CYOA - Seasons of Sorrow

"Hey, June?"  You turn around to find Sherry coming your way, carrying a large bundle of cloth.  "Could you give me a hand with this?"

"What is 'this?'" you ask, pointing at the bundle.

"Some heavier armor," she answers.  "After I got... hurt in the last fight, I figured I need a little more than my guard uniform."

"It may slow you down a bit," you warn.  "Are you sure?"

"Yeah, I'm sure!  I'm not a little girl, y'know!"  You can tell there's no point arguing, so you find a house and ask the occupant to lend you a room for a few moments.

As you help her change into her new plate, she looks at the holes in her old armor wistfully.

"Are you doing OK?" you ask.  "You got hit pretty hard."

"Huh?  Oh, yeah.  The old man did a good job."

"Where did you get this armor, anyway?" you ask, tightening a strap on her leg.

"It was my father's," she answers.  "He... lent it to me."

You can tell she's holding something back, but you're not sure whether to press the issue.  You decide on a slightly different line of questioning.  "So, your father was a knight?"

"Yeah," Sherry answers.  "A good one."

"I bet he's proud of you, joining the guard and all."

"Yeah..." Sherry answers, obviously a bit uncomfortable.  "Can we talk about something else?"

"Er... OK."  It must be a sore subject.  "Anyway, we're just about done.  How's it feel?"

The armor's clearly designed for someone much larger, but it looks like Jake made some modifications to it.  Sherry stretches a bit, and the armor moves like it should.  She takes a few steps, and nothing falls off.  "It's heavier than my old armor, but I feel a lot more protected.  It's going to take some getting used to, but I like it."

You nod.  "Good.  It's thicker than your old set, but don't expect it to save you from everything.  You still need to avoid as much as you can.  And watch out for mages!"

"Obviously!" Sherry answer, annoyed.  "Now I just need a horse."  She casually strolls outside, and you follow her.

"Right, a... a horse?"

"Yeah, a horse!  This is cavalier's armor, and a cavalier needs something to ride!"

"Do you... do you know how to ride a horse?" you ask.

"How hard can it be?" she responds.

"Not all that hard, if you have the right horse," you explain.  "But if you've never done it before, it's going to take some time.  Especially if you're swinging weapons around and trying not to get hit."

"I can help with that," a voice behind you says.  You turn to see Aeden, leaning on his cane.  "My old warhorse is around here, somewhere.  Sure he'd be able to handle carting around a rookie."

"Or maybe I can help!"  Zephyr tackles Sherry from behind, knocking her to the ground.

"Ah?" is the only thing she manages to say before being a wall of rock covers the pair.  A burst of light appears, and the rocks burst apart.  Zephyr leaps into the air, spinning in a tight ball.

He lands on the ground, Sherry clinging tightly to his back.  "How's this?" he asks.

"Ugh... Dizzy..." Sherry mutters.

"Hang on tight!" Zephyr yells, ignoring her.

"Huh?  Wai-" Sherry gets cut off by Zephyr taking off running, jumping, and zigzagging down the road, Sherry yelling all the while.  Aeden stands with his mouth open, staring, clearly taken aback.  You, on the other hand, have to keep yourself from laughing.

Finally, Zephyr slows to a stop.  "So, what do you think?" he asks.  "More maneuverable than a horse, and you don't have to worry about telling me where to go!"

Sherry, still mounted on his back, takes a minute to breath.  "This... is..."

(A) STUPID!
(B) Pretty good, actually...  (unlocks Taguel Rider class - lvl 1: Dual Strike+     lvl 10: Canto)

So B. Definitely B. Did I mention I vote B?

I mean, come on. We're at the final battle. It's not like we're going to be using these two on the front lines.

Yeah sherry didn't exactly rank up as fast as I had hoped before the end, so I'll vote B as well.

"This is pretty good, actually..." Sherry admits.

"Wait, really?" Zephyr asks, his voice distorted.  "I was actually just teasing you..."

"Oh, were you now?  You would tease a poor, innocent little girl like me?"  Sherry feigns distress.  "Or maybe you're calling me heavy?"

Zephyr shakes his shoulders a bit.  "Well, I wouldn't even notice you riding on my back.  But that armor's a little..."

"Oh, I thought you were a big, strong taguel," Sherry taunts.

"Of course I am!" Zephyr answers.  "Well, fine.  If you really want to try this, let's give it a shot!"

"OK!" Sherry answers.  "Let's get some practice in before dinner."  She pulls a lance from her pack and points it toward the forest.  "Onward!"
-------------------------
"So, Claudia, are you ready for tomorrow?" Paen asks.  Paen had just finished his preparations for the coming fight when Claudia barged into his room to check up on him.

"Of course, sire!" Claudia answers.

"Glad to hear it.  Take the night off," Paen replies, with a wave of his hand.

"I couldn't, milord.  Not this deep in enemy territory."

"Bah!  Let the sentries worry about that."

"But-"

Paen cuts her off.  "Tomorrow's going to be the roughest fight we'll ever see.  Maybe I'll even be satisfied by the time we're done.  So, just in case, go spend the night with your knight in shining armor."

"Sire, I couldn't neglect my duty like that..." Claudia protests, though clearly tempted.

"It's an order, not a request.  You've given me years of loyal service.  I think you've taken less than two weeks leave since I made you my protector."

"Eight days, milord."

"As I said.  And how long ago did I take you in?"

"I was...  We were still children.  At least ten years."

Paen crosses his arms.  "Exactly.  You're not the only member of my guards, and we've plenty of talented soldiers around us here.  It's fine if you rely on the others from time to time."

"Sire, I..."  Claudia bites her lip.

"Yes?"

Claudia looks down.  "I just don't want to be alone again.  Like before I met you..."

Paen takes a deep breath.  "Claudia."  He puts a hand on her shoulder.  She looks up.  "It's different now.  You don't just have me.  You have Dan, and I'd like to think you've made some friends here.  So you don't have to worry about that, alright?"

Claudia nods.  "Yes, milord...  Thank you."

"Now."  Paen crosses his arms again.  "You can spend the night watching over me, as usual.  Or, you can go spend the evening with your friends, and the night with your lover.  Just make sure you're not too exhausted for tomorrow's fight."

Claudia blushes, clear on her pale cheeks.  "I...  Yes, sire.  I'll see you in the morning."  With that, Claudia turns and heads out the door.  She makes a beeline for the barn.  She finds Dan out back, tending his wyvern with Wendy.

"So, how does he look?" Dan asks.

"Again, I'm not an expert on wyverns, but I can't find anything wrong with him."

"I know something's wrong, I just can't put my finger on it..." Dan pats Shard on the snout.

"Maybe he's upset that he hasn't been able to go hunting lately?"  Shard turns to look at Wendy, snorting at her.

"That's why you've been in a bad mood?" Dan asks.  "Shard!  We've got plenty of salted meat for you."

"He's probably not hungry or anything.  He probably just wants the exercise.  Or enjoys the thrill of the hunt or something."  Shard throws his head back and lets out a screech.  "I'm guessing I hit the nail on the head?"

"Looks like it."

"Why don't we run some drills, then?  Maybe that'll help.  Let him chase after my manticore for a bit."

"Better than nothing," Dan answers.  "I never would have figured this out.  Thanks for the help."

"Hey, um...  Do you remember that promise you made?" Wendy asks nervously.  Claudia feels her heart skip a beat.

"Er...  No.  Sorry."  Dan answers.

"You said I could ride Shard," Wendy states matter-of-factly.  Claudia breathes a sigh of relief.

Dan sighs.  "Well, I guess now's a good a time as any.  From what I've seen, he flies about the same as your pegasus.  Just remember he can't turn as sharp.  And it takes him longer to get up to speed."

"Got it!" Wendy cheers, already halfway onto Shard's back.

"Listen to her," Dan whispers to Shard.  "But make sure she doesn't do anything stupid."

"What was that?" Wendy asks.

"I said 'take care of him.'" Dan lies.

"Of course!  Alright, Shard, let's go!"  With that, Wendy awkwardly steer Shard into the sky.  Her manticore leaps off ahead, and Wendy wheels around, trying to chase him.

Claudia waits until Wendy starts to shrink into the distance to speak with Dan.
----------------------
"Fumiko?" John calls, searching the perimeter.  After several minutes of searching, he finally finds her.

"John!" Fumiko answers.  "I was hoping to talk to you."

"Oh?" he asks.

"I wanted to thank you for taking such good care of my daughter," she explains.  "So, thank you."

"Oh...  Of course.  Actually, that's what I wanted to talk to you about.  Uh, your daughter, that is."

"Oh?" Fumiko asks, raising an eyebrow.

"I wanted to ask... um...  well...  er...  I want your blessing to ask your daughter to marry me!" John blurts.

"I can't do that, I'm afraid," Fumiko answers.

"Wha-?  But..." John stutters.

"Not yet, anyway." Fumiko continues.  "She'll come of age in two months.  You can ask her then, and not before."

"Oh...  For a second, I thought you meant you didn't want me to."  John breathes a sigh of relief.

"She could do worse," Fumiko shrugs.  "You've shown you can change your mind about things.  That you can grow as a person.  You're a completely different person than you were a month ago."

"Yes, I suppose I am..." John agrees.

Fumiko giggles softly.  "Well, looks like Mary's birthday's going to be fun...  But first we have to make it that far, hm?"

"Right," John answers.  A look of determination crosses his face.  "I won't let anything come close..."

No worries mate, take your time.

Agni turns to Taika. "Charon's dancing is impressive, yes?"

"He moves pretty well," she answers. "Kinda makes me wish I'd taken up dancing."

"You? A dancer?" Agni smirks. "Well, maybe. But I am thinking you make a better sage."

"Ha-ha." Taika shoves him playfully, then looks thoughtful. "So, if you hadn't decided to become a sage, what would you have done?"

"Hm?"

"If you hadn't met Master Praven, what would you be doing right now?"

"I... can't say I've spend time thinking about this," Agni replies. "And you?"

"Maybe I would have been a dancer. But more than likely, I'd have followed in my parents' footsteps and been a trader."

"Mm. I like to hope I would still study magic. Maybe working as a library. Er... The library person."

"Librarian? Or a scribe, perhaps?" Taika suggests.

"Scribe... Writing magic tomes. Or maybe other books. Yes, this could be a good life, if I weren't... this."

"I could see you surrounded by a bunch of stuffy old books."

"And I could see you haggle people from around every to the death day in and day out." Agni grins.
-----------------------
The sun sets, leaving the ground barely illuminated by a crescent moon. The party slowly dies down, and Doran calls for everyone's attention. "Alright, everyone! You know what we're up against tomorrow. You've all fought Risen before, and you've seen the Meridian army stand to oppose us." He leaps up onto a bale of hay. "We're outnumbered, likely surrounded, and we have almost no hope of reinforcements! But we have two advantages. First, we know exactly where the enemy is and what we need to do, so we'll be able to take the initiative. Second, we know exactly what's at stake! Our countrymen are counting on us! So we're going to march into the enemy's headquarters, find the source of the Risen, and destroy it! We will not fail!"

A cheer erupts from the crowd. You notice Paen, an amused smile on his face, applauding loudly. Charlotte hesitates at first, then adds her voice to the crowd. Even Jessup seems fired up. While you scan the crowd, you feel a sudden tug on your wrist. Before you can react, Rain shoves you up beside Doran. Everyone falls silent, waiting for you to speak. This is different than giving commands in battle...

"Um... I don't really know what to say." You can feel yourself turning red. The silence stretches out uncomfortably long before you realize what you want to say. "We're all lost friends and family on the way here. We've been hurt, had to endure fight after fight. So... Thank you. Thank you all for staying by my side, even knowing the risks. We couldn't have gotten here without working together, without trusting each other. So, come tomorrow, stay together. Watch each other's backs. Don't do anything crazy. I want to see all of you again when we celebrate our victory tomorrow night!"

Another cheer. Doran lets the adulation go on for a few seconds before again calling for silence. "All right everyone, get to sleep! Aeden's taking care of the watch for us, so there's no excuse for you to be tired tomorrow!"
-----------------------
Doran chooses to set up his tent, leaving the others to sleep in the barn or, for a lucky few, the handful of beds the village could spare.  Doran spreads several maps out on the floor, pouring over every possible approach to the enemy stronghold, looking for every possible ambush point along the road.  He's so focused, he doesn't hear Fumiko calling him until she pokes her head through the tent flap.

"Doran?"

"Hm?  Oh...  Hello, Fumiko.  Sorry, I didn't hear you coming.  Need something?"

Fumiko looks down, then takes a deep breath.  "I want to talk to you about the Aum staff."

Doran freezes, worried about what she may ask.  He tries to hide his concern, nodding.  "...OK."

"I want..."  Fumiko bites her lip, working up her courage.  "I want you to promise not to bring Vine back."

Doran blinks, starts to speak but stops himself, sensing Fumiko has more to say.

"I miss him, I really do, but... he wouldn't want it.  He'd say it goes against the natural order of things.  Even if he didn't, he'd tell you to use it for someone else instead.  That's... just who he was.  I've already spoken with Mary, and she agrees, as well."

"I see," Doran says.  He gives a small nod.  "Alright.  You have my word."

Fumiko manages a weak smile.  "Thank you."  She turns to leave.

"Ah, Fumiko?  I can't pretend to know what you're going through, but if you ever want to... talk or if there's something I can do for you, just... let me know."

She stops.  "I'd like that."  She turns, wiping a tear from her eyes.  "Is...  Is now a bad time?"

Doran hesitates, then shakes his head and starts rolling up maps.  "No, I'm finished for the night."

"Good," Fumiko says, stepping closer.  "Mary and John are busy talking, and I don't want to bother them.  But I really don't want to be alone, either."

"You can stay as long as you want," Doran assures her.  "And I certainly appreciate the company, as well.  So, what do you want to talk about?"

"I don't really feel like talking," Fumiko answers.  She stretches to wrap an arm around Doran's neck, suddenly pulling him into a kiss.

After a few seconds, Doran pulls back.  "I'm... not sure this is a good idea."

Fumiko pulls him closer, resting her head on his chest.  "It's definitely not a good idea," she tells him.  "But do we really care?"

Doran smiles and returns her embrace.  "I suppose not."
-----------------------
Saul finds Charlotte sitting outside against a tree, staring up at the moon.  "How are you feeling?"

She looks over her shoulder and smiles.  "Saul...  I remember now."

"I heard.  Your memories are coming back?"

"Very quickly," Charlotte nods.  "And I remember...  I remember what happened then."

"Then?  You mean..."

"Yes.  When I went into the mountains.  I saw...  I saw things."

"What sort of things?" Saul asks, sitting beside her.

"It was a...  I don't know.  Some kind of... d-demons?  Maybe?  Like nothing I'd ever seen or heard of be-before..."

"Don't force it," Saul warns her.

Charlotte shakes her head, trying to clear it.  "O-only one thing matters.  There was... there was something strong.  Really strong.  A monster.  It...  It gave me power.  A lot of power."

"Charlotte..."

"After that, the Risen started avoiding me.  I fought a few, but I..." Charlotte's voice trails off.

"It hurts, doesn't it?" Saul asks.  Charlotte looks up in surprise.  "I watch you when you're fighting, you know.  And you've been coming back with strange wounds, wounds where you were never even hit."  Saul takes her arm and pulls up her sleeve, revealing a scar on her forearm.  "Wounds that even I can't heal easily..."

Charlotte gently pulls her arm back, and Saul lets her go.  "You're right.  It hurts."

Saul takes her hand again.  "You don't have to keep fighting if it's...  Who am I kidding?  We both know that's not going to happen."

Charlotte nods, gripping his hand tighter.  "It's my duty to protect our country.  And I... I want to protect you, most of all.  So I can't sit back and let you go alone."

Saul shakes his head, smiling.  "I know exactly how you feel, because there's someone I want to protect, too.  So promise you won't push yourself too hard.  For me?"

Charlotte looks over, surprised.  She nods.  "I promise."

The two sit in silence for a few minutes, enjoying the night sky.  Saul finally breaks the quiet.  "Do you remember when we first met?"

Saul laughs.  "Barely.  The first few days after the council chose me as the next archbishop, I was so overwhelmed.  I do remember when they introduced you as the head of the Holy Knights you scared me a bit."

Charlotte covers her mouth.  "I can see that.  I remember how surprised I was that you were so young, I probably didn't come across as very friendly."

"I'm counting on you to still be by my side after this is over," Saul informs her.

"I will be," Charlotte promises.  "But..."

"I know.  We've got to rebuild Valeria before we can worry about us."

"I'm glad you agree."  Charlotte leans against him.

"You're speaking more clearly." Saul points out.

"I'm feeling... much better," Charlotte agrees.
-----------------------
Charlotte's ??? skill revealed to be Cursed Strength!
Deal increased damage.  Further increased against Risen.  Chance to injure self.
-----------------------
One last vote before the chapter's over.  It's time to choose the last of the skills June will get from her supports.

(A) Bud - Deadeye
(B) Haley - Deliverer
(C) Wendy - Tantivy
(D) Ferris - Vantage
(E) Alyssa - Shade
(F) Mary - Tomebreaker

F. about time this came alive.

Well, F wins it.
-------------------------------
June learned Tomebreaker!
-------------------------------
END OF CHAPTER 21
-------------------------------
And now we roll right into the next one.

Chapter 22: Setting Sun
---------------------------
At first light, obscured by a thick fog, you gather your forces.  After a small breakfast, you split company with Jake and Anna and head west.  A few villagers wave from windows, but none seem willing to venture out into the open.  Almost immediately, the town disappears into the haze as you begin wandering along a trail twisting between hills.

Cynbel and Alyssa lead the way.  You entire army is on edge, utterly silent.  Frequently, shadowy monsters appear on the periphery of your vision, only to reveal as old, twisted trees as you get closer.  You keep expecting the enemy to ambush you, but no attack ever comes.  Throughout the morning, the fog becomes lighter and lighter, though it never seems to quite disappear completely.  The result is a grey, muted world.

You march for the better part of the day.  It's well into the afternoon when Doran signals for a halt.  He gathers everyone close.  "We're almost there.  Everyone take up defensive positions and be on the lookout for enemy scouts.  Alyssa, Cynbel, June, and I are going to go get a look at the enemy's force."  Before you can object to being volunteered, Doran takes you by the arm and starts leading you off the trail and up a hill.  Another two hills, and Cynbel stops you.  Crouching low, your team peers over the top of the final hill.

At the base of the hill is a flat, barren plain ringed by hills on three sides.  The final side simply stops, ending in a cliff.  The ocean is visible well off into the distance.  Several roads pass through this valley, ending in a small semi-circular village backed up against the cliff.  From this distance, you can make out what appears to be several small houses, and a few larger buildings.  One stands out in particular: the building ringed by the rest is massive, built of a white stone.  Doran points to it and whispers.  "That's our objective.  The council building."  It's nearly a mile from the edges of the hills to the council building in all directions, with several hundred feet of open space followed by collections of buildings and alleys.

Guards are posted at regular intervals around the periphery of the towns.  Each group contains a dozen troops - two snipers, two sages, and the rest divided among warriors, heroes, and halberdiers.  You count six of these groups, each close enough to move to reinforce another.  "There," Alyssa points in between two groups.  You follow her finger, but don't see anything at first.  After a few second of careful scanning, you notice a rogue tucked into an alley.  "They've got spotters out.  I doubt even I'd be able to sneak up on them, especially with such an empty approach."

You go back to scanning the town.  Past the outermost bands of troops are three large clusters of heavy units, blocking the three main roads.  Doran counts twenty generals in each.  "Probably there to stall while the other troops move in to surround us," Cynbel suggests.

Finally, the council building itself, far, far behind the line of generals.  Twenty entombed are milling about, seemingly at random.  "They have Risen mixed into their ranks?" you ask.  "If there was any doubt they were behind this..."  A pair of massive Risen chiefs stand on either side of the entrance, flanking a monstrous blob of a Risen.  It takes a minute to determine its form, but you recognize it as a dragon.  Standing on all fours, with glowing purple eyes, its flesh seems to be sloughing off at random, a purple ooze seeping out from beneath.  Faint purple wisps can be seen pouring from its nostrils even from this distance.

"Anyone see any calvalry?" Doran asks.

"No," Alyssa mutters.

"Strange," Cynbel adds.

Doran shakes his head.  "I think we've seen enough.  Let's head back."
-----------------
Reuniting with your allies, you share the information you gained.  You notice Drake snap to attention when you mention the dracozombie.  His face twists into a snarl and he reaches for his dragonstone, but Harrow puts a hand on his shoulder.  He glares at her, but slowly puts his stone down.

"The enemy force isn't too big," Doran explains.  "They probably had the majority of their troops on their borders.  What worries me is the fact we can't find the enemy's calvalry."

"Any chance they were hiding in the town?" Paen asks.

Doran shakes his head.  "Not likely.  We had a pretty good view."

"Then they're probably hiding in the hills somewhere.  Waiting to attack us from behind while we cross the field," Cecil says.

"Or, they could have gone to call for reinforcements," Saul suggests.  "Did the enemy seem to know we're coming?"

"They had lookouts posted, and troops at the ready.  So, it's quite possible," Doran admits.

"OK.  So, what's the plan, then?" Rain asks.

Doran looks over at you.  "This is going to be a tough fight.  I've got several ideas, but I think it'd be best to decide as a group."

You nod.  "Let's hear them."

Doran stands a bit taller.  "First thing's first.  Establishing our objective.  We don't need to wipe out the enemy this time.  Our only goal is the get a force inside the enemy's headquarters.  Mary, does the Goetia tell you how to harm this Bune creature?"

Mary pulls the tome out and flips to a well-marked page.  "Yes, it has a few counter-measures.  Advanced magic circles.  I've studied them quite a bit, I think I can emulate them."

"Good.  June?  Is Armads...?"

You shake your head.  "It's strong, but I don't think it's going to be particularly effective against a demon."

Doran nods.  "Right then.  That means Paen, Mary, and Rain can fight this thing. Our ob-"

"U-um..."  You turn, surprised to see Charlotte stepping forward.  "I can do it.  I-I can kill it."

Doran looks at Saul.  He nods in confirmation.  Doran rubs his chin, then continues.  "Our objective is not to rout the enemy force.  Our objective is to seize the front gate, then hold it while a team clears enters.

"Option one.  We attack as a group, try to break through the enemy's lines, then dig in.  This is putting all our eggs in one basket, I know, but we may have the best chance fighting the enemy as a group, even if we're heavily outnumbered.  The biggest concern is if enemy re-positions to surround us.  I'm not sure we can protect our healers and ranged units if we're attacked from all sides.

"Option two.  A diversionary attack.  One group moves in from the north, draws as many enemies as possible, and tries to hold them there.  Meanwhile, a second group moves in from the south and tries to break through to the council building.  The second group will be at risk, especially if the enemy doesn't take the bait.

"Option three.  Same as option two, but we utilize our fliers to drop our second group right in front of the council building.  This puts the second group at even greater risk, but it may catch the enemy completely off-guard.

"Option four.  We launch a series of probing attacks with small groups.  Hit and run, pick off a few enemies at a time.  The risk is the enemy cavalry.  Whether they're waiting to ambush us and attack our rear, or they're off calling reinforcements, they could allow the enemy to trap us."

No one speaks.  People are scratching their heads, rubbing their chins, and thinking.

Paen breaks the silence.  "I'm all for that first plan.  We're much tougher than them.  So long as you guys are all behind me, I could defeat a hundred of those weaklings."

"You may have to, with that plan," Rain protests.  "Like Doran said, our objective isn't to rout the enemy.  The third plan's risky, but generals are slow."  Holland clears his throat, but Rain ignores him.  "We just have to beat those Risen before they reinforce the enemy."

Dan pats his griffon.  "Even counting Drake, there's only five of us.  So we could bring nine or ten of us.  Seems pretty risky, but I like the other version of that plan better.  Option two, wasn't it?  Makes it a bit safer."

Cynebl steps up.  "Like Paen said, we're tougher than the enemy, just outnumbered.  Plan four means we can keep chipping away at them until we find a vulnerability to exploit."

Wendy raises her hand.  "The problem with that plan is the enemy cavalry.  If they're hiding in the hills, our fliers can find them.  And if we can't find them, that means they're riding for reinforcements."

Doran nods.  "True, but it would give away our position.  And if the enemy is out bringing reinforcements, we'd be wasting valuable time.  Anyway, it looks like we've got people in favor of each plan.  June, what do you think?"

(A) Support option one
(B) Support option two
(C) Support option three
(D) Support option four
(E) Support sending fliers to scout for the enemy cavalry
(F) Custom plan