Mari

Mari wasn't in the square - that was set right smack bang in the middle of a safe zone - and despite her having broken her oath to never set foot in one earlier - that was...under different circumstances. That was to help sort out Freyd - and Chaser - even if that 'help' was to slap Chaser across the face. But this? This didn't warrant Mari risking her life. It didn't warrant her running away from guards, nor the NPCs and other players running away from her.

So - then why? Why was Mari here? Lingering on the outskirts of town, hands wrapped up in her oversized scarf, cerulean eyes flicking between the main gates to the town and to the floor. Waiting for any sign of the group. Why bother? Why try helping people who probably didn't want any whiff of her? Especially when she was so tired. So very tired. Mari hid her fatigue well. Strangers, and acquaintances would narry notice how much weight she had carried - but those who were closer - would notice the bags under her eyes - how when she thought now one was looking her shoulders drooping. The downcast gaze and sighs of exhaustion. 

All things she did her best to hide - as she would plaster across her freckled face a faint smile. A small mantra 'I can do this' echoing in the chambers of her mind.

"Why..." the word fell from her parted lips. Why was she here? To save face? To help an acquaintance, or maybe - if she kept helping others- and pushing herself to her limits - she wouldn't have the time to focus on the trouble brewing within her.

yeh, that sounded about right.

Your gentle wishes haunt me, I hear you calling...

Mari grit her teeth, why? Why was he targeting all the other players, taunting them? Fiddling with them - casting their shadows in whatever way he saw fit. Granted- one of which was Oscar wearing what appeared to be a frilly maid dress - Mari wasn't sure, the amalgamation of darkness was ever shifting, like a carpet of fetid maggots - and it was a struggle to see any clear picture.  Mari took a cursory glance over her shoulder at the Shadow. "Tch." It had...for the most part been ignoring her. But - in all honesty, that was for the best, right? Mari didn't care about its useless taunts. They had no real effect on her - but...what about the others? Concern filled drifting azure orbs as they danced over each player within her party. Their health had began to dwindle. Why was hers fine? Why was she left untouched? Unbidden? - wasn't she the one who had caused the most suffering here? THe player with the most sins crawling on their back? How was this fair? The one who didn't want to exist? When everyone else here had someone, something to fight for and waiting for them on the outside - why was she the outlier? Mari forced her eyes shut. Guilt ebbed at her, it seemed almost comical. Even now , in the heat of battle. Mari felt like she was just...there. Floating, existing, and yet not - at the same time. What a strange feeling. She felt as though she could walk away from the field, and narry a single person would blink an eye. How easy would it be to just keep wandering till she found the edge.

Each night I try to sleep - but I'm falling, failing.
 

But....if she did that, others would surely die. Another gaze at the health bars of her comrades, and Mari noted that the friend she held closest to hear heart was in trouble, his health bar blinking a warning yellow. Mari pulled out a crystal, and crushed it in her hands.

"There." Mari opened the palm of her hand and let the remnants of the crystal scatter across the unseen wind, sprinkled and glittering - the orange sands rested gently upon @Macradon's taught muscular arms - as his skin leeched in the soothing dust - his HP bar increased, but no - that wasn't enough. "It's about time I did some healing for a change." Mari breathed as she extended her arm high above her head, and with a twirl of her wrist - the members of her party all recovered 20% of their initial HP.

She noticed @Bahr miss again, and winced. The frustration and guilt he must be feeling...should she reach out to him? Say something? Mari chewed on her lower lip. What would the point be. He'd probably think she was just...tricking him or something. Mari's eyes widened then narrowed when she saw the shadows circling him like predator to prey. Fuck it. Let him be pissed at her. Mari had stopped begining to care what others thought.

With sure and steady steps Mari approached Bahr, unceremoniously stomping hard on any shadow her feet had the pleasure of stamping out - till she stood in front of Bahr. Mari tilted her head to the side, already, that confidence was fading. She chewed her inner cheek. Shit. What was she supposed to say to him? Mari was terrible at rousing words. She thought they were stupid. So, instead of saying anything, Mari simply reached out and gave him two small pats on the shoulder.

Pat-pat.

Everyone else was fighting, everyone else was doing their best. Even if Mari didn't entirely agree with healing or trying to purify Orgoth, she understood the desire to protect life, and couldn't fault anyone for trying. 

All she could do, was stand by - and wait.

Passive:   +3 EN regen
Action: FIRST AID > PARTY  12 EN +6= 18 EN
-18 EN

-USES 1x HP RECOVERY CRYSTAL II > MACRADON +120HP  (3 remain)

5 x T1 Mass Heal Crystals 30xTier to Party |3 x HP Recovery Crystal II (Heals Target 120HP) X4| Teleport Crystal

  12 En + 3 En per player:  heal for 20% of each party members maximum HP
H:10] Macradon | HP: 1569/1985 | EN: 181/191 | DMG: 23 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 2 | MIT: 194 | HLY: 12 | VO: 198 | PHASE | REC: 6 | FRTHRNS: 21, 6 DOT | FIGHTING SPIRIT | LD: 5 | EN REGEN: 3 | FRAURA: 15 | [Parry: 2/2] | [BH Disabled: 1/2] +397 HP FIRST AID  +120HP Recovery Crystal
[H:4] ChaseR | HP: 1690/1690 | EN: 132/148 | DMG: 23 | ACC: 6 | EVA: 5 | MIT: 106 | HLY: 12 | BRN: 12 | TXV: 24 | PRLYZ: 8+ | VD: 84 | HBS: 16 | LD: 8 | Dote: 3 | DoT -27 | BH: 84 | EN REGEN: 3 | FIGHTING SPIRIT  +338 HP FIRST AID  
[H:2] Mari  | HP: 1817/1910 | EN: 130/170 | DMG: 23 | ACC: 6 | EVA: 4 | MIT: 88 | FLN: 6 | VO: 191 | FLAURA: 15 | KEEN: 1 | Dote: 3 | Dot: -27 | Oxidant | BH: 95 | EN REGEN: 3 | [KEEN] 338 HP FIRST AID -18 EN
[H:4] Hidden | HP: 1510/1510 | EN: 105/130 | DMG: 23 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 5 | MIT: 79 | HLY: 8 | VO: 226 | LD: 3 | Dote: 3 | DoT: -27 | Oxidant | BH: 75 | EN REGEN: 3 302 HP FIRST AID
[H:0] Pinball | HP: 1500/1500 | EN: 127/132 | DMG: 20 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 6 | MIT: 15 | BH: 90 | BRN: 36 | BLI: 36 | BLD: 36 | TXV: 24 | SAFEGUARD | Dote: 3 | DoT: -27 | Oxidant | RESTED: 3/3 | EN REGEN: 3 300 HP FIRST AID
[H:2] Jomei | HP: 15705/1705 | EN: 153/169 | DMG: 21 | ACC: 6 | EVA: 6 | MIT: 88 | BRN: 36 | BLI: 36 | HB: 16 | BH: 85 | EN REGEN: 3   341 HP FIRST AID

“I like the next one, with the past dripping in blood, who deludes herself that a tint of orange can serve as sufficient cover-up.  Her sins are black enough to match my own.  She thinks to heal others, yet cannot heal herself!

He was wrong of course, the Shadow was merely touting words meant to hurt her - even so. His observation was wrong. Mari didn't adorn herself in shades of orange to hide her cursor; if anything. It was to accent it. Bring it to light. For too long people were complacent with not only her, but so very many other PKers - Time and time again...she had met strangers who instead of meeting her with ire and caution - gave her warm smiles and trust. Such misplaced trust.... "Mmmm...." She tilted her head to the side, chewing her lip. He was right about one thing, and one thing only. She could not heal herself.

Do I even want to?

"Talks a lot, doesn't he?" Mari asked the group of people around her; Mari knew each one of them, barring Pinball - whose name she only knew thanks to the absolute mess of a boss meeting months earlier. Mari doubted anyone would pay her much mind. They were busy fighting, rallying. Attacks were thrown, by the giant Minotaur puppet and  by the players. Try as the shadow might to goad their failures - everyone was doing....surprisingly well. So much so that Mari felt like she wasn't needeed. Her blue gaze shifted to the floor, watching the shadows dance across the dirt encrusted surface.

"It would be so easy to let their darkness out to play-"

Mari flinched at those words, a hand instinctively going up to her chest. Hadn't that already happened? The ordeal with Freyd...his shadow - and hers - gemini rip-offs? She wasn't sure. But she did know that she was ready for it to take her life.For Mari that was a soft, hopeful dark - taunting her, beckoning her like the warmth of a flickering fire. Offering safety, sanctuary - but much like fire, if she touted that line too closely she'd be hurt. 

                                               "Do I have any volunteers? Or shall I choose for myself?”

Volunteers...for what? To fall? To be attacked? To have the tendrils of his control weight down on their limbs? Mari's heart skipped a beat - would that - also give her the rest she so desperately craved? The silence and the peace? Her lip quivered as she took a step forward at his bellow - inhaling, ready to offer herself up. The meeting, they all said it'd be best if no one had to, but if anyone did. 

Should it not be one with a past dripping in blood?

"IF you're insisting on taking anyone t-" Words filled with a resolute confidence faltered at the mere sound of a familiar voice.

Mari was interrupted. @Macradon asked her if she should heal Orgoth. Mari shook her head. "No." She looked back to the bull, its limbs twisting and contorting with sickening snaps, veings pressed up against his taught skin. "I don't think that'd cut it. If anything...It'd want death, or purification." Mari snorted. "And I am most definately not one to purify anything. I'd rather save my strength to heal you all when you need it."

For the time being,  the distraction was enough for Mari - to not uselessly throw herself at the Shadows mercy - A quick glance at her groups HP Bar showed that no one needed healing. They were all practically at full health, and if not full, then a mere sliver off. Healing now would be a waste. So instead; Mari kicked forward.

Choosing to conserve her Energy Mari chose not to use her strongest attack, chose not to use her charge skill. No, that'd wait for the Shadow creature who would no doubt take the lead once his toy had been broken. 

Quickened steps lead her toward Orgoth, Mari was short, and her weapon light, so she was able to weave around Orgoth easily, striking him over and over. A brutal strike to his armpit as he rose his weapon, another to his jugular - a low blow to his ankle - and a final thrust as Mari lowered herself, skidding across the ground between his legs - the final thrust landing right- up his groin area.  Harsh and calculated were here strikes, each one quickly placed to deal the most traumatizing damage. Mari exhaled, her face and body covered in dirt as she was now sprawled out on the floor, behind Orgoth,  closer to the Shadow she shot him a dirty look before pushing herself off the ground and dusting herself off. 

Not offering the taunting child any words Mari simply turned her back on him. Focusing on Orgoth, and her party.

------------------------------------------

Passive: +84 BH  +3 EN
Action:
[x10] Vent Forth (11 Energy) - A five-hit skill that employs three spinning slashes, concluded with one final thrust which stuns the opponent

ID:178928  BD: 3 +6=9-3=6 HIT  
23x10=230-100=130 DAMAGE DEALT

[H:8] Macradon | HP: 1985/1985 | EN: 182/191 | DMG: 23 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 2 | MIT: 194 | HLY: 12 | VO: 198 | PHASE | REC: 6 | FRTHRNS: 21, 6 DOT | RESTED: 0/2 | FIGHTING SPIRIT | LD: 5 | EN REGEN: 3 | FRAURA: 15 | [Parry: 1/2]
[H:4] ChaseR | HP: 1600/1690 | EN: 133/148 | DMG: 23 | ACC: 6 | EVA: 5 | MIT: 106 | HLY: 12 | BRN: 12 | TXV: 24 | PRLYZ: 8+ | VD: 84 | HBS: 16 | LD: 8 | Dote: 3 | DoT -27 | RESTED: 0/2 | BH: 84 | EN REGEN: 3 | FIGHTING SPIRIT
[H:1] Mari | HP: 1804/1910 | EN: 144/170 | DMG: 23 | ACC: 6 | EVA: 4 | MIT: 88 | FLN: 6 | VO: 191 | FLAURA: 15 | KEEN: 1 | Dote: 3 | Dot: -27 | Oxidant | BH: 95 | EN REGEN: 3 | [KEEN] 
[H:2] Hidden | HP: 1395/1510 | EN: 112/130 | DMG: 23 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 5 | MIT: 79 | HLY: 8 | VO: 226 | LD: 3 | Dote: 3 | DoT: -27 | Oxidant | RESTED: 0/2 | PHASE: 40%, 1 HIT | BH: 75 | EN REGEN: 3
[H:0] Pinball | HP: 1500/1500 | EN: 127/132 | DMG: 20 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 6 | MIT: 15 | BH: 90 | BRN: 36 | BLI: 36 | BLD: 36 | TXV: 24 | SAFEGUARD | Dote: 3 | DoT: -27 | Oxidant | RESTED: 3/3 | EN REGEN: 3
[H:2] Jomei | HP: 1616/1705 | EN: 156/169 | DMG: 21 | ACC: 6 | EVA: 6 | MIT: 88 | BRN: 36 | BLI: 36 | HB: 16 | BH: 85 | EN REGEN: 3 | RESTED:

"Err...."  He literally headbutted the thing to death. Sure, it had a single hit point but...it just felt - weird  to watch. It was almost comical. The thing left a cloud of  dust which Freyd inevitably inhaled the....remnants. "Not quite sure you came out ahead in that one." I said with a small snort. It was...refreshingly human of him. I glanced over at the NPCs, my expression neutral. I didn't really find it too important to give them much attention. Try as the game might to make them seem human, and force us to have empathy for them - I found myself not giving two shits about the duo. The whole fiasco, their relationship - the story - it seemed like a canned tale. Tripe shoved down your throat. 

"It must be exhausting to constantly watch your back-'

"Not really." I said in response to Freyd, "That may have been true in the past." I headed back to the caravan and hoisted myself up to the seat, shuffling to try and find some sort of comfortable position on the small wooden plank that served as the front seat. I sighed my head thunked against the caravan. "I've kinda gotten used to that. Someone is always touting justice. OFten those are the ones who attack without thought." I chewed on my cheek. "No, now its just exhausting to exist." 

What a cop out of an answer. But it was. "People..." I stopped and shut my eyes. "Are either far too wrapped up in their own desires, or too busy pushing those onto others these days." Yeh. That sounded better. It was true; people were selfish, maybe I was too. Why was I pushing myself so hard to please everyone who came my way? Why did I have to help every person who asked, to talk through every conflict? Wouldn't it be easier to stop all that?

I wouldn't care if something did took that time from me.

"Rest...HAH."

I didn't mean it to sound so callous, and I instantly regretted it. I winced, the interactions between Freyd and I felt strained enough. Although I had a feeling that it may have been mostly on my side, that I think too much - and Freyd was simply just being Freyd, his actions nothing more than whims from a calculated mind. Yeh...he seemed like that, the kind of person to just do something. Not because he didn't think about it, no, but because it was more logical to take action than to hesitate. "I didn't mean it exactly like that..." I muttered, it was a poor ass excuse for an apology. I knew that. "I just- don't think rest is somethin' I'd get without being dead, yanno."  I offered him a weak smile in return to his, I felt he didn't seem to smile often.

I wasn't sure if he'd even listen - or care - he'd probably call her a lost cause, tell her she needs to take steps to fix that. Anything , everything - it's all on her. It always is. I sighed. Closing my eyes. No that didn't matter. I just had to take a page outta his book, just - act.

I followed through with his attack. Snorting at his comment, "Some people like biting." I called out - not even glancing behind me. Keep up the jokes, make things light. Make things right. 

I charged forward - I aimed for the first of the two - but slipped on loose gravel. Rather than lament at my slip up I righted myself and without skipping a beat moved to the second, as I jammed the tip of my spear into its chest it exploded in a ball of radiating light. 

"I slipped, get that last one."

 There was no shame in those small slip ups...I had to remember that.


@Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:1150/1150 | EN:84/112 | DMG:22 | MIT:124| EVA:3 | ACC:6 | KEEN:1 | HLY:6 | BLD:36 | BH:34
Mari | HP 1610/1610  | EN: 158/158 | DMG: 19 | MIT: 43 | EVA:3 | ACC: 4  | BH: 72 | BRN: 24 |BLEED: 24 | FLAME AURA: 15 

[[x1 AoE] Sonic Charge (1 Energy +2 per target hit) - A forward thrust which explodes energy at the end of the move.
19x1=19-15=4 DAMaGE

ID:178166 - Chittering Husk 5 - Miss
ID:178167 Chittering Husk 6 - 9 HIT

ID #177141 | BD: 6+6+1=12 (hit). Freyd deals (12*22=264-15=249) to Chittering Husk #5.  
ID #177142 | BD: 4+6+1=10 (hit). Freyd deals (12*22=264-15=249) to Chittering Husk #6.  

[0,0] Chittering Husk #5: HP 1/250 | MIT 15 | DMG 80
[0,0] Chittering Husk #6: HP 0/250 | MIT 15 | DMG 80 -4 DAM

It was difficult to ascertain what the other party was doing - all Mari knew is that she had to keep her eye on the health off those in her party. She gripped her polearm. This...was how she almost lost Alkor last time , this was how Rebekah died - the players in those groups were selfish, and all were vying for last hit. But this.... This was different. Felt different. Mari trusted those in the other groups. She had faith in them - and somehow...despite everything. She didn't feel scared.

Mari stared up at Orgoth, a towering beast with wisps of shadow eminating off his hulking form - a formidable beast to be sure. Then there was that voice that rang off the walls. Dark, cold, and callous. Despite that, despite everything. Mari didn't feel afraid. She wasn't scared nor spurred forth by any sense of urgency. Was she worried about her fellow players? Yeh. She wasn't completely heartless. But herself? No.

This was the first round of battle for their squad. Mari would attack this round, and if she needed to fall back and heal the second, she would. Mari ran forward - past @Bahr who had fallen back after his miss, Mari glanced over her shoulder at him and gave him a short, sympathetic look before focusing back on her target. She knew all too well what it was like to miss. 

Orgoth had been distracted, and the booming voice around them gave Mari the perfect opening - she followed suit in the footsteps of a man who hated her. And jumped up onto the large axe, teetering as she caught her balance before running up its handle and driving the tip of her shadowed weapon into Orgoth. "Tch.." She ripped it out of his body then thrust it again, and again - quickly in succession between the Boarish Brutes rock hard abs. 

Finally Mari finished off with an overhead swing - and managed to roll away back by her group. 


"Keep hittin' him hard - I'll fall back and heal if we need it next round."



[x15] Dimension Stampede (17 Energy) - An attack with four fast stabs, only to be concluded by a jumping slam from above
ID:177312  BD: 4 + 6=10-3 =7 HIT
23x15=345-100-245
HIT ORGOTH FOR 245 DAMAGE

[H:5] Macradon | HP: 1985/1985 | EN: 186/191 | DMG: 23 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 2 | MIT: 194 | HLY: 12 | VO: 198 | PHASE | REC: 6 | FRTHRNS: 21, 6 DOT | SAFEGUARD | RESTED: 2/2 | PARRY | FIGHTING SPIRIT | LD: 5 | EN REGEN: 3 | FRAURA: 15
[H:2] ChaseR | HP: 1690/1690 | EN: 139/148 | DMG: 23 | ACC: 6 | EVA: 5 | MIT: 106 | HLY: 12 | BRN: 12 | TXV: 24 | PRLYZ: 8+ | VD: 84 | HBS: 16 | LD: 8 | Dote: 3 | DoT -27 | RESTED: 1/2 | BH: 84 | EN REGEN: 3 | FIGHTING SPIRIT
[H:2] Mari | HP: 1910/1910 | EN: 153/170 | DMG: 23 | ACC: 6 | EVA: 4 | MIT: 88 | FLN: 6 | VO: 191 | FLAURA: 15 | KEEN: 1 | Dote: 3 | Dot: -27 | Oxidant | BH: 95 | EN REGEN: 3
[H:0] Hidden | HP: 1510/1510 | EN: 130/130 | DMG: 23 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 5 | MIT: 79 | HLY: 8 | VO: 226 | LD: 3 | Dote: 3 | DoT:  -27 | Oxidant | RESTED: 2/2 | PHASE: 40%, 1 HIT | BH: 75 | EN REGEN: 3
[H:0] Pinball | HP: 1500/1500 | EN: 132/132 | DMG: 20 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 6 | MIT: 15 | BH: 90 | BRN: 36 | BLI: 36 | BLD: 36 | TXV: 24 | SAFEGUARD | Dote: 3 | DoT: -27 | Oxidant | RESTED: 3/3 | EN REGEN: 3
[H:0] Jomei | HP: 1705/1705 | EN: 169/169 | DMG: 21 | ACC: 6 | EVA: 6 | MIT: 88 | BRN: 36 | BLI: 36 | HB: 16 | BH: 85 | EN REGEN: 3

I had been picked up along the way, riding on the outside of the wagon beside Freyd. Honestly...I was  thankful that he hadn't asked too many more questions, I felt absolutely exhausted- and it was a struggle to keep my eyes open. I felt myself nodding off - vaguely aware of his conversations with the NPCs - at one point my head may have hit Freyd's shoulder, but I was too out of it to be sure - and he didn't react in a way that suggested it happened.

I was jostled wake when we came to a stop. "What's goin' on?" I asked, rubbing my eyes. I knew now was not a time to rest. No, rest wouldn't ever come for someone like me. I became more awake when I realized we were being swarmed by husks. "Dammit." I muttered as I pulled out my spear. Freyd was thankfully on top of it, having wiped all but one of them out.

There was only one left, and it was almost too pitiful to fight. Still. It'd be best to put it out of its misery. I rubbed my eyes and yawned as I thrust my spear, the tip barely grazed the skin of the creature before it exploded. "Are we close to the surface?" I asked as I turned to look at Freyd.

Should I....have thanked him for his quick action? I chewed my lip. Probably. He probably thought I was a bitch. Not that it mattered. "Good job on that, by the way." That counted.

Right?

@Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP:1150/1150 | EN:112/112 | DMG:22 | MIT:124| EVA:3 | ACC:6 | KEEN:1 | HLY:6 | BLD:36 | BH:34
Mari | HP 1610/1610  | EN: 158/158 | DMG: 19 | MIT: 43 | EVA:3 | ACC: 4  | BH: 72 | BRN: 24 |BLEED: 24 | FLAME AURA: 15 

Basic Attack > Husk
ID:177086  BD: 9    20-15=5 

[0,0] Chittering Husk #1: HP 250/250 | MIT 15 | DMG 80
[0,0] Chittering Husk #2: HP 250/250 | MIT 15 | DMG 80
[0,0] Chittering Husk #3: HP 250/250 | MIT 15 | DMG 80
[0,0] Chittering Husk #4: HP 0/250 | MIT 15 | DMG 80   -5

"Shield." Mari offered him a smile as he gave her the weapons. She knew he would have worked hard on them - and her order was an impossibly tall one. "They will do - thank you." I It was shame the Absolute accuracy was on one, and fallen on the other - if Mari could, she'd smoosh the two weapons together but alas, that's not how things worked in this game.

Choosing for the bigger damage output, Mari pulled out the 'Darkened Lore' spear. A deep orange hande with dark leather - it seemed to have wisps of dark smoke emitting from it's tip when she moved it around. This one felt lighter, although Mari would be amiss if she didn't admit she lamented the missing Shield Insignia on it - but this was created by Raidou. Mari would have to remember to thank him for his contribution later.

 "And please, take care of Mac for us Mari. I know you will." 

@Baldur had approached their small group, offering words to each of them. "Don't worry." Mari said to him. Even now his presence was almost overwhelmingly soothing, the way he practically floated across the field, cape of blue and white billowing behind him. Mari shook the thoughts from her head. There was no need for sentimentality. Not with him. It'd be unfair to the both of them.

Mari was inevitably forced to partake in some of the offerings from other players, increasing her overall health, antidote, and mitigation. Soon....The battle would approach. There was a sort of electricity in the air. Mari turned to those in her party. "So, I guess for those who don't know me - I'm Mari." She felt silly, most of them did know her. "I'm a Pillar in Jacobs Ladder, and am here for DPS and to heal any of you should you fall dangerously low on health. However, I ain't no full fledged mage - so please do keep tabs on yourself and if you have crystals use them."

She hung the darkened blade over her shoulder. Right now, she really didn't have the extra energy to smile, or offer her group any jousting words of rallying support. She found those sort of speeches a little cringe anyway. 



Mari also used
T1 Damage Mitigation Potion II | (ID:134120) Prevent 20  damage from successful attacks against you.

NEW STATS

-stats/equipment to come-/ May be updated with new weapon I KNOW THIS MESSY WILL EDIT WEN GOT MAH WEAPONN
HP: 1910/1910 | EN:170/170  | DMG: 23 | ACC: 6 | EVA: 5 | MIT: 63 | FALLEN 1 | DoT: x|Bleed -24  | Status Effect: Pribiotics III -27 DoT | Flame Aura -15|  KEEN 1 | VAMPIRIC OFF +1 | BH:86  | LD+3 | Antidote 3/3 DoT Block

Battle Inventory

5 x T1 Mass Heal Crystals 30xTier to Party |4 x HP Recovery Crystal II (Heals Target 120HP) X4| Teleport Crystal

(Filling in post, just wanted to gt this stuff in atm

Mari had arrived with her guild...her guild. Alongside people like Shield and Baldur - shouldn't she feel happy about this? To be surrounded by friends who had her back? to have guildmates like Crozeph follow behind...she should feel strong, but instead - Mari felt...empty. Lost, and as though she was a puzzle piece that didn't quite fit. Despite that though, Mari had her shoulders rolled back straight, her held held high. And a small smile on her features, giving a nod of acknowledgement to those who would look her way. Mari was quite good at this. Playing the part - outwardly seeming that everything was fine. Even if her eyes were tired, lined with dark rings - even if her hair felt limp and her cheeks didn't have the cheery pink hue. She could easily show everyone here that she was fine..

I can do this. For the sake of everyone else here.

Mari watched Baldur break off, approaching Crozeph and Yuki - and bringing them into a big, warm hug -  congratulating them. On what? Their relationship perhaps. Mari hadn't really heard from either of them since they had started dating, but hearing nothing meant it had been going well. Mari glanced to the side, tugging on her hair. It still hurt. She should never have admitted to him that she had feelings for him when at the time she didn't even know what they were herself. Mari drew in a deep breath and opened up her inventory. She should probably prepare for the battle. If she showed even an iota of what she was really feeling, she'd be told to suck it up. Not to drag people down. 

"Hey @ChaseR." Mari glanced up at his crystal then back to him. "It's good to see your crystal is back to green." He had offered her items but Mari clasped her hand over his and pushed it gently back toward him. "I appreciate the offer, but I don't need that. Jacobs Ladder has bought more than enough reserves for members in our guild and then some."  speaking of which....who was supposed to be handing out the crystals? Mari noticed @Baldur handing some out. Good. She glanced at her own inventory, a little more empty than she had liked - but... she had lost the drive to craft anything. Mari pursed her lips. Should she say something? No...that'd be a bother.

"Ah, see." Mari said to Chaser as Baldur handed him some crystals. "So again, thanks - but save it for yourself." It was nice of him to offer, and for Oscar to put down so much offerings, but Mari would feel guilty if she had taken any of it. So she mostly kept to her own buffs. Besides, the thing she needed most - energy - there wasn't exactly a buff for that

"Please, Ma?" Chaser said, shoving it right back into her hands. He looked up at her with that stubborn look he had - and Mari sighed, knowing she wouldn't win. "Okay. I'll take it." She reached out and placed a hand on his head, offering Chase a warm, tired smile. "But only because you were so insistent." 

. "It's a relief to see we'll be in the same team, @Macradon." Mari said as she gave him a small squeeze on his upper arm, acknowledging him.  "It'll be good to have a friendly face around during such a battle."

Throughout all her interactions, Mari was reserved, pleasant - and always did her best to smile. Keep up morale. Keep up the smiles. Don't falter. Don't fall.

 

Mari puts down:
A Feast of Steak and Onion Pie 
Evasion II | +2 EVA
-Mari
-
_
-      
 

----
Consumes
Titans Strength Potion  +3 DAMAGE 
A feast of Steak and Onion Pie: +2 EVA 
Super Sight Miso Ramen: +2 ACC 
Banner of Command Used on Mari +1 Damage
1xSuper Armor Miso Ramen: +45 MIT
Probiotics III           - 27 DoT Damage
 

UPDATED STATS
HP: 1910/1910 | EN:170/170  | DMG: 23 | ACC: 6 | EVA: 5 | MIT: 63 | FALLEN 1 | DoT: x|Bleed -24  | Status Effect: Pribiotics III -27 DoT | Flame Aura -15|  KEEN 1 | VAMPIRIC OFF +1 | BH:86  | LD+3 | Antidote 3/3 DoT Block

Battle Inventory

5 x T1 Mass Heal Crystals 30xTier to Party |4 x HP Recovery Crystal II (Heals Target 120HP) X4| Teleport Crystal
 

Statistics...huh.
           I don't care if I'm another Statistic.

Mari went back to twirling her chopsticks in the broth, watching the thin noodles circle around her chopsticks. She listened as Shield began to talk, Mari hadn't heard of the bridge - but she wasn't American. She knew about terminal velocity, and how hard still water was when hit - but that didn't come into play here. There'd be no gruesome splatter, hell, there wouldn't be any pain. She didn't interrupt him though. It was strange, and to others - it'd seem cold and uncaring to spout facts like this, but Mari knew where Shield was coming from. She knew he was trying, and that emotions weren't really his forte- from her conversations with Beat, and her previous ones with Shield. Mari got the impression he was a very pragmatic and no nonsense man. She couldn't help but faintly smile at his clunky way of trying to help her. It showed he really cared. This was probably very difficult territory for him to navigate.

"I get what you're saying."

Shield was trying to tell her that in that split second  before she bliped out of existence, she may regret her choice. But Mari didn't fell that regret in the void. She only felt the fear of someone else loosing their life, after knowing that Beat had jumped in after her - that was the same fear, and uncertainty that she had just placed on Shield. "I didn't mean for the discussion to turn this way."  I didn't want anyone to find out.  Mari said.  "I was just hoping to get a bit of the tension away with the whole situation between Baldur and myself but-" Mari set her chopsticks down.

"But I promise you Shield. I won't let any of that get in the way anymore. The guild, the players - they all come first. And I just....want to thank you, I know this isn't easy for you to talk about - and I uhm..hadn't exactly planned on letting anyone know, or talking about it tonight." Mari offered Shield a brave smile.  "And who knows, things may change between now and floor 100. In the meantime..." She looked over at his empty bowl.

"LEt's...talk about something else, or uh wrap this up so you can get going."

@Shield

Somehow, in the turbulent whirlwinds around them, Mari had managed to not only placate and calm Chaser - (well, his anger at least) but also Freyd.  Maybe in that aspect, Freyd was right, she did have a way with people - although that way was slowly stripping more and more of herself away. But Mari found herself no longer caring about that. The others were...okay. For now at least.  Freyd pointed out the gashes on her chest, and how her HP had been depleted by a third - stating that they were some sort of badge - saying she cared - and in part, Mari did, she just wanted what was best for everyone else. To not have anyone else endure what she had, what she felt.

"I think you've said enough, Freyd. It'd be in everyone's best interests if you stepped away." Mari said evenly. She knew he meant well - but even the most well meaning words would sour over those who were emotionally vulnerable, and right now that was Chaser. "I appreciate the offer, but I'll be fine on my own."  It wasn't like she'd be walking back anytime soon. She had broken her oath, one of her very moral codes that day. For Chaser. To ensure he was safe. To ensure he hadn't done anything stupid, and he almost had.

Chaser had taken the defensive. Stating  that he'd 'protect' her. Mari bit her tongue. She didn't need it, if anything, Chaser's actions were a hindrance. The way he helplessly would latch onto her, ignore her own wishes for distance - crying and sobbing, and throwing all his weighted sorrows onto her shoulders. But if she said anything...it'd make her a bad person. Chaser didn't need someone to chastise him for that, didn't need someone to tell him to back off. He needed someone who would shoulder it all, and who would listen. And Mari would willingly be that person for him.

"Chase..." Mari placed a hand on the mid of his back, and gave it a gentle and soothing rub. Like a mother consoling her child. "I appreciate the defense, and I know Freyd no doubt did say things that would be antagonistic." Mari doubted Freyd would see it the same way. "But this anger..." She paused as she touched his shaking fist with her free hand. It worried her, how quick Chaser was to anger, was there something else underlining beneath that mop of azure hair? Or was it simply teenage hormones? Cracks were forming, and they needed to be stopped.  "It won't help anyone, and it'll only hurt you further. Here..." She gestured toward the tall spiral in the distance - the staircase. "I'll take you to my home, the long way. Your orange crystal will disappear in a few days. I have a hot drink and a warm bed you can use."

Mari paused, she knew Chaser probably didn't want to hear anything to do with guilds, but the more she could offer him - the better. "And if his guild may cause issue for you, you'd always have a home in mine."

@ChaseR @Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

Mari took a deep breath as she entered Shields workshop; she wasn't used to traipsing around safe-zones. The angry gash across her torso and third of her health missing was evidence enough. Mari exhaled again, relieved - knowing she was safe as long as she remained in his shop. Sure, in the past - Mari would have vehemently denied travelling through safe zones. For fear of upsetting others, players and NPCs alike - but after being forced to do so, to slap a certain  blue haired boy upside the head - she found herself no longer caring. Was she growing bitter? Or just too damn tired.

"Hey Shield." Mari said wearily as she placed a plethora of items on his counter.

"I'd want you to try and work on getting me two fallen slots and an absolute accuracy slot." She paused, pushing orange hair out of her tired eyes. "I really don't know what the fourth slot would have. I'm not too worried about it. I also have a number of re roll tickets from the Easter event. And Asguards finery. Ah.. and a few of those witches potions too."  She leaned on it and gave him a lop-sided grin. "I even got a crafters respite I can offer ya, since we're friends."

Was she talking too much? Probably. "Let's start with the basic identification for now. Although I'm not holding my breath." Mari ran a hand through her hair. "Then, if we need - I can pass over the rest of the items.

Mari hands over

1x Demonic unidentified weapon ID: 174083
*Banker and Shield have been paid*


*If required Mari additionally will offer*
+ 1CD Witches Potion gained here
3 x Bunny Reroll stamps gained here
1 x Asguards Finery gained here

"I knew people Married for lots of reasons." Mari commented as her eyes glanced over his stats and shared inventory with Shield. Made sense really, she could easily imagine Shield forcing Beat to marry him for the bonuses. Mari straightened and offered Beat a small, weak smile as she nudged him with her elbow. "I'm not gonna rile you for bein' married to Shield. I just know your type now - rugged and with a beard." Mari tugged on an imaginary beard on her chin, pretending to stroke it. "The quicker you admit your type the easier time ya'll have."

She shouldn't be the one giving such advice - Mari was terrible with relationships.She was thankful for the distraction as Beat opened the door to his home. It...seemed nice, at least from the entrance - Mari always forgot how big places could be here. "It's like a more fancier version of my lil' nook."  Mari ran a hand along one of the walls. It reminded her of Japan. "You live there right?" She paused, realizing that he probably didn't know what she was asking. "Japan I mean. I was there - Living just outside of Osaka. Though I'd get moved a lot for my job." Why was she telling him this? He probably didn't care. Mari coughed and pulled her hand away to cross over her chest. Instead, covering up thoughts of her life with a joke. "I bet your room in the real world is far less clean than this."

Her retort fell flat and her smile faded when he mentioned the hole again. "Beat..." Why was he being so flippant about his own life? It bothered her. Mari didn't care if she died, but hearing someone say that their death would be good? "No." She said quietly. "It's not good." She hugged herself tighter. "I'd miss you for one. And you -" She paused. Who was she of all people telling him he shouldn't throw his life away?

Mari glanced up at the vaulted ceiling, eyes following a particular beam of wood. She didn't feel quite right here... it felt oddly  warm and comforting. She shook her head and gave his shoulder a squeeze before stepping away. "I'm sorry Beat...I think it'd be best if I left. I do hope to see you again soon." She chanced him a soft smile before turning and leaving.

Thread Rewards

Mari's Total Loot
20,000 Col from boss drops + 400 Page col =20,400 Total Col
30 T3 Materials: 
Toffee Armor: Tier x  3 Perfect Heavy Armor - Bloodclot, Thorns, Thorns
The Big Peep - Demonic Consumable: Overhealth, Overhealth, Overhealth, Overhealth
LD1-6:  Bass Cannon - Unidentified Demonic Weapon
2 SP + 3 SP + 5 SP = Boss SP
3 Page SP + 1 Bonus SP 
-----
14 Total SP




Macradons Total Loot
20,400 Col
30 x T3 Materials
14 Total SP
151137 Toffee Armor: Tier 3 Perfect Heavy Armor - Bloodclot, Thorns, Thorns
171210 The Biggest Peep: Tier 3 Perfect Trinket - Holy Blessing, Recovery, Recovery
174084 Dope Shades - Unidentified Demonic Trinket

Calrex Total Loot
20,400 Col
30 x T3 Materials
14 Total SP
1x Frosted Necklace: Tier x Perfect Trinket - Life Mending, Recovery, Recovery
1x The Big Peep - Demonic Consumable: Overhealth, Overhealth, Overhealth, Overhealth
1x The Ultimate Chocolate Egg:
    1x Bass Cannon - Unidentified Demonic Weapon
    1x Dope Shades - Unidentified Demonic Trinket
    1x Sick Jacket - Unidentified Demonic Shield/Armor

Mari nodded. "Mmm, Mmm.....normally I'd never be caught dead here - but I've been making my way back down from some of the higher floors. I plan to-" She paused. She had planned to rest, but doubted that was going to happen. "I had planned to return home for a day or two before the inevitable trek back up to one of the higher floors." Mari pushed her hair out of her face and sighed. "Honestly... A part of me wishes that we'd retain all those muscles here, back out there." She added with a wry smile on her face. Mari thought it funny, because she never expected to return to that world. 

"I hope you've been well."

"I suppose I have."

It felt weird to outright lie. Mari couldn't recall the last time she had done that to anyone, let alone someone she once considered her best friend. Mari told herself it was fine, because a lie and a mask was easier, and it was fine - because in terms of lying he had far more marks against his name than she did.

Life started talking, when he said he wanted to be upfront Mari was wary, first - expecting him to say he didn't want her around anymore, and that it'd be better off if they acted as strangers from here on out - so when he had said that he wanted to hang out with her? That shocked Mari. "Y-you...uh...huh?" Mari couldn't hide the surprise in her tone. "If you want to...I suppose I have some time right now." She wiped her brow. "Although, after today...I do have to ask that I don't want to do anything on this floor again.  what did you have in mind?  There was a quest near here...mmm...bloodstained......something,....right? Did you need help with that?"


@Life @Alkor

"I didn't exactly say I wasn't good, I just said that...yanno, its human to want to help others. Hell, even you're doing that Freyd." It wasn't meant as an insult. But it probably came off that way, I just wanted to make a point that he kept calling himself inhuman - but constantly did so many human things.  I didn't voice it, but I felt like I wasn't sure I'd be able to pull through to the end if I kept going like I was - I knew that at some point, and soon, I'd break. I could already feel it. Like a sickening sense of intuition.  

"-  That's not something just anyone can do.""

"Exactly why I have to do it." I said with an exhale. I didn't want to, but if not I, who else was there? 

It seemed our talk was over, Freyd stood with a groan - bending his back and cracking it in several places - and in a flash his armour was on once more. He probably felt very naked without it. I glanced down at my own clothing, it wasn't exactly armour - but then again, Light Armour had the advantage of that, a thin leather harness gifted to me by Macradon - that was it. No pauldrons, leg guards or even gauntlets covered me. I preferred it that way. It felt more human to forgo the whole fantasy style aesthetic. 

"Alright." I said to his plan as I too stood, and dusted myself off. I was too tired to argue - not that I would. He knew this quest better than I. "I'd...best start the trek around to the north gate then." It wouldn't be too long, it wasn't on the opposite side of the city at least. I gave him a small wave as I turned to walk away from him, we had our plan - there was no use in delaying it any longer.

Head out into the light together -  What a cheesy thing to say, even more so as parting words. But, who am I to judge them? It was probably his awkward way of trying to make me feel better. Or some sort of symbolic shit - about how we'd each pull our way out of whatever pushed us down. I had my doubts about myself, him, maybe - if he could show the sides like he had now more often. 

"F**k I'm tired..." I muttered.


@Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

"S'okay." Mari said quietly when Shield said he was bad at jokes. "I think I've got enough puns locked away in my brain to last anyone a lifetime, ahahah..." Her laugh fell flat, it felt forced and sounded...wrong.

Shield told Mari how he too felt overworked, it was during a time she was away from everyone, from the world - selfishly isolating herself from everyone in a feeble attempt to preserve her own life. Maybe things would have been different if she hadn't. Maybe she would have been the one who died at a boss fight and no Zelrius. Maybe the Azure Brigade would still be around and they'd be far higher in the floors. 

"I know I've....made friends. In part that's one of the few reasons I'm still around." Mari reached out and picked up her chopsticks, which had been resting against the rim of her bowl, still impaled upon a piece of meat. "A part of me doesn't feel right leaving them here - it's why I told myself I'd wait till the last floor before I did anything."  Mari fell quiet, choosing not to voice that it had been harder to abide  by that lately, that she still had no intention of leaving Aincrad. 

"My dying wouldn't avenge anyone - Yeh..." Mari tilted her head to the side, giving a small snort. "I know that, it's not for justice, or vengeance, it's not some sort of...retribution...it's just..." Mari closed her eyes. "A way to finally stop everything."
 

Mari guessed that Shield was probably growing tired of the conversation, he wasn't the most apt when it came to....emotionally charged talks in the first place. In a weird and unexpected way, Beat was the better of the two for that. Mari listened to his words. She knew that wasn't nothing...she knew she was doing a modicrum of good for others, but it was so draining and the pressure unrelenting. Mari had to force her eyes shut to stop any semblance of tears from trickling down her face. 

"Guess I won't be doing a great job of either then, huh?" Mari tried to joke as she finally placed the meat into her mouth. Chewing slowly Mari swallowed. She knew she'd have to keep fighting. She knew she wouldn't be able to have any relief till the 99th floor - All she had to do was wait till then.

"Can...you please not tell anyone else about this?" Mari chanced asking.  "I'd...rather not bother anyone."


@Shield

"G-g..." Mari held her nose, falling to her knees. Eyes watering. The stench....It was so bad.  She couldn't attack like this - she was literally paralyzed by the stench....even so...Sebastian didn't have a chance to attack either.

Mari knew what noise bunnies made;  but this one was next level - the squeal was ear piercing, if her hands weren't busy covering her nose - they'd be covering her ears. The squeal faded, and as it did so too did the sickly stench. "PHew...." Mari drew a breath when she thought it was safe. She smacked her lips and furrowed her eyebrows with a frown.

"I swear I can almost taste the funkiness of that egg...and honestly? I think I'd rather go back and eat the musty dry peep." Mari muttered as she approached the glittering pile of debris Sebastian left behind. "Oh, snap." She said as she pulled up the item. "I got a demonic weapon - unidentified. How about you both?"

Mari pocketed all her things and dusted her hands.

"Lets never do that again."

EGG EXPLODES!  250 DAMAGE!
-All Players Skip a turn-
Sebastian ID:174082  MOB: 1

 

rolling for loot: 174083   LD: 1
Rewards for Sebastian:
Rewards
5 SP
LD1-6:  Bass Cannon - Unidentified Demonic Weapon



@Macradon  @Calrex
H: 2] @Mari - 1160/1410  | EN: 116/138 | DMG: 18 | MIT: 43 | ACC: 6 | EVA: 3 | BH: 67 | BRN: 24 | BLD: 24 | FLAME AURA: 15  
[H: 8] Macradon - 1690/1940 | EN: 139/189 | 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 1555/1805 | EN: 24/176  EN | DMG: 16 | MIT: 116 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 2 | BHL: 88 | IMMO 30 | ACH: 0.5 

Drop the egg countdown 3/3 
Sebastian:  0/2000 HP | 350 DMG | 2 ACC | 2 EVA | 75 MIT   Burn -24 0/2 turns  Bleed -24  0/2 Turns  -48 Damage burn/Bleed
EGG:  500/500HP | 150 MIT
Ability: D-D-Drop the Egg - Every three turns, Sebastian drops a massive egg onto the battlefield (500 HP | 150 MIT). If not successfully destroyed, the entire party suffers 75/150/250 Unmitigatable damage and become struck by the funk, causing them to lose their next turn to Sebastian’s sick beats.

---
Mari's Total Loot
30 T3 Materials: 
20,000 Col from boss drops + 400 Page col =24,000 Total Col
Toffee Armor: Tier x  3 Perfect Heavy Armor - Bloodclot, Thorns, Thorns
The Big Peep - Demonic Consumable: Overhealth, Overhealth, Overhealth, Overhealth
LD1-6:  Bass Cannon - Unidentified Demonic Weapon
2 SP + 3 SP + 5 SP = Boss SP
3 Page SP + 1 Bonus SP 
-----
14 Total SP

The quest was over; Mari managed to put on a brave face, and tear of more little pieces of herself throughout the battle. Offering everyone smiles, headpats and cheers of support. The fights hadn't exactly been fierce, thanks to the coordination of Shield. Before her was a variety of options, powerful demonics - each with a promised Unique - then - there was another item.

Mari gently picked up up and twisted it in her hands. This...seemed like an obvious choice. The Asgards finery....it was similar - if not better than the stamp she had given Cordelia - Mari sighed. A part of her regretted giving the woman the rare item. She rarely saw Cordellia these days,  and Mari wondered if the woman was okay -but...Mari found herself just...unable to reach out. What would reaching out even accomplish?

"This, this will do." Mari said quietly as she pocketed the Asgards Finery - in exchange for the crystals she had received from the battle, and with a silent turn - Mari left.


Asgard’s Finery
Reroll a single enhancement on an existing item using only the Merchant’s Unique Enhancement Table OR Increase the Rarity of a single item once, up to Demonic, rolling the new slot at a merchant as normal.

"I didn't mean to make you mad, nor condescend you." Mari said quietly, brushing strands of hair away from her face as she listened to Freyd's explanation. It made sense, and Mari had seen no reason to doubt his words.  "I may have worded things wrong in the heat of...this moment..." she breathed as she gestured around the makeshift battlefield. She winced when he shot those words at her. It felt like he had driven a blade into her. They were spoken with an intent that Mari couldn't quite pick, but she could take a guess that it was to either spite her, or throw her own failings in her face.

It's a crisis of your own making: your own engineered oblivion, again."

"You know....He's right." Mari said as she turned to Chaser. "I don't think...I made it clear to you earlier that Freyd did apologize, I wasn't really in the best frame of mind - and I unwittingly omitted things." Mari tried to offer Chaser a half smile, but she barely had the strength to do that. "I think I did tell you that, yeh? I tend to lie by omission - without meaning to."  Although, Mari could only assume that Freyd disliked her now. She couldn't blame him. Hell, Mari hated herself. "I really wish you hadn't...fought him Chase - especially if it were on my behalf, a much lesser person would have killed you. It takes a great deal of patience to be berated like that and not retaliate."  Mari gestured to the angry red gashes that glowed over her torso. "Look. This is the reality of having an orange crystal. You shouldn't let yourself have one so easily. Be thankful it'll disappear in a few days."

You two need to get your shit together."

I'm trying...

And she had been...but each and every time she had some semblance of normalcy, things like this happened. She was trying....so hard - but everything kept crumbling around her - and she had kept giving so much of herself away. Maybe that's why Freyd was saying those words. This was inevitbly her fault. I really do just hurt anything close to me. She thought to herself. Hell, it had happened to Beat, Shield, and now...even Chasesr.

Her brow irked as he said Mari thought him a monster. "I never said you were." Mari said cooly, quietly. "Nor do I think you are."

I'm the monster.

@ChaseR @Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

Chaser was silent as he stared at her - it looked like he had so many things to say - but every time he tried - nothing but choked sobs came out. "You're being reckless, and childish." She scolded softly. "What were you trying to do?" He didn't answer her in words - instead he leaned forward, burrying his face into her as his arms wrapped tightly around her - Mari almost fell, and had to steady herself. 

Just shove what you feel down and help this kid. 

"And you-" Mari said toward Freyd. "Sittin' there observing as if outside the situation. C'mon. Seriously. No one's gonna ever understand you if that's the shit you do."  A little rich, coming from Mari of all people - but truth be told, she was a little sick of how Freyd always just phased himself out of these situations. 

She turned her eyes back to Chaser. He still held onto her tightly. "It's fine." She said, quietly, as if she were soothing a child who had just come out of time out. "But you can't have me comin' in like that all the time. I might not survive it." And it was true; she didn't have any stealth like abilities, she was particularly quick - which helped her escape the town guards- but if she hadn't been, she could easily have been hit another several times - and died. And whilst Mari didn't care if she did die; she didn't want that to be the way she went.

"Can one of - or both of you tell me how this all started?"

@ChaseR @Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

"You know...." Mari began quietly. It was rare that people noticed that behavior in her, even rarer that they acknowledged it. The only other person in the entirety of Aincrad who noticed that maybe, just maybe - there could be something underling beneath her thin veneer - something pained and troubled was Oikawa - and he had all but disappeared. She had paused in her words, absently pushing the piece of meat around in her bowl. It felt like, looked like what was raging inside her.

A messy incoherent storm. Thunderous voices in her head screaming at her that she didn't belong - she couldn't possibly. Her heart pained as though drowning in ice water - pouring from an unrelenting sky. Still. Mari stood. She stood as tall as she could, and would always tell everyone 'I'm Okay'  But in reality. She wasn't. Mari was far, far, far from okay.

"You don't need to take back those words. You're right." She had lost the tremble in her words, but that had been replaced with perhaps, something worse. The empty tone surged with every breath, a solemn acceptance of someone who knew they didn't want to be there anymore. And who knew that now, others knew too. Someone who was so tired. So very tired. Of giving so much of themselves out - that they almost had nothing left to give. 

"Too many people rely on me." Mari reiterated as she dropped her chopstick and watched it begin to sink beneath the uneaten broth. Her hands disappeared beneath the table and sat in her lap. "I...." Mari couldn't look at Shield, and she struggled to say the next words. "I've thought about it. Many times. How easy it would be - a silent fall, a rush of wind then..." She held up a hand and splayed it out in a mock explosion. "Poof - blinked out of existence."

She turned her head away, "Heh. A part of me doesn't even care how it'd affect others...why cant I..." Her hand fell against the table and clenched into a fist. "Why can't I be selfish...just once? Just once, let Mari matter. And not the guild. Not the players. No-one else. Just...Mari..."  She sighed and wiped her eyes with her hand. "S-Sorry. This isn't....this isn't what I intended."

"You are someone who matters to me-" 

Mari drew in a breath. Her body turning rigid. Shield. Of all people. Mr. 'I don't Wanna deal with emotional shit' Mari forced her eyes shut. Afraid that if she left them open the burning in her eyes would turn to tears. "Y-You shouldn't say that though."  The tremble was back. "The world will keep spinning....players will keep on fighting..." She wrapped her arms around herself to stop the trembling. The Nausea - and the sinking feeling. "I'd be a ghost of a memory and it'd be b-better because all I do is hurt everything around me." She lowered her head, pressing it against the table. "I feel like I'm suffocating, and there's no one to pull me up."

She shook her head, apologizing again. "I'm sorry...I'm sorry Shield. I'm just...I'm tired... I keep giving so much of myself to everyone and I just..." She hiccuped. "I'll be f-fine in a minute...." A lie. "We can go back to joking around."

@Shield

Mari readied herself, thinking Sebastian would attack as it hopped closer, closer- then...

"W-Wha...?"  Sebastian started to Vibrate, then in what could only be explained as a strange B-grade horror - he laid an egg. a very large, very green egg. That egg had its own HP Bar, meaning, it could be attacked. But....should it be? Mari glanced over at Sebastian, he was still able to be targeted. Meaning....was the egg a trap?

"Screw that gross ass green egg." Mari cried out. "Let's just focus on Sebastian!"

Mari shifted around the large, funky smelling egg. Destroying it may be a bad idea anyway. She could smell the putrid odour emanating from within the shell. That was bad enough. "Eargh..." Yeh, there was no way Mari wanted to be anywhere near that when it cracked. It looked...explosively bad. So, Mari listened to her own advice and ignored it. She flipped her dagger around in a reverse-grip and ran toward Sebastian, her dagger lit up in a bright glow as she activated the <<Eternal Cyclone>> Sword Art. 

She managed to successfully deal more damage to the wandering rabbit. "Last haul folks!" 

@Macradon  @Calrex
Eternal Cyclone > Sebastian
ID:173233  BD:6+6=12-2=10 HIT
18x13=234-75=159
EN + 1

Sebastian D-D-DROPS THE EGG!

[H: 2] Mari - 1410/1410  | EN: 116/138 | DMG: 18 | MIT: 43 | ACC: 6 | EVA: 3 | BH: 67 | BRN: 24 | BLD: 24 | FLAME AURA: 15  
[H: 6] Macradon - 1940/1940 | EN: 148/189 | 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 1805/1805 | EN: 23/176  EN | DMG: 16 | MIT: 116 | ACC: 4 | EVA: 2 | BHL: 88 | IMMO 30 | ACH: 0.5 

Drop the egg countdown 3/3 
Sebastian:  253/2000 HP | 350 DMG | 2 ACC | 2 EVA | 75 MIT   Burn -24 1/2 turns  Bleed-24  1/2 Turns      -159 DAM + -50 Dam for Bleed/Burn
EGG:  500/500HP | 150 MIT
Ability: D-D-Drop the Egg - Every three turns, Sebastian drops a massive egg onto the battlefield (500 HP | 150 MIT). If not successfully destroyed, the entire party suffers 75/150/250 Unmitigatable damage and become struck by the funk, causing them to lose their next turn to Sebastian’s sick beats.

"Style points hmmm...." Mari tapped her lip. "I suppose so, several style points." Mari concluded with a nod of her head.  She watched as Titan's health ticked down, ever so slightly as the Sword Fish tried to rally against him, turning its pointed nose (apendage-thing?) toward him to try and strike him in the chest. But Titan pushed back - refusing to relent. Mari's eyes drifted to his feet, they were grounded steadily enough, but two too many steps forward would net him straight into the very lake they floated atop.

"Hey you di-"

SPLAASH

Mari was about to congratulate him; before Titan DOVE straight into the water. Mari leaned over the side of the boat - only to see a drenched blonde face bob up and out of the water, wearing a grin that stretched from ear to ear. He seemed proud of himself. "Mmmm....I'd have said a solid 8 - before you jumped in the water and soaked me." Mari said, gesturing toward her own wet, dripping form. "So just for that, I'd drop that to a five."

Despite her words, Mari didn't seem irritated or bothered.

@Titan

"To be fair, I didn’t expect to hook it this quick. ” 

Mari snorted as she readjusted her scarf.  "Normally I'd be complimenting you here- about your fishin' skills but I worry it'd make your head too big and it'd sink this boat." Mari tapped the side of the boat. "I'd hate to see you sink." She joked. Her smile faded and she turned serious. "For real though. I'd not wanna see that."

Mari was enjoying Titans company, in earnest - it was rare to find someone that didn't immediately rely on her for emotional support- he was...well not exactly a breath of fresh air, but different. It was nice. Mari felt like she could breath a little easier and let her guard down.

She gave him a wide grin as he tried to brush her and her offer for a reward off. "Look at you, flippin' around in the air." Mari said, amused. "So fancy."