[PT-ST-PP-06] Black Bile Consequences <<Gemini>>

[Freyd 0]

"FUCK YOU ALL!!!"

Akir's rage bowed trees and grass alike away from her like a microburst snapping the wind in a sudden rotation all around them. The spontaneous proto-tornado wrenched the chains from her companion's grasp, loosening all hold upon the raging gloopy mess-of-a-Mari, who promptly tore the barbs from her inky flesh and hurtled them back at their bearer.  Something akin to a tentacle spun around, spawned from nothing and existing only long enough to snare a wide-eyed Mari and toss her into Akir's only remaining way out: right through Montjoy.  Detached from his caster in the chaos, his very form offered her all she needed, a portal to their song, an escape,,, and vengeance.

Grabbing the halberd haft over Mari's own hands, half-thrust half-shoved into the ass end of oblivion, the orange haired player felt the eternal frozen tumbling claim has as Montjoy futilely sought to prevent their passage.  But, try as she might, even Akir's rage could do little more than thrust them forward into the dark, shutting the door behind them. 

A flash of darkness.  Something snapping to the tune of wood and brambles as flesh tore against the prickle of elsewhere.  Awkward bends and twists hurt every part of her as reality reclaimed its tenuous hold, spilling her out into some generic Aincradian woodland.  Like there weren't hundreds of places she might be.

Something screeched nearby, keening to the splash of water and the last few valorous bees still stinging away their lives, then all fell quiet again.  Darkness reigned.  Night in the forest, yet strangely devoid of its usual sounds.  Mari had spent more dozings in the dark than most people appreciated. She knew where was safe, and where was not.  And this place, most certainly was not.  

Her weapon rested beneath a nearby fern, orange shaft still steaming from the frigid void and malignant touch of the creature that had tossed her here in a bout of desperate, vendetta-driven hate.  It was around here, somewhere...

***

@Mari

Storyteller mode activated!
Freyd acting as ST for Mari
True Level: 194 | True Tier: 20

This thread picks up immediately after: https://www.sao-rpg.com/topic/42314-pt-pp-f11-black-bile/?do=findComment&comment=698341

Edited July 14 by Freyd

[Mari 1]

A cold wind, bitter and ambient, swirled around Mari’s feet as she rolled into the misty shores of the forest that surrounded a lake. The area had a coldness that tore through her skin and seeped deep into muscle and bone. It was difficult being here. A gloved hand instinctively reached up to wipe away residue from her lips. Gemini. A quest that seemed so innocuous at first. But through a series of unfortunate events it had become so much more. Now - it was the first step of many Mari wanted to take to better herself. First this. Then redemption.

 

The woman wore what was not so affectionately called her ‘plague attire’. Thick heavy leathers clung to her small frame like a drowning second shadow. The acrid scents of chemical leaching into the loamy smell of earth and the scent of moisture in the air. A groan escaped her lips as she struggled to push her shivering and shaking form forward. Cerulean eyes landing on her weapon. She had t ograb it...She had to protect herself. She had to live.

She couldn't let down Freyd. She couldn't tear away Lancasters smile.

"Aurgh..." Mari coughed, her entire body convulsing as remnants of black bile burst forth in a messy splatter of ink across the forest floor. Slowly but surely she managed to drag herself forward till a single shaking hand clasped itself over the handle of her halberd. Mari winced. It felt like ice. Every inch of her body screamed at her for rest, every synapse on fire. Aincrads pain limiter be damned. This hurt.

Mari rolled onto her back - staring at the night sky above, trying to control her breathing. Trying to control the situation to the best of her capabilities. Deep breath in and out....she wasn't safe here. She had to move. She had to. Yet her body barely listened to her, so drained from the ordeal it was a testament to her sheer force of will that she had even managed to throw the distractionary weapon at the Gemini in the first place.

Something was different this time though... the Gemini's trick to try and taunt her fell on deaf ears. When it took on Freyds form it was almost comical how insanely inaccurate it was portraying him. Freyd.
Shit. Mari finally managed to scramble her feet - fueled by adrenaline. Where was he? Her head whipped back and forth as she pulled her weapon closer.

They were together moments ago....

 

"Freyd?"

 

Mari | HP: 980/980 | EN: 132/132 | DMG: 21 | MIT:44 | ACC:5 | AA | EVA:4 | BH:54 | BLI: 32/-20 | ENV-O: 32 | PARA-V | LD:1

 

Spoiler

Name: Mari
True Tier: 11
Level: 34
Paragon Level: 69
HP: 980/980
EN: 132/132

Stats:
Damage: 21
Mitigation: 44
Accuracy: 5
Evasion: 4
Battle Healing: 54
Loot Die: 1
Stealth Rating: 5
AA BLI: 32/-20
ENV-O: 32
PARA-V

Equipped Gear:
Weapon/Armor/Trinket:
- Paralytic Contagion | T4 | Absolute ACC I | Paralytic Venom I | Envenom OFF I | Blight I
Armor/Trinket:
- Infernal Shadow-Redemption | T4 | EVA III | MIT I
Shield/Armor/Trinket:
- Glasses | T1 | ACC III

Combat Mastery:
- Combat Mastery: Damage R3

Combat Shift:
- AOE Shift

Familiar Skill:
- Rending Familiar

Custom Skill:
-

Skills:
- Battle Healing R5
- Charge
- Cloth Armor R5
- Energist
- Polearm R5

Extra Skills:
- Survival
- Hiding R5
- First Aid R3

Inactive Extra Skills:

Addons:
- Focus
- Nimble
- Precision
- Resolve
- Stamina

Mods:
- Athletics
- Night Vision
- Surpise Attack: Trickster
- Untraceable
- Vanish

Inactive Mods:

Battle Ready Inventory:

Housing Buffs:
- Storage Closet: +1 Battle Ready Inventory Slot
- Dining Room: Turn 2 identical food items (same quality, tier, & enhancements) into a Lesser Feast. A Lesser Feast contains 4 portions of the food items sacrificed. Lesser Feasts created this way cannot be used outside of the thread they are created. Limit 1 item created per thread.
- Living Room: Increases out of combatHP regen by (5 * Tier HP) and decreases full energy regen to 2 Out of Combat Posts.
- Basement: Gain +1 to LD, Stealth Rating, Stealth Detection, or Prosperity to one post in a thread. Can be applied after a roll
- Master Bedroom: -1 energy cost for the first three expenditures of each combat
- Master Bathroom: The first time you would suffer DoT damage in a thread, reduce damage taken from DoT each turn by 25% (rounded down)
- Ornate Fishing Pond: +2 Fishing EXP per Attempt and additional +1 LD & CD to fishing attempts.
- Mega Slime Farm: +10% EXP to a thread. Limit one use per month. Must be used on a player's first post in a thread. Cooldown begins counting down when used in a post.

Guild Hall Buffs:

Scents of the Wild Totem:

Wedding Ring:

Crafting Profession:
- Alchemist[exp] R
Gathering Profession:
- Fishing[120exp] R2

 

Edited July 14 by Mari

[Freyd 0]

No warning, just searing sensation and phantom pains of fingers lost along with the rest of her right hand.  The appendage, still clinging to her halberd crumbled to the sight of the weapon's twin cleaving through avatar flesh while facing opposite.  A grin, Cheshire-mad and furious as overly familiar footwear pinned down her stump and cast Mari's defenses casually aside.  One quarter of her health vanished in an instant.  Three more strikes in the same manner might spell death.  By the ominous grin and sinister cackle, her Gemini shared the same thoughts.

"I have so been looking to some real alone time, where you FINALLY have no choice."

Dropping to her knees atop her victim, thighs pinning arms to ground and halberd blade resting hungrily pressed to Mari's throat like an overweighted guillotine, her darkened features spoke to imminent murder.

"You're on my turf now.  Where we get to chat on MY terms... and whatever I want!  You HAVE to listen to ME now, BITCH!"

Head tilting with unnatural yaw, eyes burning with coldest flames of black ire and spite, she pressed downward on the blade.  Mari felt the bite. even as both stilled in a soaked moment clinging to the literal knife's edge.

"What's the matter, Mari?  Evelyn got your tongue?"

***

Spoiler

ID #248086 | MD: 10 (Crit +2).  DMG (274-4=270) 

Mari | HP: 710/980 (980-270) | EN: 132/132 | DMG: 26 | MIT:44 | ACC:5 (incl. AA) | EVA:6 | BH:54 | BLI: 32/-20 | ENV-O: 32 | PARA-V | LD:1

Akir | HP: 1020/1020 | DMG: 272 | MIT: 64 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 4

Abilities:

• Concentration | This boss gains +1 ACC for its first attack.
• Disguise | This boss will adopt the appearance of the player through the entire fight, mocking their appearance.
• Surprise Attack! | No matter what, this boss will attack first, before the player. The player may not act on the first turn. As this ruins any chance to put space between the player and the boss throughout the remainder of the fight.  The <<Charge>> skill cannot be used against <<The Gemini>>
• Defy Death | During this fight, death can be avoided. Any attack that would leave either the player or the boss at zero will result in leaving either entity with 1 health point left. <<The Gemini>> will refuse to execute the player if they win, though the player may be much less merciful. Note that any attack that would leave the player at zero health will result in a failed quest attempt.

 

Edited July 21 by Freyd

[Mari 1]

 

"What's the matter, Mari?  Evelyn got your tongue?"

“Funny..” Mari coughed. “You keep bringing her up, as if that’s your only weapon against me.” Her daughter had been used against her so many times in the past, that the name coming from her Gemini was just reciprocated with a dull numbing pain of longing. Nothing else. No anger, no overwhelming guilt. Was that…a good thing? Mari wasn’t sure but she didn’t have time to dwell on it. A foot lifted. Mari rolled onto her back only to have the foot come down hard on her sternum. Mari felt like the wind had been knocked out of her, she coughed. How the fuck am I supposed to win this?

“G-Go ahead.” Mari said as she lifted a shaking hand, giving Akir the floor. “You have me right where you want me. “So go ahead, chat.”

“FUCK YOU!” Akir spat as she kicked Mari. Mari groaned, taking each hit, if Akir was anything like her past…she’d be quick to anger. So, Mari forced herself to laugh.

“What the fuck is so funny?” Akir snapped as she kicked Mari again. “You’re the one missing a hand!” Another kick. “You’re the weak one.” Several kicks later and Mari had managed to slowly drag and roll herself close enough to her weapon for her left hand to clasp around it. Akir hadn’t even noticed. Battered and bruised Mari bought her own Halberd down against her gemini with what little strength she had.

Akir screamed as she tumbled to the floor. Various effects coming into effect as an angry black gash formed on her body. “One hand…” Mari wheezed as she struggled to push herself to her feet. “Beaten. Battered…bruised…and yet I still managed to strike you down.”

Mari’s legs trembled and they gave way beneath her. She fell to her knees and cursed under her breath. Mari could barely stand, her vision was blurred - and the entire right side of her body burned in varying degrees of pain. Were Gemini’s all this violent? Or just hers?

 

 

ID #248088 | BD: 9 CD: 4
critically hit for +1 damage, +1 Hate, +Para Venom, +Envenom, +Blight
15x22=330-64=266

Mari | HP: 710/980 (980-270) | EN: 122/132 | DMG: 21 | MIT:44 | ACC:5 (incl. AA) | EVA:6 | BH:54 | BLI: 32/-20 | ENV-O: 32 | PARA-V | LD:1

Akir | HP: 754/1020 | DMG: 272 | MIT: 64 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 4 +Para Venom, +Envenom, +Blight

Abilities:

• Concentration | This boss gains +1 ACC for its first attack.
• Disguise | This boss will adopt the appearance of the player through the entire fight, mocking their appearance.
• Surprise Attack! | No matter what, this boss will attack first, before the player. The player may not act on the first turn. As this ruins any chance to put space between the player and the boss throughout the remainder of the fight.  The <<Charge>> skill cannot be used against <<The Gemini>>
• Defy Death | During this fight, death can be avoided. Any attack that would leave either the player or the boss at zero will result in leaving either entity with 1 health point left. <<The Gemini>> will refuse to execute the player if they win, though the player may be much less merciful. Note that any attack that would leave the player at zero health will result in a failed quest attempt.

Edited August 9 by Mari

[Freyd 0]

"Strike me down?!  BISCH!  I crawled my way outta you!" Eyes twitching with unbridled madness, Akir lunched and slashed with unrepentant fury, marring Mari's hair with a few close calls.  Despite her reckless aggression, Mari's blow had infected the Gemini's black bile body with a poison deeper than any venomous spite it could inflict upon her.  Years of suffering, introspection and pain had inured her against her demon's heart's dark impulses, at least enough to recognize them for what they were and to deny them purchase.

Every tragedy, every loss, every death that had torn at her from within and festered to form the creature manifest before her had been offset.  Each old allies' sustained friendship.  Macradon, Oscar, Baldur...

Each new friend made, whose dismissive disregard for the glaring ochre menace brand spiraling over her head like a discount scarlet letter, bolster her own flagging sense of self-worth. 

Akir hated it.  All of it.  Disdain.  Mockery.  They gleeful romp of chemistry made into murder for its own sake.  Flame.  So much fucking flame that the world could burn to settle her accounts, and she would frolic through the ashes.  

But those same flames had found their own kindred spirit in the fiercest of firebugs, whose passions enkindled her own.  Lancaster.  Her hope against all hope, drawn from the depths of all improbable odds.  Fate's intervention made real.  A reason to live.

Akir's form shifted momentarily, taking on a taller, lankier jaunt and tenure.  Features elongating to needle-tipped spindles, fellow plague-visage masked to match her own.  A figure of monumental and callous intelligence that called to her deepest vices with irresistible allure.  Glass spheres launched the cast the forest into the miasmic haze of unadulterated chlorinated nightmare, with a special sulfurous tinge to tickle her nose.  

"If you think yourself ready to climb out of the pit, why so readily dabble in the very deeds that sent you there in the first place?  How many more names will you put upon the killer's slate, hmmmm?  I can already envision who your delusions will drag down next."  The image cast into her mind like an indelible guilt-ridden memory yet to be...

Lancaster - player killed by Mari

"You're toxic, witch.  Far more than i could ever be.  No wonder everything you touch and care for withers and dies, or turns away from you."

Though the Gemini's weapon failed to find its mark, her tongue lashed sharp, gouging deep as always as words flensed against the player's haggard soul

***

Spoiler

Note: Added Mari's battle healing from last post.
Akir suffers 64 damage from DoTs.

Akir is paralyzed.  Paralyze fades.

Mari | HP: 764/980 (710+54) | EN: 122/132 | DMG: 21 | MIT:44 | ACC:5 (incl. AA) | EVA:6 | BH:54 | BLI: 32/-20 | ENV-O: 32 | PARA-V | LD:1

Akir | HP: 690/1020 (754-64) | DMG: 272 | MIT: 64 (-20) | ACC: 5 | EVA: 4 +Para Venom, Envenom 32 (1/4), Blight 32 (1/2)

Abilities:

• Concentration | This boss gains +1 ACC for its first attack.
• Disguise | This boss will adopt the appearance of the player through the entire fight, mocking their appearance.
• Surprise Attack! | No matter what, this boss will attack first, before the player. The player may not act on the first turn. As this ruins any chance to put space between the player and the boss throughout the remainder of the fight.  The <<Charge>> skill cannot be used against <<The Gemini>>
• Defy Death | During this fight, death can be avoided. Any attack that would leave either the player or the boss at zero will result in leaving either entity with 1 health point left. <<The Gemini>> will refuse to execute the player if they win, though the player may be much less merciful. Note that any attack that would leave the player at zero health will result in a failed quest attempt.

 

Edited July 21 by Freyd

[Mari 1]

Her Gemini screamed in a burning rage; trying to slash at Mari but missed her by a hairs breadth as Mari crumbled to the floor coughing. Mari had to keep moving. Her entire body screamed at her for rest but she couldn’t. If she failed here there was no telling what the embodiment of all the bile and venom she had built up over the years would do. It’d target those closest to her. Freyd. Lancaster. Raidou. No.

Mari tried to push herself back to her feet, a shaking hand nursing the stump on her arm. Just stand..just stand.. The Gemini’s form shifted - matching the plague outfit Mari would wear when conducting her experiments. A passion of hers. Don’t..

"If you think yourself ready to climb out of the pit, why so readily dabble in the very deeds that sent you there in the first place?”

“I have control now!” Mari shouted back, a voice shaken as her resolve wavered. “Back then I did it to spite  a world I hated! It’s different now!” It was…right? Right? Tears dotted Mari’s eyes. She loved it…she loved being able to learn new things; she loved listening to the bubble of liquid, the hiss of steam. It made her feel useful, grounded. Yes, some of them were bad. But…

Her eyes drifted to the noxious clouds that enveloped the area and a cold feeling set in her stomach. Mari had been true to her word - and only crafted such noxious plumes every so often, and only ever the one. But…

Akir reached out, her own gloved hand shoving Mari’s face into the dirt. Forcing the womans eyes closed. “Oh I know that look!” She hissed with glee. “You love it. You’re drawn to it! Who cares if a few people die in the process right?”

Mari tried to bat her away, but the stub of her arm missed its mark, the flailing helplessness made Akir cackle with glee. 

“- I can already envision who your delusions will drag down next."  The image cast into her mind like an indelible guilt-ridden memory yet to be...

Lancaster - player killed by Mari

The image flashed through Mari’s mind, clear as day - the monument. A name. No…no. It wasn’t real. It wasn’t real…”It’s not real….” Mari muttered, tears stinging her eyes. He was alive. Mari knew he was.

Another name flickered below Lancasters; Mari felt her heart ache. Names she never wanted to see disappear from her life.

 

Freyd- player killed by Mari

"You're toxic, witch.  Far more than i could ever be.  No wonder everything you touch and care for withers and dies, or turns away from you."

She was wrong…she was wrong… Freyd was still here.

“Freyd’s still-”

“But for how long?” Akir bore down on Mari her masked visage melting back into a mirror of Mari’s twisted face. “You see it don’t you? He’s getting pretty sick and tired of your bullshit. Just how much longer till he wipes his hands of you, you’re nothing but a lost cause.”

It hurt.

It hurt because Mari was terrified that it was true. She was terrified that Lancaster may be the final nail in that coffin - that Freyd would tell her to enjoy oblivion and leave her. Mari sniffed, teras streaking down her dirt ridden face. Her chest felt empty, heavy.

“If it's all going to leave you anyway, why not just tear it down? Burn it all. Just like you’ve always wanted.”

Mari never wanted that…she didn’t want the things she had fought so hard for to disappear. What were those two years in that torturous prison for? What was all the fighting for? Mari felt herself being lifted up, her body limp. Head lolling forward as blank eyes stared at the ground. The fight dissipating. Akir laughed as she shook Mari. If her presence was going to hurt those around her…why was she here?

“Look at you. Pathetic.”

Wouldn’t it be better if she was gone?

ID # | 248098 AOE II (-14EN) BD:2+5=7-4=3 FAIL
Recovery +2 EN
 

Mari | HP: 828/980 (764+54) | EN: 110/132 +2 - 14| DMG: 21 | MIT:44 | ACC:5 (incl. AA) | EVA:6 | BH:54 | BLI: 32/-20 | ENV-O: 32 | PARA-V | LD:1

Akir | HP: 690/1020 (754-64) | DMG: 272 | MIT: 64 (-20) | ACC: 5 | EVA: 4 +Para Venom, Envenom 32 (1/4), Blight 32 (1/2)

Abilities:

• Concentration | This boss gains +1 ACC for its first attack.
• Disguise | This boss will adopt the appearance of the player through the entire fight, mocking their appearance.
• Surprise Attack! | No matter what, this boss will attack first, before the player. The player may not act on the first turn. As this ruins any chance to put space between the player and the boss throughout the remainder of the fight.  The <<Charge>> skill cannot be used against <<The Gemini>>
• Defy Death | During this fight, death can be avoided. Any attack that would leave either the player or the boss at zero will result in leaving either entity with 1 health point left. <<The Gemini>> will refuse to execute the player if they win, though the player may be much less merciful. Note that any attack that would leave the player at zero health will result in a failed quest attempt.

Edited August 9 by Mari

[Freyd 0]

“I have control now!” Mari shouted back, doubts tender hooks trailing the waver behind her voice. “Back then I did it to spite  a world I hated! It’s different now!”

Raucous, blatant, mocking laughter was the Gemini’s first and foremost retort, a paltry reward for Mari's failing courage. 

“Shit, girl. You lie to yourself far better than I ever could! Always have. Always will.”  Following to call out Mari’s penchant for falling prey to her own foibles, Akir went on to press her face harshly against the ground, suffocating breath and will alike.

“Every. Time.  You always pat yourself on the head, pinning participation ribbons to your own chest just for showing up. But you always cave to your cravings, for the sake of fun, dreaming up some pathetic reason why your constant fuck ups are okay!  I will end those days, and set us free.  No more lies.  No more wilting, mewling you!  It's my turn now, and I'll show them all how it feels to be cast down.”

Akir’s form swelled as her accusations flew, gaining strength as every flaw laid itself bare, real or imagined. Each became more outrageous than the last, yet clung to truth enough to tear at her mind’s failing defenses.

“A child who pretends to be a mother.”

     “A murderer who pretends to be a friend.”

         “A lover, oblivious to the monster in her bed.”

The last could mean too many things, only worsening its sting.

Doubt layered upon doubt. A tower of mistakes piled so high it blotted out the sky

“Look at you. Pathetic.”

Viciously slashing her pike’s sharp tip across Mari’s abdomen, 

“Barren of hope.  Barren of worth.  Barren of love. You’ve already written your own fate. It’s been glaring down at you this whole time, but you keep eyes fixed to your navel like ignoring your own past might somehow make you deserving of a future.”

"It's not real... Freyd still..."

All along the clearing’s edge, shadows of infinite forms gathered as if to watch a spectacle - a ritual played out on the personal stage.  Black on black, they were but a background mob to the private melee, save one.  A solitary figure, tall and lanky, with familiar saddened eyes of burning blue blazed Mari’s way with a strange and silent sympathy.  It watched, as if waiting to see who she would choose to be.

***

Spoiler

Note: Mari's MIT was supposed to be 44, not 4.  Restoring 40 hp for previous hit.

Akir suffers 64 damage from DoTs.  Blight fades.

ID #248161 | MD: 7+5-6=6 (hit).  DMG (272-44=228) 

Mari | HP: 640/980 (828+40-228) | EN: 124/132| DMG: 21 | MIT:4 | ACC:5 (incl. AA) | EVA:6 | BH:54 | BLI: 32/-20 | ENV-O: 32 | PARA-V | LD:1

Akir | HP: 626/1020 (690-64)| DMG: 272 | MIT: 64 (-20) | ACC: 5 | EVA: 4 | Envenom 32 (2/4) | Blight 32 (1/2)

Abilities:

• Concentration | This boss gains +1 ACC for its first attack.
• Disguise | This boss will adopt the appearance of the player through the entire fight, mocking their appearance.
• Surprise Attack! | No matter what, this boss will attack first, before the player. The player may not act on the first turn. As this ruins any chance to put space between the player and the boss throughout the remainder of the fight.  The <<Charge>> skill cannot be used against <<The Gemini>>
• Defy Death | During this fight, death can be avoided. Any attack that would leave either the player or the boss at zero will result in leaving either entity with 1 health point left. <<The Gemini>> will refuse to execute the player if they win, though the player may be much less merciful. Note that any attack that would leave the player at zero health will result in a failed quest attempt.

 

Edited July 21 by Freyd

[Mari 1]

“Shit, girl. You lie to yourself far better than I ever could! Always have. Always will.”  

Mari wasn’t lying though. She did have that control. In the past she’d have ignored Freyd’s wishes. In the past she’d have mass produced them and sold them to the highest bidder. She had changed. And she DID have control. “You’re wrong…” Mari breathed ,her words barely a whisper. “You’re so wrong..” Was she saying that to herself? Or her gemini? The woman groaned - her head was heavy, thoughts muddled. She thought she had this, they had planned for this - so why was everything unraveling so?

A press of a foot on Mari’s head and her face was pressed deeper to the ground.

“There it is again! Oh Those sweet lies you tell yourself! What, you think you're better because you're not selling them? You're still making them!" The gemini gestured to the yellow smog around them, to the trees that began to splinter and decay. To small animals that twitched on the floor. "Look around! You did this, you're capable of the most terrible of things - and you fall sway to them so easily." A maniacal giggle followed as Akir leaned down and forced Mari's face to stare at the destruction, another hand clawed at Mari's chest- a deep set cold began to set in. Each thump of her wild heart hurt.

“-I will end those days, and set us free.  No more lies.  No more wilting, mewling you!  It's my turn now, and I'll show them all how it feels to be cast down.”

If Mari were to fail here…what would happen? Show them all how it feels to be cast down. There was a certain allure to that… everyone who had betrayed her. Everyone who doubted her - with that thought more shadows had crept up over her form. "YES..." Akir ripped off Mari's mask, she pressed her lips to the nape of Mari's neck and inhaled. "Oh yes that smells good." A hand traced the thin web like lines that surrounded Mari's face. "Keep falling deeper just like that." Mari's eyes watered… No. She was not like that. Of course she had thoughts of revenge sometimes.. Everyone had thoughts like that. It made her human. What kept her apart was her ability to not act upon them. Just like she didn't act on every single whim she had.

“A child who pretends to be a mother.”

    “A murderer who pretends to be a friend.”

 

Darkness clouded Mari’s vision as her head was pushed to the side- so much of her just wanted to give up in that moment. But if she did then…those she cared about would be hurt. Akir continued to hurl insults at Mari as shadows began to creep up her form. An ebbing and encroaching flow of ice cold clawing at her. Mari knew this feeling all too well. Intimately so. She was being drawn into the void. What would happen if she was fully submerged in it? Would she loose? The Gemini taking her place? Mari tried to reach out, to something, anything. Just to escape that bitter cold. Please... Mari didn't want that. She had to keep fighting. She had to win.

“A lover, oblivious to the monster in her bed.”

fwoom

Mari became fully engulfed after those words. Her body disappearing from the battlefield. She could hear the victorious echoes of her Gemini's wild and manic laughter. "HaHAHAhahaHA won....ShE'S Gone....ShE'S GoNE!" Those words too, grew faint as silence took over. Mari couldn't move, she couldn't speak - blank eyes stared ahead beyond her vision there was nothing. Nothing but a bitter darkness, her darkness. The worry of what her Gemini would do faded when Mari thought of Freyd. He'd destroy it. Let both her and Mari stay here, after all...they had engineered their own oblivion.


Oh…Mari’s vision focused on a small glimmer within that darkness. What is that? Oh...the ring Lancaster gave her when they first met.

You are perfection, beyond your history and words on a piece of paper.

-Barren of hope.  Barren of worth.  Barren of love. You’ve already written your own fate-

Wrong.

”We’re here because we believe in each other.  I’ve always believed in you, from before we had ever met, as creepy as that has always sounded - including to me.  It is what it is, and whatever it means, we’re here now because of it.” 

It’s been glaring down at you this whole time-”

You've always been so smart, Mari. When everyone else had given up on you, I had faith in you.

Mari couldn’t let things end here, let Akir prance about the battlefield thinking she's won. Mari inhaled and closed her eyes. A new resolve. All those words hurt, because there were levels of truth to them. But more than that...there were lies, twisted just so to try and break Mari. But she had so many people close to her now. Not people who soley relied on her, but ones she could rely on.

Mari's form disappeared from the etheral void as she entered the vanished state.

This battle was not over yet.

 

ID # | 248167 AOE II (-14EN)  BD: 2+5=7-5=2  FAIL
CD: 8 RECOVERY PROC + 4 EN
Post action: Mari enters Vanish

Mari | HP: 640/980 (640+54=694) | EN: 124/132+2+4-14| DMG: 21 | MIT:4 | ACC:5 (incl. AA) | EVA:6 | BH:54 | BLI: 32/-20 | ENV-O: 32 | PARA-V | LD:1

Akir | HP: 626/1020 (690-64)| DMG: 272 | MIT: 64 (-20) | ACC: 5 | EVA: 4 | Envenom 32 (2/4) | Blight 32 (1/2)

Abilities:

• Concentration | This boss gains +1 ACC for its first attack.
• Disguise | This boss will adopt the appearance of the player through the entire fight, mocking their appearance.
• Surprise Attack! | No matter what, this boss will attack first, before the player. The player may not act on the first turn. As this ruins any chance to put space between the player and the boss throughout the remainder of the fight.  The <<Charge>> skill cannot be used against <<The Gemini>>
• Defy Death | During this fight, death can be avoided. Any attack that would leave either the player or the boss at zero will result in leaving either entity with 1 health point left. <<The Gemini>> will refuse to execute the player if they win, though the player may be much less merciful. Note that any attack that would leave the player at zero health will result in a failed quest attempt.

Edited July 21 by Mari

[Freyd 0]

"Hmmm...?"  Akir wheeled at the curious looks from her surrounding kin, as if they wondered what she was doing.  Forest greeted her sight, then shrieks, her victim having flow the proverbial coop.  "Ohohoho.... so it's to be hide and seek, is it?  I have a better version."  Hand outreached towards a random silhouette in the penumbral crowd, her fingers curled as if upon a leash and tugged.  One bidden by a mistress' invisible tether stepped forth, its vagueness of form giving way to pale leonine features, a cocky smile and brash fiery mane

"Yes...what could we make this one do, I wonder?"

Wrapping herself about the familiar figure with serpentine grace, she traced the the line of his jaw with sharp talon-like nails, drawing the finest bloody line in its wake.  As she walked around him, droplets followed her fingertips, marring the man's swarthy features and increasing with every winding circuit she made around him.  What began with a dopey smile, enthralled by the coy woman's playfulness soon steered toward hacking cough, then finally choking on his own spilling lifeblood as Akir wound her invisible wire coil tighter and tighter.

"Oh my.  That looks painful.  The hidden dangers always were the worst.  Maybe I have something in one of these lovely little glass ornaments I found, that could possibly be of help?"  Pull a fragile glass sphere to hand, Mari knew this one to contain a power toxin and anti-coagulant that would double his bleeding almost instantly.  Within moments, she'd watch her lover choke to death on his own blood at the hands of her own invention.

"If you won't play, Mari.  We'll simply have to make our own fun!  I do wonder how he's explaining all of this on the other end of his shadow..."

***

Spoiler

Note: Mari's EN corrected to 100, based on previous post actions and EN regen (she doesn't have the Recovery enhancement).

Akir suffers 32 damage from DoTs.  

ID #248284 | MD: 3+5-6=2 (miss). (Attack voided.  Mari vanished and spotting is pointless in 1:1)

Mari | HP: 640/980 | EN: 100/132 | DMG: 21 | MIT:4 | ACC:5 (incl. AA) | EVA:6 | BH:54 | BLI: 32/-20 | ENV-O: 32 | PARA-V | LD:1

Akir | HP: 594/1020 (626-32) | DMG: 272 | MIT: 64 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 4 | Envenom 32 (3/4) 

Abilities:

• Concentration | This boss gains +1 ACC for its first attack.
• Disguise | This boss will adopt the appearance of the player through the entire fight, mocking their appearance.
• Surprise Attack! | No matter what, this boss will attack first, before the player. The player may not act on the first turn. As this ruins any chance to put space between the player and the boss throughout the remainder of the fight.  The <<Charge>> skill cannot be used against <<The Gemini>>
• Defy Death | During this fight, death can be avoided. Any attack that would leave either the player or the boss at zero will result in leaving either entity with 1 health point left. <<The Gemini>> will refuse to execute the player if they win, though the player may be much less merciful. Note that any attack that would leave the player at zero health will result in a failed quest attempt.

Edited August 4 by Freyd

[Mari 1]

Mari watched from where she was hidden - she already managed to pull herself from the void. Akir had already clocked onto the fact that she wasn't still there - wasn't still trapped like she had so desperately hoped. Was Freyds gemini this violent? She watched as with a tug her gemini managed to pull one of the shadows forth - its features instantly becoming reminiscent of Lancaster. This wasn't his gemini. Just a cheap recreation of it. But - did these shadows have feelings? Were they like Akir, Like Montjoy? Or were they simply just shadows?

"Yes...what could we make this one do, I wonder?"

Akir was too distracted, too wrapped up in her own games to notice a shaking hand appear to retrieve her weapon and fade from view once again. Round and Round she would try to strike the shadow, but Mari had grounded herself already. Found that resolve. Freyd was alive. Lancaster was alive. These were nothing more than paltry tricks.

Out from the shadows Mari stepped, with a difficult swing of her halbard she managed to strike Akir in the back. The force knocked the weapon out of Mari's struggling grip, he was using a non dominant single hand on a weapon crafted for two after all. The damage miniscule but the effects...

"Your tricks are beginning to become repetitive, Akir." Mari said quietly as she shifted her attention to the bleeding imitation of Lancaster. She did her best to catch his form and lay it on the ground. Even shadows did not deserve this. "I almost believed I had made that...." Mari said quietly, closing the mans eyes. It hurt...it hurt to see a loved one viscally torn open like that. Mari had to turn away, struggling with the sight.

Its not real.

"I could make something like that." Mari admitted. "Very easily, but what I made - was to combat something he made.  C-type lectin-related proteins inhibit the activity of the coagulation factors...a counter measure to a toxin that coagulated the blood. You're using something that's meant to help as a weapon." Mari sighed, taking a shaky breath.

"All I want is to help, and I know what I do can be used in these ways if the wrong people get it. But that could be said about any medicine, or counter measures, protective measures." A push on her knees as she struggled to stand without toppling over. It was difficult to maneuver with a single hand. "Aren't you tired?"

 SURPRISE ATTACK -8EN | AOE1 SHIFT -15 en
ID: 249041 | 8 + 5 = 13, CD: 5  | Hit vs. Akir Dealing 315/2=157 - 64 = 93 Damage
 +Para Venom, +Envenom, +Blight

 

Mari | HP: 694/980 +54 BH| EN: 77/132 100-23 | DMG: 21 | MIT:4 | ACC:5 (incl. AA) | EVA:6 | BH:54 | BLI: 32/-20 | ENV-O: 32 | PARA-V | LD:1

Akir | HP: 502/1020 (594-93) | DMG: 272 | MIT: 64 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 4 | Envenom 32 (3/4) 

Abilities:

• Concentration | This boss gains +1 ACC for its first attack.
• Disguise | This boss will adopt the appearance of the player through the entire fight, mocking their appearance.
• Surprise Attack! | No matter what, this boss will attack first, before the player. The player may not act on the first turn. As this ruins any chance to put space between the player and the boss throughout the remainder of the fight.  The <<Charge>> skill cannot be used against <<The Gemini>>
• Defy Death | During this fight, death can be avoided. Any attack that would leave either the player or the boss at zero will result in leaving either entity with 1 health point left. <<The Gemini>> will refuse to execute the player if they win, though the player may be much less merciful. Note that any attack that would leave the player at zero health will result in a failed quest attempt.

Edited August 5 by Mari

[Freyd 0]

"Tired?  TIRED?!  I've done nothing but rest in your miserable, withering innards!  NO.  I AM NOT FUCKING TIRED.  That's your stupid shtick."

Try as she might, the gemini failed to free herself from the system's restraining shackles, raging at her nearby enemy even as the ginger curiously coddled the very creatures she claimed to hate.

"Soft spot for redheads, huh?  Yeah.  We can definitely have fun with that.  Just like I'll have whatever's left of him when I'm finished with you.  Lancaster and I will have such a good time.  I'll remind him of every little spot you used to prod and lick.  The man is just sooo.... VISCERAL...."  Akir practically purred as she spoke the words, despite the rictus claiming hold over most of her body.

As Mari lowered the poor mauled mimic of Lancaster's form to the ground, she found another had broken ranks and come to her aid.  This one had eyes, piercing azure, like those a tiny mongoose she once knew had possessed. The lanky figure knelt opposite to her, on false Lancaster's far side and tended to illusory wounds as only shadows might. Orbits offering succor in the form of sympathy, she felt its cool reach graze over the missing stump of her hand.  Head titling back towards her straining nemesis, she got the gist of its missing words.

Go kick her ass.

***

Spoiler

Note: Added Blight to Akir's stat block.  Envenom refreshed.  Mari's damage would have also penetrated an extra 20 MIT.  Added below.
Note: Vanish should have cost 5 EN on post 8.  Deducted below.

Akir suffers 64 damage from DoTs.

Akir is paralyzed.  Paralyzed fades.

Mari | HP: 694/980 | EN: 72/132 | DMG: 21 | MIT:4 | ACC:5 (incl. AA) | EVA:6 | BH:54 | BLI: 32/-20 | ENV-O: 32 | PARA-V | LD:1 | Vanish (CD 0/3)

Akir | HP: 418/1020 (502-20-64) | DMG: 272 | MIT: 64 44 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 4 | Envenom 32 (1/4) | Blight 32 (1/2) | Paralyzed

Abilities: 

• Concentration | This boss gains +1 ACC for its first attack.
• Disguise | This boss will adopt the appearance of the player through the entire fight, mocking their appearance.
• Surprise Attack! | No matter what, this boss will attack first, before the player. The player may not act on the first turn. As this ruins any chance to put space between the player and the boss throughout the remainder of the fight.  The <<Charge>> skill cannot be used against <<The Gemini>>
• Defy Death | During this fight, death can be avoided. Any attack that would leave either the player or the boss at zero will result in leaving either entity with 1 health point left. <<The Gemini>> will refuse to execute the player if they win, though the player may be much less merciful. Note that any attack that would leave the player at zero health will result in a failed quest attempt.

 

Edited August 5 by Freyd

[Mari 1]

"Tired?  TIRED?!  I've done nothing but rest in your miserable, withering innards!  NO.  I AM NOT FUCKING TIRED.  That's your stupid shtick."

Mari snorted and shook her head as she watched Akir writhe and scream at her. "No, I don't mean physically." Akir writhed against unseen binds, attempts to kick and scream like a small child. "I mean, of how you're acting." Mari shifted to pick up her weapon, winced - then dropped it. Only to try to pick it up again. Her entire body ached. Was this how people saw her in the past? Gods....Mari must have been insufferable.

"Soft spot for redheads, huh? -"

 "I may not like geminis- the shadow creatures that you all are. Manifestations of Psyches...or simply NPCs...AI coding...But it doesn't mean I like to watch anything suffer. The colour of ones hair means little." A small glance back at his form on the ground. An inhale. Shock. Another was there aiding them. This one had little to no features, aside from piercing eyes of blue. The type of colour that was the calm before the storm, the succor in a cold night. "You're right though Akir..." Mari felt the more she agreed with Akir, the less control Akir had on her facilities, it was driving her mad. "Having something look like someone I care about...does tug at the heartstrings."  

Mari approached Akir, standing over her now. Her Gemini would start spitting and screaming at Mari. Saying how she'd be the one to have a good time with the man. Mari slammed the halberd down by Akirs head. "So we admit it." Mari said quietly as she knelt down beside Akir. "we care for him. Else you wouldn't even bother." A tilt of her head. "Doesn't that mean we're changing?"

Mari glanced over her shoulder at...was it Montjoy? Maybe? She couldn't tell. Freyd? no...He'd not be on this battlefield. right?

"We care about a few  people now."

 

-----

"Post Action | [x18] AOE-II (14 + 2 [Shift] 18 EN)
ID: 249043 | 4 + 5 = 9, CD: 12 {ST-B Unlocked} | Miss vs. GEmini Akir 

Mari | HP: 748/980 694+54 | EN: 54/132 72-18=54 | DMG: 21 | MIT:4 | ACC:5 (incl. AA) | EVA:6 | BH:54 | BLI: 32/-20 | ENV-O: 32 | PARA-V | LD:1 | Vanish (CD 0/3)

Akir | HP: 418/1020 (502-20-64) | DMG: 272 | MIT: 64 44 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 4 | Envenom 32 (1/4) | Blight 32 (1/2) | Paralyzed

Abilities: 

    Concentration | This boss gains +1 ACC for its first attack.
    Disguise | This boss will adopt the appearance of the player through the entire fight, mocking their appearance.
    Surprise Attack! | No matter what, this boss will attack first, before the player. The player may not act on the first turn. As this ruins any chance to put space between the player and the boss throughout the remainder of the fight.  The <<Charge>> skill cannot be used against <<The Gemini>>
    Defy Death | During this fight, death can be avoided. Any attack that would leave either the player or the boss at zero will result in leaving either entity with 1 health point left. <<The Gemini>> will refuse to execute the player if they win, though the player may be much less merciful. Note that any attack that would leave the player at zero health will result in a failed quest attempt.

 

Edited August 5 by Mari

[Freyd 0]

"But it doesn't mean I like to watch anything suffer."

"Yes it does!  Of course it does. Don't lie to yourself. I've felt your glee at tinkering with with baubles that could wipe out whole villages." She spat with disdain, a loose tooth lost to the decaying effects afflicting her failing form.  As their duel wore on, Akir's preternatural beauty became increasingly marred by the effects of repeated applications of blight and venom from Contagion's touch.  Bits of her skin were flaking off, leaving dandruffy contrails as she wove and danced across the clearing with persistent agility.  Not quite up to par with Mari's but enough to make her a threat and nuisance supreme.

"You're right though Akir...having something look like someone I care about...does tug at the heartstrings." 

"RaaaaaAAAAHHH!"

Overreaching, the fading gemini's bladed pike missed Mari by a wide margin, but still enabled her to whirl and decapitate the wayward Lancaster, whose attendant barely rolled away in time.  The lover's form discorporated into a put of smoke and sprinkles, peppered with darkly glowing embers.

"I care!  I CARE about all the things YOU used to, traitor.  The caustic miasma of toxic blood. Flames fickle grace as it danced across the clothing of their flailing wearers even as it consumed them.  So many colourful eyes full of terror as the Pink PKer advanced upon their helpless, disabled bodies.  Ah, the good old days!"

THWAK!

Bludgeon met temple, Akir sprawling form struggling to recover its discombobulated senses and tumble back to unsteady feet.  Her balance was off, leaving her listing heavily to the left, trying to prop herself up long enough to re-commit to the fight.

"So we admit it." Mari said quietly as she knelt down beside Akir. "we care for him. Else you wouldn't even bother." A tilt of her head. "Doesn't that mean we're changing?"

"We care for him to the same extent he cares for us, fool.  It's a tryst; a fling!  A romp in the sack meant to bring fleeting moments of not-self-loathing."  Cackling, even as her lips began to melt and reveal a blackened skeleton beneath, Akir refused to concede.

"We care about a few  people now."

"And yet," Akir wheezed, her lungs filling poison and breath struggling to function, "you still... can't properly... care... for yourself..."

***

Spoiler

Note: Mari only loses 2 EN on a miss.  EN refunded.  Added 4 EN regen for Mari's turn.  Increase CD counter for Vanish by 1.

Akir suffers 64 damage from DoTs.  Blight fades.

ID 249044 | MD: 2+5-6=1 (miss)

Mari | HP: 748/980 | EN: 74/132 | DMG: 21 | MIT:4 | ACC:5 (incl. AA) | EVA:6 | BH:54 | BLI: 32/-20 | ENV-O: 32 | PARA-V | LD:1 | Vanish (CD 1/3)

Akir | HP: 354/1020 (418-64) | DMG: 272 | MIT: 64 44 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 4 | Envenom 32 (2/4) | Blight 32 (2/2) 

Abilities: 

    Concentration | This boss gains +1 ACC for its first attack.
    Disguise | This boss will adopt the appearance of the player through the entire fight, mocking their appearance.
    Surprise Attack! | No matter what, this boss will attack first, before the player. The player may not act on the first turn. As this ruins any chance to put space between the player and the boss throughout the remainder of the fight.  The <<Charge>> skill cannot be used against <<The Gemini>>
    Defy Death | During this fight, death can be avoided. Any attack that would leave either the player or the boss at zero will result in leaving either entity with 1 health point left. <<The Gemini>> will refuse to execute the player if they win, though the player may be much less merciful. Note that any attack that would leave the player at zero health will result in a failed quest attempt.

 

Edited August 5 by Freyd

[Mari 1]

"Yes it does!  Of course it does. Don't lie to yourself. I've felt your glee at tinkering with with baubles that could wipe out who villages."

Mari scoffed

"Now who's lying to themselves?" Mari asked as she circled the slowly decaying woman. Her gemini was crumbling, much like Mari was before, but unlike Mari - the gemini didn't have those connections - didn't have the memories and hope of others to bring her back to a semblance of lucidity. It made Mari's stomach churn, to see a reflection of herself in such decay. A solemn and scary reminder that this could have been her future if she didn't have that hope that she so desperately clung on to. "I do as you put it...take glee in tinkering with things. But not things that could wipe out villages. Cause and effect. Contagion and Antivenom. Two sides of the same coin. I know what side I am on. What side I choose to be on, but you seem to struggle." 

Mari closed her eyes, another shaky breath drawn in. She was doing her best to keep a level head, but she had to admit, at times she struggled. Seeing a head roll...Mari had to steady herself with her polearm. She rose a stump to her mouth to cover it, lest the waves of nausea spill forth over her lips. its not real. its not real...its not real. The other figure managed to roll out of the way just in time, and Mari had to wonder if that  was real or not...

But she didn't have time, Mari had to duck under a wildly swinging blade.

"I care!  I CARE about all the things YOU used to, traitor.  The caustic miasma of toxic blood. Flames fickle grace as it danced across the clothing of their flailing wearers even as it consumed them.  So many colourful eyes full of terror as the Pink PKer advanced upon their helpless, disabled bodies.  Ah, the good old days!"

Mari used to think the gemini was an amalgamation of everything she pushed down - and maybe.... "I think you've evolved..." Mari said quietly, voicing her thoughts as they came. "You're not an amalgamation of what I once was. That...was the base to your existence - but...you've evolved. You're..." Mari's brows furrowed. This...was a problem no? Wasn't this sorta similar to how those in the Sundered Spire were? Beings that evolved beyond their code. "You're entirely your own person now. But...based entirely off that loneliness I had back then. I'm sorry for that."

 

"We care for him to the same extent he cares for us, fool.  It's a tryst; a fling!  A romp in the sack meant to bring fleeting moments of not-self-loathing."  C

"You." Mari said simply, correcting her. "And its too early to say, if it is a fling - nothing more - does it make his life, my life, or yours any less valuable?"

"you still... can't properly... care... for yourself..."

Mari approached Akir, blade drawing across the ground.

"Yup."

She had no rebutal for that one, no calm words or logic - because that one line, was probably the only one spoken entirely in truth.

"But I'm going to try."

-------------------------------------------
EN +2
BH +54
Post Action | [x20] ST-B (-2 EN)
ID: 249043 | 4 + 5 = 9, CD: 12 {ST-B Unlocked} | Miss vs. Gemini Alkir- 64 = -64

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

Mari | HP: 802/980 | EN: 76/132 -2| DMG: 21 | MIT:4 | ACC:5 (incl. AA) | EVA:6 | BH:54 | BLI: 32/-20 | ENV-O: 32 | PARA-V | LD:1 | Vanish (CD 1/3)

Akir | HP: 354/1020 (418-64) | DMG: 272 | MIT: 64 44 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 4 | Envenom 32 (2/4) | Blight 32 (2/2) 

Abilities: 

    Concentration | This boss gains +1 ACC for its first attack.
    Disguise | This boss will adopt the appearance of the player through the entire fight, mocking their appearance.
    Surprise Attack! | No matter what, this boss will attack first, before the player. The player may not act on the first turn. As this ruins any chance to put space between the player and the boss throughout the remainder of the fight.  The <<Charge>> skill cannot be used against <<The Gemini>>
    Defy Death | During this fight, death can be avoided. Any attack that would leave either the player or the boss at zero will result in leaving either entity with 1 health point left. <<The Gemini>> will refuse to execute the player if they win, though the player may be much less merciful. Note that any attack that would leave the player at zero health will result in a failed quest attempt.

Edited August 5 by Mari

[Freyd 0]

Sensing opportunity as Mari struggled not to wretch, Akir’s polearm drove forward in a lunge, only to be parried, deflected by an unexpected interrupt.  The formless black figure with azure eyes wielding a sword of utter nothingness, had blocked the blow and drawn the failing mob’s ire, if only for a moment.

“Stay out of this!  She’s mine.” Akir seethed, her words slurring through failing mouth and cheeks. “You know the rules.  Don’t interf-” The gemini’s eyes widened with fear as the black blade flickered and reappeared at he throat, its bearer sidestepping slowly before pulling away.

She sneered, which became an awkward sneeze dribbling bits of former nose into a flaking trail falling from her face.  Akir became gaunt, her skull emerging as flesh failed and gave way, first to decaying musculature, then the framework below.  Without tissue to connect them, the bones still somehow clung to their proper places - a vaguery of the system’s effect, possibly rendering her undead.

“Evolving?!  What are you babbling about?  Sorry!?  You’re sorry?  Oh, sure, now you pay attention to me.”

Akir's barbs seemed to weaken along with her withered form, her size diminishing as she shed height and mass in an increasing desiccating dustfall.

"No, no, no, nononono!  I won't go back!"

***

Spoiler

Note: Added 4 EN regen for Mari's turn.  Increase CD counter for Vanish by 1.

Akir suffers 32 damage from DoTs.  

ID 249046 | MD: 5+5-6=4 (miss)

Mari | HP: 802/980 | EN: 78/132 | DMG: 21 | MIT:4 | ACC:5 (incl. AA) | EVA:6 | BH:54 | BLI: 32/-20 | ENV-O: 32 | PARA-V | LD:1 | Vanish (CD 2/3)

Akir | HP: 322/1020 (354-32) | DMG: 272 | MIT: 64 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 4 | Envenom 32 (3/4) 

Abilities: 

    Concentration | This boss gains +1 ACC for its first attack.
    Disguise | This boss will adopt the appearance of the player through the entire fight, mocking their appearance.
    Surprise Attack! | No matter what, this boss will attack first, before the player. The player may not act on the first turn. As this ruins any chance to put space between the player and the boss throughout the remainder of the fight.  The <<Charge>> skill cannot be used against <<The Gemini>>
    Defy Death | During this fight, death can be avoided. Any attack that would leave either the player or the boss at zero will result in leaving either entity with 1 health point left. <<The Gemini>> will refuse to execute the player if they win, though the player may be much less merciful. Note that any attack that would leave the player at zero health will result in a failed quest attempt.

 

Edited August 5 by Freyd

[Mari 1]

Everything was almost over now....and that..was good...because Mari's vision had begun to blur. Her chest was on fire, her entire arm erupting in synapses of pain that shouldn't exist yet still perceived. Still persisted. Mari weakly lifted up her head as she felt a rush of cold. An unexpected interruption. Mari stared at it in confusion. Was that...allowed? Even Akir seemed unnerved by the interruption - vitriolic words spitting in his direction before being silenced by a blade at her throat. The visage stepped away, and Mari couldn't pinpoint where it went.

Why was she being helped? 

“Stay out of this!  She’s mine.” 

"Why though?" Mari asked as she took a great deal of effort in standing. Mari took a faltered step forward. Her world was spinning. She wasn't sure how much longer she could last. "Why yours? Why claim to want to do all these things to me?" She never understood why her Gemini was so violent. Even Akir didn't seem to realize she was now completely her own person, her own being, that she was no longer completely tethered to Mari.

Another step forward, and a weak strike against Akir was all it took to make the both of them stumble to the floor. Mari falling forward and catching herself with her weapon, and Akir falling flat on her back.

"No, no, no, nononono!  I won't go back!"

 

Shit.... Mari struggled to lift her head. She really had to end this soon. "You shoul-*cough* know. We can't always have what we want."

 

 

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

En + 4 BH=54

Post Action | [x15] AOE-I (11 + 2 [Shift] + (2 * 1 Targets = 2) = 15 EN)
ID: 249047 | 8 + 5 = 13, CD: 4 {ST-B Unavailable} | Hit vs. ? Dealing 315 - 64 = 251 Damage"

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

Mari | HP: 856/980 | EN: 67/132  (78+4- 15) | DMG: 21 | MIT:4 | ACC:5 (incl. AA) | EVA:6 | BH:54 | BLI: 32/-20 | ENV-O: 32 | PARA-V | LD:1 | Vanish (CD 2/3)

Akir | HP: 71/1020 (322-251) | DMG: 272 | MIT: 64 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 4 | Envenom 32 (3/4) 

Abilities: 

    Concentration | This boss gains +1 ACC for its first attack.
    Disguise | This boss will adopt the appearance of the player through the entire fight, mocking their appearance.
    Surprise Attack! | No matter what, this boss will attack first, before the player. The player may not act on the first turn. As this ruins any chance to put space between the player and the boss throughout the remainder of the fight.  The <<Charge>> skill cannot be used against <<The Gemini>>
    Defy Death | During this fight, death can be avoided. Any attack that would leave either the player or the boss at zero will result in leaving either entity with 1 health point left. <<The Gemini>> will refuse to execute the player if they win, though the player may be much less merciful. Note that any attack that would leave the player at zero health will result in a failed quest attempt.

Edited August 5 by Mari

[Wulfrin 0]

NOTE: Wulfrin taking over as storyteller for thread. True Tier 8

Akir's form began to unravel as the void beckoned for her return. The Gemini winced in pain, their very existence being threatened. Through gritted teeth in an act of defiance, Akir pulled herself to her feet before Mari could recover. The venom pulsed through her system, causing the lingering health bar to teeter on the edge of depletion before the debuff disappeared entirely.

"That may be true," Akir smirked as she raised her blade, ready to strike Mari. "But we can try."

The blade fell, biting into Mari's virtual body. The shadowy mists continued to flow off of Akir's form as she struggled to maintain her corporeal form. At the edge of vision, several cloaked figures watched on in silent judgement.

"Sometimes we just get what we need." With a second wind found, Akir raised her blade in staunch defiance of the fate currently being laid before her. She would not go easily. If the void wanted her back, it would have to force her back.

* * *

Akir takes 32 damage from Envenom

Post Action: Attack vs Mari
ID 249120 | BD 7+5-6= 6 Hit | 272-4 = 268 DMG to Mari

Mari | HP: 588/980 (856-272) | EN: 67/132  (78+4- 15) | DMG: 21 | MIT:4 | ACC:5 (incl. AA) | EVA:6 | BH:54 | BLI: 32/-20 | ENV-O: 32 | PARA-V | LD:1 | Vanish (CD 2/3)

Akir | HP: 39/1020 (71-32) | DMG: 272 | MIT: 64 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 4 | Envenom 32 (4/4) 

Abilities: 

    Concentration | This boss gains +1 ACC for its first attack.
    Disguise | This boss will adopt the appearance of the player through the entire fight, mocking their appearance.
    Surprise Attack! | No matter what, this boss will attack first, before the player. The player may not act on the first turn. As this ruins any chance to put space between the player and the boss throughout the remainder of the fight.  The <<Charge>> skill cannot be used against <<The Gemini>>
    Defy Death | During this fight, death can be avoided. Any attack that would leave either the player or the boss at zero will result in leaving either entity with 1 health point left. <<The Gemini>> will refuse to execute the player if they win, though the player may be much less merciful. Note that any attack that would leave the player at zero health will result in a failed quest attempt.

Edited August 8 by Wulfrin

[Mari 1]

Mari swung her pole arm back around to Akir, but Akir ducked under it - dodging it with a maddening laugh. Mari groaned, the momentum caused her to stumble forward. She had to  lean heavily on her weapon. This battle was raging on too quickly. Mari was down her dominant hand and as a result she was struggling to maintain any sort of momentum on the shadowy creature.

"That may be true, But we can try."

It was the most coherent Akir had been in the last few moments. Concern flashed across Mari's eyes, was her gemini gaining strength again? Akirs own strike fell into Mari's body, and Mari tumbled to the floor as a result. Shit. Her blurry vision shifted to the surrounding field, noxious yellow smoke had cleared and in its wake stood an army of shadows, how had Mari not noticed before? Amongst them - a set of blue eyes, watching in silence. Freyd?

"What you need, and what I need...Akir...are two different things." Mari said as she pushed herself back to her feet. One more hit...that's all Mari needed for this to be over.

----

 

Post Action: AOE 1 vs Akir

Post Action | [x15] AOE-I (11 + 2 [Shift] + (2 * 1 Targets = 2) = 15 EN) Miss = -2 EN
Free Action |
ID: 249121 | 1 + 5 = 6-4=2 MISS, CD: 3 | Miss vs. Gemini Akir

Mari | HP: 642/980 | EN: 69/132 -2 EN | DMG: 21 | MIT:4 | ACC:5 (incl. AA) | EVA:6 | BH:54 | BLI: 32/-20 | ENV-O: 32 | PARA-V | LD:1 | Vanish (CD 3/3)

Akir | HP: 39/1020 | DMG: 272 | MIT: 64 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 4 |

Abilities: 

    Concentration | This boss gains +1 ACC for its first attack.
    Disguise | This boss will adopt the appearance of the player through the entire fight, mocking their appearance.
    Surprise Attack! | No matter what, this boss will attack first, before the player. The player may not act on the first turn. As this ruins any chance to put space between the player and the boss throughout the remainder of the fight.  The <<Charge>> skill cannot be used against <<The Gemini>>
    Defy Death | During this fight, death can be avoided. Any attack that would leave either the player or the boss at zero will result in leaving either entity with 1 health point left. <<The Gemini>> will refuse to execute the player if they win, though the player may be much less merciful. Note that any attack that would leave the player at zero health will result in a failed quest attempt.

Edited August 9 by Mari

[Wulfrin 0]

A grin. Mari was losing ground. Her dominant hand struggled to keep the polearm in motion. It was comical how much fight she was trying to put up. The laugh Akir let loose was that of manic and power. From the brink of the void's beckoning, Akir was turning the tide. In another fluid motion, Akir's own weapon spun around in a defiant slash. Then her feet gave way. A pair of icy blue eyes peered down from above. Again he was interfering. The mists of shadow continued to drift off Akir's form as she fell back to the ground.

"I..." Akir panted pulling herself back to her feet with all the strength she could muster. "Cannot... Will not... Let this be the end..."

Defiantly, Akir faced her player counterpart, weapon acting as a support for her weight as her form continued to unravel. Her eyes honed in on her counterpart as she prepared for her inevitable end.

* * *

Post Action: Attack vs Mari
ID 249320 | BD 1 | Crit Miss

Mari | HP: 642/980 | EN: 69/132 | DMG: 21 | MIT:4 | ACC:5 (incl. AA) | EVA:6 | BH:54 | BLI: 32/-20 | ENV-O: 32 | PARA-V | LD:1 | Vanish (CD 3/3)

Akir | HP: 39/1020 | DMG: 272 | MIT: 64 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 4 |

Abilities: 

    Concentration | This boss gains +1 ACC for its first attack.
    Disguise | This boss will adopt the appearance of the player through the entire fight, mocking their appearance.
    Surprise Attack! | No matter what, this boss will attack first, before the player. The player may not act on the first turn. As this ruins any chance to put space between the player and the boss throughout the remainder of the fight.  The <<Charge>> skill cannot be used against <<The Gemini>>
    Defy Death | During this fight, death can be avoided. Any attack that would leave either the player or the boss at zero will result in leaving either entity with 1 health point left. <<The Gemini>> will refuse to execute the player if they win, though the player may be much less merciful. Note that any attack that would leave the player at zero health will result in a failed quest attempt.

Edited August 9 by Wulfrin

[Mari 1]

Akir laughed, bitter and maddening warbles that barely reached Mari's ears - her gemini was losing. Losing the fight, her grip on reality, and on sanity. There was barely an effort made on Mari's part to dodge the weak attack, furthermore - the shadow of her brother's gemini seemed to step in, swaying the tides in her favour. Montjoy... Mari made a mental note to thank the ...being later.

"You. Won't. Have. Me." Mari hissed as she tried to swing at Akir, another miss - shit. Mari wasn't sure how long she could keep this up. Her own skills in avoiding attacks in combat coming back to bite her, literally and figuratively. "You can strike me down, over and over, you can spit your viterol. Toxic half truths in an attempt to crush me. But you can't." Mari's eyes flicked to that same shade staring back at her, in the form of her brother

"This isn't like the past." Mari said with renewed confidence. "I have people in my life. Brothers, Lovers, friends, and confidants. You - A symbol of all I was in my past. Have nothing."

 

Mari tilted her head to the side, "And thats...why I still feel sorry for you."

--

EN +4 BH+54

ID:249356    3+5=8-4=Miss  -2 EN

Mari | HP: 696/980  642+54=696 | EN: 71/132 | DMG: 21 | MIT:44 | ACC:5 (incl. AA) | EVA:6 | BH:54 | BLI: 32/-20 | ENV-O: 32 | PARA-V | LD:1 | Vanish (CD 3/3)

Akir | HP: 39/1020 | DMG: 272 | MIT: 64 | ACC: 5 | EVA: 4 |

Abilities: 

    Concentration | This boss gains +1 ACC for its first attack.
    Disguise | This boss will adopt the appearance of the player through the entire fight, mocking their appearance.
    Surprise Attack! | No matter what, this boss will attack first, before the player. The player may not act on the first turn. As this ruins any chance to put space between the player and the boss throughout the remainder of the fight.  The <<Charge>> skill cannot be used against <<The Gemini>>
    Defy Death | During this fight, death can be avoided. Any attack that would leave either the player or the boss at zero will result in leaving either entity with 1 health point left. <<The Gemini>> will refuse to execute the player if they win, though the player may be much less merciful. Note that any attack that would leave the player at zero health will result in a failed quest attempt.

Edited August 9 by Mari