>>1117693
B1 or C1(not gonna be be able to help Vi without those), B2 or F2.

To better clarify, (1) Pact = (1) Boon + (1) Cost.

>>1117697
Not intentional, but I'm not against combining the options. Their effects will just be more subdued vs if it stood alone.

A1+C2

B1. Heal and harm. Sink in tooth and claw to drain, give of self to heal. Weaving the flesh of others, not just uour own.

A2. Our boon brings with it scrutiny and guidance. In some circumstances, compulsion. Remove the ring and lose both. Wear it and all returns. The ring shall be a link in a chain you choose to be bound by.

If allowed to hybridise costs... i would offer A2 F2, truth to be compelled for a time equal to powers used. While it persists the choice to speak remains hers, but if chosen truth must be spoken.
Of course, insistant watchers could push her to speak with the power to compel from the A2 component (but it wouldnt be a constant "liarliar" movie sketch.)

B1+B2 with D1+A2
Become our apostle. Go forth and heal the people. And the universe too, while you're at it.

>>1118027

This

C1 and G1 go very well together, smart choice. I suggest keeping these as a package.

A2 complements C1, and D2 likewise complements G1. These just jive.

(1/3) OMNI 2025/12/06(Sat)20:43 No. 1118618 ID: 217993
File 176508260327.png - (56.64KB , 1000x700 , dh316.png )

>...Knew there was a reason we liked you. Alrighty, then in honor of your boldness...we offer something INTERESTING.
>We offer a PACT.

"A pact?" Eiko suspicions seem to crawl back to the surface. "I guess that's how it usually works in stories... Alright. What does that mean exactly?"

>Whereas simply granting a Wish would give you a power... a Pact could give you more!
>In all things there is cost and this shall be no different.
>A boon bought and paid for.
>The strength and breadth of this power shall be consumate to your offering.
>Value measured not by others, but by you.

Eiko squints as she tries to decipher the cryptic wording, her hand still outstretched. "Alright, let's see what the give and take is."

>Pact 1: Foolish Gambit + FATE Speaks
>At any time, you may make to us and the world a Boast!...
>The more people who know of it, the more reckless and insane it is- the more power you'll get! Remember, we feed off of drama and emotion- basically, the more entertaining your boast would be too an onlooker, the more power you'll gain! Not that you should expect anything here to be easy, hehe.
>After every boast, a tiny fraction of the granted power will become permanently yours! If you succeeded, it will become a small boon- if you fail, a small curse!
>And a better story? That's the COST, my dear.
>You will hear us clearly from here on.
>You will be compelled to obey our whims, even more so than before.
>Remove the ring and lose both. Wear it and all returns.
>The ring shall be a link in a chain you choose to be bound by.

Eiko looks troubled for a moment, but doesn't reject the pact. From the crease of her brow, she'll likely give in.

>Pact 2: Life Transfer + RANMA 1/2
>Don't you want something that would be useful for combat *and* for saving Vi?
>Heal and harm. Sink in tooth and claw to drain, give of self to heal. Weaving the flesh of others, not just your own.
>That would help you save Vi, because you'd be able to share your now-replenished lifeforce with her.
>Also...
>We get to transform your sex at will. And not just "you're a dood now", because we can do so much worse.

"....."

(2/3) OMNI 2025/12/06(Sat)20:45 No. 1118619 ID: 217993
File 176508271704.png - (35.44KB , 1000x700 , dh317.png )

Eiko seems more troubled by the COSTS of the second pact versus the first. She mutters to herself about perversions, then gambles, then sounding like a B-grade anime protagonist. Though you can also sense her inner desires-- how she's suddenly the most curious she has ever been in her life about having a dick.

Then, goes right back around to fears of control. The compulsions. The constant strum of YOUR voice as YOU more clearly play the strings of her FATE. It's a... mortal worry. To fear things beyond. When in reality, is it not worse to know you were entirely at fault? That there was no one behind the curtain but yourself? Your fears, your anxieties, your desires, coaxing you into actions that you believe, afterwards, with all the consequences laid out, were not by your own hands all along?

It should be comforting to know that there was something else guiding you there.

Though, YOU aren't even that bad, are YOU? Compulsion differs from complete obedience. After all, a story isn't fun if the characters do whatever YOU want all the time. She can always take the God Caller off.

In fact, YOUR pacts are very generous and cost effective and entertaining and not just an excuse to have some vaguely horny scenarios happen at the drop of a hat. They might be overtly horny too. Who knows.

"I'll take all I can get. Boons. Costs. Give me the two for one special." Eiko says with finality.

My! What a surprising development. There's nothing more enticing to greed than power.

(3/3) OMNI 2025/12/06(Sat)20:49 No. 1118620 ID: 217993
File 176508297046.png - (45.70KB , 1000x700 , dh318.png )

YOU don't ask her twice. Eiko will find out in appropriate time what to regret.

With careful surgical precision, YOU break a tiny, tiny, tiny, fraction of YOUR being and trail it downwards to enter her soul. The bond ties itself to the ring, which will continue to connect you both, and feed the pacts both ways.

Despite losing a fraction of YOURSELF, the pact makes YOU stronger too.

[Achievement Unlocked! Pacts Granted. Eiko the Apostle]

When Eiko activates Foolish Gambit and defines a challenge, YOU can enhance the challenge by suggesting additional environmental elements to keep things interesting. YOU will also decide what temporary power to grant her for the challenge.

When Eiko uses Life Transfer, she can either take or give STAMINA through her hands or her bite. When taking STAMINA, wounds can be transferred from her person to the target, therefore replenishing her body. When transferring STAMINA, Eiko will take on the wounds of the target.

RANMA 1/2 can be activated at any time, but is not a permanent effect, as it will wear off after equivalent time to Eiko's boon usage. Or when deemed appropriate.

As the power acclimates, a segment of the God Caller splinters from the strain. It won't be able to withstand a Call like this again.

>Become our apostle. Go forth and heal the people. And the universe too, while you're at it.

"I'll try my best."

Eiko's soul starts to waver, both from the sudden consummation of power, and from time. She yells, "Wait! Before I go back. Is there anything else I should know? Any weaknesses that asshole has? Any secrets?"

Well... there's silver. Did you not know that? You, at least, are a type of werewolf that is vulnerable to silver. I wonder if Julien is? We don't know for sure. He does have a scar on his face from a "lucky shot", and the guns used by Julien had fancy silver bullets. I wonder if your brother got his hands on one and tried to turn it against his attacker?

By the way... the God Caller is made of silver. You could try hitting him with it. Or you could try finding some of those silver bullets. But don't take too long. Don't want Julien to ambush Vex while he's tussling with the angel.

Bold, pup. Be BOLD!
By taking so much power, it'll take time for it to properly solidify- that means that right now a safe bet isn't gonna cut it. Especially since on top of whatever other boon were gonna grant you we need to stitch that body of yours up too...
Luckily, we have JUST THE THING to IGNITE THE MADNESS in your soul! Behold!

Replay in her mind the entire sequence between Vex and Julian just now, from when Julian first entered the scene to when Vi and Julian get portaled. That'll get her goin', hehehe.

He ran from a fight. He's afraid of Vex. Exploit that.

Every guy's weakness is getting kicked in the balls. Try doing that repeatedly.

>>1118620
He has not your strength of soul, nor your spirit.
His tail is tucked, even as he advances.
Ĺook into his eyes and know his truth.
A frail soul hides within him and he knows how thin an armour his bluster makes.

Remember where he stands. Where you stand.
The layout around you.
Be willing into motion your movement before you return.
To him, your reactions will be swifter than thought.

He's a little bitch who can be baited if you tell him so. God's little lap dog

>>1118662
He didn't run. He was tackled through a portal!

(1/4) OMNI 2025/12/11(Thu)22:44 No. 1118979 ID: 217993
File 176552184060.png - (268.65KB , 1000x700 , dh319.png )

>Well... there's silver...
>He ran from a fight. He's afraid of Vex. Exploit that.
>He has not your strength of soul, nor your spirit.
>His tail is tucked, even as he advances.
>Ĺook into his eyes and know his truth.
>A frail soul hides within him and he knows how thin an armour his bluster makes.

Eiko looks troubled by the reminder of her weakness. She can't quite deny if it would work on Julien, since she's never seen him shapeshift, but she notes a headshot with the ring as a possible next move. A weakness to silver is not as common as it used to be.

"Just as scared as I am huh..." She mutters.

>He's a little bitch who can be baited if you tell him so. God's little lap dog
>Every guy's weakness is getting kicked in the balls. Try doing that repeatedly.

Eiko nods sagely in agreement.

>>1118654

The scene enters her mind and soaks into her memory. Eiko's eyes widen as her mind struggles to comprehend the information all at once. Shots exchanged. The baiting. The angel. Julien's terrified expression and screaming..

She grabs onto her head again, unable to fully enjoy Julien's close unmaking. A silent scream on her lips.

Ah... Still fragile it seems.

Her mind goes into overdrive to analyze every detail. Pours over the scene as it plays, then hones into the minuscule crumbs of her brother's murder. Anger wells, then flattens, as Eiko realizes... Julien is just a coward with a complex.

And he doesn't have any goddamn magic.

Eiko's soul sucks back downward before she can fully go into shock.

(2/4) OMNI 2025/12/11(Thu)22:44 No. 1118980 ID: 217993
File 176552188452.png - (78.24KB , 1000x700 , dh320.png )

[IMMERSION RECONNECTED]

[NEW CONFIGURATION FOUND]

[CHANGING VIEWPOINT TO NEW VESSEL]

[NOTE: VIEWPOINT LIMITED TO NEW VESSEL. IMMERSION VIEW NEEDED FOR OTHER PERSPECTIVES]

(3/4) OMNI 2025/12/11(Thu)22:48 No. 1118982 ID: 217993
File 176552210712.png - (92.92KB , 1000x700 , dh321.png )

Eiko's soul rattles back into the physical meat of her being, new powers and all. A pounding headache makes her wince. The memories of something she never experienced split her brain into pieces before remending itself once again.

She coughs. There's blood on her tongue from biting it, she realizes, and the pain of injuries she could not feel in that place-- are now present. A rattling breath escapes her chest. Her side burns. Her fists clench. The left arm slightly spasms.

That's it. Eiko thinks. She's got to keep her temper on a tight leash from now on.

Her eyes lean down to the ring on her finger, the God Caller, then out along the smoky haze in search of movement. No time for thinking if she made a mistake. No time for anything but the present.

She struggles to put her weight down on her arms, ignoring the puddle of blood threatening to form. Her muscles have started to shrink from overexertion. Another not good sign.

(4/4) OMNI 2025/12/11(Thu)22:49 No. 1118983 ID: 217993
File 176552216292.png - (85.34KB , 1000x700 , dh322.png )

A steady breath enters then exits her lungs. Her throat clears.

"I'LL SAVE HER! I'LL FIND HER!" Eiko boasts at the top of her lungs, activating Foolish Gambit. She thought over her plan for as long as she could there. It's a gamble in itself, giving away her position in the hope that the Boss is just as incapacitated, or sets his sights on escaping instead.

She could've risked looking for Vi in the smoke without additional costs to herself, just use what she can of Life Transfer to get the wolf conscious and risk a weird form change... And yet.

She'll prioritize Vi, just as she did for her.

=== FOOLISH GAMBIT ===
Goal: Save Vi.
Challenge: Find and heal her. Wake up if needed.

Define a temporary aid that cannot be more powerful than Life Transfer.

An element of Interest can also be added. Vex cannot be summoned at this time.

temporary aid: life sense; in a limited range Eiko can see the life force of living creatures as a soft glow. This ability is not blocked by walls or other things that obscure sight. The glow is dimmer the closer the creature is to death.

>>1118983
Temporary aid: Enhanced senses. Sight, hearing, taste, smell, touch(whoops those wounds might feel a bit weird!).
Environmental challenge: strange smells are carried by the wind...

BOON:UNlife
You may go into negative stamina and you won't die, even from normally fatal wounds during the duration. The wounds also don't heal during the duration AND you feel them all, including phantom pains from flesh lost. Life transfer into negatives is possible if you don't mind AGONY. At the end of the duration you will be restored to a stable but broken condition at one stamina if you end in the negatives. There may be (potentially permanent) aftereffects depending on the nature of sustained injuries.

ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS:
RANMA 1/2 Activated with a twist: YOU SHALL WEAR BROTHER'S BODY AND FACE

YOU MUST KILL JULIAN WITH YOUR OWN TOOTH AND CLAW.

If you look Julian the eyes to see him desperate and terrified as the life flees his body you'll heal a bit.

Say, some of the low end members you were fighting earlier are still nearby - if they were to see you *now*, I bet they'd be inclined to follow one simple order from you- If they don't piss their pants running first, hehehe.

A trash tier divine trinket flew from Julian's possession in the recent chaos. It's effect is subtle, but if you pluck it from the ground you might just gain the edge on him. But the second angel will see you!

Boon: Plot Kevlar
For the duration of your challenge, you have 30% damage resistance to bullets (30% chance to ignore stamina loss when shot) and cannot be critically hit (headshots, heart-shots) with bullets. None of the above applies to damage over time, arrows, thrown weapons, or melee attacks.

Challenge Success Reward: Neumono Fortitude
You take 15% more damage from bullets. You are immune to critical hits by bullets.

>>1118985
This is good.
A glow of life that can be both seen and scented.
Lean upon her caniform strengths.
Gotta have a good sense of smell.

(1/3) OMNI 2025/12/16(Tue)20:53 No. 1119154 ID: 217993
File 176594721824.png - (98.56KB , 1000x700 , dh323.png )

Life Sense has been temporarily granted.

Immediately, Eiko's vision and sense of smell sharpens, the soft glowing shapes of light emerging through the curtain of smoke.

A dim figure seems to be at a crawl. Eiko's eyes draw to the brighter figure, then the much, much, dimmer one just underneath. Her breath catches. It's hard to parse the strange scents among the heavy acrid burn in the air, but there, just subtly, she catches what that dim light must taste like.

Eiko tenses all her muscles, willing herself up out of pure possessed passion. Her legs are unsteady as she stands, form growing slightly smaller. The weight of the ring remains heavy on her digit, shrinking with her size. She tenses her feet to make sure she won't stumble.

Then pauses as a glint on the floor catches her eye.

(2/3) OMNI 2025/12/16(Tue)20:55 No. 1119156 ID: 217993
File 176594735008.png - (59.07KB , 1000x700 , dh324.png )

Eiko reaches down towards it and grabs what looks like a pendant. It glows faintly in her grasp, a weak magic coming off, and shaped like a familiar number. The metal is polished, not silver, but shiny, strong.

Eiko feels calmer while holding it. Yet wrong. Aware, even subconsciously, that what she's holding doesn't like her touch.

She pockets it anyway.

A gaze is unseen far past the smoke as Eiko continues to stalk towards the two figures.

(3/3) OMNI 2025/12/16(Tue)20:58 No. 1119158 ID: 217993
File 176594749912.png - (102.13KB , 1000x700 , dh325.png )

Where the smoke dissipates back into fresh air, along the border of fire, Eiko sees one of the Bites over Vi. They seem to be dragging her out of the smoke.

Eiko stares. She knows this one too. One of the "friends" that was there when her brother founded the Wolf Bites. Someone she was always worried would recognize her. But if she did recognize Eiko, she never said anything.

A memory plays in her mind. On the 4th day of officially being a part of the gang, Eiko asked where she was when the coup happened. The once friend responded, "Being a coward."

Eiko didn't know what to say after that.

"What happened to you? Was that you yelling?" she asks calmly yet with clear urgency, moving now to try and sling Vi's arm over her shoulder, "Are we under attack? I was gonna ask if you could lend a hand-- but you don't look so g--"

The betrayer's body suddenly goes stiff, fur standing, "A-Ah--Akito?"

What?

Oh God how do we pull this off

She sucks at playing the part, but maybe we can guide her into acting better!

Get Vi's other arm. You're getting out of here. Tell coward she can either help or get out of the way.

>>1119158
Tell her you've returned, to enact Justice. She can atone for her cowardice now, by letting you borrow some of her vitality. Maybe even most of it. All she needs to do is take your hand. It may hurt a bit.

Transfer enough health to Vi to stabilize her, but otherwise heal yourself as much as you can without killing the coward. Ideally, you'll be in fighting shape, Vi will survive, and the coward will either be out cold or barely healthy enough for Vi to drag her off. She seems smaller than Vi.

>>1119158
Briefly examine yourself.
That amulet hasnt worked any small magicks upon you, has it?
Only briefly.
More important matters.
Aid the fallen.
It is they you pledged to save, yes?

The one who called themselves coward may yet earn a better name by helping save this one.
Give them that chance.

"There is a god. And he needs to die screaming.

The Alpha has sold his soul to G0D. He sold my dead soul to G0D. He is no longer worthy of leadership - he is no longer worthy of breathing. Eiko won't last long without the rest of the pack. Rally up. Now."

Give VI a point of stamina if you're still low, more if you're not.

"If you had one chance to make things right again... Would you take it?"
If he answers yes, tell him "Then your with me." And make your way to Julian.
If he says no or loses his nerve: "Then I suggest you run."

(1/6) OMNI 2026/01/01(Thu)13:40 No. 1119529 ID: 217993
File 176730360554.png - (81.82KB , 1000x700 , dh326.png )

There is no response.

"Why are you.. wearing that?" The coward prompts again.

Eiko stays silent. Too shaken up to try to respond. How the fuck is she supposed to answer that? This?

>Briefly examine yourself.
>That amulet hasnt worked any small magicks upon you, has it?

Eiko's not sure how to look. Her body hurts. Her mind aches with the adjustment to her changed constitution. Touching the amulet felt strange, but only in the brief instance she held it.

If it did do anything, it wasn't physical. Maybe it's what gave Julien that stupid sense of invincibility. Stroked his stupid ego. Or inflamed it even more.

>Get Vi's other arm.

Her body moves easily, the command finding little resistance in how it aligns with her goals. Her arm hooks under Vi's as she lays it across her shoulder, hoisting her up with the coward's help. The added weight has her muscles scream in aggravation. She's leaner, she realizes.

As a wolf, her brother was always smaller than her.

>Aid the fallen.
>Give Vi a point of stamina if you're still low, more if you're not.

As a test, Eiko tries to... push? some of her stamina into Vi. She winces as she feels what must be a burn transfer to her skin.

[-1 STAMINA]
[STAMINA: 3/18]

She exhales through smoke powdered lungs and wills herself to walk forward once more. Never has she considered hard cardio training until now. It sure would have helped.

Forward. Step. Forward. Drag. Forward. Just until the air becomes clear, she thinks, then she can stop. Then, she can heal.

Mentally, arbitrary numbers seem to pop into Eiko's mind.

[+1 STAMINA]
[STAMINA: 1/9]

Interesting...

Vi's eyes remain closed.

(2/6) OMNI 2026/01/01(Thu)13:43 No. 1119530 ID: 217993
File 176730383177.png - (69.81KB , 1000x700 , dh327.png )

>Tell her you've returned, to enact Justice.
>Give them that chance.

Eiko keens to protest at giving second chances. Any arbiter of her brother's death deserves their karmic retribution. Yet, she needs a source to heal from. She needs to save Vi. She needs her retribution. She needs a body that can run without pain. All while in her brother's skin. His face.

Hahahahah... The weight of everything, of the past few days, of the past few years, starts to push a fragile mind into a sense of deranged insanity.

When Eiko speaks, it is not quite her brother's voice. It is not quite her own. It has none of his warmth. None of his charisma. It is awkward. Stilted. It reminds her of a recording, where the expressions match the speaker in the shape of the syllables, yet none of the sound. Too high. Too distorted.

"If you had one chance to make things right again... Would you take it?"

The coward-- because Eiko still can't remember her name-- if it ever mattered-- seems ashamed as she gently places Vi's body down.

"Yes." Her voice is strong as she bows her head, then her body, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry-- that. That you became an onryo because of us."

(3/6) OMNI 2026/01/01(Thu)13:44 No. 1119531 ID: 217993
File 176730389893.png - (60.80KB , 1000x700 , dh328.png )

"Then prove it." Eiko extends her free hand.

Mentally, her mind fixates on the term. Onryo. "Take my hand and give me back some of the life I was robbed of."

The coward takes it, surprising them both.

(4/6) OMNI 2026/01/01(Thu)13:46 No. 1119532 ID: 217993
File 176730396146.png - (31.49KB , 1000x700 , dh329.png )

With renewed purpose, Eiko grips her hand and activates Life Transfer. She feels the life within, a match to the bright glow she saw through the haze.

She grabs onto that and pulls.

[STAMINA: 10/10]

(5/6) OMNI 2026/01/01(Thu)13:49 No. 1119533 ID: 217993
File 176730417028.png - (46.47KB , 1000x700 , dh330.png )

[STAMINA: 9/10]
[STAMINA: 8/10]

Eiko feels what must be bruises recede, her ankle straightens, no longer aching from being twisted. In response, the coward winces and drops down to one knee.

Their grip remains tight. Strings of fate seem to intertwine.

[STAMINA: 7/10]
[STAMINA: 6/10]

A yelp is suppressed, the coward's other hand grabs onto her side as something invisible punctures her torso, and starts to bleed. The bullet fragments in Eiko's body slithers out of the wound, then drops onto the hard ground in red splatters.

Eiko has to grip harder now as the other starts to weaken.

[STAMINA: 5/10]
[STAMINA: 4/10]

It's not enough. Eiko's barely at half capacity. Vi's up to 2. Eiko's left arm is usable, but her head still hurts. It's not enough.

[STAMINA: 3/10]

(6/6) OMNI 2026/01/01(Thu)13:52 No. 1119534 ID: 217993
File 176730432058.png - (104.06KB , 1000x700 , dh331.png )

Something soft touches her arm.

"Eiko... Stop. She's going to die."

[STAMINA: 2/10]

Eiko barely hears Vi. Barely hears her recognition. It's just one more. She needs all she can get, right? All of it. One measly life that she can now make the most of.

She's finished her goal. Now, she needs to kill Julien with her own tooth and claw. After that, whatever is watching her from up above. Then, the god out there that needs to die. Screaming.

Vi tries again, voice heavy from half-consciousness as she pats at her pockets, "The potion.."

Stop Eiko? Use healing potion?

[EIKO STAMINA: 10/18]
[VI STAMINA: 2/9]

She said it herself, she wants to make things right. You asked for a small bit of life compared to what was stolen. Her life in its totality isn’t even close to a portion of Akito’s.

Take it all.

Vi wants you to stop, so you should. Don't you need the coward to take care of Vi while you're off killing Julien, anyway?

But definitely use that potion, there's no reason not to at this point.

But, she is the coward, not you. If she dies now that wraps it up so neat doesn't it? Just a whimper and she's gone. No. Let her keep that guilt for a lifetime. Let her carry your brother's memory.

>>1119539
Agreed.
In addition, if she learns, perhaps one day someone will rely on her again and this time she will have the resolve to help.
Potentially save someone else from your story playing out again.

Leave the coward with just enough to survive and no more. Taint not your revenge with unnecessary regret.
What's important now is your get Vi up and even with yourself. You'll need the both of you to take down Julian.
His time has come.

She's more use alive than dead, and you should give her a fighting chance.

Have her be the bait. Put something shiny in her hands and order her to wave it in the smoke to lure Julien out. Past that, her role's done, and she can run.

(1/8) OMNI 2026/01/08(Thu)21:51 No. 1119831 ID: 217993
File 176793789384.png - (40.40KB , 1000x700 , dh332.png )

>Her life in its totality isn’t even close to a portion of Akito’s.

Eiko's throat rumbles in agreement. Her grip tightens. What's one more?

>Majority: Spare

Eiko tenses to resist. The finger of the God Caller twitches, as if a string is tugged.

>She's more use alive than dead, and you should give her a fighting chance.
>Taint not your revenge with unnecessary regret.
>Let her keep that guilt for a lifetime. Let her carry your brother's memory.
>In addition, if she learns, perhaps one day someone will rely on her again and this time she will have the resolve to help.

She grits her teeth. She knows the final decision is hers...

... Fine.

Eiko lets go, the coward collapses. Her body is ashen with the way death beckons her closer, yet denies its touch. The coward's breath comes out in low pained whistles.

"Aaaahh this hurts." the coward wheezes out.

Eiko looks down at her, but not really. She feels his ghost as it stretches in her shadow. Wonders again, for the millionth time, how he died. Wonders in the way one picks at an itching scab.

She doesn't get an answer, of course. Only the feeling of something cold pressed to her head.

"Thank you." Vi interrupts, gently, as if cradling glass. The kindness of it, even now, knowing what she was about to do, almost has her shatter.

Eiko trembles. "Don't mention it." She whispers back.

(2/8) OMNI 2026/01/08(Thu)21:59 No. 1119832 ID: 217993
File 176793835925.png - (41.82KB , 1000x700 , dh333.png )

Vi pushes the healing potion into her now open hand. She looks at it, uncorks it, then swallows it down like a shot, wishing it was real alcohol.

It tastes like stale bubblegum, she realizes as she gags. Is bad medicine taste universal? That sucks.

[+2 STAMINA]
[EIKO STAMINA: 12/18]

Her head starts to lighten up, skin still stinging and raw, but not enough to make her keel over. She tries to take stock of herself once again and her powers.. It's crazy. Life and death now at her fingertips...

=== FOOLISH GAMBIT ===
Goal: Save Vi
Challenge: Successful. Life Sense granted.

The brightness of the forms around her start to dim into a subtle outline in Eiko's eyes. If she breathes in deeply enough, she can make out those particular scents once again, though not as strong.

She still makes out what must be Julien's scent in the smoke. Faint. Near. Burning to the end of its wick.

AWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO

A howl punches the air and beats Eiko's eardrums. She turns quickly to the sound of Julien's call. The howl is desperate, another plea against death.

(3/8) OMNI 2026/01/08(Thu)22:00 No. 1119833 ID: 217993
File 176793842378.png - (128.45KB , 700x1000 , dh334.png )

CRRAAASSSSSSHHHH

Glass shards glint in the light as they rain down. Large, bright, white wings unfurl in the air, swallowing the morning sun as smoke rises up to meet it.

Holy shit.

(4/8) OMNI 2026/01/08(Thu)22:01 No. 1119834 ID: 217993
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Eiko stands paralyzed in awe as the angel descends, wings buffeting downward to soften their landing. A tidal gust clears the smoke and fire in an instant, leaving scarred ground in its memory. When the wave hits Eiko, it nearly topples her, coating her in one last layer of smoke.

Her heart pounds. The angel is beyond description. Beyond anything she has seen before.

In her peripherals, figures start to emerge from all around, the base and the streets.

(5/8) OMNI 2026/01/08(Thu)22:03 No. 1119835 ID: 217993
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The angel stands tall, features alien, otherworldly. A golden halo hovers over their head, wings a polished white. A white linen robe of some kind lays over their shoulder and wraps at the waist.

The angel pauses to fix their tie, their gaze shifting from Eiko to Julien, wings curled around his crawling form.

Eiko clenches her fist.

"'Bout damn time!" Julien laugh yells. "G0D help me angel, I need a blessing."

"Disciple...." the angel speaks monotonously, yet clear as any bell for all within radius. Their wings rise intimidatingly, "Archangel Haziel has informed me that you have been disobedient... To deny an Archangel's word, nevertheless the Archangel of Justice, is to deny the very word of Zir. Do you understand this?"

Julien's maw shuts. He stutters. His body moves to half-stand then stops, winces, and bows his head like a nod.

"That's--"

"And you have not only been disobedient, you have lost your holy symbol. Are you aware of this disrespect?"

Eiko feels the necklace hang heavier in her pocket, now feeling disgust.

Julien opens his maw to respond, then thinks better of it. He hangs his head submissively, voice drawn out low like any sleazy businessman trying to close a deal, "My apologies, Angel of Redemption. Please enlighten me."

It's the first time Eiko has seen such an action in person. It feels contradictory, even in the roll-out-perspective shoved into her mind a few moments ago. To talk all big... then wag his tail for anyone with power....

"Yikes." Vi says beside her.

Agreed.

(6/8) OMNI 2026/01/08(Thu)22:11 No. 1119837 ID: 217993
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The approaching Bites watch with rapt yet cautious attention. A mixture of shock, awe, and confusion sprinkle their faces. They have never seen their almighty Boss brought so low before; wounded or not, something in their perspective changes. Though maybe it's justified, when seeing the angel up close.

"Archangel Haziel is apprehending the demon, so you have not failed in that role." The Angel of Redemption simply waves their hand in Eiko's direction. "You must secure your position, as it is instrumental in It's plan. Do this or we will replace you with another worthy of Zir's grace."

They pause and coolly move their arms behind their back, the posture of a professor, "An ear deaf to Zir's word is unworthy. Redeem yourself through this hardship and you will earn It's blessing once again. By enduring this pain, you will be cleansed by it."

Julien frowns. "So, deal with this on my own, huh? Just me?"

The angel shakes their head. "Use your resources as you see fit. I will heal you afterwards."

He nods and stands. Successful this time.

When Julien looks at Eiko, really looks, his eyes widen in shock. "You can't be serious, crawled right out of your damn grave.. Two for fuckin' two today." He spits. "What a bastard you are."

He tilts his head side to hide, one arm tucked into his jacket, as if to pull a gun, but Eiko can smell the profuse amount of blood he's trying to hide. Can see the dim light around his edges.

Despite this, Eiko feels herself start to panic. Can she handle a fight with this many people? With her new powers?

Julien cocks his head and looks around at the newly emerged gang, teeth shown in his grin, "All of you, tear up that thing."

(7/8) OMNI 2026/01/08(Thu)22:13 No. 1119838 ID: 217993
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Gazes shift uneasily. Vi moves to stand, the coward half-supporting her as she also moves to her feet. Vi shakes her head at them.

Eiko looks back at her in surprise.

No one moves.

Julien's grin falters after silence passes. All movements now paralyzed.

He looks around once again, sharper, eyes narrowed, "You-- What? Scared of a ghost? Go get that damn Onryo! Shoot it for fucks sake! You think it can't take a beating? It did before!"

There's a palpable hesitation as they shift around on their feet, eyes not quite meeting each other. It's not unheard of to be superstitious. It's another to see the former Boss prouncing around still smelling of death.

Julien's fur shifts as he barks, "YOU DAMN MUTTS! KILL THAT THING NOW OR I'LL BE SKINNING YOUR FURS AND POSTING THEM UP ON MY WALL! YOU THINK I PAY ALL OF YOU TO SIT ON YOUR ASSES?! RIGHT! NOW!"

(8/8) OMNI 2026/01/08(Thu)22:14 No. 1119840 ID: 217993
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The gang stirs.

Options:
>Persuade Crowd
>Use Foolish Gambit
>Kick Julien in the Balls
>Run
>____

>Persuade Crowd
"...Look at you. All of you.
Well. Go ahead. Go and obey the whore who tortured me in my own grave. Go ahead and kneel before the coward that swore to tear apart the Titans with his bare teeth yet wags his tail at boring birds. Go ahead and kill these heretics that I loved in the name of your 'loving god'. Go right ahead. What's stopping you? 'Lack of authorization'?
It makes sense, doesn't it? Give in, and become living gods! Follow orders, and live in paradise! Worship G0D until your sight bleeds from your soul, and reap an eternal reward for your obedience and humility! FOR ALL ETERNITY!
Go right ahead, and be the shepherds instead of the wolves! I won't stop you! TAKE THE FUCKING SHOT!"

There's only one thing a tough guy like you (are pretending to be) need say in a situation like this; "Do it yourself"

Then walk right up to him, grab his whiny little muzzle, and drain the dregs of his life. To everyone else it'll look like he just died of fright. The perfect way for him to be remembered.

Kick Julien in the balls

>>1119842
Agreed.
Persuade crowd.

Look at him.
Tell them to really look.
A leader does not show their belly to those who would use the pack, only then to start showing teeth to those they presume to lead.
Tell them to listen to his words.
"Attack" he tells you. "Clog the jaws of my enemy with your bodies." Comes the command from one who remains still.
A true leader does not run at the back of their pack, snapping at your heels. They run at the head.
Ask them to think about him.
A leader is more than authority.
More than an implementation of might.
They are an exemplar of not only what a pack is but what it strives to be.
A leader should give you pride.
Pride in you packmates, your role in the pack and in who you follow.
Do you feel pride here? No.
He only offers fear and shame.
Tell them...
You are who you choose to follow.
Choose better, if only for yourself.

Take out the holy symbol he dropped. Remind him of what the angel said: he must redeem himself through hardship. Having his pack kill you won't be hard at all. Thus, *he* must fight you.

Then kick him in the balls.

>>1119532
Everyone who voted already, I recommend you reconsider and vote for Foolish Gambit. It’s clearly stated to be more effective when impressive to onlookers.

So we can still do some ball kicking, but my point is that right now is quite simply the perfect time to use FG.

I propose:

FOOLISH GAMBIT GOAL: Leave Julien speechless in front of the crowd.
Environmental Factors: The crowd will be enthralled if successful.

>>1119895
I think that would mesh with what I suggested, maybe with more talking to the crowd.

>>1119895
I don't think proudly and uncharacteristically-of-Akito screaming "I'm gonna leave you speechless" will be of any benefit to her persuasion check.

the next update is planned to have a huge deciding impact on the story, so all votes are going to matter here. i'm imposing a deadline to give everyone a chance to add in.

all suggestions will still be accepted until tuesday, 1/13, 11:59PM PST.

(1/8) OMNI 2026/01/17(Sat)15:01 No. 1120099 ID: 43c2d7
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>Take out the holy symbol he dropped.
>Persuade Crowd

Eiko takes it out of her pocket and holds it up to the crowd, the symbol shining in the light and catching their eyes. She holds it out, fist tight, and projects her voice.

"... Look at him. All of you. Really look. You want to follow a leader like that? Kneel for a coward that wags his tail at these overblown birds. Listen to a guy that tells you to do whatever he wants while he sits on his ass? Go ahead! Listen! Clog the jaws of my enemy with your bodies! Kill in the name of some god! And there he stands, still as a stone while all of YOU do the work!"

(2/8) OMNI 2026/01/17(Sat)15:06 No. 1120100 ID: 43c2d7
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"Does a real leader run at the back of the pack, snapping at your heels? Don't you feel any pride at all?!" She yells now, loud, hot, a spark against stone.

Murmurs go unheard to Eiko's ears as she pushes.

"Where's the pride in fighting for this coward?! All for what? For some reward, some paradise out there? Fine. Kneel then. Go right ahead, and be the shepherds instead of the wolves! I won't stop you! TAKE THE FUCKING SHOT!"

A few guns are drawn. Eiko stands tall. Prepared for the shots. Prepared to die and come back again. Her cards all bet on YOU and everyone that's helped her get this far.

The gang looks at her; her visage, her lack of fear. And feels respect.

She drops the symbol onto the ground. The angel's feathers ruffle.

"Come and fight me yourself. If you were a real leader and not some coward, you would."

Julien's head lowers, his eyes ablaze in fury as the gang continues to circle closer, but does not pounce.

"Tch... What's all this bullshit?" Julien growls.

(3/8) OMNI 2026/01/17(Sat)15:08 No. 1120101 ID: 43c2d7
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"Alright. Alright." He shakes his head, chuckling to himself, as if this is all a joke. "You all want to feel some pride. That it? Alright, my bad shitheads. Let me remind you all, what speeches like this gets you.... Nothing."

He takes a fat wad of cash from his pants pocket.

"I'm the one that pays you, remember that. Let's start with 100k--"

(4/8) OMNI 2026/01/17(Sat)15:09 No. 1120102 ID: 43c2d7
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"--to whoever--"

(5/8) OMNI 2026/01/17(Sat)15:09 No. 1120103 ID: 43c2d7
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"--gets this--"

(6/8) OMNI 2026/01/17(Sat)15:11 No. 1120104 ID: 43c2d7
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Eiko misses as she tries to grab Julien's whiny little muzzle. He steps to the side as he dodges out of the way.

[-1 STAMINA]

"HahA, you missed!" He laughs.

She knew she would.

(7/8) OMNI 2026/01/17(Sat)15:11 No. 1120105 ID: 43c2d7
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Her left foot pivots, the ball of her foot grinding onto the ground as she brings her right leg back...

(8/8) OMNI 2026/01/17(Sat)15:12 No. 1120106 ID: 43c2d7
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... And ends his ancestral line.

The wad of cash flies into the air as the crowd winces in pain.

Next move?

>>1120106
Stunned opponent! Grapple grapple drain! Wrestle him into a pin, wrap your limbs around him, anything to maintain your grip. Endure his blows if you gotta; I'm sure he won't be able to outpace your drain.

>>1120108
Agreed.
Take back every ounce of life hes stolen.
Just enough left to let him crawl.
Then, an ending.

Use the wrestling move on him and let it be a German suplex!

Bear hug him while ripping his throat open and make sure you roll around the whole time. Drain his life away, but don't bother to gloat; your real fight's with the feathers, for the feathers.

>>1120099
My choice for next move goes not to Eiko, but someone else.

Julian, listen to what she is saying.

She's right!

You have been bossing others to do what you commanded while doing nothing yourself.
You may think it is too late to change your ways, now that you are standing on death's door and you might have literally being gelded, but I'm telling you, it's not true! You can still mend your ways!

....

You gotta lead by example! Kill in the name of some god by clogging her jaws with your body!

You'll probably still die, but the fact you decided to do your own dirty work at the end my earn you 30 respect points with Eiko and company.
It'll still add up to below zero points, mind, but hey, you can still almost save some face, at least!

Stomp on him to hold him in place. Point at the angel and ask if they want their pet back.

>>1120208
Oh I like this a lot.

Just laugh at him while he is in pain, a little bit of aura farming can't hurt you in this battle.

(1/16) OMNI 2026/01/31(Sat)20:12 No. 1120638 ID: 43c2d7
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>Stunned opponent! Grapple grapple drain!
>Take back every ounce of life hes stolen.
>Drain his life away

As some of the gang jumps to grab at the wad of cash, Eiko jumps to grapple Julien. Round 2 ensues as limbs are flung this way and that. The ball-kick stunned him just enough for Eiko to get a good arm wrap around his middle, her hands grip-locked to drain as much life juice as possible.

[+1 STAMINA]
[+1 STAMINA]
[+1 STAMINA]

The burns recede from Eiko's skin. She waits for the numbers to pop up in her mind... And gets nothing. No indication of her progress, or proximity to Julien's demise, as she once did before. Great. She'll just have to guess.

"LET GO!" Julien howls, wounds crawling up his body.

He writhes like a wolf possessed.

>Wrestle him into a pin, wrap your limbs around him, anything to maintain your grip.

[+1 STAMINA]
[+1 STAMINA]

Eiko clings onto him as much as she can. It's as she's maneuvering to wrestle him that she realizes... She's only taken 3 classes in jujutsu. Total. In her life.

(2/16) OMNI 2026/01/31(Sat)20:14 No. 1120639 ID: 43c2d7
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>German suplex!

Thankfully, one of the classes taught the Germanic suplex!

With a grunt, Eiko hoists Julien backwards. His melon nearly cracks on the dirt as he lets out a howl of pain.

The gang flinches or facepalms as they watch.

[-2 STAMINA]

Her concentration on Life Transfer breaks. Dizziness follows as Eiko realizes she used bad form. Emphasizing the importance of practice, before testing out complicated wrestling moves outside of professional settings.

(3/16) OMNI 2026/01/31(Sat)20:15 No. 1120640 ID: 43c2d7
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Julien attempts to flip out of her hold.

Eiko latches on.

Limbs fly once more.

(4/16) OMNI 2026/01/31(Sat)20:16 No. 1120641 ID: 43c2d7
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Their bodies struggle, one running on pure adrenaline, the other running on pure grit.

Dirt cakes clothing, blood mattes fur, and both think to themself:

You won't last any longer.

Eiko attempts a chokehold.

Julien's maw sinks into her arm once more.

(5/16) OMNI 2026/01/31(Sat)20:17 No. 1120642 ID: 43c2d7
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"GET OFF OF ME!"

An elbow to the face nearly knocks Eiko cold.

(6/16) OMNI 2026/01/31(Sat)20:19 No. 1120643 ID: 43c2d7
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>Endure his blows

Eiko endures. As her vision swims, oscillating between colors, she makes out Vi's voice in the cacophony of her own buzzing head.

"Grab him!"

Eiko's hands shoot out as he attempts to push up to stand. Her right hand finds his jacket and grips, using it as an anchor to push herself up and him backward.

Julien yelps in surprise. He makes a swipe at her face. She dodges. They're both back on their feet.

Something flashes in his expression.

"You-- you goddamn monster. The both of you. What's all this even for? Don't you want to pass on?"

[+1 STAMINA]

Eiko tries to drive him back down to the floor, but he keeps stepping back.

"You're gonna stay like this forever if you do this. Killin' me won't help you."

[+1 STAMINA]

"Alright! I'll take your bones right out of the closet! Light some incense! Will you find some peace that way?"

Eiko's grip lapses.

Julien swipes again, and hits, bloodying Eiko's face and ear. He grins to himself, until he sees her lack of reaction.

In a flash, she's gripping his other arm hard enough to break the bone. Panic surges in him.

(7/16) OMNI 2026/01/31(Sat)20:20 No. 1120645 ID: 43c2d7
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Ba-bum.

Her maw opens as she shoves him backwards.

[TEMPORARY CONNECTION MADE]

>Julien, listen to what she is saying.
>She's right!...

What?

(8/16) OMNI 2026/01/31(Sat)20:22 No. 1120646 ID: 43c2d7
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Ba-bum-ba-bum

"WAIT!" You scream.

>You may think it is too late to change your ways, now that you are standing on death's door... You can still mend your ways!

A memory comes to your mind.

(9/16) OMNI 2026/01/31(Sat)20:24 No. 1120647 ID: 43c2d7
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It was a surprisingly difficult fight. More people than he expected had been on the Boss's side. Suppose it made some sense, if he got them all together in the first place.

But they endured. Superior firepower always wins out. The big, bad, Boss, finally brought to his knees. That too, took a while. The bastard wolfed out hard, until you put some silver in his leg. He got all docile after that.

"You don't know what you're doing." He said.

"I'd say the same to you too, Boss! But it ain't me on my knees right now."

"I have family." He said again.

"I heard you the first time." You walked closer, at an even pace, to savor the moment.

He looked back around, to his old buddies, trying to find one sympathetic face.

"There's no honor following him! Can't you all see that?!"

"There's no point in that, Boss. Honestly, it's pathetic." You smacked the butt of the gun against your hand. "They all see what I saw. You had all this power, all this money, and you just let it go to waste. Givin' out money to whoever begged for it. Got everyone takin' blows for all those ungrateful bitches. Day in and day out. All to warm your heart for some dream about growing this city. We're sick of it."

Nods of agreement passed. Sure, it took some bribes. Sure, it took some lies. In the end, you got what you needed. And what you need, is to stand at the top. You have dreams too after all. Simple ones. Achievable, realistic, ones.

As you stood in front of him, Akito looked up at you with that same defiant glare. As if he's the one holding the gun and not one shot away from it.

It always pissed you off.

(10/16) OMNI 2026/01/31(Sat)20:24 No. 1120648 ID: 43c2d7
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"Even after I die, the pack will remember." Akito spoke as if to curse you.

"Yeah, the pack's all here to watch. We're gonna pop some bottles after this." You laughed and raised the gun. "Any last words?"

"... Choke on it, you fucking bast-"

BAM

(11/16) OMNI 2026/01/31(Sat)20:25 No. 1120649 ID: 43c2d7
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>Kill in the name of some god by clogging her jaws with your body!

Ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba--

(12/16) OMNI 2026/01/31(Sat)20:26 No. 1120650 ID: 43c2d7
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CRUNCH.

[TEMPORARY CONNECTION TERMINATED]

(13/16) OMNI 2026/01/31(Sat)20:29 No. 1120653 ID: 43c2d7
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The gang pries Eiko off of Julien in a panic. A chunk of his neck goes with her.

He tries to speak. His dying words are lost to a gurgle in his now spraying throat.

Julien collapses. Choking out on his own blood.

(14/16) OMNI 2026/01/31(Sat)20:32 No. 1120655 ID: 43c2d7
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Eiko feels the effects of Ranma 1/2 start to wear off, her face and body changing back to her own. A part of her feels comforted by this, as if Akito's spirit passes with it.

>Laugh at him while he is in pain

Eiko spits the chunk out of her mouth, face and tongue coated in iron, and laughs a laugh she hasn't felt in her entire fucking life. 3-parts mirth, 4-parts glee, and 99-parts pure manic triumph.

Not only is that bastard on the ground bleeding to death, she gets to know that she did it herself.

Chills run down spines. The multi-grip on her goes slack, as she maneuvers to stomp on Julien's still warm body.

(15/16) OMNI 2026/01/31(Sat)20:33 No. 1120656 ID: 43c2d7
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"Do you want your pet back?" Eiko mocks.

The angel stands still. Then sighs.

"What a waste... To perish to your own trials. Well, if it is as Zir commands. We can simply find another."

They mumble to themself words that Eiko cannot hear. She isn't sure how to feel about their... nonchalance.

There's a flash of light.

(16/16) OMNI 2026/01/31(Sat)20:34 No. 1120657 ID: 43c2d7
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A shiny spear of some kind appears in their hands. They step back, wings fluffing up with the movement.

"Though, you and your petty slights have interested me. You have powers none here should... Perhaps there is a foreign entity upon you."

... Shit?

"Identify yourself, acolyte, are you friend or foe?"

Options:
>Call Vex
>Use Foolish Gambit
>____

>>1120657
I think we'd better use Foolish Gambit here. There's gonna be a fight for sure, and you're gonna need power to win.

Boast that if you fight, you will survive. Or something like that, the important part is that you do not want to boast that you'll kill the angel. Considering Vex has been fighting the same angel repeatedly, I think it is very difficult indeed to kill an angel, but winning a fight, or at least surviving one, is possible. Maybe "You're not killing me today"?
I'll be honest, considering Boasting gives you a permanent upgrade I wish we had done a decent Boast for the fight against Julien. Winning with one hand behind your back, or something like that. Still could've used kicks and bites.

For the power, we need something anti-Angel. Something that would make it hard for an Angel to see you? Or something that would get that spear away from it, so you can use it against them? I think Vex killed an angel once by using its own weapon against it, but be warned he burned his hands badly doing so.

>>1120647
We looked into Julien's mind. It was so tiny.
You needn't worry about orphaning anyone with your revenge. All he cared about, in his words, were 'simple ambitions' - power, money, sex.
My question is... who made him this way?
Because a man with a mind this small being anointed by literal angels by sheer coincidence is ludicrously illogical, the odds are tinier than winning a lottery. Or maybe the bleached harpies just love people who are too stupid to understand how monetarily profitable socialism is.
Demand to know how many people the angels and their proxies hollowed out.

Foolish Gambit: "I'm leaving."
Objective: Escape the angel.
On Success: You gain a 5% increase to speed (5% chance to move twice in one turn)
On Failure: Traumatic leg injury (At the start of combat, you can't move for one turn. Does not trigger during a stealth ambush.)

Fight the angle completely naked. That will throw them off their game, or it will be extremely hot for us, so it is a win win.

oh god i think it sees us, i say run. sounds like there's a whole order behind this one and if we kill this one somehow it will attract more to investigate.