the Spirit Fall

By the next morning, the events in the void were explained to those who weren't there, and everyone had rested up. But one thing was not done. They needed to decide whether to first pursue Mucro lux Angelus the Devil-Carver or the spell known as the Spirit Fall. After breakfast of fresh rabbit and river water, the wanderers sat and discussed their plan.

"I'd like to begin by going after the sword. If we run into Arakarin before we get the spell, this way we can at least drive him away," Sagus began.

"I disagree," Sophie said. "If Marianne knows Spirit Fall, there's a chance she can take the soul from his body and he can be destroyed without trouble. If you have the sword, there's no guarantee you'll be able to beat him."

"True," Rebecca said. "But if Marianne can cast the spell from somewhere hidden, we can kill him without him even knowing we're there. It's the best strategy, you have to admit that."

"Besides," Sophie added smirking. "You just wanna get the sword so you can have a legendary weapon, right? I know how much of a sword buff you are. You can't tell me it wouldn't give you a little jolt in the crotch to have something like that on you." Marianne unconsciously glanced at Sagus' crotch, then quickly looked at the other side of the field blushing.

"I admit it would be nice to have a sword of such reputation at my disposal. But i can get it whenever. My main concern is killing Arakarin."

"No it isn't. It's ****. You want the pleasure of slicing off his head for cursing you."

"You don't know what you're talking about, Rebecca! My satisfaction will be a result of this journey, not the cause!"

"Please, stop!" Everyone went quiet.

Sophie chimed in. "Well, it looks like Marianne is the deciding vote. What do you wanna do?"

Marianne looked around as the three looked back at her with anticipation.

"I....i think i should learn Spirit Fall first. Maybe i can use it to finish this quest without any of you risking your lives."

Sagus sighed but stood. "Ok. If Marianne says we're going after Spirit Fall, i guess that's what we'll do."

Preparations were made and the mages and archer headed south in search of the Temple of Light and Faith, where Utoness was said to appear when called. Sagus led the way, as always, but this time, Marianne stayed in the back with Rebecca. Her mind was full of questions. About the spell, about Sheunsi, about everything. Sophie took this rare chance to come to the front with Sagus. It wasn't often Marianne left his side.

"Hey, Sagus."

"Yeah?"

"Since when did you become such a pushover?"

"Hm?"

"As soon as Marianne said Spirit Fall, you stood right up ready to go get it."

"I owe her my life, Sophie, and my soul. If i can grant her request, i'm honor-bound to do so."

"Plus, you wanna score a few points with her, right?"

Sagus said nothing, but he didn't have to. Suddenly, something strange happened. Sophie felt a bit angry at her knowing what Sagus was thinking. It took her by surprise and she quickly shook it off, but upon reflection, she realized it. She was becoming jealous of Marianne. She fell back a few steps.

Her mind reeled trying to figure out what happened. About a mile later, she figured it out. When Sagus died, she realized how much he meant to her and how much she'd miss him. The feeling must've become more than it really was. She smirked at herself and paid it no more mind.