Session Start: Sat Jun 23 21:13:24 2007 Session Ident: #lunar-iog2 * Logging for #lunar-iog2 started * TheStoryteller changes topic to '-= Chapter 43 - Ruined, pt 4 | Location: Mystic Ruins / Machpelah | Pools: 720 §, 12 MXP =- http://storen.rpgcafe.net/IoG/ =-' == SESSION START == Last time on IoG2... the group bravely stepped forward into the mirror in the crypts, leading to the only Prophet remaining, pandora. Was Johnathan subduing her successfully? Was he going to be soul sucked like all the others, even with her weakened? They must end it once and for all. Reality swirls about you, as motes of leftover magic dance through the air. The room you arrive in is much like th eother crypts, but the sarcophagus in the center is broken into a million pieces, smoldering with celestial fire. The inscription is no more, but you can still see "Here Lies Pandora". Was she killed? * Edelritter is now known as Emiria * Saki skids to a halt, pushing through the regular burst of nausea and hauling herself up to her feet to glare wildly around the sepulchre. Chunks of the cieling have collapses as well, a fallen pillar blocking a mirror forward, cracked beyond hope. The wall beyond it is torn asunder, and the sounds of a battle echo through the tunnel. * Vytor finds himself on the ground, again, and works to right himself after another unpleasant wave of nausea. * Mikel hauls himself to his feet, letting out a low whistle at the scene. "...holy crap, this place is torn up." * Trune pushes himself up to his feet, muttering under his breath. There's a flash of light, an explosion, then another flash. Time itself seems to flow irregularly here to a degree, with two temporal masters duking it out not far away. * Saki 's eyes settle on the rubble ahead, narrowing just a little as she starts to step forwards. "... not nearly torn up enough." * Vytor starts looking around for Pandora or Johnathan, debating the wisdom of getting involved in a fight between two time mages * Tanan winces. "This is ridiculous. It feels like everything's all.. ugh. We got here in time, though." Oh geez...the magical energy is just coming off in waves. Be careful. * Saki breathes in and out once, a slow and regular motion. She looks - well, she's never calm, but about as good as she's ever been. "... everyone ready?" * Mikel shields his eyes from various flashes with his hand, already starting to move towards where the battle seems to be raging. "...suppose so. Show time." * Emiria swallows and stands up, placing a hand against a wall to steady herself. "What the hell...?" I dunno if I'll ever truely be ready --- but I won't run. Let's do this. Right. Hit her hard and fast, don't give her a chance to notice us. If we can even get her off-balance, it might be what Hylan needs. Let's go. The tunnel created through the stone wall to the east is about the only choice of going forward, alive with willforce energies. Where the pillar fell, there is what looks like a broken blade lying behind it. As if it was hidden long ago in a small unknown chamber. * Emiria looks at Trune, then Vytor. .oO( They're... what use is a -sword- in a place like this? What am I doing here? ) * Emiria pauses mid-stride, her gaze drawn to the broken blade. "A... sword?" * Mikel starts moving, though he spares a glance towards the broken sword. "...well, that's odd." Leah still looks uneasy. "I guess we have no choice..." * Saki steps forward once, clashing her newfound gauntlets together to grind the crystals. Another step then she's in a dash, aiming directly at the pillar ahead. "We're going through!" * Amy is now known as Niri The broken blade, cracked and chipped from millenia of time forgotten, begins to pulse with a strange, powerful force. A great soul once used this wide broadsword... Whoa, cool sword... * Emiria looks at Saki, then back at the sword, and kneels beside it reverently. "Wait. This, this could actually..." ..? Emiria, now is really not the time! * Mikel takes another step, one eye kept on Emiria and the sword. "What's the deal with it?" * Emiria takes off her jacket and places the sword and the fragments of its blade on it, wrapping it into a package. She takes it all carefully into her arms, as though she had forgotten the warping of reality all around her. "I... yeah." It might be important! Really old broken swords often are, you know. Nn. Maybe. Either way, let's go. No time to try to fix it now. * Ryllan turns and /barks/ at the gawkers, "We do not have /time/. Take it or not. But MOVE." Normally I'd agree, but the headmaster is litterally feet away fighting probably one of the most powerful mages in history. We can sightsee later. Yes! Onward! Like many of the burial relics here, it was still in decent shape. Though ravaged by time, it could easily be repaired in a pinch with the proper tools... * Niri rushes on eagerly. She seems almost...happy? She's excited, at any rate... * Mikel starts running again, muttering. "So need hazardous duty pay from Sonyele for this." You also need some awesome super secret spy equipment, Mikel. Like a rocket pack. * Saki doesn't even pause. "Save the world first," she agrees with Trune somewhere in the middle of her run; with the simplest of ease she tears the pillar asunder. * Emiria smiles at the bundle in her arms, her eyes bright with wonder. "A sword... could be of use, maybe." * Niri blinks at Saki * Tanan seems suddenly reluctant to move forward, hesitating for a few seconds before moving after the others * Vytor hustles after Saki CRASH! Saki destroys what little blockade remains with her almos superhuman might. * Mikel actually manages a laugh at that. "I'd be afraid of any rocket packs coming out of there without testing." Ooh, can I test it? Remind me to send Sonyele a note. * Saki does actually pause for a second, still in awe at the sheer power of the old age tools. Then, gritting her teeth with a wild grin, she streaks forward and after the raging battle. * Ryllan follows Saki determinedly! * Tanan shakes his head, looking at Emiria for a moment or two. "That sword's... ngh. Right! Let's go. * Emiria trots with a placid unhurriedness after Saki. Casting their fate into the tunnel, it leads into a central, open antechamber. Strangely, a glowing ball is levitating upon a pedestal. The energy given off feels much the same as the history book you lifted from the garden. In fact... this place's floor is covered with grass! And even a few flowers! What strangeness is this? ..? Hm...who knew a soul stealer was really a nature nut. * Mikel blinks. "Did we take the scenic route by accident or something?" If only there was more time to admire the secret garden..... for only steps away raged a titanic battle of wills! o.o Johnathan and Pandora were engaged in the latest salvo of an eternal struggle! >> COMBAT! >> Round 49 * Niri blinks Ooh, pretty. But...creepy. There! * Niri stares at Johnathan. "...Is it a bad thing that I feel the urge to grab some pom-poms and cheer Johnathan on?" [Pandora] Johnathan, you are making a grave mistake! This is not the way to protect the future! >> Declaration Phase. Help him instead, Niri. * Emiria looks at the battle, then again back at her bundle. "... tsk. Not enough time..." * Niri eyes Pandora, frowning. Ha! Rolling over and dying would be better? With you out of the way, we'll be fine. * Niri shrugs and prepares for battle. * Trune draws his athames, but eyes Niri at the same time, "You take out pom-poms and I'll make you wear them as a hat." >> Pandora prepares to double cast two spell, one upon herself to shield magic and another to blast away spirit force. So noted! *Nods to Trune, readying her boomerang* * Saki lets loose a roar; she hasn't stopped for an instant, and is tearing in a beeline at the Prophetess, her gauntlets licking with black flame. Pandora almost does not notice the arrival of the group, fighting for her ideals against what could arguably be her greatest pupil. Her green hair is matted with sweat from effort, and black cloak flows protectively about her frail form. * Vytor moves forward to screen the party, but can't bring himself to throw himself into the fray yet * Johnathan extends his arms, the right one pointing at the prophetess as glowing motes begin to dance around it. His left arm is held to the side, tendrils of energy working his way up towards his elbow. * Ryllan raises his hands toward Pandora, growling, "You may be powerful, Pandora..." * Emiria places the scarlet bundle carefully by her feet, looking around and noting the metallic sconces and fixtures around the room. Satisfied, she flexes her hands with a smirk. * Tanan takes a few steps back, clutching at misogi's scabbard. * Niri frowns, sizing up the situation. Something doesn't feel right here. >> Battle Phase. * Trune quickly traces a pattern in the air with his athames, the wake left behind is a strong red color. * Mikel raises his staff up in the air, lightning already beginning to crackle along it. * Vytor moves to intercept attacks made against the group. >> Pandora uses Time Portal to act premeptively! So does Johnathan! Ryllan also acts at Pandora's reaction! >> Pandora casts Magic Mirror on herself! Blocking multiple magic attacks! Unfortunately, Ryllan's meta magic interferes with her casting, and Johnathan recives it's bonus as well! << er reflecting as it were. >> * Ryllan rips part of Pandora's aura of protection away from her violently and sets it spinning around Johnathan instead! "The more powerful you are, the more powerful I'll be. Remember that, Pandora." >> Johnahan uses Dematerialize on himself, but the effect of Reflect from the interloper causes it to be placed upon the bewildered Prophetess instead. Damn! >> Prophetess launches Spirit Drill, destroying the reflect upon Johnathan! Johnathan counters with Vortex! 6 elementals saturate the Prophetess with magic! >> Prophetess can only block 3 of them, and 3 damage her for 403, 412, 389 damage. Her Block Strike wears off. [Pandora] No...! >> Saki's action. * Saki barely even reacts to the split-second displays of power; a burst of speed carries her across the battlefield and a sudden bunching of her body launches her into a flying and reckless leap, arcing into a lunging punch straight at the Prophetess' form with little more than an incoherent yell. >> Pandora wideyes as she sees the dreaded Black Dragon Diamond gauntlets incoming for her. Dematerialize protects her from strikes! However, the secondary effect of the relics kicks in, siphoning all effects on her into it's gaping maw. Dispelled! >> The nergy siphoned off is a little more than Saki had anticipated, and the surge causes the gloves to overload and prmpty shatter o_O * Saki grits her teeth against the show of power, eyes wild and wide as she tries to drive the punch home. A burst of power and she's sent rebounding off to one side, landing painfully in a scatter of black metal pieces. Saki! You okay? Saki! * Johnathan smiles humorlessly. "Your little toy didn't hold them long enough, Pandora." ! >> Vytor's action. * Saki simply yells, twitching a little. "/Get/ her!" * Mikel winces. "Jeez." * Saki swings her body around once, then launches herself up onto her feet. * Vytor holds steady, waiting to intercept the first attack that heads towards the party with his body if need be. [Pandora] Rachel, why?! We are so close to our dreams! Why don't you try explaining what those dreams ARE first! >> Vytor's defending all oncoming attacks. >> Mikel's action. [Pandora] If you strike me down, Zophar's reival is assured!! How so? Spill! ..? Yeah, how?! * Saki pulls herself up, wincing but standing proud. "--nothing's worth what you've done. And what happened to her-- she wants it to end. I want it to end." * Mikel smirks, swinging his staff about and into the ground. At the point of impact bolts fly towards everyone in the back, quickening and strengthening their minds. "Here you go, guys!" Best explain that, Pandora. We're young. Not a lot of patience. Gyah! * Niri blinks as Mikel's spell hits, not really expecting that. * Tanan snorts, his voice flat. "Then we'll kill him next." >> Thought Impulse raises the rear's Talent. Hopefully it will be enough. Not that I want Zophar revived, but yeah...my mom killed him first, then my dad, so I'll be next! >> Trune's action. [Pandora] There is no need to destroy him here and now.. unite the Truth seeker souls and we can prevent all the death that has ever happened... * Trune looks torn for a moment, but shakes his head, "Destroying many lives to stop one --this is maddness. Two wrongs don't make a right, here! There's got to be another way!" Cord of flame, pierce the enemy with your power! Flare Arrow! * Trune holds out his athame towards Pandora, and a single point of flame appears at the tip of the blade, expanding and growing larger. Suddenly, it flies towards Pandora in a stream of fire and smoke, impacting her dead-on! * Emiria looks at Pandora disdainfully. "The time for excuses is over." * Niri frowns, Pandora's words making her shiver. "There's something extremely wrong with that statement." You can't just go around killing people because you beleive it's right, Pandora. Bah! This world is ours. You have no right! >> trune throws all his might int a fire spell, but the arrow barely scratches her willforce aura.. her willpower must be truly legendary. 37 damage! * Saki smirks without humour. Oddly, for her, she hasn't moved from her spot. "... no. The time for Prophets is over," she corrects Emiria, her voice softer than usual; something of Rachel showing through her form. "Rest in peace, Pandora. Leave it to them." << erm, actually 74 damage there. >> Tanan's got a point! We don't really need a bunch of long dead mages to handle things - we can take care of ourselves. >> Niri's action. << Blast it >> * Niri sings out, a strong supportive melody sent in Mikel's direction! [Pandora] So, it seems you're not content to witness things. You want to change things as well. >> Song of Shielding on Mikel increases his Stamina and resolve.. >> Emiria's action. * Emiria draws her arms against her chest and with the movement rips the metallic objects around the room from their places, melting them together with a soul-rending crunch. "When the skies above lie forgotten and the earth below sleeps frozen..." * Emiria extends her fingers and focuses on the steaming mass of metal, drawing it apart and making multiple copies of her own blade- as many as the material will allow her. "... when no gods are brought into being and none bear a name or destiny..." * Emiria separates the blades, raising her arms like an orchestra conductor and drawing the blades to form as wings behind her back. Their edge and detail seem finer than usual, and the artfully slow way in which they flap in formation behind Emiria speaks of inspiration. "... from on high, let fire rain and shape a world of steel! Enuma Elish!" [Pandora] When we saw you at the Festival -- I didn't think you were capable. But Johnathan Hylan did. And here we stand... but there can only be one vision that is right! [Pandora] I did not give my eternal soul to the abyss to fail here and now! the Truth seekers were our creation! >> Emiria becomes the queen of blades, her anger seething more than you've ever seen. The blade she carries resonates strongly as death nears. * Niri blinks. "Oh yeah? How's that?" >> Leah tries to focus but is struck with a huge migraine. "What.. I.. can't.. head hurting..." >.< Your creation? Because of some propehcy? Did it ever occur to you that maybe, just maybe, they did what they did because they WANTED to? Goddess, such conceit! A parent does not have the right of life or death over her children. * Emiria gestures at Pandora. "Shame! If there is another life, remember not to make your weapons sentient!" * Mikel glances at Niri, giving her a smile. "Thanks!" You may have given a gift, you may have not. It is not yours, nor anyone's, to take back. What the hell is wrong with you, woman? Are you completely uncomprehending as to what's wrong with this picture? Pandora glares at Emiria. "You -- you are the Destroyer's minion! This was all your doing!" ..? * Mikel frowns, glancing from Emiria to Pandora and back again. "Eh?" She's the what now? The Destroyer? I am no one's minion- I am the Iron Witch! The Destroyer's minion....wait, didn't Mars say the... You're a fool, Pandora. You've taken too much on yourself. I'll relieve you of the responsibility now! * Saki raises her head, beaming despite herself; the fire back in her eyes. "I choose /my/ side," she simply adds: "This time, we are beholden to no-one." Hauling her body forwards she's up and moving again. * Ryllan pauses, "... Oh hell." * Trune begins to look nervous now, and takes a tighter grip on his athames, "Emiria?" * Vytor looks lost. >> Before you can react, a familiar tear in dimensions appears, as Pandora casts Nexus! "This fight isn't over... I won't let you..." * Emiria cocks her head aside, glancing at Trune impatiently. What the-- Baaad feeling about this! Oh shit. >> Johnathan and Pandora are dragged into a dimensional rift as you stare helplessly and confused... * Trune turns around towards Pandora and sputters out a couple of expletitives! * Emiria turns to glare at Pandora. "Run all you like- next time we meet, I'll have it all!" * Ryllan dashes forward, determined not to let the two leave without making the attempt! * Saki blinks once and darts forwards; "She's /running/! Get her back here!" she roars, racing for the void. Crap. * Johnathan points his staff at Pandora as the rift moves to envelop him. "Don't think this will save you!" The members who give chase dive in slow motion, and hang in the air for a moment... but eventually land on the grassy floor, eating dirt as the portal closes and the two magi are gone. ...dammit! Damn! I don't believe this! >> Johnathan and Pandora have withdrawn from combat. * Vytor throws his hammer down in furstration! * Tanan fires a blast of light through the space where Pandora stood a few moments before. An uneasy chill spread through the room as Emiria's visage remains in battle attire, blades whizzing around her. Emiria! What the hell is going on with you? * Johnathan (~Nehn@dynamic-acs-24-239-125-230.zoominternet.net) has left #lunar-iog2 * Mikel glances over at Emiria, already shifting. "...Emiria?" Leah seems to be on the ground in pain, holding her head and whimpering. Shiro tries disperately to get her to her senses. * Emiria looks at Trune, then Mikel neutrally. "What? Nothing is going on with me." * Saki skids away from the blast, coming to a halt in a whirl of petals kicked up during her run. She remains there for a long moment, hunched and with blackness flickering across her. No...you're acting bizzare...well, more so than usual. * Tanan clenches his fists, still staring at the middle of the torn up room. "Damn. Damn!" * Vytor regains his composure, and picks up his hammer. * Mikel spares Leah a glance, frowning. "Tanan! Something's up with Leah!" She ran away because she could feel the power of the blade. I wonder if it wouldn't have ended her to use it at all, broken as it is. * Trune eyes the blade with a suspicious gaze, "There's ...there's something very wrong with that blade, Emiria. Drop it." * Tanan turns quickly. "Leah?" * Emiria grins at Trune. "You have no idea what you're talking about." [Leah] Uhhh... I see so much death... make it stop... *_* The fuck I don't? I FEEL it. Drop it, Emiria! Emiria. At least drop the whole whirling metal of death. * Vytor glances at Leah, showing concern, but otherwise doesn't know what to do. * Emiria glances at her blades, as though she had forgotten them. "These? I don't see why not..." Leah? Emiria, put the blade down, please. * Emiria gestures and the replica swords fall down, clanking loudly on the stone floor. * Tanan starts towards her, looking concerned. "Leah, are you all right?" * Niri looks really worried :/ There's is something -- I don't know what -- but there's something in that blade. I won't say it again. Drop it! Shiro turns around and starts growling at Emiria, two tails frizzed up and in attack stance. "Rrrrrr!" I'll do something better- I'll repair it. This sword can destroy her! Forget tanks, forget a battleship! This is it- this is what I've been searching for all along! Do you have selective hearing? There's something IN that sword! Searching for? * Mikel lifts his staff, expression and tone both deadly serious. "You're losing it, Emiria. Drop the blade!" What are you searching for, Emiria? * Tanan pauses on the way, almost recoiling he passes Emiria. "Agh. That sword... Emiria, please. Don't rush into anything. We need to be sure of what that is before you put it back together." * Emiria unwraps the ancient blade, tossing her cherished jacket carelessly to the floor. She extends her left hand and has it hover, point down, before her. "What? I'm... not sure." Then just... put it down, if you're not sure. * Trune takes several steps forward, "At least have someone LOOK at it. C'mon...just drop it." Emiria, please wait. * Ryllan lifts his hands toward Emiria , as though a peacemaking guesture, "Alright, look, we need to talk this out, right? We promise we won't touch it or anything, right guys? Just put the sword down. We'll all give it a wide birth for you." * Emiria looks at the grip reflectively. "I repair things too, Vytor. Sometimes it looks like I make new things, but it feels like I'm repairing... time. Does that make sense? I'm bringing it all back. But that Harmonic Engine..." [Leah] ..uhh... a sword... my.. my sword... Leah appears to be talking in a voice not entirely her own. * Vytor walks slowly towards Emiria, looking confused and concerned. "What about the engine?" * Emiria looks at Vytor, then Angie, then Ryllan. "It showed me what I wanted. Something original, to call my own this time. That's what I really want. To break free from it all... and this sword, it's what I've been looking for, all along." * Trune finally notices Leah and glances back, "Oh for fuck's sake --- is it everyone go psycho day?!" Angie is meanwhile guarding the Engine with her life, and contemplating using it on Emiria at this rate. * Niri frowns, then reaches out to put a hand on Leah's shoulder, wishing she could figure out what's going on in her friend's mind. * Mikel glances back at Leah for a quick moment. "...This really is going to be a bad day, isn't it?" * Saki picks herself up off the floor, lifting her head at last to regard the scene for a second before circumnavigating the group in slow, measured steps - she looks like she'd rather be tearing the place apart. At the sound of Leah's voice she starts, recognizing the symptoms, and hangs back, keeping both women solidly in her view. * Emiria smiles. "Can't you understand?" Emiria, you shouldn't trust anything that can talk to you until you know it's motivations. * Tanan looks back and forth between Leah and Emiria, leaning forward as if to move towards one of them. He remains, however, firmly in place. The Misogi begins vibrating dully, not liking the ancient blade one bit. You're getting something awesome out of this, on the surface. But what is it getting? What does it want? And what happens to you when it gets what it wants? * Emiria shakes her head disappointedly. "Well, if you don't understand, that's fine too. I'm used to not being understood. But after this- the world -will- listen, whether it wants to or not!" * Saki paces slowly around Leah and Emiria, keeping Leah firmly between her and the Iron Witch and her eyes riveted on both. She stoops over Leah's form, checking her condition carefully. * Emiria raises both hands, commanding the broken pieces of the blade to shift into place. Her own Caliburn flies off its scabbard and is pressed against the ancient sword. Her fingers move artfully, coordinating controlled bursts of flame along the cracks with the rending and splintering of her own blade. Every burst melds together the old metal with the new, and Emiria's eerie dark aura comes to life, inspiring the revival... * Emiria grins, working with unbelievable speed and ease- in a matter of seconds, the ancient blade is whole, and the Caliburn falls and skids on the floor away from her, broken as the ancient blade once was. The life of the new for the life of the old, and as the old is reforged and its full power revives, Emiria's scarlet eyes light up with manic energy. Leah is breathing raggedly, an internal conflict raging. She starts crawling over in Emiria's direction, grasing out for something... Emiria, stop! ...so, Ryllan. Are you going to punch me if I take action? << grasping >> * Trune , for lack of better judgement, rushes forward, trying to knock the sword out of her hand! * Emiria grins and tosses the reforged blade hilt-first towards Leah. "Ehehe... your sword, eh? Sure, try it on, tell me if it feels right!" * Mikel raises his hand, cold light already gathering. "TRUNE! DUCK!" * Niri blinks, jerking in surprise as she touches Leah's shoulder and sees a strange vision. * Ryllan moves to catch the sword! * Tanan flinches back, then moves forward, cursing himself * Saki physically yanks Leah back, her voice an angry hiss under her hair. "/Focus/!" she spits, waiting for the burst of energy to crackle over her. HEY! *glares at Saki's rough manner* * Vytor watches with growing concern. There is a moment of realization as the blade becomes whole and is tossed through the air in the white-haired girls' direction. Ryllan tries to catch it, but it has an aura that singes his hand painfully. It continue to twirls and tumble, passing right by Saki's head as she yanks the girl away and giving a deep wound. * Saki snarls back at the girl, eyes bright and angry. "LIFE OR DEATH!" she practically bellows before being cut off by the sweep of the blade scattering her away. Leah falls backwards, and the blade clatters to the floor finally, next to her. A weak hand reaches once more for it, single mindedly. And then it is hers. * Emiria laughs hysterically, holding her forehead. "From on high... Enuma Elish... I always knew! I always remembered! It's Marduk I want, it's what I've always been after!" The two of them achieve a sinister synergy, the air in the room overflowing with an ominous presence. ..! * Trune shakes his head as everything seems to fall to pieces around him. He takes a deep breath, beginning to summon up the last of his magical reserves, "Stop them! Stop them both! [Leah] This is.. who i really was.. who I am! The memories...! It's not a nightmare, it's the truth! WHAT'S the truth, Leah? What did I just say? Come on, talk to me...are you okay in there? Leah bolts up from the floor, grabbing the huge blade with perfect form and grace. Niri, get away from her! * Ryllan moves toward Leah and Saki, "Saki! Help me!" Closing his eyes, and stealing against the pain, he clasps his hands around the guard of the sword, working to twist it away from Leah! <<... Or not. Dammit. [Leah] I'm not Leah.. my.. my name is... Ghaleon! No, there is something wrong! I have to see if I can fix it, if I can stop her! Wha? * Niri stops and stares. "Wait a second...huh?" * Saki rests back on her haunches for a long and stunned second, one hand at her cheek - then her eyes blaze with anger at Trune and Ryllan's call and she's back on her feet in an instant, racing at Leah hell-mell. >> COMBAT! * Tanan brings himself to a halt as quickly as he began moving, eyes widening. "Your n-... wh-.." >> Vs. Emiria and Leah! * Emiria stops laughing, gasping for air. "Oh... oh... this is too much... finally up and about, eh?" NOT satisfied with this explanation! Not happy AT ALL! [Leah] Magic Emperor.. Dark Dragonmaster... I walk Lunar and the ground shudder before me! W--what?! Niri, no, that's why you need to get away from her! She's ...argh! Just listen to me! >> Leah raises the sword aloft as it glows with the power of an ancient swordskill, targetting all party members. Niri, she's about to try to kill us. I don't think you can call for more from her. Best guess, something like what Rachel and Saki have. Shiro is patted away yelping << batted >> * Vytor grimaces, and prepares himself for a fight he doesn't want to have. [Leah] Now is the time for Zophar's revival... we are his servants. Eternally... Darn it, I can snap her out of this...I SHOULD be able to! She's my best friend! *Stomps her foot angrily and readies her boomerang, trying to figure out how best to incapacitate her friend long enough to bring her to her senses.* ...You promise not to do anything dumb? Shiro, come here, boy! You gotta help me, buddy. C'mon, I might have an idea that will work. Leah , while possessed, doesn't seem to entirely be taken over, as her grip on the sword shudder now and again. I promise to do something SMART. ...That's not encouraging! The sword. It's the key. I'm sure of it. Shiro whimpers next to Niri, trying to understand what to do now. * Niri makes a face at Trune Get her to ditch the damn sword while we deal with Emiria then. * Saki bolts towards Leah with characteristic singlemindedness, one hand raised to strike. Everyone else, hold fast. This is going to be painful. Look, we've got to stop her...freeze her, knock her out, anything long enough to get that sword away and bring her 'round again. * Emiria crosses her arms, smiling widely as she eyes the party with contempt. Black smoke roils around her, stronger than ever before. "You think to stand against me? Ehehehahahahah!" I think I might be able to do it...hopefully I can do it without hurting her too badly. *Frowns thoughtfully* * Trune nods, "Okay, that plan I'll go with." * Tanan shakes his head, his voice flat and emotionless. "...the destroyer's minions. Pandora was right." THEN, once she's immobilized, I'll see what else I can do! >> Emiria's aura causes the group's equipment to shudder in fear at what is coming. * Niri leans down to Shiro and scritches his ears reassuringly. "Come on, boy...I know you're not much of a singer, but maybe you can help me get through to Leah. What do you think?" * Mikel just raises his hand, that same blue light taking on new intensity. "Suppose we'll find out, Iron Witch." Man, Emiria, and to think I thought you were hot. ...your timing is horrible, Trune. The /pinnacle/ of horrible. There is a presence in the air as you ready yourselves, watching, laughing. >> Battle Phase. * Tanan raises a hand towards Emiria, light gathering between his fingers. * Trune looks sheepish, "Sorry." * Emiria flashes her teeth predatorily. "You will learn your place, mongrels. Your swords are as sticks and your armor as paper before the Iron Witch!" Too bad magic's my game then. >> Saki's action. Ditto. I've got no problem smacking some sense to you, Witch! * Saki blazes forwards to repeat the same lunging strike she tried on the Prophetess, but at the last moment she twists in midair, spinning to plant a foot solidly against the flat of Leah's blade. "Hyaaaa--!" * Ryllan raises his arms to the sky, black energy beginning to crackle around him as well, "Iron witch, is it? I know your secrets!" . o O (What do I do? What do I do?) You cannot even begin to fathom them! I will show you- I will show the world! >> Saki's attack barely misses the girl's swordarm, as it's pulled awya at the last second. >> Vytor's action. * Saki lands awkwardly, face still smarting; at point blank range she snarls openly at Leah. * Niri can't help but grin at Mikel's taunt. * Vytor slams his hammer into the ground, cracking it open. Pulling his hammer back, he draws up a ribbon of steel from out of the ground. He spins his hammer around him, letting the ribbon forge itself into a protective barrier around him. [Leah] You remind me of that silly Jean. She never could gkeep her hands to herself. >> Vytor tempers himself with a Will of Steel! Stam/Will up! >> Mikel's action. * Mikel gestures harshly, sending the pinprick of light spiralling into Emiria. "Iron might be your domain, but blood still flows through your veins. Freeze!" His hand forms a fist, as blades of ice try to tear out of Emiria from within! * Edelritter (~saber@201.238.229.160) has joined #lunar-iog2 * ChanServ sets mode: +v Edelritter << wb >> * Emiria (~saber@201.238.229.160) Quit (Killed (Ryllan (DIE GHOSTIE! I WIN!))) * Edelritter is now known as Emiria >> Mikel's Cold Blood assault Emiria harshly for 559 damage! This would be enough to fell her, but she seems surging with the power of a shadowy force. >> Dark Force activates! Talent up and Dark Soul! * DNW (~dnwwheele@c-67-160-220-94.hsd1.ca.comcast.net) has joined #lunar-iog2 * ChanServ sets mode: +o DNW >> Trune's action. ...Wow, Mikel. O_o * Niri is seriously impressed! * Emiria shrieks, staggering from the force of the blow. She starts shivering uncontrollably, propped up by tendrils of dark smoke. You... are starting to PISS ME OFF!" * Vytor (DNW@c-67-160-220-94.hsd1.ca.comcast.net) Quit (Ping timeout) * Mikel smirks despite starting to wobble from the strain of the spell. "That makes two of us. See sense already, Emiria." Good! You did the same to us a long time ago! * Trune closes his eyes and concentrates, trying to summon up any magical forces within. * DNW is now known as Vytor Don't worry, babe. You'll get plenty more of that in a moment! >> Trune focuses, regaining 16 MP. me stares at Emiria, his voice still flat and cold. "We won't allow you to do anything to this world." << fail >> >> Angie casts Measure upon Leah! >> The analysis returns.. 1964 HP, --- MP, No Weaknesses. >> Niri's action. [Leah] Surely you know my name?! I nearly conquered Lunar.. twice! Third time is the charm, eh? Maybe you should try something you can actually do. Ha. Whatever your name, somewhere in there is still Leah! Lunar's gone. Can't conquer it. Sorry, you missed the boat. * Niri belts out a wave of song magic filled with energy, prompting Shiro to join her. "Supersonic! Let me friend go!" >> Shiro combines forces with Niri, uttering a long howl of lament for his master... Just because you've done it doesn't mean it needs a repeat. Why don't you do something productive, like plant a garden or write a book of angsty poetry? << me=my, blast it >> He already did both, Trune! >> The music washes over Leah, dealing a token 144 damage. However, it causes her to lose her balance for a moment, the energy gathering being partually dissipated. ...Wait, he did? Oh...shit! He did! Uh uh...then...then...grrgh! Go...go...gawk at girls in porno mags! I don't know! [Leah] nngh... Niri.. I... no! This is my body and soul alone! C'mon Leah, fight him! You can do it! >> Emiria's action. >> Ryllan also acts! * Emiria grins maliciously at the party- particularly at Mikel- and extends her left hand towards them. "Let me pay you back- this is what the Iron Witch does with silver." * Emiria closes her hand violently into a fist, the motion making unbearable pressure against the party's equipment and crushing it into utter uselessness. "Empty World!" * Mikel gives her a cruel smile. "I told you already, I don't need a shiny stick to ice you." * Ryllan steps forward, between Emiria and the party, extending his hand towards her, "No." he states simply. As the pressure washes toward the party, it encounters Ryllan's power, and is lessened, then it rebounds, smashing into Emiria and Leah with the majority of it's Force! >> Emiria's magic emulates the fury of Mars lair, as your silver begins to warp and destabilize in her mere presence... thankfully Ryllan redirects a portion of the terrible curse, throwing it back onto Emiria and Leah as well! * Emiria laughs hysterically. "Truly? But will you withstand the power of Ghaleon without your protec- geh!" Taste what you reap! Looks like you screwed up. >> The party's equipment bonuses are reduced by 33%. The enemy party loses 66% of it's equipment bonuses. Ghaleon's sword, however, is unaffected... * Emiria discards her broken bracers, circlet and hairband with disdain. "Eh. I need an upgrade anyway." That's how. >> Leah has another moment of hesitation, as she holds onto the blade, putting all her effort into it. This is not her chaos, this is true ancient magic. [Leah] Try turning this around, little heroes. Time to die! "Schitzo Blade!" Incoming! * Mikel winces. "Oh this is gonna sting." Duck! * Niri braces herself! >> The edge of the blade begins to mirror into several duplicates of magical power, which start flying all about the party, reaping destruction in their wakes with no mercy! Saki: 378 Vytor: 259 Mikel: 408 Trune: 391 Ryllan: 298 Angie: 301 Niri: 386 Tanan: 255 * Saki tries desperately to shield herself from her position right in front of Ghaleon, but is blown back by the barrage of attacks; blown back, she lands in an ungainly heap, struggling to pull herself up. "--ngh--!" * Niri staggers, then goes down for the count, gritting her teeth and muttering... "Leah...come on..." >> Mikel Trune and Niri are defeated! * Vytor is slammed against the ground by the barrage of blades, too many for him to counter effectively! * Trune cries out as he's mercessily slashed from all angles! He flies backwards through the air from the momentum, crashing aginst a wall! * Mikel drops his staff, going limp. "You're gonna get beat by the rest..." * Emiria looks disappointed. "Not enough? I applaud you, Ryllan; you bought yourselves a few extra seconds. Spend them wisely." * Tanan gets his shield up in time to deflect the worst of it, nevertheless falling back a step or two. >> Tanan's action. Session Time: Sun Jun 24 00:00:00 2007 * Emiria lifts her hands, infusing her discarded blades with life once more. [Leah] Niri.. I'm.. I'm sorry.... -- * Vytor uses his hammer to get to his feet * Tanan straightens back up, the light around his hand flaring. He points at Emiria, now speaking with a repressed fury. "You've marked yourself." He makes a slashing gesture, a beam of light lancing from him and rushing towards Emiria. "Sear!" Don't do this... * Emiria covers her eyes with an arm. "You will regret getting in my way! I will finish Marduk if it kills me!" >> Tanan slams into Emiria with two bolts of power... weak to Light! 490 damage. 260 damage. * Saki grits her teeth, and in a whirl of movement that looks something like a handstand and a kick, she's back on her feet - just; nearly stumbling over again, she's barely up. What is Marduk? Tell me! Not if we do first. >> The roudn finishes, as Leah shows no sign of ceasing her assault. Slowly the girls hands come together, cupping a vortex of all elementals within them. "Now, I will end this... silly game..." As the group reels, half fallen, the others barely able to stand, from behind comes a shout! [Lure] You can't beat Zophar if you get killed here! * Emiria is blasted back by the force of the spell, but manages to stand once again despite the state of her body. "Eheh... Marduk... from on high... rain of fire... shape a world of steel..." From the archway comes the Green Dragon, helped onwards by Yuriko who's supporting him. Laike has his sword ready, looking very winded from non-stop battle. "I remember now. That's the Dragon Cannon. It'll take this whole place with it if she..." * Saki glances back for the briefest of moments, registering the voice and the newcomers; then she's dived to one side, snatching up the remnants of the gauntlets. One hand scrapes her face, wiping away the worst of the blood for now. [Leah] ...Daddy.... Dyne...? Distracted for a moment, Lure bolts from his crutch and reaches for Niri's Dragon Wings. Summoning about all of his remainign spirit power he infuses them with draconic energy. [Lure] Grab everyone who's fallen and hold on! * Vytor snatches up Trune and Mikel, hoisting them over his shoulder <> * Tanan drops back, grabbing hold of Niri's shoulder. Not so fast... A eerie voice echoes in the chamber. "Run if you like, mortals... there's nothing you can do. The Dragonmasters are dead. And soon so shall this world be." * Saki cradles the shattered pieces of the gauntlets in one arm and combination steers/drags Angie with the other, limping heavily as she staggers to Lure. A blazing glare of anger's sent towards Emiria. * Tanan hurriedly picks her up, his voice coming out in a low snarl in response. "We'll run for now. But I'll have your blood. Mark my words." [Voice] I am Zophar, and my recenge is the only Prophecy that anyone needs anymore! << revenge >> * Vytor staggers over to Lure, throwing Emiria a sad look as he does. * Mikel twitches. * Emiria looks up towards the voice, wheezes, and lets her arms fall. "... fine, run then! I was never meant for this type of vulgar combat anyway. Let us see how you stand against my real power, next time." Emiria tries to advance, but has to duck as Yuriko blows a Hadoken at her feet, buying Lure time to finish the ritual. [Leah] They killed you... the goddess made you die for her... I have to make them all suffer! Leah returns to her spell as it grows bigger and threatens to destroy the room! Leaving now would be good o_O Lure! And so that is the last words the party hears as they dematerialize into the ether. The ancient ruins are rocked by a huge explosion, as a plume of smoke rises into the skies. the funeral pyre of innocence.... ... You're not sure how much time has passed, but you are resting in a grassy field... wait, its' the Quad at Hylan University. The moon shines over head, as a cloud passes over it. Are you dead, staring at heaven? No -- the bruises on your bodies remind you that you're still very much alive. * TheStoryteller changes topic to '-= Chapter 43 - Ruined, pt 4 | Location: Hylan Academy | Pools: 720 §, 12 MXP =- http://storen.rpgcafe.net/IoG/ =-' ... * Niri stirs, waking...then leaps up and staggers, holding her head. "Leah! Where's Leah?" Fuck. Nearby is the Destiny Land cruiser, though it's landed on its side roughly, leaning over. Only minor damage. She's not here, Niri. Uhhh...where am I? * Saki opens her eyes, staring dully at the sky. * Mikel ...slowly opens his eyes, stirring. "...someone get the number of that truck? Where'd she get /that/ much oomph?" * Vytor doesn't move just yet, staring up at the night sky with a gloomy face. But...but... * Niri grits her teeth angrily. Near the central group is Yuriko and Laike, and an utterly exhausted, wizened Lure. He's caughing up blood. Who did it? Who used the wings? WHY? I could have saved her! * Mikel finally rolls, pushing himself up into a kneeling position and wincing all the while. "I.. I think we were a bit overmatched, Niri." * Trune sits up quickly, and nearly pitches forward, "Ngh...I feel like shit." Lure did. [Lure] Niri.. forgive me.. it's not like you can't save her. * Tanan slowly stands up, seeming strangely calm. "No. You could not. I am sorry, but Lure was correct... and it's cost him." * Mikel looks up. "Lu-... oh jeez." ...Lure! But...I shouldn't have just LEFT her. ...Where's Shiro? You had no choice, Niri. We will save her, I promise you that. Shiro is apparently dizzy and running in a circle.. [Shiro] *whine* She would have killed you. We were unprepared. * Ryllan looks to Lure sharply, "That was too much, wasn't it, Lure?" [Lure] You've... *cough* gotta *cough* become a hero... *cough* * Niri goes over and puts a hand on the animal to calm him, then frowns at Lure. "Lure, are you all right? Do you need a healing spell?" * Saki staggers up to her feet, ignoring the rest of the group for a few moments to stare down at the broken pieces of armor in her hands. "--I'm sorry," she mutters to herself, eyes hard. * Mikel grabs his staff, pushing himself up. "We'll get her back." He closes his eyes, thinking. "Tanan? How are we going to prepare for /that/?" * Trune heads to Lure's side, preparing a healing spell, though judging by the look on his face it's more for pain management than actual healing. Shiro looks about, trying to find Leah, but sticks by Niri. * Mikel limps over to where Lure is, shaking his head. "I... suppose we owe you a big one. Thanks, Lure." >> Trune's ministration do little to stop his condition other than ease the suffering of a dying dragon. * Niri heads over to Lure, then stiffens as she realizes just how badly he's hurt. She feels a little guilty over her outburst. * Niri attempts to cast a healing spell on him as well, though she really doesn't have the magical stores for it left. * Trune looks satisfied for the moment -- apparently this is what he expected, "...sorry I can't do more. I'm...not as good as my dad." * Tanan looks across the quad, towards the main building. "How to prepare... Master Hylan was working on a weapon against this eventuality." There's nothing to do, Trune. He's simply lost... too much. ...Why do you keep calling him Master Hylan? Lure just smiles, giving Trune a little thumbs up. ...the Headmaster. What happened with the Headmaster? * Vytor simply lies on the ground, having no idea what to do now. * Saki looks across sharply at Tanan. She next moment she's darted across to almost pick him up by the collar, eyes blazing. "You /knew/ this might--?!" * Mikel turns at the sound of the outburst. "S-Saki!" Johnathan doesn't seem to be about, and the campus is more deserted than usual at this time of the night. * Tanan tilts his head, looking at Saki calmly. "Have you listened to anything? How many times have we heard their prophecy now?" * Niri just turns to look, then looks back at Lure, trying to force out whatever energy she has left. "Lure, what do you mean I've got to become a hero?" Saki! Of course he knew. We knew. Niri's Dragon Wings continue to pusle softly. Lure must have really restored their strength entirely. The destroyer will return to destroy the utopia. That's what I've been TRYING to do my whole life. * Saki lowers her head for a moment, hand shaking; gritting her teeth painfully, she forces herself to let Tanan go before looking up at him, face set. "... don't give me that. We knew, but we didn't know about any /contingencies/. How long?" Not that I've been very successful. No matter how I try, I'm still not what my dad was... ...What my dad IS. [Yuriko] Saki, try to calm down! Laike gets up, rubs a few wounds he's gotten from udnead bites, and looks grimly off into the distance. 'Deja vu..." So... what's this weapon, Tanan? * Ryllan shakes his head, walks over to Niri, resting a hand on her shoulder, "No one can try to become a hero, Niri. You became a hero the moment you saw something that had to be fought for and did so, even though it risked your life. That's all it takes to be a hero." * Tanan shakes his head. "Years. It's ready enough for someone to take it up. If we'd known this would happen now, maybe we could have taken it with us." * Saki spits out an angry noise and turns away to take a couple of angry steps. Her hand's scratching furiously at her head, tugging on her hair in agitation. * Tanan looks at everyone. "I'm not certain what to do now, but that might be a good start... if you all intend to fight them." * Mikel chuckles. "Can't exactly leave 'em alone." * Niri sighs and shrugs. "Thanks, Ryllan. It's just...I feel so frustrated, and so HELPLESS. Leah may be a bit ditzy sometimes, but she and I have always been close, ever since we were little. She's my best friend...well, so are all of you now, too, but still. You see what I mean. A real hero would have been able to help back there." ...and a real hero knows when to lick their wounds, get up, and want to try again. [Lure] Heh.. *cough* there's an old saying Buck up, Littlebit. I'm sure you'll get your shot. * Tanan shakes his head. "No. We didn't have the strength. We're a lot better than when we started, but we weren't ready for that... yet." "No, Nir', I doubt anyone could have helped there. Not your dad, your mom, Hylan, or anyone else. We got caught with our pants around our ankles." So we lick our wounds, get up, and go get her. [Lure] "Be the change you want to see in the world" -- and it looks like.. *cough* this is where you have to decide. * Niri blinks at Ryllan. "What...graphic imagery!" She turns to Lure. "What do you mean? What's to decide? I'm going after my friend, and whatever is out there threatening the Blue Star, I'll fight it." * Saki closes her eyes for a long moment, apparently sinking into her skin and lost in her thoughts. When she turns back to Tanan she seems to have recovered something of her strength, and there's more than a little of the mageguard about her. "--I lost my-- our chance. What the hell else is there to do?" * Niri shrugs. "I don't know how useful I'll be, but I've gotta try." * Mikel glances at Niri, offering a slight smile. "Hey, the Prophetess did this to us before, and we came around and dealt with her. Same deal here." [Lure] Hiro felt the same way when Ghaleon beat him the first time, Niri. * Niri blinks. * Ryllan looks at Tanan, "I'm not backing out of this one, Professor. If I hadn't tried to /talk/ to Emiria..." ...Obviously I'm going to need to hunt Dad down and make him explain a few of his old stories in a bit more detail. Lure groans a bit, rolling to the side. "And look how he turned out." * Tanan nods. "Yes. You're all right. We have to fight. There's no other choice. Can't run. Can't hide." * Niri can't help but grin a little with pride in her father. I'm...with you guys. Till the end, I guess. * Saki watches Tanan for a long, suspicious beat. Then she turns away, lowering her head to nurse the wound and generally sulk, still shaking. Yuriko goes over to comfort Saki. "Sometimes we have to fall to discover our true strength inside. There's a way to put it right. Don't give up." * Niri impulsively reaches out and grabs the two nearest people, who happen to be Trune and Ryllan, in a tight hug around the shoulders, fighting back a bit of a sniffle. "I need sugar." * Niri doesn't notice that with an arm wrapped around each of their necks, it might be a bit hard to breathe and all. Grk-! [Lure] ...I can use bed. Everybody knows an..old man should die comfortable in his warm bed...8hack hack* * Saki holds in another breath for a long moment, then lets it out in a slow, controlled motion. "--aa. ... I know." She looks over at the party for a long beat, more... worn, than anything else, before looking up at Tanan. "... let's get them some rest. Then you'd better tell us everything about this thing," she intones quietly. * Ryllan blinks, before clasping his free arm around her. Thankfully, she misses his wind-pipe, "Then let's get you some." He says quietly, "Trune, help me with Lure?" * Vytor keeps his eyes on the moon as it drifts slowly through the night sky, trying to sort out the jumble in his head. * Trune nods, trying to get a bit more air into his lungs, "Y--yeah. I can help. Actually...rgh. He won't talk to me...but if i told him who it was, maybe..." * Tanan nods. "Of course. First thing in the morning, we'll go to the headmistress' office. I'm sure she can get us to it. Tell, see, take.. whatever. One of us will have to take it up." * Mikel closes his eyes, falling into thought. * Niri lets Ryllan and Trune go. "I'll help with Lure too." Lure closes his eyes and falls silent, conserving his fading strength. It is obvious to those willforce aware he's not got much time left. Perhaps a day. * Ryllan lifts Lure's head and shoulders, "Rest old man, you've done good." It's... well, we'll all see, I hope. That can wait until morning. Think about it, though, everyone. Who'll take it? For now though.. let's get Lure to a place to rest.. and get some rest ourselves. * Trune helps hoist Lure up, nodding, "Yeah, thank you." Laike and Yuriko nod and follow the group to the medical clinic. Now that you get a good look at them, they look like they've both been through a ton of fighting. Good thing you had reliable cover. * Niri listens thoughtfully to Tanan, then helps to lift Lure. * Mikel opens his eyes, walking over to help with Lure as much as he can. * Saki watches the pair's backs as they walk away, then glances over to watch most of the group manhandle Lure. With something of a snarl on her features, she stalks off at a right angle, clearly aiming to take a break alone for a while. * Vytor lies still for a moment longer, then draws his hammer to his chest, tightening his fists around the handle, as a hard look spreads across his face. * Emiria (~saber@201.238.229.160) Quit (Quit: Emiria) * Niri casts Laike a glance as she helps get Lure inside, her look saying she intends to speak with him later. She looks apologetic. And so the clouds roll in, as the silver crescent is almost totally obscured from sight. If there was a Goddess up there, she would be crying. The time has come for humanity to solve the past's sins for once and for all. A new hero for a new age. == SESSION END == Session Close: Sun Jun 24 12:48:53 2007