Snippet #2476437

The sun slowly began to inch above the thick foliage, shedding beams of light upon the skies of I n f i n i t y. While the rest of the Forest Region slept, Kouji had been awake for hours on end, anticipating the task that this day was to bring. Managing to linger off for a couple of hours, he finally submitted to his anxiety and summoned his guardians. It was time to discuss their strategy for the coming endeavor.

Today was the day that Kouji would form a pact with the Demi-God Heracles.

Spirit Gods, unlike regular spirits of I n f i n i t y, were spirits of both limitless potential and crippling inhibitions. Spirits who undergo a process called "Enlightening" are eligible to increase their power and mana tenfold, becoming Gods among their kind. However, the power an Enlightened achieves is attached with a price; specifically, the spirit is bound to contribute their most prominent trait in some beneficial way to the world. Their power binds them to servitude, and they are no longer free to pursue matters that concern themselves (including matters of politics and rule, hence why they are typically not seen out and about.)

Because forming a pact with a summoner is indeed a service, Gods (and 'Demi-Gods' alike, as Heracles did not complete his Enlightening entirely,) are able to pact and travel with Summoners. These enlightened spirits, however, are typically wary of who they ally themselves with, and typically issue strenuous tests to those seeking their power. Heracles, hailed far and wide for his strength, would most likely administer a test of valor and strength through combat.

Kouji sat in the hideout, discussing the matter with his Geri, Freki, and Hero. Having served a Spirit God, the Wolf Guardians were quite knowledgeable of matters of Gods and the tests they administer, and had proved to be quite insightful.

"Seems like a decent plan," Kouji grunted, his fatigue finally hitting him like a brick wall, "A little straightforward for you, Frek, but it doesn't sound like this Heracles is one for mind games either."

"That meat head respects a head-on fight, Pup, so that's what we should give him." Freki chided, scratching his chin with his claw, "Keep the frog and the minstrel under lock and key- without their protection, he'll knock you out with one clean hit. Your pet, Geri and I will draw as much of his attention as we can, but it will be on you to lay as many shots on him as you can before we're out."

"Gotcha." Kouji responded, "You guys cool with this?"

Hero nodded, "Though not much of a plan per se, it would seem that our options are limited. We proceed as Freki dictates."

"Don't look at me," Geri frowned, "Frek's always been the brains. I just hit things with my sword."

Kouji nodded, pleased that he had finally gotten to talk about the event. This did little to soothe his nerves about crossing blades with another God, but it was good to at least have some semblance of a plan put together. For all of Freki's misgivings about forming a pact with him, he was surprised to find how much of an asset he had been during this past year.

He stood up, patting Jiraiya gently on his tummy. The old frog wasn't much for meetings of any sort, and he typically proved more than able to adapt to whatever plan the others had made later on, so it really wasn't a battle worth fighting.

Before the group could mobilize, however, Orfeo strode into the meeting room with far more grace than any normal person should this early. With his strumming hand, he presented a peculiar piece of paper.

"Forgive me, Young Master, but I'm afraid your engagement with the Oaf-King Heracles will have to be postponed." the butler bowed, "A letter to you from Whisper, sir."

Quickly swiping the paper from his butler, Kouji quickly read and re-read the letter, quite unsure of how to react. Though he had been preparing for his encounter with Heracles for the better part of a week, he was absolutely elated at the prospect of associating with another human again. He tried to contain himself as he allowed the rest of his guardians to read the letter, but he couldn't help but let loose the tiniest of grins.

After reading the letter, all consented that priorities had indeed changed- all save for Jiraiya, who seemed concerned after reading the letter.

"What's wrong, Jiraiya?" Kouji smirked, "Still waking up?"

"If only it were dat, Little One," Jiraiya frowned, "But I wonder if Whisper knows what he's doing? I've lived in de Ocean District all my life, and de air dere usually doesn't agree with humans passing through. Why not pick a place dat won't make ya sick?"

"Ah yes, I too have heard of this affliction, old friend." Orfeo interjected, "But I do believe that this is precisely why Whisper chose this spot to be our point of rendezvous. The poison usually takes a few days to begin to afflict the victim, and even when infected, it will dissipate once the ailed leaves the District."

"He could also be gathering us there to draw less attention to ourselves." Freki chimed, "If you gather at the one place in the world where you wouldn't want to meet, it will be the last place that the Sins check." He paused briefly, "Either that, or it's a trap."

Kouji stroked his chin thoughtfully for a while before responding, "I see what you're saying, Frek. I'm not entirely sure about Whisper myself, but we've known him for the better part of a year now and he hasn't deceived us yet. I say we go to the Ocean District- we need to pass through 'Summer' to get to the Ocean anyway, so we can pick up 'Charity' before we jump train. We'll wait there for a few hours, and if we don't get any shows, we'll leave and find them ourselves. Sound good?"

None had any misgivings at this point- this was what the Summoner and his group of spirits had waited for, and they were prepared both in body and mind. Without a second thought, Kouji recalled his guardians, and made haste for the train station with Hero close at his heels.

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The train ride had been rather uneventful- stepping into the golden shores of Summer was a welcome change of atmosphere from the rustic hideout. Kouji was brimming with anticipation; though certainly not without company, it had been a whole year since Kouji spoke with one of his own kind. It was a bizarre combination of emotions indeed.

"You smell nervous, Kouji," Hero sniffed, "Are you well?"

"Yeah..." Kouji smirked, "It's just...weird. Just a couple of years ago, I was surrounded by other humans. It feels so weird to say that I'm nervous to see one!"

"Weird, but understandable. You've been busy here in this world. I'm sure you miss seeing your own kind."

"Yeah...c'mon Hero, let's see if we can find this first Virtue!"