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A masculine hand moved over white canvas, debasing its once clean continuance, almost as if his mind was directing it. Odd perhaps, but that was the way it came. His burst of inspiration.

He shuddered. He suddenly saw the world as it truly was, a beautiful array of colors and shapes, ideas and formulas, voids and space, love and fear. It was all a canvas that left just enough space for everyone to paint their own story, their own lives in the whites of the world, and it was time to illustrate his own.

His hand moved instinctively to the right spot, building a new picture, one he had never seen before. His mind was in overdrive, and his was stuck body in a perpetual state of ecstasy as he worked. Colours became vivid, almost to the point of garish. Stroke lines emboldened and images from 'out of this world' formed. It was both stunning and head-ache inducing, it's like a scroll condensed onto a single page.

Time would often slur and slow, then speed up and explode, his brain unable to keep up with itself. His limbs would sometimes inexplicably stretch and widen, which often lead to bouts of laughter and coughing. His body would shake as his brain tittered on the edge of sanity, unable to differentiate dream and reality. 

His hand then stopped, his body stilling. Then it came suddenly like waves crashing upon the shoreline during a hurricane. It began with a warm buzzing around his heart, spreading to his upper arms, head and grew, just as the nerves pulsed downward towards his groin. Then the burning started. The burning sat low and wide, around his hip, then it intensified and localised in his groin, burning more intensely as he held his breath and stretch out his legs.

Great gusts of air rushed into his lungs, and delayed the inevitable for a few more seconds. It is like climbing a mountain, approaching a volcano of pure hot light and at last, just when he thought he couldn't take another second, he tipped slowly over the edge of infinite pleasure, moaning and gasping, falling, as his head exploded with a thousand stars. His eyes widened and his lips formed and 'O' as his body was locked in a perpetual state of paralysis.

Then, he knew nothing, not his own name or where he was. And then he was back, heart pounding, breathing heavily, laughing and sighing deep inside an alley. A giant Orobours symbol was his only company, scribbled onto the wall.

This was a common sight in Xerxes. Morality seemed to crumble as hundreds suddenly surrendered themselves to thier primal desire.  Food and wine had become as abundant as the air itself, seemingly unlimitedly since the Enas' return. What point was thier to work? All that was left was thier own desire, which suddenly led to an all consumed lust for pleasure. A fact of life that only seemed plausible and apparent a few days after Amartía's arrival.

The Enas called it, the Thirty Days of Retribution. A 'massive reform' he called it. He pitched the, 'make Xerxes great again' line; and in his eyes he did. Within days, thier beloved Enas had filled the storehouses to the brim with grain; 'Xerxians will no longer grow hungry', he said. Water became wine at his touch; 'Work no longer, those who toil all day', he freed the slaves. In the eyes of the Xerxians, he became a god, but he wasn't finished thier. 'Eat and drink to your hearts desire'; he proclaimed. The words were like milk and honey to the peoples ears, then things began to change.

People began to truly understand 'pleasure'. Sin no longer brought forth guilt and ill-will, but unimaginable pleasure, a feeling never before derived from such acts.

Woman would walk the streets naked along side men, which would often lead to random displays of passion. Moral boundaries shattered as men began to lie down with men, woman with woman, elderly with the young, and even hain and human. Art became an outlet, as Xerxes seemed to pop with the brightly coloured murals that was splattered upon the walls, particularly bright pinks and purples. Entrails often became a common sight, as intestines and bones lined the homes of many. Children played and screamed on blood drenched the streets, often disappearing, never to be seen again. All work seemed to halt as Xerxes fell into a daze. Dead bodies lined the gutters, most victims being the Rotfly after a slave insurrection. Festival's of death and sex were often held, which often lead to fighting and murder, just to experience the pleasure of the act, the unbridled sense of wonder and flush of self-indulgence, feeling every aspect of life as if through new eyes tinted with wonder that satisfying thier every desire seemed to suddenly offer. Authority crumbled as addiction set it, only the desire to once again feel the orgasmic pleasure of thier actions was left.

Xerxes fell into a state of Anarchy.

Amartía only joined his people. Sin sat in his throne of bronze, enjoying himself just the people did. A young woman sat in his lap, drinking from his goblet as Sin murmured to her. Speaking of acts that best be left unsaid.

She'ma kneeled before him, her gaze locked downward as the meer idea of such deeds were discussed before her. She herself had joined in on the cites demoralization. Dozens had fallen by her hands, sacrificed and used as tools to experiment with. Such acts failed to faze her, but only served to ignite the flames of passion within her. 

After what seemed to be an eternity, Sin threw the woman off of him, growing bored of his plaything.

[color=Crimson]"Its actually quite rude to watch without asking for permission first."[/color] Sin chlorted as he leaned forward in his throne, noticing She'ma.

She'ma didn't flinch as she raised her head to address her King; [color=Green]"I have seen many join in on the acts that you spoke of in the streets without word. Many don't seem to care."[/color]

Amartía smiled at that comment. [color=Crimson]"Truly a dream come true, but what have you come here for, I am sure you didn't come to join the woman."[/color]

[color=Green]"N-No..[/color] she stuttered, visibly paling.[color=Green]"I only came to check on your perpetrations."[/color] she murmured, color returning to her face.

Amartía cocked his head to the side, as if he weren't to understand her, but realization slowly dawned over him. That led to shoulders shaking in silent laughter, tears streamed down his face as a raucous, cruel, cold and hysterical laughter soon rolled from his mouth.

[color=Crimson]"Have you yet to see what I have prepared?"[/color] he crocked, whipping tears from his eyes.

It was She'ma's turn to cock her head. [color=Green]"B-but nothing has changed, only worsened. The city and its people are in tatters, thier minds lost. What is to protect us from your enemies."[/color] she huffed, her voice rising as she spoke.

Sin shook his head nonchalantly. [color=Crimson]"Do you not see-[/color] he made a sweeping gesture with his arms. [color=Crimson]"Everything is ready, perfect! I have freed the people from the shackles of monotony and normality, what is left is only self indulgence and desire! Look-[/color] Amartía gestured towards his now empty goblet, raising it up.

Out of thin air, water seemed to simply appear, suddenly coming to existence by condensing droplets in the air. The water levitated right above the goblet, frothing and twisting in a perpetual bubble. Then at the snap of his fingers, the water darkened, becoming crimson in color.

[color=Crimson]"Water can now become wine."[/color] he cooed before scooping the liquid out of the air and downing it.

Amartía then crushed the goblet, and within his hand, it transformed into a stone, cold and drab. Without warning, sanguine energy flowed from his hand, enveloping the stone in red light and transforming it into a loaf of bread that he eagerly bit into. 

[color=Crimson]"Stone can became bread, filling our storehouses infinitely."[/color] he mumbled, chewing grain as he spoke.

[color=Crimson]"ANARCHY! CHAOS! SIN! This is true perfection, don't you see? We were made to be free and to be above law. I've given that to the people, and to anyone that comes to Xerxes. They will seek pleasure, and fulfil the desires of thier hearts to receive the enhanced pleasure I give them. They are addicted! This is Xerxes protection."[/color] Amartía proclaimed.

She'ma sat dumbfounded, unable to comprehend his words. Sin had only arrived thirty days ago, and within that time, Xerxes changed drastically. With Amartía on the throne, only the strong survived, and to seek ones pleasures became the only law of the land.

Amartía leaned back into his throne, grinning at She'ma. [color=Crimson]"Such is perfection."[/color]

[color=Green]"B-but, how is that perfection? Xerxes has fallen into disarray, the people no longer recognize any kind of authority but yours!"[/color] She'ma wailed, her eyes wide. Her mind struggled to wrap itself around Amartía's words.

Sin simply shook his head. [color=Crimson]"Xerxes has not fallen into disarray, it is only reverting to natural order. Survival of the fittest. I promised the people sweeping reforms, and it has and will come. First in the form of the freedom I gave the people, then in the form of new laws, my Sinphonic Laws."[/color]

She'ma frowned. [color=Green]"Sinphonic Laws?"[/color] she mumbled, confused.

Amartía smiled. [color=Crimson]"In just thirty days", I have erased all doubt of famine in the peoples heart, such a reality no longer exists. In just thirty days, I have managed to completely throw Xerxes on its head, a bit with some magic involved but that matters none. My Sinphonic Laws will solidify the notion of "survival of the fittest". If you are weak, you are nameless slave; if you are strong, the world will bend to your will. All this is to come to pass under my tillage."[/color] 

She'me shook her head, unable to comprehend the sense in such a reality.

[color=Crimson]"Xerxes will represent what all life on Galbar should be, and it will soon be so. Such is perfection."[/color]

[color=#ec008c]"Oh, that is really open to discussion, isn't it?"[/color] with the sound of a chime the goddess made herself present in the room. Originally she just wanted to assess the situation in Xerxes and take records of it for posteriority, as she suspected the culture itself wouldn't last much longer. But seeing how turbulent everything became, she started to have some questions that observation alone was not answering.

Outside of her response and sudden appearance she made no other effort to introduce herself. Amartia should theoretically be able to recognize the goddess, even if recently she changed from complex outfits and jewelry to wearing only a long cape. 

Amartía made no move at the sudden appearance of the goddess, his face impassive unlike She'ma, who obviously showed her fear and wonder despite the splitting headache that suddenly developed in her head. 

Sin studied the goddess appearance, beautiful yet foreign, her outfit outlandish but fitting, not his type of woman unfortunately. Her presence was recognizable though, her essence had shown itself plainly in the cities Midna drug. 

[color=Crimson]"Its not to often that I get to meet a Divine who has actually taken interest in my city."[/color] Amartía jibbed, leaning forward in his throne. [color=Crimson]"I am intrigued, did you appear just to debate with me my views?"[/color]

The goddess shrugged [color=#ec008c]"Just a throwaway comment. I fear an actual discussion on the topic perfection would take so long that by the time we give up on trying to change the other's worldview the whole place will have crumbled to dust and cobwebs."[/color]

She looked towards the mortal woman. [color=#ec008c]"Dearheart, I would recommend not staring directly at me for too long, the more you do, the more terribly dull everything else will look."[/color] Knowing that for the mortal it would be quite hard to follow her advice she was considerate enough to cast an illusory folding screen between her and the woman.

[color=#ec008c]"Either way, I caught an echo of your alliance with Logos and decided to see if you had gone mad. Sin has no height, weight or gravitational pull, what business it had in bending its knee to Physic?"[/color] she paused [color=#ec008c]"Though seeing how things are I believe I already understood what you got from the deal."[/color]

She'ma's head drooped as the goddess seemed to block herself from her view. She, a mortal, had been spoken to by a god, an honour that her people prophesied would be life changing; while she found the experience to be euphoric, it couldn't be described as life changing.

Sin ignored her presence and focused on the goddesses words. He was quite surprised to find that the Divines were so well informed on his loyalties. Information traveled fast on Galbar, he would have to remember that. 

[color=Crimson]"Sin craves power of all forms,[/color] red energy began for arc of his extended palms. [color=Crimson]"I will not lie though, bending my knee was no cake walk, and shouldn't be expected, again."[/color] Amartía's voice hardening on the last sentence, but his mood quickly lightened once again. [color=Crimson]"So what do I have the honor of meeting you today. Am I to offer you food or drink, as you know, the stone does provide?"[/color]

[color=#ec008c]"I was worried about what you would do to help Logos in his mad quest. Many forms of sin are intrinsical to beauty and you could very well be the beginning of a foul trend. But I believe Logos' lack of experience in the matters immaterial has got the best of him."[/color] she looked around and slightly leaned back, taking a more relaxed stance while still floating.

[color=#ec008c]"Thanks for the offer of wine and bread, but I will pass. The stone does provide power, but what does it truly do? Say, if I loved a woman who already had a husband, would using the stone to create a copy of her satisfy my envy and lust in the same way that convincing the real one to engage in an extramarital affair would?"[/color]

[color=Crimson]"No."[/color] Amartía's answer was clear, crisp and easily made. [color=Crimson]"The pleasure derived from defiling the sacredness of marriage cannot be derived from a mere carbon copy. True pleasure can only be felt when both sinners know that what they are doing is evil in the eyes of thier contemporaries. I fail to see your point."[/color]

[color=#ec008c]"I noticed, otherwise you would have acted."[/color] she smiled.

[color=#ec008c]"But I digress. I just wanted to warn you that I am keeping an eye at your work. We both know about how loyal you are, so does your master, but as I said, he doesn't seem to know how to deal with the fine details of the metaphysical. I should have little to worry about... as long as you are not failing."[/color]

[color=#ec008c]"On the case you do start to stray from your path thanks to Logos' influence, well, I'm a very diligent goddess and I won't let sin degenerate. The concept, that is."[/color]

The goddesses words managed to put a frown on his face. Her words were jaded and filled to the brim with sarcasm. The goddesses playful nature was starting to get on his nerves already, and Sin showed it clearly.

[color=Crimson]"Watching me? Stray off my path? It sounds all to self righteous to me. Are you sure that you don't just find this all entertaining and would rather not get your hands dirty? Rather not-get involved."[/color]

[color=#ec008c]"Self-Righteous? No, no, I'm actually extremely lenient, but there is a contemptibleness to your vassalage. It's all very entertaining now, but the situation is delicate, and if you are set on a self-destructive path that will do nothing but ruin your work and give Logos a bridge into areas he has no right to be, well, I'd rather act before the fire spreads too far."[/color]

She smirked. [color=#ec008c]"But that is all considering a scenario where you fail to resist Logos' puppeteering. Surely, you will avoid that, no?"[/color]

[color=Crimson]"Avoid? It cannot happen. Logos has no hold on me whatsoever. If Logos thinks that he can subjugate sin, then he is much more mentally insane then I thought."[/color]

[color=#ec008c]"Indeed, physic has very little power over sin. At least, for the moment."[/color] she shook her head.

"[color=#ec008c]But, I fear I have made my visit a bit too sour."[/color] not that she considered it underserved, as Amartia's ambition had apparently turned dim recently. [color=#ec008c]"Overall, I do not wish you any ill, but a warning was necessary."[/color]

[color=#ec008c]"In fact, in future projects such as this palace you are free to contact me to see if I can help with design or jewelry and such things. Just not right now..."[/color] she paused. [color=#ec008c]"It is just that I am particularly busy, with certain arrivals and all."[/color]

Certain arrivals? The goddesses words sparked something within Amartía. His mind began to twist and turn. Despite her happy tone, he could sense a certain foreboding in her voice, something that she might of not meant to left slip in such a way.

Sin's eyes narrowed. [color=Crimson]"I will take you up on the offer. What exactly do you mean by new arrivals?"[/color]

[color=#ec008c]"Well, Logos mostly. There will be a myriad of beings of varied might that will be really annoyed at his attempt to turn this planet into burning ruins. You saw what it did to your town, imagine the rest of the world."[/color]

Amartía's eyes clouded immediately. [color=Crimson]"That's a future that I don't intend on letting happen."[/color] he spat, the very thought of [b]his[/b] world being scorched like the temple of Jvan. [color=Crimson]"Then again, the ruthless genocide of whole races would be quite a meal."[/color]

[color=#ec008c]"How so? More people, more sin."[/color] she noted.

[color=Crimson]"And a constant source. But the meal would be to die for."[/color] Sin retorted, his mind elswhere. Amartía mulled over the goddesses words for a moment. The beings she spoke of could be none other then the over pantheon. Which meant if Logos was a target, he was a target. While such news would have sent many into a comatose state of shock, Sin on the over hand began to smile. A wolfish grin etched itself onto his face, an expression of sheer exhilaration.

[color=Crimson]"So the gods will also be after the target on my back with my new found alliance with Logos."[/color] Amartía infered, his giddiness showing clearly in his voice. [color=Crimson]"I can't say I agree with his vendetta or methods, but the god of Order can sure stir up plenty of Chaos."[/color] Amartía admitted.

[color=#ec008c]"Logos or not, you have made some powerful enemies. I have caught some glimpses of your issues with Astarte and it surely isn't pretty. I don't even know what you won from that, but that is sincerely your problem." [/color]

[color=#ec008c]"And yeah. Logos stirs up a lot of Chaos. Most gods are like that, full of destructive behavior. I myself am very constructive, and I'd rather avoid cursing someone away from beauty for as long as it is possible.  That is why your comment about the ongoing genocide struck me as inapt, it would be akin to killing the goose that lays golden eggs."[/color]

She then looked outside to the ever maddened Xerxes and all the questions it raised about her work and worldview that it rose. It was easy for her  to say that this town was like a yearful of Phantasmagoria instead of single special day, but she doubted it was all that simple.

[color=#ec008c]"Oh well, again, your goose, your gold,"[/color] she said. Take it all at once and choke on it if you want, she thought.

[color=Crimson]"I don't plan on dieing anytime soon, so whatever problems the pantheon have with me will be settled one way or another."[/color] Amartía sighed, leaning back in his throne.

[color=Crimson]"They will fail to stop me from reaching my goals on the end. I am patient. I am curious though, what do the gods have in store for me?"[/color]

[color=#ec008c]"I have not talked with any god since the arrival of Logos, I also haven't told anyone about your alliance."[/color]

Amartía could clearly see the situation laid out before him, and the reality that would come to pass. Xerxes' destruction was immanent, and his assassination, a potential reality. The only problem was, he had no idea what he was up against at all.

Sin leaned forward in his seat contemplating. [color=Crimson]"I am up against most of the Pantheon, with no idea what I am facing. Yet, the gods may or may not know of my alliance, and may ignore Xerxes all together."[/color] a fleeting dream, and the most of unlikelies. [color=Crimson]"I will take your appearance here as a friendly warning, a warning of potential dangers on both ends. Quite a predicament."[/color]

[color=#ec008c]"It is really unfortunate. But creation is not a game where you can win or lose, at least that is what I think."[/color] she sighed and went from her relaxed position to a more serious one.

From the collar of her cape, she took out a bracelet, not particularly fancy, being made of bronze chains and a single and small jade jewel. [color=#ec008c]"Give this to that mortal who was here before, should keep her from going mad over the memory of seeing a god."[/color]

Amartía lept from his throne, his mind still churning as he took the jewelry from the goddess. To keep her from madness, that gave him an idea. Sin gazed at the jade jewel, its deep green color calming him slightly. [color=Crimson]"Thats kind of you. Although I'm sure she won't need it."[/color] Amartía's wolfish grin returned as a sense of foreboding entered his voice.

[color=#ec008c]"It is your subject. But remember, if she does start talking about traveling north, give her the bracelet."[/color]

Amartía gave the goddess a nod. [color=Crimson]"I will, I thank you for your visit today. Quite informative."[/color]

[color=#ec008c]"It was quite insightful indeed, I found out far more than I expected. I thank you for your time."[/color] Just like in her arrival, with the sound of chimes ringing and a flash of ultraviolet light, the goddess vanished.

Amartía's eyes were elsewhere as the goddess disappeared, his eyes glued to the glinting jade stone that dangled on the bronze bracelet before he turned to its potential owner. She'ma sat still, kneeling on the dais, her eyes closed. Sin called to her, waking her from her trance.

[color=Crimson]"She'ma."[/color]

She'ma's head snapped up at him, surprised to find that her headache had disappeared. Amartía wordlessly tossed the bracelet her way, startling her as she attempted to catch it. The jewelry landed cleanly in her hand, her eyes narrowing as scepticism set in. [color=Green]"What is th-"[/color] She'ma began, raising her head to confront Sin. 

The former priestess never had the opportunity to finish her sentence, and she found herself suddenly impaled, the hand of her Enas deep in her chest. Sin's icy fingers curled around her beating heart, his face impassive as he took in the rush of emotion that showed on her face. 

Fear, anger, jealously, sadness; all emotions that he channelled through her stalling heart. He then added his own power to the mix. Wrath, gluttony, envy, sloth, pride, greed and lust soaked itself into the tissue of her live giving organ, his essence, his energy.

[color=Crimson]"Remember when we talked about me being evil and me not believing so and the whole thing about the squirrel. Well it looks like your today's squirrel."[/color] Amartía jibbed as his now bloodied hand left her chest. 

She'ma could not hear Sin, she had long since gone into shock, praying for the release of death, but Sin wouldn't let her leave, her heart continuing to beat despite the blood loss. The heartbeat was steady like a drummer, keeping rhythm, keeping beat. It is no more fancy that a pitter of light rain or an acorn falling from a mighty oak; but its energy could be felt throughout Xerxes, his energy. Its heartbeat resonated with thier own, thier sinful vigour heightening.

The Sin Heart's hypnotic beat, was Xerxes' unseen defender.

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-(exposition) Xerxes had gone to shit. The rapid demoralization of the whole city was created by the lose of work due to the food created by the stone, and Amartía who super-imposed his presence in Xerxes. Using this, he created a powerful, mind transforming effect that seemingly warps one into self-indulgence and increased the pleasure derived from fulfilling ones desire. This leads to moral discrepancy, the urge to feel the enhanced pleasure that desire can provide. Then, in order to once again feel that orgasmic pleasure, thier actions worsen, anywhere from dressing provocatively, to murder.(1 Might)

-Sin himself enjoys the moral discrepancy of his city and joins in on the fun, while She'ma watch's.

-(dialog) She'ma is curious about Sin's 'preparation', the perpetrations he mentioned when he first got back. Amartía explains his sudden enlightenment on how things should work and is coming into his true nature.

-She'ma is surprised to hear this, but Illunbar is not. The goddess and Enas have a lengthy conversation on the subject of his nature, Logos' nature, and the stark reality that would come to pass due to his alliance. Illunbar gave Sin and bracelet for She'ma and then leaves.

-Amartía, who garnered an idea from his talk with our local spy, ends up ruthlessly using She'ma as a shield for Xerxes. He creates the Sin Heart, a beating heart pulsing with the energy of the 7 Sins that heightened the sin effect in Xerxes, and making it now immediate once one enters it. (1 Might)

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