Tales From a Misfit
Updates every Sunday.
Found on wallhere. made by "wallup"
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Found on wallhere. made by "wallup"
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I’m a little sad to see this story go, but I think this is a good part to end on. I’ve been struggling to write this part all day. I think its my newest most important story, honesty. So I hope it was at least likable. I had a lot more planned for it, but as I’ve been trying to tell myself all day. A good writer can make a journey. A great one knows where it ends.
---- “Well, welcome home.” Lillian said as they walked into a rambleshackled house. “I know it’s not much” “It never is with Alkcove” The father Sulkawis replied. “But they really will be much happier here.” “They’ll be together, dear” the mother Sulkawis said. “They’ve always wanted that” “Got it done.” Ameridena walked in “with a new get up I might add” Lillian yanked up her gown a little and let Desmo climb all over it until he got to her shoulder. “I’m begin to see Trox’s annoyance with you” “Knew that to did you, Ameri?” Trox asked, standing next to her. “They do look better together, and I guess I’m done” “Not just yet” Ameridena repiled. “We gotta get some rum to Braoxenqu” Lillian said. Trox bowed his head “So she still doesn’t understand. Alright then.” Lillian walked into the demon lord’s nest. Black gown and all. Performing cursi as she did. “A new look… no longer a nunling?”Braoxenqu asked. “I don’t think so, no” Lillian replied. “As a servant of Lady Ameri “I’ve come to replay you” “For what purpose? Braoxenqu asked. “You… gave me a book?” Lillian said. “For the rum I have already acquired.” Braoxenqu said. “From where?!” Lillian asked, only to have another chicken bone thrown at her. “From the grounds the church ignored. From the new wheat that grew while they were hunting down a simple nunling” Braoxenqu replied. “Too envious of their own failures. Too guided by greed to even notice.” “You knew,” Lillian said, as stood there staring back at the minotaur that started it all as they walked away. “You saw me, and you knew I wasn’t fit for the life I was living. You gave me that book, because you know sin when you smell it. And it wasn’t about rum . It was about being as kind-hearted as you are.” The minotaur turned around and growled at her, but Lillian stood firmly. “It was about the rum, nunling. Which I remind you I have acquired!” “Keep these too either way.” Lillian replied. “Demon lord of Gluttony, but I did wanna be sure of one thing?” “Which was?” Braoxenqu asked. “You did once bring a part of the moon down?” Lillian asked. “The goat of farmer who told me the tale was also not made of cheese,” Braoxenqu said, clearly still upset about that whole day’s event. “Was Trox actually there?” Lillian replied. “I serve the Demon Queen of Lust now, Braoxen! I deserve to know.” “What you wish to know he never says.” Braoxenqu said. “But he was there when we seven were born, and He will be here long after. He was there when I did indeed bring that chuck of the moon down. He might not be, and he might be.” “I see…” Lillian replied. “Well,” she patted the barrels “Thank you.” “Nunling!” Braoxenqu said. “Is he?” Lillian paused for a moment. “I haven’t asked, and he would never answer. But he has always been there, and he took me to you. He might be… He might not be, but he is the closest we’re getting.”
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“Which is why we're not bringing her in!” Lillian said, as she stomped a foot on the ground.
“Look, if the pile of you ain't gonna listen, and not trust the Naga.” Trox replied. “Why did you approach the people who brought a Naga? Wait, is that? Mi- Madam Willowsharp?!” “Trox!” a formal looking female mouse replied. Before shooing the crowd away. “I don’t think we ordered anything?” “No, but I found that book for ya a while back.” Trox answered. “You’ll have to forgive me, there were a few… we’ll call them distractions.” “Is this one of them?” Madam Willowsharp replied, looking to Lillian. “What’s your name,dear?” “Lillian.” Lillian said. “I’m more of a new project for him. Uh, Mi-” she facepalmed “oh the church talk about this” “Daisy is fine, dear. It’s surprising to hear the church still talks about us at all.” Daisy replied. “Daisy, will be a lot easier for me, right now.” Lillian said. “I’m sorry. The church doesn’t mention much good about your kind, and it’s the one thing they did drill into my head.” “So it’s not rude to ask about the habit then?” Daisy asked. “Or lack there off, rather.” “No ruder than I might be.” Lillian replied. “A habitless nunling is one turning to the occult magics. She might be a witch, warlock, or in my case a summoner. This is just all I have.” “Wait, that one outfit?” Trox asked. “I mean you at least have three of those?” “Two.” Lillian replied. “The extra we all have on us is in your wagon somewhere. My third was at home.” “What do you summon, deary?” Daisy asked. “And surely you could’ve gone home by now?” “Madam Willowsharp,” Trox replied. “Don’t not call that place her home, find her some proper clothes, and could you please tell me where Mossy is?” And with that he tossed a bag of coins to Lillian. Lillian ran through most of the shop with Desmo on her shoulder. Asking a million questions, and giggling for the first time she had in a long time. Freely tossing clothes aside. The Sulkawis made jokes about how no blessings were coming, in kind. Holding various colors up to Desmo, Lillian looked through some clothes and spent about half the bag, and spent some time organizing the wagon, and making her own little space in it. She gave Desmo the task of getting the bag of remaining gold back to Trox, but Desmo quickly darted back still holding it, and slapped his tail on the wood. Lillian sighed, as she heard the slap. “We’ve got a problem, huh?” “A problem?” Nessie asked. She waited patiently while Lillain listened to Desmo. At least,she assumed, listened. It all sounds like nonsense to her. Though there were some words that made her blood boil. “I’m becoming Ameri and Trox mixed together.” Lillian said after listening to Desmo, and watching Nessie. “You know what? Fine, we'll do it their way today. Nessie?” A Naga charged through town that day. More viscous than she had ever been in her life. Slithering down a targeted path. Trox and the mouse parents turned to look as the half snake that went straight up to their daughter, coiled her up tight. “We did it your way.” Lillian said, as she giggled. “Rather effective.” “I believe in what works.” Trox replied. “This is Nessie, and that’s Lillian.” “Nessie, we know.” A male Sulkawi. “Lillian, we don’t” “But you know your daughter and Nessie feelings, and you can visit them as often as you like.” Lillian replied. “Should you chose to put in a servant of Ameridena’s hand, I suppose” “There another option?” a female Sulkawi asked. “Where they are happy?” “Content.” Lillian said. “We can go bring Nessie back, and she’ll sneak out and do this all over again from time to time.” She giggled. “As they so often do. Or we can bring them to Alkcove. and Nessie may actually never let her go. But something tells me that all know she wouldn’t mind that, maybe it’s the view.” They two Sulkawis parents looked at each other and nodded, and four people walked back to a wagon. “So went with black?” Trox asked as they both sat down. “And still a rather big dress.” “It matches, and the gown makes him easier to hide.” Lillian answered. “Very summoner like, or so I’m told” “Trox,” Lillian yawned, and shook Trox as he slept “I told you drinking tonight wasn’t a good idea.”
“You and I would feel way worse with the withdrawal.” Trox replied. “At least this way we’re just tired.” “Fair enough. Just don’t go back to sleep on me.” Lillian replied. “And thanks for waking me up, Desmo.” Trox got into his usual place on the wagon, and Desmo appeared on Lillian's left shoulder. Lillian did her best to quietly walk on the sand, and approached the front gate. Trox waited till Lillian was half of the way to the front gate. “Been a while hasn’t it, Reemus?” Reemus the horse snorted in reply. “I need your best again tonight, old boy. Yah!” Trox whipped the reins, and Reemus gave out a loud neigh as they dashed to the back gate. Lillian just giggled as the slithers were so loud even she heard them as Naga charged though the front gate. “Well done, Reemus.” She whispered, and ran straight to the building. Desmo hopped off her, and picked the lock with ease. Letting it fall to the ground as darted through the shadow. Nessie woke up to the alarm bells. “Those… haven’t rang for years.” She said as she got up. “Mossy, are you crazy?” She glared as she got yelled at. “I’m coming, I’m coming!” acting like she was grabbing at something before whispering to herself. “I’m coming, my darling little snack” She yelps as Lillian awwed. “That’s such a cute nickname.” Lillian replied. “But Mossy isn’t the crazy one, I am.” “How did you—?” Nessie shook her head “When did you?” “Surprisingly easily.” Lillian replied. “Do they always never watch the hallways with right turns?” Nessie blinked twice and giggled. “Well the devils always prefer going left, or so they say” “I mean,” Lillian replied. “I do tend to head left, but something about the 12 guards standing there wondering where I was just threw me off that idea.” “So… You are causing all this trouble because?...” Nessie asked. Lillian left a note on the pillow. “It doesn’t say anything about you, don't worry, and it’s a long story but do you wanna live in peace with Mossy or not?” “Wait, what?” Nessie replied. “You’re not just gonna get me to leave by knowing her name. In fact, do you know how much trouble I’d get in just for saying that?!” “I don’t yet, no” Lillian admitted. “Ameridena only gives out pieces as it stands, but don’t tell Trox that. We both like freaking him a little.” “Ameridena.” Nessie uncurled her tail. “The demon lord of lust? The one I was taught most of my life should never be listened to?” “We got about 5 minutes to get down.” Lillian replied. “I’ll lead the way.” Nessie said. Desmo darted through the shadows of the people in the city. The commotion made it even easier than last time. Once he climbed up the back gate. His ears twitched as he waited, and he ignored the voice in head for now. Once he heard the sounds of wooden wheels and horse trotting he jabbed his tail into the lock, and picked it. With the winds swinging it open he jumped into the wagon. “Bou gout, gsy het yor? “Did they?” Trox asked. Desmo just stared at him. “Been an age or two since I’ve heard demon. Little surprised, myself.” Desmo nodded, and Trox dashed the wagon forward. Nessie clung to the wagon as she got on and wrapped her tail around Lillian pulling her on as well. “You're sure it was alright to leave that note?” Trox asked. “No, but I’m sure it was worth it.” Lillian replied “But won’t they come after you?” Nessie replied. “Both of you.” “Sweetheart, You’re gonna learn 3 facts about the world tonight.” Lillian replied. “Number one an ex-preacher is always being hunted.” “Number two, a nunling who sold her soul to a demon lord isn’t something the church forgets or forgives” Trox said. “And number three?” Nessie asked. “We’re gonna have to get to Mossy before you learn number three” Lillian replied. “We can do that?!” Nessie replied. “We slept most of the day. And with no traffic given the hour… Yeah we should be able to reach Lassytin.” Trox replied. “What is fact three that by the way?” “How great it is gonna feel,” Nessie replied. “To wrap a darling little love snack of a mouse up in my tail, and never let her go… ever again.” “So yeah, that would be the best way to do it.” Trox finished.
“Okay.” Lillian replied. “So what did you need from the front side of town?” “What?” Hey!?” Trox questioned Lillian, as Desmo climbed on his shoulder. “We can’t open either gate, right now.” “You said the night life here is just as busy, if not busier right?” Lillian asked. “I’ll need to know how long it takes Desmo to get from one side or the other, and if the private school is as guarded as you say it is—” “Which it is.” Trox said. Writing on a piece of paper, and ripping it off. “Then we’re, at the very least, better off, if you know exactly. “Anything you need me to do then?” He asked, handing the paper off to Lillian. “Well, I still don't know how imma get a demon close to that school gate.” Lillian replied. Taking the paper and looking it over. “I’ll meet up with you two after then.” Trox replied, hopping off the wagon. Desmo hopped off Trox’s shoulder, and straight into his shadow. The ripples of Trox’s shadow were visible even with the grassy ground swaying in the wind. “Fine morning ain’t, Aslamat?” “Who issss thissss one?” The other half-snake guard, before slithering up to Lillain with great speed stopping his face right in front of hers. “Never sssseen one of usss hasss ssshee?” “And she won’t be again if you keep scaring people away.” The guard called Aslamat replied, while slithering up to him. “Don’t mind those the likes of his lot. We own a great deal to outsiders, but too many of us are stuck in the ways of old.” He reached a hand out to Lillian. “If you expect to speak up after that little stunt of yours, you’re as mad as the old hag who since us here is.” Trox said. “She is helping me help her grandmother pick a few things up from two shops. One is up by the rippers, and she’ll be in the one downtown. Lillian had fallen backwards onto the ground the moment the first snake. It was indeed her first time seeing a Naga. But the church had always said they were a kind people, they just preferred keeping to themselves. Still shaking she grabbed the hand of the more friendly Naga, and let him help her up. Yelping and clinging on to his side as the mean glared her down again. Running straight to Trox, and heading inside town with him. “I thought he was going to eat me.” Lillain whispered, exasperated. “His type just might, and there seems to be quite a few of them around today, so let’s just get this done, ey?” Trox asked. “Gladly.” Lillian replied, and walked over to the store she was looking for, list in hand. “Hi, so I’ll need…” Trox continued down to his store, and walked to it as Lillian did her shopping. “Rough crowd, today? Y’all keep your tails down, and won’t be long.” Trox said as he walked to the clerk, and slammed the list down on the counter. “Not gonna fault a weaker hunter for being hungry are yeah?” The clerk simply glared at him at first. But slowly but surely the whole store was in an uproar. Desmo climbed out of the shadow, and headed back to Lillian in all the commotion. “I don’t believe a lick of that, human, but you’re a kind lad for humoring some of us. Now let’s see here…” Desmo turned towards the opposite gate. Climbing up to the lock, and beginning his internal timer. Jabbing the single spike of his tail into the lock. Wiggling it about as the line connecting him to the spike moved to and fro. Just before the last click he pulled it out. Hopping and dashing off. Ducking and weaving behind crates, diving in and out of shadows. Finally making his way to his desired shop just as Lillian walked out of it, and diving into her shadow. “Thanks, again.” Lillian replied. “Oh um… it is okay if I meet up with Trox by the school over there, right? He said it would be—” “Oh, honey, that's a common spot for visitors to meet up. Big building in the whole place, afterall.” The female clerk waved her off. Lillian walked towards the school gate, but kept her distance from it. Something about the glare in the one guard at gate eyes toward that was the smart thing to do. Perking with him as someone shouted at them. “Your economics class is stupid as you stick in the mud Naga. A much nicer Naga just gave me 3 lizards and a rat for skipping it!” The guard slithered off after the small naga child, but Lillian still gave it a minute before approaching the gate. “So what’s his time?” Trox asked as he walked up to the two of them about a minute later. “4 minutes 35 seconds” Lillian replied. “He doesn’t think any more or less shadows will matter too much.” Trox whistled. “You opened anywhere under 7 minutes, and it’s not gonna matter either way, little, lock picker. So you two wanted to check out this gate?” He asked. Lillian heard a click behind her back, and Desmo climbed onto her shoulder, proudly holding an opened lock in his tail “We did, yes. And it seems Desmo picked up a new trick sometime between when he finished eating my nightmares, and when he was hopping around in the shadows.” “You thought about what you want him to be yet?” Trox asked. “I…had an idea or two, but I’ll look more into it after this Naga is out of her prison..” “A fine idea.” Trox said. “But if he’s not waking up then why does he move at all?!” Lillian asked, standing up in her seat.
“Ahh… Too loud.” The large humanoid bear stated before slowly slugging his way off the road. It was quiet for several minutes as the bear slid about a centimeter before flopping down again. Actually taking up more space as his thick rat tail spread out with the rest of his body “Meh.” And with that, the quiet snoring returned. Lillian sat back down. “No further questions…” Trox just laughed “Langonoro, the great Demon Lord of Sloth, ladies and gentlemen. Ever the charmer that one.” Getting up himself before reaching into the back of his wagon. “Now where is that map— what this then?” Trox handed Lillian a box. “Must be for you.” “I would think so” Lillain replied, Taking the box. “I mean from what I hear she couldn’t just give it to you last night.” She chuckled as Trox turned around, map in hand. “Just how much knowledge does that woman give you?” Trox asked. “So the small little things in the web once weaved. Seems they’re finally breaking free.” Lillian read the words around the coin as she examined it. “Answer the question, Lillian!” Trox shouted. Lillian looked at him confused. “I have no idea what in the black moon you’re on about, so relax. It’s not like she as strong as Braoxenqu, right?” Lillian replied. Trox didn’t say a word as he unraveled his map. “So with Lango blocking route.” He paused to think “Hammermight, might be closer afterall.” “Trox? She… They’re not all that strong, right?” Lillian asked. “Compared to a weakling like you what isn’t strong?” Trox replied. “I— What?” Lillian replied, sliding into the wall on her seat’s side. “Look at you, Lillian. In a nunling robe without it’s habit, and a changed appearance. Because the only things that could handle all sins and mistakes are demons.” For the first time in her life Lillian reached for the cross once around her neck “Right…” Lillian paused, realizing it was no longer there. “I don’t have it anymore.” “Nope. Throw it in the trash a while back.” Trox replied. “And you should probably go join it really.” Lillian sighed, and stood up. “The only other thing that belongs in the trash is the way your speaking right now!” She pocketed the coin, and let Desmo climb into her arms. “If your not gonna accept me, either Trox than just leave me behind. I'm use to it anyways!” “A lowly pile of—” Trox was interrupted. A cold bucket of water splashed across Lillian, and jumped up into a sitting position “Ah! I… I… What?” Trox stood there with the empty bucket he had before putting it back in the wagon. “Sorry.” He replied. “Didn’t think about how much closer to the demons you might be, while I was looking at different routes. Now, the dreams, and nightmares, the old sloth bear can make people have can feel extremely real so—” Trox paused as looked back at Lillian. “Lillian, the last thing I said to you was every demon is their version of Braoxenqu” “No, it wasn’t!” Lillian replied, crying. “You said I was a weakling, a pile of sins and mistake, and you were about to call me a lowly pile of… something.” “And all that makes sense to you?” Trox asked, sitting down next to her. “It makes sense to you that I hate you? After I’ve picked you up the must be at least a thousand nights you’ve been left outside? That man who brought you to 3 Demonic rulers of sins care that you’ve got some demonling on top of your head, right now?” Lillian collapsed into Trox’s lap, and began holding Desmo like a teddy bear. “It felt so real Trox. It blended together perfectly” “Lango isn’t exactly one you want to be falling asleep around.” Trox said. As you’ve no doubt learned— Desmo, what are you doing?!” “Whatever he is doing just let him, because it’s helping.” Lillain replied. “I’ll just get to Hammermight then.” Trox replied, and started up the wagon again. Lillian sighed in relief once they all got to Alkcove, and stood in front of the giant spider she and Trox called Ameridena.
“Where they are here.” Trox said, as he placed his hand on Lillian’s shoulder. “And I’m nowhere near done, am I?” Lillian replied. “You don't want to be,” Ameri said, “You want to see the world lost in itself.” “So she summons lust,herself,” Trox replied as Ameri Giggled. “To make sure the world has a little more fun.” “Well what else was I supposed to do, Trox?” Lillian asked. “Something that didn’t work?” “I would have been mad as all 11 layers of hell of ya did.” Trox replied. “How exactly I got,” Trox tries to grab the little demon as he climbs up his leg. “Myself roped back into this mess.” He grumbled “Or why I did escapes me but.” “Speaking of our little demon over there.” Ameri replied. “how is Desmotious treatings you?” “Is that why I feel like that's what your name is?” Lillian giggled as she spoke, and let Desmo climb all around before snuggling him. “Desmo, as I’ve been calling him, is treating me rather well… though we haven’t been together that long “Crossed a desert together, and he has eaten anything alive that’s impress—” Ameri pause as Lillian held a finger up. Lillian stood there with her finger up and mouth open wide. “He ate quite a few lizards, alive and whole.” “A few, she says.” Trox replied. “Ate a couple dozen along the way over here, and it’s a “Few” “Hey!” Lillian replied. “It definitely wasn’t over 20, and he is a growing boy! I think…” Lillain looked at Ameri “He is a growing boy, right?” Ameri chuckled, and replied smugly “Look for yourself” “No! No! No!” Trox replied as Desmo grew a pointed tail and sharper claws. “That thing does not get to become a climber!” “Desmo.” Lillian looked to Trox then back to Desmo, and spoke to a demon like a mother would to her young child and replied. “Gets to become whatever he wants, and don’t you let mean old Trox tell you otherwise.” “Oi. I will leave you in this desert!” Trox replied. “No you won’t” Ameri answered back, and replied again as Trox open his mouth. “I still remember that little session of ours, Trox.” “Something that shut him up?” Lillian said “Wow, must be important.” “Munch like a pair of girls.” Ameri replied with a far more serious tone. “One in Lassytin, and the other is Hammermight. And you will bring them back here” “That’s halfway across the world!” Trox said. “You’re really gonna throw all that on to a little girl?” “Not just a little girl, Trox” Lillian replied. “You’re not even old enough to drink, Lillian! what the hell do you mean not just…” Trox paused for a long while, and sighed. Downtotten. He turned around and walked back to his wagon. “We’re square after this! And I’m not! Dragging her around anywhere else!” Lillian leans into Ameri “What in the inferno, did he do?” Ameridena lean in in response. “Trox is—” “Don't you dare tell her, Ameri!” Trox shouted as he stormed off “The last thing I need is two of you!” Lillian paused as she watched Trox storm off. “He’s gonna cart me all the way there on a whim isn’t he?” “Mhmm” Ameri replied. “Mossy aaand… Nessie?” Lillian asked. “And you—”Ameri began. “And bring them here, I know I know” Lillian said before walking away, and shouting “I’m coming, Trox!” “What did I say, about needing two of you!?” Trox shouted back. Lillian jolted awake about a third of the way through the desert. “You two okay?” She asked.
The occultist stood up groaning. “I… think so…you’re?” “Lillian,” Lillian replied. “And I think this little guy is named Desmo. Your name is Melica?” “Wait, how did you know that?” Melica asked. “Get Melica and Levan to Alkcove.” Lillian replied. “That’s been ringing in my head since the moment I accepted Lady Ameri in. Levan is a male name. And I know Trox, here, so by process of elimination. ” “I gather I can save myself an introduction?” Levan asked as he got up as well. “Would be nice given this massive headache.” Melica almost tumbled them both out of the wagon with the speed she tackled Levan with. “Levan! You’re safe!” Levan struggled to breath as Melica hugged him. “Get them to Alkcove you said?” Trox asked. “You know she is along the way, right?” Lillian shook her head. “She is meeting us at Alkcove, so second star on the right” “And straight on till morning, it is.” Trox replied. “Um?” Levan replied. “What exactly is Alkcove?” “We’re both nomads.” Melica replied “Settling down in one place is going to be difficult.” “The church abandoned Alkcove a long time ago.” Lillian replied. “It does not always have supplies. It’s in endless need of food, water, the shelters are worn down, et cetera. It is a city fending for itself at this point. They take any help they can get.” “Forbidden romances or otherwise” Trox replied. “When did you two get that close?” Lillian as she patted the empty seat next to her. Both jumped a bit as they realized how long they’ve been staring at each other and blushed. Melica played with her hair as sat and replied. “He saw me incredibly injured, and couldn’t just leave me there. All I remember is hearing a lot of male voices saying to leave me to the wolves, and waking up to see his face.” “That was the day I realized I didn’t want to be an alchemist,” Levan replied, sitting across from them the two girls. “Not one of theirs, anyways. I wanted to help people. Not leave them behind.” “You wanted to do what works for you.” Lillian replied. “Starting to see the wisdom in the word of our ever so kind escort.” “Shut up, and help Romeo and Juilet over there, Lillian.” Trox replied as the rest laughed. “So um?” Melica said. “It could just be me, but you look rather different.” “From a blonde with blue eyes to a redhead with green eyes, so I’m told.” Lillain replied with a smile. “I think it suits you better.” Levan said. “There’s only one brown hair, brown eye, black skin, occultists from me don’t get me wrong.” “But the look fits her more,” Melica replied. “I agree.” “I think it's the rebel in her, personally” Trox said. “Since the day she was born she was the wild child asking if she could help ‘uncle Travis’ with the supply runs.” “And he isn’t my uncle, and it was far too dangerous for a young girl.” Lillian replied with a bitter tone. “And yet here we are.” “And we own a lot to Desmo over there.” Melica said. “I feel like I do, anyways.” Desmo climbed onto Lillian’s head as Lillian said. “I’m not totally sure myself, but I’m pretty sure he was the shadow chimera that hopped in out of nowhere.” “He was,” Trox replied. “and he will be whatever you end up making him into.” “Lady Ameridena doesn’t have any plans?” Lillian asked. “Damn spider girl has every plan in the world.” Trox answered. “Whatever you make that demonic pet of yours into is of no consequence.” Melica hopped over next to Levan, and Lillian snuggled Desmo close. “Then we’ll just have to see what comes, and roll with it.” Lillian said. “Wait?” Trox stated rubbing his eyes.
A half spider walked toward them on six legs. Her bottom half covered in black fur as the top half of her purple body stretched out the two human arms she had. “Trox!~ Why haven’t you visited recently?” “He does what works.” Lillian replied. “Shouldn’t you know that?” Both girls giggled. “Oi!” Trox replied. “Have neither of you noticed that it’s nothing but white!? Lillian, why is your hair red now? Wait, did your eye change too?” “Did they?” Lillian asked. “They were blue. So yes, if they’re a different color. As for the white void. I was taught that’s just always how it works for summonings. You make your oath, and whatever answers is what answers.” Lillain paused. “Not a thing I’ve ever understood.” “If you did a successful summons, and you and Ameri are here. Then why am I here?” Trox asked, still furious. “Ameri?” Lillian asked. “Ameridena, or Ameri. Spider demoness of lust at your service, hun” Ameri turned to Trox. “But could you answer Trox’s question? Because I’m not actually sure why he is here either.” Lillian thought for a moment. “Well normally a preacher is supposed to be a witness when you start making the contract, and the ritual just picks whoever knows them best… So I guess since I'm contracting with a demon, and the former preacher Trox knows you.” “I gave up the church for a reason, Lillian.” Trox said. Both girls stared at him until he just sighed. “Do you remember why Braoxenqu gave you that book in the first place?” “He thought it’d give him more rum?” Lillian answered. Ameridena bursts out laughing. “That’s so like him! Infinite power. The strongest one of all of us. Brought the damn moon down, cause he was told it was made of cheese. And all he ever move, or even does anything, for is food and alcohol” “Wait…” Lillian blinked. “He really did—” “Bring a chunk of the moon down, because he was told it was made of cheese.” Ameridena and Trox said together. “He is the Sin Lord of Gluttony afterall, Lillian.” Trox continued. “And this,” he gestures to Ameridena. “Is the Sin Lady of Lust. She’ll make any and all desires come true. Even if it means summoning a chimera made out of shadow to make sure a town is safe.” “Even if it's just to get some vengeance, or to get a forbidden couple to Alchano.” Ameridena replied. “You summoned a giant chimera?” Lillian replied. “To maybe keep one town safe, JUST to get one romance to safety.” “No.” Trox replied, and interrupted both. “Let the contractor do his job.” Both girls chuckled with their hands in the air as he continued. “No, she knows, Lillian. All of them do. All 7 of the sins do what they do, and do it amazingly. So you pick her, and you pick making every desire she feels like making happen, happen. Even if it takes months. Even if it takes years. You will make the desires of the world happen. BUT” Trox grabbed Ameri’s shoulder as she was about to speak. “That includes yours. You can have everything you ever wanted. She knows exactly how to do it, or how to get it. And rules be damn. It will be done.” “You know, for a man who hasn’t made a contract in years you seem to remember how to sell it.” Lillian replied. “You’ll do it all then?” Ameri replied. “Be a redhead? With green eyes, since you’ve been wondering, and accept the price of a contract with Lust herself?” “All those two want is to be accepted!” Lillian replied. “I would know it’s all I’ve ever wanted!” She stomped forward. “I’d take any deal, in this world or the next, to help with that.” Ameri held out her hand. “You can keep your sun, I’ll take the lantern.” Lillian gripped Ameri’s hand tight. “If this is your day, I’ll take the night.” Both smiled as they said it together. “If this is what it takes, I’ll make my own damn light!” “I suppose you all feel rather clever,” Mother Mary replied. “And suppose Lillian has finally succeed at something”
“Me?” Lillian replied. “What could I have had to do with all this?” She stood and look as innocent looking as she could. “Every matter of affair could fail if I guided them, afterall” “Much like our young Travis” Mother Mary replied. “Which explains this.” A silver shepard dragged two behind him with his crock before throwing them. “An occultist and alchemist?” Lillian asked “together?” “Another typical sin, Lillian” Mother Mary replied. “Love is hardly a sin, Mother” Father Tibet replied. “And our creed says to help the lost” “As we shall, starting with the blasphemy of this town.” Mother Mary stated as she walked away. “And I shall have to see where in this you belong Sister Lillian.” What was supposed to be a day of celebration became one of fear and preparation. There was almost panic and debate on whether or not they should fight. Discussions carried on just past dusk, and quickly became murmurs of confusion as one after the other various occultists and alchemists were handed a list and then ran off in various directions. Slowly people learn to gather at the town square As the hour to their judgment slowly approached. Lillian mumbled looking over what various ingredients had been gathered. “Liquid? I still need a liquid.” “Doesn’t have to be pure I hope.” Trox stated bring his wagon of beer over. “I thought you couldn’t create a light circle yourself.” “I can’t.” Lillian stated. “Not properly.” she motioned for him to dump the barrel, and started chanting. Trox grinned before pushing a barrel over edge, and letting as much flow out as possible at first it seemed to be pouring out normally, but slowly it seemed to be shaping itself. Lillian began grabbing ingredients as the booming sound of an echoing splash encircled the town. “I need that torch, and more time.” The pushback effort was ragtag and boorish, but it was proving at least somewhat effective. The massive army of silver shepherds was clearly going slower than they would have liked. It was a long and painful process, but finally the ground itself shined bright. The words "In thy name and consideration. Hallowed is this place.” echoed across town. Trox held up his hands and Braoxenqu’s box as he cheered with the others as the silver shepherd began to walk away. Lillian sighed exhausted, and sat down in his wagon. “That box of yours might not work for a spell.” She stated as Trox took her home. “Oh, I suppose just letting people starve and die was supposed to work?” Trox turned to look at Lillian before a loud thud from behind caught the attention of both. The familiar sound of an echoing splash grew louder and louder “Don’t they fade? This is way more than usual.” “We did a bit more than usual!” Lillian yelled as they closed in. “Just keep heading forward!” Lillian mumbled for a rather long time as liquid silver wobbled the wagon. Trox did every turn he could think of, but to no avail. “I can’t keep this up, Lillian!” Trox shouted as two more shots hit the wagon. Lillian completed her last chant. “You can keep your sun, I'll take the lantern. If this is your day, I'll take the night. If this is what it takes, I'll make my own damn light!” A wild chimera made of shadows hopped out of the wagon, and began eating the shepherds as the occultist and alchemist woke up . “You bring me a nunling now, Trox?” Braoxenqu asked. “Do I come off to you as one with an interest in affairs of you, fleshings?”
“Braoxen, she just—” Troxen began. The demon minotaur stomped into the ground as he did. “I see no rum marked for me upon this cart.” Braoxen snorted before picking up two barrels. “What she needs is not my concern.” “Braoxenqu. Demon lord of gluttony, I believe?” Lillian pulled off her blue habit, and walked to the demon chugging 2 barrels at once. “You have my attention nunling” Braoxenqu snorted. “I suggest you make it count.” “Before we began. Your tail is made of bubbles?” Lillian asked. “You find that assuming do you, nunling? Braoxenqu asked. “No, no. I find myself curious as to why” Lillian replied a bit shaken. “A demon’s tail is a demon’s life” “That it is.” Braoxenqu said. “It is all that I remember consuming. All that I have ever tasted.” “All this time I thought it was more…metaphorical” Lillian said. “Then you have learned otherwise today.” Braoxen snorted. “Nunling.” “Nunling…” Lillian repeated. “I know what that means but I’m no longer sure of even that anymore. I… I wish to summon something. I want to be someone. And I was told you could maybe help, so I'm here asking a demon lord to help. And I ask that you forgive a junior nun who doesn't know her way. “I see.” Braoxenqu said “Then in exchange, I ask that you take this.” as he handed Lillian a book. “A book?” Lillian asked. “A demon lord is giving me a book?” “Your friend believes in the pragmatic.” Braoxenqu began. “So he consorts with an absurdly powerful demon with a tail composed of alcohol.” He turned to Lillian. “You believe in the church, so you suffer their endless judgment of your failures in hopes of pleasing them. The church in turn believes in you and suffers through the trouble of a nunling willing to defy them to the point she invokes a demon lord. I believe in the acquisition of rum.” He turned 180 degrees before grabbing a massive chicken wing. “And so I am giving you a book.” “Okay then,” Lillain replied. “To Alkcore it is” “You’re just okay with that?” Trox asked “Just take us to Alkcore, Trox” Lillian replied. “Alright then.” Trox replied, and he drove them both to Alkcore. People swarmed the habit-less Lilian demanding answers “I don’t know!” Lillian finally shouted after 10 minutes of questioning. “enough” A cane slammed to the ground as the man holding it sighed. “Are you so filled with distrust that even our only merchant can not have a friend?” The crowd looked rather embarrassed and quieted down. “I am Father Tibet, and I can only ask you to pardon the hungry.” Father Tibet said. “Questioning the way are you?” “Father I… I didn't mean—” Lillian began. “I meant you as well child.” Father Tibet interrupted. “If you find trouble in our path than walk your own,” “That won't be an easy path as the youngest of 5, father.” Lillian replied. “Where then lurks thy challenge, wanderer.” Trox said. “In how others raised thy, or in how one believes them?” “In how I believe them” Lillian replied. “My trouble lies in how I have always needed something I can't have. Much like this village, I’ve gathered?” “We get by, my dear Lillian, though perhaps you could guide our inspection along?” “It would be my pleasure,” Lillian replied. So the citizens of Radestilk did their best to make corrections as per Lillian’s instructions. “You’re quite sure this is right?” Father Tibet questioned looking over the work as well. “I assure you, Father.” Lillian replied. “I am exceptionally versed in every possible way to fail.” A chuckle emerged from the crowd. And having got a sizable amount of work done, they all sat down and had dinner. Various discussions emerged about what to hide from the church and how. What techniques stem from the intermixing of occultic and alchemical tactics into church practices, and what words to avoid saying. Where the less desirable were going to hide, and some offers to bring them their supplies with not so subtle ulterior motives. As the days passed by Lillian felt like the town lost its flare. Everything special about it slowly went into hiding, and routines became more and more basic. She was more than ready for this inspection to be over by the time the day finally arrived. |