![[IMG]](https://i.imgur.com/NljgJeb.jpg)
The Core Beckons
Location: Naryu Canyon: In the Face of Fear
The Ancient Dissonance had fully awakened. The battle had begun. The souls of people new to this world began to burn more brightly. Whether they wanted it or not, this was what it meant to be a hero. To be the sacrifice for those that cannot defend themselves...
A cost most do not want to take. A cost most would simply reject.
Des Weiss stood in the darkness. Her hair blowing from her own power completely unaffected by the suffocating Dissonance all around her. She emitted ever flowing waves of mana. The decaying trees bent and swayed as the ground glowed a faint white, ever brighter the closer to Des one would look. Her form was different as well. Her eyes less red and outfit one that fit the perfect image of Star Maiden or what one from another world may call 'Magical Girl'.
The heroes of Astorea had the support of Tertoria's hero. Surely victory would come.
Des reached out with her mind once again.
Everyone. The time has come, you all must enter the core of Titanius quickly or the plan will fail.
The Star Maiden's voice had a faint echo to it as it resounded with the target's minds. Strangely her accent was completely absent and she spoke with a strangely cheery, almost fairy like sound even though her words were serious.
I'm here. Ready to go all out on this thing one more time! Damn... it's like... a little tiny bit bigger than usual isn't it?
Des smiled to herself, ignoring the many rifts opening in the sky above her. Rifts that were pouring Dissonance...
Gather at the peak! I will get you there faster. You will find yourselves within a veil of light. It will send you there super easy! Don't think, imagine! The sphere will fly you up to the peak so you can join with Saya. I will then perform the Soul Dive!
The Star Maiden's power was sent to each of the core team. She then looked over her shoulder as her arms lowered to her sides. Her eyes glittered with the power of purity and mana, yet they still offered the Dissonance above a squint and a surprisingly smug smirk.
Dissonance Seraphs and Raguias? Not pulling punches are you? You want to waste my time so more souls are lost... *chuckle*. Not going to work. They are stronger than you thought aren't they? Some people...
She began to levitate as she turned towards the mass of darkness charging her. Her staff spun at her side and she grasped it in front of her aand her light glowed even brighter.
...can reach heights you could never understand!
![[IMG]](https://i.imgur.com/Q7TFVdR.gif)
Meanwhile The party of at the most 12 would arrive via light bubble transport to the highest peak overlooking the Naryu Canyon. Two awaited them there.
One was Lady Saya standing in full armor with her arms to her hips glancing at each of the in turn as they arrived.
The other was the looming deformity that was the 'head' of Titanius. It gazed out with only a single demonic eye as it's head bent upwards and cured like a massive horn into the dark skies above. Massive tentacles writhed next to it going on as far as the eye could see. Somewhere below was the rest of the party's allies, pushing forward into it's grotesque body.
Alright. Welcome to the face of hell and all that. Hope you guys are ready for this. I don't really know what Des see's in you but if she thinks you can do this, then I'm totally okay with it!
Drawing her sword from her back and glancing at the creature moaning at her. She frowned back at it.
Yeah, like, you know who I am don't you? We've become so used to each other and you know exactly how this will go. This time...
She turned to face it as her armor began to emit it's own light. Arbiter in her hands pulsed with power.
...YOU WILL NOT BE COMING BACK!
A force of energy blasted from her body as she transformed. Her armor forming wings and changing shape into a more advanced state. She swung her sword to the side with one hand as a exact replica generated in her other.
![[IMG]](https://i.imgur.com/BCYuONx.jpg)
Stand back, this will make a pretty big splash! I'm going for the break!
Shouting a warning to the party, Saya rushed Titanius and leaped high into the air. Her wings expanding and carrying her far above the monster. Crossing her duo Arbiters she emitted several waves of energy in succession from all around her body like a pulse before diving straight at the 'forehead' of Titanius.
ANGELIC ASSAULT!!! DIVINE DRAGON DESCENT!!!!!!
The blast was indeed great as a burst of light came from the source of impact as her swords met incredibly hard Eldritch flesh. Lightning flashed over the field as a thundering crack was heard. followed by a bright explosion in Titanius' face.
As the energy cleared. The party would see the head of Titanius, eye and all was now a massive gaping hole of darkness. ooze began to gather as it made efforts to close off the enormous cavern of a wound. Saya landed hard on the ground as dust spread out around her. She was breathing hard and her armor faded somewhat before returning to her normal battle form.
Wow.... *huff*... That was harder than I... *huff*... thought. That attack is how I usually kill the thing. Like, I was expecting to have to hold back to avoid killing it too soon but now ... whew.
She wiped sweat off her brow before readying herself again for what was next...
Good! You did it Saya! Yippee!
Exlposions and demonic moans filled each of their heads as Des once again spoke to them with a cheery demeanor.
Give me juuuuust one second! There we go. Okay now I will send you all inside and begin the Soul Dive. I can only place 4 of you into the soul at a time. the rest will be stuck in pocket between the real world and the spiritual plane. A man named Ivan will be able to take you back. So use a link with him to do so to help your friends, but it will be dangerous on you physically and mentally to constantly switch between our world and the soul. So be careful!
Once again the field surrounded the party and Saya as well. They would fly into the whole, past the pouring mucus and soar through a massive tunnel that was it's upper innards. Eventually the party would see a dim glow in the distance. A giant black object of unknown make was attached to hundreds of thin veins that throbbed and pulsed The presence of it was so strong it caused the party to feel as if they made a bad choice. It was beyond anything they had experienced, the fear, the danger, the suicide of just being here...
That feeling is normal. No worries! This is fine! My barrier will be focused on you and the Dissonance will have nearly no impact on you once we do the dive. Now... hopefully you haven't ate recently! Here we goooooo!
And just like that the team's vision would blur as waves of light flew past them. As if they were in a hyperspace, reality flew past. It was so strong they had to close their eyes for fear of them tearing out of their heads.
Upon opening them...
The members of Red Team found themselves in...
The core?
![[IMG]](https://i.imgur.com/TXKn5VT.gif)
You find yourselves in a vast abandoned city. A city that was very similar to the REAL real world. The sky was covered in ominous darkness and cars sat motionless in the middle of streets. No people could be found. There was no air. Everything felt like nothing when touched. However the longer the party stood, the more lifelike it became. The air became breathable, the feel of the concrete beneath their feet became noticeable. Any attempts to interact with the environment was met with a strange invisible barrier. In fact, it seemed the path was predetermined for the party to simply walk down this single long road.
Do not let what you see fool you. I... find.......locati...nd....
Saya made a worried expression as Des' voice faded away. She closed her eyes and focused.
We still can reach the others in the Soul Path, it's just Des' words that are being blocked. Strange...
What a time for me to be not in top form. Okay you guys... like let's just mosey along.
The journey was eerily silent. the only sounds were the party's own breath. They would notice that while here. They could only use comms with those waiting in the Soul Path. However Des could not be contacted. The Soul Path was luckily still linked to the outside world so they could head back if needed by communicating with Ivan.
A distant voice.
It was so low that maybe it was your imagination... but no, there it was again...
"Yes, yes of course I'm sure! Did I not make it clear earlier? I have more than enough money for it..."
The voice of a female lingered in your mind. It was definitely not Des' voice and if you tried to communicate back either vocally or mentally it would not react to you.
"Welcome. I opened this orphanage for girls like you, so don't cry. I'll take care of you!"
The party continued onwards. The more you walked the more you began to notice what the style of this city reminded you of.
"*Sobbing*... Zey hit me again!"
A new voice now. This one with a thick accent.
"Urgh, those boys. Don't worry about them. They're jealous. You'need to defend yourself better! Teenagers are just as cruel as little kids sometimes... even if not more so!"
The party continued on. More clues as to what this place was emulating came into focus. The large buildings in the distance... the familiar silhouette coming out of the dark skies.
"Um... arrre you surrre? I-I've alvays vanted to be lady like zat. You'rrre so elegant and beautiful."
"Silly girl, you are beautiful! You just need some refining! For example... a hat! Hat's are a very sophisticated thing! Like.. this one! Oh look at you! Stunning!"
The silhouette came into focus as the Statue of Liberty appeared. There was no doubt. this was some strange replica of New York.
"What's... happening... no... what are these things!? Leave those children alone! Venessa are you alright!? Where are you? Venessa?!"
A feeling for dread swept over you as you progressed further along.
"What do you mean gods? What is happening to this city? Why can't I use my phone?! Have you seen the children? I have to find them! They are in danger!"
In the distance the road suddenly led to a end. The buildings and streets kept going, but the barrier kept you from advancing. You saw a small shack strangely standing between all the buildings. On it was a big bold sign that read ORPHANAGE.
"Fine then! I will fight them with you all, I have to if Venessa already agreed to. So many are dying... I have no choice, I don't know what makes me special but let's just get on with it!"
You know that what you seek is beyond this door.
"Nanny! Nanny! Nanami!..... UUUUURGH!"
"No... Venessa! You'll pay for that!"
Your made your way to the door.
"It's over... we won... look at this... horrible mess...."
The voice grew fainter.
"No stop! Why did you do that! What the hell is your problem!? Wait... how did you... this... no ...."
"Nanami... all zis blood.... so much spilled blood.... why.... she bekame spirrrit of light... ve should...."
The handle turned and the door opened. Within was a single room with a rocking chair and fireplace. All around were small toys and trinkets.
Welcome to my orphanage. Please come inside. It's a pleasure to see some of you again.
The blonde woman that several parties had encountered during the investigation of The Fade, now sat and stared at them lazily. Nani looked the same as usual in her modest but noble wardrobe. A noticeable difference was her eyes however. They were a purplish rather than the yellow from prior.
I've been expecting you. You decided to fight. Always a good choice, sometimes the only choice. Saya came as well. Good good. Welcome Saya, you have been busy for some time haven't you? Well, now we can settle this can't we?
Who the hell are you? Wait... oh.... You guys met this person huh? Damn, I've never actually met a Second Order Dissonance before... like this is awkward. ...But I know what I have to do.
Saya readied her sword and moved to the front of the party. Nani laughed as she fanned herself before standing up and moving a bit away from her chair.
It's too bad the Star Maiden isn't here with you. I have so much to tell her... sigh... but I am perfectly fine with you all for now. My full name is Nanami, or you can call me Nanny. You understand why you are here don't you?
The door behind the party slammed shut as the the walls of the room expanded outwards. The floor trembled as the sound of a great blaze was heard beyond the walls.
Food for the children. They need to eat so don't be rude!
....
Shadows rose out of the floor in the four corners of the now massive room. Each one taking the shape of a thin female with indistinguishable features. Each held a shadow that was shaped like a spear or halberd and they readied themselves to attack. The weapons were made of the same blackness that they were.
A parasol materialized into Nani's other hand. The sheathe on her back as empty as it ever has been. She began to emanate a bright violet light.
Let me feed on your power... I have so much to do with it... and I'm 4000 years late!
