Void Rift (rp) - Intermission

The thug seems to have disappeared completely.

I approach a pair of guards by one of the gates into the main city, speaking a strange, demonic-sounding language to them. They respond in the same language, and we converse for a short while; myself gesturing back to Arkclal and Arie a couple of times. Eventually, the guards part and the gate is raised, allowing entrance.

"There's some safe transport inside that we can hire." I turn back and say, smiling.

 

Arkclal seems a bit wary of you, uneasily nodding whereas Arie heads through without hesitation.

 

Crystal waits for her to come forwards.


Not very keen on breaking my sword, I try to recall the somatic commands for that energy orb that can make different things.

 

Inside the wall, the city seems much livelier and better quality. Not many people seem to want to live too close to it, but looking inside, streets filled with Shadows are visible. Nobody looks particularly harmful or criminal, and the only things inappropriate seem to be couples enjoying their company with a public display of affection.

I head into the city, though don't appear to be looking around for stables or some form of transport. After traveling through a more residential area, I step into a building with a sign that reads 'The Golden Lamb', gesturing the others to follow.

 

Arkclal keeps somewhat close to you as Arie stops gawking at all the people to catch up.
"Did Emerald tell you how to get Arie to calm down in case someone tries to provoke her?" He asks you in a hushed tone.

She seems to be waiting for him to do something, based on the now rhythmic tail swishing.


The naga seems to have given up on acting dead as the orb's energy forms a ring around your wrists.
"Wait, I know exactly where you're going with that. Trust me, it's a terrible idea. Hammer in one of my fins to widen the gap instead." They offer, putting their tail near your blade.

"If I were you I'd ignore him, but he... might not be wrong. That orb isn't the most stable thing around magic."

 

"No, but would a drink work?" I ask, gesturing to the tavern and it's atmosphere. Various patrons seem to be drinking alcohol or acting in a merry manner, a few Shadows seemingly eating chunks of raw human flesh at their tables as barmaids bring them their drinks. A few lonelier looking Shadows sit at the bar, trying to drink their problems away.

I head over to the bar, before stopping and turning around.

"You want anything?" I ask.

 

Crystal very slowly sludges forward.


"For future reference,"
I say to Stella as I take out my hammer.
"I'd like to know exactly what is good and bad around things that people affix to me without me asking."
I ready the hammer, looking to the naga.
"Ready?"
I ask them.

 

“I think that’d make things worse.” He mumbles.

Upon hearing your offer, he shakes his head.
“I lack any of the currency used here, and a lowly ambassador such as myself has no business asking for such favors.”
Arie seems to enjoy the atmosphere, starting to people watch.

Avis stops moving, seeming ready to bolt.


“I’m afraid I have to blame Lady Idhaenna for that one. That decision was not left up to me.”

“Fair warning, I’m going to be screaming in agony, but better me actually have an excuse for being stuck under a burning building.” They groan, taking a few deep breaths.
“...Okay, get this over with.”

 

"Alright, your choice." I shrug, turning back to the bar.

I speak in the demonic language again to the Shadow at the bar, handing over some gold. They pour a tall glass of a dark red liquid, handing it to me. I sip it lightly and head back over to Arkclal and Arie.

"Shall we find somewhere to sit for a bit?" I ask.

 

Crystal freezes as well.


"You could still tell me."
I tell Stella, before hitting the naga with just enough force to hammer in one of his fins.

 

Avis’ tail starts moving again after a while.


“It reacts explosively with null-ice magic specifically, and tends to become unresponsive to commands near pyromancy.”

“S-aaaaaaggh... shit... shit shit shit...” The naga grimaces, head rocking back and forth.

Arkclal nods.
“Your lead. I’ll keep Arie from... well, touching the table.”

 

He waits until Avis makes a move.


"Good to know."
I wait silently until the shock of the naga wears off.

 

I sit down at an empty table bordering a wall, sitting in the cushioned booth around the rectangular table. The table is surprisingly clean, a metal plate with a number embedded into it at the end. I quietly sip at my drink and relax for a moment.

"This city is quite xenophobic, but it's also fairly safe." I mention.

 

Arkclal sits down, but Arie just lingers near the edge of the table with an uneasy look.
"Oh, right... she's not good in tight spaces." Arkclal sighs.

The only movement Avis makes is swishing her tail back and forth and blinking occasionally.


After a few seconds, the naga turns to you.
"H-hurry it up, alright? Just strike however many more times you need to get your damn sword out and get moving!" They growl, seeming crazed.

 

Crystal tries his best to patiently wait, eventually rising a small bit.


I slam with my hammer until I feel as though the gap is big enough.

 

"Why's that?" I ask.

 

Arkclal offers you a small blue crystal.
"Emerald didn't want me to tell you, but there's no point in hiding this now. Things have gotten... this... bad back at home. I'll elaborate later, in a less catastrophic place. For now, though, she's been working on what she refers to her secret project. This holds a vision of something many weren't meant to see." He says telepathically.

Arie sits down on the floor next to the table.

Avis moves towards the edge of the walkway again as Crystal rises.


As your sword tips over and clatters out of the gap, the naga has been reduced to constant screaming.

 

I take the small blue crystal, observing it closely.

 

Crystal sinks again, trying to be patient.


I take my sword, looking over the gap one more time.

 

As you look into it, it seems to act as a small window.

You can see Emerald, Arkclal, Arie, and Iris.
Arie stands in front of a table and a chair, seeming hesitant.
"So, the inside of her hands and legs will be suppressed, but the outside won't be?" Emerald asks.
"I can't bind her entire body. Not without destabilizing everything you've already done." Iris nods. "This should at least permit her to have some basic social interactions."
"And if she bumps into the table as she sits down?"
"Don't be seated on the other end."
"Ruiner, will it contain the damage to the rest of the city?" Arkclal asks, seeming uneasy.
"No. In fact, her strength will be amplified. It's a tradeoff necessary if she is to interact with people as she wishes." Iris says, sighing.
Emerald rolls her eyes.
"I can't diminish her effectiveness as my pet project. Besides, she wants to see what the world is like. I can't bind her in such a way that she could be safe for the rest of the reality."

Iris and Arkclal glance at each other skeptically before nodding as the vision ends.

Arkclal sends a small jolt of telepathic energy to test the link.
"Sorry, I don't want anyone else listening in. If you're unfamiliar with edge beasts, I suggest you talk to Katie."


Fenira looks around quietly, hoping for a beach or shoreline near the forest she just left.

Arie retreats a bit again as Crystal sinks.


It's just a small gap, and you can't see light on the other side. It's still a solid seal.