>>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
File 176793859814.png - (99.33KB , 1000x700 , dh336.png )

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
File 176793908031.png - (93.90KB , 700x1000 , dh337.png )

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
File 176793920518.png - (75.53KB , 1000x700 , dh338.png )

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
File 176793927567.png - (93.94KB , 1000x760 , dh339.png )

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
File 176869090628.png - (59.23KB , 1000x700 , dh340.png )

>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
File 176869120736.png - (60.79KB , 1000x700 , dh341.png )

"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
File 176869133403.png - (79.59KB , 1000x700 , dh342.png )

"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
File 176869135822.png - (85.77KB , 1000x700 , dh343.png )

"--to whoever--"

(5/8) OMNI 2026/01/17(Sat)15:09 No. 1120103 ID: 43c2d7
File 176869139372.png - (30.63KB , 1000x700 , dh344.png )

"--gets this--"

(6/8) OMNI 2026/01/17(Sat)15:11 No. 1120104 ID: 43c2d7
File 176869147168.png - (32.83KB , 1000x700 , dh345.png )

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
File 176869151774.png - (51.42KB , 1000x700 , dh346.png )

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
File 176869154393.png - (86.42KB , 700x1000 , dh347.png )

... 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
File 176991916057.png - (71.32KB , 1000x700 , dh348.png )

>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
File 176991927690.png - (76.85KB , 1000x700 , dh349.png )

>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
File 176991933142.png - (69.73KB , 1000x700 , dh350.png )

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
File 176991941770.png - (74.76KB , 1000x700 , dh351.png )

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
File 176991945599.png - (71.36KB , 1000x700 , dh352.png )

"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
File 176991957987.png - (75.73KB , 1000x700 , dh353.png )

>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
File 176991963267.png - (94.76KB , 1000x700 , dh354.png )

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
File 176991971951.png - (70.00KB , 1000x700 , dh355.png )

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
File 176991984630.png - (59.68KB , 1000x700 , dh356.png )

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
File 176991988027.png - (81.91KB , 1000x700 , dh357.png )

"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
File 176991994812.png - (207.06KB , 1000x700 , dh358.png )

>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
File 176992001695.png - (37.08KB , 1000x700 , dh359.png )

CRUNCH.

[TEMPORARY CONNECTION TERMINATED]

(13/16) OMNI 2026/01/31(Sat)20:29 No. 1120653 ID: 43c2d7
File 176992019820.png - (52.48KB , 1000x700 , dh360.png )

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
File 176992036199.png - (82.00KB , 1000x700 , dh361.png )

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
File 176992038917.png - (54.86KB , 1000x700 , dh362.png )

"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
File 176992046197.png - (155.84KB , 1356x950 , dh363.png )

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.

Call Vex, it isn't fair that we get to have all the fun

Oh and in response to the Angel's question... I think right now we haven't decided yet? We don't know much about Angels aside from them being generally asshats. Vex's drama with them stems from him killing one, I'd guess, and it seemed like his choice was either that or ritual suicide, but... is that the norm for angels? Or do their goals often work to the benefit of others despite their attitude? Maybe don't pick a fight for no reason when we don't know we can win.

I'd say not to run because of how much shame you'd bring upon your image but since you're not planning to lead the pack I'm not sure how much you care about that. Who will lead once you're gone?

You can't back down. not in front of everyone. Not with Vi hurt.

Foolish gambit: declare your name and that if they're looking to hurt your people, then you'll be more foe than they can handle.

>>1120729
Agreed.
Show them your motivations are your kin and your pack. All this external stuff doesnt mean shit to you really. Its family, blood and chosen, first.
Perhaps seeing that theyll think in their arrogance your goals are too small to be intruding on their loftier, larger schemes.

These angels... theyre just a bigger gang really.

(1/5) OMNI 2026/02/10(Tue)18:53 No. 1120973 ID: ca56f7
File 177077843899.png - (58.04KB , 1000x700 , dh364.png )

>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?

Eiko... Isn't sure. For as long as she's been around, she's known Julien for his complete shitty and arrogant attitude. He was only noteworthy enough for her brother to make small comments about. Namely, when he first recruited Julien, and mentioned how he was a down on his luck guy that was fleeced for everything he had in the city over. Another one of many beaten down puppies for him to adopt. Well. Not a puppy at first. One of the right hand's had to bite and convert him from a... reptile or something.

What was that concept that Vex explained? Ah. Another sin to tack onto Julien's list.

Though it is a relief to think that Julien was probably so shitty that everyone before her brother had abandoned him.

>Who will lead once you're gone?

The bull of a question that Eiko's been avoiding rears itself to the front of the china shop once again. She knows it's an important question. Yet. Can she even choose? In the time she's spent with the Wolf Bites, she has felt no warm inclinations to anyone else taking her brother's seat. Except herself.

Sue her for being petty, but she can't trust any of these jackasses! Vi's one of the only good people in it, and even that can be a stretch, considering her job was to hunt people! Vi also does not want to be a leader. She clearly enjoys following with an eagerly wagging tail.

Anyway... What can she do really? With her putting this world entirely behind her? It will burn her inside to never know what becomes of her brother's gang, yet, she doubts the pack will ever be the same after this.

Is it a cowardly to hope that it just sorts itself out? Yes!

Can't she just indulge in... not thinking about it right now? Please?

>Fight the angel completely naked.

Eiko blushes. As much as her clothes feel like dirty rags at this point, she's not quite feeling that wild yet. Call it a mild resistance with her particular crowd.

She does move to rip the sleeves off her armpits. As much as she loathes what has become of this old staple piece; it was starting to get itchy, and restricted her arms a bit too much.

>Maybe don't pick a fight for no reason when we don't know we can win.
>These angels... theyre just a bigger gang really.

Eiko, while still inclined to pick a fight, begrudgingly agrees that it wouldn't be a smart move to turn to hostilities right away. She knows next to nothing about what they can do and the kind of magic they have up their sleeve.

It's still frustrating. The way these angels flaunt themselves like they have all the power in the world.

(2/5) OMNI 2026/02/10(Tue)19:00 No. 1120977 ID: ca56f7
File 177077883024.png - (98.81KB , 1000x700 , dh365.png )

>Run
>sounds like there's a whole order behind this one and if we kill this one somehow it will attract more to investigate.

She can't run now. Vex alluded that killing the angel will be the price for her freedom (and a potential forever life of crime). She's just hoping that by the time more come, she'll be long gone and hard to find.

>I'd say not to run because of how much shame you'd bring upon your image
>You can't back down. not in front of everyone. Not with Vi hurt.

Maybe she's being stupid by being prideful, but yes, running feels too cowardly to do now.

>Show them your motivations are your kin and your pack.
>Foolish Gambit

Eiko thinks of all the little things she has to set aside. What is the kinship of this pack that was never truly hers? Is it enough, if it's just Vi?

Eiko swallows the last of the blood on her tongue and wipes her face as best as she can, posturing up, then declaring, "My name is Eiko Takahashi. Sister of Akito Takahashi. My business is with the people here. If you're going to mess with us, then we're going to have a problem. And I will survive it."

The wolves around her murmur to each other. No one knew her last name. They only knew his.

The angel raises their spear. Eiko clenches her fists and prepares to fight, assessing the damage. Her pain receptors are completely numb at this point, so that's a plus. She's also down one eye, but she could grab someone within reach and get it back.

(3/5) OMNI 2026/02/10(Tue)19:06 No. 1120978 ID: ca56f7
File 177077917517.png - (68.69KB , 1000x700 , dh366.png )

The angel twirls the spear then plunges it down into Julien's chest, the head of it disappearing into the cavity. Like a snake, the handle of the spear distends, as if swallowing something round.

"Survive? Mess with? No, no, I have no quarrels with you as of now."

The angel, in a swift pull that has them all flinch, unsheathes the spear from the gorified chest. It looks rigid once more as they hold it up to the light. Assessing their new cargo.

The spear-point bleeds out until shiny once more, red spilling onto the ground as if repelled. Eiko's spine shivers.

"It would be unseemly of someone of my position to interfere with the agendas of the higher sphere. It is only if you serve a demonic entity that I may take issue with you."

"Oh... Then no. I serve no one." Eiko lies. Or, well. Are YOU... demonic? Can multis be held accountable for crimes of sin in the first place?

"I see." The angel says.

"Killing Julien was my business." Eiko explains. "You don't have an issue with that? Didn't you choose him to be.. the leader of this pack?"

The angel shakes their head, still holding the spear. "His ascension to leader was not our doing. That was the demon's. Our goal was his redemption."

Eiko's mouth goes dry. "What?"

"It's quite simple. The wolf was corrupted by demonic influence. His sins fostered to his now annihilation. It is our goal to save those corrupted and help cleanse them of this sin. However... To be cleansed is to be redeemed. To be tested and to persevere."

"The wolf is one of many. If the wolf had survived his trials, his mind and soul would have been cleansed of that corruption. His role, then, as leader would be fair and just, now anointed as a first priest of Zir." They gesture vaguely to the air. "It's power, his power. He would have saved this very hell, reigniting the hope within it. And he would be the first of many to spread that hope to the rest of this world."

"He would've saved everyone? He fucked this whole place up. Weren't you enabling him to keep doing as he pleases? Aren't you the reason he did all of that?"

"You misunderstand. Your world, while one of many on our agenda, gained prominence after signs of demonic corruption became clear. We did not enact our plans until a few months prior. Everything the wolf did, as said in your words, to fuck this whole place up, is because of that demon. All by stoking that simple desire for absolute power." They point towards the top of the building. "That demon is well known for this. He has sewn chaos into every world he enters by manipulating those within his sphere into committing acts against their predestinations. His crimes are innumerable in scope. His victims are still being tallied."

Eiko thinks back to Vex's words. If it wasn't me and my goods, Julien would've found another way, believe me, but I won't pretend that I didn't co-sign that check in a way. How much of that was them downplaying their role? How much of this is the angel just painting them in a bad light? She knows Vex is terrible. He acknowledged this outright. She was angry at them for how carelessly they tossed people aside; for getting her to this point, for getting her hometown to this point. No matter how much they're trying to fix things now, does that change what they've done to everyone? That there have been more than one?

No... Even if Vex is the worst person alive, Eiko has to live with that. She has already tied herself to that ship, whether she likes it or not. (Though-- a part of Eiko-- a childish part-- that she knows, knows, knows, is childish and naive-- still feels that sting of betrayal.)

(4/5) OMNI 2026/02/10(Tue)19:09 No. 1120979 ID: ca56f7
File 177077934818.png - (65.43KB , 1000x700 , dh367.png )

"It is our mission to save this world, though we cannot interfere directly in its natural and untainted subjects, lest we imbalance the already delicate structure... Therefore, those that seek their own salvation are saved."

Eiko tries to make sense of the angel's tangential vocabulary. It sounds... contradictory.

".... I'm from here."

"I do not doubt your claim. Yet... You stand clearly different. Tell me, if not a higher being, was it the demon that toyed with you? Did they make promises? Give you power? Or, heavens forbid, a pact?"

"......"

Their back straightens. Their gaze pierces into Eiko's skin, as if probing her innards for things she cannot see.

"It's alright. That is what demons do. They allure you with tales of greatness. Of imageries of the dimensions beyond. They foster your sins of ambition. Yet, they are careless of your plights. In fact, they relish in the pain of your struggles; past, current, and future. They find that emptiness within you that they can lay bare and promise to fill it."

"........."

Vex didn't want her to choose that. Eiko chose to ride along. And it was her choice to get here. He wasn't just manipulating her....

"I was like you once. My homeworld plagued by constant wars due to demonic influence." The angel curtails, their stance no longer threatening as they rest the butt of their spear on the ground, grip loose. "It was not until the angels came and I tasted food not taken with rot that I believed a better world was possible. Therefore, you have my greatest sympathies."

(5/5) OMNI 2026/02/10(Tue)19:10 No. 1120981 ID: ca56f7
File 177077944274.png - (76.11KB , 1000x700 , dh368.png )

The Angel of Redemption reveals their face, the metallic shell around their head opening into fourths. Eiko sees a stranger, rather than an alien.

They lay their palm out. Their gaze soft.

"Trust me, when I say that your world is worth its hardship. To leave it is to subject yourself to horrors beyond comprehension. Your mind will break apart. What was once you will then become a monstrous being to be slain. Your world will be emptier for it."

Why do they want me to stay? Eiko thinks. Where the fuck is Vex?


=== FOOLISH GAMBIT ===
Goal: Survive encounter with the Angel.
Challenge: Being dealt a fatal wound or rendered unconscious will count as a failure.

[EIKO STAMINA: 10/18]

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

An element of Interest can also be added.

ability: False Acquiescence
A mild psychic effect that puts a second's delay on information traveling from the eyes to the brain. During that delay, those watching Eiko will see what they expect rather than what is.

>>1120981
>you're not demonic, right?
Well, Vex said that the Angels simply label all criminals as Demons, but we don't have much evidence to back that up. However, I know that we are NOT a demon, since the angels detected demonic influence only a few months ago (when Vex arrived) and those like us have been influencing this world for a long, long time. Presumably not just from this one ring you've got.
The main difference is that while we relish in the struggle along the path to victory, we do not desire pain. We are satisfied when the story leads to a good ending, and we are excited when we must overcome obstacles, but we also despair when those we guide suffer losses.
Vex just seems like he's lost his moral compass, not that he relishes in the pain he causes. ...hmm, then again, if demons are strong enough to form Pacts, it's possible that he's hidden his true self from us. It would also explain why we were drawn to him in the first place without an associated item- if he's got that kind of power he might have outright hijacked us to use us for his own ends. That dream he had could've been a lie as well. But at the same time, Haze didn't try to contradict Vex's accusations about the G-0-D cult, and she called all of you "disgusting creatures".

>if you leave you'll go mad
They just said they're from another world. Ask how they left without becoming a demon.

Tell the Angel that contradicts their story. So there must be a way to leave without going mad and becoming whatever they're tasked to kill. Unless... they are admitting they are a monstrous being as well? Didn't they just promise Julien power and glory in exchange for being "tested", to "endure"? How is that anything but a painful struggle?

...but that's beside the point. You don't serve Vex, and we aren't a demon. We are definitely of a higher sphere. If it is possible for us to prevent you from going mad, then we will. If it's not, then you'll just have to stick around.
If pressed, you may have to reveal us to prove you aren't pacted to a demon. We are MUCH older than three months! To save face around your pack, you can say it is an object of power, but it does not control you. Which is, uh, partly true. We have a strong influence but you just resisted us telling you to run away, so clearly we don't truly control you.

>temporary aid
Lie detection. We can limit it to requiring looking at someone's face (or eyes?), to make it stronger or allow it at all considering it has to be weaker than life transfer. Convenient that the Angel opened their helmet, isn't it?

Here's some pressing questions to ask after the power kicks in:
1, ask them if they've lied. Phrase it like you're having trouble believing it, rather than revealing that you can detect lies. Something like "Everything you've said... it's all true?"
2, ask what would've happened if the demon hadn't interfered. Would your brother still be alive, leading the pack? They said something about predestination, so Angels must know what was "supposed to" happen. (I'm wondering if that takes us into account) If Julien couldn't have won without Vex's help then... that's a good reason to break ties with him, isn't it. Oh, if there's no straight answer, be sure to ask directly if Angels can tell what predestined events are meant to happen.
3, why do they want you to stay?
Maybe they wanted to make Julien into someone like your brother, to get things back on track. Maybe that was what your brother was meant to do before Vex showed up? The story fits. I think the Angels know how things were meant to go, but refuse to interfere with anyone who hasn't had direct contact with a demon so they couldn't choose you for the leadership role. They were stuck with Julien until you killed him.
4, what horrors beyond comprehension? Like, cmon, at least try to describe it.

Ultimately keep the lie detection to yourself. My suggested plan for survival is to convince the Angel you are at least mostly free of demonic influence. As evidence, state that if you were allied with the demon surely the Angels would've stopped you killing Julien? Like, that would've been more demonic corruption of the events of the world right?
Oh, and I think... if what the Angel is saying is true, they're on Our side. They don't interfere with Us, but they stop travelers from other worlds from throwing events out of whack. The "demons" are, ultimately, interfering with Our world, regardless of whether they are evil or not. That doesn't mean they're on your side, of course...
Obviously if the Angel lies for question 1 then that throws all my assumptions out of whack, but there still isn't much point in denying you're being influenced by a higher being. I suspect that Angels fear us.
...oh, I just realized. The Angel might truly believe what they're saying, even if it's wrong. The way Vex said it, the Angels are run like a cult, and this person is a recruit from a "rescued" world, so they could have easily lied to them about everything. ...I wish there was some way we could help them realize that, if that's the case, but rescuing someone from a cult tends to be very difficult and this one is powerful on a scale beyond us.

...speaking of which, maybe that's something you can change. Help Us unite the world against the Angel cult, and deal with "demons" on Our own terms. Surely that's a purpose interesting enough to stick around for? Better than following Vex as he randomly hops across the universe as a fugitive. That said, I think we could actually kill this Angel if they've been lying. All you'd have to do is reassure your pack that if any of them take a mortal blow you can save them, like you saved Vi. Then they just dogpile the Angel to immobilize them and you can either use the spear or your life draining to kill them.

>>1120973
No think about it think about it right now! It's crucial to your survival!

If the pack is at a crossroads between glory and disbandment, then there's only one honorable solution: risk-n-reward gameplay!

Send the pack at the angel. Lead the charge, but flee if you get too wounded to win.

The power of an angel is enough to conquer an entire city. Everything that Julien and his stooges wanted was right in front of them, they just happened to be too stupid and obedient to take it. Now that you've sliced them open you can lead the berserkers into a frenzy, right out here in the open with minimal collateral damage. They can have the angel's wealth. But you just want those greasy wings.

>>1120977
Heal that eye NOW, before the bleeding seeps into your brain and causes a seizure.

>>1120978
Yap, yap, yap. At the end of the day, the Angels have more power, control, and influence than the Demons. And then they let this happen. *pheh* Some guardians.

It's not about redemption. That's just a bonus. It's about waking up one day and deciding whether or not you're going to take all the power you have and do what you meaning to do with it. Julien failed because he made excuses to skirt his own ambitions. His principles weren't worth the shredded confetti they were printed on. Now you've got to decide, here and now, if you're the wolf or the pup. How much power do you have? And is power going to tame you, or are you going to tame it?

...We are held accountable for some of our actions. Just... not all of them.

>>1120979
I won't claim we're the real good guys. We don't know our own side fully, so there might be some @#$%ery if you align with us to a zealous degree. We're mercs, plain and simple.

But damnit, screw this guy. He makes you feel uncomfortable, right? That's the lack of consistency talking.
Power mixed with salvation, impotence mixed with omnipotence, he keeps praising what Julien could have been while he devours Julien's soul right in front of you. His outward perspective is filled with contradictions. You can't trust a side that drives you mad.

>>1120981
"Okay, that's a great argument, but-" pretend to flash the angel "-I wanna breed with a Neumono and you're not gonna stop me. Bye."
Turn around, walk away. If he attacks, switch gears and attack with the full force of a raging balverine, order the pack to try bringing this mountain of light down. But if none of you can win, scatter to the wind.

Oh right, temporary ability

Napoleon's Fury: While you lead a pack, their speed increases by 15% (15% chance to perform two actions in the same turn)

>>1120981
Theres sonething off here.
Cant quite put my finger on it, but there is.

Very real chance this guy actually believes all this. No better person to spread an idea than a convert. They know the point that flips a person to believer having experienced it.
As such, he may well believe hes telling the truth here and if youre good at reading folk youll pick up sincerity from him, but dont take his conviction as proof...
What hes spitting up here may be swallowed lies

>>1120987

To clarify the timeline, Vex appeared/Julien became the WB leader/Akito died roughly 2 years ago. The Angels enacted their plans months ago, but already detected this... abnormal activity and planned counter measures much earlier.

>>1121016
Oh I see. Well, the ring is still older than two years, surely. Vex didn't recognize it so he couldn't have been the one that brought it into the world, and "God Caller" doesn't sound like a name that would be thought up through only a few people using it.

Don't be interested, imagine him being naked. Oh no he is hot!

Yeah, lie detection won't be the best boon here. They might legitimately be sure in their beliefs. No zealot like a convert and all that.

I vote for our ability to be only be perceived a tenth of a second after Eiko actually does something or says something. Like we have a permanent after-image in our favor.

>>1121054
Fair enough. I still think it's a good idea to ask more questions though. At the very least it delays the Angel a bit, which might mean we get Vex's help.

We could also use the conversation to get a little closer, since they've seemingly dropped their guard.

(1/7) OMNI 2026/02/19(Thu)22:46 No. 1121316 ID: ca56f7
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Foolish Gambit's power has been boosted by an audience of more than four. False Acceleration has been temporarily granted. False Acceleration allows Eiko to be visually perceived with a one-second delay after acting. Those in view may be slow to act or confused long enough for Eiko to get another action in. False Acceleration's effects can extend to up to 2 targets.

Eiko exhales and tries to take stock of the new ability on top of the others; taking life, giving life, perceiving wisps of life, big-talk gambling. And now, making people think she's moving fast? A bead of sweat goes down her brow as she tries to keep her cool. Going from a life of no-magic to suddenly having all-the-powers-ever is kind of terrifying. Then again, she likes being terrifying.

>Vex just seems like he's lost his moral compass, not that he relishes in the pain he causes.... it's possible that he's hidden his true self from us.

Eiko can't say she knows enough to decide if Vex's all performance and no substance. With what she perceived in that overwhelming flashback, Vex is... maybe weaker than she thought. Or, perhaps, the Archangel is stronger than she looks. Vex spoke of slaying multiple angels before her, so he had to be a big enough threat in their cult's eyes.

Maybe it's her perception that's warped. To face someone head on that refused to die and would do anything to live...

>The main difference is that while we relish in the struggle along the path to victory, we do not desire pain.
>You don't serve Vex, and we aren't a demon. We are definitely of a higher sphere

That's reassuring. The last thing Eiko needs is to find out that she's signed up for a life of eternal torment. Hopefully.

>No think about it think about it right now! It's crucial to your survival!

Eiko again struggles with the possibilities. Thinking back to her final decision with Vi, how can she back out of it now? Can she deny her choice to be selfish? This gang was her brother's dream. Despite how she feels about being the most fitting to lead, could she really do it?

Her time with them did not bring out compassion. Only a burgeoning realization that she doesn't entirely hate them. That, in a way, she started to understand why her brother did what he did. Their carefree demeanors. Their easy acceptance of her cold exterior. Their attempts at buying her beer to try and get her to warm up to the moment...

Or, a part of her fears, would she turn into something like Julien? Power hungry. Paranoid. Sadistic. (She's already felt those inclinations).

>It's about waking up one day and deciding whether or not you're going to take all the power you have and do what you meaning to do with it.
>Help Us unite the world against the Angel cult, and deal with "demons" on Our own terms.

There's the alternative. A grandiose plan to fight against a cult that spans worlds. It's... a lot. If she has to, to survive, then she will. But as of now, sticking to Vex (who already has been surviving) and learning how to navigate this Unknowable Everything might be the best course for now. He did say she didn't have to stick with him forever.

And... She can't do this alone. As comforting as having the voice and power of a higher being is, she's one loss of the God Caller away from being toast.

(2/7) OMNI 2026/02/19(Thu)22:46 No. 1121317 ID: ca56f7
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>imagine him being naked. Oh no he is hot!

Gauuaahhhahh???

No, no, nope.

Nope.

Nuh uh....

.....

Eugh... No.

Eiko would rather take a long walk off a short pier.

(3/7) OMNI 2026/02/19(Thu)22:47 No. 1121318 ID: ca56f7
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>Very real chance this guy actually believes all this. No better person to spread an idea than a convert.
>What hes spitting up here may be swallowed lies
>He makes you feel uncomfortable, right? That's the lack of consistency talking.
>You can't trust a side that drives you mad.

Eiko considers just how brainwashed this angel could be. She needs to buy time for Vex and she's curious to learn from a different source on what's out there.

"Is that true? What do those horrors even look like? Why aren't you a monster?"

The angel pauses and seems to look off somewhere. "The mind is a fragile thing. As you are now, your state is unnatural. Have you used the full extent of your magical abilities? Can you imagine creatures you have never seen before, acting in ways you could never understand? Frameworks of what you understand to be no longer applying?"

They handwave. "To encounter worlds that are not yours, without blessings, is to exist in perpetual unnaturality. It will become a race, depending on how fast your mind will degrade, versus that reality rejecting you."

"What if I have been blessed." Eiko raises the hand with the ring. "And that's where my power is from."

"Then you would be the same as I. Zir's blessing has allowed me to transcend my previous station. I can only hope yours had the same good intentions."

Well... Fate, conceptually, didn't inspire warm fuzzy feelings when she first heard it.

"They do." Eiko glances at the ring. "Is there a problem with that? How do you even know that I'd want to leave?"

"... Your verse was not spoken of." They pause, as if they'd been caught. "There are two main verses from beyond. What is predestined and what has occurred. The creator determines what is and what could be. Great Zir, and others, determine what has truly occurred. It is the will of the beyond to dictate those below."

(4/7) OMNI 2026/02/19(Thu)22:49 No. 1121319 ID: ca56f7
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"Unwelcome, unpredictable changes, the changes made by demons, are the blasphemous verse. They act against their predestinations. Going against the will of the beyond. Their mere presence within a world that is not theirs can corrupt it with sins. Therefore, they are better off eliminated."

"... Is that right?"

"It is just. It is one thing to be ignorant. It is another to place yourself as equal. The way you spoke to your crowd, it is clear you have an opinion that borders blasphemous, even as one blessed from above. I would merely wish to save you from that corruption. Before you get any... ideas."

(5/7) OMNI 2026/02/19(Thu)22:51 No. 1121320 ID: ca56f7
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"You don't know me. And you're making a lot of assumptions." Eiko tries to exert her new power, foot stepping back so she can watch the track of their pupils. "Why try to help me?"

Their gaze follows the delayed afterimage. "It is through Zir's will that I act, that I serve, that I live. It is through It's guidance that we are able to save."

Oh...

"And it is through spreading and living It's will, It's verse, that all soon may live in harmony and earn the right to Paradise." The angel gets more and more wound up as they preach.

"To be rid of all that causes suffering! All that causes pain!" They moan out.

"That is the promise of Paradise. Our great reward from Zir! And all we must do is listen. Obey. Repent. Prevail. Redeem. These are the holy tenants of G0D." They huff, the fit of passion finally unwinding them down to their core as they sprawl their arm out, wings aspread. "Is it not beautiful? Inspiring? Appealing?"

Eiko feels her skin crawl.

(6/7) OMNI 2026/02/19(Thu)22:53 No. 1121321 ID: ca56f7
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"I'm not interested." Eiko says disgusted. "You said something about predestinations. What was supposed to happen, if the demon didn't happen?"

The angel goes silent. Still. Hand moving back close to their chest. Their eyes narrow.

"Takahashi. Takahashi. Akito Takahashi" They recite. "Yes. Yes.. He was the ideal candidate for priesthood, if his verse had rung true. His influence was calculated with a very high success rate for conversion. He would have brought peace to this area, then the country, perhaps the world. What was once filthy made clean."

They sigh in disappointment. "Another tragedy to blame the demon for... Hm.. Eiko.. Yes.. Your mention did escape me until now. Unworthy of-- Ehem. The catalyst in his verse."

"Catalyst?"

They lift a finger one by one as they seem to recite. "The wolf was not meant to betray the candidate for many years. A foolish, jealous, villain that would hardly garner enough support for his campaign, until he sought the ones outside his peers. Then, the tension would build, desperation made fruit. As the one whom the candidate thought to be his friend and close confidant had tried to strike him down, instead, his only family would close their eyes one final time in his embrace... Yes, a perfect catalyst for his arc and evolution. Righteous justice would ensnare him. The villain would have gotten away. A war would ensue. Then... We would of course come at his time of need, his call for help answered. It would have been perfect."

Eiko... does not really understand what they're saying. An ache seems to seize her mind as she tries to process it. An implication creeps along the fur still stuck in her teeth.

(7/7) OMNI 2026/02/19(Thu)22:55 No. 1121322 ID: ca56f7
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BOOM-BOOM- BOOM- BOOM!

A multi-explosion above rocks Eiko out of her thoughts, ears popping. Windows shatter as everyone looks up and sees another round of glass and debris raining down. No one comes into view, but it knocks the gang out of their trance. Wolves bolt as survival instincts take over. The pack thins.

When Eiko looks back, she sees Vi still supported behind her, expression grim, yet determined. Eiko looks down at her hands, then the spear, then remembers the gun in her pocket.

The angel stands unperturbed.

"Any other questions?"

Options:
>Continue Interrogation
>Assess Surroundings
>PERSUADE or INTIMIDATE remaining pack to Charge
>Shoot Angel
>_____

>>1121321
The angel is saying you were meant to die, and that would've motivated your brother to wage war against Julien. The angels would help at the right moment, and then steer him further towards conquering the world in their name.
Which of course, contradicts the policy of non-intervention without demonic interference. It seems the angel has let slip the cult's true intentions.

Can you draw the pistol and shoot accurately within 1 second? If you can get a headshot like that, the battle's over before it starts.

Let's stack the deck. Guide the conversation back towards G0D or Zir. Are they the same person? What happens to a world once the angels have control? What happened to their world, specifically?
See if you can get them lost in devotion again. That's a perfect time to attack.

Yah, they're saying you were meant to die, which they would allow to happen, so that your brother would be desperate enough to let them gut him and wield his face as their puppet prophet.

Ask this shell what differs them from their peers. Is there anything of who they were left, or are they just the mindless repetition of a verse.

Waste their time, and if they take their eyes off you for even a moment shoot them in the head.

>>1121323
Accurate assessment.
They will dismiss this as non active interferance.
Whispering ideas into pliable minds but not manifesting.

Kinda funny that the angels modus operendi sounds more like an archetypical demon at work with all the manipulations.

It seems demons are a grit in the gears of their so called prophecies.
An unseeable factor as its not part of the song of this world.
Songs which they seem to be able to see from the outside and tweak without entering the world.
Theyd be able to see the effect of vexs presence in the discordance and misplayed notes, but not specifically his position. The way theyre observing only shows what is of this world.

Im ruminating over this in part to see if i understand it right and, if that is so, then the angels may be unaware of vexs exact position. Which makes him, even in abscence, a good distraction.

I agree an attack has to happen. This arsehole has told eiko he is part of the gang that authored all their pain and that she should be grateful for it.

Getting him evangelising again is good, but to improve her chances... while they're mid sermon, looking behind them and saying "vex" or just indicating a unknown presence will likely elicit them turning to defend against a dangerous foe.
they know a demon is here, but cannot be sure where as their verse reading only seems to give them sight of local elements.

>>1121320
War eats souls.
And that's what these @#$%ers wanted.

They were going to turn your brother into a Templar. When that failed, they tried with the guy who murdered him.
They don't care who their converts are, only that they eventually become pawns of G0D.
They'd mold Julien into the exact same person, down to personality ticks, as they were planning to mold Akito into, on principle.

What is the worth of suffering?
I don't know.
But the concept of suffering is, at least, the minimum price of a functioning identity.

@#$% this prissy gentrification. Let's rip the past out of her and make her see what she's become.

>>1121321
"...Did you just tell me that leaving me to die at Julien's feet would have been a sacred act, and you're still trying to convert me? WOLVES! Rend."

Ah, one issue with shooting the angel is that you'll probably only get a couple shots off. They can make a forcefield that stops bullets.