Get Vi's other arm. You're getting out of here. Tell coward she can either help or get out of the way.

>>1119158
Tell her you've returned, to enact Justice. She can atone for her cowardice now, by letting you borrow some of her vitality. Maybe even most of it. All she needs to do is take your hand. It may hurt a bit.

Transfer enough health to Vi to stabilize her, but otherwise heal yourself as much as you can without killing the coward. Ideally, you'll be in fighting shape, Vi will survive, and the coward will either be out cold or barely healthy enough for Vi to drag her off. She seems smaller than Vi.

>>1119158
Briefly examine yourself.
That amulet hasnt worked any small magicks upon you, has it?
Only briefly.
More important matters.
Aid the fallen.
It is they you pledged to save, yes?

The one who called themselves coward may yet earn a better name by helping save this one.
Give them that chance.

"There is a god. And he needs to die screaming.

The Alpha has sold his soul to G0D. He sold my dead soul to G0D. He is no longer worthy of leadership - he is no longer worthy of breathing. Eiko won't last long without the rest of the pack. Rally up. Now."

Give VI a point of stamina if you're still low, more if you're not.

"If you had one chance to make things right again... Would you take it?"
If he answers yes, tell him "Then your with me." And make your way to Julian.
If he says no or loses his nerve: "Then I suggest you run."

(1/6) OMNI 2026/01/01(Thu)13:40 No. 1119529 ID: 217993
File 176730360554.png - (81.82KB , 1000x700 , dh326.png )

There is no response.

"Why are you.. wearing that?" The coward prompts again.

Eiko stays silent. Too shaken up to try to respond. How the fuck is she supposed to answer that? This?

>Briefly examine yourself.
>That amulet hasnt worked any small magicks upon you, has it?

Eiko's not sure how to look. Her body hurts. Her mind aches with the adjustment to her changed constitution. Touching the amulet felt strange, but only in the brief instance she held it.

If it did do anything, it wasn't physical. Maybe it's what gave Julien that stupid sense of invincibility. Stroked his stupid ego. Or inflamed it even more.

>Get Vi's other arm.

Her body moves easily, the command finding little resistance in how it aligns with her goals. Her arm hooks under Vi's as she lays it across her shoulder, hoisting her up with the coward's help. The added weight has her muscles scream in aggravation. She's leaner, she realizes.

As a wolf, her brother was always smaller than her.

>Aid the fallen.
>Give Vi a point of stamina if you're still low, more if you're not.

As a test, Eiko tries to... push? some of her stamina into Vi. She winces as she feels what must be a burn transfer to her skin.

[-1 STAMINA]
[STAMINA: 3/18]

She exhales through smoke powdered lungs and wills herself to walk forward once more. Never has she considered hard cardio training until now. It sure would have helped.

Forward. Step. Forward. Drag. Forward. Just until the air becomes clear, she thinks, then she can stop. Then, she can heal.

Mentally, arbitrary numbers seem to pop into Eiko's mind.

[+1 STAMINA]
[STAMINA: 1/9]

Interesting...

Vi's eyes remain closed.

(2/6) OMNI 2026/01/01(Thu)13:43 No. 1119530 ID: 217993
File 176730383177.png - (69.81KB , 1000x700 , dh327.png )

>Tell her you've returned, to enact Justice.
>Give them that chance.

Eiko keens to protest at giving second chances. Any arbiter of her brother's death deserves their karmic retribution. Yet, she needs a source to heal from. She needs to save Vi. She needs her retribution. She needs a body that can run without pain. All while in her brother's skin. His face.

Hahahahah... The weight of everything, of the past few days, of the past few years, starts to push a fragile mind into a sense of deranged insanity.

When Eiko speaks, it is not quite her brother's voice. It is not quite her own. It has none of his warmth. None of his charisma. It is awkward. Stilted. It reminds her of a recording, where the expressions match the speaker in the shape of the syllables, yet none of the sound. Too high. Too distorted.

"If you had one chance to make things right again... Would you take it?"

The coward-- because Eiko still can't remember her name-- if it ever mattered-- seems ashamed as she gently places Vi's body down.

"Yes." Her voice is strong as she bows her head, then her body, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry-- that. That you became an onryo because of us."

(3/6) OMNI 2026/01/01(Thu)13:44 No. 1119531 ID: 217993
File 176730389893.png - (60.80KB , 1000x700 , dh328.png )

"Then prove it." Eiko extends her free hand.

Mentally, her mind fixates on the term. Onryo. "Take my hand and give me back some of the life I was robbed of."

The coward takes it, surprising them both.

(4/6) OMNI 2026/01/01(Thu)13:46 No. 1119532 ID: 217993
File 176730396146.png - (31.49KB , 1000x700 , dh329.png )

With renewed purpose, Eiko grips her hand and activates Life Transfer. She feels the life within, a match to the bright glow she saw through the haze.

She grabs onto that and pulls.

[STAMINA: 10/10]

(5/6) OMNI 2026/01/01(Thu)13:49 No. 1119533 ID: 217993
File 176730417028.png - (46.47KB , 1000x700 , dh330.png )

[STAMINA: 9/10]
[STAMINA: 8/10]

Eiko feels what must be bruises recede, her ankle straightens, no longer aching from being twisted. In response, the coward winces and drops down to one knee.

Their grip remains tight. Strings of fate seem to intertwine.

[STAMINA: 7/10]
[STAMINA: 6/10]

A yelp is suppressed, the coward's other hand grabs onto her side as something invisible punctures her torso, and starts to bleed. The bullet fragments in Eiko's body slithers out of the wound, then drops onto the hard ground in red splatters.

Eiko has to grip harder now as the other starts to weaken.

[STAMINA: 5/10]
[STAMINA: 4/10]

It's not enough. Eiko's barely at half capacity. Vi's up to 2. Eiko's left arm is usable, but her head still hurts. It's not enough.

[STAMINA: 3/10]

(6/6) OMNI 2026/01/01(Thu)13:52 No. 1119534 ID: 217993
File 176730432058.png - (104.06KB , 1000x700 , dh331.png )

Something soft touches her arm.

"Eiko... Stop. She's going to die."

[STAMINA: 2/10]

Eiko barely hears Vi. Barely hears her recognition. It's just one more. She needs all she can get, right? All of it. One measly life that she can now make the most of.

She's finished her goal. Now, she needs to kill Julien with her own tooth and claw. After that, whatever is watching her from up above. Then, the god out there that needs to die. Screaming.

Vi tries again, voice heavy from half-consciousness as she pats at her pockets, "The potion.."

Stop Eiko? Use healing potion?

[EIKO STAMINA: 10/18]
[VI STAMINA: 2/9]

She said it herself, she wants to make things right. You asked for a small bit of life compared to what was stolen. Her life in its totality isn’t even close to a portion of Akito’s.

Take it all.

Vi wants you to stop, so you should. Don't you need the coward to take care of Vi while you're off killing Julien, anyway?

But definitely use that potion, there's no reason not to at this point.

But, she is the coward, not you. If she dies now that wraps it up so neat doesn't it? Just a whimper and she's gone. No. Let her keep that guilt for a lifetime. Let her carry your brother's memory.

>>1119539
Agreed.
In addition, if she learns, perhaps one day someone will rely on her again and this time she will have the resolve to help.
Potentially save someone else from your story playing out again.

Leave the coward with just enough to survive and no more. Taint not your revenge with unnecessary regret.
What's important now is your get Vi up and even with yourself. You'll need the both of you to take down Julian.
His time has come.

She's more use alive than dead, and you should give her a fighting chance.

Have her be the bait. Put something shiny in her hands and order her to wave it in the smoke to lure Julien out. Past that, her role's done, and she can run.

(1/8) OMNI 2026/01/08(Thu)21:51 No. 1119831 ID: 217993
File 176793789384.png - (40.40KB , 1000x700 , dh332.png )

>Her life in its totality isn’t even close to a portion of Akito’s.

Eiko's throat rumbles in agreement. Her grip tightens. What's one more?

>Majority: Spare

Eiko tenses to resist. The finger of the God Caller twitches, as if a string is tugged.

>She's more use alive than dead, and you should give her a fighting chance.
>Taint not your revenge with unnecessary regret.
>Let her keep that guilt for a lifetime. Let her carry your brother's memory.
>In addition, if she learns, perhaps one day someone will rely on her again and this time she will have the resolve to help.

She grits her teeth. She knows the final decision is hers...

... Fine.

Eiko lets go, the coward collapses. Her body is ashen with the way death beckons her closer, yet denies its touch. The coward's breath comes out in low pained whistles.

"Aaaahh this hurts." the coward wheezes out.

Eiko looks down at her, but not really. She feels his ghost as it stretches in her shadow. Wonders again, for the millionth time, how he died. Wonders in the way one picks at an itching scab.

She doesn't get an answer, of course. Only the feeling of something cold pressed to her head.

"Thank you." Vi interrupts, gently, as if cradling glass. The kindness of it, even now, knowing what she was about to do, almost has her shatter.

Eiko trembles. "Don't mention it." She whispers back.

(2/8) OMNI 2026/01/08(Thu)21:59 No. 1119832 ID: 217993
File 176793835925.png - (41.82KB , 1000x700 , dh333.png )

Vi pushes the healing potion into her now open hand. She looks at it, uncorks it, then swallows it down like a shot, wishing it was real alcohol.

It tastes like stale bubblegum, she realizes as she gags. Is bad medicine taste universal? That sucks.

[+2 STAMINA]
[EIKO STAMINA: 12/18]

Her head starts to lighten up, skin still stinging and raw, but not enough to make her keel over. She tries to take stock of herself once again and her powers.. It's crazy. Life and death now at her fingertips...

=== FOOLISH GAMBIT ===
Goal: Save Vi
Challenge: Successful. Life Sense granted.

The brightness of the forms around her start to dim into a subtle outline in Eiko's eyes. If she breathes in deeply enough, she can make out those particular scents once again, though not as strong.

She still makes out what must be Julien's scent in the smoke. Faint. Near. Burning to the end of its wick.

AWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO

A howl punches the air and beats Eiko's eardrums. She turns quickly to the sound of Julien's call. The howl is desperate, another plea against death.

(3/8) OMNI 2026/01/08(Thu)22:00 No. 1119833 ID: 217993
File 176793842378.png - (128.45KB , 700x1000 , dh334.png )

CRRAAASSSSSSHHHH

Glass shards glint in the light as they rain down. Large, bright, white wings unfurl in the air, swallowing the morning sun as smoke rises up to meet it.

Holy shit.

(4/8) OMNI 2026/01/08(Thu)22:01 No. 1119834 ID: 217993
File 176793848785.png - (128.28KB , 700x1000 , dh335.png )

Eiko stands paralyzed in awe as the angel descends, wings buffeting downward to soften their landing. A tidal gust clears the smoke and fire in an instant, leaving scarred ground in its memory. When the wave hits Eiko, it nearly topples her, coating her in one last layer of smoke.

Her heart pounds. The angel is beyond description. Beyond anything she has seen before.

In her peripherals, figures start to emerge from all around, the base and the streets.

(5/8) OMNI 2026/01/08(Thu)22:03 No. 1119835 ID: 217993
File 176793859814.png - (99.33KB , 1000x700 , dh336.png )

The angel stands tall, features alien, otherworldly. A golden halo hovers over their head, wings a polished white. A white linen robe of some kind lays over their shoulder and wraps at the waist.

The angel pauses to fix their tie, their gaze shifting from Eiko to Julien, wings curled around his crawling form.

Eiko clenches her fist.

"'Bout damn time!" Julien laugh yells. "G0D help me angel, I need a blessing."

"Disciple...." the angel speaks monotonously, yet clear as any bell for all within radius. Their wings rise intimidatingly, "Archangel Haziel has informed me that you have been disobedient... To deny an Archangel's word, nevertheless the Archangel of Justice, is to deny the very word of Zir. Do you understand this?"

Julien's maw shuts. He stutters. His body moves to half-stand then stops, winces, and bows his head like a nod.

"That's--"

"And you have not only been disobedient, you have lost your holy symbol. Are you aware of this disrespect?"

Eiko feels the necklace hang heavier in her pocket, now feeling disgust.

Julien opens his maw to respond, then thinks better of it. He hangs his head submissively, voice drawn out low like any sleazy businessman trying to close a deal, "My apologies, Angel of Redemption. Please enlighten me."

It's the first time Eiko has seen such an action in person. It feels contradictory, even in the roll-out-perspective shoved into her mind a few moments ago. To talk all big... then wag his tail for anyone with power....

"Yikes." Vi says beside her.

Agreed.

(6/8) OMNI 2026/01/08(Thu)22:11 No. 1119837 ID: 217993
File 176793908031.png - (93.90KB , 700x1000 , dh337.png )

The approaching Bites watch with rapt yet cautious attention. A mixture of shock, awe, and confusion sprinkle their faces. They have never seen their almighty Boss brought so low before; wounded or not, something in their perspective changes. Though maybe it's justified, when seeing the angel up close.

"Archangel Haziel is apprehending the demon, so you have not failed in that role." The Angel of Redemption simply waves their hand in Eiko's direction. "You must secure your position, as it is instrumental in It's plan. Do this or we will replace you with another worthy of Zir's grace."

They pause and coolly move their arms behind their back, the posture of a professor, "An ear deaf to Zir's word is unworthy. Redeem yourself through this hardship and you will earn It's blessing once again. By enduring this pain, you will be cleansed by it."

Julien frowns. "So, deal with this on my own, huh? Just me?"

The angel shakes their head. "Use your resources as you see fit. I will heal you afterwards."

He nods and stands. Successful this time.

When Julien looks at Eiko, really looks, his eyes widen in shock. "You can't be serious, crawled right out of your damn grave.. Two for fuckin' two today." He spits. "What a bastard you are."

He tilts his head side to hide, one arm tucked into his jacket, as if to pull a gun, but Eiko can smell the profuse amount of blood he's trying to hide. Can see the dim light around his edges.

Despite this, Eiko feels herself start to panic. Can she handle a fight with this many people? With her new powers?

Julien cocks his head and looks around at the newly emerged gang, teeth shown in his grin, "All of you, tear up that thing."

(7/8) OMNI 2026/01/08(Thu)22:13 No. 1119838 ID: 217993
File 176793920518.png - (75.53KB , 1000x700 , dh338.png )

Gazes shift uneasily. Vi moves to stand, the coward half-supporting her as she also moves to her feet. Vi shakes her head at them.

Eiko looks back at her in surprise.

No one moves.

Julien's grin falters after silence passes. All movements now paralyzed.

He looks around once again, sharper, eyes narrowed, "You-- What? Scared of a ghost? Go get that damn Onryo! Shoot it for fucks sake! You think it can't take a beating? It did before!"

There's a palpable hesitation as they shift around on their feet, eyes not quite meeting each other. It's not unheard of to be superstitious. It's another to see the former Boss prouncing around still smelling of death.

Julien's fur shifts as he barks, "YOU DAMN MUTTS! KILL THAT THING NOW OR I'LL BE SKINNING YOUR FURS AND POSTING THEM UP ON MY WALL! YOU THINK I PAY ALL OF YOU TO SIT ON YOUR ASSES?! RIGHT! NOW!"

(8/8) OMNI 2026/01/08(Thu)22:14 No. 1119840 ID: 217993
File 176793927567.png - (93.94KB , 1000x760 , dh339.png )

The gang stirs.

Options:
>Persuade Crowd
>Use Foolish Gambit
>Kick Julien in the Balls
>Run
>____

>Persuade Crowd
"...Look at you. All of you.
Well. Go ahead. Go and obey the whore who tortured me in my own grave. Go ahead and kneel before the coward that swore to tear apart the Titans with his bare teeth yet wags his tail at boring birds. Go ahead and kill these heretics that I loved in the name of your 'loving god'. Go right ahead. What's stopping you? 'Lack of authorization'?
It makes sense, doesn't it? Give in, and become living gods! Follow orders, and live in paradise! Worship G0D until your sight bleeds from your soul, and reap an eternal reward for your obedience and humility! FOR ALL ETERNITY!
Go right ahead, and be the shepherds instead of the wolves! I won't stop you! TAKE THE FUCKING SHOT!"

There's only one thing a tough guy like you (are pretending to be) need say in a situation like this; "Do it yourself"

Then walk right up to him, grab his whiny little muzzle, and drain the dregs of his life. To everyone else it'll look like he just died of fright. The perfect way for him to be remembered.

Kick Julien in the balls

>>1119842
Agreed.
Persuade crowd.

Look at him.
Tell them to really look.
A leader does not show their belly to those who would use the pack, only then to start showing teeth to those they presume to lead.
Tell them to listen to his words.
"Attack" he tells you. "Clog the jaws of my enemy with your bodies." Comes the command from one who remains still.
A true leader does not run at the back of their pack, snapping at your heels. They run at the head.
Ask them to think about him.
A leader is more than authority.
More than an implementation of might.
They are an exemplar of not only what a pack is but what it strives to be.
A leader should give you pride.
Pride in you packmates, your role in the pack and in who you follow.
Do you feel pride here? No.
He only offers fear and shame.
Tell them...
You are who you choose to follow.
Choose better, if only for yourself.

Take out the holy symbol he dropped. Remind him of what the angel said: he must redeem himself through hardship. Having his pack kill you won't be hard at all. Thus, *he* must fight you.

Then kick him in the balls.

>>1119532
Everyone who voted already, I recommend you reconsider and vote for Foolish Gambit. It’s clearly stated to be more effective when impressive to onlookers.

So we can still do some ball kicking, but my point is that right now is quite simply the perfect time to use FG.

I propose:

FOOLISH GAMBIT GOAL: Leave Julien speechless in front of the crowd.
Environmental Factors: The crowd will be enthralled if successful.

>>1119895
I think that would mesh with what I suggested, maybe with more talking to the crowd.

>>1119895
I don't think proudly and uncharacteristically-of-Akito screaming "I'm gonna leave you speechless" will be of any benefit to her persuasion check.

the next update is planned to have a huge deciding impact on the story, so all votes are going to matter here. i'm imposing a deadline to give everyone a chance to add in.

all suggestions will still be accepted until tuesday, 1/13, 11:59PM PST.

(1/8) OMNI 2026/01/17(Sat)15:01 No. 1120099 ID: 43c2d7
File 176869090628.png - (59.23KB , 1000x700 , dh340.png )

>Take out the holy symbol he dropped.
>Persuade Crowd

Eiko takes it out of her pocket and holds it up to the crowd, the symbol shining in the light and catching their eyes. She holds it out, fist tight, and projects her voice.

"... Look at him. All of you. Really look. You want to follow a leader like that? Kneel for a coward that wags his tail at these overblown birds. Listen to a guy that tells you to do whatever he wants while he sits on his ass? Go ahead! Listen! Clog the jaws of my enemy with your bodies! Kill in the name of some god! And there he stands, still as a stone while all of YOU do the work!"

(2/8) OMNI 2026/01/17(Sat)15:06 No. 1120100 ID: 43c2d7
File 176869120736.png - (60.79KB , 1000x700 , dh341.png )

"Does a real leader run at the back of the pack, snapping at your heels? Don't you feel any pride at all?!" She yells now, loud, hot, a spark against stone.

Murmurs go unheard to Eiko's ears as she pushes.

"Where's the pride in fighting for this coward?! All for what? For some reward, some paradise out there? Fine. Kneel then. Go right ahead, and be the shepherds instead of the wolves! I won't stop you! TAKE THE FUCKING SHOT!"

A few guns are drawn. Eiko stands tall. Prepared for the shots. Prepared to die and come back again. Her cards all bet on YOU and everyone that's helped her get this far.

The gang looks at her; her visage, her lack of fear. And feels respect.

She drops the symbol onto the ground. The angel's feathers ruffle.

"Come and fight me yourself. If you were a real leader and not some coward, you would."

Julien's head lowers, his eyes ablaze in fury as the gang continues to circle closer, but does not pounce.

"Tch... What's all this bullshit?" Julien growls.

(3/8) OMNI 2026/01/17(Sat)15:08 No. 1120101 ID: 43c2d7
File 176869133403.png - (79.59KB , 1000x700 , dh342.png )

"Alright. Alright." He shakes his head, chuckling to himself, as if this is all a joke. "You all want to feel some pride. That it? Alright, my bad shitheads. Let me remind you all, what speeches like this gets you.... Nothing."

He takes a fat wad of cash from his pants pocket.

"I'm the one that pays you, remember that. Let's start with 100k--"

(4/8) OMNI 2026/01/17(Sat)15:09 No. 1120102 ID: 43c2d7
File 176869135822.png - (85.77KB , 1000x700 , dh343.png )

"--to whoever--"

(5/8) OMNI 2026/01/17(Sat)15:09 No. 1120103 ID: 43c2d7
File 176869139372.png - (30.63KB , 1000x700 , dh344.png )

"--gets this--"

(6/8) OMNI 2026/01/17(Sat)15:11 No. 1120104 ID: 43c2d7
File 176869147168.png - (32.83KB , 1000x700 , dh345.png )

Eiko misses as she tries to grab Julien's whiny little muzzle. He steps to the side as he dodges out of the way.

[-1 STAMINA]

"HahA, you missed!" He laughs.

She knew she would.

(7/8) OMNI 2026/01/17(Sat)15:11 No. 1120105 ID: 43c2d7
File 176869151774.png - (51.42KB , 1000x700 , dh346.png )

Her left foot pivots, the ball of her foot grinding onto the ground as she brings her right leg back...

(8/8) OMNI 2026/01/17(Sat)15:12 No. 1120106 ID: 43c2d7
File 176869154393.png - (86.42KB , 700x1000 , dh347.png )

... And ends his ancestral line.

The wad of cash flies into the air as the crowd winces in pain.

Next move?

>>1120106
Stunned opponent! Grapple grapple drain! Wrestle him into a pin, wrap your limbs around him, anything to maintain your grip. Endure his blows if you gotta; I'm sure he won't be able to outpace your drain.

>>1120108
Agreed.
Take back every ounce of life hes stolen.
Just enough left to let him crawl.
Then, an ending.

Use the wrestling move on him and let it be a German suplex!

Bear hug him while ripping his throat open and make sure you roll around the whole time. Drain his life away, but don't bother to gloat; your real fight's with the feathers, for the feathers.

>>1120099
My choice for next move goes not to Eiko, but someone else.

Julian, listen to what she is saying.

She's right!

You have been bossing others to do what you commanded while doing nothing yourself.
You may think it is too late to change your ways, now that you are standing on death's door and you might have literally being gelded, but I'm telling you, it's not true! You can still mend your ways!

....

You gotta lead by example! Kill in the name of some god by clogging her jaws with your body!

You'll probably still die, but the fact you decided to do your own dirty work at the end my earn you 30 respect points with Eiko and company.
It'll still add up to below zero points, mind, but hey, you can still almost save some face, at least!

Stomp on him to hold him in place. Point at the angel and ask if they want their pet back.

>>1120208
Oh I like this a lot.

Just laugh at him while he is in pain, a little bit of aura farming can't hurt you in this battle.