Max and relax.

Though you're sad to see them go, you know you'll meet with them again sometime, especially now that you have Captain Silver's FONE link, but the Silver Hunters eventually depart from Castle Phoenix and make their trek back down to where the Kunzite Kraken is docked, protected by those of Gobiidae--what has effectively become an extension of your nation now that your home is considered a sovereign nation within the land otherwise owned by the Empire of Tivera. Whatever conflicts may have existed throughout the area's history have some and passed, as your relationship with the current queen goes beyond any regular declaration of friendship.

By the next day, everything is already back to normal. One could say it's even better.

A pond has been constructed a short walk southwest from the center of the village. Now at her leisure, the Lady of the Lake may appear and mingle with you and the only residents, which has become an anomaly swiftly spreading beyond the borders of Castle Phoenix. They say that the Hero King Kyle Warren is so great that even old mythological beings can be found within his realm, as if up in the mountains is a pathway to Heaven. Merchants spread stories of elemental queens, unforgettable celebrations, and the appearance of those even beyond their understanding.

Though Vyzia doesn't travel far, she does depart from your walls to a cavern somewhere in the mountains, and with her she brings her people. You know this to be temporary, as you doubt they all want to continue living in isolation, but that's for them to discuss. And if you wish to speak with her, or she to you, it's hardly a hike away. She still can't fly, though she's faster and stronger than most, and of course you can warp anywhere you'd like with the power of Bunny Hop.

You're walking down the main road when both Aak'aba the Empress of Ice and K'iina the Empress of Fire approach.

"You've done more for us than any mortal," speaks Aak'aba with a grateful bow and a graceful smile. "But we were thinking it may be time to move on."

"But what about that Hunter of Souls, or whatever his name was?" you ask.

They look at one another. K'iina speaks up next. "From what I understand, he's been tracking down powerful beings to kill and consume, but like... we don't want to stay here and burden you with that. It isn't your fight. What are we supposed to do, crash at your place until he comes knocking on your door with a giant sword?"

"Yes," you respond.

Aak'aba stares silently for a moment. "We've already tried wearing our lives to a protector. The last thing I want is to be locked up again."

"You won't be," you say. "Unless you want to be, of course. The people here are into some freaky stuff, let me tell you--"

"I am not a freak!"

K'iina laughs. "I mean, I'd honestly love to stay. Not as a prisoner, but to have a place that's safe. I just don't know if that's right. When the Hunter comes, he might kill you all, and then us afterwards. It might be better for us to go into hiding. This is the first place he'd look after learning more about you, I assume."

"Well that's just even more reason for you to stay," you explain. "If he's gonna come here eventually no matter what, then I'll have **** but to fight him."

"Are we discussing that foul murderer?" comes a voice from behind. It's Feli.

The Creator of Catfolk walks hand-in-hand with Lepo, the Creator of Bunnyfolk. Their divine presence, while similar to the two elemental queens before you, does feel different. They aren't just powerful beings representing fire or ice, but ancient spiritual beings from an ancient time, and it's because of them many of your allies now even exist. While perfection is purely subjective, they represent a certain interpretation of the word in relation to being the originals. You'd feel guilty for eyeing them over if you didn't already share more than one night together. It doesn't seem that your lingering gaze bothers them in the slightest. Whether it's because they have a different view of sexuality than most mortals do, or it's the bond you've formed with them, you aren't certain.

"I overheard the entire conversation," speaks Lepo as she points to her tall set of ears. "And it's quite the conundrum. Both Feli and I have realms we can retreat to, though there's no guarantee he doesn't find himself inside. It's how we met Kyle after all."

"This is embarrassing!" K'iina shouts. "No offense, Kyle, but look at us. Four immortal ladies, scrambling to decide whether or not to fall under the protection of a mortal man. We shouldn't be afraid at all. Together, we could kick that armoured guy's ass!"

"Age alone doesn't denote power," says Feli. "Not that I'm claiming us to be weak, though we also don't even know how old or truly dangerous this Hunter of Souls may be."

The quiet sound of sliding plates and metal boots pushing into stone grows in volume. You turn to see another approach--a woman clad in shining armour. Though not actually crafted of silver, it certainly looks it, and she keeps it so polished that you can look back at your own reflection. It was made to fit specifically her body perfectly. The curves of the metal accentuate her natural, slender figure, so despite the fact that the suit covers all her body but her thighs, your gaze still lingers from top to bottom as the aura of her charisma and grace draws you in. Her long, pink hair is lush and glistens under the sun peaking through clouds above. Down her back is a sheathed blade--one for two hands, but slim with an elven curve.

Lady Nyllia Tesgella, famed adventurer, knight of both Tivera and Castle Phoenix, and mighty templar, stands before the audience of gods to speak.

"With all respect, though your wisdom is to be admired and presence honoured, I think that perhaps you are thinking about the situation incorrectly. This is not merely about a man holding power over those divine, nor is it about your fall from greatness. Before you is a friend, and one who cares about those close to him. It does not matter who comes barging through the front gates, Kyle, as well as the rest of us, will fight to retain what we have. My point is that you four are not gods bowing at the feet of a mortal, but friends and allies, and therefore we should protect one another."

You nod. "That's right. You don't keep someone safe to hold something over them. That's what Stormqueen Tepilli was doing. Even her alliance with Thunderbeard was hardly made with affection. They were both shitty, so they deserved one another I suppose, but neither of them would have risked themselves to save the other. Their goals just happened to line up. That's not what's happening here."

"Because of this Hunter, you may feel like a prisoner within these walls, but the truth is I feel safe here because I see it as my home now."

"And it won't be forever. I mean, you can stay as long as you'd like, even after all is dealt with, but I doubt we'll be waiting the rest of our lives for that asshat to attack. I guarantee, for better or for worse, we'll hear about him again soon."

"Hm. Why do you say that so confidently?" K'iina asks.

You raise a finger. "One, that's how it always goes. Another villain, another headache." You then raise another. "Two, do you think it's common for his prey to escape? Maybe his target was the Stormqueen alone, or maybe it was all three of you. Either way, he knew you were there. You got away. He also saw the ship. So it's only a matter of time I'm sure, especially if he sees us as one big soul buffet."

A threat that even the gods fear. Well, it seems people really like their terms. Demon King never meant a demon, and these two pairs of immortal ladies are pretty different from each other. Either way, I wonder if I should talk to Vex or William about it. Sounds pretty important. It isn't just about me, since he could really be going after anybody. I might not see him for a long time, or he could show up tomorrow.

"If we was as all-powerful as people seem, he would have pursued the others while he could," says Nyllia. "Whoever it is, they play strategically. I doubt we need to fear a sudden attack, especially if he fights alone."

"All the more reason for nobody to go off alone," you add.

K'iina grabs her head. "Ugh. All right! I guess if I gotta stay here where my game system is, I have ****."

"I thought you said it was some sort of training simulator," Aak'aba mutters. Having surrendered herself to the logic of the others, she looks to you and curtsies politely. "I accept your proposal, Kyle Warren, though I am uncertain if there's a proper place for us to stay."

"This whole stretch of mountain down to Gobiidae is effectively my domain," you explain. "And even to Crystal Lake, given the presence of the Lady. My people don't exclusively hold themselves up within the walls of Castle Phoenix itself. We scout the perimeter, especially Peony, who enjoys frolicking among the trees. Now we even have a powerful red dragon who nests up in a cave nearby. You're free to stay wherever is most comfortable."

Wow. That's some serious defense. On top of what we had before, now Castle Phoenix will basically have a perimeter of divine beings.

Nyllia looks to you with a glint in her eye and a pair of soft, smiling lips. Her look alone is enough to warm your heart. "You really have filled the shoes you were given, you know."

"I'm doing what I've always done since I got here. My best. I'm sure luck has helped me somewhat along the way."

"You can call yourself lucky, talented, or whatever you would like. I will have my own word for you."

"And what's that?"

"... Handsome," she whispers, and upon your reaction she finishes you off with a playful wink.

But you counter back by leaning in to softly reply. "If only your armour wasn't keeping me out."

She's more than ready to parry the strike. "You may be surprised just how swiftly I can remove it."

Beyond heroes and gods, one figure stands patiently with something held between her hands. Yen, the devil maid, makes her appearance known once a gap in conversation opens. She steps forwards, and bows low. "I'm very sorry to interrupt."

"It's fine, Yin. I'm happy to see you. Did you need something?" you ask.

She approaches, and hands you a stamped envelope. The first thing you notice is the quality of the paper, as strangely as it may sound. Around the edges there's a pattern of gold, and the symbol pressed into the wax is incredibly familiar. In fact, it isn't so different than what you wear around your finger--the royal family of Tivera.

"Awesome. Thank you, Yin," you say.

"You're welcome, Master." She then reveals a letter opener, though not in a normal way. She spins it briefly in her hand, and then offers it over.

"Ohoho, you've been practising, haven't you?"

"There may come a day when I need to fight to protect you, Master." Then with a big, bright smile, she comes in close, rises up to her toes, and kisses you on the lips. She giggles, and then hurries away.

Nyllia watches her go with great amusement. "Well then. I will be sure to bring you the next letter that comes."