Hydra-Taki watched amidst the blue-white blast of frost as the group attacked nearly every part of the dragon as it was bound in frigid chains. She watched Gwen go flying, getting caught in mid-air along side several others making efforts to catch the falling warriors and mages alike. The creature fragmented, scattered, bursting into a spray of strange light that drifted down upon the earth.

Time seemed to shift around her, ages upon ages rose and fell, the landscape shifted and changed with each new scene. Much as they'd done this day, again and again the dragon arose to challenge the world... either being slain and inciting a new age of growth driven by the labors of Charon's denizens, or purging them in heat and fire to start anew from the ashes. Some images depicted events long past, others seemed plucked from untold spans of time in the future... there was no rhyme or reason, only an ageless memory of fragmented days followed by eons of rest. These were the god's memories, and it's prophetic words would be heard countless times, just as they had already been by so many before.

As the experience faded, Taki returned to her normal form and started to gather with many of the others. Some faces she was happy to see, others she was happy to meet for the first time should they wish it. Either way, they'd all come together from across the land to stand before the primordial forces and ensure the survival not only for themselves but all of Charon... at least for the foreseeable future. Taki knew this wasn't over though... the slaying of a godly being, no matter how great an effort... well, some might construe that as a bid for power or a means to stir new chaos amidst the crown's already fearful reactions to recent events. Something had been off about the summer festival as well, some grander politics and scheming would likely be revealing itself soon... How much more would the shaman have to fight for others? Would there be an effort towards reason, or just another mindless war? There were too many unknowns, but for this moment, they could all claim victory over this immensely powerful foe... tomorrow would be a new day, awaiting with new challenges.

---

Taki gathers with the others after returning to her normal form, and would gladly offer healing and aid to any who need it.

They did it. With a flurry of hail marys and last ditch attempts, the entire group cleaved the dragon’s head from its neck, spilled its fiery guts across the ground and left it dead. As her adrenaline subsides, exhaustion quickly washes over Astrid. That icy beam always take a lot out of her and leaves her tired. Her wings are still too exhausted to open and catch her in her descent. She considers her ice pauldrons, something that has protected her in a fall before, but before she can activate them, a familiar oozey bird swoops down and catches her.

“Oh, hey, Blue…!” Astrid says tiredly. “Good timin’. Hope yer not too hurt. Da’s gonna be happy ta hear we’re alright.” She sees Gwen, exhausted or barely conscious on the bird’s back nearby. “Ah, Gwen looks alright too. That’s good. I need ta question ya both about this supposed weddin’... Later though.”

Managing the strength to pull herself free of the sticky substance, she sits up and looks around while Blue makes their way down to the ground. For the first time, she gets a good look at the group who rose to the challenge and sees a plethora of familiar faces, including Shaa who gives her a smile and a wave. It’s been a while since she last saw him, and she can’t help waving and giving him a grin despite her soot-covered face. The cloud that carried her, Lee, and Ulrich above the dragon descends, and the knight steps off to deliver a rousing speech. Astrid finds some comfort in that. Seeing Lee with the energy to speak loudly and encouragingly to their fellows but also seeing him in good enough shape to do so means their plan worked, and they’re okay.

Stumbling off of Blue’s back once they land, Astrid recalls her hammer from wherever it fell and realizes that the person she gave her Arcane Proxy to must have been in bad shape after being eaten. That thought forms a pit in her stomach until she sees the samurai in good health not too far from Taki’s collection of protective pets and spirits. His clothes say otherwise, but the man is standing, and that’s the most important. Good… Hopefully, they didn’t lose anyone in this fight.

Her eyes catch a glimpse of Del booking it across the battlefield with what looks like Cyran in her arms, and Astrid thinks back to a similar desperation Del must have felt after Astrid was so injured in their fight against the Ur-Beast. Gods, she hopes Cyran is okay. If Del looks like that then… no, no, Del will take care of him. She’ll check on them later.

Speaking of worry. “Ah, shoot, I gotta tell da we’re alright!” Astrid immediately starts digging in her pockets for her communication device and calls Cantio again. Her voice comes through a bit crackly as the heat from Vulcadreas wasn’t exactly good for the device. “Oi, da, ya there?”

The answer through the device is almost immediate and equally as crackly. “A-Astrid? Oh thank the gods! What is going on?!” Cantio’s worry comes through clearly in the earring dangling from Astrid’s ear.

“The dragon god is dead now!” she says chipperly despite her exhaustion. “Blue an’ I are fine! Bit tired, but I didn’t get hurt one bit. Me armor’s a bit singed, but I can fix that. That’s what it’s for anyway. Armor keeps us safe. Even the guy who got eaten by the dragon is fine!”

There’s palpable relief in Cantio’s voice. “Oh gods, thank the gods–SOMEONE GOT EATEN??”

“Aye, I’ll tell ya about it when we get home! Probably won’t be too long! See ya soon!” And then she shoves the communicator back in her pocket, leaving Cantio to fret in his confusion and relief on his own for now. In storing her communication device, she also wills her Arcane Proxy back into her hand for storage through a bit of magic. It's still hot from the dragon's insides, but overall it's undamaged.

Hands on her hips, Astrid looks around for her golem, wondering if the big guy made it through everything. “Where the heck is– There ya are!!” Spotting a damaged but still standing Buttfellow, Astrid rushes over to the construct and looks it over. “Hm, yer in alright shape,” she murmurs, seeing all the singed metal and dings on the surface. “Honestly, can’t believe ya survived all a’ that. Good test run!” The kid settles on this being a job well done. By her, obviously. She’s going to be a master craftsman someday!

There are more people to check on, more important things to worry about, but seeing a field full of adventurers who made it through everything largely in one piece feels good. This will be a good story to tell, and it’s just another thing that proves how far she’s come in such a short time. Some things can only come by hard work, luck, and love, not destruction. Vulcadreas may be the god of rebirth, but Astrid won’t let him take away the new life she gained in the last year.

---

Talking Heads
Summon Possession

It's over.

There's a too-long moment where Askr stands with Yggdrasil in hand, gloved hands wrapped tightly around its hilt as if afraid it may slip from his grasp, ready to raise it again in case the fire rises again, in case the god they've given everything to try and defeat decides to defy death itself. But oh, then the form of that vast deity starts to ebb away, the threads holding it together slowly unraveling, its very body unable to hold itself together anymore; it returns to ash and golden dust, every particle of its body aglow, their color and shine brilliant as they drift away like embers from a bonfire, like the traces of a dream. The bellowing of the earth falls quiet, the rage of its core melting away, and...

and Askr lets himself fall to his knees, digging Yggdrasil's blade into the ground so he can cling to the hilt for some semblance of support, exhaustion slamming against his artificial bones the way an axe slams against armor, the way a smith's hammer slams against steel. He does not understand why or how he feels so tired-- he has wandered across Charon, fought long battles, worked long hours, faced onslaughts of all manners of conditions. It is... illogical that this would wear him out. He is not meant to feel worn out.

And yet, he does, and he cannot control it, so he must... allow himself a moment to kneel against the earth and let the weight of that exhaustion wash over him. It is frustrating, but he cannot change it. He must... be patient, even with himself.

As he holds onto his sword's hilt, he glances around what remains of the battlefield, assessing the damages, searching for traces of the familiar-- there are some people cheering in delight, others offering aid to those who sustained damage, strangers, familiar faces, all doing what they must to piece themselves back together after hell opened beneath their feet. Most of them are unfamiliar, but-- he sucks in what might be an anxious breath over the ones that are not unfamiliar. There is Mister Caedes, still, who he yearns to run to, but there is... Sir Leandros, and Byrr, and...

...

There is something unceremonious about the way Askr drags himself off of the ground, yanking Yggdrasil out of the ground and limply dragging it behind him as he walks over to where Leandros stands beside his warhorse, a warm smile situated on his knightly face. It is... odd how he always manages to be so joyful. Askr does not think he could do it, himself. But he supposes that is a part of knighthood-- the spirit of hope, and giving that hope to others. He does not understand it well, but he knows Leandros would be a fine teacher if he had the capacity to learn.

"...Sir Leandros," he calls, his voice as monotonous as ever, albeit... small. He cannot help the way he stares at the ground, as if praying not to be acknowledged, though he knows he must be. This is his crime, and he must answer for it. That is... how it goes. "I... Ah."

He awkwardly lifts Yggdrasil off of the ground so he can properly dismiss it, though he knows it is merely the illogical act of delaying the inevitable, feeling the weight of Leandros's blue eyes on him as the silence stretches on. It is... strange. This is all so strange. It should be easy and simple to admit something like this to Sir Leandros-- it is merely a case of admitting the truth, so why do the words feel heavy on his tongue, unwilling to leave? [1]

"...I apologize," he manages, voice still tiny. "You... trusted me with Byrr. And Byrr got... hurt. Because of me. I... am sorry. I accept any punishment or anger you believe is fit. I should have... done better. I am sorry."

(insert rest of conversation hereeee gotta wait on Gerhart to Gerwakeup)

Askr does not believe he will ever grow accustomed to the foreign feeling of his heart feeling heavy; he has become well-acquainted with it by now, knows the telltale tightness in his chest that indicates something is strange and wrong, but it is... impossible to get used to. It feels especially heavy now, with the echoes of that odd feeling that still lingers even after talking with Sir Leandros, with the exhaustion sinking into his chalk-woven bones, with the ghost of that yearning that carried him through combat, and... all he wants is for it to go away. He does not want his heart to feel heavy anymore. It is... tiring.

He squints through the crowd, searching for the familiar, dark-cloaked silhouette of Mister Caedes-- and for a moment, that heaviness abates as soon as Askr catches sight of white hair and pale skin and shadow-dark clothing, something like relief flooding over him, and before his brain has caught up with his body, he's already running over, his bones aching in protest as he sprints, just wanting to close the distance--

"Mister Caedes--!"

Askr knows better than this. [2]

Touch is something earned, something won-- it is meant as a congratulation, given when you have done something worthy of it, a slap on the back after a fight gone well or a pat on the shoulder after pulling through. It is not something you take. And yet, even so, Askr cannot help the way he throws his arms around Caedes's familiar form, pressing his face against the comforting chill of his skin, barely mitigated by the fabric of his clothing-- the cold is soothing, comforting, a stark but equal contrast to Zarius's own warmth, and it takes some of that deep, aching heaviness away.

Violence has always been Askr's first language, but this is his first home.

---

1. Used Crushing Guilt on self (Debuff Action)

2. Used Hug on Caedes (Supportive Action)

         Flint grit his teeth as he pushed through the burning and used the last remaining feeling in his legs to kick off of the plasma being, well shit what now? As per usual he didn’t plan this far ahead, he fully thought that the moment he made contact he would be burnt to a crisp. Yet here he somehow alive, but plummeting to the ground barely clinging to consciousness and unable to feel his anything below his waist. As he fell he let out a small chuckle, he had finally gotten to do what he had always wanted before he died; drop kick a dragon. Closing his eyes tightly he braced himself in anticipation to the slam with molten earth below, yet it never came and suddenly he felt something pluck him from the sky. He opened his eyes in slight confusion only to light up as he recognized his purple horned savior. “Oh gods, Javal I owe you for this brother. I hate to ask you a favor right after you just saved my hide but I can’t really feel my legs” he let out a sigh of relief as the feeling slowly returns to his scorched legs. He didn’t even mind being held bridal style before being set down on his feet once again, it almost felt weird to feel the ground beneath his feel after spending the whole fight in the air with Kamille.

         Flint survey the scene before him and he took his hat off in pure shock; they had won the god is dead. “Holy shit! We actually did it! The bastard is actually dead!” He cheered as he ran up to some of the dispersing remnants of the former god, he then punted a small piece of it before it’s gone “get fucked! that’s for blowin’ me up you overgrown lizard shit!” He joked as the rest floated away with the wind. Then a group of people caught his attention, even from a quick glance he could tell that a tornado of emotions were happening and knowing those aren’t really his strong suit decided to stay away; despite his what to celebrate their victory. He just watched everything from a distance and a weird feeling washed over the cowboy, he had help them to the best of his ability but he knew he didn’t belong here. He wasn’t a noble hero or a savior of the realm, he was just a simple wanderer that happened to show up. He heaved a heavy sigh as he turned on his heel and like every good cowboy in the end walked away into the sunset, not saying his farewells to anyone he had fought with.

The silence of the primordial’s death is louder than anything thus far; its molten core schloffs from open wounds as the adventurer’s present hold their breaths. The god-killer’s chains collapse as the creature tears, fractures, and falls in upon itself.

And just like that, it is done.

From the plasma carcass, his pale eyes follow the rise of motes of light; the dragon’s lullaby lilts across plains once barren, but gradually fill with color as specks flutter to the ground. Fireflies flicker and spark far above his head, carried on the wind like dandelion seeds; and he just watches them, lips pursed, brows furrowed, eyes hollow in grief.

…

He does not feel any better.

He looks down, gazing past the horizon line at the remnants of the primordial.

Distantly, he hears the call of a man celebrating the fall of the deity; but he understands the words as well as if he were speaking them into the bottom of a flask. The anger that broiled in his chest, like the defeated deity, collapses against his ribcage. It solidifies into something cold and heavy; and then it travels into his throat, claws icy.

Then it implodes into sheer, sudden panic as a realization falls over him.

As celebration breaks out amongst all those present, Caedes whirls around; he scans at a distance adventurer after adventurer until he finds Askr amongst them speaking to a knight. A bloom of relief and guilt blossoms in his chest; and he lets himself breathe a small exhale of relief at the young man’s wellbeing. The hem of his cloak falls around his ankles; and Caedes stands, desolate and quiet, amongst a scattering of light motes; and amongst the other adventurers gathering and celebrating amongst themselves.

He raises his hands to pull his hood further over his face; and then, reaches out to one of the fluttering motes as it breezes quietly past him. The illumination flutters into the palm of his hand— not necessarily hot, nor cold— and illuminates the charcoal skin of his palms in warm hues.

He purses his lips, refocusing on the palms of his hands with furrowed brows; he tips the mote of light, allowing it to fall in fluttering sparks to the ground before him; as he turns his hands to face him. The darkness hasn’t worn off, instead, clinging to his skin like ink— a midnight black against his pale skin that stands out in stark contrast.

It’s…. fine.

He breathes a slow exhale, lowering his eyes to where the mote had fallen; where now, stands a bright red poppy.

“What’s that?”

His mother looks over her shoulder from where she’s perched, skirts falling around the length of the stool; a smile creases her lips when she feels the small hands of her toddler pulling at the fabric. She puts down a bundle of red poppies carefully and turns, fixing her hands beneath his arms to pull him into her lap. “Ash Poppies, snowflake.”

Caedes stares across the counter at them as his mother reaches around him to work with the bundle again.

“Do they hurt?”

Melodic laughter fills the dimly lit kitchen; dust glitters in what weak light peeks through the windows. “No, these aren’t poisonous; just pretty. You can touch them if you want.” Now with permission, he reaches out and clumsily pulls one away from the bundle by the stem. “They’re for the altar upstairs.” Caedes leans back against his mother, twirling the stem between his palms while he watches her dress the bundle in red twine.

A few moments of silence pass, in which it is only the rustling of his mother’s hands and the sounds of a quiet home. Distantly, he can hear his sisters talking and giggling upstairs through their closed door.

“Do you know what makes Ash Poppies so special, snowflake?”

He shakes his head without looking up; and he can hear that soft laugh his mother makes when she smiles.

“They only bloom after they’ve been burned.” She finishes tying the twine into a bow and lowers the bundle down to his eye-level for him to look at. “Then, after they’ve become one with the ashes— they grow again.” She plucks the flower he's holding from his hands, and places it behind one of his ears. “And they grow back brighter, and healthier, and stronger than before.”

“Mister Caedes—!”

As if drawn from a trance, Caedes lifts his head and shoulders; he can feel a blurriness in his eyes, but before he can move to wipe it away, someone barrels into him. He puffs, losing whatever air was in his lungs; and the hood covering his head falls back with the small impact, dropping around his shoulders.

For a second, Caedes does not respond; and then, hesitantly, the changeling curls around Askr. 

He has been keeping it together in the only way he knows how; but no differently to when Eameia had embraced him in the lobby of the Rookery; every wall crumbles with touch.

“You did good, Askr.” He manages to get out despite the quiver in his voice. Caedes blinks away tears that ultimately fall against Askr’s platinum hair; and he draws blood from his lip when he bites into it in some attempt to stop himself. Pride be damned; he holds Askr close, cloak falling across the young man’s shoulders.

The changeling takes a shaky breath to steel himself; but the dread doesn’t fade for what comes next. After a moment, he raises one arm to brush beneath his cheeks, and takes a breath. He unwinds, taking a step back from Askr after a moment; he lays his hands on his shoulders.

“I’m… glad you are okay." 

After a small pause, he adds softly, "I need to talk to you before we return.”

And it all crumbled before their eyes. The stillness in the air was haunting, even when the lullaby still echoed in the back of their minds. And then, even that went silent. Kalaf's silence was reverent, his wings taking them down before she could even realise it. The great drake knew of how far the little one's persistence could take them - but still it surprised him that they were able to take down an entity such as Vulcadreaus.

It was.... concerning even.

What else could they do, if they set their minds on it?

Kamille remained on the drake's back for a while, as she couldn’t peel her eyes away from the remnants of one of the biggest sights she had ever seen. It felt... shocking. The Primordial embraced its fate with open arms, without a hint of hesitation. It was beautiful.

It was over.

Why, then, were her knuckles still white? Her muscles so tense she couldn’t move?

A familiar voice floated to her, and suddenly it brought everything into perspective. The flash of thunder she had seen before - of course!

........of course!

"ASTRID!"

Her yelp was so sudden that even the great drake flinched, barely able to kneel down to allow his rider to dismount. What followed was one of the most powerful Witches of the land tumbling down the drake and greeting the floor with her butt.

Kamille recovered quick enough, running towards the girl, registering only on the back of her mind that she knew a few other people present too - there was Wolfe, Javal, Gwen, Ulrich, Ube, Leandros, Shaa...

She thre her arms around the confused girl, that had been free falling just a couple of moments ago.

"ASTRID! THE- WHA-.... THE HELL YOU DOING HERE?! THAT WAS AMAZING! WHY ARE YOU HERE!? OHHH YOU WERE INCREDIBLE! DON’T TELL YOUR DAD WHAT HAPPENED HERE OKAY?!"


Astrid looks a bit confused at the suggestion that she would keep secrets. Then again, it's Kamille.

"Erm, too late, I told him already!"

It hardly surprised her, but she still looked dumbfounded. She didn’t seem to find a good enough comeback to that, as she just sighed, suddenly all the weight of the days happenings pulling her down. Kamille took a step back to take a look at her grandchild.

"We should hope your father has a strong heart, because this won't be the last heart attack you give him, no doubt.... Nice work."

Still, there was no relief from the tension. On the corner of her sight she witnessed a familiar sillhouette, and excused herself from Astrid - there was no point worrying about the girl, she could clearly take care of herself.

"Hey! Flint!"

The Witch hurried to catch up... but why? The cowboy seemed ready to leave, and it wasn’t on her to impose her presence, yet...

Perhaps it didn’t sit well with her to leave without their farewells.

"It's been fun fighting alongside you, Flint. Thank you for.... everything. If we ever meet again, I'll pay you a drink, how does that sound?"

Vail’s wings give out a few feet above the mountainside. He lands on all fours, sliding to a stop as the obsidian rocks dig into his exposed hands. His gaze turns skyward just in time to witness the final moments of the dying god. The beast is unrecognizable thanks to the efforts of the adventurers and himself. A melody rings out as its body collapses inward; the sound unrecognizable even to Vail’s passenger.

This is how it should be. Life is much more than flesh and blood, and you have no right to pass judgment over beings that you do not fully understand. I learned that the hard way and now so have you.

Vail walks down the mountain, approaching the gathered adventurers who appear to have a mix of reactions to their victory. Many appear to be cheering but a couple have moved away from the rest. He senses one adventurer whose wounds far surpass any other’s, so much so that the damage could be irreparable. One final feeling emerges for the passenger, a sense of helplessness. If he had more understanding, he would likely be able to heal the mortal of wounds both internal and external, but the cost of that… may be far too great.

Resigned in his inability, he gives the amassed group of acquaintances a silent nod of solidarity, before facing back towards the mountain and departing.

As he scales the now silent volcano, he looks down at various burns and the shards of obsidian lodged into his flesh. To any onlookers, his expression shows a rare break in stoicism. A tinge of regret lingers within him; the damage was necessary to defeat their foe, but Vail will no doubt react poorly to more alterations. His hand hovers over his chest as a light cascades downward, the stones falling to the ground as pale gray flesh emerges in their place^[1].

I’m sorry, but this had to be done. The rebirth it spoke of would have meant the end for both of us. You were the one who brought us here, I simply helped us over the finish line. Your future... Our future will not be controlled by any Fathers nor Gods. I'll be here to support you no matter what path you follow... or how much you fade.  

He stops atop a patch of freshly grown grass, the result of one of the many motes of lights expelled from the dying beast. Looking to the horizon, he can see the distant sea glowing from the sun’s radiance. Despite how the volcano towered over the landscape, Vail’s memories of it were tied to a feeling of entrapment; both from the heavy ash that obscured his view and from the dark deeds that took place here. Surely he would find some solace in the new sight that awaits him once he awakens.

“You’ve done a good thing today, now have your rest.” His own voice softly whispers.

The man falls to his knees, before collapsing fully onto the soft grass. When his eyes next open, a new world will await him, one which may hold answers to questions yet unasked.


[1] Major Healing - Self

As the water and lightning infused Tornado ripped through the God's wing tearing it off, Arashi Couldn't help but feel a bit proud and excited, they managed to hurt it! not only that but severely cripple it's new form, Attacks kept piling up on it and damage kept adding up until it apparently was enough to fully get rid of it... it's mangled molten body began dissipating into the air in strands of energy, the fight was over, the god was felled, and Charon remained.

A knight gave a rousing speech, a few people falling from the sky were caught by some of the adventurers capable of flight, there were some wounded, he could see a figure in the distance desperately carrying someone out of the battlefield, Apparently he hadn't been the only one severely injured hopefully whoever it was they were fine, even through the distance he could feel the worry of the unknown woman carrying her loved one to safety... Arashi looked down... a bit pained by the image both because he hadn't been able to avoid others falling in battle, and because he couldn't help right now... there was also something else... he wondered whether he would ever earn someone's care like this wounded adventurer had... thankfully there are proficient healers and if he had been brought back from past the brink, he was postive this wasn't the end for them either 

As Arashi flew down towards the ground sligthly absentmindedly, even though he hadn't been witness to the visions of rebirth and destruction inflicted by Vulcadreaus, he still felt some of the implications, he could take a guess that this wasn't neither the first nor the last time Vulcadreaus awoke to bring upon a new world he would have to discuss it with some others later, he knew the futility of the situation might be too much to take for some, even more so for those who experienced it first hand, but for Arashi it was all about perspective. Life was worth fighting for, Even if death was inevitable, even if the realm itself was bound to collapse and disappear, even if nothing ultimately made a difference. Life was worth defending, the moments spent with loved ones, the peace and happiness that could be brought by the simplest of things, all of that is what he thought truly mattered, life might be a temporary trip in the infinity of time, something that might be of little consequence for the timeless beings that rule it's nature. But even through that nature life flourished, and it's defiance allowed for the moments that even if fleeting were all that matter for the beings that called this realm home...

It's Funny but infinity lacked magnificence in comparison to the shortest, irreplacable moments, the time limit of life made it all the more sweeter and enjoyable when looked through the proper lens. and that's what divinity lacked, this perspective that made the cycle not matter, it might be a futile struggle, but in it was the best piece of eternity, in it was the story that everyone fought for, the love and care, the bravery and sacrifice, the fear and pain, and above all the growth and development of everyone. The story of Charon.

As he landed, He looked around at the former battlefield. The realm was safe for now, and that's all that mattered.

Javal smiled as he slashed this through Vulcadreus’s chest cavity, “We did it we damn well did”, he says as he looks down to see himself falling.



“Crap, Crap, I’m falling”, he shouts as he feels the air below him he reels back as suddenly his greaves and faulds burn up from the intense heat and fall to the floor below him.



He looks over to his friend Flint with a worried look, “How am I supposed to save myself and Flint”.



Suddenly he remembers his new cuirass he got delivered to his mother's inn recently, a red dragon plate with a note with no address that simply said, “For the moments you’ll need it just feel it’s power and soar”.


He felt a great rising sensation and as the two adventurers were close to plummeting to their deaths below suddenly his cuirass glowed a bright red and a pair of red wings appeared on his back causing him to fly he quickly zoomed towards Flint caught him in his arms and slowly descended to the ground carrying his buddy bridal style.



Javal then holds his hands out and the visage of Uriel appears behind him healing him Flint, and his nearby crew as they walk toward him.



His crew surround him and go in for a group hug he looks at Flint about to shout for him until Shimmer tackles him to the ground with a cheerful buzz. He is only able to let out a loud, “Bye Flint see ya next time my friend”.





The Drakon Security Company chat a bit more, all telling each other their experience before tiring and leaving back to their home exhausted.

   I lower my bow. Taking in the movement to help after the battle, I just stand there, absorbing the magic buzz. The shift of magic in the area was clear, mainly in the earth domain. I haven't achieved learning that yet, but it's still there to feel. I knew I had a lot to learn, and this only showed me more of what I needed to learn. I glance around before seeing Arashi, I smile, and turn to the twins and tinies. I look up to them, "Nice job you guys!" I place my fist up as I do a mini celebration.

   Nit had to stand still, feeling the shift of the earth domain. It was an odd feeling, not having this area practically bustling in the magic energy. It was calmer now, more spread out. He glaces around, checking on the people they fought with. Waving away Taki about going about to help with injuries. He turns back to me who finally finished processing how the fight went. He places his fist forward before pushing it to his chest. "It is an honor fighting here."

   Fin didn't have the connection to magic like the others, so he didn't feel as much of the shift, his blood being the only connection for him to have. Instead, he processed every moment of the fight. He grits his teeth, embarrassed of how unprepared against a dragon he was. He could just tell he needed something magical to help him do damage. His place was only helpful for  dealing damage to the mephits when they were here. He shakes his head, snapping him out of his thoughts as the other two gave a victory saying. He could only feel lightened at his brothers words, "Oh?" He gives a smolder, "To fight here but not to fight the god?" he taps his hilt before giving a flourish of it. He raises it to his brother, "Then lets fight again!" I released some giggles at the instant mode shift.

   Rosemary had recovered some, but she glared at the idiotic twin. They were impacted by the shift in magic in the area. It was no secret that loosing a primordial being would do damage to the world but... she glances at me. She supposes a good laugh was needed right now. Doesn't stop her from signalling Carminda to knock some sense into him.

   Carminda had a lot of fun flying around. The explosion was scary, but animal girl was so nice! she was strong too! He flew around the group as they contemplated things, only to pause as Rose waved at him, punched the air, and pointed at sword master. He gives a little nod before flapping his wings and dive bombed Fin in the face.

   The two went down, play fighting, and Car tried to snuggle Fin's face, and fin tries to get Car off of him to look serious. The normal sight to see after such a change to the world from the fight. I neared a cackle as I had to clear my throat as I raised the large bow up. "I need to return this to Arashi, come with me if you want." I turn and walk to were I saw Arashi go, to return the bow he gave me. Fin and Nit paused at the name, Car finally getting to snuggle around Fin's neck, remembering that he was the one who died in the battle. The both glanced at each other and nod, agreeing that he was going to need to be given a lecture about life. Not unlike how they have had to lecture Keyke of similar topics before.

Acceptance. A wave surged through Celeste, of acceptance, and knowing… and with it, a bit of dread. She looked around, her eyes resting on all the adventurers, those who were here to protect her world. THEIR world. She was never one to show pride, but this was definitely worth showing it over. While they did it, she knew it wasn’t the end… But for now, they were safe. She breathed out, a heavy sigh leaving her chest. Her hand pulled towards her stomach, where she felt the warm blood pooling a bit in her wound.

Oh shit.

She breathed deeply. Her stomach turned a bit, and her vision faded a little. She did fully forget that she was injured, in the heat of things… And honestly it wasn’t that bad. Right?

Oh, Gods.

She stumbled a bit, the magic holding her in the air being the only thing keeping her from falling through the air. Celeste stared at her own blood, her vision fading slightly more. Then the magic failed her.

Celeste’s feet stumbled, and her eyes closed as she started falling through the air. Her consciousness fades as she plummets towards the ground, her hand reddened with her own blood.

"Boromir.. I think its over. I think.. we did it." Aagha could feel the oncoming collapse so he threw out his scroll summoning forth Ignis once more. With that, Aagha fell stop the best as he was released. Normally, the beast would've moved or snipped toward Aagha, but even he realized when his master was spent.

"Yes.. it is over for now young one.. but perhaps not forever." Boromir trudged along assisting Ignis in getting their care taker upon his own back after some struggling. "Forgive me.. I know this isn't great." Aagha knew very well moving wasn't a good idea until he got some rest. "Aagha. We will carry you to the ends of the earth if necessary. This is not an inconvenience in the slightest. I can see in your eyes this was a learning experience."

Aagha sighed gently mulling over his thoughts before speaking. "Perhaps Boromir. This has taught me that maybe I must look into magic once more. Your previous master was a powerful mage.. perhaps that is the path I should follow." Boromir slowed. He pondered and thought how to put this gently to the young one. "Aagha, alabaster seeked the true origin of magic. He became a part of what he was seeking in order to discover a truth that you needn't be a part of. His path was decided when he was born and fell in love with magic just as much so as it did him. You must learn, just as you did in leaving the plains, of a path for you to follow, but I am sure if you remember the faces of these people, you can see many paths and come to find a truth in yourself and what you really desire
You are not meant to become one with that creature. Believe me."

Boromir quit speaking as he heard Ignis snickering. "Great dawn Lion, your voice must soothe the boy. He has been out since about half way through your spiel." Boromir too chuckled as they padded along the path. "There are plenty out there to show Aagha a way where he can remain human."

Ulrich lands on the ground and finds a good rock to sit on.

(Placeholder post for now. I fell asleep! Dx)

(Also, thank you Crystal for the summary of Ulrich's action here! xD)

SUMMARY:

Ulrich will have the cloud float down so that Lee can address all the adventurers present. Then he finds somewhere to just rest his exhausted body from all the L's he took this raid.

As the adventurers take time to catch their breaths, the locals of Darkveil step out of their damaged homes into the broken streets to stare at what is left of Mount Drakolt and the slowly changing sky as the clouds start to thin and fade. While the adventurers focused on defeating Vulcadreaus before it could rampage, the city was struck with tremors from the battle. Previously weakened buildings were quick to crumble and panic had spread throughout the city. It’s only in the aftermath of the battle that a true assessment of the damages could be taken.

Rumors are quick to circulate throughout the city’s information networks with some locals having witnessed the whole event from afar while others hid, fearful for their lives, or fled from the city entirely when the dragon first appeared in the sky.

Adventurers who return to the city find themselves met with a mix of demands for answers and suspicious and borderline accusatory looks. Officers of the Count intercept those who return from the crater and collect accounts of what exactly happened. Chimney sweepers gather what tidbits of information they can and are quick to relay any information across the city and down to the docks.

In the days that follow, news of the Ashen Father cult and their connections to the rise of Vulcadreaus and the threat that could have been unleashed upon all of Charon is picked up quickly by Stablemen operatives in the area. The operatives flush out any remaining cultists, though only fine piles of ashes in each hideout they scour. There are a few surviving victims of the kidnappings who are questioned before being freed, but none of the cultists remain.

While there are rumors of Count Mallock potentially escalating the situation by calling citizens to out any members of the crime syndicates still using the Ashen Father moniker, nothing actually comes to pass from this. Whispers suggest that the faceless crime lords have taken decisive action to silence the Count in an attempt to stop any accusations of them partaking in the cult rituals.

While the stablemen are eager to take advantage of the situation to finally put the nail in the coffin for the Ashen Fathers as a whole, they do not have the force necessary to do so.

Yet.

Word of what happened reaches beyond Darkveil and the Ash Lands, first arriving at the docks of Zeinav City to the south and Thorock to the north.

Zeinav responds by sending a squadron of naval ships to Darkveil, anticipating that the Council from Thorock would be sending their own opportunist plunderers to Darkveil in the wake of this disaster. While no conflicts have occurred yet, tensions are high.

The Capitol, having already declared their intentions for Charon as a whole at the Summer Festival, dispatches a number of units of the Legion of the Black Sun to Darkveil specifically. It is anticipated that upon their arrival the Stablemen will have the support they need to start putting serious pressure on the remaining Ashen Fathers.

The skies over Darkveil do clear with time, though volcanic activity in the Ash Lands as a whole is still present thanks to smaller volcanos throughout the region. Mount Drakolt itself is reduced from a mountain to a massive crater that slowly begins to gather rainwater. With time, it may become a large lake. For the time being, the Lava Pits remain active, though the Ash Ruins suffered major damage from the earthquakes.

Locals notice major changes in the behavior of local fauna mainly in how creatures previously comfortable being seen during the day now only reveal themselves at night. The Consortium has expressed interest in sending its members to collect plant samples specifically from around the Mount Drakolt crater for study and alchemical experimentation.

Other strange observations include sparkling lights around the crater's rim at night, hushed song-like voices carried on the winds, and the occasional disappearance of small trinkets from pockets and the insides of homes around the city. 

While things in the Ash Lands seem to settle, for better or for worse, there's still uncertainty if the cycle of destruction and rebirth heralded by Vulcadreaus' return is actually broken...or if time will tell a different story. 

---

RAID EVENT COMPLETED

Thank you to everyone who participated in this event.

Each participant who completed at least three posts within this event is eligible for the event rewards.

+1 Renown

Unique Crafting Item

Vulcadreaus Scale

A single scale dropped from Vulcadreaus during his emergence at Mt. Drakolt. This scale radiates with intense Earth Domain energy and pulsates raw magic. If this material is used to craft an item, that item becomes a spell focus for you, allowing you to cast spells through the item without needing to have a free hand. If the item is capable of dealing damage it will now deal fire damage in addition to its normal damage types. If the item is a defensive item, it will give you one hit prevention against an attack that deals fire damage, be it normal or magical.

Unique Crafting Material

Bonus Reward

Aura of Vulcadreaus

Your encounter with Vulcadreaus has left its mark on you. A very tiny fraction of Earth Domain Primordial energy now pulsates from your body. Its effect on you has yet to be understood, but you can feel its presence lingering somewhere in the back of your mind. You can feel the energy of the primordial realm around you as it flows back into Charon. Your encounter with the Earth Domain Avatar has left a lingering essence around your spirit (no mechanical effect).

Signature Raid Event Badge

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