[center][img]https://images-ext-1.discordapp.net/external/jYqOTPr-hJLJsgjoioU8IeG-fDRIu8WlRkTNN8CvSfE/https/78.media.tumblr.com/2ab89af0fb5751c9d5ae666f24ca95b4/tumblr_pbwt0dYgzh1w6599so1_1280.png[/img]
Featuring Captain Crunch from the Quaker Oats May Cry series!
Special Edition includes [b]The Tutor[/b] and [b]The Library[/b] add-ons, and additional [u][b]Goat waifu![/b][/u]($20 value!)[hr][/center]

When he realized he was sent back to the tavern, Alistair couldn't help but hope that this spontaneous relocation deal was not going to be a habit. It could potentially lead to some unfavorable situations if he were sent to the wrong location. Plus, it was disorienting to jump between two vastly different places in the span of a second. 

[color=c1ba46][i]This is irritating.[/i][/color] 

Having reclaimed his composure, Alistair would have liked to ponder the information the witches had shared with him and the others, but Captain Crunch's appearance stole his attention instead. 

She seemed to have been in a small panic when he disappeared, and as she decided once again to sniff him, he assumed that he might smell a bit different given that Sloth as well as others had started to treat him like a toy they were all childishly fighting over in that... void or whatever it was. So it came as little surprise to see Crunch notice this heavier witch stench even though he himself didn't. 

Being a rather proactive pursuer of cultists, Crunch wasted no time darting off in pursuit of these 'cultists' that weren't likely to be around at the moment. She'd likely just be wasting her breath and scaring the general populace as, in his opinion, she looked like she had a few screws loose. 

Alistair's response was to yell after her to get her to stop, but she'd bolted out of the tavern before those words had reached her. He let out an irritated sigh before hopping off the chair he just remembered he was standing on. Some people were probably staring at him, but he didn't paid them any mind. It seemed that Sandra had taken off earlier and left her rather expressive friend here, but he was taking a rest he might've earned given his exhausted appearance. 

He could only give a longing look at the table void of any food before turning and leaving the tavern to get Captain Crunch. The girl, not the cereal, although he would be fine with either at this point. [color=c1ba46]"Hey, wait! Captain, save your breath!"[/color] he called out. 

Crunch did not respond to Alistair. Once he followed her outside, he was immediately pulled off to the side by the captain herself.  She lifted a finger to her lips. [b][color=00ddaa]”Shhhhhh!”[/color][/b] An awkward silence hung in the air as crunch's eyes scanned the area. Her sword arm was raised, ready to strike on a moment's notice. [b][color=00ddaa]”I don't see anything.”[/color][/b] she whispered. [b][color=00ddaa]”When they teleported you, what happened?”[/color][/b]

Ali was beginning to wonder if all woman in this world were this touchy-feely. No respect for personal space whatsoever between the witches nor this woman, or that other one too. Were it that he was in the mood, this might've been quite a pleasant place in that sense. But such was not the case, and all it did was serve to annoy him. 

But consider she at least had a reason to be touching him aside from being a bit too comfortable with him, Alistair allowed the woman to finish looking around and then sighed when she asked him about what had transpired. He took a moment to himself before trying to answer her, a looming sense of dread encroaching upon him the moment he thought about mentioning those witches. 

[i][color=c1ba46]I figured as much.[/color][/i] 

He took another moment to calm down, then gave an audible answer this time. 

[color=c1ba46]"Things I cannot speak about, my apologies."[/color] he admitted.

Crunch squinted her eyes. [b][color=00ddaa]”That curse is annoying.”[/color][/b] She slid along the side of the building. [b][color=00ddaa]”We should go to the harbor then. At least there you won't be in any danger.”[/color][/b] She spun her sword in her hand before taking it in an iron grip. [b][color=00ddaa]”Are you a fast runner?”[/color][/b]

[i][color=c1ba46]She's telling me. If only she knew the half of it---wait, what?[/color][/i]

[color=c1ba46]"Wait, what? In danger?"[/color] Alistair had forgot to mention there were probably not cultists in the immediate area. He blamed the artificially-induced dread as the cause. But nevertheless. [color=c1ba46]"No, you have it all wrong. There's no---"[/color]

Crunch took Alistair and threw him into a cart filled with hay. As soon as he landed, about ten cats ran out from under him in all directions. [b][color=00ddaa]”If you cannot run, than I will have to carry you!”[/color][/b] The cart was likely suppose to be driven by a dragon, or a horse, but Crunch didn't seem to care. She took hold of it and was getting ready to run all the way to the docks.

[color=c1ba46]"Woman! Yo---”[/color] 

 [b][color=00ddaa]”Keep your head down! It probably works by sight!”[/color][/b] The captain threw her overcoat on top of Alistair without letting up on her running. If the road wasn't so bumpy, sitting up might have been an attractive option. Needless to say, it was quite uncomfortable, and this was made even worse by Crunch's inability to listen and also the coat she threw on top of Alistair. 

[i][color=c1ba46]Such... misfortune![/color][/i] 

What crunch said next was truly horrifying. [b][color=00ddaa]”Out of the way civilians! Less I trample you!”[/color][/b] Then Alistair heard some very familiar voices.

[color=fed024]"Excuse me?"[/color] Vasilis pointed his halberd at Crunch. [color=fed024]"Nobody threatens to run over Irene! Over my dead body!"[/color] 

The young girl standing behind him tried to interject. [color=afafaf][b]"Vasilis, that's-"[/b][/color] But it was too late, the knight was already charging head-first at Crunch, who showed no signs of slowing down. [color=afafaf][b]"El-Shamak!"[/b][/color] 

[b][color=00ddaa]”Tch!”[/color][/b] Alistair, Vasilis, and Crunch had all been paralyzed by Irene's spell. Vasilis and Crunch fell into each other before sinking to the ground. A few seconds later and they both sprung to their feet.  [b][color=00ddaa]”How [i]dare[/i] you cast a spell on Captain Crunch! I am transporting a VIP away from sudden danger.”[/color][/b]

[color=fed024]"Not through Irene you're not!"[/color] 

While the two bickered, Irene locked eyes with Alistair. [b][color=afafaf]”Alistair, was it?”[/color][/b] She folded her arms. Irene's eyes were half squinting. The disgust was pratically radiating off of her.  [b][color=afafaf]”I realize that, given your predicament, you need all the help you can get. But I'm a bit surprised you've taken to letting military figures cart you around the city.”[/color][/b]

Alistair had recognized the voices after he had a moment to think, and once he could move again, he immediately hopped out of the cart and brushed himself off, before facing Irene, his irritation at the entire predicament rather clear on his face. But he understood how things looked. 

[i][color=c1ba46]In the face of disaster lies opportunity for renewal. Keep you cool, things will be alright. What has anger gotten you thus far, Alistair?[/color][/i]

[color=c1ba46]"I see you are misunderstanding the situation. As understandable as that may be circumstances presented, assumptions are a wicked thing more often than not. Allow me to correct your assumption by informing you that at no point was any of this consensual. Merely a misunderstanding exacerbated by the Captain's eagerness to protect the innocent. Almost brings a tear to my eyes, really." 

[i]Wonder if sarcasm is a thing in this land? Oh well.[/i]

“That said, I do appreciate your help in ceasing this runaway cart.”[/color]

[b][color=afafaf]”Yes, I can't help but feel that fate has decided that I must remain in your group's company.”[/color][/b]Irene eyed Alistair up and down. [b][color=afafaf]”I suppose you'd have picked a more suitable form of transportation, if given the choice.”[/color][/b] She plucked a few pieces of straw that were sticking out of his collar. [b][color=afafaf]” If Crunch is carting you around, that must mean you got your passport without a hitch. Congratulations.”[/color][/b] She gave a curtsy [b][color=afafaf]”It shouldn't be hard for the others to get their passports. Do you know how Hiro, Aerith, and Chieko are fairing with their job at Donovan's clinic?”[/color][/b]

[i][color=c1ba46]How embarrassing to be caught like this. Ah, so irritating![/color][/i]

Having been groomed by this cruel society into becoming desensitized to girls randomly touching him, Alistair paid Irene little mind, perhaps even appreciating her picking out the stray straw. He listened to her bring up the others at Donovan's place, and then thought about what had recently transpired.

His thoughts jumped back to the void he was in minutes prior. There were context clues he picked up when Talus and the Witches were explaining how their abilities affected the 'checkpoint' that implied Hiro was dead. However, Flame and Ashton had all but confirmed this with their deal they tried to make with Talus. That man, that boxer... he must have died, and for good this time. Alistair wasn't sure what state the other two were in, exactly, but it was unlikely they were faring too well themselves. 

[color=c1ba46]"I've not really had a chance to speak to them,"[/color] he told Irene. It wasn't a lie, exactly, as Sloth and the others had taken his attention away from them before any real conversation happened. [color=c1ba46]“Though I don’t imagine they’re doing too well, call it a hunch.”[/color] 

Irene closed her eyes with a sigh. [b][color=afafaf]”That is unfortunate to hear.”[/color][/b] She placed a fist on her chest. [b][color=afafaf]”I would have liked to have stayed with you all longer, but there were urgent matters that demanded my attention.”[/color][/b] Her eyes opened again. [b][color=afafaf]”I do not want to leave any of you alone again. Would you be interested in staying with Vasilis and myself? I will expect things from you, but I have an extensive book collection that you might find handy. Anything you'd want to know about the kingdom is within arm's reach.”[/color][/b] She looked over her shoulder. [b][color=afafaf]”Not that I doubt Crunch's ability to protect you, but her style could use some work.”[/color][/b] Vasilis and the captain were still shouting at each other.


An interesting offer, he thought. Alistair pondered briefly about what he'd like to do. While he certainly wasn't in any hurry to be stuffed into a cart and hauled off again, Captain Crunch had proved to be useful in her own way. She introduced him to someone who gave him information relevant to his situation which had been his short-term goal. That said, Irene's offer was appetizing as well. Learning about the world in which he and the others now lived would be just as useful as knowing their foe, and given her earlier display of magical ability, she perhaps could show him a thing or three. 

[color=c1ba46][i]Didn't they mention something about helping us learn quicker? This ought to be the best chance to improve. I'll need more power if I'm to deal with those damned cultists trying to kill me. [/i][/color]

[color=c1ba46]"I think I'll accept your generous offer."[/color] he answered. [color=c1ba46]"Though I hope Crunch doesn't mind parting ways with me too much."[/color]

Crunch immediately shoved Vasilis off to the side when Alistair mentioned her name. [b][color=00ddaa]”What? Alistair!”[/color][/b] She balled her hands into fists. [b][color=00ddaa]”You were just abducted by some cultists right in front of me! We need to get you someplace safe so that they can't harm you.”[/color][/b] 

[color=c1ba46]"I was trying to tell you before, Captain, that I wasn't in any immediate danger."[/color] he clarified. [color=c1ba46]"But then you threw me into a cart and here we are."[/color] Alistair had become quite calm, perhaps because of the new path that had opened up had please him. Or for some other reason. Either way, he didn't seem as annoyed as he should have been. [color=c1ba46]“I don’t think those cultists will be a big threat just yet, but I appreciate the concern.”[/color]

[b][color=afafaf]”So that explains the smell.”[/color][/b] Irene folded her hands together. [b][color=afafaf]”Crunch, I'm sure the Arcadia name must mean something to you. My grandmother taught me very well, and she wouldn't have lent me the aid of a personal knight just for show. I'm not sure what happened to Alistair, but I think we can agree that if he was going to be abducted again, they would have struck already.”[/color][/b] She cast out her hand.[b][color=afafaf]” Alistair was teleported here with a few others. I think your efforts would be better suited to reaching them before the cultists do. I recall a few of them going to Donovan’s clinic. You’d be wise to start your search for them there.”[/color][/b]

Crunch exhaled sharply. [b][color=00ddaa]”Alright.”[/color][/b] She nodded. [b][color=00ddaa]”That sounds reasonable. But I would like to check in on him from time to time.”[/color][/b]

Alistair nodded to Crunch, he almost seemed happy now. [color=c1ba46]"I do appreciate what you've done for me. When I am in a better position, I'll do what I can to return the favor."[/color]

[b][color=afafaf]”You are more than welcome to.”[/color][/b] before Irene could finish her curtsy, Crunch had already taken off. [b][color=afafaf]”Strange woman. I can't say I've ever seen her like that. She's always so calm and reserved.”[/color][/b]

[color=fed024]"Can you blame her? Alistair smells like a cultist! I-I think? I can’t really smell that stuff."[/color] Vasilis hung his head.

Irene only smiled in response to Vasilis before looking back at her hay-covered companion. [b][color=afafaf]”Well, at least she won't be running you around in a cart any longer.”[/color][/b]

The Archibald would need to remember each and every one of these people he was being indebted to. It was not like repaying a favor was something his parents every particularly stretched, or something he'd been taught by something else. But he'd always thought it only natural to clear up one's debts. Donovan, assuming he wasn't part of the cult trying to kill him, and now Captain Crunch, who'd led him to this point. And, of course, Irene. Both for the clothes he was now wearing, and the books he'd be able to read later. 

[color=c1ba46]"I don't entirely dislike that kind of drive, though. It's something to respect, when it's not causing me discomfort."[/color] Alistair watched Crunch walk off for a minute before turning back towards Irene and Vasilis. He sighed. [color=c1ba46]"Is it that bad?"[/color] he asked them. He couldn't find a stench that he'd describe as 'witch-like', but if that many people were talking about it, then it had to be true.

[color=BF81DC]"It tastes bad too." [/color] [url=https://i.imgur.com/84CGHHj.jpg]A goat demihuman[/url] commented from behind Alistair.[color=BF81DC]"Blue didn’t taste bad earlier, now blue tastes bad.." [/color] Despite her adult shape, her mannerisms came across as very childish. She didn’t make eye contact with anyone, and her thumb had a habit of slipping into her mouth when she wasn’t talking. [color=BF81DC]"You need clean blue." [/color]

Alistair glanced at Irene before speaking, as if to ask if she was familiar with this demi-human who had just spoken. But since he hadn't noticed her before, he was going to make one of those 'bad' assumptions and assume that she'd just happened by them. Still, what she said was intriguing.

[color=c1ba46]"You're saying the stench has a taste?"[/color] he asked her, his curiosity piqued. [color=c1ba46]"And it's blue...?"[/color] 

Visibly confused, Alistair's attention was on this demi-human, though it did dart to Irene on occasion.

[color=BF81DC]"Not the smell, the blue. The blue tastes bad now."[/color]The goat woman hopped closer.  [color=BF81DC]"What am I going to eat noooowwwwwww?"[/color] Her voice cracked.

Irene cleared her throat and stepped closer. [b][color=afafaf]”How long have you been eating Alistair's 'blue'?”[/color][/b] 

[color=BF81DC]"A while."[/color] She sniffed.

Irene nodded. [b][color=afafaf]”What's your name?”[/color][/b] 

The goat girl blinked a few times, never making eye contact. [color=BF81DC]"Odessa."[/color]

[b][color=afafaf]”Do you have a surname, or a house name?”[/color][/b]

[color=BF81DC]"I don't have one."[/color]

Irene's eyebrows flicked up before she turned to Alistair. [b][color=afafaf]”Alistair, I don't know how, but I believe you've attracted a spirit. I've never encountered one quite like this one, but it's the only explanation. I believe when she talks about your blue, she's actually referring to your mana.”[/color][/b]

Alistair eyed Odessa with suspicion. [color=c1ba46]"I don't like the sound of that at all. I have limited understanding about how all of that stuff works, however. Is this something I should be concerned about?"[/color] he moved his eyes from the shy spirit and back to Irene. 

[b][color=afafaf]”It [i]can[/i] be a problem. If a spirit eats too much of your mana, they could get into your life force. In less severe cases, that would permanently cripple you as a spell caster. More severe cases would erode your ability to feel emotions or even kill you.”[/color][/b]

Odessa wrapped her arm around herself. [color=BF81DC]"I-I would never take that much blue."[/color] 

Irene looked at the spirit. [b][color=afafaf]”Typically a spirit will forge a contract with the person who's mana they're eating. Did you ever make a contract with Alistair?”[/color][/b]

[color=BF81DC]"Mmmmmm."[/color] 

[b][color=afafaf]”Is that a no?”[/color][/b]

Odessa nibbled on the tip of her thumb. [color=BF81DC]"I thought it would be okay if he didn't notice."[/color] 

[color=c1ba46]“Well, it’s not.”[/color] Eyes once again on the spirit, Alistair spoke. [color=c1ba46]"This sounds like a pest that I need to be rid of. But if you mentioned a contract, I assume that there's some sort of benefit to having one?"[/color]

It was one thing to have girls throw him into a cart and stubbornly refuse to listen until physically stopped. But since this spirit was potentially costing him his magic, and therefore impeding his progress towards defeating that smug knight as well as dealing with those assailants, then she was standing in his way. And that was one of three things he absolutely could not stand.

[b][color=afafaf]”There's pretty good value in a contract, yes.”[/color][/b] Irene folded her arms. [b][color=afafaf]”If you supply her with magic, she can cast spells for you. If you have, say, a fire gate for fire spells, her gate might be a different element. You would be able to use multiple elements in combat.”[/color][/b] 

Odessa huffed. [color=BF81DC]" But if we're going to make a contract, I want you to keep your blue pure. I don't want to eat mana this bad ever again! Also sorry about you blue. I didn’t mean to cause any trouble."[/color]

[s][i][color=c1ba46]Wait that sounds hella dope[/color][/i][/s]

[color=c1ba46]"That sounds... incredible, honestly."[/color] upon hearing that, he seemed more keen on the idea of keep her around. But there was that 'bad blue' she was mentioning. It wasn't like he didn't have an idea of what it might be, but the problem was he wasn't sure what he could do about it. [color=c1ba46]"As long as it doesn't cripple me, I wouldn't mind making a contract but... I imagine this 'bad taste' has something to do with the stench? Is it something I can rid myself of?"[/color]

[i][color=c1ba46]There's still too much shit I don't know![/color][/i]

Irene nodded. [b][color=afafaf]”It should wear off in time, provided you don't linger around cultists for too long. That is the easiest method I know of.”[/color][/b] 

[color=BF81DC]"Bad blue will become pure again?"[/color] Odessa tipped her head.  [color=BF81DC]"What should go in the contract, mister?"[/color] she popped her thumb in her mouth and, for once, made eye contact with Alistair.

[color=c1ba46][i]The problem is that they linger around me! Well, if there's the chance to purify my mana, then I suppose I can try. Having a spirit does seem useful.[/i][/color]

[color=c1ba46]"Then in that case, in exchange for that sort of power, I would not mind allowing you to 'eat the blue' as it were. Within reason, of course."[/color] he told Odessa, but then added, [color=c1ba46]"And I'd prefer you look me in the eyes when we speak from now on. It's a pet-peeve of mine when people actively avoid eye contact."[/color] he paused for a moment, then also added, [color=c1ba46]"...unless there is something you would like to add or object to?"[/color]

[color=BF81DC]"Look you in the eye, and don't eat too much? I can do that."[/color] Odessa scratched her head. [color=BF81DC]"Uhh, I really don't like the taste of your blue right now."[/color] Her cheeks were getting red. Possibly a side effect of her making prolonged eye contact. [color=BF81DC]"But then you need to keep your blue pure. I can't possibly function on blue that is this bad."[/color] After a moment, she pointed at Alistair with an outstretched finger. [color=BF81DC]"And don't laugh at me. I don't like it, not one bit."[/color] She nibbled on her fingers.

Alistair didn't seem to notice or mind the goat-spirit's flushed cheeks. But he may have questioned that second condition she set had he not just made one on his own whim as well. [color=c1ba46]"Those terms sound agreeable, but due to things currently beyond my control, I'd like to ask what's in the fine print of this contract before we set it in stone. Is there a penalty for one of us breaking it, or is this an elaborate 'promise'?"[/color]

[color=BF81DC]"Fine, print?"[/color] 

[b][color=afafaf]”It's in her best interest that you are kept alive, Alistair. You don't have to worry about a spirit going back on a promise.”[/color][/b] Irene interjected. [b][color=afafaf]”You're offering her your mana, and she's offering to protect a dedicated food source. The contract simply serves as a way to make sure that both parties are okay with the arrangement. It's typical for the spirit to request more, as the spirit gains the least out of such a pairing.”[/color][/b] She looked to Odessa. [b][color=afafaf]”Right?”[/color][/b]

[color=BF81DC]"If your blue starts to taste bad, I'll let you know."[/color] Odessa didn't look away from Alistair. [color=BF81DC]"But I won't eat bad blue, and I won't be able to help you if your blue is this bad."[/color]

[color=c1ba46]"Perhaps I'm being a bit too cautious, but it's better to be safe than sorry."[/color] he said. Presumably, the answer Irene gave in lieu of Odessa's was enough to satisfy Alistair. He extended a hand towards Odessa, now his partner of sorts, and his lips raised into a friendly smile. Simply because he hadn't really done so before, the very act of smiling might've appeared odd on him.

[color=c1ba46]"Shall we shake on it?"[/color]

[color=BF81DC]"Shake?"[/color] Odessa blinked. [color=BF81DC]"Do we have to? I think it would be better to just etch it into your blue."[/color]

Irene raised an eyebrow. [b][color=afafaf]”Shake? Is that something you do in your part of the world?”[/color][/b] 

Odessa started to vibrate. [color=BF81DC]"Like this?"[/color]

[color=c1ba46]"...I see."[/color] Alistair's genuine smile seemed a lot more forced after Odessa began shaking. Still, he persevered and turned towards Irene. [color=c1ba46]"In my w-...home, it is customary to take hold of one another's hands and then give it a few firm shakes when a deal like this is made. But..."[/color] he turned back to Odessa. [color=c1ba46]"I suppose it doesn't matter. What's the deal about this mana-etching concept you mentioned?"[/color] 

Irene held her chin. [b][color=afafaf]”To avoid going into a bunch of other complicated topics, she wants to take a small portion of your mana and replace it with her own. It's just a ritual, and won't have any long term effects. You could look at it as the spirit version of a 'hand shake.'”[/color][/b]

Vasilis ran up to Alistair and put a hand on his shoulder. [color=fed024]"Just accept the offer already! We all know you’re not going to back down now. You can figure all that sophisticated stuff later."[/color] 

What remained of Alistair's strained smile disappeared when Vasilis' hand landed on his shoulder. [color=c1ba46]"I'd prefer if you did not touch me. I've had enough people violate my comfort zone enough today."[/color] he calmly said.

[color=fed024]"Oh! Sorry."[/color] 

Once Vasilis removed his hand, he continued. [color=c1ba46]"But I suppose I am being a bit too overcautious."[/color] [i][color=c1ba46]Not that I can blame myself. It's hard to trust anything when you've experienced death countless times.[/color][/i] [color=c1ba46]"Very well, let us finalize this deal however and be done with it."[/color] he finally agreed.  

Odessa’s body was outlined by a purple neon light. She pointed her palm at his chest, but made no physical contact. There was a blue glow directly over Alistair’s chest, but it subsided after a few seconds. Then Odessa’s neon glow vanished, and she lowered her hand. [color=BF81DC]"Now there’s a little bit of purple in your blue."[/color] she bit her thumb. [color=BF81DC]"I hope your blue clears up soon."[/color]

[color=c1ba46]"You and me both."[/color] Alistair was somewhat disappointed by the event. But that may have been the effect of media influencing his expectations of something like a spiritual contract. And it was probably a good thing, too. No screaming, no pain, and it did not take very long at all. There was also no non-consensual lip-locking or CG dragons. Perhaps this was optimal. [color=c1ba46]"Well, with that out of the way, I suppose we should move on. I appreciate both the advice and your patience."[/color] he nodded towards both Irene and her knight.

[color=fed024]"Think nothing of it! Irene is the most patient person I know! And I give pretty good advice!"[/color] Vasilis fought the temptation to put his hand on Alistair's shoulder again.  

[b][color=afafaf]”Let’s get you acquainted with my books as soon as possible. You are thirsty for knowledge, and I will see that you are sated. I am also curious if it would be possible to cleanse you of the witch's touch.”[/color][/b]

Odessa rubbed one of her eyes. [color=BF81DC]"I'll rest in your blue for now."[/color] The spirit turned into a ball of light and floated behind Alistair. She seemed to completely disappear, but Alistair could feel she was still nearby.

Deciding against questioning how Odessa's disappearing act work, Alistair let it be. He looked to Irene. [color=c1ba46]"I can’t help but admit I am a little excited to see what I can gleam from those books."[/color] And with that, he would follow behind his new set of 'partners' as they set off towards Irene’s place.