Mari

I had been saving my charged attack for when it was down the the last green bar; knowing that Skalaugh would probably have some sort of massive attack up his sleeve, scales? Arm? Lets go with eyelid. Knowing that he'd have some sort of massive attack up his eyelids.  His...red jewleled lined eyelids....

I shook my head. No! Now was not the time, my thoughts were  drifting as though it were exactly 4:17am and that my mind was begining to dull because I shouldn't be up this late, I should be asleep- but no. That wasn't the case. This was the real world. 

Or....as real as a virtual world could get, I guess.


I sprinted forth, kicking up a slew of mud as I charged toward Skalaugh - Then with a flash of brilliant light I activated my <<Imperial Southern Cross>> Sword Art- Skalaugh was down, so I was able to rapidly stab him, right in those cunning eyelids of his - four stabs, five! SIX! then, with a final powerful thrust I wedged the tip of my spear underneath a particularly bright scale and with a sickening 'snap' it had been pried off. I reached up and caught it mid-air before shuffling back, placing my prized possession away into a hidden pocket somewhere.


-Mari steals one of Skalaughs scales.
 

Passive: +1 EN
Action: [x14] CHARGED Imperial Southern Cross (16 Energy) - Six rapid stabs, followed by a powerful finishing thrust at the opponent.
ID:  169146  BD:3-1=2+6=8=HIT
22+5=27 x 14= 378-125=253 DAMAGE   
BULL RUSH MOD ACTIVATED:  PARALYSED!

[H: 2] Lessa HP: 1028/1210 | EN: 67/112 | 22 DMG | 5 ACC | 1 EVA | 171 MIT | 54 THN | 1 HM | 1 REC | 36 BH 
[H: 3] Haine HP:1128/1270  | EN: 44/124 | 22 DMG | 6 ACC | 3 EVA | 1 11 MIT | 36 BLD | Antioxidant 
[H: 14] Raidou HP:1625/1625 | EN: 107/144 | 18 DMG | 4 ACC | 6 EVA | 176 MIT | TAUNT | 80 BH | Antidote: 3/3 | Antioxidant | VENGEFUL
[H: 3] Freyd HP: 1205/1205 | EN: 67/104 | 25 DMG  | 6 ACC | 4 EVA | 79 MIT | KEEN | 6 HLY | 36 BLD | 24 BH
[H: 1] Mari HP: 1570/1570  | EN: 79/154 | 22 DMG | 6 ACC | 5 EVA | 88 MIT | 24 BLD | 15 FLM-AURA | 72 BH -16 EN
[H: 3] Oscar HP : 1370/1370 | EN: 84/134 | 23 DMG | 5 ACC | 5 EVA | 151 MIT | 12 F LN | 36 BRN | 69 BH | -3 EN Cost [Finesse] | -1 EN Cost [3/3]
[H: 2] Hidden HP: 1210/1210 | EN: 86/118 | 19 DMG | 6 ACC | 5 EVA | 124 MIT | 8 HLY | 121 VAMP-OFF | 60 BH 
[H: 3] Crozeph HP: 1165/1165 | EN: 56/100 | 18 (+3) DMG | 4 (2) ACC | 1 (+2)  EVA | 54 (+45)  MIT | FRZ | 2 REC | 1 LD
[H: 2] Zajčica | HP: 1510/1510 | EN: 117/132 -(2) | DMG: 22 +(3) | MIT: 244 | EVA: 2 | ACC: 2 | HM: 1 +(3) | TAUNT | THRNS: 54 | FL. AURA: 30 | BH: 76 | DoT -25% | [PARRY 0/3] | [PARRY]
[H: 3] Macradon HP: 1475/1805 | EN: 162/189 | 22 DMG | 4 ACC | 2 EVA | 152 MIT | 2 REC | 36 FST-THN | FRZ | 90 BH | 180 VMP-OFF
[H: 4] Kiluia HP: 930/1050 | EN: 41/102 | 25 DMG | 5 ACC | 4 EVA | 124 MIT | ABS-ACC | 36 BLD | 1 REC | KEEN
[H: 2] Night HP: 1490/1490 | EN: 115/161 | 23 DMG | 5 ACC | 6 EVA | 124 MIT | 36 BRN | 72 BLI | 36 BLD | 24 TOX-VEN | 4 LD | 4 SD | 7 SR | 74 BH | [QC 1/3] | [VANISH 1/3]
[H: 0] Zandra HP: 1585/1805 | EN: 155/191 | 22 DMG | 5 ACC | 2 EVA | 197 MIT | 30 FLM-AURA | 90 BH
[H: 2] [REND 1/3] Morgenstern HP: 1135/1510  | EN: 97/142  | 22 DMG | 6 ACC | 1 EVA | 171 MIT | PAR-VNM | 25% DoT Reduce | FRPRF | PARA-IMN | BLDCLT | 76 BD

"That's...." Mari scrunched up her brows. Mari understood that Chaser was trying to help her, but constantly saying she wasn't a murderer- when she was. Just didn't sit right with her. "I get that you're trying to help." Mari started slowly, "But you can't just sweep that under the rug. I am a PKer-" Mari paused to clear her throat, and corrected the word. "A murderer - but I do think it is possible to work towards redemption, especially in a place like this."  Chaser finally pulled away from the well-meaning yet slightly awkward hug. The cool air of the cave prickled Mari' skin, and caused small goosebumps to flare up on her arms. Mari rubbed them to bring back some of the warmth. 

Chaser offered an ear to listen - someone who was willing to talk to her about these sort of things. It was a nice sentiment, but Chaser struck Mari as someone who was a little too stubborn for that. Still...it was nice to have someone offer. Mari gave Chaser a small smile. "I appreciate that." And it was true, she did. Mari didn't really want to accept the hand, but it was a proverbial olive branch -and Mari knew it'd probably do her some good to start accepting the help. Mari clasepd Chasers hand and pulled herself up.

"Don't apologize, it's fine, really." And Mari meant it, things would be okay, right?

"You shouldn't be so hard on yourself." Mari hypocritically chided with a half smirk. "There's plenty of monsters who are gonna be hard enough as is - but..." She glanced to her energy, now full. "I suppose those Drakelings won't be an issue."

@ChaseR

I wasn’t expecting his apology. A part of me wondered if it were real - or if this was another trick, another way for him to manipulate me, and lower my defenses. But - why? Why would he do those things...well, again. I absently tapped my finger against my bare knee. Chewing my cheek. I told him that I got it, and I did - to an extent.

“I get ...wanting to experiment on people.” I said quietly. I had done the same, hadn’t I? Granted most of those people had willingly purchased and drunk those potions. Fully aware of the consequences. “I just…” My hand clenched into a fist that rested upon my leg. “I just...don’t get why, what did I do to you?” I asked, I had wanted to hide it, but my tone had almost pleaded him for answers he probably couldn’t give. I had tried, had always been trying to do better - but it felt like there was no point in trying so hard anymore. Not when this was the result.

"Not a thing," he replied, a pained expression flashing across his eyes.  "How do I explain this?  This," he pointed to his head," has been fighting with this, " he splayed his hand over his heart, "for longer than I can recall.  One saw your passion and was hopeful.  The other saw it and sought to control it."  He wrung his hands together with uncharacteristic uncertainty.  "Both are me.  Both are to blame."  

That didn’t make things better, but - somehow - it made things clearer. He was fighting with himself. Logic over emotion. Even if he did sound...slightly psychotic. I shifted my gaze from the floor to glance sideward at him, I could just make him out between a curtain of messy orange hair... he was more than slightly psychotic. Hell, I wondered if he even was human. He had such fears that he wasn’t - and his actions up until now didn’t paint him in a good light. But...who was I to deny someone on their own road to their own form of redemption? A bitter part of me wanted to slap him and tell him he wasn’t human, and that he may as well live out his days as an NPC on Aincrad because that was how he acted, no. NPCs were kinder.

But - that wouldn’t help anyone.

“Control me, huh? What kind of twisted reasoning do you have for that?” I asked, I didn’t expect an answer from him.

“But…” I pulled my eyes away. “You’re wrong about one thing - no amount of quiet discussions over a fire would result in a friendship with me.” I shut my eyes, the depths of my chest hurting with strange pangs of pain tugging at my heart as I said the next words with a strong tone of resolution. “A friendship with me is a death sentence.” And it was true. Perhaps not in the literal sense, but it was true. Just how many people had fallen because of me? How many people lost?

It’d be best for everyone if I just wasn’t here. “You should get some rest.” I said as I pushed myself up off the wall. I doubted I’d get any that night. “Go into the city where it’s safe.” I turned my gaze to the horizon. It was dark, swallowed by an empty ichor that sunk into its surroundings.

“Thanks for coming here.  I mean that.  I hope it means that you’ll be able to mend.”  

His words drew my eyes back to him, what was I meant to say? ‘You’re Welcome?’ Truth be told, I didn’t want to be here - I wasn’t sure if he was telling the truth or not. Despite how pained he seemed to be. I had fallen for that once before.

“No worries.”

@Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

PH

"Pffft."

For all his glory - the all powerful dragon had been immobilized by the simplest of attacks from the players. I found it a little amusing, but then again- all those who were filled with hot air tend to fall, twice as hard as those who were less ...boasting of their prowess. The dragon was nothing more than a stunning blowhard. All the jewels and crystals in the world could not hide the fact that he too, would soon diminish from this world.

I could charge him, but no - not yet. I didn't want to use my powered up attack till we needed it, my charge also had the advantage of stunning him, so I wanted to wait till he was down to that last health bar - just in case he had any other tricks up his sleeve.  So instead, I followed suit with so many of the other players there - I activated the <<Imperial Southern Cross>> Sword Art and attacked Skalaugh - this time he has down.

This time I was able to strike at his haunches and neck, and not just the underbelly or his talons.

"PHew..." I glanced up at his health, then back down to my energy. I was running low.

Passive: +1 EN
Action: [x14] Imperial Southern Cross (16 Energy) - Six rapid stabs, followed by a powerful finishing thrust at the opponent.
ID:  168901  BD:8 +6=14-2=HIT         BLEED ACTIVATED ON SKALAUGH  -24 DAMAGE 2/2 TURNS
22 x 14= 308-125=183 Damage Dealt


[H: 0] Lessa HP: 974/1210 | EN: 89/112 | 22 DMG | 5 ACC | 1 EVA | 171 MIT | 54 THN | 1 HM | 1 REC | 36 BH 
[H: 2] Haine HP:1128/1270  | EN: 68/124 | 22 DMG | 6 ACC | 3 EVA | 111 MIT | 36 BLD | Antioxidant 
[H: 10] Raidou HP:1625/1625 | EN: 116/144 | 18 DMG | 4 ACC | 6 EVA | 176 MIT | TAUNT | 80 BH | Antidote:3/3 | Antioxidant | PARRY
[H: 2] Freyd HP: 1205/1205 | EN: 76/104 | 25 DMG  | 6 ACC | 4 EVA | 79 MIT | KEEN | 6 HLY | 36 BLD | 24 BH
[H: 1] Mari HP: 1570/1570  | EN: 94/154 | 22 DMG | 6 ACC | 5 EVA | 88 MIT | 24 BLD | 15 FLM-AURA | 72 BH  -16 EN
[H: 3] Oscar HP: 1370/1370 | EN: 85/134 | 23 DMG | 5 ACC | 5 EVA | 151 MIT | 12 FLN | 36 BRN | 69 BH | -3 EN Cost [Finesse] | -1 EN Cost [3/3]
[H: 2] Hidden HP: 1210/1210 | EN: 86/118 | 19 DMG | 6 ACC | 5 EVA | 124 MIT | 8 HLY | 121 VAMP-OFF | 60 BH 
[H: 3] Crozeph HP: 1165/1165 | EN: 56/100 | 18 (+3) DMG | 4 (2) ACC | 1 (+2)  EVA | 54 (+45)  MIT | FRZ | 2 REC | 1 LD
[H: 2] Zajcica [REND 2/3] HP: 1455/1510 | EN: 117/130 | 6 DMG | 4 ACC | 279 MIT | 54 THN | 30 FLM-AURA | 21 FST-THN | Taunt | 36 BLD | 75 BH | 25% DoT Reduce | [PARRY 0/3] 
[H: 3] Macradon HP: 1475/1805 | EN: 162/189 | 22 DMG | 4 ACC | 2 EVA | 152 MIT | 2 REC | 36 FST-THN | FRZ | 90 BH | 180 VMP-OFF
[H: 3] Kiluia HP: 930/1050 | EN: 52/102 | 25 DMG | 5 ACC | 4 EVA | 124 MIT | ABS-ACC | 36 BLD | 1 REC | KEEN
[H: 1] Night HP: 1490/1490 | EN: 124/161 | 23 DMG | 5 ACC | 6 EVA | 124 MIT | 36 BRN | 72 BLI | 36 BLD | 24 TOX-VEN | 4 LD | 4 SD | 7 SR | 74 BH | [QC 0/3] | [VANISH 0/3]
[H: 0] Zandra HP: 1495/1805 | EN: 162/191 | 22 DMG | 5 ACC | 2 EVA | 197 MIT | 30 FLM-AURA | 90 BH | 
[H: 2] [REND 1/3] Morgenstern HP: 1135/1510  | EN: 97/142  | 22 DMG | 6 ACC | 1 EVA | 171 MIT | PAR-VNM | 25% DoT Reduce | FRPRF | PARA-IMN | BLDCLT | 76 BD 

Mari nodded as she brushed her fringe out of her freckled face. "Yeh - I definitely feel more light on my feet when I'm not carrying around a heavy ass sword or hammer, or - whatever." She shrugged. "And I couldn't do the whole katana thing. It seems a little weeabo to me." She snorted, thinking of Baldur - and how he used them - he did fit the type - but he was handsome enough to get away with it.

Mari watched as  Jomei demonstrated his words, springing to his feet and toward the Witch - she frantically tried to fill another vial but to no avail. She shrieked as Jomei bounced off the wall, striking the witch from behind. She twitched, and cackled, crying out for sweet vengeance - before exploding. "Huh..." Mari crossed her arms over her chest. "And here I thought she'd melt or somethin' Kinda disappointed that she didn't."

Mari headed over to where the witch...disintegrated and picked up the items - handing one to Jomei. "Yeh..." She said sheepishly. "If...." This was hard to admit. "If-I'm being honest..." Mari began as she rubbed her shoulder. "I really wasn't expecting such- casual interactions, I really..." She looked up to meet his gaze, and couldn't help but give him a faint smile.

"I really appreciate this, thank you."


The day, truly had been fun.


Mari receives:
2SP (thread + bonus)
200 Col
+1 CD consumable

Jomei receives:
5 SP (3 quest, 1 thread, +bonus)
200 Col
+1 CD consumable
 

Of all the things she was expecting, to be held was not one of them - yet - somehow - this juvenile who barely had control of his own emotions had leaned forward and wrapped his arms around Mari. She drew in a sharp breath - still as a deer in headlights. Her head swam, was he doing this to trick her? To manipulate her? Was he going to stab her in the back? Thought after thought raced through her consciousness as the warmth from his embrace leeched into her cold form. A part of Mari wanted to push him away, decry him - call him a slew of insulting words - a bigger part of her, didn't want that. And just wanted this act of comfort to continue, however brief.

....when was the last time someone did this? genuinely did this?

Chaser mumbled about Freyd, his desire to kill Kayaba, and his lack of judgement. Mari wasn't sure if she believed the words or not -Freyd had always been cool, and calculating. His actions always had meaning, even the smallest quirk of his lips or the twitch of a finger. It all was done with a sense of purpose. Chaser told Mari she didn't deserve it.

But I do.

"Chaser-"

Mari finally broke out of her stupour. As welcoming as the warmth was -she knew it wouldn't last. Perhaps the kid wanted some sort of companionship, just as she did. "You can't keep saying I'm not a PKer. No matter how I am now. I Murdered those people." She placed emphasis on the word. Mari never liked the term PKer - it seemed to make light of a much darker situation. Her words were gentle, yet stern. "To denounce otherwise spits on the faces of those gone. We can't brush what happened under the table and hope for some fairytale ending. Those names need to live on and be remembered. I Killed. Retribution, Redemption - whatever you call it. That may come, but if it doesn't than that is my duty to bare."

Chaser pulled away, and Mari quickly realized just how cold the cave was - his hands squeezed her shoulders and his voice shook. With what emotion Mari did not know, but she could at least try to appreciate the sentiment  behind it, right? He wasn't lying....right?

"Thanks."  It was all she could really say to him after Chaser pulled her into another hug. Mari didn't raise her hands to return the embrace, all she could offer in return was an awkward pat on his back.

@ChaseR

Mari shook her head and gave Chaser a dismissive wave. "It's fine I just-" Mari paused, took a deep breath and spoke the truth. "I don't think I ever deserve to be called anything of the sort. Ever again." And it was true, how could she possibly call herself a mother? Allow herself to be called that? No - she didn't deserve such a title. Not after accidentally taking the life of her own daughter.

"What the fuck is wrong with Freyd? He did that to you?"

Mari didn't have an answer- she still wasn't entirely sure herself - was she not kind enough to him? She had reached out to him during his time of need. Showed him comfort and solice - offered him an ear to listen. He in turn gave her his real name - but...what changed. Did he do what she had suggested and looked her up? Did he find her that abhorrent that it was some twisted kind of revenge. "You know-" Mari began in a low voice. "I-probably deserved it really." She shifted her gaze away from Chaser, resting the side of her head against the cool cavern wall. "I am a PKer after all. And my name litters the monument of life- so - perhaps it's some sort of justice? Vengeance? Maybe he just wanted to test out a theory, and what better test subject than a monster?" 

Mari lifted her head once more when she felt Chaser crouch down beside her. 

 "... I'm sorry. Please, don't let it get to you."

Mari offered Chaser a small, reassuring smile - weakened by how tired she was. How little she believed in herself. Weighted down by everything that plagued her. "I'll be fine." Would she though? Mari couldn't believe the words she was saying. "I just have to keep pressing forward till everyone else gets out of here safe and sound."

@ChaseR

"What?" I asked him, the frustration evident in my tone. There was more? "Why?" I asked. "Didn't they just want to be reunited or whatever?" I sighed. Great. More time with him. More time with a happy couple. I didn't want to deal with this. I didn't want to be here. Freyd then went and sat beside me, as though nothing was wrong. Although...I suppose he didn't see anything wrong with his actions. In his eyes, what he achieved was probably a resounding success. It took a large chunk of my willpower to stay put - to avoid giving him the satisfaction of moving away from him.  I let his offering sit idly between us. Resting upon the floor. I didn't trust it. Nor did I trust him.

I doubted I'd get any sleep that night anyway - the closest I had been to sleep...right the closest I had been to sleep was close to a month ago - when this all started. "Fine." I said with a resolute finality. I had nothing more to say. I didn't need to say anything. What would I have asked? If he was okay? How their reunion went? Meaningless small talk. I didn't like small talk at the best of times, but -  but I had always tried. Tried to reach out, to make that connection - and make sure that the other was doing okay. But- look where that got me. 

Sitting beside someone who wouldn't even bat an eyelash if he were to wipe me from this digital hell.

@Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows


 

Right....

Mari forgot about this. She had planned to do the majority of these quests with Zandra - a strange proposition really. Considering Mari was convinced Zandra was not too fond of her. Mari wasn't sure if she felt like navigating such precarious social interactions right now, but a promise is a promise. And she was still on her way back down to the fourth floor from her past encounter with Freyd and Chaser. 

...If it hadn't been for Chaser- Mari may just have declined Zandras invitation that day. 

But; it was a new day- and Mari had picked up the scrambled, broken pieces of her psyche and hastily glued them back together. She replied to Zandra, saying that they'd meet outside the safe zone. There was one giant, long - and ornate bridge..crumbling from disrepair that lead out the main settlement of Ralberg. It was here that Mari and Zandra agreed to wait. Mari thought she was early, a good fifteen minutes by her count. But, she was surprised to see Zandra already there.

"Ah." Mari said as she approached the raven haired woman. "You're quite early. I hope I didn't leave you waiting too long."


@Zandra

Mari snorted at his comment. "Naw, but you look good in green." It was...surprisingly easy to talk to the man. Mari had been so concerned about - well everything mere hours ago. Worried he'd be hostile toward her. That he'd be cold. Hell, every scenario had gone through her head. Every one except this.  Were her efforts at trying to redeem herself slowly working? Or were people just that apathetic to death in here?

As the smoke cleared Mari charged forward, and in a sweeping pirouette attacked the Witch - wiping down half her remaining health.

"Phew..." Mari added with an exasperated sigh as she fell back from her attack. "I feel like this would have gone a lot smoother if one of us had more than a sharpened butter knife for a weapon." She turned to Jomei and offered him a wry, cheesy grin. "Guess it's up to you to finish her off."

Mari jutted her finger towards the Witch who was muttering to herself as she quickly began to fill up bottles and vials. Seems she didn't think the battle would be going on this long either. 

@Jomei

Passive +1 En
ID:168698 BD:4 + 4=8    MOB: 6-3-3 MISS
Action: Eternal Cyclone - 11 x 13=143-70= 73
Jomei: 1530/1530 HP | 136/163 EN | 18 DAM | 4 EVA | 4 ACC | 52 MIT| 2 SAVVY | 76 BH
Mari:  Mari  1090/1090 HP | 73/106 EN | 11 DMG | EVA 3 | MIT 43 | ACC 4  -11 EN
Witch: 52/700 HP  | 100 DAM (50 min) | 70 MIT -73

"Mmm." Normally, Mari would skirt around the subject, wave it off to protect Freyd - because she'd rather be the villain than to have others villianized. Even if it were rightfully so. Yet, Mari struggled to find the reason to care about that sort of thing anymore. What did it matter if Freyd hated her, or Chaser, or anyone for that matter. Let them hate her - if it kept them pushing forward. If it gave them a single goal or an iota of motivation to get out of here, then let them hate her.

"He tricked me." She said simply, shifting to lean against the far wall of the cavern. Perhaps manipulated was a better word. Freyd had shown her some semblance of emotion, weakness. Even going as far as to give her his 'real-name' not that she believed that was true anymore. Still, Mari felt it best to keep things simple. She sighed, glancing at her Energy Bar- They'd need to regain some energy before getting too far ahead. Now was as good of a time as any. So, she continued. "He lured his Gemini-err thing to me. And had it rip out my own. He used that to-" 

To what?

"I'm...not sure what he wanted." Mari said as she shifted her gaze to the ceiling. "I guess I may just have been a test subject for some of his theories." She laughed bitterly. "Congratulations- He said to me." She placed a hand over her chest."I've engineered my own personal descent into oblivion." She repeated the words Freyd had spat at her. 

Chaser had called her 'Ma' again, shouldn't she correct that? Mari slumped down the wall into a seated position. Indicating that she wasn't going anywhere till her bar had replenished. "Ya shouldn't call me that kid." She added half heartedly. Mari didn't deserve to be called such things.

@ChaseR

He seemed frazzle by her words. Although whatever unease him about what she said...he seemed to cover it up quite quickly. "Did he try that with you too?" Mari asked incredulously, not meaning to sound so harsh with her words. She bit her tongue. Realizing the tone she had used. "I mean..." Mari shook her head. "Freyd didn't try to...." She motioned something being ripped out her own chest. Mari wasn't really good with words, the action illustrated what she meant. The question she had asked without using so many words 'Did Freyd try to rip one out of you'

Another blast of fire was aimed at them, but it piltered out - the dragon weakened - perhaps mourning the loss of its bretheren. Mari took a single step forward and thrust her spear into its side. 'schlick, schlick, shlick' over and over she had dug the spear into the exposed underbelly of the dragon only to pull it back out and repeat the process till it finally shattered beneath the  brutality of her attack.

Mari paused and exhaled. "Don't." She said, a tone of warning and foreboding. "Don't let them, or him get to you." Mari didn't want Freyd to experience that same pain that she had. Mari knew she was being wishy-washy with her words. And that could probably irk the kid. Hell, she was frustrated listening to herself. But Mari wasn't good with words, even at the best of times. Mari turned back to the place where the dragon had perished.

@ChaseR
Passive: +1 EN
[x15] Dimension Stampede (17 Energy) - An attack with four fast stabs, only to be concluded by a jumping slam from above. 
ID:168677 BD:10 CRITICAL HIT
21 x 17= 357-15=342

2] ChaseR: HP: 1044/1070 (+32) | EN: 80/104 (+1, -2) | DMG: 18 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 43 | BH: 32 | FRZ: 24 | BLD: 24 | V.(DEF): 53 | HBS: 16 | LD: 2
[0] Mari: HP: 1510/1610 | EN: 64/158 | DMG: 19 | MIT: 43 | EVA:3 | ACC: 4  | BH: 72 | BRN: 24 | BLEED: 24 | FLAME AURA: 15 -17 EN

Drakeling 4: HP: 0/350 | DMG: 200 | MIT: 15 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 2 | [Stun CD; 2/3] | Breath of Fire [1/4]-342

ID: 168678  CD: 8 SUCCESS

Total Drakeling Skins: 3

I really didn't care what was going on behind me. I heard Fontsa cry out in pain, and the heated mumble of words being exchanged but I didn't bother looking back. I kept walking forward - deliberately slow and steady, so the two behind me had a chance to catch up. This quest would be over soon. I just had to -

hat you're feeling right now is incomparable to what she's endured.  Make another foolish accusation, or speak to her that way again and I will cut you down myself

Dramatic, wasn't he? I paused in my steed. This time I was tempted to look over at them. Why Freyd would say such things after what he did to me? It's not like he had one iota of caring toward me. "Tch." More lies, more manipulation. He just wanted to subdue the woman so she would stop fawning over him. "Hurry up, I'd rather not be out here all night." I added with a dismissive wave over my shoulder. 

We walked the rest of the way in relative silence, which suited me just fine - I didn't really want to talk to either of them. Fontsa saw me as a monster, and Freyd saw me as some easily manipulated pet project. I paused just on the outskirts of the safe zone. I couldn't go into the town. Not without being chased. Normally, I'd worry for the denizens. The NPCs I didn't want to scare, the players I wanted to make sure felt safe. Now, I found it difficult to care about those things. 

"I'm too tired to be chased." I said with an exasperated sigh. I reached out to Freyd, gently grabbing his arm and urging him forward. "Go take her to see her husband. I'll have to wait here."

@Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

"I'd love to search for an off switch for this dragon" 

I gestured toward the illuminating crystals around us. "I suppose thats as good of an off switch as any." I said to @Crozeph I turned my eyes to the dragon. He mocked us for destroying others, for encroaching on the land. But - he was just as bad. A leech, sucking the life out of the very area around him for his own vengeful gains. The other players charged. Some shouting heroicaly cringey phrases - and despite how...awkward they were - and how much they made me want to roll my eyes, I saw... I don't know how to explain it.

But it made me smile. Humanity. It felt like just a bunch of kids having fun in a late night raid dungeon - rather than a group of people fighting for their lives. Humanity. Yeh. That seemed like a good word for it. I glanced down at my own weapon. Had I somehow lost that along the way? Maybe. Probably. I shook my head. No, now was not the time to worry about my own foibles. 

The time to act was now - I had a strong incline that the dragon wouldn't be able to revive itself again - not with the drain on the crystals. Or at least; it'd not come back with its strength doubled. My health was still full. It...was kinda cruel in a way. I wanted to die; and yet I wasn't being hit. The attacks aimed at everyone else, full of life and vigor. 

I darted forth and activated a Sword Art - again, I was short - small. And didn't have the boon of being able to use others as springboards. So my attacks whilst fast, and precise - were aimed at Skalaughs ankles, shins, and feet - well - there is a famous saying about an achilles heel, right? 

And my damage was more than a few pittance of numbers - so - it really didn't matter in the end. Did it?

Passive: +1 EN
Action: [x14] Imperial Southern Cross (16 Energy) - Six rapid stabs, followed by a powerful finishing thrust at the opponent.
ID:168572  BD:6+6=12-2=10 HIT
22 x 14= 308-125=183 Damage Dealt

[H: 0] Lessa HP: 974/1210 | EN: 89/112 | 22 DMG | 5 ACC | 1 EVA | 171 MIT | 54 THN | 1 HM | 1 REC | 36 BH [15% Barrier]
[H: 0] Haine HP:1128/1270  | EN: 82/124 | 22 DMG | 6 ACC | 3 EVA | 111 MIT | 36 BLD | Antioxidant [15% Barrier]
[H: 6] Raidou HP:1625/1625 | EN:125/144 | 18 DMG | 4 ACC | 6 EVA | 176 MIT | TAUNT | 80 BH | Antidote:3/3 | Antioxidant | PARRY [15% Barrier]
[H: 1] Freyd HP: 1205/1205 | EN: 85/104 | 25 DMG  | 6 ACC | 4 EVA | 79 MIT | KEEN | 6 HLY | 36 BLD | 24 BH [15% Barrier]
[H: 0] Mari HP: 1570/1570  | EN: 108/154 | 22 DMG | 6 ACC | 5 EVA | 88 MIT | 24 BLD | 15 FLM-AURA | 72 BH [15% Barrier] -16 EN
[H: 0] Oscar HP: 1370/1370 | EN: 119/134 | 23 DMG | 5 ACC | 5 EVA | 151 MIT | 12 FLN | 36 BRN | 69 BH [15% Barrier]
[H: 0] Hidden HP: 1150/1210 | EN: 90/118 | 19 DMG | 6 ACC | 5 EVA | 124 MIT | 8 HLY | 121 VAMP-OFF | 60 BH [15% Barrier]
[H: 0] Crozeph HP: 1165/1165 | EN: 64/100 | 18 (+3) DMG | 4 (2) ACC | 1 (+2)  EVA | 54 (+45)  MIT | FRZ | 2 REC | 1 LD [15% Barrier]
[H: 0] Zajcica [REND 1/3] HP: 1370/1510  | EN: 130/130 | 6 DMG | 4 ACC | 279 MIT | 54 THN | 30 FLM-AURA | 21 FST-THN | Taunt | 36 BLD | 75 BH | 50% DoT Reduce(25% after first tick) | [PARRY 0/3] [15% Barrier]
[H: 2] Macradon HP: 1385/1805 | EN: 163/189 | 22 DMG | 4 ACC | 2 EVA | 152 MIT | 2 REC | 36 FST-THN | FRZ | 90 BH | 180 VMP-OFF [15% Barrier]
[H: 0] Kiluia HP: 930/1050 | EN: 75/102 | 25 DMG | 5 ACC | 4 EVA | 124 MIT | ABS-ACC | 36 BLD | 1 REC | KEEN [15% Barrier]
[H: 0] Night HP: 1490/1490 | EN: 137/161 | 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 [15% Barrier]
[H: 0] Zandra HP: 1495/1805 | EN: 162/191 | 22 DMG | 5 ACC | 2 EVA | 197 MIT | 30 FLM-AURA | 90 BH | [15% Barrier]
[H: 0] [REND 0/3] Morgenstern HP: 1171/1510  | EN: 112/142  | 22 DMG | 6 ACC | 1 EVA | 171 MIT | PAR-VNM | 25% DoT Reduce | FRPRF | PARA-IMN | BLDCLT | 76 BD [15%

"Say?" Mari tilted her head to the side, pursing her lips in thought. He hadn't really said anything. Mari slowly shook her head. "No he-" She paused as she subconsciously gripped at her chest. The pain still lingered with the memory. How he had tricked her. Cohered his strange Gemini doppelganger to attack her- and pull out her own strange Gemini-eske creature. Born from - Mari did not know what. How it left her feeling empty and hollow, and how it had convinced her that she had been far too flippant with her emotions and how she should reign them in.  "I don't think you're like that."   The Bluenette would not know what Mari meant by her words. From the few interactions she had with Chaser, he seemed to wear his heart on his sleeve. Emotional outbursts like screaming, and crying. No - he wasn't anything like Freyd. Mari didn't react to his age, just put a mental note down that he was still young - and she was right - he was on the cusp of adulthood. "Chaser do you know the Gemini quest? Those beings that generate from it? How they can spawn even outside the quest?"

There was no immediate answer from him. Nor was there an immediate reaction from Mari as he called her 'Ma' she didn't react negatively to hit - she just followed through his attack with one of her own. Talking could come later.

Her spear flashed as Mari activated a Sword Art and charged forward, barely missing one Drakeling- she managed to tear into another - jab after jab, the sickening 'schlick, schlick, schlick' as it tore through their crackling flesh.

Red menacing words danced above the first baby dragon 'Overkill' Yeh. Maybe she did go a little too hard. She shouldn't have charged. The momentum set her off kilter - and made her miss the last Drakeling. "My bad." Mari said as she pushed her hair up and out of her face. "That last one is on you." It was easier for her to keep her focus elsewhere when she was standing amidst a battle. 


@ChaseR
 

[x15] Dimension Stampede (17 Energy) - An attack with four fast stabs, only to be concluded by a jumping slam from above. 
Action: Charged Dimension Stampede
ID:168466 Drakeling 1    BD:10  > CRITICAL
 

,2] ChaseR: HP: 1002/1070 (+32) | EN: 81/104 (-13) | DMG: 18 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 43 | BH: 32 | FRZ: 24 | BLD: 24 | V.(DEF): 53 | HBS: 16 | LD: 2
[,0] Mari: HP: 1510/1610 | EN: 158/158 | DMG: 19 | MIT: 43 | EVA:3 | ACC: 4  | BH: 72 | BRN: 24 | BLEED: 24 | FLAME AURA: 15

Drakeling 3: HP: 0/350  | DMG: 200 | MIT: 15 | EVA: 0 | ACC: 2 | STUNNED | [Stun CD; 1/3]-410 OVERKILL
Drakeling 4: HP: 221/350 | DMG: 200 | MIT: 15 | EVA: 0 | ACC: 2 | STUNNED | [Stun CD; 1/3]

SKin attemp Drakeling 1:
ID: 168468  CD: 9 SUCCESS
Total Drakeling Skin: 2

I hadn't cared to wait around for Freyd or the NPC - knowing him, he'd probably want to whisk her back away to safety and get this quest over and done with. At least...that's what I wanted. I was a few metres ahead but had stopped when I didn't hear the shuffling of footsteps following. With a heavy sigh a paused and turned to glance over my shoulder to see them. Fonsta- Fanta, or whatever her name was - she had her arms wrapped tightly around Freyd's shoulders - face rubbing into the crook of his neck as she sobbed. Loudly. 

"Tch."

That sort of programming bothered me. Making things cry like that? Not only that but it felt...somehow it felt insincere, maybe it was the way she was sobbing about her husband, latched onto another man - maybe it was because she was meant to be 'strong' or maybe, I was just frustrated that she nothing more than a damn computer program was able to cry so freely and I wasn't able to. Freyd looked over at me with a helpless look in his eyes.

I sighed as I trumped toward the two - and with a rough gesture pulled the woman off of him. "Get a hold of yourself."

She didn't take too kindly to that.  "W-What is the meaning of-"

I interrupted her, "We're returning you to your husband. C'mon lets-"

SLAP

I felt the sharp sting of her hand across my face. Fanta stared at me, gleaming watery eyes with distate. "You know nothing of love." She spat at me. Heh. I probably didn't. I thought that would be the end, but her tirade continued. "You've never been married! Never known the love of a husband or a family!" She hissed. "So don't- HEY! Don't walk away when I'm talking."

Oh, Walk away I did. I didn't need to her her venomous bile. I didn't need to see that look reflected in her  gaze. The look as though they were staring at a monster. I get it. I get it. So screw it, I'd lead the way back toward her doting husband whilst she hung all over Freyd. 

Not. My. Problem.

@Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

Mari blinked. Huh. In that instant the battle had finished - Mari knew she had fought them. And yet...it felt surreal. Mari loosened then tightened the grip on her spear. Her hands felt cold. She felt cold. She had let go of everything and let the motions take control of her in that moment. It- succeeded in a way - they had defeated the drakelings, but the ease of it all still unnerved Mari.

"Wow, you're... Wow. You really get in a different mood before combat, huh?

"I...." Mari turned to Chaser. She swallowed and tightened the grip on her spear as she shoved its tip down into the earth. "I guess so. I really am not fond of fighting in general but-" She shifted her gaze away from him. A part of her screamed at her to be quiet. To just let this go. Agree with him and move on. But the words came out despite the protests. "I suppose Freyd didn't like that..." She grumbled, the tone of distaste on the tip of her tongue. She was still trying to figure out why he did what he did. What did he have to gain from her pain? It didn't matter. Nothing mattered.

 "Right. Next Pair." 

Mari turned from him and continued down the path. "Don't be concerned. I won't be like that in the future."

@ChaseR

Rewards

Itzal, Mari, Hidden Recieve the following:

2 SP

133 Col

"I doubt he'd get too far with an ambush-" Mari began, but stopped herself. Hidden needed this. Needed to make herself clear and assert herself. So instead of interjecting Mari simply stood just behind the young white haired girl. Strikingly blue gaze focused on the shadowy figure before her. Not exactly menacing, but - the stance proved an unspoken point. Mess with Hidden, and Mari would be there too.

Ares then had some words to say to Mari - privately. Mari wasn't sure how she felt about his words. She needs a good person as a friend.  Then - that person really shouldn't be Mari. Mass murderers did not exactly scream 'good friends' but she had to agree on one thing - it was nice to see Hidden opening up and wanting to improve herself. Those first few steps were always the hardest. Mari didn't respond to the man with words, but a mere shrug of her shoulders as she turned from him.

"-That about wraps it up I suppose."
           "If there's anything either of you need, just let me know."
 

 Those were the parting words. Ares, or Batman or whoever he decided he was would go one way. Mari and Hidden, the other way. Mari felt a little bothered by the fact that she'd have to go through Zandra of all people to find him.  Didn't Zandra hate Mari? Or at the very least, fear her? That'd make things difficult. Still. Mari shifted her gaze to Hidden.  Mari would do it. For Hidden.  And, partly for herself.

Just how was Domarus these days?

 

We had searched for hours, barely saying a word to each other beyond confirmation that we had yet to find it. I preferred it this way. It was easier to deal with him. I didn't have to keep pretending anymore. But, that's probably what he wanted,huh?  I sighed as I pushed a body off another. Nothing. I was tired. My limbs and eyes were heavy, and my head swimming with a dizziness that was hard to place. But I just pushed that away. Always pushing things down and away. I remained resolute in my mission. I just had to finish this. Then I could take a few days to make my way back down to the comforting darkness of my cabin on the fourth floor.

A startled cry, pained and afraid broke the winds of silence - I lifted my gaze to glance at Freyd. We followed to where she was- weak- fending off furred beast-men with dripping maws. "Mmm..."  I didn't really have anything more to say to Freyd. There was no point. We were in the midst of a battle. No words were needed. He had already charged in with an attack. Throwing them all off kilter. As they staggered backward. All I had to do was finish them off.

FIghting...Didn't I hate fighting? What did it matter? I exhaled as I stepped forward, grabbing Freyd's arm and pulling him behind me. If he didn't comply, he'd be in the way - and that would be his own fault.

I rolled my shoulders back, the chill of battle coursing through my veins to my fingertips as I clenched my spear tightly. Or maybe, it was the strange uneven chill of no longer caring. A silence that had been torn into my soul by the very man behind me. Maybe - just maybe my blade should have been pointed at him. But that'd be a waste. 

Tap
    Tap
       Tap

Leather boots echoed across the still air of the courtyard as I held out my spear. Lips pursed into a loud whistle to get the beastmans attention. I succeeded, with a howling and guttoral roar they each began to circle me - running - round and round me. Perfectly lined up in a neat. Little. Circle. A cold smile broke my pink lips as my weapon flashed, and with an instant strike - pivoting on the ball of my heel - I tore through each and every one of them. Cleaving them from existence. As it should be.

I walked through glimmering fires of red data as it cascaded around my form. The job was done, the trek back would be quick - as we would not be searching for a weeping wife.  "Let's go then." I  said as she turned her back on  both Freyd and Fonsa.

Apathy...felt like a beautiful thing.

@Freyd - The Whisper in Shadows

Action:19  [x9 AoE] Weeping Moon (9 Energy +2 per target hit) - Do a single and powerful 360-degree spin
ID:168237   BD: 3 + 4=7 HIT =171-20=151
ID:168238 BD" 8 + 4 = 12 HIT =171-20=151
ID:168240  BD: 8 + 4=12 HIT  =171-20=151
ID:168241 BD:6 + 4= HIT  =171-20=151

Freyd, The Whisper in Shadows | HP: 1110/1110 | EN: 92/108 | DMG:22 | MIT:99 | EVA:2 | ACC:4 | KEEN:1 | HLY:6 | BLD:36 | BH:22
Mari | HP 1490/1490  | EN: 146/146 | DMG: 19 | MIT: 43 | EVA:3 | ACC: 4  | BH: 72 | BRN: 24 |BLEED: 24 | FLAME AURA: 15 

Fonsa | NPC (can sustain 3 hits) 3/3

[H:1,0,1] Crazed Beastman #1 | HP: 0/300 | MIT 20 | DMG 85 -151
[H:1,0,1] Crazed Beastman #2 | HP: 0/300 | MIT 20 | DMG 85 -151
[H:1,0,1] Crazed Beastman #3 | HP: 0/300 | MIT 20 | DMG 85   -151
[H:1,0,1] Crazed Beastman #4 | HP: 0/300 | MIT 20 | DMG 85   -151

All Crazed Beastmen share the following abilities:

<<Bloodthirst>> The Crazed Beastmen are returning to finish what they started. Fonsa will always have 1 Hate automatically generated for each Beastman.

<<Crazed Swing>> On a MD roll of 9-10 the Crazed Beastman will swing wildly, hitting every party member, including Fonsa. (players take numerical damage, Fonsa takes 1 hit) This attacks Deal 100 damage to players.

"You know, I kinda wish I could have a word with him." Mari said with a small sigh - "What his intention exactly was and- Urgh.." Mari lifted her hand to block her face as she was blasted with a wall of fire again. She slowly lowered her arm to see a rather exasperated Chaser. She couldn't blame him. She was just being fussy. Mari had to remember to push it all down. She didn't like fighting, heck - she didn't even like fighting regular mobs. Still. Mari pushed that all down. 

After everything that happened, it was scarily easy to numb herself. To put all those concerns and doubts out of her mind - and when Mari opened her eyes again her cautious gaze was replaced with an unfeeling steeled stare at the two cornered Drakelings. Chaser wanted her to do something? Fine. This was fine.

A calm yet menacing aura came from her movements. Mari placed one hand on Chasers chest and gently pushed him back two steps, lest he get in the way of her strike. If Chaser had run into her now, he'd probably not have encountered her at all - and hurried on his way. This was the Mari people feared. The one who pushed everything aside and focused on what was in front of her. 

Mari stepped forward - swinging her spear forward and out, spinning on her heel as she activated the <<Weeping Moon>> Sword Art- and with the single, fluid arc- she had completely decimated what was left of the drakelings.

@ChaseR

 

Action:  [x9 AoE] Charged Weeping Moon (9 Energy +2 per target hit) - Do a single and powerful 360-degree spin
19  x 9 = 171 -15= 156
ID:168235 BD: 8 - Drakeling 1 -
IS: 168236 BD: 8 Drakeling 2
[1,2] ChaseR: HP: 918/1070 (+48, -100) | EN: 82/104 (+1, -13) | DMG: 18 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 43 | BH: 32 | FRZ: 24 | BLD: 24 | V.(DEF): 53 | HBS: 16 | LD: 2
[0,0] Mari: HP: 1554/1610  | EN: 157/158 | DMG: 19 | MIT: 43 | EVA:3 | ACC: 4  | BH: 72 | BRN: 24 | BLEED: 24 | FLAME AURA: 15

Drakeling 1: HP: 0/350 (-237) | DMG: 200 | MIT: 15 | EVA: 0 | ACC: 2 | T2 BLEED [1/2] | FROZEN [24] | Breath of Fire: 2/4 - 156
Drakeling 2: HP: 0/350 (-201) | DMG: 200 | MIT: 15 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 2 | [Stun CD; 1/3] | Breath of Fire: 1/4 -156

Skinning
ID: 168281  CD:2 FAIL
ID:168282  CD:10 Success

Total Drakeling Skin: 1

A tank huh? He sure as heck didn't look it, but then again, neither did Yuki at first glance and now she was right up there with the most formidable tanks around. Through sheer dedication, and perhaps throwing herself into constant danger. Chaser gave her his best grin - it was better to see that than him sobbing. His eyes were red from tears, but he still managed to pull through with a smile.

He attacked; and one of the creatures retaliated, raining wisps of fire over the two of them. Mari's health fell down, a little. Then...

Her health ticked up, all but a sliver - thanks to her battle healing. A quick glance at Chaser showed that he'd also be fine. Get ready he says. Trying to take charge. Mari let him - at least he didn't go into some sort of heroic speech. Mari pulled out he spear and let him go for the first attack - it was a little....sad, in a way. These dragons were young - about the size of a cat. Why does it always gotta be baby dragons?  Mari had a big issue with the Dragon Hunter quest for this exact reason. Killing the young for rewards felt...wrong. '

"This is probably why that Sundered Spire hates us." Mari breathed. She turned to glance at Chaser- he'd hit one but missed the other. He didn't look like he had the same reservations as she did. Mari closed her eyes and drew a deep breath. She took a few steps forward, her spear flickering with a spent Sword Art - Instead of attacking  Mari crouched down. Not caring that one had burnt her just before - "Why do ya think so many quests involve killing young things like this?" 

@ChaseR

Passive: BH + 72HP
Action:  [x9 AoE] Charged Weeping Moon (9 Energy +2 per target hit) - Do a single and powerful 360-degree spin
ID:168225 BD: 2+4=6-1=5 MISS
ID: 168226:BD 1  MISS

[1,2] ChaseR: HP: 970/1070 (-100) | EN: 94/104 (-10) | DMG: 18 | EVA: 3 | ACC: 3 | MIT: 43 | BH: 32 | FRZ: 24 | BLD: 24 | V.(DEF): 53 | HBS: 16 | LD: 2
[0,0] Mari: HP: 1582/1610  (-100 | EN: 156/158 | DMG: 19 | MIT: 43 | EVA:3 | ACC: 4  | BH: 72 | BRN: 24 | BLEED: 24 | FLAME AURA: 15 -2 EN

Drakeling 1: HP: 350/350 | DMG: 200 | MIT: 15 | EVA: 1 | ACC: 2 
Drakeling 2: HP: 221/350 (-129) | DMG: 200 | MIT: 15 | EVA: 0 | ACC: 2 | [Stun CD; 1/3] | STUNNED

"Hmmm....he only seems to do that massive AoE when he revives himself."  At least, that's what it looked like to me, I spoke my thoughts out loud - in hopes that the surrounding players would hear.  It seemed players were taking heavy hits - but none that weren't manageable. The blue haired woman seemed to take the brunt of it - but she quickly healed herself. Good. That was good - I was worried that there'd be a lack of healers here - especially with how the meeting went that Jacobs Ladder hosted.  I was tempted to use another crystal, but right now - it seemed unnecessary. Most everyone here was at near full health - their bars all in the green.  What we did need to do - was try to hit Skalaugh again. Surely there had to be a limit to how many times he could revive. Then boded the question, what was reviving him. Was it simply his hatred for us?

Still...something about this bothered me. Was something hiding? Something none of us could see?  "Hey." I called out, to no one in particular - just those nearby. "Does anyone have any sort of detection skills?" I waved the red crystal shard I held  for emphasis as I waved it across the surrounding area. "There could be a hidden mechanic somewhere....or...." I turned my attention to Skalaugh, as beautiful as he was terrifying. "Or he could simply be fueled by his hatred for everything we've done - and will continue to do." There was a heaviness to those words. Many of us had  become desensitized to the destruction wrought around us - the way I was treated with open arms, despite what I had done - was testament to that. It almost felt like we deserved this.

But

It was time to remove myself from such thoughts- that would get us nowhere.

I gently tossed the crystal to the side, watching it land with a small 'thump' against the muddy ground. If they reminded - I would have to remind myself to take one home. I turned a steady gaze to Skalaugh. I had yet to use a charged attack, and right now would be no different. I wanted to save it for the right moment. I was also worried, the muddy surface may make me slip - and during a precarious time like this, I did not want to take that chance.

Gripping the polearm tightly between my two hands I ran - forward toward the creature that towered over us - its wing injured. I could not get that high, but...I could still aim for its legs. And I did just that, activating the Southern Cross Sword Art I swung my weapon, six stabs right at the back of the ankle, with a finishing thrust that landed deep into Skalaughs flesh, crystaline armour cracking under the pressure of the weight of the attack.

Passive: +1 EN
Action: [x14] Imperial Southern Cross (16 Energy) - Six rapid stabs, followed by a powerful finishing thrust at the opponent.
ID:168222  BD:2+6=8-2=HIT
22x 14=308-100=208

H: 1] Lessa HP: 1036/1210 | EN: 99/112 | 22 DMG | 5 ACC | 1 EVA | 171 MIT | 54 THN | 1 HM | 1 REC | 36 BH
[H: 0] Haine HP:1038/1270  | EN: 96/124 | 22 DMG | 6 ACC | 3 EVA | 111 MIT | 36 BLD | Antioxidant
[H: 0] Raidou HP:1625/1625 | EN:131/144 | 18 DMG | 4 ACC | 6 EVA | 176 MIT | TAUNT | 80 BH | Antidote:3/3 | Antioxidant | PARRY
[H: 1] Freyd HP: 1205/1205 | EN: 94/104 | 25 DMG  | 6 ACC | 4 EVA | 79 MIT | KEEN | 6 HLY | 36 BLD | 24 BH
[H: 1] Mari HP: 1570/1570  | EN: 123/154 | 22 DMG | 6 ACC | 5 EVA | 88 MIT | 24 BLD | 15 FLM-AURA | 72 BH -16 EN
[H: 0] Oscar HP: 1370/1370 | EN: 119/134 | 23 DMG | 5 ACC | 5 EVA | 151 MIT | 12 FLN | 36 BRN | 69 BH
[H: 1] Hidden HP: 1060/1210 | EN: 100/118 | 19 DMG | 6 ACC | 5 EVA | 124 MIT | 8 HLY | 121 VAMP-OFF | 60 BH
[H: 1] Crozeph HP: 850/1030 | EN: 80/100 | 18 DMG | 4 ACC | 1 EVA | 54 MIT | FRZ | 2 REC | 1 LD | 30 BH
[H: 3] Zajcica [REND 0/3] HP: 1224/1510 [-171] | EN: 130/130 | 6 DMG | 4 ACC | 279 MIT | 54 THN | 30 FLM-AURA | 21 FST-THN | Taunt | 36 BLD | 75 BH
[H: 3] Macradon HP: 1805/1805 | EN: 172/189 | 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 2/3
[H: 1] Kiluia HP: 840/1050 | EN: 75/102 | 25 DMG | 5 ACC | 4 EVA | 124 MIT | ABS-ACC | 36 BLD | 1 REC | KEEN
[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
[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)- 
[H: 0] Morgenstern HP: 1510/1510  | EN: 127/142  | 22 DMG | 6 ACC | 1 EVA | 171 MIT | PAR-VNM | 25% DoT Reduce | FRPRF | PARA-IMN | BLDCLT | 76 BH

"Please.... can we just destroy this unholy abomination this round." Mari said with an exasperated sigh - it was troublesome enough, with her dagger barely making a dent in its moist sugary wet folds. But seeing it disperse into dozens of tiny versions of itself? Only to smoosh itself back together? It wasn't exactly pretty. She was sure that the entire idea was that they were all meant to keep playing 'chubby bunny' to defeat it quickly. But - now all three of them were reluctant to do so. And who could blame them? It was like some sick sort of joke.

"Yanno...I can see why Oikawa bailed - he probably knew this was gonna happen." Mari said with an amused snort. She then ran at the peep, activating her most powerful Sword Art- and tearing throgh its marshmellow flesh. Even with her most powerful attack, the heath bar barely moved and Mari felt a pang of annoyance.

Her one saving grace was how she managed to activate both bleed and burn - the status symbols floating above its head.

"It's all up to you two now!" Mari called out to them. "Please lets kill it this round!"

@Macradon @Calrex
Action: Eternal Cyclone > Giant Peep    ID:168221  BD: 8 Bleed/Burn PROC! 
18 x 13=234-150=84 
Giant Peep:  MD: 6-2=MISS CALREX
Passive +1 EN
[H: 1] Mari - 1410/1410  | EN: 987/138 | DMG: 18 | MIT: 43 | ACC: 6 | EVA: 3 | BH: 67 | BRN: 24 | BLD: 24 | FLAME AURA: 15 -11 EN
[H: 5] Macradon - 1940/1940 | EN: 165/189 | DMG: 25 | MIT: 107 | 4 ACC | EVA: 2 | BHL: 97 | FTH: 36 (21) | FRZ: 6 | REC: 6 | HLY: 12 | PHS: 1 | VMP: 194 
[H: 6] Calrex 1696/1805 | EN: 104/176 EN | DMG: 16 | MIT: 116 | ACC: 3 | EVA: 2 | BHL: 88 | IMMO 30 | ACH: 0.5 

The Giant Peep: 600/2000 HP | 30 DMG | 3 ACC | 0 EVA | 150 MIT |   -48 DAM    -84 DAM   Burn 2/2 Turns   -24 Bleed 2/2 Turns
Ability: Every three turns, the Peep splits into smaller Peeps. Players then have the opportunity to play Chubby Bunny with the peeps by rolling a CD. The CD corresponds to the number of Peeps one can shove down their gullet and still speak. After the Chubby Bunny phase, the Giant Peep reforms and players gain bonuses equal to the amount of Peeps they ingested.
1-3 Peeps - Phase
4-6 Peeps - Apply Burn on a BD8
7-9 Peeps - Holy Proc on the player’s next Critical.
10-12 Peeps - Next successful attack procs double Falle

Mari began to question Chasers age - she thought he was on the cusp of adulthood- now, he seemed like he was maybe in his early teens. It was difficult to tell - and whilst she told herself she'd try not to analyse it - she couldn't help it. He just seemed so....lost. But, weren't they all? Especially in this game? Chaser seemed hesitant to take charge - but soon. They were heading toward the mines, till he stopped right in front of her.

Oof'

Mari had walked right into him, having been lost in her own thoughts. Mari backed away to see him looking at the blanket, a look of guilt on his face. It was only a brief pause, a hesitation before they continued, more or less in silence. The kid was probably mulling over the entirety of their earlier interaction. Mari couldn't really blame him. She had been cold to him. Too selfish, and too tired to wear the pleasant mask she wore for the sake of others. Maybe it was wrong to drop it. Especially when it was so very clear that she was still needed.

The two of them stood at the precipice of darkness- one that lead deep down into a cave complex - barely illuminate. "Huh?" Mari stared at the plush blanket in his hands. "You know - I don't mind if you keep it." Mari said, already reaching out to take it. "But it'll probably get destroyed down there, it's a vanity item so its durability is practically zero." She sighed as she placed it away in her inventory. Making a mental note to give it back to him later.

There was a pause, and more hesitation. "Welp." Mari gave Chaser a small pat on his shoulder as she took the initiative. "Best get going. C'mon."

@ChaseR