Mari

The others attacked in succession, everyone landing their hits - despite each of them landing strong and devastating blows - the peep was still teetering just below half its health. "Jeez..." Mari mumbled, she wanted this to be over and done with. It was too disgusting to let it continue much longer. As Calrex attacked the peep, it fell over - landing on top of him. Mari took a step forward, ready to pull him out from underneath, but them something else happened. Mari covered her mouth, dry retching as the mass of glistening sugar began to move, then seperate from itself in sickening sounds. SHLORP- It began to split in half, then quarters, then eighths. Splat those pieces fell to the floor and bubbled before reforming into tiny peeps - small enough to simply plop into your mouth. " Oh no. NOOOoope." Mari took a step back, moving away from the bouncing moist peeps as they squished themselves across the dungeon floor. "If I wasn't eating them before - I most definitely am not eating them now. Why..why are they wet?" Mari pointed at the peeps, calling out to Calrex and Macradon. It was like they were glazed with...with...saliva. It was nasty. This dungeon was nasty. No wonder why Oikawa noped outta there. "Is...is that your spit?"  <<Eat the Peeps>> -Mari did not, eat the peeps. Giant Peep ID:157471 CD:10 - CALREX MOB:5+3=8-2=6 HIT (CD Odd is Mac, CD Even, Calrex) [H: 1] Mari - 1410/1410 | EN: 95/138 | DMG: 18 | MIT: 43 | ACC: 6 | EVA: 3 | BH: 67 | BRN: 24 | BLD: 24 | FLAME AURA: 15 -11 EN [H: 5] Macradon - 1940/1940 | EN: 158/189 | DMG: 25 | MIT: 107 | 4 ACC | EVA: 2 | BHL: 97 | FTH: 36 (21) | FRZ: 6 | REC: 6 | HLY: 12 | PHS: 1 | VMP: 194 [H: 5] Calrex - 1606/1805 | EN: 104/176 EN | DMG: 16 | MIT: 116 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 2 | BHL: 88 | IMMO 30 | ACH: 0.5 - -6 DAM The Giant Peep: 759/2000 HP | 30 DMG | 3 ACC | 0 EVA | 150 MIT | STUN: 0/1 -30 IMMO Ability: Every three turns, the Peep splits into smaller Peeps. Players then have the opportunity to play Chubby Bunny with the peeps by rolling a CD. The CD corresponds to the number of Peeps one can shove down their gullet and still speak. After the Chubby Bunny phase, the Giant Peep reforms and players gain bonuses equal to the amount of Peeps they ingested. 1-3 Peeps - Phase 4-6 Peeps - Apply Burn on a BD8 7-9 Peeps - Holy Proc on the player’s next Critical. 10-12 Peeps - Next successful attack procs double Fallen. @Macradon @Calrex

Mari sat on a small crumbling wall. Perhaps it used to be a fence of some sort, instead- now - it served as a not so comfortable seat for the woman. She was cradling a bowl of Shoyu ramen in her lap with one hand, the other was lifted to her HUD as she was lazily writing a message to everyone. They had spoken about it, but had yet to actually do the dungeon. Mari was the kind of person who didn't like waiting, not when there was so much to do. She wanted those rewards - she was going to respecc into a Two handed spear - and to do so - she kinda needed to have some spare demonics. Mari felt a little guilty that she was essentially inviting her guild to Macradon's map - but - it was equally hers, and his. He had no problem with the names she suggested either, rather, he seemed excited. Mari bought her chopsticks to her mouth, blowing on them before shoving the morsel of food into her mouth. Chewing thoughtfully. There...was a lot to discuss today. She wanted to tell Macradon everything that had happened since they last met - that she was somehow now a founding member of the guild - that the guild would love him to join. She kinda wanted to tell him that she admitted to Baldur that she found him attractive - but with Oikawa attending, she didn't want to make things awkward. Then there was the incident with Crozeph, the sleepy haired man who was now a frequent visitor of Mari. The woman snorted at the thought of Macradon's reaction to how yet another person had visited her home before him. She'd have to make it up to him somehow. To: Macradon, Oikawa, Calrex From: Mari Hello, I'm at XXX Mac said we're all good to come along on the dungeon map he grabbed. So lets go. Bring any items you think you'll need. -Mari Used: Damage Crystal +2 Super Sight Shoyu Ramen: +2 ACC @Macradon @Oikawa @Calrex

Mari opened her door, looking down to see Aiko there. "Oh!" She said in surprise. He was ....covered in orange dust, his hands, his face. "You err..." Mari tilted her head offering him a warm smile. Right, he was a kid after all. "I got your message." She said as she stepped to the side to let him in. "What familiar are you wanting?" Mari asked as she turned from him, stepping into her house. "You should warm yourself by the fire before we set off." Mari suggested. She wasn't sure which floor they were going to - or if they were staying on the 4th, regardless - she thought it might be best to have him warm up. "Since your last visit I managed to get some treats, just some Jam drops - oh - they're uh...kinda like shortbread with a drop of strawberry jam in the middle of it." Mari gave him a grin. "Although, I'd say you've had your fair share of junk food today, eh Aiko?" @Iron_Lion

Considering? Mari bit her tongue. Tempted to say something, but - right. He was right. Considering the rumors, and her past. Calling him stupid, or saying he obviously had secrets was mild in comparison. Mari had to remember that people kinda didn't like being insulted. "Yeh, I'm a barrel of laughs, huh." Mari said, dry humour. Not her usual go-to of a pun, but still, it was right up her ally. Mari fell silent as the two talked, she didn't agree with parts on both sides. Mari didn't agree that one person held the power to clear any names. No one person, nor organisation could, that was up to the guilty person alone. And only through their actions and attitude could they find the redemption they seek. Then there was Hidden, who was asking an awful lot of a stranger. "You know trust is hard to gain." Mari muttered quietly to Hidden. The fact the young girl was so ready to force someone else to trust her, whilst she didn't want to trust anyone else was...difficult to watch. Mari didn't expect anyone in this little tit-for-tat to trust anyone else, and that should have been fine. An amicable compromise and understanding, that's what they were here for right? Well, among other things. "Honestly, I don't think you can expect much more of a better answer than that." Mari said finally after Are's long winded speech. "But -" Mari paused, her eyes shifting back to the cloaked figure. Something just wasn't right about him, Mari didn't like it. The feeling in her gut. "If we're all exchanging names, Are." Mari placed emphasis on the word - she didn't believe it was his real name. She had no reason to question it, beyond the fact the name sounded stupid - and that he was hiding his face. Everything pointed to the fact that he was clearly trying to hide his identity. Mari didn't really care about his real name though, if he wanted to hide it that was fine with her. Let him call himself Are, Batman, or whatever else. "Are you gonna remove that..." She twiddled her fingers, "Spooky smoke screen ya got going on there? Or do I have to look at someone who looks like they're a pack a day smoker the entire time?" @Hidden @Itzal

Yui's Grace used 0 remain Her shop was now locked, after a day of crafting, or at least attempting to - she wanted to make sure the frontlines had everything they needed for the looming boss battle. She wanted to make sure that those who were just gathering the strength and courage to leave the safety of the Town of Beginings had supplies if they so needed it. Especially with many of them answering her offer to help. Mari was a little...taken aback by many of them. People like Titan, who were strong and stalwart - and others like Shye who looked like they'd fall over if you so much as breathed too hard in their direction. People who looked up to her of all people. "Wonder if she'll be there today..." Mari hadn't had the chance to check, nor the heart to see if Zandra would actually be there - not when their last quest together went so awry. Zandra was so set, claiming Mari had taken the lives of people she never met - claiming Mari was torturing others. If she did see Zandra today, and if Zandra did try to make such wild claims. Mari would have none of it. Their meeting would end then and there - and she would let the woman think whatever she wanted. Mari knew she was not without sin - but if the brother of one of the people whose life she had taken could forgive her, and give her the grace to listen. Then Zandra should damn well sure try too. If not, then Mari wouldn't bother. She'd use her efforts elsewhere. Not everyone could be saved, and not everyone could be convinced that she wasn't the terrifying and terrible person she was in the rumors about her. Mari's steps echoed as she trudged through the 10th floor. Her gaze focused forward, tattered scarf wrapped tightly around her neck, its tails tickling the back of her legs as she walked. She wanted to finish the <<Scents of The Wild>> Quest line - one that would grant her a boon for the upcoming boss battle. She wanted to be stronger, to stand even with even the strongest like Macradon, and Shield. Even Baldur. She wanted to be their equals, not be protected by them. And it wouldn't be long till she would change her weapon class; hit harder, faster. Mari paused near the Stygian River. Right - here was safe, just out of the spawning zone for any creatures. Mayhaps it was the best place to wait. @Zandra

"It does suck." Mari agreed as she pulled out her spear. It comprised of a long wooden handle, stained a deep shade of red - at the very tip was a tiny golden shield insignia - finally the blade. Well, blade. The tip looked like a hypodermic needle. Mari swung it around to stick the needle like point into the ground. She felt like she could be picking up rubbish along a highway or something. She snorted at his assumption on how two handed weapons were inherently better. "Oh my dear, sweet, best friend Mac." Mari began. "I'm not saying that you're an idiot. But...you're an idiot." She nodded when he mentioned his house. "I keep having people over!" Mari said exasperated. "I don't even invite them! I swear one time I went to return home and Crozeph was just casually napping in front of my door using a pile of snow as a pillow." Mari shook her head. "N-Not that I guess I mind the company but...I mean..." Her grip on her spear tightened. "It's...a little overwhelming, having all those people over - it feels like a constant stream of people are seeking me out for one reason or another, and ...." Mari didn't voice the last of her thoughts. Why me? Mari turned to Macradon. "I still need to have you over at some point. How can my best friend of all people be the only person who hasn't come over yet?" She asked. "But - I guess I haven't seen your place either, right?" Mari offered him a toothy grin. "It's not in a safe zone or anything like that yeh? Maybe we could go there after?" @Macradon

Quest Mari didn't exactly dislike the floor; but she couldn't say she liked it. The floor smelt like a wet clump of weeds and made you sweat like a lump of cheese that was left out on the bench too long. Still. She wanted to get back into the quest; finish the line - and both her and Macradon had a much needed break from the series of dragons. They got to grow, experience things - and in Macradon's case - eat giant chocolate event eggs. Still it was a bloody side better than a floor of active volcanoes and molten lava. Mari had already sent Macradon a message inviting him out. Now it was just a matter of waiting. She sat on a low hanging tree branch. Her orange attire sticking out like a sore thumb in the lush green landscape - Macradon also had the skill to find her; so Mari generally took advantage of that - being lazy with organizing meeting locations with her friend. But he wouldn't mind, right? @Macradon

Mari's hands clasped up to her cheeks as she slapped them hard, her startling voice responding to Jomei in almost a panic. "WHAAAT! I'm not infecting you! If anyting YOU'RE infecting ME!" She retorted as she pointed at him with an accusatory finger. "I haven't sucked this much in ages, but the moment you show up its like Im cursed! It's probably because you're a soulless ginger" The last part was more of a joke, since -well. Pot calling the kettle black. But Mari felt the two could do with some more lighthearted banter. "Just you watch!" She called out as she shifted her stance to attack the monkey that he just missed. "NOt only will I hit it this time, but I'll hit the one YOU missed!" She charged forward, and in a few fancy pirouette moves using her <<Eternal Cyclone>> Sword Art - she had managed to narrow down the Elite gorilla into a mere sliver of health. "HA!" Mari burst out into relieved and hysterical laughter, clapping her hands together as she watched the mangy monkey fall. "That's. More. Like. It." She said in unison with each clap. "FInally. Finally." She beamed as she turned to look at Jomei. "Lookit that, the poor thing is gonna straight up explode thanks to that sweet, sweet DoT." ID: 157101 BD: 8 +4-1=11 HIT BLEED/BURN ACTIVATE Charged Eternal Cyclone > Elite Monkey 2 11+5 (charge) x13 Eternal Cyclone 208-20=188 Passive +1 EN Jomei: 1530/1530 HP | 152/163 EN | 18 DMG | 4 ACC | 4 EVA | 52 MIT | 2 Savvy | 77 B. Healing Mari 1090/1090 HP | 94/106 EN | 11 DMG | EVA 3 | MIT 43 | ACC 4 -11 Elite Flying Monkey 1 220/220 HP | 90 DAM (45 MIN) | 35 MIT - Elite Flying Monkey 2 32/220HP | 90 DAM (45 MIN) | 35 MIT 188 BURN 24/24 2 Turns Bleed 24/24 2 Turns @Jomei

Quest Storm clouds raged above, thunderous roars shaking the mountainside as they threatened to spew forth a torrent of rain; but Mari had been here for nigh on half an hour now - and had yet to see that threat fulfilled. She sat at the foot of a mountain that lead high up to a castle that was in shambles. There was a quest there; something about a witch who had been terrorizing players. Stealing supplies using winged monkeys - experiments...and yelling about curses. This quest was clearly based on the childhood classic 'The Wizard of Oz.' But that wasn't a bad thing, in a way...Mari kind of liked quests like that, it was like a warm nostalgic glow. Orange hair like simmering embers sat neatly on her shoulders as Mari arched her back, cracking it in serveral places. She was in no rush, comfortably sitting atop a mossy rock Mari knew she'd get to the quest in due time but her legs hurt. Walking from floor to floor took its toll on her. "Let's see..." Mari said to herself quietly as she pulled her scarf further up to cover the lower half of her face. "I should probably take some of my damage potions...I have so many of them I may as well use them." She mused to herself. She was planning on stockpiling for the boss fight but thus far her crafts weren't really good enough for such a feat and she had a long way to go before she felt she was ready. Sure - she could step into the fight now and be ok but Mari wasn't going to settle for 'ok' She was making a comeback, and dammit she needed to make sure she could hold herself, not just against the boss but against any players who may turn their blade on her. @Jomei

"Y-yeh. It was unexpected." Mari admitted. "I mean...I've run a guild before - with the Cerulean Silence and everything but...I dunno." Mari sighed. "When Shield approached me asking if I wanted to be one of the Guild Leaders- I had my reservations I mean..." Mari shifted her gaze to Ariel. "I don't want my leadership or presence to be a detriment to those around me, yanno?" Mari rubbed her arm as they walked to their destination. "I mean - I'd rather take a step back from it all and have it flourish, than have it fall with me at the helm." Mari offered Ariel a wry smile. "Ahh, but if Shield heard me talking like that he'd probably slap me across the head or somethin' " Mari added with a nervous laugh. "He'd tell me half those people are there because of me - but..." Mari fell silent for a moment. "But...Seeing them all there, conversing among themselves. Laughing, eating..." I don't deserve that. Instead of voicing what she really felt Mari simply said. "It's...really nice - to be around people like that again." Her smile softened when Ariel mentioned Baldur. "He...has a way to make anyone feel welcomed and safe. It's like his presence makes all those bad voices, the hurtful self doubting ones disappear. If even for a moment." Those were the words that clued Shield into how Mari had felt about Baldur, so Mari knew it was a little dicey to just outright say them to Ariel. But - It's not like Ariel knew Mari all that well. So the ginger haired woman doubted Ariel would gleam any other information from that. 'Sides. Nothing would ever happen. Mari and Baldur - they were friends, nothing more. "So - he's definitely a good fit for a guild leader." @Ariel - The Crowned Lion

Mari couldn't help but snort -followed by an amused laugh at the almost disgusted look Hidden had given the floating Koi fish. "I know - right?" Mari said, her eyes watching as it disappeared over the rooftops. "It's almost ridiculous. Hilarious even. I talk a lotta sh*t about others, but here I am with a fish that swims through the air. I'm a hypocrite, right?" Mari sighed as she shifted her gaze back to the buildings. "Seems this Are person has a thing for parkour - seriously..." Mari sighed shaking her head. It was ridiculous. But, then again- she had an obstinately bright fish following him. Through the air so she couldn't really talk. "I think you put too much faith in how people remember you." Mari said as the two girls began to follow at a casual pace. Hidden had the coordinates - and Mari had her eye on her familiar. "You supposedly let out a dangerous criminal, I don't mean to trivialize that but -I've taken the lives of eight people." Mari added with a heavy emphasis. Her tone turning serious. She didn't want to make it sound like it was a joke. Those lives were valuable. "And people hardly seem to care anymore. So - I really doubt all that many people are going to care about you letting some messed up kid go. As for what was it? Laughing Coffin...." Mari trailed off - she really hadn't heard all too much about them. "Why should that responsibility rely solely on you?" Mari asked. "You have information privvy to them - so sure, lets give it to this replacement. But what then?" Mari knew she was probably being a little harsh with Hidden, hell - she was the same with Yuki. There had been multiple instances where Yuki had broke down - but Mari wasn't really one to mince words. "You can always teleport outta there. So this trap isn't really all that well...trap-like." They had made their way to the forests; creeping tendrils and vines tightened around them as the space between the trees became smaller and smaller. It almost would have been considered mythical - or calming, if not for the heavy feeling in the air. Mari felt like she was perhaps being a little too cavalier - but she just didn't feel any real danger right now. She had faced countless adversary, from both players and monsters- and there was always a certain electricity in the air. That was absent now. "I think we'll be fine." Mari said as she watched Hidden motion toward the small entrance. Mari followed suit, grumbling as twigs and sticks tore at her clothing and skin. Mari bit her lower lip when she saw the man. Dressed fully in black - resting against a tree. Smoke covering his eyes. Whoa, he really is going a little over the top isn't he? "Well, someone has a sh*t load of secrets." Mari said as she gestured to his covering before holding out her arm - Kohaku - her literal floating koi fish returned to her side before flashing away - back into the safety of her inventory. Since, that also made total sense. "Sorry." She quickly mumbled. He had given her the decency of a courteous introduction. "I assume you're...Are?" @Itzal @Hidden

Mari gave an amused snort, raising a hand to cover her faux paux. "That...sounds kinda frustrating." Mari sympathized. "But..." Her voice trailed off as her eyes shifted to focus on the horizon behind Ariel, a soft sigh fell from her pursed lips. "But...I kinda miss stuff like that." Mari admitted quietly. "Crowds, people - even if they are NPCs that are relentlessly hounding you for a quest. That's the sorta stuff that you hate - but...it's isolating not experiencing that." Mari shook her head. It was no use getting all melodramatic now. That was not the point of this meeting. Although, I still am not entirely sure on what the point is. Mari cleared her throat. "But - as sad as those thoughts are." She said, perking up. "It's humbling to know that I still have people around me I can trust and rely on. So long as I have those, I don't need any bumbling NPCs." Mari returned Ariel's smile with a small one of her own. "Well, you are the party leader - so you'd know more than I." Mari said as she placed her hands on her hips. "I'm just here following you today. Honestly, as long as I'm not being chased by guards, or scaring players and NPC villagers I think I'll be okay." The question plaguing Mari would wait, Mari would find a right time to ask. Right now...there was only one question that needed to be said. "Where to?" @Ariel - The Crowned Lion

Mari shrugged as they both turned away from the guards post - their slow steps slowly taking them away from the prison. "Honestly, I'm just glad we aren't in a safe zone." Mari said as she smoothed out her scarf, continuously running her fingers through it to keep her hands busy. "It's not a waste of time." Mari said thoughtfully. "Think about it - we've really learned a great deal of information, right?" Mari offered as she turned to give Hidden a small smile. The poor girl seemed so dejected. The least Mari could do was attempt to cheer her up. "We've learnt that the guards won't arrest two orange cursor players - one of whom they know very well. So if either of us need to return for more information, if we're civil. We know we should be safe." Mari said as she pointed her finger between the two of them. "We've learned that Itzal is probably a dead end - for now - and that Hestia doesn't really concern herself with prison matters anymore. So - the only thing I can think of, if we wanna contact them is if I approach her during the frontline meeting, or the boss raid." Mari didn't really like the sound of that. "Although...I'm not fond of bringing interpersonal matters to the table when there are other matters to discuss - if its said in passing. At least Hestia is aware, yeh?" Finally straightening her scarf Mari lifted her hand to run it through her hair. " I know ya wanna remove your bounty - but really - is that so important? It looks like they'll never follow through." Mari was hoping her words didn't sound harsh. "And you're slowly working on redeeming yourself. That'll take time - speaking to Itzal or Hestia ... that isn't gonna change anything in the big scheme of things. Was there another reason we needed to - " Mari paused when she saw it. A suspicious crow that had flapped up and around Hidden. Practically shoving a letter into her hands. "What the..." Where the hell had that come from? Someone had obviously followed them. "What's that all about?" Mari said, her attitude immediately shifting. She was cautious - and annoyed. "Gods sh*t like this annoys me..." She muttered under her breath. "Some bloody edgelord can't talk to you face to face? Well, two can play at this -" Mari placed two fingers in her mouth and gave a loud, shrill whistle. Her familiar, a large Koi fish materialized out of her inventory - its scales shimmered with shades of pristine white and bright orange. It swam around her as though the air itself was water. Mari motioned to the crow with her jaw. "Kohaku, follow that bird as it leaves." She muttered quietly. @Hidden @Itzal

Mari blinked as Ariel approached, breathing heavily. Why was she- Before Mari really had a chance to question her Ariel managed to explain herself somewhat. "You uh...really didn't have to run." Mari said as she pushed herself off the rock, sliding down to the ground with a small 'hup' Mari patted down her clothing, removing any loose particles of dirt or dust. Ariel, at least the Ariel Mari had seen recently had always held herself with an air of dignity and poise. Mari in comparison was a potato. A very orange, very sour potato. "Err..." Mari glanced behind Ariel - there wasn't anything behind her. "Is...everything okay?" Mari asked, concern touching her tone of voice. The question of why Ariel wanted Mari to join her still lingered , but Mari felt it'd be rude to ask right now. Instead, Mari accepted the party invite from Ariel. Her eyes gleaming over the information that had been given to her. "So...we're looking for a literal Hidden Village.... Mmmmm..." Mari rubbed her arm. "Is it okay to take me on something like this?" Mari asked. "I mean - orange cursors and villages don't exactly mix too well." @Ariel - The Crowned Lion

"Oh...yeh." Mari said as she looked up. "At least there's only two of em. Well, no more monkey business." Mari pulled out her dagger as the two beasts landed in front of them. "I don't want to paws our conversation, but - " Mari didn't finish, she charged forward - in an attempt to attack one of the monkeys, but instead of hitting it, she tripped - the slopes were slippery and the rocks loose. "F**k." Mari hissed. feeling like crap. Mari sighed, placing a hand on her forehead. She felt...a little useless. "I don't..." She sounded defeated. "I mean - I promise I'm not normally this bad..." Mari said as she looked down at her dagger. She shifted the blade to and fro so it'd glimmer in the sunlight. "I dunno...why I'm so bad today." Mari forced out a laugh. "Guess all that sh*t weighing me down is actually weighing me down." Mari said as she shifted her arms, acting like she was burdened with something heavy on her back. Really....how could she miss so many times? @Jomei ID:156764 BD:2-1=1+3=4 MISS Charged Eternal Cyclone > Elite Monkey 1 11+5 (charge) x13 Eternal Cyclone 208-20=188 Passive +1 EN Jomei: 1530/1530 HP | 153/163 EN | 18 DMG | 4 ACC | 4 EVA | 52 MIT | 2 Savvy | 77 B. Healing Mari 1090/1090 HP | 105/106 EN | 11 DMG | EVA 3 | MIT 43 | ACC 4 Elite Flying Monkey 1 220/220 HP | 90 DAM (45 MIN) | 35 MIT Elite Flying Monkey 2 220/220HP | 90 DAM (45 MIN) | 35 MIT

Mari's messages were always rather brief - she didn't like rambling and she didn't really like messaging. Maybe part of it was because so often they would go unanswered. Maybe another - was that she simply didn't feel the need to type an entire story into a text. Those sort of messages, those personal and meaningful messages were reserved for a select few. Mari sighed, having replied only after arriving on the 21st floor - luckily. Hopefully Ariel wasn't left waiting for too long. Mari was visiting Baldur's estate, so the travel down to Floor 21 was short. Mari found a large, somewhat smooth rock and sat herself down. Rubbing her legs. Even in the digital world she felt the ache of her leg muscles. Maybe it was psychological. Maybe it was programmed in. It didn't really matter to the ginger haired woman. "Wonder why she wants to see me..." Mari mumbled to herself, pausing in her action. Wasn't it odd? Her and Ariel never exactly saw eye to eye. Mari didn't blame Ariel for that. How could she? Mari had killed 8 people. Her reputation was... terrible. The rumours that Zandra so readily believed. Who was to say that others had heard those same ones and taken them as truth? Mari bought her legs up so she could cross her legs. Cold fingers thrummed against her bare knees. Is she going to ask a bunch of questions? Mari sucked her lip in, she was so tired of those questions - but she'd be amiss if she didn't answer them. Or did Ariel want to imprison Mari? Much like Bahr...no...Ariel hadn't shown any indication of that. Mari felt her nerves spin in the pit of her gut as she went through scenario after scenario. @Ariel - The Crowned Lion

*editing later* Baldur pun count :23 Mari Pun count: 5

quest Mari wanted to see him again. Baldur was right, she was lonely. Even surrounded by friends - and Mari didn't want to avoid him. Despite everything screaming at her to do so. They were guildmates. They were friends. They were all in this together to fight their way out of the game. Her admission to him had hurt her, but it wasn't like she loved him or anything of the sort. If anything, it was infatuation, admiration. And those things - probably wouldn't change - but they didn't need to. Mari knew now she had a friend. Someone she could rely on like Macradon. Someone who would hear her out when she was troubled. And someone she wanted to know more. So Mari sat, with her HUD open, blinking cursor waiting. Mari sighed and typed in something; No. Too many words. Mari rarely, if ever used so many words with her messages. Why should she treat Baldur any differently? With all the ferocity of a mighty keyboard warrior Mari slammed the backspace on her HUD and started again. Mari closed her HUD drawing in a deep breath, them promptly coughing. The small island was far enough away from the volcanic island of the mainland that she was spared the scents of sulfur and brimstone, but ash still lilted in the air. Even this far out. "I hate the heat..." Mari said with a sigh - the saving grace of the floor. The water. Mari sat on the edge of the grassy island. A small sparse of grassy knoll no bigger than a kilometre in diameter. Her pale freckled legs were dipped in the water which was pleasantly warm. Mari leaned back on her arms to stare at the sky. Mid afternoon. Perhaps she should have chosen a time where it would have been a little cooler, but with the quest...Mari wanted to be able to dry off easily if there was too much trouble. She sat staring at the small island town of Oceanus. A soft melody played beside her, in the form of a glimmering recording crystal. She...had planned on giving it to Baldur - but wasn't sure if she should anymore. Mari was thankful that she knew where she stood. Friends...it was nice to have someone like him as a friend. But such a present, perhaps it was too sentimental for a friendship like theirs. Still, it was a song Mari liked - a lilting and uplifting tune that suited the scene. The golden afternoon sun - the way it radiantly glowed, shattered light dancing upon the still waves that lapped at the shore. It felt...serene. It helped calm Mari's nerves. Too bad they were about to try and hunt a big ass fish. @Baldur

Mari covered her mouth as Macradon turned to face her, practically screaming 'Chubby Bunny' into her face. Bits of melting peep slowly dripping from his mouth in a thick viscous trail of yellowed saliva. "Eurgh...err.." Mari held up her thumbs to give both him and Calrex a double thumbs up. "Yaaay!?" She could not hide the grotesque sarcasm from her voice. "I err...nice going, I guess?" If she didn't know any better, she swear she saw chunks of strawberry. How long has that been there? What happened next, would scar her forever - the amalgam blob burst out of Macradon's mouth, writhing as bubbling spit steamed off of it. It landed on the ground with a thick schlick Then that pile, along with another that must have fallen out of Calrex's mouth rolled together to reform a now slightly moist and malformed giant peep once more. "I uh..." Mari shivered. "I guess I gotta go attack it." she muttered to herself. Mari primed her <<Charge Skill>> and darted forward to attack - she slashed at the peep and winced as what could only be a mixture of Calrex and Macradons oozing saliva splashed across her face. Then again and again before she fell back, wiping her face on her scarf. "This is nasty!" The giant peep, being well - a stationary giant ass peep...simply fell over. SPLORT Mari: Action > Charged Eternal Cyclone > Giant Peep ID:156482 BD:7 18+5=23 x 13= 299-150=149 Giant PEEP: MOB: 6-2=MISS Passive: +1 EN [H: 1] Mari - 1410/1410 | EN: 95/138 | DMG: 18 | MIT: 43 | ACC: 6 | EVA: 3 | BH: 67 | BRN: 24 | BLD: 24 | FLAME AURA: 15 -11 EN [H: 2] Macradon - 1940/1940 | EN: 162/189 | DMG: 25 | MIT: 107 | 4 ACC | EVA: 2 | BHL: 97 | FTH: 36 (21) | FRZ: 6 | REC: 6 | HLY: 12 | PHS: 1 | VMP: 194 [H: 4] Calrex - 1530/1805 | EN: 120/176 EN | DMG: 16 | MIT: 116 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 2 | BHL: 88 | IMMO 30 | ACH: 0.5 The Giant Peep: 1527/2000 HP | 30 DMG | 3 ACC | 0 EVA | 150 MIT -149 HP Ability: Every three turns, the Peep splits into smaller Peeps. Players then have the opportunity to play Chubby Bunny with the peeps by rolling a CD. The CD corresponds to the number of Peeps one can shove down their gullet and still speak. After the Chubby Bunny phase, the Giant Peep reforms and players gain bonuses equal to the amount of Peeps they ingested. 1-3 Peeps - Phase 4-6 Peeps - Apply Burn on a BD8 7-9 Peeps - Holy Proc on the player’s next Critical. 10-12 Peeps - Next successful attack procs double Fallen. @Macradon @Calrex

"Hhaah..." Mari laughed dejectedly. "Careful now." She chided, "I may actually think someone's being genuinely nice to me." Mari joked as she waved a dagger in Jomei's direction. She wasn't used to such compliments so brushed them off the best she could. Still, it was nice to hear that someone else would act the same. Mari always felt like she was some strange outlier, rarely anyone had negative emotions like she did - she felt like she was in some strange alternative land - then again, she was stuck in a video game. Right... They were all stuck here. Mari clenched her hand tightly around her dagger and charged toward the final Monkey, activating her <<Eternal Cyclone>> Skill but instead of spinning on her heel to do more damage to the Monkey she cleaved it in half in a single swipe. And suddnely; the two were met with silence. No more laughter. "Phew..." @Jomei Passive: +1 En ID:156355 BD: 9 CRITICAL Charged Eternal Cyclone > Monkey 4 11+5 (charge) x13 Eternal Cyclone 208-20=188 Jomei: 1530/1530 HP | 152/163 EN | 18 DMG | 4 ACC | 4 EVA | 52 MIT | 2 Savvy | 77 B. Healing Mari 1090/1090 HP | 104/106 EN | 11 DMG | EVA 3 | MIT 43 | ACC 4 Flying Monkey 1 0/150HP | 70 DAM (35 MIN) | 20 MIT Flying Monkey 2 0/150HP | 70 DAM (35 MIN) | 20 MIT Flying Monkey 3 0/150HP | 70 DAM (35 MIN) | 20 MIT Flying Monkey 4 0/150HP | 70 DAM (35 MIN) | 20 MIT

Pale freckled legs were bought toward Mari as she hugged her legs tight to her chest. She hated this feeling. It felt like she was drowning. She found a sweet relief from it all as she pressed her forehead into her knees. Mari exhaled, picturing all the bad thoughts and energy leaving her in a thick miasma of of bloodied ochre. It sounded silly, and it was, but sometimes. It helped. Mari held her breath in that moment. Hearing the distant sounds of footsteps and doors opening and closing. Laughter. She should go there. She should join them. But do I belong there? Mari knew she was being petty, stupid, childish. But parts of her couldn't help herself, she wished she didn't feel this way. It just hurt, knowing all this time she had been trying her best- but no matter what her best was just never good enough. What would she tell one of the children she taught, if she saw them like this? She'd probably try telling them that the only way they can overcome this is by reaching out, slowly. No one would approach her like this. Hell. Few did even on her good days. Mari sucked in a breath, as though she hadn't breathed in hours - as though her life depended on it, despite the fact she was never sure if one even needed to breathe in the game. Slowly, carefully, Mari unwound herself from her cocoon and pushed herself up off the floor. Head tilted toward the floor Mari made her way to the noises of merriment. Her fingers danced across the divots and bumps along the wooden walls till they gave way to the soft texture of the shoji doors beneath her fingertips. What would Oikawa say if he were here? He'd probably ruffle her hair and tell her 'You're being stupid Snowflower' Shield? He'd probably give her a stern lecture on the ethics of friendship and magic. What would Beat say? He'd probably tell her she was overthinking things too. Too far into her own head. Mari arrived at her destination; the smells of food wafting through the air. Ah. So they were in the kitchen? Mari paused at the crack in the door; seeing everyone there - smiling. Getting along. She felt like the outlier, peeking in on a happy family. Mari leaned against the doorframe for a moment, taking in the scene before she inevitably ruined it. A cautious look on her features as she tugged on her hair. There were people there she knew, people she didn't. And Snow. Poor sweet Snow... Would Mari's presence annoy her? Maybe it'd be better if she just turned and left.

Jomei was quick witted, throwing wordplay right back at Mari and she couldn't help but grin at it, her lips splitting to show her teeth. "Yeh I'm fine I'm just...flustered, I- I'm just used to doing yanno..." She averted her gaze. "Better. And I'm trying to work on things and...." Mari shook her head. Jomei didn't need to hear her sob story. She turned on her heel and went to attack the next monkey. Only for the exact same thing to happen again. "Are you f**king kidding me!" Mari spat, her short temper getting the best of her as she threw her dagger into the ground. "These dumb ass bloody monkeys don't even have any bloody evasion and I can't even - right stupid dagger you are!" She hissed at the insidious weapon, its red blade glistening in the ground. Mari bit her tongue. Crap. Crap. Here she was trying to make a good impression and she just exploded. Mari would be lucky if she ever saw Jomei again. Mari looked up at him with a guilt ridden expression. "I-uh..." Her anger was quickly quelled by her embarrassment. "S-sorry I just...ugh...why do I even use a dagger anymore..." Mari muttered as she scrambled to grab her blade from the ground. The monkeys rolled over on their backs laughing at her. Who needed to attack when they could just point and laugh at such a useless adversary? @Jomei Passive: +1 En ID:156350 BD:1 MISS Charged Eternal Cyclone > Monkey 3 Jomei: 1530/1530 HP | 152/163 EN | 18 DMG | 4 ACC | 4 EVA | 52 MIT | 2 Savvy | 77 B. Healing Mari 1090/1090 HP | 103/106 EN | 11 DMG | EVA 3 | MIT 43 | ACC 4 -2 EN Flying Monkey 1 0/150HP | 70 DAM (35 MIN) | 20 MIT (-178) Flying Monkey 2 0/150HP | 70 DAM (35 MIN) | 20 MIT (-178) Flying Monkey 3 150/150HP | 70 DAM (35 MIN) | 20 MIT ID:156350 MOB: 2 Flying Monkey 4 150/150HP | 70 DAM (35 MIN) | 20 MIT ID:156352 MOB: 2

"Man this'd go so much quicker if one of us had something more than say..." Mari stared at her dagger and offered Jomei a wry smile "Something better than butter knives." She gestured to his rapier. "At least yours is bigger." Jokes. Mari always fell back onto jokes to lighten her own mood. They were terrible, lame, and even dads would cringe at them - but they helped in times of self doubt. Mari charged forward and attempted to attack one of the monkeys after Jomei had decimated the first; it chittered wildly and jumped up- landing on her head and using her as a springboard to dive forward to attack Jomei. "What the f**k!?" Mari called out as she ducked down and swatted it out of her hair. Instead of attacking the fellow ginger - the Monkey fell flat, face first into the ground. The other Monkeys, rather than attack, pointed and laughed at their fallen comrade. Mari felt her cheeks heat in embarrassment. "Ugh...S-Sorry..." She muttered. "I didn't....like the feeling of its weird monkey claws all up in my hair." @Jomei 11+5 (charge) x13 Eternal Cyclone 208-20=188 ID:156340 BD:1 MISS Jomei: 1530/1530 HP | 157/163 EN | 18 DMG | 4 ACC | 4 EVA | 52 MIT | 2 Savvy | 77 B. Healing Mari 1090/1090 HP | 104/106 EN | 11 DMG | EVA 3 | MIT 43 | ACC 4 -2 EN Flying Monkey 1 0/150HP | 70 DAM (35 MIN) | 20 MIT (-178) Flying Monkey 2 150/150HP | 70 DAM (35 MIN) | 20 MIT ID:156340 MOB 7 - 3= MISS target: Jomei Flying Monkey 3 150/150HP | 70 DAM (35 MIN) | 20 MIT ID:156343 MOB 7 - 3= MISS target: Jomei Flying Monkey 4 150/150HP | 70 DAM (35 MIN) | 20 MIT ID:156345 MOB: 8 - 3= 5 MISS

"You think so?" Mari asked quietly when Jomei ensured her that it was just what he needed to hear. Mari wasn't so sure herself. But.. why would he say otherwise? Why would he lie? "You're...welcome." The words fell softly from her lips, spoken in a way that if he had not listened for them, he would not have heard them. Mari wasn't sure how she - of all people could really help anyone. But hearing him thank her? It made some part of her, deep down in the festering blackness of her self loathing feel relief. "What If's are more deadly than venom." Mari added thoughtfully as her cerulean eyes shifted to the sky above. "All we can do is live each day one step at a time." Mari wished she could take her own advice. She wished she had some weight or gravitas behind her words. But they didn't. Not to her. "Sure, let's do that." Mari said as her attention shifted back to Jomei. Mari managed to offer him the smallest of smiles that broke the dreary facade on her freckled face. "Let's make it a good fight, eh? Show that Witch karma's a b*tch." Jomei: 1530/1530 HP | 163/163 EN | 18 DMG | 4 ACC | 4 EVA | 52 MIT | 2 Savvy | 77 B. Healing Mari 1090/1090 HP | 106/106 EN | 11 DMG | EVA 3 | MIT 43 | ACC 4 Flying Monkey 1 150/150HP | 70 DAM (35 MIN) | 20 MIT Flying Monkey 2 150/150HP | 70 DAM (35 MIN) | 20 MIT Flying Monkey 3 150/150HP | 70 DAM (35 MIN) | 20 MIT Flying Monkey 4 150/150HP | 70 DAM (35 MIN) | 20 MIT @Jomei

(I'm working backwards and will finish editing this post after, Sorry fam!) "... Do you think it might be possible for it to possess a player?" @NIGHT voice cut through the crowded room, dire and dangerous words that needed to be said, she was the first courageous one to voice them. To mention that death sentence may be the only option. When her eyes darted over to Mari to confirm what she had said about the shadows Mari nodded. "As I said earlier, I've experienced a frontline battle in near darkness before- the only thing I'd be able to suggest to stop that would be flooding the arena with light - or having everyone here obtain Night Vision. And The latter doesn't seem likely. If need be I can, but I understand not everyone is in a position to do that. So our best bet is to have those special stone drops used in each group." Mari turned to @Baldur although she was addressing everyone who had been in that battle. "Do we know exactly how many of those stones we have?" The room began to go back and forth at that point, some people chiming in on Yuki's place within the battle. During this time Mari shifted her eyes to @Zajcica with a concerned expression. It was a little unfair to have her at the center of attention. Mari's eyes widened when she saw @Hidden enter the room - she hadn't expected to see her, especially since she looked- well nothing like she normally looked like. Were there potions that cound completely change how you looked? It seemed far-fetched, but then again there was Mr. Mc-Broody Pants sitting in the corner with his weird ass shadow mask. So, Mari supposed a potion that changed how you looked was within the realm of possibility too. In her typical fashion Hidden interjected - having only heard half the conversation. "Hi-" Mari paused, bit her tongue and quickly recovered. "Hi." She said sternly. "You've just arrived, please rather than insult everyone here I'd suggest taking a seat and being a little more civil." Mari paused. "Please." She added emphasis on the word. If Hidden didn't catch on that Mari could easily see through the disguise , since they were on each others friendlist, before - she would have by now. "We're moving on from Yuki's position. Really, it shouldn't need every single person here to interject." @Bahr spoke up, further giving Mari's earlier suggestion weight - about how they should have each member who had that special glowstone in a party. Mari bit her tongue. He wasn't being rude - but it was hard not to feel like his burning bi-coloured gaze was on her, or that he was trying to telepathically set her on fire. "You're right - but I think it's important we slowly work out what we need in each group as we plan. I can't really comment on Orgoth though." The shadowy figure, @Itzal said a few words and Mari nodded. Jabbing a finger in his direction. "Creepy mask dude is right - we need to work on balancing energy consumption, and health. But that's kinda. The usual isn't it? Unless things have changed in my absence?" @Oscar came in, and had given a nice information dump on the group on who Orgoth was, Mari was thankful for that - because she seriously had no idea what the hell the others were talking about, besides him being some minotaur bull type guy. @Crozeph followed shortly after and gave Yuki much needed support, in the terms of comfort and boyfriend-y goodness. Mari gave a small sigh of relief seeing that. Mari offered @Ariel - The Crowned Lion a weak smile, at least someone was listening to her; it felt all but everyone dismissed the groups suggestions regarding orgoth and planning in leui of pressing down on Yuki. Mari felt a little bad that she had a part to play in that, but she had kept mostly silent on a matter she'd otherwise have a lot to say about. Since Baldur did ask everyone to move on. Hell - even Shield had to interject again. "A sacrifice." Mari said, breaking the heavy silence that followed Ariel's words. It had been a thought brewing in her mind ever since NIGHT made the suggestion that it could affect players. Mari didn't want to bring it up straight away in fear that people would brush her off or think her suggestion heartless but it seemed that it was now the topic of discussion. "If the shadows of the boss can possess a player - " Mari lifted her eyes to address the solemn crowd in front of her. "And there are multiple accounts of bosses affecting a players psyche before, I have to wonder..." Her fingers thrummed nervously against the small wooden table she sat at. She felt cold and alone, in a room full of people - her heart pounded hard against her chest. She never really said things that people liked to hear. "If we can somehow coheres it to possess certain players - as a sacrifice. It'd be easier to control that way. We'd be able to make a plan for detaining the players. But- there are always inherent risks." Her eyes shifted back to Ariel. "That removal may not just mean teleportation, but death." There were a few nods of acknowledgement from the room - a somber reality that NIGHT had touched on earlier. "I understand the gravitas of such a suggestion - and for making it. I want to be the first one to offer myself as one of those people. But in saying that..." Mari knew there'd be pushback, that people would probably throw her ideas out the window. Tell her she was wrong or stupid - but...she had to admit she felt a little better voicing them. "If we can't control where or who the shadows possess if that is a possibility we'd need a contingency placed in each group. Something like ensuring someone has the ability to paralyse the other. So we'd need to look again -" Mari flashed Bahr a look as she shifted the topic back to groups. "At what kind of groupings we'd have, since that is very much a part of planning. So far we can safely say we want two tanks per group, one to two support - and I want to add an addition of someone who has paralytic or stunning abilities within the group too. Things like Bull Rush would be useful to knock back a possessed player. Finally, we want to have each group to have that unique drop from the lab boss- I think counting those, would be a good way to see how many groups we need and we can work from there."