Shiny-Jr.

Ace's written description is found in chapter three

Deuce's written description is found in chapter four

Cater's written description is found in chapter seven

Trey's written description is found in chapter nine

Riddle's written description is found in chapter nine

Leona's written description is found in chapter nineteen

Ruggie's written description is found in chapter nineteen

Jack's written description is found in chapter twenty-three

I will say that Riddle and Leona are a bit different. Since I never made a concept art I was happy with for those two in which they're seen more publicly. In my mind, Riddle's design is a lot like his overblot form. Leona has two designs, one that allowed him to appear more "normal" as it isn't anything extravagant (this is the one he first appeared in to MC and the only one I've doodled), while his second design is something I haven't described well but in my mind it looks a lot like his overblot form and it's the one in which he's more often seen as (appearing in this for the first time in chapter twenty-seven).

Also, I'm not really surprised some readers really liked the concept of Riddle and Leona dreaming about MC. I just really like the concept of them either (1) Riddle having a really sweet dream of MC only to wake up to the dreadful reality that they've been gone for weeks OR (2) Riddle having a nightmare about what occurred and MC still being gone. AND (3) Leona having a really sweet dream of MC and waking up to realize MC is still his OR (4) Leona having nightmare of what could happen to MC and perhaps actively seeking MC out later to torment reassure himself. Or, as you said, maybe something else entirely happened in those dreams, who knows?

I see that Malleus peeking out from behind that corner. Bro was not invited but showed up anyways. Also, I adore the way you draw Riddle looking at MC.

As for your question, the mark has been described! In fact, it's fairly important and I thought it was an obvious hint but no one ever got it. The description of MC's emblem is given in the prologue:

So, while Damnation was the prologue (quiz) that split off into seven different stories with seven different people in different situations, Empyrean is essentially one big continous story. Why then does Empyrean have different MCs? Because I thought it best for multiple reasons, but if you're wondering how that makes sense, think of the Spiderverse or the TWST manga. So each MC basically goes through the same events even if they're different people and never meet each other.

That said, you might be familiar with Damnation's seven endings and the seven MCs with one present in each ending. In a similar way, Empyrean can also be split up into seven parts. If Empyrean was a multi-book series, each dorm essentially represents one book or as I call them an "act." So act one is Heartslabyul, act two is Savanaclaw, act three is Octavinelle, etc. And each act is approximately two-hundred pages so far, but that may increase as more acts are written and posted. And each act features a different MC.

To elaborate on this, I'll briefly add: the readers read about the first MC experiencing act one, right? Well, the second MC will have experienced act one, even if we didn't read their specific experience, but they did go through the same events of act one just like the first MC and so we'll read about this second MC going through act two. This logic also applies to the later acts. So the third MC will have experienced act one and act two even if we didn't read about them specifically going through those events, we just see them go through act three. Etc.

I swear, it's not as complicated as it sounds. Like I said earlier, if you know how the Yuus of the TWST manga work or the Spiderpeople of the Spiderverse work, it's the same concept.

As for the endings, I have an inkling of an idea for an ending planned and I have considered multiple endings but it's not definite yet. Given the size of this project, I won't have to worry about an ending for some time. I'm still writing act four which is Scarabia's part. Recently, I saw an old reblog where I estimated that Empyrean would be 700ish pages. I was wayyy off. I'm currently at around 700ish pages, and I'm still in Scarabia's part. AND I've considered that the later acts will probably exceed 200 pages each, so it's very likely that the entire series will be much longer. That's not counting extra content I write.

Speaking of which, if you choose to read Empyrean, some of the extra content you might see are something I call "lore parts". It's essentially just extra knowledge scattered throughout the chapters in the form of links that contain information that may or may not be important. So yeah, there's that.

You were here yet again. The same horrible dream where you couldn’t move or speak or do anything but hardly see through the fog blanketing the dark space. The inky void appeared to stretch on forever, but this time it almost seemed as if you were alone. You assumed you were alone until a voice came from the unknown.

“This is the third time we’ve encountered each other.”

Instinctively you turned towards the voice, or at least, you tried to but you couldn’t pinpoint where it was coming from. This time you were pleasantly surprised to find that you could move! No matter how much you looked around, you couldn’t find the source of the voice. So you stood in place, remained on guard, and demanded, “Who’s there?”

“I have taken the time to speak to you twice…” The mysterious individual did not answer your question. Instead, he presented his own. The voice was low and rich, calming somehow but far from gentle or welcoming. “Why do you still refuse to acknowledge me? That is not very kind.”

“Refuse to acknowledge you?” The words sounded so unbelievable, you couldn’t help but scoff. Cautiously your hands were raised, fingers tightening into fists emitting a simmering heat threatening to go off at any moment. For all you knew, you could currently be in danger. “I never refused to acknowledge anyone."

Silence settled for a few moments, and for a second you thought you were left alone again, until the voice replied, “Before today, you had ignored all my attempts at greetings.” He sounded… upset? Maybe even sad? “I wish to know why. Was it merely a decision on your end, or did I make a mistake somewhere? No, surely not. Humans are fickle creatures, yet I have no recollection of doing anything that may have come across as an offense to you.”

“Wait, wait, what is happening?” Now you were even more confused. You knew this was a dream, so was this some sort of figment of the imagination? That couldn’t be the case, because the dream was recurring and you always remembered the details when you woke up even if nothing much happened in the previous ones besides a shadowy apparition lingering by your stunned and frozen form. These dreams on top of everything else happening in reality were only stressing you out even more. “One: I never ignored anyone. I couldn’t even move or talk until now! Two: why do you keep appearing in my sleep?! And three: who are you supposed to be?”

“Who…?” His voice echoed slightly in the darkness, and you turned but still found no one.

Snapping your fingers a few times, it took a few attempts to finally spark a weak flame. So you could use magic here. The fire flickered in the darkness with the red glow of your emblem. It was enough to light your immediate surroundings, but not by much. Darkness continued to surround you. “I can’t see you. How am I supposed to know who I’m talking to?”

There came no immediate response for a long moment. Did this stranger not appreciate your tone? Apparently not, because you soon detected the slightest hint of movement behind you. Turning on your heel, you extended the flame forward like a torch and you squinted until a figure stepped out of the fog. The stranger matched the silhouette of the horned shadow you had seen once upon a dream. As he approached and stopped just mere feet ahead, you were forced to crane your neck to look up at him.

The pyro ignited between your fingers allowed you to glimpse upon the stranger’s visage. Humans didn’t have pale ears with pointed tips or mesmerizing but odd slitted eyes that glowed an ominous green. Majestic black horns sprouted from his head, not one pair but two, with the larger pair at the front and the smaller curved pair towards the back of his skull. Black hair cascaded down his shoulders, the strands blending into the dark setting. Too ethereal to be human. Could it be possible that this was a type of mortal beastman? Didn't there exist some type of tribe here in Savanaclaw for horned beastfolk?

The stranger was studying you just as intently as you were studying him. Green eyes flickered from the flames then to meet your gaze, and he remained still as if expecting something. Extinguishing the fire from your fingertips, darkness once again enveloped most of the space but at least you could see him somewhat. Once your flesh was no longer hot to the touch but rather warm, you stuck a hand out for him to take and introduced yourself. “You could say I’m… a traveler. (Y/n).”

The stranger’s eyes lit up as you outstretched your hand, and with careful precision he reciprocated by taking yours into his gentle grasp. When you shook politely, he repeated your name softly, still as perplexed as before since your name gave him none of the hints he was anticipating. “A highly unusual name. It shall be one I will remember.”

Waiting, you dropped his hand and let the silence settle so he could respond, but a reply never came. Furrowing your eyebrows, you prompted, “This is the part where you’re supposed to say your name now.”

Ignoring all previous inquiries, he focused entirely on the last question. Those glowing eyes widened a fraction, “You truly don’t know? How curious…” When he smiled, he revealed pale lips and fangs. “I shall not say it. It’s for your own benefit, this I assure you.” Only now were you really noticing how pale his skin was. Now you were beginning to doubt that he was even a mortal. “You’re quite bold. Very well. For your bravery, I will permit you to call me by a name of your choosing.”

“That’s not how this works—”

“I am allowing you to do so. Did you not hear me?” It felt like you couldn’t breathe as his eyes narrowed. In an instant, the calm atmosphere shifted. The air suddenly felt suffocating and the darkness coiled around you like thorns. It felt just as it did before, in the previous dreams you had been unable to move or speak. Dread took root in your heart, morphing into a sort of terror that matched the fear you felt when faced by King Rosehearts and the possibility of execution, the horror when you witnessed the Pyro Archon burning the sinners of the Furnace, the trepidation within your bones when the Greater Lord Kingscholar's form disappeared within that massive explosion of pyro, and even the moment in which you were nearly suffocated with sand controlled by Lesser Lord Kingscholar.

An instinct deep in your soul knew not to anger this being, whoever he truly was.

When he faced no more resistance, the horned man smiled once again. Just like that, the air cleared and you felt you could move once again as your heart raced within your chest. “You shall have your answers.” Green glowing eyes peered down, twinkling with mirth as he acquiesced. “I am relieved your earlier silence was not intentional. I enjoy the peace of solitude that comes with slumber but on occasion, the monotony of it all becomes rather tedious. Hence why I drift off to find the dreams of others. Yours strikes me as particularly mystifying. It’s bizarre… I can’t quite tell where you are either.”

As he squinted down at you, his pupils adjusting, it was as if he could see something you could not. Defensively you raise your hands like a barrier, like that would stop him at all. “Why… Why’s it matter where I am?”

Again, it’s like he didn’t even hear you as he brushed over your words. Raising a hand to his chin, his finger rubbed it thoughtfully until he came to a realization. “Ah, now I recall where I have seen you before. If memory serves me, I saw a glimpse of your visage in a dream belonging to Rosehearts and more recently in Leona Kingscholar’s.”

Immediately you lowered your hands, but continued to peer up at this man of mystery. He saw you in the dreams of the two archons you had encountered? Just who was he if he had that sort of power? What was he?

The unnamed man appeared vaguely amused by your confused reaction. Green eyes lowered down to your hand. Almost instinctively, without even meaning to, you lifted your fingers and he grasped them. Noticing the markings of the emblem on your flesh, he turned your palm upwards. Cold fingers traced the lines that were currently devoid of the usual red or orange glow it held, and he remarked with such nonchalance that his words nearly went over your head entirely. “I see you have been claimed by Dire Crowley. I was not aware that he chose vessels. Very curious indeed.”

What…? What??? This stranger in your dreams casually revealed more precious information than you had heard in the weeks you spent desperately searching for answers! You gaped up at him, nearly gasping like a fish out of water. There was a chance that you could find all the answers you wanted here and now! That was the plan until your entire surroundings became hazy–– and you were thrust back into reality.

You woke with a start, the light pouring in from the window nearly blinding you. When you jolted upright, a weight on your chest went tumbling onto your legs with a grunt.

Grim, who had previously been using your torso as his own mattress, went rolling into your lap among the bunched up blanket. A blanket? Someone had tucked you in carefully, and left Grim on top of you. Your guide blinked up at you groggily, then his paw went to the side of your face as if to assure himself that you were real. “You made a lot of noises while you slept, ya know. Almost sounded like you were talkin’ to someone.”

Talking to someone. You had been talking to someone, and you had the answer as to which god left this emblem on you. “I saw him again, Grim! That horned guy who keeps appearing in my dreams, remember? He said––” Your lips magically shut as if glued together, preventing any more words from slipping out. What? When you tried to claw at your own mouth, it felt like your lips were sewn shut with the words on the tip of your tongue. “What the hell?” You could say other things, but not the truth you learned?

Grim tilted his head, eyeing you carefully with his little nose scrunched up. After another moment or two of your odd silent struggle, he stood on his hind legs so his face was close enough for him to examine between his paws. “Are you okay? Did ya hit your head?”

“Ughh! What’s wrong with me?!” It’s as if your mouth refused to let the answer slip into the open. Then an idea came to you. Grim hopped off and followed curiously as you got off the bed.

Instead of the clay and stone floors and interior walls, almost everything here was composed of metal. The floor was metal, the walls were metal, there was no trace of geo to bend and impossible to burn your way out. There was a small bed beside shelves stacked with books upon books, and a table for two with very basic supplies. At the table, you found what you were looking for: a pen and scrap of paper. If you could at least write down the name, Dire Crowley, then that could convey the message.

As your companion hopped onto the table and peered down at the surface with his tail swishing behind him, you pushed aside books containing stray documents to make sure he had a clear view of the sheet. “Uh, disciple, what are you doing? You’re acting weirder than usual.”

“I’m giving you the answer!” Once the pen was between your fingers, you placed the tip of it on the surface. Dire Crowley, it was that simple to write. However, as soon as the pen and paper touched, it was like whatever magic coursing through you sensed it and refused to obey. Instead of writing out the letters like how your mind commanded your hand to do, your fingers trembled uncontrollably so every letter you wrote formed what looked like a series of incomprehensible lines and squiggles.

“Uh-huh… Oh, I see––!” Taking the scrap of paper between his claws, Grim inspected the result closely in the light as you resisted the urge to strangle your own hand. “Yeah, I have no idea what this means.”

Slamming your fists against the surface of the table in frustration, you glared down at your writing hand. The emblem was mostly dim, but it appeared to glow momentarily every few seconds. It just felt like it was mocking you. Why couldn’t you say his name? Every attempt you made to verbally speak it just resulted in the same irritated muffles. The only words that were allowed to bypass your lips were anything but the one named Dire Crowley. “When I get my hands on the one who did this to me, I swear––!” Whatever curse at work here promptly shut your lips, not even allowing you to refer to them as he or him.

“You mean Leona?” Grim guessed incorrectly, but you still listened to the entity as he padded closer to pat his paw over your shoulder in a manner that could only be described as comforting. “That mean old archon! I don’t get him! You slept all day and I’ve been stuck in here with you! He kept coming in here to look around and then leave!” That you did not know.

Did it really matter if he came to see you at all? The ugly truth still stood: he used the two of you for his nefarious plot. “He used us, Grim.” Between your fingers, you crumbled up the paper and set it alight. Was it possible that Leona Kingscholar knew of the one named Dire Crowley? He must have. If the horned man from your dreams was someone significant, chances are that Leona knew who he was too. “But no… I wasn’t actually talking about Leona just now.” How else could you explain it? Proceeding carefully, you chose each one of your words wisely to see if anything else triggered the curse. “So, about that horned guy, the one from my dreams…”

“Again?” This was becoming a common recurrence that even Grim had come to anticipate these odd dreams of yours. Tilting his head up, he watched the black crisps of the burnt paper float in the air and he couldn’t resist the urge to try and catch one. “Did ya get to ask anything this time? Like a name?”

“Sorta…” A ghost of a smile worked its way onto your face as you watched Grim manage to successfully catch a piece that crumbled between his claws and stained his precious pink paw pads. Then you remembered the frightening encounter and shuddered. “All he said when I asked was he refused to tell because: It’s for your own benefit, this I assure you. Whatever that means.”

Frowning down at the black stain on his paws, he tried to wipe them clean by using your sleeve. “What a waste! Any smart guy says their name immediately so all may hear it and remember it! Like me! Now, the next time you see this weirdo in your sleep, make sure he gets the message that you’re under the watch of the All Powerful Grim! That’ll keep him away!”

You sincerely doubted that such a warning would work. Despite being trapped by an archon once again, Grim still managed to brighten your spirits. At his prideful tone, you couldn’t help but crack a smile as you playfully poked the white fur at his chest. “Okay, oh smart Grim, how about you pick a name then? I’m getting tired of just calling him horned guy.”

Giggling at the ticklish sensation your touch gave him, his tail swung with content while he pridefully proclaimed, “I will give him a name! Horns so, howsabout… Hornton!”

“Pfft… That's very creative. I don’t think he would appreciate the name Hornton.” If Grim had met the horned man, he probably would not have had the guts to give him that nickname to his face.

“Are you makin’ fun of me? How dare my disciple ridicule me?!” In the middle of his hissy fit and as you were trying not to laugh at his little display of rage, you detected the sound of a lock. Grim heard it too, as his ear twitched and he turned to face the entrance that opened to reveal a familiar bultungin. The feline entity’s blue eyes widened and he broke out into an even wider grin. “Ruggie! You came to break us out!”

Reaching out to your guide, you grasped the back of his striped bow to prevent him from moving towards the hyena entity as your eyes narrowed at the immortal. You watched as Ruggie’s own eager grin vanished when he noticed your expression, and the words that were about to slip past his parted lips never came out.

Grim slowly sat, tilting his head in confusion as he looked at you then Ruggie then back at you again. “Disciple…?”

“He’s not here to rescue us, Grim.” This was something you were certain of, and when the hyena did not immediately deny it, you were convinced as to why. Ruggie Bucchi had been there when you met Leona Kingscholar, he knew the identity of his friend and of your desire to meet the God of Intellect. Then, there was the slightest evidence of sand over Jack in the Gol Colosseum. It was no coincidence that Ruggie was here right now. “Did you do it?”

“Heh…” For a moment, you swore you saw his brown ears flatten and he appeared vaguely disappointed at the lack of a warm welcome. Shrugging it off, he stuffed his hands into his pockets and replied, “I don’t got a clue what you’re talking about.”

Of course he wouldn’t admit to it, but you knew and he knew. It was obvious he was tense, like waiting for you to snap. Although you really really wanted to, this time you refrained as you forced the heat to die down from your hands. This was exactly what kept dragging you into problems, your brazen recklessness. This time you would refrain entirely from trying to start something. Releasing your hold on Grim who was now more suspicious of the bultungin, you exhaled deeply and proceeded, “What do you want, Bucchi?”

“I don’t want nothin’... at least for now.” Opening the door a little wider, he gestured out into the hallway. On his speckled face, he bore a smile that did not quite reach his eyes. “I’m just acting on behalf of the next Sovereign. The God of Intellect said he’d consider answering your question now.”

Steadily you rose from your seat, giving your companion a pitying look as you picked him up. Grim seemed to have really believed that Ruggie had come just to set the two of you free, but no, he was here to take you directly to your captor. “No attacks, okay, Grim?”

Lowering his head, he begrudgingly nodded, not keen on the idea but this was the best course of action. By now it was abundantly clear, continued resistance and fighting would get you nowhere.

Once you had Grim in one arm, you approached the bultungin. Ruggie leaned back slightly, as if preparing for at least a single swing from you, but when you did no such thing and continued forward, he blinked in surprise. Awkwardly, he took up pace beside you. A tense sort of silence ensued as you wordlessly allowed him to lead the way and Grim was glaring at him now that he had finally caught on. Finally, as they walked, he allowed a few words to slip past his lips. “You never finished working off your debt.”

You slowly turned your head to face him, as your guide immediately whipped around to gawk at him. Grim replied before you could, “What?! You’re still thinkin’ about that? Can you believe this guy, disciple?!”

“No, I can’t.” The response from you was so even that it came as a shock. You didn’t know if you wanted to laugh or snap, so you settled with whatever came out first. A bitter scoff of disbelief. “That’s all you have to say to me?”

It was all but certain that he would not provide answers as to how exactly he was involved in all this and why, but you had expected a little more. Back in the Dwelling of the Wise, you had wanted to trust him, but he never once proved himself completely trustworthy. In the end, the doubt and suspicion you held towards him likely spared you from the pain of complete betrayal.

Briefly his ears flattened, as if in shame, before shifting back to normal. Quietly, under his breath, he muttered, “No, that’s not it at all… I’ll consider your debts paid because you did way more for me than you’ll ever really understand.” Then, he did something unexpected. The bultungin smiled at you, a real one, albeit a bit abashed with the current tension, but a genuine smile that showed off his sharp canines.

It threw you and your companion off so badly that neither of you had an immediate reply.

“I don’t say this all that often, but thanks. I mean it.” At the dumbfounded expressions before him, he laughed that annoying hiss-like laughter you’ve come to hate once more. “Whether you believe me or not, you’ll be safe here. I’ll make sure of it.” The earnest look in his eye and his solemn words vanished as quickly as they came, because he reverted back to his laid-back demeanor. “Anyways! Didn’t I tell ya before: I’d find you? That wasn’t a bluff, you know. I meant it.”

Grim’s little black nose scrunched up in confusion, so the feline entity tilted his head upwards to look at you for explanation. “Disciple, what’s he talkin’ about?”

“I don’t know…” You admitted. So much had transpired and you still weren’t entirely sure what had happened and what had gone on. All you knew was that the God of Intellect had used you and Grim like a pawn for some sort of devious plot that ended with the assassination of the God of Strength and now you were stuck as prisoners in the Altar of Stone. You had all the major parts, but pieces of the puzzle were still missing. So it begged the question, “Why?”

“Why?” Ruggie parroted, appearing to consider the single-word inquiry. That could have meant anything, but he wasn’t the slightest bit confused by it at all. Stopping at the end of the corridor, he placed his hand flat against two large double-doors. There was a beat of quiet, just the bultungin gazing down at Grim’s frown and then your unwavering gaze, before he answered simply, “Long live the king.”

When the bultungin knocked and you felt the ground go soft beneath your feet, you recognized what was happening. Taking a deep breath, you managed to inhale enough air and squeeze your eyes shut while covering Grim just as you sunk into the ground and reemerged on the other side of the door. Your companion was sputtering and shaking off some sand that seeped onto his fur, and immediately you shouted, “Will you stop doing that?! I could have walked in just fine!”

“No.”

Violence would get you nowhere. You had to repeat this phrase in your mind multiple times as Leona Kingscholar just lounged there on a divan of silk in a spacious chamber overlooking the entire city of Pridehaven. It appeared as if he had just woken from a nap as he gave a great big yawn that brandished his deadly fangs. He really was just like a lion. The lion did not concern himself with much, not even a fellow feline entity’s complaints.

“Argh! You mean old archon! You keep dirtying my majestic fur with your stupid sand!” The small entity grumbled, only retracting his claws once you helped him with brushing off the particles from his fur.

How did Leona do it again…? Forcefully you mimicked the wave you had witnessed him perform more than once, and some of the particles flew off Grim and onto the ground. It worked! It was such a small feat that Grim hardly even noticed, but when you looked up that’s when you realized that Leona had seen it. Those half-lidded green eyes gazed at you lazily, and he sneered at your triumphant smile which you swiftly forced down.

Once you got the last bits of sand off yourself and Grim by using the same trick, you muttered, “What happened to interrogating us? Is that what this is?”

Shaking his head, he rolled his eyes, like he was annoyed that the question was even posed. The Geo Archon did not budge from his spot, one arm leisurely folded above him and his other arm dangling off the divan so his fingers brushed against the ground. “So many questions.” He mused, closing his eyes. It only seemed like the more annoyance and anger either you or Grim expressed, the more amusement it provided him. All the more reason to keep your cool. “Why interrogate at all? It’s a waste of time when I already know all.”

Grim grumbled, and you placed a firm hand on his head both as comfort and as a reminder to not do anything reckless. Both of you were prone to reckless actions, but you allowed the words to slip out into the air. “What? So you’re just gonna kill us after framing us?”

“Oh, mouse…” Shifting in his seat, he turned so he was facing you as he propped his elbow on the cushions and placed his chin in his hand. Behind him, his tail swished like you often saw Grim’s tail do, but the pace was slower. The god’s gaze was upon you and your guide, and as if still amused, the toothy smirk lingered on his fine features. “Your God would never kill you or your precious entity. He just gets a kick out of messin’ with you.”

You bit your tongue while Grim dug his claws into you slightly like he too knew that you were holding back and that was his attempt to remind you. The sharp retort was on the tip of your tongue, but you forced yourself to swallow it like a bitter pill as you steadily lowered your guide onto the ground.

Noticing this, Leona merely watched on. The ground shifted, practically tossing you towards him so you landed on the edge of the very divan he lounged on. Grim scurried underfoot, peeking out from under the seat, and you sent him a look to not act yet.

Then Leona began, “The gaze of the gods has always been considered a blessing. Since the first days of worship, people have always yearned for our gaze. And yet, it’s said when mortals look directly upon us gods, they unknowingly invite wrath and retribution. You already know the price of gazing upon the gods. So, tell me, what was the price of killing a god?”

“I don’t know… you tell me. It cost you an eye and more the first time, what’d it cost you this time?” Silently you glowered at the God of Intellect, your expression matching Grim’s. Now it was your turn to hold him back, as your glare directed toward your guide was meant to prevent the small entity from lunging if he tried. Slowly you exhaled, willing the heat at your hands to die down. “What else do you want from me? Haven't you done enough?"

Leona blinked, as if surprised by your response, then he focused intently on you. Any smug smirks or haughty arrogance vanished in that moment. “The cost is inconsequential. There is nothing else I have that is worth more than this.” Is that what he believed? His expression eased back into apathy, and he carried on. “Questions, questions, questions… I'll be generous and answer another. I believe you are a paradox worth my time."

“Paradox?" It infuriated you, how he acted so casual as he saw you as a puzzle. There was little difference in his manner from your previous early encounters versus the more recent interactions. It's like he felt nothing when his claws were stained by the blood of Falena, his brother, while you wanted nothing more than to find a way back to your own family. “I'm really not a paradox. I'm a simple human, not powerful enough to kill an archon like you made everyone believe. But if I had a chance, I would…"

“Kill me?" Leona appeared more amused then threatened, even going so far as to spare Grim a glance as the smaller feline remained under the divan where he watched with wide blue eyes. Returning his attention back towards you, he caught your fist before it could collide with his face. “If you believe two elements will help you against me, then you're courage is severely misplaced. I'd reevaluate if I were you." This time, he didn't summon sand to swat you away but he instead he moved your fingers so your emblem was flat against his chest where his heart would be. When you tensed, he met your gaze head on as if daring you to do it. “Didn't you want to claim my life? Or was the mouse just squeaking up a fib?"

“You think I won't end you after seeing this mess you dragged us into?" Emblem flashing red, you felt the flesh of your fingertips begin to tick upwards in temperature. The first and only time you had seen a hit land on him, it was right through this exact spot and he survived. The shot hardly affected him, so a different tactic was needed. “If I'm going to be punished for killing one god, might as well make it two." Could you really kill a god? Never before had you taken a life, and now you were saying you would take his.

Momentarily closing his eyes, a cunning smile curled on his lips and he sat upright to lean even closer to the hand threatening to snuff him out. There was a real opportunity here, a chance to kill the God of Intellect who had tormented and used you and how held you as his prisoner. And that was what terrified you. The lives that had been lost before were accidents not caused by your own hand, but here if you went forward, it would not be an accident. If you did this… what would happen to you? What would happen to Grim?

“The poor mouse is trembling." He was right, your hand was shaking unevenly and your emblem's glow dimmed with uncertainty. The God of Intellect watched your every move, taking in your every blink, every breath, every quiver. Those knowing eyes glimmered, and up close you could see the jagged line of his scar. “You weren't lying to me, were you?"

“No, I wasn't lying! I… Grim and I are innocent." In an attempt to showcase your resolve and stop your cursed hand from betraying you, you brought up your other hand too so both emblems were flat against his chest. One emblem was red and the second was orange. Again you hesitated. Out of your peripheral vision, you could make out Grim right there. Correcting yourself, “Grim is innocent…"

Contrary to before when he attempted to hold you back, perhaps because he now knew Leona was directly responsible for having you two labeled as the assassins who killed the Sovereign, your guide gave a silent but firm nod. That was all the confirmation you needed.

Claws wrapping around your fingers, Leona whispered, “Don't tell me you need my help?"

“No!" Instantly you moved the placement of your hands from his heart to his brain: aim for the head. Without waiting for him to process it, you fired off a spell. The geo was weakest, the stone decorations nearby rattled weakly but the pyro spell went off flawlessly.

Sand splattered like blood, but your attempt at his life did nothing. Leona reappeared off the divan, completely whole with not a scratch on him. Even if you went for the head, he wouldn't die. Did he have a stone somewhere within him just as the God of Strength did? Was that his heart or brain? If so, where was it? If you struck the stone, would he die?

Grim finally climbed up beside you, and you cursed under your breath that you couldn't actually end him. Was this just his idea of entertainment? You held his gaze for a long tense moment, until you proceeded to demand, “How do I get back to my homeworld?” When he didn’t immediately answer, you frowned and reminded him. “You said that was a question worthy of the God of Intellect’s time! So answer, oh God of Intellect.”

“Did I say that?” He sighed, acting as if you didn't just attempt to kill him. Readjusting his position to stand with a hand on his hip and his head tilted slightly towards the two to keep them within his sight. “Good aim. So much for innocence, but the killer has some bite."

Tail lashing angrily, Grim pointed an accusing claw, “Quit playing dumb! If you're not gonna die then give us what we want! You know that’s what my human was going to ask the whole time, so spit out the answer!”

“Some help you are, Leona.” You mumbled resentfully, when an idea struck you like lightning. “I’ll just ask the guy in my dreams then. He sounds like he probably knows more than you anyways.”

As soon as those words came out, you almost regretted them immediately. Leona’s tired eyes snapped open with unnerving speed. In an instant he stalked towards you. Grim stopped his complaints, burying his head in your arms as his ears flattened in fear. Weeks ago you had faced the Pyro Archon, what was another archon to add to that list? So you stood your ground, unflinching as the Geo Archon loomed over you and stared you down with that scarred eye. Using your arms, you shielded Grim, allowing the small entity to hide in your embrace from the god that stood before you.

“If you know what’s good for you, you won’t talk to that guy in your dreams,” he warned. Leona Kingscholar was terrifying when he wasn’t being downright frustrating. This was the God of Intellect, one of the oldest and wisest, with the power of geo at his feet. This god had seen and known countless mortals and entities. He had even killed powerful deities like the God of Steel and his own flesh and blood, the God of Strength. Yet for some reason, the only thing that got a reaction from him was the mention of the one who Grim bestowed the moniker of Hornton upon. Those eyes of the Geo Archon reminded you a lot of the dreamy individual who haunted your slumber. Leona scrutinized you, taking in every inch of your form and the presence of the entity in your arms. There was hardly a few inches of space between where he stood and where you were. “Take these words of advice, mouse. Entities, especially gods, don’t answer prayers without cost.”

Matching his scowl, you clutched Grim tighter and inquired, “So what’s it going to take for you to finally answer my question?”

Finally, he conceded. Granting you and your companion some space, he took a step back and some of the tension eased off his shoulders now that the warning had been properly conveyed. Gazing away, as if uninterested all of a sudden, his tail flicked to one side. “Your dues have been paid.”

When you looked down at Grim, he gave you an encouraging nod again, so you repeated the same question you’ve held since the very day you woke up on that beach in Heartslabyul. “How do I get back to my homeworld?”

There was a beat of silence, and you worried he wouldn’t answer. Until Leona glanced at you and grabbed one of your hands, one of his sharp nails momentarily brushing over the oval-shaped emblem in the middle of your palm. Gazing down at the mark apathetically, the very same weapon you just tried to kill him with, he finally let go as he answered, “You’re looking for a mirror.”

“A mirror?” Grim repeated, perking up instantly at this huge development. Those little paws of his tugged on your sleeve, pulling your hand closer so he could take a peek at the emblem. As if just looking at the mark would bestow all the answers upon him.

Your heart picked up speed, and now you were the one closing the distance between yourself and Leona. “Just a mirror? Will any old mirror do or does it need to be a very specific mirror? Do you mean like some type of magic mirror or…?”

QUESTION ONE: So, before you were caught, did you try to escape or not? And how exactly did that go?

King!MC's Answer: No, I did not try to escape. I practically turned myself in. I figured that doing so could help me in the long run, it would be something for the jury to consider when deciding my sentence. And it will likely convince the jury to give me a lighter punishment.

Chieftain!MC's Answer: Yes, of course I tried to escape! And I was so close! I was hiding out in places, keeping a low-profile, and just before I made the home stretch to freedom, the cops caught me before I reached the get-away ride!

Diviner!MC's Answer: No, I didn't try to escape. Instead I used my time wisely, hiding the evidence and such so that they can't incriminate me. Hopefully they don't actually find it, or else I might be charged with tampering with evidence.

Vassal!MC's Answer: Yes, who wouldn't try to escape? It was a good run, but a short run. I'll admit, I was too reckless. I ended up fighting back. They'll probably want to charge me for resistance against an officer too.

Retainer!MC's Answer: No, I knew better than to try and escape. Besides, it would only make me look bad and even more guilty. Maybe if I can give them a false sense of security and hatch some sort of escape plan before the trial…

Imp!MC's Answer: Yes, I sort of tried to escape? I panicked. I hid for so long, I began to regret everything and wish I never did what I did in the first place. I was about ready to give up hope when they found me and arrested me.

Courier!MC's Answer: Yes, I tried to escape. It was nearly successful too! I knew after I committed the crime, they would come after me. I had my escape plan laid out perfectly, but one thing went astray and the plan crumbled.

QUESTION TWO: He took a deep breath and sighed, "You know what you're here for, right?"

King!MC's Answer: Treason.

Chieftain!MC's Answer: Robbery.

Diviner!MC's Answer: Fraud.

Vassal!MC's Answer: Assault.

Retainer!MC's Answer: Murder.

Imp!MC's Answer: Kidnapping.

Courier!MC's Answer: Espionage.

QUESTION THREE: Lets temporarily take your mind off your inevitable doom, shall we? So, why'd you do it?

King!MC's Answer: I didn't have a choice.

Chieftain!MC's Answer: To gain more.

Diviner!MC's Answer: My circumstances pushed me.

Vassal!MC's Answer: For the hell of it.

Retainer!MC's Answer: I was doing it for someone else.

Imp!MC's Answer: Someone tricked me.

Courier!MC's Answer: For my survival.

QUESTION FOUR: Speaking of your younger self, if you don’t mind answering, what kind of background were you raised in?

King!MC's Answer: I'd like to say it was fairly normal, but I'm just not sure. I was often pushed around or pulled along, but I always went with it because I never had the guts to go against anyone's decision. It felt like I couldn't always share my opinions or thoughts about certain, if not most, topics.

Chieftain!MC's Answer: Not the greatest. I was raised in poverty, there wasn’t always food on the table, I couldn't afford things I wanted, hand me downs were common, and I'd always be ashamed when comparing myself to those that were better off. It wasn’t exactly a good condition to grow up in.

Diviner!MC's Answer: Maybe a little better off than most people. I'll admit, maybe I was spoiled but I didn't have too many friends. The company I did have never lasted, or they were fake. So for most of my childhood, I was pretty much on my own. It sounds bad when said like that, but I've gotten used to it.

Vassal!MC's Answer: I mean, it was alright. Although I will admit, I did a lot of things I'm not particularly proud of. A lot of bad things, actually. I was always that one kid that got in trouble for something. I've been in a fair share of detentions too, although some of the problems I got into weren't all my fault.

Retainer!MC's Answer: Average. Terribly average. I always stuck with the flock, always did as I was told, always did what everyone else wanted, never really for myself. Obedience was a big thing growing up for me. It was a very rigid type of background, one I didn't have freedom in until I grew up. I was the quiet oddball everyone wasn’t fond of.

Imp!MC's Answer: Isolated. In a way, I wanted to be normal, but I wasn't. Maybe I was too nervous, or my family was too paranoid, so I lacked a lot of necessary skills growing up. It left me kinda useless and dependent. Maybe it's why I'm always struggling with small matters even now.

Courier!MC's Answer: People thought I was strange, and I never really understood why. I did everything I was supposed to, I made people laugh, I was always on my best behavior, and yet there was always something off. They looked at me oddly, and treated me differently. Only some were bold enough to ignore me outright, even if I was friendly.

QUESTION FIVE: Well, looks like you were about to find out which theory was true. Let's say the story theory is the correct one. If you had to choose, which tale of old would you try to survive in and why?

King!MC's Answer: Cinderella. There's a chance I could become one of the ugly step-sisters, but I'd rather be an ugly step-sister instead of the cruel step-mother. I could just not try to woo the prince and leave that up to my sister, and be a little kinder to Cinderella as to avoid the worst ending. At least I'm not the step-mother. Doesn't she get her eyes plucked out by ravens in one version of the tale?

Chieftain!MC's Answer: 101 Dalmatians. All I would have to do as one of the two thieves in the story, is reject the call from the black and white fashionista. If I did have to work, I would only go as far as kidnap the puppies and that's it. I'd leave the rest of the dirty work to her. It's not a bad plan. I could take the paycheck for the dognapping job and leave before she gets arrested.

Diviner!MC's Answer: Beauty and the Beast. This would mean I would be the stooge that is loyal to the arrogant and popular huntsman. Although he doesn't have that bad of an ending, I could easily distance myself from the huntsman or I could warn my superior of the beast first. I'm sure there must be a lot of riches in that old castle the beast lives in too…

Vassal!MC's Answer: 101 Dalmatians. All I would have to do as one of the two thieves in the story, is reject the call from the black and white fashionista. If I did have to work, I would only go as far as kidnap the puppies and that's it. I'd leave the rest of the dirty work to her. It's not a bad plan. I could take the paycheck for the dognapping job and leave before she gets arrested.

Retainer!MC's Answer: The Princess and The Frog. If it followed more modern recounts of the tale, I'd take the place of the servant under the prince. All I would have to do is avoid the shadow man who performs voodoo. If I was forced to work for him, then I would keep an eye on the frog prince the entire time. Not only would I then avoid prison, but I would end up rich as well.

Imp!MC's Answer: Cinderella. There's a chance I could become one of the ugly step-sisters, but I'd rather be an ugly step-sister instead of the cruel step-mother. I could just not try to woo the prince and leave that up to my sister, and be a little kinder to Cinderella as to avoid the worst ending. At least I'm not the step-mother. Doesn't she get her eyes plucked out by ravens in one version of the tale?

Courier!MC's Answer: Beauty and the Beast. This would mean I would be the stooge that is loyal to the arrogant and popular huntsman. Although he doesn't have that bad of an ending, I could easily distance myself from the huntsman or I could warn my superior of the beast first. I'm sure there must be a lot of riches in that old castle the beast lives in too…

QUESTION SIX: As you're waiting for the whole thing to be over, what are you doing at that little desk of yours?

King!MC's Answer: Sitting, waiting, with your hands folded in your lap. You could only watch nervously as the judges debated your fate. The outcome was inevitable but for some reason you held onto that foolish shred of hope that maybe, just maybe, they’ll show you mercy. Because if they didn’t, you weren’t sure what you were going to do. So you sat, these thoughts consuming you.

Chieftain!MC's Answer: Just playing with whatever trinkets were left at the desk. Making paper airplanes out of the important documents, spinning coins, doodling. Engraved on the wooden desk are dozens of other messages from those criminals before you who left various writings of their own. Some of them were quite sad. I did nothing wrong. Help me. And dozens of (name) was here, as if not to be forgotten. Slowly you pen your own words, so as to be found by the next criminal.

Diviner!MC's Answer: Looking for a way to escape. You know by now that it's useless. No one has ever escaped before. You're scanning your surroundings, looking for a way to get out. You were desperate. A window, a door, a key, a secret hatch in the floors, something to give you hope in this situation where the outcome looked grim. Once you were banished, there was no escaping. You needed your freedom.

Vassal!MC's Answer: Catching the attention of the judges, and not in a subtle way. You take the opportunity to yell at them, standing from your seat and pointing your finger accusingly at them as you call them out on their deeds. You weren’t perfect, yeah, but these guys were terrible! You don’t get that far, because as soon as you took one step forward, you were pulled back by the guards and restrained to your seat, forced to be silent for the rest of the hearing.

Retainer!MC's Answer: Staring at the cameras. You were still thinking about the people that were watching right now. You imagined them safe and secure in their houses, glued to the television. So you stared, just to give them a scare. Give them a lasting impression, so that you would not remain forgotten. And partly to make people think twice about doing something that might lead them to the exact position you're in. As a warning, of sorts.

Imp!MC's Answer: Explain yourself. Plead your case, but this was not a fair trial. It could hardly be called a trial, as it was more like a spectacle to strike fear into the public. No matter if you speak truths or lies, your desperate words fall on deaf ears. It’s like they couldn’t even hear you, or rather, wouldn’t hear you. The judges didn’t believe you, nor did the guards or investigators, and it was likely that the audience watching at home didn’t believe you either.

Courier!MC's Answer: Try to talk to the judges. Maybe if you could appeal to them, they would have the heart to show some mercy. Although your smile and unexpected attempt at conversation didn’t get very far, as they didn’t acknowledge you and continued whispering amongst themselves. In your attempt, you even tried striking up a conversation with the guards, but they hardly seemed interested either. They wouldn’t even meet your gaze.

QUESTION SEVEN: This stained glass that caught your eye. Describe it.

King!MC's Answer: It was vibrant, like a burst of colors. The bottom was layered with various tones, resembling a rainbow with all the color. The geometric shapes resemble flowers, a garden of beautiful singing flowers, made up of all kinds of types. There were more hues and shades in different shapes, they looked like a collection of teacups and teapots in all sorts of shapes and sizes. As various as the collection in your grandmother’s wooden cabinet.

Chieftain!MC's Answer: It was serenic. Yellow blades of grass fading into green, with the most colorful trees besides a paradise of greenery and waterfalls below swirling clouds that appeared to be forming a shape you couldn't quite make out. There was a sun, a big bright yellow sun, casting its beams of light everywhere except in one dark corner. You wonder what the dark corner is meant to symbolize.

Diviner!MC's Answer: It was calming, composed of mostly different shades of blue and lots of cool colors. There was the odd glass piece, completely round and white, reminding you of pearls. There were various bumps and swirls, composed of purples, pinks, and greens, creating an unfamiliar environment. In the corner was a yellow piece in the shape of a wavy rectangle, it had words scribbled on it but you couldn't read them from where you were. It must’ve meant something.

Vassal!MC's Answer: It was sparkly. There were plenty of dark shades of blue and purple, fading to read, orange, and yellow, like that of a horizon where the sun was setting. But there was no sun with its pointed edges, instead there was a big bright round moon over smooth golden towers and two tiny golden pieces like tiny stars dotting the sky. But they weren’t stars, their shape was off. The sunlight through the glass made it so shiny that you just wanted to reach out and touch it.

Retainer!MC's Answer: It was medieval. There were plenty of muted browns and beiges, dotted with colors of green and vivid tinges like purples and red and pinks. Lines of green rolled down like ivy scaling down on a wall. What stood out the most were splashes of red, bright reds, dotting the corners like tiny heart-shapes and filling the greenery of what might’ve been a tree. Such an eye-catching shade of red. What was on the tree?

Imp!MC's Answer: It was intricate. The bottom was layered with muted shades of gray and black, forming organized waves like small hills rising up and sloping down. Jagged edges crawl up the sides, spotted by blocky shapes of red and white. Swirls filled the uppermost corners, sparkling in every color ranging from the darkest of blues and sweet pinks to glowing yellows and warm oranges. It reminded you of clouds when they were hit by the sun just right, so that they looked like golden valleys.

Courier!MC's Answer: It was divided into two. Various shades of green encompassed the left, starting off bright with dots of color but slowly shifting to darker hues the closer it got to the border until it was entirely black. The black panes were like the darkened bricks of a building with high towers and spiraling steps. On the opposite side was a similar depiction but of light grays and whites, surrounded by more than just green. The right side was decorated with various splashes of colors in patterns and symbols, like flags and banners.

QUESTION EIGHT: “Do you have any final words?”

King!MC's Answer: "I... I don't want to go, I don't want to go, please. Please. I'm sorry––"

Chieftain!MC's Answer: “I wish I could take every one of you down with me.”

Diviner!MC's Answer: “Why is this happening to me?”

Vassal!MC's Answer: “Oh, shut up! You banish anyone that has the guts to say you’re all a bunch of––!”

Retainer!MC's Answer: “You’re next.”

Imp!MC's Answer: “I didn’t mean for this to happen…! Don’t make me go––”