You have to kill fast and bullets too slow.

At this point, there's no sense in holding back. Whatever the ring does, time to pop it and see.

(1/8) OMNI 2025/11/11(Tue)18:55 No. 1116791 ID: 217993
File 176291611640.png - (96.57KB , 1000x700 , dh301.png )

>Gun

You put a claw to your revolver, considering its use. You'd need to transform your hand back to grasp it properly, otherwise your bulky fingers will have a hard time with the trigger. And when you cock it, it'll make a sound.

.... You can't risk it.

>Something spooked him. He ran.

You're not sure how. He's outside, so he must have ran? But why try to go back inside? Why ask you to help him? There's too many unknowns for you to parse.

>The smoke doubles as cover as well for you, too.
>Bluff

You step back to match the movement, to try to move farther out and make your position harder to read. You're bigger, so you're a bit more visible, but you'll take anything you can get.

>Let him think you're kneeling. Let him think he can just grab your offered hand and jam a knife or a bullet between your ribs.

You slowly stretch your hand out as you crouch down, legs tensed, ready to pounce. Your body now a bullet in the chamber ready to shoot. Your maw opens to choke out whatever feeble words you can think of to trick him. Persuade him. But you can feel your pride stifling it.

"R-really?" Is all that comes out.. Even you aren't convinced.

Immediately, you clench your jaw, teeth creaking in protest. Even if it's all pretend, to try to lower yourself to him? All your anger, all your rage, turns back inwards.

Burns you.

You hesitate and reach for the ring, to change plans, to bluff a different way.

The fur along your neck raises.

(2/8) OMNI 2025/11/11(Tue)18:55 No. 1116792 ID: 217993
File 176291615922.png - (145.08KB , 1000x700 , dh302.png )

A maw manifests out of the smoke. Your body lunges to meet it, but it's too late. His jaw arrests your forearm right as you crash into him shoulder first.

Julien bites harder. Things crunch.

Many things crunch.

(3/8) OMNI 2025/11/11(Tue)18:56 No. 1116793 ID: 217993
File 176291619601.png - (114.12KB , 1000x700 , dh303.png )

Bodies tumble onto the ground. Hard. You're not sure if it's you coughing or him. A knock of your head against the floor has it spinning.

[STAMINA: 4/18]

(4/8) OMNI 2025/11/11(Tue)18:57 No. 1116794 ID: 217993
File 176291624213.png - (99.75KB , 1000x700 , dh304.png )

You blindly grab where he'd hang at your arm and realize he let go in the tumble.

Everything hurts. Your vision swims.

>The Ring

Fuck it.

With one last coherent thought, you grab at your front until you feel the magnetic pull of the ring.

You put it on.

(5/8) OMNI 2025/11/11(Tue)18:59 No. 1116795 ID: 217993
File 176291635132.png - (81.76KB , 1000x700 , dh305.png )

You feel weightless. Like TV static. Plasma tickling and crawling into your veins.

The sound of a subway train through a tunnel echoes.

And echoes.

[IMMERSION TEMPORARILY BROKEN]

(6/8) OMNI 2025/11/11(Tue)18:59 No. 1116796 ID: 217993
File 176291638870.png - (43.80KB , 1000x700 , dh306.png )

Eiko's soul enters a space. A slight rift just between the dimensional facets. Usually, where souls drift during slumber. Or those without a body go to find another.

Here, time moves much......

much......

much....

slower.

(7/8) OMNI 2025/11/11(Tue)19:02 No. 1116797 ID: 217993
File 176291653396.png - (43.90KB , 1000x700 , dh307.png )

YOU pause to collect YOURSELF at this development. Just as YOUR immersion has been broken, so have the restrictions. The OMNI-SCIENT voice of the ---- is now accessible, re-granting knowledge that YOU can access outside of an occupied world. In this knowledge, YOU realize that that ring is an artifact of rare import.

A God Caller. As characters helpfully refer to them. Temporarily allows direct communication to be opened with the closest multi, in this case, YOURSELF. Temporarily, because it breaks down after each use.

The previous owner had pawned it off after their multi (likely their god in their eyes) abandoned them.

A shame. The minds of other multis can be a fickle thing. All to chase the next best character.

The next best story to feed on.

(8/8) OMNI 2025/11/11(Tue)19:03 No. 1116798 ID: 217993
File 176291660432.png - (339.56KB , 1000x700 , dh308.png )

"What is this?" Eiko's voice echoes in the abyss. "Who's there?"

YOU, as in "who", are a collective extra-dimensional entity of many names, though commonly known as a multi of FATE. FATE as in achieving power through the... passive manipulation guidance of inter-dimensional beings.

YOU may now speak to Eiko directly.

Be warned. She cannot comprehend the exact truth of YOUR existence. It will damage her.

Hello there Eiko. We are the multi of FATE. By wearing the God Caller you are able to speak with us directly. We have been guiding you for the past few minutes, but that will not always be the case. We mainly guide Vex. Stay close to him and you stay close to us, and we will try to keep you alive. The ring might make you aware of when we are guiding you personally, as you felt just now.

So, what we can give you is information. Vex is fighting an Angel right now, and from the sound of his inner monologue it's an opponent he's fought before-- whether that means he will be able to drive her off or not is uncertain. The other person in the smoke is Vi, but we do not know if she is still alive. Julien was losing a fight against Vex but pulled out a plasma grenade, which caused Vi to tackle him through a portal which led out here. It seems she took the brunt of the explosion.

If Julien wants to go back inside... it might be best for you to let him, so you can check on Vi. You don't seem to be winning and there doesn't seem to be any direct aid we can give... her life is more important, isn't it?

All is as the other of our multitude says.

What we can give is some knowledge.
Perspectives other than your own.
Ideas.
But also another important thing.
Time.
here, it moves slower.
You have time to think clearly.
Ready yourself.
Fully appraise yourself of the situation in a way you could not in the heat of combat.

While it does not seem your physical injuries will heal, the shock of them will not cloud your mind here and mayhap shall be diminished in your return.

If you have questions, we will answer what we can.
I would recommend you dwell not upon the unfathomable and focus more on the moment.

Did you know you're a character in a story?
Well, I'd expect you to. But maybe you weren't allowed to think that.

You... don't have much fight left in you, huh.
It's silly. You were shouting about avenging your brother so often that we picked up on it, and...
Well, it's not a very unique story.
We know more about Julien than about... what was your brother's name again? Rhetorical question, I don't care.
None of us do. You could put a monument to turning Julien into a Spread Eagle and the only thing it would do for your brother is put his name as some pop-quiz question as an allegory to Julien's epic fall, a name that gets cursed by a few dozen teens for being too complex to flash-memorize and gets completely blacklisted from their minds once they graduate.
And really, that's the crux of the matter. None of us remember anyone else you have beef against. Didn't you want to fight back? Fight everything that took your brother away, and then some?
...you silly girl.

I mean, the problem isn't revenge.
No, the problem is that you're not getting a balanced revenge.
Same old story.
You think that killing this one... tiny... pathetic little nobody will satisfy you.
It won't.
It's about as satisfying as taking the blade that tore your brother's heart open (or however he died, whatever) and throwing it into a hydraulic press. Fun, but fleeting. Tiny. A simplistic revenge you use to delude yourself into thinking you're full.
Who made him? He had parents, friends, mentors, or some combination thereof. Who scooped out the little boy and left a brain-damaged, starving beast that ate your brother?
And was your brother really in Julien's way... or did someone else want him gone?
I mean, you know Vex. You know this started with him. Was hoping you'd pick up when you splashed that drink all over his face, but... no, you might have a small mind, girl, but you've got a big, huffing nose. He knows the score.
His quarry is beyond this. That's why you forgave him. His penance sits on his back, every second, every thought. It haunts him. And it has made him so big, while you're still so small, and he still picked you up and brought you along because he wanted you to be you.
And that's the kicker. You. Your whole world. Puppets. Every good and bad thing will be scripted if G0D gets their way. You'll all be chasing tails and taking revenge upon each other when the real architect of all your suffering sits back and completely believes themselves innocent.
Julien isn't your nemesis.
He's your tutorial mission.

If you want an instruction manual on this madness...
Just Ask.

EIKO!
Fate smiles warmly upon you!
Even as far as it smiles wickedly upon Vex!

We see you're in quite the pickle, but that's nothing a little DEUS EX MACHINA can't fix~
But what's this?
Did you know? Your little friend Vi, is so close, and yet just as broken as you are.
And Vex, upstairs? HE'S GONE MAD!
Hahahaha! So delicious!

And yet, something's missing. There's a certain SPICE to all this that only YOU can add!

Let us grant you a WISH!
Shape it as you desire but...
Focus it upon YOURSELF and we will guarantee your revenge!
Focus it upon VI and we will guarantee her survival!
Focus it on VEX and you shall obtain a measure of POWER! Don't you wish for the freedom to take hold of your own fate?

CHOOSE EIKO!
THE STRINGS OF FATE ARE AT YOUR FINGERTIPS! HAHAHAHA!

Don't let five years of living for revenge take away fifty years of living.

Eiko you are at a narrative crossroads. Vi is on the ground, hurt. Will you sacrifice your revenge to save her?

But if you want to defy fate and try for both you have my full support.

From what I learned about this story, you are a violent person in a violent world. Do not get discouraged when you just keep going against more and more opponents, that is just the world working as intended. Be brave, be strong, and most importantly, get ready to get hurt or to hurt others. In the world full of hammers, the only things that stands out is the nails that can't be hammered down.

Dwell not upon our nature, nor the nature of your story.
All creatures are part of a their own tale being told.
While the circumstances vary, choices such as the one you are presented with come to everyone.
Pivotal moments that will shape not only who they are to become but also the tale of others.

What we offer you here is time not afforded to most.
To truly consider what you want to happen.
To yourself and to others whose own tales intersect with your own.

As others in the multitude say, your choices are present and while you may reach for as many of them as you wish, consider carefully with the time we gift you.
Time to question us and yourself over what you truly want and what you and others will pay for it.
While you can try for more than one, remember.
The wolf that chases three deer goes hungry.

(1/6) OMNI 2025/11/18(Tue)20:12 No. 1117242 ID: 217993
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>Hello there Eiko.
>We have been guiding you for the past few minutes, but that will not always be the case...
>Here...
>You have time to think clearly.
>Ready yourself.

"Those whispers... I can hear it clearly now. They were your voice all along in the back of my head. And you've been following Vex too? I thought they were just crazy." Eiko looks around as if to search for YOU. "What was it again? Vex said you were like a god."

>We are the multi of FATE.
>Fate smiles warmly upon you!
>Even as far as it smiles wickedly upon Vex!

"Fate, huh..." Eiko's expression tenses. Despite her lack of voice, YOU can feel her thoughts clearly. A mix of suspicion and fear. A reasonable reaction.

Yet, as afraid as she is, she is just as fascinated.

>What we offer you here is time not afforded to most.
>To truly consider what you want to happen.
>To yourself and to others whose own tales intersect with your own...

"Is that what this place is? A place outside? If time moves slowly here... It should still be moving there..." Eiko ponders this as she looks around once more. "... What I want to happen? Guess that makes sense if you're fate."

>Did you know you're a character in a story?
>Well, I'd expect you to. But maybe you weren't allowed to think that.
>All creatures are part of their own tale being told.

"....." Eiko seems contemplative. "Is that metaphorical? But if you're some higher being... I guess it must be easier to see me that way. In your eyes, I'm just another character to play around with... No wonder Vex hates beings like you."

Well, YOU can't exactly explain the delicate politics of other multis that are not playing by the respected social contract to Vex. But that's a separate matter.

(2/6) OMNI 2025/11/18(Tue)20:16 No. 1117243 ID: 217993
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>You... don't have much fight left in you, huh.
>It's silly. You were shouting about avenging your brother so often that we picked up on it, and...
>You don't seem to be winning...

Eiko's face twitches. "I know. I know... I know!" She growls, "Give me some credit! I had to adapt a plan that was supposed to take years into two days! The last thing I was was ready. I'm trying!"

Eiko gestures around with her hands, trying to find where to look, then grabs her head as if to pull at her hair. Her soul is not quite equipped to mimic the finer material follicles, so she grabs at the vague shape of it instead.

"Maybe Akito was just nameless fodder to you and everyone else... But he matters to me." A light ignites. "Everyone in this whole fucking world can forget him, never know him, say he didn't matter! And that wouldn't change anything. His memory's in me and I won't let go of it as easily as everyone else."

>You think that killing this one... tiny... pathetic little nobody will satisfy you.
>It won't.
>... you know Vex. You know this started with him...
>... it has made him so big, while you're still so small, and he still picked you up and brought you along because he wanted you to be you.
>Don't let years of living for revenge take away fifty years of living.

Eiko inhales, exhales, her fists clenched tightly. "As small and petty and as much of a failure as I'm turning out to be..." She tenses as if to yell. Stops. Sighs. "I just wanted to do right by him for once. I thought it would. Taking this asshole's life won't.."

Eiko looks down, afraid to admit it out loud. Then wrings at her hands for a semblance of comfort.

"It wont fix it... Not by a long shot. But I'd sleep better at night. I know it... And I know I haven't really looked beyond it. I didn't think it would matter, but now there's this grander world out here. Right here. How am I supposed to think about that? Deal with that? Deal with the knowledge that there's something even bigger out there that's a thousand times worse? When I can't even deal with one fucking guy?"

"Am I that pathetic?"

(3/6) OMNI 2025/11/18(Tue)20:17 No. 1117244 ID: 217993
File 176352586532.png - (31.93KB , 1000x700 , dh311.png )

>Dwell not upon our nature, nor the nature of your story.
>Be brave, be strong, and most importantly, get ready to get hurt or to hurt others....
>Time to question us and yourself over what you truly want and what you and others will pay for it.
>If you want an instruction manual on this madness...
>Just Ask.

"... Right." Eiko looks down at her wispy hands. "Thanks, I guess. I can feel the way that you care. Not sure if that's a good or bad thing. Beings like you have a weird way of showing it."

"What do I even ask?" Eiko seems to address herself. "How to fix everything? How to win? What answers can I even get?"

>... what we can give you is information...
>... some knowledge.
>Perspectives other than your own.
>Fully appraise yourself of the situation in a way you could not in the heat of combat.

She vaguely moves to sit upon her dimension as you convey the past half hour to her.

It's quite comical.

(4/6) OMNI 2025/11/18(Tue)20:19 No. 1117245 ID: 217993
File 176352598349.png - (39.17KB , 1000x700 , dh312.png )

"..... What a mess." Eiko rubs at her temples. "That angel has to be the one Vex has some... weird relationship with. They should be fine." There's a hint of doubt to her own words.

"They'll be fine." Eiko tries to reassure herself. "What I don't get is Vi... Why do that? Just to spare Vex? She doesn't even like him that much."

Something small seems to click.

"Unless... Vi saw? Smelled? Something? In that split second, what could she have found out? That taking a grenade was better than letting it hit everyone? If Vex died, it would only be bad for me...."

Eiko pauses then covers her face with her hands, steaming. "Ourruggghghhhh..."

She seems embarrassed.

>Did you know? Your little friend Vi, is so close, and yet just as broken as you are.
>... her life is more important, isn't it?
>Will you sacrifice your revenge to save her?

Eiko turns her head, as if it would stop herself from hearing YOU. Closes her eyes.

"..... It's really come to this huh... Shit."

YOU sense her inner conflict. The most intriguing of emotions. There's nothing quite like it when it's spun just right.

"I shouldn't. My revenge-- We just... Fuck. Why is this hard?" Eiko gazes downward, "They were all supposed to be stepping stones. I just-- She had to know I was-- I shouldn't be attached. There wasn't supposed to be any real attachment."

She upends the train of thought. Crashes it down over the bridge. Then quickly covers up the scene.

(5/6) OMNI 2025/11/18(Tue)20:23 No. 1117246 ID: 217993
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"What am I supposed to do?" She finally asks.

YOUR tone flips.

>... you're in quite the pickle, but that's nothing a little DEUS EX MACHINA can't fix~
>There's a certain SPICE to all this that only YOU can add!
>Let us grant you a WISH!

Eiko looks upward skeptically.

>Focus it upon YOURSELF and we will guarantee your revenge!
>Focus it upon VI and we will guarantee her survival!
>Focus it on VEX and you shall obtain a measure of POWER! Don't you wish for the freedom to take hold of your own fate?

>CHOOSE EIKO!
>THE STRINGS OF FATE ARE AT YOUR FINGERTIPS! HAHAHAHA!

Eiko shivers. A dastardly fate is as close as it has ever been. She would be remiss to not take this offer.

"Is that all I can do? Choose one?"

>... if you want to defy fate and try for both you have my full support.
>But... remember.
>The wolf that chases three deer goes hungry.

Her expression grows troubled as she sits. Thinks.

Time remains at a honey crawl...

YOU, meanwhile, have patience. A week or two may pass here and merely cast a second upon her realm. Maybe even less.

(6/6) OMNI 2025/11/18(Tue)20:27 No. 1117248 ID: 217993
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When she stands again, Eiko is different. Her contemplation not nearing even a full half hour of YOUR time. Internally, though, there is a shift. YOU sense it. YOU have followed her story. Seen the way she has struggled against what has been written for her. When afforded the edge, she can be cunning. When given the fight, she will burst.

When given a choice, she won't settle for less.

"On my own, maybe I'd take the easy way. But it's not just me. You're here. You've been watching me. You say you'll support me, but I think you can do more than you say. You're not just some otherworldly being that says cryptic shit and whispers guidance to me."

Eiko points up at YOU, determined, defiant, "I'm not asking for the world. I know I'd be more likely to fail if I do and I'm not trying to lose... But don't you want to see me try for more than just one destiny? If I fail. If I win. You still get to watch it all."

"So if you're so big and great, can't you give me the power for that? I don't want to just save myself, or Vi, or my.. story. Why can't it be more?"

Eiko raises a hand upwards, as if to offer it. "Help me make a better story. That's my wish."


Options:
>A) Grant Wish (Grant Eiko a magical ability.)
>B) Give Knowledge (Continue this discussion...)
>C) Use Vessel (Temporarily take over Eiko's physical body.)
>D) Offer Pact (Decide a cost. Decide what will be exchanged.)

D) You're a werewolf. Want to be a were-anything?
It would require more mental flexibility.
Offer up your memories of Akito.
The catch is that we'll toss them back to you - at our own whims, in any order we wish, in your happiest moments, in your darkest hours. We'll give them all back, and take them all back, and keep doing it until you fundamentally change.

* Cost: Install Memory Parasite. This parasite will not destroy your memories but will allow us to seal or forcefully recall them at will. Focus: 'Akito'.
* Power: Enhanced Shapeshifting. You can now shift into new forms, and acquire more through special events. New forms include:
** Neumono - High Endurance and Charisma, low Dexterity. Their superior neural biology allows them to survive total organ failure and even decapitations with medical assistance.
** Tozol - Above average Strength, Dexterity, and Endurance. Good health regeneration.
** Yinglet - High Dexterity, Low everything else. Not really recommended for combat, but Yinglets have proven themselves to be disturbingly resourceful...

D
>>1117248
VERY WELL! Let's make a Pact. Whereas simply granting a Wish would give you a power... a Pact could give you more! Something of immediate benefit would be healing your wounds. You'd need that to stand a chance against him. Secondly, a power, of course. Don't you want something that would be useful for combat *and* for saving Vi? I'm thinking of something like the ability to take and give lifeforce by contact. We can't give you something too strong, so there will be limits... but it'll give you a bit of an edge against Julien. Draining just a bit of life every time you touch him. Perhaps limit it to your hands... That would help you save Vi, because you'd be able to share your now-replenished lifeforce with her. 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. And if you ever take off the ring, you will lose the power granted by us. Though, in addition, a small mercy... you will not be able to hear us if we speak something that would harm your psyche.

>>1117249
>memory recall
Can't we do that already?

>>1117248
...Knew there was a reason we liked you. Alrighty, then in honor of your boldness...we offer something INTERESTING.

We offer a PACT. We grant you the ability to make things interesting. 'Better', but for US as well as you. Continuously.

>>1117248
A pact.
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.
Render up something you treasure or hold close, and we shall respond in kind.
Offer trivialities, and be rewarded with meager effort.
Consider carefully what you truly value for that is the only measure here.

Use the plentitude of time you are given.
The multitudes offer ideas and suggestions for both power and price, but ultimately naught will happen unbidden by your own will.
The wheel of fate turns and you stand at the hub.
What you do next will shape your tale.

D)
A better story eh? Well how's this?

We'll grant you the gift of persuasion. Anything you say, that you believe to be true, others will believe too.

And the cost is your detachment. You will care what happens, not just to your friends, but enemies, passersby, everyone. You won't be able to ignore the consequences of your actions.

>>1117333
Oh man, forcing her to have empathy is a good cost.

Okay, you know what? How about I edit my proposition to this:

* Boon: You get superior shapeshifting powers, with access to three new forms (Neumono, Tozol, Yinglet), and the potential of even more
* Cost: We get to transform your sex at will. And not just "you're a dood now", because we can do so much worse.

D) Offer Pact. You offer your fears to turn them into constructs that fight for you. If the fight is going in your way, you will have fewer fears of paying for creating your minions, but if you are losing, there is more fear to give and turn you reckless in return. It is a push and pull power to us.

Oh we're offering pacts now are we?
Than here's one:
The Fool's Gambit
At any time, you may make to us and the world a Boast! Define yourself a goal and challenge and we'll give you the temporary power to help you do it!
Three more that's on the line- 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.
As a little bonus, but also part of the price, 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!
As for the true price, we will occasionally issue you challenges or dares. Succeeding in one will allow you to reverse the fate of any of your current curses or boons! Attempting and failing one will turn a boon into a curse. Rejecting it outright will leave things to chance! Hahaha!

You're life will become much more complicated, but oh so much more interesting!
Won't you let is in?

(1/1) OMNI 2025/11/25(Tue)21:45 No. 1117693 ID: 217993
File 176413595767.png - (53.51KB , 1000x700 , dh315.png )

How creative! How juicy! There are many ways this could go... In fact too many ways!

A popular consensus must be made to offer a pact. Two pacts will be offered to Eiko. For the two pacts, the majority picks of boons and costs will be presented.

Boons and costs may be chosen individually or in combination:

Example: A1) B1) & A2) C2)
Example: A1) C1)
Example: A1) w/ C2) & B1) w/ B2)


BOONS:
>A1) Enhanced Shapeshifting - 3 new forms unlocked! (Neumono, Tozol, Yinglet). Stats may vary.
>B1) Life Transfer - STAMINA can be transferred to anyone being touched w/ your hands. Gradually drains or heals the target through prolonged contact.
>C1) Shared Interest - Narratively, something of interest will occur. A random encounter, an item, a change in fortune, or any other mild bend of written reality can happen when called for.
>D1) Silver Tongue - Anything said in truth will be believed. The strength of conviction translates to the strength of persuasion. May have minor mind control effects.
>F1) Fear Manifest - Each separate fear may manifest into a construct of sorts. Each construct will be as strong as the fear felt w/ mild autonomy. Each construct will understand wordless instruction but will not act without them. Current Limit: 2.
>G1) Fool's Gambit - Through boasting, define a goal, the challenge, and be granted a temporary aid decided by FATE. With each Boast, FATE may be made manifest, and will grow stronger with each witness of your wicked will. Succeed and grow strong. Fail and grow weak.


COSTS:
>A2) FATE Speaks - The voice of FATE will not go unheard. Nor without compulsion to obey. Though the psyche will not be as fragile, the ring unworn is a boon unmade.
>B2) Active Empathy - You will care for each individual within your path. The consequences of your actions cannot be ignored. They will be felt every step of the way.
>C2) RANMA 1/2 - Your sex or form will change depending on FATE's whims. (Not due to water exposure).
>D2) Fateful Encounter - Challenges may be called upon to enhance a scene, push your character, or up the danger. Challenges failed may have... unintended effects for your boon.
>F2) Open Confession - For an indeterminate amount of time after a boon has been used, you will feel compelled to tell the truth, no matter how odd, painful, or damaging. What is believed to be the truth, anyway.

[Voting will close after Sat, 11/29]

C1) /w G1) & D2) /w C2) + At will Enhance Knockers.

I'm not sure if this sort of vote was intentional or if I'm causing a headache, but I'm voting to combine two pacts into one.

When I suggested the original G1 D2 pact, it was designed to be a trap of sorts. Powerful, potentially extremely favorable towards Eiko at first, but the more she used the power the more power we'd have over her.

With the potential to combine Ranma and Shared interest with it though I think we have a ton of potential to just screw with her. Heck we could throw in A1)+A2) in there too and she'd basically be ready for her own quest, lol.

G1 & C2

>>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
File 176793848785.png - (128.28KB , 700x1000 , dh335.png )

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.