Phantoms Of The Altar
S1 Episode 1: Proluge
Author
Bonjour à tous!
This is my fifth chatstory.
Note: The pictures aren't mine, the credit goes to the respective owners. İ haven't written these stories, again the credit goes to the respective authors. İt's just just that I played with the plot here and there, added what i wanted in it and voilá
Author
Name: Ruth Clarence
Age: 22
Identity: Human
She's a mediocre, coy college student, who somehow crosses paths with the altar.
Author
She is to be destined with one of the leads, further into the story.
Author
Moriah – The Irritable Kami
“Humans are always so quick to ask for blessings, and so slow to offer due recompense. Find a way to repay your debt… or face the punishment of a god.”
The demanding goddess of the shrine, always serious, reclusive, and unapproachable. She’s critical and can be quite cruel to those who cross her, but she takes her responsibilities as a deity seriously and relies on the few she lets into her inner circle.
Author
Jordan – The Sly Kitsune
“Something told me you’d be fun, little mouse. You’re just the kind of entertainment I’ve been looking for.”
The cunning vixen familiar of the altar who indulges in many vices and takes things at her own pace. She's incredibly powerful, but usually keeps up the facade of a guileful observer. Every once in a while, however, her vengeful and jealous nature rises to the surface…
Author
Rhoda– The Loyal Komainu Spirit
“Don’t worry, I’ve got your back! No matter what happens, you’re safe with me.”
The komainu guardian of the altar — hardworking, alluring, and fiercely protective of those she cares about. Rhoda’s sweet nature makes her a fast friend and someone Ruth can rely on, but Ruth soon learns that her dedication to protecting others stems from a tragedy in her past.
Author
Euryale– The Sadistic Demoness
“So you're the one who awakened me? When I finish destroying this town, I’ll enjoy you immensely.”
A terrifying demoness with no regard for human life who was sealed away long ago. When she escapes and sets her sights on Ruth, Ruth's left bewildered. Why does this demoness act like she knows Ruth, and where does her obsession stem from?
University
I wake up in high spirits, sun streaming in through my window.
Ruth
(Alright, time to get going, Ruth.)
Ruth
(Somehow, I can tell today's going to be a good day!)
I straighten up, stretch, and bang on the air conditioning unit until it rumbles to life.
I get dressed and then head into the kitchen to prepare lunch.
Ruth
(An avacado, egg, salad sandwich might not be the most exciting lunchbox ever, but atleast it makes my wallet happier.)
Ruth
(Anyways, I'll swing by the grocery store later and see if anything's on special.)
There's nothing new about this routine or the thoughts running through my head.
I've been taking care of myself for most of my life, doing everything from chores to cooking to paying the bills.
My mom left when I was young and dad wasn't much better.
Midway through highschool, he drank away our rent money and disappeared.
I've been on my own eversince.
Ruth
(But now, I'm finally turning things around.)
Ruth
(I'm studying at one of the best universities in England, living in a beautiful town.)
Ruth
(I got this scholarship on my own, and I'll get this degree on my own too.)
I pack my textbooks, tidy my hair, and head out to face the day.
I arrive at my first class early enough to have my pick of the seats.
Ruth
(Back or front today?)
I find a seat in the very first row and drop my things on the table.
Ruth
(This close, I should have no trouble hearing everything the professor says.)
Ruth
(I'm on a scholarship afterall. I can't afford to miss anything.)
Ruth
(I'm doing fine so far, but it doesn't hurt to be careful!)
Ruth
My first class of the morning is History.
The Young Warrioress
I open my notebook to a fresh page and click my pen as the other students filter in.
Mei
Are you serious, Hana?
Hana
Yeah, can you believe it? Anyways, I said-
Hana
Hey, is that the new girl?
I turn to flash my classmates a smile.
Hana
Mei, I thought people from London were supposed to be fashionable.
Mei
Sure, but what do expect from someone who only made it here on charity.
The two girls snicker, and i feel myself start to flush.
Mei
Aw, look at that notebook, so old school!
Hana
Seriously? You're taking notes by hand? Who even does that anymore?
Mei
People who can't even afford a cheap laptop, I guess.
They laugh, and I have to look away, face burning.
Thankfully, it's at this point that they decide they've had enough, and move past me for a seat.
Ruth
(Well...that was unpleasant.)
I shake my head in an attempt to regain my focus.
Ruth
(It doesn't matter. No matter how many times someone makes fun of me for not having money...)
Ruth
(I'm not here because of charity. I earned my place.)
Ruth
(I might not be like the other students at this prestigious school.)
Ruth
(But as long as I keep studying and doing well nothing matters.)
The chatter in the room dies down as the professor makes his entrance.
History Professor
Good morning, everyone!
History Professor
Let's get straight into it. Please turn to page 105 in your textbooks.
I open my textbook and flip through the pages.
Ruth
(95...100...108... it's not there!)
I discover a number of pages have been torn out of my second hand book.
Ruth
(Ugh, it was supposed to be 'as good as new'...)
History Professor
Since this class is about local history, I want to tell you a story about something very famous that happened here.
History Professor
If any of you grew up in this area, you probably already know about the massacre that occurred about 500 years ago.
History Professor
Now, as you might expect , there are many local legends inspired by that event.
History Professor
But the most famous, by far is the Legend of the Young Warrioress.
The professor turns to the board, pulling up an image of an old painting.
It depicts a beautiful young woman in the midst of a ferocious battle with a twisted, shadowy creature.
History Professor
Legend has it that the evils that befell were the work of a Lilin-demon named Euryale.
History Professor
The story says that one of the villagers fought and killed the Lilin-demon.
History Professor
But she was mortally injured in battle, and died a few days later of her wounds.
History Professor
In keeping with the tradition of the time, the villagers enshrined her remains.
History Professor
And so the young warrior became a local deity.
History Professor
Now, as you might imagine, this story is tremendously exciting to local historians.
History Professor
It's also tremendously contentious.
History Professor
More than few of us have devoted their entire careers to either debunking or verifying the legend.
History Professor
Was the Young Warrioress a real person ? And if so , who was she?
History Professor
Of course, we already know that the Lilin-demon could not possibly have been real!
The class riples with polite laughter.
History Professor
I like to start my class with this story because questions like these are at the heart of what it means to study local history.
History Professor
I hope that, in taking this course, you'll each find your compelling story- your own 'Young Warrioress' so to speak.
History Professor
Now, let's back up a little. Earlier, İ mentioned a massacre that set the scene for this legend.
History Professor
We know for a fact that this massacre came to pass, so we're going to start there.
History Professor
What were some of the social, political and economic underpinnings of this event?
The professor keeps talking, but I feel my attention drift, as I stare at the painting of the Young Warrioress .
Eventually, the slide changes, shaking me out of my reverie.
İ pick up my pen and force myself to tune in to the lecture again.
Ruth
(What a story, though...)
Everytime my attention wanderers, it goes straight to the painting, like a compass pointing north.
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