Re: Incarnation

A humble church in a humble town of America in the year twenty ten. Inside is a young woman who is training to become a nun. A devout member of the church she prays and goes to church every day. At only eighteen she graduates from seminary school and becomes a fully fledged member of the nunnery. She regularly donates time and resources to those in need, the downtrodden and the homeless. A pure and saintly maiden that would make Mother Teresa herself proud.

There's one downside to purity though, and that is the desire to corrupt it that drives depravity. It seems the more pure something is, the greater the desire to taint, defile, and dirty it becomes. Poor souls both depraved and perverse constantly gave her problems. Making lecherous demands, and attempting to grope her without consent. It was times like this she was glad her extremely religious father was a bit overprotective. He had made sure that she could handle herself in a fight if necessary when he wasn't around.

Any who took a wrong move with any member of the nunnery would have to deal with the closest thing her congregation had to a bouncer or bodyguard. She quickly gained a reputation as the “black belt saintess” among the members of her congregation. Life was far from boring for the young nun, and her reputation only grew over the years. Then one day, six years after becoming a nun, the young woman had taken a regular trip to serve soup at the local homeless shelter.

It was a good day, with lots of soup made and handed out to everyone at the shelter. Another good day of doing the Lord's work. The nun finishes up her voluntary community service and starts walking home. On her way, while crossing the street, a drunk or distracted driver ran the red light and impacted the nun. As she lay on the road, broken and bleeding, she knew that it would be her last day on this Earth. She sent up one final prayer. “All I want is to keep helping others and to keep serving God.” With that final thought, everything went black.

“Ariagoria. Ariagoria. Ariagoria!” A deep masculine voice shouted at her for attention. The girl looked over at her “father”, the man who was raising her in this new life. She had clear memories of her life before, but was now stuck living with this horrid man. In her new life she was born into a place that looked like Hell in the art of her old life, born looking like a demon as a result of a union of a human and a demon of some world that resembled her old one in many ways.

“You answer me when I call you young lady, the first time I call for you. You will show me respect. I will not tolerate such behavior from a half-blood of all things.” The large muscular red skinned demon scolded her. Oddly enough, he reminded Ariagoria of her overly religious father from her past life. “Yes father.” She groaned out. The man then scolded her again. “Daughter or no, you will address me by my proper titles.”

Ariagoria rolled her eyes. She's been stuck with this crappy dad long enough to be a teenager for the second time around. “As you wish, Lord Amon the Wrathful, ruler of the fifth circle of Inferno.” The man scowled at the teenager. “Lord Amon the Wrathful is sufficient.”

All Ariagoria wanted in this life was to get away from this evil and wicked man. Inferno was a grim but organized place. Also known as The Nine Hells, the realm consists of nine distinct areas, each with its own biome and ruler that lords over it. Her father, Amon, was the ruler of the fifth circle that was known as Styx for the one of the rivers that flowed through it. The river often overflows making much of the territory a muddy mess of a place. He is often regarded as the third most powerful as far as physical prowess and military might.

One day, she got her chance. A portal opened up in her area, a mage in an area her father called Mortalus was trying to summon a demon. She piggybacked the portal and immediately made a run for it. At only thirteen, she had finally found a chance to live on her own. Away from her tyrant of a father.

Airagoria traveled from the place she entered and to a city nearby. Or rather as nearby two settlements tended to be meaning it took her several hours of walking to get there. She did her best to hide her face with a hood as she walked through the city looking for someplace she might be able to stay. That was when she spotted a familiar looking building. This Earth-like world with magic had many things in common with her's, and she knew a church when she saw one.

She headed inside the church and found a place to sit and pray. It's been a bit since she could, she never risked visibly being in prayer while living with her new dad. She wondered why God would place her here, in this body. Why would she be given this demonic form? Was it punishment, or a trial of some sort? As she sat there in deep prayer a group of adventurers entered the church.

There was a human man, dressed in silver armor with gold filigree that had a sword and shield. A woman in leather armor with a bow and arrows. An androgynous person in decorated robes carrying a book. A somewhat skinny man dressed in an outfit that reminded her of a martial arts gi. And lastly a buff woman with a massive double ended ax. The woman spoke first. “I still don't get why you insist on doing this ritual before every mission. Last I checked you weren't a paladin.”

The man took a seat in the spot across the aisle from her. “Think of it as a good luck ritual. I may not be a paladin or cleric but I am very much in touch with God spiritually.” He then looks over at Ariagoria. “And look, I'm not the only one doing morning prayer today. Look at this fine soul who at least isn't dressed like a paladin or cleric.” Ariagoria started putting in more effort to hide her face.

The ranger noticed that the girl had become jittery when acknowledged so she naturally started getting suspicious, narrowing her eyes at the robed figure that was sitting and praying. She then declares out loud “she's acting kinda shifty, I think she's hiding something.” She then quickly reached over and grabbed Ariagoria's hood and yanked it down only to let go of the hood and leap backwards sharply from the shock.

Ariagoria was practically in tears as she tried to talk. “P-please, let me explain. I may look like a demon but I used to be human.” The warrior moved between the girl and the rest of his party and put his arms out. “Don’t rush into anything guys, let's at least hear her explanation.” He then turns to Ariagoria. “So tell me, how did you end up looking like this?” He then moved his hand in a strange manner and a pulse of light went through the area like a shockwave but it didn't harm Ariagoria in any way.

Ariagoria started talking, her words flowing freely. “I was born this way.” It wasn't exactly what she was trying to say but it was fine since she intended to be honest anyway. The warrior raised an eyebrow. “You said earlier you used to be human.” Ariagoria nodded before speaking. “There was an accident, I… died? Then I woke up as a child here having been reborn like this.”

The man put his finger to his chin and hummed in thought. “What were you before you died?” Ariagoria sighed. “I was a nun at my local church. A devout follower of God. I spread his light whenever and wherever I could.” The man smiled. “How would you like to become a nun again? A cleric of the one true God spreading his light wherever you are?” Ariagoria lit up as she looked up at the man. “You'd really help me do that? I'd be grateful.”

The man gently put his hands on her shoulder. “I'll put in a good word with a friend of mine and he'll make sure you are trained.” The man in the gi spoke up. “Are you sure that's a good idea Ken? She's a demonblood and not everyone will be comfortable-” the warrior put up a hand and interrupted the other man. “I accept anyone who carries the light as my sibling in arms. Regardless of race or circumstances of birth, any can learn to accept the light of Longinus.”

Ariagoria was confused. In seminary school she had learned that Longinus was the guy that shoved a spear into the side of Jesus who died for the sins of man. “That's just a strange coincidence, right? The church looks just like the old ones in the world I left and it is even adorned with crosses. Well, as long as the faith is about helping others in the name of God I guess it doesn't matter if some names are a bit off.” She nodded at the man. “Then I'll follow your lead.”

The warrior, along with his party, then escorted Ariagoria to someone in the church that the warrior was definitely familiar with. Once introductions were made, the priest agreed to take her in and train her under him. “If the great Sir Kensington vouches for you, then I have no reason to turn you away.” The warrior chuckled as he rubbed the back of his head, clearly embarrassed. “You can just call me Ken, Father.”

Ariagoria was then set up to be trained by the priest. She helped them to create a nun habit just like her old one and read over the “Book of Longinus”. It had similarities to the Bible with changes that concerned Ariagoria, but she chose to press on. She was surprised her training included magic and combat training. The priest told her as a servant of The Light, it was part of her duty to drive out darkness wherever it may be.

She was taught light and healing magics, as well as trained in the use of a crossbow and mace. The traditional weapons of the cleric were chosen as they were the best weapons for fighting the forces of darkness. Though some clerics use shields for defense, all use the same method of attack. Bolts, often dipped in holy water and tipped with silver. The blunt mace, great for bashing in zombie heads. The knowledge of undead creatures like zombies didn't really surprise Ariagoria, all things considered.

Once her training was completed, she quickly went into the old pattern she held in her old life. When she wasn't out adventuring and cleansing undead she was helping those in need. Because of this people started calling her “Charity” because they either felt uncomfortable using or had difficulty pronouncing her given name. She adopted the name happily.

At the age of fourteen, she was ready for her first big job for the city of Flowers. Clearing giant rats from the sewer. However, since she was only recently registered with the guild, they requested someone with experience to help guide her as well as a young human woman who was also new. A knight in all black offered to take them both into a temporary party.

The man was a Beast-kin, a sort of animal man. Same age as herself. Though he didn't specify what kind of beast-kin he was, the fact he covered his features likely meant others would be made uncomfortable by his looks. He voiced he had no issues with teaming up with people of different races including demonbloods. He even seemed completely fine with the fact she was a first generation and her father was a demon lord. It even seemed to amuse him.

Ariagoria noticed the man had acted strangely about a few things during the quest. At no point did he request healing for himself or the other party member. He did have full armor so it's possible the attacks he took did little to no damage, but the person was another story. She was only wearing light armor and didn't have the foresight to wear high-rise boots to cover her ankles. Yet despite this, when the knight asked about ankle protection he only asked Ariagoria, insisting the rogue was fine.

Ariagoria didn't pressure the knight for answers for her questions since she was worried doing so might mess up the rare occurrence of finding someone who treated her like a person and not a demon. Despite her efforts she could feel the discomfort of her fellow members of the church whenever they saw her. However, her existence in the church provided it with a good narrative that was great for PR so no one from the church actively attacked her. At least not physically.

When the party finished the quest and split up the reward, she was somewhat saddened by the separation. She had seemingly found a group that accepted her for who she was and it had only been temporary. Though she could at least find the rogue thanks to an offhand comment made by the knight. He had mentioned her being the daughter of a local magic item shop owner. She had no idea where to find the knight. All she knew is he seemed to live in the area around Riverside.

Although Ariagoria wanted to team up with them again, for now it was back to the church. She walked her way to the church in Flowers and sat at one of the benches. She then began to pray quietly to herself. “Please God, allow me to team up with them again, or others like them who accept me as I am. I don't like being alone.”

After doing some prayer, Ariagoria got up and started making her way to the place where she made soup for all those who were too downtrodden to afford a proper meal. Ariagoria spotted a group of paladins crowded around an area and went over to investigate. The group were all following someone in extremely ornate armor like you would only see from the highest level of paladin or knight.

The person had their helmet off to show a surprisingly young looking face. From what Ariagoria could tell this person was just a teenager, not much older than herself. He was fair skinned, with black hair that partially covered his dark brown eyes. He wasn't outwardly handsome, but was far from ugly. One could say he was somewhat average and plain. He had angular almond shaped eyes indicating to Ariagoria that he was this world's equivalent to an Asian or maybe an Asian-American mix.

When Ariagoria finally cut through the crowd to see why they were all huddled she was shocked to see that this young man leading this group of paladins and clerics was aggressively holding someone around her own age dressed like a mage by the wrist. The mage had light brown hair and blue eyes and looked mostly average for a mage minus the fact his robes were purple and had a sash like that some priests at the church would drape over their robes. Purple was not a color Ariagoria saw often on clothes since coming here.

Ariagoria saw that the paladin was trying to force a ring off the young mages finger and yelling at him to let him take the ring off or face Devine or legal punishment. Ariagoria interrupted the distasteful display by calling out to the two. “What in the Nine Hells is going on here?!”

Both froze to look at Ariagoria. The mage gave a small, soft, and genuine smile at her. The paladin only scowled in disgust. “If you must know, this “mage” refused to tell me what type of caster he is, and I have reason to suspect this ring is a ring of illusion. A restricted item. As such, even those who are adventurers and are permitted to use one must remove it upon request by anyone with authority to arrest them.”

Ariagoria grumbled to herself before asking “and who exactly gave you the authority to arrest someone?” The Paladin let go for the mage only for another to hold him while the head paladin talked to Ariagoria. “Listen here, you little shit. I am a summoned chosen and will not be questioned by some hell spawn playing dress up in a nun habit and pretending to be a righteous follower of the one true God. I have the authority to smite the wicked wherever it may stand and someone tainted with the stench of Inferno such as yourself qualifies.”

The paladin draws his sword when the warrior Sir Kensington cuts through the crowd. “Hey hey hey! You can't just cut down a member of the order all willy-nilly.” The paladins and clerics other than the leader back off. “Now would you please explain what's going on here?” The paladin snaps at Sir Ken “Do you know who I am?! I am a chosen summoned hero.” Sir Ken then gives a sly smile. “That's exactly it. Handling such a menial task is far below one of your station.” Ken does a bow with a flourish. Ariagoria could tell that Sir Ken was blowing smoke up this guy's ass.

Thankfully the man seemed to go for it and allowed Ken to continue. “A real leader knows how to properly delegate, so please, allow me and my humble party to handle this matter. I can have my mage friend here cast true sight on me while I use zone of truth and if this mage is hiding something nefarious we'll handle it for you so you are free to attend to more important matters.” The young paladin backs off. “You're right, this isn't worth my time. He's all yours.” He then walks away and Sir Ken takes a gentle hold of the mage.

Ken nods to his mage friend and they cast a spell on Ken who then does a gesture that causes a ripple of light to move through the area. Then he takes a look at the mage. Though it might have been hard for others to see, Ariagoria could tell that Sir Ken was shaken by what he saw but didn't say anything. “Tell me kid, do you believe in a god?” The mage blinked a few times before responding. “I didn't use to, but the last few years have left me a little more pliable to the idea. I mean… it might be kinda hard to have reincarnation without one.”

Sir Ken nodded with a smile. “Come on young lad, I'll take you to the local guild hall. You won't be harassed there.” Ariagoria followed Sir Ken. “I'll come too. You never know when you'll need a healer.” Sir Ken gave her a nod as the three walked. Once they got inside the guild hall they sat down and Ken instructed the mage to sign up if he hadn't already as being a member of the guild helped protect those that were non humans from the more bigoted members of society.

The mage finally had a chance to speak freely for the first time since Ariagoria first saw him. “I'm already a member of the guild. My name is Davy Jones. I think that might have been why that guy was suspicious of me. Apparently the name Davy Jones was a give away to him that I am a reborn.” Ken let out a sigh. “You know, I went most of my life without ever meeting more then one confirmed reborn. Now it feels like I can't go anywhere without tripping on one. Nice to meet you Davy, I'm Sir Kensington. You can call me Ken.” Ariagoria also greeted the mage. “And I'm Ariagoria, but everyone calls me Charity.”

Davy gave a smile and nodded. “It's nice to meet you too. It's not exactly been an easy transition into this life but knowing there are friendly people like you out there definitely helps. I think I'll make this city my main base of operations from now on. I was worried at first when I was told to come here by my mentor.” Ariagoria had to ask. “Who's your mentor?” Davy chuckled nervously. “Nobody you would know, just a bookworm named Ernie.”