Now, for the worlds most awkward lunch.

Today used to be a good day. Then, it was pretty bad. Now, its just absurd.

After our 'truce', Fawks had (almost violently) insisted on buying us a meal; something about 'Krownivan diplomatic traditions'. Explaining the situation to the rest of the group went about as well as anyone might think.

"Please; tell Miss Gabriella to put me down..." Says Fawks, currently being held in two giant golden arms, with a metallic spine sword wrapped around his neck; acting as though it were a minor inconvenience.

One very tiring explanation later; we were back on the road, heading upward. With one flash of golden light, and a mass of white feathers; Ariel had decided to manifest.

The Martyr God; baffled as can be, says. "You know, I thought Tomoko getting Runa to join us was the weirdest thing I'd ever see..."

"I am not joining this 'thing'. I'm using him as a means to an end." Grumbles the Chosen of Pyurus.

"Mhm... that's what Runa said..." Before any retaliation can be had by Fawks, another flash signals the disappearance of Ariel.

Time passes as we continue to look for... whatever this lunatic is looking for; and a thought crosses my mind.

I ask Dolores. "Hey, are you going to return whatever it is you stole at the candy shop?"

The hooded woman answers, but her voice sounds... experimental; as though this tongue we speak isn't her own. "Oh, I paid the little man to say those things; I stole nothing."

Fawks interrupts our conversation; but rather than insulting me, he speaks gently to the thief. "Gnome, Miss Dolores; his kind are called Gnomes."

"Oh, okay. Gnomes... we don't have those back in Yokong." She mutters to herself.

"You're from Yokong?" I ask; this is a chance to learn of my destination after Hoctin.

Dolores, sounding confused, says. "Of course, all of my people are."

She pulls the hood from her face, revealing the distinct features of her kind. She had fur just about everywhere but her face; from her neck, and behind her ears, but none on her chin nor jaw. Her skin was of a tanned sort; nowhere near as dark as Ashes, but far less pale than the rest of us. Her eyes had a different looking eyelid; the word 'monolid' came to mind, but I'm not sure where it came from, prehaps old Earth memories? Thoughts of old lives aside, she looked like a cute young woman.

"My name is Fuusong, or Dolores; if you prefer mainland names." She holds out a hand to shake my own. "I hope you and Master Fawks will remain at peace; even if he does not."

I notice that at hearing the name 'Fawks', Scott suddenly widens his eyes at the one who pursued me here.

Wanting to know more about this Dolores, I ask a question; sending silent prayers to the Gods for the answer to not be sexual. "Why do you call him 'Master'."

However; the man in question answers instead. "My Lady decided it would be a kindness to the world to rebirth me in the midst of a slaving camp; a months foot-travel from Tomo. I purchased the slaves freedoms in blood, but Dolores here refused to leave my side..."

The Simi-Ong woman moves over to Fawks, taking hold of one of his arms with her own; giving him a warm smile. "Because you are my Master."

Clearly annoyed at this, Fawks looks down to her with a grimace; muttering through his clenched teeth. "You still haven't explained what you mean by that... ah, here. This place will do."

Before us stands a brick building on flat foundation; a sign marked with an etching of a massive slab of meat indicating it sold food. Looking through the windows, there people enjoying meals at tables; the food looks amazing... and expensive.

As if reading my mind; Fawks speaks in an even more annoyed voice. "I'll be paying; part of the tradition..."

Once inside, an elven man in a fanciful suit brings us to a large table, with cushioned chairs lining it. I let everyone else seat themselves; a mistake clearly, as now the only seat is just opposite Fawks. Begrudgingly, I sit down.

"So, this is supposed to be it?" I ask, disdainfully. "We eat some food, and just... forget what you did?"

Fawks replies in kind. "What 'We' did. You murdered me, after all."

I whisper-shout, trying to keep this between out table; not the whole establishment. "You attacked me!"

Fawks, angered by my words, states with finality. "I had no intent on killing you initially, beast. It's far more complicated than that; I never thought you would leave that church."

Cilla is the one to snap at him this time; saying. "What could possibly be so complicated, Sarmenti; Fawks, whatever name you're using today... a shame 'Monster' is already taken, it suits you."

Smacking himself in the face in frustration, the man opposite me says. "Fine... I was trying to draw out the Hoffman Regent; their personal head inquisitor. If word came of a Hoffman harassing Runacathie Initiates in a band of one-name peasants, he would be **** to personally arrive to sort them out. Then, I would challenge him to a duel, and kill him, destabilizing House Hoffman. That was my plan. Happy?"

Scott; who had been silently watching this entire time, speaks in confused awe. "You're the real thing; aren't you. Not a pretender; nor a madman. You're the King of Ashes.... Fawks."

Looking pleased with this sudden recognition, the Chosen responds. "Yes, fellow Krownavin. I am..."

The Tailor continues his confusion. "The Houses said you would be older... and your eyes; they're brown, not blue."

Looking non-too please with these questions of his appearance. "Well, my friend. I was Chosen by our Lady; after being killed by your 'friend' there. My eyes are hers, and my age... I'd like to keep that to myself."

Smiling ever so slightly, Scott says. "Oh, so we have something in common, then. Being killed by Monster. How lovely..."

I see the throneless king mentally note Scott's words, before asking Zana. "So, who are you, Wild Mage? You weren't in my 'friend's little gang before..."

The aforementioned girl beings shaking slightly; mousy as ever, she says. "Zana... I'm st-studying Monster's biology."

"Oh, what a coy way of saying you're bedding the beast."

"Why do people keep saying that!"

Conversing back and forth continued; at times, almost becoming comforting, despite who it was we were speaking too. I had decided to share all information I had gained on Naimad and the rest of my Others, now that they were confirmed to be more than just mere nightmares. Once the food we had order was eaten, our ensemble left; with Fawks paying as he said he would.

Now, the man whom I hated turned to me, and spoke. "This is where we shall part ways; hopefully to never see each other again, should the Gods be so graceful. Now, take this."

A flame appears in his hand, which then forms into a feather; a crimson not unlike my own wings.

"It is a feather of my Guardian, the Pheonix. Writings made with it will be known to her; and thus, me. Inform me of any more visions of this new Demon King, and I shall inform the other Chosen in turn." As he speaks, he hands me the feather.

"So, that's it?" I ask. "No plan to destroy me? No hate fueled chase?"

Looking strangely disappointed; as though he wished better of me, Fawks answers in a playful, yet disgusted tone. "I hate you, Monster. I truly, honestly do. I would love nothing more than to skewer you with my sword, and dance on your unmarked grave. But, there are much larger fish in this pond; fish that need spearing, and cooking..."

"Dolores!" He calls out, as massive blazing wings emerge from his back; the feathers matching the one in my hand.

"Oh! Bye-bye, everyone!" Says Fuusong; waving with a smile.

The Simi-Ong woman then bows to her 'Master', slamming her two fists together; disappearing into a puff of smoke. Once the fog clears, a hand-sized stone statue of a monkey sits where she stood. Fawks takes the transformed girl, and places her into his shirt.

"Goodbye; you band of degenerates... and you as well, Scott."

In a flash of flame, Fawks is gone.