Domarus

Domarus said nothing more as the two of them walked.  Eventually of course they managed to reach the area where the sleeping dragon hatchling lay resting.  Mina giggled, returning a bit to her old self as she commented on how it looked cute.  That didn't help Domarus as he focused on the fact that it was nothing but simple code rather than a living breathing creature.  He watched as she dealt five  points of damage to it.  A painful reminder of how low a level she truly was.  When she finished her attack he would activate charge, rush in, and cleave the hatchling clean in half.  It didn't even have enough time to scream before it vaporized into crystals.  A completion screen for the quest popped up and Domarus hit accept as he and Mina received the item.  He turned to her.  "One down, nine to go."

ID#  116867  BD:  8

The red haired player sat there in silence for the longest moment.  Finally he spoke up.  "I won't try and stop you...  But know that if you do this.  There will be people who will miss you.  Who will mourn for you.  People who will be hurt by your loss..  You aren't worthless Mina.  No one is."  He was silent for another moment before he took a deep breath and stood up, walking towards their destination.  "The boss is this way, we should hurry and wrap this up before moving to the next one."   The red haired 'dominator' had always called others imbeciles, pathetic, useless, worthless, fools, weaklings.  Now he was reversing the concept.  Domarus was making it clear through his movement that this conversation  had really shaken him up.  To the point where he didn't want to continue it, simply for the fact that he was afraid to hear her refuse to stop.  Refuse to take his advice.  He was afraid she wasn't going to listen to reason, and instead risk her life doing something that three players who were master combatants had completely failed to do.

He held her more tightly in his arms after hearing her response.  "Then you and I are the same.  No one cares for me in the real world either, not truly.  So I'll say this right here and now Mina.  Should you die I don't know what I'd do.  Please, never ever do anything like that alone.  I don't care who you infiltrate, or even if they're weak.  I want you to swear to me, swear it!  That you will never do anything so reckless as to take on a guild by yourself, and that you will work on getting stronger before taking on anyone...  Please..  Promise me that."  Eventually Domarus let go, letting his arms fall to his sides as he turned around and sat down on a fallen log.  His head hanging low and his shoulders sagging.  His arms resting on his legs.  He didn't want her to die...  Perhaps it was selfish, but, he never had a real friend.  He saw Hestia as his savior and mentor yes, but.  It was hard to see her as his friend.  At least right now.  Keres hated him for changing and becoming extremely docile.  Mina...  He couldn't lose his first real chance at friendship.  He didn't want to lose her.

Watching the chaos going on was troublesome.  He watched as players got hit by the frostbite again while others did not.  Itzal didn't freeze this time around and Domarus managed to keep from being frozen as well.  Thus he focused on doing his part.  He focused on the one and only Sahagin remaining in the group.  Once that creature was down they could attack the segment again.  When that happened they could target the boss...  Something didn't feel right...  Nonetheless he was going through with his decision to attack the Sahagin.  Domarus readied his axe and prepared his attack, then activated charge on the monster.  As he rushed forward he swung his massive ax and cleaved it through the mob, dealing his damage.  He needed to get to tier three quickly after this fight, so he would be of far more use.  At any rate he was here helping.  Domarus returned to the group hoping someone could finish it off or land a blow against the segment if it became available.

ID#  116855  LD:  20
ID#  116856  BD:  9  18+1+5x13-50=262 damage on Sahagin 12

The man had to watch her begin to dissolve into what he would describe as hysteria.  He wasn't sure what to do but he realized nothing he said would get through to her unless he shocked her out of it.  So.  He took a deep breath.  Raised his hand.  And slapped her hard enough to snap her out of it, which of course painted his cursor temporarily orange.  "MINA..  Calm down.  I never said you can't fight.  I only said not to do it alone...  Never alone."  His voice was quivering at this point as he took steady breaths.  "Before Aereth infiltrated the laughing coffin, he was a part of my organization.  He was one of my generals.  He...  I convinced him to do very terrible things Mina.  However no matter he, nor Opal were none of them were a match for their enemies."  He wrapped his arms around her and held her close to him.  "You aren't worthless.  You can fight.  But you need to get stronger first.  I can help you get stronger.  We can help each other.  But, please...  Please, don't throw away your life because you feel like you have to do something.  You can't do anything if you're dead..."

Domarus was about to ask her to elaborate on her reasons, but she seemed to have known what he was going to say.  She began to give more detail on what she meant and he was very very much glad she told him.  Domarus put a hand on her shoulder and turned her around to face him as he looked her in the eye.  Concern showing very strongly for her.  "Mina you can't.  If you don't want to die you can't go.  If you don't want to die know very much that I don't want you to die.  During my time owning an army of informants, I was made aware of around five players we know of who infiltrated player killer guilds and groups in an attempt to dismantle them or take someone down.  I also know two of the five infiltrators names:  Aereth and Opal.  Do you want to know what happened to them?  They're both dead Mina.  And they were both very high levels in their time.  Please, Pease do not go through with it...  Or...  At the very least make sure you get some allies and train some more before you do anything like this."  He let go, realizing he shouldn't be forcing her to do anything.  He had to stop ordering.  He had to stop commanding.  He wasn't a leader...  He was a criminal.  "Just..  It's not an order..  It's a request..  A plead..  Please reconsider this.  Don't do it alone.  I...  I know someone who plans on taking down player killers.  If you can team up with him..  I'd feel a lot more comfortable."

Domarus heard her using the pot and kettle metaphor but he had a response to that one.  "That may be true, but it doesn't have to be."  He fell silent again.  He didn't know how to move on, but she at least seemed to have an idea.  If he had to choose who would find how to move on and who would be trapped in their depression.  There wasn't a question of who he would choose.  It would be her every time.  Because he knew he didn't deserve freedom from this.  He didn't deserve escaping his punishment.  When she mentioned how she wouldn't say he isn't reckless Domarus spoke again.  "Let me clarify then:  He doesn't act recklessly without being prepared.  In fact from what I've heard he's over prepared more than enough times to prove my point."  He gestured to her mask.  "May I, inquire as to what the mask is about and for?  I never thought you'd be one to take on an ominous appearance."

After all this time they were finally able to take a break from frostbite and scald.  Even still...  Their forces had dropped greatly due to players dropping out.  Team two only had three players remaining.  A tank, a dps, and a healer.  And from the looks of it the healer would die if she didn't get herself a healing crystal.  They were in bad shape to be sure...  Domarus watched Itzal move over to Zandra and whisper something to her before taking off and hitting the primary boss.  He nodded and took a deep breath before he rushed forward and activated Explode Catapult.  He landed his first strike on the Leviathan, but when he redirected to strike the Sahagin's, activating concentration and charge, since they were new targets for him.  He missed two of them, only hitting one of them on his wave.  After he struck and retreated he sighed.  "Our luck's just not great today..."

Concentration activate:  +1 ACC

ID#  116715  BD:  7  18x14x2=504 damage against Leviathen
ID#  116716  BD:  2+3+1-1=5
ID#  116717  BD:  3+3-1+1=6  18+5x14-50=272 damage
ID#  116718  BD:  1

Domarus listened to Mina speak about how she had a feeling it was Itzal who helped play a part in it.  He didn't say anything...  He was frustrated he lost even if he was wrong, and he was also extraordinarily ashamed...  It wasn't a topic he liked to discuss.  When she mentioned how Itzal was the kind to always intervene on those situations Domarus sighed.  "On that we can agree on.  He's definitely a stubborn individual."  He fell silent as he listened to her continue.  He didn't say anything for a while.  When he did he took a deep breath, and flicked her gently on the head.  "Mina, being depressed is my job.  Don't try and steal it from me."  She may see it as a joke but he was being serious.  "In any case, you should try showing that radiant sunshine that glows on you.  It's, inspiring.  And don't worry too much about Itzal.  I probably don't know him as well as you, but.  I know he won't do anything suicidal or reckless.  I've got data to prove it."

Becoming tainted was not at all the issue.  Domarus kept him tame by being powerful, prideful and ruthless.  When he changed, Rhozarth disliked it and felt his pride was hindered.  That was when he started getting more violent and untamed.  Him suddenly being tainted was a rather ridiculous idea.  He was code after all...  When she mentioned Itzal his eyes widened at first.  Itzal...  The scout who went rogue, quite literally.  The player had changed his appearance, his familiar's appearance, even his voice all to go into hiding.  He only showed him his face because he wanted players he chose to know his identity...  But, why did he choose Domarus of all people?  Of course this was before the mod was updated, but still...  "Itzal..  Was one of the people who put a stop to me and my crimes actually..  If, you want we could contact him.  See if he'd be willing to meet with you again.  I'll back you up if you need it."  He raised a hand behind her to place on her shoulder but hesitated...  He wasn't..  He could support someone else.  He'd probably hurt her without meaning to.  It was second nature to him.  With that he lowered his hand.  When she asked if they could just go he nodded.  "...Alright..." 

Even though her eyes showed excitement, her voice was rather dry and emotionless.  It was very interesting to witness, though it didn't mean much.  Just another reminder as to how unpredictable the girl was.  When she mentioned how she was investing into the search skill his first thought was how it would be useful for the two of them.  He closed his eyes.  No.  He would never try to be selfish again.  Even still.  "Are you planning on becoming a scout then?"  He asked her as they prepared to move out.  When she turned and looked at him, he heard her words.  Seeming confused which he found odd considering he had to prevent it from attacking her.  He nodded.  "Rhozarth nearly killed a level...  Five or so player I think."  When she mentioned her hope that he'd get another one he looked away, his eyes narrowing.  "Do you honestly think it a good idea for me to care for a new life?  I can barely handle my own as it is..." 

Stats

Skills

The tall player waited patiently as he thought about how strange it was for his familiar to be...  Absent.  He needed to get used to it though.  Rhozarth almost killed a low level player as they passed by...  A level..  Five he thought?  At any rate it would make combat more-  His thoughts were interrupted when he heard Mina from behind.  He turned around to find her standing behind him.  The first thing he noticed was the light reflecting off of her outfit.  The outfit was the second thing he noticed.  A hood with an interesting style, which kind of reminded him of a punk outfit.  Everything except the coat that is.  And the flower wasn't punk like either.  Was there a specific theme she was going with?  A hybrid?  Or did she have no theme in mind?  He chuckled.  "I guess you aren't taking the stealth route then."  His humor didn't last long however as the assassins and spies he used flashed in his mind, returning his smile to it's little box in his heart.  He nodded to her outfit.  "You going for a punk theme or something different?  And to answer your question..  Well as ready as I'll ever be.  I've already killed one dragon."

@tricolor_mina

Domarus had watched and witnessed the boss regaining health from the crystals...  Well..  It's a good thing they destroyed it.  However before he could react in any way, the boss sent a wave of frostbite once again which froze Sey and Itzal.  Domarus was able to avoid being frozen but it was still a nuisance.  He looked at the field and noticed that there was only the segment remaining.  Domarus handled his ax before rushing forward and lashed his blade out at the segment.  Hopefully he had managed to finish it off, allowing for the players to continue their assault on the boss.  He returned to his comrade's sides.  To anyone who wasn't frozen he would say:  "If things remain this bad, we may have to retreat.  However if you all are willing, I'd prefer we stay until we've learned every one of it's abilities before pulling out.  That way we can properly prepare for the next time."

ID#  116406  LD:  17+3=20
ID#  116407  BD:  7-2+3=8  18x14-50=202 damage against Segment 3

Domarus stood on the first floor a ways away from the first town. Somewhere people passed by rather than visited.  He was wearing his silver armor and had his massive ax resting on his back.  Once again he did not wear his helmet, and did not wear a smile on his face.  He had sent a message to Mina not long ago, along with some coordinates.

After he had sent the message to her he simply waited.  He did not have his familiar with him.  The fact was, he had to put it down.  Because of this his damage was horribly reduced, but he didn't mind that.  Especially since these quests were not very difficult in the beginning stages.  Whether he should find another familiar however...  He wasn't so sure about that.  Not really.  He didn't believe he was worthy enough to even have a friend that wasn't even real.  Domarus took a deep breath and remembered his last encounter with Mina...  Maybe he did have hope, even if it was a speck.

@tricolor_mina

The tall ax wielding dis player was watching the commotion but was interrupted when he was hit by the scalding water.  Narrowing his eyes he felt the steam rise off him but the pain was nonexistent.  He narrowed his eyes because he saw the burn effect apply to him.  Damnit all.  He heard Zandra mention how she'd use her field medic as soon as she could and refrained from saying anything about his health since that was the case.  After receiving his orders he would simply nod before charging forward at his two enemies.  He activated his explode catapult sword art and swung for the crystal and the segment.  The crystal was closer so he'd target it first.  When he struck it however, he didn't anticipate how sturdy it would be and was knocked off balance, missing the next one.  Cursing his luck he leaped back before he could be hit.  Getting hit by an attack while having his burn effect would not be a good thing right now...

ID#  116251  LD:  7+3=10  fail  40 damage for 2 turns

ID#  116252  BD:  3+3-2=4  miss
ID#  116253  BD:  8-4+3=7  18+5x14=322 damage against water crystal

He doubted Mina would understand.. Or maybe she would..  He didn't know.  He was too tired to know as well.  Hell he was so exhausted he could fall asleep right here in the grass.  He wasn't wearing his armor so he wasn't bulky and uncomfortable.  He stared into the sky by the waterfall.  His mind too tired to work at full capacity.  As he slipped into this state, he felt doubts, fears, joys and other such things slip away.  Consumed by the weariness of today's events.  He didn't move.  He didn't speak.  Not for the longest time that is.  Eventually however, Domarus' thoughts went back to Mina jumping off the cliff.  "Please...  Don't..  Don't do that again..."  Whether she would translate that to scaring the hell out of him or just jumping off of a cliff mattered little to him.  He felt the need to say it.  So he said it.  After that he closed his eyes.  He really was very close to either falling asleep or passing out from the sheer stimulate he'd received today.  Flipping between terror, depression, anger, slight enjoyment, and other minor emotions, in addition to the sudden activity of leaping off a cliff and slowing his descent before he died...

Domarus made no response.  He simply lay there panting heavily.  When she told him she'd done it earlier he realized she was right...  Still, in the instant she jumped.  And with the conversation they were having, his mind assumed the worst.  Alas it didn't matter now.  Still not responding he closed his eyes and continued to breath heavily.  Eventually his breathing would calm, but it would be a slow transfer to that...  What if she did die?  Who would miss her?  Would he feel guilty for not being able to save her?  What if he had died?  Would she feel guilty about him?  He didn't know...  He didn't know anything...  And that scared him.  It scared the hell out of him.  His hands grasped the dirt beneath them tightly, as if afraid his body and soul could be torn out at any moment.  He didn't want to die.  He needed to learn.  He had to know what would happen.  He couldn't just die and hope for the best...  But.  could he even hope at all?  He didn't know.  Soon his breathing was normal again but he still said nothing.

Domarus' eyes widened when he saw her beginning to step backward.  "Mina wait stop!"  His eyes widened further when she actually jumped backward.  Domarus activated the charge skill and leaped down after her at an angle so he could actually reach her.  He grabbed her with both arms as the two fell, splashing against the falling water as they did so...  Now what?  This was the first time he had ever done something without a plan.  But if he was going to die saving her then so be it.  Still, he'd prefer not to die if at all possible.  So he thought fast.  He quickly opened his inventory and pulled his ax out with his right hand.  After that he swung it into the cliffside, burying the blade deep in the stone which slowed their descent greatly.  When they reached the bottom they were flung onto land where the two rolled a bit.  Domarus panted heavily.  Weaponless and exhausted, his heart racing.  "Don't ever...  Do that...  Again...  EVER..."

Domarus stood there in silence for a rather long time before he finally, albeit hesitantly, sat down beside her on the cliffside.  Domarus looked down the cliff, knowing they'd die if they fell.  Would that really be bad?  It would be instantaneous.  No one would miss him.  He'd finally pay for his crimes...  But would his mother want it?  He'd never know because she died before he was even a year old.  His father certainly wouldn't care.  He heard her last words but didn't comment on it..  He didn't want to pry into her personal life.  It was her personal life for a reason.  And he'd invaded privacy too long already.  "...So then...  The two of us.  One wrongly accused by others and herself of being a murderer.  And a murderer and manipulator seeking redemption but unable to find his way...  Know any good therapists in here or are we out of luck?"  He was fully serious, but he doubted there would be any who could successfully cover their issues.

Hearing her state her story made him feel like they talked about this already...  But he couldn't quite put his finger on it...  At any rate it was clear it was weighing on her like his was with him.  "...Well...  If it's any consolation, you never meant for it to happen.  Whereas everything I've done was my choice, and mine alone..."  He listened to her tell him how she wouldn't have turned him away, even if she was still a cop.  When she slipped down and sat on the edge of the cliff Domarus sighed.  "Pretty sure that's not your call to make.  If you were a cop, your job would be to arrest me and let the public decide...  Pretty sure what the verdict would be..."  Domarus pulled out the photo of his mother as he stood behind Mina...  He wondered how she would feel about everything he'd done...  Would she even care about him after it all?  His free hand tightened, and he fought the urge to cry.  Succeeding, he took a silent breath before he moved to put the picture back in his inventory.

He listened to her as she explained how Yakimba was a demonic sword given to her by a friend.  Ah, with context that made her threat a lot more real.  Though seeing as how he was far stronger than her, the threat still didn't mean much outside of her glare.  He remembered when he schemed to get his hands on uniques and demonics.  Whether it was by stealing from others, or by calculation and timing during an event or boss raid.  He mentally cursed himself for thinking of doing something like that.  He felt her pat his head again, which was still weird to feel but he still didn't question it.  He had no right to deny anyone do anything to him after what he had done.  When she apologized for making him feel worse he turned to look at her.  "N-no you didn't!  It's just...  I realized just how much I've done...  Up until now, I only thought about the people I manipulated, or killed.  I never even thought of my lesser crimes...  Invasion of privacy...  Stealing...  Even making others drunk just to get information...  Remembering that those count too, I...  I don't think I'll ever even guess the vast number of crimes I've committed."  He heard her thank him for taking her there, and his feet shifted in response.  When she told him she was once a cop his eyes widened slightly and turned to look at her.  "Are you, telling me that I just confessed my sins to law enforcement?"

Hearing Mina's disapproving voice on how shady he had been reminded him of just how bad it was.  Before he could feel any worse however, she threatened to hit him with something called...  Yakim, ba?  Something like that.  If he ever spied on people again.  He wasn't exactly scared of Mina, or her look.  He'd had many terrifying glares at him in his past, so it didn't exactly throw him off.  Still..  'There's no way I can predict this girl...'  At any rate he better answer her.  "U-um...  Yes, I had an underground information network set up.  I found places they could keep track of players from a distance, this was one of them.  I promise I have no intention of spying on anyone again.  I truly do wish to start right this time..."  With that he looked away, and towards the ground.  He didn't know what to say at this point.  The small spark of enjoyment was gone.  Replaced by the despair of remembering and realizing just how far his sins went.  He'd been focused on the more horrid things like manipulating others, murder, and other such crimes.  He didn't even think about the countless smaller crimes he'd done.  And to try to even imagine that.......

Hearing her say that he could just use one of his lower sword arts and spam those he nodded quietly.  "Yeah well, seeing as how I haven't used charge on it, I wanted to use the strongest sword art I could first.  Give me one moment:"  Domarus watched as his recovery finally triggered, and he gained four points of energy.  That was good, but it wasn't going to be enough.  Well until Hestia could give him more energy.  Domarus charged forward and swung his ax at the single enemy.  Tearing a chunk of it's health out as he did so before grabbing it with a free hand and slamming it into the ground.  "Alright, I'll probably just continuously attack from now on."  He looked at the charm that gave him energy from time to time.  Hopefully it would actually start activating more frequently from now on.  Domarus sighed.  "I'm sorry this is taking so long Hestia."

ID#  115943  BD:  8  17+5x14=308 damage
ID#  115944  CD:  7
ID#  115945  CD:  11

[5] @Hestia: HP: 1,567/1,710  Energy: 104/162 DMG:17   MIT:151  Thorns: 54  Eva: -1  BH: 80 Heavy Momentum: 2 (+6DMG) Rec: CD:6+ (+6 ENG)   Stonewall: 25% DoT reduction
[0] Domarus: 683/860  //  9/86  //  66 MIT  //  2 ACC  //  15 DMG  //  Recovery (+4 en on CD 6+)
[0] Miraak 800/800  MIT: 50  EVA:2  [He has abilities roll them alongside monsters.]

Enemies: 7/8 dead
Diseased one 8: 394/810 243DMG

He didn't expect much of a reaction from Hestia.  Her bitterness towards the quest, or rather towards Kayaba through this quest, seemed to be having a hold on her...  He was learning that once she became angry at something or someone, she rarely let go.  At any rate, Miraak healed Hestia a second time while Domarus waited for his recovery to proc.  He was given the energy boost from Hestia but without more energy he couldn't use the sword art he needed.  He sighed.  "I'm sorry, but I won't be able to attack just yet.  We're going to have to wait a little while longer."  He felt so d*mn useless!  His hands were tightening as his teeth did the same.  Why couldn't he have spent time grinding more so he could catch up?  That's it.  That's what he'd need to focus his time on.  Maybe destroying quest after quest would help clear his head.  Yeah.  Even if he didn't and he ended up in even worse mental shape, he'd be able to fight for the frontlines.  Be their weapon, regardless of what Hestia said or not.

ID#  115855  CD:  5  No recovery
ID#  115856  CD:  5  Miraak Heals for 200

[5] @Hestia: HP: 1,579/1,710  Energy: 113/162 DMG:17   MIT:151  Thorns: 54  Eva: -1  BH: 80 Heavy Momentum: 2 (+6DMG) Rec: CD:6+ (+6 ENG)   Stonewall: 25% DoT reduction
[0] Domarus: 683/860  //  10/86  //  66 MIT  //  2 ACC  //  15 DMG  //  Recovery (+4 en on CD 6+)
[0] Miraak 800/800  MIT: 50  EVA:2  [He has abilities roll them alongside monsters.]

Enemies: 7/8 dead
Diseased one 8: 756/810 243DMG

Domarus backed up, taking on a defensive position as he panted.  His energy was drained, so in order to help increase the pace of regeneration he'd need to stand still and not do anything.  He had his recovery charm of course, but that wasn't activating lately.  Maybe it was just his luck, or perhaps it was divine retribution for what he'd done.  Even if it was a small punishment it was still punishment right?  Domarus watched as Hestia drew the last one's attention.  When she mentioned how they couldn't expect much from Miraak the npc called out:  "Hey, I'm still here I can hear you.  Using my attack drains too much energy, I need to use it only when absolutely necessary, and especially not without having a clear opening.  For now my abilities are for supporting...  I've destroyed too much already.  I would rather heal others than cause more damage to someone."  Domarus was silent through this dialogue...  He and Miraak really were alike.  Except he didn't have the luxury of just dropping damage and attack.  At this point he was aiming to be a damage dealing tank.

+1 Energy

ID#  115852  CD:  5  Heal's Hestia for 200 points
ID#  115853  CD:  5  Recovery Doesn't Proc

5] @Hestia: HP: 1,299/1,710  Energy: 122/162 DMG:17   MIT:151  Thorns: 54  Eva: -1  BH: 80 Heavy Momentum: 2 (+6DMG) Rec: CD:6+ (+6 ENG)   Stonewall: 25% DoT reduction
[0 Domarus: 683/860  //  2/86  //  66 MIT  //  2 ACC  //  15 DMG  //  Recovery (+4 en on CD 6+)
[0] Miraak 800/800  MIT: 50  EVA:2  [He has abilities roll them alongside monsters.]

Enemies: 7/8 dead
Diseased one 8: 756/810 243DMG