Gary
Dreams have long since been tied to the lord of beauties child, dreams are a realm that have harbored his soul even as his body and mind wished to die, they were a place for hundreds of years of memories to sit upon rows and rows of magnificent, terrible and neglected shelves. Often, nearly every night, his soul wandered down the long halls of the library of dreams he'd had and his fingertips brushed their covers- touching joyous moments, burning hatred and agonized wounds alike. So that still small voice knew that it could not reach Noctis as the torment went on, as the face of his first love filled his vision, so instead it began to run its own set of dreams alongside the one he was having now.

- - - - 

Noctis stood in a chamber, he'd not alerted anyone that he'd come back yet. Truth was, when it was done- he'd run right back and couldn't even remember the run. It had been his first ever solo mission for Scipio, it had been a success of course. Quietly he walked to the wash basin which had been filled already, and pulled off his clothing until he was naked. Staring ahead, he knelt and grabbed a sponge, dipping it into the water. Noctis then began to scrub his hands, scrub his arms, scrub his neck. 

Scrub. Scrub. Scrub. 

- - - - 

```Thine skin is sullied``` 

"...." Noctis was silent on the bed as she spoke, her words doing what this incarnation of her intended and shooting through him. His fingers tightened in the sheets as she went on, as her words continued to tear at his strength and yet he felt... *Angry?* Teeth clenched, he found himself nearly paralyzed as she spoke to him. 

- - - - 

Three sponges reduced to nothing but particles and still he scrubbed, the floor covered in waters and his skin red and raw from being rubbed so fiercely and yet he continued to rub. He could still feel the other demigods hands on him, a son of the Allfather with a taste for pretty men. Stronger than Noctis, too deadly to fight head on by anyone. Noctis could still taste the b

Itterness of the drug he needed to take to make... His body seem excited. 

- - - - 

"You're wrong..." He hissed, hot tears burning trails of slow lava down his beautiful ivory face. "I'm not dirty...*Im not dirty*....**Im not dirty!**... **IM NOT DIRTY!**" He said, his voice getting louder and cracking towards the end as he shouted out in defiance. 

- - - - 

The wash basin was empty, a pile of ruined rags and sponges and Noctis' skin burned from the efforts, trying to scrub out the other man's touches. It was horrible, it felt wrong, it felt like a betrayal, it felt anything but good- but he had to do it. He had to do it because... 

- - - - 

"I gave up... *So much* For you. Do you know what it was like for me?! The bitter foul medicine I had to take *Every time* To do my mission, how much of my own soul was ripped and passed around like bread at dinner?! **PRIDE?!** I sacrificed my entire being to create a world where you'd be safe! I drowned in blood and became a plaything for the world so I could make sure you'd be able to sit and sing to your doves till eternity came to rot. I always came back, I CAME BACK, **IT WAS YOU WHO LEFT! YOU ONLY SAW WHAT EVERYONE ELSE SAW, A PLAYTHING, AND YOU __LEFT__ ME."** 

- - - - 

Noctis stood at the entrance, gazing at the emptied room he shared with Alekhya. He had shared. How many times had he come into this room, how many kisses turned away, did he know? Noctis wondered why he had stopped being able to feel his face. 

- - - - 

"All I had was you, and you didn't want me anymore. How was I supposed to save you? *H-how was I supposed to know what you'd become?"* He choked out, his voice breaking upon the admission. His choking sobs racked his chest and made his body heave, he couldn't take this pain anymore. All of it was rushing back to him, he'd gone out and let so many people touch his body to the point it hadn't felt like his anymore, killed hundreds in their sleep or in their beds or in their showers- each time killing

Something in him too. All he'd had to hold onto was that he could come home to Alekhya, until one day she hadn't been there anymore. 

- - - - - 

Noctis swirled around in a dance with no one in a field of dandelions, perfectly in line in an elegant waltz and little puffs of white drift up and around him like snowing rising from the ground. His eyes were closed and he danced, he was *Not* Dirty, he wasn't sullied, he was Noctis Camille. 

- - - -

"I can't do that Eliza.. In too many ways the past is still my present. But I can't let it control me either. You shouldn't touch me, perhaps I'll sully you too- but I'd do anything to be cleansed and hold you again." He muttered as he gazed at the bloodied sheets. Her hand was cool and comforting as always, but now his skin itched, it was raw- as if he'd just been scrubbing it. 

- - - - 

Noctis danced amongst the clouds, he was free as a bird. There wasn't anyone to let down, anyone to need him, there was no master plan, no rulers or kings- no more wars, he was just a man, just a person who loved the sky and the flowers beneath it and the colors of the world and all of it joined him as he danced across the world. 

- - - - 

"Did it hurt, when I killed you, specter? I hope there was no pain." He whispered as he did not fight the faceless woman's squeeze, surrendered to it. She was hurting, he'd wrong her, he'd taken her life and her pride, who was he to fight it. 

- - - - 

Noctis awoke from the dream, sitting up slowly and looking at his hands. They were clean, his raven hair grown long brushed his shoulders as he ran a hand through it. Alekhya, Eliza- one long dead, the other long gone, both tied to death while he himself continued to live. 

Noctis sighed in relief at hearing the child and Akira, and he watched as Akira came closer. When she plopped down, she looked rather pleased, so he stroked her hair again, petting her and scratching her ears. Then he sighed, nodding his head. It was best to lay low for now.

"Okay... How's the child?" He asked as he got up, reaching for his sword and pausing when the black blade was once again not there. Shaking his head, he picked up his coat and found it was ruined, so too was his shirt for that matter. He was practically bare chested. Sighing, he exited the room to meet the Warforged. When he saw the child, he'd reach for her to scoop her into his arms. 

"Hello. My name is Luce, a traveler." He'd say, once he had the child if possible and was situated on a seat.
Patrick
The air was light and warm as if Noctis had awakened in a family home with intentions to start the day as a humble farmer, the sky was clear from the dark storm of the previous night. Yet particles of ashes could still be seen as a light haze that fought a losing battle against the mountain winds.*

*With her head patted and her hair stroked, she began to ponder if she'd let anyone else commit such an act without some degree of violence against them. His soft flesh primed for butchery with the sweet reward of crimson to leak from it like a perfect fruit of flesh. Her eyes peaked up upon the question of the whereabouts of the child.*

```"Oh, the child was so sweet they made a tea of the little one haha. But the quarter god is fine, the impregnated woman ensures it. This one is not the mothering fox of Masculo."```

*She spoke with a calm tone as her lips were rewarded with the taste of the demigod's tea that he seemed to have no interest in. Her crimson eyes noticed the longing for a blade as his hand reached for nothing. Seeing him shirtless was a treat, she was tempted to direct him to the farmer's old clothes but held her tongue on that topic. She began to help herself to his breakfast being the opportunistic hunter that she was.*

○○○○○○○○○○

*As Luce the traveller made his way to the main living room, he crossed paths with the toddler as she'd crawl herself over the carpeted floor. The farmer's wife carefully kept her eyes on her as she'd busy her hands with household chores, giving the man a polite acknowledgement as he scooped the child into his arms like a natural father.*

*With the child in his hands, he came to view the living room where a table was set and a large machine of a warforged sat. The living room was clean, the table set on the floor with pillow seats to be sat on. The pillow that the Warforged sat on was as thin as paper due to its weight, protecting the floor from it more than keeping him comfortable.*
Michael
*The warforged machine was a large machine, centuries old from the moss and plants that grew from its body. The sounds of gears and moving parts replaced the beating heart. A torn red banner dripped over its shoulder, the yellow dots within its head turned to meet the man and the toddler. His voice was not that of a man, rather a machine attempting to sound like a man. Unnatural and artificial, no emotions nor tone could be heard. Simply words.*

```"Please have a seat. Allow me to introduce myself, I am Grandmaster Waken Mati. A prototype of war, born and created by the Imperial War machine. However, I hold no loyalty towards the Empire. My loyalty remains on my clan. I request your aid with the promise of fair reward."```

*Waken spoke without emotion within any of his words, yet his chosen words were polite and formal. The machine turned its arm to its back as it placed a black sword with rubied roses craved into the metal onto the table. Ebony Rose, was placed on the table as the machine continued his sentence.*

```"You may chose to assist me by joining forces with an ally of mine. I am held back by my duties to my clan. A hero of your caliber, one that can stop a lesser god may prove to be a useful asset to increase the success probability of my ally in hunting a powerful monster. The monster is said to rival the power of a demigod and a champion. The rewards I offer. This unbreakable sword, my assistant in finding and curing the young quarter god's curse and my personal gratitude. My clan would welcome a human like you, but I have yet to gain your trust. I will trust your desire to be a hero, protecting the child and gaining better equipment."```

*The warforged said as he made his deal rather clear, going straight into business and not skipping a beat. There was much to discuss and questions to be asked, but with the rewards set and displayed on the table. It hoped it'd at least peak the traveller's interest.*
Gary
Noctis rolled his eyes at the strange way Akira spoke, he could feel the affection radiating off her and yet that lethal darkness never left either. Still, he truly felt as if he were safe around her without question. As he sat there poking the chubby cheeks of the toddler as she sat upon his lap, enjoying the presence of the child as he listened to the Warforged. Imperial crafted of course, but with loyalties to a clan? This was an interesting development. The mortal demigod felt a sinking in his chest as he was tasked with yet another quest, but then he was used to things like this. His body was entirely healed and his energy had restored overnight, he felt as good as he possibly could without any of his real strength. 

Then suddenly it was there, produced as easily as if it were a common longsword. Its midnight black blade, rubied roses engraved into the metal and glittering in the light as if the blade itself was bleeding, its platinum crossguard gleaming and the rube pommel flashing like fire. It was not the most powerful blade in the world, it held no real powers of other blades- but it was beautiful and it would never break, not even from the hammer strike of a god and it could cut through bone without resistance. It had been crafted by two very good friends and was a gift, a testament to his service to the empire and all that he lost, sacrificed for others to enjoy their peace. He wanted to reach out and take it, he knew it would fit into his hand like a glove, perfectly balanced. The thought occured that he could take it and teleport away, have his sword back. 

Yet he had the child on his lap, and Akira was now his friend and comrade, his fathers treasured fox- so he looked away from the sword cooly, showing no emotion or recognition of the blade and tilting his head. 

"You want me? I'm sorry, but I'm just a man. I can use a blade well enough and I have some magical ability, but I am not one who can fight demigods or champions. I survived off blind luck,

If it wasn't for Akira I would be dead right now. Why are you asking me for help? You could hire anyone from the adventurers guild, especially for a threat like this one." He said, his musical voice becoming tinted with anger. 

"Why should I have to help you for her to get care? Shouldn't her being a helpless child be enough of a reason for her to be treated? Is that the heart of your clan, to offer aide only when you can be served?" His grey eyes were stern and defiant, though he was aware that this Warforged could likely kill him with one solid blow. Still, he protectively held the child and glanced at Akira, seeing if she was ready to fight if need be.
Michael
*As Noctis spoke to the Warforged, the toddler began to struggle as if trying to bite his finger that poked her cheek, grabbing hold of his hand as a soft mumble was spoke. Akira leaned against a wall, watching with interest in what the scene was about. Unsure of what was really happening as if there were layers between the two, both the Warforged and the Demigod held back a truth. Waken showed no emotion as he patiently waited until Noctis finished his sentence. It was clear that he wasn't too eager to work with it nor seemed very friendly towards the stranger.*

```"It is a simple offer. Reject it or accept it, you are not forced or threatened to accept it."```

*The warforged machine spoke with a expressionless tone, attempting to calm down the angered man. It could waste its time explaining the lies that traveller already stated but that would not increase its probability in success.*

```"My offer stands. If you reject it than I will hire adventurers as you suggested. You are not helping me, helping would mean that I do not offer a reward. It is a service. My clan is not kind or charitable. You seem either curiosity nor interested at my offer. If so, I will leave and search elsewhere. I have no interest in human arguments or fits of emotion."```

*The warforged stated in its expressionless tone, his words were cold and stoic. It clearly had no admirable speech or somber story to convince the demigod for his service. It was confident in its valuable rewards for fair service. Having no interest in argument or debates, it began to stand up. The traveller showed no interest in helping the Warforged and his hostility would only decrease the probability of success.*

```"If you wish to argue about my ethics and my choices, than you will have to excuse me. I came to make a deal and nothing more. Farewell, and good luck."```

*The warforged slowly stood up, walking past the kitsune as he took the long sword with him.*
Gary
"Very well. Detail your treatment plan with the girl, and if the offer is not extended to Akira, I want her to be able to check in on the girl at any point. If its a transaction then I have set my terms." He calls, rising up, amazingly not looking at the sword though in truth it ached him with every inch it moved away from him. With that sword in his hands he might feel strong again, like some part of him was now back. Still- life wasn't all about power. He was learning that now. Too long he'd let his own strength make him weak and blind. 

"I apologize for offense. Now, lets talk business." He said, his face hard set. Sure maybe it wasn't right of them not to help the child, but it was now his job to make sure she got care. So he'd take the job, probably die, but hey, luck had been on his side so far and perhaps this other person truly was strong. 

"What about the tieflings parents? Do you know whats become of them? Could I possibly find them?" He asked, realizing now that she must have parents. He felt a pang of guilt when he realized he would hate parting from the child, but who was he to take a child that wasn't his. Was he insane?
Michael
*The warforged paused as he listened to the man's melodic words, his metal hands on the beautiful sword. Finally, the man began to ask questions that actually led somewhere related to the quest. Waken said nothing as he began to make his way back to the flattened seat, sitting back down as a loud thud echoed causing the farmer's wife to looked worried for her wooden floors. Akira smiled at the sight, her tails swaying side to side.*

```"There is no need to apologize, but I accept it. Your terms are acceptable, should you deem it fit. The child will remain in our stronghold, Akira will be given full access to check on the quarter god's well being. The parents of the quarter god are dead, the father died facing the monster we spoke of. Only a statue of stone remains of him. The wife was found dead after the gnolls attacked her. The gnolls had no reason to keep the mother alive due to her lack of divinity. I believe the child lacks a name due to her age, tieflings gain a name once they show what virtue they value most."```

*The warforged explained seeming rather content with sharing information about the tiefling. The machine itself was indifferent to the child's fate, even if the quarter god becomes a problem or a threat. To kill a child was against its code and law, and it did not fear the shadow that a child has.*

```"The monster killed a demigod, turned him into stone and left many loved ones to go missing. If you are as righteous and heroic as you seem, it could be considered a duty to face this demon especially with worthy allies."```
.

*The warforged was hunting the little one's father for a few years, trying to find the demigod who committed crimes centuries past against barbarian civilians. It was both disappointed and curious once it learned the fate of the divine son of Vendetta. It naturally brought him to tracking down his family for a potential heir to neutralize, especially with the rumors of gnolls growing in the area. It assumed only trouble, but thanks to Noctis. The child was saved.*

```"The demon is not in Yronis, it residences in the lands beyond. Too far for me to venture. However, you will accompany an experienced fighter. The road will be long, but the rewards are fair. I will even give you this sword, as a sign of good faith and begin with the child's treatment."```

*Waken spoke without emotion as he held the sword to the man, the toddler began to curiously reach out to grab the sword before Noctis could. Akira wasn't sure of she'd join a quest that was too far from her duties so she spoke up.*

```"This son is loyal and caring to the man before her, but duties bound this Guardian to the lands of Yronis. The child will be protected and checked on by the silent fox, but the lands beyond is not a domain this one can willfully go to."```

*Akira said as her arms crossed and her tone was calm, she loved the idea of killing a demon. But venturing too far from her sister was something she could not commit to. The Warforged continued to detail the child's treatment.*

```"My clan has a very powerful undead lich, who specializes in blocking the influence and control of godly figures from mortal bodies. I am confident that she can ensure the child's safety and well being. I have witnessed her ability to free paladins from their godly bounds and quarter gods from their parents influence. You may see her work first hand if you do not trust my word."```
.
Patrick
*The voice rang out again with no emotion or tone, simply the sounds of metal clashing together to spark a noise that sounded human. The fox began to approach the man, sitting next to him as she no longer saw the machine as a threat. Sure, it was cold but it's intentions were clear. Her tails softly brushed against the man's bare back, as she'd sit very formally next to him.*