Hm." I hum mutely, gazing into the landscape of my painting. "Angels live a... long time... in fact, one has never died of old age. Nor do I think we age at all past our prime. I'm unsure. I've never met another angel before."
"I haven't really thought about what I want to do with my life... before, back at the old church I wanted nothing more than to just... leave... to go out and see the world. I was lonely. Verbally abused... I might have even been close to falling at a few points. But. Then you, Sister Griselda, and Irina arrived. You took me from that place... became my friends... my teachers."
The corners of my mouth turn upwards. "I don't want to run away anymore... I just... haven't given my new dream much thought. Maybe get back into Heaven? Visit my father? I don't know if he wants to see me and I don't wish to cause him any anguish... maybe I could become a Seraph? That could be a dream. Grow stronger so people will actually listen to me. Try and make the church the bastion of good it's supposed to be."
"What about you, Xenovia? What's your dream?"
"A-Ah... it's much less impressive than yours." She admits. "A lot less... ah... wholesome than your own."
I blink twice, turning to face her. "Well, now I'm a little curious."
"Its- well, ah... I want to be bred."
"..."
"..."
"I-I mean I want to become a mother and raise a family!" The girl exclaims.
"Ah. I see. That's a wonderful dream, Xenovia." I smile as I go back to painting. "I hope you achieve it."
I blink twice. "Wait... did you come to me because-"
I look back at her to see her face a deep scarlet. She squirms in place slightly. "W-Well... I'd want my children to be strong... so... so I'd never be forced to see them hurt... a-and well... Miracle Children are only a small step under regular angels... so... uh..."
"You're such a handful, Xenovia." I sigh wistfully. "Look. I'm not going to say no. You are very beautiful... however as an Angel, I'll fall if I partake in too much debauchery. You're aware of that, right?"
"Y-Yeah..." She nods slowly.
"So, before we even consider that. We'd need to get married because premarital sex is a sin. But. I'd say we're both a little too young for this conversation at the moment. Ask me again in a couple years and maybe we can ask Sister Griselda about it."
"Y-You agree though?!" She questions, sounding a little meek.
"Like I said. You're beautiful... if a little blunt at times... but I would be truly blessed to have a wife like you." I nod once.
"..."
"hey, Luce... can you close your eyes for a moment?"
"Uh... sure?"
I close my eyes.
Her lips press against my own.
*Ping*
I blink twice as my halo appears. My wings pop out...
Then another set of wings appears just below those.
"Huh?" Xenovia squeaks.
An achievement has been unlocked:
Kiss Stealer:
Xenovia willingly gave you her fist kiss... Lucky!
Reward: 100 Exp, +1 Charisma
"Y-You just grew another set of wings?!"
A long breath leaves my lips. "Hang on... what's..."
You have been given divine inspiration. Natural 20 Ensured.
"Divine Inspiration?" I whisper.
"Wait... wh-"
I snap my fingers, a large body-length canvas appearing leaned up against the wall. The world fades away, leaving only myself and the canvas. My paintbrush glows as I float forwards, long amber-gold streaks being left on the blank surface.
Xenovia stares at the angel she... ah... might have just kissed a few minutes ago.
Beside her stands her adoptive mother, Griselda whom she had gone and gotten after Luce stopped responding to her.
"Luce!" She calls out. There's not so much as a twitch to his hand as he continues painting.
"What brought this about?" Griselda asks, turning to look at her.
"Well... I came over here to talk about our dreams for the future..." Xenovia begins quietly. "We talked for a while... and... well... he grew another pair of wings and muttered the words 'Divine Inspiration' and started painting."
She's... not going to tell her mother that she stole the lips of her angel friend. That's a conversation she really doesn't want to have.
"His eyes are gold." Griselda observes. "Perhaps... we should leave him to it? He'll probably tell us something after he's done with... whatever it is he is painting."
From what they can see so far is a stone brick road, lightly cracked and overgrown with vine. The amount of detail packed into each square inch of the painting is probably more than all of his other paintings combined. It's... strange.
She has never seen Luce be this serious before, his face flat and impassive, his now golden eyes flicking over the painting as his hands move like a master surgeon, adding a little color... little details here and there.
Xenovia pauses outside the door of her angel friend- a set of words that only just last year she would have never DREAMED of thinking.
The door creaks open as she steps inside.
She freezes, noticing that he is no-longer painting as he has been for the past seven days. He is instead hunched over his desk, sleeping.
His hair is slightly greasy as he lays his head down, but...
The painting is finished.
They were starting to get worried. He moved like a man possessed. Not reacting at all to any attempt at conversation. He ate the food brought, drank the water provided, but his eyes barely left the canvas.
She quickly approaches the sleeping angel, gently shaking him. "Luce! Luce are you alright?"
"Hnn?" He groans as he cracks open an eye, his hair is messy, there's dark circles under his eyes. His blue eyes are a little out of focus as he sits up, letting out a quiet yawn. "Xeno...via? What is it? What time is it?"
"It is noon." The girl informs as he rubs his eyes.
He touches his hair, letting out a sigh as he lazily waves a hand downwards.
The filth is utterly removed from his body, his clothes quickly follow.
He lays his head back down.
"..."
"Wait... Noon?" He echos, sitting back up.
Noon? What is she on about. I just laid down and-
My eyes catch a large full-length body painting.
"Oh shit..."
"LUCE!" Xenovia gasps, sounding scandalized.
"Oh, pardon me. Crap." I whisper as I shakily stand up.
My tiredness is washed away.
"I... really did that?" I whisper.
"You've spent the last seven days painting."
"SEVEN DAYS?!" I ask.
"Yes."
"Straight?!" I gasp.
"Yes." She nods once more. "Only pausing to eat and drink... I don't know if you slept much if at all."
"..."
A weary sigh leaves my lips. "I'm going back to bed."
I let out a quiet groan as I stand up, walk across the room, and curl up under the blankets.
"Why were you painting this for seven days, Luce?" The blue haired girl questions, causing me to crack open an eye.
"Egh... magic painting or something. I don't know... it's kind of just a blur since I started painting."
"Magic... painting?" The blue-ette echoes.
I sit up again, letting out a quiet yawn. "Whatever. Let's do this now. I can sleep after, I guess."
I make my way to the painting, truly looking over it for the first time.
This is... holy shit I made this?
It's... extremely powerful. Like, beyond what I'd typically expect...
It's a robed figure in a dungeon. Skin made of metal, a face peeking out from under its hood, a large rounded blue crystal surface with a white cross splitting it.
It has four arms, light seeming to pool around its claw-tipped fingers. Curls of energy radiating off a twisting bolt of arcane energy.
An automaton.
Spoiler
"Ah... well..." I mutter.
It looks like I made what I wanted.
"Come here for a moment." I order.
"P-Pardon?"
"Not you, Xenovia." I hum, glancing over my shoulder, my gaze eventually returning to the painting. "Him."
The painting ripples, Xenovia letting out a gasp as the clockwork figure within the painting slowly moves. It takes one step forwards, followed by another. Its metallic boots thudding out on the worked stone it was painted upon as it comes closer and closer.
It take a step back as it reaches out. The painting seems to ripple. A single finger protruding from the surface of the canvas.
Suddenly the hunched figure steps forwards, a leg moving through the painting as if it were passing through a curtain of water.
He is surprisingly tall, reaching six feet despite being slightly hunched over. His featureless stare seems to stray from Xenovia to myself.
It drops to a kneel a deep and melodious voice echoing out. "I greet my great creator... my master. The one who has given me form."
"A-Ah... yes. Hello." I wave. "What is your name?"
"You have given my painting the title 'Tock, the Priest of Clockwork'. Thus, my designation is 'Tock' or 'Priest of Clockwork'. However, my master, you may call me anything and I shall respond."
A small window opens up in front of me... one only I can seem to see.
Tock:
Challenge Rating: 14
Race: Trompe L'oeil
Health: 308
AC: 30
My eyes slowly trail downwards.
He can heal... infinitely.
Wait... Psionics?
Mind Thrust 6: 5/day (Caster Level 18)
You divine the most vulnerable portions of your opponent's mind and overload it with a glut of psychic information.
This attack deals 1d8 points of damage per caster level (maximum 20d8) The target receives a Will save for half damage. Targets that fail are exhausted and stunned for 1 round. This attack has no effect on creatures without an Intelligence score.
"..."
"Oh wow..." I whisper.
This is what I wanted to create... Clockwork Priest. But it seems pretty... upgraded...
That mind thrust ability could likely allow it to punch up at an eight-winged angel quite easily...
I wanted to make this guy BECAUSE it can cast cure light wounds at will.
Well, plus the fact that as a Trompe L'oeil it costs like... not even a quarter of the cost to make the LEGITIMATE construct and is literally immortal and adds its charisma to its health per hit-die and, well... gains free magical enhancements.
The Trompe L'oeils are fucking overpowered which is why I instantly built towards them... theoretically you can paint any creature with intellect... Youkai. Dragons. Heroes. Literal. Fucking. Deities.
I snap out of my musings as I feel Xenovia pulling on my shirt.
"What do we do?"
"Uh... talk to sister Griselda... this is Tock. He can cast low powered healing magic... infinitely." I weakly introduce Xenovia.
"I can indeed, master!" The construct beams. "I can also vastly bolster someone as they are being healed. Granting them a shield that can absorb vast amounts of damage! However, I can only do this twice per day per person."
"He also can project an extremely damaging mental attack which likely could defeat a strong high-class or weak ultimate class being... and reforms in this painting anywhere from two to eight days after being slain."
Xenovia's gaze snaps to me. "He's immortal?!"
"As long as the painting lasts, yes." I nod once. "Could you go get her, please? I don't know if Tock here should be walking around the sanctuary without permission from the Archbishop."
"A-Ah! I should tell her that you are awake!" With that, Xenovia slips from my room.
I sit back down at my table, letting out a long breath as I rub my temples.
"Are you feeling unwell, master?" Tock asks from behind me, his foremost set of arms steepling their fingers in front of his chest.
"I'm just tired, Tock." I sigh. "It has been... an eventful week or so."
I notice a new window on my character sheet.
"Ah... right... I did gain an extra pair of wings, didn't I?" I mutter under my breath.
Race: Four-Winged Angel
From what I can see, these appear to be the changes.
Firstly, a flat plus two bonus to Strength, Dexterity, Constitution, and Charisma. Next? My light magic trait has improved.
Light magic (Lesser):
You are granted a pool of magical energy equal to your (Level+Charisma Modifier)*1.5. Using a point of this energy you may cast 'Cure', 'Light' or 'Dia' as a spell-like-ability with a caster level equal to your hit-die. And by using two points you may cast 'Cure 2', 'Light 2', or 'Holy Weapon' as a spell-like-ability with a caster level equal to your hit-die.
Special: If you are a White Mage, you may instead convert this energy into MP at a 1-1 Ratio.
Not bad. Not bad at all. Becoming level five gave me third level spells plus a little bump in MP... with this I should have twenty-six MP if I convert all of this to mana.
I shake my head, gazing at the canvas which now lacks the mechanical figure.
'now I suppose I just have to wait for Griselda.'
"He can heal?" The woman asks.
"Infinitely. Yes. For weak healing magic he has infinite magical power. He has stronger versions of the spell, but he can only cast those at most like two times per day. But he can make up for it with his medical skills."
"How... did you make him exactly?" The nun continues.
"My creator is an artist!" The construct beams. "His skill with painting is utterly unmatched! A true visionary! Truly he is a child of the lord in heaven to be able to bring something to life with paint and canvas!"
"Magic paint." I deadpan, already being slightly fed up with the robot's ass-kissing antics. "I sort of entered a... fugue for a moment there... like my body was moving on its own. I feel like I made something at the genuine peak of my current abilities."
My gaze flicks to Tock. "I don't know if I'll be able to create another version of him with my current skill... but... I am skilled enough to make other things."
"What are the limits that you can create?"
"I... am not sure." I shake my head. "It... has to be sentient... or well... have an intellect at all so beasts are on the table. I cannot paint something like... excalibur or some other powerful holy sword."
"No limits?" The woman echoes, blinking twice.
"Well... I guess the limit would be materials. I need stuff for my paints." I scratch the back of my head.
"And those materials... would be?"
"Oh! Let me get you a list. One moment. Tock can you hand me that pencil there and a sheet of paper?"
"Of course, my great creator!" The clockwork bows, a pen and paper being floated across the room.
Materials come to mind. Turns out I don't need to use GP for the items I need to create. There's some real-world substitutes which is useful.
I quickly write down what I need and hand it to the blonde nun. Her gaze seems to scan the paper.
"Some of these are... quite valuable." Griselda frowns. "But... I'll see what I can do."
Since that day, I've gone back to my training. Before I knew it, a week had passed, Tock being taken to the medical wing where his magical prowess seemingly was quite helpful. My new strength has closed the gap between Irina and myself somewhat. Xenovia is still a brute powerhouse, but Irina is now physically weaker than me which has led to this situation.
A wooden blade is knocked aside as I step forwards, my heel slipping around the long-haired girl's.
I lunge forwards, body crashing into hers as I take her to the floor, one hand wrapping around her neck, my knee coming up and pressing the wrist of her sword arm into the dirt.
"My win?" I ask slowly, the girl squirming in place briefly.
"Y-Yeah..." She sighs as I slowly stand, offering her a hand which she takes.
"So... is it time to fight Super Xenovia again?" I ask weakly, eyes straying to the blue haired girl who's eyes are practically glinting with excitement.
We've taken to fighting her two-on-one after I boost her up with Mithra's Grace and Galka Strength.
It's... kind of even at that point.
A stronger Xenovia is scary... but a stronger AND FASTER Xenovia is nearly unbeatable. Irina with the boosts is more manageable but you can hardly ever catch her.
The reason we do this is quite simple... firstly, for the attackers, it gives us the opportunity to face someone stronger than us and get used to fighting in tandem. For the defender, it grants them the time to get used to the enhanced strength before we are forced to use it in the field. Grow used to the time limit. And even learn how to fight multiple opponents at once.
"Luce." I pause, looking over to our teacher as she walks over. "Someone is here to speak with you."
"Oh. Okay." I mutter as I brush myself off.
With a pulse of my magic, my body is cleaned, my dusty clothes are returned to their original pure white robes. Any sweat from my workout utterly vanishes.
This could be super annoying... I wonder what trope I'll be meeting today?
The angry 'you have no right' one. The 'nice' one. The 'you are property of the church' one. The 'I'm taking all of your paintings' one?
I wonder if Serafall is hiring... cause that's where I'll be going if they pull that shit.
Maybe she won't make me do much beyond painting extras for her show.
We walk through the church sanctuary eventually stopping in front of a large door.
"S-So... who wants to see me?" I ask meekly.
"You'll see." Griselda notes as she opens the door.
I step into a circular room with a large table inside. Sat around it is numerous old men, the highest authority within the sanctuary. Bishops of the lord. but. Behind them is a figure that radiates pure power. A woman with long silky blonde hair.
Spoiler
Her face lights up upon seeing me, her hands clasping together briefly. "Ah! Hello Luce! It is wonderful to meet you."
A halo rests above her head. My eyes widen slightly as I bow my head. "It's an honor to meet you, Seraph Gabriel!"
Oh! look! Gabriel! Sweet! someone to dote on the boy.
as for updating the character sheet? I'll do that later. I'm not feeling the best right now.
The woman seems to look over me, a slightly perturbed frown appearing on her lips briefly. She turns to look at the nearby archbishop. "Why is a pure angel here?"
"From what we can tell he was brought to a remote church towards the east when he was only a baby and left there. I do not know why." The man shakes his head.
"I was cast out from heaven after my mother fell during labor." I inform, my smile flickering slightly.
"WHAT?!" The woman shrieks, rocketing to her feet.
She steps forwards and gently hugs me, gently stroking the back of my head. "You poor thing."
"It's... fine." I admit. "At least I have friends now... and the priests don't yell at me like the old one did."
I squirm in her gasp slightly.
"..."
I'm not getting out of this, am I?
Thankfully she decides to put me down
Her hands clasp together as she looks over me. "Four wings... at such a young age... you have quite a gift, Luce... and I'm not even beginning to take into account your artistry."
"Painting has always been a passion of mine. I've always enjoyed it even if I wasn't allowed to pursue it until recently. Recently my creations have gotten a bit more..." I wince slightly. "Life-like..."
"Yes... I've spoken to... 'Tock'." The woman admits. "He is remarkably... fanatical in his faith of you and our fath- or rather, my father and your grandfather. It is... strange... and his abilities in healing are second to none in sheer scale. I watched him briefly and no wound stumped him for more than a few seconds. Healing is incredibly difficult to find... but... he seemingly has endless magical energy for healing. It's incredible!"
"It's less... infinite... and more..." I rotate my hand trying to find the right words. "He's like an engine... an engine can produce a certain amount of 'energy' every second. He is the same. Producing just enough energy every six seconds or so to cast his weakest healing magic spell."
"I made him specifically to cast that spell. He was crafted with the purpose to heal. To protect. To identify disease and begin taking steps to fix it. His entire being is streamlined to cast that singular spell... he can do stronger spells a little, sure but they take much longer to come back."
"Could you paint something else? Does have to be mechanical?" The woman asks.
"No... I could probably paint just about anything... as long as it counts as a 'creature' and has at the very least some form of intellect. When I make them, they're more akin to golems, though, but they should have all of the skills of the muse."
"..."
"A-All... the skills of the muse?" The Seraph repeats. "Seriously?! And your paintings, they follow your will?"
"Uh... pretty much." I nod once.
"Then could you paint the likes of the Welsh Dragon or the Vanishing Dragon and have them ally themselves to the church?!"
"Ah... no... you see, while I'm able to paint things that are beyond my current strength, I must still be reasonably close to their strength to truly infuse life into the canvas. I'm probably too weak to paint an impressive dragon right now... though... I do have a few ideas if you are just asking me to paint a dragon regardless."
"No. That's okay, I have a much better idea... if you will humor me." The woman smiles brightly. "I've been told that you have given Giselda a list of what you require. Do you think you could paint something for me if I gather the things you require?"
A quest has been received:
A Seraph's Request:
I minimize the quest, planning on looking over it later.
"Of course!" I smile brightly. "I would be honored!"
"Wonderful!"
A Seraph's Request:
One of the Five Great Seraphs, Gabriel, has sought you out after hearing tales of your abilities. After being confused at the fact that a clearly pure angel has been cast out of heaven, she decided to give you a test! She desires a portrait of someone to be made in order to test the full capability of this power. F-for the good of heaven! Of course! Not for any other reason, right?
Objectives:
Successfully create a portrait of the angel Rubideciel: [ ]
I scratch my temple slowly, a sigh leaving my lips.
Alright. First off. Five great seraphs.
Five. Not four.
That is...
Huh.
Next? Apparently Gabriel wants me to paint an angel that died in the great war.
Now, she didn't SAY that, but I can sort of read between the lines. She was quite sad while making this request.
*Knock* *Knock* *Knock*
"Come in!" I call out.
The door slowly swings open revealing a pensive Xenovia and a smiling Irina.
"So! How'd it go?" Irina questions.
"We heard that you were going to meet with the bishops about your painting ability..." Xenovia explains.
The two's gaze slowly stray around the room, they don't seem very used to all the paintings, but it does make me feel slightly warm and tingly inside to see them in awe of them.
"Ah... well, I met Seraph Gabriel." I admit, gazing around my room.
"YOU DID?!" Irina gasps. "What was she like? Was she pretty?"
"She was very kind." I nod slowly. "Also yes, she was very pretty. Long blonde hair, blue eyes, and perfect unblemished skin. She asked me to paint her something... which is what I'll be doing as soon as the church manages to get me the materials I need for paint and the canvas."
"Actually... I should probably begin painting a few things. Gabriel wasn't very specific and I doubt she has a photograph... but I'll need a better idea of what to do."
"What did she want you to paint?" Xenovia asks, cocking her head to the side like a dog might.
"An angel. I didn't ask, nor do I want to start rumors, but I assume it was someone important to her in the past that she'd like to speak with just one last time... and if I can accomplish this wish, that will make me truly happy!"
My life has become quite the routine...
Wake up. Work out. Combat training. Go back to my room. Then paint until I eventually go to sleep.
Oh, and of course eating, bathing, and going to the bathroom.
Gabriel's painting?
Honestly it didn't take me that long at all. About a week. I could have done it in a day or two if I really pushed it.
Now I'm just waiting until she arrives to put the final 'finishing touch' that is completing the spell that awakens it.
I step into the gym, a smile on my face as I roll my shoulders, my gaze straying across the room.
Ah! There they are.
I make my way over, my eyes briefly scanning their forms.
Short shorts and tank-tops again. Man. This is Heaven.
Heh... bad joke.
"Hey." I greet as I walk over with a yawn.
"Luce." Xenovia nods from her place beside Irina as the twin-tailed girl bench-presses
I cross my arms as I glance down at Irina, sweat pools on her face, her cheeks red. It appears she has upped the weight she lifts slightly.
"You were late... working on that thing Lady Gabriel asked of you?" Xenovia questions.
"Yes, actually... Now I'm just waiting until she arrives add in the last finishing touches." I answer.
"I see." The blue haired woman notes.
"You can!" I smile brightly with a sole nod. "Isn't it a brilliant day... to be blessed by the gift of sight!"
Irina lets out a huff of laughter, losing focus.
Both Xenovia and my own arm shoots out, catching the weight before it can fall onto her. Then helping her place it back on its rest.
"Careful." I chastise. "You wouldn't want to be gaining a halo and floating upwards quite so soon, hm?"
"Yeah yeah." Irina grumbles.
"Now, I'm going to go do some warm-ups. If you want to spar, come and get me, alright?" I say as my eyes stray the room. There's quite a few people around, some seemingly glance over every now and then, but they don't really appear to be watching us, merely noting our existence in the relatively bland room.
"Sure." Xenovia replies.
"Alllrighty~." Irina hums.
I narrowly duck back away from a swift swipe from Irina's weapon, Xenovia darts in, swinging her large blade like a bat- frankly that's what it is, really.
I narrowly flip over the swing, but the second my feet touch the ground Irina is on me.
A stab is deflected around me and my knee buries itself into her gut causing her to gasp and bend around the appendage.
My finishing blow is blocked by the interjecting weapon of Xenovia as she ducks in.
I turn my attention to Xenovia, my swift and precise blows beginning to overwhelm her.
Two squishy mounds press into my back as Irina lands on me, arms wrapped around my torso as her wooden blade is pressed to my neck.
"..."
"Ah... you were faking it... not bad." I note with a small smile.
I can feel the enhancement spells slowly leave my body as I let out a brief sigh. "Fighting you both at the same time- even with enhancement magic- is always so difficult."
"How do you think I feel?" Irina grumbles. "Facing you and the one who can swing around a one hundred pound sword like it's a pool noodle."
"To be fair." I begin as I roll my shoulders, causing her to slide off me. "You did kind of speed blitz us both the first few times we fought."
"Well... it's nothing like facing a stronger Xenovia." The girl whispers.
"Xenovia's stronger than me EVEN with my strength enhanced which is kind of nonsense." I grumble.
"I've trained quite a lot." The blue-ette agrees.
"Luce." The stern motherly voice of our guardian speaks up as she slowly walks over. "Gabriel has arrived to check on your progress."
I perk up. "Really?!"
"Uhmm- I can be done with it in like ten minutes." I quickly rattle out as with a wave of my hand my body is cleaned followed quickly by my clothes, the green grass stains being removed from the grey fabric. "Can you get someone to bring her to my room? Thanks!"
I don't wait for a reply as I enhance my speed with magic and quickly dash away.
I make good time, reaching my abode in just under a couple of minutes.
I step forwards to the nearly finished canvas, scooping up my paint pallet and brush, a glint in my eye and a smile on my lips.
The paint on the pallet is moistened as I step forwards, gently dapping my brush at the canvas.
The pupils are painted in the iris, I add a few highlights to the hair to create a depiction of illumination.
*Knock* *Knock* *Knock*
"Please come in!" I call out as I continue painting.
The door creaks open as the blonde woman I had met earlier in the weak slowly enters the room.
"Ah! Sister Gabriel! I have almost finished!" I smile brightly.
"That's wonderful!" She seems to gaze over the painting, eyes seemingly growing distant.
"Rubi..." She whispers before we fall into silence.
Eventually she takes a seat on my bed as her eyes seem to stray the room to the numerous pieces of artwork.
"If... you don't mind me asking... can you tell me who she was to you."
"Ah. Yes..." The woman smiles sadly. "This is Rubideciel... she was my servant in heaven... a handmaiden... no matter what happened. Wherever I went, whatever I did... she was there beside me."
"During the great war nearly a thousand years ago, my Regiment was ambushed by Lucifer himself..."
"A lot of good women died that day." she whispered. "Some fell, others a fate worse than death... I myself was locked in a battle with Lucifer... and I didn't see that reinforcements had arrived. The previous Satan, Asomedus, was about to stab me in the back... but then she... a mere two winged angel... took the blow..."
She lets out a long sigh. "Her death was my fault... I should have focused on retreat the second we were ambushed... it was my inexperience. My incompetence that led to her death and the deaths of so many others."
"You are aware that... this won't be her... right? It will just be... an imitation. A fake. Just a facsimile." I turn to look at her, her eyes have teared up slightly.
"I-I know that... but... this might be selfish... and unbecoming of a seraph like myself, but I just want to see her smile... one last time."
Tears look horrible on such a beautiful woman...
"Okay." I whisper. "I hope that this brings you even the smallest hint of closure..."
With a final swipe, a streak of paint of left along the canvas, the corner of my muse's mouth turning upwards from my adjustment.
I take a deep breath and exhale, watching as the paint dries before my eyes.
"It's finished." I announce as I turn and take a seat at a nearby table, my voice gentle as I command the painting. "You should come out now."
The surface of the canvas ripples, the figure within seemingly looking at her hands.
She looks around the clouded and landscape down below, she seems to peer outside the canvas and freezes.
With a single flap of her wings she darts forwards, rocketing through the canvas, tears in her eyes. "GABRIEEEEEEL!"
'huh?!'
The girl tears across the room, hugging the seraphim who seems just as shocked as I am.
"Y-YOU'RE OKAY!" The girl sobs. "I was so worried! I-I-I thought you'd be killed! Or-or or fall! Or worse!"
She has long snow white hair that goes down past her waist, wearing a white gown with some black trim. She's relatively pale with brilliant red eyes.
Spoiler
She seems to... remember...
'That is... unusual.' My eyes stray to the canvas, a frown on my lips.
Soulbound Trompe L'oeil
"..."
I silently sort through what this means and what it gives her.
Sooo uh... first things first, Charisma to armor class as a deflection bonus. That's pretty fucking strong. Plus she can cast Heroism once per day as a Spell Like ability... but more than that... it's her soul.
Or rather I painted a construct of her which had her soul, thus her original soul latched onto it and took over.
My face is flat as I look over to Gabriel comforting the smaller angel, tears in her eyes.
"G-Gabriel?" I whisper, causing her moistened eyes to turn to me.
"It's her." I squeak out. "The real one."
Her eyes widen, a gasp leaving her lips. "What?!"
"I'll... leave you two alone, then." I quickly rise to my feet and exit the room.
A quest has been completed.
A Seraph's Request:
Objectives:
Successfully create a portrait of the angel Rubideciel: [x]
Bonus Objective:
Revive Rubideciel through your artwork: [x]
Rewards:
2500 Experience, one item worth up to 1000 Gil/GP
Bonus Rewards:
10000 Experience, Gabriel Route unlocked, 'Ascension to the Throne' Hidden Story quest revealed, one item worth up to 10000 Gil/GP
Gabriel... route?
*Ping*
Ascension to the throne (Part 1):
Well. Alot was lost during the last great war and as of this moment? Daddy's missing. The heavenly system is on its last legs. Prayers are going unanswered, Traitors abuse loopholes to remain in heaven, and the Angel race is dying out slowly but surely. Someone needs to fix this, and would you look at that? You've brought back an angel that previously died! Of course, it wasn't in the ideal living body, but a form of paint will have to do for now.
Objectives:
Reach Level 5: [x]
Perform Miracles: (4/5) [ ]
Gain the Adoration of at least 12 people: (3/12) [ ]
Have a blast of 'Divine Inspiration': [x]
(Unique Objective)
*Paint 5 Unique theologically important locations or objects related to the Christian faith: [ ]
What is...
What is this?
*Ping*
*Ping*
The last objective just improved by two...
"Haaah." I sigh.
Well. I need to go and think.
I sit in the grass, arms behind my head as I gaze up at the sky. A frown tugs at my lips.
'Well... I can revive the dead... in a manner of speaking. I'm not entirely sure if... that's a good thing to reveal to the world at large.'
A target will be put on my back. People will want me dead... or want me enslaved.
I need to start on plan 'Paint Goku' as soon as physically possible... but I'm fairly certain I'd lack the ranks to actually accomplish that.
I did level up, though. More powerful lay-on-hands, a white-mage-talent, and well... I've kind of got a 'biblically accurate' form now where I turn my body into a swarm of bright lights. Plus I gained a feat that allows me to- slowly- heal anyone I touch to half health without spending any magic.
I sit up, hands interlocking and my fingertips coming to my lips as I continue to ponder. 'Ugh... this is stressful. Let's hope that Gabriel is subtle enough to only tell her closest allies.'
I can hear footsteps slowly approaching me causing me to glance over my shoulder to see the approaching form of Gabriel. The painted form of Rubideciel standing just behind her with her hands folded in front of her lap, a small glint sits in her eyes as she looks over me.
"Luce?" Gabriel begins quietly. "You have quite an... interesting... gift."
"Yes." I whisper, gazing back up at the sky. "I'm just thinking of the consequences."
"Precisely... a lot of people would want to harm you if knowledge of your gift gets out... already I can guarantee that people know of your ability to bring art to life. But... if they were to know the true nature of it?"
"Yes." I nod once. "Which is why I don't plan on telling anyone at all... and I would like to plead to you to not tell anyone as well."
"Of course!" The woman smiles brightly. "But... we need to talk about your future."
I turn, giving her my full attention.
"Have you given any further thought in what you want to do?" She continues. "I am aware that you told Griselda that you wished to be an exorcist, but... are you sure that this is the best decision?"
"Training has helped me go from a two-winged angel to one with four wings, so yes, I'd say that it has been quite a good decision." I answer. "But I'll admit... it will be kind of dangerous for me."
"But, Gabriel... I've lived my entire life just... alone. And for the first time in all those long years... there's people I care about. People I want to be with. And now that I found them, I don't want to leave them behind."
She flinches slightly, letting out a weary sigh. "Okay..."
"I will not force you to do something you don't want... but... you should know that you are always welcomed in Heaven." The woman continues. "Hm... oh! I know, why don't I teach you a trick or two as payment for the painting!"
"That sounds wonderful!" I exclaim.
"Can you create a light spear, young Luce?" Gabriel begins as we stand alone in a large training room. In on the other side I can see a few targets.
"Of course!" I smile brightly.
"Alright, I want you to create a light spear."
"Should I put everything I have into it?" I ask, glancing towards the taller woman.
"No. Not for the moment." She shakes her head. "Just a standard every-day light spear you summon whenever you try to create one."
I hold up my hand, a large spear made of white light appearing.
"Oh my. This is actually quite a bit stronger than I was expecting." The seraph mutters. "Well, lets see your aim, then. Can you hit that target over there?"
She gestures to the far wall. It's about one hundred and twenty feet so well within my range.
I swing my arm downwards, causing the spear to dart forwards. It clears the distance in a matter of seconds, striking the target slightly off center.
It pierces the target before turning around and striking at it again and again and again.
It eventually winks out of existence.
"You can control it even after you have fired it but at the cost of a short duration... tell me, do you know how to fight with a spear of light? How to sustain it in your grasp for longer?"
I shake my head.
"Ah, then we should focus on that. Your power is above average and not many can control spears freely after throwing them. Those are quite the impressive feats for someone as young as you. What you lack, is endurance. You can do a lot of damage quickly, yet you will run out of steam just as fast."
"Now, I want you to close your eyes... then I want you to find your light deep within yourself... after that... you-"
I hold a spear of light in one hand, a hum leaving my lips.
"And that makes a minute! You did it!" Gabriel exclaims from behind me.
You have earned an Achievement!
Lessons of the Seraph:
Successfully Learn how to sustain a light spear from Gabriel
Reward: 'Sustained Light Spear' Feat.
Sustained Light Spear: (Combat)
Prerequisite: Angel/Fallen Angel, Character Level 3rd
You've learned how to suspend the duration of your 'Holy Weapon' for as long as you physically touch it. In addition, you may now wield your 'Holy Weapon' as a physical melee weapon, making attacks using your physical statistics and adding your strength to the damage as normal.
This uh... revealed that there's some 'world-based feats' here. That's interesting. I should probably take a closer look in the future.
I throw the spear forwards at a distant target, it pierces cleanly through it, near the center and continues on to a second. It doesn't lose speed as it breaks through that as well, smashing into the furthest target in the distance.
I let out a single huff as it disappears into motes of light, the corners of my mouth turning upwards as I look to my hand.
It took me about three hours, but I eventually figured it out. Something that'll make any eventual conflicts go even more in my favor.
"Thank you, Lady Gabriel." I bow my head slightly.
"No, it's the least I could do, Luce." The seraph gives me a bright smile that practically shines.
I can see why people would say that she is the most beautiful woman in Heaven.
"Now... I really should return to heaven." She continues. "I should speak with my brother of this."
"You should take Rubideciel's painting with you... put it somewhere safe as if it is destroyed, she will be as well. Plus, if she's ever killed she'll reform on the canvas."
"Wait... they- your living paintings reform on the canvas after being destroyed?!" The woman gasps.
"Yes." I nod once.
"A-Are you certain that you want to stay here?" She asks. "Like. Completely and totally positive."
"Is there anything at all that could get you to reconsider? Even a little bit?" She tries. "U-Uh... maybe... umm... a direct apprenticeship under the seraph? Any of the seraph?" Her voice sounds a little weaker towards the end. "E-Even me?"
"Lady Gabriel, even as much as I'd love to serve under you, I... just don't want to abandon the friends I've made so far. They were there for me during some dark moments of my life... so it feels wrong to just leave them behind. I've grown quite attached to them."
Should I throw Xenovia under the bus and claim that we're going to get married?
Pfft. Nah. While funny that sounds like a bit of a headache.
The woman lets out a weary breath. "So stubborn... that is fine, then. I respect your choice, Luce. If you ever change your mind, there will be a place for you up above. Don't ever think that you would be unwanted there, nor unwelcome."
"I'll keep that in mind!" I note.