Mari

The Fake Mari drew her spear out and shakily drove it into Mari again. "D-Don't!" She shouted, clearly unnerved by the passive way Mari was handling this. "You don' get to act that way!" She shouted, as again she drove the spear into Mari - this time into her shoulder "You never were able to!"

A single arm of Mari's dropped - the blow to her shoulder causing her grip to loosen. "I know..." She said quietly. Mari was never able to really diffuse situations in he past. Not with words alone. She hadn't been strong enough. People like Lessa- who had steppeed in and diffused everything, Mari wanted to be like that. People like Baldur - where he was respected, and loved. Even like Raidou - who despite all his shortcomings had a strong network of people rallying around him. The painful reminder was that she would never be able to be those things. But - she'd push through the pain. It'd be okay. She had to. For everyone else. "I know"

"S-So why Now!?" The doppler tried to stab Mari again - but this time Mari reached out, clasping her shadow self's hand. Stopping the attack. "I couldn't really answer that." Mari said honestly. "I'm too tired to keep fighting." She admitted. "So, I am guessing you are too."

You must love a lot of people very dearly."
 

Both Mari's turned to Freyd - one with a solemn expression on her face, the other - a mix of rage and confusion. Both weren't sure what to make of his words. The real Mari shut her eyes, sighing. "I think you put too much faith in me." She wasn't sure if his words were true. Did she? Mari couldn't say she loved anyone, not anymore. Truth be told, whilst she didn't want anyone to die - she wasn't sure it extended as anything beyond that.

"Don't make us laugh." The doppler said before Mari could find her own words. "Love? Love?" She wrenched the spear away from  Mari with ease and pointed it at Freyd - "This world rejects us. We've tried so hard. Bending over backwards for the likes of you. And for what?" She didn't give him time to answer.  "To be left on the wayside at the earliest convenience. We-" She turned back to Mari and rammed the spear into her side. "We don't want that anymore."

She's right. Mari thought as she bore the brunt of another attack. Mari was going through the motion of living. Nothing more than that. As tempting as it was - Mari couldn't let herself die here. Not in front of Freyd. Not when she made that promise. "Do you remember the promise we made ourselves?" Mari asked. She wouldn't let herself die till the final boss. No matter how tempting that quiet solitude was. "I plan to keep it."

The spear embedded in her was pulled out slowly, it's tip bouncing on the ground as the dopple Mari held it loosely. "Really?" She asked, almost pleading.

"Truly." Mari said.

Action: Fake Mari > Mari
ID:167976 BD: 5+4=9-3=6 HIT
270-43=277

 ID:167977 BD: 8 +4=12-3=9 HIT
270-43=277

ID:167978 BD: 2+ 4=6-3=miss

ID: 167979 BD: 6 + 4=9-3=6 HIT
270-43=277

Passive: BH+72 
Mari : HP 554/1490  | EN: 146/146 | DMG: 19 | MIT: 43 | EVA:3 | ACC: 4  | BH: 72 | BRN: 24 |BLEED: 24 | FLAME AURA: 15 |-781
Fake Mari  HP 770/770 | DMG: 270 | MIT: 134 | EVA:2 | ACC: 4 | BH: 72 | BURRIED PAST:  On a 9 +100 Damage on a 10 + 200 DAM | SHADOWED: IMMUNE TO STATUS EFFECTS

The fake Mari scoffed. "Of course not. You're weak." She stepped closer toward Mari, taking Mari's chin between her thumb and forefinger. "You bloodied your hands one too many times and instead of accepting who you are - you shut down. Shut yourself, and me - away from the world." She pushed Mari's face away in disgust. "And what - you think you have friends now?" She asked as she began to circle Mari. Spear appearing in her hand.  "Change your appearance - your weapon - and throw  a smile on. I suppose it worked. For a while." 

Mari frowned - her eyes tried to follow her dopple-ganger. "I'm trying to atone for that past." She drew in a deep breath and closed her eyes, reciting the words Baldur had told her. "Death is light as a feather, duty hea-"

"Heavy as a mountain." Finished her dopple. "Yes, yes. Recite the words from the handsome man - keep telling yourself you're making a change. You may have, but at what cost? Name one person who would miss you if you were to die here."

Mari fell silent. Shouldn't this question be easy to answer? Macradon. Shield. Beat. Oikawa. Baldur - the names of people she had trusted. Wanted to call her friends. But when her lips parted no names fell from them. Instead her shoulders slumped. Mari wasn't sure any of them would notice. Especially lately. Mari winced when her shadow self laughed callously in her face.

"HahaHah! See! You Give and you give! And the world just continues to take from you! From US!" She slapped her chest for emphasis. "Every single time you reach out to someone they abandon you. They take everything you have to offer and spit you out - so who cares If you take back. Take the things most precious to them. Their lives thei-"

"I NEVER wanted that!" Mari shouted back, her voice wavering. "I never-" After her sudden, loud outburst Mari felt all the energy she had trickle away. She...never wanted to hurt anyone. But she kept doing it. Even now- even when she was trying her best. She had hurt people. Oikawa...for turning down his affections. Yuki -  for scolding her for being reckless -Yuki probably hated her. Crozeph. Hell...she killed his brother. Hidden - she hadn't heard much from her, after trying so hard to coax Hidden out of her shell it felt like Hidden had simply moved on. Mari again, too harsh.

"But you do. You always will. You're so weak, you won't even draw your weapon against Me."  She pulled her spear back, and jammed it straight into Mari's gut, right through- so their noses were barely touching. crystaline sprinkles of data danced around the two motes of fire. "Even if it meant you were to die - and I'd replace you."

"Urk-" Mari felt the deadened pain - nothing more than an irritating trickle as the spear impaled her. "I-I'm sorry." It was all she could say as she went to wrap her arms around her dopple. "If that make you....f-feel better..." Mari squeezed the other woman tighter, embracing her. "Then do it."

The shadow of herself hesitated.

Action: Fake Mari > Mari
ID:167970  BD: 5 + 4=9 - 3= HIT 270-43=227
Mari : HP 1263/1490  | EN: 146/146 | DMG: 19 | MIT: 43 | EVA:3 | ACC: 4  | BH: 72 | BRN: 24 |BLEED: 24 | FLAME AURA: 15 |-227
Fake Mari  HP 770/770 | DMG: 270 | MIT: 134 | EVA:2 | ACC: 4 | BH: 72 | BURRIED PAST:  On a 9 +100 Damage on a 10 + 200 DAM | SHADOWED: IMMUNE TO STATUS EFFECTS

@Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

Congratulations, you've engineered your own personal descent into oblivion - for both of you.  You can't fill that hole, dumbass!"
                                                                                            "-You're looking for people to attach to. To feel apart of again. To feel welcome again." 
"You're so debased and tarnished even no one will touch you" 
                                                Without cruelty there is no festival. Right Mari?
 

You're a monster Mari

-It hurt - 
Not just Freyd's words - but the culmination of everything that had lead to this moment. Mari was trying wasn't she? But that wasn't good enough, was it? People could see through the cracks of her veneer. He heart ached - She was trying to grip onto something, anything despite what the world continued to throw at her. Mari stood there behind an enraged Freyd. Someone she barely knew. So who was he to say such words to her? Who was he to try and throw Evelyn into her face? For what? In some attempt to make her a better person? Did he realize how twisted those actions where? How forceful? How cruel?

"I came here to give you a chance to face her Mari, for your own sake.  Before she leaves you like the same empty husk she has become. -You have what it takes to be one of the greatest leaders in Aincrad-"

A Leader? Maybe. Once, long ago. She could have been.. But not now. Not really. But he wanted her to play the part? Fine. He'd leave her alone then. Everyone would. In that moment Mari had a painful sense of clarity. Her chest burned, heartache - it felt like someone was squeezing her heart - and Mari knew it was because she realized her fate. She'd never make it out of here. She'd never be any more than symbol for others. Be it a leader, or a monster. But - Mari found an odd sense of peace with that knowledge.

"Alright." Her tone was quiet. A revered compliance with his pleading. Her brows were furrowed, and her eyes reflected the pain seeded deep in her chest. Still. She smiled. A broken, small, empty smile to Freyd.  Mari reached out and gave him a gentle pat on the shoulder as she passed him. She didn't know everything that had transpired between Freyd and her doppleganger - but she got the hint that he at least meant well. And that she simply heard him playing into the part the creature wanted.

Mari approached her Gemini, or at least - what she assumed was it. "I don't want to fight you." She said.

"I know. You're weak because of it." The other Mari said. She turned on Mari - tip of her spear pointed at Mari's neck. "I could take your life - and you wouldn't even fight it, would you?" The creature asked. Mari didn't respond. "Tch." The weapon dissipated.

"I think..." Mari glanced over her shoulder at Freyd - that is - if he was even still there. She turned her eyes back to see an empty person reflected back. "it's because you're all I have. And I'm all you have...As...cheesy as that sounds." Mari stepped forward and placed her hand on the other Mari's cheek. The other Mari flinched. "You're me, right? The things I was, the things I am, but hide away." Something the doppleganger said - 'I want to be free'  Mari could guess that was her emotions. Everything she continued to push down. 

"I'm not sure I can give that to you. Your freedom that is."

@Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

"Glad?"  The voice asked, dubious. "You...wanted me?" She questioned him. Her toxic veneer slipping. Her grip on him loosened as she shifted back. "I see." Came her response. Cold once again. "You used her. You saw something she hid - used the bracer to make her distance herself. Set your own Gemini on her - knowing she'd stop every attack. Simply to draw me out. Why?" He held her small cold hands within his - and for several moments the doppleganger had no words to say. Her usually emotionless face had twisted into one of confusion. She bit her lower lip and shifted her gaze to him. A mix of fear, and lonliness reflected in her gaze - but it shattered with his next words - as he once again drew a blade on her. As quickly as the emotions came, they vanished.

"No." Came the dopplegangers reply. "She's not." The empty gaze shifted to the unconscious form of Mari. "She couldn't even handle it when I left. A shell of the former glory that was herself. No one knows her now. No one cares. Every day more pieces are torn away- and soon. There will be nothing left." The imposter Mari watched with disinterest as she watched him swing his sword up into a stance. To protect Mari? Laughable. "I have no interest in you, nor her." The imitation said as she turned on her heel away from him. "I'm free now. It's time to free others." And with those words she began to walk away - leaving trails of blackened footprints in her stead.

Meanwhile, there was a groan and a cough from Mari as she slowly pushed herself off the ground. Wiping her mouth. It tasted like bile. Mari spat at the ground a few times to get the taste out. "The f**k happened..." She mumbled. Mari wasn't in any real pain - but she did feel like she had been hit by a truck. Her joints hurt, and her eyes burned. Her lungs felt like they hadn't breathed air for hours. Last she remembered...Freyd's strange gemini imitation had attacked her - but enough time must have passed for her battle healing to kick in. Her health bar was full. Mari slowly rose her eyes to the  scene before her. There was another thing that looked like her. Walking away from them. "Ahh..." 

You have no idea how glad I am that you're finally here.  I've been waiting quite some time to meet you, and do so love it when a plan comes together."
                                "You used her."

Mari lowered her gaze- recalling parts of the conversation that had woken her. It was no different to anyone else.

Now she understood. Mari carefully pushed herself to her knees, then to her feet.

@Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

The creature created from Mari - one made of everything Mari hid. Things she had done, and tried to move on from. Things that were deeply rooted in her psyche. She didn't even blink as the exchange transpired. Her form slowly began to solidify and the differences between her and the real Mari became less and less noticeable. Finally, she stepped out of the oozing puddle. "You murdered him quite easily, didn't you?" She asked. "And, you even threaten me. When I've done nothing. Yet you play the part of the hero. Pathetic" Her voice was cold and calculating as she circled Freyd.  "So - this is the real you. You really shouldn't hide it." The figure paused behind him, kneeling down beside Freyd. She watched him gently caress Mari's cheek. Mari's mouth still dripped with the blackened ooze. "Look where denying who you are leaves you." She uttered, words dripping with disgust toward Mari.

The imposter wrapped her arms around Freyd's shoulders from behind - her head nestling in the crook of his neck. "I can feel your heart beating hard and fast- as that adrenaline courses through you. Don't you feel alive? Wouldn't it be better to be feared than merely discarded - regarded as nothing more than a janitor?"  She laughed, a dark giggle that brushed his ears. 

"Don't hold back anymore -let the world fear you, and be the one to rid it of everything."

@Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

Tiny shards reformed - skittering and dancing across the ground back toward their apex. I had to jump over a particular group lest they knock me down. This didn't look good. I could already tell what was happening as the mighty dragon began to reform. 

"Kinda beautiful, huh?" It was a shame really, Skalaugh was - stunning. I adored the way the red crystaline skin glinted amidst the dark, muddy dreariness of the lake bottom. It'd be nice to watch - if we weren't all being attacked. I watched as those around me were impaled, mercilessly - by the very shards that I had been admiring. Followed by a mighty wave of blackened energy - slicing through the air like a scythe. I held an arm out to shield my face- waiting to be hit. But... I wasn't. The attack ceased and I lowered my arm. Why? Why was I of all people spared? Most here - they were all far better people than I, and yet - a system like the Sundered Spire thought that okay? Was it mad? 

I furrowed my brows - it felt odd. Knowing what this all was about - the screams and cries of countless NPC and Mob deaths bubbling up to form an entity powered by vehement vengeance. If it weren't for Freyd. I'd have never known. I'd be complicit. "This is all because of what we've done..." Mari muttered quietly. Everyone, her included -kept brushing off the mobs, the beasts, the NPCs -as nothing more than data. But that very data began to grow a conscious - and was tired of being treated in such a way.

I shifted her gaze to her Energy Bar- I would want it to replenish a little...I wish I had something to replenish it. If there were items to do so...I wasn't aware of them. Still... I had something that'd help. It was too early to pull out any first aid skills. Instead - I pulled out a glimmering blue crystal and crushed it in my hands. I felt a small wave og relief wash over me when I saw a sea of green numbers appear above everyone's head. They had been healed - only a little. But every little bit adds up.

Next up...Skalaugh. I turned my gaze to him. I should attack, but no. This was different. He had died - and yet...he was back again already. Was there something else to this? My eyes scanned the area - there didn't seem to be anything that caught my eye. Aside from the crystalline gems that were scattered around. I took a few steps forward and knelt down to pick one up. I turned it to and fro in my hand. Nothing of note - besides its stunning colour. 

1x Mass Recovery Crystal (Heals you and each member of your party for (30 * Target's Tier)  USED
Everyone gains  90HP!!

[H: 0]Lessa HP: 1000/1210 | EN: 112/112 | 22 DMG | 5 ACC | 1 EVA | 171 MIT | 54 THN | 1 HM | 1 REC | 36 BH   +90HP
[H: 0] [REND 0/3] Haine HP:848/1270 | EN: 110/124 | 22 DMG | 6 ACC | 3 EVA | 111 MIT | 36 BLD | Antidote:3/3 | Antioxidant  +90HP
[H: 0] Raidou HP:1625/1625 | EN:130/144 | 18 DMG | 4 ACC | 6 EVA | 176 MIT | TAUNT | 80 BH | Antidote:3/3 | Antioxidant | PARRY +90HP
[H: 1] Freyd HP: 1205/1205 | EN: 94/104 | 25 DMG  | 6 ACC | 4 EVA | 79 MIT | KEEN | 6 HLY | 36 BLD | 24 BH +90HP
[H: 0] Mari HP: 1570/1570  | EN: 138/154 | 22 DMG | 6 ACC | 5 EVA | 88 MIT | 24 BLD | 15 FLM-AURA | 72 BH+90HP  +1 EN
[H: 0] Oscar HP: 1370/1370 | EN: 119/134 [-4 EN] | 23 DMG | 5 ACC | 5 EVA | 151 MIT | 12 FLN | 36 BRN | 69 BH |+90HP
[H: 0] Hidden HP: 1000/1210 | EN: 109/118 | 19 DMG | 6 ACC | 5 EVA | 124 MIT | 8 HLY | 121 VAMP-OFF | 60 BH+90HP
[H: 0] Crozeph HP: 820/1030 | EN: 88/100 | 18 DMG | 4 ACC | 1 EVA | 54 MIT | FRZ | 2 REC | 1 LD | 30 BH +90HP
[H: 0] Zajcica HP: 1305/1510 | EN: 130/130 | 6 DMG | 4 ACC | 279 MIT | 54 THN | 30 FLM-AURA | 21 FST-THN | Taunt | 36 BLD | 75 BH+90HP
[H: 0] Macradon HP: 1595/1805 | EN: 180/189 | 22 DMG | 4 ACC | 2 EVA | 152 MIT | 2 REC | 36 FST-THN | FRZ | 90 BH | 180 VMP-OFF | -3 EN Cost | -1 EN Cost 1/3+90HP
[H: 0] Kiluia HP: 840/1050 | EN: 88/102 | 25 DMG | 5 ACC | 4 EVA | 124 MIT | ABS-ACC | 36 BLD | 1 REC | KEEN +90HP
[H: 1] Night HP: 1490/1490 | EN: 143/161 | 23 DMG | 6 ACC | 6 EVA | 124 MIT | 1 KEEN | 1 PRYLZ | ABS-ACC | 24 TOX-VEN | 4 LD | 4 SD | 7 SR | 74 BH +90HP
[H: 0] Zandra HP: 1805/1805 | EN: 190/191 | 22 DMG | 5 ACC | 2 EVA | 197 MIT | 30 FLM-AURA | 90 BH | -3 HACT (1/3)- -WR (2/3)- +90HP
[H: 0] Morgenstern HP: 1510/1510  | EN: 128/142  | 22 DMG | 6 ACC | 1 EVA | 171 MIT | PAR-VNM | 25% DoT Reduce | FRPRF | PARA-IMN | BLDCLT | 76 BH+90HP

"B-But I never did the quest..." Mari gasped between gulps of air. Her skin prickled beneath the corrosive touch of his gloved hand. If she were able to feel pain Mari had no doubt that her skin would  be on fire. Was this what Freyd was talking about when he said he felt like he vomited up his doppleganger? Was this feeling normal for the Gemini quest? 

Mari felt the strange creature - Shadow Freyd? Dopple Freyd? Whatever he was - she felt the flat of his palm press into the mid of her back  with such force that it felt like his hand had sunk right through. She heard the chuckle against her ear. "You don't need the quest to have an immoral soul." And with that he thrust her away. Mari bounced once, twice, before coming to a rolling heap on the ground. His words hurt, but she had been told worse. Mari knew what she was. She knew she wasn't perfect, but at least she was trying. Every day she was imrpoving.

...Right?

Mari tried to get up, but felt herself being pressed back down into the cold, hard, dirt by an unrelenting force. She didn't think it were possible - but she felt nauseous. Like she was going to throw up. She felt a bubbling sensation rise like acrid bile in the back of her throat. In a fit of coughs it started - first a trickle - thin black strands of liquid fell from her lips.

"NO!"

She was fine - right? Mari lifted her head to reassure him, but it did little. Her eyes widened and her face paled. Heart moving hard against her chest. Banging, pounding, threatening to shatter her bones and flesh with its fevered vibrations.  She looked down at her shivering hands, fingers splayed and covered in smears of the liquid. The liquid sludge kept pouring out of her mouth. Weighing Mari down. It trickled into a pool around her. Forming a viscous shadowed halo around her shivering form. 

"YES!"

It was so heavy. Mari felt the strange warmth of the oily liquid as she gave up on trying to sit up. She was too tired. Too tired. Dull blue eyes stared ahead at a tall man with red eyes, face contorted into one of concern. Just...what was he...so worried about? Mari had lost consciousness, the ever growing pool around her still seeping from gently parted lips

"MY, she has more dirty secrets than I thought."  'Freyd' called out in a callous glee as he pointed at the unconscious player. "Guess she isn't as strong as she thought. Do you think it'll drive her mad? Throw her off the edge of Aincrad?"  He turned from his true form, shrugging. "It's not like you would care. But I? I  could harness that. All it'd take is a single. Tiny...push." He stalked closer to his unconscious prey, but stopped at the bubbling mass that blocked him.

It rose up like a midnight geyser- bubbling and churning till it created a form strikingly similar to the Mari that lay on the floor.  The same freckled features - the messy nest of orange hair. Right down to her orange attire. Her black scarf however, seemed larger- hanging over her shoulders like a shawl, its ends disappearing into the darkness below. It seemed that she hadn't fully formed - her physique shimmered with a black glossy glow.  Her eyes were empty as she stared at both of the men before her. There wasn't an iota of emotion. No sadness, anger, pain. Just a small stoic figure dressed in shimmering orange. Bare feet disappearing beneath an ever growing pool of blood. The aura around the area grew thick. Heavy with hate. So thick it covered her soul, her form - and threatened to corrupt the very system around her. 

"I...broke free."  Her voice quiet, pensive - restrained as she tilted her head to the side. Quietly observing the two before her. It was clear that even still forming - she was a force to be reckoned with. There was a deadly malice in the way she held herself.

@Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

Mari felt herself being pulled ever which way - both Freyd's apparently thinking it was a perfectly acceptable thing to treat her like a f**king ragdoll.  "Would you both f**king stop!?" 
This wasn't what she expected. She expected there to be a clear distinction between the two. But both seemed hell bent on 'protecting' her from the other. "You're both being sh*ts." Mari finally threw them off - as they became distracted by each other.

Mari wasn't sure which one was the real one. She honestly didn't know him well enough for that - wouldn't this be a time to ask a question? Yeh. That'd probably work. As much as Mari was very, very pissed off at the situation. She couldn't just let someone get hurt because of her. Mari sighed, drawing a deep breath. Push down that anger, that pain. Don't let it get to you now. Mari opened her eyes and walked over between the two. The one with the cowl - who she suspected to be the real Freyd. "So -" Again. Mari placed herself in between the two. Back facing the defenseless one. Though she was positioned in a way that she could push off from either of them if need be.

"What did you call yourself during the last quest we did?" Mari tapped her lips in feigned thought. "Hmm...come to think of it...what floor was it on again?" Mari reached out to place a hand on the hand that held the weapon. Slowly lowering it to the ground. Saying 'that's enough' through action alone.

@Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

One second she felt the tingling warmth of a hand on her chest - and the strikingly unsettling cold gaze and whispers falling beside her ear - the next...felt like it was a filler episode in an anime. "W-wait..." Mari held her head. "So was...that Freyd the goop thing?" Mari asked. That didn't make any sense. "Shouldn't it have been...all black and goopy? I hadn't done the Gemini quest...I didn't think that things were...identical..." This caused issues.  So which Freyd was being an absolute sh*t to her earlier? Mari had to first guess the imitation, but she also wouldn't put it pat Freyd. But....which one is the real Freyd? She couldn't tell after the two had tumbled. Hell, she barely had any idea what was going on. More Sundered Spire mayhem. Mari took a few steps back from the both of them and went to retrieve her spear.

"I'd have thought that by now - Freyd would know me well enough - that I don't like fighting, so my first incline is that you-" She pointed the tip of the spear at the Freyd who was further away. "But -" It disintegrated in her grasp as Mari continued. Stepping between the two of them. 

"I gotta better idea." Mari said as she crossed her arms. "You both could f**k off. I don't want to see that face."

@Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

Floor 14 - Mari wasn't sure if she had ever been here before. During her long trips to the higher floors Mari often just...neglected this one. Why would she bother searching it? The floor was dark and dreary- filled with various crumbling structures. It was a wasteland. Filled with mountains that broke the heavens and gaping ravines. No one in their right mind would come here - but...that's exactly why Mari had chosen to come here today. She wanted some time alone - and she was tired. So very tired. Mari couldn't even stay in her own home - it had become a way point for the wayward. Normally Mari would be happy to accommodate them - but just for the next few days...she just wanted to enjoy some solitude.

She had set up a small camp some ways away from the path that lead through the floor.  Surrounded by spires of thick black stalagmites. Shielding her small camp from the view of those who just so happen to pass by. Her fire was dim - and small. Barely burning embers creating a soft amber glow.  Beside it an unassuming tarp tent - nothing fancy. Mari sat with her back against one of the stony protrusions. Her head lulling forward as she dozed in and out of consciousness. Her hands loosely gripped her polearm.

Crunch
    Crunch
       Crunch

"What's this?" The oily voice held a tone of surprise - then lips twisted up to a sadistic grin that broke pale features. The shadowy figure slowed their stead and their steps became near silent. The sounds not enough to wake Mari. "Ohhhh....we know you." The whisper came as a delighted purr, the figure kneeling down in front of her. It reached out, pale hands with spindly fingers dancing over Mari's cheeks.

This- woke Mari. She jolted with a start. "W-wha?" She went to push the figure back but it's hands snapped fast to her own and wrenched the polearm away from her - tossing it carelessly to the side. "Hello. Mari." 

Mari stilled at the sound of the voice. "F-Freyd?" Her eyes narrowed as she tried to peer beneath the hooded cowl. A small chuckle, that sounded almost just like Freyds came from the man before her. Though this one felt off somehow. Mari couldn't exactly place it.

"What the f**ck?" Surprise turned to rage. This was exactly what she wanted to get away from. "Get the f**k off me. How did you even find me? Where you following-"

"Evelyn." Mari stopped resisting at the sound of her daughters name. "Argumail. Tom. Sugar. Spice." He continued to list off the names of those she had taken from the world in a calm and methodical matter. The one hand that was not forcefully holding her wrist tapped the stone beside her ear in a steady rhythmic beat. 

Tap. Tap. Tap.

"Toshi. Echo. Aubrey." 

Tap. Tap. Tap.

"You've been busier than I thought."   He leaned closer now. His stance essentially pining Mari against the rock. His lips grazing her ear. "A little depraved isn't it?"

Why? Why was he doing this?  Mari shifted her head away - if she had the space - she'd have headbutt him. "The hell? Get off of me or-"

"Or what? You'll kill me?" He asked, a strange maddening delight dripping in his words. "Adding another to the tally?" He goaded. "I wouldn't blame you. I'd invite you to do it. Wouldn't that be easier? You wouldn't be..." His free hand moved to her chest - just on top of her sternum. "I can feel your heart pounding. That adreneline - that blind rage. I've heard all about it, Mari." 

 Mari hung her head. She felt like her energy had been drained. Even more so than before. She felt cold. Enough so that goosebumps had formed on her exposed skin. She had done this, hadn't she? Mari had told Freyd to go find the answers himself - and he had. But - what was this shift in behavior? Mari had seen snippets of it, but wasn't this a little extreme? "This...isn't exactly like you." Mari said quietly, forcing her eyes closed. Maybe. Just maybe she could talk some sense into him. Remove herself from the situation. 

"This is exactly like me."
 

General
Level: 77 | HP: 1570  |Energy: 154



BATTLE COPY
Mari    [H:0/0/0] - HP 1490/1490  | EN: 146/146 | DMG: 19 | MIT: 43 | EVA:3 | ACC: 4  | BH: 72 | BRN: 24 |BLEED: 24 | FLAME AURA: 15 |

SKILLS
Rank 5 Weapon (+5 DMG)
-Weapon Mod: Precision (+1 ACC)
-Weapon Mod: Ferocity (+1 DMG)
Rank 5 Charge (+5 Damage -1 ACC)
Charge Mod BULL RUSH: Successful charge stuns target 1 turn
Rank 5 Light Armor (+25 MIT)
Light Armor Mod Athletics -  Gain +1 base damage and +30 HP when wearing light armor
SURVIVAL
Rank 5 Battle Healing (5% of total health rounded down start of each turn)
Familiar Mastery Expert - +1 (*Tier) Damage - +9 Damage
Extended Mod Limit Rank 3 (+3 Mods)
First Aid: Cost 5% in EN Heal 4% per rank of a target party member’s maximum HP (rounded down). Cannot target the user.
Field Medic Mod: 12 En + 3 En per player:  heal for 20% of each party members maximum HP

EQUIPPED
Name: Bleeding Lance| Item Type: 2H Assault Spear | Tier 3
Enhancements: Bleed 2 | Damage 1
'Bleed Damage of 24 for 2 turns on a roll of 8-10'
'Burn Damage' of 24 for 2 turns on a roll of 8-10 - Unmitigated

Name: Beacon Necklace | Item Type: Pendant | Tier 2
Enhancements  +3 ACC 

Name: Infernal Shadow | Item Type: Light Armour | Tier 3
Enhancements:  +2 Eva | +1 Flame Aura
'Effect: Prevent (6 per slot * Tier) damage per slot from successful attacks against you. Successful non-critical attacks against you deal (5 per slot * Tier) unmitigated burn damage to the attacking enemy.

@Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

"Takeshi..." Mari said his name with a faint softness. She had been doing everything to push him back - she almost forgot that he...was just being himself. Someone who came to her in their time of need. And he was now offering something in return. "You know..." Mari began with the faintest of smiles. "It's not often I ever really get anything." She hated to admit it, but she was grateful. This...was a really sweet gesture. Mari reached out, one hand placed gently on his wrist as she squeezed it. "Thank you." Warmth, that had otherwise not been present burst from those two simple words as she reached out to clasp the item with her other hand. "Your first item, huh? It must be pretty speci-"

Her blood ran cold at the name etched in it. Evelyn Soft features scrunched up. Was this a joke? The name laughed at her, mockingly so. As clear as day. Where some would see a sweet, kind memory. Mari saw nothing but her past thrown directly in her face. She saw her mistake - she saw her sins - and oh how deeply they were still embedded into her. Clawed tendrils carving down her back. 

"Is this a f**kin' joke?" Mari spat. Throwing it down into the ground. The vambraces made nary a sound as the snow gently cushioned their fall. Her face shot up to meet his - angry tears burning hot at the corners of betrayed eyes. "It's not funny." She seethed. "You're worried you're empty?" Mari began as she took a step back, heaving chest gasping for air that did not reek of hurt. "Well, let me tell you something Takeshi." His name dripped like venom. A part of her told her to stop. Not to do this. He didn't deserve her pent up anger and emotions. He was just a bystander. But it was like a corrupted fountain.

"You're not. You're just as black as the creatures you hunt." Mari slowly clapped as she took more and more steps away from him, backward - "Congratulations. You manipulated your way into making me think you were a decent human being. Hope you're bloody proud of yourself"

And with that Mari left Freyd - the trinket still laying discarded in the snow in her wake.

Of course.

Nothing was sweet. Nor kind. Not in this world.

 

"I Happened."  All sense of jovial banter had left with her words - they spoke with a finality that would give Freyd no real answer.  There was a pause as her eyes shut. The seconds of silence grew to moments. The whispering noise of the winds being the only thing to break the stillness before Mari finally gave him something more. "You should look for the name Evelyn on the monument of life." 

The name felt foreign upon her lips. Her own damn daughter. It felt weird to say her name - because - Mari rarely spoke it. Rarely made mention of her. Even when poked and proded she at best gave brief snippets. 

"Come on." Mari said quietly as she slipped off the throne. "We should head back. I imagine it's getting pretty cold." Cold, like her words, her demeanor. Her lips, which were so quick to form into small smiles as she prattled on - quipping with witty comebacks was limp. Painted into a thing line. They silently left the creaking palace. Mari knew she had to do something - anything to break it.  To break out of that deafening prison - but...I'm too tired. What would Freyd say when he found out the truth? Would he call her a monster like so many others? Would he tell her it's okay, and that it wasn't her fault? Act like it didn't happen?

It wasn't till they were out of the palace - and the rustling of leaves gave way to gentle sing-songs of birds. And the methodical crunching of their feet were enough to snap Mari out of whatever stupor she had put herself in. "You know - you did show some pretty good control back there." Mari finally smiled. Weakly.

"Is it bad to say I liked seeing that? 'Cause you were emotional, and in the moment."

@Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

The exclaimation was unexpected- Freyd's voice roared with an unbridled rage. Burning anger that destroys everything in its path. Freyd's aggression burned white hot and fast- and as quickly as it had come, it was gone. Pummeled straight into the Nights King - a boss that was supposed to be fearsome. Cleaned up by the self proclaimed janitor. Sh*t. 

"My ego's a lil' hurt." Mari said as she bent down to pick up the discarded crown. It had yet to disappear. Mari popped it on top of her head and pressed herself into the cold throne behind her, biting her tongue to stop the involuntary shiver of cold. "The lady wishes she could have done more." Mari said as she crossed one leg over the other. Was she okay? Mari felt a little rattled, but beyond that. She was fine. Mari's gaze shifted again to the statue. 

Yeh. She was fine. 

Mari closed her eyes and breathed in. Used to the cold. Used to the fact that her daughter was gone. Mari was about as fine as she could be. "What about you, Takeshi? You kinda..." Mari rolled her hand, still keeping her otherwise regal pose - even as the crown finally shattered into data. "Look like you snapped a bit there - was it the way the king threw me?" Mari asked. "I gotta admit. I don't really like seeing players being flung around and impaled either - but...it's not like he hurt me."

@Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

"I'm sorry, Mari.  I didn't know."
 

"Pfft-hahahaha."  The abrupt laugh bounced around the room, echoing around them - highlighting just how cold the forced sound really was. "Freyd. Takeshi - what ya apologizin' for?" Mari gave him a hearty slap on the back. Perhaps a little too hard. "I'm just bothered by big ass things." It wasn't a lie. So Mari felt okay saying it. She could take a guess that he would know she was putting on a front. Especially with how quickly and abruptly she had switched it on. But she knew that he wouldn't ask at a time like this. 

Mari's gaze shifted back to the statue briefly. She wondered, was the king capable of missing his family? Even though he was data? "I suppose it wasn't very ice of him to leave all that food behind. If Mac were here he'd make a joke about eating it." Mari joked as she shifted attention to the table.  "Guess I can forgive him though." Mari said as she focused on his beady red eyes. Staring at them sent a shiver down her spine, "He's got a nice beard though." Mari added with a grin.

Her grin faded as he pushed past her, stalking up to the King with solemn words. Why did he do that? Come to think of it, didn't he have some strange summoning rite when he pulled his weapon out that other time? Did it need all the theatrics? Or were those to him, what puns were to her. Mari wordlessly darted forward - drawing her pole closer to the king - she rose it ready to attack and-

The Forgotten King lurched forward. Grabbing the hilt of the spear with one hand and drawing Mari closer with a quick jerk. The other grabbed Mari by her chin and effortlessly picked her up like she was a ragdoll. He held here there for a moment as though he were inspecting her, Mari stared defiantly down at him as she bought her legs up trying to wrench his gauntleted hand away.

Wordlessly, the King tossed Mari to the side. Mari was thrown against the empty thrown, her back bouncing off of it as she tumbled to the floor.

"NNng...." Mari glanced at her shoulders, her eyes traveled down her arms to her hands. Her extremities were covered in a thin layer of frost. It felt like it was slowing her down. Making movement hard. Weakening her more than it should. "Suppose that's what they meant by being weaker against it..." Mari muttered. 

"I'm fine." She called out to Freyd, getting up on one food then the other.

@Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows
 

Mari could tell he was giving her some sort of look. It probably wasn't a pleasant one, but could she blame him? She had just sat down in a huff, in the middle of a battle. Inside an ice strewn castle. Where a strong and unpredictable boss lurked nearby. Mari swallowed. The more she thought about it, the more ridiculous she seemed. He'd probably not want anything to do with her after this.

But wasn't that the intention? To annoy him enough to push him away?

If so. It was working. So why did she have this feeling in the pit of her stomach. It gnawed at her much like she gnawed at her cheek. He finished off the frosty creature without too much of a worry. That - was good. Right? Right. "Right." Mari said, voicing her inner thoughts. Every part of Mari screamed at her to stand. To just approach him and continue the quest as they should. Yet her legs remained resolutely folded. 

Mari slowly and silently pushed herself  to her feet. If he asked, perhaps she'd pretend like it didn't happen. Or maybe she'd tell him she was testing him. Mari doubted she could tell him the truth- which was that he was kinda getting under her skin, and she didn't like that.

"What's slowed you....down." Mari had started to ask the question but stopped when she saw the statue Freyd was staring at. Her mood instantly dropped. Of course it had to be something like that. A sweet mother and child. Mari tightened the grip on her polearm. "We should hurry." Mari muttered quietly. She didn't want to be here anymore. 

@Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

Passive+1 En
Mari | HP 1625/1625  | EN: 138/146 | DMG: 19 | MIT: 88 | EVA:5 | ACC: 6  | BH: 72 | BRN: 24 |BLEED: 24 | FLAME AURA: 15 |

Before Mari could say anything Freyd mentioned something about Oscar. "Ahh -look he's a super capable guy but I don't think you -" She paused as he jumped down. "Should...do...that..." Mari said with a sigh as she rubbed her left temple. "Dammit... at least he's not petting the damn things." Mari was briefly reminded of the Nemean Lion quest; and how someone who couldn't be any more than level 5 joined them because Oscar thought it was fine.  Both her and Yuki were in danger that day. The two recklessly throwing themselves in the line of danger.

Mari crossed her arms over her chest. Staring down at Freyd as he fought. "Hmmph." She then sat down, cross legged. "You do it." She called out after him. Refusing to budge. "Since you're oh so capable." She was clearly pouting. But her body was tensed in a way that if Freyd was in any real danger - she'd be ready to leap up.

The Frost Wight roared, and with what looked like a very hard blow, hit Freyd across his chest, sending him back several feet. Mari shifted to move till she saw his HP bar - it had moved just a sliver.

@Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:1149/1205 | EN:94/104 | DMG:19 | MIT:114 | EVA:4 | ACC:4 | KEEN:1 | HLY:6 | BLD:36 | BH:21 - 56 DAM
Mari | HP 1625/1625  | EN: 137/146 | DMG: 19 | MIT: 88 | EVA:5 | ACC: 6  | BH: 72 | BRN: 24 |BLEED: 24 | FLAME AURA: 15 |-2 EN

Action: [x9 AoE] Weeping Moon (9 Energy +2 per target hit) - Do a single and powerful 360-degree spin
19 x 9 = 171

BD:167763   BD:1 MISS
ID" 167764  Mob:9 HIT > Freyd  170 -114=56

[H:0,0] Frost Wight #5| HP: 0/100 | MIT: 25 | DMG: 120 (Crit: +50 on 9: +60 on 10) (100 – 227)
[H:0,0] Frost Wight #6| HP: 0/100 | MIT: 25 | DMG: 120 (Crit: +50 on 9: +60 on 10) (100 – 219)
[H:0,0] Frost Wight #7| HP: 0/100 | MIT: 25 | DMG: 120 (Crit: +50 on 9: +60 on 10) (100 – 219)
[H:0,0] Frost Wight #8| HP: 100/100 | MIT: 25 | DMG: 120 (Crit: +50 on 9: +60 on 10)

"Excuse me?" Mari exclaimed loudly as she took a large step back from Freyd. Cheeks red. "Just what the hell are you implying?" Did he really mean Her outfit? Mari was wearing shorts - and a sleeveless form fitting overall. The only warm thing about her outfit was her black scarf - and perhaps the leather harness - which had cracks within it - ones that glowed gently as though magma flowed beneath the leathery surface. "You'd have better luck jumpin' into the frozen lake." Mari said with a scoff as she turned away from him. Starting to stomp in a direction - not even sure if it was the right way. 

Definitely dangerous. Who'd make such a comment after someone admits they used to be the most wanted PKer? Someone who had far too many screws loose. Far too many. 

Freyd followed suit- and if Mari didn't know any better she swore she could hear him chuckling under his breath. If they weren't doing a quest together Mari would have half a mind to shove him face first into the snow and high  tail it outta there. But that'd do no one any good. 

"Good. Let's just kill it and get outta here." 

@Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

Mari knealt down in the snow. "Ah. Mongoose." Mari leaned forward on her knees, crouching down in the snow. "S-sorry...by the way." Mari didn't need to explain what it was for. She had essentially called his familiar pond scum. Not many would take too kindly to that. "I forget..." Mari said with a small sigh as she clicked her fingers - summoning her own familiar. "That people are attached to their familiars. That they create meaningful bonds with them. So what I said was insensitive." 

Mari's familiar - Kohaku- was just that. A Kohaku koi fish. A white fish with smatterings of red splattered all over its body. The large fish swam slowly around Mari as though the air were gentle river currents. "Say whatever you want about mine." Mari added with a lop-sided grin toward Freyd. "I get it-" She reached out her hand, and Kohaku gently swam underneath it- strangly enough the fish seemed to compliment her perfectly. "A floating fish is kinda ridiculous." 

Mari pulled her hand in as Freyd asked her about the Pink Pker issue. "I..." He really had no idea.  "You really- don't know?" Mari shook her head with  a bitter laugh. "Gods...is it bad I'm kinda happy to hear that? The Pink Pker - once the strongest player to walk Aincrad. The most feared." Mari stood slowly, brushing wet snow off her clothing. "Some called her the mad alchemist. Many, a monster - but...I'd have preferred it if they just called me Mari. Just Mari."

@Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

It was neither. Mari almost forgot that they were on a quest - and that yanno...regular mobs were a thing. She felt a little frustrated that she forgot such a simple thing. "You know..." Mari said as she pulled out her spear - "I don't usually go hunting mobs. Despite being such a high level - I just..." Mari sighed. She didn't want to explain to Freyd that she found battling tiring. She'd rather live as normal a life as possible - and fighting crystal dragons and behemoths didn't really fit in with that. She supposed she never could go back to 'normal' not now.

"Sooo...." Mari stared at the glob on the ground. "You got a cat familiar but its made out of the junk you scrape off the top of a fish tank?" It sounded harsher than Mari intended. She blinked. "Sh*t. I mean- Ugh." She didn't have time to apologize. First, the enemy. Apologies later.

Mari grit her teeth and charged toward the final Frost Wight - long spindly appendages- the thing could barely stand. Easy pickings. Mari exhaled, her brows furrowed as she  focused on the enemy. She didn't want to falter now - not in front of someone as dangerous as Freyd. So forward she went - booted feet crunching against the snow beneath. Mari approached the Frost Wight - stopping just a few metres away from it. She swung her spear forward and shattered it in one fell swoop.

"There."

Mari stood slowly, the remnants of the beast falling like tiny crystals, gently shimmering in the afternoon light that broke through the tree lined path. 

"Suppose we both lost the bet, eh?"

@Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

Mari | HP 1625/1625  | EN: 146/146 | DMG: 19 | MIT: 88 | EVA:5 | ACC: 6  | BH: 72 | BRN: 24 |BLEED: 24 | FLAME AURA: 15 |

Action: [x9 AoE] Weeping Moon (9 Energy +2 per target hit) - Do a single and powerful 360-degree spin
19 x 9 = 171

Mari
BD: 1 (miss).  Freyd misses Frost Wight #4.
ID:167746  BD:9 CRITICAL!
20 x 9=180-25=155

[H:0,0] Frost Wight #1| HP: 0/100 | MIT: 25 | DMG: 120 (Crit: +50 on 9: +60 on 10) (100 – 203)
[H:0,0] Frost Wight #2| HP: 0/100 | MIT: 25 | DMG: 120 (Crit: +50 on 9: +60 on 10) (100 – 203)
[H:0,0] Frost Wight #3| HP: 0/100 | MIT: 25 | DMG: 120 (Crit: +50 on 9: +60 on 10) (100 – 203)
[H:0,0] Frost Wight #4| HP: 0/100 | MIT: 25 | DMG: 120 (Crit: +50 on 9: +60 on 10) 180-25= 155

"Whaaat?" Mari sounded annoyed and exasperated. "You know...you think I'd be used to people following me." Mari added with a drawn out sigh as she fruitlessly pushed her fringe out of her face. It was normal for something or someone to be tailing her, but they usually left well enough alone, especially on this floor. So hearing it was a little surprising.They were walking side by side now, crunched footsteps leaving a trail in the now. Mari didn't realize how much taller Freyd was compared to her - practically an entire head. It shouldn't be - just as much as he shocked her with his age, Mari probably did the same to others. She was short - and rash. The main telltale signs of age being her figure. "I never learn, not really." Mari added with a grin. Trying to keep the banter light.

"So...." Mari turned to glance over her shoulder. Being not anywhere near as stealthy as Freyd- she didn't care if their pursuers knew she was onto them.  "Wanna take a bet on whats followin' us? People after the notorious Pink PKer - or your goop friends?"

@Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

"She was?" Mari asked. "That's....that's good." Mari still felt guilty about abandoning the whole thing. Domarus...and a boy named Lycan. They were both hell bent on bringing her back. Mari wondered if anything became of that awkward love triangle that seemed to be going on. "Good. That group was trash. I ...." Mari clenched her jaw and shut her eyes. "I shoulda done something." But she didn't.

She would now though. "You're not asking." Mari informed Hidden. "I'm offering. I wanna be there for you - and truth be told. I'm curious how he's doing. So, I kinda got my own motivation for going to see him." Mari pushed herself off the ground, dusting the debris from herself. It seemed like this meeting was coming to a close. "But if you don't want me there, I respect that - just know the offers there, and it's really no skin off my bones."

Mari couldn't help but snort, followed by a short loud laugh at Hidden's comment. "Batman- she calls him." Mari added in an amused tone, she could see it. She waved off her outburst. "Sorrry I just..." Mari gestured to him, "You gotta see the resemblance there, dude. But - I'm good if Hidden's good."

@Itzal @Hidden

This was easier. It wasn't the two of them cooped up in her home talking about insecurities and vulnerabilities. Things Mari would rather not focus on. Instead; a quest was proposed and Mari all too willingly agreed. She wanted a distraction. And with the floor boss fight looming ever closer - it'd be good to grasp any last minute experience. Not that she felt she needed it. She already had a surplus of SP - but in a world where numbers ruled, every extra mattered.

Mari sat amongst the snow - against a tree. Back to her usual attire, she looked like a flame, flickering and burning strong against a world of sheer cold white. "What have I gotten myself into now?" Mari asked herself as she shut her eyes. She wasn't going to go back on what she promised. But...Freyd was proving to be a little more difficult to manage than she first thought. He noticed things she didn't want others to see. Mari told herself she'd have to be careful around him.

Lich-King type dude in you typical, cliche ice fortress to the north. 

Mari opened her eyes at the sound of the voice. Speak of the devil. "Well, good thing I've got my flame armour." Mari said as she stood, stretching. "Can't be any worse than what we've already faced. Right?"

@Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

Consimed the following
T3 | Super Sight Miso Ramen :  +2 ACC
Super Speed Shoyu Ramen : +2 EVA
Super Armor Miso Ramen: +45 MIT 
Super Health Miso Ramen: +[135] Overhealth

Complete

All Players Recieve;

2 SP (Thread +1 Bonus)

200 Col

There was a slight chuckle followed by a shrug of her shoulders at his quip against her. Was it that obvious for him to pick up on? Or had he guessed? By the way she kept shifting things over to him. It didn't matter, she didn't really have any problems that needed to be immediately addressed. Besides- each and every time she had reached out it had been made painfully clear that her problems were hers and hers alone to deal with.

"-you're one of the few people I've met in here who has the nerve to handle this place."

Mari gently shook her head in disagreement. "Handling is an interesting word to use. I just kinda take each day as it comes." There were so many people who had handled this place better than her. People who hadn't taken lives. Who didn't have problems with their insecurities and anger. People who were able to rise above it all and stand tall. Mari was none of that. She was just there to push others forward. "Mmm.." Mari tilted her head, eyes shifting to glance at Freyd from the side. "Maybe. Just a little." She admitted. "I care- I'm not sure if its outta my own guilt or that I'm just tired. But I don't wanna see anyone else die."

She jumped as she felt him slide the  blanket over her shoulders. The sudden weight of the blanket was oddly comforting."I don't trust myself either. But -You know, they don't have to understand to help." Mari pulled the blanket tighter over her shoulders. For every compliment she seemed to have a deflection. Mari never really realized how cold she was till she wrapped herself up. Even when she slept, it was usually on the floor, curled up. There were no blankets or pillows involved. Mari still feeling like such comforts were not for a murderer like her. She had yet to earn them. Mari's eyes were drawn to the mirror as he pulled the material away.

Mari hated her reflection. She saw a bundle of messy hair tied carelessly up and away from a round face. Pale, as though kissed by the moonlight and hidden away from the sun. Freckles dotted her cheeks and nose - and they scrunched when she furrowed her brows. Tired eyes stared back. She hated her reflection. It was the main reason she kept the mirror covered. Mari pulled her gaze away as she took two steps back, then to the side so she could lean her back against the wall, leaning beside the mirror. 

Mari looked smaller- lost in the fluffy folds of a blanket, shoulders slumped. Despite that - she persevered. "So - we need to hunt gloopy shadow you, then?"

@Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

"Maybe we can help each other,"

"Of course!" Mari began as she placed her hands back on the table and around her small teacup. "Jacobs Ladder is-" Her words and zealousness fizzled out as Freyd continued. It seemed his definition of help, and hers - were two different things. Mari listened to his story silently. She couldn't exactly relate - she was never a social  butterfly, but she had never gone so far down as he had - at least - not in her youth.

She knew what it was like though. Isolation. Suffocating in a prison of your own design. "No matter how hard we try..." Mari began quietly as her blue eyes fluttered downward. She delicately traced her thumbs over the rim of her cup. "We can never truly push everything down. At some point - we'll crack, and explode at those around us." Mari spoke with the weight of experience. How many people had she snapped at? How many people had she hurt? 

Never again...

 Mari was a little curious at the ease Freyd had spoken about the incident - did he recoil back into his shell again? It seemed likely. The guy barely managed to understand the concept of someone simply draping a blanket over him. There were so many tatters and tears that scarred him deep. Things that Mari couldn't imagine nor fathom. Furthermore - it was a curiosity in and of itself that he had broached this with her of all people. Doesn't he realize I'm like a poison?

"I'd not care if you did judge me." Mari said with more strength to her tone of voice as she lifted her eyes to met the melting warmth of his own. "I'm...not sure why you're telling me all this but- my offer stands. I guess you feel I can help you in some way with it all. So if you ever need - just let me know." Mari managed a small grin as she pointed at herself. "If anything, I'm a pretty resilient punching bag."

Keep smiling. Be the person he needs.

"I haven't done the Gemini quest-" Mari said as Freyd recalled his experience with distaste. "I know I should but -  It just doesn't appeal to me right now. Everyone I talk to has such terribly negative experiences with it. Why should I bother to put myself through the same?" Mari leaned forward - over the table to press the tip of her index finger against his nose. The action intended to draw him away from his own darkness. Be it out of recoil or shock. It was subtle, but his tone seemed to drop half an octave. His body seemed to tense, but it may just be a trick of the dimming light outside. "What you're sayin' just cements the fact that I shouldn't bother."

"Don't beat yourself up though - you drew on those emotions, yeh? You focused them against a towering enemy. Sounds like you got some control right?" Mari mused as she leaned back. Mari gave Freyd a questioning glance as he stared at the back of his hand - but didn't voice anything. Sometimes, curiosity was best left alone.

"You're kinda an idiot though." Mari added as she picked up her cup and downed the rest of its contents. Pausing for effect. "You had so many people offering you aid yet you gallivant off into the woods on your own? When you already figured that the game is targeting the psyche." Mari stood abruptly. She felt like he had said enough. She wanted to know more but this was so clearly bothering him.

"So you're empty cause some gross ass thing crawled outta you? I'd be relieved. That crap ain't in you anymore. It's Like..." Mari paused then gave Freyd a cheesy grin. "It's like throwing up after a bad meal, or taking a really good sh*t. You'll feel better."

Mari shifted so she stood  by his side You're empty because you're used to that weight. So we got two options the way I see it. We can go fight this thing and shove it back down your gullet although I have no idea why anyone would want that. OR - we can fill that emptiness with something else. I dunno what, I ain't one for crazy ass speeches - thats Yuki's thing."

@Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows