[F10-PP] Ghost of a Woman <<Wail Of The Banshee>>

[Koga 0]

"Please, the Banshee," the old woman pleaded, "it killed my husband." The old lady, with surprisingly dark hair, dressed in a nightgown said with a thick Irish accent. "Please, you have to kill that wretched phantom, so she can't take anyone else."

Koga's lips were drawn into a thin line. He was not enjoying being accosted by a weird old lady in a nightgown...why was she even outside in a nightgown to begin with?

"I'll pay you! H-how about ten thousand Col?" she offered.

Koga said nothing for a moment.

"Alright, fine, I was going to take the quest anyways..."

---

A banshee, huh? Koga remembered stories of Banshees from the real world. He had always enjoyed folk tales and legends, or really anything fantastical and extraordinary. The more horrifying side of such tales was not exempt. If Koga recalled correctly, Banshees came from Irish folklore. A ghost of an old crone, who's wails heralded the death of a loved one. Of course, in the real world these beings were nothing more than fairy tales, but in Aincrad, it was little to no surprise that they existed.

Koga pondered where in the hell he was going to find the phantom though. Floor 10 was massive, and combing every inch of it was a non sequitur. The swordsman began talking quietly to himself, a habit that often helped him think, "Maybe there'll be some clues around-Ah! Son of a bitch!"

Something clamped down forcefully on Koga's ankle, sharp teeth piercing through the leather of his boots, and into his digital flesh. The man looked down, and was both surprised and horrified to see the white sheen of bone clamped tightly to his leg, the body of an undead dog pulling itself from the dirt. Okami began to growl.

Unsheathing his weapon Koga looked around. Three other undead dogs, just like the first rose from the earth. He'd stumbled right into a trap.

@Noctua

Spoiler

Koga
Level: 39
Health: 780
Energy: 78
DMG: 15 // EVA: 2  // MIT: 18 // ACC: 4
BRN: 24 // BLT: 24 // FALN: 4 // REGN: 10

Skills
>> Katana V
     // Ferocity
     // Precision
>> Light Armor VI

Extra Skills
>> Familiar Master: Fighter III
>> Survival

Inventory
>> T2 Demonic Katana <<Tsuki no Hikari>> [Burn // Blight // Cursed // Fallen]
>> T1 Perfect Necklace <<White Owl Necklace>> [Accuracy // Accuracy // Accuracy]
>> T2 Perfect Light Armor <<Shadow Chance Coat>> [Evasion // Evasion // Regen]

Battle-Ready Inventory
---

Buffs
>> <<Well Rested>> -1 energy cost for the first three expenditures of each combat.
>> <<Squeaky Clean>> The first time you would suffer DoT damage in a thread, reduce damage taken from DoT each turn by 25% (rounded down).
>> <<Relaxed>> Increases out of combat HP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts.

Spoiler

ID: 183566
LD: 13

 

Edited February 24, 2021 by Koga

[Noctua 0]

She finally left the inn room, it's been how long since she's actually been outside? She couldn't tell you honestly, she's lost track of time. Athena was on her shoulder, encouraging her to leave, and so, she did. She was nervous at first, but after a bit, she started to feel fine. At least, until an old lady walked up to her and offered her a quest. Noct looked at the details; go out and find a banshee's lair, kill its guardians, and kill the banshee. That seemed simple enough really, so she pressed accept.

She looked at Athena after accepting the quest. She needed to do something after all right? She couldn't just continue to sit and mope in the various inns that she had been renting out. Besides, she liked things like this quest. It was right up her alley, banshees, they were just folklore like myths. Who wouldn't love something like that? She sighed though, knowing that he would have liked this as well.

There was a soft hoot that came from Athena, and Noct nodded lightly. "You're right Athena, I left him behind, I should keep it that way. It might hurt less." As if. But, she had to do something, and if she learned anything from him it was that fighting was the best therapy for moments like these. She had just been ignoring that therapy for months, or at least, what she thought were months. She doesn't know any more really, mainly because she had been hiding.

Literally hiding. She only left the inns when she needed food, or needed to move to another one. She didn't want to take the chance of being spotted. She had seen Tala around, and she knew that the young wolf was looking for Noct. Tala probably just wanted to know why Noct had left Koga at the altar, but she didn't have an answer that anyone would like. There was another hoot, and even a small peck this time, and she inhaled deeply. "Yeah, let's go."

They left the town behind and started to look for this lair, only to have had no luck so far. Instead, they heard some kind of commotion instead. Athena was faster than Noct, she didn't know if she had the courage for this anymore. She should probably just turn around and head back to the inn. But, she heard a pair of growls, and looked around, only to see that there were four undead dogs gathering around something, or someone. Athena flew over to them and screeched, wanting Noctua to hurry up.

She put one foot in front of the other, remembering why she had ventured out that first day. She wanted to be able to help those in need. Well, this was her moment. Her unsure walk soon turned into full-blown run as she unsheathed her rapier. As she neared the person who was surrounded, she came to a skidding halt though, "N-no...." It couldn't be him. How could he be stupid enough to get himself caught in a simple trap? But there was just a single thought that went through her head, as she dared the tears she felt threatening her sight to fall, Koga, I still love you, but I don't know if I can do this. I can't face you.

That single line kept running in her mind on a loop. A torturous loop.

@Koga

Spoiler

Noctua
Level: 27
Health: 540
Energy: 54
DMG: 10 // MIT: 18 // ACC: 3 // BRN: 24 // BLT: 24 // REGN: 5

Skills
» Rapier - Rank 5

• » Rapier Finesse - Rank 3

Extra Skills
» Fighter - Rank 2
» Survival
» First Aid - Rank 1

Inventory
» Jack's Graceful Repose [T2 Demonic Rapier [Burn // Blight // Cursed // Burn]]
» Virtuous Ascendance [T1 Perfect Light Armor [Mitigation // Mitigation // Regen]]
» Silver Wolf Necklace [T1 Perfect Necklace [Accuracy // Accuracy // Accuracy]]

 

Edited February 24, 2021 by Noctua

[Koga 0]

As Koga tried to free his leg from the Undead Hound's maw, Okami leapt forward and tackled one of the Hounds to the ground. Wrenching his leg from the Hound's death grip, Koga staggered backwards and his sword, eyes darting back and forth as he assessed his situation. And then he stopped. Koga's sight faltered on a figure he could only barely see in the gloom of the cave.

"N-Noct?"

A Hound, much larger that the others tackled the man to the ground, the skeletal paws pinning his shoulders to the ground. Despite the lack of flesh, blood, organs he could feel the warm, stinking breath on his face. Koga felt a flash of anger as he was pushed back down, and his blade suddenly burst into it's signature black flames. "Get off!" he shouted, slashing at the large undead canine, the flames leaping to it's bones. The remaining hounds closed in, and Koga span from his spot on the ground, lashing out with his weapon and striking them all as he got back to his feet.

@Noctua

Spoiler

Koga | HP: 780/780 // EN: 70/78 (78 -8) // DMG: 15 // EVA: 2  // MIT: 18 // ACC: 4 // BRN: 24 // BLT: 24 // FALN: 4 // REGN: 10
[Well Rested 2/3]
Noctua | HP: 540/540 // EN: 54/54 // DMG: 10 // MIT: 18 // ACC: 3 // BRN: 24 // BLT: 24 // REGN: 5

[1, 0] Undead Alpha Hound | HP: 373/390 (390 -17) // DMG: 117
[BURN 2/2] [BLIGHT 2/2]
[1, 0] Undead Hound #1 | HP: 255/270 (270 -15) // DMG: 81
[1, 0] Undead Hound #2 | HP: 255/270 (270 -15) // DMG: 81
[1, 0] Undead Hound #3 | HP: 255/270 (270 -15) // DMG: 81

Koga uses <<Tsumuji Guruma>>
Koga critically hits Undead Alpha Hound!
Undead Alpha Hound is Burned!
Undead Alpha Hound is Blighted!
Koga hits Undead Hound #1
Koga hits Undead Hound #2
Koga hits Undead Hound #3

Spoiler

ID: 183569
BD: 14 (10 +4) <<Crit +2>> <<Blight>> <<Burn>>
DMG: 17 * 1 = 17

ID: 183570
BD: 8 (4 +4)
DMG: 15 * 1 = 15

ID: 183571
BD: 8 (4 +4)
DMG: 15 * 1 = 15

ID: 183572
BD: 9 (5 +4)
DMG: 15 * 1 = 15

 

 

Edited February 22, 2021 by Koga

[Noctua 0]

So, he did recognize her. That was probably a very bad thing. But it was him saying her name that got to her. She gripped the hilt of her rapier tighter, trying to ignore it. She could hear the confusion in his voice, the pain. It all just hurt, possibly more than she wanted it to. She tried to will the tears away, but she was beat by them. One fell, then another, and even though it hurt to see him, seeing him get hurt worse.

She rushed forward, intending to hit one of the undead hounds, but she couldn't see. As she had gotten closer to him, she missed. This felt too familiar to her, like it was a memory of the past. Like she had witnessed this before. Because she had, one of the quests that they had gone on together. He wasn't in her party, she had made sure of that when she left him, so she didn't know where his health was at this point.

She didn't like that. She didn't like the fact that she didn't have actual words to say. She wanted to answer him. To say something. But she couldn't find the words, she didn't have the courage. That was something that he had been helping her with before, and she broke that by leaving him. She didn't call that courage, she called that fear and because of it, she was riddled with guilt.

But now, now she might actually watch him die right before her very eyes, and that hurt even more. Athena couldn't even help Noct out of this funk now, she was stuck there. Her hand let go of her rapier as she just sunk to the floor, just unsure of everything.

@Koga

Spoiler

Koga | HP: 584/780 (780-196) // EN: 70/78 // DMG: 15 // EVA: 2  // MIT: 18 // ACC: 4 // BRN: 24 // BLT: 24 // FALN: 4 // REGN: 10
[Well Rested 2/3]
Noctua | HP: 540/540 // EN: 53 (54-1)/54 // DMG: 10 // MIT: 18 // ACC: 3 // BRN: 24 // BLT: 24 // REGN: 5

[1, 0] Undead Alpha Hound | HP: 325 (373-24-24)/390 // DMG: 117
[BURN 2/2] [BLIGHT 2/2]
[1, 0] Undead Hound #1 | HP: 255/270 // DMG: 81
[1, 0] Undead Hound #2 | HP: 255/270 // DMG: 81
[1, 0] Undead Hound #3 | HP: 255/270 // DMG: 81

Noctua uses <<Over Radiation>> on Undead Hound #1 (Miss)
Undead Alpha Hound attacks Koga (Miss)
Undead Hound #1 attacks Koga (Hit)
Undead Hound #2 attacks Koga (Hit)
Undead Hound #3 attacks Koga (Hit)

Spoiler

ID: 183575
BD: 2+3 (Miss)
DMG: 0

ID: 183577
MD: 4
DMG: 0

ID: 183578
MD: 10
DMG: 81 + 2 - 18 = 66

ID: 183579
MD: 9
DMG: 81 + 1 - 18 = 65

ID: 83580
MD: 9
DMG: 81 + 1 - 18 = 65

 

 

Edited February 22, 2021 by Noctua

[Koga 0]

The phantom didn't say a single word, nor did it utter a sound. Was this the Banshee? Or was this really Noct? But it couldn't be. The phantom lunged forward, and Koga back stepped. The specter's aim was off.

The Hounds, on the other hand, were spot on.

The larger of the four Hounds leaped at Koga, and the man stepped to the side, right into the path of the other Hounds. One lunged at Koga's face, and the man brought his arm up to defend. The Hound buried it's teeth into this arm as another went for his leg again, and another headbutted Koga in his stomach.

The man skidded backwards as the other hounds released their grip on his appendages. Koga glanced upwards, checking his health. Almost a quarter of it was gone in that single bout.

The phantom could wait.

Gritting his teeth, Koga returned his blade to his sheath and glared at his target. The largest of the wolves. In the blink of an eye, he dashed forward, drawing his blade and striking the Hound. The skeletal canine fell to the ground, the impact enough to stagger it.

Spoiler

Koga | HP: 594/780 (584 +10) // EN: 58/78 (70 +1 -13) // DMG: 15 // EVA: 2  // MIT: 18 // ACC: 4 // BRN: 24 // BLT: 24 // FALN: 4 // REGN: 10
[Well Rested 1/3] [REGEN 2/3]
Noctua | HP: 540/540 // EN: 53/54 // DMG: 10 // MIT: 18 // ACC: 3 // BRN: 24 // BLT: 24 // REGN: 5

[2, 0] Undead Alpha Hound | HP: 160/390 (325 -165) // DMG: 117
[BURN 1/2] [BLIGHT 1/2] [STUNNED]
[1, 0] Undead Hound #1 | HP: 255/270 // DMG: 81
[1, 0] Undead Hound #2 | HP: 255/270 // DMG: 81
[1, 0] Undead Hound #3 | HP: 255/270 // DMG: 81

Koga uses <<Iai>>
Koga his Undead Alpha Hound
Undead Alpha Hound is stunned!

Spoiler

ID: 183588
BD: 7 (3 +4)
DMG: 15 * 11 = 165

 

 

Edited February 22, 2021 by Koga

[Noctua 0]

Right, he was going to need help. They didn't seem to notice her. That was going to work in her favor really. As Koga fought the hounds, Athena came down and perched herself onto Noct's shoulders. She was trying to convince the girl that she could do this. That she could protect and save him. Noctua knew how, she had a skill that would help with that. One that she learned, and no one ever learned about. She had learned the skill after the incident with Tala is what made her learn this skill.

Slowly, she rose to her feet, using her rapier as a crutch for a moment. After the first hound hit Koga again, and then the other two missed him, she focused on Koga. She called from something in her that she needed, her courage to help the man whom she loved and whom she left. She selected First Aid, and she used it on Koga. How much it did, she didn't know, but she knew that it was at least enough to make sure that he didn't die.

If he was to look at her, he would see that she was crying, but no sound was coming from her.

@Koga

Spoiler

Koga | HP: 560/780 (594-65+31) // EN: 58/78 // DMG: 15 // EVA: 2  // MIT: 18 // ACC: 4 // BRN: 24 // BLT: 24 // FALN: 4 // REGN: 10
[Well Rested 1/3] [REGEN 2/3]
Noctua | HP: 540/540 // EN: 53 (53+1-1)/54 // DMG: 10 // MIT: 18 // ACC: 3 // BRN: 24 // BLT: 24 // REGN: 5

[2, 0] Undead Alpha Hound | HP: 112 (160-24-24)/390 // DMG: 117
[BURN 1/2] [BLIGHT 1/2] [STUNNED]
[1, 0] Undead Hound #1 | HP: 255/270 // DMG: 81
[1, 0] Undead Hound #2 | HP: 255/270 // DMG: 81
[1, 0] Undead Hound #3 | HP: 255/270 // DMG: 81

Undead Alpha Hound is stunned
Undead Hound #1 attacks Koga
Undead Hound #2 attacks Koga
Undead Hound #3 attacks Koga
Noctua uses First Aid on Koga for 31 HP

Spoiler

ID: 183589
MD: 10
DMG: 81 +2 -18 = 65

ID: 183590
MD: 3
DMG: Miss

ID: 183591
MD: 3
DMG: Miss

 

 

Edited February 22, 2021 by Noctua

[Koga 0]

Another of the Undead leaped forward, striking Koga in the back, knocking him to his knee. And then there was a green glow. Koga's health bar restored a small amount of his health.

"W-what?"

Was that the First Aid skill? Koga looked up. Up at the phantom, who's outstretched hand glowed the same green as Koga was, with tears streaking her face and an owl perched on her shoulder.

"Noct?" Was that really her? Koga had never known the woman to have the First Aid skill. That couldn't really be her, could it?

Okami growled behind Koga, and the man looked over his shoulder. The four Undead had encircled them. With a slight groan, the swordsman got back on his feet and turned around. "Right...let's finish this."

Koga dashed forward, his weapon glowing black as he slashed at the large Wolf, which burst into digitized fragments, dashed to the second and slashed another, before slashing at the other two, dropping their health into the yellow.

@Noctua

Spoiler

Koga | HP: 570/780 (560 +10) // EN: 44/78 (58 +1 -15) // DMG: 15 // EVA: 2  // MIT: 18 // ACC: 4 // BRN: 24 // BLT: 24 // FALN: 4 // REGN: 10
[REGEN 2/3]
Noctua | HP: 540/540 // EN: 53/54 // DMG: 10 // MIT: 18 // ACC: 3 // BRN: 24 // BLT: 24 // REGN: 5

[2, 0] Undead Alpha Hound | HP: 0/390 (112-152) // DMG: 117 <<DEAD>>
[2, 0] Undead Hound #1 | HP: 103/270 (255 -152) // DMG: 81
[2, 0] Undead Hound #2 | HP: 103/270 (255 -152) // DMG: 81
[2, 0] Undead Hound #3 | HP: 103/270 (255 -152) // DMG: 81

Koga's Regen heals him for [+10 HP]!
Koga uses <<Amatsu no Homura>>
Koga hits Undead Alpha Hound with Fallen damage!
The Undead Alpha Hound dies!
Koga hits Undead Hound #1 with Fallen damage!
Koga hits Undead Hound #2 with Fallen damage!
Koga hits Undead Hound #3 with Fallen damage!

Spoiler

ID: 183592
BD: 10 (6 +4) <<Fallen +4>>
DMG: (15 +4) * 8 = 152

ID: 183594
BD: 12 (8 +4)
DMG: (15 +4) * 8 = 152

ID: 183595
BD: 12 (8 +4)
DMG: (15 +4) * 8 = 152

ID: 183596
BD: 10 (6 +4) <<Fallen +4>>
DMG: (15 +4) * 8 = 152

Spoiler

ID: 183598
LD: 2
[+780 Col]

Loot:
>> +1950 Col

 

 

Edited February 23, 2021 by Koga

[Noctua 0]

He was confused, and that was understandable. She sighed though, because he seemed to be alright after all of those hits. But that still didn't help her at all. She couldn't say anything, but she did nod lightly. He wanted to know if it was her, but she just couldn't say a word. She instead focused on the hound first. She lunged forward, only to miss, yet again.

"Damn it...." There, her first words since she noticed who he was. Question was, when these things were dead, was he just going to push her away? She wouldn't blame him if that was the case, she did walk away from him without a word. She did basically break both of their hearts, though the question of whose was broken more was left open.

There was also the trust that they had built, or that she thought that they had built. What if all of those things were true? Those words were still going through her mind as she straightened herself up, taking a deep breath. "Kill them, we both know that I won't hit them." That was the truth wasn't it.

@Koga

Spoiler

Koga | HP: 570/780 // EN: 58/78 // DMG: 15 // EVA: 2  // MIT: 18 // ACC: 4 // BRN: 24 // BLT: 24 // FALN: 4 // REGN: 10
[Well Rested 1/3] [REGEN 2/3]
Noctua | HP: 540/540 // EN: 53 (53+1-1)/54 // DMG: 10 // MIT: 18 // ACC: 3 // BRN: 24 // BLT: 24 // REGN: 5

[2, 0] Undead Alpha Hound | HP: 0/390 // DMG: 117 <<DEAD>>
[1, 0] Undead Hound #1 | HP: 103/270 // DMG: 81
[1, 0] Undead Hound #2 | HP: 103/270 // DMG: 81
[1, 0] Undead Hound #3 | HP: 103/270 // DMG: 81

Noctua attacks the Undead Hound #1 and Misses
Undead Hound #1 attacks Koga and Misses
Undead Hound #2 attacks Koga and Misses
Undead Hound #3 attacks Koga and Misses

Spoiler

ID: 183599
BD: 5 (2+3)
DMG: Miss

ID: 183600
MD: 2
DMG: Miss

ID: 183601
MD: 5
DMG: Miss

ID: 183602
MD: 1
DMG: Miss

 

 

Edited February 23, 2021 by Noctua

[Koga 0]

"Kill them, we both know that I won't hit them."

Koga's eyes grew wide as he heard that familiar voice, the faint, lilting French accent that had haunted and comforted him for more than a year. The man looked over his shoulder at the woman he thought was a ghost.

The grip on his katana tightened, and Koga's gaze snapped back to his adversaries. The beasts lunged at him, and nimbly did Koga dodge them. Three quick slashes, that's all it took. The Undead collapsed into piles of bones, their chiming tones heralding the red fragments.

The weapon was returned to it's sheath, and suddenly, Koga felt very weak. His knees shook, and he brought his hands tremored. "No way..." He still couldn't believe it. The man turned around, confirming the specter was still there. "No way."

The man ran forward and pulled the woman in a tight embrace. He could feel the warmth of her body, the way her hair tickled his face as it brushed against his face. She was real.

"Oh my god. Y-you're alive." The man stepped back for a moment, not realizing tears of joy had begun to stream down his face, "It's really you, right? Christelle?"

@Noctua

Spoiler

Koga | HP: 580/780 (570 +10) // EN: 31/78 (44 +1 -14) // DMG: 15 // EVA: 2  // MIT: 18 // ACC: 4 // BRN: 24 // BLT: 24 // FALN: 4 // REGN: 10
[REGEN 1/3]
Noctua | HP: 540/540 // EN: 53/54 // DMG: 10 // MIT: 18 // ACC: 3 // BRN: 24 // BLT: 24 // REGN: 5

[2, 0] Undead Alpha Hound | HP: 0/390 // DMG: 117 <<DEAD>>
[2, 0] Undead Hound #1 | HP: 0/270 (103 -128) // DMG: 81 <<DEAD>>
[2, 0] Undead Hound #2 | HP: 0/270 (103 -120) // DMG: 81 <<DEAD>>
[2, 0] Undead Hound #3 | HP: 0/270 (103 -120) // DMG: 81 <<DEAD>>

Koga's Regen heals him for [+10 HP]!
Koga uses <<Amatsu no Homura>>
Koga critically hits Undead Hound #1!
Undead Hound #1 dies!
Koga hits Undead Hound #2
Undead Hound #2 dies!
Koga hits Undead Hound #3
Undead Hound #3 dies!

Spoiler

ID: 183604
BD: 13 (9 +4) <<Crit +1>> <<Burn>> <<Blight>>
DMG: (15 +1) * 8 = 128

ID: 183605
BD: 6 (2 +4)
DMG: 15 * 8 = 120

ID: 183606
BD: 8 (4 +4)
DMG: 15 * 8 = 120

 

Spoiler

Loot:
>> +1950 Col

 

Edited February 23, 2021 by Koga

[Noctua 0]

She watched as he finished off the remaining three hounds. She knew that he could do it, he had always been able to do it. She was the one who couldn't hit a tree with an axe if she was given the opportunity. Even during that horrible incident.... She stiffened for just a moment when he hugged her. It was tight, warm, comforting, something that she had been longing for. Slowly, oh so very painstakingly slowly, she wrapped her arms around him and hugged him back.

But, how long was this going to last? How long was the shock going to keep him from being mad at her. Wait... did he just say that she was alive? Had she made him think that she was dead? How long had she even managed to stay off of the grid? When he let go of her, she waited to see that anger that she was expecting, but it didn't come. He was crying, but she couldn't tell if they were happy or sad tears, she just knew that they were tears.

The moment that she heard her true name come from him, she closed her eyes, not bothering to attempt to wipe away her tears. They were happy but saddened with guilt tears. She did him dirty by leaving how she did, and he didn't seem to care at the moment. "Yeah, Masato, it's me." She reopened her eyes and looked at him, before Athena ruffled her feathers, the owl was becoming impatient, there was something that they should be doing.

"I'm sorry Koga, I really am. I... I got to go, I, um... I've got a quest to do...." Just saying those words hurt, because she was leaving him behind again, and she knew it. But she didn't want to at the same time. She thought of something though, a single phrase that she had taught him in French. "Je t'aime." The easy translation, "I love you", the harder translation, "Don't let me go please".

@Koga

Spoiler

Noctua | HP: 540/540 // EN: 54 (53+1)/54 // DMG: 10 // MIT: 18 // ACC: 3 // BRN: 24 // BLT: 24 // REGN: 5

 

Edited February 23, 2021 by Noctua

[Koga 0]

When Koga felt her arms wrap around his body, he felt more than a years worth of fear and guilt wash away, replaced by the warm feeling of comfort. She was really here, in his arms. Maybe he was hallucinating, but in this moment, he didn't care. Even if it was just an apparition, he gave himself over to it fully.

When she said his name, his real name, Koga's heart leapt into his throat. There was no doubt in his mind now, this really was Chistelle. He wasn't imagining something, it wasn't Cardinal playing some sick, twisted trick on him. It was really her.

Athena, the small owl Koga had all but forgotten was there, ruffled her feathers, and Noct turned to leave. Koga reached out and caught her hand. "W-wait, what happened to y-"

The sound of the earth cracking beneath their feet interrupted Koga's word, and the man glanced down as long fractures spiderwebbed their way beneath them. The man's eyes grew wide as he looked back at Noct.

And then the ground gave way and they fell.

@Noctua

Spoiler

Koga | HP: 600/780 (580 +20) // EN: 49/78 (33 +16) // DMG: 15 // EVA: 2  // MIT: 18 // ACC: 4 // BRN: 24 // BLT: 24 // FALN: 4 // REGN: 10

Spoiler

ID: 183607
LD: 20

<<Banshee Lair>> found!

 

Edited February 23, 2021 by Koga

[Noctua 0]

That was the question that she was trying to avoid. She didn't want to face the reason why she left. She didn't want to tell him. She just wanted to go back to her inn room, forget the quest at this point. But just feeling him holding onto her hand, it made her stop in her tracks. She didn't want to leave him if he was going to ask for her to stay. But at the same time, she didn't know if she could stomach the truth and the pain as to why she left. Instead, she was standing here, hurting, and hurting him as well by holding back the truth.

But he hadn't been able to finish his question, she heard it too, and she felt it. It was the same horrible feeling that came when an earthquake was about to happen. But this wasn't an earthquake, instead, the ground under them both fell, and down into a dark lair they were. "Ow...." She had landed on her back, and felt the pain horribly. She didn't like it. It had taken her a long time after she broke her foot kicking a rock, and this almost felt like that same exact pain. She rolled to her side and pushed herself to her hands and knees.

"K-koga?" She wanted to be sure that he was alright, but, just as she was starting to think that they were alone, they weren't. She heard something coming near them, and it put Athena on edge. The owl was able to see in the dark cave, and she started to screech an alarm. The alarm that Noct had come to know as a creature was nearby. "Koga, the banshee's guardians have found us." She pushed herself to her feet, and she looked around, before she spotted one of them.

She wasn't happy with them, because this meant that they were being surrounded. She wasn't going to take the chances either, so she lunged for the first Undead Guardian Zombie that she saw. With a giant burst of speed, she hit the zombie several times, only to watch it turn into red dust as it died. "One down."

@Koga

Spoiler

Koga | HP: 600/780 // EN: 49/78 // DMG: 15 // EVA: 2  // MIT: 18 // ACC: 4 // BRN: 24 // BLT: 24 // FALN: 4 // REGN: 10
Noctua | HP: 540/540 // EN: 44 (54-10)/54 // DMG: 10 // MIT: 18 // ACC: 3 // BRN: 24 // BLT: 24 // REGN: 5

Undead Guardian Zombie #1 | HP: 0 (40 - 153) // DMG: 120 // MIT: 15 >>Dead<<
Undead Guardian Zombie #2 | HP: 40 // DMG: 120 // MIT: 15
Undead Guardian Zombie #3 | HP: 40 // DMG: 120 // MIT: 15
Undead Guardian Zombie #4 | HP: 40 // DMG: 120 // MIT: 15

Noctua attacks Undead Guardian Zombie #1 with Over Radiation and Hits!

Spoiler

ID: 183611
BD: 10 (Critical +2)
DMG: 10 + 2 x 14 - 15 = 153

 

 

Edited February 23, 2021 by Noctua

[Koga 0]

Unlike Noctua, Koga had landed face first onto the ground, Okami landing on top of him. "Ugh, Christ. When the hell did you get so fat, boy?" Koga complained as he forced himself on all fours, Okami rolling off of his back and onto the ground.

And then he heard Noctua's warning. The man sprang to his feet, drawing his katana from it's saya and looking around at their enemies. Surrounded, completely. Not good.

With a blinding burst of speed, Noct rushed forward, and dispatched the first of their enemies. Koga decided to follow suit, Slashing at the remaining three enemies. He slashed at the first, and quickly destroyed it. Turning to face another, he parried aside a blow before driving his blade between it's ribs, withdrawing it, and then decapitating it. One more.

Instinctively, Koga turned around and raised his blade, driving his strength into a downward slash. He stopped only a hair's breadth away from Noctua's nose. His eyes grew wide as he realized how badly his mistake could have gone, and he stepped back, carefully removing his blade from endangering the woman.

@Noctua

Spoiler

Koga | HP: 600/780 // EN: 39/78 (49 +1 -11) // DMG: 15 // EVA: 2  // MIT: 18 // ACC: 4 // BRN: 24 // BLT: 24 // FALN: 4 // REGN: 10
[Well Rested 2/3]
Noctua | HP: 540/540 // EN: 44 (54-10)/54 // DMG: 10 // MIT: 18 // ACC: 3 // BRN: 24 // BLT: 24 // REGN: 5

Undead Guardian Zombie #1 | HP: 0/40 // DMG: 120 // MIT: 15 <<DEAD>>
Undead Guardian Zombie #2 | HP: 0/40 (40 -121) // DMG: 120 // MIT: 15 <<DEAD>>
Undead Guardian Zombie #3 | HP: 40/40 // DMG: 120 // MIT: 15
Undead Guardian Zombie #4 | HP: 0/40 (40 -113) // DMG: 120 // MIT: 15 <<DEAD>>

Koga uses <<Amatsu no Homura>>
Koga critically strikes Undead Guardian Zombie #2!
Undead Guardian Zombie #2 dies!
Koga critically misses Undead Guardian Zombie #3!
Koga critically strikes Undead Guardian Zombie #4!
Undead Guardian Zombie #4 dies!

Spoiler

ID: 183621
BD: 14 (10 +4) >>Crit +2<< <<Burn>> <<Blight>>
DMG: (15 +2) * 8 -15 = 121

ID: 183622
BD: 1 >>Critical Miss<<

ID: 183629
BD 13 (9 +4) >>Crit +1<< <<Burn>> <<Blight>>
DMG: (15 +1) * 8 -15 = 113

 

 

Edited February 23, 2021 by Koga

[Noctua 0]

Well, he seemed to be alright. So that was good. She watched though as two more were defeated, and within moments, she was staring right at his blade. Had... had he just tried to kill her?! She just stared at him, he didn't even have a damn word to say. Not even an apology! That just seemed to fuel her rage, which was something that she didn't feel all too often at all. But it only ever seemed to be the thing that helped her hit something and attempt to kill them. But right now, she couldn't see a damned th- there it was. She gripped her rapier tighter, before she spun around, instantly hitting it.

She stared at the health bar on the guardian. It should have died with that hit! Why didn't it, wait... the damned thing had mitigation like her didn't it! Gah! She seemed to be ever more mad at this point as she moved to be beside Koga. Forget standing in front of him, he might just try to kill her again! She still couldn't believe that he did that! Did she really, and she means really look like an undead damned zombie? She knew that it was dark in here, but obviously it was still light enough that he could see the other two zombies! She didn't even look at him, she didn't know if she could. She needed to trust that he wasn't going to kill her, but he just tried to.

"How about, you try killing the zombie and not me." Cold. Steely. Angered. Perhaps Noctua should be nicknamed a Phoenix for this temper, and not an owl.

@Koga

Spoiler

Koga | HP: 600/780 // EN: 39/78 // DMG: 15 // EVA: 2  // MIT: 18 // ACC: 4 // BRN: 24 // BLT: 24 // FALN: 4 // REGN: 10
[Well Rested 2/3]
Noctua | HP: 540/540 // EN: 44 (44+1-1)/54 // DMG: 10 // MIT: 18 // ACC: 3 // BRN: 24 // BLT: 24 // REGN: 5

Undead Guardian Zombie #1 | HP: 0/40 // DMG: 120 // MIT: 15 <<DEAD>>
Undead Guardian Zombie #2 | HP: 0/40 // DMG: 120 // MIT: 15 <<DEAD>>
Undead Guardian Zombie #3 | HP: 7 (40-33)/40 // DMG: 120 // MIT: 15
[Burn 2/2] [Blight 2/2]
Undead Guardian Zombie #4 | HP: 0/40 // DMG: 120 // MIT: 15 <<DEAD>>

Undead Guardian Zombie #3 attacks Koga and misses
Noctua uses Quadruple Pain on Undead Guardian Zombie #3 and hits!

Spoiler

ID: 183624
MD: 3
DMG: Miss

ID: 183625
BD: 10
DMG: 10 + 2 x 4 - 15 = 33

 

 

Edited February 23, 2021 by Noctua

[Koga 0]

Koga raised his one hand in the air and frantically waved it in front of Noct as it were an ancient incantation to protect him from her wrath. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" he said, trying to keep her from killing him. "I just thought it was behind me and- Watch out!" Koga suddenly pushed Noct away from him as the Zombie brought a harrowing claw down into the space between them.

"Hey, can you fuck off?" Koga shouted angrily, frontkicking the decrepit corpse in the chest, and sending it flying backwards. If only Koga had his martial arts skill equipped, it might have died.

The swordsman turned back to Noctua, "I promise, I wasn't trying to kill you, okay! Really! Besides, don't you think we have other things we need to talk about? Like where the hell have you been?"

That and a thousand other questions ran through Koga's mind. Now probably wasn't the best time for them, but he didn't know if he could wait any longer. A year seemed long enough.

@Noctua

Spoiler

Koga | HP: 600/780 // EN: 40/78 (39 +1) // DMG: 15 // EVA: 2  // MIT: 18 // ACC: 4 // BRN: 24 // BLT: 24 // FALN: 4 // REGN: 10
[Well Rested 2/3]
Noctua | HP: 540/540 // EN: 44/54 // DMG: 10 // MIT: 18 // ACC: 3 // BRN: 24 // BLT: 24 // REGN: 5

Undead Guardian Zombie #1 | HP: 0/40 // DMG: 120 // MIT: 15 <<DEAD>>
Undead Guardian Zombie #2 | HP: 0/40 // DMG: 120 // MIT: 15 <<DEAD>>
Undead Guardian Zombie #3 | HP: 7/40 // DMG: 120 // MIT: 15
[BURN 2/2] [BLIGHT 2/2]
Undead Guardian Zombie #4 | HP: 0/40 // DMG: 120 // MIT: 15 <<DEAD>>

Koga takes no action

 

Edited February 23, 2021 by Koga

[Noctua 0]

So, he went from trying to kill her to suddenly saving her. She felt like she was being dragged through some kind of emotional whiplash, and it didnt seem fair. But even as she thought that, she know that she hadn't been fair either, and it made her sigh. The biggest factor for her sugh, besides the dimming anger, was the question that he was all but demanding answers to. She didnt know how well he would take this, and that hurt her more.

"I... I needed to think. I've been staying at inns so that I could think..." Now was the moment that she expected his anger, his fury. But she also expected his pain and his sorrow. She didnt deserve his forgiveness, or even just him standing here letting her talk to him. What she deserved was a slap or a punch or something, just something so she knew that she wasnt being forgiven. But, Koga wasnt mean enough to do that. To her at least, Tala, well that was different.

Oh right, Tala. "I'm surprised Tala didnt tell you. I assumed she was watching me because you asked her to."

@Koga

Spoiler

Koga | HP: 600/780 // EN: 40/78 (39 +1) // DMG: 15 // EVA: 2  // MIT: 18 // ACC: 4 // BRN: 24 // BLT: 24 // FALN: 4 // REGN: 10
[Well Rested 2/3]
Noctua | HP: 540/540 // EN: 45 (44+1)/54 // DMG: 10 // MIT: 18 // ACC: 3 // BRN: 24 // BLT: 24 // REGN: 5

Undead Guardian Zombie #1 | HP: 0/40 // DMG: 120 // MIT: 15 <<DEAD>>
Undead Guardian Zombie #2 | HP: 0/40 // DMG: 120 // MIT: 15 <<DEAD>>
Undead Guardian Zombie #3 | HP: 0 (7-48)/40 // DMG: 120 // MIT: 15<<DEAD>>
[BURN 1/2] [BLIGHT 1/2]
Undead Guardian Zombie #4 | HP: 0/40 // DMG: 120 // MIT: 15 <<DEAD>>

Noctua takes no action

 

Edited February 23, 2021 by Noctua

[Koga 0]

Noct fell silent, as did Koga. "You...needed to think?" Koga repeated, trying to process what that could possibly mean. What could she have needed to think about? And then the mention of Tala. Koga suddenly felt wildly unbalanced, and staggered back a step. "Wait, Tala? She's alive too? Is she with you?" Koga spouted out the questions one after the other, eyes wide with shock. Tala was alive.

Then the cackling came. A dreadful sound, raspy and filled with malice. Koga squeezed his eyes shut and shook his head, trying to reorient himself with the world. That was the Banshee, it had to be. The swordsman gripped his sword in both hands and readied himself for combat. He had to push his thoughts and questions out of his mind for now. They needed to get out of here alive first.

The spectral form of the Banshee appeared before the pair, and Koga stuck, only to have his blade past through the apparition, which faded away as another cackle echoed through the cavern. Had that been a fake?

@Noctua

Spoiler

Koga | HP: 600/780 // EN: 40/78 (40 +1 -0) // DMG: 15 // EVA: 2  // MIT: 18 // ACC: 4 // BRN: 24 // BLT: 24 // FALN: 4 // REGN: 10
[Well Rested 2/3]
Noctua | HP: 540/540 // EN: 45/54 // DMG: 10 // MIT: 18 // ACC: 3 // BRN: 24 // BLT: 24 // REGN: 5

[0, 0] Banshee | HP: 250/250 // DMG: 200 // EVA: 2
Banshee ignores armor mitigation on a natural roll of 9-10
Banshee's Screech: On a natural roll of 10 she will add a scream to her attack that will paralyze all players present for 1 turn.

Koga uses <<San Ge>>
Koga misses!

Spoiler

ID: 183627
BD: 5 (3 +4 -2)

 

 

Edited February 23, 2021 by Koga

[Noctua 0]

Yeah, she had a few things to explain to him, and just the fact that he didn't know that Tala was alive, was something that she didn't know how to explain. She wasn't his younger sister after all, she didn't know why the young wolf didn't tell the elder wolf anything. "Can I please explain this when we aren- ...." She paused when she heard the cackling, it was a spine crawling sound, something that she knew from reading, but had never heard it before.

She felt a bit woozy from the cackling before she noticed that Koga went to attack, but he hit... a ghost? Damn it, this wasn't going to bode well. She instead looked around, trying to find the real Banshee, the one that was taunting them and seeming to be playing a game. "I'm not in the mood for this you ghostly... thing." Her voice seemed to say just as much too as she lunged forward with great speed toward the Banshee. Only, unlike with Koga, the Banshee didn't have time to pull her apparition thing with Noct like he did with Koga.

She was too fast, and when her attack hit, she watched as the Banshee's health dropped below half. Good. She noticed that the Banshee was about to attack her in return, only she saw it soon enough that she was able to jump back to avoid the hit. "Koga, missing is my thing, don't let our situation stop you from being able to protect everyone alright. You can yell at me in town, or on the way to town, deal?" She was trying to remind Koga that he was the protector, not her. It was him who had always protected Noct, not Noct protecting Koga.

@Koga

Spoiler

Koga | HP: 600/780 // EN: 40/78 // DMG: 15 // EVA: 2  // MIT: 18 // ACC: 4 // BRN: 24 // BLT: 24 // FALN: 4 // REGN: 10
[Well Rested 2/3]
Noctua | HP: 540/540 // EN: 36 (45+1-10)/54 // DMG: 10 // MIT: 18 // ACC: 3 // BRN: 24 // BLT: 24 // REGN: 5

[0, 0] Banshee | HP: 110 (250-140)/250 // DMG: 200 // EVA: 2
Banshee ignores armor mitigation on a natural roll of 9-10
Banshee's Screech: On a natural roll of 10 she will add a scream to her attack that will paralyze all players present for 1 turn.

Noctua attacks the Banshee with Over Radiation and hits!
Banshee attacks Noctua and misses!

Spoiler

ID: 183673
BD: 7 + 3 - 2 = 8
DMG: 10 x 14 = 140

ID: 183674
MD: 5
DMG: Miss

 

 

Edited February 23, 2021 by Noctua

[Koga 0]

Koga and Noct looked around, trying to pinpoint where the Banshee was, and it was Noct who found the apparition first. Quickly, the woman thrust her blade, burning through the enemy's health bar until had become yellow, before backing away, avoiding the ghost's own attack.

But Noctua's words echoed inside Koga's head. A protector? He'd thrown away that endeavor when he'd thought everyone he'd known and loved had died. Instead, he'd sworn vengeance. But, they hadn't. They weren't dead. Was he worthy of picking up the mantle of 'protector' again?

The blade of Koga's sword glowed crimson red, just like his eyes which locked onto the Banshee. He was being a given a second chance. The chance he'd never had with Mushashi and Venus. He wasn't going to throw it away.

Koga flew forward, his blade leaving a trail of light behind him as came upon the Banshee with surprising speed. His swing was powerful, generating a draft of wind strong enough that if his blow didn't know down the Banshee, the draft certainly would. The specter flew backwards, the remainder of her health disappearing. To Koga's surprise however, the Banshee did not. Did she still have the infamous one-pixel of health?

The Banshee's form began to waver and shift, and like a veil lifting, the image of the specter was slowly replaced by that of the old woman that had first approached Koga, and most likely Noct as well.

"Stop!" she cried out, raising a shriveled, quivering hand in front of her. "Stop, I give up!"

Koga stepped forward, raising his weapon wordlessly to deal the finishing blow. But he paused. The image of DAY flashed in his mind for a moment. Was this just another NPC? Or was it sentient? Koga couldn't know.

Did it matter, if they would hurt others anyways?

@Noctua

Spoiler

Koga | HP: 600/780 // EN: 34/78 (40 +1 -7) // DMG: 15 // EVA: 2  // MIT: 18 // ACC: 4 // BRN: 24 // BLT: 24 // FALN: 4 // REGN: 10
[Well Rested 1/3]
Noctua | HP: 540/540 // EN: 36/54 // DMG: 10 // MIT: 18 // ACC: 3 // BRN: 24 // BLT: 24 // REGN: 5

[0, 1] Banshee | HP: 0/250 (110 -120) // DMG: 200 // EVA: 2 <<DEAD>>
Banshee ignores armor mitigation on a natural roll of 9-10
Banshee's Screech: On a natural roll of 10 she will add a scream to her attack that will paralyze all players present for 1 turn.

Koga uses <<Haku Senpu>>
Koga hits Banshee
Banshee dies!

Spoiler

ID: 183702
BD: 6 (4 +4 -2)
DMG: 15 * 8 = 120

 

 

Edited February 23, 2021 by Koga

[Noctua 0]

Her reminding him of his protector role seemed to hit a chord, one that she knew and loved in him. But, either her eyes were messing with her, or there was some kind of hesitance with it. As she backed away, he rushed forward, finishing the banshee off. But, she didn't die like the rest, and she watched as the banshee changed images, just like everything else that happened with this damned quest and floor apparently. She might not come back here for a while, this floor was messing with her head, or so she thought.

When the old woman yelled out, she just stared at the woman. "This... this was the quest? You encountered me in town, just to come out here and defeat you?" She sighed and shook her head, her eyes closing as she just tried to focus on anything but the pure confusion that was going on in her mind now. She should have known that this was some kind of trick. But still, who even was this damn lady? How was she not dead? There were just too many questions now, and she didn't like it at all.

Instead, she turned to Koga, and instinctively reached for his hand, before stopping herself. "Sorry... um, we should go to town, grab and drink, and I'll answer your questions." It was the least that she owed him after all. He did save her life, and all, and yes, she was ignoring the fact that she saved his life too. That didn't need to be repaid, she had a lot of things that she needed to do to make anything better between them, if that was even possible.

To keep herself from attempting to reach for his hand again, she instead just started to pick at her nails. That might not be a better option, but it was going to at least help with that. But there was something that she was still noticing, he could kill the old lady right now, and that wasn't something that she wanted to deal with. "Koga, don't. Just let her be, the quest didn't say to kill the old woman, just the banshee." She was hoping that she still had some kind of pull on his mind, she didn't want to see him murder someone who didn't deserve it. "What if she was just a pawn for the banshee?"

@Koga

Spoiler

Noctua | HP: 540/540 // EN: 42 (36+6)/54 // DMG: 10 // MIT: 18 // ACC: 3 // BRN: 24 // BLT: 24 // REGN: 5

 

Edited February 24, 2021 by Noctua