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Zan
Exalted Player
Posts: 206
Joined: Sat Jan 22, 2005 10:28 pm
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Post by Zan » Wed Oct 03, 2007 4:19 am

With but a single word, Zan had succeeded in making a deal with the greed-spilling Angel. Perhaps it hadn't been his deal to make. Perhaps he should have consulted all who had given to the pot before simply accepting the terms. Perhaps. In the end, it was all subjective to possibility and theory. Only one thing mattered to the werewolf in the end: the shield was gone. Better still, with a transfer of the golden light and a disappearance into the ceiling, so was her pet. The Heavy Blade was fairly frustrated with the cheap individuals who didn't want to risk even a piece of their God damn equipment to help out the group's cause. It was for those people that he had lost respect. 'Oh noz, mah shinies! Not mah shinies!' Feh. In a video game, all objects were only worth as much as the players made them. To be so against giving anything only made him wonder if any of his teammates would become like Angel someday. Would he be in their extravagant mansions a few months from now? Would it be up to his blade and those not distracted by greed to slay Elite puppets such as them? It was an anger-driven fantasy, sure, but it made him wonder just the same. Despite it all, the items were held in limbo for the fight and the boss herself seemed prepared to do battle; little else was important. The cheap sons of bitches that didn't contribute could get a piece of his mind later...if it still mattered to him afterwards, that is.

Angel, having initially appeared as little more than a silly, preppy mime, lost that outward projection when her right arm began to shift. Zan had absolutely no idea what the hell was going on at her wrists. Blades...or something...had begun to spin until, after a few seconds, they became a blurred hum. Though that was more than enough to elevate the lycanthrope's level of caution, it was the odd three-piece sword that extended from her hand that kept him from lunging forward and taking on his usual role as group 'tank.' The weapon was far from natural and, in that, needed to be handled with a certain finesse. God only knew what such a blade was capable of, what myriad of tricks and deceptions it had at the ready. It was true that the same assumption should be made for all Elite lackeys and their equipment, but there was something about a knuckled blade with twirling wrist accessories that yelled 'WAIT.' Nulus too, ignoring his usual impulses to fly in and slice things into ribbons, hovered next to Zan with narrowed, flaming green eyes and a careful air about the slight whipping of his tattered cloak. Though it wasn't his usual modus operandi, and perhaps it should be, the Lycan considered what buffs to place upon him before attack. Twilight gave him natural, passive buffs in its own way, but it never hurt to use magic or items to add on to it further.

"Ap Do!" The spell, called out after a quick equip of his Time Headband, changed his perceptions almost immediately.

Despite everything still moving at the same speed, he was aware of how easily he could move now, how stunted he had been before. The spell was reiterated upon Phoenix and Nulus as well, the two others Zan was certain would be getting closer to Angel in the struggle. It was the Blessed Blade and the Green Guard that were swapped out next, each piece of equipment holding spells he had on no other item.

"Rig Geam! Rig Saem!" The paired enchantments hit him with equal vigor, the natural spring of mystical power, his Skill Points, in his body seeming to invigorate at the same time his metabolism roared into overdrive.

A second Rig Saem found its way to his partner, the Shade indulging in a deep breath as the magic washed over him before a third was cast on Phoenix. Next, Zan moved onto his Blood selection. They'd act the same as any spell and leave him still with SP to spare. A Warrior's Blood was used to increase his strength, a Knight's Blood for his defense, a Hunter's Blood for his accuracy, a Hermit's Blood for his magical power, a Beast's Blood for his magical defense, and a Wizard's Blood to top it off for his magical precision. The taste of the red liquid hitting his tongue with each downed vial was almost electric, stirring his wolf to hunger. That was pushed aside, however. A toss of a Knight's and a Beast's Blood to Phoenix ended the item portion of the buffs and the buffs on the whole.

Now came the action.

Even as Zan returned his equipment set up to its most proficient, he felt both the most detached from his body and the most connected to it than he had in a while. The legion of positive status effect spells occupying his system was almost overwhelming, almost too good, but it gave him an almost sage-like calm. The fight would happen. It was avoidable. Now, however, he was ready for it. Confident. It wasn't the hubris of a man about to go head-first into some physical exchange, but rather the accepting certainty of an individual accepting the possibility of their death and stepping onto the battlefield anyway. Blood, magic, and Twilight had his awareness expanded like an inflated balloon, every part of his mind and body working together as a unit. Maybe it wouldn't be enough to take the Shebitch on, but it definitely evened the playing field - if only by a metaphorical inch. In the way they always did during a battle, Zan and Nulus closed the gap between their minds, revoking every preciously built and private wall until communicating with words seemed as obsolete as it was. In less time than it would have taken to utter the first few syllables of a plan aloud, the duo had one formulated and ready to go. They would be the first to act against Angel, the first to take in whatever wrath she'd have to offer so that the others could learn, could adapt.

Shiva's Rings clicked into place in his inventory, the spell that had almost been synonymously linked to him in the last Hubs now available to be used. "MeRue Rom!" With the ice/water rune appearing at the boss' feet, the spell roared to life.

Though Zan definitely hoped the swarm of ice crags struck her flesh, broke bone and spilled blood, it was the distraction and obscuring tendency of the tornado spell that had influenced his decision to use it. Nulus' part came next. The Shade had avoided using his currently equipped spell all throughout his last time with Zan in the Training Room for the sole purpose of using it during a moment that was significant. After all, it wasn't just any day that he got summon the Wave God of Darkness for the first time. The element had become a recent affinity of his, a shift from the Juk he had been 'birthed' into, and he wanted to show it the respect it deserved. It may have just been a foolish, nigh-childish notion, but due to the fact that Nulus had technically never had a childhood...he figured he was owed a little leeway in that particular department. Flying to rest a few yard in front of icy spin, the hulking Shade lofted up a single hand, palm out and bristling with energy and the roll of black air. It was time. It was now or never.

"Wryneck!" Came his distorted vocals.

In a crackle of Ani, a pitch-black panther sprung into being, its eyes a flaming green that matched the one who had summoned it. There was an almost intimidating knowledge in its animal eyes, an intent that spoke as much of violence as the inky tendrils and hazy green mist that curled off of its form. Charging forward, a loud roar spilling from whiskered maw, the large cat slunk in-between two chunks of ice and disappeared into the spell's epicenter. Wasting not even a second, the speed-amplified Nulus flew around to get another angle, a second Wryneck panther summoned and launched into the ice. A pause, the Rig Geam doing its job, and the Shade again repositioned itself, the last of his Skill Points fired off in the form of a third sleek cat at the last point of the implied triangle. It, much like the others, sped forward in a blur of dark energy and vanished amongst the remaining seconds of the MeRue Rom. It was only a start, sure, but Zan had made his point to Angel. The Freedom Fighters weren't pushovers. They weren't jokes. They were warriors and a force not to be trifled with so offhandedly. It was as much a message to her as it was a giant middle finger to Marionette and the Elites he worked for.

And so sounded the gong.

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

((OOC:

-Spells on Zan-

Rig Geam
Rig Saem
Ap Do
Ap Corv
Ap Vorv
Ap Torv
Ap Corma
Ap Vorma
Ap Torma

-Spells on Nulus-
Rig Saem
Ap Do

:OOC))
Lv. 50 Heavy Blade
Wishlist
Special: Levels, GR Sendai, PL Sakai, Darklore.
W: Tonosama Sword, Mineuchi, Jundachi.
A: Samurai Helm, Able Hands, Rare Greaves.
I: Holy Sap, Treebane, Cooked Bile, Nightbane.
EX: Elemental Summon (Lv. 2), Overdrive (Lv.1), Elemental Attacks (Lv. 2), Enhance Dark, Elemental Breath (Lv. 2).

Phoenix512
Exalted Player
Posts: 304
Joined: Thu Nov 13, 2003 10:42 pm

Post by Phoenix512 » Thu Oct 04, 2007 4:04 am

Phoenix was quite surprised that Angel accepted the wager especially that she could easily buy every item that the entire party have in their possession and still have lots of gold left over. He did not offer any of his items because he thought about Angel’s possessions and did not liked Sekai’s intentions for the items. She really needs to understand that the enemy will not back down from killing the Freedom Fighters. The Elites will immediately noticed that weakness and eliminate her without even blinking. So in the end, Phoenix got what he really wanted which was Angel dropping her shield but still believe that appealing to her pride would have gotten the same result.

With her pet now remove from the battle; it was now Angel versus the Freedom Fighters. The blademaster realized that her combat capabilities were still relatively unknown since she hid behind her golden shield for most of the time. Currently she has a sword of unique design that its abilities are unknown. Phoenix knew his role immediately since it was a role that he has taken before many times. He was going to find out what her sword can do by getting in close combat with Angel. It was usually a stupid idea to charge in but he was a believer that you cannot be afraid of what your opponent can do forever. It is better to know what your opponent can do than be in the dark about it. Also the blademaster probably have a better chance of surviving the attack than some of the others.

Phoenix pulled out his Phoenix’s Wing and spoke to Angel. “Here. Add this to the collection.” He threw the Phoenix’s Wing towards where the rest of the wagered items were and became part of the collection. He gave up his only rare item and memento because he agreed with Zan’s plan and believed that the Freedom Fighters can win.

Kazuma-sama, are you sure?

Yes, Suzaku. I believe that we can win against Angel and it will return back to me. Initially, I didn’t want to give up an item because Sekai wanted Angel to stop her attack on us. I refused to back down from a fight that we can win. Now it’s only fair for me to donate to the cause since she did drop her shield. So let’s defeat her and go after the puppet master himself.

Zan gave Phoenix a speed, physical and magical defense, and HP regeneration boost which he thanked him for. He probably realized what I’m about to do. Good for him. Suzaku, give me an Ap Corv and want you to attack if I can’t away from Angel’s attack quickly enough. The bird cast the strength enhancing spell on her master and patiently waited for her time to act as Zan’s magical attacks blast upon Angel.

The blademaster did not want to waste his moment to strike as he began to rush towards Angel as the Wryneck and MeRue Rom spells were still in effect. He was running at incredible speed with the Ap Do and his own wind-enhanced speed that he hoped that Angel had barely any time to react towards the blademaster. Let’s see. Should I continue with the darkness or use fire or the wind instead? I think I will continue with the darkness trend.

“ANI REVOLVER!”

The darkness based attack propelled Phoenix faster towards Angel and began to strike at her with the Bloody Pain covered in a dark aura. Come on Angel. Show me what that sword of yours can really do. Reveal it to us so I can exploit it later. The blademaster was ready to retreat away from her once the Ani Revolver had finish its duration. He looked at her sword very closely to counter any possible attacks from it while Suzaku was flying overhead ready to attack with her fire breath so Phoenix could get away without incurring further damage from a possible attack by Angel. It may look like a stupid move on Phoenix’s part but it was more for the long run than anything else. The blademaster may lose round one but he will win overall in the end since he was being patient about it.

OOC: Buffs on Phoenix

Ap Do
Ap Corv
Ap Vorv
Ap Vorma
Rip Saem

Nighthand, I think you should post once a week for the next round and continue back with the twice a week format.

Also add Phoenix's Wing to the items in the wager
Phoenix
Level 48 Blademaster
Equipped Skills: Vak Revolver, Gan Revolver, Dek Vorv, La Repth, Juk Kruz, Rue Kruz, BiVak Rom, GiGan Zot
Other Skills: Rue Kruz, Rip Synk, Rip Saem, Crack Beat, Rue Slash, Ani Slash, Gan Crack, Gan Revolver

Wish List: Phoenix's Fire, Gold Necklace
EX-Spheres: LV 3 - Overdrive, LV 3 - Curative, LV 3 - Elemental Breath

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Senna
Awakened Player
Posts: 150
Joined: Sat Jul 01, 2006 10:28 pm

Post by Senna » Thu Oct 04, 2007 2:53 pm

Surprise, surprise, it worked. Were it anyone but Zan, Senna would have congratulated him for not only coming to the conclusion, but actually acting on it – something which she had, she had to admit, been too angry and had her back up too much about to do. In fact, were it not for the fact that he was largely responsible for this fight in the FIRST place, she would have commented in spite of the standing philosophical disagreement they had. It did not occur to her that this was the exact same mindset that led to her not voicing her own idea.

Well, that and one other thing, but her introspection wasn’t going that way just now, was it?

Be that as it may, the few offerings given by Zan, Sekai, Silk, Hac and herself gave Angel-

Uriel, she reminded herself, internally smirking at the moniker. She wasn’t sure how Angel might take it so she wasn’t using it aloud, but who else should it be? An angel who served in utter devotion to her “god” and saw his face truly while others betrayed him, who helped slay the dragon and fought against those who would seek to overthrow Him. Of course, she might have it all wrong. It had been a long time since she read on the Angels – back in Sunday School, And there did seem to be an un-angelic tendency toward greed in this particular specimen. Ah well. Wasn’t it the way of all things? The shadows of our own desires stand between us and our better angels, and thus their brightness is eclipsed. Dickens might have gotten paid by the word, but his phrases made that wordiness well worth the while.

Back to the matter at hand, Angel had stopped, and had issued a new challenge which was, in a lot of ways, more generous than the ones the group had been offering in the first place. They offered to barter for the right to fight her and continue. She gave them the right of fair passage and offered to fight for the items instead. It was…. Well, craziness, but no crazier than half the stuff Marionette’s minions did.

So, the wager was to at least scratch her. But they…

Her thought process ground to a halt as Phoenix suddenly decided to add an item to the pot already established. She almost laughed, though were she close enough to smack him on the back of the head, she also would have. It was an empty gesture made now that he already knew it would work. Well, whatever. If he wanted to make a grand gesture after the fact, let him. It was more amusing than anything, that he might lose an item for it.

Though Senna rather hoped they wouldn’t lose. Her items in the pot might not be rares, but they were something a little different, something that they shared with Silk’s offering – they were simply useful to have around. They offered something on the battlefield. If nothing else, she would never underestimate the ability to cast both Repth and La Repth without having to change equipment.

It was an ability she was currently without, though she did have all her accuracy boosting equipment equipped. If all they needed to do was scratch her, speed and accuracy would be-

Again, thoughts interrupted. Senna started to look for Sekai, to see if she’d stayed or left, but her attention was drawn more to the growing whorl of ice that was rapidly obscuring the center of the room. It had begun in earnest. Senna used on herself a Speed Charm and a cast of Ap Torv, but more as a measure of “just in case.” There was so much going on in there – a summoned creature as well, she saw, and now Phoenix moving in to the mess – she didn’t trust she’d be able to see the target, much less actually hit it. She did aim the spell again at Phoenix’s back. She figured if he was going at it hammer and tongs with Uriel, a little bit of added targeting couldn’t hurt. The spell was repeated for Silk and Hac’s benefit as well.

Ah, what the heck.

She’d been considering staying back on heal-and-res duty, but there was no reason to think that a ressed character would be able to continue the fight – Angel had said if she killed them all, she won, not if they were all dead at the same time. Likewise, if her predecessors were any indication, being victim of an attack would be as much or more likely to end in death than in injuries that could be healed. So, in the wake of the slowly fading spell Zan had cast, Senna moved as well. Assuming the firestorm (no joke intended) of ice shards had not done the trick, Angel would likely be dodging the summon and Phoenix’s attacks next, so she positioned herself close to the side. When angel made her move, Senna would try for a couple quick strikes. And if she closed? A spear between them might offer the difference. And if not? A Lightning Bolt scroll was in one hand. She just hoped she’d not have to use any of it. Hopefully either Zan or Phoenix or one of the others would take care of that little scratch first.

((OOC: Ap Do on Senna, Ap Torv on Phoenix, Senna, Silk and Hac. Given that this is supposed to be a rather fast-paced fight, I'm not sure we can't deal with more rapid posts, even if not everyone posts each round, just to keep it moving?))
Senna, level 33 Long Arm (710 HP/180 SP)
Most common kit: Ichigou, Racoon Earcaps, Air Bracer, Snow Panther, Winter Coat, Graceful Book
Spells/Skills: (Critical Hit/Death) Repulse Cage, Ap Corv, Ap Vorv, Rai Rom, Rue Zot, La Repth
Click for full equipment and items
14300 (1/23)

Fuzzhead
Elevated Player
Posts: 37
Joined: Fri Apr 08, 2005 1:27 am

Post by Fuzzhead » Sun Oct 07, 2007 2:10 am

“Nice work, Zan,” muttered Silk under his breath. Through some careful bartering, the lycanthrope had managed to acquire an entirely new set of circumstances: they would face off against Angel – minus the shield – for the possession of the items that they had wagered and for the privilege of making their way throughout the rest of the mansion. On the other hand, it appeared that Angel was finally prepared to reveal her own form of destruction in the form of a strangely whirring blade attached to her arm, and a more fearsome edge in the other. Getting caught on the end of such a fearsome spine wasn’t the first thing on Silk’s mind, but then again, close-quarters was really all he was good at. As his specialty, he would have to come face to face with that gruesomely sharp piece of metal, so he began steeling himself for the worst.

Meanwhile, Zan cast upon himself so many buffs it made Silk’s head spin. With all those stat-enhancing spells, the werewolf was a world beater. Energy literally crackled around Zan, and after a breath’s pause, he unleashed his fury. “MeRue Rom!” he called, while his spirit companion, Nulus, assaulted with a spell of his own: “Wryneck!” A muscled feline of the night with fearsome emerald eyes, the Wryneck summon roared as it tore across the distance separating it and its prey.

In the blink of an eye, Phoenix had joined the fray, his blade engulfed in darkness energy as the Blademaster unleashed one of his most powerful attacks: Ani Revolver. Silk watched in awe as the pair wreaked havoc, but perhaps it was time for him to offer his own assistance. Senna thought so too, apparently. Suddenly, Silk noticed a visible sharpening of his range of vision. Ap Torv had the effect of switching an old school TV to the crystal clear plasma of modern times; missing a hit would be difficult with this buff.

Deciding not to take any chances, however, the Fist Fighter cast a couple more buffs: “Ap Corv, Ap Do!” he called. Ap Do made him feel like he was wearing a pair of running shoes: they were so light, and he felt like a bullet while wearing them. Ap Corv made him feel like the Hulk. His muscles bulged visibly; it wasn’t inconceivable for the Fist Fighter to punch through rocks, blast apart steel, and snap Angel’s neck.

While he wasn’t a walking powerhouse like Zan, Silk was respectable in his own right. The skills would be extremely beneficial in the fight to come. He watched as Senna took up a position at the side of the maelstrom, perhaps hoping to block off one of Angel’s numerous escape routes. If the Freedom Fighters managed to create a concerted effort, they could surround the powerful boss and bash her to bits from a multi-pronged assault. Thinking that perhaps this was the best plan, he moved quickly towards a position across from Senna, the fight raging between them. With his fists raised, Silk charged them preemptively with the fires of his most fearsome attack: the Double Mortal Scorcher. If Angel decided that going through him was the path of least resistance, the Fist Fighter would make sure that such a decision was a poor one. He was faster, stronger, and… precise!

Plus, the other Freedom Fighters had his back; Silk bounced lightly on his feet, anticipating Angel’s next movements. Wherever she went, the Freedom Fighters would be there, providing the relentless assault that had now become their signature routine: Zerg Rush!
Level 25 Fist Fighter
Boxing Gloves | Nny Scales | Dice Gloves | Iron Anklet | Time Headband

Skills: Ap Corv, Ap Torv, GiVak Don, Ap Torma, Ap Do, Repth, Kiwami, Double Mortal Scorcher

Wishlist:
1.) Rare Foot Armor
2.) FF Belief
3.) Any stat-altering items

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Nighthand
Master of Games
Posts: 1265
Joined: Mon Mar 31, 2003 9:23 pm
Class: Bladesmage
Location: ...Tracking...please wait...

Post by Nighthand » Sun Oct 07, 2007 8:30 pm

The fury of the assault Zan alone was unleashing should have been enough. Combined with Senna, Phoenix, and Silk, it stood to reason that this whole bout would be over almost before it started. Angel had, until then, demonstrated little affinity for dodging attacks; indeed she had barely moved through most of the fight prior.

Then again, she had to have been confident in herself. Confidence in her skills and her ability to dodge what she knew the group could throw at her was the only thing that had her drop her shield.

MeRue Rom. Wryneck. Wryneck. Wryneck. A concerted blast of magical energy that Nighthand would have loved to take part in. His elementally-attuned self even felt the presence of Wryneck from across the mansion, though he was much too far away to do anything before the spells resolved.

Phoenix dove into the fury of magical energy as it began to fade, tossing in his own darkness-based attack; Ani Revolver. With Silk and Senna on the edges of the battle, waiting to strike should Angel flee from the magical blast, everyone was quite startled at the result.

Inside the spells, Angel smiled to herself. She had made a bargain in confidence of her abilities, and that was more confidence than she allowed herself. She knew what she could do, though; it was just a matter of putting it to the test. As much as she had denied it, even laughed when it was suggested… she did sometimes fight for more than profit. She fought for honor, for fame, for the ability to call herself the best. She kept a trophy room; what good were trophies to anyone but herself?

It was time to show off what she could do.

The MeRue Rom sprang to life around her in a fury designed to barrage her into submission, but that was not to be. With a flourish much like a master of the rapier, she jabbed the tip of her blade into the rune that formed the start of the spell beneath her. Its blue color flashed to white, and she spun her sword through the tornado of water and ice. Everywhere her sword passed, the spell flashed to white, until nothing was left of it.

Her eyes widened slightly as she saw the great dark cat racing for her; that wasn’t something she had seen in a while. She knew a few of their more powerful members likely had access to summons, but that shade? Hmph. Still, it was no trouble for her.

Her blade shot out as the cat drew close, piercing it in the forehead and driving it to the floor. It too disappeared in a flash, it’s black and green color scheme turning white for a split second. The second cat lunged for her and she stepped to the side, spinning in a dancer’s move. Her blade slashed down, severing the cat’s head. The third panther approached her from behind and she leapt high, coming down in a stab similar to the one she had used on the rune of the water spell.

A rush of air alerted her to the next attack in the series, Phoenix hoping to use the distraction of the spells to get in a strike or two. The Ani Revolver was met with the edge of her own blade, and the skill was stopped dead as the blademaster and the fencer grated blades. Phoenix leaped back, and Angel did the same, avoiding the fire breath that Suzaku dove in with.

Behind her, Silk was bearing down with a flame-based physical strike, while the rune for Rai Don appeared beneath her, thanks to Senna. Angel again stabbed at the rune, it disappearing and the spell never coming to fruition. Silk, however, still needed to be dealt with. Leaping from her crouch, she let the fist fighter pass harmlessly below her, landing and lunging to drive her blade for him. He dodged to the side as soon as he was able, but it wasn’t fast enough for him to make it out unscathed. A deep gash formed on his right arm where her blade tore through it, blood seeping from the wound. Nothing a good repth wouldn’t fix, but enough to buy her the time to put more distance between her and the group.

She was openly smiling, now. She had almost forgotten how much fun it was to fight alone, by her own skills, and prove her victory. She had already proven spells were useless; no, even worse than that. A closer inspection of her arm once she settled into observation mode once more, showed traces of color in her spinning forearm. A band of blue, a band of yellow, and three bands of purple, with plenty of room for more.

She waved her blade around, feeling its satisfying lightness and responsiveness. The pleasure of fencing was offset by the number of opponents, but that was alright. She had faced down worse with little injury to herself. Perhaps her skills were a little rusty, but a few minutes in combat would solve that.

Sliding one foot back, putting her blade ahead of her, she assumed the classic fencing pose, and waited for the next attack to come. This was getting interesting.


---------------ooc:

I'll keep it once a week for a little while longer; until we get enough posts early enough to be twice a week. Had I shifted back to twice a week, it would have cut off Silk; as it was, only four posts this round is a little short...

Of course, I'm intentionally posting early today, to get it out of the way.

Let's see how the next round goes, shall we?

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Lighteria
Well-Oiled Machine
Posts: 176
Joined: Fri Oct 01, 2004 12:59 am
Location: :noitacoL

Post by Lighteria » Sun Oct 07, 2007 11:41 pm

Kit's whiskers twitch lightly and her nose wrinkles as she relaxes.

Mew... Mew meow mew mew mew-mew meow mew. Meow meow mew mew meow. (Ugh... I can barely get a pamper-nap with that smell. It's like we fell into a giant lolipop.)

As she lets out a disapproving sneeze, Lighteria remains at the work bench, unapologetic. Since his conversation with Nighthand ended, the twin blade has grown just slightly more tense for every minute of silence in the room. Being chronically shy, conversations are still a lost art on him and silence, at least to him, is usually interpreted as something he's doing wrong. Perhaps he should be saying something to bring the conversation back up? Maybe Nighthand is getting annoyed with him? Maybe he didn't do enough to keep talking? He doesn't know for sure at ALL, which is why those questions flooded his head for the first five minutes of the conversation.



Fortunately for him, it stops after the first five. For a person like Lighteria to stay in the same room with someone, silently, there must be something to distract him from the social aspect of the entire thing. Luckily for him, the alchemy serves that purpose perfectly. After plaguing his own mind with worry, his brain manages to click off the panic out of necessity and focus solely on the mixing of the flasks. While this technically means Lighteria has literally forgotten that anyone else is in the room, the mindset is perhaps even better for alchemy. After all, the room is full of distractions: Flash mail, his kitten, the quiet battle sounds... With his mind forcing everything else out, it all seems to disappear.

This is his mind as he finishes preparing the Shimmer Grapes he'd worked on since the conversation ended. With enough crushed fruit to make a jar of jam, the twin blade takes what looks like a shot glass and fills it up with the sugary mixture. With a careful hand, he tips the glass against the flask he'd been working on and lets little by little drop into the mix. Every few seconds he gives his flask a good shake, trying to mix everything and then inspecting angel's flask. The pour-mix-check cycle continues for about a minute until he sets the cup and the flask down and nods, thinking to himself.

Everything is right I think... Color, density, smell... I've got my flask identical to Angel's. Problem is, it's still incomplete.

He blinks, quickly jotting down how much grape juice he used.

I guess all I can do is trial and error. Now that I've got what she used, recreating it should be a breeze.

Without even glancing around, perhaps unable to glance around, he heads towards the shelves of ingredients, his flask in hand. He stares up and down the shelves with curiosity, each ingredient flashing by his eyes as a possibility.

...I can't just add ingredients randomly. That'd take hours... and such a waste...

There's got to be a better approach to this, doesn't there? Need to think logically...


He looks down the flask in his hand.

Well let's start with simplicity. It's a potion, right? What are potions normally like?

He's silent for a moment before he laughs at himself, pulling out a Healing Potion from his item pack and glancing it over.

It's a little like juice, pretty easy to swallow but with a lot of substance to it...

He glances to the flask.

Between the honey and the grape juice this is already pretty thick. So I shouldn't be adding anything that isn't a liquid. So that narrows it down at least. Maybe even something to dilute it...

He bites his lip, looking down through the bottles of multi colored liquid stocked on the shelves.

Berry juice... a lot of it... I don't think it needs to get any sweeter though, I'll save that for last. I doubt that venom I found will work... Seems pointless to put poison in something like this. ....Lots of Myst liquid... whatever those are. ...Wonder if it's got something to do with the springs... Eh, whatever. ...Only other stuff I can see working is the ethanol and maybe twilight dew. ...Nice name for it.

His eyes glance over the liquid for a moment, looking blankly ahead, his mind taking him back to the conversation for just a moment. He glances to the side in thought.

"They exist, which means they exist elsewhere. That's how Twilight does things" He mumbles to himself, just under what can be heard by the others in the room. "Twilight... Angel was trying to make something she couldn't create herself... what's beyond the reach of an elite? Twilight. The World itself... That's the key, that's it... That's what's missing! Something beyond her!"

With a gasp he kneels down and grabs the small bottle of dew from the shelf. Without even bothering to go back to the table, he opens the bottle and pours a few drops into the mix. With a smile he stands up, watching the brew start to slowly mix. Within seconds the entire mixture bubbles crazily like a soda bottle being shook on fast forward. Lighteria gasps and caps the flask with a cork quickly, watching the entire thing swirl and mix and bubble. As he stares in awe, Kit sneezes a second time, Lighteria's nose twitching as well.

I know that smell. That smells like wine my mom used to drink...

"Look at that!" He suddenly exclaims out loud, forgetting there's people in the room. "Is that... fermenting? All by itself and in a matter of seconds!" He laughs to himself, watching the mix turn a solid purple color, finally taking the form of a real potion. He keeps laughing too, absolutely thrilled with himself just unable to stop.

"Mew mew meow mew... meow. (Make the crazy laugh stop... can't nap.)"
Lv. 37 Twin Blade (180 SP)
Weapon: Rashou (Thunder Coil- 30, Suvi Lei- 20, Mumyn Lei- 30) (Life Drain)
Armor: Holy Tree Mail (Juk Kruz- 20) - Scarab Earring (La Repth- 20, Rip Maen- 40) - Time Sandals (Ap Do- 15) - Forest Gloves (Juk Kruz- 20)
GP: 14384

Wish list (In order of priority): Angel halo accessory, chibi angel wings, Bone Armor, Professional

Lighteria: "Obsessively updating my profile since Fri Oct 01, 2004 7:10 pm"

User avatar
Zhao Xun
Elevated Player
Posts: 63
Joined: Fri May 12, 2006 3:09 am
Location: Wherever I'm needed.

Post by Zhao Xun » Mon Oct 08, 2007 1:30 am

The fury and power of the assault unleashed by Zan, Phoenix, Senna, and Silk left me in awe. It wasn't as powerful as some of the blasts we'd unleashed on the Devil, but then again, I hadn't been simply watching those. I had been dumbstruck by the fact that Angel actually accepted the offer, and the speed at which the battle recommenced was beyond what I could comprehend. The result of all this was that I had a front-row seat to the unbelievable force that a few of our stronger members could throw out on a whim.

What was more astounding was what happened next. Zan's spells, cut down in an instant? Even his summons? The same defense was repeated several times as Angel nullified every spell thrown at her, and seemingly absorbed their power into her. So... like Devil May Cry, eh? Royal Guard style... interesting. Only Canti would understand my thoughts, most likely, but it didn't matter. All I needed to garner in terms of tactics from this exchange was that spells were useless. As if mine weren't weak enough already. Ah well, doesn't mean I can't do something!

I sprang forth, blades held in front of me, moving forward like some sort of guinea pig to test Angel's new fighting style. It seemed, through her use of a rapier and choice of stance, that speed and agility were her forte. Mine too, but Angel has to trump me in every way. What kind of use can I be? But even as that thought ran through my head, I still moved forward. At the very least, I could be a distraction for someone like Zan... for the few seconds I would last before being sent into oblivion by that needle-tipped blade.

The distance between us was closing fast, so I decided to try something I'd done only once before. I flipped my main-hand blade to a new position, spun it around a few times, then hurled it all the force I could muster towards Angel. I tossed my other blade to that hand and increased my speed, charging towards her on the heels of my sword. Upon reaching Angel, I unleashed a furious set of strikes, trying to irritate her as much as possible before she found titme to dispatch me. Maybe someone could capitalize on my idiocy and recklessness... but if not, I had done what I could.
Zhao's Profile

Wishlist:
Levels
Slayers
Other level 16+ Twin Blade Weapons
Cougar Bandanna
Snow Panther
Level 16+ Twin Blade Armor

Miakita hazu no tasogare ga
Konna ni kirei dato naita

Phoenix512
Exalted Player
Posts: 304
Joined: Thu Nov 13, 2003 10:42 pm

Post by Phoenix512 » Mon Oct 08, 2007 1:43 am

Phoenix’s Ani Revolver was immediately ineffective once Angel’s unique sword struck against it. It was not only his attack that suffers this fate as the others’ attacks were equally ineffective once it struck the blade. Angel’s sword was capable to dispel any elemental-based attack which it even can stop an attack from even forming in the first place. This fact alone made the team’s options very limited as the most powerful attacks were elemental-based. The blademaster still had a physical special attack in his arsenal but it was contain in his weakest sword.

Phoenix still does not know if his Wind Blade would suffer the same fate like the basic elements. In the past, the Wind Blade has been shown to be outside of the basic elements like during the fight with the Marionette Devil. The blademaster had already come up with a plan for round two of the battle. He still going to be careful about attacking Angel since who knows what other abilities her sword may have. Suzaku, same plan from before. I know that she can nullify the fire breath but the point is to distract not to injure her.

Kazuma-sama, I think I saw something odd. Angel’s forearm has one shade of blue, yellow, and three purple shades. Be careful. I think those colors represent the spells that we attacked her with.

You said three shades of purple. There was the three Wryneck summons and my Ani Revolver. I’m guessing that elemental weapon skills don’t factor into her forearm but pure magic. Magic might get us kill. Thanks, Suzaku. Stick to the original plan. I’ll be careful with Angel’s forearm.

The bird gave Phoenix a telepathic understood before standing by while the blademaster began his second assault on the final Marionette guardian. While Zhao was distracting Angel with his attack, he slashed the Bloody Pain vertically to create the first Wind Blade. Then a few seconds later, he did it again but in the horizontal direction. After the second Wind Blade attack, the blademaster put away the Bloody Pain and switch it with the Singing Blade. Once he switched swords, Phoenix jumped up in the air and activated the physical skill, Crack Beat. The skill boosted Phoenix a bit higher in the air before coming back to the ground with the sword swinging towards Angel. Once again he was ready to retreat from her reach after the attack with Suzaku providing the backup in case he was not so lucky with defending against Angel’s counterattack. He would like to fight Angel in a prolonged sword fight but right now, it was all about information gathering. Phoenix had some ideas about the forearm but right now it was better for him to bring out the attacks upon him than the others.
Phoenix
Level 48 Blademaster
Equipped Skills: Vak Revolver, Gan Revolver, Dek Vorv, La Repth, Juk Kruz, Rue Kruz, BiVak Rom, GiGan Zot
Other Skills: Rue Kruz, Rip Synk, Rip Saem, Crack Beat, Rue Slash, Ani Slash, Gan Crack, Gan Revolver

Wish List: Phoenix's Fire, Gold Necklace
EX-Spheres: LV 3 - Overdrive, LV 3 - Curative, LV 3 - Elemental Breath

Lord Canti
Exalted Player
Posts: 300
Joined: Sat May 13, 2006 3:58 pm
Location: In da' plains of hell, natch.

Post by Lord Canti » Mon Oct 08, 2007 2:32 pm

(This fight was...as it had been getting for a while, at least...under the Twin Blade's skin. Between the misplaced compassion that Sekai displayed and the great arrogance that Angel had going on - A fallen Angel? Heh heh - this was becoming less of a proper fight and more of something along the lines of grand tedium. It was so much easier when things were a little more straightforward. At this point, Canti was hardly into the battle because of a lack of motivation and not very much of an idea on how to proceed. Angel was treating this game like it was...well...a game! And it wasn't! Not anymore! So yes... Until he found the proper way to handle this issue, he was not involved once more, stewing in his own sizzling thoughts. Canti leaned against the wall, keenly watching the others do battle until finally...something changed.)

Canti: Another bribe? Ehhh...pass. I've had enough of that.

(It was an idea to appeal to Angel's overall greedy nature in order to bring an end to the fight. The offer did not make her wish to end the battle, but rather change the rules. Canti listened carefully, silently, and without any indication that he was even paying attention. It allowed for something of a low profile nature to be gained. While he was listening, the Twin Blade noticed something about Angel, about her motivation. It wasn't too dissimilar from how he was, at least in one respect. He too had nobody waiting for him. Filing that under "Useful Data", the winged one waited as Zan made his offer to seal the fate of their Guardian...and themselves. The way that Angel worded her agreement - the counter-proposal - sounded as though she had a definite plan, and was not merely over-confident.)

Canti: This is gonna be a tough oone. I don't even know if I have the stuff to do it. Still... Gonna have to try.

(What he did NOT do immediately was actually move or act. This was because there had been those who were sort of 'in line' before him. It had been Canti's plan to use a volley of spells as a distraction for his attacks, meaning that while such things were being dealt with, he would get the drop on Angel. This would've been a great plan, except that it was technically already being done, and what Canti saw from Angel immediately made him drop his first idea in favor of a Plan B. The way she was easily destroying those spells and stemming their power... He didn't even know you COULD stab the rune to dissolve the spell! That WAS impressive, to say the least. Canti began to work on a new plan, something less overly-complex and more...his style. Suddenly, this was becoming a while helluva lot more interesting. He equipped Magatsu, and activated a Speed Charm. Still...Canti did not make his move.)

Canti: Low-profile... Don't move until it's absolutely necessary...

(It wasn't something he liked to do, but Canti had realized something in all this fighting. He was with a large group whose wide and varied abilities could handle just about any sort of threat. Not so much that each player was specifically-chosen for a task, but rather that it seemed - to him - that everyone had their role to fulfull. What did that make Canti's role? Well, being the way that he was...probably a wild card, playable in many situations. In which case, the point here was that - at times - he would be forced to consider that his teammates and indeed anything that he could gain in a fight...could act as distractions. So, when Phoenix and Zhao went on the offensive, Canti began to look around the room...)

Canti: Let's see... This is a fairly-compact place. I ought to be able to do what that damn hellhound did...or something like it.

(WHOOSH!! One minute, Canti was there against the wall. And if you blinked...? Forget it. He was gone. Now, for the size of the room, one couldn't expect him to just be able to fly freely. It just wasn't the right size for that. This was a mansion, after all. So, instead...you get Canti using his wings in some Speed Charm-enhanced leaps and jumps. To what end? Why, to the end of becoming like a ricochetting bullet off of every flat surface in the room. Canti leapt from his stand-still point, hit the wall, hit the ceiling, and then flew down towards Angel with knives outstretched to do a fly-by slashing. And this wasn't the only part of the plan, either. Hit or miss, the dark Twin Blade was taking this opportunity to perform this operation several times at least, meaning that he would ricochett back at Angel again and again - regardless of whether he was deflected or not - using the speed and the different angles to try and catch her off-guard while others kept her occupied!)
I'll have a doozy of a sig later, I swear. It'll reflect ".hack//CODE" an' everything.

Hey look! A profile! It's got items and stats and things! Cool! If it isn't fully up to date, it will be, so don't worry 'bout it.

Zan
Exalted Player
Posts: 206
Joined: Sat Jan 22, 2005 10:28 pm
Contact:

Post by Zan » Mon Oct 08, 2007 10:33 pm

Oh-
-God damn it.

It was like being forced to watch a train wreck in slow motion. Every step of Zan and Nulus' carefully executed plan was torn and demolished like it was child's play. The lycanthrope would have understood, would have been able to accept it better if it had been one of his usual hack n' slash 'plans' that tended to go down the shitter anyway. But no. This particular strategy had been hatched from lessons learned in the Training Room, lessons he had hoped would actually give him an edge in a fight. What a waste of good-natured optimism that was. The werewolf found himself garnering a new brand of dislike for Angel in the aftermath of the group's denied assault. If all he had to deal with was her completely sidestepping and absorbing every one of their strikes, his level of disdain would have remained at its usual boiling point. However, the Shebitch felt it necessary to make an open, gloating mockery of it all, an air of arrogance and overflowing narcissism seeming to thicken the air and choke the Freedom Fighters who were actually being useful and were a part of the fight. As Angel posed in a way that vaguely reminded the Heavy Blade of a fencer, he began to realize why she had 'one-upped' his terms of defeat to simple wounding. It wasn't just confidence...it was the God's honest truth. She was one tough cookie. Was this really her first form? Fuck, he hoped not.

Zan couldn't completely focus on his own thoughts throughout the whole ordeal, however. Even putting the legion of mental walls between his mind and Nulus' wasn't helping to completely block out the hate rolling from his partner. Each brutal death of one of the Wryneck panthers was like a stab in the Shade's own heart. The swipes of her sword that fell the large cats made him wince, made him cringe in a way that was...new. During Nulus' recent conversion from perverted, twisted son of a bitch to something more grounded and stable, Zan had been privy to feeling a broadened spectrum of emotions from his friend. One that hadn't come up yet was sadness...until then. The werewolf couldn't help but relate the Shade's feeling of loss to that of a parent losing their children in some great tragedy. It was melodramatic, no doubt, but Nulus had put a rather hefty amount of stock into the timing of his first Wryneck summons. Though his companion would never admit it aloud, Zan knew that he wanted to make a show of it to honor Wryneck and the change the Wave God had made within him over a short period of time. And that honor? It had been ripped asunder and turned into ash at metaphorical feet. One thing was for certain: it would not go unpunished. Despair and disappointment turned into a fire for vindication and vengeance. Angel had just crossed the First Wolf. Like befriending one, making a true enemy of a wolf will make it stalk you until the ends of the earth, prowling your shadow until the time it tears out your throat.

Let the vendetta's retribution begin.

The Lycan watched as the Freedom Fighters begun Round 2 of their attacks against the boss. They were showing a remarkable amount of strategy, something he had failed to see from them (and himself) during the last few Hubs. Was it just Angel? Had she simply brought out the worst - and the smartest - in them? Maybe, just maybe, that was her plan? It brought up the possibility of her simply using this chance to observe them, to see what they were capable of. After all, they weren't going to be killing her. Not now. The moment they wounded her she'd give in. So, that noted, the possibility of her using this round as a study wasn't completely out of left field. If that was true, if she had wanted to see what they were made of, Zan and Nulus had already made a mistake by showing her two of the most powerful spells the duo were capable of dishing out. Perhaps the whole thing was based around a heap of paranoia, but paranoia often was a tool of survival against the Elites and their goons. It was this paranoia that would keep him from shifting into the Garou or coming together with Nulus to become the Merged. There was a chance that she already knew about their potential, that Marionette had been a poor sport - or even the other Guardians - and told her all of what they had done over the past two Hubs. Still, they were better safe than sorry. It would also do them good to let the rest of the group in on his little...insight.

Flashmail!
To: The Freedom Fighters
From: Zan
Subject: Hold Back

I know we'll be tempted to give this fight our all, to show the bitch what she deserves so we can move on, but I say we hold back. Do what you must, but don't show her the best of your talents. Seeing as we only have to scratch her here, she's probably using this little sparring match to plan ahead. If Marionette or the other Guardians haven't already given her a heads up about our potential, we don't want to be the ones to give her any sort of edge.

Just a thought.

-Zan

Flashmail! End


And now it was his time for retaliation. Magic, of course, was off the menu. Not only had she simply absorbed it, but by the looks of her blade...she was stocking them up. What, was she adding power to her blade that way? Or, perhaps, would she be able to unleash the spells right back at them? If so, Nulus was definitely feeling a little foolish. Three Wryneck's waiting to be blasted back at them? Ah well, he couldn't have known, really. Zan paused in his tactical contemplations to watch Canti bounce about, his crystalline senses and his own remarkable speed making following the Twin Blade's movements more or less simplistic. He had potential, though. The kid was utilizing his class' talents to make Angel really, really have to pay attention to her surroundings. Good for him. Zhao, the little shit, thought it wise to hurl one of his knives at her and charge full on to swipe with the other. Twin Blades were not meant to be tanks, especially Twin Blades of his particularly low level. Canti had it right, in that fashion. He was doing the equivalent of hit and run assaults, something fit for what he was. Zan knew that Zhao had only done it out of some form of courage and selflessness, something to give the others a real chance, but he still felt he needed to sit down and explain proper strategy to him the next time they had the opportunity at the Hideout. Ah well.

Speaking of strategy, Zan needed to implement his own here before Zhao's reckless sacrifice was made completely useless. Again pulling tactics from a go in the Training Room (though this one was more from the first), Zan dropped the remaining walls between Nulus' and his mind. The synchronization that they had become so accustomed to clicked into place, their minds converting into communicating servers of emotions, images and concepts. Their plan was hatched before two seconds had the time to elapse, the Shade coming to fly in front of Zan, completely obscuring the lycanthrope as they both charged forward and towards the odd blade-wielding menace that was Angel. The moment Nulus arrived before her, his eight inch, knife-like fingers blurring in Ap Do-assisted fury, Zan leapt up - a suddenly appearing figure from behind the seven foot something stature of the Shade - with the Ghostdancer drawn. Turning his front flip mid-air so that he was coming down on the other side of Angel facing her back (his weapon slashing down in the flip as well as a way to both deflect any upturned attacks and hopefully get in some damage), the Heavy Blade landed just enough SP wracked up for Kannon's incantation. The flames that overcame the Ghostdancer were beautiful and violent as the skill's strikes attempted to land on the boss, each one occurring simultaneously with Nulus' swipes on her opposite side.

The werewolf wasn't bothered with using elementally-imbued skills against her. After all, only the pure magics seemed to have been absorbed onto those whirling wrist plates. Sure, it could have still nullified the damage of the Kannon just the same, but that was exactly why he wasn't leaving it at just that. With the last of the skill's gestures completed, Zan took a hastened step back and ducked, a sweeping horizontal strike of the tree-like weapon aimed to take out her Achilles’' tendons. A quick recomposure from the crouch and he was making dashed stabs to the inside of her thighs, hoping that she even had hamstrings to cut. Going for any devastating blows would have been dumb and a waste of energy, being that they only had to give her a little scratch to make her quit, so he was going for strikes that would cripple her for a moment and make her give in. All the while, his senses were flared for his defense; his eyes the amber of the wolf, each iris making the clarity perfect and giving away hints of her movements that normal eyes wouldn't spot and his hearing feeding him information on her steps and her swipes before she had the time to complete them. She could still catch him off guard, as she had in the recent past, but at least he had an advantage. With the Ap Torv backing him as well, it made his precision and his visual sense that much more deadly, that much more lethal and promising. Zan could only hope as he began to lay into her torso with the broad, six-foot expanse of the Ghostdancer that she would eventually slip up.

After all, with the Heavy Blade assaulting her back and Nulus furiously swiping on point (not to mention the rest of the work from the group), she would definitely have her work cut out for her.

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

((OOC:

-Spells on Zan-
Rig Geam
Rig Saem
Ap Do
Ap Corv
Ap Vorv
Ap Torv
Ap Corma
Ap Vorma
Ap Torma

-Spells on Nulus-
Rig Saem
Ap Do

:OOC))
Lv. 50 Heavy Blade
Wishlist
Special: Levels, GR Sendai, PL Sakai, Darklore.
W: Tonosama Sword, Mineuchi, Jundachi.
A: Samurai Helm, Able Hands, Rare Greaves.
I: Holy Sap, Treebane, Cooked Bile, Nightbane.
EX: Elemental Summon (Lv. 2), Overdrive (Lv.1), Elemental Attacks (Lv. 2), Enhance Dark, Elemental Breath (Lv. 2).

Fuzzhead
Elevated Player
Posts: 37
Joined: Fri Apr 08, 2005 1:27 am

Post by Fuzzhead » Tue Oct 09, 2007 2:47 pm

“Double Mortal Scorcher!” spat the Fist Fighter as he leapt towards the cocky boss, his fists unleashing a lightning fast combination of attacks. Unfortunately, the bitch turned out to be absurdly fast: not only was she able to stab downwards at the Rai spell forming at her feet, but she was also quick enough to simply jump entirely over the oncoming Fist Fighter. Instinctively, the Fist Fighter cut left as quickly as he was able – but a flash of white-hot pain in his arm alerted him to the devastating truth: this chick was really, really fast.

Desperately stumbling away so that he might avoid further retribution, the Fist Fighter clutched at the wound as his teeth clenched against the pain. With scarlet blood streaming down his arm, Silk watched as his allies proceeded to take their own shot at their mutual enemy. First, Zhao rushed in, his twin blades a flurry of flashing blades. The recklessly attacking Twinblade was followed almost immediately by a double shot of Wind Blade goodness via Phoenix, causing the Fist Fighter to flinch involuntarily. Did that crazy Blademaster want to kill Zhao too?

Even as Phoenix went skyward to perform an attack that Silk hadn’t seen in a very long time (good ol’ Crackbeat), Canti joined Zhao in order to unleash dual Twinblade badness against the enemy. A breath later, it was Zan who thrust himself into the fray, combining with Nulus on a whole new level of awareness in order to make a coordinated performance that would make the Bryan brothers proud.

Silk tensed up, readying himself to make his own attack. He moved into a closer position, eyeing the battle carefully in order to take the first available opening. Clenching his fists, the sweat in his right palm mingled with the blood still streaming from the wound. However, it appeared that the flow had lessened considerably. At first, the Fist Fighter was going to use a Repth on the gash, but now… it didn’t seem worth it.

As Zan spun over Angel, his blade slashing up and down as he flipped through the air, Silk felt the hairs on the back of his neck rise. The moment was soon… in a move that was almost too fast to follow, Zan slashed low, aiming for the hamstrings of the elusive bitch: this was it! Angel had two options: bring her blade downwards to deflect the attack, or leap over the attack. Considering that she had Nulus swarming all over her on one side, a pair of twinblades on the other, the boss would be hard pressed to do anything but leap. Blocking with her weapon would leave her wide open for a vicious assault concocted by the Shade and the Twinblades, but in the event that she was fast enough to flick aside Zan’s mighty swing (it seemed ridiculous that anything could flick aside such a powerful swipe) and still have time to defend against the three pronged assault, Silk was already there, thrusting his right foot into the ground as an exclamation to the end of his short dash forward. With all of his forward energy transformed into centrifugal force, his punch would be a force to be reckoned with. He wouldn’t make the same mistake as last time; that is, Silk wouldn’t commit so much forward momentum into his attack such that he left himself wide open for downward slashes.

In the case of the other circumstance (if she leapt), Angel had effectively eliminated her ability to dodge any other attacks for a crucial, crucial instant. Silk doubted that even she could change her momentum while in mid-air; on the other hand, her sword was available to deflect all oncoming attacks without having to worry about Zan from the back. His swing required too much inertial force for him to attack once more before she landed back on her feet, so he was out of the picture for as long as it took for him to recover his position. Still, if Silk (and perhaps a few of the others who, so far, hadn’t done much!) could toss in his own applied pressure to the furious attacks being thrown at the target, perhaps it would be enough. The key here was that while in the air, she was helpless to move! There was literally a split second for all of them to take a stab (or punch) at the bitch in which she was obligated to block, and with one sword, there was no way she could repel all of them. Who knows, perhaps a few arrows would find their way to Angel’s body in this most important of all instants while the boss floated, suspended in the air, and impossible to use her speed.

In either case, now was the time for Silk to attack. Zan’s low strike was clearly the catalyst for a massive concerted movement, and the Fist Fighter didn’t intend to miss his chance.
Level 25 Fist Fighter
Boxing Gloves | Nny Scales | Dice Gloves | Iron Anklet | Time Headband

Skills: Ap Corv, Ap Torv, GiVak Don, Ap Torma, Ap Do, Repth, Kiwami, Double Mortal Scorcher

Wishlist:
1.) Rare Foot Armor
2.) FF Belief
3.) Any stat-altering items

Raquar
Ikkitousen
Posts: 108
Joined: Tue Apr 10, 2007 8:28 pm
Location: Hiding in the shadows

Post by Raquar » Thu Oct 11, 2007 6:09 am

The key to his aspect of his plan was to stay back, and more importantly, stay alive. He sat back, waiting for something to happen. He was hoping that somebody was launch into an attack, something that would force Angel’s hand. Instead he got a flashmail. And soon, everything seemed to spin forward in a great wheel progress.
To: The Party
From: Nighthand
Subject: Status
Message: I’m elsewhere in the mansion, looking for other clues. Flashmail me if you need me in the fight.
He had just scanned this flashmail when another took its place.
To: The Freedom Fighters Excluding Sekai
From: Phoenix
Subject: None
Message: Everyone who has not incurred Angel’s full wrath, either decide now to fight or leave the room. If you’re going to leave, take Sekai with you. She might get in the way during the fight and rather not have an ally to fight against at the same time.

For the people who have incurred the full wrath of our hostess, I don’t think we can hurt Angel until we removed her pet. Unless one of you has an idea to break her shield, I’m going to continue to attack the pet until it is dead.

I know I sound cold but I rather kill Angel than see one of you dead because you failed in trying to make peace with Angel. You heard her words. She will not stop because she chose her path.
The thought that Angel definitely needed to be exterminated was accompanied with yet another flashmail. This one sent by their ever cryptic “guide.”
To: Raquar
From: Marionette
Subject: resolve
Message: iF yoU cannoT kilL onE sO likE yoU, hoW caN yoU hopE tO defeaT thosE whO puT yoU therE? iF yoU cannoT defeaT mY angeL, I havE nO usE foR yoU.
He ignored this flashmail from Marionette just like the ones before this. He wanted her to die? The boy was more than happy to oblige. That was a startling chain of thought, that he would be so eager to have the power to take one’s life in necessitated. He continued to sit and watch for now, The attacks against Angel seemingly not doing much. Zan and Nulus assaulted the pet with Phoenix coming in strong behind. They assaulted the pet strongly, but the shield never left Angel for a second. Zhao even joined the assault, leaving him alone to watch, and wait, and pray that he could do something useful.

Nothing the party attempted produced any results, and it was with that in mind that a brief halt in the battle was called, a couple new tactics coming into play. Phoenix tried taunting, but it was Zan that produced the idea that Angel would most likely take to. His ballet slipper offered, the Long Arm was pinged with another flashmail a little later.
To: The Freedom Fighters
From: Sekai
Subject: Assistance
Message: I know this is presumptive of me to request, but... I feel as if I must. I do not believe that this is the correct course of action; the property damage isn't truly the reason that Angel-san is upset and asking for our blood in payment.

Please, even if it is a little bit that you are able to contribute to taking the edge off of her anger; I ask that you do; that way we may continue on and search for the answers that truly matter.

Respectfully,

- Sekai
And soon the pile was growing. Gold, items, rares, scrolls, anything and everything added to the “Bribe Pile.” He had just snuck in his own little stash of gold, 6000 of it to be exact when he was hit with another fucking flashmail. He swore, his bill was going to be so huge.
To: Raquar, Zan, Rayo, Senna, Lord Canti, Silk, Phoenix, Hacorie
From: Zhao Xun
Subject: Sekai
Message: What she suggests is lunacy. Maybe we can't stop Angel just by slashing away, but that doesn't mean we can't beat her through combat. Also, her statement and her methods are contradictory. If Angel isn't pissed because of the damage, then what the FUCK will offering her money do? It's moronic to the core. I think she's a sweet girl, and I think she's trying to do what she knows is right, but... it's truly stupid. Don't waste time and give Angel the opportunity to cause us more harm.

Fight.

~Zhao
That much was a given. The boy hadn’t added to the pile in an attempt to reason with Angel, it was in an attempt that hopefully she would lower her shield so they could vanquish her and be done with it. That would be the main focus. And sure enough, the giant mountain of stuff attracted the eye of Angel. After a brief conversation, the terms were agreed to, and the wager set. The shield dropped, the pet disappeared, and the shield was gone. Angel unveiled her weapon with a flourish, and things escalated to an entirely new situation.

The Freedom Fighters seemed to thrive with a new energy, the idea that they could actually damage her, very, very appealing. It was a bloodlust of sorts, one that only an Angel could quench. Buffs, spells, and attacks were all launched in quick succession at the target, hoping to end this quickly, possibly before it started. It was here, that their foe proved that she could hang with the best of them. Every spell was countered somehow, being absorbed into that thing she called a weapon, and every blow and slash parried. He sighed. It seemed highly likely that magic was out, and that was somewhat depressing. That meant he was going to have to rely solely on physical attacks. And that meant that he was going to die. Oh well. Better now than never.

Before rushing into an attack, the Long Arm sang out with his mind, the humming starting as a slow vibration before revving to life, the darkness coming to him in harmony. His eyes snapped open, the boy feeling slightly more comfortable protected by at least a think layer of his element. He held on for another brief moment, as some of the group launched into action before he followed them. He charged in, spear held low, swiping at her hopefully exposed back. He didn’t honestly expect that blow to land, it was the orb of Ani that he fired off at closer range after that he hoped would connect. Maybe that would screw with her a bit. He attempted just one more attack, a quick vertical slash before attempting to spring out of the way. Maybe if she didn’t notice him he wouldn’t die that quickly. That was an appealing chain of thought.
Level 28 Long Arm
Archspear, Newt Necklace, Smith's Gloves, Wyrm Scale, Kuja's Thong Dress
EXP: [700/1000]

WISHLIST
Levels
Weapons: - All
Armor: Head - Scarab Earring
Body - Nothing until Mid 30's. Ninja Garb Hand - Nothing until Mid 30's. Leg - Nothing until Mid 30's.
Items: Cooked Biles, Darkness Scrolls (Any and All)

User avatar
Senna
Awakened Player
Posts: 150
Joined: Sat Jul 01, 2006 10:28 pm

Post by Senna » Thu Oct 11, 2007 3:18 pm

It went about as was to be expected. Their opponent did not seem the sort to underestimate their abilities, nor did she seem given to posturing. When she dropped that shield, they should have know, KNOWN that something was up. And boy was it, as one spell and attack after another was neatly blocked, sopped up like pasta sauce with a bit of bread and turned into colorful decorations which could no doubt be unleashed on the Freedom Fighters later at Angel’s discretion. Such was their luck.

Never stopping, Angel went from one attack to the next, until all were nullified, and then waited, like a dog in the ring waiting for an opening. Every time, Senna thought. Villains though they might be, one had to admire the skill and ability Marionette had put into his puppets. Each had proven to be more than a match for any one, and possibly any few of the Freedom Fighters. Right now, she supposed they should consider themselves lucky. All the previous times, they didn’t get a chance to see the enemy in action until the time for a showdown to clear the field had come.

Movement came again after a moment of tableau, this time coming from a couple new sources for this stage of the battle – Canti and Zhao. All the rest would follow, but their movements were both quick and distracting. Try and block them all, the pair seemed to be saying to Angel. Try it, and the rest will have an easier shot at you. Even Senna found herself getting caught up in the energy and speed of their attacks. Rending the air, the Twin Blades used their class abilities to the utmost.

Others were now getting in on the act. From the other side of the room, Phoenix was again using that ability he had, one she assumed to be a manifestation of whatever had them stuck here.

Canti, Zhao, Phoenix… now it was Zan’s turn again. And again, his was the most physically devastating-looking attack. Unless the guy was hanging back on purpose, it was always that way though. The power levels he’d achieved were… well, the best word she could come up with was ridiculous, and that whatever with him didn’t help. In the time it took for their attack to commence, Senna found herself thinking back to her conversation with Phoenix. Once not so long ago it had seemed ridiculous. Now, she was beginning to wonder.

Be that as it may, he WAS effective. Under cover of the Twinblades’ attacks, they had flanked (sandwiched?) the opponent. Two sets of attacks, two different directions. On the far side of them, she could now see Raguar getting in on the action. Far closer, Silk was determined to get his own jabs in.

Flurries of attacks flew. Enough, Senna thought, that adding another weapon to the fray would just be useless. Although this made perfect logical sense – hang back and wait for the opening – there was just something stomach churning about it. Really, as a member of the Freedom Fighters, shouldn’t she have that same headlong drive to leap into battle and get battered around?

Tcha. Her thought process discarded this line of reasoning as idiotic in the extreme. All this group needed was a set of battle-ready clones. THAT was who she wanted to be here – to be when she got out of here? Killer, bloodlust-infused monster, violence first and think later? Even if that helped now, it would not be who she wanted to be later, when they got out. Pacing back a step, Senna kept low, keeping her weapon at ready. The attacks were so quick and so condensed and so (mostly) physical (what WAS that kid thinking, using more elemental stuff?) it seemed impossible physically for it to avoid them all. It reflexes were good, but blocking two attacks on opposite sides at the same time, much less from ALL sides, would seem impossible. Exiting the central point of the fray was, as Silk had also deduced, a likelihood. Removing itself from the target zone would be the most effective block of all. And when it did so, she would open herself up to other attacks, as Rayo had when he jumped from the building. That was why Senna kept a little space.

Built the pressure. Attack until something gave – either them or it. Yawning defeat or victory by a scratch.

Senna found herself gripping the spear tighter than she probably needed. Hopefully the center of the little fight could take care of things before Uriel got serious.
Senna, level 33 Long Arm (710 HP/180 SP)
Most common kit: Ichigou, Racoon Earcaps, Air Bracer, Snow Panther, Winter Coat, Graceful Book
Spells/Skills: (Critical Hit/Death) Repulse Cage, Ap Corv, Ap Vorv, Rai Rom, Rue Zot, La Repth
Click for full equipment and items
14300 (1/23)

Hacorie
Ikkitousen
Posts: 105
Joined: Thu Sep 30, 2004 11:30 pm
Location: Here and there.
Contact:

Post by Hacorie » Sun Oct 14, 2007 7:59 pm

A few roads diverge in a friggin huge mansion...and the fight truly began...those would be the words of the great Robert Frost is he got to actually witness the scene unfolding before my very eyes. If only...I could reach a conclusion of what to do....what should I do...

What the hell are you doing. You are such a moron...confused and dazzled by your own internal thoughts. Your questions you pose yourself with just create doubt within the mind. Stop thinking so much about what to do and just let your body react to the situation boy. That angel has determined her fate for following in the footsteps of the Marionette. If you do not act soon....I will...The threat had been issued. The snowy owl with the name of Seluma had more or less mandated for a decision to hastily be made by the Heavy Blade character. However, it was not as easy as the creature had mentioned. What Seluma suggested was not a feat that could be accomplished in a matter of mere seconds; no, it usually took years of intense training and psychological treatment for a person to change their personality. Could Hac defy the odds and actually let his body do the speaking for a good minute or would he continue to dwell on the matters of the best decision? The last time he had relied on his mind was the day his induction to ‘Team Moron’. Hacorie did not know if he could actually take another verbal assault without losing his cool. The time to decide was at hand. Would the Heavy Blade character decide to stand back and leave the room, or would he stay and fight for the items he had reluctantly given up moments before?

The battle continued to rage on while the high level character more or less faded into the background: lost in thought. One minute... The ominous raspy voice called within the character’s mind. Hacorie had to speed up his elimination process; however, for each positive thought toward an action spawned a reconciliation from the negative persuasion. As the clock continued to count down, Hac could not reach a conclusion. Twenty Seconds... He said to himself as beads of salt water began to form on his brow. Hacorie did not know what to do. Angel was a character who was either trapped in the game, or one who did not view the real world as something to return to. Whichever the case actually applied to, two facts remained. The first was brought about by the notion and truth of Angel’s true self. One not created by data bits, but instead derived from the same roots of the Freedom Fighter. A character connected to the outside. Could the fighters actually continue to fight their ‘kin’? Hac could not decide. If this were the only factor, the choice would be simple. However, it was not. The second major topic was of the alliances. The Angel was on the side of Marionette, an enemy of the Freedom Fighters. If feelings were developed for an enemy, would that not hinder the mission objectives of the group?

“I just do not know!” Hacorie yelled aloud as he dropped to one knee. The immense clouds of thought had finally struck in the form of a faint case of a mental breakdown. Since everything the Heavy Blade had been fighting for was in question, his mind finally went into meltdown mode. “I just don’t know...” Hac whispered to himself as he tilted his head back a slight bit to view the happenings of the entire group. A single character caught his eye; it was not one who was in the center of the ‘angelic’ mess though. Instead, it was Hac’s long time partner in crime: Senna. The duo charged with winning rare items in events. “Rare Items...” Another notion mentioned under his breath took Hac from the kneeling position to one where both feet were once again firmly planted on the concrete floor beneath. Of course, the mention of such a word type accelerated the adrenaline of the Heavy Blade. He finally knew the answer of the question imposed by Seluma, and none too soon. A small sensation sparked only in particular occasions crept its way up the Heavy Blade’s spine. Of course, his eyes immediately shifted toward one thing: the stockpile of items in the corner.

"Hey Senna..." The Heavy Blade spoke, eyes not shifting from the illuminated corner of the room. "What would you say...if...we have a bit of fun with this fight? I am having a bit of deja vu. Not about the entirety of the situation or anything, but instead about something else...about that." The Heavy Blade's arm slowly raised as a single finger was extended toward the corner of the room where all the lovely rare items had been collected. Yeah...we will call this fun... What Hacorie had in store was nothing to short of...typical...when in this mind set he was trapped in, but what he really needed was a reply from the lady Long Arm.

This earned him a sidelong glance, one eyebrow raised. "What'd you have in mind?"

"Well...those rare items sure are bringing back memories of old Senn...Felix. They have now just sparked a bit of interest in me. What if we..." The evident change in names referred to a single event of yore where the two mach dueled as two characters from a now classic game: Radiata Stories.

"Summon an orc?" she supplied, a small smile her only outward evidence that she was joking. "Except it'd just take that too. Angel seems kinda materialistic."

“Yeah...but I think she would love to have Commander Cross. They would make a perfect pair.” Hacorie continued the jaunt as a real smile appeared on his face. “But, actually, this idea I have was sparked by our endeavors from the past. I have noticed that when rare items are at stake, we seem to change a bit. Both of us. We fight harder, we actually work together, and we have fun to boot. So how about, we act as if this is a special event....those items in the corner our prize...instead of trying to not get killed, this seems like a better choice.” Hac knew his question seemed a bit absurd, but the fact of the matter was that his idealistic view was truthful. Backed by the facts of special events held by system administrators.

"Heh. Sounds like fun," she said, nodding once. "Why not?"

“Let’s hit it then...I believe I owe this Angel thing a bit of payback for earlier....so how about, we, Team Moron, throw our own tactical prowess into the mix about now. After all, it seems they may need a bit more assistance from us pros.” Hacorie said triumphantly as his smile cracked more and white teeth began to show. A small chuckle followed from the midst of his glistening teeth. Maybe I am Franklin. If only I could get my hair to do that a form of that.(XD!) So...have any plans thought out?[/I]

"Not really my style, but I can wait for some rare itemu stew....once she makes her move, let's not hold anything back. Full force. She will know our wrath.” nodding in consent, Hac’s hand fell from pointing to the hilt of his mystic katana.

Senna grinned. "Go Team Moron."

“Go Team Moron indeed...” Hacorie said as the unwavering smile continued to stay plastered on his face. It was decided, he was going to wait for the first deciding action of the Marionette Angel. Once she made her first mistake, the two would blast her out of the water...or sky....or whichever she happened to be in at the moment.

Good...you decided...all you needed was a bit of consoling and threats...
Hacorie
Level 36 Heavy Blade
Gold: 21237

Equips
Oceanic Aura/Sharktooth-Ice Helm-Winter Coat-
Shiva's Rings-Bondage Pants
---Water Magic, BL Yokohama

Wishlist:
Level Meh Up
Weapons: Sakabatou/Rock n Roll/Peace Blade
Body: Knight's Armor
Other: Earthlore/Feng Shui
--------Water/Earth Scrolls

User avatar
Nighthand
Master of Games
Posts: 1265
Joined: Mon Mar 31, 2003 9:23 pm
Class: Bladesmage
Location: ...Tracking...please wait...

Post by Nighthand » Mon Oct 15, 2007 5:17 am

One by one the assault began in earnest. Once they realized spells were no good, they quickly adapted to the new setting and began the attack anew. When they set their mind to it, when they had a goal and an immediate worry to fight for, they worked very well as a group.

Angel was in her element and gleeful, though she wouldn’t let more than a cocky smile show. That would be unbecoming of her.

She swiped her blade a twitch to the side, batting the incoming twinblade’s weapon away from her. Her stance barely changed as she followed that motion up with a wave of the arm, slicing through the recklessly charging owner of the blade. He made away with a deep gash on his side as she moved forward, past him – but was immediately forced to leap backwards, out of the way of Phoenix’s first Wind Blade. She didn’t know whether or not she could deflect them, and doubted she could absorb them, so her only recourse until she knew was to dodge. The second blade she was forced to leap over, landing just as the blademaster’s Crack Beat was bearing down. She leaned back, shifting her weigh and tapping the man’s blade with her own. Rather than allowing him to change the direction in the air, it forced his spin to be slightly faster, leaving her time to dodge.

She spun and slashed, narrowly missing the agile Canti as he forced his wings to work for him, pulling him out of the way before her blade struck. Nulus arrived, and she pulled back again, playing on the defensive. Her eyes widened as Zan appeared and crashed down on her, flames erupting from his blade. She dodged and retreated, keeping the pair from completely surrounding her, but the multiple Ap Do spells were making it difficult. She ducked Canti’s second strike and narrowly avoided the shade again, rising with her sword flipping out to slash through the half-corporeal image of Nulus. The shade reeled back, and she continued her rise as a jump, over Zan’s ankle-height slash. The leap also served to bring her above Silk’s added attack, but once more directly in the way of the flying Canti. This time she slashed, sending that twinblade to the ground as well, claiming her first true victim of the fight.

Continuing the spin that brought down Canti, she jabbed her blade into the ceiling, cranking herself up for the extra moment it took to avoid Raquar’s attacks. She couldn’t hang there indefinitely, but a long enough instant was all it took. She kicked off and rolled as she landed, coming up in front of Zan. She had counted on him being less observant than he actually was, but she was prepared; as she rose, her blade came in an uppercut towards his neck. He, too, was bringing his blade up in a similar maneuver, with all his strength behind it.

A sudden flash of golden light flooded the room, and everyone present found themselves unable to move. Frozen even in the act of flight or falling, everyone was immobile, stopped in place.

Zan’s eyes widened, the only part of him he could move, as he saw his strike had missed a mere hair to one side, while her blade had stopped a similar hair away from his chin, poised to ride through his skull and sever his life from his body. Angel, however, was no longer smiling. Her expression was stone as she pulled back away from the immobile heavy blade.

A tiny line, nearly imperceptible, appeared on the bottom of his chin in stinging pain, where the tip of her blade had barely touched him. But… his was just as far from her as hers was from him, so that meant… He would have smirked if his expression was able to move, as a hair-thin line of blood drew itself slowly across her cheek. No more than a scratch… but that was all she had wanted.

Pulling a checkered handkerchief from somewhere, she dabbed off the blood. Her blade collapsed back in on itself, the rotating segments slowing to a stop. Tiny points of light, what had been the rings of energy as they spun, lowered themselves into her arm as the panels twisted and flattened to their original position.

”Well played. Victory is yours, for now. As promised; the key to the second floor.” She snapped her fingers and a thin golden key fell to the floor in the center of the room. The items that had been up for grabs after the fight disappeared, and their owners found them once more settled inside their inventories. Angel, without saying another word, walked out of the room and disappeared. Only then was the party released from immobility, able to tend to their wounded and dead, able to retrieve the key and progress.

What would the second floor hold?

----------------------ooc:
Barring unforeseen circumstances, I’ll shoot for this Thursday as the post day. Maybe Wednesday night if work doesn’t kick my ass, but likely Thursday afternoon or evening. It should be obvious that the key goes to the locked doors at the ends of the hallways.

This next short round I expect to be dedicated to healing and resting or something, since obviously I haven’t given any details for the next floor yet. That’s why it’s short, and why it makes sense now to shift to twice a week again, for at least an attempt. If it doesn’t work out, it doesn’t work out, but it’s worth a shot.

Expect the intro to the next floor, the next floor’s map, and so forth in the next post. Also, try as you might, you won’t find Angel or her pet on this floor anywhere.

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