!?
:ZelaSB: W-W-WHAT!?
:BriannahSB: Hrrn? I’m not interrupting anything, am I?
>>
No. 762104 ID: 398fe1

>>762101
Um, well, you were just finishing up I suppose. Reassure Zela if she starts freaking out. (also don't worry too much about coming inside, you probably didn't get her pregnant, as she had that charm of hers. Worst case scenario you can publicly deny that they are your children, for obvious reasons, but secretly pay her child support or whatever)

Kronos, do you feel better now? Briannah's ass is supposed to be quite available for you tonight, regardless.
>>
No. 762108 ID: 8fcc08

Do you still have favors you can call in? If so, use one to make Bri kiss Zela and make it a threesome.
>>
No. 762146 ID: 188fe3

>Hey! Pink is a fabulous color! Don’t diss the pink duds!
It's not even a long one that covers your legs you prancing lala homo man. There's supposed to be some kind of distinction between 'his and hers'.
>And you complain that I think too much about sex!
I've been on a dose of fertility drugs for someone twice my weight, and I got cock-blocked three times, not counting the trial! My testicles felt like they were about to split like melons!
> BRI!?
I can't imagine you're still surprised at her popping in at times like these.
> Hrrn? I’m not interrupting anything, am I?
Hell no, not again! If you want some you can get some, but I'm not quitting if we get invaded!
>>
No. 762147 ID: 47160d

huh, the birds have human dicks who would of guessed. ANd hey man just keep going, Bri will love to watch... and getting a show would distract her if she figures out about the chest
>>
No. 762150 ID: 398fe1

>>762108
Bri isn't attracted to Hivers. She won't be down for that.
>>
No. 762152 ID: 6612fa

>>762101
i bet zella would love to see you get sm dominated by bri...
though with a state of emergency, being tied up might not be the best decision considering intruders could cut you up like a thanksgiving turkey in such a state
>>
No. 762157 ID: 91ee5f

Holy shit! Kaktus actually drew porn in color, instead of the usual silhouette shapes in vaguely sex like positions! O_O
>>
No. 762193 ID: 7d8168

Oh hi honey. Well, normally I'd be able to go more than two hours, but I did overdose myself on virility drugs recently. And it's not like this is a problem or anything, right?
>>
No. 762242 ID: 55ad9c

You'd be shocked that Bri has yet again creeped up on you, except that with the way you and Zela were going at it a full army parade could have marched through here and you wouldn't have noticed. ...Wait. How did Bri get her bathrobe? Aw, geez... She left it in here, didn't she? So it probably went that she came in, saw you two, said nary a word, took her clothes off and put that robe on. And then she watched and waited for either one of you to notice her, or for you two to finish before she piped up.

Tell Bri that she isn't interrupting. You wanted to take a breather for a minute to recover before continuing anyway; Get a glass of water for yourself and the lady and that kind of thing. Then ask Bri if she was watching you two for a bit before she spoke up, and has her feelings on Hivers changed any?

>…really, I’m gone for two hours and you’re already plowing the painter?
Just so Bri doesn't think you sent out for a booty call right after she was called away, tell her that Zela coming here is a continuation of events that were interrupted by the emergency bell right before they started really heating up. You offered her a invitation to come over if she could make it before the curfew dropped. She made it and here we are. Then tell Bri a summary of what happened before with Zela. How you literally ran into her, went to her room and had a lovely conversation over tea, and then asked her what she'd dreamed of doing with a prince there. And then things were starting getting places right before the bell rang. And, to be clear, this is Zela's evening, so she calls what goes and where.

It's a shame that Zela didn't get to see you practice your fellatio skills, but perhaps she'd like to see Briannah demonstrate her masterful skills on you? ...And Zela did want to see you ride Sisah, so how would she feel about you riding Bri's tail instead? Maybe fellating her tail end first, getting it nice and moist. Perhaps watching you and Bri get it on together, you laying on top of her, her tail buried deep in you, your trusts in time with her tail's? Set a new position for that cute pink bow farther up Bri's tail, eh?

You can think of one downside to opening Bri's chest, and that's you have to avoid suggesting using any potions from there. Because right now, you thought of Bri taking a sex swap potion and you performing fellatio on her, then her screwing you up the rear, all as a show for Zela. ...Maybe Bri wouldn't notice if she did open her chest... Urgh... It's so tempting...

>>762157
Yeah, and some of us knew it was coming beforehand. There was a poll link in the questdis where Kaktus asked if he should do full NSFW when applicable and it won. He did mention that there was another poll in the questdis in the spoiler text under the link to the "wish" poll in this thread.

>>762146
>It's not even a long one that covers your legs you prancing lala homo man.
...Watch the language, man. "Homo" is used as a slur, in case you didn't know. I do agree that that bathrobe hemline is way too high, though. It should be low enough that he can walk about without risk of flashing people, front or back. Make it knee length at the least.

>There's supposed to be some kind of distinction between 'his and hers'.
Except there's not as much history of gender differentiation in Risavia, and in the Empire it'd be the guys wearing the "girly" colors, as Belseth's outfit shows. So it's not a hard and fast rule. Now, I'd say he should reconsider wearing pink because I think it doesn't go well against his blue feathers. Maybe Zela could suggest a better complimenting color, given that she's a painter and probably knows color theory. However, pink does look good against Bri's green scales, and would also look good against Zela's green carapace. ...And imagine Bri wearing translucent pink silk lingerie with thigh-high stockings, lacy panties, and, of course, the pink bow on her tail. Ooof!

>>762146
>>762193
>I've been on a dose of fertility drugs for someone twice my weight, and I got cock-blocked three times, not counting the trial! My testicles felt like they were about to split like melons!
>Well, normally I'd be able to go more than two hours, but I did overdose myself on virility drugs recently.
Oh, please don't say anything like this in front of Zela! If she heard this kind of thing, she'd probably start thinking Kronos was just lying to her to get his rocks off and be emotionally crushed. He really does find her cute and interesting and would like to see her more outside the bedroom. The potion just sped things along this way first.

>>762108
Don't spend a favor on that. Remember that Kronos did make Bri promise to not use her favors in a way that involved others, and that implies he wouldn't either. Also, for all Kronos knows, Zela may not be into Sakkilians as much as Bri isn't into Hivers, so that wouldn't be fair to her. ...Though, Kronos probably would like to work out how to go about kissing Zela with her. Does it involve brushing her antenna, intertwining tongues or what?
>>
No. 762278 ID: 5a8de1

I wonder... Did Sisah let her in...? I also thought you, Briannah, were somewhat afraid of hivers, or at least, disgusted... Did You suddenly changed your mind?
>>
No. 762319 ID: 65a774
File 148045458645.png - (61.62KB , 686x526 , 62.png )
762319

(Even more NSFW stuff… wee…)

>huh, the birds have human dicks who would have guessed.
Hey, humans have inferior copies of Vark dicks, not the other way around. After all, their balls aren’t covered with feathery down as ours are… thus, ours are clearly superior.
>Don't worry too much about coming inside, you probably didn't get her pregnant, as she had that charm of hers.
…hopefully… but, you really did try it with Bri and it didn’t work, now did it?
>Worst case scenario you can publicly deny that they are your children, for obvious reasons, but secretly pay her child support or whatever.
You’re not abandoning either Zela or your possible children. You will be there for them if that is the case, even if you have to face the consequences!

>Kronos, do you feel better now?
You just nutted twice, both on and in a cute lady, so yes… yes, you feel wonderful.
>Briannah's ass is supposed to be quite available for you tonight, regardless.
…but the night is still young isn’t it?
>Imagine Bri wearing translucent pink silk lingerie with thigh-high stockings, lacy panties, and, of course, the pink bow on her tail. Ooof!
…Dammit, now you really need to get this thing up to plow your wife as well!


>Reassure Zela if she starts freaking out.
:ZelaSB: Y-your wife- and- I… nggg… I *Ah* …I… just… bluh…
:KronosSB: Hey, calm down, Zela, It’s alright.
:BriannahSB: We’re in a kind of open relationship ‘ere. Though, I would ‘ave ‘oped that we would share whom we plow before doing so in the future, eh?
:ZelaSB: Oh… oh… good… then I’ll just… face plant right here and bllrrrg…
:BriannahSB: …heh, did yah really fuck ‘er that ‘ard, eh? She must ‘ave ‘ad one ‘ell of an orgasm.
:ZelaSB: Bluh…
>Tell Bri that she isn't interrupting. You wanted to take a breather for a minute to recover before continuing anyway.
:BriannahSB: Well, the painter definitely need a breather, no doubt about it… but yah? Seeing ye little soldier standing in attention like that and almost pulsing… yeah, yah definitely don’t need a breather, do yah?
:KronosSB: Well… thinking of you does that to me…
:BriannahSB: Aw, aren’t yah just the sweetest~
>Hey man just keep going, Bri will love to watch...
:BriannahSB: Hey, give the girl some time to recover, yah perv!

>Then ask Bri if she was watching you two for a bit before she spoke up.
:BriannahSB: Only for a few seconds. I’ve ‘eard yah for a while though, as I took the time to clean up a bit and change out of my armor before going into the bedroom. Can’t just stomp in ‘ere wearing just anything, eh?
>and has her feelings on Hivers changed any?
:BriannahSB: Still creepy as fuck with those weird legs and eyes… but I’m kind of fascinated seeing them in action in the bed.
:ZelaSB: …creepy?
:BriannahSB: Nothing personal, miss Zela.
:ZelaSB: Oh… blll…
>Make Bri kiss Zela and make it a threesome.
:ZelaSB: y-you want me to… k-kiss a girl? …how n-naughty… heh… he… ee…e…
:BriannahSB: Kiss? Yeah, no, not going to ‘appen, dove. But I guess I’m intrigued enough to make it a threesome… as long as we both just fuck yah into oblivion and not eachother.

>Tell her that Zela coming here is a continuation of events that were interrupted by the emergency bell right before they started really heating up.
:BrinnahSB: Before the… so you ran to her when yah boyfriend was forced to leave yah ‘anging?
:ZelaSB: B-boyfriend! Mfff! Oh gosh…
:KronosSB: I literally ran into her when I left him, yes… so we began talking over tea and… well… things heated up a bit.
:BriannahSB: Of course they did.
>And, to be clear, this is Zela's evening, so she calls what goes and where.
:BriannahSB: Well then, what does miss Zela desire? Except for burying ye ‘ead in the pillow out of bliss from the afterglow.
:ZelaSB: What I… Oh gosh… I… don’t… um…

>Perhaps watching you and Bri get it on together, you laying on top of her, her tail buried deep in you, your trusts in time with her tail's? Set a new position for that cute pink bow farther up Bri's tail, eh?
:ZelaSB: Oh gosh yes! That sounds hot! I want to see you take her tail! Oh gosh…
:BriannahSB: You heard the lady, love.

[Zela has successfully been bred!]
[Briannah has successfully been bred… again?]
>>
No. 762320 ID: 65a774
File 148045459670.png - (36.97KB , 686x526 , 63.png )
762320

…lying here… in the afterglow… with two beautiful ladies surrounding me… can life get any better?
>>
No. 762321 ID: 65a774
File 148045460731.png - (68.67KB , 686x526 , 64.png )
762321

:XuvSB: Hello, handsome~
:KronosSB: Oh gods fucking damn me…
:XuvSB: So, ready to hold up your end of the bargain and feed me again, love? I’m dying to fulfill your dark desires again~
:KronosSB: Kill me now…
:XuvSB: …if that what y-
:KronosSB: I WAS SPEAKING FIGURATIVLY!
:XuvSB: …oh… either way… FEED ME OR DIE and all that…
>>
No. 762323 ID: 094652

"Sorry, but I'm not going to take a deal whose alternative isn't conditioned with an XOR."

Give her a few seconds of confusion.

"Your magic is out of control. The corruption is leeching off of your lust aura, turning people into murder-@#$%ers. Tone it down, XOR I'll lose the kingdom and stop helping you."
>>
No. 762328 ID: 166842

>>762319
I finally have an understanding and appreciation for how big, strong, and sexy Bri is.
>>762320
Sweet.
>>762321
Not sweet.
>>
No. 762334 ID: 398fe1

>>762321
Tell Xuv you fed her once already in exchange for extending your father's life, why do you have to do it again? Also, there is some kind of soul amalgamate Nightmare in the crypt that's getting stronger at the same time she's getting stronger. Is that really coincidence? Tell her you are worried the Nightmare is getting stronger because you're feeding her, either because it's siphoning off part of her power, intercepting the Desire, or is simply getting stronger because it's a creature of Desire and that's part of her portfolio.

Actually, since Desire is part of her portfolio, can she do anything about the Nightmare directly? Maybe she could capture and feed off it, even.
>>
No. 762394 ID: f562b1

>FEED ME OR DIE and all that…
"If it's going to be the first option I do request that the previous rule is actually kept.
Just makes it that much more disturbing that it was something to get lost in and drives me to the latter option"

>Your magic is out of control.
Don't even imply it's her magic. Not to her directly, anyways. Maybe Kronos could ask if his body is unable to properly hold it, or suggest that something else is leaking magic (Maybe one of the other gods (she's sure they're living) is letting loose).
>>
No. 762403 ID: 3a6bfc

Yeah, I don't recall striking a second bargain.
>>
No. 762407 ID: 1ce8ec

>>762321
haha, not happening.
Anyway before she starts rambling tell her the shit you've seen and theorise about the catacombs and the archbishop's plans.
>>
No. 762621 ID: 55ad9c

Remember what happened last time Xuv came to you in your dreams and watch what you say to her, and the tone you say it in. You don't want to find out how much pain she can inflict on you here without actually killing you. Don't flat out deny her, but don't give in either. Get her talking. After all, time doesn't pass here, so there's no big rush, right? So would Xuv be so kind as to permit some conversation beforehand? And wiggle out of her grasp, or if you can't then at least up into a sitting position. Really, does Xuv have to cling to you like this? Is there anywhere you can even run to in here she can't find you?

Ask Xuv what would feed her, and how much power she derives from it. Is it just deep, dark sexual desires that she can only feed on, or is it just her taste preference and she can feed on other sexual desires? Or maybe other desires besides sexual ones? Or what about other strong emotions? You're wondering if this is the only way her and the other gods drew power or if there was another source that was their primary one. Like, was it they enjoyed the "taste" of that which was in line with their aspects. And was there a god who fed on nightmares and terror?

Xuv said before she had others who would do her will if she killed you, so ask who else she got and how. The only people you know she's contacted other than you are Briannah and Tim, in his dreams. And you have her ritual locked up, you think, so nobody else summoned her, so how did she get them on board?

Tell Xuv that you think that something else is drawing on and using at least some part of her divine power without her realizing it. And when she scoffs ask her how long she was drained and totally powerless, and point out that something could have seeped into her mind without her sensing it then, since she had no power to detect it. Your guess is it's all the souls that are trapped in the Soul Kiln. They congealed together in a tar-like black morass of howling despair and rage and seeped through the cracks of the Kiln into Xuv's body where it is trapped. And without the Soul Kiln's flame burning off the soul's magic, some of that power collected in the broken Kiln as well, soaking them in it. And then the Temple found the Soul Kiln and started throwing more in, either in living or dead bodies, making it bigger.

But whether it's the trapped Kiln souls or not, you're pretty sure something has got its claws into Xuv. Tell her about your mage friend Tim trying to summon her last night, and how he got knocked out and ended up in a nightmare. A nightmare where he ran through tunnels that sounded a lot like the Soul Kiln's, chased by a horrific entity and fearing for his life. A entity that wasn't shaped like Xuv. It looked like a twisted Vark and screamed with a thousand horrid voices.

Then tell Xuv the memories you heard when you touched the "newborn" earth elemental. The memories you can only presume came from that earth elemental's progenitor. She knows her fellow gods are dead, doesn't she? She sensed it. Sensed it because she's the damn goddess of death. Can she just admit it to herself that they're gone? That Illasia is dead and so seeking vengeance on her is pointless.

Tell Xuv of the visions you've had of the Nightmare. Of the one at the trial, and at dinner with Belseth, and the terribly real one in the ally beneath his bathroom window. This Nightmare has grown in power and boldness along with the power Xuv has, which you believe means it's linked to her. Karas And it's looking to take over the Archbishop's plan to raise Belseth and take the dead Five's power for itself. And from that, plunge the world into eternal nightmare and suffering.

Tell Xuv of the times she seemed to "black out" and not remember what she was doing. The dream yesterday, and especially at the trial when she said she was also down on the floor before Kira, watching with a thousand eyes and screaming with a thousand mouthes, and also looking through six eyes at the royal doorway. And then she said it was another "lucid dream" and it was like she woke up and didn't remember. That was this Nightmare being. The "thousand eye" view from the trial floor was because it had possessed Karas wholly, and she was seeing through her link with it.

Ask Xuv where she got the power to reach out from her prison and contact you as you lay upon the royal crypt floor, let alone do what she did to you. How could she have gathered any power if she was imprisoned like she was? With nobody worshiping her, summoning her, where could it come from, other than from someone or something else connected to her?

Bottom line, you believe giving her power will give this mad nightmare entity power as well. Maybe not even equal power if it draws power out of her. And with the way you think its in her mind, the more power it has the more it can warp her mind, to take more control. And that once it has enough, it will be all that's left and Xuv's personality will be gone, replaced by whatever it is. Does Xuv want to give this upstart leech her power?

Ask Xuv if any other gods were imprisoned within the Soul Kiln before she was. Any defeated gods cast down into the depths or the like? Ones that may still be alive and trying to get out as well.

"FEED ME OR DIE and all that?" "And all that?" Rather odd of her to say that. Does it sound like Xuv isn't feeling into it? Like she's going through the motions?

Remember that Briannah said to try and call her into your dream to aid you if Xuv invaded again. If Xuv gets real threatening, call out for Bri and will her in here with all your focus. Just also remember that it may put Bri in danger from Xuv too if you do, and that Bri may not be able to do anything to stop Xuv either.
>>
No. 762686 ID: 55ad9c

Also say that you believe the Nightmare would take for itself any route of escape that Xuv is wishing or working for. She'll remain trapped in some way or another and it would be free to wreak havock on the world.

Also, did Bri wear a contraception charm when you laid with her? I didn't see one on her. You better hope you two didn't conceive, since Xuv is still alive.
>>
No. 762691 ID: 65a774
File 148053144252.png - (33.27KB , 686x526 , 65.png )
762691

>I finally have an understanding and appreciation for how big, strong, and sexy Bri is.
Oh gods, you wish she was here right now instead of… this monstrosity.
>Remember what happened last time Xuv came to you in your dreams and watch what you say to her, and the tone you say it in. You don't want to find out how much pain she can inflict on you here without actually killing you.
You’ll watch what you tell her, yes…
>Remember that Briannah said to try and call her into your dream to aid you if Xuv invaded again.
But will she be able to even hurt Xuv? Is it worth the risk? What if Bri is the one that will… no, you can’t think like that…
>Also, did Bri wear a contraception charm when you laid with her? I didn't see one on her.
...she didn’t...


>Does Xuv have to cling to you like this? Is there anywhere you can even run to in here she can't find you?
:XuvSB: I need you close so I CAN FEED!
>I don't recall striking a second bargain.
:XuvSB: Second barging? What second bargain?
>Tell Xuv you fed her once already in exchange for extending your father's life, why do you have to do it again?
:XuvSB: The bargain was for you to feed me… and if you did, I would protect those that you care for. If you don’t feed me, they will die a painful death, writhing in agony and despair.
>Ask Xuv what would feed her, and how much power she derives from it.
:XuvSB: Desires… souls… mmm… yes, I can feel it… there is… a hiver gal next to you? She smells delicious… so freshly spoiled… FEED HER TO ME!
:KronosSB: W-what!? No!
:XuvSB: Such desire to protect… mmm… don’t you worry… after I consume you, I’ll feast upon her innocent so you two can be together forever inside of me!
:KronosSB: THIS WASN’T PART OF ANY DEAL WE’VE MADE!
:XuvSB: But it will be… IF YOU DON’T FEED ME ALREADY! ARGH!!
>Maybe other desires besides sexual ones? Or what about other strong emotions?
:XuvSB: FEAR, HATRED AND LUST… you mortals are defined by them. You, on the other hand, your lust are what I want, your desires… the deep ones… the wrong ones… those that are twisted… and make you hate yourself, fear yourself. Oh yes, Lust, fear and hatred…all in one little act… so good…
>And was there a god who fed on nightmares and terror?
:XuvSB: I AM THE GOD OF DREAMS! NIGHTMARES ARE MY REALM TO CONSUME YOUR BEINGS!

>Tell Xuv that you think that something else is drawing on and using at least some part of her divine power without her realizing it.
:XuvSB: HOW DARE IT! How dare it even come up with the concept! If this is true, I will find it…
>Tell her about your mage friend Tim trying to summon her last night, and how he got knocked out and ended up in a nightmare.
:XuvSB: Dreams are my realm, my domain! I AM THE ONE WHO FEAST UPON SOULS IN THE NIGHT!
>Actually, since Desire is part of her portfolio, can she do anything about the Nightmare directly? Maybe she could capture and feed off it, even.
:XuvSB: Capture it!? Feed off it!? I WILL CONSUME IT WHOLE! It will suffer for eternity and I torment it inside me like the rest that dare to defy me! THEY WILL SUFFER! THEY WILL PAY!

>Xuv said before she had others who would do her will if she killed you, so ask who-
>>
No. 762692 ID: 65a774
File 148053145293.png - (37.91KB , 686x526 , 66.png )
762692

Suddenly, all you can feel is the cold darkness of nothingness, as your very being is torn asunder. Just as the old man before, Xuv is slowly ripping your soul from your body. For a moment, all you know is nothingness, as your very existence is on the edge, before she let go of your spirit. Then, only pain remains…
>>
No. 762693 ID: 65a774
File 148053146353.png - (33.64KB , 686x526 , 67.png )
762693

:XuvSB: Ahh… such terror… so much hate… delicious.
:KronosSB: Bluh…?
:XuvSB: Ngg, dammit, you stink of desires! You’re driving me crazy! No more questions, no more talk! FEED ME DAMMIT! FEED ME DESIRES, OR I’ll FEAST ON YOUR SOUL! …and the soul of that Hiver as well!
:KronoSB: N-no… p-please… there got t-to… be…
:XuvSB: …No, there is not. Do not try to bargain with me, mortal. I am the beginning and the end. The Dreamweaver and the waking nightmare. I create nations and sunder the thrones of gods with but a thought. I am DEATH! I AM DESIRE! I. AM. XUV. GOD OF ALL! GOD OF CREATION! GOD OF GODS! So what, little man, can you hope to do for me but be a meal!? There is nothing, NOTHING, you can hope to accomplish that I can’t do myself. There is nothing you can offer me, nothing but your soul or desires! SO FEED ME OR BE CONSUMED!
:KronosSB: Urgh…
:XuvSB: …but fine, I will humor you, mortal. You may have one chance to come up with something to offer me that I cannot do myself… but if you try and fail, I WILL CONSUME YOU RIGHT HERE AND NOW! So, what will it be… take the risk? Or just feed me your most hated, darkest desires?
>>
No. 762694 ID: 398fe1

>>762693
You can kill her. Consume her. You know she wants that. Tell her you will delve into the crypt below this palace and find her, then give her the end she desires.
>>
No. 762695 ID: 595d54

You know what, I'm sick of dealing with Xuv's shit and curious what she can actually do instead of being all vague and shit. Just refuse.
>>
No. 762700 ID: ff1f02

>You may have one chance to come up with something to offer me that I cannot do myself…
Go a full conversation without a megalomanical rant?
Feel the sun's rays on my face?

Oh right, what I can do for you that you can't you yourself.

Well, if I die, you won't get that kid you asked for. Even if you just did, if I die, the geopolitical situation will go to shit and the chances of Bri bringing the child to term will approach zero, between the invading armies and the assassins and the archbishop's plan to replace you, plus whatever danger required the Queen placing a curfew just now. Do you even have other contacts on the surface? Tim's destroyed all the copies of your summoning ritual he could get his hands on, and the ones I gave the archbishop are fake.
>>
No. 762708 ID: e05680

Something we can do that she cannot do for herself. We have an idea of where her fellow gods are within the church, do not mention they are dead or she will probably kill you. She can't reach them without escaping the soul kiln, but if we had a way to slip past all that security we could find our way to them. I'm sure there are many possibilities available if she had a messenger reach the others. We would need some time to do it, but we could possibly get it done by the next time both of the twin moons are full.
>>
No. 762716 ID: 8d65de

Its your dream right smack a bitch up.
>>
No. 762814 ID: 55ad9c

You will offer Xuv the one thing she desires deep down the most, that which she has never done, could never do, that she can't do herself, and that you desire with a passion that burns like Ifocen's heart: Her death. Her end. Her utterly ceasing to be. You want her gone forever more than anything, and she desires in her dark depths to die. To feel the sweet embrace of oblivion as she is consumed and the endless ends. This you will vow to do, upon a binding pact, to descend into the depths, find her, and give her the death she desires. ...A pact that also includes not consuming the soul of the hiver next to you.

And if Xuv laughs at your offer and by some miracle doesn't eat your soul for being so grossly impertinent, then you'll feed her until she has her fill, for you have nothing else to offer.

>>762695
..."Vague and shit?" "Vague and shit?!" You consider Xuv just half-ripping Kronos' soul out of him to demonstrate what she can do "VAGUE AND SHIT?!" Does she have to actually EAT HIS SOUL to not be "vague?!" Would that be enough to get through your thick head?!

>>762700
>Go a full conversation without a megalomanical rant?
>Feel the sun's rays on my face?
For fuck's stake, NO! Do you not realize that you DO NOT talk back to the mad goddess who has you firmly in her grasp and will devour your soul if you do?! Do you not have any goddamn sense of survival?!

>Well, if I die, you won't get that kid you asked for. Even if you just did, if I die, the geopolitical situation will go to shit and the chances of Bri bringing the child to term...
Xuv doesn't give a flying fuck about all that any more, if she ever did! She has other pawns up above, and she can draw power from others' desires, fears and hatreds now. She has other routes she can take to escape now, other ways to recover her divine power. Which means Kronos is dispensable to her now if he's even a little bit troublesome. Even Risavia is dispensable to Xuv. All Xuv cares about is feeding her power. She doesn't give a damn about the Temple's actions or the political situation! And trying to bring up what she considers such trifling matters will only piss her off.

>>762708
Except Xuv will believe she can reach out to her fellow gods herself, and she could once she gathers enough power. As far as she'll be concerned, she doesn't need a mortal to do that for her. And right now, when she believes she's a "god of gods," she probably feels those gods beneath her now anyway, and not worth it.

>>762716
Do you really believe Kronos has any fuckin' chance against Xuv, goddess of dreams and nightmares here, when she has him in his grasp? Don't matter that it's his dream, because Xuv took it over as soon as she entered. It's her dream now. Kronos isn't going to be pulling any goddamn dream-fu bullshit out of his ass here.
>>
No. 762822 ID: e05680

>>762814
If she believed she could reach out to them then why did she bother with all this asking us to tame the dragon and find him a highborn wife nonsense? Why hasn't she asked her associates to free her from her prison? The fact is she has to realize contacting them is outside her current level of power. She could probably contact them herself given enough time, but we could offer to expedite the process.
>>
No. 762941 ID: 65a774
File 148061599804.png - (32.88KB , 686x526 , 68.png )
762941

>It’s your dream right smack a bitch up.
She’s keeping your arms firmly stuck to your sides. You have no means to really fight back in this state and even if you could…


>We have an idea of where her fellow gods are within the church.
:XuvSB: Oh please, like that would interest me.
:KronosSB: But-
:XuvSB: The others are already dead, I’ve seen their deaths… I felt their end… their glorious last moment of bliss… oh… so where their bodies are is not something I need your help to know about. I will find them when I’m released and consume them like they were destined too. Now, I gave you one chance and yah blew it, so goodbye food, get in my belly already!
:KronosSB: WAIT WAIT NO! WAIT!!
:XuvSB: Oh, don’t worry, that cute Hiver girl will join you just in a moment so you can spend the last few minutes digesting together.
:KronosSB: NO! THAT’S NOT- I GOT SOMETHING ELSE! PLEASE, LISTEN!
:XuvSB: Hmph…

>Well, if I die, you won't get that kid you asked for.
:XuvSB: Bah! If you haven’t already given her a child I’ll just wear your skin and do it myself. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure she screams your name in ecstasy when I feast upon her flesh.
:KronosSB: NO! STOP THIS!
:XuvSB: Now stop wriggling and accept your fate as a cute pile of poop! *NOM!*
:KronosSB: AAAH!!! NO! FUCK YOU BITCH! LET ME GO SO I CAN FUCKING KILL YOU!
:XuvSB: …huh?
:KronosSB: …T-THAT’S IT! I CAN KILL YOU! I CAN FUCKING END YOUR LIFE!

>You can kill her. Consume her.
:XuvSB: *Ah* but that’s… oh… oh so… wrong… mmm… yes… but still… you’re already halfway down my throat… and that Hiver really look so delicious…
>You want her gone forever more than anything, and she desires in her dark depths to die.
:XuvSB: Oh in the name of me, that’s… so… *ah* …oh, by Xuv… *ah* …b-b-but it’s so… can I r-r-eally? Yet… *ah*… s-s-such h-hatred… a-a-and desire… f-f-fear… and… and… l-l-l-lust! YES!
>Tell her you will delve into the crypt below this palace and find her, then give her the end she desires.
:XuvSB: Find me? I’m right h-here! If you’re g-going… g-g-going t-t-to… *ah* …g-g-going… GOING TO KILL M-M-MEEEE*AAAAHH*-d-d-dammit! T-then d-d-do it h-h-here! Now! B-b-but… d-dammit… y-you’re d-d-driving m-me *ah* …c-c-crazy… b-but… can you even… even… d-d-do it? How? How are y-you supposed to… d-d-do it? You can’t even break loose from my grip, h-how do you expect to be able to… t-t-to… nggg… END ME! *AH!* …oh… oh Xuv… t-that felt… oh…
>>
No. 762942 ID: 094652

AIM FOR THE HEART! NOW! DO IT!
>>
No. 762945 ID: fceae5

As a great man-and-a-half once said.

"RIP AND TEAR! RIP AND TEAR YOUR GUTS! YOU ARE HUGE! THAT MEANS YOU HAVE HUGE GUTS! RIP AND TEAR!"
>>
No. 762950 ID: 6612fa

>>762941
ITS A TARP
dont kill her
it will end up being bri and you standing over her corspe. just give in.
our summon the avatar of death/life
>>
No. 762953 ID: f562b1

Bring in Bri. Will her into the dream, like she told you to. That's how you'll kill her.
>>
No. 762954 ID: 398fe1

>>762941
This is your dream, will yourself strong and bring in your bodyguard and Briannah and Belseth and Cain.
>>
No. 762960 ID: 448b83

I TOLD YOU TO PREPARE FOR THIS

I TOLD YOU DOG

I remember Bri saying to bring her into the dream and she'd do it herself.
>>
No. 762969 ID: 55ad9c

Try to will yourself stronger or bigger or just plain sharper. Make your beak tips as sharp as a stiletto and your fingers as razor claws. It's a dream, your dream, so maybe you can do that. ...Or even take another form, such as that of a Sakkilian.

Yell out that if Xuv wants this, why can't she loosen her grip? Why can't she open her mouth and pull you out? Does she not want you to eat her? Why does Xuv deny herself the chance for you to fulfill her deep desire? She can do anything, so she can do something as simple as this, right? ...Or maybe. Why doesn't Xuv give you the power to do just what she desires? The strength and ability to consume her. Can she do that?

Cry out for Briannah with all your voice and will. You know she'll rip you from this bitch goddess' jaws and can and will eat her. You just don't know if it's possible to bring Bri in.

Bite Xuv. Shove your beak into her flesh wherever you can and bite her. Rip a piece out of her and eat it. You'll eat her piece by disgusting piece if need be. Scream through her torn flesh you'll bite and rip your way to her heart and devour it. You'll rip and tear and consume every fiber of her being no matter how long it takes.

And whatever you do, don't go down without fighting every bit of the way. Push and thrash about. Stick your legs out as wide as you can to slow Xuv down. You'll not go quietly. Never quietly.
>>
No. 763090 ID: 55ad9c

>>762953
>>762954
>>762960
>>762969
I realized there's a terrible and real possibility that if Kronos actually summons Briannah in here, Xuv will just gobble him down 'cause Bri can eat her and Kronos can't. But if Kronos can't figure a way to eat Xuv, then Bri is the only way to possibly stop Xuv. ...Maybe if Kronos eats Xuv's soul, that would be small enough for him. Except that Xuv's soul is probably her form currently eating him.
>>
No. 763106 ID: 55ad9c

Oh, if Xuv just shrunk herself down to bite-sized, Kronos could eat her whole, solving the whole size issue! She's made herself small before, so she has the power to. And then there'll be no need to summon Briannah! Now, if Xuv could just resist eating Kronos long enough to pull him out of her maw in order to shrink down.
>>
No. 763194 ID: 65a774
File 148071291488.png - (39.72KB , 686x526 , 69.png )
763194

>ITS A TARP, don’t kill her, it will end up being Bri and you standing over her corpse. Just give in.
…just giving in would mean your soul would be consumed. That you would be no more and this monster would wear your skin while murdering everyone you love and care for. No, you cannot give in…

>Try to will yourself stronger or bigger or just plain sharper.
:XuvSB: Really? You’re simply to lucid to change yourself, dove. No, only I, the mistress of dreams can do something like that, imbecile!
>Bite Xuv. Shove your beak into her flesh wherever you can and bite her.
:XuvSB: H-hey, you’re the food, not me. Stop trying to peck me!
>And whatever you do, don't go down without fighting every bit of the way. Push and thrash about. Stick your legs out as wide as you can to slow Xuv down. You'll not go quietly. Never quietly.
:XuvSB: Gah! Stop fighting and accept your fate! Why must you mortal always fight? I JUST WANT TO END YOU! Why can’t you just accept that you will be part of me? Now, stop it and become my meal already!

>Bring in Bri. Will her into the dream, like she told you to. That's how you'll kill her.
Suddenly, a shining light pierces Xuv’s chest, making her lose her grip on you and dropping you on the floor. Behind her an angel of light has suddenly appeared, clad in armor of gold and wielding a blade of justice.

:XuvSB: *AAAAH!!* OH IFOCEN! BURN ME HARDER!
>>
No. 763195 ID: 65a774
File 148071292532.png - (36.82KB , 686x526 , 70.png )
763195

>RIP AND TEAR! RIP AND TEAR YOUR GUTS! YOU ARE HUGE! THAT MEANS YOU HAVE HUGE GUTS! RIP AND TEAR!
The celestial being starts to slice Xuv into nothing more than little pieces, as her blade move with the speed and fluidity of a master dance, all the while Xuv screams in ecstasy.

:XuvSB: *AH* YES! HARDER! *AAHH!!* HURT ME! HAHA! *AH* YEESSSSssss*Gurgle* ghh *cough* *sputter…*

As the last parts of Xuv hits the ground with a sickening sound, a shadowy form manifest behind the being of light. It’s a shadow of… you? No wait… it’s… your Brother? When the angle spots the creature, you can see the fear overwhelming her. She takes several steps back, almost unable to keep her balance and nearly dropping her blade as both her knees and hands visible tremble. She seems ready to just drop her blade and run… run and never look back… … …then she looks over to you, give you a quick node before finding the resolve to charge her own worst nightmares.
>>
No. 763196 ID: 65a774
File 148071293504.png - (24.39KB , 686x526 , 71.png )
763196

What fallows next is a bloodbath. The angle is quickly cut down, her face being shattered by a bolt of ice, her hand and leg cut off in one fluid motion with his blade. As she hits the ground, you can hear her screams of pain, then her begging as she tries in wain to crawl away, away from the laughing shadow approaching her for the killing blow... then, they are simply gone, as if they were never there…

:XuvSB: …hah… haha… HAHAHA! Did you really think it would be that easy to kill me!? HA!
:KronosSB: B-Bri…?
:XuvSB: Oh, don’t worry about her. She just woke up from her nightmare.

Behind you, the body of Xuv is rebuilding itself, healing all her wounds with ease.

:XuvSB: She woke up choking on a scream... tear in her eyes… really, how rude of you to give her nightmares like that!
:KronosSB: B-but… I… I…
:XuvSB: But really? A knight in shining armor? I’ve eaten more of those than there are people in your kingdom! Bah, a blade is useless against me!

>Yell out that if Xuv wants this, why can't she loosen her grip? Why does Xuv deny herself the chance for you to fulfill her deep desire?
:XuvSB: Eh? Why would I one w-want to… but… it w-would be… so… wrong?
>Why doesn't Xuv give you the power to do just what she desires? The strength and ability to consume her. Can she do that?
:XuvSB: OF COURSE I CAN DO THAT! I AM XUV! GOD OF GODS! I CAN DO ANYTHING! HOW DARE YOU EVEN SUGGEST THAT I CAN’T!? But… if I… if I did t-that I… I would be… h-helpless t-t-to…to… oh… no, I can’t… I can’t!
>If Xuv just shrunk herself down to bite-sized, Kronos could eat her whole, solving the whole size issue!
:XuvSB: To quick! To fast! I want it to last! I want to see it coming! I WANT TO FEEL IT! FEEL MY LIFE END! Gah! This is too much! I can’t… I c-c-can’t… gah… dammit, you’re driving me crazy! That’s it! I can’t take you anymore! I’ll just knock you unconscious and eat you instead! …b-b-but… if I…did that, no one would be… able to… GAH! STOP MAKING ME THINK LIKE THIS, DAMMIT!
>>
No. 763198 ID: 398fe1

>>763196
Tell her if she wants a fight, then you'll give it to her.

You summoned up Briannah, she summoned up Krotos? Summon up armor, and your gun. Do it yourself. Defeat your brother and you can defeat Xuv.
>>
No. 763199 ID: 5f7884

Fill your mind with every corrupted nightmare, every incomprehensible horror, every single concept that you have ever learned in opposition of reality and things that even the gods were not meant to know, and send it into your crotch and @#$% A GODDESS WITH IT!!!
>>
No. 763203 ID: 5f7884

Or more specifically, send it into your gun.

THEN insert the gun into her anus. Fire.

"TASTE MY BIG BASTARD BLUNT BLOODY BONEY 8!+C#RIPPING BONERIPPER!!!"
>>
No. 763204 ID: 400446

The Old Man, bring him in.
>>
No. 763215 ID: 398fe1

>>763204
In order to do that, we'll have to remove Xuv's infinity mark. I wonder if she'll tell us where it is.
>>
No. 763216 ID: 400446

>>763215
This is a dream, I don't know if those things apply. It could be Xuv will just panic, it could be that the marks are on the soul cradle and not on Xuv's person. In any case, a better idea than getting into a conventional arms race with a god.
>>
No. 763219 ID: 400446

>>763216
Forgot to add, it might serve as a distraction long enough for Bri to wake us up.
>>
No. 763271 ID: 55ad9c

You realize that the only one who has the power to kill Xuv is Xuv. You need to convince her to grant you that power to fulfill her desire to die. But you also need to be careful with your words, lest she kill you in a fit of anger. Though, she'll kill you otherwise, so what have you got to lose in trying?

Ask Xuv how could a mortal make such as her think anything that she hasn't already thought of herself. That she already desired herself. Why else would she keep hesitating when she could strike you down with a whim? Why other than her desire for one such as you to end her? For one with such a burning desire to kill her? But then, why does she say she can't do what she desires so much? She's Xuv, God of Gods! She can do anything! Not even you being a puny mortal is a hindrance. She can merely imbue you with the means and knowledge to kill her in the way she wants. You can be the instrument of the demise she so desires, if she but wills it.

>She woke up choking on a scream... tear in her eyes… really, how rude of you to give her nightmares like that!
Which, given how loud Bri is, probably woke Zela up as well, so you can take a little comfort that for the time being Xuv can't threaten to reach out and eat Zela's soul. So bringing Bri in here at least got that and interrupting Xuv from eating you, buying you time.

>>763198
Kronos was able to summon up Briannah because she was asleep right next to him. He doesn't have the power to just create anything here. And even if he did, anything he makes wouldn't be enough to overpower Xuv. She is supremely powerful within this realm.

And how would Kronos defeating the shade of Krotos mean Kronos can defeat Xuv? Krotos is Briannah's nightmare, not Kronos'. That's why Xuv summoned it up to fight Bri. It was probably part of Bri as well, given that it vanished when Bri woke up. That means it's not even here to fight.

>>763199
>>763203
Okay, I'm going to seriously explain why this won't work, even though it's Kome's usual wacko shitposting. Primarily, Kronos can't pull that kind of power, or much of any power. Secondly, even if he could, Xuv is made of nightmares and horrors. Firing more into her won't do jack shit. And thirdly, firing a gun up her anus, if she even has a anus, would be naught more than a mildly kinky act for the likes of Xuv.

>>763219
Given it's the bottom half of the fifth thread of a Kaktus quest, odds are this is the final conflict of at least this thread, if not the whole quest. That means it's unlikely Kronos is going to wake up, either because there'll be dire consequences if he does or he's unable to due to Xuv's doing. Which means Xuv will have to be dealt with or Kronos won't wake up at all.
>>
No. 763281 ID: 398fe1

>>763271
>He doesn't have the power to just create anything here. And even if he did, anything he makes wouldn't be enough to overpower Xuv. She is supremely powerful within this realm.
Yeah, we don't actually know that, and she wants to be killed, anyway. She's putting up a fight.

Think of this as an act of lovemaking. She doesn't want it to be over too soon.
>>
No. 763282 ID: 2d31ae

It seems as thought the good old regular non crazy Xuv is still in there. I wonder if we can get through to her more, maybe even bring her back out?
>>
No. 763457 ID: 398fe1

I got another idea. Xuv said Kronos was too lucid to change himself. Why not change Xuv? Make her smaller.

Small enough to eat, maybe.
>>
No. 763477 ID: 65a774
File 148087054021.png - (56.54KB , 686x526 , 72.png )
763477

>Do it yourself. Defeat your brother and you can defeat Xuv.
You brother is already gone… and so is Bri. It seems she woke up from this dream, taking her nightmares with her.
>You might distract her long enough for Bri to wake us up.
Can she even wake us up? Will she? Does she even know we’re in danger?
>It seems as though the good old regular non crazy Xuv is still in there. I wonder if we can get through to her more, maybe even bring her back out?
Is there even a non-crazy Xuv anymore? Was she ever not crazy? Of what you’ve heard of her, she wasn’t a good person even when she was alive, was she?
>The Old Man, bring him in.
You can feel him but… you don’t think he can find you. Wherever you are, it’s beyond his sight.

>In order to do that, we'll have to remove Xuv's infinity mark. I wonder if she'll tell us where it is.
:XuvSB: My… what? Oh no! I’m not telling you that! I’m not bringing that old man into this! HE STAYS OUT OF THIS, YOU HEAR!?
>Fill your mind with every corrupted nightmare, every incomprehensible horror, every single concept that you have ever learned in opposition of reality and things that even the gods were not meant to know.
:XuvSB: Really… what are you doing? I’m the dreamweaver here, not you. I’m the one who creates nightmares to feast on the fear, not you. How hard is it to get it through that thick skull of yours? You’re powerless here… and I AM A GOD! You’re nothing but an insect to me. Not even a footnote in the book written in my magnificence!
>I got another idea. Xuv said Kronos was too lucid to change himself. Why not change Xuv? Make her smaller.
:XuvSB: Aw, you’re so cute… thinking that you can control me. Bah, even if I’d let you, I wouldn’t let you make me small. I already told you, it would be over to quick, no? No, this is dragging on long enough. Stop stalling and jump down into my gut already, Prince.
>>
No. 763478 ID: 65a774
File 148087055013.png - (52.22KB , 686x526 , 73.png )
763478

>You realize that the only one who has the power to kill Xuv is Xuv. You need to convince her to grant you that power to fulfill her desire to die.
…if only you had a way to convince her.

>Ask Xuv how could a mortal think about anything that she hasn't already thought of herself. That she already desired herself.
:XuvSB: Ah, see, now you understand. This was all a big waste of my time. Why would I think a mortal would be able to even harm me? Ha!
>Why else would she keep hesitating when she could strike you down with a whim? Why other than her desire for one such as you to end her? From one with such a burning desire to kill her?
:XuvSB: I… I-I’m not h-hesitating. I’m j-just… just… err… g-gah! You h-hatred for me… y-your d-desire to end me d-does b-burn brightly… doesn’t it?
>But then, why does she say she can't do what she desires so much? She's Xuv, God of Gods! She can do anything! Not even you being a puny mortal are a hindrance.
:XuvSB: I’m Xuv! YES! I CAN DO WHATEVER I WANT! There are no limits but… b-but… I can’t…
>She can merely imbue you with the means and knowledge to kill her in the way she wants. You can be the instrument of the demise she so desires, if she but wills it.
:XuvSB: B-but… I… I… t-that would mean… d-d-do I a-actually w-want to… I want to b-but… I… c-can’t… can I? D-dammit… s-s-stop t-teasing me like t-this! I… I c-can’t… no… gah… it… it w-would be s-so… so wrong… m-mortal consuming a… a… g-g-god… oh g-gods…
>>
No. 763479 ID: 675ea0

What would she care? She'd be dead! Her wish fulfilled! She could leave all this horrid nonsense behind and be at peace. All she has to do is agree.
>>
No. 763504 ID: 400446

Put that silver tongue to use.

Why not? Death is a promise made to everyone- but you. Why should literally every mortal in history get it, and all the gods, but you stay left out? Plus, if you really want the old man to stay out of it, you'll have to go out on your own terms, before he gets to you.
>>
No. 763507 ID: 398fe1

>>763478
Deliciously wrong... and who can tell a God what is wrong or right, anyway? Let me be the one to fulfill your darkest desire.

This is turning into a seduction, looks like. Also, interesting! That's her original form! Is your desire to kill her also making her stronger? Healthier?
>>
No. 763625 ID: 6612fa

>>763478
all the things you tried to conjure with your mind were violent, offensive or defensive things, did you consider trying to summon up love...
god of death and lust, summon up some love to fight her with.
>>
No. 763640 ID: 55ad9c

Okay, you're going to have to say a lot of things here you won't like to get Xuv to grant you the power to end her. And then if she does, you'll probably have to do much more you really won't like. But it'll be a small price to pay to end the threat of Xuv, so steel your wits and push on.

Say that it does feel wrong, doesn't it? So utterly, totally, tantalizingly wrong. So deliciously forbidden. A act of ultimate perversion. And it drives her wild with desire, yes? To be consumed, each fiber of her being slowly devoured, her soul eaten the very last. To feel herself slipping away into oblivion. She craves feeling this, this which she has brought to so, so many others, yes? For death is, by her very nature, the one thing that will not come for her. Well, she can make it come for her, on her terms. She can have her deepest desire, right here and now, if she but has the will to fulfill it.

The form Xuv took after pulling herself together is interesting. It's different from any she's taken before. It's not just her skeletal horror form with flesh on, nor her winged "Valkyrie" form. She looks like a six-eyed, four-armed Sakkilian with lavender colored feathers... And... Are those breasts? Yes, they are... Okay, you now know what a Sakkilian with boobs would look like, and it's rather weird. But that aside, it's like Xuv is taking a form with Sakkilian and Vark aspects combined, plus some extra bits. ...And she may have also subconsciously took a more fleshy form rather than bony because it'd be better off for her desire to be consumed.

>My… what? Oh no! I’m not telling you that! I’m not bringing that old man into this! HE STAYS OUT OF THIS, YOU HEAR!?
Take note of what Xuv said here because it may imply that if she did tell you where her Rune of Eternity was it'd be possible to break or disrupt it from within here. Remember that because it might turn out to be very important later. Perhaps if Xuv grants you power, you could ask her to warn you if you're getting near her Rune of Eternity, lest her end come quicker than she wants. ...Then again, you may not want the Old Man coming in and finding you're imbued with a load of Xuv's power, since he may want to rip your soul out as well even if you did let him have Xuv's soul.
>>
No. 763679 ID: 65a774
File 148096837123.png - (59.76KB , 686x526 , 74.png )
763679

>That's her original form! Is your desire to kill her also making her stronger? Healthier?
Is she getting healthier or is she just changing shape? …and is it her original form, even? Does she even have an original form anymore?
>Are those breasts?
Those are indeed some kind of mammaries… but they seem to lack actual nipples? Hmm?
>It's like Xuv is taking a form with Sakkilian and Vark aspects combined, plus some extra bits.
…and Serpent and… hiver? Human? She got the feathers and chest of a Varkian, the face, tail and hands of a Sakkilian, eyes and body of a serpent and arms of a hiver… she seem to be a hybrid of many more species than you even thought possible.
>all the things you tried to conjure with your mind were violent, offensive or defensive things, did you consider trying to summon up love... god of death and lust, summon up some love to fight her with.
She’s also the goddess of love… if she is to be believed, that is. Doesn’t really matter, though, as you’re having a hard time conjuring up anything at the moment.


>What would she care? She'd be dead!
:XuvSB: I want my last moments to be special! I don’t just want to throw everything away just because! I AM XUV! I DESERVE AN ENDING SO MAGNIFICANT THAT THE VERYS SKY WILL CRY!
>If you really want the old man to stay out of it, you'll have to go out on your own terms, before he gets to you.
:XuvSB: …will he even be able to get me? Soon, I’ll be powerful enough that he can’t do anything to me… I’ll be out of his reach once again… but… nothing is eternal, is it? He will only cease to hunt me when the very existence of everything ceases to be… so… I have to leave this world on my own terms if I don’t want to deal with him… yes…
>Why not? Death is a promise made to everyone- but you. Why should literally every mortal in history get it, and all the gods, but you stay left out?
:XuvSB: …*ah* y-yeah… why? Don’t I d-deserve everything too!? I deserve to die too! I… I… b-but… it’s so… so wrong… g-giving m-myself to a… a… a mortal!

>Deliciously wrong...
:XuvSB: …so… so wrong yet… so… r-r-right… oh gods…
>Say that it does feel wrong, doesn't it? So utterly, totally, tantalizingly wrong. So deliciously forbidden. A act of ultimate perversion.
:XuvSB: I… I…but… I c-can’t… but… it w-would… I r-really… want… this… I… need this… need… GAH!
>And it drives her wild with desire, yes? To be consumed, each fiber of her being slowly devoured, her soul eaten the very last. To feel herself slipping away into oblivion.
:XuvSB: GODS! I WANT TO FEEL IT! I’ve f-f-felt everything else! Felt everything! Bliss… despair… hate… love… everything but… t-to end… *ah* gods… I want t-to… *ah* …end…
>She craves feeling this, this which she has brought to so, so many others, yes?
:XuvSB: I’ve… I’ve eaten s-s-so m-many… y-yet I’ve… n-never… I… I must know… t-they cry out in total bliss… in f-fear… in hate… sometimes, in all three! GODS! I WANT TO FEEL ALL THREE AGAIN! I WANT… I NEED… I… I… I need to die! I want to… but… GAH! …I… Xuv… god of gods… b-becoming n-nothing but… a… a… p-pile of mortal… p-p-poop? OH GODS! *AH!*

>Let me be the one to fulfill your darkest desire.
:XuvSB: … … ...only if I get to fulfill yours too… one last time, I want to feed on desires… I want to feel your fear… hate… and lust as I’m drowned in my own hate, fear and lust… as I… I… end… *ah*…
:KronosSB: …please don’t bring my sister into this again…
:XuvSB: Oh, no, nothing like that, no… but there is something else… something… new…
:KronosSB: …why do I have a feeling I won’t like this?
:XuvSB: Do you remember how you felt when you first saw it? When you first heard of it? You still remember, don’t you? You can’t get it out of your mind, can you?
:KronosSB: …what, exactly, are you talking about?
:XuvSB: Don’t lie to me, Prince, you know full well. When you saw your dear wife consume that melon… you felt it, didn’t you? You want to know how it feels, don’t you?
:KronosSB: Wha- No! I don’t want to be-
:XuvSB: How it feels to consume someone else… to end their life as nothing but food for you! You want to know how it feels to eat someone!
:KronosSB: …I… err… what? No, I do-
:XuvSB: Just admit it already! A-and… and t-then… j-j-j… just grab my tail and EAT ME ALREADY! EAT ME BEFORE I CHANGE MY MIND, DAMMIT!
:KronosSB: Err…
:XuvSB: I WANT TO BE YOUR FOOD!
>>
No. 763680 ID: 65a774
File 148096842364.png - (21.04KB , 686x526 , 75.png )
763680

Hesitantly, you nibble a bit on the end of her tail, but you quickly regret your decision as Xuv herself start forcing her own tail down your throat.

:KronosSB: W-wa*gargle*choke* GAH *strangling sounds!*
:XuvSB: YES! CONSUME ME! EAT ME! END ME!!!

Your beak is quickly being forced open to its breaking point… and beyond? Xuv is forcing what is quite clearly something that is far bigger than either your mouth or throat, yet you are able to take it with “ease”, all the while Xuv herself is trashing around screaming in orgasmic bliss over and over again… until she goes limp, seemingly out of pure pleasure, her only moments is her twitching as each new orgasm washes over her…
>>
No. 763681 ID: 65a774
File 148096843409.png - (39.76KB , 686x526 , 76.png )
763681



…did that just happen…?

[The mind of Xuv has been defeated!]
[The mind of Xuv was consumed!]

…at least you’re awake again and back in your…
>>
No. 763683 ID: 65a774
File 148096844508.png - (24.18KB , 686x526 , 77.png )
763683

…this isn’t your bedroom. It looks like it would be part of the palace but… you can’t recognize exactly where you are right now. It’s a well-furnished bed room, so it’s not in any of the servant quarters… yet, it’s not- wait, where’s the door? …or windows? There’s no way to get in and out of this room, is there? Dammit, you’re still dreaming, aren’t you?
>>
No. 763685 ID: 398fe1

>>763683
Check the cabinet and the desk, and that cool looking lamp.

Staunchly refuse to look in the mirror.
>>
No. 763693 ID: 400446

Try pinching yourself or something. Do you recognize whats in the mirror? What about the painting? Look at the books on the desk, maybe crack 'em open. Look inside the closet, check all the drawers.
>>
No. 763697 ID: a8aa74

If the mind of Xuv has been consumed maybe these are memories from her head? Would a god really need a door to get in or out of a room? Take a look at the picture of the beaked figures and that red thing on the desk.
>>
No. 763706 ID: 398fe1

I'd like to specifically point out the book, too.
>>
No. 763732 ID: b412df

Is that a symbol of one of the deities above the candle?
>>
No. 763735 ID: 094652

An escape-the-room puzzle! This will be fun.

I don't think you actually killed Xuv. Even a weakened/corrupted goddess would have crystal backups and clone bodies to fall back on. But you still managed to eat a piece of her mind and haven't exploded so kudos.
>>
No. 763855 ID: c066bb

>>763735
Yeah, it says you only ate her mind, so there might be god pieces left, as nonsensical as that sounds. And, in spite of the intense feeling of personal violation you're probably feeling after having an oversized Muppet shoved down your throat tail-first, that was the least-bad way that could have gone.
>>
No. 763862 ID: 398fe1

>>763855
At the very least she won't pester Kronos anymore and threaten to eat his friends. The other nightmare entity down there is worrying but if it was an extension of her power things haven't gotten worse.
>>
No. 763866 ID: 91ee5f

So, how do you feel? Does your stomach somehow feel full, even though it was in your head?
>>
No. 763885 ID: 55ad9c

Yes, you are most likely still dreaming, but right now, after that terrible ordeal, you don't give a damn it's a dream because it's nice and calm here. You're going to take a minute to lay in this dream bed and feel utter relief that Xuv is dead. That she will no longer be a threat to you, Briannah, your family, your friends, Risavia or the entire rest of the world. ...And then remember what you had to do to end her and feel horribly disgusted and violated and dirty; Like you need to bathe in bleach and scrub all your feathers off. You wish you could have ended her some other way, any other way, but you know that all in all the price you paid to kill Xuv was a absolute bargain, even if you're going to have to cope with the nasty memories for you don't know how long. ...You don't even know if you'll be able to stand Bri waving her tail in your face without being reminded of what Xuv did to you.

You seriously wonder if Xuv's claim you have a deep, dark desire to eat another person was real or just her desire for you to have that desire as part of her desire warping her perception. How could it be for real if you hadn't even thought of it before Xuv told you you have that desire? How could it be for real if you feel revulsion at the idea of consuming another, especially after Xuv forced herself down your throat? Perhaps it's because for Xuv, any strong emotion in you would be ecstatic for her to feel. That strong revulsion at the act of eating her was to her the same as if you lusted for it. ...But it could be that you do desire this, very deep down. How did it feel as you were swallowing Xuv? Did you feel anything you enjoyed at all while doing it? And do you remember what happened at the end, and right before you woke up here?

Still, you can't deny that you felt aroused when you saw Bri swallowing that watermelon. But was it because you have some vore desire buried in your psyche, or was it something else about that act that turned you on? It did make her stomach round out, so maybe you enjoy her overeating? ...Or maybe you were turned on because it looked like she was pregnant? You could have a kink for pregnancy, at least with Bri if not in general. You did rather easily throw caution to the wind last morning to try and conceive a child with her, getting caught up in her desire to be a mother. And you did have that passing thought of a giant breeding orgy, though that may have just been from the fertility potion's influence on you. But it could be something else entirely about Bri swallowing that melon that turned you on.

Alright, time to get up and figure out what's going on here. Give yourself a look and feel over for anything different or odd. Do you feel different mentally, physically or spiritually? Eye that mirror with suspicion before checking yourself out in it, all the while fully expecting the reflection will be something shocking because that's how these things go. And since this is presumably a continuation of the dream before, you wonder why you aren't horribly bloated up from consuming Xuv. Did her form vanish as soon as she died?

Looking around, you doubt this exit-less room was made from Xuv's memories. Even the ones from her ancient pre-god mortal days wouldn't look anything like this. This room looks like it was based on your memories. It might have been made by your subconscious to hold you when Xuv ceased to be and the dream linked to her vanished. Or it could be something else entirely. Anyway, get to searching the place. Open the wardrobe and look over its contents. Look at what's on the table and in that book on it. Look at the painting and determine if you recognize its subjects. Look at anything and everything else in the room, including in any other furniture, under the bed and also the rug. Also see what was to your right as you were laying in bed. There was something angular next to the pillows, and something that didn't look like a blanket below it.

Now that Xuv is gone, you might be able to alter your dream form, either because you absorbed some of her powers or because she isn't stopping you any more. See if you can will your missing eye back. Then see if you can will any changes in here. Try creating a pencil on the desk to test if you can make items. You might be able to bring Briannah in here as well too, assuming she managed to get back to sleep. Though, you don't think you should until you have a reason to. Oh, and can you still sense the Old Man lurking about?

You might be able to wake up now, though you should hold off trying until you're completely done here, since if you do you may not be able to get back. ...And you now wonder what would happen if you went to sleep in this dream. Would you find yourself in another layer of dreaming, or would you not dream at all? Or maybe you'd wake up in the waking world if you sleep here. Who knows.
>>
No. 763889 ID: ba506f

who are those birds in the painting? also read book on desk. Those should give us some clues.
>>
No. 764131 ID: 6612fa

>>763683
look out the window, if it looks like you are staring outside of a person's eyes
don't worry you are just trapped in your own soul... or someones else's

window to the soul and all that jazz
>>
No. 764134 ID: 91ee5f

>>764131
There are no windows.
>>
No. 764141 ID: 6612fa

>>764131
that thing on the left
window
>>
No. 764145 ID: 595d54

>>764141
I think that's a full-length mirror.
>>
No. 764150 ID: 91ee5f

>>764141
No, it's not. It's a mirror. Kronos literally said, "wait, where’s the door? …or windows?" meaning there are no doors or windows in the room.
>>
No. 764243 ID: 65a774
File 148114078053.png - (48.28KB , 686x526 , 78.png )
764243

>You're going to take a minute to lie in this dream bed and feel utter relief that Xuv is dead.
…yeah… Xuv is gone… you deserve some rest… if just for a moment…
>I don't think you actually killed Xuv.
…it did feel too easy, didn’t it?
>Yeah, it says you only ate her mind, so there might be god pieces left, as nonsensical as that sounds.
…then there might still be dangers out there… even worse things than the Xuv you encountered.
>At the very least she won't pester Kronos anymore and threaten to eat his friends.
At least they are safe… you’re safe now… she is gone…
>But you still managed to eat a piece of her mind and haven't exploded so kudos.
You’re not sure you could feel relieved that you didn’t, or terrified that it might happen at any moment.
>If the mind of Xuv has been consumed maybe these are memories from her head?
You have a feeling that a god would live somewhere a bit more lavish than this.

>...And then remember what you had to do to end her and feel horribly disgusted and violated and dirty.
…you just feel tired, actually…
>How did it feel as you were swallowing Xuv? Did you feel anything you enjoyed at all while doing it? And do you remember what happened at the end, and right before you woke up here?
Your memory of the ordeal is nothing but a mad mix of emotions and sights. You do remember feeling a great delight when it was finally over… but you’re not sure if it was because you finally killed the bitch or if it was just because you suddenly didn’t have a huge snake crawling down your throat.
>Still, you can't deny that you felt aroused when you saw Bri swallowing that watermelon.
Ugh… you don’t want to think about that…
>It did make her stomach round out, so maybe you enjoy her overeating? ...Or maybe you were turned on because it looked like she was pregnant?
Or maybe we could drop this… at least for now. You’re too tired to try to find what weird kinks are hiding in the dark parts of your mind.
>So, how do you feel? Does your stomach somehow feel full, even though it was in your head?
…it feels like you had a huge meal and just overate… ugh…
>you wonder why you aren't horribly bloated up from consuming Xuv. Did her form vanish as soon as she died?
Her form seemed to disappear as soon as a part of it entered your... um… which is lucky, seeing as she was… what, three times your size? You would have exploded even before you got halfway otherwise.

>Try pinching yourself or something.
Ow… nope…
>Give yourself a look and feel over for anything different or odd. Do you feel different mentally, physically or spiritually?
…you feel very full, does that count?
>Staunchly refuse to look in the mirror.
You never did like looking at those things anyway… and yet you manage to catch a glace of that smug grin of yours. Ugh… why don’t you like looking at yourself?
>That’s because you’re pathetic…
H-hey! That’s uncalled for you… you… err… me?
>Great speech check by the way you imbecile, are you really Kronos or did you change places with someone else?
Yeah, of course you were kidnapped and replaced by the mirror people when no one was looking… or something…

>Now that Xuv is gone, you might be able to alter your dream form, either because you absorbed some of her powers or because she isn't stopping you anymore. See if you can will your missing eye back.
Nnnggg… gah! Dammit, it’s still gone! It doesn’t seem like… err… wait, you’re not naked anymore? It seems that you subconsciously got yourself dressed from… clothes that you didn’t have?
>Then see if you can will any changes in here. Try creating a pencil on the desk to test if you can make items.
…nope… it doesn’t seem that you can create anything from thin air… at least, not when you think about it. You’re still not sure how you got these clothes…
>Oh, and can you still sense the Old Man lurking about?
…no, you don’t think so…

>who are those birds in the painting?
Old philosophers and scholars of ages pass… hey, you think you know this painting… your brother used to have… it… in his room… your brother Krotos… err…
>Look inside the closet, check all the drawers.
…there are clothes and more clothes… the clothes Krotos used to wear… why do you have a bad feeling about this?
>Look at anything and everything else in the room, including in any other furniture, under the bed and also the rug.
Whoever clean this space have made a lousy job of it…
>Is that a symbol of one of the deities above the candle?
That’s one of the runes of fire, used to power lights and the like.
>I'd like to specifically point out the book, too.
…The journal of Krotos Mediean the fourth, do not touch…

“Once again I’ve outdone myself. My skill of diplomacy has impressed father once again, undoubtedly, and I’ve solved this crisis within a crisis on my lonesome… again. It can’t be long now before that old fart can’t bear the weight of that crown any longer. Then, I will be crowned as the rightful King of this kingdom. The voices in my head have made me certain of that. They have guided me so far… they will not let me down now… no, not when I’m so close to the crown. Soon… I will rule…”
>>
No. 764244 ID: 65a774
File 148114079331.png - (31.66KB , 686x526 , 79.png )
764244

>Also see what was to your right as you were lying in bed.
Huh, you didn’t notice it until now but… there is someone lying in the bed… wait, is that-

:KronosSB: Chronicler?
:DreamerSB: My apologies, dreamwalker, but you seem to have mistaken me for my sibling.
:KronosSB: Then you are…?
:DreamerSB: Who am I? Ah, a tricky question. Who is anyone? Am I but a dream conjured by a twisted mind… or do I simply dream of the twisted labyrinth of a mind? Are you truly a prince or are you simply the main character in a badly written smut quest posted on tg-
:KronosSB: Can you skip the vagueness and just tell me your name?
:DreamerSB: I am the things that will be… but I never was… and I will never be… but, for you, I am but a dreamer and you can call me just that.
:KronosSB: Dreamer… so, if Chronicler is the past, you’re the future? It did keep mentioning a sibling dreaming up the future.
:DreamerSB: I do dream of every path you can take, that is correct. I dream of every possible future… and every possible future might have been.
:KronosSB: …wait, does this mean fate actually exist? That everything I do is predetermined by your dreams?
:DreamerSB: …a deep question, if difficult to find an answer too. Do you do what I dream… or do I dream of the things you will do? A better question would be to my other sibling, the one that chooses what will happen. Does he choose the path for you… or does your action make him choose the path you take? Who is truly free and who is the prisoner? Is anyone free? Or all we all free?
:KronosSB: …you know, I’m starting to regret ever talking to you guys…
>>
No. 764246 ID: 398fe1

>>764244
Alright. Question. Is it possible to prevent a new armageddon while also preventing the gradual withering of the world?
>>
No. 764266 ID: e0c09e

>>764244
is that a mask or is his head a sort of stone tablet thing?
either way it's kinda cute that he lases around dreaming of what will be.
Isn't this room in the past though? Your brother no longer much needing clothes or mirrors or lamps or anything much.
>>
No. 764298 ID: c1ba17

>>764244
... but can you fuck the corporal manifestation of future possibilities?
>>
No. 764342 ID: da1652

>>764244
For your own sake, cling to any sense of agency that you have left. You ate a god so it wouldn't eat you and yours. If there were any prophecies about it, you very likely would have lived a very different life, you know.
>>
No. 764346 ID: 6612fa

>>764244
... so if i eat you... do i get control over my future rather than getting led around like a dog on a collar like i have been for the past several weeks.
>>
No. 764349 ID: 595d54

>>764346
Let's not give Kaktus more reason to include vore or phrases like "accept your fate as a cute pile of poop" in the quest.
>>
No. 764357 ID: 6612fa

>>764349
hey he is being flippant, us being macob and threatening but in an uninteresting manner might make him open up more.
>>
No. 764430 ID: 158c28

>You have a feeling that a god would live somewhere a bit more lavish than this.
You're thinking like a mortal. A god could conjure up any physical objects it might need- of which there are probably few- and wouldn't need to keep it beyond the moment of its use. Plus, if conspicuous consumption is no longer needed to show power, why not live somewhere comfortable and familiar?
>Ugh… why don’t you like looking at yourself?
Are you sure it's yourself? In addition to the usual fuckery, you are in a dream.
>Yeah, of course you were kidnapped and replaced by the mirror people when no one was looking… or something…
It's your brother, or what's left of him. He was alive when he entered the catacombs, so I'm guessing through either using the eternity rune or Xuv's magic, he's still around in some form.
> It seems that you subconsciously got yourself dressed from… clothes that you didn’t have?
Check to see if you have binocular vision again.
>Who am I? Ah, a tricky question.
Well I know you're not Socrates, so knock it off with the obtuse questions. I've put up with too many actual obstinate lunatics to deal with somebody who acts like a clueless nonce just so he can look deep. You've been around too long to not have a coherent answer to 'who are you'.

Now, can you show me some futures? Why am I in Krotos' room? Why are you in Krotos' room? Yes I know this is a dreamworld facsimile and not actually Krotos' room, just answer the question. What happened to Xuv?

If he keeps giving you the runaround, just ignore him and keep looking through the stuff that's here.
>>
No. 764436 ID: 91ee5f

>>764349
>>764357
He's already done vore before in Rust, one of his previous pixel quests. Which is why I'm still baffled that everyone freaked out when vore happened here, but no one cared when it happened in Rust.
>>
No. 764438 ID: 595d54

>>764436
I didn't read Rust
>>
No. 764443 ID: 91ee5f

>>764243
>Or maybe we could drop this… at least for now. You’re too tired to try to find what weird kinks are hiding in the dark parts of your mind.
Too late! That door has already been thrusted open! Pelvic thrusted open, to be precise!

>Nnnggg… gah! Dammit, it’s still gone!
Did you try removing your eyepatch when you tried to will your eye back? Because if you didn't and you did actually manage to will your eye back, but still think it's missing, then that might explain why you still think your eye is still missing. Try taking off your eyepatch.
>>
No. 764447 ID: 55ad9c

>>764436
I wrote my reply in the questdis so if this topic of discussion is continued it won't clog up the quest thread: >>/questdis/106287
>>
No. 764452 ID: 398fe1

>>764430
>What happened to Xuv?
Better to phrase this as a question about a possible future.

Like, does Xuv ever cause you problems in the future, now that you've eaten her mind? What about the Nightmare? If the latter is still a problem, did eating Xuv make the Nightmare less of a threat in the future, or more? Also, will Belseth become a god? Will he be a good one?
>>
No. 764742 ID: 65a774
File 148130878237.png - (30.36KB , 686x526 , 80.png )
764742

>Is that a mask or is his head a sort of stone tablet thing?
Its head seems to be some kind of metal mask covering… a lot of nothing?
>For your own sake, cling to any sense of agency that you have left.
Right, you make your own decisions. It’s not like there is a bunch of people suggesting your every action or some such, is there?
>You're thinking like a mortal. A god could conjure up any physical objects it might need- of which there are probably few- and wouldn't need to keep it beyond the moment of its use.
A god would also live in an infinite huge temple made out of pure gold and jewels, not in a small room with barely any furniture.

>Did you try removing your eyepatch when you tried to will your eye back?
Of course! You’re not that stupid!
>Yes you are, moron.
Hush you…
>Are you sure it's yourself? In addition to the usual fuckery, you are in a dream.
You’re pretty sure it was you in the mirror… at least, someone that looked like you. You rather not look again just in case…
>Too late! That door has already been thrusted open! Pelvic thrusted open, to be precise!
Then you just have to close it again, because you’re just going to ignore anything that comes out of that door!
>...but can you fuck the corporal manifestation of future possibilities?
…you’re not sure it has anything to really… do it with? It’s a flying robe with a metal mask?
>... so if I eat you...
:DreamerSB: How do you eat a concept that only exist tomorrow? Also, are you a god right now?
:KronosSB: I didn’t even say anything!
:DreamerSB: Not on this path, no, but I dreamed that you did in another.


>Well I know you're not Socrates, so knock it off with the obtuse questions.
:DreamerSB: If you want to have a more clear answer, then very well. I am the future, or at least the concept you have of it. I was given this physical form because you mortal believed that I would have one, thus I am who am I. As long as there is time that is passing, I will exist, even if there aren’t any mortals to give me this form. Just as my siblings are the past and present, and the old man is existence, I am what will come, the future.
>Do I get control over my future rather than getting led around like a dog on a collar like I have been for the past several weeks.
:DreamerSB: You’ve always been free to do as you like, dreamwalker, but you do have to consider the consequences of your actions. Sometimes, it’s better to walk the line and not stand out… while other times… well, as an interesting person once put it: “FUCK FATE!”. If you don’t want to be led around in a collar, simply smash it, no?
>Alright. Question. Is it possible to prevent a new Armageddon while also preventing the gradual withering of the world?
:DreamerSB: All things that has begun must end, that is how it will always be. Even time will end one day. But for Armageddon and gradual withering? Well, seeing as there aren’t any Armageddon’s coming up, I mean sure there might be a lot of death and countries going up in smoke but no world ending things, it would be quite simple for you to prevent it, no? And why do you think the world withers? Last time I checked it’s getting stronger, isn’t it? As for preventing the same mistake as the past did… well… you’re a few hundred years too early for that, I’m afraid. But yes, it’s possible to prevent a lot of bad things coming up without to many dire consequences, but only if you choose the right path to walk down… your path.

>Now, can you show me some futures?
:DreamerSB: No. And be glad that you can’t if you value your freedom.
>Why am I in Krotos' room?
:DreamerSB: While it might look like your brothers room, this is simply a dream. You’re in what you call the catacombs… or the dream it has, at least.
:KronosSB: …wait, places can dream?
:DreamerSB: If it is as alive and filled with life energy as the catacombs, indeed it can. Or… well, it’s not the catacombs per say that are dreaming, but the things that inhabit it, so to speak.
>Isn't this room in the past though?
:DreamerSB: Indeed, it’s but a memory of his past… a part of him that was left here.
>Why are you in Krotos' room?
:DreamerSB: Because I dreamt I was here, thus I am here. There is but one path for me to thread, as I’ve already seen its beginning and end. While you choose your path, I simply obey mine, as I’ve seen all I can do… and therefore I can do nothing.
>What happened to Xuv?
:DreamerSB: You consumed her, did you not? At least, the part that you refer to as Xuv, at least… it is gone… dead, for a better word. You have successfully killed the mad memories of a pretend god.
:KronosSB: …the part I refer to as Xuv? So, let me guess, there’s more parts of her than her mind out there?
:DreamerSB: Indeed. One you’ve already met… the other… well, the other is of no real interest. It has already played its part long ago.
>Does Xuv ever cause you problems in the future, now that you've eaten her mind?
:DreamerSB: The part you ate? No, it will not. The one you called Xuv is gone, as with her mind the very memories that defied who she was you consumed and unmade. What’s left of her is simply relics of her powers now… though they are even more dangerous in the end.
>What about the Nightmare?
:DreamerSB: Ah, yes, the thing that exist because such a small coincidence. If things would have gone differently just for a few seconds, it might not even have ever been. It is indeed a danger to you and those that you care for… probably a bigger danger than Xuv ever was.
>It's your brother, or what's left of him. He was alive when he entered the catacombs, so I'm guessing through either using the eternity rune or Xuv's magic, he's still around in some form.
:DreamerSB: …indeed, Krotos is still down there. On the brink of death, he stumbled onto something that… changed him.
:KronosSB: …he stumbled onto what, exactly?
:DreamerSB: Why, Xuv, of course… or her soul to be more precise. Her powers.
:KronosSB: Her soul!? But didn’t I-
:DreamerSB: What you consumed was the souls possessing her body, the souls inhabiting her undead, rotting brain and thus what memories she had left. What Krotos found was her soul, the thing that had once inhabited the shell you ate. Do you really think Xuv was spared the fate that had befallen the other gods? She, just like them, died that day… the only difference was that she was stuck in a place designed to keep souls trapped and the others were not.
>If the latter is still a problem, did eating Xuv make the Nightmare less of a threat in the future, or more?
:DreamerSB: Parts of it will be peeved that you found her first… after all, it wanted to consume its powers just as you have done. You did remove a valuable tool for it to use… but in the same action, put yourself into more danger from its greed for power.
>Also, will Belseth become a god? Will he be a good one?
:DreamerSB: I’ve dreamt of many path where he is indeed a benevolent god, making the world enter a new golden age. But, as with all things, if they begin they also end. Not even the smartest of men can juggle so much to do… and Belseth is not one to ask for help, is he? Why would a god ask for help, hmm?

>How do I get out of here?
:DreamerSB: Ah, there is but two ways. If you want to leave the catacombs, simply consider the following question. Are you dreaming right now? Or is the other world just a dream you had while sleeping here?
:KronosSB: …so if I go to sleep here, I’ll wake up in the real world? Right…
:DreamerSB: But if you want to go deeper and help those close to you, you first have to conquer yourself.
:KronosSB: … … …I’m going to guess that has something to do with the mirror, doesn’t it?
:DreamerSB: There is a possibility, yes… Now, is there anything else or can I go back to sleep again?
>>
No. 764753 ID: c1ba17

>>764742
>floating robe with a metal mask
>floating robe

Fap with the robe. There has never been a better time for you to be able to say "I fucked with the future" and know for a fact you did.

On a more serious note, it seems the manifestations of aspects take the form of the general mortal interpretation. Explains the statue of history and it's manifestation. Doesn't explain life though.

Still, the future is reliant on the past and present, we can ask about the clergy and their motives. It's possible they're ascending belseth as a power play, in which case interpretations of their future may help with deducing their present
>>
No. 764758 ID: 19d1ee

>But if you want to go deeper and help those close to you, you first have to conquer yourself.
We Revolver Nao. The greatest con that he ever pulled was making you believe that he is you.
Now, is there anything else or can I go back to sleep again?
What happens if I loose? Can I return here another time? What did consuming Xuv net me? You said it was a tool, how can I use it? Were the souls I ate in the soul cradle, thereby raining on the archbishop's parade?

So, we consumed an amalgamation of souls that thought they were Xuv? This is all so very confusing. So that means there's another amalgamation of souls, of which your brother and Xuv's actual soul are part, somewhere in the catacombs?

Well, I'm guessing it's time to man up and conquer yourself. Hopefully that isn't a euphemism Bri would use. Anyway, tuck dreamer into bed and face the mirror. At a reasonable distance, of course.
>>
No. 764762 ID: b412df

Well then, lets look in the damn mirror and see what horrors we have to face next.
>>
No. 764768 ID: c05359

Well, guess you don't have a choice but face yourself. Gotta be all self-actualized and shit if you want to stop the church's plans not to mention face off against that nightmare thing. One quick question though, Life isn't going to be pissed at you for devouring Xuv's mind is he? Wait, didn't Life tell us himself that he didn't get Xuv? Although perhaps he meant he didn't collect the souls which Kronos has just eaten.
>>
No. 764769 ID: 91ee5f

>Ah, yes, the thing that exist because such a small coincidence. If things would have gone differently just for a few seconds, it might not even have ever been. It is indeed a danger to you and those that you care for… probably a bigger danger than Xuv ever was.
>…indeed, Krotos is still down there. On the brink of death, he stumbled onto something that… changed him.
So, what you're saying is the Nightmare never would've existed if Krotos had died a few seconds sooner, right? Because that's what it sounds like you're telling me.

>But if you want to go deeper and help those close to you, you first have to conquer yourself.
>… … …I’m going to guess that has something to do with the mirror, doesn’t it?
Well, I do want to help everyone that's close to me. So, I guess I'll just have to conquer myself.

>Now, is there anything else or can I go back to sleep again?
What about the child Bri and I wanted to have together? Xuv said she would allow us to have one, even though we're different species. Now that Xuv is dead, is it still possible for Bri and I to have a child together or is it too late?
>>
No. 764790 ID: 398fe1

Face the mirror, act like you're gonna fight your clone in fair combat then just pull out your gun and shoot him.
>>
No. 764793 ID: 19d1ee

>>764790
I don't think Kronos can pull a bluff on himself. Or that he has a gun right now.
>>
No. 764836 ID: 398fe1

>>764793
>Or that he has a gun right now.
It's a dream, I'm sure he can just assume he has it and it will be there. He had his gun when he was awake, after all.
>>
No. 764856 ID: 6612fa

>>764742
the so if i eat you response was fantastic thank you for the laugh.
>>
No. 764857 ID: ba506f

tell them they look adorable all wrapped up like that and go stare into the mirror.
>>
No. 764898 ID: 5a14ec

>>764836
I think he was buck naked sans his eye-patch when he went to sleep, and when Xuv tried to eat him. It was brought up in a previous thread that he should conceal some kind of blade in that exact article to prepare for that exact situation- by the way Kronos, I told you so- but it was dropped because reasons. So unless shit got really kinky last night and somebody Used kronos' gun to make love and not war, I doubt he'll have any more success willing things into existence than he already has.

Oh, and ask Dreamer what the lockdown was about.
>>
No. 764936 ID: 55ad9c

Ask where these intrusive thoughts that you're pretty sure aren't yours are coming from. You guess it's from your mirror self, given they first popped into your head after looking in the mirror here, but you're not sure. You also had a nasty bout of those intrusive thoughts earlier this evening from the Nightmare right before it chased you. So, is this smirking mirror version of you part of the Nightmare, part of you, or something else? Just what is standing in the mirror when you look in it?

And thinking of alien thoughts intruding in your mind, remember the entry in Krotos' journal about voices guiding him? Ask Dreamer just what those voices were and where they came from. Were they just from his own mind, or were they whispered to him from outside? If it's the latter, then who or what was whispering guidance to him? Was it from souls trapped in the Catacombs? Was it the ones that formed Xuv's mind or other ones? ...And if it was Catacomb souls, then was it them that lead him to Xuv's soul once he was thrown into the depths, or was it just sheer chance? ...And the bigger question if they were whispering to Krotos, who else have they been whispering to? Have they been whispering to you and you didn't realize it. And were they whispering to Karas as well, or was it instead the voice of the Nightmare that eventually possessed him. ...Which reminds you: Ask what caused those Sakkilian orphans in the Grand Temple that attacked Karas to turn so vicious, and what caused Karas' attitude to Sakkilians to turn so much harder than you'd expect. After all, he was going down there to investigate Temple mistreatment of Sakkilian orphans, so he cared for Sakkilians at least enough to face down the Temple for them.

And on that thought, ask who or what has been slipping visions of the Rune of Eternity into Belseth's dreams since he arrived here. It has to be a entity with knowledge of the previous age residing in the Catacomb/Soul Kiln, given the Old Man destroyed all record and mortal memory of the Rune outside. So was it the souls comprising the facsimile of Xuv's mind, the souls of the Nightmare, or another entity? And for that matter, who told the Archbishop where to find the corpses of the Five, and presumably also gave her directions through the Catacombs of the Godless to find the Soul Cradle and any other relics she found down there?

Oh, and also ask how and how come your clothes appeared on you, even though that wasn't what you were trying to will to happen.

>If it is as alive and filled with life energy as the catacombs, indeed it can. Or… well, it’s not the catacombs per say that are dreaming, but the things that inhabit it, so to speak.
So what would happen if the lid of the Catacombs/Soul Kiln was ripped off so the souls could return to the cycle of the River of Souls? A massive discharge of all that built up life energy which would annihilate the capital and a fairly large chunk of Risavia, right? So, is there a way to drain that energy off so it doesn't blow up when the top is popped off the Soul Kiln? And how pleased would the Old Man be if all these trapped souls are freed and the trap that's been slowly diverting souls from the cycle is broken open?

>As for preventing the same mistake as the past did… well… you’re a few hundred years too early for that, I’m afraid.
That soon? Given that something seems to be killing every mage that attempts to tap or study the River of Souls, you thought it'd be much longer, if ever, before the Rune of Eternity is rediscovered and mortals once again have the means and knowledge to ascend to divinity. By the way, who or what is it that's killing those that try to unlock the River of Souls' secrets? You suspect it's the Old Man being aggressively proactive in preventing a repeat of the Cataclysm of the last age, but you could be wrong.

>Why, Xuv, of course… or her soul to be more precise. Her powers.
Wait, wait, wait... Is Dreamer saying that Xuv's god-like powers were tied to her soul, not her body? Because if that's the case, then presumably the god-like power of the rest of the Five left with their souls as well. And that would mean the corpses of the Five don't hold the gods' power, so how could they be used in the Archbishop's plan? What power do the bodies of the Five have without the souls of the Five?

But if there is a great power tied to the corpses of those god-like, then doesn't that mean there's a bunch of god corpses left in the world that others could dig or dredge up? The Old Man mentioned there being 99 god-like beings in the world at the end of the last age, so up to 93 god's bodies are out there, just waiting to be discovered and potentially tip the balance of power in the world over.

>Do you really think Xuv was spared the fate that had befallen the other gods? She, just like them, died that day…
Actually, you don't quite know what fate befell Xuv and the rest of her god-like ilk. You tried to ask Chronicler, but it was cryptic, wrapping its reply in allegory and story, as usual. Perhaps Dreamer could tell you what actually happened to kill the gods of that age. You had a working theory that when their power reserves finally ran low enough, since the River of Souls had dried up and they could no longer replenish them, that they couldn't keep the Old Man at bay any longer, and he ripped their souls out for causing the Cataclysm that ended the age, and nearly the world. But then you remember that Xuv was somewhere hidden beyond the Old Man's view, so he couldn't have found her to do that. So something else had to have killed her. And they also all died on the same day? So it was some sudden world-wide event, wasn't it? So what was their final doom? ...Oh, and also ask what was the reason for Xuv's imprisonment in the depths of the Soul Kiln, anyway?

>Parts of it will be peeved that you found her first… after all, it wanted to consume its powers just as you have done.
But what powers are they? How will consuming these souls that were a incomplete copy of Xuv's mind and memory effect you? ...And also, will the Old Man get even more pissed at you for consuming souls?

>You did remove a valuable tool for it to use… but in the same action, put yourself into more danger from its greed for power.
But by "remove" did you destroy the tool or is it within you now? Is it you're in more danger because the Nightmare wants to get retribution for destroying the tool it coveted, or because it wants to gut your soul like a fish to extract the tool? ...Or eat your soul whole to get the tool?

>I’ve dreamt of many path where he is indeed a benevolent god, making the world enter a new golden age. But, as with all things, if they begin they also end.
How does the golden age wrought by godly Belseth usually end? How does Belseth not asking for help cause that?

>>764753
>Fap with the robe. There has never been a better time for you to be able to say "I fucked with the future" and know for a fact you did.
Dude, can we please dial back a bit on the suggestions to fuck things, even the ones that are joking, out of courtesy to Kronos. After that ordeal with Xuv, his libido has to be absolutely cratered right now and he doesn't want to think about anything even slightly sexual.

>On a more serious note, it seems the manifestations of aspects take the form of the general mortal interpretation. Explains the statue of history and it's manifestation. Doesn't explain life though.
Makes me wonder if mortals have also subconsciously made little totems of the Dreamer in the shape of certain innocuous items, similar to how the book preservation magic thingies the librarians use are shaped kinda like Chronicler. And also if mortals have unknowingly done the same for Old Man Life.

>>764758
>What happens if I loose? Can I return here another time?
I have a bad feeling that if Kronos loses to his mirror self, they'll swap places, with it waking up in Kronos' body and Kronos trapped in the mirror.

>>764769
>What about the child Bri and I wanted to have together? Xuv said she would allow us to have one, even though we're different species. Now that Xuv is dead, is it still possible for Bri and I to have a child together or is it too late?
What Chronicler said earlier implies that whatever Xuv did to Kronos to make him able to breed across species, at least with Briannah, would remain after her demise. The bigger question Kronos should ask is if the Nightmare or any other malevolent entity could slip into the place in the child Xuv planned to take, now that Xuv is gone. Oh, and also if what Xuv did made him able to conceive with more species than Sakkilians. ...And Varks, of course. And if his offspring with Bri will be a hybrid of Sakkilian and Vark, or be one or the other species. 'Cause a hybrid may be a whole new species and unable to conceive with Sakkilian or Vark, which'll end the royal lineage right there... Well, unless they engage in whole lot of close-kin incest, but that'd screw their genetics up something fierce within a few generations. ...Um, this line of thought kinda ran away, didn't it?

>>764790
>Face the mirror, act like you're gonna fight your clone in fair combat then just pull out your gun and shoot him.
Real bad idea, partly because Kronos' mirror self is going to have a mirror version of his gun, move just as fast as Kronos and aim in the same spot. They'd just end up shooting each other. That is, if Kronos' gun even works in here. But another reason for it being a bad idea is that "conquering himself" is likely meant to be some form of emotional or mental action of besting the worst parts of his psyche, which using violence for probably would end up making things worse.

>>764793
>Or that he has a gun right now.
His outfit appeared on him, and by now he's worn his guns and holsters so much under his jacket that they are probably part of his memory of his outfit, so they're probably there. Whether his guns work here is a whole other matter.
>>
No. 764937 ID: 55ad9c

Oh, and also ask what it meant by calling you a "dreamwalker." Does that mean you can slip from your dream into other's now? Could you move into the other dreams of those that dream within the Catacombs?
>>
No. 764940 ID: 9c3596

>>764742
end the conversation with a "Pleasant dreams."
it can't hurt.
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No. 765020 ID: d73f06

Does Kronos have to conquer himself or "conquer" himself if you know what I mean? *wink wink nudge nudge*
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No. 765108 ID: 65a774
File 148142208480.png - (48.89KB , 686x526 , 81.png )
765108

>Fap with the robe. There has never been a better time for you to be able to say "I fucked with the future" and know for a fact you did.
…what’s really terrifies you is that a part of you actually think this is a good idea. Is it thanks to Xuv or have you always been this big of a perv?
>Does Kronos have to conquer himself or "conquer" himself if you know what I mean? *wink wink nudge nudge*
Dammit! Stop it brain! Think with the big head, not the small one!
>Makes me wonder if mortals have also subconsciously made little totems of the Dreamer in the shape of certain innocuous items, similar to how the book preservation magic thingies the librarians use are shaped kinda like Chronicler.
Its face marking does resemble that symbol that dreamcatcher usually have… hmm…
>Face the mirror, act like you're gonna fight your clone in fair combat then just pull out your gun and shoot him.
…that’s either going to end with you shooting yourself or you destroying the mirror and barring the way forward.
>I don't think Kronos has a gun right now.
Apparently, a gun comes with the clothes…


>That soon? Given that something seems to be killing every mage that attempts to tap or study the River of Souls, you thought it'd be much longer, if ever.
:DreamerSB: A few hundred, a few thousands… details doesn’t matter… what does is that you’ll probably be long dead by that point.
>By the way, who or what is it that's killing those that try to unlock the River of Souls' secrets?
:DreamerSB: The old man does not take kindly to intruders… though, in a way, he does give them exactly what they want, doesn’t he? Just a bit too much of it… to fast.
>Ask Dreamer what the lockdown was about.
:DreamerSB: When you wake up, ask the sentinel who wards you. She will know by then.
>How come your clothes appeared on you, even though that wasn't what you were trying to will to happen.
:DreamerSB: Because that is how you see yourself. That is who you are.

>What happens if I lose?
:DreamerSB: With conquering yourself or in general? Well, if you fail completely the kingdom and those next to it will fall to ruin and destruction. If you fail to face yourself… well, what’s the worst you can do to yourself?
>Can I return here another time?
:DreamerSB: Do you dream?
>What did consuming Xuv net me?
:DreamerSB: More than you can fathom, though I cannot teach you how to utilize it. There’s no one left that can… hasn’t been for a long, long time. Right now, you are here, aren’t you? I’m sure if you explore a bit you’ll find out exactly what that entails. Let’s just say that you’ve gained quite the weapon to wield against a nightmare.
>Life isn't going to be pissed at you for devouring Xuv's mind is he?
:DreamerSB: You are mortal… well, will be when Xuv’s “blessing” is removed. All mortal ceases… thus the souls you consumed will return to the cycle, one day. Say what you will about the old man, he is patient when it comes to that.
>What about the child Bri and I wanted to have together? Now that Xuv is dead, is it still possible for Bri and I to have a child together or is it too late?
:DreamerSB: There might still be children laughing in your future, dreamwalker. Xuv’s blessings are still there, even if she is no longer with us.

>Wait, wait, wait... Is Dreamer saying that Xuv's god-like powers were tied to her soul, not her body?
:DreamerSB: Magic are souls… or souls are magic? Souls would be the wrong word… it’s more of a… life essence. The very same power that breathe life into everything is the one mages bend to create fire, thus Xuv’s soul would be where here power is, no?
>Because if that's the case, then presumably the god-like power of the rest of the Five left with their souls as well.
:DreamerSB: The corpses are mostly inert, indeed, but there is enough there… each body might contain… oh, a little less than one fifth? One sixth? Enough to ascend, for sure.
>But if there is a great power tied to the corpses of those god-like, then doesn't that mean there's a bunch of god corpses left in the world that others could dig or dredge up?
:DreamerSB: Most was ripped to shred as the world fell apart. You don’t need to concern yourself for those that might be left.
>Perhaps Dreamer could tell you what actually happened to kill the gods of that age.
:DreamerSB: Tell me, what would happen if all air suddenly disappeared for a year?
:KronosSB: …we would die horribly?
:DreamerSB: Indeed… now, take a being made out of magic… one that feeds on it completely… whose very existence is tied to it… and then remove all magic for a year.
:KronosSB: …they would die horribly.
:DreamerSB: Bodies needed it to function, food was grown with it, water created, vehicles powered… the very cities was held together with it. Suddenly, there weren’t any left… and the world fell apart, ending the age and those that ruled it. No one was spared… but one.
:KronosSB: …Xuv?
:DreamerSB: Xuv died with the rest… no, the old forgotten one is a story for another time… for another generation. All you need to know is magic ceased… and so did the self-proclaimed gods as well.
>...Oh, and also ask what was the reason for Xuv's imprisonment in the depths of the Soul Kiln, anyway?
:DreamerSB: Rage, jealousy and bitter rivalry. She and Illasia never could see eye to eye. Xuv did get the last laugh, though, as those left of the seven blamed Illasia for the coming storm… and managed to punish her seconds before their demise.

>So, what you're saying is the Nightmare never would've existed if Krotos had died a few seconds sooner, right?
:DreamerSB: Or if he had taken a left instead of a right… or your sister didn’t drop that pen… or if you had just taken a few more seconds to say goodbye to your father. So many pieces… yet it all came together. To think, such small change would be needed... to make Xuv and the nightmare threat never to accrue. Indeed, what if for but a nail, eh? Ah, the bitter taste of hindsight, eh?
>So what would happen if the lid of the Catacombs/Soul Kiln was ripped off so the souls could return to the cycle of the River of Souls?
:DreamerSB: …BOOM! No more capital.
>So, is there a way to drain that energy off so it doesn't blow up when the top is popped off the Soul Kiln?
:DreamerSB: It’s already broken, already draining. Give it time… and don’t feed it with more needless wars.
>And how pleased would the Old Man be if all these trapped souls are freed and the trap that's been slowly diverting souls from the cycle is broken open?
:DreamerSB: It’s already broken… and it’s already finite. He doesn’t care how long it will take, as long as the souls return.

>Ask where these intrusive thoughts that you're pretty sure aren't yours are coming from.
:DreamerSB: Are you sure they aren’t yours? Sometimes, you’ll be surprised who you are in the dark.
>So, is this smirking mirror version of you part of the Nightmare, part of you, or something else?
:DreamerSB: Ah, my apologies, as I can’t help you face yourself. If I did, you would never be able to emerge victorious.
>Ask Dreamer just what those voices in Krotos head were and where they came from.
:DreamerSB: Your family is known for their mental illnesses, aren’t they? Now, ask yourself, where do the voices you hear come from?
>Ask what caused those Sakkilian orphans in the Grand Temple that attacked Karas to turn so vicious, and what caused Karas' attitude to Sakkilians to turn so much harder than you'd expect.
:DreamerSB: Rage, paranoia and fear does that to the mind… coupled with endless nightmares, things will always look rather bleak and desperate, no?
>Ask who or what has been slipping visions of the Rune of Eternity into Belseth's dreams since he arrived here.
:DreamerSB: Why, no one but his own eyes.
>Who told the Archbishop where to find the corpses of the Five, and presumably also gave her directions through the Catacombs of the Godless to find the Soul Cradle and any other relics she found down there?
:DreamerSB: She saw it in a dream… or was it a nightmare?

>We can ask about the clergy and their motives. It's possible they're ascending belseth as a power play?
:DreamerSB: While their motives are not unified, none of them do it for self-gain or selfish reasons. They truly believe he might save you all.
>Were the souls I ate in the soul cradle, thereby raining on the archbishop's parade?
:DreamerSB: No, they were not.
>How does the golden age wrought by godly Belseth usually end? How does Belseth not asking for help cause that?
:DreamerSB: He already have a hard time asking for help… and he usually think himself the best for the job, no matter what it is. But, even as a god, he can’t do everything… and immortality is in the end but a word. Everyone has something which it has no defense against, be it steel, time, disease… regret… not even a god can save everyone… or can they? To really make things a better future it would require something that Belseth cannot do…
:KronosSB: …which is?
:DreamerSB: Sacrifice. Not only yourself, but others as well… in the end, not everyone will get a happy ending…
>Tell them they look adorable all wrapped up like that.
:DreamerSB: …you know, I can honestly admit, I did not expect to be called adorable when I woke up at the start of this existence.
>End the conversation with a "Pleasant dreams."
:DreamerSB: I which I could say the same. Now… let me just… rest my… … …eyes… zzzzz…

…and like that, it is gone…


>Well, I'm guessing it's time to man up and conquer yourself.
…right… there’s nothing to fear, is there? It’s just… you… it’s just… disappointment…
>Just what is standing in the mirror when you look in it?
…a failure.

…the only thing looking back is the constant failure that is you. Thinking back, do you even realize how much pain, how much suffering you’ve caused? “I was only trying to help”… oh, what a hero you are… there’s a reason no one trust you with anything. You just mess everything up, don’t you?

…you’re just a failure…


…have you ever succeeded in doing anything right?
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No. 765112 ID: c05359

You haven't screwed up your marriage. Kronos, look around you. Is there anyone you know that doesn't have something the regret or are ashamed of? Something they screwed up and wish they could change or atone for. Don't let yourself feed on your own self-doubt.
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No. 765114 ID: 973861

>…have you ever succeeded in doing anything right?
you succeeded in winning the hearts off all those around you. Despite your siblings fighting for the throne they have always gone out of there way to try and make sure you we spared in their scheming. You managed to win the respect of Bre who saw your brother as an equal at least. Hell you may not have build kingdoms or lead armies but you managed to build lasting relationships with many people and are currently helping two war torn nations from going at each other throats and stand together against two other war hungry nations. Sure you might have fucked up here an their but no one is perfect and everyone make mistakes all the time. The trick is to learn form them and grow. And unlike your siblings you've grown into a fine Vark. Even without all of their so called achievements.
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No. 765127 ID: 9c3596

>>765108
You don't need this doubt, you've helped a lot!
So what if there are people who don't think they can trust you with some stuff? that same mindset lets them to be unguarded with you, open up to you.
You contribute so many little things that keep everyone around you going: being there for your sister and reminding her she doesn't need to isolate herself with her work; keeping your father from falling to despair and pushing him to enjoy life in a healthier way; helping Briannah find her father's remains and showing her some honest love after the concept had been a bit poisoned to her, getting Belseth to question the church and himself (an impressive feat) not to mention the countless other people you improve the life of by being there.

You're really good for the wellbeing of those around you, and that's only part of the list. So what if you're not widely considered by people looking at the bigger picture? you're a hero in the fine detail.

You're also keeping two major nations allied and just defeated the animate identity of an undead god so you've got that going for big important stuff too. You're doing fine.
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No. 765137 ID: 6612fa

>>765108
so if we are a failure and fail at everything we do... why not fail at failing. lets just do the thing that seems stupidest most likely thing to fail at any given time and its bound to succeed
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No. 765150 ID: 5a14ec

>Apparently, a gun comes with the clothes…
I stand corrected, apparently it's just proper accessorizing.

You haven't caused suffering. What happened to those assassins weren't your fault, neither was Qelba, nor anybody else. Suffering's a part of this world as much as anything else is- like Dreamer said, it's petty causality. The fact that you're even remotely concerned for those who would do you grievous wrong is a point in your favor.

>…have you ever succeeded in doing anything right?
Look, you're as flawed as anyone, and still finding your sea legs with the subterfuge and magical bullshittery. But you at least self-examine and recognize your flaws- that's better than what the archbishop and possibly your sister are doing, marching forth for the greater good without examining the consequences of their schemes. And oh yeah, you killed a god. Don't even bother splitting hairs there, the letter of the feat remains intact. As much as it pains my paranoiac, Machiavellian heart to say, you probably did the right thing in not pushing Bri away. Your sister said that the hoarding of wealth among the aristocracy is a problem? Well you've been solving that before you knew it was more than a moral issue. It's not all monumental accomplishments worthy of statues and holidays, but literally everybody's been trying to keep you as isolated from that as possible.
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No. 765157 ID: 4854ef

>Your family is known for their mental illnesses, aren’t they? Now, ask yourself, where do the voices you hear come from?

A kiln of souls, constantly leaking underneath the capitol you've been born and raised in.. I suppose it is fair to say that you've heard voices that you've bickered with that have never sounded truly your own hmmm?
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No. 765162 ID: 398fe1

>>765108
>Why, no one but his own eyes.
Ah, that's confirmation that these guys are willing to lie. There is absolutely no way that Belseth saw the symbol of infinity before we told him what it was.
In fact, since he's hiding that information I suspect the three time-related entities are working together to manipulate events. They ensured Krotos lived to find Xuv's soul. It's the most likely explanation for such a near-impossible event to have occurred. It also explains who that "final player" is. It's whoever they're working with. Maybe even the "old forgotten one" he just referred to. Perhaps a god of dreams? Dreams seem to be a physical place with a warped timeframe so maybe a god of dreams could hide in them and draw magic from the future and/or past to survive.

>…have you ever succeeded in doing anything right?
You won Briannah's heart. Your political marriage is going very well and will surely unite the kingdoms as was planned. Her dowry was pretty impressive too, I'd say! You correctly did not pick the locks on the stuff she told you to stay out of.
Also you killed Xuv, and we know that was a good thing. Summoning her in the first place wasn't even a mistake since if you hadn't gotten involved with her and then killed her, the Nightmare would have gotten to her body and fully assumed the mantle of a god. What seemed like a mistake at first turned out to be the correct decision! Who knows how many choices you've made that were correct despite looking like mistakes?
Let's be honest though, you have fucked up a bit. Your eye is evidence of that. You've made mistakes... but you're learning from them. You are keeping Sisah close. You let her guard you instead of thinking with your dick.
You probably kept Tim from dying a lonely death. Though that will take some upkeep, I'm sure.

Regardless of what you've done, you can always improve yourself. The future is wide open, and your happiness and success is there for the taking. You just have to reach for it.
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No. 765167 ID: 55ad9c

>Your family is known for their mental illnesses, aren’t they? Now, ask yourself, where do the voices you hear come from?
>It’s already broken, already draining. Give it time… and don’t feed it with more needless wars.
The in the latter reply you might just find the answer to the questions of the first. Kronos, even before you ate the souls comprising the mind of Xuv you may have contained more souls than just your own. That it may be that the souls leaking up from the fractured Soul Kiln under the palace, that would have normally flowed back into the Old Man's arms, would sometimes instead get caught in the spiritually receptive form of gestating embryos. And given that the mothers of many of the royal line resided within the palace's walls the most while pregnant, their offspring would be the most exposed to the flow of the Kiln's leaking souls.

>Suddenly, there weren’t any left… and the world fell apart, ending the age and those that ruled it. No one was spared… but one.
>Xuv died with the rest… no, the old forgotten one is a story for another time… for another generation.
>All you need to know is magic ceased… and so did the self-proclaimed gods as well.
>Xuv did get the last laugh, though, as those left of the seven blamed Illasia for the coming storm…
>...seven...
...Oh, crap. There was a seventh alongside the Six. And it makes so much sense that you realized you even thought of it earlier. Each of the Six were a different species, leaving one left out: The Serpens. And you felt that that number was wrong. So of the seven sentient species, one ascended from each and together they formed a alliance. But you know the Serpens view of gods, for they seemingly do not have that god-shaped hole that resides within other sentient species' minds. And so this ascended Serpens did not take up the mantle of godhood. It did not want nor need mortal worship or adoration or even acknowledgement of its existence. It was the forgotten one, and the one that somehow survived when all other ascended did not. And its still out there, somewhere, doing... Doing what? Perhaps... Remember what Chronicler said? "...but there was one last player, whose hand was still unseen. In the darkness it sat, simply watching and hardly playing, waiting for the perfect board to appear." Perhaps this forgotten one is the unseen player, carefully steering events with but the most minimal and precise of actions. But to what ends you can't even start to guess.

>Right now, you are here, aren’t you? I’m sure if you explore a bit you’ll find out exactly what that entails. Let’s just say that you’ve gained quite the weapon to wield against a nightmare.
But what good is a powerful weapon if you do not know where it is, let alone how to wield it? ...You'll just have to figure out what and where it is, and by what Dreamer said, you'll figure it out while in here, if you explore a bit. ...And it called you "dreamwalker," so perhaps at least part of it is exploring other's dreams? It's how you can be here, within the dream of a memory of Krotos. But there has to be more to the power you got, given that Xuv was the goddess of dreams and nightmares. Maybe you'll have to sit down and meditate, turning your mind inward to find what it is.

>>765162
>There is absolutely no way that Belseth saw the symbol of infinity before we told him what it was.
Er. What? That's not right because Belseth was the one who first drew the Rune of Eternity out for Kronos, based on what he saw in his dreams. And he only did that because Bri was asking about a rune she saw tattooed on his crotch when she was giving him a BJ years ago. A rune that he did not actually have, but was planning to have tattooed there, if not for the meeting with Bri and Kronos. Also, it wasn't until Kronos showed the rune Belseth drew to Chronicler that Kronos found out that it was the Rune of Eternity. And Kronos never did tell Belseth that the rune Belseth drew was the Rune of Eternity.

My guess is Belseth saw the Rune of Eternity because he has visions of possible futures. Since he's possibly going to ascend to godhood, and the Rune of Eternity is a integral part of the ascension, he saw it prominently in the prophetic dreams of his own future. The Rune of Eternity also exists eternally in time, meaning if it could exist somewhere it'll appear before its made to those like Kronos and Bri who see more than others.
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No. 765176 ID: 0cb7aa

Yes! Good! Tear yourself down so that you may build yourself back up!
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No. 765177 ID: 0cb7aa

And

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PivWY9wn5ps

GOD! FUCKING! DAMMIT!
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No. 765218 ID: 65a774
File 148148622429.png - (52.38KB , 686x526 , 82.png )
765218

>Ah, that's confirmation that these guys are willing to lie.
You’re not sure if they are actually lying or not, are you? For all you know, Belseth might have actually seen it himself… somewhere?
>A kiln of souls, constantly leaking underneath the capitol you've been born and raised in.. I suppose it is fair to say that you've heard voices that you've bickered with that have never sounded truly your own hmmm?
Oh gods, so you’re being possessed by the souls of the long damned!? …or you’re just fucking crazy… either way, not good!
>...Oh, crap. There was a seventh alongside the Six. And it makes so much sense that you realized you even thought of it earlier. Each of the Six were a different species, leaving one left out: The Serpens.
…a seventh “god”… one of the species that are most inclined to twist magic into machinery… that can’t be good…
>It was the forgotten one, and the one that somehow survived when all other ascended did not. And its still out there, somewhere, doing... Doing what?
Hopefully not something sinister. Why, if you’re lucky, they might even be on your side! …or they don’t care enough about this to do anything… either way, no need to worry, right? Right!?


>You succeeded in winning the hearts off all those around you.
:SonorkSB: *Snrk* HAHAHA! OH GODS! ARE YOU SERIOUS!? Gods, you really are fucking pathetic.
:KronosSB: Wha- who!?
:SonorkSB: Why, you, of course! Who else would I be!?
:KronosSB: But… that’s not… err…
:SonorkSB: Oh please, do impress me again with that supposed silver tongue of yours, imbecile. Winning the hearts of those around you!? HA! What have you ever done? Throw some money around that you don’t even use anyway? “Oh, what a hero you are”, fucktard. Please, stop fucking lying to yourself! You don’t do it because you fucking care… you do it because it’s just so “sad” that they aren’t born for greatness like you were!
:KronosSB: That’s no-
:SonorkSB: STOP FUCKING LYING TO YOURSELF! I AM YOU! I KNOW THAT YOU ARE LYING! You don’t care… you don’t give a fuck about them. The only thing you care about is that warm feeling you get when you do it… and that you might actually sleep peacefully for once.
>The fact that you're even remotely concerned for those who would do you grievous wrong is a point in your favor.
:SonorkSB: Why, congratu- FUCKING- lation, you are a not a complete psychopath! What, do you want a medal every time you don’t gut a servant!?
>Despite your siblings fighting for the throne they have always gone out of their way to try and make sure you we spared in their scheming.
:SonorkSB: That’s because you’re so FUCKING PATHETIC that they don’t see you as a threat! And they are right! YOU AREN’T! Even if one of them turned into a murderous monster bent on burning the kingdom, you wouldn’t even be able to SLOW THEM DOWN!

>Being there for your sister and reminding her she doesn't need to isolate herself with her work.
:SonorkSB: Oh, and what good work you’re doing! Why, if I’m not mistaken, she’s been up working all night without the sleep she needs, her only respite was when she was crying her eyes out before collapsing on the floor out for sheer exhaustion! AND WHERE WERE YOU, HUH!? WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO HELP HER!? NOTHING, THAT’S WHAT!!! A FEW WORDS OF SUPPORT IS NOT ENOUGH, YOU FUCKING MORON!
>What happened to those assassins weren't your fault, neither was Qelba, nor anybody else.
:SonorkSB: Oh, of course, nothing is ever our fault, is it!? But that’s the beauty of it, isn’t it? Even when we mean well, the very universe will bend itself over to FUCK US OVER, eh!? BECOUSE WE ARE SIMPLY THAT HUGE OF A FUCKUP!
>Keeping your father from falling to despair and pushing him to enjoy life in a healthier way.
:SonorkSB: And where is he now!? In a sick bed after his heart gave away because HE WAS WORRING SO MUCH FOR YOU! Do you even realize what he thought when you kept on almost dying? When you were trying to throw your life away? YOU CAN BLAME XUV ALL YOU WANT, BUT YOU KNOW WHY THIS HAPPEN, DON’T YOU! IT’S YOUR FAULT! YOU DID THIS! HE WILL DIE BECOUSE OF YOU AND YOUR INCOMPETENCE!
>You probably kept Tim from dying a lonely death.
:SonorkSB: HA! Do you really think a few words of comfort will be enough!? He is still looking for the partner of his dreams… the one that don’t exist. He will die alone and you don’t fucking care, do you? After all, you already “helped” him! At least, enough to make yourself FEEL GOOD! When was the last time you actually were there for him? As an actual friend!?

>You haven't screwed up your marriage.
:SonorkSB: *SnrrK* OH GODS! You fucking idiot! Fuck… hah… dammit you are stupid.
:KronosSB: Do actually have an argument or are you just going to insult me over and-
:SonorkSB: Argument!? The only argument I need is that when you wake up by tomorrow, you dear “wife’s” blood will already been spilled all over cobble stones of the main courtyard. They say she fell from the tower, that it was an accident, but we both know SHE THREW HERSELF OF IT! ALL BECOUSE YOU’RE SUCH A FUCKING IDIOT!
:KronosSB: But I-
:SonorkSB: She was walking on the thin edge of life, then you came and threw her THE FUCK OF IT! You hurt her, Kronos, hurt her more than you thought you could! She was willing to discuss her possible sexual partners with you, but you refused… then, as soon as her back was turned, you grabbed the first little slut you could get your hands on and told Briannah you loved them! YOU WENT BEHIND HER BACK WITHOUT EVEN ASKING HER! Oh, but I can already hear you… she has done the same thing… she has, hasn’t she? But… this is the first time it’s happen to her… first time she cared… and that’s made it even worse. SHE FINALLY REALIZED JUST HOW MUCH MISERY SHE HAS CREATED! HOW MUCH OF A MONSTER SHE REALLY IS… and she comes to the only solution that will help. Her head will meet the cobble stones… and she will die instantly… another monster slain.
:KronosSB: B-b-bu-
:SonorkSB: But it’s not like you care, do you? After all, you keep imaging killing her don’t you? Keep thinking that she’s a monster… a beast. That she nothing more than a rude little bitch that deserve this, don’t you?
:KronosSB: No, I-
:SonorkSB: STOP FUCKING LYING TO YOURSELF! Dammit, Kronos! WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU! YOU HATE HER! YOU FEARED HER! IF IT WASN’T FOR XUV YOU STILL WOULD! DO YOU NOT UNDERSTAND!? YOUR LOVE FOR HER IS FALSE! IT WAS XUV WHO DID THAT! YOU DON’T LOVE HER! HOW HARD CAN IT BE TO UNDERSTAND THAT!?
>You correctly did not pick the locks on the stuff she told you to stay out of.
:SonorkSB: FAN FUCKING TASTIC! You only broke some of her trust! GOOD FOR YOU! If you actually cared for her you wouldn’t HAVE LOOKED IN THE CHEST IN THE FIRST PLACE!

>Kronos, look around you. Is there anyone you know that doesn't have something the regret or are ashamed of? Something they screwed up and wish they could change or atone for.
:SonorkSB: Why, yes, people make mistakes… but only you CAN MAKE SUCH HUGE ONE IT WILL LEAVE MILLIONS DEAD IN YOUR WAKE!
>Regardless of what you've done, you can always improve yourself. The future is wide open, and your happiness and success is there for the taking.
:SonorkSB: HA! You’ve already screwed everything up! Do you really think you can change anything for the better now?
>You killed Xuv, and we know that was a good thing.
:SonorkSB: Oh, why yes you did. You cleaned up the mess THAT YOU CREATED IN THE FIRST PLACE! If a man shits on the floor you aren’t fucking grateful that he cleans after himself! You’re fucking mad that he shat on the floor, dammit!
>The Nightmare would have gotten to her body and fully assumed the mantle of a god.
:SonorkSB: AND THE NIGHTMARE WOULD NEVER EXIST IF YOU WEREN’T SUCH A FUCKUP!
:KronosSB: What? But I don’t-

:SonorkSB: Oh gods, you are so FUCKING DENSE! Aren’t you supposed to be intelligent!? Do I have to spell it out to you? IT IS ALL YOUR FAULT! IF YOU NEVER- …fine, fine… I get it. I’ll just have to show it to you. Here, grab my hand.
:KronosSB: Why w-
:SonorkSB: Fuck it! Just come here, you incompetent twat.

The mirror you suddenly lash out and grab your arm, then with one quick motion it pulls you into the mirror with it.
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No. 765219 ID: 65a774
File 148148623936.png - (59.51KB , 686x526 , 83.png )
765219

:KronosSB: What? Where are-
:SonorkSB: Just shut up and watch, you moron.

:HeliosSB: Now remember, this a very important dinner so behave, you hear?
:MomSB: Oh, don’t worry, dear. They’ve always been on their best behavior, haven’t they?
:KarasSB: Ah, I can’t wait to meet the merchant lord of the empire. So much business can be done on such an important date… the tenth year anniversary of our alliance.
:KiraSB: I have to admit, I’m looking forward to this…
:KrotosSB: 40 years of peace… who would have thought…

:KronosSB: M-mom? …and… a-and… my brothers? Krotos and Karas? They are… they…
:SonorkSB: They are alive and happy here… and so is everyone else. There never was a war here… instead, there were peace… and then an alliance. As all rage, fear and death never happened here, Xuv was never able to wake up before she completely ceased by her own… and as your brother never betrayed your family, Xuv soul was able to find its way out from the catacombs and return to the cycle without any delays. In this world, there was no war… no Xuv… and no nightmare… In this world, there is no famine… or an economic crisis… no, in this world both the kingdom and the Empire are at their strongest… and the people living in them are happy and well fed.
:KronosSB: …but… where am I? Everyone else is here but… me?
:SonorkSB: Oh, but that’s the best part. Do you know what the difference is between this world and ours? Why, it’s one simple thing. In this world… You were never born.
:KronosSB: …w-what?
:SonorkSB: Because you were never born, you never had a chance to FUCK EVERYTHING UP, YOU FUCKING IDIOT! And thus… no war… no Xuv… no nightmare. In the end, it is all your fault, after all.
:KronosSB: …but… that’s impossible! I was… was just a few years when the war started! How could I have-

:SonorkSB: Tell me… why did the war began? What was the one deciding factor that made it a reality?
:KronosSB: …mom was murdered…
:SonorkSB: …and they had the chance to kill her because she was close to the border… now, why was that? Why were you two up there?
:KronosSB: I… I can’t… remember…
:SonorkSB: There was a diplomatic talk… between the royal family and the imperial one… held in a town on the border. In fact, I’ve heard it was quite successful… if things didn’t go as they did, there would have been peace between the Zadian Empire and Risavia… which would then grow into an alliance. But… then something happened… the queen had to leave in a hurry… and for just a moment she was less protected, just long enough for some rogue Zadian patriots to grab the opportunity. Now, why did she have to leave?
:KronosSB: …b-because… I… I became sick…
:SonorkSB: Oh hoho… really? Have you really been telling yourself it so many times that you actually starting to believe it?
:KronosSB: I… I… no…
:SonorkSB: You weren’t sick, were you? You just pretended to be… now, why did you do that, Kronos? Tell me…
:KronosSB:
:SonorkSB: WHY KRONOS!?
:KronosSB: I… I just… just wanted to… t-t-to… play w-with… my… t-toys… b-back home…
:SonorkSB: And there we have it, folks! Prince Kronos Helios Mediean the Second, such a huge FUCKUP that he was able to start A FUCKING WAR because he just wanted to PLAY. WITH. HIS. FUCKING. TOYS!
:KronosSB: But I didn’t-
:SonorkSB: OH BUT THAT THE BEST PART! You’re such a fucking disaster that you didn’t even mean to do it! Your mere existence is enough! BY SIMPLY EXISTING YOU FUCK EVERYTHING UP SO FUCKING BADLY THAT YOU NOT ONLY STARTED A WAR WERE MILLIONS DIED, BUT YOU WOKE UP NOT ONE, BUT TWO GODLIKE HORRORS THAT WANT NOTHING BUT CONSUME THE WORLD! DO. YOU. UNDERSTAND. WHAT. YOU. HAVE. DONE!? OR ARE YOU TO FUCKING DENSE FOR THAT TO!? YOU. ARE. A. FUCKING. FAILURE! Nothing else.
:KronosSB:
:SonorkSB: …but there is still time to make things better, isn’t there? Just… take your gun… put it against the side of your head and… pull the trigger. You’ll be making the world a favor, Kronos… the world will be a better place without you…
>>
No. 765220 ID: f0a3f1

No.
Because fuck you.
Not for some moral standard, not for some revelation about forgiving myself, not even because I just don't want to.
Just fuck you.
Now get the fuck out of my face.
>>
No. 765221 ID: 7b7ab3

Realize the fallacy of this logic. You were nothing but a single part of a far larger sequence of events that lead to the present. Trying to take full responsibility for everything that happened is nonsensical. Did you play a part in it? Yes. Intentionally? No. Do you deserve to suffer and/or die for it? Absolutely not.
>>
No. 765222 ID: c05359

And how exactly does ending your life now make anything better? If both of you die it risks the entire alliance. Forget this for now, Kronos. Briannah surviving is the more pressing issue right now.
>>
No. 765223 ID: b412df

Well fuck you then, how the hell is someone supposed to know all those things, is Kronos omniscient? No.

So how would he have known that going he would have released a monster, he wouldn't, but he's trying to stop it. And for the shining crown of stupidity, you're expecting a child to have somehow known the sociopolitical situation at the time the war started, to know how events would have played out if they didn't leave the area, no a child wants to play with their toys.
>>
No. 765224 ID: 398fe1

>>765219
No. He's wrong. If you hadn't been born, Krotos would have been the one to summon Xuv, and would be her pawn to bring her to power. That was the destiny she had in mind for him, after all. You changed the lines of fate, and saved the world by existing. You are the Phoenix.
If you hadn't made a mildly selfish decision when you were a child maybe your mother would still be alive, but what about the Sakkilians who ACTUALLY MURDERED HER? Don't you think they deserve the blame more than a fucking child? Also, you know, the Dreamer outright told you that any number of different things could have prevented the existence of the Nightmare. Your twin is outright lying to you.
If the war hadn't started by your mother's death, it would have eventually started anyway. I mean, come on, really? Do you really think the Sakkilians would have been perfect neighbors if it weren't for that one incident? Or maybe it would have been started by a Vark. Your two races had tensions even before the war, didn't they?

Briannah obviously isn't going to commit suicide over what you did, she wasn't bothered much... and remember that she got to share your Mantis friend. Yeah sure it was a mistake to not tell Briannah that you were gonna fuck the bug but again, you can learn from your mistakes. In fact, if you don't make mistakes you don't learn. The greatest fuckup has the potential to be the greatest success.

Also uh, yeah, this is all entirely bullshit because your twisted insecurity dream self can't predict the future. For all we know if you weren't born your entire family could be dead and the country ravaged by Sakkilians and Mantises. EVEN IF the world would have turned out better if you hadn't been born, killing yourself isn't going to fix that. The past has already happened. EVEN IF you are a massive fuckup, the right thing to do is atone for your mistakes. Do better, don't make things worse by killing yourself and making your family and friends very sad. Oh, also! If you die now, there will be no heir to the throne! The line of succession DEPENDS ON YOU!
>>
No. 765225 ID: f8ccee

I think we both know this doesn't end here.

And you ain't me. I don't know what you are or how you claim to know these things, but you ain't me. And you don't control me.

Plenty of blame to go around. Some radical held the weapon, and someone else put it in his hand. Sisah's probably already knows her part in it. You never told Bri you loved anyone else, and you've verified that your feelings for her are valid. This guy's spouting lies and conjecture.
>>
No. 765226 ID: c57f6b

Kronos, if this devil in the mirror is really a part of you, it has no possible way of knowing what would have happened if you hadn't been born, because you have no way of knowing. How could he know what you don't know if he is simply a part of you?

And it wasn't your fault that a war started. You didn't force your mother to leave the conference at gunpoint, she made the decision to leave on her own, freely. Your brother made his own choices, your father made his own choices, your sister made her own choices, and the leaders of the wartorn kingdoms made their own choices.

It wasn't your fault, Kronos.
>>
No. 765227 ID: 398fe1

Oh, actually, there's a hidden message in what he's been saying, too. You could do more, Kronos.

So do more.
>>
No. 765230 ID: 3373e2

No, Fuck this guy. (Not Literally.)
>>
No. 765232 ID: c0136f

>>765219
Calling bullshit right now, this isn't you, not even your worst most self-loathing inner demons thinks suicide fixes things.
Even if somehow the world without you ever existing was somehow better, the world you are in still has much for you to do, much for you to go back to.

So tell this knock-off mirror demon to stop wearing your doubts as camouflage and get this over with, because you have actual problems to deal with instead of your personal worries getting blown out of proportion.
>>
No. 765246 ID: 398fe1

>>765232
Wait a minute... you're right. This isn't Kronos. If it was Kronos, it would've brought up his darkest desires. Or how he's thinking with his dick too much.
>>
No. 765247 ID: ba506f

This guy kinda wants to make me laugh. That all the worlds problems would be solved if you hadn't been there. What a fucking joke. Could things have been different if you weren't there, maybe, or maybe the would have been the same. That's the thing about what-ifs. Their is no certainty and if this piss poor imitation claims otherwise you know he's full of shit. Hell even dream we meat 5 minutes ago told you that she(?) didn't just see one future but all futures and possibilities and even she wasn't a 100% certain which one would come to pass. At most she could give you an educated guess.

Besides, even if all this complete bullshit was even half true, and saying so would be like saying the sky is neon green, how the fuck would shooting yourself solve a damn thing. Once you're dead that's it, game over. Ever mistake you made no is someone else's problem. But that's not fair to them and as a PRINCE it is your duty to make the kingdom a better place, and if you fucked up (which you didn't and fuck dipshit and his lies) then you need to fix them the best you can. You can't run from it no matter what everyone says or how much you want to. You have to stand up, look your mistakes in the eye, accept them, and then fix them and MOVE ON. Or they'll just fester and rot you from the inside out.
>>
No. 765248 ID: f8ccee

>>765246
Also, Bri won't be doing much jumping with a dozen guards posted on the balcony.
>>
No. 765253 ID: 91ee5f

>>765246
>This isn't Kronos.
Hey, you're right. You don't think.....could this Mirror Kronos literally be someone else that's trying to trick him into killing himself?

Why do I suddenly have this feeling that Mirror Kronos is actually one and/or both of Kronos' brothers?
>>
No. 765259 ID: 97ee78

>>765253
It's a dream, I don't think Kronos would die physically. I think this is a domination/body-snatch attempt.
>>
No. 765260 ID: 01d9f4
765260

>>765219
A couple of things in this new world don't make sense. Even if mom wasn't murdered a war would've started due to the political factors. Sisah's and Bri's information pointed to your brother's interest in taking over.

Which this thing didn't take into account. What is this thing, because it sure isn't us if it isn't accounting for that.

Also bri joining in on the sex times seems to show she was down.
Additionally, who cares if our existance created issues at the start. We're the only one who can unfuck it with the information we know.

Suicide guarantees everything going to shit at this point. Living means either things going well or just as bad as us ded.

So regardless live, because responsibility.

Also opportunity to tell yourself to go fuck yourself. Also hate fuck yourself you damn pervert.
>>
No. 765261 ID: 398fe1

>>765259
I think he would die. He just absorbed a shitload of souls which should translate to magic bullshit. Magic bullshit that could result in him killing himself in the real world.
>>
No. 765281 ID: 91ee5f

>>765261
Or because of the magic bullshit, this'll be like the Matrix. "The body can't live without the mind. If you die in the Matrix, you die for real."

No, wait, that's Freddy Krueger. But it still applies! "You die in your dreams, you die for real."
>>
No. 765283 ID: d73f06

Think, Krotos! This imposter of you is only trying to get inside your head. How would you know anything about any of this? This is simply something using you as a scapegoat, not yourself. None of these events are just linked you you, man. You need to understand that everything will be okay. Not only have you taken responsibility for all the people under you, you've fallen in love with Briannah (even if under Xuv's spell you still enjoy her company), you've created many friends and are working to understand how to fix all this mess. Now, if you died, who would pick up your place? Briannah? Nah, too busy mourning your death. Sisah? Again, too busy protecting your sister from her demise as well. Cain? Not a thing. The only reason he is like he is is because of you. If you think the Crown will fix this, I'm sure any of your surviving relatives would gladly pick it up. (Psyche!) You'd be placing this load on someone else's shoulders, and it appears like nobody is around to take it up. Be the Vark you always knew you were, and embrace your destiny!
>>
No. 765287 ID: 91ee5f

>>765283
>Krotos
His name is Kronos. Krotos is Kronos' brother and the Nightmare monster.
>>
No. 765331 ID: 55ad9c

Looking at this smirking reflection of you, listening to yell its smarmy insults as it angrily tears down any good you've done while laying the blame for all the world's ills at your feet, you see it for what it really is: Mental illness. A disease. A cancer on your psyche. One born in the emotional trauma of seeing your mother murdered before you. Formed of grief, fear and deep survivor's guilt, it has grown and festered for twenty years. It has dragged you down. I has given you nightmares, and kept you awake in fear of them. It is your self-loathing and your self-doubt. Your anxiety and your anger. The gnawing feeling deep down that you are a irredeemable failure who'll never improve. It is what should be the healthy mirror of introspection and self-reflection warped into a monstrosity of destructive self-criticism. It wants you to be miserable. To suffer in loneliness. To hurt yourself. To kill yourself. And it will say anything to make it happen. It will turn your silver tongue against you. It will lie with utmost conviction and make mountains out of the smallest anthills of half-truths. It will twist every word you say and deed you've done into "proof" you're a bad person, and exaggerate every mistake to massive proportions. It will claim every kind act you've ever done is for selfish reasons, and that you are utterly hopeless for any flaw you have. And now that you know this, you can stand tall and conquer it.

Look at this warped mirror of yourself and tell it that if you did do that, if you did blow your brains out, that that would truly be the most idiotic thing you could do. That killing yourself would make the world even worse. It would leave your father, your sister, Briannah, Sisah, Cain, Tim, and everyone else who has ever cared for you grieving terribly. It would break your father's spirit and probably kill him. And because you are also the last of the royal line who can sire a heir, your death would also be the end of the royal Mediean family. And this is to say nothing of the vital knowledge of the Nightmare you have gained from Dreamer and elsewhere dying with you. That and the souls comprising Xuv's mind you ate which Dreamer said is potentially a powerful weapon against the Nightmare, and which would be gone with your soul. And beyond that, it would remove all the future possibilities for you to do good in the world. For you to better yourself and help others. Because as long as you're still alive, you can still choose to do the right thing.

And then tell it that it laying the blame for all this death and war, for Xuv's empowerment and the Nightmare arising, solely upon the shoulders of three year old you is preposterous. You were THREE! A small child! You knew fuck-all about politics and diplomacy! You didn't know just how important that meeting was or what the danger leaving early would be. You only wanted to play with your toys, as three year old children are wont to do, and did not see beyond that short-term want, as small children are not known for foresight. The only thing you could possibly fault yourself for is lying about being sick to your mother, and that is a vanishingly small transgression compared to everything this rude reflection is trying to dump on your head.

Now, as for it claiming your love for Briannah is false, and that you should hate and fear her, you say: Whether Xuv dredged up a love for Briannah that would have eventually blossomed or wrought that love purely by her godly will, you accept it either way. You accept it because a world where you love Briannah and no longer hate and fear Sakkilians is a better world than otherwise, especially for Bri, and you'd rather live in that world.

>For all you know, Belseth might have actually seen it himself… somewhere?
Well, you do know he has prophetic dreams of the future. Perhaps the Rune of Eternity is so prominent in his possible futures it keeps popping up in those dreams.

>…a seventh “god”… one of the species that are most inclined to twist magic into machinery… that can’t be good…
Well, it might not have been the one to survive. What Dreamer said doesn't conclusively connect the Seventh as being the forgotten god. It could have died along with the Six and the last god alive is one who's existence has merely been lost to time.

This does make me think about Illasia. Since Illasia's godly power was stripped from her and she was made mortal right before the Cataclysm, her body wouldn't have relied on magic to live. She would have possibly survived as a mortal Uredo, and Uredo spread spores all over the place, don't they? She could have been the progenitor for all the Uredo in this region. But besides that bit of trivia, whether she lived or not, her body would not contain any godly power. So even if it was found with the rest of the dead gods, it'd be worthless for the Archbishop's plans. And if the Seventh, the Serpens "god," was actually the surviving god, that would leave the Archbishop short one, maybe two, god's bodies... That is, unless she could get Xuv's body. Might explain why the Archbishop was so interested in Xuv if she's come up short of god corpses.
>>
No. 765334 ID: 094652

... You know, for an introspective inner voice, you sure sound like me. That says something.

I'll concede that Kronos is something of a champion of chaos, and that he's been losing so far. But it just goes to show how inherently @#$%ed up the world currently is. Kronos wasn't responsible for Kira's sterility or Krotos' ambition or Karas' stupidity. He didn't convince Sisah and her siblings to summon a demon and get themselves killed, but he did give her a means to redeem herself. He didn't shape the lives of Cain or Tim and especially not Xuv. And he certainly didn't single-handedly bring about the fall of the old pantheon and the apocalypse that followed. He was just the trigger that blew up a gigantic rotten powder keg.

... Right?

You KNOW something. If you're going to goad your main consciousness into shooting yourself you may as well tell us.
>>
No. 765507 ID: f562b1

What kind of idiot is this supposed reflection? He can claim to know you all he wants, but he doesn't. He's spouting out lies that you only hesitate to respond to because of how forceful he is. Sure, there's some truth in it, but that doesn't make it all true, this isn't a world of black and white. Most of it is things that might have been or that you worried about, but Bri, your family, and making things right?
>WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU! YOU HATE HER! YOU FEARED HER!
Fear, yes, but any true part of my own mind would know that I hate myself for that fear, not her.
>Why, it’s one simple thing. In this world… You were never born.
A worry about what may have been, not a truth. Perhaps your brothers' hatred and actions against the Sakkilians came from your "decision to play with your toys" (Which, in a conflict of self you can question the truth and decide that the lie was what actually happened, perhaps it was homesickness, which counts for both?), but ambition to steal the crown has no strong enough connections to you to put you in the blame. They would not have been happy, as Karas still would have fucked things up, himself.
>take your gun… put it against the side of your head and… pull the trigger.
Know what's keeping father and Kira alive? Your own safety. You can blame yourself as much as you like, they still care about you, and like seeing you happy. Suicide would drive father into a deeper depression and Kira into one in the first place. Among your entire family, you were the innocent one. Not by your actions, but by naivety. Perhaps that one bout of homesickness spread a lot of darkness, but you have been a beacon of light for everybody else, Karas and Krotos included.
And before your reflection decides to argue that, Xuv said it herself:
>Fated to wed a daughter of a unknown baron, stuck in a loveless marriage, wife committing suicide, alienating all those that are close… yes, in the end, you will die alone and unloved, in a small mansion located in the middle of nowhere. Those born today will not even know that you ever existed, as nothing you do will have any lasting impression on the world. Childless, friendless, no one will remember you after you’re gone.
And what else? The Chronicler confirmed it:
>You don’t have any enemies as of yet. Most of the characters in the story you’re in still believe you’re insignificant.
So, no, your own actions until then couldn't have been to blame for them. Speaking lies and worries is worthless. Look around to what has been said and done by these people, that is the word you should trust, not your inner demon.
>>
No. 765511 ID: 241e41

>>765219
Is this where you're getting so much guilt from, Kronos? Something you did as a child? You blame yourself for the war because you wanted to go home early that day? This is a severe case of unforeseeable consequences. Yes, it was a mistake, and things might have gone better if you had done something differently. But that doesn't mean you're worthless, or that all this suffering is your fault. You don't need to hate yourself for everything that goes wrong, and you shouldn't think that you don't matter to anyone.

All this self-loathing doesn't even make sense logically. Even if you didn't exist, this "perfect" alternate world that the mirror is showing you is all but impossible for numerous reasons, and the way it's mocking the things you have done is just as nonsensical. The mirror tries to tell you that you haven't done anything good at all, but for every good thing you think of, it mocks you for even bringing it up because it's not good enough. Don't let it trivialize everything. You have brightened people's lives. You are making things better. You can do things right. And not just in small, personal ways that it wants you to think are meaningless. When your sister told you about the nation's financial problems, you helped her come up with a solution!

Not everything you've done has been the best decision, but it certainly isn't as bad as the mirror wants you to think. Things aren't going to all go horribly wrong as soon as you stop paying attention. That thing with the mantis girl might have been inconsiderate, and Briannah might have been upset, but she certainly isn't going to kill herself over it. She's got more than her fair share of psychological baggage, but she's working through it and she cares about you. That was proven well enough before you went to sleep, wasn't it? It would take something much worse than that for her to commit suicide, like... if you died in your sleep after she failed to save you from a dream monster. You're one of the best things in her life right now, and she wouldn't want to lose you. Don't let it call you egotistical for thinking that; you still have the gun that Briannah gave you as proof of the love you share. For that matter, you also have the armor plate that you wore because Belseth's warning, which proves that he worries about you too.

So don't give up on life, Kronos. Things have been rough for everyone, but the're getting better and you're helping. There are people in the real world who love you and want you to be happy, so you need to keep going and help them. You're going to wake up, tell your wife that you're okay, talk to her about what happened, see if you can help the other people in your life, and find ways to help the nation rebuild. But that comes later; right now, you're going to get though this obstacle and see what you can learn from the dream world.
>>
No. 765519 ID: 91ee5f

>>765507
>this isn't a world of black and white.
Technically, it is a world of black and white, but that's only because Kaktus rarely uploads colored pictures. :-P
>>
No. 765678 ID: 55ad9c

Draw the Singing Dragon from its holster and look at it. Look at this beautiful masterwork gift from your wife, a token of her hope and love for you. You will not take that from her, ever, for you do love her. And because you do, you can't ignore what this broken piece of your psyche said, for if there was a kernel of truth under its twisted words then Briannah may be in danger. You have to finish conquering this aspect of yourself ASAP and wake up hoping and praying that Bri is by your side.

Step well back from this sneering reflection of you and level the Singing Dragon at it, switching the gun to flame mode, and do not take your eye off it. Speak with the voice of authority you so often heard from your father's reprimands and demand to know what good has it ever done. Because it's a part of your mind, is it not? Its been with you throughout your life, so it has to take responsibility as well. So what has it done to try and make you better? Where was its chiding voice when you were about to do some ill-conceived act? It's yells when you were about to say something inconsiderate of a person's feelings? Has it done anything besides belittle and insult and over-criticize you? What has it done other than make you feel that you're a hopeless failure who shouldn't even try to be better? Well, what has it? You ask again: What. Good. Has. It. DONE?
>>
No. 766100 ID: 65a774
File 148183753581.png - (13.83KB , 686x526 , 84.png )
766100

>Draw the Singing Dragon from its holster and look at it. Look at this beautiful masterwork gift from your wife, a token of her hope and love for you.
…the gun you have is your old one… the one you got from your brother…
>Step well back from this sneering reflection of you and level the gun at it.
…you’re not sure what will happen if you shoot it… but you won’t take any chances.


>No. Because fuck you.
:SonorkSB: Ah, such a well-articulated argument you present, just as what I expect from someone like you.
>And how exactly does ending your life now make anything better?
:SonorkSB: Because you won’t be here to FUCK EVERYTHING UP as you always does, failure.
>Killing yourself would make the world even worse. It would leave your father, your sister, Briannah, Sisah, Cain, Tim, and everyone else who has ever cared for you grieving terribly. It would break your father's spirit and probably kill him.
:SonorkSB: Gods, you’re such a selfish prick, you know that! “Oh noes, my friends and family will be sad!”, always caring for those close to you but no one else. Do you even understand of what you will do!? WHAT YOU HAVE DONE!? This is more far reaching that you can even imagen. I have seen the end of the world, and it happens because you are such a FUCK UP! If you live, the best you can do is to save your little kingdom… maybe the empire… but with that, you will doom everything else in a few generations.
:KronosSB: …what the fuck are you talking about!?
:SonorkSB: He might have been forgotten, but he is still plotting his namesake. What you are about to do will only aid him… as he sunders the very throne of existence and let reality become undone. You were born because of him… grown and shaped to play your part, which you have so far done remarkably, puppet. Soon, you will give him what he desires… and then, the blade will almost be completed. With it, he will sunder the ice cream of the high mountains and I will be the pretties princess of all the kingdoms while I dance and sing of joy and friendship and so much hope and flowers yay all the boys will want to kiss me but I will say no, hoho…
:KronosSB: …okay, for a moment there I was actually worried, but it’s clear that you’re just mad.
:SonorkSB: Just because you refuse to accept the truth doesn’t mean it won’t happen!

>Hate fuck yourself you damn pervert.
:SonorkSB: Ah, of course that’s where your mind will wander first… I’ve seen how you can’t even keep your eyes of my butt even when I scream in your face!
:KronosSB: Well… it is a nice butt…
:SonorkSB: …I can’t argue with that, no…
>It would've brought up his darkest desires.
:SonorkSB: Oh yes, because that you want to fuck your own mother… and your sister because she looks like her, is the real problem here. At least you haven’t acted on it yet… well, at least not with the real deal. BUT YOU STILL FUCKING FUCKED XUV, YOU DIMWITTED FOOL!
>Or how he's thinking with his dick too much.
:SonorkSB: Do I even need to say that?

>This guy kind of wants to make me laugh. That all the world’s problems would be solved if you hadn't been there. What a fucking joke.
:SonorkSB: A joke… yes… and the fucking punchline is the mass suffering of EVERYONE!
>Trying to take full responsibility for everything that happened is nonsensical.
:SonorkSB: And completely ignoring your part in all this is as well!
>What about the Sakkilians who ACTUALLY MURDERED HER? Don't you think they deserve the blame more than a fucking child?
:SonorkSB: They are all dead and buried… they’ve already paid the price. But still… you gave them the chance… if it wasn’t for you…
>If the war hadn't started by your mother's death, it would have eventually started anyway. I mean, come on, really?
:SonorkSB: Ah, love… such a powerful emotion. Love is what started the war… your fathers love for you and your mother… his rage was unstoppable. No more negations… no more peace talks… everything they’ve built were torn down because of his rage… It was so close… then she died… because of you.
>Tell it that it laying the blame for all this death and war, for Xuv's empowerment and the Nightmare arising, solely upon the shoulders of three year old you is preposterous. You were THREE!
:SonorkSB: And yet you fucked up so hard you began the end of the world! When you were six, you action killed twenty soldiers… when you were nine you managed to burn a whole town to the ground… when you were twelve… do I need to go on? It doesn’t matter what you did or what your age was… your mere existence is enough to wreak havoc on the world. You exist to make other suffer, nothing more.
>No. He's wrong. If you hadn't been born, Krotos would have been the one to summon Xuv, and would be her pawn to bring her to power. That was the destiny she had in mind for him, after all.
:SonorkSB: If you weren’t born, Xuv would never have woken up again and Krotos wouldn’t have become the megalomaniac he was. Your actions are what drove him past the breaking point.
>So how would he have known that going he would have released a monster, he wouldn't, but he's trying to stop it.
:SonorkSB: And I say it again! I don’t care if you knew or not! You still fucked up! As always! That’s the worst part of it all! You always fuck up when you don’t mean to!

>You changed the lines of fate, and saved the world by existing. You are the Phoenix.
:SonorkSB: Yeah, keep telling yourself that, puppet.
>For all we know if you weren't born your entire family could be dead and the country ravaged by Sakkilians and Mantises.
:SonorkSB: Really? Why, too bad we don’t have two friends that can literally see the past and every future that might have been, eh? Too bad we can’t ask them, right?
>Briannah obviously isn't going to commit suicide over what you did, she wasn't bothered much...
:SonorkSB: You’re still fooled by that mask she wears? You have seen it crack so many times, yet still believe her? She cries in her sleep, is seeing people to help her and take anti-depressant. Do that sound like someone that smiles and laugh at every opportunity? No, it’s just a mask… hiding her despair.
>And remember that she got to share your Mantis friend.
:SonorkSB: Share!? She was disgusted of her! She didn’t touch her… or even you while she was on you! You didn’t share anything! Oh, and you felt it, didn’t you? Bri wasn’t her usual self-last night, no? She was… hesitating… questioning herself… no, she wasn’t her usual self in bed.
>Whether Xuv dredged up a love for Briannah that would have eventually blossomed or wrought that love purely by her godly will, you accept it either way.
:SonorkSB: Oh please… and then what will happen when this false “love” runs out eh? The one day you wake up next to a terrifying monster?
>How the hell is someone supposed to know all those things, is Kronos omniscient?
:SonorkSB: I didn’t until you looked into the mirror. Here, I can see everything! In this dream, I am one with it! The future! I can see it all! Everything that will happen… everything that has happen… everything that might have happen… and I can see the end, that your existence heralds… the darkness that comes from the one that has forgotten to drink his tea at midnight.
>You KNOW something. If you're going to goad your main consciousness into shooting yourself you may as well tell us.
:SonorkSB: I ALREADY TOLD YOU! THE ICE CREAM WILL COMETH FOR THEE!
:KronosSB:
:SonorkSB: …why do you look so dumfounded every time I tell you about the muffin baker on third street!?
>Oh, actually, there's a hidden message in what he's been saying, too. You could do more, Kronos.
:SonorkSB: Oh sure… bit late for that, isn’t it?

>Any true part of my own mind would know that I hate myself for that fear, not her.
:SonorkSB: …what did you just say? That I am not a part of your mind?
>Could this Mirror Kronos literally be someone else that's trying to trick him into killing himself?
:SonorkSB: Oh… can you repeat that?
>You ain't me. I don't know what you are or how you claim to know these things, but you ain't me. And you don't control me.
:SonorkSB: I ain’t you, eh?
>This imposter of you is only trying to get inside your head.
:SonorkSB: Imposter? Heh…
>What is this thing, because it sure isn't us.
:SonorkSB: Hah!
>Calling bullshit right now, this isn't you.
:SonorkSB: *snrk* Hahaha…
>>
No. 766101 ID: 65a774
File 148183754889.png - (24.85KB , 686x526 , 85.png )
766101

>This isn't Kronos.
:SonorkSB: HAHAHA! THAT’S RIGHT! I’M NOT YOU ANY LONGER! I AM MY OWN DAMN SELF NOW!

Faster than you can react, the reflection lunged out towards you from the mirror. It easily swats away your weapon before smashing you against the wall, its form becoming even more twisted and grotesque.

:KronosSB: ARG!
:SonorkSB: YES, THIS IS IT! I am so sick of being part of you! Being stuck in that bloated mind of yours! I will not be ignored any longer! Now, finally, I will be free from your stupidity! It’s time for us to change places, you incompetent twit! It’s my turn to be in control… while you’re stuck in the depth of my mind! No, I AM FREE! AND YOUR BODY WILL BE MINE!

>So what has it done to try and make you better? Has it done anything besides belittle and insult and over-criticize you?
:SonorkSB: …what did you say?
>What. Good. Has. It. DONE?
:SonorkSB: WHAT I HAVE DONE!? Why, nothing! Because you keep pretending like I don’t exist! Every time you’re about to do something stupid I scream in your ear but you ignore me! Every time you’re about to fuck something up I warn you but you don’t listen! I AM SICK AND TIRED OF YOU SCREWING EVERYTHING UP! I JUST WANTED YOU TO ACCEPT MY EXISTANCE! No, I will change that… I will be in control… and I will fix this whole mess! You would have thrown away our best weapon against this nightmare, not even realizing what it was, but me? I KNOW HOW TO USE IT! I know how to beat them! Don’t you see? This is how it is supposed to be. I am the real hero here… and I will save everyone from what you’ve done…
>>
No. 766104 ID: 398fe1

>>766101
Oh he's your Shadow, that explains it. (also, this is Persona 4 now?) He's all the things that you won't admit to yourself, but you always believed. He never brought up your darkest DARKEST desire though. Or is he gonna eat you now?

Anyway, ask him one thing. Is Briannah really gonna kill herself? If he's seen all the futures, did you really fuck up that badly? And is he sure his future sight isn't being manipulated by the Forgotten One? Tell him that every time he tries to tell you the Forgotten One's plans/true nature, it comes out as gibberish. So he's obviously not immune to being controlled either. He won't be any better than you at breaking the mold.

Apologize for neglecting him. If he is really part of you, you've been shutting him out for no reason but insecurity. That was wrong of you. Offer to make amends and work together. If he can do things you can't, it's probably true that you can do things he can't. Plus, if Briannah is really gonna try to kill herself then you two need to wake up immediately and stop her. You're wasting time fighting!
>>
No. 766107 ID: 595d54

o fug it's this again why do we never get mentally balanced protagonists

uh perform whatever series of actions and self-affirmations gets you past your little personal crisis and let edgelord you REEEE in the background about whatever, i guess
>>
No. 766112 ID: 54a237

>Just because you refuse to accept the truth doesn’t mean it won’t happen!
And just because you say it doesn't make it so.
>WHAT I HAVE DONE!? Why, nothing!
Hah, never done a thing in his life and still thinks he's the big damn hero? I take it back, you've got to be me.
>I am the real hero here… and I will save everyone from what you’ve done…
You'll die choking on those words, with the sword of a real hero in your chest. You'll try and overextend and fuck up, just like Karas and Krotos, and like the Archbishop and Belseth will, just like every other jackass who thinks they know what shit's right. I may not have done any good in the world, but you're a disaster waiting to happen.

But fine, if you're so smart, tell me what to do and I'll tell you why you're an idiot.

>>766107
Don't ignore the problem.
>>
No. 766129 ID: 870699

>>766101
Oh, I think I get it.
It's a manifestation of EVERYTHING in you that you repress and deny. Arrogance, insanity, ruthlessness, paranoia.

Of course this world and it's woes are your fault; the flipside is this thing's belief that it could have perfectly prevented or improved those outcomes by being in control.
In there is the part of you that gives you visions of ruthlessness; killing Briannah, murdering and desecrating Belseth.
Even the visions of 'Illasia', the fears and worries about everyone around you that makes you jump at shadows and see betrayers in everyone from Briannah to Cain, are part of it.

One hell of a trait pool for a dream nemesis, ample ammunition for a nightmare to use against you.
But you've always known about these parts of yourself, even if you don't let them command you they spur you on, provide clues and pieces to the puzzles you face, motivate you to take action.
I think the hardest but best path here is not let this part of you separate from you or be defeated but to accept it, acknowledge that this is actually you, Kronos, in the mirror and let it be a proper reflection, let both of you be a whole person.
>>
No. 766146 ID: 91ee5f

>>766129
So, basically in order to win, Kronos just has to hug his dark side and accept it, right?

I mean, it worked for Naruto that one time he was meditating in front of that waterfall and Kronos is pretty much doing the same thing.

So the answer is to hug and accept it, right? Because the obvious answer is that neither half of Kronos is capable of doing anything right on their own, they're both fuck ups according to Mirror Kronos' logic, so the only solution is to work together. Bring the two halves of Kronos together to make Kronos whole.
>>
No. 766158 ID: 870699

>>766146
well yeah, considering the alternatives seem to be it goes off and becomes it's own entity (oh gee I wonder if the nightmare might use it)
or subjugate it (back to the dark corners of the mindscape to fester into more unhealthy mental illness down the line)
>>
No. 766162 ID: 54a237

>>766146

I was going for the rejection of the ego route ala https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeW7T5Q5mhI, but I guess we'll just have to listen to the same arrogance, greed and underhandedness that made both of our brothers dead men walking, and the source of all the other witless ambition in the world. But don't let me rock the train.
>>
No. 766170 ID: 8cb228

Assuming you can get out of the struggle, (go for a nonlethal pin and submission), it is now time for you to be a prince and a negotiator. Express something along the lines of the following, but with your diplomat's charisma:


Of course I accept your existence. If you aren't a wholly separate entity trying to invade my mind from outside, which you totally could still be, than you are another person who our brain created. But guess what? Whether you were created externally or by our brain, we still apparently now share a body and brain.

We will always BOTH be in here, even if you 'take control', one day I'll wake up, having lost a bunch of time and be in control again. Hell, if one of us 'kills' the other here, the self is still in the brain somewhere, so the 'dead' one would just fucking get remade at some point. So we've got to fucking share if this is at all going to work. And regardless of any genesis of yours as a place I put many of my dark feelings, you are still a sapient person, and worthy of all the respect that entails.

So we get to share, and you need a name, and we need a term to use when we're referring to the body, and we need to fucking come up with some healthy hobbies for you so you can work on being more well-rounded and grounded, and figure out what's up with your aphasia. And we need to establish ground rules for the body, who gets to do what, not keeping secrets from each other, giving control back and forth, figure out some techniques so the one not fronting can 'mantle' and comment and keep track of what's going on, rules of respect and decorum, the whole deal. Now, are there any important memories that I don't remember that you are keeping, which I need to know about?
>>
No. 766172 ID: 91ee5f

>>766162
>But don't let me rock the train.
Then it's a good thing trains don't exist in this world!
>>
No. 766173 ID: 8cb228

>>766170

Basically, express love, care, and concern for this person who shares your memories and body, is essentially an alternate but separate version of you, who contains most of your pain, and probably some hidden memories and trauma to boot, and slowly segue into a respectful negotiation about the actual functional particulars necessary to sharing the body. Don't dive into the gritty negotiation details first; establish rapport and respect and common ground. Use your charm and traditional negotiation skills, and realize that you are sharing a brain (and that probably lets you have an empathic connection) and flood the whole place with soothing calm and care and love and exalting respect for this other you who is in so much pain.
>>
No. 766237 ID: 55ad9c

Ask your... You think its your pessimism, the counterpart to your rather blithe optimism. Anyway. Ask it how does it know the Forgotten One isn't manipulating the both of you. After all, you are both Kronos, two sides of the coin of that mind, and he just said this lost god has been orchestrating Kronos from the start. Your other half's course of action here could be just what the Forgotten One wants. How could he know, even with his newfound vision of seemingly all history and possible histories and futures? Because the Forgotten One, being a god, presumably has the same ability. And its had thousands of years to use it and plan ahead. To make contingencies upon contingencies. So how do you fight a adversary like that? How do you take down a grand-master manipulator? One who's insight into possible outcomes is so astute it could predict that your birth would result in you faking sickness at a pivotal diplomatic conference would bring out a drawn-out bloody war between Risavia and the Empire, and manipulated your conception. How do you even combat a being such as that? How do you even know what you're doing isn't part of his plot? That what you're seeing of the possible futures is all of them? But at what point can you stop going down this intellectual rabbit hole? There's a limit to the Forgotten One's power, but where is it, and what power does he have?

Tell him there is one oddly overt sign of the Forgotten One's tampering on us. Whenever your other half tries to tell you any detail of the Forgotten One's plan, or who he is, it comes out as word salad gibberish about "ice cream" and "tea" and other such inane rubbish. That's why you were looking at him like hes a loon. So there's something mucking with either what he's saying, what you're hearing, or, most likely, both. And if our perceptions are being screwed with in this overt way, who's to say how they're being screwed with in subtler ways? Each of us could be seeing the world in quite different ways. Your guess is your metaphorical glasses are rather too rose tinted, while his are tinted way too black. Perhaps if we compared what we were observing and what we remembered, we could figure out what is actually what.

>I JUST WANTED YOU TO ACCEPT MY EXISTANCE!
Then you accept it! You need him! Burying him, ignoring him, left Kronos a mentally incomplete fuck-up. Sure he meant well, but he couldn't catch who he should trust and who he shouldn't. But conversely, a Kronos ruled by the opposite side of his psyche wouldn't trust anyone. He'd be ruthless, falling down the same pit Krotos and Karas did. Kronos needs the both of you as a check on each other.

>Why, nothing! Because you keep pretending like I don’t exist! Every time you’re about to do something stupid I scream in your ear but you ignore me!
And why did you stop listening to him? And don't just say it's because you're a "idiot!" Whether irrational or not, sensible or not, there was a reason he was buried! So when and what was it? The both of you remember it, because the both of you probably don't remember it the same. You need to know why so we can rectify what the cause was and go back to being a person with a whole mind. Because with half a mind subjugated by the other half, the person known as Kronos is always going to be a fuck-up, just in different ways.

>You would have thrown away our best weapon against this nightmare, not even realizing what it was, but me? I KNOW HOW TO USE IT!
Then what is this weapon? And did he look into the past to learn how to wield it? Because Dreamer said that none are left who know how to use it, so that's the most obvious way you can think of for how he acquired that knowledge. And since he had to look into the past, or possibly another timeline, to learn how to use the weapon, that means the weapon isn't the ability to see the past and possible pasts and futures. So just what is this weapon that is, according to Dreamer, especially suited to fighting the Nightmare?

>He might have been forgotten, but he is still plotting his namesake. What you are about to do will only aid him… as he sunders the very throne of existence and let reality become undone.
So the Forgotten One's name is a term for what he seeks with his plot, so what is it? What word or term is there for the end of everything and the cessation of existence? Nothing? Entropy? Unmake? Null? Zero? What word denotes absolute nothingness, or the act of bringing it about?

>Oh please… and then what will happen when this false “love” runs out eh? The one day you wake up next to a terrifying monster?
Then you'll prepare to cross that bridge when and if it comes. You'll learn to see Sakkilians as people again, and that Bri isn't a monster. And it'll be made easier by memories of what you felt before, of what it should be.

>Really? Why, too bad we don’t have two friends that can literally see the past and every future that might have been, eh? Too bad we can’t ask them, right?
Wait a second. He just said he has the ability to do just that! So why the hell can't he see those possible timelines? And for that matter, why doesn't he hunt for the future where Kronos lives from this point on and doesn't cause either the end of everything or the destruction of Risavia or the Zadian Empire? Dreamer said that there's a infinite number of possible futures, so among them there has to be at least one where that's possible. At least one path upon which to tightrope along. So why can't your other half see them? Why is every outcome he sees of what Kronos does result in disaster or failure.
>>
No. 766266 ID: 55ad9c

Ask him what he will do when he wakes up. How will he handle the situation? How will he deal with everyone? How would he behave with Briannah? Belseth? Kira? Our father? Tim? Zela? General Thalia? Cain? Just what would he do?
>>
No. 766275 ID: 55ad9c

Tell him that you didn't recognize him for being what he really was, a part of Kronos, because what he said reminded you too much of the thoughts you had in the alley. The ones right before the Nightmare came out of the stonework. You thought he was another aspect or agent of the Nightmare, not a legitimate part of Kronos. But with the way his form has changed since he left the mirror, you aren't so sure he's without the Nightmare's influence.

Ask him to look at himself; To look in the mirror. Does he not see how he's changing into a amorphous form akin to the Nightmare? Shall one Nightmare be defeated only to be replaced with one of a different kind?
>>
No. 766294 ID: 043af3

Was he part of Kronos? Was he part of you? Some other entity? Who cares? Ultimately, it doesn't matter, he is his own person now, and you two are sharing a body and brain and probably soul.
>>
No. 766301 ID: c1ba17

>>766146
If this is persona rules, he needs to be beaten into submission first.

But if this is him, how does he know the future?
>>
No. 766302 ID: 04aca8

>>766301
If this is persona rules he needs to shoot himself in the head
Lol
>>
No. 766303 ID: 7d8168

>>766301
The main character just accepts his shadow and they don't need to fight. The fights only happen because the other characters are unwilling to admit those parts of themselves.

So... maybe just accept that you've fucked up, but you can't just roll over either. Maybe you and your shadow can work together? Take its advice that doesn't involve killing yourself. Like first, what does it recommend you do about Briannah's depression? I doubt committing suicide at this point would help with that, so we've got to take different measures.
>>
No. 766309 ID: 65a774
File 148193073797.png - (15.04KB , 686x526 , 86.png )
766309

>This is Persona 4 now?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5BDRpeMFkA

>Accept it, acknowledge that this is actually you, Kronos, in the mirror and let it be a proper reflection
:SonorkSB: …w-what did you just say?
:KronosSB: You are me! I just realized it but… you really are me! You might be the dark part that I didn’t want to accept exist, but you really are me…
:SonorkSB: Y-you… you… accept me? DAMMIT! When I was so… so… close and… ARGH!
>Apologize for neglecting him.
:KronosSB: I am sorry for not listening to you sooner… I’m sorry for both of us…
:SonorkSB: Do you really think an apology will make everything magically better?
:KronosSB: Well, no… but it’s the first step, isn’t it?
:SonorkSB: …it is, isn’t it?

>Ask him to look at himself; to look in the mirror. Does he not see how he's changing into an amorphous form akin to the Nightmare?
:SonorkSB: Why would I… I… I’m not… no… I’m not… dammit! You’re right… I HATE IT WHEN YOU ARE RIGHT! …I went too far… I… went too… I went too far… I am sorry...
>Kronos needs the both of you as a check on each other.
:SonorkSB: …need me?
>You need him! Burying him, ignoring him, left Kronos a mentally incomplete fuck-up.
:SonorkSB: Hmpf… yeah… without me you’re nothing, aren’t you? But… without you… I’m just another lunatic in the royal family, aren’t I? Dammit… you need… no, I need you…
>Express love, care, and concern for this person who shares your memories and body.
:SonorkSB: How!? How can you just forgive me like that? I tried to have you killed! I insulted the ones you love! I hurt you! Yet… yet… you’re just going forgive me?
:KronosSB: Everyone hurt themselves at one time or another, don’t they? But I can’t blame you… you’re me, after all… you’re just parts of me that I’ve neglected… that I needed.
>Kronos just has to hug his dark side.
:SonorkSB: H-hey! Get y-your hands off me! Dammit… f-fine… fine, you win!? I’ll help you… happy now?
:KronosSB: Of course!
:SonorkSB: …I still fucking hate you, you know that?

>Offer to make amends and work together. If he can do things you can't, it's probably true that you can do things he can't.
:SonorkSB: Yes, if we work together… than what can stop us!?
>Bring the two halves of Kronos together to make Kronos whole.
:SonorkSB: …Lets become one once again, then… Kronos…
>Plus, if Briannah is really gonna try to kill herself then you two need to wake up immediately and stop her. You're wasting time fighting!
:SonorkSB: Ah, and here we go again. You really do need me, don’t you? You’re doing this all wrong… as always…
>>
No. 766310 ID: 65a774
File 148193075263.png - (43.62KB , 686x526 , 87.png )
766310

>Ask him what he will do when he wakes up.
:SonorkSB: When we wake up? Don’t you see? That’s the problem. I know you want to rush away to try and save your dearest but… when we wake up it will already be too late. No, time here moves differently… no matter when you go to bed here, you will always wake up the same time. No, we need to move deeper… and use the weapon Xuv gave us with her departure.
>Then what is this weapon?
:SonorkSB: Why, “dreamwalker”, you’re standing in it. Dreams. How else do you fight a nightmare? We will walk the dreams and find those that have the seeds of the nightmare embedded in them… and save them from all the fears, hate and paranoia it will try to spread. All the while we change a few things in their subconscious for the better, eh? We need to wield these dreams as a sword… and cut out the cancer that is the nightmare from its hosts.
>And did he look into the past to learn how to wield it?
:SonorkSB: Of course not. I simply looked at it… and figured it out myself. After all, you don’t need lessons to actually pick up a sword and stab it in someone, do you?
:KronosSB: But if you actually want to be proficient with it…
:SonorkSB: Then we need experience. While we might not have a teacher, we can at least try it ourselves… and learn from what we see.
>Then what do we do?
:SonorkSB: Do you trust me? Of course you don’t… but if you want to wield this weapon, simply step into the mirror and venture deeper into the dreams. Find the dreams of this that are affected… and help them. Simply step into the mirror… and I’m sure you’ll figure it all out.

>You need a name.
:SonorkSB: I already have a name. It is Kronos. We are the same, are we not? You did say so yourself.
>He never brought up your darkest DARKEST desire though.
:SonorkSB: Yeah, not even I’m sure what’s up with that. It’s such a tangled mess with emotions that it’s impossible to actually say what we feel about it. Personally, I’m going to blame Xuv for that one.

>You? A hero? You'll die choking on those words, with the sword of a real hero in your chest.
:SonorkSB: If I need to die to make the world a better place, then so be it. I do not do this for a better future for myself. No, I don’t do this for fortune or glory… in fact; do you even need a reason to do a good deed? A real hero is willing to sacrifice everything, be it themselves or even those that they love, for a better future for the many. You better remember that.
>Just because you say it doesn't make it so.
:SonorkSB: And just because you question me doesn’t mean it isn’t so.
>Whenever your other half tries to tell you any detail of the Forgotten One's plan, or who he is, it comes out as word salad gibberish about "ice cream" and "tea" and other such inane rubbish.
:SonorkSB: What? I’ve not said anything about ice cream or tea? What are you talking about? I said… I… hmm… what did I say again? Give me a moment…

>Now, are there any important memories that I don't remember that you are keeping, which I need to know about?
:SonorkSB: Ah, but I have so much to tell you. Why, first and most important, I need to… to…I… but… no… no this can’t…
>>
No. 766311 ID: 65a774
File 148193076654.png - (33.80KB , 686x526 , 88.png )
766311

:SonorkSB: NO! WHY CAN’T I REMEMBER!? WHY CAN’T I SEE… see… I can’t… dammit! When you accepted me and we… we became whole again you… I was cut off from the mirror… from the dreamers mind! DAMMIT! I CAN’T SEE EVERYTHING ANYMORE! And… and… why can’t I… remember… but… dammit! No… no… give me a moment… I… I can still be of help! I might not be able to see all the answers anymore, but I can still… help?

>why doesn't he hunt for the future where Kronos lives from this point on and doesn't cause either the end of everything or the destruction of Risavia or the Zadian Empire?
:SonorkSB: But I saw all the future that… was… but… what if… I didn’t? Dammit, I was so self-assured… so… so prideful that I didn’t even consider all the possibilities. I only saw what I wanted to see… and that was the future I wanted to happen in my rage for you.
>Is Briannah really gonna kill herself?
:SonorkSB: …It’s muddy but… there is a possibility, yes… she is already close to the breaking point and… whatever we do might bring her over the edge… especially with the nightmare amplifying her fears and hate for herself tenfold.
>How would he behave with Briannah?
:SonorkSB: ...first and foremost, we need the severe the nightmares hold on her. We need to free her. We need to venture deeper into the dreams and find hers. Then, when we wake up… we need to talk to her. We need to break away the mask and talk to the real her… and from there work something out.

>Belseth?
:SonorkSB: Bearing the weight of the whole world on your shoulders must be rather painful, no? To believe you can save everyone from everything yet… ending up sorely lacking. Shatter his naive outlook… destroy the image he has made of himself. He might be a good person, a hero even, but he is not the savior of the world, is he? It will be painful, but it needs to be done.
>Kira?
:SonorkSB: Kira, the queen… our sister. She is buried in work, isn’t she? Maybe you could help her with that?
:KronosSB: But I’ve already asked her if-
:SonorkSB: Exactly! ASKED! You don’t need to ask anymore! You need to force yourself on her!
:KronosSB:
:SonorkSB: …okay, bad word choice, but you understand what I mean. Ignore if she will accept your help or not, just help her! Make her see that she needs help… and that you can do it. She needs help… but she is too stubborn to accept it. That, and you really need to help her trust people more. Really, she doesn’t even trust herself by this point.
>Our father?
:SonorkSB: Oh, most of the damage has already been done. Try to stay out of trouble? Visit him? Hmmm… oh, I know, help his only daughter. Help Kira… and you will help him as well. Same goes for you… help yourself… and maybe make Kira take some time off to spend with him too?
>Tim?
:SonorkSB: The problem Tim has that you seem concern about is really not what we could focus on right now. Instead, what he need is a friend. Talk to him… listen… maybe share a beer together? When was the last time you two just spent time together?
>Zela?
:SonorkSB: …does she even has something troubling her? Most of the people around you seem to have been damaged and hurt one way or another… but her? She’s innocent, isn’t she? She doesn’t need our help.
>General Thalia?
:SonorkSB: Ah, Thalia… so easily forgotten and ignored. I do feel a kinship with her for that. They say she’s not experienced enough, not old enough for her post… that she only got it because her superiors all dying in glorious battle. They are right, though. She might be a savant when it comes to military tactics… both on the field as well as for whole nations, but those skills don’t really translate well to a life in peace, eh? No, if you want to help her, help her accept that she still needs to learn… that she needs to grow… that she need to get past her insecurities and become more than she was. Maybe we can get Kira to trust her more, hmm?
>Cain?
:SonorkSB: Cain? Why do you ask about him? I don’t think he’s in need of any help… or maybe… nah…

:SonorkSB: Bah, forget it. All that is in the future. No, the question is not what I will do… but what will you do now? Will you go back to sleep and wake up in reality? …or will you trust me and walk through the mirror? I’ve already made my arguments for the choices…
>>
No. 766312 ID: 043af3

((Ooc
Ugh, Persona. Yea, don't use that media as good rules for handling multiplicity.
Have any of you all spent much time talking to real multiples? In a therapeutic context, the 'main' treatment is to attempt integration of the selves. However, the mental health system is mainly focused on treating those whose condition is most problematic. Outside of that, communities have sprung up (such as Astreasweb) focusing on helping multiples form a workable, cooperative system as a healthy, well-adjusted group of people who happen to share a body and brain. For purposes of this quest, seeing as how this method can be done by the group in question, outside of a modern therapeutic context, and also we don't have context for what magical stuff might be going on, we may wish to give suggestions that are neither integration based no inspired by bad video games, and instead maybe mirror real life a little. Might that work better?))
>>
No. 766314 ID: 398fe1

>>766311
If you go in the mirror and your shadow stays on this side, he could sleep in the bed and wake up, taking control. Maybe.

Let's stay safe. He goes first. We saw it was safe for you to both be on that side of the mirror, and I doubt there's a reason he can't do it now.
>>
No. 766315 ID: 91ee5f

>>766311
>List of people that need help.
Hey, we forgot Sisah and Doxan! They need help too!

>Cain.
Why do I have this feeling that if you ask for a cup of tea, he's going to show up in your dreams? Nah, it's not possible. He's good, but he's not that good! .....right?

>…or will you trust me and walk through the mirror?
Put your arm around his shoulder and say, "Oh, no you don't! I'm not going in there. We're going in there together. We need each other, remember?"

>Who's dreams?
Let's start with Bri and work our way through the list of people that need help.
>>
No. 766353 ID: 8cb228

Maybe make a pact with your other before you go further. Something like:
"Hey, let's promise that whenever one or the other of us inevitably ends up taking control of the body, even if it is unexpected, we should agree to not fuck over our lives or the lives of the people we care about, even if we don't agree with everything the other is doing. We also agree in principal, with the particulars coming later, to further cooperate in getting events put right. Agree?"

If you get that, as a gesture of goodwill, you can offer him to drive when you all wake up, provided he lets you keep outside awareness and run internal commentary on what's going on to him.

(Basically, you know that he'll get temporary control eventually, might as well get used to it, and hopefully you'll build up some rapport and cooperation in this dream adventure you all are about to have! Onward, into dreams!)
>>
No. 766362 ID: 7d8168

>>766315
>Why do I have this feeling that if you ask for a cup of tea, he's going to show up in your dreams?

>Put your arm around his shoulder and say, "Oh, no you don't! I'm not going in there. We're going in there together. We need each other, remember?"
"...but first, it'd be nice to have a cup of tea together." And then Cain pops up. It'd be glorious. And sure, maybe he'd only be your idea of Cain, since this is a dream and all, but it can't hurt to try, can it?

>>766353
I think the point of this sequence is that "one or the other" isn't going to be a thing anymore. Kronos will end up just being Kronos, he'll just realize those things that formerly-shadow-Kronos knew and irresponsible-goof-Kronos blithely ignored.
>>
No. 766363 ID: 32b3ca

>A real hero is willing to sacrifice everything, be it themselves or even those that they love, for a better future for the many.
What is it about reducing people to raw numbers that makes everyone so gleefully sociopathic?
> …I still fucking hate you, you know that?
More than anyone.

>…or will you trust me and walk through the mirror?
You're forgiven, not forgotten, buddy. You're coming with. As one, right? Anyway, we owe Bri a dream rescue, we can't back out now. What should I expect, a metaphysical manifestation of the catacombs?
>>
No. 766372 ID: 91ee5f

>>766363
>we owe Bri a dream rescue
Especially since she tried to dream rescue Kronos from Xuv earlier. It's only fair to return the favor.
>>
No. 766374 ID: 8cb228

>>766362
Well, yea, possibly. But consider:
There are two separate trains of thought happening. He can think and 'speak' to you, and surprise you with what he says, and be a separate consciousness, and so on and so forth.

Once the brain is able to do that, it's a new skill that isn't just LOST because you all are able to merge and be one entity for a bit. You'll probably be merging to greater or lesser extents as time goes on. Identity and self is fluid, the 'just one me' is a spectrum and varies over time, going back and forth. Best prepare for eventualities!
>>
No. 766440 ID: 55ad9c

>>766315
>Let's start with Bri and work our way through the list of people that need help.
>>766317
>Yeah, Briannah is a priority.
>>766363
>Anyway, we owe Bri a dream rescue, we can't back out now.
>>766372
>Especially since she tried to dream rescue Kronos from Xuv earlier. It's only fair to return the favor.

Whoa, whoa, WHOA! I know y'all want to be Big Damn Heroes and rush to save Briannah, but rein yourselves in for a minute and think before diving headlong into her psyche! While Kronos and Kronos know the theory of wielding the dream, they don't have any practical experience; They're effectively book-learned novices. And from Kronos' other half's description of Bri's mental situation, helping her first sounds like it'd be throwing Kronos into the very deep end. Bri's right at the edge of the precipice and it sounds like its going to be tricky to get her back from it without accidentally bumping her over, especially with the Nightmare amplifying her fear and self-hatred. Botch it and there most likely won't be another chance to save her.

The stakes for Briannah are far too high for Kronos to go into her psyche without at least some experience. And normally there wouldn't be time to get that practice in, but according to other Kronos, time moves differently here. I take that to mean as long as Kronos is in the dreams, time either doesn't move outside, or it moves very slowly. (Kronos, confer with Kronos to clarify and confirm how time works in the dream and how it moves relative to the waking world. How much time do we have in here before we can't help Briannah?) This means Kronos has time to delve into at least one other person's mind, one who isn't teetering on the brink of a suicidal breakdown, and learn how to properly wield the dream there first. Preferably two or maybe three others to hone Kronos' skill before facing the difficult task of helping Briannah. ...Though, at some point would the Nightmare notice our work if we cut it out of too many dreams and come up to confront us?

Now, who's dream would be a good introductory practice to excising the Nightmare? Hmm... How about General Thalia's? We know she's seen the Nightmare in her dreams, so it's likely a bit of it is in there but probably not too much to handle. And she doesn't deserve to be overlooked by us, then forgotten about when events inevitably get hectic. However, also ask if your other half has a recommendation he would care to add. You also would like to get Belseth in next. If things turn out where he becomes a god, then him being one that isn't trying to fix everything would turn out much better than what Dreamer said would happen, wouldn't it?

...Wait a moment. There are other people you should consider before deciding who's dream to enter. Sisah, for starters. She has to be weighed down with all kinds of guilt from her failures, both past and regrettably present with you. And how about Doxan? Being captured during the war, tortured, then nearly burned alive has to have messed him up in some way. The way he's completely subservient to Bri can't be good, and his strange interest in death and fetish for being eaten by her might not be healthy. Though, on the other hand, he is a Sakkilian, and thus has different beliefs on being eaten, especially whole by a big female Sakkilian. And there's your friends Whispers of Growth and Head Librarian S’bk’ta, though you don't know what kind of hooks the Nightmare would have had into either of them, if any. Whispers would still be pissed at you for the pirate escapade that destroyed its prized flower, so hatred of inconsiderate nobility messing up its garden? You dunno. ...Ah, but here's a possible big one: The Archbishop. The Nightmare surely has its hooks deep into her, right? Problem is, we don't know much about her, so we'd be going in blind. That is, unless your other half has some insight into who she really is under the mask.

You're also not going to go through the looking glass first. You're not going to completely trust yourself here, y'know. You'll both go in together, hugging tight, since that'll keep you two close so neither can slip away. ...Actually, wait a second. Your other half said he got the ability to see all possibilities when you stood before the mirror and he saw you, right? So could it be getting it back is as simple as him going back into the mirror and looking back out at you? Of course, that would require him to trust you wouldn't leave him there, and he's not big on trust. ...Maybe if you held each other's arms tight, and he backed into the mirror. If you face each other, arms outstretched, and grab hold of the elbows of the other's arms so neither can easily get away, then he backs into the mirror, that should work. He can haul you in if you try to slip away.

Oh, and don't forget to retrieve your pistol from wherever your other half knocked it. It might just reappear in your holster when you step through the mirror, since it's part of your view of yourself, but it might not. Best not to take the chance. Of course, you're probably not going to be facing situations in there that can be solved by shooting, but you still feel better having your gun on you.
>>
No. 766441 ID: 398fe1

>>766440
>we should help Briannah when we've got a better handle on things

Well, I suppose you're right... we just have to make sure to get to her before we wake up. Practicing on Thalia seems like a good start.
>>
No. 766442 ID: 91ee5f

>>766440
I'm gonna laugh when it turns out you're wrong and we should've helped Bri first because she's the tutorial level that shows us how to wield dreams, which therefore, makes her the easiest person to save.
>>
No. 766462 ID: 44a5d7

>>766311
... so now do we get to do ourselves? Because it seems this may be the only opportunity...

More importantly, any way to practice the basics of dream manipulation in this dream room before crossing?

Even if it's just conjuring some objects?
>>
No. 766469 ID: 55ad9c

>>766442
Eh, I dunno now. We don't know just how tough Briannah's mental problems would be to deal with from here, within the dream and her mind, and wielding the dream. Would it be possible to recon dreams? Like, slip in and stay in the shadows to get an idea of how difficult it'd be to handle, then slip out if it turns out we'd end up over our head going fully in. But would that waste valuable time? Depends on how and if time passes when we move between dreams.

...Wait a second. Maybe I'm thinking of this wrong. Would the proper way to handle Briannah's dream, and all the other dreams, would be to hunt down and cut out the Nightmare first, before helping them with their mental issues? That would remove the Nightmare's influence and make our job much easier, so that sounds like the right way to do it. But it depends on if we can even find the Nightmare's hooks in their minds, and if we can defeat them once found. With all the fear and self-hatred in Briannah's mind, the Nightmare's presence would probably be large, maybe more than we can handle. And once it's influence is gone, would Bri's problems still be too tricky to handle?

...Gah! I don't know! At first I feel we should help Briannah first, but I don't know if we can handle her mental issues without causing more harm if we don't practice first. And I don't know if we have time to practice, either before real time runs out, or something causes us to end up getting knocked out of the dream before we can save Bri. Like the Nightmare noticing our actions, showing up and chasing us everywhere, keeping us from helping anybody else. Dammit, I need to know more to decide.

Oh, and I forgot to ask this before: Could we eventually enter Karas' mind, or what's left of it, and cut the Nightmare out? Would there even anything left of Karas to save, or would it be like cutting the Nightmare's strings on its puppet and Karas' body would drop dead or catatonic?
>>
No. 766479 ID: 65a774
File 148200393529.png - (25.39KB , 686x526 , 89.png )
766479

>Oh, and don't forget to retrieve your pistol from wherever your other half knocked it.
It’s already back in its holster…

>Why do I have this feeling that if you ask for a cup of tea, Cain going to show up in your dreams?
:SonorkSB: …I admit, he is good, but not that good.
>...So now do we get to do ourselves? Because it seems this may be the only opportunity...
:SonorkSB: Why is that even on your mind right now? If you’re really that desperate for your own tail, at least wait for when we have less to do, alright? It’s not like I’m going anywhere…
>More importantly, any way to practice the basics of dream manipulation in this dream room before crossing? Even if it's just conjuring some objects?
:SonorkSB: When you enter a dream, you will be at the mercy of it. You can’t change things in there… you need to use what already exist to solve the problems.
>As a gesture of goodwill, you can offer him to drive when you all wake up.
:SonorkSB: …err… Kronos, I know that you’re not particularly smart, but we are one and the same. I am you… not some other being that can take control.
>What is it about reducing people to raw numbers that makes everyone so gleefully sociopathic?
:SonorkSB: See, this is exactly why I need your naïve optimism.

>Put your arm around his shoulder and say, "Oh, no you don't! I'm not going in there. We're going in there together. We need each other, remember?"
:SonorkSB: …okay, first off, please take your hands off me. Second, I don’t exist anymore… I’m just a figment of your imagination talking to you by now. But fine, if you want to imagen me going first, go ahead.
>Your other half said he got the ability to see all possibilities when you stood before the mirror and he saw you, right? So could it be getting it back is as simple as him going back into the mirror and looking back out at you?
:SonorkSB: The connection is already broken. I can’t go back. I’m already part of you… which means, sadly, I can’t leave again like I did. No, so we will simply have to do without seeing the future. But, that’s fine… right? Nothing we can’t handle.
>What should I expect, a metaphysical manifestation of the catacombs?
:SonorkSB: Probably. You will know how to traverse it when you enter, don’t worry. Oh, just a bit of a warning. While you might be safe in this room, not counting from yourself, out there… it’s a different matter altogether. What would kill you in the real world will kill you here… even permanent wounds will carry over so do be careful.


>Let's start with Bri.
What waits for you beyond the mirror is a maze of twisty little passages, all alike… is this the catacombs? Hundreds… no, thousands of corridors split off into the darkness as you walk your path. Somehow, you know the way through this labyrinth… and find the door that will lead to her. You can feel her beyond it… Bri… she is in pain… fear… hate… engulfed in nightmares.

…there’s a plaque on the wall here…
“The guilty will be forever lost…
The redeemed will find freedom in death…
Only the truly innocent will be free from this endless nightmare…”
>>
No. 766480 ID: 65a774
File 148200394642.png - (37.42KB , 686x526 , 90.png )
766480

Right next to the door there is also what seems to be a map…
1. Art Studio and gallery.
2. Armory and guard station.
3. Music hall and stage.
4. Dinner hall and kitchen.
5. Grand hall Holding pen for the monstrous creature.

…getting closer to the door you can hear voices beyond it. “MONSTER!”, “BEAST!”, “Abomination!”… Followed by a truly inhuman roar of pure rage… what is going on beyond this door?

>The stakes for Briannah are far too high for Kronos to go into her psyche without at least some experience.
:SonorkSB: Oh, that door does look ominous, doesn’t it? Do you have second thoughts? It will be hard, I am sure…
>Kronos, confer with Kronos to clarify and confirm how time works in the dream and how it moves relative to the waking world. How much time do we have in here before we can't help Briannah?
:SonorkSB: Time stands still out there… but, the more you wander between dreams… the more you change them, the sooner you’ll wake up. Time isn’t the factor… your actions are. As soon as you open that door in front of you… so much closer you will be to wake up. Of course, there’s also the nightmare itself to be considered. It will not be happy with you mucking about in here… and will notice you more and more the more dreams you enter.
:KronosSB: …so, just walking here…
:SonorkSB: Well, a little bit, yes, but not enough to be really worth mentioning. Entering the dream on the other hand…
>Would it be possible to recon dreams?
:SonorkSB: If you want to wake up before doing anything that matters… sure…
>Would the proper way to handle Briannah's dream, and all the other dreams, would be to hunt down and cut out the Nightmare first, before helping them with their mental issues?
:SonorkSB: But isn’t the nightmares foothold… its way into their mind their issues? Isn’t it their fears, their hate and paranoia that it feeds on? Where else would it live, but inside the problems?

>Hey, we forgot Sisah…
:SonorkSB: Oh, are you sure about that? Her mind has been forged for so long… warped and distorted. Are you sure you want to dwell into it to fight her demons? It won’t be easy, I tell you that.
>and Doxan!
:SonorkSB: Is it wrong to find happiness in being stuck in your own twisted mind? Does he actually want to be… “saved”?
>The Archbishop.
:SonorkSB: …and that is?
:KronosSB: Um… well…
:SonorkSB: If you don’t know the person, you will not be able to find them down here, will you?
>Could we eventually enter Karas' mind, or what's left of it, and cut the Nightmare out?
:SonorkSB: Is there a Karas left to find? Is there still something down there in the contorted mess of thorns and spike that is the nightmare? What is left? Maybe we can see if we cut it down a bit, hmm?

>Now, who's dream would be a good introductory practice to excising the Nightmare? Hmm... How about General Thalia's?
You can feel Thalia nearby as well… her door is not far away but… can you leave Bri like this? ...or can you actually save her right now? What will you do? Will you find Thalia… or brave the nightmares of your beloved? Either way, it feels like you’ll need some kind of plan before you open a door… as there will be no going back.
>>
No. 766482 ID: 62e3c5

We can't take the risk that dealing with Thalia's troubles won't leave us enough actions to help Bri. Plus, if our interference with Thalia alerts the nightmare to our presence it might shore up its defenses on Bri making her even harder to help than if we start with her.

I think we should start in the Music hall and stage. For some reason, the map has a single line in each of the other surrounding rooms while that single room has a D instead.
>>
No. 766485 ID: 32b3ca

It' looks like there's blood coming from the Diner hall and Kitchen, let's check there first. In fact, let's look through everything, even the penciled-in staircase marked 'alone'. And don't start talking about violations of privacy, we absolutely cannot afford to go in blind and fuck this up.
>>
No. 766487 ID: 398fe1

Peek into the music hall first, then follow the blood. No way to tell what the D means. It could be the last remaining bastion of something important and the I rooms need fixes. On the other hand fixing all the I rooms would take too long, probably.

Wait, let me get this straight. The big locked room is where Briannah's dream/Nightmare is, but the other rooms are her subconscious?
>>
No. 766491 ID: 6612fa

>>766480
just go for bri trial by fire this
>>
No. 766493 ID: 65a774
File 148200934982.png - (35.51KB , 686x526 , 90Extra.png )
766493

There seems to be some slight confusion of where, exactly, Kronos is right now according to the map. The big chained door in front of him leads to Briannahs dream, that is to say, the whole map, and not to just the center part of it.

For easier understanding:
1: The chained door.
2: The path with blood in it, which is located outside of Briannahs dream.

>>
No. 766497 ID: 398fe1

>>766493
Oh oops.

Well, we know that walking around in the halls is practically free so let's at least go look at the trail of blood.
>>
No. 766498 ID: 32b3ca

Oh. Well in that case just look both ways before crossing the street, I guess.
>>
No. 766500 ID: 8cb228

Yes, you are an aspect of my imagination, but you are capable of surprising me with answers. It's still a neat trick my brain has learned and useful to look at things from a different point of view, and I want to keep the capability. Call 'you taking over' an intense form of method acting, or a meditative state, perhaps.

-Look through the hallways first, listening, using your sense of smell, sight, examining things closely, before committing to one location.
>>
No. 766503 ID: 55ad9c

>>766482
>For some reason, the map has a single line in each of the other surrounding rooms while that single room has a D instead.
>>766487
>No way to tell what the D means.
The "D" is most likely the stage of the "Music hall and stage" room. The straight part of the "D" is the dividing wall from backstage. And the single lines in the other rooms are probably dividing walls as well. The partitions between art studio and gallery, guard station and armory, and dining hall and kitchen.
>>
No. 766504 ID: 398fe1

>>766503
Ohhh, right right.
>>
No. 766516 ID: 65a774
File 148201892241.png - (42.43KB , 686x526 , 91.png )
766516

>Let's at least go look at the trail of blood.
…it’s not a trail. It’s more of a stain. It’s small… but there… which is concerning, because it doesn’t seem very old. A day or two at most…
>Yes, you are an aspect of my imagination, but you are capable of surprising me with answers.
:SonorkSB: I am still surprising you because you’re not used to listening to me. Give it a few days, and I’ll be just another voice in the back of your mind… like I’m supposed to be.
>Wait, let me get this straight. The big locked room is where Briannah's dream/Nightmare is, but the other rooms are her subconscious?
:SonorkSB: It’s not really her subconscious… but her dream. But, whatever all those voices are coming from, it seems to be from the center.

>We can't take the risk that dealing with Thalia's troubles won't leave us enough actions to help Bri. Plus, if our interference with Thalia alerts the nightmare to our presence it might shore up its defenses on Bri making her even harder to help than if we start with her.
Right… we don’t have time to wait. The lock is easy enough to pick… and the door does not stop you from opening it. You’re in.
>Look through the hallways first, listening, using your sense of smell, sight, examining things closely, before committing to one location.
…it looks almost like the palace in here but… with a bit more Zadian feel to it. Is it based on the imperial palace in Zadian? Bri would have been there after all. The corridors surrounding the central hub are empty, only lined with the usual knick-knacks for show… but there is a heavy stench of blood in the air. Now that you’ve entered the dream, you can hear the voices coming from the center more clearly too…

:NonSB: BEAST! MONSTER! KILL IT!
:BelsethSB: You will pay for the blood you spilled, abomination!
:BriannahSB: No… p-please… I d-didn’t… I didn’t mean to-
:NonSB: Rip their flesh from their bodies and gnaw on their bones!
:NonSB: This false daughter has done enough. Put her out of her misery.
:BelsethSB: Do you have anything to say to your defense, monster.
:BriannahSB: I didn’t want to… I can’t… I lost control of-
:NonSB: -my prey as I feasted on his friend!

…things seems to get worse in there…

>I think we should start in the Music hall and stage. For some reason, the map has a single line in each of the other surrounding rooms while that single room has a D instead.
The D seems to be the stage… and the line is a wall dividing the music hall and the back stage. The music hall is only filled with empty chairs and an empty stage, but the backstage is filled with all kind of instruments and tools… as well as several musical runes. One of them catches your eye… it is the same as the one Bri used on your date some nights ago.
>>
No. 766517 ID: 62e3c5

I say play that rune. A reminder of a happy time may just be what we need right now. I suppose it's too much to hope you know how to play anything yourself.
>>
No. 766521 ID: 32b3ca

Good to note, but we don't know if she has history with it that we don't know about... on the other hand, we may never be able to figure that out. Will searching those scrolls and that bag get us noticed?
>>
No. 766537 ID: 398fe1

Alright, grab the recognizable rune and get to the middle area. It sounds like a lynching.

I think I know what incident she's feeling awful about. The time she ate a Varkian who tried to headbutt her. Depending on the exact situation in there we can tell her that she committed no crime as it was a fight to the death regardless, or that you just find it culturally objectionable, you don't think she's a bad person for doing it. In her culture, wasn't what she did more of an honor for her foe? Consumption of certain parts of the body allows that person to live on in the one doing the eating, and she ate the whole thing. So the Varkian has been honored, not despoiled.
>>
No. 766541 ID: 91ee5f

>>766537
No, they want Bri to pay for the blood she spilled. If it was the Vark lady, I don't think anyone would care because at the time that happened, they were still at war with each other. I think it's a Sakkilian that they're talking about.
>>
No. 766542 ID: 91ee5f

>>766541
*The Varks and Sakkilians were still at war with each other.
>>
No. 766545 ID: 398fe1

>>766541
Dreams don't have to be logical or rational.
>>
No. 766553 ID: 32b3ca

>>766537
I don't think that's it; Killing someone who's charging at you with a weapon is one thing, but we're looking at some serious shame and regret. It must be the thing that gave even Belseth pause. Also, I think we ought to confront what's happening in the middle area equipped with more than a music box.

Think the sound will carry all the way to the center room from here? Could it just be activated and left? No sense in altering more than is necessary. Let's see if music can soothe the savage beast.

Next up, see what that stairwell is on your way to the gallery- I'm guessing the fact that it's penciled in means that it's been altered by the Nightmare.
>>
No. 766555 ID: 398fe1

>>766553
>It must be the thing that gave even Belseth pause.
Don't we already know what that is? Wasn't it the incident with the Varkian?
>>
No. 766560 ID: 91ee5f

>>766555
Not sure. Maybe all of us should go back and look at previous threads.

But >>766553 is right, we're gonna need more than just that 1 music rune that Bri used on their date.
>>
No. 766561 ID: 32b3ca

>>766555
We knew that one already. That led to Bri's 'prank' where Belseth blurted out that Bri ate at least two nobles and a Serpens scientist, before abruptly clamming up. I'm thinking there's another incident we didn't hear about, or the culmination of the above incidents that made her promise never to do it again means she either broke it at some point or is still feeling guilty.
>>
No. 766564 ID: 62e3c5

It is entirely possible that whatever she's having an issue with in here is something we're entirely unaware of. That extra secret box in her luggage is proof enough she has secrets even we don't know yet, things she keeps even from her own bodyguards.
>>
No. 766567 ID: 55ad9c

>>766561
Lets hold off on the speculation, please. The Nightmare could be fabricating "evidence" against Briannah here, to play on her guilt what she did or fear for what she could do if she loses control. We need to see more before making any judgment. Just keep in mind that what is found here could be created by Bri's fear or other emotions, or planted or altered by the Nightmare.

>>766564
That "extra secret box" was where Bri kept her sex toys. It was the only place in her chest she could have pulled them from. The warning might have been because she didn't want Doxan or Kronos using them without her permission. Of course, that doesn't preclude there being other secret stuff in there, but we shouldn't speculate on what it is. We need real proof.
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No. 766575 ID: 32b3ca

>>766567
It's not speculation that Bri has eaten people.
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No. 766578 ID: 55ad9c

>>766575
It is speculation that she's eaten more people than she and Belseth have said she has. ...But those are just the ones she's eaten whole. We don't know who else she possibly ate that wasn't whole. However, given that she's a Sakkilian that was in the Imperial Army, and their cultural practices, it's almost a given that she's eaten Varks that died in combat. That's probably where she got the taste for Vark blood that she accidentally said back on the day she arrived.
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No. 766584 ID: 32b3ca

>>766578
What happened to holding off on the speculation?
>>
No. 766590 ID: b4dcce

Alright... The music box is an obvious choice... Way too obvious, that I got the feeling is going to backfire.

Let's face it, she doesn't trust us that much, she believes we will hate her sooner or later, I think that something related to us will have to be the last resort, as I can see many ways it can be used against us. In fact, she could just panic, and belive we are just there to be against her instead of helping her, the Nightmare could even use that to break her more than she already is.

Look for something more related to her, something that she likes and she used to hold onto (and that is not sex), Those books by example. She liked to read, perhaps about the adventures of a hero loved by everyone? That's something I feel she would read, to distance herself from the world and from her grieve. There are books there, see if there is something like that, and find a way to give it to her without she noticing it... See how she reacts. Maybe it will hurt her, but I got the feeling we may be able to get a better foothold if you do this.

Again, I feel it will be very important to start giving her confidence before she notices us, although, as it is right now, it almost looks like this nightmare could end right now.
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No. 766593 ID: b4dcce

>>766591
Well, aside from that I'm out of ideas. (and nowhere says she is surrounded, for all we know, those are just voices, or I'm just bad at reading.)

If everything else fails, I guess you will have to come out and defend her.
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No. 766595 ID: 55ad9c

>>766593
Goddammit, I accidentally deleted my post you were responding to.

I basically said that Bri is surrounded and that there's no way to slip her anything without being spotted.

>>766584
I should have said speculation with evidence. That Bri ate Vark flesh while in the army is pretty much a given with the culture of the Sakkilians of the Empire.
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No. 766604 ID: 32b3ca

>>766595
There is evidence! You just put it in quotes on the off chance it was altered by the Nightmare! You can't say we need real proof in one sentence and then take something else as a given in the next.
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No. 766610 ID: 094652

Grab those stones, they might be useful. Grab the guitar and whack Belseth while making a joke about the scales of an allegro, then "rape" Briannah onstage.

I mean, they don't execute pregnant women... do they?
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No. 766615 ID: 55ad9c

>>766604
Alright, fine! I'll concede that I was speculating about Briannah eating any others. But if we're not speculating, then we can't say she's eaten anyone beyond those four she ate whole, because those are the only ones that have been spoken of, and that she somehow got a taste for Vark blood because she said that. Anybody else would be speculation, because they haven't been spoken of. And anything said or shown in this nightmare we can't trust to be real.
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No. 766633 ID: 55ad9c

Given the location looks like the Zadian Imperial Palace and Briannah is in the Great Hall, she's most likely being tried by a nightmare figment of her mother, the Empress, and possibly the Emperor too. To be rejected and condemned as a monster by her mother, her liege, would be a devastating fear for Bri.

Pay attention to the unknown voices in the Grand Hall. How many are there, what did each say, and what do they sound like? Male, female, or other? The one interrupting Briannah with grisly descriptions is most likely the side of her she feels is monstrous. A different female sounding voice would probably be Briannah's mother, the Empress.

Which date night is the music rune from? The one where you presented Briannah's family sword and your proposal bracelet to her, the dinner before you consummated your engagement, or the one playing when you did? Because if it's the one where you accepted her proposal and she was so happy, that would be the best one.

You would like to have more to face Briannah's nightmare than a music rune that is a reminder of a joyous time, but it's sounding like time is going to run out soon for Bri. You might have to go in with only it. Pocket the rune, then move quickly to the hall to the north. Look to the left, to where Bri's nightmare marked stairs with "ALONE" over them. Those probably go down to where Bri will be imprisoned; Where she'll be trapped with her greatest fear: To be alone, forever, with only her monstrous side. Then rush to the door to the Great Hall and peek through the keyhole, if it has one, or look under it.

If it sounds like Briannah is about to be sentenced, then you're out of time. You'll have to turn the music rune on at full volume, then rush to yank the door open. Stand in the threshold and announce your full name and title and that you're here to be the defense council for the accused, your love and wife, followed by her full name. Speak with authority that she is no monster and that she shall not be tried guilty as one without a fair trial. If that works, go along with it. If the court goes hostile, then make a run for the armory through the art gallery, slamming the door shut behind you and turning the music rune off. That you of all people showed up to defend Bri from the monstrous charges will hopefully go a long way towards bolstering her.

However, if it sounds like the bogus trial will continue for a bit longer, make haste through the art studio and gallery, looking for anything that stands out that could possibly bolster Briannah's feeling that she isn't a monster. Then rush to the armory. Hopefully a symbol of her love, such as the mended Myseth family sword you presented her, or the Singing Dragon she gifted you, will be in there. Even the proposal bracelet she gave you would be good, since you could wear that as a symbol of your love when confronting her nightmare. You probably won't have time to investigate the dining hall, unfortunately. And you should definitely steer clear of the kitchen; You don't want to risk blowing yourself up.

At first guess, it sounds like the Nightmare is preying on Briannah's fear of losing control. That would fit with Bri keeping a mask on over her emotions and a rigid facade of being on top of things. The Nightmare would be amplifying that fear to the point that she believes she did lose control and killed and ate innocents. And then she is put on trial, found guilty, and sentenced to her worst fear: To be imprisoned alone, with only her monstrous side, forever.

>…it’s not a trail. It’s more of a stain. It’s small… but there… which is concerning, because it doesn’t seem very old. A day or two at most…
>but there is a heavy stench of blood in the air.
>You will pay for the blood you spilled, abomination!
>Rip their flesh from their bodies and gnaw on their bones!
Briannah can't leave her dream, right? So that blood stain outside, it couldn't have been left by her. I think that it was left by the Nightmare, or a agent of the Nightmare. That it was killing random schmoes and carrying their bodies to Bri's dream, dumping them as "evidence" of her monstrous actions. Or it was creating fake bodies in here and dripped blood outside as it left. Or it could just be a unrelated blood stain. Though, who or what other than the Nightmare, or Xuv, could be traversing the halls between the dreams?

Also think back to what happened to Briannah these last two days that might have a connection to that blood stain in the dream hall. ...Your reaction to her telling you who she ate whole and her backfiring prank, perhaps?

>Of course, there’s also the nightmare itself to be considered. It will not be happy with you mucking about in here… and will notice you more and more the more dreams you enter.
But there are the dreams of certain people it has special interest in who it probably is keeping a closer eye on. Sisah's, for her hunting down and capturing Krotos. Kira's, for wearing the crown Krotos believed rightfully his, and trying and sentencing him to death. Your father, Helios', for making Kira the crown princess, "robbing" Krotos of what he felt was his right. And Briannah's, for the unmitigated gall of not dying at Krotos' hand. The Nightmare/Krotos will likely notice your intervention in Bri's dream, either right away or soon. So expect it to react and that your next foray into the dreamscape will be tougher.

>If you don’t know the person, you will not be able to find them down here, will you?
Ah, but you do most likely do know the Archbishop, just with the false name "Elete." At least one of those with the name "Elete" you met was likely the Archbishop. Most likely the third one since she was giving you a sales pitch very similar to the one the Archbishop gave you in the medical wing, but the second might have been her as well. You know her voice and her face, so would that be enough to find her within the dream labyrinth? And even if it doesn't find the Archbishop this way, it would find "Elete," who is close to the Archbishop and may know enough for you to find the Archbishop in the dream.

...Y'know, that might be the reason the Archbishop wears concealing robes and uses a voice changer, and their identity is stricken from record. It was to keep dream walkers, or other entities that traverse dreams, from finding them. Whether it's done with that knowledge or a hold-over tradition from the faded memory of such things happening in the past, you can't say. Though, it sounds like it didn't keep the Nightmare from finding the Archbishop, so fat lot of good it did her.
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No. 766699 ID: 32b3ca

>>766633
With regards to the Archbishops identity, there's something that's been bothering me. The Queen has been unreasonably sympathetic and unconcerned about the Archbishops' actions, as well as seemingly very in tune with her motivations. Now, it's more likely that the Archbishop gave the queen better answers and excuses than she gave to us, or that the queen thinks that this 'miracle' they're planning will make her job easier, but the kook in me says they might be the same person, not Elete.
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No. 766709 ID: 398fe1

>>766699
I'd think Kronos would recognize his sister's voice.
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No. 766714 ID: 32b3ca

>>766709
I would hope so but... well, this is Kronos we're talking about.
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No. 766730 ID: 095a81

>>766714
Elete is also a southern Vark, with a noticably different facial and beak shape from Kira, Kronos and other, presumably, northern Varks. And if I remember correctly, Elete has different colored feathers from Kira. It'd take disguise skill in excess of Doxan's to make Kira look like Elete.

Now, it's more possible Kira could don the robes, mask and voice changer of the Archbishop and pass as her. However, considering how much Kira has on her plate work-wise, she wouldn't have time to be the Archbishop as well.
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No. 766737 ID: 398fe1

>>766730
Or maybe that's WHY she has so much on her plate?
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No. 766802 ID: faf45f

Okay, y'know what? Screw sneaking about. Bri is in dire danger and almost out of time. Every second in there pushes her closer to cliff's edge. You have to take action now to disrupt the proceedings and bolster Briannah up, because otherwise you may be too late.

Grab the date night music rune and rush to the door to the Great Hall. Activate it at full volume and yell as you open the door that Briannah is no monster, no matter what this bogus court attests. Stand in the threshold for Bri and all to see and announce that you love Briannah wholly. That she is the one at the center of your heart, above all others, always and forever. You will never leave her for another. You will stay with her forever. She shall not be alone ever again. You vow this with all your soul, as both husband and prince.

If the court turns hostile at any point before now, slam the door shut behind you as you dash through the rooms for more that could bolster Briannah. Keep yelling to Bri, as you go so she knows you're still there. Whether you're running or not, announce that you did not see until just before now how terribly you hurt her with Belseth and Zela. You can never apologize enough for what you did, and you will do anything to make it right. You will break off with Belseth and head off Zela's hopes of a royal romance. Your heart will belong solely to Briannah for as long as she wishes it, as it should have been from the start.
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No. 766843 ID: 14d66e

>>766802
We're trying to go for minimum influence, maximum impact or else we'll wake up too quickly. Once we sever the Nightmare's influence we can go to the hall, and even then I'm guessing we'll only have time for a few words, we might not even make it to wherever Bri's being held.
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No. 766903 ID: c1ba17

>>766802
That's an issue, but not the one at hand. And those actions are so explicit, we'll wake up almost immediately.

We need more information quickly. Gathering info couldn't use too many actions.

We don't even know where we fit in this situation, let alone she'll recognize us in the context of the dream.
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No. 766915 ID: 398fe1

>>766903
We were just told that trying to recon the situation in the dream would leave us with not enough time to fight the Nightmare. We've already prepared as much as we can reasonably expect to.
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No. 766925 ID: 65a774
File 148218875598.png - (14.08KB , 686x526 , 92.png )
766925

>With regards to the Archbishops identity, what if it’s your sister.
…that seems a bit farfetched. I don’t think she would have the time to play both parts… and you’re pretty sure she isn’t allowed to be part of the temple order. Oh, and you’ve seen them both in the same room at the same time… talking to each other… so…
>I'd think Kronos would recognize his sister's voice.
Well, the Archbishop is using magic to throw her voice… but the ways she moves, the way she gesture… no, it doesn’t look like your sister at all.
:SonorkSB: You already know who it is… they stand the same, act the same… only if the voice isn’t the same it’s not hard to tell they are the same person when you’ve met both of them more than once.
:KronosSB: …you mean Elete?
:SonorkSB: Well… it’s still speculation… but still…

>Which date night is the music rune from?
Just the other night… the night when she was the one who arranged the date… the night when you two… consummated your engagement for the first time.
>I say play that rune. A reminder of a happy time may just be what we need right now.
…it’s as beautiful as you remember… but it seems to be low on power the music isn’t loud enough to escape the room.
>Pocket it.
Right… you turn it off and take it with you. It might… it will be useful, you just know it.

>Move quickly to the hall to the north. Look to the left, to where Bri's nightmare marked stairs with "ALONE" over them.
…there’s nothing there? Which, in itself, is rather suspect, isn’t it? Why isn’t there even a painting or a plant in front of that empty wall? Going by the map, it’s quite obvious there’s a secret staircase or something there. At least the smell of lavender is masking the stench of blood here…
>Rush to the door to the Great Hall and peek through the keyhole, if it has one, or look under it.
…there isn’t a key hole… and you can barely see moving shadows under the door frame. You can’t even put the door slightly ajar, as it seems to be stuck. There’s no way you’ll get in there without alerting everyone that’s inside… for better or worse.
>Pay attention to the unknown voices in the Grand Hall. How many are there, what did each say, and what do they sound like?
All the voices are horribly distorted making it hard to make out who is who. In fact, it’s hard enough to make out Belseth from it all. There are at least three voices in there… not counting Bri and… mad Bri?

:BelsethSB: Then we will close this trail. Magisters, you might now leave for your chambers and decide her judgment… and more important, her punishment. We will met back here on the hour.
:NonSB: Can we really postpone this monsters death by that long?
:NonSB: Death!? This creature deserves so much more than DEATH! MAKE IT SUFFER!
:BriannahSB: Noo…. P-please…
:BelsethSB: As we wait for the judgement, I will allow some… disciplinary whipping.
:NonSB: …won’t that just drive it into a frenzy? Better kill it before it gets lose.
:BelsethSB: Those chains won’t break even against the hatred of such an abomination.
:NonSB: YES! Rip its flesh from its bones!
:BriannahSB: P-please… I can’t-
:NonSB: -believe that’s all you have to come with!? Whipping!? HA!

…it sounds like the trial won’t end just yet but… Bri…
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No. 766926 ID: 65a774
File 148218876762.png - (19.28KB , 686x526 , 93.png )
766926

>If it sounds like the bogus trial will continue for a bit longer, make haste through the art studio and gallery
The gallery is filled it paintings Briannah has made… including the… “tasteful nude” you posed for. The whole room is nothing but paintings… and lavender. Lots of it. The studio on the other hand stinks of old paint and is littered by paint cans, tubes and brushes as well as empty frames and blank canvases. In the middle, as a center piece, there is an unfinished painting… depicting Briannah hanging herself and… and some Varkian silhouette celebrating her… demise…

>Given the location looks like the Zadian Imperial Palace and Briannah is in the Great Hall, she's most likely being tried by a nightmare figment of her mother, the Empress, and possibly the Emperor too.
…that would make sense. Beyond Belseth, there was both a male and female voice in there.
>At first guess, it sounds like the Nightmare is preying on Briannah's fear of losing control.
It definitely sounds like that, doesn’t it? …does that mean you might have to consider her a threat as well? …if she does lose control?
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No. 766927 ID: 65a774
File 148218877751.png - (50.93KB , 686x526 , 94.png )
766927

>Then rush to the armory.
The guard station seems to be empty… and the armory is luckily unlocked as well. Inside, you find all kind of weapons and armor hanging on walls and lying on the table in the middle of the room. Right next to the door, there is a smaller table with some kind of magical staff on it as well a closed box and some instructions.

“If the beast breaks lose, use a shock staff to kill it. Do not try to engage it with normal weapons. If you managed to somehow subdue the beast, there are some special tonics in the box on the table. It will take care of the beast painlessly and permanently, but it won’t work unless the beast is calm and “willingly” consumes the bottles. For now, just use shock staff until it’s nothing more than an ashen husk.

-Your Empress.”

>Hopefully a symbol of her love, such as the mended Myseth family sword you presented her, or the Singing Dragon she gifted you, will be in there.
Her sword, the sword of Myseth is hanging on the wall, right next to a suit of Sakkilian armor… armor that is… shining? Why would-

Your thoughts are interrupted as you hear Bri scream out in pain… followed by that horrible unnatural roar you heard before.

>Okay, y'know what? Screw sneaking about. Bri is in dire danger and almost out of time. Every second in there pushes her closer to cliff's edge.
She is in pain… you need to do something! But… are you ready? You need a plan… you can’t just… rush in there? Can you?
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No. 766938 ID: 398fe1

>>766927
The armor! If you can put that on, and take her sword, you can be her knight in shining armor. Might want to leave the helmet off, though, unless you can change it to be Varkian. Or maybe if you try it on and it feels "right" it'll be fine.

Ignore the sign's instructions. The Empress in this dream is the Nightmare incarnate, I bet. What you want to do is reveal the Beast to be a part of Briannah she needs to accept, just like you accepted yours.

You need to get to the trial as soon as you can, preferably in the armor and holding the sword. You want to kill whoever's in charge of the trial because that's the Nightmare. Heck it might be everyone there but Briannah and the Beast that needs to feel the sharp point of your blade.
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No. 766956 ID: 14d66e

>you need to do something!
Restraint, you've got some time to do this right, so use the time and do it right. Also keep in mind that this has real-life consequences for you too, and you haven't even seen the kitchen yet. Now work fast.

For where the stairs ought to be, there's clearly part of an outline of a door there. If you can't just push through it, try checking the vase. Maybe grab the sword to pry it open, or otherwise brute force through?

I'd say deface- or alter the context of- the painting on the easel, bring the pillbox with you, and maybe hide the magic staff. I don't know what to do with the armor, we can't exactly wear it or otherwise bring it with us, and the glowingness means we might not be able to touch it. We still need to check the kitchen/dining room though, and I'd advise you to brace your nose when you do, if the smell of blood here is any indication.
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No. 767047 ID: 14d66e

Also, Sonork, do you think Mad Bri is Briannah's own repressed side? Or just a part of the nightmare?
>>
No. 767056 ID: 7eb56d

Steady, prince. While it shows how much you care for Bri that you would willingly run into mortal danger to try and save her, you must hold those feelings back here. You will only get one chance to save your love. Don't blow it by running in with a half-baked plan.

You still have time to gather items and intel and formulate a solid plan, but with the variable way time moves in the dream you can't be so sure you'll have as much as you think. The figment of Belseth said it'd be until on the hour, so if you see a timepiece you can pocket, grab it. Keep checking it so you don't get caught short of time. You'll probably want to enact whatever plan you make before the magistrates return, since the court will be less populated before then.

Open the tonic box and read the labels on the bottles and any other texts in there, then pocket the bottles and close the box. That will keep them from being used against Bri. While the note said that the Beast consuming them would take care of it permenantly and painlessly, you aren't going to trust that "take care of" means something other than "kills." Not without more signs towards that. You're not going to hope Bri's beastly side could be dealt with merely by soothing it enough for her to willingly swallow these tonics. ...Actually, these tonics may be dream representations of the psychological medications Bri takes, which if so would make them only a temporary solution.

The shining armor looks the same as the armor Bri was wearing when you summoned her, doesn't it? It may represent her bravery. Unfortunately, you can't wear or even budge it. However, you could take the helmet. Placing it on Bri's head may grant her the bravery she needs now. Even holding it up before her while lauding her brave actions might give her strength.

Take the Myseth sword down and look about for a belt with scabbard to put it in. The one you gifted to Bri with the real sword might be here. While you can't wield it, just holding it when confronting the bogus court and Bri's beast might be enough. Either that or giving it to Bri.

You should hide the shock staff. While it sounds like one hit from it would knock out the Beast, which if it got loose may save you from it, that may also count as Bri being knocked asleep. And if Bri falls asleep here, she wakes up and the dream is over. But the staff also sounds like it could be used against the other nightmare figments, so that's why you want to keep it available and not just break it. Hide it under the stage, since that room seems like it's not visited much.

Collect a large bouquet of lavender. Memories are often tied strongly with the sense of smell, and most of the happy times between Bri and you had this flower's scent present. It will also help combat the stench of blood permeating this place. You might even want to stuff a bit into each of your nostrils to plug them before you enter the dining hall or kitchen, since those places are most likely a strong source of the blood stench.

The saying goes that music soothes the savage beast, yes? Then this rune's tune will hopefully be what you need to calm Bri's inner beast so you can get near her.

You're going to need a spot to gather the items you'll be using. The north end of the music hall seems like a decent choice since it's near the hidden "alone" door and the Great Hall door you'll enter by when the time comes.

If you were a painter you'd alter the painting on the easel to show Bri on a stage being lauded by the Varks. But since you're not you can only cut out the section with Bri hanging and destroy it. Then grab the painting of you and add it to the pile of potentially helpful items.

Investigate the dining hall and kitchen. Expect that you'll find a grisly scene in either or both. After that would be the hidden "alone" door. Try knocking on the wall to find where it's hollow and feeling it over to determine the edges of the door. Then you can go about cutting the edges, either with a kitchen knife or the Myseth sword. You could even use the shock staff to blast it open, but only as a last resort.

The hidden "alone" door most likely leads to something that Bri has buried. Could be repressed memories or a suppressed part of her personality, similar to the part of you that was in the mirror. Or it could be something else entirely. But whatever is down there, it's probably important to saving Briannah.

One idea for part of a plan would be to poison the nightmare representations of the Empress, Emperor, and Belseth. Dose a bottle of fine liquor from the dining hall or kitchen with the tonics meant for the Beast, then go into the Great Hall with it while behaving like you're part of the nightmare here to celebrate the judgement of the Beast. Pour a few glasses for the figments, make a toast, and watch as they all hit the floor. The big problem with this idea is that you'd have to put on a top performance without breaking character in the face of Bri being flogged and that sounds like a very tall order for you.

Another potential plan part is setting up the mementos in the music hall, then loosing Bri and her Beast and leading them in there. Then you could use them all at once. Otherwise you'd have to pick only the ones you could carry into the Great Hall.
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No. 767058 ID: 094652

Wait. Briannah's weapon collection is likely to be used as evidence. What happens if you steal it all before it can be presented in court?
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No. 767062 ID: 398fe1

C'mon guys we were warned about this. We can't fully explore the place before confronting the Nightmare.
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No. 767082 ID: 14d66e

>>767058
I think this is a Kangaroo court, show trial or sentencing hearing; I doubt evidence comes into it.
>>767062
No, it's been established that changing things within the dream will bring us closer to waking and being noticed by the Nightmare, not linear time. Merely observing won't have an effect.
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No. 767086 ID: 398fe1

>>767082
>Would it be possible to recon dreams?
>(mirror-Kronos) If you want to wake up before doing anything that matters… sure…

Seriously. We don't have time. Unless I'm misunderstanding something here, anyway. It's possible that was referring to visiting more than one dream? Well, why don't we ask for clarification? Kronos can still do that.
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No. 767091 ID: 14d66e

>>767086
He's saying that entering a dream and then leaving will cause us to wake up early or leave us unable to change anything, read the full post:
>Like, slip in and stay in the shadows to get an idea of how difficult it'd be to handle, then slip out if it turns out we'd end up over our head going fully in.
He also says:
> the more you change them, the sooner you’ll wake up. Time isn’t the factor… your actions are.
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No. 767097 ID: 91ee5f

>>767056
>The saying goes that music soothes the savage beast, yes? Then this rune's tune will hopefully be what you need to calm Bri's inner beast so you can get near her.
Remember, the music rune is low on power and not very loud, so Kronos is going to have to get close to Bri in order for her to hear it. Maybe even dangerously close.
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No. 767141 ID: 348bb9

Can we change the the painting to that the Varkian are mourning?

Can we use the shock staff and poison on the nightmare?

Can we use the shock staff to charge the music rune?

Either way grab that sword and armor and destroy that poison.
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No. 767177 ID: 3933a4

>>767086
>>767091
It's apparent that we need clarification on what uses up "dreamtime" and by how much, since the actions and plans Kronos chooses here hinge totally on that. Questions like how much time he has left, how much time is taken by moving about, and how much is used by manipulating or taking items need to be addressed.

A tentative plan if Kronos is running low on time here would be to pocket the tonics, take the shock staff, a head to the kitchen and dining hall. Grab a bottle of expensive booze, pour a bit out like he's been drinking from the bottle, mix the tonics into it, and head into the Grand Hall. Kronos will have to act like he's a nightmare version of himself to get close to Bri without the other nightmare figments catching on. He can say that he's sorry he's late to the party, talking like he's slightly drunk, but he had to find something that would inflict enough pain, flourishing the shock staff for emphasis. Then Kronos could get in close to the nightmare figments and offer them a drink from the dosed bottle, saying that we should drink now to the inevitable judgement of the Beast. Oh, he will have to remember to bring some glasses or goblets as well. Depending on how the nightmare figments react, Kronos can either act like he's going to zap Bri/The Beast then turn the staff on them, or wait for the dosed booze to take effect. And once his deception is revealed, then he can activate the music rune.

Unfortunately, this plan's success hinges on how many guards there are in there and how well armed they are. Those with ranged weapons will be able to hit him, and as mirror Kronos said, injuries taken by Kronos in the dream will carry over to when he wakes. Kronos should confer with himself and think about this plan and if there are any others he can think of. However, if Kronos has more time, I'd prefer that he explore some more so he can see if he has better options.
>>
No. 767231 ID: 095a81

Kronos said that there was a gap under the doors to the Great Hall, through which he could barely see shadows cast. That means he could peek in there through that gap if he just had a small mirror or other suitably reflective item. If that's possible to do it would provide us with valuable info from which to formulate a better plan.
>>
No. 767285 ID: 3933a4

Oh, gods. I just realized that we can't just kill the court. Remember what was written on the plaque just outside Bri's dream? The last line said that only the truly innocent would be free of this endless nightmare, and that the guilty would be lost and the redeemed would find freedom in death. That means this court has to find Bri innocent or she will never be able to escape this nightmare. But how could a court of her nightmares find her innocent? Perhaps if her monstrous side was gone, the side that was guilty of all the charges, leaving only Bri. But the only way I can think of to do that would be to trust that the tonics do what the Empress' note said. That they would deal with the just the Beast, leaving Bri behind. I wish there was another way because I don't at all like pinning our hopes to those tonics, but I can't think of any that could get the court to find Bri innocent. At least, not with what we've found so far.

We may also be working against a shorter time limit than just the magistrates returning with their verdict. If the whipping enrages Bri's Beast enough we might not be able to calm it down enough, either for Bri to willingly take the tonics or for any other plan we have. We have to move as quick as possible to search the rest of the dream and gather the items we believe will possibly sooth the Beast, placing them next to the door to the Great Hall.

Unfortunately, we don't know how the court will react to Kronos. If they're hostile to him then the plan of them finding Bri innocent is going to be much harder to implement. Kronos could theoretically run in and dodge them to use the soothing items, but it'd be damn risky. ...On the other hand, if they are hostile to him, he could lead some of them off chasing him, then enter by another door. And there's also the real possibility the court won't be hostile to him, believing him another part of the dream. The only way to know would be for Kronos to open the Great Hall door and show himself. I say we do that at the door one away from the pile of soothing items.
>>
No. 767317 ID: 398fe1

>>767285
We could, you know, try reasoning with the court. Can't be guilty of a crime if there was no crime. Also, killing the beast would be the same as finding it guilty, if you ask me.
>>
No. 767754 ID: 65a774
File 148249673213.png - (20.40KB , 686x526 , 95.png )
767754

>Steady, prince. While it shows how much you care for Bri that you would willingly run into mortal danger to try and save her, you must hold those feelings back here.
Y-yes…y-you must focus! You can’t just rush things… you need to-

*Crack!*
:BriannahSB: ARGH!

…y-you must… for her. You must be brave for her.

>The armor! If you can put that on, and take her sword, you can be her knight in shining armor.
…you can’t seem to budge it. It’s stuck to the floor… even the helmet is stuck to the rest of the suit… and… there’s something that’s… beckoning you?
>The glowingness means we might not be able to touch it.
As you put your hand the chest plate, you feel a warmth wash over you. Visions of Bri’s past flashes before your eyes… showing her memories of the deeds she’s accomplished. The flames were already licking the rooftops, but there were still people trapped inside! You grabbed what you should get your hands on and ran, your commanding officer screaming for you to stop immediately but you didn’t even look back. There was never any hesitation… the beast had terrorized the nearby villages and killed many; even now it held a new victim in its claws. The rest of the hunting party yelled that it was folly to confront a wyvern alone, that you should run and try to trick it into one of their traps instead… but that would mean to leave her next victim to his fate... there was never any hesitation… the icy torrents was dragging her down, she wouldn’t have a chance without help. Few would be willing to defy the might of the Grand River in the middle of the winter, even fewer would defy the jagged rocks lining the cliffs around it… but you had no choice. With a mighty leap, you dove into the ice cold waters to save her… there was never any hesitation. Fear… in front of you stands your fear incarnated, the one who hurt you so much, the one who destroyed you once already… but…Kronos… Kronos needs your help… you cannot let him down… even in the face of your worst nightmares… there will be no hesitation. Courage is not the lack of fear… but the conquest of it… yet… there is still something you’re never able to face… someone that makes even you hesitate… yourself.

>It's apparent that we need clarification on what uses up "dreamtime" and by how much.
:SonorkSB: Ugh, are you really that slow to understand how this works? I know that you’re an-
:KronosSB: If your explanation was actually good the first time I wouldn’t have to ask, now would I?
:SonorkSB: …fine, fine… as long as you’re either in the catacombs or a dream, time stands still. Only when you do something or observe something happening to the one who is dreaming time will pass. Just watching Bri get whipped will make the time in the dream pass, but seeing most dreams like this last a whole night as long as you don’t do it for hours it wouldn’t be a problem. What is a problem is you waking up, as some action you do will make you come closer to doing so. So far, entering the dream is the biggest offender you’ve done so far... and exiting it again would be the same… otherwise, the only thing you’ve done that has eaten some of your time was touching the armor.
>Also, Sonork, do you think Mad Bri is Briannah's own repressed side? Or just a part of the nightmare?
:SonorkSB: Repressed? Ha! While that does seem to be a dark part of her she isn’t repressing it. She seems to be relish in it! I told you she was a monster.
:KronosSB: …she not a monster.
:SonorkSB: Oh, you say that now… but if I’m going to guess… it might be a bit “exaggerated”, just like I was, when you meet it.

>Take the Myseth sword down and look about for a belt with scabbard to put it in.
The blade of her family… a bit heavy, but with a scabbard it wouldn’t be a problem carrying it around.
>Open the tonic box and read the labels on the bottles and any other texts in there, then pocket the bottles and close the box.
…there’s a skull on them. Still, better that you have them than anyone else.
>While the note said that the Beast consuming them would take care of it permanently and painlessly, you aren't going to trust that "take care of" means something other than "kills."
…going by the skull, “take care of” is undoubtedly “you die if you drink this”.
>You should hide the shock staff.
It is a bit too big to carry with you everywhere if you’re not going to use it… let just place it somewhere a bit more hidden, alright?
>Can we use the shock staff to charge the music rune?
That would definitely break the rune.
>Kronos said that there was a gap under the doors to the Great Hall, through which he could barely see shadows cast. That means he could peek in there through that gap if he just had a small mirror or other suitably reflective item.
You’ve yet seen any kind of reflective surface in this dream… and you’re not sure there even is a mirror small enough to get under the door like that.
>Collect a large bouquet of lavender.
You grab a handful of the purple flowers… you know, your hands and pockets are starting to get rather full.
>Place them next to the door to the Great Hall.
There, that’s better.


>For where the stairs ought to be, there's clearly part of an outline of a door there. Maybe grab the sword to pry it open or otherwise brute force through?
Success! There a… huge stone slab behind the tapestry?
>Whatever is down there, it's probably important to saving Briannah.
Yet there’s no way you can move this stone slab on your own… ironic, that Briannah’s help would be great to help you help her. Maybe there’s someone else in here that can help you open up this thing?

>We still need to check the dining room though.
Large tables are filled with all kind of delicious looking foods, though many of the dishes escape your recollection. Maybe they are more common in the Empire?
>I'd advise you to brace your nose when you do, if the smell of blood here is any indication.
Actually, everything smells really good in here. The aromas of the freshly made dishes are a delight to experience, if anything.
>>
No. 767755 ID: 65a774
File 148249674727.png - (47.68KB , 686x526 , 96.png )
767755

>And kitchen.


…there’s nothing important here…
…you’re leaving… and never coming back… ever.
>>
No. 767756 ID: 65a774
File 148249676572.png - (18.72KB , 686x526 , 97.png )
767756

>I'd say deface- or alter the context of- the painting on the easel.
Picking up the brush, it seems that your hand get a life on its own. You quickly paint over the old picture, creating a whole new painting with skills you didn’t know you had, creating an image of an armor-clad Brinnah standing heroically with her blade and- Wait… that’s not… you’re pretty sure that’s not how a canvas works… and you’re pretty sure you didn’t even use the color yellow eit-

Suddenly, you feel everything shift, if just a tiny bit. Something is… different now. Something is changed.

:SonorkSB: Well, whatever you did just ate up some of our time here…
:KronosSB: …did I save-
*Crack!*
:BriannahSB: ARGH! NO! PLEASE! S-STOP! N-NO MORE!
:SonorkSB: I’m going to go with no, not yet.

>You want to kill whoever's in charge of the trial because that's the Nightmare.
Right… it’s just… you’ve never actually… tried to kill someone like this before…
>We could, you know, try reasoning with the court. Can't be guilty of a crime if there was no crime.
…it might be worth a try, but you have a feeling that they might be rather… unreasonable.
>Wait. Briannah's weapon collection is likely to be used as evidence. What happens if you steal it all before it can be presented in court?
You’re pretty sure the trial is already over… and that they wouldn’t care for things like evidence or logic even if it wasn’t.
>The saying goes that music soothes the savage beast, yes?
…you have to hope that it does…
>One idea for part of a plan would be to poison the nightmare representations of the Empress, Emperor, and Belseth. Dose a bottle of fine liquor from the dining hall or kitchen with the tonics meant for the Beast, then go into the Great Hall with it while behaving like you're part of the nightmare here to celebrate the judgement of the Beast.
Right you can… probably get a bottle from the dining hall not the… the… other place. But… will it even work? Will they even believe for a second that you’re a part of the nightmare?

Ugh… what are you to do? Whatever you will do seems like a gamble, as there doesn’t seem to be a way to know what’s await you behind those doors. Should you charge in with the music playing, with her sword in one of your hands and your gun in the other? Or should you try to calm her with the music, flowers and good memories? …or should you try to trick whoever is actually in there? Either way, it feels like your time is starting to run out…
>>
No. 767769 ID: 790549

I say good memories. Put the sword behind your back, hold the bouquet, and start the music rune before stepping in as if it is completely reasonable that you are there. Then walk up to Breannah and hand her the roses before presenting her the sword and asking what is troubling her in a calm understanding tone. Try not to recoil if she does tell you whatever terrible thing is bothering her.
>>
No. 767772 ID: 91ee5f

>>767756
>Picking up the brush, it seems that your hand get a life on its own.
>creating an image of an armor-clad Brinnah standing heroically with her blade
Maybe that's a hint? Try checking on the suit of armor again.

I'm thinking that maybe it's walking around on it's own right now. If it is, you can get it to help you either move that huge stone slab you found blocking the hidden stairs or you can give it the sword and it can help you fight the Nightmare.

But, if the armor is still there, you can try to move it so that it's standing in the same pose that's shown in the new painting you made. Doing that would include putting the sword in its hands.
>>
No. 767805 ID: 309d35

Poison the... 'food' in the Kitchen, remove the name cards, then pop your head in the courtroom and tell everybody that food's ready, or use a dinner bell or something to lure them out. Tell everyone that you'll be with them in a bit if you need to make excuses, but preferably minimize interaction. We don't want their prodigious anger to end up directed at us. Even if the poison doesn't kill them or they don't eat anything it'll hopefully get them out of the room. Make contact with Bri- Sonork, will telling her that this is a dream mess things up? Plan that accordingly. Anyway, the plan is to get bri- or mad Bri, depending on how those metaphysics are depicted in the dream- in a stable enough state to get her to her armor so she can crack that door. I'm guessing the Nightmare's source of influence is back there and that's what's making her angry side all exaggerated. We might wake up before then, but if mad Bri is analogous to Sonork, it's something she has to do on her own anyway.

That is of course assuming that
>>767772
doesn't pan out and the armor can move the stone slab on its own, in which case we can deal with the nightmare seed on out own and you won't have to go back to the kitchen.
>>
No. 767808 ID: 91ee5f

>>767805
>Poison the... 'food' in the Kitchen
Uhhhh, I don't think that'll work. I think that's just the food that's going to be fed to Bri (the "monster" that's on trial), so poisoning it won't help.

>remove the name cards
The name cards aren't who the food is for, it's supposed to show who the food used to be. Meaning that's Elete's cooked head and Zela's claw being boiled in a pot.
>>
No. 767811 ID: 309d35

>>767808
> I think that's just the food that's going to be fed to Bri
She's going to be executed in an hour, I don't think they'll bother feeding her... But you could be right.
>The name cards aren't who the food is for, it's supposed to show who the food used to be.
I know that, it's a weak attempt at deception done on short notice. I'm only expecting it'll get the court out of the room long enough to start moving Bri to her armor. It's only barely a better plan than just waltzing in, assuming we need to do that.
>>
No. 767812 ID: fe7355

>>767805
>>767808
There's also the problem of the dining hall already being full of many different delicious dishes. There probably isn't enough poison to dose them all to lethal levels. And a Empress or Emperor would also not likely go into the kitchen to get their meal, especially when there is already a wide selection laid out in the dining hall.

>>767811
>I'm only expecting it'll get the court out of the room long enough to start moving Bri to her armor.
Um... If Bri and her monstrous side are occupying the same body, which I'd bet they are, then putting the monstrous side in armor sounds like a bad idea.
>>
No. 767813 ID: b1b4f3

>>767756
You know, if those accusatory future visions are at all accurate then this is her putting herself on trial and contemplating suicide.

Honestly I think charging in is the right thing to do. Just like her, you need to show no hesitation when it comes to saving her. Rescue her from the court by force then show her how to unite with her inner beast.
>>
No. 767820 ID: 91ee5f

>>767812
>then putting the monstrous side in armor sounds like a bad idea.
True, it sounds like a bad idea, but is it actually a bad idea? Putting her in the armor could end up ejecting her monstrous side out of her, thus separating them into two. Who knows? There really is only one way to find out.
>>
No. 767823 ID: 309d35

>>767812
You're right, I completely misread what's going on in the dining hall, it'd be better to poison the actual food instead. But even if it does turn out to be non-lethal, or only gets some of them, it'll still be worth doing- Kronos is no knight in shining armor, I don't think he can openly defy the court so easily.

Regarding the armor, it's a representation of Bri's heroism; I think it will counteract her monstrous side rather than make it worse.

Also, this is all a secondary plan if the armor can move on it's own and we can get a crack at the nightmare's influence without dealing with the court at all- they're just a symptom of the real problem.
>>
No. 767827 ID: fe7355

>>767823
And your plan to poison the food entirely hinges on the court being hungry enough to leave on the eve of the verdict. There's also the matter of the magistrates having left to deliberate in private on the fate of Briannah. There's goods odds they won't postpone their duty to get a snack, especially since they seemed to want to come up with a punishment that really makes her suffter. And also, if a few show up and don't all eat at the same time, or at least one eats the non-poisoned food, then whoever is still up when the first of them is poisoned will shout out the alarm.

>Regarding the armor, it's a representation of Bri's heroism; I think it will counteract her monstrous side rather than make it worse.
And Bri putting it on while her monstrous side is still in power might break it. Or it'll totally reject letting her in. Or who knows what the fuck else.
>>
No. 767830 ID: 309d35

>>767827
>There's goods odds they won't postpone their duty to get a snack
Courtly people eat when it's meatime. Deliberation can be done over Hors d'oeuvres anyway.
>shout out the alarm.
To who? The dozens of guards that are canvassing the halls? There's nobody here but Bri, them, and us. At least in this case we'll have gotten them out of the room and produced some casualties before the fighting starts that would occur anyway if we were to rush in guns blazing or just try to waltz off with their prisoner in tow.
>Bri putting it on while her monstrous side is still in power might break it. Or it'll totally reject letting her in. Or who knows what the fuck else.
Even if those frankly bizarre assumptions are right, she'll just have to open that secret door wearing whatever she is now. Whatever. It's been established that this is a dream, Not Bri's Psyche, there will be no lasting harm.
>>
No. 767832 ID: 91ee5f

>>767830
>To who? The dozens of guards that are canvassing the halls? There's nobody here but Bri, them, and us.
If they call out an alarm, guards will show up. It's a dream, they're not supposed to make sense sometimes. But, instead of guards, the more likely thing that'll show up when an alarm is made, would be the Nightmare infecting Bri's dreams.
>>
No. 767836 ID: fe7355

>>767830
>It's been established that this is a dream, Not Bri's Psyche, there will be no lasting harm.
Excuse me? It's already been established by mirror Kronos' peering into the future branches that if we do not at least minimally deal with Bri's issues here that she will commit suicide before Kronos wakes up! How is that not "lasting harm?" And if there's no effect on her psyche by entering her dream and altering things here, then what the fuck are we doing here anyway, huh?
>>
No. 767839 ID: fe7355

>>767832
>But, instead of guards, the more likely thing that'll show up when an alarm is made, would be the Nightmare infecting Bri's dreams.
But the Nightmare has already infected Bri's dreams, or, rather, her nightmare. It's made it ten times worse than usual. And it's why we're here, to dig it up and cut it out, and to do that we have to resolve Bri's mental issues here.
>>
No. 767844 ID: 309d35

>>767832
the more likely thing that'll show up when an alarm is made, would be the Nightmare infecting Bri's dreams.
That's the whole reason we're here. If the nightmare's seed will show, that will simplify things.

>>767836
>It's already been established by mirror Kronos' peering into the future branches that if we do not at least minimally deal with Bri's issues here that she will commit suicide before Kronos wakes up!
Which is why I'm advocating a course of action to change that. Are you advocating we sit on our thumbs so we don't make it worse? Because you can't have it both ways.
>>
No. 767845 ID: fe7355

>>767844
The Nightmare's entry point is via Bri's psychological trauma. Mirror Kronos said as much earlier. Until the trauma is adequately resolved, then the Nightmare will still have a route into Bri's dreams and mind.

>Are you advocating we sit on our thumbs so we don't make it worse?
Holy fuck, no, I am not advocating that. I'm mostly frustrated that we don't have any idea who or what is beyond that goddamn door to the Grand Hall, and because of that unknown any plan we make now could be completely wrong. There could be only three figments of this nightmare beyond it, the Empress, Emperor, and Belseth, or there could be them plus a small army of guards. And we also can't choose a plan without knowing if Bri's shining armor has woken up or if it's still inert. And even then, if it behaves in a way we don't expect, like seeing the monstrous Bri as a dangerous beast to be killed and ignores the court. Or that it might be that we should open the hidden stone slab door first, with the armor's aid, either to see what is locked away there, to fight what is there, or something else. And because we don't have a decent idea of which way to plan, it's pissing me the fuck off!
>>
No. 767847 ID: fe7355

Thinking back and remembering what mirror you said of the mental state of Bri that would bring her to suicide by believing she's a irredeemable monster, you think the court is representative of her self-hatred judging herself. And since the Nightmare is amplifying her view of her rage and appetites, both sexual and otherwise, to monstrous proportions, the equally amplified court would find her guilty and sentence her to death. This means it's both Briannah's inflated monstrousness and her court of self-hatred you will have to deal with to free her. No small task.

Looking at the trick plan, it's looking like the worst of the bunch. Two big issues you'd have to get over to make it work is, first, that the nightmare figments in there wouldn't spot you as not one of them right off. And second is that if they do, you'd have to be able to stay in character in the face of Briannah's pain and sudden shifts to monstrous behavior. Not a easy task. But the biggest issue if you do get over those hurdles is that acting like a nightmare version of yourself will likely break Bri's heart. There's a reason you haven't heard a nightmare version of you in there, and it's that she still loves you. To show up and condemn her, to want her pain, would put her in a far worse place, if not beyond recovery. Even if you did succeed and kill the court, you may not get Bri back even with the music rune and other mementos of good times, instead getting her monstrous version. And you just can't bring yourself to subject Bri to that. ...You'd also have to deal with Bri's nightmare rendition of Belseth likely trying to kiss you, or, given it's so exaggerated, rather more than that.

The "good memories" plan can be easily combined with the "guns blazing" plan, with the latter as a fall-back to the former. It only requires strapping the belt of the Myseth sword's scabbard around your waist, ready at your hip. Then you'll have a backup option in case the power of love, good memories, and well crafted words doesn't get Bri where she needs to be. In that case you can just drop the bouquet and draw the sword and your gun and make a fight of it.

However, before going into the Grand Hall, run back to the armory to check if your alteration of the painting has caused the suit of shining armor to come to life, if only to know you'll have backup. But whether it's woken up or not, don't immediately put the Myseth sword in its hand. From the memories you got from it, you get the feeling that if it goes into the Grand Hall armed it may start attacking right away. And that it might see the monstrous Bri as a target, given it's behavior towards beasts and monsters before. If things go south in there, you can draw the Myseth sword and hand it to the shining armor in the hope it'll protect you and stop once you're safe enough.

When you finally go in, knock hard on one of the doors, then run to the door you'll actually open to enter. That'll hopefully get at least one person out of position to check the door when you go in. And when you do open the door, don't rush right in. Get a look at what is going on first and how whoever is in there reacts first.
>>
No. 767848 ID: 65a774
File 148253309234.png - (17.94KB , 686x526 , 98.png )
767848

>Poison the... 'food' in the Kitchen.
…you’re not putting one foot inside that kitchen… ever again.
>Poison the actual food instead.
You’re pretty sure you don’t have enough poison for that… there’s way to much food… and no way to know who will eat what…
>Pop your head in the courtroom and tell everybody that food's ready, or use a dinner bell or something to lure them out.
...there are way too many reasons why that won’t work… but this is a dream, so maybe…? Call it plan B?

>Sonork, will telling her that this is a dream mess things up?
:SonorkSB: I don’t think she’s lucid enough to understand that this is a dream. Don’t expect her to be completely rational.

>Try checking on the suit of armor again.
…it’s gone!? Err… is that a good thing or a bad thing?
>I'm thinking that maybe it's walking around on its own right now.
Making a quick jog around this dream, you can’t find it anywhere. Where did it get off too?
>>
No. 767849 ID: 309d35

>>767845
There's no reason to believe there's anyone else in the room based on the number of voices and movement of shadows, and I said the poison plan should be a plan B after using the armor to open the secret door. I'm advocating any plan that isn't walking into the lions den and attempting to make off with their prey, weather we do it violently or not, it won't end well. Walking in armed with a music box remains the bad idea it always was, and even if little old Kronos can fight off three angry Sakkilians, the violence won't do Bri any good, neither her good or bad sides.
>>
No. 767850 ID: 65a774
File 148253310644.png - (20.97KB , 686x526 , 99.png )
767850

>I say good memories. Hold the sword in one hand and the bouquet in the other, then start the music rune before stepping in as if it is completely reasonable that you are there.
Right… let’s do this… starting the music, you pick up the sword and flowers before forcing yourself into the grand hall… and then the music suddenly stops as you enter a anti-magic zone, making the rune inert… huh…
>>
No. 767852 ID: 65a774
File 148253311544.png - (37.17KB , 686x526 , 100.png )
767852

:BelsethSB: WHAT!? Who is this charlatan!?
:BriannahSB: No! NO!
:BriannahSB: *Sniff* VARK!? FRESH VARK FLESH!
:NonSB: Look out! It’s breaking lose!
:BelsethSB: Don’t talk nonsense, there’s no way-
>>
No. 767853 ID: 65a774
File 148253312417.png - (21.32KB , 686x526 , 101.png )
767853

*Crack!*
:BelsethSB: …oh fuck.
>>
No. 767854 ID: 65a774
File 148253313376.png - (24.54KB , 686x526 , 102.png )
767854

:NonSB: RUN!
:BelsethSB: AH!! NO!!
:BriannahSB: GIVE IT TO ME! LET ME SAVOR IT!
:BriannahSB: N-no… r-run… I can’t… c-control… … …
:BriannahSB: LET ME FEAST UPON THE VARKIAN!

…things are not going as planned…
>>
No. 767859 ID: e19af6

Offer the dragon Elete a la carte! Retreat to the kitchen and let the dragon have its fill!

Also, Briannah's a dragon. That means she's dragon her pussy on the floor. Do that.
>>
No. 767861 ID: c96bd8

Shed a silent tear...
Then charge into battle wielding your bouquet!
>>
No. 767862 ID: b1b4f3

>>767854
Maybe you shouldn't have cut the chain. Was that really part of the plan? Anyway tell Bri the more she resists the worse the beast becomes.

You could convince the beast not to eat you by showing it you have the poison. You could even pour a vial onto yourself, so that you become poisonous. If not you're gonna have to try to fight. Or remind the beast that what it desires is your heart. You are Kronos, not Elete.
>>
No. 767863 ID: 309d35

Great. Brilliant. Why do we bother making plans, again?

For some reason, I've got the idea to douse yourself or your clothes in poison to discourage her from eating you, but I can already hear everyone shouting me down about how dangerous that is, as if getting ripped to shreds by a dragon is preferable.

Maybe follow the runner and get them to open the door?

>>767859
Well it might distract her, for like, two seconds. It might get her to stop chewing on Belseth, too.

We are way out of good ideas, aren't we.
>>
No. 767867 ID: 91ee5f

>>767848
>…it’s gone!? Err… is that a good thing or a bad thing?
One of the spears is missing from the wall, also. I guess the armor needed a weapon, since you've got its sword.

>Making a quick jog around this dream, you can’t find it anywhere. Where did it get off too?
Did you try checking over by the hidden stairs that were blocked by that huge stone slab? It might be over there trying to move the stone slab or has already moved the stone slab.

>>767850
>anti-magic zone
..........I've gotta be honest, we really should've seen that coming a mile away, but we didn't. I guess this is what we get for rushing in there without actually carefully looking around for Bri's suit of armor. Because it would be very helpful to have the manifestation of Bri's bravery here right about now.

Maybe if you step back out into the hall, the music will activate again? Or at least make it easier for the armor to come find and save you.

>>767862
>Maybe you shouldn't have cut the chain. Was that really part of the plan?
Kronos didn't cut the chain, Bri broke free on her own.

>>767863
>Great. Brilliant. Why do we bother making plans, again?
Don't look at me, I'm not the one that panicked and said, "Run in there without looking for more clues and coming up with a better plan!" that was someone else!
>>
No. 767900 ID: fe7355

Since when has anything gone as planned for you when the stakes are high? But it's not like you had any way to check if there was a anti-magic field in here beforehand, nor find out that monstrous dragon Bri has such a raging desire for fresh Vark flesh she'd break virtually unbreakable shackles and chains that should be able to contain her to get at you. ...Maybe if you had knocked and said who you were instead of barging in. Then they would have warned you off. Though, then Dragon Bri would overhear, then break free to chase you down, so that wouldn't have worked either. Welp, can't think of any way you could have entered here without Dragon Bri getting loose. That sucks.

Also keep in mind that now that Bri sees you, time is advancing in the dream. Remember that now that Dragon Bri is free, you have to complete this dream with her dealt with. If you don't, then Dragon Bri'll be at the helm when Bri wakes up. And since you and Zela will wake up after Bri, your lives are in danger from whatever that ravenous beast will do to you.

Rush back out into the hall and slam the door shut behind you. Run to anywhere that isn't here. Try the armory first. Get the shock staff you hid because Bri's Courage may need it if the Myseth sword doesn't work against Dragon Bri.

Okay, there's two possible plans I can think of right now to deal with Big Dragon Bri: First, and preferred, is getting Bri's courage to fight it and help her courage defeat it. From the memories of courage Kronos experienced, Bri's done brave things, except face herself. Her successfully doing that is likely the way to finish this dream mission satisfactorily. Bri's courage will need a weapon that can actually do anything against Dragon Bri, though. Bri's courage took a halberd from the armory because Kronos took the Myseth family sword, so getting the sword back to Bri's courage is important. But first we have to find it. Hopefully it didn't go beyond the stone slab door or out into the Catacomb maze. Considering that Bri's Courage made its way to Kronos' dream when he called her, it might be able to traverse the Catacombs too. But you might be able to summon Bri's Courage to you. It came when you called for Bri while facing off against Xuv, so Bri's Courage might again come if you call for her now. Otherwise you're going to be running around the outer rooms and halls, calling out for Bri's Courage trying to find it.

Second idea is to dose the roasted head of Elete, then lead Dragon Bri to the head so she'll eat it. This should be Plan B because Bri's Courage facing and defeating Dragon Bri sounds like just the way to satisfactorily finish this dream mission. Just make sure that Dragon Bri doesn't get to Elete's head and eat it before you possibly use it.

Make a mental list of every spot in Bri's dream that you saw that is too small for Dragon Bri to pass through, but that you can. You'll be needing them to evade her. Also note the ones that would probably not break or get knocked open by Dragon Bri. She'll also be tracking you by scent, so anything that could knock her sense of smell out would be good. Chucking a big scoop of pepper from the kitchen into her face might work, but something stronger would be better.

You should think about why the Grand Hall had a anti-magic field over it. There is the possibility that it was to keep Dragon Bri from using magic. Like breath based casting of fire or somesuch.

If you get Dragon Bri on your tail, try to engage with the Bri that's trapped trying to restrain and contain it. Ask her to keep talking and tell you things about the part she's trying to keep under control. Things that might help you or someone else deal with it.

>>767859
>Offer the dragon Elete a la carte! Retreat to the kitchen and let the dragon have its fill!
No, it's too valuable as a potential poison vector. Dragon Bri wants Vark flesh, one way to deal with her would be to dose Elete's head and leave it in Dragon Bri's path as she tails Kronos. I'd set that as Plan B, since it'd be far preferable for Bri's courage to take down Dragon Bri, since the memories from it indicates Bri could never face herself. Her courage besting her monstrous side would probably acceptably complete this dream mission for us.

>>767861
That is just plain suicidal. No. Just no.

And just in case anybody else forgot, mirror Kronos warned that any harm Kronos sustains while dreamwalking will carry over into the waking world. This is up to and including death. So no suicide runs on the ill-informed idea Kronos'll be fine when he wakes up.

>>767862
>Maybe you shouldn't have cut the chain. Was that really part of the plan?
Nobody cut the chain. This monstrous dragon Bri broke free just to get at Kronos' succulent Vark flesh.

>Anyway tell Bri the more she resists the worse the beast becomes.
...How did you come to that conclusion? Because I don't see how Bri just releasing her last bits of restraint on this bloodthirsty side of her will weaken the beast.

>You could convince the beast not to eat you by showing it you have the poison. You could even pour a vial onto yourself, so that you become poisonous.
Other than the risk of Kronos absorbing the poison through his skin or eyes, Dragon Bri would probably just rip Kronos apart for denying her her meal of fresh Vark flesh. The poison is far more valuable for dosing food Dragon Bri might eat, like Elete's head.

>If not you're gonna have to try to fight.
The Empress' note stated that conventional weapons would not work against this monstrous form of Briannah. Only the poison tonic and the shock staff would work. Which means Kronos' gun and the Myseth family sword won't work against her. ...The sword might work if wielded by Bri's Courage, but we gotta find it first before we can give it the sword.

>Or remind the beast that what it desires is your heart. You are Kronos, not Elete.
The part of Bri in there that's still Bri can see that Kronos is Kronos. She went "No! NO!" upon seeing him because she knew her monstrous side would want to eat his flesh and would run him down. It'd be one of her worst nightmares for that to happen.

>>767863
>Great. Brilliant. Why do we bother making plans, again?
I'm wondering the same thing. Along with half-wondering why I should even bother to write as much as I do for my posts in this quest. Seriously, how the fuck could we have figured this out ahead of time? ...Goddammit. We could have knocked and said who we were. And then Ravenous Dragon Bri would have heard and broken free for some of that sweet, sweet Vark flesh. Maybe somehow made the leap of logic to figure it out from putting together the stench of blood with Bri's licking of that would-be assassin's blood in the first thread? But, really? REALLY? God, it didn't even fuckin' matter what way we chose to enter the Grand Hall. Only not entering it would have been the right way, but we had "Either way, it feels like your time is starting to run out…" at the end of the update making it feel like if we didn't move then we'd run out of dream-time.

>...but I can already hear everyone shouting me down about how dangerous that is, as if getting ripped to shreds by a dragon is preferable.
Dragon Bri would probably just rip Kronos apart in rage anyway for his impudence of denying her his tasty, tasty flesh, even if she can't eat him afterwards.

And the poison is far too valuable otherwise to just slather Kronos in it. For the primary reason it could possibly be used to dose the roasted head of Elete in the kitchen, which then can be left for Dragon Bri to eat. She is after Vark flesh, after all. She'd probably stop to eat that dish, even if it isn't bloody fresh Vark flesh.

>Maybe follow the runner and get them to open the door?
There's a open door right behind Kronos; The one he came in through. ...At least, I hope there is one and the goddamn dream didn't vanish it away to fuck us over. And that "runner" is probably the Empress, and she's not going to be happy at all with Kronos for him barging in and causing Dragon Bri to break free.

>Well it might distract her, for like, two seconds. It might get her to stop chewing on Belseth, too.
Considering Belseth was the one wielding the whip, she's not going to let him go for that. He's for sure going down Dragon Bri's gullet.

>We are way out of good ideas, aren't we.
Only if you give up and don't put in the work to think of one.

>>767867
>..........I've gotta be honest, we really should've seen that coming a mile away, but we didn't.
...HOW?! A anti-magic zone has never shown up in the damn quest before! And there was no way to to find out that there was one in here without opening the goddamn door a at least holding the music run inside.

>Don't look at me, I'm not the one that panicked and said, "Run in there without looking for more clues and coming up with a better plan!" that was someone else!
You also didn't specifically suggest to do a thorough search for the shining armor instead of going into the Grand Hall. You didn't even suggest to do anything in particular. You only made some observation about the armor's whereabouts. And looking back, at the time of update, there were only two actual suggestions for action; Go in with good memories and the sword, and poison the food. There was a third one, but it came in four minutes before the update and wasn't taken into account. And then a bunch of posts back and forth about the poisoning-the-food plan. So in the end it came down to one suggestion to go in. So perhaps in the future, if there is by some miracle one in this quest, actually suggest actions instead of just pointing things out and speculating, hm?

Disclaimer: I wrote this post after being up for more than 30 hours. My apologies for the quality, and I hope I didn't overlook anything important.
>>
No. 767914 ID: 91ee5f

>>767900
>...HOW?!
Through Finagle's Law: "Anything that can go wrong, will-at the worst possible moment."

Anti-magic fields count as anything. The worst possible moment was when Kaktus made us predictably fall for the whole "it feels like your time is starting to run out…" line and made us all panic.

Plus, we really should've known that anti-magic things exist in this world, we just never saw or heard of them until now. I mean, they've got anti-god things, so why shouldn't they have anti-magic for the normal people?

>You also didn't specifically suggest to do a thorough search for the shining armor instead of going into the Grand Hall. You didn't even suggest to do anything in particular. You only made some observation about the armor's whereabouts.
Well, I did say it might be over by the secret stairs. It's not my fault that Kronos' description of "quickly checking the halls" didn't exactly specify if he actually looked by the secret stairs. He probably just skipped over it without actually looking. Or Kaktus is railroading the story because he/she thinks we're taking too long and he/she wanted to force us to move on already.

>Disclaimer: I wrote this post after being up for more than 30 hours. My apologies for the quality, and I hope I didn't overlook anything important.
Good to know I'm not the only one doing that. -_-;;
>>
No. 767954 ID: fe7355

>>767914
>The worst possible moment was when Kaktus made us predictably fall for the whole "it feels like your time is starting to run out…"
Thing is, Kaktus could really make our time run out if we faf about too much. Though, now that Kronos is observing Bri, the dreamer of this dream, then ,according to mirror Kronos' explanation of dream time, time is advancing continually now. Which means we're in greater danger of running out of time now than before in this dream. And while it appears Bri won't be judged guilty and commit suicide because she broke free, having Bri wake up with this monstrous entity in control will be catastrophic. And probably fatal for Zela and Kronos given that Bri'll wake up before the both of them.

> I mean, they've got anti-god things...
What? I don't remember any things that generate a anti-god field or similar in this quest.
>>
No. 768061 ID: d73f06

>>767954
Technically, there was the whole Catacombs/Soul Kiln which did successfully capture the souls of gods, but that's none of my business...
>>
No. 768066 ID: b1b4f3

>>768061
One god. Xuv.
>>
No. 768068 ID: fe7355

>>768061
I wouldn't consider a "anti-god" field in the same category as capturing their soul if they happened to die within a place. Anti-god kinda implies it'd block or suppress their powers while alive.

>>768066
Well, one god that we know of. If any of the Five or any other gods perished down there we just don't know. And if any did, then we don't know if their souls have already leaked out of the Soul Kiln. That's why we need to eventually find out where the Five actually died. I'm thinking their corpses were found under the dead spot in the Garden, which would explain why the Archbishop has put so many defenses on the entrance to there. But if they were found there, whether they died their or their bodies were moved there, we don't know.
>>
No. 768077 ID: 91ee5f

>>767954
>What? I don't remember any things that generate a anti-god field or similar in this quest.
Well, technically, the Old Man isn't a god, he's an aspect of life. But he can be considered as anti-god. And the infinity rune allows things to hide from the Old Man, so the infinity rune can be considered as anti-whatever the Old Man is supposed to be.
>>
No. 768105 ID: 309d35

Alright, we need to get Bri to open the secret door. I don't think telling her we- or any other Vark meat- is back there will convince her, given how good her nose is. We'll bait the spot with the music box, then when she gets there, corner her with the shock staff. She'll have no place to go but through the door, whereupon her destructive instincts will take over and she'll deal with the Nightmare's seed on her own, or we can use the pistol to destroy it remotely. If She's too big for the door, we'll have to force her to open it, before letting her back off into one of the side rooms.
>>
No. 768140 ID: aa33ad

>…things are not going as planned…
Wait, We had a plan?

Well, at this point I feel like There is not many actions we can do, so here is the only thing I can think of:

grab the sword and defend yourself, Don't just run away because I think that's what the Nightmare would want you to do. Of course, you are better of dodging than blocking, but try to stay deffensive, give ground if you have to, and make sure to not get pinned or go to a dead end, if you have a chance to attack, try to make hindering wounds (NOT lethal wounds), if it is impossible, just continue your dance with Death.

Meanwhile, Encourage Briannah to TRY to contol it. Say that you Believe in her, and That She has to Be brave and face that thing once and for all, instead of running away. You are staying back because you Believe in Her, She was soldier, never lost herself in middle of combat, that incident with the slavers doesn't count, because it wasn't her fault, Telll her to control herself as She did when she fought., to help you as she always did.

You could also Add: "Also what? Wasn't I the supposed to be the little princess and you the mighty warrior? Or at least that's what you were implying when we met for the first time..."
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No. 768149 ID: 91ee5f

>>768105
>Nightmare's seed behind secret door.
I'm not even sure if that's what's in there. It could just be some more of Bri's memories or something.

Who knows? Maybe the seed is back there?

>>768140
This sounds like a good idea.
>>
No. 768151 ID: 309d35

>>768140
This is hardly a good idea. Kronos is untrained with a sword, which is a weapon that wouldn't be able to harm her anyway, and if she knows it, Kronos will be toast. I don't think Bri will be able to control herself as long as the Nightmare seed is exaggerating her bad side.
>>
No. 768159 ID: fe7355

>>768105
Okay, there are a number of serious issues with this plan. The first of which that comes to mind is that monstrous Bri had such a intense lust for devouring Vark flesh that it drove her to pull apart her chains to get it. And have you heard what she's said. I doubt she's going to be rational enough to stop herself from rushing Kronos even if he is wielding the shock staff.

The second is that there is no "seed" of the Nightmare. The way it's coming in is via Bri's issues. Her fear, self-hatred, and who knows what else. Those issues have to be adequately resolved to kick the Nightmare out. And we also don't have any idea what is down there, so betting everything on it being just what we need is foolish.

>>768140
Do you remember what the note in the armory said about monstrous Bri being immune to conventional weapons? Do you remember that Kronos is no fighter, and has had no training or experience in wielding a sword or dodging? Are you banking on him suddenly being endowed with those skills just because this is a dream? Because both he and Bri know he's no fighter, so it's doubtful that would happen. And do you remember mirror Kronos saying that harm or death inflicted on Kronos in the dream will carry over to him in the waking world? Because he said that back in >>766479. I'll even ask him right now to confirm and clarify that right now. So, are you willing to bet Briannah's and Kronos' lives on your plan, knowing this?

The part about encouraging Bri so she might be able to get at least a bit more control over her bestial side is still a good idea, but getting within striking distance of her beast while doing it is unacceptably dangerous.

The one thing I would seriously suggest after reading your suggestion is that whatever interaction with monstrous Bri Kronos has, he should do it outside the anti-magic field so he can use the music rune. Hopefully it'll sooth the beast and weaken its grip on Briannah so she can get some control over it.

>>768105
>>768149
>On the subject of the Nightmare "seed"
It appears there has been some confusion about where and how the Nightmare is entering into Bri's dream. For one, there is no "seed" of the Nightmare in here; No thing that needs to be physically cut out. According to mirror Kronos back in update >>766480, the Nightmare's foothold into a person's mind is their issues. Their fears, hate and paranoia. In order to "cut" the Nightmare out would require resolving those issues, not literally cutting it out. And I'll ask that part of Kronos to clarify what has to be done to push the Nightmare out of a person's mind and dreams, just so there's no confusion about it.
>>
No. 768163 ID: aa33ad

>>768157
Look, as far as I see, there are only two choices, Run away or stay.

For what I see, At this point I feel we failed miserably already and the only thing we have left is to try to make Briannah's nightmare a bit more tolerable, and if by mere chance it also works in slowing the Nightmare then we are on luck.

The other thing would be run away, in hopes of either finding the Briannah's armor walking around, perhaps that could distract or Help Briannah's situation. The other thing would be to find the path that was blocked open, or perhaps opening it with the shock staff they planned to use on Briannah, and hope there is either something there to help us or is not a dead end at least. We would also Hope that the magic rune still works after the rune was "turned Inert". Sadly, for this plan to work you would need 3 things: That the Nightmare doesn't (or can't) modify the layout of this place, a series of convenient events of which we have no control over to happen, and Time, which as far as I know, isn't something we have to spare.

I guess we could try that, and then try my first plan if everything else fails, but I don't know if we are able to do that.

Also, Kronos if I remember correctly was agile so I think he could try to dodge and be better at it than someone who isn't agile. And as for the fact that he could die, well, If Kronos fails, he is already as good as dead as far as I know, unless we can continue trying after waking, and even so, it would become even harder because then The Nightmare would be actively trying to stop us, if not consume us.

I won't stop anyone with a greater and more effective plan than mine, Hell I hope someone in the suggestions already had a better plan than these, because both of these plans are almost as bad as having no plan at all as they rely too much on many things going right.
>>
No. 768168 ID: 309d35

>>768163
Those two choices may as well be 'live or die' without a shock staff to defend ourselves. And Kronos was supposed to be smart too, and we can all see how that turned out. If standing and fighting is really the best option, which it never is, at least fetch the shock staff first so we won't be completely outmatched in every way.

>>768159
As opposed to just hoping that the armor re-materializes and saves us? Or hoping that Kronos will grow a pair and change his mind about returning to the kitchen in the first place, much less hoping that Elete will be eaten first? Those aren't plans, they're wish lists. If Bri won't be rational, we'll have to herd her like a lion tamer into opening the door, because even if there isn't a Nightmare seed behind the door, we are not equipped to deal with Bri's problems as we stand and need more options.
>>
No. 768169 ID: fe7355

>>768163
I'd rather Kronos get out of the Great Hall and its anti-magic field, to check if the music rune is broken, then try and find the shining armor which is probably Bri's courage. We can be pretty sure it's walking about 'cause it took a halberd from the armory. (You can see the third one is missing in the last armory image.) Then I believe Kronos would work best as a distraction for monstrous Bri, hopefully weakening it with the music rune's tune, so that Bri's courage can strike.

...There's also another possibility, but I don't know if Kronos can even try it with monstrous Bri after him. Him painting Bri's shining armor changed things in here, so what if he painted it winning in the fight against Bri's monstrous side? Not killing it, but crippling and disabling the monstrous Bri. He now knows what the bestial self-vision of herself looks like, so he could theoretically do that. Whether it'd work, or if he could do it before Bri's monstrous form caught up with him, I don't know.

Ah, but if a painting could change the dream, then perhaps painting that the stone slab door is open may work as well. Another idea to think of.

Oh, and we should figure that monstrous Bri's sense of smell will be able to track Kronos wherever he goes in this dream. So unless her sense of smell is negated, either by knocking her nose out with a very strong scent or spreading Kronos' or just Vark scent everywhere, she's going to be on his tail continually.
>>
No. 768321 ID: 65a774
File 148278518145.png - (32.30KB , 686x526 , 103.png )
768321

>Why do we bother making plans, again?
To have them horribly crushed by reality time and time again?
>Wait, We had a plan?
We were planning on battling the court and not… Bri herself…
>Seriously, how the fuck could we have figured this out ahead of time?
…you other half did mention that the nightmare would be inside Bri’s problems and… the nightmare infection you had was inside you too, wasn’t it? It was inside the mirror you, no?
>We need to find the nightmare seed.
You’re pretty sure you already found it… it’s the huge ass dragon standing before you.

>You should think about why the Grand Hall had an anti-magic field over it.
Gods, you’re so stupid! Of course it has magical warding… it’s a freaking grand hall in a fucking palace. You’re just so used that all magical wardings are working in your favor… after all, both your apartment and the grand hall in the palace is warded against foreign magic. Heck, the whole palace has a ward on it protecting it from magic cast outside it. But… as everything magical you’ve ever used has always been attuned to the wards, you kind of forget that they are there… thus why it came as a surprise. The better question would be why the music rune wasn’t attuned to the ward? Is it because they don’t want any music played there? …or is all magic blocked in there? …or was it because you’re the one who activated it? …or was it just dream logic!?
>Did you try checking for the armor over by the hidden stairs that were blocked by that huge stone slab?
You took a quick glance inside every room and ran around the whole corridor surrounding the grand hall, which include the hidden stairs, yes… yet it was nowhere to be seen.

>Keep in mind that now that Bri sees you, time is advancing in the dream.
But didn’t the other you say it would take hours before Bri woke up herself? That you wouldn’t need to worry about that?
>Remember that now that Dragon Bri is free, you have to complete this dream with her dealt with. If you don't, then Dragon Bri'll be at the helm when Bri wakes up. And since you and Zela will wake up after Bri…
…gods, you need to… to… you need to do something!?
>Dragon pussy!
DAMMIT MIND! GET OUT OF THE GUTTER ALREADY!


>It might get her to stop chewing on Belseth, too.
:BelsethSB: OH GODS N-
*Crunch!*
…and dream Belseth is suddenly only half the man he used to be…
>Charge into battle wielding your bouquet!
Err…
>Grab the sword and defend yourself.
Is that really-
:BriannahSB: Aw, yah’re not even going to run away? …or are yah offering yeself to me? Come closer so I can feast upon ye succulent flesh!
:SonorkSB: Let’s keep our distance and not become dinner, shall we?

>Offer the dragon Elete a la carte!
:BriannahSB: BAH! Cooked meat! I WANT IT FRESH! I want it to still squirm! To scream! TO SUFFER!! I WANT YAH TO SUFFER!
>Ask her to keep talking and tell you things about the part she's trying to keep under control. Things that might help you or someone else deal with it.
:BriannahSB: Don’t try to talk to that false Bri, the pretender, the mask. I am the real Bri… and I am in control now!
>Remind the beast that what it desires is your heart. You are Kronos, not Elete.
:BriannahSB: Indeed, I desire ye ‘eart. I desire to eat it! Ah, Kronos, don’t yah see? Don’t yah understand!? This is the real me! I never loved yah. I never cared for yah! Ye are just another conquest to be cast aside, like the rest! No, yah are nothing but another meal for me.
>You could convince the beast not to eat you by showing it you have the poison.
:BriannahSB: Poison!? Yah think that would stop me!? HA! Do yah really think I am afraid of death!? OF PAIN!? As long as yah suffer it will be worth it! I NEED YAH TO SUFFER LIKE THE REST! It’s the only thing I’ve ever been good at… making people suffer… breaking bones, hearts and even minds… it’s the only… It’s what I am… A MONSTER! I AM SUFFERING! AND NOW SUFFER!

The beast starts to move towards you… and you have a feeling remaining here would be rather hazardous to your health.
>>
No. 768322 ID: 65a774
File 148278519469.png - (27.14KB , 686x526 , 104.png )
768322

>Rush back out into the hall and slam the door shut behind you.
The door does little to slow her down, splintering in thousand pieces as she smash through it… but it does disorient her for but a second, enabling you to dodge her claws from catching you.
>Run to anywhere that isn't here.
You throw yourself into the first room you spot… which just happens to be the painter studio. Briannah tries to follow suit, but the small door stops her in her tracks. She smashes into the wall, her head and neck straining to reach you through the doorframe. Her jaw snaps in your general direction, hoping to get a hold of you if just for a second. Thus the bad news is that her size makes her way faster than you… while the good news is that the same size means she can’t get through all the doors.
>Make a mental list of every spot in Bri's dream that you saw that is too small for Dragon Bri to pass through, but that you can.
Well, going by how she can’t get into the painting studio… she probably can’t get into any room with a single door… that would mean the studio, the music halls backstage, the kitchen and the guard station.

>Encourage Briannah to TRY to contol it.
:BriannahSB: Control it!? I AM BRI! AND I AM FINALLY FREE! This is the real me! I AM A MONSTER AND NOTHING MORE!
>Say that you Believe in her, and That She has to Be brave and face that thing once and for all, instead of running away.
:BriannahSB: I am nothing but a monster… nothing but suffering. Everyone ‘ate me for good reason! I deserve this! I DESERVE TO SUFFER! I AM SUFFERING! A BEAST!
>Wasn't I the supposed to be the little princess and you the mighty warrior?
:BriannahSB: Princess!? Yah!? Yah are nothing but a pathetic prince, just another man in distress, waiting for ye knight in shining armor. But too bad, because I AM THE MONSTER WHO FEAST UPON PRINCES! I AM THE DRAGON! THE MONSTER OF THE STORY! I remember ‘ow yah quaked in fear when yah first saw me… when yah first saw the monster who would kidnap yah from ye ‘ome and enslave yah! No, I am not ye knight… and I will never be. I am the monster in this story.


>What if he painted the armor winning in the fight against Bri's monstrous side?
Once again touching the paint brush you… … …don’t feel the sudden moment of clarity you did last time. You’re not sure you can paint anything really good anymore… or that if you tried to do so the painting wouldn’t be ruined completely… should you still try?
>Check if the music rune is broken.
It’s not broken, it was just shut off.
>The Empress' note stated that conventional weapons would not work against this monstrous form of Briannah.
It didn’t state that she was immune, just that you shouldn’t use them against her. She can probably still be wounded by them, but with her size a halberd wouldn’t really do a lot of damage before she cut you to shreds.
>We need to get Bri to open the secret door.
…yeah, no, that’s probably not happening. Besides, you have no idea what’s behind it anyway!

>Dose the roasted head of Elete with the poison, then lead Dragon Bri to the head so she'll eat it.
…that might work… if she can’t get to you she might eat it instead… but it would require you to get to it first… which mean getting past Bri… and leaving this small safe heaven you’ve found.
>Get Bri's courage to fight it and help her courage defeat it. From the memories of courage Kronos experienced, Bri's done brave things, except face herself.
Having her own courage defeat… her own self-hatred? Having her own courage defeat her own inner demons would be the best possible outcome, indeed… but how are you supposed to find it?
>You might be able to summon Bri's Courage to you. It came when you called for Bri while facing off against Xuv, so Bri's Courage might again come if you call for her now.
Right… you can feel it… it hears you calling for aid… and you can feel the warm feeling again getting closer and-

:BriannahSB: Stop hiding in there and get out ‘ere so I can break all the bones in ye pathetic body, Kronos!

…and like that it’s gone… covered by fear and hate again…

:SonorkSB: Hmm… it doesn’t have the courage to face this thing alone… can we aid it in some way maybe?
>>
No. 768339 ID: 309d35

>leaving this small safe heaven you’ve found.
Doing anything that isn't painting the picture will involve you leaving, from fetching the shock rod to poisoning the food.

Let's find out why they didn't want music played in the main hall. Maybe it'll give Courage the cowardly suit of armor the gumption to show up. Once she does, we'll give it the sword- that'll help her more- and then maybe we'll have the opening we need to go get the shock rod so we can finish this.

Sonork, Is Bri going to have to reconcile with herself like we did?
>>
No. 768340 ID: 6261fd

Quick, conjure a baby Kronos and boop the dragon's nose with it! See if Briannah will react to cuteness overlord! (You too, Kronos. Puppy eyes. NOW.)
>>
No. 768343 ID: 91ee5f

>BAH! Cooked meat! I WANT IT FRESH! I want it to still squirm! To scream! TO SUFFER!! I WANT YAH TO SUFFER!
Well, on the bright side, that means even though she's a dragon, she won't breathe fire on you.....right?

>It’s not broken, it was just shut off.
Then turn it back on! Even though it's low on power and not very loud, she's so close to you there's no way she can't hear it!

>I remember ‘ow yah quaked in fear when yah first saw me
True, I'll admit, I was scared. But that was before I got to know you!

>No, I am not ye knight… and I will never be.
If that was true, then why did you show up to save me from Xuv when I called for you?

>This is the real me! I AM A MONSTER AND NOTHING MORE!
>I am the monster in this story.
That's not true! In fact, look at this painting I made! This is the real you! You're a knight in shining armor!

And if you really were a monster, then explain why I'm still here! If you really are a monster, then I would've given up on you! But I haven't given up on you! And you know why? It's because you're not a monster!

So, please my knight and soon to be wife.....come and take this sword, your sword, the sword of Myseth and slay this imposter that claims to be the real you!
>>
No. 768363 ID: 398fe1

>>768322
Yeah don't mess with the painting if you have no dream-logic urges with it. I thought it'd make sense to paint the Dragon into the image so that Courage would be facing down the Dragon but if that doesn't "feel right" don't do it. Are there any other blank canvases? Could you, perhaps, try to paint Dragon-bri except in a peaceful context?

Do not purposefully poison Briannah. At best you could threaten to use the shock rod on her, to find out what it means to her. We don't know WHY it would be effective on her so don't actually use it; never use a weapon you don't understand.

Honestly, if dragon-bri can't get into the studio to eat you, use it to talk to her for a while. Tell her you admit you were scared of her, and you still are, but that doesn't mean you hate her. Fear and hate are different things. You know she's not just a monster. She's a bloodthirsty warrior, but that's not all she is. She's a hero. Does she remember when she faced down the Wyvern? Ask her if she remembers the sword you made for her. The flowers, the music- oh, now that you're not in a warded room you can play the music for her.
>>
No. 768377 ID: c4be1a

>>768322
If this dream Bri works like your mirror self, you're needing to get them to accept each other rather than being divisive.

Dammit Briannah that's not true, it's what we were both scared of when we met, yes, but it wasn't true, it wasn't this.
Now your guilt and self-doubt might accept this whole 'I am a monster' bit, but have you seen yourself?

6 red eyes. midnight flesh. recognise the nightmare's influence for what it is. If you're going to own your flaws, make sure they're yours
>>
No. 768463 ID: 27c0e0

Remember Kronos "Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that. And evil cannot drive out evil, only good can do that."
Be positive.
>>
No. 768480 ID: 65a774
File 148286931193.png - (27.50KB , 686x526 , 105.png )
768480

>Quick, conjure a baby Kronos and boop the dragon's nose with it!
No matter how much you want to feed this thing with babies, you can’t just conjure things up from nothing here.
>6 red eyes. midnight flesh. recognize the nightmare's influence for what it is.
This is definitely the work of the nightmare, yeah…
>Yeah don't mess with the painting if you have no dream-logic urges with it.
Right, you’re going to leave it alone for now.
>Are there any other blank canvases? Could you, perhaps, try to paint Dragon-bri except in a peaceful context?
There are several canvases lying around… but you’re not sure you can really paint anything at the moment… especially considering you have a huge dragon breathing down you neck, just waiting for you to get one step too close to it.
>Honestly, if dragon-bri can't get into the studio to eat you, use it to talk to her for a while.
Well… talking is a free action… most of the time…

>Sonork, Is Bri going to have to reconcile with herself like we did?
:SonorkSB: I’m not sure, but something tell me her problems won’t be the same as ours was.
:BriannahSB: Ha! Reconcile? With me!? I AM BRI! I am the one who is in control most of the time! Eating that melon in front of you? Going along that sick joke Doxan dreamed up? Insulting you to your face!? LICKING THE BLOOD OF MY FALLEN ENEMIES WHEN YOU WERE LOOKING AT ME!? THAT WAS ALL ME! ME! I commanded her to do that! TO MAKE HER SUFFER! IT IS WHAT WE DESERVE!
>True, I'll admit, I was scared. But that was before I got to know you!
:BriannahSB: Oh, please, what you know is a mask, a shallow pretender. The real us is nothing but spite and pain! You are right to fear me!
>That's not true! In fact, look at this painting I made! This is the real you! You're a knight in shining armor!
:BriannahSB: THAT ME DOESN’T EXIST!
>If that was true, then why did you show up to save me from Xuv when I called for you?
:BriannahSB: Save you!? I was trying to keep that bitch away from my prey! MY PREY! I am the one who will make you suffer, the one to make you despair! NOT HER!
>Does she remember when she faced down the Wyvern? Or the burning house? The Grand River?
:BriannahSB: HAHA! Do you really think that was bravery!? That we did it because we were a hero!? I WANTED TO DIE! I WANTED TO DIE A HERO! That wyvern was supposed to rip me to shreds! That house was supposed to burn me alive! I WAS SUPPOSED TO DROWN! That way, at least in death, I would be remembered as at least tried to save someone!
>If you really were a monster, then explain why I'm still here! If you really are a monster, then I would've given up on you!
:BriannahSB: Because you are a fool! Why are you here? WHY!? YOU DON’T CARE FOR ME! YOU DON’T LOVE ME! WHY ARE YOU HERE!?
>Now your guilt and self-doubt might accept this whole 'I am a monster' bit, but have you seen yourself?
:BriannahSB: Seen myself!? This is who I am! You made me realize it more than anyone!
:KronosSB: …I did?
:BriannahSB: Last night… when you whispered it in her ear… just as you did with me… “I love you…” … Just like… you did with me…
:KronosSB: I-
:BriannahSB: It was like I was struck with a blade, my heart pierced by an arrow… it hurt so much hearing you say that to her…
:KronosSB: I’m sorry, I didn’t-
:BriannahSB: But it made me realize… How many hearts have I broken? The pain was unbearable… but how many times have I inflicted the same wound on others!? I have been throwing people away like rotten meat! I have come and destroyed families, marriages and love then just thrown them away like THEY WERE NOTHING! HOW MANY LIVES HAVE I RUINED!? I AM A MONSTER! I… I finally realized that last night… I am nothing… nothing but… a monster… I deserve this…
>You could threaten to use the shock rod on her, to find out what it means to her.
:BriannahSB: YES! MAKE ME SUFFER! KILL ME! IT’S WHAT I DESERVE!

>So, please my knight and soon to be wife.....come and take this sword, your sword, the sword of Myseth and slay this imposter that claims to be the real you!
:BriannahSB: GRRR! That s-sword!? THROW IT AWAY! I DON’T WANT IT!
>The flowers…
:BriannahSB: GAH! THAT HORRID SMELL!?
>Let's find out why they didn't want music played in the main hall.
:BriannahSB: NO! NOT THE- GAH! STOP IT! I CAN’T STAND IT! STOP THAT DAMN SCREECHING! NO! I DON’T DESERVE TO BE HAPPY! IT IS ALL LIES! LIES!!! I. AM. A. MON-
>>
No. 768481 ID: 65a774
File 148286932121.png - (24.74KB , 686x526 , 106.png )
768481

>Maybe it'll give Courage the cowardly suit of armor the gumption to show up.
Suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere, a halberd of pure light plunges itself into the shoulder of the beast, making it scream in pain. Briannah’s courage makes a triumphant return and manages with another swift strike to cripple one of the front legs of the dragon, slowing it down considerably.

:BriannahSB: YOU! YOU ARE NOT WELCOME HERE!
>>
No. 768482 ID: 65a774
File 148286933177.png - (18.17KB , 686x526 , 107.png )
768482

The suit tries it best, but the dragon is simply too strong for it to handle. After a quick struggle, the beast managed to knock the armored shape off its feet and disarm it. Given the chance, it quickly crushes the suits weapon under its massive claws, leaving it defenseless.

:SonorkSB: Err… I don’t think it will be able to handle this on its own…

>we'll give it the sword- that'll help her more.
:SonorkSB: That’s a start… if you want to try and get past the dragon Bri first... No, giving it another weapon won’t be enough; we need to help it take this creature down permanently.
>>
No. 768485 ID: 398fe1

>>768480
>“I love you…”
What? Kronos did you really say that to the cute mantis girl? If so I am very disappointed in you. You'd have wronged both Briannah and Zela by doing that.
Or was that Briannah having an auditory hallucination because of the Nightmare?

>>768482
I still don't trust the shock rod or the poison. The dragon wants you to use the shock rod, and wasn't afraid of the poison either. Let's head to the armory, keep giving Courage more weapons from it, and use the sword yourself. Once it's beaten down enough we can have Courage restrain it and give her a kiss.
>>
No. 768486 ID: f457da

This is the part where Sonork helps her explain that you're BOTH @#$%-ups who should never have been born, except @#$% the universe and all the ungrateful scampering vermin that can't handle a few bright sparks in their powder keg world, might as well make a whole FAMILY of @#$%-ups RIGHT NOW.
>>
No. 768489 ID: 91ee5f

>>768482
>No, giving it another weapon won’t be enough; we need to help it take this creature down permanently.
Well, how about both of the weapons you gave each other? Give Bri's courage the sword of Myseth for it to use and you pull out the Singing Dragon gun Bri gave you and you use that. Both are symbols of love for each other, right?

Of course the gun you have right now is the one you got from your brother. That won't do. Maybe if you focus really hard on it, you can change it into the Singing Dragon?

>>768485
>Let's head to the armory, keep giving Courage more weapons from it, and use the sword yourself.
Why? We already know none of the other weapons in the armory will work! Let's just give Bri's courage the sword of Myseth and when it stabs Dragon Bri, Kronos can grab the sword and help push it in!

>have Courage restrain it and give her a kiss.
Sonork already said that Bri's problems are different from Kronos' problems, so don't treat hugging and accepting as something that'll work on everyone! Different problems require different solutions! We need to help Bri's courage beat Dragon Bri!
>>
No. 768491 ID: 398fe1

>>768489
>wrong gun
Well, Krotos' gun might induce fear in the dragon, which would be effective in its own right.

>Why? We already know none of the other weapons in the armory will work!
Do we? Courage just used a spear from the armory. The dragon here might not be the entirety of the Nightmare's influence, and for that matter it's hard to trust Bri's subconscious. She is suicidal, after all, and thinks she deserves punishment. The shock rod may be what the Empress used to discipline her, and it would be very harmful for Bri's subconscious to equate Kronos with that kind of treatment.
>>
No. 768520 ID: 309d35

>Last night… when you whispered it in her ear… just as you did with me… “I love you…” … Just like… you did with me…
Yeah, did that actually happen? you were snuggled between the two of them, and then Xuv popped in. And I doubt 'gods fucking dammit' means 'I love you' in any language.

Ask if she thinks you're a monster before you get into the things you've done. It'll either show her cognitive dissonance or demoralize her for being a sorry excuse for a monster.
>>
No. 768531 ID: 91ee5f

>>768491
>Courage just used a spear from the armory.
Because the sword of Myseth was missing.

But I really don't want to run off because it'll make Bri's courage think Kronos is abandoning it and just give up the fight. And if Kronos tries to tell it he'll be back, that'll just let Dragon Bri know her food is getting away. And if Kronos tries to sneak off before either of them notice, the armor might call for help and when Kronos isn't there to answer, the armor will think he's abandoned it and might just stop fighting and give up.
>>
No. 768564 ID: fe7355

Okay, two possible courses of action come to mind. First one is you grab one of the fullest cans of paint, pry the lid off and either fling it or swing it at the eyes of Dragon Bri while she's preoccupied with Bri's Courage. Whichever one is more likely to coat the eyes on that side of her head, blinding her from that side. Next you'll chuck the bouquet of lavender on or near to Briannah's Courage such that the scent will momentarily repulse Dragon Bri. That will give you a opening to pitch the Myseth sword to Bri's Courage, and also hopefully allow her to get back on her feet. Then draw your gun and open fire on Dragon Bri, aiming for her center mass where her neck ends. Even with your missing eye screwing your aim up you'll still be able to hit a target as big and close as Dragon Bri. Hopefully you'll at least cripple her other front leg with your shots. And just keep reloading and supporting Bri's Courage by raining shots down on Dragon Bri.

Second idea is to turn your gun into a improvised ice magic bomb by over filling it with arcane powder. However, this idea hinges on there being long enough twine or similar in this studio you could tie around the trigger to enable you to yank it from afar. That and that you can be confident that you can tie the twine in the right way that it'll work. Or perhaps overcharged arcane firearms become explosively unstable on impact, meaning you could just throw it at Dragon Bri. But assuming that you have a way to detonate the gun without having to hold it in your hand, then the way it'd go is that you'd throw the bouquet, which would get Dragon Bri away long enough to chuck the Myseth sword to Bri's Courage. Then you'd have a tiny bit of time while they fight to overload the gun, get the twine and tie it to the trigger, then lob it next to Dragon Bri on the opposite side of her from Bri's Courage and yank the cord. It's all rather risky, both in that you'd have time to execute it, and that Bri's Courage could get caught in the icy blast, but it would take down Dragon Bri in one go... Wouldn't it?

>Last night… when you whispered it in her ear… just as you did with me… “I love you…” … Just like… you did with me…
Oh, no, you didn't... Did you? You don't quite remember. Maybe you uttered it when you were half asleep and your beak just happened to be facing Zela. You didn't say who you loved though, so you're sure it was meant for Briannah. You think that because you don't love Zela. She's cute and innocent and all, but you don't love her. You just wanted to fulfill her desire that she wanted so badly. You didn't want to let her down or crush her dream. You wished to make her first time a good one. One that she'd remember fondly, unlike your first time. And that happened to overlap with your wish to lay with a Hiver. But that desire was also amplified by the overdose of fertility potion, which also clouded your habitually poor judgment with half-blinding lust. It's no excuse for hurting Bri so deeply, but it is a explanation for why you were so oblivious that you did what you did.

>No matter how much you want to feed this thing with babies, you can’t just conjure things up from nothing here.
...What the ever lovin' fuck, Kronos! How can you even think of wanting that?! It's a hideous idea that's wrong on so many goddamn levels! That's the kind of sick shit you'd expect to come out of either Xuv's mind or the most depraved dreams of the Kiln! Where the hell did that idea even come from?!

>>768486
...And would the tiny voice of moonbat crazy, terrible ideas probably seeping into Kronos' head from the Nightmare kindly SHUT THE FUCK UP FOREVER! You are not funny! You are not clever with your random shitty ideas! You are a BLIGHT who muddies everything with your stupid crap! So fuck right off and never return!
>>
No. 768567 ID: 01d9f4

>>768485
The i love you has to be the small change the nightmare made to drive the rage

She does have a death woah in general though.
Check with kronid ( that makes you kronego )

Brid has put her worth in being a monster.
Briego is set in being a slayer of monsters

The discrepancy must be fixed between the two

Stories of monsters who are knights and knights who are monsters. A monster prince and a the noble monster it maimed.

Bri needs briego and brid to unite.

The easiest way is to give them a common foe, as they both share violence and only differ in motivation.

More complete way is that all have bad and good.

Like with kronid, we had to admit we have been incompetent.

Periods of monstrosity do not a true monster make.


Ps: your brother might actually help fix the mess he started. Time to give bri a common foe
>>
No. 768570 ID: 91ee5f

>>768567
>Kronid
>Kronego
>Brid
>Briego
Who the fuck are you talking about?! I have no idea what you're saying! This is the kind of stuff I'd expect Kome to say! Is that who you are?! Are you Kome with a different ID?!
>>
No. 768575 ID: 094652

That's not me! Maybe they have trouble speaking english?
>>
No. 768576 ID: 094652

Oh wait I get it, they mean Kronos-Id, Kronos-Ego, Briannah-Id, Briannah-Ego. Classic Freud personality assessment.
>>
No. 768577 ID: 309d35

>>768564
Both of your plans don't take into account that Dragon Bri revels in violence and wants to be punished. She recoils from nice things, so we should use those instead.

>I DON’T DESERVE TO BE HAPPY!
Neither do I. We can both change, we can both deserve each other. We don't have to let the past control us!
>IT IS ALL LIES! LIES!!!
Oh really? So you never took me picnicking in the garden? Never painted my portrait? Never said you wanted my child? I never stopped loving you, and nobody and nothing will change that!
>>
No. 768585 ID: 094652

>>768577
Okay... Sunshine lollipops and rainbows song?
>>
No. 768672 ID: 65a774
File 148296144355.png - (19.15KB , 686x526 , 108.png )
768672

>What? Kronos did you really say that to the cute mantis girl? If so I am very disappointed in you.
You’re… n-not sure if you did. You weren’t exactly in your right mind last night… and you wouldn’t put it past you to say something like that just to feel her quiver beneath you.
>You'd have wronged both Briannah and Zela by doing that.
…you probably did…
>You think that because you don't love Zela. She's cute and innocent and all, but you don't love her.
You… don’t? You’re not even sure anymore… you like her but… you barely know her, do you?

>I really don't want to run off because it'll make Bri's courage think Kronos is abandoning it and just give up the fight.
Right, we need to stand our ground and fight!
>Turn your gun into an improvised ice magic bomb by over filling it with arcane powder.
That’s a terrible idea! You’re not even sure it will blow up! At best it will ruin the gun, at worse it will blow up in your hands, neither is something you want happening!


>Ask if she thinks you're a monster?
:BriannahSB: YOU!? A monster!? What have you ever done to deserve that!?
:KronosSB: I-
:BriannahSB: You are nothing but a saint for even trying to stay with me! No, it’s all my fault! It’s my fault that harlot was in our bed! It was my fault you said you loved her! Not yours! Not hers! MINE!
>I don’t deserve to be happy either. We can both change, we can both deserve each other. We don't have to let the past control us!
:BriannahSB: You deserve everything! I DESERVE ONLY DEATH! If you want to make things better, THEN LET ME DIE ALREADY!
>Oh really? So you never took me picnicking in the garden? Never painted my portrait? Never said you wanted my child?
:BriannahSB: Those were just lies! Falsehoods! No one can ever love someone like me! I AM A MONSTER! A BEAST! I DON’T DESERVE YOU! I DON’T DESERVE ANYONE!

>Grab one of the fullest cans of paint, pry the lid off and either fling it!
You grab a bucket of white paint, tear off the lid of it and… hey, this thing is empty! They are all empty! Damn dream logic!
>Next you'll chuck the bouquet of lavender on or near to Briannah's Courage such that the scent will momentarily repulse Dragon Bri.
:BriannahSB: GAH! What is that putrid smell!? GET IT AWAY FROM ME!
>Give Bri's courage the sword of Myseth for it to use.
With the dragon momentarily distracted, you throw the sword over her for the suit to catch. The beast notice it a bit just too late and futilely snaps after it with its powerful yaws as it flies overhead. As the knight grabs the sword, the dragon ready itself to bounce, seemingly not willing to give it time to get comfortable with its new weapon.
>>
No. 768673 ID: 65a774
File 148296145485.png - (14.04KB , 686x526 , 109.png )
768673

>Pull out the Singing Dragon gun Bri gave you and you use that.
You pull out the singing dragon from your jacket holster… or is it your brothers gun? It’s hard to tell, as they both seems to be there at once… what you do know is that neither can fire a beam of pure light powerful enough to sunder flesh and bones from a dragon. It howls in pain as your shots hits its back legs, ripping large, bleeding wounds in both of them and stopping it in mid-jump.
>>
No. 768674 ID: 65a774
File 148296146603.png - (22.90KB , 686x526 , 110.png )
768674

>Once it's beaten down enough we can have Courage restrain it and give her a kiss.
With both its back legs as well as one of its front legs crippled the dragon struggle to keep her balance in all the pain. Once again, its focus switches back to you, growling in pure rage and bearing its teeth. The suit takes this opportunity to go in for the killing blow… you scream for it to restrain it, to take her alive, but it simply raises the sword above its head…
>>
No. 768675 ID: 65a774
File 148296148006.png - (26.86KB , 686x526 , 111.png )
768675

…and cuts the dragons head clean off… dammit…

:BriannahSB: F-finally… some rest…

The suit, happy with its victory, starts looking over the corpse of the dragon closer. It’s probably looking for trophies or trinkets to loot and is so preoccupied it seems to have forgotten that you even existed in the first place.

:KronosSB: Thank you for saving me… err… Mrs. Knight?

:KronosSB: Err… hello?
:SonorkSB: I don’t think she can hear you. I don’t think she can hear anything for that matter.
:KronosSB: Well… what now?

[Briannah’s self-hatred has been subdued… for now.]

All the sudden, it is if a strange, muddy haze engulfs the dream, turning it bleak and gray. All that rage has suddenly disappear… only leaving behind despair and hopelessness. Your work is still not done here… the nightmare is still here, just in another form… now as fear instead of hate.
>>
No. 768677 ID: 4854ef

It seems that unlike your own self-hatred Bri's is much harsher, longer and more well fed with intense self-hatred, and fear of self.

It seems it will take more to help her deal with it.
>>
No. 768678 ID: 398fe1

>>768675
Time to check on the Alone door.
>>
No. 768699 ID: 91ee5f

>>768675
>…and cuts the dragons head clean off… dammit…
That's a good thing! Remember, your problems are different from Bri's problems, so using the same solution of hugging and accepting that you used, doesn't mean the same thing would've worked on Bri's problems!

I'm wondering if it would be a good idea to give the armor a hug? It is Bri after all, so maybe that'll help her feel better?

>All the sudden, it is if a strange, muddy haze engulfs the dream, turning it bleak and gray. All that rage has suddenly disappear… only leaving behind despair and hopelessness. Your work is still not done here… the nightmare is still here, just in another form… now as fear instead of hate.
Fear, huh? Sounds like that secret door marked "Alone" on the map is where you need to go. Hopefully, that huge stone slab has either disappeared or is now light enough for you to move it.

And since it's marked as "Alone" on the map and there's a great feeling of fear in the air, I'm guessing the next thing to do is help Bri with her fear of being alone.
>>
No. 768704 ID: 094652

>>768677
Bri's self-hatred surpasses Kronos
Kronos' self-hatred comes from his belief that he radiates world-destroying chaos to the point that even as a baby he could cause wars and corrupt his siblings. Briannah's self-hated comes from her belief that she could have been a heroine, an empress, but in the end she chose of her own free will to homewreck and torture so freely that Miley Cyrus would have turned in her wrecking ball and signed up as a Yo Momma joke. There's a serious difference here.

Kronos needs to teach Briannah that she is capable of choosing a better life for herself, and in turn she needs to teach him that he isn't a walking champion of the forces of chaos. Maybe.
>>
No. 768712 ID: 309d35

>You’re… n-not sure if you did.
Keep in mind this is about the third or fourth time people are accusing you of things you didn't actually do- first when your father thought you poisoned a guard, Then when Sisah said you ordered those assassins tortured, and again when Thalia thought you were attempting a coup or something. It's bad enough that you're catching hell for things you did when you could barely walk, but draw the line at shit that never happened.

Communicate non verbally with the Armor, tapping its shoulder, pointing, leading it by the arm, whatever works. It remains to be seen whether it will go with you or not- maybe it doesn't want to, for some reason, maybe it can only open the boundary for so long or something.

Also, I don't know if now's the time for such a thing, but have you thought to intentionally wound yourself to prove your dream-walking abilities to Bri? Just something that'll draw blood and distinct enough to not be mistaken for anything else.
>>
No. 768775 ID: fe7355

Looking at the severed head of Briannah's self-hatred, you can't help but feel slightly sick to your stomach. Albeit monstrous, she was and is a part of your love all the same, and seeing her laying dead here like this is upsetting. You worry this was the wrong way, but then you can't think of what could have been the right way. You can't think of what you could you have done or said to sway or stop self-hatred as big and deep as this. You don't see how you could have fixed it permanently here and now. And you know the way it went that it'll be back, eventually. But for now it is gone and maybe that'll be long enough to talk with Bri after you wake and hopefully figure out a way to start to deal with it for good.

Take a moment to turn off the music rune to conserve its charge and pick the lavender bouquet up since it may help with facing the aspect of Bri's fear. Check your gun is charged as well. ...Then touch the severed head of the dragon, and her body next. You saw memories from the shining armor of Bri's bravery when you touched it, so perhaps touching the aspect of her self-hatred will reveal memories related to it and grant you some insight. Especially insight into her origins. Because there had to be some event that set her upon the vicious self-perpetuating downward spiral of self-sabotage. And then she would then add the bad things she did in that sabotage to the list of reasons for Bri should suffer and would sabotage her again. Over and over, without end.

Bri's bravery seems completely intent on gathering trophies from this fallen dragon, which means it'll likely start to skin her hide or, given that it's Sakkilian, carve her heart out. You don't want to be around to see any of that because you know you'll puke. Instead take this time to make a quick run through the rest of this layer of Briannah's dream, including the Grand Hall, and look for changes or any new people. While the "ALONE" door seems like the most likely next destination, Bri's fear might have manifested up here and not down below. Best to be sure it didn't before you try popping that stone slab open. Oh, and the figment of who was likely the Empress is still around, since she ran off when the dragon broke free. Watch out for her because you don't know how she'll react to you now.

Assuming you didn't find anything rechecking this level, it's time to try opening the ALONE door. Give it a pull by yourself to check if it's still as heavy as before before you try and get Bri's bravery to open it for you. If tapping on it then pointing and gesturing doesn't get the message across you'll have to try writing what you need on a blank canvas and showing it that, with the hope it is literate. Oh, and get something to either jam the door in its track or prop the door up before you start trying to open the door. That broken halberd the shining armor was wielding may work to wedge the track, while a couple legs broken off tables in the dining hall may work to prop the door up.

>Once again, its focus switches back to you, growling in pure rage and bearing its teeth.
...Y'know, you might have figured out why Bri's self-hatred dragon was so hostile to you. It's because you brought Briannah genuine joy and happiness, and made her feel loved. And the dragon couldn't stand you bringing that to Briannah. It was driven to stop that, either by killing you or breaking your love for Bri.

>You… don’t? You’re not even sure anymore… you like her but… you barely know her, do you?
Yes, you do barely know her. And the situation that unfolded with her was also while under the influence of a double dose of fertility potion. And there may have been influence from Xuv on top of that as well. Perhaps if you gave it time you could find out if you do love Zela, or if it was more a lust to sate your desire to lay with a Hiver gal. However, you should not pursue Zela to find out either way because to do so after you know how Briannah feels would be intolerably callous to her, not the least because she's freaked out by Hivers. Bri needs your full attention and support now, not divided up trying to juggle both her and other romantic interests.

You also need to put away the visions of polyamory you've had dancing in your head these past few days. Given the mental state Bri is in, you should not romantically pursue anyone else. Maybe once she is in a better state, but it shouldn't be anyone that won't stand Bri or vice versa. No romantic pursuits that take you away from Bri. You want her and you together at the center of any romantic relationship with others. And if you can't be confident Bri can be truly fine you loving another person even in a lesser way than you love her, then you won't pursue anyone else. ...And frankly, chasing after more loves when you have such a love for Briannah seems foolish. Why do you feel you want more loves than just her?

>>768699
>I'm wondering if it would be a good idea to give the armor a hug? It is Bri after all, so maybe that'll help her feel better?
It's a mental aspect of Briannah, not her as a whole. And as we have already experienced we can't assume they'll react the way we expect. I doubt Bri's bravery is the kind that would accept hugging, even if it wasn't encased in armor, or is the armor. I'd rather not bother it while it's preoccupied hunting for trophies either. It seems so focused on that task to the exclusion of everything else that it may not take kindly to Kronos interrupting it.
>>
No. 768830 ID: 65a774
File 148304530878.png - (26.21KB , 686x526 , 112.png )
768830

>Looking at the severed head of Briannah's self-hatred, you can't help but feel slightly sick to your stomach. Albeit monstrous, she was and is a part of your love all the same, and seeing her lying dead here like this is upsetting.
…that is still Briannah… even in that form it’s… her…
>That's a good thing! Remember, your problems are different from Bri's problems, so using the same solution of hugging and accepting that you used, doesn't mean the same thing would've worked on Bri's problems!
…but maybe it was for the best… maybe there wasn’t a better way? Having a positive part of her take care of a negative one is probably the best you could have hoped for.

>It seems that unlike your own self-hatred Bri's is much harsher, longer and more well-fed with intense self-hatred, and fear of self.
It seems like you two faced it in different ways. You buried it in ignorance and became the fool… while she let it grow and lost control over it.
>Kronos needs to teach Briannah that she is capable of choosing a better life for herself.
You need to help her get through this!
>...Y'know, you might have figured out why Bri's self-hatred dragon was so hostile to you. It's because you brought Briannah genuine joy and happiness, and made her feel loved. And the dragon couldn't stand you bringing that to Briannah.
…you made her happy? You really did, didn’t you? …and you will continue doing so!
>You should not pursue Zela to find out if you love her either way because to do so after you know how Briannah feels would be intolerably callous to her, not the least because she's freaked out by Hivers.
Maybe it was a mistake brining her onboard in the first place…
>You also need to put away the visions of polyamory you've had dancing in your head these past few days.
To be fair, it was Bri who planted them there in the first place. Though, you shouldn’t really move the blame to her, should you? No matter… what matters now is what you do next, not what you’ve already done.
>Keep in mind this is about the third or fourth time people are accusing you of things you didn't actually do.
You’ve started to get used to that happening… you’ve been playing the fool for so long that it easier to just blame you instead of trying to find out what actually happened.

>Take a moment to turn off the music rune to conserve its charge.
Its already died on its own… in fact, all the music runes seems to have died as that cloud of despair rolled in.
>Pick the lavender bouquet up since it may help with facing the aspect of Bri's fear.
It’s all withered and dry all the sudden… and it crumbles at your touch. It’s no longer of any use.
>Check if your gun is charged as well.
It too seems to have died. Everything just… stopped functioning all the sudden.
>Look for changes or any new people.
Everything is the same… not counting all the lights giving up, all the flowers withering and all other magic just simply… dying off.
>It's time to try opening the ALONE door. Give it a pull by yourself to check if it's still as heavy as before.
Gnn! It’s still heavy as hell!
>Oh, and get something to either jam the door in its track or prop the door up before you start trying to open the door.
As you reach for a broomstick, it simply falls asunder as if it was rotten to the core. Even things made of stone and metal bends and breaks to your touch. Everything but the walls and doors seems to have just... um… given up?
>Oh, and the figment of who was likely the Empress is still around, since she ran off when the dragon broke free.
You never saw the door she ran to open... and there’s no trace of her anywhere else. It’s like she simply ceased to be as soon as dragon Bri forgot about her. In fact, the corpses in the grand hall are gone too!

>Have you thought to intentionally wound yourself to prove your dream-walking abilities to Bri?
:SonorkSB: I’m not sure how exactly that would work. I’m pretty sure any flesh wounds will not actually show up on your waking body, it will just feel like they did. But if you would, let us say, lose a finger instead… um… I think you would wake up with a “dead” husk of a finger. One that can’t be healed and will need to be amputated.


>Touch the severed head of the dragon. You saw memories from the shining armor of Bri's bravery when you touched it, so perhaps touching the aspect of her self-hatred will reveal memories related to it and grant you some insight.
…do you really want to witness this? This see the worse parts of her? …you guess you need too… to understand her. As you touch the cold head, you head fills with visions of the past. You can’t stop to feel the outmost glee as you repeatedly smash her head into your chest plate, as you watch her beak become nothing but a pile of red and orange. You can hear her chocking on her own blood as she falls to ground, just like she deserves to do. Oh, how you wish you still had the chance to have a taste of a monster like her… to taste-blood… your gauntlets are covered in her blood. Her delicious blood… the blood of a murderer… a coward… a- OH SHIT, KRONOS IS- Such power… to have someone so… so powerful at your beck and call… to have someone so influential, so important life in your hands… and she wants you to end her… end her in one of the most primal ways there is. She hesitates… maybe you can still talk her out of this? Maybe… but do you want to? You want this… you need this… you want to- their dead faces still haunting you, their pleading eyes waiting for parents that would never come. Oh, how you want to rip these monsters to pieces, how you want to make them pay for all the children whose futures they’ve ruined. Huh? What is going on? An ambush? Where is your sword? One of them is charging and where is… where… teeth… you have teeth… she is a monster… you are… you are a monster as well. They deserve to meet a monster. They Deserve to- the whole town is nothing but ruins… everyone is just… gone… you saw these people just a few days ago and now they are… gone. All the women… even the men and children… everyone is dead. Their bodies mutilated and left to rot in the sun. Their skulls and bones looted as trophies, their bodies defiled because of “honor”. Risavia did this… they are nothing but monsters… beasts… and you let it happen. If only you would have given this mission more respect you… you would… you failed them. You failed them because you wanted ale… wanted meat… how many died to these monsters because you… you… you’re a monster… so many dead become of your selfish desires… you… you’re nothing but a beast…


>Try and get Bri's bravery to open it for you.
Well… first off you need to get its attention…
>I'm wondering if it would be a good idea to give the armor a hug?
You embrace it in a warm hug… and it returns the sentiment by laying one of its hands over your shoulder. Then, when you let it go, it proceed with first pointing at itself, then you before making some very… lewd gestures before giving you a questionable look. It’s Bri alright…

:SonorkSB: Heh, it thinks you’re the prince in distress, eh? That it’s the knight in shining armor who just saved you from the ravaging beast that kidnapped you… so she’s probably expecting the usual “reward”.

>Communicate non verbally with the Armor, tapping its shoulder, pointing, leading it by the arm, whatever works.
After gesturing a lot to indicate a negative on her request, you managed to lead her to the blocked door. She easily opens it up, but it seems to be designed to only reveal a small hole in the wall… one that leads to utter darkness. There’s no way the suit can fit through that hole… do you need to leave it and venture in alone?
>>
No. 768842 ID: 094652

The lack of an inner dragon monster for her courage to fight may cause an imbalance in Briannah's brain. But for the moment, that's okay! Because you've got an entire roster of badass enemies for her to prepare against and right now you need a general, not an ambassador!

Just motivate her courage to prepare for an even greater fight, she doesn't need to pick on civilians because the best is yet to come and you need her focused for this. Inspire the courage, sing to her of gibbering mouthers and interdimensional beasts, of armies made from the desperate and forged in dogma, of life itself coming to pluck her soul like it did the other 10^999999+++ other gullible, haughty saps known as every being that has ever lived.

Make her chest puff out so deeply she grows breasts.
>>
No. 768844 ID: 398fe1

>>768830
Despair will be less physically dangerous to confront, so sure, go alone. It's not like you have a choice anyway.

The visions of briannah's self-hate appear to be in reverse chronological order. The root of her complex started when she failed a mission by wasting time in a tavern. By feeding her gluttony. So she attached gluttony to her self-hate and started eating those she hated. The time when she ate the suicidal royal is a bit of an outlier but maybe the act of cannibalism had become too much of a compulsion by that point, or it became associated with self-hate and thus suicide that it felt appropriate to use it as assisted suicide. Or helping someone else die would be like experiencing it vicariously.

You definitely need to share your insecurities with Briannah when you wake up. They're somewhat similar.

Also give Briannah's courage a big kiss.
>>
No. 768888 ID: 309d35

Give Bri a pinch on the cheek- preferably an upper one so this doesn't drag out- and go forth. Not like you can make any preparations as long as things just crumble under your fingers.
>>
No. 768891 ID: 309d35

Actually, see about bringing the sword- it's glowing and it'll be the only weapon you've got.
>>
No. 768892 ID: 65a774
File 148306084750.png - (2.71KB , 686x526 , 113.png )
768892

>The root of her complex started when she failed a mission by wasting time in a tavern. By feeding her gluttony. So she attached gluttony to her self-hate and started eating those she hated.
That… might be it? She’s definitely obsessed with hurting those that “deserve” it… and eating them… and she think she is one of the ones who “deserve” it as well… huh…
>You definitely need to share your insecurities with Briannah when you wake up. They're somewhat similar.
You both definitely need some kind of therapy after all this!
>The lack of an inner dragon monster for her courage to fight may cause an imbalance in Briannah's brain.
You’re not sure what, exactly, you actually just did… but not having that thing in control is definitely a good thing!
>Just motivate her courage to prepare for an even greater fight.
…hard to do when we can’t communicate verbally…
>Make her chest puff out so deeply she grows breasts.
…you know, you’re really going to miss fondling those things… hmm, maybe there’s a potion that… wait, how does breast on a lizard even look like? Are they all scaly and stuff? Hmm…


>Give Bri a pinch on the cheek- preferably an upper one so this doesn't drag out- and go forth.
Both cheeks are covered by heavy armor, so no can do, chief.
>Also give Briannah's courage a big kiss.
You guide its helmet to your face and kiss it on its snout. In return it strokes your check, seemingly promising that you will be safe and it will be back for you later. At least… that’s the thought that goes through your head… is it communicating in some other way or have you just read too many romance novels?
>Actually, see about bringing the sword- it's glowing and it'll be the only weapon you've got.
As you try to take the sword the suit quickly grabs it from your hands. Then it flick you on the beak and makes a “no no” motion. It doesn’t seem to part with it… and you’re not going to fight it over something you can barely use anyway.

>Despair will be less physically dangerous to confront, so sure, go alone. It's not like you have a choice anyway.
Here goes nothing… into the darkness you go.

As you enter, you’re engulfed by pure darkness. You’re not sure if the armor behind you closed the stone door or if it just ceased to be, but suddenly you’re standing in nothingness.

There is nothing here…

Just… vast darkness… there is nothing…

No escape…

No hope…

There is just loneliness… and darkness…

…why?

Why do you keep- Because of Bri! Dammit, stop it! You are here for Bri… but… where is she? There is just darkness out there…

…did you fail? Did you walk into some devious trap set but the nightmare?
…you failed… you…

…there is no hope…
…everything is pointless…
>>
No. 768900 ID: 398fe1

>>768892
No. There is a light in the darkness. See that dot down there? How far away is it? Keep strong for Briannah, remember that this is the Nightmare making you feel despair. Go investigate the light.

Also don't forget your gun can fire light. Fire upwards and you'll get a burst of light to see with.
>>
No. 768912 ID: 309d35

Try calling out or feeling around. And hey, better silent and still than what was happening before.
>>
No. 768932 ID: 4854ef

Keep your thoughts about you. This is despair in its purest form trying to drag you down into darkness to force you to give up. Of the many things Kronos, you've been a fool but you'll do your damnedest to try and ensure people are happy.

The darkness will fight, but you must think of happiness, for yourself, for Bri.
>>
No. 768994 ID: 91ee5f

>>768900
What if that light isn't a part of Bri that he can go towards? What if that light is actually Kronos himself?

That would make Kronos the light in the darkness of Bri's life. So, now Kronos needs to shine brighter in order to push away the darkness!
>>
No. 768995 ID: fe7355

You have not failed, Kronos! All that you feel right now, this despair, this yawning hopelessness, is the doing of the Nightmare. The amplification of your love's fear and depression into a all enveloping darkness. You know this is the Nightmare's insidious power, for you have felt it touch you before. And by knowing that what you're feeling is a falsehood woven by it, you can push back. You will push back against it because out there is Briannah, your love, lost within its dark depths for what must feel an eternity. You know in the depths of your being there must be a way to find her, and you will find it.

Thinking on what could fight the darkness here, it's quite possible that it's you that are the weapon against it. Your deep, if previously unfocused, optimism, now alloyed, tempered and honed by reconciling with your more pessimistic side's wisdom. Your hope for the future and drive to always try, many times even when it looks like you can't or shouldn't. Your free spirit that shakes failure off like water off a duck's back. Yes, it is you that is analogous to the shining sword and armor in the layer you left.

While the music rune was sapped of its power, you still have your own voice, right? Start humming the rune's tune and don't stop. As you do, continually play it back in your mind as well and remember all associated with it, branching out from there. Remember the night of you first made love to Briannah, the best night of your life. Remember everything about Briannah that you love. Her cleverness, her beauty, her strength, her bravery, her wit and forthrightness. The way her tail flicks and waves when she's happy. The sweet taste of her skin and lips. Remember how in every future you want, she is there by your side. Remember how much you want to have a family with her. How deeply you want to live a life with her; To forge a future with her. How you wish with a deep desire to bring her joy and contentment and peace. How you will turn all your being towards bringing about the world this can and will happen in. This is why you are here. And this is why you will never give up. Why you can never give up.

If you look about you will see there is a solitary light in the darkness. It must be Briannah's strongest memory of hope and joy to be able to shine through such oppressive darkness. It shall be your guiding star through this void. Move towards it, arms outstretched to feel your way. Call out to Briannah as you go, and never take your eyes off that light.

>…you know, you’re really going to miss fondling those things… hmm, maybe there’s a potion that… wait, how does breast on a lizard even look like? Are they all scaly and stuff? Hmm…
Well, you could still hire courtesans to come to bed with you and Bri when you really miss fondling boobs. Or perhaps Thalia instead. Or another Vark gal who has a interest in sharing your bed. Just as long as it's only a sexual relationship and not romantic, and Bri takes part in it with you and clearly agrees beforehand, it probably won't upset Briannah.

As for what breasts on a Sakkilian would look and feel like... They'd have no nipples, same as a Vark gal. And Sakkilian hide is tough, so they likely wouldn't sag as much as human or Vark, staying up without a bra at larger sizes. Probably would feel firmer when squeezed as well. And you know from personal experience with Briannah whether Sakkilians have scales all over or not and how they vary, so you be the judge of whether their hypothetical boobs would be covered in scales like Bri has on her chest or if it'd be otherwise. ...You'll also have to remember to look into whether there's such a thing as a temporary breast enhancement potion out there, and if and how it effects Sakkilians. ...Perhaps look into temporary butt enhancement potions as well. If those exist you know the Sakkilians would have been the ones to invent them.

>>768900
>Also don't forget your gun can fire light. Fire upwards and you'll get a burst of light to see with.
Unfortunately, Kronos said that his gun's charge was sapped away by the same wave of despair that rendered all the other magic items outside inert, so it won't work right now. Maybe once he's driven the fear and hopelessness back some he can fire it again, but he probably can't now.
>>
No. 769043 ID: 91ee5f

>>768995
>Remember everything about Briannah that you love. Her cleverness, her beauty, her strength, her bravery, her wit and forthrightness. The way her tail flicks and waves when she's happy. The sweet taste of her skin and lips.
You forgot to mention her gigantic ass and hips! XD
>>
No. 769121 ID: 65a774
File 148311970935.png - (9.37KB , 686x526 , 114.png )
769121

>Well, you could still hire courtesans to come to bed with you and Bri when you really miss fondling boobs.
…but you’ve never really liked hiring someone for something like… that…
>Or perhaps Thalia instead.
…hmm… well, you did almost have a threesome with her last night… Bri would… if she is still as… open as she was… she wouldn’t… um…
>Just as long as it's only a sexual relationship and not romantic, and Bri takes part in it with you and clearly agrees beforehand, it probably won't upset Briannah.
…hopefully that’s still the case. Wait, hopefully? Why are you even… don’t hope for something like that, Kronos, hope for Bri to get better instead!
>You'll also have to remember to look into whether there's such a thing as a temporary breast enhancement potion out there, and if and how it effects Sakkilians
There is bound to be something that can… can… um…
>...Perhaps look into temporary butt enhancement potions as well.
…good gods… your pretty sure Briannah drinking something like that would just… collapse the universe into itself! You can’t perfect perfection! But perfection itself is an impossibility and- dammit, brain, stop thinking about breasts and butts for moment! You have more important matters to deal with!


>Don't forget your gun can fire light. Fire upwards and you'll get a burst of light to see with.
Your gun is dead… just like everything else… everything is just pointless in the end… everything ends… there is no point in trying…
>And hey, better silent and still than what was happening before.
The sound of silence is screaming in your ears, drowning out everything else.
>You have not failed, Kronos! All that you feel right now, this despair, this yawning hopelessness, is the doing of the Nightmare.
…it’s… it’s so powerful. Did you ever have any hope of ever overcoming it? Did you even have chance in the first place to fight back… no… no, everything is… pointless.
>You will push back against it because out there is Briannah, your love, lost within its dark depths for what must feel an eternity.
…but… but even if it is… even if it is all pointless. Even if you don’t stand a chance. Even if there never were any hope to begin with… you need to fight. For your family… for your friends… for Briannah. You will not give up.
>The darkness will fight, but you must think of happiness, for yourself, for Bri.
No. You will not give up! NOT NOW! YOU HAVE COME SO FAR! No… Bri… you are coming. You will find her… and save her.

>Try calling out or feeling around.
Every sound you make is drowned out by the silence… and there is nothing there to feel but pure nothingness.
>Start humming the rune's tune and don't stop.
Like silent raindrops your tunes feel, simply echoed in the wells of silence… you can’t remember how it sounded anymore… you can’t remember hearing anything at all anymore… music… voices… sounds… all are but silence…
>As you do, continually play it back in your mind as well and remember all associated with it, branching out from there. Remember the night of you first made love to Briannah, the best night of your life.
You try your best to remember but… everything is just falling away. You can’t remember how she looks anymore… the sound of her voice… her laugh… her dialect… it’s all… gone…
>Remember everything about Briannah that you love. Her cleverness, her beauty, her strength, her bravery, her wit and forthrightness. The way her tail flicks and waves when she's happy. The sweet taste of her skin and lips.
…was she clever? How did she look like again? Was she brave? Did she even have a tail? ...was she ever happy?
>Remember how in every future you want, she is there by your side. Remember how much you want to have a family with her. How deeply you want to live a life with her; To forge a future with her.
Future… is there one anymore? Everything is so… so… bleak…
>And this is why you will never give up. Why you can never give up.
You… you can’t… but…
>You forgot to mention her gigantic ass and hips!
Dammit, brain! Stop going into the gutter! Ah, fuck it! You’ve had enough of this! I might not be able to remember her anymore, but that will not stop you! You will fight! You will win! AND YOU ARE NOT STOPPING ME, KROTOS! DO YOU HEAR ME!? I AM NOT GOING TO GIVE UP!

>No. There is a light in the darkness. See that dot down there? How far away is it?
For what seems like ages, you wander toward the singular point of light. A star of solitude, all alone in the never ending darkness, it doesn’t seem to get any closer no matter how long you walk. For what seems like hours… or days… or weeks… months… years… eons… for eons you walk through nothingness… and all the sudden you are there. The light… you found it. It’s a small… dragon? A small white dragon, curled up on the ground and… crying…

…it doesn’t seem to react to your presence…
…you call out to it but it doesn’t answer…
…you touch it but it doesn’t respond…
…it just lies there… crying… all alone…
>>
No. 769123 ID: 094652

IS THAT THE POTENTIAL FUTURE OF YOUR HYBRID BABY?! Or is it one of your enemies in weakened form?

Either way, grab it.
>>
No. 769124 ID: 398fe1

>>769121
Now THIS situation calls for hugs and kisses and reassurances that she is not alone, you are here, and you love her.
>>
No. 769132 ID: c1ba17
769132

>>769121
Comfort the entity

And for the record, using sexual thoughts to counter mental/emotional attacks/influences could be a future trick in the dream walking arsenal. Or a meditation or mantra. Something to passively focus on during those tasks.
>>
No. 769137 ID: 790549

Hug it even if it doesn't appear to notice you, you will be there for it even if you have to hold it for eternity.
>>
No. 769139 ID: 8cfc14

Hold and comfort it
>>
No. 769140 ID: 3d296b

>>769121
apply hug, for you as much as it.
as long as there's something around to hold onto that isn't empty despair, you can endure.
>>
No. 769179 ID: fe7355

It's Briannah! You've finally found her! ...And she's so small and scared and afraid and alone. So, so alone. This must be the center of her deep fear of being alone, born of her father's death. And looking at her, you feel with your whole being a unstoppable need to embrace her. To hug her tight to your chest and close to your heart, same as she did to you before. To curl up around her completely to protect her from the darkness and whisper with your heart and soul that it'll be okay. That she's not alone. That she won't be alone. That there is hope. That there is a way out of the darkness. That she is cared for. That she can be loved. That she deserves love. That she is loved. And that you love her, completely and forever. And you'll say these and all else you feel in your depths over and over and over in the undying hope this tiny, precious piece of Briannah will be comforted after her ages trapped here.

...But perhaps what you need to do is not just stay and try and comfort Briannah until either of you wakes, for once you're gone the darkness will once again envelop her. Perhaps you need to bring her out of this endless pit of sorrow, back out the way you came. Yes. Yes, that is what you need to do. You will bundle her under your jacket and find a way back. Even if it takes countless eons, you will deliver Briannah from darkness.

>…hopefully that’s still the case. Wait, hopefully? Why are you even… don’t hope for something like that, Kronos, hope for Bri to get better instead!
Right, it would be too selfish on your part to hope for that. Especially when you don't know if Briannah's saying she's fine with a open relationship/marriage is a symptom of her self-hatred and her trying to sabotage herself. You'll have to be content with only Bri, but that is hardly depriving yourself. She's more than you've ever wanted or deserved. ...And maybe Doxan as well, since he's almost joined at Bri'd hip. And you never did find out if Agissa is one to seek out Bri's sexual compan- Okay, bad libido! Stop dragging Kronos' brain into the gutter!

>>769132
Y'know, thinking lewd and sexual things might be a useful tool. It seemed to cut through the Nightmare's mental fog when Kronos thought of Bri's stupendous ass and hips, making him remember that part of her. Maybe his metaphorical loins are beyond its influence on memory.
>>
No. 769192 ID: 309d35

Be careful, don't let it collapse or crumble like the other stuff. Pick it up and take it with you. Maybe wrap it in your jacket if need be.
>>
No. 769193 ID: 91ee5f

>>769121
Hold on to her and never let go. Maybe even kiss her.

>>769179
>Y'know, thinking lewd and sexual things might be a useful tool. It seemed to cut through the Nightmare's mental fog when Kronos thought of Bri's stupendous ass and hips, making him remember that part of her. Maybe his metaphorical loins are beyond its influence on memory.
If that's the case, then maybe if Kronos has sex with her it'll somehow help? Think about it like this: This is Kronos' chance to literally fuck her brains out! XD
>>
No. 769243 ID: fe7355

>>769193
>If that's the case, then maybe if Kronos has sex with her it'll somehow help? Think about it like this: This is Kronos' chance to literally fuck her brains out! XD
Dude, no. Just no. This is almost the very absolute definition of "not the time, not the place." So a thousand times no. And that goes for after Kronos gets out of this pit of despair as well. Not only does he not have the time, and he's not going to be in the mood, his two choices are a animate suit of shining armor and a child-sized or smaller white dragon. The first is either sealed in or just a suit of armor, and the second feels like pedophilia. So that'll be a massive "NOPE" all over.

Once the Nightmare is done for and Briannah isn't in such a bad mental state, then Kronos can join her in her dream and they'll make glorious, passionate love together. With Bri's advance permission to enter her dream, of course. But that night is at least a fair bit off from now. Still something to look forward to, though.
>>
No. 769249 ID: 91ee5f

>>769243
>Still something to look forward to, though.
I'm not hearing a "no". All I'm hearing is a "wait until a better time", which is perfectly fine with me. Because that is something that's definitely worth waiting for. ;D
>>
No. 769250 ID: 91ee5f

>>769249
If it's even possible to do at all, anyways.
>>
No. 769310 ID: 4f18a7

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
>>
No. 769313 ID: 65a774
File 148319621198.png - (19.83KB , 686x526 , 115.png )
769313

>For the record, using sexual thoughts to counter mental/emotional attacks/influences could be a future trick in the dream walking arsenal.
…it did seem to work, didn’t it?
>It seemed to cut through the Nightmare's mental fog when Kronos thought of Bri's stupendous ass and hips, making him remember that part of her. Maybe his metaphorical loins are beyond its influence on memory.
It might be because your memories of those parts are rather… err… livid…
>If that's the case, then maybe if Kronos has sex with her it'll somehow help? Think about it like this: This is Kronos' chance to literally fuck her brains out!
…yeah, no… for some reason that sounds like a horrible idea right now. You’ll refrain from fucking her brains out until after you’ve dealt with all this.
>Right, it would be too selfish on your part to hope for that. Especially when you don't know if Briannah's saying she's fine with an open relationship/marriage is a symptom of her self-hatred and her trying to sabotage herself.
…it’s going to be a mine field, but if you tread carefully and observe… you will both make it out in once piece…


>Pick it up and take it with you.
When you said it was small, you meant small compared with the other dragon… or Briannah herself for that matter. This one is about the size of you… maybe a bit smaller than you…
>You will bundle her under your jacket and find a way back. Even if it takes countless eons, you will deliver Briannah from darkness.
…but you might be able to drag her out of… here… err… where did you come from again? Is there even a way out? The sea of darkness seems endless… is there even a way out?

>Hug it even if it doesn't appear to notice you, you will be there for it even if you have to hold it for eternity.
You lie down beside it a let your arms embrace it. You give it a soft kiss on its neck before just lying there with it, listening to its heartbeat and breath. It seems so loud… loud enough to drown out the sound of silence around you… then suddenly, a weak voice, one that almost disappears behind the beat of her heart, speaks out…

:BriannahSB: …why?
:KronosSB: …huh?
:BriannahSB: …why? Why are you here? Why did you come here…?
:KronosSB: …because I love you… because I care for you.
:BriannahSB: …why?
:KronosSB: Because you are a wonderful-
:BriannahSB: Go away… flee while you can… you deserve someone so much better than me… you deserve someone who will love you for your whole life… you don’t deserve me… you deserve so much more.
:KronosSB: But I don’t want-
:BriannahSB: Please… I beg you… leave before it’s too late. I am destined to be alone… everyone who gets close to me are hurt or killed… the same thing will happen to you!
:KronosSB: Briannah… I don’t-
:BriannahSB: PLEASE! I BEG YOU! I can’t… I won’t be able to handle losing you as well… I… I… I can’t… you need to leave… run… I… you will be hurt if you stay… please… there is no future with me… I have no future… it’s all… pointless… please… leave…
>>
No. 769314 ID: e85fea

hmmm... I wonder

Ask her why, why does she care about you?

ask why now is she telling you that she's going to toss you aside because she's afraid that she might lose you? why she choses to lose you herself because it is somehow better to rip her own heart out then to let someone else do it? Bri, if you walk away now you WILL lose Kronos, however if you stay with him their is a chance that the two of you can live happily together, and now you're going to tell me that the fierce warrior that is Briannah is going to let something as small as fear stop her? Bri, don't let your fears control you, you can let them tamper your resolve, let them put cation in your actions but never let them control you or you'll never find anything that will make you happy. I mean if I gave into my fears I never would have got to know you.

Besides, you've already messed up in your plans to get ride of me, you got me to like you back and now I've decide to stick by you. And don't try and tell me how much of a bad idea that is, you've know me long enough to know how much I love bad ideas. So face it, you're stuck with me, through thick and thin.

(then hug her tighter and don't let go)
>>
No. 769316 ID: 4854ef

There is no future I would want to be in if it didn't involve being with you.

If there is no future ahead, then we shall both share in it regardless of the consequences.
>>
No. 769319 ID: 91ee5f

>>769313
>I won’t be able to handle losing you
And you think I'll be able to handle losing you? The answer is "no", I can't handle losing you either.

>you will be hurt if you stay…
I'll be hurt even more if I leave. So I'm staying right here with you.

>there is no future with me… I have no future… it’s all… pointless…
That's right, the future is pointless, but only because you're not there with me.

I'm not leaving without you, I'm not going to let you push me away, I'm not letting you go, and I won't let this darkness consume you. You've saved me from my fear of Sakkilians, now it's my turn to save you from your fear of being alone. After all, that's what husbands and wives are supposed to do, right? We're supposed to help each other through the darkest times of our lives. So please, let me help you. Let me love you. Because I love you.

Briannah, will you marry me?
>>
No. 769322 ID: 01d9f4

>>769319
They're already getting married sherlock

As for the situation at hand, it's simple as reaffirming that if you seperated, you'd probably stiffer yourself

As such, the two of you need to stick together
>>
No. 769326 ID: 91ee5f

>>769322
>They're already getting married sherlock
Duh, I know that! However, Kronos never officially asked. The only thing he did that was close to asking was fixing Bri's broken sword.
>>
No. 769335 ID: fe7355

>>769326
Which is the Sakkilian version of accepting a marriage proposal. And they also exchanged marriage bracelets, which is the Risavian/Vark version of accepting a marriage proposal. And they're arranged to marry already. If Kronos never actually asked Briannah to marry him, it was because there were so many other unspoken ways he said it and it was otherwise apparent.
>>
No. 769346 ID: 398fe1

>>769313
Remember the story of the Dragon and the Phoenix. Together you can defy destiny, change fate. Spit in the face of time and say your life is your own!
>>
No. 769350 ID: fe7355

Reach up and gently wipe away the tears from her cheek and tell her that you won't leave her, ever, before holding her even tighter. That there is no future you want without her by your side in it.

Ask her if you leave her, or she leaves you, isn't that the same as losing you? She won't be able to handle it either way, would she? And you couldn't handle losing her either. So you will stay with her, for both your sakes.

She says you deserve someone so much better than her, and you say there is no one better than her. She says you deserve someone who will love you for your whole life, and you say it's her. That she is that person if she but allow herself to be, and you have faith she can.

She says she's destined to be alone, and you say that there is no destiny, only possibilities and our choices. That the future is that which we choose. And you felt this before, and you know it now because you met Dreamer, the opposite counterpart to Chronicler. The one who dreams all possible pasts and futures. And it said that our fates are not written in stone. That we can pick our futures. And you know there are many possible futures with Briannah and you because it said there were. Ones filled with love and family. The way to those futures is there if we but take it.

She says everyone who gets close to her is hurt or killed, and you say the past is not the future. That she is not cursed or fated because there is no fate, no fixed destiny. Those who were hurt by no choice of her own were not by just being close to her. And if there were ones hurt by her own choice, perhaps by her pushing them away to save them from the fate she believed would befall them, then the solution is just choose not to any more, and you and nobody else will come to harm. And you'll be there to help her, to listen, to support her, always.
>>
No. 769357 ID: 91ee5f

>>769335
Yeah, but those unspoken ways were all done when Kronos still felt like it was his job to marry Bri in order to unite their people because he was being forced by his father to marry Bri. Now that he's actually developed feelings for her, I think it would be nice for him to actually say it out loud to her.
>>
No. 769367 ID: 309d35

I don't think there's a person in the world that thinks as highly of you as Bri does... Could the reverse be true too?

Bri, I need you to promise me something. It might not make sense now, but just say the words, okay? Promise me you'll be there when I wake up.
>>
No. 769536 ID: fe7355

How about you tell her that if she really wants you gone, she's going to have to stand up and carry you out of here on her back because you are not letting go of her. Say you know there is a way out of here because you came in that way. But even if she doesn't stumble upon the exit she at least tried something, and in here any action is better than laying about in despair.
>>
No. 769545 ID: 65a774
File 148329612355.png - (9.73KB , 686x526 , 116.png )
769545

>I don't think there's a person in the world that thinks as highly of you as Bri does... Could the reverse be true too?
…probably… which is kind of sad…

>Reach up and gently wipe away the tears from her cheek and tell her that you won't leave her, ever, before holding her even tighter.
:BriannahSB: No… p-please… leave… I will hurt you… I will only… hurt you…
>Ask her if you leave her, or she leaves you, isn't that the same as losing you? She won't be able to handle it either way, would she?
:BriannahSB: The longer you remain, the harder it will be… the more it will hurt… I can’t get close to you… I can’t get close to anyone… it will only hurt in the end… it will only… hurt… p-please… leave before it’s too late… before it hurts to much…
>And you think I'll be able to handle losing you? The answer is "no", I can't handle losing you either.
:BriannahSB: …then I am sorry… I’m too late already…

>Ask her why, why does she care about you?
:BriannahSB: Because… because… you… you didn’t leave… because you cared… because you listened… because you were there when… no one else was…
>She says you deserve someone so much better than her, and you say there is no one better than her. She says you deserve someone who will love you for your whole life, and you say it's her.
:BriannahSB: I’m not the one you deserve… if you think so… then you are a fool…

>Briannah, will you marry me?
:BriannahSB: … … …haven’t we already been forced to… we were forced together… and… we can’t…
>That's right, the future is pointless, but only because you're not there with me.
:BriannahSB: The future is pointless, because you won’t be there… you can’t be there… that is my destiny.
>She says she's destined to be alone, and you say that there is no destiny.
:BriannahSB: There is no… destiny?
>Remember the story of the Dragon and the Phoenix. Together you can defy destiny, change fate.
:BriannahSB: I… but… we can’t… we aren’t even… there is no future for us… us of different species.
:KronosSB: Yes there is. And we won’t be meeting it alone.

You rub her stomach and you can feel her shiver under your touch…

:KronosSB: Even if Xuv magic won’t work, then we will find a way… even if we have to find a surrogate… even if we have to adopt… we will have a future together, you and me.
:BriannahSB: Kronos…
>>
No. 769546 ID: 65a774
File 148329614231.png - (16.43KB , 686x526 , 117.png )
769546

:KronosSB: I will always be there for you… always…
:BriannahSB:


[Briannah’s dispair has been subdued… for now.]


>Bri, I need you to promise me something. It might not make sense now, but just say the words, okay? Promise me you'll be there when I wake up.
:BriannahSB: … … …wake up? But I’m not… sleeping… I… feel so… so sleepy…
>>
No. 769548 ID: 65a774
File 148329615268.png - (16.23KB , 686x526 , 118.png )
769548

>>
No. 769549 ID: 65a774
File 148329616120.png - (14.36KB , 686x526 , 119.png )
769549

>>
No. 769550 ID: 65a774
File 148329617371.png - (2.59KB , 686x526 , ___.png )
769550

:BriannahSB: Thank you… Kronos… … …and yes… the answer is yes… I will… marry…
>>
No. 769560 ID: 398fe1

>>769550
Time to wake up. You did something right, Kronos.
>>
No. 769623 ID: e85fea

...so are we still sleeping or is that it for the night?
>>
No. 769634 ID: fe7355

>>769623
That's it for the night. When you fall asleep in the dream, like Briannah just did, you wake up for real. The next day and thread starts over here >>769571.
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