Fantasy World Creations

Nene nodded as the collar was undone, she eventually moved her hands to her neck to remove it completely.

When you instructed your soldiers to take the unconscious valkyrie, some of them began to move her towards one of the rooms.

"Should we setup a guard?" One of the soldiers asked.

Minette soon took over once you gestured towards her, with the bespectacled demihuman nodding slowly and proceeding to speak in Isikawan. It seemed like Minette was ready to give a tour of the estate, and eventually find a room for Nene to use. While the two of them began to chat, you made your way to the garden.

---

Location: Garden
Date: Day 10 - 8 AM

Making your way towards the hedgemaze at the estate, you finally managed to make your way towards the middle. At the center of it was a small open-aired building that contained some chairs and a table. Trudy had noticed you, and she waved at you as well. She was wearing a different set of clothes than her normal uniform as well, having switched out of it during the sale and transfer of Nene and the Valkyrie to Aldric.


"Hanako!" Trudy called out cheerily. "You found me..." She waited until you got closer.

"So... what do you think? Minette helped... The glasses was her idea, but I don't really need them... I kinda feel silly..." She said as she fidgeted with them.

"Yeah, go ahead and post some folks outside the room." she replied to the soldier.

---

When she reached the center of the maze and saw Trudy standing there a smile spread across Hanako's face. "You look great, the whole look really suits you!"

Per Minette's advice, Hanako decided to take the lead by coming closer and taking the girl's hand in her own. "I know we can't really go anywhere outside the grounds, but let's take a little walk around the garden and enjoy the morning." She squeezed Trudy's hand and pulled her close.

"Do you have a favorite flower?"

Trudy blushed a bit when you took her hand. She smiled warmly though.

"My favorite flower? There's a blue-colored primrose back in my home town. They would cover the meadows around home, filling the fields with spots of blues. I remember when I was much younger, I would go out to play in them... Pick the flowers, and make these crowns?" Trudy smiled wistfully at the memory, but she then her eyes focused on you.

"How about you?" Trudy asked, as you felt her squeeze your hand back in response. "And... Is this your first time in the hedge-maze?"

The thought of a younger more carefree Trudy out picking flowers filled Hanako's heart with a feeling of warmth and a strong desire to protect the girl. I promise one day you'll get to see those fields again she thought.

"Me? Oh I guess I've always liked lilies in one form or another." Hanako said, and laughed mentally at the wordplay she would never be able to convey with the auto translate function.

"Yeah, I haven't had the time to come see the garden at all really. I'm glad that my first time getting a look at the place will be with you."

Trudy continued to smile at you, while her eyes were soft and gentle.

"I'm glad I got to be the one to show you then." Trudy said as she picked herself up, then roamed her eyes around.

"Klein never went into these gardens, but he always had us soldiers make sure it was kept in good condition and well-maintained. No one really knows why though. It is a beautiful place... There's something here I want to show you."

She glanced towards you again, with her hand out for you to grab. There was a faint flush in her cheeks, and for a moment she glanced away, but soon enough resolved herself to look into your eyes.

"Lead the way!" Hanako said with a smile, and took Trudy's hand.

She didn't have a plan for the day, it seemed like when you tried to organize something like this to go a certain way it would inevitably end up going off in an entirely different direction so Hanako was going to go with the flow. Sooner or later the opportunity would present itself, and she would find the right moment to make her move. Thinking about it brought her heart rate up to an almost uncomfortable speed.

Trudy smiled happily, and holding your hand, did she lead the two of you into the hedge maze. She went at a relaxed paced, keeping herself beside you, enjoying that time slowly and deliberately. The hedge maze itself was well-maintained. A variety of flowers and blooming plants adorned the maze. A lot of work was put into both the placement of the plants and the maintenance of it.

Soon enough, the two of you made it to the destination. It was a wooden swing, held aloft by an arch.

"Here we are... The soldiers rotate on who keeps the estate's gardens in order, but whenever I have the chance to take care of the maze, I sit here for awhile." She made her way to the swing, sat on it, then scooted to the side, with just enough space for one other person to sit with her.

Hanako readily accepted the invitation and took a seat next to Trudy on the swing. Regardless of whether it was deliberate or a coincidence of the swing's size she found herself positioned so close to the girl that the most comfortable way to sit was with an arm around Trudy's back, hand gripping the rope.

"This is a really nice spot" she said, looking around at the arch and the morning sun filtering through the plants to dapple the pathway. "I can see why you like to come here."

Trudy blushed slightly when you placed your arm around her back. She didn't recoil from the touch however, instead, she timidly reached out for your hand.

She seemed to be completely lost in the moment as her features steadily grew more and more flushed, and it took her longer than usual for your words to register.

"O-oh... Yes! It's... a really nice spot... No one usually comes here since it's more out of the way... The canopied chairs and table at the center has more visitors. But here?" You felt her squeeze your hand just slightly.

"Here, it's just us."

Hanako started to lean in, just a bit, slowly bringing her face closer to Trudy's. "Yeah, I suppose it is, isn't it...?" She said with a small placid smile.

She got closer, no more than a few inches away. She could practically feel the heat radiating off Trudy's blushing face. "Thank you for showing me..." she whispered.

It was an unusually smooth power move on Hanako's part. Perhaps there was some merit in the idea that reading a small library's worth of romance manga (all ages and otherwise) would impart you with knowledge on how to flirt. Or maybe she was just possessed by the moment. Either way, she hung there almost touching for what probably felt like an eternity to Trudy. She was waiting to see how the girl would react, it was within expectation that she'd probably get flustered and turn away. However, if she didn't... Hanako would seize the day.

Trudy definitely did get flustered and blushed more. However, she didn't turn away, she instead continued to stare into your eyes, seemingly enraptured by them.

You felt her squeeze your hand more, and you noticed that her breathing became more prominent.

"Hanako... is it...is it okay to...?" Trudy began hesitantly, her eyes never leaving you.

She let her action's answer, closing the short distance and softly pressed her lips to Trudy's.

For a moment Hanako was worried she might have been too forward, but the pleasurable rush of the kiss pushed the thought aside. A certain kind of electric feeling tingled its way up her spine and the hot flush of passion crept into her cheeks. The moment made her feel lighter than air.

After an eternity she pulled away and looked into Trudy's eyes.

"Yes."

[info]Heroic action pointed earned[/info]When you had kissed Trudy, she was surprised at first, without even looking, you knew she was probably blushing hard. But she didn't pull back, and instead continued to tightly hold on to your hand, continuing the kiss. You felt Trudy loosen up, and she had even closed her own eyes.

When you finally pulled back, Trudy's face was flushed red, but her eyes were gentle as she stared back at you. Notifications appeared in your vision, but for whatever reason, the notifications were farther away from the center of your vision, ensuring that you could still keep your eyes on Trudy.

[okay]You have gained a new title『Dearest』
You have gained +1 CHA[/okay]"T-That was... my first time." Trudy said admittedly. You felt her move one of her arms around you too while she continued to hold your hand. Her features were still red as she stared into your eyes.

She blushed more as she finally glanced away.

"It was better than I thought it ever would be." She said, forcing herself to look into your eyes again. This time her eyes were filled with a sort of adoration and more warmth than before.

Hanako was acutely aware of her own intense blush and the feeling of her heart beating quickly in her chest.

"It was uhh... mine too." she said sheepishly, but pulled Trudy in closer. "Where uhh... do we go from here?"

She could think of plenty of different things actually, but decided that this wasn't about her and left the moment up to Trudy. Whatever the girl wanted to do, she would go along with gladly.

Trudy let herself be pulled in closer.

"Where we can go..." Trudy asked herself the question, though she began to blush furiously instead. "W-well... I wouldn't mind if it was you..." She said quietly.

That escalated quickly.

Hanako's face went a particular shade of vermilion as she realized what had been implied. What she had meant to say, was she was wondering what kind of relationship they were going to have, but that was clearly not what Trudy had taken away from the question.

"Ahhh... Uhhh... Well..." she began to stammer "It's, erh... Up to you... We uhh... don't have t-t-to go any further than you really want to..."

It took her a moment to realize what you were saying.

"G-going further?! N-no, I j-just meant as something m-more." Trudy's blush continued to brighten. "Not that I don't want to-" She blushed furiously. "I m-mean...!"

She seemed to have lost her sense of calmness that she had throughout the date, as she started to fumble with words. Eventually, she reached out to hug you tight. A moment later she giggled.

"Hanako... I-I'm just happy to be here, right now with you... I know we're still dealing with our escape and plans to get out of here, so maybe I'm out of line... But..."

"I want to always be around you... I feel a bit guilty having these kinds of feelings when a lot of other people in our country are suffering... But right now I'm happy to be here, with your arm around me... And u-umm..." She paused for a long moment. "I would be okay with things like what we did... The kiss, a-and..." She paused for another few moments trying to find the right words.

"And anything else that can be normal for you with this..." Her eyes glanced towards you sheepishly, though she had still been blushing.

Hanako smiled and placed a placed a hand on Trudy's leg, squeezing gently. There was something about her words she found both refreshing and relaxing.

Such an earnest girl.

"I think... the best way is to just take things a day at a time. We'll go forward together at our own pace, and see where we end up. I know that with everything going on it seems like we should be more focused on the hardships ahead, but if we can't take time to take care of ourselves then we'll lose sight of why it's so important to be fighting in the first place."

She looked off in the middle distance for a second, trying to remember that foreign phrase she heard every so often in western media.

"You've got to take some time to stop and smell the roses." She kissed Trudy gently on the forehead. "I'll be here with you always, no matter what."

Trudy smiled gently.

"To stop and smell the roses?" Trudy asked curiously and confused as well, her tone of voice prompting you for an explanation..

"But having you here with me makes me glad. I'll be here too, and others too. Minette and everyone else." She smiled. "And yes... I agree. This war we've been having with the demons of this land sometimes makes moments like these a distant memory... But thinking about it, the last few days since you saved us all, have been amazing." There was both a tinge of admiration and happiness in her voice.

"It just means you have to take time to enjoy the nice things that come your way in life."

QuoteBut thinking about it, the last few days since you saved us all, have been amazing.

Hanako smiled. Trudy was right, since she had come to this world things had indeed been amazing. When she wasn't busy dealing with life threatening situations or flirting with her companions, her situation still managed to boggle the mind.

"I hope things can only get better from here on out... There's still so much to do. I'm glad we could have this time together today."

She nodded once you explained what it meant.

"That's a nice way of explaining it..." She thought for it a moment. "We don't have expressions like those... It's never been really encouraged to 'smell the roses', and when we became soldiers, the thinking that we are to be as precise and efficient as possible, without spending time on ourselves has been more the norm."

"But... I'm glad we have this time together, too. I know you'll be busy getting to know our two new guests, but can we sit here for a few more minutes?" Trudy suggested.

QuoteFeel free to close the scene, have some minor control over Trudy to close it well! We can move on to the next thing you want to do.

"Of course." Hanako replied, taking one of Trudy's hands in her own and giving it a squeeze. She leaned over just a bit and rested her weight on the girl beside her, who did so in kind. The two of them sat quietly, supporting each other physically and figuratively as an island of quiet peace in a busy and dangerous world. There was no knowing what the future would hold, but Hanako was sure she would be able to face it with Trudy by her side.

Some time later, they knew they would need to attend to the rest of the day's work and so the pair wandered their way out of the garden maze. Before they left its verdant serinity, Hanako turned to her companion again, gently lifted her chin with an outstretched finger, and kissed her once more.

"Let's both do our best ok?"

[info]When appropriate Hanako will go meet with Nene to see how shes settling in.[/info]

"Yes..." Trudy smiled happily, one of the most sincerest smiles she could muster. "As long as you're with me."

---

Location: Klein's Estate
Date: Day 10 - 10 AM

When you were at the front doors of the estate with Trudy, you heard a commotion coming from inside. It sounded like swords clashing, along with Nene's voice yelling.

"You call yourselves soldiers! That's not how you strike!" She boomed as she released a flurry of sword strikes and parries against her opponents.

Shortly after that, Minette sounded like she was repeating what Nene was saying.

"You call yourselves soldiers. That's not how you strike."

The scene before you was a couple of your soldiers with wooden swords, surrounding and attacking Nene. Nene herself had a wooden blade as well, and she seemed to be holding her own well against your troops.

"You're too predictable!" She yelled as she easily disarmed one of the soldiers, while getting out of the way of one of the strikes on her.

"You're too predictable." Minette repeated. Noticing you, she waved a hand. "Hanako... Trudy..." Minette said, her eyes telling you that she seemed exasperated.

Nene herself didn't turn around but continued to keep her eye on the soldiers.

"Okita-san, these are your men? Too rigid!"

Hanako hung around the outside of the circle of combatants, watching the Isikawan woman's deft swordplay as she shamed the small group of professional soldiers. She had to try and hide her smile whenever Minette repeated Nene's furious chastisements in her dreamy deadpan voice. It really was quite a scene.

Quote"Hanako... Trudy..."

Hanako caught Minette's uncharacteristically weary look and mouthed a sympathetic "I'm sorry".

Quote"Okita-san, these are your men? Too rigid!"

"Akiyama-san, I see you've taken it upon yourself to spar with the soldiers. I'm not familiar with this country's military practices, but perhaps their way of fighting is meant for a different style of combat..."

Truthfully Hanako didn't have the slightest idea what would constitute proper combat technique, she herself only learning the basics of swordplay a short time ago; but even if what Nene had said was true it would be poor form to sleight the soldiers by agreeing outright.

"That may be so, but whether or not it's their style of combat, they should at least be able to hold their own!" She then held her wooden blade out then tucked it into her belt.

Minette obediently translated what Nene said.

"She has a point, you know." An unexpected voice called out. It was Elyse Dietrich. She proceeded to make her way towards Nene then, while the swords woman herself narrowed her eyes at the ex-captain.

This display of course only made Elyse harden her stare at Nene, and soon enough both women were locked into a sort of staring contest, with neither side giving way.

"Tch." Nene finally relented, turning to face you. "She seems formidable." Nene admitted. At the same time, Elyse turned towards the humiliated men.

"You were soldiers of Refedoria. No. You are soldiers of Refedoria. To let a foreigner disgrace your swordplay is a disgrace to our military order." Unlike your reaction, Elyse didn't care to soften her words, and the other men only eyed you, but then back towards Elyse. "You are in the employ of the Klein company, and with your current head, Hanako over here, you are to sharpen those skills of yours. Do not disgrace your country. And do not disgrace your employer. Do I make myself clear?"

There were nods from each of them.

"Do I make myself clear?" She repeated, increasing the tone and volume of her voice.

"Ma'am! Yes, ma'am!" They chorused in unison.

"Good." Elyse said as she then turned towards you. "She caught these men training, and seemed to want to join them. Gave her one of the training blades but didn't realize she would defeat them this easily. It's been sometime since any soldier had proper training from a true master. Hanako, in my position as one of Frau Sofia's aides, I think it would be wise to make use of her."

Whew, harsh. Hanako thought, though she knew the assessment of the soldiers was correct.

"Agreed, I'll suggest that to her later. If things go as planned they'll need to be quite the fighting force. She's probably going to need to learn your language, since I can't have Minette stuck translating for her all the time. Let me introduce you though. Elyse, this is Nene Akiyama. Akiyama-san, this is Elyse Dietrich."

The two seemed to have a sort of warrior's tension going on between them, prowess matching prowess and all that. It was a trope Hanako was familiar with, they would either end up as rivals or great friends. Or, if one were to reference her own work... they would end up in bed together. She took a moment to unpack that scenario in her mind as she made introductions.

[info]I assume that anything Hanako says is translated simultaneously for both parties.[/info]

"Nene Akiyama." Elyse said simply, moving her gaze back towards the swordswoman.

"Dietrich-san." Nene stared back, leaving her gaze on the captain.

"A strong character, that flame you have must have been quite the sight on the battlefield." Elyse commented. Minette dutifully repeated Elyse's words in Isikawan back towards Nene. As the two talked, Minette would continue to translate between the two of them.

"You're no pushover either. I can tell you're no stranger to battle." Nene responded, not backing down from Elyse.

"I have. The campaign against the demons didn't last long, but I was there at the front lines commanding my soldiers."

"A commander? In the war against the demons?" Nene thought for a moment, then forcefully moving her gaze away from Elyse she turned towards you. "Okita-san, Dietrich-san. There's something I need to tell you in private. Schreiber-san I need you to translate."

She glanced around and started making her way towards the nearest room, which happened to be the meeting room located in the lobby.

Minette and Dietriche glanced over to you, but it was Dietrich who started making her way to follow.

---

QuoteAssuming you follow.

Once the four of you were inside, Nene closed the door.

"I've been keeping this a secret since I was captured, so forgive me for not trusting your men." Nene started. "My name is not Akiyama Nene. My true name is Kusunoki Akime, daimyo of a land part of the Isikawan Soverignty now overrun by demons. Akiyama-san... Akiyama Nene was the name of one of my subordinates." The swordswoman, now named Akime, admitted.

"Mmmm... that's a shocker."

With this new revelation, there were now at least two people of political importance living in the mansion. Hanako was unsure how that made her feel, but it did help stress that escaping from the country was a smart move.

"So... Kusunoki-denka, why reveal yourself now?" Hanako asked. It was a prudent question, what did this woman stand to gain by letting it be known that she was such an important person?

"Multiple reasons... The first one being your display of power earlier this morning." She said, pointing towards her neck where her collar once sat. "There are other kinds of magic out here in this world, but what you did, seemed to be a strange kind of magic, much like the unique powers granted to... heroes."

"The second reason is the fact this entire mansion is masquerading as something they're not. You even have a false noble to help your cover. This tells me you are at not fully aligned with the rules of this country."

"Thirdly, your men look and talk about you with admiration and respect. Their feelings for those rival their feelings of anger towards the demons in the conversations I overheard."

"This may be my only chance to claim back that land and avenge my people. If I were to continue my own charade, it would not sit well with me. Honor dictates that I should be forthright to allies. And if my view of what I've seen and heard is correct, then this mansion, and its inhabitants are allies."

"That's fair" Hanako said, stuffing her hands in her pockets. "Your assessment of the situation is correct. I won't go far enough to say that we are some kind of resistance movement, but the people here are certainly against the continued occupation of the country by the demons."

She shifted her weight from one foot to the other.

"I do have certain... abilities as well. The general consensus is that I am a hero. Though I would debate if that term should really apply to me at the moment. Either way, it's convenient that you ended up here Kusunoki-denka. We're currently making preparations to leave for Isikawa."

"Leaving for Isikawa? That road is fraught with danger, with the fact that the territory of the demons lie in between this country and Isikawa. Just a narrow strip, but heavily guarded."

"But a hero in the country of demons..." Akime said thoughtfully. "This country we once tried to open diplomatic channels, and for a brief time both the Sovereignty and this country were allies. I'm glad the Refedorian hero was finally summoned... Though... No offense intended, Okita-san, but if only you were there for this country a few years ago."

She sighed, but she looked towards you pleadingly.

"If you are to go to Isikawa, then please take me with you. The land I ruled has probably since been overrun... But I need to know what happened to them... To everyone."

"Of course you'll be coming. Nobody is going to end up left behind if I can help it. I can probably fill you in on all the details later, but we'll be taking ships as soon as we sort out how we're gonna get them out of the port. I've got a few other things I need to see to before we leave here as well. Ultimately though we'll probably need your help getting a little refugee camp set up wherever we make port."

Hanako tried to smile reassuringly. "Big plans on the horizon, I promise."

"I knew I could count on you, Okita-san." Akime grinned. She then glanced towards Minette and Dietriche.

"I can't very well keep having Schreiber-san translate for me..." She said. After Minette translated, Dietriche responded.

"This is true. Plus, there are some things I'd like to discuss with Akime. Her fighting style. News of the war. The point of view of the Isikawan..." Dietriche paused as she looked back towards you. "If that is acceptable of course."

"By all means." Hanako said, with an assenting hand gesture.

Elyse Dietriche then turned towards Akime.

"Akime. You are to report to my office later today." Elyse said, before Akime could respond, and while Minette was still translating, Elyse picked herself up and began to walk out the door.

"Anytime you're free. I'm... I'm writing progress reports for the soldiers training today." You caught her moment's hesitation, which, knowing the captain, wasn't the type of person to make them often.

Akime glanced back at Elyse as she headed out, then looked towards you.

"Thank you." She said first, keeping her eyes on you. With that, she too headed out of the room, her dark hair trailing behind her, and eventually leaving only you and Minette along in the room.

The demihuman soldier of Refedoria sighed audibly.

"Oh. That was... a handful." Minette said in her characteristic slow and pointed speech.

"Elyse has an office?" She asked, but answered herself a moment later. "Unless she means the table in her room..." She shook her head.

"Anyways... Hanako..." Minette glanced behind her quickly to ensure the door was closed, after confirming, she went over to you, her hands reaching for yours.

"Tell me... How did... how did it go with Trudy?"

Hanako let the girl take one of her hands. With the other she made a comically exaggerated thumbs up and accompanied it with a doofy grin.

"Hee hee! Everything according to keikaku!"

She let her expression return to normal, though the hint of a smile remained on her lips. "It was nice, for a little while neither of us had to worry about what was going on in the world and we could just be happy for a bit."

The admission was a sort of shocker to Hanako, she wasn't accustomed to actually being happy so it took her by surprise on the rare occasion that she actually was feeling that way. Those "rare" occasions seemed to be coming more frequently these days, and she didn't mind that at all.

Minette couldn't help but grin when you mentioned that everything went well. Her eyes were bright, and she seemed to be just as happy about the situation as you were.

"And... You kissed her then..." Minette then stated. "That's good..." She paused for a moment, and looked into your eyes suggestively.

"That means...?"

Hanako nodded and then gulped silently at the thought of intimacy twice in one day. "Mmmhmm."

An outside observer would probably assume she should have been unbothered by the situation, considering what she had been doing less than an hour ago. However, Hanako was subject to live a life of tropes. Perhaps this was the end result of anime warping her brain.

She waited to see how Minette would proceed.

Minette eye's were alight with mischief as she finally placed a finger on your nose.

"Good... I wouldn't mind right now... But..." She paused. "Knowing Trudy had her first kiss in the garden..." She placed a thoughtful finger on her lips.

"I'll have mine... tonight?" She suggested, her eyes glancing towards you with a slight blush appearing on her cheeks.

"O-okay." Hanako stammered. There was a look in Minette's eyes that told her she had something planned, and all there was to do was wait and see what it was.

"A-anyway..." Hanako changed the subject, "Sorry you had to spend so much time translating today, it must have been rough."

"Oh.... Yes...!" Minette replied back instantly.

"It started off okay... I was... showing her places in our estate... And introducing her to the rest of the soldiers while I translated for her..."

"But... she would keep getting distracted by one thing or another... We went to the gun range below and when she saw captain Dietrich barking orders and telling the soldiers they were maggots... Akime went straight to the soldiers who were practicing their swordsmanship..."

She sighed.

"You know the rest..."

Minette glanced back up towards you.

"Oh... The other one... The valkyrie...? She's still asleep. Sleepy sleep... But Akime mentioned it wouldn't be long until she woke, and that she could sometimes be violent... I think we should... watch her?"

Quote"You know the rest..."

Hanako doubted she would have been able to keep up with all the craziness the Isikawan woman had brought about since her arrival that morning, but Minette had handled it like a champ. "Good work today." she said and patted Minette's head affectionately with a smile.

QuoteI think we should... watch her?"

Yeah, I was just thinking I should probably go up there and wait around until she wakes up... You wanna come too? I like to think you have a soothing presence."

"Yes..." Minette said softly. "But it's your presence that is just as soothing..." She flashed a smile.

"For me anyways..."

---

Location: Klein's Estate
Date: Day 10 - 10:30 AM

The two of you eventually made your way to the room the Valkyrie had been placed in. There were two soldiers at the door who both saluted towards you and Minette when you had appeared.

"Ma'am! The girl is still unconscious." He said as he opened the door for the both of you.

Inside was the valkyrie. Someone had the idea of placing the valkyrie's belongings in an open chest nearby, but the valkyrie herself was wearing only a thin simple dress. Although she was called a valkyrie, the girl looked way too young to be one. She was at least shorter than you with feminine features, though hardly at all developed.

I heard... this one could be more of a handful than the other... But right now... She looks peaceful."

Hanako eyed the sleeping girl warily. "Yeah... better be careful though. I think I'll let her get up on her own rather than wake her up. Hopefully she doesn't immediately try and rip my throat out or something."

It was a distinct possibility. Everyone that had spoken of the valkyrie had mentioned that she was both violent and irritable, not exactly the best combination of personality traits. However, Hanako figured that she would take a shot at talking to her when she woke up, and if all else failed would exercise her mind control to at least force the girl from killing her.

She found somewhere in the room to sit that was an appropriate distance from the bed, and settled in for a long wait, motioning for Minette to join her.

You positioned yourself a short distance away from the sleeping girl. There was a table in the room, along with a few chairs, and it was here that both you and Minette sat. You were able to keep an eye on the sleeping form, while also having it so that you were the closest to the sleeping form. If the valkyrie proved to be hostile, at the very least, you would be able to protect Minette.

QuoteYou could describe how you plan to spend this time if you'd like

QuotePerception requested

While keeping an eye on the valkyrie, Hanako killed time making casual conversation with Minette. Nothing important, just small talk about anything and nothing.


[info]Requested roll:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+6 : 6 + 6, total 12[/blockquote][/info]

"Let's see... I like reading... Oh... Relaxing on a bed... Learning new things always excite me too, but... these days... I like you the most." Minette had said in your conversation.

QuoteInitiative requested

"Is that so?" Hanako replied, flushing a little.

[info]Initiative:
(http://forums.fantasyworldcreations.com/Themes/envision2013_smf20_rev3/images/dice_warn.gif) This dice roll has been tampered with!
Rolled 1d20+6 : 7 + 6, total 13[/info]

Minette was about to respond, however, at that very moment, the sleeping girl had bolted out of her bed with one of her hands glowing. It was a purple-like glow. It was thick too, reminding you of something akin to miasma. If it was magic, it was something you had never seen any others use before. There was no incantation.


She moved extremely quick, and even though you had prepared to step out of the way, she managed to grab hold on to your arm, and it was then that you started to feel a sharp pain. It hurt like hell.

Minette gasped, as she too began to stand up.

QuoteHanako to roll Physical Resist save.

Turn Order
Valkyrie -> Hanako -> Minette

Rough Status
Hanako: Badly Wounded, Refreshed, ?, ?, ?
Minette: Uninjured, Refreshed
Valkyrie: Uninjured

[include u=2]Hanako DMG Taken: 17
Kari MP Used: 32[/include]

[info]Physical Resist:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+7 : 19 + 7, total 26[/blockquote][/info]

You felt a weakness start to run through you. But you managed to fight off against most of it. You still felt tired however.

[info]You have a fatigued condition. Pasting for my own reference and reminder.

Fatigued
A fatigued character can neither run nor charge and takes a –2 penalty to Strength and Dexterity. Doing anything that would normally cause fatigue causes the fatigued character to become exhausted. After 8 hours of complete rest, fatigued characters are no longer fatigued.[/info]

QuoteHanako to take their turn.

Turn Order
Valkyrie -> Hanako -> Minette

Rough Status
Hanako: Badly Wounded, Refreshed, Fatigued
Minette: Uninjured, Refreshed
Valkyrie: Uninjured

[include u=2]Hanako DMG Taken: 17
Kari MP Used: 32[/include]

Hanako winced as the valkyrie's grab hurt significantly more than one would assume. She tried hard not to cry out or show weakness, even as a sense of crushing fatigue washed over her.

The girl was every bit as dangerous as had been implied, and for a moment Hanako wondered if this had been the right call. However, nothing ventured, nothing gained. She pulled deep within, at some invisible reserve of strength that seemed to give her the strange powers she had been using recently, and looked the valkyrie dead in the eyes.

In a stern and voice, as free from anger or fear as she could manage she spoke a command: "ON YOUR KNEES, CALM YOURSELF, AND CEASE YOUR ATTACKS!"

[info]Using that Slavemancer blessing naturally, but also blowing a heroic action point to ensure my commands are followed or whatever you deem appropriate.[/info]

QuoteGoing with the +5 to the DC effectiveness one, your total DC for that ability is now DC 34.

The moment you spoke your commands, you felt the slight pull of mana being drained from you, and shortly after that, the valkyrie's eyes glazed over.


Wordlessly, she dropped down to her knees in front of you.

Hanako let out a sigh, but didn't move. "Minette, healing, please. From anyone, I don't care who. Quickly." She said, without taking her eyes off the valkyrie.

Doing her best to remain standing, and praying silently to herself that the girl wouldn't just snap out of it and rip out her throat in the next second she leaned forward just a bit so her face was closer. "I know you can hear me, and I know you're aware of what you're doing. I know you don't want to be doing it, and I didn't want to make you. I need to to listen though, I am not your enemy. I just want to help. Please don't try and kill me."

Minette quickly strode over to you.

"Soldiers!" Minette called out as some of the men, hearing the commotion peered in. "Get us a first aid kit. Hurry!" This was perhaps the first time you've ever heard Minette raise her voice or bark out orders.

Once they left, Minette focused on the wound.

"The Light attribute is rare, Hanako... none of us here can use healing magic. But the wounds... Is it just on your arm?"

QuoteThe damage was Profane damage, you could feel the pain through your body, though, the most was on the arm itself. Due to your successful save, you were only fatigued and suffered none of the other effects.

The valkyrie didn't move, and continued to kneel down in front of you. Though, from your earlier experiments with Trudy, you very well knew that the Valkyrie's mind, at least, was active, even if she couldn't control her own body.

"It's kind of all over, but I'm pretty sure it stems from my arm. It's quite painful. I'm pretty sure that I got really lucky because it seemed like whatever she did was meant to do more than just make me tired and cause pain." Hanako said, and could feel a light sweat forming on her forehead.

Fuck me, I'm pretty sure I almost just died there. Again.

She did her best to remain standing, and was still watching the valkyrie stare passively into space. She knew that behind the glazed over eyes the girl could see and hear everything that was going on, but was compelled by the command to sit there. Hanako was unsure how long that would last.

"I was really hoping I wouldn't have to do that..." Hanako said, a little mournfully. "I don't actually know the limits of that particular ability, so you know... Be ready to make a break for the door."

"Can you speak like that?" she asked the girl on the floor.

Minette nodded.

"You can... command people like this... It's... useful." Minette said, as she looked towards the valkyrie.

The valkyrie didn't respond, and only kept kneeling.

"Yeah I imagine it will come in handy. I mean currently it is, of course."

She breathed deep, trying to steady herself post near death experience. Dying the first time hadn't been so bad, it was relatively quick and painless (she imagined). This time however, it would have probably been agonizing. The thought sent a quick shiver up her spine.

"When those soldiers get back with the first aid kit, can you send for Akime please. She seemed protective of this one when she first showed up, maybe having her here would have been a good choice in hindsight."

"You can speak, but remain as you are." she commanded the girl again, hoping that it would allow her to at least carry a conversation.

Minette nodded, but otherwise listened in on the conversation. Once again you felt the slight pull of mana being drawn from you.

"I shalt speaketh." The valkyrie said in a very flat and monotone voice. It reminded you of when Trudy spoke when you had used the ability on her.

[include u=2]Hanako MP used: 5[/include]

Now were getting somewhere. Hanako thought.

"Ok, so I don't blame you for immediately trying to kill me after you woke up. If I were you, I probably would have done the same thing. I really, really didn't want to have to force you to be like... this either." she began, accentuating the word "this" with a wave of her hand.

"You didn't leave me much choice though, and though I left that collar on, it really would have defeated the purpose to have activated it. I don't bear you any ill will. Like I said before I want to help, but I also really don't want to die. Later on, when you're feeling a little less like murdering me and everyone else in the house I'll take that collar off."

I doubt it would have done much to stop her though... she thought.

"Do you uhh... understand that nobody here is trying to hurt you or anything?"

"Hereth, thine country, tis a land of demons and demon sympathizers." She continued in her monotone voice.

"Filled with liars, tricksters. Such tis the nature of demons."

"Yeah, I mean there's probably one or two that aren't so bad..." Hanako replied, immediately making a mental note to keep this girl and Falah separated for now.

"No demons here though. Well, I mean we have one but shes sort of captive and pretty docile. I'm not overly concerned. Either way everyone here is decidedly anti-demon." She was rambling, and needed to get back on target. "Where are my manners though? My name is Hanako Okita, and supposedly I'm a hero. Which explains... uhh, your current situation. What's your name?"

There was a long silence.

"Thou art a hero." Due to the monotone nature of her voice, you couldn't quite tell if that was a statement or a question. "Mine name, tis Kari Vollan."

Hanako smiled. "That's a nice name. Well Kari, or Ms. Vollan if you prefer, I'm sorry we seem to have gotten off on the wrong foot here, but let's try and get that corrected..."

Hanako tried to briefly summarize the current situation in the estate, making sure to mention that Akime was here as well. She hoped, that her explanation would make Kari at least open to not rampaging through the mansion in a fit of rage.

"... Anyway, that's the gist of it. Are you uhh... still inclined to hurt me?"

There was a simple and short response.

"No."

It was at that moment that the doors opened wide with the two soldiers from before bringing back a first-aid kit. Right behind them was many others, most noticeably, Trudy on the front. She had since gotten dressed up back in her regular uniform.

"H-Hanako!" Trudy said, taking a deep breath, you noticed she had her weapon drawn. "I heard what happened, are you okay?" She asked as she narrowed her eyes at the valkyrie who was still kneeling.

Behind her you caught sight of a few others. Captain Dietrich was behind her as well as Akime. The captain had her pistols drawn, though Akime did not.

"Oh you know, just a little misunderstanding. These things happen." Hanako replied, seriously downplaying the last few minutes. "You can probably put those away, I don't think you'll need them."

She turned back to Kari. "If I take that collar off and release you, are you gonna attack anyone? No lying please, I'd like to imagine we've established a little bit of trust here."

"O-okay..." Trudy said as she sheathed her weapon back. Captain Dietrich continued to have her weapons out. Akime continued looking at the scene, her face had a look of confusion.

"Why is she... kneeling so obediently?" Akime asked no one in particular, her voice barely above a whisper. She spoke in Isikawan, only you and Minette were able to understand her.







There was another long pause.

"Shalt this valkyrie ever only strike those that deserveth such a fate."

QuoteDiplomacy and Sense Motive requested

"Complicated explanation, I could probably tell you later." Hanako replied to Akime's question.

She took a moment to think chew over what Kari said, trying to suss out any kind of deception.

"Only people that deserve it huh..."

[info]Diplomacy: [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+3 : 2 + 3, total 5[/blockquote][/info]

[info]Sense Motive: [blockquote]Rolled 1d20+3 : 12 + 3, total 15[/blockquote][/info]

[info]Diplomacy: 5, Sense Motive: 15
The valkyrie didn't respond back. The valkyrie worded her response strangely, but as her voice was monotone, and her facial expressions completely neutral, it was hard to get a sense of anything much.[/info]

Hanako narrowed her eyes, she was never good at picking up on other people being untrue. Obviously she could force the valkyrie to answer honestly, but at this point it would just make her look like a badguy.

"Lemme ask something else. Who deserves it?"

"Tis for sure. Demons. Their praisers, worshippers, sympathizers, and livings. Thou art a hero. Thou art wilt agreeth." Like before, you couldn't quite tell if that was phrased as a question or a statement.

"So what you're saying is, absolutely every demon you meet deserves death? There is no possibility that one might exist that is innocent?"

Why is everything these people do so black and white? Hanako through to herself, annoyed.

"Pray tell has thou ever met an innocent demon." The valkyrie continued in her monotone voice.

"The one I mentioned before hasn't tried to do anything. She helps out around the house and all that. I think she was... how to put his politely... sheltered as a child?" Hanako said, thinking that Falah and Kari would probably end up in the same room before the end of this.

"I know you're about to say that she's deceiving me, so If I bring her in here and let you ask her things to confirm would that convince you? Naturally I'd make it so she couldn't lie."

"Thou art a hero, but give thy protection to a demon." Like before, due to the monotone nature of her voice, you couldn't quite tell if it was a question or a statement.

"Bringeth thy demon."

"I look at things on a case by case basis..." Hanako answered, though she was sure the valkyrie didn't care.

She turned to Trudy. "Trudy can you bring Falah here please?"

She wondered if doing this would even make a difference. There were a handful of factors that were somewhat untested and that bothered her. Hanako had let herself trust that Falah was telling her the truth about where she came from and what her intentions were, how would she feel if it turned out that faith was misplaced after all? More importantly, at least to the health and safety of the people in the room, could her power work on more than one person at the same time?

I guess if it doesn't, I'll have to try and make Kari a thrall again before she decapitates someone...

Trudy nodded, and a moment later she bolted out the room. As the group waited for Trudy to arrive, word was already spreading through the rest of the estate on what was happening. Some of the soldiers outside prevented the non-soldiers from getting near, though, with the amount of hushed talking you hear outside, there was probably quite a few who were gathered.

Eventually Trudy came back with Falah behind her. The other people parted widely for the two, and even some of the soldiers shot Falah some glares. The valkyrie remained impassive, but her features had always been fairly neutral since you had her affected with your ability.

You noted that Falah had been clutching on Trudy's uniform, warily glancing towards everyone around you. When she saw you finally she spoke up.

"H-Hanako..?" Falah said, her eyes darting back and forth at everyone, noticing the fact that the Valkyrie was there. You noticed that Akime had a glare towards Falah as well, but the Isikawan chose to remain quiet. It was Captain Elyse Dietrich that actually had a hand on Akime's shoulder in a placating matter.

"What's umm... Happening? Why is everyone... umm... gathered here? Why..." Her eyes looked towards you pleadingly.

"Why am I here?"

"Well, the thing is..." Hanako began, and then spent the next minute or so recapping what had been going on.

"... and that's the situation. Basically Kari here is unconvinced that there could be 'innocent' from the things the rest of your people have done. Which is why, with your permission, I'm going to make it so you are incapable of telling lies so she can ask you questions I guess. Do you consent?" she eventually finished, waiting to see how Falah would react.

[info]Provided she's good to go, Hanako will explain to the others that she's not sure if she can actually control two people at once and would appreciate it if Kari became free and aggressive, that they manage to hold her back long enough for her to dominate her again.[/info]

"U-umm... What do you mean... incapable of telling lies..?" Falah asked.

"I mean, that I'm going to place you under a command for a while that makes you incapable of being untruthful. Shouldn't be a problem right? I trust you." Hanako said, wondering if Falah's question had been in earnest because she didn't understand or an attempt at dodging the situation.

"I need you to do this, so that she will recognize that nobody here is a threat. Please."

Falah paused for a moment.

"A c-command?" Falah asked, her face confused. "Y-you... don't trust me either...?" There was a hint of sadness in her eyes. "But umm... if you need to do this..."

"No, I trust you wouldn't lie to me. However not everyone feels that way. Think of it this way, after this they wont have a reason not to." Hanako said, trying to re-assure her. "If that's a yes though, I'm going to do it. Everyone, please uhh... be ready to prevent excessive violence."

You notice Falah staring at the valkyrie who's eyes had glazed over and had sat obediently.

Falah seemed to hesitate, but eventually her eyes took yours in.

"I... w-want to be here. No m-matter what, okay? No matter what I say." Falah said her voice barely above a whisper, she glanced down and started to fidget. "... No matter what. B-because y-you're my only friend h-here Hanako..." Raising her eyes again, she stared at you.

"Okay, I'm ready."

The other people in the room began to either exit out, or surround the group. You noticed they all had weapons at an easy reach. Even Akime now had one of the swords of your soldiers with her, having borrowing it from one of the soldiers.

"Everything will be fine." Hanako said, sincerely hoping it would be. Probably.

She then brought her focus on Falah pushing her will on the girl. "You will answer questions when asked, and you cannot tell lies or half-truths." Hanako commanded.

Like with the valkyrie, Falah's eyes glazed over.

QuoteHanako to roll for Initiative

[info]Initiative:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+6 : 19 + 6, total 25[/blockquote][/info]

Just when you used the ability on Falah. You noticed Kari's eyes go back to normal, at that moment, you heard her starting to whisper words under her breath. You realized it wasn't in the same monotone voice you were used to.

QuoteHanako to take their turn

Turn Order
Hanako: 25, Kari: 22, Akime: 17, Minette: 16, Elyse: 10, Trudy: 7, Other Soldiers: 7

"Fuck me!" Hanako breathed in exasperation noticing Kari begin to mutter what was surely some kind of incantation.

"STAND DOWN AND KNEEL!" she boomed again at the valkyrie, putting as much force as she could into the command.

[info]Slavemancing on Kari again, using a heroic action point.[/info]

You expended more of your mana again, but thankfully this stopped Kari's actions completely. She had been in the middle of a chant as lights started to appear in her hands, though, once she stopped the casting, the spell fizzled out and a bright flash of light seemed to momentarily occur. Once it was all over, scorch marks were on Kari's hands.

Kneeling and being quiet, the valkyrie was silent.

Falah, on the other hand, gasped as she stood up and stepped backwards. Akime, who had her sword drawn, placed the pointed tip at her back though, reminding the demon girl where she was. This quieted Falah's whimpers.

"We have the drugs our captors used still, but... I would prefer if we are not to use it on Kari." Akime said. "She and I haven't had much of a chance to talk since they always put her under, but... I believe she will be... useful with the fight against the demons." Akime said, carefully wording what she said.

[include u=2]Hanako MP used: 9[/include]

Hanako sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose, massaging it slightly as she tilted her head back and closed her eyes. "I'd rather not have to resort to that either." she said, wearily.

So much for the power of fucking friendship. she thought, frustrated. Anime you have let me down.

She opened her eyes again and looked down at Kari, kneeling obediently under Hanako's magical command. "What the fuck is your problem?" she said, barely able to keep the edge off her voice. "Are you incapable of resolving conflicts without resorting to violence first? Clearly she isn't a threat! Obviously I can compel people to do whatever I want, and by that logic her agreeing to answer any question without guile all but proves that she has nothing to hide! If anything, your actions only make me suspicious of you."

Hanako had started to pace, and was tapping her thumb against all the fingers on her right hand. "Speak!" she commanded, probably just a little too harshly.

"Thou art harboring a demon. Tis likely that thou hath already been fooled by one such as her." Kari said in her monotone voice.

Hanako frowned. "Fooled into doing what? Keeping her locked in a room under guard for most of the day? Keeping a slave collar on her that is specifically designed to work on demons? Fooled into letting her do housekeeping under close watch? If I thought she was a threat, I could have compelled her to do anything the way I put you on your knees! Don't mistake me for a fool valkyrie, I spent half of my life living alone and neglected by society and my own parents! Do not think for a moment I lack the ability to see that in another person. She is a runaway from a society that didn't want her!"

She was whipping herself up into a rare public fury.

"If it weren't for the merciful grace of an actual god sending me to this world, I would never have had the chance to ensure that people that need help, people like the person I was not even two weeks ago, get the same mercy!"

She stopped pacing, spun to face the kneeling girl and crouched so they were face to face. Dangerous, considering that Hanako wasn't even sure her powers were enough to really keep Kari in check.

"Who are you, and what is your problem!"

[info]Requested diplomacy:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+5 : 14 + 5, total 19[/blockquote][/info]

[info]Heroic action pointed earned[/info]There was silence for a few moments, but eventually the valkyrie spoke in that familiar monotone voice.

"Very well then." The valkyrie said. "Shalt this valkyrie let thee proceed with peace. Pray that thou is correct in thy judgement."

The rest of your companions continued to watch in silence from the confrontation. Some of them continued to have their weapons drawn, but there was at least one of the soldiers who sighed in relief from the valkyrie's words.

"Great! Now we're making progress." Hanako said with a smile, instantly flipping to the practiced outward face of a model Japanese citizen. "Unfortunately at this juncture I trust you about as far as I can throw you. Which I doubt is very far. So we're going to relocate."

She waved for some soldiers to come into the room. "We're going to take a little walk down to the basement, and before I release the commands, you're going to go in a cage. I didn't want to have to do things this way, but as the expression goes: Once bitten twice shy. And you've already bitten me twice."

She stood up and turned to the rest of the group and bowed. "I apologize for that disgraceful display, it was very improper of me to lose my temper like that. Now, let's all move to the basement shall we?"

[info]Presuming there's no problems everyone should head down to the basement and Kari is going into a cell. Not going to bother rearming the lock to explode, but it should be locked mundanely. Non-combat inhabitants of the house are to stay away, and Hanako will have soldiers stationed at the entrance to the basement. Everyone that's down there will remain at least ten feet from the cell if possible. Hanako will also grab a sword and one of the non-magical pistols from the armory.[/info]

QuoteThe Stand Down, Kneel, and Speak commands are still in effect, she is unable to do otherwise until you stack another command on top, or cancel Kneel (and hope she decides to follow). Cancelling commands do not cost mana, so I'm assuming you are letting go the Kneel command.

When you cancelled the command to kneel, with the valkyrie being prodded forward, she soon followed after; not that she had much choice. As for Akime, she continued to have her borrowed blade drawn, much like the rest of your soldiers, but the swordswoman decided to stay behind Falah through much of the journey. Falah herself looked to be completely uncomfortable as her eyes darted back and forth from everyone around her. She whimpered whenever someone gave her a hard stare, and eventually she proceeded with her eyes downcast. You felt Falah reach out for the hem of your shirt. This caused a minor stir with the soldiers, until Trudy calmed them down.

It was tense. The atmosphere around both Falah and the valkyrie was compounded by the fact that you had been injured. Just glancing around, many people looked confused. The most conflicted seemed to be Trudy and Akime. The former, worrying over Falah, while the latter, worrying over Kari.

Soon enough, the group started to file their way towards the dungeon that was kept downstairs. Out of insistence from Elyse, not all of the cages had been put away when the firing range was created in the basement. It was there that Kari was thrown in. It was Elyse herself who eventually locked the cage.

Kari turned around and stared back at everyone. Her face was completely impassive, and her eyes were glazed over.

"This isn't out of maliciousness, I hope you understand. Please do not attempt to escape or I'll be forced to do something drastic." Hanako said to Kari.

She turned to the rest of the group. "Get ready I guess."

She drew the pistol from its holster, even though she knew she still couldn't quite shoot straight yet, but it was better than being unarmed. Hanako then looked at Falah, who clearly was still scared about the entire ordeal, and apologized mentally.

She gave the command. "You will answer questions when asked, and will tell no lies or half-truths."

[info]Hanako also readies a swift action to activate Kari's collar if it looks like shes going to cast a spell through the bars, or break out.[/info]

Like before, Falah's eyes glazed over. Everyone kept a close watch on the valkyrie though, but as the spell wore off and her eyes started to focus, she only continued to glare at Falah, but at least continued to sit.

[include u=2]Hanako MP used: 12[/include]

"Go on." Hanako said, thankful that Kari hadn't immediately done something to indicate she was going to attack. "Ask her anything you want to get rid of your suspicions. She is literally incapable of lying. You know she cant ignore my command."

"Praytell demon," the valkyrie began, emphasizing the word 'demon'. "What reason dost thou hath for being herein, gracing the company of the Refedorian hero?" As she spoke, you heard Minette begin to translate for Akime, though she eventually shook her head and told her that she understood Felothian. Falah was able to understand and respond back just fine however.

"Hanako saved me, she was willing to offer a place for me and be my friend. The Birkensen Trading Company had me captured already, so I couldn't be there anymore." Falah responded in a monotone voice.

The valkyrie thought for a moment.

"Would thou have left if thy could from this Birkensen Trading Company? Wouldst thou have killed to do so?" Kari continued her line of questioning.

"If I could have left them I would have. If they got into my way, I would attack them until they weren't." Falah responded. There were some murmuring from the soldiers.

"Leading question." Hanako said, matter-of-factly and loud enough for everyone nearby to hear. She fought back against the urge to yell "OBJECTION!!" and point dramatically.

"She was being tortured for research, anyone would have done what they could to escape."

"Tch." Kari said, eventually being forced to nod in agreement. "Very well, this valkyrie wouldst hath done the same. Then praytell, has thou killed afore?"

"I have not." Falah said immediately. The valkyrie seemed to frown a bit, not expecting the response. This caused her to  pause for a few more moments, thinking of more questions. Eventually she thought of one.

"What are thy plans for the rest of thy stay here?" She asked.

"I plan to enjoy my stay here, be able to make friends with as much people as I can, learn as much as I can from everyone, and try to show people that demons aren't bad."

"Praytell, dost thou have plans to kill any being currently herein this estate?"

"No." Falah replied immediately again.

"Who art thou loyal to?" Kari continued to press again.

"Friends." Falah said again almost immediately. Another avenue of attack was shutdown, and Kari continued to think. Finally, she continued to press.

"Dost thou have anyone to talk to, or report to who isn't herein this estate right now?" Kari asked.

It was at this moment, that you saw Falah hesitate, even though her face was still neutral and impassive, she wasn't speaking immediately. Moments went by, and her response was surprising.

"Fuck me." Hanako groaned to herself.

"Who?" she asked Falah.

Please let this be nothing...

Like before, there was a momentary pause from Falah. But the two words soon made its way out.

"My father."

Hanako inhaled sharply through clenched teeth. She probably should have expected something like this, but it stung none the less.

"How, why, and what have you told him?" She asked, trying to keep a measured tone.

"I have not yet reported to him." Falah replied back in her monotone voice.

A small relief, but it didn't allay the larger problem.

"Did he send you here to spy? How did you plan to contact him and why... why would you do this?" Hanako asked. The last question in particular stung a little as she asked it. It was unpleasant to think that after taking such care to help her, Falah could stab her in the back like this. She looked over at Kari from the corner of her eye, half expecting to see her with a smug expression.

The valkyrie only began to glare even more towards Falah. Her eyes burned with a clear hatred. Whether or not it was unfounded, it was easy to tell that the valkyrie had something against demons. Kari noticed your glance however.

"Mine blade is only stayed for thy power, hero. This valkyrie knoweth that tis a hard thing to resist after all." Kari said. "But if tis were a weak thing, forsooth, she would not be standing."

Like last time, Falah took a moment to answer. However, instead of answering, her eyes started to clear, and her face was strewn with shock and fear. Her eyes moved towards you, looking towards you pleadingly as tears started to form around her eyes. At the same moment, her hands reached out towards you as well. But Akime had been watching Falah closely, and the moment she reached out, the swordswoman had her blade out against the demon girl's neck.

You could tell that Falah was attempting to resist the mind-control, but with the blade up to her neck she chose not to move further. A moment after that, Falah's eyes glazed over again, then in the same monotone voice she had been using, continued.

"My father did not send me here to spy. Once I was free to move around, I would have tried to find a way to contact him. I did this because I wanted father to accept me back, and to welcome me back home."

Hanako knew what it was like to seek acceptance from an uncaring parent. Even years of hardening herself to their indifference and scorn couldn't rid her entirely of the base desire to be wanted and loved by a her parents. Despite that though, the betrayal stung deep.

She sighed. "I can't say I don't understand why, but I'm disappointed. You know this isn't something that can be overlooked. If your father knew what we were doing here, he would come down on us and slaughter everyone here to the last child. Were you really so ready to throw away the kindness I showed you? My friendship? I know you aren't stupid, you know that of all the people in this mansion my head would be the first one they took off."

She looked at Falah, and for the first time since coming to this world, Hanako wasn't sure what to do.

"I would never throw away your friendship." Falah replied back immediately in her monotone voice. "I would have tried to help you get away. And Trudy."

"Praytell, would thou have been fine with the rest of us being killed?" Kari, who had been silent for the last few questions finally spoke up again.

"No, I don't want anyone to die." Falah continued robotically.

"You have to know that neither of us would have left everyone here to their deaths." Hanako said, and for just a brief moment asked herself why she said that.

That was awfully gallant of me... and uncharacteristic.

"I don't know exactly how mistreated you were where you came from before, but I want you to take a minute to really really
think hard about if betraying us would have really made your father accept you. Then I want you to answer this, knowing that this is probably the most important question you will ever answer."

She looked into Falah's eyes, pleading that she would answer correctly. "Are you still going to tell the other demons where we are and what we're doing?"

This time around, Falah was silent for a long awhile.

"I." Falah randomly said, but she was silent again. Kari raised an eyebrow and looked towards you, confused with the girl's short response that didn't really make any sense.

"How doth thou power works?" Kari asked as she moved back to watch Falah. "Truthfully, it compelled me to answer the truth... Speaketh to thy arbitrators, demon." Kari said, not quite realizing it only worked for questions due to your last active command. "Thou hero has asked her question. Tis in thy best interest to answer it."

She was yet again silent for another long period of time.

"I don't." Falah said again, her eyes still glazed over.

"Hmm?"

Another few more moments, and finally, Falah answered.

"I will not tell them."

"Ever?" came Hanako's short reply. She had to be sure, absolutely certain without a shadow of doubt that Falah wouldn't betray the people Hanako had come to protect. Everyone's lives depended on it, and even though Falah might not be aware of it hers did as well. There was no questioning that Kari couldn't be kept from killing her indefinitely, Hanako knew there were limits to her powers and probably wouldn't be able to stop her many more times.

"I will not ever report to my father with how I feel right now." Falah replied.

It was a very specific way to word the response, and Hanako knew deep down that eventually Falah might change her mind and betray them. Once their position became less critical though, it wouldn't be as much of a threat. For the time being however, she was satisfied. It went without saying that Falah would have to remain under pretty close watch while they were still at the mansion but the girl didn't need to know that. That just left one more issue...

"Well, there you have it. What do you have to say?" she said to Kari.

She eventually moved her attention towards you, having no more questions for Falah. "Mine trust isn't so easily earned. But thy power is true. If thou demon stands against thee, surely you shalt be able to deal punishment. If thou is the hero then thou must haveth the blessing of the goddess as well."

"But... be wary of keeping demons in thy midst. I hath been fooled only once in the hundreds of years I roamed mine world. Dost thou know what came of it? Mine capture, my enslavement. Ne'er again."

Mmmm... that's something I'll need to pry about later I think... Hanako thought.

"So, just to be clear, you aren't going to attack her and if I let you out you wont go around trying to kill anyone here yeah?" Hanako asked, eager to see this issue resolved for a variety of reasons.

"Tis not a promise I can make. A hero mayeth be the natural enemy of the demons. But the rest of thy companions... Tis a different story. Their reason, tis one that they maketh themselves. Wary the guile of human nature lest they ensnare thee."

"Forsooth I shalt promise thee that as long I see not demon followers herein, mine blade shalt be stayed."

Hanako tried not to groan, the girl was incredibly frustrating to talk to. "Can you at least promise me to come talk to me first if you suspect something? There's going to be a huge morale problem if you just go around attacking people because you think they might be up to no good."

QuoteDiplomacy requested

[info]Diplomacy:
[blockquote]Rolled 1d20+5 : 18 + 5, total 23[/blockquote][/info]

The valkyrie held up her right hand as if it to swear to you.

"That I shalt promise then." Kari said. "Now, willst I still stay in this cell?"

"I suppose not, if you're going to behave." Hanako said stepping forward and unlocking the cage. "I'll take that off as well, as a measure of good faith." she continued, tapping a finger on the collar Kari had around her neck as a flourish while using her ability to unlock it.

Hanako took a step back and turned to look at Falah, releasing her command over her. "Let's all try and get along shall we? Kari, I'm sure you haven't eaten in a while so why don't you go get something for... lunch? Is it lunchtime yet?" she asked nobody in particular. "Try not to wander off the grounds, it would be a real shame if we were discovered before my plan in ready. Anyone here can probably show you around if you want."

As she spoke she remembered the spell that had blown up in the girl's hand earlier. "Could probably get your hand treated too. Just have mundane first aide though, nobody here can use light magic."

The lock on the cage opened easily enough, and so did the collar. Kari's eyes widened slightly, though she only seemed to nod a moment later. Once the collar was loose, she grabbed on to it and dropped it on the ground without another word. Her disgust in the collar was plain to see in both her facial expression and actions.

"Mine hand shalt be fine, tis the effect of mana feedback." Kari said looking at her hands. "But I thank thee. Dost thou have tea?"

Falah's eyes cleared up again, after a moment of getting her bearings she spoke.

"I'm sorry Hanako...!" She said, tears forming in her eyes, and shivering.

QuoteAs reference from the Spell doc:

Spell Failures and Untrained Usage
Lastly, failure on learning spells have more consequences than other Techniques. If a hero fails their Spellcraft check to learn the spell DC by 5 or more, they will suffer lethal damage equating the amount of MP used in the spell. This same effect happens for Untrained Usage of spells.

If the casting of a spell is interrupted, either by provoking an attack of opportunity, or somehow the incantation was interrupted, the caster also suffers from the same effect. The damage is an untyped Mana feedback damage.

Quote"Mine hand shalt be fine, tis the effect of mana feedback. But I thank thee. Dost thou have tea?"

"If you say so, get it checked out if it bothers you though." Hanako said, in regards to Kari's hand. "As far as tea goes, yeah I think we have some. Guy who used to own this place seemed like a tea drinker. I'm sure someone could help you find it upstairs."

Quote"I'm sorry Hanako...!"

She turned to Falah and smiled gently, trying not to show the slight disappointment she felt earlier. "I know. Let's go back up to your room and we can talk about it."

Hanako waved away anyone that would offer to make the trip with her out of concern or suspicion. "I think we all know I'll be fine."

[info]Hanako will escort Falah back to her room alone, as indicated. Provided nobody else has anything important to say.[/info]

Much of the crowd was silent after the entire confrontation. Eventually interest started to wane, and the people started making their way back up to the higher levels of the estate. Akime was the one who decided to take up showing Kari around, the Isikawan too perhaps felt like she had some responsibility over the ordeal. There was a language barrier between them of course, but they seemed to get along well enough through simple gestures, it didn't take long for Minette to eventually offer her services.

Meanwhile, both you and Falah made your way back to her room. Through the journey Falah kept her eyes down and followed immediately. Word had already spread of the valkyrie's attack on you, not to mention the interrogation that had happened, and there were more than a couple of others who had given both Falah and Valkyrie a hard stare. Soon enough, the two of you were back in Falah's room.

"Well, that certainly was something hmm?" Hanako said nonchalantly after making sure the door was closed. "I wasn't expecting that to go that way, but I guess it worked out in the end."

She wasn't exactly sure how to approach the subject of Falah's hypothetical betrayal, but she knew that the situation hadn't really been resolved satisfactorily.

"Soooo..." Hanako trailed off awkwardly.

Falah bowed to you, in a similar Japanese fashion that you were familiar with. How Falah picked it up was beyond anyone's guess.

"I'm sorry Hanako." Falah stated once again, this time a bit more surely. "I... was afraid. I didn't find out you were a hero until a bit after you took me in. I suspected you were different or special to be visiting the Birkensen Trading Company and being in a place that they kept secret, with all the weapons they were developing." She paused for a moment then looked up while still bowing, her eyes were worried. "There's more I have to tell you..." She said, as she bit her lip.

"But first... I really want you to know how important it is for me for you to keep me like this..! Here I... I have a bed. A soft and warm one. And I can pull up the covers whenever I want. If I wanted to sleep in, I could. I'm allowed to go around cleaning the estate with Trudy. Here I could talk to some people without them secretly hating me. And yes there are the glares... But I mean... I sometimes get those back in the castle too at Lord Maou's. So I'm used to it too."

"I know it's been short, but... it feels like a dream, almost. And... and when I think about that, I think about how much better the dream would be, if my father was praising me. All he cares about... is domination this, the war that, fighting with the humans, taking over, and subjugating." She gulped as she finally stopped her bow, her eyes catching yours directly.

"If I were Sofia... I would have done the same." Her eyes shifted away from yours, moving to look at the floor. "I... wasn't always locked up at the Birkensen Trading Company. There was a brief time I worked above in the offices, not to read or write, I can't really do that very well, but like here, I cleaned up places. I overheard some people talking... Like... weapons against demons? And... I almost panicked. I told one of the people I worked with. But I shouldn't have. I wanted to tell my father, I didn't want him to get hurt. After that... After that you saw what happened." Falah said, her eyes flaring in anger.

"They put a collar on me! They kept using it... Over and over... And over and over and over and over...!" Tears begun to swell in her eyes. "I trusted them! They gave me a place to work..! Some avoided me, but some still talked to me! Do you know how it feels when you see someone you thought you trusted, only smirking and laughing when you're in pain, locked behind a caged door? You would call out to them for help. They'd only stare back with a crooked smile, their eyes accusing me even though I hadn't even done anything wrong but worry!"

"You know I'm a half demon. And I admit... that part of me burns with anger and hatred." Her eyes started to flash red literally. "When I was in the cage at the company... You asked me what I would do if I were free... Do you remember? I said... I wasn't sure. But..." She began to clench her fists.

"I didn't want to admit it, and I feel guilt for thinking it. But if they got in my way ever again, I would tear them limb from limb! Even if I'm not as powerful as the full-blooded demons, I can at least do that!" She stopped then, realizing what she had said in her outburst. She wiped away her tears with an arm, then continued to look at your feet.

"If I'm banished to one of the cages downstairs... I would understand." Falah said, her eyes glazing over, though, not from your ability. "I wouldn't trust myself either."

Hanako listened quietly while Falah poured out her feelings. When she was finished Hanako sat down on the bed and let out a short sigh. 'I'm not going to stick you downstairs." she began. "Part of trusting someone, is giving them the opportunity to hurt you, and hoping that they wont. Granted, you did just admit you were looking for a way to tell your father about all this but at least for the time being I know you aren't going to."

She crossed one leg over the other and leaned back on the bed. "You say you want your father to accept you, and to praise you yeah? Lets say that somehow you did let him know, and he came here with an army and wiped out the entire estate. Yes, I think he would probably praise you. For that. Do I think he would actually accept you? No."

She leaned forward again, folding her hands together and resting her elbows on her knees. "The way you talk about your father reminds me a lot of my own parents. I wasn't lying about them not caring about me. To the best of my knowledge, I'm the single biggest disappointment in their lives and they did absolutely nothing to hide that. They didn't like me for who I was, and because of that they cut off contact with me entirely. I'm sure you can imagine what it's like to live in a house where everyone ignores you, or sometimes looks at you like you're less than trash."

"Sure, it would have been possible to change, to squeeze myself into the mold they wanted me to fit into. Maybe they would have showed me some affection for a time. However, I would always know that it wasn't really me that they cared for. I couldn't lie to myself about that. So when I was old enough, I left."

Hanako turned to Falah. "Do you get what I'm saying? Deep down, you know they wouldn't accept you as you are, as the person you want to be."

She held out a hand. "I will though, and so will the others in time. You aren't a bad person."

Falah's mouth quivered for a second, and her face showed clear emotion in them. Her eyes started to waver, and a moment later they teared up again. She stumbled forward, grabbing your hand, but eventually stumbled to the floor at your feet still clasping on to your fingers. Her form heaved in between sobs as she attempted to stifle her emotions. But the demon girl wasn't able to.

Hanako placed her free hand on Falah's head and ruffled the sobbing girl's hair gently. "There there... I know it's not easy."

Hanako knew that the situation's that they shared weren't entirely the same, and the things she had said were perhaps more idealistic than practical but it seemed that it was what Falah needed to hear at the time. She hoped that in the long run, the entire situation would end up allowing Falah to finally be, at the very least, treated with some measure of dignity by the rest of the residents of the estate. Only time would tell.

Falah continued to quietly sob for the next half an hour, until she had finally stopped. She never moved from her position at your feet, with her head touching your knees, and hands out to grasp one of yours. She had her head down for most of it, but from the rhythmic nature of her breathing, she had likely fallen asleep.

Hanako continued to stroke the sleeping girl's hair for a while, wondering what time it was. There was still so much that needed to be taken care of today, but she figured that there was a little time to spare to reassure Falah that she was still wanted here.

What a day... she thought wearily.

[info]After another half hour or so Hanako is gonna try and get Falah up and into the bed so she can leave the room.[/info]